Bay 12 Games Forum

Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Roll To Dodge => Topic started by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:23:05 am

Title: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:23:05 am

Special People: An RTD

Explanation follows.
If you ever have a question or want to talk to me about this or anything else, then feel free to contact me, either via PM or in this topic.

What's this?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A mission based RTD with a relatively high death rate for both players and civilians, where cities get destroyed roughly 75% of the time one is encountered.
Play with or against other people (depends on the mission) while trying to survive various challenges and gain power.
Bonuses to rolls are given depending on the special abilities you choose, among other things.
You can choose almost any ability you want, mundane or supernatural. At the end of each challenge you'll be able to upgrade your character with unique upgrades created just for them.
You can also influence what the mission will be during mission selection. Almost anything is possible, with missions ranging from infiltrating a Soviet base with the aim of retrieving alien artefacts to protecting a city from a giant robot to exploring a continent where magic is abundant with the aim of finding a powerful magical beast and bringing it to justice.
People say the characters, writing and humour are nice too, if you're into that sort of thing.

What's the story?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You are an exceptional individual.
Through mundane or supernatural means you have come to be more than the average human.
Abducted from your universe by unknown god-like entities you, along with other special people, have been forced to complete challenges for their amusement and your survival.
Some of the challenges will require teamwork and the entity that chose you may try to help, but at the end of the day you can't trust anyone but yourself.

That sounds interesting/fun/so bad it could be good. How do I make a character?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

No character sheets necessary. We work with a less structured system here. I believe it allows for more freedom and creativity.

First you tell me what kind of ability or abilities you want, either by posting here or by PM.
The abilities you submit can be anything from the weakest (like being the best cook ever) to the strongest (like being a physical god) or even combinations of abilities (like being a physical god that can cook the best meals in the world).
They can be of completely supernatural origin (gained by touching green rocks for example or because it's normal for your species), completely mundane (like finding a piece of alien tech or training to become a ninja) or any combination thereof (like being a ninja from Krypton).
Do note, however, that more powerful and/or versatile abilities tend to come with some "baggage". If your abilities are completely overpowered don't expect to get exactly what you asked for (so the physical god example from before wouldn't really work as a character). On the other hand, extremely weak abilities may gain some unintended bonuses.
However abilities that would be extremely hard for me to manage, like long term precognition or time travel to the far past are out.
I'll roll for what advantages or disadvantages you get based on how powerful your ability is. If your ability requires specific equipment to work, I'll roll for it too.
When deciding abilities, keep in mind that if your ability translates to more than two +1s you have a much higher chance of gaining additional disadvantages. Generally try to keep things balanced. You'll get your overpowered character after you win a few rounds.

After we work out your power, you can submit a name and/or nickname.
You can optionally submit a description and bio for your character. I suggest you do so, since it makes the game a bit more fun and gives me more ways to make the fighting more "realistic", especially when going up against people or things that can affect the mind or when the entities are commenting on your performance. Otherwise, I'll probably make stuff up on the spot.
You can have any bio and appearance you want, provided that you are or at least have been human or at least humanoid (since the powers you choose could relate to altering ones appearance).

If you have an idea about something you think would be interesting or some concept you'd like to test with your character or a specific mission or gamemode, then feel free to contact me about it, in thread or in PM. I'm all for experimenting with fun ideas and I like to give the players the chance to influence the game, not merely control the characters.

If you really must have a character sheet, then there, have this, but note that the character you originally create is likely to change during character creation:
Name: <Your name. No need to be a normal human name, it can be a nickname like "Pieman" or "Captain Obvious" or anything else you want.>
Ability: <Your ability. Try to make it interesting and not too much like that of other players', if you've read part of the game and know what their abilities are.>
Appearance: (Optional, but I'd prefer to know a bit about how your character looks so that I can describe him to other characters or describe how the limbs of yours that just got horrifically mangled look like. Gender, age, appearance, anything you'd be willing to provide.)
Bio/Personality info: (Optional, but I'd prefer to know a bit about where your character comes from, any notable events from their past or about their personality. It helps when selecting what entity I'll pair you up with or when selecting which childhood memories you'll experience while getting mindfucked by deranged telepaths.
Other: (Optional. Any other info you'd like to share or any other requests you'd like to make.)

Spoiler: Some bonuses and what they mean for comparison (click to show/hide)

-2 is completely useless
-1 is a very untrained human
+0 is an average human (0 penalty to lift a heavy wooden table).
+1 is a well trained human (-1 penalty to lift a box full of rocks).
+2 is a bit above the best a pure human could hope to achieve (-2 penalty to lift a car).
+3 is well beyond the realm of normal humans, but still possible to a normal human with some help (-3 penalty to lift a tank). 
+4 approaches the ridiculous godlike and starts to demand secondary powers to manage (-4 penalty to lift a small prefab house).
+5 gets to the realm of completely impossible without supporting powers (-5 penalty to lift a small concrete house, although the ground beneath your feet is likely to collapse).
+6 is just plain godlike (-6 penalty to lift a concrete house, if you manage to find something to hold your weight)

---

Okay, I have a character. What now?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Now the game begins for you.
You start in a safe area called the Staging Area, where you can ask some questions, talk to other players, RP and generally faff about while waiting for the next round.

When a round you are going to participate in begins, you can help select the arena. The arenas can vary wildly, both in scale, content and objective/s, depending on your suggestions.

Each arena has one or more objectives, conditions that must be fulfilled for the round to end.
Some arenas will have no objective other than to be the last man standing. Some will have secondary objectives, not necessary for victory but quite helpful nonetheless.
After being given some minimal exposition you will appear in the arena and be left to complete your objective/s. The entities will be watching. Try to entertain them and do not disappoint the one that chose you.

Spoiler: What is the Staging Area? (click to show/hide)

The Staging Area is the safe area mentioned above, a place where new characters spawn and characters who finish their mission return to. Each character has a personal area inside the Staging Area that can only be entered by them, the entity that chose them and anyone those two allow to enter. The Staging Area and the personal sections by extension can change based on the desires of the people inside them. However, this being a safe area, your ability to influence others will be fairly limited. But don't worry, if you want to kill each other or otherwise experiment, one of the entities can always arrange something.

So, how do I do stuff?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

What I understand to be standard RTD rules apply.
When acting on your own, 1 is big failure 2 is failure 3 is small failure/half-success 4 is small-success/success 5 is success/great-success 6 is overshoot.
When acting with someone else while not acting against someone else you can either work together and have your rolls averaged (the effect of your actions will be bigger if successful and applicable, for example something that would take 4 turns by one player to build would be built in 2 by 2 players) or have them help you to give you a +1 (again, if applicable).
When fighting I will roll for initiative and then will make additional rolls as necessary according to actions taken. When there are opposing rolls the highest roll wins.
Modifiers on rolls will be applied depending on conditions, abilities, equipment and the difficulty of the action.
Actions can be posted in thread or sent through PM.
I won't roll for simple things unless there's a reason, like driving while in combat or intoxicated.

The round is over. What's next?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You return to the safe area.
Now the victor of this round chooses an upgrade to their abilities or equipment.
The others are revived (if they died) and repair, rearm, yell at the ones who beat them and generally prepare for the next round. Some of the equipment gained during a round (especially equipment gained by completing objectives) can be retained to the next one.
People in the waitlist can replace those that participated in the last round.
If someone is unhappy with their character they can roll another one.

Is that all?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

That's it so far.
If important things happen or are revealed during play, they will be added here.
Pay attention to details and use your head. Good luck and have fun.

---

Leveling up:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:28:48 am

Okay, here's how leveling up works:

Each of you has an upgrade tree. You need to unlock the previous upgrades in the tree before you gain access to the next ones. You can get multiple upgrades from the same branch (unlock Reflex 1,2 and 3 all at the same time for example if you have 3 upgrade points). Each upgrade costs 1 Upgrade Point (except for some special cases).
You can also choose to spend 3 Upgrade points to let your entities work on you freely, giving you something they find useful, something related to them. The ability they choose is not limited by your current abilities. It will be powerful and will probably unlock new options for you, increasing your versatility. However you have no control over what they give you.

You will receive your upgrade trees via PM soon. If something seems weird or wrong or if you have a question or if I have made a mistake, don't be afraid to PM me and tell me about it. Once you're certain which upgrades you want, PM me your choices. Or write them here if you don't care about secrecy.

What the hell is an interface anyway?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

On almost every mission (there are some exceptions) every character has a device called an interface somewhere on their body (usually on their arm). It is a metal shackle-like thing with a glass-like orb embedded in it. The orb is usually clear with a slightly cyan tint and it can light up with different colours. The device may also produce sounds and project images when appropriate. It looks somewhat like this:
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Interface_zpsba9f26ad.png)
The interface is what the entities like to call a meta-object and it is bonded to you. It is a device can only be seen by people wearing one, barring some exceptions, meaning that NPCs in missions are unlikely to notice it. People wearing those can usually communicate telepathically with each other. When they cannot, it will probably be clearly stated by me. It can also be used to ask for information, although its responses may not always be very helpful.

The device is peculiar in that it is weightless, offers no protection and is barely noticeable unless you focus on it. In fact, even if your arm gets cut off it will inexplicably appear on some other part of your body. If all your limbs get cut off... well, I guess you can imagine what the only place left for it to appear would be, right?
_{(The answer is 'your neck', you pervert!)}

---

Players & Entities:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

• Hawk132: Saevus Saita
  Age: ~800
  Appearance: A suit of black armor, towering above normal humans (~3m/~10ft tall). His "eyes" glow red. The whole suit is covered in runes that dimly glow red with the exception of the left arm - it glows a bright gold. His armour has been scratched or otherwise damaged in places and some of the runes are dim.
   
• DreamerGhost: Svajoklis Razor
  Age: ~30
  Appearance: Male of an average height, seemingly in his thirties, with long black hair, full beard and slightly crocked nose. Skin color is white but tanned. He is of lean, muscular build and one unchanging piece of clothing he has is a belt with a chain on which hangs the Book. Lichtenberg figure marks his left arm, remnant of once having been struck by lightning.
   
• Lenglon: Irene Stellar
  Appearance: Adolescent female human with black hair and brown eyes. Or a three tailed fox. Or an adolescent female human with fox like characteristics (3 fox tails, fox ears, teeth of a fox, etc) That's the trouble with shapeshifters.
   
• Harry Baldman: Lucky Ike Watkins Roger D. Drake
  Appearance: Slightly taller than average, with unusually large (seriously, they're the size of a splayed-out hand each) ears that jut out comically from his head, and also a rather long and bony nose with highly prominent nostrils. He possesses a thick, black Fu Manchu style mustache for unknown reasons, and is dressed in woodland camouflage, complete with real rotten leaves! He also wears a camo sun hat, which seems to principally be held up by his ears rather than his head, as it is slightly oversized. He fidgets ceaselessly, and seems like he is waiting for a chance to snap at something.
   
• Toaster: John Lancaster S-Zero, Engineer, Sigma, Zero
  Age: 27
  Appearance: A tall, lanky man with short dark hair and grey eyes.  Dresses in simple clothing, and keeps looking around.
   
• DarkArtemisFowl: Zechariah "Zach" Dimikaelo Scion
  Age: 14
  Appearance: Black hair, shining aqua eyes, light brown skin, above average height, medium build, with crystal aqua dragonfly wings. Carries a wooden long staff with a triangular crystalline flag on top, shining aqua.
   
• Icarus, Jake Boyman
   
• Xantalos: ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK Rhymerer
  AGE: 34 AND PROUD
  APPEARANCE: HE'S A CHUBBY GUY WITH STRAWBERRY BLONDE HAIR, A VERY SCRAGGLY BEARD, AND THREE PAIRS OF SUNGLASSES. HE'S WEARING A TRENCH COAT, OVERALLS, AND A PATCHWORK T-SHIRT MADE UP OF MULTIPLE OTHER T-SHIRTS. HE SMELLS VERY BAD.
   
• NAV: Nikolai Slevinskyevskiovich Violet
  Age: 50
  Appearance: Tall, thin. Wears a long green coat, heavy boots, and a gas mask with a cracked lense.
   
• Kathryn
   
• Nick
   
• Tiruin: Theri Aria River, Creator, Darkstar
  Age: ~19
  Appearance: A female humanoid with fox-like ears and tail, whose body is covered with a soft blanket of silver fur.
   
• wipeout1024: Honora Martinez Alpha, Architect, Charlie
  Appearance: A hispanic woman in her 60s, with gray hair in a bob and cheap glass, and wearing a blouse, jeans, and flats.
   
• Zormod: Brian Hoss Snow
  Appearance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
   
• TheBiggerFish: Alex Tempus Aurora
   
• FallacyofUrist: Kosak Durar Captain
  Age: 79
  Appearance: A red-bearded muscled dwarf. His fists look hard as iron.
   
• Execute/Dumbo.exe: Mr. Litany "Adam" Adams Black Hand
  Age: ~25
  Appearance: His body is just as thin as his face, it wouldn't surprise a passerby to see him with ribs sticking out under those clothes and what little of his skin that can normally be seen is almost pale white, nearly luminous. The most noticeable thing about him is his clothes, they look as if countless man-hours were spent on them, his black business suit seems to be little more than a second skin for him, his black silk gloves unscarred, his shoes are glossy and untouched, he looks the part of the rich man, too, with long, slender piano player fingers, a winning million dollar smile that never quite seems to reach his eyes, and a slender, angular face that always looks so calm, so knowing.
   
• Beirus: William Mark Davis Frostbite
  Appearance He is in his early twenties and stands about six feet tall, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a mountain man beard. His torso is a bit longer than normal. His skin is tanned and leathery and his hands are calloused. He has broad shoulders and a stocky frame.
   
• Plague
   
• Knight
   

Spoiler: Connection Timeout (Inactive) (click to show/hide)

• 1. scapheap: Eria Unnamed Entity
  Appearance: A blue scaled lizardwoman with two short grey horns and blue eyes. She has a tail of about two feet and stands at 6 foot. She wear cobbled together hides of several creatures.
   
• 7. GreatWyrmGold: Angel Carlson Unnamed Entity
  Age: 6
  Appearance: A fairly short (~3'3") six-year-old. She has straight auburn hair to her shoulders, pale skin, and blue eyes. She wears glasses and green clothes of various sorts.
   
• 2. Fniff: Jordan Svenson Unnamed Entity
  Age: 22
  Appearance: Brown hair, blue eyes, white hoodie, pale skin.
   
• 14. Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER: Lioraw Unnamed Entity
  Appearance: A non-descript man who you just can't take your eyes off.
   
• 7. Salsacookies: Ron Bones Jake Boyman
  Appearance: He looks like a normal, if more musclebound, human. His body is tattooed in places.
   
• 13. Wolfkit: Welroki Alpha, Architect, Charlie
  Appearance: Singed white lab coat, safety glasses, wild white hair that is lightly smoking, and perpetually writing on a clipboard.
   
• 15. Megggas: George Copperfield Aurora
  Appearance: A slightly chubby caucasian man from early 1990s New York.  He is balding, somewhat short, wears glasses, and is dressed in khakis and a plaid button shirt. The only truly unusual thing about his appearance is that his eyes and ears emit a strange lime green glowing light.
   
• 14. Illgeo: John Doe Snow
  Appearence: Biologically human, but with nondescript and very generic "classic human" features, which kinda makes him land in Uncanny Valley. Blond hair and blue eyes. All gestures and face expressions are exaggerated.
   
• 11. Coolrune206: "Rune" Nick
  Appearance: A tall, slim man, usually wearing a fedora that hides his eyes in shadows. When his eyes are visible, they are haunted by past memories he will never forget.
   
• 10. Alarith: Bryan Anderson Kathryn
  Age: ~19
  Appearance:6' 1"  Of Caucasian descent.  He has dark Brown hair kept to a very short length, like a military haircut.  He has dark brown eyes.  He has a small straight scar on the right side of his face a bit below eye level.
   

Title: Special People: Game Types
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:25:07 am

Game Types

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

These are some of the game types you can choose before a match.

• Arena: A simple "last man standing wins" match. Other objectives may be present based on map size and state or may appear during the game.
• Standard Arena: Just perfect for instant action, with not much room to run away. About the size of a large restaurant, maybe a bit larger.
• Bar brawl: Good old fashioned bar brawl. Fight in and around a two story pub/restaurant, from the kitchen, the bathroom and the fridge to the bar, the tables and the DJ.


• Large Arena: Gives some more room for resting, maneuvers, tactics and ambushes. About the size of a large warehouse or factory.
• Huge Arena: This arena is so large, there will likely be other means for motivating players to go and fight each other, like trackers or other primary objectives for example. About the size of a small town.
• Foregone destruction: A monument made from the fragments of a shattered Earth-like world, barely held together by science and magic. Fight in the deserted remnants of seas, forests, towns, cities and other places or race for the centre of the monument in search for more power...


• Extreme Arena: Even with other primary objectives and means of tracking other players, you're likely to spend as much time finding each other and interacting with NPCs as fighting each other, if not more. About the size of a small city, if not larger.
• Changing Arena: Your surroundings will rapidly change. Provides opportunities for people to quickly get near or away from a fight.
• Infinite fall: A pocket universe with its own laws of reality, created to test the ability to adapt to new environments and use them against your enemy.


• Malevolent arena: This arena is dangerous. It might be because someone designed their base with no OSHA compliance. It might be that the arena is changing itself to confuse you and put you face to face with danger. Or it might be that the arena is growing hands that try to suck you in the walls. Either way, this is neither a pleasant nor a safe place to be.
• Countdown: Everybody starts with a timer. It can only be filled by defeating other people. You better hurry.


• Boss fight: Fight against an incredibly tough opponent. The entire team wins if the enemy is destroyed, else last man standing wins. If you manage to defeat it, the one who lands the killing blow may get an extra bonus.
• Small scale: He might be strong, but he's still human sized, or close enough. Your challenge would most likely be managing to hit him and evading his attacks.
• Entity Challenge: Think you're tough enough to face an entity? Choose an entity and fight one of its weakest avatars.


• Large scale: Big threat in a big package. You'll want to hit this one hard and stay out of its way.


• Survival: Stay alive while being under attack by hostile forces. The entire team wins if one of them survive past a certain point, else last man standing wins.
• Neon Death Road: A long time ago in the distant future, a convoy carrying humanities' only hope has no choice but make its way through Neon Death Road. The only thing standing between the convoy and the road's denizens are you, its brave defenders.


• Conflict: Two or more teams with conflicting objectives. Complete your team's objectives to win.
• Cops and Robbers: Players are split to two teams. One is the robbers, who are tasked with doing what their name implies: planning, performing and then getting away with a robbery. The other team (i.e. the cops) are called in when the robbers are discovered and are tasked with stopping the robbers using any means necessary. Robbers are given points for acquiring their main objective, acquiring extra valuables (loot), capturing cops as hostages and getting away without getting caught. Robbers are penalized if any of them gets arrested. Cops are given points for securing the main objective, preventing robbers from getting away with valuables, rescuing hostages and neutralizing robbers (double points if robbers are arrested). Cops are penalized for getting captured. Both teams or individuals are rewarded for any other notable achievements that may come up. Both teams are penalized for hurting hostages or allowing hostages to get hurt.
  
  Environment varies based on player preference. It could be Western, Post-WW2, Modern, Future, whatever.
• Race: Complete your objective first or be the last one standing. Essentially a combination of Arena and Conflict.
• Containment Breach: When a facility in the arctic researching bleeding edge technology experiences a containment breach, the survivors must race to find a way to cure themselves, a way to protect themselves from the loose experiments and a way off the facility...


• Assault: Work as a team to finish an objective. It won't be easy, and there will be incentive for infighting.
• Maleficarum: In a remote region of medieval Europe, witches gather to conduct their dark rituals in the name of the Prince of Darkness. You have either volunteered, been appointed or been forced by the Holy Inquisition to make your way there, cleanse the corrupted villagers, conduct an investigation to smoke out the Maleficarum and then put an end to their Evil Plans. Before it is too late.
• WAR!: Contact has been lost with one of the more advanced worlds in entity-controlled space and any and all attempts to contact it or reaching it have failed. Link up with local resistance or organized forces if possible and take down whatever is causing the blockade so that friendly forces can warp in and provide assistance. Heavy enemy resistance is expected, both technological and magical. Due to the nature of the attack, it is very likely that there will be areas where supernatural abilities do not work as well. Different entities can offer different insertion methods, such as rapid air-raid with overwhelming force, arrive stealthily and slowly approach the target area without alerting enemy forces, gather intelligence and attempt to link up with local forces before creating an attack strategy... You can also try to choose other options, such as diplo- HAHAHAHA oh sorry, I can't even say it. Whew. Anyway, more details will be provided in the mission briefing.
  


• Tournament: Settle this the old fashioned way. Duel until there is only one left standing.
• Campaign: A bundle of missions that have to be completed in order. Tend to be more relaxed and open ended, since you are given an objective and then left in the world to complete it. Missions and objectives dynamically adjust and change according to the information you discover and the choices you make. Closer to a classic RPG campaign then the usual mission style. Being willing and able to work well together as a team is important.
• Galactic Adventure: Analysis of the data gathered by John during Mission 2b has revealed some intriguing information about universe 523. Travel from the sands of a desert world, to a bustling commercial space station to the heart of an alien planet-killer in your search for answers. Or maybe not. Maybe you choose a different path. This is an open world, after all.
  You will be cut off from the entities, except for the avatars of the two accompanying you.
  Small chance of permadeath. 6 volunteers with at least one mission completed only.


• Other: Got any good ideas?

(http://[list][li][b]The 11 of Diamonds:[/b] You will raid the stronghold of the 11 of Diamonds, a gang notorious for their involvement with occult rituals and bloody murders. Your aim will be to dismantle the organization by defeating its leader. While their numbers are few, none have ever been caught. Furthermore, it is said that their stronghold is full of traps and strange phenomena. Some go as far as saying that it is haunted...[/li][/list])

(http://Reconsidering this[list][li][b]Challenge:[/b] Everybody starts at the same powerlevel. Some upgrades may be locked for some players in order to bring everyone to the same level. Complete challenges to unlock more upgrades. Upgrades unlocked follow the standard upgrade system. Upgrades are not retained after the mission is over.[/list]Something like the one described here: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5220080#msg5220080)

Some briefings about the Entity Challenge Mission type (Incomplete) (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5897754#msg5897754)

Statistics:
Mission 1: скрытые меч: Complete

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Mission Start (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4762777#msg4762777)
This mission took place in Universe 1058
Deaths:
Many soldiers.
Many, many, many civilians.

GWG	Angel:	Crushed by a spiderdemon and incinerated by one of her own light-grenades and then crushed by the spiderdemon (again) and then incinerated (again) by John's rocket.
Xantalos	Alan:	Fell off the giant hamster wheel he and John were riding and was fatally injured.
Toaster	John:	His last ditch effort to save his life via technosummoning went poorly, resulting in pieces of technology going through his chest and head at high speed.
Scapheap	Eria:	Connection timeout.
DAF	Zechariah:	Tried to rescue a girl from a shapesifting-ghost-parasite, even though he had the choice of killing both. Ended up being killed by its self-destruct sneak attack. Learned nothing.
Fniff	Jordan:	Nuclear Explosion. Or some alien stuff that looked like one. Alien stuff are weird.

Secondary objective completed:

Lenglon	Irene:	Escaped via Rocket. Host died when the missile she was riding hit the ground.
Harry Baldman	Ike:	Escaped via Rocket. Host died when his body had a disagreement with the Earth about whether he should keep moving or stand still. The Earth won.

Mission 2a: Amethyst: Complete

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Mission start (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5006631#msg5006631)
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos
Tiruin
Lenglon

Alarith

Mission 2b: B.E.T.A.: Complete

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Mission start (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5006633#msg5006633)
This mission took place in universe 523
Deaths:

scapheap	Eria:	Connection timeout.
GWG	Angel:	A combination of John's artillery and some Drone's lasers led to her bleeding to death.
NAV	Nikolai:	Burnt to death by one of the BETA's attacks involving superhot spaceship fuel after seriously injuring its legs with a Tsared self-propelled hover-ballista.
Coolrune	"Rune":	Burnt to death while trying to save Nikolai.

Survived:

Fniff

Jordan:

Did an excellent job flying around with his spaceplane saving people and a good effort at damaging the BETA and its core.

Secondary objective completed:

Toaster

John:

Pushed through the mission with almost superhuman endurance, luck and tenacity, causing the most damage to the BETA despite his injuries. Stabbed the BETA's core with his Conductor Spear.

Mission 3 start(Survival, Campaign): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677011#msg5677011
Campaign cont.(Waking up Ike): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5950048#msg5950048
Campaign cont.(Waking up Irine): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5972251#msg5972251
Campaign cont.(Zechariah and Ashwraith): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6004763#msg6004763
Mission 4 start(Tournament): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6049178#msg6049178
Campaign cont.(Visiting the humans): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6069241#msg6069241
Campaign cont.(Geography lesson): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6106643#msg6106643
Campaign cont.(Magic lesson): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6131104#msg6131104
Mission 5 start(Assault: The 11 of Diamonds): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6361445#msg6361445
Mission 5b start(Boss Battle: Entity Challenge: Storm Coming): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6509152#msg6509152
Mission 6 start(Arena: After the End): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6927618;topicseen#msg6927618
Mission 7 briefing(Assault: Crew Expendable): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7370584#msg7370584
Mission 7 briefing cont.(Choice of ship): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7381685#msg7381685
Campaign cont.(Recap): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7565250#msg7565250
Mission 7 start(Welcome to the party, pal!): http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7576420#msg7576420

Mission 7 Map (https://www.dropbox.com/s/62060bh0f29xe88/spess_map.gif?dl=0)

Campaign Inventory (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yYszmIuLxFY1IwDqaiF1HkpVZMMXxuvPPfH8toaRjs4/edit?usp=sharing)
Campaign Map (https://www.dropbox.com/s/iuho80wos3v75x2/general_map.gif?dl=0)

Now with a TV Tropes page! (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Roleplay/SpecialPeople)

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: scapheap on November 07, 2013, 09:57:34 am

May I have the power of making ice?

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:09:55 am

Quote from: scapheap on November 07, 2013, 09:57:34 am

May I have the power of making ice?

Sure. You can get that. Want anything more specific (shooting ice out of your eyes for example instead of simply creating it out of thin air) or should I roll for your power now? Choosing something more specific means you can have more influence on what you get. Leaving it vague like that means you'll get some bonuses, but you have less control over what those are.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Fniff on November 07, 2013, 10:11:50 am

Name: Jordan Svenson (Originally Jorg Svenson)
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden.
Age: 22
Appearance: Brown hair, blue eyes, white hoodie, pale skin.
Quote: "Killing people is like playing a videogame, really. First it's hard, just because you don't know the moves. Then it gets easier and eaiser. Then suddenly you realize you've won the game: all you're looking to do now is get the high score."
Power: Jordan can enter manually activate an adrenaline rush when in a dangerous situation. He becomes stronger, faster, and thinks more quickly. It becomes easier to take down a group of enemies, but it is on a time limit before it wears off and he cannot do it several times in a row.

Good?

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 10:14:47 am

...
could I bring a character from an abandoned game? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2013, 10:17:10 am

How about supernatural hearing, bordering on echolocative hearing, plus an improved sense of smell?

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:37:45 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 10:14:47 am

...
could I bring a character from an abandoned game? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)

Is it the avatar? Cause if it's the avatar you'll probably have to cut something unless you want some ridiculous weaknesses. There are some unnecessary powers there in the context of the game, so you could do that without loosing to much.

If it's the fox lady then sure.

Tell me so that I can provide additional info.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 10:43:53 am

the avatar and the fox lady are the same person. the avatar's description is long, but a lot of those are limitations and weaknesses, not powers (by default avatars were much stronger than I wanted mine to be)
and i'm perfectly fine with cutting all of the information-related abilities, downscaling the fire-manip, and replacing the respawn with the one you're using for everyone else (especially since the one everyone else gets is a better version).

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:47:36 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 07, 2013, 10:11:50 am

Name: Jordan Svenson (Originally Jorg Svenson)
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden.
Age: 22
Appearance: Brown hair, blue eyes, white hoodie, pale skin.
Quote: "Killing people is like playing a videogame, really. First it's hard, just because you don't know the moves. Then it gets easier and eaiser. Then suddenly you realize you've won the game: all you're looking to do now is get the high score."
Power: Jordan can enter manually activate an adrenaline rush when in a dangerous situation. He becomes stronger, faster, and thinks more quickly. It becomes easier to take down a group of enemies, but it is on a time limit before it wears off and he cannot do it several times in a row.

Good?

So you would say this describes your abilities accurately?
Conditional ability (condition=danger/fear/adrenaline): Initiative bonus, Strength bonus, Dexterity bonus | Disadvantages: Time limit, long reload time
If there are no objections, I'll roll for advantages/disadvantages right now.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2013, 10:17:10 am

How about supernatural hearing, bordering on echolocative hearing, plus an improved sense of smell?

So, you would say this describes your abilities accurately?
Conditional awareness bonuses/Extra information abilities: echolocative hearing, improved smell
If there are no objections, I'll roll for advantages right now.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 10:43:53 am

the avatar and the fox lady are the same person. the avatar's description is long, but a lot of those are limitations and weaknesses, not powers (by default avatars were much stronger than I wanted mine to be)
and i'm perfectly fine with cutting all of the information-related abilities, downscaling the fire-manip, and replacing the respawn with the one you're using for everyone else (especially since the one everyone else gets is a better version).

Okay, give me a sec to read it again a bit.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: scapheap on November 07, 2013, 10:49:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:09:55 am

Sure. You can get that. Want anything more specific (shooting ice out of your eyes for example instead of simply creating it out of thin air) or should I roll for your power now? Choosing something more specific means you can have more influence on what you get. Leaving it vague like that means you'll get some bonuses, but you have less control over what those are.

Shooting out of hands, lack control at the moment so I can't make ice statues or anything that not a ice blast.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 10:14:47 am

...
could I bring a character from an abandoned game? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)

From what I see the abilities you have that matter and you don't want cut are:
Shapeshifting between two forms and intermediate state, no other control on form What determines what the non-local form is? Are there any limits (size, distance, etc)? Maybe you'd prefer to make it something standard? Or do I get to choose what each form is on each map? And I'm guessing the fox lady will be your local form?
Physical enchancments (strength, reflexes, etc. +1) Those are a bit too much, might want to limit it to one or two things unless you want massive penalties.
Short range telepathic comms, conditional on non-speech, 1-way Should I cut this too?
Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit
Elemental generation, fire, limited uses per reload, high reload time, medium amount
Elemental resistance (no direct damage), fire

Quote from: scapheap on November 07, 2013, 10:49:50 am

Shooting out of hands, lack control at the moment so I can't make ice statues or anything that not a ice blast.

Offensive/Utility ability: Ice blast (ice generated)
coming right up

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Fniff on November 07, 2013, 10:59:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:47:36 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 07, 2013, 10:11:50 am

*snip*

So you would say this describes your abilities accurately?
Conditional ability (condition=danger/fear/adrenaline): Initiative bonus, Strength bonus, Dexterity bonus | Disadvantages: Time limit, long reload time
If there are no objections, I'll roll for advantages/disadvantages right now.

Sounds good!

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2013, 11:00:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:47:36 am

So, you would say this describes your abilities accurately?
Conditional awareness bonuses/Extra information abilities: echolocative hearing, improved smell
If there are no objections, I'll roll for advantages right now.

That is what I asked for, yes. To the letter.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2013, 11:07:51 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

From what I see the abilities you have that matter and you don't want cut are:
Shapeshifting between two forms and intermediate state, no other control on form What determines what the non-local form is? Are there any limits (size, distance, etc)? Maybe you'd prefer to make it something standard? Or do I get to choose what each form is on each map? And I'm guessing the fox lady will be your local form?
Physical enchancments (strength, reflexes, etc. +1) Those are a bit too much, might want to limit it to one or two things unless you want massive penalties.
Short range telepathic comms, conditional on non-speech, 1-way Should I cut this too?
Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit
Elemental generation, fire, limited uses per reload, high reload time, medium amount
Elemental resistance (no direct damage), fire

the forms are locked. the avatar was designed to handle dying and respawning as a totally different person with different forms, so the description was kept general. Irine switches between a multi-tail fox and human. her physically largest form is the hybrid one, because of her tails. she spends most of her time in hybrid form and considers it her default. multi-tail foxe's noteworthy properties are very slow aging, often breaching 1000 years, +1 tail/50 years, and the tails are unusually durable. their vison is poor but hearing and smell are excelent. Irine is at 3 tails (130 years).

cut the physical boosts, but please notice that some of those listed on her stats sheet are actually from being part fox (the vison penalty, hearing bonus, and smell bonus), those I'd like to keep changed.

I want to keep the telepathic coms so she can talk while full-fox, but if she's still overpowered then cut it.

I'm fine with a reduction in her fire abilities as well if needed.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Toaster on November 07, 2013, 11:21:13 am

Hmm.  Let's go with...

Creation:  Can create small physical objects.  Creating things with complex properties (a gun versus a sword, for example) is more difficult, but anything is possible as long as it isn't too large.  Typical maximum size is something able to be carried by a single average person without much difficulty.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 11:22:42 am

Sent scapeheap his abilities and disadvantages, now waiting for him to choose a disadvantage, post his name and description (and bio if he wants) and he's done.

Now working on the rest.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2013, 12:03:30 pm

Name: Lucky Ike Watkins

Physical Appearance: slightly taller than average, with unusually large (seriously, they're the size of a splayed-out hand each) ears that jut out comically from his head, and also a rather long and bony nose with highly prominent nostrils. He possesses a thick, black Fu Manchu style mustache for unknown reasons, and is dressed in woodland camouflage, complete with real rotten leaves! He also wears a camo sun hat, which seems to principally be held up by his ears rather than his head, as it is slightly oversized. He fidgets ceaselessly, and seems like he is waiting for a chance to snap at something.

Bio: he'll remember. Eventually. Right now, though, he's got a headache.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: scapheap on November 07, 2013, 12:09:12 pm

Name: Eria(means snow)
Description: A blue scaled lizardwoman with two short grey horns and blue eyes. She has a tail of about two feet and stands at 6 foot. She wear cobbled together hides of several creatures.
Bio: A former member of a lizardfolk desert tribe, the being formally known as Katina, strange colouring(green and brown are common, blue is unheard of.) left her a outcast. When her 16th year arrived, powers of ice manifested, accidentally killing a nearby tribeman. As a outcast with ice powers in a cold blooded tribe, she was exiled for being dangerous and striped of her name. Choosing a new name fitting for her powers, she has truly lived, out here in the wilds, for her past life was just surviving.
Now in this new place, Eria shall fight for her freedom.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 07, 2013, 12:22:55 pm

Name: Zechariah Dimikaelo
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona (or at least that's the Earth dimension birthplace - his true birthplace is in another dimension)
Age: 14
Appearance: Black hair, shining aqua eyes, light brown skin, above average height, medium build, with crystal aqua dragonfly wings. Carries a wooden long staff with a triangular crystalline flag on top, shining aqua.
Quote: "I am Zechariah Dimikaelo, Guardian of Soul and Shadow: the Hybrid Soldier."
Power: Can use sources of light to create crystal shards to form shields, objects etc. using his staff. Takes more energy from himself and the light to create larger objects or weapons. Also can bend the shadows to manipulate vision. Again, takes a lot of energy. He can hover a somewhat above the ground, and glide if he focuses, but cannot fly.
Description: He is the light form of a demon called a Guardian, who merged with the mind frequency of a human. This is the result. It is actually an incredibly long story telling the battle of a human boy and his dark alter ego over three years, but this is simply the end result. A quiet leader who is humble and modest, and has a dark internal struggle within himself. This is Zechariah, the light side of Artemis.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Fniff on November 07, 2013, 12:32:06 pm

Name: Jordan Svenson (Originally Jorg Svenson)
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden.
Age: 22
Appearance: Brown hair, blue eyes, white hoodie, pale skin.
Quote: "Killing people is like playing a videogame, really. First it's hard, just because you don't know the moves. Then it gets easier and eaiser. Then suddenly you realize you've won the game: all you're looking to do now is get the high score."
Power: Jordan can enter manually activate an adrenaline rush when in a dangerous situation. He becomes stronger, faster, and thinks more quickly. It becomes easier to take down a group of enemies, but it is on a time limit before it wears off and he cannot do it several times in a row.
Description: Jordan is simply just a killer. He likes killing, and that's what he does. He's a normal human, but due to a combination of luck and sheer experience, and also a lot of broken bones, Jordan has been able to stand with supernatural beings with effort.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2013, 12:36:44 pm

RAAGH RESERVE

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Looking for players)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 07, 2013, 01:09:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:23:05 am

+3 is well beyond the realm of normal humans, but still possible to a normal human with some help (-3 penalty to lift a tank)

Um. I think the car example fits the -3's description better.
And, due to the way cars are built, lifting one requires a bit more than super-strength.

Anyways, I'm interested. And as it so happens, I have a character rejected from a superhero RP that I think I'd like playing...

Spoiler: Angel Carlson (click to show/hide)

Birthplace: Ely, Nevada
Age: 6
Appearance: A fairly short (~3'3") six-year-old. She has straight auburn hair to her shoulders, pale skin, and blue eyes. She wears glasses and green clothes of various sorts.
Quote: "Hi! I'm Angel, how are you?"
Power: Varies. She has, at any point, three powers; one which she can significantly influence, and one which is almost completely random (although always helpful and related to the current situation). If you count her ability to sense what powers she has, she has three. (I'm basing this on Eidolon from Worm, but Angel has less control over her abilities.) On the other hand, she has some weaknesses. Angel is sometimes in conflict with some spirit which came with her power, which can be annoying. And finally, she is six years old, with all that implies, from physical frailty to minimal reach to inability to reach things on high shelves. In particular, Angel is extremely curious, which will no doubt get her into an impressive array of trouble.

Sound good?

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Toaster on November 07, 2013, 02:33:31 pm

Name: John Lancaster
Birthplace: Western North Carolina
Age: 27
Quote: "What I want is simple.  Everything."
Appearance: A tall, lanky man with short dark hair and grey eyes.  Dresses in simple clothing, and keeps looking around.

Power: You have the ability to generate mechanical parts and assemble devices with your thoughts. The only limitation is that the devices have to be created by combining small (about the size of a USB flash drive, maybe a bit smaller) individual parts. The summoning process is a bit straining, especially when summoning rarer or more complex parts, but that only means you have to take some time when assembling larger or more complex devices, since they will require more parts. Your powers however are not infallible and they might not always work well or give you exactly what you envisioned.
Essentialy, have parts summoned out of thin air and have them assemble themselves into what you envisioned. With penalties depending on how complex or rare an object or component part is. And a time penalty depending on size and complexity of the entire object.

Description:  John always wanted more from life.  His dad was an auto mechanic who fully intended John to follow in his footsteps, teaching him all about mechanics, engines, and engine repair.  It's not that John didn't like it- he was an able student- but he wanted more.  He went to college to study mechanical engineering, but dropped out after a year and a half, unsatisfied with what it had to offer.  He kept searching out more outlandish career opportunities, always keeping his eye out for more.  He eventually came across a stranger with a stall in the back alley of a city.  The man took him in and talked with him for a while.  He eventually told John that for ten thousand dollars, he could have the power he wanted.  John accepted, handed over the money- and was cracked in the back of the head.

A year later, he woke up from his coma.  Somehow, though, he had achieved what he wanted; his understanding of mechanics was now so great that he could simply will machinery into existence.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 11:18:31 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 07, 2013, 12:22:55 pm

Name: Zechariah Dimikaelo
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona (or at least that's the Earth dimension birthplace - his true birthplace is in another dimension)
Age: 14
Appearance: Black hair, shining aqua eyes, light brown skin, above average height, medium build, with crystal aqua dragonfly wings. Carries a wooden long staff with a triangular crystalline flag on top, shining aqua.
Quote: "I am Zechariah Dimikaelo, Guardian of Soul and Shadow: the Hybrid Soldier."
Power: Can use sources of light to create crystal shards to form shields, objects etc. using his staff. Takes more energy from himself and the light to create larger objects or weapons. Also can bend the shadows to manipulate vision. Again, takes a lot of energy. He can hover a somewhat above the ground, and glide if he focuses, but cannot fly.
Description: He is the light form of a demon called a Guardian, who merged with the mind frequency of a human. This is the result. It is actually an incredibly long story telling the battle of a human boy and his dark alter ego over three years, but this is simply the end result. A quiet leader who is humble and modest, and has a dark internal struggle within himself. This is Zechariah, the light side of Artemis.

Do those wings let you fly? And the staff, does he need it to use his abilities?  And do the stuff he makes out of light or darkness need constant power to maintain? I need to know so that I know what disadvantages I'm giving you.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 07, 2013, 01:09:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:23:05 am

+3 is well beyond the realm of normal humans, but still possible to a normal human with some help (-3 penalty to lift a tank)

Um. I think the car example fits the -3's description better.
And, due to the way cars are built, lifting one requires a bit more than super-strength.

If you consider that the maximum a human has ever lifted is close to 500-600 kgs and the average car weights about 1000 kgs, I think it's a pretty accurate description. It all hinges on your definition of "a bit". I think when talking about lifting buildings, "a bit" can be considered to be 300 kgs.
Also, why wouldn't it work? You just lift it from the frame. Granted, you'll probably have to be a bit bigger than a human for your hands to reach both sides, but I'm certain the hypothetical car lifting superman can figure it out. Maybe he ties chains on the car's frame and lifts those.

Quote

Anyways, I'm interested. And as it so happens, I have a character rejected from a superhero RP that I think I'd like playing...

Spoiler: Angel Carlson (click to show/hide)

Birthplace: Ely, Nevada
Age: 6
Appearance: A fairly short (~3'3") six-year-old. She has straight auburn hair to her shoulders, pale skin, and blue eyes. She wears glasses and green clothes of various sorts.
Quote: Um...
Power: Varies. She has, at any point, three powers; one which she can significantly influence, one which is chosen by some unknown force based on what would be helpful in the situation, and one which is almost completely random. If you count her ability to sense what powers she has, and her lack of need to sleep, she has five. (I'm basing this on Eidolon from Worm, but Angel has less control over her abilities.) On the other hand, she has some weaknesses. Firstly, copper saps her power; even a little bag of pennies renders her barely special. Angel is sometimes in conflict with some spirit which came with her power, which causes issues when you consider that the more she uses her power the less control she has over herself. And finally, she is six years old, with all that implies. In particular, Angel is extremely curious, which will no doubt get her into an impressive array of trouble.

Sound good?

Well, it's not overpowered, if that's what you mean, but only because it has some ridiculous disadvantages. I mean, weakness to cooper? Nearly everything has cooper nowdays. Even in ancient times people had cooper. You'd have to go to a pretty strange place to be away from all cooper. And then Toaster can just summon a piece of wire and make you normal again. Not to mention the spirit that gives me a carte blanche to mess with your character whenever she fails a will roll when use your abilities. And the random ability that can turn things bad for you the moment the dice go wrong. And the danger all the above things pose to any potential allies. Frankly, I don't see you winning any matches with that character unless you play really well and/or are incredibly lucky and/or find someone to work with that helps you manage your power. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? Submit a boy that's half dragon or something? Or at least tone down her abilities and weaknesses, make her less of a glass Nitroglycerin cannon?

Unless I misunderstood something about her powers.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2013, 11:30:34 pm

You can submit dragonish characters? Ehehehehehehehehehehegege.
App coming soon.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 07, 2013, 11:37:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 11:18:31 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 07, 2013, 12:22:55 pm

Name: Zechariah Dimikaelo
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona (or at least that's the Earth dimension birthplace - his true birthplace is in another dimension)
Age: 14
Appearance: Black hair, shining aqua eyes, light brown skin, above average height, medium build, with crystal aqua dragonfly wings. Carries a wooden long staff with a triangular crystalline flag on top, shining aqua.
Quote: "I am Zechariah Dimikaelo, Guardian of Soul and Shadow: the Hybrid Soldier."
Power: Can use sources of light to create crystal shards to form shields, objects etc. using his staff. Takes more energy from himself and the light to create larger objects or weapons. Also can bend the shadows to manipulate vision. Again, takes a lot of energy. He can hover a somewhat above the ground, and glide if he focuses, but cannot fly.
Description: He is the light form of a demon called a Guardian, who merged with the mind frequency of a human. This is the result. It is actually an incredibly long story telling the battle of a human boy and his dark alter ego over three years, but this is simply the end result. A quiet leader who is humble and modest, and has a dark internal struggle within himself. This is Zechariah, the light side of Artemis.

Do those wings let you fly? And the staff, does he need it to use his abilities?  And do the stuff he makes out of light or darkness need constant power to maintain? I need to know so that I know what disadvantages I'm giving you.

No, the wings let me hover about 5 feet above the ground, but nothing serious like flying. If Zechariah concentrates his energy he may glide off of edges too (think batman). Yes, his light and darkness abilities need constant focus and energy by him or they will dissapate back into shadows and light. Hope this helps  ;)

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 07, 2013, 11:40:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 11:18:31 pm

Well, it's not overpowered, if that's what you mean, but only because it has some ridiculous disadvantages. I mean, weakness to cooper? Nearly everything has cooper nowdays. Even in ancient times people had cooper. You'd have to go to a pretty strange place to be away from all cooper. And then Toaster can just summon a piece of wire and make you normal again. Not to mention the spirit that gives me a carte blanche to mess with your character whenever she fails a will roll when use your abilities. And the random ability that can turn things bad for you the moment the dice go wrong. And the danger all the above things pose to any potential allies. Frankly, I don't see you winning any matches with that character unless you play really well and/or are incredibly lucky and/or find someone to work with that helps you manage your power. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? Submit a boy that's half dragon or something? Or at least tone down her abilities and weaknesses, make her less of a glass Nitroglycerin cannon?

Unless I misunderstood something about her powers.

Alright. Remove/Alter cuprous weakness, tone down the lack of control.

EDIT: Done.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 08, 2013, 12:07:25 am

((Let's give you some RP until we get our final players...))

---

scapheap: Eria
You wake up. You can see the canvas of a large tent above you and can feel the softness of a bedroll under you. You can hear the wind blowing outside and something occasional tapping against the wall of the tent.

---

Fniff: Jordan Svenson
You wake up. You are sitting on a rather comfortable armchair. The wall and fireplace in front of you seem very expensive and high quality, decorated with a red wallpaper and a mirror. They look old and a bit dusty. Occasional crackles come from the fire.

---

Lenglon: Irene
You wake up. You can see a clear blue sky above you and feel the soft grass and dirt beneath you. You can hear birds singing.

---

Harry Baldman: Lucky Ike Watkins
You wake up. You are welcomed by a very uninteresting ecru ceiling. Not literally. "You are greeted" by it as in "It's the first thing you see when you open your eyes". Ceilings do not talk. Or at lest this one doesn't. Lousy ceiling, not even giving you a proper greeting. You can feel a soft bed under you. From your left, you can hear music playing softly but insistently. (http://youtu.be/QYEC4TZsy-Y)

---

Toaster: John Lancaster
You wake up. There is only darkness and silence. With a soft click and a hiss, you feel yourself moving downwards. You can see a ceiling that looks like it's made of silvery metal above you, illuminated by a dim cyan light. You can hear a fan whirring nearby.

---

((Oh, hey, they posted while I was typing. I'll process you later, will be busy now.))

Edit: Fixed a typo

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 08, 2013, 12:41:12 am

"Ah, a perfect beginning to what will probably be a perfect day," Ike narrates to himself, as has been his habit ever since the big misunderstanding.

Examine the room I'm in.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Lenglon on November 08, 2013, 12:49:07 am

"W-wha?"
I look up at the sky in awe and wonder. I know what a sky is and all, but it's still the first time I've ever seen it before. All my life I spent underground, in the enclosed cave systems of my moon. the only places on it that contain air.
Clearly, I'm not where I used to be.
I look around, trying to figure out where I am.
"Um... what... what happened?"

---

As I shake the cloudyness of sleep from me, I rapidly become more and more worried. something... something is very, very wrong. This isn't where I remember being. not even close. Was I kidnapped in my sleep?
maybe... but still, even so... that... that's not it.
something...
finally, I realize the problem, I don't feel the connections I'm used to having. I'm not tied to this place the way that I was to my home. The bonds of creator and creation are completely gone.
Even if I had been moved in my sleep, those bonds should still apply, weakened by distance maybe, but I'd still feel them. Somehow they're... they're just GONE.
someone rewrote the laws of the universe while I slept, broke my connection with the world, ripped me out of my home, and then...
left me out in an open field, facing the sky for the first time.
"what?"
"what?!?"
panicked and angry, I cry out to the heavens.
"What have you done this time?!?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: scapheap on November 08, 2013, 03:35:40 am

Eria look around the tent 'Okay, I'm in my old tent. Why?' She digs her hand into the sand and pull out a reddish rock 'Even got that detail correct. Now why is the tent not burned down?'

Getting to her feet, Eria look out the flap

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 08, 2013, 07:27:48 pm

((Had a post ready 14 hours ago but the moment I posted it, I started getting 504s till right now. Unfortunately, the post is saved in my home PC. I'll post it the moment I get back. Also got the other two characters ready, again, I'll PM them when I get home. Unless there have been new posts until then.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 08, 2013, 07:30:21 pm

Addition: Forgot to mention earlier that the staff is used for offensive moves. The best Zechariah can do without his staff is defensive light shields on his arms (kinda like gauntlets, but shields) and cover himself with the shadows. Other attacks or defensive moves require his staff.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Fniff on November 08, 2013, 07:55:49 pm

Jordan stretched out onto the armrests, then shook out his head and looked around alertly. He narrowed his eyes and stood up, his mind sparking with tactical plans and possibilities. He had to teach himself to do that: when you were the best (Not best, he remembered, just very adaptable: one cannot be arrogant in such a dangerous business) hitmen in the world, you had to be ready to consider things. Of course, sometimes you came to faulty conclusions, but as long as you kept all your possibilities open and had multiple options at the end, you'd be fine.
Calculate the three most likely possibilities for where precisely I am.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 08, 2013, 11:12:50 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 07, 2013, 11:30:34 pm

You can submit dragonish characters? Ehehehehehehehehehehegege.

((It was one of the characters I used to test the system, a man bonded with the soul of a dragon.
I had this very fun upgrade tree that got him from a man with 2 upgrades (superstrength or superreflexes or superendurance along with enhanced senses as a secondary power (I assumed he rolled 5 in the character creation roll)) to a shapeshifting psychic flying monster the size of a building that could use a powerful breath ability and also had physics bending abilities.
Of course that required you to fill the entire upgrade tree, while a player would probably go along one or two paths.
Still, fun to consider.

Maybe I'll put him in as a boss for when you're more powerful. Shame to let a character concept go to waste.))

---

Harry Baldman: Lucky Ike Watkins
You look around.
You seem to be in a bedroom.
On your left is a nightstand and on top of it is the alarm clock from which the music is coming from, along with a lamp. The alarm clock blinks 8:08.
Further on the left is a window with the blinds half closed from which the room is illuminated.
There is also a wardrobe and a desk with pens, paper and another lamp.
There are two doors leading out of the room. One seems to be leading outside. It has a peephole and what looks like an emergency evacuation map. From the white tile you see under the other door and from what your other senses are telling you, it definitely leads to a bathroom.

"Thanks mate, I tried." responds the alarm clock, the deep male voice distorted by the device's low quality speaker. At least it's more polite than the ceiling.
"I knew you ware a fun guy when I picked you. None of that 'Aaah, where the fuck am I?' freaking out nonsense." He really seems to be enjoying himself.

---

Lenglon: Irene
You prop yourself up by putting your hands behind you and look around.
You seem to be near the edge of a large clearing, resting on soft overgrown grass and weeds.
The clearing is surrounded by old looking trees with huge brown trunks, standing close to one another.
In front of you, you can see a lake, small waves on its clear water reflecting the sun behind you.
In the center of the lake is a small island with two white trees that have become intertwined.
A small distance to your left is a small wooden hut with a small vegetable plot.
To your right is a human sized object covered by a purple veil made of fine fabric.

"Hey, it's OK. You're safe." You hear a soft female voice being carried in the wind.
"I... I brought you here. Do you feel okay? Did anything go wrong with the transfer? Do you want me to change the environment?" She sounds worried.
She begins speaking really fast, the wind picking up speed with each word. "I found your universe, well, a friend told me where to find it and I went there but there was something wrong and it was falling apart and I saw your aura and there was no time and you were the only thing I managed to save and there was nowhere else I could take you because the rules don't allow it so I had to take you here, even though I hate this stupid thing and I didn't know anything about you and I had to slave your connections to universe 523 and reconstruct what I could cause the data from yours was missing and I was analyzing you to prevent corruption but I was doing it very fast and I saw the fox and I thought you'd like nature and I have this place for when I want to relax so I made a copy for the games and I left you here to recover but now I think I might have made a mistake and... and you probably don't understand a thing I'm saying 'cause I'm panicking."
She sighs, which comes across as a small gust of wind. She continues more calmly and a bit sadder. "Look, what I wanted to say is, your home was destroyed, you were in trouble and I tried to help. I'm sorry this was the only way."

---

scapheap: Eria
Urged on by your peculiar circumstances, you quickly get up, untie the flaps and lift one to the side to look outside.
That's... strange. To say the least.
Outside, you can see total darkness, a stark contrast to the orange light coming from the desert outside your window.
In the darkness, you can see an object, illuminated by nowhere in particular. A large, human sized mirror on a wooden frame, showing the reflection of purple fabric.
And the flap you aren't holding up seems to be moving  in sync with the wind in the desert outside the tent, even though you feel nothing coming from the void.
Spooooky.

"Oh, good, you're up."  You can hear a voice in your head, female with a slight electronic distortion effect. "Just in time too. I looked into your memories. Tried to find a place that would feel familiar to you. Makes the transition easier."
Before your very eyes, the mirror moves aside and something that looks like the end of one slide and the beginning of another materializes in its place, in a flash of golden and green sparks.
"For you to have gotten to the door so fast, there was clearly an error on my part."

---

DarkArtemisFowl: Zechariah Dimikaelo
You wake up. You can see a dark rock cave ceiling above you, illuminated by the occasional glowing green crystal.
"Get up Pretender." she says in a commanding tone. The voice is coming from above, the crystals pulsing green light in sync with it.
"The others are already getting ready." Her voice sounds like someone randomly used a dozen voice filters on a woman's voice to produce a slight electrical effect with musical highs and lows and many harmonics.

---

GreatWyrmGold: Angel Carlson
You wake up.
You can see a colorful ceiling above you, like someone threw balloons filled with paint at it. It seems very low.
You notice something strange. Your powers seem to be giving you nothing. You can feel them, but it's like blank fields of text or empty boxes. You could let them go and try for new ones, if you wanted.
You hear a voice coming from nearby. "Come oooon, wake up." he urges you.
"The others are already up, we're going to miss it." He sounds like a child, but with a small echo. He sounds very excited.

---

Fniff: Jordan Svenson
((I'm very tempted to say 1. You're here 2. You're sitting on an armchair 3. You're in a room. Because you're asking me to think for your character and frankly I don't know how your character thinks. But let's do it, just this once, see what happens.))
You examine the room under the dim light the fire provides.
There's a wood and glass table on your right with an empty unlabeled bottle and a glass on it. So, maybe you just drank too much? Or maybe you were drugged?
And there's a wood and glass cabinet with more unlabeled bottles of liquids of all colors.
There's also a wooden door with an intricate design carved on it, the only way out of the room you can see.
Coupled with the design of the fireplace you guess... British? The room does give you an British vibe...
There's also a record player there with 10 discs, those too unlabeled.
Hmmm... unlabeled, what could that mean? To avoid tracking? Custom made? Whatever it is, it means whoever lives here must be very quirky. Or dangerous.
There's a chandelier in the ceiling, looks old and expensive.
The wallpaper might hold more info, perhaps you could determine its age or... Oh, wait it's not a wallpaper. It's just a white wall that has been meticulously covered in blood to form intricate patterns without making it look ugly or scabbed. It actually looks pretty consistent and well drawn, enough to fool the eye in this dim light. Clearly a professional artist's job. Probably used some sort of chemical coating to preserve the design without making it unpleasant. Well, that means whoever lives here is quite powerful, quite crazy and quite dangerous.
The only thing left to examine is the mirror. There's an inscription there but it's been covered with a small blood spatter. You scrub it a little. Oh, yes, it reads-
"Mirrors are more fun than television." whispers your reflection in the mirror while looking at you, before pulling a knife and cutting its own throat.
You are taking this all very calm, all things considered. Besides your heartbeat elevating a bit and your body tensing, there's no noticeable reaction.
"Excellent!" approves your reflection, keeping its head upright to prevent its throat from opening, this time using another voice, not yours.
"You seem to be exactly what we're looking for. So cold, so focused. A real killer."
'What we are looking for.' So, recruiting. A secret agency?
The British probably wouldn't go to all this trouble, setting up holographic displays and directional speakers. The Americans or Chinese maybe? Or an unknown third party?
And that leaves you with no indication of where you could be. This could be a studio in the middle of nowhere, created just so that interrogators can mess with their victims' heads.
Or maybe you're just drugged and hallucinating. Or maybe you've gone crazy. Who knows? Reality is a bitch, but determining reality without reliable information is even worse.

---

So, let's choose a game mode for the next map, shall we?
We have:

• Arena: A simple "last man standing wins" match. Other objectives may be present based on map size and state or may appear during the game.
• Standard Arena: Just perfect for instant action, with not much room to run away. About the size of a large restaurant, maybe a bit larger.
• Large Arena: Gives some more room for resting, maneuvers, tactics and ambushes. About the size of a large warehouse or factory.
• Huge Arena: This arena is so large, there will likely be other means for motivating players to go and fight each other, like trackers or other primary objectives for example. About the size of a small town.
• Extreme Arena: Even with other primary objectives and means of tracking other players, you're likely to spend as much time finding each other and interacting with NPCs as fighting each other, if not more. About the size of a small city, if not larger.
• Changing Arena: Your surroundings will rapidly change. Provides opportunities for people to quickly get near or away from a fight.
• Malevolent arena: This arena is dangerous. It might be because someone designed their base with no OSHA compliance. It might be that the arena is changing itself to confuse you and put you face to face with danger. Or it might be that the arena is growing hands that try to suck you in the walls. Either way, this is neither a pleasant nor a safe place to be.
• Boss fight: Fight against an incredibly tough opponent. The entire team wins if the enemy is destroyed, else last man standing wins
• Small scale: He might be strong, but he's still human sized, or close enough. Your challenge would most likely be managing to hit him and evading his attacks.
• Large scale: Big threat in a big package. You'll want to hit this one hard and stay out of its way.
• Survival: Stay alive while being under attack by hostile forces. The entire team wins if one of them survive past a certain point, else last man standing wins.
• Conflict: Two or more teams with conflicting objectives. Complete your team's objectives to win.
• Race: Complete your objective first or be the last one standing. Essentially a combination of Arena and Conflict.
• Assault: Work as a team to finish an objective. It won't be easy, and there will be incentive for infighting.
• Tournament: Settle this the old fashioned way. Duel until there is only one left standing.
• Other: Got any good ideas?

I personally recommend a Standard-Huge Arena for simplicity, since this is the first match and all.

---

EDIT:((Too sleepy to send PMs, will send after sleep. ZZZzzzzz))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 08, 2013, 11:16:43 pm

Some CtF variant would be good to add at some point. And maybe something where we get minions.

Extreme, Malevolent, Changing Arena: The City of Gears
More description incoming.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Fniff on November 08, 2013, 11:30:05 pm

(I should have phrased it better: it was meant as an attempt to analyze the area and see what's up.)
Tokyo, Japan, Yenshen Labs
Large Arena
Backstory: Yenshen Labs, a large Japanese company, has recently perfected the process of genetic modification. Obviously this would be much better in our hands. Get the data from the computers, and kill anyone trying to stop you.
Location: Hi-tech underground lab with bright lights and lots of metal. Rooms are large with lots of objects making it easy to find cover, while corridors are tight and all too exposed.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 08, 2013, 11:31:46 pm

No one knows where the City of Gears came from. It was clearly made, however. No master watchmaker's masterpiece resembles the complexity of the City of Gears. It is a massive clockwork device, built around a massive pole with a massive ball rolling down a ramp studded with devices the ball powers, activates, or both. These devices trigger others, and when the City activated set off a chain reaction that proceeds onwards through the present day. The interior of the City is deceptively safe; buildings, even small towns and farms, stud the inside of the City. Yet, it is only a matter of time before your farm falls away to power some other device, or before your entire town is ravaged by becoming a pendulum, or before your house is crushed by a shower of loose gears. Yes, sometimes malfunctions seem to occur, but even these seem to have a function.

Who knows why the City exists? Was it a gift from one god to another, or the work of an immortal mad tinker of ages past? What does it matter? All who enter brave great danger. All who exit exit powerful, rich, or dead.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Toaster on November 08, 2013, 11:37:06 pm

((Assault))


John frowned.  Where was he?  What had happened?  What was this place?

He needed to search for an exit.


((No idea if you still wanted an action- I blame 504 errors))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 08, 2013, 11:38:06 pm

Zechariah blinked for a few moments, adjusting his eyes to the lights.

Get up.

He was trying to view his surroundings, but couldn't see much other than the rock ceiling and the pulsating crystals. He had a dull headache, like those he used to get from Artemis. He turned his attention to the voice. Could it be... Scion? No, no, Scion has been dead for two years now. She was a part of Artemis' world anyways. Zechariah could only assume that this was another test from The Medium, another world he had to endure and save. He had already gone through four worlds; how hard could this be?

If his memory served right, this should be this world's Medium site; he would call it the Crystalia for now. It sounded nice. Well, at least nicer than the "Castle of Glass," which was his Medium's name. This woman... whoever she was, sounded orderly. Superior. Like Mattatron did. Maybe, if things are the same here also, this is this world's equivalent of Mattatron. In that case, he was not ready to confront her. He would have to listen to her, for now.

"Okay. What do you ask of me? Who are these others?"

He knew it might be useless to ask who the others were, since these superior-types NEVER gave out any information. But he might as well play along and do his part. If this WAS another case of The Medium, then he would have to do anything he could to save this dimension. His job never ended.

This is what he asked for after all.

Ready my staff. Await requests.

---

Huge Arena, to start it off. Let's get the ball rolling.
The Highlands.
A jungle-forest type environment set in mountains. The main feature of this environment is a giant waterfall off of one of the mountains, which leads down to a basin area, circled by the other mountains and heavy trees and green vegetation. Mist and fog covers the area. Mixtures of wooden and stone buildings cover the area, including above the waterfall.

The rest is up to you guys.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Lenglon on November 09, 2013, 03:01:48 am

"I... I... I don't..."
I stop and think back, back to how things were, and remember.
remember the way that everything seemed to be slowing down. slower and slower, time itself had seemed to be dragging on, occasionally needing a push.
yet another sense that I've now lost.
and yet, if... if that had been happening...
I slowly stand up, my tails swishing in the grass, and glance down at myself.
Am I clothed? Are they the same clothes I had before?
I then look up and carefully listen for where the replies are coming from, as I speak.
"I... I suppose I thank you. I... could you explain where I am? I'm... This...
This is a nice place, isn't it? I've never seen the sky before with my own eyes.
I...
I'd like to know who I'm speaking with. could you tell me about you?"

---

No opinion as to first mission.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Working on abilities)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 09, 2013, 03:47:40 am

"Well, this definitely is an upgrade from the place I last remember falling asleep in, so I see no point in complaining, really. By the way, that's some nice-looking stationery you've got over there. Mind if I take it?"

If the voice allows it, grab pens and paper. Go to the bathroom and wash up. Pretty rare privilege for me, all things considered.

---

I vote for Assault because I hate arenas.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Fniff on November 09, 2013, 11:17:54 am

"You know, I'd prefer if you simply just asked me whether or not I wanted a job." said Jordan, as he checked his pockets. His iPod was still there. Good, he needed two things in a fight: a weapon and some kicking tunes. Those got him in the mood very well. Besides, at least they didn't confiscate it. "My girlfriend will be wondering where I am. Now, I have two questions: who are you, and what's the pay?" The first question was common courtesy and the second was obvious from his surroundings: a lot. You had to be careful with jobgivers, though, they tended to be rather prickly if you cut the bullshit and go to the chase.
Ask the circumstances of the arrangement and the identity of the person in question.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 09, 2013, 12:19:24 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 08, 2013, 11:16:43 pm

Some CtF variant would be good to add at some point. And maybe something where we get minions.

I dunno. I think that getting minions would do nothing except give me more things to manage. A companion, sure. For example, one of the Conflict missions I was considering had the players have companions or other assets that aided them in their objectives.
And CTF, while very fun in an FPS, I think it would get boring pretty fast in an RTD.

---

Toaster: John Lancaster
You get up from what looks like a mix of high tech bed and sensory deprivation chamber that seems to have slid out of the wall and make your way around a touchscreen table to a triangular door made from the same silvery metal. You push the button near the door and it slides upwards, revealing darkness beyond and a collection of strange objects. Doors, slides, mirrors, tents, rock slabs.

"Human remain calm and proceed outside for your briefing." you hear a male voice in your head. He speaks with a deep and slightly distorted voice, a cold and unemotional monotone.

Oh, hey, look, that rock slab just started glowing red.

---

DarkArtemisFowl: Zechariah Dimikaelo
You get up and look around. You seem to be inside a large cavern, its roof studded with those strange green crystals.
You are standing on a small floating rock island with a bed and nightstand on it. It is connected with bridges made of rope and wood to an island with a rock desk and an island with a rectangular gray rock slab. The underside of the islands you can see are full of those strange green crystals.
The rock slab has a disk-like depression with intricate geometric designs carved in it. There is a short pedestal in front of it.
Below you there is only darkness.

"Make your way through the portal." As she speaks, the carvings of the rock slab light up a fiery red.
"He will explain to you there and you will meet the others."
The red light expands into a ring, a portal revealing darkness beyond, with strange objects in it.

---

Lenglon: Irene
You look down. You are wearing a long white shirt that seems to be enough to preserve your modesty, but little else. "You can change it if you don't like it." she says. "You can change almost everything in here. You just have to focus on it." Her voice seems to be coming from somewhere near that island.

"This is... well, the best way to describe it would be your Home, at least for now. This is a private pocket of reality I have created for the Games, with his help and permission, as an extension of the Staging Area. Only you and me can be here."
"As for who I am... I am simply a powerful being. Some of us call themselves Gods, but I am not that arrogant. I guess you could call me an entity?"
A gust of wind lifts the purple veil revealing what seems to be a mirror, but only darkness and a collection of strange objects can be seen in it.
"Unfortunately, like I said, our rules forced me to put you in the Games. Make your way through the portal and all will be explained."
Oh, hey, look, there's a horned blue lizard man looking out from a tent in that darkness. Or is it lizard woman? Hard to discern with these non-mammals.

---

Harry Baldman: Lucky Ike Watkins
"Sure thing mate, take it." the alarm clock responds. "It's all included in the price."

You make your way to the bathroom to wash up, after pocketing some pens and paper. The warm water and cheap soap sure fell good.

"Speaking of price." the voice continues, this time coming from a waterproof radio hanging on the wall "Make your way out of your room once you're done. We're gonna be discussing our arrangement."

---

Fniff: Jordan Svenson
"Who am I? I am I!" he says and chuckles a bit, like the word I holds everything you need to know in it. "And I do not ask. I take." He sounds amused.
"About your payment..." The wooden doorway opens with a creak, revealing the same view of darkness and strange objects everyone's been seeing. "Step on through the doorway and we'll discuss it."

---

Get your votes in for gametype if you want. Right now Assault is leading with 2 votes. If I don't get more votes next turn, we'll continue with that.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 09, 2013, 12:22:36 pm

Oh, right, we were supposed to submit turns, too.

"Um, okay."

Follow the boy. Be prepared to activate powers.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 09, 2013, 12:24:44 pm

"Sure thing, buddy. I'm interested in hearing it, to be honest. Never pegged myself as a 'will-work-for-food-and-warmth' sorta guy, but I have to admit, I do like this place. Let's roll, eh?"

Head out and discuss the arrangements.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Fniff on November 09, 2013, 12:25:56 pm

(Stealth could be another fun thing. List of objectives, but try to do them without alerting the people guarding them. Less combat, more roleplay-y/alternative mechanics.)
Jordan didn't trust people who took. He limited himself in social matters: when you were like him, you had to. What was the alternative if you're not of high status? However, when people stopped asking you and started taking, that's when you were dealing with someone of high status. He checked the door for any obvious traps, but regular and unusual, then held up his iPod to illuminate the darkness.
Illuminate the darkness, check for traps, then step inside to examine the payment.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 09, 2013, 12:31:23 pm

It seemed that Zechariah had no choice. He wanted to get to the desk but he feared what this woman would do otherwise. It seemed that he was drawn to the portal anyways, its features enticing him. This must be it, then. This was The Medium, which he decided he would now call Crystalia, for this world. He patted his pocket: the twenty-two major arcana cards were still in his pocket. He also had a small rectangular plastic flask of apple juice in his other pocket, the drink of the gods for him. He took a deep breath and started off.

Walk to and enter the portal, "The Medium."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Lenglon on November 09, 2013, 02:14:30 pm

"I... I'd like to hear more about who you are. I know what it's like to be a... powerful entity. And I understand how hard it can be to explain what you are, but you're still you. You have a personality, a history, your thoughts and will and desires and fears. What about your name? I want to know about you. not about your kind."
Walk over towards where I think the voice is coming from.
"Please? I'd like to be a friend."

---

((If "the voice" insists on me going through the portal then i'm fine with you having me do as asked automatically, to save time and let us get to the main briefing faster. Irine would prefer to get to know her rescuer first though.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2013, 12:25:50 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 09, 2013, 12:22:36 pm

Oh, right, we were supposed to submit turns, too.

((This is all just for RP anyway. Just so that you aren't just suddenly yanked into the Staging Area and told what to do. And so that you have a chance to interact with the entities a bit.
And it's also a way to pass the time while waiting for Xantalos and scapheap.))

Quote from: Fniff on November 09, 2013, 12:25:56 pm

(Stealth could be another fun thing. List of objectives, but try to do them without alerting the people guarding them. Less combat, more roleplay-y/alternative mechanics.)

((This is more of a suggestion for the next part of our map selection process. I'll explain in detail next post, but basically you get to suggest some element you want to see in your mission, be it time, type of objective, location, etc. That was put in place so that people with abilities that require certain things to work would get a chance to ensure those things are in the map. For example a man with control over sea creatures would probably suggest the mission takes place on an island or underwater and not in space, a man who could upgrade electronic devices would suggest a mission taking place in modern, not ancient times, etc.))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 09, 2013, 02:14:30 pm

((If "the voice" insists on me going through the portal then i'm fine with you having me do as asked automatically, to save time and let us get to the main briefing faster. Irine would prefer to get to know her rescuer first though.))

((Like I said, we're waiting on a couple of players. So no, you're not slowing things down, feel free to RP a bit if you want.
I'm just gently prodding people to the Staging Area so that they can also interact with each other a bit. And so that they aren't dragged out by their entities when we're ready to move on.))

---

Angel Carlson

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 09, 2013, 12:22:36 pm

"Um, okay."
Follow the boy. Be prepared to activate powers.

Huh. Turns out there's no boy around. Probably a ghost.
"Great, come on!" The voice is now coming from what looks like the end of a spiral slide and the beginning of another.
You get down from the loft bed and make your way to it.
"Hop iiiin!" you hear the voice descend the slide.
You get in and, after a couple of spins, arrive at a similar endpoint at the Staging Area.

---

Lucky Ike Watkins

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 09, 2013, 12:24:44 pm

"Sure thing, buddy. I'm interested in hearing it, to be honest. Never pegged myself as a 'will-work-for-food-and-warmth' sorta guy, but I have to admit, I do like this place. Let's roll, eh?"
Head out and discuss the arrangements.

"Great." The exit opens with the squeak of unoiled hinges, revealing the darkness beyond.
"Go on, don't be afraid mate. There's a floor, you just can't see it."
You step outside, into the Staging Area, the door closing behind you.

---

Jordan Svenson

Quote from: Fniff on November 09, 2013, 12:25:56 pm

Jordan didn't trust people who took. He limited himself in social matters: when you were like him, you had to. What was the alternative if you're not of high status? However, when people stopped asking you and started taking, that's when you were dealing with someone of high status. He checked the door for any obvious traps, but regular and unusual, then held up his iPod to illuminate the darkness.
Illuminate the darkness, check for traps, then step inside to examine the payment.

You push a button and cause the screen of the device to light up. You come closer to the door and try to use the feeble light to illuminate the darkness. It doesn't work. You lower the device towards the floor. Nope, still just a dark and empty void. You experimentally put your hand out and you can feel a barrier, something like glass where the floor would be if it extended past the door.
You take a few careful steps forward and enter the Staging Area, the door closing behind you.

---

Zechariah Dimikaelo

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 09, 2013, 12:31:23 pm

It seemed that Zechariah had no choice. He wanted to get to the desk but he feared what this woman would do otherwise. It seemed that he was drawn to the portal anyways, its features enticing him. This must be it, then. This was The Medium, which he decided he would now call Crystalia, for this world. He patted his pocket: the twenty-two major arcana cards were still in his pocket. He also had a small rectangular plastic flask of apple juice in his other pocket, the drink of the gods for him. He took a deep breath and started off.
Walk to and enter the portal, "The Medium."

You make your way across the bridges (they are surprisingly steady for something made out of wood and rope) and stand before the fiery yellow ring of light.
The portal pulses with blue light as you go through it, stepping into the Staging Area. The now blue ring of light behind you collapses into a single point and then vanishes with a "Fwoosh", revealing a rock slab similar to the one in Crystalia.

---

Irene

Quote from: Lenglon on November 09, 2013, 02:14:30 pm

"I... I'd like to hear more about who you are. I know what it's like to be a... powerful entity. And I understand how hard it can be to explain what you are, but you're still you. You have a personality, a history, your thoughts and will and desires and fears. What about your name? I want to know about you. not about your kind."
Walk over towards where I think the voice is coming from.
"Please? I'd like to be a friend."

You begin walking forward, making your way to the edge of the lake through the tall grass as the entity responds.
"Name?... I..." She sounds confused. "Our kind doesn't use names. I.. I've had many in the past but they were always chosen for me. Titles of how the others saw me, Blazing Sun in the last great war, Queen of Light in Universe 1, Blinding Terror by world 3.45... I've had names from the times I was born, but even those seem old and alien to me. They don't really say who or what I am. I find the thought of someone describing me with a single word... disturbing." She sounds very annoyed at that.
"I guess... if you want to call me something, then you can call me... Stellar. If that makes things easier for you. Seems... fitting. In line with the other titles I've been given."
You reach the edge of the lake. The water near the edge of the lake rises, forming a vaguely humanoid female figure, her head hanging low.
"As to being your friend... Perhaps you would like to reserve judgment until you hear what he has to say. Maybe you won't think so highly of me after you learn why this place exists and what you're going to have to do."

---

The Staging Area
Four people arrive at the Staging Area.
Angel Carlson, a child, a girl, standing in front of the end of one spiral slide and the beginning of another. She has straight auburn hair to her shoulders, pale skin, and blue eyes. She wears glasses and green clothes of various sorts.
Lucky Ike Watkins, a man with abnormally large ears, a rather long and bony nose with highly prominent nostrils and a Fu Manchu, standing in front of a hotel room door. He is dressed in woodland camouflage, complete with real rotten leaves! He also wears a camo sun hat, which seems to principally be held up by his ears rather than his head, as it is slightly oversized. He fidgets ceaselessly, and seems like he is waiting for a chance to snap at something.
Jordan Svenson, a man that has recently left his teens, standing in front of a wooden door with intricate carvings, holding an iPod. He has brown hair, blue eyes and pale skin.
Zechariah Dimikaelo, a man in his med-teens with crystal aqua dragonfly wings, standing in front of a rock slab decorated with carvings of geometric designs. He is holding a wooden long staff with a triangular crystalline flag on top, shining aqua. He is of above average height, with black hair, shining aqua eyes, light brown skin.
They are all arranged in a circle along with other objects. A large canvas tent. A triangular door made of silvery metal. A human sized mirror, showing a blurry reflection of a field of grass. They're all facing each other.
Everything else is just a dark void.
"Ah, our first participants. Welcome, welcome!" all of you in the Staging Area hear a man speaking. "I see we got some very fine specimens here. Please, make yourselves comfortable while we wait for the rest to join us. Just focus your mind on changing the Staging Area and it will respond. Come on. Give it a try."

---

Still waiting a bit for scapheap to vote for gametype (if he wants to) and Xantalos to submit a character if he still wants to so that we have an even 8. Either way, we should be starting soon, probably by Monday-Tuesday.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 12:27:17 am

((Oh! Oh yeah. Sorry, I got hired and such so I was kinda busy. Character soon.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 12:28:24 am

((Oh! Oh yeah. Sorry, I got hired and such so I was kinda busy. Character soon.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 12:38:33 am

((So now we wait. This should be very interesting.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 12:46:59 am

((Congrats! Good/Fun job?))

Angel concentrates on making the void a light void, instead. Then she tries to imagine another her, and finally a portal to some other world.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 12:48:02 am

((EH.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 12:52:06 am

((Eh not yet GWG, we are selecting the game mode still.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 12:54:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2013, 12:25:50 am

"Just focus your mind on changing the Staging Area and it will respond. Come on. Give it a try."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 01:10:29 am

((Oh, thought you were trying to escape it, not just change it. Carry on))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 01:35:13 am

"Hahaha, of course a name doesn't describe you well! That's not what names are for! Names are nothing more than a reference. a pointer. A communication tool, letting one being inform another being of which being they're referring too. A name has no meaning in of itself, the real meaning in it is generated by the entity being referenced, not by the speaker. I agree, normal names are nothing compared to True Names, but when you're limited to a single physical organism a normal name really is all you can handle."
Continue to advance to where I'm hearing Stellar from.
"besides, there's value in naming. It emphasizes individuality, and fosters free will. By giving someone a name of their own, something to make them unique, you let them know that they're important, that what they do matters, that they cannot be truly replaced. It helps individuals stay individual, reinforcing the basic foundation of free will itself."
stop and close my eyes for a few moments.
"Please, you've asked me to trust you so very much, could you trust me a little too? I know I've got some bad news ahead of me, but...
Please? I'm scared, and I want a friend."
open my eyes again and look around.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: scapheap on November 10, 2013, 04:13:21 am

(504s and then a busy day)
-
"It is familiar, but I saw it burned to the ground and there are bad memories with it. I would prefer my cave. No one mistreated me there." Eria stare at the figure "So then, Why am I here? You must have a reason since no one would want me around otherwise."
-
Standard, dojo

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 04:28:56 am

NAME: ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK
GENDER: MALE
AGE: 34 AND PROUD
APPEARANCE: HE'S A CHUBBY GUY WITH STRAWBERRY BLONDE HAIR, A VERY SCRAGGLY BEARD, AND THREE PAIRS OF SUNGLASSES. HE'S WEARING A TRENCH COAT, OVERALLS, AND A PATCHWORK T-SHIRT MADE UP OF MULTIPLE OTHER T-SHIRTS. HE SMELLS VERY BAD.
POWER: THIS MAGNIFICENT MAN CAN FIRE A STREAM OF ANY HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES THAT HE CONCENTRATES ON OUT OF HIS HANDS, AS WELL AS KNOWING HOW TO USE THOSE ITEMS FOR JUST ABOUT ANY PURPOSE.
HOW HE GOT THIS POWER: HE SOMEHOW GOT STUCK IN A DVD STORE FILLED WITH ONLY SELF HELP DVDS FOR 7 YEARS. BY THE TIME HE GOT OUT, HE'D WATCHED SO MANY HE HAD SUPERPOWERS SOMEHOW.
UNFORTUNATELY, HE IS VERY UNFIT. TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, HE'S FAT AND LAZY AND ARROGANT. ALSO A MANCHILD WHO OCCASIONALLY EMOTIONALLY BREAKS DOWN AND STARTS CRYING FOR NO REASON AT ALL. HE EASES HIS TEARS WITH ICE CREAM, EXACERBATING HIS FATNESS IN THE PROCESS.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2013, 05:09:54 am

Focus. Consider birds. And trees. And rivers. And birdrivers and treebirds, possibly even a treeriver of some kind, filled with rivertrees and riverbirds.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 09:39:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 01:35:13 am

"Hahaha, of course a name doesn't describe you well! That's not what names are for! Names are nothing more than a reference. a pointer. A communication tool, letting one being inform another being of which being they're referring too. A name has no meaning in of itself, the real meaning in it is generated by the entity being referenced, not by the speaker."

"A rose by any other name would smell just as sweetly, you know. Also, who are you talking to?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2013, 10:19:24 am

For those of you wondering, GreatWyrmGold, DarkArtemisFowl, Harry Baldman and Fniff have their characters in the Staging Area. The rest are in their personal areas. Perhaps I should had made that clearer. Check the part of the post labeled The Staging Area.

@Xantalos: I like your character. Also, "Caps lock is your key to victory!" Will process your character later, but you can consider yourself in. Vote on gametype (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4747325#msg4747325) if you want. EDIT: Oh, and congrats for the job.

Busy now, turn later.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Toaster on November 10, 2013, 02:07:59 pm

((Damn you 504))

John looks around.  "Who are you?  Where am I?  What do you mean, 'human'?"

Await response.  If no response, check that rock slab.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 04:57:17 pm

((Hmm.
Uh.
I dunno honestly.
Thanks though!))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Preparing for the first mission)
Post by: Fniff on November 10, 2013, 06:39:41 pm

Jordan didn't have the patience for wonderful things. Sure, imagining stuff into existence would be fun for anyone who wasn't Jordan, but really it just seemed like a waste of effort compared to just giving him what he needed, which this was an obviously convulted excuse for. And when was he getting paid, precisely? He was already having doubts that this job was for him. All he needed now was someone trying to kill him or mindwipe him when he quit. He didn't go for those kind of jobs, so he noted specifically in his contract that he didn't accept a "bullet to the head pension plan". He sighed again, and then finally thought of something he could use right now.
Think of a display case of guns. Take them out and examine them to make sure they're in working order, and properly made just to make sure this imagination creation thing wasn't skimping out.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird season)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2013, 10:15:38 pm

Okay then, looks like we're going with Assault. Now's your chance to suggest some element you would like to see in the mission.

Like I said last turn, I put this feature in so that characters with powers that require certain things to work could get a chance to make sure those things are in the next mission.

So if there's something you would like to specify about the next mission, say so now. Simple suggestions like Steampunk, Futuristic, Underwater, Stealth, City, Pirates, what you'd prefer the objective to be, etc. Don't write me an entire mission description.

I'm pushing you all into the Staging Area next turn so that we can begin the mission.

---

Irene

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 01:35:13 am

"Hahaha, of course a name doesn't describe you well! That's not what names are for! Names are nothing more than a reference. a pointer. A communication tool, letting one being inform another being of which being they're referring too. A name has no meaning in of itself, the real meaning in it is generated by the entity being referenced, not by the speaker. I agree, normal names are nothing compared to True Names, but when you're limited to a single physical organism a normal name really is all you can handle."
Continue to advance to where I'm hearing Stellar from.
"besides, there's value in naming. It emphasizes individuality, and fosters free will. By giving someone a name of their own, something to make them unique, you let them know that they're important, that what they do matters, that they cannot be truly replaced. It helps individuals stay individual, reinforcing the basic foundation of free will itself."
stop and close my eyes for a few moments.
"Please, you've asked me to trust you so very much, could you trust me a little too? I know I've got some bad news ahead of me, but...
Please? I'm scared, and I want a friend."
open my eyes again and look around.

((Well, you're near the edge of the Lake and the avatar the entity has chosen is standing there above the water, so I'm going to assume you just moved right at the edge for the sake of not delaying your action. Hope you don't mind.))

The water-lady in front of you looks up in surprise at your laughing. Well, as surprised as a faceless humanoid made of water can look.
She watches you intently as you continue speaking and approaching.
A few moments of silence pass after you finish speaking.
"Trust... is a hard thing for us to give, especially here. Even among friends."
She hesitantly raises her arm to touch your cheek.
"But you have nothing to worry about. You will have my friendship. For as long as you need it."
Strangely, her hand doesn't feel wet and cold but soft like flesh and warm, almost hot.
"Just do your best and I promise I will get you out of here. I will find you a new home."
She lowers her hand, a ripple extending from her face to the rest of her body.
"We can talk more later. Now you must go. Don't worry, you won't see me but I'll be with you."

---

Eria

Quote from: scapheap on November 10, 2013, 04:13:21 am

"It is familiar, but I saw it burned to the ground and there are bad memories with it. I would prefer my cave. No one mistreated me there." Eria stare at the figure "So then, Why am I here? You must have a reason since no one would want me around otherwise."

"You underestimate yourself." As she speaks the tent around you changes into a cave. "You will be very useful. Now, step outside, the others are waiting." She uses a burst of green sparks to highlight a leather flap covering a hole in the rock wall.

---

John Lancaster

Quote from: Toaster on November 10, 2013, 02:07:59 pm

John looks around.  "Who are you?  Where am I?  What do you mean, 'human'?"
Await response.  If no response, check that rock slab.

"Personal identification already provided refine query."
"Location designation Staging Area personal subsection."
"Human appellation based on biological data."
"Human final warning proceed outside for briefing."

While you were talking, a man stepped out of the glowing rock slab. And then the dark void turned into some strange treeriverbird nightmare right out of a surrealist painting. Well, that's a thing.

---

ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK

Quote from: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 04:28:56 am

<Character>

You wake up.

You're flying through a dark void filled with all manners of ice cream and appliances, melting together and reforming, dark tentacles taking pieces of the scenery and rearranging it. You're approaching a large purple ring.
"The chubby one
has finely come
He is delayed
and kinda crazed
but I don't care 'cause that's my kind of style.
Now you will fight
for our delight
but first you'll meet
the other fresh meat
and you'll hear the other speak and learn your plight." you hear a deep, grating voice reciting giddily.
The voice breaks down into a laugh that reminds you of a hyena.

((Just throwing you to the Staging Area and introducing you to your entity, since we'll begin the briefing next turn anyway.))

---

The Staging Area: Angel Carlson, Ike Watkins, Zechariah Dimikaelo, Jordan Svenson
A purple ring appears in the circle of portals.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 12:46:59 am

Angel concentrates on making the void a light void, instead. Then she tries to imagine another her, and finally a portal to some other world.

Angel manages to change the dark void into a gray void. Eh, close enough. She also manages to summon a copy of her, but it looks more like a statue or mannequin, just standing there, unmoving except for breathing, a mocking grin stuck in her face. The attempt at the portal just brings the spiral slide closer.
"Hmmm... A child. Powerful. Inquisitive. Corrupted. Interesting. Although I would prefer it if we didn't have any children here."
"Come oon. She will be fun! I want to have someone to play with. And the rules allow it!"
*sigh* "Whatever. _Abomination. Anyway, no summoning sentient copies. You can give her simple commands to obey, but that's it."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2013, 05:09:54 am

Focus. Consider birds. And trees. And rivers. And birdrivers and treebirds, possibly even a treeriver of some kind, filled with rivertrees and riverbirds.

The gray void above, below and besides you fills with strange things. Trees with feathers instead of leaves and beaks instead of fruit. Streams made of trees melting and changing shape. Birds with wings that end in white branches instead of feathers, migrating in large streams, like rivers. And in the center of it all, a huge roaring river floating above you, filled with all manners and combinations of trees and birds, melting, reforming and constantly changing state and shape.
"Wow mate, he told you to make yourself comfortable, not turn this into some kind of... I don't even know WHAT this is."
*sigh* "Whatever happened to good old fashioned cafeterias and pizzerias?  Or at least a nice ominous dark chamber."
"He's probably just testing the limits of this place."
"Or he is simply very unfocused."
"Either way my silver friend
I'd like to say this twisted fiend
really admires his style."

((I'm now considering rolling for sanity damage.))

Quote from: Fniff on November 10, 2013, 06:39:41 pm

Think of a display case of guns. Take them out and examine them to make sure they're in working order, and properly made just to make sure this imagination creation thing wasn't skimping out.

A display case with all manners of guns, from muskets to modern guns appears in front of you, growing out of the back of a treebird that is currently using its beak to clear its leafs. You pick up a scoped M4 carbine and check the magazine. Loaded. You put the magazine back in and run your action to put a round in the chamber.
"That's my man. Good to see you have the right priorities."
"I think he just wants to hunt. It IS treebird season after all."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 10:22:46 pm

"Aw..." Angel thinks.
"I'll call you Nimue. Nimue, watch me and remember the kind of stuff I do."
Angel starts going to the other people and hugging them.

((I'd like to see NPCs playing a variety of potentially important roles.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 10:39:28 pm

Imagine a world like... like Haextov's world. A future version of Earth, lush with trees and vegetation. Set in the mountains, with a waterfall and a basin area, stone and wooden buildings covering the entire area...

And suddenly I am hugged by Angel.

"Why... thank you, um.. what's your name?"

((An objective, an objective... The Crystal.  Contained in the metaphorical "heart" of whatever challenges we face. ))

((Seriously, I'm out of ideas here. I was really hoping for Arena, but this is all I could manifest. Please do add more if you could.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 10:42:06 pm

Ooh, ice cream!

Turn around and fire a stream of toothbrushes in the opposite direction of the ice cream. This should propel me towards it.

The players all wake up Hangover-style - the place around them is completely messed up and they have no idea where they are.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 10, 2013, 10:51:51 pm

"My name's Angel! What's yours?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 11:03:30 pm

"Hi, Angel. My name is Zechariah. But you can call me Ziah."[color]

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 11:59:29 pm

((I do not mind at all, thank you.))
"I... I guess I'll get going then. um, thank you, I... Thank you."
Return to the mirror and hesitantly step through it, then look around at my new surroundings.

---

stepping through the mirror into this new place (the staging area) I look around at my surroundings and just kinda wince, quickly looking down and away from the illogical sight
"Um, who's bright idea was this?"
thinking back on what Stellar told me, I silently extend my will and attempt to re-order this place into someplace more

Spoiler: Comfortable and Familiar (click to show/hide)

This moon has a molten core and a thick outer shell. it is too small to retain a breathable atmosphere outside this shell, however inside this barrier, which is mostly intact but contains some cracks and holes, it has a very, very vast cavern network that spans the entire moon interior. this network goes quite deep into the moon itself, and contains a breathable atmosphere and a surprising amount of life.
this cavern network is mostly barren near the outer section, where it is freezing cold and the air is thinner, there is little of the glowing lichen from deeper inside, and it is very dark. the few creatures that live in this area are displaced animals from deeper below, going into this frozen wasteland out of desperation and with nowhere else to go. there is little plant-matter to consume here, only the most hardy of lichens can withstand the intense cold and thin air. the area does contain one large predator of note however, for it is home to a race of Giant Cave Spiders. these creatures act as ambush predators, sitting perfectly still in the darkest of tunnels for long periods of time, waiting for prey to unwittingly walk into their strong webs in the darkness before injecting them with their poison.
as you go deeper into the moon's caverns, it grows warmer and the lichen on the walls often have the faintest of glows to them. making this area into a world of twilight and shadows. here you are more likely to encounter small roaming predators looking for lichen-feeders to prey upon, small cats and suchlike, however there is still a very significant risk of the spiders coming down from above to eat. potential prey have a much better chance of avoiding the spiders in this area. there is some light to see by, and their webs become coated with dirt and the bodies of tiny creatures too small to eat much faster. despite this, the odds of surviving the spiders is still quite low.
going deeper still gets you to a somewhat vibrant area, where the glowing lichen almost universally makes the area visible. this is the home of the primary large herbavores of the moon, a slug-like species that feeds on the lichen coating the walls, celing, and floor. these slug-creatures are highly territorial, and will attack trespassers with a pair of tentacle-like appendices, each of which have a acid nodule near the tip that is used both to loosen the most stubborn of lichen, and to protect itself from predators. these slugs can be found in all areas of the caverns as a result of their terratorial natures, forcing each other to spread out, but they are most prevalent here, relatively deep in the caverns, where the air is thick and gently warm, and the food plentiful. the giant spiders do not like going this deep, they are too easy to spot and the air is too warm for them.
if you continue deeper still, magma pools begin to pockmark the area, and small geysers and hot springs are everywhere. the air is quite hot and humid, and every imaginable surface is absolutely covered in plant life. including some giant fungi that will sometimes extend from the ceiling to the floor, and block some paths. at these deepest depths the most noteworthy creature would have to be the area's multi-tailed red foxes, for their rarity in any of the biomes, even this one, their unusually long lifespan (800-1200 years unless sickness or a larger predator cuts their life short), and the exotic nature of their tails, which seem to split into one additional full-size every fifty years, and are unusually durable for no discernible reason. This is also the section of the moon that we are currently standing in.
this is as deep as most creatures can explore in the caverns, eventually all the tunnels and caves dead end into a magma pool or boiling hot spring. in reality however the tunnel network continues farther down for quite a distance, but is flooded with molten magma, and eventually coeleses into one giant spherical magma pool outside of the true center of the moon's core. these magma tunnels should be devoid of life, and this is mostly true, however there is one noteworthy exception. there is a very long-lived (8000+ years) species of very large (80-120ft long) Wyrm that lives in these magma pools, and are the only sentient life on the moon at this time. they feed off of the warmth and nutrients in the magma itself, and are essentially impervious to damage, having adapted to living in magma itself. These Wyrms only show themselves to sate their curiosity about the world above, and cannot leave their home of molten rock for long, they generally will starve if they stay out beyond three days, and grow weak (relatively) before the end of the second. there are very few of these, only 6 at this time, and consider themselves the moon's guardians. their population is essentially constant, reproducing only to ensure their presence continues, but they arn't threatened by any form of predator or disease in their natural, molten, home.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 11, 2013, 12:39:08 am

"How very lovely. It is interesting where a train of thought can take you."

Focus and fill the area with the musical stylings of assorted Romance-era composers as performed by birds, rivers, trees, treebirds, birdrivers and treerivers, not to mention riverbirds and rivertrees as they move, the tunes mixing together and producing new combinations with every moment.

((Suggestion for the mission: Eraserhead, if you've seen it.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 01:09:09 am

Zechariah realizes something very important.
"Hold on, everyone. I would like us all to know each other first. I am Zechariah Dimikaelo, guardian of soul and shadow. Nice to meet you all."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 11, 2013, 01:21:11 am

"That sounds very dramatic, sir. I'm Lucky Ike Watkins. Wonderful weather we're having, no?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 08:50:29 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2013, 11:03:30 pm

"Hi, Angel. My name is Zechariah. But you can call me Ziah."[color]

"Nice to meet you, Ziah! I'm going to hug someone else now!"

Angel hugs...whoever the next person is to post here, I guess.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: scapheap on November 11, 2013, 11:45:24 am

"Thank you." Even in the wilds, Eria made a point of keeping manners.

Step through

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 12:52:12 pm

(Mission suggestion: Soviet Russia.)
"I like to keep on my toes. I get you guys wanting to expose your power with these imagination spots, but I'd prefer to just get my equipment sorted out before we do start doing things. Speaking of, is this mission happening soon and will I get to keep this equipment?
Imagine a machete, a sharpened and serrated one.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 12:57:25 pm

"I don't believe we are to keep any extra armaments, rather than the ones we already use normally. I bet, though, that if you have a specific preference for an item, you could keep it. Like my flask of apple juice, hopefully.
Zechariah pats his left pocket.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 12:58:08 pm

"Well, this makes this section fairly pointless, then, doesn't it?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 01:05:07 pm

Zechariah explored Haextov's world in his mind.
"I suppose, though I'm not hosting this event. I get this is a mental exercise of sorts... not only our own, but for our superior also."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 01:23:40 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 11, 2013, 11:45:24 am

"Thank you." Even in the wilds, Eria made a point of keeping manners.

Step through

She gets hugged.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 01:27:26 pm

"Whatever."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 01:36:41 pm

 "It's nice to get acquainted with everyone first. Whether enemies or friends, at least we'll know who we all are."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: scapheap on November 11, 2013, 03:37:12 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 01:23:40 pm

She gets hugged.

The sudden 'attack' causes Eria to let loose a blast of ice. With the hug binding her arms to her side, she only managed to limited her movability.
After a moment to gather her senses, she look down at her icebound feets "Well crap."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 04:03:51 pm

"Eek!" Angel struggles a bit against the ice, then attempts to activate a pyrokinetic ability to free herself and warm herself afterwards.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 04:41:32 pm

"Oh, wow. Here, let me get you out of there..."
Control the shadows. Wrap the shadows around the ice and break the ice using pressure.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: scapheap on November 11, 2013, 05:00:49 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 04:03:51 pm

"Eek!" Angel struggles a bit against the ice, then attempts to activate a pyrokinetic ability to free herself and warm herself afterwards.

"Sorry about that, not used to hugs and got a hairline trigger." She started to work her self out of the ice.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 06:19:22 pm

Zechariah drops the shadows, seeing that it probably would hurt them more than help them in this situation, considering they are both breaking out of the ice.
"I'll just let you get out of there. Um, sorry about that."

((Oh, by the way: do you guys want me to use Teal instead of Aqua? Aqua is Ziah's theme, but I just want to know so I don't make it hard for you guys to read :P ))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2013, 07:33:32 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 11, 2013, 12:39:08 am

((Suggestion for the mission: Eraserhead, if you've seen it.))

((I just watched it and... wow... I don't think I'm capable of creating something on that level of horror. And even if I could, it's a bit hard to convey that horror through an RTD. EDIT: That's piecewise's schtick now that I think about it...))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 06:19:22 pm

((Oh, by the way: do you guys want me to use Teal instead of Aqua? Aqua is Ziah's theme, but I just want to know so I don't make it hard for you guys to read :P ))

((Considering the colors I'm using for the entities, I think if they had a problem with that, they'd be screaming curses at me now. :P))

((Anyway, got the mission description ready. Let's do the briefing while I finish drawing some maps.))

---

ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK

Quote from: Xantalos on November 10, 2013, 10:42:06 pm

Ooh, ice cream!
Turn around and fire a stream of toothbrushes in the opposite direction of the ice cream. This should propel me towards it.

You can't concentrate enough. You only manage to fire a couple of electrical toothbrushes in front of you. You fall through the portal and into the Staging Area, the toothbrushes vibrating ineffectually besides you. Strangely, you do not feel any strain when you land.

---

Irene

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 11:59:29 pm

"I... I guess I'll get going then. um, thank you, I... Thank you."
Return to the mirror and hesitantly step through it, then look around at my new surroundings.

Even though you can see dust accumulating on top of the mirror, it seems like whatever barrier is holding it there allows you to pass through it without even feeling anything. You step through it and into the Staging Area. Well, that's certainly strange.

---

Eria

Quote from: scapheap on November 11, 2013, 11:45:24 am

"Thank you." Even in the wilds, Eria made a point of keeping manners.
Step through

"You are welcome. It's good to see there are still people who value politeness in the world."
You lift the covering and make your way to the Staging Area.

---

John Lancaster

Quote from: Toaster

Nothing

John is picked up by an invisible force and floated over to the Staging Area.

---

The Staging Area: Everyone
The Staging Area seems to mostly take on Irene's suggestion, changing into a circular rock chamber with a magma pool in the middle, illuminating everything with a red glow. Despite what one would expect, it is comfortably warm instead of searing hot. Rock tunnels lead to the various portals that lead back to your various personal sections.
Ike's suggestion manifests itself as a solitary birdtree that stands beside him, croaking and creaking in an imitation of Tchaikovsky (http://youtu.be/7_WWz2DSnT8?t=50m50s).
Zechariah is a bit distracted by the new arrivals to properly concentrate, so his suggestion manifests itself merely as carvings of a lush world that stand as a contrast to this barren underground place.
"Ahhh. Much better. A dark chamber with ominous lighting and classical music. There, was that so hard?"
Angel, her doppelganger in tow, in her eagerness to hug the scaly form of Eria scares her into firing a stream of ice. Strangely, even though the ice manages to cover their feet with a thin ice covering and make them cold, it doesn't make them uncomfortably so. What's more, the ice quickly dissipates into a cloud of steam making any attempts to free themselves redundant.
"My, my, so eager to kill each other. Wait until the match starts girls. You'll get plenty of chances to do that then."

---

The briefing: General Information
"Good, I see we're all here." The voice that you've until recently heard in your heads can now be heard coming from one edge of the magma pool. "Now, may I have your attention please?"
A rock platform is formed from the rock there and on it appears a lectern.
"Oh no, he's going to do that theatrical thing again, isn't he?"
The rock wall behind the platform disintegrates, revealing a magmafall that flows under the platform and into the magma pool.
Behind the lectern appears the form of a man made from darkness. The darkness twists and rises off of him, like a flame made of darkness.
"As the creator and organizer of the Interuniversal Games for Special People, I would like to welcome you and wish you all good luck.
You have all been chosen because you are special. Because you are somehow better. Because you have the potential for greatness.
You were all chosen by one of us to participate in this prestigious competition."
" 'What exactly is this competition?' I hear you asking? Well, it is very simple. One of us chooses a challenge for you, that is, a place where you will appear and an objective you must complete. Emerge from the challenge victorious and you will be rewarded. Your entities will be allowed to work on improving your abilities. Your power will increase, your weaknesses will be eliminated. Loose, and you get to try again, at least until your entity gets bored. The better you perform, the quicker you can go home, back to your time and space, with only increased power and knowledge to show for it. Pretty nice deal, eh? We get entertained, you gain power, everyone is happy."
"Yeah, but what about the stray? The rules state-"
"The 'Stray', as you called her, is not a problem. I've already talked to her entity about it and I'm certain we'll be able to come to an arrangement about that. Now, do not interrupt me again."
"Now, some simple things. As you may have noted, you can change almost everything in here with your mind. However, you cannot create copies of yourselves or other participants. You are also incapable of harming or otherwise hurting and undermining yourselves or others, be it physically, by changing this place or by using your abilities. That's why we are able to have this conversation in pleasant warmth instead of flesh burning heat, why that ice melted in seconds while your skin does not. If you really want to fight and hurt someone else, tell one of us. I'm sure we'll be able to arrange something. If you want to practice and experiment however, this area is perfect for that. The only difference between this area (the Staging Area) and your personal sections is that only you and the entity that chose you may enter your personal section."
"Most challenges won't allow you to bring anything from here except items that have been 'bonded' to you. But do not worry, your hosts should provide you with whatever you need. Your hosts will also be able to provide you with sufficient information about the world you appear in. Each challenge is unique in that regard, so going into it in detail before it starts seems redundant."
"And that's about it, I think. If there are no questions, either about the Games or about your first Challenge, please proceed to one of the portals, so that we may begin. Two people per portal."
When he finishes speaking, four rock benches appear, each with a different label: Stealth, Assault, Hunt, Disguise

---

((Run out of time while writing, that's why it's a bit shorter and without quotes. Hope I didn't forget anything.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 07:38:36 pm

Jordan was now quite annoyed. After being given a speech about "being special", which his brainwashing bullshit radar made him tune out, all he caught was that apparently he was being fucking kidnapped. Okay, it was for a competition for "special people" (What the fuck did that even mean anyway? It brought to mind the special Olympics) and apparently it was going to bring his power up a notch, but maybe it would have been nice if he had been maybe asked about it beforehand. And besides, this obviously wasn't a paying gig.

"I'm afraid that though this may 'increase my power', I'm not going to be able to do this without a cash incentive." said Jordan, trying to keep himself calm. "Sorry, it's in my contract. I have to run a service here. American dollars, and preferably it should include the minimum, that is 500,000, and increase with all potential threats. By my estimate, I imagine this is going to run past a million. Possibly two. Otherwise, I'm afraid this competition is not for me."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 08:02:16 pm

Zechariah was a bit disappointed that Haextov's world never came to fruition here. But it reminded him that Haextov's world was the past now. And it should be left that way.
He almost growled when the dark man introduced his role. This was the source of it all, the games and the worlds. He held his tongue, though. Later. Later, it would be.
He also heard Jordan, along with everyone else. He decided to step in, lest dangerous forces step in for him.
"Please, keep your peace. We don't know what we're dealing with here. After all, I'm sure anyone who has the power to.. 'kidnap' us, also has the power to kill us."
Zechariah could tell he probably wasn't going to be good friends with this guy. He still had a duty to protect everyone though, so he tried to withhold Jordan.
Now then, the four benches. While he could do stealth, he wasn't the perfect person for that. And he felt it would be followed up with deadly combat, so he decided it was not for him.
Assault: definitely not him. His abilities, though he could summon deadly shards of crystal light to impale enemies with, were better suited for defense and teamwork.
Disguise: It could work for him. However, disguising was only one part of his abilities. He felt he could do better than just working with the shadows.
So he chose Hunt. He could protect whoever went on Hunt with him. If that's how it works, anyways. He had no idea what these people wanted from them.
Stand by, or sit on the bench labeled "Hunt."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 08:11:10 pm

"They're welcome to try. Question is, why would they want to?"

Jordan decided to join the crowd. Why split up?

Sit on Hunt bench as well.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 11, 2013, 08:26:18 pm

"Um, what do the labels on the benches mean? What are we picking whenever we pick a bench to sit on?"
I walk over to the "Stealth" bench as I ask.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 09:14:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2013, 07:33:32 pm

"However, you cannot create copies of yourselves or other participants..."

Angel immediately decides to test this loophole. After a few seconds' thought, she tries to create a copy of Superman.
She also glances back at Nimue.

Quote from: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 07:38:36 pm

"I'm afraid that though this may 'increase my power', I'm not going to be able to do this without a cash incentive." said Jordan, trying to keep himself calm. "Sorry, it's in my contract. I have to run a service here. American dollars, and preferably it should include the minimum, that is 500,000, and increase with all potential threats. By my estimate, I imagine this is going to run past a million. Possibly two. Otherwise, I'm afraid this competition is not for me."

"...Can I have that, too? And what will we be doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Toaster on November 11, 2013, 09:16:55 pm

((Sorry for low RP/such.  Busy past few days.  Also, I'm taking Lime Green unless someone already grabbed it.))

John looked at the strange assemblage.  "Uh, hi.  Name's John.  I wouldn't call myself useful on any sort of subterfuge, and hunt appears to be full, so I guess count me in for the assault team?  I can make stuff- should be useful.

He looked at the girl that just spoke.  "Yeah, what exactly's going on here?"

Head to Assault.  Make myself a grenade for the practice.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 09:22:51 pm

"Well..." Jordan looked at Angel. On one hand, he considered kids on the level of civilians, but even worse: at least an adult civilian could prove useful in a pinch. However, if this child was indeed chosen among sorts at his level, perhaps she'd be useful. He put on his child-friendly smile and said "Little unge, if you help me out a little, I'm sure I can spare some cash for your pocket money!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 09:36:49 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 09:22:51 pm

"Well..." Jordan looked at Angel. On one hand, he considered kids on the level of civilians, but even worse: at least an adult civilian could prove useful in a pinch. However, if this child was indeed chosen among sorts at his level, perhaps she'd be useful. He put on his child-friendly smile and said "Little unge, if you help me out a little, I'm sure I can spare some cash for your pocket money!"

"Um, sure! I'd like to see if they'd be willing to pay me, though."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 10:02:51 pm

"Hello, John. I'm Zechariah. Or Ziah. We're... picking benches with labels. I'm not sure the exact purpose, but I'm assuming it'll be our roles in this game."

"Oh, and Angel... please do be careful."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 10:09:04 pm

"Of course!"
I'm here for a reason. Hopefully, that'll be enough...

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 10:09:33 pm

"Well, unge, the thing is, I have a thing called a "contract" saying that that you have to pay me if you want me to do things for you, but I don't think you have one of those so you can't say you wanna be paid. However, I'd be more then willing to pay you... as long as you are nice to me and don't leave me out in the cold."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 10:17:36 pm

Zechariah glared at Jordan.
He really didn't like what this guy was getting to. Zechariah tightened the grip on his staff. He was going to work with a mercenary.

"We're all going to have to work in this together, whether we like it or not. Just... leave the girl to herself."

Zechariah started pacing a little, which he did when he was nervous.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 10:29:41 pm

Jordan narrowed his eyes at Zechariah. "She's the one who was interested. What's with the warning tone? I'm just trying to help out a girl."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 10:59:33 pm

"I can only say this: just be careful. We're swimming dangerous waters just by being here, and.. I can't explain it. But we can't mess with these forces, at least not now. Angel, we'll get you some money at the end of this. Run along now, alright?"

Zechariah stared at the bench. It read "Hunt."

Protecting everyone was going to be an incredible challenge.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:01:43 am

"Exploitation is not helpful."
I look over at the arguing pair at the hunt bench
"Um, I think we're probably choosing teams or whatever. Ziah, would you like to work with me?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Xantalos on November 12, 2013, 12:44:13 am

Suddenly a fat man child barges through, yelling OUT THE WAY I'M HUNGRY!

Head over to the Assault bench, having mistaken it for the word 'Food'. Did I mention he's illiterate?

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 01:51:09 am

"Question, will we be able to talk to you god-people while we're in a mission or whatever?"

Choose the Stealth bench.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 02:16:39 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 01:51:09 am

"Question, will we be able to talk to you god-people while we're in a mission or whatever?"

Choose the Stealth bench.

"Oh, um hi. I guess we'll be working together? I'm Irine."
I slowly extend my right hand to the man with the prominent sensory organs on his face.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 05:31:47 am

Eria look at Jordan "What is an 'American dollar' what use do you need 500,000 of the things?"

Thinking about the choices, she was best at hunt and stealth and passable at assault. However is was two a peice and that left Disguise. "Can any of you trade? I'm useless at 'fitting in'."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 08:06:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 02:16:39 am

"Oh, um hi. I guess we'll be working together? I'm Irine."
I slowly extend my right hand to the man with the prominent sensory organs on his face.

"Ah, a reptilian overlord! I knew you existed all along. Anyway, I'm Ike. What can you do? I mean, what unusual things, anyhow?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 08:47:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 11, 2013, 08:26:18 pm

"Um, what do the labels on the benches mean? What are we picking whenever we pick a bench to sit on?"

((Whoops. I knew I was forgetting something. We'll just say that he didn't say so immediately to be mysterious. Yeah, let's go with that.))
"You will be inserted to the challenge area in 4 teams. The benches represent those teams. Once you have decided your teams, the mission will begin. As the one who picked this challenge he will tell you more."
"Ah, yes.
The Assault team simply needs to get an object at an elevator near the center of the enemy compound. How you get there is irrelevant, but given that the most direct route is through the main gate, it will probably involve combat against the compound's security guards.
Stealth team needs to make its way to the roof of the compound and interface with the comm array there. It will prevent your enemy from calling reinforcements, among other things.
Hunt team will be inserted inside the enemy base on a 'Trojan horse'. They will be responsible for finding a security officer and retrieving his access card and biometric data. How you do that is irrelevant, but I have no problems with severed arms.
Disguise team will be already inside the base on the second floor disguised as workers. They will be responsible for getting data from one of the directors. How you do that, either through his office or through him, is irrelevant, although a little torture won't hurt. Well, it won't hurt you.
One of you also needs to go to a security station on the second floor and interface with the equipment there. It will prevent your enemy from communicating with each other and calling for reinforcements, among other things.
You will then all gather up in front of the main elevator and head down to Level -1, where you will receive further instructions."
"How you complete those objectives is completely up to you. You can go in guns blazing, killing everybody in your path. You can forget about the teams and do things as a single group. You can stealthily hunt every living thing in the base leaving you free to pursue your objectives unmolested. You can stealthily perform your objectives, bluffing your way past security, leaving everyone unharmed and with no clue you were ever there."
"Yeah, like that will ever happen. Did you see what took place a moment ago?"
"Anyway, you will still be able to talk to us during the mission.
Just remember that you will only be rewarded for completing the mission, so try to do so, even if it kills you."

((Turn later. Just wanted to give you this info.))

Quote from: Xantalos on November 12, 2013, 12:44:13 am

Did I mention he's illiterate?

((Well, illiteracy doesn't matter much unless he literally has trouble understanding language. Everything is translated to be understood by others. That's why the lizard lady is able to talk to you. Last time I checked, lizards donn't talk English.))

((@Harry Baldman: scapheap plays the blue lizard lady, Lenglon plays the three tailed fox lady. I'll add descriptions at the first post. Sometime.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 08:49:53 am

Angel sits down on the Disguise bench, interested to see what happens.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 09:02:38 am

"Um, sorry. I guess I'm already with Jordan."

...

"Hey, good ouck to you all. I'll be looking out for you."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 09:56:06 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 08:06:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 02:16:39 am

"Oh, um hi. I guess we'll be working together? I'm Irine."
I slowly extend my right hand to the man with the prominent sensory organs on his face.

"Ah, a reptilian overlord! I knew you existed all along. Anyway, I'm Ike. What can you do? I mean, what unusual things, anyhow?"

...
I just sit and stare at Ike for a few seconds. then look down at my fox tails. then look back up at him.
"um... I... uh..."
I point at Eria the lizard woman.
"Um, isn't she..."
I let my arm drop and shake my head a couple times
"never mind. um..."

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 05:31:47 am

Eria look at Jordan "What is an 'American dollar' what use do you need 500,000 of the things?"

Thinking about the choices, she was best at hunt and stealth and passable at assault. However is was two apiece and that left Disguise. "Can any of you trade? I'm useless at 'fitting in'."

"Sure, I'll trade. This guy seems to want to work with you anyway"
I get up and leave the stealth bench and walk over to the disguise bench with Angel.
"Hi, I'm Irine."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:00:41 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 09:56:06 am

...
I just sit and stare at Ike for a few seconds. then look down at my fox tails. then look back up at him.
"um... I... uh..."
I point at Eria the lizard woman.
"Um, isn't she..."
I let my arm drop and shake my head a couple times
"never mind. um..."

"You sure smell like a reptilian overlord, at any rate. They are deceptive in their looks, you see. The lizard lady over there, though, seems pretty harmless, all in all. A reptilian underling, if you will. You're the one behind the scenes, obviously."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:03:16 am

"I'm not a lizard!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:05:56 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:03:16 am

"I'm not a lizard!"

"Of course not. You're a reptilian overlord. To call you a lizard would be to call me an inept chimpanzee. Totally different things. So, what do you do?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:07:36 am

"You mean you aren't a monkey? um...
But anyway, no! I'm not a reptilian anything!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:10:50 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:07:36 am

"You mean you aren't a monkey? um...
But anyway, no! I'm not a reptilian anything!"

"I'm even less of a monkey than a chimpanzee, so yes. And what are you, then, if not a reptilian overlord?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:14:27 am

I look down uneasily.
"Um... I... I... I don't like answering that question. people get all weird when I do that, and try to take advantage of me all the time."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:18:56 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:14:27 am

I look down uneasily.
"Um... I... I... I don't like answering that question. people get all weird when I do that, and try to take advantage of me all the time."

"Then I have no other choice than to assume that you are indeed a reptilian overlord, do I?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:20:55 am

"But I'm not! aren't there lots of other things you could assume too? You're just being mean because you know you're bugging me!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:27:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:20:55 am

"But I'm not! aren't there lots of other things you could assume too? You're just being mean because you know you're bugging me!"

"That is most incorrect! I assume that you're a reptilian overlord simply because you smell a lot like one should. Can you shapeshift, by any chance?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 10:32:25 am

Zechariah was amused at the conversations taking place. This wasn't THAT bad after all. He took a sip of apple juice from his plastic rectangular flask bag. It was indeed good.

It was also good that these people get friendly with each other. That made it easier to work together under times of stress. He'll probably even get more friendly with Jordan later if he forgot the mercenary fact.

And Angel was, of course, a nice girl. The... the reptile and the three-tailed people weren't bad either.
Zechariah just hoped that everything would go smoothly. Knowing the terror of this game, though, it wouldn't be smooth at all.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:33:12 am

"Um, mine works differently than most..."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:47:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:33:12 am

"Um, mine works differently than most..."

"How so?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:49:42 am

"well, um, most true shapechangers use biochemical energy to release a series of enzymes that react with their base genetic code to reverse the differentiation of the majority of their cells then re-differentiate them based on either an imprinted or aquired secondary genetic sequence, right? Well, um, instead I use an affinity resonance to react with environmental thermal energy and convert through it from one recorded state into another. It works completely different!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:01:17 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:49:42 am

"well, um, most true shapechangers use biochemical energy to release a series of enzymes that react with their base genetic code to reverse the differentiation of the majority of their cells then re-differentiate them based on either an imprinted or aquired secondary genetic sequence, right? Well, um, instead I use an affinity resonance to react with environmental thermal energy and convert through it from one recorded state into another. It works completely different!"

"Both of those sound like stupid sciency word-things meant to try and explain what is clearly voodoo magic, so it sounds rather the same to me either way."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:03:52 am

"But it's not! I don't make myself into some icky, gooey mass of EWWW while I'm changing! they do!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:05:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:03:52 am

"But it's not! I don't make myself into some icky, gooey mass of EWWW while I'm changing! they do!"

"Instead you're a nasty, blinding fog of OWWW, I assume?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:06:47 am

"HEY! that's not nice! and it's not my fault if you don't know that fire is hot! I didn't make you or anything!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:10:01 am

"Does the difference between your shapeshifting technique and other shapeshifters have any difference when things come to shove, though? I doubt whether or not you're forming into a gas or an organic mass really matters practically. I generally find that differences in magic technique are all well and good, but really all that matters is practicality. It's like asking whether a baseball bat breaks people's bones or snaps them: there's no difference, it's just factoids. Besides, most shapeshifters I've dealt with usually modify their auric signature to fit their needs. Though generally that means you can only modify yourself so much before you snap back to your usual shape."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:11:08 am

"When it comes to SMELL it does!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:11:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 09:56:06 am

I get up and leave the stealth bench and walk over to the disguise bench with Angel.
"Hi, I'm Irine."

"Hi, Irine! I'm Angel. Your tails are really pretty."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:05:56 am

"To call you a lizard would be to call me an inept chimpanzee. Totally different things."

"Yeah. The first one is an obvious lie, the second one is a concealed truth."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:49:42 am

"well, um, most true shapechangers use biochemical energy to release a series of enzymes that react with their base genetic code to reverse the differentiation of the majority of their cells then re-differentiate them based on either an imprinted or aquired secondary genetic sequence, right? Well, um, instead I use an affinity resonance to react with environmental thermal energy and convert through it from one recorded state into another. It works completely different!"

Angel is listening closely.

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:10:01 am

"Does the difference between your shapeshifting technique and other shapeshifters have any difference when things come to shove, though? I doubt whether or not you're forming into a gas or an organic mass really matters practically. I generally find that differences in magic technique are all well and good, but really all that matters is practicality. It's like asking whether a baseball bat breaks people's bones or snaps them: there's no difference, it's just factoids. Besides, most shapeshifters I've dealt with usually modify their auric signature to fit their needs. Though generally that means you can only modify yourself so much before you snap back to your usual shape."

"Well, she'll be able to be dispersed by people who are expecting it, and the process either gives off or absorbs heat. Sounded like it absorbed, but she said it burns."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:13:54 am

"Gotcha, unge... Wait, what happens if someone breathes in the heat while you're shapeshifting? Assuming you turn into a gas, that means if someone close by breathes in, you're going to be missing a lot of matter, so you'd find yourself missing an arm or a leg. And if the energy shifts with you, that person is going to have an arm in their throat." Jordan smirked. "Sounds like a pretty nice method to kill someone. Who'd expect it?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:17:29 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:11:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 09:56:06 am

I get up and leave the stealth bench and walk over to the disguise bench with Angel.
"Hi, I'm Irine."

"Hi, Irine! I'm Angel. Your tails are really pretty."

"Thanks."

---

"Um, not a gas. Thermal energy, heat. Fire. The burny stuff."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:18:32 am

"Still not impossible for it to get stuck inside someone."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:21:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:06:47 am

"HEY! that's not nice! and it's not my fault if you don't know that fire is hot! I didn't make you or anything!"

"Well, you are being unjustly disparaging toward people with what may be perfectly decent methods of technobabbling their voodoo magic transformations away. It doesn't feel very nice to have your abilities demeaned, does it?"

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:11:21 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:05:56 am

"To call you a lizard would be to call me an inept chimpanzee. Totally different things."

"Yeah. The first one is an obvious lie, the second one is a concealed truth."

"Now that's not a very nice thing to say, little girl. Though the noble chimpanzee and I certainly share an ancestor down the line, we're hardly the same, are we? Same applies to our friend Irine and a lizard, obviously."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:17:29 am

"Um, not a gas. Thermal energy, heat. Fire. The burny stuff."

"Wouldn't that be even worse than becoming jelly? You'd lose a lot of energy as it dissipates all around you, which would presumably leave you with less matter. That is, if affinity resonance was not just a made-up thing to cover for voodoo magic."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:23:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:17:29 am

"Um, not a gas. Thermal energy, heat. Fire. The burny stuff."

"...You turn yourself into thermal energy?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:21:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:06:47 am

"Now that's not a very nice thing to say, little girl. Though the noble chimpanzee and I certainly share an ancestor down the line, we're hardly the same, are we? Same applies to our friend Irine and a lizard, obviously."

"I was insulting your intelligence. By not realizing that, you kinda proved me right."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:21:07 am

"Now that's not a very nice thing to say, little girl. Though the noble chimpanzee and I certainly share an ancestor down the line, we're hardly the same, are we? Same applies to our friend Irine and a lizard, obviously."

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:21:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:17:29 am

"Um, not a gas. Thermal energy, heat. Fire. The burny stuff."

"Wouldn't that be even worse than becoming jelly? You'd lose a lot of energy as it dissipates all around you, which would presumably leave you with less matter. That is, if affinity resonance was not just a made-up thing to cover for voodoo magic."

"Um, that's the point, actually. I'm not always the same size."

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:23:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:17:29 am

"Um, not a gas. Thermal energy, heat. Fire. The burny stuff."

"...You turn yourself into thermal energy?"

"Uh... temporarily..."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 11:26:33 am

Wow, Zechariah thought. We have some odd friendships circling around here. Maybe it's the atmosphere of the area. The dark senses are awakening.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:29:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

"Everything eventually has a common ancestor with everything. Except aliens."

Quote

"Uh... temporarily..."

"Oh. Neat!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:30:42 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:29:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

"Everything eventually has a common ancestor with everything. Except aliens."

"Not... Not quite everything... um, um, I mean, aren't we all from different universes and stuff?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:31:32 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:23:34 am

"I was insulting your intelligence. By not realizing that, you kinda proved me right."

"Not so much not realizing it as giving you the benefit of the doubt. Alas, though, you are indeed a surprisingly nasty little muppet for a little girl. Insulting people you don't even know. I'm sure your mother would be proud."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

"Then you are a space alien?"

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, that's the point, actually. I'm not always the same size."

"But that means you'd get considerably smaller each time, as matter does tend to turn into a crapton of energy."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:30:42 am

"Not... Not quite everything... um, um, I mean, aren't we all from different universes and stuff?"

"You presumably came from somewhere, and that somewhere presumably had lizards as well, considering that you know what one is. Thus, you have a common ancestor with a lizard. Unless you are a space alien, of course."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:32:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:30:42 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:29:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

"Everything eventually has a common ancestor with everything. Except aliens."

"Not... Not quite everything... um, um, I mean, aren't we all from different universes and stuff?"

"I think so... Well, maybe. We could just be from different planets. Or the same planet, at different times."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 11:33:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:30:42 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:29:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:26:23 am

"Um, not... not really, no. I actually don't have a common ancestor with a lizard... ever."

"Everything eventually has a common ancestor with everything. Except aliens."

"Not... Not quite everything... um, um, I mean, aren't we all from different universes and stuff?"

Zechariah decided now was a good time to interject.
"The girl's right. We all are related, one way or another. Which is why we all have these different kinds of powers. Maybe not on a biological level, but there are multiple frequencies which we all tune in to. The same way."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:37:52 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:31:32 am

"Then you are a space alien?"

"Aren't YOU? You're from some alien universe to me, how much more alien than that can you get?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:31:32 am

"But that means you'd get considerably smaller each time, as matter does tend to turn into a crapton of energy."

"That depends on how you do it."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:31:32 am

"You presumably came from somewhere, and that somewhere presumably had lizards as well, considering that you know what one is. Thus, you have a common ancestor with a lizard."

"Um, no?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:39:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:31:32 am

"Not so much not realizing it as giving you the benefit of the doubt. Alas, though, you are indeed a surprisingly nasty little muppet for a little girl. Insulting people you don't even know. I'm sure your mother would be proud."

"You were being mean to Irene."

Quote

"But that means you'd get considerably smaller each time, as matter does tend to turn into a crapton of energy."

"She said she can absorb environmental heat. Didn't you listen?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 11:44:05 am

Zechariah stood up and walked slightly in the direction of the conversation
"Let's keep this respectful, please. We just have to go through this and once we're done you can be on your merry way. But we don't need cracks forming before we even get to the fight, please."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 11:46:59 am

Jordan stood up and nodded to Zechariah. "Listen to the man, as he obviously knows what he's doing and has aspirations to be the leader of this group. He's a fan of being in control."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:47:37 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 11:33:34 am

Zechariah decided now was a good time to interject.
"The girl's right. We all are related, one way or another. Which is why we all have these different kinds of powers. Maybe not on a biological level, but there are multiple frequencies which we all tune in to. The same way."

I shudder a moment after this is said, and just kinda look away.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 11:50:20 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 07:38:36 pm

"I'm afraid that though this may 'increase my power', I'm not going to be able to do this without a cash incentive." said Jordan, trying to keep himself calm. "Sorry, it's in my contract. I have to run a service here. American dollars, and preferably it should include the minimum, that is 500,000, and increase with all potential threats. By my estimate, I imagine this is going to run past a million. Possibly two. Otherwise, I'm afraid this competition is not for me."

The shadowy form facepalms. He falls inside his own shadow and reappears in front of you.
"Let me get this straight, you're objecting an entity that has the power to reshape the universes on the grounds that cash are better than god-like power? And you also think you have a choice in the matter?"
"Hey, like I said, my guy's got the right priorities."
"Not to mention that contracts do not work like that. A contract implies an agreement between two parties. I think you're confusing the term 'contract' with the term 'rates'."
The shadow lifts its shoulders in an 'I don't really care' sort of way.
"Anyway, I'm not responsible for that. The entity that chose you is. What do you say?"
"Sure. You can have all the money you want. You can ask for a golden palace for all I care. It's not like it costs me anything. Just remember, you're getting payed when your part in this contest ends, not a moment sooner."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2013, 08:02:16 pm

"Please, keep your peace. We don't know what we're dealing with here. After all, I'm sure anyone who has the power to.. 'kidnap' us, also has the power to kill us."
Stand by, or sit on the bench labeled "Hunt."

Quote from: Fniff on November 11, 2013, 08:11:10 pm

"They're welcome to try. Question is, why would they want to?"
Sit on Hunt bench as well.

"Smart man. You should listen to him Mercenary."
You both sit on the bench labeled "Hunt". Eh, rock benches, what was that entity thinking? Those things aren't very comfortable.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 09:14:43 pm

Angel immediately decides to test this loophole. After a few seconds' thought, she tries to create a copy of Superman.
She also glances back at Nimue.

A wild Superman appears. "What the- Dammit! I was just about to score with Wonder Woman! Okay, which one of your asses do I have to kick to get out of here? That black smokey guy over there? Those are usually the bad guys. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DarkIsEvil)"
"That's racist."
Well. That certainly doesn't sound like the original Superman. Maybe he's one of the other Supermans from Infinite Crisis?

Your copy is just standing there. Looking around with an expressionless face.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 11, 2013, 09:14:43 pm

"...Can I have that, too? And what will we be doing?"

"Come ooon. Money is so booring. You can have anything you want as long as you do well in the games."

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 11, 2013, 09:16:55 pm

Head to Assault.  Make myself a grenade for the practice.

It takes you a while and you loose your concentration while imagining the device, so the results aren't exactly what you wanted. Metal pieces, wires, blasting caps, screws, rusty nails and ball bearings begin materializing in front of you and assembling themselves into something that looks a lot like a pipe bomb held together by crisscrossing screws and wire. Instead of a fuse on top of it, it has a button sitting on a small breadboard along with a chip, a buzzer, a few wires and a battery.
Well it won't clear a trench, but it might scare someone. Might even kill someone if it explodes next to him.
The grenade finishes assembling and falls into your hand. Despite the sharp metal pieces jutting out of it, it feels perfect in your hand, like it was made to be gripped by you and you alone.
You sit down on the bench labeled Assault, makeshift grenade in hand.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 12, 2013, 12:44:13 am

Suddenly a fat man child barges through, yelling OUT THE WAY I'M HUNGRY!
Head over to the Assault bench, having mistaken it for the word 'Food'. Did I mention he's illiterate?

Fatty sits down besides Demolition Man, screaming something about food. Another interesting pair is formed.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 01:51:09 am

Choose the Stealth bench.

Stealth bench for you it is, sir. Would you like some salad with that?

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 08:49:53 am

Angel sits down on the Disguise bench, interested to see what happens.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 09:56:06 am

I get up and leave the stealth bench and walk over to the disguise bench with Angel.

Secret agent Firefox and her trusty sidekick Angel get ready for some covert ops!

---

HUNT: Fniff: Mercenary | DarkArtemisFowl: Light Wizard
ASSAULT: Toaster: Technomancer | Xantalos: Appliancemancer
STEALTH: Harry Baldman: Big Ears | Eria: Icelizard
DISGUISE: GreatWyrmGold: Demongirl | Lenglon: Firefox

Those are the teams. EDIT: Now with a quick description of who everyone is.
If there are no objections, we'll start once I finish drawing some maps. Feel free to argue about magic and space lizards till then.

---

"Can you please stop arguing? You have to work together, remember? For all your sakes."
"Nooo! Don't break them off. This is so much fun!"
"Yeah, they might even start trying to hurt each other. If only we let them at it a while longer..."
"NO! I don't even know why  he allows you to be here!"
"It's not against the rules. You know how he is about rules all too well, don't you?"
"I agree with mum. Fighting is bad. Playing is better!"
*sigh* "I can already tell this is going to be very... interesting."
"You're right about that, mate."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:39:23 am

"She said she can absorb environmental heat. Didn't you listen?"

"How does that work, though? You turn matter into energy, and it just floods out into the surrounding area all thermodynamically and whatnot. Absorb more heat, and you've basically violated the second law of thermodynamics six ways to Sunday, and that's only possible through voodoo magic. So the technobabble eventually leads on back to voodoo magic anyway, so it's pretty much pointless to begin with, no?"

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:39:23 am

"You were being mean to Irene."

"So, paying evil unto evil? Sound strategy, kid. Will solve all your troubles, yeah."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:37:52 am

"Aren't YOU? You're from some alien universe to me, how much more alien than that can you get?"

"Oh, no. I'm not from space. I'm from the woods. You're the only one cottoning to this alternate universe schtick, really."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:37:52 am

"Um, no?"

"Well, if you say so."

Ask the entities in the air this:

"Hey, you dudes are going to be mission control or just the debriefing and briefing guys?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:59:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56

Lenglong

((I have heard that particular joke so many times.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 11:39:23 am

"She said she can absorb environmental heat. Didn't you listen?"

"How does that work, though? You turn matter into energy, and it just floods out into the surrounding area all thermodynamically and whatnot. Absorb more heat, and you've basically violated the second law of thermodynamics six ways to Sunday, and that's only possible through voodoo magic. So the technobabble eventually leads on back to voodoo magic anyway, so it's pretty much pointless to begin with, no?"

"But affinity..."
I sigh
"never mind. It doesn't really matter anyway."
I continue to look off to the side, hiding my face, sniffing occasionally.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and physics)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:02:45 pm

Jordan addressed the entities with an impassive voice."I'm not really impressed by your little showroom here, I'm afraid. I've seen better examples of such things, and you can basically achieve the same effect by dosing me up with LSD and pushing me into a dark room. Besides, my contract explicitly states that any attempt to kidnap me to put me in any competitions or missions implicitly agrees that you want me for a job and thus must pay the correct rates. Anyway, I do have a choice in the matter in that I can explicitly refuse to take part and not do anything. Godlike power is overrated anyway, and I much prefer money because no-one except the IRS will be after you, unlike being a god. Now, if you wanna play big-man, that's alright, but unless you wish to kill me, which is counterproductive to your interests, I can simply refuse to take part. Unless you wish to brainwash me into compliance, but really that would be once again counterproductive since I am simply a human when you get down to it. Now, can I request an estimate of how long I'm going to have to be here? I do not wish to become a missing persons case as that would be extremely aggravating due to the police investigating, and this sort of thing isn't really worth more then two days of my time."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 12:02:51 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

"Hey, you dudes are going to be mission control or just the debriefing and briefing guys?"

"We'll be able to talk to you and you'll be able to talk to us, but we won't be able to directly help you. We will give you your objectives though."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:59:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56

Lenglong

((I have heard that particular joke so many times.))

((So so sorry. It was an honest typo. I didn't mean to disrespect you. Fixed it.
Anyway, wouldn't the joke be "Leglong"?))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:05:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:59:50 am

"But affinity..."
I sigh
"never mind. It doesn't really matter anyway."
I continue to look off to the side, hiding my face, sniffing occasionally.

"Aw, don't get bent out of shape over it, reptilian overlord. I was merely making conversation while our delightful overlords wait for God only knows what to happen to throw us in the fray or whatever. You are right in that it doesn't matter at all, which was partly the point I was making with the voodoo magic angle."

Prepare for ultimate absolution!

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:07:24 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:05:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:59:50 am

"But affinity..."
I sigh
"never mind. It doesn't really matter anyway."
I continue to look off to the side, hiding my face, sniffing occasionally.

"Aw, don't get bent out of shape over it, reptilian overlord. I was merely making conversation while our delightful overlords wait for God only knows what to happen to throw us in the fray or whatever. You are right in that it doesn't matter at all, which was partly the point I was making with the voodoo magic angle."

Prepare for ultimate absolution!

"Jerk. I'm not a reptile."
still don't turn to face him.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 12:02:51 pm

((Anyway, wouldn't the joke be "Leglong"?))

((that one happens a lot too, and back when the lord of the rings movies were new "Legolas" was particularly annoying.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:09:19 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:00:41 am

"You sure smell like a reptilian overlord, at any rate. They are deceptive in their looks, you see. The lizard lady over there, though, seems pretty harmless, all in all. A reptilian underling, if you will. You're the one behind the scenes, obviously."

"A underling he says, ha!" Eria shakes her head "Still, what is a 'american dollars'?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

"So, paying evil unto evil? Sound strategy, kid. Will solve all your troubles, yeah."

"I can think of one or two troubles it would fail."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:05:52 pm

"Aw, don't get bent out of shape over it, reptilian overlord. I was merely making conversation while our delightful overlords wait for God only knows what to happen to throw us in the fray or whatever. You are right in that it doesn't matter at all, which was partly the point I was making with the voodoo magic angle."

"We don't even have overlords and if we did, I would be one. _{^{Mainlying because of wiping out the competition.}}"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:10:36 pm

"American dollars is a type of currency."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:11:18 pm

Zechariah readied his staff. He was afraid he might have to defend Jordan, with how demanding he was. But he didn't have any light to create shields, magma light wasn't strong enough for his channels. The best he could do was summon some low shadows around Jordan, just in case he needed to cover him.

He appreciated the compliment also, but he did have a job to do still.

"You're getting your money, Jordan. Don't push it so far. These people will kill you without a second thought, and just kidnap someone else to place in this competition. They don't care. Just take my word and stand down."

"Excuse me, green crystal lady. May I call you Scion? And what is this... compound, that we will be attacking?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:12:37 pm

"How do you know, precisely?" Jordan looked at Zechariah. "Maybe you should mind your own business while I'm proving a point."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:14:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:07:24 pm

"Jerk. I'm not a reptile."

"Well, you are a shapeshifter, so I'd say any appellation of shape is pretty much meaningless in your case. I'm mostly calling you a reptilian overlord now because it sounds really catchy to me for some reason. I probably should just call you by your name instead, though."

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:09:19 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:00:41 am

"You sure smell like a reptilian overlord, at any rate. They are deceptive in their looks, you see. The lizard lady over there, though, seems pretty harmless, all in all. A reptilian underling, if you will. You're the one behind the scenes, obviously."

"A underling he says, ha!" Eria shakes her head "Still, what is a 'american dollars'?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

"So, paying evil unto evil? Sound strategy, kid. Will solve all your troubles, yeah."

"I can think of one or two troubles it would fail."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:05:52 pm

"Aw, don't get bent out of shape over it, reptilian overlord. I was merely making conversation while our delightful overlords wait for God only knows what to happen to throw us in the fray or whatever. You are right in that it doesn't matter at all, which was partly the point I was making with the voodoo magic angle."

"We don't even have overlords and if we did, I would be one. _{^{Mainlying because of wiping out the competition.}}"

"No offense there, lady. When I say 'reptilian overlord', I mean the sort that took over human society with their shapeshifting powers and ran it from the shadows for centuries, causing all kinds of interesting events. You probably had nothing to do with it."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 12:15:06 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 11:54:01 am

"How does that work, though? You turn matter into energy, and it just floods out into the surrounding area all thermodynamically and whatnot. Absorb more heat, and you've basically violated the second law of thermodynamics six ways to Sunday, and that's only possible through voodoo magic. So the technobabble eventually leads on back to voodoo magic anyway, so it's pretty much pointless to begin with, no?"

"Oh, no. I'm not from space. I'm from the woods. You're the only one cottoning to this alternate universe schtick, really."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:14:20 pm

"No offense there, lady. When I say 'reptilian overlord', I mean the sort that took over human society with their shapeshifting powers and ran it from the shadows for centuries, causing all kinds of interesting events."

etc
Angel does her best to ignore the crazy guy.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 11:59:50 am

I sigh
"never mind. It doesn't really matter anyway."
I continue to look off to the side, hiding my face, sniffing occasionally.

Angel hugs her.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:11:18 pm

"Excuse me, green crystal lady. May I call you Scion?"

((It would work better if she was a man made out of gold.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:18:36 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:10:36 pm

"American dollars is a type of currency."

"Thank you, now what a currency?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:14:20 pm

"No offense there, lady. When I say 'reptilian overlord', I mean the sort that took over human society with their shapeshifting powers and ran it from the shadows for centuries, causing all kinds of interesting events. You probably had nothing to do with it."

"Fairly certain none of us had that sort of power. Heck, I'm the first one with powers of any type."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:19:41 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:12:37 pm

"How do you know, precisely?" Jordan looked at Zechariah. "Maybe you should mind your own business while I'm proving a point."

"Because I've dealt with these kinds of forces before. Four times over, actually. One was the source of my power, the other three were to save other people and their worlds. It's because of them that I have my power, and because of them a lot of my friends have died. So you could consider your words or just test your fate against them. But I have people I need to protect here."

"Currency is a.. Human invention. Used to value items and labor and time.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:21:23 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:14:20 pm

"No offense there, lady. When I say 'reptilian overlord', I mean the sort that took over human society with their shapeshifting powers and ran it from the shadows for centuries, causing all kinds of interesting events. You probably had nothing to do with it."

"Why would I want to do that? That would ruin the point of having human society in the first place."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 12:15:06 pm

Angel hugs her.

I gently rock from side to side with my eyes closed.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:22:37 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:19:41 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:12:37 pm

"How do you know, precisely?" Jordan looked at Zechariah. "Maybe you should mind your own business while I'm proving a point."

"Because I've dealt with these kinds of forces before. Four times over, actually. One was the source of my power, the other three were to save other people and their worlds. It's because of them that I have my power, and because of them a lot of my friends have died. So you could consider your words or just test your fate against them. But I have people I need to protect here."

"Currency is a.. Human invention. Used to value items and labor and time.

"I've dealt with them too. Mostly for jobs. They're all about respect. If you let them screw you... then you'll find they'll keep screwing you until you have nothing left. It's like dealing with animals. They respect anger more then they respect fear."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:25:57 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:19:41 pm

"Currency is a.. Human invention. Used to value items and labor and time.

"So he..." She point at Jordan "...wants a measuring stick?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:27:35 pm

"Somewhat. The measuring stick is made of paper and is the size of your hand. You give it to people and they give you things that are as valuable as the dollar."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:27:45 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:18:36 pm

"Fairly certain none of us had that sort of power. Heck, I'm the first one with powers of any type."

"Exactly. I'm talking about different reptilian people altogether. I'm sure there are plenty. Apparently there's a multiverse if you believe Irine's particular brand of assuredly well-researched information."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:21:23 pm

"Why would I want to do that? That would ruin the point of having human society in the first place."

"I dunno. Some nefarious purpose. Or worse, for fun. Point is, it happened. Shapeshifters, man! Or lady. Say, can you flip genders on a whim?"

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:22:37 pm

"I've dealt with them too. Mostly for jobs. They're all about respect. If you let them screw you... then you'll find they'll keep screwing you until you have nothing left. It's like dealing with animals. They respect anger more then they respect fear."

"Might I point out that they can hear you, buddy? Manipulation doesn't work when you mouth off about exactly what you're doing to the one you're trying to manipulate."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:28:39 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:22:37 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:19:41 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:12:37 pm

"How do you know, precisely?" Jordan looked at Zechariah. "Maybe you should mind your own business while I'm proving a point."

"Because I've dealt with these kinds of forces before. Four times over, actually. One was the source of my power, the other three were to save other people and their worlds. It's because of them that I have my power, and because of them a lot of my friends have died. So you could consider your words or just test your fate against them. But I have people I need to protect here."

"Currency is a.. Human invention. Used to value items and labor and time.

"I've dealt with them too. Mostly for jobs. They're all about respect. If you let them screw you... then you'll find they'll keep screwing you until you have nothing left. It's like dealing with animals. They respect anger more then they respect fear."

"Well you and I are fighting a similar war then. But I fight differently. We're at their mercy right now, and I'd rather have everyone alive at this point and gain the upper hand later."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:31:51 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:27:45 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:22:37 pm

"I've dealt with them too. Mostly for jobs. They're all about respect. If you let them screw you... then you'll find they'll keep screwing you until you have nothing left. It's like dealing with animals. They respect anger more then they respect fear."

"Might I point out that they can hear you, buddy? Manipulation doesn't work when you mouth off about exactly what you're doing to the one you're trying to manipulate."

"Yeah. I'm not manipulating them anyway."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:28:39 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:22:37 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:19:41 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:12:37 pm

"How do you know, precisely?" Jordan looked at Zechariah. "Maybe you should mind your own business while I'm proving a point."

"Because I've dealt with these kinds of forces before. Four times over, actually. One was the source of my power, the other three were to save other people and their worlds. It's because of them that I have my power, and because of them a lot of my friends have died. So you could consider your words or just test your fate against them. But I have people I need to protect here."

"Currency is a.. Human invention. Used to value items and labor and time.

"I've dealt with them too. Mostly for jobs. They're all about respect. If you let them screw you... then you'll find they'll keep screwing you until you have nothing left. It's like dealing with animals. They respect anger more then they respect fear."

"Well you and I are fighting a similar war then. But I fight differently. We're at their mercy right now, and I'd rather have everyone alive at this point and gain the upper hand later."

"Now, that's an example of what you shouldn't say. While mouthing off is okay, saying 'I'm going to backstab these guys so hard" is more of an alarm to them then me showing my teeth."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:32:42 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:27:45 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:18:36 pm

"Fairly certain none of us had that sort of power. Heck, I'm the first one with powers of any type."

"Exactly. I'm talking about different reptilian people altogether. I'm sure there are plenty. Apparently there's a multiverse if you believe Irine's particular brand of assuredly well-researched information."

"meanie."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:27:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:21:23 pm

"Why would I want to do that? That would ruin the point of having human society in the first place."

"I dunno. Some nefarious purpose. Or worse, for fun. Point is, it happened. Shapeshifters, man! Or lady. Say, can you flip genders on a whim?"

"no."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:34:03 pm

"Really? That's the most fun part of shapeshifting, apparently. God, you got a really bum deal."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:36:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:32:42 pm

"no."

"Oh. How unfortunate. That would be a neat power. What can you shapeshift into, anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:37:10 pm

"Doesn't matter. They already know what I do and what I'm going to do. They just want to toy with me at this point. I'm not sure about the green lady, but I know Mr. Shadow is out to kill me."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and physics)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 12:38:07 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:02:45 pm

Jordan addressed the entities with an impassive voice."I'm not really impressed by your little showroom here, I'm afraid. I've seen better examples of such things, and you can basically achieve the same effect by dosing me up with LSD and pushing me into a dark room. Besides, my contract explicitly states that any attempt to kidnap me to put me in any competitions or missions implicitly agrees that you want me for a job and thus must pay the correct rates. Anyway, I do have a choice in the matter in that I can explicitly refuse to take part and not do anything. Godlike power is overrated anyway, and I much prefer money because no-one except the IRS will be after you, unlike being a god. Now, if you wanna play big-man, that's alright, but unless you wish to kill me, which is counterproductive to your interests, I can simply refuse to take part. Unless you wish to brainwash me into compliance, but really that would be once again counterproductive since I am simply a human when you get down to it. Now, can I request an estimate of how long I'm going to have to be here? I do not wish to become a missing persons case as that would be extremely aggravating due to the police investigating, and this sort of thing isn't really worth more then two days of my time."

"Aaargh! Again, that's not how Contracts work! That's how EULAs work! And unless you have one tattoo-ed on to you or somewhere else along with you when you were taken, it doesn't matter that much!"
Well done, you've managed to anger the being that controls this place and a large  chunk of the multiverse. Good thing he can't attack you here. The darkness around him starts to take on a blue hue and two blue eyes like crystals stare down at you. He is yelling now.
"Look, once we're done, I'll personally poof you back into existence right where and when you were taken from, we'll drive to your bank and I'll show you all the money you requested safely in your bank account. Is that all fucking right with you contract man?"
"My my, so angry..."
"Anger leads to the daaark siiiide. Booo!"
"Don't mistake this for weakness Mercenary. Unfortunately, while one is part of the games, only their entity is allowed to hurt them, unless there are special circumstances. And I'm certain that if you pulled this kind of bullshit on him he'd be very happy to rip you apart and use your entrails to weave a basket or something. He is only allowing this just because he likes to make me angry!"
"I don't know what you're talking about..." he says in a clearly mocking voice.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 12:38:57 pm

Quote from: scapheap on May 21, 1974, 11:07:51 pm

"Thank you, now what a currency?"

"It's a thing you can trade with people for other things."

Angel has presumably finished with her pyrokinesis, so she burns...the big-eared person who Harry Baldman is playing.
"Be nice! You're being really mean and stuff! You're hurting Irene's feelings!"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:40:22 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:27:35 pm

"Somewhat. The measuring stick is made of paper and is the size of your hand. You give it to people and they give you things that are as valuable as the dollar."

"So you have paper with a value which you trade for goods and labor so the paper is self must be a good so it must have a use beyond trading unwise it's valueless like gold. So you want something from someone who need to write a lot because what else would you use paper for but to write so why not ask for the good you want in the first place?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:43:00 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:36:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:32:42 pm

"no."

"Oh. How unfortunate. That would be a neat power. What can you shapeshift into, anyway?"

"A human."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:44:36 pm

"You know, being a Shakespearian villain and doing an aside to the audience is all well and good, but you kinda have to understand that talking about everything you currently know is a really bad idea when the people you suspect are going to murder you are quite literally next to you. At least I limit myself to just arguing about my contract."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 12:38:07 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:02:45 pm

Jordan addressed the entities with an impassive voice."I'm not really impressed by your little showroom here, I'm afraid. I've seen better examples of such things, and you can basically achieve the same effect by dosing me up with LSD and pushing me into a dark room. Besides, my contract explicitly states that any attempt to kidnap me to put me in any competitions or missions implicitly agrees that you want me for a job and thus must pay the correct rates. Anyway, I do have a choice in the matter in that I can explicitly refuse to take part and not do anything. Godlike power is overrated anyway, and I much prefer money because no-one except the IRS will be after you, unlike being a god. Now, if you wanna play big-man, that's alright, but unless you wish to kill me, which is counterproductive to your interests, I can simply refuse to take part. Unless you wish to brainwash me into compliance, but really that would be once again counterproductive since I am simply a human when you get down to it. Now, can I request an estimate of how long I'm going to have to be here? I do not wish to become a missing persons case as that would be extremely aggravating due to the police investigating, and this sort of thing isn't really worth more then two days of my time."

"Aaargh! Again, that's not how Contracts work! That's how EULAs work! And unless you have one tattoo-ed on to you or somewhere else along with you when you were taken, it doesn't matter that much!"

Jordan decided not to reveal the tattoo he had on his chest. He smiled and nodded. |"Well then, I'm glad we came to an agreement. Sorry about the legal battle, but when you kidnap slash employ Jordan Svenson, I'm afraid that you have to pay attention to the fine print, no matter your status."

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:40:22 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:27:35 pm

"Somewhat. The measuring stick is made of paper and is the size of your hand. You give it to people and they give you things that are as valuable as the dollar."

"So you have paper with a value which you trade for goods and labor so the paper is self must be a good so it must have a use beyond trading unwise it's valueless like gold. So you want something from someone who need to write a lot because what else would you use paper for but to write so why not ask for the good you want in the first place?"

"Well, it doesn't have a use apart from it being traded. That's what makes it so useful and thus valuable. It's valuable because it's valuable."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 12:45:31 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 12:40:22 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 12:27:35 pm

"Somewhat. The measuring stick is made of paper and is the size of your hand. You give it to people and they give you things that are as valuable as the dollar."

"So you have paper with a value which you trade for goods and labor so the paper is self must be a good so it must have a use beyond trading unwise it's valueless like gold. So you want something from someone who need to write a lot because what else would you use paper for but to write so why not ask for the good you want in the first place?"

"Basically, you can trade the paper for stuff, and then that person can trade it to other people for stuff. It's useful for being fair, because everyone has the paper and knows about how much it's worth."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:46:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:43:00 pm

"A human."

"Cool. Anything else? Can you alter your facial structure at will, that kind of thing?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:50:38 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:46:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:43:00 pm

"A human."

"Cool. Anything else? Can you alter your facial structure at will, that kind of thing?"

"Um, I can change fully into my fox-self too, but I can't change my facial structure or anything. I'm always me. I mean, I don't have a human-face or anything when I'm a fox, but I'm always the same person when I change."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 12:59:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 12:50:38 pm

"Um, I can change fully into my fox-self too, but I can't change my facial structure or anything. I'm always me. I mean, I don't have a human-face or anything when I'm a fox, but I'm always the same person when I change."

"Do you have other powers as well? This one's pretty neat, even though it's a bit limited, but I'm thinking it's probably a secondary power, yes?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 01:08:24 pm

"Um, I don't really think of my shapechanging as a power or whatever. It's just a part of who I am."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:13:13 pm

"Like I said, they already know who I am and what I am going to do. They knew it from the moment I destroyed the Castle of Glass, Artemis' Medium. They also knew it when I destroyed the Basin and the House. It doesn't matter whether or not they hear me out loud. They just want to test me, see what I can and are willing to do. Maybe that green lady won't kill me, but I guarantee you the shadow has plans for me.

...

I'll shut up about it now if that makes you happy. All I ask is for your and everyone's cooperation. If we're going to do anything we have to have everyone's powers in unison."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 01:14:46 pm

"Wait, you destroyed the Castle of Glass?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:30:30 pm

"Yes. It was my/Artemis' Medium. It was destroyed when I used the power of Metatron (the voice of God who the Guardians, Artemis and I defeated) to seal Artemis' power away and trap him in my subconscious. He still annoys me to this day. The Basin and the House were Haextov and Danielle's Mediums, which they had to conquer themselves, but I assisted them in. There was another Medium but I cannot remember that one. I suspect that this is another one of the Mediums, except here is the source of all the games."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 01:36:45 pm

"Um, could you please explain what would have happened if you didn't do that? and why did you turn on someone you were co-operating with and seal him in your head?"

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:43:30 pm

"Well, Artemis was somewhat psychotic. He believed that the only way to purify the world and other worlds... Was to destroy them all, and recreate them in his own views. I couldn't let him do that to innocent people, despite the evil in the world. He wanted to kill Metatron and use his power to destroy the universe. I used the power instead to seal him away. I couldn't kill him because when. I first met him we made a contract binding his soul and mind to my soul and mind. If he dies, I die, and vice versa. However, we could switch bodies and minds. The Castle of Glass was the sign of this agreement, the crossing of our worlds, and it fell when Artemis lost his power."

"In truth,  I can't really say who was right. Apollo, Artemis, Scion, Raphael, Rachael, Katrina, Christopher, Oblivion, Suna, and Adio. We all had our own agendas, our own interpretations of good and evil.

All I'm trying to do now is protect people."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 01:44:21 pm

"Huh... Wonder who'd wanna kill you over that."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Toaster on November 12, 2013, 01:46:40 pm

((Oh man, I'm already lost as hell.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 01:48:35 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 12, 2013, 01:46:40 pm

((Oh man, I'm already lost as hell.))

((don't worry, the only important thing you missed is that I'm not a lizard.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:50:48 pm

"Well, these... beings... weren't exactly happy that we abandoned our roles as Guardians, and killed Metatron, who I assume might've been either one of them or a subordinate. Same thing with the other Medium controllers, who Haextov and Danielle and their Guardians killed also. I guess that's why I am here now. They want to make a show out of me."

((Don't worry Toaster, this is the backstory of my character.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 12, 2013, 01:52:34 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:43:30 pm

"In truth,  I can't really say who was right. Apollo, Artemis, Scion, Raphael, Rachael, Katrina, Christopher, Oblivion, Suna, and Adio. We all had our own agendas, our own interpretations of good and evil.

All I'm trying to do now is protect people."

"Artemis was wrong, and you're doing stuff right."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 01:54:56 pm

Zechariah smiled. He really appreciated her compliment.
"Thanks. I hope your powers get used greatly, Angel. We're not gonna let them fool us."

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 01:55:19 pm

"Right. Right... So, what's your statement on his account?" Jordan looked at the shadow and the entities.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 02:02:15 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 01:48:35 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 12, 2013, 01:46:40 pm

((Oh man, I'm already lost as hell.))

((don't worry, the only important thing you missed is that I'm not a lizard.))

((That is open to interpretation.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 05:08:50 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 12, 2013, 02:02:15 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 01:48:35 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 12, 2013, 01:46:40 pm

((Oh man, I'm already lost as hell.))

((don't worry, the only important thing you missed is that I'm not a lizard.))

((That is open to interpretation.))

((Meh, all this backstory and revelation of powers and ethics and payment discussions and suchlike are all meaningless compared to the important message here. I'm not a lizard.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Arguing about magic and space lizards)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 08:23:11 pm

Zechariah didn't feel that he was in immediate danger. He knew they'd save his death for last, probably. Whatever. As long as everyone else left alive and this game was over with, they could send him to hell for all he cared.

He had his staff at hand though, in case anything went awry.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2013, 09:18:54 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 12, 2013, 01:46:40 pm

((Oh man, I'm already lost as hell.))

((If you want the quick version, just read my posts, the others are not very important. If you want the fun version on the other hand...))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 05:08:50 pm

((Meh, all this backstory and revelation of powers and ethics and payment discussions and suchlike are all meaningless compared to the important message here. I'm not a lizard.))

((I've got a sigpost now, so I might as well use it to collect this. In short, sigged.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:11:18 pm

"Excuse me, green crystal lady. May I call you Scion? And what is this... compound, that we will be attacking?"

"Scion..." she seems to contemplate for a moment. Guardian. Descendant. Heir. You vaguely feel the meaning of those three words have for you more than you hear them.
"That is what I can see in your language about that word. It sounds... acceptable. Though ill fitting to truly describe a being of my magnificence."
"I also see another meaning there, special for you. I hope that your feelings for the being that shares that title with me do not cause confusion."
"As for your quest, I cannot say. He is the one responsible for this trial and he  has shared nothing with me. By his  description I would expect a military installation with technology from your era."

Quote from: Fniff on November 12, 2013, 01:55:19 pm

"Right. Right... So, what's your statement on his account?" Jordan looked at the shadow and the entities.

---

((Well, only the shadow is here. The others are voices in your head. Kinda scary if you consider the possible implications.))
The shadow looks calmer now. Too calm actually. Talk about mood swings...
"I do not know about those entities he talked about. They do not sound like one of us and he doesn't come from anywhere near a universe I control."
"You have to understand that the multiverse is a very large place, some consider it to be infinitely so. If you imagine your universe being a starting point, then there are hundreds of adjacent universes I can jump to. And each of these universes has hundreds of adjacent universes one can jump to. And those numbers further multiply in relation to the number of-"
"This is getting tedious. Can we stop with the cosmology lesson now? Some of us came here for the challenges you know."
"Anyway, despite what you might think, we are a very young race in the scale of the multiverse. I am only 5 cycles old, the oldest among my brothers and sisters. Most of us are barely a cycle old."
"Even though we have explored countless universes, we have significant influence over little more than 5000 and of those we are in complete control of no more than 500. As such, we can't know everything."
"Then again, for a mere human like you, even these small things would feel enormous if you could understand them and see how dwarfed you are besides them."
"However those entities and universes he described do sound worthy of study. Perhaps I could even work with some of them. I can see why  she chose him. Maybe I will take a trip there when I have the time, so that I can see it for myself."

---

"It looks like we're ready. Let's begin."
"Coordinates received. Preparing for synchronization. Locating hosts..."
You can't see, you can't move, you can't speak, you can't feel your body. It's like only your thoughts exist. There is only darkness.

---

((Sorry for the delay, I got a bit carried away with the worldbuilding. Perhaps we'll have another mission in this universe and all that stuff I wrote will prove useful.
Heh, look at me, haven't even started the first mission and I'm talking about other missions...
Please wait while I write another post describing where you popped up and what you're currently in the middle of doing. This will take a while.))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 13, 2013, 09:41:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2013, 09:18:54 pm

"I also see another meaning there, special for you. I hope that your feelings for the being that shares that title with me do not cause confusion."

((IC Worm reader?))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 13, 2013, 10:00:48 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2013, 09:18:54 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2013, 12:11:18 pm

"Excuse me, green crystal lady. May I call you Scion? And what is this... compound, that we will be attacking?"

"Scion..." she seems to contemplate for a moment. Guardian. Descendant. Heir. You vaguely feel the meaning of those three words have for you more than you hear them.
"That is what I can see in your language about that word. It sounds... acceptable. Though ill fitting to truly describe a being of my magnificence."
"I also see another meaning there, special for you. I hope that your feelings for the being that shares that title with me do not cause confusion."
"As for your quest, I cannot say. He is the one responsible for this trial and he  has shared nothing with me. By his  description I would expect a military installation with technology from your era."

"No, we did not have any sort of relationship of that type, Scion and I. We were friends, and barely that too. She was much more with Apollo, the Fifth Guardian. The green crystals and your tone just remind me of her, is all."

Zechariah turned his attention to the shadow.

"Excuse me for the mistake of identification. I must have dealt with beings from another multiverse then. This is entirely different. Very well, I'll cooperate with you thus far."

Zechariah still wasn't sure though. He'd keep the benefit of the doubt, but if this was just another instance of the Medium happening in another universe, he'd have to act later. Right now he kept his priorities, though.

He let the void engulf him. It felt like he was in his own subconscious. He only hoped that Artemis wasn't here too. Or it would be hell on Earth. Again.

((By the way, the stuff I'm referencing about The Medium coincides with my RTD Roll To Medium. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133216.0) Not advertising, just saying that it references that RTD. Also, these two RTDs, Special People and Roll to Medium, happen around the same time too, I guess. Roll To Medium takes place sometime long after the original first four Mediums, one of which was Zechariah, who is now battling here. Haextov, Danielle, and Katherine are somewhere else.

TL;DR: Backstory references "Roll to Medium."))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 03:41:47 am

And so I'm alone again. surrounded by... nothing. or... maybe...
<Um, Stelar? can you hear me?>
I hope she's in range. This is the only way I know to talk in private.
<Are... do entities read thoughts? M-My... The... entities, of my home could, if they wanted too. I...
I'm trying to draw parallels between here and home, but...
I... I can't look for myself anymore. I don't know. If.. how... similar, the entities I know... knew, are to your people.
I'm practically blind now. I'm lost, my home is destroyed, I don't even know if my thoughts are my own and the way the world works seems so very different and all my friends are dead and I'm helpless and nobody trusts me and I'm going to have to hurt people for some reason nobody is telling me and I'M SCARED!
I'll... I'll try to stay strong for the... Games? where those other entities are watching me. I've been drawing on everything I can remember about the way that things worked back home, trying to show knowledge and grace, but I don't know anything about your people and how they're connected to my...
my...
Do... do you know my past?
Stellar?
are you there?>

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2013, 03:45:37 am

The fat man unconcernedly sits down and begins playing with a spoon that plops out of his hand. He looks like a disgusting fat version of that 'there is no spoon' kid from the Matrix.

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Establishing host control. Standby...)
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2013, 10:27:47 am

John stared out at the strange assemblage as they argued about lizards and voodoo magic.  Was this what it took to attain true power?  At least the man he was with appeared to be normal.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 11:21:19 am

There is nothing for... well, you can't really tell how long. It's hard to tell time when you're just a thought. But suddenly you are-

The phone is ringing, an annoying metallic sound. A click and it stops.
"Da?"
"Tovarishch Direktor? Telefonnyy zvonok ot Sekretarya. Vysokiy prioritet."
"Govno... Khorosho. Prodolzhit."
Another click, this time distorted by the small speaker.
Environmental assessment complete.
"Dobryy vecher Secretary to the Premier. To what do I owe the ple-"
"Spare me your flattery. I've been told there is still no progress with the subject. Do you realize how pressing the circumstances are?"
"Yes Secretary, but you must understand, with the recent transfers and the... accident, we've been severely understaffed and underequipped. I'm going to have to transfer personnel from other-"
"Then do so!"
"You don't understand, what the consequences could be. The research we're doing-"
"-is irrelevant! It is you who does not understand! You might have been important during the war, some may have even called you a hero, but you'd be surprised how easily heroes can disappear these days if they aren't useful to the Party. Have I made myself clear?"
"...Yes sir. I will proceed as you requested."
"You'd better, if you know what's best for you. Fate has already reported increased probability of Counterrevolutionary activity this week. Increase your guard. We can't have those pridurki impede our progress. We have far more important things to worry about than a few bombs."
"But we have no-"
There is a click, followed by a tone
"-men."

You hang up as well and get up, sighing "mudak" as you do so.
You look at your wristwatch. It's 01:15.

---

Lenglon: Irene|GreatWyrmGold: Angel
You look at your wristwatch. It's 01:15

The motion feels strange. You remember thinking about looking at the watch, you remember moving your head, you remember your nervousness at the time and yet it feels... disconnected. Alien.
Establishing host control. Standby...
Oh right. The games. The entities. You had almost forgotten. Or was it that you just couldn't think?
The voice in your heads makes you realize why the motion felt alien. This isn't you. You are only a passenger, both in mind and body.
With each moment that passes however, you feel more in control, more like you, even as at the same time your host's thoughts and emotions become fuzzier and more distant to you.

You are currently standing side by side, dressed in matching brown outfits, pushing a cleaning cart. You look different, but you can somehow tell who the other is. Angel seems to be about 16 years years old but kind of frail looking.
You are passing through a bland white hallway, the white broken by the occasional wooden door, with only a number to differentiate it from the previous one.

You finally reach your destination, an intersection with a stairway leading up on the left and a toilet on the right.
You enter the toilet and from there a janitor's closet.
You each retrieve a knife and a mini-earpiece from a hiding place inside a vent.
You conceal the knife under your shirt and proceed to put the earpiece in your ear.
"Synchronization complete." The voice comes from a device on your other wrist, like a silvery wristwatch with a bluish glass screen. You're fairly certain that wasn't there before.

Your host's thoughts and desires are nothing but a barely audible whisper now. You think you could use them, if you focused hard enough.
You can move freely, you hosts helping you guide the movement of your new bodies, making it seem seamless.
Irene is in her human form. Angel is once again in that state where her powers are like blank text boxes, waiting to be activated.

You hear a voice coming from the earpiece.

---

Toaster: John Lancaster|Xantalos: ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK
You look at your wristwatch. It's 01:15

You're leaning on the right side of a car, parked in the left side of the road, staring at the concrete and chain link fence surrounding a large two story building on your 10 o'clock. Specifically, you're paying attention at the red gate guard post responsible for operating a striped red and white boom barrier there and the two shadows you can see inside it. Behind the chain link fence, you can see the parking lot (mostly empty) the entrance to the building (a ramp leading to a wide set of doors made of glass) and the cargo area (a place where trucks are supposed to load and unload cargo directly into the building). At the top of the building, two chimneys are belching smoke, one white, one dark.
The light wind lifts some of the fresh snow off the ground and rooftops and causes it to swirl around you.
Establishing host control. Standby...
You are wearing thick black coats to protect you from the cold weather and make you harder to spot in the darkness, as well as black balaclavas (rolled at the top of your head to look like caps at the moment) and gloves.
You are surrounded by tall buildings made of glass and metal that contrast with the short, wide and mostly made of concrete building you are watching.

You notice the lights of a car at the other side of the building, blinking twice before fading. Finally, they're here.

You go to the trunk of the car and check your equipment. Two silenced pistols, an AK-47 and the Device, a dark brick of heavy metal that takes up most of the trunk, along with a trolley for carrying it.
You retrieve your mini-earpieces and silenced pistols and put them in your ears and under your coats respectively.
"Synchronization complete." The voice comes from a device on your other wrist, like a silvery wristwatch with a bluish glass screen. You're fairly certain that wasn't there before.

Your host's thoughts and desires are nothing but a barely audible whisper now. You think you could use them, if you focused hard enough.
You can move freely, you hosts helping you guide the movement of your new bodies, making it seem seamless.

You hear a voice coming from your earpiece.

---

Harry Baldman: Ike Watkins|scapheap: Eria
You look at your wristwatch. It's 01:15.

Damn it, you're late. After a few more seconds of driving, you park near the corner of a tall glass building, flash your lights twice, and eye your target. The roof of the squat concrete building. You know that behind that cloud of white smoke there should be the blinking lights of the comm station.
Establishing host control. Standby...
You are wearing thick black coats to protect you from the cold weather and make you harder to spot in the darkness, as well as black balaclavas (rolled at the top of your head to look like caps at the moment) and gloves.
Despite Ike's more Russian appearance, his ears are as big as ever. Eria's scaly blue skin is no better, although the dim light and the dark clothes help conceal her non-human features a bit.

You get out of the car and check your equipment. Two silenced pistols. A silenced sniper rifle. A bolt cutter. A device that looks like a mix of fire extinguisher and spearfishing gun, loaded with a grappling hook, in turn attached to enough rope to fill the rest of the trunk. And a couple of dark bags to hold it all.
You retrieve your mini-earpieces and silenced pistols and put them in your ears and under your coats respectively.
"Synchronization complete." The voice comes from a device on your other wrist, like a silvery wristwatch with a bluish glass screen. You're fairly certain that wasn't there before.

Your host's thoughts and desires are nothing but a barely audible whisper now. You think you could use them, if you focused hard enough.
You can move freely, you hosts helping you guide the movement of your new bodies, making it seem seamless.

You hear a voice coming from the earpiece.

---

DarkArtemisFowl: Zechariah Dimikaelo|Fniff: Jordan Svenson
You look at your wristwatch. It's 01:15

It's dim green light is the only thing that allows you to see in this cramped space. Outside, you can hear muffled voices and feel the vibrations of movement.
"So, where are we taking this thing anyway?"
"Oh, just down the hall to meeting room B."
"Yeah, but isn't kinda strange to have a delivery this late at night?"
Establishing host control. Standby...
"Quit complaining like an old man. The loading area isn't that far from here."
"If you haven't noticed comrade, I AM an old man. This is my last day on the job, remember?"
"I know, I know."
"I would have proffered to have it pass calmly in my office for once, looking at a picture of my family. You know, like a retirement present."
You hear and feel a door being pushed open by your container.
"Well then, maybe you're in for a small surprise."
You can hear men singing
Zhelayu schast'ya tselyy vorokh,
Ulybok, radosti buket,
Druzey nadezhnykh i veselykh,
Schastlivoy zhizni, dolgikh let.
"Oh, you bastards! You shouldn't have."
"And that's not all. Come on! Open your present."
You can hear the sound of a wooden box being opened around you.
"Oh! You didn't!"
"We did! And she's all for you!"
You pull on the fishing line you're holding and hear a faint clicking sound.
"What the-" is the only thing you hear before the room around you is filled with coughing and than nothing.

You wait a few more seconds to make sure the gas has dissipated and get out of the cake, silenced pistols in hand, ready to shoot anybody that threatens you. You only see bodies on the floor, their festivities abruptly interrupted. Your target is not among them.

You conceal your gun under your matching brown outfits and check your earpieces to make sure they're on. Zach seems to be a bit unlucky with his choice of team, since he has to hide his wings under his shirt and his staff in one of the dark bags they're carrying, if he wants to have any hope of posing as a janitor.

"Synchronization complete." The voice comes from a device on your other wrist, like a silvery wristwatch with a bluish glass screen. You're fairly certain that wasn't there before.

Your host's thoughts and desires are nothing but a barely audible whisper now. You think you could use them, if you focused hard enough.
You can move freely, you hosts helping you guide the movement of your new bodies, making it seem seamless.

You hear a voice coming from the earpiece.

---

Everyone
You hear a voice coming from the earpiece.

"Okay, we are all ready. You know what you have to do. You know what's at stake here. The Cause requires that we al blargareh."
After a second of incoherent babbling his voice changes to the voice of an entity.
"Man, that guy was boring. I got permission from the others, so I'll be taking control him from here on out. Okay, let's see if he has anything interesting in his head...
Are you all okay by the way? No memory or personality loss during the transfer? You remember what you have to do?
If you don't, just ask the Interface (that's the silverblue thing on your wrists). Or me, you can ask me too, once I figure out this guy's head.
You can also use it to talk to each other. Just think about it and it will activate, transmitting your thoughts. So much better than mere radios, eh? And the best thing is, nobody else can see it but you.
Unfortunately, I'll be limited to talking to you through normal radio, so try to not loose your earpieces."

---

((Sorry if I butchered Russian. Using what little I learned in school. Which was mostly curse words.
Also, got a bit carried away with the descriptions. Again.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 11:46:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 11:21:19 am

((Sorry if I butchered Russian. Using what little I learned in school. Which was mostly curse words.))

((...Something tells me you didn't learn much Russian from a class.))

---

<Testing, testing, 123! Irene, what should we do now?>

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 11:47:10 am

Zechariah surveyed the area. He felt kinda bad for ruining this guy's send-away gift, but he knew the entities didn't care. They never did, really. To them, the ends justify the means. But it would've been better if Artemis was here, he would've been more comfortable with this area of work. Artemis was in another dimension though, apparently on some adventure in a cave, and Zechariah had to serve as a control for this mission anyways.

He decided to use the transmitter to silently talk to Jordan.
"Jordan, cover the entrance, I'll check the bodies for anything we could use to navigate this place. Oh, and you think we'll need to speak Russian, or will this device handle that for us?"

Check the bodies for equipment. Retrieve communication or navigation items if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 11:49:42 am

"Huh. I like whoever this guy was already." Jordan checked out his new clothing. It was matching with Zech, but he didn't really mind that. He kinda missed his hoodie, but such was life. "Surprise birthday party gas attack. Well done. I think we're in Russia, judging by the accents, and possibly Soviet Russia at that judging by the use of "comrade" in a non-sarcastic tone and the general dreary atmosphere. What a good start, I can use my skills to the full here and my lack of unusual appearance plays to my strengths here. Hm. Looks like the multiverse is a lot more complicated then I thought, judging by those entities talking just beforehand... Have you ever heard of an entity called the Green Eyed Man? If not, I don't think we're in the same general multiversal ballpark... Anyway, on with the mission, which appears to be hunting something.

Jordan adjusted his earpiece. "1 2, 1 2, testing testing. Anyone hear me?"
Close the curtains and all doors, then watch the exit. If there is more then one, barricade one then watch the other.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2013, 11:58:46 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 11:21:19 am

((Sorry if I butchered Russian. Using what little I learned in school. Which was mostly curse words.
Also, got a bit carried away with the descriptions. Again.))

((Your Russian's reasonably good, even if I am of the opinion it should be written in Cyrillic rather than not. Also, only now realized you're from Eastern Europe.))

"Russia! I love Russia! Great woods they got."

Listen in on the general surroundings. Get an idea of the surrounding area by the sounds, use a few tongue clicks to get a better idea if I can't tell much.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 12:00:50 pm

Zechariah frowned. His abilities were mostly defensive anyways, and wouldn't serve good purpose this early into the game.

He kinda missed Artemis at this point.
"Well, I'm wondering if by some random point, this transmitter makes us speak Russian the same way we can sort-of understand it too. Oh, and I know a green-eyed kid around my age, who was the last Medium out of us four, I being the first. He's battling demons of some sort in a theater, supposedly."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 12:06:21 pm

"Okay, yeah, that's definitely not him. You'd know who I was talking about if you knew him. Guess we're definitely different sorts."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 12:10:21 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 12:06:21 pm

"Okay, yeah, that's definitely not him. You'd know who I was talking about if you knew him. Guess we're definitely different sorts."

Zechariah laughed to himself on the inside.
"Strangers in a strange land we are. Now then, let's see what we're here for. Soviets, bombs, and birthday cakes. It's a relatively tame concept considering what I've been through."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 12:13:53 pm

"You ever been hired to assassinate a cartoon pony? You don't know fucked up until you end up having to stab a brightly colored magical unicorn pony to death with a fork."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 01:24:08 pm

"Ask that of your host, rather than myself. Your host is a trained expert, I am not."
Following my own advice, I take a moment to see what my host wants to do as our first action, as well as identify what my host's target information was.

---

While I get information from my host, I collect all the flamable materials I can find in the closet - mop/broom handles, cardboard boxes, whatever, pile them up against the wall, and douse them with an alcohol-based cleaner, then put my knife, and earpiece on the cleaning cart.
"Angel, please turn around."
followed shortly by all my clothes and everything else on me, all piled up under the cleaning rags.
Then I sit down on my pile of accelerant-loaded fuel.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 01:33:36 pm

((I don't even rememfer our objectives. Get something?))

Title: Re: Special People: An RTD (Treebird Season)
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 01:35:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 08:47:44 am

Disguise team will be already inside the base on the second floor disguised as workers. They will be responsible for getting data from one of the directors. How you do that, either through his office or through him, is irrelevant, although a little torture won't hurt. Well, it won't hurt you.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 01:37:03 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 11:46:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 11:21:19 am

((Sorry if I butchered Russian. Using what little I learned in school. Which was mostly curse words.))

((...Something tells me you didn't learn much Russian from a class.))

((Why would you think that? I always got A+ in my International Swearing Classes.[/joking]
Nah, just some classmates whose parents were from Russia. Taught me some basics. And everybody knows that you learn the swear words first.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 01:33:36 pm

((I don't even rememfer our objectives. Get something?))

((I'll remind you of your objectives and give some more info next turn. Which will be soon, depending on how soon the others post.
EDIT: Should had probably done it this turn, now that I think about it.
What Lenglon said is correct though.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 14, 2013, 01:57:04 pm

Eria look at her 'equipment' "I have no idea what these are." she blink "And now I do. Creepy."

Turning to her partner "Okay Ike-" the host said a different name. Interesting "-how do you want to tackle this?"

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2013, 02:00:01 pm

Quote from: scapheap on November 14, 2013, 01:57:04 pm

Eria look at her 'equipment' "I have no idea what these are." she blink "And now I do. Creepy."

Turning to her partner "Okay Ike-" the host said a different name. Interesting "-how do you want to tackle this?"

"Pipe down for a moment and let me do the bat scan, then we'll speak on the matter."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 02:09:33 pm

((Let's attempt this thing.))
Powers: Telepathy (including the presence, location, and type of thoughts), Teleportation

"Alright, I think I have a bit of a plan...

Guage exact strength, properties, and stuff of the powers.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 02:14:49 pm

((Action changed))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2013, 03:06:13 pm

John studied the gear available for a minute, then huffed.  "I'm John, by the way.  So how are we doing this?  Quiet or loud?  Distraction or straightforward?"

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 04:59:25 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 02:09:33 pm

Powers: Telepathy (including the presence, location, and type of thoughts), Teleportation

((You can only choose one, remember?))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 01:24:08 pm

"Ask that of your host, rather than myself. Your host is a trained expert, I am not."
Following my own advice, I take a moment to see what my host wants to do as our first action, as well as identify what my host's target information was.

---

While I get information from my host, I collect all the flamable materials I can find in the closet - mop/broom handles, cardboard boxes, whatever, pile them up against the wall, and douse them with an alcohol-based cleaner, then put my knife, and earpiece on the cleaning cart.
"Angel, please turn around."
followed shortly by all my clothes and everything else on me, all piled up under the cleaning rags.
Then I sit down on my pile of accelerant-loaded fuel.

((May I ask what you're trying to do, just in case it goes horribly wrong because you forgot something (or maybe I forgot to mention something)?
Because it looks to me like you're trying to light yourself on fire.
Now, I've got no problem with you lighting yourself on fire, it's your character.
I'd just like to remind you that your human form is not so good at the fire-stuff.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 06:25:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 04:59:25 pm

((May I ask what you're trying to do, just in case it goes horribly wrong because you forgot something (or maybe I forgot to mention something)?
Because it looks to me like you're trying to light yourself on fire.
Now, I've got no problem with you lighting yourself on fire, it's your character.
I'd just like to remind you that your human form is not so good at the fire-stuff.))

I'm setting up for next turn, where I switch forms to the fox one. I want the excess flame from the change (since i'm going from a larger form to a smaller one), to ignite the fuel.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 06:55:11 pm

((Ahh, yes, good idea.

Anybody knows if GWG will post anytime soon or should I choose one of the two powers he gave me at random and post the turn?))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 08:04:40 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 11:47:10 am

"Jordan, cover the entrance, I'll check the bodies for anything we could use to navigate this place. Oh, and you think we'll need to speak Russian, or will this device handle that for us?"

Check the bodies for equipment. Retrieve communication or navigation items if possible.

"Ever played a computer game, where you control someone else's actions by giving suggestions through the keys?
It's something like that. You give suggestions like "move your leg" or "say this" and the host responds appropriately.
That's not very close to what is actually going on but it's a quick way of explaining it. It's more like a symbiosis, you both contribute, even some of your physical characteristics are transferred to the host.
Just remember, you'll be able to do simple and instinctive things, like walking or talking and saying the right name or using some equipment, but using your hosts more complex functions like specific memories will require you to relinquish some of your control."
((Essentially, the hosts are a way for me to not have to worry about you learning how to speak Russian (or use guns in the case of Eria). A way for you to fit in in a strange world. However some stuff, like remembering specific things, require me to roll.))

Most of them appear to be security guards of some sort, a red star displayed prominently on the shoulders of their dark blue uniforms and a nametag on their chests. They're each carrying a sidearm, a baton, a keycard and a radio. You take the radio and the keycard of the most important looking of them, an old guy with golden decoration on his shoulders.

There are also a couple of guys with more casual clothes, probably from nearby offices. They do not seem to carry anything of interest, not even cell phones.

Quote from: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 11:49:42 am

Jordan adjusted his earpiece. "1 2, 1 2, testing testing. Anyone hear me?"
Close the curtains and all doors, then watch the exit. If there is more then one, barricade one then watch the other.

"I hear you loud and clear mate." the entity responds from the earpiece.

There are only two exits out of the room, to the west a small door leading to an equally narrow but long corridor and to the east a double door that leads to a hallway (probably the one the cake came from) that leads north and west. You barricade the smaller door with a chair and stand watch on the larger one. The hallway seems deserted, all of its wooden doors closed. You don't hear anything other than your partner working.

"Okay, you two must be in a conference/rec-room on the southeast portion of the building. Your objective is to find the night shift's head of security and acquire his master keycard and biometric access to the system, ie. his hand. It looks like these guys were hoping he would attend the party. If he isn't here than his most likely position is the Main Security Office, which is on the northeast part of the building, one floor up. One of your teams is going to have to go up there anyway, so I suggest you do so. Unless you have a better idea. Any questions?"

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2013, 11:58:46 am

Listen in on the general surroundings. Get an idea of the surrounding area by the sounds, use a few tongue clicks to get a better idea if I can't tell much.

The area seems deserted. Even with this cold, you'd expect there to be at least some people around. But the only people you can see are behind windows. They probably can't see you though. There are no lights outside (at least not at this side of the building) and the sky is cloudy, so all those windows should look like mirrors to them.
Well, you've got your large tall buildings and you've got your concrete building your target is on top of.
You've also got some faint "random people" smell, some faint smoke smell and some sewer smell. Lovely.

"Okay, let's see here... Okay, you are in the Northwest intersection, and you're supposed to go to the comm tower on the Northeast side of the roof, two floors up. Should be fairly easy. Any questions?"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 01:24:08 pm

"Ask that of your host, rather than myself. Your host is a trained expert, I am not."
Following my own advice, I take a moment to see what my host wants to do as our first action, as well as identify what my host's target information was.

---

While I get information from my host, I collect all the flammable materials I can find in the closet - mop/broom handles, cardboard boxes, whatever, pile them up against the wall, and douse them with an alcohol-based cleaner, then put my knife, and earpiece on the cleaning cart.
"Angel, please turn around."
followed shortly by all my clothes and everything else on me, all piled up under the cleaning rags.
Then I sit down on my pile of accelerant-loaded fuel.

For the sake of not repeating myself, you gain vaguely the same data the entity gives below, accompanied with an explanation of why you are down here. You were supposed to intercept the Director on his way to his office when he passed by you on the hallway and pickpocket him, but you were delayed by a security guard that wanted you to clean his office again "because you did a shitty job". And then he tried hitting on you. Asshole. Should had killed him.

You can't get a read on what your host wants. In part because she is conflicted, in part because she has some repressed anger about that recent incident, in part because you feel a bit out of touch with her right now.

You proceed to make a good pile of toilet paper and fabric for tinder and further infuse it with flammable chemicals, cardboard, and plastic. You finally sit on top of it.

You then hide your knife, earpiece, wristwatch, uniform and assorted equipment in the cleaning cart. Strangely, you see no means of removing the Interface, but it probably wouldn't get damaged or lost anyway.
"Ummm... What are you doing? Are you alright?"
"I think she's making a nest!"

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 02:09:33 pm

Power: Telepathy (including the presence, location, and type of thoughts)

Guage exact strength, properties, and stuff of the powers.

You gain the ability to vaguely feel the presence of other people around you.
You gain the ability to be the very best janitor, like no one ever was.

"You two were supposed to intercept some director guy on the floor above you, but you are down here for some reason. From the data I have here, you can probably find the data you need either in his office in a restricted area on the southwest section of the building one floor above you or on him. That guy will probably be in the rec-room of the northwest section, one floor above you."

---

Xantalos and Toaster
"You two just need to get that heavy metal thing to the elevator. Quickest route is either through the main entrance in the south or the loading area in the east. It's a straight line from there. You'll have to get through that fence though, and the only hole is the gate. Oh, and did I mention that the Device is heavy? Like really heavy. That's why you have that trolley."

The guard post is a small prefab building, barely large enough to fit two people, with a remotely operated gate. You can see two guards inside, chatting while holding their hands on top of an electric heater.
The main entrance is a large glass thing, large enough to fit a tank through.

---

Everyone
"I've found an image here. Can I send it to their Interfaces?"
"Affirmative. Transmitting..."
An image is projected by your Interfaces, seemingly on thin air

Spoiler: Image (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img5/5331/8ycs.png)
Lenglon and GWG are Green, on the ground floor
scapheap and Harry Baldman are Blue, outside
DAF and Fniff are Yellow, on the ground floor
Toaster and Xantalos are Red, outside

"Oh, and remember, a little trouble is okay, but cause a lot of trouble before you complete your objectives and they'll call for reinforcements. And you do not want that. This building is understaffed and butterfly boy and the mercenary just took care of a whole bunch of guards, so the entire building is pretty much undefended. But it is still a military installation. Once the alarm goes off, this building will be crawling with soldiers or worse in 15 minutes.

Once you've all done your thing, make your way to the main elevator."

---

((Do you want me to show rolls? I'd prefer not showing, but it's your choice.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 08:18:41 pm

(I'd prefer to see the rolls.)

"Gotcha, gotcha. Okay, I want this to be a clean hit, so no screwing around. I'm hoping we can do this without alerting the soldiers, so try and do your objectives without triggering any alarms. That means if someone sees you doing illegal stuff, kill them by any means possible before they can get to a radio. And it also means that if they just suspect you're doing illegal stuff, talk it out instead of killing them. If someone sees you killing them, then you gotta kill two people when you could have killed none. Let's not kick the hornet's nest. Any observations to add?
Get a knife or similar cutting implement, then look around for any signs for the Head of Security's office.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 08:24:24 pm

"Okay, well, I would prefer it if these bodies weren't so spread out. So I'll just move these over and..."

Move the bodies to a corner.

"A good place to start is going east. Least we can get our bearings, mm? These janitor clothes should provide us ample disguise for now. Oh, and while killing is a bit uncomfortable for me, I can definitely spin a web of lies. Let's go."

On Jordan's word, leave through the east double doors.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2013, 08:34:47 pm

WE SHALL MOVE IT TO THE THING BY THE LOADING AREA. THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED A LOADING AREA.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 08:42:17 pm

((Um, my clothes should be on the cart, under the cleaning rags we have there. not in my pile of tinder. I might need them later.))
"Angel, don't be scared, ok? this should only take a couple seconds."
change to fox form on top of my tinder pile then hop on the cart (guideing away any stray flames from Angel and the cleaning cart.) and hide under the rags.
((Irine hasn't shifted forms since she was brought in, she doesn't know about the changes to her shifting... yet.))

((and I'm fine with keeping the rolls hidden, makes metagameing harder and the story more story-like.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 08:57:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 04:59:25 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 02:09:33 pm

Powers: Telepathy (including the presence, location, and type of thoughts), Teleportation

((You can only choose one, remember?))

((Current sheet says two. In other words: No, I didn't remember.
Just the telepathy, then.))

Let my power "spin up".
Take the cart with Irene to some kind of elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 09:05:54 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 08:42:17 pm

((Um, my clothes should be on the cart, under the cleaning rags we have there. not in my pile of tinder. I might need them later.))

Whoops. Sorry. My mind just decided to ignore that part for some reason.
Anyway, edited it now.

Quote

((Irine hasn't shifted forms since she was brought in, she doesn't know about the changes to her shifting... yet.))

((Well, it won't be much different then normal. It will just take longer, be very painful and you'll feel shitty afterwards. That's always a fun surprise, right?
Or were you talking about the fire control thing?))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 08:57:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 04:59:25 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 02:09:33 pm

Powers: Telepathy (including the presence, location, and type of thoughts), Teleportation

((You can only choose one, remember?))

((Current sheet says two. In other words: No, I didn't remember.
Just the telepathy, then.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 07, 2013, 01:09:31 pm

one which she can significantly influence, and one which is almost completely random (although always helpful and related to the current situation). If you count her ability to sense what powers she has, she has three.

You get two. Just one of them is not up to you to decide. And you rolled two on that so you got a fairly useless power, ie being the best in janitoring.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2013, 09:06:39 pm

John looks at his map.   Okay, I got a plan.  I'll make a smoke bomb and set it off in the trunk.  We drive up to the main gate and try to get in.  The guards will want to check out the smoke.  While they're distracted with that, we off them with the silenced pistols.  We then go to the loading bay and head in.  Any objections?"

Make a smoke generator, assuming no complaints from teammate.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 09:08:14 pm

((I was talking about the time + pain + aftereffects of changing shape, but I suppose that also applies to her weakened fire control in human form now that you mention it))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2013, 09:17:00 pm

ExcellENT!

That said, stand around doing nothing.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2013, 09:18:09 pm

"So what's your power, anyway?  I can make mechanical devices from nothing, pretty much.  They tend to work better for me, though."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2013, 09:20:11 pm

I shoot appliances out of my hands. Behold, WHISK BEAM!

Fire a beam of whisks at the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 09:21:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 09:05:54 pm

You get two. Just one of them is not up to you to decide. And you rolled two on that so you got a fairly useless power, ie being the best in janitoring.

((Noted. Watch me make use of it!))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 04:12:58 am

"So up to the roof here and run along?"

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 06:06:21 am

Quote from: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 04:12:58 am

"So up to the roof here and run along?"

"Yeah, climb up this building here, then use the grappling hook to get to the other building, and then we do what we're supposed to do."

Get inside the building we're standing next to. Look for a way up.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 06:55:27 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 06:06:21 am

"Yeah, climb up this building here, then use the grappling hook to get to the other building, and then we do what we're supposed to do."

Get inside the building we're standing next to. Look for a way up.

"Ike...grapping hooks don't work like that."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 07:48:35 am

Quote from: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 06:55:27 am

"Ike...grapping hooks don't work like that."

"Sure they do. We just move horizontally rather than vertically. Easy as pie, and we won't even have to navigate the fence!"

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 08:14:39 am

Eria pulled some more knowledge form her host "Okay, let assume the grapping hook work like you think they do. The hook will wlich(sp?) you across fast enough to not fall to the ground or hit the wall, what sort of speed is need to cross 20 feet of thin air without drop and how will you stop at the other end without flying off the building?"

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 08:54:43 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 14, 2013, 08:18:41 pm

"Gotcha, gotcha. Okay, I want this to be a clean hit, so no screwing around. I'm hoping we can do this without alerting the soldiers, so try and do your objectives without triggering any alarms. That means if someone sees you doing illegal stuff, kill them by any means possible before they can get to a radio. And it also means that if they just suspect you're doing illegal stuff, talk it out instead of killing them. If someone sees you killing them, then you gotta kill two people when you could have killed none. Let's not kick the hornet's nest. Any observations to add?
Get a knife or similar cutting implement, then look around for any signs for the Head of Security's office.

It seems like knifes aren't standard equipment for those guards and none of them seems to have taken the initiative to acquire one, so you do not find anything military grade. But you do find a reasonably sharp chef's knife in near the table.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2013, 08:24:24 pm

"Okay, well, I would prefer it if these bodies weren't so spread out. So I'll just move these over and..."

Move the bodies to a corner.

"A good place to start is going east. Least we can get our bearings, mm? These janitor clothes should provide us ample disguise for now. Oh, and while killing is a bit uncomfortable for me, I can definitely spin a web of lies. Let's go."

On Jordan's word, leave through the east double doors.

You take some time to hide the bodies under the table and inside the cake box. It's not a perfect job, but it's pretty damn good. It should buy you a minute or two if someone else comes in here.

After the body carrying is done, you both exit from the east and check the hallway.
"Let's see... there are three stairwells on this section of the building. There's one in the south near the vault that will take you to some offices on the floor above, there's one north near some offices that will take you to the data processing and storage and there's one further up north near the loading area that will take you right outside the Main Security Station."

As you look north, you see two people in casual clothes turning a corner. They're far away now but they're headed your way. Probably office workers.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2013, 08:42:17 pm

((Um, my clothes should be on the cart, under the cleaning rags we have there. Not in my pile of tinder. I might need them later.))
"Angel, don't be scared, ok? this should only take a couple seconds."
Change to fox form on top of my tinder pile then hop on the cart (guiding away any stray flames from Angel and the cleaning cart) and hide under the rags.
((Irine hasn't shifted forms since she was brought in, she doesn't know about the changes to her shifting... yet.))

((You're not in a combat situation, so I thought I could embellish your first time a bit. And by "embellish" I mean make it even worse.))

You focus on changing forms. You begin lighting up  with an orange internal light, your skin becoming like liquid fire. But there's something wrong. It's taking longer than you remembered. You feel... hot. You feel the temperature rising further. And further. And there's pain. You begin feeling like you're being burnt alive. Which is even more distressing for you than a normal human, due to the fact that you've never felt uncomfortable with fire before. And that feeling gets stronger every moment that passes.
"Oh, no..."
Your pile of flammable materials lights up. The fire itself doesn't hurt you and luckily the few harmful vapors released by the burning cleaning agents do not affect you.
"What did you do?"
"No, no, no! I didn't mean it! Help her!"
And then it gets worse. You clench your hands and teeth and manage to not scream as you feel your body being compressed, your hands twisted, your bones crushed. You know this shouldn't be happening, since you don't even have bones at this state, but your pain receptors don't seem to give a damn about what you think you know right now.
"The rules state that once a challenge has started-"
"Please! Help her!"
You feel like you're being crushed. Like you're drowning.
"Very well."
And then time stops for a moment.
"Access granted."
You return to the darkness for a split second.
"There. Done."
And then it's over. You slowly get up from the burning pile and feebly walk towards the cart, your four legs helping to balance you despite your feeling of nausea.
"I've fixed the life threatening part of the corruption. It won't be so bad next time."
The lights and sounds are irritating you, your muscles ache, you generally feel like shit. You barely manage to keep yourself from throwing up.
"Next time, ask someone who knows what he's doing to check your work."
You crawl under the rags and curl up. You think you just need a few seconds and you'll feel better.
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..._{I'm sorry...}"

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 14, 2013, 08:57:33 pm

Take the cart with Irene to some kind of elevator.

The entity informs you that there is no elevator that goes to the second floor, but there's a stairwell right outside the room you're in. You exit the bathroom and make your way there along with the cleaning cart. Thankfully, there seems to be a ramp you could take up.

The smoke and fire is contained in the janitor closet right now, with smoke escaping into the bathroom. Once that smoke reaches the corridor however, the smoke detectors are going to go off. And it's going to happen soon.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2013, 09:06:39 pm

John looks at his map.   Okay, I got a plan.  I'll make a smoke bomb and set it off in the trunk.  We drive up to the main gate and try to get in.  The guards will want to check out the smoke.  While they're distracted with that, we off them with the silenced pistols.  We then go to the loading bay and head in.  Any objections?"

Make a smoke generator, assuming no complaints from teammate.

A device begins forming in the trunk of your car, nuts, bolts, electronics, wires, crystals and chemicals mixing and assembling together. And it gets larger. And larger. (What you presume to be) The smoke generator ends up taking up most of the trunk, a strange cylindrical device with a 2 buttons, dials and levers up top that is glowing with a soft green glow. You think you know how to operate it and set the timer, but you aren't sure.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 14, 2013, 09:20:11 pm

I shoot appliances out of my hands. Behold, WHISK BEAM!

Fire a beam of whisks at the ground.

You focus on firing some whisks. Nothing happens. You try again. Nope, still, nothing. Huh. That's strange. You turn your palm around to check it and-
Ow! Your eye! Your freaking eye! Ow,ow,ow,ow,ow!
"Hahaha, fatso just fired a whisk to his face."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 06:06:21 am

Quote from: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 04:12:58 am

"So up to the roof here and run along?"

"Yeah, climb up this building here, then use the grappling hook to get to the other building, and then we do what we're supposed to do."

Get inside the building we're standing next to. Look for a way up.

You pick up your bags of equipment and get near the building's entrance and check the lobby through the glass windows.
There's only a receptionist there and she seems focused on something on her computer.
You realize however that if she saw Eria's scaly skin she might freak out. Then again she seems so preoccupied with whatever she's doing that she probably wouldn't even notice you.
Behind the receptionist you can see a stairwell and some elevators.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 09:05:20 am

Eria sighs before climbing the fence and grappling hooking up the side of the building

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 09:10:15 am

Quote from: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 08:14:39 am

Eria pulled some more knowledge form her host "Okay, let assume the grapping hook work like you think they do. The hook will wlich(sp?) you across fast enough to not fall to the ground or hit the wall, what sort of speed is need to cross 20 feet of thin air without drop and how will you stop at the other end without flying off the building?"

Ike whispers surreptitiously to Eria.

"You silly goose, I'm not going to let the gun pull me across. That would be stupid. I'll just leave the rope suspended over the drop and climb across. Simple, and probably safer than climbing the fence."

Get up to the roof, don't let Eria have the grappling hook gun. I need it.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 09:50:22 am

((To avoid confusion, the grappling hook is a single use pressurized air cannon with a grappling hook as a projectile, like this (http://www.militaryimages.net/photopost/data/1/Grappling_Hook.JPG), but bigger and more makeshift looking (it's made out of a fire extinguisher after all). It can be "anchored" to the roof, because the roof has a small ledge. It has a pretty long rope, longer than you could possibly need.

The fence on the other hand has barbed wire on top and concrete in the bottom, making climbing it a bit dangerous. There are other ways of crossing it though.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 09:52:20 am

Use bolt-cutter to pass the fence

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 15, 2013, 09:59:20 am

"Uh-oh. Subtle won't work..."

Attempt to use janitorial powers to douse the flames.
If unsuccessful: Hurry up the stairs, locating the director guy and hurrying to his location. Use janitor powers to locate the most efficient route to his location.
Is somehow successful: Calmly push the janitorial cart up the ramp.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Toaster on November 15, 2013, 10:34:27 am

John sighed.  "Smooth.  All right, this thing's ready... I think.  Let's go.

Hey entities, who is supposed to be in charge of this place?  I need a name to drop."


Set the timer for it to go off a few second before we hit the gate.  Drive up and request entry, pretending to be couriers delivering to the head honcho.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 10:43:14 am

Take the north stairway near the loading area. We're wasting no time here.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 11:43:23 am

To Angel:<Fire... Distraction. Leave it.>
Blindly, and without moving physically, use my fire control to lift the excess flame from the blaze beyond what it needed to keep the core of the fire burning, and form it into a ball that I roll along the base of the walls of the room, moving it along once it has ignited more of the area, and overall just carefully maximize the speed the flames spread inside the closet, but keep them from flicking outside. once the entire room is ablaze, continue to draw off the excess flames and form them all into the ball, which I'll leave floating in the middle of the janitorial closet, constantly under my active control, and collecting lots of fire as fast as I can for use later.

---

To Stellar:<What... happened?>
((Note that I'm not using the interface. I'm attempting to communicate directly.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 12:30:20 pm

((@Lenglon: If GWG moves you further away from the ball than you currently are, then you're going to start getting penalties for controlling that ball, just saying.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:31:46 pm

((Fair enough, I'll keep that in mind and adjust my plan then. I guess I won't be making the ground floor into a Touhou game after all. this turn's actions remain unchanged though))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 12:36:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:31:46 pm

((Fair enough, I'll keep that in mind and adjust my plan then. I guess I won't be making the ground floor into a Touhou game after all. this turn's actions remain unchanged though))

((If you're quick enough, you could control the fire from the floor above you before it spreads significantly. But no, I'm not going to have you control what amounts to half a city block worth of fire. Wouldn't be fair to the others.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:38:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 12:36:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:31:46 pm

((Fair enough, I'll keep that in mind and adjust my plan then. I guess I won't be making the ground floor into a Touhou game after all. this turn's actions remain unchanged though))

((If you're quick enough, you could control the fire from the floor above you before it spreads significantly. But no, I'm not going to have you control what amounts to half a city block worth of fire. Wouldn't be fair to the others.))

((her old range was a football field, but yeah, that makes a lot of sense...
Irine has a lot of things to complain about right now, doesn't she?))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 12:40:40 pm

Stealthily proceed along with Zech. If anyone asks, we're going to clean upstairs.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 12:42:22 pm

((Hey, roll with the punches. My character can't form any attacks or defenses from artificial light, which severely limits his capacities indoors. He is limited to shadows only unless he can find a window and carry some light shards with him, which requires constant energy from himself.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 12:44:51 pm

(And Jordan's just an ordinary human.)

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:46:01 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 12:42:22 pm

((Hey, roll with the punches. My character can't form any attacks or defenses from artificial light, which severely limits his capacities indoors. He is limited to shadows only unless he can find a window and carry some light shards with him, which requires constant energy from himself.))

((Oh I intend too. I'm not upset at all, if anything it's reassuring to know that our GM isn't willing to throw game balance out the window for no reason. Irine, my character on the other hand...))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 01:00:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:38:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2013, 12:36:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 12:31:46 pm

((Fair enough, I'll keep that in mind and adjust my plan then. I guess I won't be making the ground floor into a Touhou game after all. this turn's actions remain unchanged though))

((If you're quick enough, you could control the fire from the floor above you before it spreads significantly. But no, I'm not going to have you control what amounts to half a city block worth of fire. Wouldn't be fair to the others.))

((her old range was a football field, but yeah, that makes a lot of sense...
Irine has a lot of things to complain about right now, doesn't she?))

((That's what happens when you try to fit a demigod in a game where your starting powerlevel is supposed to be closer to that of a Level 1 videogame character. And unfortunately, your entity has to take the blame for that. Poor Stellar.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 12:42:22 pm

((Hey, roll with the punches. My character can't form any attacks or defenses from artificial light, which severely limits his capacities indoors. He is limited to shadows only unless he can find a window and carry some light shards with him, which requires constant energy from himself.))

((Wait, he can't? Oh and I had come up with a very fun attack he could do with his power... If you can really only use natural light (ie. sunlight) then I'm going to have to rebalance your power.

The way I imagined it, you created the objects by drawing them directly from the source. For example, there was a lamp, you drew the light directly from the lamp. There was a candle or other flame, he drew light directly from that.

But the from what you're saying now, you want yourself to be able to absorb sunlight and then channel it into constructs?
If yes, say so and we'll make some adjustments now, since you haven't used your power yet.

Also, because I come up with some sort of vague pseudoscientific explanation for  how your powers work so that I can tell how two might interact, I'm going to have to come up with a reason he can use sunlight and not normal light.

Quote from: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 12:44:51 pm

(And Jordan's just an ordinary human.)

((With the way your power works, you're probably the most dangerous character on a one on one fight. Sure, you don't have Toaster's and Angel's versatility or Eria's and Irene's weapons, but if you get in range with a good weapon (pistol, knife, etc.) the odds are on your side.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 01:04:40 pm

(Huh. Funny how the most ordinary character is one of the more dangerous.

Of course, the most powerful character obviously goes to Xantalos. Fear the whisk summoning.)

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 01:17:30 pm

((Okay, so in basic, any light that COULD BE produced by nature counts as natural. This includes fires, moonlight, sunlight, lava, and mirrors that reflect natural light, if you wanna get creative. This does not include lightbulbs, lamps, man-made electricity, heat coils, etc. If Zechariah is paying attention he can also make small use of the light provided by Lightning also, but this is quite rare.

The power of his light constructs depends on the amount of light available. Full sunlight and moonlight are the best, followed by lightning, fire, and magma. Mirrors generally reflect full light.

If no natural light sources are available, he can create small, short lived light constructs from his soul energy, but this takes extreme concentration and lasts only a second or two. Basically, a last resort. It makes him very tired to do this without natural light, so it would probably be better to use shadows in this situation. If he doesn't have his staff in his hand he can't do this at all.

His basic moves include creating crystal light shards to send flying towards the enemy, shard fragmentation bombs of light, light shield, blades of light guided from his staff, and light crystal plates he can hop on. He can get creative with the shards, but this is his basic skillset.

If you have any other questions, please do ask. Oh, and his power was given by the same entities who controlled The Medium, when all the Guardians channeled their power into him along with a certain other person, giving him this power permanently. And then destroying Artemis' power and all that.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Xantalos on November 15, 2013, 02:57:59 pm

Quote from: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 01:04:40 pm

(Huh. Funny how the most ordinary character is one of the more dangerous.

Of course, the most powerful character obviously goes to Xantalos. Fear the whisk summoning.)

((I can also shoot needles, blenders, and knives out of my hands.
Fear the psychoathic fat manchild.))

Fuggen hand powers grumble grumble.

Follow along with my teammate.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 16, 2013, 11:35:02 am

((@DAF: Sure, I just need an answer to this purely hypothetical scenario that I just thought of on the spot and have in no way included as part of the backstory or in a future mission. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SuspiciouslySpecificDenial)

Imagine there was this crystal, that grew in an alien world, like a plant but very very slowly. That crystal was created by aliens a long time ago. They created this crystal to be used in computers. The crystal was designed to processes information as light signals and grow according to those signals and based on the existence of certain chemicals. The crystal sometimes creates "cores" based on certain light signals that act as the seeds for more crystals and produce a faint light pattern of their own. In the alien world I mentioned earlier, the right chemicals exist in the planet's atmosphere for the crystals to grow continuously to the point where they blanket the surface of the entire planet. The cores near the bottom die out, like corrals in a corral reef, but their "light circuits" remain, continuing to guide light through them. The entire planet is pulsing with dim light, despite the fact the sun is never seen due to the constant cloud cover, as each light signal created by a core is propagated by the others, making the planet look covered in a sea of light, waves emanating from every core. (Of course, the waves travel close to the speed of light so you'd need to see with a high FPS to truly appreciate them.)

So right now, that simple hypothetical crystal and its unnecessarily convoluted backstory have created many questions, foremost of which is this: would the light emitted by the crystal be acceptable for your power, under which circumstances and why?
The crystal was created by aliens. So that would make it artificial. Yet it wasn't created by humans. Would that make it acceptable?
The crystal was originally created as a piece of technology to serve a purpose. Yet the crystal can also grow naturally. Would that make it natural? Was the act of growing on its own what differentiated it? So would that mean that the original crystals (the ones that were created) were unacceptable, but their "children" aren't?
The crystal can be used in computers. So would that make it unacceptable? Or would the crystal light only be unacceptable when used in a computer? If so, does that mean that your powers are somehow "allergic" to technology in general, so simply the addition of technology in the creation of any light would render that light unacceptable? If so, would any type of technology do? Or is DF level of technology acceptable? Does the technology allergy include steampunk or is it just electricity and electronics?
The crystal producing the light is living. Would that make the light artificial? If that's the case, would any bioluminescent animal be out of the question? What about cloned bioluminescent animals?
What about light captured and redirected by the crystal? Would that count as a reflection or would the crystal somehow "taint" the light?

You previously said light from lightning can work. What about light from electrical sparks? What about guiding natural lightning with a plasma channel created by a laser?
What about the light created by something very hot but not with the intent of creating light? Like brakes or a blacksmith hitting a piece of metal?
Is it intent that taints the light? So if I light a lamp or cause an electrical spark or heat a metal with the intent to provide light, that light gets "tainted"?

What about magically created light? Would it make a difference if the magic light was naturally part of that place or if the magic was the cause of a wizard?

Unless of course your power decides what qualifies at random or the entity that gives you your powers decides. So in that case, if there's uncertainty, the decision would be up to me and the d6.

I'm asking this and trying to come up with a way your powers work so that we lessen the chance of ending up with a Thor's hammer (http://youtu.be/teRMsxMLVkY) kind of debate erupting here. I want to limit the times I have to say "I'm the GM and my word is law and I say it works like that, so if you wanted it to work some other way, you should have declared it from the start."
That's why I prefer people giving me powers, not characters.

---

Completely irrelevant, but I was reading your RTD and noticed that you have 11 players as your cap. And right now there are eleven entities watching the challenges. I've got more vaguely thought out in case I need them, but I considered 11 to be just perfect. Fun coincidence, huh?))

---

((Sorry, a bit busy, I'll see if I can get a turn done later tonight but no promises.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 11:46:04 am

11? That's ridiculous. It's not even funny.

Anyways, the real question is this: What is the boundary between natural and artificial? Lightbulbs on robots don't sound like they would count, but fireflies probably would...but what about cyborg/GM fireflies?

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 16, 2013, 02:00:08 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 11:46:04 am

11? That's ridiculous. It's not even funny.

Anyways, the real question is this: What is the boundary between natural and artificial? Lightbulbs on robots don't sound like they would count, but fireflies probably would...but what about cyborg/GM fireflies?

Fireflies are natural, so they count, but they provide little light on their own. A swarm, however, could provided interesting results, ergo, sufficient light. Cyborgs are.. fine, as long as they don't alter in any way the original light source.

Spoiler: The Mediums Backstory (click to show/hide)

11 is the perfect number. All of these RTDs I've entered come in with a unique character, who were once Guardians or Mediums. Zechariah was the first Medium ever; before, there were only Guardians. Ten Guardians every generation. One Medium... and one unknown character who plays an important part also. Together, there have been Forty-four Guardians and Mediums together who fought off the armies of Heaven and Hell. Zechariah, Katherine, Danielle, and Haextov being the four Mediums, who bridge and interweave and lead the Guardians. Some prominent Guardians are Artemis, Apollo, Fhior, Calypso, and Seth, among others. All of them were around the teen ages (or at lest the equivalent on their planet) when the Medium was constructed and all of the shenanigans started. Roll To Medium takes place much after these four generations, once again constructing a new Medium and starting more story arcs.

Spoiler: Paris' Questions (click to show/hide)

These lights crystals would work as a power source. I see it akin to the Green Sun in Homestuck, really. Since Zechariah and the other Mediums aren't sure who yet is running the Medium Worlds and this game, the alien crystals are considered natural. Of course, Zechariah doesn't have direct exposure to these crystals, at least not yet. This simply powers him, the Guardians, and the other Mediums. The crystal reflecting light would not taint the light, but probably boost the light considering the crystal is a major source of power. And since it grows naturally it still is natural. It would be like scientists engineering bioluminescent plants and creatures, which would work as a very low power source still, so long as there's no robotic parts involved within the bioluminescence itself. As long as the technology doesn't touch the light source itself, it's fine. Steampunk technology still counts as tech, except for fire and whatnot, which is still natural.

Electric sparks made from artificial sources like cables and whatnot are still considered unnatural. Even if they were natural, though, the power given from them is very small. One spark provides about the power of a crystal shard the size of your palm. Lightning CAN be redirected, and if contained as so, could provided very interesting results. Do keep in mind that as Zechariah draws power from contained sources, the contained source slowly loses its own power. Intent is not the cause, but rather the human production of it at its core. Nature has very strict rules on life.

Magic light is considered natural because it's still produced by a natural being, so long as the being producing it is not a robot or something. If it still has an organic mind it's still natural. And soul and heart, but some of us don't have  souls anymore.

The 11 coincidence is indeed coincidental... Although it does provide some really interesting plot explosions

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 02:07:17 pm

((What about if you cloned a firefly, or genetically engineered its genes into a bacterium or mouse or something, or if you artificially enhanced it?
What about putting fireflies into a jar, or breeding fireflies for maximum brightness over several generations?))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 16, 2013, 02:13:17 pm

Again, genetic engineering the bioluminescence to be transferred to other creatures is okay, and cloning too (ethical standpoints excluded :P). Putting them into a jar is okay. Selective breeding is also considered natural, but then again, do we have a lab to do all this :D?

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 02:17:22 pm

What about a hybrid of von Neuman machine and light bulb, or a firefly-like organism made from scratch?

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 16, 2013, 03:11:23 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2013, 09:10:15 am

Get up to the roof, don't let Eria have the grappling hook gun. I need it.

You get the bag with the grappling hook and the rope and enter the building. The receptionist looks up at you as you pass by her.
"Hey, you! Where are you going? You don't look like you work here."

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 15, 2013, 09:52:20 am

Use bolt-cutter to pass the fence

You walk up to the fence and begin trying to cut it. The fence is sturdy and you're unfamiliar with the cutters, so it goes along slowly.
You're about half way through when you finally notice an expensive looking black car approaching from the north.
It's really close. You were so focused on cutting the fence you must have missed it.
You've only got seconds before you're noticed, if you haven't been already.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 15, 2013, 09:59:20 am

"Uh-oh. Subtle won't work..."

Attempt to use janitorial powers to douse the flames.
If unsuccessful: Hurry up the stairs, locating the director guy and hurrying to his location. Use janitor powers to locate the most efficient route to his location.
Is somehow successful: Calmly push the janitorial cart up the ramp.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 11:43:23 am

To Angel:<Fire... Distraction. Leave it.>
Blindly, and without moving physically, use my fire control to lift the excess flame from the blaze beyond what it needed to keep the core of the fire burning, and form it into a ball that I roll along the base of the walls of the room, moving it along once it has ignited more of the area, and overall just carefully maximize the speed the flames spread inside the closet, but keep them from flicking outside. once the entire room is ablaze, continue to draw off the excess flames and form them all into the ball, which I'll leave floating in the middle of the janitorial closet, constantly under my active control, and collecting lots of fire as fast as I can for use later.

Angel tries to extinguish the flame with a nearby fire extinguisher. Irene tries to expand it with her fire manipulation. In the end, Angel manages to reduce the fire to about half the size it was before the fire extinguisher runs out. She's about to go for another when the smoke alarm starts beeping. Time to get out of here.
"Don't you love it when the entire team is working together in harmony?"
Angel starts pushing the cart up the ramp.
Irene tries to boost the fire a bit, but the increasing distance, lack of fuel and fire extinguisher foam means the fire doesn't get any bigger.

You manage to get to the top of the stairs quickly and without problem.
The entity guides you north through the earpiece, telling you to go to the rec room there.
As you turn your cart to follow his directions, you notice a guard calmly exiting a door opposite the stairs (that's East). The sign on the door reads "Security Station B".

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 15, 2013, 11:43:23 am

To Stellar:<What... happened?>
((Note that I'm not using the interface. I'm attempting to communicate directly.))

You try to communicate with the entity with your limited telepathy. You feel your power reaching something but it's like there's a barrier in the way. You try pushing through it, but something... it's a very strange feeling. Like someone is taking your thoughts and returning them to you. You think you could push through it if you pushed hard enough, but you aren't focused enough to do it right now.

You hear (or more accurately feel, since it's not actual sound) a voice coming from your interface.
"Don't try to break the rules kid."
"What was she doing?"
"Trying to speak to her through the Barrier."
"Private communication with an entity is forbidden during a challenge. Someone could gain an unfair advantage."
"Are you okay? Do you need something?"
"Yeah, yeah. Always helping others, aren't you?"
He sounds very annoyed, both with her and you. More with you for some reason.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 15, 2013, 10:34:27 am

John sighed.  "Hey entities, who is supposed to be in charge of this place?  I need a name to drop."

Set the timer for it to go off a few second before we hit the gate.  Drive up and request entry, pretending to be couriers delivering to the head honcho.

"Okay.. Let's see... it's a guy named 'Borislav Kuznetsov', Director of the Skrytyy Mech research facility of the Red Army's Special Research Division." comes the answer from your earpiece.

You turn the dials and flip a switch. That must be it. You get in the car.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 15, 2013, 02:57:59 pm

Fuggen hand powers grumble grumble.

Follow along with my teammate.

You get in the car along with your buddy, holding a hand over the place the whisk hit you.

You start the engine and drive towards the entrance. You check your wristwatch. Any moment now. You reach the gate. Any moment. The guards look at you surprised. Any moment. One of them gets out of the guard post, clearly unhappy to be forced out in the cold, and approaches your window. Any moment.
"This is a restricted military installation. Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"We're here with a package for..." You pretend to read from a piece of paper. "Director Borislav Kuznetsov."
He seems convinced by that.
"Really? You are? Govno, they don't tell us anything these days. Still, I've got to see the proper authorization before I let you in. Beurocratic bullshit, I know, but they'll be after my ass if I don't fill the paperwork out properly."
The device in the trunk continues to refuse to produce any smoke. Well, there goes that plan.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 15, 2013, 10:43:14 am

Take the north stairway near the loading area. We're wasting no time here.

Quote from: Fniff on November 15, 2013, 12:40:40 pm

Stealthily proceed along with Zech. If anyone asks, we're going to clean upstairs.

You move northwards, towards the furthest stairway. Along the way, you come upon the two office workers. They look up at you and stop talking as you pass by them, but they resume talking once you're out of earshot, now whispering to each other.

About halfway to the stairs, you hear faint voices from the security guard's radio, its volume reduced.
"We've got a fire alarm near the West stairwell."
"Roger, probably some idiot from Records who thinks he can smoke in the bathroom. I'll go reset the alarm."
"Well, tell them to control themselves. We can't keep running around just because they're too bored or cold to go outside! Idiots."
"Yeah, yeah. Going now."

---

@DAF: I think I understand what you want. Okay, I'll work on rebalancing your powers a bit when I have some more time. And work out some explanation. I already have something in mind, but I need to work a bit on it.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 16, 2013, 03:16:46 pm

"You are indeed correct, miss! I do not work here! I am but a humble, unassuming *roof inspector*, working for the good of the Party. You wouldn't want to interfere with the affairs of the Party's *roof inspectors*, would you? It would be so dreadfully inconvenient. I might even require to mention you in the *roof inspection* report."

Explain.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 16, 2013, 03:24:51 pm

Zechariah's internal time clock slowed down as he processed these turns of events. He spoke silently using the device to Jordan.

"Wait... west stairway. We don't have a west stairway on this level. Could it be one of the other teams?

Nnh. Let's continue. I don't want to get sidetracked with other things, unless things start to derail very quickly."

Proceed up the stairwell we were already headed to.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: scapheap on November 16, 2013, 06:04:26 pm

Stand up, cross arms(1) and look like I'm waiting for someone.
If car passes, carry on cutting after it goes.
If car stop, (1) Arms are in place to freeze anyone getting out and then the car doors of anyone else not out yet.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 16, 2013, 09:46:54 pm

Silently cry under the rags and wallow in self-pity, hoping that Angel has a plan since she shot down mine
Stellar doesn't trust me, none of the entities trust me, not even Angel trusts me, or she wouldn't have done that. my own body is betraying me, and I can't privately ask stellar why. if I ask her publicly i'd end up hurting her, making her look foolish. My fire control is so weak now. my home... I've just got to get through this. I've got to stay strong for the mission. Just last through the end of this mission...

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 10:14:13 pm

((You had a plan?))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 16, 2013, 10:52:25 pm

((Are you even reading my posts? of course I had a plan, I spent two turns purely on setup, remember? - several variations of plan that depended upon the exact reaction, but a plan nonetheless. the biggest advantage is the way you "call for backup" against a fire is to call the fire department, not a swat team. It doesn't matter now though.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 16, 2013, 10:53:38 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 10:14:13 pm

((You had a plan?))

((I know there are captain obvious awards but are there captain oblivious awards?
Cause when someone says they have a plan, most of the time, it's because they do. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4765053#msg4765053)
The rest of the time is usually them trying to sound smart or reassuring. But I'm pretty sure that wasn't the case here.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 16, 2013, 11:07:36 pm

((I'm still confused about what Lenglon's plan was.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 16, 2013, 11:54:08 pm

((My plan was for there to be an out of control fire on the ground floor. fire burns up. The fire would breach "secure" areas through the floor, and would force first a response of sending people to the ground floor - away from guarding our objectives, and then if I managed to get the fire to go completely out of control despite firefighting attempts, it would force an evacuation of the building. at no time would an armed attacker, or in fact an attacker of any kind, be shown to be present, so any calls for help would be calls for a firefighting team, not military response teams. we wouldn't even have to break cover. in the meantime, we would have free reign to go anywhere we wanted, including right through the flames, because I could simply part them before us. throughout all of this, you could continue with your plan of telepathic interrogation (that was your plan, right?) completely unimpeded. I didn't even need to move from my mobile hiding spot that you were carrying with you everywhere you went. if we were forced into a fight, I'd have a giant source of flame to weaponize at any time.

so in short:
Distract guards and draw them away from our targets
provide us with a hidden heavy weapon
give you an excuse for unusual behavior (I'm running from the fire!)
not break disguise
not trigger calls for the right kind of backup
not impede us moving around
provide a mobile roadblock to place behind us if needed (pull flames from ground floor the the hallway behind us, good luck chasing us through that!)
breach secure areas
force an evacuation of the building

I figured setting the building on fire, when we have a fire controller right there with us qualified as a good idea.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 12:18:22 am

((Oh.

...Dammit.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2013, 08:16:50 am

((@GWG: So are you gonna... I dunno. Do something?))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Fniff on November 17, 2013, 08:27:28 am

"Let's not get bogged down with their problems."
Follow Zech.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 09:52:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2013, 08:16:50 am

((@GWG: So are you gonna... I dunno. Do something?))

((Probably.))

Attempt to use telepathic powers to locate the director guy.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Lenglon on November 17, 2013, 12:52:56 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 09:52:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2013, 08:16:50 am

((@GWG: So are you gonna... I dunno. Do something?))

((Probably.))

Attempt to use telepathic powers to locate the director guy.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2013, 08:04:40 pm

For the sake of not repeating myself, you gain vaguely the same data the entity gives below, accompanied with an explanation of why you are down here. You were supposed to intercept the Director on his way to his office when he passed by you on the hallway and pickpocket him, but you were delayed by a security guard that wanted you to clean his office again "because you did a shitty job". And then he tried hitting on you. Asshole. Should had killed him.

"You two were supposed to intercept some director guy on the floor above you, but you are down here for some reason. From the data I have here, you can probably find the data you need either in his office in a restricted area on the southwest section of the building one floor above you or on him. That guy will probably be in the rec-room of the northwest section, one floor above you."

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 12:54:36 pm

Alright.

If my telepathy indicates the director is still where he was before the small fire and a bunch of other security concerns started, head to the rec room.

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Toaster on November 17, 2013, 08:44:58 pm

John swore mentally.  Piece of shit machine.

"Yeah, I got it right here in my bag in the console."  He looked at the console.  "Or... Ебена мать!  It's in the trunk.  One second, I will get it."

He reached out to his teammate mentally.  **I'm going to pop the trunk and let them see the gear back there.  When they say their 'what the hells,' start shooting.**

Get out and open the trunk.  When they are shocked by what's in the trunk, shoot them while they're distracted.


((So much for surprise.))

Title: Re: Special People: In Soviet Russia, mission starts you!
Post by: Xantalos on November 17, 2013, 08:48:54 pm

**They will regret not being a hipster.**

Get out with partner and shoot knives into the guards when they realize we're fakes.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2013, 10:43:54 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 16, 2013, 03:16:46 pm

"You are indeed correct, miss! I do not work here! I am but a humble, unassuming *roof inspector*, working for the good of the Party. You wouldn't want to interfere with the affairs of the Party's *roof inspectors*, would you? It would be so dreadfully inconvenient. I might even require to mention you in the *roof inspection* report."
Explain.

((I'm going to have you move up the stairs for the sake of time. Hope you don't mind.))
"Fine! Go ahead!" Although she's convinced, she doesn't sound very happy.
The woman explodes in a rant as you continue to the elevators.
"I wonder what kind of stupid job they'll think of next to justify paying guys like you! Who are you related to, eh? A party member? A councilor? Guys like you are the reason the Union is going to shit, you know! You think I'm afraid of you? Well I don't give a damn. Rat me out to them! I don't care. What I care about is that I bust my ass working this desk all day, processing data at the same time to meet my quota, and guys like you think you're better, think just-"
You can hear her even as the elevator doors close.
"Man, that girl can shout. Well, let's hope nobody else comes by the reception while she keeps on going. Mostly for her sake."

You get off on level 5, make your way through some empty offices and reach the windows. The building is opposite to you and in range.
The building's got a strange, tiered layout, the second story being almost half the size of the first one. The roof is covered with shallow water puddles from the recently melted snow.
The roof looks empty looks empty, even with your enhanced senses.
"Incoming image."

Spoiler: Image (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img607/387/e5q3.png)
The yellow star is the main elevator shaft and a chimney emitting black smoke
The green star is a door leading close to the main security station.
The blue star is some sort of giant ventilation tower that is emitting white smoke and a stairwell.
The green-white squares are ladders.
The blue lines are windows.
The cyan square marks the boundaries of the building.
The darker the color, the higher up it is. I.e. black is higher, gray is lower.

"Your position is the red dot. Your target is the red star. Have fun!"
Your target is a small building sitting under an array of satellite dishes, all sprouting from a central large antenna.

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 16, 2013, 06:04:26 pm

Stand up, cross arms(1) and look like I'm waiting for someone.
If car passes, carry on cutting after it goes.
If car stop, (1) Arms are in place to freeze anyone getting out and then the car doors of anyone else not out yet.

((You were either very unlucky or very lucky depending on how you look at it.))
The car notices you and stops.
A man in an expensive looking outfit coming out of it and begins talking.
"Hey, vagrants like y-" Before he's even fully out of the car, you aim near his vitals and begin forming an ice attack.
The man notices the attack coming and tries to dodge out of the way.
"Tries" being the keyword here, since he ends up slipping on the melting snow and putting his head right into the path of the thin icicle you just launched from your hand at high speed.
The result is a very crude lobotomy. The man convulses in the ground for a few moments before lying still, a small puddle of blood forming near his head.
"Well done. Great shot!"
"She just got lucky. We'll see how long she lasts."
There is nobody else inside the car.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 16, 2013, 03:24:51 pm

Proceed up the stairwell we were already headed to.

Quote from: Fniff on November 17, 2013, 08:27:28 am

Follow Zech.

((Stopped you halfway last turn because I try to keep you all roughly in the same time.))

You follow the entity's directions, go up a level and finally reach the entrance to the main security station. It's a small metal door with a keycard reader, stuck in the northernmost section of the building.
It is unguarded.
"Hmm... Strange. There was supposed to be a guard here. Anyway, this door just leads to a corridor, which should be empty.
After that, go north at the intersection and you should reach the main control room. There should be a few guards in there.
The intersection also leads to a bathroom in the west, and to a 'reinforced temporary imprisonment unit' in the south, whatever that is."

Chatter about the fire near the west stairwell continues to be heard through your radio.
"I've got lots of smoke. We've got an actual fire here."
"Affirmative. Coming to assist."
"A fire? Okay, keep my updated."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 16, 2013, 09:46:54 pm

Silently cry under the rags and wallow in self-pity, hoping that Angel has a plan since she shot down mine

((You're depressed about what you don't know and/or can't understand, Stellar is depressed about stuff you know and stuff you don't know, he is angry for reasons you don't know... Didn't expect to get this much drama so early. And definitely not for those reasons. Congratulations on making things more complex and/or interesting. Oh, and due to good rolls, your plan is partially working.))

You stay hidden under the rags and be sad fox.
For anyone not knowing the context it's a good combination of sad and adorable. And a bit of funny if you consider the unusual sounds foxes make. For you though, it's just sad.
"I-" Stellar begins to say something but seems to reconsider and stops. She sounds afraid.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 09:52:05 am

Attempt to use telepathic powers to locate the director guy.

The guard looks at you questioningly for a moment before continuing down the stairs.

You follow the entity's directions to the entrance to the rec room.
Your power isn't giving you much. Just that there are about 4-6 people in that area.

You could let it go and try for another power. Or you could go in to see what's in there. Or both.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 17, 2013, 08:44:58 pm

John swore mentally.  Piece of shit machine.

"Yeah, I got it right here in my bag in the console."  He looked at the console.  "Or... Ебена мать!  It's in the trunk.  One second, I will get it."

He reached out to his teammate mentally.  **I'm going to pop the trunk and let them see the gear back there.  When they say their 'what the hells,' start shooting.**

Get out and open the trunk.  When they are shocked by what's in the trunk, shoot them while they're distracted.

"Okay, okay. Let's go see it."
The guard follows you to the trunk of the car. Opening the trunk provides the expected "What the he-" which is cut short by John, as he moves behind the guard with incredible speed, putting two bullets in his lungs and one in his heart before he can make a noise.
The guard falls on the smoke producing device in the trunk hard, activating it in the process. Of course. Now it works.
Now the area is slowly filling with a thick, low hanging smoke.
At least the body is hidden.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 17, 2013, 08:48:54 pm

**They will regret not being a hipster.**

Get out with partner and shoot knives into the guards when they realize we're fakes.

Meanwhile, Alan tries to take out the second guard. He opens the gate to the gate guardhouse, raises his hand aaaand... nothing.
The guard seems to be too confused by the sight to respond. He probably didn't see his buddy get brutally and efficiently murdered.
"Wha-? What the hell do you think you're doing in here? What do you want?" he asks, his hand moving to his sidearm.

---

"Ah, our first kills. I feel so proud."

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Xantalos on November 17, 2013, 10:48:51 pm

Look mildly surprised.

Ah, sorry man. Thought this was someplace else.

Approach and ask what part of the complex this is, wait until he's talking then shoot him.

((Wonder what's up with my powers.)) 

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 11:05:55 pm

Angel drops both of her powers and replaces them, aiming for some sort of ability that lets her teleport herself and others. She then examines her own abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 17, 2013, 11:33:00 pm

"Rrrgh. If I had a good natural light source around here, maybe I could have tried to fashion a keycard out of light. It's weird, but it could have worked.

We need to find this security guard then."

Await Jordan's input on the situation.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2013, 11:44:21 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 17, 2013, 10:48:51 pm

((Wonder what's up with my powers.))

((Random.org hates you for some reason. You keep rolling 2s and 1s. Did you anger someone there? Maybe a ritualistic killing is in order?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 17, 2013, 11:33:00 pm

"Rrrgh. If I had a good natural light source around here, maybe I could have tried to fashion a keycard out of light. It's weird, but it could have worked.

We need to find this security guard then."

Await Jordan's input on the situation.

((You already got a keycard, remember? You got one from the guards in the cake room along with the radio.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Toaster on November 17, 2013, 11:46:24 pm

Stupid thing.

Shoot the other guard when he's not looking.  Stuff their bodies in the kiosk.  Shut off the smoker if I can- stuff it in the kiosk if I can't.  Get to the loading bay.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 17, 2013, 11:53:15 pm

((Oh. I'm pretty much ignorant then :D))

"Right then, we just use this..."
Use the keycard.
"And to the control room we go. I hope the others are doing okay... but we must continue."
If the keycard works, continue down the hallway carefully.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Fniff on November 17, 2013, 11:59:31 pm

(Dammit, I had a nice idea for hacking the door.)

"That fire is worrying me. In most circumstances I'd delay the mission, but it seems like personal safety is secondary to the objective. Let's get this done fast."
Proceed down the hallway, look for fire-escapes and guards. Have gun at the ready, but not obviously so.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 18, 2013, 12:04:03 am

"As long as we have a window or something I can easily get us out, using the light. The fire also will provide me light for usage, too. What I'm worried about is how they will fare down there, along with the problem of the guards."

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 12:12:12 am

((Ah, gimme a second.
/me busts into Random.org and does unspeakable things
Better.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2013, 12:51:06 am

Generate a set of two-inch spheres of flame inside the wall alongside us (expend only one of my five flame generation charges... or at least I thought I had five... I mean, with the way that nothing else is working... Am I going to blow up or something when I try this? I... I can't afford to think about that. This is going to work. I'll... I hope it will.), and spread hidden flame throughout the interior of the walls, giving it a safe place to grow and causing havoc with the building's wireing. try to avoid letting any of the fire show itself.
Should I tell Angel? She... She'll do the same thing as last time. She'll try to stop me again. I can't afford that. I... I can't tell her yet. I'll prove myself first, maybe then she'll trust me.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2013, 03:07:45 am

Look at the other building and try to discern if there is an open window or some fixture that I may attach the hook to. Same goes for the roof I'm standing on.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: scapheap on November 18, 2013, 05:56:17 am

Eria wasted no time. She was used to death. Putting the body in the car and closing the door, she carry on with cutting through the fence.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2013, 11:47:21 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 17, 2013, 10:48:51 pm

Look mildly surprised.

Ah, sorry man. Thought this was someplace else.

Approach and ask what part of the complex this is, wait until he's talking then shoot him.

Quote from: Toaster on November 17, 2013, 11:46:24 pm

Shoot the other guard when he's not looking.  Stuff their bodies in the kiosk.  Shut off the smoker if I can- stuff it in the kiosk if I can't.  Get to the loading bay.

Alan begins approaching the guard and asks him his question.
"What? Are you stupid?! Stay back!" He draws his pistol.
A single small knife is launched from Alan's hand. It embeds itself in the guard's chest before he has a chance to react.
The guard is shocked and in pain but manages to raise his gun and point it at Alan.
John takes his shot through the window, trying to stop the guard from shooting, but misses.
The guard fires a single shot, grazing Alan and drawing some blood, but not doing any serious damage. It still hurts like hell though.
The guard collapses from his wounds, now unconscious.

As Alan hides the bodies in the guardhouse and John shuts down the smoker, the radio on the corner of the room fills you in on the guard's reactions.
"Sir, I think I heard something from the guardhouse. Sounded like a gunshot."
"Guardhouse, report! What's going on there?"
"Should we go investigate sir?"
"If we don't get a response, go check what's going on.
Everyone, look alive. The fire and then the gunshot. Can't be a coincidence."
"Lavirenko, respond immediately! What's the situation on the gate?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 17, 2013, 11:05:55 pm

Angel drops both of her powers and replaces them, aiming for some sort of ability that lets her teleport herself and others. She then examines her own abilities.

You gain the ability to "teleport" yourself and everything in a .5 meter sphere around you forward. Your range is very short, about 1.5 meters at full strength, but you can use it in bursts to move quickly.
You gain an ability that draws other people's attention. It seems to be working, since the fox has her eyes fixed on you. Or maybe she's just planning to kill you.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2013, 12:51:06 am

Generate a set of two-inch spheres of flame inside the wall alongside us (expend only one of my five flame generation charges... or at least I thought I had five... I mean, with the way that nothing else is working... Am I going to blow up or something when I try this? I... I can't afford to think about that. This is going to work. I'll... I hope it will.), and spread hidden flame throughout the interior of the walls, giving it a safe place to grow and causing havoc with the building's wiring. try to avoid letting any of the fire show itself.
Should I tell Angel? She... She'll do the same thing as last time. She'll try to stop me again. I can't afford that. I... I can't tell her yet. I'll prove myself first, maybe then she'll trust me.

Despite the fact that you're doing this blind and the fact that, except for the wires and very little insulation, there's nothing flammable in the concrete walls and the fact that oxygen has difficulty entering the wall through the few holes that exist, like electrical sockets, you manage to light a small fire in the Rec Room wall.
Right now it's very small, it hasn't even fully melted the plastic of the wires yet. It should slowly grow bigger though. But you can always help it along.
While doing this, you can't stop staring at Angel for some reason.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 17, 2013, 11:53:15 pm

"Right then, we just use this..."
Use the keycard.
"And to the control room we go. I hope the others are doing okay... but we must continue."
If the keycard works, continue down the hallway carefully.

Quote from: Fniff on November 17, 2013, 11:59:31 pm

Proceed down the hallway, look for fire-escapes and guards. Have gun at the ready, but not obviously so.

The keycard deactivates the lock with a small "beep" and allows you to enter the Security Area.
As you walk, the radio continues to inform you of the guard's communications.

"Sir, we're having trouble with the fire."
"How bad is it?"
"Not that bad, it's just that someone has already used the fire extinguisher here. I need some help with the hose."
"_{Already used...?} You heard that SecStation C?"
"Affirmative, we'll send our men."

You pass through a heavy metal door labeled "reinforced temporary imprisonment unit" and reach the end of the hallway.
In front of you is the door leading to your target, behind you is a door leading to the roof and on your left is the door leading to a bathroom.

"Sir, I think I heard something from the guardhouse. Sounded like a gunshot."
"Guardhouse, report! What's going on there?"
"Should we go investigate sir?"
"If we don't get a response, go check what's going on.
Everyone, look alive. The fire and then the gunshot. Can't be a coincidence."
"Lavirenko, respond immediately! What's the situation on the gate?"

One of the voices in the radio, the one the others address as "Sir", can be heard from behind the door as well.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2013, 03:07:45 am

Look at the other building and try to discern if there is an open window or some fixture that I may attach the hook to. Same goes for the roof I'm standing on.

You're not actually standing on the roof, since the target building is 2 stories high and the one you're in is about 20. So I thought it would be better if you found some empty office to use a bit higher than the roof of the target building.

There are plenty of support pillars and sturdy looking pipes you could tie the rope around on your end.
On the target building, you've got plenty of choices. You could shoot the grappling hook to a window and have it attach itself on it. You could aim for the railing of the lower roof section, which would probably be the easier target, since the only thing you'd have to do is hit the roof and pull the rope until it's taught. Or you could try for the ventilation tower, which would bring you closer to your objective.

You see a flash of light coming from the otherwise dark south street.

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 18, 2013, 05:56:17 am

Eria wasted no time. She was used to death. Putting the body in the car and closing the door, she carry on with cutting through the fence.

You hide the body in the car, close the door and cover the pool of blood with a bit of the surrounding snow. That done, you cut your way through the fence and make your way inside.

You're currently facing a concrete wall on the northwest corner of the building. It's got nothing on it but a few cracks. Not even windows or pipes.
You could try to somehow climb the wall. Or you could try to look around for something else. Or you could make your way to the loading area and get inside the building from there. Or something else.

You hear a faint bang coming from the south street.

---

Everyone
"Alert level raised. Guards suspicious." your Interfaces inform you.

---

((Here (http://youtu.be/_q01tES5Azw?t=55m50s). Have some music.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Fniff on November 18, 2013, 12:02:39 pm

Jordan motions to Zech and whispers quietly as he draws up to the side of the door. "Looks like someone is less careful then us. I don't think anyone's going to care if we raise the alarm further, but let's try and keep the problems minimal. Zed, get on the door, check through the keyhole. Look for natural light sources inside and how many people are inside. Here's the plan, we kill the guards, grab the leader and put a gun to his head, tell him to dispatch his guards to down the street or something so we don't get heat drawn to us, then we execute him and cut his hand off. Your purpose is to help me trap him by creating restraints on him, at least something to stop him from running off or yelling something out before we can threaten him. You with me?"

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2013, 12:28:55 pm

help my little wallfire grow

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2013, 01:38:14 pm

Shoot and attach the hook to the ventilation tower, tie the grappling gun end around something steady-looking on my end, like a support pillar. If this works, hold onto the rope and check its ability to hold my weight.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 01:40:32 pm

((Balls. Toaster, you wanna try to imitate his voice while I conjure up some band aids or something?))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 18, 2013, 02:28:20 pm

"Right, but let's do this quick. If there's no natural light I can take out those artificial lights and just use the shadows instead. We don't need this to be any more complicated than it already is, so time is of the essence."
Peek through the keyhole, look for our targets and the various light sources.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2013, 03:21:32 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 01:40:32 pm

((Balls. Toaster, you wanna try to imitate his voice while I conjure up some band aids or something?))

((Bandages are a type of home appliance?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 18, 2013, 02:28:20 pm

"Right, but let's do this quick. If there's no natural light I can take out those artificial lights and just use the shadows instead. We don't need this to be any more complicated than it already is, so time is of the essence."
Peek through the keyhole, look for our targets and the various light sources.

((To save you a turn, this part of the building isn't so old as to have those old see through locks. It's got locks like this: Standard Lock (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Profilsylinder.jpg) except for some very old parts of the building in the northwestern section, that haven't been renovated.
Even if it had one of those old see-through locks, you'd need something like an optic fiber or some other way to bend light to see much of the room.
The door itself looks somewhat like this:Standard Cheap Office Door (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4pm5ceVEGI/T9EFxyMfgGI/AAAAAAAAC4k/4U6NY8C_JUA/s1600/doors.jpg)
If you ask the entity, he will tell you that the room beyond is large and filled with desks and computers, along with some radios and other security devices. There's a metal keycard locked door leading to the armory on the left and a metal keycard locked door leading to the security system's computers on the right.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 18, 2013, 04:32:10 pm

((This is...not ideal. Well, I have an idea.))

Wait for powers to charge, then hurry into the room. Figure out which one the director person we need to get is, grab him and say that we need to get out before the fire spreads. Drag him out of the room; once out of sight, grab the cart and start teleporting away, to somewhere I can interrogate him for whatever it is we need.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2013, 04:40:30 pm

replacing my previous action.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 18, 2013, 04:32:10 pm

((This is...not ideal. Well, I have an idea.))

Wait for powers to charge, then hurry into the room. Figure out which one the director person we need to get is, grab him and say that we need to get out before the fire spreads. Drag him out of the room; once out of sight, grab Irene and start teleporting away, to somewhere I can interrogate him for whatever it is we need.

Help my wallfire grow until Angel runs inside. once she starts talking about how the fire is going to spread, have my wallfire pop out of an electrical socket in the rec room and help it grow inside the rec room.
Once she starts running towards me, tell her.
To Angel<Leave me and the cart, I'll be ok. You've got him and you've got a knife, go!>
Stay hidden in the rags if she does as I asked or if she decides to take the entire cleaning cart. if she doesn't, then hop into her arm and let her carry me around once she gets close to the cart and reaches for me.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Toaster on November 18, 2013, 11:40:47 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 01:40:32 pm

((Balls. Toaster, you wanna try to imitate his voice while I conjure up some band aids or something?))

((Yep.))

John looks at the radio a couple seconds, then grabs it.

"All clear here, comrade.  It was a car backfire.  What's this about a fire?"

Attempt to fake the voice.  Distract them with a change of subject.

**Get these bodies inside too- we need to get moving if this works or not.**

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 11:42:00 pm

Get the bodies inside and conjure up some first aid kits or bandages or something.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 19, 2013, 04:52:43 pm

((Still waiting a while for the team near the main security station and scapheap to post something.
Got the rest of the turn processed.
Note to self: don't split the party.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 19, 2013, 05:58:20 pm

"Alright, lemme try this. Jordan, get your power ready. I'm going to get my powers up too. I have a plan. This'll take a lot of my energy, but just trust me here."

Zechariah let out a scream for effect, and
Shoot the lights out. All of them. Get ready to use my shadow powers to distort the vision to appears as if the lights are still on and there are dead office workers on the floor, while Zechariah and Jordan are concealed to the guards.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Fniff on November 19, 2013, 06:42:58 pm

"Er... I don't have a powe--"
Activate adrenaline when the security head goes out to check what all the fuss is about.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 19, 2013, 06:50:34 pm

((So, to clarify, you're not entering the room and shooting the lights there, you're shooting the lights in the hallway?
EDIT: Nope, never mind, posted before I saw your edit.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 19, 2013, 06:52:37 pm

((We're still in the hallway, yes, and I assumed the door was locked. This plan still stands, though :P))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 19, 2013, 11:31:59 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 19, 2013, 06:52:37 pm

((We're still in the hallway, yes, and I assumed the door was locked. This plan still stands, though :P))

((Not much reason to lock a door when you have a high security keycard lock in place that should have prevent unauthorized people from entering. Not to mention that part of the security system is conveniently malfunctioning due to an "accident".

Since your darkness-illusion power don't produce light how are you going to make the hallway look like the lights are on? Are you going to use your light producing power too? Or are you going to use your power in a smart way?

Cause right now I imagine your darkness powers as creating something that looks like a solid. They need light to be reflected off of them.
Do you want them to be some sort of perception-deceiving mist that messes with people's heads instead?))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 19, 2013, 11:34:27 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2013, 01:38:14 pm

Shoot and attach the hook to the ventilation tower, tie the grappling gun end around something steady-looking on my end, like a support pillar. If this works, hold onto the rope and check its ability to hold my weight.

You open the window and prep your shot. Adjust for wind, estimate inclination, rearrange the weight, open valve, release the safety, breath in and.... *click*
The grappling hook is launched with a pop and a hiss, the rope trailing behind it. You manage to get it attached on a pipe near the base of the tower. Perfect shot!
You get the rope taut and tie the other end to a support pillar. You grab it and put your weight on it. Not only it holds, but it doesn't seem to bend much either. Perfect! You could probably just zipline to the other side.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 18, 2013, 04:32:10 pm

Wait for powers to charge, then hurry into the room. Figure out which one the director person we need to get is, grab him and say that we need to get out before the fire spreads. Drag him out of the room; once out of sight, grab Irene and start teleporting away, to somewhere I can interrogate him for whatever it is we need.

You wait until your powers are fully charged and then enter the room.
Everybody turns to look at you the moment you open the door.
"When I walk in the rec room, this is what I see
Everybody stops and they staring at me..." the entity begins singing through your earpiece.
They turn back to their whatever-it-is-they're-doing a moment later, seemingly oblivious to what just happened, but they still glance at you from time to time.
You scan the small crowd of office workers for the Director.
You've never seen him before, but the moment you lay eyes on him you can feel recognition and anger from your host.
A tall man. An old man, as you can tell by his white beard and wrinkles. A strong man even, when he was younger. He's standing there, besides a security guard, talking to an office worker.
The entity stops its singing to give you information.
"Now either get his keycard so we can go to his office or the main security station and access the computer there, or interrogate him for his Master Pass-code for the Main Elevator. Your choice, either way works."
You start walking towards him and begin talking to him. The entity resumes his singing a moment later.
"Director, we need to get you out of here. The fire is spreading."
The Director and his guard looks surprised at this.
"What? What are you talking about?"
The guard subtly comes closer to the Director, gets one gun on his shoulder and gets ready to use his gun.
"How did-" The guard is interrupted by the lights flickering.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2013, 04:40:30 pm

Help my wallfire grow until Angel runs inside. once she starts talking about how the fire is going to spread, have my wallfire pop out of an electrical socket in the rec room and help it grow inside the rec room.
Once she starts running towards me, tell her.
To Angel<Leave me and the cart, I'll be ok. You've got him and you've got a knife, go!>
Stay hidden in the rags if she does as I asked or if she decides to take the entire cleaning cart. if she doesn't, then hop into her arm and let her carry me around once she gets close to the cart and reaches for me.

Irene focuses on growing the fire in the walls. She's doing it blind, so she just focuses on pushing the fire and making it grow.
"I've got fire in the walls and I'm not afraid to show it, show it, show it..."
It grows like a wave, consuming all plastic and insulation in its path. As if under pressure, the moment it reaches a hole, it erupts outwards.

Inside the Rec room, the lights flicker and go out.
"I'm special and I know it."
Suddenly, fire erupts from a wall socket like lava from a volcano, heating everything around it and spraying molten and burning pieces of plastic everywhere, lighting furniture on fire. People scream as they are struck, their clothes catching on fire.

Angel takes this opportunity to drag the Director away. "Come on, let's go!" she shouts.
The Director follows along bewildered, the guard still following him with one hand on his shoulder, holding the radio to his mouth with the other, screaming about fires and explosions, trying to be heard in the noise of the crowd.
The fire continues to spread and expand, seemingly on its own, erupting from other electrical sockets, junction boxes and lights on the walls.
Angel manages to get the Director outside, running along with a mass of people trying to escape the fire.

The panicking crowd shoves the cleaning cart, toppling it to the side. Thankfully, Irene remains covered by the rags and the cart protects her from being trampled.

((Stopping you here so that you don't get too far ahead of the others, timewise. Feel free to submit the same or new actions.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 18, 2013, 11:40:47 pm

John looks at the radio a couple seconds, then grabs it.

"All clear here, comrade.  It was a car backfire.  What's this about a fire?"

Attempt to fake the voice.  Distract them with a change of subject.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2013, 11:42:00 pm

Get the bodies inside and conjure up some first aid kits or bandages or something.

(("Uh, we had a slight car backfiring. But, everything's perfectly alright now. We're... fine. We're all fine here now. Thank you. How are you?" (http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_fb.swf?pid=qnywykfgsh&as=1)))
"You sure? It's just with the fire and everything-" the man stops speaking mid sentence and the transmission stops soon after.
You wait a few seconds, but when no response comes, you decide it's best to just move on to your objectives. You press the button to lift the boom gate and make your way to the car. As you exit the guardhouse, you hear talk about screaming and screaming about explosions. Well, they've clearly got bigger problems than you now.
You make your way to the loading area. It's a wide opening in the side of the building where trucks are supposed to unload their cargo. It looks empty.
There are a lot of creates in the area and a few containers.
There's a gargantuan metal door on your west with a wicket gate built into it. The entity informs you that it leads to the hallway leading to the main elevator where you must bring the Device, your objective.
There's a smaller metal door on your southwest. The entity informs you that it leads to the offices in charge of shipping and maintaining the loading area.
There's a metal door in the north, leading to what the entity calls a "temporary storage area".
There's a large winch-like device suspended from the ceiling that looks capable of moving and lifting containers. The rails it moves on disappear behind the metal door on the west.
To save you the trouble, all the doors are locked, the large one with a keypad and keycard reader, the smaller ones (including the wicket) with regular locks.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 19, 2013, 05:58:20 pm

Zechariah let out a scream for effect, and
Shoot the lights out. All of them. Get ready to use my shadow powers to distort the vision to appears as if the lights are still on and there are dead office workers on the floor, while Zechariah and Jordan are concealed to the guards.

Quote from: Fniff on November 19, 2013, 06:42:58 pm

Activate adrenaline when the security head goes out to check what all the fuss is about.

Zach screams as the man the others address as "Sir" talks in the radio.
He begins shooting the lights, the silencer reducing the gunshots to simple thuds.
"What the hell is going on out there? Kozlov, go check it out!" "Sir" says, as Zach finishes shooting the lights.
Meanwhile, Jordan sets up near the door, ready to ambush whoever comes through it.
The last light is destroyed, plunging the hallway into darkness.

Zach gets his staff out and tries to use his powers to create an illusion, but he just can't muster the focus to do so. All the images come out distorted and wrong. He gives up and and takes position on the other side of the door, staff at the ready.

Who you assume to be Koslov opens the door, just as screams about an explosion begin being heard in the radio. Before he has a chance to react Jordan, in an adrenaline fueled rush grabs him, stabs him in the lung and pulls him to the darkness, holding his hand over his mouth.
"Yes! Quick and efficient, like a predator should be."
"Yeah, yeah. Nice one Mr. Fisher."
You glimpse 3 men in that room, two of them sitting near a radio at the far end of the room with their backs turned on you and another sitting on an office facing you, who is currently looking behind him at the radio. The room has many desks, office chairs, computers and other things you would expect to find in an office.

"Guys what's going on out there?" you hear a voice coming from behind the bathroom door.

---

((Can't wait forever...))
Eria looks at the wall, unsure of what to do.

---

((Everybody getting 5s and overshooting this turn. Everybody but Zach. Better than dying, I guess.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 19, 2013, 11:48:23 pm

((Action negotiable by Lenglon if s/he thinks of something better..))

Grab Irene. Teleport myself, Irene, and the director to some more secure, less on-fire location, teleporting multiple times if needed. Which it probably will be.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Toaster on November 19, 2013, 11:55:04 pm

((The inter-team communication here is stellar.))

John shrugs.  "Screw it.  The other teams have kicked up a big enough ruckus in there that we can just force our way in.  Let's get this lock off."

Main gate it is- break off the lock.  If not possible or unsuccessful, build an explosive device to just blow the gate open, and do so.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 12:45:13 am

Errgghh. He had to focus his mind, he couldn't be thinking about so many things at once. Their lives were at stake here.

Bend the shadows to portray the hallway as normal with Jordan and me concealed. If there are lights in the control room, shoot them out also and bend the shadows like with the hallway.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 20, 2013, 01:02:12 am

Zipline over to the other side, then!

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 01:04:38 am

I don't think a crowbar counts as an appliance, but I can spawn you lockpicks and screwdrivers.

Spawn lockpicks and screwdrivers.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 01:32:38 am

((she))
((... I have better ideas, but they rely on knowing what Angel is capable of, which Irine doesn't know. You haven't explained your abilities to her and now is a really bad time to be talking to me.))
((... I change perspectives between third and first person a lot, don't I?))
((however, with your current plan, I think you're about to get shot.))

---

((How is that entity singing to me? I'm not wearing the earpiece, I'm a fox! it wont fit me!))
Through interface, to the rest of our group: <The alarm is about to be raised, if you can kill their radios, do it right now!>
To Angel: <He still has a guard with him.>
When Angel reaches down for me, hop into her arms. in the meantime continue to help my fire grow.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 05:43:56 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 01:32:38 am

((How is that entity singing to me? I'm not wearing the earpiece, I'm a fox! it wont fit me!))

((I was going for some sort of multiple perspective kinda thing and I was using the singing to show the time. Clearly it didn't work out as I intended.))

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 01:04:38 am

Spawn lockpicks and screwdrivers.

((Now I must see your home. You have LOCKPICKS in your home? And you use them to accomplish HOUSEHOLD FUNCTIONS?))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 06:19:04 am

...
I have a large amount of paper clips that I use as lockpicks.
So maybe?

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 06:58:18 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 06:19:04 am

...
I have a large amount of paper clips that I use as lockpicks.
So maybe?

Huh. That actually makes sense.
But what do you expect me to think when you say lockpicks?

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: scapheap on November 20, 2013, 07:12:24 am

Eria looked at the wall 'Fuck it'

Climb

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 10:06:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 06:58:18 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 06:19:04 am

...
I have a large amount of paper clips that I use as lockpicks.
So maybe?

Huh. That actually makes sense.
But what do you expect me to think when you say lockpicks?

*shrug*
Your interpretation is the ultimate.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Toaster on November 20, 2013, 12:14:51 pm

Who doesn't have a torsion wrench in their toolbox?

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 01:40:51 pm

"Fucking yeeeeesssssss. Jordan hissed quietly, trying to push down the natural elation of a clean kill. He screamed out "HELP ME!" in a vague imitation of Kozlov's voice (He had only heard one word, and that was "Sir", but it'd have to do). Even if they didn't believe it, they'd investigate. And lead them right into his trap.
Imitate the guard and call out for help. When the others come closer, ambush them as well using either the pistol or the knife, depending on what's convenient. If Zech succeeds, use the dark to my advantage (Try tracking them by sound instead of sight: it isn't as good, but it'd do).

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 03:02:04 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 01:32:38 am

Through interface, to the rest of our group: <The alarm is about to be raised, if you can kill their radios, do it right now!>
To Angel: <He still has a guard with him.>
When Angel reaches down for me, hop into her arms. in the meantime continue to help my fire grow.

The automatic sprinklers in the Rec Room kick in, but Irene disagrees. The inferno grows ever larger, consuming everything in its path, seemingly unaffected by the water. It explodes outwards, covering the exit of the rec room in flames. The fire in the walls messes with the wiring, short circuiting them or outright melting them, resulting in more lights in the hallways around the Rec room going out.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 19, 2013, 11:48:23 pm

Grab Irene. Teleport myself, Irene, and the director to some more secure, less on-fire location, teleporting multiple times if needed. Which it probably will be.

Everyone's still watching you, even as you run to your cart, the Director in tow. Everyone watches you as you pick up a red rag- no, a three tailed fox from the cart. Everyone watches you as you begin to shimmer and glow, a small barely visible sphere of blue light forming around you. Everyone watches you as you disappear.
And then a drawback to your current power becomes apparent. Everything in that sphere around you is teleported. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Including part of the floor and the civilians around you.

You instantly reappear about a meter forward, only to disappear again a few milliseconds later, taking a fresh batch of floor and bodyparts with you, the ground you were standing on expanding and breaking apart where it intersected with the one you teleported in.
You jump a few more times, all in a few seconds, trying to make your way to a safe zone the entity gives you, a blocked off stairwell that you could reach with your teleportation, but others couldn't.

Irene looks behind Angel at the burning Rec Room. Her worries about the guard hurting them disappear along with a large part of the guard himself. His hand remains in the Director's shoulder. It's just not attached to anything anymore and spraying blood all over the place.
"Teleportation. That's handy." The entity continues its terrible jokes, mentioning how you could disarm them or make crossing you cost an arm and a leg.
Further back, the scene isn't much better. Many of the civilians are bleeding or dead, others are falling through the hole in the floor and the guards are getting ready to shoot their weapons.

Angel reorients herself and teleports around the corner and the guards disappear from Irene's sight, replaced with a wall riddled with bullets. She finally stops about halfway to the safe-zone, bodyparts falling around her, a pile of rubble appearing beneath her, the floor barely holding together. Her power has stopped working for now. Looks like it needs a few seconds to recharge before she can use another burst.

The Director takes this opportunity to push you away from him. You try to hold on to him but he's too strong. You're pushed to the ground, in pain but mostly unhurt.
"Who are you? Who do you work for?" he asks as he finds his balance and bends down.
You can hear sirens making noise in the background.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 19, 2013, 11:55:04 pm

John shrugs.  "Screw it.  The other teams have kicked up a big enough ruckus in there that we can just force our way in.  Let's get this lock off."

Main gate it is- break off the lock.  If not possible or unsuccessful, build an explosive device to just blow the gate open, and do so.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 01:04:38 am

I don't think a crowbar counts as an appliance, but I can spawn you lockpicks and screwdrivers.

Spawn lockpicks and screwdrivers.

You park in the loading area, load the Device on its cart along with the AK and make your way to the wicket door of the main gate. Alan offers John some paper clips, but John has a better idea.
He uses the butt of his AK to smash the lock, pushing it out of the door after a great many number of hits and a lot of effort.
The noise would have probably alerted everyone in the hallway, but people are probably more worried about those sirens right now.
Wait, sirens?

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 20, 2013, 01:02:12 am

Zipline over to the other side, then!

You take your belt off and use it to zipline to the other side. Your belt barely holds, a little more and it would have given out, but it holds, and that's what matters.
As you move, you notice the lights going out and fire erupting in the floor below you. Looks like your teammates are having fun.
You land on the roof and star making your way to your objective. Your senses are telling you there's a single guard in the comm tower's building, shouting to his radio.
He's probably just worried about those sirens.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 12:45:13 am

Bend the shadows to portray the hallway as normal with Jordan and me concealed. If there are lights in the control room, shoot them out also and bend the shadows like with the hallway.

Quote from: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 01:40:51 pm

"Fucking yeeeeesssssss. Jordan hissed quietly, trying to push down the natural elation of a clean kill. He screamed out "HELP ME!" in a vague imitation of Kozlov's voice (He had only heard one word, and that was "Sir", but it'd have to do). Even if they didn't believe it, they'd investigate. And lead them right into his trap.
Imitate the guard and call out for help. When the others come closer, ambush them as well using either the pistol or the knife, depending on what's convenient. If Zech succeeds, use the dark to my advantage (Try tracking them by sound instead of sight: it isn't as good, but it'd do).

Zach tries to camouflage himself and Jordan with shadows. Once again, he is unsuccessful.
The plea of help from his teammate however, is very much successful. You can hear the sound of men lifting from their chairs and guns being readied.
"Shit, shit!"
"Get ready."
"Press the alarm."
"We've got trouble at the Main Security Station. Send backup!"
Their voices sound closer to the door now.
Jordan and Zach jump out of cover and begin shooting, the 4 guards stand ready, guns pulled out of holsters and pointed at the door.
Zach seriously wound a wall, a chair and a computer screen, before jumping back into cover, the bullets the guards are firing flying centimeters away from him but missing.
Jordan on the other hand empties his entire clip as he jumps and flies from cover to cover like some kind of movie hero, killing everyone in the room and severely damaging the equipment there.
He is hit in turn however, a bullet ricocheting and hitting him on his left upper arm. The bullet cuts deep but thankfully it doesn't cause serious damage to his muscles or blood vessels. It's still bleeding and hurts like hell though.
The bathroom door bursts open and another guard comes forth to attack you.
He moves too fast for you to react, getting two shots on Zach's leg before you retaliate.
Zach shoots and once again manages to hit anything but the man, his clip now empty.
Jordan, out of ammo, throws his knife at the guard, hitting him near the throat.
The guard manages to squeeze another shot as he collapses, but his limp arm and blurry senses make him shoot himself in the foot. He lays there, gurgling and choking on his own blood for a while, before going silent.
Zach's leg has been hit pretty bad. He's gonna have trouble walking and he's bleeding moderately. It's not life threatening (yet) but it needs some first aid.
You can hear sirens outside. Well, all the guards in this room are either dead or getting there very fast, so it couldn't have been one of them.
((You were incredibly lucky, considering you just attacked a room full of armed guards who were expecting you. And were ambushed by another guard.))

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 20, 2013, 07:12:24 am

Eria looked at the wall 'Fuck it'
Climb

You try climbing the wall. The smooth wall that just has some tiny cracks into it.
Even with your non-human characteristics it's proving to be a bit hard. You manage to get about halfway up (a good distance all things considered) before loosing your hold and falling.
You fall on the ground awkwardly, hurting your right leg in the process. It hurts like hell right now, but you're pretty sure it isn't broken.
It will make walking very difficult until the pain subsides though.

---

Everyone
You hear sirens making noise from all over the base. From the speakers, you hear a man saying:
"The base is under attack by unknown forces. All security personnel, get combat ready and go to your designated posts. All civilians are to be treated as dangerous.
All civilians, exit the facility immediately and obey the orders of security personnel to the letter. Use of deadly force has been authorized."
Your Interfaces beep and blink twice, once orange and once red, while saying
"Alert level raised. Guards alerted. They continue to be unaware of your appearance."
"Reinforcements approaching. ETA 5-15 minutes."
"You heard the all powerful being from another universe. Double time ladies. I know dismembering people and blowing stuff up is fun, but you've got no time to waste now."

---

((Here (http://youtu.be/3BYQeWzWOic?t=35m). Have some music.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Toaster on November 20, 2013, 03:15:48 pm

((Stealth: the first casualty in every RTD assault.))


John looks at the now-open gate.  "Let's just get in there before it gets worse!"


Get to da choppa elevator.  Shoot hostiles.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 03:18:11 pm

Balls.


Run along with guy. Shoot blenders at hostiles.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 03:25:15 pm

Congratulations, idiot, Zechariah thought to himself, clenching his teeth against the pain. You've just won the award for biggest failure ever. You've also been nominated for a Darwin Award!

He'd gone from single-handedly taking out armies of darkness, to now being incapcitated by human security guards. Meanwhile, Jordan was taking names, killing all of the guards. Zechariah couldn't even manage what he did best, which was summon the shadows to their aid.

Wow, the entities really were going to have a field day with this scene. The interdimensional hero, fighting the pain in his leg, Jordan cleaning up the mess. Maybe this is what they planned. Maybe they restricted his powers.

Or maybe he was just too damn weak.

"Get the stuff from the main guard, Jordan... and switch out your Janitor's jacket for a security guard vest. It'll make my job of concealing us easier, especially with this pain. Try to find a bandage or something." The pain made it hard for him to focus, but whatever. He had a job to do and he couldn't let them both die on his part. He couldn't let the entities win, whether they were from the Medium or not. He had to do this.

Get a guard's vest. Use my staff as a walking stick, and test if my shadow powers still work.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 04:11:12 pm

((Welp, I guess we're doing this right here then.))

To Angel: <I'm about to do something really cruel. You should close your eyes.>
Generate a 1-foot floating sphere of flame behind the director's head (one burning one flame generation charge), take a moment to shape it in the vague shape of a human female head, and begin to repeatedly make alarm barks while facing the flame-head. continue to bark throughout the entire rest of my actions. Have a thin tendril of flame reach out, arcing around his head, and melt his left eye before retracting back to the head and having the head float over in front of him to a position a mere two feet from the director's face.
To Angel and the Director: <You are in no position to ask questions. Tell me the Master Pass-code or you'll never see anything ever again.>
If the director refuses, threatens Angel in response, hurts Angel, or tries to run, burn out his other eye and immolate his right leg.
To Angel and the Director: <Don't make me get creative.>
If he continues to resist even after that, for each denial, ignite one of his fingers. alternate hands to maximize pain. tell him exactly what he looks like as his skin melts and blackens throughout this process as a running narrative, punctuated by demands for the Master pass-code. do not include Angel in the running narrative's speech targets - she doesn't need that particular nightmare.

((hopefully he won't realize that I'm the one controling the flame-head.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: scapheap on November 20, 2013, 04:28:16 pm

Eria sighs "Got to be a back way in somewhere."

Go inside the building somehow, even if it a soon to be ex-window.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 05:37:59 pm

((*looks at Lenglon's post*

I like how we managed to turn both of our underage (I know Irene is over 100, but she looks like a teen) characters into merciless murderers in the span of a few minutes. Looks like your entity was right

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 07:23:34 pm

(This isn't my full action, I'll post that if Artemis agrees.)
"Oh my fuuuuucking God, that was amazing." Jordan stands up and grins, barely noticing the shot in his arm. "I just killed like five people in under a minute. That never gets old. I have a plan. We'll get out the window, avoid the guards that way, and leave them a surprise! And that surprise is fire! These old soviet systems are so cruddy that if you wire them up right, they'll be set alight, meaning that they'll be greeted with a fire and they won't be able to persue us, and of course we'd be out of there before... no no no, too dangerous, okay, barricade the door, then we get out by the window, no fire even though that would be really FUN! God, can you believe I get paid to do this? Anyway, you cool with going out the window?"
Grab a security's guards vest and put it on, then try to put up furniture against the door. If none can be moved, use dead bodies. Cut the hand off the target.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 07:31:32 pm

"If I could use my leg, then yeah. But my light surfaces are solid crystal, which would not be good for me to fall on. I could make a light bridge to another building, but you'd have to cover me, because it'd require me to focus on the bridge."

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 20, 2013, 07:34:04 pm

((So. It's not selective.
...What happens to everything in the meter-wide sphere Angel teleports stuff into?))

Angel is about to answer, but she glances backwards, noticing the carnage she accidentally left in her wake. It takes her a moment to speak.
"I'm...I work for...um..."
She tries to think of an answer.

Let go of my powers. Get...something else. Telepathy? Some sort of stealthy ability? Maybe something that could let her help those people she accidentally maimed?

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 07:34:42 pm

"That's good, but I was thinking we climb down, but... yeah, leg's shot... Wait, shit, I'm shot as well, damn. Funny the things you don't notice in the heat of the moment. Anyway, bridge to the other side. You got another clip I could use?"
Oh, also see if I have another clip for the pistol. Still not the full action.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 07:38:46 pm

((Just a reminder, you have to get the Officer's hand (or use his security clearance to input your biometric data into the system, if you have a problem with cutting and carrying hands) and one of you has to go to the adjacent security system control room and do some stuff the entity tells you to the computers there.
There's also the Armory, if you want some more weapons and equipment, since you're out of ammo. Or you could take pistol clips from the dead guys.
There are no windows nearby but there is a door leading to the roof.
You have to get to the main elevator once you complete your objectives, which is close by, one floor below you.

I'm pretty sure I gave you all this info before. If not, sorry, my bad.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 07:40:40 pm

(Oh, yeah, almost forgot! I'll edit my post to cut his hand off.)

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 07:45:45 pm

((You gave some of the basic info, but you left some of the latter out.))
"Jordan, get his hand also. Or drag him to the stupid control screens. I'm going to get more of the clips from these guys so I can shoot out the lights and use the shadows once again. We're going to have to get down to the elevator, so let's hurry before we have soldiers pouring in. I'll watch the door."

Grab a guard vest and some clips. Use the staff as a walking stick and test my shadow powers, then stand guard at the door.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 07:54:39 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 20, 2013, 07:34:04 pm

((So. It's not selective.
...What happens to everything in the meter-wide sphere Angel teleports stuff into?))

((It's got to do with the way the power works, since it's not actually teleportation in the sense of "magically pop from one place to another", but something that looks a lot like it. But, as I described in the turn, the material that was already there was pushed outwards. Hence why you're now standing on a pile of rubble and a piece of floor that's barely stable.

You're lucky, my original idea was to have the intersecting material explode into shrapnel, but I thought it would a) probably kill you or severely wound you the first time you used it and b) too overpowered if you learned how to use it.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 07:45:45 pm

((You gave some of the basic info, but you left some of the latter out.))

((Whoops. Sorry. Yeah, I noticed I'm leaving info all over the place instead of giving it all together. Something to work on improving, I guess.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 08:09:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 05:37:59 pm

((*looks at Lenglon's post*

I like how we managed to turn both of our underage (I know Irene is over 100, but she looks like a teen) characters into merciless murderers in the span of a few minutes. Looks like your entity was right

((Irine isn't just a teen, she's also a hundred-thirty year old predator that can use flame to ensure she has successful kills. She hunts to survive, and has watched creatures burned alive many times. Yes, killing someone is different, but Irine isn't human in the first place, and from her perspective right now, she has to do this to survive. I understand why it seems like it would be a hard decision for Irine the teen, but it's not that hard for Irine the fox.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 08:19:19 pm

((Wait what she's over 100?
In order to RP correctly I'm not reading any other posts other than mine, so this is kinda news to me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 20, 2013, 08:23:32 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2013, 07:54:39 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 20, 2013, 07:34:04 pm

((So. It's not selective.
...What happens to everything in the meter-wide sphere Angel teleports stuff into?))

((It's got to do with the way the power works, since it's not actually teleportation in the sense of "magically pop from one place to another", but something that looks a lot like it. But, as I described in the turn, the material that was already there was pushed outwards. Hence why you're now standing on a pile of rubble and a piece of floor that's barely stable.
You're lucky, my original idea was to have the intersecting material explode into shrapnel, but I thought it would a) probably kill you or severely wound you the first time you used it and b) too overpowered if you learned how to use it.))

((Ah...I would have just had the two spheres switch places.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 08:33:26 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 08:19:19 pm

((Wait what she's over 100?
In order to RP correctly I'm not reading any other posts other than mine, so this is kinda news to me.))

((Irine ages at the slowest rate of her two forms. her fox form ages very slowly, max age is 1000 +- 100 years.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 20, 2013, 11:39:45 pm

Slink over to the comm station or whatever the red star place was. Move there, at any rate.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 21, 2013, 09:50:40 pm

((I thought not all people had posted, that's why I didn't do a turn sooner. But then I checked and all of you had posted an action. Errm... So, yeah. Post. Turn. Below this line. Sorry for the delay.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 20, 2013, 03:15:48 pm

John looks at the now-open gate.  "Let's just get in there before it gets worse!"

Get to da choppa elevator.  Shoot hostiles.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2013, 03:18:11 pm

Balls.

Run along with guy. Shoot blenders at hostiles.

You open the door, guns at the ready. Beyond is a huge hallway with nothing interesting in it except a few boxes and some wooden doors here and there. At the end of the hallway you can see your objective: a pair of massive metal doors, with the same width and height as this hallway.
The hallway is mostly empty, except for a few office workers exiting through the doors on your right and making their way to the left or towards the elevator, more confused than scared. They're probably evacuating as the speakers instructed, moving towards the exit of the building.
You hide your weapons and begin making your way towards the elevator, pushing the cart with the Device.

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 20, 2013, 04:28:16 pm

Eria sighs "Got to be a back way in somewhere."

Go inside the building somehow, even if it a soon to be ex-window.

There's a disturbing lack of windows on this side of the building (at least on this floor), so you just limp your way to the loading area.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 20, 2013, 07:34:04 pm

((So. It's not selective.
...What happens to everything in the meter-wide sphere Angel teleports stuff into?))

Angel is about to answer, but she glances backwards, noticing the carnage she accidentally left in her wake. It takes her a moment to speak.
"I'm...I work for...um..."
She tries to think of an answer.

Let go of my powers. Get...something else. Telepathy? Some sort of stealthy ability? Maybe something that could let her help those people she accidentally maimed?

[Roll to choose Telepathy/Stealth/Healing  d3->3 = Chose healing]
You gain the ability to automatically heal small cuts, bruises and other small injuries on yourself and others nearby at a slow rate.
You gain the ability to attract the rage of others.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 04:11:12 pm

To Angel: <I'm about to do something really cruel. You should close your eyes.>
Generate a 1-foot floating sphere of flame behind the director's head (one burning one flame generation charge), take a moment to shape it in the vague shape of a human female head, and begin to repeatedly make alarm barks while facing the flame-head. continue to bark throughout the entire rest of my actions. Have a thin tendril of flame reach out, arcing around his head, and melt his left eye before retracting back to the head and having the head float over in front of him to a position a mere two feet from the director's face.
To Angel and the Director: <You are in no position to ask questions. Tell me the Master Pass-code or you'll never see anything ever again.>
If the director refuses, threatens Angel in response, hurts Angel, or tries to run, burn out his other eye and immolate his right leg.
To Angel and the Director: <Don't make me get creative.>
If he continues to resist even after that, for each denial, ignite one of his fingers. alternate hands to maximize pain. tell him exactly what he looks like as his skin melts and blackens throughout this process as a running narrative, punctuated by demands for the Master pass-code. do not include Angel in the running narrative's speech targets - she doesn't need that particular nightmare.

"Who are you? Who do you work for?" The Director says as he regains his balance and bends down. "NKVD? The Cause? The Secretary sent you to kill me?" He tries to withdraw something that looks like a detonator from his boot.
"Crap! Stop him!" the entity warns Angel through her earpiece.
Angel, still lying on the ground where she was pushed, rolls towards the director and kicks his hand before he has a chance to lift it.
The Director looses his grip on the detonator and it rolls to the side.
At the same time, Irene uses her power to explode a large ball of flame into existence behind the Director and shape it into the vague form of a woman. She begins barking at it in that beautiful way only foxes can bark (http://youtu.be/J6NuhlibHsM).
The Director senses the heat approaching him and manages to jump away, suffering only minor burns.
<You are in no position to ask questions. Tell me the Master Pass-code or you'll never see anything ever again.> Irene says through her telepathy.
"What? Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?" He says as he begins removing something that looks like ball bearings from one of his pockets.
Once again Angel is faster, getting to her feet and before the Director has a chance to throw her his balls, she jumps on him and with great effort manages to push him to the ground.
<Don't make me get creative.> Irene telepathically broadcasts as the fire construct explodes, covering the corridor with fire.
Irene is struck the hardest by the fire blast, but her resistance leaves her with some minor burns that Angel's newfound ability should heal in a while. Angel is also hit by the fire, her clothes and hair catching on fire. She quickly rolls on the rubble-covered ground and manages to extinguish the flames, only sustaining minor injuries. The Director is mostly protected by the blast from Angel's body.
Before the Director has a chance to move, Irene jumps on to him and bares her teeth, growling.
"Fine, I'll tell you! I'll tell you! 10 58..." he continues to give you a number.
"You might want to tell the Assault team to try it first, make sure he's not lying. Be careful with that one. There's something... unexpected here."
((Damn your luck! That was supposed to be a difficult enemy! I didn't even get to show any of his attacks! Oh well, the mission isn't over yet.
Maybe I should make all NPCs autoroll 4s and 5s...
Was it OK for me to do your turn like this? Should I had stopped time sooner to give you a chance to do something different?))

---

"Hahaha! What was that? I thought your guy was supposed to be some big hero."
"He IS! Be silent!"
"Oh, come on, that guy has failed to use his magic properly and couldn't hit an elephant at 10 feet. His guy on the other hand, he's the real deal."
"I'm do not consider that to be such a good thing."
"I had a feeling you wouldn't."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 03:25:15 pm

"Get the stuff from the main guard, Jordan... and switch out your Janitor's jacket for a security guard vest. It'll make my job of concealing us easier, especially with this pain. Try to find a bandage or something." The pain made it hard for him to focus, but whatever. He had a job to do and he couldn't let them both die on his part. He couldn't let the entities win, whether they were from the Medium or not. He had to do this.
Get a guard's vest. Use my staff as a walking stick, and test if my shadow powers still work.

You try to use your powers. Those things are laughing at you. You've got to prove them wrong.  You have to show them your power damn it!
Your anger bolsters your will as you focus on a single thing: Darkness. The entire room is covered in it, and it escapes to the hallway beyond, a thick cloud swallowing all light. Hm. At least your powers still work. You let go and the cloud dissipates.

Quote from: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 07:23:34 pm

"Oh my fuuuuucking God, that was amazing." Jordan stands up and grins, barely noticing the shot in his arm. "I just killed like five people in under a minute. That never gets old. I have a plan. We'll get out the window, avoid the guards that way, and leave them a surprise! And that surprise is fire! These old soviet systems are so cruddy that if you wire them up right, they'll be set alight, meaning that they'll be greeted with a fire and they won't be able to persue us, and of course we'd be out of there before... no no no, too dangerous, okay, barricade the door, then we get out by the window, no fire even though that would be really FUN! God, can you believe I get paid to do this? Anyway, you cool with going out the window?"
Grab a security's guards vest and put it on, then try to put up furniture against the door. If none can be moved, use dead bodies. Cut the hand off the target.

Quote from: Fniff on November 20, 2013, 07:34:42 pm

"That's good, but I was thinking we climb down, but... yeah, leg's shot... Wait, shit, I'm shot as well, damn. Funny the things you don't notice in the heat of the moment. Anyway, bridge to the other side. You got another clip I could use?"
Oh, also see if I have another clip for the pistol. Still not the full action.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2013, 07:45:45 pm

"Jordan, get his hand also. Or drag him to the stupid control screens. I'm going to get more of the clips from these guys so I can shoot out the lights and use the shadows once again. We're going to have to get down to the elevator, so let's hurry before we have soldiers pouring in. I'll watch the door."
Grab a guard vest and some clips. Use the staff as a walking stick and test my shadow powers, then stand guard at the door.

Zach limps to the metal door on the left and uses his keycard to gain access to the armory. There he finds guns. Lots of guns, big and small. And more importantly, clips for their pistols. There are also a few first aid kits and guard outfits. He pockets enough clips for the both of them and uses the first aid kits to make some crude bandages for him and his teammate.
Jordan tries to cut their mark's arm, but it proves difficult to do with just a kitchen knife. So he decides to just follow the entity's directions and remove his earpiece and connect it to one of the computers there. While the entity works on the computer, Jordan makes a crude barricade out of desks. However, there's a problem. There doesn't seem to be any exits except fot the door they came from, the door that leads back to the dark hallway.
"Just give me some time to work on the security systems. This human body takes too long to do things."
You begin changing clothes and wearing the clean guard outfits you found in the armory.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 20, 2013, 11:39:45 pm

Slink over to the comm station or whatever the red star place was. Move there, at any rate.

You make your way to your objective. It's still the same small boring building under a big antenna with a guard in it. The guard is getting restless, moving back and forth with his gun drawn, speaking to his radio from time to time to ask for orders, but getting no response.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 21, 2013, 10:01:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 21, 2013, 09:50:40 pm

((I thought not all people had posted, that's why I didn't do a turn sooner. But then I checked and all of you had posted an action. Errm... So, yeah. Post. Turn. Below this line. Sorry for the delay.))

((Man, I've been there...))

Quote

((Damn your luck! That was supposed to be a difficult enemy! I didn't even get to show any of his attacks! Oh well, the mission isn't over yet.

((Just standard, I guess.))

Quote

Maybe I should make all NPCs autoroll 4s and 5s...

((-1))

Quote

Was it OK for me to do your turn like this? Should I had stopped time sooner to give you a chance to do something different?))

((It was fine, IMHO.))

[h]

"Okay, okay, okay, okay..."
Memorize the code, then try to knock the Director out. Grab the detonator and ball bearings, who knows what they can do?
Heal Irene, myself, and anyone else within my power to help, then release my powers again. Focus on some sort of telepathic communication. Focus on getting some kind of more powerful healing, for the people I already hurt so badly...

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 21, 2013, 10:26:36 pm

((letting you run my turn like that is exactly why I include all those If:Then statements. as long as nothing unexpected happens there's no reason not to just keep it running.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 21, 2013, 10:01:04 pm

"Okay, okay, okay, okay..."
Memorize the code, then try to knock the Director out. Grab the detonator and ball bearings, who knows what they can do?
Heal Irene, myself, and anyone else within my power to help, then release my powers again. Focus on some sort of telepathic communication.

((Have you forgotten about the interface? we already HAVE telepathic communication to teammates. the only reason you'd need it is to talk to hostiles!))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 21, 2013, 10:27:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 21, 2013, 10:26:36 pm

((letting you run my turn like that is exactly why I include all those If:Then statements. as long as nothing unexpected happens there's no reason not to just keep it running.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 21, 2013, 10:01:04 pm

"Okay, okay, okay, okay..."
Memorize the code, then try to knock the Director out. Grab the detonator and ball bearings, who knows what they can do?
Heal Irene, myself, and anyone else within my power to help, then release my powers again. Focus on some sort of telepathic communication.

((Have you forgotten about the interface? we already HAVE telepathic communication to teammates. the only reason you'd need it is to talk to hostiles!))

((...Yes, I forgot about that. One sec.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 21, 2013, 10:34:53 pm

"I did NOT blow up the moon, took me and my shadow self to hell, and end up in this place just to have these idiots laugh at me."
Zechariah dusted himself off. He was worried, though. He didn't know where any of the other Guardians were, and only knew where Haextov was. Artemis wasn't even responding anymore.

Well, it's better than dead. Seriously. Zechariah though he'd died by imploding the moon and falling into the limbo with his shadow self. But noooo, apparently the universe was not finished with him yet.

The hallway was dark, and this room was barely lit by computer screens and the armory. Zechariah did not care for weapons. His best weapon was his soul. The good thing about the darkness was that he could call upon the shadows to manipulate vision. This would give them time to escape. If he had Artemis on hand, they could combine and use the shadows as actual constructs. But alas, Artemis was off somewhere. Probably mocking people, being blasted out of windows (couldn't he use a door for once?), and torturing himself. Standard procedure for the guardians.

"I really wish we had a fire here or something. I really do. Ah well. I can use the shadows."

Cover the doorway. If we hear enemies, manipulate the shadows to show a normal hallway with nobody in it at all.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 22, 2013, 12:23:05 am

Climb on the roof of the comm building, then knock on the door from above. Stay hidden.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 22, 2013, 02:43:43 am

At least he made the decision to hurt him easy. I mean, it had to happen, but still. I... I don't want to have to be a... like that... I hope Angel is ok.
Relay the code to all the other teams using the interface.
To Angel: <We need to get out of here fast as soon as we confirm that the code is good, can you do that teleportation thing again?>
Restrain the hallway fire from advancing towards us, but keep it active and growing. Collect the excess into a large sphere of flame, available for rapid use if an unexpected threat arrives.
Through Interface, to Stellar: <I... When this... When we're done here, we need to have a long talk, ok?>
I... I was burned. I... I don't understand. Why... How much worse are things going to become?!? I hate this... I hate this so very, very much...

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 22, 2013, 09:43:05 am

<In a bit.>

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Toaster on November 22, 2013, 10:08:55 am

John leaned in as he heard the chatter over his link.  "Code received.  We're in the building with the package, approaching the elevator.  Y'all might want to head down here so we can all go at once."

Head to the door, and try the code.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 23, 2013, 10:33:43 am

((Post is ready. Just bumping this in case the people who haven't posted want to post. Otherwise, I'll post the turn in a while.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: scapheap on November 23, 2013, 10:56:14 am

Walk to the roof. There got to be a stairwell somewhere.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 23, 2013, 06:07:59 pm

...AGLBLBLBE

Alan babbles for no apparent reason, having no real idea what's going on.

If the code doesn't work, conjure several hammers of different types.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 23, 2013, 06:40:31 pm

Jordan silently aims his pistol at the door.

If anyone comes through, kill them. Otherwise, wait until it's proven that the area is clear.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 23, 2013, 07:22:45 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 21, 2013, 10:01:04 pm

"Okay, okay, okay, okay..."
Memorize the code, then try to knock the Director out. Grab the detonator and ball bearings, who knows what they can do?
Heal Irene, myself, and anyone else within my power to help, then release my powers again. Focus on getting some kind of more powerful healing, for the people I already hurt so badly...

You gain the ability to heal most wounds on you and others, but it still works kinda slowly. Not so slow as to be useless, but you need  to focus on it for a minute or two for things more serious than a light wound.
You gain some kind of alternate sight. Your normal sight is reduced to barely recognizable faint outlines, but you can see pulses of... something. They're coming from everywhere around you. You and Irene seem to pulse the strongest, with the Director coming a close second. You can sense other strong pulses, coming from further away.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 22, 2013, 02:43:43 am

At least he made the decision to hurt him easy. I mean, it had to happen, but still. I... I don't want to have to be a... like that... I hope Angel is ok.
Relay the code to all the other teams using the interface.
To Angel: <We need to get out of here fast as soon as we confirm that the code is good, can you do that teleportation thing again?>
Restrain the hallway fire from advancing towards us, but keep it active and growing. Collect the excess into a large sphere of flame, available for rapid use if an unexpected threat arrives.
Through Interface, to Stellar: <I... When this... When we're done here, we need to have a long talk, ok?>
I... I was burned. I... I don't understand. Why... How much worse are things going to become?!? I hate this... I hate this so very, very much...

((Strangely, nobody got seriously hurt in this "interrogation" (except the civilians) since you all dodged very well.))
You retain most of your fire, concentrating it on the doors that line the hallway, but it's getting harder to sustain it in this mostly flammable-free environment.

Angel approaches the Director with the intent of knocking him out, but before she can do so, the already damaged floor below the Director bends and collapses. Irene is fast enough to jump off of the Director and to an undamaged section of the floor. Angel has a bit more trouble, her lack of normal sight confusing her, but she too manages to barely avoid the collapsing floor.

You can see the Director rolling and get up with surprising speed and agility in the floor below. Even more surprisingly, he looks unhurt from the fall and quickly runs away before you can react.
Angel shrugs and goes to collect the detonator and some of the ball bearings that have spilled on the ground.
"Damn. He got away. I really wish you had killed him."
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"Okay. The password works. Assault team just tried it."
Your Interfaces blink once orange and once green while saying: "Objective accomplished. New objective received. Make your way to the main elevator."

Three guards from the rec room arrive from the North and two guards from Security Station B arrive from the South. Angel can barely identify them as guards through their feint outlines. Their pulses look the same as any other's. Thankfully, the entity warns her of the danger.
"The only path I see that do not leads you through enemies is going out a window on your West. You can make your way to the Main security station from there. Otherwise, you can push south or north and use the stairwell there." comes the voice through Angel's earpiece.
((Perhaps you should had listened to the nice fox lady when she told you to choose teleportation.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 21, 2013, 10:34:53 pm

"I did NOT blow up the moon, took me and my shadow self to hell, and end up in this place just to have these idiots laugh at me."
Zechariah dusted himself off. He was worried, though. He didn't know where any of the other Guardians were, and only knew where Haextov was. Artemis wasn't even responding anymore.

Well, it's better than dead. Seriously. Zechariah though he'd died by imploding the moon and falling into the limbo with his shadow self. But noooo, apparently the universe was not finished with him yet.

The hallway was dark, and this room was barely lit by computer screens and the armory. Zechariah did not care for weapons. His best weapon was his soul. The good thing about the darkness was that he could call upon the shadows to manipulate vision. This would give them time to escape. If he had Artemis on hand, they could combine and use the shadows as actual constructs. But alas, Artemis was off somewhere. Probably mocking people, being blasted out of windows (couldn't he use a door for once?), and torturing himself. Standard procedure for the guardians.

"I really wish we had a fire here or something. I really do. Ah well. I can use the shadows."

Cover the doorway. If we hear enemies, manipulate the shadows to show a normal hallway with nobody in it at all.

"If you want fire, there's plenty in the west section. Those girls will probably destroy the building at this rate."
"I hope they get burnt alive for the fire and death they've caused."

Quote from: Fniff on November 23, 2013, 06:40:31 pm

Jordan silently aims his pistol at the door.

If anyone comes through, kill them. Otherwise, wait until it's proven that the area is clear.

You reload your silenced pistols and stand guard near the door, Zach using his staff  as a walking stick.
After a while, the entity finishes whatever it was doing in the security system.
Your Interfaces blink once green while saying: "Objective accomplished."
"Okay, just grab that guy's palm and get it to the main elevator and you're done."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 22, 2013, 12:23:05 am

Climb on the roof of the comm building, then knock on the door from above. Stay hidden.

You use the beams forming the antenna to climb onto the roof of the small comm building, bend down and knock "Shave and a haircut" on the door, before retreating a bit and observing with your enhanced senses.
"Wha-? Who's there?" The guard is startled and points his gun at the door. After a few seconds of waiting with no response forthcoming, he opens the door. He checks his corners and then slowly steps out, still looking left and right, searching for an ambush coming from a corner.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 22, 2013, 10:08:55 am

John leaned in as he heard the chatter over his link.  "Code received.  We're in the building with the package, approaching the elevator.  Y'all might want to head down here so we can all go at once."

Head to the door, and try the code.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 23, 2013, 06:07:59 pm

...AGLBLBLBE

Alan babbles for no apparent reason, having no real idea what's going on.

If the code doesn't work, conjure several hammers of different types.

You travel west, towards the elevator, along with the civilians leaving the building. You get a few curious looks as you move, but fortunately nothing worse. You finally reach the massive doors and enter the code on a keypad beside the gate. It blinks green. A nearby hand scanner lights up.
Your Interfaces blink once orange and once green while saying: "Objective accomplished. New objective received. Wait for the other teams to arrive."
You can see most of the civilians heading south towards the exit of the building. Still no sings of enemy.
This is turning into a very boring assault. You're beginning to think that entity should had named you "Courier" instead.

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 23, 2013, 10:56:14 am

Walk to the roof. There got to be a stairwell somewhere.

You limp in the large hallway assault team just walked through.
"At this point, you're probably better off just going to the Main Elevator and helping there. Your teammate is almost done anyway."
"A very... mixed performance, so far..."
"She's a good one. You'll see."

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 23, 2013, 07:26:52 pm

Boredly begin building fortifications out of summoned pots and pans.
It should be a good fort due to my secondary ability of being able to utilize my appliances for just about anything with expert precision.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 23, 2013, 07:42:15 pm

"Well then, if you don't mind getting the hand, Jordan, so we can end this."
When Jordan is ready, start moving towards the main elevator. Have staff ready to summon the shadows.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Fniff on November 23, 2013, 08:42:42 pm

"It's my pleasure to finish this..."
Cut his hand off. If that fails, drag the body to the elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 23, 2013, 09:35:00 pm

"Something I've gotta do first."
I probably already ruined their lives...I should at least try to help...How could I live with myself if I didn't?
It's easy, Angel. Just go on, leave.
I'd wondered where you were.
You were doing fine on your own. Shame that guy escaped, though...I'm thinking we chase him.

[3v2]

Angel nearly jumps down into the hole, but manages to stop herself. She turns towards the civilians.

Find any of the maimed civilians who are still alive. Heal their wounds as best as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Toaster on November 23, 2013, 09:54:11 pm

John looks around as he waits for the rest of the teams to arrive.  Well, might as well practice some more...

"Nice... fort?"


Create a rocket launcher.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 23, 2013, 11:37:09 pm

((Paris! I've been noteing specifically who I am targeting with my telepathy! the ONLY person who was supposed to hear the teleportation comment was Angel!))
To Angel: <Angel! those guards will SHOOT you if you stay here!>

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 23, 2013, 11:41:21 pm

To Irene: <But I can't just leave those people here!>
I don't want to die, but I don't want to kill, either.
Listen to your friend, she knows what she's saying.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 23, 2013, 11:43:21 pm

To Angel: <The guards will help evacuate them once the area is clear of threats like US! the sooner we're gone the sooner they'll get help! teleport us out of here!>

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Xantalos on November 23, 2013, 11:45:23 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 23, 2013, 09:54:11 pm

John looks around as he waits for the rest of the teams to arrive.  Well, might as well practice some more...

"Nice... fort?"


Create a rocket launcher.

WHY THANK YOU. I NEVER PRACTICED.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 23, 2013, 11:51:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 23, 2013, 11:43:21 pm

To Angel: <The guards will help evacuate them once the area is clear of threats like US! the sooner we're gone the sooner they'll get help! teleport us out of here!>

<...You're sure?>

Drop powers, switch to something teleportingy. Teleport Irene and myself to safety.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2013, 12:20:52 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 23, 2013, 11:37:09 pm

((Paris! I've been noteing specifically who I am targeting with my telepathy! the ONLY person who was supposed to hear the teleportation comment was Angel!))

((Oh, I'm sorry. I thought that since it was a general tactical suggestion, you wouldn't mind the entities hearing it.
I'll edit that part out. Thanks for pointing it out.))

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Lenglon on November 24, 2013, 12:38:49 am

((no problem, it doesn't matter now, but it might if I end up crossing the entities later. which I'm considering a valid option, depending on circumstances. Besides, if the entities are going to pitch a hissy fit about not hearing me, I want them to do it now, when I really don't have anything to hide, rather than later, when I might.))

To Angel: <I'm not totally sure but it's my best guess, and staying here is just going to get us killed! There isn't anything we can do to help that the guards can't!>
Wall of fire in front of the guards, hop into Angel's arms if she lets me. have a decent-sized amount of flame follow along behind us if I can, but do NOT under any circumstances burn Angel.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 24, 2013, 02:04:43 am

Shoot the guard repeatedly with the silenced pistol. Two shots to the chest, one to the head, preferably. Then go inside the comm place.

Title: Re: Special People: Rec Room Inferno
Post by: scapheap on November 24, 2013, 05:07:00 am

To the Elevator. Also flip bird at air.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2013, 10:13:50 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 23, 2013, 07:26:52 pm

Boredly begin building fortifications out of summoned pots and pans.
It should be a good fort due to my secondary ability of being able to utilize my appliances for just about anything with expert precision.

You begin creating pots and pans. And then you make some pots and pans. You also make some pots and pans. After that you make some pots and pans. Finally you make some pots and pans. And to top it all off, you make some pots and pans.

Despite your expertise and the  incredible amount of kitchen cookware you just summoned, it's a bit hard to make a wall solely out of pots and pans without some form of adhesive. With the addition of some boxes, you manage to get the wall to the south halfway up.
"I christen thee Fort Cookington!"
"Oh, fun! We're playing forts?"

Quote from: Toaster on November 23, 2013, 09:54:11 pm

Create a rocket launcher.

You focus on forming a rocket launcher. The materials begin spawning and assembling into a crude metal tube with a trigger near the back, little more than pieces of pipe screwed together and a switch with wires sticking out of it. It should work. All you need now is a rocket.

The hallway looks clear of hostiles. It also becomes clear of civilians. They run when they spot what you're doing, after a few moments of gawking.

Spoiler: Map of the Elevator Corridors (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img546/1161/qdtr.png)
The white thing in the northwestern corner is supposed to be the elevator.
The thing that looks like a bunch of alternating white and grey lines in the south is supposed to be the stairwell leading up to the Main Security Station Zach and Jordan are in.
Yes, I know the stairwell looks huge compared to the hallway. I've got a problem with drawing things on a proper scale.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 23, 2013, 07:42:15 pm

"Well then, if you don't mind getting the hand, Jordan, so we can end this."
When Jordan is ready, start moving towards the main elevator. Have staff ready to summon the shadows.

Quote from: Fniff on November 23, 2013, 08:42:42 pm

"It's my pleasure to finish this..."
Cut his hand off. If that fails, drag the body to the elevator.

Jordan begins hacking at the hand with his kitchen knife. It takes some time and effort and the knife becomes very much dulled, bended and useless, but he gets his hand.
You begin walking towards the stairwell to the ground floor. You meet a single guard along the way but Zach manages to use his powers to conceal you.
You manage to make it to the ground floor.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 23, 2013, 11:51:56 pm

Drop powers, switch to something teleportingy. Teleport Irene and myself to safety.

Your gain the ability to be in places you are.
You gain the ability to project yourself in places you were.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 24, 2013, 12:38:49 am

To Angel: <I'm not totally sure but it's my best guess, and staying here is just going to get us killed! There isn't anything we can do to help that the guards can't!>
Wall of fire in front of the guards, hop into Angel's arms if she lets me. have a decent-sized amount of flame follow along behind us if I can, but do NOT under any circumstances burn Angel.

Irene goes first. She jumps on Angel while trying to put up a wall of flame to block the guards, but it is neither thick enough to block sight nor strong enough to hurt them.
They are however hindered enough that most of their shots miss.
One of the rounds hits Angel on her upper right leg, hurting it badly. It's bleeding too much and using it is going to be difficult. It's going to get life threatening if she doesn't get it treated soon.
"No! C'mon! You can do it!"
Despite the pain, Angel focuses on her second power. She mentally rewinds herself until the moment she was near the Bathroom they set on fire, but she can't hold her concentration any longer. She activates her second power, projecting herself in the corridor. She then uses her first power to transport herself and Irene there.
There are three guards holding a fire hose looking at you in surprise.
At least it beats guards holding their weapons with the intent to kill.
"Don't give up yet. Just a bit further and you'll be safe."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 24, 2013, 02:04:43 am

Shoot the guard repeatedly with the silenced pistol. Two shots to the chest, one to the head, preferably. Then go inside the comm place.

The guard doesn't see the attack coming and gets hit in the left arm, right leg and lungs from behind.
Despite that, the guard turns around. Ike fires again but not only he misses, he also manages to somehow hurt his hand with the recoil. The guard raises his hand and manages to loose two rounds on Ike with his pistol. The rounds graze him in the head and torso, drawing some blood but not doing much else. Ike manages to drop down and take cover, avoiding the rest of the bullets.
"Lucky Ike indeed..."
You can hear the guard below, fumbling with his pistol while trying to reload, coughing as his lungs fill up with blood. A few moments later, he drops to the side, unconscious. You can sense no others in the room below.
"Just get down there and give me access to the system and you're done."

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 24, 2013, 05:07:00 am

To the Elevator. Also flip bird at air.

You limp forward while giving the ceiling the finger.
"Real mature."
Near the elevator at the end of the corridor, you can see a fat guy and a thin guy dressed in the same clothes as you. They're teammates as you can tell by the Interface on their arms and they're building a fort out of wooden boxes and... cookware? The South wall of the fort is halfway done.
One of them is summoning a pipe with a handle and another is summoning said cookware.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 24, 2013, 10:34:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2013, 10:13:51 am

Your gain the ability to be in places you are.

What?

---

"Um...hi..." Angel tries to stand up and figure out what to say.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2013, 10:44:38 am

((It's exactly what it says. You rolled a 2 on your teleportation power. I don't think I need to say anything more. All the info is in the turn.
It's not the biggest mystery of the century but I'd like to make powers a bit harder to figure out when you roll a certain way.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 24, 2013, 10:51:29 am

((The way you said it makes it sound like my superpower is...the ability to stay in one place unless moved. I got inertia, and not even super-inertia!))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Toaster on November 24, 2013, 12:07:52 pm

John looks at the rocket launcher.  Eh... good enough.  Too bad he appeared to be partnered with a loony.  "Now I just need something to shoot."


Make some incendiary rockets to go with.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 24, 2013, 12:20:15 pm

<Okay. Transmitter device... thingy... where do we go now?>

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 24, 2013, 12:27:31 pm

"Got it. Glad to help, for what it's worth."

Get into the comm room, then INTERFACE, as that is what I was supposed to do, apparently.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Xantalos on November 24, 2013, 03:24:36 pm

And now for the finishing touch.

Summon large amounts of superglue. Apply liberally to wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2013, 04:10:54 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 24, 2013, 12:20:15 pm

<Okay. Transmitter device... thingy... where do we go now?>

((See the "map" I posted this turn? You're on that stairwell in the south. You need to get to that elevator in the northwest. I just stopped you to keep everyone roughly at the same time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 24, 2013, 04:40:38 pm

Get to the elevator. Shoot out the lights and use the shadows to conceal us if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Fniff on November 24, 2013, 05:49:54 pm

Keep an eye out for guards.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: scapheap on November 25, 2013, 03:05:35 am

try not to make eye contract

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 03:39:55 am

To Angel: <Angel, calm down. Say 'Could you tell me how to get out of here?'.>
Calm Angel down and talk her through asking for directions. simultaneously make the fire these guards are fighting rapidly grow out of control so they are distracted and have bigger problems than weird girl and her pet fox. try to keep my tails tightly together, so they look like just one really big tail. as soon as we have an excuse to leave, tell Angel to do so.

If the guards try to capture her:
To Angel: <just surrender, you need medical help and they'll keep you alive for questioning. we'll rescue you soon.>
as I hop down from her and run for the elevator, using the flames left here to form a barrier blocking pursuit.

If the guards attack, move the nearby flame to engulf their heads.

((When all you have is a hammer...))

---

((GWG, your power is to project illusions of yourself at locations you've recently been, and to teleport to those illusion's positions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 09:42:59 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 03:39:55 am

((GWG, your power is to project illusions of yourself at locations you've recently been, and to teleport to those illusion's positions.))

((Ah. You know, since I explicitly stated that one of Angel's powers was knowing what powers she had, that could have been put a lot more clearly.))

---

<Alright...>
Wimp.

[2v1]

"Um...Could you t-tell me how to get out of here? Please?"

If the guards try to capture me, surrender and hope for the best.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2013, 02:38:06 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 24, 2013, 12:07:52 pm

Make some incendiary rockets to go with.

You get the parts for an incendiary rocket. Highly flammable chemicals, along with a small explosive for dispersal and a low tech detonator. It looks like something from World War 2, but at least it's more high tech than your rocket launcher made of plumbing. You push it in the rocket launcher and it locks in place with a click. How convenient.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 24, 2013, 03:24:36 pm

And now for the finishing touch.
Summon large amounts of superglue. Apply liberally to wall.

You summon large amounts of superglue all right. The problem is it all falls on top of you.
After some thrashing about, you manage to get out of the glob, completely ruining it in the process.
Well, at least you didn't drown in glue. That would be a strange way to die. You just got a headache from that glue smell.

"Ever watched Laurel and Hardy?" says the entity to John and Alan. "Cause you two remind me of them. And not only because of your looks."

Quote from: scapheap on November 25, 2013, 03:05:35 am

try not to make eye contract

You sit in a corner and avoid eye contact.
One of your teammates almost drowned in the glue he just summoned and the other just summoned the parts for a rocket for his shoddy looking rocket launcher and had them assemble into a rocket. Those summoners are always getting themselves into trouble.

Two new people arrive, teammates as you can tell by their Interface, wearing guard uniforms. One of them is wounded in the leg and is using a wooden staff with an aqua crystal on top as a walking stick.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 24, 2013, 04:40:38 pm

Get to the elevator. Shoot out the lights and use the shadows to conceal us if necessary.

Well, that hallway is looking very empty right now and there are lots of lights, so I'll leave you a turn to decide if you want to spend ammo on that.

Quote from: Fniff on November 24, 2013, 05:49:54 pm

Keep an eye out for guards.

Jordan and Zach get to the elevator, no problems encountered. There's a guy with a rocket launcher made of pipes, a guy that just got out of a glob of glue and a blue lizardperson, all wearing black clothes and an Interface that identifies them as teammates. There's also a wall made of boxes and cookware errected in the south corridor.

The palm scanner near the elevator is blinking expectantly.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 24, 2013, 12:27:31 pm

"Got it. Glad to help, for what it's worth."

Get into the comm room, then INTERFACE, as that is what I was supposed to do, apparently.

INTERFACING! BZZZT!
"Good to hear that mate. If we're lucky, next time I'll get to choose the challenge. Take us somewhere a bit more fun then here, you know?"
After entering a few commands in one of the computers inside the room, all the screens go black for a few moments before coming back online.
"Well, that's done. Head down to the elevator. Quickest route there is through the main security room, but there was a single guard left alive there last time I checked. You could also search for an alternate entrance, try to punch through the walls in the elevator shaft (if you've suddenly developed superstrength in the last few minutes) or go through a window."
"Incoming image."

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img809/6381/eni.gif)
The red dot is your location.
The yellow star is the main elevator shaft and a chimney emitting black smoke
The green star is a door leading close to the main security station.
The blue star is some sort of giant ventilation tower that is emitting white smoke and a stairwell.
The green-white squares are ladders.
The blue lines are windows.
The cyan square marks the boundaries of the building.
The darker the color, the higher up it is. I.e. black is higher, gray is lower.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 03:39:55 am

To Angel: <Angel, calm down. Say 'Could you tell me how to get out of here?'.>
Calm Angel down and talk her through asking for directions. simultaneously make the fire these guards are fighting rapidly grow out of control so they are distracted and have bigger problems than weird girl and her pet fox. try to keep my tails tightly together, so they look like just one really big tail. as soon as we have an excuse to leave, tell Angel to do so.

If the guards try to capture her:
To Angel: <just surrender, you need medical help and they'll keep you alive for questioning. we'll rescue you soon.>
as I hop down from her and run for the elevator, using the flames left here to form a barrier blocking pursuit.

If the guards attack, move the nearby flame to engulf their heads.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 09:42:59 am

<Alright...>
Wimp.

[2v1]

"Um...Could you t-tell me how to get out of here? Please?"

If the guards try to capture me, surrender and hope for the best.

The guards, after looking at you in surprise for a few moments, drop their hose and pull out their pistols and point them at you.
"D-Don't move! Stay there!" one of them says, still surprised by your sudden appearance.
They begin approaching, but by that time Irene has manage to use the few remaining embers in the bathroom to revitalize the flame. The bathroom explodes with fire and steam.
The guards look at you and then the fire and then at you again. "Fuck that shit. Watch her, OK?"
Two of them get back on operating the hose while the third keeps his gun pointed at you. "Just stay there! Don't move!" he orders you before speaking to his radio.
"Uhh.. We need help here. We've got... prisoners? Near the west stairwell bathroom."
There is no response. Only static can be heard.
"Their radios are down. A little help from me." the entity tells Angel through the earpiece (because the fox unfortunately has no earpiece).
"Come in! Anyone hear me? We need help here!" he says, looking at you, then the flame, then his radio, then at you again.

((Stopping here since I don't know what exactly you want to do. You wanna try and escape, run towards the elevator? Teleport away? Switch to some kind of healing power? Help the guards? Surrender? Attack?
I can do a miniturn just for you two when you decide, since your "time" was less than the other's this turn.))

---

Everyone
"Okay lads, just intercepted a transmission, thanks to the work of my contestant."
"Don't brag."
"Saying the truth isn't bragging. You've got about 3-4 minutes before a first response team gets here. Better be inside that elevator before then, unless you fancy fighting people that have good equipment and training."
"Don't worry about getting out of the building, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 02:53:41 pm

To Angel: <Are you able to run?>

Spoiler: If Angel Nods or uses the interface or otherwise signals 'yes' (click to show/hide)

To Angel: <Ok, you've got ten seconds to catch your breath, then run for the elevator. Ten, Nine...>
Keep boosting the flames while I count. Just before zero, I burn my third flame generation charge to burn the hands of the guard holding the gun. as we run, gather all the nearby flames and block off the guards from chasing us.

Spoiler: If Angel indicates 'no' or fails to respond for several seconds (click to show/hide)

To Angel: <Just do what they tell you to do. I'll bring help and rescue you soon.>
Hop down and run for the elevator. If the guard chooses to focus on me instead of Angel, then block off pursuit with all the nearby flames I can gather, but if he chooses to focus on the girl instead of her pet, then just run.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Toaster on November 25, 2013, 02:56:03 pm

John looks at the encroaching assemblage.  "Where's everyone else?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 03:59:53 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 02:53:41 pm

To Angel: <Are you able to run?>

<I don't think so...>

Quote

Spoiler: If Angel indicates 'no' or fails to respond for several seconds (click to show/hide)

To Angel: <Just do what they tell you to do. I'll bring help and rescue you soon.>
Hop down and run for the elevator. If the guard chooses to focus on me instead of Angel, then block off pursuit with all the nearby flames I can gather, but if he chooses to focus on the girl instead of her pet, then just run.

<Um, alright...You're sure?>
You're being an idiot, you know. They're probably going to kill you. Or worse. You're not getting out without fighting.

[1v5] ((...Well then.))

Drop and replace powers, aiming for some sort of defensive ability, perhaps a personal force field or super durability or something. After examining my abilities, attack the guards in the most efficient way they allow. Possibly just lunging for the guy's gun and taking it from him, if I don't have any combat-worthy powers.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 25, 2013, 04:06:12 pm

Approach the others.
"Hello, everyone. Glad to see you're all alive. Let's get this over with."

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:09:44 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 03:59:53 pm

attack the guards in the most efficient way they allow.

((Of all the... PLEASE TELL ME SO WE CAN FIGHT TOGETHER! Your current action is a mismatch with mine and you aren't communicating so I don't know what you're about to do!))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Xantalos on November 25, 2013, 04:10:42 pm

who THE hell are you PEOple?

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2013, 04:30:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:09:44 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 03:59:53 pm

attack the guards in the most efficient way they allow.

((Of all the... PLEASE TELL ME SO WE CAN FIGHT TOGETHER! Your current action is a mismatch with mine and you aren't communicating so I don't know what you're about to do!))

((I think he's just roleplaying the other self controlling him her.
Either way, I'll do the miniturn after I eat, so you have a few hours to figure it out.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:37:30 pm

((Angel tells me she can't run, and then when I tell her to just surrender, and that I'll return with help, she proceeds to attack, without me to help her. I... I don't know why Angel is committing suicide.))
If Angel attacks the guards, then I'll attempt to encase their skulls in flame, burning flame charges as necessary.
((WHY???))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 25, 2013, 05:06:29 pm

Seek alternate routes! Find the elevator. Use the chimney if I can't think of anything better.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 25, 2013, 07:03:17 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 25, 2013, 04:10:42 pm

who THE hell are you PEOple?

"Hello! I am Zechariah Dimikaelo, the Medium of Soul and Shadow. What might be your name?"
Zechariah says this and tries to manage a smile, while fighting the pain in his leg.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: Xantalos on November 25, 2013, 07:09:02 pm

ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 25, 2013, 07:13:26 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 25, 2013, 07:09:02 pm

ALAN RICKTERSVINKSONTERNIKBIK

"Nice to meet you... um... Alan. I see you've built fortifications. That's good. I'm afraid we might need it if not everyone is here on time. Jordan, would you mind giving us a 'hand' here?"

Zechariah had no idea what overcame him to make a corny joke like that.

Oh god, please don't let Artemis be coming back.

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 09:46:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2013, 04:30:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:09:44 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 03:59:53 pm

attack the guards in the most efficient way they allow.

((Of all the... PLEASE TELL ME SO WE CAN FIGHT TOGETHER! Your current action is a mismatch with mine and you aren't communicating so I don't know what you're about to do!))

((I think he's just roleplaying the other self controlling him her.
Either way, I'll do the miniturn after I eat, so you have a few hours to figure it out.))

((Pretty much. Anyways, because Lenglon asked...))

<Help! I think I'm going to be fighting them!>

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:37:30 pm

((Angel tells me she can't run, and then when I tell her to just surrender, and that I'll return with help, she proceeds to attack, without me to help her. I... I don't know why Angel is committing suicide.))
If Angel attacks the guards, then I'll attempt to encase their skulls in flame, burning flame charges as necessary.
((WHY???))

((Possessing a suppressed, violent consciousness in you is not good for your health, evidently.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fort Cookware
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 25, 2013, 09:59:28 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 09:46:35 pm

((Possessing a suppressed, violent consciousness in you is not good for your health, evidently.))

PFFFFFFFFAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAH

You could've told me that about three years ago with Artemis. I mean, I don't think it's normal for people to carry around an alter-ego who's committed holocaust x3.

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2013, 10:39:52 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 03:59:53 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 02:53:41 pm

To Angel: <Are you able to run?>

<I don't think so...>

Quote

To Angel: <Just do what they tell you to do. I'll bring help and rescue you soon.>

<Um, alright...You're sure?>
You're being an idiot, you know. They're probably going to kill you. Or worse. You're not getting out without fighting.

[1v5] ((...Well then.))

Drop and replace powers, aiming for some sort of defensive ability, perhaps a personal force field or super durability or something. After examining my abilities, attack the guards in the most efficient way they allow. Possibly just lunging for the guy's gun and taking it from him, if I don't have any combat-worthy powers.

You gain the ability to shoot spheres of exploding fire out of your palms. Nice!
You gain very low level regeneration. It won't fix your leg anytime soon, but at least you get a few more minutes before you bleed to death. Might even get it to working condition with some medical aid.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 02:53:41 pm

Hop down and run for the elevator. If the guard chooses to focus on me instead of Angel, then block off pursuit with all the nearby flames I can gather, but if he chooses to focus on the girl instead of her pet, then just run.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2013, 04:37:30 pm

((Angel tells me she can't run, and then when I tell her to just surrender, and that I'll return with help, she proceeds to attack, without me to help her. I... I don't know why Angel is committing suicide.))
If Angel attacks the guards, then I'll attempt to encase their skulls in flame, burning flame charges as necessary.
((WHY???))

Irene begins running away with the intent of calling for help. For better or for worse, Demon chooses that moment to assert her control over Angel. The guard is too distracted by all the stuff happening around him to notice Demon raising her palm to target him.

Still adjusting to her new powers, Demon only manages to summon a tiny ball of flame. Her aim is excellent however and the guard gets no chance to react. The ball of fire buries itself in his chest, causing him to stumble backwards. He looks at Demon, more in shock than in pain. "Why?" is the only thing he manages to say as his chest begins lighting up. It explodes, filling the area around him with blood and burning pieces of human guard.

The other two guards drop the hose at the sound of the explosion, now facing the remains of their friend.
"Vlaaad! Noooooo!" one of them screams. They go for their weapons.

Irene has also heard the explosion. She turns around quickly enough to see the guards going for their weapons. She tries using her powers to help, but in her panic she can't focus. An orb of fire appear between Demon and the two guards and then detonates into rings of fire, a line of fire going straight for their heads and chests.

The two guards are fast enough to jump backwards and duck, getting only minor burns from the ring of fire.
Demon on the other hand just stands there, looking at the approaching flames. Who knows what goes on in her head right now? Is she happy the guards are going to be hit by the flames? Is she happy that the flames are going to hit HER? Is her leg in too much pain to move? Is she just confused? Whatever the cause, the result is still the same. She stands there, taking a blast of fire straight to the face.

It's not hot enough to kill her instantly but it's very bad. Her biggest problem isn't that most of the skin on her upper body is melted and bleeding. Her biggest problem isn't that her eyes, ears and nose have been burnt and rendered useless. Her biggest problem IS that her lungs have just been fried, leaving her with no way to oxygenate her blood and a bad case pulmonary hemorrhage. No medic can help her now. She needs something stronger and fast or she's not going to make it.

It is debatable whether or not the fact that she remains conscious is fortunate. On one hand, she gets to try one last thing with her powers, perhaps something that will save her from certain death. On the other hand, she just experienced most of her upper body being burnt. That's can't be very pleasant.

There's a silver lining in that fire catastrophe. The explosion has formed a temporary barrier between the guards and Demon, obscuring sight and preventing them from approaching.
"You killed Vlad! You monsters! I'm gonna kill you and all your kind!" one of them shouts from behind the firewall.

((Ha! Your luck had to run out sometime! Unfortunately, if Angel dies, John(Toaster) is left as the most versatile of the group.))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 10:49:31 pm

((Ahaha crap. Also, the "demon" was trying to take over for like two turns now. It just didn't succeed until now.))

You idiot!
Hey, hey, shut up. This will end alright.
I'm blind, I'm deaf, and I can't breathe!
You've still got me, doncha?

Drpop the flame-generation power and replace it with more regeneration or some kind of healing ability. Heal myself! Also crawl away from the fire.

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2013, 12:20:04 am

Well now what?

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:14 am

((I need to know where I am in relation to the wall of flames, the guards, and the elevator, as well as if I saw what happened to Angel.))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Toaster on November 26, 2013, 09:51:38 am

John nods.  "Name's John.  Why is the building on fire?"

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 10:00:55 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:14 am

((I need to know where I am in relation to the wall of flames, the guards, and the elevator, as well as if I saw what happened to Angel.))

((Well, you saw her getting hit in the face by a wall of flames. You probably don't know the full extent of her injuries (you can tell that her head (face, hair, ears, etc.) have been horribly damaged), but it's not hard to guess that anyone who took that kind of hit wouldn't survive for long.

You ran away from Angel and the Guards, towards the South. You didn't go very far before you heard the explosion and stopped. No more than 10 meters.

The quickest route to the elevator is through some offices that you can access from a door on your East, although you'd probably have to burn a hole in the door or do some trick with the handle to open it (Foxes don't have hands). The door is a bit further South, about 5 meters away from you.

The elevator is about a minute and a half of running, towards the Northeast.

The sphere of fire appeared between Angel and the two guards. It then exploded into three rings whose planes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plane_%28geometry%29) form right angles with each other. So one of those "bisected" the hallway, but thankfully missed Angel since she was standing closer to the walls, one of them formed the wall of fire and one of them formed the ring that hit Angel.

The guards have retreated a bit further away from the firewall, although you can't tell how much since it's blocking your vision. Angel is closer to the firewall, but not dangerously close yet. Maybe about 3 meters, if you measure it from her feet?

I know it's not a great description. Do you understand or do you want me to draw a map?))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:01:49 am

(Okay, so how would me and Zech escape this situation?)

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 10:07:30 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:01:49 am

(Okay, so how would me and Zech escape this situation?)

((You'd probably enter bullet time and then dodge away while firing at the guards, wounding each of them fatally, while Zach would just stand there shooting, miss every shot, fail at using his powers and barely manage to dodge, if I were to guess from your previous performance.
Then again, you probably wouldn't end up in that mess in the first place, since you actually talk with each other and do some planning.))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 26, 2013, 10:07:33 am

(We're fine as far as I know, we've already made it to Fort Cookware. It's just the pyromaniacs who are having trouble in their part of the building, everyone else is okay.)

"I don't know John. But I'm worried. If they don't come back here soon I'm going to help.
Zechariah paces anxiously, looking down the hallway.

"Dammit, never mind. Jordan, get that door for them. I'm going to make sure we all get back okay."

Sprint to help Angel and help defend! Use the fire to summon my crystal shield to protect Angel and dispatch the guards using crytsal shards!

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:58:03 am

Jesus Christ... He hated charity cases. Begrudgingly, he opened the door and sighed. "Yeah, you can do that." He switched on his earpiece and communicated to the entity. "Hey, can I get an ETA on that First Response team?"
Open the door for Zech. Determine how long until the fire spreads to get the whole area.

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 26, 2013, 11:09:31 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 10:07:30 am

((Then again, you probably wouldn't end up in that mess in the first place, since you actually talk with each other and do some planning.))

((More importantly, neither of them is possessed by a slightly unhinged spirit.
Irene and Angel planned, it just wasn't very detailed. Nor did it account for the aforementioned spirit.))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 10:07:30 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:01:49 am

(Okay, so how would me and Zech escape this situation?)

((You'd probably enter bullet time and then dodge away while firing at the guards, wounding each of them fatally, while Zach would just stand there shooting, miss every shot, fail at using his powers and barely manage to dodge, if I were to guess from your previous performance.
Then again, you probably wouldn't end up in that mess in the first place, since you actually talk with each other and do some planning.))

((My abilities constantly going haywire isn't helping at all. I try for a small tendril of flame (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4776989#msg4776989), I make an explosion (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4780198#msg4780198). I try for three specificly placed spheres (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4789529#msg4789529), I get three expanding rings (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4790380#msg4790380). I try for a small flicker (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4772270#msg4772270) and I get a volcanic blast (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4775432#msg4775432). I've got none of the precision I keep trying for and instead I just keep getting random firey explosions that I do not want, even though pressure waves are not at all the same as flame! There is no art or precision or subtlety to the results I'm getting, and it's ruining the quality of my work!))

---

((The description  helped quite a bit, but I want to confirm:
| |
| F
|G|
|F|
|A|
| |
|I|
| E
| |

G = guards
F = fire (remember there is both the fire the guards were fighting and the new fire that just formed a wall between them and angel)
A = Angel
I = Irine
E = Route to Elevator
correct?))

---

Enhance the growth of the flames both behind and in front of the guards, encircling them with fire, and keep the flames growing inwards until they have nowhere to hide.
To Angel: <You'd BETTER live through this Angel! You aren't going to get out of the royal chewing out you deserve for that stunt that easy.>

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 02:08:47 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 10:07:30 am

Quote from: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:01:49 am

(Okay, so how would me and Zech escape this situation?)

((You'd probably enter bullet time and then dodge away while firing at the guards, wounding each of them fatally, while Zach would just stand there shooting, miss every shot, fail at using his powers and barely manage to dodge, if I were to guess from your previous performance.
Then again, you probably wouldn't end up in that mess in the first place, since you actually talk with each other and do some planning.))

((My abilities constantly going haywire isn't helping at all. I try for a small tendril of flame (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4776989#msg4776989), I make an explosion (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4780198#msg4780198). I try for three specificly placed spheres (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4789529#msg4789529), I get three expanding rings (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4790380#msg4790380). I try for a small flicker (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4772270#msg4772270) and I get a volcanic blast (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4775432#msg4775432). I've got none of the precision I keep trying for and instead I just keep getting random firey explosions that I do not want, even though pressure waves are not at all the same as flame! There is no art or precision or subtlety to the results I'm getting, and it's ruining the quality of my work!))

((Hey, it's an RTD. What am I supposed to do when you roll high or low? The fact that you have fire resistance and thus can't be really hurt by fire doesn't help the chances of everyone around you. And despite all that, you did a pretty good job, all things considered. You would have gotten away with it if it weren't for those meddling kids if Angel had just teleported a second time.

---

There are two kinds of "explosions":
There are explosions caused by the fact that fire means heat, so one of the side effects of creating and controlling fire is that you're suddenly superheating parts of the air or moving superheated parts of air around. Superheated air means increase in pressure and increased pressure without something to contain it means violent expansion. The "volcanic eruption" was of that sort, since you basically superheated all the air inside that wall with an overshoot. This also happens when you cause large amounts of water to evaporate, as was the case in the bathroom or the rec room, resulting in an explosion (read: violent expansion) of steam.
Then there are the kind of explosions that aren't really explosions, more like you (or more accurately your power) controlling the fire to make it expand like an explosion. So more like a fast expansion of existing flame in all directions. The rings of fire or the explosion over the director were of that kind, a wall of flame and heat expanding away from a central point while thinning out and weakening at the same time.
I should probably use different words to differentiate them.

---

More accurately, like this:
Before & After
|   |  |   |
|   |  |???|
| GGF  |?F?F
| G |  |FFF|
|T  |  |AF |
|   |  |   |
|   |  | I |
|   E  |   E
|   |  |   |

G = Guard
? = possible guard location (There's fire and smoke blocking your view)
F = fire (remember there is both the fire the guards were fighting (the one in the bathroom) and the new fire that just formed a wall between them and angel)
T = Angel and Irene
A = Angel
I = Irine
E = Wooden door to offices that lead to the Elevator
Which should be to scale if you consider every square to be about 5 meters long vertically and 1.5 meters long horizontally.

---

If there are no objections, I'll start doing the turn now.))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 26, 2013, 02:25:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 02:08:47 pm

I should probably use different words to differentiate them.

((How about "explosion" for the actual explosion and "fireball" for the one that isn't?))

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Toaster on November 26, 2013, 03:09:06 pm

John rolled his eyes, and started his next project...


Make a door-breaching explosive or three.

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2013, 03:12:46 pm

I shall asperiment with my abilitah!

Try to summon a gigantic fork.

Title: Re: Special People: The one where someone almost dies
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 26, 2013, 03:51:41 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:19 pm

To Angel: <You'd BETTER live through this Angel! You aren't going to get out of the royal chewing out you deserve for that stunt that easy.>

To Irene: <I'm sorry!>

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 09:10:55 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 26, 2013, 02:25:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2013, 02:08:47 pm

I should probably use different words to differentiate them.

((How about "explosion" for the actual explosion and "fireball" for the one that isn't?))

((Good idea. Thanks, I'll try to do that.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 25, 2013, 05:06:29 pm

Seek alternate routes! Find the elevator. Use the chimney if I can't think of anything better.

You make your way to the part of the elevator shaft that's sticking out of the roof. It's nothing more than walls of solid concrete. There seems to have been a hole near the roof sometime in the past, but it has been covered by concrete more recently. You give it a few stomps. Nope, it's solid. Unless you've got some explosives or superstrength, you're not going through there.
The chimney goes slightly better. Even before you approach, your sensitive sense of smell informs you that they're burning fuel in there, probably petrol for some kind of generator or heating system. You slowly put your hand in the hole. It's just warm, not hot. You take a deep breath and take a brief peek down the chimney. Hey, there seems to be light in there. Even if it's glass instead of a hole, you could break it open with your silenced pistol. You just need to carefully slide down there while holding your breath. The chimney is a circular thing, just wide enough to fit you comfortably. Very good find, all things considered.
"If you manage to make your way down there, it will take you to the generator room. It's less than a minute to the elevator from there."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 26, 2013, 10:07:33 am

(We're fine as far as I know, we've already made it to Fort Cookware. It's just the pyromaniacs who are having trouble in their part of the building, everyone else is okay.)

"I don't know John. But I'm worried. If they don't come back here soon I'm going to help.
Zechariah paces anxiously, looking down the hallway.

"Dammit, never mind. Jordan, get that door for them. I'm going to make sure we all get back okay."

Sprint to help Angel and help defend! Use the fire to summon my crystal shield to protect Angel and dispatch the guards using crytsal shards!

You are a man with a bullet in his leg that is about a minute-minute and a half of a normal uninjured person's running away from the woman who's in the brink of dying next to a fire and some angry guards. I hope you realize you're not getting there this turn.
You also technically shouldn't know about that, but let's just say the entity told you so for convenience's sake.

Despite all the above, with the magic of good rolling, you manage to half hop half run your way to the offices near the hallway Irene and Angel are in. You can hear the sound of gunfire coming from the hallway.

---

Quote from: Fniff on November 26, 2013, 10:58:03 am

Jesus Christ... He hated charity cases. Begrudgingly, he opened the door and sighed. "Yeah, you can do that." He switched on his earpiece and communicated to the entity. "Hey, can I get an ETA on that First Response team?"
Open the door for Zech. Determine how long until the fire spreads to get the whole area.

Your teammate runs hops off while you push the hand on the palm scanner. After a few seconds of scanning, a light on the hand scanner blinks red.
You clean up the palm a bit from all the blood and try it again. The scanner blinks green and the doors to the elevator begin to open, revealing a rather uninteresting metal platform with a few wooden boxes on it. The platform is a square with its sides as long as the width of the hallway you're in, which means it's very big. There's an operating panel near one edge of the platform, with a few simple options such as open doors and go down.

The entity informs you that this is a concrete building equipped with firefighting systems and that if it wasn't for Firefox helping to sustain all those fires and all the chaos and destruction you have collectively caused the fires would be already out. Furthermore, the fires are far enough that even with the firefighting systems sabotaged it would take a long time for it to get here.

Quote from: Toaster on November 26, 2013, 03:09:06 pm

John rolled his eyes, and started his next project...
Make a door-breaching explosive or three.

You get a small lump of plastic explosive and a few miniature pencil detonators. They will be able to blow some locks off doors. You can get maybe two or three uses out of that lump. Or you can use it all for a bigger boom.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2013, 03:12:46 pm

I shall asperiment with my abilitah!

Try to summon a gigantic fork.

You get a tiny pastry fork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dessert_fork). Now all you need is some dessert. Maybe some pie. Mmmmm..... pie....

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 25, 2013, 10:49:31 pm

You idiot!
Hey, hey, shut up. This will end alright.
I'm blind, I'm deaf, and I can't breathe!
You've still got me, doncha?
Drpop the flame-generation power and replace it with more regeneration or some kind of healing ability. Heal myself! Also crawl away from the fire.

((Let's hope for a good roll here... Nope.))
You gain very slow regeneration, a barely felt increase over normal human regeneration.
((Well, let's have you drop that other power. I'm assuming you want that. Let's see, final chance... Lucky. But you're not safe yet.))
You gain the ability to accelerate the rate your other power works. Unfortunately, it also messes a bit with your time perception, making it harder for you to do things without fumbling. But that's the least of your problems right now, isn't it?

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 12:43:19 pm

Enhance the growth of the flames both behind and in front of the guards, encircling them with fire, and keep the flames growing inwards until they have nowhere to hide.
To Angel: <You'd BETTER live through this Angel! You aren't going to get out of the royal chewing out you deserve for that stunt that easy.>

Irene uses her fire control to ensnare the guards in a circle of fire, even though she doesn't know exactly where they are.
As the flames lunge forward, you can see steam rising from the flames. One of the guards must be using the hose to fight the flames. The water is barely strong enough to hold back Irene's fire, the water flying left and right in frantic jets, but it's holding the line.
 
On the bright side, they still can't get a clear shot, which proves fortunate when two bangs are heard behind the wall of flame, accompanied by the sound of bullets ricocheting off the walls and curses and threats that would add nothing to this RTD if they were written.

During all this Angel manages to fight the pain and panic and turn around to lie on her stomach. In a display of superhuman willpower, she begins crawling forward towards Irene, even though every time she moves her hands or touches anything she feels like being burnt all over again. Just in time too, as two more bullets ricochet off the ground near the place she was just lying.
As she keeps crawling, the molten flesh begins sloughing off of her and she coughs, removing some of the blood and damaged tissue from her lungs. She's not dead, but she's a long way from fine.
If it's any consolation, the bullet falls of Angel's leg and the bleeding is reduced significantly.

---

Everyone except Irene and Angel
The entity speaks through your earpieces "Can somebody please tell Firefox and Littlegirl to try and do the whole 'not dying' and 'escaping' thing a bit faster? They have both managed to somehow lose their earpieces and I can't talk through the Interface while I'm using this human. I may have shut down the guard's radios, but it doesn't take a genius to follow the sound of gunfire. They'll be swarmed soon."

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Toaster on November 26, 2013, 09:23:54 pm

Not bad.


John sighed when he heard the voice, and addressed the Interface.  **Attention slowpoke Firefox and little girl:  The entities controlling us say you need to hurry the hell up before you're surrounded and murdered.**

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 26, 2013, 10:00:28 pm

Zechariah limped forward at impressive speeds for a handicap.

"Angel! Just hold on! Rrrgh, shut up, stupid entity! You've nothing to say over the life of one of our own!"

Limp forward at even more impressive speeds!

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 11:21:43 pm

Quote from: John on November 26, 2013, 09:23:54 pm

**Attention slowpoke Firefox and little girl:  The entities controlling us say you need to hurry the hell up before you're surrounded and murdered.**

To teammates, through interface: <Trying!>
Continue last turn's action, either kill the guards or buy Angel more time. Hope the guards get steam burns or that even if they beat my flames the steamcloud will obscure their view.
To Angel: <You're doing good, keep moving, we need to get out of here.>

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 01:59:10 am

Summon megaphone.

GET THE FUCK OVER HERE AND STOP DYING

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: scapheap on November 27, 2013, 03:41:41 am

Move to the loud noises and start freezing guards or fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2013, 07:30:23 am

Down the chimney I go, and then to the elevator! Be stealthy and hidden-like.

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: Toaster on November 27, 2013, 09:05:55 am

Summon up a heavy machine gun turret while we wait.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 27, 2013, 02:16:01 pm

Quote from: Angel: auto action due to lack of post. It's not like she can do much else anyway

Keep crawling forward and healing.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 26, 2013, 10:00:28 pm

Zechariah limped forward at impressive speeds for a handicap.
"Angel! Just hold on! Rrrgh, shut up, stupid entity! You've nothing to say over the life of one of our own!"
Limp forward at even more impressive speeds!

"Excuse me for trying to help!" says the entity sarcastically.
"If I'm the one who's stupid, then why are you not running to save me?"

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2013, 11:21:43 pm

Quote from: John on November 26, 2013, 09:23:54 pm

**Attention slowpoke Firefox and little girl:  The entities controlling us say you need to hurry the hell up before you're surrounded and murdered.**

To teammates, through interface: <Trying!>
Continue last turn's action, either kill the guards or buy Angel more time. Hope the guards get steam burns or that even if they beat my flames the steamcloud will obscure their view.
To Angel: <You're doing good, keep moving, we need to get out of here.>

Irene once again pushes the flames forward against the guards and their attempts to fight it with water.
Her powers keep the flame alive but the guards are gaining ground, the fire growing weaker.
More rounds are shot blindly, hitting nothing but air.
Angel continues crawling forward, reaching Irene but her body and mind can't hold on any longer. She goes unconscious, falling limp on the ground. Her body continues to heal, but it's slow work.
Thankfully, Zach arrives just in time to save the day. Well, not really, but he arrives and he can help.
With a motion of his staff, he draws light from the fire to him and with a swipe and a little boost from his internal reserves, he creates a wall of hardlight crystal. The wall shields them from the guards behind the firewall and the newly arriving guards from the stairwell.
The guards from the stairwell shoot and their bullets embed themselves in the crystal wall. Small cracks form but the wall holds.
Zach uses the time he just bought them to pick up the unconscious Angel and carry her the rest of the way to the offices in a fireman's carry.
He just sprinted with a bullet in his leg, he's carrying an (admittedly light) teenage woman on his shoulder (said woman is dripping blood and loosing pieces of molten flesh that are falling on him) and his leg hurts like hell. On top of that he's maintaining a wall of hardlight that is being shot repeatedly. None of the above help with his exhaustion. He feels like he'd collapse right now if he didn't have his staff to lean on.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 01:59:10 am

Summon megaphone.

GET THE FUCK OVER HERE AND STOP DYING

You get a tiny toy megaphone. Lots of tiny objects around here.
"I recommend some blue pills."

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2013, 09:05:55 am

Summon up a heavy machine gun turret while we wait.

The parts begin appearing and assembling, but you immediately spot a problem. There's something wrong with the parts. Some of them are rusted, others are covered in snow and dirt and some of them look cracked and broken. Nevertheless, the heavy machine gun assembles, a heavy blocky thing with a long barrel and a tripod. Its ammunition is fed by a large box on the side, a generous amount of 12.7×108mm bullets ready to be belt fed into it.

---

Quote from: scapheap on November 27, 2013, 03:41:41 am

Move to the loud noises and start freezing guards or fire.

You're nearly there, but you're not getting there this turn.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2013, 07:30:23 am

Down the chimney I go, and then to the elevator! Be stealthy and hidden-like.

You take a deep breath, hold it and jump into the chimney.
You try to slow your descent but it's slippery. You accelerate to a speed far higher then you would be comfortable with.
Panicking you push the walls of the chimney with all your strength. You slightly injure your right arm but at least you manage to slow your descent enough to land safely. You break the window of some kind of maintenance door by shooting it once and hitting it with your gloved hand. You unlatch it from the other side and push it open with your leg. You jump out and exhale, cough a bit and take a deep breath.

The room you're in is some kind of generator room. The walls are lined with fuel tanks while the center of the room is taken by three large machines that feed their exhaust to the chimney you just used, that is currently escaping into the room through the maintenance door you left open. There's a single door that leads out of the room.

You go through it and find yourself in a long hallway. Very far away from you towards the South, you can see a fire. You can also hear gunshots coming from there.
"Make your way East and you'll reach the elevator in no time."

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Toaster on November 27, 2013, 02:21:46 pm

"Bah, good enough."


Inspect the thing to tell if it'll even fire at all.  Man it and guard the elevator door.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Fniff on November 27, 2013, 02:24:56 pm

"For fuck's sake..." Jordan types out on his interface a message.

Interface Message: "Get to the elevator, guys, I'll meet you there."

Get to the elevator and wait for the others. Try to avoid fires and guards if possible.
(Can I even get to the elevator? I'm not really sure where I even am.)

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 02:40:58 pm

Summon larger megaphone.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 27, 2013, 03:02:34 pm

His leg was searing in pain. His back was pressured by someone else. His mind ached from the effort of the crystal wall. His everything hurt, basically.
But he felt fulfilled. He's doing his job. But he's not done yet.

"Come on, come on! Drop the fire, we got to get to the elevator! Let's go!"

Get around the corner and get to the elevator as fast as possible. Urge Irene to come with us, and if she does, drop the crystal wall.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: scapheap on November 27, 2013, 03:11:33 pm

Find Irene
Interface:Where are you? Beside lot of fire?

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2013, 03:44:39 pm

Screw firefights, I want to get this done. Go east.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 27, 2013, 04:04:17 pm

The people talking over the interfaces clearly did not understand their situation.
<We are getting there. Just wait for us and please cover us.>

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Fniff on November 27, 2013, 04:05:43 pm

"Picking up the slack..."
Cover them if/when they run towards us. Don't step out of the elevator, though.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 27, 2013, 08:31:00 pm

((To make things clearer:
John(Toaster) is in the large hallway right outside the elevator and has just built a heavy machine gun of questionable quality that will probably fire, but is certainly more likely to jam and misfire than a heavy machine gun of pristine condition.
Alan(Xantalos) is in the large hallway right outside the elevator and playing with his tiny things.
Jordan(Fniff) is near the elevator's control panel and has just used the palm he cut off the officer to open the elevator's doors.
Angel(GreatWyrmGold) is currently unconscious, slowly regenerating and being carried by Zach.
Zach(DarkArtemisFowl) is currently in some offices connected to the hallway Angel was in, is carrying Angel and is very close to collapsing from exhaustion.
Eria(Scapheap) is in the other side of the same offices Zach is in.
Irene(Lenglon) is currently in the aforementioned hallway, using her powers to make a firewall. There is also a crystal wall Zach is sustaining (it is one of the causes of his exhaustion) that is blocking the bullets of a group of guards that has arrived from the stairwell behind the firewall.
Ike(Harry Baldman) is currently at the end of said hallway, looking at it from the guard's side, sitting far away from the action and giving exactly zero fucks about both the fire and the firefight, a stance some entities are certain to appreciate.))

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Lenglon on November 27, 2013, 09:08:49 pm

Run for the elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: Last second save
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 27, 2013, 10:04:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 26, 2013, 09:23:54 pm

**Attention slowpoke Firefox and little girl:  The entities controlling us say you need to hurry the hell up before you're surrounded and murdered.**

<I'm burning and melting and getting shot at! It's not easy!>

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 27, 2013, 02:16:01 pm

Quote from: Angel: auto action due to lack of post. It's not like she can do much else anyway

Keep crawling forward and healing.

((Fair, and probaly what I would have done. Thanks for not having me just sit there as a plant-person trying to kill me throws me against a wall despite an array of mutant powers at my disposal from teleportation to telekinesis to light control to omnisensory illusions, like someone did...to another Angel, actually...))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 27, 2013, 02:16:01 pm

"I recommend some blue pills."

((What kind of idiot takes the blue pill? The red one is where it's at.))


Keep healing. Wake up, or at least don't drip too much flesh juice on Zach.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 10:09:31 pm

((He was referring to Viagra.))

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 27, 2013, 10:12:45 pm

No, take the red pills!
(http://darrellcastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Tylenol-with-pills.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 27, 2013, 11:40:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 10:09:31 pm

((He was referring to Viagra.))

((No, really?))

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 28, 2013, 02:27:13 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2013, 02:21:46 pm

"Bah, good enough."
Inspect the thing to tell if it'll even fire at all.  Man it and guard the elevator door.

It'll fire, but you can't tell how long until it jams or falls apart. It's not exactly in the best condition.
You set up your HMG on top of the battlements of fort Cookington and get ready for its heroic defense. By which I mean you place your poorly maintained gun on a pile of cookware and boxes and prepare to delay an unstoppable onslaught of Red Army troops.
Let's hope your teammates get back soon...

Quote from: Xantalos on November 27, 2013, 02:40:58 pm

Summon larger megaphone.

Nope, nothing, random.org still hates you apparently. Or maybe the pyromaniacs are stealing all your luck, since they seem to be constantly evading death.

Quote from: Fniff on November 27, 2013, 04:05:43 pm

"Picking up the slack..."
Cover them if/when they run towards us. Don't step out of the elevator, though.

You sit near the elevator's doors and wait for your teammates to either return or die horribly. Either will do, you just want to get on with your job.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2013, 03:44:39 pm

Screw firefights, I want to get this done. Go east.

You arrive at the elevator. There's John there with a barely intact heavy machine gun sitting on some boxes that have been armored with cookware, there's Alan playing with his little things and there's Jordan who's waiting near the elevator.
"We're just waiting for your teammates to finish whatever it is they're doing and then we'll go down the elevator."

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 27, 2013, 10:04:56 pm

Keep healing. Wake up, or at least don't drip too much flesh juice on Zach.

Still healing, still unconscious, still staining your teammates' clothes with blood and other bodily goo.
By the way, ever smelt burning hair or flesh? Cause I can tell you, the smell is awful. Yet another thing your teammates have to deal with while carrying you.
Also, you've lost part of your brown shirt when it caught fire. You might want to borrow one of your teammate's coats when you wake up.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 27, 2013, 03:02:34 pm

His leg was searing in pain. His back was pressured by someone else. His mind ached from the effort of the crystal wall. His everything hurt, basically.
But he felt fulfilled. He's doing his job. But he's not done yet.
"Come on, come on! Drop the fire, we got to get to the elevator! Let's go!"
Get around the corner and get to the elevator as fast as possible. Urge Irene to come with us, and if she does, drop the crystal wall.

Quote from: scapheap on November 27, 2013, 03:11:33 pm

Find Irene
Interface:Where are you? Beside lot of fire?

Quote from: Lenglon on November 27, 2013, 09:08:49 pm

Run for the elevator.

Irene starts running towards the elevator. As she leaves, she can see Zach's crystal wall collapsing under the strain of the incoming bullets and her flames weakening from the guard's firefighting efforts. That firewall isn't going to stay up for long. She makes it to the offices and meets up with the rest of the gang.
Zach continues moving forward, carrying Angel, but his body can take no more. Even with the wall down the stress is too much. He limps towards the door leading to the main hallway, very slowly. Thankfully, Eria arrives just in time to help him with the weight, before he collapses from the strain.
"So many 'just in time' arrivals and last second escapes. One would think this is a TV show or something. 'Tune in next time to find out if our heroes escape certain death!' "

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 27, 2013, 10:04:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 27, 2013, 02:16:01 pm

Quote from: Angel: auto action due to lack of post. It's not like she can do much else anyway

Keep crawling forward and healing.

((Fair, and probaly what I would have done. Thanks for not having me just sit there as a plant-person trying to kill me throws me against a wall despite an array of mutant powers at my disposal from teleportation to telekinesis to light control to omnisensory illusions, like someone did...to another Angel, actually...))

((I try to go with the assumption that you are reasonable individuals and fill any gaps in your actions (or lack of action, unless you're not facing an unimportant and/or obvious choice) with that. Which is necessary now, because we have people moving and people fighting and if I did everything in battle time, asking for input every turn, you'd take 2-6 turns just going from one place to another.))

---

((The current turn covers less time then usual since our escapees might want to do something differently.
Currently, Eria(scapeheap) and Zach(DAF) are carrying the unconscious Angel(GWG) towards the Elevator with Irene(Lenglon) running with them in her three tailed fox form. They're about 1/4 of their way through some offices (cubicles along with larger offices created by plastic dividers with small windows (http://officescreens.com.au/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0523.jpg), desks, computers, that sort of thing).))

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 28, 2013, 02:33:48 pm

The pain was seriously starting to mess with him. He was pushing his body over the limit, even if his willpower was outstanding. He let go of the crystal wall to conserve some energy. He was straining under the pressure and saw black spots in his vision, not to mention that his hearing was failing him also. He did, however, hear the entity's last remark.
"SHUT IT, YOU DAMN DEMON!"
You know, for a guy whose powers depended almost completely on his willpower, you'd think that he'd have reached some sort of barrier in his willpower right about now.
That wasn't the case though. He flared on, driven by commitment to those around him, hatred for those above him, and fear of those below him.

Ladies and gentlemen, the most complicated boy in the world multiverse.
Continue with the help of Eria. Concentrate using my complex whirlpool of emotions.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Xantalos on November 28, 2013, 03:11:23 pm

Alan is frustrated. He does stupid things when he's frustrated.

I CAST FUCK YOU BUILDING

Summon a house-sized vacuum cleaner and point the nozzle in someone's general direction.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 28, 2013, 04:08:34 pm

Quietly hang on to the ceiling. If there's some safe-looking way to stand on top of the elevator, do that. Make no suspicious noises.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: scapheap on November 28, 2013, 04:18:10 pm

Drag/carry Zach and Angel to the elevator

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Lenglon on November 28, 2013, 06:15:12 pm

Flame generation charge 4: ignite some paperwork/inbox/printer paper, and keep the flames leaping from paper to paper behind the slow-moving trio for very rapid growth. then use it to form another firewall behind us. gather a several (preferably five) one-foot diameter spare spheres of flame to bring with me as we run in case I have to do this again. physically, I'm going to keep traveling with the trio, moving rapidly in short spurts to keep up then turning around to manage the flames. If I have to choose between flame management and keeping up, I'm going to keep up.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 28, 2013, 07:51:13 pm

Keep healing, try to wake up.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Tiruin on November 28, 2013, 08:14:02 pm

[Is it very shameful that I only see a Parisbre RTD and apply for the waitlist now? ;_;]

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Toaster on November 28, 2013, 08:34:45 pm

John casts a sidelong glance at Alan.  What was he here for, anyway?

"Do we have to wait for them?  This thing won't last forever."


Speaking of bad ideas, summon a briefcase nuke.

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 28, 2013, 08:56:13 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on November 28, 2013, 08:14:02 pm

[Is it very shameful that I only see a Parisbre RTD and apply for the waitlist now? ;_;]

((You need a proper character sheet. And no, it isn't. I'm getting the feeling that you haven't been online much lately?))

Title: Re: Special People: No (wo)man left behind
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 07:10:17 am

Quote from: Tiruin on November 28, 2013, 08:14:02 pm

[Is it very shameful that I only see a Parisbre RTD and apply for the waitlist now? ;_;]

((Nope, not at all. Why would it be? It's my first RTD and I've been running it for less than a month.

Just give me your ability/abilities and we'll work things out from there. Read the first post and ask me if you have any questions. Or post your questions here, I'm sure the others would be happy to help you faster than I can. Or you can read the first couple of pages where people are joining to see what it's all about.

---

Speaking of noticing RTDs, I only now noticed Harry Baldman's The Forgotten Art and I am currently enjoying reading through it very much. I should check those sigs more often.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 10:23:57 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 28, 2013, 07:51:13 pm

Keep healing, try to wake up.

Healing. Unconscious.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 28, 2013, 02:33:48 pm

The pain was seriously starting to mess with him. He was pushing his body over the limit, even if his willpower was outstanding. He let go of the crystal wall to conserve some energy. He was straining under the pressure and saw black spots in his vision, not to mention that his hearing was failing him also. He did, however, hear the entity's last remark.
"SHUT IT, YOU DAMN DEMON!"
You know, for a guy whose powers depended almost completely on his willpower, you'd think that he'd have reached some sort of barrier in his willpower right about now.
That wasn't the case though. He flared on, driven by commitment to those around him, hatred for those above him, and fear of those below him.

Ladies and gentlemen, the most complicated boy in the world multiverse.
Continue with the help of Eria. Concentrate using my complex whirlpool of emotions.

Quote from: scapheap on November 28, 2013, 04:18:10 pm

Drag/carry Zach and Angel to the elevator

Quote from: Lenglon on November 28, 2013, 06:15:12 pm

Flame generation charge 4: ignite some paperwork/inbox/printer paper, and keep the flames leaping from paper to paper behind the slow-moving trio for very rapid growth. then use it to form another firewall behind us. gather a several (preferably five) one-foot diameter spare spheres of flame to bring with me as we run in case I have to do this again. physically, I'm going to keep traveling with the trio, moving rapidly in short spurts to keep up then turning around to manage the flames. If I have to choose between flame management and keeping up, I'm going to keep up.

Irene starts a small fire behind the retreating group.
The firewall is still growing and they're about halfway through the offices when the door from the hallway slams open. However, it is not guards that come through it.
"There's my guy!"
The Director comes through the door, holding a tiny gun in his hand.
"That guy again?"
The trio alters its path towards the left so that they are hidden from the Director by some dividers, while Irene sends an orb of fire forward to intercept him.
"They should had killed him."

Irene's fire orb hits him just as he raises his weapon to fire at the trio. The Director is hit in the chest, but he still manages to use his weapon.
The weapon glows red as the director swings it from right to left, forming an arc that would bisect the trio through the office dividers that stand between them.

Zach notices the office dividers on his right being sliced and melted as if by some invisible hot knife. He has only moments to act and he acts on instinct. He bends his knees and falls forward, barely escaping the invisible beam of destruction, his only injury being some burnt hair and a bad haircut.
Eria is not so lucky. She fails to react as quickly as her teammate. She jumps towards the left, but the beam hits her right arm. Passing through those office dividers has weakened the beam, but not enough to render it harmless. While her arm hasn't been cut in half and she isn't in any danger of dying, it has been horribly burnt. She won't be using it any time soon.
Angel is rather unceremoniously dropped by her carriers as they dodge, but at least she was dropped fast enough to not be harmed by the beam.
Irene isn't in danger during all this, since she wasn't the Director's target and she's far too short in her fox form to be hit anyway.

The Director drops his weapon and retreats behind the concrete wall to take cover and extinguish his suit.
Despite the pain Eria gets up. She and Zach once again carry Angel towards the elevator. Irene follows while setting up walls of fire. They're almost at the elevator hallway

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 28, 2013, 03:11:23 pm

Alan is frustrated. He does stupid things when he's frustrated.
I CAST FUCK YOU BUILDING
Summon a house-sized vacuum cleaner and point the nozzle in someone's general direction.

Suddenly, everything around you goes black. You are somewhere very cramped and very claustrophobic. You can feel and smell plastic around you. After a moment, you can hear a buzzing sound above you, accompanied by heavy wind from that direction. The air is getting hotter.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 28, 2013, 04:08:34 pm

Quietly hang on to the ceiling. If there's some safe-looking way to stand on top of the elevator, do that. Make no suspicious noises.

Let me describe this elevator in a bit more detail.
It's a large metal platform, large enough to fit a couple of tanks or a number of containers. (In fact, it was designed to carry containers.) It has a low wall that acts as a barrier so that containers do not scrape against the concrete of the shaft, but is otherwise open. You can see the concrete walls of the shaft around you. There is a small construct made of metal beams that forms a ceiling of sorts, where winch like things that can carry containers can move on rails. There are also some lights up there. You can see no mechanism above the elevator for its operation so you guess that the mechanism for raising and lowering it is somewhere below it. There are a few wooden boxes inside the elevator and not much else.

You want to climb on top of the metal beams and rails? If yes, consider yourself there. There's a maintenance ladder so you don't need to roll for it.

Quote from: Toaster on November 28, 2013, 08:34:45 pm

John casts a sidelong glance at Alan.  What was he here for, anyway?
"Do we have to wait for them?  This thing won't last forever."
Speaking of bad ideas, summon a briefcase nuke.

"You don't HAVE to wait for them but if you don't, you'll be sentencing them to almost-certain death."
"And that would be wrong because...?"
"Yeah. Go down. Eliminate the competition."
"Missing team members provide additional power. Current threat level at objective location low. Delaying is reasonable."

You begin summoning a nuke. Cause that's clearly a great idea.
Nope. Nada. Nothing. You can't summon anything. Might be that Xantalos' unluckiness field is beginning to affect you too.

Speaking of which, your teammate just got trapped inside a human-sized vacuum cleaner he just summoned. And the vacuum cleaner is somehow working without being plugged in. Great.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

((Yay, I'm not the one Lady Luck hates today!))

You know the drill.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on November 29, 2013, 10:28:15 am

Jordan kicked the floor and put on his earpiece again. "I'm sorry, guys, presumably whatever you're doing is very fun-packed and exciting, but can you give it a move on because there is the Soviet equal of a SWAT team coming down on our heads very very soon, if not right now?"

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 10:31:45 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

((Yay, I'm not the one Lady Luck hates today!))

((It's more like every single roll he made since the beginning of the game has been less than or equal to three. Mostly 2s. He only got 2 rolls above 3 that I can remember. Maybe I'll give him a 5 next round for free, because this is getting ridiculous.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2013, 10:34:48 am

"Well, as long as there is nothing better to do..."

Disassemble that vacuum cleaner the appliance guy is trapped inside of.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 29, 2013, 01:16:19 pm

<We already know what's happening and what we're doing. Just give us- hff- just give us a little more time!>

Zechariah wasn't able to touch his hair at the moment, but reasoned that it couldn't get much worse than it already was. He practically ran around with bedhair all the time, except patted down to not look as bad.

Come one, he thought. Just a little bit more, and then we can get help from the Soldiers of Fort Cookware.

Focus completetly on getting to the elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 01:51:38 pm

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Fire enough coffee filters the size of my head out of my hands to fully clog up the machine!

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2013, 02:30:45 pm

Bring my five spheres of flame with me, rotating around me in a simple, easy to maintain pattern, and run for the elevator. keep some distance between me and my allies so the spheres wont burn them.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: scapheap on November 29, 2013, 07:06:14 pm

"On the bight side, it seem to burned out most of the nerve ends so it just a mild pain."

Get Angel to the chopper elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 07:33:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 10:31:45 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

((Yay, I'm not the one Lady Luck hates today!))

((It's more like every single roll he made since the beginning of the game has been less than or equal to three. Mostly 2s. He only got 2 rolls above 3 that I can remember. Maybe I'll give him a 5 next round for free, because this is getting ridiculous.))

((No, don't. I want to EARN the streak of 6s that lasts for an entire mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 08:06:04 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 07:33:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 10:31:45 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

((Yay, I'm not the one Lady Luck hates today!))

((It's more like every single roll he made since the beginning of the game has been less than or equal to three. Mostly 2s. He only got 2 rolls above 3 that I can remember. Maybe I'll give him a 5 next round for free, because this is getting ridiculous.))

((No, don't. I want to EARN the streak of 6s that lasts for an entire mission.))

((1. Probability doesn't work like that.
2. 6's are often as bad as 1's.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 08:07:02 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 08:06:04 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 07:33:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2013, 10:31:45 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

((Yay, I'm not the one Lady Luck hates today!))

((It's more like every single roll he made since the beginning of the game has been less than or equal to three. Mostly 2s. He only got 2 rolls above 3 that I can remember. Maybe I'll give him a 5 next round for free, because this is getting ridiculous.))

((No, don't. I want to EARN the streak of 6s that lasts for an entire mission.))

((1. Probability doesn't work like that.
2. 6's are often as bad as 1's.))

((1. On Random.org it does.
2. Don't quite care, and no they're much more fun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Toaster on November 29, 2013, 10:27:17 pm

((I think all your ER sixes are getting paid for here.))

John is too busy laughing at Alan to summon anything else.

Help Alan get out.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 10:27:47 pm

((Oh, that explains everything.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 11:36:16 pm

((PROBABILITY DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 29, 2013, 11:48:15 pm

((IT DOES IN BAY12, WHERE WOODEN SHIELDS CAN BLOCK DRAGONFIRE AND NOT CATCH ON FIRE!))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 11:58:49 pm

((Realistically, wooden shields would protect from dragonfire, as well as any shields at least. They would just catch on fire in the process.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 30, 2013, 12:03:35 am

((Fixed my post for you.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 30, 2013, 12:06:03 am

((Yeah, it's alpha. Temperature needs a lot of work in the next 66% of the game.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 30, 2013, 02:08:08 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 11:36:16 pm

((PROBABILITY DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!))

((And yet we have my rash of overshoots in ER and my rash of failures here. Are you denying evidence, sir?
*eyebrow quirk*
))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on November 30, 2013, 02:12:53 am

((*sigh* (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambler%27s_fallacy)))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on November 30, 2013, 02:15:14 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 30, 2013, 02:12:53 am

((*sigh* (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambler%27s_fallacy)))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xECUrlnXCqk

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 30, 2013, 10:47:29 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 30, 2013, 02:08:08 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 11:36:16 pm

((PROBABILITY DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!))

((And yet we have my rash of overshoots in ER and my rash of failures here. Are you denying evidence, sir?
*eyebrow quirk*
))

((Your "evidence" is a faulty generalization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faulty_generalization), mixed with a little post hoc ergo propter hoc for good measure. And, of course, the Gambler's Fallacy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: scapheap on November 30, 2013, 11:02:58 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 30, 2013, 10:47:29 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 30, 2013, 02:08:08 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 11:36:16 pm

((PROBABILITY DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!))

((And yet we have my rash of overshoots in ER and my rash of failures here. Are you denying evidence, sir?
*eyebrow quirk*
))

((Your "evidence" is a faulty generalization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faulty_generalization), mixed with a little post hoc ergo propter hoc for good measure. And, of course, the Gambler's Fallacy.))

Since history repeat...

Quote from: Xantalos on November 30, 2013, 02:15:14 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 30, 2013, 02:12:53 am

((*sigh* (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambler%27s_fallacy)))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xECUrlnXCqk

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on November 30, 2013, 11:16:31 am

((Alright, I'll watch.
...
Jokes are funny, Xantalos.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: scapheap on November 30, 2013, 11:24:28 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 30, 2013, 11:16:31 am

((Alright, I'll watch.
...
Jokes are funny, Xantalos.))

('No soap, radio' is a joke based on not being funny.

I'll shut up now.)

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 12:28:59 pm

((Sorry for not doing a turn yesterday, was busy.))

---

((I was going to write something about all that probability talk, but once again, too busy. So I'll just post this link instead: Always remember to pre-roll the ones out of your dice! (http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0099.html)))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2013, 10:34:48 am

"Well, as long as there is nothing better to do..."

Disassemble that vacuum cleaner the appliance guy is trapped inside of.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2013, 01:51:38 pm

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Fire enough coffee filters the size of my head out of my hands to fully clog up the machine!

Quote from: Toaster on November 29, 2013, 10:27:17 pm

John is too busy laughing at Alan to summon anything else.

Help Alan get out.

Alan fires coffee filters from his hands with enough speed to overcome the wind and reach the mechanism above him. There's electrical buzzing and screeching as the electrical motor tries to keep the fan moving, but the coffee filters are enough to stop it. It's still buzzing as John and Ike find the button for opening the part of the vacuum cleaner the dust bag would normally be in. Alan falls out and onto the floor.
The motor stops struggling a while later, as if the device suddenly realized it's not plugged in.

After a while, you hear a door slamming open somewhere very far away.
"Better get ready before your friend manages to hurt himself again. The others are coming and there are a lot of angry people after them."

((@Xantalos: By the way, I'm changing the description of your ability to "common household objects" instead of "household appliances" because I can't find an exact definition of what "household appliance" means. I'd prefer to have to argue about how common an object is in households than about what counts as a "household appliance", because I have absolutely no idea what counts as a household appliance.))

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on November 29, 2013, 10:26:12 am

You know the drill.

What? Who is this "Drill" you speak of?

Still unconscious. On the plus side, you're getting better. Your breathing is getting steadier and you've almost stopped bleeding. (Of course, your teammates are too busy carrying you and running for their lives to notice.) You should wake up soon. Don't expect to be fully healed when you wake up.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 29, 2013, 01:16:19 pm

<We already know what's happening and what we're doing. Just give us- hff- just give us a little more time!>
Zechariah wasn't able to touch his hair at the moment, but reasoned that it couldn't get much worse than it already was. He practically ran around with bedhair all the time, except patted down to not look as bad.

Come one, he thought. Just a little bit more, and then we can get help from the Soldiers of Fort Cookware.
Focus completetly on getting to the elevator.

Unconcerned about your hair, you continue moving towards the elevator, but it's getting harder. You're starting to feel weaker. This feels worse than just fatigue. Like something is sapping away your strength.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2013, 02:30:45 pm

Bring my five spheres of flame with me, rotating around me in a simple, easy to maintain pattern, and run for the elevator. keep some distance between me and my allies so the spheres wont burn them.

You bring your enormous balls of fire with you, barely avoiding hurting your teammates and setting everything around you on fire.

Quote from: scapheap on November 29, 2013, 07:06:14 pm

"On the bight side, it seem to burned out most of the nerve ends so it just a mild pain."
Get Angel to the chopper elevator.

The group continues on. Behind them, they can hear the sound of the fire extinguishing system activating on the far edge of the offices. The guards will be getting through soon.

They reach the elevator hallway and start heading towards the elevator. They can see the makeshift wall of wooden boxes and cookware erected by their teammates on the end of the hallway. As they move, Irene's big orbs of flame set some of the wooden boxes that litter the hallway on fire.

((It's just another turn/turn-and-a-half of moving. Assuming nothing bad happens, you're (finally) going to go down that elevator. And what's more, you're all going to be mostly alive!))

---

Everyone
"Enemy reinforcements have arrived." says the entity from the Interface

---

((Here (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/357044), have some music.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 01, 2013, 12:35:12 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 12:28:59 pm

mostly alive!

And let's hope we stay that way.

Almost there! Keep going. It can't be that much more.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 12:52:41 pm

"Oh for God's sake, stop setting stuff on fire! That is doing the exact opposite of helping. Put that fire out now."

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2013, 12:57:57 pm

"I have to agree. It's a bit uncomfortable having to dodge around you at all times, lady."

Once everyone's in, move down, if that is what we were supposed to do! Push button if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 02:02:46 pm

Just keep healing, just keep healing...

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 02:14:24 pm

((The group carrying Angel is on the other side of the wall of boxes and cookware and a considerable distance away. The elevator team isn't in any danger yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:18:35 pm

(But I thought you said they were running right at the elevator?)

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:26:33 pm

((One-foot diameter IS huge from my perspective, but from a human perspective it shouldn't be all that big. Since I'm the only one of us with full mobility, it should be pretty easy for me to keep my distance from the others. Where is the hazard coming from?))

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 12:52:41 pm

"Oh for God's sake, stop setting stuff on fire! That is doing the exact opposite of helping. Put that fire out now."

To Teammates: <Nope.>
send four of the five spheres back behind us and use them to form a final firewall blocking pursuit, have the final sphere float directly above me and continue on to the elevator.
To Teammates: <You going to do something useful like help our wounded to the elevator or just stand there and provide commentary?>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2013, 12:57:57 pm

"I have to agree. It's a bit uncomfortable having to dodge around you at all times, lady."

((Have you forgotten where you are relative to me? you haven't had to dodge around me even once.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:30:16 pm

(Generally having fires in a highly flammable environment causes fires.)

"I'll do that when you start doing that and not setting fire to things."

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 02:31:46 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:18:35 pm

(But I thought you said they were running right at the elevator?)

They're inside the elevator hallway, the same hallway you're in and they're moving towards the elevator. But that hallway runs through the entire building, so it's very big.

Have I made some mistake in the wording of the turn or was it just too vague? Please tell me, since I'm trying to improve.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:26:33 pm

((One-foot diameter IS huge from my perspective, but from a human perspective it shouldn't be all that big. Since I'm the only one of us with full mobility, it should be pretty easy for me to keep my distance from the others. Where is the hazard coming from?))

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 12:52:41 pm

"Oh for God's sake, stop setting stuff on fire! That is doing the exact opposite of helping. Put that fire out now."

To Teammates: <Nope.>
send four of the five spheres back behind us and use them to form a final firewall blocking pursuit, have the final sphere float directly above me and continue on to the elevator.
To Teammates: <You going to do something useful like help our wounded to the elevator or just stand there and provide commentary?>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2013, 12:57:57 pm

"I have to agree. It's a bit uncomfortable having to dodge around you at all times, lady."

((Have you forgotten where you are relative to me? you haven't had to dodge around me even once.))

((Rolled a 6, got bigger balls. You being small and further away gave you a bonus in the followup roll, making it almost impossible for you to hurt them.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:42:32 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 02:31:46 pm

((Rolled a 6...

((Irine is so very sick of her current inability to control her flames properly.))

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:30:16 pm

(Generally having fires in a highly flammable environment causes fires.)

((concrete building, the environment isn't all that flammable.))

Quote from: Jordan on December 01, 2013, 02:30:16 pm

"I'll do that when you start doing that and not setting fire to things."

To Teammates: <Size matters! What do you think I can do like this, bite them to make them go faster? I can't carry people over ten times my size! Get your lazy ass over here and do something worthwhile! or do you want me to provide some burning motivation for you?>

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:49:38 pm

(Boxes are. As judging by the post.)
"Well, I'd rather not burn alive. Judging by your general competence at flame-related subjects, trying not to burn stuff causes stuff to burn and burning stuff causes stuff to not burn..."

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 01, 2013, 02:51:12 pm

<Please don't argue. Please just do your jobs. Please.>
That was the best Zechariah could manage under the pressure. He swore he saw Artemis strolling around at the end of the corridor. Grinning at him. Calling him worthless. Calling him:
"Pathetic, Zechariah. Simply pathetic."

There were few things in the world that really angered him like Artemis did. Now, he was angry. Very, very angry, at Artemis.
He had to get this done. He couldn't let Artemis win.
Not now, not ever.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:53:58 pm

To Teammates: <Then get over here! These three need help and I can't provide it! All I can do is buy us time by blocking the people chasing us with those fires you're complaining about!>
((How big are my spheres if they're larger than 1-foot diameter?))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 03:05:16 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:42:32 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 02:31:46 pm

((Rolled a 6...

((Irine is so very sick of her current inability to control her flames properly.))

((Hey, that's the point of the upgrade system you haven't seen yet. You "win" a mission, you can make your powers and yourself better. And isn't that the whole premise of RTDs? "Roll 1,2 or 6 and you and/or your friends are likely to have trouble. Roll 4 or 5 and you're mostly OK."

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:49:38 pm

(Boxes are. As judging by the post.)
"Well, I'd rather not burn alive. Judging by your general competence at flame-related subjects, trying not to burn stuff causes stuff to burn and burning stuff causes stuff to not burn..."

I like how there are a bunch of angry guards and recently arriving reinforcements after them (you can't see them, but you do know about them) and all Jordan cares about is some fire a very large distance away from him. Although, considering that fire has actually been more dangerous to the team than bullets so far, he might not be completely paranoid...

Anyway, there are boxes, but they are only few and not that closely packed together. And they're far away from you, since the ones close to the elevator were used for the wall.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:53:58 pm

To Teammates: <Then get over here! These three need help and I can't provide it! All I can do is buy us time by blocking the people chasing us with those fires you're complaining about!>
((How big are my spheres if they're larger than 1-foot diameter?))

About 60 cm = approximately 2 feet))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 03:09:12 pm

(Jordan can handle guards. Handling fire is not his forté. Anyway, how long would it take me to get to them?)
"I thought you were a shapeshifter? Can't you just shift into being a human and then just help them? You seem to be kinda shooting yourself in the foot."

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 03:11:43 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 03:09:12 pm

(Jordan can handle guards. Handling fire is not his forté. Anyway, how long would it take me to get to them?)

((You can get there in about 30 seconds, halfway through the turn in game terms unless something that requires your input happens. I try to make turns about a minute long.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 03:14:34 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 02:49:38 pm

(Boxes are. As judging by the post.)
"Well, I'd rather not burn alive. Judging by your general competence at flame-related subjects, trying not to burn stuff causes stuff to burn and burning stuff causes stuff to not burn..."

Angel moans, as if in response.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 03:16:53 pm

(But, wait, I thought they were extremely far away, yet I can get there in thirty seconds?)

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 03:17:36 pm

To Jordan: <My abilities are going haywire, changing to a fox nearly killed me. I'm scared to change back.>
((30 seconds? our wounded are moving really fast then. I was expecting him to only take like eight, but need the rest of the turn to help them move.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 03:19:26 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 03:16:53 pm

(But, wait, I thought they were extremely far away, yet I can get there in thirty seconds?)

((Running: Call it 10 kph, or 10,000 m/h, or 167 m/min, or almost 3 m/s. Over 30 seconds, that's more than 80 meters. Even walking, you could go over 40 meters in 30 seconds.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 03:43:22 pm

((Let's see... Let's say the wounded are moving at 2 meters/second and you can move at about 6 meters/second if you move full speed, nothing held back. If we name v_F your speed, v_w their speed, t the time and x the distance, then it's x=v_F*t+v_w*t=(6+2)*meters/second*30 seconds=240 meters the distance between you two. I may have made some mistake with the average human running speed or maybe the wounded are moving too fast, but even if it's 100 meters, it's still a big distance.))

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2013, 04:02:04 pm

((Oh. My mistake. I thought she was in the elevator already. This sometimes happens to me.))

"Wait, wait. Never mind. I forgot where I was, sorry. Carry on, fire-creature."

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: scapheap on December 01, 2013, 04:40:18 pm

Just freeze the fires that may hurt us and get on the lift

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Xantalos on December 01, 2013, 04:55:35 pm

((Ahahaha I have no idea what's going on.))
((And yeah the power switch is good with me.))

OH GOD FIRE

Garden hoses! Garden hoses EVERYWHERE.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Toaster on December 01, 2013, 04:59:19 pm

Mount gun, guard, get on elevator when it's time to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Random.org hates Xantalos
Post by: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 05:08:23 pm

"Christ, fine, see you in a minute."
Extremely begrudgingly run to them and help with the wounded.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 02:02:46 pm

Just keep healing, just keep healing...

When life gets you burnt in the face you know what you gotta do? Just keep healing, just keep healing, just keep healing healing healing. What do we do? We heal. Oh ho oh! I love to heal. Heal and-

Oh, look, you're awake! You can feel someone carrying you, you can hear muffled bangs and you can see a beautiful white blur. Terrific!

Quote from: Lenglon on December 01, 2013, 02:26:33 pm

To Teammates: <Nope.>
send four of the five spheres back behind us and use them to form a final firewall blocking pursuit, have the final sphere float directly above me and continue on to the elevator.
To Teammates: <You going to do something useful like help our wounded to the elevator or just stand there and provide commentary?>

You push your power to the limits and manage to form a wall of fire on the hallway. There isn't much to burn there besides the boxes however, so the fire won't last after you get out of range.
((Not unless you want to try maintaining it with range penalties that is.))
That done, you leg it to the elevator.

Quote from: scapheap on December 01, 2013, 04:40:18 pm

Just freeze the fires that may hurt us and get on the lift

Surprisingly, none of you are in any danger of being horribly burnt by your pyrokinetic. So you just keep carrying your teammate. Said teammates feels a lot less limp all of a sudden.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 01, 2013, 12:35:12 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2013, 12:28:59 pm

mostly alive!

And let's hope we stay that way.

Almost there! Keep going. It can't be that much more.

Funny you should say that...
You keep going, but you're feeling really really weak. You feel like you could collapse at any moment.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2013, 12:57:57 pm

"I have to agree. It's a bit uncomfortable having to dodge around you at all times, lady."

Once everyone's in, move down, if that is what we were supposed to do! Push button if necessary.

You keep waiting near the elevator controls, tapping your foot impatiently. Being the pilot of da choppa feels a lot less exciting when the people are still getting to it.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 01, 2013, 04:55:35 pm

((Ahahaha I have no idea what's going on.))
((And yeah the power switch is good with me.))

OH GOD FIRE

Garden hoses! Garden hoses EVERYWHERE.

You summon enough garden hoses to cater the needs of an entire suburb. For what reason, nobody knows. By the time you finish, the ground looks like it's covered by moist green snakes.

Quote from: Toaster on December 01, 2013, 04:59:19 pm

Mount gun, guard, get on elevator when it's time to go.

You get on your gun and get ready to defend. If this was a movie, you'd be the guy on the chaingun of da choppa.

Quote from: Fniff on December 01, 2013, 05:08:23 pm

"Christ, fine, see you in a minute."
Extremely begrudgingly run to them and help with the wounded.

*grumble* running towards the group *grumble* going to help those idiots *grumble* moving towards fires *grumble*

---

Everyone
The group carrying Angel continues moving towards the elevator. About halfway there, Jordan catches up with them. As he moves to help them carry Angel however, Zach collapses and lies there unconscious. Jordan mutters something (probably some complaint about his teammate's competency) and carries Zach instead.

John can catch glimpses people in urban camo moving near the end of the hallway, but they're too far away and too obscured by boxes and smoke for him to bother shooting at them. After a while, he notices steam joining the smoke coming from the doorway his allies used to enter the hallway. Any moment now...
The moment he spots two guards exiting the door, he begins firing. The gun fires with one hell of a kickback, making him glad he set it up on a tripod. He hits one guard in the leg and another in the arm, the high caliber bullets nearly cutting the limbs off and making large holes in the wall and floor. Before he can continue firing, his weapon jams. A bullet casing has become stuck on the bolt, preventing it from closing.
John's in the middle of unjamming it, fiddling with the bolt handle, when he is distracted by the sound of gunfire. Two more guards have come out the door and are shooting at him with their pistols, although at this distance and with the smoke partially obscuring him from sight they're hitting nothing but air and the wall of cookware. The more concerning thing he notices is that the Director is also there and is pointing a... thing that's glowing red at him. Something in his gut tells John that this is not a good thing, so he rolls to the side and off the wall of cookware. True enough he notices a distortion in the air where he used to lie, followed by a lightning bolt that hits his HMG, causing the ammo box to explode like a grenade.
Miraculously, even though the universe rolled for each of them, neither John nor his allies got seriously hurt by the explosion, the worse injury being a flesh wound incurred by John.

---

((Since nobody got seriously hurt, I'm just going to extend this turn to 1.5 minutes and have you all go to the elevator, assuming you do roughly the same actions. Hope it's OK.))
Everybody
Irene continues putting things on fire as she moves, causing more smoke to rise and obscure her teammates from sight as they move towards the elevator.
John gets his AK out and begins firing to provide covering fire for his teammates. He doesn't hit anybody but he manages to distract them long enough for his teammates to climb to the other side of the wall.
The group carrying the wounded safe on the other side of the wall, everybody hurriedly enters (or is dragged to) the elevator, the sounds of bullets hitting the wall of cookware following behind them. Ike pushes the button with an arrow pointing down. The doors close and the elevator begins slowly moving downwards.
"Well, that was certainly... interesting."

---

Everybody
So, to recap: Everybody is in the elevator that is very slowly going down.
Eria is a lizardwoman that can generate ice out of her hands and shoot that ice. She has a burnt and useless right arm but is in no danger of dying from that wound anytime soon. She's wearing black clothes and carrying a silenced pistol and some bolt cutters.
Jordan is good at combat. He has no wounds other than something minor ins his left arm that he has bandaged. He's wearing guard clothes and carrying a silenced pistol along with some 2 spare pistol mags.
Irene is a pyrokinetic three tailed fox. She doesn't have any major wounds. She has no equipment to speak of and is "carrying" a 2 foot orb of flame with her.
Ike has enhanced senses. He has no major wounds. He is wearing black clothes and carrying a silenced pistol.
John can summon parts and have them assemble into devices. He has no major wounds. He is wearing black clothes and is carrying a silenced pistol, an AK, a shoddy looking incendiary rocket launcher and some door breaching explosives.
Zechariah has control over shadow and natural light. He is unconscious, wounded in the leg and in very bad shape. He is wearing blood soaked guard clothes and is carrying his staff, a silenced pistol, 2 spare pistol mags, a keycard and a radio.
Angel gets the powers she wants and needs. Her upper body has been severely burnt, but she's healing and can walk, if someone helps guide her. She's wearing a burnt janitor's outfit and is carrying a knife, a thing that looks like a detonator and some ball bearings.
Alan can summon common household objects and launch them out of his hands. He has no major wounds. He wears glue-covered black clothes and is carrying a silenced pistol (and some of the crap he summoned if he wants to have picked them up).

---

((That was long. This level was... enlightening. I'll try to do things a bit differently in the next level, hopefully making things a bit better...
So, how is this RTD looking to you so far? Any complaints/suggestions/questions?))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:01:49 am

((you're doing pretty awesome in my opinion))
while panting in one corner of the elevator, looking at all the hurt people around me, with an oversized orb of fire above me ready to hurt even more people, all for the amusement of some interuniversal jerks, with my very existance at stake, and no end in sight, and no explanation about what I'm supposed to do next, with my own body acting crazy, and my abilities going totally haywire, and...
Through interface, to Teammates + Entities: <So. What. Now?>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:18:19 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 02:02:46 pm

Just keep healing, just keep healing...

When life gets you burnt in the face you know what you gotta do? Just keep healing, just keep healing, just keep healing healing healing. What do we do? We heal. Oh ho oh! I love to heal. Heal and-

((Huh? I was thinking more Finding Nemo. What was that?))

Quote

((That was long. This level was... enlightening. I'll try to do things a bit differently in the next level, hopefully making things a bit better...
So, how is this RTD looking to you so far? Any complaints/suggestions/questions?))

((So far so good.))

---

"Ugh...what's going on?"
Continue healing.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 09:47:07 am

(I'd recommend giving an idea of where everyone in the posts is. At many points I was confused as to whether or not I could see the approaching teammates or if they were really far away.)
Jordan lay against the wall and sighed. "Okay, guys, next time... let's try to communicate more. And not set shit on fire that inevitably gets out of control and gets the authorities down on us."

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:49:10 am

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 09:47:07 am

(I'd recommend giving an idea of where everyone in the posts is. At many points I was confused as to whether or not I could see the approaching teammates or if they were really far away.)
Jordan lay against the wall and sighed. "Okay, guys, next time... let's try to communicate more. And not set shit on fire that inevitably gets out of control and gets the authorities down on us."

To teammates: <Fire isn't what got the guards to come after us, kidnapping the director and ripping limbs off of nearby civilians while we did it is what did that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:50:16 am

Angel suddenly collapses and curls up into a ball.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:55:47 am

To teammates: <Angel? Angel!>
Hop over to Angel and rub against her leg, where she isn't burned. leave my orb of fire floating where it is, it'd be stupid to risk hitting someone with it while moving through the elevator.
To teammates: <Angel? are you ok?>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 10:03:30 am

Angel's voice is just audible.
"_{They're dead, aren't they. I killed them.}"

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 10:09:59 am

now is not the time for compassion. She needs the truth, and needs to learn to be careful with her skills. best for her to let it out now, rather than fall apart later.
To teammates: <Not necessarily. I think a few will live through it, but reality is when you lose an entire arm or leg you bleed out awful fast. If you were trying for a massacre, you'd probably want to be more thorough, but if you plan on not hurting people when teleporting around like that, you need to be a hell of a lot more careful.>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 10:11:00 am

"I didn't know! _{I didn't want to kill them...I didn't know they would die...}"

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 10:18:31 am

Through interface, to teammates and entities: <with power comes responsibility Angel, you need to learn how to control yourself if you don't want to do that again. It's your responsibility, as one of the powerful, to understand what you can do, ESPECIALLY by accident. I don't think you meant to hurt those people, but reality is many of them are going to die as a result of what you did, and it doesn't matter if you meant it or not.>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Toaster on December 02, 2013, 10:19:41 am

John sighed.  What did Angel expect would happen?  He just shook his head and did what he did best...

Summon a first aid kit.  Distribute contents to those who need it.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 12:21:46 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:18:19 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 02:02:46 pm

Just keep healing, just keep healing...

When life gets you burnt in the face you know what you gotta do? Just keep healing, just keep healing, just keep healing healing healing. What do we do? We heal. Oh ho oh! I love to heal. Heal and-

((Huh? I was thinking more Finding Nemo. What was that?))

((http://youtu.be/4WVoC_CJbow (http://youtu.be/4WVoC_CJbow)))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:01:49 am

Through interface, to Teammates + Entities: <So. What. Now?>

"Now you just wait for the elevator to go down my beautiful pyromaniac fox." the entity says through a speaker in the elevator "It will take a while. You might want to use that time to ask questions, discuss strategy, get your things sorted out, take care of Magic boy there before he bleeds out. That sort of thing."

"After that, you're going to two places on the next floor: Biolabs and Energetic equipment testing. You'll find a component necessary for the operation of the Device there. Then you go down another elevator. Very simple, right? They shouldn't have many guards down there, 9 at most, but they might be waiting outside the elevator to ambush you, so be ready."

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 09:47:07 am

(I'd recommend giving an idea of where everyone in the posts is. At many points I was confused as to whether or not I could see the approaching teammates or if they were really far away.)

((Yeah, I noticed that too. I'll be having you in two teams next level and make the areas you can go smaller to avoid that. If we ever come into a situation like that again, I'll either try to draw maps or at least write where everyone is at the end of the post.))

---

((Just giving you some info. Turn later.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 12:26:16 pm

Through interface, to teammates + entities: <What is the component and why are you hiding what the Device does from us?>

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 12:33:40 pm

As Zechariah blacked out, he swore he could see Katherine Anayo running to help him.
Wait, Katie. I'll be back soon. Just wait.
He also saw Artemis in the corner of the elevator, snickering at him. Artemis said something but Zechariah blacked out before he could hear Artemis.
All he could hope was that Angel was okay. And that he could get a drink of apple juice soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 12:42:13 pm

((by the way, I'm amused by how Irine is getting blamed for raising the alarm when it actually was the raid on the security station, specifically when Jordan faked a call for help, that caused the alarm to be raised.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 01:05:57 pm

((Yeah, that was my character's fault. The unconscious guardian Medium over in the corner painted in red.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 01:30:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 12:21:46 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:18:19 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 01, 2013, 02:02:46 pm

Just keep healing, just keep healing...

When life gets you burnt in the face you know what you gotta do? Just keep healing, just keep healing, just keep healing healing healing. What do we do? We heal. Oh ho oh! I love to heal. Heal and-

((Huh? I was thinking more Finding Nemo. What was that?))

((http://youtu.be/4WVoC_CJbow (http://youtu.be/4WVoC_CJbow)))

((So, the same as I thought, just not recognized. Gotcha.))

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 12:42:13 pm

((by the way, I'm amused by how Irine is getting blamed for raising the alarm when it actually was the raid on the security station, specifically when Jordan faked a call for help, that caused the alarm to be raised.))

((Maybe no one wants to admit to disapproval of the fires?))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 01:38:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 12:26:16 pm

Through interface, to teammates + entities: <What is the component and why are you hiding what the Device does from us?>

"What? Hiding? You wound me when you say stuff like that. So quick to accuse me when I've done nothing but try to help you. Words hurt, you know." says the entity in a very dramatic and over the top way, clearly being sarcastic.
"I didn't say, because you didn't ask." continues the entity normally. "Next time, you want to know something, ask. We're usually very talkative unless it's something personal. I just thought you were kinda busy burning everyone to death for me to be giving you a history lesson. Swell job, by the way. Real fan of your work."

"Anyway, short version is, it's sort of a... Harpoon capable of bypassing Active Multidimensional Defenses. A weapon capable of capturing and holding a powerful being's soul, if you like. You're getting a Power Storage Unit from the Energetic equipment testing and a sort of Poison from the Biolabs."

"Now, if you want the long version, it involves a history lesson of why the Soviet Union emerged victorious after World War 3 as the world's only superpower, as well as a brief introduction to the conflicts between entities and the processes of universal assimilation we use."

"Now that I've mentioned it, I'm very surprised nobody asked about what's the deal with the Soviets. I thought most of you came from Earths with standard Earth-3 type histories."

---

((The alarm was actually raised by the guards of Security Station A (the one near the entrance, the one that had all its guards survive and stay out of combat) who heard enough crap to realize something is wrong. The guard who said "Sound the alarm!" in the Main Security Station was talking to another guard, not to his radio, because he was too busy pointing his gun at the door. The other guard was also too busy pointing his gun at the door to follow that order. So depending on who you want to blame, it's either everyone's fault (except for Ike's and Eria's, although they too can be blamed for not going fast enough, since they could have delayed enemy reinforcements if they had taken the comm station before the alarm was sounded) or nobody's fault.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 01:42:59 pm

"I tend not to question stuff I see on the job or I'd become 'Jordan, questioner of things' rather then 'Jordan, assassin'. Off the job, on the other hand..."

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 01:50:18 pm

((Does Zechariah hear what the entities say since he's unconscious?))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 01:50:28 pm

"I also only question things that really matter, like shapeshifting lizard people, for instance. I've really abandoned any interest in the underlying workings of whatever we're doing, as it's only likely to bore and/or confuse me needlessly. Besides, I find the notion that the Soviet Union could ever dominate the world laughable. They were just so bad at governing things! That's why Germany won World War 2, for Pete's sake!"

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:02:42 pm

"I just can't ever tell what's bull and what's truth with you."

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 02:10:04 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 01:50:28 pm

"I also only question things that really matter, like shapeshifting lizard people, for instance. I've really abandoned any interest in the underlying workings of whatever we're doing, as it's only likely to bore and/or confuse me needlessly. Besides, I find the notion that the Soviet Union could ever dominate the world laughable. They were just so bad at governing things! That's why Germany won World War 2, for Pete's sake!"

((Wait. Germany beat the Soviet Union in his world? ...So many problems with that.
Short version: Oceania beats Luxembourg.))

---

"<Why are we doing this? Why does this matter?>"

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:24:10 pm

(I imagine the Germans have laser mega cannons or similar. Besides, it may be conspiracy theory-ing. The Nazis secretly rule the world!)

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 02:32:45 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:02:42 pm

"I just can't ever tell what's bull and what's truth with you."

"What, that didn't happen in your world? I can't really imagine it going any other way, to be honest - I mean, come on, the Russians lost the first war, the second one was just insult to injury. The Soviets were pretty much screwed from the get-go there, though it did seem a little close at first."

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:42:46 pm

"Let's just say in my world, Soviets seemed promising but had a huge anticlimax. Though really a proper climax would have been a world-destroying nuclear war with America, so I guess an anticlimax is better."

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 02:47:59 pm

((I so badly wanna join this conversation, but unfortunately Artemis is torturing Zechariah in his sleep at the moment.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 03:50:02 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:24:10 pm

(I imagine the Germans have laser mega cannons or similar.)

((Judging by RL!WWII, that wouldn't have helped much because the LMCs wouldn't have sufficient group troops to support them or something like that. German wunderwaften* under the Third Reich were rather...impractical. Why would these be different?))

*Warning: Terrible German!

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 03:54:04 pm

WE GOT AWAY!
HAVE A CELEBRATE

Fire party hats everywhere in celebration regardless of whether we've gotten away or not.

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 04:04:33 pm

to teammates: <So... all your worlds have similar histories? This is all new to me, I've been relying on my host a lot.>
((Irine's world never got out of the stone age, but due to her special status she understands the mechanics of how things work ((physics, chemistry, biology, etc)) really, really well. especially herself... or at least how her abilities are supposed to work. She doesn't know what happened to her and why her control is so messed up. That's a large part of why it bothers her so much, for the first time she doesn't fully understand how her body works anymore.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 04:25:56 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 03:50:02 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:24:10 pm

(I imagine the Germans have laser mega cannons or similar.)

((Judging by RL!WWII, that wouldn't have helped much because the LMCs wouldn't have sufficient group troops to support them or something like that. German wunderwaften* under the Third Reich were rather...impractical. Why would these be different?))

(I dunno. It's the multiverse. It might turn out that in his universe Nazi Germany is actually Soviet Russia but all the names are wrong.)

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 04:29:35 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 04:25:56 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 03:50:02 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 02:24:10 pm

(I imagine the Germans have laser mega cannons or similar.)

((Judging by RL!WWII, that wouldn't have helped much because the LMCs wouldn't have sufficient group troops to support them or something like that. German wunderwaften* under the Third Reich were rather...impractical. Why would these be different?))

(I dunno. It's the multiverse. It might turn out that in his universe Nazi Germany is actually Soviet Russia but all the names are wrong.)

((You could just ask him about it. He'd certainly tell you all about it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Got to da choppa
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 04:45:32 pm

(Jordan said his piece already, though.)

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 01:50:18 pm

((Does Zechariah hear what the entities say since he's unconscious?))

((Unfortunately, no. All this talk amuses me greatly and one more participant would surely help. One of your teammates can fill you in if and when they fix you.))

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:18:19 am

"Ugh...what's going on?"
Continue healing.

You can now see a black blur instead of a white blur and you can faintly hear the entity speaking through the speaker of the elevator, making out the words with difficulty. Improvement!

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 02, 2013, 10:19:41 am

John sighed.  What did Angel expect would happen?  He just shook his head and did what he did best...
Summon a first aid kit.  Distribute contents to those who need it.

You summon a first aid kit and set about working on helping Zach. After undressing him
"Bowchickabowwow!... Oh, wait, he's underage. Stranger danger!"
and examining him, you quickly spot the problem. Turns out that running with a bullet in your leg with only a hasty bandage to stop the bleeding is a bad idea. He's lost a lot of blood and unfortunately, you lack the materials for a transfusion. The best you can hope for with your current equipment is a tourniquet to stop further bleeding. Otherwise that guy is going to bleed out soon...

You somehow manage to fumble and throw the tourniquet off the side of the elevator and into the shaft below. Great.

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 01:42:59 pm

"I tend not to question stuff I see on the job or I'd become 'Jordan, questioner of things' rather then 'Jordan, assassin'. Off the job, on the other hand..."

"All work and no play make Jordan a very dull boy."
"But a very efficient boy too."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 01:50:28 pm

"I also only question things that really matter, like shapeshifting lizard people, for instance. I've really abandoned any interest in the underlying workings of whatever we're doing, as it's only likely to bore and/or confuse me needlessly. Besides, I find the notion that the Soviet Union could ever dominate the world laughable. They were just so bad at governing things! That's why Germany won World War 2, for Pete's sake!"

"Yeah, I know. I mean look at this facility. It's got important stuff in it, but they're moving most of the staff, guards and equipment out of here. What's the deal with that?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 02:10:04 pm

"<Why are we doing this? Why does this matter?>"

"Your hosts are doing this because the Cause has decided to send them on this suicide mission and they obeyed. You are here because he decided you should help those guys for some reason. Probably has something to do with the fact that this is one of the universes he is trying to take over."
"Mind your tongue. They don't need to know about all that."
"I'm free to say whatever I want baby! And there ain't a thing you can do about that."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2013, 02:32:45 pm

"What, that didn't happen in your world? I can't really imagine it going any other way, to be honest - I mean, come on, the Russians lost the first war, the second one was just insult to injury. The Soviets were pretty much screwed from the get-go there, though it did seem a little close at first."

"Wasn't that the one where the Nazis won with their army of undead creatures? The ones their occultists conjured?"
"No, no, you're mistaken. The world was overrun by zombies created by the Nazi's experiments and all hopes for salvation were left on the hands of four soldiers."
"No, that happened on Mars, not Earth and it was only one soldier."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 03:54:04 pm

WE GOT AWAY!
HAVE A CELEBRATE

Fire party hats everywhere in celebration regardless of whether we've gotten away or not.

You fire a couple of party hats around. Yay! Party hats!

You do realize you're wasting all that good luck you have accumulated right now by throwing party hats around, right?
Yes, I know it doesn't work like that.

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 04:25:56 pm

(I dunno. It's the multiverse. It might turn out that in his universe Nazi Germany is actually Soviet Russia but all the names are wrong.)

((Now you've got the right idea. It's the multiverse. Anything can happen. Every distribution of matter and energy is possible, not to mention the laws of physics. You could take a trip to the candy dimension, where everything is candy or you could go to the smiley dimension where everyone is always smiling and everything has smiley faces drawn on it, even your blood cells.

Please don't make me take you there. I'd prefer to have more... reasonable settings. As much as magic can be reasonable. You can make a character from those places with no feeling of guilt though.))

---

"About two minutes left until we reach the next level."

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 06:29:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

"four soldiers"

Zechariah shifts his head a little bit in his unconscious state. At hearing something about four soldiers, he reflexively mutters something about The Medium and apple juice. He then goes back to his nightmares in the land of Artemis and Katherine.

Keep the status quo.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

Through interface, to teammates and entities: <Interesting, could you tell me more about our various patrons? and could you explain how the director of this place relates to us?>

To John, Alan, and Jordan: <Ok, I can talk you through this, but I don't have hands so I can't help directly. first, John, take your hands and feel along his leg up to just below his groin and on the inside. there's a area you'll feel slightly more resistance at but it's still not totally firm. that is the femoral artery. press against that as hard as you can without moving his leg, it will slow the flow of blood to his leg but not stop it completely, which is exactly what we want. just keep the pressure on that spot. Alan, I need you to create a long, clean strip of cloth, these hoses won't work because they don't stretch any. Jordan, once Alan finishes making that cloth you're going to need to work with him to slip it under John's hands and tie it down at about the same pressure as John is holding it with, and that will take two pairs of hands, one for each side of John. If it's too tight then you'll stop blood flow completely and cause him to lose his leg, too loose and it won't work. I'll come over when you're done and make sure it's the right tightness. hopefully that will keep him from bleeding out. next, John, once that is done we're going to need to get him a crutch, so he can avoid putting pressure on his leg. can you handle that?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:31:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

and examining him, you quickly spot the problem. Turns out that running with a bullet in your leg with only a hasty bandage to stop the bleeding is a bad idea. He's lost a lot of blood and unfortunately, you lack the materials for a transfusion. The best you can hope for with your current equipment is a tourniquet to stop further bleeding. Otherwise that guy is going to bleed out soon...

You somehow manage to fumble and throw the tourniquet off the side of the elevator and into the shaft below. Great.

((Now, if only Angel was fully alright.))

Quote

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 02:10:04 pm

"<Why are we doing this? Why does this matter?>"

"Your hosts are doing this because the Cause has decided to send them on this suicide mission and they obeyed. You are here because he decided you should help those guys for some reason. Probably has something to do with the fact that this is one of the universes he is trying to take over."
"Mind your tongue. They don't need to know about all that."
"I'm free to say whatever I want baby! And there ain't a thing you can do about that."

Angel groaned.
Not only did I hurt those people--kill them--I did it to help someone taking over the world...

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

Through interface, to teammates and entities: <Interesting, could you tell me more about our various patrons? and could you explain how the director of this place relates to us?>

To John, Alan, and Jordan: <Ok, I can talk you through this, but I don't have hands so I can't help directly. first, John, take your hands and feel along his leg up to just below his groin and on the inside. there's a area you'll feel slightly more resistance at but it's still not totally firm. that is the femoral artery. press against that as hard as you can without moving his leg, it will slow the flow of blood to his leg but not stop it completely, which is exactly what we want. just keep the pressure on that spot. Alan, I need you to create a long, clean strip of cloth, these hoses won't work because they don't stretch any. Jordan, once Alan finishes making that cloth you're going to need to work with him to slip it under John's hands and tie it down at about the same pressure as John is holding it with, and that will take two pairs of hands, one for each side of John. If it's too tight then you'll stop blood flow completely and cause him to lose his leg, too loose and it won't work. I'll come over when you're done and make sure it's the right tightness. hopefully that will keep him from bleeding out. next, John, once that is done we're going to need to get him a crutch, so he can avoid putting pressure on his leg. can you handle that?>

All my power, and I'm helpless to help anyone.

Feel guilty.
Also, heal.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:33:31 pm

((you didn't hear that last speech actually, i'm picky about who i talk too))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 09:34:45 pm

BUT why shoulD I summon clOth for you?!

Alan tries to adopt an imperious manner, instead looking constipated.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 02, 2013, 09:38:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:33:31 pm

((you didn't hear that last speech actually, i'm picky about who i talk too))

((I'm not a teammate? ...Dangit, I missed the second one.))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:53:07 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 09:34:45 pm

BUT why shoulD I summon clOth for you?!

Alan tries to adopt an imperious manner, instead looking constipated.

To Teammates: <Because keeping teammates alive is a good idea?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 09:53:27 pm

WHO ARE You people?

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 09:55:21 pm

To Teammates: <The good people, don't you remember?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 10:00:46 pm

NO, not at ALL.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Toaster on December 02, 2013, 10:00:57 pm

((Anything, eh?  I know what my canon will be, then.))


John looked at the war discussion with his eyebrow raised.  "This whole trip doesn't seem too unusual to me- the aftereffects of the war where I come from were taken care of by time-travelling heroes.  I take it Stalin wasn't a robot for you?"

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

Through interface, to teammates and entities: <Interesting, could you tell me more about our various patrons? and could you explain how the director of this place relates to us?>

To John, Alan, and Jordan: <Ok, I can talk you through this, but I don't have hands so I can't help directly. first, John, take your hands and feel along his leg up to just below his groin and on the inside. there's a area you'll feel slightly more resistance at but it's still not totally firm. that is the femoral artery. press against that as hard as you can without moving his leg, it will slow the flow of blood to his leg but not stop it completely, which is exactly what we want. just keep the pressure on that spot. Alan, I need you to create a long, clean strip of cloth, these hoses won't work because they don't stretch any. Jordan, once Alan finishes making that cloth you're going to need to work with him to slip it under John's hands and tie it down at about the same pressure as John is holding it with, and that will take two pairs of hands, one for each side of John. If it's too tight then you'll stop blood flow completely and cause him to lose his leg, too loose and it won't work. I'll come over when you're done and make sure it's the right tightness. hopefully that will keep him from bleeding out. next, John, once that is done we're going to need to get him a crutch, so he can avoid putting pressure on his leg. can you handle that?>

John looked at her strangely.  "Uh... ookay."

Follow directions.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Tiruin on December 02, 2013, 10:03:51 pm

((Thanks Lenglon for that PM :X Sorry Parisbre for the late notice.
Also..checking up the character list, I guess I can't be playing another Kitsune x3 Paris: You're ok with me linking one of my ol' characters right? [Woo, I'm old enough here to say that legitimately :D]))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 10:15:40 pm

To Teammates: <Well, I don't have enough time to fully explain, we've got a hurt guy here and we need your help to keep him from dying. please make the bandage he needs?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 10:23:05 pm

Follow directions.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 10:24:12 pm

Spawn acres of toilet paper. Double ultra plus absorbent down quilt to be safe.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 10:54:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 10:24:12 pm

Spawn acres of toilet paper. Double ultra plus absorbent down quilt to be safe.

To Teammates: <That... that won't work. that material is way to weak to handle the tension we need. can't you make cloth?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 11:01:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

Through interface, to teammates and entities: <Interesting, could you tell me more about our various patrons? and could you explain how the director of this place relates to us?>

" 'Patrons'? Interesting choice of words. Anyway, that's a pretty broad question. Like asking someone 'Tell me about yourself'. Always hated those questions. What's one supposed to answer? I was born a Bond-former. Or a Parasite as some call us, although now I've become more. I'm 3 cycles old. I am a very powerful being. I am bonded to her, the one you call Stellar. I like to have fun. Is that the kind of information you want?"

"The Director... well, that's a bit harder to answer. From what I can see in this guy's mind he's supposed to be a hero of the Union. He and his team were, along with other teams, responsible for the research into special individuals, individuals like you and your friends here. And they were also responsible for many of the technologies that led the Union to victory. You saw some of the stuff he was using. I know you're from a different kind of world but even you must have noticed that that stuff were very strange compared to everything else around here. Very fragile and crude too. Replicas with no understanding of the component's inner workings or true purpose.

Now from what I saw from your contact with him, he probably has some kind of special ability himself, although I'm not sure what exactly. Some kind of enhanced senses along with weak telekinisis? If I had to guess, I'd say he is somehow related to him and to the source of those technologies. And judging from the Device you're carrying and the instructions the guy I'm using has in his head, that source is in the bottom of this facility.

Did you want to know something more specific about the Director?"

---

Quote from: Tiruin on December 02, 2013, 10:03:51 pm

((Thanks Lenglon for that PM :X Sorry Parisbre for the late notice.
Also..checking up the character list, I guess I can't be playing another Kitsune x3 Paris: You're ok with me linking one of my ol' characters right? [Woo, I'm old enough here to say that legitimately :D]))

((Sure, just give me the character and we'll work it out. Just like I did with Lenglon.
And no need to apologize, it's not like there's some kind of rule you broke.))

---

((Turn later. Sleep now...))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 11:08:07 pm

Also spawn acres of duct tape.

*bzzt*
*crackle*
Ah, there we are. This is Alan's conscience speaking to the rest of his compatriots. I won't be able to help you because I am a weak and shriveled thing. But I can advise you.
Alan's an ass, but also a manchild. Use psychological weakpoints that work on toddlers and you should be fine.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 12:26:49 am

Through interface, to the entity using the speakers and Stellar and nobody else: <Wait a sec, individuals like ME? There's more like me out there and these guys were looking into... us? and what kind of Bonds do you have?>

Through interface, to entities and teammates: <Actually no, I didn't know about the oddities of the director's stuff. I never closely examined it and I don't know what to expect from the tools around here, though I think they are unfamiliar to my host. What are the weapons Angel took off of him and how can we make use of them? Oh, and what is our escape plan?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2013, 02:06:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

"Wasn't that the one where the Nazis won with their army of undead creatures? The ones their occultists conjured?"
"No, no, you're mistaken. The world was overrun by zombies created by the Nazi's experiments and all hopes for salvation were left on the hands of four soldiers."
"No, that happened on Mars, not Earth and it was only one soldier."

"Boy, some of these worlds are pretty screwed up, huh? What's a Nazi, anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: scapheap on December 03, 2013, 06:42:42 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2013, 02:06:41 am

"Boy, some of these worlds are pretty screwed up, huh? What's a Nazi, anyway?"

"It a large bird that bully smaller birds and taste great. Not sure how one of them would create a undead, but if my 'people' can rule the world in one universe, I suppose a handless bird can summon the undead if it really tries."

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:56:12 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2013, 06:29:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

"four soldiers"

Zechariah shifts his head a little bit in his unconscious state. At hearing something about four soldiers, he reflexively mutters something about The Medium and apple juice. He then goes back to his nightmares in the land of Artemis and Katherine.
Keep the status quo.

You hold the status quo tightly, unwilling to share it with anyone else. Kinda egoistical, don't you think?
You're in very bad shape. You're not getting up until either your friends fix you or you roll really well.

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 02, 2013, 10:00:57 pm

((Anything, eh?  I know what my canon will be, then.))
John looked at the war discussion with his eyebrow raised.  "This whole trip doesn't seem too unusual to me- the aftereffects of the war where I come from were taken care of by time-travelling heroes.  I take it Stalin wasn't a robot for you?"

((The Robo-Stalin thing reminds me of a book I once read. Written by Norman Spinrad, I think? Suffice to say that at some point Cyberstalin suffering from a computer virus and the LSD affected President of the USA meet in a brothel to discuss nuclear war. Hilarity ensues.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2013, 02:06:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

"Wasn't that the one where the Nazis won with their army of undead creatures? The ones their occultists conjured?"
"No, no, you're mistaken. The world was overrun by zombies created by the Nazi's experiments and all hopes for salvation were left on the hands of four soldiers."
"No, that happened on Mars, not Earth and it was only one soldier."

"Boy, some of these worlds are pretty screwed up, huh? What's a Nazi, anyway?"

((Those are references to games. Get all three and win a pyrite star!))

Quote from: scapheap on December 03, 2013, 06:42:42 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2013, 02:06:41 am

"Boy, some of these worlds are pretty screwed up, huh? What's a Nazi, anyway?"

"It a large bird that bully smaller birds and taste great. Not sure how one of them would create a undead, but if my 'people' can rule the world in one universe, I suppose a handless bird can summon the undead if it really tries."

"What the Lizardlady said is close on the mark. Only in that case they were people that had those birds as their emblems, among other things."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 12:26:49 am

Through interface, to the entity using the speakers and Stellar and nobody else: <Wait a sec, individuals like ME? There's more like me out there and these guys were looking into... us? and what kind of Bonds do you have?>

Through interface, to entities and teammates: <Actually no, I didn't know about the oddities of the director's stuff. I never closely examined it and I don't know what to expect from the tools around here, though I think they are unfamiliar to my host. What are the weapons Angel took off of him and how can we make use of them? Oh, and what is our escape plan?>

"I meant individuals like you in a broader sense. Individuals with powerful souls. Individuals with supernatural abilities. Those kinds of things.

Our species, the Bond-formers exist in hibernation when we are born. The moment we come in the presence of someone we deem... compatible, we wake and form a link to their soul. We improve their soul, help them unlock its potential, in exchange for sharing some of its power. It's also an intimate thing. We are always connected, minds and powers always close and able to connect to one another (we can have our privacy though, if we want to). The other is our parent, our brother and our closest friend. Or our biggest tormentor, depending on their personality."

"The ball bearings are just that. Ball bearings. Metal balls with no hidden function. He was probably going to use his telekinisis or whatever ability he had to turn them into projectiles. The other thing, the one with the button, that's a bit more dangerous. It's a shield or a weapon of sorts, depending on how you look at it. It causes an explosion that leaves this plane unchanged but extends in all others. It would effectively desynchronize you from your host and cancel the effects of your abilities. The effect would continue until we were able to restore the connection. It would not be very pleasant, neither for you nor for your hosts. It's like trying to split up conjoined twins with a grenade and then reconnecting them. You could probably use it if you face anything supernatural. Just make sure to throw it away quickly after you push the button.

And about your escape plan... heh, yeah, erm... there seems to be a small problem with that. Remember when I told you this was a suicide mission? I wasn't joking when I said that. The instructions I have on this guy's mind are vague, but from what I can gather, only one of you (or more accurately, your hosts) is getting out of there safely if they complete the mission. The others would have to find alternate means of escape. So, you know, you might not want to be so helpful to Magicboy bleeding out over there, since you'll probably be competing for who gets to get out of there without facing any danger."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

To John, Alan, and Jordan: <Ok, I can talk you through this, but I don't have hands so I can't help directly. first, John, take your hands and feel along his leg up to just below his groin and on the inside. there's a area you'll feel slightly more resistance at but it's still not totally firm. that is the femoral artery. press against that as hard as you can without moving his leg, it will slow the flow of blood to his leg but not stop it completely, which is exactly what we want. just keep the pressure on that spot. Alan, I need you to create a long, clean strip of cloth, these hoses won't work because they don't stretch any. Jordan, once Alan finishes making that cloth you're going to need to work with him to slip it under John's hands and tie it down at about the same pressure as John is holding it with, and that will take two pairs of hands, one for each side of John. If it's too tight then you'll stop blood flow completely and cause him to lose his leg, too loose and it won't work. I'll come over when you're done and make sure it's the right tightness. hopefully that will keep him from bleeding out. next, John, once that is done we're going to need to get him a crutch, so he can avoid putting pressure on his leg. can you handle that?>

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 10:24:12 pm

Spawn acres of toilet paper. Double ultra plus absorbent down quilt to be safe.

You summon a single roll of that kind of ultra thin toilet paper you usually find in cheap hotels and restaurants.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2013, 11:08:07 pm

Also spawn acres of duct tape.
*bzzt*
*crackle*
Ah, there we are. This is Alan's conscience speaking to the rest of his compatriots. I won't be able to help you because I am a weak and shriveled thing. But I can advise you.
Alan's an ass, but also a manchild. Use psychological weakpoints that work on toddlers and you should be fine.

((You gotta love a man that can make audio effects with his mouth...))
Nope, nothing. Looks like you're back on your streak of bad luck. You just had to summon those party hats, didn't you?

Quote from: Toaster on December 02, 2013, 10:00:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2013, 06:55:37 pm

-snip-

John looked at her strangely.  "Uh... ookay."
Follow directions.

Seeing Alan's continued impotency, you decide to try your hand at summoning.
Nope, whole lot of nothing on this elevator.

Quote from: Fniff on December 02, 2013, 10:23:05 pm

Follow directions.

All your other teammates have failed. Let's see if you can do something better. You try to rip some of Zach's guard clothes to make bandages. They may not be clean and they may be soaked in blood, but it's better than nothing.
You rip his clothes. You rip ALL of his clothes, leaving him only with his underwear. Well, at least you've got all the bandages you'll need for the foreseeable future right now. And some of them are.. well, not really clean, but cleaner than the rest and not covered in blood.
"Control yourself man. Now's not the time for those kind of things."

With Irene's directions, John and Jordan manage to slow the bleeding. It's not a good job, but it's better than nothing. They've bought Zach some time, but he's getting paler, his breathing is getting shallower. He probably won't last more than 5 minutes like this.

---

"About 1 minute left until you reach the next level."
((Yes, all that talking only took one minute. The elevator is surrounded by an invisible time bubble made of plot and sustained by the power of the GM.))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 03, 2013, 08:03:09 am

MORE DUCT TAPE TO REVERSE MY BAD LUCK

((And the cycle continues :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2013, 08:41:40 am

John frowned.  "I can't make anything organic, so no blood for him.  But didn't they say the guards would be waiting for us?"


Conjure up some cover that would stop bullets.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: scapheap on December 03, 2013, 08:46:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:56:12 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2013, 02:06:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2013, 06:19:30 pm

"Wasn't that the one where the Nazis won with their army of undead creatures? The ones their occultists conjured?"
"No, no, you're mistaken. The world was overrun by zombies created by the Nazi's experiments and all hopes for salvation were left on the hands of four soldiers."
"No, that happened on Mars, not Earth and it was only one soldier."

"Boy, some of these worlds are pretty screwed up, huh? What's a Nazi, anyway?"

((Those are references to games. Get all three and win a pyrite star!))

(sniper elite v2: Can't remember sub-title,
Call of duty black op's zombie mode,
Doom(I think))
Eria look at her gun. She hadn't even done that yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 09:01:11 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 16, 1970, 08:01:15 pm

((Those are references to games. Get all three and win a pyrite star!))

((Hm. Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Call of Duty's Zombie Mode, and...Doom?))
((Phooey, scapheap guessed first. But most of his guesses are different!))

Keep healing, like I tried to do last turn but you missed my post.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 10:24:25 am

To teammates: <This is bad, I could take the extreme measure of cauterizing the wound, but my control isn't very good right now and the shock to his system might kill him even if I did it right. does anyone here have a healing ability or a way to give him some more blood?>
After looking at my teammates, and not hearing a positive response to my question:
to teammates: <I guess it's up to him then. we've done what we can.>
then return to Angel and sit down against her unburnt legs, my tails brushing them as I wait.
through interface, to teammates and entities: <So you used to be... less than you currently are. Is that true of all of you?... Also... sorry about being so accusing earlier. It's been a really bad day for me.>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 01:04:47 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 10:24:25 am

To teammates: <This is bad, I could take the extreme measure of cauterizing the wound, but my control isn't very good right now and the shock to his system might kill him even if I did it right. does anyone here have a healing ability or a way to give him some more blood?>

<I might be able to get one once I can move...or I might accidentally kill him...>

Quote

through interface, to teammates and entities: <So you used to be... less than you currently are. Is that true of all of you?... Also... sorry about being so accusing earlier. It's been a really bad day for me.>

<It's alright. Yeah, I guess.>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 01:32:47 pm

To teammates: <Get one? what do you mean? oh, and um, I meant the Entities, if they used to be something else.>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 05:52:59 pm

<I can switch powers. I'm trying hard to heal myself right now, though. I'll try once I can see and move and stuff.>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:02:55 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl: autoaction

Wake up?

Not now. Still slowly bleeding to death.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 03, 2013, 08:03:09 am

MORE DUCT TAPE TO REVERSE MY BAD LUCK
((And the cycle continues :P))

You summon a roll of transparent office tape.

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 03, 2013, 08:41:40 am

John frowned.  "I can't make anything organic, so no blood for him.  But didn't they say the guards would be waiting for us?"
Conjure up some cover that would stop bullets.

Your ability is refusing to summon things right now. Please try again later.
You could move some of those boxes though. Do you want to retcon it to you having done that?

---

Quote from: scapheap on December 03, 2013, 08:46:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:56:12 am

((Those are references to games. Get all three and win a pyrite star!))

(sniper elite v2: Can't remember sub-title,
Call of duty black op's zombie mode,
Doom(I think))
Eria look at her gun. She hadn't even done that yet.

((I guess sniper elite could also fit. It was a vague reference on my part. Here's your star: *))
It's an old Makarov with a silencer and an 8-round magazine.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 09:01:11 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 16, 1970, 08:01:15 pm

((Those are references to games. Get all three and win a pyrite star!))

((Hm. Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Call of Duty's Zombie Mode, and...Doom?))
((Phooey, scapheap guessed first. But most of his guesses are different!))
Keep healing, like I tried to do last turn but you missed my post.

((You got it, here's your star: *))
Your two powers work together to grant you regeneration. Unless you do something stupid, you'll keep regenerating. The way I'm doing this is I have a bunch of counters in a text file and I update them every time I do a turn, so no reason to worry.
By the way, you are stable (that means not dying) and you can move. It's just that your eyes, ears and arms are damaged and you're a bit sensitive in your upper body. Try not to get in the path of any bullets.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 03, 2013, 10:24:25 am

then return to Angel and sit down against her unburnt legs, my tails brushing them as I wait.
through interface, to teammates and entities: <So you used to be... less than you currently are. Is that true of all of you?... Also... sorry about being so accusing earlier. It's been a really bad day for me.>

The entity growls, which comes off very strange. He's using the body and thus the voice of a human and humans don't usually growl. "I would prefer a different choice of words. But yes, we... aren't really something else, we've... it's hard to explain in a few words. We are who we were and yet we have also gradually become more. You can ask one of the others to explain when we have more time, perhaps they can do a better job. Those metaphysical things kinda bore me anyway. But right now we've run out of time and you've got a challenge to complete.

And don't worry. Most of us are used to being accused. Comes with the job. Or maybe some of us are just assholes, who knows? I lived as a human for some time in Earth-5, so I can sort of see why they get a bit uppity sometimes. Of course, you're more than a mere human, so perhaps you've also- Oh, I'm rambling again. Waiting in this human is kinda boring, those guys above you are barely making an effort worth my time, haven't even understood I'm in their system yet, so I get chatty. We'll talk when there's more time.

I'll tell the others to relay any info I give them since I still have limited access down here and you're still missing your earpiece."

---

The elevator begins slowing down and you can see the doors of the next level emerging.
"Okay, get ready..."

---

If there was something you wanted to do and you didn't get the time for because I was posting too quickly or because you had misunderstood something, tell me and I'll retcon it. Otherwise, if there aren't any questions or objections, we'll continue on with the next level. As much as I enjoy giving you (mostly Lenglon. Thanks Lenglon!) some of the backstory I have, we're here to play a game and hopefully have some of you die horribly.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Fniff on December 03, 2013, 07:28:33 pm

"Well, time for more excitement..."
Duck to the side of the elevator door with my pistol, then peek out the side. If there's any enemies, kill them. If there aren't, examine the room.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 03, 2013, 07:49:24 pm

Spoiler: Zechariah's Unconscious, for whoever cares (click to show/hide)

As Zechariah blacked out, he fell to the floor, which then proceeded to crash into hundreds of pieces of glass. The ceiling and the walls drew away as Zechariah fell through the gaping hole and was swallowed by darkness. After a few moments of falling in silence, he crashed through another barrier of glass, although this time he landed upright somehow. He was in a vast expanse of nothingness, except for a white-blue sky. He was standing on a glass platform that seemed to go on forever, and through the hole he saw that it was infinitely thin, as if there practically was no barrier between this light and the darkness he had come from.

He was back in the Medium that he came from. The place where the Castle of Glass once was.
That was impossible though, and he knew it. Both his own Medium and the Castle were both destroyed when Artemis was sealed into his subconscious and lost his power. So this must be a construct from his mind, a safe haven from the chaos outside.

He looked forward, and not thirty meters from him was the very same demon who taunted him every day. Meet Artemis Dimikaelo IV, former Twilight Prince and ex-King of the Amethyst Kingdom.

Also, part-time Destroyer of Worlds.

Artemis leisurely made his way towards Zechariah, with his classic grin still imprinted on his face. His heliotrope hair and amethyst eyes still shined like the first day that they had met.

"Having a good time in the land of the dead, Zechariah? Hmhm. I can see you've made some new friends... have you forgotten the others? Maybe Katherine? No, of course you wouldn't forget her."

Zechariah had already learned to ignore Artemis' words. All he was doing was trying to hurt him. No, actually. This was not the real Artemis. This was yet another construct of his mind; the real Artemis was in another dimension, somewhere that Zechariah had no contact with. And he was glad for that, really.

"Yes, I am actually making some friends. And no, I can't forget the Guardians and the Mediums. I think these new acquaintances are actually stripping me for medical purposes, by the way."

"Oh... disgusting." Even the Guardian of Chaos and Time was not comfortable with the human body.

"Yeah, I know. As long as Angel is okay, I'll be fine with whatever these entities have to throw at me."
"And you are not worried about your girlfriend at all? I wouldn't be surprised if she was burning in hell for your mistakes," Artemis sneered.
"Katie's... we're not like that... she's my confidante, is all. I know you're just trying to mess with me, Artemis. She's probably fine, trying to keep the group together."
"You're such a bad liar, Zechariah. She's probably all teared up because she just knows you're dead at this moment. Same thing with the others. In fact, here. Let me show you her right now!"

Artemis raised his right hand, made a circle gesture, formed a fist, and brought it down. The glass cracked below Zechariah and he fell through the newly formed hole.

More shenanigans.
Zechariah fell once again. But this time, he blacked out and awoke again, sitting next to Katherine Anayo on a balcony overlooking the Yisca Forest.
"But what if Artemis does come back? What if... what if Ze-... what if Zechariah doesn't come back?" Katherine was fighting back tears. Zechariah moved to touch her shoulder, but his hand was not allowed to, as if repulsed by some force restricting his movement. He tried speaking, but she did not notice his speaking.
"He'll be fine. He cheated death four times already. It's not like he's gone. And if he goes, Artemis goes too." From behind Zechariah stood Apollo Devicus, the guardian of Order and Space.
"I'm sorry though. You... you and the others from your time... they've become a liability."
"What? No we haven't. We've been helping just as the other Guardians have."
"Certain Guardians have informed me that there are plots of mutiny going around, since Zechariah is gone. I can't let that happen."
"No! No, that's never-"
Apollo contested with Katherine, struggling to push her off the balcony. He pulled out his broadsword and stabbed her in the stomach area. She did not resist anymore. He pushed her off of the blade and let her fall off of the balcony.
"KATIE!" Zechariah reached out to grab her, pull her onto the balcony. He couldn't though. He wasn't fast enough.
Apollo merely turned around and headed inside of the building.
Zechariah watched as Katherine fell to the fog below. He felt sick to the stomach.
It began raining shards of crystals. Very small bits of them. The world swirled around him. He saw Katherine's face one more time, and it looked as if she was calling for help.
Once again he reached out for her. And then his vision went black.

A view into the madness that is Zechariah's mind, if you will, and the two people he either hates with a passion or cares about very deeply.

Let my body do it's internal repairs. At least until I need to wake up. Until then, dream on about Artemis and Katherine and apple juice.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 07:51:59 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:02:55 pm

By the way, you are stable (that means not dying) and you can move. It's just that your eyes, ears and arms are damaged and you're a bit sensitive in your upper body. Try not to get in the path of any bullets.

((Dammit. Still blind.))

Keep healing. Try to get my sight and hearing back or, failing that, find someone big to lead me in the right direction.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2013, 09:22:37 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:02:55 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 03, 2013, 08:41:40 am

John frowned.  "I can't make anything organic, so no blood for him.  But didn't they say the guards would be waiting for us?"
Conjure up some cover that would stop bullets.

Your ability is refusing to summon things right now. Please try again later.
You could move some of those boxes though. Do you want to retcon it to you having done that?

((Sure.))


John crouched behind the boxes.  He was ready.

Take cover and prepare to open fire on all hostile targets.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Xantalos on December 03, 2013, 09:59:04 pm

Tape people's wounds shut.

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Lenglon on December 04, 2013, 02:38:16 am

lie down behind/beside Angel and wait, letting my tails brush against her side where she isn't burnt.
through interface, to entities and teammates: <Final question, will we pass through here again or shall I torch the place behind us, slowing pursuit?>

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 04, 2013, 07:53:40 am

The service ladder's still here, right? Grab onto that before we reach the floor we're supposed to be on.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 04, 2013, 08:32:52 pm

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Hide

You find a place to take cover.

Quote from: Fniff on December 03, 2013, 07:28:33 pm

"Well, time for more excitement..."
Duck to the side of the elevator door with my pistol, then peek out the side. If there's any enemies, kill them. If there aren't, examine the room.

You get in cover near one of the doors and get ready.

Quote from: Toaster on December 03, 2013, 09:22:37 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2013, 07:02:55 pm

You could move some of those boxes though. Do you want to retcon it to you having done that?

((Sure.))

John crouched behind the boxes.  He was ready.

Take cover and prepare to open fire on all hostile targets.

After some pushing you make a wall out of the wooden boxes that are light enough for you to move and make sure the injured are behind it.
You take cover behind the boxes and get ready.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 04, 2013, 07:53:40 am

The service ladder's still here, right? Grab onto that before we reach the floor we're supposed to be on.

You use the ladder to get higher, get in cover and get ready.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 03, 2013, 07:49:24 pm

[...]

Let my body do it's internal repairs. At least until I need to wake up. Until then, dream on about Artemis and Katherine and apple juice.

You remain unconscious.
This unconscious thing is like being in jail in Monopoly, isn't it? All the others are doing stuff and you're just rolling to see when you get to act again.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 03, 2013, 09:59:04 pm

Tape people's wounds shut.

You have the brilliant idea to use transparent office tape to treat Zach's wounds, without having any prior medical experience, while suffering from a streak of bad luck. Clearly, CLEARLY a great idea that will result in no harm whatsoever.
Huh, look at that. Looks like you DO accumulate good luck. Displaying top notch medical skills and improvisation techniques previously thought to be attainable only by MacGyver, you somehow manage to use the tape to stop Zach's bleeding.
And I was beginning to think he was going to die for sure.
That's not to say he's in a good shape. He's still unconscious and at his state even looking at him the wrong way might kill him.
"Wow, I did not expect that."
"Well done mate! Knew you had it in ya. You had to stop sucking sometime!"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold: autoaction

Stay where I am and keep regenerating.

You do that. Your vision is getting better. You can make out shapes and colors now. You should be completely healed soon.
The fox is standing next to you, gently brushing her tails against your side.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 04, 2013, 02:38:16 am

lie down behind/beside Angel and wait, letting my tails brush against her side where she isn't burnt.
through interface, to entities and teammates: <Final question, will we pass through here again or shall I torch the place behind us, slowing pursuit?>

You lie down on the metal floor of the elevator besides Angel, gently brushing your tails against her side. She's looking better. Her head and upper body are still a bit damaged from the punishment they received, flesh still red and missing on some places, but it's continuously being repaired and replaced.
"I'm keeping the door up there closed and it's reinforced to prevent people from forcing it open, so it should be a while before anyone from up there comes down here. But sure, go bananas, burn everything, you won't be coming back this way anytime soon. And if you do come back this way, a burnt elevator would be the least of your problems."

---

The elevator stops with a hiss and its enormous metal doors begin to open slowly, revealing what lies beyond. Very very VERY slowly.
"The incredibly slow and boring elevator has incredibly slow and boring doors. How surprising." says the entity in frustration.
For Jordan, John and Ike who are standing in cover and are ready to engage, it's a bit anticlimactic. Beyond the elevator lies a long concrete hallway with rails on the ceiling for those winch-like cranes, not unlike the one on the floor above, except for the fact that it's colder and damper down here.
At the far end of the hallway, a great distance away, you can see the doors of another elevator, partially obscured by those wooden boxes that seem to be everywhere. You can catch glimpses of civilians and guards, the doors already close to closing. One of the guards shoots a few rounds of his Assault Rifle rifle at your general direction a few moments before the doors close, more intent on intimidation then actually hurting you at this distance.
"Well, less guards for you to fight."
"Intruder alert. Lockdown procedures initiated. All personnel, please follow your superiors and evacuate immediately." says a female voice from unseen speakers, oddly calm despite the content of her message.
There are a few metal doors on either side of the hallway, two large ones with smaller doors built into them standing out.
"Two objectives on this level, Biolabs and Energetic Material Testing. Large door on the left is the first, large door on the right is the second. Make your pick and go, two teams, two doors. You don't have all night."

Title: Re: Special People: Who won that World War anyway?
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 04, 2013, 08:41:30 pm

((I had an action...))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 07:51:59 pm

Keep healing. Try to get my sight and hearing back or, failing that, find someone big to lead me in the right direction.

((Thankfully, it was pretty much what you had me do.))

Stand up, finish healing. Try to stay out of the line of fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Lenglon on December 04, 2013, 09:43:19 pm

To Teammates: <I'll guard our wounded, call for me if you need backup and I'll come running.>
Remain beside Angel and Zach, torch anyone that tries to attack us.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 04, 2013, 09:46:20 pm

Spoiler: MORE OF ZECH'S DREAMLAND (click to show/hide)

Zechariah sat in a rather comfy chair next to a coffee table. Right next to the coffee table was an identical looking chair in which Artemis sat in. The decor was of a very dark purple, almost black. Artemis made gestures with his hands, and in front of the two of them spun different memories. Right now, Artemis was going through the more recent memories of the odd team of supernatural humanoids who were under the work of mysterious entities.

"And here we have... Jordan, is it? Hmhm, he looks like my kind of fellow indeed. I might need to seek him out later and... 'recruit' him."
Zechariah grabbed a glass of apple juice from the table and began drinking.
"Artemis, you're a construct of my subconscious. The real Artemis is somewhere that I can't contact him."
Artemis shrugged. "Do you think that the real Artemis would have different thoughts? Both you and I operate on the same frequency."
"I didn't say that. I said that you're not real and not able to affect the outside world."
Artemis grabbed a glass of grape juice, to complement Zechariah's own drink. "I may not be physical, but I am real indeed. I am your own subconscious; I am what you use the most and fear the most."

He then began flipping through the parts where Zechariah had gone off and carried Angel.
"So how important is this little demon girl, that you had to risk your life to save her?"
"Artemis, you know my way of doing things. I protect others around me no matter what my own cost is."
Artemis milked the moment, and then slowly shook his head. "Human emotion makes you do such stupid things. I've told you that before. Maybe if you had just let her take care of herself, you'd still be up and running at this point. Or, at least, shambling around, rather than talking to yourself."
"That's not how I work. Again, I work for others."
Artemis finished his glass of grape juice, and it broke into hundreds of small shards, flying into the air. "Whatever. If you get killed for this, do not blame me. Remember, Katherine's still waiting for you, hmhm. It'd be a shame for you to come back to her in pieces."
Zechariah looked downward. He knew Artemis was just playing with him, but some of the words got to him.
God, if you do not hate me, please let me wake up and get rid of Artemis, Zechariah thought to himself.
"I heard that."
"Get out of my head, Artemis."

Zechariah's vision went black again. He then fell into more nightmares about his loved ones.

Wake up, lest Artemis torture me more.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Toaster on December 04, 2013, 09:52:39 pm

John stood up.  "There's three of us down, that leaves five.  Alan, you and I are best armed.  How about we go left and you other three go right?"

Assuming no objections, grab Alan and go Left to Biolabs.  Go in and shoot opposition.  Use breaching charge if door is locked.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 05, 2013, 12:03:55 am

Huh. Well, climb on down and get out of the elevator. Survey the area with sight, then hearing, then sense of smell.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Xantalos on December 05, 2013, 12:09:24 am

Quote from: Toaster on December 04, 2013, 09:52:39 pm

John stood up.  "There's three of us down, that leaves five.  Alan, you and I are best armed.  How about we go left and you other three go right?"

Assuming no objections, grab Alan and go Left to Biolabs.  Go in and shoot opposition.  Use breaching charge if door is locked.

ALL RIGHT!

Go shoot the bad people with the guy.

((What was that about gambler's fallacy, GWG? I couldn't hear you over my theory working :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 05, 2013, 08:54:50 am

((One example does not a principal make. If it did, I could prove that Pol Pot's victims were horrible people, slaves lived in decent conditions, and--yes--that Nazis were good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 05, 2013, 06:48:37 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 05, 2013, 08:54:50 am

((One example does not a principal make. If it did, I could prove that Pol Pot's victims were horrible people, slaves lived in decent conditions, and--yes--that Nazis were good.))

((Are you questioning Xantalos' luck accumulating properties? That's preposterous! That makes me so mad, I'm going to curse you with my voodoo dolls so that aliens will come to abduct you. I just need you to tell me what sign you were born under so I can contact the appropriate demon with my druidic ritual that I got from a time traveling Elvis.)) That was a joke, in case somebody misunderstood. I'm not threatening to unleash my supernatural powers on anyone.

---

GreatWyrmGold

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 04, 2013, 08:41:30 pm

((I had an action...))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 03, 2013, 07:51:59 pm

Keep healing. Try to get my sight and hearing back or, failing that, find someone big to lead me in the right direction.

((Thankfully, it was pretty much what you had me do.))
Stand up, finish healing. Try to stay out of the line of fire.

((Whoops. Angel is blind but I'm the one not seeing things...))

Speaking of blindness, you're almost OK. You're still a bit sensitive in your upper body and maybe your eyesight is not a perfect 10/10, but you should be able to function normally. If you keep your current powers, even those minor injuries that remain should be healed in a couple of minutes.

You get up and look at the two groups in the hallway beyond, unsure of where to go. John and Alan are heading for the Biolabs, while the others are sort of standing around, looking almost as confused as you. The second group will probably head to the Energetic Materials Testing soon. Probably.

---

DarkArtemisFowl & Lenglon

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 04, 2013, 09:46:20 pm

[...]
Wake up, lest Artemis torture me more.

Rejoice for thou hast been lucky enough to wake up.
Well, actually, that depends on your definition of luck.
If you are an RTD player who wants to do stuff, then yes, you are lucky. If you are a human being that has just woken up feeling like shit, then perhaps being tortured in a dreamland is preferable to being awake and suffering the pains of the flesh.

In short, your everything hurts, especially your head and bullet wound, you feel weak, your thoughts are slow, you're having trouble concentrating and you've lost so much blood you're very likely to be killed by a paper cut. But hey, you're alive!

Quote from: Lenglon on December 04, 2013, 09:43:19 pm

To Teammates: <I'll guard our wounded, call for me if you need backup and I'll come running.>
Remain beside Angel and Zach, torch anyone that tries to attack us.

Angel stands up from besides you and makes her way to the elevator door, stumbling a bit along the way and looks around. She seems to have healed almost completely.
"Oh, you're staying back?" the entity says through the speaker. "Good thinking, that guy won't survive facing an enemy alone. And you can ask me all those questions you seem to love. Not that I don't enjoy it. You're a good one, I can see why-"
The entity pauses as Zach stirs.
"Oh, look! The mighty hero has awoken along with his 1HP. Welcome back to the land of the conscious."
"I liked him. He might not be the best at what he does, but he is a true hero! He tries to do what's right for his friends!"

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Toaster on December 04, 2013, 09:52:39 pm

John stood up.  "There's three of us down, that leaves five.  Alan, you and I are best armed.  How about we go left and you other three go right?"

Assuming no objections, grab Alan and go Left to Biolabs.  Go in and shoot opposition.  Use breaching charge if door is locked.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 05, 2013, 12:09:24 am

ALL RIGHT!

Go shoot the bad people with the guy.

John approaches the door to the Biolabs and gets ready, Alan following behind him while screaming his agreement.
They enter the code they got from the Director to the keypad and the door opens. "Welcome, Director Kuznetsov! Please enjoy your stay and remember to observe all safety guidelines."
Beyond lies an elevator platform and beyond that you can see an enormous concrete room, comparable to an aircraft hangar or large warehouse in size. Below you, you can see interlocking rooms made of plastic dividers, the large space re-purposed to become a honeycomb made up of isolated rooms, perfect for keeping whatever happens in each room contained.
"Your target is a storage area. Very close, surprisingly, only about 5 rooms away. It's the one linked to that large circular one. It should be a very straightforward route. Just push the down button when you're ready. The elevator should take you to decontamination."

---

Harry Baldman

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 05, 2013, 12:03:55 am

Huh. Well, climb on down and get out of the elevator. Survey the area with sight, then hearing, then sense of smell.

The hallway doesn't have any secret passages or hidden monsters or anything like that, at least none that you can sense. There are various metal doors around here, a few of those omnipresent wooden boxes and the two elevators facing each other. The other elevator has a light turned on to indicate that it's going down. All of the doors have a keypad and a keycard reader beside them. Strangely, the doors lack labels. Wonder what happens when someone is new at their job here. They must get lost all the time.
Some of the doors close airtight so you can't sense what's behind them, at least not with any measure of reliability. The ones that don't close airtight, reveal a large communal bedroom, some offices, a rec room and a storage area, all of them devoid of life. All of the rooms are in various stages of being emptied of most of their contents, leaving them with the bare essentials or not even that.
You can hear the buzzing of the ventilation system and the female voice that is repeating the same message again and again from the speakers.
You can smell some human smells, antiseptic, various chemicals and a smell of gunpowder and fire (although that's probably from your clothes). And then there's something... different. Its smell is vaguely familiar but it's very faint and you can't quite place it.

---

scapheap & Fniff

Quote from: autoaction

Stand near the door to the Energetic Materials Testing.

You stand there, getting ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

Zechariah blacked out for the last time in his dreams, and reentered the world of the conscious. Well, mostly. Again, everything hurt - from head to toe. He also felt faint and probably did not have much energy to walk, much less bend the powers of the shadows and the light to his will.

Even through all this pain, it was still better than his unconscious. The dreams had hurt him on an emotional level, particularly because he was worried about the other Guardians and Mediums - a certain other Medium in mind. It was shelved for now, though, and he could focus on the task at hand.

He heard the entities say some stuff, but he had a hard time hearing due to his disheveled state. He looked above him and there was Irene, watching the door and him simultaneously, probably making sure he didn't go into some kind of shock state or something. Angel was at the door, not exactly healthy but she was fine and dandy compared to Zechariah.

"Th-thank you... I'm sorry, what... what was your name?" Zechariah hadn't actually found out what her name was, which was surprising, since he's met everyone else already.
He rested his leg in the corner. He knew it would probably be really bad to put pressure on his leg at this point.
"Y-you can go by the way... I can handle myself. You need to help them complete the mission. I'm.. I'm just being a handicap at this point. If someone can give me a gun, I can cover the area, because my main power is very low at this point." Zechariah coughed, and he thought he saw blood coming out. It may have just been his imagination, though.

Try to offer as much help as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Fniff on December 05, 2013, 07:11:24 pm

(So... not really sure what I'm supposed to do now.)

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 05, 2013, 07:16:57 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 05, 2013, 07:11:24 pm

(So... not really sure what I'm supposed to do now.)

((Two doors: Biolabs and Energetic Materials Testing. Your objectives lie inside those doors (retrieve an object from each). Choose one and go. Or don't, you can just stay here and let the others do all the hard work. Toaster and Xantalos are going to the Biolabs, the rest are undecided or immobile.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Fniff on December 05, 2013, 07:30:57 pm

(Ahh, I see. Righto!)
Well... Fortune favors the bold."
Open he door to the EMT. If there any enemies inside, activate adrenaline and shoot them. If there aren't, check the room for anything useful. Probably won't find the objective in the first turn, but having useful items on hand would help considerably.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 05, 2013, 09:32:39 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 05, 2013, 06:48:37 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 05, 2013, 08:54:50 am

((One example does not a principal make. If it did, I could prove that Pol Pot's victims were horrible people, slaves lived in decent conditions, and--yes--that Nazis were good.))

((Are you questioning Xantalos' luck accumulating properties? That's preposterous! That makes me so mad, I'm going to curse you with my voodoo dolls so that aliens will come to abduct you. I just need you to tell me what sign you were born under so I can contact the appropriate demon with my druidic ritual that I got from a time traveling Elvis.)) That was a joke, in case somebody misunderstood. I'm not threatening to unleash my supernatural powers on anyone.

Scorpio. Bring your worst. REALLY!

 (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SarcasmMode)

---

"Alright, mister, hold on..."
You're going to heal him, wasting time and leaving yourself weak?
I'll probably be able to heal myself when I'm done.
Wimp.

[5v1]

Release current powers. Replace them with some sort of healing ability that can affect others.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 05:38:51 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

"Th-thank you... I'm sorry, what... what was your name?" Zechariah hadn't actually found out what her name was, which was surprising, since he's met everyone else already.

To Angel and Zech: <The girl is Angel, and the little fox is Irine.>

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

He rested his leg in the corner. He knew it would probably be really bad to put pressure on his leg at this point.
"Y-you can go by the way... I can handle myself. You need to help them complete the mission. I'm.. I'm just being a handicap at this point. If someone can give me a gun, I can cover the area, because my main power is very low at this point." Zechariah coughed, and he thought he saw blood coming out. It may have just been his imagination, though.

To Angel and Zech: <Shhhhhhhhhhhh, you're going to be okay. Just rest for now, you'll need your strength later.>
move to lie down beside Zech, letting him know I'm there by gently brushing him with my tails. keep watch and use my remaining sphere to torch anything that moves to attack us.

---

((I lost track of who has been introduced to whom, was it Irine or Angel that Zech didn't recognize? and Irine right now is really quite small, there's no way I could stand over you without literally standing on top of you.))

---

Through Interface, to the entity using the elevator speakers: <I don't suppose you have a name or something I could call you by? It's really confusing telling you all apart since you just keep calling each other him or her. Don't get me wrong, you seem to be quite talented at impersonations, but do I really need to develop the same skill simply to say who I'm talking about? Oh, and why did I get yelled at when I tried to talk to Stellar without using this Interface thing? Is there stuff that I can see that you entities can't? How could one-way private communication have been abused? And why wasn't I warned about the rules before the game was started? Are there any other rules?>

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2013, 05:55:11 am

Follow Jordan. Listen for guards, interlopers and things like that on this floor.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Toaster on December 06, 2013, 09:30:50 am

John nodded, then looked around.  Safety procedures, hmm?

"Hey overlords, any particular safety procedures we should be following?  Any glowing green liquids we shouldn't drink?"

Follow directions, both safety instructions and in movement toward our goal.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 11:10:30 am

((It was Irine who Zechariah had not met yet. He had conversed with Angel before the match. Also, due to his messed up depth perception and his prone position, it pretty much looks like Irine is standing over him from his view :P ))

Zechariah decided that the floor actually looked really comfortable at this point, even though he was trying to get up. He eased himself down and observed the area outside the elevator.
"T-thanks, I just don't want to be more of a burden than I already am. Is there any way I may help?"
This scenario was perfect fodder for Artemis' hourly insults towards Zechariah.

He could've gotten a lot energy if he just had his apple juice flask at this point. Apple juice kept him going, but now he was dry and lacking blood.

Rest. Think about apple juice.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 06, 2013, 02:33:50 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 05:38:51 am

((I lost track of who has been introduced to whom, was it Irine or Angel that Zech didn't recognize?))

((I believe you've all met each other, back when people were saying you were a lizard overlord. It's probably just that he doesn't recognize your fox form. Although that probably shouldn't matter, since you talked about your shapeshifting back then. Then again, he's lost lots of blood, so he might just be in a state of confusion. Or maybe he just hadn't heard your name? Don't remember.))

---

GWG & DAF & Lenglon

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

Zechariah blacked out for the last time in his dreams, and reentered the world of the conscious. Well, mostly. Again, everything hurt - from head to toe. He also felt faint and probably did not have much energy to walk, much less bend the powers of the shadows and the light to his will.

Even through all this pain, it was still better than his unconscious. The dreams had hurt him on an emotional level, particularly because he was worried about the other Guardians and Mediums - a certain other Medium in mind. It was shelved for now, though, and he could focus on the task at hand.

He heard the entities say some stuff, but he had a hard time hearing due to his disheveled state. He looked above him and there was Irene, watching the door and him simultaneously, probably making sure he didn't go into some kind of shock state or something. Angel was at the door, not exactly healthy but she was fine and dandy compared to Zechariah.

"Th-thank you... I'm sorry, what... what was your name?" Zechariah hadn't actually found out what her name was, which was surprising, since he's met everyone else already.
He rested his leg in the corner. He knew it would probably be really bad to put pressure on his leg at this point.
"Y-you can go by the way... I can handle myself. You need to help them complete the mission. I'm.. I'm just being a handicap at this point. If someone can give me a gun, I can cover the area, because my main power is very low at this point." Zechariah coughed, and he thought he saw blood coming out. It may have just been his imagination, though.

Try to offer as much help as I can.

You stand there, being a very large talking paperweight. You also think about apple juice.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 05, 2013, 09:32:39 pm

"Alright, mister, hold on..."
You're going to heal him, wasting time and leaving yourself weak?
I'll probably be able to heal myself when I'm done.
Wimp.
Release current powers. Replace them with some sort of healing ability that can affect others.

You gain the ability to heal physical trauma of most beings you can find on earth by laying your hands over their wounds and focusing on it.
You gain the ability to know the names of people you see.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 05:38:51 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

"Th-thank you... I'm sorry, what... what was your name?" Zechariah hadn't actually found out what her name was, which was surprising, since he's met everyone else already.

To Angel and Zech: <The girl is Angel, and the little fox is Irine.>

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 05, 2013, 07:11:04 pm

He rested his leg in the corner. He knew it would probably be really bad to put pressure on his leg at this point.
"Y-you can go by the way... I can handle myself. You need to help them complete the mission. I'm.. I'm just being a handicap at this point. If someone can give me a gun, I can cover the area, because my main power is very low at this point." Zechariah coughed, and he thought he saw blood coming out. It may have just been his imagination, though.

To Angel and Zech: <Shhhhhhhhhhhh, you're going to be okay. Just rest for now, you'll need your strength later.>
move to lie down beside Zech, letting him know I'm there by gently brushing him with my tails. keep watch and use my remaining sphere to torch anything that moves to attack us.

---

Through Interface, to the entity using the elevator speakers: <I don't suppose you have a name or something I could call you by? It's really confusing telling you all apart since you just keep calling each other him or her. Don't get me wrong, you seem to be quite talented at impersonations, but do I really need to develop the same skill simply to say who I'm talking about? Oh, and why did I get yelled at when I tried to talk to Stellar without using this Interface thing? Is there stuff that I can see that you entities can't? How could one-way private communication have been abused? And why wasn't I warned about the rules before the game was started? Are there any other rules?>

Irene stands near the wounded Zach, gently brushing him with her tails, while standing watch for any threats.
Angel moves in with her newly received powers and lays her hands over Zach's bullet wound. After a bit of time passes and her powers reach their full potential, it's going very well. Blood vessels are reattached, dead flesh disappears and is replaced by new, pain is lessened... If she keeps this up, the wound will close soon.

"Hah! Impersonating?" The entity sounds amused. "That's a good one. That's what it sounds to you? Oh, it must sound really funny then. No, no, it's nothing like that. Sorry, when you're used to talking with... let's call it telepathy, you tend to forget others prefer to use words and names. Most of us don't have names, or at least don't use them, because when we 'talk', we can convey what we want to communicate without words. When you hear me say 'him' and 'her' I'm actually saying... something like their names. Looks like the translation suggestions we gave your mind translate that to impersonation. Interesting. Wonder if it's the same with others."

"Anyway, if you want a name, you can call me Roger Drake, that's what I went by when I was on Earth-5. Or maybe just D., that's what Stellar used to call me when I was younger. If you don't like those, you can call me anything you want. I've got no problem with that."
"Call him 'The princess of lollipop land'."
"...Anything you want, within reason."

"About the rules... there are many of them, but most of the time they fall under the category of 'the entities can watch, but they mustn't give an unfair advantage' or 'the contestants can't call for outside help or leave the designated area'. As you can probably understand by the fact that I'm talking to you and helping you, the rules aren't absolute, we can choose to bend them if we all agree it will make the challenge better or more interesting.
However, since we can see a good part of what's around you and the others, we could use that information to aid you without the others knowing, if there was private communication. Don't forget, even now that you're supposed to be working together, it's still a competition between all of you. And all entities want their contestant to be the one who wins."

---

Fniff & Harry Baldman

Quote from: Fniff on December 05, 2013, 07:30:57 pm

"Well... Fortune favors the bold."
Open he door to the EMT. If there any enemies inside, activate adrenaline and shoot them. If there aren't, check the room for anything useful. Probably won't find the objective in the first turn, but having useful items on hand would help considerably.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2013, 05:55:11 am

Follow Jordan. Listen for guards, interlopers and things like that on this floor.

You enter a room similar in size to the one Alan and John are in, a very large area with an elevator platform leading down to it. This one has also been divided into multiple rooms, but it has been divided by heavy, sturdy-looking metal walls and ceilings. The rooms  are all irregular, some of them larger or higher than others, few of them lacking any ceiling, revealing strange devices hooked up to cables. From some of them jut giant constructs of metal and plastic. Most of those look deactivated, while few are pulsating with light or crackling with electricity. They look like stuff you'd expect to find in a mad scientist's laboratory.
Ike can hear a great number of things below, partially confusing his hearing. Engines, servos, electrical sparks, humming, small explosions, high pitched whirrs and whines and a strange subsonic sound, more felt in his stomach then heard in his ears, like a drunken troll is hitting the ground with a giant hammer every once in a while. He can also smell many strange things here. Ozone, molten plastic, rust, all kinds of chemicals as well as things he has never smelled before. The strange smell he got from the hallway is non-existent here.

"Same deal as the other guys, you're looking for a storage area relatively close by. Take the elevator down when you're ready."
((Sorry for essentially making you post your action twice, but I need to get all those descriptions out of the way. And I also want to see if someone else wants to come with you.))

---

Xantalos & Toaster

Quote from: Toaster on December 06, 2013, 09:30:50 am

John nodded, then looked around.  Safety procedures, hmm?
"Hey overlords, any particular safety procedures we should be following?  Any glowing green liquids we shouldn't drink?"
Follow directions, both safety instructions and in movement toward our goal.

"You know, the usual, don't take candy from strangers, watch for biohazard signs, respect the instruction on the walls, stay out of the path of bullets, don't touch strange alien things if you don't know what they do, only drink glowing green liquids if you're willing to take stupid risks for the chance of gaining superpowers... That sort of thing."

You press the down button and wait for the elevator platform to descend. Thankfully, this one is faster than the last one. You enter one of those plastic rooms and wait to be decontaminated, as you are sprayed with various chemicals. Good thing these aren't your real bodies, because that much disinfectant can't be good for you in the long term.

As you exit decontamination into the next room (some kind of reception/security station with various scanning tools that look like metal detectors) carefully checking for enemies as you do so, you spot a guard hiding behind the reception. You get back into cover in the hallway you were in. You don't think he saw you, but you can't be sure.
What do you do?

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 02:37:11 pm

Smart man. Wat do.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Toaster on December 06, 2013, 03:01:39 pm

Alan shrugged.  "Not much room for tricks here.  Shoot a bunch of knives or forks or something at him, then when he looks up to see what the hell is going on, I'll give him some bullets."

Watch for guard to come out of cover, then gun him down.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 06, 2013, 03:05:59 pm

"Doing well, Zack?"

Keep healing Zechariah.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 03:07:07 pm

Summon slingshot and pebbles. Bombard helpless guard.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2013, 03:14:13 pm

Advance carefully. Be ready to dodge and shoot stuff. Use echolocative hearing to get a better feel for the place.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 04:08:10 pm

Zechariah watched as Angel came over and starting using healing powers over his leg. It was much like what Rachael did, way back when, except this actually had a weird sensation, as if his leg was drinking grape juice. Rachael's magic did the same thing, except her healing was stronger and tasted like apple juice. Still, Angel was doing a fantastic job. He actually felt like his soul was being renewed, which was great. Also, his pent-up frustration at his own actions provided some of his own willpower.

He coughed and felt immediately better afterwards. "Wow, thank you Angel. I really cannot say how much I owe you right now. And thank you too, Irine." Zechariah put on the best smile he could manage for now. He still needed some more healing though, lest the magic undo itself in the process, which was what Rachael taught him during their experiences.
 
"So, what are we doing here? What's our objective?"

Rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 06, 2013, 04:10:56 pm

"We're supposed to grab some stuff, I think. I was still recovering from the burns when they were talking about it, I think."

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Fniff on December 06, 2013, 05:21:37 pm

"How lackluster."
Go into elevator and press button to destination.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 06:31:20 pm

Remain lying there, watching.
To Angel and Zech: <On either side of this hallway are a pair of specialized labs, and we need to retrieve a component for this device we left in the elevator from each before we take it deeper into the facility. two of our teammates went to the Biohazard side, two went to the Energetic Materials Testing side, and as you can see, the lizard lady is standing around lost is thought by the Energetic Materials Testing door.>

---

Through Interface, To D: <I... I don't suppose you know what's wrong with me? I... It's like something mangled my connection with flame. I can't seem to control it properly. Even changing between forms is messed up. I... I got burnt earlier. That's never happened before. It shouldn't even be possible. Something's really wrong with me, and I don't have the special senses necessary to find out what it is anymore. Please don't mess with it or anything, that... that connection was my greatest piece of work before... anyway, can you tell me what's wrong?>

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: scapheap on December 06, 2013, 06:34:52 pm

Move out. toward the Storage

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 06:49:23 pm

As Zechariah sat there, listening to Irine talk with the lead entity, he thought of something. He found it odd, but it was his thought nevertheless, with his experiences from his Shadow, Eido, and the Guardians.
"Hey, um, Scion? I just hope you're doing alright, and having a good... day, or... time, I guess? I don't know how your time works relative to ours, but I do wish that you stay alright.
Not disrespecting your power, by the way, I'm just hoping you've not been bothered lately by anything."

That came out awkward for Zechariah. But he said what he needed to. Over the past four years, he had learned that deities were people too. Maybe had Eido been treated better as a deity over so many years, he would not have punished the Guardians and cursed Zechariah out of his own dimension. These entities also seemed to argue sometimes, and Zechariah wanted to do his best to have them be at least somewhat cooperative. That's what he did with the Guardians, his friends.

Being friendly with deities, entities and gods. Zechariah sure was an odd person.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 06, 2013, 09:10:28 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 06, 2013, 03:01:39 pm

Alan shrugged.  "Not much room for tricks here.  Shoot a bunch of knives or forks or something at him, then when he looks up to see what the hell is going on, I'll give him some bullets."

Watch for guard to come out of cover, then gun him down.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 03:07:07 pm

Summon slingshot and pebbles. Bombard helpless guard.

After a bit of quick planning, John and Alan come with a battle plan.
John prepares to fire while Alan works on summoning a slingshot and some pebbles.

Alan summons something that looks like a mixture of compound bow and slingshot, complete with an ergonomic grip, counterweights to keep it balanced and a stabilizer that wraps around the wrist to further improve aim. He also summons a number of steel balls to be used as ammunition.
Alan puts one of his balls in the slingshot, gets it ready to fire and peeks out of cover.

Turns out the guard saw you. He's standing ready to fire, but Alan is marginally faster and manages to get off a hasty shot to the guard's head sticking out of the reception. He knocks the guard's hat off, but doesn't cause any serious damage to him.

Alan gets his hands and head back into cover before the guard can hit him with a burst from his assault rifle.

John can hear the guard (or more accurately, the bursts he is firing from his assault rifle) moving, which means the guard is up. However, he's also shooting at the doorway they're hiding behind, the bullets embedding themselves in the wall opposite to the one they're hiding behind. (Thankfully, the plastic seems thick enough to stop the bullets.)

Do you still want to get out of cover and shoot him?

((Doing a turn just for you guys, since you're in battle time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 09:31:17 pm

((I guess I rolled a 6 then. :o))

<Hey John guy. Make a Roomba, only rabid, and send it toward him as a distraction.>

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 06, 2013, 11:25:44 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 09:31:17 pm

((I guess I rolled a 6 then. :o))

((I'd bet a 5.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 11:52:04 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 06:49:23 pm

Being friendly with deities, entities and gods. Zechariah sure was an odd person.

((And he doesn't even know Irine is an ex-goddess. That'll be an amusing thing to see his reaction too.))

Quote from: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 09:31:17 pm

<Hey John guy. Make a Roomba, only rabid, and send it toward him as a distraction.>

((Remember you can always call for backup if necessary. Irine can attack around corners.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 11:54:02 am

((I've already written most of the turn, I'm just waiting to see if Toaster and Xantalos are going to post something, otherwise I'll auto them. Or maybe I'll just have them stay further back in time. Time paradoxes are always fun, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 03:22:14 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 06, 2013, 11:25:44 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 06, 2013, 09:31:17 pm

((I guess I rolled a 6 then. :o))

((I'd bet a 5.))

((I told you, his luck just turned around. He dodged death twice that turn and got that cool slingshot. I imagine it like this (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111022212655/bioshock/images/9/95/Daisy-slingshot-p51_23587_zoom-1-.jpg) but with flexible "arms", counterweights and a pulley system instead of a rubber band, like some kind of mini-compound-crossbow.))

---

GWG & DAF & Lenglon

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 06, 2013, 03:05:59 pm

"Doing well, Zack?"
Keep healing Zechariah.

Zach keeps getting healed. The bullet falls out of his leg and the wound seems to be almost closed. Just a bit more and he'll be fully healed.
There is a slight problem however. While his wound is getting better, your power doesn't seem capable of fully replacing all the blood he has lost. Even after you heal him, he's going to be a bit lightheaded.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 06, 2013, 06:31:20 pm

Remain lying there, watching.
Through Interface, To D: <I... I don't suppose you know what's wrong with me? I... It's like something mangled my connection with flame. I can't seem to control it properly. Even changing between forms is messed up. I... I got burnt earlier. That's never happened before. It shouldn't even be possible. Something's really wrong with me, and I don't have the special senses necessary to find out what it is anymore. Please don't mess with it or anything, that... that connection was my greatest piece of work before... anyway, can you tell me what's wrong?>

"Sorry, I don't know much about that and I don't want to talk about it, mostly because I-" He pauses mid sentence, as if something else got his attention. After a while, he continues. *sigh* "If you want to know what happened to you, then ask him, I'm sure he'll be happy to brag about whatever he did to you. If you want to know why it happened... I strongly suggest waiting until you return to the staging area before you ask that question. Using your shapeshifting should be safe to you right now, if a bit unpleasant, if that's what you're worried about. And from what I saw, you'd have to stand in an inferno for a while before the fire causes you any real harm."

"But you should cheer up! You're alive and can play with fire! Who cares about the rest? All that drama and worrying is useless anyways, it won't add anything to your life."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 04:08:10 pm

Zechariah watched as Angel came over and starting using healing powers over his leg. It was much like what Rachael did, way back when, except this actually had a weird sensation, as if his leg was drinking grape juice. Rachael's magic did the same thing, except her healing was stronger and tasted like apple juice. Still, Angel was doing a fantastic job. He actually felt like his soul was being renewed, which was great. Also, his pent-up frustration at his own actions provided some of his own willpower.

He coughed and felt immediately better afterwards. "Wow, thank you Angel. I really cannot say how much I owe you right now. And thank you too, Irine." Zechariah put on the best smile he could manage for now. He still needed some more healing though, lest the magic undo itself in the process, which was what Rachael taught him during their experiences.
 
"So, what are we doing here? What's our objective?"
Rest.

"Do you want the general objective or this floor's? As for what you're doing here, mostly sitting around unconscious in those past 5 minutes, with Irene watching over both of you and the others trying to heal you and now you're sitting here talking to me. Not a very productive in my opinion."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 06, 2013, 06:49:23 pm

As Zechariah sat there, listening to Irine talk with the lead entity, he thought of something. He found it odd, but it was his thought nevertheless, with his experiences from his Shadow, Eido, and the Guardians.
"Hey, um, Scion? I just hope you're doing alright, and having a good... day, or... time, I guess? I don't know how your time works relative to ours, but I do wish that you stay alright.
Not disrespecting your power, by the way, I'm just hoping you've not been bothered lately by anything."

That came out awkward for Zechariah. But he said what he needed to. Over the past four years, he had learned that deities were people too. Maybe had Eido been treated better as a deity over so many years, he would not have punished the Guardians and cursed Zechariah out of his own dimension. These entities also seemed to argue sometimes, and Zechariah wanted to do his best to have them be at least somewhat cooperative. That's what he did with the Guardians, his friends.

Being friendly with deities, entities and gods. Zechariah sure was an odd person.

"I have no interest in your faked concern for me, human. What I've been bothered by is the fact that you needlessly risked your life for that... Demonhuman, while you should had only been interested in your victory in this challenge. I need YOU to win. The lives of the others are irrelevant. Everything else is irrelevant."

---

Fniff & scapheap & Harry Baldman

Quote from: Fniff on December 06, 2013, 05:21:37 pm

"How lackluster."
Go into elevator and press button to destination.

Quote from: scapheap on December 06, 2013, 06:34:52 pm

Move out. toward the Storage

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2013, 03:14:13 pm

Advance carefully. Be ready to dodge and shoot stuff. Use echolocative hearing to get a better feel for the place.

You press the down button on the elevator and wait for it to descend.
You enter one of the rooms, something that looks like a reception with a number of scanners instead of entrances, the kind of scanners that strip scan you without removing your clothes.
From there you enter a hallway and continue onwards, following the directions the entity is giving you.
"The others have encountered enemies. Keep your eyes and ears open."
You reach a doorway into a large area. Map for the sake of helping you understand:

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img802/3900/1els.png)
Yes, I know it looks like crap.
The Red Thing looks like a big rectangular cuboid made of metal and plastic, supported by metal beams that are bolted on it and on the floor. It has fins that glow red and it emits a faint humming. It's connected to various cables.
The Blue Things look like metal support beams bolted to the walls, floor and ceiling.
The Gray Things look metal things with old-looking screens and buttons, about the same height a bar counter.
The Purple Things are you. Aren't you pretty?
The Orange Things are other people. Ike can sense those.
The Brown Things are doors.
The Pink Thing is the door you just opened, a metal door that slides to the side with the push of a button.
The Green Thing is the door you must go to.
The Yellow Thing looks like a giant piece of pure white marble bolted on the wall.

---

Toaster & Xantalos
((I decided I'll wait for you to post and then do a miniturn, because if something horrible happens to you due to an autoaction, I'll probably get blamed for it. I will auto you if you don't post soon.
In case you forgot, Toaster & Xantalos are taking cover besides a doorway while the guard is up and moving away from cover while laying suppressing fire on that doorway.))

---

Everyone
"There's something wrong here. They seem to somehow know your objectives, but that should be impossible. I've blocked all communication with the outside world, nobody could have warned them. Maybe they already knew? Any of you a double agent or a member of the mafia or something? Anyway, watch out for traps and ambushes."

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 07, 2013, 03:33:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 03:22:14 pm

"There's something wrong here. They seem to somehow know your objectives, but that should be impossible. I've blocked all communication with the outside world, nobody could have warned them. Maybe they already knew? Any of you a double agent or a member of the mafia or something? Anyway, watch out for traps and ambushes."

"Maybe you've got an awfully competitive player amongst you, eh? Or maybe somebody's messing with you."

Check if I am, by any chance, a double, triple, quadruple or otherwise multiple agent.

To Jordan: "Hey, hit-dude, I sense people in the room. They're hiding on the other side behind the walls, around that doorway place. I can hear them."

Explain this to Jordan.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 03:46:12 pm

(What are the red dots in the picture?)

Finish healing him up, then banish the powers for some kind of attack and defense powers.

"You should be fine. A bit light-headed, though..."

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 03:59:07 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 03:46:12 pm

(What are the red dots in the picture?)

((What red dots? I don't see any red dots. Do you mean the orange dots or the purple dots? If you see red dots, then either my monitor's settings need adjusting or your monitor settings need adjusting. Or maybe I'm finally going colorblind.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 04:13:48 pm

((...They looked red a minute ago...
The orange ones.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: scapheap on December 07, 2013, 04:16:48 pm

entry and look around the old-looking screens and buttons while crouched.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 07, 2013, 04:20:59 pm

Zechariah pulled up his uninjured leg and circled his arms around it. So his patron entity was apathetic, then. Ah well. There was at least one other entity who liked how he did things, and that was good enough for him. He smiled and looked up to the ceiling, as if the entities were watching from there.

"I'm sorry, Scion, but you chose the wrong person to patronize. Pick Jordan or something, he cares about getting the job done. I care about everyone else making it out alive and well. Maybe you aren't familiar with human emotion, nor do you think anything better of us than pieces on the chessboard, but I am someone who cares.

So good day to you. I'm sorry I disappoint you for not playing the game you play. Call Artemis up, he's very good at games."

Zechariah was somewhat saddened that his patron entity did not care like he thought that she would. She was just like Eido, seeing people as a means to an end.

It would seriously suck if she also disposed of him like Eido did, for rejecting the rules that they had set up. He would then have to go through more misadventures through time and space probably. Or just cease to exist, y'know. He turned his attention to Irine and the guiding entity.

"Don't worry, Irine. It's probably just how this dimension works. Artemis told me that when hopping between universes, it takes a while for our mind frequencies to adjust to the new realm's physical and mental rules. We can't really do anything about that. All we can do is be careful."

And now the guiding entity. Zechariah had overheard his small discussion with Irine, and thought nice of it.

Interface: <Hello, Drake? You're not actually bad, to be honest. You're helping us and, well, providing some motivation. So thanks for that. I feel a lot better now, so whatever objective is not covered yet, I can take. Or if we have teammates that need support. Anything you need.>

"Thanks Angel. I really do appreciate it." He still felt a bit dizzy, but it's nothing he hasn't felt before. As long as he doesn't stretch his powers, he should be okay.

Wait for Drake's response. Start heading towards whatever objective needs covering, or any teammates that need support.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 05:03:09 pm

"You're welcome."

When he begins to head out:

"I'll catch up, I need a moment."

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Xantalos on December 07, 2013, 05:03:15 pm

((Didn't I post?))
((Oh wait.))

When guard is distracted by angry Roomba, shoot him.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos was right
Post by: Toaster on December 07, 2013, 07:46:31 pm

((Sorry- Mafia took priority))

John stared blankly at Alan.  "You know, that's a good idea."

Summon an angry Roomba.  Sic it on the guard.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 09:11:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 07, 2013, 07:46:31 pm

John stared blankly at Alan.  "You know, that's a good idea."

Summon an angry Roomba.  Sic it on the guard.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 07, 2013, 05:03:15 pm

When guard is distracted by angry Roomba, shoot him.

John tries to summon an angry Roomba. Because why the hell not?
The Roomba is summoned successfully, but there is a problem. It's bloody angry. At everybody. As it falls on the ground, it begins growling with its small speaker and running for John with incredible speed despite its small servomotors. John is not exactly sure what the Roomba might do to him, but he doesn't intend to find out. He kicks it away from him and towards Alan.
Alan watches in confusion as the Angry Roomba flies towards his lower body. The Roomba hits him hard in the gut, latches onto him and begins sucking with incredible strength. Alan tries to pull the Rabid Vacuum Cleaner off of him but he isn't strong enough. It begins tearing apart his clothes and then his flesh, spraying the area around him with blood and minced Alan.

Meanwhile, you can hear the guard fire another burst with his rifle, open the door on the other side of the room, drop something metallic on the plastic floor and break into a run. But with friends like these, who cares about enemies?
((Nope, turns out Xantalos' bad luck continues. I think I've never seen so many 1s in a row before.))

---

Everyone
"Oh dear. One of your teammates is being eaten by a rabid robotic vacuum cleaner John just summoned. You might want to go there to help. Or to point and laugh."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 07, 2013, 09:16:42 pm

((Ahahaha))

Summon a super powerful plunger and pry the thing off, then wield it as a Roomba sword.
Hope the other dude can create medicine or something.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 09:34:52 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 09:11:48 pm

Everyone
"Oh dear. One of your teammates is being eaten by a rabid robotic vacuum cleaner John just summoned. You might want to go there to help. Or to point and laugh."

"<Wait, what? Do I want to know?>"

New action:

Finish healing Zechariah, then go to Alan and attempt to heal him without...you know, getting killed.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 08, 2013, 12:32:32 am

Zechariah had an objective then!
Interface:<On it, sir.>
"Angel, you heal him. I'll... try to get him out, or maybe guard against whatever else decides to show up."

Help out with the man-eating vacuum cleaner.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 08, 2013, 01:43:06 am

Through interface to Zech, Angel, and D: <I'm on my... um, what are you...>
Irine watches Angel and Zech running off, neither one fully healed, and abandoning the device we were sent in here with to sit unguarded on the elevator we know the guards are trying to break into from up above.
Through interface to Zech, Angel, and D: <Well, good luck then.>
I can't even push the device off the elevator without hands, but we can't leave it unguarded. This thing is clearly the core of why we're here, a smart enemy will either steal it or destroy it.
through interface to D: <I guess I'm going to be sitting here a while longer. Someone has to watch the device.>
I better get ready for a fight.
Use my flame sphere to ignite various random debris nearby, and gather additional fire, forming it into additional globes of flame and making them circle around me in a nice, easy to manage pattern of concentric circles. probably two rings, spinning slowly in opposite directions around me.
through interface to D: <About the elevator, is it held up from above or will the brakes lock it in place if the overhead machinery gets fried? Oh, and how are the doors upstairs holding up?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 08, 2013, 11:31:24 am

((...What device are you talking about?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 08, 2013, 04:22:15 pm

"Well, we're in the elevator, so... good luck to them."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 08, 2013, 04:24:35 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 08, 2013, 04:22:15 pm

"Well, we're in the elevator, so... good luck to them."

((Check the previous turn (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4818368#msg4818368) for data. You're no longer in the elevator. You're in a hallway.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 08, 2013, 06:13:42 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 08, 2013, 04:22:15 pm

"Well, we're in the elevator, so... good luck to them."

((first of all, you didn't hear that, and I'm nowhere near you and can't hear you talking, so you being a part of that conversation makes no sense at all. secondly, no you aren't, there are four elevators on this level. the one we came down, one in each lab area, and one down the hall from the entry elevator, which we will be using later to exit with. you USED to be at one of the elevators in a lab area, the device is on the one we came down in, which is now populated by a total of one individual, Irine.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 08, 2013, 06:24:14 pm

(Ahem. I was saying that to the entity. Sorry, should have made that clear.)

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 08, 2013, 09:42:03 pm

((Er... it was your idea?))

John swore.  "Shit!  Get off him!"


Summon and throw an EMP grenade!

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 08, 2013, 09:43:34 pm

((This is hilarious.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 08, 2013, 09:49:28 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 08, 2013, 09:43:34 pm

((This is hilarious.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 01:57:07 am

Quote from: Fniff on December 08, 2013, 06:24:14 pm

(Ahem. I was saying that to the entity. Sorry, should have made that clear.)

((Oh, sorry.  :-[))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 09, 2013, 03:05:03 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 08, 2013, 09:49:28 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 08, 2013, 09:43:34 pm

((This is hilarious.))

((And once again we come to the shocking conclusion that in RTDs, especially when you're given supernatural powers, your teammates are your worst enemy.
Toaster can just say that he meant to do that. Believed that Alan was going to be the one who won the challenge and wanted to eliminate the competition. Don't know who would believe him, but it's a better excuse than nothing.))

---

scapheap & Harry Baldman & Fniff

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 07, 2013, 03:33:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 03:22:14 pm

"There's something wrong here. They seem to somehow know your objectives, but that should be impossible. I've blocked all communication with the outside world, nobody could have warned them. Maybe they already knew? Any of you a double agent or a member of the mafia or something? Anyway, watch out for traps and ambushes."

"Maybe you've got an awfully competitive player amongst you, eh? Or maybe somebody's messing with you."

Check if I am, by any chance, a double, triple, quadruple or otherwise multiple agent.

To Jordan: "Hey, hit-dude, I sense people in the room. They're hiding on the other side behind the walls, around that doorway place. I can hear them."

Explain this to Jordan.

"Eh, who knows? Maybe. I'll check the replays when this is over, see if I can't figure out what happened. Just stay alive down there and you'll be fine. Let the others go first and trigger the traps."

After checking your host's memories, you realize that you are in fact a triple and three quarters agent. Oh, the horror! It all makes sense now! The cat was the president all along!
...You may have gotten that information a bit mangled.

Jordan seems a bit unresponsive right now.
Your hearing is still a bit confused by all the noise around, so you can't get an exact picture of what's going on inside the room Eria is in, but you're sure those two guys (or gals, you can't really tell) are still hiding behind those consoles. Probably saw you opening that door.

Quote from: scapheap on December 07, 2013, 04:16:48 pm

entry and look around the old-looking screens and buttons while crouched.

With the skills of a lizard ninja, you manage to crouch inside the room and behind a console without being seen or making a single sound.
You examine the screens and buttons.
The ones on this console are old cathode ray screens like the ones found on oscilloscopes (http://ak2.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/1695886/preview/stock-footage-finger-shows-curve-on-screen-of-oscilloscope-black-background-with-bright-green-round-symbols-and.jpg), brightly displaying waves (http://ak4.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/3702035/preview/stock-footage-graphics-from-the-screen-of-an-oscilloscope.jpg), circles, stars and polygonal shapes. Some buttons are labelled with letters and numbers and you're unsure of what exactly they do, while others seem to be used to fine tune the displays according to the data they receive.
The consoles are heavily shielded, the glass above the screens thick enough to stop a bullet, the heavy metal covering welded onto the ground.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img843/3297/vprj.png)
Yes, I know it looks like crap.
The Red Thing looks like a big rectangular cuboid made of metal and plastic, supported by metal beams that are bolted on it and on the floor. It has fins that glow red and it emits a faint humming. It's connected to various cables.
The Blue Things look like metal support beams bolted to the walls, floor and ceiling.
The Gray Things look metal things with old-looking screens and buttons, about the same height a bar counter.
The Purple Things are you. Aren't you pretty?
The Orange Things are other people. Ike can sense those.
The Brown Things are doors.
The Pink Thing is the door you just opened, a metal door that slides to the side with the push of a button.
The Green Thing is the door you must go to.
The Yellow Thing looks like a giant piece of pure white marble bolted on the wall.

---

GWG & DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 07, 2013, 04:20:59 pm

Zechariah pulled up his uninjured leg and circled his arms around it. So his patron entity was apathetic, then. Ah well. There was at least one other entity who liked how he did things, and that was good enough for him. He smiled and looked up to the ceiling, as if the entities were watching from there.

"I'm sorry, Scion, but you chose the wrong person to patronize. Pick Jordan or something, he cares about getting the job done. I care about everyone else making it out alive and well. Maybe you aren't familiar with human emotion, nor do you think anything better of us than pieces on the chessboard, but I am someone who cares.

So good day to you. I'm sorry I disappoint you for not playing the game you play. Call Artemis up, he's very good at games."

Zechariah was somewhat saddened that his patron entity did not care like he thought that she would. She was just like Eido, seeing people as a means to an end.

It would seriously suck if she also disposed of him like Eido did, for rejecting the rules that they had set up. He would then have to go through more misadventures through time and space probably. Or just cease to exist, y'know.

"You misunderstand human. What I do, I do for you. I see the potential for a great and powerful mage in you. Your power could rival that of gods one day. While allies and emotions are useful tools for obtaining power, that is not the purpose of the challenges. The purpose of these challenges is to be victorious and Victory is the path to your perfection.
But this disagreement is pointless. You will struggle like everyone and in time you will realize I speak the truth. I was merely hoping to avoid such meaningless wastes of time."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 07, 2013, 09:34:52 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 07, 2013, 09:11:48 pm

"Oh dear. One of your teammates is being eaten by a rabid robotic vacuum cleaner John just summoned. You might want to go there to help. Or to point and laugh."

"<Wait, what? Do I want to know?>"

New action:

Finish healing Zechariah, then go to Alan and attempt to heal him without...you know, getting killed.

"That depends. When you see a horror film with a ridiculous or unlikely monster like 'Sharktopus' or 'Rubber' do you laugh or get scared?"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 08, 2013, 12:32:32 am

Zechariah had an objective then!
Interface:<On it, sir.>
"Angel, you heal him. I'll... try to get him out, or maybe guard against whatever else decides to show up."

Help out with the man-eating vacuum cleaner.

Angel finishes healing Zach. Zach gets up and stumbles a bit and leans on a box to find his balance. He got a bit of headrush from standing up due to his low blood pressure. After a moment of adjusting, he begins walking towards the Biolabs elevator.

Zach and Angel both start heading towards the man being eaten by a vacuum cleaner. They get as far as decontamination. They'll reach the other guys next turn. If they haven't been eaten by the vacuum cleaner.

---

Xantalos & Toaster

Quote from: Xantalos on December 07, 2013, 09:16:42 pm

Summon a super powerful plunger and pry the thing off, then wield it as a Roomba sword.
Hope the other dude can create medicine or something.

Quote from: Toaster on December 08, 2013, 09:42:03 pm

John swore.  "Shit!  Get off him!"
Summon and throw an EMP grenade!

Johns panicked orders are only met with a long angry growl from the Roomba.
Alan, screaming in pain as the Rabid Vacuum Cleaner shreds his guts, tries to summon a plunger while John tries to summon an EMP grenade.
John gets a mighty toy grenade made out of plastic! When its button is pressed, it starts a timer that triggers a boom sound effect and lights up some red LEDs. Yay!
Alan on the other hand gets the plunger he always wanted, complete with an ergonomic grip and, as the sticker on its side advertises "An auto-plunging function, so that you never have to use your own strength ever again! Workout is for losers anyways!", whatever that means.

Alan tries to pull the Angry Roomba away from him with the plunger but he is too busy screaming and bleeding and flailing to manage to properly aim. He doesn't manage to form a proper seal, the plunger hitting the Rabid Vacuum Cleaner at a bad angle.
John attacks the Angry Roomba, trying to hit it with the butt of his rifle. The hit connects, "wounding" the Angry Roomba in its rear section, pieces of plastic and buttons flying off.
John gets ready for another hit but the Roomba reverses it's vacuum motor, using it to blow instead of sucking. It flies off of Alan in an explosion of blood, aiming straight for John's face. John reacts quickly, ducking and letting the Roomba fly over him.
The Roomba makes a run for the door the guard just exited through. Maybe it has sated its hunger. Maybe John's hit scared it. Maybe it has smelled a better meal nearby. Or maybe it's just running so that it can set an ambush for you later. Either way, it's running.
"If you let it escape, you'd better hope it doesn't find you again. Now that it's had a taste of human flesh, the Vacuum Cleaner will forever be a slave to its succulence."

Alan is in a bad condition, in major pain and bleeding heavily. The Angry Roomba is wounded and running away like one of those little drones the Imperials had on Star Wars (http://youtu.be/cLqNmMH4hsg). What do you do?

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on December 08, 2013, 01:43:06 am

Through interface to Zech, Angel, and D: <I'm on my... um, what are you...>
Irine watches Angel and Zech running off, neither one fully healed, and abandoning the device we were sent in here with to sit unguarded on the elevator we know the guards are trying to break into from up above.
Through interface to Zech, Angel, and D: <Well, good luck then.>
I can't even push the device off the elevator without hands, but we can't leave it unguarded. This thing is clearly the core of why we're here, a smart enemy will either steal it or destroy it.
through interface to D: <I guess I'm going to be sitting here a while longer. Someone has to watch the device.>
I better get ready for a fight.
Use my flame sphere to ignite various random debris nearby, and gather additional fire, forming it into additional globes of flame and making them circle around me in a nice, easy to manage pattern of concentric circles. probably two rings, spinning slowly in opposite directions around me.
through interface to D: <About the elevator, is it held up from above or will the brakes lock it in place if the overhead machinery gets fried? Oh, and how are the doors upstairs holding up?>

"Fine by me. The guys up there are trying to come up with a plan of how to get the door open. Right now they have someone working on the security station but I'm going to fake a malfunction and a lockdown the moment he makes any progress. They'll probably start looking into more... forceful ways of entry soon, like explosives. They sure have enough. You won't believe what's started gathering up there."

"The elevator probably functions by some sort of hydraulic system that raises it from below. Don't know what will happen if you heat the platform from below or if you destroy the cabling around there, so you'd better not to do that. And the Device, don't heat it up too much or it's Game Over. It's sturdy but it's not invincible. And finally, try not to harm the elevator's speaker, please?"

You use some of the boxes in the elevator to get a few more balls of fire and have them spin around you in a dance of fiery danger.
"Too bad there aren't any teammates around, eh?"
The burning boxes reveal papers, smaller metallic boxes and canisters and various mundane equipment like office chairs or computer screens.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 09, 2013, 03:12:18 pm

Summon a shit ton of bandages of varying sizes.
Also very many first aid kits.

((Hey Parsibre, if the thing survives can we have the Roomba return in subsequent missions?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 03:26:31 pm

"<Um...I think I'd like to know what's goin on. Especially since I'm going to be helping fix it.>"

Continue heading towards the victims of the Rabid Roomba Rampage.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 09, 2013, 04:51:41 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 09, 2013, 03:12:18 pm

((Hey Parsibre, if the thing survives can we have the Roomba return in subsequent missions?))

((Well, if the specific Roomba survives, then yes. But that's a very big "if". Then again, I could just say "it fell to its 'death'" or "it was 'killed' off screen" or "they never found the body" or "the next day, the entire cemetery disappeared".

You could fight a Roomba like this one taken to the extreme if you choose a boss fight for the next mission, even if this one dies.

After this mission ends, I'll update the "game types" section with some of the missions I've though of.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 03:26:31 pm

"<Um...I think I'd like to know what's goin on. Especially since I'm going to be helping fix it.>"

"John just summoned an angry robotic vacuum cleaner with a taste for human flesh that proceeded to eat a good part of Alan's guts.
If it was self replicating, it would make a grear setting for a post apocalyptic robot revolution movie, but right now it's just good enough for a mediocre horror movie parody.
Still, it was fun. It's been a while since that last happened."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 09, 2013, 05:00:56 pm

"I get the feeling I'm a bit messed up sometimes."

Take up a position in cover on my side of the room. Be ready to shoot at those two people hiding out over on the other end.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 06:33:09 pm

Through interface, to D: <No teammates is why I'm doing this. Should I care about what is on the papers I'm burning?>
Continue collecting additional firepower.
Through interface, to D and teammates: <We've got a time limit, the people upstairs are working their way down to us. Don't take too long getting stuff. if someone with hands is just standing around, I could use some help moving the device off the elevator.>
Through interface, to D: <could you keep me updated on how the attempt to breach the upstairs door is going? I need to be ready to greet them as soon as they succeed.>
Through interface, to D: <What is the point of these 'games' you (That is a plural 'you' by the way, yay for flaws in English. ya'll really should be an accepted word.) are having us fight in?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: scapheap on December 09, 2013, 06:40:36 pm

Eria drew her gun 'I don't think my ice can reach them.'

Be ready to take a shot if one peek their head up.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 09, 2013, 08:53:18 pm

Interface, Irine: <After we help the vacuum cleaner victim out, I'll head back as soon as I can.>
As he and Angel were walking to help them, he mused over the statements of Scion. He was saddened, really. She cared about winning, but he cared about his friends. Heck, the reason he was here at ll was because he had sacrificed himself to take down his Shadow, Zedekiah, for his friends! In doing so, he had escaped the control of Eido and instead landed within the grasp of these entities.

Zechariah already knew that he had the power to end it all or save it all, or at least that was what Artemis told him when they had defeated Metatron. But he didn't want it for himself, he wanted it for his friends only. He didn't care what power he had, but if it means that his friends were saved then he was happy.
"Please, just hear me out Scion... abandon me and connect with one of the others. The only thing I have to offer you is disappointment, because I am here to make sure everyone else makes it out alive and well, hopefully to help their own worlds build. I don't have whatever potential you are talking about, and I have no expectations for victory, at least for myself."
Zechariah hesitated for a moment.
"I don't want to be a king of power. If I am to be a king of anything, I want to be a king of the people, by the people. By my friends. Beside my friends. Through and with them, together.

...Then again, I don't expect you deities to get that, considering you seem to bicker among yourselves. So it's okay, I don't blame you, Scion."

I'm gonna get it, he thought. Not more than an hour in and already defying the game. Haha, it's just like with Artemis.

Continue.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 09, 2013, 09:08:03 pm

((Anyone mind telling me what we're doing? I don't actually know, I've just been deriving around unleashing the Hoover apocalypse and having bad luck except in really useless objects.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 09:14:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 09, 2013, 04:51:41 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 03:26:31 pm

"<Um...I think I'd like to know what's goin on. Especially since I'm going to be helping fix it.>"

"John just summoned an angry robotic vacuum cleaner with a taste for human flesh that proceeded to eat a good part of Alan's guts.
If it was self replicating, it would make a grear setting for a post apocalyptic robot revolution movie, but right now it's just good enough for a mediocre horror movie parody.
Still, it was fun. It's been a while since that last happened."

"<...This happened before?>"

Quote from: Xantalos on December 09, 2013, 09:08:03 pm

((Anyone mind telling me what we're doing? I don't actually know, I've just been deriving around unleashing the Hoover apocalypse and having bad luck except in really useless objects.))

((We're getting a couple of objects. And trying not to die.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 09, 2013, 09:16:28 pm

"Eh... yeah, Angel... apparently he got hurt pretty bad too. So let's hurry."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 09:44:00 pm

"I know, I know. I'm just surprised that this isn't the first time someone did that."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:20:16 pm

((Wait, was the roomba going for his guts or his legs?  I thought it started at the legs... how exactly is he wounded anyway?))

"Hang in there and let me try this!"

Attempt to summon a robotic replica of whatever body part that Alan is missing.  Install it.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:22:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 06:33:09 pm

ya'll really should be an accepted word.

((It is where I live!  I will point out that it's "y'all" as you're contracting out the OU in YOU.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 10, 2013, 12:32:29 pm

((Intestines I think.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 12:36:03 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:20:16 pm

((Wait, was the roomba going for his guts or his legs?  I thought it started at the legs... how exactly is he wounded anyway?))

((Badly.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 01:58:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:22:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 06:33:09 pm

ya'll really should be an accepted word.

((It is where I live!  I will point out that it's "y'all" as you're contracting out the OU in YOU.))

((It is where I live as well, and it's "ya'll" because the pause in the word is AFTER the A.
let the ya'll vs y'all wars commence ya fools!!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2013, 02:03:15 pm

Toaster & Xantalos & DAF & GWG

Quote from: Xantalos on December 09, 2013, 03:12:18 pm

Summon a shit ton of bandages of varying sizes.
Also very many first aid kits.

You summon a cloud of bandage-confetti that fill up the area your intestines are supposed to be, soaking up in blood, other bodily fluids and the half-processed remains of your last meal. This is unhelpful.
You pass out from the blood loss. Hey, at least you're no longer in pain?

Quote from: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:20:16 pm

"Hang in there and let me try this!"

Attempt to summon a robotic replica of whatever body part that Alan is missing.  Install it.

As the Roomba runs away, its small wheels leaving a bloody trail on the ground, John tries to create a robotic replacement for Alan's intestines. Because surely using the same powers that caused this problem to create complex equipment that will require extensive surgery to install and then doing said extensive surgery with no other tools available or any previous medical knowledge is the way to go here.

No parts materialize in the air, no device is assembled. Your powers refuse to work. Is it because of how you feel? Is it because of the complexity of the device you are trying to envision? Who knows? Perhaps it is for the best.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 09:44:00 pm

"I know, I know. I'm just surprised that this isn't the first time someone did that."

"Yeah, there was some guy in Earth-12750 that had the ability to 'speak' to machines and enhance them with the right words, like a wizard. He was a bit messed up in the head though, so he entered a vacuum cleaner factory and tried to trigger a robot revolution. Predictably, it didn't go very well. For him at least."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 09, 2013, 08:53:18 pm

Interface, Irine: <After we help the vacuum cleaner victim out, I'll head back as soon as I can.>
As he and Angel were walking to help them, he mused over the statements of Scion. He was saddened, really. She cared about winning, but he cared about his friends. Heck, the reason he was here at all was because he had sacrificed himself to take down his Shadow, Zedekiah, for his friends! In doing so, he had escaped the control of Eido and instead landed within the grasp of these entities.

Zechariah already knew that he had the power to end it all or save it all, or at least that was what Artemis told him when they had defeated Metatron. But he didn't want it for himself, he wanted it for his friends only. He didn't care what power he had, but if it means that his friends were saved then he was happy.
"Please, just hear me out Scion... abandon me and connect with one of the others. The only thing I have to offer you is disappointment, because I am here to make sure everyone else makes it out alive and well, hopefully to help their own worlds build. I don't have whatever potential you are talking about, and I have no expectations for victory, at least for myself."
Zechariah hesitated for a moment.
"I don't want to be a king of power. If I am to be a king of anything, I want to be a king of the people, by the people. By my friends. Beside my friends. Through and with them, together.

...Then again, I don't expect you deities to get that, considering you seem to bicker among yourselves. So it's okay, I don't blame you, Scion."

I'm gonna get it, he thought. Not more than an hour in and already defying the game. Haha, it's just like with Artemis.

Continue.

"If you want to be the king of the people, then I'm sure we could work some kind of mind control ability into you." The entity proceeds to laugh, a strange otherworldly sound made up of a chorus of distorted female voices. Despite the many different voices, each with its own pitch, timbre and tempo, it seems oddly harmonious and musical. "Silly mortal. Your naivety amuses me. But enough of this for now. You and your... 'friends' are in danger and you have a job to do."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 09, 2013, 03:26:31 pm

Continue heading towards the victims of the Rabid Roomba Rampage.

Angel and Zach arrive at the site of the Rabid Roomba Rampage to find Alan unconscious, a large part of his guts missing and replaced with torn up pieces of cloth, lying in a pool of his own blood, minced flesh and other things you usually find in human guts. John stands besides him, making strained faces.
Angel starts working on healing him, but she isn't sure she can do it before he dies. The fact that her power has to work on removing all the bandage-confetti he just summoned isn't helping.

---

Fniff & Harry Baldman & scapheap

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 09, 2013, 05:00:56 pm

"I get the feeling I'm a bit messed up sometimes."

Take up a position in cover on my side of the room. Be ready to shoot at those two people hiding out over on the other end.

You also manage to enter the room and hide behind cover without being heard. Not that difficult considering all the noise around here.

Quote from: scapheap on December 09, 2013, 06:40:36 pm

Eria drew her gun 'I don't think my ice can reach them.'

Be ready to take a shot if one peek their head up.

The only way to see if they are peeking out is to peek out yourselves, so I assume you want to do that.

You peek out. Nobody can be seen. You take aim with your pistols, ready to shoot anything that pops out. You wait. Nothing happens.
Ike is certain there are humans there, he can vaguely sense their shape and that they're moving a bit but for whatever reason they seem intent on hiding. Hmmm...

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 06:33:09 pm

Through interface, to D: <No teammates is why I'm doing this. Should I care about what is on the papers I'm burning?>
Continue collecting additional firepower.
Through interface, to D and teammates: <We've got a time limit, the people upstairs are working their way down to us. Don't take too long getting stuff. if someone with hands is just standing around, I could use some help moving the device off the elevator.>
Through interface, to D: <could you keep me updated on how the attempt to breach the upstairs door is going? I need to be ready to greet them as soon as they succeed.>
Through interface, to D: <What is the point of these 'games' you (That is a plural 'you' by the way, yay for flaws in English. ya'll really should be an accepted word.) are having us fight in?>

"No, you don't get it, that was-" *sigh* "Never mind, let's just see what's there... requisition papers, experiment results, progress reports, personnel reports, financial reports, equipment reports, memos, manuals... No, nothing there you should care about. Nothing I see anyway. They usually submit all those papers in triplicate so there should be copies. And, let's face it, if you're living in the information era and you don't have offsite electronic backups for your top secret projects, you're just asking for it."

"Eh, don't worry. You've got plenty of time right now. I'll tell you as soon as something happens. Provided you don't destroy the speaker here."

((You aren't using your mouth to speak and you shouldn't even know English (both due to your past and your host), so consider this just giving the right telepathic suggestions.))
"The point of these games? Heh. That's a big question. And by big question, I mean one with many long answers. My answer is, I do it for the fun of it. Nothing too complicated.
Can't talk about the others because... well, I might be who I am, but I respect their privacy on things that matter.
Now, if you want a long and boring discussion on the subject, I suggest talking to him, he's the one into all that stuff. And he organizes the games, so that makes talking to him doubly appropriate."

About half of the elevator platform has been covered in spinning flame orbs, centered on you. Everything flammable around you is either burning or getting there. Thick smoke causes you to cough as it escapes upwards or to the hallway. It's getting really hot in here.
You might have gone a bit overboard with the flame hoarding.
"You got this? Do you want me to activate the fire extinguishers? Got some fancy foam stuff I could manually activate."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 02:11:43 pm

((IM HELPING))

"Uhhh... will these help?"


Summon a suite of medical/surgical tools.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 10, 2013, 02:18:14 pm

"We should avoid setting off alarms... Even if there is people, I'd rather not go in for a direct assault. Element of surprise should be in our favor. Who agrees?"
Take cover as well, try to see if there's a way to sneak to where we need to go.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 02:27:22 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 01:58:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 12:22:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 09, 2013, 06:33:09 pm

ya'll really should be an accepted word.

((It is where I live!  I will point out that it's "y'all" as you're contracting out the OU in YOU.))

((It is where I live as well, and it's "ya'll" because the pause in the word is AFTER the A.
let the ya'll vs y'all wars commence ya fools!!))

((I didnot realize that the few rules English has werenot involiable. Iam surprised at this.))

---

"_{Don't you dare die on me!}"
Attempt to drop the name-knowing power, trying to get something more useful in return.
Continue healing him.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:31:45 pm

"No, no no! Nothing sharp please! Just stay on guard, we'll get to work on saving him."
Zechariah didn't have healing abilities, that was for sure. Well, at least physical. He could try focusing his will into the victim, but he was pretty sure that wouldn't work.
"Hey, man, you're gonna be okay. We're not letting you die here. Just think about little ducklings... Little duckies."
Zechariah gave the best smile he could before Alan passed out. Hopefully he was in duckland.
"Angel, can you take care of him? I'm going to help Irine."

Head back to help Irine, unless something comes up. I'm more of use next to fire anyways.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 02:33:17 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:31:45 pm

"Angel, can you take care of him?"

"I AM!"

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 02:36:35 pm

Good, now for phase two
through interface, to D: <I think I'm fine, but if this next part doesn't work then I might want that. Just make sure I don't melt the device.>
((also, though Irine isn't aware of the danger, she's small enough that fire supression foam might cover her and suffocate her.))
CAREFULLY pick my point on the elevator roof to do this, and gather up all the loose fire and send it up through it, leaving the only fire on this level my smokeless orbs. the fire that I'm sending through the roof I want to spread out in a thin sheet up above, forming a visual barrier.
through interface, to D: <What will happen to my host when we're done? What will she remember?>

((GWG, what are the rules for the ordering of adjacent I and E in English?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 02:42:47 pm

((Irrelevant! And invented by some idiot!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:42:59 pm

((I before E, except after C.))
"Sorry, I just need to make sure Irine is okay."

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 02:49:14 pm

((how do you spell neighbor?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:50:19 pm

((English has this really weird thing of setting up grammar rules and then proceeding to break them immediately afterwards.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 03:00:17 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:42:59 pm

((I before E, except after C.))

((...unless sounding like "aay" as in neighbor and weigh.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 03:05:53 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 02:49:14 pm

((how do you spell neighbor?))

((Again, irrelevant and made up by an idiot.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:14:08 pm

((my point is simple, English's rules are consistently inconsistent.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 03:24:30 pm

((Not all of them! I notice you chose one example, one most people don't even consider a rule...))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:26:05 pm

((I flat refuse to write an english textbook for you GWG))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 03:28:49 pm

((My point is, you're not providing sufficient evidence to support your point. You claim that no rules are consistently followed, and then pick a rule many people don't even think of as a rule!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:39:36 pm

((ok, so name a different rule since you didn't like the one I picked.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 10, 2013, 03:43:20 pm

Unconciously summon Pepto-Bismol.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 03:52:15 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:39:36 pm

((ok, so name a different rule since you didn't like the one I picked.))

((What, one that is pretty much always fulfilled? I'll do it in triplicate.
Words at the beginning of sentences are capitalized.
Questions are ended with question marks.
Apostrophes are used to replace the missing letters in a compound word.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:54:48 pm

((There are exceptions to the first one when you start playing with semicolons.
same goes for the second.
There's other uses for apostrophes.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 04:35:07 pm

((For the first, I'd like to see one of those exceptions.

For the third, he never stated exclusivity for that use of the apostrophe, so it's technically correct.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 10, 2013, 05:06:39 pm

"So... anybody care to flush them out? My abilities mostly just let me sense people, they're no good offensively."

Suggest.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 10, 2013, 06:43:03 pm

"Well, that's what I'm doing. If I can sneak up on them... can I?"
Hesitate until I get an answer.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2013, 08:19:28 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 10, 2013, 02:18:14 pm

"We should avoid setting off alarms... Even if there is people, I'd rather not go in for a direct assault. Element of surprise should be in our favor. Who agrees?"
Take cover as well, try to see if there's a way to sneak to where we need to go.

Just going to answer this real quick so you don't waste a turn:
You could try sneaking up to them by moving slowly, they probably can't see you and they won't hear you as long as you move quietly.
You could try exploring that door on the East side of the room, there might be some way to get behind them there.
You could forget about this room and try looking for a completely different route. However, the entity doesn't have much info about this place, so you'll be dependent on your own skills to navigate.
You could try thinking outside the box to find a better solution to this problem, something I haven't thought of.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 11:55:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 03:54:48 pm

((There are exceptions to the first one when you start playing with semicolons.
same goes for the second.
There's other uses for apostrophes.))

((Such as?
Such as?
Such as, and so? [Just because trucks are used for moving cargo doesn't mean that they aren't used to move people.]))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 11:57:23 pm

((Oookay, can you please start a new thread for this grammar discussion or something if you're going to continue it?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2013, 12:52:44 pm

((I've got the turn ready, just waiting for the guys in the EMT to post an action. I realize it's a busy time for everyone so I'm not gonna start pushing people. Unless your action is to "wait and see what happens", in which case I misunderstood and I'm sorry.

---

In the meantime, I've been using my spare time to transcribe the upgrade trees I have in my text files to something kinder to the human eye.

Spoiler: Upgrade Tree (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img30/7269/efhx.png)

Remember, it's still work in progress as evidenced by the spelling errors I just noticed. Looking good?

---

Also doing a test with polls, since I decided the way we voted for the first mission might not have been the fairest one and a poll would have been better. Sometimes I do stupid things like that without realizing it. I'm surprised nobody pointed it out for me.

---

By the way, anybody knows if there is a place on this forum where tips have been written about polls? Because there should be such a place. I've seen too many users surprised when their polls lock down and are unable to be reactivated.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 01:07:09 pm

((Tip 1: You can never remove a poll.
Tip 2: If your thread has a purpose beyond the poll, never let it lock.
Tip 3: You can, however, replace it with something pointless and silly.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 01:09:48 pm

My critique of this mission has been that the first part was fantastic. Well-paced, fair, and entertaining. This part seems a bit too slow and unorganized at the moment, at least on the player side.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 01:12:25 pm

The first part was indeed stylish and cool. This bit... I dunno. I think the mission really could have ended at the elevator, both in terms of objectives and the gameplay was going.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 12, 2013, 01:26:59 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 01:09:48 pm

My critique of this mission has been that the first part was fantastic. Well-paced, fair, and entertaining. This part seems a bit too slow and unorganized at the moment, at least on the player side.

((Pretty much entirely the players fault that we're disorganized right now. I'm quite happy with how Paris is doing. Sorry if I keep sending mixed signals on that, Irine is unhappy with her situation, the entities, her powers, pretty much everything. Lenglon is delighted with the game and Paris's GMing.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 01:28:05 pm

((Yeah, that's what I'm saying also, that we're the ones sparking the chaos. Paris is doing a good job.)$

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 01:58:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 12, 2013, 01:26:59 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 01:09:48 pm

My critique of this mission has been that the first part was fantastic. Well-paced, fair, and entertaining. This part seems a bit too slow and unorganized at the moment, at least on the player side.

((Pretty much entirely the players fault that we're disorganized right now. I'm quite happy with how Paris is doing. Sorry if I keep sending mixed signals on that, Irine is unhappy with her situation, the entities, her powers, pretty much everything. Lenglon is delighted with the game and Paris's GMing.))

((Pretty much my views, too.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2013, 02:01:15 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 01:12:25 pm

-Fniff posts while I'm waiting for him to post an action-

I think my fault is not sending out PMs to each individual player every time I respond to them... There should be an @ function in this forum.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2013, 08:19:28 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 10, 2013, 02:18:14 pm

"We should avoid setting off alarms... Even if there is people, I'd rather not go in for a direct assault. Element of surprise should be in our favor. Who agrees?"
Take cover as well, try to see if there's a way to sneak to where we need to go.

Just going to answer this real quick so you don't waste a turn:
You could try sneaking up to them by moving slowly, they probably can't see you and they won't hear you as long as you move quietly.
You could try exploring that door on the East side of the room, there might be some way to get behind them there.
You could forget about this room and try looking for a completely different route. However, the entity doesn't have much info about this place, so you'll be dependent on your own skills to navigate.
You could try thinking outside the box to find a better solution to this problem, something I haven't thought of.

Are you going to do anything about that? Or are you just going to wait?

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2013, 02:06:20 pm

((I think this whole thing is great. Even though I'm dying all the time :P
Question though, is there a particular reason you don't show the rolls?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 02:06:33 pm

An @ function?

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 02:10:33 pm

Xantalos, I'd guess it's just his preference. I do the same thing for Roll To Medium.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2013, 02:12:34 pm

This mission has been fairly quick so far because the upper level was supposed to test the stealth part of the game.
This level is supposed to test a different kind of action and a more linear level design. If you think this is getting boring I could just skip you to the "fun" part of your currently chosen locations.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 12, 2013, 02:06:20 pm

((I think this whole thing is great. Even though I'm dying all the time :P
Question though, is there a particular reason you don't show the rolls?))

Dunno, thought it would be more fun that way. Want me to show you the rolls?

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 02:06:33 pm

An @ function?

Some forums, like xda, allow you to mention users in a thread (@Parisbre56 for example) and have that user be notified that he was mentioned if he has chosen to in his profile settings.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2013, 02:16:14 pm

((I'm good, just wondering.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 02:22:26 pm

Sorry, continue my original action of sneaking up to them.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: scapheap on December 12, 2013, 02:31:28 pm

Eria looks through her host's memories "Anyone have 'grenades'? No? I'm going to try something stupid."

Rush their cover and try to freeze the bottom of the hiders

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2013, 05:30:05 pm

Toaster & Xantalos & GWG

Quote from: Toaster on December 10, 2013, 02:11:43 pm

"Uhhh... will these help?"
Summon a suite of medical/surgical tools.

Parts begin appearing. Wires and electrodes connect and form a helmet that falls on your head. The helmet is covered by metal and plastic plates, isolating you from the rest of the world. You can't see what's going on, but you feel something heavy slowly extending from your head to cover your chest, arms and hands, like a shirt made of lead. It feels stiff.
You can vaguely feel something in front of you, where you remember Alan was. It feels like a faintly heard melody that invites you to listen to it more closely or a fleeting image that begs for a more detailed examination.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 10, 2013, 02:27:22 pm

"_{Don't you dare die on me!}"
Attempt to drop the name-knowing power, trying to get something more useful in return.
Continue healing him.

You gain the ability to extend and weave your hair into dense keratin armor that covers most of your body, trading extra toughness for reduced mobility. Not very helpful right now, but it might be useful later on. Especially with a wild Vacuum Cleaner lurking around.
You continue healing Alan. It's not looking good. His lower body is slowly being repaired, but he's still loosing too much blood and he's getting paler by the second. You don't think he's going to make it.
You take glance behind you and notice that John has had his upper body covered by a white and red plastic suit. Syringes, cameras, tubes and various medical tools like scalpels, clamps and defibrillators cover it, sometimes moving around on their own and rearranging themselves with the help of their small robotic amrs. Looks like he got a medical suite built into a medical suit. Damn hard of hearing genies powers.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 10, 2013, 03:43:20 pm

Unconciously summon Pepto-Bismol.

You hallucinate pieces of cake dancing a ballet. The act ends with the pieces of cake falling inside your mouth one by one. But this act has so many dancers... You don't think you'll ever be able to eat them all. You're going to get a tummy ache if you keep eating all of them, you're sure.

---

DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 10, 2013, 02:31:45 pm

"No, no no! Nothing sharp please! Just stay on guard, we'll get to work on saving him."
Zechariah didn't have healing abilities, that was for sure. Well, at least physical. He could try focusing his will into the victim, but he was pretty sure that wouldn't work.
"Hey, man, you're gonna be okay. We're not letting you die here. Just think about little ducklings... Little duckies."
Zechariah gave the best smile he could before Alan passed out. Hopefully he was in duckland.
"Angel, can you take care of him? I'm going to help Irine."

Head back to help Irine, unless something comes up. I'm more of use next to fire anyways.

After giving the unconscious Alan some truly inspiring and life changing advice, you turn around and start heading back to the elevator and Irene. You make it about halfway there.

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on December 10, 2013, 02:36:35 pm

Good, now for phase two
through interface, to D: <I think I'm fine, but if this next part doesn't work then I might want that. Just make sure I don't melt the device.>
((also, though Irine isn't aware of the danger, she's small enough that fire suppression foam might cover her and suffocate her.))
CAREFULLY pick my point on the elevator roof to do this, and gather up all the loose fire and send it up through it, leaving the only fire on this level my smokeless orbs. the fire that I'm sending through the roof I want to spread out in a thin sheet up above, forming a visual barrier.
through interface, to D: <What will happen to my host when we're done? What will she remember?>

"I'll tell you to run away if it comes to that. Hope you can run fast. I don't know what kind of foam they're using exactly, so it might not be safe for you."

"Well, IF you're either lucky enough or good enough for your host to survive, then she's going to have a very strange experience. Some data like our existence will be erased, other memories will be altered to seem more... normal but most of the memories will remain. There will be a few suggestions implanted in her mind that will hopefully make everything seem normal to her or at least keep her from going crazy, but she will probably remember today as one of the strangest experiences in her life. It's not every day you suddenly gain supernatural powers and skills and start acting completely out of character. If we were going for something more long term we could try for a better solution but right now the chances of more than one of you getting out of here alive are really slim so there's no reason to be concerned. We'll just focus our efforts on whoever survives.
From what I see in this guy's mind, your host was already a very weak pyrokinetic, so perhaps it won't be too difficult to convince her everything that happened here was normal."

You manage to do exactly what you wanted! No fiery explosions, no destroyed primary objectives, not even any leftover flames. Sure, a few wires had their covering melted and a few lights were destroyed from the heat as the flames passed through a gap in the beams and winches above the elevator platform, but nothing important was damaged. Surprising, huh?

There's still a bit of smoke in here and the fire alarms in the hallway are screaming, but the ventilation system should clear that out soon and the smoke alarms will hopefully reset sometime soon.

---

Fniff & Harry Baldman & scapheap

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 10, 2013, 05:06:39 pm

"So... anybody care to flush them out? My abilities mostly just let me sense people, they're no good offensively."

Suggest.

Hey, looks like the lizard and the mercenary are going to flush them out. Great! You'll just do all the shooting from behind this nice cozy cover.

Quote from: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 02:22:26 pm

Continue my original action of sneaking up to them.

Quote from: scapheap on December 12, 2013, 02:31:28 pm

Eria looks through her host's memories "Anyone have 'grenades'? No? I'm going to try something stupid."

Rush their cover and try to freeze the bottom of the hiders

Jordan starts sneaking towards the consoles but a moment later Eria decides it's better to Banzai-charge them. Jordan sighs and starts running behind the lizard. A few moments later a man's voice can be heard from the speakers, screaming "Now! Now! Now!"

Eria runs with tremendous speed, reaching the nearest console to find a terrified woman in a white lab coat crouching behind it, raising the fifth lever in a group labeled from 1 through 5. Eria grabs the woman from her hand. She screams "No! Please! Don't kill me!" as she tries and fails to get away from Eria's scaly grip.

Jordan is a bit slower than Eria. As he tries to run through the threshold of the final pair of pillars, he feels as if he has hit a scorching hot concrete wall. He bounces backwards, hitting a similar hot barrier behind him. Hmmm... Looks like he's trapped and his face is going to be as red as a lobster's.

On the Northwest side of the room a man in a white lab coat gets up from behind a console and starts banging on the door they're supposed to go through, screaming "They're through! Please let us in! It didn't work!".
Ike tries shooting him but the same shimmering effect that has trapped Jordan stops his bullet. His senses can detect a thin barrier forming between the two pillars every time that shimmering effect activates. The barrier is riddled with fist sized holes near the pillars.
((As much as I'd love to show scapheap the effects of icing a human (heh, icing) from up close I don't know what Eria's opinion is about murdering unarmed civilians is.))

---

Everyone
"The guys above just gave the order to use explosives to open the elevator doors. You don't have much time. I suggest you hurry up and finish your objectives."

---

EDIT:((Dammit, I wanted to make a map about where everyone was in the Fniff/Harry/scapheap group but I forgot about it and hit post. I'll post it later.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 05:34:27 pm

Keep going! I can't let those guys use explosives on that elevator!

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2013, 05:37:12 pm

Catch the cake in a bucket so I can eat it later.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 06:17:01 pm

"Oh for fuck's sake, why did you choose me to capture? I'm just a guy! The walking lizardperson who will definitely win you a Nobel prize for dissecting is right there! You are a bunch of amateurs..."
Try to jump up and grab a ceiling light, convenient hanging wire, or similar ceiling object, then try to hoist myself up and swing to the other side of the forcefield. If this is not possible, climb up a pillar and jump to the other side.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2013, 06:20:19 pm

Map, as promised.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img571/9158/fij2.png)
The thin, barely seen turquoise lines are shimmering barriers that manifest when something solid tries to go through them and are extremely hot to the touch.
The blue things  look like metal support beams or pillars bolted to the walls, floor and ceiling.
The red thing looks like a big rectangular cuboid made of metal and plastic, supported by metal beams that are bolted on it and on the floor. It has fins that glow red and it emits a faint humming. It's connected to various cables.
The gray things look like metal consoles with old-looking screens, buttons and levers, about the same height a bar counter.
The brown things are doors. They have a button and a keypad next to them.
The pink thing is the door you came in through, a metal door that slides to the side with the push of a button.
The green Thing is the door you must go to.
The yellow thing looks like a giant piece of pure white marble bolted on the wall.
The Dot with the 1 is Eria. She's holding a woman in a lab coat.
The Dot with the 2 is Jordan. He's trapped between two barriers and is mildly burnt in the face and back.
The Dot with the 3 is Ike. He's taking cover behind a console.
The Dot with the 4 is the woman in a lab coat Eria is holding.
The Dot with the 5 is the man in a lab coat banging on the door you're supposed to go through.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 05:34:27 pm

Keep going! I can't let those guys use explosives on that elevator!

((Those guys are planning on using explosives to breach the reinforced doors of the elevator shaft a good distance above you. You are on the other side of those doors and a good distance below them. How exactly do you plan to stop them?))
EDIT:
    ._.
   TD |
    | |
    |ED__
T is them, E is the elevator, D are the reinforced elevator doors.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 06:26:54 pm

Well, Irine is spinning up fires, and so I can use the light to create hard barriers, since the more time I spend reinforcing the barrier, the better. So yeah.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 12, 2013, 07:03:52 pm

((Well, since things went perfectly, when they open the doors and look down they'll see a sheet of flame going across the entire elevator shaft. they'll hopefully think twice about jumping blindly into an inferno.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: scapheap on December 12, 2013, 07:19:43 pm

(Correct that Eria has issues with killing civilians. I do see one thing with this set up those)

Holding the scuff of the lab coat, Eria looks pointedly at the levers and then at her reddening teammate "But you were trying to kill us, right? Speaking of."

Use foot to lower levers 5 to 1(well 4 to 1)

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 12, 2013, 09:21:18 pm

"Mmphh mmmphh mmmpphh!"

Fix Alan.  Make it fast- at least get him stabilized.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 11:11:30 pm

"No! Don't die!" Angel angrily hits Alan in the less-damaged shoulder with her free hand.
Oh come on. Give up. He's dead.
"No, he's not!"
[3v5]

Drop the healing for some kind of offensive power. Head towards the nearest objective.
<Hey, what are we looking for?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2013, 12:43:29 am

Look for a way to bypass the barriers. If Eria lowers them, head over to the other side, gun drawn and aimed at the door we need to go into. If anything threatening emerges, shoot it.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:36:54 am

walk off the elevator, but only just barely, not risking losing control of the flames both around me and above the elevator. otherwise no action.
Through Interface, to D: <So, um, you keep saying that only one of us will survive. I don't like that ending to this story. If I'm going to rewrite it, I need to know what the escape plan is, and what is preventing us from using alternatives. Seriously, what exactly is the escape plan, and what is going to prevent us from using alternate methods? I mean, Angel seems to be able to teleport around, why can't she just teleport out of here?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 08:44:16 am

DAF & Lenglon

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2013, 05:34:27 pm

Keep going! I can't let those guys use explosives on that elevator!

You keep moving, getting tired very easily due to your missing blood. The smell of smoke and the screaming of the fire alarms reaches you before you reach the elevator. When you finally get there you can see Irene surrounded by half burnt debris and by balls of fire spinning in concentric circles around her. She's holding up a sheet of white-orange light with her power that covers the entire elevator shaft. It flickers and distorts from time to time.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:36:54 am

walk off the elevator, but only just barely, not risking losing control of the flames both around me and above the elevator. otherwise no action.
Through Interface, to D: <So, um, you keep saying that only one of us will survive. I don't like that ending to this story. If I'm going to rewrite it, I need to know what the escape plan is, and what is preventing us from using alternatives. Seriously, what exactly is the escape plan, and what is going to prevent us from using alternate methods? I mean, Angel seems to be able to teleport around, why can't she just teleport out of here?>

"What's preventing you from using alternate methods is that I don't know what you'll find down there. All I have is 'Far end of the room. Payload->Primary Objective | 1 Special User Only', some coordinates over the British protectorate and the fact that you (or rather your hosts) agreed to go on this mission knowing they had little to no chances of succeeding or surviving it. If you manage to get out of there, then good, more bonus points for you."

"You want me to give you the directions I have? They may realize I'm messing with them and cut my connection. It would be bad being stuck down there with no idea of what your next objectives are."

You keep focusing on your flames. Even with nothing else to distract you, it's a bit hard managing such a large volume of fire. You barely notice Zach arriving.

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Xantalos on December 12, 2013, 05:37:12 pm

Catch the cake in a bucket so I can eat it later.

You get up, however your gigantic form scares the cake-people. They all begin panicking and running away. You try chasing them and catching them with your bucket but you trip and fall in it. Your fall breaks the bottom of the bucket and you enter a void. You fall through the darkness for a long time, your body stripped away and destroyed until you are nothing but a thought floating in nothingness.
Desynchronization imminent.
Man, what was in that cake?

Quote from: Toaster on December 12, 2013, 09:21:18 pm

"Mmphh mmmphh mmmpphh!"
Fix Alan.  Make it fast- at least get him stabilized.

You approach the area you feel Alan in. You'd think that it would be hard walking with such an uneven weight distribution but it looks like the suit is responding to your intentions, helping you walk towards Alan. You kneel in front of him rather awkwardly and try to focus on healing him. You can feel him through the suit. He feels like a melody that has had its notes stolen and grown discordant. You focus on filling the gaps, parts of the suit's music joining with Alan's and working on it. You can see the overall image getting better as the suit works but it is also getting fainter. You focus, trying to push power his way, barely sustaining Alan's life.

There is nobody there (except perhaps for the entities) that can truly see what is going on between Alan and John. There is nobody there to see John leaning over the unconscious Alan. There is nobody there to see the multitude of sensors, tubes and small robotic hands holding various tools that extend from John's suit and start working on Alan's intestines. There is nobody there to see Alan's interface flashing red, saying "Desynchronization imminent.". There is nobody there to see the defibrillator pads extending from John's chest to Alan's, jolting him with electricity and causing his body to spasm, trying to restart his heart.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 12, 2013, 11:11:30 pm

"No! Don't die!" Angel angrily hits Alan in the less-damaged shoulder with her free hand.
Oh come on. Give up. He's dead.
"No, he's not!"
[3v5]

Drop the healing for some kind of offensive power. Head towards the nearest objective.
<Hey, what are we looking for?>

You leave Alan to the care of John and venture on by yourself.
"It says here you're looking for a vial of poison. The directions I have say it would be the only thing in the room. You should get to the storage area it's in if you go straight down this hallway and then continue on through the next two rooms. From experience, it would probably be green and glowing."

You follow the entity's directions. You enter the hallway he was speaking about, the same one the guard run through. It's dimly lit by glowing vats on either side, with fleshy things growing inside them. Some of them look like normal animals you'd find on Earth, others look like strange chimeras, others look like cancerous lumps of flesh, throbbing slowly, while others look completely alien, strange things covered in chitin with too many eyes, legs and wings or things with 8 fleshy legs on either side of their torso and no bones or head. The freak show continues on as you travel in the hallway.

You can see the trail of blood the wheels of the Roomba have left on the ground, the points where it smashed open two vats and turned whatever was inside them to a pulp of greenish goo and the point where it broke through a vent. You keep moving, a bit more cautious.

You finally reach the end of the hallway and enter a large and mostly empty room. The door you must go to is on the other side. There are a few tall dividers made of cloth and metals that form small isolated spaces near the walls of the room. You can see pieces of pale flesh and metal sticking out from some of them.

You gain the ability to form and throw a disk that will trigger upon hitting something with its edge or if 20 seconds pass after it is formed, saturating the plane it marks with high intensity light. It takes a while for this power to create the disk and a while to recharge after creating it.
Just a reminder, you also have the power to form dense keratin armor around your body from before. And your powers have charged to full power while you were walking.

---

scapheap & Fniff & Harry Baldman

Quote from: scapheap on December 12, 2013, 07:19:43 pm

(Correct that Eria has issues with killing civilians. I do see one thing with this set up those)

Holding the scuff of the lab coat, Eria looks pointedly at the levers and then at her reddening teammate "But you were trying to kill us, right? Speaking of."

Use foot to lower levers 5 to 1(well 4 to 1)

You pull the levers and shut down the barriers that had your teammates trapped on the other side of the room.
"What?! No! We were just going to trap you, we- we didn't mean to hurt you, I swear! Please, he- he forced us to do it. He came through a- and told everyone else to evacuate but he forced us to stay here to do this. Please don't hurt us." She has stopped struggling and is laying limp on your hands, half crying now, sobs messing with her speech.

Quote from: Fniff on December 12, 2013, 06:17:01 pm

"Oh for fuck's sake, why did you choose me to capture? I'm just a guy! The walking lizardperson who will definitely win you a Nobel prize for dissecting is right there! You are a bunch of amateurs..."
Try to jump up and grab a ceiling light, convenient hanging wire, or similar ceiling object, then try to hoist myself up and swing to the other side of the forcefield. If this is not possible, climb up a pillar and jump to the other side.

Eria shuts down the barriers so you don't have to pretend to be Tarzan to get to the other side, squandering much potential for comical falls and injuries in the process.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2013, 12:43:29 am

Look for a way to bypass the barriers. If Eria lowers them, head over to the other side, gun drawn and aimed at the door we need to go into. If anything threatening emerges, shoot it.

You get to the other side of the room and point your gun at the door. No demons or tentacle monsters come through it at this time. The light on its open button indicates that it's locked, but you could unlock it with the master password you got from the Director.
The man that was banging on the door cowers away from you and your gun in the nearby corner.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Toaster on December 13, 2013, 09:02:15 am

Shit.

[To Entity]<<Hey, if his host dies here, does he die too or just come out with a nasty headache?>>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2013, 09:38:37 am

"Don't worry, slaves of science, you're off the hook as long as you tell us more about what's deeper in there. As in, how many deadly weapons and security measures they've got to impede us, that kind of thing."

Question these scientific serfs on the defenses of this place. If they provide answers, be all smiley and happy and send them on their way (by which I mean back where we came from).

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 09:57:01 am

((I remember. I figured it made sense to get a bit further along first, so the reduced mobility wouldn't hurt as much.))

Angel forms a little disk and tests it.
"Useless."
Release the disk power and replace it with a better attack power.

Grow the keratin armor, then head to the door, watching for trouble.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 10:08:23 am

((@GWG: When I said high intensity light I meant really high intensity light. Like a laser. You essentially got a laser disc. A disk that bisects stuff it hits and stuff around the stuff it hits with a ring of lasers. You sure you want to test that somewhere near you?

Sorry for the bad description but I don't know how exactly to say what I mean to say. Do you understand or do you want me to draw it instead?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 10:17:59 am

((I think I understand.

Could you give me a general timescale of the time taken to create and recharge the disk? And an idea of the area-of-effect?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Xantalos on December 13, 2013, 10:22:40 am

Man, screw that.

Grab the voice by the throat and make it say something else. Something like 'Alan's the best around. Nothing will prevent him from getting up.'

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 11:13:13 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 10:17:59 am

((I think I understand.

Could you give me a general timescale of the time taken to create and recharge the disk? And an idea of the area-of-effect?))

Spoiler: Drawing explaining the dangers of using your disc at close range (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img12/5154/7bw6.png)

Forming the disk and waiting period for forming the disk are both 15 seconds, meaning you can theoretically throw a disk every 30 seconds.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 11:20:22 am

Hm...I'll keep it. Editing post.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 13, 2013, 11:55:41 am

"Hey Irine. Need some help?"

Using the flames, construct a light barrier separating the ceiling of the elevator from the rest of the elevator and room.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 13, 2013, 12:06:02 pm

Jordan was not in a good mood. He walked up to the scientist they were questioning and took out his pistol. He needed to vent a bit, and it was lucky he didn't want to kill her just yet.

"And if you don't tell us anything, well. Let's just not have that situation, shall we? Tell us everything you know and we're just going to be friendly."
Intimidate the scientists into explaining a few things. Try to push them into explaining where our objective is and what traps/enemies lay ahead.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:50:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 08:44:16 am

You keep focusing on your flames. Even with nothing else to distract you, it's a bit hard managing such a large volume of fire. You barely notice Zach arriving.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit

((So Irine is affected by the amount of flame she's controlling now? if so then that's good to know, and I can work with it, and she has yet another grievance to add to her list. if it was just an oversight then that's totally fine too.))

---

Maintain my flames.
Through interface, to D: <Please do>
To Zech: <Please move the device down towards the next elevator. I don't want to break it when the fighting starts.>

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Fniff on December 13, 2013, 05:13:54 pm

(I imagine you can have unlimited fire, it would just be incredibly hard to control. At least, that's what I estimate.)

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 08:32:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:50:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 08:44:16 am

You keep focusing on your flames. Even with nothing else to distract you, it's a bit hard managing such a large volume of fire. You barely notice Zach arriving.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit

((So Irine is affected by the amount of flame she's controlling now? if so then that's good to know, and I can work with it, and she has yet another grievance to add to her list. if it was just an oversight then that's totally fine too.))

((I'm imagining it's more of a multitasking issue. She can, technically, control a thousand little sparks of flame, but coordination would be a bit of an issue.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 14, 2013, 01:56:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:50:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 08:44:16 am

You keep focusing on your flames. Even with nothing else to distract you, it's a bit hard managing such a large volume of fire. You barely notice Zach arriving.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit

((So Irine is affected by the amount of flame she's controlling now? if so then that's good to know, and I can work with it, and she has yet another grievance to add to her list. if it was just an oversight then that's totally fine too.))

At that point I was trying to understand what you were asking of me, not describing your abilities. This is what I have in my notes about your fire (with some hidden stuff removed):

Quote

Flame generation, short close range, low amount
Flame manipulation, far close range

I just wanted to show you that you couldn't do much else at this state at any acceptable rate and that you probably shouldn't try something like that often and/or during combat.
Your power is limited be complexity, not volume. Urging flames to burn faster and hotter is simple. Sustaining flames despite attempts to extinguish them is a bit harder. Sustaining "fire" with multiple complex shapes over a large area, very close if not beyond the edge of your range, while also extinguishing fires... well, if you calculate the energy something like that requires and the way that energy has to be applied... A human wouldn't complain.
I understand however why the avatar of an ex-god might have a problem with that.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 14, 2013, 03:03:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 14, 2013, 01:56:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:50:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2013, 08:44:16 am

You keep focusing on your flames. Even with nothing else to distract you, it's a bit hard managing such a large volume of fire. You barely notice Zach arriving.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 10:57:07 am

Elemental control, fire, long range, no amount limit

((So Irine is affected by the amount of flame she's controlling now? if so then that's good to know, and I can work with it, and she has yet another grievance to add to her list. if it was just an oversight then that's totally fine too.))

At that point I was trying to understand what you were asking of me, not describing your abilities. This is what I have in my notes about your fire (with some hidden stuff removed):

Quote

Flame generation, short close range, low amount
Flame manipulation, far close range

I just wanted to show you that you couldn't do much else at this state at any acceptable rate and that you probably shouldn't try something like that often and/or during combat.
Your power is limited be complexity, not volume. Urging flames to burn faster and hotter is simple. Sustaining flames despite attempts to extinguish them is a bit harder. Sustaining "fire" with multiple complex shapes over a large area, very close if not beyond the edge of your range, while also extinguishing fires... well, if you calculate the energy something like that requires and the way that energy has to be applied... A human wouldn't complain.
I understand however why the avatar of an ex-god might have a problem with that.

ok. regarding complexity though, simple geometric shapes is all i'm working with. spheres moving slightly in an idle pattern, and a box. that's signifigantly less complex than a lot of the stuff I was doing earlier. It's much larger scale, but it's far less complicated.

comparisons:

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2013, 11:59:29 pm

thinking back on what Stellar told me, I silently extend my will and attempt to re-order this place into someplace more

Spoiler: Comfortable and Familiar (click to show/hide)

This moon has a molten core and a thick outer shell. it is too small to retain a breathable atmosphere outside this shell, however inside this barrier, which is mostly intact but contains some cracks and holes, it has a very, very vast cavern network that spans the entire moon interior. this network goes quite deep into the moon itself, and contains a breathable atmosphere and a surprising amount of life.
this cavern network is mostly barren near the outer section, where it is freezing cold and the air is thinner, there is little of the glowing lichen from deeper inside, and it is very dark. the few creatures that live in this area are displaced animals from deeper below, going into this frozen wasteland out of desperation and with nowhere else to go. there is little plant-matter to consume here, only the most hardy of lichens can withstand the intense cold and thin air. the area does contain one large predator of note however, for it is home to a race of Giant Cave Spiders. these creatures act as ambush predators, sitting perfectly still in the darkest of tunnels for long periods of time, waiting for prey to unwittingly walk into their strong webs in the darkness before injecting them with their poison.
as you go deeper into the moon's caverns, it grows warmer and the lichen on the walls often have the faintest of glows to them. making this area into a world of twilight and shadows. here you are more likely to encounter small roaming predators looking for lichen-feeders to prey upon, small cats and suchlike, however there is still a very significant risk of the spiders coming down from above to eat. potential prey have a much better chance of avoiding the spiders in this area. there is some light to see by, and their webs become coated with dirt and the bodies of tiny creatures too small to eat much faster. despite this, the odds of surviving the spiders is still quite low.
going deeper still gets you to a somewhat vibrant area, where the glowing lichen almost universally makes the area visible. this is the home of the primary large herbavores of the moon, a slug-like species that feeds on the lichen coating the walls, celing, and floor. these slug-creatures are highly territorial, and will attack trespassers with a pair of tentacle-like appendices, each of which have a acid nodule near the tip that is used both to loosen the most stubborn of lichen, and to protect itself from predators. these slugs can be found in all areas of the caverns as a result of their terratorial natures, forcing each other to spread out, but they are most prevalent here, relatively deep in the caverns, where the air is thick and gently warm, and the food plentiful. the giant spiders do not like going this deep, they are too easy to spot and the air is too warm for them.
if you continue deeper still, magma pools begin to pockmark the area, and small geysers and hot springs are everywhere. the air is quite hot and humid, and every imaginable surface is absolutely covered in plant life. including some giant fungi that will sometimes extend from the ceiling to the floor, and block some paths. at these deepest depths the most noteworthy creature would have to be the area's multi-tailed red foxes, for their rarity in any of the biomes, even this one, their unusually long lifespan (800-1200 years unless sickness or a larger predator cuts their life short), and the exotic nature of their tails, which seem to split into one additional full-size every fifty years, and are unusually durable for no discernible reason. This is also the section of the moon that we are currently standing in.
this is as deep as most creatures can explore in the caverns, eventually all the tunnels and caves dead end into a magma pool or boiling hot spring. in reality however the tunnel network continues farther down for quite a distance, but is flooded with molten magma, and eventually coeleses into one giant spherical magma pool outside of the true center of the moon's core. these magma tunnels should be devoid of life, and this is mostly true, however there is one noteworthy exception. there is a very long-lived (8000+ years) species of very large (80-120ft long) Wyrm that lives in these magma pools, and are the only sentient life on the moon at this time. they feed off of the warmth and nutrients in the magma itself, and are essentially impervious to damage, having adapted to living in magma itself. These Wyrms only show themselves to sate their curiosity about the world above, and cannot leave their home of molten rock for long, they generally will starve if they stay out beyond three days, and grow weak (relatively) before the end of the second. there are very few of these, only 6 at this time, and consider themselves the moon's guardians. their population is essentially constant, reproducing only to ensure their presence continues, but they arn't threatened by any form of predator or disease in their natural, molten, home.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2013, 04:11:12 pm

((Welp, I guess we're doing this right here then.))

To Angel: <I'm about to do something really cruel. You should close your eyes.>
Generate a 1-foot floating sphere of flame behind the director's head (one burning one flame generation charge), take a moment to shape it in the vague shape of a human female head, and begin to repeatedly make alarm barks while facing the flame-head. contine to bark throughout the entire rest of my actions. Have a thin tendril of flame reach out, arcing around his head, and melt his left eye before retracting back to the head and having the head float over in front of him to a position a mere two feet from the director's face.

The first example worked, and the second example was over-successful, making an entire human body instead of a vague head-like shape. both of those are far, far more complicated than a simple symmetrical pattern of simple geometric shapes (spheres) + one simple geometric shape off to one side (a box). yes, the human-shape was far smaller scale, but in terms of complexity it was far more complicated, not less. try drawing them to see what I mean. first draw the set of circles, then one box to the side. probably will take you 10 seconds. now try drawing a person.

oh, and um, to quote the original character application and "extinguishing" fire:

Quote

cannot make the element cease to exist, can however reposition it such that it will logically cease to exist when it is no longer being manipulated. (if associated with fire, can put out a burning building by moving the fire into the sky where it has no fuel and then releasing control of it, but cannot put the fire out directly.)

Like I said before, I'm moving it into the elevator shaft, not extinguishing it. It's just being added to the box. I couldn't extinguish it even if I wanted too.

also, last turn was when I did the complicated part, where I moved everything into position, not this most recent one. yet I'm still having trouble apparently simply maintaining control of a box and a set of spheres. that's not complexity causing problems, that's volume, and that's why I'm asking.

---

My action is unchanged in any case, so don't hold the turn for me or anything.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 14, 2013, 07:08:30 pm

I'm sorry, didn't have time to post a turn due to problems. I'll try to post it in the next few hours.

I don't have time to write a full response, but I'd like to point out the following:
1. Like I said, I try to go with pseudo-scientific explanations for things, so it's not the classical Aristotelian element of fire you are controlling. Think about what fire is chemically and what you're doing. Even if you move the fire away from wood, the wood is still going to be hot enough to react with oxygen.
2. The changing of the environment in the Staging Area always succeeds, I just roll for WILL to see who succeeds if there are conflicting suggestions. You could theoretically change it to be an entire galaxy and then have yourselves cruise around in a restaurant going faster than the speed of light.

I can write a lengthier response after I get the turn done, if you want, although I'd prefer not to. Some of you can use your powers a lot better if you figure out how they work exactly or at least experiment with them a bit to find their full extent. I'm a bit saddened by the fact that Eria has so far thrice dodged situations where she could have learned more about her ability. Next level, hopefully...
I like the fact that you search for mistakes. Makes me feel a bit better. And a bit more nervous, since I'm sure I have made a mistake somewhere.

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 14, 2013, 07:25:17 pm

Um, if anyone would be cheating and following Aristotelian rules, it would be Irine. I mean, to quote the mechanics of how it works in its most general form from the avatar description:

Quote

is able to manipulate one of the classical elements (water, fire, earth, air) or a common derivative of them (ice, lightning, wood, etc) within 500ft of the avatar's current position.

(underline added for emphasis)
Irine is locked in to manipulate fire exclusively, but the core mechanic of how it functions is distinctly Aristotelian, not modern. her very nature violates both biology and the laws of thermodynamics six ways to sunday.

as for changing things in the staging area, the example there still proves that Irine is able to handle conceptualizing extremely massive and complex systems as a single coherent whole. or in other words, she handles complicated just fine.

If it makes things easier to handle, then you have to ask how she moves fire around at all. obviously she had to transfer the heat from the wood to move it in the first place. A stunt I had been planning on having her do back home but never had good reason too was to channel a titanic stream of stream of fire directly out of one of the local magma pools. the vast, vast majority of what she has been doing is nothing from transfering heat from one location to another. so... yeah, if you remove the heat (from both the air and the wood itself) the wood needs to continue the chemical reaction, then it isn't going to burn anymore now is it?

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 14, 2013, 10:38:26 pm

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Toaster on December 13, 2013, 09:02:15 am

Shit.

[To Entity]<<Hey, if his host dies here, does he die too or just come out with a nasty headache?>>

"No, he'll be fine, you're not in some kung-fu action movie with slow-mo battle scenes. He'll even get rewarded despite dying if you manage to complete the mission."

You focus all you got on healing Alan.
It seems to have worked. He looks stable. You can feel the suit retracting from him. Looks like it has done all it can.

With Alan mostly taken care of, you can feel the suit widening its focus. A bit further from you you can sense life sleeping in two rows, some faint life forming walls, furniture and vents and even some very faint life in the air.

You feel a lot weaker all of the sudden.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 13, 2013, 10:22:40 am

Man, screw that.

Grab the voice by the throat and make it say something else. Something like 'Alan's the best around. Nothing will prevent him from getting up.'

You wake up just in time to see a humanoid made of red and white plastic and covered with small robotic arms wielding various medical tools standing above you. More alarming is the fact that several needles and tubes extend from the humanoid and into your chest and gut, both of which bear fresh surgical scars. As you watch, the needles and tubes retract, strangely without any pain. Some of the small hands apply a brown liquid and some foam to the points the needles and tubes retracted from.

You feel a bit dizzy but strangely you're not in pain.
"You just had major surgery and a near death experience, the kind of thing normal people without the aid of futuristic medical machines would spend at least a month recovering from. You might want to take it easy for a while. Try not to wrangle any wild vacuum cleaners from now on.

Now could you please move on to the objective?"

---

Harry Baldman & Fniff & scapheap

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2013, 09:38:37 am

"Don't worry, slaves of science, you're off the hook as long as you tell us more about what's deeper in there. As in, how many deadly weapons and security measures they've got to impede us, that kind of thing."

Question these scientific serfs on the defenses of this place. If they provide answers, be all smiley and happy and send them on their way (by which I mean back where we came from).

You very politely interrogate the scientists for information, smiling like a psychopath with a gun the whole time.

Quote from: Fniff on December 13, 2013, 12:06:02 pm

Jordan was not in a good mood. He walked up to the scientist they were questioning and took out his pistol. He needed to vent a bit, and it was lucky he didn't want to kill her just yet.

"And if you don't tell us anything, well. Let's just not have that situation, shall we? Tell us everything you know and we're just going to be friendly."
Intimidate the scientists into explaining a few things. Try to push them into explaining where our objective is and what traps/enemies lay ahead.

You point your gun at the Russian Man, say some threatening words and idly wonder if you could turn him into Dancing Russian Man (http://youtu.be/NyiEaSzpdMk) by shooting near his feet.

"They were planning on using the tank turret we were testing in the next room to stop you." says the man holding his hands in front of his face, still looking very scared. "The turret is remotely controlled. There should be a guard in the turret's control room, along with Dimitri. The storage area you want is right after that. That's everything, I swear! Can we please go now?" His head snaps from your guns to the exit and back to your guns.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 13, 2013, 09:57:01 am

Grow the keratin armor, then head to the door, watching for trouble.

GWG
Your hair grow and twist around you to cover your body in a thick, reddish-brown semi-flexible armor. It creaks as you move towards the door on the other side of the room.

As you move, about 70 meters away from you, you see a man in a white lab coat get out of one of the cubes made of white cloth dividers and start running towards the door, screaming curses along the way. "Enemy Detected. Eliminating." you hear a synthesized male voice saying. You hear an electrical motor spinning and a moment later the man disappears in a burst of gore and gunfire a dozen steps or so away from the exit.

The cube falls apart from the burst of gunfire, revealing a strange octoped creature made of pale flesh and merged with machinery, standing 5 meters tall. Its "head", which looks more like an extra leg, a pole of flesh sticking out from its ball-shaped main section, is covered with red lights and from it hang two rotating platforms with a high caliber rotary cannon mounted on each. The rest of its body is covered with metal, wires and tubes filled with a glowing yellow liquid.

You're in a large, mostly empty room, away from cover and exits, alone with a murderous biotechnological abomination. What do you do?

---

Lenglon & DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 13, 2013, 11:55:41 am

"Hey Irine. Need some help?"
Using the flames, construct a light barrier separating the ceiling of the elevator from the rest of the elevator and room.

While trying to focus on your powers you make a sloppy motion with your staff and end up loosing your balance and falling flat on your back, tossing your staff in the air in the process.
You watch the staff spin around for a horrifyingly long second, coming ever closer to your head, wondering if it's going to hit you with its pointy edge.
Luckily, it hits you with its blunt side, resulting in a cut on your forehead and a new headache added on top of your already existing one. Good thing Irene didn't see this. Or that you didn't die by fumbling. That would have been embarrassing.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:50:36 pm

Maintain my flames.
Through interface, to D: <Please do>
To Zech: <Please move the device down towards the next elevator. I don't want to break it when the fighting starts.>

"Okay, after you finish up with this level you go down through the East elevator (the one opposite to this one). Take that time to give the Device the objects you have gathered, it should know what to do with them.
After that you reach the generator level. You need to charge the Device there and shut down the generator. It says here it's just one big room with a control room in the North. Then you get down another level and reach your objective, whatever it is. Find its heart, the anchor for its soul and stab it with the Device. Then put the Device in whatever is on the East side of the room that could take it out of there, have one of you enter it and you should be done."
You hear a thump behind you, followed by a groan.
"Ignore that. Zach is hitting himself."

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 14, 2013, 10:44:06 pm

I don't like that title.

---

<Guys! There's a weird cyborg monster down here!>

Throw a disk at it, trying to get it angled so it doesn't hit me but does hit it, before sprinting for the nearest cover. Also mind-utter any curse words somehow present in my five-year-old mind's storage.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Xantalos on December 14, 2013, 10:47:22 pm

Summon a sentient couch with wheels to transport me around.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 14, 2013, 10:48:03 pm

((...Since when if that a common household item?))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Xantalos on December 14, 2013, 10:48:35 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 14, 2013, 10:48:03 pm

((...Since when if that a common household item?))

((Couches are all over the place. I'm just testing my limits.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 14, 2013, 10:55:51 pm

((Sentient couches, though? And ones with wheels? And ones with motorized wheels?))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Xantalos on December 14, 2013, 11:11:50 pm

((What? This world we're currently on has advanced tech. Why wouldn't it have moving couches?))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Fniff on December 14, 2013, 11:38:05 pm

(Thinking about it, common household objects could be anything in the context of the multiverse. I mean, there has to be a world where people have sentient couches on wheels. Or for that matter nuclear warheads.)

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Xantalos on December 14, 2013, 11:40:21 pm

(Inb4 Alan becomes Azathoth)

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 12:55:42 am

((Or cats.  Summon lots of cats.))


John struggles to get out of his suit.  He hoped he didn't just pump his own blood over or anything- he probably would have just left him, then.  Oh well.

"Come on, let's go!"

Desuit and get to the objective!  Bring the suit if feasible.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Lenglon on December 15, 2013, 01:35:43 am

Through interface, to D: <How are the others doing?>
Manage my fires
To Zech: <Um, please? I'm worried the device will break if we leave it here. Could you move it to the other elevator?>

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 02:44:52 am

"Hey, don't worry, good sir! We're all friends here right now. And like I said, you're off the hook. Now, unless you have any useful keys on you, in which case you should hand them to me, scoot, will you?"

Inform scientific serfs of this. If offered keys, take them. Then check the door we're supposed to go into. Is it unlocked?

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: scapheap on December 15, 2013, 03:55:15 am

Drop the woman I'm holding
"Leave." Point the door that we came through
"Shall we go?"

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 07:04:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 02:44:52 am

"Hey, don't worry, good sir! We're all friends here right now. And like I said, you're off the hook. Now, unless you have any useful keys on you, in which case you should hand them to me, scoot, will you?"

Inform scientific serfs of this. If offered keys, take them. Then check the door we're supposed to go into. Is it unlocked?

"I can give you my passcode, but I don't know how good it will do. It's 72-74-72-73-56." says the man.

The door is indeed locked, as indicated by the red light over it. Luckily, through blind luck very good interrogation skills, Irene has obtained the Director's passcode which seems capable of opening everything in this place and has given that code to all of you. So the locked door shouldn't be much of a problem.

Quote from: scapheap on December 15, 2013, 03:55:15 am

Drop the woman I'm holding
"Leave." Point the door that we came through
"Shall we go?"

The man helps his friend stand up after Eria lets her go. They both start walking fast towards the exit.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: aattss on December 15, 2013, 08:37:47 am

So, is there a waitlist, or can I post my app and be in the next round, or something?

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 08:42:04 am

"Well, let's go."

Open zis door! Look inside. Be ready to dodge back out.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 15, 2013, 10:33:32 am

((I'm the only person who thinks I'll win, one guy thinks I'll be killed by another teammate, and three guys want to see Alan/Xantalos get eaten by a couch.
...Okay, who's planning to kill me?))

Quote from: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 12:55:42 am

((Or cats.  Summon lots of cats.))

((Cats aren't objects.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 12:07:02 pm

Quote from: aattss on December 15, 2013, 08:37:47 am

So, is there a waitlist, or can I post my app and be in the next round, or something?

Just give me your app and we'll work the rest out. Got any questions?
We're in the middle of a mission right now, so if you want in on the action, you'll have to wait for a while.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 15, 2013, 10:33:32 am

((I'm the only person who thinks I'll win, one guy thinks I'll be killed by another teammate, and three guys want to see Alan/Xantalos get eaten by a couch.
...Okay, who's planning to kill me?))

((Besides me? Closest ones are Alan and John, the dynamic duo.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 15, 2013, 10:33:32 am

Quote from: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 12:55:42 am

((Or cats.  Summon lots of cats.))

((Cats aren't objects.))

((Well, you can't blame him for mistaking them as such. They practically sleep all day.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Mini-boss
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 15, 2013, 12:41:56 pm

Zechariah groaned. He was just adding to the fire that Artemis could launch at him whenever he was pulled back to the land of dreams. The knock didn't hurt him too much, considering that he had headaches 24/7.

Interface, Irine: <Hm? Oh. Yeah, I will get to it, thank you.>

Pick myself up, and the staff, and get to the device, moving it to where Irine instructed.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 12:58:46 pm

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 14, 2013, 10:44:06 pm

I don't like that title.

---

<Guys! There's a weird cyborg monster down here!>

Throw a disk at it, trying to get it angled so it doesn't hit me but does hit it, before sprinting for the nearest cover. Also mind-utter any curse words somehow present in my five-year-old mind's storage.

((Yes, you're right, the title is bad. But how would you call a fleshy abomination with eight legs, mechanical parts and a rotary cannon. The closest thing that comes to mind is the... Heh, thanks GWG for indirectly reminding me that.))

"Hey now, no need to resort to name calling."
You begin summoning a disk, a black thing forming in your hands. Meanwhile the Abomination says "Enemy located. Eliminating..." and turns its rotary cannons to face you.
"Just because something looks odd and is trying to kill you doesn't mean it's a monster."
The disk forms completely and falls into your hand, a perfectly circular dark thing with white light escaping from its edge, surprisingly cool and smooth to the touch. With the whine of electrical motors, the rotary cannons start spinning.
"I mean really, you humans, so insensitive."
You throw the disc aaaaand... it goes wide. Looks like you misjudged its weight. You don't stand around to see what exactly will happen to the disk, the ominous whine of the rotary cannons reminding you that standing around is probably not the best use of your time.
You start running towards a nearby cubicle, the only thing resembling cover around here besides the two exits. Merely a couple of seconds later, you hear a loud bang, you see a line of slightly molten plastic appear on the floor in front of you and you feel a concussive blast pushing from behind, causing you to stumble and fall to the ground.
The bang is immediately followed by the buzzing of the rotary gun firing. Time seems to slow down as you feel the tremble of high explosive bullets striking ever closer to you, followed by pain in your upper right leg.
You get up and keep running, adrenaline masking the pain, not wasting a second to look behind you. You reach the cubicle and pass through the cloth divider. Your heart sinks for a moment when you see a similar creature in here, but it passes when you realize this one isn't reacting to you for whatever reason, despite the fact that you can see its small yellow veins pulsating in the contrast of its pale white flesh.
You hide behind one of its thick legs, hoping it will protect you, and inspect the damage to your leg. It looks bad. The armor has caught most of the shrapnel but some have gone through, penetrating your flesh on your upper right leg and resulting in moderate bleeding. Luckily you weren't hit directly, or you'd be missing a leg right now.
"Vibration caused targeting error. Recalibrating..." announces the Abomination after its rotary cannons spin down.
"Good thing it's still in debug mode, eh?"

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Xantalos on December 14, 2013, 10:47:22 pm

Summon a sentient couch with wheels to transport me around.

You get a normal sofa with a skeleton made of lightweight metal and covered in sturdy red cloth. It lacks pillows, making it look rather uncomfortable. It stands on a pallet jack, labeled with various ideograms and numbers.

Quote from: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 12:55:42 am

John struggles to get out of his suit.  He hoped he didn't just pump his own blood over or anything- he probably would have just left him, then.  Oh well.
"Come on, let's go!"
Desuit and get to the objective!  Bring the suit if feasible.

You get out of the suit, with a lot of effort. That thing is nearly skintight and doesn't seem to have any zippers, latches or quick release buttons. And you're pretty sure you felt something pinching you in the arms and head as you were removing it.
The suit is large and heavy, so running with it is going to be a bit of a trouble. Luckily, Alan has summoned that pallet jack you could use to carry it. You just have to get the sofa off and-
"Angel is loosing the fight against... something fleshy with huge rotary cannons. Perhaps you'd like to go help her?"

Spoiler: Stuff (click to show/hide)

Human in danger! Quick! To the sofa-mobile! proclaims Alan and jumps on the sofa with surprising speed, considering he just had major surgery. The fact that part of his shirt is missing, revealing surgical scars on his abdomen and chest, doesn't make the sight any better.
"But-"
No "buts"! This sofa is the best transport ever! It will transport me around to where we go!
John sighs, leaves his suit on the sofa and hops on himself.
Now go forth sofa! shouts Alan, pointing forward with his right hand.

Nothing happens for an awkward amount of time (what would be two panels if this was a comic). Alan stands there unmoving, with his finger pointing forward and a delighted look on his face, while John looks at him with the eyes of a man trying to decide whether or not he should merely facepalm or if he should just kill Alan and end it all.

John gets down and starts pulling the pallet jack, grumbling along the way.
See? It's working! We're moving forward now! says Alan hapilly, still standing on top of the sofa.

You start heading towards the room Angel is in through the hallway filled with strange things growing in vats filled with glowing liquid. You carry the suit with the sofa/pallet jack, thus not wasting any speed. You'll get there in 1-2 turns.

((Ignore the Stuff part above if you think it doesn't fit with how you imagine your characters. I just found it amusing to write.))

---

scapheap & Fniff & Harry Baldman

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 08:42:04 am

"Well, let's go."

Open zis door! Look inside. Be ready to dodge back out.

You open the door with the Director's code and take a quick peek inside.
It looks like an exact replica of the room you're in, complete with the consoles and large piece of marble-like thing. The only difference is that this one lacks those things that trapped Jordan and turned his face red. It also has a few obstacles of varying materials (metal, concrete, ballistic gel, etc.), some of them cut in half or with holes of varying sizes melted in them. Finally, there's the turret the scientists were talking about and the door leading to its control room, both at the side of the room opposite to the one you're in. The turret looks more like the top half of a hamburger made of black metal and white plastic and painted in yellow stripes, that has then been mounted on a rotating stick, than an actual tank turret. It has one large and two smaller glowing holes in it.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img23/927/p9hh.png)

The door you must go through is opposite to the one you're looking through.

---

Lenglon & DAF

Quote from: Lenglon on December 15, 2013, 01:35:43 am

Through interface, to D: <How are the others doing?>
Manage my fires
To Zech: <Um, please? I'm worried the device will break if we leave it here. Could you move it to the other elevator?>

"Oh, same old, same old. My guy and his gang are trying to sneak past a prototype tank turret, Angel is losing a fight with a Spiderdemon, Alan and John are riding around in a couch... The usual."
You continue managing your light show. When are those soldiers going to come? All this waiting is getting boring...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 15, 2013, 12:41:56 pm

Zechariah groaned. He was just adding to the fire that Artemis could launch at him whenever he was pulled back to the land of dreams. The knock didn't hurt him too much, considering that he had headaches 24/7.

Interface, Irine: <Hm? Oh. Yeah, I will get to it, thank you.>

Pick myself up, and the staff, and get to the device, moving it to where Irine instructed.

You use the trolley the device is on to move it closer to the other elevator, making sure to keep your distance from Irene's balls of fire.
You wonder if you should push the button to call it while you're there. On one hand, it means that you'll leave this level faster. On the other hand, you can't be sure about what will come up along with it.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 01:06:52 pm

"Well, nothing to it, then."

Make a break for the other side. Go low, be ready to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Fniff on December 15, 2013, 01:11:17 pm

Jordan peeked through the door then rapidly reversed out of it. Not good. "Anyone feel like acting as wallpaper for the next room?" Then he watched Ike charge though. "... Huh. Well."
Watch Ike's immensely painful death and learn.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 01:24:40 pm

((The "stuff" is good enough to keep, I say!

Now what am I carrying?  I can't recall, but I think I made an EMP grenade at some point.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 01:34:32 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 15, 2013, 01:24:40 pm

((The "stuff" is good enough to keep, I say!

Now what am I carrying?  I can't recall, but I think I made an EMP grenade at some point.))

((You got a very fancy toy grenade out of that. You do have an incendiary rocket inside a rocket launcher, a small lump of plastic explosives and three pencil detonators (good for breaching 2-3 doors), a Kalashnikov and a silenced pistol both with full or nearly full clips. You've also got that medical suit. You could also try summoning something on the way there.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 15, 2013, 09:50:03 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 12:58:46 pm

((Yes, you're right, the title is bad. But how would you call a fleshy abomination with eight legs, mechanical parts and a rotary cannon. The closest thing that comes to mind is the... Heh, thanks GWG for indirectly reminding me that.))

((You misunderstand. The thing I don't like isn't the title's quality, it's the title's subject, specifically that I'm soloing a mini-boss.))

Quote

"Angel is loosing the fight against... something fleshy with huge rotary cannons. Perhaps you'd like to go help her?"

<Sure, they'll listen to an entity, but they don't think it's important when I just say it. Well, I'm bleeding now, I hope you're both happy.>
Angel is in a bit of a bad mood. Weird, huh?


Generate another disk, toss it angled as before but more successfully before retreating for better cover, releasing the armor to sprint out of the room if I can't get from the cubicle to the door without leaving cover.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 15, 2013, 10:03:55 pm

And now Angel needed help! Isn't it fun running all over the place?

Interface, Angel: <Hold on, I'll be there in a bit.>

Move to help Angel out.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Xantalos on December 15, 2013, 10:14:06 pm

((Stuff is best stuff.))

Sofa awaaaayyyyyy!

Charge off on my trusty steed couch!

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 16, 2013, 06:50:56 pm

Harry Baldman & Fniff & scapheap

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 15, 2013, 01:06:52 pm

"Well, nothing to it, then."

Make a break for the other side. Go low, be ready to dodge.

You move perfectly. You jump low behind the console, back-flip to avoid the hole of a steel panel and finally reach the console on the other side. However, despite your perfectly executed stealth move, you still have to leave cover to enter the code to open the door on the other side. You quickly open the door and enter the storage area on the other side. In the room behind you, you can hear the turret emitting a whine and turning to face the door you just entered.

You look around the storage area, a large room filled with rows upon rows of concrete walls with reinforced vault-like metal boxes of all sizes embedded in them. Near the center, visible above the concrete walls, floating over a glowing pedestal of that white marble-like substance is what looks like a giant block of clear quartz. Various thick wires and optic cables pulsing with light are connected to the cube.
"You're looking for vault 46. No time for fannying around."

Quote from: Fniff on December 15, 2013, 01:11:17 pm

Jordan peeked through the door then rapidly reversed out of it. Not good. "Anyone feel like acting as wallpaper for the next room?" Then he watched Ike charge though. "... Huh. Well."
Watch Ike's immensely painful death and learn.

You watch Ike's perfectly executed moves and learn. You're certain you could move through the room better now.

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 15, 2013, 09:50:03 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 15, 2013, 12:58:46 pm

((Yes, you're right, the title is bad. But how would you call a fleshy abomination with eight legs, mechanical parts and a rotary cannon. The closest thing that comes to mind is the... Heh, thanks GWG for indirectly reminding me that.))

((You misunderstand. The thing I don't like isn't the title's quality, it's the title's subject, specifically that I'm soloing a mini-boss.))

Quote

"Angel is loosing the fight against... something fleshy with huge rotary cannons. Perhaps you'd like to go help her?"

<Sure, they'll listen to an entity, but they don't think it's important when I just say it. Well, I'm bleeding now, I hope you're both happy.>
Angel is in a bit of a bad mood. Weird, huh?

Generate another disk, toss it angled as before but more successfully before retreating for better cover, releasing the armor to sprint out of the room if I can't get from the cubicle to the door without leaving cover.

((That was me trying to comically miss the point. Not being able to see facial expression really harms attempts at subtle humor.))

You begin forming the disk while the Abomination spins up its rotary cannons, announcing its intentions to "Firing suppression barrage..." because "Target in cover.".
The Abomination fires but it manages to hit two of the legs of the creature you're hiding behind, causing it to collapse and actually provide you better cover. A few shrapnel hit you, but the bullets that caused them landed far away. Even if you weren't armored, they would probably not cause you any harm.

While the abomination is still firing, the disk falls to your hand. You shield it with your body to prevent any stray shrapnel from hitting its edge while you wait for the barrage to stop.
When the sound of gunfire finally stops (causing you to momentarily wonder if you've gone deaf), you turn around to face the direction the sound of gunfire came from. You jerk your hand back aaaaand.... the disk slips out of your hand while you're getting it in the ready position, landing somewhere far behind you with a bang and a flash of light.
*sigh* "C'mon girl, you never played with a boomerang or a frisbee before? It's all in the wrist."
"Barrage ineffective. Executing flanking maneuver 3..."

No time to run this turn.

---

DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 15, 2013, 10:03:55 pm

And now Angel needed help! Isn't it fun running all over the place?

Interface, Angel: <Hold on, I'll be there in a bit.>

Move to help Angel out.

They tell you to carry girl, you run to carry girl, they tell you to move box, you run to move box, they tell you to save girl again, you run to save girl again.
All this running around is starting to get tiring.

You're far away from Angel. It will take you a while to get there.

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Xantalos on December 15, 2013, 10:14:06 pm

Sofa awaaaayyyyyy!

Charge off on my trusty steed couch!

Sofaaaaa awaaaayyyyyy! Sofaaaaa awaaaayyyyyyyyyyeah! (http://youtu.be/Rbm6GXllBiw?t=3m27s) ((I'm so sorry.))

You'll reach Angel next turn. You can already hear the muffled sounds of gunfire and explosions.

---

Lenglon
"Hey, since you're the one watching their backs, I'm going to leave this choice to you. In about two minutes, the soldiers above will be ready to breach the doors. I could stall them, but I'd alert them to my meddling. What say you?"

---

((I'll be visiting relatives in Scotland for the next two weeks. Updates will become less frequent during that time.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Fniff on December 16, 2013, 07:09:30 pm

"Hehe, let's do this..."
Try to copy Ike's ninja moves. If that fails, improvise ninja moves toward the door.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 16, 2013, 07:23:55 pm

Continue moving to Angel's location. Ready my staff if need be, focus on light powers mooching off Angel's abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 16, 2013, 08:45:06 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 16, 2013, 06:50:56 pm

((That was me trying to comically miss the point. Not being able to see facial expression really harms attempts at subtle humor.))

(So it does. I can't count the number of times people have gotten angry at me for a joke they took seriously. It's probably at least four or five times the number who got angry at me for a joke they recognized as such. :P))

---

"Fuzzy shoot! If you don't have anything useful to say, shut up! I'm trying to concentrate!"
(If he responds something to the effect of that he was being helpful:) "Shut up!"

Run, forming another disk. Once formed, throw it towards the monster. Either way, make for the doorway and flee.
(Retroactively?) replace the hair armor ability with some kind of escape power. Teleportation, super-speed, something. Use it to aid my escape.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Toaster on December 16, 2013, 09:37:39 pm

((Oops))

Try to summon another EMP grenade if we have time before charging in.  If not, prepare to fire rocket at hostiles.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 17, 2013, 04:13:23 am

((@GWG: Reread the turn and noticed this. When you said release the armor, did you mean simply stop the effect or did you mean release the armor ability? Do you want a new ability?))

---

Edit: ((@Toaster & Xantalos: Oh, forgot to ask, any preference to what you do once you reach the room Angel is in? You're a few seconds away from entering. Do you want to stay near the door and see what's going on? Do you want to go charging in, trying to grab the Abomination's attention? Do you want to jump on the couch at the last second and let its momentum carry you forward while you shoot? Do you want to sneak around to your objective while Angel keeps the thing busy?))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 17, 2013, 07:58:27 am

"For some reason I'm not sure I like this room."

Listen carefully for any cowering scientists and guards. If I can't hear any signs of life, click tongue for echolocation.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Xantalos on December 17, 2013, 08:07:43 am

Perform a cavalry couch charge upon yon abomination when we enter the door!
Alan, try to pry off a contol panel or something with your plunger. If you're out of reach, shoot it with that awesome slingshot.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 17, 2013, 11:27:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 17, 2013, 04:13:23 am

((@GWG: Reread the turn and noticed this. When you said release the armor, did you mean simply stop the effect or did you mean release the armor ability? Do you want a new ability?))
[/quoe]
Hm. I had originally meant to just drop the armor, but...I'll drop the ability, the armor isn't doing me much good right now. Editing post.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Toaster on December 17, 2013, 12:02:40 pm

((I'm fine with charging in.  Do we have a "prep turn" left or should I prepare to act on it directly?

Actually, I'll put an action either way.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: scapheap on December 17, 2013, 04:41:19 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 16, 2013, 07:09:30 pm

"Hehe, let's do this..."
Try to copy Ike's ninja moves. If that fails, improvise ninja moves toward the door.

Go at the same time.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 17, 2013, 04:45:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 17, 2013, 07:58:27 am

"For some reason I'm not sure I like this room."

Listen carefully for any cowering scientists and guards. If I can't hear any signs of life, click tongue for echolocation.

The room is too big and complicated for you to get a complete picture and the ambient noise is making using your ears a bit difficult, but you're 99% certain there is nobody else in here with you and that if they are, then they're nowhere near you.

There is something strange here, however. As you focus your hearing you can feel the cube that is floating in the center of the room making subsonic noise and some of the vaults faintly echoing that noise. It sounds kinda nice. Rhythmic, melodic. You feel like touching the cube would be a good idea.

Quote from: Toaster on December 17, 2013, 12:02:40 pm

((I'm fine with charging in.  Do we have a "prep turn" left or should I prepare to act on it directly?

Actually, I'll put an action either way.))

((Nope, you're going in next turn, although you're a bit too far away for melee attacks. Rocket launcher is in optimal range though.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Lenglon on December 17, 2013, 10:26:05 pm

Through interface, to D: <Don't alert them, I can stall from here.>
continue to maintain the wall of fire blocking descent down the elevator shaft and the orbs of fire circling me, ready to be used to finish off anyone that makes it through.

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Xantalos on December 17, 2013, 10:29:11 pm

((Fixed my post to include a ranged attack if I'm out of reach.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Xantalos on December 17, 2013, 10:29:39 pm

((Fixed my post to include a ranged attack if I'm out of reach.))

Title: Re: Special People: GWG vs Spiderdemon
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2013, 07:05:10 am

"Aha! My common sense is tingling!"

Don't touch the goddamn cube. Look for vault 46. Be stealthy and careful.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 18, 2013, 01:50:44 pm

Fniff & scapheap

Quote from: Fniff on December 16, 2013, 07:09:30 pm

"Hehe, let's do this..."
Try to copy Ike's ninja moves. If that fails, improvise ninja moves toward the door.

Quote from: scapheap on December 17, 2013, 04:41:19 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 16, 2013, 07:09:30 pm

"Hehe, let's do this..."
Try to copy Ike's ninja moves. If that fails, improvise ninja moves toward the door.

Go at the same time.

Eria and Jordan both stealthily move towards the door Ike went through, Jordan moving with a bit more skill than Eria.
They're about halfway there, crouching low behind a half melted panel when the buzzing of an alarm is heard. A second later, the air shimmers near the door. A circular area of the wall on the right of the door, about half a meter in diameter, glows white hot and instantly melts, the concrete and metal shielding behind it soon following suit. The destruction continues towards the right, forming a horizontal line of molten and blackened metal in the wall.

A moment after the beam hits the wall, you realize that incineration isn't the biggest danger in this situation. The worst thing about this situation is the fact that through the hole in the wall you can see... things. Strange things. Shadow and light and silvery geometric shapes and lightning and other multicolored things that would be best described as psychedelic fire. And some of those things are growing. Fast.
"Oh dear."
Looks like whoever is operating that turret is either too uncaring, too stupid or too smart for their (and your) own good.

---

Harry Baldman

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2013, 07:05:10 am

"Aha! My common sense is tingling!"

Don't touch the goddamn cube. Look for vault 46. Be stealthy and careful.

You think about touching the cube but tell yourself that you have a job to do now and that you'll have time to touch the cube later. You quickly move forward, scanning the vaults for the one labeled 46. By the time you reach it, the place you were standing when you entered the room and the vaults around it are being melted by something in the other room, presumably the turret.

You reach inside the vault and retrieve an orange plastic canister from a small lake of paperwork. It is about the size of your hand and surprisingly heavy.

Behind you, near the door, strange effects begin appearing. They're made stranger still by how they effect your echolocation, making space sound so twisted and full of holes that you can't tell what's going on back there.
Not that your eyes are much better in that regard. It looks like magic is having a high energy tea party over there and all the angry, quick-tempered forces of the universe are invited. And someone is about to mention they've run out of cookies.
"Good job. Now I suggest you take cover."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 16, 2013, 07:23:55 pm

Continue moving to Angel's location. Ready my staff if need be, focus on light powers mooching off Angel's abilities.

You continue to run, mentally asking yourself "Are we there yet?" along the way.

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 16, 2013, 08:45:06 pm

"Fuzzy shoot! If you don't have anything useful to say, shut up! I'm trying to concentrate!"
(If he responds something to the effect of that he was being helpful:) "Shut up!"

Run, forming another disk. Once formed, throw it towards the monster. Either way, make for the doorway and flee.
(Retroactively?) replace the hair armor ability with some kind of escape power. Teleportation, super-speed, something. Use it to aid my escape.

You gain the ability to aim better. Your hair are detached from the armor and return to normal. The armor becomes more flexible and at the same time begins flaking away. It should fall off of you in a few seconds.
You run towards the exit as fast as you can, trying to form a disk at the same time. Your injury isn't helping.
As you run, you hear a thump and then the whoosh sound of an object moving at high speed, rising in intensity. You fail to react on time.

What happens next lasts only seconds, but to you it seems way longer. You feel yourself being pressed down from behind by an incredible force. As your chest reaches the floor, you can see thick white legs landing around you. You feel your chest being destroyed, at least for the few seconds the nerves are intact enough to transmit the pain signals to your brain.
"Desynchronization imminent."
Your mind continues operating for a few more hundreds of milliseconds, allowing you to experience what happens next. Your eyes are watching at an odd angle, since your neck has been broken and your head is being held upright by the skin the Abomination's leg is pulling. You see the almost formed disk awkwardly fly off your hand and hit one of the Abomination's legs with its edge. The edge of the disk bursts and retracts like a bubble in slow motion, revealing bright light inside. It looks like a sandwich with black hole for bread and sun for filling. The light expands outwards, forming a larger disk of air-turned-plasma, standing parallel to the floor. The leg is cut and melted releasing a yellowish vapor, other nearby legs and the plastic floor soon following. As the disk fully deforms, the black bits dissipating, your vision is becoming blurrier. Your face is being melted. The finishing blow is given by the expanding bubble of distorted air that approaches you, the shockwave caused by the expanding superheated air destroying what remains of your sensitive human body.
Your return to the void with only thoughts and no body, blissfully relieved from the pain, however short it was.
Desynchronized. Attempting to reconnect...

Spoiler: Rolls (click to show/hide)

(Decided I should show the rolls that lead to your death if they don't contain spoilers. At least, I'm 99% certain you're dead. You can never know for sure when magic is involved, because your teammates may want to try to create some sort of "reverse time to first death" effect à la Grate or something.)
[Angel speed->3-1(child)-1(injury)
[Abomination dexterity->6
[Angel awareness->4
[Angel reflex->2
[Angel injury->upper left torso
[Angel endurance->tank landed on torso
[Disk action->Angel luck->6
[Angel endurance->3-1(child)
[Abomination injury->lower first right leg to third lower right leg
[Abomination endurance->1

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Toaster on December 16, 2013, 09:37:39 pm

((Oops))

Try to summon another EMP grenade if we have time before charging in.  If not, prepare to fire rocket at hostiles.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 17, 2013, 08:07:43 am

Perform a cavalry couch charge upon yon abomination when we enter the door!
Alan, try to pry off a contol panel or something with your plunger. If you're out of reach, shoot it with that awesome slingshot.

Let's have you retroactively summon that EMP grenade... nope. Not summoned. Looks like it's just the rocket launcher for you. You do get a radio (http://youtu.be/iDBQlR2NOa8) for your couch-mobile though.

John gives the couch a mighty pull and then jumps on it, letting the momentum and the pallet jack's well oiled wheels carry them forward through the doorway.
They come through the doorway just in time to see Angel running, only for a pale eight-legged cybercreature to jump on top of her and crush her with one of its legs, shortly followed by a flash of light and an explosion that cuts most of the creature's legs, causing it to fall.
"Damage to locomotive system sustained. Compensating..." announces the creature. The tubes pumping it with yellow liquid empty near the legs and they begin regenerating.
John aims with the rocket launcher, pushes the trigger aaaaand... nothing happens. He clicks the trigger a few more times but still nothing happens.
Meanwhile, Alan attempts to use his slingshot against a tank. Cause that's totally going to work. It's all there in the bible, right?
Not only is he unable to hit the Abomination, he somehow manages to hit himself in the chest. He falls down on the sofa, thrashing from the pain.
"Enemy vehicle located. Eliminating..." continues the creature as it turns its rotary cannons to face you while spinning them up.
Frustrated, John applies some percussive maintenance (bangs the rocket launcher to the metal frame of the couch) and hears a click. He takes aim once more, clicks the trigger and the rocket launches. It flies good, heading straight for the barely mobile Abomination.
The rocket embeds itself in what could be considered the creature's torso, a sphere of pale flesh from which all its appendages come from. It detonates a second later, igniting the creature and spraying its burning flesh and yellow blood everywhere. The creature thrashes around for a few more seconds before going still.

The sofa continues on towards the burning remains of the Abomination, much slower now.
"Stylish. Come on, you've got to say a one liner now."

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on December 17, 2013, 10:26:05 pm

Through interface, to D: <Don't alert them, I can stall from here.>
continue to maintain the wall of fire blocking descent down the elevator shaft and the orbs of fire circling me, ready to be used to finish off anyone that makes it through.

"Your choice. I'm just the voice with the Internet connection here, you're the players. Just be careful. I'm counting at least 20 guys with heavy armor, rocket launchers, grenades of various types, machine guns, the whole 9 yards."
The prepareification continuefies. 

---

Everyone
"Player 7 desynchronized."
Everyone except GWG
"Looks like the Demongirl just bit it. Crushed by a spiderdemon and incinerated by one of her own grenades and then crushed by the spiderdemon (again) and then incinerated (again) by John's rocket. Some days the multiverse just hates your guts, eh?"

---

((Lots of things happening this turn. So many rolls, feels like I've been writing it forever.
Made it a bit longer for Toaster and Xan to conclude the fight since I won't post so often for two weeks starting tomorrow and I wanted to conclude at least one fight, if possible.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Toaster on December 18, 2013, 01:55:40 pm

"Toasty."

Secure the objective!

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Xantalos on December 18, 2013, 01:58:18 pm

It looks like that issue's been...

Summon sunglasses and put them on.

Couched.

Alan doesn't seem to realize that that doesn't make sense.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2013, 03:22:07 pm

"God damn it, you guys. Now you've gone and broken reality. I mean, shit. Really? Eh, well... I guess I forgive you, though. You guys are kinda cool. Especially you, secret hitman dude."

Put a whole lot of distance between self and rapidly expanding anomaly of magical terror. Search for something that might disable that turret. Listen carefully for people around the area.

"Say, do any of you voices know what that is? Or what that cube does? Nothing good is what I think, but I'm not about to discount alternate perspectives."

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Lenglon on December 18, 2013, 03:26:20 pm

Through interface, to D: <I... I think my host knows what those are. those... those don't do any good against my wall of fire, right? Do they have anything that will cause me problems?>
Hold position, wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 18, 2013, 05:10:02 pm

Zechariah stopped running. The first casualty of the game was the same person he had just tried to save earlier.
No emotions now, Zechariah, Artemis taunted in his head. You still have a job to do. Or are you just going to let everyone down, just like you did with US? WITH THE GUARDIANS?

Shut up Artemis. Let me do my work.

Interface, Irine: <I'm... I'm heading back...>


Head back to Irine now.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 18, 2013, 05:44:26 pm

Um. That sucks.

Say, why did I get enhanced aim and not anything useful?

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 18, 2013, 05:45:32 pm

"Oh for, why would you even have a reality breaking device? Thank you, Soviet Russia, for not knowing when to let up! Ike, anything on the other side that can disable this thing? Perhaps the operating device or the operator himself?"

Wait for response.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 19, 2013, 08:21:49 am

Quote from: Fniff on December 18, 2013, 05:45:32 pm

"Oh for, why would you even have a reality breaking device? Thank you, Soviet Russia, for not knowing when to let up! Ike, anything on the other side that can disable this thing? Perhaps the operating device or the operator himself?"

"I dunno. Better look, I guess!"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 19, 2013, 08:30:09 am

"Make it quick, or we're all stuck!"
Try to retreat to the previous room to avoid the horrible reality distortion.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: scapheap on December 19, 2013, 08:50:52 am

"Should I freeze the opening?"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 19, 2013, 08:53:18 am

"If you think it would help..."

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: scapheap on December 19, 2013, 09:22:21 am

Try and freeze the opening

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 19, 2013, 10:24:09 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 18, 2013, 05:44:26 pm

Um. That sucks.

Say, why did I get enhanced aim and not anything useful?

Rolled that way. It fits the description of your power, doesn't it?

Quote

and one which is almost completely random (although always helpful and related to the current situation)

It is helpful (helpful is such a broad and subjective term, isn't it?) and related to the current situation (you kept missing). It simply wasn't the best thing you could get at the time.

Oh, funny thing, due to the way the Interface works, you can still talk to them. So feel free to wish your teammates good luck or tell them how they failed you or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 19, 2013, 10:30:40 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 19, 2013, 10:24:09 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 18, 2013, 05:44:26 pm

Um. That sucks.

Say, why did I get enhanced aim and not anything useful?

Rolled that way.

*checks roll chart  suspiciously*

Quote

Oh, funny thing, due to the way the Interface works, you can still talk to them. So feel free to wish your teammates good luck or tell them how they failed you or something.

Noted.

---

What does 'desynchronization' mean? And why do I feel funny?

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: NAV on December 19, 2013, 04:11:38 pm

I can has waitlist?

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 03:32:38 pm

Quote from: NAV on December 19, 2013, 04:11:38 pm

I can has waitlist?

((You, sir, has been waitlisted. If you want, submit a power now. If you want, submit an internet related power, so every time you fail, I can flood your brain with lolcats, spam and viruses. Any questions?))

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 18, 2013, 01:55:40 pm

"Toasty."

Secure the objective!

Quote from: Xantalos on December 18, 2013, 01:58:18 pm

It looks like that issue's been...

Summon sunglasses and put them on.

Couched.

Alan doesn't seem to realize that that doesn't make sense.

Alan gets a pair of pink fake reading glasses and slowly puts them on while trying to look cool.
"Eh, good enough."
You proceed with your couch towards the door on the other side of the room, making sure to keep your distance from the burning abomination and the rather nasty smell of burning plastic and burning hair and the strange yellow vapors that float around there. By the time you have reached the door, the fire suppression system has kicked in, flooding the area around the formerly burning abomination with whitish foam.

Opening the door reveals a large circular room filled with the same pale flesh as the Abomination's. It's everywhere, covering the walls and ceiling, appendages and organs extending from it, some coming together to form recognizable animal shapes. It seems to be constantly growing, held at bay only by tubes dripping with a glowing yellow fluid similar to the one the Abomination had on it. The moment the yellow fluid touches the flesh, it melts, as if touched by potent acid or molten metal.
"You know the drill, other side of the room is your objective. Find some glowing green liquid and take it to the Device. Be careful not to come into contact with it. I don't know what exactly it would do to you."

The dripping yellow liquid forms "safe" corridors that allow you to navigate through the pale white forest of growing and pulsating flesh. Any leftover liquid pools on metal gutters and is lead through holes in the floor.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2013, 03:22:07 pm

"God damn it, you guys. Now you've gone and broken reality. I mean, shit. Really? Eh, well... I guess I forgive you, though. You guys are kinda cool. Especially you, secret hitman dude."

Put a whole lot of distance between self and rapidly expanding anomaly of magical terror. Search for something that might disable that turret. Listen carefully for people around the area.

"Say, do any of you voices know what that is? Or what that cube does? Nothing good is what I think, but I'm not about to discount alternate perspectives."

"From what I've seen so far, I'd say that they have a Colony Ship from a core world down there, probably from world 4.0." says the entity as you run away from the effect. You take cover behind the white marble the cube is levitating above. It looks so large and beautiful up close. "Which would make most of these items either parts of the ship or terraforming equipment. And with their shielding and control units removed, they tend to become unstable. So simple things like being hit by a laser cannon can trigger them." You continue looking at the cube. You think you can see the anomalies mirrored by one of its inner surfaces. Multicolored light comes from the location of the anomalies, followed by a strong wind carrying blue dust that reflects the light. "That cube is a secondary anchor. A three-dimensional sliver of a four-dimensional object, linked to the soul of the Colony Ship. Normally, it would be used to communicate with the Ship and to control equipment, but normally a Colony Ship would not be in an Earth World to begin with, so this can't be considered a normal situation. I can't really tell what it does right now." A ray of red light solidifies and extends to touch the cube. "Not unless you touch it, as you seem so keen on doing." You notice that you have extended you hand towards the cube when the entity mentions it. You quickly pull it back. The cube distorts like water struck by a stone. The wave travels through the red line, towards the anomalies. Your vision gets a bit blurry. After a moment, it clears up and the multicolored light disappears."But really, explaining you all this is pointless. It's space magic. Try to not poke it the wrong way, keep your distance and you'll be fine. Touch it and you could gain superpowers or you could die a horrible death. Or maybe nothing will happen. Who knows?"
You chance a look towards the anomalies. They're gone, something that your echolocation confirms. In their place, is a rather sizable crater of molten concrete and metal with the blue particles raining upon it. The crater includes the area the turret and its control room used to occupy. Hm. Looks like that problem solved itself. You can even see a path back to your slightly wounded friends! Everything's turning out fine! Now you just gotta touch the cube to thank it and all will be fine.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 18, 2013, 03:26:20 pm

Through interface, to D: <I... I think my host knows what those are. those... those don't do any good against my wall of fire, right? Do they have anything that will cause me problems?>
Hold position, wait.

"I dunno. When all you have is a hammer... They might think they could extinguish the fire with explosives. Or they may have fire extinguishing grenades. I'm watching this through a soot covered low quality camera, be glad I'm giving you this much info.
Oh, they're taking cover. They'll probably breach the door now. I suggest you take cover yourself. They'll be debris falling."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 18, 2013, 05:10:02 pm

Zechariah stopped running. The first casualty of the game was the same person he had just tried to save earlier.
No emotions now, Zechariah, Artemis taunted in his head. You still have a job to do. Or are you just going to let everyone down, just like you did with US? WITH THE GUARDIANS?

Shut up Artemis. Let me do my work.

Interface, Irine: <I'm... I'm heading back...>


Head back to Irine now.

You start going back towards Irene. You'll make it there next turn.
You seem to be constantly running on this level while not getting much done.

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 19, 2013, 08:30:09 am

"Make it quick, or we're all stuck!"
Try to retreat to the previous room to avoid the horrible reality distortion.

After taking a second to talk with your teammates (isn't telepathic communication wonderful?) you do the smart thing and start running away. You make it all the way back to the hallway, before two glowing red spikes come out of the wall and get in your way. You dodge them easily.

Quote from: scapheap on December 19, 2013, 09:22:21 am

Try and freeze the opening

You start shooting snow towards the door and the molten hole in the wall, almost completing the snow barrier before a white sphere expands enough to touch it. The barrier explodes towards you, pelting you with snow and causing minor bruising and pain. You decide it's best to follow Jordan's lead and run away. Behind you, the metal walls begin exploding like your snow barrier, hitting the position you were standing on a second ago like buckshot. Thankfully(?) the white sphere and most of the other effects you can see disappear and are taken over by a combination of silver geometric shapes and multicolored fire. The multicolored fire merges with the objects, causing them to glow brightly with various colors and bulge outwards in places.
When you reach the next room, you can no longer see the anomalies, but you can feel the wind coming from them and see the blue particles being carried by it. You're almost at the hallway Jordan is in when glowing red spikes come out of the wall. One of them gets in your way. You don't manage to fully dodge, loosing your tail in the process. You display great endurance, moving forward like you feel no pain.
You reach the hallway.

Jordan and Eria fall down as the wall besides them explodes with light. Their vision distorts and for a moment they can feel themselves more distant from their bodies. A second later, they get up to see the lip of a crater where the wall used to be. Most of the lights nearby have been destroyed, but the glowing molten concrete and metal in the center of the crater provides ample light, enough to see Ike staring at a glowing cube on the other side of the room, holding a plastic canister on one hand.
Eria's missing tail isn't bleeding. It has been cauterized. It will make keeping her balance harder.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 19, 2013, 10:30:40 am

What does 'desynchronization' mean? And why do I feel funny?

Synchronization definition:
Broad: the relation that exists when things occur at the same time; an adjustment that causes something to occur or recur in unison.
Narrow: the state where a host and a player are linked so as to be and act as one.
Desynchronization definition: Narrow: lack of synchronization between host and player.
Attempts will continue to be made to reconnect the player with their host.
If all attempts fail, they will be returned to the staging area.
Disorientation is normal during this state.

---

((Like I said, update frequency will be less than usual for the next two weeks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 21, 2013, 04:19:28 pm

"You say I could die a horrible death by touching this thing? Well, say no more! I'm definitely sold!"

Put the canister down on the ground, let it rest a moment. Then touch the cube!

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Xantalos on December 21, 2013, 04:19:57 pm

Summon extra strong bleach and pour it on the flesh as an experiment.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 21, 2013, 04:22:41 pm

Keep moving, the marathon runner I am! /sarcasm

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 21, 2013, 04:40:28 pm

((Man, all the cool stuff started happening after I died.
Okay, the first cool thing killed me, and the rest of the cool stuff happened after I died.))

Notice the host's body.

Will...will she be okay? ...Will I be okay?

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 04:44:04 pm

"Ike, what's the situation? Lizard chick got her tail sizzled and drizzled, and we're standing on the other side of some sort of glowing anomaly in a crater like we're in fucking STALKER or something."

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 21, 2013, 04:48:19 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 04:44:04 pm

"Ike, what's the situation? Lizard chick got her tail sizzled and drizzled, and we're standing on the other side of some sort of glowing anomaly in a crater like we're in fucking STALKER or something."

"I'm pretty much okay, but I'm about to touch the cube. It'll either give me superpowers, do nothing at all, gruesomely kill me or gruesomely kill everybody else plus me. In any case, the result has a decent chance of being interesting! Apparently what happened over there was some kind of terraforming procedure or whatever - the stuff they've got here is from some alien 4.0 colony ship! I put the canister of the stuff we need on the ground nearby - if you want to pick it up first, come over here and get it. I'll wait!"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 04:53:21 pm

"Sorry, man, I don't feel like getting vaporized. You see any ways for us to get to you? Or for you to get out of there?"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 21, 2013, 05:08:31 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 04:53:21 pm

"Sorry, man, I don't feel like getting vaporized. You see any ways for us to get to you? Or for you to get out of there?"

"Easy, just walk toward me or I can walk toward you. The turret's not operational, and the reality fuckery has subsided a notch, so I bet you could make it over here safely. Or I could just pass the canister to you, then come back here and touch the cube! Cube! Yes!"

Corrected action: before touching the cube, run over to Jordan and pass him the important canister. Only then return and touch the cube.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 05:12:29 pm

"I'll pass, thanks. I mean, I might touch it first and make it non-operational. You found it, you deserve it more then me."
Catch the canister.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: scapheap on December 21, 2013, 06:05:59 pm

Eria look at the stump "My poor tail." she says in a surprisingly sad tone.

She 'turns' to mission control "Is it still possible to get to the target with that?" she waves at the glowing parts.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 21, 2013, 07:59:24 pm

((I like how almost every option on the poll has exactly one vote.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: NAV on December 21, 2013, 08:07:49 pm

How about the ability to transform any non-living object created by a sentient being into a "Tsar" version of that object. The "Tsar" version of that object would be much bigger, louder, more powerful, less practical, and less efficient.
The power would be touch-based, there could only be one "Tsar" item in existence at a time, and it would be possible to remove the "Tsar" effect from an item. Any damage an item has would remain the same when it is transformed. Removing the "Tsar" from an item would not be touch based.

For examples of my power,
Tsar bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Bell), Tsar cannon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Cannon), Tsar tank (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_tank), tsar bomb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Bomba).

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 21, 2013, 08:08:39 pm

Ooh! Do a Tsar Angel! Or a Tsar Alan! Or a Tsar Air!

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: NAV on December 21, 2013, 08:15:30 pm

The power has to be used on a man-made object. Poor phrasing there, I will change it.
The power must be used on a non-living object created by a sentient being.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 09:31:47 pm

((Just writing to say that the dripping liquid forms paths clear of flesh for Xantalos and Toaster. Forgot to write that in the post. I'll see if I can make a quick edit.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Toaster on December 21, 2013, 09:56:53 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 03:32:38 pm

lolcats

((I should have picked that power!))


John slaps Alan on the shoulder.  "Don't touch it.  It might get mad.  That said..."


Summon a flamethrower for use against the flesh, just in case.  Continue to proceed toward objective.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 22, 2013, 07:56:56 am

Quote from: NAV on December 21, 2013, 08:07:49 pm

How about the ability to transform any non-living object created by a sentient being into a "Tsar" version of that object. The "Tsar" version of that object would be much bigger, louder, more powerful, less practical, and less efficient.
The power would be touch-based, there could only be one "Tsar" item in existence at a time, and it would be possible to remove the "Tsar" effect from an item. Any damage an item has would remain the same when it is transformed. Removing the "Tsar" from an item would not be touch based.

For examples of my power,
Tsar bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Bell), Tsar cannon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Cannon), Tsar tank (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_tank), tsar bomb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Bomba).

Quote from: NAV on December 21, 2013, 08:15:30 pm

The power has to be used on a man-made object. Poor phrasing there, I will change it.
The power must be used on a non-living object created by a sentient being.

Yeah, that sounds OK. Thinking about an upgrade tree for you is going to be hard, but I've got until your first successful mission, so I should have time to think. Anyway, I think I have your power figured out. Submit a character name-appearance-bio and everything is done on your end.

_{(disclaimer: ability effects will vary depending on rolls. Parisbre56 and his associates don't guarantee protection from the results of your abilities. Undesired side effects may include nausea, pain, explosions, loss of limbs, out-of-body experiences, homicidal vacuum cleaners and cat rain. Do not use this ability if you are allergic to peanuts, black holes or dying.)}

Quote from: Toaster on December 21, 2013, 09:56:53 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 03:32:38 pm

lolcats

((I should have picked that power!))

((Another one of the test characters I had made. A man that had the ability to connect to each mission's equivalent of the internet with his mind. One of the failure texts I had was: "You get distracted during your search by a picture of a funny cat. And then another one. And another one. Before you know it, you've got about a thousand mental tabs open, each with thousands of funny cat pictures on it. You're not feeling very well."))

Title: Re: Special People: The Attack of the Rabid Vacuum Cleaners
Post by: Lenglon on December 22, 2013, 03:09:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:36:54 am

walk off the elevator, but only just barely, not risking losing control of the flames both around me and above the elevator. otherwise no action.

((Reminder that I'm already not in the elevator shaft, and have been for several turns now.))
take a couple steps farther away from the elevator shaft, but only as long as I'm not at risk of losing control of my flames.
Through interface, to D: <Thank you, please keep me informed as to what they're doing up there as best you can.>

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Xantalos on December 22, 2013, 04:52:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 09:31:47 pm

((Just writing to say that the dripping liquid forms paths clear of flesh for Xantalos and Toaster. Forgot to write that in the post. I'll see if I can make a quick edit.))

Walk through while doing the bleach thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 22, 2013, 10:03:11 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 21, 2013, 04:19:57 pm

Summon extra strong bleach and pour it on the flesh as an experiment.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 22, 2013, 04:52:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 21, 2013, 09:31:47 pm

((Just writing to say that the dripping liquid forms paths clear of flesh for Xantalos and Toaster. Forgot to write that in the post. I'll see if I can make a quick edit.))

Walk through while doing the bleach thing.

You get a plastic bottle with a tiny amount of bleach in it. Pouring it on the flesh doesn't do much beyond causing it to go red and then start growing faster where the bleach made contact. However, when a drop of yellow liquid falls on the bottle it immediately starts dissolving. Okay, note to self: stay away from the yellow liquid unless you're made out of metal.

Quote from: Toaster on December 21, 2013, 09:56:53 pm

John slaps Alan on the shoulder.  "Don't touch it.  It might get mad.  That said..."

Summon a flamethrower for use against the flesh, just in case.  Continue to proceed toward objective.

You get a number of small pressurized canisters connected to each other with cooper water pipes that lead to a valve, in turn connected to a garden hose with a spray gun and a candle lighter tied on its end that have their triggers linked. The whole setup has straps that allow you to carry it. You've got to open a valve connected to the canisters to use the flamethrower.

John and Alan leave the sofa behind and make their way through the forest of flesh, making certain to avoid going anywhere near it or the yellow liquid. Along the way they notice the shredded remains of the lower body of a guard, its upper body having been consumed by the pale flesh and the yellow liquid.

You move on, a bit more paranoid now. You finally reach your objective, an inverse pyramid. It's glowing green. From the top of the pyramid grows the pale flesh, like the roots of a tree. From holes on the sides of the pyramid come tubes carrying the glowing yellow liquid. Parts of the pyramid not producing the liquid are covered with wires and optic cables pulsing with light. Some of the wires are connected to a nearby table equipped with various screens and tools for handling chemicals, while others disappear beneath the metal floor. And from the tip of the pyramid fall drops of glowing green liquid, very very slowly. They accumulate in small glass vials, only one of which is currently full. You carefully remove the full vial and seal it. Well, that's done. Now all you have to do is get to the elevator and-

The optic cables connected to the pyramid pulse brightly with red light. The flesh begins to stir and grow, making sounds like gurgling and moaning and chirping and infrasonic things you feel in your guts and feet more than you hear them. It's moving towards you, eyes looking your way and hands reaching for you. The yellow liquid is holding it at bay for now, but at the rate it's growing, it won't stay that way for long.
"Whoops. Looks like Ike just did something bad."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 21, 2013, 04:22:41 pm

Keep moving, the marathon runner I am! /sarcasm

You keep moving. On your way, you feel a tremor. When you reach the elevator corridor, there's a cloud of dust floating around that causes you to cough every once in a while.
You reach Irene's location. Or at least you think you do, there are balls of fire spinning around. It's hard to see with all that dust.
You can hear metal and stone striking upon metal in the elevator shaft.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 21, 2013, 04:40:28 pm

((Man, all the cool stuff started happening after I died.
Okay, the first cool thing killed me, and the rest of the cool stuff happened after I died.))

Notice the host's body.

Will...will she be okay? ...Will I be okay?

It's kinda hard to notice your host's body because:
A. You're desynchronized.
B. You have no body. You don't have anything to notice it with.
C. There isn't much left of the host's body except for some broken bones and burnt flesh covered with fire extinguishing foam.

Host body deemed unrecoverable. Reconnecting with staging area...

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 21, 2013, 05:08:31 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 04:53:21 pm

"Sorry, man, I don't feel like getting vaporized. You see any ways for us to get to you? Or for you to get out of there?"

"Easy, just walk toward me or I can walk toward you. The turret's not operational, and the reality fuckery has subsided a notch, so I bet you could make it over here safely. Or I could just pass the canister to you, then come back here and touch the cube! Cube! Yes!"

Corrected action: before touching the cube, run over to Jordan and pass him the important canister. Only then return and touch the cube.

You make your way around the rim of the crater and give the canister to Jordan before returning to touch the cube. You get up on the white-marble-like pedestal. It feels rather tingly, static electricity hitting your skin every once in a while, causing your hair to stand on end.
You touch the cube. It's cool and smooth. You think you feel it vibrating slightly. You can hear voices in the back of your head. When you try to listen to them the cube pulses with light and-
You're standing under the sun and there are thousands of fireflies around you. And they're all looking for a way out. And the sun is beautiful and painful. And the fireflies are tearing into your flesh, trying to hide, to escape. And the sun is uncaring. And it all makes you angry. You scream at the sun and it screams right back at you. You continue screaming, your lungs never running empty.

((You actually had to fail two willpower checks in the same turn to touch the cube, because I thought that having someone affected by mindfuckery that easily would be kinda cheap. But then you went ahead and touched the cube yourself. When someone gives me permission to potentially mess with them... Can't say no to that. And you rolled badly for your interaction with the cube, so...))

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 21, 2013, 05:12:29 pm

"I'll pass, thanks. I mean, I might touch it first and make it non-operational. You found it, you deserve it more then me."
Catch the canister.

You make your way around the rim of the crater and get the canister from Ike and then allow him to return to his crazy experiment. You get back on the hallway and are about to start making your way towards the elevator when you hear Ike scream. Not a short scream of pain but a long scream of anger or despair. You look behind you to see Ike on the white marble pedestal, touching the cube with one hand. His eyes are closed and his face is contorted by the screaming. The cube and the optic cables connected to it are pulsing brightly with red light and hitting him with lightning. His other hand is raising his silenced pistol in your direction.
"Warned him that could happen. Try to not kill him? Or just run away?"

Quote from: scapheap on December 21, 2013, 06:05:59 pm

Eria look at the stump "My poor tail." she says in a surprisingly sad tone.

She 'turns' to mission control "Is it still possible to get to the target with that?" she waves at the glowing parts.

Jordan just took the canister and brought it back to the hallway, so that's taken care of. Oh, and Ike is screaming in homicidal rage and alien mindfuckery on the other side of the crater. And he is raising his pistol in your direction. Great!

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 22, 2013, 03:09:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2013, 04:36:54 am

walk off the elevator, but only just barely, not risking losing control of the flames both around me and above the elevator. otherwise no action.

((Reminder that I'm already not in the elevator shaft, and have been for several turns now.))
take a couple steps farther away from the elevator shaft, but only as long as I'm not at risk of losing control of my flames.
Through interface, to D: <Thank you, please keep me informed as to what they're doing up there as best you can.>

((Yeah, but there will be debris falling. One of them might break up during impact and hit you with one of its fragments. And there will be dust and a... actually, I'm going to write those stuff in the turn, why am I telling them OOC?))
You slowly take a step back. And another. You go as far back as you feel comfortable going, which isn't more than a few steps, and make your way behind a box, your balls of fire spinning high enough above you that they don't set anything on fire. Not yet, anyway.
There is the sound of an explosion, magnified by the enclosed space. It makes your ears ring. Then comes the dust and the sound of things hitting the elevator platform and the structure above it and then the sound of the platform bending and breaking and pressurized fluid being released.
You try to maintain the wall of fire but you can't fully repair the damage the debris and dust are doing to it. It's gotten a bit smaller.
The dust causes you to cough intermittently and prevents you from seeing very well. You once again hear someone running behind you.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2013, 10:11:33 pm

"Don't fall, please do not fall, please do not fall, oh ceiling..."

Zechariah ran as fast as he could, raising his staff and attempting now to use the fire to secure the structure.

"Keep those fires going, Irine," Zechariah urged. "I'll try to keep this thing intact, or at least as intact as possible.

Summon a crystal platform and paste it on the ceiling, securing the ceiling as best as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 22, 2013, 10:29:13 pm

((Not how I imagined desynchronization. So it's basically like watching something through a webcam that just had the cord cut?))

Appear in staging area?

"...What's going to happen to me? What happened to...my host? What's happening to the others?"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2013, 10:34:01 pm

((What I'm imagining is it's like we're people playing a computer game. We connect to the game and we get a player model, or our "host" here. This player model is moved by a keyboard and mouse, and in THIS game, we move our hosts by our thoughts, as if we were actually the hosts. If the host is killed, you are simply disconnected from the host body and "you are returned to the lobby" [in this case, the staging area].

That's how I see it, anyways.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 22, 2013, 10:58:20 pm

((Oddly enough, playing a game and having it crash was my second analogy.
Or maybe playing a game over the internet and the server crashes. Except that for some reason you're the only one on the server. And the server is just running one of a number of units in another server. And the first server crashed because someone threw it out a window.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Lenglon on December 22, 2013, 11:59:43 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2013, 10:11:33 pm

"Don't fall, please do not fall, please do not fall, oh ceiling..."

Zechariah ran as fast as he could, raising his staff and attempting now to use the fire to secure the structure.

"Keep those fires going, Irine," Zechariah urged. "I'll try to keep this thing intact, or at least as intact as possible.

Summon a crystal platform and paste it on the ceiling, securing the ceiling as best as possible.

((Good idea DAF! hey Paris, if we collapse the ceiling in front of the elevator now that the device is safe way on the other end of the hallway, would it block the doors our teammates are going to return through or just block the people chasing us?
...
Is it bad that it's kinda typical of me to think that this would be a good thing?))

Through Interface, to teammates: <Hurry up, we have people coming down the elevator shaft. Warn me before entering the elevator hallway, if you surprise me I might attack you by accident.>
send my orbs to reinforce the firewall as necessary, have the rest begin spreading flame all over the place again to use as a source of power for the upcoming fight. retain a minimum of three orbs, and allow the firewall to fade if I have to choose between that and sending those last three. focus my orbs on anyone that breaks through the firewall somehow. change the orbs pattern from the usual spinning one to randomly scattered stationary floating positions around the hallway, unrelated to my physical position.
To Zech: <Keep what intact?>
Through interface, to D: <I'm probably going to break your elevator speakers if they aren't broken already, just relay anything you have to say through Zech.>
do not concern myself with minimizing damage as I send reinforcing flame up to the firewall. Do avoid burning Zech and the box I'm hiding behind.
((Fun thing about being so small: smoke rises.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 12:08:11 am

Interface, Irine: <The ceiling, for now... unless you're actually planning to bring this thing down. Are you? If so, I could use the crystal light and put crystal tendrils within the cracks, and bring it down manually. It's up to you though.>

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Lenglon on December 23, 2013, 01:24:13 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 12:08:11 am

Interface, Irine: <The ceiling, for now... unless you're actually planning to bring this thing down. Are you? If so, I could use the crystal light and put crystal tendrils within the cracks, and bring it down manually. It's up to you though.>

To Zech: <Not yet, we're too close to the elevator right now. but if my firewall in the elevator shaft fails then that sounds like a good idea.>

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 01:33:08 am

Interface, Irine: <Alright. Just give me the word. For now, I'll just keep it up and make sure they don't get a chance to get through.>

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 23, 2013, 03:02:01 am

Wait, wait, wait! Stop right there! Try to understand how I currently feel and what may cause this emotion - once ascertained, think on how to fix the problem.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: scapheap on December 23, 2013, 03:20:44 am

Eria went with reflexes honed from facing dangerous animals and Bull rushed Ike into unconsciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Lenglon on December 23, 2013, 05:00:54 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 01:33:08 am

Interface, Irine: <Alright. Just give me the word. For now, I'll just keep it up and make sure they don't get a chance to get through.>

To Zech: <Keep it up? this debris is from the people upstairs breaching the door. the ceiling isn't collapsing on us.>

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Toaster on December 23, 2013, 09:48:50 am

John sighed.  <<What are you fools doing out there?  We got this objective... if we can make it out now.>>


Run for it!  Ready flamethrower and torch any flesh that gets in my way.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 23, 2013, 10:28:36 am

"Run away? Excellent idea!"
Run away with the canister to the extraction point.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 01:39:04 pm

Interface, Irine: <Really? I saw some bits and pieces of the ceiling start to chip off, but I guess that was not what your referring to. Okay, the door then.>

Hold off the door then using my crystal wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 23, 2013, 03:08:11 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 22, 2013, 10:29:13 pm

((Not how I imagined desynchronization. So it's basically like watching something through a webcam that just had the cord cut?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2013, 10:34:01 pm

((What I'm imagining is it's like we're people playing a computer game. We connect to the game and we get a player model, or our "host" here. This player model is moved by a keyboard and mouse, and in THIS game, we move our hosts by our thoughts, as if we were actually the hosts. If the host is killed, you are simply disconnected from the host body and "you are returned to the lobby" [in this case, the staging area].

That's how I see it, anyways.))

((DAF is very close to the mark. Imagine it like this: You and your host are merged, mind and body, into one being. Your mind and body are dominant, but parts of the host remain, allowing you to function normally within the mission environment (know the language, have some basic knowledge, etc.). The host may gain dominance under certain circumstances. Although you are merged, you do not actually exist in the host's location, you are simply sensing the world and acting through the host. If something causes you to become desynchronized, the host will gain dominance, both in mind and body, and you will become the passenger.
In this case, you're a passenger for your host. But since your host has no body, there is nothing there for you to be a passenger in. So you sort of exist in an in between state, until you are returned to the staging area and your own body.
That's not the in-universe explanation, but it's close.))

Quote from: Lenglon on December 22, 2013, 11:59:43 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2013, 10:11:33 pm

"Don't fall, please do not fall, please do not fall, oh ceiling..."

Zechariah ran as fast as he could, raising his staff and attempting now to use the fire to secure the structure.

"Keep those fires going, Irine," Zechariah urged. "I'll try to keep this thing intact, or at least as intact as possible.

Summon a crystal platform and paste it on the ceiling, securing the ceiling as best as possible.

((Good idea DAF! hey Paris, if we collapse the ceiling in front of the elevator now that the device is safe way on the other end of the hallway, would it block the doors our teammates are going to return through or just block the people chasing us?
...
Is it bad that it's kinda typical of me to think that this would be a good thing?))

((Yeah, the doors are further away. You could collapse the ceiling near the elevators and not block the doors, if everything happens right. But there's always the chance something could go wrong...

Why would it be bad? It's innovative. I like it. Especially because it's something I hadn't thought of. I love it when that happens.
Except if you meant that blocking your teammates from returning is a good thing. In that case there are two ways of looking at it: "You will autofail the mission without the objects they're carrying." OR "Teammates are the greatest danger to one's health in an RTD."))'

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 24, 2013, 01:29:41 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 22, 2013, 10:29:13 pm

Appear in staging area?

"...What's going to happen to me? What happened to...my host? What's happening to the others?"

Your questions go unanswered in the void. You feel your thoughts getting stretched out and thinning.
The demongirl tried her very best
to help the fox and aid the jest
(in games she did not really get
she was thrust into, don't forget).
The tricks she played did good and bad
but she was slow and got burnt bad.
Her allies tried to help them live
two minds that fought for what to give.
The girl cries for the harm she did
she tries to heal others indeed.
The demon urges to move on
to fight the sin from man's greed born.
Its cravings win her weaker mind.
Her friends forgotten, left behind.
Alone she fought, alone she died
and not one of her allies cried.
The entity laughs as you drift into unconsciousness, a strange laugh that reminds you something between the cries of a hyena and the roar of a lion.

You wake up. You can see a colorful ceiling above you. You have the weirdest sense of dejavu. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.30)

It's just like you the first time you woke up, except on the other side of the bed there is a television, currently showing John and Alan being attacked by a garden of flesh.
"Hey! Welcome back!" says the entity with that perpetual excitement of his.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 22, 2013, 11:59:43 pm

Through Interface, to teammates: <Hurry up, we have people coming down the elevator shaft. Warn me before entering the elevator hallway, if you surprise me I might attack you by accident.>
send my orbs to reinforce the firewall as necessary, have the rest begin spreading flame all over the place again to use as a source of power for the upcoming fight. retain a minimum of three orbs, and allow the firewall to fade if I have to choose between that and sending those last three. focus my orbs on anyone that breaks through the firewall somehow. change the orbs pattern from the usual spinning one to randomly scattered stationary floating positions around the hallway, unrelated to my physical position.
To Zech: <Keep what intact?>
Through interface, to D: <I'm probably going to break your elevator speakers if they aren't broken already, just relay anything you have to say through Zech.>
do not concern myself with minimizing damage as I send reinforcing flame up to the firewall. Do avoid burning Zech and the box I'm hiding behind.
((Fun thing about being so small: smoke rises.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 23, 2013, 01:39:04 pm

Interface, Irine: <Really? I saw some bits and pieces of the ceiling start to chip off, but I guess that was not what your referring to. Okay, the door then.>

Hold off the door then using my crystal wall.

A wave of magical ineptitude seems to hit the elevator hallway as both Zach and Irene fail to do anything significant with their powers.
Zach fails to manifest even a tiny shred of hardlight.
Irene manages to set a single box on fire and send some of her orbs to reinforce her wall of fire, but it doesn't do much of a difference.
As the dust begins to clear, you can see white foam falling in the elevator shaft from above. The firewall has holes in places and is almost destroyed. The elevator platform and its mechanisms have been turned into a pool of twisted metal, broken concrete, splintered wood, cyan liquid and white foam. The top of the pool lies a meter or so below the elevator doors, while pieces of metal and concrete stand much higher.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 23, 2013, 03:02:01 am

Wait, wait, wait! Stop right there! Try to understand how I currently feel and what may cause this emotion - once ascertained, think on how to fix the problem.

The images or visions or experiences or however you want to call them are gone now. All that's left is a mix of feelings. Anger and despair and frustration and confusion and pain and sadness and desolation and fear. But anger is the dominant one. That's as much rational though as you can muster right now.
I'm sorry, but your request to "think of how to fix the problem" cannot be processed right now due to alien mindfuckery. Please try again later, when you're not being mind controlled by aliens or when you make an adequate roll.

Quote from: scapheap on December 23, 2013, 03:20:44 am

Eria went with reflexes honed from facing dangerous animals and Bull rushed Ike into unconsciousness.

Quote from: Fniff on December 23, 2013, 10:28:36 am

"Run away? Excellent idea!"
Run away with the canister to the extraction point.

Ike first turns his pistol to Jordan, but Jordan, remembering the wisdom of the saying "a Coward's mother never weeps his end", manages to run away before Ike's shots can find their mark.
Eria uses that time to get closer to Ike and try to tackle him off the pedestal. Her missing tail messes with her balance, so she can't get there in time before Ike can get a shot off. Luckily, the shot grazes her left arm, causing moderate pain and minor bleeding but nothing she can't handle. Eria jumps and tackles Ike, throwing him off the pedestal and breaking his contact with the cube. However, the cube keeps pulsing red light and emitting infrasonic pulses and Ike keeps growling with murderous intent. Ike's under her for now, but he's not incapacitated.

Meanwhile, Jordan is very close to the elevator hallway. The two scientists from before are also there, along with another man in a labcoat you haven't seen before. They're standing on the platform leading to the elevator hallway, looking into the dust coming from above. They are whispering to each other. They haven't seen you yet.

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 23, 2013, 09:48:50 am

John sighed.  <<What are you fools doing out there?  We got this objective... if we can make it out now.>>
Run for it!  Ready flamethrower and torch any flesh that gets in my way.

Quote from: Xantalos: autoaction

Run away!

Alan runs away. John twists the valve of his flamethrower to the "OPEN" position and follows Alan in running.  Both John and Alan notice the flesh growing spikes above balloon-like sacks and turning them to face them. The moment they see the sacks pop, Alan falls down on the ground, completely evading the spikes. John jumps over him, but manages to get hit by a couple of spikes on his left lower leg, the yellow liquid they brought with them doing more damage than the half-melted spikes themselves. His leg now has a deep red hole in it that is bleeding moderately. John stumbles but keeps on running despite the damage and the pain, a bit slower than before.
Alan gets up and starts running towards the door, quickly overtaking John. As they run, the notice the yellow liquid's pressure is dropping. By the time they've reached the exit of the room, it has stopped flowing completely. A tendril tries to grab Alan's leg but he easily breaks free and exits the room. More tendrils extend to block John's escape. John lifts the sprayer of his makeshift flamethrower, aims at the obstacle and pulls the trigger. It is immediately obvious that this is not a very effective design, as a large amount of pressurized flammable liquid and gas escapes the sprayer and burns his hand, setting the clothes on much of his right arm and torso on fire. But the flamethrower does its job, melting the barrier. John grits his teeth and keeps on going, plowing through the remains of the barrier.

Alan and John just exited the room with the flesh and entered the room Angel died in. John is on fire due to the low-quality flamethrower that's still on his back. The flesh doesn't seem that much hurt by the flame, only slightly inconvenienced. It's still growing and is now coming through the door. Your couch-mobile is here, along with the medical suit. What do you do?

---

Happy holidays to all!

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2013, 01:37:39 pm

Oh dear! That won't do!

Picture a pink golfball in my mind. Center myself. Clearly there are some unresolved issues here that need solving, but this is hardly the time and place to do it.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 24, 2013, 01:39:38 pm

"Come on, come on..."

Try again to keep a crystal wall on the door.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Lenglon on December 24, 2013, 01:45:19 pm

To Zech: <Take the ceiling down now! My fires are failing and they're coming!>
Recall the remnants of my firewall and remaining orbs, and form a new firewall inside the hallway itself, in front of the elevator. bolt down the hallway away from the elevator, scattering flames at random amongst the nearby boxes using my orbs, giving me a flame source for later.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 24, 2013, 01:50:34 pm

Interface, Irine: <Huh? Oh, got it. Let's go!>

Follow Irine out a short way. Make sure I'm close enough that I can still use my powers, and send crystal tendrils inside the cracks of the ceiling to form a sort-of net. Bring the ceiling down and escape with Irine.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 24, 2013, 02:27:20 pm

"Um, hello? What...what happened to my 'host'? And will I be okay?"

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Xantalos on December 24, 2013, 05:24:49 pm

((Huh, thought I posted.))

Run away while summoning a car! Them get in the car and drive away!
If the car fails then get onto the couch and have it fly away!

((Yes I know the couch doesn't move on its own.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Fniff on December 24, 2013, 09:09:39 pm

Quote from:

A coward's mother weeped no tears for his end.

(Jordan always preferred the saying "Discretion is the better part of valor")
"Hey, shitheads, maybe you could have mentioned the fucking alien mind control cube? Jesus Christ! I don't even have time to kill you, but I imagine my former teammate definitely will!"
Keep running until I get to the elevator. Have a courtesy wait for Eria that, at most, lasts five seconds, then immediately call the elevator and get up top to the extraction point.

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 08:42:15 am

John gritted his teeth.  "Piece of shit!"


Chuck the entire flamethrower at the encroaching flesh.  Drop and roll onto the couch and GTFO.  (Or the car if it's better than the couch.)


((Hopefully the crappy flamethrower will just blow up on it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: scapheap on December 25, 2013, 01:55:27 pm

Start slapping
"Get a hold of yourself!" slap "Get a hold of yourself!" slap "Get a hold of yourself!" slap etc

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 25, 2013, 05:54:00 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 08:42:15 am

Drop and roll onto the couch and GTFO.  (Or the car if it's better than the couch.)

If?

Title: Re: Special People: Couch Cavalary Assault
Post by: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 08:16:08 pm

Yes, if.  It might be a Ford Pinto.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 25, 2013, 08:52:25 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2013, 01:37:39 pm

Oh dear! That won't do!

Picture a pink golfball in my mind. Center myself. Clearly there are some unresolved issues here that need solving, but this is hardly the time and place to do it.

Quote from: scapheap on December 25, 2013, 01:55:27 pm

Start slapping
"Get a hold of yourself!" slap "Get a hold of yourself!" slap "Get a hold of yourself!" slap etc

"I've got to kill everyone! I've got to kill everyone!"
"Calm down, get a hold of yourself!" (http://youtu.be/qvPugcb7QGE) "I've got t-" *slap* "Get a hold of yourself!" "I've g-" *slap* "Get a hold of yourself!" "Wait, I'm-" *slap*

Fortunately, the combination of Eria's and Ike's techniques is enough to break Ike out of his murderous state of mind. Unfortunately, Eria doesn't seem to notice that and proceeds to straddle Ike and continue to slap him, stopping him from speaking every time he tries to explain he's fine.

((Too bad, I was looking forward for this fight... Oh well, two more rooms and this mission is over and we can get to an Arena or Conflict...))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 24, 2013, 01:45:19 pm

To Zech: <Take the ceiling down now! My fires are failing and they're coming!>
Recall the remnants of my firewall and remaining orbs, and form a new firewall inside the hallway itself, in front of the elevator. bolt down the hallway away from the elevator, scattering flames at random amongst the nearby boxes using my orbs, giving me a flame source for later.

You recall your flames and make a firewall just the way you wanted it. You also light some boxes on fire and fill the hallway with smoke and fire.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 24, 2013, 01:50:34 pm

Interface, Irine: <Huh? Oh, got it. Let's go!>

Follow Irine out a short way. Make sure I'm close enough that I can still use my powers, and send crystal tendrils inside the cracks of the ceiling to form a sort-of net. Bring the ceiling down and escape with Irine.

You form some very weak tendrils with the light of Irene's fire but don't manage to do anything to the ceiling. They break apart and fall onto you but don't cause you any harm.

"Oi, Sorcerer's Apprentice. Tell Foxy I can't see what's going on up there, cameras are gone. And I have no control over the fire extinguishing systems on your level, so I don't know if they'll trigger or when. Sorry, you're on your own."

Irene thinks she heard something in the elevator shaft. She can also hear footsteps behind her.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 24, 2013, 05:24:49 pm

((Huh, thought I posted.))

Run away while summoning a car! Them get in the car and drive away!
If the car fails then get onto the couch and have it fly away!

((Yes I know the couch doesn't move on its own.))

No car for you, sir. Not even a toy car.
You sit on your couch and order it to fly away as John screams in pain and then falls unconscious on the couch next to you (still partially on fire) and a wall of flesh advances to you. You could help, but you don't. You just stand there smiling apathetically and being a useless waste of space, like one of those Buddha statues.
*Aaargh! of exasperation* "Are you TRYING to loose? Get your fat ass off that couch and finish the objective! Your couch CAN'T fly or move on its own. Either drag John to safety or take the green vial from him and get to the elevator! Just go, damn you!"

Quote from: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 08:42:15 am

John gritted his teeth.  "Piece of shit!"

Chuck the entire flamethrower at the encroaching flesh.  Drop and roll onto the couch and GTFO.  (Or the car if it's better than the couch.)

((Hopefully the crappy flamethrower will just blow up on it.))

You get the flamethrower off your back but can't manage to throw it. You roll to the couch and climb on it, more slowly than you'd like, extinguishing most of the flames in the process. The pain and exhaustion is too much for you. You fall unconscious.

((Damn, now I'm worried you'll fail the mission and all that has happened so far would have been for nothing.))

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 24, 2013, 09:09:39 pm

Quote from:

A coward's mother weeped no tears for his end.

(Jordan always preferred the saying "Discretion is the better part of valor")
"Hey, shitheads, maybe you could have mentioned the fucking alien mind control cube? Jesus Christ! I don't even have time to kill you, but I imagine my former teammate definitely will!"
Keep running until I get to the elevator. Have a courtesy wait for Eria that, at most, lasts five seconds, then immediately call the elevator and get up top to the extraction point.

You get up to the hallway after giving the scientists a very confusing and threatening message that results in confused and scared looks.
There sure is a lot of smoke up here.

"Hey mate, sorry to bother you, but you seem to be the only competent team member so far. Could you please make your way to John and Alan? Alan fails to understand how running away works, it seems. I just need you to get that green vial John has and return it."

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 24, 2013, 02:27:20 pm

"Um, hello? What...what happened to my 'host'? And will I be okay?"

"Hi! You're fine! She's not. Too bad you didn't win. But you((plural)) sacrificed yourself to help your friends! Like heroes! It was great."

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 25, 2013, 08:56:10 pm

Interface, Drake: <Noted. Thank you.>
Interface, Irine: <Drake says he has no view on us and can't control the fire extinguishers on this level.>

"Come on, I know I've been beaten up this level but I can't have lost THAT much willpower!"

Try one last time to collapse the ceiling. If it fails once more, run while attempting to shield Irine and myself using a crystal shield.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 25, 2013, 09:03:55 pm

"B-but...someone else died because I messed up..." Angel is stricken with acute sadness.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Xantalos on December 25, 2013, 09:12:36 pm

Huh? Okay?

Take that green vial of John's and summon a gigantic hamster wheel for us to roll away in. Drag his body in and roll away!
Failing that, slap him to wake him up. If not, drag him away with me, abandoning him if the flesh is getting too close.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Lenglon on December 25, 2013, 09:22:00 pm

To Zech: <E@B!>
Spin about and roast the person trying to sneak up behind me using my orbs of flame.
((quick reminder, I told you all to tell me when you're approaching me. This turn's action, based entirely off of nothing but an unannounced set of footsteps, is exactly why I told you that.))

---

((Of all the...
I just read the rest of the turn in detail and realized that it's a friendly behind me, not some assassin. Please announce your presence Jordan (Fniff) so I can strikethrough my posted action and not try to murder you on the spot.))

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 09:33:57 pm

((Damn.))

Wake up!  Go out!

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 09:41:29 pm

"I think we would have a more efficient and less catastrophic mission if you would curb your pyromania." Jordan coughs and then adjusts his hood a bit. "Now, apparently the fatman and John are in trouble, and they have an important mission objective. Care to accompany me to retrieve it, or would you rather continue to set fire to the surroundings?"
Wait for her response.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Xantalos on December 25, 2013, 09:45:44 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 09:33:57 pm

((Damn.))

Wake up!  Go out!

((Yeah, sorry about that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 10:04:57 pm

((Not your fault, heh.  Damn crappy flamethrower!))

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Lenglon on December 25, 2013, 10:48:34 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 09:41:29 pm

"I think we would have a more efficient and less catastrophic mission if you would curb your pyromania." Jordan coughs and then adjusts his hood a bit. "Now, apparently the fatman and John are in trouble, and they have an important mission objective. Care to accompany me to retrieve it, or would you rather continue to set fire to the surroundings?"
Wait for her response.

To Jordan and Zech: <You dumbass! When I said to tell me BEFORE you came in here, I was serious. I nearly killed you when I heard you come in. As for helping our wayward allies, I would come if that line of fire over there wasn't the only thing between us and a small army. I have to stay and guard the device.>
turn back to face the threatened elevator shaft and send a single orb out through the wall of flames to burn through the ropes the soldiers about to be sent down are being lowered by.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 25, 2013, 10:59:42 pm

"We can all insult each other's mission profiles later. Just forget what happened and continue. Jordan, just let me collapse this ceiling and I'll follow."

Continue with previous action of collapsing the ceiling and provide a guard for Jordan as we go help the other two.

This is what Zechariah had signed up for, after all. It was in his (archetypal) title: the Guardian. So he was guarding, guarding everyone, and preventing everyone from killing each other for five minutes.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:16:45 pm

"A small army? Jesus, what the hell are you guys doing to attract that heat? Let's get that ceiling collapsed and get the hell out of dodge."
Head to the others when Zech collapses the ceiling.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Lenglon on December 25, 2013, 11:24:59 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:16:45 pm

"A small army? Jesus, what the hell are you guys doing to attract that heat? Let's get that ceiling collapsed and get the hell out of dodge."
Head to the others when Zech collapses the ceiling.

To Jordan and Zech: <How do you even function with that kind of memory loss? Remember what happened upstairs? They do.>
If the ceiling collapse goes well, then go with Jordan and Zech to help our summoners.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:27:08 pm

"Oooh, yeah, I was thinking that the small army was your fault. Considering your past performance, you can see how I got confused."

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 25, 2013, 11:40:03 pm

Interface, Irine & Jordan: <I will literally call upon the shadows to tie you both together in a dark corner until you two can learn to stop arguing for one minute. Understand?>

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Lenglon on December 26, 2013, 05:18:10 am

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:27:08 pm

"Oooh, yeah, I was thinking that the small army was your fault. Considering your past performance, you can see how I got confused."

To Jordan and Zech: <I'm not Angel. Why are you so quick to cast blame by the way? You're rather desperate to draw attention away from yourself. Both now and last time we spoke, every word out of your mouth has been putting blame on others. What are you trying to hide?>

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 26, 2013, 05:21:02 am

"Hey! Listen!" Ike tries to say between slaps. This reminded him altogether too much of his first wife, in both a metaphorical and literal sense.

Try to look non-crazy and non-threatening. Should Eria get off him, follow where Jordan went.

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Toaster on December 26, 2013, 08:53:54 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 26, 2013, 05:21:02 am

"Hey! Listen!"

((I see what you did there.))

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 26, 2013, 10:38:16 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 26, 2013, 05:18:10 am

<I'm not Angel.>

((Hey!))

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 26, 2013, 12:11:01 pm

Zechariah motions upward with his staff, pulling a bit of Irine's own shadow and tapping her on the leg with it.
Interface, Irine & Jordan: <I am asking you with all of my heart to please drop it. Lives are at stake here. I don't want us to fall apart so close to the end.>

Title: Re: Special People: Apathetic Buddha
Post by: Fniff on December 26, 2013, 02:13:55 pm

"Let's just try and act professional."

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 28, 2013, 03:14:06 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 25, 2013, 08:56:10 pm

Interface, Drake: <Noted. Thank you.>
Interface, Irine: <Drake says he has no view on us and can't control the fire extinguishers on this level.>

"Come on, I know I've been beaten up this level but I can't have lost THAT much willpower!"

Try one last time to collapse the ceiling. If it fails once more, run while attempting to shield Irine and myself using a crystal shield.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 25, 2013, 10:48:34 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 09:41:29 pm

"I think we would have a more efficient and less catastrophic mission if you would curb your pyromania." Jordan coughs and then adjusts his hood a bit. "Now, apparently the fatman and John are in trouble, and they have an important mission objective. Care to accompany me to retrieve it, or would you rather continue to set fire to the surroundings?"
Wait for her response.

To Jordan and Zech: <You dumbass! When I said to tell me BEFORE you came in here, I was serious. I nearly killed you when I heard you come in. As for helping our wayward allies, I would come if that line of fire over there wasn't the only thing between us and a small army. I have to stay and guard the device.>
turn back to face the threatened elevator shaft and send a single orb out through the wall of flames to burn through the ropes the soldiers about to be sent down are being lowered by.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 25, 2013, 10:59:42 pm

"We can all insult each other's mission profiles later. Just forget what happened and continue. Jordan, just let me collapse this ceiling and I'll follow."

Continue with previous action of collapsing the ceiling and provide a guard for Jordan as we go help the other two.

This is what Zechariah had signed up for, after all. It was in his (archetypal) title: the Guardian. So he was guarding, guarding everyone, and preventing everyone from killing each other for five minutes.

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:16:45 pm

"A small army? Jesus, what the hell are you guys doing to attract that heat? Let's get that ceiling collapsed and get the hell out of dodge."
Head to the others when Zech collapses the ceiling.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 25, 2013, 11:24:59 pm

Quote from: Fniff on December 25, 2013, 11:16:45 pm

"A small army? Jesus, what the hell are you guys doing to attract that heat? Let's get that ceiling collapsed and get the hell out of dodge."
Head to the others when Zech collapses the ceiling.

To Jordan and Zech: <How do you even function with that kind of memory loss? Remember what happened upstairs? They do.>
If the ceiling collapse goes well, then go with Jordan and Zech to help our summoners.

((Please try to put all your actions in a single post and strikethrough your old actions, just for convenience’s sake. It's harder to understand your actions when I'm reading through lots of posts and I'm afraid I might miss or misinterpret something.
In other news, I just noticed I've been misspelling Zechariah as Zachariah sine the start of the game.))

Zechariah focuses on his powers, giving all he's got. He takes the light from Irene's wall of fire and creates tendrils of light with pointy ends that illuminate the smoke around them and stab the concrete ceiling. The tendrils writhe as the embed themselves deeper into the concrete, causing cracks to appear and medium sized pieces to come crashing down. The ceiling is strong however, built to bear the weight of an entire building over it. Collapsing it will take another minute of effort.

Meanwhile, Irene bolsters her flames and creates a large sphere of fire that she sends forward to ruin the day of anyone trying to descend the elevator shaft. It turns out her action was justified, as soon after she looses sight of the sphere, she can hear screams cut short and splashes inside the elevator shaft. Neither she nor anyone else hear anything else, besides the crackling of fire and pieces of the ceiling collapsing. Looks like they're safe for now.

Jordan starts making his way to John and Alan. He's not getting there yet.

It's getting harder to breath and see with all that smoke. Thankfully, the ventilation systems are still working and taking care of some of the smoke.

Only the ceiling near the elevator shaft has been affected by the collapse. You should be safe, as long as Zechariah doesn't do anything stupid.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 26, 2013, 05:21:02 am

"Hey! Listen!" Ike tries to say between slaps. This reminded him altogether too much of his first wife, in both a metaphorical and literal sense.

Try to look non-crazy and non-threatening. Should Eria get off him, follow where Jordan went.

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Keep slapping Ike for a while as punishment for messing with space magic and making me risk my life to save his ass.
Get up and stop slapping Ike.

The slapping spree is over. You are left near the glowing crater and the white pedestal the cube is floating above. The cube keeps pulsing with red light and infrasonic noise.
I'm assuming you want to return to the hallway Irene and the gang are in? Or do you want to look around for more space magic and hope you get better results than the cube? Or maybe you want to try messing with the cube again?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 25, 2013, 09:12:36 pm

Huh? Okay?

Take that green vial of John's and summon a gigantic hamster wheel for us to roll away in. Drag his body in and roll away!
Failing that, slap him to wake him up. If not, drag him away with me, abandoning him if the flesh is getting too close.

Quote from: Toaster on December 25, 2013, 09:33:57 pm

((Damn.))

Wake up!  Go out!

No waking up for John.

Alan retrieves the vial from John, summons a wheel large enough for him and John to fit in (who keeps a large wheel in his house?), drags John on the wheel and then starts pushing the wheel forward.
A problem immediately becomes apparent with his idea. Unconscious people aren't the best riding companions when you're running in a wheel. John's unmoving body makes turning the wheel much harder. When they gain enough speed, centrifugal force makes John stick to the inside of the wheel and become an obstacle for Alan.
Alan trips on the unconscious John when the wheel is about halfway through the room. He falls causing the wheel to go off balance and fall to one side. John's limp body handles the high speed impact to the concrete floor extremely well, twisting and absorbing the energy of the fall, leaving him fine except for some bruises.
Alan is not so lucky. His ribs are cracked, his lungs are pierced. He blacks out from the pain and blood loss.
"No, come on man, get up. Can't have it all end now. _{I have a lot-}" is the last thing Alan hears before he looses consciousness.
Desynchronization imminent.

Spoiler: Rolls To Death (click to show/hide)

(With most of our heal-capable magic users dead and a wall of flesh slowly approaching, this is probably it for Alan. And John if nobody rescues him. Hence the rolls. Xantalos' curse of 1s strikes again.)
[Alan dex->1
[Alan end->1
[Alan bodypart->upper left torso
[Alan end->2
[John end->5

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 25, 2013, 09:03:55 pm

"B-but...someone else died because I messed up..." Angel is stricken with acute sadness.

"Oh. Please, don't be sad. You did OK. You can't win in all the games." the entity tries to cheer you up. "I remember when I died once. It wasn't fun... _{Tasted like earth and chicken.}" He pauses for a while. "But I got better! See? We don't have to talk about bad stuff now. Everything gets better! You'll do better next time, you'll see!"

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Xantalos on December 28, 2013, 04:25:02 pm

((Whoops.))

Summon a horde of friendly hamsters to carry me away!
House pets are objects, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: scapheap on December 28, 2013, 05:18:33 pm

try messing with the cube againTo the hallway.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 28, 2013, 05:48:57 pm

No, no, they can't lose also, Zechariah thought.

"Jordan, please go help them in any way possible. Please."

Come on, willpower! I need you now!

Keep bringing the ceiling down.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 28, 2013, 07:50:06 pm

"Thanks..."
Angel sighs.
"I'm just...I've k-k...a lot of people just died. Because of me. And..." Angel doesn't finish the sentence.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Fniff on December 28, 2013, 08:16:16 pm

"I'll get to it, I'll try my best!"
Run to John and Alan. Look for the vial. If I can retrieve it, get it. Put rescuing them on the bottom priority: if it is worth the time, I am not putting myself in immediate danger by doing it, and if I can expend the effort, do rescue them. Otherwise, leave them to their fates.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Toaster on December 28, 2013, 10:28:32 pm

((Psst I have a healsuit))

Wake up, dammit.  GTFO with vial.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2013, 04:54:17 am

"Have to say, that went surprisingly well! I'm not even dead or anything. Thanks, lady. You've done me a solid favor today. Really, I appreciate it. Sorry for going all crazy on you there."

Don't mess with this stuff. It clearly means me and everyone else here harm. Get back to where we're supposed to be.

"So, Mission Control! Where are we supposed to go now again?"

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 29, 2013, 03:04:37 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 28, 2013, 10:28:32 pm

((Psst I have a healsuit))

You HAD a healsuit.

You had a healsuit that could heal most injuries, which you left on your sofa-mobile, outside the flesh room.
You climbed on the couch before you fell unconscious, but Alan didn't want to drag the sofa, so he summoned a wheel.
The sofa was left behind. You crashed with the wheel. While the flesh was advancing on your position.
You see where I'm getting with this?

I like the fact that Xantalos is staying in character, but sometimes, coupled with his bad luck, it ends up hurting everyone around him. Then again, he did save Zechariah's life. So it kinda balances out.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Toaster on December 29, 2013, 03:15:24 pm

Oh, well, then the flesh has a healsuit!

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 04:37:27 pm

Wait I did?

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 08:21:48 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 04:37:27 pm

Wait I did?

You didn't realize you had--wow.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 08:26:14 pm

Without leaving my position, make the elevator shaft into a Touhou Game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unRPhNH-YWo)
If Zech manages to bring the roof down and form an effective barrier, then go with him to the aid of the John and Alan

---

to be more specific, blindly sending small fire-orbs in scattered symmetrical patterns throughout it, recalling and reusing them whenever they reach the walls or the edge of my control. keep the firewall up while doing it.
seriously though, I'd like to be able to display some artistry with this, even if nobody's going to see it. I'm (Irine) frustrated with my lack of control and want to demonstrate some artistry, show that I'm able to do more than just wanton destruction, and can show some real beauty and skill with my work. As much to prove it to myself as to anyone else.
If possible, I'd most want to mimic the pattern of Flandre's Secret "And Then There Will Be None?" attack.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 29, 2013, 08:28:48 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 08:21:48 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 04:37:27 pm

Wait I did?

You didn't realize you had--wow.

That's okay Xantalos. I did not remember that part either.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 09:00:10 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 08:26:14 pm

seriously though, I'd like to be able to display some artistry with this, even if nobody's going to see it. I'm (Irine) frustrated with my lack of control and want to demonstrate some artistry, show that I'm able to do more than just wanton destruction, and can show some real beauty and skill with my work. As much to prove it to myself as to anyone else.

Heh. It's like everyone's got some kind of intense internal issues. Incompetence complex*, accidental murder complex**, stupidity***...

*There's a proper term for this, but I don't know what it is.
**There's probably a proper term for this, and whoever thought of it is clever.
***There's a polite term for this, but who cares?

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 29, 2013, 09:27:19 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 28, 2013, 04:25:02 pm

((Whoops.))

Summon a horde of friendly hamsters to carry me away!
House pets are objects, right?

I'm sorry, but you're too unconscious and dying to do that.

Quote from: Toaster on December 28, 2013, 10:28:32 pm

((Psst I have a healsuit))

Wake up, dammit.  GTFO with vial.

((Lucky.))

You regain consciousness.
Most of your right side has been melted by fire. It is lightly bleeding.
Your lower left leg has a hole in it. It is bleeding moderately.
Most of your skin is bruised and aching.
You are in great pain. Your blood loss is starting to cause you problems.

Despite all the above, you manage to slowly get on your feet.
You check your pockets. The vial isn't there.

You look around. There is what looks like a bent and broken giant hamster wheel. And besides it, Alan, lying face down in a pool of blood.
You don't bother with thinking about what happened and just slowly walk there. You kneel beside him. He isn't moving. A search of his pockets gives you the vial.

You get up again. You notice something you hadn't before. There is screaming and groaning coming from behind you. You don't bother looking at what's happening. You can't spare the energy or the willpower.

You continue moving towards the exit as your vision gets blurrier. You continue moving as things impact the plastic floor around you. You continue moving, even as it gets harder to walk. You continue moving until you reach the door.

It takes time for your eyes to adjust to the dim light of the hallway. It takes time for you to register the blurry form of a man in a security guard uniform running towards you.

---

Quote from: scapheap on December 28, 2013, 05:18:33 pm

try messing with the cube againTo the hallway.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2013, 04:54:17 am

"Have to say, that went surprisingly well! I'm not even dead or anything. Thanks, lady. You've done me a solid favor today. Really, I appreciate it. Sorry for going all crazy on you there."

Don't mess with this stuff. It clearly means me and everyone else here harm. Get back to where we're supposed to be.

"So, Mission Control! Where are we supposed to go now again?"

"Go join the others near the elevator. And don't scare me like that again."
You make it halfway to the hallway Irene and Zechariah are in.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 28, 2013, 05:48:57 pm

No, no, they can't lose also, Zechariah thought.

"Jordan, please go help them in any way possible. Please."

Come on, willpower! I need you now!

Keep bringing the ceiling down.

Your concentration wanes, your efforts slowed. Still, you make progress. Just one more pull and you'll bring it down, you just have to-

Quote from: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 08:26:14 pm

Without leaving my position, make the elevator shaft into a Touhou Game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unRPhNH-YWo)
If Zech manages to bring the roof down and form an effective barrier, then go with him to the aid of the John and Alan

((I should point out that you have fire control, not fire awareness. You don't know where fire is in relation to everything around it. So you can imagine where it is like you can imagine moving your hand. But like a numb arm, you can't feel it very well when it hits a wall.))
Is Irene crazy? A pyromaniac that wants to fill the world with fire, watch everything burn? Is she just a pessimist, that thinks that what can go wrong, will go wrong? Is she maybe just the right amount of paranoid? Are you paranoid when you're right? Is she just preparing for the next attack and she got lucky? Is she maybe just smart enough to prepare for the worst? Or maybe she has enough knowledge of statistics to know that someone ought to have survived her first attack? Who knows? Who cares? The point is, her attack is rewarded by sounds of alarm and pain. Looks like some of the people in the shaft survived and all of you failed to hear them.

Her attack is immediately followed by the sound of gunfire. Zechariah expertly dodges behind a thick looking box while maintaining his efforts to collapse the ceiling. Irene is protected from the bullets by her cover and small size, although she hears a few rounds hitting dangerously close to her.

Thankfully, the ceiling falls before the soldiers can bring heavier weapons to bear. The smoke obscures the ceiling, the only things visible being Irene's wall and Zach's tendrils of light. They only hear the creaking noise of bending metal, the sound of rocks grinding together and the sound of concrete hitting concrete. Zach's tendrils and Irene's wall disappear, crushed by an immense weight. The collapse is followed by a blast of wind, smoke, ash and dust that hits our Players but doesn't injure severely, unless chocking them counts. A special commendation should be made to Soviet engineering, for the ventilation system is still working, clearing the foul air and sparing you from much chocking.

Looks like you're safe from pursuit for the time being. What do you do?

---

Quote from: Fniff on December 28, 2013, 08:16:16 pm

"I'll get to it, I'll try my best!"
Run to John and Alan. Look for the vial. If I can retrieve it, get it. Put rescuing them on the bottom priority: if it is worth the time, I am not putting myself in immediate danger by doing it, and if I can expend the effort, do rescue them. Otherwise, leave them to their fates.

You continue running.

You make it to the dark hallway John is in. You can see him, stumbling forward due to his injury and blood loss.

I don't know how this rates in your priorities. Do you want to try and help him or do you want to just take the vial and go?
On one hand, you're in a hurry and he's not in a very good shape. He'll slow you down, he isn't very useful in this state and he's very likely to die. On the other hand, his power is very versatile and the others probably won't look kindly to you leaving him behind. Maybe if you made it look like an accident?

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 28, 2013, 07:50:06 pm

"Thanks..."
Angel sighs.
"I'm just...I've k-k...a lot of people just died. Because of me. And..." Angel doesn't finish the sentence.

"Not because of you. Bad things would have happened either way.
I get sad about that too. But D. always says I shouldn't. He says that bad things happen all the time and that we shouldn't worry about what we can't change. It feels bad, but he's older and wiser, so he must be right."
*sigh*
"I would take you to see him, he always manages to cheer me up. But he's busy helping them in there. Wanna play a game instead? Or do you just want to watch the others play?"

((Oh, since you're back in the staging area, you can no longer talk to others. You can only watch them.))

---

Quote from: Alarith

<character>

You wake up.

You can see a ceiling made of black and white marble squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern above you.
You can feel a soft bed below you and a warm blanket above you.

Somewhere further away, you can hear a piano (http://youtu.be/vCYk9CRx0g8) being played.

((This is just some RP. Feel free to skip that if you're more interested in competing than RP.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 09:46:02 pm

((Paranoid. I've been assuming they continued to send additional forces down the elevator shaft both during my attack and in the aftermath of it, and that I was going to need to continuously attack the area every single turn until the ceiling came down.))
Through Interface, to D: <What's happening in the elevator shaft, and how did they mangle my flamewall?>
To Zech: <Good work, lets go.>
Run to the aid of John and Alan, Bring a set of five flame orbs with me, standard rotating pattern.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 09:50:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 29, 2013, 09:27:19 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 28, 2013, 04:25:02 pm

((Whoops.))
Summon a horde of friendly hamsters to carry me away!
House pets are objects, right?

I'm sorry, but you're too unconscious and dying to do that.

He obviously wants to summon fuzzy dream-hamsters to comfort him in his last moments.

---

"Um...what kind of game?"

If it sounds fun, play. If not, or if he doesn't have any ideas, watch.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Toaster on December 29, 2013, 10:51:43 pm

Pain... ugh... can't concen...trate...

He coughs.  "Got it... help..."

Summon up a trauma kit.  Hope it has a unit of blood in there, O neg.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Alarith on December 29, 2013, 10:54:11 pm

Bryan sits up in the bed, looking around the room.  "What happened?  I was fighting, it was going poorly, and then black.  This seems far too nice for a cell.  Did someone find me and take me in?"
He looks at the ceiling.  "Hmm, looks like a chess board.  I like chess.  Only problem is when people apply it to real life and use regular people as pawns."
He contemplates the piano music.  "Nice music, I've never heard of a prison that is nice looking and has piano music.  Hope whoever is playing it is a friend."
Look around the room.  Try to use telepathy to find the mind of the piano player.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 11:40:23 pm

((Ahahaha wow. How many 1s have I even rolled through this mission? Let alone the whole game.))

Wake up. Scramble away from evil pancake flesh.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 11:44:30 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 11:40:23 pm

((Ahahaha wow. How many 1s have I even rolled through this mission? Let alone the whole game.))

((Um, this whole mission has been the whole game...))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 29, 2013, 11:50:11 pm

Follow Irine at a safe distance. Watch our backs and keep my staff ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Tiruin on December 30, 2013, 01:22:21 am

((Is it funny that I nearly picked "Stop making stupid polls and get back to work! *sound of whip*"? Because that's what I'd pick because this RTD is O'some. :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 30, 2013, 07:58:19 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 09:46:02 pm

Through Interface, to D: <What's happening in the elevator shaft, and how did they mangle my flamewall?>

((Wasn't your wall under the collapsing ceiling? Granted, it wasn't completely destroyed by the falling debris and the dust and the wind, but a large part of it was.))

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 11:40:23 pm

((Ahahaha wow. How many 1s have I even rolled through this mission? Let alone the whole game.))

((Too many.
This is a Xantalos' rolls. It is encircled with bands of 1s and 2s. It menaces with spikes of Fail and Danger. On it is an image of Xantalos, Probability and Statistics. The Xantalos is making a plaintive gesture. The Probability is melting. The Statistics is weeping. The artwork relates to the unlucky rolling streak of Xantalos during the first mission of Special People.
Broke any mirrors lately?))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 11:44:30 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 11:40:23 pm

((Ahahaha wow. How many 1s have I even rolled through this mission? Let alone the whole game.))

((Um, this whole mission has been the whole game...))

((He also rolled low in the initial character creation roll and the only time he tried using his power in the Staging Area, so he IS technically rolling badly for the entire game, even before the first mission.))

Quote from: Tiruin on December 30, 2013, 01:22:21 am

((Is it funny that I nearly picked "Stop making stupid polls and get back to work! *sound of whip*"? Because that's what I'd pick because this RTD is O'some. :P))

((It was my second choice. And thank you. :)
I've got you in the player list in the first post, you are free to play whenever you want, just give me a character.))

---

Hey! Everyone! Listen!
((I have everyone's appearance and entity in the first post, if you haven't noticed.
I also added some of the maps I have thought of that don't depend on the success of this mission in the game types section.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 08:02:36 am

((First flamewall. the one in the shaft itself. it got trashed in the turn right after the door breach by... I'm guessing fire extinguishing foam? apparently they had a stock of it ready for me and D never thought to mention it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 30, 2013, 08:11:38 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 08:02:36 am

((First flamewall. the one in the shaft itself. it got trashed in the turn right after the door breach by... I'm guessing fire extinguishing foam? apparently they had a stock of it ready for me and D never thought to mention it.))

((Wouldn't it make sense to have fire extinguishers/firefighters lying around? You had set the boxes near the elevator in the ground floor on fire. They would have to extinguish those before getting to the elevator itself. EDIT: Anyway, D. will answer that in the turn.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Toaster on December 30, 2013, 10:58:23 am

((You know, I had about forgotten I had an entity.  Is it the same one that has been telling about objective updates and imminent desynchs?))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 30, 2013, 11:30:56 am

Quote from: Toaster on December 30, 2013, 10:58:23 am

((You know, I had about forgotten I had an entity.  Is it the same one that has been telling about objective updates and imminent desynchs?))

((Yep. Your entity is also the referee, game system caretaker and mission control (or one of the guys who do that stuff, anyway). A good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
He isn't very talkative, is he?))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Toaster on December 30, 2013, 01:17:01 pm

((He really isn't, though one could argue he has a vested interest in being impartial, given he has such a responsibility.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 06:34:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

((?? You're physically talking and are only about halfway to the hallway Irine is leaving in the opposite direction from you. I don't think I can hear you.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 06:55:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 06:34:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

((?? You're physically talking and are only about halfway to the hallway Irine is leaving in the opposite direction from you. I don't think I can hear you.))

((Didn't we have an interface or something? We can communicate remotely, yes?))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Xantalos on December 30, 2013, 07:10:23 pm

((Waitwaitwait - what are these entity things?
Alan's been so incompetent he never actually noticed them and I don't actually know what they are as a consequence.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on December 30, 2013, 08:45:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 06:55:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 06:34:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

((?? You're physically talking and are only about halfway to the hallway Irine is leaving in the opposite direction from you. I don't think I can hear you.))

((Didn't we have an interface or something? We can communicate remotely, yes?))

((And that's represented with <>.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 30, 2013, 09:00:26 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 30, 2013, 08:45:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 06:55:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 06:34:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

((?? You're physically talking and are only about halfway to the hallway Irine is leaving in the opposite direction from you. I don't think I can hear you.))

((Didn't we have an interface or something? We can communicate remotely, yes?))

((And that's represented with <>.))

((Well, you started using that yourselves. You can't blame him for not using it.
Although I find the <> thing helpful.

Turn is written, just waiting for Fniff.))

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 09:03:45 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 06:55:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 30, 2013, 06:34:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

((?? You're physically talking and are only about halfway to the hallway Irine is leaving in the opposite direction from you. I don't think I can hear you.))

((Didn't we have an interface or something? We can communicate remotely, yes?))

((Fair enough, it's just a little confusing telling what is spoken and what is telepathy if you aren't specifically noteing which is which, hence why I have been replacing "" with <> for telepathic messages))
Through interface, to Ike: <Could you check out the rubble in the elevator hallway? We don't want our pursuers breaking through before we get down another floor.>

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 31, 2013, 08:41:04 am

((Ah, I see. I wasn't really paying that much attention to your interpersonal communiques, given that I wasn't part of them, so that quirk slipped by me. I know what it means now, though.))

To Irene: <Sure thing!>

Check out the rubble in the elevator hallway stealthily. How rubbly does it look? Rubbly enough to withstand many assaults?

Title: Re: Special People: Xantalos' curse
Post by: Fniff on January 01, 2014, 04:19:52 pm

Push John in the direction of safety, then continue on my way.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2014, 09:31:28 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 29, 2013, 09:46:02 pm

((Paranoid. I've been assuming they continued to send additional forces down the elevator shaft both during my attack and in the aftermath of it, and that I was going to need to continuously attack the area every single turn until the ceiling came down.))
Through Interface, to D: <What's happening in the elevator shaft, and how did they mangle my flamewall?>
To Zech: <Good work, lets go.>
Run to the aid of John and Alan, Bring a set of five flame orbs with me, standard rotating pattern.

The entity replies to Zech's earpiece: "How should I know what's going on in the shaft? Tell Fluffy Inferno I have no working cameras in the elevator shaft and I can only see an extension of what you see through supernatural means for convenience's sake.
As for her wall, the ceiling collapsed. Flame was crushed by rocks, hit by a shock-wave, pelted by dust and debris. Where's the snag?"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 29, 2013, 11:50:11 pm

Follow Irine at a safe distance. Watch our backs and keep my staff ready.

You start running towards the John in the Biolabs.
You make it past the elevator and decontamination.
You're at the security office when you see Jordan coming from the opposite direction.

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 01, 2014, 04:19:52 pm

Push John in the direction of safety, then continue on my way.

You take the vial from John, give him a nice shove and start running back towards the elevator.

You make it to the security room, just as Irene and Zechariah are entering it from the other side.

Quote from: Toaster on December 29, 2013, 10:51:43 pm

Pain... ugh... can't concen...trate...

He coughs. "Got it... help..."

Summon up a trauma kit.  Hope it has a unit of blood in there, O neg.

You are very rudely shoved forward by Jordan after he takes the vial from you and leaves you behind.
You use whatever strength and concentration you have left to try and summon something that can help you.
[Power->1-1(blood loss and pain)
Or not.
[Endurance->1
Uh oh.
You feel like your blood is boiling, like you're pierced with a thousand white hot needless. Suddenly, there's a sharp pain near your chest and then only nothingness.
Desynchronized, attempting to reconnect...

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2013, 11:40:23 pm

((Ahahaha wow. How many 1s have I even rolled through this mission? Let alone the whole game.))

Wake up. Scramble away from evil pancake flesh.

Your ribs are through your lungs. I've heard about miraculous recoveries, but I don't think this is gonna be one of those times.
Besides, you already dodged death once this mission. There's always the next one.
Desynchronized, attempting to reconnect...

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 30, 2013, 05:24:59 pm

To Irene: "Support coming in hot here, need any help?"

Cautiously follow Irene.

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Follow BigEars.

You make it to the hallway Irene was in. It's filled with dust and smoke. You can go call the other elevator so we can get off this infernal level or you can go follow Irene. Or you can go looking around hoping you find something useful. What do you do?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 31, 2013, 08:41:04 am

To Irene: <Sure thing!>

Check out the rubble in the elevator hallway stealthily. How rubbly does it look? Rubbly enough to withstand many assaults?

The dust and smoke is still settling and some of the boxes are still burning, so it's a bit hard to judge the state of the rubble by conventional means. Your sensitive nose isn't very happy about all those contaminants. Luckily, you have your ears.
From passive sensing you get the sound of clogged vents straining to process the foul air and broken fire extinguishing pipes releasing their pressurized contents in the rubble. You think you hear something in or behind the rubble but that might just be the rubble settling.
From active sensing, you get the image of a good wall of rubble. You're no engineer, but you guess it's rubbly enough to hold long enough for you to do your business.
You think you can sense a small gap near the top of the rubble that could lead to the other side. Or it could just be a really deep hole. Either way, nothing larger than a child or dog could squeeze through there, so it's probably nothing to worry about. Might provide a point of easier entry for the soldiers later though, if they find it and manage to widen it without causing further collapses or resettling of the rubble.

---

Quote from: Alarith on December 29, 2013, 10:54:11 pm

Bryan sits up in the bed, looking around the room.  "What happened?  I was fighting, it was going poorly, and then black.  This seems far too nice for a cell.  Did someone find me and take me in?"
He looks at the ceiling.  "Hmm, looks like a chess board.  I like chess.  Only problem is when people apply it to real life and use regular people as pawns."
He contemplates the piano music.  "Nice music, I've never heard of a prison that is nice looking and has piano music.  Hope whoever is playing it is a friend."
Look around the room.  Try to use telepathy to find the mind of the piano player.

The room you're in is very lavish and yet very cold (both literally and figuratively).
You're in a bed, under thick blankets.
The room is illuminated with cold bright light from lamps in the walls and a chandelier in the ceiling. The light coming from all directions makes the objects in the room look like they have no shadow.
The room looks empty. There's only a chair, a closet, a chest of drawers with a mirror mounted on it, a nightstand and a window hidden behind black and white drapes.
There are two double doors leading out of this room, one on your left and one on your right.
Everything in this room is colored black or white, except for the frame of the wooden bed you're on, which retains its natural brown. Not very kind to the eye.
((Yay for overcomplicated descriptions that are unlikely to be useful to anybody!))
The music comes from behind the double doors on your right. You cast your thoughts outwards, towards the doors, trying to locate the piano player. You think you can touch another mind in there.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on December 29, 2013, 09:50:18 pm

"Um...what kind of game?"

If it sounds fun, play. If not, or if he doesn't have any ideas, watch.

((GWG, I've been meaning to ask you, is there any reason you don't close your bbcode tags? I don't mind, I'm just curious.))
And it's not like I close them every time I quote you like I have an OCD or something. Nope. No sir, not at all.
"Oh, I don't know. What do you usually play?
I can start a boardgame. Know any good ones? Or I can start a combat simulation, those are fun, if a bit- Oh, I know, I can make a few spaceships and we can slingshot around a binary^2 star system. We'll get some solar sails and everything. And then we can go meet some space pirate robots! I've got it all in simulation 1037419."

So any of the above sounds fun? Or do you want to watch as Alan gets consumed by a flesh forest and John slowly bleeds to death gets killed by his power misfiring?

---

Everyone alive in the mission
"Player 5 desynchronized. Player 8 desynchronized."
"Goodbye you poor crazy unlucky bastards. You were fun guys, a good pair."
"Paired even in death, it seems, he he he..."

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 09:35:11 pm

<AAHWHOJUSTTALKED>

Vomit panicked gibberish over everyone's minds.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2014, 09:46:22 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 09:35:11 pm

<AAHWHOJUSTTALKED>

Vomit panicked gibberish over everyone's minds.

You invent telepathic postmortem spam. Your teammates will surely appreciate that.
Telepathic identification already provided. Refine query.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 09:47:14 pm

<...WHO YOU>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2014, 10:02:29 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 09:47:14 pm

<...WHO YOU>

... Please stand by ...
Is this a request for a means of verbal identification for this unit?

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 10:03:59 pm

<YEAH SURE>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2014, 10:56:39 pm

"Dammit!" Zechariah slams his fist on the side of the wall. He breathes in and out heavily. Two more of their group have now lost the first match. If he had been more decisive in his movements, he might have been able to do something about it.

Interface, Irine: <Drake says that he has no visual on the elevator, and that the firewall was extinguished by the collapsing of the ceiling.>

Interface, Drake: <Any remaining objectives we need to finish before we get out of here?>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Alarith on January 01, 2014, 11:38:52 pm

"Hmm, so many things to check.  Also good to know that there is someone playing a piano, not just a recording."
Get out of the bed, check inside all the things (nightstand, closet etc.) that might have objects in them, then look out the window.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Toaster on January 02, 2014, 01:20:17 am

<<Ugh... hello?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 02, 2014, 01:22:12 am

<OH HEY
THAT GUY
HEY GUY>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 02, 2014, 04:30:33 am

To Irene through interface: <Foxy Lady, this is Big-Ears, the rubble looks good aside from a small gap - could make for a good entry point for various no-good varmints, if they were either using explosives or the size of children. In any case, I'm going to try and catch up with you right now.>

Catch up with Irene and the gang.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 02, 2014, 04:33:14 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2014, 10:56:39 pm

"Dammit!" Zechariah slams his fist on the side of the wall. He breathes in and out heavily. Two more of their group have now lost the first match. If he had been more decisive in his movements, he might have been able to do something about it.

To Zech: <Calm yourself. Forge your anger and frustration into a lethal blade, silent and efficient. Your pain is your weapon, wield it. Don't let it wield you.>
To Jordan: <Do you have the objective?>
Move with Jordan.
Through interface, to Big-Ears: <Don't bother, We're going to be coming to you soon. Could you please call the elevator to save time?>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 02, 2014, 04:35:04 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2014, 04:33:14 am

Through interface, to Big-Ears: <Don't bother, We're going to be coming to you soon. Could you please call the elevator to save time?>

To Irene, through interface: <Sure, that works.>

Call the elevator. Don't actually try to catch up with Irene. Watch out for interlopers.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 03, 2014, 12:02:51 am

((Why don't I close bbcode? Eh. Partly it's from a game I was in where every fraction of a second counted due to truly absurd numbers of ninja, partly it's a personal flair, partly it's a bit quicker/easier.))

Angel sighs. "No, none of that sounds like a lot of fun right now actually...maybe I should just watch the others. See how they're doing."
See the mission. Figure out what all happened since I died.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 03, 2014, 07:34:13 am

"Yeah, got the objective. Let's get out of here." Jordan adjusted his collar, then took out his gun.
Proceed with caution.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2014, 03:58:52 pm

Everybody alive on mission (scapheap, Fniff, Lenglon, Harry Baldman, DAF)
Let's assume you all enter the elevator, and start going down to the next level for brevity's sake. Unless there are any objections or things you want to say or do?
You'll reach the next level next turn, unless there are objections.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2014, 10:56:39 pm

"Dammit!" Zechariah slams his fist on the side of the wall. He breathes in and out heavily. Two more of their group have now lost the first match. If he had been more decisive in his movements, he might have been able to do something about it.

Interface, Irine: <Drake says that he has no visual on the elevator, and that the firewall was extinguished by the collapsing of the ceiling.>

Interface, Drake: <Any remaining objectives we need to finish before we get out of here?>

"All clear. You can go down when ready."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2014, 04:33:14 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2014, 10:56:39 pm

"Dammit!" Zechariah slams his fist on the side of the wall. He breathes in and out heavily. Two more of their group have now lost the first match. If he had been more decisive in his movements, he might have been able to do something about it.

To Zech: <Calm yourself. Forge your anger and frustration into a lethal blade, silent and efficient. Your pain is your weapon, wield it. Don't let it wield you.>
To Jordan: <Do you have the objective?>
Move with Jordan.
Through interface, to Big-Ears: <Don't bother, We're going to be coming to you soon. Could you please call the elevator to save time?>

You move after giving some mildly disturbing words of encouragement.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 02, 2014, 04:35:04 am

To Irene, through interface: <Sure, that works.>

Call the elevator. Don't actually try to catch up with Irene. Watch out for interlopers.

You keep an ear and a nose out for enemies. You hear nothing of interest. The elevator arrives quickly and its doors open revealing an elevator platform identical to the first one you used.

Quote from: Fniff on January 03, 2014, 07:34:13 am

"Yeah, got the objective. Let's get out of here." Jordan adjusted his collar, then took out his gun.
Proceed with caution.

You try to look like a badass and enter the elevator. Two slots open on the sides of the device, similar in size to the objects you're carrying.

---

Toaster & Xantalos

Quote from: Toaster on January 02, 2014, 01:20:17 am

<<Ugh... hello?>>

Acknowledged. RTT: 431 ms
((You two can hear each other and any telepathic communication the others direct at you. The others can also hear you until you return to the Staging Area.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2014, 10:02:29 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 09:47:14 pm

<...WHO YOU>

... Please stand by ...
Is this a request for a means of verbal identification for this unit?

Quote from: Xantalos on January 01, 2014, 10:03:59 pm

<YEAH SURE>

((You two can hear each other and any telepathic communication the others direct at you. The others can also hear you until you return to the Staging Area.))
... Please stand by ...
...
... Please stand by ...
...
... Please stand by ...
...
Why don't you just-
Nonononononono.
... Please stand by ...
Wouldn't it be easier to-
Ssshhhhh.
... Please stand by ...
I don't understand why-
Curious.
... Please stand by ...
This unit was formerly designated as "S-Zero".
"S-Zero" is an acceptable means of verbal identification.
Submissions for other means of verbal identification are acceptable for consideration.
THAT'S what took you so long‽!
The current conversation has not been deemed worthy of greater resource allocation.
...Was that an insult?
Burned! ... I think?

---

Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on January 01, 2014, 11:38:52 pm

"Hmm, so many things to check.  Also good to know that there is someone playing a piano, not just a recording."
Get out of the bed, check inside all the things (nightstand, closet etc.) that might have objects in them, then look out the window.

The nightstand contains sewing supplies, rolls of high quality black and white thread and small unlabeled clear glass vials containing liquids in various states of opaqueness, from clear to something that looks like liquid ice. Hmmmm.....

The drawers and the closet contain clothing, from dresses and suits to underwear. Some of them seem a bit outdated, like stuff European nobles would wear a few hundred years ago. Other than that and the fact that they keep up with the expensive-black-and-white-stuff motif, there's nothing special about it.

Examining the window proves a bit more interesting.
Behind the drapes lies nothing. And when I say nothing, I don't mean "nothing of importance", I mean there's literally nothing you can see. There's so much darkness one would be justified to think that the window has been painted black. The only indication that the window has NOT in fact been painted black are a few motes of dust floating outside that become visible when they reflect the bright light coming from the room.

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 03, 2014, 12:02:51 am

((Why don't I close bbcode? Eh. Partly it's from a game I was in where every fraction of a second counted due to truly absurd numbers of ninja, partly it's a personal flair, partly it's a bit quicker/easier.))

Angel sighs. "No, none of that sounds like a lot of fun right now actually...maybe I should just watch the others. See how they're doing."
See the mission. Figure out what all happened since I died.

((Understood.))
"Oh..." the entity sounds sadder for a second. And only for a second, since he returns to his excited happiness a second later. "OK! I guess we'll just watch the others!"
You instinctively grab the remote and start playing with the buttons, trying to see how this watching thing works. You play a bit with the volume controls. Seem fairly standard, you just-
You notice John on the screen. He falls backwards and spasms before his chest and head disappear in an explosion of blood, as various mechanical parts fly out of them like buckshot.
Horrified, you instinctively change the channel.
The screen now displays Irene from behind. Pushing a button labeled perspective allows you to watch Irene from other positions, such as "Through their eyes" and "Cinematic". There are also such useful buttons as "Channel List" (which displays the names of all the players, with those that have died grayed out, as well as various groupings of players), "Audio", "Subtitles", "Teletext" (which displays various bits of information and statistics) and other buttons one would expect to find in a remote.
By flipping through the channels you come to the conclusion that after you died the elevator hallway was somehow collapsed, John and Alan died and everybody else managed to finish this floor's objectives with some injuries to go.
As you continue flipping through the channels, you get to John's and Alan's group channel, where you hear the entities talking to each other. Interestingly, your entity can be heard talking in the television.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 04, 2014, 05:51:22 pm

Proceed with the rest of the group to the exit.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2014, 05:52:57 pm

Reach that level, yeah! Reach it like we really mean it!

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Alarith on January 04, 2014, 05:55:09 pm

"Something is wrong here,"  Bryan thought.  "Still, not much to do but go with it."
Change into the best fitting suit, check what is behind the door the piano music isn't coming from.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 04, 2014, 06:03:54 pm

<WHAT'S HAPPENING WHY DON'T I HAVE A BODY GODDAMN IT I WAS GROWING MY TOENAILS IN A VERY SPECIFIC MANNER>

Flail around, trying to find the Staging Area thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 04, 2014, 06:13:30 pm

Angel sighs. "Great. I bet if I hadn't died, I could have helped them..."

Continue being all sad and depressed. Depressad, which is the most morose portmateau I've ever seen. Also watch the mission and try out the buttons.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2014, 10:33:53 pm

With group, with a set of flame orbs, down the elevator.

If Jordan doesn't put the items in the device, remind him to do so through the interface on a team-wide band.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Toaster on January 04, 2014, 10:38:47 pm

John sighed, or at least attempted to.  He felt... disconnected.

<<Are you a computer or something?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2014, 02:35:57 pm

((Sorry for the delay. One of my professors got mad with power. Taking care of that problem took most of my time.))

---

Everybody alive on mission (scapheap, Fniff, Lenglon, Harry Baldman, DAF)

Quote from: Lenglon on January 04, 2014, 10:33:53 pm

With group, with a set of flame orbs, down the elevator.

If Jordan doesn't put the items in the device, remind him to do so through the interface on a team-wide band.

Group: Followed!
Flame orbs: Got!
Elevator: Down!

And let's assume for convenience's sake that Jordan put those things in the Device and the Device got what it wanted from them (from the container a small black thing that looks like a dark pearl surrounded by smooth clear glass and the green liquid from the vial). It then spit the things it didn't need and closed up, as if the holes were never there.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 04, 2014, 05:51:22 pm

Proceed with the rest of the group to the exit.

Proceeding...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2014, 05:52:57 pm

Reach that level, yeah! Reach it like we really mean it!

You reach that level like it has never been reached before.

The elevator doors open revealing a dark room, illuminated only by a couple of spotlights and screens.
In the center of the room lies an egg-like structure made of a dark material, suspended from the concrete ceiling by thick metal beams. Wires twist around the egg and and the beams that hold it like vines and disappear into the concrete ceiling.
The egg is surrounded by a metal platform that is also suspended from the ceiling. A thin metal bridge, barely large enough to hold 3 people at once, connects the platform with the elevator. The metal has begun showing sings of rust in places.
A bit above and behind the egg is a small room, it's walls glowing faintly glowing green from the light of the two computer screens it can hold.
Below there is only darkness.
It is very hot and humid in here. There are small pools of water on the floor, with more water drops coming in from the ceiling, where the cool concrete lowers their temperature and causes them to condense.
You can hear a faint thumping sound, like the sound of a heart beating very slowly.
"Ah, excellent! A Pulse Reactor! This will be over quicker than I thought. Just plug the device in it for a few seconds and we're good to go. The instructions I got also say to disable it, so you might want to get one of you into the control room."

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img62/1474/rtzj.png)
Orange is where you plug in the device.
Brown is the control room.
The green square is a ladder.
The blue things are various machines and electronics.

---

Xantalos & Toaster

Quote from: Xantalos on January 04, 2014, 06:03:54 pm

<WHAT'S HAPPENING WHY DON'T I HAVE A BODY GODDAMN IT I WAS GROWING MY TOENAILS IN A VERY SPECIFIC MANNER>

Flail around, trying to find the Staging Area thing.

Silly human, weren't you shown?
The body you had you had was not your own.
It was to you for brief time sown.
Might even call it a cheap loan.

But let me make this one thing known,
when in strange bodies your soul gets flown,
The body changes for that brief time,
just like I changed this silly rhyme.

You discover that trying to flail when you have no body is hard. So you do your best to imagine you're flailing.

Host body deemed unrecoverable. Reconnecting with staging area...

Quote from: Toaster on January 04, 2014, 10:38:47 pm

John sighed, or at least attempted to.  He felt... disconnected.

<<Are you a computer or something?>>

... Unknown. Refine query.
He's as much a computer as you are.
Oh, now don't lie to our friend. You should know this better than anyone. A rose by any other name... Or in this case, an ugly cold logical-
You just... Stop talking!
... John, he doesn't just ... just talk, he ... If you want him to talk, you have to ask the right questions. Or your questions the right way.
Host body deemed unrecoverable. Reconnecting with staging area...

---

Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on January 04, 2014, 05:55:09 pm

"Something is wrong here,"  Bryan thought.  "Still, not much to do but go with it."
Change into the best fitting suit, check what is behind the door the piano music isn't coming from.

Let's suit up!

You pick one of the suits from the wardrobe and try it on. It's a combination of black jacket, black trousers, black shoes and white shirt. You get out of the  white shirt you're wearing and try it on as fast as you can, as being naked in the cold doesn't feel very comfortable.
It fits very nicely and its soft fabric feels nice against your skin. After looking at yourself in the mirror above the drawers, you come to the conclusion that you look pretty damn good. Fit for a wedding or some kind of gala organized by businessmen.
Then again, with your scar and the expensive suit, you're very likely to be mistaken for a bond villain henchman.

You approach the door on the opposite side of the piano player and open it. Immediately, you are hit by a wave of heat. On the other side of the door, you can see a large cavern with a magma pool glowing red in the middle.
In the faint red light of the magma pool you can barely notice that the rock walls are decorated with engravings of lush landscapes. There are also various tunnels leading to strange objects. A mirror, a hotel room door, a circular slide, a rock slab with intricate designs carved on it...
Near the hotel room door is a being that looks like a bird but with white bark instead of skin, branches instead of wings and leaves instead of feathers. It turns its head to look at you with one of its two eyes and opens its beak, emitting a combination of creaks and croaks that could be considered music if you were being generous.

Okay, weird stuff, check.

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 04, 2014, 06:13:30 pm

Angel sighs. "Great. I bet if I hadn't died, I could have helped them..."

Continue being all sad and depressed. Depressad, which is the most morose portmateau I've ever seen. Also watch the mission and try out the buttons.

Hey, the audio button allows you to pick a "Commentary by Morgan Freeman" option.

"Power. Adventure. Gruesome Death. The answers to the future of this mission lie... through the Elevator Doors." (http://youtu.be/u2uqMkMa0AY?t=41s)

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 06, 2014, 02:40:39 pm

YOUR RHYMES SUCK, YOU BUTT!

Childlike behavior!

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Toaster on January 06, 2014, 02:49:15 pm

<<So... basically, yes.  So think like one?

Entity, requesting your current status.  State hostname.

Help, command list?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 06, 2014, 03:05:16 pm

"I volunteer for the control room! Anybody want to join me? By the way, is the control room dangerous?"

Head to the control room if I can see it. If not, ask where it is. Take stock of surroundings with super-hearing and sense of smell.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2014, 03:16:16 pm

"I'll go."

Head to the control room also, on guard.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 06, 2014, 03:45:15 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2014, 02:35:57 pm

"Power. Adventure. Gruesome Death. The answers to the future of this mission lie... through the Elevator Doors." (http://youtu.be/u2uqMkMa0AY?t=41s)

((Do you have a version of that that the US doesn't hate?))

Keep watching. Fiddle with buttons.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 06, 2014, 04:13:06 pm

To Teammates: <Remember several armed guards went down this elevator before us. Watch for the trap.>

scatter all but one of my flame orbs into lots of tiny fires, similar to candle-flames, and send them out to illuminate the dark areas of the room, including whatever is below the platform. work slowly rather than accidentally burn things or people.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 06, 2014, 06:19:43 pm

To Teammates: <Oh, right! I forgot. Thanks, lady.>

Watch out for traps on the way!

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 06, 2014, 06:44:33 pm

"Sounds pretty bad that we have to disable right after we activate it. This isn't going to blow up right in our faces if Ike isn't too quick on the button? Ah well, whoever the poor dumbasses we're stealing the bodies of will take the consequences, since you're probably going fish us out before we go dead."
Go and plug it in. Keep an eye out for any soldiers ready to take aim and kill us, and if there are activate adrenaline and shoot them.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Alarith on January 06, 2014, 07:00:55 pm

"Well, I can think of two possible answers for this, either someone is messing with my head, or I'm not on earth."  Theodore thinks.  Not wanting to cause trouble with something he can't understand, he backs into the bed room and closes the door.  "Seems like talking to the piano player is the best option."
Grab the vials with the liquids in them.  Go out the door the piano music is coming from.  Try to see if the piano player mind is friendly.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2014, 10:18:34 pm

Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLGqaH_7NEQ&feature=share&list=PL5EC6E721358494FB&index=15)

---

Harry Baldman & DarkArtemisFowl

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 06, 2014, 03:05:16 pm

"I volunteer for the control room! Anybody want to join me? By the way, is the control room dangerous?"

Head to the control room if I can see it. If not, ask where it is. Take stock of surroundings with super-hearing and sense of smell.

"In itself? No. Not unless you find outdated computers managing space destroying devices dangerous."
The control room is the small room reachable via ladder on the other side of the room.
Your echolocation draws your attention to something that is a bit strange. There's a thin line of warped space extending from the center of mass of the generator skywards and towards the west. It looks like someone overheated that line causing light and sound to distort when passing through it.
Other than that, it's nothing of interest. Computers whirring, reactor pulsing, teammates breathing and walking, a small depression or hole in one wall, a few cracks on another wall, some bugs nesting in some dark corners, a sparking wire a couple of meters below you...
As for smells, it's still the same mix of unknown humans and stuff you've never smelt before.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2014, 03:16:16 pm

"I'll go."

Head to the control room also, on guard.

You move towards the control room, the brown thing on the map. You're about halfway there.
"Tell me one of you saw that. The-"
"First and final warning. You know what the price for breaking the rules is."
*sigh* "Fine. Wasn't important anyway."

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on January 06, 2014, 04:13:06 pm

To Teammates: <Remember several armed guards went down this elevator before us. Watch for the trap.>

scatter all but one of my flame orbs into lots of tiny fires, similar to candle-flames, and send them out to illuminate the dark areas of the room, including whatever is below the platform. work slowly rather than accidentally burn things or people.

You remain on the bridge and scatter most of your flames, better illuminating the room with their dim light. You thankfully avoid any teammate or useful equipment burning accident.
Some of your fire hisses as it touches water drops falling from the ceiling , but it's nothing you can't handle. With a little boost, your fire's volume remains unchanged.
You don't notice any guards or soldiers or scientists or invisible ninjas hiding in this room.

---

Fniff & scapheap

Quote from: Fniff on January 06, 2014, 06:44:33 pm

"Sounds pretty bad that we have to disable right after we activate it. This isn't going to blow up right in our faces if Ike isn't too quick on the button? Ah well, whoever the poor dumbasses we're stealing the bodies of will take the consequences, since you're probably going fish us out before we go dead."
Go and plug it in. Keep an eye out for any soldiers ready to take aim and kill us, and if there are activate adrenaline and shoot them.

"Eh, don't worry. Those things are usually safe. Like 95% of the time. Just because it's powered by the destruction of the space around it doesn't mean it's unsafe. We're smart. We have safeguards for that. Most of the time."

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Follow the Mercenary.

You reach the boxes the entity indicates. You're about to ask what you're supposed to do when a spike emerges from the Device and stabs one of the boxes. Okay then.

---

Xantalos

Quote from: Xantalos on January 06, 2014, 02:40:39 pm

YOUR RHYMES SUCK, YOU BUTT!

Childlike behavior!

Technically, he's just giving your translation suggestions his intentions and they create the rhyme, so it's really you that suck at making rhymes. Of course, I don't think you're-
You respond by trying to make farting noises. Unfortunately, you don't have a mouth with which to do so, so you just think about farting noises and try to push them towards the entity.
Are you actually...... _{using the Interface to try to...............} the combination of disgust and anger is cut off as your thoughts thin out and stagnate.

You wake up.
You are looking at what would best be described as a psychedelic color-changing blanket. You can feel it over your head and body. Feels spongy.

---

Toaster

Quote from: Toaster on January 06, 2014, 02:49:15 pm

<<So... basically, yes.  So think like one?

Entity, requesting your current status.  State hostname.

Help, command list?>>

NO! It's not like... that, it's....... _{not..............} is the last thing you hear before your thoughts stop.

You wake up. There is darkness and silence.
Your body gently falls on your bed/sensory deprivation chamber as it slides out of the wall and into your Personal Section of the Staging Area. It's the same as the last time you were in it. A room made of silvery metal and lit by dim cyan lights. There's also the triangular door leading to the Staging Area and that thing that looks like a combination of tablet computer and table.

"This unit is functioning normally.
This unit is already broadcasting telepathic identification signals. Did you mean: "player host name" "assign host name" "verbal identification" "numerical identification"?

Ambiguous request, refine query.
Provide a list of all 1 tredecillion 100 sextillion 11 quadrillion 100 million 10 thousand and 13 possible commands currently loaded in memory?"

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 06, 2014, 03:45:15 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2014, 02:35:57 pm

"Power. Adventure. Gruesome Death. The answers to the future of this mission lie... through the Elevator Doors." (http://youtu.be/u2uqMkMa0AY?t=41s)

((Do you have a version of that that the US doesn't hate?))

Keep watching. Fiddle with buttons.

((What, you can't see it? Eh, probably some copyright stuff or something. Anyway, this: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/ThroughTheWormhole (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/ThroughTheWormhole)))

You press the "Cartoonify" button.
A humanoid fox rubs its hands together, grins and winks. It then waves its hands around to order the fire orbs orbiting its head forward.
"The quick brown fox uses a bit of magical fla(i)re to illuminate the situation." (http://youtu.be/WreJepumQss)
The room is revealed, a large metal egg pulsing like a heart in the middle. Most of the characters are mesmerized by this, their jaws dropping. A loud voice comes from the character's earpieces, causing them to cringe and start moving. The fox stays behind, pointing at things and giving orders in simlish.
"It seems like our heroes have reached the heart of the problem. But they mustn't dawdle."
Two of the characters, a humanoid lizard and a guy with big guns and a bigger jaw dressed in camouflage approach a socket on the pulsing egg, carrying a metal brick. The guy with the guns looks at the brick and then at the socket. A cloud appears over his head and in it a drawing of a plug and a question mark. Suddenly a plug jumps out of the brick through the cloud and into the socket, causing the eyes of the guy to pop out in surprise.
"Surprise penetration always gets the blood flowing."
He jumps on the lizard's arms. The lizard looks at him for a second before dropping him. The fall emits some stars.
"Looks like this coupling caused some problems."
Meanwhile a man with comically big ears and a man dressed as a wizard with a pointy hat and carrying a staff move towards a room higher up, that can only be reached via a flimsy ladder. They're looking around wearily.
"The area looks safe, but is it really? Who knows what mysteries our intrepid adventurers will find in their adventures?"

Cartoons with Morgan Freeman narration. That's a thing.

---

Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on January 06, 2014, 07:00:55 pm

"Well, I can think of two possible answers for this, either someone is messing with my head, or I'm not on earth."  Theodore thinks.  Not wanting to cause trouble with something he can't understand, he backs into the bed room and closes the door.  "Seems like talking to the piano player is the best option."
Grab the vials with the liquids in them.  Go out the door the piano music is coming from.  Try to see if the piano player mind is friendly.

You close the door to the magma pool and make your way across the room to the doors leading to the piano player, after collecting the strange vials from the nightstand.

The room is similar to the previous one and yet warmer and more inviting in a way. Its black and white marble walls are decorated with curving patterns instead of right angles and it is lit by a fireplace and candles instead of the blinding lamps of the previous room. There's also a wooden Partners desk and chair and a two black leather armchairs facing the fireplace. And then there's a grand piano made of wood painted black, the one the piano player is playing on, with their back turned on you.

From the piano player's figure you judge that she is female, with long straight black hair and pale white skin. She's wearing a black dress that reveals her shoulders. Her body (at least the parts that you can see) look perfect, like the body of a statue. Perhaps a bit too perfect.

She continues playing after you open the door, either oblivious or uncaring of your presence.
You focus your thoughts on her mind. You try to gently touch her mind, so as to not give away what you're doing. From the contact and surface thoughts you momentarily gain access to, you deduce that she is completely focused on her playing and the enjoyment that causes her. It reminds you of some mind protection techniques that focus on repetition and emptying your mind. You're not going to get anything like that. Do you want to try a more invasive form of mind reading? Or something simpler like "Hello"? Or maybe just do nothing and listen to the music?

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2014, 10:29:00 pm

So these entities are on the same level as Eido, Zechariah noted. That helps entirely.

Proceed to the control room. Keep my wits about me.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Alarith on January 06, 2014, 10:54:46 pm

Bryan stands for a second, considering his options.  He didn't like intruding in people's minds, unless they were hostile to him, or gave him their permission.  If the woman was indeed focused on her playing, then Bryan had no desire to disturb her.
Quietly turn a chair to face the piano, sit in it, and watch and listen to the piano.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 06, 2014, 11:51:07 pm

Somehow, Angel's worries slipped away. Must be the Morgan Freeman narration. Or maybe the fact that she's too distracted by the silliness to dwell on the deaths she caused.

Continue playing with buttons while watching.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 06, 2014, 11:53:12 pm

((Am I aware of the sparking wire or the distortion in space?))

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2014, 03:16:32 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 06, 2014, 11:53:12 pm

((Am I aware of the sparking wire or the distortion in space?))

((The wire is below the floor near the generator, so you can't see it. It's a bit hard to look under the floor with your Fox form. It would be a dex roll.

The space distortion is a faint effect and your eyesight isn't the best but you could see it if you went closer to the generator or if you brought one of your flames closer to it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2014, 04:04:35 am

To teammates: <I spy with my giant ears a line of superheated air! It's extending from the generator skyward and to the west - be careful, y'all!>

Carefully step and climb to the control room - watch out for traps of insidiousness!

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2014, 07:04:16 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2014, 04:04:35 am

To teammates: <I spy with my giant ears a line of superheated air! It's extending from the generator skyward and to the west - be careful, y'all!>

Carefully step and climb to the control room - watch out for traps of insidiousness!

When you send another sonar ping out, you're surprised to see hear that the hole in the wall has moved towards the left.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2014, 07:27:35 am

To teammates: <Guys? There's a hole in the wall, and it is moving. A bit strange, don't you think?>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 07, 2014, 08:18:52 am

...
recall my flames, use them to transition from full-fox form to hybrid form.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Toaster on January 07, 2014, 09:39:42 am

That's a lot of commands.

<<Hmm... requesting verbal identification.

And no, don't list all commands.  Just... list top five by usage?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 07, 2014, 10:12:11 am

"Sure it's not an electric ghost or something, Ike?"

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2014, 10:30:06 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 07, 2014, 10:12:11 am

"Sure it's not an electric ghost or something, Ike?"

To Jordan: <I can hear it! That means it's probably not an illusion, and probably not a ghost, either. Ghosts are notoriously inaudible under most circumstances. Unless they're chucking furniture around, of course.>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 07, 2014, 10:41:23 am

"I meant, are you sure it's not just some freaky magical-nuclear activity that's just throwing you off? I mean, I imagine it's kinda weird being near a nuclear reactor with enhanced senses."

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2014, 10:54:12 am

To Jordan: <Possible, I suppose. But do you want to risk it on the off-chance that it isn't? After all, those guards had to go somewhere and do something, no?>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2014, 09:18:04 am

((Turn coming tonight. People who haven't posted an action, try to post an action. Harry, are you going to do anything different about the fact that you have a moving hole in your sonar or are you gonna keep moving?))

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 08, 2014, 09:31:32 am

"Guess you're right... Point it out."
Point gun at where Ike points.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 08, 2014, 09:40:38 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 08, 2014, 09:31:32 am

"Guess you're right... Point it out."
Point gun at where Ike points.

Point at where I perceive the moving hole to be - once Jordan's got a bead on the area, keep moving.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2014, 08:29:18 pm

((Short turn due to stuff happening.))

---

DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2014, 10:29:00 pm

So these entities are on the same level as Eido, Zechariah noted. That helps entirely.

Proceed to the control room. Keep my wits about me.

You continue moving towards the control room. You make it to the ladder and start climbing it.

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on January 07, 2014, 08:18:52 am

...
recall my flames, use them to transition from full-fox form to hybrid form.

Your flames return to you.
You focus on changing forms, trying to avoid thinking about what happened last time.
Your skin turns to liquid fire, this time a faint blue instead of a bright red. Even with your flames and the hotness of the air to supply energy, some of the humidity around you turns to tiny ice crystals that slowly fall to the ground.
The transformation is still painful but better than last time. You can feel as if every part of your body is being pulled, as if your bones are broken and your skin is torn and then rebuilt 5 times per second. It takes less than 20 seconds, but to you it feels much longer.
It ends with you lying on the elevator platform in a thin covering of ice, feeling very sick. You tried remaining in control of your flames during your transformation but it was too much for you to properly concentrate. Some of your flames have set fire to the few boxes remaining in the elevator platform while others have completely dissipated.

---

scapheap

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Watch as the device charges, mesmerized.

Oooohhh... Pretty lights jumping into the brick...

---

Fniff & Harry Baldman

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 08, 2014, 09:40:38 am

Point at where I perceive the moving hole to be - once Jordan's got a bead on the area, keep moving.

Quote from: Fniff on January 08, 2014, 09:31:32 am

"Guess you're right... Point it out."
Point gun at where Ike points.

Ike stops walking and turns to look a bit to his left, where he sensed the hole in the wall, while he waits for Jordan to come. It's hard to see in the faint light of the room but he's certain he can't see a hole there. But he's also certain he can hear one. Ike sends another ping. It confirms the hole is there. It hasn't moved since the last ping.

Meanwhile, Jordan has traveled around the reactor and has a sight of both Ike and the portion of the east wall where Ike senses the hole. Ike points to it and Jordan raises his silenced pistol to take aim at what appears to be a perfectly normal wall.

Ike starts walking again and sends out another sonar pulse to confirm the hole is still there. Hmmm... that's strange. Your ears are telling you the hole is getting bigger and moving again. Your eyes are telling you there is no hole. Another ping. Even stranger. Now it sounds like parts of the floor and railing of the platform are deforming, being pulled towards the hole. Your eyes are still telling you everything is fine.

Jordan cannot see or hear anything of interest. Looks like BigEars is finally loosing it... Maybe touching that cube wasn't a very good idea.

---

---

Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on January 06, 2014, 10:54:46 pm

Bryan stands for a second, considering his options.  He didn't like intruding in people's minds, unless they were hostile to him, or gave him their permission.  If the woman was indeed focused on her playing, then Bryan had no desire to disturb her.
Quietly turn a chair to face the piano, sit in it, and watch and listen to the piano.

You quietly move towards one of the armchairs near the fireplace, turn it to face the piano and then sit and listen to it. The woman (you can see her beautiful yet somber face at this angle) is playing softly but with great skill. As you look at her face, her expression helps you realize something about her thoughts. There was sadness there, but it was so faint you could barely perceive it, overshadowed by her enjoyment.

She finishes the piece with a ritardando and a diminuendo, almost as if her soft playing has caused her to fall asleep. She stands there for a few seconds unmoving, her fingers still pressing the keys long after the strings have stopped vibrating. Her head is down, her pale face obscured by her long black hair.
"Thank you." she says softly. She lifts her head. "I'm sorry for my impoliteness" she continues, louder now "I should had greeted you sooner, but I got distracted. Carried away." She turns to face you. "Music, like everything, must reach its end."
She gets up and starts walking towards you. "You on the other hand Mr. Anderson are a real gentleman. Well dressed. Patient. Polite." She stops a few steps away from you and gives you a cute smile that could start and end wars. "You're making me look bad." She extends her hand to you. "Welcome."

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 06, 2014, 11:51:07 pm

Somehow, Angel's worries slipped away. Must be the Morgan Freeman narration. Or maybe the fact that she's too distracted by the silliness to dwell on the deaths she caused.

Continue playing with buttons while watching.

You press the audio button. Now Morgan Freeman is talking in Spanish. Experimentally, you turn the remote on you and press the audio button. You then try speaking.
"Uno, dos, tres... Madre de dios, estoy hablando Español!"

"So, what is it like where you come from?" the entity asks.

---

Toaster

Quote from: Toaster on January 07, 2014, 09:39:42 am

That's a lot of commands.

<<Hmm... requesting verbal identification.

And no, don't list all commands.  Just... list top five by usage?>>

" 'S-Zero' is an acceptable means of verbal identification.
Submissions for other means of verbal identification are acceptable for consideration.

Access denied. You do not have permission to view some of the commands of this unit. Restrict search parameters or refine query.

Standby for analysis of your mission performance..."

---

Tiruin / Theri

Quote from: Tiruin

<character>

You wake up.

Above you, you can see the thick canopy of a forest. The sun has recently set. What little twilight is reflected from the atmosphere and clouds can barely penetrate the thick layer of leaves and branches overhead.
Below you, you can feel a soft layer of  leaves.

You can hear the calls of nightbirds (http://youtu.be/wkGP2OP7wvc) and the rustling of leaves as they are moved by the gentle late evening wind.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Xantalos on January 08, 2014, 08:31:37 pm

Zzwha? Ah, excellent blanket.
Where am I?

Get up and trundle around.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Alarith on January 08, 2014, 09:46:41 pm

Bryan smiles, "I did not mind the wait, it was wonderful and calming to hear such a good performance."  His smile fades, "It has been a long time since I last heard something so beautiful.  My mother used to play, she probably still does, and she tried to teach me.  Once I left for the school I did not have time to practice."  His smile returns now as the memory passes, "I must admit, I have a few questions.  May I ask what your name is?  And if you don't mind, where are we?"
Almost forgot Accept handshake.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Toaster on January 08, 2014, 10:12:00 pm

<<How about just "Zero?"  Or "Sub-Zero"?  S-Zero's a bit of a hard turn of phrase.

Uh... how about top five commands that I have clearance to?

Analysis is good.  Standing by.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 03:06:13 am

shake off the ice, and sit down a couple feet away from where it collected on the ground under me, and rest with my arms and tails wrapped around my knees and my knees tight against my chest, preserving warmth.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 09, 2014, 06:59:03 am

To Jordan: <I'd advise for you to be careful - whatever's going on over there, it's deforming one of two things - space or sound. It now seems like parts of the floor and railing are moving - then again, I might be crazy. But that's not something you wanna bet on, trust me.>

Climb up to the control room.

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 09, 2014, 10:45:01 am

Disable Spanish language.

"Um...I dunno. It's home? I guess it's hard to describe without having any kind of baseline to compare it to...well, there's people, and animals, and plants and stuff. And some of the people, I think a percent or something, have these abilities. Some are from spirits and stuff, some are from inside, some...no one's sure, really. And a few are from other places. About half of them just use their powers for fun, or as part of their job, or to entertain people or something. A lot of them, maybe a fifth or a fourth, use them to commit crimes or to stop them. Maybe a tenth don't really use them at all, for whatever reason. And some...a tiny fraction set their aims bigger. A few succeeded. They generally shape the world. There aren't a lot of nations...Brittania, Muratland, Dreireich, Roma, United Iberia, and the Soviet Union in Europe; China, Japan, Korea, the Soviet Union, and some colonies in Asia; a bunch of little kingdoms and some colonies in Africa; the Revolutionary Republic, the Soviet Union, the Latin Confederacy, and some colonies in North America; the Latin Confederacy, Portugal, Plataland, some colonies, and some little nations in South America; and a bunch of colonies and independent states in the Pacific. Um. What else do you want to know?"

((That took a while to figure out.))

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 11:03:10 am

To Ike: [color-purple]<"Should I plug the objective in anyway or should we deal with this first?">[/color]

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 09, 2014, 11:06:07 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 11:03:10 am

To Ike: <"Should I plug the objective in anyway or should we deal with this first?">

To Jordan: <I don't know what there is to deal with. Just keep an eye on the area over there, and if something unusual happens, you know where exactly it's coming from.>

Title: Re: Special People: Live together, die together
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2014, 12:20:06 pm

Climb up to the control room with my guard on me.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 09, 2014, 08:46:09 pm

Music (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/537091)

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 03:06:13 am

shake off the ice, and sit down a couple feet away from where it collected on the ground under me, and rest with my arms and tails wrapped around my knees and my knees tight against my chest, preserving warmth.

You get up, shivering a bit and (after shaking off the thin covering of snow from you) stand near one of the burning boxes, trying to stay warm. With the heat of the fire and of the room itself, it doesn't take long. You've still got a minor headache but it should be over in a couple of seconds.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 09, 2014, 06:59:03 am

To Jordan: <I'd advise for you to be careful - whatever's going on over there, it's deforming one of two things - space or sound. It now seems like parts of the floor and railing are moving - then again, I might be crazy. But that's not something you wanna bet on, trust me.>

Climb up to the control room.

Quote from: Fniff: autoaction

Keep watch at invisible hole.

Quote from: scapheap: autoaction

Go help Jordan. Leave the device to finish charging.

Ike keeps moving forward, looking and listening for anything suspicious. His eyes still give him nothing. But with each sonar pulse, with each step, the hole gets bigger. It moves towards the left until it crosses to the north wall and gets very big. Its effect on the floor and railing also moves and increases until part of a nearby console is also starting to get affected. That's when it happens.

On top of a console on Ike's left, there's a white humanoid blur. It's in mid jump, heading straight for Ike. Ike falls to the ground, barely managing to avoid getting hit.
The thing lands behind Ike, slicing the railing there in half. It turns around without pause and jumps towards the control room ladder.
Jordan is too slow to react (he was aiming at the hole after all). He fires a shot the moment the thing disappears, the bullet going through the space the thing occupied with no visible effect.
Eria arrives just in time to see the white blur disappear.
"Oh, for crying out loud! It's like a submarine! I can't-"

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2014, 12:20:06 pm

Climb up to the control room with my guard on me.

You climb up to the control room. You're about to open the door to it when you hear D. shouting in everyone's ears and the thump of a silenced gunshot.
"Oh, for crying out loud! It's like a submarine! I can't-"
"Get in Mage!" he orders you.

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 08, 2014, 08:31:37 pm

Zzwha? Ah, excellent blanket.
Where am I?

Get up and trundle around.

You try to get up. In the process, the "blanket" that was around you crumbles like stale bread.
You look around. You seem to be floating in the middle of a starfield, floating amongst the remains of the color-changing "blanket".
There's the portal that leads back to the Staging Area (the Magma Pool that came as a result of Irene's suggestions) as well as some multicolored round things that resemble the thing you were in.
Finally, there are squids swimming around.

"It is where you were.
It sleeps in a bed.
No progress? No fare.
So crumbles the bread."

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 08, 2014, 09:46:41 pm

Bryan smiles, "I did not mind the wait, it was wonderful and calming to hear such a good performance."  His smile fades, "It has been a long time since I last heard something so beautiful.  My mother used to play, she probably still does, and she tried to teach me.  Once I left for the school I did not have time to practice."  His smile returns now as the memory passes, "I must admit, I have a few questions.  May I ask what your name is?  And if you don't mind, where are we?"
Almost forgot Accept handshake.

Her facial expressions mirror yours as you speak. When you finish speaking and extend your hand for a handshake, she gently holds it with hers and starts speaking again. Her hand feels very warm.
"Name? Oh, I've had many of those. Which one to choose... I guess you could call me... Kathryn. Yeah, that sounds like a good name for now."  She releases your hand and turns around, heading towards the doors you came in through, making a motion for you to follow her. "As for where we are... This is a place between the worlds. A safe place but also a prison. I've brought you here because... well, I hate to admit it, but I need your help."

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 08, 2014, 10:12:00 pm

<<How about just "Zero?"  Or "Sub-Zero"?  S-Zero's a bit of a hard turn of phrase.

Uh... how about top five commands that I have clearance to?

Analysis is good.  Standing by.>>

"Acceptable.

Send Message
Modify Area
Access Library
Create Private Area
Assist With

Analysis follows:
John, your performance was acceptable for a human of your capacity. You performed your objectives adequately, considering the allies and equipment you had available.
You performed acceptably in combat.
Your death was not entirely your fault but it was preventable. Not receiving extra credit for this mission by surviving it is regrettable and inefficient.
I suggest you try to look for your enemy's weaknesses and for alternative ways of completing objectives. In this case, cutting off the roots of the biological entity might have been enough to stop it or delay it.
I suggest you use more of your time to summon equipment. You excel at creating equipment, but this takes time. While others have a set amount of power, your power is only limited by the technology you posses. Try to cover eventualities and create powerful yet versatile equipment whenever you find the time.
Preventing self and teammate injury from use of your equipment should be a priority. Try to check any substandard equipment you create before using it, if possible.  Should your teammates succeed, we will be able to improve that aspect of yourself.
That is all. Any questions regarding this analysis?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 09, 2014, 10:45:01 am

Disable Spanish language.

"Um...I dunno. It's home? I guess it's hard to describe without having any kind of baseline to compare it to...well, there's people, and animals, and plants and stuff. And some of the people, I think a percent or something, have these abilities. Some are from spirits and stuff, some are from inside, some...no one's sure, really. And a few are from other places. About half of them just use their powers for fun, or as part of their job, or to entertain people or something. A lot of them, maybe a fifth or a fourth, use them to commit crimes or to stop them. Maybe a tenth don't really use them at all, for whatever reason. And some...a tiny fraction set their aims bigger. A few succeeded. They generally shape the world. There aren't a lot of nations...Brittania, Muratland, Dreireich, Roma, United Iberia, and the Soviet Union in Europe; China, Japan, Korea, the Soviet Union, and some colonies in Asia; a bunch of little kingdoms and some colonies in Africa; the Revolutionary Republic, the Soviet Union, the Latin Confederacy, and some colonies in North America; the Latin Confederacy, Portugal, Plataland, some colonies, and some little nations in South America; and a bunch of colonies and independent states in the Pacific. Um. What else do you want to know?"

((That took a while to figure out.))

"Haha. What? No, silly! I know you're from an Earth world. If I wanted to know stuff like that I'd just search the Library. I meant, what's it like for you? Where do you live? Do you have many friends? What do you usually do?" The entity pauses for a second and asks a bit quieter "Are there a lot of those bad people there? The ones who do crimes?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2014, 08:54:59 pm

Zechariah was listening in to the Interface, and he had suspicions of whatever this thing was.
Combating it would be difficult, but not all too hard, considering that Zechariah had to live with a time-traveling space-warping demon his whole life.

If shadows are prevalent in the control room, use the shadows to arrest the white thing's movement! If this thing produces some light from its body and is not robotic, produce light shards to pin the thing to the wall!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 09:20:40 pm

<"Pretty sure this happened in a videogame once. Thinking about it, this whole situation is kinda similar to that game. You guys have any games where you come from? Man, telepathy is awesome. When I was on the job and my girlfriend called, I always had to explain the gunfire as me being at a rave. Now I don't even have to say a word and I can still shoot at this spöklik tjockskalle.">
Try to collaborate with Zech and shoot it when it's pinned. However, if Zech fails, go into adrenaline rush and try to shoot at where it's going to go, not where it currently is.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 09, 2014, 09:51:41 pm

AH EXCELLENT MY SQUID CHARIOT IS READY. WHAT IS THY NAME, SQUIDBEARERS?

Try to wrestle the squids down and tie them together to make a raft. Try to go flying around.

((I feel sorry for the entity that got assigned to me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 09, 2014, 11:01:02 pm

Bryan follows Kathryn, "A place between worlds, interesting.  Does this mean that we are in space, that there are multiple realities, or that there is something that I'm not thinking of.  I like trying to help people, especially if it's for a good cause.  what do you need help with?"
Follow Kathryn

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 09, 2014, 11:31:06 pm

((The music would have fit better if it had loaded before I got to Xantalos's turn.))

"Um...well, it wasn't so bad, I guess. I was from a small town in Nevada. That's in the Republic, by the way. Sort of in the center, I guess. There were only a couple heroes, but there were only about half a dozen villains, and only one of them was anything to worry about, so it was a lot safer than the big towns. I...I haven't been around that long, and a lot of that I was a baby or toddler or whatever, so I didn't really get a chance to do much except be a kid. Once I got taken hostage by one of the little villains, but that's not too special. He was nice, he gave me some candy when I said I was hungry...I think he just took it from the jar the bank had, though.
"Friends...not a lot. I mean, I have some kids from school I talk to, that I invited to my birthday parties and stuff, but they weren't really close. I like to read a lot, or be read to. And...yeah, there are a bunch of the ones who do crimes, the villains. But they aren't organized at all, they mostly fight each other as often as the heroes. The places they don't...well, Chicago's been under marshal law for a while, and while I'm not quite sure what that means it sounds bad. I think it has to do with Leadfist."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2014, 02:20:45 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 09:20:40 pm

<"Pretty sure this happened in a videogame once. Thinking about it, this whole situation is kinda similar to that game. You guys have any games where you come from? Man, telepathy is awesome. When I was on the job and my girlfriend called, I always had to explain the gunfire as me being at a rave. Now I don't even have to say a word and I can still shoot at this spöklik tjockskalle.">

To Jordan: <So, any input on what's happening right now? I'm a little confused. Haven't had much experience fighting ghosts myself. I'm more of a man vs. wild person myself.>

Prepare to dodge. If the thing gets pinned or attacks anyone other than me, shoot it.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2014, 09:00:23 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2014, 08:54:59 pm

Zechariah was listening in to the Interface, and he had suspicions of whatever this thing was.
Combating it would be difficult, but not all too hard, considering that Zechariah had to live with a time-traveling space-warping demon his whole life.

If shadows are prevalent in the control room, use the shadows to arrest the white thing's movement! If this thing produces some light from its body and is not robotic, produce light shards to pin the thing to the wall!

Quote from: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 09:20:40 pm

<"Pretty sure this happened in a videogame once. Thinking about it, this whole situation is kinda similar to that game. You guys have any games where you come from? Man, telepathy is awesome. When I was on the job and my girlfriend called, I always had to explain the gunfire as me being at a rave. Now I don't even have to say a word and I can still shoot at this spöklik tjockskalle.">
Try to collaborate with Zech and shoot it when it's pinned. However, if Zech fails, go into adrenaline rush and try to shoot at where it's going to go, not where it currently is.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2014, 02:20:45 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 09, 2014, 09:20:40 pm

<"Pretty sure this happened in a videogame once. Thinking about it, this whole situation is kinda similar to that game. You guys have any games where you come from? Man, telepathy is awesome. When I was on the job and my girlfriend called, I always had to explain the gunfire as me being at a rave. Now I don't even have to say a word and I can still shoot at this spöklik tjockskalle.">

To Jordan: <So, any input on what's happening right now? I'm a little confused. Haven't had much experience fighting ghosts myself. I'm more of a man vs. wild person myself.>

Prepare to dodge. If the thing gets pinned or attacks anyone other than me, shoot it.

Ike hears vibrations near the place the thing disappears but he quickly looses track of them as they move away.
Everyone is tense for a few seconds as they wait for something to happen, hoping that it doesn't happen to them.

Zechariah notices vibrations on the surface of a small water puddle near the bottom of the ladder.
He tries to bend the shadows to defend himself, but he only manages to blind himself with a thin sphere of darkness surrounding the Ghost's location. The Ghost jumps through the darkness, reaching the platform Zech is standing on.

Zech is hit by one of the Ghost's arms in the abdomen, a long deep slice that draws a concerning but not life threatening amount of blood.
It pushes against the wall (punching two deep holes in it in the process) and turns around to face him. Its speed and the fact that the creature itself is "blurred" for some reason make discerning its features difficult, even at this close range. The only thing he can definitely see in those milliseconds is the shape of an arm rising to strike him.

Meanwhile, the others are aiming their various weapons, getting ready to shoot. Shooting entails a chance they could hurt Zech. Then again, if the thing isn't taken care of or at least driven off, he's very likely to end up dead anyway.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

Your location is the dot colored the same as your speech color. The white dot is the white thing, of course.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img9/7894/er8c.png)
Orange is where you plug in the device.
Brown is the control room. The black things are its walls.
The green square is a ladder.
The blue things are various machines and electronics.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2014, 09:30:20 am

To Zech through interface: <You may wanna roll away, dude. Or at least put up a shield for yourself. This ain't the best range for handgun use, and you might get hit.>

Shoot that damn ghost. Shoot 'im dead!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 10, 2014, 10:25:08 am

Enter adrenaline and shoot! If it moves, shoot where it's going to move!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 10, 2014, 12:23:28 pm

Hope the dead guys get a turn soonish as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2014, 12:39:05 pm

Zechariah observed the movements of the white blur. As far as he could tell, it only moved very fast, and was not bending time to its will, although it might just have some control over space. He barely even felt the little bugger slash into his body, considering he had just been hit by bullets earlier.

Duck out of the way and use the shadows to hold the white thing down!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 02:19:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2014, 08:45:22 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2014, 09:30:20 am

To Zech through interface: <You may wanna roll away, dude. Or at least put up a shield for yourself. This ain't the best range for handgun use, and you might get hit.>

Shoot that damn ghost. Shoot 'im dead!

Quote from: Fniff on January 10, 2014, 10:25:08 am

Enter adrenaline and shoot! If it moves, shoot where it's going to move!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2014, 12:39:05 pm

Zechariah observed the movements of the white blur. As far as he could tell, it only moved very fast, and was not bending time to its will, although it might just have some control over space. He barely even felt the little bugger slash into his body, considering he had just been hit by bullets earlier.

Duck out of the way and use the shadows to hold the white thing down!

Zechariah doesn't have enough time to move. He doesn't have enough time to do much of anything. Ducking would take too long and jumping may mean a long fall to his death. He doesn't want to die. And he really wants to hurt this thing. So he decides to do something a bit more drastic and a bit more reckless.

Zechariah moves his staff forward, using it and some shadows to block the creatures blow. The creature's left arm connects with his staff and for a moment the creature solidifies. It looks much like a human with his feature's smoothed. No hair, no face, no spots or wrinkles or hair on its skin. It's made of white flesh and plastic and traces of metals, mostly cooper and steel collected near its arms and shaped like cleavers, like the arms of a mantis.

It is at this moment that one of Ike's bullets passes through the thing's upper left arm, removing some of the strength of the blow and spraying the air with blood and a white liquid. Still, it's not enough. Zechariah is pushed back, briefly lamenting the lack of railing as he goes over the edge of the platform.
What's worse, one of Jordan's bullets hits him in the left hand. Not where you want to get hit when you're potentially falling to your death.
As he falls backwards, he watches one of Jordan's bullets hit the creature's head, which became blurry once more the moment they broke contact. The effect of the bullet diminishes but it's speed is enough to let the bullet embed itself in its head. The creature stumbles backwards and disappears.
Zechariah manages to grab hold of the edge with his hands and is left dangling there above the darkness, the drops of blood falling from his arm and abdomen tracing the course he might soon follow.
((Fun fact 1: You all rolled the same (5 after bonuses) for initiative and I had to do a second roll to determine what happened when. That's why everything is happening almost at the same time.
Fun fact 2: Everyone (including the Mantis) but Zach rolled only 5s or above this combat round.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 02:19:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

You make the nearby boxes burn a bit quicker, hotter and brighter but not by much. Someone wouldn't be able to tell the difference if they weren't looking for it.

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 09, 2014, 09:51:41 pm

AH EXCELLENT MY SQUID CHARIOT IS READY. WHAT IS THY NAME, SQUIDBEARERS?

Try to wrestle the squids down and tie them together to make a raft. Try to go flying around.

((I feel sorry for the entity that got assigned to me.))

((In universe, HE chose YOU. Consider that for a moment.))
You start swimming after the squids, grabbing their tentacles and tying them together, their tentacles merging as you do so. You're not entirely certain how you manage it (you kinda lost track of time) but you end up with a jellyfish like thing, floating forward like a parachute made of merged tentacles, slowly closing and opening to propel itself forward.
You sit in front of your squid chariot. The soft, squishy, and slippery heads of the cephalopods make for an oddly comfortable seat, the soft, rhythmical pressure they exert relaxing you further. You travel the void for a while, various color-changing orbs floating past you.
"I am the squids you float with." the squids speak. "I'm the darkness hiding in men's hearts.
I am the change the world needs. I am the dark truth lurking in these parts.
I am the the whisper from the shadows. I am comprehension's blight.
So if with a name you must call me, then I must ensure it's done right."

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 09, 2014, 11:01:02 pm

Bryan follows Kathryn, "A place between worlds, interesting.  Does this mean that we are in space, that there are multiple realities, or that there is something that I'm not thinking of.  I like trying to help people, especially if it's for a good cause.  what do you need help with?"
Follow Kathryn

"No, we're not in space. But that IS a good question, isn't it? 'Where are we?' It becomes very obvious after a while that this place was constructed for the Games, its rules set and reset at the will of its 3 creators and the beings they give permission to. It is also a gateway to other places, some very similar to one another while others are extremely different, some even completely incomprehensible. And yet all can be reached from here. So doesn't that mean that all those places are linked in some way? That they are, in a way, all part of a greater whole? And if so, shouldn't this whole be considered a single reality rather than a collection of realities? Or are they all simply some elaborate lie, created by Them to manipulate us, to deceive us? What is the truth?"
She stops walking and turns around to look at you.
"Sorry, I'm rambling. The truth is, I don't know. I believe we're no closer to answering the question about the nature of reality then when the first philosopher posed that question. I use the word 'World' to say a place that is important enough to be considered for the Games.
And that is where you come in. The Architect, one of the creators of this place, wishes to control all. To trap me. I want you to help me fight him, to help me be free, for the sake of all worlds. I want you to be my champion in the Games. That's why I'm taking you see him right now. He will explain some things to you"
She turns her head to look away from you.
"Of course, I... would understand it if you don't want to get involved in the affairs of others. I'm willing to offer payment, if that would make my cause more appealing to you. Some help with problems of your own, if you want it."

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 09, 2014, 11:31:06 pm

((The music would have fit better if it had loaded before I got to Xantalos's turn.))

"Um...well, it wasn't so bad, I guess. I was from a small town in Nevada. That's in the Republic, by the way. Sort of in the center, I guess. There were only a couple heroes, but there were only about half a dozen villains, and only one of them was anything to worry about, so it was a lot safer than the big towns. I...I haven't been around that long, and a lot of that I was a baby or toddler or whatever, so I didn't really get a chance to do much except be a kid. Once I got taken hostage by one of the little villains, but that's not too special. He was nice, he gave me some candy when I said I was hungry...I think he just took it from the jar the bank had, though.
"Friends...not a lot. I mean, I have some kids from school I talk to, that I invited to my birthday parties and stuff, but they weren't really close. I like to read a lot, or be read to. And...yeah, there are a bunch of the ones who do crimes, the villains. But they aren't organized at all, they mostly fight each other as often as the heroes. The places they don't...well, Chicago's been under marshal law for a while, and while I'm not quite sure what that means it sounds bad. I think it has to do with Leadfist."

((I'll get it right in post production. This is just a rough cut for internal review.))
((Just out of curiosity, when you say little villains, do you mean a kids, people with little power/reputation or people who are really really short (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-Me)?))
The entity remains silent for a while. "I guess... I guess that's good, right? You are fine and you have fun. I've never had many friends around here. Not many like what I like or think like I do. Others are always too busy with one thing or another. Even I have so much work..."

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 10, 2014, 12:23:28 pm

Hope the dead guys get a turn soonish as well.

((Technically, you're neither dead nor living while in the Staging Area. At least, I don't think the definitions apply. But I'm at a loss for what the right term is, so...))

---

Peregrine (for those of you who don't know what that means, those quotes are from PMs I exchanged with Tiruin for her character's actions, so her participation would be secret and her character would look like an NPC. She proposed we try this and I thought it would be fun, so I said yes. Plus, it gave me other opportunities to mess with and surprise the rest of the players and I can't say no to that...

So when reading through this, try to imagine the rest of the players not knowing all this take place and having the eventual reveal be a complete surprise to them, how their perception of events and characters were altered. Try to think of how you would treat an NPC and what you would think if they suddenly turned out to be a PC.)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2014, 09:59:54 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 10, 2014, 09:40:59 am

I remember what just happened--why am I here, and my surroundings if close to any major city or village! :D
Or, improvise some sort of weapon useable.


What gametype is the current round in?

((The current mission is an Assault. They're in another world, helping Rebels raid a Soviet base researching UFOs.
Yeah, I know it's strange. That's what you get when you let your players give ideas for the plot.

Irene (Lenglon), Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl), Jordan (Fniff), Ike (Harry Baldman) and Eria (scapheap) are in it (although scapheap seems kind of inactive lately). It's almost over, just one area left, so you'll get in the next mission very soon.))

You don't remember how you got here. You remember you felt restless these past few days, you felt the need to travel again. You remember walking in the wilderness and then... nothing. You woke up here.
The woods feel familiar and yet you cannot determine where you are. There are only trees and bushes as far as the eye can see, the only feature of the area of any note being a game trail that passes through the small clearing you're in.

You've still got your clothes and your orb. You've also got some supplies, food and water enough for a day. Everything else is gone.
As for weapon choices, the simplest thing you could do is find a sturdy piece of wood to use as a club or a pointy stick to use as a spear. You could go for something more complex, like an axe or a slingshot if you want to take some more time, but what little light remains is quickly fading. It will be dark soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 08:58:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 02:19:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

for the third turn in a row, including the turn I was skipped, do the same action.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Toaster on January 10, 2014, 09:16:21 pm

John quietly listened to the report.  After it was done, he sat in silence, then grunted.  <<Good information.  I'll certainly remember to check my equipment from now on.  Thank you.  Is there anything you need... no, wait, I mean... Requesting objective while waiting for mission completion?>>

Interface with entity.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 10, 2014, 09:29:44 pm

Zech: <"Hold on there, champ!>"
Rush to aid Zech.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2014, 09:39:34 pm

"Aaah!" Zechariah drew back in pain as Jordan's bullet went through his hand.

Dammit. At least it's not my writing hand.

Try to pull myself up or wait at least for Jordan to pick me up.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 10, 2014, 11:00:59 pm

"So, literally a place between worlds, and who knows where that is.  An interesting question, with an answer that I am sure I would not understand.  Freedom, at least you know what cause you stand for, a good one at that.  I'm not even sure how to deal with the problems in my world.  I'll help you.  I suppose the only thing I could ask for is friendship, something more valuable then an ally, and something that can only be freely given.  Sorry for sounding a bit philosophical there, I only meant that we could be friends if you want."
Continue following Kathryn

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 11, 2014, 12:34:50 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 08:58:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 02:19:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

for the third turn in a row, including the turn I was skipped, do the same action.

((Fun.))

"Um...yeah, I guess. It sounds pretty lonely."
The entity may or may not respond, but this is probably followed by silence. Angel watches her teammates fight the blur.
"Why are the games so...deadly? I don't even know how many people I...how many people died while I was in there. And why do they even exist? These games?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 11, 2014, 01:02:04 am

Okay then! You will be called Jim Carrey Riddler Alfred Rhymerer!

Alan looks proud of himself.

Now then, off to adventure!

Zoom off into the unknown!

((Oh dear.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 04:52:30 am

To teammates: <Great work, team. Maybe less friendly fire would have been better, but hey, can't have everything!>

Help Jordan pull Zech up. Then climb up to control room.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 10:30:19 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 08:58:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2014, 02:19:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2014, 10:13:13 pm

Nurture the fire I'm warming myself by, growing it (and any others nearby I can use) to a useful level.

for the third turn in a row, including the turn I was skipped, do the same action.

You disperse your perfectly good flames, leaving nothing but ash and slowly burning embers. You also manage to set your fur on fire.
You feel like luck is looking at you with her snake-eyes, laughing.
Thankfully, your resistance means it doesn't cause any real damage before it is extinguished. It just messed with your looks and a gave you a bad smell of burnt hair.
"Warning: Reactor control system malfunction. Switching to hardware failsafe." announces the female voice from the speakers.

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 10, 2014, 09:29:44 pm

Zech: <"Hold on there, champ!>"
Rush to aid Zech.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2014, 09:39:34 pm

"Aaah!" Zechariah drew back in pain as Jordan's bullet went through his hand.

Dammit. At least it's not my writing hand.

Try to pull myself up or wait at least for Jordan to pick me up.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 04:52:30 am

To teammates: <Great work, team. Maybe less friendly fire would have been better, but hey, can't have everything!>

Help Jordan pull Zech up. Then climb up to control room.

Zechariah struggles to hold on, but his shot hand is making it harder for him. It slips, leaving him hanging with just his right hand.
"Warning: Reactor control system malfunction. Switching to hardware failsafe."
Just as he feels his strength failing, Ike arrives. And in his rush to aid him, he accidentally steps on Zechariah's hand. Despite that minor mishap, he manages to pull Zechariah up. Zechariah bends down and retrieves his staff. Jordan arrives soon after.
"You know, this would have been a lot more dramatic if Mage-guy over there didn't have wings." the entity says, annoyance clear in his tone.
Everyone looks at each other in silence for a moment. Zechariah is bleeding from his hand and abdomen. He had lost a lot of blood with his previous injury, so it might be a good idea to do something about that before he bleeds out.
Ike can hear things getting torn apart in the control room and then only silence.

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 10, 2014, 09:16:21 pm

John quietly listened to the report.  After it was done, he sat in silence, then grunted.  <<Good information.  I'll certainly remember to check my equipment from now on.  Thank you.  Is there anything you need... no, wait, I mean... Requesting objective while waiting for mission completion?>>
Interface with entity.

"Unable to comply. No objectives available. General directive: Improve yourself."

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 10, 2014, 11:00:59 pm

"So, literally a place between worlds, and who knows where that is.  An interesting question, with an answer that I am sure I would not understand.  Freedom, at least you know what cause you stand for, a good one at that.  I'm not even sure how to deal with the problems in my world.  I'll help you.  I suppose the only thing I could ask for is friendship, something more valuable then an ally, and something that can only be freely given.  Sorry for sounding a bit philosophical there, I only meant that we could be friends if you want."
Continue following Kathryn

"Hmmm... 'Friends'...  she contemplates for a second.
"Friendly yes, but not friends. Not yet anyway. I'm already trusting you with a lot and you are trusting me with a lot. I'd prefer we maintain that relationship of mutual trust before we move on to something that requires more trust. I've been let down too many times before. I can't afford to leave myself vulnerable."
She points at the doors that lead to the magma pool. "So, any more questions before I take you to see him?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 11, 2014, 12:34:50 am

"Um...yeah, I guess. It sounds pretty lonely."
The entity may or may not respond, but this is probably followed by silence. Angel watches her teammates fight the blur.
"Why are the games so...deadly? I don't even know how many people I...how many people died while I was in there. And why do they even exist? These games?"

"The people that died there were not the fault of the Games. It would had gone badly even without your ((plural)) intervention. The raid would had happened, something would have gone wrong, your hosts or the people in their way would have been hurt. The world had a problem, a bad thing in it. The Games just changed the outcome."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 11, 2014, 01:02:04 am

Okay then! You will be called Jim Carrey Riddler Alfred Rhymerer!

Alan looks proud of himself.

Now then, off to adventure!

Zoom off into the unknown!

((Oh dear.))

((Hah! Imagining him talking with the voice of the Riddler (http://youtu.be/Md32bKo0ZDg?t=2m40s) sure is fun. Kind of fits in a way.))
The only response that comes from the squids is laughter. The kind of laughter the bad guy does before unleashing his doomsday device, if that bad guy was laughing with the mouths of thousands of alien creatures.
Like a jellyfish going against the current or a red queen, you move without going anywhere, as indicated by the portal to the magma pool that always remains close behind you. Instead your surroundings change, the multicolored spheres giving their place to a debris field made of garbage and discarded appliances. Or maybe the portal follows you around? Eh, it's all relative. Point is, your surroundings change. When the debris collide with each other, they melt and reform into something new and then break apart after a while.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 10:35:58 am

To teammates: <Well, goddammit. I think that ghost guy just obliterated something important. Doesn't he have anything better to do than be an asshole to us?>

Climb up to the control room and survey the damage.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 11, 2014, 01:00:34 pm

"I understand not wanting to be friends until we trust each other more, I merely meant when all of this is over.  Other questions, umm.  Oh, I grabbed those vials of liquid from the nightstand, Can you tell me what those are?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 01:23:39 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 10:35:58 am

To teammates: <Well, goddammit. I think that ghost guy just obliterated something important. Doesn't he have anything better to do than be an asshole to us?>

Climb up to the control room and survey the damage.

You open the door to the control room. The computers, screens and keyboards there are sliced and destroyed. Some stray slices and stabs mark the walls, accompanied with some blood and some of the white liquid. Whatever that thing was, it's bleeding now.
"Great. I told that butterfly-idiot to get in here, but did he listen? Noooo." *sigh*
"....... Just... look for a way to disconnect the reactor. Maybe you can make it drop down in the darkness somehow. Or open its shield and shoot it, it should auto shutdown if damaged. Or just cut the cables, maybe that will work. And watch out, that thing is hiding in and around a layer of space. It'll probably try to stop you again."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 01:37:32 pm

To my dear old entity: <Eh, don't blame that poor guy. He's been stabbed, sliced, befuddled by magic and afflicted by a whole lot of other horrible things beyond count while he's been here. Honestly, I'm surprised how he's still alive and hasn't passed out from the sheer misery of it all by now.>

<Also, how much time do you reckon we have? More than, say, twenty minutes? I think we can let that guy safely bleed out if we do.>

Listen. Can I sense the spatial distortion anywhere still?

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 01:50:25 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 01:37:32 pm

To my dear old entity: <Eh, don't blame that poor guy. He's been stabbed, sliced, befuddled by magic and afflicted by a whole lot of other horrible things beyond count while he's been here. Honestly, I'm surprised how he's still alive and hasn't passed out from the sheer misery of it all by now.>

<Also, how much time do you reckon we have? More than, say, twenty minutes? I think we can let that guy safely bleed out if we do.>

Listen. Can I sense the spatial distortion anywhere still?

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Just a bit... angry they wouldn't let me warn you. Anyway, the soldiers should take a while to reach you. The problem is that thing. I don't know what it is, what it can do or if it has any friends on their way here."
Sending out a few sonar pulses reveals nothing in or around the control room or this side of the reactor. Perhaps the creature is hiding on the other side of the reactor? Or maybe it's somewhere else entirely? You didn't see it using any doors to get in here...

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 01:59:23 pm

To my kindly master: <One question: what exactly are we trying to do here? Unplug the reactor, then slot in those vials we got to get some kind of horrible reality-altering effect? Am I getting this right?>

Carefully advance toward the machines. Be prepared for interference. Examine them. Does my current host have any knowledge of electronics?

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 11, 2014, 03:23:10 pm

"Lenglon damn it!" ((Some amusing things carry over from roll to deity))
Give up and just go catch up to the people at the control room.
of course, I got over-excited and spread the fire out too quickly again, draining more than just the excess and ending up dispersing the thing uselessly. Now I don't even have any flames to work with other than my emergency supply. Yay for me failing again, and this time it's my own fault.

I hope I can get a spare weapon off someone since I have hands now. Well, that and a jacket.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 11, 2014, 05:09:10 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 10:30:19 am

Like a jellyfish going against the current or a red queen, you move without going anywhere...

((It was Alice that had to run as fast as she could just to stay where she is, wasn't it?))

"What would have happened without the Games?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 11, 2014, 05:44:17 pm

"Any other bandages around here? Frankly I've lost way too much blood already, and I'd like to stay conscious so whatever just hit us doesn't come back to maul me in my sleep."

Go near Ike and provide watch.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 12, 2014, 01:07:50 pm

Harry Baldman & DAF

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 11, 2014, 01:59:23 pm

To my kindly master: <One question: what exactly are we trying to do here? Unplug the reactor, then slot in those vials we got to get some kind of horrible reality-altering effect? Am I getting this right?>

Carefully advance toward the machines. Be prepared for interference. Examine them. Does my current host have any knowledge of electronics?

You try to access your host's memories and in the process gain an enormous burst of info.
From what you can see in your host's past, he has a sad history of being discriminated upon for looking different and living in isolated special communities to escape the government's never ending attempts to capture and exploit people like him. He used his skills to hunt in the wilderness near his village to provide for himself and his sister before she was taken by the government, never to be seen again. He joined the Cause soon after that. He worked for years, his only dream being to be reunited with her. When the Cause informed him of her death, he was devastated. He was handpicked for this mission. His superiors motivated him by telling him that this is the facility his sister died in, all because the scientists wanted to use her to locate someone. He tells himself he wants to finish this mission so that he can go and live free in the British protectorate, like he was promised, but in truth he doesn't really care about that. He knew his chances of survival were low when he accepted this mission. He just wants to hurt them, unravel their plans or die trying.
All in all, lots of sadness and zero useful skills. This case of TMI takes up most of your time, not even letting you examine the wires.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 11, 2014, 05:44:17 pm

"Any other bandages around here? Frankly I've lost way too much blood already, and I'd like to stay conscious so whatever just hit us doesn't come back to maul me in my sleep."

Go near Ike and provide watch.

You slowly walk behind Ike, trying to apply pressure to your wounds as best you can. Ike's just standing there, staring into nothing with a blank look on his face.

---

Lenglon

Quote from: Lenglon on January 11, 2014, 03:23:10 pm

"Lenglon damn it!" ((Some amusing things carry over from roll to deity))
Give up and just go catch up to the people at the control room.
of course, I got over-excited and spread the fire out too quickly again, draining more than just the excess and ending up dispersing the thing uselessly. Now I don't even have any flames to work with other than my emergency supply. Yay for me failing again, and this time it's my own fault.

I hope I can get a spare weapon off someone since I have hands now. Well, that and a jacket.

((Yeah, read that. Too bad it never took off, seemed like a fun concept.))
You turn around and start walking towards your allies in the control room, thinking about who could lend you some clothes that would fit.
You're about halfway to the other side of the bridge when a white thing appears near the device. It looks blurry, something that you could attribute to sub-human fox-vision if it weren't for the fact that as it stumbles closer to the device, its features become clearer.
It's a white humanoid with long blades made of steel and cooper instead of hands. Its figure is much like that of a crash test dummy, human in proportions but lacking all distinctive features, not even a face. It's bleeding blood and a white liquid from its head and upper left arm.
It's trying to approach the Device but it looks like something is stopping it.

---

---

Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on January 11, 2014, 01:00:34 pm

"I understand not wanting to be friends until we trust each other more, I merely meant when all of this is over.  Other questions, umm.  Oh, I grabbed those vials of liquid from the nightstand, Can you tell me what those are?"

"Oh, those? It's nothing really, just a little trick I use for when I'm stressed or when I want to rethink things.
They help you dream, think and learn. The liquid shows your memories in a different light or other paths that you could have taken, what could have been or what may be in the future. It's lies that help you see the truth.
Be careful when using them. The drug takes a while to wear off and for the untrained mind it sometimes gets hard to tell when the dream stops and reality begins. It's no surprise these kinds of liquids are sometimes used to make sleep darts.
I suggest you start with one of the clear ones if you think about using them, they're the weakest ones."

---

GWG

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 11, 2014, 05:09:10 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 10:30:19 am

Like a jellyfish going against the current or a red queen, you move without going anywhere...

((It was Alice that had to run as fast as she could just to stay where she is, wasn't it?))

"What would have happened without the Games?"

((Yep. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Queen_%28Through_the_Looking-Glass%29#Red_Queen.27s_Hypothesis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Queen_%28Through_the_Looking-Glass%29#Red_Queen.27s_Hypothesis)))

"I can't answer that for sure. I don't know enough. But I can take a guess, if you want. I'm good at guessing. Simulations."

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 09:52:00 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 11, 2014, 02:18:17 am

Pointy stick as spear, and try to sharpen the end.

Find the nearest path to civilization//wait for next mission//if any explosions in the distance or smoke is seen--head that way.

((Well, I can always give you some RP while you wait. Better than suddenly appearing somewhere with no explanation.))

You pick up the pointiest stick you can find and sharpen its end to the best of your ability with a rock. It's not a fearsome weapon of legend, but it's better than fighting with nothing. Not that fighting with your bare hands would be a problem, if it came to that. After all, you know a thing or two about martial arts.

You look around again. This time, you can see a faint red light in the distance, like the light of a fire. Perhaps it's someone's home or maybe just a traveler passing through these woods. Either way, it might be worth checking out, since you could use some shelter for the night.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 12, 2014, 01:18:03 pm

To entity: <Man, who knew that somebody's life story could actually be that operatic?>

Try to figure out a way to fix the dang machines, or at least a way to break them so it benefits our goal.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 12, 2014, 01:47:28 pm

"A way to see memories from another angle, It would be nice to hang onto those.  That was the last question I could think of, so I am read to see this architect now."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 12, 2014, 03:29:33 pm

"Could you guess, then?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 12, 2014, 06:07:57 pm

Stay back and keep on the lookout for this white humanoid again.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 12, 2014, 07:21:54 pm

Keep an eye out as well, with gun ready to fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 12:26:42 am

Through interface, to teammates: <There's a pale blade-arm-thing at the Device and I'm out of firepower. Help?>
stand still in silence and wait, making no noise to draw its attention or startle it. If it turns towards me then back away slowly. If it advances on me then back away rapidly. If it is about to jump me literally then switch back to full-fox mode and let the flames from the conversion engulf my attacker.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 12:49:10 am

Zechariah chides himself silently. Of course it wouldn't be so idiotic as to come back to its attackers, it would try to escape.
Interface, Irine: <On it. Give me a few moments.>

Go down the ladder to help Irine. Try to sneak up behind the humanoid thing and use the shadows to restrain it.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2014, 08:29:49 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 12, 2014, 01:18:03 pm

To entity: <Man, who knew that somebody's life story could actually be that operatic?>

Try to figure out a way to fix the dang machines, or at least a way to break them so it benefits our goal.

"You know I can't actually see your flashbacks, right?"
The control room looks a lot like this:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://www.fiftythree.org/etherkiller/img/office.jpg)

but with more things sliced in half and not working. Not a large chance you could break something in here. And, while you aren't an IT expert, you're fairly certain accessing the reactor's higher functions would require the computers to be operational, unless you can short wires a few thousand times per second. But you reason you might be able to activate some of the lower level mechanical systems if you short the right wires. The problem is, how do you figure out which wires to choose...

Well, only one way to find out! Let's start randomly crossing wires! What could possibly go wrong?

You look at the wires in front of you. Well, you're not going to go for any wire, oh noooo! You're looking for something special, something dazzling, something... something... something like that hidden thick cable going in that wall! You rip the cable out of the wall, revealing a box with a circuit board and various wires connected to it. Okay, this thing was hidden so it must have been important. Let's see... eeny, meeny, miny, moe, cross the ground with 44... *click* *spark* *boom* Support beam down. (http://youtu.be/qCAWt_q3EF8?t=16s)

An explosion rocks the control room. One of the metal beams linking the metal platform around the reactor to the ceiling has just been replaced by dust, metal scraps and a hole in the ceiling.
"Looks like they were planning to drop the reactor down if something went wrong. He he, silly humans."
This is a good find, but not the best you could hope for. One of those wires could be used to drop the reactor down below, thus disabling it. On the other hand, too many wrong wires could cause you to fall to your death.

Perhaps you could search for another means of disabling the reactor. Or perhaps you could leave Zechariah behind and have him short all the wires. He looks like the kind of guy who would go for a heroic sacrifice. Plus, if he doesn't treat his wounds soon, he isn't going to be alive for long anyway...

Quote from: Fniff on January 12, 2014, 07:21:54 pm

Keep an eye out as well, with gun ready to fire.

You watch as Ike goes all gremlin on those wires.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 12:26:42 am

Through interface, to teammates: <There's a pale blade-arm-thing at the Device and I'm out of firepower. Help?>
stand still in silence and wait, making no noise to draw its attention or startle it. If it turns towards me then back away slowly. If it advances on me then back away rapidly. If it is about to jump me literally then switch back to full-fox mode and let the flames from the conversion engulf my attacker.

You stand perfectly still and watch as the creature starts hitting the floor near the device with its blades, slowly cutting through it.
You also see Zechariah getting in flanking position behind it, hiding behind a console. He's bleeding as badly as the creature from a horizontal slash on his abdomen and a gunshot wound on his left hand.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 12:49:10 am

Zechariah chides himself silently. Of course it wouldn't be so idiotic as to come back to its attackers, it would try to escape.
Interface, Irine: <On it. Give me a few moments.>

Go down the ladder to help Irine. Try to sneak up behind the humanoid thing and use the shadows to restrain it.

You get down from the ladder and start heading towards Irene. You stop and hide behind a console when you hear a banging noise. A quick look confirms that it's the same thing from before, bleeding profusely and striking the floor near the Device with its blades. You can also see Irene in her Hybrid form standing a bit beyond the halfway point of the bridge, watching the creature, standing perfectly still. You focus, trying to prepare your mind for battle as best you can.
You're not feeling so well and you're starting to get dizzy.

---

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 12, 2014, 01:47:28 pm

"A way to see memories from another angle, It would be nice to hang onto those.  That was the last question I could think of, so I am read to see this architect now."

"Okay..." she turns around, takes a deep breath and gets ready to open the doors leading to the magma pool, but hesitates. She turns to look at you again. "Be careful. He may seem civil, but in truth he's just a liar full of anger." She opens the door and enters the magma chamber.
It's just like you remembered it, only now you can see a humanoid made of shadow-fire standing near a man in a white leather jacket with red stripes. They're standing a good distance away from you and it looks like they're whispering to each other. The man in white looks confused. The shadow-man looks at you for a second and then back at the man in white before disappearing (http://imageshack.com/a/img401/8480/dbkc.jpg).
He reappears on a lectern on the other side of the magma lake.
"Ah, another player. Excellent." the shadow-man says. His voice (which is surprisingly human) sounds clear despite the distance. "Welcome. Please, make yourself comfortable. Chat with each other if you want. We're waiting for another one to join us for I hate repeating myself.
So, new guy, Soldier," he addressees you "has she told you about the rules of this place?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 12, 2014, 03:29:33 pm

"Could you guess, then?"

"...okay...
63.1% chance for alarm triggered in the first level.
v Average team deaths for the first level if alarm triggered: 4.5
v Average opponent deaths for the first level if alarm triggered: 32
v Average opponent deaths for the second level if alarm triggered: 0.7
v Average team deaths for the the second level if alarm triggered: 3.6
- Average opponent deaths for the first level if alarm not triggered: 4.2
- Average team deaths for the first level if alarm not triggered: 0.3
- Average team deaths for the second level if alarm not triggered: 0.1
- 87.3 % chance for alarm triggered in the second level.
-- Average enemy deaths if alarm not triggered in the second level: 3.8
-v Average enemy deaths if alarm triggered in the second level: 1.4
It gets too fuzzy after that. Too many assumptions and random data used to fill the holes. And the ship's magic is making it more hard. I could pick an individual leaf if you want some particular thing to happen.
...This is a sad story. It rarely ends well..."

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 12, 2014, 07:57:02 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 11, 2014, 11:46:08 pm

Travel towards the light, being aware of my surroundings all the same.
When it comes to a point wherein I believe I'm near, go sneak and check on the origin of the source.

..Mmm, very strange. Red lights are not the usual kinds of lighting. Where am I? I was dreaming back then--and this surely isn't a dream.

I can see my nose.

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

You start moving towards the light, carefully watching your surroundings. You have the feeling you are being watched, but despite keeping your eyes peeled for danger, you see nothing.

After a while of walking through the undergrowth and rotten leaves that make up the ground of this forest you reach another clearing. From here you can see that the light is coming from something that looks like a cave, a tunnel made of moss-covered stone rising out of the ground.

You are about to continue walking when you hear something move in a bush on your right.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 13, 2014, 08:50:26 am

"No, I assume that there is something special about it though.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 08:58:00 am

Angel loses focus partway through, partly because of the sheer number of numbers and partly because of the explosion, coming from the screen showing the endgame of the almost-forgotten mission.

"How many people die? And how many people did die this time? How...how many people would my, uh, host have...killed?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 11:01:51 am

To entity: <I suppose it's okay you can't see 'em - it's your basic tale of a man being ostracized and occasionally exploited because of his big honkin' ears and nose, separated from his family and loved ones, accepting a suicide mission deep inside enemy territory to have one good chance of hurting the people he hates most. That does remind me, though. Were we supposed to plug something into the reactor before it got disabled, or after?>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 11:09:36 am

Jordan looked at Ike trying to short out the wires. "You know, maybe we should try disabling the power instead of just going for the electrics themselves. The electrics are too risky, and they can't have all the controls be based in here. They have to have a special emergency button somewhere."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 11:13:09 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 11:09:36 am

Jordan looked at Ike trying to short out the wires. "You know, maybe we should try disabling the power instead of just going for the electrics themselves. The electrics are too risky, and they can't have all the controls be based in here. They have to have a special emergency button somewhere."

"Considering that shorting all this crap out could very well kill everyone here, I'm tending toward agreeing with you. I mean, we could get the Unluckiest Man In The World (or Second-Unluckiest, maybe) to try and take this all out, but I bet it'd just end up biting us in the ass somehow. So... power disabling it is!"

Look for a way to cut power to the control area. If I happen to find it, don't cut the power yet!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 11:20:59 am

"Yeah, let's not try to replicate Chernobyl in here if possible."
Assist with searching for a power disabler.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2014, 11:50:27 am

Quote from: Alarith on January 13, 2014, 08:50:26 am

"No, I assume that there is something special about it though."

"Oh, standard stuff, really. Things that make sure the Games stay competitive, that there is no cheating. You'll be informed most of the time if you're doing something wrong. The most important things you need to know right now is that this is a safe area, just for you and the other players. It's called the Staging Area. No harm can come to you here and you can change the decor with your mind."
The man in white approaches you and looks around. "So... Got any idea about what's going on here?"

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 08:58:00 am

Angel loses focus partway through, partly because of the sheer number of numbers and partly because of the explosion, coming from the screen showing the endgame of the almost-forgotten mission.

"How many people die? And how many people did die this time? How...how many people would my, uh, host have...killed?"

"Thinking like that will get you nowhere. You can't use numbers to judge things like that. Can we just please stop talking about this? I don't like it.
There are new people in the Staging Area. Maybe you want to go and greet them? I don't think you want to watch how this ends..."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 11:01:51 am

To entity: <I suppose it's okay you can't see 'em - it's your basic tale of a man being ostracized and occasionally exploited because of his big honkin' ears and nose, separated from his family and loved ones, accepting a suicide mission deep inside enemy territory to have one good chance of hurting the people he hates most. That does remind me, though. Were we supposed to plug something into the reactor before it got disabled, or after?>

"Oh, he must be one of those DARK/TRAGIC-PAST-ANTIHEROE-DUDES then. Never liked those. Always pretend they're so serious when they're really even crazier than the guys they're after."
"Anyway, Irene took care of that. You're free to destroy or disconnect the reactor. Either will do."

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2014, 12:59:08 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 12, 2014, 09:03:49 pm

Turn quite slowly, nonchalantly, to view the origin of the sound in peripheral vision (appear not to notice and idly look around), then wait to check what the origin is.

If its some insignificant threat-animal like a squirrel, then calm my spear-hand and check that cave!

---

Quote

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

((...I dunno. What seems nicer to you x3 I could go with anthropomorphism, or go with human + foxtail/ears. ))

((Hmm... that's a tough choice. I could write an essay about what the two different looks mean and the way they could affect how a character in a story is perceived. And more importantly, how other people in a game react to you. But I think I'm going to go with... the second. Human + foxtail/ears.))

You very casually turn to look to your right. Nothing there. Not even a squirrel or bug. But you're certain you heard something, it can't have just-
"Hello, little girl." you hear a voice behind you. You turn around, spear at the ready, only to see a great black-furred wolf. He's the size of a St. Bernard and is slowly walking towards you, his amber eyes looking into yours.
"Are you lost?" he asks, a hint of amusement is his deep voice. His mouth remains closed and yet you're certain he's the one speaking.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 12:00:57 pm

Losing blood fast. Then again, so is this humanoid thing.

...I don't want either of us to die just yet.

Keep sneaking and try to use the shadows to restrain this humanoid thing. Don't harm it if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 12:28:14 pm

((And because you don't kill it, it kills you. The end.))

"Okay." Angel glumly heads for the Staging Area.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 12:45:12 pm

((HUGS AND DEATH FOR EVERYONE!

Seriously though, Zechariah's motive lies around two things: sacrificing himself for the good of others, and using his powers to give people and things a second chance. This is why he stresses himself when those around him start getting injured or dying, and he takes it all upon himself as if it was all his own fault.

Hence, this is why most deities do not award unstable, bipolar, caring teenagers with martyr complexes, the ability to destroy and save worlds.

Eido Aeterno did not get the message apparently.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 01:02:13 pm

That's not good. He looks like he's going to bleed to death if we leave him be. We need that guy, despite how annoying he is. Ok, so, how do I ask for him? well, he likes having his ego boosted and to talk down to others, sooo...
Through interface, to Jordan: <Hey, Bleedy came over here to 'help' but from the looks of things he's just going to kill himself uselessly and I'm still unarmed. Mind getting over here before this thing finishes throwing the device down the reactor pit and causing us to all fail the mission, including you?>
I think that's caustic enough to draw him, but if I underestimated his ego I suppose I can just go all helpless pleeding on the subject or offer to pay him somehow...
Do I even have something to pay him with?

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 01:18:58 pm

((Hey, Irene, want to see if you can cauterize a wound?))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 01:22:40 pm

((._.
Yeah, I think that's not necessary at this moment.
Even if Zechariah has become a mobile Kool-Aid fountain.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 01:27:52 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 01:22:40 pm

((._.
Yeah, I think that's not necessary at this moment.
Even if Zechariah has become a mobile Kool-Aid fountain.))

((Oh, come on. It'll be fun (http://youtu.be/VocmomcgMsY?t=42s). Or at least educational.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 01:33:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 01:18:58 pm

((Hey, Irene, want to see if you can cauterize a wound?))

((I'm out of fire to work with. I can't just generate it indefinitely, I need a fire source to work with once I run out of flame generation charges or whatever units you want to use.

also, cauterizing wounds is NOT something to be done lightly. It really is kind of a last-resort panic move, and it kills that patient a lot of the time. Their body's already quite weak from the wound you need to cauterize, and even if you don't screw up you're still going to give their system a MASSIVE shock. The shock alone can easily kill the patient in their already-weakened state, let alone what happens if you make the slightest mistake during the cauterization process.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 01:38:27 pm

((Not to mention that cauterization significantly increases risk of infection, though that's probably a very distant secondary concern in this case.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 01:39:31 pm

((^^^What they said. Also, I've lost a lot of blood, so it's probably not a good idea to, quite literally, be playing with fire.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 01:42:28 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 01:33:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 01:18:58 pm

((Hey, Irene, want to see if you can cauterize a wound?))

((I'm out of fire to work with. I can't just generate it indefinitely, I need a fire source to work with once I run out of flame generation charges or whatever units you want to use.

also, cauterizing wounds is NOT something to be done lightly. It really is kind of a last-resort panic move, and it kills that patient a lot of the time. Their body's already quite weak from the wound you need to cauterize, and even if you don't screw up you're still going to give their system a MASSIVE shock. The shock alone can easily kill the patient in their already-weakened state, let alone what happens if you make the slightest mistake during the cauterization process.))

((Do you see any other resorts around?
And, um...huh. Yeah, I got nothing. Try finding some matches, maybe?))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 01:45:03 pm

((I'm assuming we're close to the end of the mission here, I think Zechariah can hold out for that long, also assuming that the humanoid thing does not reject my invitation to kindness.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 01:56:28 pm

God, Jordan thought, she is not an experienced groveler. He decided to play it cool.

To Irene: "Yeah, I think Ike can handle shutting the switch off, I'll get right on that."
Head down as quietly as possible, sneak up on the humanoid shape. If it makes any moves toward Jordan or Zech, activate adrenaline and shoot it in the head. Follow Jordan's Number One Rule When Fighting Fast Moving Bastards: Shoot where it's going, not where it is.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 02:08:02 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 01:45:03 pm

((I'm assuming we're close to the end of the mission here, I think Zechariah can hold out for that long, also assuming that the humanoid thing does not reject my invitation to kindness.))

((That's two assumptions I wouldn't make.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 02:19:44 pm

((That's two assumptions Zechariah still will make :D ))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 02:53:34 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 12:26:42 am

stand still in silence and wait, making no noise to draw its attention or startle it. If it turns towards me then back away slowly. If it advances on me then back away rapidly. If it is about to jump me literally then switch back to full-fox mode and let the flames from the conversion engulf my attacker.

Same action as last time

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 01:56:28 pm

God, Jordan thought, she is not an experienced groveler.

((Very accurate statement))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2014, 02:57:10 pm

Fly around erratically

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Toaster on January 13, 2014, 03:14:29 pm

Attempt to watch the mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 13, 2014, 05:07:22 pm

Bryan nods in understanding towards the architect fellow.  He then turns to address the man in white.  "I think I have a basic idea of what's going on.  I think we are representing people in some sort of competition, though I am not quite sure why.  My name is Bryan by the way."
Try to turn the magma pool into a small waterfall on a mountainside.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2014, 11:35:55 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2014, 11:13:09 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 11:09:36 am

Jordan looked at Ike trying to short out the wires. "You know, maybe we should try disabling the power instead of just going for the electrics themselves. The electrics are too risky, and they can't have all the controls be based in here. They have to have a special emergency button somewhere."

"Considering that shorting all this crap out could very well kill everyone here, I'm tending toward agreeing with you. I mean, we could get the Unluckiest Man In The World (or Second-Unluckiest, maybe) to try and take this all out, but I bet it'd just end up biting us in the ass somehow. So... power disabling it is!"

Look for a way to cut power to the control area. If I happen to find it, don't cut the power yet!

I'm assuming you mean cut the power to the reactor, right? Well, let's see...
You find some wires that connect to a pair of servomotors near the reactor that will physically disconnect the power cables coming from it. Exactly what you needed and with zero explosions. Everything is coming up Ike!

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2014, 12:00:57 pm

Losing blood fast. Then again, so is this humanoid thing.

...I don't want either of us to die just yet.

Keep sneaking and try to use the shadows to restrain this humanoid thing. Don't harm it if possible.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 02:53:34 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2014, 12:26:42 am

stand still in silence and wait, making no noise to draw its attention or startle it. If it turns towards me then back away slowly. If it advances on me then back away rapidly. If it is about to jump me literally then switch back to full-fox mode and let the flames from the conversion engulf my attacker.

Same action as last time

Irene watches as Zechariah leaves cover and raises his staff, ironically mirroring the Ghost as it raises its arm to strike the floor again.
Shadows move towards the creature, while it remains oblivious to them. The shadows twist around it and grab it by its arms and legs, binding it to the railing. The creature struggles for a while and tries to break free or disappear but it is unable to do so. Looks like blood loss has affected it too.
Zechariah doesn't feel that good. If he hadn't taken the time to prepare, he's certain he would have failed.
The creature turns its head to look at Zechariah, even though it has no eyes with which to do so.

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 13, 2014, 01:56:28 pm

God, Jordan thought, she is not an experienced groveler. He decided to play it cool.

To Irene: "Yeah, I think Ike can handle shutting the switch off, I'll get right on that."
Head down as quietly as possible, sneak up on the humanoid shape. If it makes any moves toward Jordan or Zech, activate adrenaline and shoot it in the head. Follow Jordan's Number One Rule When Fighting Fast Moving Bastards: Shoot where it's going, not where it is.

You reach Zechariah just as he imprisons the white thing in thick shadows.

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 13, 2014, 12:28:14 pm

((And because you don't kill it, it kills you. The end.))

"Okay." Angel glumly heads for the Staging Area.

You slide down to the Staging Area. There's a man in a suit and a man in a white leather jacket talking to each other. There's also that shadow-guy standing on a rock near the waterfall. Wait a minute, "waterfall"?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 13, 2014, 02:57:10 pm

Fly around erratically

You shout Fly around erratically. You don't actually fly around erratically. You just shout it.
Your call summons forth debris crab that spawn from the junk asteroids. They're all staring at you as you pass between them with eyes made of wire and plastic.

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 13, 2014, 03:14:29 pm

Attempt to watch the mission.

After messing with the table-computer for a while, you manage to figure out how to view the ongoing mission. Looks like they captured a white humanoid.
By the looks of it, the table has the capability to project 3d designs and its main purpose is to be used to develop new designs for equipment, like a future-tech CAD.

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 13, 2014, 05:07:22 pm

Bryan nods in understanding towards the architect fellow.  He then turns to address the man in white.  "I think I have a basic idea of what's going on.  I think we are representing people in some sort of competition, though I am not quite sure why.  My name is Bryan by the way."
Try to turn the magma pool into a small waterfall on a mountainside.

"Yeah, figured that out myself. That guy" he points at the shadow-man "hasn't shut up about all that crap about the Games and the ultimate power since I woke up. Oh, and the name is Victor. Nice to meet you, Bryan Bytheway." he says with a small wave and a chuckle.
You basically turn the area to this:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img546/5906/pf5a.jpg)

The steep mountain walls surround this place and the river continues to another waterfall, making this area completely cut off unless someone decides to jump.
Victor seems uninterested in this, looking down on the ground.
The shadow-man raises a small rock near the middle of the river, so that the waterfall and its mist is positioned right behind him (a trick to make him look more important, no doubt).
The portals, including the door to your room are now positioned inside various small caves or alcoves in the mountain wall.
A little girl with auburn hair comes out from one of them.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2014, 12:46:35 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 13, 2014, 10:59:35 pm

!!!
Not aggressive. Clever. Analyzing my response? Mhhr..doesn't seem to check my spear. Mmm.

"Mm..yessir. I don't-"
guess it won't hurt to tell a stranger. But all those stories...
"-well, I mean I'm not /actually/ lost. I just don't know where I am. Do you know where's the nearest village?"

Speak? Yeah, speak. :P
((Telepathic wolf! :D Awesome!))

Ignoring the teachings of Little red riding hood, you speak to the big bad black wolf.
"Oh, but I think you are lost. Lost for some time now. Maybe you've forgotten about it or maybe you haven't even realized it, but that doesn't make it untrue."
He stops and stares at you for a couple of seconds longer before turning around and pointing with his paw somewhere towards the east.
"The nearest village is somewhere around there. Away. Too far away. And it's going to get dark soon. Reaching it in the darkness and without what you need would be hard, even for someone like you."
He starts slowly walking towards the cave, lazily wagging his tail.
"But I like you. You made a good impression ever since I noticed you. The way you reacted. You didn't give into your fear. You were polite. You can stay with me and the others until you can find your way."
He stops and turns his head back to look at you.
"Besides, you wouldn't want to stay alone out in the forest at night.  I heard there are wolves lurking about." he says with a small laugh before continuing towards the cave.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2014, 01:31:19 am

Ah, food for my squid steed. Devour them, Rhymerer!

Imperiously command Rhymerer to eat the debris crabs.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2014, 01:55:15 am

To team via interface: <Found the way to cut the power without things blowing up! You done with the ghost yet?>

Wait a bit, then disconnect the power cables coming from the reactor.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 02:02:51 am

Zechariah finally was face to face with the white humanoid, and it was invigorating. Zechariah felt like he was staring into his own soul, a mirror of his actions and his feelings. Mainly, the feeling of despair was prevalent here.

Zechariah loosened his grip ever so slightly on the shadows, but not enough to release the creature - this was in part to save some energy, but also to attempt another strategy. Zechariah lowered his staff a bit and relaxed his posture, putting up one of his hands cautiously. He softened his gaze so as not to provoke the humanoid. In as soft a voice as possible, he began talking to the humanoid.

"I don't want to hurt you, okay? I just want to calm us down. Do you speak? What's your name?" Zechariah gave a small but weary smile.

Interface, Ike: <Not yet. Give me some time.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 14, 2014, 02:15:51 am

...
This probably wont end well. I applaud his bravery in being willing to try, but this isn't the time for negotiations. Not after it has already started trying to stab people.
Through interface, to D: <Why can't that thing touch the Device?>
Dash across the bridge and hide behind Jordan.
"Do you have a spare weapon I could use now that I have hands? I don't like being helpless like this."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2014, 05:48:42 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 02:02:51 am

Interface, Ike: <Not yet. Give me some time.>

Give them some time. Reactor ain't going anywhere, is it?

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 14, 2014, 08:38:33 am

((Cue the reactor going somewhere.))
Bryan breathed in the mountain air, it was good to see mountains again.  They still held a wonder for him even though he was thirteen years older then when he first saw one.  he then continued the conversation, "A pleasure to meet yoy, Victor.  I assume that we all have powers as well.  Perhaps that is why we were chosen."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Toaster on January 14, 2014, 10:52:14 am

John regards the table.  Could that be used?

Study the table.  See if it could be used to assist construction- let's start with something moderately simple like a radio.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 11:31:18 am

Zech: <"What are you doing?">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 11:42:07 am

Interface, Jordan: <I think he's just startled. I want to see what he thinks, if he indeed can communicate with us.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 11:46:08 am

Zech: <"What? No. It can't think. It's an ethereal Soviet killing machine. We'd be lucky if it's mind was a constant loop of 'I love Stalin, he is so good'. Just keep it captive, let's wrap this up and move on.">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 11:49:57 am

Interface, Jordan: <What? No, we don't even know if this humanoid is Soviet! Just give it some time.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 14, 2014, 11:53:03 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2014, 02:15:51 am

"Do you have a spare weapon I could use now that I have hands? I don't like being helpless like this."

...
Look from one silent figure to another
Annnd they're just standing there?
"Um... Are you ok?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 11:57:52 am

Zechariah resists the urge to shake his head, as it might be a provoking action against the humanoid.
Interface, Jordan & Irine: <Sorry, interface conversation. Ask Jordan, I'm working with the humanoid at this moment.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 12:01:07 pm

(The downside of telepathy is that it makes you look like you're staring at someone. Possibly romantically.)
Jordan sighs and looks at her. "I'm not giving you my gun, sorry but I need it!"
Zech: <"We're in a Soviet facility, in a world where the Soviets are taking over the world, and where they own every piece of superscience, and you're telling me we've found the one special project who doesn't have the hammer and sickle tattooed on it's soul?">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 12:14:12 pm

Once again, Zechariah resists the urge to change his facial expression. This time, a smile.
Interface, Jordan: <Yes.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 12:59:31 pm

Zech: <"So, assuming you talk to it and it seems to be nice, what are you going to do?>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 01:20:31 pm

Interface, Jordan: <We'll see.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 01:34:18 pm

Zech: <"Right. Do what you wish, but understand that as soon as this thing makes me strikes me as threatening, you will not stop me from killing it.">
Keep gun pointed at the humanoid's head.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 14, 2014, 04:18:31 pm

((This will end in blood, sweat, and tears. Mostly blood.))

Give myself movement-based powers, then use them to descend the slope and go over to the shadow guy. Greet him.
"Hi! I'm Angel. What's your name?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 15, 2014, 05:24:05 am

((Sorry if I made any mistakes, writing in a hurry.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2014, 02:15:51 am

...
This probably wont end well. I applaud his bravery in being willing to try, but this isn't the time for negotiations. Not after it has already started trying to stab people.
Through interface, to D: <Why can't that thing touch the Device?>
Dash across the bridge and hide behind Jordan.
"Do you have a spare weapon I could use now that I have hands? I don't like being helpless like this."

You hide behind Jordan. You kinda look like a movie poster, the action girl and the man with the gun.
Assume that someone else told you the entity's answer was "For the same reason she is having trouble with the darkness. Interference. An obstacle on another level. Unintended sideffect of the way the Device's power storage unit works."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 02:02:51 am

Zechariah finally was face to face with the white humanoid, and it was invigorating. Zechariah felt like he was staring into his own soul, a mirror of his actions and his feelings. Mainly, the feeling of despair was prevalent here.

Zechariah loosened his grip ever so slightly on the shadows, but not enough to release the creature - this was in part to save some energy, but also to attempt another strategy. Zechariah lowered his staff a bit and relaxed his posture, putting up one of his hands cautiously. He softened his gaze so as not to provoke the humanoid. In as soft a voice as possible, he began talking to the humanoid.

"I don't want to hurt you, okay? I just want to calm us down. Do you speak? What's your name?" Zechariah gave a small but weary smile.

Interface, Ike: <Not yet. Give me some time.>

The pale flesh recedes from the lower part of the thing's head, revealing a human mouth below. She speaks, two tones alternating as she does so, one calm, the other pained.
"You are speaking to the Core of the Colony Ship 'The Ambassador of Change'. I am the Caretaker of this world. You are an Infection. Please, get it off me! I don't want to die, I- You threaten the Plan. You will be Sterilized. I'm speaking to the ones watching this. I have completed my Task. Infestation has reached optimal levels. Backup Control Unit operational. Chain Reaction Primed. The Amethyst Keystone is ready to be Utilized."
The pale flesh keeps receding, revealing much of the woman's face and parts of her legs and arms. They look famished and bleeding in places.
"Please. I've been down here for so long, you've got to hel- I did that, as ordered. I want to continue existing. As ordered. I obey. I will Fight. I will Sterilize."

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 14, 2014, 01:34:18 pm

Zech: <"Right. Do what you wish, but understand that as soon as this thing makes me strikes me as threatening, you will not stop me from killing it.">
Keep gun pointed at the humanoid's head.

You keep watch as the thing speaks.
"Oh, come on, everyone who's ever seen a movie knows where this is going. I feel sorry for the ship too, but there's not much you can do now. Just shoot the damn thing."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2014, 05:48:42 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2014, 02:02:51 am

Interface, Ike: <Not yet. Give me some time.>

Give them some time. Reactor ain't going anywhere, is it?

Technically, the reactor can go somewhere, since you can see some tracks on its support pillar that could allow it to move upwards or downwards a bit. But that's not concerning, right?

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2014, 01:31:19 am

Ah, food for my squid steed. Devour them, Rhymerer!

Imperiously command Rhymerer to eat the debris crabs.

Your squid-jellyfish starts grabbing crabs with its tentacles and consuming them with its various mouths. Some of the debris crabs land on your ride and start attacking it and you. I guess it's time for... CRAB BATTLE! (http://youtu.be/8mHKHKR8x6A)

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 14, 2014, 08:38:33 am

((Cue the reactor going somewhere.))
Bryan breathed in the mountain air, it was good to see mountains again.  They still held a wonder for him even though he was thirteen years older then when he first saw one.  he then continued the conversation, "A pleasure to meet you, Victor.  I assume that we all have powers as well.  Perhaps that is why we were chosen."

"What do you mean? I have nothing. That's what I've been trying to explain to the shadow. I'm not who he thinks I am. I'm not special or anything! I'm a medic, nothing more."

Quote from: Toaster on January 14, 2014, 10:52:14 am

John regards the table.  Could that be used?

Study the table.  See if it could be used to assist construction- let's start with something moderately simple like a radio.

You start by creating the design of an old radio. Vacuum tubes, wires, knobs, buttons, speakers, a microphone and a small mechanical display for the frequency. Once the design is finished, you explode it, putting each individual component in front of you. It's much easier now. You can see everything, you can see how it is connected, there is little to imagine. With a small, almost involuntary application of your power, the components manifest and assemble themselves in under a second, giving you a working radio transmitter and receiver.
((Basically a big dynamic bonus in game terms.))

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 14, 2014, 04:18:31 pm

((This will end in blood, sweat, and tears. Mostly blood.))

Give myself movement-based powers, then use them to descend the slope and go over to the shadow guy. Greet him.
"Hi! I'm Angel. What's your name?"

You gain the power to perfectly imagine you're levitating. You gain the power to make you and objects touching your skin and hair waterproof. Eh, close enough.
You approach the shadow-man and ask your question. The shadow looks at you.
"I have many names or rather titles. Call me Alpha, for I was the first and I am still the first among equals. Call me Architect, for I designed this. Call me God or King, since I'm the most powerful. Call me the Devil, like my enemies. Call me Charlie Victor, for I always win. Liberator, Destroyer, Guardian, Enslaver, Creator, Discoverer, the Dark... Most titles you can think of, even more if we count words you wouldn't know. Even the first name given to me was a title. It was a religious concept from a non-Earth world, there's no translation in English I can think of. A word meaning something Lost and yet also Unknown."
"I think you should probably not be showing off to the little girl."
"I'm not showing off. I'm explaining. Experimenting. So, 'Angel', what name are you going to choose for me?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 06:00:03 am

look around for a weapon

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 09:03:59 am

To teammates: <I'm hearing voices and no gunshots, guys! What're you doing down there? Not messing around, I hope.>

Wait for five more minutes at most, and stop waiting if there's a confirmed kill of the ghost. Just wait. The plot thickens!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 09:36:04 am

"Yeah, sorry miss." Jordan cocks his gun. "Looks like I'm going to have to pull an old yeller on you. Nothing personal."
Don't shoot it in the head.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 15, 2014, 10:00:05 am

((Updated the post with the not-on-mission actions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 11:30:52 am

Zechariah tightened the grip on his staff.
Amethyst Keystone. Artemis, do you have anything to do with this?

Don't be silly, I am merely a construct of your subconscious. The real Artemis is probably destroying some other universe, but I don't believe he would be smart enough to consider interdimensional shenanigans.

As Zechariah shared his message with his mind, he heard Jordan talk.
Interface, Jordan: <You won't dare fire a shot until I say so. At all.>
Zechariah focuses again on the woman. "Just hold on. I want you to keep fighting that monster, and I'll help. You'll get out of this."

Dammit, I will help her get out of this, even if it costs my own life.
Use the shadows to help pull this killer monster off of the woman!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 11:42:50 am

<"Sure."> lied Jordan.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 15, 2014, 11:46:07 am

Summon twin plungerswords and head into battle!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 12:38:54 pm

...
interference? on 'another level?'
'speaking to the ones watching this?'
...
too bad I have to use the interface for this
Through interface, to Zech, Ike, and Jordan: <We need to take this thing alive if we can. It seems to know about the entities, getting information from it could be more useful to us long-term than finishing the mission at all. in addition to the ethical reason for why saving the host would be a good idea. Jordan, give us some time. only shoot if it gets loose, ok?>
use my flame manipulation to move all fires at the pale-thing's location up and away from her.
normally I can't affect anything that's part of a creature, but since I'm mostly trying to cause interference anyway and it seems to exist on another plane, I might be able to affect it and the host should be safe from my abilities. it's not like there's any actual fire there after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 12:58:59 pm

<"Oh for... It's not going to work with us! I don't get why you guys are attaching so much importance to something that's been trying to kill us since it got here!">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 01:08:32 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 12:38:54 pm

Through interface, to Zech, Ike, and Jordan: <We need to take this thing alive if we can. It seems to know about the entities, getting information from it could be more useful to us long-term than finishing the mission at all. in addition to the ethical reason for why saving the host would be a good idea. Jordan, give us some time. only shoot if it gets loose, ok?>

Through interface, to Irene: <Wait, it's talking to you? Really?>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 01:28:52 pm

Quote from: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 12:58:59 pm

<"Oh for... It's not going to work with us! I don't get why you guys are attaching so much importance to something that's been trying to kill us since it got here!">

Through interface, to Jordan alone: <Angel wasn't the one that got the director to tell us his passcode.>
If anyone will understand the implications of that, Jordan will. It's not exactly subtle after all.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 01:08:32 pm

Through interface, to Irene: <Wait, it's talking to you? Really?>

Through interface, to Ike: <Yes, it is, and its host is calling for help at the same time.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 15, 2014, 01:55:12 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 15, 2014, 11:46:07 am

Summon twin plungerswords and head into battle!

((How are plungerswords common household objects?))

---

((You have no one but yourself to blame.))
"Um...Charlie?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 01:55:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 01:28:52 pm

Through interface, to Ike: <Yes, it is, and its host is calling for help at the same time.>

To Irene: <Host? It's some kind of parasite? What's it like? And who's the host?>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 02:30:21 pm

Interface, All: <Thank you Irine. Jordan, SHE will work with us. Not the monster. We just need to free her, please. Ike, I'm not sure what that parasite is. I can't tell if it's artificial or nature's work, but that white material thing is the one that wants to kill us. The girl inside is the host. She's being trapped by the parasite. We need to get her out.

And Jordan... If you knew what my alter-ego did, you would shoot me instead, because whatever this parasite can do is a thousand times weaker than what Artemis did.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 02:32:02 pm

<"Artemis isn't a threat to me right now.">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 02:44:01 pm

Interface, Jordan: <Actually, I have no idea where the real Artemis is right now. He very well may be destroying the fabric of reality as we speak, but let's save that for later. This girl isn't a threat though, the parasite is, and I'm not letting you kill her. Once we take out the parasite, you can go to town on it. Not the girl though.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 02:48:51 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 02:30:21 pm

Interface, All: <Thank you Irine. Jordan, SHE will work with us. Not the monster. We just need to free her, please. Ike, I'm not sure what that parasite is. I can't tell if it's artificial or nature's work, but that white material thing is the one that wants to kill us. The girl inside is the host. She's being trapped by the parasite. We need to get her out.

And Jordan... If you knew what my alter-ego did, you would shoot me instead, because whatever this parasite can do is a thousand times weaker than what Artemis did.>

Through interface to Zech: <Huh. So I gather from this that there's a pretty girl you want to save like the handsome prince you are, and some kind of evil mind control parasite as well. Any clue on what the parasite is?>

<Also, you might want to consider that even if you save the girl, she probably has fewer chances of making it out of here than you do, and those are some of the slimmest chances I've seen lately, that's for sure. She was shot in the head, for Pete's sake. And bleeding all over the place, too. And there's currently soldiers converging on our location, apparently. Should they locate her, they'll probably just shoot her dead and/or dissect her for fun and research. These are Soviets, you must remember.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 02:52:21 pm

<"Really, it'd be more merciful to kill her then let her be tortured to death by state scientists.">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 03:03:07 pm

Zechariah would've facepalmed if he didn't have to concentrate on communicate with the humanoid pair.

Interface, Ike and Jordan: <One, I already have another person I'm with. Two, I neither handsome enough to pass a beauty test nor bloody enough to count as a war hero, so I lose on both accounts. Three, this woman could have information that we could so direly use. But my motivation here is that I don't want people to die when I have a chance to do something. This parasite apparently thinks it's purging its world, and by purging I mean killing us. Just let me do my work, please. I WILL get her out of here alive.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 15, 2014, 03:05:53 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 15, 2014, 01:55:12 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 15, 2014, 11:46:07 am

Summon twin plungerswords and head into battle!

((How are plungerswords common household objects?))

---

((You have no one but yourself to blame.))
"Um...Charlie?"

((Plungers. Use them as swords.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:13:29 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 01:55:44 pm

To Irene: <Host? It's some kind of parasite? What's it like? And who's the host?>

through interface, to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <It appears to be a programmed terraformer, and it has some kind of connection to the entities. It seems to be possessing a host similarly to how we are possessing ours. The host sounds female, and it may have once been human, maybe not. Not enough information to tell. She hasn't told us her name, but the parasite has identified itself as 'the Core of the Colony Ship "The Ambassador of Change".' It has referred to itself as the Guardian of this world. I believe it has useful information and want to question it. Jordan wants to just shoot it. The parasite has identified itself as hostile, the host is pleading for help, and has specifically said that she does not want to die.>

((It's somewhat amusing keeping track of who is hearing what since we're all going with telepathic specific-target conversations.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 03:24:22 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 03:03:07 pm

Zechariah would've facepalmed if he didn't have to concentrate on communicate with the humanoid pair.

Interface, Ike and Jordan: <One, I already have another person I'm with. Two, I neither handsome enough to pass a beauty test nor bloody enough to count as a war hero, so I lose on both accounts. Three, this woman could have information that we could so direly use. But my motivation here is that I don't want people to die when I have a chance to do something. This parasite apparently thinks it's purging its world, and by purging I mean killing us. Just let me do my work, please. I WILL get her out of here alive.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:13:29 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 01:55:44 pm

To Irene: <Host? It's some kind of parasite? What's it like? And who's the host?>

through interface, to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <It appears to be a programmed terraformer, and it has some kind of connection to the entities. It seems to be possessing a host similarly to how we are possessing ours. The host sounds female, and it may have once been human, maybe not. Not enough information to tell. She hasn't told us her name, but the parasite has identified itself as 'the Core of the Colony Ship "The Ambassador of Change".' It has referred to itself as the Guardian of this world. I believe it has useful information and want to question it. Jordan wants to just shoot it. The parasite has identified itself as hostile, the host is pleading for help, and has specifically said that she does not want to die.>

((It's somewhat amusing keeping track of who is hearing what since we're all going with telepathic specific-target conversations.))

<"Who wants to die? Anyway, I know it wants to purge the world, Zech, don't treat me like a child. We have to put our priorities on our own survival. Even if you manage to rescue her like a heroic white knight, she could get killed as soon as we leave the mission considering she's in the middle of a secret base. By our hosts, even. We are controlling the bodies of spies, remember, and to them they are seeing a hostile target. Which they should. And if she doesn't get cured, then the parasite will stop at nothing to murder each and every one of us. So, at best it's a pointless act of mercy which will be very quickly nullified or it's a tactically dangerous situation. You want to be a hero? Play Mass Effect or some shit, but don't try and put it in action because in the real world, everyone dies one way or another.">

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:27:25 pm

"Jordan, You've lost track of the big picture. It isn't just about this one mission. Hold your fire."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 03:27:55 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 03:03:07 pm

Zechariah would've facepalmed if he didn't have to concentrate on communicate with the humanoid pair.

Interface, Ike and Jordan: <One, I already have another person I'm with. Two, I neither handsome enough to pass a beauty test nor bloody enough to count as a war hero, so I lose on both accounts. Three, this woman could have information that we could so direly use. But my motivation here is that I don't want people to die when I have a chance to do something. This parasite apparently thinks it's purging its world, and by purging I mean killing us. Just let me do my work, please. I WILL get her out of here alive.>

Through interface, to Zech: <You're about to pass out, foo'! And one thing you're definitely not going to manage is to get her out of here alive. Just being realistic here. And I don't think your alter-ego counts as a girlfriend. Also, you may want to take a step back from the parasite. What if it jumps off or something? Ah well. Resolve the issue how you see fit. I'll be cutting the power after a few minutes if you don't mind.>

Through interface, to Jordan: <Maybe you'd like to step away a little as well - even if you shoot the girl in the face, that's no guarantee the parasite won't go for your face to get a replacement body. And that would be bad.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:13:29 pm

through interface, to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <It appears to be a programmed terraformer, and it has some kind of connection to the entities. It seems to be possessing a host similarly to how we are possessing ours. The host sounds female, and it may have once been human, maybe not. Not enough information to tell. She hasn't told us her name, but the parasite has identified itself as 'the Core of the Colony Ship "The Ambassador of Change".' It has referred to itself as the Guardian of this world. I believe it has useful information and want to question it. Jordan wants to just shoot it. The parasite has identified itself as hostile, the host is pleading for help, and has specifically said that she does not want to die.>

To team: <Shit, lady, that sounds like the cube I touched back up top. That thing also wanted us dead for some reason. You're probably not going to be able to get useful information out of it simply because of that fact. Also, seriously, everyone, watch out if somebody shoots the lady in the face. Step back a bit. Who knows what'll happen if the parasite takes over you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:37:35 pm

through interface, to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <It already has given me some valuable information, just keep it talking. Haven't you learned that friends teach you what you want to know, but enemies teach you what you need to know? I'm learning about the entities from it, and that will carry over from one mission to the next. It doesn't know how much it's telling us.>

---

"Why do you oppose us?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 03:44:34 pm

Interface, All: <Alright, then you two stay back, and if it manages to bring me down, you kill me then. But don't kill the girl. Make whatever snide jokes you want, or say that I'm a fool, but I've already been damned to hell and frankly I've nothing to lose. All I can do now is help, and I will get her out of here.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:47:26 pm

((Ike isn't even in the room with it btw, the two in the room with you are Irine and Jordan))
interface to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <You're overcommitting. If you lose control and she resumes attacking us, deadly force is going to be used to stop her. I agree with trying to save her, but if the attempts fail, better she dies than we do.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 03:49:42 pm

Interface, All: <I understand, thank you Irine.>

She was right. He could not overcommit to this, but it was a reflex defense considering that was how Zechariah's personality worked.
Meet Zechariah Dimikaelo, everyone. The Medium of Soul and Shadow.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 03:51:13 pm

The child thinks he's damned to hell? A little part of Jordan thought. I should tell him that when you're damned to hell, shit like this? You don't want to help. You just learn the truth.
<"Do whatever...">[color]

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 03:53:23 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:37:35 pm

through interface, to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <It already has given me some valuable information, just keep it talking. Haven't you learned that friends teach you what you want to know, but enemies teach you what you need to know? I'm learning about the entities from it, and that will carry over from one mission to the next. It doesn't know how much it's telling us.>

To Irene: <Well, good luck. I haven't really had any friends or enemies, really, so I'm not an expert. Honestly, I just want out of here as quickly as possible. But hey, if you've got plans and whatnot, that's cool, too. At least your plans are more sensible than the other guy's.>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 15, 2014, 05:24:17 pm

"It does not matter if you do not have any abilities, a medic is just as useful as someone who can take on a whole army by himself."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Toaster on January 15, 2014, 08:32:44 pm

((Can I hear this?))

John marveled at what he could do with this.  It was time for something more complex.


Use the table to make a suitcase nuke.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 16, 2014, 12:34:37 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 09:03:59 am

To teammates: <I'm hearing voices and no gunshots, guys! What're you doing down there? Not messing around, I hope.>

Wait for five more minutes at most, and stop waiting if there's a confirmed kill of the ghost. Just wait. The plot thickens!

You're wondering what the weather would be like if and when you get back up to the surface, when you hear gunshots and something between a scream, wind and an explosion. Wonder what your teammates got themselves into now...

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 15, 2014, 09:36:04 am

"Yeah, sorry miss." Jordan cocks his gun. "Looks like I'm going to have to pull an old yeller on you. Nothing personal."
Don't shoot it in the head.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 15, 2014, 11:30:52 am

Zechariah tightened the grip on his staff.
Amethyst Keystone. Artemis, do you have anything to do with this?

Don't be silly, I am merely a construct of your subconscious. The real Artemis is probably destroying some other universe, but I don't believe he would be smart enough to consider interdimensional shenanigans.

As Zechariah shared his message with his mind, he heard Jordan talk.
Interface, Jordan: <You won't dare fire a shot until I say so. At all.>
Zechariah focuses again on the woman. "Just hold on. I want you to keep fighting that monster, and I'll help. You'll get out of this."

Dammit, I will help her get out of this, even if it costs my own life.
Use the shadows to help pull this killer monster off of the woman!

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 12:38:54 pm

...
interference? on 'another level?'
'speaking to the ones watching this?'
...
too bad I have to use the interface for this
Through interface, to Zech, Ike, and Jordan: <We need to take this thing alive if we can. It seems to know about the entities, getting information from it could be more useful to us long-term than finishing the mission at all. in addition to the ethical reason for why saving the host would be a good idea. Jordan, give us some time. only shoot if it gets loose, ok?>
use my flame manipulation to move all fires at the pale-thing's location up and away from her.
normally I can't affect anything that's part of a creature, but since I'm mostly trying to cause interference anyway and it seems to exist on another plane, I might be able to affect it and the host should be safe from my abilities. it's not like there's any actual fire there after all.

Irene tries to use her powers to mess with the creature.
If moving fire is like pushing balloons, then trying to push the creature feels like trying to push water. The feeling starts a small distance away from the creature and is centered on it. Trying to move the creature itself produces no visible change but as she tries to move the creature she comes across something else. If the previous effect was similar to moving your hands through water, then this one is a rock. She focuses all her efforts on messing with it and...
There's a flash of light and for a blink of an eye you can see the outline of a tendril with a pyramid-like green tip hiding under one of Zechariah's shadows, coiled like a spring or a snake, ready to strike.

Before anyone can do anything, it's gone, passing through the shadow like a spear and headed straight for Zechariah.

Zechariah is hit square in the chest. He looks at the pale flesh coming from his chest more in confusion than in pain, same as the woman in front of him. "Disconnect."
Jordan shoots and Irene tries to do something with her powers but it's too late. "Purge."
Zechariah's chest begins to glow. A moment later, it's giving off white sparks and the glow is spreading through the tendril to the woman. Within a second, it has grown too bright to look at. They scream. They scream like they're burning. All three of them. There is a small shockwave and then nothing more can be heard.

You stumble backwards, both from the blast and the wave of foreign thoughts and emotions that hit you along with it. Hate. Confusion. Fear. In a few seconds, they're gone again.
When the afterimage of the light disappears and Irine and Jordan can see clearly again, they realize that all that's left of Zech and the woman are ashes and some molten metal on the ground accompanied by a scorch mark.

Zechariah returns to the darkness, where people exist only as thoughts with no bodies.
Desynchronized, attempting to reconnect.

Spoiler: Death Rolls (click to show/hide)

Irene power->4-1

Mantis reflex->6+1-1(blood loss)
Irene reflex->5
Jordan reflex->2+1(adrenaline)
Zech reflex->4-1(blood loss)

Mantis strength->4+1-1(blood loss)
Zech power->3-1(blood loss)

Mantis dexterity->3+1-1(blood loss)
Zech reflex->1-1(blood loss)

((Ah, I'm reminded of Flint, trying to rescue the Urban Executor. Looks like being heroic in RTDs doesn't usually work well for people.))

---

Everybody alive on mission
"Player 6 desynchronized."

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 15, 2014, 11:46:07 am

Summon twin plungerswords and head into battle!

You summon two plungers and begin your epic battle with the trash crabs, requiem for a dream playing in the background.
The crab jumps at you but you easily send this one on a trip, hitting it with your plunger like a baseball. Two more crabs come forth to do battle.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 15, 2014, 01:55:12 pm

"Um...Charlie?"

"Eh, good enough. I was hoping for something a bit more awe inspiring like Dark Invader, but I guess that will have to do for now."

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 15, 2014, 05:24:17 pm

"It does not matter if you do not have any abilities, a medic is just as useful as someone who can take on a whole army by himself."

"Maybe. I just have to hope no danger finds me, I guess.

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 15, 2014, 08:32:44 pm

((Can I hear this?))

John marveled at what he could do with this.  It was time for something more complex.


Use the table to make a suitcase nuke.

((The private telepathic stuff, no. Everything else, including public chat, yes. I don't understand why people are talking in private chat.))
Hmmm... That's strange. You're certain that summoning a nuke should be harder, even with those designs. And yet you do that easily. Perhaps there is something else going on here?

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 16, 2014, 12:46:12 am

Coat my foot in that kinetic absorption gel that Billy Mays once advertised and kick one of the crabs off while whacking another one with a plunger!

((Indeed. I do enjoy the fact that while everyone else is doing important mission stuff or experimenting, Alan ends up fighting debris crabs with twin plunger swords on top of a mobile squid raft-throne :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 16, 2014, 12:52:32 am

Zechariah felt like he was falling through the Medium again, shards of glass and memories from above, falling down with him to the primordial chaos.

Suddenly, he stopped falling, and the air below his feet solidified to form an invisible platform. His view righted itself, and in front of him was Artemis Dimikaelo, smiling.

"So, how did being the hero work out for you? Did you save her, hm? Did everything turn out happy and dandy, where everyone lived and no one dies?"

Artemis cackled, and the air shifted with electric energy and a tinge of amethyst. Zechariah balled his hands into fists, angry that Artemis shot down his efforts.

"I did what I could and I did what I wished. You already know that, that's how I got here in the first place. I told you that the entities are toying with me, pulling me around. Using me, just like Eido Aeterno did. I... I just hope that woman is somewhere safe now, that the entities spared her soul. At least, the others can win now. You know that I don't care about my own survival."

Artemis put a finger up. "You see, that's the kind of thinking that gets people killed. It got you killed, it got her killed, it'll get EVERYONE killed - which is why no one except you thinks like that. Simple evolutionary concepts, hm? Self preservation exists to guarantee the survival of your kind. Looks like you're getting pulled out of the gene loop, haha!

"Maybe if you had a brain, you could've saved yourself. But unfortunately, that did not happen, did it? Now all you have is to wallow in your defeats. Zedekiah was right: you are a selfish, blindsided child, who thinks that the world revolves around himself." Artemis gave a final smile and dissipated into the darkness. The invisible platform vaporized, and Zechariah fell back through the nothingness again.

Eido, Zechariah thought to himself. I failed to ascend. I failed to go beyond human.

Attempt to reform myself into something more than a simple consciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 16, 2014, 01:16:08 am

I KNEW IT! My flame manipulation abilities HAVE been completely redesigned from the ground up, a mere mimicry of the results, not the method, no wonder I'm having so much trouble controlling them. I shouldn't have been able to affect things outside this plane, but these entities are so used to using extra-planar shortcuts...

I should have known from the start, when my connections were severed, when I was able to be burned, when my control was so... loose. I'm no longer tied to my surroundings the way I'm used too, INCLUDING my connection to flame itself. They just gave me a mundane flame manipulation and resistance. A pale mimicry of what once was.

So why the illusion? Am I just a copy of my personality and memories or did they really maim me like this? Do, or did, I scare them? I... I shouldn't anymore.

 Is this revenge against one of the others? Are they going to try to use me against them? Do they even exist anymore? Just how much have the entities been lying to me, really?

...

I need to calm down, I have to focus, to mimic the terrible thing I once was, long long ago. I have to draw on all the ruthlessness I can muster, and let the recoil and loss flow later with Stellar.

I must stride on.

---

"Damn it. Why... No. He knew the risks, he even insisted on it. I... We... must keep going."
Through interface, to team: <Zech, the parasite, and the host are all dead. Kill the reactor. D, What do we do with the device now?>
Stand clear and await our next instructions.

---

Through interface, to Stellar: <Is trying to win this game really the right thing to do?>

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2014, 03:45:50 am

To team through interface: <Great! Too bad about the guy, but glad to hear that the problem's resolved.>

Cut the power!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 16, 2014, 08:50:07 am

"Perhaps, or perhaps your allies will keep you safe."

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Fniff on January 16, 2014, 09:06:58 am

(On one hand, we lost a team member, on the other hand, Jordan got to prove his point.)
Jordan doesn't look as surprised as he should. Why was he so concerned with one woman? I killed dozens of guards, and they all had families. He didn't care about them. Hell, the self-defense argument doesn't even apply here either, because she was trying to kill us too. Did he fancy her or something? Unlikely.
To Team: <"I expected that would happen. We're lucky that didn't effect us. Let's not have a repeat of that. Keep an eye out everyone, I'll keep watch.">
Keep an eye out for guards. If I see them, kill them.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 17, 2014, 11:30:28 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 16, 2014, 12:46:12 am

Coat my foot in that kinetic absorption gel that Billy Mays once advertised and kick one of the crabs off while whacking another one with a plunger!

((Ignoring the nonexistence of such a substance...Wouldn't kinetic absorption cause your kick's kinetic energy to be absorbed, meaning it wouldn't do as much?))

---

"Okay, Charlie! How have you been? And what have you been up to? And who are you, by the way?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 12:17:14 pm

((I dunno; Alan operates off of concentrated stupid.
And there was such a thing; it was the thing you could wrap your hand in, run a car over your hand, and your hand would be unharmed.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 17, 2014, 12:50:03 pm

((Well, yes, but so would the car. I mean, less than it would be otherwise.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2014, 12:51:07 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 12:17:14 pm

((I dunno; Alan operates off of concentrated stupid.
And there was such a thing; it was the thing you could wrap your hand in, run a car over your hand, and your hand would be unharmed.))

((Concrete?))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Toaster on January 17, 2014, 08:36:14 pm

John eyeballs the table.  Too easy.

"Zero, what is the purpose of this table?  Why does everything feel TOO easy with it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 08:57:39 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2014, 12:51:07 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 12:17:14 pm

((I dunno; Alan operates off of concentrated stupid.
And there was such a thing; it was the thing you could wrap your hand in, run a car over your hand, and your hand would be unharmed.))

((Concrete?))

((No, it was some green gel thingy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2014, 10:11:47 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 16, 2014, 01:16:08 am

I KNEW IT! My flame manipulation abilities HAVE been completely redesigned from the ground up, a mere mimicry of the results, not the method, no wonder I'm having so much trouble controlling them. I shouldn't have been able to affect things outside this plane, but these entities are so used to using extra-planar shortcuts...

I should have known from the start, when my connections were severed, when I was able to be burned, when my control was so... loose. I'm no longer tied to my surroundings the way I'm used too, INCLUDING my connection to flame itself. They just gave me a mundane flame manipulation and resistance. A pale mimicry of what once was.

So why the illusion? Am I just a copy of my personality and memories or did they really maim me like this? Do, or did, I scare them? I... I shouldn't anymore.

 Is this revenge against one of the others? Are they going to try to use me against them? Do they even exist anymore? Just how much have the entities been lying to me, really?

...

I need to calm down, I have to focus, to mimic the terrible thing I once was, long long ago. I have to draw on all the ruthlessness I can muster, and let the recoil and loss flow later with Stellar.

I must stride on.

---

"Damn it. Why... No. He knew the risks, he even insisted on it. I... We... must keep going."
Through interface, to team: <Zech, the parasite, and the host are all dead. Kill the reactor. D, What do we do with the device now?>
Stand clear and await our next instructions.

---

Through interface, to Stellar: <Is trying to win this game really the right thing to do?>

"I'm not sure. I know it's the best thing for for you but... I don't know. Maybe if things had gone differently... I don't like this. Any of this."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2014, 03:45:50 am

To team through interface: <Great! Too bad about the guy, but glad to hear that the problem's resolved.>

Cut the power!

Quote from: Fniff on January 16, 2014, 09:06:58 am

(On one hand, we lost a team member, on the other hand, Jordan got to prove his point.)
Jordan doesn't look as surprised as he should. Why was he so concerned with one woman? I killed dozens of guards, and they all had families. He didn't care about them. Hell, the self-defense argument doesn't even apply here either, because she was trying to kill us too. Did he fancy her or something? Unlikely.
To Team: <"I expected that would happen. We're lucky that didn't effect us. Let's not have a repeat of that. Keep an eye out everyone, I'll keep watch.">
Keep an eye out for guards. If I see them, kill them.

Ike twists the wires he'd been holding and several cables connected to the top of the reactor disconnect with a show of lightning. The lights flicker for a moment but remain on.
"Reactor offline. Emergency backup generator online." announces the female voice from the speakers.
Your Interfaces blink once green and once orange.
"Objective complete. New objective: Take the Device to the final level."
Your earpieces remain quiet.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 16, 2014, 12:52:32 am

Zechariah felt like he was falling through the Medium again, shards of glass and memories from above, falling down with him to the primordial chaos.

Suddenly, he stopped falling, and the air below his feet solidified to form an invisible platform. His view righted itself, and in front of him was Artemis Dimikaelo, smiling.

"So, how did being the hero work out for you? Did you save her, hm? Did everything turn out happy and dandy, where everyone lived and no one dies?"

Artemis cackled, and the air shifted with electric energy and a tinge of amethyst. Zechariah balled his hands into fists, angry that Artemis shot down his efforts.

"I did what I could and I did what I wished. You already know that, that's how I got here in the first place. I told you that the entities are toying with me, pulling me around. Using me, just like Eido Aeterno did. I... I just hope that woman is somewhere safe now, that the entities spared her soul. At least, the others can win now. You know that I don't care about my own survival."

Artemis put a finger up. "You see, that's the kind of thinking that gets people killed. It got you killed, it got her killed, it'll get EVERYONE killed - which is why no one except you thinks like that. Simple evolutionary concepts, hm? Self preservation exists to guarantee the survival of your kind. Looks like you're getting pulled out of the gene loop, haha!

"Maybe if you had a brain, you could've saved yourself. But unfortunately, that did not happen, did it? Now all you have is to wallow in your defeats. Zedekiah was right: you are a selfish, blindsided child, who thinks that the world revolves around himself." Artemis gave a final smile and dissipated into the darkness. The invisible platform vaporized, and Zechariah fell back through the nothingness again.

Eido, Zechariah thought to himself. I failed to ascend. I failed to go beyond human.

Attempt to reform myself into something more than a simple consciousness.

Nope, doesn't work. You focus so hard you would have probably gone red from the effort, if you had a body, yet nothing happens.

Also, Scion would like to kindly ask your delusions to stop stealing her lines. It's going to start sounding repetitive when she's berating you.
Nah, just kidding.

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 16, 2014, 12:46:12 am

Coat my foot in that kinetic absorption gel that Billy Mays once advertised and kick one of the crabs off while whacking another one with a plunger!

((Indeed. I do enjoy the fact that while everyone else is doing important mission stuff or experimenting, Alan ends up fighting debris crabs with twin plunger swords on top of a mobile squid raft-throne :P))

((Googled that and man does that guy shout a lot. (http://youtu.be/mZc9IjqHBzc)))

You get an absorption pad. You are trying wedge it on the front of your shoe when the crabs attack.
One manages to jump on your face and pinch you in the nose while the other nibbles at your legs. Ow, that stings!
You manage to throw the one crab off of your face and on to a trip in the void, but kicking the other produces no effect, except pain on your leg when one of the wires the crab is made of goes through your shoe and pierces your toe. Aaaaaouch! Telemarketing lied!
While you're jumping up and down holding your foot, another crab and an orc land on your squid.

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 16, 2014, 08:50:07 am

"Perhaps, or perhaps your allies will keep you safe."

Victor has moved to the side and is talking to himself. That guy may have gone crazy.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 17, 2014, 11:30:28 am

"Okay, Charlie! How have you been? And what have you been up to? And who are you, by the way?"

"Most of me has been fine, working mostly, some explorations here and there. The fact that you probably won the last mission has set my plans back a bit on universe 1058, but nothing I can't handle. As for who I am, that's a very vague question. Perhaps you should tell me who you are so that I know how to answer it."

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 17, 2014, 08:36:14 pm

John eyeballs the table.  Too easy.

"Zero, what is the purpose of this table?  Why does everything feel TOO easy with it?"

"This table is primarily used by the chief engineers of Flagship 2.43 to work on designs in private or in their spare time.

The parameters of this area have been altered to accommodate the entire range of your abilities with minimal effort. Specify an environment for more accurate results."

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2014, 08:34:02 pm

((Sorry, been busy writing stuff for university.))

Quote from: Tiruin on January 15, 2014, 10:17:48 pm

...But aren't..
"You're a wolf," Theri said, lowering her guard. "and I'm quite lost, yes. I mean, you -do look like- a wolf and...I'm quite a stranger here, aren't I?

"Erm, thanks for the compliment, sir." she said as she moved towards the wolf-kin. "Is...there anything about me that you found out?"
Good work, self. Be intentionally vague!

Follow the wolf because I trust him! If any kind of attack happens, go to defense protocol 1:
Raise spear and defend self, but do not attack.

You walk towards the cave, the wolf still talking with that half-amused tone of his.
"I do look like one, don't I? But I'm fairly certain wolves around these parts don't talk. At least not like I do. Besides, when was the last time you saw a wolf looking that nice? Nature seldom is so kind." His appearance is indeed too perfect. His thick black fur is clean, unknotted and shining in the dim light, he seems well fed and with no injuries. An animal that has to survive in the wild would rarely be in such pristine condition.
"But I understand that my appearance might bring you discomfort. It is the right response to a predator, after all. I'll do something about that."

With that, you reach the cave.
"Welcome to my den."
Inside is a small, roughly square room made of rock and dirt. There are two passages leading out of this room, one in the left wall, the other on the right.
At the opposite side of the entrance, there is a decorative arch carved from the rock. Under it is a red fire, floating inside a glass dome, the same fire that is illuminating this room. Above the arch are the crude carvings of the sun and the moon.
In a corner near the entrance lays a pack of wolves. They perk up when the one you're following enters, wagging their tails a bit. They give you some wary looks.

"Make yourself comfortable. I will just take a moment to change. I will answer your other question when I get back." he says as he disappears inside the right passage. "I find modesty unnecessary but I have come to understand people like others to follow certain rules." he shouts from the other room.

The wolves, seeing that their alpha doesn't regard you as a threat, get back to what they were doing. Mainly dozing in their corner or playing with their mother's tail in the case of two pups.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 10:17:20 pm

AAAOOOUUCH

Try to Alan Ro Dah them crabs away from me!

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Alarith on January 17, 2014, 10:26:49 pm

Bryan shrugs, he didn't really mind of someone wanted solitude.
Go sit somewhere peaceful by the waterfall.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2014, 10:55:03 pm

Go over to the device and see about moving it to the elevator yet again. Also, look for how the device is supposed to be used to stab whatever is waiting for us in the next room.

"What does D want us to do? I don't have an earpiece remember?"

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 17, 2014, 11:34:33 pm

Meh, Zechariah's been put down his whole life. A little similarity between two living beings' comments towards him makes little difference.

Focus even more. I can't seriously be stuck in limbo, permanently. Not yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Ghost
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 02:00:09 am

"Wait, we won the last mission? Why is that bad?

"Oh. Um. I'm Angel Beatrice Carlson. I'm from Ely--that's in Nevada--and I'm only five, but I'm in first grade, and I got some powers that're variable and kinda random and a little weird sometimes, like when I got the ability to make hair armor on the mission. It didn't help much, the weird synthetic fleshy thing was too strong with its attacks, it just slowed me down. Then it killed me. Well, not the real me...the host d-died..."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 08:34:27 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 17, 2014, 10:55:03 pm

Go over to the device and see about moving it to the elevator yet again. Also, look for how the device is supposed to be used to stab whatever is waiting for us in the next room.

"What does D want us to do? I don't have an earpiece remember?"

The team gets inside the elevator and start their final descent.
While they go down, the voice in the speakers constantly and repetitively informs them that there is a "Containment breach in Level Minus 1 and 3." and that "Gamma Contingency in effect." and requests that "All personnel, evacuate immediately!"

As the elevator begins slowing down, your Interfaces blink again.
"Objective completed. Listing all remaining non-hidden objectives:

• Primary Objective: Take the Device to the Heart of the compound and use it.
• Primary Objective: After the process is complete, take the Device to the Escape Vehicle to the East. The Device MUST LEAVE the research facility. The Escape Vehicle MUST have EXACTLY ONE passenger.
• Reward: 2 Upgrade Points awarded to all players that participated in the mission.
• Secondary Objective: Escape the compound alive.
• Reward: 2 Upgrade Points awarded to each player that has successfully escaped.

Desynchronization will occur after all objectives have been completed or failed."
((Decided to give you two upgrade points instead of one, since that mission lasted longer and was harder than expected.))

The doors of the elevator open revealing a large concrete hallway. There is a very bright light coming from the room on its end, preventing you from seeing what's in there.

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 17, 2014, 11:34:33 pm

Meh, Zechariah's been put down his whole life. A little similarity between two living beings' comments towards him makes little difference.

Focus even more. I can't seriously be stuck in limbo, permanently. Not yet.

Nope. Nada. Nothing. Niente. Niets. Nichts. Nekas. Nichego. Nihil. Nic. Nenio. Nasshingu. Nichoho.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2014, 10:17:20 pm

AAAOOOUUCH

Try to Alan Ro Dah them crabs away from me!

No matter how much you shout, the only thing you manage to do is cause the orc to look at you like you're crazy. Not an unreasonable reaction.

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 17, 2014, 10:26:49 pm

Bryan shrugs, he didn't really mind of someone wanted solitude.
Go sit somewhere peaceful by the waterfall.

You lie down against a log near the waterfall and look at the blue sky, the white clouds and the rainbow formed by waterfall's mist.
Aaaahhh... Nothing like a nice waterfall to relax after you've been abducted by alien gods. Those dwarfs sure know what they're doing.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 02:00:09 am

"Wait, we won the last mission? Why is that bad?

"Oh. Um. I'm Angel Beatrice Carlson. I'm from Ely--that's in Nevada--and I'm only five, but I'm in first grade, and I got some powers that're variable and kinda random and a little weird sometimes, like when I got the ability to make hair armor on the mission. It didn't help much, the weird synthetic fleshy thing was too strong with its attacks, it just slowed me down. Then it killed me. Well, not the real me...the host d-died..."

The man continues speaking, sounding a bit more bored and less interested now.
"Yes, unless the others do something stupid. The things you messed with there were my things, in a way. I don't like it when people mess with my stuff."

"In that case, you already chose a name for me, I never knew the place I was born in and it doesn't even exist anymore, I have control of over 100 universes and incredible power with my avatars. I have died about twice, I think? Those were the important times, anyway. A few more if you count not living or not existing as dying."

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 11:56:21 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 18, 2014, 03:23:23 am

"Cute little ones. So these are whom you take care of? This is...a nice, quaint place."

Theri moved over towards the others, slowly to..well, show no other harm other than to follow what she knew despite better judgement. "A bit too quaint, maybe? Where are we?"

Inquiry!

"This is the Shrine of the Three. A forgotten place, even I don't really know why it's here. It's not really my home, I just promised the spirit of this place that I'd look after the Shrine in exchange for living here for a few years." he continues speaking from the other room. "You see, I am a traveler, of sorts. I explore the world, see its wonders, learn its stories and most importantly I search for interesting people. And have a bit of fun, of course. The members of this pack were my companions in these woods, my hunting partners during my stay here."
He walks out of the tunnel a different creature. (Do you call them werewolves if they turn into a wolf instead of a human?)
He still has his black fur and amber eyes, but his body is more humanoid now, with hands instead of paws, his legs allowing him to stand upright and his snout slightly smaller, allowing his mouth to move like that of a human's. He's speaking with it now, but his voice sounds much the same. He is wearing dark brown shorts for modesty's sake.
"While I sometimes seek solitude, travelling is best done with the company of others, someone to share the experience with. I would like-..." he pauses mid sentence and shakes his head. "Aaah, but I forget myself, we have not even told each other our names yet. I am River." He extends his hand to you.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 08:39:06 pm

John looks at the table.  "Set ability augmentation to zero, and just give me the good views.  Can't learn anything if there's no challenge."

Try a car this time.  Like a '69 Charger (http://image.popularhotrodding.com/f/features/1109phr_1969_dodge_charger/32048354/1109phr-03%2B1969-dodge-charger%2Bleft-side.jpg).

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 08:40:49 pm

"That's neat..."
Angel's managed to depress herself by getting herself into that state where she's dwelling on her failures.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2014, 08:44:46 pm

"Careful, lets clear the room before we do anything else. There's still several unaccounted for guards remember?"
Wait at the elevator with the device. If attacked, hide behind the device for cover and hope whoever is shooting at me is defeated soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 08:46:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 08:39:06 pm

John looks at the table.  "Set ability augmentation to zero, and just give me the good views.  Can't learn anything if there's no challenge."

Try a car this time.  Like a '69 Charger (http://image.popularhotrodding.com/f/features/1109phr_1969_dodge_charger/32048354/1109phr-03%2B1969-dodge-charger%2Bleft-side.jpg).

Well, you could try designing the car, but you couldn't summon it in here, unless it's a toy car or you enlarge the room. It's not an enormous room, just big enough for your bed and table.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 08:40:49 pm

"That's neat..."
Angel's managed to depress herself by getting herself into that state where she's dwelling on her failures.

Well, that would be a great time for her other personality to come out, wouldn't it?

---

Also, mission people, have some Music (http://youtu.be/Xt2sbtvBuk8?t=38m45s)

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 19, 2014, 03:07:49 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 19, 2014, 12:21:13 am

((Therians. Therianthropy. :P Research dat. :3 That's basically the gist of what I have as concept background in my RTD.))

Theri took the hand and shook it with both her own. "That's a nice name. I'm Theri, and back on the note, I...never expected this place to be a shrine. Usually when I hear 'shrine' I think of lavishly decorated places, set in good lighting and usually decorated. This place is quite spartan and...actually I like the simplicity.

"Could I ask who are the Three, and-erm, if I can repay your help for me in anyway?"
^{Also possibly what else you were saying?}

Inquire~

((Yeah, I was talking about the fact that a werewolf usually goes from human to human-wolf hybrid, while River goes from wolf to human-wolf hybrid.))

He looks at your hands around his for a moment, puzzled. He then turns to look into your eyes again. "Theri." he says and grins, showing his fangs in the process. "Interesting."
He lets go of your hands and starts pacing in front of you as he speaks.
"The shrine. That is one of the reasons I was here. This place is a mystery. A sacred place in a remote forest. Ever since I discovered it by accident, I spent a year searching this forest and the nearby villages for something similar, some clue, but I found nothing. Nobody knew of this place, nothing similar existed nearby, nobody ever came to this place."
"Until you stumbled upon it, like me."
He stops walking and remains quiet for a moment, before he continues to recount his knowledge of this place.
"The name of this place was told to me by its spirit, but it would not reveal more. I have not been able to determine more than the obvious: That it is an old place, a magical place, somehow related to the Sun and the Moon."
He stops walking and turns to look at you again.
"I am a creature that likes to find interesting things, exciting things and this forest has not granted me that. I enjoyed hunting in it with the others, but even that gets repetitive after some time."
He is walking towards you now.
"I am thinking about moving on. And, like I said, you are an interesting person. Unique in your on way. Strong, smart, with the beauty of a hunter, willing to learn, open but not a fool."
He reaches with his hand to place it upon your shoulder.
"That is why I want to make you a proposition. Come with me, travel with me. I promise I will take you to places you have never even imagined, to worlds of beauty and sadness, of adventure and fear, of powerful magic and intricate technology. I will show you the greatest and the smartest beasts on can hunt. I will teach you things you never thought possible, show you the world from a new perspective and maybe in the process, I will help you learn more about yourself. The opportunity of a lifetime, an unforgettable experience." He is whispering near the end, his face close to yours, his eyes still looking into yours.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 18, 2014, 08:52:04 pm

Third time now, reform again.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 18, 2014, 08:54:51 pm

"Okay, I'll scout ahead and deal with the guards that I can see, then I'll give you a status report. Let's try not to kick the hornet's nest."

Jordan was happy with the objectives presented. Even if someone else took the vehicle, he could stand escaping by foot. He wasn't one of the best (And most affordable) assassins for not being able to run from searchers long enough to get the money.

Scout ahead, if I see any guards on their own kill them by adrenaline rushing then firing/breaking their neck. If they are in a group, report their position and activity to the team, then sneak past. Try to find a window to the east to see where the escape vehicle is.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 08:58:46 pm

((As you wish...what did I use for its thoughts?
Screw it.))

"So...How did you get to be so powerful?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 09:36:58 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 08:46:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 08:39:06 pm

John looks at the table.  "Set ability augmentation to zero, and just give me the good views.  Can't learn anything if there's no challenge."

Try a car this time.  Like a '69 Charger (http://image.popularhotrodding.com/f/features/1109phr_1969_dodge_charger/32048354/1109phr-03%2B1969-dodge-charger%2Bleft-side.jpg).

Well, you could try designing the car, but you couldn't summon it in here, unless it's a toy car or you enlarge the room. It's not an enormous room, just big enough for your bed and table.

(And my radio and nuclear device.)

Just design's good.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2014, 10:41:49 pm

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~

Bite his face off in a panic!

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2014, 04:51:52 am

"Right. I'll be listening and relaying anything I can hear to you via the usual means."

Listen carefully. Do the echolocation thingy. Also, do I smell any signs of the outside?

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 19, 2014, 08:58:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2014, 08:44:46 pm

"Careful, lets clear the room before we do anything else. There's still several unaccounted for guards remember?"
Wait at the elevator with the device. If attacked, hide behind the device for cover and hope whoever is shooting at me is defeated soon.

You sit back and send your guys to do some scouting.

Quote from: Fniff on January 18, 2014, 08:54:51 pm

"Okay, I'll scout ahead and deal with the guards that I can see, then I'll give you a status report. Let's try not to kick the hornet's nest."

Jordan was happy with the objectives presented. Even if someone else took the vehicle, he could stand escaping by foot. He wasn't one of the best (And most affordable) assassins for not being able to run from searchers long enough to get the money.

Scout ahead, if I see any guards on their own kill them by adrenaline rushing then firing/breaking their neck. If they are in a group, report their position and activity to the team, then sneak past. Try to find a window to the east to see where the escape vehicle is.

"Are you gonna let Firefox boss you around like that? She obviously wants you to go first so that you get killed." says the entity as you walk into the light. There are a couple of those barrier creating things that burned your face here but they are deactivated. The hallway ends in a concrete platform, overlooking the room beyond. There is a ramp that leads to the floor below.
The room itself is enormous. More than enormous. It's morenormous! It stretches to your left and right for an incredible distance. You could be walking for an hour and not reach the end of it.
And in it is the Colony Ship, or rather what's left of it. Famished pale flesh clinging to marble like bones as far as the eye can see, as if this level is housing the remains of a long dead Godzilla of a whale. The "floor" of the ship remains but its "ceiling" and "walls" are missing, exposing its internal structure. Metal platforms have been placed on its flesh-floor, both to make moving tools easier and to restrain it. Even without the various cutting tools positioned near freshly cut bones and flesh still dripping its white blood, it's obvious large pieces of it have been removed. While the bones form a symmetrical, almost tubular shape, like the bones of a ribcage, many of them are missing, replaced by metal restraints to hold the flesh down. The ship is ineffectually pushing against the restraints, filling the room with the creaking of metal.
Weak pulses of light travel all across the flesh of the ship, all coming from what looks like its Heart. It's made of the same pale flesh and moving in tune with the pulses of light it is sending. It is near the center of the ship, directly opposite to the platform you're standing on, a relatively small distance away. It is suspended from bones by tendrils of pale flesh and sinew. And from it come many wires and optic cables, connecting the heart to hundreds of humans and humanoids, all restrained on metal beds positioned around it. Various machines, IVs and computers are connected to each of them.
And beyond the Heart of the ship is what you assume to be your Escape Vehicle. It is the only thing East of your position that looks capable of getting someone out of here. Scaffolding holding a rocket, a bit larger than a Topol ICBM, positioned under what looks like a hole in the ceiling. The top of the rocket is open, expectant.
Other than that, there are a few rooms made of metal walls and many other objects littering the floor. Pieces of armor, robotic animals, missiles, giant computers, Tesla coils, jet engines, mechs even what looks like a futuristic space fighter or hovercraft. Looks like the Soviets didn't let all this space go to waste.
"Horrible..."
"Never underestimate the things humans will do for power."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2014, 04:51:52 am

"Right. I'll be listening and relaying anything I can hear to you via the usual means."

Listen carefully. Do the echolocation thingy. Also, do I smell any signs of the outside?

You see the same things as Jordan. Echolocation and smells reveals nothing of interest. Hearing reveals that the people down there are murmuring things and banging against their restraints.

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 09:36:58 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 08:46:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 18, 2014, 08:39:06 pm

John looks at the table.  "Set ability augmentation to zero, and just give me the good views.  Can't learn anything if there's no challenge."

Try a car this time.  Like a '69 Charger (http://image.popularhotrodding.com/f/features/1109phr_1969_dodge_charger/32048354/1109phr-03%2B1969-dodge-charger%2Bleft-side.jpg).

Well, you could try designing the car, but you couldn't summon it in here, unless it's a toy car or you enlarge the room. It's not an enormous room, just big enough for your bed and table.

(And my radio and nuclear device.)

Just design's good.

It takes a while to get all the parts right and make sure the car you've designed will work and won't fall apart. It takes some more to actually make it aerodynamic and efficient. Luckily, the table's simulation software is top notch and you are an expert in machines, so after some work, you have your virtual car stylishly driving around your virtual test course.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 18, 2014, 08:52:04 pm

Third time now, reform again.

Host body deemed unrecoverable. Reconnecting with staging area...

You Mage are a fool
for thinking you could
save everyone that ever lived.
All people must die,
that you cannot deny,
some sooner rather than later.
When fighting is found,
when there's conflict abound,
don't think they'll get away scot-free.
When two people fight,
seek the other's demise,
you may have to just pick a side.
But if my words you ignore
then for this I implore
to remember in your adventures, when you fight.
That when magic is involved,
you should have a plan twofold:
Keep your distance and prepare for a blight.
The entity punctuates the end of the performance with that hyena-lion laugh of his as your thoughts slowly grind to a halt.

You wake up. You're not dead. You're in your bed in that cavern with green crystals again.
"Dissssappointing..." Scion says, the crystals crackling with electricity in tune with her voice.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 18, 2014, 08:58:46 pm

((As you wish...what did I use for its thoughts?
Screw it.))

"So...How did you get to be so powerful?"

((My notes say purple glow, but I guess purple shadow is the same. Also, I've left your other personality as mostly a roleplaying choice. I'll only force you to use it or force actions upon you under specific circumstances.))

"Oh, real simple. A god was killed, the position became vacant, I was there and I took it. There was of course a war and a big battle and conspiracies and other stuff but that's about three Cycle's worth of story. In the end, what matters is I made the only choice I could: I fought and I won my place and my power."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2014, 10:41:49 pm

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~

Bite his face off in a panic!

You run towards the orc. It sidesteps with a mildly confused look on its face and proceeds to lop your head off with its sword.
It stings a bit, but other than the fact that your head isn't attached to your body anymore, you're fine. Not dying or anything.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 20, 2014, 07:53:34 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 20, 2014, 12:52:59 am

Inquisitive nature. Wonder. Adventure.
...I like this one.

Theri looked back into his eyes--wells of unimaginable thought, reflected by the light and color--and drifted on the words of the therian. He may act refined, almost even regal in his gestures and mannerisms; his thoughts maybe of the idealist and the realist, meshed together, but she wondered if this was not but trickery.

The kitsune discarded the thought and looked aside, at the cubs and the mother after giving River a nod. "If we are to leave this place, then what about them? Aren't they your wards? Someones you protect?"
Erm, forgive me for this but...first impressions and all. I like you but..I'm a bit reluctant-the offer is fast, and it would be rude for me to decline-bah, I won't say this. It seems inappropriate. Leave at the question befor-

Ask!

River's ears fall for a moment. He turns his head away from you, towards the pack.
"I... They were my companions."
He walks towards the wolves.
"They did not need my protection. They accepted me as an equal. They were someone to hunt with, someone to share my sleep with."
He picks up one of the cubs from the scruff of its neck and it emits a surprised yelp. He brings the limp pup close to his face to inspect it.
"They are strong, the next generation even more so. This shrine will be their home, as long as they protect it. They have their sh-" The cub licks his nose, causing him to look surprised and turn his head to the side to hide an involuntary smile from you. "They have their share of rough times but they fight and they survive, like all life should. To weaken them with my help would be cruel and wrong. Against nature."
He sets the cub down and pets it on its head. The cub goes to rejoin her brother in playing.
"I helped them find their strength. That is all. That is what I do. Now it is time to move on to something new."
He sits down near the mother, a grey and black wolf, whispers something in her ear and then gently pushes her away towards the others.

"What about you? You look... I have not watched someone like you, not in this part of this world. Do you have someone to care for? Is that why... Do you have something that binds you to these lands? Because your equipment, your behavior says you do not."
He looks down, this time not looking at anything in particular.
"I am sorry if I am being impolite. I am not used to speaking to people like this, people I do not know. I am usually much more... direct in my dealings with others."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 19, 2014, 09:08:23 pm

"Was it hard? And what were you before that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Xantalos on January 19, 2014, 10:14:35 pm

You suck!

Hurl insults at the Orc to distract it while my body comes up and strangles it!
Or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 19, 2014, 10:34:44 pm

"Anything dangerous out there? If it's clear then we should sit down and talk through who gets the easy exit and who has to fight their way out."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 20, 2014, 12:40:22 am

Zechariah sits up and hangs his legs over the edge of the bed, looking up towards the ceiling of the cavern. He is wearing a somber expression.

"Let me guess - her soul isn't even here anymore, because that's what you entities want to show me?"
He hops off the bed and cross his arms, still staring at the top of the cavern.
"Go ahead. Call me disappointing, call me a loser, tell me I failed, tell me she's dead, tell me whatever you want. I've already heard everything and more from Artemis, Apollo, Eido, Oblivion, Danielle, Haextov, the Guardian Scion, and just about everyone else who I've had the pleasure to meet! So, what do you have to say, entity Scion? What other tales of sorrow and woes, of greed and hate do you have to send my way?!" Zechariah grits his teeth with a spark in his eyes that lasts for a moment. He then extinguishes his own spirit, the fire dying in his eyes and his spirit. He relaxes his shoulders and runs his hands through his hair.

"The only reason I am here is because Eido damned me to hell in trade for the salvation of my friends. I sacrificed my soul to the Limbo in order to kill the Shadow and keep my friends alive. Somewhere along the way, you entities picked me up and placed me in this game - but I guess this still follows through with Eido's promise of hell to me. But.. I'm willing to take whatever, because this is what I asked for. This is what I fought for."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 20, 2014, 03:51:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2014, 10:34:44 pm

"Anything dangerous out there? If it's clear then we should sit down and talk through who gets the easy exit and who has to fight their way out."

"There's lots of weaponry, robots and junk. And the colony ship thing. It looks a bit more disturbing than I'd expected. Otherwise, nothing overly alarming. Then again, the room is pretty huge. Impractically so, actually. It'd take more than an hour to reach the other end of it! Now, if you'll excuse me for a second..."

Check futuristic space fighter. Also check for jetpacks. Keep ears out for trouble.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2014, 12:23:28 pm

Mission People! Post an action!

That means you Fniff and Lenglon.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2014, 12:36:38 pm

start moving the device forward and into the room then.
((was waiting on Jordan's response))

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 21, 2014, 12:45:25 pm

God, why do I need all this bullshit? I hate working in teams, I have to constantly work out what the fuck people even think in their idiotic little minds just so I can figure out what to do. And that's if they're not actively trying to fuck you over. This is why I work solo...
Keep an eye out for trouble, and any entrances into the building specifically.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2014, 07:14:43 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 20, 2014, 03:51:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2014, 10:34:44 pm

"Anything dangerous out there? If it's clear then we should sit down and talk through who gets the easy exit and who has to fight their way out."

"There's lots of weaponry, robots and junk. And the colony ship thing. It looks a bit more disturbing than I'd expected. Otherwise, nothing overly alarming. Then again, the room is pretty huge. Impractically so, actually. It'd take more than an hour to reach the other end of it! Now, if you'll excuse me for a second..."

Check futuristic space fighter. Also check for jetpacks. Keep ears out for trouble.

You use the ramp to get down and look around.
The "space fighter" is a triangular thing that looks a bit like a Hind gunship with its tail, skids and rotor missing. Its wiring is exposed, many metal plates missing. It is anchored to the ground with a dozen bungee cords. There is a large part of its back missing where you suppose jet engines or some other weird thruster thing was supposed to fit.
You don't see any jetpacks nearby. Maybe they're in one of those metal rooms or maybe they're somewhere else or maybe the Soviets don't need better jetpacks.
As for trouble, well, the ship is straining those restraints very hard and... is it... moving slightly? You're not really sure but you think the flesh is moving and vibrating slightly. Plus, there are those alarms and that lady in the speakers keeps talking about a containment failure and gamma contingency.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2014, 12:36:38 pm

start moving the device forward and into the room then.
((was waiting on Jordan's response))

You reach the room and see the same things as the others. You don't need me to describe it again, right?

Quote from: Fniff on January 21, 2014, 12:45:25 pm

God, why do I need all this bullshit? I hate working in teams, I have to constantly work out what the fuck people even think in their idiotic little minds just so I can figure out what to do. And that's if they're not actively trying to fuck you over. This is why I work solo...
Keep an eye out for trouble, and any entrances into the building specifically.

Other than the barely restrained alien thing that wants to defend itself from you and the army of angry Spetsnaz waiting for you upstairs? No, no trouble at all.
As for entrances, there are many rooms in here and doors in the concrete walls. None of those are open. There's also that hole over the rocket that could lead somewhere.

---

"Listing all remaining non-hidden objectives:

• Primary Objective: Take the Device to the Heart of the compound and use it.
• Primary Objective: After the process is complete, take the Device to the Escape Vehicle to the East. The Device MUST LEAVE the research facility. The Escape Vehicle MUST have EXACTLY ONE passenger.
• Reward: 2 Upgrade Points awarded to all players that participated in the mission.
• Secondary Objective: Escape the compound alive.
• Reward: 2 Upgrade Points awarded to each player that has successfully escaped.

Desynchronization will occur after all objectives have been completed or failed."

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 19, 2014, 09:08:23 pm

"Was it hard? And what were you before that?"

"Oh, not really, they practically begged me for the job. They wanted a three headed troll god for diversity because the multiverse was afraid of being sued for discrimination. Although the amount of paperwork I had to go through was daunting. You won't believe how hard it is to find your birth certificate when you've lived for millions of years. And been reincarnated twice."

Quote from: Xantalos on January 19, 2014, 10:14:35 pm

You suck!

Hurl insults at the Orc to distract it while my body comes up and strangles it!
Or something.

You scream at the orc, while your body gets up and... Hey! What the hell is it doing? It's hugging the orc‽!? Traitor!

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 20, 2014, 12:40:22 am

Zechariah sits up and hangs his legs over the edge of the bed, looking up towards the ceiling of the cavern. He is wearing a somber expression.

"Let me guess - her soul isn't even here anymore, because that's what you entities want to show me?"
He hops off the bed and cross his arms, still staring at the top of the cavern.
"Go ahead. Call me disappointing, call me a loser, tell me I failed, tell me she's dead, tell me whatever you want. I've already heard everything and more from Artemis, Apollo, Eido, Oblivion, Danielle, Haextov, the Guardian Scion, and just about everyone else who I've had the pleasure to meet! So, what do you have to say, entity Scion? What other tales of sorrow and woes, of greed and hate do you have to send my way?!" Zechariah grits his teeth with a spark in his eyes that lasts for a moment. He then extinguishes his own spirit, the fire dying in his eyes and his spirit. He relaxes his shoulders and runs his hands through his hair.

"The only reason I am here is because Eido damned me to hell in trade for the salvation of my friends. I sacrificed my soul to the Limbo in order to kill the Shadow and keep my friends alive. Somewhere along the way, you entities picked me up and placed me in this game - but I guess this still follows through with Eido's promise of hell to me. But.. I'm willing to take whatever, because this is what I asked for. This is what I fought for."

The entity remains silent for a second. "You are an idiot." she growls, which comes off very strange with her distorted voice. She lets that sink in for a moment before continuing.

"I have no problem with your misguided attempts to make up for whatever delusion or emotional trauma drives you to try and save everyone. I deplore that, but it's your choice. I do, however, have a problem with these two things:
First of all, use your head. I understand that this in organ you humans commonly fail to utilize. I understand that your messiah complex and delusions of grandeur may interfere with the way you act, with your priorities. Even though I find it a terrible waste, I understand it. What I don't understand, your biggest failure is this:"The air ripples in front of you like water, showing the faces of Ike and Irene

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2014, 03:27:55 pm

Through interface, to Zech: <You're about to pass out, foo'! And one thing you're definitely not going to manage is to get her out of here alive. Just being realistic here. And I don't think your alter-ego counts as a girlfriend. Also, you may want to take a step back from the parasite. What if it jumps off or something? Ah well. Resolve the issue how you see fit. I'll be cutting the power after a few minutes if you don't mind.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 15, 2014, 03:47:26 pm

interface to Ike, Jordan, and Zech: <You're overcommitting. If you lose control and she resumes attacking us, deadly force is going to be used to stop her. I agree with trying to save her, but if the attempts fail, better she dies than we do.>

"You, Mage, are either deaf or a fool. You didn't even had to use your head. You just had to listen."

"Second, if you want to help people, you need power. And you need to be able to wield it. To do that a mage needs a clear mind, an ordered mind. How can you act if you don't focus, if you do not plan your spells? A mage needs the energy to build his spells. Where will you find that energy when you are bleeding?"

"You have been given a rare opportunity here, something others would kill for. If you must insist on this... madness, then at least use these games to gain the power to do ... whatever idiocy you want to do successfully. In the end I don't care about what you do. I care that you are worthy when the time comes."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2014, 07:23:54 pm

"Well, here goes..."
Move the device to the central point of the pulses, the "heart" of the ship, and see if it reconfigures itself into something useable.
"Pleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtme"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Xantalos on January 21, 2014, 07:26:05 pm

Well fine I don't need you anyway!

Grow legs of my own and make like the headcrab - jump at the Orc's face!

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 21, 2014, 08:01:52 pm

Zechariah paused for an unsettling amount of time, murmuring silently to himself and searching the ground with his eyes. He crossed his arms and looked up to the ceiling of the cavern once agian.
"I acted like I did back there, because I saw myself inside the face of that woman. I saw Artemis, the demon he was, taunting me again. He's the one who made me lose my mind, and he's part of the reason why I have this power. He was the parasite attached to me, using me for his own wishes and manipulating me to be a force untold under his command. My super-ego told me that Artemis was completely insane, but my id told me that I wanted this power, that I needed this. That's why I didn't want to kill her, not because of some stupid love or protection of innocence. It was because I saw my own pain within that image, and I didn't want anyone to experience what I had experienced."

Zechariah sighs and attempts to recover from the flood of stress and complication that he experiences on a daily basis.
"I'm going to ask this again: why didn't you pick someone like Jordan? He's a star character under your checklist. He's been pitch-perfect this whole mission, completing objectives, dispatching guards, and avoiding traps like some protagonist from an action movie. Heck, he's still on a roll right now. He's much more sensible than I am. Wouldn't you prefer someone who is much more stable and direct, as opposed to someone with complex, cataclysmic potential? Or even Irine, she has powers rivaling you entities, coupled with a penchant for seeking information and finding truth." Zechariah sits back on the edge of the bed and puts his head in his hands.
"I... I honestly don't see why you'd pick someone like me. Doesn't matter what potential you say I have, it's not useful at all if I can't keep calm long enough to utilize it well. I bet Alan could do better than I can." He sits like this for a small while, before looking up again. "I have already butchered the first mission, and I'm probably gonna end up falling amazingly behind the others, who will promptly slaughter me the first chance they get. What do I have that they don't? Some fairy wings, glowing eyes, and a piece of wood?
"...
If you still have some ludicrous idea that I can still make it, fine. Because I do want to help others, and if I get that chance, I won't hesitate to take it. But I've already failed this mission, so how will I get this supposed power you're talking about? Because frankly, Jordan is topping the leader-board right now, and I'm sure that he won't blink at the opportunity to blow what's left of my brains out. And I'm sure you don't believe in the power of will like I do. I believe I can win, but I don't think you do." Zechariah clears his throat and holds back tears, his wings and eyes glowing brighter and taking on a hint of amethyst color.
"I have to win. Not for myself, but for those who I promised a better future than this, and to make sure Artemis doesn't hurt anyone else. With or without your help."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 21, 2014, 11:54:54 pm

"Interesting. Any advice on how I could do the same?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 05:29:00 am

"Well, this is a pretty disappointing bit of tech. Oh well."

Inspect Escape Vehicle.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 10:58:48 am

Quote from: Fniff: autoaction

Follow along.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2014, 07:23:54 pm

"Well, here goes..."
Move the device to the central point of the pulses, the "heart" of the ship, and see if it reconfigures itself into something useable.
"Pleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtme"

You start walking towards the heart, the sound of your footsteps accompanied by the creaking of the ship's restraints and the whispers of the people tied in the metal beds around you. Their eyes are closed, but some of them scream at you and bang at their restraints trying to get to you. The rest remain calm, like they're sleeping or in a coma, constantly whispering. Tiny tendrils of flesh have grown from the ship and have begun to wrap around some of them.

As you get closer to the heart you notice that the flesh around you is very slowly growing and pushing against the metal restraints, trying to get out.

At last you reach the heart. You can not only see but also hear the pulses of light coming from it, you can feel the vibrations in your stomach, like the sound of a human heart played by a giant subwoofer. The flesh ripples around you in tune with the pulses, making furhter noise as it pushes against the metal restraints.

The Device begins vibrating slowly and seams begin appearing in the dark metal. Its metal deforms, forming legs that aim it towards the heart. A spike comes out from the seam in its front, pointing towards the mass of pulsating pale flesh.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 05:29:00 am

"Well, this is a pretty disappointing bit of tech. Oh well."

Inspect Escape Vehicle.

You leave the hovercraft be, disappointed in it for some reason. You make a mental note to tell the scientists to pimp it out a bit the next time you see any. Make it have all those whirly glowing sciency thingies. Or at least some neon lights, gold rims and an MP3 player.

The escape vehicle is a rocket on the other side of the ship, so let's just say you move with Irene towards the center of the ship and see what she sees. If you wanna keep on going, just say so.

As you get closer to the heart and the people restrained around it, you can hear their whispers more clearly. Some of them sound like they're talking to each other, reciting conversations in many languages. Others are talking with a monotone voice, listing things and their status. A few are saying disconnected words, nonsensical things or are growling. And then there are the ones that are screaming at you and ineffectually trying to grab you. What a fun bunch, eh?

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 21, 2014, 07:26:05 pm

Well fine I don't need you anyway!

Grow legs of my own and make like the headcrab - jump at the Orc's face!

You grow incredibly tiny tentacles that allow you to move your head a bit. The orc laughs for a while but then your squid-mobile grabs it with one of its tendrils and eats it. The bad news is that it also took your body along with the orc.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 21, 2014, 11:54:54 pm

"Interesting. Any advice on how I could do the same?"

"Well, there isn't much need for human gods in the market right now, plus with the entropy crisis in full swing many gods are loosing their jobs. The future is kind of uncertain. But, I do know a guy in human resources that could get you a job as a minor supporting deity for two thousand energy units."
"Why-"
"Ssshhh. Experiment."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 21, 2014, 08:01:52 pm

Zechariah paused for an unsettling amount of time, murmuring silently to himself and searching the ground with his eyes. He crossed his arms and looked up to the ceiling of the cavern once agian.
"I acted like I did back there, because I saw myself inside the face of that woman. I saw Artemis, the demon he was, taunting me again. He's the one who made me lose my mind, and he's part of the reason why I have this power. He was the parasite attached to me, using me for his own wishes and manipulating me to be a force untold under his command. My super-ego told me that Artemis was completely insane, but my id told me that I wanted this power, that I needed this. That's why I didn't want to kill her, not because of some stupid love or protection of innocence. It was because I saw my own pain within that image, and I didn't want anyone to experience what I had experienced."

Zechariah sighs and attempts to recover from the flood of stress and complication that he experiences on a daily basis.
"I'm going to ask this again: why didn't you pick someone like Jordan? He's a star character under your checklist. He's been pitch-perfect this whole mission, completing objectives, dispatching guards, and avoiding traps like some protagonist from an action movie. Heck, he's still on a roll right now. He's much more sensible than I am. Wouldn't you prefer someone who is much more stable and direct, as opposed to someone with complex, cataclysmic potential? Or even Irine, she has powers rivaling you entities, coupled with a penchant for seeking information and finding truth." Zechariah sits back on the edge of the bed and puts his head in his hands.
"I... I honestly don't see why you'd pick someone like me. Doesn't matter what potential you say I have, it's not useful at all if I can't keep calm long enough to utilize it well. I bet Alan could do better than I can." He sits like this for a small while, before looking up again. "I have already butchered the first mission, and I'm probably gonna end up falling amazingly behind the others, who will promptly slaughter me the first chance they get. What do I have that they don't? Some fairy wings, glowing eyes, and a piece of wood?
"...
If you still have some ludicrous idea that I can still make it, fine. Because I do want to help others, and if I get that chance, I won't hesitate to take it. But I've already failed this mission, so how will I get this supposed power you're talking about? Because frankly, Jordan is topping the leader-board right now, and I'm sure that he won't blink at the opportunity to blow what's left of my brains out. And I'm sure you don't believe in the power of will like I do. I believe I can win, but I don't think you do." Zechariah clears his throat and holds back tears, his wings and eyes glowing brighter and taking on a hint of amethyst color.
"I have to win. Not for myself, but for those who I promised a better future than this, and to make sure Artemis doesn't hurt anyone else. With or without your help."

"Why do I always get the broken ones?..." Scion whispers the rhetorical question.

"I chose you because I knew you were the right one, I felt it, my magic told me so. You were compatible. Once that was determined, there was no other choice. I do not look only for strength and efficiency. I look for something more."

"You shouldn't worry too much for my sake. I have worked with others. I am strong and adaptable, as I should be. I will work with you and perfect you.
As for the current challenge, you are in luck. You will be rewarded despite your inefficiency. Your team is almost victorious. Let us hope you can use the power you gain to improve yourself and avoid such failures in the future."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 11:09:11 am

Practice!

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 22, 2014, 11:09:59 am

"What's an energy unit and how do I get them?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Xantalos on January 22, 2014, 12:17:54 pm

Hngggggg

Grow another body starfish style!

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 22, 2014, 12:19:32 pm

Zechariah pauses for a few moments to recollect his thoughts. He sighs out deeply and rubs his eyes with his free arm.
"You get the broken ones because you know how to fix them. Okay, I will do whatever is in my power to keep in control of myself. But you must understand that I one side of multiple facets.

...can you at least tell me a little about yourself? At least, I want to have an idea of who I will be working with right now..."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 12:23:22 pm

(('Hovercraft'? You mean the space fighter? I was disappointed in that because it seemed to be thoroughly gutted.))

To Irene: "Maybe you shouldn't mess around with the Device. If this thing wants it, it's probably going to use to screw us over in some fashion. Let's just focus on getting the thing out of here, okay?"

Keep moving. Get out of the dang ship. Reach the Escape Vehicle.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 02:28:43 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 12:23:22 pm

(('Hovercraft'? You mean the space fighter? I was disappointed in that because it seemed to be thoroughly gutted.))

((Yeah, maybe hovercraft isn't the right word here...  How would you call a helicopter-like or fighter-like vehicle that can levitate and move around without any visible application of force? LevGunship? HoverCopter? Flying Saucer? HeliFlubber?

And it's missing its armor (to expose its wiring and electronics so that it can be connected to nearby computers) and something from its back, presumable where one would place the rocket (hence the spaceship part). And it's tethered to the ground with bungee cords.))

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 02:34:29 pm

((Like your traditional flying saucer?  Maybe VTOL?))

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 03:05:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 12:23:22 pm

(('Hovercraft'? You mean the space fighter? I was disappointed in that because it seemed to be thoroughly gutted.))

To Irene: "Maybe you shouldn't mess around with the Device. If this thing wants it, it's probably going to use to screw us over in some fashion. Let's just focus on getting the thing out of here, okay?"

Keep moving. Get out of the dang ship. Reach the Escape Vehicle.

"No choice. We can't leave with our work unfinished. Our final task before leaving this place is to stab the heart with the device. D told me so while I was guarding against pursuit in the hallway up two levels. I have to do this."
Stab the heart with the Device, then take the Device and go towards the escape vehicle.

---

"Could we please talk out who gets to use the rocket? I don't want us to fight each other. Please?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 04:37:23 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 03:05:15 pm

"No choice. We can't leave with our work unfinished. Our final task before leaving this place is to stab the heart with the device. D told me so while I was guarding against pursuit in the hallway up two levels. I have to do this."

"Well, shit. Give me some time to skip over to a less precarious spot, then, eh?"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 03:05:15 pm

Stab the heart with the Device, then take the Device and go towards the escape vehicle.

---

"Could we please talk out who gets to use the rocket? I don't want us to fight each other. Please?"

"I'm thinking the one who should use the rocket is the one who has the least chance of getting out of here alive otherwise. If his ride wasn't dead already, I'd be nominating the magic paladin guy, the one with the serious survival issues. Or the kid, if her ride hadn't met a grisly end. Out of us three, though... I can't really decide which one has the smallest chances. What powers have you got? I've got enhanced hearing and smell plus super reflexes. You can transform and mess around with fire, right? I don't know what Jordan does exactly, though. Care to weigh in, bud?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 04:41:22 pm

"Y-yeah, But I have some kinda strict limits on what I can do with my abilities. I'm pretty much burnt out here. I used up the last of my fire so I could have hands again."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 04:42:22 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 04:41:22 pm

"Y-yeah, But I have some kinda strict limits on what I can do with my abilities. I'm pretty much burnt out here. I used up the last of my fire so I could have hands again."

"So if you were to transform back into a fox, what would happen?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 04:45:57 pm

"I'd get more fire to work with, but I can't control it while I'm changing. Unless I makes sure that I change on top of something flammable it'll probably disperse before I can work with it."

---

"I wish the entities weren't so strict about only one person using the rocket. I think if I changed back into a fox one of you could carry me with you in it and we could escape together. I don't weigh much like that, and I think I could use my abilities to boost the rocket a little if necessary."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 05:04:37 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 04:45:57 pm

"I'd get more fire to work with, but I can't control it while I'm changing. Unless I makes sure that I change on top of something flammable it'll probably disperse before I can work with it."

"That's good. I was afraid you'd die or something. That'd be completely terrible. But there's probably all sorts of fire-making implements around here. I think if whoever's left behind messes with that hovercraft a bit, they might be able to get it to fly up to the hole. And if that fails, hey, you can turn into a small, stealthy animal that's geared to avoid attention and move quietly to ambush other small animals."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 04:45:57 pm

"I wish the entities weren't so strict about only one person using the rocket. I think if I changed back into a fox one of you could carry me with you in it and we could escape together. I don't weigh much like that, and I think I could use my abilities to boost the rocket a little if necessary."

"Hey, them's the rules of the game, and the point of the game is to test our abilities and make sure somebody wins in the end. You can't do that unless there's some way for people to press their advantages, even if it's arbitrary and a bit silly."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 05:07:04 pm

"I guess I could give fighting my way out of here a chance."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 05:12:55 pm

"well, the rules specifically said only one passenger could use it. I think, when i'm that small, I can kinda count as something you're carrying. I mean, my host knows that small animals are treated like objects... luggage? by many transportation groups. And I really don't like arbitrary rules anyway. It's obvious they're designed to force us to fight each other. I don't understand why we should do that. I don't see why our hosts would want to do that either. Besides, didn't you notice that comment about 'hidden objectives'? They told us they're hiding other things we could be doing from us by showing us that.

I think we can do it."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 05:15:40 pm

"Yeah, but if you're wrong, we fail the entire mission."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 05:21:55 pm

Through interface, to entities and teammates: <Rules/objectives clarification request: would one of the two males carrying a small mammal as part of their personal possessions while using the escape vehicle in addition to their mandatory inventories (EG: the device) automatically invalidate the completion of the primary objective requiring the escape vehicle's use?>
bold text to make sure GM notices this question, even though my action is in an earlier post.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 05:55:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 05:21:55 pm

Through interface, to entities and teammates: <Rules/objectives clarification request: would one of the two males carrying a small mammal as part of their personal possessions while using the escape vehicle in addition to their mandatory inventories (EG: the device) automatically invalidate the completion of the primary objective requiring the escape vehicle's use?>
bold text to make sure GM notices this question, even though my action is in an earlier post.

"The designer of this challenge states that exactly one person must use the escape vehicle. Examination suggests only one human can use the escape vehicle due to volume and technological constraints. You are free to complete the objectives in any way you desire. No further information can be provided at this time.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 06:21:07 pm

"Due to Volume and Technological constraints? I can mitigate both of those. We can do this!"
New action: Hand off the Device to whomever and change to full-fox form immediately.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 06:41:26 pm

"Well, at least we'll complete one objective."
Keep a gun trained on any entrances in case of danger, move towards escape vehicle.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 09:22:36 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2014, 12:23:22 pm

(('Hovercraft'? You mean the space fighter? I was disappointed in that because it seemed to be thoroughly gutted.))

To Irene: "Maybe you shouldn't mess around with the Device. If this thing wants it, it's probably going to use to screw us over in some fashion. Let's just focus on getting the thing out of here, okay?"

Keep moving. Get out of the dang ship. Reach the Escape Vehicle.

You reach the rocket. It's a big thing, about 15 meters tall. Luckily, the scaffolding that supports it is equipped with an elevator.
One level holds the cockpit, if it can be called that. A deep depression on the side of the rocket roughly similar in shape with the Vitruvian Man. It is padded with a shock absorbent plastic-like substance and equipped with an oxygen mask but has little else in it. The "cockpit" can be secured by a thick metal cover that probably forms an airtight seal.
The rounded top of the missile is open and is marked "Payload". It is intended for whatever warhead this missile was supposed to carry. It's a bit smaller than the size of an average human, about 1,5 meters high.
The hole above it is a rather large ventilation shaft, a fan slowly spinning inside it.

Quote from: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 06:41:26 pm

"Well, at least we'll complete one objective."
Keep a gun trained on any entrances in case of danger, move towards escape vehicle.

You follow Ike and see what he sees. No danger visible. Wonder where all those guards went...

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 06:21:07 pm

"Due to Volume and Technological constraints? I can mitigate both of those. We can do this!"
New action: Hand off the Device to whomever and change to full-fox form immediately.

You change forms, releasing some flames in the process that burn a scorch mark on the metal below you. Transformation still makes you feel as crap as you remembered it to be.
Meanwhile, the Device opens up like a flower, revealing a long metal spike with a handle. The "petals" of the device are facing the heart and are glowing with energy, the air in front of it distorting in a straight line towards the heart. The heart quivers in response, rippling like water with each pulse of energy that hits it.
It is ready.

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 11:09:11 am

Practice!

You practice dancing tango. You now have a +1 bonus for dancing tango. Use this power wisely.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 22, 2014, 11:09:59 am

"What's an energy unit and how do I get them?"

"It's equivalent to about the energy a G-type main sequence star produces in a thousand years. So, not that much, really. A small price to pay for power and immortality. If you don't want to harvest them yourself then just go to a Kwik-E-Mart and ask them for a big weight."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 22, 2014, 12:17:54 pm

Hngggggg

Grow another body starfish style!

You are now a stylish starfish with the head of an Alan. You are wearing black glasses and colorful clothes, all of them designer and expensive.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 22, 2014, 12:19:32 pm

Zechariah pauses for a few moments to recollect his thoughts. He sighs out deeply and rubs his eyes with his free arm.
"You get the broken ones because you know how to fix them. Okay, I will do whatever is in my power to keep in control of myself. But you must understand that I one side of multiple facets.

...can you at least tell me a little about yourself? At least, I want to have an idea of who I will be working with right now..."

"Hmmph... At least you're an optimist. I suppose that will be enough, for now.

I'm sorry. Information is power and I can't just go around handing power, now can I? Ask me something more specific and I'll see if I can grant you a response."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 10:44:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 09:22:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 11:09:11 am

Practice!

You practice dancing tango. You now have a +1 bonus for dancing tango. Use this power wisely.

((I'll hold you to this!))

Design a (VR) dancing robot that looks suspiciously like Salma Hayek.  Tango!

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 22, 2014, 10:46:37 pm

"How are they stored?"

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 11:35:31 pm

Curl up and rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 03:48:55 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 05:07:04 pm

"I guess I could give fighting my way out of here a chance."

"What were your powers, anyway? I've only seen you shoot people so far. If that's your power, maybe you'd be better off taking the rocket express out of here, 'cause I don't think any of us could take down a whole squad of whatever commandos they're sending after us. Though if you think you can do it, I'm not one to doubt you."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 23, 2014, 04:44:11 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 11:35:31 pm

Curl up and rest.

Let's say you're OK now. No need to spend a turn with everyone just waiting for you.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Lenglon on January 23, 2014, 05:16:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 23, 2014, 04:44:11 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 11:35:31 pm

Curl up and rest.

Let's say you're OK now. No need to spend a turn with everyone just waiting for you.

...
seriously? they left me behind?
If stabbing this heart-thing starts a countdown we are going to be in so much trouble.
Hop on top of the device, then lean down and forwards and bite the handle and try to stab the heart with the Device somehow, despite my size.
((There's a reason I'm pretty sure I have to wait on them, not the other way around.))

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 09:06:41 am

((I'm currently waiting for Fniff to answer. There's the matter of deciding which one of us two is going to go on the rocket. I think using the Device can wait a bit. If it does start a countdown, we need to have everything figured out beforehand.))

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Fniff on January 23, 2014, 11:11:40 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 03:48:55 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 22, 2014, 05:07:04 pm

"I guess I could give fighting my way out of here a chance."

"What were your powers, anyway? I've only seen you shoot people so far. If that's your power, maybe you'd be better off taking the rocket express out of here, 'cause I don't think any of us could take down a whole squad of whatever commandos they're sending after us. Though if you think you can do it, I'm not one to doubt you."

"I don't have any powers. I'm just good at killing people. Since your power is clairvoyance or similar, I'm guessing you're no more equipped to handle squads of commandos."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 11:17:50 am

"I can probably avoid them more easily with superior senses and whatnot, though I wouldn't exactly bet on it. If you don't have a problem with it, though, I suppose I can take the spot in the rocket."

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 23, 2014, 01:11:16 pm

Well, it's not like I'm going to exploit any information. I'm just trying to be friendly, Zechariah thought, disappointed. Then again, who knows what Artemis will do with my memories if I meet him again?

"Okay... well, were you ever not a entity? If so, what was it like back then? And what do you do as an entity, if it's not too secretive?"

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 23, 2014, 05:05:22 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 23, 2014, 05:16:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 23, 2014, 04:44:11 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2014, 11:35:31 pm

Curl up and rest.

Let's say you're OK now. No need to spend a turn with everyone just waiting for you.

...
seriously? they left me behind?
If stabbing this heart-thing starts a countdown we are going to be in so much trouble.
Hop on top of the device, then lean down and forwards and bite the handle and try to stab the heart with the Device somehow, despite my size.
((There's a reason I'm pretty sure I have to wait on them, not the other way around.))

You step on the device, the pulses of energy it emits making you feel uneasy. You're glad your stomach is mostly empty.
You bite the handle and try to lift the spike. It's surprisingly heavy, yet with a tremendous effort, you manage to lift it. You walk towards the heart, the muscles in your neck and legs straining, your teeth hurting. You try jumping towards the heart but you can't make it all the way.
You collapse from the effort and the spike clatters to the ground.
Perhaps some help from your teammates is in order?

The restraints around you are bulging dangerously and are making noises that aren't in the least reassuring. Very small tendrils of flesh have begun forming in the bones supporting the heart. There is a small tremor and after a few milliseconds, somewhere very far away, you can hear something metal breaking and reverberating.
"Containment Failure critical on levels Minus One and Minus Three. Gamma Contingency activation sequence initiated. Attention all personnel, you now have 15 minutes to reach minimum safe distance. Please, remain calm and converge to the nearest designated assembly points where the security personnel will lead you to the nearest exit."
Yep. That's all we were missing right now. Such a cliche, the secret base self destructing (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/522190). What's next, the Director taunting you from the speakers while you fight?

---

Fniff & Harry Baldman
One of the restraints holding the ship at the far end of the room has been broken.
"Containment Failure critical on levels Minus One and Minus Three. Gamma Contingency activation sequence initiated. Attention all personnel, you now have 15 minutes to reach minimum safe distance. Please, remain calm and converge to the nearest designated assembly points where the security personnel will lead you to the nearest exit."
Perhaps this is your cue to decide what the hell you are going to do and get the hell out of here?

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 10:44:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2014, 09:22:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 22, 2014, 11:09:11 am

Practice!

You practice dancing tango. You now have a +1 bonus for dancing tango. Use this power wisely.

((I'll hold you to this!))

Design a (VR) dancing robot that looks suspiciously like Salma Hayek.  Tango!

((What, are you going to suggest the next challenge be some kind of dance contest?))

You spend some time choosing actuators that can cope with complex dancing and balancing the robot's weight to optimize its dance performance. You also spend some time working on its aesthetics choosing the look and materials for the robot as well as making sure the noise from its actuators is muffled.
With a few VR tests and final adjustments, you complete the design and summon your robodancer girl, a humanoid with female characteristics made of soft grey semi-transparent plastic-like skin with chrome accents. The table even has a "Dancer's Module" in its list of parts for whatever reason so you don't have to spend time downloading the dance program to your robot. She raises her head, looks at you with her glowing solid blue eyes and smiles.
She tilts her head to the side and music (http://youtu.be/8WzMOhDOCUY) starts playing from her high quality speakers. "Shall we?"

With the fluid movements of two people who have done this thousands of times before, you embrace each other closely, her hand going around your back while yours goes to her waist, your other hands clasped together, ready for a dance of Tango Argentino. Her flesh feels warm, almost human-like, the skin conducting the heat building up from her actuators and generator, just like you designed it.
You dance well and she doesn't do so bad either. You make a few errors (most notably a small slip in one of the lifts), probably because you aren't used to her different weight distribution and her machine learning algorithms are still adjusting to you and her new body.
As you dance, it strikes you as strange how something not living can look so... human, her eyes and smile so expressive.
You finish by doing a few back ochos and then pushing her away and pulling her back in while doing a small lift, her legs a great distance apart as she lands and you lean over her (http://imageshack.com/a/img22/4522/8w3m.jpg).

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 22, 2014, 10:46:37 pm

"How are they stored?"

"They use people like you to hold them, people who have been identified as 10-T. We just teach them some extra things first."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 23, 2014, 01:11:16 pm

Well, it's not like I'm going to exploit any information. I'm just trying to be friendly, Zechariah thought, disappointed. Then again, who knows what Artemis will do with my memories if I meet him again?

"Okay... well, were you ever not a entity? If so, what was it like back then? And what do you do as an entity, if it's not too secretive?"

"I was, and still am in a way, a Bond-former. A Witch the humans called me, the most powerful magic user of our kind. A being that can do anything her heart desires. Change form, destroy entire armies, spy the other side of the galaxy, ignore gravity, bend the laws of the universe and fly as fast as light itself." The volume of her speech rises near the end, her voice filled with elation.
"But even those paled in comparison to my... other skills. Aaah. That was a good time. When challengers were plenty, every day was filled with new things and there were others worthy of sharing my time with."
She stays quiet for a while.
"Now things are... slower. The realms I manage are numerous and their number grows every day along with my power. And yet I feel restless. I choose an avatar and search the world for challenges, for experiences, for places and people worthy of my attention, but those are rarer now. I am glad I at least have the one I respect the most with me in those travels."
She sighs.

Title: Re: Special People: Final Level
Post by: Xantalos on January 23, 2014, 05:09:32 pm

Excelleeent!

Try to walk in a classy manner.

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 05:55:55 pm

"Well now."

Take the Device and use it however I'm supposed to on the ship. Then get out of the way of whatever the ship is doing. Then presumably escape with Irene.

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Fniff on January 23, 2014, 05:57:41 pm

"See you when I see you."
Go to whatever door is most likely the exit very, very quickly. Wait until they're done, then open the door and face whatever I have to face.

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Lenglon on January 23, 2014, 06:00:25 pm

Through interface, to teammates: <Help please? I can't lift the spike we need to stab the heart with.>
Wait for help

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 06:01:23 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 23, 2014, 06:00:25 pm

Through interface, to teammates: <Help please? I can't lift the spike we need to stab the heart with.>

<No worries. I'll help.>

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 23, 2014, 06:13:05 pm

Quote from: Fniff on January 23, 2014, 05:57:41 pm

"See you when I see you."
Go to the door very, very quickly. Wait until they're done, then open the door and face whatever I have to face.

Door? Which door?

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 23, 2014, 11:52:33 pm

"Interesting. How is it harvested?"

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 01:17:22 am

Zechariah's eyes glow a bit brighter, his interest piqued at this moment.
"Ah, alright. Fair trade, so I guess I'll say a little of my background. I.. kinda already told you the direct reason I was thrown into another multiverse during my bipolar rant. During my other life, however, I was - and still am - a "Medium" - think of a demigod who connects different dimensions together. There are other Mediums and a separate form called a "Guardian," but I was the first Medium, and the de facto leader of all of the Guardians and Mediums. I made a deal with both my alter-ego and a god in order to fight off the Shadow for my friends. In return, however, I essentially.. lost my human soul. Which is why I'm here. Anything in particular you would like to know about my other life?"

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 09:54:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 01:17:22 am

Zechariah's eyes glow a bit brighter, his interest piqued at this moment.
"Ah, alright. Fair trade, so I guess I'll say a little of my background. I.. kinda already told you the direct reason I was thrown into another multiverse during my bipolar rant. During my other life, however, I was - and still am - a "Medium" - think of a demigod who connects different dimensions together. There are other Mediums and a separate form called a "Guardian," but I was the first Medium, and the de facto leader of all of the Guardians and Mediums. I made a deal with both my alter-ego and a god in order to fight off the Shadow for my friends. In return, however, I essentially.. lost my human soul. Which is why I'm here. Anything in particular you would like to know about my other life?"

((Isn't the plural of "medium" "media"?))

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 10:14:33 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 09:54:41 am

((Isn't the plural of "medium" "media"?))

((Yes, but this is referring the a different type of the noun "Medium," as if it were another word. In this case, they [Zechariah] refer to themselves as "Mediums."))

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Toaster on January 24, 2014, 10:16:42 am

"Arr."

John looks around.  Anyway...


Save program for later.

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 11:06:34 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 10:14:33 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 09:54:41 am

((Isn't the plural of "medium" "media"?))

((Yes, but this is referring the a different type of the noun "Medium," as if it were another word. In this case, they [Zechariah] refer to themselves as "Mediums."))

((It's still the same word. Sound is transmitted through the medium of air, the spirits or whatever have their power transmitted through the Media.))

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2014, 11:32:46 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 23, 2014, 05:57:41 pm

"See you when I see you."
Go to whatever door is most likely the exit very, very quickly. Wait until they're done, then open the door and face whatever I have to face.

Again, which door?

Quote from: Lenglon on January 23, 2014, 06:00:25 pm

Through interface, to teammates: <Help please? I can't lift the spike we need to stab the heart with.>
Wait for help

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 23, 2014, 05:55:55 pm

"Well now."

Take the Device and use it however I'm supposed to on the ship. Then get out of the way of whatever the ship is doing. Then presumably escape with Irene.

Ike gets back to Irene, picks up the spike and stab the heart. It doesn't feel much different than stabbing any other flesh would.
Nothing happens for a moment. But a second later the pained screams of the people in the beds around you fill the room.
The spike first takes a greenish hue that spreads to the flesh around it, turning it from white to dark red. Its point deforms into a saw-like blade that slices the heart inside and opens it up like a rib retractor.
The heart itself seems hollow, except for the light coming from it. That changes when the Device hits that light with another pulse of energy, causing a tiny diamond-like crystal to appear. With more pulses the crystal gets larger and changes shape, holes in it appearing and disappearing like it's bubbling, while static discharge between the crystal and the spike fills the room with violet light and noise.
Finally, the spike deforms and blankets the crystal. It is yanked out of Ike's hand and back into the Device by an invisible force. The Device closes up and reforms into its usual very-large-solid-metal-brick shape, a bit larger then before.

It suddenly becomes very quiet. There is no creaking of metal grinding upon metal, no screams of people, no pulses coming from the heart. The only thing that can be heard is the alarm and the female in the speakers calmly informing you that you have 14 minutes left to get the hell out of here. The flesh of the ship has started to turn to a normal-looking red and through the hole in the heart you can see that where the crystal once was there is now only a grey void that is very slowly getting larger.

So, how are you going to do this? Like I said, the rocket has a one human cockpit and the payload area where the device should go. Where is everyone going? Who is getting out with the rocket? Who is crying like a baby? Who is calmly accepting their fate and waiting for death?

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 23, 2014, 05:09:32 pm

Excelleeent!

Try to walk in a classy manner.

You walk very non-stylishly on top of your squid-mobile. One would wonder how a starfish can walk without muscles and such an unbalanced weight distribution, but not you. You don't let little things like realism get in your way. You just do it. Though you don't look as classy as you'd want while doing so. It's like a toddler is walking. You won't earn the right to wear a top hat walking like that.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 23, 2014, 11:52:33 pm

"Interesting. How is it harvested?"

He takes a deep breath as if he's going to say something, but then he doesn't.
"Before we continue, a question for you. Have you noticed anything strange about this conversation?"

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 24, 2014, 10:16:42 am

"Arr."

John looks around.  Anyway...

Save program for later.

Your robotic dance partner gets up, does a small bow and then parks in a corner, completely unmoving.

Chill! There be no need fer worry matey. Avast yer peeping around. Zero ain't be one of dem godz who's interested enough to gossip about thine intimate tango with a toasta. Arrr!

I might be getting pirate speech and gangsta speech confused.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 01:17:22 am

Zechariah's eyes glow a bit brighter, his interest piqued at this moment.
"Ah, alright. Fair trade, so I guess I'll say a little of my background. I.. kinda already told you the direct reason I was thrown into another multiverse during my bipolar rant. During my other life, however, I was - and still am - a "Medium" - think of a demigod who connects different dimensions together. There are other Mediums and a separate form called a "Guardian," but I was the first Medium, and the de facto leader of all of the Guardians and Mediums. I made a deal with both my alter-ego and a god in order to fight off the Shadow for my friends. In return, however, I essentially.. lost my human soul. Which is why I'm here. Anything in particular you would like to know about my other life?"

"Hmph. So you were the leader of a group of other Demons, other Pretenders. And you fought for your survival. Yet you are...
Hmmm... Our worlds sound so different. I wonder how you managed to survive that long. What qualifications did you have to lead? Why did the other follow you? You have some power and some potential, yes, but I have yet to see the qualities of a leader in you."

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 12:20:20 pm

"...Nothing stranger than the circumstances it's occurring in..."

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Xantalos on January 24, 2014, 12:22:19 pm

Time to crash a party!

Zoom away in my squid mobile and crash through a wall into someone else's conversation/scenario.

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2014, 03:33:53 pm

Run over to the escape vehicle.
((I haven't seen the cockpit yet, nor been told about it, so I can't comment on it. However I think the plan can still work. I'm just going to be positioned awkwardly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2014, 06:20:04 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2014, 03:33:53 pm

Run over to the escape vehicle.
((I haven't seen the cockpit yet, nor been told about it, so I can't comment on it. However I think the plan can still work. I'm just going to be positioned awkwardly.))

The cockpit looks something like this:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img11/7940/zcn2.png)

Imagine that the image is drawn better so that the human-shape has the right human proportions.
Blue thing is an oxygen mask. Black dots are small, almost invisible depressions where the padding is thinner and is colored slightly different,as  if made by a different material.
It's made to hold a human. It's not form fitting, it has a small distance between the walls, most notably near the pelvis.
I imagine your fox to be about 25 cm high × 50 cm long when curled up as best as she can.
You wanna try to fit in there? If yes, where?

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2014, 06:50:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2014, 06:20:04 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2014, 03:33:53 pm

Run over to the escape vehicle.
((I haven't seen the cockpit yet, nor been told about it, so I can't comment on it. However I think the plan can still work. I'm just going to be positioned awkwardly.))

The cockpit looks something like this:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img11/7940/zcn2.png)

Imagine that the image is drawn better so that the human-shape has the right human proportions.
Blue thing is an oxygen mask. Black dots are small, almost invisible depressions where the padding is thinner and is colored slightly different,as  if made by a different material.
It's made to hold a human. It's not form fitting, it has a small distance between the walls, most notably near the pelvis.
I imagine your fox to be about 25 cm high × 50 cm long when curled up as best as she can.
You wanna try to fit in there? If yes, where?

((I'm not fully grown (independent adolescent), and those listed dimensions are about right for a fully grown (uncurled) fox. I'm a bit smaller than that, though not much.
as for where? I need access to the oxygen mask and he isn't going to have use of his hands, so I need to press my face up next to his. this limits me to his head or shoulder area. I also need to be careful about where he will be pressed during acceleration and deceleration, so I have to stay above him and try to avoid compromising the stability of the padding. With it shaped like that, it will prevent him from sliding up and slamming his head around, so my best bet is to curl myself around his head and ears. By placing myself like that, we will stabilize each other - I'll hold his head still and he will hold me still. It also is where, from the placement of the black dots, the padding is the loosest. It wont be comfortable, but it should easily be within the margin of error for a one-size-fits-all compartment and keep us both stable, breathing, and safe.))

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 06:54:53 pm

((I might use Media later.
Media... Dia... Persona?
Persona.))
Zechariah resisted the urge to laugh audibly. Zechariah? With leadership qualities? Never!
"I believe the reason that I lived that long was because our patron god admired my willpower against the Shadow. That was what the Guardians and the Mediums were about: willpower, and staying 'awake' to every dimension. We are the Guardians because we experience the full spectrum of human emotion, and we accept that and use it as our strength. Of course, that comes with the downside that most, if not all, Guardians are emotional labyrinths with tendencies to have mental breakdowns, get angry and distressed, overjoyed, crying, and other sorts of things.

Back to my establishment as a leader, however. I think that I became leader because of several things: One, I had an alter-ego, meaning I have access to even more complex dimensions of thought. Two, I've helped the other Mediums and Guardians and kept the group together. And three, I knew how the Shadow worked and how to stop the Shadow. There are certainly other Guardians who are better with leadership: Apollo, Julia, Scion, Katherine, Jake, and some others.

I guess they trusted me the most, because they knew that I had the most experience with the Shadows, the Medium, and frankly, I was the only one who met in person with this patron god of ours."

Title: Re: Special People: Robo-Tango
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2014, 04:47:17 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2014, 06:50:47 pm

((I'm not fully grown (independent adolescent), and those listed dimensions are about right for a fully grown (uncurled) fox. I'm a bit smaller than that, though not much.
as for where? I need access to the oxygen mask and he isn't going to have use of his hands, so I need to press my face up next to his. this limits me to his head or shoulder area. I also need to be careful about where he will be pressed during acceleration and deceleration, so I have to stay above him and try to avoid compromising the stability of the padding. With it shaped like that, it will prevent him from sliding up and slamming his head around, so my best bet is to curl myself around his head and ears. By placing myself like that, we will stabilize each other - I'll hold his head still and he will hold me still. It also is where, from the placement of the black dots, the padding is the loosest. It wont be comfortable, but it should easily be within the margin of error for a one-size-fits-all compartment and keep us both stable, breathing, and safe.))

((Sounds like a plan, I think.))

Get into the escape vehicle with Irene, packing everything up as specified above if possible.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 11:06:34 am

((It's still the same word. Sound is transmitted through the medium of air, the spirits or whatever have their power transmitted through the Media.))

((Apparently, both forms - 'media' and 'mediums' - work for most purposes, but in spiritualism, only 'mediums' is accepted. Or so Wiktionary tells me, anyway. It's so easy to veer into hypercorrection when you're dealing with Latin words, I doubt most people even know what's what there.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:06:11 am

Ike secures the Device in the payload section of the rocket and then gets back down to the cockpit. He steps inside and adjust the oxygen mask.
Irene curls herself around his head and neck, like a living fox scarf. Ike's sensitive ears aren't so happy about that. She tries to position her snout near the oxygen mask, so that she can use it if necessary.
There's a strange feeling in their minds as they adjust themselves and calm down. This cockpit wasn't designed for two and it's having trouble compensating.
Despite that, it manages to form a link with Irene's mind. Ike's mind is also affected but he manages to calm himself and empty his mind, his thoughts nothing more than a small whisper in Irene's mind. She feels the rocket like an extension of her body, but the connection isn't perfect. It feels slow, like trying to move your hand while drunk. Making the doors close takes some effort.
The cockpit door slowly closes, filling the cockpit with darkness. Irene is uncomfortably compressed. Her limbs hurt and her lungs have trouble expanding enough to receive oxygen. Ike is having trouble breathing with a fox pressed against his neck, compressing his trachea.
If that wasn't enough, the moment the door closes, bolts automatically secure it and the cockpit floods with some kind of gel, forcing Irene to press her snout hard against Ike's cheek to retain access to the oxygen mask and the air it provides.
It's getting hard for Irene to focus on what the cockpit is giving to her mind. The pressure and the fear and the lack of oxygen and Ike's thoughts in her head are getting to her.
She tries to move the missile forward and the missile responds, firing its engines with full power. It strains against the scaffolding and the restraints that are holding it down for a few seconds, the vibrations reaching them even through the gel. With a jolt, the restraints break, allowing the missile move upwards. With another jolt, the missile breaks through the fan and grating of the ventilation shaft. Irene tries to right the missile but it's hard. It keeps hitting the walls of the shaft, dragging against them.
After a few more seconds, the grinding stops and the missile moves freely. It keeps rising, ever upwards. After a while, the engine module detaches from the rocket.
When the noise stops and Irene has had a minute to collect herself and calm down, she notices something else. The missile is telling her something. Asking her something. She can vaguely feel the landmasses under her, unknown to her but familiar to her host. She can tell she's somewhere above Russia, she can barely feel the small lumps of the Urals below her. This planet is huge, so many places on it. Mountains here, sea there, a giant plain, more mountains, more sea...
What was she doing? Oh, right, the missile is asking her something. What is its target? Hmmm... What had D. told her again? Britain, Britain,... Her host tells her it's... there!
The moment she indicates the position, she's above it.
Primary objective achieved. Secondary objective achieved. Mission accomplished. Prepare for desynchronization.
You start to feel the thoughts of your host again. At the same time you feel the missile stopping its motion and heading towards the earth.
You are almost completely gone from their mind when something goes wrong. The cockpit module and the payload module are trying to separate but they can't. Irene's host, already in a bad state what with the "being a fox" thing, begins panicking. She tries to slow the missile down but the RCS isn't strong enough and the payload module's parachute is refusing to open. Not that it would be able to do much good.
The ground keeps coming closer. Irene's host is whimpering while Ike's is confused, unsure of what's going on.
The rocket hits the ground. The gel is not good enough to take the energy of the impact. There is a crunch and then only darkness.

---

You are sitting on top of some rubble. A man in military camouflage with a red cross on his arm is taking care of a gash on your forehead.
Another soldier approaches, holding a radio.
"Tovarishch direktor..." You can tell who it is by the look in his eyes. "Eto tebya."
You push the medic away, get up and bring the radio to your ear.
"Sekretar', ya mo-"
"Ne razgovarivay. Ya poslal by vas k rasstrelu bez kolebaniy, yesli by ne bylo..."
There is only the sound of breathing coming from the radio for a few moments. Further away, you can hear sirens and helicopters, men shouting orders and concrete striking upon concrete.
"Nalet na krupnoy kontrrevolyutsionnoy oplot proizoshlo. My znayem mestonakhozhdeniye tselevoy ametista."
You get up and look behind you, at the buildings turned to mounds of broken glass and rubble, at the fires in the streets, at the thick pillar of gray reaching towards the sky, clouds circling around it. This is going to be problematic...
Desynchronization complete.

---

((Please stand by, second post to follow... Have some music (http://youtu.be/Rng4VLz1-iU) while you wait.))

Title: Re: Special People: levelling up
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:28:48 am

Okay, here's how leveling up works:

Each of you has an upgrade tree. You need to unlock the previous upgrades in the tree before you gain access to the next ones. Each upgrade costs 1 Upgrade Point (except for some special cases).
You can also choose to spend 3 Upgrade points to let your entities work on you freely, giving you something they find useful, something related to them. The ability they choose is not limited by your current abilities. It will be powerful and will probably unlock new options for you, increasing your versatility. However you have no control over what they give you.

You will receive your upgrade trees via PM soon. If something seems weird or wrong or if you have a question or if I have made a mistake, don't be afraid to PM me and tell me about it. Once you're certain which upgrades you want, PM me your choices. Or write them here if you don't care about secrecy.

Everyone who participated in the mission gain 2 Upgrade points. Irene(Lenglon) and Ike(Harry Baldman) gain two extra points.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 25, 2014, 11:36:02 am

1. Are you going to continue Angel's conversation?

2. I gave it a 3. It would have been better if I hadn't died before it got interesting.

3. ETA on upgrade trees?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:40:35 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 25, 2014, 11:36:02 am

1. Are you going to continue Angel's conversation?

2. I gave it a 3. It would have been better if I hadn't died before it got interesting.

3. ETA on upgrade trees?

Just making a final check for mistakes and I'll send them. They're missing some flavor text but that's not important, right? I'll just add that later.
We'll continue once the upgrades are chosen or if enough time passes. Let's say 48 hours max after I send the final PM.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2014, 11:43:27 am

((So, mission was successful except we also accidentally bombed the shit out of the people we were supposed to be helping. At least it wasn't a nuclear strike, I guess, though there'll probably be wacky consequences from the Device hitting the ground like that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:47:42 am

((You completed your objectives and were rewarded for that, as was promised. The rules state that if you complete your objectives, you get rewarded. That you almost completely failed the mission is of no consequence to that. Except if you or your characters find silly things like morals and the lives of millions of people important.

EDIT: There's a saying in my mother tongue that says "The operation was successful. The patient expired.". That pretty much sums up how this mission went.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 25, 2014, 12:01:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:47:42 am

((Except if you or your characters find silly things like morals and the lives of millions of people important.))

((Yeah, this is gonna be extremely tough for me Zechariah.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 25, 2014, 12:02:38 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 25, 2014, 12:01:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:47:42 am

((Except if you or your characters find silly things like morals and the lives of millions of people important.))

((Yeah, this is gonna be extremely tough for me Zechariah.))

((Indeed. Maybe it's for the best that Angel died before she helped make a huge mess of the mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Xantalos on January 25, 2014, 01:57:10 pm

((All right!
Oh, by the way, what have I been doing this whole time? IC I don't know who any people on my team are, and OOC I only remember John. Everyone else was there kinda, but I didn't read any of their dialogue so I don't know who they are or what their motivations are.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 25, 2014, 02:27:24 pm

((Angel is a confused little girl who has a bit of a guilt complex from having killed a bunch of people. She also has a presence in her head that sometimes takes over.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 04:12:59 pm

Clarification: If you have 3 points for example, you could take Reflexes I, Reflexes II and Reflexes III at the same time. You wouldn't have to wait for the next levelup.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 25, 2014, 04:45:41 pm

((Zechariah Dimikaelo is an emotionally complex "Medium" with an alter-ego and an understanding of different dimensions, emotions, lives, and pretty much everything. This can be a problem pretty much most of the time.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Toaster on January 25, 2014, 09:46:16 pm

((John's an ex-mechanic out for power.  He's willing to do what it takes, though he understands that simply screwing people over for power leaves you with lots of enemies.


Also, he has cool power choice descriptions.  "Sometimes you have to jump, summon an ATV in midair, and then land on it and run away just for the sake of being awesome."))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Xantalos on January 25, 2014, 09:48:31 pm

((Huh. I may be the most flat character of the lot in that Alan's just a bugfuck nuts guy with an overinflated ego and lack of any kind, including common, sense.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2014, 10:43:49 pm

((Irine has been close-mouthed about her background, but if you want a summary of her look at the early posts of the game where she was getting harassed by Ike (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4757160#msg4757160).))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2014, 04:34:57 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 25, 2014, 09:48:31 pm

((Huh. I may be the most flat character of the lot in that Alan's just a bugfuck nuts guy with an overinflated ego and lack of any kind, including common, sense.))

((Ike's pretty flat as well, in that he's mostly this guy from the woods who's okay with the way things tend to happen. Right now, he's a bit confused about what's going on, but goes along with it anyway.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: scapheap on January 26, 2014, 06:41:57 am

((Eria an exiled lizard woman with blue scale and ice powers. She used to killing, but will let someone live if there no real point. She has no real goal beyond survive at the moment.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 03:05:01 pm

(Jordan's a hitman who is used to crazy shit as long as he gets paid. I think the fact that he cared more about getting a shitton of money from this rather then the promised god-like power says a lot about his character.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 26, 2014, 03:13:26 pm

((Yeah, that he doesn't think things ahead.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 03:15:10 pm

(Precisely. That, and he doesn't really want ultimate power. Who wants the work?)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 26, 2014, 04:12:15 pm

((Doesn't ultimate power, by definition, mean you have to do LESS work? I mean, sure, it's more if you go by the Ben Parker Theory of Power, but it's pretty easy to ignore responsibility if you want to.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 04:31:59 pm

(Not really. I mean, let's say you won a really fast supercar in a contest. Driving it is ten times harder then driving a regular car, and you are almost certainly going to get arrested if you try to drive it at the speeds where it's hyperfast engine would matter. You could just not drive it... but then you have this cool car in the garage just gathering dust while you spend your entire time just driving around in a sedan or something. Besides, ultimate power really isn't that ultimate when the people rewarding it to you would have to be either extremely stupid or giving you power that's below theirs.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 26, 2014, 04:33:37 pm

((If the supercar is really that much harder to drive at normal speeds, it's comparable to a specific power that has some use but comes with major drawbacks. Not much like ultimate power at all.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 04:49:44 pm

(Better metaphor: you crash way harder in the supercar.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 26, 2014, 04:54:43 pm

((That's why you take precautions not to crash, and assuming this is indeed an "ultimate" power, you should have perfect handling, speed, and acceleration in this car.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 05:05:03 pm

(The problem is, it can't be ultimate, unless the entities are very short-sighted.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 26, 2014, 05:07:49 pm

((What if these entities are tired or bored of their jobs, so they're looking for successors to replace themselves?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2014, 05:10:33 pm

((Ultimate power requires infinity. The entities are not infinite. Power takes effort to maintain. Greater power takes greater effort.

Fniff, reply to my PM. Choose 2 upgrades.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 26, 2014, 05:15:02 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 26, 2014, 04:54:43 pm

((That's why you take precautions not to crash, and assuming this is indeed an "ultimate" power, you should have perfect handling, speed, and acceleration in this car.))

((And the car should also be invulnerable to damage and protect you from damage.
And also fly. And shoot lasers. And slice, and dice, and make Julienne fries.
Because Ultimate Power is...ultimate.))

Quote from: Fniff on January 26, 2014, 05:05:03 pm

(The problem is, it can't be ultimate, unless the entities are very short-sighted.)

(("Practically Ultimate" can easily be several steps below these guys.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 1 complete
Post by: Toaster on January 26, 2014, 09:55:49 pm

REAL ULTIMATE POWER (http://www.realultimatepower.net/)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 27, 2014, 10:51:59 am

Free Beer!
Okay, now that I have your attention:
1. Better start thinking about what the next gametype should be (check the first reply for a list of gametypes). Where are we going next? Survival in Thermopylae? Arena fighting in the Colosseum of Rome? Gang wars in a post-apocalyptic Megacity? Slaying a Dragon? Killing Hitler? One of the missions I have thought of?

2. Everybody gains knowledge or a vague feeling of what upgrades they got after they wake up.
Up to you how you want to roleplay gaining that knowledge. If you want to roleplay gaining that knowledge at all. You can pretend your entities told you. You can pretend the entities put that knowledge in your heads. Whatever you want. Within reason.
Also up to you if you want to reveal what upgrades you got or not.

---

Fniff
You wake up. You're in your room, sitting in your armchair. You have a weird feeling of dejavu (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4749257;topicseen#msg4749257). On top of that, you feel... different. Better. More relaxed and rested in a way.

---

scapheap
You wake up in your cave, lying in your bedroll. Your Personal Section of the Staging Area as the entities called it.
You feel a bit different. Like there is something changed inside your head.

---

Harry Bladman
You wake up in your hotel room bed, to the sound of your alarm clock's music (http://youtu.be/zhkmOFDzhCs?t=1m47s).
"Wakey, wakey." it says.
You feel a bit different. Better. Like all your life you were one of those old unwound spring-powered clocks, ticking once every 5 seconds, barely functioning and someone has finally wound you up.
"So, how did you find your first day at work?"

---

Toaster

Quote from: Toaster on January 26, 2014, 09:55:49 pm

REAL ULTIMATE POWER (http://www.realultimatepower.net/)

((I love the Internet))
You wake up. You're lying on the cold floor. You can't remember how exactly you fell on the floor. Maybe you were dancing and hit your head when you fell? Who knows? If you had hit your head it would hurt. Your head doesn't hurt. In fact it feels better than ever! One could even say you have the REAL Ultimate Power!

---

Lenglon
You wake up. You are in your hybrid form.
You can see the clear blue sky above you again and feel the soft weeds below you. It's midday and the sun is hot. You can hear cicadas and blackbirds each doing their very dissimilar mating calls.
"Hey..."
You feel... different. More like yourself in a way.

---

Xantalos & GWG

Quote from: Xantalos on January 24, 2014, 12:22:19 pm

Time to crash a party!

Zoom away in my squid mobile and crash through a wall into someone else's conversation/scenario.

You veer your squid-mobile to the left, trying to crash into a wall. While sailing in a void. One would laugh with this silliness, if it weren't for the fact that you somhow manage to crash into the void. The void collapses into itself and implodes, sending you straight to... a waterfall! Oh, and that little girl and the shadow guy! Wait, why are you falling?

A few moments before you hit the ground, you black out.

You wake up. You're human again. You're lying on a rock near a waterfall, the mist gently falling on your face.
You're feeling a bit... different. Something strange in your body. Eh, I'm sure it's nothing, you're probably just hungry.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 24, 2014, 12:20:20 pm

"...Nothing stranger than the circumstances it's occurring in..."

"Ah, yes, I suspected as much. Well, you see-"
The shadow-man you call Charlie looks up. "Oh. Great." he says sarcastically and then sinks into his own shadow. You look up just in time to see some kind of giant squid-jellyfish-abomination falling towards you. A moment before it lands, you black out.
You wake up a moment later, lying in the water. Good thing you've got that waterproof ability.
You're feeling a bit... different. You can't place the difference, but you still feel a bit strange.

---

DAF

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2014, 06:54:53 pm

Zechariah resisted the urge to laugh audibly. Zechariah? With leadership qualities? Never!
"I believe the reason that I lived that long was because our patron god admired my willpower against the Shadow. That was what the Guardians and the Mediums were about: willpower, and staying 'awake' to every dimension. We are the Guardians because we experience the full spectrum of human emotion, and we accept that and use it as our strength. Of course, that comes with the downside that most, if not all, Guardians are emotional labyrinths with tendencies to have mental breakdowns, get angry and distressed, overjoyed, crying, and other sorts of things.

Back to my establishment as a leader, however. I think that I became leader because of several things: One, I had an alter-ego, meaning I have access to even more complex dimensions of thought. Two, I've helped the other Mediums and Guardians and kept the group together. And three, I knew how the Shadow worked and how to stop the Shadow. There are certainly other Guardians who are better with leadership: Apollo, Julia, Scion, Katherine, Jake, and some others.

I guess they trusted me the most, because they knew that I had the most experience with the Shadows, the Medium, and frankly, I was the only one who met in person with this patron god of ours."

"So you are saying you were their leader because you got connections with people in higher places? Hah! And you pretend to be-" She pauses mid sentence.
"Aaaahhh, I finally get to work on you." She laughs a bit. "I will enjoy playing with your body and soul. Do you mind if I work a bit on those behavioral problems while I'm in there? Put a lid on that willpower and emotion, remove morality, add some obedience, make you more of a real instead of accidental killer?"
She pauses for a split second.
"Ah! Too late! I guess I better start working on rewriting those childhood memories!" She laughs again as you black out.

You wake up. You're lying on the bed again.
You're feeling a bit different. Your body feels a bit... different. And your mind also feels a bit off. But you are still you. At least, you think you are still you. Hmmm.... If someone had erased your memories and done a good job covering it up, you would be unable to realize something is missing, right?

---

EDIT: I also sent PMs to the people who had shown interest in this.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:48:03 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 25, 2014, 12:25:26 pm

((I did not get that one! D:
Sorry Paris!! I -love- your GMing though, Don't doubt that! :D
Also I like how you characterize the pups and the rest. That's nice.))


...Total sincerity. That one.

Akari looked on until she noticed he wasn't speaking anymore-too engrossed in her thoughts before she picked up and spoke:
"If-..that was being impolite, then I believe me and most others around me were pretty much rude our whole lives. That was...really nice of you. Really. A-"
..What to add.what to add!!
"And..if need be, I could..possibly, though I don't know how, help a bit on this shrine here? To..be honest-there is no impoliteness in assuming I'm not of this...'world'. I mean, I just woke up a while ago and..where I was-is but a fleeting memory, like I was transported here. Fairy tale come true? Plausible, but this place is so similar to my...world, that I doubt this is a dream of sorts.

"Though what just happened? Honestly, hard to believe-I am..used to mundane events, so to speak. But..I do have someone to care for-though that someone is..I can't visit them right now, though."

She moved over and stroked the mother's fur, while giving the young ones a gesture of joy and happiness at their acceptance. "And on your offer? I'm wholly accepting it. These creatures-so kind and worn by nature-you've taken care of them and...lived with them. Such value. I'd..I'd actually be honored to travel with you. Thanks."

...Traveling, go! :D

((The character name you gave me during character creation is not Akari. Probably a typo.))

The mother accepts your stroking, a bit reluctantly at first. After a few seconds though, she's pushing herself against your hand and closing her eyes, clearly enjoying it.

River listens to you intently as you speak. When you say you accept, his face lights up. Or at least you think it does, you're not exactly an expert on wolf-people facial expressions. Although the fact that he is wagging his tail is probably a very good indicator that he is happy.
He gets up and approaches you.
"Excellent! I promise to you, you will not regret this! There may be times when the journey gets hard, the road difficult, but that will only make the destination sweeter. I am glad to have a new companion in you. I am-" He pauses mid sentence and takes a deep breath, trying to quell his excitement and happiness as best he can, but fails. He can't keep himself from smiling and wagging his tail.
He extends his hand. "Give me your hand. I have something to show you."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on January 27, 2014, 11:52:37 am

(Wouldn't mind a bar brawl in a gangster-infested nightclub.)
Jordan rubbed his eyes and stood up.

"Getting caught in a nuclear explosion is less painful then I expected."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 27, 2014, 11:56:43 am

"Hi Stellar. What... Did..."
I begin piecing bits together from what I remember of the mission's end.
"Wait, no. Nonononononononononono. Did... did he... was he really... No. NO! I... I... I can't... no! I..."
I sit up and look around desperately, choking back the occasional sob.
"I.. I... Why... But... But it's so petty. Why..."
If I can locate where Stellar has manifested herself this time, dash into her arms and hide in them. If I can't, then still move about as I speak, looking for her.
"Stellar... w-what happapened to... to the person I... I don't even know her name! The girl I... The girl whose free will I stole! My host! At the mission's end... did... She died didn't she! She never even had a chance! That... That ship. The... the so-called 'escape vehicle'. It couldn't land! He... He tricked me! He tricked all of us! From the moment we started that mission everyone was doomed to die. He rigged it so that even if he lost, we couldn't win! I... I tried. I TRIED AS HARD AS I COULD! SHE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE! SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO ESCAPE! HE CHEATED HER! I GOT HER OUT OF THERE AND HE MURDERED HER OUT OF SPITE! HE COULDN'T HURT ME DIRECTLY SO HE KILLED HER INSTEAD! THAT 'ESCAPE VEHICLE' DIDN'T WORK IT JUST WENT UP IT NEVER COULD COME BACK DOWN. HE STOLE THAT GIRL'S FREE WILL AND GAVE IT BACK JUST TO TRAP HER IN SOMEONE, NO, SOMETHING ELSE'S BODY AND ENCASE HER IN A FLYING TOMB! ALL FOR HIS STUPID PRIDE! HE... HE... he doesn't even get it does he? She's just... just... someone else's toy, left in his sandbox. Valueless and meaningless. He doesn't get it, does he. That he's responsible for her, and has been from the moment he stole her will... just like I was. And then He Dragged Me Out Just In Time To Loophole-Murder Her. oh so I win and 'escape' but she dies? That's Not Right! that... that... Why??!??!?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 27, 2014, 12:15:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 27, 2014, 11:56:43 am

-snip-

((Angel will have a friend at her psychiatry sessions!))

((And something different would be neat. This switched from "investigation/stealth" to "run away," without many chances for non-stupid combat. Also, there were a lot of...weird elements present. Maybe we're needing to pacify some kind of town/village?))

---

"Ugh...wha..."
Get up. Look around for people.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on January 27, 2014, 12:18:43 pm

(Yeah, I liked the earlier parts then the later parts, though it was all good. Maybe the next mission should have a smaller enemy or similar? Not fighting an entire army, just a company.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 27, 2014, 12:45:43 pm

((How about the next mission being a posh reception, with a bunch of targets present we have to steal or eliminate? Or an alien amusement park, that would be fun. I'd prefer the next mission to be Assault as well, mostly because I don't like deathmatches or boss fights all that much.))

"Cool as hell, though a bit confusing, all in all. For one, I think we may have bombed somebody we shouldn't have. And lots of people died. But you know all that, I guess. All fun and
games. Too bad sad alternate me had to die like that, but hey, we all have to die someday, right? Also, I suddenly feel at least three times as cool somehow. That normal?"

Relax.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 27, 2014, 12:55:04 pm

John looked around.  He remembered the table... and some tango lessons.  Hmm.  His powers felt more in control, and there was something... else, as well.  The machines... were they whispering?

He did feel good, though. He sprang to his feet and spoke.  "Hello?"

---

((Assault's a good gametype, and probably should be one of the more played ones.  I'd prefer to do something else this time, though.  Boss fight is my first choice, though survival works as well (and probably caters to my abilities better than an arena would.) 

I thought the last mission was pretty good, though it's clear you weren't happy with it.  Did it just go on longer than you wanted?  What's a good length of time for a mission for you?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on January 27, 2014, 01:08:18 pm

Eria open her eyes at stares at the roof of her cave, at a part that forever frozen. She was never to sure how she did it, since she was high on Kater Juice at the time. She move a hand out at it...
---
Eria sat in the 'main' area, picking ice needles out of her body "Ow, ow, ow."

(Arena or boss fight)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Tiruin on January 27, 2014, 01:24:21 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 27, 2014, 10:51:59 am

EDIT: I also sent PMs to the people who had shown interest in this.

((I like these PMs :3))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 27, 2014, 02:05:16 pm

((Keep in mind when judging the previous mission that the previous mission was supposed to be more of a stealth mission. There were various NPCs and other stuff I didn't get to use because it turned into a not-stealth mission (mostly not your fault, some unlucky rolls were involved). And other stuff I... hoped (? not sure if this is the right word) you would do that you didn't do. I'll design missions a bit differently in the future. Hopefully differently will translate to better.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 27, 2014, 02:09:30 pm

((I find that here in the RTD subforum, if the GM wishes the players to use stealth, then they should be very explicit about it.  See:  Magnificent Timelord mission #2.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 27, 2014, 02:37:03 pm

Zechariah opens his eyes and stretches.
"Rather the opposite," Zechariah murmured to himself. "Pretty much everyone and everything hated me and liked me at the same time. It's what I'm good at.
...
I'm the only true Medium, the line between Soul and Shadow. I create and destroy, lead and follow, trust and betray, love and hate.
I am the Shadow. I embraced my true self. At the same time, I am part of the human soul.
I am the Medium."
Zechariah felt his resolve grow, his anger building.
In order to be the Medium, I have to use both sides of my powers. Shadow and Soul, working together for the good of others.

Try to find a way to the staging area. If not possible, think to myself.

((I'd like one of the Extreme or Huge Arenas. The Amethyst thing sounds awesome, too, considering Artemis was associated with Amethyst and thus it could spark curiosity within Zechariah. Who knows, maybe Artemis does come back to cause chaos in this dimension too? My final vote goes to Small Boss fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 27, 2014, 03:46:41 pm

Daa daaaa naaaa naaaaa neer neer neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

Feel like the best. Go up to some random person - read teammate - and go boast to them of my accomplishments.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on January 27, 2014, 04:50:19 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 27, 2014, 03:46:41 pm

Daa daaaa naaaa naaaaa neer neer neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

Feel like the best. Go up to some random person - read teammate - and go boast to them of my accomplishments.

Eria, by sheer accident, tosses a needle at Alan that embed in his flesh.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 27, 2014, 04:58:51 pm

((I like the survival idea.))
Bryan sees a bunch of squids crash into the main area and decides to investigate.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 27, 2014, 06:21:40 pm

((Target Amethyst seems interesting))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2014, 09:21:46 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 27, 2014, 02:09:30 pm

((I find that here in the RTD subforum, if the GM wishes the players to use stealth, then they should be very explicit about it.  See:  Magnificent Timelord mission #2.))

Yeah, but that's the point. I don't want to restrict you. I like it when I see people get creative and use one of the alternate solutions to a situation. I LOVE it when players surprise me with a great idea, something I hadn't even considered. I wouldn't get that if I restricted you. So to quote him:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2013, 08:47:44 am

"How you complete those objectives is completely up to you. You can go in guns blazing, killing everybody in your path. You can forget about the teams and do things as a single group. You can stealthily hunt every living thing in the base leaving you free to pursue your objectives unmolested. You can stealthily perform your objectives, bluffing your way past security, leaving everyone unharmed and with no clue you were ever there."
"Yeah, like that will ever happen. Did you see what took place a moment ago?"
"Anyway, you will still be able to talk to us during the mission.
Just remember that you will only be rewarded for completing the mission, so try to do so, even if it kills you."

Unfortunately, this being an RTD means you're more than likely to interpret "be creative" as "kill everybody". Or just do that by accident.

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 27, 2014, 11:52:37 am

(Wouldn't mind a bar brawl in a gangster-infested nightclub.)
Jordan rubbed his eyes and stood up.

"Getting caught in a nuclear explosion is less painful then I expected."

"Well, that's what you get when you mix nuclear weapons with magic." responds your entity.

"Anyway, I think congratulations are in order. You did exactly as requested. I can see you're worth every penny. It is a bit... unfortunate you didn't manage to escape. But the change you caused in that universe was well worth it. I know your teammates are also partially responsible for this, but I have a feeling you deserve extra credit for your role in this mission. And for furthering my cause. Don't you?

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 27, 2014, 11:56:43 am

"Hi Stellar. What... Did..."
I begin piecing bits together from what I remember of the mission's end.
"Wait, no. Nonononononononononono. Did... did he... was he really... No. NO! I... I... I can't... no! I..."
I sit up and look around desperately, choking back the occasional sob.
"I.. I... Why... But... But it's so petty. Why..."
If I can locate where Stellar has manifested herself this time, dash into her arms and hide in them. If I can't, then still move about as I speak, looking for her.
"Stellar... w-what happapened to... to the person I... I don't even know her name! The girl I... The girl whose free will I stole! My host! At the mission's end... did... She died didn't she! She never even had a chance! That... That ship. The... the so-called 'escape vehicle'. It couldn't land! He... He tricked me! He tricked all of us! From the moment we started that mission everyone was doomed to die. He rigged it so that even if he lost, we couldn't win! I... I tried. I TRIED AS HARD AS I COULD! SHE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE! SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO ESCAPE! HE CHEATED HER! I GOT HER OUT OF THERE AND HE MURDERED HER OUT OF SPITE! HE COULDN'T HURT ME DIRECTLY SO HE KILLED HER INSTEAD! THAT 'ESCAPE VEHICLE' DIDN'T WORK IT JUST WENT UP IT NEVER COULD COME BACK DOWN. HE STOLE THAT GIRL'S FREE WILL AND GAVE IT BACK JUST TO TRAP HER IN SOMEONE, NO, SOMETHING ELSE'S BODY AND ENCASE HER IN A FLYING TOMB! ALL FOR HIS STUPID PRIDE! HE... HE... he doesn't even get it does he? She's just... just... someone else's toy, left in his sandbox. Valueless and meaningless. He doesn't get it, does he. That he's responsible for her, and has been from the moment he stole her will... just like I was. And then He Dragged Me Out Just In Time To Loophole-Murder Her. oh so I win and 'escape' but she dies? That's Not Right! that... that... Why??!??!?"

Stellar is sitting down besides you in that water-form of hers, a humanoid with vaguely feminine characteristics made of clear water. She has her knees on her chest and her arms around her legs. She gets up when you do.
The area around you is just like you remembered it. The clearing, the lake, the thick trees, the grass and weeds, the little cabin with its small garden, the island with the two white trees with interwoven branches and the Mirror. The only difference is it's hotter. It's Summer.
Stellar looks unsure of what to do. She has no facial features for you to read, but her head is moving nervously. When you dash into her arms, she nearly falls backwards.
Her avatar feels comforting. Inviting. Soft like flesh and hot but not painfully so. It is a good sense of heat, like the feeling of having a hot shower.
She says nothing as you speak. She awkwardly moves her hand to your head to give a comforting rub but stops partway. Reconsidering, she moves her hands to your back to give you a hug, rubbing your back slightly, trying to comfort you. She keeps at it, even after you finish speaking.
She takes a deep breath as if she's to say something but then she doesn't. She just hugs you a bit tighter.

((Couldn't find a good synonym for pet or caress that couldn't be interpreted as either demeaning or sexual. So I chose rub which doesn't quite fit. Damn you English language.))

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 27, 2014, 12:15:46 pm

"Ugh...wha..."
Get up. Look around for people.

Well, there's an Eria and there's an Alan and there's a new guy, a man in a suit. Hey, Eria threw an ice needle at Alan. That was not a nice needle. Oh, and Zechariah stepped through a portal.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 27, 2014, 12:45:43 pm

"Cool as hell, though a bit confusing, all in all. For one, I think we may have bombed somebody we shouldn't have. And lots of people died. But you know all that, I guess. All fun and games. Too bad sad alternate me had to die like that, but hey, we all have to die someday, right? Also, I suddenly feel at least three times as cool somehow. That normal?"

Relax.

"Yeah, you made a real hash of that. You pretty much managed to royally screw this one up as much as possible without actually failing the mission.
Sorry I wasn't much help, but there's only so much I can do before I get punished. I was pushing it as it was. I tried to help, I even got to the gate of the facility to try and help you escape but it seems like you chose a different exit. Eh, what can you do? Hard lines. Like you said, everybody dies eventually. No reason to mope over that. Like SOMEONE ELSE!" You're pretty sure that last part was not directed at you.
"Anyway, you got awarded extra points so I got to pimp out your body and soul and give you some sweet sweet upgrades. That's where the coolness comes from. No, don't say it, no need to thank me, I already know I'm awesome.
...
Okay, maybe say I'm awesome a little. I won't mind."

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 27, 2014, 12:55:04 pm

John looked around.  He remembered the table... and some tango lessons.  Hmm.  His powers felt more in control, and there was something... else, as well.  The machines... were they whispering?

He did feel good, though. He sprang to his feet and spoke.  "Hello?"

"Acknowledged." Hmmm... Probably not the response you were looking for.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 27, 2014, 03:46:41 pm

Daa daaaa naaaa naaaaa neer neer neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

Feel like the best. Go up to some random person - read teammate - and go boast to them of my accomplishments.

I AM AWESOME! I ONCE SHOT A WHIFF AT MY OWN EYE! AND IT WAS AWESOME!

Quote from: scapheap on January 27, 2014, 04:50:19 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 27, 2014, 03:46:41 pm

Daa daaaa naaaa naaaaa neer neer neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

Feel like the best. Go up to some random person - read teammate - and go boast to them of my accomplishments.

Eria, by sheer accident, tosses a needle at Alan that embed in his flesh.

Eria manages to somehow accidentally hit Alan with one of her ice needles. The needle embeds itself a bit in Alan's flesh but he only feels a minor sting.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 27, 2014, 02:37:03 pm

Zechariah opens his eyes and stretches.
"Rather the opposite," Zechariah murmured to himself. "Pretty much everyone and everything hated me and liked me at the same time. It's what I'm good at.
...
I'm the only true Medium, the line between Soul and Shadow. I create and destroy, lead and follow, trust and betray, love and hate.
I am the Shadow. I embraced my true self. At the same time, I am part of the human soul.
I am the Medium."
Zechariah felt his resolve grow, his anger building.
In order to be the Medium, I have to use both sides of my powers. Shadow and Soul, working together for the good of others.

Try to find a way to the staging area. If not possible, think to myself.

((I'd like one of the Extreme or Huge Arenas. The Amethyst thing sounds awesome, too, considering Artemis was associated with Amethyst and thus it could spark curiosity within Zechariah. Who knows, maybe Artemis does come back to cause chaos in this dimension too? My final vote goes to Small Boss fight.

"Whatever you say... 'Medium'." How you can tell someone who's just a voice in your head is making air quotes is beyond you. "I hope you enjoy the upgrades." You step on the pedastal on the island with the rock slab, activating the portal. "I didn't get to play with your personality today." She says while the portal fully forms. "But don't worry. There's always next time..." she whispers as you step through the portal.

You emerge from a hole in the wall of a mountain, a small cave containing your portal. The staging area is dominated by a waterfall. There are a few pine trees in this outcropping, as well as a few other players. Angel, Alan who just got accidentally stabbed with an ice shard by Eria, some new guy in a suit...

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 27, 2014, 04:58:51 pm

((I like the survival idea.))
Bryan sees a bunch of squids crash into the main area and decides to investigate.

The squids slowly disperse, swimming into the river. You think there was a starfish with the head of a human riding those squids? No, that can't be right, that's crazy. Your eyes are probably playing tricks on you. Anyway, this place seems a lot more lively all of the sudden. There's a little girl here, a teenage boy with a wooden staff and aqua wings, a lizard that just stabbed a fat guy that looks very similar to the starfish riding that squid...

---

Quote from: NAV

<chatacter>

You wake up.
There's an old, cracked and moldy concrete ceiling above you with a few rusty pipes and broken fluorescent lamps hanging from it. You can also feel hard concrete below you.
Wherever you are, it's cold, it's damp and it's dark, barely illuminated by a few shafts of light. You can hear water dripping nearby.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2014, 03:21:35 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 26, 2014, 09:12:31 pm

((I confuse my kitsunes x3
Also, I wholly understand that guy...I guess it's my weirdness showing?))

Oooo, seems like he's prepared this for others? I guess it would be so. I mean, that's how I'd feel.
But he's so happy! Adorably happy!
Ernh. I..mmh.
Well anyway. Why not?

The kitsune silently nodded, and took the figurative gesture and held his hand.

He holds your hand tightly and looks into your eyes.
"I think you already know I'm a creature of magic, right?" he asks, still holding your hand tightly, looking a bit more serious now. Without waiting for an answer, he continues. His amber eyes seem... different. Almost glowing.
"Not entirely natural. Not of this world myself."
You look at your hands, black and white fur mingling together where you touch. That feeling... There's something strange here. He keeps holding your hand tightly.
"But you do not know what exactly I am or what I can do. And yet you trusted me. I respect you for that."
Your vision is distorting, the black and white of your hands mixing together. This feels like a dream. One of those dreams where everything is moving slow, where you want to speak but the words can't leave your mouth, where you want to move but you just can't get your body to do what you want.
"You were worthy companions. Be strong. Little ones, make me proud." he says. You don't think he's speaking to you.
"Don't be afraid. This will be over in a moment." is the last thing  you hear before you drift into unconsciousness.

---

There's the sound of a waterfall. Someone's speaking.
"-er one? Got jealous?" one voice says with amusement in his voice.
"No. You?" the other responds seriously.
"I don't understand what you see in that thing?" a third voice asks with indignation, her tone demanding.
The voices sound strange, distorted yet familiar.
"You know."
"Reeeeaally?" the voice teasingly lets the word drag on.
"No. The same thing you see in yours."
You realize you are awake.
You can feel the soft dirt below you and see dim light through your eyelids.
"Your concern is unfounded. She's my... travel companion. A worthy being, an exceptional being. Nothing more."
"...We shall see."
You open your eyes just in time to see what looks like black smoke disappearing near River. Maybe it's just your eyes playing tricks on you.

River is standing on the edge of a cliff a few meters away with his back turned to you, his tail nervously twitching from side to side. He doesn't seem to have noticed you are awake.
You can't see what he's looking at from this angle. Small bushes obscure your line of sight.

You are certainly at a different place than before. The terrain here is devoid of weeds and many rock outcroppings are visible. The pine trees around you are sparse. It is cold. You're probably near or on some mountain.

((I've got a poll in the mission thread. Vote for the next mission type if you want. You can see the mission types in the first reply (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4747325#msg4747325) of the thread.
You'll probably get to meet the other characters soon. Either now or at the start of the next mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on January 28, 2014, 09:38:41 pm

"I like to think I'm not a bragging guy, but I think that was a pretty good op. Besides, I can tell whatever the hell I just did, whatever screws the Soviets is probably a good thing in the long run." Not that I exactly care. Jordan added mentally. He guessed that if the entities could mindread (Which they probably could), they probably expected him to be like that.
Chill out.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 28, 2014, 09:52:52 pm

"Huh, I didn't think aquaman was that fat, or inept."  Bryan mumbles to himself.  Sometimes when he saw something strange he couldn't help but make a joke.  Either way he had better get to know some people better.  He heads towards the girl.  "Hello there, my names Bryan.  What's yours?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 28, 2014, 11:05:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2014, 09:21:46 pm

"Like you said, everybody dies eventually. No reason to mope over that. Like SOMEONE ELSE!" You're pretty sure that last part was not directed at you.

((...You'll need to be more specific.))

Quote from: Alarith on January 28, 2014, 09:52:52 pm

"Huh, I didn't think aquaman was that fat, or inept."  Bryan mumbles to himself.  Sometimes when he saw something strange he couldn't help but make a joke.  Either way he had better get to know some people better.  He heads towards the girl.  "Hello there, my names Bryan.  What's yours?"

((Huh, I was going to talk to you.))
"Hi! I'm Angel."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 28, 2014, 11:12:05 pm

Oh yeah.  Had to go out to the area with the others.


Go out to the area with the others.

"Hello?  Everyone back here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 28, 2014, 11:17:33 pm

March indignantly up to the lizard lady. Pull the icicle out of my flesh and hand it over to her.

Ma'am, I'd appreciate it if you could control your pet a little better. At least have a leash or something.

Summon a leash made specially for very tiny dogs.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 02:31:54 am

*sniff*
"I hate this."
I lie there, wordlessly crying in Stellar's arm's for several minutes. Before finally speaking up again.
"Why are we doing this? What are these games really about? What... What awaits me afterwards? Will I get my real body back?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2014, 04:21:46 am

"Even though I hope I know what you meant by that line, 'I got to pimp out your body and soul' is still a funny thing to say to someone. But yeah, you are pretty awesome. Helpful, too. I really appreciate that, you know."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on January 29, 2014, 05:45:25 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2014, 11:17:33 pm

March indignantly up to the lizard lady. Pull the icicle out of my flesh and hand it over to her.

Ma'am, I'd appreciate it if you could control your pet a little better. At least have a leash or something.

Summon a leash made specially for very tiny dogs.

Eria look confuse "Thank you?" she says as she take the leash, "Don't even own a pet, yet."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Tiruin on January 29, 2014, 08:29:13 am

((I think I just tied this up with voting Assault. :X Meep!))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 08:34:13 am

"That's a pretty name.  Do you have any special powers?  I can move things with my mind.  I can talk to people with my mind too."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 08:38:17 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 29, 2014, 08:29:13 am

((I think I just tied this up with voting Assault. :X Meep!))

((Tie broken!))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 08:45:06 am

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 08:34:13 am

"That's a pretty name.  Do you have any special powers?  I can move things with my mind.  I can talk to people with my mind too."

"Yeah, but they change."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 08:53:09 am

"Your powers change?  I've never met anyone like that before."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:08:49 am

Angel smiles.
"It's not very common, I guess. Not quite as useful as it sounds, though, the powers aren't usually great..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2014, 11:12:02 am

Quote from: Fniff on January 28, 2014, 09:38:41 pm

"I like to think I'm not a bragging guy, but I think that was a pretty good op. Besides, I can tell whatever the hell I just did, whatever screws the Soviets is probably a good thing in the long run." Not that I exactly care. Jordan added mentally. He guessed that if the entities could mindread (Which they probably could), they probably expected him to be like that.
Chill out.

You get up and look at the selection of various unlabeled bottles of liquid in a wood and glass cabinet while chatting with the entity. After testing some by smell, you pour what you think is whiskey in a glass.
"Oh, you did more then screw some Societs over. You were of immense help."
You sit back down on the armchair and take a small sip. Hmmm.... Yeah, whiskey and a good one at that. Looks like your nose was right.
"But anyway, enough business talk. What do you think of the ones you were with? Anything... interesting?"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 02:31:54 am

*sniff*
"I hate this."
I lie there, wordlessly crying in Stellar's arm's for several minutes. Before finally speaking up again.
"Why are we doing this? What are these games really about? What... What awaits me afterwards? Will I get my real body back?"

_{"I hate this too."} she whispers with sadness in her voice.

You lay there for a long time, you crying, Stellar gently rubbing you.
As your thoughts slowly calm down, you realize something. No, realize is not the right word, it's like the memory of a dream you had many years ago suddenly coming back to you, only to immediately disappear again, leaving you unsure of if it ever happened.  Darkness and someone telling you something. Telling you to stay away from Stellar. To ask no questions. Threatening you.
You are unsure of this was real or just a dream. It's only a memory of you remembering a fragment of a memory.

"I am here because I want to help you. Because I want you to be free again. Because it's the only way I can. I'm sorry I had to- had to-..."
A few seconds pass.
_{"I told you you wouldn't want to be my friend."}

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2014, 04:21:46 am

"Even though I hope I know what you meant by that line, 'I got to pimp out your body and soul' is still a funny thing to say to someone. But yeah, you are pretty awesome. Helpful, too. I really appreciate that, you know."

"Oh, don't worry, it's not like that. You're not my type. Not that I don't like your soul, it's fine, I'm sure one day you'll meet a Demon who'll want it more than anything in the world. I just like the ones I mate with to have a certain... something.
Although I did see some weird stuff while I was in there. You... might want to get a shrink or a witch doctor or something to check on that."

---

The Staging Area

Quote from: Toaster on January 28, 2014, 11:12:05 pm

Oh yeah.  Had to go out to the area with the others.


Go out to the area with the others.

"Hello?  Everyone back here?"

You get out to the Staging Area which is currently in the form of a small waterfall near a mountain. The small shallow river the waterfall forms cuts the staging area in half before falling down a cliff, forming another waterfall. The rest of the staging area is populated by sparse pine trees and some of the others. Eria is talking to Alan who is holding a tiny leash. Angel is talking to a man in a suit. Zechariah is just standing there.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2014, 11:17:33 pm

March indignantly up to the lizard lady. Pull the icicle out of my flesh and hand it over to her.

Ma'am, I'd appreciate it if you could control your pet a little better. At least have a leash or something.

Summon a leash made specially for very tiny dogs.

You summon a tiny leash that would probably be fit for crickets and hand it over to Eria. The leash has an inscription with tiny letters on it.

---

((Gonna wait some more for people to vote or change their votes if they want. And for NAV to post. I'll send him a PM.

If nothing changes, we're going for a boss fight next.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 11:21:22 am

"Hey there Alan, good to see you again.  Good try with that wheel."


<<Hey, Zero?  Any tips considering my expanded power?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 29, 2014, 11:47:11 am

((Sorry I couldn't post last time. Had an exam. Had to study.))

Uhhh. Where am I? This isn't my fortress.
What did I drink last night?

Get up, look around, determine the situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 12:19:31 pm

You mess with my personality and even I have no idea what will happen. Maybe I will develop a new alter-ego. Maybe Artemis will return.

Zechariah looks around for a bit, and then finds a rock to sit by and have silent arguments with his subconscious.
Find a rock to sit by and argue with my subconscious.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 12:21:58 pm

Thank you, John.

Walk away and summon a large pile of forks.
Throw them at people.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2014, 12:25:52 pm

"Eh, best approach to weird stuff is to not worry about it too much. Don't hassle the weird, and the weird won't hassle you. So... what now? Do we just jump back into the next mission, or is there something else that needs doing first?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 02:16:02 pm

Build myself a lawnchair with minifridge attachment and massage action.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 29, 2014, 02:45:03 pm

((And the polls tied again.
I didn't do it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 03:56:58 pm

((Simple, a mission where we need to work as a team to reach and kill a tough opponent. Maybe a demon or tank or something.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 04:21:47 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 03:56:58 pm

((Simple, a mission where we need to work as a team to reach and kill a tough opponent. Maybe a demon or tank or something.))

((I think this is an acceptable compromise.  Just make the round 50% reaching the point and half fighting.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 04:23:45 pm

((I still really want to see what happens with Target Amethyst.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2014, 04:38:45 pm

((Actually, now that I've refamiliarized myself with the options, Target Amethyst does sound quite intriguing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 04:39:27 pm

((Target Amethyst?))

Title: Re: Special People: Game Types
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 04:40:12 pm

((Check the second post for the gametype list and some examples, which includes this: ))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:25:07 am

Target Amethyst: Who is Target Amethyst? What is Target Amethyst? And why does everyone in Universe 1058 want to get Target Amethyst, either dead or alive? This mission will depend heavily on Roleplaying. And NOT on you roleplaying your character, on your character roleplaying your host. Your hosts will be dominant and you will be influencing their actions. You will need to overcome their mind when you have to do things that disagree with their character. You will also have a synchronization stat that will recover slowly overtime and decrease rapidly when doing things against your host's character. This mission will take place in a city, similar in size to an extreme arena or larger. Mention it in thread or via PM if you are interested in this mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 04:41:18 pm

((I'll likely colossally fuck up when we go on it, but that sounds interesting.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on January 29, 2014, 04:44:17 pm

Jordan swishes the good whiskey around in it's glass a bit, then takes another sip. "My teammates? I think you are capable of asking them yourself." He smiles. "Seriously, I found them acceptable. At least in combat."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 05:12:55 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:08:49 am

Angel smiles.
"It's not very common, I guess. Not quite as useful as it sounds, though, the powers aren't usually great..."

"I'm sure that every power has its use somewhere, even if it doesn't seem useful at the time."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 05:53:55 pm

"Had to... Had to what? Stellar? I don't understand. I... what's wrong? Why wouldn't I want to be your friend? You're here for me, aren't you? I still trust you. I still like you!"
I rock back and forth in her arms.
"Comon Stellar, stop being so mean to yourself. I need you Stellar! Please, can we please be friends? Please?"
I suddenly lick her cheek once.
"Gotcha! Comon! Please? I'm supposed to be the depressed one here, remember? Please, I just want to know what's happening to me. It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I can't help unless I know what I'm really doing, and why. What are the Games, really?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 06:29:58 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 05:12:55 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:08:49 am

Angel smiles.
"It's not very common, I guess. Not quite as useful as it sounds, though, the powers aren't usually great..."

"I'm sure that every power has its use somewhere, even if it doesn't seem useful at the time."

"One of my powers was growing my hair into armor. It was really clumsy and didn't help against the spidery...fleshy...robotty...thing that...killed my host..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 07:32:49 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 06:29:58 pm

"One of my powers was growing my hair into armor. It was really clumsy and didn't help against the spidery...fleshy...robotty...thing that...killed my host..."

"Give me some time, I'll try to think of a use for it if it surfaces again.  What was that about a host?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2014, 07:56:00 pm

((Just wanted to say that the Target Amethyst mission will start only when we have 6 volunteers for it. Right now there are only 4 volunteers, I think?So if you voted "other' in hopes of playing it, feel free to change your vote. If you voted other for some other reason, please specify that reason.))
((Edit: @GWG : Keratin is actually a fairly strong substance. It would make for good armor if that thing wasn't shooting you with Vulcan rotary cannons using High Explosive bullets.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 07:59:18 pm

((Please, everyone, I really am intrigued by what Target Amethyst is. Really intrigued, mostly because of Zechariah's backstory, but also because of the implications it could have for the whole team.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 08:12:00 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 07:32:49 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 06:29:58 pm

"One of my powers was growing my hair into armor. It was really clumsy and didn't help against the spidery...fleshy...robotty...thing that...killed my host..."

"Give me some time, I'll try to think of a use for it if it surfaces again.  What was that about a host?"

"...We're in a weird game, and we're given...people to take over, called hosts, and...if we mess up they die..."
Angel is on the verge of tears.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2014, 07:56:00 pm

((Edit: @GWG : Keratin is actually a fairly strong substance. It would make for good armor if that thing wasn't shooting you with Vulcan rotary cannons using High Explosive bullets.))

((1. It's still hardly optimal.
2. I'd call it pretty darn useless in this case.
3. You are five years old. You get the power to turn your hair into armor, which proves 100% useless the one time it gets used. Do you think it sounds useful or useless?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

Abilities: Telekinesis. He can control objects within a short radius of him with his mind, and accelerate it to a pretty decent speed. He is unable to control living organisms, and, depending on the size, he may be only able to move it very slowly, or not at all.

Powers gained by: An extremely strange group of events, beginning with him slipping and falling off a bridge, then him meeting an incredibly strange spectral humanoid, then being possessed by said specter until he had completed a task the specter had to complete on this world- during the possession, he had many superhuman abilities, but when the specter abandoned him, only one had remained.

Name: Rune (The ghost referred to him as "Rune", but he has no recollection of what his name was before it, or anything before the possession.

Description: A tall, slim man, usually wearing a fedora that hides his eyes in shadows. When his eyes are visible, they are haunted by past memories he will never forget.

Bio: Has no memories of past since possession. Before being called up by the beings, he usually hid from humanity, and never used his abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 08:32:59 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

-5,000 degrees Celsius

((My head...))

Quote

Powers gained by: An extremely strange group of events, beginning with him slipping and falling off a bridge, then him meeting an incredibly strange spectral humanoid, then being possessed by said specter until he had completed a task the specter had to complete on this world- during the possession, he had many superhuman abilities, but when the specter abandoned him, only one had remained.

Name: Rune (The ghost referred to him as "Rune", but he has no recollection of what his name was before it, or anything before the possession.

Description: A tall, slim man, usually wearing a fedora that hides his eyes in shadows. When his eyes are visible, they are haunted by past memories he will never forget.

Bio: Has no memories of past since possession.Before being called up by the beings, he usually hid from humanity, and never used his abilities.

((Remarkably...generic.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 08:34:26 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

Description: A tall, slim man, usually wearing a fedora

(http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/masonry/000/682/897/2ee.gif)

((I'm sorry, I just had to.))

---

Zechariah notices Angel for the first time, talking with a newcomer. Amid the chaos of his own mind, he walks over to talk with Angel.
"How are you, Angel? Did everything go okay with your entity?" Introducing himself to the newcomer also, he extends his hand. "Hello, my name's Zechariah. How are you also?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:06:48 pm

Angel doesn't answer, staring at her feet.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 09:15:37 pm

"Hey, what's wrong? Did something happen with your entity?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:19:24 pm

Angel starts crying. Someone listening closely would notice that she seemed to be worried about a bunch of dead people.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 09:29:52 pm

((Hey, Zechariah's been busy trying to keep himself from going insane.))
God help me. I can't even talk to a child without causing them to cry, Zechariah thought to himself.

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay! Everything's okay. Just tell me what happened, there's nothing wrong with talking..."
While talking softly, Zechariah puts his hands up to try and show that he doesn't mean harm.

Of course you mean harm. It's your nature, Artemis taunted in his mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:33:50 pm

"They died...lots of people died, because of me..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 09:48:54 pm

"Nice to meet you Zechariah, I'm Bryan.  I'm sorry I appear to have upset Angel with some of my questions.  And except for the fact that I've upset Angel I'm doing pretty well."
This girl had seen things that Bryan wished he hadn't seen, and to have experienced death... Bryan hoped that stopping the games was part of the freedom Kathryn was working towards.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 09:59:29 pm

John leans over, hearing Angel.  He frowns, and places his hand on Angel's shoulder.

"Look, kid, think of it this way.  We didn't kill people- we hitched a ride on other people who did. They would have killed anyway- we just mucked around a bit.  Kinda... you ever played a video game?  It's like that."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 10:00:53 pm

Only better! Except for that Roomba.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 10:02:40 pm

John twitched a bit.  "Yeah... that Roomba was a bit of a screwup.  But I think I stop that now... or at least see it coming.  Alan, did you... feel more power too?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 10:06:09 pm

"No, look, Angel. There was nothing you, or I, or anyone else could have done. Those people were looking out to kill you. You did what was right, trust me." Even Zechariah wasn't convinced by his own words.

He himself didn't believe there was a justification for murder.
"This is a test. If we pass this together, we can help other people live. We can help other people be happy. We just have to make it through, despite whatever may happen."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 10:13:15 pm

"What Zechariah said sounds good.  And it is okay to feel bad about what you did.  What you have to realize is that you have saved many more people then those that died.  Think about those people, and what you did for them."
((I'm probably a horrible child therapist.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 29, 2014, 10:14:04 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

Abilities: Can heat up any part of anything he is touching to up to 10,000 degrees Celsius, or down to -5,000 degrees Celsius, an example being, touching the ocean with his hands, and creating a bridge of ice in only a part of the water, or super-heating the armor of an enemy he just grabbed. Naturally because of this, he is immune to extreme heat and cold, but is extremely weak to electricity, acidic substances, and slightly weaker to physical blows.

Powers gained by: An extremely strange group of events, beginning with him slipping and falling off a bridge, then him meeting an incredibly strange spectral humanoid, then being possessed by said specter until he had completed a task the specter had to complete on this world- during the possession, he had many superhuman abilities, but when the specter abandoned him, only one had remained.

Name: Rune (The ghost referred to him as "Rune", but he has no recollection of what his name was before it, or anything before the possession.

Description: A tall, slim man, usually wearing a fedora that hides his eyes in shadows. When his eyes are visible, they are haunted by past memories he will never forget.

Bio: Has no memories of past since possession.Before being called up by the beings, he usually hid from humanity, and never used his abilities.

((Simple practical power. Might want to change the minimum temperature to −273.15°C though. Anything below that is physically impossible.

Don't listen to GWG, he doesn't understand constructive criticism. Only criticism.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 10:16:37 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 10:13:15 pm

((I'm probably a horrible child therapist.))

((Aside from the second sentence, that wasn't bad.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 10:26:41 pm

Indeed I do!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 11:15:08 pm

((I am also willing to do the Target Amethyst mission.  I think I voted for survival before I heard what Target Amethyst was.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on January 30, 2014, 07:03:01 am

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2014, 10:14:04 pm

((Simple practical power. Might want to change the minimum temperature to −273.15°C though. Anything below that is physically impossible.))

((You forgetting that there magic, physically impossible is a guideline. True that AZ is one of the more solid guideline.))

Eria watches Angel before offering her two labors(no form of currency) "When I first took a life, I also felt horrible. I will admit that your is worse for a first kill since in my case it was only one and I did hate the guy. What matter is what you feel. Feeling bad is good and as long as you remember that, you won't become something truly bad."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 07:27:35 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 09:59:29 pm

John leans over, hearing Angel.  He frowns, and places his hand on Angel's shoulder.
"Look, kid, think of it this way.  We didn't kill people- we hitched a ride on other people who did. They would have killed anyway- we just mucked around a bit.  Kinda... you ever played a video game?  It's like that."

"A little...not the shooty ones..."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 10:06:09 pm

"No, look, Angel. There was nothing you, or I, or anyone else could have done. Those people were looking out to kill you. You did what was right, trust me." Even Zechariah wasn't convinced by his own words. He himself didn't believe there was a justification for murder.
"This is a test. If we pass this together, we can help other people live. We can help other people be happy. We just have to make it through, despite whatever may happen."

Say what you will about children, they can be insightful. This half-hearted justification doesn't help Angel any.

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2014, 10:13:15 pm

"What Zechariah said sounds good.  And it is okay to feel bad about what you did.  What you have to realize is that you have saved many more people then those that died.  Think about those people, and what you did for them."
((I'm probably a horrible child therapist.))

((And I'm not a great child.))
Angel nods.
"...What did we do?"

Quote from: scapheap on January 30, 2014, 07:03:01 am

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2014, 10:14:04 pm

((Simple practical power. Might want to change the minimum temperature to −273.15°C though. Anything below that is physically impossible.))

((You forgetting that there magic, physically impossible is a guideline. True that AZ is one of the more solid guideline.))

Eria watches Angel before offering her two labors(no form of currency) "When I first took a life, I also felt horrible. I will admit that your is worse for a first kill since in my case it was only one and I did hate the guy. What matter is what you feel. Feeling bad is good and as long as you remember that, you won't become something truly bad."

Angel nods.

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2014, 10:14:04 pm

Don't listen to GWG, he doesn't understand constructive criticism. Only criticism.))

((Go me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 30, 2014, 08:38:40 am

"I wasn't here for whatever you did, so I don't know.  Maybe you could ask your entity?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 08:56:16 am

"From what I can tell, we just borrowed control of people.  They were going to do what we did anyway- we just took over.  The Entities told us to do it, and in return we get power.  I think it's a pretty fair deal, myself."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 09:17:11 am

"No, I mean what did us doing the mission do?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 10:13:35 am

Disappointed in himself, Zechariah meanders back to where he entered the Staging Area and loses himself in his subconscious. He lies down near some grass and begins fighting with Artemis in his mind.

Wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 10:30:31 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 09:17:11 am

"No, I mean what did us doing the mission do?"

Ike, who seems to be miraculously passing by after realizing he can't sustain his state of lying down if he doesn't actually sleep, has this to offer.

"Shockingly little, friend. We seem to have purely destroyed things both good and bad in roughly equal amounts, leaving the world exactly the same as it was, curiously enough, possibly even worse. Luckily, though, that world is but one of many possibilities, it seems."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 10:36:15 am

John shrugged.  "We did our job and got our reward.  Sounds like a win to me."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 10:47:21 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 10:36:15 am

John shrugged.  "We did our job and got our reward.  Sounds like a win to me."

"It definitely was for us, who weren't victims of the alien nuclear blast like that undisclosed number of Soviet civilians and soldiers whose only crime was following a regime they were born in. Any injuries we suffered killed our hosts, not us. And the end result, which seems to have been to deliver sensitive and important materials to enemies of the Soviets, resulted in us smashing into the ground, possibly hitting a bunch of anti-Soviet individuals in the process and maybe damaging the very thing we were supposed to deliver to a point where it became nonfunctional or dangerous. We were actually supposed to land safely, I think. All the people who got hurt in the mission lost, and the people who got rewarded, like us, thus won. There are, however, people who don't like being rewarded for causing only mayhem and suffering, even if it happens inadvertently and through minimal fault of their own."

"But hey, on the bright side, we seem to have discovered there's a multiverse of infinite possibilities, so if there's an infinite amount of worlds where horrible things happen to the undeserving, there's probably an infinite number of worlds where good things happen to nice people as well. Of course, the cardinality of those two sets is probably a bit off."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 11:15:06 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 10:30:31 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 09:17:11 am

"No, I mean what did us doing the mission do?"

Ike, who seems to be miraculously passing by after realizing he can't sustain his state of lying down if he doesn't actually sleep, has this to offer.
"Shockingly little, friend. We seem to have purely destroyed things both good and bad in roughly equal amounts, leaving the world exactly the same as it was, curiously enough, possibly even worse. Luckily, though, that world is but one of many possibilities, it seems."

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 10:36:15 am

John shrugged.  "We did our job and got our reward.  Sounds like a win to me."

Amazingly, these statements don't cheer Angel up.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 10:47:21 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 10:36:15 am

John shrugged.  "We did our job and got our reward.  Sounds like a win to me."

"It definitely was for us, who weren't victims of the alien nuclear blast like that undisclosed number of Soviet civilians and soldiers whose only crime was following a regime they were born in. Any injuries we suffered killed our hosts, not us. And the end result, which seems to have been to deliver sensitive and important materials to enemies of the Soviets, resulted in us smashing into the ground, possibly hitting a bunch of anti-Soviet individuals in the process and maybe damaging the very thing we were supposed to deliver to a point where it became nonfunctional or dangerous. We were actually supposed to land safely, I think. All the people who got hurt in the mission lost, and the people who got rewarded, like us, thus won. There are, however, people who don't like being rewarded for causing only mayhem and suffering, even if it happens inadvertently and through minimal fault of their own."
"But hey, on the bright side, we seem to have discovered there's a multiverse of infinite possibilities, so if there's an infinite amount of worlds where horrible things happen to the undeserving, there's probably an infinite number of worlds where good things happen to nice people as well. Of course, the cardinality of those two sets is probably a bit off."

Even more amazingly, this discussion of how much they screwed up and how little they actually did also fails to help. In fact, it makes Angel collapse and start crying again.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 11:16:35 am

John looks at Angel, just shrugs with a slightly confused look on his face, then goes back to his creation.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 11:31:19 am

Zechariah overhears Angel again. Deciding that he might need a break from Artemis' constant barrage of insults, he gets up and walks over again.
"Imagine this, Angel. Imagine what happens when we get through all of this. What do you think we'll be able to do once we succeed?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 11:40:12 am

Angel does not respond.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

The Staging Area

Quote from: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 11:21:22 am

"Hey there Alan, good to see you again.  Good try with that wheel."

<<Hey, Zero?  Any tips considering my expanded power?>>

"Modifications improve power, versatility and understanding and reduce the risk of catastrophic failure.
Disorientation is possible while adjusting. Experimentation with unfamiliar equipment is recommended.
Examination of another player's equipment during a mission has a high chance of providing useful data."

Quote from: Toaster on January 29, 2014, 02:16:02 pm

Build myself a lawnchair with minifridge attachment and massage action.

It's surprisingly difficult to imagine this piece of equipment. The unrelated sections of the device keep getting mixed up in your mind. In the end, when your summoning and assembling is done, you end up with a lawnchair that looks sort of like the one you imagined. However the minifridge seems to be out of order and the massage-action feels kinda wonky.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2014, 12:19:31 pm

You mess with my personality and even I have no idea what will happen. Maybe I will develop a new alter-ego. Maybe Artemis will return.

Zechariah looks around for a bit, and then finds a rock to sit by and have silent arguments with his subconscious.
Find a rock to sit by and argue with my subconscious.

You find a rock that's not too jagged and sit on it.
"So..." you can  hear an entity talking to you. "I've been meaning to ask you something. You said you share your head with a guy named Artemis, right? Well, my question is, what's with the name? Iisn't Artemis a... girl's name?"

Quote from: Xantalos on January 29, 2014, 12:21:58 pm

Thank you, John.

Walk away and summon a large pile of forks.
Throw them at people.

You summon a small pile of serving forks. Eh, better than nothing.
You then proceed to throw them at people. At least you try to throw them. You lack the strength and dexterity to launch them properly. Most of them fly with the speed of a snail, while the few that you manage to throw further than a meter from you fly so off course they might as well had been thrown at random. In the end you end up with the area around you littered with forks.
"Tsk tsk tsk. Littering in the wild. No care for the environment. Better hope Smokey the Bear doesn't hear of this."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:33:50 pm

<Angel moping about stuff and people trying to comfort her.>

The shadow man appears in his rock in front of the waterfall and addresses Angel.
"You are right to feel this way. Your actions led to the deaths of many innocents. The damage your combined efforts caused on that world of mine will take centuries to repair."
"What? Why are you doing that? That's mean! Can't you see she is sad about that?"
"As she should be. The words of comfort the others are offering her are lies, lies that aren't helping her. I am helping her. I am giving her the honesty she needs. Every child needs to learn that their actions have consequences, one as powerful as her doubly so."
"I still think you're just being mean."




The people in the staging area hear the yelp of a dog or a wolf faintly echoing. Sounds like it's coming from far away.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2014, 12:25:52 pm

"Eh, best approach to weird stuff is to not worry about it too much. Don't hassle the weird, and the weird won't hassle you. So... what now? Do we just jump back into the next mission, or is there something else that needs doing first?"

"It's your mind, you know best.
Anyway, there will be a mission later. There are some things the others want to do and we've got to decide what to do next... It'll take a while.
You can rest a bit for now. You've earned it."

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 29, 2014, 04:44:17 pm

Jordan swishes the good whiskey around in it's glass a bit, then takes another sip. "My teammates? I think you are capable of asking them yourself." He smiles. "Seriously, I found them acceptable. At least in combat."

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Although they do need to be a bit less squeamish. You can't change the world without getting your hands dirty. What's that funny little expression people from Earth use? 'You can't cook an omelet without squashing some eggs'? "

---

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2014, 11:47:11 am

((Sorry I couldn't post last time. Had an exam. Had to study.))

Uhhh. Where am I? This isn't my fortress.
What did I drink last night?

Get up, look around, determine the situation.

((Eh, don't worry. I'd update faster myself but I have three projects to deliver by the end of next week.))

You seem to be in an abandoned mall or supermarket of some kind. The room you are in is made of concrete. Water is dripping from one of the rusty pipes in the ceiling, forming a small puddle on the floor near you.
Around you are overturned stalls and mounds of empty plastic and cardboard boxes of all kinds, their colorful exterior dulled by time and the elements. Weeds have started to grow on top of some of the moldy cardboard boxes.
Light is coming in from a hole in the concrete, from whitch you can see the gray sky and the snow outside.
There's a single door leading out of this room, a sliding door that has had its glass replaced by a wood and metal barricade.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 05:53:55 pm

"Had to... Had to what? Stellar? I don't understand. I... what's wrong? Why wouldn't I want to be your friend? You're here for me, aren't you? I still trust you. I still like you!"
I rock back and forth in her arms.
"Comon Stellar, stop being so mean to yourself. I need you Stellar! Please, can we please be friends? Please?"
I suddenly lick her cheek once.
"Gotcha! Comon! Please? I'm supposed to be the depressed one here, remember? Please, I just want to know what's happening to me. It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I can't help unless I know what I'm really doing, and why. What are the Games, really?"

"You don't understand. It's my fault!"
She gently pushes you away. The ground beneath her rises about half a meter, creating further distance between you.
"I- I made a mistake. I should had done a better job but I couldn't help you. I... don't know what happened, why it happened. I didn't fix the damage you had and he- he had to fix it for me or you would die and he- That's why you... you're different."
She falls on her knees, her head hanging low. Ripples extend from her face to the rest of her liquid body, the returning waves merging with each other creating standing waves and other interference patterns.
_{"It's all my fault. If I was better, stronger, none of this would have happened. It's all my fault. Not yours."}

((Sorry for not answering all your questions but I don't think people who are emotionally in a bad place would suddenly start rambling and providing exposition like nothing is going on. That's why the answers are coming a bit slower.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

<ability description>

Tone this ability down a bit.
Or even better, choose something else since we already have people who can mess with fire and ice and I'd prefer to have more unique abilities.

Right now it is too powerful. Anything you touch? 10 000 degrees Celsius? And the ability to direct this ability to wherever you want? I'm assigning points to abilities to see if I should give them drawbacks and right now your ability is a -4.3(!) based on the guidelines I have (for comparison, all characters start at +2). You're gonna have some major drawbacks with a -4.3, even if you roll a six during character creation.

---

EDIT: Either my mind is acting up due to lack of sleep or the forum is eating words. Either way, there were some missing words and sentences weren't making sense. I think I fixed them all now.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 10:59:52 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 29, 2014, 12:14:41 pm

((Would it be funny that I voted 6? >_> I appreciate literary stuffs too much..I guess...yeah I'm weird blah blah <__<
I like how you merged those, though, despite me seeing both messages in all their clarity. You're awesome.))

Theri blinked. What she heard, she pushed aside as her thoughts of her past-wondering how River's own voice mixed in her stupor. He seemed a bit tense, probably fishing by the-wait, that was a cliff. An edge of a cliff!

The kitsune sprung up as her mind oriented sky from ground, and was utterly calmed that her friend was not actually falling-or at least the sky wasn't-and dropped to one knee.

...
:3
Hmm. Mr. Wolf seems preoccupied. Nervous? Afraid of heights? Doesn't seem to be like it.
..Oh dear do I feel like an opportunity is knocking.

Being a bit of a mischievous rascal--her youth wasn't all gloom and despair anyhow, she sneaked up towards River and decided to surprise him!
If he ever falls back-grab him and get him on solid ground.
If he...attacks or something, quickly explain its me and my plan. :D

I wonder if you can hear me, Mr. Wolf?

((Thank you. That means a lot to me.
And I just want to say that I like being able to write with you like this. Gives me an opportunity to write with less constraints. Although I am still bound by the game-stuff.))

You slowly get up and start sneaking towards River, a mischievous grin on your face. You carefully make your way around a couple of small bushes along the way, the soft dirt that makes up the ground helping to muffle the noise of your walking.
Even if you had made any noise, the wolf-man seems too preoccupied with whatever is on his mind to actually notice you. He keeps staring forward and slightly downwards.

You can see the waterfall as you approach him, a small stream falling off a cliff opposite to the one you are standing on. The sun creates a small rainbow in the mist generated by the falling water. (The waterfall and surrounding area looks somewhat like this (http://imageshack.com/a/img546/5906/pf5a.jpg). Only viewed from a higher viewpoint since you are at the same height as the start of the waterfall.)

When you get close enough to be in danger of being hit by his nervously twitching tail (he is a bit taller than you), you lean forward and playfully poke him at his back while yelling "Surprise!"

He emits a surprised yelp and quickly jumps around to face you. The surprise you can see on his face escalates when one of his legs lands on the edge of the cliff, causing him to loose his balance and start tipping backwards.
Seeing your newly made friend in danger, you quickly reach out and grab him by his arm. You dig your heels in, pull as strongly as you can (he's surprisingly heavy). After some mutually exhausting effort you manage to heave him back onto solid ground.

He collapses from the strain and the adrenaline, facing the sky, out of breath. His panting turns to laughter, a quiet one at first, but one that soon turns into a roaring laugh, his eyes closed an his mouth open wide enough for you to see his sharp canine premolars. He laughs like someone just told him the funniest thing in the world.

((I rolled for that by the way! :) ))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Zechariah sighs and puts a hand on Angel's shoulder, talking softly. "As much as we really want to, we can't change the past. We have to keep moving forward. It's okay to cry, but eventually we have to get up and keep going, for the sake of those around us. You can do amazing things with your powers, better than any of us. No one can blame you for using your power with good intentions."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

You find a rock that's not too jagged and sit on it.
"So..." you can  hear an entity talking to you. "I've been meaning to ask you something. You said you share your head with a guy named Artemis, right? Well, my question is, what's with the name? Iisn't Artemis a... girl's name?"

"Normally, yes. However, I do believe it had several connotations attached to it. First, Artemis, on our world, was the Greek goddess of Hunting, the Moon, and... well... virginity, although that last one can be omitted. That's kinda why he's named Artemis. The other reason is that he had a rival Guardian named Apollo Devicus."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:33:50 pm

<Angel moping about stuff and people trying to comfort her.>

The shadow man appears in his rock in front of the waterfall and addresses Angel.
"You are right to feel this way. Your actions led to the deaths of many innocents. The damage your combined efforts caused on that world of mine will take centuries to repair."
"What? Why are you doing that? That's mean! Can't you see she is sad about that?"
"As she should be. The words of comfort the others are offering her are lies, lies that aren't helping her. I am helping her. I am giving her the honesty she needs. Every child needs to learn that their actions have consequences, one as powerful as her doubly so."
"I still think you're just being mean."

"If it had been voluntary, then yes, you can say it was her fault. You can say it was my fault for trying to help that girl earlier, but Angel was acting in self defense, and only did what she could. You forced us into this game and she played by the rules. Pushing people down is what creates monsters like... me... and Artemis."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 01:42:11 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Zechariah sighs and puts a hand on Angel's shoulder, talking softly. "As much as we really want to, we can't change the past. We have to keep moving forward. It's okay to cry, but eventually we have to get up and keep going, for the sake of those around us. You can do amazing things with your powers, better than any of us. No one can blame you for using your power with good intentions."

"Actually, people can and will try to blame you for the results of your actions. And dwelling on the past, figuring out what went wrong - that's the best way you can improve. Adjust your expectations, reject mistaken assumptions and terrible strategies. That kind of thing. It helps to remember that people fail not because they're terrible, but because they're people. And everyone can improve. Especially our whole bunch, who get a lot more literal version of self-improvement."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 02:28:01 pm

"Yeah... but dwelling too much on the past can be dangerous for people like us. Very, very dangerous..."

((I am disappointed. We can't choose Target Amethyst?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on January 30, 2014, 02:34:48 pm

"That's about it, yes. Why did you choose a six year old, by the way? Not that I mind, it just strikes me as a curious decision."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 02:44:18 pm

John stares at his chair.  At least he could sit in it- and does so.

"Don't dwell on the past too much, though.  Learn what you need to and move on.  You can't change it, so don't linger there."

Get a feel for the abilities of the chair.  Put my hand on the ground and try to sense there as well- surely this is all virtual reality, and it's one giant machine?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 03:41:57 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 02:28:01 pm

((I am disappointed. We can't choose Target Amethyst?))

((Target Amethyst is very likely to be the next mission. Like I said, it will happen when we have 6 volunteers for the mission and I think we currently do have 6 volunteers. I'll post more when I'm certain, there's a thing I have to check first.

If we end up doing Target Amethyst I might run a second normal mission at the same time. 6 people in one mission, 6 people in the other. We'll see how it goes. Still thinking about things.

The reason I'm only taking volunteers for the Target Amethyst mission is because it's an experiment and I only want people who are willing to participate in something that is a bit different and more restrictive than the standard RTD. I don't want people yelling at me or leaving the game because I forced them to play something they didn't like or didn't agree to play.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 03:43:16 pm

((I'll hold on for the other mission.  It sounds interesting, but not something I (or John) would be good at.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 03:59:30 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

"Isn't Artemis a... girl's name?

((We're ripping off Artemis Fowl now?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

"Normally, yes. However, I do believe it had several connotations attached to it. First, Artemis, on our world, was the Greek goddess of Hunting, the Moon, and... well... virginity, although that last one can be omitted. That's kinda why he's named Artemis. The other reason is that he had a rival Guardian named Apollo Devicus."

((Not too much, good.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 29, 2014, 09:33:50 pm

<Angel moping about stuff and people trying to comfort her.>

The shadow man appears in his rock in front of the waterfall and addresses Angel.
"You are right to feel this way. Your actions led to the deaths of many innocents. The damage your combined efforts caused on that world of mine will take centuries to repair."
"What? Why are you doing that? That's mean! Can't you see she is sad about that?"
"As she should be. The words of comfort the others are offering her are lies, lies that aren't helping her. I am helping her. I am giving her the honesty she needs. Every child needs to learn that their actions have consequences, one as powerful as her doubly so."
"I still think you're just being mean."

Predictably, this makes Angel cry worse.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Zechariah sighs and puts a hand on Angel's shoulder, talking softly. "As much as we really want to, we can't change the past. We have to keep moving forward. It's okay to cry, but eventually we have to get up and keep going, for the sake of those around us. You can do amazing things with your powers, better than any of us. No one can blame you for using your power with good intentions."

This helps her a little.

((And I'm willing to do the Amethyst mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2014, 04:18:12 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

((Sorry for not answering all your questions but I don't think people who are emotionally in a bad place would suddenly start rambling and providing exposition like nothing is going on. That's why the answers are coming a bit slower.))

((Don't worry about it, different people handle stress different ways. Irine's stress-handling mechanisms are based off my own, which are a lil nonstandard sometimes. for example, pain, sorrow, and anger can all be changed into one another. When carefully balanced, they can keep each other in check even when I'd normally be overwhelmed. When unbalanced from such a state...))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 05:53:55 pm

"Had to... Had to what? Stellar? I don't understand. I... what's wrong? Why wouldn't I want to be your friend? You're here for me, aren't you? I still trust you. I still like you!"
I rock back and forth in her arms.
"Comon Stellar, stop being so mean to yourself. I need you Stellar! Please, can we please be friends? Please?"
I suddenly lick her cheek once.
"Gotcha! Comon! Please? I'm supposed to be the depressed one here, remember? Please, I just want to know what's happening to me. It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I can't help unless I know what I'm really doing, and why. What are the Games, really?"

"You don't understand. It's my fault!"
She gently pushes you away. The ground beneath her rises about half a meter, creating further distance between you.
"I- I made a mistake. I should had done a better job but I couldn't help you. I... don't know what happened, why it happened. I didn't fix the damage you had and he- he had to fix it for me or you would die and he- That's why you... you're different."
She falls on her knees, her head hanging low. Ripples extend from her face to the rest of her liquid body, the returning waves merging with each other creating standing waves and other interference patterns.
_{"It's all my fault. If I was better, stronger, none of this would have happened. It's all my fault. Not yours."}

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

She gently pushes you away. The ground beneath her rises about half a meter, creating further distance between you.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

She pushes you away

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

creating further distance between you.

I stare up at stellar from my now-seated position from when she pushed me.
"S-s-so, yo-you're rejecting me? I... I... I'm... I'm on my own? I... I... But... You..."
my breathing accelerates, my fingers flex repeatedly by my sides, my ears remain low, and my teeth clench.
"I-uh-i-I'll... FINE! I'll... I'll... I... I'll fix this with or without you then! I... I... I refuse to give up, okay? I... I'll... I'll think of something! I... I..."
I hug myself for a moment as my teeth unclench.
"I still like you Stellar. Even... even if this ends badly for me."
and then get up and <rest of action PMd>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 30, 2014, 04:31:55 pm

Sounds like you need a song on why bears suck, Orange!

Summon cane, top hat, and tap dancing shoes.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2014, 04:47:13 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 02:28:01 pm

"Yeah... but dwelling too much on the past can be dangerous for people like us. Very, very dangerous..."

((I am disappointed. We can't choose Target Amethyst?))

"If you're not going to do your past the credit of dwelling on it once in a while, what's the use in even having one in the first place? You can't very well dwell on the future, can you? And the present is just this infinitesimally small line between the past and future, and that's really difficult to properly dwell on incessantly. Then again, I guess my past probably doesn't have as many split personalities as yours does. Makes me wonder if more people wouldn't have ultimately been better off coming from the woods rather than lands of emotional turmoil and adventure, really."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 30, 2014, 05:26:49 pm

Bryan hears the shadow man speak turns and almost speaks to him.  He thinks better of it, he does not want to irritate that being yet.  He exhales a deep breath.  This is a lot for him to take in, and he needs space to think.  Move towards the sound of the dog barking.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 30, 2014, 05:42:38 pm

((I's be willing to play target amethyst. Still voting for boss fight though.))

Try to get to the roof of the building.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2014, 07:08:15 pm

((Oh, um, confirming that yes, I am interested in amethyst. my vote was for survival in the most recent poll, other in the previous one.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 30, 2014, 08:17:09 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2014, 04:18:12 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

((Sorry for not answering all your questions but I don't think people who are emotionally in a bad place would suddenly start rambling and providing exposition like nothing is going on. That's why the answers are coming a bit slower.))

((Don't worry about it, different people handle stress different ways. Irine's stress-handling mechanisms are based off my own, which are a lil nonstandard sometimes. for example, pain, sorrow, and anger can all be changed into one another. When carefully balanced, they can keep each other in check even when I'd normally be overwhelmed. When unbalanced from such a state...))

((One word comes into my mind, and that is tsundere.
It doesn't quite fit, but it's amusing enough that I wanted to share.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 11:29:15 pm

The Staging Area

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 30, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

You find a rock that's not too jagged and sit on it.
"So..." you can  hear an entity talking to you. "I've been meaning to ask you something. You said you share your head with a guy named Artemis, right? Well, my question is, what's with the name? Iisn't Artemis a... girl's name?"

"Normally, yes. However, I do believe it had several connotations attached to it. First, Artemis, on our world, was the Greek goddess of Hunting, the Moon, and... well... virginity, although that last one can be omitted. That's kinda why he's named Artemis. The other reason is that he had a rival Guardian named Apollo Devicus."

"Ahh, so it's one of those evil opposites thing, eh? I know that stuff. I can understand that and how it could lead to misunderstandings. In fact, once, in one of the worlds I had traveled to, there was this superhero who could enchant donkeys called the Great Ass. Heh, yeah, that guy had a good sense of humor. Too bad he was killed by the Big Rip." *chuckles* "And, anyway, a crazed villain who thought the Great Ass was his arch-nemesis or something misunderstood the origin of his name, so, you won't believe this, the guy started calling himself-..." the entity stops mid sentence. "Ooohh crap." he adds with an almost musical tone after a moment. He doesn't speak for the minute of quiet after that.

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2014, 02:44:18 pm

John stares at his chair.  At least he could sit in it- and does so.

"Don't dwell on the past too much, though.  Learn what you need to and move on.  You can't change it, so don't linger there."

Get a feel for the abilities of the chair.  Put my hand on the ground and try to sense there as well- surely this is all virtual reality, and it's one giant machine?

You touch your creation and focus on understanding it.
The chair is a chair. You can sit on it. It can't fly or recite poetry or anything like that. One of its legs is kinda crooked but it's nothing life threatening.
The freezer attachment seems to have a burnt diode in one of its circuit boards.
The massage attachment for the chair has its motors and rails a bit misshapen and asymmetrical. That's what's causing the strange behavior.
As for the ground, you feel nothing. It's dirt and stone. Nothing special.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 30, 2014, 04:31:55 pm

Sounds like you need a song on why bears suck, Orange!

Summon cane, top hat, and tap dancing shoes.

"Who are you calling Orange, Red?
Anyway, I'll have you know I am Gold, thankyouverymuch. Check my BBCode tags if you don't believe me. My beautiful Golden scales are the envy of every entity. All the suitable mates turned their heads and assorted seeing organs to look at me when I was passing them by."
You get a large selection of Top Hats, Canes and Tap Dancing shoes to materialize around you. Some of them are too large or small for you and all of them are in flamboyant, fluorescent colors. Looks like something one would wear in a carnival.

Quote from: Alarith on January 30, 2014, 05:26:49 pm

Bryan hears the shadow man speak turns and almost speaks to him.  He thinks better of it, he does not want to irritate that being yet.  He exhales a deep breath.  This is a lot for him to take in, and he needs space to think.  Move towards the sound of the dog barking.

You start walking towards where you think the sound came from, somewhere opposite the waterfall. However after a bit of walking, you reach a rock wall that blocks your movement.
The Staging Area looks somewhat like this:

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img69/6883/l0ae.png)
Higher ground is north, lower is south. The sound came from somewhere on your east.

---

Quote from: Fniff on January 30, 2014, 02:34:48 pm

"That's about it, yes. Why did you choose a six year old, by the way? Not that I mind, it just strikes me as a curious decision."

"Not my choice. Every entity can bring almost anyone they want here. He chose to bring the Demongirl. Nothing I could do about that. Not that I'm complaining, she did an excellent job, even if she did most of that by accident."
After about a minute he adds.
"By the way, there's a very entertaining show being given out there if you want to watch. So much Drama! I've got to warn you though: it's extremely hot..."

---

Quote from: NAV on January 30, 2014, 05:42:38 pm

((I's be willing to play target amethyst. Still voting for boss fight though.))

Try to get to the roof of the building.

How do you wanna try to do that? Most obvious ways are either going through the door and looking for a ladder or trying to climb to that hole in the wall. You could also try going through the vents if you think you're a video game character.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2014, 04:18:12 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

((Sorry for not answering all your questions but I don't think people who are emotionally in a bad place would suddenly start rambling and providing exposition like nothing is going on. That's why the answers are coming a bit slower.))

((Don't worry about it, different people handle stress different ways. Irine's stress-handling mechanisms are based off my own, which are a lil nonstandard sometimes. for example, pain, sorrow, and anger can all be changed into one another. When carefully balanced, they can keep each other in check even when I'd normally be overwhelmed. When unbalanced from such a state...))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2014, 05:53:55 pm

"Had to... Had to what? Stellar? I don't understand. I... what's wrong? Why wouldn't I want to be your friend? You're here for me, aren't you? I still trust you. I still like you!"
I rock back and forth in her arms.
"Comon Stellar, stop being so mean to yourself. I need you Stellar! Please, can we please be friends? Please?"
I suddenly lick her cheek once.
"Gotcha! Comon! Please? I'm supposed to be the depressed one here, remember? Please, I just want to know what's happening to me. It's not that I don't trust you. It's that I can't help unless I know what I'm really doing, and why. What are the Games, really?"

"You don't understand. It's my fault!"
She gently pushes you away. The ground beneath her rises about half a meter, creating further distance between you.
"I- I made a mistake. I should had done a better job but I couldn't help you. I... don't know what happened, why it happened. I didn't fix the damage you had and he- he had to fix it for me or you would die and he- That's why you... you're different."
She falls on her knees, her head hanging low. Ripples extend from her face to the rest of her liquid body, the returning waves merging with each other creating standing waves and other interference patterns.
_{"It's all my fault. If I was better, stronger, none of this would have happened. It's all my fault. Not yours."}

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

She gently pushes you away. The ground beneath her rises about half a meter, creating further distance between you.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

She pushes you away

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

creating further distance between you.

I stare up at stellar from my now-seated position from when she pushed me.
"S-s-so, yo-you're rejecting me? I... I... I'm... I'm on my own? I... I... But... You..."
my breathing accelerates, my fingers flex repeatedly by my sides, my ears remain low, and my teeth clench.
"I-uh-i-I'll... FINE! I'll... I'll... I... I'll fix this with or without you then! I... I... I refuse to give up, okay? I... I'll... I'll think of something! I... I..."
I hug myself for a moment as my teeth unclench.
"I still like you Stellar. Even... even if this ends badly for me."
and then get up and <rest of action PMd>

((Aah. Interesting. I wish to you that your feelings always remain in a metastable state then!
EDIT: Oh, it wasn't a pillar. More like a small mound. And .5 meters isn't a very big distance. If it was steep and circular, it would be more like a very tall step or a very short pedestal than a pillar.))

You start walking away as the environment changes around you, spurred by your own dark thoughts and memories. Waves of fire spread from you, burning the clearing. The panicked chirping of birds and the creaking of burning trees lasts only for a moment before the area around you is replaced by something more familiar, darkness and heat and cramped spaces.
With your back turned on her and your body obscuring the mirror, you cannot notice Stellar, the interference pattern on her body intensifying until it collapses into a puddle of water that soon evaporates. You're too far away to hear what she whispers before she disappears.
You step through your now burning portal, into the staging area beyond.

---

The Staging Area contd.
Irene steps out from the cave containing her portal, a wave of fire following her footsteps and spreading around her, consuming everything. Her face is contorted with rage, her ears hanging low, her body low and ready to strike, her tails twitching nervously from side to side. A stance of anger, an offensive stance despite the fact that her face is still red and and glistening from the recent tears. The fires continue to spread around her but extend mostly behind her, backlighting her, making her face appear even darker and angrier.
"WHERE IS THAT COWARDLY FORSAKEN SPITEFUL BASTARD OF AN ENTITY WHO DESIGNED THAT MISSION!?!" she shouts.
"So many kind words for me?" responds the entity smugly as it condenses from a red haze into a human form, a man wearing a black suit, white shirt and black tie. "I'm impressed." He stands a few meters away from her.
"WHAT KIND OF A MORON THINKS IT'S REMOTELY FAIR PLAY TO RIG THE GAME TO ARRANGE OUR HOSTS GUARANTEED DEATHS EVEN UPON A VICTORY?"
"Now, now, those allegations have no basis on reality. You-"
"NOT ONLY WAS OUR BRIEFINGS UNECESSARILLY LACKING BASIC INFORMATION, AS SHOWN BY THE MISSION PLANNER KNOWING THE ESCAPE VEHICLE EXISTED AND ITS CAPACITY BUT NOT HOW IT WORKED OR WHY WE WERE EVEN BEING SENT IN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE."
"That is technically-"
"NOT ONLY DID YOU FAIL TO SHOW US THE LAYOUT OF THE PLACE WHILE WE PICKED INSERTION METHODS."
"I believe I-"
"NOT ONLY DID YOU FAIL TO WARN US OF THREATS ON THE SECOND LEVEL DOWN DESPITE KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT TO TAKE FROM THE DEAD CENTER OF THEM."
"To be fair, you-"
"NOT ONLY ALL THAT, BUT YOU SABOTAGED THE ESCAPE VEHICLE SO THAT IT COULD NEVER LAND."
"I did no such thing."
"AND ON TOP OF THAT YOU FORCED US TO EXIT OUR HOSTS PREMATURELY, TRAPPING MY HOST IN A BODY OF THE WRONG SPECIES WHILE TRYING TO PILOT THE SPACECRAFT."
"Again, I-"
"GEE, SHE PANICKED WHEN THAT HAPPENED. SHOCKING. YOU, PERSONALLY, MURDERED HER, IN A SPITEFUL ATTEMPT TO GET BACK AT ME FOR WINNING YOUR DAMN GAME. YOU CHEATED HER OF HER LIFE AND IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BRING. HER. BACK. DON'T YOU EVEN TRY TO PULL THAT 'DEAD IS DEAD' CRAP EITHER. IT WASN'T OUT OF MY REACH SO IT ISN'T OUT OF YOURS."
"Listen here young lady. What happened there was caused by you and you alone. Her death is on your hands, not mine. We cannot interfere once a challenge has started, neither to help you nor to hinder you. You were put into their bodies with the expectation to help them finish their objectives, to give hope to a hopeless suicidal mission, to help them in a fight for freedom. Not only was all the information they had available to you, but D. many times provided you with information you shouldn't have, going against the rules and barely avoiding being punished. Most of the enemies you faced were drawn out by your incompetence and your inability to be subtle and stealthy, not by some sinister planning on my part. And the 'spacecraft' as you called it, is actually a missile utilizing primitive and cobbled together teleporters to bypass detection systems and countermeasures by teleporting through them. The rocket must be piloted by a special individual because only he can target the missiles teleportation feature. The cockpit module is meant to detach and land safely, because compatible pilots are rare." The air in front of him ripples like water and then solidifies into a screen, showing the rocket launching. "However, by disregarding your directives, putting two beings (one of them not even human) in a cockpit designed for a single human and severely damaging the missile, you managed to somehow get the two modules stuck." The video he shows you confirms this, assuming you believe it's authentic. The rocket goes through the fan with nothing more than scratched paint, but then crashes from one wall of the ventilation shaft into another, causing major dents to form all along the missile, one of those near the place the two compartments attach to each other. "You were pulled out of there when you completed your objectives. You knew that would happen when you completed your objectives, your Interfaces informed you of that. And if you had been a bit more competent, your host would have been returned to her appropriate form when there was enough space to do so, her memories changed to help her remain sane. We clean up after we play. The fact that I enjoyed and profited from what you did, what you all did, that doesn't make me responsible for it. In the end it was all your choice. After all, there was nothing preventing you from stopping, was there? If you wanted to be certain she would stay alive, then all you had to do was walk away. But instead you kept on going. And even if I wanted to bring her back (which I don't and frankly I don't see any way for you to convince me otherwise) there is no way I could do that. That is not one of the worlds I control." That smug voice and that look of a man who is certain he is right never leave him while he speaks.

Mostly everything around Irene is burning right now and the fire is getting dangerously close to others. The entity seems to hold the flames around him at bay by some invisible method.

((By the way, I imagine him as looking somewhat like a young Al Pacino (http://imageshack.com/a/img513/2410/2cb1.jpg) when human.))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 07:33:23 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 30, 2014, 09:38:56 pm

((That is one beautiful view.))

Theri laughed along with her companion-both surprised, worried and happy at the same time-as everything came into place.
I wonder if he was thinking about the lands. Some danger to it? Hmm.
"That's a lot of deep thinking you've got there, River. Something wrong with the lands? They're quite beautiful. How did we get here?"

:D!

"Oh, that?" he says, suppressing another wave of laughter. "That's just one of the tricks I can do. I can move to other places." He gets up and removes some dirt from his fur before approaching you. "Sorry for not warning you about it, but sometimes it is easier to show something than to explain."
"I guess I deserved that?" he adds with a smile. "Well done, by the way. Few can sneak up to me like that. And... thanks."

He turns around to face the cliff again. "Speaking of showing, come! Take a look at where we are at!" He starts walking towards it. "Clean mountainous air, clear water springs and some very interesting people! I think-" He stops talking mid sentence. "Oh... That's not good."

Looking down from the cliff, you can see what has him worried. There is a number of people down there, all of them very interesting and somewhat strange. An overweight man dressed in colorful clothing, a man with comically large ears, a boy with the aqua wings of a dragonfly on his back, a blue lizardwoman, a man sitting on a chair among unknown contraptions...

However what has River's attention drawn is a young woman that bears a bears a remarkable resemblance to you, her only difference being that her brown fur only covers her ears and three fox-tails. She seems to be having an argument with a man in black and white clothing and a black silk rope tied around his neck, shouting at him while he remains completely calm and speaks normally. The most alarming thing is that she seems to be emitting magical fire from her body, burning everything around her, causing the water in the stream to boil and filling the area around her with an orange glow.

The woman's shouts reach you, but she's too far away for you to understand exactly what she is saying. The only thing you can make out with certainty is the rage in her voice and movements, her ears hanging low, her tails twitching nervously, her body low and ready to pounce.

((The area looks somewhat like this:

Spoiler: Crude Map (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img545/7642/hwec.png)

Higher ground is North (the lighter brown), lower ground is South (the darker brown). The people you are watching are somewhere near the center of the area, near the stream.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 12:01:06 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 11:29:15 pm

"Ahh, so it's one of those evil opposites thing, eh? I know that stuff. I can understand that and how it could lead to misunderstandings. In fact, once, in one of the worlds I had traveled to, there was this superhero who could enchant donkeys called the Great Ass. Heh, yeah, that guy had a good sense of humor. Too bad he was killed by the Big Rip." *chuckles* "And, anyway, a crazed villain who thought the Great Ass was his arch-nemesis or something misunderstood the origin of his name, so, you won't believe this, the guy started calling himself-..." the entity stops mid sentence. "Ooohh crap." he adds with an almost musical tone after a moment. He doesn't speak for the minute of quiet after that.

"Evil opposite... yeah... I guess." Zechariah contemplates this while Drake tells his story of the otherwordly donkey enchanter, until Drake stops. "Hm? What happened?"

Zechariah looks up to see flames emerging from a portal and Irine looking quite visibly enraged right about now. This image hit him hard. It reminded him of a time that seemed so long ago, yet was as vivid as the dawn itself in his mind.

Spoiler: The Image of Rage: Artemis (click to show/hide)

...that was it.
There was only one person who Artemis had that he loved so dearly in this world. One person who he could call family, who had disappeared a decade ago, and he would only get to see for half an hour more.
There he was, burning in a column of fire, screaming for his life, calling out for his son. Artemis' own father was being killed by the one person Artemis hated the most, his former commander.
"This is what happens, Artemis. This is what happens when you attempt to mess with fate. None of your powers can save your father, and none of your powers can save your nation. We will destroy you."
Artemis merely stood there with a thousand-yard stare, shivering with an odd cold. I felt something change within him. A hope that had been revived has just been twisted so far it can never come back. I felt my conscious mind slip out of control as he merged his own mind with mine. The air crackled with bright Amethyst energy. Artemis balled his hands into fists, and silently snarled.

He finally snapped. Screaming into the darkness of the night, a flurry of heliotrope-colored crystals broke out of the ground around him, swirling up into the sky and enveloping Artemis within a bright, malevolent light. After the crystals settled in the air, all that was left of the physical Artemis was a being made of pure darkness and pure amethyst light at the same time. He was there and not there. All that could be seen was an outline of his body and face, with the amethyst color of his Guardian state. He sprouted wings of the same outline of his body, crooked and jagged with a crystalline material.

Artemis Dimikaelo was not the first Guardian to use his Zero Form. He was, however, the first Guardian to do this with another person. I, Zechariah Dimikaelo, merged minds with him to form the Edge: a fine line between light and darkness that we both crossed at the same time. A line which Artemis would use to rupture the fabric of spacetime itself.

And which he would use to destroy the existence of a civilization in the timeframe of 42 seconds, with Zechariah to credit for it even being possible.

Zechariah had seen this rage before, and he couldn't let it get out of hand. The only way Zechariah had survived this before was due to the dice rolling ever so luckily in his favor; otherwise, he would had lost his mind forever. He didn't want that to happen here.

"Irine, NO!"
Zechariah focused as much energy as possible, his eyes glowing with his wings. He begins running in Irine's direction with his staff up.
Use my light power to summon a storm of crystals around Irine to get her attention and hopefully calm her down, before things start getting out of hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 31, 2014, 12:15:00 am

Use my power to get to the roof. Turn a shelf into a Tsar Shelf. See if that's tall enough to break through the ceiling and climb.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 12:43:56 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 11:29:15 pm

"Not my choice. Every entity can bring almost anyone they want here. He chose to bring the Demongirl. Nothing I could do about that. Not that I'm complaining, she did an excellent job, even if she did most of that by accident."

((Did John hear this?))


John closes his eyes as he feels the information coming his way.  This is really more than he had hoped for- the secrets of the machine, laid bare before his eyes.  Then the world caught fire.

"What the hell?  Are you trying to get us all killed?"

Summon up a lava suit and get in, checking to make sure it's functional first.  Failing that, hop in the water and head downstream (hopefully without plummeting over waterfalls.)


((Yeah, this power is cooler than I thought it'd be.  You won me at sensing bent rails.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:24:40 am

WELL SCREW YOU YOU'RE ORANGE AND YOU'RE GETTING A SONG

Equip the most flamboyant pair of shoes, top hat, and cane possible. Begin tap dancing while singing:

Bears suck~
They're horrible when pickled
Bears SUCK
THEY KILL YOU WHEN THEY'RE TICKLED
But they have a vulnerability unmatched by any mortal creature due entirely in part to their horrific spawning place beyond the stars....
BUT I WON'T TELL YOU
_{because you suck}
Thou art as frivolous as a duck
No shut up
A duck is totally frivolous
I don't know what that word means, but I assume that it's your fault~
YOU SHOULD FEEL ASHAMED
Hebebebebebeskibbidydoobadeedoo
That was the call of repel bears just in case you forgot
Because the point of this song is...
BEARS........
SSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!

Finish it off with a snazzy pose.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 03:16:34 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:24:40 am

WELL SCREW YOU YOU'RE ORANGE AND YOU'RE GETTING A SONG

Equip the most flamboyant pair of shoes, top hat, and cane possible. Begin tap dancing while singing:

Bears suck~
They're horrible when pickled
Bears SUCK
THEY KILL YOU WHEN THEY'RE TICKLED
But they have a vulnerability unmatched by any mortal creature due entirely in part to their horrific spawning place beyond the stars....
BUT I WON'T TELL YOU
_{because you suck}
Thou art as frivolous as a duck
No shut up
A duck is totally frivolous
I don't know what that word means, but I assume that it's your fault~
YOU SHOULD FEEL ASHAMED
Hebebebebebeskibbidydoobadeedoo
That was the call of repel bears just in case you forgot
Because the point of this song is...
BEARS........
SSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!

Finish it off with a snazzy pose.

If Ike is close enough to hear, applaud.

If the fires start to get close, test if I can imagine some sort of barrier in the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 03:21:56 am

As the entity finishes his reply, I stand there and stare at him for a second before I notice that I've been growling the entire time he was speaking. After another four seconds of me standing there, staring at him, I finally speak.
"You are no more innocent by being the one that gave the order than if you killed every single person that died today with your own hands. Nor does standing by and allowing it to happen cleanse you from being an accessory to this in any way. It is not that you cannot act, but that you choose not to act. I at least tried to save her, and to do with her life what she would have wished had she retained her will. Strange as it sounds, my hands are cleaner than yours. I may have failed, but I at least tried as best as I was able. You might as well have done the deed yourself."
I cross my arms
"Welcome to godhood youngling. Enjoy being a murderer, you're going to be doing it again soon enough. Either grow up and admit it, or give up and abandon your position. If you can't manage either one, then you have no right to have that kind of power in the first place. Attempting to pass the blame on is pathetic."
I spit on him, and prepare myself to immolate it if he tries the classic trick of redirecting it back at me.
"Now then, the terms of the game included our host's survival if we completed our objectives. As you yourself said, the objectives were completed. It was repeatedly stated that it doesn't matter how the objectives were completed. As such, I am owed the survival of my host. And you have failed to deliver. This is a breach of contract."
Check

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 12:01:06 am

"Irine, NO!"
Zechariah focused as much energy as possible, his eyes glowing with his wings. He begins running in Irine's direction with his staff up.
Use my light power to summon a storm of crystals around Irine to get her attention and hopefully calm her down, before things start getting out of hand.

this is completely ignored. I am fully aware that I cannot be harmed here, and I still have cards to play.

---

((Time spent crafting this reply: 3.5 hours. This is draft number 9))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on January 31, 2014, 04:37:34 am

Eria look at the fires before finding a rock and start 'sun'bathing.(Cold-blooded after all) "Thank, Irine."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 05:06:45 am

((@Toaster: No, he's in another room. One of the good things about not being confined to one body and not really caring about that fox that's yelling at you is that you can have 2 conversations at once.

I said mechanical and electrical didn't I? Although the ability to sense electrical stuff is more awesome in my opinion. You won't believe how useful it would be for fixing stuff. Just last week I managed to fix an old LCD TV by swapping out 2$ worth of capacitors. Spared me the expenses of buying a new one. If only I could sense what's wrong with every piece of electronics, I could repair everything.
EDIT: Not to mention the understanding that would give me. Yeah, that's an awesome power. But not very practical, unless you have lots of time or a very specific situation that's not likely to come up.))

((@Lenglon: I feel your pain. Good to see I have such dedicated players. And I also feel like I'm getting an honor I don't deserve.))

((And Eria is sitting there saying "Can you girls stop screaming? I'm trying to relax and enjoy my firebath here." Now you just need some sunglasses. Ask Alan for some.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 08:25:06 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 03:21:56 am

((Time spent crafting this reply: 3.5 hours. This is draft number 9))

((You left out lack of knowledge about the craft--the vital point of the vital objective--being completely unknown to you.))

Angel is still in breakdown mode. "Psychological," not "Dancing".

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 08:53:05 am

Noticing the yelling behind him, Bryan turns around and sees fire consuming an area of the staging area.  "What in the world?" he yells.  Seems that last mission was pretty traumatic.  He starts to move towards the flames.  Change the staging area to a rocky wasteland, without fuel.  If the fires persist see if I can use telekinesis to put them out somehow

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

The Staging Area

Quote from: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 12:43:56 am

John closes his eyes as he feels the information coming his way.  This is really more than he had hoped for- the secrets of the machine, laid bare before his eyes.  Then the world caught fire.

"What the hell?  Are you trying to get us all killed?"

Summon up a lava suit and get in, checking to make sure it's functional first.  Failing that, hop in the water and head downstream (hopefully without plummeting over waterfalls.)

You start the process of summoning a lava suit. But then you reconsider. Why summon a lava suit, when you can summon an extreme conditions exoskeleton?
The monstrous mech slowly begins forming in front of you, its limbs and torso thick with non-reactive plating, electrical and heat insulation, radiation shielding, temperature regulation pipes and EMF shielded electric motors and electronics. It takes some time for you to summon it, so by the time it's ready, the flames have already fully surrounded the rock you are building this on.
After checking to make sure there's nothing wrong with it (there is nothing, nothing you can sense anyway) you hurriedly get in and seal the exoskeleton behind you, certain that someone would have to dip you inside a volcano for you to feel any heat in here. Just in time too, as the external cameras are showing fire and fireballs everywhere.
There is of course the problem that this thing is so cramped you can't do anything in it, its speed and reaction times are extremely slow and its thick claw-like hands are unable to handle anything more delicate than a boulder. But, like those intelligence agencies always said to justify their actions, you have to give up some of your freedoms in order to remain safe.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:24:40 am

WELL SCREW YOU YOU'RE ORANGE AND YOU'RE GETTING A SONG

Equip the most flamboyant pair of shoes, top hat, and cane possible. Begin tap dancing while singing:

Bears suck~
They're horrible when pickled
Bears SUCK
THEY KILL YOU WHEN THEY'RE TICKLED
But they have a vulnerability unmatched by any mortal creature due entirely in part to their horrific spawning place beyond the stars....
BUT I WON'T TELL YOU
_{because you suck}
Thou art as frivolous as a duck
No shut up
A duck is totally frivolous
I don't know what that word means, but I assume that it's your fault~
YOU SHOULD FEEL ASHAMED
Hebebebebebeskibbidydoobadeedoo
That was the call of repel bears just in case you forgot
Because the point of this song is...
BEARS........
SSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!

Finish it off with a snazzy pose.

You equip the most eye-hurtingly bright and colorful combination of cane, shoes and top hat you can find and proceed to sing the bear song with your best singing voice (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/448416), twisting your cane and dancing elegantly while the world literally burns around you.
Well done. Your entity would feel proud for you if it was capable of feeling basic human emotions.
You finish your performance by throwing your cane in the air, jumping and then doing jazz hands!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 03:16:34 am

If Ike is close enough to hear Alan, applaud.

If the fires start to get close, test if I can imagine some sort of barrier in the way.

You applaud Alan while chanting "Encore! Encore!" Alan catches his cane, does a small bow and tips his hat while thanking all the lizard overlords for the inspiration they provided him.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 08:25:06 am

Angel is still in breakdown mode. "Psychological," not "Dancing".

It's hard to resist the urge to join Alan with your own breakdown dancing. His moves are so mesmerising...

Quote from: scapheap on January 31, 2014, 04:37:34 am

Eria look at the fires before finding a rock and start 'sun'bathing.(Cold-blooded after all) "Thank, Irine."

You sit down and chill, enjoying the heat, completely oblivious to whatever all this yelling and crying is about.
You take a deep breath, hold it for a moment and then exhale.
Aaahhh... I love the smell of psychological breakdowns in the morning.

---

Quote from: NAV on January 31, 2014, 12:15:00 am

Use my power to get to the roof. Turn a shelf into a Tsar Shelf. See if that's tall enough to break through the ceiling and climb.

You can't even focus hard enough to transform the shelf. Must be disorientation.
For the sake of progress, let's say you try again.
You strain so hard you think you might have a stroke but you still can't focus enough to transform the object.
Let's try a third time.
You manage to grow the shelf to about half the length required to reach the ceiling, but you loose your concentration halfway through the process, leaving you with a Semi-Tsar shelf.
This is getting ridiculous. Let's try again.
You accidentally shove the shelf while trying to use your ability, breaking one of its legs and causing it to collapse on you. Strangely, this causes you no pain, only a minor discomfort.
You try to lift the shelf off of you but you aren't strong enough.
"Hihihihihi..." You hear laughter echoing throughout the abandoned supermarket.

I think Xantalos may have found some competition for his position as unluckiest player of the game.

---

The Staging Area contd.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 12:01:06 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 11:29:15 pm

"Ahh, so it's one of those evil opposites thing, eh? I know that stuff. I can understand that and how it could lead to misunderstandings. In fact, once, in one of the worlds I had traveled to, there was this superhero who could enchant donkeys called the Great Ass. Heh, yeah, that guy had a good sense of humor. Too bad he was killed by the Big Rip." *chuckles* "And, anyway, a crazed villain who thought the Great Ass was his arch-nemesis or something misunderstood the origin of his name, so, you won't believe this, the guy started calling himself-..." the entity stops mid sentence. "Ooohh crap." he adds with an almost musical tone after a moment. He doesn't speak for the minute of quiet after that.

"Evil opposite... yeah... I guess." Zechariah contemplates this while Drake tells his story of the otherwordly donkey enchanter, until Drake stops. "Hm? What happened?"

Zechariah looks up to see flames emerging from a portal and Irine looking quite visibly enraged right about now. This image hit him hard. It reminded him of a time that seemed so long ago, yet was as vivid as the dawn itself in his mind.

Spoiler: The Image of Rage: Artemis (click to show/hide)

...that was it.
There was only one person who Artemis had that he loved so dearly in this world. One person who he could call family, who had disappeared a decade ago, and he would only get to see for half an hour more.
There he was, burning in a column of fire, screaming for his life, calling out for his son. Artemis' own father was being killed by the one person Artemis hated the most, his former commander.
"This is what happens, Artemis. This is what happens when you attempt to mess with fate. None of your powers can save your father, and none of your powers can save your nation. We will destroy you."
Artemis merely stood there with a thousand-yard stare, shivering with an odd cold. I felt something change within him. A hope that had been revived has just been twisted so far it can never come back. I felt my conscious mind slip out of control as he merged his own mind with mine. The air crackled with bright Amethyst energy. Artemis balled his hands into fists, and silently snarled.

He finally snapped. Screaming into the darkness of the night, a flurry of heliotrope-colored crystals broke out of the ground around him, swirling up into the sky and enveloping Artemis within a bright, malevolent light. After the crystals settled in the air, all that was left of the physical Artemis was a being made of pure darkness and pure amethyst light at the same time. He was there and not there. All that could be seen was an outline of his body and face, with the amethyst color of his Guardian state. He sprouted wings of the same outline of his body, crooked and jagged with a crystalline material.

Artemis Dimikaelo was not the first Guardian to use his Zero Form. He was, however, the first Guardian to do this with another person. I, Zechariah Dimikaelo, merged minds with him to form the Edge: a fine line between light and darkness that we both crossed at the same time. A line which Artemis would use to rupture the fabric of spacetime itself.

And which he would use to destroy the existence of a civilization in the timeframe of 42 seconds, with Zechariah to credit for it even being possible.

Zechariah had seen this rage before, and he couldn't let it get out of hand. The only way Zechariah had survived this before was due to the dice rolling ever so luckily in his favor; otherwise, he would had lost his mind forever. He didn't want that to happen here.

"Irine, NO!"
Zechariah focused as much energy as possible, his eyes glowing with his wings. He begins running in Irine's direction with his staff up.
Use my light power to summon a storm of crystals around Irine to get her attention and hopefully calm her down, before things start getting out of hand.

((May I ask how exactly a storm of crystals is supposed to calm somebody down? I get the distraction part, but I think it would be more like trading being upset because of A for being upset because of B.))

Quote from: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 08:53:05 am

Noticing the yelling behind him, Bryan turns around and sees fire consuming an area of the staging area.  "What in the world?" he yells.  Seems that last mission was pretty traumatic.  He starts to move towards the flames.  Change the staging area to a rocky wasteland, without fuel.  If the fires persist see if I can use telekinesis to put them out somehow

Zechariah manages to throw some light shards towards Irene but she doesn't seem to mind that much.
Bryan's and Irene's powers and willpowers collide with roughly equal measure. The Staging Area remains unchanged but her expanding area of fire... well, stops being expanding but remains an area of fire. Jets of fire rise towards the sky where her pyrokinesis meets his telekinesis.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 03:21:56 am

As the entity finishes his reply, I stand there and stare at him for a second before I notice that I've been growling the entire time he was speaking. After another four seconds of me standing there, staring at him, I finally speak.
"You are no more innocent by being the one that gave the order than if you killed every single person that died today with your own hands. Nor does standing by and allowing it to happen cleanse you from being an accessory to this in any way. It is not that you cannot act, but that you choose not to act. I at least tried to save her, and to do with her life what she would have wished had she retained her will. Strange as it sounds, my hands are cleaner than yours. I may have failed, but I at least tried as best as I was able. You might as well have done the deed yourself."
I cross my arms
"Welcome to godhood youngling. Enjoy being a murderer, you're going to be doing it again soon enough. Either grow up and admit it, or give up and abandon your position. If you can't manage either one, then you have no right to have that kind of power in the first place. Attempting to pass the blame on is pathetic."
I spit on him, and prepare myself to immolate it if he tries the classic trick of redirecting it back at me.
"Now then, the terms of the game included our host's survival if we completed our objectives. As you yourself said, the objectives were completed. It was repeatedly stated that it doesn't matter how the objectives were completed. As such, I am owed the survival of my host. And you have failed to deliver. This is a breach of contract."
Check

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 12:01:06 am

"Irine, NO!"
Zechariah focused as much energy as possible, his eyes glowing with his wings. He begins running in Irine's direction with his staff up.
Use my light power to summon a storm of crystals around Irine to get her attention and hopefully calm her down, before things start getting out of hand.

this is completely ignored. I am fully aware that I cannot be harmed here, and I still have cards to play.

The spit disintegrates into red haze and then dissapears before it reaches him.
"Yeah, because your good intentions are aaall that matters in this world." responds the entity sarcastically. "And do you honestly think I care about the death of a single human? Or a thousand humans? Do you know how many humans have died during the time it took me to utter this sentence? Should I perhaps go about saving everyone until the universe is nothing more than clusters of humans floating in space? Or is it simply the humans you know about that you so hypocritically 'care' for? Was it like that in your world, I wonder? Was your inadequacy there equal in measure to the one you displayed here? Is that how you managed to end up here? How many people did your failures let down there?" He lets that question linger for a moment.

"Anyway, I made no such promise. In fact, he informed you of the exact opposite. That your host's sacrifice may be required to complete the mission. Of course, nobody would had died if only you had been competent and followed the directions given to you, now would they? Although, believe me, screwing up the mission in just the perfect way did make my job many times easier. This world is closer to freedom than ever."
"I suppose I should thank you for that." he adds in that smug voice of his, making a small mock-bow of respect.

((No, really, I don't remember saying that. If I did, then consider this him just being an asshole.
And GWG, don't you dare say "slippery slope".))

---

---

So, we've got some volunteers for the Amethyst mission. Those are in no particular order:

• Lenglon
• Harry Baldman
• Alarith
• Xantalos
• DarkArtemisFowl
• GreatWyrmGold
• NAV

If you want to be in that list or if you don't want to be in that list, say so now. I'm rolling next turn to see who gets left behind to participate in the other normal mission I'll be running simultaneously.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 12:50:36 pm

Alan frowns at the fire.

Summon several high pressure water hoses that are aimed at the fox. Once it goes out, walk up and slap it.

Now go clean up your ashes, you litterer!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 12:52:53 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

"Of course, nobody would had died if only you had been competent and followed the directions given to you, now would they?"

((Wrong. Only one could escape, by design, and the others--even if they survived to see the missile--would have been killed afterwards, by the self-destruct or by angry Soviet agents. Unless, perhaps, we stole some ships despite this not being anywhere in the directions.))

Quote

And GWG, don't you dare say "slippery slope".

((I only say that when slippery slope arguments are in play.
...
*scans for SSF*
Oh, that. It's not quite SSF, it's more of argumentum ad absurdium.))


Angel does not calm down. She is basically ignored. Jerks.
Well, she's crying a bit less now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is overwhelmed by this entity's patronizing manner. He lets a bit of the Artemis inside of him show, his wings and eyes sporting a slightly purple tinge.
"This is what I hate about every single deity that ever existed! They become so desensitized to life that they see living beings as a means to an end, and nothing more! YOU are the one who organized this mission, you are the one responsible for pointless deaths! Hell, even Eido Aeterno cared more about his subjects than you do! I won't stand to become a cold killer, and I will not be a pawn to serial killers themselves! I'm starting to think that even Artemis was great compared to you entities!"

Zechariah is shivering now, his eyes and wings glowing with a clear brightness. His eyes and wings both take on even more of an amethyst tinge, and his voice is very faintly doubled over with the voice of someone else.

"I am standing by Irine now. Fix this wreck of a system. Now. Before Artemis arrives, and by then, I won't be in control anymore and there will be more than hell to pay."

Action PM'd.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 01:15:41 pm

((I'm not gonna argue about this OOC, but I'll say you could have completed the mission with only the humans that were hooked up on the ship dying,. And those guys were pretty much dead anyway. I'm not saying doing that was easy, I'm just saying it's possible.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:16:16 pm

((The hell is even happening? People are trying to kill the entities because ... something?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:20:20 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:16:16 pm

((The hell is even happening? People are trying to kill the entities because ... something?))

((Irine and Zechariah are angry at deaths that were not totally under their control. For Zechariah specifically, he is angry because he suspects the entities are trying to desensitize him to death (especially with that girl who was controlled with a parasite), which collides head-on with the moral aspects of life that Zechariah holds.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:21:48 pm

((Ah, more leverage for me to troll them with, good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 01:22:49 pm

John squirms in the cramped cockpit.  Perfect protection, at least.  _{"Mmmph.  Can you two calm down or something?  I don't want to push this thing to its limits."}


((Needed this for the year-long ER mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 01:31:47 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:16:16 pm

((The hell is even happening? People are trying to kill the entities because ... something?))

((Shit is crazy, man. People flipping out! Martyrs and foxes fighting the power together! Mass hysteria!))

"Wonder what those guys' problem is."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 12:52:53 pm

Angel does not calm down. She is basically ignored. Jerks.
Well, she's crying a bit less now.

"Still broken up about things? What was your name again, by the way? I think it's a bit patronizing to just call you 'kid' all the time."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 01:15:41 pm

((I'm not gonna argue about this OOC, but I'll say you could have completed the mission with only the humans that were hooked up on the ship dying,. And those guys were pretty much dead anyway. I'm not saying doing that was easy, I'm just saying it's possible.))

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 01:31:47 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 12:52:53 pm

Angel does not calm down. She is basically ignored. Jerks.
Well, she's crying a bit less now.

"Still broken up about things? What was your name again, by the way? I think it's a bit patronizing to just call you 'kid' all the time."

"_...Angel."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:54:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((Remember that the entities have their own agendas. They aren't bound to be truthful to the competitors, they're trying to mold us to match what they think is right.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:57:39 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:54:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((Remember that the entities have their own agendas. They aren't bound to be truthful to the competitors, they're trying to mold us to match what they think is right.))

((I'm perfectly willing to ignore that inconvenient fact in the name of a fun debate.
It's called "John".))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:06:41 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

"_...Angel."

"Ah. Angel. Yes. So, what was your problem? I'm afraid I wasn't present when you first phrased it."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((I'm thinking that doing this without everyone getting killed would involve, firstly, not tripping the facility alarm before the comm thingy hadn't been disabled. Or not tripping it at all. That would considerably lessen the threat from the Soviet guards. It would probably require us not to touch the cube, thus alarming the ship's intelligence. Generally it would require us playing it safe in a general way, and not messing around too much. And then making sure we had an escape route for those of us that did survive. It's an optimum scenario that is extremely improbable, but still possible.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 02:08:21 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:57:39 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:54:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((Remember that the entities have their own agendas. They aren't bound to be truthful to the competitors, they're trying to mold us to match what they think is right.))

((I'm perfectly willing to ignore that inconvenient fact in the name of a fun debate.
It's called "John".))

((You called?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 02:13:03 pm

((You know, I'm not against an "entity fight" right about now...
... that may just be the Zechariah inside of me talking.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 02:19:27 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:06:41 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

"_...Angel."

"Ah. Angel. Yes. So, what was your problem? I'm afraid I wasn't present when you first phrased it."

"Lots of people died. Because of us. And me."

Quote

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((I'm thinking that doing this without everyone getting killed would involve, firstly, not tripping the facility alarm before the comm thingy hadn't been disabled. Or not tripping it at all. That would considerably lessen the threat from the Soviet guards. It would probably require us not to touch the cube, thus alarming the ship's intelligence. Generally it would require us playing it safe in a general way, and not messing around too much. And then making sure we had an escape route for those of us that did survive. It's an optimum scenario that is extremely improbable, but still possible.))

((Escape routes for us and everyone onboard? That's what the way Paris phrased it implied.))

Quote from: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 02:08:21 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:57:39 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:54:57 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((1. It's hardly nice of the Entity to say that Irine could have saved everyone, when in reality this would require foreknowledge of how to do so and everyone getting along.
2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((Remember that the entities have their own agendas. They aren't bound to be truthful to the competitors, they're trying to mold us to match what they think is right.))

((I'm perfectly willing to ignore that inconvenient fact in the name of a fun debate.
It's called "John".))

((You called?))

((Huh?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 02:26:59 pm

((That's my character, John.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:29:20 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 02:19:27 pm

"Lots of people died. Because of us. And me."

"And how much of that was under your control? The casualties, I mean."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((Escape routes for us and everyone onboard? That's what the way Paris phrased it implied.))

((No, I meant that, given time, we could have, say, untethered that hovercraft and tried to use that to get to ground level through the hole in the ceiling. I assume there was a hole in the ceiling, anyway. Or worked out a way to slip past the commandos even before we fulfilled the final objective. Or maybe discovered another route altogether. By that point nobody could be bothered to do so, and so things happened as they did.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 02:32:23 pm

((The trick would be getting the code for the elevator, I believe.  Getting past the Director is key for not alerting everyone.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 31, 2014, 02:54:14 pm

Ow. Fffffffk. Who's there? Show yourself.
Shrink the shelf to its normal size, get it off me, find some things to use as a makeshift weapon and shield.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 03:54:43 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 02:26:59 pm

((That's my character, John.))

((I meant John as in Locke.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:29:20 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

((Escape routes for us and everyone onboard? That's what the way Paris phrased it implied.))

((No, I meant that, given time, we could have, say, untethered that hovercraft and tried to use that to get to ground level through the hole in the ceiling. I assume there was a hole in the ceiling, anyway. Or worked out a way to slip past the commandos even before we fulfilled the final objective. Or maybe discovered another route altogether. By that point nobody could be bothered to do so, and so things happened as they did.))

((If we did that, either we would succeed and destroy the ship--killing everyone onboard--or not destroy the ship and lose.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:29:20 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 02:19:27 pm

"Lots of people died. Because of us. And me."

"And how much of that was under your control? The casualties, I mean."

"Lots of it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 04:04:51 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 03:54:43 pm

((If we did that, either we would succeed and destroy the ship--killing everyone onboard--or not destroy the ship and lose.))

((Well, we had to destroy the ship anyway. That's what the Device did. We could not save those people in any way. All the other casualties could have been avoided through better planning, execution and luck. Much, much better showings in all three of those areas.

If by 'ship' you mean the rocket, the obvious solution was to not load more than one person into it, which the objectives made perfectly clear. If the others had another escape route worked out - say, a jury-rigged hovercraft to follow behind the rocket - then they could have survived as well.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 02:29:20 pm

"Lots of it?"

"Let me rephrase the question. How many of them did you personally kill? And how many died in such a way that their death was your fault and nobody else's?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 04:55:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

"Yeah, because your good intentions are aaall that matters in this world." responds the entity sarcastically. "And do you honestly think I care about the death of a single human? Or a thousand humans? Do you know how many humans have died during the time it took me to utter this sentence? Should I perhaps go about saving everyone until the universe is nothing more than clusters of humans floating in space? Or is it simply the humans you know about that you so hypocritically 'care' for? Was it like that in your world, I wonder? Was your inadequacy there equal in measure to the one you displayed here? Is that how you managed to end up here? How many people did your failures let down there?" He lets that question linger for a moment.

"Zero."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

"Anyway, I made no such promise. In fact, he informed you of the exact opposite. That your host's sacrifice may be required to complete the mission. Of course, nobody would had died if only you had been competent and followed the directions given to you, now would they? Although, believe me, screwing up the mission in just the perfect way did make my job many times easier. This world is closer to freedom than ever."
"I suppose I should thank you for that." he adds in that smug voice of his, making a small mock-bow of respect.

"I... I..."
I allow my flames to die down and fade away, and let myself go partially limp.
"I still don't-"

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 12:50:36 pm

Alan frowns at the fire.

Summon several high pressure water hoses that are aimed at the fox.

And now I'm getting knocked over by high-pressure water hoses??
"W-what?"

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 12:50:36 pm

Once it goes out, walk up and slap it.

Now go clean up your ashes, you litterer!

And getting slapped for no reason??
"Hey!! There aren't any-"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is overwhelmed by this entity's patronizing manner. He lets a bit of the Artemis inside of him show, his wings and eyes sporting a slightly purple tinge.
"This is what I hate about every single deity that ever existed! They become so desensitized to life that they see living beings as a means to an end, and nothing more! YOU are the one who organized this mission, you are the one responsible for pointless deaths! Hell, even Eido Aeterno cared more about his subjects than you do! I won't stand to become a cold killer, and I will not be a pawn to serial killers themselves! I'm starting to think that even Artemis was great compared to you entities!"

And now this?
"H-hey! you-"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is shivering now, his eyes and wings glowing with a clear brightness. His eyes and wings both take on even more of an amethyst tinge, and his voice is very faintly doubled over with the voice of someone else.

"I am standing by Irine now. Fix this wreck of a system. Now. Before Artemis arrives, and by then, I won't be in control anymore and there will be more than hell to pay."

Action PM'd.

What is he even...
"B-but..."

---

Quote

OOC arguing about this

((Could we keep this IC? From an OOC standpoint this minor detail doesn't even matter.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 05:50:34 pm

((We're the best people ever.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 06:00:55 pm

Bryan grunted when his powers clashed with the fox woman's.  She must have spent at least as much time training her brain as Bryan had.  Bryan opened his eyes and saw that the area was unchanged, he had managed to contain the flames though.  Then all of a sudden the flames were gone.  Bryan let out a breath of relief and stopped exerting his mind.
Take a moment to recover

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 08:17:57 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 12:50:36 pm

Alan frowns at the fire.

Summon several high pressure water hoses that are aimed at the fox. Once it goes out, walk up and slap it.

Now go clean up your ashes, you litterer!

You summon several fire hoses that immediately start spraying high pressure water. Unfortunately, this turns out to be a poorly thought out move, as the hoses start squirming and thrashing around like decapitated snakes, spraying water everywhere. You try to get out of the way but you can't. The heavy metal ends hit you pretty hard, hard enough to break bones. Luckily, you're in the Staging Area so you don't get injured.
Oh no! I'm being slapped by my own hoses in an ironic twist of events! If only I had the mental capacity to understand and appreciate irony!

Quote from: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 06:00:55 pm

Bryan grunted when his powers clashed with the fox woman's.  She must have spent at least as much time training her brain as Bryan had.  Bryan opened his eyes and saw that the area was unchanged, he had managed to contain the flames though.  Then all of a sudden the flames were gone.  Bryan let out a breath of relief and stopped exerting his mind.
Take a moment to recover

BZZT! Recharging brain power!

---

Quote from: NAV on January 31, 2014, 02:54:14 pm

Ow. Fffffffk. Who's there? Show yourself.
Shrink the shelf to its normal size, get it off me, find some things to use as a makeshift weapon and shield.

You shrink the shelf to its original size and manage to lift it off of you.
"Or else? Are you going to defeat me like you defeated that shelf, oh mighty warrior?" she says with another small laugh.
You pick up the broken leg of the shelf and hold it like an improvised club. However there doesn't seem to be anything around here that could be useful as a shield.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is overwhelmed by this entity's patronizing manner. He lets a bit of the Artemis inside of him show, his wings and eyes sporting a slightly purple tinge.
"This is what I hate about every single deity that ever existed! They become so desensitized to life that they see living beings as a means to an end, and nothing more! YOU are the one who organized this mission, you are the one responsible for pointless deaths! Hell, even Eido Aeterno cared more about his subjects than you do! I won't stand to become a cold killer, and I will not be a pawn to serial killers themselves! I'm starting to think that even Artemis was great compared to you entities!"

Zechariah is shivering now, his eyes and wings glowing with a clear brightness. His eyes and wings both take on even more of an amethyst tinge, and his voice is very faintly doubled over with the voice of someone else.

"I am standing by Irine now. Fix this wreck of a system. Now. Before Artemis arrives, and by then, I won't be in control anymore and there will be more than hell to pay."

Action PM'd.

I'm sorry kid, I'm afraid I can't let you do that. Not ready for this yet. you feel a voice in your head, alien, cruel and grating. It brings to your head images of landslides, of thunder, of wolves growling, of large stones grinding together and hitting each other.
If whatever was inside you felt like a sneeze coming, then whatever happened now feels like someone put their hand in front of your mouth, cutting it off and denying you the release it promised, leaving you with a tingling sensation in your mind.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 04:55:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

"Yeah, because your good intentions are aaall that matters in this world." responds the entity sarcastically. "And do you honestly think I care about the death of a single human? Or a thousand humans? Do you know how many humans have died during the time it took me to utter this sentence? Should I perhaps go about saving everyone until the universe is nothing more than clusters of humans floating in space? Or is it simply the humans you know about that you so hypocritically 'care' for? Was it like that in your world, I wonder? Was your inadequacy there equal in measure to the one you displayed here? Is that how you managed to end up here? How many people did your failures let down there?" He lets that question linger for a moment.

"Zero."

"Ahh, yes, I guess the dead can't feel disappointment, can they?"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 04:55:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 12:30:06 pm

"Anyway, I made no such promise. In fact, he informed you of the exact opposite. That your host's sacrifice may be required to complete the mission. Of course, nobody would had died if only you had been competent and followed the directions given to you, now would they? Although, believe me, screwing up the mission in just the perfect way did make my job many times easier. This world is closer to freedom than ever."
"I suppose I should thank you for that." he adds in that smug voice of his, making a small mock-bow of respect.

"I... I..."
I allow my flames to die down and fade away, and let myself go partially limp.
"I still don't-"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is overwhelmed by this entity's patronizing manner. He lets a bit of the Artemis inside of him show, his wings and eyes sporting a slightly purple tinge.
"This is what I hate about every single deity that ever existed! They become so desensitized to life that they see living beings as a means to an end, and nothing more! YOU are the one who organized this mission, you are the one responsible for pointless deaths! Hell, even Eido Aeterno cared more about his subjects than you do! I won't stand to become a cold killer, and I will not be a pawn to serial killers themselves! I'm starting to think that even Artemis was great compared to you entities!"

And now this?
"H-hey! you-"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 01:13:24 pm

Zechariah is shivering now, his eyes and wings glowing with a clear brightness. His eyes and wings both take on even more of an amethyst tinge, and his voice is very faintly doubled over with the voice of someone else.

"I am standing by Irine now. Fix this wreck of a system. Now. Before Artemis arrives, and by then, I won't be in control anymore and there will be more than hell to pay."

What is he even...
"B-but..."

Irene lets her flames go. The flames disappear, leaving a large patch of scorched earth behind them.
She is about to say something when Zechariah walks near her and points his staff at the entity, shouting something she can't quite make sense of.
"I suggest you stand aside kid. This isn't about you."
With a twist of Zechariah's staff, light shards materialize around the entity and encase it in them.


No sooner does this happen than he feels the cold of steel on his throat.
"Are you reeally so naive as to think that would work?" he hears the entity whisper in his ear. It's close enough to feel its hot breath.
"For me, this little breakdown was nothing more than entertainment."
Zechariah realizes that he is actually holding something against his neck, not someone else.
"And a chance to educate you..." he adds and laughs, the sound of his laughter echoing and slowly fading away.
Zechariah looks down to see a polished military knife in the hand that is not holding his staff, his reflection smiling smugly from its mirror-like surface. The entity has disappeared from behind him by turning into that red haze again and is nowhere to be seen.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 01:16:16 pm

((The hell is even happening? People are trying to kill the entities because ... something?))

((People got heroic characters into an RTD that was designed with the intent of having competition between players on every mission. The outcome was predictable, although the magnitude and quality of it was surprising.))

Quote from: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 01:22:49 pm

((Needed this for the year-long ER mission.))

((I think in ER you need an Avatar Of War or equivalent for every mission that involves alien stuff and even then that might not be enough. How many tokens do you think a Titan would cost? Oh, idea...))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 08:56:38 pm

"I didn't fail..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 09:19:33 pm

YES! RELEASE YOUR SPIRIT, ALLOW ME TO FIGHT WITH YOU AGAIN! DESTROY ANYONE WHO STANDS IN YOUR WAY! NOTHING CAN-

Artemis was so close to coming into power again, or at least Zechariah's mind construct of Artemis. If it was the real Artemis, this would be much more dangerous.

And then an entity invaded Zechariah's head and shut the door on Artemis, hurting his foot on the way out. Along with that, the other entity has just taken control of Zechariah and forced him to put a knife to his own throat. Zechariah tries to talk through his involuntary grin.

"I-Irine... help.. h-help me..."

You didn't fail, Irine, Zechariah thought to himself. I failed myself for the thousandth time. I let myself fall to Artemis, and these entities had to step in to calm me down.

I failed.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2014, 09:29:34 pm

John peeks out as best he can from within the suit.  _{"Are you quite done out there?"}

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on January 31, 2014, 10:07:08 pm

You have a dumb laugh, whoever you are. Now, it's still not too late to be allies, and I'd rather not hurt a girl unless I have to. Why don't you just step out of the shadows so we can make an deal. Shake hands and all that.
And never speak of that cursed shelf again.
Talk.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 10:13:11 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 09:19:33 pm

Zechariah tries to talk through his involuntary grin.
"I-Irine... help.. h-help me..."

I look at Zech, then wordlessly reach up and slam the blade against his neck as hard as I can.
Has he forgotten the nature of this place? We can't be hurt here.
"Would the entity in charge of last mission's world please speak with me? At what price would you revive that girl?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 10:21:05 pm

((The reason he's asking for help is not because he's afraid he's going to be hurt [he's already practically dead], but because he has no idea what to do now that the entities have sucked all of the spirit out of him.
But of course this is OOC, so carry on.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 10:47:37 pm

Bryan stood and watched as events unfolded before him.  Did they really think they could take on an entity?  Here?  Now?  Not to mention that it looks like not even we can be hurt here.  If we take on an entity, we should try to be more subtle.  Now then, about that animal.
Go back to the eastern edge of the staging area, try to make a staircase leading up the wall

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 10:50:10 pm

GMAH GASOLINE POWER

Summon gasoline hoses to counter the fire hoses!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 11:31:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 31, 2014, 04:04:51 pm

((Well, we had to destroy the ship anyway. That's what the Device did. We could not save those people in any way.

((Which directly contradicts Paris's statement. Which was kinda my point.
Oh, and how would we even save six people?))

Quote

If by 'ship' you mean the rocket, the obvious solution was to not load more than one person into it, which the objectives made perfectly clear. If the others had another escape route worked out - say, a jury-rigged hovercraft to follow behind the rocket - then they could have survived as well.))

((Well, "Six people manage to avoid screwing up any stealth or other important rolls and figure out the right way to the thing (to avoid stumbling across spidermonsters and weird entity things and such), thereby avoiding dying, then manage to jury-rig a hovercraft to serve as a shuttle, again without screwing up, before successfully getting and activating the Device" is pretty damn improbable. And doesn't save any of the NPCs, which, again, contradicts the statement.))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 04:55:31 pm

((Could we keep this IC? From an OOC standpoint this minor detail doesn't even matter.))

((It does when Paris makes a rather incredible, OOC claim about what we could have done...especially since it's implying we're, you know, incompetent since we did the exact opposite of that.))

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 10:50:10 pm

GMAH GASOLINE POWER

Summon gasoline hoses to counter the fire hoses!

((Oh gods.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman link=topic=133001.msg4970022#msg4970022 date=1391202291

]
"Let me rephrase the question. How many of them did you personally kill? And how many died in such a way that their death was your fault and nobody else's?"

"I don't know..."

---

((And Paris:))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 01:51:26 pm

2. We're done with that mission, right? Why can't you tell us now?
3. Didn't completing the mission objectives require the self-destruction of the ship?))

((I'd appreciate an answer.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 01, 2014, 01:26:36 am

((Wait, GWG, did you just imply that Alan is competent?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2014, 03:01:21 am

((GWG, stop conflating Paris and the Entities. Paris's view was:))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 01:15:41 pm

((I'm not gonna argue about this OOC, but I'll say you could have completed the mission with only the humans that were hooked up on the ship dying,. And those guys were pretty much dead anyway. I'm not saying doing that was easy, I'm just saying it's possible.))

((As in it was remotely possible, but not likely, for us to save everyone other than the humans hooked up to the ship.))
((The entities are Not Nice People, in case you hadn't noticed. Several of them most certainly are calling people incompetent. That does not mean that Paris thinks such.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 05:01:50 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 11:31:15 pm

"I don't know..."

"Well, you see, anybody you didn't personally kill was killed by either us, your teammates - and you can't consider yourself our keeper or commanding officer by any stretch of the imagination - or somebody else, like friendly fire from their own people or that whole aliens vs. Soviets thing that started happening for a moment at the end. Just because your teammates are often strange, inconsiderate, murderous or fatally incompetent doesn't mean you have to beat yourself up about it. Sometimes you just have to work with terrible people, you know?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 09:02:47 am

Quote from: Xantalos on February 01, 2014, 01:26:36 am

((Wait, GWG, did you just imply that Alan is competent?))

((...When did I do that?))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2014, 03:01:21 am

-snip-

((The problem is, not all the humans on the ship were "hooked up" and hence "pretty much dead anyways". The director, the guards, the random office workers and such Angel blew through...none hooked up to stuff, all dead. Unless those aren't people?
And when you say "If you had done the right thing, you could have not only saved ALL your hosts BUT ALSO all the random people onboard," and the opposite is pretty clear from where we stand, you're kinda implying incompetence.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 05:01:50 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on January 31, 2014, 11:31:15 pm

"I don't know..."

"Well, you see, anybody you didn't personally kill was killed by either us, your teammates - and you can't consider yourself our keeper or commanding officer by any stretch of the imagination - or somebody else, like friendly fire from their own people or that whole aliens vs. Soviets thing that started happening for a moment at the end. Just because your teammates are often strange, inconsiderate, murderous or fatally incompetent doesn't mean you have to beat yourself up about it. Sometimes you just have to work with terrible people, you know?"

Angel nods sadly.
"I still killed a lot, though..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 09:38:37 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 09:02:47 am

Angel nods sadly.
"I still killed a lot, though..."

"One way to think about it is to realize that none of your victims really care, as they're all dead. Another, probably more useful thing to do would be to try to be a generally better and responsible person from here on in, recognizing that what you did was a terrible thing. This was just your first outing, after all. None of us had experience with this kind of thing yet, or even knew half of what we tried to do during the mission. A lot of improvisation, much of which ended badly, happened. That's what happens when you're terrible at this kind of thing. And make no mistake, each and every one of us is incredibly terrible at this. I doubt any of us had interdimensional warfare and spy operations on our resumes before this, although that chivalrous guy might claim otherwise, but he's crazy and you really shouldn't believe his stories."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 09:02:47 am

((The problem is, not all the humans on the ship were "hooked up" and hence "pretty much dead anyways". The director, the guards, the random office workers and such Angel blew through...none hooked up to stuff, all dead. Unless those aren't people?
And when you say "If you had done the right thing, you could have not only saved ALL your hosts BUT ALSO all the random people onboard," and the opposite is pretty clear from where we stand, you're kinda implying incompetence.))

((The long answer to your reply would only prolong this discussion further, and the short answer would be that just because we went on a facility-wide murder spree does not imply stealth and preservation of human life is impossible. Notice how the director survived, for instance. Stealth was possible, but it required organization, good luck, a unified desire from the entire team to prevent casualties and choices that would obviously be far easier to make in hindsight, making a mission executed this way highly unlikely. And that is the last thing I'll contribute to this discussion.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 10:08:26 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 09:38:37 am

"One way to think about it is to realize that none of your victims really care, as they're all dead."

Angel glares at him.

Quote

"Another, probably more useful thing to do would be to try to be a generally better and responsible person from here on in, recognizing that what you did was a terrible thing. This was just your first outing, after all. None of us had experience with this kind of thing yet, or even knew half of what we tried to do during the mission. A lot of improvisation, much of which ended badly, happened. That's what happens when you're terrible at this kind of thing. And make no mistake, each and every one of us is incredibly terrible at this. I doubt any of us had interdimensional warfare and spy operations on our resumes before this, although that chivalrous guy might claim otherwise, but he's crazy and you really shouldn't believe his stories."

Angel nods.

Quote

((The long answer to your reply would only prolong this discussion further, and the short answer would be that just because we went on a facility-wide murder spree does not imply stealth and preservation of human life is impossible. Notice how the director survived, for instance. Stealth was possible, but it required organization, good luck, a unified desire from the entire team to prevent casualties and choices that would obviously be far easier to make in hindsight, making a mission executed this way highly unlikely. And that is the last thing I'll contribute to this discussion.))

((I'm not saying that stealthily making it through the mission and not killing people up until activating the Device was impossible, I'm saying that not killing everyone onboard the ship once we activate the self-destruct systems is impossible.
Not to mention that making it through stealthily would require that no one roll a 1 on any of their stealth checks and such. Ever.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 10:30:29 am

To Angel: "By the way, how much practice have you had with your powers? You look young to me, but I've been wrong before."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:09:22 am

"Not much..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 11:19:21 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:09:22 am

"Not much..."

"So there's lots of room for improvement, then. What are your powers, anyway? I'm quick and I've got good hearing and a powerful sense of smell."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:23:25 am

"I can have a bunch of powers. They change."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 11:32:01 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:23:25 am

"I can have a bunch of powers. They change."

"Cool. Can you control how it happens?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:36:27 am

Angel nods.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 11:40:06 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:36:27 am

Angel nods.

"That's even better. Can you pick specific powers?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:40:38 am

"Not really."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 11:50:07 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 11:40:38 am

"Not really."

"Ah. I see. Can you pick a general direction for your powers, then?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 12:33:09 pm

"Yeah."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 01:25:06 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 12:33:09 pm

"Yeah."

"Gotten anything really exciting yet? Like seeing the past, for instance?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 02:28:07 pm

"No. Well, once I could make these zappy laser disks, but they didn't help much."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 02:53:41 pm

Cant find whether my char was ever accepted :(

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2014, 02:57:10 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 02:53:41 pm

Cant find whether my char was ever accepted :(

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 01:20:12 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 29, 2014, 08:29:29 pm

<ability description>

Tone this ability down a bit.
Or even better, choose something else since we already have people who can mess with fire and ice and I'd prefer to have more unique abilities.

Right now it is too powerful. Anything you touch? 10 000 degrees Celsius? And the ability to direct this ability to wherever you want? I'm assigning points to abilities to see if I should give them drawbacks and right now your ability is a -4.3(!) based on the guidelines I have (for comparison, all characters start at +2). You're gonna have some major drawbacks with a -4.3, even if you roll a six during character creation.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 03:15:29 pm

Updated my abilities

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 03:21:09 pm

Depending on the capabilities of that telekinesis, it could still be pretty powerful. I can see him slinging big blades of metal at supersonic speeds, for instance, or stopping bullets with his mind, or lift his boots and clothes to let him fly. Basically, he'd be able to be Superman, plus or minus a few gimmicks.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 03:42:39 pm

When I mentioned size, I meant anything larger than 2'' diameter would be slightly hard to control, and anything 1' or over would be very hard. And he can't fling it at like, 100000mph. He can move it towards things slower or faster depending on the size.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 03:46:03 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 02:28:07 pm

"No. Well, once I could make these zappy laser disks, but they didn't help much."

"Ah. What's the worst thing you've gotten so far?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 03:51:09 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 03:42:39 pm

When I mentioned size, I meant anything larger than 2'' diameter would be slightly hard to control, and anything 1' or over would be very hard. And he can't fling it at like, 100000mph. He can move it towards things slower or faster depending on the size.

1. Bullets don't travel anywhere near 100,000 miles per hour.
2. Metal blades don't really need to travel that fast to be deadly.
3. Speaking of stuff like that, that bullet thing would be pretty easy to do with pretty much any weapon short of a broadsword or a haymaker.
4. You wouldn't need too fine of control with your shoes to levitate at least.
So we're going from "Superman, give or take" to merely "Man with an inherent gun, the ability to stop weapons, and levitation". Still a bit on the powerful side, especially when you factor in the more conventional uses.
how long a range is the telekinesis, anyways?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 03:46:03 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 02:28:07 pm

"No. Well, once I could make these zappy laser disks, but they didn't help much."

"Ah. What's the worst thing you've gotten so far?"

"Probably the hair armor. I've also had some powers that basically do nothing."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 03:55:03 pm

Telekinesis? The strongest range possibility would be probably 3 feet, weakening from there on outwards. And it doesnt work as things flying at me suddenly stops. It would slow down, then start moving the other direction. Probably hitting me before full stop

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:03:10 pm

How much force can you apply with your telekinesis?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 01, 2014, 04:11:42 pm

Force? Hmmm... Think just a few newtons per second.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:33:48 pm

So...a few meters per second cubed?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 04:43:22 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:33:48 pm

So...a few meters per second cubed?

You forgot the kilograms. And it's probably best to just let Paris roll for his power and then we'll see what's what.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 03:51:09 pm

"Probably the hair armor. I've also had some powers that basically do nothing."

"Hair armor? How does that even work? And do you always know exactly what kind of power you've got?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:49:12 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 04:43:22 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:33:48 pm

So...a few meters per second cubed?

You forgot the kilograms.

D'oh.

Quote

And it's probably best to just let Paris roll for his power and then we'll see what's what.

Oh right. I was mostly asking for a ballpark estimate so I could tell how much effect he would have on stuff.

Quote

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 03:51:09 pm

"Probably the hair armor. I've also had some powers that basically do nothing."

"Hair armor? How does that even work? And do you always know exactly what kind of power you've got?"

"Poorly. Didn't help at all against the robo-spider monster thingy. And yeah, I do."
((Sorry, had to insert a little snark.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2014, 07:02:44 pm

Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos (I have a bad feeling about this...)
Alarith
are the people going to the next mission. Please wait while I finalize some things and draw maps and do other stuff. I am also busy with homework so it might take a week or more. I have reset the poll. People not going to that mission, vote!

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 09:19:33 pm

YES! RELEASE YOUR SPIRIT, ALLOW ME TO FIGHT WITH YOU AGAIN! DESTROY ANYONE WHO STANDS IN YOUR WAY! NOTHING CAN-

Artemis was so close to coming into power again, or at least Zechariah's mind construct of Artemis. If it was the real Artemis, this would be much more dangerous.

And then an entity invaded Zechariah's head and shut the door on Artemis, hurting his foot on the way out. Along with that, the other entity has just taken control of Zechariah and forced him to put a knife to his own throat. Zechariah tries to talk through his involuntary grin.

"I-Irine... help.. h-help me..."

You didn't fail, Irine, Zechariah thought to himself. I failed myself for the thousandth time. I let myself fall to Artemis, and these entities had to step in to calm me down.

I failed.

You can move. The entity didn't take over your mind to bring the knife to your neck. He simply took advantage of the rules of the Staging Area. And you are not grinning. Your reflection is grinning. Stupid magic tricks.

"Can you please refrain from doing that in the future?"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 10:13:11 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 31, 2014, 09:19:33 pm

Zechariah tries to talk through his involuntary grin.
"I-Irine... help.. h-help me..."

I look at Zech, then wordlessly reach up and slam the blade against his neck as hard as I can.
Has he forgotten the nature of this place? We can't be hurt here.
"Would the entity in charge of last mission's world please speak with me? At what price would you revive that girl?"

You demonstrate to Zechariah why exactly he doesn't need help. Perhaps a bit too hard, because he falls down from the force of the impact.

"There is nothing you could offer me that I cannot take myself. Even if there was, there is nothing I can do about this right now."

We'll see... In the future... the entity says in your head. You have a feeling that's all he's going to say on the matter.

Quote from: Alarith on January 31, 2014, 10:47:37 pm

Bryan stood and watched as events unfolded before him.  Did they really think they could take on an entity?  Here?  Now?  Not to mention that it looks like not even we can be hurt here.  If we take on an entity, we should try to be more subtle.  Now then, about that animal.
Go back to the eastern edge of the staging area, try to make a staircase leading up the wall

You start walking, wondering why everybody seems to be flipping out.
About halfway there, you hear someone running. You look and after a few moment you see the runner emerging from behind some bushes. It's a girl with white fur being chased by a black wolf, running towards you.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 31, 2014, 10:50:10 pm

GMAH GASOLINE POWER

Summon gasoline hoses to counter the fire hoses!

You summon a single gasoline hose. And it has one of those safety things that doesn't allow it to pump gasoline if it's not pressed against a gas tank opening. Luckily, the hoses loose pressure and then stop spraying water altogether. That makes them stop slapping you.

---

Quote from: NAV on January 31, 2014, 10:07:08 pm

You have a dumb laugh, whoever you are. Now, it's still not too late to be allies, and I'd rather not hurt a girl unless I have to. Why don't you just step out of the shadows so we can make an deal. Shake hands and all that.
And never speak of that cursed shelf again.
Talk.

"Hah. I'm sorry, it's just" she stifles another fit of laughter. "it's just a bit hard not to laugh. Anyway, there's no need to worry, your secret is safe with me. I've done way dumber things when I was young."

---

((I'm a bit too sleepy to properly assess coolrune206's character right now, but it seems sort of OK.
We already have a telekinetic, so I'm thinking of giving you telekinesis with a small twist, something a bit above human strength.
Trying to keep all unique abilities... well... unique.
I'll send you a PM tomorrow, probably.))

---

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2014, 07:03:43 pm

((You are going to be in the next mission. Please wait while I finalize some things and draw maps and do other stuff. I am also busy with homework so it might take a week or more to start.

The other people on the mission are:
Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos
Alarith

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 01:42:19 am

Theri looked at River for any suggestions-body language or not-the others didn't seem to do anything, or even show they probably cared. Though...that was due to the distance-although it was apparent that they were not seemingly acting. Her body tensed and she felt the strong inclination to act.

Whatshallwedo
nonocan'taskthatshe's-
River!

"Erh-"
Theri then proceeded mid-sentence to get down and help the people!...By going down..towards them!

River mutters _{"This isn't good."} one more time and points the palm of his hand towards the girl creating the fire down there. He closes his eyes and stops moving, except for his chest that slowly rises and falls.

You are not going to stand around, doing nothing while people are in danger. You climb down the hill and start running towards where you think the people you were watching are. A few seconds later, you hear something hitting the ground behind you. You take a quick glance behind you and see River running after you in his wolf form.

After some running, about halfway to your destination, you come across a man with short dark brown hair, dark brown eyes and a small horizontal scar under his right eye. He's wearing black shoes, black pants, white shirt and a black coat.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 01:42:19 am

((To be fair, I didn't recognize it as a tie when you said it like that either. xD Niice!))

((I've noticed that if you describe something you know about with many words it sounds alien because your mind misunderstands the description. For example, take the following sentence:

"A soft, fragile white substance starts falling from the sky and slowly accumulating around you. The flakes the material comes in seem incredibly light, twisting and turning, rising and falling in the wind. When you touch it, it feels very cold and almost immediately starts melting into a transparent liquid. Pushing a large amount of the material into a ball feels like you're breaking very soft glass. However, when you stop applying pressure, you find out that the material has been compacted into a fairly sturdy, hard and relatively heavy white ball."

If you say this, people are going to have a hard time figuring out that all you're really saying is: "It's snowing. You pick up some snow and make a snowball."))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 07:11:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2014, 07:02:44 pm

Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos (I have a bad feeling about this...)
Alarith
are the people going to the next mission. Please wait while I finalize some things and draw maps and do other stuff. I am also busy with homework so it might take a week or more. I have reset the poll. People not going to that mission, vote!

1. What, only five?
2. Vote? Vote on what?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2014, 07:12:21 pm

((Awesome! I love it when I get randomly chosen. That almost never happens.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 04:49:12 pm

"Poorly. Didn't help at all against the robo-spider monster thingy. And yeah, I do."

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't. Your power seems like the sort of thing that needs quite a lot of preparation beforehand. Do you make most of your plans before you get your powers, to determine the direction you want, or after, to decide how best to apply what you've got?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 07:13:34 pm

Angel shrugs.
"Didn't really make plans. Things kept going wrong and getting confusing too fast."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 01, 2014, 08:08:04 pm

Zechariah doesn't bother to pick himself up from the floor for a little while. His spirit has been shut down with such strength that his irises are now of a dark brown color and his wings have completely crumbled into aqua-colored particles. His staff remains a few feet from his hand with the crystal flag on top also disintegrated. Even the voice of Artemis remains quiet and his thoughts calm, for once. He takes a few quick breaths and settles into slow, deep breathing motions, his eyes closed.

After a few seconds, he picks up his staff and begins walking away from the group, head down, murmuring things silently. He throws the knife to the side and focuses his eyes on the ground in front of him. His energy begins to slowly return, along with the aqua color in his irises, bits of his wings, and the staff's flag.

"I can't promise... that I won't," Zechariah whispers quietly, still trudging along. "But... I'll continue in this... game... if there's a chance I can right the wrongs you entities have done already." He sighs and looks back for a moment at the people conversing among both entities and mortals alike.

Wander in my melancholy.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2014, 09:32:02 pm

take several deep breaths, then turn and return to my personal area.

---

Once there curl up in a corner and try to rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 01, 2014, 09:48:51 pm

Bryan calls out to the girl being chased by the wolf, "Hey, do you need some help?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 09:54:26 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 01, 2014, 09:48:51 pm

Bryan calls out, "Hey, do you need some help?"

((Who's he talking to?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 01, 2014, 11:07:01 pm

((The girl being chased by the black wolf.  Sorry that wasn't clear.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 02, 2014, 12:35:44 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 01, 2014, 08:08:04 pm

Zechariah doesn't bother to pick himself up from the floor for a little while. His spirit has been shut down with such strength that his irises are now of a dark brown color and his wings have completely crumbled into aqua-colored particles. His staff remains a few feet from his hand with the crystal flag on top also disintegrated. Even the voice of Artemis remains quiet and his thoughts calm, for once. He takes a few quick breaths and settles into slow, deep breathing motions, his eyes closed.

After a few seconds, he picks up his staff and begins walking away from the group, head down, murmuring things silently. He throws the knife to the side and focuses his eyes on the ground in front of him. His energy begins to slowly return, along with the aqua color in his irises, bits of his wings, and the staff's flag.

"I can't promise... that I won't," Zechariah whispers quietly, still trudging along. "But... I'll continue in this... game... if there's a chance I can right the wrongs you entities have done already." He sighs and looks back for a moment at the people conversing among both entities and mortals alike.

Wander in my melancholy.

Walk over to him.

STOP BEING WHINY

Slap him in the face, then abruptly skip away while grumbling to myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on February 03, 2014, 12:07:32 am

Walk out the door. Look around. Look at the sky.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2014, 01:13:26 pm

((Sorry for the delay, been making 4 different projects that all have their deadline soon. And I also did some auto-categorizing templates for the ER wiki to reduce future work. Will likely continue to be busy until the end of this weekend.

I have finalised 3 characters for the amethyst mission and worked on some maps a bit but I still need some time to work on it. Soon, hopefully.

Anyway, vote for what kind of boss fight you want.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 01, 2014, 08:08:04 pm

Zechariah doesn't bother to pick himself up from the floor for a little while. His spirit has been shut down with such strength that his irises are now of a dark brown color and his wings have completely crumbled into aqua-colored particles. His staff remains a few feet from his hand with the crystal flag on top also disintegrated. Even the voice of Artemis remains quiet and his thoughts calm, for once. He takes a few quick breaths and settles into slow, deep breathing motions, his eyes closed.

After a few seconds, he picks up his staff and begins walking away from the group, head down, murmuring things silently. He throws the knife to the side and focuses his eyes on the ground in front of him. His energy begins to slowly return, along with the aqua color in his irises, bits of his wings, and the staff's flag.

"I can't promise... that I won't," Zechariah whispers quietly, still trudging along. "But... I'll continue in this... game... if there's a chance I can right the wrongs you entities have done already." He sighs and looks back for a moment at the people conversing among both entities and mortals alike.

Wander in my melancholy.

Too bad there isn't any rain around here. You know, to complete the melancholic walking-alone scene.
And then Alan comes and punches you in the face. You fall down again.
Why do people keep hitting you? And in the head of all places. Is "Stress Release Punching Bag" written somewhere on your face?

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2014, 12:35:44 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 01, 2014, 08:08:04 pm

mope

Walk over to him.

STOP BEING WHINY

Slap him in the face, then abruptly skip away while grumbling to myself.

You punch that guy in the face! Right in the face! He never saw it coming! He just went straight to the ground! If this wasn't a safe area, he'd have one hell of a headache right now.
You skip away, screaming Boom! Headshot!

Quote from: Alarith on February 01, 2014, 09:48:51 pm

Bryan calls out to the girl being chased by the wolf, "Hey, do you need some help?"

"Hey, "Excuse me do you good sir need some what's going on help?" over there?" you both speak at the same time, she pointing at the river where fox-girl was flipping out and burning everything, you pointing at the wolf chasing her. The wolf seems to be frightened by your sudden appearance and disappears behind some bushes while you stare at each other awkwardly. She's a bit out of breath.

Quote from: NAV on February 03, 2014, 12:07:32 am

Walk out the door. Look around. Look at the sky.

Through the door is a small rock tunnel? And at the end of the tunnel is a clearing with strange people in it and a waterfall?
And a fat guy just punched a guy with aqua dragonfly wings and then started skipping away while screaming?
Okay, either there's something very strange going on around here or you drunk way too much last night.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 01, 2014, 07:13:34 pm

Angel shrugs.
"Didn't really make plans. Things kept going wrong and getting confusing too fast."

"Well, there's your problem!"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2014, 09:32:02 pm

take several deep breaths, then turn and return to my personal area.

---

Once there curl up in a corner and try to rest.

You enter your dark cold empty caves and find a place to curl up and rest in. As you walk, you notice a message melted on one of the walls.

Quote from: Message Hey. If you want someone to talk to, say or think "I allow D. into this area." or something similar. Should work for any name or intent. -Roger D. Drake

You find a warm corner (must be some sort of hot spring or something behind that wall) and curl up there, placing your knees near your chest and your hands over them, your tails curling up behind your legs.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206

<character>

You wake up.
You can see a dark cave ceiling above you, filled with stalactites. You can feel the rocky ground below you. You can hear water dripping nearby.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2014, 01:11:22 pm

((Sorry for the delay. Busy with homework.))

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 08:44:17 pm

Quote

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

YEEESSSS
Your note of 'being someone's guardian angel'... <3
If that's a good idea-I'm doing so to Lenglon.

((We'll see... ;) ))

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 08:43:18 pm

((Err..actually I think its a matter of recognition or difference in 'what comes from x'. I've never known or seen what snow is-yet I identified it in the first sentence..in the first-half of the first sentence as soon as I saw 'sky'. :p
And nup! The reading of the long descriptions in order to describe the things was fun. Long sentences of environment is nice. Long sentences of pedantry is...silly. xD))

Nhh..hh..maybe he can help!
"Excuse me good sir, what's going on over there?"

Theri hurriedly asked the man while pointing at the woman and the big guy.

"Hey, "Excuse me do you good sir need some what's going on help?" over there?" you both speak at the same time, you pointing at the river where fox-girl was burning everything, him pointing at something behind you. You stare at each other awkwardly.

There doesn't seem to be a fire there anymore, by the way. Your vision of the area the fox-girl was in is obscured by some trees but the orange glow of the fire is gone.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 05, 2014, 01:19:58 pm

Stumble up to the cave wall, retch.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 05, 2014, 01:33:51 pm

"I allow D into this area."
I wait a moment, giving him a chance to enter, but stay curled up.
"Why did Stellar reject me D? Why did she push me away? I... I needed her. I needed, still need, help. And she pushed me away, saying I should hate her for... something she did a while ago. She hasn't said what, though I think I can guess it. I don't hate her D. I've tried to tell her over and over, but she can't seem to accept it. I... I wish she'd trust me. I wish she'd accept me. She keeps acting like she thinks she's unworthy of me. I don't care about if she's worthy or not! Why did she reject me D?! Why..."

---

((Just noticed you described my caves as dark, cold, and empty. um...))

Quote from: Home

if you continue deeper still, magma pools begin to pockmark the area, and small geysers and hot springs are everywhere. the air is quite hot and humid, and every imaginable surface is absolutely covered in plant life. including some giant fungi that will sometimes extend from the ceiling to the floor, and block some paths.

A lot of the local flora are bioluminescent. It's not daylight-levels of light, but it's closer to a normally-lit room in most places (exact light level varies based on plant distribution).

There are dark, cold, and empty places, but those are much higher up. The deep area is my home and it's not like that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 05, 2014, 01:42:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2014, 01:13:26 pm

And then Alan comes and punches you in the face. You fall down again.
Why do people keep hitting you? And in the head of all places. Is "Stress Release Punching Bag" written somewhere on your face?

((Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it usually Alan doing that?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 05, 2014, 01:46:15 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 05, 2014, 01:42:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2014, 01:13:26 pm

And then Alan comes and punches you in the face. You fall down again.
Why do people keep hitting you? And in the head of all places. Is "Stress Release Punching Bag" written somewhere on your face?

((Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it usually Alan doing that?))

((I did it just a moment ago, when I misinterpreted his cry for help.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 05, 2014, 05:22:43 pm

Bryan looks around a bit sheepishly when he realizes he interrupted the young lady.  He waits to make sure that she is done talking before answering her question.  "Well, as I understand, most of the people here just went through an incredibly traumatic experience.  They are upset with the people in charge and that has led to an out of control fire, and someone nearly losing control of an incredibly violent alternate personality.  It looks like things have calmed down a bit though."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2014, 05:33:16 pm

Summon one of those whacky inflatable arm flailing tube men.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 05, 2014, 05:35:53 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 05, 2014, 05:22:43 pm

"Well, as I understand, most of the people here just went through an incredibly traumatic experience.  They are upset with the people in charge and that has led to an out of control fire, and someone nearly losing control of an incredibly violent alternate personality.  It looks like things have calmed down a bit though."

((Sounds about right.
Also, I'm posting my turn soon, just give me a little bit of time.))
Zechariah huffed while on the floor. It was stupid what he was doing, he knew it. But he didn't know what else he could do. He felt powerless to his own mind. Hell, even the man-child that has just knocked him to the ground is probably more mature than Zechariah. He decided to close his eyes and take a small breather once again, this time to set his mind straight. When he opened them again, it seemed as if time froze. Nothing was moving and he couldn't hear anything but his own thoughts. He turned to his side and found a strange person staring at him. It wasn't who he expected, and not someone who he thought he would have seen again.

Spoiler: Conversation (click to show/hide)

"Oh, it's so nice to see you again Zechariah! It's been ages, hasn't it? What are you doing here?"
Zechariah shook his head. No, it couldn't be. What was she doing here? She's dead!
"S-selene... Iaunum? I... I thought you were dead.. wait, does that mean Zedekiah's here too?" Zechariah struggled to get up, but couldn't move. Selene, in her sky blue, silk robe and with her light blue hair, strode over with a certain leisure in her step. She smiled as if nothing could have been wrong at the moment.

"I am part of your subconscious, Zechariah. Just like Artemis. You don't know where Zedekiah is. He fell in with you, into the limbo. Why are you distraught?" Zechariah observed Selene and her movements. She appeared to glide, which meant she most likely was a spirit. She did mention being part of Zechariah's subconscious, however, which means she's probably either in another multiverse or still attached to Zedekiah.

Selene, Zedekiah's alter-ego and the counterpart to Artemis, was right in front of Zechariah. But why?

"I thought you wanted to help others, Zechariah. You can't do that lying down. You have to get up. Your friends depend on you. Believe it or not, the others within this game depend on you too.

"Don't brood over your faults. You're not going anywhere by doing that. Accept who you are and improve yourself. Embrace your shadow. Isn't that how you defeated Zedekiah?"
Zechariah tried to speak but couldn't. He could not find the words to say anything. He was quite embarrassed, actually: here was his subconscious, telling him that he shouldn't be lying doing and moaning over every little mistake he has.

Selene began to dissipate. "Don't worry. Make friends here. These are not your enemies, these are your allies. Good luck, Zechariah. Don't hesitate to live your life. No harm will come from doing so."

Zechariah sat straight up, breathing quick breaths.
Selene Iaunum. I'm sorry. I'll make it up. Maybe I should apologize to Irine first of all, for making such a fool of myself and losing control...
First, find Irine. She doesn't appear to be anywhere in the main area.
"Drake? Might you know where Irine is right now?"

Find Irine.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 06, 2014, 03:48:06 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 05, 2014, 05:35:53 pm

Find Irine.

((I went back to my personal area, you won't find me. I suggest asking for help contacting me. You don't know this but right now the only ones who can contact me are Stellar and D, and Stellar is... unavailable. If you ask a random entity to contact me then you'll probably get redirected to D, who can relay your request for permission to enter to me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on February 06, 2014, 09:49:21 am

"Well, that was an interesting conversation, but I suppose I must see what the others are up to." Jordan stood up, sipping the last of the drink, then walked towards the door and opened it.
Step out and see what the others are doing.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2014, 07:18:32 pm

((I switched to finalizing B.E.T.A. a bit since that seems to be our other mission and I am happy to report that it is also mostly done. Just need to double check the map a bit.
If all goes well, I should be able to start both missions on... let's say... Tuesday.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 05, 2014, 01:19:58 pm

Stumble up to the cave wall, retch.

You stumble up to the nearby cave wall and retch, but your stomach is empty.
While you do so, you notice that this is a rather large cave. It's lit by some small holes in the ceiling of the cave. There's also a cliff at one end of the cave. There's only darkness there.
"Hey! Hey, you! Everything alright? Something went wrong with the transfer? Are you feeling like yourself? No, that's a silly question, how could you be able to tell if you weren't yourself? Eeeerm... Something simpler. CAAAN. YOOOUUU. UNDERSTAAAND. MEEE?" you hear a voice in your head.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 05, 2014, 01:33:51 pm

"I allow D into this area."
I wait a moment, giving him a chance to enter, but stay curled up.
"Why did Stellar reject me D? Why did she push me away? I... I needed her. I needed, still need, help. And she pushed me away, saying I should hate her for... something she did a while ago. She hasn't said what, though I think I can guess it. I don't hate her D. I've tried to tell her over and over, but she can't seem to accept it. I... I wish she'd trust me. I wish she'd accept me. She keeps acting like she thinks she's unworthy of me. I don't care about if she's worthy or not! Why did she reject me D?! Why..."

---

((Just noticed you described my caves as dark, cold, and empty. um...))

Quote from: Home

if you continue deeper still, magma pools begin to pockmark the area, and small geysers and hot springs are everywhere. the air is quite hot and humid, and every imaginable surface is absolutely covered in plant life. including some giant fungi that will sometimes extend from the ceiling to the floor, and block some paths.

A lot of the local flora are bioluminescent. It's not daylight-levels of light, but it's closer to a normally-lit room in most places (exact light level varies based on plant distribution).

There are dark, cold, and empty places, but those are much higher up. The deep area is my home and it's not like that.))

((Sure, whatever you want. You gave me an entire planet's worth of description and I thought I could use it to make the scene a bit more desolate. And I was in a hurry so a small description was a plus.))
The entity begins manifesting even before you finish your sentence. A golden sparks and particles each with a different mix of yellow and red begin appearing and condensing into the form of a male fox. He's a bit larger than a fox should be, more like a big dog in size and his colors are more of a reddish orange than a brown or red.
"Hola he-" he begins in his happy tune before he fully materializes, though he stops when he lays eyes on you.
He watches quietly as you speak, slowly approaching and swishing and curving his fluffy tail from side to side, more like a curious cat than a fox, his ears at attention.
When you finish speaking, he responds, his tone normal this time, almost serious.
"It's not your fault. It's just... who she is. Her character. Human nature. She's normally a very happy person, a very... well, the closest thing to a good person I've seen, if such a thing exists. And she's strong, one of the strongest people I know. But... when she's feeling bad, when she thinks she's-... She pushes the people that care about her away. Retreats to herself. Blames herself for everything. She remains strong when it matters but on the inside,-... And it's been worse since that damn-..."
He stops talking, his head and his ears dropping.
"Well, I can't talk about it."
He sits down near your legs and looks you in the face, his tail swishing from side to side nervously. He continues speaking without opening his mouth.
"It's not about you, it's not about trust. I've been with her all my life and even through my bond I can't get to her. The only thing I can do is try to make her feel better."
"If anything, what she did shows the opposite. She does trust you. And that makes her weak. Vulnerable." He gets up and walks closer to your face. "I hope you won't betray that trust?"

Sometime during this conversation, a message is melted on the wall, as if written by a laser, stating that Zechariah wants to talk to you.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 05, 2014, 05:22:43 pm

Bryan looks around a bit sheepishly when he realizes he interrupted the young lady.  He waits to make sure that she is done talking before answering her question.  "Well, as I understand, most of the people here just went through an incredibly traumatic experience.  They are upset with the people in charge and that has led to an out of control fire, and someone nearly losing control of an incredibly violent alternate personality.  It looks like things have calmed down a bit though."

The foxwoman seems to wait for you to speak first. You take a breath and half-open your mouth to declare your intention to speak, hoping to avoid any further awkwardness.

The girl seems puzzled by your explanation, her head twisted to the side quizzically.She answers your question nevertheless. "Oh, I was... sightseeing earlier and couldn't help but notice the fire... You really don't need help, then?" She glances behind her before returning her gaze to your eyes. "You don't think they need help?"

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 05, 2014, 05:33:16 pm

Summon one of those whacky inflatable arm flailing tube men.

You summon a giant whacky inflatable arm flailing tube man. Right on top of you. You are now pinned under a GWIAFTM that can probably be seen from miles away. The way his arms are flailing while he is standing on top of you seems almost mocking. Like he's celebrating your defeat.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 05, 2014, 05:35:53 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 05, 2014, 05:22:43 pm

"Well, as I understand, most of the people here just went through an incredibly traumatic experience.  They are upset with the people in charge and that has led to an out of control fire, and someone nearly losing control of an incredibly violent alternate personality.  It looks like things have calmed down a bit though."

((Sounds about right.
Also, I'm posting my turn soon, just give me a little bit of time.))
Zechariah huffed while on the floor. It was stupid what he was doing, he knew it. But he didn't know what else he could do. He felt powerless to his own mind. Hell, even the man-child that has just knocked him to the ground is probably more mature than Zechariah. He decided to close his eyes and take a small breather once again, this time to set his mind straight. When he opened them again, it seemed as if time froze. Nothing was moving and he couldn't hear anything but his own thoughts. He turned to his side and found a strange person staring at him. It wasn't who he expected, and not someone who he thought he would have seen again.

Spoiler: Conversation (click to show/hide)

"Oh, it's so nice to see you again Zechariah! It's been ages, hasn't it? What are you doing here?"
Zechariah shook his head. No, it couldn't be. What was she doing here? She's dead!
"S-selene... Iaunum? I... I thought you were dead.. wait, does that mean Zedekiah's here too?" Zechariah struggled to get up, but couldn't move. Selene, in her sky blue, silk robe and with her light blue hair, strode over with a certain leisure in her step. She smiled as if nothing could have been wrong at the moment.

"I am part of your subconscious, Zechariah. Just like Artemis. You don't know where Zedekiah is. He fell in with you, into the limbo. Why are you distraught?" Zechariah observed Selene and her movements. She appeared to glide, which meant she most likely was a spirit. She did mention being part of Zechariah's subconscious, however, which means she's probably either in another multiverse or still attached to Zedekiah.

Selene, Zedekiah's alter-ego and the counterpart to Artemis, was right in front of Zechariah. But why?

"I thought you wanted to help others, Zechariah. You can't do that lying down. You have to get up. Your friends depend on you. Believe it or not, the others within this game depend on you too.

"Don't brood over your faults. You're not going anywhere by doing that. Accept who you are and improve yourself. Embrace your shadow. Isn't that how you defeated Zedekiah?"
Zechariah tried to speak but couldn't. He could not find the words to say anything. He was quite embarrassed, actually: here was his subconscious, telling him that he shouldn't be lying doing and moaning over every little mistake he has.

Selene began to dissipate. "Don't worry. Make friends here. These are not your enemies, these are your allies. Good luck, Zechariah. Don't hesitate to live your life. No harm will come from doing so."

Zechariah sat straight up, breathing quick breaths.
Selene Iaunum. I'm sorry. I'll make it up. Maybe I should apologize to Irine first of all, for making such a fool of myself and losing control...
First, find Irine. She doesn't appear to be anywhere in the main area.
"Drake? Might you know where Irine is right now?"

Find Irine.

"I'm talking to her right now. I'd prefer to talk to her in private but I suppose you could send her a message requesting entrance to her personal area."
For the sake of not wasting a turn, I've already written that you sent a message in Irene's turn. Feel free to write a more detailed message if you want and send it to her via mind mail.

---

Quote from: Fniff on February 06, 2014, 09:49:21 am

"Well, that was an interesting conversation, but I suppose I must see what the others are up to." Jordan stood up, sipping the last of the drink, then walked towards the door and opened it.
Step out and see what the others are doing.

"Sure. Anytime..."
Well, the staging area is a forest and a waterfall.  There's a big scorch mark in the middle.
There's Alan trapped under an inflatable arm flailing tube man. Eria sunbathing. Zechariah talking to the air. Some guy in a gas mask. Angel being sad. A giant bulky robot. Aaand Ike sitting near Angel.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Tiruin on February 05, 2014, 06:07:09 pm

Theri tilted her head to the side. "Oh, I was...sightseeing earlier and couldn't help but notice the apparent fire coming in. You really don't need help, then?"

She glanced quickly back before looking at you in the face. "You don't think they need help?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 07, 2014, 07:33:00 pm

"Do they need help?  Probably.  As to what type of help, I don't know.  In trying to help and understand I've managed to make a girl of around 7 cry.  Do I need help?  I might at some point, I am not some man of steel.  At the moment the only thing I would need help with would be to help the other people.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 07, 2014, 08:52:29 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2014, 07:18:32 pm

"It's not your fault. It's just... who she is. Her character. Human nature. She's normally a very happy person, a very... well, the closest thing to a good person I've seen, if such a thing exists. And she's strong, one of the strongest people I know. But... when she's feeling bad, when she thinks she's-... She pushes the people that care about her away. Retreats to herself. Blames herself for everything. She remains strong when it matters but on the inside,-... And it's been worse since that damn-..."

((It occurred to me that this could also more or less apply to Angel. She was also pretty cheerful before everything started getting deadly serious; she's as good and innocent as small children can be; her power is the most versatile and arguably the strongest of anyone in the group; and she's blaming herself for everything, and that got a lot worse since that damn spiderdemon, when she had time to reflect.))

Quote from: Alarith on February 07, 2014, 07:33:00 pm

"In trying to help and understand I've managed to make a girl of around 7 cry."

((Yeah...not your finest hour.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on February 07, 2014, 08:53:31 pm

Use my power on the inflatable arm flailing tube man.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 07, 2014, 09:12:48 pm

Respond to the voice in my head with thoughts. Think, "Can you hear me?" If there is no response, then say aloud, "Can you read my thoughts?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 08, 2014, 01:53:17 am

BBLLLEEEERRRGH

Vomit sewing needles at the tube man! He shall not best me!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 08, 2014, 02:06:51 am

I close my eyes and, in an almost imperceptibly small motion, give two tiny nods before reopening them. I sniffle once, and limply point at my surroundings.
"Welcome to my home by the way"
The chamber that I'm in is somewhat smallish, . there is a small steaming spring on one side of the chamber, beside the mirror still veiled in flame. there are a lot of ferns lineing the walls and floor, and beneath them a layer of biolumenescent moss, giving the entire room a mildly eerie glow. There is a single opening to the chamber, leading out to a larger chamber with a visible magma pool taking up part of the chamber and several exits leading out into various parts of the nearby cave network.
"T-tell me if I, if there's anything I can do for Stellar, ok? I... I care."
I sit there for several moments afterward (and D has a chance to respond while it's still just the two of us), before finally sighing and hesitantly standing up and brushing myself off. I then turn to face the mirror, take a deep breath in, out, in, and "I allow Zech into this area"
Although I've done what I can to compose myself, I'm still standing there somewhat limply. My tails and ears drooping down, and my face still drifting down and away whenever I don't focus on where I'm looking.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2014, 01:57:35 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 07, 2014, 07:33:00 pm

"Do they need help?  Probably.  As to what type of help, I don't know.  In trying to help and understand I've managed to make a girl of around 7 cry.  Do I need help?  I might at some point, I am not some man of steel.  At the moment the only thing I would need help with would be to help the other people.

The girl nods. "So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" she says, starts walking forward with determination and then she stops, thinks for a moment, turns around and starts walking in the opposite direction, back to where she came from. "-..aaafter I make sure I didn't leave anything behind, of course!"
She runs a good distance away from you and then stops to look around. Specifically, behind a bush.

---

Quote from: NAV on February 07, 2014, 08:53:31 pm

Use my power on the inflatable arm flailing tube man.

You touch the machine under the arm flailing tube man thing and make the entire thing even larger and heavier. It now has even more ridiculous colors and movements and makes one hell of a noise. And then it stops working, making the entire thing fall on you, plunging you into darkness. It feels like someone got a heavy piece of tarp or plastic over you, barely allowing you to move.
I hope you're not claustrophobic.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 08, 2014, 01:53:17 am

BBLLLEEEERRRGH

Vomit sewing needles at the tube man! He shall not best me!

Well, you would do that, but suddenly the machine that is keeping you down gets even larger, pinning you down completely. The fact that it is also making a banging noise and vibrating like an old cell phone isn't very pleasant. Thankfully, the machine stops working soon after.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 07, 2014, 09:12:48 pm

Respond to the voice in my head with thoughts. Think, "Can you hear me?" If there is no response, then say aloud, "Can you read my thoughts?"

That depends. Are you thinking it with the intention of the voice hearing it?
If yes:
"Ahh. Good. Yes. Yes, I can here you. For a moment there I was afraid you had become a vegetable or something."
If not:
"What? Nonononono. That's against the rules. Besides, I can already hear the thoughts of one human and that's enough for me. Could you imagine what it would be like to hear the thoughts of every human in here? It would drive me crazy. Humans are crazy man!"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 08, 2014, 02:06:51 am

I close my eyes and, in an almost imperceptibly small motion, give two tiny nods before reopening them. I sniffle once, and limply point at my surroundings.
"Welcome to my home by the way"
The chamber that I'm in is somewhat smallish, . there is a small steaming spring on one side of the chamber, beside the mirror still veiled in flame. there are a lot of ferns lineing the walls and floor, and beneath them a layer of biolumenescent moss, giving the entire room a mildly eerie glow. There is a single opening to the chamber, leading out to a larger chamber with a visible magma pool taking up part of the chamber and several exits leading out into various parts of the nearby cave network.
"T-tell me if I, if there's anything I can do for Stellar, ok? I... I care."
I sit there for several moments afterward (and D has a chance to respond while it's still just the two of us), before finally sighing and hesitantly standing up and brushing myself off. I then turn to face the mirror, take a deep breath in, out, in, and "I allow Zech into this area"
Although I've done what I can to compose myself, I'm still standing there somewhat limply. My tails and ears drooping down, and my face still drifting down and away whenever I don't focus on where I'm looking.

"Good." he says after you nod. "Cause if you do, I won't give a damn about the rules." he is glowing slightly and his teeth are showing. "I'll kill you in the most painful way possible. I'll devour your soul and rip it apart until there's nothing left, even if it kills me."
He turns around and starts talking in his typical voice again, like he just flipped a switch and went from overprotective big brother mode back to happy mode.
"And I'd hate to do that to a beautiful little thing like you."

He starts walking around while you talk, observing his surroundings.
"You being with her is enough. She needs this right now. I can't explain why, but she does. You're helping her with something, even if neither of you can see it.
I think she'll be fine soon. I'm talking to her right now."

The flames of your portal shift a bit when you give permission for Zech to enter, but nothing significant happens.

"Love what you've done with the place by the way. I'm more of an open space man myself, but I can't deny it has a certain... charm." You suddenly realize he's standing next to you, his body and tail brushing against your leg as he walks.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2014, 01:58:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 08, 2014, 01:30:56 am

Theri nodded. "So now I wonder what we're waiting for! Let's go!"

Run over to the brown-colored person I saw earlier, but first check back for River. If he isn't visible, then instead double back with the note of

"-..after I make sure I didn't leave anything behind, of course!"

You run back for a while until you see River in his wolf form, hiding behind a bush.
"I'm not coming." he says. "Help them. I...'ll stay here. I don't like-... People are-..." He takes a deep breath. "I prefer to observe from further away." He gently nudges you forward with his nose. "Go. Don't worry about me. I'll be watching. You can call me if there is trouble. You can talk to me from wherever you want. I'm magic, remember?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 08, 2014, 02:01:39 pm

Spoiler: GM's Eyes Only (click to show/hide)

Use my power to turn into a vegetable to scare the being >: )

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2014, 02:10:58 pm

Zechariah proceeds into the portal of flames that appeared shortly after he asked to meet with Irine. Looking around, he admires the small space for a few moments, and finds Irine at the opposite end of the chamber. Zechariah walks within conversational range, but not close enough so as to encroach upon Irine's personal space. He could almost hear Selene talking to him, even though she was an apparition created by his subconscious.

Go on, Zechariah. Speak of your sins. Paint the blood in the heavens. The Castle must not stand forever.

He wasn't sure whether it was Selene or Artemis who said that. Not like it really mattered, really. He took a deep breath and began to speak his mind. "I'm sorry, Irine. I was... I was being a bipolar moron during the mission and the Staging Area, and I screwed up." Zechariah pauses for a moment, looking at the ground. "I let myself get carried away and I'm doing more harm than good, and I ignored your advice when it came to the point where I could have won the mission also. I'm sorry for being more of a burden than I have been a help." Zechariah gives a very small smile, more resentful than it is relieved. "By trying to help people, I've actually hurt them more, and I don't know if there's a way to make it up now."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2014, 02:16:52 pm

Create a field of bearflowers to frolic through in the Staging Area.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on February 08, 2014, 02:18:42 pm

Jordan didn't go for creation. He preferred alteration and observation.
Stand and watch quietly.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 08, 2014, 02:23:35 pm

Politely wait for the girl, then walk with her to the others.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2014, 02:39:19 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2014, 02:10:58 pm

((I didn't know there was a separate action to enter the portal.))

You just pass through a circle of fire and get there. You can just roleplay getting there, no need to post an action unless you want me to write about it. Minor stuff like that or sending a message with your mind you don't need to get them through me, unless you want me to write about them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2014, 02:47:08 pm

((Got it, writing turn up when I can..))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 08, 2014, 05:00:33 pm

Angel recovers a bit and starts trying to find someone to talk to or something to do.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 08, 2014, 05:49:02 pm

Summon lighters and gasoline hoses!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 08, 2014, 05:53:00 pm

Angel feels like she should be avoiding Alan. Moreso than usual, that is.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on February 08, 2014, 10:52:43 pm

Use my club as a makeshift tent pole.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 03:36:31 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2014, 02:10:58 pm

He took a deep breath and began to speak his mind. "I'm sorry, Irine. I was... I was being a bipolar moron during the mission and the Staging Area, and I screwed up." Zechariah pauses for a moment, looking at the ground. "I let myself get carried away and I'm doing more harm than good, and I ignored your advice when it came to the point where I could have won the mission also. I'm sorry for being more of a burden than I have been a help." Zechariah gives a very small smile, more resentful than it is relieved. "By trying to help people, I've actually hurt them more, and I don't know if there's a way to make it up now."

"You didn't actually do any harm Zech. During the mission, you wouldn't have been able to escape anyway. Back in the Staging Area, I wasn't going to convince Him to revive my host anyway. During the mission, you saved Angel and me. You stopped our pursuers when I couldn't. The only person that got hurt from what you did was yourself. I'm not who you should apologize to. You are."
I sniffle once, but try to maintain eye contact anyway.
"You didn't hurt me Zech."

---

((by the way, editing in your post like that didn't mark the thread as having a new post. I only noticed because I've been actively refreshing the thread every couple hours to check in case you did exactly that.))

---

((Oh, um, I don't know how good Zech is at catching lies, but in Irine's mind, everything she said but the very last sentence, the one where she is making a point of maintaining eye contact, is true. that last part where she's making a point of keeping eye contact is a white lie.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 09, 2014, 03:55:23 pm

Wander around.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2014, 06:07:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 03:36:31 pm

"You didn't actually do any harm Zech. During the mission, you wouldn't have been able to escape anyway. Back in the Staging Area, I wasn't going to convince Him to revive my host anyway. During the mission, you saved Angel and me. You stopped our pursuers when I couldn't. The only person that got hurt from what you did was yourself. I'm not who you should apologize to. You are."
I sniffle once, but try to maintain eye contact anyway.
"You didn't hurt me Zech."

---

((by the way, editing in your post like that didn't mark the thread as having a new post. I only noticed because I've been actively refreshing the thread every couple hours to check in case you did exactly that.))

((Yeah, I expected that... I wish there was a way to mark a modification as a "new post" because I don't want to have to confuse Paris with new posts.))
Zechariah sighs. "It's hard to feel like I did anything beneficial when even my own entity despises my persona. She wants me to be a cold blooded killer, and that's not who I am. That's not who you are either." He relaxes his shoulders a little bit. "I know it's not healthy to put myself down, but I don't want to put the blame on anyone else's hands." Zechariah tries to steady his voice. His eyes are now of a softer, more clear tone.
"Um. How are you with your entity, by the way? If you don't mind me asking.."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 06:15:17 pm

I cross my arms in front of me, my hands cupping my elbows, and look down at D's fox-form beside me, and allow one of my tails to brush him.
"I... I don't... I... She... Could we talk about anything that's not that? It's... complicated."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2014, 06:30:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 06:15:17 pm

"I... I don't... I... She... Could we talk about anything that's not that? It's... complicated."

Zechariah holds his breath, and curses to himself mentally.
Good job, idiot. You never stopped to consider if she had problems with her entity either?
"I'm sorry. What happened during the mission after I... erm... disconnected?"
Zechariah sets his staff down on the ground behind him. He didn't need it at this time.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 07:48:23 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 08, 2014, 02:01:39 pm

Spoiler: GM's Eyes Only (click to show/hide)

Use my power to turn into a vegetable to scare the being >: )

Spoiler: My Eyes' Response. I made sure no other bodypart of mine read this message. (click to show/hide)

You transform into a giant potato, one that would surely win every county fair tuber contest in existence. Seriously, you look like a mix of genetically modified and watered with radioactive waste that came straight from an environmentalist's worst nightmare.
Your potatoness limits your sensory capabilities, but you can hear the being speaking inside your potatobrain nevertheless.
Hahaha... Oh, come on, that's just silly.

((Now you just have to grow some detachable bodyparts and be Mr. Potato Head.

Oh, and I don't know a thing about county fairs, I just assumed that if there are competitions about largest pumpkin, it's only logical for largest potato contests to exist.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2014, 02:16:52 pm

Create a field of bearflowers to frolic through in the Staging Area.

You create a number of cartoon-like brown bears that wear enormous sunflowers with big bright yellow petals for collars. They walk like they're filled with helium, jumping with each step. They maintain a stupidly happy smile on their face.
They immediately gang up on Alan (who is currently trapped under a giant machine) and stop him from lighting a fire. They continue by trying to convince him him that only he can prevent forest fires and that bears are the greatest animal in existence.

---

Quote from: Fniff on February 08, 2014, 02:18:42 pm

Jordan didn't go for creation. He preferred alteration and observation.
Stand and watch quietly.

Well, there are many words one could use to describe the situation in the staging area. But only one that really fits: Crazy.
You idly contemplate if god-like power brings madness or if it is the other way around and why humanity hasn't destroyed itself yet.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 08, 2014, 02:23:35 pm

Politely wait for the girl, then walk with her to the others.

The girl speaks for a while and then walks back to you. Se seems slightly... different.
You proceed to the center of the area, where the scene is one of chaos and madness. Bears with collars made of flower petals, giant robots, a giant machine with a giant piece of colorful plastic attached to it, a pale man, a man with big ears and a little girl walking around looking confused.
The fox-girl you are with is looking around. Probably trying to understand what's going on.
"So," she asks "I distinctly remember someone else being here, someone flaring up with fire when I was observing this place earlier." He lets that statement-question hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
"Are you people some sort of traveling inventors?" Not a completely unreasonable question, concerning the scenery.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 08, 2014, 05:49:02 pm

Summon lighters and gasoline hoses!

You summon plenty of lighters and gasoline hoses. You would use them, if you weren't immediately surrounded by a large number of brown bears wearing a collar made of yellow flower petals around their necks and a stupid grin on their face. They prevent you from using your tools and begin lecturing you about the fact that only YOU can prevent forest fires and that bears are the greatest animal ever. And you are powerless to stop them.

---

Quote from: NAV on February 08, 2014, 10:52:43 pm

Use my club as a makeshift tent pole.

Well, it's certainly less claustrophobic now. Not much brighter. Perhaps there's something you're forgetting?

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 09, 2014, 03:55:23 pm

Wander around.

I will refer you to the above posts for a description of what's going on in the staging area. Except for coolrune, he's not there.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 03:36:31 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2014, 02:10:58 pm

He took a deep breath and began to speak his mind. "I'm sorry, Irine. I was... I was being a bipolar moron during the mission and the Staging Area, and I screwed up." Zechariah pauses for a moment, looking at the ground. "I let myself get carried away and I'm doing more harm than good, and I ignored your advice when it came to the point where I could have won the mission also. I'm sorry for being more of a burden than I have been a help." Zechariah gives a very small smile, more resentful than it is relieved. "By trying to help people, I've actually hurt them more, and I don't know if there's a way to make it up now."

"You didn't actually do any harm Zech. During the mission, you wouldn't have been able to escape anyway. Back in the Staging Area, I wasn't going to convince Him to revive my host anyway. During the mission, you saved Angel and me. You stopped our pursuers when I couldn't. The only person that got hurt from what you did was yourself. I'm not who you should apologize to. You are."
I sniffle once, but try to maintain eye contact anyway.
"You didn't hurt me Zech."

---

((by the way, editing in your post like that didn't mark the thread as having a new post. I only noticed because I've been actively refreshing the thread every couple hours to check in case you did exactly that.))

---

((Oh, um, I don't know how good Zech is at catching lies, but in Irine's mind, everything she said but the very last sentence, the one where she is making a point of maintaining eye contact, is true. that last part where she's making a point of keeping eye contact is a white lie.))

D. looks at both of you with a questioning look but says nothing.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2014, 06:07:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 03:36:31 pm

"You didn't actually do any harm Zech. During the mission, you wouldn't have been able to escape anyway. Back in the Staging Area, I wasn't going to convince Him to revive my host anyway. During the mission, you saved Angel and me. You stopped our pursuers when I couldn't. The only person that got hurt from what you did was yourself. I'm not who you should apologize to. You are."
I sniffle once, but try to maintain eye contact anyway.
"You didn't hurt me Zech."

---

((by the way, editing in your post like that didn't mark the thread as having a new post. I only noticed because I've been actively refreshing the thread every couple hours to check in case you did exactly that.))

((Yeah, I expected that... I wish there was a way to mark a modification as a "new post" because I don't want to have to confuse Paris with new posts.))
Zechariah sighs. "It's hard to feel like I did anything beneficial when even my own entity despises my persona. She wants me to be a cold blooded killer, and that's not who I am. That's not who you are either." He relaxes his shoulders a little bit. "I know it's not healthy to put myself down, but I don't want to put the blame on anyone else's hands." Zechariah tries to steady his voice. His eyes are now of a softer, more clear tone.
"Um. How are you with your entity, by the way? If you don't mind me asking.."

((Mildly related, but if you modify your action a long time after posting it, it might be a good idea to mention it in another post or just post a new action post instead, because I sometimes start working on a post in the morning, do stuff and then finish it in the night.))
"Oh, her? Don't worry about it, she's always been a bitch. So stuck up. Always thinking she and her boyfriend are the best there ever was. Just ignore her. That's what I do."
"Not that you don't need some improvement, of course. Just don't let her bring you down, mate. You gotta stay positive!"

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 06:15:17 pm

I cross my arms in front of me, my hands cupping my elbows, and look down at D's fox-form beside me, and allow one of my tails to brush him.
"I... I don't... I... She... Could we talk about anything that's not that? It's... complicated."

D. gently rubs his head against Irene's leg in response.
I would prefer it if you didn't tell Stellar of our little talk, by the way. Irene hears a voice in her head. Or anyone for that matter. There's no telling who might use that info against her.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2014, 06:30:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 06:15:17 pm

"I... I don't... I... She... Could we talk about anything that's not that? It's... complicated."

Zechariah holds his breath, and curses to himself mentally.
Good job, idiot. You never stopped to consider if she had problems with her entity either?
"I'm sorry. What happened during the mission after I... erm... disconnected?"
Zechariah sets his staff down on the ground behind him. He didn't need it at this time.

D. approaches your staff, sniffs at it curiously and gently pokes it with his forepaw before looking at you.

---

((Like I said, both missions starting on Tuesday or Wednesday.))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 08:05:45 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 12:20:30 am

"B-but you brought me here and what will I do if they're not friendly!" Theri's ears drooped, "Awh...I just don't want to leave you behind. Promise you'll stay with me, ok?"

Do the first note mentioned earlier-to the brown-colored person!

"But I- I can't-... The others-" He sighs and looks down. "Look. There's no reason to worry. You'll be fine. You don't need my help. But... if you really want this..."
He reaches out with his forepaw and touches your arm. "Observe." he says.
You lift your arm and watch as a black stripe forms and extends around your wrist like a bracelet, changing the color of your white fur. You look down only to see that he has disappeared without a trace.
"Now I'll be with you for as long you want me to be." you hear a voice in your head.

You return to the man who is waiting for you.
You both walk to the center of the area, where the scene is one of chaos and madness. Bears with collars made of flower petals, giant robots, a giant machine with a giant piece of colorful plastic attached to it, a pale man, a man with big ears. And a little girl that is walking around looking confused. The brown-colored person doesn't seem to be here anymore.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 08:25:21 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 08:13:10 pm

"So," Theri said, "I distinctly remember someone else here, flaring up with fire when I last saw it. Are you people some sort of traveling inventors?"

Ask mwahaha.

River?
Riiiiver?
I've to ask-you're sure you're ok in this form? I-I guess this means you've somehow bonded yourself to me, or are you somewhere else that's not here with me?

((Edited your very apt question in the current turn.))
"Not exactly. I just... hitched a ride, so to speak. When you've been traveling for as long as I have, you pick up a few tricks. Learn to be flexible. This trick has got me past guards so many times..." he says with a small laugh.

"It is a bit... uncomfortable but I'll be fine as long as it doesn't take more than a day."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 09:00:33 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 08:26:46 pm

Ooohh, please tell me where to meet you though. I wouldn't want to travel without you-my kind guide and all. Was there anything about these people that caught your eye? Or was it the fire-starter...because I can't find her.

"Oh, don't worry. I won't leave your side... or arm, as it is right now." he says with a small laugh.

"They're a strange bunch, made stranger by their strength. With their troubles and their good moments. Their virtues and their faults. Like all humans. That's what makes them interesting.
Look at the man standing beside you for example. He was a soldier but now he is trting to help people. And that little girl, the one who isn't older than 7 years, she's very powerful and yet she doesn't know how to use that power."

"This is a place between worlds. A safe area where people from many different worlds meet. A place for people to travel through to other places. Places where they can watch the stories of the world unfold. And interact with them, if they so wish.
There are rooms for people here. Personal spaces. Perhaps the one who started the fire returned to hers to calm down a bit."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 09, 2014, 07:55:15 pm

Run away from the bears and towards...anyone. Discard powers, get powers that make stuff. Like, summony powers.

"What's going on?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2014, 08:34:13 pm

Spoiler: GM'S FACE ONLY (click to show/hide)

Transform back to human, stumble down the passage in one way.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 08:39:00 pm

"Well, um, that person you tried to save was our final opponent. She was... disabled, at the same time you were. So, after that, we went down and finished the last steps of the mission. But, at the end, when we were deciding who would take the... escape vehicle, out. I... I..."
I squeeze my eyes shut at this point, my arms holding each other tightly.
"I tried to get two of us out at the same time, using my small size. And it... it almost worked. But I... I failed at the end. I couldn't pilot it well enough. I damaged it as we left, and it... It wasn't able to land anymore. It... It exploded at the end when we tried, and killed everyone. It counted as us winning the mission, but..."

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2014, 08:34:13 pm

Spoiler: GM's FACE ONLY

((The GM squeezes his eyes tightly shut just before opening the spoiler, then repeatedly slams his face forward into his computer monitor, trying to read the message.
"WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING?!?"))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 09, 2014, 08:50:45 pm

"Yes, there was someone else here, she appears to have left.  As to your other question, we are a group of people with a wide assortment of abilities, such as that fire.  It appears that some of us are inventors.
Bryan looks around the area and shakes his head, "What in the world?  I don't even know what's going on here."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 09, 2014, 08:59:42 pm

AAAAAAAAAAHEATHENABOMINATIONSAGAINSTCOLBERT

Pick up those plunger swords I had earlier and charge at them!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 10, 2014, 02:54:14 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 08:39:00 pm

"Well, um, that person you tried to save was our final opponent. She was... disabled, at the same time you were. So, after that, we went down and finished the last steps of the mission. But, at the end, when we were deciding who would take the... escape vehicle, out. I... I..."
I squeeze my eyes shut at this point, my arms holding each other tightly.
"I tried to get two of us out at the same time, using my small size. And it... it almost worked. But I... I failed at the end. I couldn't pilot it well enough. I damaged it as we left, and it... It wasn't able to land anymore. It... It exploded at the end when we tried, and killed everyone. It counted as us winning the mission, but..."

Zechariah relaxes somewhat further. Up until this point his shoulders were still a bit tense, but he decided to let it go.
"It's not your fault. Mistakes will happen, no matter how hard we try to prevent them. I.. I know this by heart, since it's what I had to live with as a Medium. Seeing worlds die and fall to the Shadow, in the hopes that one day we'd finally awaken those who are asleep and erase the Shadow." Zechariah lowered his eyes, trying not to think of times past.
"So don't blame yourself for those who died. Don't let their deaths be in vain. You and Ike won, so you have more power, right?" He manages a small smile. "Use your power to save others now. Focus on the future. We make mistakes, but we also create gateways to clarity. You create gateways to clarity, not a path of destruction."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2014, 04:05:22 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 09, 2014, 07:55:15 pm

Run away from the bears and towards...anyone. Discard powers, get powers that make stuff. Like, summony powers.

"What's going on?"

"Summony powers"? Such a vague description could mean anything... Let's hope for a 6... Ah, well, close enough.
You gain the ability to summon lesser demons from the first and second circles of hell, provided you perform the correct ritual. It involves a pentagram with a pentagram drawn inside every pentagram and chanting in backwards Greek and forwards Latin at the same time.
You gain the ability to automatically teleport away from any bears in a 30 meter radius. It immediately teleports you a good distance away, among some trees and rocks.
"People are going mad with power, I think. It's like... Ever watched a movie called The Sphere? No, wait, silly question. You're from a different universe, I can't expect you to have the same movies there."

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2014, 08:34:13 pm

Spoiler: GM'S FACE ONLY (click to show/hide)

Transform back to human, stumble down the passage in one way.

Spoiler: THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GM'S NOSE, NOW IN ALL CAPS!!!111!!ONE!11!! (click to show/hide)

You transform back into a human. You're feeling a bit peckish.

I'm assuming you want to go to the staging area? If yes, you go there and see what the others are doing. Sorry for not providing a better description but there are only so many ways I can describe flowerbears before it becomes boring.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 09, 2014, 08:50:45 pm

"Yes, there was someone else here, she appears to have left.  As to your other question, we are a group of people with a wide assortment of abilities, such as that fire.  It appears that some of us are inventors.
Bryan looks around the area and shakes his head, "What in the world?  I don't even know what's going on here."

"...Aren't you their companion? It always pays to be informed of what your companions are doing." the girl comments.  "Though a more important question is why you are all here. What are you all doing here?
And would you mind if I tried my hand in inventing?"
She extends her arm and a flower with white, orange and red petals appears in her palm.
"To lighten up the mood, of course."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 09, 2014, 08:59:42 pm

AAAAAAAAAAHEATHENABOMINATIONSAGAINSTCOLBERT

Pick up those plunger swords I had earlier and charge at them!

The plungerswords are about half a meter to your left. You extend your arms to grab it but you can't quite reach it. The bears are getting more insistent with their lecturing and are slowly approaching.
This is the wampa cave all over again.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 08:39:00 pm

"Well, um, that person you tried to save was our final opponent. She was... disabled, at the same time you were. So, after that, we went down and finished the last steps of the mission. But, at the end, when we were deciding who would take the... escape vehicle, out. I... I..."
I squeeze my eyes shut at this point, my arms holding each other tightly.
"I tried to get two of us out at the same time, using my small size. And it... it almost worked. But I... I failed at the end. I couldn't pilot it well enough. I damaged it as we left, and it... It wasn't able to land anymore. It... It exploded at the end when we tried, and killed everyone. It counted as us winning the mission, but..."

"Actually the missile didn't explode, it just crashed into the ground and fragmented into many little pieces. Which I guess you could call explode, although when people usually say explode they mean the detonation of an explosive. Then again, there's the expression 'his head exploded like a melon'. Anyway, the real explosion was at the lab you left, that thing went up in... in... ummm... it was... I mean, erm, the missile... Who is speaking? Did anyone hear anything? Because I sure didn't! Must have been the wind, yes?" *awkward half-laugh* "Yes!... Wind... In... the cave... Yeah..." *looks left and right with a panicked look* "Oh fates protect us! That fox is a dinosaur! Quick, ignore everything he says and run away!" he says and starts running towards a wall. He passes through it and disappears amongst a shower of golden sparks.

---

Everyone
Everybody hears a voice in their head and feels an almost imperceptible urge to move towards the staging.
Those already in the staging area see the shadow man Angel call Charlie appearing on a rock. He mutters something about the state of this place.
"If everyone could converge at the staging area, that would be great. I have an announcement to make. Something to improve the mood, so to speak."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2014, 08:39:00 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2014, 08:34:13 pm

Spoiler: GM's FACE ONLY

((The GM squeezes his eyes tightly shut just before opening the spoiler, then repeatedly slams his face forward into his computer monitor, trying to read the message.
"WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING?!?"))

((I DON'T KNOOOW!!! *bang* I WAS BANGING MY HEAD ON THE SCREEN FOR LIKE AN HOUR *bang* BUT THE ONLY THING I MANAGED TO DO IS TO MAKE EVERYTHING RED!!! *bang* WHY DID YOU FAIL ME FACE?!? *bang,bang* WHYYYYYY?!? AAA*bang*AAA*bang*AAA*bang*AAAAAAA-*crash* (http://imageshack.com/a/img546/913/vbql.jpg)
Ahem. Ok. I've stopped laughing now. Let's be serious again. Or back to my normal level of silliness at least.))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 01:19:16 am

Quote from: Alarith on February 09, 2014, 08:50:45 pm

"Yes, there was someone else here, she appears to have left.  As to your other question, we are a group of people with a wide assortment of abilities, such as that fire.  It appears that some of us are inventors.
Bryan looks around the area and shakes his head, "What in the world?  I don't even know what's going on here."

"...You aren't their companion? It always pays to be informed of what your companions are doing." Theri says, "Though why you're all here is another question. What are you all doing here? And would you mind if I tried my hand in inventing?

"To lighten up the mood, of course."

Converse

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2014, 04:05:41 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 09:09:36 pm

So...do you think I can give her a gift? Like-what do you know other fox-folk like me would generally like? I'll try to prepare that!

Follow advice and prepare happy-gift! Give to said person if possible, and tuck it away if not present!

"I'm not sure what she would like... She's rather... unlike you. Unique. Never met anything like her before. She's like you in that regard. Strange how you can be so similar and yet be so different."
"And I always thought that the best gifts you could give were the kind of gifts one can use. A knife, a good meal, a piece of advice, a wonderful experience... But I cannot think of what she might need..."
"But I've seen people do this before. Exchanging gifts that hold a certain beauty. Perhaps she would like something like that? Yes, something like that might work."
You extend your hand and a flower appears in it. It looks like a lily, with petals starting from red center and white edges, with an orange color in between.
"You think something simple, like that will do? Or maybe she would prefer something a bit more complex?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2014, 04:17:38 pm

Do a tuck and roll over to the plunger swords and brandish them at the bears while repeating that song I made up at war cry volume.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 10, 2014, 04:19:53 pm

"You misunderstand. What is, is. I know this as well as you. But I have a responsibility to the girl who was my host. I stole her free will Zech. I took away her ability to choose. What happens, happens. I can handle the blood on my hands from the people I killed, but I owe that girl. She was supposed to escape. I was supposed to have saved her. To let her be free again and make her own choices, to decide her own fate. She never got that choice Zech. That... That's unacceptable. That's completely unacceptable. Better death than slavery of the mind, and I enslaved her. I had a good reason, and I did my best to do what she would have wanted, but I never asked her permission Zech. I just stole it.

and I never gave it back."
At this point I'm visibly shivering, my eyes tightly squeezed shut, and my arms holding each other tighter than ever. My ears are compeletely flat, and my tails are braided together behind me.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on February 10, 2014, 04:21:11 pm

Jordan contemplated the question. Humanity was one of the few species that Jordan found labeled what was perfectly natural behavior for themselves (Such as sex, or murder) as completely immoral, yet still committed these acts while self-justifying it in such a way that not only would they not be in a position of blame, but exalted above their fellow men for it. Similarly, humanity managed to balance out "horrifyingly godlike power" and "total insanity even by their own standards" surprisingly well just thanks to the laws of pure chance and the fact that humans tend to get distracted by overwhelmingly petty shit and thus people who could have destroyed the world were stopped by their mere ability to care more about getting people to like them/taking revenge on a pitiful infraction/self-destructing spectacularly due to their own neuroses.

Jordan liked being a human. Anything else would be harder to exploit. While he was philophising, a niggling thought came at him that he decided to vocalize. It would probably not get a straight or honest answer, but it was worth posing. It would at least provide some insight into his teammates opinions on what is going on.
"So, as we are doing this, how much time is passing in our home universes? I'm not sure if I want to go back and find I've been gone 50 years."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 10, 2014, 04:25:42 pm

((Eh. I was imagining something more general, but this works.))

Angel headed over to Charlie.

"What is it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on February 10, 2014, 04:26:46 pm

Eria walk over and sits.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on February 10, 2014, 04:29:20 pm

Shrink down the tube man, escape from it, and listen to what Charlie has to say.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on February 10, 2014, 04:45:28 pm

Wiggle out of the mechsuit and look at the dude.

"Sup?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 10, 2014, 04:56:22 pm

Walk towards this "Staging Area".

"How do I know exactly where this place is like I've walked the path a million times?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2014, 04:57:32 pm

GET RID OF THESE BEARS AND I'LL GO!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2014, 05:00:44 pm

Frolic along with the bears for a moment, then converge on the staging area.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 10, 2014, 05:14:36 pm

"I just got here, so I barely know anything that's going on.  All of this stuff happened when I went out to investigate that barking sound, which was you I guess.  As to what we are doing here, there are some very powerful people who are having a fight, and they seem to be using us as their weapons."
When Bryan sees the flower he smiles, "That's beautiful.  I wish I was a bit more creative.  I've never done well creating unique things.  Maybe I'll have to try again sometime."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 10, 2014, 09:34:16 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 10, 2014, 04:19:53 pm

"You misunderstand. What is, is. I know this as well as you. But I have a responsibility to the girl who was my host. I stole her free will Zech. I took away her ability to choose. What happens, happens. I can handle the blood on my hands from the people I killed, but I owe that girl. She was supposed to escape. I was supposed to have saved her. To let her be free again and make her own choices, to decide her own fate. She never got that choice Zech. That... That's unacceptable. That's completely unacceptable. Better death than slavery of the mind, and I enslaved her. I had a good reason, and I did my best to do what she would have wanted, but I never asked her permission Zech. I just stole it.
and I never gave it back."

I do wonder if she is a Medium, Zechariah thought to himself. She has the qualities of one...
Zechariah crouches down and gently puts one hand on Irine. "Hey, look at me. I wanted to help the girl who was being controlled by that parasite also. I tried what I could to coax her into fighting the parasite, to breaking free." Zechariah closes his eyes for a moment.
"I told her... that she would be okay. I.. lied. She didn't end up okay, did she?" His voice quivers for a moment. "She had her free will taken, but not by someone who wanted to help. Her will was taken by a killing, unfeeling machine. You said it yourself. You did the best you could to do as she might have wanted, and you tried to keep her alive to the end." With his free hand, Zechariah clutches at his jacket collar.

"That's better than I can say I did. I failed two people who had their free will taken. One girl who became a killer, controlled by a parasite. The other was my host, who I don't even know what he wanted in the end. But I took his will and used it to my own ends. They were both killed in the end. If there's anyone to blame it's me, not you. You tried your best." Zechariah pauses to take a breath.
"What would have happened if you had refused to connect to her as your host? The entities who run this don't care about the same things you and I care about. They care about winning and results. They would dispose of you in some limbo and select another candidate. A candidate who doesn't care as much about the lives of others and who would gladly throw away lives in order to get the mission done. You did the absolute best you could. Maybe in a future mission we'll have a chance to bring your host back. But don't blame yourself, not now, not ever."

"Your host is counting on you to win this, so that you have a chance at bringing her back."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 10, 2014, 10:54:50 pm

I open my eyes and look up at Zech, letting him leave his hand resting on my head, my shivering having mostly stopped when he touched me.
"C-careful with that Zech. J-just because I-I-I couldn't st-stop it, d-doesn't make it r-right. I still-ill owe her. I'm responsible for, for whatever happened to her in my care. I need, to not only do, do what she wanted, but to, to return her in good condition. Th-that was my res-responsibility, for taking control. I... I acomplished the first, first part. B-b-but I... I... My job is not done, ok? It... It is not done. I owe her."
My tails slowly unwind as I speak.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 02:40:00 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 10, 2014, 04:17:38 pm

Do a tuck and roll over to the plunger swords and brandish them at the bears while repeating that song I made up at war cry volume.

You try to roll away. The giant tube-man machine is still over you.
Thankfully, it seems to deflate like a balloon and shrink to its original size. You try to lift it but you can't lift it all the way. You do manage to wiggle under it enough to reach one of your plungerswords. You grab it and point it at the bears while screaming your songs.  The bears continue to approach, joined in their merry dancing by Ike. That traitor.

The bears and the machine over you dissolve into dust and scatter into the wind.

Well, that was anticlimactic.

Quote from: Fniff on February 10, 2014, 04:21:11 pm

Jordan contemplated the question. Humanity was one of the few species that Jordan found labeled what was perfectly natural behavior for themselves (Such as sex, or murder) as completely immoral, yet still committed these acts while self-justifying it in such a way that not only would they not be in a position of blame, but exalted above their fellow men for it. Similarly, humanity managed to balance out "horrifyingly godlike power" and "total insanity even by their own standards" surprisingly well just thanks to the laws of pure chance and the fact that humans tend to get distracted by overwhelmingly petty shit and thus people who could have destroyed the world were stopped by their mere ability to care more about getting people to like them/taking revenge on a pitiful infraction/self-destructing spectacularly due to their own neuroses.

Jordan liked being a human. Anything else would be harder to exploit. While he was philophising, a niggling thought came at him that he decided to vocalize. It would probably not get a straight or honest answer, but it was worth posing. It would at least provide some insight into his teammates opinions on what is going on.
"So, as we are doing this, how much time is passing in our home universes? I'm not sure if I want to go back and find I've been gone 50 years."

"You will return at the exact moment you left. Does that answer your question?"

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 10, 2014, 04:25:42 pm

((Eh. I was imagining something more general, but this works.))

Angel headed over to Charlie.

"What is it?"

You try to approach but you are immediately teleported away the moment you cross some invisible line.

Perhaps you should try again?

Quote from: scapheap on February 10, 2014, 04:26:46 pm

Eria walk over and sits.

Good lizard.

Quote from: NAV on February 10, 2014, 04:29:20 pm

Shrink down the tube man, escape from it, and listen to what Charlie has to say.

The tubeman deflates like a balloon and shrinks down to its original size, becoming lighter in the process. You use a combination of your club and pure strength to escape from under it.

You sit down near the shadowman.

Quote from: Toaster on February 10, 2014, 04:45:28 pm

Wiggle out of the mechsuit and look at the dude.

"Sup?"

"Nothin'. Just chillin'. Killin'."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 10, 2014, 04:56:22 pm

Walk towards this "Staging Area".

"How do I know exactly where this place is like I've walked the path a million times?"

It's just a door. It's not that hard to know how to open a door and walk thr-
Oh. I forgot to write the door in the description of your personal area.
Sorry. For some reason parts of my posts are disappearing, I think. Or maybe I'm too sleepy when I write these turns and my brain is playing tricks on me, showing things that don't exist. Because every morning, when I reread the turn, I spot at least one silly mistake or missing word.
Anyway, it's an old looking door near the cave wall, made of wooden boards. You just walk through it. After you open it of course. It's not some kind of ethereal door.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2014, 05:00:44 pm

Frolic along with the bears for a moment, then converge on the staging area.

You join the bears in their happy frolicking and happy dancing while Alan screams at you about betraying him for the suckiest animal in existence.

You shrug and then go sit on a rock near the shadowman.

---

"Charlie" looks at a non-existent watch on his wrist and mutters something.
He waves with his hand like he's clearing a fowl odor. In response, wind picks up.
The bears, the giant machines and most of everything you have summoned that is larger than a watermelon disintegrates into dust and scatters into the wind.

The white fox girl approaches and speaks to him for a few seconds before going away again.

He uses his hands to form a megaphone and shouts in the direction of Irene's portal.
"Hey! You two! Mage and Firefox! Whatever it is you're doing, you can do it later. I need you two to come here now. Everybody, me included, is waiting for you."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 10, 2014, 10:54:50 pm

to return her in good condition.

((I kinda feel sad for Irene right now, however whenever I read the above, I can't help but imagine the host as some sort of rental car that has to be returned in good condition.
"Well, I see here that you have returned your host in a mostly dead state."
"Isn't that covered by the insurance?"
"I'm afraid not. We'll cover the dismemberment but you'll have to pay extra for the revivification."))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 03:09:12 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 09:36:57 pm

Theri pouted a bit at the idea, then brightened up. I think aesthetics would do! I believe its more in the sentimental value...but people are pretty much different due to their upbringing. Hrm...cheers to finding out!

She raised the flower a bit in the air-as a salute to River's idea and also as a way of appreciating it more.

So what things do you like?

"Yes, I guess we'll have to find out. Glad you like it. Hope she likes it too."

"Hmmm... I think I already told you I like to travel, but it's more than that.
I like to experience things. New things. We come to this world to learn. To change the world and be changed by it in turn. To become better adapted to the world. That's why I chose this name. River. The river moves and twists and branches and merges with others and changes its path overtime, sometimes to go around an obstacle and sometimes by destroying an obstacle. Sometimes it's a violent torrent and sometimes a calming stream. Sometimes a source of wealth and happiness, sometimes a source of destruction and sorrow.
 
I also like to hunt. To corner my prey, outsmart it. To see it weak, cowering before me. To feel warm blood in my mouth, soft tasty flesh rended by my teeth. To prove I am a good hunter.

And I like to fight. Danger in all its forms. I like to see what I can do. Push myself to the limits. Measure my strength against the strength of others.

And finally, I like to help people. Help them become better. And learn from them in turn. And perhaps... in the process... also become their... friend."
He seems a bit hesitant, a bit shy when saying that final sentence.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 09:40:46 pm

Oop.

Approach staging area. Hand over flower discreetly to the man and ask him to give it to the brown girl I saw earlier!...if he knows her. If not, wait for her along with the rest!

The man tells you that it would be better if you gave it yourself and that she will be coming soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 11, 2014, 02:52:34 pm

Zechariah kept his voice as gentle as possible. His wings and irises were with a softer and clearer tone.
"You're right, we're not done yet. But in order to get her back, I need you to accept that what happened has passed, and that you had the best intention to prevent it. And then, you can complete the other missions, and I'll help you do whatever is possible to get her back to life. But don't feel like it was all your fault."
He gives Irine a light hug, still speaking softly.
"This game is going to test us unfairly. If we get through it, we'll bring her back. I promise that I will do everything in my power to do so."
Zechariah hears the shadow man impatiently asking them to hurry up.
"Are you ready, Irine?"

Exit to the Staging Area.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 11, 2014, 03:04:19 pm

I nod once.
"ok."
I shake myself free, take a single deep breath, a little ridgidly move my arms down to my sides, take another deep breath, look up at Zech, and nod once.
I then go back through the portal to my area, and out into the staging area.

---

The first thing I do after I come out of the portal, is I yell at admin-guy (charlie).
"Hey! Stay out of my head! I felt that little compulsion you stuck in there when you yelled the first time. My headspace is Mine, got that?"

Quote

Everybody hears a voice in their head and feels an almost imperceptible urge to move towards the staging.
Those already in the staging area see the shadow man Angel call Charlie appearing on a rock. He mutters something about the state of this place.

((Just so you know what she's referring too.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 11, 2014, 03:15:58 pm

Run up and shake Blue's hand for vanquishing the bears.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 03:28:06 pm

Angel looks at Charlie.

Since I'm bored, I'll have her start sketching the pentagrams.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 11, 2014, 06:27:31 pm

Bryan shrugs, moves closer to the shadow man and pays attention.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 11, 2014, 02:52:34 pm

Zechariah kept his voice as gentle as possible. His wings and irises were with a softer and clearer tone.
"You're right, we're not done yet. But in order to get her back, I need you to accept that what happened has passed, and that you had the best intention to prevent it. And then, you can complete the other missions, and I'll help you do whatever is possible to get her back to life. But don't feel like it was all your fault."
He gives Irine a light hug, still speaking softly.
"This game is going to test us unfairly. If we get through it, we'll bring her back. I promise that I will do everything in my power to do so."
Zechariah hears the shadow man impatiently asking them to hurry up.
"Are you ready, Irine?"

Exit to the Staging Area.

"What were you doing in there? Why's the Firefox all puffyeyed? Did you bang her so badly that you made her cry?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Physical trauma doesn't cause pain in the staging area. He was clearly conducting espionage and engaging in psychological warfare. Well done, my champion. I hope you learned many secrets with which to crush her."

Quote from: Lenglon on February 11, 2014, 03:04:19 pm

I nod once.
"ok."
I shake myself free, take a single deep breath, a little ridgidly move my arms down to my sides, take another deep breath, look up at Zech, and nod once.
I then go back through the portal to my area, and out into the staging area.

---

The first thing I do after I come out of the portal, is I yell at admin-guy (charlie).
"Hey! Stay out of my head! I felt that little compulsion you stuck in there when you yelled the first time. My headspace is Mine, got that?"

Quote

Everybody hears a voice in their head and feels an almost imperceptible urge to move towards the staging.
Those already in the staging area see the shadow man Angel call Charlie appearing on a rock. He mutters something about the state of this place.

((Just so you know what she's referring too.))

"Hey now, there's more compulsion in a telemarketing ad than the one I gave you. But fine, whatever. I'll just drag you out next time. I was just trying to be polite."

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 11, 2014, 03:15:58 pm

Run up and shake Blue's hand for vanquishing the bears.

You run over to "Blue" and try to grab his hand, but it's like trying to grab smoke.
"Hah, this never gets old." the shadow man makes a half laugh. "It's even funnier when someone tries to charge at me. That look on their face when they pass through me, just before they hit the ground... now that's priceless."

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 03:28:06 pm

Angel looks at Charlie.

Since I'm bored, I'll have her start sketching the pentagrams.

You start drawing. You have a feeling this will take a while.
Do you read the descriptions of the powers I'm giving you?

Quote from: Alarith on February 11, 2014, 06:27:31 pm

Bryan shrugs, moves closer to the shadow man and pays attention.

I'm sorry, but "Blue" there only accepts bribes in power units, not attention.

---

"Okay then, now that we're all here _(finally) I'd like to talk to you about the next challenges.
First of all, the gist of this, for our new players, is simple enough. Complete the objectives we give you, you gain more power, we gain entertainment and when you complete enough challenges, you get to go home. I think it's a pretty simple, good, straightforward deal, don't you?"
He starts slowly walking on top of the rock he is standing on.
"Now then, about the challenges... There have been some complaints that you are hurting people, taking away their free will, being bad guys, etc, etc. These challenges will address these concerns.

First off, we have a challenge involving deep synchronization. You will enter your hosts as passengers. And if you want, you can just remain in the passenger seat and watch their stories unfold. No input required on your part. If free will concerns you so much, you can just let them die free men. No big deal, right? Just don't do things that will contradict with your host's character too much. Deep synchronization is harder to maintain. You're going  back to the same universe as before. Let's see if you can fix some of the problems you caused...
I think for this one, I'm going to choose... you, you, you... you.... aaand you two."
Every time he points someone an orb of shadowfire is launched from his fingertip and towards the person he is pointing. When they hit them, the balls form into symbols and letters:
Zechariah gets a Theatre Mask with the word Spy written under it.
Ike gets a Pistol with the word Agent written over it.
Irene gets a Human with the word Seeker written on its left.
Alan gets a Knife with the word Killer written on its right.
The white fox girl gets a Heater Shield with the word Medium written on it.
Bryan gets a Scalpel with the word Instrument written under it.

"The rest will participate in the defense of a colony that is under attack by a BETA. Think big robot. Very big. Like, building sized big. From space. I've evacuated the area because, frankly, with what happened last mission, I don't trust you to be on the same planet as my civilians. Hopefully, you should be able to stop it before it causes significant damage. And you won't cause more damage than it does in the process.
You'll get a more extensive briefing when the mission begins."

"Any advice, questions, goodbyes, mind blowing revelations? Now is the time to share, because we'll begin in a minute."
((That means tomorrow.))

---

Peregrine
((Tiruin was busy so I acted on her behalf and informed her of such:))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 12, 2014, 10:39:24 am

Hey, just writing to say that I had your character do something, hope you don't mind.
Here it is, with Lenglon's response:

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2014, 01:45:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

What? That looks like... Is she one of kj1225's kitsune? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124749.msg4254930#msg4254930)
"I... I... thank you. Um, this... This might be a kinda weird question, but I was wondering if we might be from the same place. Do you know who kj1225 is?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 17, 2014, 07:30:43 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"And by the way, if you were right next to me-I'd pet you. Human or not. Because you're cute that way.
And obviously, you are my friend. Silly."

"I- That- Thank you. I'm- Thank you." River says, unable to find the words to express his feelings. "I'm truly honored to be your friend."
"I'm suddenly both glad and sorry I don't have a body. I guess we'll have to wait until we get back."
_{"Hah. Nobody has called me cute in a long time."} he adds mostly to himself.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"You can choose your name? Wow, that's amazing! So..so that means you have another name, right?"

"About my names, I have some titles mostly, but none of them is terribly interesting."
He continues a bit more reluctantly.
"I... had another name once. When I was younger. The first name I was given. Darkstar. But... that's not who I am anymore. At least, that's not all I am."

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"Hmm, about the travel," Theri hefted her kite shield, examining it, "I think what we're going to see would be quite the adventure, don't you agree?

((The shield is mostly a symbol of what you will be doing. Not an object you will be using.))
"Oh, yes. This will be interesting. We'll be guiding people, protecting them. Similar to what I do."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 09:17:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

((Idea: The flower is bound to Irene's soul. It shows up with her whenever she shows up somewhere, in a host or in the Staging Area. Not much use, but it's a nice touch.))

Quote

Do you read the descriptions of the powers I'm giving you?

((Yes. So?))

---

"I'm going to be fighting the robot?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 11, 2014, 09:28:41 pm

Zechariah rubbed his thumb across the wood of the staff out of annoyance, but kept silent. In his other hand was the mask that the shadow entity had given him.
Don't worry about the entities, Zechariah thought to himself. Or was it Selene still? He couldn't be sure, his spirit was still recovering from being shut down. Focus on the task at hand.
Looking over at the others, he was a bit miffed that someone else had an item with the word "Medium" on it, but he was still fine with that. What he was more concerned with was that he had obtained a mask. This was like Zedekiah Iaunum all over again. It had too much similarity to Zedekiah's power: as the Shadow, Zedekiah used his mask to impersonate, manipulate, and crush people and their spirits. It unnerved Zechariah.
It's okay. It's just another part of what I've embraced. I have to learn to control it at some point.
...I'm not a Spy though.
Zechariah spent a few moments looking down at the mask and became unsure of whether he wanted to continue or not with this power still. He gave a quick glance towards Irine.
I've made a promise. Zechariah turns his attention to the shadow entity.
"...I am ready."
I am ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Xantalos on February 11, 2014, 09:35:54 pm

Alan gazes at the knife.
This says KILLER on it! Cooooooooolll!

Wave knife around people's eyes while showing it to them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 09:45:36 pm

Avoid getting hit by knife.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: NAV on February 11, 2014, 10:04:14 pm

Be a robot.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on February 11, 2014, 10:12:41 pm

John idly wonders to himself why Alan keeps getting involved in murder.

"I'm ready.  Alan, rest of you, have fun in there.  As far as the robot, how much time to prepare will we have when we get there?"

Ask.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Alarith on February 11, 2014, 10:18:50 pm

Curious, I wonder what it means to be an instrument  Bryan wondered as he turned the scalpel around in his hands.
"I am ready."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2014, 12:51:07 am

"Sounds like good, clean fun, it does. Let's hope that-wait, wait a second! Are our hosts going to be powered like we are?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Lenglon on February 12, 2014, 01:45:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"What were you doing in there? Why's the Firefox all puffyeyed? Did you bang her so badly that you made her cry?"

I shall ever so thoroughly enjoy feeling the pulse of his final heartbeat between my teeth.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Don't be ridiculous. Physical trauma doesn't cause pain in the staging area. He was clearly conducting espionage and engaging in psychological warfare. Well done, my champion. I hope you learned many secrets with which to crush her."

What? Someone wants to weaponize my sense of ethics against me?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Hey now, there's more compulsion in a telemarketing ad than the one I gave you. But fine, whatever. I'll just drag you out next time. I was just trying to be polite."

Good, best to let him be rude but stay out of my mind. I need to be able to trust my own thoughts and feelings morso than anything else.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

What? That looks like... Is she one of kj1225's kitsune? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124749.msg4254930#msg4254930)
"I... I... thank you. Um, this... This might be a kinda weird question, but I was wondering if we might be from the same place. Do you know who kj1225 is?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Okay then, now that we're all here _(finally) I'd like to talk to you about the next challenges.
First of all, the gist of this, for our new players, is simple enough. Complete the objectives we give you, you gain more power, we gain entertainment and when you complete enough challenges, you get to go home. I think it's a pretty simple, good, straightforward deal, don't you?"
He starts slowly walking on top of the rock he is standing on.
"Now then, about the challenges... There have been some complaints that you are hurting people, taking away their free will,

WHAT?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

being bad guys, etc, etc. These challenges will address these concerns.

First off, we have a challenge involving deep synchronization. You will enter your hosts as passengers. And if you want, you can just remain in the passenger seat and watch their stories unfold. No input required on your part. If free will concerns you so much, you can just let them die free men. No big deal, right? Just don't do things that will contradict with your host's character too much. Deep synchronization is harder to maintain. You're going  back to the same universe as before. Let's see if you can fix some of the problems you caused...

He is, isn't he. He lied earlier, my so-called personal area isn't so personal, is it. He listened in on me and Zech. And now he's going too...
They couldn't break me with murder and death, so now they want to break me like this. Make me willfully ignore my sense of ethics or face annihilation.
I've got to find a way out.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

I think for this one, I'm going to choose... you, you, you... you.... aaand you two."
Every time he points someone an orb of shadowfire is launched from his fingertip and towards the person he is pointing. When they hit them, the balls form into symbols and letters:
Zechariah gets a Theatre Mask with the word Spy written under it.
Ike gets a Pistol with the word Agent written over it.
Irene gets a Human with the word Seeker written on its left.
Alan gets a Knife with the word Killer written on its right.
The white fox girl gets a Heater Shield with the word Medium written on it.
Bryan gets a Scalpel with the word Instrument written under it.

Ok, ok, memorize it, memorize it all. This is going to matter later. Memorize every detail now, figure out the pattern later. memorize it all.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"The rest will participate in the defense of a colony that is under attack by a BETA. Think big robot. Very big. Like, building sized big. From space. I've evacuated the area because, frankly, with what happened last mission, I don't trust you to be on the same planet as my civilians. Hopefully, you should be able to stop it before it causes significant damage. And you won't cause more damage than it does in the process.
You'll get a more extensive briefing when the mission begins."

"Any advice, questions, goodbyes, mind blowing revelations? Now is the time to share, because we'll begin in a minute."

"Can we speak with our hosts? Will we have time to acclimate ourselves before the real mission begins?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 04:42:04 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 02:40:00 pm

Good lizard.

Eria suddenly has the urge to hurt someone she never met and has no idea why.

"What a robot?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 12, 2014, 09:04:45 am

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 04:42:04 am

"What a robot?"

"A big machine, that can move and think and stuff."
Angel's grasp on robotics isn't the strongest, but she's pretty much right here.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on February 12, 2014, 09:14:33 am

"Ah. We're taking down a giant robot. Right. Are we talking Pacific Rim big? Are we going to have to pack some severe firepower?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on February 12, 2014, 09:16:26 am

John points to the mech suit he summoned.  "See that?  Imagine that was moving around on its on instead of when I was driving it.  That's a robot.  Except the mission one will be much bigger and shooting at you."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 10:16:36 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 12, 2014, 09:04:45 am

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 04:42:04 am

"What a robot?"

"A big machine, that can move and think and stuff."
Angel's grasp on robotics isn't the strongest, but she's pretty much right here.

"A mecheen..." she thinks "Like a windmill?"

Quote from: Toaster on February 12, 2014, 09:16:26 am

John points to the mech suit he summoned.  "See that?  Imagine that was moving around on its on instead of when I was driving it.  That's a robot.  Except the mission one will be much bigger and shooting at you."

Eria look at the mech "Ah! Like a golem."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Toaster on February 12, 2014, 11:30:15 am

John looked askance at Erica.   "Uh... sure."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2014, 11:39:02 am

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 10:16:36 am

"A mecheen..." she thinks "Like a windmill?"

"Imagine a windmill, except it's actually a giant and you have to fight it. That's what a robot is!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 12, 2014, 12:18:44 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2014, 11:39:02 am

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 10:16:36 am

"A mecheen..." she thinks "Like a windmill?"

"Imagine a windmill, except it's actually a giant and you have to fight joust it. That's what a robot is!"

((FTFY.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 2
Post by: Fniff on February 12, 2014, 12:33:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2014, 11:39:02 am

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 10:16:36 am

"A mecheen..." she thinks "Like a windmill?"

"Imagine a windmill, except it's actually a giant and you have to fight it. That's what a robot is!"

"So we're finishing the job that Don Quixote started?

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2014, 04:22:15 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 09:17:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

Do you read the descriptions of the powers I'm giving you?

((Yes. So?))

Quote

You gain the ability to summon lesser demons from the first and second circles of hell, provided you perform the correct ritual. It involves a pentagram with a pentagram drawn inside every pentagram and chanting in backwards Greek and forwards Latin at the same time.

We have both infinite recursion and conflicting actions.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 09:17:18 pm

"I'm going to be fighting the robot?"

"A BETA. Not a robot, not really. More like a lifeform with mechanical and electronic components."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 11, 2014, 09:28:41 pm

Zechariah rubbed his thumb across the wood of the staff out of annoyance, but kept silent. In his other hand was the mask that the shadow entity had given him.
Don't worry about the entities, Zechariah thought to himself. Or was it Selene still? He couldn't be sure, his spirit was still recovering from being shut down. Focus on the task at hand.
Looking over at the others, he was a bit miffed that someone else had an item with the word "Medium" on it, but he was still fine with that. What he was more concerned with was that he had obtained a mask. This was like Zedekiah Iaunum all over again. It had too much similarity to Zedekiah's power: as the Shadow, Zedekiah used his mask to impersonate, manipulate, and crush people and their spirits. It unnerved Zechariah.
It's okay. It's just another part of what I've embraced. I have to learn to control it at some point.
...I'm not a Spy though.
Zechariah spent a few moments looking down at the mask and became unsure of whether he wanted to continue or not with this power still. He gave a quick glance towards Irine.
I've made a promise. Zechariah turns his attention to the shadow entity.
"...I am ready."
I am ready.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 11, 2014, 09:35:54 pm

Alan gazes at the knife.
This says KILLER on it! Cooooooooolll!

Wave knife around people's eyes while showing it to them.

Quote from: Alarith on February 11, 2014, 10:18:50 pm

Curious, I wonder what it means to be an instrument  Bryan wondered as he turned the scalpel around in his hands.
"I am ready."

You all simultaneously try to grab the objects. You all fail. Your hands pass right through them. You end up looking like a bunch of cats trying to catch a ribbon.

Quote from: NAV on February 11, 2014, 10:04:14 pm

Be a robot.

Beep boop. (http://youtu.be/RG0ochx16Dg)

Quote from: Toaster on February 11, 2014, 10:12:41 pm

John idly wonders to himself why Alan keeps getting involved in murder.

"I'm ready.  Alan, rest of you, have fun in there.  As far as the robot, how much time to prepare will we have when we get there?"

Ask.

((Did Alan kill anybody besides that guard in the entrance? I think he only ever killed that guy.))

"At least 5 minutes. Maybe more. Depends on how long it takes it to get down from orbit. You'll be notified when it is close."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2014, 12:51:07 am

"Sounds like good, clean fun, it does. Let's hope that-wait, wait a second! Are our hosts going to be powered like we are?"

"No, not like you are. You can choose to take over and use your powers though."

Quote from: scapheap on February 12, 2014, 04:42:04 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 02:40:00 pm

Good lizard.

Eria suddenly has the urge to hurt someone she never met and has no idea why.

Who's a good lizard? You's a good lizard. Who wants a treat? You wants a treat. Who wants their belly rubbed? You wants their belly rubbed. Who was a good girl? You was a good girl. Yes you was. Yes you was.

Quote from: Fniff on February 12, 2014, 09:14:33 am

"Ah. We're taking down a giant robot. Right. Are we talking Pacific Rim big? Are we going to have to pack some severe firepower?"

"Not sure really. It's still changing. But if I had to guess, I'd say about 15-20 meters high, maybe larger."

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2014, 01:45:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"What were you doing in there? Why's the Firefox all puffyeyed? Did you bang her so badly that you made her cry?"

I shall ever so thoroughly enjoy feeling the pulse of his final heartbeat between my teeth.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Don't be ridiculous. Physical trauma doesn't cause pain in the staging area. He was clearly conducting espionage and engaging in psychological warfare. Well done, my champion. I hope you learned many secrets with which to crush her."

What? Someone wants to weaponize my sense of ethics against me?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Hey now, there's more compulsion in a telemarketing ad than the one I gave you. But fine, whatever. I'll just drag you out next time. I was just trying to be polite."

Good, best to let him be rude but stay out of my mind. I need to be able to trust my own thoughts and feelings morso than anything else.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

What? That looks like... Is she one of kj1225's kitsune? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124749.msg4254930#msg4254930)
"I... I... thank you. Um, this... This might be a kinda weird question, but I was wondering if we might be from the same place. Do you know who kj1225 is?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"Okay then, now that we're all here _(finally) I'd like to talk to you about the next challenges.
First of all, the gist of this, for our new players, is simple enough. Complete the objectives we give you, you gain more power, we gain entertainment and when you complete enough challenges, you get to go home. I think it's a pretty simple, good, straightforward deal, don't you?"
He starts slowly walking on top of the rock he is standing on.
"Now then, about the challenges... There have been some complaints that you are hurting people, taking away their free will,

WHAT?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

being bad guys, etc, etc. These challenges will address these concerns.

First off, we have a challenge involving deep synchronization. You will enter your hosts as passengers. And if you want, you can just remain in the passenger seat and watch their stories unfold. No input required on your part. If free will concerns you so much, you can just let them die free men. No big deal, right? Just don't do things that will contradict with your host's character too much. Deep synchronization is harder to maintain. You're going  back to the same universe as before. Let's see if you can fix some of the problems you caused...

He is, isn't he. He lied earlier, my so-called personal area isn't so personal, is it. He listened in on me and Zech. And now he's going too...
They couldn't break me with murder and death, so now they want to break me like this. Make me willfully ignore my sense of ethics or face annihilation.
I've got to find a way out.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

I think for this one, I'm going to choose... you, you, you... you.... aaand you two."
Every time he points someone an orb of shadowfire is launched from his fingertip and towards the person he is pointing. When they hit them, the balls form into symbols and letters:
Zechariah gets a Theatre Mask with the word Spy written under it.
Ike gets a Pistol with the word Agent written over it.
Irene gets a Human with the word Seeker written on its left.
Alan gets a Knife with the word Killer written on its right.
The white fox girl gets a Heater Shield with the word Medium written on it.
Bryan gets a Scalpel with the word Instrument written under it.

Ok, ok, memorize it, memorize it all. This is going to matter later. Memorize every detail now, figure out the pattern later. memorize it all.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

"The rest will participate in the defense of a colony that is under attack by a BETA. Think big robot. Very big. Like, building sized big. From space. I've evacuated the area because, frankly, with what happened last mission, I don't trust you to be on the same planet as my civilians. Hopefully, you should be able to stop it before it causes significant damage. And you won't cause more damage than it does in the process.
You'll get a more extensive briefing when the mission begins."

"Any advice, questions, goodbyes, mind blowing revelations? Now is the time to share, because we'll begin in a minute."

"Can we speak with our hosts? Will we have time to acclimate ourselves before the real mission begins?"

((I thought Irene had mentioned something about free will but the closest I could find was this:

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2014, 03:21:56 am

I at least tried to save her, and to do with her life what she would have wished had she retained her will.

So I guess it's a case of IC knowledge getting mixed up with OOC knowledge. Sorry. If you ask, I'll just say that he deduced it from the above statement or something like that.))

The girl looks at you with a confused look on her face. She clearly has no idea what you're talking about.

"You can speak to them, but I don't think they'll appreciate it very much. Suddenly acting out of character is one thing, it can be covered up. The mind of most humans actually wants to be tricked, to find an excuse. It wants to have a story to attach itself onto and if it lacks a story, then it will easily create one or accept one that is provided. Stories are what holds their mind together, in a way. The narration forms their conscious mind.
Hearing a voice in your head or noticing the dissonance between the two of you on the other hand might be enough to cause desynchronization. It removes that frame of reference they have. Breaks the narration. Frightens them. Even if you get them to agree with your existence, their mind will subconsciously continue to try to defend itself from your presence. Deep synchronization is not designed for that sort of thing.
If you want to start talking to them, better take it slow. But, like I said, better to not do it at all or at least mask it somehow. Try to be subtle if you try to communicate with them."

"And this isn't a mission in the usual sense. Your objectives will be a bit more vague. You'll be more of a guardian angel than an agent with a goal. You'll see what I mean when it starts."

"Oh, and one last thing. You will be completely isolated during the challenge. The only one you would be able to communicate with is the one that chose you and your Interface. Communicating with other players will only be possible if you happen to come across them."

---

"So, if there aren't any further questions..."

"Charlie" flicks his hand. In response, the shadowy objects expand until they envelop their owners. The flames then shrink, their owners gone.

"As for the rest of you...

Another flick of his hand and the staging area transforms into a void inside a blueish dome made out of thousands of symbols.

"You'll be using your real bodies for this mission, so no black void for you. Don't worry same rules still apply. You will be protected from death."

"Standby for mission briefing..."

---

((Sorry for the delay, was waiting for a response to some PMs I sent. Please wait while I write the intros.

Completely irrelevant, but I just noticed the forum puts a birthday cake near your age when it's your birthday.))

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2014, 04:22:48 pm

Chaos. (http://youtu.be/wBMfUzxp4n4)
There are... things... everywhere. Images, sounds and words filling your perception, forming a mosaic that is seen, heard and felt.
You can feel a presence looking at the chaos with you. You can feel her, analyzing everything, applying filters, making crude deductions, forming connections between the data. She's constantly checking the way the data fit together, the connections she discovers forming a spiderweb of white lines connecting the individual parts of images and transcripts of voice data, gauging how each group affects abstract values representing some overall states and objectives, graphs and numbers changing ever so slightly with every event registered, every connection discovered. She uses that to learn and extrapolate, creating a fuzzy overlay for her web, a shifting pyramid extending behind the first layer.
But there's no thought going on in any of this, no contemplation. It's just instinct, a constant race to react and adjust to the flow of information to better predict the next wave. You can see however points forming in the overlay, points where the data converge, weaknesses in the world, choices, turning points.
Trying to focus on or remember any of the data is as impossible to you as it is to her, but for different reasons. She doesn't remember because she is uncaring. The data is captured, used to alter the way she thinks and then discarded with tremendous speed (with the exception of a few that she considers important enough to file away, a name here, a picture there). Despite the speed everything is changing, you can catch glimpses of things. Faces highlighted to indicate the individuals' emotions, a report on the crash of the stock market, a filter analyzing the background noise of a phone-call, predictions for the likelihood of snow in the next half hour, two teens whispering to each other as they stare the sun setting on the sea from a dock, the spiderweb of white lines connecting everything together.
For a while everything is happening too fast to really make much sense. But there is balance in the data, peace, the events of the entire world unfolding before you eventually evening out, not having a significant effect on the data points important to her.
And then, a sudden shift in the overlay.
Whatever force is providing you this experience thankfully(?) slows things down enough for you to understand what's going on, to identify the origin. A recording of a phone-call is being analyzed, the transcript being formed as the man on the line speaks the words.
"Hey. It's me." The man says in a hoarse voice further burdened by static.
You notice her bringing up data from her archives, connecting them to the phone-call. In the mental frame the focus provided by that external force has given you, you can see a scan of an official looking piece of paper with the picture of the man, along with things like name, occupation and education, with more lines escaping from the frame.
"Hey, what's up?" Another man, this one with a softer voice and a younger looking face to go with it. He sounds kinda distracted, his attention somewhere else. "Sorry about before, I was-"
"I saw her." The first man blurts out. There's only silence on the other end for a while. She is working furiously now, forming innumerable links to come to a simple and obvious conclusion.
"...Saw her?... How? Where did you-?" The picture of a house, the caller's house, before the other even has a chance to process it.
"That's the strange thing. Listen, I can't talk about my-"
"Okay, okay. I'm coming over." The line closes with a click and a tone, as she computes a route between their locations.
A turning point has formed, massive, affecting the sea of predictions on an immense depth. And the results could be unfavorable, catastrophic in the future, if it doesn't play out the way she needs it to. For the first time in the hours you've been watching her, you see her do something different. Red lines forming between different groups and the one this turning point represents, her predictions changing with each link tested, sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst. She's trying to decide what to do.
She settles on a result. A small push, a small exercise of her power and the red line turns white, a new data point formed, the two groups now connected by her actions.
A change made, minimal effort spent for maximum effect, the point tipped to her favor from the uncertain balance of unknown variables. She files the data away and continues observing, not waiting to see the results of what she has set in motion.

The phone is ringing.

---

Harry Baldman
Reviewing archives...
A child. He's so annoying. Thinks he's so great. You wish he was gone.
Reviewing archives...
Your mum is moving around the house. Hurriedly putting things in a suitcase. You're scared. You don't know what's going on. She says you have to go. You don't want to go. All your friends are here. She says not to worry. That it will be better there. It will be a nicer place. A place where you can have everything you need. A place where all people are free.
Reviewing archives...
There are scary men with guns guarding the dock, all with uniforms. They're searching everyone, asking for papers. The ship is on the other side but how are you going to get there?
Your mum says she's sorry.
Reviewing archives...
She told you to run so you run. You did not look back. You're almost at the ship. A man is urging you on but you can't understand exactly what he's saying. You jump on board and turn around to look for your mom.
The lights are blinding you but you can see her silhouette pushing a man with a gun and then running along with other people. The ship rumbles and starts moving. Not yet, you can't leave, she's coming. The man next to you ignores your yelling. He shouts something in that language you can't understand and pushes you down.
There are many loud noises and the sound of metal striking upon metal.
When the man finally lets you get up, you're too far away. You can see people lying on the dock. The man touches you on the shoulder and says something.
Your vision is getting blurrier.
If only you had been better.
Reviewing archives...
It's cold. But you have to keep moving.
The man in the uniform is yelling at you to be heard over the strong wind. Telling you what you're going to be. How you are going to be making a better world. Freeing people. Killing bad guys.
You believe him. You want to do that. You want to become better. So that others are spared.
Reviewing archives...
The important looking man is saying many important sounding words, giving you much praise for your special skills. You don't pay much attention. You already pieced the clues together before he got to utter a word. You don't care how hard it's going to be. You knew it the moment you chose to do this.
This is going to be it. Your chance. Revenge.
Reviewing archives...
You're back. This used to be your home, but not anymore. The same dock and yet completely different. You disembark and walk to meet the men in uniforms.
Review complete.

The phone is ringing.

You look at the display. It reads "Operator". The name seems familiar, like something at the tip of your tongue. And yet the action feels strange. It feels like you are just a passenger. You can see, you can feel, you can remember thinking about looking at the display but it all feels... alien. Disconnected.
Entering deep synchronization mode. Standby... Oh, right, the entities, the "games". Almost forgot.
You (or rather your host) picks up the phone.
"Yes sir?"
"Something's come up. Something big. Need you in my office. Now." comes the voice from the other end of the line.
"Right away si-." The line is cut while you're still talking.
You get up and out of your office (more like a cubicle with a door, filled to the brim with official looking folders, than an actual office) and make your way to the end of a hallway made from similar offices, occasionally spying other people inside some of those that have plastic windows in their walls. You reach an actual office and wait for the secretary to clear you to enter.

Unlike the first mission, there is no dulling of the host's thoughts and emotions as yours get clearer. You're still on the passenger seat, you're just slowly gaining a better view and the ability to nag at the driver.

You enter the office. There's a man in a black suit and a red tie, sitting behind a heavy wooden desk and in front of an emblem you've seen a lot around here, in the files and in the walls. A cross inside a circle with an eagle's head emerging from the outline of the circle.
"We've received a tip from one of our deep cover operatives." The man starts speaking the moment the door is closed. "He says he is in danger. He says he needs help. He says he has important information. Very important information."
He looks you straight in the eyes.
"We have reason to believe he is telling the truth."
He passes you a piece of paper.
"You are to meet him there and learn whatever you can. ... Neither his comfort nor his survival are required."
He looks around as if to make sure nobody is listening.
"Be warmed, you've impressed a lot of people with your achievements. Now They are watching. Do well and you might gain a position among our ranks. Disappoint and.... well, you don't want to disappoint."
"Yes sir. Thank you sir." Your host feels elated and terrified at the same time.
"Good. Now go. Time is of the essence."

You make your way out of the office and to a hall full of elevators. You enter one going down and push the button for the armory.

"Deep synchronization complete." The voice comes from a silver thing in your wrist. It looks like a watch, but with a reddish crystal orb where the face would be. Thankfully, no one else in the elevator seems to notice it.
"Team Primary Objective: Kill Target Amethyst.
Personal Secondary Objective: Hidden."
"A serious guy? And the second tearful backstory in a row? Someone clearly doesn't know neither you nor me. And, frankly, all this 'avenge my parents' stuff is giving me a very BruceWaynian vibe."

The elevator drops you off at the Armory, a white hallway with a man in a uniform sitting in an armored booth near a metal door.

"Hey! Going on the field again?" the man asks with a semi-excited tone.
"Yeah." replies your host disinterested.
"Big thing?"
"Something like that." continues your host, mildly irritated by the questioning.
"So, what can I get for you today?"

Action?(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/3730/g58w.gif)

---

DarkArtemisFowl
Reviewing archives...
Can you believe that guy? How can he be such an idiot? How can he not see this?
Reviewing archives...
The fireball in the sky. The sirens sounded too late. Everybody is running.
You know how to run better.
Reviewing archives...
You can't see in the darkness of the shelter. But somehow, you know. You can tell where she is. The knowledge doesn't comfort you. It means she's gone.
Reviewing archives...
You've got to do something. Things were bad before but now they are getting worse. Everything is falling apart. What are you going to do?
Reviewing archives...
Old friend. From school. He always helped you. He's telling you he has something that would interest you. Work. Work is good. Work means food and shelter. Work means not living in the rubble and drinking contaminated water. Even if it's dangerous work. Even if it's ferrying messages for "criminals".
Reviewing archives...
He didn't tell you this new work would be so much more dangerous. He didn't tell you you had to wear a mask. Running and hiding and snooping is fine, but the mask is harder. Especially when you have to work to keep it up. Work with the enemy. Do things that are against you. Luckily, there are other people here. And working against those bastards is rewarding enough. Now you just need to get past that guard...
Reviewing archives...
The names have changed but work stays the same. You're starting to think that this was a mistake. That perhaps it is time to stop hunting and run away again. And then it happens. The lights flicker and the ground moves.
Reviewing archives...
News haven't been coming in since that... thing happened. They say they killed the Leader. There has been more work and more danger. People everywhere are starting to get scared. Perhaps change is finally coming. You're hoping it will be for the better this time, but experience has taught you otherwise.
Review complete.

The phone is ringing.

You pick it up without thinking, eyes still on the numbers in the old CRT monitor.
"Hey buddy!" comes the voice from the other side. "Got a minute to talk? My break is coming up and I got some girl trouble I need some advice on."
"Sure! Come on up!" Your voice sounds eager and yet you feel afraid.
"OK. Be there in a jiffy." You hang up.
Entering deep synchronization mode. Standby... The voice reminds you what's going on, why you feel... different.
You search among the piles of papers in your cramped office for a device, something like an antenna crossed with a portable fan and set it up on your desk, flipping its switch to activate it. The image on the screen deforms as a result.
A few nervous moments later, there's a knock on the door. Another man comes in, closes the door, removes a similar looking device from his pocket and activates it.

"Have you gone full retard?! What are you doing with that thing here? You wanna blow both our covers? Wanna get us both killed or-"
"Quit your whining. A tip came down at Intel. There's a snitch on our side. He asked for a meeting, wants to spill the beams for protection."
"So? Get it out the usual way and let the others take care of it."
"Can't. The meeting is gonna take place tonight. Operator has already called an Agent, top priority stuff too. I think they suspect something. Might be on to me."
"Fuck! Fuckfuckfuck!"
"Exactly." After a second, the man adds "I need you to get there before the Agent and pose as him. You've got the right papers. Get the snitch, get him outta there, find out what he knows and take care of him."
"Fuck. Fuck, okay."
"Here's the info." he says as he hands you a piece of paper. He extends his arm as if inviting you to arm wrestle. "For the cause?"
"For the cause!" you whisper as you clasp hands.
He retrieves his device and exits, while you deactivate yours and leave a while later. You make your way to the elevator, pushing the button for the garage. You check to make sure the elevator is empty and then get in.
"Deep synchronization complete." The voice comes from a silver thing in your wrist. It looks like a watch, but with a bluish crystal orb where the face would be. Thankfully, no one else seems to notice it.
"Team Primary Objective: Target Amethyst must survive past the time limit.
Personal Secondary Objective: Hidden."
"The side of the 'angels'? Hmph... Let's see what you can do..."
You (or more accurately your host) get in and sigh. The fear in his mind is clear. One way or the other, this won't end well for him.

Action?(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/3730/g58w.gif)

---

Xantalos
Reviewing archives...
They all think you're strange. And yet... Why do they do that?
Reviewing archives...
You will survive. There's nothing else in your mind. The bombs won't kill you. You will survive. Even if you have to push and shove and yell, you will survive. Instinct drives you forward, past the explosions.
Reviewing archives...
You will survive. You won't cry anymore. You won't beg for food. You won't wait in line for a scrap of bread and half a cup of water. You will survive. Even if you have to work for what others call scum. You don't care what the others call you. You never did. You'll take what you need to survive. These thoughts go through your mind while you watch your accomplices selling what you stole, some people desperate enough to offer their houses for a box of food and medicine.
Reviewing archives...
You will survive. The boss asks you to kill, so you kill. You won't end up on the side of the dead for some stupid principle. You accept the gun and the picture of the man. The beginning of a career.
Reviewing archives...
You need this. Every kill makes you feel stronger. More complete. You need this. You need to slice this man's throat. You need to feel his blood on your hands. There is no other way.
Review complete.

The phone is ringing.

You walk up to the old looking phone in the bar and pick it up.
Entering deep synchronization mode. Standby...
"I have another job for you. There's a guy coming. Meet him in the back in a minute." The line closes before you have a chance to respond. Not that you would of course. Nobody would be that stupid.
You check under the counter. Your sawn-off shotgun and knife are there. You hide them under your thick coat. Ready.
I'm going to be gone for a moment. Watch the bar for me?
"Sure." the other responds. He should be able to handle it. It's almost empty. Only the usual drunkards filling their stomachs with poison. Not that you care much about the bar. It's only a front.

It's cold outside. Some snow has accumulated in the dark alleyway. Some stray flakes are falling from above where they had been lifted from rooftops by the wind.

You light up a cigarette to pass the time while you wait, the gray smoke merging with the thin gray line of nothingness rising towards the sky in the east. Everyone is scared. Trying to figure out what it is, what it means. Why it happened. It is irrelevant to you. More chaos means more business for you. More opportunities.
The smoke on the other hand is great. You can almost taste the tax evasion in it.

After a while, a car arrives. Expensive looking. Too expensive looking for this neighborhood. Amateurs.
The man that comes out of it walks with the air of a man who thinks he is the king of the world. So important. Probably working for the government. Those guys are so stuck up. When all they really are is just another kind of criminal, a criminal that gets better bribes, a criminal with good PR, more money and better armed enforcers. One day...

"Hey, you! You're the one they sent for the job?" the man says with a hint of distaste in his voice.
Yes.
"You don't look like much." What is that arsehole going on about? He thinks this is a bloody job interview?
I didn't came here to yak away. You got a job for me or not?
The man's face makes some sort of semi-surprised expression and he murmurs something you can barely make out but is definitely not polite.
"Take this folder. In it there is a place and some pictures. The men on those pictures will be there tonight. They must die. Is that clear?"
Yes. What does he think I am? Some kind of nitwit? Of course it's clear. The way he's speaking, so full of himself, it drives you crazy.
"Deep synchronization complete." The voice comes from a silver thing in your wrist. It looks like a watch, but with a reddish crystal orb where the face would be. The other doesn't seem to notice it.
"Team Primary Objective: Kill Target Amethyst.
Personal Secondary Objective: Hidden."
"Good. I assumer we're all done here then?" the man makes a motion to turn around and start walking away. You (or more accurately, your  host) resist the urge to slice his neck from behind.

Action?(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/3730/g58w.gif)

---

Lenglon
Reviewing archives...
The sun was shining. You were together. Some were friends, some were more than that, some were less, but they were all there and you were all together and happy. You can't remember a day like that ever again.
Reviewing archives...
You were lucky that day. You got to the shelters. You were safe. Now back in your home, you are safe. For now.
Reviewing archives...
She is gone. She wasn't taken by the bombs but by something else. Someone else. You hang up the phone. Who would do that? Why? What can you do?
Reviewing archives...
The man in the door says you have to go. That you are to be drafted. With fancier words, of course. Medical professionals are in high demand.
Reviewing archives...
Another patient you couldn't save. Another one bled to death, fighting a pointless fight. Why couldn't you save him? Why can't you save them?
Reviewing archives...
Damnit. You bang the handset on the phone. Another search and still nothing. At least your tour is over now. You can return home.
Reviewing archives...
The grey pillar in the east keeps rising towards the sky. A wave of light passes overhead, causing waves to rise and the ship to rock from side to side. What was that thing?
Reviewing archives...
You were delayed, but you are here now. Finally. The others are waiting for you. Familiar faces. Some missing.
Reviewing archives...
This night turned differently then expected. You weren't expecting to be walking down the street, alone. Maybe you shouldn't had been so angry. But it was their fault. It's all a joke to them. That thing with the psychic was the last straw. Why do they not understand? The things you've been through. They can't understand. The only thing you have left. You can't give- Huh? What's she doing here? You get in the car, taking the offer for a place to sleep. Looks like you've got a friend after all.
Review complete.

The phone is ringing.

The woman near the sink laughs. You remember that laugh. Didn't hear it all night. She's got her own problems.
"Hey!" the shout pulls you out of your reminiscing. "You gone deaf?"
"Huh?"
"The phone. It's ringing." she says as she indicates the sink. "Little busy here."
"Oh, yeah, right. I'm going." you say and start walking out of the kitchen. "Sorry, I was... distracted."
"Still thinking about your fight with your boyfriend?"
"I told you! It's not like that!" you respond to the tease in a half angry-half laughing tone and pick up the phone.

Entering deep synchronization mode. Standby...

"Hello?" you say absentmindedly, your thoughts elsewhere.
"Hey. It's me." How did he knew you were here? Isn't he still angry at you?
"Hey, what's up?" You reply. "Sorry about before, I was-"
"I saw her." The voice in the phone blurts out. You don't realize what he's talking about at first. But then you do and become even more confused.
"...Saw her?... How? Where did you-?"
"That's the strange thing. Listen, I can't talk about my-" He sounds hesitant. You won't get anywhere like this. You have to go there. You have to know right now.
"Okay, okay. I'm coming over." You put the handset down, still befuddled from the news.


"'Coming over'?" she says as she comes out of the kitchen with a towel in her hands.
"Who was it? What's going on? Where are you going? I thought you were going to stay here. You know, remember the good old times?"
"I... It was Ed."
"So what, you are just going to run after your boyfriend?"
"He found her. I-..."
"What? 'Found her'? Who did he find?"
"I have to go there. He found her."
"...How can you be such an idiot?!" she says, anger clear in her voice.
"What?" her tone takes you by surprise. What's her problem?
"You're fooling yourself. Nobody has seen her for close to a decade now. She's gone!"
"No! She's out there, I know it. I have to save her!"
"No, she isn't! You can't keep chasing after every shadow! You can't keep living in the past! Can't you see what this is doing to you?"
"Just because all of you have given up on her doesn't mean I have. I love her! And I will find her. We are meant to be together!"
You storm out.
"Screw you! Go ruin your life for a fantasy then! I don't care anymore."
You slam the door behind you.

"Deep synchronization complete." The voice comes from a silver thing in your wrist. It looks like a watch, but with a bluish crystal orb where the face would be.
It's cold outside. The street is devoid of life and covered with melting snow. Most lamps are off, their bulbs burnt and left unchanged. Most other houses have their lights closed. You are alone.
"Team Primary Objective: Target Amethyst must survive past the time limit.
Personal Secondary Objective: Hidden."
You wipe the tears out of your eyes and look towards the thin gray line rising towards the sky in the east, wondering what you're going to do now.

Action?(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/3730/g58w.gif)

---

Alarith
"... remains to be seen if the Premier's statements will reassure the Soviet people and their strategic allies. The Chinese Ambassador has already voiced serious concerns over the stability of the Union while some local newspapers claim he used the word 'secession' when talking off the record.
In related news, the string of strange disappearances continues around Ground Zero. Local police officers suspect criminal intent. Criminal organizations who are taking advantage of the situation to abduct people for use in human trafficking or even a serial killer has been suggested, but as of yet evidence has yet to be found supporting either of those theories. Locals claim there is a far more sinister force at play here. Claims have been made of a Demon stalking the rubble. An eye witness, had this to say: 'I was with my friend, we were sitting around the fire to get warm. He thought he heard something and he went to check it out. He never came back. I heard it coming for me from behind. It made a hellish buzzing noise. I run and I saw what was left of my friend. There was blood everywhere. His body was shredded and parts of it were everywhere. Only a demon could had done that. I didn't look back. I kept running and barely got away with my life. When the police came, they said there was nothing there, that all was clean. The demon must had made the body disappear or eaten it whole.' Rescue and containment workers in the area claim they have seen no evidence of such "demon" and that there is nothing supernatural to be afraid of.
In local news, Governor Arthur Curtin declared that the invasion of Val Verde by a joint Soviet and Crown task force and the subsequent arrest of the leader of the international terrorist organization known as 'The Cause' will be a significant positive influence on the stability-"

The phone is ringing.

You get out of your half-sleep, close the television, rise out from under your blanket and walk to your cell phone.
Connection established. Using target default settings. Standby for calibration...
You pick it up and bring it to your ear.
"Agent Four Teen Confirm." comes a monotonous female voice from the other side, followed by a tone.
"Affirmative." you (or more accurately, your host) respond.
"Amethyst Grade Assignment." Amethyst is an important target. Finding her is important. This makes this an important mission.
"Edward Kerr.
Four Three Four North Burn Road.
Investigate.
Interrogate.
Sterilize."
There's a tone and then the connection is cut off.
"Calibration complete." The voice comes from a silver thing in your wrist. It looks like a watch, but with a reddish crystal orb where the face would be.
"Team Primary Objective: Kill Target Amethyst.
Personal Secondary Objective: Hidden."
You wear your clothes. Unassuming but well looking. Not too expensive and not too casual. The coat thick enough to conceal your sidearm. Long enough to hide the knife on your belt. All black and white.
Car keys in the pocket. Ready to go.

Action?(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/3730/g58w.gif)

---

((Let's see how horribly wrong this mission will go.
Keep in mind, this is an experiment, be gentle with your criticism.))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 17, 2014, 07:30:43 pm

So, if you don't have time to read the entire thing, that's the gist of the story of this mission, to help you catch up:
You (Theri) are a passenger to the body of a woman (referred to as your host). You can see what she sees, feel what she feels, know what she thinks, etc.
You can leave her be and simply watch what she does, you can subtly influence her actions or you can choose to take control of her body to use your skills (essentially transfer your stats to her in game terms and allowing you to control her actions). The more you do things that go against her character however, the more she will reject you.
Your goal is to help her.

There was a period when you couldn't influence her when you entered her body and during that time, you saw her talk to a girl and touch her hands while attempting to "see" something about her. Like a medium. Something that was important to that girl.
Your host saw nothing when she touched her and then the girl had an argument with her friends and left. The girl's friends left soon after.
After they left however, your host had a vision showing her the girl will be in danger soon. So she got inside her car and started driving towards the house you saw in your vision.
((You were actually supposed to go to another place first but I'll just cut that part to push you towards the action. Wasn't that important anyway.))

---

((Mission start here.))
Reviewing archives...
You close your eyes and focus, trying to empty your mind, to listen. Nothing.
You open them and look at the girl across the table, at your hands holding hers.
"I'm sorry." She makes a motion to get up but you hold her hand.
"Please. Let me try again. These things take time." you urge her.
She sighs and sits down again.
Reviewing archives...
Your eyes are closed. Still nothing. You've been here for so long.
But you don't want to give up. This is important to her. And you want to help her.
In the darkness and the silence, you hear the other people, the girl's friends whispering and then muffled laughs.
The girl gets up and forcefully pulls her hands from your grasp. You open your eyes just in time to see the anger in her face before she turns around to face her friends. She speaks before you have a chance to say anything.
"Is that all this is for you? A bloody joke?" she shouts. "Brought me here to have a laugh with crazy Zoe? Is that it?"
"No, please, I-" a man says.
"No, you know what? I've had enough of this for the evening. I'm out of here." The girl says and starts walking towards the door.
The man extends his arm to stop her. "Listen to me, let's just-"
She bats his arm away. "No, you listen to me. I expected better from you. Especially you, Ed." she shouts while pointing at him. They remain silent like that for a few seconds.
"I'm leaving. Don't come after me." she says with a defeated tone as she gets out and slams the door.
The remaining people in the room, you included, look at each other awkwardly.
Reviewing archives...
You're standing near the door now. Holding the hand of the man from before.
"I'm sorry about that. I-"
"Don't worry. It's not your fault." you cut his apology short. "I just... I really wish I could help her."
"I'll go pick her up." A woman says as she exits the house. "Meet you back at your place?"
"Sure." the man responds. "Goodbye, Morgan."
"Bye, Ed." she says while closing the door.
Just the two of you in the house now.
Reviewing archives...
The man is leaving now. You force a smile on your face, wave at him and close the door.
You lean against the door and sigh. That was a rough day. Rough session. Even if in the end, there was nothing you could do. You feel tired.
You start walking towards the living room. You stumble and almost fall. Didn't realize you were this tired. Maybe you'll just sit on the couch for a while before...
That's as far as your thoughts go before you collapse into unconsciousness.
Review complete.

You can see pain and suffering. Fires and screams. You can see your friends in trouble, Ed and Morgan. And in the center of it all the girl from before, Zoe. She is running, trying to outrun the thorns growing on her path, a path that is getting narrower and harder by the second. You try to reach her, to help her, but she's just out of reach.

You take a deep breath when you wake up, wet from the sweat.
You're standing on the cold wooden floor. Must have collapsed rand slept right on it.
No. This wasn't normal sleep. That wasn't a normal dream.
That girl is in trouble. You can't ignore that. You have to go help her.
Where to go though? Ed said he would let her stay at his place. That should be the best place to start.
You'd call him if he had a phone. Now you have to drive there.

You get out of your house and into your car. You start driving towards the Southern Suburbs.
"So, this is interesting, isn't it?" comes a voice from a silver thing on the woman's wrist. It looks like a watch but it has a bluish crystal where the face would be. The strange thing is that while you notice it the woman, the one whose body you're currently experiencing this through, your host, doesn't.

"Are you okay? I guess this might feel a bit strange at first. Ask me if you got any questions."

---

((Didn't proofread because I gotta sleep. Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes or missing words or other errors.))

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2014, 04:23:21 pm

Meanwhile...

"Let me tell you a story..."
"Mission Location: Universe 523. Section 787. World 672645193. Colony 5."
As the entity speaks, a symbol in the dome gets larger until it blocks out all others. As the symbol gets larger, it is revealed that the shape is actually a spiderweb made of thousands of interconnected strings. As the symbol gets even larger, you can see that each string is made out of millions of symbols. This continues for a while, zooming in from shape to shape, until your view comes to a galaxy, then a solar system and then a single planet with a single moon (http://imageshack.com/a/img401/6038/u5zg.png).
"BETAs. Techno-Demons. They were a big thing in Universe 523. Top of the food-chain. Some were so large they became Dyson Spheres. Some were even larger and more powerful, bending the laws of physics around them, swallowing entire stars. Most sections were under their control."
"Distress signal registered from Cargo Ship 7. Crew: 1. BETA identification positive. Ship and Crew compromised."
A blue blip appears on the edge of the dome and begins approaching the planet. As it passes by the moon, it becomes red and then disappears.
"They were, however, not evolved for inter-universal conflict. They put up a fight at first, some even came close to becoming a danger to me. It was a costly war, one of the first universes I met that put up a serious fight during integration. In the end, however, they were young, they were divided, they were weaker than me and they fell. I was victorious."
"Contact lost with satellites over Colony 5. Likelihood of BETA targeting Colony 5: High. Threat to Colony: High."
A few red blips appear very close to the planet.
"I did not eradicate them however. Extermination was not my goal. And conservation does have its uses. As long as they stay out of my way, they are allowed to live in peace. This must be a young one. They sometimes get greedy, try to raid a ship or colony to gain more power."
"Possible landing sites:
Alpha: Central Plaza
Beta: Spaceport
Gamma: Undeveloped Land"
The image zooms in on the planet until the Colony (http://imageshack.com/a/img40/551/dzpw.jpg) is visible, buildings of metal plastic and glass, surrounded by green and brown. Three positions are highlighted (http://imageshack.com/a/img854/2130/boz6.jpg).
"We would normally give this mission to a senior Guardian or a group of Trainees and/or Junior Guardians, but I think this would be a great chance to prove that you can work as a team."
"Projected target: Pulse Generator 1."
The image zooms in again, showing a cross section of the Central Plaza. A large metal structure can be seen under it, with a blue dot in its center.
"It is imperative that you do not allow the enemy to reach the Pulse Generator. If it does reach the Pulse Generator, do not allow it to connect with it or destroy it. If it does, I will have to personally intervene and the challenge will be considered a failure. The BETA may also target part of the city's infrastructure. Try to prevent damage to it, if possible."
"Mission objectives follow:
Primary objective: Prevent the enemy from reaching the Pulse Generator. Reward: 1 UP for all participants.
Secondary Objective: Land the killing blow. Reward: Special."
"Of course, since you lack the necessary skills to properly vanquish the demon, whoever lands the killing blow will also get this."
Shadow condenses around "Charlie's" arm into the form of a spear. The darkness solidifies into a silver spear.
"I will send the spear to you when your enemy has been sufficiently damaged. Stab the BETA with it. This will ensure the Demon inside it will never threaten anyone ever again."
"Select an insertion point."
The city is shown again. A set of 6 points is highlighted (http://imageshack.com/a/img545/8343/bfre.jpg).
"Two or more players can choose the same spawn point. Any questions?
If not, discuss any strategy you may have, select a spawn point and we can begin."

Spoiler: Map with Legend (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img545/8343/bfre.jpg)
Blue is a comm array.
Orange is a raw materials processing facility.
Green are parks and the entertainment district.
Blue/Cyan Circle is the Main Governmental Building.
Red is a Manufactury
Purple are buildings that are under construction.
A is a plaza. Large circular open space.
B is a spaceport. Large flat surface with a runway, helipad-like things and a large cage-like structure on top. The gray thing is the bottom of the building, the top is slightly larger.
Γ is undeveloped land. Mostly dirt that has been dug into a bit and been prepared for construction. A very large construction site, essentially.
Each of those squares is about 60m × 60m

---

((I think that if the above three are counted as one, that's the longest post I've ever done...))

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Xantalos on February 13, 2014, 04:44:31 pm

Look in folder. Memorize the locations and the info contained within
GO GET ICE CREAM YOU DUMMY

Good job Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Alarith on February 13, 2014, 05:35:05 pm

If I can, investigate feelings towards employer and Target Amethyst.  If possible see if I can discover my host's plans.  Get the host to see what type of building 434 North Burn Road is.
((Aww, my team is trying to kill the target, oh well.  I'll still do what I can for my team.  Also that spear sounds cool.))

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Toaster on February 13, 2014, 05:57:22 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 13, 2014, 04:44:31 pm

Look in folder. Memorize the locations and the info contained within
GO GET ICE CREAM YOU DUMMY

Good job Alan.

Oh lordy.

---

John looks at the map.  "So... it's landing at one of those three spots and we don't know which one.  Right, so what are this thing's weaknesses.  Will EMPs work well on it?  If not, what is the best weapon to weaken it until we can spear it?"


Choose 5 if it's outside on top of that building.  6 otherwise.

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: scapheap on February 13, 2014, 06:04:27 pm

Eria choose 1

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: NAV on February 13, 2014, 06:09:01 pm

Check to see if I am wearing my usual outfit. Do I still have my club?
Nikolai Choose 2

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2014, 06:34:39 pm

{Irine}
Ok, I need to learn, and she seems to naturally want to do the right thing, and she understands it's urgent and that she needs to move quickly, though she doesn't realize why. I don't need to become a monster yet...
I hate this. I already know that when push comes to shove, I'm going to betray myself and become what I hate. I wish there was a better way.
...
I wish Stellar were here. I want to call out to her, but... No, that would hurt her. I need to look like I'm fine on my own until she is ready to take me back. I shouldn't try to force it.
See what she remembers about her, about Ed, try to remain unnoticed and simply gather as much information as I can.

---

{Irine's host}
I made a decision, I should stick with it. No turning back now.
Go to Ed's home.

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2014, 06:40:59 pm

Zechariah tries to steady the flow of thoughts in his mind.

Relax, Zechariah. This is just like with Artemis, sharing a mind and body, except there is no transferring dimensions or conversing. Simple directions and thoughts...
Thinking about Artemis rustled up some bad thoughts that had been in the back of Zechariah's mind.
...Dammit, Artemis. If you're somehow the one causing trouble in this dimension...

Review the paper, and wait until the elevator gets to its destination. If it gets there in time, look outside cautiously.

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 13, 2014, 10:03:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2014, 04:22:15 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 11, 2014, 09:17:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

Do you read the descriptions of the powers I'm giving you?

((Yes. So?))

Quote

You gain the ability to summon lesser demons from the first and second circles of hell, provided you perform the correct ritual. It involves a pentagram with a pentagram drawn inside every pentagram and chanting in backwards Greek and forwards Latin at the same time.

We have both infinite recursion and conflicting actions.

((Note to self: Sometimes, powers will really be 100% useless.))

Spawn Point 2. Immediately get a movement/attack power. Something telekinetic, maybe. Look around; attempt to locate BETA.
<Um, what can the BETA do?>

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Toaster on February 14, 2014, 09:52:49 am

Note- I'm going to be limited access this weekend.

Title: Re: Special People: Triple post
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2014, 11:11:25 am

"Hey, at least this dude's kind of a badass compared to the untrained schmuck with a sob story I got last time. So I can't really complain that much. I'm sure he'll turn out fine," Ike says to his kind overseer. Now, it seemed to be asking for some kind of action, huh?

>He can probably get you a handgun. Maybe a shotgun as well. Some body armor, maybe. And some tear gas grenades (plus a gasmask) and a bit of plastic explosive if that's permitted. Lots of people are going to die tonight, and many of them shall deserve what's coming.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2014, 01:31:13 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 13, 2014, 04:44:31 pm

Look in folder. Memorize the locations and the info contained within
GO GET ICE CREAM YOU DUMMY

Good job Alan.

I'm going to pretend/hope that you're not yelling that to your host, since it wasn't explicitly mentioned.

You look inside the folder while the man walks away and gets inside his car. The contents of the folder are fairly modest. Just two pieces of paper with two photos attached to each of them. Seems like a lot for one night. The Boss better be paying you some serious money for this.
You (or rather your host) knows both of the locations written in the papers.

One is a place that could barely be called a bar near the edge of the radiation zone. You can find any form of criminal and malcontent there. The booze might as well had been petroleum and fights break out every other minute, but at least it's cheap, has some nice music and the bartender has some ties with your organization. Got some deals done there sometimes. Could be a nice place to start the night.
The photographs accompanying the location are those of two old looking men, one looks Russian and vaguely familiar, the other seems to have a more far-eastern face. Chinese maybe? You don't know. You were never good at this thing. Anyway, both seem old and very official looking, at least in those photos. Not the kind of people you'd expect to find in a place like that. Maybe if you're lucky, someone else will do your job for you.

The other place is some fancy restaurant near the city centre. Never been in it but it looks very expensive from the outside. Has some sort of faux-Japanese theme to it.
The photos you have of the targets from this place look kinda blurry and low quality, like they were taken during surveillance. It's two men, they look about your age and there isn't much special about either of them. Closer examination reveals that one has a small scar under his right ear and looks a bit older than the other.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 13, 2014, 05:35:05 pm

If I can, investigate feelings towards employer and Target Amethyst.  If possible see if I can discover my host's plans.  Get the host to see what type of building 434 North Burn Road is.
((Aww, my team is trying to kill the target, oh well.  I'll still do what I can for my team.  Also that spear sounds cool.))

((It'd a Conflict game-type. Some had to be on the other team.))

You review what you know as you exit your apartment and start walking down the stairs to your car.
434 Northburn Road is near the suburbs, close to the Radiation Zone. Mostly small, one or two story houses there. Must be one of those made of stone, if it survived the fires.
Your employer has had many targets over the time you've been working for her. Some needed to be kept Safe. Some needed to be Investigated. Some needed to be Sterilized. Removed from the equation. Target Amethyst is important to her. You had some missions related to Target Amethyst. Maybe this time you'll finally get to meet this target. And Sterilize her.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 13, 2014, 06:34:39 pm

{Irine}
Ok, I need to learn, and she seems to naturally want to do the right thing, and she understands it's urgent and that she needs to move quickly, though she doesn't realize why. I don't need to become a monster yet...
I hate this. I already know that when push comes to shove, I'm going to betray myself and become what I hate. I wish there was a better way.
...
I wish Stellar were here. I want to call out to her, but... No, that would hurt her. I need to look like I'm fine on my own until she is ready to take me back. I shouldn't try to force it.
See what she remembers about her, about Ed, try to remain unnoticed and simply gather as much information as I can.

---

{Irine's host}
I made a decision, I should stick with it. No turning back now.
Go to Ed's home.

((I actually imagined your host as male, but I guess your host being female wouldn't alter the plot. So sure, let's say your host is female. Will add some variety since from the looks of it we had an almost all male cast. Somehow didn't realize that when I was writing this mission.))

The cold air is making your host shiver. You forgot to get your coat when you stormed out.
Well, you can't keep thinking about that. There's only one thing left to do now. You start walking as fast as you can. You think you remember where he lives, about a quarter of an hour of walking down this street, if you walk fast. It will take you a while to get there.

"I- I'm sorry." you hear Stellar talking to you. "D. told me-... I was being an idiot. This... this isn't about me. It's about you." There is a pause for a few seconds. "But I've put all that behind me. I'm here for you now, if you want me. I will help." She sounds a lot more determined then the last time you spoke to her.

You think about the past while walking.
Ed. Edward Kerr. You know him from school, kept contact after it. Was really the only person you were talking to during your service with the military. Helped with the searches when you were abroad. Even though that PI found nothing in the end. He helped you without asking for anything in return. He's a good guy. You could say he's one of your best friends if not the best. Thinking about this makes you feel bad for shouting at him when you were out.
He didn't have an easy life. Parents died a few years after the end of the war. Cancer got both of them. Not uncommon for those living near the radiation zone. You've always been telling him to leave that place but money was always a problem. He worked in an auto repair shop for a while. Has his own now, or at least one he shares with some other guy until he pays off his loan, he wasn't very clear about that. Does some odd jobs now and then to make ends meet. Lately things have been going a bit better for him, from what he's been telling you.
Where could he had seen her though? And why was he hesitant about this?

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2014, 06:40:59 pm

Zechariah tries to steady the flow of thoughts in his mind.

Relax, Zechariah. This is just like with Artemis, sharing a mind and body, except there is no transferring dimensions or conversing. Simple directions and thoughts...
Thinking about Artemis rustled up some bad thoughts that had been in the back of Zechariah's mind.
...Dammit, Artemis. If you're somehow the one causing trouble in this dimension...

Review the paper, and wait until the elevator gets to its destination. If it gets there in time, look outside cautiously.

The paper says to go to some place downtown and ask for Raul. Never heard of that place before, but then again you don't get out that much.

The elevator doors open to the building's underground garage. Looks empty. Then again, there aren't any shifts starting or ending at this time. Hopefully, you leaving will be seen as you being terrible at your work and not you being a spy.

The thought leaves you in an even worse psychological state. Your host doesn't notice it but your hand is trembling slightly. You approach your car and reach for your car keys.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2014, 11:11:25 am

"Hey, at least this dude's kind of a badass compared to the untrained schmuck with a sob story I got last time. So I can't really complain that much. I'm sure he'll turn out fine," Ike says to his kind overseer. Now, it seemed to be asking for some kind of action, huh?

>He can probably get you a handgun. Maybe a shotgun as well. Some body armor, maybe. And some tear gas grenades (plus a gasmask) and a bit of plastic explosive if that's permitted. Lots of people are going to die tonight, and many of them shall deserve what's coming.

"Yeah, you're right. Besides, whatever it is, I'm sure you'll make it fun, eh?"
You subtly influence your host to forgo the silenced pistol and go for something a bit more... powerful.
"Get me some body armor, the ceramic one, full coverage. Two Glock 18s, some CS, flashbangs, a gas mask..."
His confused look makes your host feel something that could be called happiness if one was being generous.
"And 3 blocks of C4. Throw in the Jackhammer too. And that RPG we got in the back."
"Perhaps you... overdid it a bit.
"Shit man, you're going to start a war?"
"I have a feeling that lots of people are going to die tonight. And many of them shall deserve what's coming." You say with a voice that could send chills down the spine of the Devil. Too bad you aren't wearing a cloak/trenchcoat. A window for lightning to strike and punctuate your words would have been a nice touch too.
"Uh...."
The man looks at you with a mix of surprise and dread. Mostly dread. A large amount of dread. His eyes are figuratively yelling "please don't kill me mister psycho killer".
"Sure, sure. I- I'll get right on it. Just... wait a moment." You half expect him to say please as he grabs a couple of large bags from the wall of his armored cubicle and walks towards the back of the armory to retrieve what you asked of him and put them in the bag, along with helpful things like bandoliers and holsters.
"Yep. Definitely overdid it a bit."

---

((I'll try to keep all the people in this mission at the same time, if possible. If we start getting delayed, I'll probably go for something more fluid and hope you don't cause any paradoxes.))

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 13, 2014, 05:57:22 pm

John looks at the map.  "So... it's landing at one of those three spots and we don't know which one.  Right, so what are this thing's weaknesses.  Will EMPs work well on it?  If not, what is the best weapon to weaken it until we can spear it?"

Choose 5 if it's outside on top of that building.  6 otherwise.

5 is inside some sort of stockpile store. I'm guessing you don't want to spawn there then.
6 is on the top floor of an under construction building, little more than scaffolding and supporting beams at the moment, with some metal and plastic floors.

"This was not a ship made for conventional interstellar travel, it had a small jump drive. Fortunately only had one charge in it, otherwise this could be much worse. However it still shielded from things like radiation and heat, so EMPs would not work unless you somehow managed to bypass its armor. There's also a very high chance it has re-purposed parts of the ship to create thicker or more efficient armor that will reduce the effectiveness of kinetic weapons. But I'm sure you'll think of something. Every system has its weaknesses. Systems created via evolution even more so."

Quote from: scapheap on February 13, 2014, 06:04:27 pm

Eria choose 1

Done. 1 is a one story open air restaurant near a park with a large fountain. It has a good view of the central plaza.

Quote from: NAV on February 13, 2014, 06:09:01 pm

Check to see if I am wearing my usual outfit. Do I still have my club?
Nikolai Choose 2

Sure let's say you have it. It's not like it's a giant death laser.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 13, 2014, 10:03:51 pm

Spawn Point 2. Immediately get a movement/attack power. Something telekinetic, maybe. Look around; attempt to locate BETA.
<Um, what can the BETA do?>

You'll start when everybody presses mouse button 1 is ready.
Spawn point 2 is a control room in the top level of a large circular tower with a dozen levels that stands higher than most other buildings. It is similar to an aircraft control tower. It's standing on top of another large building.

"Everything, really, everything the technology available to it permits it. It is an expert at manipulating technology and the manufacturing facilities the cargo ship was carrying give it the ability to re-purpose technology at an alarming rate. This was either a very lucky strike or a very well planned one. They are very bad at coming up with  new things, but once they come up with something new (or more likely just happen upon something new and analyze it (they're very good at analyzing)) they can deduce how it works, reproduce it, improve it, create variations of it..."

---

Still waiting for all people to choose. I think we're missing Coolrune and Fniff.
1 -> scapheap
2 -> NAV, GWG
6 -> Toaster

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 14, 2014, 01:42:45 pm

((I voted in the poll.
Thought 1: Hey, why am I the only one who anyone else voted for?
Thought 2: Hey, why aren't there any votes on Other?
Thought 3: Oops. Hehe.
Thought 4: Crap.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2014, 01:43:42 pm

((Poll ate some options for some reason. Fixed now.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 14, 2014, 01:57:25 pm

((Regardless, I have an ominous feeling that Angel is going to be the first casualty. Again.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 14, 2014, 02:04:39 pm

Wait, I'm in the game? :| Sorry I'm really confused.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2014, 02:09:48 pm

Didn't I say that people not going to one mission were going to the other?
If I didn't, sorry.
EDIT: Just saw I forgot to answer toaster. Busy now. answer later.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2014, 03:23:47 pm

"Holy crap, he got everything! Sweet. There's gonna be a party tonight, let me tell you!"

>Now that that's done, it's time for the next step, which is to grab all these implements of carnage and to contemplate what the actual next step might be. Find out who it is you're supposed to find, where to look, that sort of thing, maybe?

Ike himself will try to figure out who exactly the host is supposed to be revenging against. It's difficult to pretend he cares without even the slightest information on the matter. The rebels, right?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 14, 2014, 03:29:37 pm

Might as well follow what the paper says... I don't want to interfere with this guy's path too much. Not yet, anyways...

>Drive downtown to the place where Raul is mentioned to be and look for him.

Meanwhile, find out what group my host is in and why he is in it.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 14, 2014, 03:39:06 pm

B.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 14, 2014, 05:36:04 pm

I do not envy you Target Amethyst.  Nor do I envy you Edward Kerr.  A shame that I have my orders.
Have my host drive near to the target's house.  Park far enough to make sure that the occupants of the house do not notice my host's vehicle.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 14, 2014, 08:10:46 pm

((Yeah, that was Alan trying to take control of the guy so he can go to the ice cream store. He got another idea, though.))

Drive over to that bar.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 15, 2014, 03:54:44 am

{Irine}
<Stellar? Welcome back! I'd hug you but you aren't physically here and I'm a little busy right now. Um, d-does this mean that you're ok with me?>
keep searching through my host's memories, trying to learn what I can about her. still try to remain unnoticed and non-influential.

---

{Irine's host}
He sounded nervous, maybe he's in trouble?
Hurry, get there soon.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2014, 08:31:06 am

Quote from: Fniff on February 14, 2014, 03:39:06 pm

B.

I'm going to assume you mean 4.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 14, 2014, 02:04:39 pm

Wait, I'm in the game? :| Sorry I'm really confused.

You're in the mission described here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5006633#msg5006633). Choose a spawn point, 1 through 6. Check the map in the spoiler at the end of the post. Once you choose a spawn point we can begin that mission.

Don't feel bad. You didn't delaying things, Toaster is unavailable for the weekend and he's in that mission. And I could use the time to study for that exam I have Monday.

---

I'm a bit busy now, turn later.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on February 15, 2014, 01:04:54 pm

Try to spot BETA from the tower. Also try to use the instruments in the tower to find out where it is.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2014, 02:39:09 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2014, 03:23:47 pm

"Holy crap, he got everything! Sweet. There's gonna be a party tonight, let me tell you!"

>Now that that's done, it's time for the next step, which is to grab all these implements of carnage and to contemplate what the actual next step might be. Find out who it is you're supposed to find, where to look, that sort of thing, maybe?

Ike himself will try to figure out who exactly the host is supposed to be revenging against. It's difficult to pretend he cares without even the slightest information on the matter. The rebels, right?

You wait for the armoury master to return with the equipment you requested. He returns pushing a cart with two black holdalls, filled with the equipment you requested, supporting equipment like holsters and some spare ammo. He unlocks the metal door and allows you to retrieve the bags. They are heavy, but your host doesn't mind.

You enter the elevator and push the button for the garage. The fact that the elevator is empty gives your host a chance to wear the torso part of the body armour and the holsters that hold your two Glock 18s along with a spare magazine for each.

The subject of who you are supposed to be taking revenge against is a bit more vague.
Your host certainly had some problems with the old regime. He holds it responsible for killing his parents. But the new regime, the one you are working for, is mostly a puppet controlled by the Soviets. Sure, they allow some independence on internal issues but almost all foreign policy and some internal is dictated by Moscow.
There are certainly some people who have ties with the old regime in the Cause. And that is a small part of the reason your host hates them so. But the truth is, he is full of anger and he has to transfer that anger somewhere. He needs to have someone to hate.
And the Soviets were the ones who took care of him after his parents died. He did go through their training, learned to love the Union. So he feels obliged to work for them. He feels grateful towards the Union. And he will work against any who threaten it.

And that was our dive into extremely simplistic psychology and politics for the day.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 14, 2014, 03:29:37 pm

Might as well follow what the paper says... I don't want to interfere with this guy's path too much. Not yet, anyways...

>Drive downtown to the place where Raul is mentioned to be and look for him.

Meanwhile, find out what group my host is in and why he is in it.

You get in your car, start the engine and start driving out of the garage.

Your host doesn't seem to be responding to your nudges to reveal his past. Maybe he's simply too terrified to even think about it. He almost jumps when the electronic barrier opener asks him to face the camera and swipe his keycard. Or maybe you're just doing a bad job searching his memories.
"His fear is... disgusting. So weak. It's making me sick. Can't you do anything about that?" complains your entity.
After the barrier opens, your sigh with relief and start driving away from the Agency building, through the Old City and towards the City Centre. You retrieve your handgun from the glove compartment and hide it under your coat. Hopefully you won't have to use it.

You will reach your destination next turn.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 14, 2014, 05:36:04 pm

I do not envy you Target Amethyst.  Nor do I envy you Edward Kerr.  A shame that I have my orders.
Have my host drive near to the target's house.  Park far enough to make sure that the occupants of the house do not notice my host's vehicle.

You get out of your building, enter your car and start driving towards the house.

You drive through the Industrial District, towards the suburbs, the husks of old factories and warehouses passing by you.

Another car beeps at you from behind for some reason but then it turns at the next intersection.

You will reach your destination next turn.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 14, 2014, 08:10:46 pm

((Yeah, that was Alan trying to take control of the guy so he can go to the ice cream store. He got another idea, though.))

Drive over to that bar.

You tuck the papers under your coat and start driving towards the Bar.

Some arsehole cuts you off as you enter the Industrial District. You slam your horn and tell him what you think of his mother.

You will reach your destination next turn.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 15, 2014, 03:54:44 am

{Irine}
<Stellar? Welcome back! I'd hug you but you aren't physically here and I'm a little busy right now. Um, d-does this mean that you're ok with me?>
keep searching through my host's memories, trying to learn what I can about her. still try to remain unnoticed and non-influential.

---

{Irine's host}
He sounded nervous, maybe he's in trouble?
Hurry, get there soon.

"Don't think like that! I was always OK with you. I- Why would I not be? You did nothing wrong. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I was just- just being a self-centered idiot... I promise it will never happen again. I want to help you. Friends help each other and we are friends... aren't we?"

You are currently unable to gain more from your host except the fact that she disappeared some years ago and that your host cares deeply for her. Or is obsessed with her, depending on your perspective. You also get a name. Amelia Whyte.
Perhaps you need to focus more.

As you are walking, you hear a car approaching from behind. It stops next to you and lowers its driver's window.
"Hey, idiot!" comes the familiar voice from inside the car.
Oh, great, what does she want now?
"Get in."
Huh?
"Huh?"
"You're going to freeze your stupid ass off. Get in!"
You silently get in, get your coat from the backseat and wear it. She starts driving towards Ed's house.
Second time this happens tonight.
You remain silent, looking out the window, away from her. You are still a bit mad at her for what she said earlier. But you have a feeling you need to get there as fast as possible and the car will get you there quickly. You couldn't refuse. You have a bad feeling about this. Maybe he's in trouble?

---

---

Quote from: NAV on February 15, 2014, 01:04:54 pm

Try to spot BETA from the tower. Also try to use the instruments in the tower to find out where it is.

Not yet. We're waiting for coolrune to choose a spawn point and for Toaster to finish whatever it is he's doing this weekend that keeps him away from the internet.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2014, 02:49:24 pm

>Get to garage, get vehicle, load impressive weaponry into vehicle. Drive where needed - do you know where your target is?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 15, 2014, 07:10:51 pm

Again, park far enough away that the occupants of the house won't see the car.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 15, 2014, 07:21:02 pm

TURNS OUT I HAVE WIFI

(Good because I'll be here longer than expected.  Don't wait up for me)

"Okay... so try till something works- fine.   What about its attacks?  Is it DESTROY ALL HUMANS or will it ignore us until we start shooting at it?   How much damage will we likely have to do before we become a priority?


(And 6 is perfect, thanks.)

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 15, 2014, 07:45:48 pm

{Irine}
<Of course we are!>
Hmmm, I need to watch my host's mood. Help her avoid panic while staying worried and alert. mild paranoia is acceptable.
If my host seems to be about to go into a panic spiral, gently nudge her towards focusing on Ed and Amelia, and how best to help them. otherwise don't influence her.
What does my host know about the woman from back at the house, the one driving the car? And what's my host's name anyway?

---

{Irine's Host}
I'll need to watch for little details while I'm there, but all I can do right now is get there as fast as possible.
Continue to ride in car, hopefully arrive very soon and talk with Ed.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 15, 2014, 08:03:03 pm

Interface, Scion: <I can't interfere too much yet with his conscious mind, I don't want to scare him... but I'll try calming him down a bit.
...Also, he's not weak. Fear is natural in most humans.>

With a smooth and quiet tone, Zechariah tries speaking to his host in the form of a conscience in the back of his host's head.
>"Stay calm, there's nothing to worry about. You'll be fine."
>Keep driving to the destination.

Try again to find something about his group and why he's in the group. If it starts to interfere with his mind, stop immediately.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 16, 2014, 07:53:41 pm

((I'll start the other mission because it feels like we've been waiting forever. I'll choose a spawnpoint for coolrune at random.))

---

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2014, 02:49:24 pm

>Get to garage, get vehicle, load impressive weaponry into vehicle. Drive where needed - do you know where your target is?

You get out of the elevator and make your way to your car. You put the weaponry in the trunk and then get in and start driving. The armour is a bit bothersome but you can manage.
As you drive you use one hand to pull the piece of paper out of your pocket and see what it says. An address and a name. "Raul". Hm. Strange. That's not very much. They usually put at least some more info on how to meet, passwords, etc. Better hope that guy is worth the trouble.

You drive out of the Agency building and start driving towards the City Centre. Arrival time will depend on other players since I don't want to create paradoxes.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 15, 2014, 07:10:51 pm

Again, park far enough away that the occupants of the house won't see the car.

You exit the Industrial District and enter the Southern Suburbs. As you approach the Radiation zone, you witness more and more burnt and abandoned buildings. Almost no lights on. A ghost town.

The road is empty. Not many people living in this place and not many of them would be out at this day and hour. You close your headlights and ease the gas as you drive by the house to check it out.

Small two story house made of stone. Simple wooden door, partially boarded up glass window. Probably has a back entrance too. Lights are on in the ground floor but for the few seconds you were watching you saw no movement through the boards.

You turn at the next intersection and park near the corner, from where you can watch the front entrance.
Your host has a choice now. He's thinking about how he should approach the situation. Go in and see what he can find out or stay outside and see what he can learn from watching? He's leaning towards the first.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 15, 2014, 07:45:48 pm

{Irine}
<Of course we are!>
Hmmm, I need to watch my host's mood. Help her avoid panic while staying worried and alert. mild paranoia is acceptable.
If my host seems to be about to go into a panic spiral, gently nudge her towards focusing on Ed and Amelia, and how best to help them. otherwise don't influence her.
What does my host know about the woman from back at the house, the one driving the car? And what's my host's name anyway?

---

{Irine's Host}
I'll need to watch for little details while I'm there, but all I can do right now is get there as fast as possible.
Continue to ride in car, hopefully arrive very soon and talk with Ed.

Your host seems to be trying not to think about anything right now to prevent herself from worrying too much. It's not working very well but it's working, so you decide not to influence her.

Your name is Zoe Hunter.
The driver's name is Morgan Blake. Your host is mad at her. She's known her for a long time. Things were always tense between you but you somehow managed to stick together besides that. Mostly because circumstances brought you together. Got into some kind of argument about something before your host left for the military. You still harbor some repressed resentment towards her over that and some other things. That's all you're getting right now.

Arrival time will depend on other players since I don't want to create paradoxes.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 15, 2014, 08:03:03 pm

Interface, Scion: <I can't interfere too much yet with his conscious mind, I don't want to scare him... but I'll try calming him down a bit.
...Also, he's not weak. Fear is natural in most humans.>

With a smooth and quiet tone, Zechariah tries speaking to his host in the form of a conscience in the back of his host's head.
>"Stay calm, there's nothing to worry about. You'll be fine."
>Keep driving to the destination.

Try again to find something about his group and why he's in the group. If it starts to interfere with his mind, stop immediately.

"He is weak because he is fearful. And he is fearful because he is weak. Only the weak are fearful, the prey. The strong turn their fear into the will to fight and become stronger."

You try gently "speaking" to your host.
"Stay calm, there's nothing to worry about. You'll be fine."
Your host jumps and makes a surprised noise. The car swerves to the right before he regains control. He looks around left and right, trying to spot the source of the voice.
Your Interface beeps red a few times and then stops. Perhaps you should try lowering your mental mic's volume next time.
"See?"

Your host arrives to the address written on the piece of paper and parks across the street. A restaurant with some sort of Japanese theme. It's painted red and white, red Chōchin hang around to provide lighting and it's got a Torii in front of its entrance.
Must be an expensive place too. Got one of those big fat bald bouncers that look like they could lift a man with one arm, dressed in a very expensive suit.
After some hesitation your host persuades himself to get out of the car and start walking towards the door.

---

Xantalos
You continue through the Industrial District, towards the edge of the Radiation Zone.

The "Nuklear Alice's Pub" is a glorified wooden shack built upon the rubble of some destroyed factory. It sits right at the edge of the Radiation Zone, the fence and cameras that once kept people away long ago picked apart by looters, with only a few concrete barriers left to remind people of its existence. The Soviets threw something nasty there. "Salted Bomb" some people called it. Some places are still hot enough to kill a man in a an hour or two.
The looters have been getting braver lately. Some claim they went to the place the bomb hit. Some old military base. Found some strange glowing mushrooms growing there. All shit told by drunkards probably.

You park outside. You can already hear the distorted music (http://youtu.be/uSLDLznMz5U?t=26m33s) coming from inside the bar. Large crowd gathered here tonight. Probably got one of those "concert night" things again. All sort of bloody morons gathered to get pissed and hear other bloody morons play crappy music while yelling their moronic lyrics. They better not touch your car or else you're going to do some free of charge kills tonight. A charity to the city, now that you think about it. No one will miss those scum.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 15, 2014, 07:21:02 pm

TURNS OUT I HAVE WIFI

(Good because I'll be here longer than expected.  Don't wait up for me)

"Okay... so try till something works- fine.   What about its attacks?  Is it DESTROY ALL HUMANS or will it ignore us until we start shooting at it?   How much damage will we likely have to do before we become a priority?


(And 6 is perfect, thanks.)

"It won't be directly hostile to you, at least not at first. But even if you ignore it and stay out of its way, it is very likely it will take an interest in you. It will be curious about you. And satisfying said curiosity is very likely to have serious bodily harm as a byproduct. Plus, it's really not that stupid. It will probably figure out you're there to defend the colony and make you priority targets very soon. Which is for the better if you have a positive outlook, because it means it will focus less on harming the colony and completing its objectives."

---

"If that is everything...."

Your surroundings suddenly change.

"Happy hunting."

---

Spawn Point 1: scapheap | The Entertainment District
You are sitting on a chair, in a one story high building with a good view the central Plazza, some sort of restaurant or bar. On your left are more chairs and tables and some stairs leading down. On your right you can see a park with strange fern-like plants and a very large fountain. Behind you there are more tables and some freezers containing bottles of colored liquid and something that looks like food.

There are also some screens spread around the establishment, all of them flashing with bright red sentences written in an unknown language.

The Central Plazza itself is a large circle made of plastic and metal surrounded by a road that is currently sparsely populated by abandoned futuristic cars. There is some sort of statue or monument in its center.

((Note: You have no host this mission. So have fun roleplaying not knowing stuff if you want.))

---

Spawn Point 2: NAV, GreatWyrmGold | The Control Tower
You are on the top floor of the Control Tower, overlooking the Central Plaza. You're very high up. There are various futuristic computers around here and a floor plan of the city is drawn with light on a window. There's also an elevator going down and some stairs leading to the roof.

---

Spawn Point 4: Coolrune206, Fniff | The Spaceport
You are standing on top of the spaceport, a large flat area standing a few floors above the ground floor. There are helipads around here and runways and what looks like a large cradle for holding larger spaceships. Most of the helipads and runways are empty. There's a control tower a good distance away from you and an elevator going down a couple of meters away from you.

---

Spawn Point 6: Toaster | The Construction Site
You are on the top floor of an under construction building, a flat plastic floor supported by metal beams. There is a small elevator in the scaffolding. You can see more buildings like this one around, most of them smaller.

In front of you, you can see the "Undeveloped Land", a piece of earth the expanding city is in the process of claiming. The dirt has been dug into, making it stand lower than the surrounding streets and metal beams supporting floodlights have been embedded in it in places. The floodlights illuminate the various raw materials, machines, vehicles and construction equipment that have been abandoned in it.

A forest starts beyond the Undeveloped Land, filled with what look like tropical trees.

---

Spoiler: Map with Legend (click to show/hide)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img545/8343/bfre.jpg)
Blue is a comm array.
Orange is a raw materials processing facility.
Green are parks and the entertainment district.
Blue/Cyan Circle is the Main Governmental Building/Control Tower.
Red is a Manufactury
Purple are buildings that are under construction.
A is a plaza. Large circular open space.
B is a spaceport. Large flat surface with a runway, helipad-like things and a large cage-like structure on top. The gray thing is the bottom of the building, the top is slightly larger.
Γ is undeveloped land. Mostly dirt that has been dug into a bit and been prepared for construction. A very large construction site, essentially.
Each of those squares is about 60m × 60m

---

((I have a feeling this mission will go poorly.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 16, 2014, 08:17:27 pm

Zechariah contemplates that answer for a few moments.
Interface, Scion: <True enough. But there must be balance between the fear and the will. If you have too much willpower, you get someone like me who is extremely unstable.>

After that horrible attempt to speak to his host, Zechariah rubs his forehead with one of his hands ((If he is physically present)).
<That... that was my fault, not his...>

Zechariah: Third and final attempt: unless the host notices, search once again for what group my host is in and why he's in it. Also, fix the Interface so it isn't so loud. More like a whisper, preferably, but conversational tone is fine.
Host: >Go to the door and tell the bouncer you're with a guest named Raul.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 16, 2014, 08:26:47 pm

"Ooh..."

Focus on obtaining powers, including a general telekinetic one.

Examine and play with the controls. Try to figure out what they do. Also try not to break anything important. Or anything, ideally.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 16, 2014, 08:37:00 pm

Hmm, a man of action.  That can be both good and bad.
Let my host go on into the house, I have no reason to do otherwise.  Try to find more out about my host, without being a noticeable influence.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 16, 2014, 11:18:14 pm

John wasted no time.  Preparation was his thing- he needed to prepare.  No known weaknesses, pseudo-organic, likely some EMP shielding... what about a direct electricity hit?  Probably wouldn't work, since big things attracted lighting.  It'd have to hit somewhere exposed.  Explosives?  Think hitting a tank- a grenade wouldn't phase it- you needed to pierce the armor.  Armor piercing rounds, then.  A big damn gun.

Begin summoning a AP-round firing howitzer.  It'd need to fire big shells- at least 200mm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8-inch_Gun_M1).  If it's too big, abort (It doesn't need to be mobile, just aimable.  Less artillery, more turret.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 17, 2014, 12:06:10 am

Walk in. Remain unobtrusive.

Alan: Attempt to make host order a glass of milk.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 17, 2014, 02:06:50 am

>Keep driving. If there's music on the radio, turn it off.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 17, 2014, 08:53:27 am

{Irine}
Check if Zoe has any... unique... abilities. (please PM me the result  of this)
Do not influence her at this time.

---

{Zoe Hunter}
still trying to get there and talk to Ed.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on February 17, 2014, 11:49:03 am

Quote from: NAV on February 15, 2014, 01:04:54 pm

Try to spot BETA from the tower. Also try to use the instruments in the tower to find out where it is.

You. Little girl. What can you do?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 17, 2014, 12:03:13 pm

"...Me? I can give myself powers, and right now..."

((Hey Paris, can you roll for my powers now so I can answer the question?))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 17, 2014, 01:56:10 pm

"Okay. You there, reddit fedora kid. What can you do? Tell me quick."
Look around for spaceships with the keys inside (Figuratively, they should be able to start), then look around for any pilots that haven't been evacuated.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 17, 2014, 02:08:32 pm

"Me?" Rune says. "Heh, I'm pretty sure I should keep that hidden for now. In case we ever meet in less friendly circumstances."

Assist Fniff with looking for useful things.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 17, 2014, 02:24:06 pm

Well then, thanks for keeping me in complete black-out and most likely getting us both killed for the sake of being mysteeeeerious~. Whatever, if last mission was a standard for the rest,  we're dead anyway. Jordan sighed quietly. I hate teammates.

"Yeah, yeah, would it be useful for fighting a giant robot?"

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 17, 2014, 02:26:16 pm

"Hmm... Depends on whether I could find enough bi-... I almost just told you what I did... Just... if we can find living animals or plants, then know that I'll be fine fighting a giant killer robot."

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2014, 03:49:44 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 16, 2014, 08:17:27 pm

Zechariah contemplates that answer for a few moments.
Interface, Scion: <True enough. But there must be balance between the fear and the will. If you have too much willpower, you get someone like me who is extremely unstable.>

After that horrible attempt to speak to his host, Zechariah rubs his forehead with one of his hands ((If he is physically present)).
<That... that was my fault, not his...>

Zechariah: Third and final attempt: unless the host notices, search once again for what group my host is in and why he's in it. Also, fix the Interface so it isn't so loud. More like a whisper, preferably, but conversational tone is fine.
Host: >Go to the door and tell the bouncer you're with a guest named Raul.

((I don't understand what you mean by physically present. You're a voice in his head. The "lower your mental mic's volume" was just me trying to be a smart-ass while telling you you failed your roll.))

"I think this is the first time I am in agreement with you."

Nope, lady luck still hates your guts. No info for you. I like giving exposition but you keep rolling badly for some reason.

You approach the bouncer.
"Err... hi there!" your host says nervously. The bouncer gives you a blank stare. "Good day today, isn't it? Eh, I mean, the weather is... cold and..."
"Smooth."
"I'm here to see Raul. He's a guest. Err.. I mean, I'm his guest. He's expecting me." The bouncer continues to give you a blank stare.
"Eeerm... So I guess I'll be going now, right?" You're starting to wonder if this guy is mute or deaf or maybe just staring down inside the depths of your soul. You start walking towards the door.
"So... Ehhh... Nice talking to you, mat- I mean Sir. Sir. Have a good night... or shift." The bouncer continues to stare as you walk inside.
"It must be true that luck favors the idiots, because I can see no other way this guy has managed to survive that long doing a job like this."

The inside of the restaurant is filled with tables, though about half of them are empty. There's also the obligatory cheesy faux-Japanese decorations. Red lanterns, shōji, kaiga, things written in Japanese, etc.
On the opposite wall, there's a square platform standing a bit higher than the floor in one side of the restaurant, where a band is singing a jaunty song (http://youtu.be/RrTajpa3tvs) with sad lyrics about love. There are also stairs leading up to a balcony and some private rooms.
On the right wall is a bar along with a small lectern for the maître d' and a door leading to the kitchen.
On the left wall are the doors leading to the restrooms.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 16, 2014, 08:37:00 pm

Hmm, a man of action.  That can be both good and bad.
Let my host go on into the house, I have no reason to do otherwise.  Try to find more out about my host, without being a noticeable influence.

Lady luck seems to hate exposition tonight. You get nothing except a name: Faron Butler, Agent 14.

Your host quietly approaches the house and checks through the window. There is a man inside, reading something or at least trying to read something. He keeps moving around, looks a bit nervous. Doesn't look too dangerous though.
Your host decides to take the simplest approach. He knocks on the door.
_{"Here already? Just a second, I'm coming."} comes a voice from inside.
After some waiting he hears footsteps behind the door. The moment your host hears the click of the door latch opening he immediately  kicks it. The door impacts the man standing behind it, knocking him down. Your host enters and closes the door.
The man kicks you from behind while trying to get away. Your host endures the hit without the slightest hint of pain. He leans over the prone man and pins him down, his hands around his neck.
"Edward Kerr. Tell me what you know about Target Amethyst."
The man's face tells you that he recognizes the first name but not the second.
"Fuuu..." the man tries to curse you while chocking. A hit to the face forces him to reconsider.
"Target Amethyst. What do you know about her?"
He seemed to react to the word her. He definitely knows something. How best to make him speak though? Interrogating him would take a while... Or perhaps you should just eliminate him and search the house and his body for information?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 17, 2014, 12:06:10 am

Walk in. Remain unobtrusive.

Alan: Attempt to make host order a glass of milk.

Your host enters the shack and shoves his way to the bar. Too many people gathered in here, most of them clustered around the musicians. The white smoke floating around the room from all the cigarets is thick enough to be confused with mist. The smells of cheap booze, sweat and vomit fill the air. The noise means you can barely hear anything.
A guy has passed out on the bar. You shove him to the floor and sit in his seat.
"What can I get you?" asks the bartender.
Give me a glass of mi- I mean beer. Your host shakes his head and your Interface beeps red a couple of times. Give me a glass of beer.
The bartender bends down, retrieves an unlabeled bottle and pours the liquid into a semi-opaque glass. You have the suspicion that that glass might have been clear once.
"Bottoms up."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 17, 2014, 02:06:50 am

>Keep driving. If there's music on the radio, turn it off.

The music is off. But who needs the radio when you have your entity along for the ride?

Spoiler: Overly long joke that is really not that funny unless you do a good job acting while saying it (click to show/hide)

"So there once was this guy. He goes to the doctor. And he had a bit of a speech impairment, he stutters a bit.
'Goo-goo-goodmorning doctor.' he says.
'Goodmorning.' responds the doctor.
'I- I- I have a pro-pro-pro-'
'Proposal?'
'Problem. I have a problem with ma-my voice and it's inte-inte-interfering with my job.'
'What is your job?'
'I'm a fa-fa-farmer and I have du-du-du-ducklings. I have a small fa-fa-fa-farm with du-du-ducklings.'
'Yes, but, if I may ask, I don't understand, what does your voice have to do with your work? I mean, the ducklings are ducklings, it's not like you have to talk with them on the phone.' asks the Doctor confused.
'I-I-I will e-explain to you. You-you see every morning I get u-up at si-si-six o'clock I-I drink my co-co-cofee with my wi-wi-wife and then I-I get up on my tr-tr-tractor a-a-and go a-a-and pick up my ducklings.'
'Yes, but I still don't understand, the ducklings are ducklings, why-'
'I-I-I will e-explain to you. You-you see wh-when I get there with the du-du-ducklings it's still early in the morning and the du-du-ducklings are saying 'qua-qua-qua-quackquackquack', be-be-because they want to e-e-eat. So I open the do-do-doors of the tr-tr-trailer and I say 'u-u-upupup' and the du-du-ducklings co-come and get u-u-up in the trailer and si-si-sit there. So I-I-I close the do-do-doors of the tr-tr-trailer and dr-dr-drive them to a-a-a field to gr-gr-graze. When I-I-I get there I-I-I open the do-do-doors of the tr-tr-trailer and say 'do-do-do-downdowndown' a-and the du-du-ducklings come come do-do-down and gr-gr-graze. While I-I-I'm waiting for the du-du-ducklings to gr-gr-graze I-I-I drink another co-co-cofee. Then co-co-comes the ti-ti-time to pick up the du-du-ducklings again so that I can get them back to the fa-fa-farm. So I-I-I say a-a-again 'u-u-upupup' and the du-du-ducklings know that that-that means that they ha-have to get u-u-up on the tr-tr-trailer so they get u-u-up and sit there.'
'But there's one du-du-du-duckling that has a-a-an attitude a-a-and it doesn't get u-u-up.' continues the farmer in anger.
'So I say again 'u-u-u-upupup' but the du-du-duckling just sits there a-a-and stares at me. So I-I-I kick it and tell it 'u-u-upupup get u-up' and it re-refuses a-a-and ju-just stands there loo-loo-looking at me. And I ge-ge-get so-so fu-fu-fucking mad, I-I-I'm see-see-seeing red and I shout 'Fu-fu-fuck this-this fu-fu-fucking du-du-du-du-' and the du-du-ducklings from the tr-tr-trailer come do-do-down again.'

..."

See? Quality entertainment.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 17, 2014, 08:53:27 am

{Irine}
Check if Zoe has any... unique... abilities. (please PM me the result  of this)
Do not influence her at this time.

---

{Zoe Hunter}
still trying to get there and talk to Ed.

Driving and probing, driving and probing. That's illegal in some states, you know.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 16, 2014, 08:26:47 pm

"Ooh..."

Focus on obtaining powers, including a general telekinetic one.

Examine and play with the controls. Try to figure out what they do. Also try not to break anything important. Or anything, ideally.

You get the ability to move things with your mind. You are capable of lifting much more than the average man.
You gain the ability to teleport your body to locations you can imagine\remember reasonably well. You are also able to teleport other people and things you touch if you will it so, assuming they're not too large (larger than say... three humans). It takes a few seconds for it to recharge after use.

Using the control room presents a problem in that everything seems to be written in an unknown language. And while the shapes on the screens are reasonably easy to understand, interacting with them would require a great amount of blind luck.
Despite that, there are various schematics of the city, or part of the city and different views of the city on various screens, some of them overplayed with various colors, so you assume that if something were to change dramatically on the city, you would notice the change on at least one of those screens or cameras.

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 16, 2014, 11:18:14 pm

John wasted no time.  Preparation was his thing- he needed to prepare.  No known weaknesses, pseudo-organic, likely some EMP shielding... what about a direct electricity hit?  Probably wouldn't work, since big things attracted lighting.  It'd have to hit somewhere exposed.  Explosives?  Think hitting a tank- a grenade wouldn't phase it- you needed to pierce the armor.  Armor piercing rounds, then.  A big damn gun.

Begin summoning a AP-round firing howitzer.  It'd need to fire big shells- at least 200mm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8-inch_Gun_M1).  If it's too big, abort (It doesn't need to be mobile, just aimable.  Less artillery, more turret.

Let's see if you succeed... Yes! I now get to use your large construction chart.

The cannon begins assembling, individual pieces of black metal materializing and getting attached to each other, forming a base for the cannon to rotate on. The pieces of metal then continue appearing, this time merging together to begin forming the barrel of the cannon. Looks a bit larger than you wanted it, but bigger is better, right?
There are also other things materializing and merging with the barrel. Thin pieces of metal that looks like very fine brown hair and some thin pieces of something that looks like black leather.

Please stand by while your weapon is materializing and assembling. Assuming nothing interrupts you, you don't need to roll again, except if  you decide to change something. You can also choose to stop summoning if you want.

---

Quote from: Fniff on February 17, 2014, 01:56:10 pm

"Okay. You there, reddit fedora kid. What can you do? Tell me quick."
Look around for spaceships with the keys inside (Figuratively, they should be able to start), then look around for any pilots that haven't been evacuated.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 17, 2014, 02:08:32 pm

"Me?" Rune says. "Heh, I'm pretty sure I should keep that hidden for now. In case we ever meet in less friendly circumstances."

Assist Fniff with looking for useful things.

This is a ghost town. You can see a few abandoned cars if you look over the edge and some things littering the street. Looks like everybody left in a hurry. The chances of you finding someone will be slim at best. Nevertheless, you start looking around for anything living and/or flyable.
The first vehicle you approach looks like a delta wing VTOL with a very wide front section. All and all, it's about twice the size of an F-16. It has big engines on its back and underside. Its topside can open to store cargo/ And, what luck, its door (which is in its nose, by the way) is unlocked and it seems to be on standby, ready to fly.
The inside of the vehicle is cramped, built to maximize the load it can carry. The 2-seat cockpit is fairly intuitive (looks like the cockpit of a passenger aircraft (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/ConcordeCockpitSinsheim.jpg) with an added vertical thrust control lever for both pilot and co-pilot and a whole lot more buttons and switches and screens), however there are all sorts of buttons and screens around here with labels written in a language you can't understand.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 18, 2014, 04:03:30 pm

"Seesm to be no one about. Ever wanted to be a fighter jet pilot like in Top Gun? Go get some explosives or heavy boxes or a gun or something and get into the cargo hold so we can kill this thing."
Look around for any convenient manuals on piloting a jet, then get into the jet seat and try to figure out how to fly this stupid thing.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 18, 2014, 04:09:06 pm

*grunt*

Look around bar while cradling drink. See if there's the targets.
Alan does nothing for now.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2014, 04:10:03 pm

"Wait, ducks can graze? That's news to me. Ah well. Singalong time!"

Ike clears his throat for a moment.

"I've been drivin' all night, my hands wet on the wheel~..."

Ike shall begin singing while typing on the keyboard.

>Keep on driving.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 18, 2014, 04:10:14 pm

"Hmmm..." Rune hums for a second looking at the pilot seat. He has incredibly vague memories of flying some sort of machine once, but they vanish the moment he tries to locate exactly when or where. He shakes his head. "Perhaps, you should allow me the first attempt at flying? I'm pretty sure that we will not end up in the side of a building. Let's figure out how this thing runs first, though. Is it fuel powered? Or does it use some sort of electric engine. If it uses an electric engine, we could dump the engine as a bomb in an attempt to destroy the robot- the extra current would probably overload it's power circuits... And probably destroy it. We would not survive, but if it destroyed it, it would be worth it."

Attempt to discover what engine the jet uses, then get into the driver seat and examine the controls.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 18, 2014, 04:12:55 pm

((Woo, I have my own chart!  Probably at least two!))

Keep on keeping on.  Time estimate remaining?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 18, 2014, 04:28:55 pm

"I'm not dying for something that isn't assured. We don't even know what this thing looks like. Besides, what makes you more qualified then me at flying space jets?"

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 18, 2014, 04:41:50 pm

Bryan
Faron's a highly trained man then, not just some goon.  Dang it, Edward would have to be tough, wouldn't he.
Keep trying to find more out, either about his capabilities or interesting life points.
Faron
Feeling patient: Threaten to kill whoever is coming, if that fails continue interrogation in other ways.
Feeling impatient: Threaten to kill whoever is coming, count to five, if he doesn't talk, kill him and search the body and the house.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 18, 2014, 04:45:46 pm

((I think I like these powers.))

Imagine a place full of awesome free stuff and teleport to it.

Remember the room I'm in, then teleport around the city some to get a sense of the layout. After doing so, or upon seeing something that looks like the BETA, teleport back to the control room.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 18, 2014, 05:24:01 pm

"I just.... I don't know how to explain. I don't remember anything of my life before... But I just felt something... I feel I've driven some sort of flying device before... It's hard to describe. You will just have to trust me on this."

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 18, 2014, 05:49:30 pm

"Oh, amnesiac, I got that. So, how do you know you aren't just an experienced blimp flier then a jet pilot? I was in the army, I'm way more qualified to do this then you."

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 18, 2014, 06:39:58 pm

{Irine}
keep looking for useful information.

---

{Zoe}
Keep being a passenger in the car, unable to control when it arrives, and trying to get to Ed's.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2014, 11:19:45 pm

((I was just asking because I didn't know if this was a situation like in Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, where the subconscious is represented as some kind of physical construct where the ego inferior resides at that moment while the ego superior controls the body.))

Interface, Scion: <It's... probably for the better that he stammers like this. People won't take him seriously as a threat, which would be ideal this early in the mission. Misinformation is just as powerful as information itself.
...And he has manners. That counts too.>

Zechariah: You know what, go ahead and try again to find some information on my host's group and why he's in. Unless he notices, it's not like it'll hurt him or anything.
Host: >Go up the stairs to the balcony and look for any indicator of Raul. If anyone asks, Raul is expecting you. If you can't find Raul, tell someone that he's expecting you and you need to find him. Once you find where he is, proceed to that location.[/i]

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2014, 10:49:09 pm

((Sorry for the delay, was a bit busy with other stuff...))

---

Quote from: Fniff on February 18, 2014, 04:03:30 pm

"Seems to be no one about. Ever wanted to be a fighter jet pilot like in Top Gun? Go get some explosives or heavy boxes or a gun or something and get into the cargo hold so we can kill this thing."
Look around for any convenient manuals on piloting a jet, then get into the jet seat and try to figure out how to fly this stupid thing.

There seems to be a hard copy checklist for emergency procedures hanging from a cord. It's also written in that language you can't understand, but the pictures look informative.

It takes a while to make sense of exactly what they're showing. Once you do, however, you realize that they show useful things like how to operate the landing gears, how to switch between flying modes, physically restart the computer, activate the APU, dump fuel, extend the radiator and solar panels, etc.

You skim through the checklist and memorize the parts that look important. Unfortunately, doing so takes you the entire turn. On the bright side, you should now be a lot better at flying this thing and be able to avoid some embarrassing mistakes.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 18, 2014, 04:10:14 pm

"Hmmm..." Rune hums for a second looking at the pilot seat. He has incredibly vague memories of flying some sort of machine once, but they vanish the moment he tries to locate exactly when or where. He shakes his head. "Perhaps, you should allow me the first attempt at flying? I'm pretty sure that we will not end up in the side of a building. Let's figure out how this thing runs first, though. Is it fuel powered? Or does it use some sort of electric engine. If it uses an electric engine, we could dump the engine as a bomb in an attempt to destroy the robot- the extra current would probably overload it's power circuits... And probably destroy it. We would not survive, but if it destroyed it, it would be worth it."

Attempt to discover what engine the jet uses, then get into the driver seat and examine the controls.

From just looking at it, you can't figure out much more then that it uses fuel, some sort of scramjet/rocket engine combo. Probably not intended for more than getting cargo in orbit.

You sit in the copilot seat while your teammate tries to understand the checklist and look at the controls.

Well, it looks very simple to pilot. There's the control stick with a small joystick embedded in it, there's the lever between the pilots controlling the engines and there's the lever on your right controlling the hover rocket engines. There are also some standard instruments like an artificial horizon and a compass that is drawn with light on the window, like a HUD.
After that though... You could guess what some of these buttons and levers do, but you aren't 100% certain.

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 18, 2014, 04:12:55 pm

((Woo, I have my own chart!  Probably at least two!))

Keep on keeping on.  Time estimate remaining?

You'll be done halfway through the next turn.

Your artillery is mostly done now. The barrel is complete, along with some of the motors for rotating and elevating it.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 18, 2014, 04:45:46 pm

((I think I like these powers.))

Imagine a place full of awesome free stuff and teleport to it.

Remember the room I'm in, then teleport around the city some to get a sense of the layout. After doing so, or upon seeing something that looks like the BETA, teleport back to the control room.

((Why don't you try that to see what happens? I assure you, nothing will go wrong and it will certainly not cause your character any dismemberment or psychological trauma.))

You look at a screen displaying the view from a camera. A moment to concentrate and you reappear at the place the camera was looking at. You wait a moment for your ability to recharge while you look around. Nothing around here but buildings and some kind of large satellite dish along with some antennas and smaller satellite dishes.

Wait, that black guy said the BETA was still in space, right?
You look up. Well, the stars are certainly different around here. And the moon is red with dark red craters, looks a bit smaller then Luna. You don't see anything resembling an alien robot though.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 18, 2014, 04:09:06 pm

*grunt*

Look around bar while cradling drink. See if there's the targets.
Alan does nothing for now.

You grab the glass without actually drinking from it and look around.
This place is packed. You have a hard time spotting your targets, at least from this vantage point.

You could get up and try looking around, those guys aren't exactly inconspicuous, at least based on the pictures you last saw.
You could ask the bartender or some of the patrons, though that could attract attention to you.
Or you could make some molotovs, torch the place and stand at the exit to pick off anyone that makes it out alive.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2014, 04:10:03 pm

"Wait, ducks can graze? That's news to me. Ah well. Singalong time!"

Ike clears his throat for a moment.

"I've been drivin' all night, my hands wet on the wheel~..."

Ike shall begin singing while typing on the keyboard.

>Keep on driving.

"Well, it's not really grazing. They're not eating grass. It's like chickens, ever seen a chicken? They go around, digging the dirt, looking for worms and whatnot. I've watched chicken do that. Never learned the English word for it though. Hmmm... Yes, chicken are nice, twist its head off, remove the feathers, roast it good... Some sauce, tomato, maybe some pepper, some curry. And something to go with it, some rice, some vegetables, yesssss...
Think you can get this guy to grab something to eat once we get to wherever we're going? I'm suddenly feeling a bit hungry."

"I've been drivin' all night, my hands wet on the wheel~..."
"There’s a voice in my head that drives my heeeel~"

You'll  arrive at your destination next turn.

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 18, 2014, 04:41:50 pm

Bryan
Faron's a highly trained man then, not just some goon.  Dang it, Edward would have to be tough, wouldn't he.
Keep trying to find more out, either about his capabilities or interesting life points.
Faron
Feeling patient: Threaten to kill whoever is coming, if that fails continue interrogation in other ways.
Feeling impatient: Threaten to kill whoever is coming, count to five, if he doesn't talk, kill him and search the body and the house.

You see glimpses of faces and voices but get nothing concrete.
You notice something though. He feels almost nothing during all this, he doesn't even think more than he has to. His thoughts, his actions, everything he does is focused. Efficient. Almost choreographed, like he has done it a thousand times.

You pull out your pistol and use it to hit the man in the chest.
"Tell me what you know. Where is she?" you ask very calmly.
The man looks at you but says nothing. At this point he's been hit hard enough he has trouble fighting back. Despite that, he tries to push you away.
You pull him up and shove him against a wall, smashing his head against a picture frame. You pull one arm behind his back in an armlock. The man grunts.
"I can do this all night. I don't get tired. Tell me what I want to know."
You keep pushing his arm until you feel something snap. The man screams. It's not a concern. There's nobody around here for miles.
"This all ends when you give me what I want."
"I'm..." the man takes a moment to catch his breath. "I'm not talking to you you arse-"
Another hit to the head. Pain teaches obedience.
You push the barrel of your gun against his head and cock it.
"If your life means nothing to you, then perhaps the life of the one you are waiting does?"
This gives him pause. Good.
"Perhaps I should torture and kill them instead? While you watch? Perhaps they'll be more cooperative?"
You see the lights of a car and hear it stopping outside the house.
"Tell me what I want to know and I will leave. They won't be hurt."
You pull him around to face the door, making sure he can see your gun pointing at it. Just a little more and he'll brake.
"Time's running out. Are you going to take them down with you?"
Another second. You hear people talking outside. Female.
"Fine! I- I'll tell you... Just don't hurt them." the man says quietly.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 18, 2014, 06:39:58 pm

{Irine}
keep looking for useful information.

---

{Zoe}
Keep being a passenger in the car, unable to control when it arrives, and trying to get to Ed's.

Her mind is closed to you, memories unobtainable. You get nothing more than echoes.

Well, you could had told Morgan to drive faster. But that's not really important anymore since you have arrived at your destination.
You open the door and are about to get out when the other speaks.
"Hey, wait. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Your host pauses, one leg on the pavement while the other is still in the car. She can barely contain her anger.
"What kind of question is this?! Of course I want to do this! Don't you?"
"Okay, okay. Forget I asked. You go ahead, I... I'll just wait here."
You get out of the car and start walking towards the door, nervousness and anger mixing together.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2014, 11:19:45 pm

((I was just asking because I didn't know if this was a situation like in Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, where the subconscious is represented as some kind of physical construct where the ego inferior resides at that moment while the ego superior controls the body.))

Interface, Scion: <It's... probably for the better that he stammers like this. People won't take him seriously as a threat, which would be ideal this early in the mission. Misinformation is just as powerful as information itself.
...And he has manners. That counts too.>

Zechariah: You know what, go ahead and try again to find some information on my host's group and why he's in. Unless he notices, it's not like it'll hurt him or anything.
Host: >Go up the stairs to the balcony and look for any indicator of Raul. If anyone asks, Raul is expecting you. If you can't find Raul, tell someone that he's expecting you and you need to find him. Once you find where he is, proceed to that location.[/i]

((No, you're not an angel at his shoulder. This is closer to a good old demonic possession.
Also, never read that book. Think I only read the two first books. It was a long time ago. Both of those were gifts from a friend.))

"Your ability to maintain a positive attitude in situations like these annoys me."

You get nothing more than that he works for the Cause and is a spy on the Agency. ((Here's a sentence that shows I have no imagination when it comes to names. I could just call the Soviets the Empire and we'd complete this no imagination trio.))
And, unless you weren't paying attention, you already knew that thing.

You get up on the balcony and look around for somebody that looks hispanic. You see nothing. You have a feeling he's somewhere around here, though.
You get down the stairs again and ask that guy in the fancy suit sitting near the bar whether or not he knows where Raul is and tell him that he is expecting you. The man (after giving you a look of disdain for a couple of seconds) informs you that the man you are searching for is in one of the private rooms upstairs.
You head up the stairs once again and start walking towards the room the guy downstairs gave you.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 19, 2014, 11:25:29 am

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

...
...
...River? Please tell me that's you. Am I only able to see you? Oh, and..and what I'm thinking right now-that is what I just thought and what I'm...thinking now-can all be heard by the woman or I can choose to talk to her and not to talk to her (but to you) and all?

I can only talk to you and see what you see, for now at least. I won't be able to use my body.
And don't worry, your thoughts are your own. Neither I nor she can hear them. We can only hear what you want us to hear.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

Oh. OH. Am I like a conscience to the woman? I can help with that! Hmm, let me see-this woman displays benevolence, the child is obviously either affected by what her peers tell her or she has a different belief in what just happened. Oh, and I'm probably a psychic or a medium.

Yes, I think that is a very apt assumption. You're more or less correct.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

Let's see..before anything else: I will want to appear as the voice that..hrmm, lets her rethink what happened. I need to know why what just happened, happened. Perhaps if I try a direct, personally reflective-

To host:
What did I just do. Her name. What was her name again? Why was she here? I need to know this before anything else--so I know what to try to tell her. She wants distance, and I'll allow her distance, but keep watch...
Try to...erm, remember from her perspective-infer from my words on my intent. :)

((I'm not sure what you mean with the first question.
Your host is currently inside her car, driving towards the house of her friend (her friend's name is Ed, short for Edward) to warn him that he and his friend (Zoe, the girl who was speaking in red, the one that Lenglon's character is currently helping) are in danger, if that's what you're asking.))

The girl, Zoe, was a close friend of Ed. Ed brought her to your house because he hoped you could help her with your gift, the ability to see things.
The person Zoe loved was abducted some time ago and all attempts to find who did it have been unsuccessful so far. Zoe has not given up hope and has been searching ever since. They were hoping you could help with the search, that's why they were there.
Zoe left and presumably returned to Ed's house where she is staying temporarily, since Zoe's house has been damaged and needs repairs.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

...
...
So how was my first-person talk there? Too...brusque? Erm, too cheesy? River? Riiiver~

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. he says with a small laugh of joy. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 21, 2014, 12:16:11 am

{Irine}
<Stellar? Is this conversation private? Are my thoughts private? I know we're being watched, but how much is actually observed?>
Chat with Stellar while I wait.

---

{Zoe}
Go inside and talk to Ed already!

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 21, 2014, 07:14:15 am

Check what the radio button is. I'll be needing it.
"Are you absolutely sure you can fly this thing?"

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on February 21, 2014, 09:05:22 am

Check the instruments in the tower to see if I can find out where the BETA will land.

Also, search for anything useful. Especially fire extinguishers.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 21, 2014, 09:32:18 am

Bryan
This man keeps a tight lid on his memories.  Hard to get anything while being careful.
Focus in on the lack of emotion and on how efficient he is, why is he like that?
Faron
Extract information, sterilize, leave without harming the people from the car, if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 21, 2014, 09:33:41 am

Keep teleporting around to get a feel for the layout of the city. Look for interesting places, and anything loose I could telekinetically do stuff with.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 21, 2014, 09:40:37 am

John smiles as he works.  It's all coming together now...


Finish up.  When it's done, touch it to get a feel for its capabilities.  Does it have ammo or do I need to make that as well?

(Wonder if I can load it up with ClF₃ shells?  That reminds me.)

"Hey entities, do we have to worry about collateral damage?  Or just keep it away from the core at any cost?"

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 21, 2014, 10:55:30 am

"My master calls me, says 'I need you here!'~
And it's-a half past four and I'm shifting ge-ear~"

>Maintain vaguely murderous disposition and drive over to the destination.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 21, 2014, 01:41:11 pm

Dance in order to attract attention Get up and look around unobtrusively.
Drink drink.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 22, 2014, 05:18:51 pm

((The Artemis Fowl series was what got me into writing, so that's something good.))

Interface, Scion: <You would get along well with the Topaz, Emerald, and Amethyst-spectrum Guardians. They're known for having more pessimistic traits.>

Okay, obviously his subconscious is unwilling to give any more details about his work.

Host: >Enter the room where Raul is located. Present yourself as an Agent, and listen to what he has to say for now.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 22, 2014, 05:44:17 pm

"I used to get high with a Flygvapnet pilot. He told me that piloting's pretty simple when you get down it. Throttle up, press buttons, hope for the best. Seems many of the same aspects are shared in space flight. Now, get out of the co-pilot's seat and into the cargo hold. We are not suicide-bombing it, we are throwing explosives at it."
Prepare for launch.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 23, 2014, 01:45:37 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 21, 2014, 07:14:15 am

Check what the radio button is. I'll be needing it.
"Are you absolutely sure you can fly this thing?"

Hmmm... There's something that looks like a very simple radio near the panel on your right, some sort of backup system probably. It's got a few empty audio jacks and a combination of headphones and microphone hanging from it.
"If you want to communicate, you can just use your interface. That silver thing on your wrist. It connects you to all your teammates. At least for this mission. Just think what you want to say and who you want to hear it and it will activate."

Quote from: Fniff on February 22, 2014, 05:44:17 pm

"I used to get high with a Flygvapnet pilot. He told me that piloting's pretty simple when you get down it. Throttle up, press buttons, hope for the best. Seems many of the same aspects are shared in space flight. Now, get out of the co-pilot's seat and into the cargo hold. We are not suicide-bombing it, we are throwing explosives at it."
Prepare for launch.

You check your instruments and make sure you remember everything you need to about flying this thing. You change the flight mode to Hover and gently nudge the control stick forwards and backwards to get a feel for how sensitive this thing is. Control surfaces move slightly and RCS thrusters fire a small burst in response, causing the Spaceship to wobble a bit.

You think you're as ready as you'll ever be. Sort of receiving training for flying this thing, there's nothing more you can do.
Unless you're willing to experiment a bit with those unknown buttons and levers. But that carries the risk of pushing something wrong and causing this thing to explode or something.

---

Quote from: NAV on February 21, 2014, 09:05:22 am

Check the instruments in the tower to see if I can find out where the BETA will land.

Also, search for anything useful. Especially fire extinguishers.

There are some metal things in the ceiling. Some of those could be fire extinguishers. Or they could just flood the entire complex with pleasure gas. Or fluorine. Or they might be some sort of fancy future-tech thing you don't understand. Or they might be decorative. Who knows? Not you, apparently.

Whether or not you find anything useful depends on your definition of useful. It's an office/control tower/governmental building, there's bound to be some related materials around here. Paper clips, chairs, lamps, what have you. There's also bound to be some air conditioners around here. Be more specific. You're not going to just stumble onto their super secret weapons laboratory. You've got to actively look for it.

As you walk around, looking at the various screens and the various things displayed on the windows, you spot a screen showing a view of the city from the side with a tiny red dot displayed high above it. The dot is getting closer to the city. Fast.
It's still too early to say exactly where it's heading, although you think it is going towards the lower section of the city. Landing point gamma.

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 21, 2014, 09:40:37 am

John smiles as he works.  It's all coming together now...


Finish up.  When it's done, touch it to get a feel for its capabilities.  Does it have ammo or do I need to make that as well?

(Wonder if I can load it up with ClF₃ shells?  That reminds me.)

"Hey entities, do we have to worry about collateral damage?  Or just keep it away from the core at any cost?"

"I'd prefer it if you limited the amount of damage caused to the Colony. But there won't be any penalty for damaging the city. If it comes to a choice between not harming the Colony and completing your objective, choose the second every time."

Your weapon assembly finishes with the addition of some vacuum pumps, a seat and a targeting computer as well as an array of small blocky black things you assume to be batteries or capacitors and a bunch of complex electronics and thick wires to bring it all together.
When the last wire attaches, the machine comes to life, screen flickering, capacitors humming. Its breach slides back revealing a cradle, ready to accept a shell.

You touch your weapon to get a feel of its capabilities.
It seems to be some sort of coilgun that can switch between multi-coil and single-coil mode of operation.
The cradle itself is ferromagnetic, allowing you to fire non-ferrous shells if you desire. (The coils are shorted, acting as a single coil. The cradle accelerates until the halfway point and then starts decelerating. The non-ferrous projectile moves forward and exits the barrel while the cradle stops and then reverses to its original position.)
It can however, with the flip of a switch, be allowed to fire ferrous materials. (Each coil is fired individually, accelerating the projectile until it exits the barrel. The cradle remains locked in place.)
A very thin layer of plasma near the opening of the barrel prevents air from entering, ensuring the vacuum inside is maintained.
The coils themselves are made of thin strands of some sort of nanomaterial with very high conductivity covered by a material you presume insulates them from one another.
The electronics seem capable of handling the stress of firing the coilgun and the battery can put out enough juice to produce a respectable magnetic field.

In short, this high tech piece of equipment can carry all sorts of ammo and will ruin the day of anything it hits. You could probably fire it through a building and still cause damage to whatever  is on the other side.

The weapon is not without its flaws however.
First of all, it lacks any short of recoil buffers. And while you're very confident that the building you are on can handle the stress of firing the weapon and that the gun won't tear itself apart (at least not with the first shot), it will have one hell of a kickback. Good thing you're not firing it by hand.
Second, it is very fragile, more closely resembling a scientific device like a particle accelerator in construction than a weapon designed for war. A small hit could be enough to disable the entire weapon.
Third, this weapon lacks a magazine. You will either have to summon the shells directly over the cradle, have someone load the shells you have produced or create some sort of machine that automatically loads the weapon.
Finally, its operation depends on a finite power source. It will require a replacement power source after a dozen rounds or so.
Then again, if you do your aiming right, you won't need more than one or two shots.

((I have a feeling this weapon will be destroyed within moments and all this work I put in designing it will be for nothing.))

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 21, 2014, 09:33:41 am

Keep teleporting around to get a feel for the layout of the city. Look for interesting places, and anything loose I could telekinetically do stuff with.

You jump again the moment you feel ready. It looks like it takes you about 24 seconds for this ability to recharge.
The city is eerily quiet. The hum of various electronics working to maintain the city despite the absence of their human masters and the occasional cool wind that provide relief from the hot humid tropical air are the only things producing any sort of sound.
The scenery is one of emptiness, as if every human in the city suddenly disappeared, leaving everything where they laid, half-finished. Cars abandoned in the middle of the street. Buildings left with their doors open. Stores with flashing neon sings hastily emptied of supplies. Bars and restaurants left with food and drink unfinished. And screens and windows everywhere flashing with messages written with red letters in an unknown language. ((For things in the city, look at the map.))
For things to telekinetically do stuff with, there are the things you would normally find in a city. Cars, antennas, desks, rubble once John fires his coilgun... It all depends on what you really want. There aren't any secret ammo depots around here from which you can grab a couple of nukes to hurl at things. At least, there are none that you can see. Those wouldn't be secret ammo depots if you could, would they?

You jump again, now standing near the base of an antenna at the top of a tall building, a transformer buzzing next to you. You can see almost the entire city from here.

---

EVERYONE
Your interfaces beep and blink red a single time.
"Enemy approaching. Estimated time of arrival: 2 minutes."

---

Spoiler: Map with Legend (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/BETA_zpse1a61b26.png)
Blue is a comm array.
Orange is a raw materials processing facility.
Green are parks and the entertainment district.
Blue/Cyan Circle is the Main Governmental Building/Control Tower.
Red is a Manufactury
Purple are buildings that are under construction.
Cyan is a very tall building, a bit shorter than the control tower
A is a plaza. Large circular open space.
B is a spaceport. Large flat surface with a runway, helipad-like things and a large cage-like structure on top. The gray thing is the bottom of the building, the top is slightly larger.
Γ is undeveloped land. Mostly dirt that has been dug into a bit and been prepared for construction. A very large construction site, essentially.

1 is scapheap(Eria)
2 is NAV(Nikolai)
3 is GWG(Angel)
4 is Fniff(Jordan) and Coolrune206("Rune")
6 is Toaster(John)

Each of those squares is a bit less than 60m × 60m

---

((Post for the other mission coming when I have time.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 23, 2014, 02:18:23 pm

Test just how much force I can apply to things, and how evenly. (E.g, if I can apply ten thousand newtons of force, I could lift a car, but if it's all applied to a 10-centimeter area I'm going to be ripping the car apart)
Spend those last two minutes getting the city firmly in my mind and trying to figure out where the BETA is coming from. And where the people are.
EDIT: If I hear, um, NAV's note, head for that corner of the city.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 23, 2014, 10:46:13 pm

I've finally caught up on the Amethyst mission. Well, I read pretty much all of it today, but whatever.

1. Lenglon's host fits her character.

2.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2014, 01:31:13 pm

The booze might as well had been petroleum...but at least it's cheap

Definitely not petroleum then.

3.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2014, 10:49:09 pm

You get nothing more than that he works for the Cause and is a spy on the Agency. ((Here's a sentence that shows I have no imagination when it comes to names. I could just call the Soviets the Empire and we'd complete this no imagination trio.))

I'd be willing to help with this come next mission. My brand of overthinking might require asking for minor plot details, though.

4. Might I suggest some sort of Character Summary? I can keep the hosts of 2-3 of the characters in mind, they're distinctive, but the rest...really aren't.

5. We can do a Target Amethyst mission again later, right?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 23, 2014, 10:46:53 pm

((Neat.  Should it fail, though, I do have a secondary plan.  It involves using my tech sense on the robot to figure out its weakness.  You know, the touch range one.))

John regarded his work.  Hmm... needs armor, but there's no time for that.


Summon up an autoloader.  Once that's done, start making DU penetrator rounds (with a steel shell to enable firing in ferrous mode.)  Reject any crappy shell.


<<Okay, team, I'm in the construction zone and my cannon's ready.  A couple good hits from this and he should be down for the count, unless he has freaky alien armor or something.>>

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on February 24, 2014, 08:15:03 pm

Broadcast to everyone:
"I have some data on the Beta. It's heading for the landing point gamma, southeast corner of the city. The undeveloped land. So point all your big guns in that direction."

Look for any tape, glue, rope, string, or zip ties. Stuff my pockets full.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Fniff on February 24, 2014, 08:26:56 pm

<"Roger roger, niner niner, check your vector, vector. I got a spaceplane with that new guy, we're going to either distract it or try to throw explosives at it. If you guys find any explosive barrels, lemme know.">
Start up the spaceship.
(Just realized I called Coolrune by his OOC name. :S)

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 24, 2014, 11:08:04 pm

John grinned.  <<Perfect.  I've got the big gun lined up and ready to fire when it approaches.>>

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 21, 2014, 09:32:18 am

Bryan
This man keeps a tight lid on his memories.  Hard to get anything while being careful.
Focus in on the lack of emotion and on how efficient he is, why is he like that?
Faron
Extract information, sterilize, leave without harming the people from the car, if possible.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 21, 2014, 12:16:11 am

{Irine}
<Stellar? Is this conversation private? Are my thoughts private? I know we're being watched, but how much is actually observed?>
Chat with Stellar while I wait.

---

{Zoe}
Go inside and talk to Ed already!

"Theoretically, your thoughts are private. Practically... it depends. I can't detect anyone eavesdropping right now but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Just that the chances of that happening are low. Nobody can ever be completely safe. Especially when your body and mind is put in the hands of others."

((The front door doesn't have a handle from the outside. You can't go inside.
In case I forgot to describe it, the house is made of stone, is three stories high (ground floor, first floor, attic), the windows in the front side of the ground floor have been partially boarded up, it has a sturdy wooden front door and a back door.))

You walk up to the door and knock, barely containing your emotions. A second after there's a loud noise from inside the house. You jump. The unmistakable sound of a high caliber weapon discharging echoes throughout the otherwise quiet and empty neighborhood. In the second it takes for the shock to wear off and realize what's going on, you hear the back door of the house slamming open.

((I will not consider any yelling that comes as a result of this turn unreasonable.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 22, 2014, 05:18:51 pm

((The Artemis Fowl series was what got me into writing, so that's something good.))

Interface, Scion: <You would get along well with the Topaz, Emerald, and Amethyst-spectrum Guardians. They're known for having more pessimistic traits.>

Okay, obviously his subconscious is unwilling to give any more details about his work.

Host: >Enter the room where Raul is located. Present yourself as an Agent, and listen to what he has to say for now.

"You say pessimist, I say realist. I think you'll soon realize (if you haven't already) that most things in this world depend on your perspective. Your ideas and you perceptions. If you know how to take advantage of that when it comes to other people, then they will not only do what you want, they'll do it willingly and then thank you for giving them the opportunity to serve you."

You walk up to the private room and slide the door open.
It's a dim place, filled with dark shadows occasionally broken by the orange light given off by a few small lamps. The lamps stand in the walls among various cheap posters and other decorations that fit with the overall theme of the place. There's a small wooden table in the center of the room, surrounded by a few stools. And in one of them sits a man in dark clothes, as is stereotypical for those working in the cloak and dagger.
"You're the man they sent?" he asks, his accent betraying his motherland.
"Agent Kalle Swift." You say as you flash your id with one hand while sliding the door closed with the other. Miraculously, closing the door, despite it's thinness, lowers the amount of noise coming from outside significantly. "You Raul?"
"Maybe."
Oh. Great. He's got to be one of those guys, doesn't he?
"You've got something for me?"
"Hold on a sec. Before I say anything, I gotta know I'm going to be taken care of."
"Poor choice of words there." comments Scion with a small laugh. Good thing the man cannot hear her.
"The things I know are very important. Risked a lot to learn that stuff. My life could be in danger."
Yep, one of those guys. Somehow, the thought of killing him seems a bit more appealing now.
"Now, what would the Agency be willing to offer for that kind of information?"
"I say just threaten him. Traitors are usually cowards."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 21, 2014, 10:55:30 am

"My master calls me, says 'I need you here!'~
And it's-a half past four and I'm shifting ge-ear~"

>Maintain vaguely murderous disposition and drive over to the destination.

You arrive to the Restaurant and park outside.
There's a fat bouncer standing outside with a disinterested look on his face, more decoration to ward off anyone who would dare approach this place with inappropriate wardrobe.
Your target is somewhere in there.

I'm assuming you want to take the RPG out of the trunk and fire it at the place, right? Oh, wait, scratch that, you're the one that wants Raul alive, at least until you get the information out of him.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 21, 2014, 01:41:11 pm

Dance in order to attract attention Get up and look around unobtrusively.
Drink drink.

You get up and look around. Well, there's nothing in the immediate area. You move around the room, shoving people out of the way while checking the various tables.
After a good deal of searching, you find your targets. The two old guys. They're sitting on a table near a dark corner, talking.

The good news is, you don't have to search for them anymore.
The bad news is, they saw you. And while they don't seem to recognize you, they might not take the fact that someone is staring at them so well.
The really bad news is, the Russian man has an Interface. You can't see its color, its crystal is missing. Your host can't see the Interface but you can. And that means whoever is in that guy saw your Interface.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 23, 2014, 10:46:13 pm

I've finally caught up on the Amethyst mission. Well, I read pretty much all of it today, but whatever.

Yeah, haven't done as many turns as I'd like. Damn homework. Hopefully things will be better next week.

Quote

1. Lenglon's host fits her character.

Really? I'd say it doesn't really. Then again, I don't know Lenglon that well.

Except if you mean Lenglon's Player Character, Irene. Then you could say they are vaguely similar. But still, I don't think they're that similar.

Quote

2.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2014, 01:31:13 pm

The booze might as well had been petroleum...but at least it's cheap

Definitely not petroleum then.

It was a mistranslation of an expression in my mother language. When booze is very cheap and very low quality, we call it "gasoline", because gasoline (or at least some types of gasoline) is clear, like some types of booze and is cheap (or at least was, in the past).
Isn't gasoline still incredibly cheap in some places? US especially, at least that's what an exchange student told me.

How I managed to turn gasoline into petroleum... (No chemistry/geology jokes.)

Quote

3.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2014, 10:49:09 pm

You get nothing more than that he works for the Cause and is a spy on the Agency. ((Here's a sentence that shows I have no imagination when it comes to names. I could just call the Soviets the Empire and we'd complete this no imagination trio.))

I'd be willing to help with this come next mission. My brand of overthinking might require asking for minor plot details, though.

Eh. It's really not that important. Just me complaining. Do that a lot.

Besides, missions are like children. Their creators don't want others messing with them. They want to screw them up themselves in their own special way.

Quote

4. Might I suggest some sort of Character Summary? I can keep the hosts of 2-3 of the characters in mind, they're distinctive, but the rest...really aren't.

That's probably  because people keep failing their "Check host's memories" rolls for some reason.
Too bad we didn't get any critfails yet.

Quote

5. We can do a Target Amethyst mission again later, right?

Sure, we can do another Deep Sync mission, I just got to think of an acceptable story. Or you got to give me a good idea.
The basic premise is just giving your hosts more control and setting you out into a wider world with less linear/more vague objectives.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 25, 2014, 10:03:41 pm

Quote

((I love that teasing helpful tone. xD))

Quote

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

I first thought you were saying that like you were teasing from a pseudo-first-person me. Eheh. That was-thanks!
Theri sifted through the memories and tried to piece together something, but decided to be sure on the matter.

I wonder...
Try to remember what Zoe's case was. What was stopping me from helping her?
Next, try to remember if there were any sense of 'leads' that I felt.

((Whenever I use the word "You" below, I'm referring to your host, the woman whose body you are inside right now. Just making it clear.))

It wasn't a problem with Zoe in particular that was stopping you. It's the way your ability (or rather, your host's ability) works.
You are simply a conduit for the spirits. A way for them to access the physical world and influence it. A way for them to share their knowledge and wisdom with those that come to you for aid.
You can use meditative techniques to concentrate and become more receptive to their influences (or conversely better block the influence of those spirits that would seek to confuse you and lead you astray or worse seek to possess you) but you cannot control what they give you, you cannot force them to act.
So when Zoe came to you seeking help in finding the people who abducted the one she loved, all you could do was open your mind to the spirits and hope they could give you what you and Zoe needed.
With Zoe, the spirits told you nothing. Not even a tiny whisper. It was... quite unusual. Most of the time you get something, even if it isn't immediately useful.Sometimes they speak to you and show you things without you having to open your mind. Like what happened with this dream.

The dream... that was stranger still. It filled your senses. It was full of symbolism and strong imagery, the kind those supernatural entities are prone to creating. It was as if everything the spirits refused to tell you when others were present suddenly flooded your senses the moment they were gone, drowning your perceptions.
You're still trying to understand the entirety of what you saw, trying to hold on to every tiny bit of memory you have of the incident. Dreams are easy to forget, even one that had such... unnatural energy behind it.
From the details you remember right now, you're fairly certain there is danger up ahead. Danger for all of you. But the two people the vision centered around was Zoe and Ed.

Ed told you he was going to let Zoe stay at his place while she was searching for a place to stay. That's why you're driving there. If the dream told you they are in danger, then that's probably where you have to go to help them or at least find out how to help them.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 26, 2014, 09:11:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

It was a mistranslation of an expression in my mother language. When booze is very cheap and very low quality, we call it "gasoline", because gasoline (or at least some types of gasoline) is clear, like some types of booze and is cheap (or at least was, in the past).

And? I was making a joke about oil prices.

Quote

Isn't gasoline still incredibly cheap in some places? US especially, at least that's what an exchange student told me.

Cheap compared to what? I don't drive, and I haven't been old enough to think about it for more than a few years, but high gas prices are a stock complaint here in the States.

Quote

Besides, missions are like children. Their creators don't want others messing with them. They want to screw them up themselves in their own special way.

Understandable, if pessimistic. Still, if you need name-help, you know I'm willing.

Quote

That's probably  because people keep failing their "Check host's memories" rolls for some reason.

That might help.
A general "Character Status" bit in the turn posts might not be a bad idea, either.

Quote

Too bad we didn't get any critfails yet.

That sounds like the kind of thing that would be more annoying than funny until we had a chance to view the story as a whole.

Quote

Sure, we can do another Deep Sync mission, I just got to think of an acceptable story. Or you got to give me a good idea.
The basic premise is just giving your hosts more control and setting you out into a wider world with less linear/more vague objectives.

Indeed. Hm...let me give it some thought.
One thing that comes to mind immediately: Heist stuff could be neat, especially with each player having a different agenda that no one else knows. One is a secret cop, one is secretly trying to kill another, one is trying to minimize casualties, etc, and of course all want the big share of the loot (and as much of the rest as possible). Like, if they're robbing the Smithstonian, the Hope Diamond would be the main goal, but other treasures and such would be secondary. Ideally, the PCs would break in together, and then begin to splinter as their agendas clashed, before finally turning into a big free-for-all trying to grab a lot of loot without dying. Ideally, there would be incentives both for personal success and group success (e.g, "X/6 players acheived their agendas!" or "Y% of treasure stolen!" or something).

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2014, 09:18:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

"You say pessimist, I say realist. I think you'll soon realize (if you haven't already) that most things in this world depend on your perspective. Your ideas and you perceptions. If you know how to take advantage of that when it comes to other people, then they will not only do what you want, they'll do it willingly and then thank you for giving them the opportunity to serve you."

Interface, Scion: <That's how the Guardians and Mediums work. We all have different purposes, different traits, and different abilities that work in cohesion to fight the Shadow.>

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

"I say just threaten him. Traitors are usually cowards."

Interface, Scion: <That reminds me of Commander Oblivion, my alter-ego's nemesis. He used his charisma to manipulate entire kingdoms and dethroned both Artemis and Apollo at the same time. At one point I think he was even a triple agent.
...Artemis and I ended up uniting as one to kill him.>

Host: >Tell Raul that he is in a lot more trouble than he knows, and that you're already doing him a favor by offering him short asylum for his information. Tell him he can't push it with the Agency, and if he does, there will be repercussions.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 26, 2014, 09:27:27 pm

<Commander Oblivion? Is that some kind of-->
((Sorry, dunno how Meta-Will got in here.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 26, 2014, 09:30:27 pm

Bryan
Some interesting information, a shame that now would be a bad time to dig for more; I need to focus.  A new destination also good.  I hope I haven't made a mistake.
Faron
Go to the place detailed by Edward.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 26, 2014, 09:59:56 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 26, 2014, 09:11:14 pm

One thing that comes to mind immediately: Heist stuff could be neat, especially with each player having a different agenda that no one else knows. One is a secret cop, one is secretly trying to kill another, one is trying to minimize casualties, etc, and of course all want the big share of the loot (and as much of the rest as possible). Like, if they're robbing the Smithstonian, the Hope Diamond would be the main goal, but other treasures and such would be secondary. Ideally, the PCs would break in together, and then begin to splinter as their agendas clashed, before finally turning into a big free-for-all trying to grab a lot of loot without dying. Ideally, there would be incentives both for personal success and group success (e.g, "X/6 players acheived their agendas!" or "Y% of treasure stolen!" or something).

((+1 to this.  As a bonus, penalize outright killing teammates to encourage more creative ways to screw them over.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Tiruin on February 26, 2014, 10:02:45 pm

Hi Lenglon. :))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 27, 2014, 05:49:40 am

"And I'll walk right through the door, walk right through the door!" Ike sings. He's been through about five songs by now. It was a long drive.

>Walk right through the door. Make sure to be packing at least a handgun.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 27, 2014, 07:07:47 am

{Lenglon}
((I'm getting really frustrated here, It's taken me two turns to walk from a car to a door, 3 turns to drive a 15 min walk, meaning less than 3 min drive, when it takes anyone else 2 turns to go all the way across town, and thus far I've been completely unable to do anything at all, all mission. Could I please be allowed to do something? anything? I haven't had any options, any decisions, any actions, anything at all. I might as well not be here for all it matters.))

waiting for permission to play the game, and hoping that Ed lied, keeping Amelia and Zoe both safe at the same time. a pro won't bother killing someone extra to fulfill a private threat to a dead man. It's just extra risk and cleaning with zero reward even for future intimidations since the threat wasn't made public, so as long as he accepted his own death, which he seemed to have, then lying is the smart choice.

---

{Irine}

Listen for danger and if Zoe freezes up, nudge her towards decisiveness.

If Zoe really can't decide for herself, then I'm in favor of chasing the moving one (if catchable) while Morgan protects/treats the wounded one, if not catchable then Zoe is a trained military medic, right? She knows how to handle gunshot wounds. It's Zoe's decision though and I don't want to interfere. I just know that whatever decision she makes, she needs to make it fast.

---

{Zoe}

Decide between chasing whoever ran out back, and running inside, and act on that decision. Run around to the back and yell for help while you decide since the only way in is back there and so is the person you might be chasing.

---

((Zoe's ex-military and froze upon hearing gunfire? what? that's... odd. Irine is used to a primitive society/life, so I'd kinda expect that from her. But Zoe should be used to gunfire and should have been acting immediately.))

((I suppose Irine could have interfered and told Morgan to drive faster, but I had no reason to believe she was going super-slow until it was too late. Remember Zoe is an NPC. You've been ending turns like she's a PC, and so I've been posting action suggestions for her, but Zoe is an NPC, I don't know her personality fully, or her story, or what she'd do, or whatever. and these are Her decisions you keep asking me for. Irine really doesn't want to interfere and will not do so lightly. I'm not going to be posting dialog for Zoe, ever. My character is Irine. Zoe is yours.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 27, 2014, 03:17:37 pm

Turn on the radio. Check if any songs are on

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 27, 2014, 09:47:05 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 23, 2014, 02:18:23 pm

Test just how much force I can apply to things, and how evenly. (E.g, if I can apply ten thousand newtons of force, I could lift a car, but if it's all applied to a 10-centimeter area I'm going to be ripping the car apart)
Spend those last two minutes getting the city firmly in my mind and trying to figure out where the BETA is coming from. And where the people are.
EDIT: If I hear, um, NAV's note, head for that corner of the city.

It looks like the amount of force you can apply scales based on the size of the object you are trying to manipulate. So that means that while you can lift a car, you can't apply the same force to turn a marble into a supersonic projectile. On the bright side, that means there's less chances of you overshooting while using your power on smaller objects.

You jump at John's (Toaster's) location and check out his big gun.

You look up. Well, you could had mistaken it for a star, but then it moved. There's an orangered dot in the sky. And then it becomes two dots. And then three dots, all of them slowly moving towards slightly different directions, sometimes making a sudden movement, seemingly for no reason.

As for where the people are, you don't see any clues about that.
They probably evacuated somehow. Left the cars here because they can't function outside the city.
Maybe they're superadvanced genetically modified humans that simply run away very quickly. Or maybe they were airlifted out of here. Or maybe they used some other fast transportation method. Or they were teleported away by Charlie. Or they were killed by the entities. Or there were never people here to begin with and this is all a giant test site. Or maybe this place isn't real at all and all this is simply a simulation. Or maybe you're not real, maybe you're just a computer simulation and all this data is fed to you for testing. Or even worse, you're nothing but a puppet in some sort of twisted game, where people use words and chance to decide the actions of their puppets. Or maybe nothing is real and you and this entire universe are nothing but a dream in some alien imagination and will cease to exist the moment it wakes up. Or maybe...

Quote from: Toaster on February 23, 2014, 10:46:53 pm

((Neat.  Should it fail, though, I do have a secondary plan.  It involves using my tech sense on the robot to figure out its weakness.  You know, the touch range one.))

John regarded his work.  Hmm... needs armor, but there's no time for that.


Summon up an autoloader.  Once that's done, start making DU penetrator rounds (with a steel shell to enable firing in ferrous mode.)  Reject any crappy shell.


<<Okay, team, I'm in the construction zone and my cannon's ready.  A couple good hits from this and he should be down for the count, unless he has freaky alien armor or something.>>

((PLAN B: Banzai charge the giant robot with my bare hands! PLAN C: Choke giant robot! PLAN D: Throw fluffy wambler at giant robot! PLAN E: Drown giant robot with magma! PLAN F: Use cage trap to...))

((Also note that I used ferrous as a sort for ferromagnetic which in retrospect wasn't such a good idea. Not that it matters though, since the steel you summoned is. Just saying.))

Well, you get a very crappy autoloader, little more than a couple of rails standing over the back of the coilgun.
At least you get a good enough shell. It's not very massive, just a steel sabot carrying a small DU needle. (Relatively small anyway, compared to what the coilgun could fire. It's still pretty big.) Could cause some damage with a well placed shot.

Oh, hey, that little girl, Angel is here. She just popped into existance. And now she's looking up. And now she's looking down again. And now she's having some sort of existential crisis, muttering about how the entire world could be a product of her imagination.
Kids these days... Don't their parents know they have to max out Cynicismish and keep an eye on the Existential Fuck-a-roo stat?

---

Quote from: NAV on February 24, 2014, 08:15:03 pm

Broadcast to everyone:
"I have some data on the Beta. It's heading for the landing point gamma, southeast corner of the city. The undeveloped land. So point all your big guns in that direction."

Look for any tape, glue, rope, string, or zip ties. Stuff my pockets full.

You get tape and glue. You don't find any rope but you do find some sturdy electrical cables you could use as ropes. You find some zip ties along with the electrical cables.
No strings though, this is a governmental building, people come here to do important work, not to knit. You could start searching the trash for any loose strings that might have come out of their clothing if you need string that badly.

---

Quote from: Fniff on February 24, 2014, 08:26:56 pm

<"Roger roger, niner niner, check your vector, vector. I got a spaceplane with that new guy, we're going to either distract it or try to throw explosives at it. If you guys find any explosive barrels, lemme know.">
Start up the spaceship.
(Just realized I called Coolrune by his OOC name. :S)

"We have clearance, Clarence."
"Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?" (http://youtu.be/2OBZf0QdKdE)
You close the cockpit and cargo doors and check to make sure everything is in order and ready to go.

You slowly raise the lever on your left, the hover thrusters at the bottom of the Spaceplane firing in response. At some point the force exerted by the thrusters overcomes gravity and you begins to rise, slowly. You turn the Spaceplane around and inspect the cityscape, making small corrections to keep it level.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 27, 2014, 03:17:37 pm

Turn on the radio. Check if any songs are on

You put the headset on and fiddle with the switch a bit. There's nothing but silence and a bit of static.
You fiddle with the switch, trying to find a station with good music.
There's nothing but silence for a while. Then your ears are assaulted by a horrifying sound, like the grinding of metal mixed with the sound of a dial up connection played on insanely high levels.
You quickly remove the headset to protect your ears.
You are left with a buzzing in your ears and what looks like a broken radio.

---

Everyone
"Enemy approaching. Estimated time of arrival: 1 minute."

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2014, 09:18:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

"You say pessimist, I say realist. I think you'll soon realize (if you haven't already) that most things in this world depend on your perspective. Your ideas and you perceptions. If you know how to take advantage of that when it comes to other people, then they will not only do what you want, they'll do it willingly and then thank you for giving them the opportunity to serve you."

Interface, Scion: <That's how the Guardians and Mediums work. We all have different purposes, different traits, and different abilities that work in cohesion to fight the Shadow.>

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2014, 08:07:48 pm

"I say just threaten him. Traitors are usually cowards."

Interface, Scion: <That reminds me of Commander Oblivion, my alter-ego's nemesis. He used his charisma to manipulate entire kingdoms and dethroned both Artemis and Apollo at the same time. At one point I think he was even a triple agent.
...Artemis and I ended up uniting as one to kill him.>

Host: >Tell Raul that he is in a lot more trouble than he knows, and that you're already doing him a favor by offering him short asylum for his information. Tell him he can't push it with the Agency, and if he does, there will be repercussions.

"Oh, so you want some protection?"
"For starters."
"And a nice house in the suburbs? Or maybe you'd like something a bit more high quality? How does a class 2 apartment in Downtown Moscow sound to you?"
"Yeah, that could work."
"Or, hell, why don't we just give you a ticket for Triumf Rabotnika and a million rubles for you to spend as you will."
The man nods a bit slower this time. Seems like he's beginning to suspect you don't mean what you're saying. For a man that was a double agent he seems to have a startling inability to understand the tone of your voice.
"Yeah? You'd like that?" your host asks, the irritation blatantly obvious in his mind as well as his voice.
"Listen here, you maggot!" you growl and grab him by the collar, trying to give him your best death-stare. "The agency has been very generous to you! You are a member of a terrorist organization and a traitor to the State and her allies! You should be executed for your crimes. The amnesty we are granting you is a privilege you don't deserve!"
"B-but, the other said-"
"Well, I am not 'the other'. I'm not some paper pusher. I am an Agent. I get results. And I will get results from you, one way or another."
Your host is surprised and a bit relieved by his behavior. Looks like he found somewhere to vent all that stress.
"Now, will you give me anything or should I take you down to central where we can have a more... private conversation?" he adds in a more sinister tone.

Great. Raul looks ready to tell you everything... once he stops being so terrified he can't speak.

Your hosts happiness doesn't last for long though. He suddenly gets a very bad feeling. A sense of impending doom. There's danger nearby. Something bad is going to happen soon.

Crap! The real Agent! He must be here!

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 27, 2014, 05:49:40 am

"And I'll walk right through the door, walk right through the door!" Ike sings. He's been through about five songs by now. It was a long drive.

>Walk right through the door. Make sure to be packing at least a handgun.

((Yeaah, sorry about that. I'm using the location changes too keep you synchronized. So you and another guy could be at different floors of a building and do your actions fine. But if you are 16 minutes later in time than the other guy, going down the elevator to talk to him would take you however many turns it would take for the other guy to go forward 16 minutes in time.
Plus I got to stop every once in a while to make sure you don't have any action you might want to do, like for example, last turn was a chance for you to retrieve any extra weapons or armor you might want from the trunk.

At first, I had planned for you two to arrive nearly at the same time and have DAF and his host try and be very very quick or smart. Then you overshot your influencing your host to get bigger weapons and got delayed enough I thought you were going to have to do some detective work to continue. Then DAF had some fails influencing his host and so we get this...))

You've got two machine pistols, two spare clips and a body armor.

You enter the restaurant and make your way to the bar and ask for Raul.
The man at the bar scoffs. "Another one? He's upstairs. The private room to the far left."
Oh good...

Wait a minute. Another one?

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 26, 2014, 09:30:27 pm

Bryan
Some interesting information, a shame that now would be a bad time to dig for more; I need to focus.  A new destination also good.  I hope I haven't made a mistake.
Faron
Go to the place detailed by Edward.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 27, 2014, 07:07:47 am

{Irine}
Listen for danger and if Zoe freezes up, nudge her towards decisiveness.

If Zoe really can't decide for herself, then I'm in favor of chasing the moving one (if catchable) while Morgan protects/treats the wounded one, if not catchable then Zoe is a trained military medic, right? She knows how to handle gunshot wounds. It's Zoe's decision though and I don't want to interfere. I just know that whatever decision she makes, she needs to make it fast.

---

{Zoe}
Decide between chasing whoever ran out back, and running inside, and act on that decision. Run around to the back and yell for help while you decide since the only way in is back there and so is the person you might be chasing.

"Help! Now!" you scream and start running towards the back.

You are almost there but you don't see anybody. Where-

You hear the front door slamming open and then another gunshot.

You turn around and start running towards the front of the house.

You've only taken a few steps when you see a man running, moving with an incredible speed, unnatural speed for a man carrying someone else.

You use your powers to create fire on his head but he ducks out of the way a moment after it comes into existence around him, seemingly unaffected by it.

A moment later, he's out of sight, obscured by a nearby building. You notice the silvery gleam of an Interface on his hand before you loose sight of him.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 27, 2014, 07:07:47 am

{Lenglon}
((I'm getting really frustrated here, It's taken me two turns to walk from a car to a door, 3 turns to drive a 15 min walk, meaning less than 3 min drive, when it takes anyone else 2 turns to go all the way across town, and thus far I've been completely unable to do anything at all, all mission. Could I please be allowed to do something? anything? I haven't had any options, any decisions, any actions, anything at all. I might as well not be here for all it matters.))

waiting for permission to play the game, and hoping that Ed lied, keeping Amelia and Zoe both safe at the same time. a pro won't bother killing someone extra to fulfill a private threat to a dead man. It's just extra risk and cleaning with zero reward even for future intimidations since the threat wasn't made public, so as long as he accepted his own death, which he seemed to have, then lying is the smart choice.

I'm sorry. I'll try to do better.

Quote

((Zoe's ex-military and froze upon hearing gunfire? what? that's... odd. Irine is used to a primitive society/life, so I'd kinda expect that from her. But Zoe should be used to gunfire and should have been acting immediately.))

Military surgeon/medic. The guy they have tending the wounded. And she froze for only a second while she was trying to process what was going on. She was surprised, didn't knew what's going on. When people are shooting you, it's easy to duck out of the way and retaliate. Instinctual. When you hear a gunshot but don't know what's going on, when you aren't prepared for it, it's different. You've got to process it and decide what to do besides the basic "Take cover and find source of noise".

At least, that's what I imagine it to be like.
Never heard a real gun shoot, not from up close anyway and I've never received military training.
My only experience comes from suddenly hearing fireworks, flashbang grenades and bombs going off unexpectedly.

Quote

((I suppose Irine could have interfered and told Morgan to drive faster, but I had no reason to believe she was going super-slow until it was too late.

Wasn't going super slow. Simply wasn't going faster than normal.

Quote

Remember Zoe is an NPC. You've been ending turns like she's a PC,

I don't understand what that means. I must have not realized I'm doing that.
Sometimes I just end turns to give you a chance to influence your hosts if you want. Like I said, you could post no actions and simply watch your hosts do whatever it is they're doing.

Quote

and so I've been posting action suggestions for her, but Zoe is an NPC, I don't know her personality fully, or her story, or what she'd do, or whatever. and these are Her decisions you keep asking me for. Irine really doesn't want to interfere and will not do so lightly. I'm not going to be posting dialog for Zoe, ever. My character is Irine. Zoe is yours.))

Indeed. I never gave you any more control over Zoe than the one Irene's position affords you. So every time you give an action for her, I just treat it as you influencing her unconsciously. A standard influence action.

Anyway, like I said, I'm sorry. I'll try to do better.

---

((Wait a minute... Xan's post is missing. Eh, I'll just put them on hold.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 27, 2014, 09:58:55 pm

((Sorry. Hugeass school project. Post tomorrow.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 27, 2014, 10:18:40 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 27, 2014, 09:58:55 pm

((Sorry. Hugeass school project. Post tomorrow.))

((No worries, same here. Just using my insomnia to write a turn.))

@GWG: That's a good mission idea. I'll keep that in mind.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on February 27, 2014, 10:25:14 pm

Bryan
Dang it, I'm up against the fire controller.  If we meet again that could lead to complications.  I also now understand why this man is an instrument.  No emotions, highly trained, highly efficient, willing to do anything.  Heck, I don't even know if he has any amount of free will.
Faron
Don't influence actions this turn

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 27, 2014, 10:26:29 pm

((Whoo, my mission idea was semi-accepted!))

Locate some area with a lot of projectiles as large as any I can throw at a good speed. Grab them, telekinetic myself so I'm flying, and then head towards wherever the BETA is going to land. If it is there, begin smashing it with stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on February 27, 2014, 10:45:24 pm

Tsar the control tower I'm in. Try to make the control panels and sensors and computers and everything much more powerful.
I want to become omniscient in this city. I want to be able to tell where every speck of dust is.
Also, does the control tower have the ability to control anything? If so, amplify this to control as much of the city as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 27, 2014, 10:49:05 pm

((That won't end in information overload...))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2014, 10:52:47 am

"The plot thickens, ooh!"

>Quickly move upstairs. Perhaps you can find this... other one. Stealthiness would be good, but it is of secondary importance.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 28, 2014, 10:55:48 am

"Hey kid, want to help me... oh, you're gone."

Make sure that shell's loaded, then start racking up more DU shells.  Make a ClF₃ shell too for giggles.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on February 28, 2014, 10:58:55 am

((Oh come on, that triggered action was based on a specific trigger, written for last turn instead of this one, and that trigger didn't happen this turn either! I didn't want to use my fire abilities that way! Did Zoe do that on her own somehow or did you misread the PM I sent for a different turn?!?))

---

((Need info to write my actions: 1) Who was being carried? Ed or Morgan?
 2) Morgan/Morgan's car is... ??
 3) Did Zoe really take control of my fire abilities from me?
 4) Is the front door still open?
 5) What is Zoe's natural reaction?))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 28, 2014, 01:59:25 pm

Wow. He changes personas almost as fast as I do.
Almost, but not quite.

>Get Raul out of there, preferably through some back exit or something. Do it smoothly, you must not lose the control you've gained.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on February 28, 2014, 04:28:37 pm

((Angel really snuck past Alan in this current poll.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2014, 04:53:47 pm

((That's because Alan hasn't succeeded on any of his control rolls yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 28, 2014, 07:16:11 pm

Writing from my phone, so sorry for any mistakes.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 28, 2014, 10:58:55 am

((Oh come on, that triggered action was based on a specific trigger, written for last turn instead of this one, and that trigger didn't happen this turn either! I didn't want to use my fire abilities that way! Did Zoe do that on her own somehow or did you misread the PM I sent for a different turn?!?))

Normally I'd pause when you heard the front door open and then again when you saw the other but you said things were going too slow and that you wanted to do something so I had you do something.
That's how I thought: When he exited from the front door you had four choices: do nothing (which is against Zoe's and Irene's character) create a firewall (which would be very obvious and could lead to a hostage situation if the others are still alive)  run. after him (little chance to catch him plus thehostage problem) or use fire to kill him before he has a chance to retaliate/get away. The final choice seemed the best so I went with it.
I'm sorry. I'm an idiot. I thought that was what you wanted.

Quote

((Need info to write my actions: 1) Who was being carried? Ed or Morgan?
 2) Morgan/Morgan's car is... ??
 3) Did Zoe really take control of my fire abilities from me?
 4) Is the front door still open?
 5) What is Zoe's natural reaction?))

1)Probably Ed.
2)Unknown/not visible.
3)No, see above for excuses for my idiocy.
4)Yes.
5)Run after the guy.

House looks somewhat like this: (not to scale)
RoadRoadRoadRoad
     Car.   
SidewalkSidewalkSidewalkENEMY
HoDoorHouseHouse.  Destr.  OtherHouse
eHouseHouseHouse.  oyed.   OtherHoise
HouseeHouseHouseYOUFence.  OtherHouse

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2014, 08:05:33 pm

((Alright, post here! Then I go to sleep because I didn't last night.))

Do I have any weapons?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on February 28, 2014, 09:22:25 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 28, 2014, 04:28:37 pm

((Angel really snuck past Alan in this current poll.))

((Whee.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on March 01, 2014, 01:59:28 am

((The problem with that logic is the situation isn't that simple:
1) Zoe didn't know about Irine, and has no knowlege of where the fire is coming from. The fires could make her panic.
2) FRIENDLY FIRE -> Using that kind of attack on someone who is carrying someone I don't want hurt could easilly hurt the hostage.
3) Revealing information to the enemy -> By doing that, I told my opponent exactly who he is facing and what I can and can't do.
4) Moving Target -> Heat is a damage-over-time effect. A direct attack like that doesn't work anywhere near as well as area-denial attacks and encirclements. I can only generate fire a limited number of times and in limited amounts, generating it directly on someone moving quickly in an open area is likely to do nothing but waste my ability. In the original context of a stationary enemy inside a building with surprise on my side and flammable material nearby that would be likely to be splashed by any near-misses, giving me follow-up options and area denial opportunities, that type of attack was far more viable.
5) Confirm your target -> I do not have confirmation that the person carrying ?Ed? is actually hostile. The situation could be more complicated than I think it is, and there could still be a shooter in the building and the carrier could be trying to get Ed to safety. It's unlikely, but it is possible.

the above reasons make using my flame abilities in that kind of situation a really bad idea, and why I did not want to do that. Better to pursue or better yet, get into a vehicle of my own. Cars are VERY deadly weapons and provide cover against gunfire, if I'm not under immediate pressure then the best weapon here is Morgan's car, and I wasn't being aimed/shot at. I don't even have confirmation that the person carrying another person is actually hostile. There could be a shooter in the building and this person might be an ally, unlikely though that may be.

I was upset earlier because I did the same action 5 turns in a row, and it STILL didn't happen, with no information gained or viable alternatives available, when other people did comparable actions in 2 turns or less. I was upset this time because now I've wasted a limited resource, given information to the enemy, and possibly panicked or confused my host in the process, crippling my future actions, all through an action that I didn't want to do in the first place. That action was to be triggered, last turn, by the gun being aimed at Zoe or Ed, (and I assumed that I'd be framed in the doorway with no opportunity to dodge) and that didn't happen. In that case it was a "act or host/priority objective dies" + "attack stationary target from a position of suprise", making the attack itself far more viable and it also was a unprepared act or die situation I only knew was coming through meta-knowlege.

As for my action, um...))

---

{Irine}
--If I really did waste my ability--
Keep close track of my host's reaction to the ball of fire appearing in the air for no reason, but not influencing her at all, even if she panics about it, while slamming the remnants of the fire down into the grass at roughly the speed of local gravity and letting it spread across the grass and grow.
--If that is retconned out of history--
pay close attention to what Zoe is hearing, listening for a second opponent behind her and what sounds Morgan is or isn't making. If I think Zoe is going to be ambushed then push the problem to the fore of her mind, drawing her attention to what is wrong with that we're hearing. Otherwise leave her be, and let her make her own pursuit choices.

---

{Zoe}
Call out to Morgan and have her circle around in her car to cut off the assailant, while I make a more direct pursuit. Stay alert to cover and lines of fire, and check corners before rounding them, don't get myself shot.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 01, 2014, 08:50:41 am

@Lenglon: Sure, let's say you never used your ability.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 28, 2014, 08:05:33 pm

((Alright, post here! Then I go to sleep because I didn't last night.))

Do I have any weapons?

Harsh words/psychological warfare.
Double barreled sawn off shotgun (loaded).
Shotgun ammo.
Knife.
Keyes.
Glass (filled with booze of dubious quality).
Clothes.
Your body.
Nearby tables, chairs, bottles, etc.
Using nearby drunkards as throwing weapon.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on March 01, 2014, 05:26:39 pm

Look around/ask for a lighter.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2014, 05:46:19 pm

Turn coming tomorrow, last chance for people in the BETA mission to prepare or discuss strategy since the enemy will arrive at the end of the turn. (http://And I don't think your chances are very good...)

Quote from: Xantalos on March 01, 2014, 05:26:39 pm

Look around/ask for a lighter.

I just remembered I had your host smoke a cigarette in the first turn of this mission. I have added lighter and cigarettes to your inventory. You can still do the above action if you want though.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on March 03, 2014, 05:51:24 pm

((Excellent!))

Go to the bar and order a shit ton of booze. In bottles and such.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 03, 2014, 06:05:12 pm

"I picked up some weird noise. I think... This thing... It's trying to communicate to us. Maybe it doesn't want to annihilate us? Meh, doesn't matter."

Brace for any kind of impact.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2014, 10:01:39 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 27, 2014, 10:25:14 pm

Bryan
Dang it, I'm up against the fire controller.  If we meet again that could lead to complications.  I also now understand why this man is an instrument.  No emotions, highly trained, highly efficient, willing to do anything.  Heck, I don't even know if he has any amount of free will.
Faron
Don't influence actions this turn

((FYI, we're saying Irene never used her fire abilities on you.
Now, let us never speak of that again and hope I do better in the future.))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 01, 2014, 01:59:28 am

{Irine}
pay close attention to what Zoe is hearing, listening for a second opponent behind her and what sounds Morgan is or isn't making. If I think Zoe is going to be ambushed then push the problem to the fore of her mind, drawing her attention to what is wrong with that we're hearing. Otherwise leave her be, and let her make her own pursuit choices.

---

{Zoe}
Call out to Morgan and have her circle around in her car to cut off the assailant, while I make a more direct pursuit. Stay alert to cover and lines of fire, and check corners before rounding them, don't get myself shot.

Your attempt to influence your host to be careful for ambushes fails. She just runs towards the man a fast as she can. Your interface beeps and blinks red several times.
"MORGAAN! CAR! AFTER HIM!" you shout in between breaths.
As you reach the sidewalk and turn to go after the man once more, you catch a glimpse of Morgan getting out of hiding inside the car.
A couple of seconds later, you hear the car trying to start and failing.
Meanwhile, the man keeps running away with incredible speed, reaching the car parked at the nearby intersection.
After two more tries, the engine starts.
The man opens the door of his car and then shoves the one he is carrying on the passenger seat (you'd swear you saw him lifting him with one arm like he weighed nothing) while getting in himself.
You see Morgan at the edge of your vision, driving by with her car, accelerating towards the man, who is currently in the process of starting his car's engine.
With the illumination the car's headlights are providing you can see clearly that Edward is lying in the passenger seat of the man's car. You can also see the man's face. He seems vaguely familiar to your host.

Any actions you want to do?

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2014, 10:52:47 am

"The plot thickens, ooh!"

>Quickly move upstairs. Perhaps you can find this... other one. Stealthiness would be good, but it is of secondary importance.

You almost run up the stairs towards the private room, earning the disapproving looks of many of the establishment's customers. You keep your eyes focused on the leftmost private room, long enough for you to spot two men exiting it. One of them must be Raul. The other... You do not know him. But he can't be good news.

And, while your host cannot see it, you can see he has an interface on his wrist, its crystal transparent.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 28, 2014, 01:59:25 pm

Wow. He changes personas almost as fast as I do.
Almost, but not quite.

>Get Raul out of there, preferably through some back exit or something. Do it smoothly, you must not lose the control you've gained.

((Yes, it's almost as if the results of his actions are dependent on the results of dice rolls, don't you think?
Plus, the fact that that guy betrayed your host's organization is a big contributor to his anger and disposition towards him.))

This room is just 4 walls and a door, you'll be trapped if you stay here. Got to get away.
"Move it. We're getting out of here." Maybe you can get out through the balcony or-
"Huh?" He just looks at you, his scared look changing to one of confusion.
"You were followed." Can't wait for that scum to move on his own.
"Wha-? How? I was- How did you-?"
"No time to play 20 questions. We're getting out of here. Now." You say as you shove him up and open the door to push him out of there.

Once you're out, you look around. You're outside the leftmost private room, near the left stairs, near the railing.
You spot the enemy Agent who has just gone up the right stairs. Even if you hadn't seen him before, you could tell he was an Agent. He reeks of it.
From the looks of it, he has spotted you too. And he's coming your way. And, while your host cannot see it, you can see he has an interface on his wrist, its crystal transparent.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 03, 2014, 05:51:24 pm

((Excellent!))

Go to the bar and order a shit ton of booze. In bottles and such.

You try to influence your host to turn around and go back to the bar.
It's hard. He really wants to just kill those two guys right now. Your interface beeps and blinks red alarmingly many times, your vision going blurrier and your control over and awareness of your host dulling.
Nevertheless, you manage to make him go back to the bar and order a shit ton of booze. Looks like he's going to have to go through with whatever crazy plan you've thought of.

Your entity laughs with its strange laugh. Well, at least the two of you are having fun. Because your host is feeling really confused and conflicted right now.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on February 27, 2014, 10:26:29 pm

((Whoo, my mission idea was semi-accepted!))

Locate some area with a lot of projectiles as large as any I can throw at a good speed. Grab them, telekinetic myself so I'm flying, and then head towards wherever the BETA is going to land. If it is there, begin smashing it with stuff.

Well, there are plenty of large machines in the nearby undeveloped land, plus there are all sorts of I-beams, sheets of metal and other building materials lying around here, along with a couple of abandoned cars. So I'll just have you stick with Toaster for now.

"Are you sure it's alright not to warn the others of what you saw?"

Quote from: Toaster on February 28, 2014, 10:55:48 am

"Hey kid, want to help me... oh, you're gone."

Make sure that shell's loaded, then start racking up more DU shells.  Make a ClF₃ shell too for giggles.

Small DU Shell loaded.
Your first attempt to produce a shell results in a rubber duck manifesting. You wonder how that's even possible. At least it's not an animate rubber duck that's trying to kill you.
You make a perfect DU shell. Yep, that thing will ruin that robot's day alright.

---

Quote from: NAV on February 27, 2014, 10:45:24 pm

Tsar the control tower I'm in. Try to make the control panels and sensors and computers and everything much more powerful.
I want to become omniscient in this city. I want to be able to tell where every speck of dust is.
Also, does the control tower have the ability to control anything? If so, amplify this to control as much of the city as possible.

An entire control tower, eh? Let's see how lucky you are... Not that much. Nothing happens. Or very much, considering what rolling a 1 would had meant.

We'll just say you monitor the sensors for now. Controlling stuff is possible but it would require some guesswork.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 03, 2014, 06:05:12 pm

"I picked up some weird noise. I think... This thing... It's trying to communicate to us. Maybe it doesn't want to annihilate us? Meh, doesn't matter."

Brace for any kind of impact.

You fasten your seatbelt and wish you had thought to wear a spacesuit, or at least the helmet of one. A crash with this thing won't be pretty.

---

Everyone
"The enemy has arrived."
Those of you looking up can see three points of light in the sky. They continue moving towards opposite directions. Then the lights disappear. After a while, with the aid of the light produced by the city, you can see 9 spheres falling from the sky in groups of 3, each group going to a different part of the city. They are accompanied by a small shower of mostly harmless metal debris, some of them glowing red hot.

---

NAV
You monitor the sensors and watch as each of the three points in the radar break into three other points, making for a total of 9 points. They disappear shortly before hitting the city, but you're certain that each group landed somewhere near a landing point.

You hear something impact the roof of the control tower. Well, now you know where one of them has landed.

---

Toaster & GWG
One of the spheres is heading awfully close to you. It fires a burst of its thrusters and stops a couple of dozens of meters away from you and a bit higher. It remains hovering there for the moment.
It looks very simple, a metal sphere about 6 times the size of your head, with electronics surrounded by a robust looking spherical metal frame and several maneuvering thrusters. Lenses stick out from various parts of its body, with a big lens covering the "front" of its body. It also has an antenna near the "top" of its body.

You can also see two other spheres landing, one on the undeveloped land and one on a nearby building.

---

Coolrune206 & Fniff
From the cockpit of the Spaceplane, you notice three spheres landing on the spaceport.
One of them is hovering in the air with the help of short bursts from its thrusters and looks like it's covered with lenses, with a big lens covering the "front" of its body.
The other stands on a pair of tracks and has various tubes and arms sticking out from it, like the tentacles of an octopus.
The third fails to use its thrusters to slow down in time and hits the ground hard, thus breaking apart in a bunch of metal shrapnel. Well, one less to worry about.
They're both about 6 times the size of your head and have an antenna on their "top" part.

---

scapheap
You notice a metal sphere covered with various lenses landing near the statue in the center of the plaza. It has a big lens near the "front" of its body and an antenna on its "top" part.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2014, 03:04:50 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 26, 2014, 01:13:07 am

Nhh, dear goodness. I'm not that used to speaking in first person. Hum...
Alright, now take the most visible route. If Zoe is in trouble, trouble must make its way to Ed's house first. So if I see nothing wrong at that point, I'll...just take the diversionary place so I can warn them from the..backdoor!
Ngh, not good Theri.
Though perhaps the spirits may know- OH GOODNESS. RIVER!- I better contact them when I get there. Hopefully not to burn the bridge. And all these metaphors.

Go along the route which has the best visibility of Ed's place, then upon nearing head along a different street to approach the home from another direction--if possible, contact spirits along the way.

Also hi River. River?

Mmm.mmmm...River? Am I doing ok?

Your host continues to drive towards Ed's house.
The suburbs you're driving through look deserted, few people living here, even fewer walking on the streets at this our. Most of the lights on the sidewalk are broken or otherwise non-functional and few houses have light coming from their windows. Everything is dark and quiet, save for the sound of the car's engine trying to keep the old thing moving and its headlights illuminating the bumpy road ahead.

You try to open your mind to the spirits you see in your hosts thoughts and memories, to try to influence them or talk to them, but this proves fruitless. They seem to be uninterested in interacting with you. Or maybe they're just not here right now. Or maybe you're doing this the wrong way. You're not really sure how this is supposed to work.

When you are close to your destination, you suddenly see a red haze surrounding your host's vision before it returns to normal. Your host shakes her head. A second later, you hear a gunshot coming from up ahead, close to your destination that is currently obscured by a small rise in the road.
Your host is frightened. That can't be good. She pushes the gas pedal down, driving as fast as she can.
The gunshot is followed by another one a few seconds after that.

Your host notices something strange. On the left side of the car flies a hummingbird with iridescent orange-red feathers that make it look like it's on fire. On the right side of the car swims a multicolored tropical fish. Spirits, no doubt.
The two creatures move away from the car, the fish continuing straight while the hummingbird turns at the next intersection. They're probably trying to tell you something but what?

"Hmph. Why do they always have to be so vague..." comments River.
"Red probably means anger or conflict or... fire? I'm not sure.
I have no idea what the other one might stand for."

Do you want to influence your host and have her choose a spirit to follow?

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Xantalos on March 04, 2014, 10:08:24 pm

Plant thoughts of arson in his head. Try to make him go lock the doors from the outside and burn the place down, using the shit ton of booze as fuel.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: NAV on March 04, 2014, 10:34:12 pm

Position my shelf-leg club right under where the noise is coming from, brace it against the ground, Tsar it. Try to make it punch through the ceiling and knock whatever's on the roof off the tower.
Nope, absolutely no Freudian symbolism here.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Toaster on March 04, 2014, 10:34:58 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 04, 2014, 10:08:24 pm

Plant thoughts of arson in his head. Try to make him go lock the doors from the outside and burn the place down, using the shit ton of booze as fuel.

((Oh, you.))

---

John eyeballs the thing for a second.  <<A midsize sphere just came to us, a couple more nearby.  Wasn't thing supposed to be a bigass robot?  Whatever- I'm smashing this one.>>


FIRE at the hovering sphere!  Reload the other DU shell.  If it is destroyed/goes away before I can shoot it, fire at the closest of the other two.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 04, 2014, 10:44:46 pm

<I thought they knew! Um, the...something is here.>

Toss some big chunks of metal, I-beams and stuff, at the sphere. Aim for the big lens and the antenna. Especially the antenna.

((Von Neumann machines with a distributed intelligence and/or hive mind. I call it now.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Alarith on March 04, 2014, 11:39:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2014, 10:01:39 pm

((FYI, we're saying Irene never used her fire abilities on you.
Now, let us never speak of that again and hope I do better in the future.))

((Wasn't sure whether I should bother changing that thought, so I didn't.  Don't worry I am aware that my character doesn't know that he is up against Irine.))

---

Bryan
Hmm, a bit late for negotiation.  A shame that my host isn't fond of it.
Faron
Let him decide the best course of action.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2014, 05:12:08 am

"P-V-P! P-V-P! P-V-P!" Ike chants.

>Shoot the other guy who's not Raul - don't mess around and shoot to kill. Whatever he's doing here, it can't be anything good.

Take control if Ike Wayne doesn't seem willing to do that.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Lenglon on March 05, 2014, 09:43:06 am

((I guess I miscommunicated. I meant the influence towards caution to be triggered If I heard something signalling towards a second opponent. Oh well, didn't really change anything.))

---

{Irine}
I don't want to kill Ed, but I can't let that machine carry him away...

Use one flame generation charge, melt the nearest tire of the kidnapper's car and keep the flames actively under my control.
     If that doesn't stop it then send the flames up and into the engine compartment to catch the car itself on fire.
     Else keep the flames down low by the melted wheel and don't let them spread into the car itself, gather any flames generated by my actions under my control to give me more firepower to work with.

---

{Zoe}
What am I going to do when I catch him?
memorize the license plate number, and continue pursuit.
I need to protect my hand if I'm going to be breaking car glass, and he's sure to lock the doors.
Take off my shirt and wrap my hand and lower arm with it while I run.
If he's smart he'll shoot the car coming at him instead of me, but people don't always do the smart thing.
     Be ready to dive for cover If shot at.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2014, 04:16:16 pm

"Hey, other person. Ready to battle? Alright..."

Use my powers to...

Spoiler: GM'S LEFT EAR ONLY (click to show/hide)

TURN INTO A BABY RHINO (Effectively, use all my biomass and become a Rhino)

Then lay down in the seat

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2014, 12:36:08 pm

((Bump. Waiting for all people in the Amethyst mission to post. All people in the BETA mission posting would be nice too.))

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2014, 03:06:21 pm

I was hoping I would not encounter an enemy player so quickly. Oh well.

>Get Raul out of there on the stairs opposite that agent. Find any close exit and get out of there through the tables of people.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2014, 10:25:34 pm

((Chase scene music (http://youtu.be/pUwszL6J81I) or chase scene music (http://youtu.be/x-64CaD8GXw)))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 04, 2014, 10:08:24 pm

Plant thoughts of arson in his head. Try to make him go lock the doors from the outside and burn the place down, using the shit ton of booze as fuel.

You pay the bartender and he goes to bring you your booze. You light a cigarette and take a few deep breaths of smokey air while waiting for the bartender to return.
"Hey man, what the hell are you doing with all that alcohol?" he asks as he sets the case on the bar.
Burning down the house.
You grab the case of booze you bought from the bartender and then head for the front door of the wooden shack.
"Yeah, yeah." says the bartender with a smile, completely oblivious to your intentions. "Well, have fun."
Oh, I will...
Once you reach the front door, you pocket a couple of bottles and then turn the case upside down. The bottles fall to the ground and shatter with a gratifying sound, spraying their high alcohol contents everywhere.
A man standing near the door approaches you.
"Hey man, are you alright? What are you do-"
His sentence is cut short by your knife in his neck.
Incinerating the trash.
You shove him inside the bar and into the ground, his blood mixing with the alcohol there. Ah, blood. So beautiful. The sight of it makes you feel complete again, fills you with energy and euphoria.
Before anyone has a chance to realize what has happened, you pull the cigarette out of your mouth and toss it in the puddle. The vapors combust, the sound of the small explosion followed soon after by the music of panicked screams.
You close the door. Not that there's any chance people will go through here. The old wood will soon catch fire and destroy this place, along with the maggots that infest it.
Now you just need to take care of the service door in the side.

((Arson will continue next turn unless there are objections/alterations you want to make to it. Just stopping because of time travel issues.))

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 04, 2014, 11:39:36 pm

Bryan
Hmm, a bit late for negotiation.  A shame that my host isn't fond of it.
Faron
Let him decide the best course of action.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2014, 09:43:06 am

{Irine}
I don't want to kill Ed, but I can't let that machine carry him away...

Use one flame generation charge, melt the nearest tire of the kidnapper's car and keep the flames actively under my control.
If that doesn't stop it
   then send the flames up and into the engine compartment to catch the car itself on fire.
Else
   keep the flames down low by the melted wheel and don't let them spread into the car itself, gather any flames generated by my actions under my control to give me more firepower to work with.

---

{Zoe}
What am I going to do when I catch him?
memorize the license plate number, and continue pursuit.
I need to protect my hand if I'm going to be breaking car glass, and he's sure to lock the doors.
Take off my shirt and wrap my hand and lower arm with it while I run.
If he's smart he'll shoot the car coming at him instead of me, but people don't always do the smart thing.
     Be ready to dive for cover If shot at.

You see the man shimmer and distort like a mirage. Your host doesn't see it but you do. He looks at you and then the car coming at him.

Your host continues running towards the car and starts trying to remove her coat. You focus on trying to melt the front left tire.
Your flames manifest as the car begins to move and almost immediately destroy the tire, the superheated air inside escaping with a loud pop. The molten rubber quickly falls off, leaving the naked rim to emit sparks as it touches the road. Despite that, the man manages to retain control of the car and continues driving, albeit a lot slower. You focus on moving your flames to the engine compartment instead.
Not a second later there is a second pop coming from Morgan's car. Something has been embedded in the tire, causing it to wobble and partially shredding it. She manages to avoid crashing but her engine stalls and the car stops soon after.
Unfortunately, you are unable to properly condense the fire inside the engine compartment, the movement of the car dispersing it. You might have burnt something, you cannot see inside the engine, but whatever it might be, it wasn't enough to stop the car.

The man's car disappears behind the next house although you can still hear the sound of metal grinding against concrete coming from its tireless wheel. You can also hear another car approaching from behind.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2014, 05:12:08 am

"P-V-P! P-V-P! P-V-P!" Ike chants.

>Shoot the other guy who's not Raul - don't mess around and shoot to kill. Whatever he's doing here, it can't be anything good.

Take control if Ike Wayne doesn't seem willing to do that.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2014, 03:06:21 pm

I was hoping I would not encounter an enemy player so quickly. Oh well.

>Get Raul out of there on the stairs opposite that agent. Find any close exit and get out of there through the tables of people.

The three men stare at each other for a split second before the Agent makes a move for his guns, while Kalle and Raul make a dash for the stairs. The Agent is quick, years of training allowing him to retrieve the two machine pistols from their holsters, remove the safety and take aim all in a smooth practiced motion. The moment he is about to fire however, a woman walks out of the private room on his right and obscures his line of sight. Her eyes widen as she turns, notices the two guns pointing at her face and promptly begins screaming in fear and jumping up and down.

The Agent shoves her out of the way and back into her private room before taking aim again. His fingers are on the triggers of his weapons but he hesitates. His target is almost at the bottom of the stairs and there's a chance he might hit civilians. Or the informant.
Ike however has no qualms about civilian injury.

While Zechariah, along with everybody else in the restaurant, cannot see it (he can only hear Ike's chanting over the joy of player versus player combat), Ike sees a wave extending from his Interface, distorting his host. From wherever the wave passes, his host's skin changes, becoming slightly, almost imperceptibly more like his. Every part of his host's body that changes comes under Ike's control. When the wave reaches his ears, his hearing expands to his normal superhuman level of hearing. The moment the change finishes, his Interface starts beeping and blinking red.
"Assuming direct control."
Ike, now in complete control, adjusts his aim and shoots a single round.

The first thing that hits him is how irritatingly loud the sound of a gunshot is to a being with supersensitive hearing.
The second thing is that his Interface is beeping like crazy.
The third is that his target somehow managed to dive out of the way and land on top of an empty table, unharmed, dragging the informant along with him.
The fourth thing is that a room full of people screaming in fear and getting up from their seats is almost as irritating for his ears as the gunshot.

---

---

Meanwhile

---

---

Quote from: NAV on March 04, 2014, 10:34:12 pm

Position my shelf-leg club right under where the noise is coming from, brace it against the ground, Tsar it. Try to make it punch through the ceiling and knock whatever's on the roof off the tower.
Nope, absolutely no Freudian symbolism here.

You locate a sturdy looking place to brace the pole and then a thin looking piece of ceiling under the enemy's perceived location.
You focus on the pole and it immediately extends and becomes a lot heavier. Screw holes are converted into decorative engravings, its texture becomes more rough and bumpy and jagged spikes appear across it.
The pole goes through the ceiling and makes cracks form on the floor. The pole itself gets severely bended in the process.
After the dust settles, you can see that your efforts have rewarded you with a robot kebab. Skewered by the pole is an eight legged robot with a spherical main body and antenna attached to it. Some of its legs spasm and jerk from time to time.
"Is that a Tsared pole or are you just happy to see the enemy?"

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 04, 2014, 10:34:58 pm

John eyeballs the thing for a second.  <<A midsize sphere just came to us, a couple more nearby.  Wasn't thing supposed to be a bigass robot?  Whatever- I'm smashing this one.>>


FIRE at the hovering sphere!  Reload the other DU shell.  If it is destroyed/goes away before I can shoot it, fire at the closest of the other two.

Ever heard the phrase "kill a fly with a bazooka"? Because that's basically what you did.

John turns his artillery to aim at the sphere. The sphere fires some of its thrusters and begins to spin. John says a big NOPE and shoots the thing. There is a buzzing noise as the capacitors of the gun discharge followed by the loud bang of the projectile reaching supersonic speed. The recoil makes the entire building vibrate and causes the weapon to change the direction it's pointing.

His target just disappears. No wounds, no explosions. Just a loud bang and it vanishes.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 04, 2014, 10:44:46 pm

<I thought they knew! Um, the...something is here.>

Toss some big chunks of metal, I-beams and stuff, at the sphere. Aim for the big lens and the antenna. Especially the antenna.

((Von Neumann machines with a distributed intelligence and/or hive mind. I call it now.))

Well, John took care of that one. So let's have you take care of the one at street level. It's one of those that have tracks and tentacle-like manipulators.
It is currently in the process of using its tentacles to do something to a car's control panel. It turns to face you when you teleport close to it. You make a pulling motion with your hand and the car the bot is messing with overturns and crushes it.

Now there's only the one at the top of that building left near landing point C.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2014, 04:16:16 pm

"Hey, other person. Ready to battle? Alright..."

Use my powers to...

Spoiler: GM'S LEFT EAR ONLY (click to show/hide)

TURN INTO A BABY RHINO (Effectively, use all my biomass and become a Rhino)

Then lay down in the seat

Spoiler: GM's RIGHT EAR'S RESPONSE (click to show/hide)

You use your power and that fat you have accumulated to become a baby rhino. This complicates your efforts to lay down in the seat since rhinos are not that comfortable sitting on chairs.

The sphere with the lenses begins to spin and emits some flashes of light.
The tracked tentacle robot is currently trying to mess with the engines of a Spaceplane.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 06, 2014, 10:51:07 pm

John grinned.  "Gotcha."  <<That boom was me- one piece of robot down.  I think Angel got another.>>


Summon more DU shells.  Make sure one's loaded.


If Angel can get the broken robot up here, check it with my feels.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2014, 10:25:34 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 04, 2014, 10:34:12 pm

Position my shelf-leg club right under where the noise is coming from, brace it against the ground, Tsar it. Try to make it punch through the ceiling and knock whatever's on the roof off the tower.
Nope, absolutely no Freudian symbolism here.

You locate a sturdy looking place to brace the pole and then a thin looking piece of ceiling under the enemy's perceived location.
You focus on the pole and it immediately extends and becomes a lot heavier. Screw holes are converted into decorative engravings, its texture becomes more gruff
The pole goes through the ceiling and makes cracks form on the floor. The pole itself gets severely bended in the process.
After the dust settles, you can see that your efforts have rewarded you with a robot kebab. Skewered by the pole lies an eight legged robot with a spherical main body and antenna. Some of its legs spasm and jerk from time to time.
"Is that a Tsared pole or are you just happy to see the enemy?"

Well played.  Our team has been frighteningly competent this round, but your kill is certainly the best yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2014, 11:32:40 pm

Great. Whoever this other player is has no problem killing me. That probably rules out Angel, and maybe Irine...

Might as well use this chaos to my advantage.

>Get Raul out of there now! Use the chaos and duck low through the escaping civilians. Exit through the front door and onto the sidewalk, preferably among more civilians!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 07, 2014, 12:12:22 am

((... Paris, I need to know if Irine has learned how combustion engines work from her host.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 07, 2014, 12:34:08 am

"Dang! Silly civilians!"

Follow them fools! If I get a clear shot at the fake agent, take the opportunity. No hesitation!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2014, 01:21:12 am

^{He he he}

Go to the side door and lock it with whatever means are around (chair, smashing the lock, glue, a length of pipe).

Alan: Plant thoughts of ice cream in his head after this.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2014, 05:30:36 am

Gah, need to proofread my post one I get back to a computer.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 07, 2014, 12:12:22 am

((... Paris, I need to know if Irine has learned how combustion engines work from her host.))

You sort of know. Just the absolute basics. Fuel gets in, it burns somehow, the car moves.

Title: Re: Special People: I need guns. Lots of guns.
Post by: Tiruin on March 07, 2014, 07:20:55 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2014, 12:36:08 pm

((Bump. Waiting for all people in the Amethyst mission to post. All people in the BETA mission posting would be nice too.))

Mwahaha!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 07, 2014, 08:54:55 am

{Irine}
Seize control of the fires inside the general area of the fleeing car,and prevent them from doing anything.

---

{Zoe}
Flag down the car behind us and comandeer/recruit it/the driver to aid the pursuit.
     If the car speeds up, and seems to be trying to run me over, dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 07, 2014, 02:15:22 pm

Aha! There you are invisible snarky girl. I like you, you're funny. Ever tried pole dancing before?

But in seriousness, I need to know more about these robot things. Are they fully mechanical, no biological bits? Who created them?

Time to get a better weapon. Remove 2 of the dead robots legs, motors, power source. Find something that will make a good crossbow body, like a plank or something. Attach the legs to the plank, so they are naturally contracted. Attach the motors and power source too. Remove a light switch from the wall, wire it to the crossbow. Run a wire from the end of one leg to the end of the other, to act as the bowstring. Use a binder clip as the catch. Make it so when I flip the switch, it will extend both legs, pulling the wire taut and propelling an arrow.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 03:57:54 pm

A thought occurs to John.

<<Hey Angel, did you break that thing?  Can you bring it up here?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 07, 2014, 04:02:12 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 03:57:54 pm

A thought occurs to John.

<<Hey Angel, did you break that thing?  Can you bring it up here?>>

<Probably.>

Try to bring that thing up there. Ride on top. Whee!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 04:03:34 pm

<<If you can, that'd be awesome.>>

Edited action above to consider this.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 07, 2014, 05:25:58 pm

Bryan
Excellent, my plan worked.  Now I have a different problem.  This car is going to cause problems.

---

Faron
Is there an empty car nearby that I can take?  If so take it.  Otherwise look at the condition of my car, is it in any danger of exploding?  If it is, start running.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 07, 2014, 05:32:39 pm

Abort. Wait for us to pass a place where I can leap out safely, and do so.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2014, 10:34:53 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 07, 2014, 04:02:12 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 03:57:54 pm

A thought occurs to John.

<<Hey Angel, did you break that thing?  Can you bring it up here?>>

<Probably.>

Try to bring that thing up there. Ride on top. Whee!

You remove the car from on top of the bot and step on its most steady looking pieces before trying to fly it to the construction site John has set up on.
You can't balance the robot properly and end up falling on your ass. Luckily, you don't get hurt.
Then, for the sake of not wasting your turn, you remember that you can teleport and so you touch the robot and do so to return to John.

While John does his techno-voodoo-postmortem on the remains of the bot, you keep an eye out for things.
That eight-legged robot on the neighboring building has finished tearing apart an antenna and messing with its wiring and has now moved to a transformer.

Quote from: Toaster on March 06, 2014, 10:51:07 pm

John grinned.  "Gotcha."  <<That boom was me- one piece of robot down.  I think Angel got another.>>

Summon more DU shells.  Make sure one's loaded.

If Angel can get the broken robot up here, check it with my feels.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2014, 10:25:34 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 04, 2014, 10:34:12 pm

-tsar pole-

-pole tsared-

Well played.  Our team has been frighteningly competent this round, but your kill is certainly the best yet.

((Yep, his is one of those actions where you wish he gets either 6 or 1 just so that you can write the results.))

The next shell (DU normal) jams between the rails of the auto-loader but it's nothing a good kick can't fix.
You summon another shell. This one is very big. It will barely fit inside the coilgun.

Angel returns with the crushed remains of the bot. It seems to have been some sort of tracked vehicle with 8 tentacle-like manipulators before it met its end. You touch it and focus on understanding it.

Your investigation reveals nothing of terrible interest. The robot uses fairly simple yet powerful parts, similar in some ways to the ones used by your coilgun. High density batteries and almost superconducting wires, frame made from a strong yet lightweight metal alloy, some tools at the ends of the tentacles, cameras and what you presume to be its motherboard linked to a long range antenna. Most of those pieces have been broken and it takes a while for you to piece together how they all fit together.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 07, 2014, 02:15:22 pm

Aha! There you are invisible snarky girl. I like you, you're funny. Ever tried pole dancing before?

But in seriousness, I need to know more about these robot things. Are they fully mechanical, no biological bits? Who created them?

Time to get a better weapon. Remove 2 of the dead robots legs, motors, power source. Find something that will make a good crossbow body, like a plank or something. Attach the legs to the plank, so they are naturally contracted. Attach the motors and power source too. Remove a light switch from the wall, wire it to the crossbow. Run a wire from the end of one leg to the end of the other, to act as the bowstring. Use a binder clip as the catch. Make it so when I flip the switch, it will extend both legs, pulling the wire taut and acting as a crossbow.

"Haha. Interestingly, no. I've done lots of things but never that. Never occurred to me, really. Maybe I'll try it, when I have some time. Should be fun."
You unTar your pole and retrieve the remains of the robot. Most of its wiring has been severed but the rest of its insides seem to be surprisingly intact. It feebly tries to move one of its legs to catch you but it can't do much at this state.
"Anyway, are you talking about the drones? The drones are all made and controlled by the BETA and it does not seem like these contain biological parts. BETAs don't like using biological parts in genreal, don't know why."
You pull away the control circuits from the drone like the guts from a fish and it stops moving. You also retrieve a heavy black cube you presume to be the battery and (after a dozen or so kicks) two of its legs.
"If you're talking about the BETAs themselves, then I don't know. They were here when this universe was first explored, at least that's what I've been told. The Library says they probably evolved naturally, maybe from some other form of Demon."
You can't find a light switch on the wall but you do find a light switch in the wire of a lamp, so you cut off and use that.
You use some of that wire you had collected along with a drawer, the bot's legs and battery, some screws and the lamp switch to make what looks like a crossbow. The legs themselves have no elasticity so it depends on the leg's motors pulling as hard and as fast as they can to fire with any measure of lethality. It won't win any engineering awards (or any beauty or elegance awards for that matter), but it seems to be working.
"Dunno, I'm not really into science and history. I'm more of a learn-what's-necessary-to-do-things-and-then-do-them kind of girl. Most of what I told you I know from that time I had to fight one."

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 07, 2014, 05:32:39 pm

Abort. Wait for us to pass a place where I can leap out safely, and do so.

You're currently hovering a couple of feet off a helipad-like thing in the spaceport, so landing is not a problem. Getting out of there however, is. You're a bit too... wide, to get out of there very quickly. But after some pushing, you manage to get out.
The sphere with the lenses turns to "look" at you with its biggest lens and begins approaching you with short bursts from its thrusters.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2014, 11:32:40 pm

Great. Whoever this other player is has no problem killing me. That probably rules out Angel, and maybe Irine...

Might as well use this chaos to my advantage.

>Get Raul out of there now! Use the chaos and duck low through the escaping civilians. Exit through the front door and onto the sidewalk, preferably among more civilians!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 07, 2014, 12:34:08 am

"Dang! Silly civilians!"

Follow them fools! If I get a clear shot at the fake agent, take the opportunity. No hesitation!

Ike fires another round and manages to clip his target in his upper left arm, drawing some blood but not causing severe damage.
Kalle doesn't let the pain get to him and starts running for the door, along with Raul, trying to take cover among the civilians.
Ike curses those silly civilians for obscuring his line of sight and starts running after his target. His interface continues beeping and he feels a bit tingly.

Raul and his escort manage to marginally increase their distance from their pursuer, they're almost at the door, partially obscured by the crowd. Ike could try taking a shot but the chances of it hitting something else would be high.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2014, 01:21:12 am

^{He he he}

Go to the side door and lock it with whatever means are around (chair, smashing the lock, glue, a length of pipe).

Alan: Plant thoughts of ice cream in his head after this.

You run. The moment you reach the service door on the side of the building, you see the bartender opening it. He doesn't have time to do much more than look at you in surprise before your fist sends him on the floor, lying on his back. You empty the contents of your remaining bottles on the door and light it on fire.

Well, that was cool. Now, let's go get some Ice Cream!

Your host begins walking back towards his car, thinking about where he could get some Ice Cream at this hour, but your Interface keeps beeping and your already blurry vision gets to the point where you can see nothing but darkness. You can no longer feel your host body or his thoughts.

Desynchronized. Attempting to reconnect...

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 07, 2014, 05:25:58 pm

Bryan
Excellent, my plan worked.  Now I have a different problem.  This car is going to cause problems.

---

Faron
Is there an empty car nearby that I can take?  If so take it.  Otherwise look at the condition of my car, is it in any danger of exploding?  If it is, start running.

This isn't GTA. Cars don't explode like that. Worse thing that could happen is the car catching on fire and you either suffocating or burning alive. And it doesn't look like it's on fire right now.
This area is empty of functional cars, or even non-functional cars. Looters have long ago picked those for parts.
You engine stalls and stops working.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 07, 2014, 08:54:55 am

{Irine}
Seize control of the fires inside the general area of the fleeing car,and prevent them from doing anything.

---

{Zoe}
Flag down the car behind us and comandeer/recruit it/the driver to aid the pursuit.
     If the car speeds up, and seems to be trying to run me over, dodge.

Your host keeps running.
You focus on preventing the fires in the car from doing anything. This includes expanding. The car is obscured by a building, but you can hear the grinding coming from its naked wheel stopping a moment later.

The car stops near you. "Hey! Are you alright? Need help?" asks the woman inside.
Your host feels surprise. She knows her (barely) but she didn't expect to see her here. Why is she here?
You notice that she has an Interface with a clear crystal.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2014, 10:34:49 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 06, 2014, 09:05:39 pm

River, do spirits have some kind of cultural connection? They obviously symbolize something. Fire and water? Red and
Blue?
Theri wondered. The gunshot was straight ahead, and this was where the multicolored fish went, and it was on her right. The colored hummingbird turned at the intersection--quite too early for it to be where the gunshot diverged, and more than not an alternate path...

She pondered, and tapped her host. The firebird was both a symbol of life and death, yet the waterfish was a symbol of hope, in her best idea.

Influence the host.
Follow the fish. We have to make sure Zoe is alright. Follow the river and don't go against it. We need not assume.


How's that, River? Getting better?

"Yes, spirits, at least the ones I know of, like symbolism a lot, cultural connections. Don't know why. Maybe 'speaking' in that way seems natural to them.

Your analysis seems correct. That's what I would have chosen, anyway. Then again, I almost always go with my instinct, so I might not be the best judge about those kinds of things."

You continue driving, the fish swimming besides you. When your destination finally comes to sight, you can see Zoe running towards an intersection and Morgan's car standing there with a shredded tire.

You stop the car next to Zoe. The fish is swimming in lazy circles around her. This is it. You have to help her.
"Hey! Are you alright? Need help?" asks your host.

You notice that she has a silver bracelet on her wrist, almost the same as the one on yours, except for the fact that its crystal is clear instead of blue. Even though you can see it, your host doesn't seem to notice the one on your or Zoe's wrist.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 10:43:58 pm

John set the big shell aside.  Save that one.

The bot is... interesting.  No weapons... must be a scout.


<<Guys, I think these are just scouts.  There's no weapons on this- just a bunch of tools, cameras, and a long range antenna- looks like it might have been calling home to Momma Bot.  Might want to smash the rest of them and then get ready.>>


Summon a target analyzer that will scan targets at range and attempt to deduce weaknesses.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2014, 11:08:35 pm

Whoops.

Uh. Plant thoughts of angst and killing in his head along with the ice cream.
mmmmmyyyyyaaaaaaaahhhhhh

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 08, 2014, 03:55:50 am

"Aw, dammit! I wanted to get this done quickly."

Relinquish direct control.

>Follow those people. Don't fire into the crowd. Don't let them get away.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 08, 2014, 06:50:08 am

Quote from: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 10:43:58 pm

Summon a target analyzer that will scan targets at range and attempt to deduce weaknesses.

Any idea how that would work? I can see it scanning with cameras to detect places that don't look heavily armored. or that look sensitive but I can't think of anything better right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 08, 2014, 09:04:52 am

((I must admit, my knowledge about how cars act when on fire is nonexistent.))
Bryan
No good.  Better get moving.  I hope my host doesn't mind the damage to his car.

---

Faron
Is there somewhere good to hide? If not, just start running.  Take Ed with me if i can, and keep him quiet.  Knock him out if need be.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 08, 2014, 10:33:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2014, 10:34:53 pm

This isn't GTA. Cars don't explode like that.

Sure they do!

 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_bomb)

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2014, 11:08:35 pm

Uh. Plant thoughts of angst and killing in his head along with the ice cream.

"Must...kill...ice cream...angstily..."

Quote from: Alarith on March 08, 2014, 09:04:52 am

((I must admit, my knowledge about how cars act when on fire is nonexistent.))

They often burn.

---

Find and tele-grab some sharp-looking metal things. Keep an eye out for more bots; skewer them.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 08, 2014, 11:34:51 am

Spoiler: GM only (click to show/hide)

If the sphere is close enough to reach currently, ram it as hard as I can, with my horn. If not, then simply run.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 08, 2014, 11:38:17 am

Keep going, keep going, keep going. Don't stop, do not stop at all.

>Keep going. Try to get yourself low in the crowd to confuse the shooter, and then make a run for your car. Get the heck out of there once you make it to the car.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 08, 2014, 02:40:39 pm

Nice

Look for anything usable as arrows. Maybe fletch some pencils and pens with tape? Use scissor blades and as arrowtips? It doesn't have to be good, my power will take care of that. Try to make around 15 or so. Also try to find a replacement for my bent club.

And Occasionally glance at the screens for information about the B.E.T.A. like where it will land.

((Is that baby rhino wearing a fedora?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 08, 2014, 07:29:36 pm

{Irine}
-Do nothing-

---

{Zoe}
-do whatever-

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 08, 2014, 08:18:23 pm

"Oh fuck this!"
Start it up then fly out of the situation before the sphere gets here.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 08, 2014, 08:36:54 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 08, 2014, 06:50:08 am

Quote from: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 10:43:58 pm

Summon a target analyzer that will scan targets at range and attempt to deduce weaknesses.

Any idea how that would work? I can see it scanning with cameras to detect places that don't look heavily armored. or that look sensitive but I can't think of anything better right now.

I could have sworn I once saw something, similar to a thermal image, that visually determined stress on a structure.  A bit of Googling turns this (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ndec/ndecnews.cfm) up as the closest thing I can find.  It's pretty big and I was picturing more handheld.  If that's out of scope, just redact it to a nice sensor apparatus, preferably helmet-mounted.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 09, 2014, 11:30:19 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 07, 2014, 10:43:58 pm

John set the big shell aside.  Save that one.

The bot is... interesting.  No weapons... must be a scout.


<<Guys, I think these are just scouts.  There's no weapons on this- just a bunch of tools, cameras, and a long range antenna- looks like it might have been calling home to Momma Bot.  Might want to smash the rest of them and then get ready.>>


Summon a target analyzer that will scan targets at range and attempt to deduce weaknesses.

You get a helmet with a complex combination of sensors, from visual to radiation to sonar. The received data are used to make a composite image that is projected on the inside of the helmet. While it doesn't have a way to highlight weak points, you should be able to use the composite to detect them.
The downside is that you need to get close to your target to use the system to its full potential, since some sensors, like the sonar, only work well in short range.

Your Multi-Vision Helmet shows you a point of light that is... different than the rest in the sky. It's big. It's moving. And it looks like it's headed for landing point B. The Spaceport.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 08, 2014, 10:33:20 am

Find and tele-grab some sharp-looking metal things. Keep an eye out for more bots; skewer them.

You pick up an I-beam and launch it at the 8-legged bot messing with the transformer at the opposite rooftop. The bot sees your attack coming and jumps out of the way. (Maybe it has learned from its brother's demise?) The transformer is impaled by the I-beam in a shower of sparks and the roof of that building is plunged into darkness. You cannot see the bot there anymore, at least not from this distance.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 08, 2014, 11:34:51 am

Spoiler: GM only (click to show/hide)

If the sphere is close enough to reach currently, ram it as hard as I can, with my horn. If not, then simply run.

The sphere is hovering a bit too high right now, so you decide to leg it. Rockets are faster than legs, however, and the sphere soon catches up. It circles you a couple of times, emitting a few flashes of light accompanied by pulses of ultrasonic noise while doing so.
As it circles you, it comes close enough for you to go with your original plan of attacking it. You run towards it but it fires its thrusters and manages to move out of the way.
One of its lenses points at you and starts glowing. You take this as a bad sign and move out of the way. This proves to be a wise move, since the ground you were standing on not a second ago now sports a circular depression of glowing hot metal.

Quote from: Fniff on March 08, 2014, 08:18:23 pm

"Oh fuck this!"
Start it up then fly out of the situation before the sphere gets here.

You pilot the spaceplane like a pro and move away from the Spaceport, leaving your teammate behind. Any location in particular where you'd like to go? Perhaps join John or Nikolai and have one of them pimp your ride?

---

Quote from: NAV on March 08, 2014, 02:40:39 pm

Nice

Look for anything usable as arrows. Maybe fletch some pencils and pens with tape? Use scissor blades and as arrowtips? It doesn't have to be good, my power will take care of that. Try to make around 15 or so. Also try to find a replacement for my bent club.

And Occasionally glance at the screens for information about the B.E.T.A. like where it will land.

You find some pens and scissors and try to make them into arrows with tape.
Well, a 5-year-old could had made a better job, but you do manage to make ten arrows. Ten arrows that fly straight more due to inertia than being aerodynamic and that cause more damage due to bludgeoning than cutting. But hey, they're arrows. Sort of.

Next up is finding a better club. The best you can find is a long metal ruler. It's a bit brittle and small. Probably not the best choice.

After you're done with your work, you check the screens around here. Huh. They do seem a lot more... empty right now. Like some things are missing. And there's one showing the building this tower rests on with red lights blinking near the ground level.
<That does not look good. Perhaps you should ask for some assistance? That little girl is teleporting around, right? Maybe she can deal with it.>

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2014, 11:08:35 pm

Whoops.

Uh. Plant thoughts of angst and killing in his head along with the ice cream.
mmmmmyyyyyaaaaaaaahhhhhh

Nope.
You're desynchronized. Gotta wait for your synchronization points to replenish. Well, at least you're continuing to prove your entity right for choosing you. And you succeeded in those influence rolls, that's gotta count for something, right? Maybe you'll even reconnect in time for you to witness your host eat ice cream!

Now I have to figure out how I can get your host back in the plot...

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 08, 2014, 03:55:50 am

"Aw, dammit! I wanted to get this done quickly."

Relinquish direct control.

>Follow those people. Don't fire into the crowd. Don't let them get away.

<Oh, come on, releasing control so soon? You could totally kick that guy's ass. I didn't even get to say "Face your annihilation!" or "You prolong the inevitable.". Eh, whatever, we can regain control when we're close enough to kill that guy, right? Maybe even do the gangnam style (http://youtu.be/ST-k7oin5LQ)?>

You start running towards the two men. The crowd is thin and is quick to move away from the man with the gun, so you make good progress. You've almost caught up with your targets. You loose sight of them as they exit the building, but you're certain they're close.
You scan the crowd once you exit the building and spot them moving towards a car, a car very close to and very similar to yours. You're still in close proximity, no more than a dozen meters away from them. Any second now you'll have a clear shot.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 08, 2014, 11:38:17 am

Keep going, keep going, keep going. Don't stop, do not stop at all.

>Keep going. Try to get yourself low in the crowd to confuse the shooter, and then make a run for your car. Get the heck out of there once you make it to the car.

You try to run away but the crowd is in the way and is slowing you down. And that idiot won't keep his head down. He keeps asking what's going on and you keep telling him to move or you're both dead.

You take a quick glance behind you. The other is very close. Less than 40 feet. This is not going to end well...

Scion groans in annoyance. <Perhaps you should try actually doing something to help him?>

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 08, 2014, 09:04:52 am

((I must admit, my knowledge about how cars act when on fire is nonexistent.))
Bryan
No good.  Better get moving.  I hope my host doesn't mind the damage to his car.

---

Faron
Is there somewhere good to hide? If not, just start running.  Take Ed with me if i can, and keep him quiet.  Knock him out if need be.

((My knowledge comes mostly from Mythbusters and watching cars burn. The gist of it is explosions need a certain fuel-air ratio to happen and that doesn't exist naturally in cars. Of course, car fires are still very dangerous, especially if you're leaking fuel.

Also, guy is already knocked out. I thought I had mentioned that.))

Your host tries to start the car again but fails. He picks up Ed and starts running. Mostly ruined houses around here. Could hide in any of them. Still, better to try and hide somewhere further away.

<Hm. Looks like their death will be necessary after all. I was hoping to avoid it. Worse comes to worst you can simply leave him behind with a parting gift. Should keep them busy for a while.>

You hear a car approaching from behind. You thought you had disabled their car. This will be problematic.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 08, 2014, 07:29:36 pm

{Irine}
-Do nothing-

---

{Zoe}
-do whatever-

"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help, I-"
"Wanna help?" Says Zoe as she opens the door of the car and gets in. "Then drive. That bastard took Ed."
"So, wait, you're just gonna follow him?" Asks Morgan who has just sprinted to the car. "He has guns and-"
"I don't have time for your whining! Either get in or don't. I don't care either way."
"Fuck. Alright." She says as she gets in the backseat. "I still think you're crazy."
The girl behind the wheel starts driving.
"I'm Awena. From before? You came to me earlier looking for-"
"I remember. Get to the point." Zoe cuts her off in annoyance.
"The vision- I saw you were in danger, I-"
"No shit, you think? You sure are on a roll tonight!" comments Morgan sarcastically.
"I'm sorry about before. I-I've come to help. I saw that the three of you were-"
"Oh, man! He's there!"
Indeed. The man carrying Ed is up front, still running with that incredible speed of his.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 12:07:12 am

Quote from: Tiruin on March 09, 2014, 08:04:01 pm

Theri: Try to calm down and introduce yourself more formally to Zoe. Say that I want to help her. Yes I'm actually a spirit and not your conscience (though I don't have any malice for you, or intended, or whatever the word is...)

...
Hug her! :D

Action: ^ All of the above is IC me talking.

What? You- she responds surprised. This... this is strange. You're very... very different. But thank you for the advice. I guess.
The crystal of your Interface (the bracelet) beeps and blinks red several times before stopping.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 09, 2014, 08:32:00 pm

Oh, also nudge my host and suggest her to explain why she came here.
And that she's sorry for earlier and that to ask what she needs.

Also, ask River what that bracelet is.

"It is a way to show to other travelers that we are not of this world, and a way to communicate with them. It is only visible to us and other travellers and not to the other people that inhabit this world.
It also marks your link to this woman. See that blinking? It shows how much her mind understands we are not entirely natural, not of this world. It's not alarming right now, but if it continues for too long, then she might subconsciously force us out of her body and mind.
Finally, it has some magic of its own that allows it to sometimes inform you of important things."

((I think the turn is pretty self explanatory, but feel free to ask me if you want to know something more about what your host sees or thinks or feels.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 09, 2014, 11:38:41 pm

Sit around and wait.

Hey Rhymerer, what're you doing?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2014, 01:31:01 am

"Hey, better not overstay my welcome so quickly. Besides, that beeping makes me nervous. Wasn't there some thing about staying in character for this whole mission?"

>Shoot once a clear shot is possible. Try to get that dude for good this time. Aim for the legs and/or torso, maybe. If only failure is attained, try shooting their car. Try to hit something important for it, like tires, the engine, the fuel line, that sort of thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 10, 2014, 02:14:05 am

{Irine}
Fleeing Prey-
No, ambush predator. He doesn't want to fight our group, but he is by no means defenseless. This is far from over.

---

{Zoe}
Does whatever Zoe's do.

---

((In 2 weeks I'm going to be unable to post for a very long time. Just giving you some warning.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 10, 2014, 02:31:01 am

Load one arrow into my crossbow. Pocket the bent club. Leave the ruler.
Something at the bottom of my tower. Screens all went blank. Going to check it out.
Descend down the elevator. Crossbow in hand. If I see anything move, Tsar shoot it.
That voice in my head told me to ask for help. Anyone want to come help me?


The rest of you have voices in your heads, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 10, 2014, 07:31:04 am

<<Yeah, that's your Entity.  We all have one, it seems, and there's more besides.  But more importantly, the Big One's coming, and it's headed for the spaceport.  I think it's too far out for a clear shot at it now, but when it gets closer, I'm going to put some holes in it.  If you heard a bang a bit ago, that was my toy.>>


Is it close enough for a clear shot?  If no, summon up a ClF₃ shell.  If so, aim and fire!

I have the "good" shell loaded and the "big" shell next, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 10, 2014, 08:33:39 am

"Sorry! Um..."

Teleport to the spaceport.
Locate some big, heavy things. Ideally pointy, too, but beggars can't be choosers. Grab such things; prepare to throw them at the BETA.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 10, 2014, 04:16:34 pm

Quote

Also, guy is already knocked out. I thought I had mentioned that.))

((You probably did mention it and I just missed it.  Either way it makes more sense than my character carrying a struggling man.))

---

Bryan
<I still have a couple of options before I have to resort to that.  How careful do you want me to be?>
Use telekinesis to a blow a tire on the car, preferably one that helps with steering.  Do not assume direct control.

---

Faron
Try to lose the car.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 10:23:58 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 09, 2014, 11:38:41 pm

Sit around and wait.

Hey Rhymerer, what're you doing?

I'm trapped in here with you, it seems,
waiting for you to break the seams
of that which holds you from your host's mind;
keeps you from claiming what is mine.
I'm watching you with interest, yesss.
You did do admirably on this quest.
But this I wonder, why you ask?
Do you find interest in me lass?

Oh, yeah, that patch of darkness looks like a bunny. That patch of darkness looks like a cat. That one looks like a three-headed-devil-dog. And that patch of darkness definitely looks like cake.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2014, 01:31:01 am

"Hey, better not overstay my welcome so quickly. Besides, that beeping makes me nervous. Wasn't there some thing about staying in character for this whole mission?"

>Shoot once a clear shot is possible. Try to get that dude for good this time. Aim for the legs and/or torso, maybe. If only failure is attained, try shooting their car. Try to hit something important for it, like tires, the engine, the fuel line, that sort of thing.

<Yeah, I have to admit it's kinda annoying. I'd make it use some sort of visual queue like a color myself. Besides, you'd probably figure out you're about to be desynchronized by how blurry things got.

Anyway, you still had some time left. But I understand that you might want to save some for later.>

((You're frozen in time because I'm waiting for DAF to post and I want to get as many posts as possible now that I have the time.

You're on the other side of the town anyway, so consider this as time taken off your future travel time.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 10, 2014, 02:14:05 am

{Irine}
Fleeing Prey-
No, ambush predator. He doesn't want to fight our group, but he is by no means defenseless. This is far from over.

---

{Zoe}
Does whatever Zoe's do.

---

((In 2 weeks I'm going to be unable to post for a very long time. Just giving you some warning.))

((It's OK. I'll have lots of university work by that time too and for about a month. Any idea how long that very long time will be? Will it be less than a month? Should I wait for you? Or should I just put you in zombie mode if I happen to find enough time to do a turn during that time? We'll be nearing the mission's end at that time probably, if I can keep up the daily update schedule.))

The man dashes inside an alley before you can catch up to him. Awena stops the car near the alley.
"Drive around and cut him off." Zoe says as she exits the car. The driver seems about to protest, but after staring forward blankly for a split second she agrees with a nod.
"Alone? What are _{you goi}-" Morgan's protests are cut short as the car drives away.
"I'll think of something." Zoe says to herself and picks up sturdy-looking plank while running after the man.

Quote from: Alarith on March 10, 2014, 04:16:34 pm

Quote

Also, guy is already knocked out. I thought I had mentioned that.))

((You probably did mention it and I just missed it.  Either way it makes more sense than my character carrying a struggling man.))

---

Bryan
<I still have a couple of options before I have to resort to that.  How careful do you want me to be?>
Use telekinesis to a blow a tire on the car, preferably one that helps with steering.  Do not assume direct control.

---

Faron
Try to lose the car.

<It's not my concern. I'm only concerned with your victory. You need to win to gain strength. How you do that is not my concern. I simply wish to avoid unnecessary deaths, if possible.>

You try to use your ability but you can't concentrate enough to do more than give it a gentle prod.

Your host turns around to fire his gun but it seems to have jammed and won't fire.

Your host dashes inside an alleyway between two houses and keeps running.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: NAV on March 10, 2014, 02:31:01 am

Load one arrow into my crossbow. Pocket the bent club. Leave the ruler.
Something at the bottom of my tower. Screens all went blank. Going to check it out.
Descend down the elevator. Crossbow in hand. If I see anything move, Tsar shoot it.
That voice in my head told me to ask for help. Anyone want to come help me?

The rest of you have voices in your heads, right?

<I am the voice of your conscience! I have come to torment you about what you did that summer! You are going crazy and hearing my voice as a punishment! Booooooo! (http://youtu.be/inli9ukUKIs)>

You descend the elevator. The elevator has a very helpful touch-screen diagram of the building instead of buttons, so you can easily click on the location you saw the red lights.
The elevator moves very quickly (you don't feel it but you can see it in the touch-screen) and after a while, you can also see it moving sideways, bringing you close to your destination.
This must truly be an advanced civilization. They are trying to eliminate all forms of exercise and physical activity. You load an "arrow" in the "crossbow" while you wait, keeping your hand over it to ensure it doesn't fall off the poor-quality construction.

The doors open revealing a dark, narrow hallway lit by the few surviving emergency lights, most other lights being either broken or flickering. There are scrapes in the walls and drag marks on the floor, as if some mythical beast dragged its claws across them.
You move, careful not to make any noise. You see flashes of light at the end of the hallway, with each flash the shadows of moving tendrils and claws painting themselves on the wall visible at the end of the hallway.

When you are near the end of the hallway, the flashes of light allow you to see a room with gutted electrical panels in the wall, their wires spewing forth in thick bundles. You can see them moving, tugged forwards and backwards.

You take a deep breath and move inside the room. There is a crunch coming from your feet. Broken glass.
You catch a glimpse of the bot in the light one of its tools provides. 8 thick tendrils, each with a claw and a combination of tools at their end, pointing towards you. A spherical body with two pairs of lenses, one smaller than the other, turning to look at you. Tracks, revolving to propel it towards you. Every available surface of its body covered with the wires coming from the walls. The afterimage remains burnt in your retina, still visible like a ghost in the darkness.

You close your eyes and concentrate at the sound of electrical motors and metal grinding against metal, raise your crossbow and fire, giving every ounce of your power you can manage at the arrow. There's the screeching of metal, flashes of light and then nothing but silence and darkness.

You let your breath out. Still alive.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 10, 2014, 07:31:04 am

<<Yeah, that's your Entity.  We all have one, it seems, and there's more besides.  But more importantly, the Big One's coming, and it's headed for the spaceport.  I think it's too far out for a clear shot at it now, but when it gets closer, I'm going to put some holes in it.  If you heard a bang a bit ago, that was my toy.>>

Is it close enough for a clear shot?  If no, summon up a ClF₃ shell.  If so, aim and fire!

I have the "good" shell loaded and the "big" shell next, right?

Your assumptions about shell placement are correct.
You get a few scraps of corroded metal. Not good.
Your target is very far away right now (but it is getting closer very quickly) so you just focus on aiming the coilgun and making sure you've got a clear shot.
Your target is now a fireball above the spaceport, smoke trailing behind it as it falls the small distance that separates it from the ground, though through the multivision helmet it looks much more vibrant, a ball of blinding white light surrounded by a halo of shifting colors.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 10, 2014, 08:33:39 am

"Sorry! Um..."

Teleport to the spaceport.
Locate some big, heavy things. Ideally pointy, too, but beggars can't be choosers. Grab such things; prepare to throw them at the BETA.

You teleport to the spaceport. Because, clearly, being near the point where a giant robot will land is a great idea.
You see a tracked-octopus drone that is currently piloting a Spaceplane and a hovering-lens drone  both flying away. Intimidated by your superior strength, no doubt.
There's also a baby Rhino here. Must have escaped from one of those boxes.
Well, there are plenty of large things and pointy things around here. Some crates, some vehicles, some refueling pipes, some antennas...
You hear a very loud noise coming from above you, like continuous thunder that keeps getting louder. You look up. Well, that ball of fire is getting awfully large. And really, really close.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 10:24:02 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 10, 2014, 01:02:20 am

@River: So...I just blew our cover and sped up the subconscious process of shoving us out?
Well. Great. Time to protect Zoe then.

@Host: Drive! Remember where that firebird went? Time to follow the other spirit.
...
Or the man. His speed is strange-no natural muscular structure accounts for his sprinting (or he's an olympic athlete but I doubt that given his weight, or adrenaline).
Try to sense any indication with the spirits. I'm only in your mind, the others are out there!

Action: Let's do this thing.

<Don't worry. It's not that bad. She's used to strange things happening so it hasn't alienated her much. You'll feel it if it gets bad. And she will slowly become more accepting of you, the damage to your... connection will be repaired.
You're doing good. Really. There's no reason to burden yourself with guilt over what may be.>

The man dashes into an alleyway, too narrow to enter with the car. Your host stops her car soon after.
"Drive around and cut him off." Zoe says as she exits the car.
Your host seems about to protest but then she sees the firebird flying over the car, moving forward. She nods and starts driving, following the spirit.
<See? She trusts you.>
"Alone? What are you goi-" Morgan's protest are cut short as the car drives away. She sighs in frustration.

Your host follows the spirit, turning left at the next intersection to move parallel to the man, so that you can hopefully cut him off at the other end of the alley.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 10, 2014, 10:27:54 pm

No, I'm bored and about to perform surgery.

Rip off two of the devil dog's heads. Do the same with the bunny and the cat, then put those heads on the necks and sit down for cake with my more interesting pet.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 10, 2014, 10:28:56 pm

<<Lining up my shot now... hope I can sink this thing.>>

Shoot that asshole out of the sky.  Aim for center mass.

_{if it's still too far let's go with another shot of ClF3 shell}

Quote from: Xantalos on March 10, 2014, 10:27:54 pm

Rip off two of the devil dog's heads. Do the same with the bunny and the cat, then put those heads on the necks and sit down for cake with my more interesting pet.

((Oh you.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 10, 2014, 10:33:06 pm

Interface, Scion: <No, I'm not interfering with him yet. He'll make it.>

>Move low, move quick, and weave through the crowds if possible. Don't lost your energy. Energy is the best thing you have right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 11, 2014, 12:02:39 am

{Lenglon}
((Put me in zombie mode at that time, I'll be gone for months. DAF would be a decent choice to have run me if the mission isn't done by then. My last day to post anything will be the 24th.))

---

{Irine}
This's going to be close...

---

{Zoe}
Zoe is Zoe.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 11, 2014, 07:13:12 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 10:23:58 pm

You close your eyes and concentrate at the sound of electrical motors and metal grinding against metal, raise your crossbow and fire, giving every ounce of your power you can manage at the arrow. There's the screeching of metal, flashes of light and then nothing but silence and darkness.

You let your breath out. Still alive.

This was a triumph.

Quote

You teleport to the spaceport. Because, clearly, being near the point where a giant robot will land is a great idea.

How else am I going to hurt it?

...

That fireball looks dangerous. Teleport me, the cute little baby rhino, and some chunks of useful stuff to a spot within sight of the spaceport.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 11, 2014, 08:05:36 am

Bryan
They're probably just after the man.  I need to buy some time.

---

Faron
Can my character quickly climb up the outside of a house while carrying Ed, if he can have him do so.  If not, can he do so without carrying Ed.  If he still can't, get into one of the houses with Ed.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2014, 10:59:35 am

((Are you enjoying this mission? Because it has turned out nothing like I planned. Poor planning, I guess. I'll probably do it completely different next time, if I ever make a mission of this kind again.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 10, 2014, 10:27:54 pm

No, I'm bored and about to perform surgery.

Rip off two of the devil dog's heads. Do the same with the bunny and the cat, then put those heads on the necks and sit down for cake with my more interesting pet.

Hello princess Bunnycat. Do you want to come to my house for tee and cake?
Oh, yes, we'd love to.
Great, we'll go with my car!
Vroom, vroom! Vzzzzoooom! Here we are, let's go!
Oh, what a nice house you have.
Thanks, I love it a lot. My husband gave it to me for my birthday.
I wish I had married a businessman. Then I'd have nice things.
Here's your cake.
Oh, oh, how I like it, it is the most delicious cake.
Can I have a piece?
I want one too!
Why yes, here you go.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2014, 01:31:01 am

"Hey, better not overstay my welcome so quickly. Besides, that beeping makes me nervous. Wasn't there some thing about staying in character for this whole mission?"

>Shoot once a clear shot is possible. Try to get that dude for good this time. Aim for the legs and/or torso, maybe. If only failure is attained, try shooting their car. Try to hit something important for it, like tires, the engine, the fuel line, that sort of thing.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 10, 2014, 10:33:06 pm

Interface, Scion: <No, I'm not interfering with him yet. He'll make it.>

>Move low, move quick, and weave through the crowds if possible. Don't lost your energy. Energy is the best thing you have right now.

With a burst of speed, Zechariah's horse manages to get to his car before Ike's has a chance to get a clear shot.
Ike fires two three-round bursts at the escaping car and manages to hit the front left and back left tires. Zechariah's host can't maintain control.
The car swerves and crashes through a store window. Zechariah's host is almost completely uninjured from the crash, bar some minor abrasions.
Raul looks a lot worse. He's hit his head on the dashboard and has been knocked unconscious.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 11, 2014, 12:02:39 am

{Lenglon}
((Put me in zombie mode at that time, I'll be gone for months. DAF would be a decent choice to have run me if the mission isn't done by then. My last day to post anything will be the 24th.))

---

{Irine}
This's going to be close...

---

{Zoe}
Zoe is Zoe.

((Oh, too bad. I'm going to miss you, you're a good player to have in one's RTD.
Good luck with whatever it is you're doing. Hope you get back soon.))

The man abruptly stops, glances back and stabs Ed before jumping ridiculously high over the stone fence on the right of the alleyway, disappearing behind it.
"NO!"
Zoe runs to Ed and examines his injury.
She has seen those kinds of injuries before. Expert snipers would injure soldiers instead of killing them. Injure them just enough to slow a unit down, make it an easy target. A wound not immedietly life threatening, but serious enough to warrant immediate attention.
Force the commander to choose between being effective and letting his men die or helping the injured but have his unit slow down and be delayed.
You hear the car arriving at the other end of the alley and people running out of it but your host is too focused
Zoe applies pressure to the wound and looks for something to dress it with. He'll be fine with some help.
But you've got to hurry. You've got to find Amelia. She could be in danger.
"Ed? Ed, wake up. Come on, wake up. You can't be unconscious now, you've got a lot of explaining to do."
You hear a shot, coming from a bit further away. Looks like he's out of your range.

Quote from: Alarith on March 11, 2014, 08:05:36 am

Bryan
They're probably just after the man.  I need to buy some time.

---

Faron
Can my character quickly climb up the outside of a house while carrying Ed, if he can have him do so.  If not, can he do so without carrying Ed.  If he still can't, get into one of the houses with Ed.

Your host keeps running after jumping over the fence, crossing the street and jumping over the fence of the other house. After he's run for some distance, his holstered gun suddenly fires, doing nothing more than making a hole in his holster and his coat.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2014, 04:53:58 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 11, 2014, 02:46:28 pm

Nooo, someone stabbed Ed (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5080243#msg5080243) D:

How's it goin?

((Whoops, I'm very, very sorry. Looks like the message didn't get sent for whatever reason.

Writing from phone, please excuse any of my mistakes.))

Quote from: Tiruin on March 10, 2014, 10:35:56 pm

Drive to block the alley then check around for spirits. Then suggest to host:
Whatever Zoe is getting at, she has the right idea, we have to stop this man or get to the person he's carrying--if all fails, try talking him down first. Say you mean no harm (and oh goodness did that hammer he was carrying look like a bad thing) and..well, I'm with you in whatever happens.

Your host continues driving to the other side of the alley. She feels afraid. She's never fought anyone before. Your words help to calm her, but she still feels very nervous. What's she going to do if she comes face to face with that man?
As she drives, her peripheral vision once more fills with a red haze. It clears a moment later, revealing that the spirits have disappeared.
Your host reaches the end of the alleyway to see Zoe crouching over Ed, her hands applying pressure on his lower body.
"Damnation." curses Morgan. She hastily gets out of the car and starts running towards Zoe. Your host follows a bit more slowly and carefully, keeping an eye out for danger.
While running, your host hears a gunshot coming from further away.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 11, 2014, 11:07:46 am

"Ha-hah! Gotcha! Ike Wayne, you do not disappoint!"

>Stop - Jackhammer time. Get it, and cautiously approach the storefront. If you see the enemy (not Raul), try getting the fool with a few well-placed shots.

In the event of a treacherous, underhanded sneak attack, assume direct control and shoot whoever is responsible.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 11, 2014, 11:09:06 am

{Irine}
I've done what I can...
No action
To Stellar: <So, um, Zoe doesn't seem to have noticed my fire abilities. I mean, I haven't been really blatant with them. That tire could have been sabotaged after all, and the rest was pretty much invisible, but I'm under the impression that she isn't able to notice what I'm doing, and that I could have some fireballs floating beside her head and she'd think it was buisness as usual. Is that right or am I overthinking this?>

---

{Zoe}
Her decision.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 11, 2014, 11:12:03 am

Yaay! Butler, more cake!

Attempt to gain the attention of a butler, whether he exists or not.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 11, 2014, 12:06:54 pm

Walk back to the elevator. Sprint if I hear any noises behind me. Have it take me to the exit closest to the spaceport.

Use an arrow to carve a groove in the crossbow's body, so I don't have to hold the arrows there myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 11, 2014, 03:44:46 pm

Spoiler: GM only... AGAIN (click to show/hide)

Allow myself to be teleported, and then immediately whirl around towards my "Savior". Be extremely careful until I know that he has no intentions of murdering me for my Rhino-Meat

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 12, 2014, 02:23:02 pm

((I'm enjoying it.  Any specific areas you want feedback for?))

---

Bryan
Unfortunate, I had hoped to remain a bit closer, see if I could hijack the car.  I can can still work with this.
Figure out more information about my host's life.

---

Faron
Keep running to destination.  Keep an eye open for cars I can grab.  Also examine gun, does it work again.  Don't look down barrel.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 12, 2014, 03:11:00 pm

Zechariah was concerned, but not too much. If the agent got too close, then he would interfere. Not yet.

>Try and see if the car works, and if it does, get out of there. If not, pull Raul into the store and manipulate the shadows to confuse the agent into thinking that you two are unconscious in the car.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 12, 2014, 07:18:48 pm

I'm a rebel.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 11, 2014, 03:44:46 pm

Spoiler: GM only... AGAIN (click to show/hide)

Allow myself to be teleported, and then immediately whirl around towards my "Savior". Be extremely careful until I know that he has no intentions of murdering me for my Rhino-Meat

Hug the cute baby rhino.
Also, my character is a little girl. Highly unlikely that she wants to eat the baby rhino.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 12, 2014, 09:24:27 pm

((You will probably be in combat time for the following turns.

Also, here's some fighting giant robot music:
Titan -  George Dziov - Rock/Video Game Loop (http://youtu.be/Zi_JsEWUhGQ)
Invaders Must Die - The Prodigy - Electronic (http://youtu.be/EiqFcc_l_Kk)
Killbot - Devin Martin - Dubstep (http://youtu.be/yiNYUQXMH0A)))

Quote from: Toaster on March 10, 2014, 10:28:56 pm

<<Lining up my shot now... hope I can sink this thing.>>

Shoot that asshole out of the sky.  Aim for center mass.

_{if it's still too far let's go with another shot of ClF3 shell}

The fireball touches down at the spaceport with a shudder that reaches you in the other side of the city (that spaceport sure is sturdy), raising a cloud of smoke and dust that engulfs the spaceport and its surrounding buildings. Any other man wouldn't be able to see anything in that darkness and smoke, but not you. You can see the dark silhouette of something humanoid wobbling there, almost as tall as the nearby buildings, with light coming from its center of mass. It looks very small at this distance and the smoke isn't helping. You refine your aim and fire.

The sonic boom as the shell leaves the gun is even louder this time. Even with the helmet on it leaves your ears ringing. Many windows between you and your target are broken as a result, shards of glass raining to the ground.
The shot goes high. It clips the figure in the head or at least you think it does. There's no visible damage on the silhouette. The most you have to go on is the eddies left in the trail the shell left in the cloud of exhaust and the reaction of the figure to your shot.

You can see it recoiling, leaning backwards, a bit more sluggish than you'd expect a human to move. It stands fully upright again, and then... the best way to describe it would be that it screams. A strange sound, like white noise accompanied by the grinding of metal.

Your coilgun's breech opens and (after another kick to the auto-loader) loads the next shell. You can hear the whine of its capacitors recharging.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 11, 2014, 07:13:12 am

That fireball looks dangerous. Teleport me, the cute little baby rhino, and some chunks of useful stuff to a spot within sight of the spaceport.

Just to remind you, you need to be touching things to take them with you while teleporting and you can't teleport very big things. Oh, and the spaceport is about as tall as the buildings around it.

You run towards the rhino and it runs towards you. You touch it a few seconds before the fireball lands on the spaceport and teleport both of you at the rooftop of the building closest to the spaceport (which is still a good distance away).

The fireball lands on the spaceport, causing the ground beneath your feet to tremble enough to throw you off balance and raising a cloud of smoke and dust. Not a moment after you regain your balance, you hear a sonic boom and the sound of metal striking against metal.
You look up to see a shadow moving in the dust, giant, as tall as the building you're standing on, with something glowing near its center of mass. You can hear the whining of electric motors and the moaning of metal coming from it.
And then it screams. It's horrible. And it's loud.

You review at the ammunition this rooftop provides you (A transformer, an antenna, some air conditioning units and all the concrete and pipes you could lift from it) and get ready to use it.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 11, 2014, 03:44:46 pm

Spoiler: GM only... AGAIN (click to show/hide)

Allow myself to be teleported, and then immediately whirl around towards my "Savior". Be extremely careful until I know that he has no intentions of murdering me for my Rhino-Meat

Spoiler: Again. And again. (click to show/hide)

You completely ignore what's happening in the spaceport and focus on Angel. That little girl is definitely planning something. She wants your tasty rhino meat, no doubt. She probably organized this whole giant robot thing just to get you to lower your guard.

That was a joke.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 11, 2014, 12:06:54 pm

Walk back to the elevator. Sprint if I hear any noises behind me. Have it take me to the exit closest to the spaceport.

Use an arrow to carve a groove in the crossbow's body, so I don't have to hold the arrows there myself.

You take a few steps back, look around to find the faint light coming from the emergency lights and start running towards it.
The ground rumbles while you run, causing you to stumble. You get to the elevator and push the button to ((Do you want to go to the roof of the building? The ground floor? Somewhere in between? It's a long way to the spaceport, but you can see it from the roof and some of the highest floors.))

Have you ever tried to carve a wooden table with a pair of scissors? I have and I can tell you it's hard. Nevertheless, through your lucky roll freakish strength, you manage to carve that groove.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 11, 2014, 11:07:46 am

"Ha-hah! Gotcha! Ike Wayne, you do not disappoint!"

>Stop - Jackhammer time. Get it, and cautiously approach the storefront. If you see the enemy (not Raul), try getting the fool with a few well-placed shots.

In the event of a treacherous, underhanded sneak attack, assume direct control and shoot whoever is responsible.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 12, 2014, 03:11:00 pm

Zechariah was concerned, but not too much. If the agent got too close, then he would interfere. Not yet.

>Try and see if the car works, and if it does, get out of there. If not, pull Raul into the store and manipulate the shadows to confuse the agent into thinking that you two are unconscious in the car.

"Ike Wayne" opens the back door of his car while Kalle tries to restart his engine.
The car starts despite the damage to the engine and backs out of the store, moving very slowly due to its busted tires. The Agent has a clear shot. A perfect shot. But at the last second, a civilian stumbles on him and screws his aim. He growls, pushes the frightened civilian away and takes aim again at the now retreating car. He fires three rounds in rapid succession, all aimed perfectly at the driver seat. Zechariah can feel it too as the back of his host is perforated by the automatic shotgun, like a thousand knives stabbing his back.
Despite that, he remains conscious and keeps driving.

((I'm saving the rolls of this turn because I don't really see how your host could survive that one. Still, gotta give you a chance to act. You might get a brilliant idea, you never know.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 11, 2014, 11:09:06 am

{Irine}
I've done what I can...
No action
To Stellar: <So, um, Zoe doesn't seem to have noticed my fire abilities. I mean, I haven't been really blatant with them. That tire could have been sabotaged after all, and the rest was pretty much invisible, but I'm under the impression that she isn't able to notice what I'm doing, and that I could have some fireballs floating beside her head and she'd think it was buisness as usual. Is that right or am I overthinking this?>

---

{Zoe}
Her decision.

<Hmm... No, I don't think so. I think it was more of a case of her not caring enough about it. Focusing on what she believed to be important at the time. Tunnel vision. After all, she didn't seem to pay much attention to the man's unusual abilities either.
...I'm not talking too much because I'm trying to let you focus. Feel free to ask me anything. I want to help you.>

"Come on! Talk to me, damn you! Where's Amelia?" says Zoe and shakes Ed with one hand while applying pressure with the other. He mumbles something in response. "What?" Zoe leans closer. "Northern suburbs... Trinity road and... Leith walk..."
The footsteps get closer. You look to your left to see Morgan and Awena.
"What happened?"
"He's trying to slow us down. Quick. Help me move Ed to the car."
"Call..." Ed groans before passing out again.
"Shouldn't we call an ambulance?"
"We'll take Ed to his house and then we have to go."
"We can't leave him alone!"
"Then you stay with him. I NEED to save her. I've got to."

((I'm going to wrap you to the northern suburbs next turn, unless there are any objections, since I don't have to worry about synchronizing you with anyone right now.))

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 12, 2014, 02:23:02 pm

((I'm enjoying it.  Any specific areas you want feedback for?))

---

Bryan
Unfortunate, I had hoped to remain a bit closer, see if I could hijack the car.  I can can still work with this.
Figure out more information about my host's life.

---

Faron
Keep running to destination.  Keep an eye open for cars I can grab.  Also examine gun, does it work again.  Don't look down barrel.

The gun looks OK, as far as you can tell.

((Out of time. Will give you info and warp you to your destination next turn/later. Anything specific you want to know about?))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 11, 2014, 11:12:03 am

Yaay! Butler, more cake!

Attempt to gain the attention of a butler, whether he exists or not.

You continue having your imaginary tea party/hallucinations/schizophrenic episode/multiple personality disorder/whatever.
This cake sure is delicious though. Butler, keep 'em coming.
_{Yes sir. Would you like some ice cream with that?}

((You'll get back in your host next turn.))

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 07:16:43 am

Quote from: Tiruin on March 13, 2014, 02:54:27 am

@River

Ooooh, River. I can't..I-this, I can't do anything else but suggest and..I can't act! This is the first time I can't do quite anything in the situation wherein I could actually help..I'm just glad that Awena can talk and all-...

May I be able to speak to the other Traveler? As in, when you see people with bracelets, that means they've got...spirit-guides like us, right?

Can we talk to them directly?

<There is... one thing you could do. You have the option to manifest yourself through her, to... possess her, in a way.
If the situation is really dire, if you think that only with your help she can survive, then you can choose to take over her body.
It might become necessary for you to do that if she gets into a physical confrontation. You are much stronger and more agile then she is. For now, I think it would be best to let Zoe take care of the wound. She seems to know what she's doing.

As for the other, her name is Irene, I think. The one who bends fire to her will. The one that has an appearance similar to you. The one you gave the flower to.
Simply speak with the intention of communicating with her and she will hear you.>

((Turn later, just doing a small post with people speaking.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 12, 2014, 09:34:55 pm

Start throwing chunks of concrete and stuff at the glowing part.

If attacked, teleport away!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 12, 2014, 09:36:51 pm

Resist any hugging. Communicate the need for food to the little girl.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 12, 2014, 09:43:24 pm

Damn it!

<<Bad shot- I think I just clipped it a bit.  My best shell's coming up next, so we'll see what that does.  Can anyone closer tell me anything more?>>


Take aim and fire again!  If it's still charging, summon another ClF₃ shell, but keep an eye on it.  Be prepared to run if it shoots at me.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 12, 2014, 09:49:05 pm

((I'm most interested in his connections with other people at the moment.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 12, 2014, 10:03:34 pm

Ground floor, exit closest to the spaceport.

look for any working vehicles. The bigger and tougher the better. Things like bulldozers, steamrollers, snowplows, or even a regular truck.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 12, 2014, 11:26:08 pm

Yes! Cake make Alan strong!

Flab Flex flabbily impressively.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 13, 2014, 12:18:13 am

{Irine}
<Honestly, I'd kinda like it if you chattered some. It would help calm me down and remind me that you're there. If you can't think of anything to talk about, you could always talk about yourself. I'd like to know more about you, if that's ok.>
While Zoe's thinking on the subject of Amelia, see what I can learn about her. Why is Amelia being hunted? Who is she? What kind of person is she? Why is Zoe so attached to her? Is Amelia related to my last host somehow?

---

{Zoe}
Just assume that I'm not messing with her unless I say otherwise. I'm not going to bother posting Zoe sections for a while.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 09:13:22 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 12, 2014, 09:36:51 pm

Resist any hugging. Communicate the need for food to the little girl.

You chew the little girl's dress and then look her in the eyes, cocking your head to the side.
Fooooooooooooooooooood!

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 12, 2014, 09:34:55 pm

Start throwing chunks of concrete and stuff at the glowing part.

If attacked, teleport away!

The rhino chews your dress a bit ((or whatever clothes you're wearing, anyway. Please don't tell me your character is naked.)) and looks at you longingly. Hmm... That's strange. You'd swear this rhino is bigger than the last time you looked at it.

You "grab" a good chunk of the roof with your mind and then give it a pull. The roof shudders, cracks form. Another pull and the mix of concrete, plastic and metal flies high towards the glowing center of the shadow (much more visible now that the dust has begun settling), propelled by your power. You can hear the sound the metal makes as your projectile impacts your enemy, but it doesn't seem overly bothered. It stumbles a bit and then starts walking West, its footsteps making the ground tremble.

You can see some features of the shadow now. Its head (which is facing Southwest) seems spiky and its eyes have begun to glow a fiery orange. The back of its torso looks large, as if it's carrying a backpack. One hand looks much thicker than the other. Its legs are bulky, especially near the thighs and feet. There are many downwards facing protrusions all over its body, most of them glowing slightly.

You can hear the sound of thrusters coming from the dust and see a shadow approaching your position. It looks too large to be a drone but is moving too slow to be a missile.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 12, 2014, 09:43:24 pm

Damn it!

<<Bad shot- I think I just clipped it a bit.  My best shell's coming up next, so we'll see what that does.  Can anyone closer tell me anything more?>>


Take aim and fire again!  If it's still charging, summon another ClF₃ shell, but keep an eye on it.  Be prepared to run if it shoots at me.

You can see the form clearer now, its spiky head with most of the spikes near the top missing, one hand larger than the other, slowly walking towards the west, the central plaza. Its glowing centre seems to be the thickest part of its body, probably the most armored too, followed closely by its left hand. Its eyes are looking at you and glowing, a glow that looks very bright from your helmet, quickly shifting through all the colors in the visible spectrum.

Your coilgun has recharged its capacitors. Question is, do you run away? Do you fire? Or do you summon a shell? ((The last two actions (running away and summoning a shell) will be assumed to have happened this turn.))

---

Quote from: NAV on March 12, 2014, 10:03:34 pm

Ground floor, exit closest to the spaceport.

look for any working vehicles. The bigger and tougher the better. Things like bulldozers, steamrollers, snowplows, or even a regular truck.

You wait for the elevator to arrive and once there, run out of the building. As luck would have it, there is a rather large vehicle parked right outside the building. Lucky you.
It seems to be a truck of some kind. It looks like a rectangular cuboid with rounded edges about twice your size, made of metal and plastic. It has large cargo doors on its sides and a smaller door in the front for the driver (currently open). Like most of the other vehicles around here, it seems to be  lacking wheels, its bottom being a perfectly smooth surface. Probably relies on some alternate means of locomotion.

---

---

((Some things I missed last turn due to sleepiness and some dialogue.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 13, 2014, 12:18:13 am

{Irine}
<Honestly, I'd kinda like it if you chattered some. It would help calm me down and remind me that you're there. If you can't think of anything to talk about, you could always talk about yourself. I'd like to know more about you, if that's ok.>

<It's OK. Anything in particular you want to know? Do you want to know about my home, my first home? Or talk about what I do? Or maybe some random story? Or would you like to know about how our kind fights?>

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 12, 2014, 09:49:05 pm

((I'm most interested in his connections with other people at the moment.))

You search around his memories but you can't find anything. Everything before the time he was... changed is just fragments. You can see some faces there, but you don't get anything you could use. After his change, there is nothing. There's only the voice in the phone and his mission. Even in previous missions he kept his interactions with others to a minimum. He has the capacity to fake emotion, to act like a sociable human if the situation demands it, but he seems to prefer not to do that, unless it would be the most effective course of action. There's nobody who knows him, someone he keeps in touch with.

Your host finds a car after a long time of searching and starts driving towards his destination inside the radiation zone.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 12, 2014, 11:26:08 pm

Yes! Cake make Alan strong!

Flab Flex flabbily impressively.

http://youtu.be/pcOrSWr2HLU?t=32s (http://youtu.be/pcOrSWr2HLU?t=32s)

"Reconnected."
Your imaginary party is interrupted by the rude intrusion of reality.
Your host seems to be sitting in an ice cream parlor, eating the last spoonfulls of stracciatella from his cup.
He pays the bill, gets up and walks out of the store.
"Mmmm... Yes. That was good."
He grabs his head and shakes it a bit.
"Fuck, what's wrong with me. I must be loosing my mind. I've still got two more targets tonight. They might be gone by now, I've got to-"
Your host's monologue is interrupted by two police cars speeding by. He prepares to fight but they don't seem to be interested in him. If he's lucky, there'll be no witnesses of what he did to that bar. The police keep driving towards the downtown.
"Hm... My targets were downtown. It's a long shot, but it might be worth following them."

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 13, 2014, 09:28:10 am

<The first three seem more interesting, but the last one might help me out more. I'm afraid that I won't actually be freed from this, and the more I can understand about that stuff the more likely I'll be able to force them to free me.>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 13, 2014, 09:28:35 am

"Woo, baby, Ike Wayne in the house! Boring backstory or no, this dude's got mad skills!"

>Aim and fire a few more times at the driver in order to make sure he's down for good as soon as possible. Subversive elements are never incapable of funny business unless very definitively dead.

If supernatural shit starts happening around the car, assume direct control and perform action with superior abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 13, 2014, 10:00:56 am

Hop in car, discreetly following the cops from far back enough that they won't see me.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 13, 2014, 10:21:29 am

Hmm.  Clearly he's aware of what I did and is pissed.  If I don't disable him in the one shot I have, then I'm going to eat his alpha strike which will be almost certainly fatal.  The logical course of action is to cut my losses and run.



Shoot the bastard full on in the face.  Last turn was summon a shell, not that that is likely to do me any good.

If it's anything less than a critical hit, RUN LIKE HELL.  Like, jump if I have to.  (Unless I'm really high up- I kinda forget exactly.)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 13, 2014, 11:01:27 am

"No! You can't die!"

Take full control. Use the sunlight to launch a flurry of crystal shards at the agent and drive out of there.

>Do. Not. Die.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 13, 2014, 12:11:34 pm

Make sure the vehicle is working, and check its fuel levels. Check inside for anything.

If it works, load my crossbow and strap it to the roof. Rewire the trigger switch to somewhere in the cabin. Draw a crosshair on the windshield with tape. Oh, and attach the 8 remaining arrows to the front of the truck as ramming spikes. Then tsar the entire thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 13, 2014, 03:46:07 pm

Spoiler: You know the Drill. GM only. (click to show/hide)

Desperately look around for something edible. I need to increase my biomass so that I can form as large a creature as I can so that I can duel this BETA one on one with giant rhino versus giant robot combat!!!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 13, 2014, 04:12:45 pm

Bryan
Search for more information, this time relating to the procedure

---

Drive as fast as I can while avoiding unwanted attention.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 10:04:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 13, 2014, 09:28:10 am

<The first three seem more interesting, but the last one might help me out more. I'm afraid that I won't actually be freed from this, and the more I can understand about that stuff the more likely I'll be able to force them to free me.>

<Okay... I just want to let you know that I'm not that comfortable with this. I don't want you to get the wrong idea for me or the other entities. Not all of us are like that, not all of us do all of what I'm about to describe. I... I don't want you to... to fear me or hate me.>
She sighs before continuing.

Spoiler: Lots of stuff (click to show/hide)

<I assume that you have enough wisdom to realize that when two parties of any kind fight, be it two animals fighting for the place of the alpha or when an entity fights someone of similar strength for power or... other reasons, a direct confrontation is not beneficial for either party. If the most powerful amongst us were to fight, the damage to the worlds under our control would be unfathomable, especially since we usually fight for control of entire universes. And the participants in that fight would be left drained and weakened, both in a position many time worse than when the fighting begun.

That's why we don't. A direct confrontation between two entities has occurred only once and it stopped before it could escalate. We find other ways to solve our differences.

In the simplest of cases, the most... "civilised" of us, we make an agreement, public most of the time so that it can be enforced. Maybe a fight between two avatars in the worst case. Sometimes this happens with outsiders too, although it's less likely. They usually have no reason to cooperate with us.

The rules factor in there somewhere. A large number of entities adhere to them and consider them a basis for their interactions. They are not all "set in stone" but the general idea of them is. If someone breaks them, then the collective ensures that they are either punished or... corrected. If someone brings it to our attention and the majority believes they should follow that course of action, of course. Also, the rules aren't always enforced to the letter. Those that have enough power can choose to threaten with a direct confrontation and get away with minor infractions.

Otherwise, there are more violent ways. For example, most of our avatars are tied to the universes from which they come from. To hurt the body of an avatar means little. Some energy might be lost, but it can be replenished, the avatar reformed. But if another entity has trained someone to fight that avatar and has given that someone the tools necessary to do so, then they can destroy part of the avatar's soul and thus harm the part of the entity tied to that universe, leaving it weakened. Weakened and unable to respond as the other attacks their hold over that universe with some other covert means. We usually can't use this tactic against outsiders. Most of them refrain from using avatars.

And then there are more sneaky tactics. Sending an agent to a core world to corrupt the owning entity's control directly, for example. Or the master tactic, manipulating the events of an entire universe, subtly enough for the other entity to not notice you, but changing them enough to create points of... weakness. An event that by its occurrence causes an almost unstoppable cascade of events. A cascade that will harm the control of that entity over the universe. Manipulate situations so that a lot of those events happen at once and they will destroy the control that entity has over that universe. Causing it to collapse like an arch with its keystone removed. This is the most energy efficient method, especially against outsiders. They are usually unable to concentrate on the details like we can. Then again, we are unable to see the bigger picture like they can.

The Games are a way for us to do many things and thus they are also a way for two entities to solve their differences or fight. They can place a bet on a challenge, agree to do a certain thing or another depending on its outcome. Or they can attack the others more directly. Many things that are forbidden by the Rules are possible in the Games.>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 13, 2014, 12:18:13 am

{Irine}
While Zoe's thinking on the subject of Amelia, see what I can learn about her. Why is Amelia being hunted? Who is she? What kind of person is she? Why is Zoe so attached to her? Is Amelia related to my last host somehow?

Your host has no idea why she's being hunted. There were some strange occurrences but they hardly qualified as something warranting all... this. Even if she was one of those people that are... different she didn't deserve to be taken.
She was your host's friend and maybe a bit more. Her love. The sweetest girl. A wonderful being. Good with everyone. The best person she has ever known. After the war, she was there for her. Supported your host after what happened to her father. Gave and asked nothing in return. The only person in the world who really cared for your host.
Or at least, that's what your host believes.
You can see nothing related to your last host in your current host's memory.

Your host return's to Ed's home makes sure he's stable and leaves him there with Morgan (after some more protesting on her part). Awena insists that she accompanies your host, says something about how she can help your host, how she can see that there is danger in your path. Your host doesn't believe in "all that psychic mumbo-jumbo" and as Morgan eloquently put it "You don't need to be a fucking psychic to see that. She's obsessed. She's crazy. And you're enabling her." but your host relents and lets her come along because "One extra pair of hands wouldn't hurt. Besides, it's her car."

You drive through the industrial district (detouring to avoid a number of police, ambulances and firefighters on the way) and continue towards the northern suburbs. On the way, Awena asks your host about what happened back there, who that man was, why they heard a gunshot later. Your host replies truthfully. She has no idea.

((Sorry, just waiting for a PM and then you'll arrive at your destination.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 13, 2014, 09:28:35 am

"Woo, baby, Ike Wayne in the house! Boring backstory or no, this dude's got mad skills!"

>Aim and fire a few more times at the driver in order to make sure he's down for good as soon as possible. Subversive elements are never incapable of funny business unless very definitively dead.

If supernatural shit starts happening around the car, assume direct control and perform action with superior abilities.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 13, 2014, 11:01:27 am

"No! You can't die!"

Take full control. Use the sunlight to launch a flurry of crystal shards at the agent and drive out of there.

>Do. Not. Die.

((Can't help but imagine someone playing one of those old text based adventure game, the adventure game telling him that he's dying and asking for an action and the player giving the action "Don't die."))

Zechariah gains control of his host but this only means that the next shot goes through his wings before stabbing his flesh. He manages to maintain his consciousness however, long enough for him to launch a number of hardlight shards at Ike's host. That expenditure of power is for nothing however, as Ike manages to evade them with nothing but a scratch.

Zechariah's vision blurs and then turns to grey and then darkness. The last thing he hears is <Ha-ha! _Gotcha!>

Ike watches as the car slows down and veers to one side.
<Ha-ha! Gotcha! Bring forth the spaghetti, cause that guy just got turned into a pasta strainer, am I right? Yeah! Excellent work Ike! Good technique.>
Your host runs towards the stopping car and checks the driver's vitals. He's got a pulse but it's weak. Probably won't make it, even with immediate medical attention. His back has more holes than Swiss cheese. He checks his pockets. Hmm.... Also working for the Agency. Your host hopes this wasn't some sort of mixup. Probably not, but it wouldn't be the first time a bureaucrat made a mistake. Either way, you'll have to inform the Agency, because this could mean that others might be compromised. Probably best to call the "big boss" directly.
You check the passenger, your target, Raul. Still alive. Got hit by some stray balls from your shotgun but it's nothing life threatening. Good. You need the bastard to talk.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 13, 2014, 10:00:56 am

Hop in car, discreetly following the cops from far back enough that they won't see me.

Your host hops into his car and starts following the cops Downtown without getting noticed. It's not that hard, really. They seem more focused on getting to wherever they're going as quickly as possible without risking a crash.

((Please wait while you are synchronized with Harry Baldman's timeline.))

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 13, 2014, 04:12:45 pm

Bryan
Search for more information, this time relating to the procedure

---

Drive as fast as I can while avoiding unwanted attention.

He doesn't remember how it happened, how old he was when it started. After a point he stopped feeling the passage of time. There were only the machines and the images and the voices. And one day he was dumped into a house and told to wait for orders. And when the orders came, he followed them.

You reach the Abandoned Church inside the Radiation Zone. Its a large, two story stone building that looks almost intact, save for the few small broken stained glass windows, now replaced by wooden boards and one of its bell towers which has collapsed. Your target said there would be information hidden in there, near a bookcase. Probably hidden somewhere near the back of the church or the second story.
It looks inhabited, although whoever lived here has taken some steps to avoid detection. Still, there are fresh tire tracks and footprints around the church and you can see a faint light in one of the upper windows. There's a good chance your host will encounter resistance. He feels confident it won't be a problem.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 13, 2014, 10:31:50 pm

Zechariah floats hopelessly in his host's consciousness (or rather, lack thereof).
One last try. Willpower was always Zechariah's thing. Pray to Eido Aeterno it still is.
This couldn't be the end for his host. It wasn't fair, it was Zechariah's fault, not his host's. His host did everything he could, Zechariah didn't. It wasn't his time to die yet. Not now.

"Live. Come on, you can make it. Don't move, don't waste your energy. Let him get away. If you live to fight again, that's all that matters. Nothing else. Keep your energy, wait for help. You have to live. Don't die, you can't die. The future depends on your life. Don't lose it, don't lose that life. You still have a chance, take that chance. You need nothing else right now except for the chance to live.

Live.

>LIVE."
>Use the Shadow to feign complete death to the agent.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 13, 2014, 11:34:41 pm

Listen to polka music while the timelines synch.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 14, 2014, 12:46:31 am

"Hm... do I want to risk it? Eh, probably not."

>Finish off this guy with a shot through the back of the head. Take all of his identification and any other evidence, then vacate the premises with Raul. Drag him back to my car if it's close enough.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 14, 2014, 01:17:45 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 14, 2014, 12:46:31 am

>Finish off this guy with a shot through the back of the head.

((...
Hopes are still high.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 14, 2014, 09:29:29 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 13, 2014, 03:46:07 pm

Spoiler: You know the Drill. GM only. (click to show/hide)

Desperately look around for something edible. I need to increase my biomass so that I can form as large a creature as I can so that I can duel this BETA one on one with giant rhino versus giant robot combat!!!

Excuse me for reading "GM only" spoiler, but...rephrase your action. After all, my character is edible...

"...I think it's angry."

Throw rhino away from me if it tries to eat me.
Also, run from the BETA while throwing stuff at its head and leg-joints, hopefully disabling or crippling it. Again, teleport away to safety if it attacks.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:08:50 am

((Occurs to me I didn't say anything, when that would be sensible.))

<<My gun's about ready, and I'm aiming for the head.  He's coming for me though, so if anyone can distract it, do it!>>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 14, 2014, 11:55:16 am

{Irine}
<I... I see. So... stuff like what happened to my home is part of how Entities fight? That... *sigh* That makes sense, actually. Are... Were... Was I... Was what I once was what Entities would call an Outsider?>

<If you want to stop talking about this, we could always talk about something else. I understand that this stuff is pretty distasteful to you.>

What kind of strange occurances? What makes people that are... different... different?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 02:07:35 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 13, 2014, 10:21:29 am

Hmm.  Clearly he's aware of what I did and is pissed.  If I don't disable him in the one shot I have, then I'm going to eat his alpha strike which will be almost certainly fatal.  The logical course of action is to cut my losses and run.

Shoot the bastard full on in the face.  Last turn was summon a shell, not that that is likely to do me any good.

If it's anything less than a critical hit, RUN LIKE HELL.  Like, jump if I have to.  (Unless I'm really high up- I kinda forget exactly.)

Okay, let's see... Previous round, you began summoning an enormous shell but you had to stop halfway to fire, leaving you with half a shell that looks like a half finished puzzle of metal filled with small plastic containers at its center.

You fire at the BETA. Now, you cannot see what exactly happeend, you just hear a big boom and witness the damage caused with mild confusion. But if you could slow down time and look at things more closely, this is what you would see:
You would immediately notice something wrong with the shell. It exits the gun in three pieces. The moment the pieces leave the vacuum of the barrel and make contact with the air, they begin veering off course. Their speed and momentum means they will hit somewhere near their target, but like any soldier who has had friendly artillery rain shells on his head will tell you, near is a very relative term.
One of the pieces hits the building whose roof Angel and "Rune" are standing on, causing a large part of its midsection to explode into concrete, metal and plastic debris. The impact has destroyed most of the building's supports. It begins collapsing.
One hits one of the control towers of the spaceport near its bottom, utterly destroying that section and causing the tower to begin falling towards the BETA.
And one piece (that has somehow managed to remain mostly aerodynamic) hits the giant robot itself on the left part of its head, destroying a large part of it.

The BETA is thrown off balance by the hit but it still manages to fire with its one good eye, seen as a blinding white line from the sensors of your helmet. It hits the Main Governmental Building, vaporizing a small part of it roof. The other eye of the BETA explodes. Looks like they weren't designed to be fired individually.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 13, 2014, 03:46:07 pm

Spoiler: You know the Drill. GM only. (click to show/hide)

Desperately look around for something edible. I need to increase my biomass so that I can form as large a creature as I can so that I can duel this BETA one on one with giant rhino versus giant robot combat!!!

Sadly, your quest for food and dreams of King Kong vs Mecha Kong (http://youtu.be/hEhG-wDwsUQ?t=3m55s) combat are cut short by friendly fire.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 14, 2014, 09:29:29 am

"...I think it's angry."

Throw rhino away from me if it tries to eat me.
Also, run from the BETA while throwing stuff at its head and leg-joints, hopefully disabling or crippling it. Again, teleport away to safety if it attacks.

A truly evil GM would point out that your action says to teleport if you are attacked by the BETA, not in case of friendly fire.
Ah, anyway. Let's see how you react to giant supersonic buckshot hitting the building you're standing on.

There's the sound of an explosion, the ground trembles and the roof of the building you are standing on begins leaning and collapsing. You grab the rhino and manage to teleport away before anything dangerous hits you.

You are now standing on a building adjacent to the one you were standing on moments ago. It's a very tall building, almost as tall as the Control Tower on top of the Main Governmental Building (which is currently on fire, by the way). You can see the entire city from here and some of the tropical forest that surrounds it. Which means that you can see the building you were standing on moments ago collapsing.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 13, 2014, 12:11:34 pm

Make sure the vehicle is working, and check its fuel levels. Check inside for anything.

If it works, load my crossbow and strap it to the roof. Rewire the trigger switch to somewhere in the cabin. Draw a crosshair on the windshield with tape. Oh, and attach the 8 remaining arrows to the front of the truck as ramming spikes. Then tsar the entire thing.

There's nothing of interest in the truck, unless you count a poster of a blue-haired woman in a tight military jumpsuit/spacesuit as interesting.

You sit on the driver's seat and press the largest button you can find. The vehicle shudders and begins floating with the whine of an electric engine. You mess with its joystick. Turns out it allows you to move it forward and backwards, as well as left and right. That will make parallel parking easy. You twist a lever left and right. The vehicle turns left and right. Great.
You deactivate the vehicle and get out.

You start climbing to the roof of the vehicle when you hear a couple of explosions and then see an orange beam hitting the top of the main governmental building (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/beam_zps0493bc08.jpg), the building you just exited, melting away a large part of its surface and setting it on fire. Thankfully, nothing falls on your head.

((Action will continue to next turn unless you request otherwise.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:08:50 am

((Occurs to me I didn't say anything, when that would be sensible.))

<<My gun's about ready, and I'm aiming for the head.  He's coming for me though, so if anyone can distract it, do it!>>

Perhaps you should had gone for something more like <Take cover!>

---

---

((No time for a full turn for the other mission, coming later. Plus, I got some questions.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 13, 2014, 10:31:50 pm

>Use the Shadow to feign complete death to the agent.

How exactly would you do that? It's important because of reasons.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2014, 11:55:16 am

{Irine}
<I... I see. So... stuff like what happened to my home is part of how Entities fight? That... *sigh* That makes sense, actually. Are... Were... Was I... Was what I once was what Entities would call an Outsider?>

<If you want to stop talking about this, we could always talk about something else. I understand that this stuff is pretty distasteful to you.>

<I... I don't know about what happened to your home. One of us could have caused it but I don't know who would do such a thing, or why. It's a waste, so many lives, so much potential extinguished for nothing. If one would be willing to expend so many resources, just to destroy it and gain nothing in return, nothing material at least... They would need to have some very twisted ulterior motive. Or they would have to be mad, enraged, taking pleasure in destruction and corruption...>
She remains silent for a few moments.
<You would probably be called an outsider, yes, although in a way you are more like us then most other Outsiders. Outsider is a very broad term, used for any being that exceeds a level of power and is not one of us. Ι->
She is interrupted from another voice in your head. You get the feeling it's coming from Awena's Interface.
<Hello! Zoe seems sorta troubled from here--doesn't seem to realize how Awena understands the world; spirits are real, and we're pretty much like those spirits here.

...Erm, Hi, I'm Theri?...

Dear gods that didn't go well.> She says the last sentence to herself, probably not realizing that she's still transmitting her thoughts to you.

<Also, are you doing ok there?>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 14, 2014, 02:16:02 pm

((Assuming there is enough shadow/shade around, the Shadow will cover Ike's vision and make it look like he shot and killed me. In reality, the shadow diverts his aim somewhere else. It's a last-ditch effort to protect the host. Remember, the shadow is all about providing illusions.

This is all hoping everything goes according to plan and the host still has enough power left to form the shadow, thought considering my luck he's probably dead.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 14, 2014, 02:25:14 pm

Spoiler: GM ONLY! AGAIN!!! (click to show/hide)

Look around for anything edible and eat it to increase my biomass. Try to grow as much as I can. Don't eat the girl, she's saved my life 2 times at least.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 14, 2014, 03:14:17 pm

Memorize every detail of that poster, I'm sure it's important.
Then continue building the death-machine.

Hey! I was just up there! I could've died! I thought we were supposed to limit collateral damage.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 14, 2014, 06:12:15 pm

Bryan
Of course the church wouldn't be empty, hope this goes well.

---

Faron
Let's try some stealth.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 14, 2014, 09:27:48 pm

((Thanks for the lenient view. And the linked picture is awesome, did you draw it?))

Quote from: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:08:50 am

((Occurs to me I didn't say anything, when that would be sensible.))

<<My gun's about ready, and I'm aiming for the head.  He's coming for me though, so if anyone can distract it, do it!>>

<I think I got its attention...>
<That was loud! And you almost killed me!>

Throw more big heavy stuff at the BETA's joints and head. Teleport away in case of friendly fire or enemy attack. Or environmental hazard. Or rift in the space-time continuum. Or evil clone. Or--well, any kind of danger one can teleport from really.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 10:19:25 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 14, 2014, 02:16:02 pm

((Assuming there is enough shadow/shade around, the Shadow will cover Ike's vision and make it look like he shot and killed me. In reality, the shadow diverts his aim somewhere else. It's a last-ditch effort to protect the host. Remember, the shadow is all about providing illusions.

This is all hoping everything goes according to plan and the host still has enough power left to form the shadow, thought considering my luck he's probably dead.))

Yeah, I feel really bad for you. Such bad luck this mission. At least in the previous mission you helped save people and such despite your bad luck. Oh well, better luck next time. Sorry. Hey, at least you can hope Target Amethyst survives so that you get the team's points.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 13, 2014, 10:31:50 pm

Zechariah floats hopelessly in his host's consciousness (or rather, lack thereof).
One last try. Willpower was always Zechariah's thing. Pray to Eido Aeterno it still is.
This couldn't be the end for his host. It wasn't fair, it was Zechariah's fault, not his host's. His host did everything he could, Zechariah didn't. It wasn't his time to die yet. Not now.

"Live. Come on, you can make it. Don't move, don't waste your energy. Let him get away. If you live to fight again, that's all that matters. Nothing else. Keep your energy, wait for help. You have to live. Don't die, you can't die. The future depends on your life. Don't lose it, don't lose that life. You still have a chance, take that chance. You need nothing else right now except for the chance to live.

Live.

>LIVE."
>Use the Shadow to feign complete death to the agent.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 14, 2014, 12:46:31 am

"Hm... do I want to risk it? Eh, probably not."

>Finish off this guy with a shot through the back of the head. Take all of his identification and any other evidence, then vacate the premises with Raul. Drag him back to my car if it's close enough.

You try to force your host to shoot that guy. He raises his gun and almost does this, but he stops at the last second. There's no reason to do this. He's not a danger to him anymore. Unlike that traitor, your host thinks, he's not a savage. Besides, he'll gain much more by interrogating him. He could learn who else in the Agency is a double agent. And those science guys may want to cut him up while he's still alive to see what makes him tick. Not everyone can make crystals out of nothing. Yes, at least in that way, he'll be able to offer something and not be the parasite he was in life.
Your interface beeps several times. Your vision is slightly blurred and you have trouble hearing exactly what your host is hearing or thinking.

Your host gets Raul out of the car and tries to make him wake up. After a while, the police arrive and he explains the situation to them. And by explain, I mean that you tell them that this is official Agency business and that they don't need to know anything more than that. You instruct them to form a perimeter and keep the man in the car under watch at all times, since he is a dangerous criminal. The police are followed shortly after by ambulances and news crews.

It's a bit hard to figure out exactly what's going on with your host, everything is kind of fuzzy, but from what you gather, at some point Raul wakes up and after some "persuasion" on your part, informs you of three locations in the city that are currently being used by members of the Cause. A hideout in the Abandoned Church in the Radiation Zone, a safe-house with some kind of VIP in the Northern Suburbs and some kind of Lab or Warehouse in the Residential District. He says the others consider the VIP to be of great importance. He then gets shoved into some police car to be shipped to Central and be interrogated.

Your host gets in his car, picks up his radio and briefly contemplates informing Central of what transpired here, but decides against it. That might alert any other traitors in there. Plus, they probably won't approve of how high profile this mission turned out to be. Better follow this lead as far as he can before some bureaucrat finds an excuse to pull him back to submit an incident report in triplicate. Instead, he switches to the police frequency and prepares to give the signal for a raid. He needs to move quickly. News about this will spread, if they haven't already. The question is, where should he focus his efforts? Where should he go?

((Sorry for fast forwarding you so much. If you want to have done something during that time or have your host do something differently, just say so. I'm just trying to catch you up to the other's time.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 13, 2014, 11:34:41 pm

Listen to polka music while the timelines synch.

http://youtu.be/iiClaM8gMto (http://youtu.be/iiClaM8gMto)

The police cars continue driving towards the City Centre, eventually stopping among several other police cars near what appears to be a shootout.

As luck would have it, there's also one of your targets there. He's currently in a car, holding a radio and... Hmm... That's not good. That guy, your target, looks like he's working for the government. You weren't paid enough to go after government agents, at least not when there's an army of policemen between you two. And you really try not to get in the government's bad side in general. They'll leave you do your business as long as you play by the rules but if they think your organization is going after them...

---

http://youtu.be/hbe3CQamF8k (http://youtu.be/hbe3CQamF8k)

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 14, 2014, 06:12:15 pm

Bryan
Of course the church wouldn't be empty, hope this goes well.

---

Faron
Let's try some stealth.

Your host gets out of his car and slowly approaches the building, keeping an eye out for ambushes. This part of the city hasn't had electricity since the war and only people who wish to hide live here. The only light comes from the stars and the gray pillar in the east, meaning you don't need to worry too much about being spotted.

He approaches the church from the side and then he jumps, landing on the second story of the building. He gets in through a broken window that seems to lack wooden boards. That will make sure nobody knows he's here. There's noise coming from downstairs. People are moving things, shouting. Looks like something has stirred them up. Maybe you didn't wound that man enough.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2014, 11:55:16 am

{Irine}
What kind of strange occurances? What makes people that are... different... different?

There have been rumors of people that can do things. Subtle things. Maybe they're a bit faster, a bit more lucky, a bit more intuitive. Some look slightly different. A few can do more impressive things. Move things. Know things. Change things. They say the government has been taking any one of those it can find. Some say to experiment on them. Others say they ship them to the Soviets for who knows what. Maybe that's how the Soviets managed to make nukes appear out of thin air all over the world. One of those people did it. Or maybe not. It's all rumors after all and your host hasn't seen anything that proves otherwise. Except maybe for that strange man earlier tonight.
There were some strange things happening around Amelia. Light in your peripheral vision that disappeared when you looked at it directly. Discolored clothes. And one time your host thought she heard a voice in the back of her mind. But that was nothing. It was nothing important. Amelia is just a normal girl. She doesn't deserve this.

Your host approaches the address Ed gave her. There seems to be a van parked outside, its back door open, waiting. As your car gets closer, you can see people outside. One by the van, another near the door of the house. And then the door of the house opens. And Zoe sees Amelia for the first time in years. She looks older and yet the same. She's being carried on a stretcher by two men. There's a storm of emotions in your host. Joy, confusion, fear, hate. All she wants to do is get out of the car and run to her, to see if she's okay.
<Target Amethyst located. Target Amethyst must survive until the time limit expires.>

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 14, 2014, 09:27:48 pm

((And the linked picture is awesome, did you draw it?))

Haha. You flatter me for even thinking that, but no, I suck at drawing. I'm fairly good at Photoshopping though. So I can sometimes find an image and alter it to suit my needs if I have the time. Like the one with the green planet/red moon I did in the start of the BETA mission. This time though, I only needed to crop an image, since that was an almost perfect fit for the situation. It was just a lucky coincidence that I found it while writing this turn.
It's made by Vitaly S. Alexius (http://alexiuss.deviantart.com/art/Paroxysmal-Incursion-23044166), one of the artists of Romantically Apocalyptic (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Webcomic/RomanticallyApocalyptic). Great artist, great series. Should had probably acronymed that or subbed that or something when I linked that image.

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 11:17:21 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 14, 2014, 02:02:33 am

...Then I will only possess her when the time need be. What if I warn her beforehand? Will other spirits intervene or something bad?

---

---

Reach out and 'poke' Irene.
Hello! Zoe seems sorta troubled from here--doesn't seem to realize how Awena understands the world; spirits are real, and we're pretty much spirits here.

...Erm, Hi, I'm Theri?

Dear gods that didn't go well.

...

Wait I was talking out lou-GRAH.

Also, are you doing ok there?

((You can see Theri talking to Irene in the thread.
As always, feel free to ask me if you have any questions or tell me if I have forgotten anything/done something wrong.))

<I'm not sure. It would probably make her more receptive to you, less likely to reject you if she trusts you enough.
But this isn't an exact science and I... I'm not sure. There's a small chance she might have the opposite effect, it might make her frightened and cause her to reject you.
Just... do what you feel is right. Follow your instincts. I trust you will make the right choice.>

You and Zoe continue to drive. As you near your destination, you can see Zoe getting more agitated. Poor girl has been through so much. Now this... The fear, the anticipation, the hope... Awena can't imagine how's she's feeling.
You're almost at the address Ed gave you now. There's a van parked outside, its back door open. As your car gets closer, you can see people outside. One by the van, another near the door of the house. And then the door of the house opens. You see a woman being carried on a stretcher by two men exiting the house.
"Amelia..." Zoe whispers. That's her! That's the girl you were supposed to find.
Still, those men look dangerous. And Zoe is very emotional right now. She might do something rash and put herself in danger. Better watch out.

((Sorry if I'm doing turns too fast. I just trying to finish this mission or at least get it as close to finishing as possible before Lenglon has to leave so that she can see and participate in the entire story.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:31:19 pm

((I didn't realize I got half a shell from that go.  I'll take the result, though.))

<<Errr... oops?  Hey, I hit it, at least.  Everyone okay?>>  John adjust himself briefly to speak to his Entity.  <<Hey Zero, got any suggestions?  I'm thinking hit it again while it gets out a secondary weapon.>>

Summon another shell- this one amounting to a giant shotgun shell.  Keep looking around as the summoning happens.  If he- or any of his buddies- look like it's about to open fire at me and I'm not ready to shoot, run.

((How many shells do I have?  I've lost count.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 14, 2014, 10:33:08 pm

((I don't know if that was a roll or not, but thank you/random.org. Now you won't have to go through additional pages of Zechariah's self-hate and more Artemis Dimikaelo shenanigans.))

If Zechariah could have cried, he probably would have.
No, scratch that, he probably is crying right now in his host's unconscious. Forget physical limitations.

He's alive. By Eido Aeterno, he's alive. One in a million chance and his heart's still beating, even if only a little.
Now stay alive, dammit.

">Rest and let your body do its repair thing. Don't fight it, just rest."

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 10:43:05 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:31:19 pm

((I didn't realize I got half a shell from that go.  I'll take the result, though.))

<<Errr... oops?  Hey, I hit it, at least.  Everyone okay?>>  John adjust himself briefly to speak to his Entity.  <<Hey Zero, got any suggestions?  I'm thinking hit it again while it gets out a secondary weapon.>>

Summon another shell- this one amounting to a giant shotgun shell.  If he looks like he's about to open fire at me and I'm not ready to shoot, run.

((How many shells do I have?  I've lost count.))

((You overshot and started summoning a very big shell which would have taken too long to complete. Thus I had you stop the summoning and fire so that you wouldn't be vaporized. You've only got that half of a CIF₃ shell right now.

Also, I like how your reaction to "I just accidentally shot the city with what amounts to a giant shotgun." is "Let's do the same thing intentionally!"))

<Maintain situational awareness. Remember. Utilize all the information available to you. Do not underestimate your enemy.> Well, those are a lot of important sounding words that don't really say anything specific.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 14, 2014, 10:52:40 pm

Hmm. Government people supply ice cream. And polka music. Should I kill him, then? After all, he might regulate polka or something.

Is there any way I could kill him without being seen/recognized that my host sees?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 14, 2014, 10:59:07 pm

Bryan
What in the world is this man capable of?  Unless there are many worlds like mine this should be impossible.  Or did they implant something in him?  A shame I can't find out, I need to focus.

---

Faron
Find the information get out quietly.  If my host is found and the people are not acting aggressively pretend to be a friend.  If they are aggressive, let Faron handle it.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 11:02:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 10:43:05 pm

Also, I like how your reaction to "I just accidentally shot the city with what amounts to a giant shotgun." is "Let's do the same thing intentionally!"))

((Hey, it worked, didn't it?  They did tell me that mission completion was paramount- their mistake.  At least I'm not going for a nuclear shell.))

<<Thanks, Zero.  I think I know what you mean.>>

[Action edited a bit]

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2014, 04:28:24 am

"Oh, what a big softie he is."

What happened to the double agent man? He did get shot through the chest several times, and it didn't seem like he got a lot of immediate medical aid.

>Make sure that double agent's locked up tight somewhere. Also, VIPs sound like very important business, exactly the sort of mobile asset that would be moved once word gets out.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2014, 09:23:05 am

{Irine}
Not interfereing - will write up the full set of if-thens and conversation when I have a little more time.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2014, 10:36:06 pm

((Update only for BETA mission. Sorry. I somehow end up being more busy on weekends then on weekdays.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 14, 2014, 02:25:14 pm

Spoiler: GM ONLY! AGAIN!!! (click to show/hide)

Look around for anything edible and eat it to increase my biomass. Try to grow as much as I can. Don't eat the girl, she's saved my life 2 times at least.

Spoiler: Can't think of anything witty right now. (click to show/hide)

Well, there is the forest around the city, but that's out of reach right now.
There are various restaurants and other food containing places around the city, but that would require you to find such a place and that would probably require you to get off this roof and on to ground level.

Well, you could start with something simple. Like searching for food in someone's fridge. You push the roof door open and start heading downstairs. And what luck, downstairs turns out to be some sort of storage area, filled with plastic containers. One of them ought to contain some food.
You ram a container, breaking it apart, its semi-liquid contents spilling on you and on the floor. It's an orange mushy substance with soft chunks of... something in it. You're not sure exactly what this is, but it is sweet and tasty. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. Let's hope this doesn't give you food poisoning.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 14, 2014, 09:27:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:08:50 am

((Occurs to me I didn't say anything, when that would be sensible.))

<<My gun's about ready, and I'm aiming for the head.  He's coming for me though, so if anyone can distract it, do it!>>

<I think I got its attention...>
<That was loud! And you almost killed me!>

Throw more big heavy stuff at the BETA's joints and head. Teleport away in case of friendly fire or enemy attack. Or environmental hazard. Or rift in the space-time continuum. Or evil clone. Or--well, any kind of danger one can teleport from really.

The Rhino leaves you and goes downstairs.

You throw a large piece of metal from the collapsing building at the BETA's head, hitting it from the side and completely destroying what little was left of it (the mouth, mostly). The headless giant robot continues moving forward.

A spaceplane flies overhead at high speed, releasing one of those hovering balls with the lenses above you. It looks at you with its giant lens.
I assume you want to bravely run away?

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 14, 2014, 10:31:19 pm

<<Errr... oops?  Hey, I hit it, at least.  Everyone okay?>>  John adjust himself briefly to speak to his Entity.  <<Hey Zero, got any suggestions?  I'm thinking hit it again while it gets out a secondary weapon.>>

Summon another shell- this one amounting to a giant shotgun shell.  Keep looking around as the summoning happens.  If he- or any of his buddies- look like it's about to open fire at me and I'm not ready to shoot, run.

You get a large number of metal spheres the size of a marble inside a can. Maybe you could summon a slingshot?

You look around with the aid of your sensor helmet. You think you can see something. A pattern of light similar to the one surrounding the BETA but much less complex and much more faint somewhere below you, near the facade of the building (or what would be the facade of the building if it wasn't under construction). Seems close.
Do you dare to look over the ledge?

---

Quote from: NAV on March 14, 2014, 03:14:17 pm

Memorize every detail of that poster, I'm sure it's important.
Then continue building the death-machine.

Hey! I was just up there! I could've died! I thought we were supposed to limit collateral damage.

You look at the picture, making sure to memorize every detail, certain that it is some great secret or important piece of evidence or something. Yes. Yes, the solution is there... and that solution is... make a robot lady for the giant robot! Yes, that always works, you saw it on television. It was right after that documentary about hunting birds in the desert with cutting edge equipment.

"Hey! You! Wake up!" Your observation of the poster and your train of thought are interrupted by the your entity shouting at you. She sounds rather annoyed. "You're not here to gawk at pinups. Get to work!"

You get back on making your death machine. Well, you make it awesome. Or as awesome as a crossbow made of scrap tied on the roof of a hover-truck with copious amounts of office tape can look, at least. You make sure to give your crossbow an upwards angle, since you'll probably be aiming high. You also manage to glue your remaining scissor-arrows on the front of the truck with some effort.

You attempt to use your power on the truck but you just can't concentrate enough. Perhaps deep down inside you, you know that building a female giant robot is the only way to end this conflict. Or maybe you're just thinking about the blue-haired girl.

---

GWG and Toaster
The BETA takes a few more steps before crouching and then jumping. Its feet and back erupt with orange-blue fire as the rockets there struggle to keep its immense weight in the air. Smaller fires can be seen all over its body, wherever its maneuvering thrusters are positioned.
You can see most of it clearly now that it has risen out of the dust and  smoke, save for its back and legs. Its entire body is made out of angular metal that has turned black from the heat and smoke. Its torso seems to possess the thickest metal, followed closely by its left hand, which isn't really a hand at all. Rather, it's a dome like piece of thick metal attached to the end of its left arm. Its right hand looks more like a hand, but it has something that looks like barbed wire wrapped around its palm and fingers. Its head is gone, nothing more than a few metal beams rising upwards left to remind anyone of its presence.
The most interesting feature lies in its torso, where you can see a shape made of bright light moving. It's like the torso of the BETA is transparent and some kind of aquatic creature can be seen through its walls, moving inside it, its tendrils reaching out to touch various parts of its body or just moving aimlessly, as if they were affected by some unseen current of water.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 15, 2014, 10:42:50 pm

((Will the can properly load in the coilgun?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2014, 10:48:04 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 15, 2014, 10:42:50 pm

((Will the can properly load in the coilgun?))

Yeah, I guess. The cradle could hold it. Although it would be kind of small for it. It's a can, after all, not a shell.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 15, 2014, 10:50:31 pm

<<Something's approaching the coilgun building from below!  Anyone available to check it out?  I'm about to shoot out its knee!>>

Load that canshell and shoot out its knee.


((Oh man, what if my coilgun got Tsared?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 15, 2014, 11:06:13 pm

Try tsaring it again, and drive towards the BETA full speed.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 16, 2014, 05:19:56 am

Consume many more cans, then grow to as large a size I can with this form.

I better not be in the science lab eating chemicals.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 08:56:57 am

((You just had to ask.))

"Aw."
Sure. Also, toss some rubble at the sphere thingy.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 03:27:54 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 14, 2014, 10:33:08 pm

((I don't know if that was a roll or not, but thank you/random.org. Now you won't have to go through additional pages of Zechariah's self-hate and more Artemis Dimikaelo shenanigans.))

If Zechariah could have cried, he probably would have.
No, scratch that, he probably is crying right now in his host's unconscious. Forget physical limitations.

He's alive. By Eido Aeterno, he's alive. One in a million chance and his heart's still beating, even if only a little.
Now stay alive, dammit.

">Rest and let your body do its repair thing. Don't fight it, just rest."

<Help me understand, human. Because I'm trying to remain calm. Are you pleased with the choices you made?>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 14, 2014, 10:52:40 pm

Hmm. Government people supply ice cream. And polka music. Should I kill him, then? After all, he might regulate polka or something.

Is there any way I could kill him without being seen/recognized that my host sees?

The man enters his car and starts driving away, followed by a couple of police cars. Unless you're willing and able to somehow eliminate all witnesses, there doesn't seem to be a way to do this cleanly.
Then again, you did do a good job with witness elimination at that bar...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2014, 04:28:24 am

"Oh, what a big softie he is."

What happened to the double agent man? He did get shot through the chest several times, and it didn't seem like he got a lot of immediate medical aid.

>Make sure that double agent's locked up tight somewhere. Also, VIPs sound like very important business, exactly the sort of mobile asset that would be moved once word gets out.

<Depends on what you mean by "softie". If the guy survives, he's gonna have to go through whatever medical treatment is required for hole in the chest, interrogation, which will probably happen at the same time as the treatment, experimentation, which will probably involve lots of people prodding him with sharp electrified sticks and if he survives all that, execution for treason. I'd say trying to kill him was very merciful of you.>
Guy looked dead when the ambulance picked him up. Still, your host asked a couple of police officers to go along for the ride. And he's heading straight for Central, the medical facilities should be adequate to either treat him or perform an autopsy on him. So he'll be guarded at all times while going to a building full of guards. What could possibly go wrong?

Your host starts his engine and calls for all police units that can be spared to accompany him. He starts driving Northeast, towards the Northern suburbs.

Please stand by while you are synchronized with Irene's timeline. Would you like to hear a joke from your entity while you wait?
<So, ever heard the one about the magician and the parrot?>

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 15, 2014, 09:23:05 am

{Irine}
Not interfereing - will write up the full set of if-thens and conversation when I have a little more time.

This is it. Zoe reaches down for the gear stick, so that she can downshift and-
"Wait!" Awena catches your host by the arm. Zoe turns to look at her. "These men abducted her. What if it's dangerous? What if you they hurt you? You can't help anyone if you are dead."
"I've got to do something! Who knows what those bastards are going to do to her?"
Awena continues to hold Zoe. She closes her eyes for a second and then opens them again. "Go left, through there, towards the driver. I'll go right. When I distract them, take care of the driver. I'll... I'll think of something." She doesn't sound so certain of herself.

Zoe stops the car near the Van, gets out and hides behind the Van, all in one quick motion. It looks like the men weren't expecting this. It doesn't look like they were expecting anyone to be around here. The driver, currently standing near the back door of the van, reaches for a gun and shouts at you to stop right there, but your host has already taken cover behind the van. She can see Awena circling around towards them from the right, unnoticed. You ((Irene)) get the feeling Awena had an idea of what would happen, even if she didn't show it.
Your host believes she can take care of the driver. She just needs Awena to do her part now. She hopes they won't hurt Amelia.

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 14, 2014, 10:59:07 pm

Bryan
What in the world is this man capable of?  Unless there are many worlds like mine this should be impossible.  Or did they implant something in him?  A shame I can't find out, I need to focus.

---

Faron
Find the information get out quietly.  If my host is found and the people are not acting aggressively pretend to be a friend.  If they are aggressive, let Faron handle it.

While searching around the second floor of the church, your host stumbles upon a man emptying a closet of dark plastic bags. He seems to be much more startled to see you then your host is to see him. He runs towards the surprised man before he can utter more then a "What? HE-!" your host has already reached him and put one hand over his mouth, cutting his cry for help short, while putting him in a hold with the other. The man struggles but he's too weak compared to you. His struggling ceases when your knife reaches his throat.
"I will only ask this once and I want you to consider that there are others here who could answer this question. There is something hidden behind a bookcase here. Where is it?"
Your host removes his hand from the man's mouth to allow him to speak. He immediately screams. Your host ends his scream by slicing his throat.

You can hear people talking downstairs, moving towards the stairs leading up to your floor. One of them calls out. "Hey, Johnson? Everything OK up there?"

---

Peregrine

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 05:10:11 pm

As you approach the house, your host sees the gear stick of the car deforming, becoming full of thorns, like the stem of a rose. When Zoe tries to reach for it, your host instinctively grabs her hand to stop her, to protect her.
"Wait! These men abducted her. What if it's dangerous? What if you they hurt you? You can't help anyone if you are dead." Awena asks, worry clear both in her voice and in her thoughts.
"I've got to do something! Who knows what those bastards are going to do to her?" She's so determined. Awena couldn't change her mind. She'd probably only make it worse. But she's got to do something. Oh, spirits help me. she thinks and closes her eyes in despair. And the spirits respond.

You can see the outline of Zoe drawn in red through your closed eyelids and a line extending from her. Your host opens her eyes to see the line leading to the Van and the driver standing a few steps behind it. A direct route, aggressive. One that favors speed and strength.
Another line, this one blue, leaves your own body, leading around the men in a more concealed path, and to the man standing guard near the door of the house. An indirect, circuitous route. One that will give you the element of surprise.
"Go left, through there, towards the driver. I'll go right. When I distract them, take care of the driver. I'll... I'll think of something." your host says as she indicates the routes to Zoe. Zoe seems to accept them with a nod.

Awena doesn't feel so certain about this. But she has to do something. She gets out of the car after Zoe does. She follows the blue line, not turning to look when she hears the men shouting at Zoe to stop. Awena is now behind the man, running towards him. He's getting his gun out, pointing it towards the van Zoe is hiding behind. She's not sure what she's going to do once she gets there.

You can also see the men carrying Amelia in the stretcher. They have stopped moving on their way to the Van, surprised, unsure of what to do. None of the 4 men has noticed you.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 16, 2014, 04:47:03 pm

I await the PM well, then I'll talk to Lenglon in-thread :DD

Great. Have fun! :)
I just want to say I enjoyed this PM thing. Gave me the chance and the inspiration to write something a bit different for you then what I normally would have written.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 16, 2014, 03:43:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 03:27:54 pm

<Help me understand, human. Because I'm trying to remain calm. Are you pleased with the choices you made?>

Zechariah couldn't tell whether he was crying or laughing, or maybe both. Emotional overload can do that to a person.

Interface, Scion: <No, I'm not. I'll never live down the fact that my inaction has almost killed someone. I could have used the Shadow to get away quicker, but I didn't.
But he's alive. And, Eido dammit, I am going to save Target Amethyst.>

Wait for my host to wake up on his own.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 16, 2014, 03:52:28 pm

((sorry about that, should have made the time to finish that post.))

---

{Irine}
Guns, Cars, and other fire/explosion based devices are hearby banned
EDIT: Additionally, I want to burn a flame generation charge to ignite the road and grass a distance away down the road, and have the flames advance upon our position in a rolling, growing wall, feeding off the oil and tar of the road as well the the grass of lawns and any other random debris along the way. anything easilly burned along that route becomes fuel for the flames as it advances upon our position, forming an imposing barrier of fire.
Through Interface, to Theri: <Hi again, and yeah, Zoe doesn't seem to get it, but it's more that she's really focused right now. She really wants to help Amelia however she can. Enough so that I'm worried Amelia might have messed with her mind somehow. Anyway, I'm trying to take a hands-off approach, and letting Zoe do what she's going to do. I'm just along for the ride.>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 16, 2014, 05:10:09 pm

"Ooh, let's hear that one. I've never heard a joke like that."

S-s-s-s-SYN-synchro-o-nize!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 16, 2014, 05:51:21 pm

Bryan
Ugh, what is that these people are dying for?  I'll have to find out sometime.
<Kathryn, what would happen if I made this man remember his past?  Would it make his life better?  It is perhaps something I'd do before leaving.>

---

Faron
Best to do this as fast as possible.  Any traps I could set up?  At least make an ambush point.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 16, 2014, 06:36:02 pm

Drive up the street beside the convoy and once I'm in the right position, turn to a parallel position to the convoy and ram the guy as he drives past.

$     <--@
!
!
!

Like that, if I'm the @ and he's the $.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 06:50:05 pm

(I do apologize for my AWOL period, had a bit of a lapse. Can I get a slight update as to what is happening?)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 06:55:17 pm

((Which mission were you on?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:01:04 pm

(BETA)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 07:06:25 pm

Quote from: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 06:50:05 pm

(I do apologize for my AWOL period, had a bit of a lapse. Can I get a slight update as to what is happening?)

Sure. You are currently flying a spaceplane. Your inventory also has a handgun in it.
You're somewhere over the city, don't know where since you didn't tell me where you were going.
The BETA, a giant robot the size of a small building has been beheaded by our brave defenders, thus disabling its main weapon. However that hasn't done much to slow it down. It is currently flying towards the building John (Toaster's char) is on with that giant coilgun he summoned.
There were also 9 of those smaller drone things, of which 4 remain. 2 of those are attacking Angel (GWG's char).
EDIT: Oh and Nikolai (NAV's character) is currently trying to build a giant vehicle with a crossbow on its roof to attack the BETA.

Feel free to ask any more questions, if you have them.

I'm writing a turn now.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:15:09 pm

Jordan shook his head and focused. He couldn't switch off now, that would be bad. He looked at the scene. John seemed okay, even though the giant robot was charing right at him. He had a coilgun and would be fine. However, the little girl (What was her name? Some movie star sounding name. What was wrong with parents nowadays? Back in the 90s and early 2000s that sort of shit was contained solely to rich people) had gotten herself trapped. Well, he could get some brownie points for rescuing a six year old girl, even if she could handle herself. He flew in a dashing manner toward Angel.
Fly towards Angel to lend some support. Open the co-pilot and pilot windows, then activate adrenaline surge and shoot at the drones. If they are dead, ask her to get in.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 16, 2014, 07:24:14 pm

Open the windows.


On a spaceplane?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:36:10 pm

I couldn't come up with a better term for the cockpit entry windows. I mean you have to get out somehow, right? I'm imagining it as a fighter jet, may be inaccurate. Door didn't sound right, so I went with the next word that sounded right.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 16, 2014, 07:44:57 pm

<*Rhino-sounding roar* Cripple the *Omnomnom* robot! *Omnomnom*>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 08:18:43 pm

((Bad rolls all around this turn...))

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 15, 2014, 10:50:31 pm

<<Something's approaching the coilgun building from below!  Anyone available to check it out?  I'm about to shoot out its knee!>>

Load that canshell and shoot out its knee.

((Oh man, what if my coilgun got Tsared?))

((Indeed. What if?))

You fire. You don't see any damage on the BETA. You do see an explosion on the roof of a building near it. Huh. Wonder what you hit.

The BETA is flying your way, firing its rockets at full power. And it looks like it has raised its armored dome-fist, ready to punch. You can also see that the dome-fist is glowing with some inner light through the sensor helmet. You don't have more than 20 seconds before it gets here.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 15, 2014, 11:06:13 pm

Try tsaring it again, and drive towards the BETA full speed.

((Uh oh.))

You grab the joystick and focus on Tsaring the vehicle. Well, it works. In a way. The control stick extends and before you can react it hits you in the chest. Hard. You think you heard something crack.
Despite the pain, you manage to remain conscious.
It hurts every time you move.
<So that's what happens if you click the links in those spam mails.>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 16, 2014, 05:19:56 am

Consume many more cans, then grow to as large a size I can with this form.

I better not be in the science lab eating chemicals.

You greedily eat all of the orange mush you can and then proceed to crack open another container. Ouch. That one is filled with empty glass vials. You cut yourself with one of them. Not to worry though, it's just a scratch.
You hear an explosion coming from upstairs.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 08:56:57 am

((You just had to ask.))

"Aw."
Sure. Also, toss some rubble at the sphere thingy.

You throw a piece of concrete at the drone but it sees it coming and fires a burst of its thrusters to get out of the way.
Before you can manage to teleport away, there's a flash of light from the drone and you feel like something stabbed you on your right thigh.
You scream in pain, grab your leg and fall down in pain but retain consciousness. You can feel that a chunk of it is missing. You can feel the blood and the molten flesh sliding through your fingers.
You hear the engines of a spaceplane behind you. And then there's the sound of an explosion from that very same place. You feel something hit you in the head, there's more pain, pain filling everything and then there's only darkness.

---

Quote from: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:15:09 pm

Jordan shook his head and focused. He couldn't switch off now, that would be bad. He looked at the scene. John seemed okay, even though the giant robot was charing right at him. He had a coilgun and would be fine. However, the little girl (What was her name? Some movie star sounding name. What was wrong with parents nowadays? Back in the 90s and early 2000s that sort of shit was contained solely to rich people) had gotten herself trapped. Well, he could get some brownie points for rescuing a six year old girl, even if she could handle herself. He flew in a dashing manner toward Angel.
Fly towards Angel to lend some support. Open the co-pilot and pilot windows, then activate adrenaline surge and shoot at the drones. If they are dead, ask her to get in.

You fly towards the rooftop Angel is on. You can see her standing there, a drone in front of her.
The drone emits a flash of light and Angel falls down, holding a bloody hole in her right leg.
Another spaceplane approaches the rooftop from behind, but it suddenly explodes. Some of the debris from the exploding spaceplane hit Angel, but you assume she's still alive, since you didn't hear your Interface announce her death. The drone manages to avoid getting hit by the pieces of exploded spaceplane. Lucky drone. Let's see if you can do something to end that luck.
You reach down and pull the emergency canopy jettison lever, twist it and then push it back in again. An explosion removes the canopy from the spaceplane, giving you a clear shot.
You slow the spaceplane down, activate the hover thrusters to maintain your height and fire a three round burst at the drone. Its thrusters stop working and it falls towards the streets of the city below.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 08:41:30 pm

Quote from: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:36:10 pm

I couldn't come up with a better term for the cockpit entry windows. I mean you have to get out somehow, right? I'm imagining it as a fighter jet, may be inaccurate. Door didn't sound right, so I went with the next word that sounded right.

So...you called the door a window.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 08:18:43 pm

You throw a piece of concrete at the drone but it sees it coming and fires a burst of its thrusters to get out of the way.
Before you can manage to teleport away, there's a flash of light from the drone and you feel like something stabbed you on your right thigh.
You scream in pain, grab your leg and fall down in pain but retain consciousness. You can feel that a chunk of it is missing. You can feel the blood and the molten flesh sliding through your fingers.
You hear the engines of a spaceplane behind you. And then there's the sound of an explosion from that very same place. You feel something hit you in the head, there's more pain, pain filling everything and then there's only darkness.

As her consciousness fades away, Angel thinks <Not again...>

Um...don't die? Also wake up.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 16, 2014, 08:42:15 pm

Crap.

GTFO.  Wish I had two ranks of speed so I could summon an ATV under me as I jumped.  Try to summon a hang glider as I jump off to at least glide down.


[I figure a hang glider is simple enough to get summoned in time to at least mitigate injury.]

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 16, 2014, 08:47:30 pm

Roar, and charge up the building to find angel again. Attempt to keep her alive. Smash any puny drones or doors in my way.

Also, a slight use of biomass for me! :D

Use any unused biomass to grow some hard, thick, plate-like material on myself, sort of like an organic suit of rhino armor

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 16, 2014, 09:05:00 pm

Deal with the pain.
Try again. The entire vehicle, crossbow and spikes included.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 09:24:23 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 08:41:30 pm

Quote from: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 07:36:10 pm

I couldn't come up with a better term for the cockpit entry windows. I mean you have to get out somehow, right? I'm imagining it as a fighter jet, may be inaccurate. Door didn't sound right, so I went with the next word that sounded right.

So...you called the door a window.

If you look at a fighter jet, you'll know what I mean. Parisbre used the right term of Ccnopy.
<"Angel is down! Don't worry guys, I'm on it.">
Try to land or be reasonably near enough to the building to jump. Grab Angel and put her in the copilot's seat and putting on her seat belt. Fly up and away to a safer place, preferably anywhere that looks like a hospital and isn't actively being torn apart.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 09:48:05 pm

((Looking at the poll...the plurality may have been right.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Tiruin on March 17, 2014, 09:17:15 pm

((Surprise! :))))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 16, 2014, 03:52:28 pm

((sorry about that, should have made the time to finish that post.))

---

{Irine}
Guns, Cars, and other fire/explosion based devices are hearby banned
Through Interface, to Theri: <Hi again, and yeah, Zoe doesn't seem to get it, but it's more that she's really focused right now. She really wants to help Amelia however she can. Enough so that I'm worried Amelia might have messed with her mind somehow. Anyway, I'm trying to take a hands-off approach, and letting Zoe do what she's going to do. I'm just along for the ride.>

You sense a stirring in the surroundings, and feel the similar consciousness of Theri reply.

Awena has done her part, you're in position--I'll cause my distraction now. My host is compliant. The men carrying Amelia are surprised. Unsure. Uncertain. Your host favors aggression. Speed. Strength. At this moment, cause a fire. Cause a fire not on the men, for they will act aggressively--distract them two-fold. You may even possess your host--she might not even sense it given her intent!

I will suggest to surprise.

You must act. Now.

To host: Suggest.

<Awena, hear me now. I have the power and capability of...possessing you, shifting your thoughts to mine and your reflexes and skills to what I know--I may be more than able to take this man compared to you (no offense), but in this possession I ask of your permission. I will not harm you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 17, 2014, 10:09:28 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 17, 2014, 09:17:15 pm

((Surprise! :))))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 16, 2014, 03:52:28 pm

((sorry about that, should have made the time to finish that post.))

---

{Irine}
Guns, Cars, and other fire/explosion based devices are hearby banned
Through Interface, to Theri: <Hi again, and yeah, Zoe doesn't seem to get it, but it's more that she's really focused right now. She really wants to help Amelia however she can. Enough so that I'm worried Amelia might have messed with her mind somehow. Anyway, I'm trying to take a hands-off approach, and letting Zoe do what she's going to do. I'm just along for the ride.>

You sense a stirring in the surroundings, and feel the similar consciousness of Theri reply.

Awena has done her part, you're in position--I'll cause my distraction now. My host is compliant. The men carrying Amelia are surprised. Unsure. Uncertain. Your host favors aggression. Speed. Strength. At this moment, cause a fire. Cause a fire not on the men, for they will act aggressively--distract them two-fold. You may even possess your host--she might not even sense it given her intent!

I will suggest to surprise.

You must act. Now.

To host: Suggest.

<Awena, hear me now. I have the power and capability of...possessing you, shifting your thoughts to mine and your reflexes and skills to what I know--I may be more than able to take this man compared to you (no offense), but in this possession I ask of your permission. I will not harm you.>

...
action modified

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 04:16:24 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 16, 2014, 03:43:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 03:27:54 pm

<Help me understand, human. Because I'm trying to remain calm. Are you pleased with the choices you made?>

Zechariah couldn't tell whether he was crying or laughing, or maybe both. Emotional overload can do that to a person.

Interface, Scion: <No, I'm not. I'll never live down the fact that my inaction has almost killed someone. I could have used the Shadow to get away quicker, but I didn't.
But he's alive. And, Eido dammit, I am going to save Target Amethyst.>

Wait for my host to wake up on his own.

<...I hope that is a sign of improvement on your part. I sometimes wonder if you are some kind of a test for me and if so, what is the correct response...

So, it looks like we'll be stuck here for a while. Thanks to you. Any interesting stories to share or perhaps some clever -ha!- questions to ask?>

Ask again later. (https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/523141888/hF4F792A0/)

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 16, 2014, 03:52:28 pm

((sorry about that, should have made the time to finish that post.))

---

{Irine}
Guns, Cars, and other fire/explosion based devices are hearby banned
EDIT: Additionally, I want to burn a flame generation charge to ignite the road and grass a distance away down the road, and have the flames advance upon our position in a rolling, growing wall, feeding off the oil and tar of the road as well the the grass of lawns and any other random debris along the way. anything easilly burned along that route becomes fuel for the flames as it advances upon our position, forming an imposing barrier of fire.
Through Interface, to Theri: <Hi again, and yeah, Zoe doesn't seem to get it, but it's more that she's really focused right now. She really wants to help Amelia however she can. Enough so that I'm worried Amelia might have messed with her mind somehow. Anyway, I'm trying to take a hands-off approach, and letting Zoe do what she's going to do. I'm just along for the ride.>

Quote from: Tiruin on March 17, 2014, 09:17:15 pm

((Surprise! :))))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 16, 2014, 03:52:28 pm

((sorry about that, should have made the time to finish that post.))

---

{Irine}
Guns, Cars, and other fire/explosion based devices are hearby banned
Through Interface, to Theri: <Hi again, and yeah, Zoe doesn't seem to get it, but it's more that she's really focused right now. She really wants to help Amelia however she can. Enough so that I'm worried Amelia might have messed with her mind somehow. Anyway, I'm trying to take a hands-off approach, and letting Zoe do what she's going to do. I'm just along for the ride.>

You sense a stirring in the surroundings, and feel the similar consciousness of Theri reply.

Awena has done her part, you're in position--I'll cause my distraction now. My host is compliant. The men carrying Amelia are surprised. Unsure. Uncertain. Your host favors aggression. Speed. Strength. At this moment, cause a fire. Cause a fire not on the men, for they will act aggressively--distract them two-fold. You may even possess your host--she might not even sense it given her intent!

I will suggest to surprise.

You must act. Now.

To host: Suggest.

<Awena, hear me now. I have the power and capability of...possessing you, shifting your thoughts to mine and your reflexes and skills to what I know--I may be more than able to take this man compared to you (no offense), but in this possession I ask of your permission. I will not harm you.>

Irene once again tries the trick of stopping all fires not under her control from expanding. She can't focus enough however and the field of pyrokinetic pressure only manages to to slow down all fires not currently being controlled by her from expanding, not stop them. She then follows Theri's advice and tries to make a fiery distraction. Despite the dampness of the ground and the strain of maintaining her pyrokinetic pressure field, she manages to make an impressive firewall, one that keeps getting larger with the help of her power. The men are clearly distracted by this.

The moment Theri begins speaking to her host, her Interface starts beeping again.
Theri can sense Awena's uncertainty in the few moments that she takes to give her answer. Awena's unsure of whether or not this is just a ploy for her to lower her guard and become susceptible to possession by some evil entity. But the situation is dire and she's going to need all the help she can get. She reluctantly accepts.

Theri takes control, a ripple extending from her Interface, changing her host's body slightly, making it stronger and a bit paler. Strangely, nobody but Irene and Theri seem to notice it.
It turns out taking control was the right choice, for the man is surprisingly strong and remains perceptive despite the distraction the fire provides.
He hears Theri coming and barely manages to turn to face her. She tries to punch him while running but he manages to intercept her hands, leaving her to push against him. Theri has trouble overcoming the man's strength, even with the momentum granted by her speed and the man's surprise working in her favor. In the end, she manages to push him off balance, grab his hands, get behind him and after a great deal of effort, put him in a grappling hold and subdue him.

Theri's Interface keeps beeping and her vision is starting to get blurrier. Despite her host's conscious acceptance, Awena's subconscious is still rejecting the foreign presence in her mind.

Meanwhile, Zoe attacks the driver, who is currently distracted by the wall of fire and the sudden attack on his comrade. She moves before he has a chance to react, batting his gun-wielding hand aside with her left hand while striking the man in the chin with a right uppercut.
The man groans and falls down, unconscious.

"Wait! Stop!" one of the two men carrying Amelia in the stretcher cries out. They're just standing there, unsure of what to do, watching with a mix of surprise and terror while the guards that were supposed to escort them are being attacked and defeated. Not to mention the fire that has appeared out of thin air.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 16, 2014, 05:10:09 pm

"Ooh, let's hear that one. I've never heard a joke like that."

S-s-s-s-SYN-synchro-o-nize!

Spoiler: Joke (click to show/hide)

<Okay, so there's this cruise ship, one of those that do those one week holidays typo of things. You know, load people, go from one side of the ocean to the other, unload people and load other people, and so on. And those kinds of cruise ships are huge, like floating cities, they got restaurants, bowling alleys, etc. And of course, that cruise ship also had various events in the evenings, one of which was a magician who did various tricks.

But, to the magician's dismay, the captain always watched his show, along with his parrot. And the parrot, being a smart bird and having seen his performance hundreds of times, knew all about how he did his tricks. So, if the magician for example made a card disappear, the parrot started squawking "Bwaak! It's in his sleeve, it's in his sleeve." or if he made a bunny disappear "Bwaak! It's in his hat! It's in his hat!". So the guy really hated that parrot, wanted to roast it and eat its wings with mustard sauce, but there was nothing he could do. It was, after all, the captain's bird.

However, one night, as the magician was preparing for his next trick, the parrot always being the telltale bastard he was, the cruise ship hit an iceberg. And as luck would have it, the only two survivors were the magician and the bird. So, there they are floating in the ocean, the cage of the parrot naturally floating, the magician holding on to it. One day passes and both of them do nothing but stare each other. Another day passes, the two still staring each other. And in the third day, the parrot finally says:>

Spoiler: Punchline (click to show/hide)

<"Okay, I give up. Where did you hide the ship?">

Your host notices a car coming at him from the left, seconds before it hits. He accelerates and turns left but he can't quite manage to get out of the way. The hit is not that bad, however. Your host turns the steering wheel right and downshifts. A moment later, the steering wheel jerks a bit and he regains control. He reorients the car and keeps moving forward.

<Watch where you're going, idiot! Did you get your driver's license from a cereal box?>

The offending car is now on your left, moving parallel to yours.

Quote from: Xantalos on March 16, 2014, 06:36:02 pm

Drive up the street beside the convoy and once I'm in the right position, turn to a parallel position to the convoy and ram the guy as he drives past.

$     <--@
!
!
!

Like that, if I'm the @ and he's the $.

Your interface beeps several times and your vision starts blurring. Your host must not want to attack a convoy of police cars led by a government agent for some reason. What a chicken.

You get next to the car and turn to ram it. The driver sees you coming and tries to avoid you. He almost manages to get out of the way, but you do manage to hit its left tail light. The car swerves from left to right, its tires screeching, but the driver manages to regain control.

<Watch where you're going, idiot! Did you get your driver's license from a cereal box?> you hear a familiar voice coming from your Interface. You get a feeling it's coming from the other car.

The target car is now on your right, moving parallel to yours.

---

http://youtu.be/lBGvssJwQ2A (http://youtu.be/lBGvssJwQ2A)

Quote from: Alarith on March 16, 2014, 05:51:21 pm

Bryan
Ugh, what is that these people are dying for?  I'll have to find out sometime.
<Kathryn, what would happen if I made this man remember his past?  Would it make his life better?  It is perhaps something I'd do before leaving.>

---

Faron
Best to do this as fast as possible.  Any traps I could set up?  At least make an ambush point.

<I... I do not know. He has had his life and freedom robbed from him. Turned into a tool, a vessel. To wish to help him, to revive the man he once was is admirable.
But even if you restored his memories, could you ever give him a normal life again, a life with even a shred of happiness? Do you have a chance break whatever control they have on him, without being desynchronized? And is that chance worth risking trapping that man in the body of a murderer, someone who isn't him? Forcing him to be hunted for the rest of his life? If the change doesn't outright kill him?
And are you certain that he isn't doing something good in this world? That he isn't helping, in his own, bloody, mindless way, working for the greater good? Are you certain that whatever change you make will be for the best?>

Your host hides near the staircase going up.
"Johnson?" the voice is in the stairs now.
There's some sort of drawer here. Wooden. Looks sturdy. Could provide you with some cover. Might even be able to push it down the stairs.
"There's something wrong. Alves, Jung, watch my back, I'm going to check it out."
You hear guns being readied and then the creaking of stairs as the men below climb them. Your host keeps his gun ready, pointing it at the stairs, the drawer concealing him partially.
The moment he sees a gun sticking out of the stairwell, he shoots, hitting the man's fingers.
While the man screams, your host gets up, puts the man's body between himself and the others, stabs him in the left lung and kicks him on top of his comrades. Before they have a chance to react, he shoots both of them, one in the heart, the other in the head.
You can hear other panicked voices coming from downstairs. One word stands out. "Grenade."

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 16, 2014, 08:41:30 pm

As her consciousness fades away, Angel thinks <Not again...>

Um...don't die? Also wake up.

I will refer you to DAF's post for the picture of a cat telling you what you should do.

Quote from: Fniff on March 16, 2014, 09:24:23 pm

<"Angel is down! Don't worry guys, I'm on it.">
Try to land or be reasonably near enough to the building to jump. Grab Angel and put her in the copilot's seat and putting on her seat belt. Fly up and away to a safer place, preferably anywhere that looks like a hospital and isn't actively being torn apart.

((If it will help you imagine it better, I've modeled the Spaceplane after the DeltaGlider (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/DeltaGliderIVSoon_zpsdce80eb2.jpg), with some modifications (for example the cockpit canopy looks a lot more like the canopy of a fighter jet to give you better visibility).))

You deploy your landing gear and set the spaceplane down on the roof.
You get out and run to Angel. She's lying on the roof in an expanding pool of blood, its growth fed by the blood coming from her right thigh and the back of her head.
You pick the little girl up and head back to your transport. While you run, a huge rhino from hell breaks through the door of the stairwell that leads inside the building below. Its body has been covered with a white substance that reminds you of bone. The bone armor forms huge spikes in places, especially prominent on its back. The beast looks angry. But it has an Interface on one of its front legs?
Oh no, that giant robot is mutating your teammates into huge rabid disfigured animals! Run for your lives!

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 16, 2014, 08:47:30 pm

Roar, and charge up the building to find angel again. Attempt to keep her alive. Smash any puny drones or doors in my way.

Also, a slight use of biomass for me! :D

Use any unused biomass to grow some hard, thick, plate-like material on myself, sort of like an organic suit of rhino armor

You feel the weight shifting from your body to your back. You can't exactly see what you did there but you think it worked.

Your meta spider rhino sense informs you that a little girl is in danger. Well, you can't allow that. That little girl saved your life! Twice! And you'd be damned if you let something happen to her!

You stumble up the stairs (it's like they weren't designed for giant animals or something) and ram the door leading to the roof, utterly destroying it. On the roof, you can see that man from before holding the little girl on his arms, running towards the spaceplane he was piloting. The rest of the roof is littered with debris and small fires.

Now, how exactly do you plan to help her?

---

Quote from: NAV on March 16, 2014, 09:05:00 pm

Deal with the pain.
Try again. The entire vehicle, crossbow and spikes included.

You focus on transforming the vehicle again. This time, the transformation takes.
It starts with the control sticks, transforming them into large, bulky things, filled with decorative grooves. It then moves to your chair, making it larger and more comfortable and soft, almost smotheringly so. Then it reaches whatever causes the truck to float. The truck begins moving up and down, like a ship on a sea with gentle waves. It also starts emitting a loud buzzing sound that could best be described as "woop", its pitch changing according to the height of the truck. After that, it reaches the outer surface of the truck, deforming its smooth surface into grooves, spikes and irregular angles. And finally, it reaches the arrows in the front of the vehicle and the crossbow in the top. You can't see how the crossbow reforms (you can only see part of its limbs extending from the sides of the car) but you do feel the vehicle descending slightly from the weight. The vehicle also leans forward slightly from the giant pointy spikes coming out from its front.

You feel spent, like you just emptied everything you had in this truck. And your chest still hurts.

You hear a loud sound like a building collapsing somewhere in the distance.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 16, 2014, 08:42:15 pm

Crap.

GTFO.  Wish I had two ranks of speed so I could summon an ATV under me as I jumped.  Try to summon a hang glider as I jump off to at least glide down.

[I figure a hang glider is simple enough to get summoned in time to at least mitigate injury.]

You start running away, parts appearing in the air and assembling around your arms while you do so. By the time you're halfway to the other side of the building there's a harness around your waist and you're holding a metal bar over your head, it's edges forming into a triangle. When you jump, there's a circle of cyan plastic at the top of the control triangle and the largest part of the other metal bars necessary for the glider. There's no time to wait. You can hear the sound of rockets getting closer behind you. When you're halfway to the ground, the top of the glider finally forms properly and wires appear and connect it to the control bar and allow it to maintain the proper shape.
Now you are half flying-half falling.

You immediately pull the nose up to stop your descent, causing the glider to stall and its nose to fall back down again, costing you speed, height and precious seconds but at least you don't crash into the ground.
Speaking of crash, there's the sound of an explosion behind you and then the rumble of a building collapsing.

Metal and plastic debris fly past you, some of them the size of a car, but you and the glider remain miraculously unhurt.

EDIT (16/7/14): Just noticed an entity's colour was wrong.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 18, 2014, 04:26:39 am

<How dare you! My driving instructor was a box of oatmeal, you bastard!>

Hard right! Ram that bitch!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Tiruin on March 18, 2014, 05:00:22 am

Relent! Relent! Relent!

Awena stepped back and checked the subdued man before
"Let her go! Don't hurt her! Speak!"

Let him speak, give Awena the option of full control.  Do not withdraw unless asked.
Also identify the man for any markings or such to indicate organization.

Oh goodness...my head...ugh, sorry Awena!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:51:16 am

Notice how injured angel is, and the fact the man is running away. Put two and two together.

Roar, "YOU HEARTLESS MURDERER!!!"

Get to the spaceplane before them, and smash it off the roof. Turn to glare at Angel's murderer.

"Today, you die, coward!!!"

Use all my remaining biomass to increase the weaponry on my head. Make sure to do it in view of the evil, murderous human.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 08:40:08 am

Summon a pair of shades to put on

Speed.  Need more speed.  I don't want to leave that to chance again.

<<The coilgun's gone, but I'm alive.  We blew its face off, but that didn't stop it.  I think whatever controls it is in its chest.>>

Land safely wherever I can.  Take cover and see what it's doing.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:08:01 am

{Irine}
That seems to have worked. Not really my style but still quite efficient.
continue to grow the wall of fire, but don't have it advance anymore, instead forming a ring around the area that encompasses Zoe, Awena, Amelia, the vehicles, etc. blocking anyone from leaving and anyone from coming to interfere but without getting the flames dangerously close to anyone involved.
Through Interface, to Theri <You might want to let Awena know that I'm here and that the fires are mine. I think possessing her like that is going to desynchronize you. I spent some time earlier separating my flames from Zoe, I can keep this up all day, but I'm not talking to Zoe or messing with her head any. I don't think Zoe even knows I'm here.>
I wonder how Zoe is going to handle the negotiations. I hope she stays focused like this, and doesn't let my flames mess her up any.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2014, 10:04:27 am

"This reminds me of that time on the school bus. Ah."

>Look at that guy who's being a flagrant traffic violator. See if the police are about to do anything, maybe? Point at the fucker if they don't seem to be getting it. Try not to get hit too badly.

If evasive driving fails, assume direct control and utilize superior abilities to avoid death and injury.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 18, 2014, 01:16:17 pm

Bryan
<No I am not certain that he isn't doing good in this world.  I also know that I couldn't give him an ordinary life. Yet, it is hard to believe that this is good for him.  I'm sure that the correct decision will be clear in hindsight.  Also, sorry about this mess, I'm sure I could have handled it better.>
If I see any grenades, use telekinesis to move them away from me, making it look like a bad throw or bounce.

---

Faron
Whatever Faron thinks is best.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 18, 2014, 04:52:21 pm

<"I'll see if I can't fly over and disable the thing when I-- Holy skit! Talking rhino, must be some kind of drone, gonna kill me! Someone help me kill it first!" *gunfire*>
Disregard Angel's safety and draw pistol while holding Angel in one arm, firing at the rhino while trying to get to the spaceplane before it charges into it.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 04:56:48 pm

Rhinos can run many times faster than a human, let alone a human carrying another human, even a young one. My rhino will beat you to the spaceplane, and, with it's current plating, the bullets will be ineffective. It will just make it even more sure that you are an enemy. The only thing you have over it is your small size. You can fit into elevators that I cannot, and take small corridors that I will have to go around. That is, if you survive the initial encounter.

Also, added on to my original action >:)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 05:04:46 pm

((You forgot that Rhinos can't jump - at all, have short stubby legs that can't climb, and have some of the worst eyesight in the world - the real weaknesses of Earth's natural Main Battle Tank. You don't fight that, you avoid it. Even unarmored rhinos are immune to small-caliber bullets, let alone this up-armored model. You best bet is to get a couple feet of elevation, three or four should be enough to stop it from being able to touch you.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:08:14 pm

Oh, Lenglon, if only some feet above me would stop me. If he tries to evade me, I shall simply use biomass to add on hydraulic-legs... or maybe even wings :D

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 18, 2014, 05:12:26 pm

Sink into my comfy chair, try to find some cool music on the radio, and go giant robot hunting.
Drive to where the building collapsed. Try to catch the robot from behind. Shoot it in the torso if I can get a clear shot.
<Nikolai's on his way bringing some heavy artillery.>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 05:12:38 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:08:14 pm

Oh, Lenglon, if only some feet above me would stop me. If he tries to evade me, I shall simply use biomass to add on hydraulic-legs... or maybe even wings :D

((Hey, I'm listing off rhino weaknesses, not shapeshifters. Shapeshifter traditional weakness is fire.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:19:30 pm

Fire, eh? Can fire penetrate bone-plating? >: )

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 05:25:34 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:19:30 pm

Fire, eh? Can fire penetrate bone-plating? >: )

((4th-degree and higher burns scorch your bones themselves, and are fatal a massive amount of the time. By having your bones on the outside, you're actually far more vulnerable to fire, not less. flesh is a good insulator, bone is not.))

---

EDIT:
((Just checked with a friend of mine on the fire vs bones thing, he confirmed that at BEST the bone armor doesn't help you any. Odds on it makes things worse. Bones burn, and they transmit heat better than flesh does, and they don't heal, and the interior of your bones (the bone marrow) houses a lot of critical systems for your bloodstream. 4th-degree burns require amputation of the affected area, and are sometimes fatal even with treatment. Fire is stronger vs your bone exoskeleton than it would be vs normal flesh.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 18, 2014, 05:46:18 pm

Jordan's just doing what he can. Anyway, I doubt charging around is going to do you much good on the top of a skyscraper. Also, I'm pretty sure murdering a person who was trying to save a six year old (And presumably murdering the six year old too since you're a rhino and subtlety is not their forte) is going to get you in the bad books for the team. Though Jordan dying as a martyr for a child would really enhance his reputation even though he did it solely so that people would think he was a good guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 08:03:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 18, 2014, 04:26:39 am

<How dare you! My driving instructor was a box of oatmeal, you bastard!>

Hard right! Ram that bitch!

You try to ram his car again but he manages to accelerate and turn right fast enough to get out of the way.

<You call that ramming?! Bugs going splat on my windshield can hit harder than you!> comes the voice from the car that is now in front of you.

The two police cars come at you, trying to force you to stop. You manage to evade one, leaving it behind you, but the other hits you from the left. You turn left while the police car turns right, each of you trying to force the other off the road and to the sidewalk. Despite the police car's superior technical characteristics compared to yours, you manage to handle your car better and push the other car onto the sidewalk, causing it to loose control and ram the corner of a house.
Well, that's going to leave a mark.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2014, 10:04:27 am

"This reminds me of that time on the school bus. Ah."

>Look at that guy who's being a flagrant traffic violator. See if the police are about to do anything, maybe? Point at the fucker if they don't seem to be getting it. Try not to get hit too badly.

If evasive driving fails, assume direct control and utilize superior abilities to avoid death and injury.

<How dare you! My driving instructor was a box of oatmeal, you bastard!> Ike hears a voice coming from his Interface. He gets the feeling the voice is coming from the offending car.

Your host manages to evade the attack coming at him by accelerating and maneuvering out of the way. He manages to get in front of the offending car.

<You call that ramming?! Bugs going splat on my windshield can hit harder than you!>

Your host watches from his rear view mirror as the offending car evades the efforts of one police car to force it off the road and causes another one to crash. Useless. Looks like you're going to have to take care of it yourself. Your host reaches for his machine pistols.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on March 18, 2014, 05:00:22 am

Relent! Relent! Relent!

Awena stepped back and checked the subdued man before
"Let her go! Don't hurt her! Speak!"

Let him speak, give Awena the option of full control.  Do not withdraw unless asked.
Also identify the man for any markings or such to indicate organization.

Oh goodness...my head...ugh, sorry Awena!

The men bear no identifying marks. If it weren't for their guns and behavior, they'd look like regular people you could find anywhere in this city. The only thing they have in common are their dark clothing.
They could be common criminals. Or they could be something worse. Mercenaries. Government agents. Or members of some other kind of organization.

Awena doesn't ask you to regain control. You aren't really sure if she even can at this state. Still, it might be better to relinquish control. Maintaining control is making you fell more and more tired. You don't think you can hold on much longer.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:08:01 am

{Irine}
That seems to have worked. Not really my style but still quite efficient.
continue to grow the wall of fire, but don't have it advance anymore, instead forming a ring around the area that encompasses Zoe, Awena, Amelia, the vehicles, etc. blocking anyone from leaving and anyone from coming to interfere but without getting the flames dangerously close to anyone involved.
Through Interface, to Theri <You might want to let Awena know that I'm here and that the fires are mine. I think possessing her like that is going to desynchronize you. I spent some time earlier separating my flames from Zoe, I can keep this up all day, but I'm not talking to Zoe or messing with her head any. I don't think Zoe even knows I'm here.>
I wonder how Zoe is going to handle the negotiations. I hope she stays focused like this, and doesn't let my flames mess her up any.

A thin line of fire begins extending from your firewall. It isn't enough to block the area you wanted it to block, but it's enough to cover its south side. Zoe is worried about it but it isn't her primary concern right now.

Your Interface starts beeping every other second. Looks like even at this state, this is somehow causing her to reject you. Still, it isn't that worrying. You've done a good work separating your mind from hers. You could probably keep this up for an hour before you get desynchronized.

Zoe retrieves the unconscious guard's firearm. She points it at the men carrying Amelia and starts walking towards them.
The men look at her and the fire in fear.
"...doing it?"
"No, she's sedated. And she can't do things like that. I think it's them."
You catch a glimpse of their whispering before they stop talking. Zoe bends over Amelia and checks her vitals. Unconscious. Weak pulse. She looks pale, famished, bruised in places. She has an IV drip going in her arm.

"Let her go! Don't hurt her! Speak!" Theri orders the men.
"Hurt her? We don't want to hurt her."
Zoe inspects Amelia's arm, her newly found weapon still pointing at the two men. There are multiple needle marks on it and they look red in places. Collapsed veins. Phlebitis. Like the arms of IV drug addicts. The situation is the same with her other arm.
"Yes, we want to help her. That's what they told us. Keep her sedated and-"
"Help her?! You call this helping?" Zoe asks, waving the gun at the two men, anger clear in her voice.
"Why did you took her?"
"I don't know. We were told to keep her safe and not let her wake up because it would be dangerous. We have no idea-"
"You're lying! Why did you do this? She wouldn't hurt anyone!" Zoe closes her eyes. You can feel the tears running in her cheeks.
Who knows what else is wrong with her. How much they have hurt her. Can't know without more thorough examination. Has she been sedated since the time they took her? Should the needle be removed or will that cause more damage?
Zoe leans and whispers to Amelia's ear.
"Don't worry. I'm here now. Everything is going to be all right again."

"Who do you work for? Who are 'they'?" asks Theri while Zoe continues checking Amelia, her worry increasing by the second.
"We don't know. We're mercenaries. We were contracted for this job. We never met our employer." More lies.

One of the men groans and starts speaking.
"Look, we need to get out of here. We just got information that the government is sending people here. There's an abandoned warehouse at the-"
"Duuude! What are you doing?"
"-the edge of the residential district. There's people there that can help her. Scientists. Medical equipment. I promise that after we get there and do whatever we can to help her, we'll let her go."
Zoe paces, thinking, unsure of what to do. These men hurt her. But what if they're right. She needs medical attention, that much is clear. But they're the ones that hurt her like that in the first place. What other option is there?
"Look, I can see that you care about her, but things are much more complicated then you realize. If you don't let us help her, she will die. If the government takes her, she'll be locked up in a godforsaken lab and you'll never see her again. We have to go now."

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 18, 2014, 01:16:17 pm

Bryan
<No I am not certain that he isn't doing good in this world.  I also know that I couldn't give him an ordinary life. Yet, it is hard to believe that this is good for him.  I'm sure that the correct decision will be clear in hindsight.  Also, sorry about this mess, I'm sure I could have handled it better.>
If I see any grenades, use telekinesis to move them away from me, making it look like a bad throw or bounce.

---

Faron
Whatever Faron thinks is best.

<Unfortunately, that is true. Everything looks clear in hindsight. If only things could be different...
My only suggestion is that you use the full range of your powers. Why limit yourself, when you could do more to help?>

True enough, you see a hand throwing a grenade up the stairs... and you send it back down again. Your host doesn't wait to see the outcome. By the time you hear the explosion, he's already reached the other side of the building. He exits through a broken window there, hangs from the ledge and breaks through another window to the ground floor, all in one swift motion.

Three men turn to face him. He manages to take out two of them but the third one manages to shoot your host at the lower left abdomen before your host puts a bullet between his eyes.

Your host listens for a few moments. His ears aren't ringing from the noise of the battle. Another sign he isn't entirely human. He hears nothing. The church looks empty. The bodies of them men you killed are lying on the rotten pews, among the material they were packing or burning in small pyres.
He looks down at his wound. He's bleeding. But he isn't concerned. The bullet went right through.

He searches the church. There is indeed a boockase in the sanctuary. There's a portable computer behind it.
Your host connects his cell phone to it and waits as the screen flashes.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 18, 2014, 08:13:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 04:16:24 am

I will refer you to DAF's post for the picture of a cat telling you what you should do.

Which post?

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 04:56:48 pm

Rhinos can run many times faster than a human, let alone a human carrying another human, even a young one. My rhino will beat you to the spaceplane

Rhinos are faster, but you aren't a rhino. You're bigger (which means more weight, which means the cube-square law is going to be giving you some warnings), and you have bone plating (which will encumber you and weigh you down more, but won't help take the strain off your limbs because plating doesn't work like that). They also take longer to reach top speed; inertia is a harsh mistress. There is every possibility you won't be able to do so.

Quote

and, with it's current plating, the bullets will be ineffective.

Haha, no.

Quote

It will just make it even more sure that you are an enemy.

Well, yes.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:08:14 pm

Oh, Lenglon, if only some feet above me would stop me. If he tries to evade me, I shall simply use biomass to add on hydraulic-legs... or maybe even wings :D

Oh God. Stop it. That...that just wouldn't work. Best-case-scenario, you'd end up with broken legs, or ones that don't do what you want. And don't get me started on the wings...

---

Come on, Angel! Don't go to the light! Come back to us!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 08:36:23 pm

When's our turn coming? :D

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 18, 2014, 08:42:47 pm

Bryan
Heh, inexperience is why I limit myself.  In the heat of the moment it is hard for me to of more than one option.  It leads to mistakes.
I just wanted to get in and out quietly and quickly.  Now I might have a problem.
Sense for minds.  If I can tell that someone is getting close give them reasons to stay away, such as the jobs in that area are done.

---

Faron
While waiting for transfer of information, try to put a basic bandage over the injury, plenty of fabric around to do that.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 18, 2014, 08:48:03 pm

<That implies you have a car, you hobo head voice!>

Does Alan have the capability to use his powers? If so, summon a sofa in front of the rest of the police cars, then ram the sissy government agent from behind.
If not, attempt to get in front of sissy government agent and abruptly stop. If that doesn't work just ram him.
Or do I have guns? Use the guns if I do.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 09:02:09 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 08:36:23 pm

When's our turn coming? :D

SOON... (http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/605020-soon)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:04:39 pm

{Irine}
curve all my fires up into a dome-shape, all pulled into a central point overhead of us. as they reach that central point, where there is no fuel for it to sustain itself upon, relinquish control of it, making it disappear. continue this until all the fire is gone except a single tiny sphere of flame, about four inches / 10cm in diameter. additionally, allow the fires that I'm not actively controlling to act normally - guns and engines and such are allowed to work again.
Zoe doesn't need my firepower anymore, now that she's armed.
Bring the tiny sphere down to Zoe's eye level, arm's length away, and let it bob gently beside her, and follow her around. If she enters a vehicle, I'll relinquish most of it, reducing it to a mere 1 inch / 2cm diameter, and have it carefully enter with her, avoiding touching her or anyone else at all times. If Zoe speaks questions aloud, then I'll use the mini-fire-orb to answer them as honestly as I am able. I'll have it go up and down 3x for yes, left and right 3x for no, circles for other.
If she seems frightened by it, have it back off from her, and if she still doesn't calm down about it, then just relinquish control of it and let it fade as well. ((Example question: "Are you the one controlling the fires?" answered by the orb going up and down three times.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 18, 2014, 09:15:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 04:16:24 am

<...I hope that is a sign of improvement on your part. I sometimes wonder if you are some kind of a test for me and if so, what is the correct response...

So, it looks like we'll be stuck here for a while. Thanks to you. Any interesting stories to share or perhaps some clever -ha!- questions to ask?>

Ask again later. (https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/523141888/hF4F792A0/)

Interface, Scion: <Hmm... well, what is the relationship between you entities? It seems like there is a lot of friction between some of you, kind of like the Guardians... except with much more power, like Eido...>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 09:36:08 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 18, 2014, 08:13:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 04:16:24 am

I will refer you to DAF's post for the picture of a cat telling you what you should do.

Which post?

---

Come on, Angel! Don't go to the light! Come back to us!

((Turn! I meant turn.))

Ever read Homer's Iliad? There are places in it where a great hero is slain in battle, so the two opposing forces start fighting over who gets to keep the body.

Let's see how this pointless battle over your unconscious and soon to be dead body turns out...

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 05:51:16 am

Notice how injured angel is, and the fact the man is running away. Put two and two together.

Roar, "YOU HEARTLESS MURDERER!!!"

Get to the spaceplane before them, and smash it off the roof. Turn to glare at Angel's murderer.

"Today, you die, coward!!!"

Use all my remaining biomass to increase the weaponry on my head. Make sure to do it in view of the evil, murderous human.

You start running, extending a spike from your head, like a unicorn. But then you feel the weight-
And that's where your coherent thoughts end and everything becomes "OW OW OW, MY HEAD, MY NECK, MY SPINE, MY HEAD, MY EVERYTHING HURT."
Despite the pain, you manage to remain conscious.

Most of the pain subsides after a second, leaving you with the dizziness and pain in your head. In fact, you can't feel anything from the neck down. You can't move anything either.
If this was a movie, this would be a good time for you to say "I can't feel my legs." But you can see your legs. And your abdomen. You're fairly certain your head is not supposed to bend enough for you to see your abdomen.
You probably don't have long to live.

You watch, unable to move, as the man climbs onto the spaceplane, Angel on his shoulder, and then takes off.

Quote from: Fniff on March 18, 2014, 04:52:21 pm

<"I'll see if I can't fly over and disable the thing when I-- Holy skit! Talking rhino, must be some kind of drone, gonna kill me! Someone help me kill it first!" *gunfire*>
Disregard Angel's safety and draw pistol while holding Angel in one arm, firing at the rhino while trying to get to the spaceplane before it charges into it.

You pull out your handgun (a rather large yet sleek looking thing thing made of plastic and metal) aim at the rhino and... it turns out shooting won't be necessary.

A large horn starts growing from the rhino's head as it runs. And it gets larger. And larger. And then the rhino's head bends down, the spike embeds itself on the concrete, causing the rhino to stop, its neck to bending unnaturally, its legs lifting, the entire weight of the rhino being supported by its neck for a moment... And then the neck snaps. The bone-like spike on its forehead also breaks.

You continue running, enter the Spaceplane, tie Angel in the passenger seat and then take off.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 18, 2014, 05:12:26 pm

Sink into my comfy chair, try to find some cool music on the radio, and go giant robot hunting.
Drive to where the building collapsed. Try to catch the robot from behind. Shoot it in the torso if I can get a clear shot.
<Nikolai's on his way bringing some heavy artillery.>

Well, I can't write whatever alien music you should be hearing, so have something fitting to the situation. We'll just say your power Tsarified the music coming from the radio. (http://youtu.be/5hSTTPkp2x4)

You start driving towards the continuing sounds of destruction.
It's a good thing this chair is comfy, because this thing sure wobbles a lot.
We're in combat time, so it will take a while to get there.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 08:40:08 am

Summon a pair of shades to put on

Speed.  Need more speed.  I don't want to leave that to chance again.

<<The coilgun's gone, but I'm alive.  We blew its face off, but that didn't stop it.  I think whatever controls it is in its chest.>>

Land safely wherever I can.  Take cover and see what it's doing.

You land among the debris (not that you had much of a choice, you were close to the ground anyway), a bit harder then you would had liked, but unhurt.
There's something wrong. You hear a lot more noise behind you then you expected. You take a quick glance behind you. Yep, it's going through the building, using its glowing (or at least, it looks glowing through your sensor helmet) dome-hand to smash what little remains of it to pieces.
It's close enough now that you can see part of its insides, you can hear the whine of its electrical motors and the creaking of metal joints.
You have a feeling its coming for you.

So you do the sensible thing. RUN AWAY!
You turn at the next intersection, hiding behind the corner of a building. You really wish you had something faster than your MK1 legs right now.

---

((So, this mission is really going to hell, isn't it?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 09:42:50 pm

((Yeah, but at least Angel and I blew its head off.))


Okay, blew its main cannon off, it's fisting the building down.  So if I keep my distance, I'm safe... right?  Wonder how well it can track me.

<<It's chasing me- I don't think it has any ranged weapons left!  If anyone has a gun, now's the time to use it!>>


How about a dirt bike?  Summoning one of those shouldn't be too hard, and it should outrun that bastard.  Run if it doesn't go right.

ALTERNATIVELY- If the spaceplane can pick me up, ride that instead (I should be able to detect it and therefore guide it to me).  Sense the plane to determine its capabilities, including weapons loadout.  Advise pilots on functions.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 09:44:40 pm

Quickly jettison all my biomass into exploding into a swarm of earthworms, but only control one. Having no neck bones, it SHOULD fix me, and stop me from dying instantly. Follow the rest of the earthworm swarm if I survive.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 18, 2014, 09:48:41 pm

(Hey, it's going to hell in a fun away. Also, coolrune, if you explode into a swarm of earthworms but only control one, does that mean you just created life or just made most of your biomass into dead worms?)
<"Nevermind. Problem solved itself. Where are you, John? I'll come pick you up.">
Pilot Angel to somewhere safer and away from the combat range, then put her down there.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 09:53:13 pm

<<Had to hang-glide off the building, and landed in some wreckage.  Not really sure, but I'll try to guide you in.  Watch out for its domed fist.>>

((Addendum to turn above.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 10:00:22 pm

((Getting to Toaster in the next turn would require you to not leave Angel in a safe place and do some very good flying. Are you OK with that Fniff?))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 10:06:41 pm

((Psh, where I am is safe.  Probably.  Just swap!

I can just go with Plan Dirtbike if you don't want to do that, though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 18, 2014, 10:50:35 pm

Keep going. Full speed!
Sing along.

((Hey Toaster, now would be a good time for plan B.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 11:11:47 pm

((That's one thing the dirt bike would be good for, since it's touch range.  Of course, I could just bail on top of it...))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2014, 08:55:51 am

"I think I vaguely remember that guy."

>Fire at the guy trying to ram me. Aim for the driver, obviously.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 19, 2014, 08:57:46 am

(I'll do it next turn. Sorry John, but you can survive on a dirt bike for a turn, right?)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:58:15 am

((It's all good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Tiruin on March 19, 2014, 05:06:38 pm

Quote

Collapsed veins. Phlebitis.

D:

---

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:08:01 am

<You might want to let Awena know that I'm here and that the fires are mine. I think possessing her like that is going to desynchronize you. I spent some time earlier separating my flames from Zoe, I can keep this up all day, but I'm not talking to Zoe or messing with her head any. I don't think Zoe even knows I'm here.>[/i][/color]
I wonder how Zoe is going to handle the negotiations. I hope she stays focused like this, and doesn't let my flames mess her up any.

Relinquish control; hold on!
Withdrawing now, Awena! Don't worry about the fires either, Irene has it under control!

"Warehouse, then. Come with us."
Withdraw after speaking, leave Awena full control.

I really doubt that he would just blurt that out and for it to be a lie...despite my better judgement.
I'd advise for you to believe them-hence my order, yet I know you know better than I, here, Awena...
Listen to the spirits.
Listen to yourself.

...And sorry for that one punch I threw that hurt your hand. I must've hit his jaw too hard. Erm...sorry?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 19, 2014, 05:49:42 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 09:36:08 pm

((So, this mission is really going to hell, isn't it?))

((One character was mortally wounded by a bullet to the knee thigh. Another killed himself in the squabble over her bleeding-out body. Basically no one is attacking the actual boss. You're really a master of understatement, aren't you?))

Quote from: NAV on March 18, 2014, 10:50:35 pm

((Hey Toaster, now would be a good time for plan B.))

((We had a Plan A?))

---

Don't die.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 19, 2014, 06:09:33 pm

((Plan A: shoot the giant robot with a giant gun.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 27, 2014, 09:47:05 pm

((PLAN B: Banzai charge the giant robot with my bare hands! PLAN C: Choke giant robot! PLAN D: Throw fluffy wambler at giant robot! PLAN E: Drown giant robot with magma! PLAN F: Use cage trap to...))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2014, 07:18:44 pm

Quote from: Alarith on March 18, 2014, 08:42:47 pm

Bryan
Heh, inexperience is why I limit myself.  In the heat of the moment it is hard for me to of more than one option.  It leads to mistakes.
I just wanted to get in and out quietly and quickly.  Now I might have a problem.
Sense for minds.  If I can tell that someone is getting close give them reasons to stay away, such as the jobs in that area are done.

---

Faron
While waiting for transfer of information, try to put a basic bandage over the injury, plenty of fabric around to do that.

You search with your mind, trying to find someone nearby. You look in a large radius but don't touch another human mind in your search.

Your host looks at his wound. He doesn't think it's something to worry about, which is strange considering the size of the hole. Still, the bleeding is slowing down and has almost stopped. He puts some cloth under his coat to cover the hole.

Your host's mobile phone vibrates and rings. He picks it up.
"Agent FourTeen Confirm." comes the monotonous female voice from the other side, followed by a tone.
"Affirmative." your host responds.
"Analysis Complete.
Target Amethyst Predicted Location: RavensCourt Industries Warehouse, Seven Seven Four RedMore Avenue.
Find Target Amethyst.
Sterilize Target Area." There's another tone.
Your host is about to hang up but the voice continues.
"Warning. Grade B Administrator Detected. Outsider Influence Detected." there's another tone and then the phone call ends.

Your host gets out of the church and back to his car. Now he knows where he has to go.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 18, 2014, 08:48:03 pm

<That implies you have a car, you hobo head voice!>

Does Alan have the capability to use his powers? If so, summon a sofa in front of the rest of the police cars, then ram the sissy government agent from behind.
If not, attempt to get in front of sissy government agent and abruptly stop. If that doesn't work just ram him.
Or do I have guns? Use the guns if I do.

<That insult doesn't even make sense you smelly bane of reason!>
You put your host's arm out the window and focus on summoning a sofa. You get an armchair. Close enough. Your interface beeps a few times. You're still close to desynchronization.

The police officer driving the car behind you is surprised but manages to react in time nonetheless. The armchair hits his car near the front left tire, causing him to swerve out of control and fall behind. You can see him as a dot in your rear view mirror, trying to catch up to you.

The driver of your target vehicle gets his hand out of the window and fires a wild burst with his machine pistol, seriously injuring your windshield but not doing much else. You respond with your sawn off shotgun. You're on target (barely) but it doesn't seem to have affected him much.

You see what looks like a firework or flare in the distance. It seems to be coming from the same direction your target is heading towards.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2014, 08:55:51 am

"I think I vaguely remember that guy."

>Fire at the guy trying to ram me. Aim for the driver, obviously.

<That implies you have a car, you hobo head voice!>
<That insult doesn't even make sense you smelly bane of reason!>
You watch from your rear view mirror as an armchair appears and hits the police car, causing it to fall behind.

You aim and fire at the offending car with your machine pistol but miss, merely putting a few holes in its windshield.

The man in the other car fires a sawed-off shotgun. It hits your car but it doesn't seem to have caused much damage, besides a broken mirror. One of the pellets hits you but it is slowed by the intervening door and stopped by your armor. You barely even feel it.

You see what looks like a firework or flare in the distance. It seems to be coming from the same direction you're going.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on March 19, 2014, 05:06:38 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:08:01 am

<You might want to let Awena know that I'm here and that the fires are mine. I think possessing her like that is going to desynchronize you. I spent some time earlier separating my flames from Zoe, I can keep this up all day, but I'm not talking to Zoe or messing with her head any. I don't think Zoe even knows I'm here.>[/i][/color]
I wonder how Zoe is going to handle the negotiations. I hope she stays focused like this, and doesn't let my flames mess her up any.

Relinquish control; hold on!
Withdrawing now, Awena! Don't worry about the fires either, Irene has it under control!

"Warehouse, then. Come with us."
Withdraw after speaking, leave Awena full control.

I really doubt that he would just blurt that out and for it to be a lie...despite my better judgement.
I'd advise for you to believe them-hence my order, yet I know you know better than I, here, Awena...
Listen to the spirits.
Listen to yourself.

...And sorry for that one punch I threw that hurt your hand. I must've hit his jaw too hard. Erm...sorry?

"Warehouse, then. Come with us." Theri says quickly and allows Awena to regain control of her body.
"What? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I mean, I think so. I... She said-"
"Okay then. Can we move?" asks one of the men carrying Amelia.
Zoe is unsure. Those men are responsible for Amelia's state. By all rights she should kill them.
Then again, Awena has helped her today. And the strange things happening... She might be right about that supernatural influence after all.
Amelia needs help. Those men might be able to help her. And if they are right and the government gets her...
"Alright. But I'm keeping an eye on you." Zoe says while searching the men for guns. "You try anything and I'll make sure you won't live to regret it."
The men nod and move to put Amelia in the back of the van.

((Action continues in Lenglon's part of the turn.))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2014, 09:04:39 pm

{Irine}
curve all my fires up into a dome-shape, all pulled into a central point overhead of us. as they reach that central point, where there is no fuel for it to sustain itself upon, relinquish control of it, making it disappear. continue this until all the fire is gone except a single tiny sphere of flame, about four inches / 10cm in diameter. additionally, allow the fires that I'm not actively controlling to act normally - guns and engines and such are allowed to work again.
Zoe doesn't need my firepower anymore, now that she's armed.
Bring the tiny sphere down to Zoe's eye level, arm's length away, and let it bob gently beside her, and follow her around. If she enters a vehicle, I'll relinquish most of it, reducing it to a mere 1 inch / 2cm diameter, and have it carefully enter with her, avoiding touching her or anyone else at all times. If Zoe speaks questions aloud, then I'll use the mini-fire-orb to answer them as honestly as I am able. I'll have it go up and down 3x for yes, left and right 3x for no, circles for other.
If she seems frightened by it, have it back off from her, and if she still doesn't calm down about it, then just relinquish control of it and let it fade as well. ((Example question: "Are you the one controlling the fires?" answered by the orb going up and down three times.))

((Continued from Tiruin's part of the turn.))

You move your flames upwards, trying to extinguish them. The work goes fast. Perhaps a bit too fast. The fires converge into a large ball high in the sky. The ball gets compressed and then expands outwards like a firework. Someone's definitely going to see that.
"Is one of you doing this?" Zoe asks the men as she gets in the back of the Van.
"We thought you were doing this."
"It's- I think I can explain. A spirit is following you, Zoe. A spirit called Irene. She's helping you and me. It's-"
"Can we talk about this hokus pokus things later? They're coming for us."
True enough, you can hear sirens in the distance.
One of the men seems to notice it too, for he doesn't get in the van.
"You go ahead and take her to the warehouse. I'll stay here. Delay them. Help John. You take care of her. She must survive."
He closes the door and the driver starts the van. You can't see where you're going but Zoe keeps pointing her gun at the man in the back.

After a while, you can hear muffled gunshots in the distance.

So to sum up, Awena and Zoe are in the Van, along with Amelia, the driver and another man and they're driving towards the warehouse.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 18, 2014, 09:15:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2014, 04:16:24 am

<...I hope that is a sign of improvement on your part. I sometimes wonder if you are some kind of a test for me and if so, what is the correct response...

So, it looks like we'll be stuck here for a while. Thanks to you. Any interesting stories to share or perhaps some clever -ha!- questions to ask?>

Interface, Scion: <Hmm... well, what is the relationship between you entities? It seems like there is a lot of friction between some of you, kind of like the Guardians... except with much more power, like Eido...>

<We've been through a lot. Five cycles is a long time, long enough for all kinds of grudges to develop. But it is also a short time for them to learn how to coexist, how to deal with things, how to change. They are still young, in a way.>
It sounds rehearsed, like she's reciting something, not truly believing in it.
<...Or at least that's what he always says.
My opinion is that this is normal, desirable. All beings should fight for power. For self-improvement. For control over others. Not doing so is a sign of weakness. Stagnation.>
She sighs.
<Then again, I'm supposed to be young myself, according to him.> she says with a tinge of anger in her voice.
She remains silent for a few moments.
<Anyway, in the end, it doesn't matter. We fight, yes, but we don't kill each other and we help each other when it matters. Some say they do it out of friendship or other such nonsense, but it is a simple truth that there is strength in numbers, in diversity and we're too young to risk the death of one of us. The loss of one of us, especially one of the first would mean that all of us are weaker. Those of us who do not understand that have that made clear to them in... other ways.
Very few of our kind have ever died and none of them were killed by one of us, at least not directly. Most of them younglings. And if they were weak or stupid enough to die despite the protection we offered them, then they probably deserved it.

Perhaps in the future there will be more room for war between us. Depends on which faction prevails, I guess.>

---

---

((I've started writing the BETA turn (completely irrelevant, but have you noticed that we have the Amethyst Mission and the BETA mission?). Busy now. Will finish it later.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 07:27:01 pm

((You pasted Alan's turn again for Ike's turn.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2014, 07:59:44 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 07:27:01 pm

((You pasted Alan's turn again for Ike's turn.))

((nope))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:01:51 pm

(coulda sworn...)

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2014, 08:02:03 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 18, 2014, 09:42:50 pm

((Yeah, but at least Angel and I blew its head off.))


Okay, blew its main cannon off, it's fisting the building down.  So if I keep my distance, I'm safe... right?  Wonder how well it can track me.

<<It's chasing me- I don't think it has any ranged weapons left!  If anyone has a gun, now's the time to use it!>>


How about a dirt bike?  Summoning one of those shouldn't be too hard, and it should outrun that bastard.  Run if it doesn't go right.

ALTERNATIVELY- If the spaceplane can pick me up, ride that instead (I should be able to detect it and therefore guide it to me).  Sense the plane to determine its capabilities, including weapons loadout.  Advise pilots on functions.

You focus on creating a dirt bike. You get a kick scooter. You curse your lack of concentration.
Well, better than nothing. You get on your escape vehicle and start pushing forward with your leg.
You're hoping the entities aren't recording this...

You can hear the BETA getting closer behind you. You're almost at the next intersection when you hear the BETA stop at the previous one.
You glance behind you and see that it has stopped there, raising its arm with the things that look like barbed wires.

Your sensor helmet allows you to see what's going on. There are various small holes all over that palm and behind them you can see large tubes with wires going in them. If you had to guess, you'd say it's some kind of laser shotgun. You can also see thick wires connecting to the things that look like barbed wires. OK then, make that electrolaser shotgun.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2014, 09:44:40 pm

Quickly jettison all my biomass into exploding into a swarm of earthworms, but only control one. Having no neck bones, it SHOULD fix me, and stop me from dying instantly. Follow the rest of the earthworm swarm if I survive.

You start transforming the rest of your body into earthworms, leaving your brain for last.
You start moving, twisting and turning, trying to follow the other worms via your sense of touch and what little info your photosensitive skin provides you. But after a while, you stop feeling worms. Instead you feel vibrations. And when those end you start feeling some kind of sludge all around you.
Looks like something didn't go as expected.

---

Quote from: Fniff on March 18, 2014, 09:48:41 pm

(Hey, it's going to hell in a fun away. Also, coolrune, if you explode into a swarm of earthworms but only control one, does that mean you just created life or just made most of your biomass into dead worms?)
<"Nevermind. Problem solved itself. Where are you, John? I'll come pick you up.">
Pilot Angel to somewhere safer and away from the combat range, then put her down there.

You leave Angel on top of a roof and then take off towards Toaster, flying as fast as you can without risking crashing.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 19, 2014, 05:49:42 pm

Don't die.

You continue being not conscious and not dead. Nothing happens.
You'd think dying would be a bit more exciting.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 18, 2014, 10:50:35 pm

Keep going. Full speed!
Sing along.

((Hey Toaster, now would be a good time for plan B.))

You've reached the collapsed building, just in time to look through the rubble and see the BETA disappear around the corner of a building.
The rubble are blocking your way, preventing you from following. Looks like you're going to have to take a detour.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 07:27:01 pm

((You pasted Alan's turn again for Ike's turn.))

Well, there's few ways I can describe the same thing from different perspectives before it gets repetitive.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:06:41 pm

<<Check that; it's got some kind of electrolaser shotgun in its hand.  Watch out!>>


Get out of the line of fire!  Head toward my pickup and try to summon a medkit for Angel when safe.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Fniff on March 19, 2014, 08:14:11 pm

<"Gotcha, I can handle it. Say, Angel's hurt, could you make a medical kit or something?">
If said ride comes in, come in and pick John up. If the robot is close, do so quickly.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:16:17 pm

<<I can try- sorta did that before.>>

((more conditionals))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 19, 2014, 08:18:24 pm

Okay then, detour. Try to sneak behind the BETA while its focused on John.
Then shoot it, center of mass.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2014, 08:24:15 pm

Backtrack to open space, wait to accumulate enough biomass to turn into a very small bird. Locate and consume the swarm of worms. Use all biomass into becoming some sort of Pterosaur.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:25:53 pm

((Wait, is it pointing at me?  Not 100% sure.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2014, 09:02:10 pm

Wait- am I wearing an earthworm sized fedora?  :o

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 19, 2014, 09:10:22 pm

Bryan
A short welcome reprieve.

---

Faron
Head to the warehouse, if I appear to be following/followed, take a different route.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 19, 2014, 10:49:24 pm

<Babe, reason and I broke up a long time ago. Consumption reasons; she didn't like me drinking my toast and chewing my plates.>

Shotgun the front tire, then RAM IT!

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2014, 12:32:19 am

"Eh, screw this."

Assume direct control! Shoot the dude

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2014, 01:14:41 am

Zechariah mused about the situation that the Entities are in compared to the Guardians. For all intensive purposes, the Entities seemed like Guardians who had powers on the level of Eido Aeterno, governing different universes and such. They had their feuds and the elders and the young entities, but for the most part they kept each other alive when possible.

Something itched at Zechariah's curiosity: although these Entities have massive power, some of them don't really seem to understand humanity and mortality. Either that or humanity is so insignificant compared to the scope that these Entities control that they ignore it altogether. The thing with the Guardians is that they understand humanity to a dangerous level.
How would the Guardians, physical representations of the basic fundamentals of the universes and humanity itself, fare against the Entities who govern these universes and loom over humans like giants to ants? The Guardians have experienced pain and suffering to an amazing extent, but the Entities have already acquired this power and have ascended far beyond the Guardians.

This thinking was starting to worry Zechariah, so he chided himself and shut his wandering subconscious off, for now.

Interface, Scion: <There needs to be a balance. Stagnation is what the Guardians fought off, in the form of the Shadow, but you cannot wage warfare far over peace. While chaos is the nature of existence, if you put all chaos and no order, everything will burn brightly but shortly. If you establish some order in there, you improve the quality of life for everyone. And... don't feel bad for being "young." Youth comes with opportunity to grow, chances to learn, and the ability to ascend.
And... I guess we learned our lesson too late. Even in the first generation of Guardians, my generation, we had some deaths. Artemis saw to that. It cost us in the final battle because we didn't have everyone there. Luckily we had a few Guardians who were able to bring back the dead Guardians for one night, though the Guardians who opened the gates of death could not participate in the battle themselves. We... nearly lost that. We would've lost that, in fact. There was only one catch.

I was the only one stupid enough to sacrifice himself, throwing myself and my Shadow into the limbo, and destroy the Medium from there, cutting off the Shadow. It was a Pyrrhic victory. I haven't contacted any of the Guardians since. My guess is that I fell out of Eido's jurisdiction and somehow you entities caught me on the way out.

You don't seem to have a very good relationship with this elder, darker Entity. He's the one who shut Artemis up when I was unstable, wasn't he? What is he like?>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2014, 07:58:29 am

Quote from: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:25:53 pm

((Wait, is it pointing at me?  Not 100% sure.))

Yes, it is. Should had probably made that clearer.
I just stopped to give you some time to decide if you want to react to it differently then just running away.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2014, 09:02:10 pm

Wait- am I wearing an earthworm sized fedora?  :o

I'm trying not to think about your clothing because that would mean that you were naked during the entire mission.
Also, I like your reverse evolution. From bird to dinosaur. There are some scientists that are trying to do the same. (http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/ff_chickensaurus/all/1)
Although yours will take a while. Like I said, you can digest food fast, but you still need to digest it.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 20, 2014, 08:07:07 am

Okay- action edited, then.  I'm not quite ready to face down a giant robot.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 20, 2014, 08:55:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2014, 07:18:44 pm

<That insult doesn't even make sense you smelly bane of reason!>

((This is somehow a surprise to him?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2014, 01:14:41 am

For all intensive purposes

((For all intents and purposes.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2014, 07:58:29 am

Also, I like your reverse evolution. From bird to dinosaur.

((Pterosaurs aren't dinosaurs.))

---

This isn't as exciting as dying because I'm not dying. In other words, continue to not die.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2014, 12:48:09 pm

{Irine}
No action
I'm not so sure this is a good idea...

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 20, 2014, 02:27:59 pm

If I manage to get to Angel, I could probably temporarily keep her alive via use of biomass to turn into some kind of creature with a fur coat, or even a sheep with wool, and then quickly making a temporary bandage out of that. The problem is getting there.


<Anyone have some sort of cannon or ballista large or small enough to mount on the back of a pterodactyl? Don't ask why. But if you do get one, get it ready. I'll be there soon! _Probably...

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2014, 10:57:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 19, 2014, 08:06:41 pm

<<Check that; it's got some kind of electrolaser shotgun in its hand.  Watch out!>>

Get out of the line of fire!  Head toward my pickup and try to summon a medkit for Angel when safe.

You manage to reach a nearby building, some kind of store with large glass windows and hide inside it. A few seconds later, you can hear the sound of thunder and glass breaking behind you, followed by the sound of the front of the building collapsing shortly after that.

You keep moving, using your sensor helmet to navigate through the corridors of the building and reach another exit. You call Jordan through your Interface and give him your location. You can hear the BETA getting closer and its electrolaser shotgun firing once more. You hope Jordan gets here quickly.

Meanwhile, you try to summon a medkit. You get a device that would best be described as an automated bandage applicator that is almost empty.

Jordan lands with his spaceplane (it looks kinda scorched in places but is otherwise OK) and you get in it.

---

Quote from: Fniff on March 19, 2014, 08:14:11 pm

<"Gotcha, I can handle it. Say, Angel's hurt, could you make a medical kit or something?">
If said ride comes in, come in and pick John up. If the robot is close, do so quickly.

You approach John's locatation, in time to see the BETA cast force lighting on a building. The building is riddled with glowing holes and its front collapses soon after. And then John tells you that he's going to be exiting that building soon.
OK then. I guess this means you're going to have to be quick.

You fly low, using the buildings as cover. Despite that, the BETA seems to somehow know you're coming and fires another round of lighting in front of you. You expertly dodge the lighting bolts, barely avoiding getting hit by them.

You land near John and extend the spaceplane's ladder. While you wait for him to get in, you can hear the BETA approaching. Let's hope you continue being such a good pilot.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 19, 2014, 08:18:24 pm

Okay then, detour. Try to sneak behind the BETA while its focused on John.
Then shoot it, center of mass.

You keep driving, going around the rubble.

A spaceplane flies overhead and dodges a dozen or so bolts of lighting that come from the right side of the next intersection before going right at the intersection after that. Looks like you've finally caught up with the BETA.

Anything special you want to do or just take the next right and fire?

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2014, 08:24:15 pm

Backtrack to open space, wait to accumulate enough biomass to turn into a very small bird. Locate and consume the swarm of worms. Use all biomass into becoming some sort of Pterosaur.

You turn into a wood warbler. Even that makes you feel very hungry.
You look around you. Your vision is not the best right now, everything looks kinda blurry, but you're fairly certain there are no worms around here. Instead, everything around you is covered by a red and brown sludge. Well, it could be edible. Won't know unless you try.

You start gobbling up the sludge. It tastes like crap and makes you feel sick. But it also makes you feel fuller. You could keep eating this and hope you don't get sicker. Or you could go and search for something else.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 20, 2014, 08:55:17 am

This isn't as exciting as dying because I'm not dying. In other words, continue to not die.

Ah, ah, ah, ah, staying alive, staying alive. (http://youtu.be/I_izvAbhExY)

Just barely.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 19, 2014, 09:10:22 pm

Bryan
A short welcome reprieve.

---

Faron
Head to the warehouse, if I appear to be following/followed, take a different route.

There doesn't seem to be anyone following you.

You drive out of the radiation zone and into the industrial district.

Please wait while you're synchronized with Lenglon.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 19, 2014, 10:49:24 pm

<Babe, reason and I broke up a long time ago. Consumption reasons; she didn't like me drinking my toast and chewing my plates.>

Shotgun the front tire, then RAM IT!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2014, 12:32:19 am

"Eh, screw this."

Assume direct control! Shoot the dude

Ike takes control of his host and uses his superior skills to fire a burst from his machine pistol at Alan's host. He hits him in the chest, one bullet hitting his abdomen, another going through his left shoulder.

Alan's host looses control of the car but manages to stop it without further injuring himself.
The police car from before pulls up in front of his car to cut him off.

Meaanwhile, Ike's host keeps driving. He's lost enough time already with this... whatever this was. Maybe some assassin working for the Cause?
Those cops should hopefully take care of him and bring him in for interrogation... or at least return his body in a state good enough for it to be identified.
Now he has to focus on his real target. Can't let that scum get away.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2014, 01:14:41 am

Zechariah mused about the situation that the Entities are in compared to the Guardians. For all intensive purposes, the Entities seemed like Guardians who had powers on the level of Eido Aeterno, governing different universes and such. They had their feuds and the elders and the young entities, but for the most part they kept each other alive when possible.

Something itched at Zechariah's curiosity: although these Entities have massive power, some of them don't really seem to understand humanity and mortality. Either that or humanity is so insignificant compared to the scope that these Entities control that they ignore it altogether. The thing with the Guardians is that they understand humanity to a dangerous level.
How would the Guardians, physical representations of the basic fundamentals of the universes and humanity itself, fare against the Entities who govern these universes and loom over humans like giants to ants? The Guardians have experienced pain and suffering to an amazing extent, but the Entities have already acquired this power and have ascended far beyond the Guardians.

This thinking was starting to worry Zechariah, so he chided himself and shut his wandering subconscious off, for now.

Interface, Scion: <There needs to be a balance. Stagnation is what the Guardians fought off, in the form of the Shadow, but you cannot wage warfare far over peace. While chaos is the nature of existence, if you put all chaos and no order, everything will burn brightly but shortly. If you establish some order in there, you improve the quality of life for everyone. And... don't feel bad for being "young." Youth comes with opportunity to grow, chances to learn, and the ability to ascend.
And... I guess we learned our lesson too late. Even in the first generation of Guardians, my generation, we had some deaths. Artemis saw to that. It cost us in the final battle because we didn't have everyone there. Luckily we had a few Guardians who were able to bring back the dead Guardians for one night, though the Guardians who opened the gates of death could not participate in the battle themselves. We... nearly lost that. We would've lost that, in fact. There was only one catch.

I was the only one stupid enough to sacrifice himself, throwing myself and my Shadow into the limbo, and destroy the Medium from there, cutting off the Shadow. It was a Pyrrhic victory. I haven't contacted any of the Guardians since. My guess is that I fell out of Eido's jurisdiction and somehow you entities caught me on the way out.

You don't seem to have a very good relationship with this elder, darker Entity. He's the one who shut Artemis up when I was unstable, wasn't he? What is he like?>

<What's Darkstar like? Oh, he's only one of the greatest of our species. He's a beast, instinct working hand in hand with a shrewd mind and vast amounts of knowledge. Doesn't hold back, takes what he wants. A bond-former of such power... He could bathe in the fires of the sun and swallow up entire fleets. Before he became an entity. And now that he is an entity... He can handle the intricacies of our power almost as good as I do, tackling the problems I would battle with finesse and intrigue with pure, unrelenting force and animal cunning. He's responsible for providing the raw power and control required for the games, along with S-Zero.>
You don't think you've ever heard her speak with such admiration in her voice. Then again, you haven't exactly met her admittedly high standards.
<That's why I hate it. I hate that he- Ah, why am I telling you this? You don't need to know. Don't deserve to know. All you need to know is that I awoke near the beginning of the second cycle, he near the end of the first. He's not that older than me! All the rest are his- his problems! Thinks he's so superior because of his stupid heritage...>

<And I will definitely not tolerate someone like you calling me young and giving me advice, so watch your tongue! If I ever need the sympathy of failed humans I'll let you know.>

Desynchronized. Attempting to reconnect...

Reconnected. you hear a few minutes later. Or at least, they felt like minutes. Hard to keep track of time in this dark void when you don't even have a body.

Looks like they're keeping your host alive. For now.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2014, 12:48:09 pm

{Irine}
No action
I'm not so sure this is a good idea...

The Van continues driving for a while. The trip is mostly uneventful. Amelia remains weak but stable. Zoe tends to her. Awena looks around, unsure of what to do. The man tries not to look at the gun Zoe keeps pointing towards him at his slightest movement.

<Are you sure this is a good idea?> Stellar asks Theri.
<Relax. All will work out in the end.> her entity responds before she has a chance to.
<You're helping her?>
<Don't sound so surprised.>
<So that means you know what's happening here?>
<No, I do not.>

<He's lying. Watch out.> Stellar says to Irene, privately. <That woman, Amelia, she must be a keystone. And he must know something about this.>

The Van stops after a while. Zoe grabs the man, points the gun at his head and gets out of the vehicle. Awena follows, taking Amelia's gurney with her.

You're outside an old warehouse on a deserted road, near the border of the Residential and Industrial Districts.
The warehouse is a large old thing made of concrete, two stories high, with a triangular roof made of metal. There are scant windows on its upper floor and none on its lower. The deactivated neon sign on its top reads "RAVENSCOURT INDUSTRIES". You can see black smoke rising off the roof and dissolving in the wind soon after

Zoe makes the driver take point and enter the building first, while she follows with her hostage. The place seems to have been inhabited once, but now looks deserted. There are no humans visible inside. Only metal supports holding walkways, a few metal containers and some piles of burning papers, the smoke from the fires escaping through the broken skylights in the roof.
At least that's all that you can see in this partition of the warehouse, for there are doors leading to other parts of it.

"Hello? Anybody here?" asks the driver. There's no response.
The driver turns around to look at the man Zoe is holding hostage. "Looks deserted. Do you thi-"
At that point, two men jump out from behind a container and point their assault rifles at you, shouting at you.
"DROP YOUR WEAPON NOW!"
Zoe turns to make sure her hostage is between her and the two men.
"Relax man. It's me. We were supposed-"
"You could be a traitor for all I know. And I don't know that bitch. Tell her to drop her gun now and we'll see about letting you live."
"Not gonna happen."
"Drop it now or I WILL fire! You have until the count of three."
"Look, we were ordered to-"
"One!"
"Just listen, we-"

"Stand down! Hold your fire."
You turn to look at where the voice came.
Zoe doesn't know who that man is. That man who just ordered the gunmen to refrain from shooting you.
But Irene does. She's met him before. Fought him before.

Borislav Kuznetsov, former Director of the Skrytyy Mech research facility of the Red Army's Special Research Division.

And he has an interface, its crystal missing.

"That woman is worth more than any of you." he adds as he begins approaching Amelia.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Toaster on March 20, 2014, 11:04:04 pm

John tosses the "medkit" to the side.  "Best I could do- a bit distracted.  Now, let's see what this baby can do..."

Sense the plane to see its capabilities.  Advise the pilots on what it can do and how best to not get gigashocked.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: NAV on March 20, 2014, 11:09:18 pm

SHOOT IT

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2014, 11:19:00 pm

Zechariah considered some more smart-aleck talk, but decided against it. Scion didn't seem so comfortable here, and he didn't want to alienate his entity.
Interface, Scion: <I am sorry, I understand.>
And then, Zechariah immediately decided that he could press a bit further.
<But you must also understand my nature. I won't kill anyone, period. I can lie, I can manipulate, I can steal, I can threaten, I can do everything the Shadow can do. At the same time, I can defend, I can help, I can console, I can fight for the betterment of others, I can do everything in my Soul's interest.
But I won't kill, and not hurt either if possible. Call me weak, but I haven't killed anyone and don't intend to. That's not my business.

I'm back in the game now. I will find Target Amethyst, and I will protect him or her.
Second chance. And so I go.>

>...
>..
>.
">Wake."

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 21, 2014, 12:29:01 am

Alan puts on a Darth Vader voice.

I have you now.

Summon nails in the path of the car in front of me, then swerve around it and keep chasing that government guy if I can still catch him.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2014, 12:47:46 am

"That's what, two other players I've shot already? Weren't there supposed to be some that are on my team or whatever?"

>Drive away, take a few side roads to confound any further assassins. Get to the objective in due time.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Tiruin on March 21, 2014, 12:52:29 am

((Oh goodness I missed reading this D: (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5105098#msg5105098) Will post soon!))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 21, 2014, 05:43:10 am

Swallow 3 more bites, then fly towards the direction I'm pretty sure the space-plane went off in.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 21, 2014, 07:29:34 am

Continue staying alive. Barely is acceptable.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2014, 03:39:31 pm

Through Interface, to Stellar: <Keystone?>

Through Interface, to Theri: <Theri! The man in charge of this place was the leader of my opposition last mission. Watch him closely. He has some kind of telekinesis I think and he's likely to have some unusual gadgets, including one that will desynchronize us. Also, he might hold a grudge against me, I kinda interrogated him, killed a whole lot of his people, and ruined his facility.>

He may have told them not to shoot, but I want some insurance
Disable everyone's guns but Zoe's.

If I am confident that I've got everyone else's guns disabled, then:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Well then, this is different. I didn't expect us to be on the same side so soon. How are you Boris? Sorry that I had to be so rough last time we met. How've you been?>
After I've gotten as much information as he's willing to tell me about himself as an answer to "How've you been", hopefully including who's side he's on and what happened to him after the destruction of his facility:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Well Boris my... employer, has given me a very simple task this time. I'm here to bodyguard Amelia. I understand you thinking that your security is good, but you remember what we did to you last time. My employers have... divided opinions, regarding her. Some of them have sent agents to assassinate her. There should be about three of them, and they're each about as dangerous as me, though we each have different talents. My personal employer disagrees with this, and has sent me to try to keep her safe. There should be two others to help me, but only one of them has made contact. You should remember what I and my friends are capable of quite well. Tell me, do you know where I'm speaking from?>
If yes:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Good, then you'll be able to recognize our opponents as well. Lets get Amelia treated shall we? We both want her alive and well.>
If no:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Well then, we have a problem, because you won't be able to tell who the assassins are either. Let the Awena girl see anyone else that tries to come. She should be able to recognize the assassins.>

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 22, 2014, 02:20:09 pm

synchronizing.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2014, 11:19:00 pm

Zechariah considered some more smart-aleck talk, but decided against it. Scion didn't seem so comfortable here, and he didn't want to alienate his entity.
Interface, Scion: <I am sorry, I understand.>
And then, Zechariah immediately decided that he could press a bit further.
<But you must also understand my nature. I won't kill anyone, period. I can lie, I can manipulate, I can steal, I can threaten, I can do everything the Shadow can do. At the same time, I can defend, I can help, I can console, I can fight for the betterment of others, I can do everything in my Soul's interest.
But I won't kill, and not hurt either if possible. Call me weak, but I haven't killed anyone and don't intend to. That's not my business.

I'm back in the game now. I will find Target Amethyst, and I will protect him or her.
Second chance. And so I go.>

>...
>..
>.
">Wake."

Nope. Your host is seriously injured and barely held alive by the paramedics at this point. He'll wake up when you get a 6 and die if you get snake eyes. Unless you do something to change that.
You haven't gotten a 6 yet, if that wasn't obvious.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 21, 2014, 12:29:01 am

Alan puts on a Darth Vader voice.

I have you now.

Summon nails in the path of the car in front of me, then swerve around it and keep chasing that government guy if I can still catch him.

You throw a single nail at the police car. It's not very effective...
Your host does however manage to ram the police car, throwing it out if the way and disabling it in the process.
However, search as you may, you are unable to locate your target. At least there are no more police after you... for now.

So, Alan has currently condemned his host into a long time of hardship and possible imprisonment and/or death, impeded the process of his team and thrown at least two attempts I've made to get him involved with the plot of this mission out the window. And his host is moderately injured, the host's beginning to believe he's gone crazy and Alan's very close to being desynchronized.

Alan's odds of contributing something to your team's effort are very low right now. Then again, with that kind of destructive potential, I'm sure he could find a way to detonate a nuke in the city or something like that.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2014, 12:47:46 am

"That's what, two other players I've shot already? Weren't there supposed to be some that are on my team or whatever?"

>Drive away, take a few side roads to confound any further assassins. Get to the objective in due time.

((Alan was supposed to be on your team but unfortunately Alan is Alan.))

<Yeah, I know, it's like you're the only red guy around here or something. Weird, huh? That guy cost us a lot of time. Let's hope we're not too late.>

You arrive at the house, late to the party. It appears there was a shootout that concluded not a minute from now. The officers explain that two men had barricaded themselves inside the house. Arriving police units were fired upon and were forced to return fire. The men were mortally wounded. One police officer received moderate injuries and is awaiting an ambulance.

Arriving officers also spotted a vehicle speeding away but chose to engage the men in the house instead. The vehicle was last seen heading south. Same direction as that lab/warehouse. Might be worth checking out. Not  much time has passed since then.

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 22, 2014, 02:20:09 pm

synchronizing.

You're on the other side of town. Will take a while.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2014, 03:39:31 pm

Through Interface, to Stellar: <Keystone?>

Through Interface, to Theri: <Theri! The man in charge of this place was the leader of my opposition last mission. Watch him closely. He has some kind of telekinesis I think and he's likely to have some unusual gadgets, including one that will desynchronize us. Also, he might hold a grudge against me, I kinda interrogated him, killed a whole lot of his people, and ruined his facility.>

He may have told them not to shoot, but I want some insurance
Disable everyone's guns but Zoe's.

If I am confident that I've got everyone else's guns disabled, then:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Well then, this is different. I didn't expect us to be on the same side so soon. How are you Boris? Sorry that I had to be so rough last time we met. How've you been?>
After I've gotten as much information as he's willing to tell me about himself as an answer to "How've you been", hopefully including who's side he's on and what happened to him after the destruction of his facility:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Well Boris my... employer, has given me a very simple task this time. I'm here to bodyguard Amelia. I understand you thinking that your security is good, but you remember what we did to you last time. My employers have... divided opinions, regarding her. Some of them have sent agents to assassinate her. There should be about three of them, and they're each about as dangerous as me, though we each have different talents. My personal employer disagrees with this, and has sent me to try to keep her safe. There should be two others to help me, but only one of them has made contact. You should remember what I and my friends are capable of quite well. Tell me, do you know where I'm speaking from?>
If yes:
Through Interface, to Boris's (defunct?) Interface: <Good, then you'll be able to recognize our opponents as well. Lets get Amelia treated shall we? We both want her alive and well.>

<Remember what I told you about how the entities fight? Remember what happened in the first mission? Why it happened? Her death or life will cause change in this world. Change that will benefit one of us.>

Guns not disabled but slowed. Which I guess fits the condition since they're much less dangerous right now.
The piles of burning documents are also slightly affected by the field, but nobody seems to have noticed this. For now.

<Not Boris, no. Name's Victor. Good to see there's somebody that's NOT trying to burn my host alive. So, you met him before?>

<Good, because if I do what my entity wants and I do it right, then she should stay alive. Or at least that's what he said. She doesn't look that well to me. Plus, there's the whole "the government is trying to kill us" thing.>
<So you're telling me I got more of you crazy people after me? That's just great.>
<Yes, I can tell where your host is.>

<Yes, let us do so.>

---

((Sorry for the low quality turn. Didn't have a lot of time. Just wanted to get a turn out because I don't know when I'll have time to make one again.
Speaking of which, frequency of updates will be low for the next month or so due to university work. I'll try to update whenever I have time but I make no promises.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 22, 2014, 09:52:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

So, Alan has currently condemned his host into a long time of hardship and possible imprisonment and/or death, impeded the process of his team and thrown at least two attempts I've made to get him involved with the plot of this mission out the window. And his host is moderately injured, the host's beginning to believe he's gone crazy and Alan's very close to being desynchronized.

Typical Alan.

Quote

((Sorry for the low quality turn. Didn't have a lot of time. Just wanted to get a turn out because I don't know when I'll have time to make one again.
Speaking of which, frequency of updates will be low for the next month or so due to university work. I'll try to update whenever I have time but I make no promises.))

I can forgive you if Angel actually gets to act in those turns.
Mind, I wouldn't mind being able to do stuff...

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 22, 2014, 10:09:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

So, Alan has currently condemned his host into a long time of hardship and possible imprisonment and/or death, impeded the process of his team and thrown at least two attempts I've made to get him involved with the plot of this mission out the window. And his host is moderately injured, the host's beginning to believe he's gone crazy and Alan's very close to being desynchronized.

I'm gonna sig this if you don't mind.

Hmm. Well, that went well, I think.

Idly drive around trying to find a body shop so I can fix/make over this guy's car.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 22, 2014, 10:51:47 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 22, 2014, 10:09:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

So, Alan has currently condemned his host into a long time of hardship and possible imprisonment and/or death, impeded the process of his team and thrown at least two attempts I've made to get him involved with the plot of this mission out the window. And his host is moderately injured, the host's beginning to believe he's gone crazy and Alan's very close to being desynchronized.

I'm gonna sig this if you don't mind.

What, you don't like my comment?

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 23, 2014, 12:07:50 am

Not very siggable.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 23, 2014, 01:56:33 am

"Dang. Say, do you happen to know if the time limit on this is closing in?" Ike asked his entity.

>Pursue. You have no time to waste.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Spinal_Taper on March 23, 2014, 03:17:10 am

Spoiler: INFERNO COP (click to show/hide)

Name: INFERNO COP
Appearence: Take Ghost Rider. Make him into a cop. Also, give him a revolver, take away the chains. Done.

Biography: INFERNO COPPU found himself somewhere he had never been before. He had halted Third Destroy Finale. He had defeated Claudia, the one with the power to change the world, he had saved Jack Knife Edge Town, and he had saved the world alongside it. He had harnessed the power of God himself in the form of Glitter Inferno Cop. But, he had never been here. This place was different. It was fluid. He had never moved like this before. He could move his legs and his arms seperately. Truely, this place was different. He decided then that he was going to find out why he was here and how to get home.

Ability:
Glitter Inferno Cop: Only in the darkest hour for all of humanity, when they face extinction, Inferno Cop can channel the power of a god. In other words, probrably not in this game.

Those bullets have no effect on me!: Bullets just don't seem to work on Inferno Cop. Fists do. Kicks do. Just not bullets

Car Form: Inferno Cop can turn into an F1 racing car with his face and jacket on.

Devil's Satan Hellhound Grenda's Kind Hand: A dangerous, forbidden technique, when the chips are down, Inferno Cop can sacrifice his life in order to defeat his opponent. It's power scales directly with his, gaining the ability to skewer those above gods while he is Glitter Inferno Cop.

I hope this wasn't too serious of a game.

EDIT: Because I accidentally typoed.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 23, 2014, 03:33:12 am

With everyone except me it is.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Spinal_Taper on March 23, 2014, 03:42:59 am

Quote from: Xantalos on March 23, 2014, 03:33:12 am

With everyone except me it is.

Welp, if by some miracle I get in, it seems I found my WORTHY RIVAL.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Xantalos on March 23, 2014, 03:53:24 am

Oh lord.
Skull Cop and Alan.

This is going to be glorious.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Lenglon on March 23, 2014, 06:09:01 am

{Irine}
I'd better make myself sound threatening, I need to negotiate from the illusion of strength, despite how he has the real power here.
<If I had wanted him burnt back there, he would have been.>
That should do the trick, telling him who I am, what I can do, and implying a vague threat all at the same time.
<Now then, to business. You treat Amelia, and you let us stay by her side at all times. If someone tries to break in, you let us know. If it's too much for your security to handle, you get us a camera feed of the problem and an accurate map of the area it's happening in so I can aim properly. Afterwards, Amelia is allowed to decide her own fate, be it to work with you, work with us, or go against us both, and whatever she decides to do, we let her do it. We each get 5 minutes to pitch what we want from her before she decides. Deal?>
if he objects to the deal, saying that it overly favors us:
<We have Amelia, We have the hostages, and We're stronger than you. My way we keep her safe, and we each get a fair shot at getting what we want out of her. This is a better deal than you have any right to ask for.>
This is such a harsh way to negotiate, I mean, I know why I'm doing things like this, but still... ugh.
If he accepts:
<Good, I suggest saying something to your goons so we can stop standing here with guns out drawing the attention of anyone who passes by.>
Refine the gun-ban

---

{Zoe}
Zoe does whatever Zoe does.

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Alarith on March 23, 2014, 12:10:07 pm

Continue driving and synchronizing timelines

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 23, 2014, 01:50:03 pm

Roll to Wake Up!

((That's pretty much all I have at this point...))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 23, 2014, 03:53:18 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 23, 2014, 01:50:03 pm

Roll to Wake Up!

((That's pretty much all I have at this point...))

((You and me both, Daf.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 29, 2014, 12:36:46 am

Quote from: Toaster on March 20, 2014, 11:04:04 pm

John tosses the "medkit" to the side.  "Best I could do- a bit distracted.  Now, let's see what this baby can do..."

Sense the plane to see its capabilities.  Advise the pilots on what it can do and how best to not get gigashocked.

You focus on understanding the Spaceplane. Well, you can't find anything interesting that is directly related to the spaceplane. Most of the advanced functions in it seem to be computer controlled and a bit too complicated to understand without studying it for hours. Plus, Jordan seems to have a pretty good idea of how to fly the pl- Nope, scratch that, he just grazed a building, you're going to die.
On the bright side, you gain an understanding of its most basic systems of the space-plane and how to operate them.

You do however find some interesting things when you move your consciousness further from the Spaceplane's system and focus on its shape. There seem to be various gaps in the cargo hold that could contain equipment, some of them with fuel lines or wires connected to them. There's also a gap under your seats (which can eject, by the way) and what look like a couple of beds in the cargo hold that can extend from the floor.

Quote from: Fniff: autoaction

Fly low and fast and try to get to Angel.

Jordan activates the Spaceplane's hover thrusters and then gives full power to the main engines. The spaceplane speeds away, the intermediate buildings hiding it from the BETA's sight and keeping it safe. John gives Jordan a worried look and hugs his chair tightly when one of the Spaceplane's wings grazes a building. Jordan simply makes an "it's cool" wave to John and adjusts the hover thrusters a bit to allow the flight computer to make up for the plane's messed up aerodynamics.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 20, 2014, 11:09:18 pm

SHOOT IT

You round the corner and see the giant robot. It is appropriately gigantic. And covered with thick armor. And you are armed with an electric powered ballista. This isn't looking like a very good idea right now.

The giant seems to be able to see you too, despite its lack of head, for it turns its dome hand to point at your vehicle.

You take a deep breath, listening to the whine of your truck's modified electromagnets, trying to predict which way it's going to tilt next. The moment you feel your ballista is pointing in the right direction, you press the big red button. The truck jerks to a stop and nearly flips.
You can see the arrow, a spiky shaft made of heavy-looking metal and plastic flying towards the BETA's center of mass. At the last second however, the BETA manages to reposition its dome-hand, causing the arrow to glance away, hitting its left leg instead. The impact is hard. The street is filled with metal flakes and shrapnel as the arrow embeds itself where the head of the femur would be in a human, where its armor is weakest.

The mechanical humanoid is pushed back by the force of the impact. It tries to use its leg to support itself but its weakened structure collapses under the strain. It falls backwards and to the right, through the facade of a building, disappearing in a cloud of dust and debris.

<Wooohoo! Yeah! That's my man! Haha! Scissors cut Robot, that's right!>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 21, 2014, 05:43:10 am

Swallow 3 more bites, then fly towards the direction I'm pretty sure the space-plane went off in.

You swallow a few more bites and start flying towards where you think the spaceplane went. Although, with its speed, it could be anywhere right now...
You still feel a bit dizzy from eating that thing, but you think it's getting better now.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 21, 2014, 07:29:34 am

Continue staying alive. Barely is acceptable.

Hey, guess what?

Disconnected. Attempting to reconnect...

Yep, you just bled out. Looks like those betting in your death were right after all: children are not good front line warriors.
Let's see if your friends can do anything to revive you once they arrive...

---

Everyone
<Player 7 disconnected.>

---

---

Quote from: Spinal_Taper on March 23, 2014, 03:17:10 am

Spoiler: INFERNO COP (click to show/hide)

Name: INFERNO COP
Appearence: Take Ghost Rider. Make him into a cop. Also, give him a revolver, take away the chains. Done.

Biography: INFERNO COPPU found himself somewhere he had never been before. He had halted Third Destroy Finale. He had defeated Claudia, the one with the power to change the world, he had saved Jack Knife Edge Town, and he had saved the world alongside it. He had harnessed the power of God himself in the form of Glitter Inferno Cop. But, he had never been here. This place was different. It was fluid. He had never moved like this before. He could move his legs and his arms separately. Truly, this place was different. He decided then that he was going to find out why he was here and how to get home.

Ability:
Glitter Inferno Cop: Only in the darkest hour for all of humanity, when they face extinction, Inferno Cop can channel the power of a god. In other words, probably not in this game.

Those bullets have no effect on me!: Bullets just don't seem to work on Inferno Cop. Fists do. Kicks do. Just not bullets

Car Form: Inferno Cop can turn into an F1 racing car with his face and jacket on.

Devil's Satan Hellhound Grenda's Kind Hand: A dangerous, forbidden technique, when the chips are down, Inferno Cop can sacrifice his life in order to defeat his opponent. Its power scales directly with his, gaining the ability to skewer those above gods while he is Glitter Inferno Cop.

I hope this wasn't too serious of a game.

EDIT: Because I accidentally typoed.

Great flying soup bowl of the elder gods, what kind of horror is this? And the typos, oh, the typos!

Yeah, that seems like something I can work with. This game wasn't supposed to be ultra serious. It was supposed to be short arena matches with some missions to break the monotony. Don't know how we got here...
Anyway, it's cool, I even got an entity for you. Expect some negatives to other stats in exchange for that "invulnerable to bullets". My head is not working well enough right now for me to process your character correctly but consider yourself in. I'll write a turn where you wake up in the staging area when I have properly processed your character.

Looks like Xan just got a conductor for his crazy train...

---

---

((So, I was thinking about assault missions for this game and I remembered an old short sci-fi story I had read once and I got a great idea for a mission. But then I realized that it would be too long and that it wouldn't fit in the system used in this RTD very well. So I thought, why not make it an RTD of its own?

Spoiler: Buried in the Machine: An RTD (still thinking about the specifics) (click to show/hide)

Story
A tribe of humans lives in the depths of the Machine, close to its foundation. They are the only living humans in existence.

The Farmers and the Machinists provide for the people. The Smiths build for the people. The Hunters prowl the outskirts for food and resources that the others can't provide. The Exterminators protect the people from the swarms of vermin that infest the Machine. The Knights ensure there is justice among the people. And the Storytellers keep the memory of the people alive. It has always been like this.

Or at least that's what they think.

Few know that it wasn't always like this. That once upon a time, humans lived on the surface. That humans built the Machine. That things are changing. That the Machine is dying. It is a slow death, imperceptibly so, but those who know the truth can see it. And they know its death might mean the end of this tribe, the snuffing out of the final remnant of the human race.

There are signs all around. The screens of the Machinists are filled with static, some of them even turning black. The Smiths' aging tools can do little to keep their homes from collapsing. Bigger and bigger swarms of Vermin plague the tribe, consuming their food and even people, taxing the already underequipped Exterminators. Knights are trying their best to keep the people from killing each other for scraps of food. And Hunters are telling stories of strange beasts wandering at the edges of the tribe's territory.

Those who see the sings and understand them, the eldest and more powerful of the tribe, have decided to take action before it's too late. They have assembled a team of their greatest men and women, equipped them with the best equipment they could scavenge. To ensure that those men and women will not waver or turn back out of fear of death, the elders have declared that should they not return with a worthy prize, something of value, they will be executed.

You are a part of that team.

You will be sent out to look for your tribe's salvation. Nobody knows what that may be, what form it might take. Everybody knows that leaving your tribe's territory is akin to suicide. Nobody foolish enough to venture out there in your lifetime has returned. But it is clear that something must be done. Otherwise, there will be no future for your people or for humanity.

Gameplay
Six characters, one of each class set out to explore the Machine. What they do outside of the limits of their home is completely up to them. The map is there for them to explore. They'll slowly get better, they'll scavenge resources, they'll try to keep each other alive and if they're lucky they'll find something important... or a quick death.
It's an open world game but much more deadly then this one, with permadeath. It requires teamwork and creativity.
Technology is almost nonexistent. Humans only have what the machine gives them for advanced technology. Everything else is stuck somewhere in the middle ages in some areas and early 20th century in others. So it's a strange mix of swords, shields, revolvers, shotguns, assault rifles, rotary cannons and flamethrowers. Of course, the more advanced and complex the technology, the rarer it gets.

Characters
Each character also represents a faction.

Machinist: Understanding the machine. Light short range weapons.
They are considered one of the primary providers of the tribe since they are some of the few who know how to gain materials from the machine and how to fix the parts of it that are keeping the tribe alive.

Smith: Creating stuff from scrap. Scavenge. Light melee.
A testament to the ability of humans to improvise. They can create and fix almost everything. Guns, knifes, armor, vehicles...  Assuming they have the time and the necessary parts, of course.

Hunter: Long range/silenced weapons. Stealth. Scavenge.
One of the few who venture outside of the territory of the tribe. They move silently to avoid the swarms of vermin and the bests that could devour men whole. They scavenge for parts and hunt for food. They can understand the signs of the tunnels and can warn their people for impending disasters.

Exterminator: Heavy short range weapons. Medium armor.
Those are tasked with guarding the tribe and especially its food store for vermin. And when a pack of rats that can strip the flesh off a human in seconds attacks, you'd better be carrying a large gun...

Knight: Heavy melee weapons. Heavy armor.
They are responsible for keeping the peace inside the tribe, although they do not shy away from conflict, should the need arise. Their mere presence is a pacifying force, their imposing armor and heavy melee weapons inspiring fear and awe among the populace. They enforce the will of the elders.

Storyteller: Medic. Alchemy. Lore.
They are responsible for keeping the memories of the people alive, since writing is known only by a very small part of the populace. Their knowledge also extends to basic medicine and the combination of the various substances that can be found in the tunnels of the machine.

Alas, I have no time to run this. Maybe I'll run it in the summer or after the exams are over? Who knows.

Anyway, does this ring a bell to anyone? Because I never actually finished reading that sci-fi story and I don't know its title. Would like to know how it ends. Probably not how I made this RTD end.))

---

---

((EDIT: Oh, and since I'm apparently doing an irrelevant section, I also got a new version for my thread downloader (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=131917.0) that can split the output into multiple files. Now you can choose to read a thread offline, having each page of the offline thread hold from 1 to 1000 (or even more) posts..))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Xantalos on March 29, 2014, 12:44:22 am

((Eheheahahahaha excellent.
We'll be perfect together.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 29, 2014, 05:51:42 am

New end goal of what I'm going to use biomass to grow into. A DRAGON. >: ) Like, a DF dragon. Use biomass to turn into a baby dragon if possible. If I do not have enough, seek food sources.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on March 29, 2014, 08:19:16 am

"Careful!  Hey, did you know there's something hooked up in the cargo bay?  Something under the seats here, too.  Don't push the ejector though."


Go check out what it is in the cargo bay.  Identify its function.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on March 29, 2014, 09:35:42 am

((I can't decide if I'm annoyed or amused that I died to a massive monster before I could do much interesting again.))

((And the new idea sounds good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on March 29, 2014, 01:22:20 pm

((That new game sounds interesting.))

<The robot is crippled. Now would be a good time for any finishing attacks.>
Drive the truck into it at full speed. Brace for impact.

EDIT: Some conversation
"Hey Entity, what are rules for keeping things we find on mission?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Alarith on March 29, 2014, 06:32:35 pm

((I think the new idea has potential.  It also reminds me a little bit of  The City of Ember))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Xantalos on April 10, 2014, 04:35:28 pm

Hey, why isn't this game going? I can't have toast if it isn't going!

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 10, 2014, 05:11:52 pm

"Hey, it's cool, it's cool. Just let me manuever a bit and... yeah, fine.
Keep going and if the building is in range, land the ship.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 13, 2014, 01:02:55 am

+The bump of the Dragonfly Boy!
((Seriously though, please let us know if you're still alive or something because I was so involved with this game and I'd really hate to see it wither away into the depths of the forums.))

Title: Re: Special People: Burn it down
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 13, 2014, 07:25:55 am

Didn't I warn you that I... *searches back* Yep.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

((Sorry for the low quality turn. Didn't have a lot of time. Just wanted to get a turn out because I don't know when I'll have time to make one again.
Speaking of which, frequency of updates will be low for the next month or so due to university work. I'll try to update whenever I have time but I make no promises.))

I'm a bit busy with university stuff (or at least I'm trying to be). Yes, if I had organized my time a bit better (and didn't spend so much time doing other things in the forums or watching movies or hanging out with people or...) I would have been able to get a few more turns out during this time but I'm not the kind of guy who plans things or sticks to timetables. I just do what I feel like doing at the time. One of my flaws.
Plus, I'm a bit afraid of doing a turn withoug Lenglon because things can still go many ways depending on certain things happening and I'm afraid I'm going to screw things up somehow.
Anyway, last exam for this exam period is on Tuesday (the ministry of education screwed things up so now we have the first exam period in April instead of February). Then I got to debug my Rapid Copy Program and finish writing that Datalog Interpreter but those things should leave me with enough time and enough appetite to get some turns out. So, expect a new turn sometime in the following days.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Pictured: Me working.
Not Pictured: Me slacking off. That's in the workspace in the right where I've got 100s of tabs open on Firefox.
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Working_zpsfc024cfe.png)

tl;dr: I'm a Dabbling Organizer and my SELF_DISCIPLINE personality trait is less than 10, but this isn't dead, just sleeping. New turn sometime in the following days.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 13, 2014, 09:23:59 am

English isn't your first language?  Good enough to fool me.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Tiruin on April 13, 2014, 09:55:52 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 13, 2014, 07:25:55 am

tl;dr: I'm a Dabbling Organizer and my SELF_DISCIPLINE personality trait is less than 10, but this isn't dead, just sleeping. New turn sometime in the following days.

LIES.
You've got more self-discipline than that.

*non-first language high-five*
Also I WILL be posting for Lenglon and self soon :X

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 13, 2014, 10:36:15 am

Tiruin, you're also good enough to fool me.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 13, 2014, 11:30:41 am

It's absolutely fine, Paris. I was just wondering because you only posted a half-turn last time, but that's fine. Take all the time you need and good luck with your work!

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on April 17, 2014, 06:58:21 pm

I had an Idea for a game type. A huge arena where if you kill someone, you get to use their powers. And the powers of everyone they've killed.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 17, 2014, 07:48:14 pm

Quote from: NAV on April 17, 2014, 06:58:21 pm

I had an Idea for a game type. A huge arena where if you kill someone, you get to use their powers. And the powers of everyone they've killed.

Sounds like it would get unbalanced fast.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2014, 08:06:13 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on April 17, 2014, 07:48:14 pm

Quote from: NAV on April 17, 2014, 06:58:21 pm

I had an Idea for a game type. A huge arena where if you kill someone, you get to use their powers. And the powers of everyone they've killed.

Sounds like it would get unbalanced fast.

Which is why people would love it.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 08:10:40 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2014, 08:06:13 pm

Which is why people the winners  would love it.

FTFY.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2014, 09:35:40 pm

((I fell asleep halfway through proofreading this turn so I decided to just post it and be done with it so I can collapse with exhaustion. Please excuse any mistakes.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 29, 2014, 05:51:42 am

New end goal of what I'm going to use biomass to grow into. A DRAGON. >: ) Like, a DF dragon. Use biomass to turn into a baby dragon if possible. If I do not have enough, seek food sources.

You do know that DF dragons don't have wings, right? Standard ones don't, anyway. You might be playing with a mod.
But if you wanna be a flying lizard, then sure. Two legged or four legged? Or maybe 2 legs, wings and tiny arms? Or maybe wings and tentacles for a more "dark god" feel (which may or may not result in "flying octopus" jokes)?

<Not that I do not get jubilant watching your aimlacking wanderings human, but mayhaps you should consult with your cofighterers and contrive a battle formulation? This situation appears to be transforming into an increasingly worsened state.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 29, 2014, 08:19:16 am

"Careful!  Hey, did you know there's something hooked up in the cargo bay?  Something under the seats here, too.  Don't push the ejector though."


Go check out what it is in the cargo bay.  Identify its function.

Well, you've got lots of interesting things. You got a couple of spacesuits, a couple of jetpacks, some electronics and sensors, basic medical equipment and supplies (although you really can't tell what's in most of those bottles), materials for basic repairs... You could probably summon most of these things, but hey, it's better than nothing.
The cargo area itself is a relatively small tubular area with various hooks and compartments in the walls and floor where cargo and equipment can be tied or stored in.
There are also a couple of small compartments that can act as beds (or makeshift low quality operating tables).
The roof can open much like the roof of a space shuttle, to allow cargo to be transferred.

You feel the vehicle stopping and then descending quickly. A bit too quickly.
You are quick and lucky enough to find an open compartment to hold on to and manage to escape the rough landing with nothing but a few bruises and a few minor cuts caused by the tools falling out of the compartment.

Is it still called Pteromerhanophobia if the pilot may be trying to kill you?

Quote from: Fniff on April 10, 2014, 05:11:52 pm

"Hey, it's cool, it's cool. Just let me manuever a bit and... yeah, fine.
Keep going and if the building is in range, land the ship.

You approach the roof you left Angel on and begin slowing down and preparing to land.

You seem to have misjudged your rate of descend, for you descend too rapidly. The spaceplane bounces as its suspension tries to absorb the force of the impact. You can hear and feel metal bending and breaking somewhere below you and can see various red lights lighting up around the cockpit. Let's hope you didn't break anything important.

Good thing you were wearing your seatbelt.

---

Quote from: NAV on March 29, 2014, 01:22:20 pm

((That new game sounds interesting.))

<The robot is crippled. Now would be a good time for any finishing attacks.>
Drive the truck into it at full speed. Brace for impact.

EDIT: Some conversation
"Hey Entity, what are rules for keeping things we find on mission?"

<Normally, you get nothing. You might be able to get away with keeping some useless little thing I guess. Like a pen or sumething.
But if you win and then ask me veeery nicely, I might be able to let you keep something. Because I'm a nice girl like that.>

You continue driving the truck at full speed, into the cloud of dust the collapsing building has created, straight towards the dark shape you can see inside it.
Wait a minute. You're driving at full speed towards a huge object. That means you're gonna crash into it. This is gonna hur-

The impact is not very pleasant. One of the downsides of having a heavily reinforced skeleton on a heavily modified vehicle with a souped up engine means that most of the force of the impact is transferred directly to you. There's no soft metal to be compressed, there's no loss of kinetic energy to deformation and friction. What's worse, the airbag seems to have also been affected by the vehicles modification and hits you like the right hook of a drunk heavyweight boxer who just heard you bad mouthing his mother.
Despite all the above, you manage to survive with all of your limbs mostly intact, a bit of dizziness and a lot of pain. If you had a tomorrow to worry about, you would probably be worried about the bruises the seatbelt is going to cause you and any fractured bones you might have. But right now, you have more important problems. Like that shadow you can see approaching you through the smoke and the blurriness of your vision.

You display an astounding lack of reflexes and/or self-preservation instinct as you simply watch the metal dome-fist of your enemy approaching you, unresponsive, doing nothing to prevent your imminent death.
Lucky for you, the BETA displays an equally astounding lack of dexterity. The dome-fist smashes the ground a meter or two away from your modified truck, destroying the road, spilling its wiry innards in the process and causing your vehicle to bounce around.

<I gotta hand it to ya. That was really balsy. Not very smart, but still, you got style, you know?>

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on March 29, 2014, 09:35:42 am

((I can't decide if I'm annoyed or amused that I died to a massive monster before I could do much interesting again.))

Perhaps you should reconsider your tactics then? Stop facing the bosses alone (or in this case near hand-aimed artillery)? I'd say get some points on the combat stats related to your fighting style but you need to get some points first in order to do that. Remember, you're a glass cannon. To use an RPG analogy, fighters in the front, mages in the back.

---

---

Maybe I made this boss fight harder than I should had.

Just to remind you, the robot's missing its head and has its left leg heavily damaged.
Feel free to ask me anything else.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 22, 2014, 10:09:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2014, 08:39:36 pm

So, Alan has currently condemned his host into a long time of hardship and possible imprisonment and/or death, impeded the process of his team and thrown at least two attempts I've made to get him involved with the plot of this mission out the window. And his host is moderately injured, the host's beginning to believe he's gone crazy and Alan's very close to being desynchronized.

I'm gonna sig this if you don't mind.

Hmm. Well, that went well, I think.

Idly drive around trying to find a body shop so I can fix/make over this guy's car.

((Just noticed I had a typo in there. It's progress, not process. I don't know how I managed to confuse the two.))

Let's see... Your host, for some strange reason, thinks that the problem of the gunshot wounds on his torso is a tad more important than his damaged car. What a weirdo.
Anyway, he staves off your attempts to influence him and instead goes off to search for medical attention. Your interface beeps red several times and everything turns black.
Congratulations. You are now the only player in this mission to have been desynchronized. Twice.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 23, 2014, 06:09:01 am

{Irine}
I'd better make myself sound threatening, I need to negotiate from the illusion of strength, despite how he has the real power here.
<If I had wanted him burnt back there, he would have been.>
That should do the trick, telling him who I am, what I can do, and implying a vague threat all at the same time.
<Now then, to business. You treat Amelia, and you let us stay by her side at all times. If someone tries to break in, you let us know. If it's too much for your security to handle, you get us a camera feed of the problem and an accurate map of the area it's happening in so I can aim properly. Afterwards, Amelia is allowed to decide her own fate, be it to work with you, work with us, or go against us both, and whatever she decides to do, we let her do it. We each get 5 minutes to pitch what we want from her before she decides. Deal?>
if he objects to the deal, saying that it overly favors us:
<We have Amelia, We have the hostages, and We're stronger than you. My way we keep her safe, and we each get a fair shot at getting what we want out of her. This is a better deal than you have any right to ask for.>
This is such a harsh way to negotiate, I mean, I know why I'm doing things like this, but still... ugh.
If he accepts:
<Good, I suggest saying something to your goons so we can stop standing here with guns out drawing the attention of anyone who passes by.>
Refine the gun-ban

It is refined, marginally. Not a very obvious difference.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Zoe asks Boris, pointing her gun at him instead of her hostage. "Don't get any closer."
"You and me both know you won't do that. Start shooting and all you'll do is get yourself killed." he says and approaches further. Zoe knows he's right. She can't shoot him. He doesn't seem to be a danger anyway. Yet. "You two." he points to the two armed guards. "Get back to securing the perimeter. We don't know how long we got until they get here. I'll take-" Boris makes a move to grab the gurney Amelia is on but Zoe gets in front of him, still pointing her gun at him.
"Not so fast. Not until we get some answers."
Boris looks at her for a couple of seconds. "Very well." he says in a resigned manner. He seems unemotional, like he doesn't really care that much that you're here or that all this is happening. You'd at least expect him to have some questions about who Zoe is and why she's here. "Follow me. I'll explain."
"I have a bad feeling about this." Awena whispers to Zoe as the later follows the Director, the hostage still in her arms, more of a security blanket than actual leverage at this point.
"So do I, but I don't know what else to do."

While Zoe and Boris walk to the next room, Awena pushing the gurney behind them, Irene and Victor chat, trying to make deals behind their host's backs.
<Now then, to business. You treat Amelia, and you let us stay by her side at all times. If someone tries to break in, you let us know. If it's too much for your security to handle, you get us a camera feed of the problem and an accurate map of the area it's happening in so I can aim properly. Afterwards, Amelia is allowed to decide her own fate, be it to work with you, work with us, or go against us both, and whatever she decides to do, we let her do it. We each get 5 minutes to pitch what we want from her before she decides. Deal?>
<Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that. I'm not supposed to wake her up or heal her, at least not using traditional methods. I've got to make sure my host uses that machine on her.>

"I am Boris. Scientist. I have the knowledge to help with this."

"I simply need to finish this. Then she will be fine. You can have her for whatever you need after that."
The room you enter is much smaller than the previous one. Its walls are lined with computers and there are two metal plates forming an amphitheatrical semi-circle with a bed in the middle. And at the middle of the semicircle lies a grey crystal surrounded by a flower-petal-like pattern of dark metal, pointing straight towards the bed. The crystal is Irene's objective from mission 1, she is sure of it.
"Put her in the bed. I need to use that machine on her." he adds, very matter of factly. "Timing is important. Need to wait until the right time."
Zoe and Awena still feel a bit uneasy around the man.They're unsure about this.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 23, 2014, 01:56:33 am

"Dang. Say, do you happen to know if the time limit on this is closing in?" Ike asked his entity.

>Pursue. You have no time to waste.

You start driving towards the abandoned warehouse, a police car in tow.
Please wait, shouldn't be more than a turn or two depending on what Tiruin/DAF decide to do with Irene, if they decide to do anything.
<So, this was a fun little thing wasn't it? Too much time driving around I guess, but other than that, it was... OK? I guess?
We're probably near the end now. That usually means a boss fight, right? Think you're ready or should we grab a couple of potions and wait for more minions?>

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 23, 2014, 01:50:03 pm

Roll to Wake Up!

((That's pretty much all I have at this point...))

Beep. "...downtown. Some kind of..." Beep. "...yeah, they've got me here..." Beep. Head pain much. "...there in a few minutes." Beep. Eyes open. Too blurry. Much light. Dark shape. White shape. Eyes closed. Beep. "Did he just move?" Beep. Pain. "Nah, he's lost too much blood." Beep. "Full of lead. Nerve damage. Full of painkillers." Beep. "Guy's lucky to be alive." Beep. "More like unlucky, am I right?" Beep. One laughs. Beep.

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 23, 2014, 12:10:07 pm

Continue driving and synchronizing timelines

Doing that.
There was something I wanted to do with your character but I can't seem to be able to remember it right now.
Oh well, it was just RP, nothing serious regarding the mission. I just can't remember it right now and it's driving me crazy.

---

---

Elsewhere...

---

---

Spinal_Taper
You wake up.

You can feel the bumps of the road and hear the whirr of the car's engine. There's music (http://youtu.be/6WYNdOaxuVc) coming from the radio. You can see points of light through the window you're leaning on, their shapes rendered blurry and indistinct by the darkness and the drops of moisture on the other side of the transparent barrier.

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 13, 2014, 09:23:59 am

English isn't your first language?  Good enough to fool me.

Eh, I've been reading and writing in English (books, computers, movies, etc.) since I was very young so I've had lots of experience.
And I had a good teacher for the Proficiency in English degree, that helped a lot with writing techniques, how to use more varied vocabulary, avoid common mistakes, etc.
Some of the more day to day informal expressions elude me though. Not that much practice in speaking it either.
Plus, my accent is terrible. I sound like a mix of stereotypical Russian and stereotypical Italian and my voice is very bass and it just sounds awful.

Quote from: Tiruin on April 13, 2014, 09:55:52 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 13, 2014, 07:25:55 am

tl;dr: I'm a Dabbling Organizer and my SELF_DISCIPLINE personality trait is less than 10, but this isn't dead, just sleeping. New turn sometime in the following days.

LIES.
You've got more self-discipline than that.

*non-first language high-five*
Also I WILL be posting for Lenglon and self soon :X

I'd talk about my personality, but every time I try to do that I end up contradicting myself which proves I really know nothing about myself so I'll let you make your own judgement on the matter.

*returns high-five* Can't leave a sister hanging. (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Don_431d86_1558931_zpse3fb6481.jpg)
And, as Toaster said, you're very good with English.

Quote from: NAV on April 17, 2014, 06:58:21 pm

I had an Idea for a game type. A huge arena where if you kill someone, you get to use their powers. And the powers of everyone they've killed.

Not really sure. I've been thinking about doing something similar with the Challenge game mode, but I'm thinking of removing it.
Sounds like it could get messy fast. Especially if someone manages to get a pair of kills that makes them essentially unbeatable by combining the right powers. Of course, that could be considered smart strategic thinking... Hmmm... I'll think about it.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 09:45:41 pm

>Eyes closed for now, but take a peek every once in a while to try and get a feel for your surroundings. Listen intently but don't make any movements. Keep it simple.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 17, 2014, 09:55:44 pm

((We took out his primary weapon and crippled his primary method of locomotion.  I'd say we're doing pretty damned good.))


<<Did something hit us?  You trying to get us killed up there?  Whatever- there's jetpacks back here- this is my stop!>>

Grab a jetpack and get out.  Feel the plane on the way out to see if anything important is broken- relay damage report to pilot.  Also feel the jetpack to get a handle on its capabilities.




((Also it liiiiiiiiiiiives))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2014, 10:00:10 pm

Am I a young dragon or not. If not, I will instead become a flying reptile that can cause a chemical reaction inside of it, causing flames to burst out. I want my dragon already.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:13:19 pm

Pansy.

Try to reconnect.

((Maybe bringing the guy who's personality is 'fuck compromise I want a soda' on this mission wasn't the best plan :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 11:17:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:13:19 pm

((Maybe bringing the guy who's personality is 'fuck compromise I want a soda' on this mission wasn't the best plan :P))

((No, it is always a good idea to have a wildcard like Alan on these types of missions.

Always.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:38:26 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 11:17:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:13:19 pm

((Maybe bringing the guy who's personality is 'fuck compromise I want a soda' on this mission wasn't the best plan :P))

((No, it is always a good idea to have a wildcard like Alan on these types of missions.

Always.))

((Of course, how could I fuck up the plot otherwise?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2014, 12:50:05 am

"Well, you know, this was pretty fun if only because of ol' Ike Wayne being such a badass most of the time. But then again, I haven't used the more fun bits of my arsenal yet. I get the feeling that's about to change."

>Keep on driving in the free world!

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 18, 2014, 09:25:23 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2014, 09:35:40 pm

You do know that DF dragons don't have wings, right? Standard ones don't, anyway.

((And yet, cave dragons do. Nonfunctional, but still.
It's more likely a holdover from when flying dragons caused AI issues, IIRC, than anything else.))

Quote

Is it still called Pteromerhanophobia if the pilot may be trying to kill you?

((Depends. Are you afraid of flying, or of the pilot's flying?))

Quote

You approach the roof you left Angel on and begin slowing down and preparing to land.
You seem to have misjudged your rate of descend, for you descend too rapidly. The spaceplane bounces as its suspension tries to absorb the force of the impact. You can hear and feel metal bending and breaking somewhere below you and can see various red lights lighting up around the cockpit. Let's hope you didn't break anything important.
Good thing you were wearing your seatbelt.

((...I really hope you didn't land on Angel. Wait, she's dead.))

Quote

Perhaps you should reconsider your tactics then? Stop facing the bosses alone (or in this case near hand-aimed artillery)? I'd say get some points on the combat stats related to your fighting style but you need to get some points first in order to do that. Remember, you're a glass cannon. To use an RPG analogy, fighters in the front, mages in the back.

((The first time, I didn't have much choice. The second time, I had an escape plan which...kinda failed.))

Quote

Congratulations. You are now the only player in this mission to have been desynchronized. Twice.

((He's the only player in any mission to have been desynchronized twice.))

Quote

Not really sure. I've been thinking about doing something similar with the Challenge game mode, but I'm thinking of removing it.
Sounds like it could get messy fast. Especially if someone manages to get a pair of kills that makes them essentially unbeatable by combining the right powers. Of course, that could be considered smart strategic thinking... Hmmm... I'll think about it.

((Here's one thing to consider.
Assume that all characters' combat abilities are determined 50% by things that get stolen and 50% by things that don't, and that everyone starts at equal strength. Let's say there's six--Alice, Bob, Carol, Dan, Eve, and Fred. Dan kills Fred, making Dan half again as strong as anyone else. This makes it harder for Carol to kill Dan, and easier for Dan to kill Eve. Let's say that while Dan kills Fred and evades Carol, Bob kills Alice. Now, we have Carol at her original strength, minus whatever she lost to fighting, while Bob is half again as strong and Dan is twice the strength of any. Dan and Bob would naturally fight each other; without help from Carol, who doesn't want to face the wrath of Dan, Dan will probably win, meaning that Carol is pretty much doomed. If Carol does help, though, Bob will be able to kill Carol just as easily, unless she somehow steals the final blow. In this scenario, and similar ones, whoever gets the first kill or two is going to win, barring extreme luck or a good combination of abilities.
Now, things get even worse when alliances come into play. Let's say that the previous scenario occurs, except that Alice and Eve agree to work together. They easily take down Carol, with Eve getting her power, while Dan kills Fred. Bob is nicely doomed, unless maybe he can work with Dan; Alice and Eve would press their advantage, trying to kill Dan ASAP. As you can see, whoever forms an alliance has an almost certain chance of victory, unless their partner does (or, again, luck or chance comes into play).
It's a decent idea, but it needs work.))

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:38:26 pm

((Of course, how could I fuck up the plot otherwise?))

((My dad screwed up my plots by simple lateral thinking. Usually, this involved some clever plan, or allying the enemy, but he sometimes subverted my planning there with things like "No, I won't talk to the antagonist or be stealthy or clever or anything, I'll just kill all his guards."))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 18, 2014, 09:44:41 am

((The arena mode would probably work better if you only absorbed powers of your direct kills.  Failing that, your most recent kill; it'd force a tactics change every time you scored a kill.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2014, 09:47:25 am

Quote from: Toaster on April 18, 2014, 09:44:41 am

((The arena mode would probably work better if you only absorbed powers of your direct kills.  Failing that, your most recent kill; it'd force a tactics change every time you scored a kill.))

((How about if you absorb the power of whoever you kill, at the expense of your own current powers? Essentially, when you kill somebody, you assume their abilities.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 18, 2014, 09:50:04 am

(You know, I actually like the working together missions more then I'd like the concept of an arena. Because I like when a plan goes spectacularly wrong and the only way for an arena to go spectacularly wrong is if everyone agreed not to kill each other. As for the power steal arena, perhaps another thing could be that you could choose to steal their powers or recharge your health from the kill or similar so you'd have to choose to either steal their cool powers or get yourself fixed up.)
"It's cool, it's just an adaptive form of landing. Now, get something to fix Angel or something so we can get this show on the road.
Get out, check how Angel's doing (I know she's dead, but Jordan doesn't), and check on the horizon for how the robot is doing.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 18, 2014, 09:58:19 am

Quote from: Fniff on April 18, 2014, 09:50:04 am

(You know, I actually like the working together missions more then I'd like the concept of an arena. Because I like when a plan goes spectacularly wrong and the only way for an arena to go spectacularly wrong is if everyone agreed not to kill each other.

((Agreed. Still, a little arena now and again can't hurt.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2014, 09:59:47 am

((I find arenas painfully boring, to be honest. They're the least creative sort of challenge there is, as well as one of the least fun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 18, 2014, 10:09:41 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2014, 09:59:47 am

((I find arenas painfully boring, to be honest. They're the least creative sort of challenge there is, as well as one of the least fun.))

((As interesting as the first three missions are, this is probably right.  I wouldn't object to doing one on occasion, though, especially if it ran quickly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2014, 11:20:08 am

<<What are you people even doing? I'm fighting the giant robot all by myself! Help would be nice.>>
Get out of the truck and see how much damage it did (Remember those big spikes on the front?)
Look for a crack in the Beta's main torso armour. Maybe where its head used to be would work.

Pick up a piece of rubble from the ground. Stick it into the crack and tsar it.
Failing that, try to disable one of its limbs with the same method.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 18, 2014, 11:22:25 am

<"Regrouping! Just hold tight!">

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 18, 2014, 11:40:19 am

Quote from: NAV on April 18, 2014, 11:20:08 am

<<What are you people even doing? I'm fighting the giant robot all by myself! Help would be nice.>>

((Isn't that how I died?
...Wait, I think I had help. From the guy complaining about not having help.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 18, 2014, 12:24:53 pm

<<Only one?  Where do you think its head went?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 18, 2014, 09:40:52 pm

Quote from: Toaster on April 17, 2014, 09:55:44 pm

((We took out his primary weapon and crippled his primary method of locomotion.  I'd say we're doing pretty damned good.))


<<Did something hit us?  You trying to get us killed up there?  Whatever- there's jetpacks back here- this is my stop!>>

Grab a jetpack and get out.  Feel the plane on the way out to see if anything important is broken- relay damage report to pilot.  Also feel the jetpack to get a handle on its capabilities.

You grab a jetpack and put it on. It seems to have been designed for use in space, but you could still use it to move around. Just don't expect to be going as fast as a rocket with it.
It's got a mix of propellant and oxidizer as well as a small RCS system. It seems to have been designed to be used in conjunction with a spacesuit but it is not necessary to wear one to use it.
It is controlled by use of two joysticks.

As for the spaceplane, its landing gear are bent or broken and their hydraulics are cut and leaking, causing part of the plane to touch the ground.
Part of its hover thruster covers (used to protect them during reentry) have also been damaged, but the hover thrusters themselves seem undamaged.
There's minor structural damage and part of its heat shield is gone but it's nothing worrisome. Unless you intend to go to space.
There's also that damage to its wing, but that's from before.

You open the cargo doors and climb outside. Well, there's Angel in a pool of blood with Jordan standing over her. That girl, always dying before you can get to her.
You can hear the sounds of destruction coming from further away.

Quote from: Fniff on April 18, 2014, 09:50:04 am

(You know, I actually like the working together missions more then I'd like the concept of an arena. Because I like when a plan goes spectacularly wrong and the only way for an arena to go spectacularly wrong is if everyone agreed not to kill each other. As for the power steal arena, perhaps another thing could be that you could choose to steal their powers or recharge your health from the kill or similar so you'd have to choose to either steal their cool powers or get yourself fixed up.)
"It's cool, it's just an adaptive form of landing. Now, get something to fix Angel or something so we can get this show on the road.
Get out, check how Angel's doing (I know she's dead, but Jordan doesn't), and check on the horizon for how the robot is doing.

Well, you can't see the robot from here, only the faint light it gives off, but you can hear the sound of things getting destroyed and see the clouds of smoke and dust rising somewhere to the Southwest, so you guess it's probably wrecking stuff. So cliché. Why couldn't it be a robot that helped people and gave free cake?

As for Angel... Well, she's lying in a pool of her own blood. That's not a good sign.
You approach her and check her vitals. Pale. Cold. Not breathing. No pulse.
Unless this is some kind of camouflage power, there's only one logical conclusion.

<She's dead Jordan.>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2014, 10:00:10 pm

Am I a young dragon or not. If not, I will instead become a flying reptile that can cause a chemical reaction inside of it, causing flames to burst out. I want my dragon already.

Let's say that you are, to save you some time. You've got a scaly torso the size of a small child and large leathery wings. You don't get your firebreath though.

Unless you indicate otherwise, I'm going to have you grow bigger each turn.

---

Quote from: NAV on April 18, 2014, 11:20:08 am

<<What are you people even doing? I'm fighting the giant robot all by myself! Help would be nice.>>
Get out of the truck and see how much damage it did (Remember those big spikes on the front?)
Look for a crack in the Beta's main torso armour. Maybe where its head used to be would work.

Pick up a piece of rubble from the ground. Stick it into the crack and tsar it.
Failing that, try to disable one of its limbs with the same method.

The only thing you can see clearly in the dust and smoke is those parts of the mechanical humanoid that are the closest to you, as well as the light coming from inside it. From the way it stands, you deduce that it is lying on a half destroyed building, holding on to it with one hand for support. You can see that you have severely damaged its lower right leg.

The BETA sweeps its dome-fist towards you while you continue to watch in shock.
<Move!> But you don't. Not until it's too late.
The fist impacts your vehicle, throwing it away and causing it to tumble. The next few seconds are a confusion of light, darkness, the noise of metal striking upon metal and of course pain as your body is further abused G-forces.
You feel an unbearable pain on the left side of your face. You black out.

...

You regain consciousness. Your everything hurts.
You can't feel the left side of your face.
You can't see through your left eye and what little you can see from your right eye is blurry. Every time your right eye blinks or moves to look at something it feels irritated.
The inside of the vehicle is covered in blood.
Your arms are dangling downwards, towards the roof of the truck. You can feel the blood slowly dripping off of them.
Your vehicle (and by extension you) seems to be upside down inside some sort of store filled with small coloured glass vials. From what you can see, little has been left standing in it.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on April 18, 2014, 09:25:23 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2014, 09:35:40 pm

Congratulations. You are now the only player in this mission to have been desynchronized. Twice.

((He's the only player in any mission to have been desynchronized twice.))

No, I meant that he had that happen to him in the first mission too (probably should had worded it better). Remember the ravenous roomba? John saved him and brought him back to life, only for him to die in the next room. Granted, that was mostly bad luck and not a result of his own actions, but still, you got to appreciate the coincidence.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Alarith on April 18, 2014, 09:55:57 pm

Continue driving.
((I really feel like saying something more, but i can't think of anything.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2014, 11:33:11 pm

Nikolai spits out some blood.
"That all you got?"
UnTsar the truck. Get down. Find a mirror and check my condition. All my limbs working?
Cut some strips of cloth from my coat and bandage my head.
Check my surroundings. Anything potentially useful? How's my truck doing, how's my crossbow doing?
"Thanks for the warning. Maybe a bit sooner next time?

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 19, 2014, 06:08:52 am

Coolrune flung himself into the air on his wings, in the direction he THOUGHT he remembered the plane going. Was it north or south? He suddenly had an idea. He went back to the exact place the spaceplane took off from, and attempted to obtain a scent trail of any kind- be it the smell of plasma, oil, gas, smoke, or anything else a plane's exhaust trail would smell like.


Keep me growing, please! :D

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 19, 2014, 09:17:26 am

John steeled himself, then fired up the jetpack.

<<Cover me.  I'm going to drop on its back.>>


Get behind it and try to jet over onto its back, in an attempt to technomance it.  Summon up a satchel charge on the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Tiruin on April 19, 2014, 12:19:06 pm

Quote from: Paris, in that post wherein Lenglon makes her last turn-post

I'd talk about my personality, but every time I try to do that I end up contradicting myself which proves I really know nothing about myself so I'll let you make your own judgement on the matter.

Really? That proves you know about yourself, however it is...well, not awry in a sense, but that you're on course--just a bit wobbly :P
So yeah.
Why?
Because that's me and my thinking too. :D

[Reads PM, reads turn, sorry for not posting ;_;]

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 19, 2014, 12:35:56 pm

Jordan stared at John's rapidly vanishing jetpacked silhouette, going towards where the robot presumably was. He looked at Angel, then looked back. On one hand, he would have really liked to be credited with saving a six year old. On the other hand, she was bled out and probably wasn't able to detect that he was going to ignore her. Better to be thought of as a team player. He shrugged, then got into the cockpit and flicked on the switches.
<"I'm going to try distracting it. That sound good to you guys?">
Fly towards the BETA.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 25, 2014, 08:26:38 pm

Quote from: NAV on April 18, 2014, 11:33:11 pm

Nikolai spits out some blood.
"That all you got?"
UnTsar the truck. Get down. Find a mirror and check my condition. All my limbs working?
Cut some strips of cloth from my coat and bandage my head.
Check my surroundings. Anything potentially useful? How's my truck doing, how's my crossbow doing?
"Thanks for the warning. Maybe a bit sooner next time?

Nikolai spits out some blood and something solid. He hopes whatever it was wasn't a part of him.
"Tha'allyougoth?" he slurs, trying not to feel the pain. Especially on his head. What a headache...

He lowers (or rather lifts, since he's upside down) his hands and fumbles with the seatbelt's release, an endeavour made all the more difficult by his fingers being slippery from fresh blood. His own fresh blood. He finally finds the key and presses it. The seatbelt opens, allowing Nikolai to fall on the roof of the vehicle. From there, he crawls outside the overturned truck through an open window. He places his hand on the door and pulls. With some effort, he manages to get up and look around, taking stock of his surroundings through the blurry vision his only working eye offers him.



The truck really did a number on this place. Display cases and shelves made of wood, plastic and glass lie broken and scattered throughout it, along with their contents, small glass vials of various colours, the biggest of them no larger than his hand. Those too, are broken, their liquid contents spilt on the ground.
There are some of either group that haven't been broken, but those are in the minority.
There are also various pieces of metal debris around that probably came from the truck.

His view of the outside is blocked by the truck. He decides not to risk taking a peek outside, for now.
Behind the overturned truck, he can see pulses of bright white light and hear sounds one would expect to hear in a factory. Electric sparks and metal grinding upon metal.
And from the same direction the sounds are coming from... he thinks he can see a light shining through the truck? No, how can light be coming through the truck? Maybe it's just a concussion?

The truck itself is totally totalled. Its body features various bumps, all of them going very deep, wires coming out from some of them A chunk of the top of the cargo compartment seems to be missing, probably where the BETA hit it. Lucky thing too, as it probably lessened the energy of the impact. And it seems to be leaking some sort of semi-opaque colourless liquid from its bottom, from where the front axle would be in a normal non-hover truck.

There's no sings of the crossbow around here, except for some scraps that look like they could have come from it. Maybe if he had untsared them while looking at them, he could had seen them shrink, if he was really interested in identifying the debris that used to be his crossbow.

There's also a door behind a mostly intact display case that seems to lead further into the building.



Nikolai lowers himself to the ground and picks up a piece of glass, intent on finding out just how hurt he is and smart enough not to use his hands to discover that.

<You might not want to do that.>

He looks inside the improvised mirror regardless, taking in the damage done to his face.
His gas mask is gone, probably from whatever hit his face.
The left side of his face looks completely red from the blood coming out of it and there seem to be chunks of flesh missing from it, like some sort of horrid beast maimed him with its claws.
The right side seems a bit better, although it too is covered with blood and a few tiny shards of glass.
The blood drips on his torso, painting his green coat red.
The rest of the front side of his torso along with his arms seem to be pockmarked with small shards of glass, thankfully none of them going too deep or drawing much blood.
Still the bleeding on his face looks dangerous. It's not immediately dangerous but if he doesn't treat it...

<Told ya. Sorry.> his entity says, sounding a bit too cheery given the circumstances.

At least his limbs seem to be working mostly OK for now, he managed to get away with only a few minor fractures. It's his reflexes that seem to be suffering. Unsurprising, given that he was just punched by an iron giant the size of a building. He should be fine in a few minutes, provided he can stop himself from bleeding out. The damage to his face however seems permanent, unless he can find someone to perform surgery on him.

"Thankfor thewarning. Maybe abithooner nex'ime? he asks his entity as he bends down to  pick up a piece of cloth that used to decorate a display case.
<Hey, I dinna know you were just gonna stand there.>
He cuts the piece of cloth in half, using one piece to clean the wound. Good thing too, for there seem to be a few pieces of glass in there. Would have been painful if he had left it in.
<What's a girl spposed to do?>
After that's done, he uses the second piece of cloth to form an improvised bandage and try to use it to stop his head from bleeding. It's not very good, but it should help. Should stop him from bleeding out for a good while, at least. Assuming he refrains from from further injury.
<I'm just glad you're not... worse.>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 19, 2014, 06:08:52 am

Coolrune flung himself into the air on his wings, in the direction he THOUGHT he remembered the plane going. Was it north or south? He suddenly had an idea. He went back to the exact place the spaceplane took off from, and attempted to obtain a scent trail of any kind- be it the smell of plasma, oil, gas, smoke, or anything else a plane's exhaust trail would smell like.

Keep me growing, please! :D

You look around with your reptile eyes, trying to spot the space-plane. You're about to give up when you see it rising above the city and heading south, following a smaller thing. Looks like a man with a thing on his back? You can see a bright light coming from their destination, its source obscured behind buildings.
 
Well, that was helpful. Could had spent a lot of time looking for it otherwise.

You begin flying towards it, slowly flapping your scaly wings, trying to follow the wind currents and fly efficiently. It's a bit hard when you have to rely on your newly created brain's instincts for it. You'll probably get used to it in time.
Seems like you'll be flying for a while anyway.

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 19, 2014, 09:17:26 am

John steeled himself, then fired up the jetpack.

<<Cover me.  I'm going to drop on its back.>>


Get behind it and try to jet over onto its back, in an attempt to technomance it.  Summon up a satchel charge on the way.

Quote from: Fniff on April 19, 2014, 12:35:56 pm

Jordan stared at John's rapidly vanishing jetpacked silhouette, going towards where the robot presumably was. He looked at Angel, then looked back. On one hand, he would have really liked to be credited with saving a six year old. On the other hand, she was bled out and probably wasn't able to detect that he was going to ignore her. Better to be thought of as a team player. He shrugged, then got into the cockpit and flicked on the switches.
<"I'm going to try distracting it. That sound good to you guys?">
Fly towards the BETA.

J&J hatch a hasty plan of action. John will approach it from behind while Jordan distracts it. Well, better than no plan at all.

John blasts off with his jetpack, flying as fast as he can using a thing that wasn't designed to be used in atmosphere. He tries to summon some sort of explosive along the way, getting a ball of what looks like plastic explosives, about thrice the size of his fists and made of a multitude of small cubes connected with wires. He also gets a remote detonator for his contraption.

Jordan, meanwhile, gets back in his spaceplane and pushes the throttle to full power. As the spaceplane rises towards the sky, he can hear the creaks coming from the its broken landing gear and he thinks he can hear pieces of metal falling on the roof. Hopefully, it wasn't something important. He follows John for a while, so that they can move in at the same time.

As they approach the buildings the BETA is behind, they notice that there is a large amount of light coming from its location. And stranger still, there seems to be light coming through the buildings. Both Jordan and John fly low, intent on staying undetected for as long as possible. Jordan overtakes John, flying first, hoping to distract the BETA, while John flies some seconds behind him.

And then the BETA comes into view. It's sitting on the street, lying on a building for support. But that's not the most interesting thing. The most interesting thing is that its armour has been pushed outward in places, forming cracks that reveal its insides. Through those cracks come fast moving things that grab materials from their surroundings and pull them inside the BETA, picking apart the nearby building, the various debris that litter the street and even the street itself, reaching for the wires inside it and gobbling them up like colourful spaghetti.

The light they were seeing seems to be coming from inside the BETA, most of it coming through the cracks on its armour. But some of it seems to be coming through the armour, from the thing made of light that moves inside it.

With his vision enhancing helmet, John can see through the plates of armour, the cracks giving a way in to the various active sensors of the device. He can see the various robotic arms moving on rails in its torso and on the inner surface of the armour, some of them smaller than a human arm, others being quite larger. Most of them are holding the various pieces of armour, moving them out of the way, while the rest extend, reaching through the gaps in the armour to grab pieces of metal and other debris from around it.

What's more interesting though, is the fact that there seem to be two spheres buried near the centre of its torso among various other things. They seem to be armoured and connected with lots of things inside the BETA.
He can also spot various fuel pods spread around its body, but none of them are very large, except for one near its left arm, the one with the dome. It probably has another large one near its back, but its armour remains closed there.
((You (John/Toaster) have also seen other parts of its body, I'm not listing them all here for time's sake. I just listed what I would consider the most obvious targets. If you want to learn more about part of it or if there's something you want to look for, just ask.))

The BETA reacts to their presence. It doesn't move its limbs much but it begins retracting the various arms back into its armour.
One of those sphere-drones with the lenses flies out of the building the BETA is leaning on and starts flying towards John, despite Jordan's spaceplane presenting a larger target.

---

---

OOC

---

Done with university work and various family distractions. I should hopefully be able to increase the frequency of updates now.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on April 19, 2014, 12:19:06 pm

Quote from: Paris, in that post wherein Lenglon makes her last turn-post

I'd talk about my personality, but every time I try to do that I end up contradicting myself which proves I really know nothing about myself so I'll let you make your own judgement on the matter.

Really? That proves you know about yourself, however it is...well, not awry in a sense, but that you're on course--just a bit wobbly :P
So yeah.
Why?
Because that's me and my thinking too. :D

Yes, I think I understand. Thanks. I mean it.

I'm going to update the mission you're in Monday. Got until then to post an action if you want to (or just tell me that you don't want to influence your host in any way if that's what you want).
I'm sorry. I tried to give you more time because I didn't want to make a choice for you when it could lead to things happening. But I've got to think of the other players.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:38:26 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 11:17:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:13:19 pm

((Maybe bringing the guy who's personality is 'fuck compromise I want a soda' on this mission wasn't the best plan :P))

((No, it is always a good idea to have a wildcard like Alan on these types of missions.

Always.))

((Of course, how could I fuck up the plot otherwise?))

Well, you, to my surprise, manage to have the approximately the same impact on the plot as the one I had planned for you to have, you just did it in a very roundabout way that I didn't predict. And you didn't complete any of your secondary objectives which means that you can only gain points if your team wins. Good thing I don't award negative points for screwing up your host. Now that I think about it, maybe I should give you an extra point anyway, for doing things in a way I couldn't predict. Call it a creativity award. We'll see.

---

Anyway, thought of another game mode. It's like a mix of Assault, Survival and Conflict. It's a more strategic thing for those who like to plan stuff.
It's like this: One player gets chosen to be the Attacker and the rest are Defenders.
The Defenders design a location. That location must have an objective that is reachable by the Defenders from the outside (for example, it can be in an impregnable concrete bunker as long a the bunker has a door but it can't be a castle with no gate (unless all the defenders can fly)).
The attacker gets advantages proportional to the defender's powerlevel and the strength/complexity of the location's defences. (for example, for an underwater base, the attacker would probably choose scuba gear or something similar that allows them to enter it. If the defenders decided to be smartasses and put a million mooks between the objective and the attacker, the attacker would gain a way to bypass them.)
The attacker wins if he reaches the objective (and optionally if he manages to get out/carry it out, depending on the nature of the objective). The attacker gains a great reward if he wins, because the odds are against him.
The defenders win if they manage to stop the attacker or the time limit expires.
Everybody looses if the objective/location becomes unreachable/destroyed/unclaimable (to prevent the attackers collapsing the cave the objective is in for example).
If you don't like fighting against another player, you could choose an entity for the Attacker role instead.
Anyway, still thinking about it, I'm unsure about some parts.

...Now that I've written it all down, it sounds a lot more complex then it did in my head.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 25, 2014, 09:14:18 pm

Continue Flying, but conserve energy for use to grow.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Tiruin on April 25, 2014, 10:01:34 pm

Theri: From here. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5110132#msg5110132)

<Alright Irene, I trust you on this. Keep vigilant. Got it: I'll be warning Awena ahead of time regarding all this--I don't want my host to be caught unawares and will keep her fully up to date. I hope this is alright with you. Do you want me to tell Zoe that?...I'll ask later anyway-
[train of thought continued here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5194649#msg5194649)]
<I-Irene..I am wholly unsure about this. He hasn't told us his motive, why he'd be doing so...and I'm SERIOUSLY wary of the way he flaunts the use of the Scientist position! It's like saying you're the liege-lord yet you lack any inquiry about tribute to your vassals! It's...well. I'll let Awena check for the spirits around and will tell you from there on.

He says we've got little time left? That's enough time to do something. Whatever I want-well, whatever me and Awena wants is that Amelia lives. I have no purposeful goal but to keep Awena safe and I'll make that my priority, but that won't take hold OVER you or anyone else! Especially Amelia!>

Theri Action: Inquire to Awena about the spirits--what do they say regarding this case. Also, do not make any moves to interrupt but do not make any moves to let whatever happens anyway: to probably back up in asking Boris -ehh,Victor- about his motive on WHY he would do so.

---

Irene: Time. Time. Time.
All he asks for is time but when is the right time? Looks like my negotiations are working but it seems that Theri shares the same bad feeling about this. I don't even know what the machine does! Maybe...no, Zoe must do this by herself. But we both share the same idea.
<Tell us about the machine-what will you do to her. What does your host, Victor, want to do with her?>
Not that threatening, not that vague either. Good. It seems he still knows his boundaries but then he's being aware of mine-ours.
But...something isn't right.
<And why must it be timed? Why can't we do it now? These questions need to be answered so we can understand, Victor. When you've the government on your tail, you must at least tell everyone on your side your knowledge.>
This sounds too assertive but...I guess its the only way to reach a compromise.
I just want to see Amelia safe.
<You're not supposed to wake her up or heal her? Alright, my host knows medicine and she'll be able to take care of that--we only need to know what you will do TO her given th-what you said earlier.>

Be aware of the surroundings, defend Zoe from any sort of manipulation--detect any sort of manipulation in Victor's words.
Talk to Victor. Let Zoe speak freely.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 25, 2014, 11:18:36 pm

I like the new game mode. Guessing that Coolrune would be the Attacker, and he would kill Angel early on.

Also, the BETA is reminding me of something from Worm. Anyone who's read it and doesn't recognize it: Bitch's Dragon suit. There, that should remind you while confusing everyone else.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Xantalos on April 26, 2014, 02:04:49 am

But this thing is actually hard to take down.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 26, 2014, 07:28:02 am

True enough. Of course, I'd say the self-repair capabilities would make it qualify as "hard to take down" by all practical definitions, but eh.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Toaster on April 26, 2014, 12:21:46 pm

((I like the new game mode.  I'd volunteer to be attacker. Would attacker work via PM?))


<<Damn!  Can you get this thing off me?>>


Quickly technomance the explosive to see how reliable it is.  Summon up whatever best single-shot plasma pistol I can, and try to blow that thing out of the sky.

If I can get clear, fly in and plant the explosive on the easiest high-value target I can; the biggest armor-moving arm, a cluster of sensors, a drive for the rail system; something available.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 26, 2014, 12:30:29 pm

<"I can give it a shot...">
Fly in and actively buzz it, firing at it with pistol enough to annoy it, though probably not damage it unless extremely lucky. Activate adrenaline rush for extra measure.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on April 26, 2014, 01:49:24 pm

<<Sadly, my truck has been destroyed, so I need someone who can fly to come pick me up. Anyone up for a dive bombing run?>>
Find or make a bag/basket. Fill it with some fist sized chunks of rubble. Pick up any remaining scissor arrows.
Pick up a few potions. Smell them.
Empty a few larger flasks of potion and fill them with the liquid leaking from the truck.
Try to find some method of starting fires. Maybe salvage either the crossbow or the truck's battery and create a spark gap.
And try to find a suitable replacement for my bent club.

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: Fniff on April 26, 2014, 01:53:04 pm

<"Would you be okay with being chased by that robot at the same time as being picked up? If you could provide co-piloting help afterwards that would be also good.">

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: NAV on April 26, 2014, 09:21:10 pm

<<I guess it was to much to hope for a safe ride. Sounds good let's go. I'll help you deal with your robot problem.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wisdom of the Crowd
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 26, 2014, 10:23:00 pm

Attempt to lovate something to do or someone to talk to.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 30, 2014, 08:59:20 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 25, 2014, 09:14:18 pm

Continue Flying, but conserve energy for use to grow.

Flap, flap, flap your wings. Then air current. Then flap, flap, flap your wings some more.

We're in combat time so nothing exciting happens.

By the way, it would have normally taken you a bit longer to grow to this size since you were about the size of a sparrow. I just made you bigger to save you some time, because flying around with your tiny body until you found a food store while the others fight wouldn't be much fun and your current form doesn't give you any significant advantage or put other players at a disadvantage. (Now you still have to wait while the others fight but I couldn't predict Toaster's and Jordan's actions last turn.) Just saying that so you don't misunderstand the time this normally requires.

---

Quote from: Fniff on April 26, 2014, 12:30:29 pm

<"I can give it a shot...">
Fly in and actively buzz it, firing at it with pistol enough to annoy it, though probably not damage it unless extremely lucky. Activate adrenaline rush for extra measure.

You push the main engine lever to full and steer towards the drone, trying to intercept it before it gets to John. Time seems to slow down as you use one hand to get your gun and the other to make small course corrections. You line up the drone to your crosshairs perfectly aaand...

Wait a second... That drone is getting very close... Well, no problem, you'll just cut the engines aaand... Nope, that didn't work, it's still coming towards you, even though you can see its thrusters firing, trying to move it away from you and out of the way. Crap. Looks like you misjudged your speed. Maybe going to bullet time has its disadvantages after all.

With only a couple of seconds to spare, utilizing the quick reflexes your ability provides you with, you pull the control stick down and push both the engine and hover lever to full, hoping to at least avoid a collision with the cockpit and minimize the effect of the impact.

The nose of the plane slowly pulls up and you loose sight of the drone. For a few moments, you can only see the red moon in the starlit sky, framed by the nearby buildings, their façades lit up by the otherworldly light the BETA is giving off. And then you feel the spaceplane shudder from the impact. Various red lights join the ones that already existed in your cockpit, announced by a few warning beeps and a voice saying something you can't understand with an urgent tone.

You can feel the vehicle becoming less responsive, more unstable. Your ability is still active and allows you to maintain control, but only barely.

Quote from: Toaster on April 26, 2014, 12:21:46 pm

<<Damn!  Can you get this thing off me?>>

Quickly technomance the explosive to see how reliable it is.  Summon up whatever best single-shot plasma pistol I can, and try to blow that thing out of the sky.

If I can get clear, fly in and plant the explosive on the easiest high-value target I can; the biggest armor-moving arm, a cluster of sensors, a drive for the rail system; something available.

Jordan may have felt like what happened to him took several minutes, but for anyone else watching, things happened much faster. That is also true in John's case.

The spaceplane's engines scream as it suddenly swoops in and flies in front of you, tilts its nose up and hits the drone with the section of its underside closer to the engine before rocketing away. What remains of the drone is propelled away from the force of the impact and crashes into a nearby building. It is oddly reminiscent of a golf club hitting a golf ball for some reason.

Still, what matters is that the way is clear, so you keep flying towards the BETA.

The bomb seems to be working well, at least from what you can see. The antenna looks OK, all the wires are connected correctly... You can't be sure about its yield though or even about whether or not it will explode. Chemistry is not exactly your game.

As for your target, I'm not really sure about what you want. It's a tradeoff between potential danger and potential damage (because the "juicier" parts are closer to its centre, which means more chances of it doing something to you while you get there) and I don't know what your character would choose. The below are in order from "safe to do with laughable damage" to "almost impossible to reach with mission-winning damage".

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

• There are a few sensors that you can see but they are spread around its armour. There are also small sensors attached to those arms along with various tools, but I'm guessing that's not what you want. The bulk of its sensors was probably in and on its head, but you already shot that. I guess you could drop the bomb somewhere on its body and have it destroy some sensors if you really want to.
   
• There's the "throw it and hope it lands somewhere important" option that leaves you with almost no danger.
   
• Then there's the "plant the bomb on one of the arms coming out of the armour" which is a bit more dangerous.
   
• Then we have the "approach and plant the bomb on an armour holding arm" and "approach and plant the bomb on a fuel pod" which are even more dangerous since they require you going inside the thing and require you to specify the body part you're attacking.
• Then there's the "approach and plant the bomb on one of the BETA's 'bones' (support structures) or 'veins/nerves' (thick bundles of wire)“ where you'd need to specify which body part you're attacking.
   
• Then there's the "approach and plant the bomb on one of the BETA's 'organs' (stuff with lots of wires coming into them or hubs where lots of very small arms build stuff)"
   
• Then there's the "hit an extremely high value target" which is the most dangerous since it requires you to get close to its two "hearts" and damage either them or the stuff connected to them. One of them seems to be the power source while the other seems to be a “brain“ with limited construction capabilities (you can tell by the differences in the electricity cursing through the wires connected to them and because the "brain sphere" has a few small arms surrounding it and some thrusters attached to it).
   

Or you can think of something else. Or you can have me decide at random.

But don't go building anything big if you want to exploit this opportunity, its armour will close in a while and some of the arms have already started trying to close the hole on its "neck" and "leg".

Oh, and there's that thing made of light inside the BETA. It doesn't look like it's  physical, but with those supernatural things, you can never be sure.

As for the BETA's damage:

• HEAD: GONE
• LEFT ARM: Dome Fist, Large Fuel Pod, OK
• RIGHT ARM: Laser Shotgun, OK
• TORSO: Main Thrusters (armoured), Organs, Hearts, OK
• LEFT LEG: Main Thrusters, Tracks, SEVERE DAMAGE, NO STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
• RIGHT LEG: Main Thrusters, Tracks, FOOT AND MAIN THRUSTERS MODERATELY DAMAGED

So, lots of info, lots of possible choices. If you want more info on something, ask. Let it never be said that I refused to provide absurd amounts of info for a simple choice.

If it helps your decision, just imagine that you're planting a bomb on a giant human and the closer you go to its heart and/or the centre of a body part, the less chances planting the bomb would succeed. And that the giant human has his brain in his chest. And the giant human's skin is armoured and can move move and be repaired with the help of human arms coming out of its bone and skin. And that the giant human is possessed by a demon.
Oh, and no genitals, that's like the most important detail. Yeah, that was a lame joke.
Yeah, that probably didn't help. Sounds like something out of Call of Cthulu.

If you still want to build that gun, say so and I'll assume you began doing it this turn.

---

Quote from: NAV on April 26, 2014, 01:49:24 pm

<<Sadly, my truck has been destroyed, so I need someone who can fly to come pick me up. Anyone up for a dive bombing run?>>
Find or make a bag/basket. Fill it with some fist sized chunks of rubble. Pick up any remaining scissor arrows.
Pick up a few potions. Smell them.
Empty a few larger flasks of potion and fill them with the liquid leaking from the truck.
Try to find some method of starting fires. Maybe salvage either the crossbow or the truck's battery and create a spark gap.
And try to find a suitable replacement for my bent club.

We're in combat time so you don't have enough time to do all that. But you can do some.

You attached those arrows on the front of the vehicle. The front of the vehicle collided with the BETA. And then your vehicle got punched and rolled for several meters. I'd say your chances of finding one intact aren't great.

You find a thick plastic bag behind a display and start filling it with some fist sized chunks of rubble. You also look for a replacement club among the debris, but you can't find any that are big enough. While you're picking up rubble, you carefully pick up a mostly intact glass vial you come across. You slowly bring it under your nose. It's bloody, much like the rest of your face, but with some effort, you think you can make out something through the blood. It's... alcohol... and... something sweet... seems familiar... STRAWBERRY?

<Yep. You're in a perfume store.> says your entity in an amused manner, probably responding to your facial expression. Which is kind of odd, considering half your face is gone.

You hear the roar of rocket engines outside, followed by the sound of a collision.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on April 26, 2014, 10:23:00 pm

Attempt to lovate something to do or someone to talk to.

Lovate? ... Urban dictionary says that means "love and hate at the same time". So, would that be a will roll then?

Anyway, lame jokes aside, you're in that dark void until you timeout. Guess you could talk with an entity or meditate or reflect on your conservative ineptitude.

---

Meanwhile...

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2014, 09:45:41 pm

>Eyes closed for now, but take a peek every once in a while to try and get a feel for your surroundings. Listen intently but don't make any movements. Keep it simple.

You can feel vibrations sometimes stronger and sometimes gentler. Sometimes you feel like you're being pulled left or right.
Then there's that beeping sound you can hear every once in a while. Sounds slow. You can hear people talking through a speaker, but it's volume is quiet, making it hard to make out what they are saying.

Your host opens his eyes for a moment  and quickly closes them again. His vision seems clearer now.
He can see the man dressed in dark blue, some kind of police officer, looking out a pair of windows that is directly opposite to you, his back turned on you.
You can't see the man in white.
Your surroundings look clean and utilitarian, at least the part you can see, those above you and in front of you. Mostly white or orange and filled with small storage drawers.

<Think human. He can't escape without your help. You only have a few minutes to help him. What are his problems and what are you going to do about them?>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2014, 11:13:19 pm

Pansy.

Try to reconnect.

((Maybe bringing the guy who's personality is 'fuck compromise I want a soda' on this mission wasn't the best plan :P))

Nope. (http://youtu.be/m893eOZFPR0)

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2014, 12:50:05 am

"Well, you know, this was pretty fun if only because of ol' Ike Wayne being such a badass most of the time. But then again, I haven't used the more fun bits of my arsenal yet. I get the feeling that's about to change."

>Keep on driving in the free world!

<Yeah! That's the spirit! Let's go show 'em who's boss.
I'm not the type to desire wanton murder and destruction, but when life asks you to make an omelet, you might as well enjoy breaking those eggs, am I right?>

We got a thousand pointy bullets (http://youtu.be/QGTzMvXTUiY?t=3m8s)
for the rebel man
Got a faster, better
machine shotgun
Got a mindless agent,
with no ID paper
Got a detailed description,
for the robot slayer
Got a game master,
says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn,
got roads to drive.

Keep on drivin in the free world!

Unless you were quoting the Pearl Jam one or the other various covers.

---

Quote from: Alarith on April 18, 2014, 09:55:57 pm

Continue driving.
((I really feel like saying something more, but i can't think of anything.))

((You and me both.))

---

Quote from: Tiruin on April 25, 2014, 10:01:34 pm

Theri: From here. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5110132#msg5110132)

<Alright Irene, I trust you on this. Keep vigilant. Got it: I'll be warning Awena ahead of time regarding all this--I don't want my host to be caught unawares and will keep her fully up to date. I hope this is alright with you. Do you want me to tell Zoe that?...I'll ask later anyway-
[train of thought continued here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5194649#msg5194649)]
<I-Irene..I am wholly unsure about this. He hasn't told us his motive, why he'd be doing so...and I'm SERIOUSLY wary of the way he flaunts the use of the Scientist position! It's like saying you're the liege-lord yet you lack any inquiry about tribute to your vassals! It's...well. I'll let Awena check for the spirits around and will tell you from there on.

He says we've got little time left? That's enough time to do something. Whatever I want-well, whatever me and Awena wants is that Amelia lives. I have no purposeful goal but to keep Awena safe and I'll make that my priority, but that won't take hold OVER you or anyone else! Especially Amelia!>

Theri Action: Inquire to Awena about the spirits--what do they say regarding this case. Also, do not make any moves to interrupt but do not make any moves to let whatever happens anyway: to probably back up in asking Boris -ehh,Victor- about his motive on WHY he would do so.

Your inquiry causes Awena to focus on her abilities. As she does so she begins seeing... things. Things that were there before but for some reason she couldn't see.
They are blurry and indistinct dark shapes, she can't really tell what they are. But they are everywhere, moving and twisting around each other. Some are coming out of the various machines like dark vapours, others surround Boris and Amelia and some swirl around the crystal in opposite directions, colliding with each other and exploding into flakes of darkness. And the noise, it's terrible. Muffled shouts and screams, the chittering and buzzing of a thousand insects appearing over the horizon, the sounds of battle...
It frightens her. She has never witnessed something like this before. But she doesn't loose her focus. She presses on, desperate for an answer.
She tries to focus more on the vision but there is some kind of resistance. Something here is keeping her from seeing clearly, getting in the way like a curtain, making her head hurt. She can't get the images to focus, to become clearer, she can't make sense of what she's seeing.
With one exception.
The red bird from before hovers around Boris, flying swiftly in menacing patterns. It dives for an attack, aiming for Boris' eyes, too fast for Awena to warn him. But the blue fish suddenly jumps out of the crystal and gets in its way. The fish is hurt by the bird's attack instead. It retreats inside the crystal while the bird gets ready for another attack. You feel like it's looking at you, inviting you to join it in its attack.
The vision begins to fade as your host looses her focus. That's as much willpower as she can muster for now. She closes her eyes and holds her hand to her forehead, trying to dull the pain and calm her thoughts.
Why these two beings? Why are they following me tonight? What is going on? What does it all mean?

Well, that wasn't very helpful.

Quote from: Tiruin on April 25, 2014, 10:01:34 pm

Irene: Time. Time. Time.
All he asks for is time but when is the right time? Looks like my negotiations are working but it seems that Theri shares the same bad feeling about this. I don't even know what the machine does! Maybe...no, Zoe must do this by herself. But we both share the same idea.
<Tell us about the machine-what will you do to her. What does your host, Victor, want to do with her?>
Not that threatening, not that vague either. Good. It seems he still knows his boundaries but then he's being aware of mine-ours.
But...something isn't right.
<And why must it be timed? Why can't we do it now? These questions need to be answered so we can understand, Victor. When you've the government on your tail, you must at least tell everyone on your side your knowledge.>
This sounds too assertive but...I guess its the only way to reach a compromise.
I just want to see Amelia safe.
<You're not supposed to wake her up or heal her? Alright, my host knows medicine and she'll be able to take care of that--we only need to know what you will do TO her given th-what you said earlier.>

Be aware of the surroundings, defend Zoe from any sort of manipulation--detect any sort of manipulation in Victor's words.
Talk to Victor. Let Zoe speak freely.

<Tell us about the machine-what will you do to her. What does your host, Victor, want to do with her?>
<From what I understand, this girl, the one your host calls Amelia, the one my host calls Amethyst, has something special about her. Something that grants her incredible power. That power will build up overtime until she is compelled to release it. But doing so would mean her death.
This machine should work to alter the flow of the power released from her like a pressure release valve, saving her life in the process.>
<And why must it be timed? Why can't we do it now? These questions need to be answered so we can understand, Victor. When you've the government on your tail, you must at least tell everyone on your side your knowledge.>
<I'm not really sure, but I think that girl is like a bomb and Boris can't control when it goes off but he can control how it does. This "how" is what he wants to alter.>
<You're not supposed to wake her up or heal her? Alright, my host knows medicine and she'll be able to take care of that--we only need to know what you will do TO her given th-what you said earlier.>
<Why does it even matter what I want to do with her? Why do you care about what happens here after you leave? You want her alive, I want her alive. Just get your host to cooperate and we can finish this. Then we'll be done with this challenge and never have to come back here again.>

"What is that? What do you want to do with her?" Zoe echoes Irene's question, using the barrel of her firearm to point at the machine and then back at Boris.
"She is sick. This will remove the sickness from within her. It's for her own good." responds Boris. He looks distant and not in the least perturbed by the way Zoe waves her gun around.
"Taking her from her home? Drugging her? That was for her own good too?" Zoe continues angrily.
"I know nothing about that. I was not responsible for it. But I can say that whoever did that, did it because it was necessary. To protect her and those around her."
"Yeah, yeah. And you did all that out of the kindness of your heart." she adds with equal amounts of anger and sarcasm in her voice. "Why shouldn't I just kill you right now?"
Boris seems to be getting bored by all this. Boris seems to be getting bored-ish. Yes, another lame joke hidden in transparent.
"If it would help you trust me, then-" he opens his coat to reveal a pistol. He very slowly retrieves the pistol, holding it from its barrel in a non-threatening manner and offering it to Zoe. "take this. If I do not do as I promised, then kill me."
Zoe is a bit taken aback by this. It does sound tempting. While she considers his offer, Boris continues speaking.
"If you will not let me have her, then you'd better kill me right now." he adds with not even a hind of emotion in his voice. You're not sure whether or not that's a threat or a request.

---

OOC

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 26, 2014, 12:21:46 pm

((I like the new game mode.  I'd volunteer to be attacker. Would attacker work via PM?))

((Whatever they want, really. PMs or no PMs, that's always up to you, as stated in the rules in the first post. If, for example, you decided that the fight against BETA was hopeless, you could send me a PM to kill the other contestants (since last man standing wins in case of failure).

That being said, on one hand, I prefer no PMs, because it allows me to write stuff that I can immediately show it in the main thread.
On the other hand, I like it when players scheme and send me PMs with fun/smart actions. And, choosing no PMs in that kind of situation, especially if you choose a more stealthy approach, would leave you at a disadvantage, since you'd have to rely on the others not abusing OOC info to "accidentally" be prepared for your ambush.
That's why I sometimes send PMs to players even if they don't, if I think that writing stuff in a turn could lead to a serious disadvantage due to OOC knowledge given to other players.
Of course, a cunning player could use giving OOC knowledge to other players as an advantage...

Anyway, I was thinking the other day, running test missions of that type in my head and I discovered a couple of problems: These types of missions need to be carefully balanced. That's because there's always the chance that one good move or one blunder from either side can ensure an outcome (victory or defeat). So I need to make sure that no side is given an unfair advantage from the start even more so than usual.
But the biggest problem is that if the attacker decides to take a stealthy approach, the defence team might be stuck sitting around doing nothing or just running from place to place trying to keep up with the attacker. Of course, one might say that this should be the case, since being stealthy is difficult, especially in RTDs, so the attacker should be rewarded for his luck and skill. But that still leaves the possibility of player boredom in, which should generally be avoided. This could be offset by having a small defence team (maybe no more than three players) and a small mission area, so that the mission won't take long to finish, but it can still be a problem. It's one of the reasons I don't like the Amethyst mission: everybody seems to be driving somewhere most of the time, waiting to be at the same time as others, instead of actually doing stuff. Plays more like an action movie than a game.

Of course, no simulation is as realistic as reality. Maybe I'm just focusing too much on things that are unlikely to happen. So it might be better to stop fretting about it and just run a mission of that type anyway, see what happens.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 30, 2014, 09:19:57 pm

Land on the windshield of the descending spaceplane. Compute whether I am strong enough to hold an adult male human and fly at the same time. If so, grab the pilot and fly him to the ground. If not, give the pilot a sympathetic look before taking off in the direction of the BETA.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on April 30, 2014, 09:32:59 pm

((I have a feeling that we're not going to win this fight. Not without a lot more deaths, or a lot more luck.))

Conservative ineptitude? Sounds like something to meditate about.

Also attempt to contact some Entity interested in talking with me.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Alarith on April 30, 2014, 09:47:59 pm

Faron
Continue to drive safely, it would be awful to come all this way to die in a car accident.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: NAV on April 30, 2014, 09:56:59 pm

Find a battery, either from the truck or the crossbow. Create a spark gap to act as a fire starter. Or just look for a lighter in drawers or something if I can't do that.

Try to light a few drops of the liquid leaking from the truck on fire, and try to light a few drops of perfume on fire. To test if they're flammable.

<"Jordan, are you okay? I still need a pilot.">

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Xantalos on April 30, 2014, 10:45:07 pm

...

Pass the time by imagining complex worlds and trying to imagine how they'd be effected by being flooded by sentient wigs.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 30, 2014, 11:33:33 pm

Zechariah calculated the angles quickly. Scion was right about not having much time, so he had to think.

Interface, Scion: <I think I can get him out. There are two ways: I could use the Shadow to make the room's occupants think that my host is not even moving, while my host takes his leisure and waltzes out of the room - possibly with whatever is in the cabinets, too. Second option is riskier: I summon all of my power and, using the sunlight from the windows to make crystal shards, pin the two occupants to the walls and interrogate them.
I don't see any shadows in the room so far... so I guess I'm going to have to try using the crystals of light...

There is one problem. How do I know how much energy he has left? I'm afraid that I'll try it and then he'll faint in the middle of it all..>

>Try to listen into your surroundings. Channel your energy, your willpower. Focus on the locations of the people in the room... draw energy from the sun. You can do it.

Once you're ready... unleash the shards of light and pin the others to the wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 01, 2014, 10:38:36 am

Forget the summon; need to concentrate on placement.

Let's go with a bundle of "nerves" somewhere in the torso.  Plant it, GTFO, and get out of its reach.  Detonate once I'm beyond its reaching ability (50m or so is probably safe.)

If possible, brush my arm against it to briefly technomance the BETA.  If it tries to mindflay me or it's too much information, back off, but otherwise learn what I can while I can- this is secondary to bomb placement.


((Also, yeah, if you're unsure about the 1-player assault, just do a really quick one.  If it fails, little of value was lost.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 01, 2014, 11:06:22 am

"Man, getting anywhere is taking forever in this town, isn't it? Ah well, the thought of explosives keeps me alive in the tedium."

>Drive resolutely toward the current objective.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 04, 2014, 01:23:51 am

((I hate you paris. And by that I mean ARGHGHGHGHGG THIS IS SO INTENSE
I'm controlling Lenglon's Irene and...oh dear goodness)

Theri

Quote

Well, that wasn't very helpful.

...N-no. It is helpful.

Awena! Remember the firebird we last saw? Back when we saw the waterfish and went to get Zoe? It was a symbol of what was to be!
I-...alright, call me crazy, but it seems like the firebird symbolizes either us which NEED to attack Bor-Victor, because his schemes are actually ulteriorly malevolent and that the...err, his...spirit guide-bracelet thingy (...aw fish. Did I tell you that you're seeing the fish jump from an invisible 'bracelet' on his arm or wrist? Because that's my best description of how we err...'non-spirit spirits' see each other)

..Oh River, help me quick here.


So either that, or Zoe is going to attack the man out of being unsure. OR we'll all be attacked by the result of his experiment and the presence of us, non-spirit spirit guides, are which deflect the power of...whatever will happen.

I'll ask Irene--well, the name of the spirit guiding Zoe, to form a defensive shield around the area. On whatever Zoe or you do...well, I'll leave it to your decision. Though know that I am fully unaware or unsure about Victor's host's motive. As in, really. He might be able to suck out...whatever metaphysical thing is with Amelia (and why she was given IV[?] before?), wait I'm not helping.

No pressure though Awena. Just to let you know: You're an awesome person and thanks for believing in spirits like me. That's very kind of you.
But don't die, ok? I don't ever like to see people die. :/

What are your thoughts on this matter, Awena?

Theri sighed in the metaphysical area of her own sanctum within Awena's thoughts. How...why should they trust Victor when he doesn't even detail a single thing on his motive?!
It didn't feel right. But even then, the spirits telling Awena--and therefore Theri--didn't jive with ulterior motive things (unless it predicted the future, wherein Theri was half-pondering a way on how to sever the bracelet-wielder from the host...given the occurrence of that event.)

...
<Irene. I'm unsure what to do, but what I see--I see a firebird attacking Victor, then an azure fish jumping out of his bracelet to protect him. Awena also sees shadows...darkness-forms everywhere. From the machines. Surrounding Boris and Amelia. And there are shadows in that crystal, moving opposite to each other, swirling around and then exploding into flakes of darkness. There's noise. Battle. Screams. A thousand insects chittering...

<I do not understand. I need help.>

Quickturn please: What are Awena's thought son the matter. Also River, help!

---

---

Irene
...
Wait, editing. Getting background.
Arghghghgh

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

Anyway, I don't have enough time to make a turn right now, I'll probably make one in 12-18 hours, I just wanted to tell you the fish came out of the crystal in the center of the room, the one Boris wants to use on Amelia, not Victor's Interface. Victor's interface doesn't have a Crystal, unlike yours.
Interface is the name of that bracelet, although I think that nobody told you that yet for some reason. You can assume to know that if you want, to save you some time.

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

As always, feel free to ask anymore questions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 04, 2014, 08:00:47 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

((As long as no puppies were harmed in the real world, you're doing the right thing.))

Quote

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

((Indeed. There's plenty of inspiration out there.
Try setting some rules. Crystals might be magically-charged, so they're best suited as primal standalone artifacts or power sources for powerful ones. Gold works well with enchantments that need to last a while, but it's harder to enchant (and expensive) so only the really good ones get so much as a pinch. Iron's good at destroying magical things, like demonslaying swords or antimagic fields. Stuff like that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 04, 2014, 08:26:32 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

Anyway, I don't have enough time to make a turn right now, I'll probably make one in 12-18 hours, I just wanted to tell you the fish came out of the crystal in the center of the room, the one Boris wants to use on Amelia, not Victor's Interface. Victor's interface doesn't have a Crystal, unlike yours.
Interface is the name of that bracelet, although I think that nobody told you that yet for some reason. You can assume to know that if you want, to save you some time.

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

As always, feel free to ask anymore questions.))

Wat.

When I said 'I hate you', I mean ohmygodI LOVETHIS. :v
It's like, we say 'hate you' but in text it lacks the tone and the mood that says otherwise.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 04, 2014, 10:21:23 am

The wonders of pure-text communication.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Fniff on May 05, 2014, 06:15:37 pm

"Ahh crap, okay, going in for a crash landing! Look out below!"
Try to make a landing. If the dragon is able to save me, be saved. However, if the saying about god and those who help themselves is true, then push the stick down, go in for a landing on a part of the street not covered in rubble, and hope that Jordan doesn't get his stupid neck broken.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: NAV on May 05, 2014, 06:19:57 pm

((Not gonna kamikaze it into the BETA? What a waste.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Fniff on May 05, 2014, 06:22:38 pm

(Jordan's not the kind of guy to kamikaze. For one thing, he's not completely whacked out on meth.)

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 05, 2014, 06:36:45 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on April 30, 2014, 09:32:59 pm

((I have a feeling that we're not going to win this fight. Not without a lot more deaths, or a lot more luck.))

Conservative ineptitude? Sounds like something to meditate about.

Also attempt to contact some Entity interested in talking with me.

((Like I said, maybe I made it a bit too difficult. Or maybe I expected you to work together and communicate more and come up with some strategy. Or maybe I expected you to get lucky.))

You begin thinking "Ommmm" (given that you currently lack a body) and contemplate past events. It gets kinda boring after a while, continuously reliving your (admittedly short) life, nothing to indicate the passage of time in this dark void, no way to know if it's been a few minutes or a few hours.

After a while, you've had enough and instead try to use telepathy to inform anyone you can reach that you desire conversation.

[d7:3->S0] "Acknowledged. State your request."

---

Quote from: NAV on April 30, 2014, 09:56:59 pm

Find a battery, either from the truck or the crossbow. Create a spark gap to act as a fire starter. Or just look for a lighter in drawers or something if I can't do that.

Try to light a few drops of the liquid leaking from the truck on fire, and try to light a few drops of perfume on fire. To test if they're flammable.

<"Jordan, are you okay? I still need a pilot.">

Well, your crossbow is thoroughly destroyed, so not much chance of getting a battery from there.
You begin trying to use your bent club as a crowbar, trying to pry the truck's exterior open and get where you assume its powersource is. Try as you may, however, you just can't muster enough strength with your bare hands alone.
You try putting your entire body weight on your improvised corwbar, but your hands are still slippery from the blood. You loose your grip on the metal club and fall straight into the puddle the liquid coming out of the truck has formed.
You lie there for a moment and are about to take a deep breath when you feel something cold stinging you in the back. You instinctively roll away. The feeling continues for a few moments and then subsides.
<Today really isn't your day, is it?>
The puddle now has a bit of your blood mixed in it.

Frustrated, you check around the shop for a lighter. You find nothing. Damn future people. Why you no smoke?
But then you have an idea. There might be a lighter in the truck! You crawl back inside the truck and begin searching. Eventually you find a small half-empty lighter buried under some plastic cards inside a small compartment of the truck. You'd expect the truck to have an electric lighter, but you're not one to look a gift lighter in the mouth.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 01, 2014, 10:38:36 am

Forget the summon; need to concentrate on placement.

Let's go with a bundle of "nerves" somewhere in the torso.  Plant it, GTFO, and get out of its reach.  Detonate once I'm beyond its reaching ability (50m or so is probably safe.)

If possible, brush my arm against it to briefly technomance the BETA.  If it tries to mindflay me or it's too much information, back off, but otherwise learn what I can while I can- this is secondary to bomb placement.


((Also, yeah, if you're unsure about the 1-player assault, just do a really quick one.  If it fails, little of value was lost.))

I'm going to assume that Fniff isn't going to heroically kamikaze his plane on the BETA to aid your attack, so I'm just going to do the turn without him. There's always the chance that he crashes on to you and kills you I guess, so consider yourself lucky on that front.
Now, let's see how lucky you are with your assault...


You pull your jetpack into a dive and fly towards the crack in the BETA's armour as fast as possible. The BETA scrambles to respond,  arranging a few arms in front of the hole like moving teeth armed with construction tools, while the rest continue to work on closing its armour.
You almost make it through the hole. Almost being the key word here.

You dodge and weave your way through the arms, but at the last second you hear a metallic clang and feel like your left leg was just caught in a bear trap. The pain only gets worse in the next few milliseconds, as whatever's snagged your leg forces you to come to a complete stop, almost tearing the limb away from your body.
Your instincts to survive and run away clash with your need to minimise pain for a moment, the first eventually winning out.
You frantically try to get away, kicking against whatever's holding you with your one good leg and pushing with all the strength your jetpack can muster, eventually managing to slip away from the jaws of the machine before anything else gets to you.

The inside of the BETA is cramped and yet incredibly bright, even though it lacks any sort of lighting. It is full of arms carrying things around or fixing stuff, travelling on top of structural supports, gathering around small structures to deposit or pick up materials, wires connecting everything together. Your helmet allows you to see it in its entirety, its simplistic anthropomorphic design laid bare before your eyes.
And everything is touched by the tendrils of light extending from its heart, tendrils that twist around every "bone" of the BETA, tendrils that move from machine to machine as if pushed by an invisible water current, caressing each one gently before moving to the next.
Their light is so different than everything else in here. It's not the yellow and blue sparks of the welding arms, it's not the bright steady pulses of the power lines, it's not the mess of light and dark and colours of its communication lines. It's a steady grey light that seems to be visible through the metal of its "skeleton" and the screens of your helmet, as if its light renders all the materials it touches transparent.
It's kind of mesmerizing to watch, despite your pain and fear. So much so in fact that you almost don't notice it when another arm comes at you as you make your way further inside your enemy, swinging at you maliciously with its claws and saws. You manage to get out of the way but as you fly away you can feel the arm trying to grab your injured leg that is now hanging limp and useless below your body. You slip away without slowing down, but you are unsure about how much these two attacks have cost you. You aren't sure you want to look and find out.

Instead, you focus on your target, the thick bundle of wires in front of you. Each of the wires look like they're full of weak electrical pulses. A "nerve".
You hold your explosive ball with your right hand and extend your right arm like a basketball player going for the dunk while using your left hand to control the jetpack. You hit the bundle of wires with the bomb and use your momentum and the strength of the jetpack to shove it in, causing the various small cubes it's made of to become tangled in it.

Having seen the form of the machine in its entirety, your hand now inside part of its mind, you can't resist the temptation to use your abilities, if only for an instant, just to get a glimpse of how it really works.
You close your eyes and try to focus through the pain.
It doesn't work.
Your mind fills with a scream made of static. And there's this pressure, this headache, it feels as if someone has put your head in a vice. Your right hand starts feeling tingly, then cold, then numb, the feeling spreading to your right arm.

This is not going as well as it could.

((By the way, there was a roll when you used your power just like there was a roll when Ike touched the secondary anchor in mission 1. You (plural) just seem to fail horribly whenever you try to telepathically communicate with non-human entities for some reason.))

---

Quote from: Fniff on May 05, 2014, 06:15:37 pm

"Ahh crap, okay, going in for a crash landing! Look out below!"
Try to make a landing. If the dragon is able to save me, be saved. However, if the saying about god and those who help themselves is true, then push the stick down, go in for a landing on a part of the street not covered in rubble, and hope that Jordan doesn't get his stupid neck broken.

You push the control stick and the thrust lever down and try to steady the spaceplane while you look for a good place to land.
You slowly bring the spaceplane down towards the street while firing the RCS in reverse to slow down. The spaceplane's broken wheels touch the street. You can hear the sound of metal dragging and then something breaks and now the bottom of the spaceplane is touching the street. You stop holding the controls and just hold on to your seatbelt, hoping to minimise the discomfort the vibrations are causing you. The spaceplane drags on the street for a few more meters, turning to the side and then coming to a stop in the middle of the street.

Your ability deactivates, just in time, leaving you shaken (literally) and surrounded with a smell of burnt plastic, but alive.

The BETA is somewhere behind you, a moderate distance away. You can hear something flapping its wing above you.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 30, 2014, 09:19:57 pm

Land on the windshield of the descending spaceplane. Compute whether I am strong enough to hold an adult male human and fly at the same time. If so, grab the pilot and fly him to the ground. If not, give the pilot a sympathetic look before taking off in the direction of the BETA.

You're a bit too far away for that. And the spaceplane doesn't have a windshield, Jordan blew that away. And the spaceplane isn't descending, it's ascending, at least for now. Oh, wait, now it's descending. And now it has crash-landed, leaving many sparks and a few pieces of metal behind it. Yay?

---

Meanwhile...

---

Quote from: Alarith on April 30, 2014, 09:47:59 pm

Faron
Continue to drive safely, it would be awful to come all this way to die in a car accident.

You subtly suggest to your host that he ensures he gives priority to those coming from the left and that he comes to a complete stop at STOP signs. Best not to attract attention. You are driving a stolen vehicle after all.

<So, tell me Bryan.> you hear your entity, Kathryn, ask you <What would you be willing to do for your freedom and for the freedom of others?>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on April 30, 2014, 10:45:07 pm

...

Pass the time by imagining complex worlds and trying to imagine how they'd be effected by being flooded by sentient wigs.

You begin imagining you're in an old movie theatre. The lights dim, the curtain opens and an old projector begins showing a black and white film, filled with scratches and dust. Credits are shown along with crudely painted starfields while sappy music plays in the background. Eventually the title of the movie is shown in big white letters. A man, presumably the narrator, simultaneously announces it.

      Looneymax pictures present
"The attack of the
 Giant Sentient Wig Flood
 from nowhere!"

The credits then continue for another minute while the camera zooms in to what is clearly a globe suspended by string in the middle of black box with white spots painted on it.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 30, 2014, 11:33:33 pm

Zechariah calculated the angles quickly. Scion was right about not having much time, so he had to think.

Interface, Scion: <I think I can get him out. There are two ways: I could use the Shadow to make the room's occupants think that my host is not even moving, while my host takes his leisure and waltzes out of the room - possibly with whatever is in the cabinets, too. Second option is riskier: I summon all of my power and, using the sunlight from the windows to make crystal shards, pin the two occupants to the walls and interrogate them.
I don't see any shadows in the room so far... so I guess I'm going to have to try using the crystals of light...

There is one problem. How do I know how much energy he has left? I'm afraid that I'll try it and then he'll faint in the middle of it all..>

>Try to listen into your surroundings. Channel your energy, your willpower. Focus on the locations of the people in the room... draw energy from the sun. You can do it.

Once you're ready... unleash the shards of light and pin the others to the wall.

<So, you're planning to escape by taking a heavily injured human that is barely held alive by whatever they're doing to him here and having him use abilities he doesn't have by drawing power from the sun during the night to get out of a moving vehicle.
...
Are you doing this to me on purpose, human?>

((I know you probably forgot about some of that or just didn't state it clearly and some of those were stuff I didn't write clearly so I could see if you could figure it out from the description I gave but I couldn't resist the opportunity to have Scion list everything that is wrong with that plan.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 01, 2014, 11:06:22 am

"Man, getting anywhere is taking forever in this town, isn't it? Ah well, the thought of explosives keeps me alive in the tedium."

>Drive resolutely toward the current objective.

You can see the abandoned warehouse in the distance. The words "RAVENSCOURT INDUSTRIES" are black gaps on the starlit sky above the building, the old neon sign not lit up for years.

Your host makes a signal to the trailing police car to stop and then stops his own car a block or so away from the warehouse while he inspects it.

The warehouse itself is a large old thing made of concrete, two stories high, with a triangular roof made of metal. There are scant windows on its upper floor and none on its lower. Perfect fortification. They've probably barricaded the main entrance.
You can see black smoke rising off the roof and dissolving in the wind soon after. They're burning evidence probably, the smoke escaping from the skylights.

Any tactical suggestions for your host, now is the time, otherwise he's going on with his own initiative.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on May 04, 2014, 01:23:51 am

((I hate you paris. And by that I mean ARGHGHGHGHGG THIS IS SO INTENSE
I'm controlling Lenglon's Irene and...oh dear goodness)

Theri

Quote

Well, that wasn't very helpful.

...N-no. It is helpful.

Awena! Remember the firebird we last saw? Back when we saw the waterfish and went to get Zoe? It was a symbol of what was to be!
I-...alright, call me crazy, but it seems like the firebird symbolizes either us which NEED to attack Bor-Victor, because his schemes are actually ulteriorly malevolent and that the...err, his...spirit guide-bracelet thingy (...aw fish. Did I tell you that you're seeing the fish jump from an invisible 'bracelet' on his arm or wrist? Because that's my best description of how we err...'non-spirit spirits' see each other)

..Oh River, help me quick here.


So either that, or Zoe is going to attack the man out of being unsure. OR we'll all be attacked by the result of his experiment and the presence of us, non-spirit spirit guides, are which deflect the power of...whatever will happen.

I'll ask Irene--well, the name of the spirit guiding Zoe, to form a defensive shield around the area. On whatever Zoe or you do...well, I'll leave it to your decision. Though know that I am fully unaware or unsure about Victor's host's motive. As in, really. He might be able to suck out...whatever metaphysical thing is with Amelia (and why she was given IV[?] before?), wait I'm not helping.

No pressure though Awena. Just to let you know: You're an awesome person and thanks for believing in spirits like me. That's very kind of you.
But don't die, ok? I don't ever like to see people die. :/

What are your thoughts on this matter, Awena?

Theri sighed in the metaphysical area of her own sanctum within Awena's thoughts. How...why should they trust Victor when he doesn't even detail a single thing on his motive?!
It didn't feel right. But even then, the spirits telling Awena--and therefore Theri--didn't jive with ulterior motive things (unless it predicted the future, wherein Theri was half-pondering a way on how to sever the bracelet-wielder from the host...given the occurrence of that event.)

...
<Irene. I'm unsure what to do, but what I see--I see a firebird attacking Victor, then an azure fish jumping out of his bracelet to protect him. Awena also sees shadows...darkness-forms everywhere. From the machines. Surrounding Boris and Amelia. And there are shadows in that crystal, moving opposite to each other, swirling around and then exploding into flakes of darkness. There's noise. Battle. Screams. A thousand insects chittering...

<I do not understand. I need help.>

Quickturn please: What are Awena's thought son the matter. Also River, help!

---

---

Irene
...
Wait, editing. Getting background.
Arghghghgh

<She sees a world she wasn't meant to see. Her mind tries to make sense of what she sees but her fear taints her vision. It is a battle, everybody fighting for power and survival, but to her both sides look the same. And in a way, they are.> River tells Theri.
<That your host is sensitive to that realm might be more of a hindrance than a boon. It means that she is more receptive to the attempts of others to influence her. Have you not noticed how even though she has her freedom, she continuously turns to others for advice, you, the spirits, the girl? How passively she follows everything that is going on, simply doing as she is told?> He sounds angry.

But there's some truth to his words. You can feel some of Awena's thoughts. She responds only with more confusion to what you told her. She's unsure of what you mean. She questions how you are able to talk to her when she's having trouble seeing other spirits. She doesn't want to die but is resigned about the matter, unsure of how she's going to survive. Awena just wishes all of these problems would go away.

<As for the problem of your choice, I am unsure. Nor should I interfere for I am biased. But I will say the following:
On one hand, the fact that one lies or doesn't share the entire truth doesn't mean that he has malicious intent.
On the other hand, one that lies to everyone around him is not a man you should trust and count on when you're in need, he is a man you should keep an eye on.>

River gives off a mental sigh, which comes across more like a growl. <Look, you don't want to listen to me on this. I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear. If it was my choice, we'd be doing things a lot more... directly. I would ensure that only I and those I trusted had the power to do anything.>

<And if you and your new friend can't handle the burden of that choice, then you need not worry. One will be made for you.>

As if on cue, there's the crackle of a radio being activated. "Uuuh... sir?" comes the voice from one of the machines in the room. "I think we have something out here."

"Time's running out, girl." says Boris with annoyance, his hand still outstretched, offering his pistol to Zoe. "So what is it going to be? Because if you aren't going to kill me, I have work to do and this delay isn't helping me."
"Just be quiet and let me think for a moment!"

---

OOC

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 04, 2014, 08:00:47 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

((As long as no puppies were harmed in the real world, you're doing the right thing.))

So, as long as I don't harm any puppies, I got your permission to track you down and play real life Saw with you then? :P
If you haven't watched Saw, don't, it's terrible.
_{No puppies were harmed in the making of this post.}

Quote

Quote

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

((Indeed. There's plenty of inspiration out there.
Try setting some rules. Crystals might be magically-charged, so they're best suited as primal standalone artifacts or power sources for powerful ones. Gold works well with enchantments that need to last a while, but it's harder to enchant (and expensive) so only the really good ones get so much as a pinch. Iron's good at destroying magical things, like demonslaying swords or antimagic fields. Stuff like that.))

Spoiler: Long text where I talk about lots of mildly-related things because I was in the mood to talk for some reason (click to show/hide)

((Well, I was mostly joking, there actually aren't that many crystals (only 4 by my count) I just haven't bothered naming them or describing them much. I think it's more of a problem that I can't come up with names for things than my choice of materials.

And in my head things are clearer I guess, because I always think of the interface as "the interface" and I can see it in my head and not "the bracelet with the crystal" but that's pretty much the description I gave Tiruin because I was trying different writing tricks when I was writing her turns. Probably should had done a better job.

Plus, most of those things may use similar materials but actually look quite different.
The interfaces actually look something like this:

Quote from: Terrible GIMPing (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Interface_zpsba9f26ad.png)

So they are much more watch-like than crystal like, although they are kinda long, like a shackle or an arm-guard. Curiously, they are weightless and offer no protection.

Plus, other stuff look like that for historical reasons. For example, in universe, interfaces were designed like that because the designer got inspiration for its aesthetics from a piece of technology used in universe.
I got the inspiration for the thing that gave the in universe inspiration to the one who designed the interfaces from a cartoon/anime/something I watched when I was... I dunno, very young. Don't remember. Something about some aliens that wanted to kill some earth children and some kind of giant robot snake saved them? My head's only giving me fragments.
Anyway, you'll see what that in universe inspiration for the interface was if you choose Toaster's entity for a boss fight. Spoiler: It's actually quite non-magical, completely unrelated to its current function and probably not what you think.

Still, thanks for the suggestions. Things like gold for rare things don't work so well when you have people who can summon stuff from thin air though. Sounds like something that would be better suited for an RPG game, where you'd have economy and more rigid abilities. Still, the general idea behind them is good.

Remember, what you see in missions depends on what you ask. So far, we've been doing missions that involve futuristic magical stuff. You could ask for a more mundane or a more low-tech world if you don't like the current worlds or have gotten bored of them.

Man, I'm really talkative today for some reason. Maybe someone slipped something in my food.))

Quote from: Tiruin on May 04, 2014, 08:26:32 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

Anyway, I don't have enough time to make a turn right now, I'll probably make one in 12-18 hours, I just wanted to tell you the fish came out of the crystal in the center of the room, the one Boris wants to use on Amelia, not Victor's Interface. Victor's interface doesn't have a Crystal, unlike yours.
Interface is the name of that bracelet, although I think that nobody told you that yet for some reason. You can assume to know that if you want, to save you some time.

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

As always, feel free to ask anymore questions.))

Wat.

When I said 'I hate you', I mean ohmygodI LOVETHIS. :v
It's like, we say 'hate you' but in text it lacks the tone and the mood that says otherwise.

Yes, yes, don't worry. I understand what you meant. :)
It was a metaphor about how I see the challenges I put your characters through. Just felt like talking and saying stuff for some reason. Sorry.

---

Quote from: NAV on May 05, 2014, 06:19:57 pm

((Not gonna kamikaze it into the BETA? What a waste.))

((Oh, hey, that's the exact words I used in Toaster's turn! (wrote that before Fniff posted) You stole my mindthoughts! :P

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Fniff on May 05, 2014, 06:47:40 pm

"Okay... A situation occurred and it was an interesting experience. Anyone need help on the ground level? John, you got a good situation? Nikolai, you cool for a rescue?"

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 05, 2014, 06:57:45 pm

Ugh... knew it.  Too strong.  Cannot focus on it.


John heard a voice coming through to him, but it was a minute before he realized it was talking to him.  He focused on it as an anchor to reality.

<<Too strong to read its technosense... I'm hurt, but bomb planted.  Getting out now!>>


Focus on getting out as fast as possible.  If I can get to ~75m away, detonate.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 05, 2014, 07:40:03 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 05, 2014, 06:36:45 pm

<So, you're planning to escape by taking a heavily injured human that is barely held alive by whatever they're doing to him here and having him use abilities he doesn't have by drawing power from the sun during the night to get out of a moving vehicle.
...
Are you doing this to me on purpose, human?>

((I know you probably forgot about some of that or just didn't state it clearly and some of those were stuff I didn't write clearly so I could see if you could figure it out from the description I gave but I couldn't resist the opportunity to have Scion list everything that is wrong with that plan.))

((Oh, wow. I misunderstood the situation completely. I thought he was in some kinda hospital/secret lab already, and it was daytime now.
Boy, did I mess that up....

Can I get a mulligan for that one :D?))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 05, 2014, 07:45:56 pm

((The specific rules don't matter too much, but setting a couple should help keep things interesting.))

<Hi! I just wanted to talk. How are you today, mister...>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 05, 2014, 08:24:32 pm

Land directly in front of the Space-Plane's pilot. Glare at him for a minute, then simply sit down, tilt my head at him, and wait for a bit of instruction.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: NAV on May 05, 2014, 09:12:08 pm

Nikolai thinks to himself (And his entity)
Damn future people. No booze, no smokes, nothing good, only perfume. At least they have good taste in art.

Place a drop of the leaking fuel on a piece of scrap metal, test if it's flammable. If it isn't, then test the perfume.
Craft as many molotovs as I can with the flammable liquid, dump out the rocks and fill my bag with molotovs.
Keep a few rocks in my pocket.

If nothing burns, then go meet up with Jordan and Rune with my bag of rocks to drop on the robot.

Oh, and take the poster if it's intact.

To team:
<<Rescue isn't needed, I'm fine. Okay, not fine but I'm functional. What I needed was some wings.
Don't suppose anyone else can fly? I have some bombs to drop.>>

((Toaster, wrong colour. I'm green, you're limegreen.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 05, 2014, 09:15:04 pm

((Paris, may you teach me your art skills?))

Theri replied in turn to River.

<"Passively? This is no joke that she trusts us--and her 'passiveness' does NOT denote some kind of weakness or hindrance! She has something most do not, and it is only a weakness if she lacks guidance, just like anyone else in that position. While she does have freedom, she chooses to listen to others so she could have full perception of the situation! She trusts me as I trust her. She is no slave to herself. Her choices are hers alone! We are all but influences to her.

"...">
Theri thought to say something connected to earlier, but hesitated--even if River sounded mad didn't mean that he was...mad, or at least malicious.
Why did she think that?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2014, 05:19:07 am

((Yes, I think I know what you mean. Sometimes running these missions feels like I'm taking people I like and then I'm blindfolding you, throwing you into a room full of traps, forcing you to go through it and threatening to kill a puppy if you make the wrong choice. I know it's not real and no real people are getting hurt but a small part of me feels bad about that.

Anyway, I don't have enough time to make a turn right now, I'll probably make one in 12-18 hours, I just wanted to tell you the fish came out of the crystal in the center of the room, the one Boris wants to use on Amelia, not Victor's Interface. Victor's interface doesn't have a Crystal, unlike yours.
Interface is the name of that bracelet, although I think that nobody told you that yet for some reason. You can assume to know that if you want, to save you some time.

...I should probably diversify my magic artifacts. I seem to be using crystals for everything.

As always, feel free to ask anymore questions.))

Spoiler: Quick question before you post a turn; only for GM eyes (click to show/hide)

Quick question before I continue my post.
...Didn't you say the firebird was attacking Victor.
And that the fish that protected Victor...was from his bracelet? :V

Quote

The red bird from before hovers around Boris, flying swiftly in menacing patterns. It dives for an attack, aiming for Boris' eyes, too fast for Awena to warn him. But the blue fish suddenly jumps out of the crystal and gets in its way. The fish is hurt by the bird's attack instead. It retreats inside the crystal while the bird gets ready for another attack. You feel like it's looking at you, inviting you to join it in its attack.

Also if I can do a quick-action for Irene: Sense surroundings.

Pleeeaaase tell me I've enough time before a full-action/turn is taken.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Alarith on May 05, 2014, 10:10:33 pm

Bryan
<That is a hard question to answer.  It is one of those questions that you cannot fully answer until you are forced to.  It is also a question where the answer may change.  Nevertheless, I will try to answer it.  Most certainly I would be willing to fight and, if necessary, kill for it.  I would be willing to die so that others could go free.  And if I died fighting for my own freedom, then I would be okay with that.  I would be conflicted about killing someone who has done me no wrong.  For example, were it not my express orders, I would probably not kill Target Amethyst.  If I knew for a fact that the world would be a better place without my freedom, then I would be okay with that as well.  That is what I can think of at the moment.  May I ask you the same question?>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 05, 2014, 10:22:54 pm

Quote from: NAV on May 05, 2014, 09:12:08 pm

<<Rescue isn't needed, I'm fine. Okay, not fine but I'm functional. What I needed was some wings.
Don't suppose anyone else can fly? I have some bombs to drop.>>

<<I think there's another jetpack in the plane.>>

Quote from: NAV on May 05, 2014, 09:12:08 pm

((Toaster, wrong colour. I'm green, you're limegreen.))

((Ooops.  Also, it's Northern Green.))

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 05, 2014, 11:00:19 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 05, 2014, 07:40:03 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 05, 2014, 06:36:45 pm

<So, you're planning to escape by taking a heavily injured human that is barely held alive by whatever they're doing to him here and having him use abilities he doesn't have by drawing power from the sun during the night to get out of a moving vehicle.
...
Are you doing this to me on purpose, human?>

((I know you probably forgot about some of that or just didn't state it clearly and some of those were stuff I didn't write clearly so I could see if you could figure it out from the description I gave but I couldn't resist the opportunity to have Scion list everything that is wrong with that plan.))

((Oh, wow. I misunderstood the situation completely. I thought he was in some kinda hospital/secret lab already, and it was daytime now.
Boy, did I mess that up....

Can I get a mulligan for that one :D?))

Get a wha? What is that and what are you going to do with it?

*googles* Oh, that's what that means. Hey, look at me, I'm learning new expressions.

Yeah, sure, I was only joking. It was partly my fault that I didn't explain it better.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 05, 2014, 07:45:56 pm

((The specific rules don't matter too much, but setting a couple should help keep things interesting.))

<Hi! I just wanted to talk. How are you today, mister...>

<This unit is functioning normally.>
You wait for a few seconds but he says nothing. Looks like he didn't get the hint.
Either that or he's ignoring you.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 05, 2014, 08:24:32 pm

Land directly in front of the Space-Plane's pilot. Glare at him for a minute, then simply sit down, tilt my head at him, and wait for a bit of instruction.

Quote from: Dragon is looking at Fniff questioningly (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/141_velociraptor_zps9656ecd5.jpg)

Yes, I know it's actually a velociraptor.
Well, not a real velociraptor. A real velociraptor would have feathers. This is a Hollywood velociraptor.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on May 05, 2014, 09:15:04 pm

((Paris, may you teach me your art skills?))

Theri replied in turn to River.

<"Passively? This is no joke that she trusts us--and her 'passiveness' does NOT denote some kind of weakness or hindrance! She has something most do not, and it is only a weakness if she lacks guidance, just like anyone else in that position. While she does have freedom, she chooses to listen to others so she could have full perception of the situation! She trusts me as I trust her. She is no slave to herself. Her choices are hers alone! We are all but influences to her.

"...">
Theri thought to say something connected to earlier, but hesitated--even if River sounded mad didn't mean that he was...mad, or at least malicious.
Why did she think that?

((Hah, my art skills? I'm terrible, there are dozens of people in this forum that can do work orders of magnitude better than I can. I just do an OK job of combining things together.))

<I didn't imply she was inferior. I just pointed out a possible problem and said I don't like it. A matter of preference or opinion, I suppose.>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Xantalos on May 05, 2014, 11:12:11 pm

Alan's imagining of his face assumes a configuration resembling :D .

This is pleasing! What could be happening on this world, I wonder?

Be the annoying guy in the movie theatre who loudly speculates about future events in the movie.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 05, 2014, 11:39:03 pm

((*points at arm drawn above*
Case closed.))


. . .Theri opened her thoughts to her host, and connected it to what she was telling Irene that she could hear (<> can now be heard by my host)
Awena I-...guess you heard me talking back there, huh. It wasn't mean to be hidden from you more than it was meant to be my...err, thoughts--I didn't not mean to hide it from you, is what I'm saying. Anyway, I think I told Irene the wrong thing, let me correct it.

<Irene. The fish came from the crystal. Not the bracelet interface thing.>

...I will use myself and advise Irene to form a defense around this room through our intangible methods. I do not trust Victor, but I...in my own personal opinion-I can't see him lying that way.

<Irene, please tell Zoe not to shoot. I understand what to do>

I know this is all new to you, and I'm not the 'I'll explain later' type, but I've to say this now: Please trust us. Either way, you've my eternal gratitude for listening to me.

<I will stay on the alert, but I suggest you defend the perimeter with your powers. I am only adept in physical prowess. The fish comes from the crystal, not the bracelet. The firebird symbolizes danger in whatever form. Vict-Boris is important here.>

Also Awena, no matter what happens...thanks for trusting me and trying to understand me first. That means more than anything I can say. I cannot help as I have no connection to...whatever forces preside here, but I am limited in physical prowess. I'm open for anything you need, and sorry for thrusting you into all this (no this isn't a set-up.).

But please tell Zoe to not shoot him.

Theri: Keep alert. Feel the surroundings outside our area or in the machines (roll for common sense) for any enemies and help be the 'spotter' to Irene's eyes.

Suggest to Awena.

Also, get Amelia in place!

---

Irene: Lenglon, forgive me.

<...I will not shoot him.>

Let him work. Let Zoe handle this. Sense the area for any hostilites; work in tandem with Theri: Aim to block doorways with fire-based diversion or any openings of sight to the room if sensed any. If I sense any kind of hostility, try to feel the general area wherein they are located and issue a sweeping wave of flame in that area--but not precisely at that individual. Disrupt rather than attack.

If none are sensed? Create a pop or a flash of fire in a random area outside to subside only a moment later, just to be safe.

<What is with Awena?>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2014, 11:49:20 pm

"Could it be? Gods, is the driving finally over? I can scarcely believe it!"

>Grab shotgun plus ammo, tear gas, C4, machine pistol, put on gas mask. Advance carefully toward the warehouse, circle around before approaching. If any wretched parasite comes out of that warehouse, terminate with slight prejudice.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 06, 2014, 05:27:16 am

Continue staring

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 06, 2014, 06:51:20 am

((Pretty sure the arm isn't his, either in the sense that he drew it or in the sense that it was ripped off of his shoulder.))

<Um...what do you like to do? I'm Angel, by the way.>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 06, 2014, 07:39:29 am

Spoiler: REAL Velociraptor (click to show/hide)

(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01156f75357a970c-400wi)

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 06, 2014, 07:41:21 am

That's a Gallus, silly.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 14, 2014, 11:48:06 am

((Sorry for the delay, I'm swamped by homework and terrible at managing my time, as always.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 05, 2014, 06:57:45 pm

Ugh... knew it.  Too strong.  Cannot focus on it.

John heard a voice coming through to him, but it was a minute before he realized it was talking to him.  He focused on it as an anchor to reality.

<<Too strong to read its technosense... I'm hurt, but bomb planted.  Getting out now!>>

Focus on getting out as fast as possible.  If I can get to ~75m away, detonate.

Your hand begins to twitch and move on its own. The cold spreading from your arm to your chest brings the loss of control there with it. Your thoughts are incoherent. Your hart feels strange. You can't breathe.
<Parasitic influence detected. Implementing quarantine...>

John, perhaps urged by the voices of his allies or maybe the voice of his entity, manges to form one coherent thought in his mind and hold on to it. Escape. He uses the one arm he can still move willingly to push the jetpack's control stick backwards. There's resistance from his alien hand as it clutches and tries to hold on to the cables and the bomb. But it is too weak, its grasp too awkward. The hand slips away and he breaks free.

Immediately, the scream in his head stops, and he is able to open his eyes, only to see a large number of robotic arms rushing towards him, trying to box him in.

He looks around, using the increased awareness his helmet provides him, hoping to locate an opening or an alternate route of escape. He succeeds, finding a small opening where the density of hostiles is slightly smaller.

John flies straight towards the opening, not taking any evasive action. Ironically, this seems to confuse the BETA, for it had positioned its arms with the intent to intercept someone dodging. By the time it realizes that he is moving in a simple straight line, it's too late for the arms to do anything more than punch him in the gut. Which while unpleasant (he was hit by a metal fist after all), isn't very deadly (or indeed, very painful, compared to what he's experiencing from his leg.)

He rolls with the punch and continues flying towards the rapidly closing gap between the BETA's armour segments.
He manages to weave his way through the outer parts of the BETA and the large arms holding its armour. His legs graze the metal plates as he passes between them, which elicits some pain, but he manages to escape without further harm coming to his person. The reverberation of the BETA's armour closing behind him is heard only a moment later.

You keep flying, reaching a nearby rooftop, fleeing from the sounds of electric motors behind you. You cut off your jetpack, slam on the roof and tumble on for a few meters, amplifying the pain coming from your limp leg in the process. You come to a stop, your cheek resting on the cold floor of the roof.
You can see your enemy from here. The building is in the way but you can see through it, both due to the abilities of your helmet and the strange light the BETA is emitting that seems capable of going through solids. It's lifting its arm towards you.

Exhausted, your energy leaving you, you retrieve the detonator, which has thankfully remained mostly intact despite the abuse your body has taken.
You flip the switch and press the button with all your strength.
The detonator beeps.
Nothing happens.
You press  it again.
Another beep, another load of nothing.
You press it a third time.
The electromagnetic signal finally manages to find a gap in the BETA's thick plates of interstellar spacecraft grade armour, making its way inside its torso and reaching the bomb buried in there. In John's multivision helmet, the BETA lights up. There is a muffled sound of an explosion.

Most of the arms holding the armour of the BETA fail, some of them standing still while others hang limp and few fall outside, pushed by the force of the explosion, leaving large gaps in its armour. Its dome hand, which was pointing at him a only a couple of seconds ago, falls to the rubble-filled street with a thud.

John closes his eyes, exhausted. He was going on on adrenaline, but that's running out now. His leg is still hurting, his lungs refuse to fill with air completely, his arm still feels weird from whatever that thing did to him. He can still see the light of the BETA dancing in front of him, dimmed but there.

---

Quote from: NAV on May 05, 2014, 09:12:08 pm

Nikolai thinks to himself (And his entity)
Damn future people. No booze, no smokes, nothing good, only perfume. At least they have good taste in art.

Place a drop of the leaking fuel on a piece of scrap metal, test if it's flammable. If it isn't, then test the perfume.
Craft as many molotovs as I can with the flammable liquid, dump out the rocks and fill my bag with molotovs.
Keep a few rocks in my pocket.

If nothing burns, then go meet up with Jordan and Rune with my bag of rocks to drop on the robot.

Oh, and take the poster if it's intact.

To team:
<<Rescue isn't needed, I'm fine. Okay, not fine but I'm functional. What I needed was some wings.
Don't suppose anyone else can fly? I have some bombs to drop.>>

The perfume is not flammable, at least not without you continuously supplying it with heat. The alcohol content isn't enough. Apparently, people don't want to spontaneously combust when hit by a random static electricity spark. Who would had thought?
The liquid leaking from the truck is better at burning, but not the best. It looks like its primary purpose isn't to be burnt. Although it does a good job burning your fingertips. Ouch.
Nevertheless, you manage to craft 5 low quality firebombs from it by putting it in the small bottles and attaching a piece of cloth to them.
<What do you mean "good taste in art"?>
You crawl into the back of the truck and begin searching for the poster. It's surprisingly intact, despite the damage done to the truck and the fact that a large part of the back of the truck has been punched away by a giant robot.
<Are you actually going to->
You grab the poster and detach it from the wall, carefully roll it and put it in your bag.
<I'm unsure about whether or not I should berate you for doing this while there are more important things to do or commend you for your cheeky attitude.>
There's the muffled sound of an explosion and the ground shudders.
You limp outside through the rubble to see what's going on. There's something wrong with the BETA's armour. It has opened up in places, plates hanging limply from robotic arms, especially near its torso. Well, its problems are your opportunity to strike. Time to take advantage of that opportunity.

Question is, how do you kill a huge robotic humanoid the size of a building?

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 06, 2014, 05:27:16 am

Continue staring

Staring intensifies... (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Vel_Intent2_final_zps2ca9c395.gif) ((Warning, large image file.))

You hear an explosion and feel the ground shudder. At least one of you is using his time in a productive manner.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 06, 2014, 06:51:20 am

<Um...what do you like to do? I'm Angel, by the way.>

<Ambiguous request, refine query.
Acceptable. Player 7 will now be referred to as "Angel".>

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Alarith on May 05, 2014, 10:10:33 pm

Bryan
<That is a hard question to answer.  It is one of those questions that you cannot fully answer until you are forced to.  It is also a question where the answer may change.  Nevertheless, I will try to answer it.  Most certainly I would be willing to fight and, if necessary, kill for it.  I would be willing to die so that others could go free.  And if I died fighting for my own freedom, then I would be okay with that.  I would be conflicted about killing someone who has done me no wrong.  For example, were it not my express orders, I would probably not kill Target Amethyst.  If I knew for a fact that the world would be a better place without my freedom, then I would be okay with that as well.  That is what I can think of at the moment.  May I ask you the same question?>

"Yes, but can a man who stands between you and your freedom be truly innocent? After all, is he not one more thing keeping you imprisoned?

As for my answer... I believe in fighting for something greater. Fighting for freedom. And paying the price. Almost any price."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 05, 2014, 11:12:11 pm

Alan's imagining of his face assumes a configuration resembling :D .

This is pleasing! What could be happening on this world, I wonder?

Be the annoying guy in the movie theatre who loudly speculates about future events in the movie.

The camera continues to zoom in towards the earth ball and then the scene quite awkwardly cuts to a view of a mountain, covered in dry sandy dirt. The scene of a  flashlight that moves towards the camera, the left and downwards is superimposed to the scene of the mountain. Then a small firework is detonated on the side of the mountain, filing the air with smoke and sparkles. An eerie light appears in the sky above the mountain and starts moving towards it, slowly at first, but getting faster by the moment. It crashes on the mountain, raising large plumes of dirt.

The music stops and the scene cuts to two men sitting on separate desks filled with what would pass for high tech science equipment in the late 50s (meaning things with lots of switches and wires coming out of them that beep a lot). One of them is writing something on a large notepad, pausing from time to time to pick up the machine and look at it. The other sits on his chair looking bored while reading a newspaper and eating peanuts.
"Checks out allright..." The note taker mumbles. "I don't understand it..."
He gets up and looks at the other one. "Hey Dan, it doesn't make any sense." Dan absent-mindedly responds with an "Uh huh." engrossed on his newspaper, not paying any attention to the man talking to him or perhaps simply ignoring him. The man grabs his newspaper.
"I said it doesn't make any sense. The Geiger counter has been going on and off all morning. And the nucleometer checks right along with it."
"Come on, you know that can't be right. Radioactivity is a constant thing." responds Dan. "Either it's there or-"
The machine he is inspecting begins beeping louder than the rest and the needle on it begins jerking left and right in an erratic manner.
"Oh yeah?" exclaims the note taker. They both approach the beeping machine and Dan inspects it. "See? Radioactive readings appearing and disappearing randomly."
"Radon gas leaking?" asks Dan.
"No, I took readings earlier, there's nothing around."
"Could it be a pla-"This is pleasing!
What could be happening on this world,
I wonder?"-osmic radiation or a solar flare?"
The movie theatre fills with the sound of people shushing you.
"Impossible." responds the note taker and begins pacing left and right, like a man getting ready for a speech.

Quote from: Tiruin on May 05, 2014, 11:39:03 pm

((*points at arm drawn above*
Case closed.))

. . .Theri opened her thoughts to her host, and connected it to what she was telling Irene that she could hear (<> can now be heard by my host)
Awena I-...guess you heard me talking back there, huh. It wasn't mean to be hidden from you more than it was meant to be my...err, thoughts--I didn't not mean to hide it from you, is what I'm saying. Anyway, I think I told Irene the wrong thing, let me correct it.

<Irene. The fish came from the crystal. Not the bracelet interface thing.>

...I will use myself and advise Irene to form a defense around this room through our intangible methods. I do not trust Victor, but I...in my own personal opinion-I can't see him lying that way.

<Irene, please tell Zoe not to shoot. I understand what to do>

I know this is all new to you, and I'm not the 'I'll explain later' type, but I've to say this now: Please trust us. Either way, you've my eternal gratitude for listening to me.

<I will stay on the alert, but I suggest you defend the perimeter with your powers. I am only adept in physical prowess. The fish comes from the crystal, not the bracelet. The firebird symbolizes danger in whatever form. Vict-Boris is important here.>

Also Awena, no matter what happens...thanks for trusting me and trying to understand me first. That means more than anything I can say. I cannot help as I have no connection to...whatever forces preside here, but I am limited in physical prowess. I'm open for anything you need, and sorry for thrusting you into all this (no this isn't a set-up.).

But please tell Zoe to not shoot him.

Theri: Keep alert. Feel the surroundings outside our area or in the machines (roll for common sense) for any enemies and help be the 'spotter' to Irene's eyes.

Suggest to Awena.

Also, get Amelia in place!

((It's actually a 3d model I got from here (http://www.moddb.com/members/christianb/images/3d-work1). I feel bad taking credit I don't deserve.))

Your host is still confused but accepts your words nevertheless.

Do you want go take a look outside and give Irene the enemy's location? Or remain here and let the guards handle it?

See below for rest of your turn.

Quote from: Tiruin on May 05, 2014, 11:39:03 pm

Irene: Lenglon, forgive me.

<...I will not shoot him.>

Let him work. Let Zoe handle this. Sense the area for any hostilites; work in tandem with Theri: Aim to block doorways with fire-based diversion or any openings of sight to the room if sensed any. If I sense any kind of hostility, try to feel the general area wherein they are located and issue a sweeping wave of flame in that area--but not precisely at that individual. Disrupt rather than attack.

If none are sensed? Create a pop or a flash of fire in a random area outside to subside only a moment later, just to be safe.

<What is with Awena?>

"Wait! Please, don't shoot him. He's right. We don't have much choice." Awena tells Zoe.
Zoe seems to consider it for a second. She is still conflicted. But she's right. They can't afford to fight with each other when there are people who want to hurt them outside. Then again, the people inside aren't much better.
Zoe emits a sound somewhere between a sigh and a groan, filled with displeasure. "Fine." she says, lowering her gun.
"Great, now that that's been settled..." Boris says and approaches Amelia's gurney. Zoe blocks his path.
"But don't be mistaken. If you try to pull anything, I will kill you."
"OK. Can I get back to work now, please?" That "please" didn't sound sincere.
Zoe gives him an angry look and gets out of the way. She keeps watch on him as he works.

While Awena helps Boris put Amelia in the operating table, Irene asks Victor
<I asked you for the location of the enemy.>
<Oh, right. Let me just take control for a bit.>
Boris suddenly stops what he's doing and approaches the table with the radio. He looks unsure, as if he is surprised with his own actions.
"How many and where are they located?"
"Uhh, they're near the other block, on the other side of the street. Two cars, one police and one government. One of them-"
"Where exactly?"
"Uhh, they're maybe 50 meters away towards the north from the front of the compound?"
<There.>
Boris walks away from the radio and returns to checking the various machines surrounding Amelia, seemingly oblivious to what just happened.

Irene uses the time to concentrate on using her powers while maintaining the combustion resistant field. It's a quite complex task but she manages to do so, creating a pattern of flames near the location Boris provided her and sweeping it forward.
A few moments later, she, along with everyone else in the room, can hear the muffled sound of gunfire. A sound both familiar and foreign to her host.

Boris runs to the radio and speaks into it again.
"What's going on out there? I didn't tell you to shoot!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2014, 11:49:20 pm

"Could it be? Gods, is the driving finally over? I can scarcely believe it!"

>Grab shotgun plus ammo, tear gas, C4, machine pistol, put on gas mask. Advance carefully toward the warehouse, circle around before approaching. If any wretched parasite comes out of that warehouse, terminate with slight prejudice.

In a way quite similar to the hero of a certain action movie or perhaps an FPS video game character, your host gets out of his car and starts wearing all the pieces of his armour, ensuring all his spare mags are full of ammo and attaching various weapons and ammo on his body, leaving only the spare bullets, the RPG-29 and the two spare rockets behind.

Just as your host is about to leave, the radio on your car crackles with and then voice speaks your host's name.
Your host approaches the driver side door to respond. It's a bit difficult moving and bending with all that armour. He grabs the mic, holds it close to the gas mask so that he can be heard clearly and starts speaking.
"Where are the reinforcements I requested? We have them boxed in at the warehouse."
"There will be no reinforcements."
"What?!"
"You heard me. Now stand down and get out of there."
"But we have them right here. High ranking members probably. They-"
"You WILL stand down and get out of there! THAT is an order! Did you hear me? If you" as the man on the radio proceeds to threaten your host, he notices something. A thin line of light coming towards his car. The line deforms into a diamond pattern. A diamond pattern made of fire.

Your host groans from the effort of pushing himself out of the car and hides behind the open door, pushing himself against it. A moment later, the wave of fire rushes past him. The door does good job protecting him. Only his boots are slightly melted. Good thing he wore all that armour.
<Crap. It's her. I was hoping she was on our team.>
A second later, the wave reaches the police car behind him. One of the officers is slightly burnt in the hand. The other's jacket catches fire but is quickly extinguished by his comrade before he can be hurt too much.
Both your cars' interior catches fire as the fire rushes inside, but it is only a small ember for now.

The wave of fire is followed by the rattle of AK47s firing somewhere in the direction of the warehouse and the sound of bullets ricocheting around you, hitting the car and the glass. They sound strange, like they are somehow... silenced? Who would put a silencer on an AK47? Your host thinks they're coming from the second floor of the factory. 2 or 3 of them. They pause after a few bursts.
You're all OK. Looks like whoever is shooting you is a terrible shot.

There are still angry shouts and orders coming from the radio.
"Did you hear me? What the hell is going on there? Respond immediately."
Your host is angry. Those traitors are in there. They just shot at you. Tried to kill you with their powers. You can go in there and finish this right now. Bring them to justice. And this guy wants you to retreat?
"Fuck you, sir." he says and hits the radio with the butt of his shotgun.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Xantalos on May 14, 2014, 11:55:33 am

^Cooooooooool

Try to contain myself for the speech.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2014, 12:06:40 pm

"You're a loose cannon, Ike Wayne! We can't have you out on the streets!"

Assume direct control for a few moments and echolocate the shooters as well as anybody else by the windows, then aim and fire at targets in priority order: seemingly unarmed people or seemingly powered individuals first, armed rebels second.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 14, 2014, 12:15:13 pm

((Oh man, it closed up before it blew?  Good way for massive internal damage- totally went Dodongo on me.))

John gasped.  He was hurt, that was for sure, but the BETA was probably worse off.  Obviously it had some sort of self-repair; but could it repair THAT?  Now was the time to strike, though.

<<Bomb went off inside it, and messed it up pretty good.  It's vulnerable- hit it now!>>

He grunted and rubbed his right arm, where the cold had been.  "Hey Zero, what was up with that?  What quarantine?  I take it I shouldn't attempt to sense it again?"

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 14, 2014, 12:17:35 pm

((Whoops, sorry for not posting the previous turn.))
<Well, manipulating the shadows during the night is the only answer that doesn't require potentially killing my host. Well, at least, not directly. Even if I can't muster the power to summon some shadows, at least they won't notice.

It's not foolproof, but everything else I can come up with requires some extreme luck that I don't have at the moment.>

>Summon the shadows to cover the front window of this car and make the driver think we're going to hit a building. Focus all your energy.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: NAV on May 14, 2014, 12:50:33 pm

Go get a jetpack from the spaceplane, put it on, fly over the BETA.
Tsar a firebomb, light it on fire, and drop it. Only drop it if it is successfully Tsared.
Try to aim for the gaps in its armour.

And check if my vision or reflexes seem to be improving at all.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 02:30:43 pm

Turn away from the person, and test my flames on a nearby pillar or wall. If it melts the pillar or wall, it's ready to fight the B.E.T.A. with. If it melts the structure, then fly in the direction of the B.E.T.A. If approached by any hostile things in flight, incinerate them.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 14, 2014, 04:31:19 pm

((Looks like I'll be the only casualty. Yay?))

<Like, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies?>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 14, 2014, 05:53:50 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2014, 12:06:40 pm

"You're a loose cannon, Ike Wayne! We can't have you out on the streets!"

Assume direct control for a few moments and echolocate the shooters as well as anybody else by the windows, then aim and fire at targets in priority order: seemingly unarmed people or seemingly powered individuals first, armed rebels second.

You got 1 shotgun, 2 machine pistols and 1 RPG in terms of stuff you can aim and fire. The warehouse is about 50 meters away, maybe a bit further. Got any preference for which weapon to use or should I make an intelligence roll?

Quote from: Toaster on May 14, 2014, 12:15:13 pm

((Oh man, it closed up before it blew?  Good way for massive internal damage- totally went Dodongo on me.))

He grunted and rubbed his right arm, where the cold had been.  "Hey Zero, what was up with that?  What quarantine?  I take it I shouldn't attempt to sense it again?"

(("Dodongo"? *searches google* Hmmm.... *searches youtube* Aaaahhh... I get it now.
Anyway, it was already in the process of closing up when you entered.))

There is no response.

You rub your arm. It feels numb, but it seems to be under your control. You look at it. It seems fine, a bit red, which is odd considering how cold it feels.

Your Interface on the other hand (not literally, it's still the same hand) looks a bit different. The bluish glass that was there is gone. There is only an empty socket. You blink. The blue glass is there again. Huh.

Almost immediately, you can hear your entity speaking to you.
<You were isolated temporarily.
It is not recommended to open communication without the willpower to maintain dominance.>

Quote from: NAV on May 14, 2014, 12:50:33 pm

Go get a jetpack from the spaceplane, put it on, fly over the BETA.
Tsar a firebomb, light it on fire, and drop it. Only drop it if it is successfully Tsared.
Try to aim for the gaps in its armour.

And check if my vision or reflexes seem to be improving at all.

Your vision is probably not going to improve without surgery. Let's hope the entities' health plan covers that.
As for a jetpack, that's a ways towards the north, past the BETA. You want to go there and then fly back to the BETA?

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 02:30:43 pm

Turn away from the person, and test my flames on a nearby pillar or wall. If it melts the pillar or wall, it's ready to fight the B.E.T.A. with. If it melts the structure, then fly in the direction of the B.E.T.A. If approached by any hostile things in flight, incinerate them.

You actually cannot breath fire. Do you want to try and alter your body to do that?

Are you two seeing what I'm seeing?

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 14, 2014, 04:31:19 pm

((Looks like I'll be the only casualty. Yay?))

<Like, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies?>

((This is an RTD. There's always the chance someone rolls a DEX:1. Or worse...))

<Hobby definition: An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.
Leisure Time definition: time available for ease and relaxation.
This unit requires no ease. This unit requires no relaxation. This unit has no leisure time. This unit has no hobbies.>
Gee, I bet he's a fun guy to have at parties.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 14, 2014, 07:06:11 pm

((Hey, another turn! Image is broken, by the way.))

<Oh...Do you do anything for fun?>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 08:04:52 pm

Can't see the image- I'd wait to see the image before posting my action... In case it looks like some deformed rhinoceros with a massive horn stuck in the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Alarith on May 14, 2014, 08:19:11 pm

Bryan
<Yes, he would be standing between me and my freedom, but he might not understand what is going on.  He might only be a guard that was hired to watch a cell, someone who knows nothing more than that the person he is watching is dangerous.  Being able to read minds has taught many things.  One is that everyone has a life outside of their job.  It hurts to end a life knowing this, but sometimes it is the only way forward.>
Faron
Continue towards the destination.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 14, 2014, 08:20:55 pm

John laughed.  "I'll keep that in mind.  Any tips for trying that in the future?"


Catch breath.  Summon something to splint and support my leg, so I can at least walk on it.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 14, 2014, 08:51:31 pm

Hallowed fish. That turn.

um. reading. wait.

._.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: NAV on May 14, 2014, 09:27:59 pm

Hurry up and get that jetpack.
"<<Crash closer next time.>>"

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 09:43:56 pm

Eh, whatever. Evolve to breathe fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Tiruin on May 14, 2014, 09:48:00 pm

Theri

Awena..I really and seriously don't want to be a burden to you here...so could I ask if we could take a peek outside? As in, either we look out (and peep to where the general gunfire is, memorize the location, then sound off towards Irene, perhaps) or check the spirits for aid? I'm unsure as you on the latter, but if you seriously need aid--I am able to help.

...If you're confused, just...please tell me? I don't want, need, wish or any synonym of such to hurt you.

Ask Awena such. Offer to work as Spotter for Irene and probably Boris :v

---

---

Irene

...((Err, familiar? I think I missed a note--quickaction: hear the response of those Boris is talking to. Inquire.)

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 14, 2014, 10:34:27 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 08:04:52 pm

Can't see the image- I'd wait to see the image before posting my action... In case it looks like some deformed rhinoceros with a massive horn stuck in the ground.

Probably not; the "image url" mentioned a guy who can fly but not breathe fire, and a guy who can breathe fire but not fly.
So it's probably about that.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2014, 11:20:30 pm

Probably the RPG, as that's more fun.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Fniff on May 15, 2014, 07:15:33 pm

<"Any of you guys play Shadow of the Colossus? I am going to see if it's accurate.">
Head towards the BETA, then start climbing to one of the gaps in the armor. Look inside to see if there's any vunerable parts like wires or machinery. If so, see if they can be smashed/destroyed.

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 15, 2014, 07:21:26 pm

Quote from: Toaster on May 14, 2014, 08:20:55 pm

John laughed.  "I'll keep that in mind.  Any tips for trying that in the future?"

Catch breath.  Summon something to splint and support my leg, so I can at least walk on it.

<The willpower of BETAs is proportional to their size and the quality of the resources they control. A BETA's finite resources can be strained or removed. There is a chance being closer to a BETA's physical core or cores will provide better chances for successful communication.

The willpower of humans is most commonly dependent on concentration and training.>

You look at your leg, your multi-vision helmet allowing you to get a more detailed view of the damage. It's bad.

The bone has been severely damaged by whatever grabbed your leg and then made worse by your attempts to escape. You can see it has broken into several pieces that have then been moved out of the way and twisted out of position, many of the fragments sticking out of the flesh. Several arteries have been severed, and you are bleeding moderately. Near the upper part of the leg, many ligaments have been severed and many tendons have been torn.
You're a bit surprised you haven't passed out yet, either from the pain or the bleeding.

Even with the colour alternation of your helmet, the distorted and highly detailed reality it is providing you with, a sight that would remind one more of a cubist painting than an MRI, you're finding it hard not to retch from the sight. This is a part of your body after all and it has been horribly mangled.
Then again, you died just yesterday and now you're here fighting, so you will probably be fine.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 14, 2014, 07:06:11 pm

<Oh...Do you do anything for fun?>

<Fun definition: Amusing, entertaining, pleasurable.
Completing objectives provides this unit with positive reinforcement.>

---

Quote from: Tiruin on May 14, 2014, 09:48:00 pm

Irene

...((Err, familiar? I think I missed a note--quickaction: hear the response of those Boris is talking to. Inquire.)

((The familiar was just a bit of flavour text. Zoe was drafted as a medic in the military for some time, so she can recognize the sound of gunfire.
However Irene is currently maintaining an anti-gun field by using her pyrokinesis to slow combustion. That means that the expansion of gasses inside the barrel of the gun is slowed making the gun a bit quieter and less deadly.
That's why it sounds foreign, because the sound has been distorted by Irene's powers.))

"Uhh, sorry sir. There was some kind of, uhh, knight with a cannon and he started, uhh, firing a flamethrower on the other two, I think, and we kinda panicked and, uhh-"
"I don't care if it's a chertovskiy turtle-shaped tank shooting rainbows at the clouds. Hold your fire. If you see them coming this way or if they start shooting, THEN you shoot. Understood?"
"Uhh, yes sir. Sorry sir."

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 15, 2014, 07:46:56 pm

<Um...okay...what do you usually do?>

Title: Re: Special People: Keep on Drivin'
Post by: Toaster on May 16, 2014, 07:40:24 am

Ugh.  A splint's not going to cut it here.


<<Just a heads up, but my leg's pretty mangled.  I'm going to try to do something about it, but I may not be moving much any more.>>


Need more than that.  Will probably need some sort of exoskeleton reinforcement for the leg to let the machinery do all the work and just let the leg be.  Also, painkillers.

Summon that up.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 23, 2014, 01:15:14 pm

((Sorry, busy with university stuff and relatives coming to visit. It probably won't get better for the next month or so. And it looks like I won't be having any summer vacation either.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 14, 2014, 11:55:33 am

^Cooooooooool

Try to contain myself for the speech.

"I've done the math myself. I triangulated its position using a short-wave pattern matcher." The man approaches a map.
"This signal is coming from right... there." He says and taps the map at a certain position. "Not from the far reaches of the cosmos but from our own back yard, only 30 miles away."
"The base of Mystery Mountain?" Asks Dan incredulously.
"Or from inside the mountain itself..." says the other man and lets the question linger suggestively while Dan stares at him with disbelief.
At that moment, the camera pans away from the men staring at each other to show the entrance to the room. The door opens and a woman walks in.
"Hello?" asks the woman. "Anybody home?"
The men turn to face her and give her a questioning look.
"You know you've been in here working for five hours and you mad scientists haven't even stopped for lunch?" she says to answer their questioning looks.
"Well, I wouldn't call what Dan is doing working." says the other man with a small laugh and gives her a short, movie-appropriate kiss.
"Hey Steve."
"Hello Sal."
"Something going on over at Mystery Mountain." he continues and turns around to face the map again.
"A mysterious mountain?" asks Sal.
"The most god-forsaken spot on this side of the world. Never had a human visit it. All we got got is those aerial photographs and some gold-digger rumors." explains Dan. "Sure must be hot out there in the middle of the desert."
"I'm surprised dad hasn't taken his troops out there to claim it yet." jokes Sal. "Sounds like the perfect spot for him. Completely miserable."
Before she can finish speaking, the machine starts beeping again.
"There it is again!" exclaims Steve. "Look at that dial!" he says and taps the top of the machine. "100 rems by inches per second per square foot divided by..." he continues with the arithmetic mumbo jumbo for a while before his speech is reduced to unintelligible mumbling. He looks down for a few seconds and frowns.
"Come on Dan!" he exclaims and looks at Dan with purpose. "We're making an expedition to Mystery Mountain!"
"Not before we eat!" complains Dan as the scene changes.

By the way, you'd probably reconnect with your host right about now, but I can't see any way you could influence the mission since you're on the other side of the town. Wanna keep watching the movie or do you want to reconnect with your host so that you can keep ruining his life?

Oh, and this script is closely based on a mix of some real movies from around the 1960s.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2014, 12:06:40 pm

"You're a loose cannon, Ike Wayne! We can't have you out on the streets!"

Assume direct control for a few moments and echolocate the shooters as well as anybody else by the windows, then aim and fire at targets in priority order: seemingly unarmed people or seemingly powered individuals first, armed rebels second.

You gain control of your host. Your interface starts beeping but it's a lot slower than last time. It must be that you are more in tune with him now.
There's that feeling of being able to hear more again, like someone just removed their hands from your ears. Like the feeling one gets when they ascend to higher attitudes.

You peek around the car door and try to send out an echolocation pulse. Doesn't work. Stupid helmet is in the way. At least you're not shot.
You remove your helmet and gas mask and try again.

It's a little fuzzy due to the large distance, but you're certain there are three men with guns clustered on the first floor, hiding behind the walls near the windows and occasionally taking a peek outside. You also think you can sense some more people on the ground, but they aren't close to any windows (because there aren't any windows on the ground floor), so you can't be certain about their numbers or positions. Finally, there is some kind of large rectangle blocking the entrance.

Well, you got your targets. Now what are you going to shoot them with?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2014, 11:20:30 pm

Probably the RPG, as that's more fun.

I was hoping you'd say that.

You grab the bag containing your various weapons from the back of your now semi-burning car and retrieve your RPG, rocket already loaded in it.
<Yeah! Now we're going to make some noise!>
You stand up, raising your head above the door. You twist to face the building, steady the RPG on your shoulder and take aim on the  three men, all in one swift, fluid motion. Before anyone has a chance to do anything, you pull the trigger. There's a click and following it is the sound of exhaust being released behind you, irritatingly loud for your sensitive ears. The rocket leaves the launcher with little recoil, reaching the building's face (only just barely within the 50 meter minimum effective range of the RPG) in less than a second.

On impact with the first floor's wall, the rocket detonates. But it doesn't produce a fiery explosion, at least not immediately. For a few fractions of a second after impact, happening too quickly for the eye to see, a black spray is pushed out of the rocket's broken shell. It creates small cloud of a combustible substance, a perfect fuel-air mixture. A thermobaric explosive. And then it explodes.
Even though the effect of the blast is severely weakened, the fireball and the blast wave still cause considerable damage. A small part of the wall is destroyed, a large cloud of dust is raised, whatever windows existed in the surrounding area are broken...

For Ike, all this happen significantly faster. The rocket hits the building, there's a flash of light and next thing he knows he's lying on the ground beside his helmet and RPG, holding his hands over his ears, his instincts guiding him to protect them from the pain, even though by now, the damage is already done.

The tradeoffs of supersensitive hearing.

<I guess you could say that was a deafening success. Definitely a sound move on your part, don't you think?>
They may be telepathically transmitted, but your entity's puns could still make your ears bleed. If your ears weren't already doing that, that is.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 14, 2014, 12:17:35 pm

((Whoops, sorry for not posting the previous turn.))
<Well, manipulating the shadows during the night is the only answer that doesn't require potentially killing my host. Well, at least, not directly. Even if I can't muster the power to summon some shadows, at least they won't notice.

It's not foolproof, but everything else I can come up with requires some extreme luck that I don't have at the moment.>

>Summon the shadows to cover the front window of this car and make the driver think we're going to hit a building. Focus all your energy.

<Not what I would had chosen. But I suppose it will have to do.>
You take control for a moment. Your host's pain becomes yours. You knew about it before but you can feel it now, through the drugs. The thousand points of discomfort in your back. Better get this over with quickly.
You focus on manipulating the shadows outside the vehicle.

There's the screeching of tires and you're suddenly pulled to the right.
Then there's the sound of glass breaking, you suddenly stop moving and are violently pulled backwards. Nevertheless you miraculously receive no further harm during all this.
You can hear a pained groan coming from someone beside you. Sounds like the man in white.

---

Quote from: Alarith on May 14, 2014, 08:19:11 pm

Bryan
<Yes, he would be standing between me and my freedom, but he might not understand what is going on.  He might only be a guard that was hired to watch a cell, someone who knows nothing more than that the person he is watching is dangerous.  Being able to read minds has taught many things.  One is that everyone has a life outside of their job.  It hurts to end a life knowing this, but sometimes it is the only way forward.>
Faron
Continue towards the destination.

<Hmmm... Yes. I understand what you're saying.>
You have a feeling there's a but trailing at the end of that sentence but she remains quiet.

You continue driving. It's getting very late now. Close to 2 AM. There's nobody out there but emergency services, rushing to contain the chaos that is currently unfolding in the quiet streets. Not that it concerns your host. He has his goal.

There's a flash of light in the distance, followed by the rumble of an explosion a second later.
<One of the others must have gotten there before us.> observes your entity.

<I'm sorry.> she apologizes after a few seconds of silence. <If I hadn't delayed you, we could had gotten there sooner.>

---

Quote from: Tiruin on May 14, 2014, 09:48:00 pm

Theri

Awena..I really and seriously don't want to be a burden to you here...so could I ask if we could take a peek outside? As in, either we look out (and peep to where the general gunfire is, memorize the location, then sound off towards Irene, perhaps) or check the spirits for aid? I'm unsure as you on the latter, but if you seriously need aid--I am able to help.

...If you're confused, just...please tell me? I don't want, need, wish or any synonym of such to hurt you.

Ask Awena such. Offer to work as Spotter for Irene and probably Boris :v

I don't know what to do. Awena speaks to you reluctantly. I just wanted to help my friends, I never expected this to happen. I don't know what to do. I've never done something like this before. It's all so much. I... You helped me before, didn't you? You and your friend? Thank you. You are very different from the spirits I usually deal with. In a good way. She still sounds slightly unsure about you but at the same time she does seems willing to trust you.

Your interface beeps several times.

Awena takes a deep breath to calm herself and turns to speak to the others.
"I'm going to see if they need any help."
"Don't be long. I'll be keeping an eye on Boris here." replies Zoe, not taking her eyes off the man in front of her for more than a moment.
Awena walks out of this room and back towards the entrance. The layout of the room has changed a bit. The armed guards you saw before have moved a large metal container to block the entrance to the building. They've also moved smaller boxes around to use as cover.

There are no windows on the ground floor. The only windows are on the first floor, where 3 armed men stand watch, occasionally taking a peek outside. There's a metal catwalk leading to those windows.

Awena is about to start climbing up there, when something causes her to hesitate. She stops walking, trying to overcome a sudden feeling of fear. You aren't sure about whether or not it was her powers or her hesitation that caused that fear, but whatever it was, it seems to have saved her life. For within a few seconds, there's an explosion.

Awena finds herself lying on the cold concrete floor. Her ears are buzzing and her head hurts, but she doesn't seem to have been seriously hurt in any way. She slowly pushes herself to her knees. The dust the explosion has raised causes her to cough a bit.

She can hear the shouts of men around her, but they seem distant.
There's a man on the floor besides her, his body lying between a charred brick and some broken glass. His skin is slightly burnt. His left leg is twisted at an angle legs aren't supposed to bend. He is desperately gasping for air.

---

Irene
"I'm going to see if they need any help."
"Don't be long. I'll be keeping an eye on Boris here." replies Zoe. She turns around to look at Awena and make sure she isn't trying anything. She doesn't fully trust her. She only met her today, after all. And while Awena helped Zoe, that doesn't necessarily mean her intentions are good.

Meanwhile, Irene tries to use her flame manipulation to make another attack at the people outside, but all she can manage is to intensify the fires her first attack created. Not that she can see that, of course. All she knows is that she did something, but she is unsure of what exactly that was.

Zoe doesn't let her attention linger on Awena any more than necessary. Soon, her eyes are back on Boris who is once again fiddling with his machines. She may not trust Awena fully, but she certainly doesn't trust this Russian fellow one bit.
"So what is that thing supposed to do exactly?"
"Its job."
Zoe sighs. "You know, you're not making it easy for me to-"

That's all Zoe manages to say before the building is rocked by an explosion. They're far enough from the entrance that they remain mostly unharmed, although the explosion is still strong enough to make her ears buzz slightly and cause some of dust inside the room to rise.

"Govno! They weren't supposed to-"
Boris runs to the radio again, speaking into it while searching the nearby tables for something. "What's going on out there? Hello?"
There is no response.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: NAV on May 14, 2014, 12:50:33 pm

Go get a jetpack from the spaceplane, put it on, fly over the BETA.
Tsar a firebomb, light it on fire, and drop it. Only drop it if it is successfully Tsared.
Try to aim for the gaps in its armour.

Quote from: NAV on May 14, 2014, 09:27:59 pm

Hurry up and get that jetpack.
"<<Crash closer next time.>>"

After instructing your teammates to crash closer next time, you start limping your way towards the downed spaceplane. Which brings you on the path towards the BETA. Now, you see, the BETA is lying with its back against a semi-destroyed building, facing the centre of the street. Its hands are lying limply beside it. One of them is pointing towards you. Specifically, the dome-fist. You see where I'm going with this?

You hear a low rumble and notice that the dome-fist has begun to glow. You're not sure about what that means exactly but you have a bad feeling about this. You slowly start backing away from it.

This turns out to be the right thing to do for a few seconds later there's the roar of a rocket engine and the dome-fist is hurtling forward, towards your general direction. You awkwardly fall backwards and manage to scramble out of its path, hiding behind a large chunk of rubble.

The dome-fist passes by you with a rumble, carving a large gash on the street and showering the surrounding area with debris and exhaust in the process. It impacts the building on the opposite side of the street. Despite the front of the building being utterly destroyed, it remains standing. No major supports were damaged from the impact.

You peek up from your cover. There's the sound of thunder coming from down the street. You look just in time to see the other hand of the BETA that is now apparently shooting lighting towards a man. Said man seems to move like a mix of ninja and... flubber?  Anyway, he's dodging everything like a pro and looking cool while doing so.
<Show-off!> your entity yells to him.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 02:30:43 pm

Turn away from the person, and test my flames on a nearby pillar or wall. If it melts the pillar or wall, it's ready to fight the B.E.T.A. with. If it melts the structure, then fly in the direction of the B.E.T.A. If approached by any hostile things in flight, incinerate them.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 14, 2014, 09:43:56 pm

Eh, whatever. Evolve to breathe fire.

You focus on making adjustments to your body to support fire breathing. It goes quite smoothly, all things considered. You now have the ability to create fire by extruding some sort of natural napalm from a newly acquired organ and then igniting it by mixing it with another liquid as it leaves your mouth. It's more of a flame spit than a flame breath and it's not infinite, but it can do some damage. Just don't expect it to burn concrete like some sort of fluorine containing compound.

That done, you take flight, circling above the BETA. Hmmm... Looks like those of your teammates that chose to attack the BETA on foot are in a bit of a pickle. One of them just dodged a rocket punch while the other is currently trying to dodge lightning. The BETA is just lying there, its insides exposed, immobile. It can only fire its weapons it seems, it can't aim them. It can't move to protect itself.
Good thing you can fly, right?

---

Quote from: Fniff on May 15, 2014, 07:15:33 pm

<"Any of you guys play Shadow of the Colossus? I am going to see if it's accurate.">
Head towards the BETA, then start climbing to one of the gaps in the armor. Look inside to see if there's any vunerable parts like wires or machinery. If so, see if they can be smashed/destroyed.

You start running towards the immobile BETA. The biggest and most easily accessible gap in its armour seems to be on its torso, near the place John placed the bomb. Which also happens to be close to its juiciest parts.

As you approach the BETA, you begin hearing a rumble coming from its far side where one of your teammates is approaching from. Not a second later, an electrical whine joins it from this side. It's coming from the BETA's electrolaser-shotgun-hand. Which is currently pointing at you.

You instinctively activate your ability and jump. Your hair stand on edge. The air around you becomes hot and fills with noise. You close your eyes to protect them from the blinding blue light coming from the electrical arcs you're dodging. You keep moving with your eyes closed, gracefully landing, rolling and jumping again to evade the streams of lightning.

You manage to make it to the other side unharmed, with nothing but small burns to show for your effort. Now there is nothing stopping you from entering the BETA. You continue running towards it, your ability still active.

Using your special ability so many times in quick succession seems to be tiring you though. Your muscles are beginning to ache.

((Stopping here because of time. Your action will continue next turn unless you want to change it.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 16, 2014, 07:40:24 am

Ugh.  A splint's not going to cut it here.


<<Just a heads up, but my leg's pretty mangled.  I'm going to try to do something about it, but I may not be moving much any more.>>


Need more than that.  Will probably need some sort of exoskeleton reinforcement for the leg to let the machinery do all the work and just let the leg be.  Also, painkillers.

Summon that up.

You get ready for some grade A summoning. Which would be a bit hard with all that pain clouding your judgement. So you decide to start with the painkillers. But it is a kind of chicken and egg deal. You need the painkillers to help you concentrate. And you need to concentrate to make painkillers.
After much effort, you manage to summon a couple of pills. Better than nothing.

You're feeling a bit light-headed. You're loosing too much blood.
Too bad you left that automated bandage applicator in the spaceplane, eh?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 23, 2014, 01:21:44 pm

After all that hopping and dodging and walljumping, Jordan momentarily thinks Wow. I just did that. If I saw that in a movie, I'd call bullshit.
<"Hey, John, you going to blow that bomb or what? I think I can reach it if I move fast.">

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on May 23, 2014, 01:23:32 pm

Hmm. Is there a way I could try to do both at once? If so, do that. If not...movie.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 23, 2014, 01:33:51 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 23, 2014, 01:21:44 pm

After all that hopping and dodging and walljumping, Jordan momentarily thinks Wow. I just did that. If I saw that in a movie, I'd call bullshit.
<"Hey, John, you going to blow that bomb or what? I think I can reach it if I move fast.">

He has already done that. It's why the BETA can't move. And why it has a giant hole in its torso.
Otherwise you'd have to climb up to its head or try to get in through its joints, which could get dangerous.

Quote from: Xantalos on May 23, 2014, 01:23:32 pm

Hmm. Is there a way I could try to do both at once? If so, do that. If not...movie.

Nope, either movie or hurting helpless killers.
So I guess I'll do the Mystery Mountain scene next.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 23, 2014, 01:34:50 pm

<Boy, am I glad they're not my eardrums, technically!> Ike thinks to himself, trying to stay positive.

Put the helmet back on, load another rocket into the RPG and fire it at an area slightly to the right or to the left of the entrance - whichever seems most explodable and likely to cause catastrophic structural damage and isn't covered by the rectangle.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2014, 02:25:28 pm

Grab the teammate that dodged the rocket fist, and fly him over to the giant hole inside the B.E.T.A.'s chest. Release him inside, and leave him to his own devices. Afterwards, go over to any wires that seem to be leading towards the arm with the laser lightning, and fry them with fire breath.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 23, 2014, 02:36:32 pm

<<I hear it shooting- how bad is it hurt?>>

Summon up a medical suite with bandages and self-injecting blood units.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on May 23, 2014, 02:49:20 pm

My host should be grateful this movie is so damn entertaining.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on May 23, 2014, 03:24:03 pm

"Dundrop me youthtupi" Nikolai begins to say unintelligably, before switching to the telepathic comunication.
<<Don't drop me yet, that would be unwise. I'm dropping a firebomb on it.>>
When the dragon picks me up, hang on and don't let him drop me.
Light my bag of molotovs on fire, tsar it, and drop it in the hole when Rune flies over.

Backup plan is to keep walking to the crash site.

To John:
<<It is nearly dead. You did a good job, comrade.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Alarith on May 23, 2014, 04:44:38 pm

Bryan
<"Don't worry about distracting me, it's always nice to talk to somebody, even if that person doesn't agree with what I think.  As to being late, this could be beneficial to me.  If the explosions are distracting people, then maybe I can get closer before I am seen.  I still have a chance.">

---

Faron
Keep driving.  If I get to the building stop a block away and look for an entrance away from the commotion.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 24, 2014, 08:20:51 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2014, 02:25:28 pm

Grab the teammate that dodged the rocket fist, and fly him over to the giant hole inside the B.E.T.A.'s chest. Release him inside, and leave him to his own devices. Afterwards, go over to any wires that seem to be leading towards the arm with the laser lightning, and fry them with fire breath.

Quote from: NAV on May 23, 2014, 03:24:03 pm

"Dundrop me youthtupi" Nikolai begins to say unintelligably, before switching to the telepathic comunication.
<<Don't drop me yet, that would be unwise. I'm dropping a firebomb on it.>>
When the dragon picks me up, hang on and don't let him drop me.
Light my bag of molotovs on fire, tsar it, and drop it in the hole when Rune flies over.

Backup plan is to keep walking to the crash site.

To John:
<<It is nearly dead. You did a good job, comrade.>>

Nikolai stands up and starts limping towards the downed BETA once more. He can hear the same buzzing noise that preceded the rocket punch coming from the giant robot again, but this time it's much louder. He looks at its arm stump. It has a hole, like a tube is running through the centre of the arm. The hole is glowing.

There's the sound of something ripping through the air behind him. Before he has a chance to react, he feels something grabbing him from the shoulders. Its an awkward grip, the grabber's claws digging into his shoulders and causing some discomfort. He's about to panic, when he looks up and sees that whatever manner of flying reptilian has grabbed him has an interface around its leg. Guess that means its on their side.

The flying reptile is significantly slowed by their collision. It's flapping its wing furiously, trying with all its strength to lift Nikolai up.
And it's failing. It can't fly away from the BETA quickly enough.

The rumbling intensifies and a burst of fire comes out of the hole, bathing the surrounding area with orangeblue flames. The recoil pushes the BETA's limp arm away from its body, spraying the fire across the street. Nikolai and the dragon can do little but watch the wall of flames approaching them. Their pushed backwards by the strength of the blast. Their skin melts when it comes into contact with the burning high grade spacecraft fuel. They hit a wall.

<Player 11 disconnected.>

The limp body of the dragon falls down to the fire-filled street, its skull crushed by the impact. Preceding it is Nikolai, barely alive. He gasps for air as he falls but finds himself unable to breathe, the inside of his lungs destroyed along with most of his skin. Gravity mercifully puts him out of his misery and into the embrace of the darkness.

<Player 9 disconnected.>

Rune and Nikolai find themselves with no body, no feelings, no sight, no anything but their thoughts. All else is darkness.

Disconnected. Attempting to reconnect...

Spoiler: Rolls to Death (click to show/hide)

DEX: Nikolai+Rune: (2+6)/2 -> 4 (grapple successful)
STR: Rune: 1 (unable to dodge)
END: Rune: 1 (dead)
END: Nikolai: 1 (so dead)

---

Quote from: Fniff on May 23, 2014, 01:21:44 pm

After all that hopping and dodging and walljumping, Jordan momentarily thinks Wow. I just did that. If I saw that in a movie, I'd call bullshit.
<"Hey, John, you going to blow that bomb or what? I think I can reach it if I move fast.">

You keep running. You get between the BETA's legs, rushing to get inside it when you hear a rumbling coming from your right. The rumbling intensifies when you start climbing up the BETA's torso, using the cracks in the armour as handholds. You glance towards the right, just in time to see two of your teammates disappear behind a pillar of orangeblue fire. You turn your head forward and keep climbing.
<Player 11 disconnected.>
You reach the hole in the BETA's armour and climb inside. Its insides are a mix of wires and metal bones, with few gaps between them for small robotic arms to move through while larger robotic arms extend from the bones to hold the BETA's metal armour in place. The wires and bones are burnt and melted from whatever explosive John detonated inside it. The few robotic arms that remain intact hang limply from their rails. Everything around here looks destroyed. Looks like you're going to have to get higher still if you want to find whatever piece of the BETA is still functioning.
<Player 9 disconnected.>
And it sounds like you can't count on your teammates for help.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 23, 2014, 02:36:32 pm

<<I hear it shooting- how bad is it hurt?>>

Summon up a medical suite with bandages and self-injecting blood units.

You pocket the pills and try summoning something to help with your bleeding, some sort of automated doctor.
You summon a plastic toy doctor doll, complete with detachable futuristic-looking stethoscope-like device.
Lady luck is not on your side right now, it seems.
The tentacled form of light keeps moving inside the BETA, waving its appendages left and right, as if it is taunting you with what it can do.
It looks smaller and less bright now, like it has retreated towards the BETA's chest and arms.

There's a rumbling down on the street. When the noise reaches its peak, there's a burst of orange light coming from below, followed by a wave of heat.
<Player 11 disconnected.>
If that turned out to be the streets opening up to reveal hell below, you wouldn't be very surprised.
<Player 9 disconnected.>
Looks like it's all up to you and the merc now...

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 24, 2014, 08:31:33 pm

Jordan was alone. Luckily, this was his preferable state.

<"Looks like it's up to us, John. I'm inside and going up. Let's hope I can find whatever wire I have to pull out to shut this bitch down.">

Start climbing, draw gun if I still have it. If there is any important seeming wires within reach, rip them out. Keep going until any possible power source appears within vision.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 24, 2014, 09:51:05 pm

Rune's crushed corpse twitched, then stopped moving.

Rune sighed. That had HURT. He glanced around, seeing nothing. He tried to contact anything. "Hello? Anyone out there?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 12:01:23 am

<<Shit, it blasted them both?  I'm still pretty hurt, so you better stop it from shooting if you can.  I've done what I could; trying to patch myself up isn't going well.>>

Try again.  Without medical aid I'm not helpful.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 25, 2014, 12:38:10 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 24, 2014, 08:31:33 pm

Jordan was alone. Luckily, this was his preferable state.

<"Looks like it's up to us, John. I'm inside and going up. Let's hope I can find whatever wire I have to pull out to shut this bitch down.">

Start climbing, draw gun if I still have it. If there is any important seeming wires within reach, rip them out. Keep going until any possible power source appears within vision.

You start climbing. The inside of the BETA was obviously not designed to be traversed by humans. It might have been a spaceship once, but now it has been transformed and enhanced by the various manufacturing equipment it was carrying into something more akin a human body. As such, you have to resort to hanging onto broken robotic arms and broken pieces of metal supports, grabbing onto molten wires and clinging onto rails, making your way through the various maintenance passageways used by the robotic arms. Your ability makes it too easy.

As you keep climbing upwards like a character out of a Ubisoft game, your surroundings begin to change. They are less damaged now, less burnt. You come across a few robotic arms that jerk around a bit, trying but failing to function.

Finally, you reach the centre of the BETA, a more wide open area that allows you to take a look at your surroundings while you ready your futuristic silenced pistol.
In the centre of the area are two armoured spheres about twice or thrice the height of a human, with a great number of wires connected to them.
There are about a dozen robotic arms in here, moving along their rails and doing various tasks. They're many jointed, a bit bigger in length then your arm and made of plastic and metal, with various sensors and tools attached near their tip.
A few of them are cannibalising parts from the surrounding area and are feeding them into a large cube. The cube in turn provides them with the parts they are using to construct what looks like a robotic arm and leg for one of the spheres and attaching them to it.
The others are working on repairing the surrounding area, working chiefly on reconnecting various wires to the two spheres or laying new wires.

It looks like you haven't been noticed yet.

You're starting to feel tired. You've got maybe about 10 seconds before your ability stops working, if that. After that, you're as good as a normal human. A tired normal human.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 12:01:23 am

<<Shit, it blasted them both?  I'm still pretty hurt, so you better stop it from shooting if you can.  I've done what I could; trying to patch myself up isn't going well.>>

Try again.  Without medical aid I'm not helpful.

You need some aid for your leg. Any aid, you aren't being picky, just got to get something to allow you to walk and make the bleeding stop. Any thing will do.

You focus on the general idea of medical help. Nothing too fancy or complicated, just something helpful, leaving the rest to your subconscious, your instincts, your power, your soul or however you want to call that part of you that causes the lack of control in your powers, your inability to gain precisely what you want unless you hold a complete mental image of what you want and concentrate on it fully. You let your power build within you, gather all the concentration you can muster and then release, only concentrating in keeping your ability working after that.

Small triangular pieces of a copper-coloured metal start materialising near your leg and hovering around it. You are not exactly sure about what kind of leg brace this is going to build or... Wait a second... All those pieces of metal have pointy edges and... the edges are pointing towards your leg.

Before you can make the decision to stop your ability, all the metal shards jerk towards your leg, embedding themselves in the flesh and the part of your bones that are still intact.

You don't scream. You don't feel pain or disgust. It's more of a shock. The sudden realisation that this happened. That you're going to see your leg being butchered right before your eyes.
When the pain eventually comes a fraction of a second later, you manage to block it all like some kind of Zen master, thinking coldly and logically. You can't let your concentration falter now. Whatever your ability is doing, it has just ruined your leg and caused a lot more bleeding. The only thing you can hope for is that when it's done, you'll end up being better than right now. Otherwise, you're as good as dead.

More metal pieces embed themselves in your leg and twist to form links between the metal triangles of varying size, removing most flesh in the process. You close your eyes, focusing solely on maintaining your power. Can't watch. But the sound is still there.

After some time, you feel something twisting around your upper thigh and firmly holding onto it. And then there's nothing. The pain is still there but there is no more change, no more noise.
You open your eyes to see a metal leg with pointy edges in place of your old one, lying besides blood and minced meat, some of it hanging from the crevices formed between some of the triangles. It hangs on to your thigh by means of a metal band that is tightly bent around it, acting as a tourniquet at the same time.
Your multivision helmet allows you to see how the new limb has also latched onto your bone, the metal pieces embedding themselves in it enough to cause friction while not fracturing it. Almost no flesh remains.

You push your torso up with your hands and try moving your newly constructed peg leg experimentally. It pains you to move it too quickly and it is not very flexible, yet it is surprisingly lightweight and durable. Probably not made of copper then, at least not pure copper. The bleeding has almost completely stopped, nothing life threatening for the short term.

((Is this too graphic? I can tone down the detail of the descriptions of injuries if I'm disturbing anyone.
I know the answer is probably no, since this is a forum about dwarf fortress and the injuries there are rather detailed, but my conscience compels me to ask, just in case.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 24, 2014, 09:51:05 pm

Rune's crushed corpse twitched, then stopped moving.

Rune sighed. That had HURT. He glanced around, seeing nothing. He tried to contact anything. "Hello? Anyone out there?"

There are many greetings. I have been out here.

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 15, 2014, 07:46:56 pm

<Um...okay...what do you usually do?>

This unit works towards the completion of this unit's objectives.
With that helpful little bit of importation information, everything stops.
Player body deemed unrecoverable. Reconnecting with staging area...

You wake up in your room in the staging area, lying in your bed. The TV is showing an angry gremlin-like man with a gun tearing some wires and cogs apart.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 12:41:37 pm

"What are you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 25, 2014, 01:57:33 pm

(Funny, I was just listening to this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gs2axjnJUbM) when you mentioned the "climbing up like an ubisoft character" part.)
<"Okay... I think I see the heart. I'm almost gone here, but I'm going to do the best I can."
Start running as fast as possible, then start ripping out of wires out of the cubes, the arms, anything. Just get as many out as possible before retreating to a safer place.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 25, 2014, 02:48:22 pm

>Get up. I know it's hard, but get up. Look around and find anything that looks important or pertinent to you and take it, and then disembark from the vehicle if possible. If you don't have the energy to do so, I'll take control until you can move on your own.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 02:50:23 pm

<<Ugh... I think I just gave myself a replacement metal leg.  It still hurts, but it works.  What do you need to get the job done?>>


Give it a test.  Start working my way back toward BETA if the leg holds, but stay out of reach of any of its blasty bits.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 25, 2014, 04:13:43 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 25, 2014, 01:57:33 pm

<"Okay... I think I see the heart. I'm almost gone here, but I'm going to do the best I can."
Start running as fast as possible, then start ripping out of wires out of the cubes, the arms, anything. Just get as many out as possible before retreating to a safer place.

You jump, passing through a gap in the arms' sensors and manage to reach the cube while remaining undetected. You grasp one of the wires coming out of the cube and hide behind it. The cube is hot and you can hear the sound of machinery inside.

You find the thickest bundle of wires, a fat cable coming from one of the spheres, and fire off a shot with your silenced pistol. It doesn't completely sever it but you feel the cube shudder in response. You can hear robotic arms stopping and then approaching, rolling on their tracks towards your position.

Come on, just one more hit.

You kick the cable, ripping it free of its socket and causing a lot of noise in the process. The cube shudders once more and grows silent, save for some gas escaping from its insides with a monotone whistling.

You grab hold of another wire, slide onto it and hide under the cube, just as one of the robotic arms reaches this location. Your ability deactivates the next moment.

The two orbs are a bit higher than you. You can tell where they are because the light they're giving off seems to be passing through the cube. It's the same light that bathes everything inside the BETA, a light that is somehow capable of passing through walls and bending into tendril-like appendages. Although those ethereal things seem to have little effect on you other than being mildly disturbing.

You could try remaining hidden here. You could try running away. You could fight. Or you could do something else.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 02:50:23 pm

<<Ugh... I think I just gave myself a replacement metal leg.  It still hurts, but it works.  What do you need to get the job done?>>

Give it a test.  Start working my way back toward BETA if the leg holds, but stay out of reach of any of its blasty bits.

You push yourself up, trying to put most of your weight to your not-metal leg while doing so. You use the metal leg to balance yourself. Seems solid enough. Its pointy ends mean that it has traction even on the blood-slick surface under you. It probably won't have very good traction in a flat polished surface so you should probably avoid any ice lakes or dance floors you come across for the rest of the mission. Or maybe just find a shoe for it if you absolutely must dance.

You start walking with a small limp. The metal leg is a bit short but not so much that it will cause you trouble. Just got to get used to walking like that. And the pain.

The joysticks of your jetpack have been damaged by your less-then-perfect landing so you don't risk using it to descend. You reach the stairwell and start walking down, one hand holding the rail for support, your metal leg clinking on the floor.

This is going to take a while.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 12:41:37 pm

"What are you?"

I am a bond-previous. I am yours divine, one not-outsider.
For understanding's sake, use your translation suggestions please? This is asking for a misunderstanding to happen.
I refused that utterance. My lecture ability is terribly crackerjack. I am teaching me the idiolect of Rune-competitor from mission advent using the wordbook of the interconnected.
*sigh* He means he's a bond-former and your entity. He'll start speaking correctly again when he gets over this... whatever this is. Hopefully.

---

---

OOC
This post's favourite symbol is the hyphen-symbol. Noticed that after posting.

Quote from: Fniff on May 25, 2014, 01:57:33 pm

(Funny, I was just listening to this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gs2axjnJUbM) when you mentioned the "climbing up like an ubisoft character" part.)

I was talking more generally about the fact that almost every Ubisoft game I remember playing had some sort of climbing, usually over-the-top. Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, even Rayman.

The music does fit nicely.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 04:15:34 pm

"Okay then... What's your name, 'Bond-Former'?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on May 25, 2014, 04:34:08 pm

"Am I dead now? Damn. Thought I could win it.

Dragon, little girl, are you here too?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 25, 2014, 04:48:39 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 04:15:34 pm

"Okay then... What's your name, 'Bond-Former'?"

Yeeeah, why don't you tell him your name.
My title is Sparky-Red-Shift-Lightning-Feather.
She laughs.
My title sounds to have many lengths in the idiolect of Rune-competitor.

((You can hear NAV's character.))

Quote from: NAV on May 25, 2014, 04:34:08 pm

"Am I dead now? Damn. Thought I could win it.

Dragon, little girl, are you here too?"

Hey, how did you know? I'm not that young! I mean, is it that obvious?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 04:59:17 pm

"Hmm... That's a bit of a peculiar and hard to remember name... I'll just call you Nick. You okay with the name 'Nick'?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on May 25, 2014, 05:49:47 pm

"I was talking about my dead teammate, Angel I think. Obviously you're here, oh wise ancient entity. You're in my head.

Don't think I ever asked your name. How rude of me."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 07:10:54 pm

Hell with this.


Go back and technosense the jetpack.  Use that as a template to summon another one.


((Does this actually get a bonus?  Seems like it'd be worth something, or maybe an upgrade later or something.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 26, 2014, 09:54:51 am

((Host body only declared unrecoverable now?))

Try to figure out what show is on. If it's good, watch. If not, switch to another channel.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 27, 2014, 07:10:38 am

Quote from: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 07:10:54 pm

((Does this actually get a bonus?  Seems like it'd be worth something, or maybe an upgrade later or something.))

((Indeed it does. It was designed with that in mind in fact, since it makes sense given the progression of your upgrade tree. I mean, your ability was described as visualizing objects and then assembling them from parts and this power allows you to do that visualization, similar to that computer you were using in your personal section of the staging area.

I try to put less-than-obvious uses and drawbacks to your (plural) abilities if possible so that there is cause for experimentation. And I like experimentation because it can lead to new things I hadn't thought of.

Speaking of upgrade trees, I really need to work on updating yours (plural). I've got ideas for abilities scribbled at the edges of notebooks or as notes in my phone but I haven't found the time to sit down and update them.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2014, 04:59:17 pm

"Hmm... That's a bit of a peculiar and hard to remember name... I'll just call you Nick. You okay with the name 'Nick'?"

The wordbook of the interconnected states Nick is a small cut. But my now-self is not feline not young. My understanding is unhelpful by this.
*sigh* Search for Nicholaus.
This title means Victory of the People! I like this title. You may entitle me as Nick while not-frightened, Rune-competitor.

Quote from: NAV on May 25, 2014, 05:49:47 pm

"I was talking about my dead teammate, Angel I think. Obviously you're here, oh wise ancient entity. You're in my head.

Don't think I ever asked your name. How rude of me."

Oh. Good. Uhh... That's right. You better remember that. That I'm wise and ancient. Not the in your head part. Because I'm not in your head. Although I will be soon, depending on how things go. Not that I like that. I mean, sure, I bet it's perfectly fine for you, but knowing other people's thoughts can be a bit disturbing. I'll try to stay away from your thoughts and memories. Don't want to accidentally delete something. But I make no promises. Although really, the chances of that happening are really slim. Probably.
...
What were we talking about, again? Oh, right, name, mine. I'm... Hmmm... Actually you know nothing about me, so I could choose any name I like... What would I like to call myself...
Her name-title is Violet-Crest-Very-
Violet! she hurriedly cuts him off before he can continue. Just call me Violet. she continues, sounding a bit embarrassed.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 26, 2014, 09:54:51 am

((Host body only declared unrecoverable now?))

Try to figure out what show is on. If it's good, watch. If not, switch to another channel.

((Yeah, you're right, it should had said Player Body. And S0 gives you a minimum of three minutes (turns) before proclaiming you unrevivable regardless of state. He waited a bit longer for you because your body was more or less intact.))

Pressing the info button says this is Mission 2B, action camera, cartoonified. As for whether or not it is good, I'll leave that judgment up to your character, since I don't know how she thinks. Except if you mean if its art is of good quality, in which case it's about what you'd expect from the Roadrunner show.

The gremlin-man is hiding under a cube from a robot. A question mark forms over the robot as it searches around the cube. The gremlin man starts sweating and shaking.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 27, 2014, 08:42:29 am

Keep watching.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 27, 2014, 03:32:52 pm

"Great. Now, can I go back and see what is going on? Is the BETA almost dead?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 03:51:53 pm

<"Hey, hey, John? Do you read?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 27, 2014, 04:02:32 pm

<<Yeah.  Leg is... not killing me any more.  Gonna go for another jetpack- this one's done.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 04:10:14 pm

(I find it heartening that no-one thinks the BETA is going to win. I find it terrifying that apparently half of the players here think something else is going to happen that doesn't involve any of the team winning nor the BETA winning.)
<"I need some help, I'm utterly wrecked and I'm not sure if I can do much from here. I think I'm in... [gives as precise description of area as possible, including exits]... Think you can help me take out the BETA?">

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 27, 2014, 04:48:13 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 04:10:14 pm

(I find it heartening that no-one thinks the BETA is going to win. I find it terrifying that apparently half of the players here think something else is going to happen that doesn't involve any of the team winning nor the BETA winning.)

((Bah, everyone knows Angel's going to win.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 27, 2014, 07:56:41 pm

<<I'm trying to get mobile as fast as I can.  Be my eyes- what do I need to bring?  I can summon up pretty much anything mechanical.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 08:05:04 pm

<"Something that can cause a lot of damage to structural systems that we can activate from a distance like C4, RPGs, or anti-materiel sniper rifles. I think I see the heart of the BETA but I don't want to be anywhere near this bot when it breaks.">
Keep behind cover and quiet.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 27, 2014, 08:58:01 pm

<<Right.  I can always do another bomb like the last one.  Can you deliver them if I make them?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 08:12:59 am

<" I can give it a shot, any idea where you are? I entered through the big hole you left by that bomb you detonated.">

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 28, 2014, 08:14:27 am

<<I'm on top of a nearby building; crashlanded here after the bombing run.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 08:15:43 am

"Really? Shit, I thought you were nearer. This complicates things. Is the BETA still firing off?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 28, 2014, 08:22:50 am

<<I can't see it right this second.  I think it shot the other two guys.>>


((PS I just realized I never answered the "is it too graphic" question.  The answer is that pretty much nothing you can write is going to offend me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 28, 2014, 10:55:22 am

Quote from: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 08:05:04 pm

<"Something that can cause a lot of damage to structural systems that we can activate from a distance like C4, RPGs, or anti-materiel sniper rifles. I think I see the heart of the BETA but I don't want to be anywhere near this bot when it breaks.">
Keep behind cover and quiet.

You move around the cube, quickly grabbing wires, trying to avoid the robotic arm searching around. While you jump between two wires, you misjudge the distance and end up slipping, barely holding on to it with one hand. You look down. It's not going to be a smooth landing if you fall.

Despite your tiredness, you manage to find the strength to catch the cable with your other hand and lift yourself up and onto the cable. You balance yourself there. You stay balanced like this for about half a second, trying to catch your breath. And then the robotic arm appears in front of you. It buzzes and swaps the tool on its tip for something like a fat cone with a tiny hole on its end before charging at you.

((About 40 seconds before you can use your ability again.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 25, 2014, 07:10:54 pm

Hell with this.

Go back and technosense the jetpack.  Use that as a template to summon another one.

((Does this actually get a bonus?  Seems like it'd be worth something, or maybe an upgrade later or something.))

You lay your jetpack on the ground. You touch it, close your eyes and focus, trying to hold its every component in your mind before summoning another one.

It goes a lot quicker and smoother then it normally would have, the blueprints of the original guiding your construction of the replica. You spend some time mentally repairing the broken joysticks so that the damage to them won't be replicated to the new one, slightly improving them to fit your hands better and be more responsive while doing so.

However, when the summoning and assembly is complete and you open your eyes again, you notice there's a tiny problem. A lot of the components you have used for the new one seem to be older than the original, some of them slightly scratched by use or worn by time. It's nothing life threatening, but it's going to be a lot weaker and less powerful than the previous one. Meaning that you'll be more hovering than flying with it and that it can't lift as much. Good thing your new metal leg is lightweight, eh?

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 27, 2014, 03:32:52 pm

"Great. Now, can I go back and see what is going on? Is the BETA almost dead?"

In short time. Waiting for death acceptance.
I can ask S0 to get you back to your section sooner. Want me to do that?

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 27, 2014, 08:42:29 am

Keep watching.

The gremlin-man walks around the cube on the tip of his toes while the robot does the same, circling around it without meeting. Then the robot stops and scratches its chin while the gremlin-man keeps moving around the cube, looking behind him wearily. He doesn't see the robot and collides with it.

They both jump with surprise and fear and run around the cube in opposite directions, coming to meet each other on the other side. There they screech to a halt and stare at each other in surprise. They stand there looking at each other for a second.

Then the robot lets out an angry-sounding machine noise and charges the gremlin-man.

---

---

OOC

Quote from: Fniff on May 27, 2014, 04:10:14 pm

(I find it heartening that no-one thinks the BETA is going to win. I find it terrifying that apparently half of the players here think something else is going to happen that doesn't involve any of the team winning nor the BETA winning.)

Indeed. Wonder what they've guessed.

Also, hey, the BETA got a vote. Good to see someone believing she can still win. Well, not good for you.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 28, 2014, 10:59:00 am

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 27, 2014, 04:48:13 pm

((Bah, everyone knows Angel's going to win.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 28, 2014, 11:17:16 am

It'll have to do.  More satchel charges ahoy!


<<Okay, I've got a functional-enough jetpack now; going to make more bombs.>>

Focus on that bomb I summoned earlier, and start making more.  Make as many as possible in one turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 11:26:39 am

Jordan yells into his Interface <"Javla helvete! John, get over here quickly or--Aggh!">
Swing weakly on the cable so the robot arm can't get me!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 28, 2014, 11:35:11 am

<<Quickly?  I'm not sure where you are; there's no quickly.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 11:36:52 am

<"Agggh! Just head into the section where you bombed the BETA then go right, up--eeeaaa! Just ask your entity or the Interface or build a Find-Jordan-Svenson device or something so I don't get ripped apart by robots!">

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2014, 11:59:12 am

((My guess is that nobody wins somehow! Maybe another BETA comes along and eats the weakened one to gain power and status, then messes up the rest of the planet because that sort of thing is right up its alley.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 12:05:01 pm

(Or the BETA self-destructs and so does the rest of the planet.)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 28, 2014, 12:07:57 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 11:26:39 am

Jordan yells into his Interface <"Javla helvete! John, get over here quickly or--Aggh!">
Swing weakly on the cable so the robot arm can't get me!

((You are balanced on top of the cable right now (it's kinda thick). Wanna dodge and try to grab another cable or do you wanna get down and swing on the cable you're sitting on or something else?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 12:11:25 pm

(I'll go with sliding down, then. Swinging if it comes after me still.)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on May 28, 2014, 03:10:57 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2014, 11:59:12 am

((My guess is that nobody wins somehow! Maybe another BETA comes along and eats the weakened one to gain power and status, then messes up the rest of the planet because that sort of thing is right up its alley.))

((But then the second BETA would win.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2014, 05:16:01 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 28, 2014, 03:10:57 pm

((But then the second BETA would win.))

((But not the first! And that's what's important in a battle like this!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on May 29, 2014, 05:54:22 am

Will post soon. Sorry about the wait Paris & co. :-[

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 29, 2014, 01:31:59 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 11:26:39 am

Jordan yells into his Interface <"Javla helvete! John, get over here quickly or--Aggh!">
Swing weakly on the cable so the robot arm can't get me!

Quote from: Fniff on May 28, 2014, 12:11:25 pm

(I'll go with sliding down, then. Swinging if it comes after me still.)

The robotic arm swings at you. You fall backwards and grab hold of the cable to avoid it, sliding away from your previous location.
As the tip of the arm passes through the place you used to be, it begins emiting a mechanical whine and glowing slightly. It doesn't touch the cable but as it passes by it, a small cloud of black smoke is emitted. A moment later, cable falls apart, cut cleanly in half, its insides glowing red hot.
Good thing you chose to move away.

The arm is coming at you again, rolling on its rails.

((About 30 seconds left.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 28, 2014, 11:17:16 am

It'll have to do.  More satchel charges ahoy!

<<Okay, I've got a functional-enough jetpack now; going to make more bombs.>>

Focus on that bomb I summoned earlier, and start making more.  Make as many as possible in one turn.

((Doesn't work like that. Most people can't remember a device they've seen only for a few seconds (or at least I can't, since that's what I'm using as reference). Could ask your entity to upgrade your memory if you win, something for repeated summoning.))

You summon a single explosive cube, similar to those your earlier explosive was made of, before a bout of pain from your leg causes you to loose your concentration and interrupts the summoning.

The cube has what you assume to be a detonator stuck into it. Wires come out of it and into a small receiver. But you failed to remain concentrated long enough to summon the remote detonator.

---

---

OOC

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2014, 05:16:01 pm

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on May 28, 2014, 03:10:57 pm

((But then the second BETA would win.))

((But not the first! And that's what's important in a battle like this!))

I like the way you think.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on May 29, 2014, 05:54:22 am

Will post soon. Sorry about the wait Paris & co. :-[

No worries. I understand. :)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 29, 2014, 01:53:41 pm

Damn it.


Summon up the damn detonator, trying again until it works.  When done, suit up in the jetpack and get aloft.  Head toward BETA and avoid its deathweapons.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on May 30, 2014, 06:01:52 pm

"John better get here fast-- OH SHI--"
Oh no! The cable's falling, right? Jump to the nearest cable or wall to grab onto it.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 30, 2014, 10:47:30 pm

Quote from: Fniff on May 30, 2014, 06:01:52 pm

"John better get here fast-- OH SHI--"
Oh no! The cable's falling, right? Jump to the nearest cable or wall to grab onto it.

Your half of the cable is indeed falling right now. In your panic, you jump away and towards the... nothing. You jump straight into empty space. You clutch at the air, desperately trying to find something to hold on to but failing.

It is surprising how slow and yet how fast things seem to be happening while you are freefaling. You have time to see the metal support below and take in all its details. Yet your attempts to reposition your body and soften your landing quickly come to an abrupt halt when your body collides with the support.

There's a crunch and then your entire right side hurts, mostly your right arm and ribs. Everything is red from the pain and you almost pass out.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 29, 2014, 01:53:41 pm

Damn it.


Summon up the damn detonator, trying again until it works.  When done, suit up in the jetpack and get aloft.  Head toward BETA and avoid its deathweapons.

Detonator summoning should be easy, it's just a battery, a coil and some-
You emit a surprised and not-very-manly scream when you feel something stabbing you in the face from the right.
After the initial surprise passes, you look around for the source of the pain. There's a very thin wire on the ground, one you wanted to use as an antenna. It has a thin covering of blood. Must have scratched you in the cheek.

It must be one of those notorious streaks of bad luck again.
At least it didn't poke your eye out.

Come on John, second time's the charm...
You get your detonator all right. You get a medium sized metal box, a bit bigger than your fist. It has a red button and an enormous rubbery antenna attached to it that could be the cause of many "overcompensating" jokes.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on May 31, 2014, 12:54:20 pm

<<Jordan, you okay?  Got a bomb and a detonator ready.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 04, 2014, 08:16:49 pm

(Can I activate my ability now?)

<"Uuuuugh, n-n-no...">

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 04, 2014, 08:33:59 pm

<<Man, we're dropping like flies.  Trying to get over to you now.>>

Suit up and start flying toward the BETA.  Summon up another bomb in flight, using the one on my person as a template.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 04, 2014, 08:41:47 pm

Quote from: Fniff on June 04, 2014, 08:16:49 pm

(Can I activate my ability now?)

<"Uuuuugh, n-n-no...">

((Yeah.

I was right about to bump this. Like you read my mind.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 04, 2014, 08:46:43 pm

"O-o-okay... I'm not going to die here... I'm not going to die here. Not going to die here. Not gonna die here. NotgonnadieherenotgonnadieherenotgonnadiehereNOTGONNADIEHERENOTGONNADIEHERE"
Activate ability, dodge out of the way, find exit to the BETA.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 06, 2014, 07:19:50 pm

Quote from: Fniff on June 04, 2014, 08:46:43 pm

"O-o-okay... I'm not going to die here... I'm not going to die here. Not going to die here. Not gonna die here. NotgonnadieherenotgonnadieherenotgonnadiehereNOTGONNADIEHERENOTGONNADIEHERE"
Activate ability, dodge out of the way, find exit to the BETA.

You try to calm yourself. Slow your breathing. Push the pain away. Open your eyes.

You're on your side. Opposite to you is the metal beams and wires and rails that make up the insides of the BETA. Breathing feels hard.

You twist your body to bring yourself facing upwards, trying to ignore the pain on your right ribs and arm. The robotic arm that attacked you has stopped its chase long enough to switch rails and is once more coming after you. There are others, surrounding the cube you attacked, inspecting it.
You're not going to stay here to fight it. Not in this state.

One more push. Gotta give it all.

The rush of adrenaline and other various chemicals flooding your bloodstream is followed by a feeling like your insides are on fire. Veins and muscles burning. Doesn't matter. Just got to get out.

You turn around to face the ground and use your left hand to push yourself up. The metal is slick with blood.

You look around. You've got to get out of here. But you can't climb with only one hand. There's got to be a way out...
There! You might not be able to climb, but that wire seems to be going downwards. You could slide on it and out of the BETA.

You run, the vibrations from every step transferred to your ribs, translated into suffering.
You jump and grab hold of the wire. You slide away, your one good hand getting burned from the friction. But you get away and that's what matters.

There's nothing else in your path to hold on to, nothing to arrest your fall. Just you and the wire, falling through a hole in the BETA's inside.
You can't hold on anymore. Even though you consciously try your everything to hold on to the wire, the pain is too much and your hand lets go.

Something else to hold on to, anything.
A small rail, like the one those robotic arms use, coming from below. You try to grab it with your left hand.
There's more pain running through the length of your arm to your shoulder, but this time you manage to ignore it and hold on long enough to swing on top of a small metal platform.

You lie there for a few seconds and catch your breath.
Both your arms are hurt. You're bleeding moderately from your right arm, your body feels like it's on fire and breathing feels hard.
But at least you're safe for now.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 04, 2014, 08:33:59 pm

<<Man, we're dropping like flies.  Trying to get over to you now.>>

Suit up and start flying toward the BETA.  Summon up another bomb in flight, using the one on my person as a template.

You blast off with your jetpack, slowly hovering towards the BETA. It's still the same, a humanoid with a hole where the abdomen would be, its charred insides showing. And there's still that light coming from it, now concentrated in the area around its chest, where its hearts are.

While flying, you summon another bomb, another cube with a detonator stuck in it. You deduce from your technopathy that it's on the same detonator frequency as the other one, although this one seems to have a different composition. At least you think it does, it looks different in your multivision helmet.

As you approach the BETA, you notice a small ripple in the armour plates near its chest as they readjust and lock into place with a metallic "clang". Damn, that thing is repairing itself fast. It might not be walking around any time within the next hour, but it is making quick progress. At least it doesn't seem to be capable of controlling its external arms yet.

---

OOC
Welp, looks like it's all up to John now unless Jordan can heal himself or find someone to heal him.

[joking]I blame you GWG. You jinxed it, said that you would be the only death this mission.[/joking]
Seriously though, you've been having quite a lot of bad luck this mission.

Also, the reason the other mission is not updating is because I'm busy and I would feel bad pressuring Tiruin/DAF to post an action only for me to take a week to post a new turn.

Still, if you're reading this, an action from you would be appreciated, since it feels like it's been a long time.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 06, 2014, 07:43:42 pm

Jordan raises an exhausted hand to his interface.
<"John, I'm done. I'm lucky if I leave this thing in a bodybag. I just survived a tall drop just by adrenaline and luck, but I think this is the end of the line. It's up to you, now.">
Rest but stay alert. Is the leg broken and out of place? If so, snap it back in. If not, try and find something to make a splint with.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 06, 2014, 09:28:36 pm

<<I hope you're clear, because I'm coming in with more explosives.  Bombs on the inside seem to be the way to go here, and I'm sticking as many in there as I can.>>


Summon more if I can while flying in closer.  Get to the hole and get inside.  Start scanning for targets.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 06, 2014, 09:30:17 pm

I posted my action a few pages ago.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on June 07, 2014, 03:46:01 am

From here... (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5305033#msg5305033)

Awena//Theri

Oh goodness no-No! We're under atta-...

Awena! I...I won't possess you, but my knowledge is free for you to use. It was wrong of me to do so before if it wasn't fully your choice. I believe in you, however. Do what you think is best!

Irene's talk, and moreso her actions, got Theri thinking. She was a thought in her host--but not her host. She had an influence on her decisions, but utter control was wrong straight out.

<We're alright!>
Give control to Awena. Share knowledge/memory.

---

Zoe//Irene
Its job. Pretty direct. Does he even know what his host is capable of, or does he seemingly care more to issue orders instead of turning it on. Now.

We're under attack.

Return to the flames--provide sweeping attacks and focus on the (last remembered) direction of the assault//offense. Focus to jam weapons and disable firing mechanisms.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 09, 2014, 10:28:30 am

Quote from: Xantalos on May 23, 2014, 02:49:20 pm

My host should be grateful this movie is so damn entertaining.

An old military jeep crawls across the arid and cracked ground, raising a small trail of dust behind it as it approaches the camera.
The surrounding area is utterly flat and devoid of landmarks, with only the rare parched leafless bush around to denote distance.

The camera pans to follow the jeep as it drives by. It's a utilitarian thing, two seater with a cargo bed. It's got a spare tire attached on its left side and various tools like shovels and picks locked in place around its frame. It lacks a roof, forcing our two scientist protagonists (Dan and Steve) to wear what looks like pith helmets to protect themselves from the hot desert sun. Light white shirts and sturdy-looking cargo shorts complete their attire.

As the camera pans to follow the jeep, its destination is revealed, the only distinctive point in this featureless desert. Mystery Mountain.
A quick examination reveals that the use of the term "mountain" may have been an exaggeration on the part of whoever named this place. It's nothing more than a hill made of blocky rocks, sand and dirt piled together. And while it is a high hill, it's height made all the more impressive by the lack of anything to compare it with, it's nowhere near the height of a proper mountain.

The scene changes, now showing the jeep as it descends on a wide depression surrounding the base of the hill. The jeep rather comically collides with a bunch of small rocks in its path, causing it to stop and the drivers to jerk forward.

Dan turns the engine off and looks at Steve. "I guess we can't make it any further in the jeep."
"Yeah, looks like we're going to have to make the rest of the journey on foot." replies Steve and gets out of the jeep.
"With all our gear? Across the desert?" complains Dan.
"Mystery Mountain is right there you big baby. Now try the scintillator again, will you?"
Dan gets that machine that looks like a hairdrier taped on a box again and waves it around.
Meanwhile Steve gets more "scientific equipment" from inside the jeep and sets it down on its hood, along with a couple of round water containers, a couple of searchlights and a hunting rifle.
"Couldn't be deader." he says after a few swings and sets it down inside the jeep again, reaching for a water container.
"You saw it this morning, it was going off like crazy." replies Steve. He takes a pair of binoculars from inside the jeep and uses the to survey the surrounding area.
"Well, it's not now." says Dan and drinks from the container. He seems to immediately regret it though, for he spits it out the next moment and groans. "This thing is literally boiling!" he exclaims.

The scene now shows rocks shown with the classic viewing-through-binoculars effect. It's obvious it is simply a piece of cardboard or similar cut and put in front of the camera, since one circle is slightly angular and bigger than the other, while the other is more egg-shaped than circle-shaped. They are the same boring large blocky rocks that seem to exist everywhere on this "mountain" and they continue to be so as the camera moves for a couple of seconds. But then a pile of dirt along with smaller irregularly shaped rocks comes into view.

"Well I'll be darned." says Steve and lowers his binoculars, offering them to Dan. "Take a look at this! Little more than halfway down and to the left."
Dan obliges, taking the binoculars and bringing them to his eyes.
"What do you see?" asks Steve.
"A pile of rocks." replies Dan in a disinterested manner.
"Yeah, but it doesn't fit with the rest. Come on! It's not that far." Steve says with excitement.

Steve scoops up some of the things laid on the hood of the jeep and starts walking off camera.
"Oh, I wish I had taken a job at an office. Somewhere air conditioned. Where I wouldn't have to..." Dan continues to complain to himself, picks up the rest of the things and goes after Steve, forgetting his water container behind.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 23, 2014, 01:34:50 pm

<Boy, am I glad they're not my eardrums, technically!> Ike thinks to himself, trying to stay positive.

Put the helmet back on, load another rocket into the RPG and fire it at an area slightly to the right or to the left of the entrance - whichever seems most explodable and likely to cause catastrophic structural damage and isn't covered by the rectangle.

You get up on your knees with a groan and put your helmet and accompanying head armour back on. Your ears still hurt a bit and you can't hear that well. There's only the continuous beeping of your interface.

You take a spare rocket from inside your bag (only one more left) and try to find a good place to aim towards.

Density of concrete, coupled with windspeed, carry the two... Hey! That's it! You know what you have to do! You just have to hold the bazooka trigger for .46 seconds and aim 51^o high! The missile will go over the wall and then the wind will cause it to turn, hit the enemies behind the wall and push them into a mine for a total of 75 damage, simultaneously destroying the wall there!

You take aim and prepare to enact your brilliant battle plan. You fire. The missile flies over the wall. It keeps going.

<You missed.>

Well, if the knowledge of your host is to be trusted, those things can keep going for 2 kilometers.

<You missed a building.>

Let's hope it doesn't hit anything important.

<A large building not a hundred meters away.>

You turn towards the burning car to grab another missile. You notice the orange light coming from behind you too late to react.

You turn around just in time to see what's coming towards you. It's a huge sphere of fire. And following it is a trio of smaller spheres circling around it. And around each of the three fireballs circle three smaller ones.

Your armour protects you from the brunt of the blast, but some of your exposed skin is seriously burned and the heat causes you major discomfort.

Thankfully, the firewave passes a moment later. But now the bag with your spare ammo is on fire.

<Better do something if you don't want to go out with a bang. And unless you can stand the heat, you should probably relocate out of the kitchen.>

---

Quote from: Alarith on May 23, 2014, 04:44:38 pm

Bryan
<"Don't worry about distracting me, it's always nice to talk to somebody, even if that person doesn't agree with what I think.  As to being late, this could be beneficial to me.  If the explosions are distracting people, then maybe I can get closer before I am seen.  I still have a chance.">

---

Faron
Keep driving.  If I get to the building stop a block away and look for an entrance away from the commotion.

You'll get there in a bit. Shouldn't be long now. 1 to 3 turns probably, depending on how things go.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 25, 2014, 02:48:22 pm

>Get up. I know it's hard, but get up. Look around and find anything that looks important or pertinent to you and take it, and then disembark from the vehicle if possible. If you don't have the energy to do so, I'll take control until you can move on your own.

Your host tries to get up. Back still hurts. Feels strange. Like there's something else there. No time to look at it now.

He can't get up. Legs feel weak. He manages to fall off the gurney he's lying on. Plastic tubes going into him pull his skin, causing more discomfort. A body softens his fall. Looks like a police officer. Hit his head in the crash.

Another groan. There's a paramedic here. Probably injured in the crash too. Hasn't come to his senses fully yet, although he seems to be coming to.

There's nothing belonging to your host around here. Not even his clothes. Just a lot of things you'd expect to find in an ambulance. A heart monitor. A defibrillator. A gurney. A wheelchair. Scissors. Syringes. Drugs. The list goes on.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 07, 2014, 03:46:01 am

From here... (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5305033#msg5305033)

Awena//Theri

Oh goodness no-No! We're under atta-...

Awena! I...I won't possess you, but my knowledge is free for you to use. It was wrong of me to do so before if it wasn't fully your choice. I believe in you, however. Do what you think is best!

Irene's talk, and moreso her actions, got Theri thinking. She was a thought in her host--but not her host. She had an influence on her decisions, but utter control was wrong straight out.

<We're alright!>
Give control to Awena. Share knowledge/memory.

You focus on allowing Awena to use your knowledge. It feels hard. Like you're trying to mentally push something solid through a kitchen sieve. Very few things get through, only fragments. Your interface beeps many times.

<Perhaps this would work better if you focused on sharing a single thing first.>

Awena remains unsure of what to do for a few seconds, simply trying to regain her bearings.
The voices around her sound like they're coming from far away. The injured man keeps struggling in front of her.
She slowly approaches him. There must be a way to help him. Just have to figure out-

A hand grabs her from behind and forces her to turn around. A man is shouting at her.
"-listening to me? You have to get out of the way!"
A moment later, as if to punctuate the man's statement, something flies by very close to the roof of the building, leaving a trail of exhaust in the dark night sky.

When Awena fails to respond in time, the man simply grabs her and starts dragging her back towards the cover the armed men have made with their boxes. A pair of two others grab the injured man and drag him back to cover with them.

There's the sound of wind blowing. Everyone grows silent and pauses to look at the fires around the room transform, becoming streams of flame rushing up and through the broken skylight windows, filling the room with their heat and orange light.

A moment later the effect stops and everything returns back to normal, the flames significantly weaker now, the room darker.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 07, 2014, 03:46:01 am

Zoe//Irene
Its job. Pretty direct. Does he even know what his host is capable of, or does he seemingly care more to issue orders instead of turning it on. Now.

We're under attack.

Return to the flames--provide sweeping attacks and focus on the (last remembered) direction of the assault//offense. Focus to jam weapons and disable firing mechanisms.

You try to focus both on strengthening your compressive anti-combustion field and launching another firewave at your enemy's last known position. But the effort proves too much for you. The field destabilises, looses its precision and collapses but you manage to stop the effect before the opposing effects devolve into a whirlwind of pyrokinetic force.

Without the effort of maintaining the field holding you back, you try again. It feels a lot easier now, more natural. You don't have to carefully adjust the area your power affects. You just have to push and it happens.

Remembering the locations of all nearby fires you can, you make them burn faster for half a second and then take the resulting surplus of flame to use for your attack. You gather it in the sky and then arrange it into a large, simple sphere of fire of enormous size, with smaller spheres circling around it to add to its width. And then you launch it to the last known location of the attacker.

You are not certain about whether or not you hit anything. But you think you still have most of the fire you gathered still under your control.

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Fniff on June 06, 2014, 07:43:42 pm

Jordan raises an exhausted hand to his interface.
<"John, I'm done. I'm lucky if I leave this thing in a bodybag. I just survived a tall drop just by adrenaline and luck, but I think this is the end of the line. It's up to you, now.">
Rest but stay alert. Is the leg broken and out of place? If so, snap it back in. If not, try and find something to make a splint with.

I'm going to assume you mean hand, since I'm pretty sure your legs are (surprisingly) fine, unless I forgot something.

Your right arm is broken and bleeding moderately. Your left arm is dislocated. Your ribs are either fractured or broken, can't really tell.

You decide to focus on your left arm first.
You start ramming your left shoulder against a nearby metal support. It's neither the most medically appropriate nor the most painless way to fix a dislocated shoulder but it works after a while.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 06, 2014, 09:28:36 pm

<<I hope you're clear, because I'm coming in with more explosives.  Bombs on the inside seem to be the way to go here, and I'm sticking as many in there as I can.>>


Summon more if I can while flying in closer.  Get to the hole and get inside.  Start scanning for targets.

You get another cube. This one also has a different composition than the others and is set in the same detonation frequency.
You really wish you had a way to understand the chemical components of things.

You get inside the charred insides of the BETA and begin carefully ascending.

As for targets, that really depends on what you want to hit and how much you're willing to risk. The area you want to damage is the chest, where the two armoured "hearts" of the BETA reside, one for energy and one for information. There also seems to be a dozen or so robotic arms in there, working on repairing things and transforming the information sphere into some kind of humanoid robot.

You could attack directly and try to place the bombs there. Or you could try doing something else.

---

OOC

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 06, 2014, 09:30:17 pm

I posted my action a few pages ago.

Ah, sorry, memory is not one of my best traits.
That's why I try to keep notes with everything in them.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2014, 10:35:38 am

"Ah."

Make a run for the building, get up to the wall, then relinquish control of host to allow a bit of respite.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 09, 2014, 11:25:56 am

"Almost out of there," Zechariah whispers to himself in the void of his unconsciousness. "Use the Shadow to hide the truth."

>Take some pain-reducing drugs and get out of there. If they begin stirring or if there are people watching, use the Shadow to disguise yourself and ghost your way out of there.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 09, 2014, 08:20:26 pm

<<Heads up- I'm moving in for a killing blow.>>


Try to stick a bomb on each "heart."  Should that succeed, start heading out and just throw the last one at the first thing that looks defensive.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 09, 2014, 08:28:45 pm

<"Ow,ow... Okay, I'm trying to find a way out before it blows. If you don't hear from me in five minutes, assume I'm dead and blow the thing to hell.>"
Try to find a way out of the BETA's guts. Is there any wires or cables to grasp onto? If so, grab onto them and climb all the way up them with my strong arm. When at the top, see if there's any holes leading out or at least to a less precarious position.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Alarith on June 09, 2014, 09:41:17 pm

Bryan
Getting so close...

---

Faron
Turn off the car's lights.  Continue driving.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 09, 2014, 09:42:32 pm

<<Got it.  Gotta get there safely first...>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 09, 2014, 10:02:30 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 09, 2014, 08:20:26 pm

<<Heads up- I'm moving in for a killing blow.>>


Try to stick a bomb on each "heart."  Should that succeed, start heading out and just throw the last one at the first thing that looks defensive.

You continue flying through the burnt and exploded insides of the BETA. As you approach the chest area, you notice the robotic arms reacting. Some retreat back towards the spheres while others move to cover the passageways closer to you. Looks like it knows you're here. You also notice the giant robotic arms holding the BETA's chest armour repositioning slightly, some releasing the armour pieces they were holding while doing so. Finally, the light thing inside the BETA has began retreating towards the two spheres, becoming even less bright in the process.

Do you want to fly fast and try getting through the robotic arms before they have a chance to intercept you or do you want to try something else?

---

Quote from: Fniff on June 09, 2014, 08:28:45 pm

<"Ow,ow... Okay, I'm trying to find a way out before it blows. If you don't hear from me in five minutes, assume I'm dead and blow the thing to hell.>"
Try to find a way out of the BETA's guts. Is there any wires or cables to grasp onto? If so, grab onto them and climb all the way up them with my strong arm. When at the top, see if there's any holes leading out or at least to a less precarious position.

Just to make sure: you want to climb upwards with one arm to escape the BETA? Even though you went inside it from below?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 09, 2014, 10:04:08 pm

(Well, if there is any exits below, I would gladly take them.)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 10, 2014, 08:39:53 am

Slight change of plan- throw the first bomb just generally at the arms as a distraction, then yes, charge in for the goal.

((The other plan is to just to throw bombs at the arms, fly out, detonate, get more bombs and try again, but that's boring.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 10, 2014, 04:26:24 pm

Quote from: Fniff on June 09, 2014, 08:28:45 pm

<"Ow,ow... Okay, I'm trying to find a way out before it blows. If you don't hear from me in five minutes, assume I'm dead and blow the thing to hell.>"
Try to find a way out of the BETA's guts. Is there any wires or cables to grasp onto? If so, grab onto them and climb all the way up them with my strong arm. When at the top, see if there's any holes leading out or at least to a less precarious position.

Quote from: Fniff on June 09, 2014, 10:04:08 pm

(Well, if there is any exits below, I would gladly take them.)

((Just trying to make sure you don't die because of a misunderstanding. Because if John dies, you win by default, so staying alive is in your favour.))

With all the grace of a drunk elephant, you make your way downwards, using your one good arm to grab things and keep yourself from falling. Eventually, you reach the hole you used to enter and stand on the BETA's bent armour, near where the abdomen or groin would be on a human.

You can see the chest armour plates above you moving. There's the sound of metal being dragged on metal, followed by some of the plates crashing on the ground below.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 10, 2014, 08:39:53 am

Slight change of plan- throw the first bomb just generally at the arms as a distraction, then yes, charge in for the goal.

((The other plan is to just to throw bombs at the arms, fly out, detonate, get more bombs and try again, but that's boring.))

((I'm going to interpret first as "first summoned".))

You take aim, spin and throw your first bomb through the entry to the BETA's central area. Your throw lacks the strength to reach either of the two spheres and the arms clustered around them.

But it is strong enough to reach the robotic arm guarding this entry to the central area. The bomb gets stuck on one of its joints, the soft plasticine-like material slipping through the gaps in the joint and getting wedged there.

The arm jerks and turns its tip around to inspect the unknown object with its sensors. After staring at it for a few milliseconds, it detaches from its rails and plummets downwards.

While this is happening, you aren't standing around with your arms crossed. You take advantage of the distraction and use it to fly towards the power sphere as fast as you can.

Most of the arms guarding the entrances to the central area retreat towards the information sphere, while the few clustered around the power sphere move to intercept you.

You try the same trick again, flying straight through them without dodging, but this time it doesn't work as well. The BETA has learned from its past mistake and has an arm coming straight at you. And this one is sporting a very nasty buzz-saw.

You manage to veer to the side a bit but the saw still manages to strike your left arm. The force of the blow is the first thing that hits you, making you twist in the air and loose your orientation, the fact that you can no longer use one of the jetpack's joysticks not helping one bit. The pain comes a moment later, clouding your vision and your thoughts. You continue moving forward, more out of momentum than any effort on your part, until you eventually hit something (it feels like a tangled mess of thick cables and smooth armour) and manage to grab on to some wires with your other hand to prevent yourself from falling.

You barely resist passing out.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on June 10, 2014, 05:57:44 pm

((Thanks so much Parisbre. :) ))
Theri
Argh, sorry Awena! I-..I should stop trying to take authority here! Just tell me what you need and I'm at your disposal.

Act as servant to Awena. Provide aid.
Also try to focus energies onto her body--stabilize her condition and get her in healthy condition.
Also thank the man--don't influence Awena, just say it from my cozy place here.

---

---

Irene

Focus on current vicinity and achieve some respite--how is Zoe doing? Is Amelia Ok? Boris, what about him? What is he doing? Any notes on our attackers?
Try to sense the current area.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on June 10, 2014, 06:07:50 pm

Nikolai yells at the tv screen
"Come on! I went through all that effort of crippling the robot and you're just gonna let it win? Hurry up and destroy the damn thing! I want my levelup."

Keep watching the tv with Angel and Rune. Switch it to dramatic black and white.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on June 10, 2014, 08:25:25 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

Shoot Rune with a electric ballista before he can do this.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 10, 2014, 08:29:40 pm

<<Agghh... shit!  It nailed me again.  Aborting now, coming back for another go!>>


Stick another bomb (doesn't matter which) on whatever it is I'm stuck to, then take the fastest way out.  Throw the last bomb behind me as I go- aim is irrelevant.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Fniff on June 10, 2014, 08:46:45 pm

"Can you leave some bombs for me? I'm close to getting out... just in case you bite it."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 10, 2014, 08:52:47 pm

<<Problem is they're on a detonator.  I'd have to make another one, and I'm a bit busy trying to not die.  If we get clear I'll make you one.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on June 10, 2014, 08:53:18 pm

Noises of attentionYYYYYAAAAAAAWWWWWWNNN. ACTION GO GO GO

[rudeness intensifies]

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 10, 2014, 10:00:33 pm

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2014, 06:07:50 pm

Nikolai yells at the tv screen
"Come on! I went through all that effort of crippling the robot and you're just gonna let it win? Hurry up and destroy the damn thing! I want my levelup."

Keep watching the tv with Angel and Rune. Switch it to dramatic black and white.

"Hey! I liked the--"

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

"No!"
Get some kind of immobilization ability and use it to, um, immobilize Rune.
Also switch the TV back to cartoon mode.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 11, 2014, 05:29:45 am

How do both of you know what I'm going to do, before I do it, hmmm? Maybe you should wait until after I've made my intentions clear, and the TV is in several pieces.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 11, 2014, 07:58:09 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 11, 2014, 05:29:45 am

How do both of you know what I'm going to do, before I do it, hmmm? Maybe you should wait until after I've made my intentions clear, and the TV is in several pieces.

Why else would you be turning into a large, muscular, silverback gorilla? We're not idiots, you know.
Besides, your intentions would be 100% clear by the time you raise your fist.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 11, 2014, 02:20:45 pm

First- I might be going over to raise the volume, and becoming a gorilla is unintentional. Second- I'm PICKING UP the TV to SQUISH it. You'd be a bit surprised.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 11, 2014, 02:34:58 pm

First: Yeah, right.
Second: After being killed by a demonic spiderbot and a giant modular demonbot, I don't think Angel's going to be surprised by a gorilla smashing a TV.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on June 11, 2014, 02:39:23 pm

((To be honest, you did pick up the Tv. What was apparent was...))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune walked up to the Tv, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked and picked up the tv.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 11, 2014, 08:28:14 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2014, 10:35:38 am

"Ah."

Make a run for the building, get up to the wall, then relinquish control of host to allow a bit of respite.

You start running or at least attempt to start running, the weight and restrictiveness of your armour forcing you to do something more akin to hobbling as you stumble and almost fall a couple of times. Meanwhile the fire that attacked you dissipates, striking at the area you occupied until a few moments ago and bathing it in flames, some of them reaching you as they disperse but failing to do much harm.

You can hear the sound of bullets coming from behind you, popping like firecrackers due to the heat and striking the concrete and the remains of your host's car. But that doesn't concern you very much. Without a barrel to accelerate in they aren't that dangerous. What is dangerous is the RPG missile inside the bag with them.

When it explodes, the blast wave is much stronger than the one that hit the wall. You can feel it in the force pushing you from behind, your lungs tingling, the shock causing you to fall down. Fortunately for you, the distance you managed to put between yourself and it coupled with all your armour seem to be enough to keep you unharmed.

Looking behind you, you can see that your host's car has been thoroughly wrecked and most of the flames around it have been extinguished by the explosion. The police officers you came here with are nowhere to be seen. Probably cowering somewhere.

You get up and continue fast-walking towards the warehouse. The front wall seems to lack any means for you to easily climb and the same appears to be true when you round the corner to the right of the front wall. It's just a smooth concrete wall, with a few small cracks in it.

Do you want keep exploring the other walls, try climbing this one or do something else?

Your interface beeps and its screen displays an orange light for a moment.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 09, 2014, 11:25:56 am

"Almost out of there," Zechariah whispers to himself in the void of his unconsciousness. "Use the Shadow to hide the truth."

>Take some pain-reducing drugs and get out of there. If they begin stirring or if there are people watching, use the Shadow to disguise yourself and ghost your way out of there.

((Why are you unconscious again?))

Your host takes whatever pain meds he can get his hands on without being particularly picky and gulps them down. They  won't have any immediate effect but they will hopefully make it easier to manage the pain in the near future. Assuming he doesn't overdose or have an allergic reaction.

He begins crawling out but those tubes going into him are holding him back. The tubes lead to a number of plastic bags hanging from the gurney he was on, some of them filled with blood while others are filled with other liquids, most of them clear.

The paramedic stirs and starts getting up. Your attempt to hide your host doesn't work very well, merely resulting in the back of the ambulance becoming darker.

You hear an explosion very close by.

Your interface beeps and its screen displays an orange light for a moment.
<Hmph. Too late now.> your entity says with annoyance in her voice.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 09, 2014, 09:41:17 pm

Bryan
Getting so close...

---

Faron
Turn off the car's lights.  Continue driving.

There's another explosion, this one sounds closer.

You turn off your car's lights and turn at the next intersection to Redmore Avenue. It's mostly devoid of activity like much of the city, its emptiness made all the more apparent by its width. Large warehouses and office buildings pass you by as you drive, most of them empty and with their lights off. Not that you'd expect to see many people at the limits of the industrial district at 2AM.

In the distance, you can see the half-burnt remains of a car, some embers still burning on it. It has been slightly deformed, like it was hit by an explosive.
Close to the half-burnt car is a police car with some bullet holes in it.

Your host is still a fair distance away, so he probably hasn't been spotted.

Your interface beeps and its screen displays an orange light for a moment.
<This is it. The end is near. Are you ready to face it?>

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 10, 2014, 05:57:44 pm

((Thanks so much Parisbre. :) ))
Theri
Argh, sorry Awena! I-..I should stop trying to take authority here! Just tell me what you need and I'm at your disposal.

Act as servant to Awena. Provide aid.
Also try to focus energies onto her body--stabilize her condition and get her in healthy condition.
Also thank the man--don't influence Awena, just say it from my cozy place here.

((I don't understand why you're thanking me but you are welcome nonetheless.))

You try to thank the man, but he can't hear you. Seems like your influence only extends within the confines of Awena's mind and body. Well, no harm done. It would probably just raise more questions than it would answer.

Awena thanks the man on her own initiative anyway, or at least tries to, once she has calmed down a bit and realized what's going on.
"Thanks. Thank you, I..."
She stops. The man doesn't seem to pay much attention to her. He simply looks at her for a few seconds, as if to acknowledge what she has said and then looks back at the container blocking the door, pointing his rifle at it.

You take a few seconds and try to focus on helping your host physically. A ripple of silver spreads from your interface across Awena's body. Nobody else seems to notice. But Awena does feel a bit better, even though she doesn't know why. Your interface beeps a few times.

You hear an explosion outside, this one coming from further away. The men around you grow silent again, listening.

The man that grabbed you keeps looking forward for a few seconds, before turning to look at the rest of the men. He whispers orders, pointing at the men with his eyes and at their objectives with his hands as he declares them.
"Mendoza, go check the windows. Tell me what's going on out there." he says, looking at a man of hispanic descent that you presume to be Mendoza. Mendoza turns to look at the injured man lying beside him, obviously reluctant to go. "Don't worry. You'll be fine." he lies to ease Mendoza's concerns.
"Wilson, Martinez go check the back door. See if they need help."
"Allen, make sure the roof is secure."
Finally, he turns to face Awena.
"You. What's your name?"
"Awena-"
"Can you fight?"

Your interface beeps and its screen displays an orange light for a moment.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 10, 2014, 05:57:44 pm

Irene

Focus on current vicinity and achieve some respite--how is Zoe doing? Is Amelia Ok? Boris, what about him? What is he doing? Any notes on our attackers?
Try to sense the current area.

((Sorry, my mistake, I am forgetful/busy, I should had given a bit more details last turn. I'll do so now. The following includes events following that turn (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5305033#msg5305033) as well as the events of the current turn.))

"Answer me dammit! What's going on?"
Boris continues speaking to his radio but there is no response.
Meanwhile, Zoe has managed to regain her bearings and tentatively approaches the door leading to the next room with her gun drawn.
Zoe turns to face Boris when she realises something.
"What did you mean?" she asks and then looks forward at the doorway again.
"Excuse me?"
"You said 'They weren't supposed to-'. Weren't supposed to do what?"
"I... I meant the guards. That the... They weren't supposed to use explosives against them. This is sensitive equipment."
Zoe presses her body against the door and leans to take a peek. She sees Awena and another man being dragged back towards cover. She feels the urge to go help them but at the same time, she also feels the need to stay with Amelia. She is certain that man is lying.
"Who are they? Who is attacking us? Police?"
Zoe turns to face Boris and Amelia, her back against the wall.

You let go of the flames you are controlling, allowing them to dissipate.

"No." Boris shakes his head. "Maybe! I don't know." he says, raising his arms and dropping them a moment later in a gesture of resignation.

Another explosion is heard from outside. Zoe peeks out of the door again but sees nothing of interest. All the men have retreated behind cover.
"Why don't you go out there to see whether or not you know them? Go help your men? See for yourself?"
"My men?" he makes a strange expression, something between surprise and anger.
"I've come too close. I can't risk loosing it all now. I'd rather stay here."
"Too close to what?"

Your interface beeps and its screen displays an orange light for a moment. Its beeping is echoed by more chimes and beeps from machines around the room.
"This. It begins." whispers Boris while looking at the machines and at Amelia, still lying there amongst the machines, still unconscious.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 10, 2014, 08:53:18 pm

Noises of attentionYYYYYAAAAAAAWWWWWWNNN. ACTION GO GO GO

[rudeness intensifies]

Most of the people in the movie theatre around you are quite angry with your little outburst. But you pay them no mind.
The two scientist protagonists are simply descending  the rest of the way towards the rocks.
Someone walks up next to you and shines a flashlight in your face.
"Sir, if you do not cease this at once, I'm going to have to escort you outside."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 11, 2014, 09:41:35 pm

((Erm, I meant subconscious. Or, limbo, or the Medium, or a formless void, or whatever this is that Zechariah is currently existing within.))

Interface, Scion: <Sh... Shut up...>
Zechariah struggles to keep his mind in check. Even with the absence of Artemis, he still feels that void stirring within him.

She's not Eido Aeterno. She doesn't control fate. I can decide that. That was what I spent so much time in the Medium learning to control. Fate, time, nature... and the Shadow.

>Assume Direct Control of the host. Pull out the IVs and get out. Use the Shadows to cover my escape. Find some dark places that I can hide, that will make it easier.

"Forgive me, agent. I don't want to do this, but the Shadow has already been released, and it won't stop now.."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Alarith on June 11, 2014, 09:57:32 pm

Bryan
Bryan thinks for a moment before answering.  <Yes. Yes, I am ready.  Time for me to give it all I've got.  No time for mistakes.>
If I can sense for minds without my host noticing, do so.

---

Faron
As he finishes driving up have him assess the building.  Anywhere he can jump up too?  Any good entrances?  Do I have any other weapons then the gun?  Have him park a block away and jog towards the building.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on June 11, 2014, 11:12:20 pm

Ssshhh! This is a movie theatre, man!
Anyhow, this is my mental construct, so poof.

Be hypocritical and then try to will the guy out of existence.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

Irine
...
Abandon all other controls to channel anything and everything that I can affect in the room into a spiraling sphere that swirls around us without touching any of us, including Amelia, making sure to funnel it away from her specifically since she's likely to be the source, slowing it down as it goes and stabilizing it into something that I can properly control. If I succeed in full control, then once it has calmed down I'll shape it into a three tailed fox shape, sitting a short distance away, and looking at Zoe. If I don't, then I focus on trying to keep Amelia and Zoe safe above all else, channeling it away from them as best I can, to wherever is convenient. Abandon style if necessary, Amelia and Zoe are my priorities.
EDIT:
Do the above if and only if the... whatever it is... seems harmful. If it doesn't, then just amp up the fires in the area in general and prep for a time when I'm less distracted. My primary focus is on whatever is happening to Amelia right now.

---

Zoe

Zoe does what Zoe does, be it attacking, or running to Amelia, or breaking things, or standing still and watching, or... whatever. This is Amelia's show, I don't make the decisions, she does.

---

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 12, 2014, 05:24:08 am

"Something tells me that's not exactly good!"

If it doesn't seem like I'm nearing the limit of it, assume direct control once more and climb the wall. Insurgents! Must! Die!

If I am, well, try to command this guy to do it indirectly.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on June 12, 2014, 07:45:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

((DID I DO ANYTHING RIGHT? D:))

Theri
...Orange light?
The interface just turned orange. Yes, for one, we technically can fight. (Anyone can technically fight), but we can't fight well. No offense Awena, but you're not that combat capable--I am, however that would include taking more than partial control of you. Something which I am very reluctant and lathe to do once again.

I'd rather we stay back and...if you can, I can, erm, try to channel my energies to the wounded man to help him. Is just my guess. But its your call. You can pick to fight but I'm really unsure we can match men with rifles against...whatever caused those explosions out there.
I'm only well versed in physical arts. No manipulation of the essence in the air though. Are there any spirits nearby?

...
Also I feel really thankful Awena. So thanks for being such a trusting host.
^{I said that more than thrice today. Ahaha...mhmm.}


Same to you River.

Do such! As stated above, suggest.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:11:21 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 10, 2014, 08:29:40 pm

<<Agghh... shit!  It nailed me again.  Aborting now, coming back for another go!>>

Stick another bomb (doesn't matter which) on whatever it is I'm stuck to, then take the fastest way out.  Throw the last bomb behind me as I go- aim is irrelevant.

You try to fight the pain and the dizziness but you can't. Everything is a blur.
You twist your body around a cable to grab hold of it and free up your right arm, attach the bomb on the sphere with it and then blindly blast your way backwards. You can't really tell where you're going, so you simply focus on keeping the jetpack level and getting away from here.

You can hear the sound of metal bending behind you and of laser cutters buzzing.

You can't feel your left arm and you need at least one arm to control the jetpack, so you simply let the final bomb drop as you fly away.

You hit something and begin to tumble, loosing control. You desperately try to regain control as you fall, clipping things along the way. You finally manage to right yourself and fire your jetpack. A moment later you hit a metal platform, thankfully not fast enough to injure yourself seriously.

---

Quote from: Fniff on June 10, 2014, 08:46:45 pm

"Can you leave some bombs for me? I'm close to getting out... just in case you bite it."

You slide downwards on the metal plates, making your way to the streets below. You land between the BETA's legs, among the debris and pieces of armour lying there.

Much of the area on your left is on fire but the area you landed in appears to be OK.

You can hear the sound of metal bending coming from the hole in the BETA's chest and can see giant robotic arms moving in it.

---

---

Elsewhere...

---

---

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2014, 06:07:50 pm

Nikolai yells at the tv screen
"Come on! I went through all that effort of crippling the robot and you're just gonna let it win? Hurry up and destroy the damn thing! I want my levelup."

Keep watching the tv with Angel and Rune. Switch it to dramatic black and white.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2014, 08:25:25 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

Shoot Rune with a electric ballista before he can do this.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on June 10, 2014, 10:00:33 pm

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2014, 06:07:50 pm

Nikolai yells at the tv screen
"Come on! I went through all that effort of crippling the robot and you're just gonna let it win? Hurry up and destroy the damn thing! I want my levelup."

Keep watching the tv with Angel and Rune. Switch it to dramatic black and white.

"Hey! I liked the--"

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 10, 2014, 07:09:33 pm

Rune decided that he had had enough of this TV. He walked up to it, switching to a silverback gorilla as he walked. He picked up the tv, and tried to smash it.

"No!"
Get some kind of immobilization ability and use it to, um, immobilize Rune.
Also switch the TV back to cartoon mode.

((Well, you're technically not even supposed to be there, but let's say you're all watching this in the staging area for the sake of RPing.))

Nikolai gets up and begins approaching the TV. At the same time. Rune gets up and starts turning into a gorrila while running towards the TV. Sensing something is wrong, Nikolai quickly summons an electric ballista with an enormous bolt.
"Hey! Be nice! We're trying to-"
Just as Rune picks up the TV and is about to smash it, the rock he is standing on liquefies on Angel's behest and rises up to create a solid layer of rock around Rune, immobilizing him. A moment later, Rune is struck by a ballista bolt that completely obliterates the TV and sends the gorilla flying backwards. Rune bounces on a tree and then lands on the small puddle of water near the waterfall, shaken but unhurt.

Some of the pieces of the TV shudder and melt before they begin to reform into a new TV.
<How rude. Such interruption.
It's a crucial time, don't need the distraction.>
"Oh. Thanks. You're back?"
<His player forfeited.>
"Oh."
<The fat man was of great fun.
But he has trouble with his pan.
Well, no matter, now we're back.
No more time wasted in the dark.>
Some of the nearby rocks, sticks and leafs melt as well, replacing the pieces of the TV that were thrown too far away.
Still, the newly formed TV seems to be working, so it's probably all OK.
<Two players strong, both bleeding out.
Which one shall win? We'll soon find out.>

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

Hey, welcome back! I'm so very happy to hear from you! Hope you can keep posting.  :)
Sorry for not progressing much in your absence but I have been busy and bad at managing my time, as always. But hey, at least that means you didn't miss anything important.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on June 12, 2014, 10:13:34 am

((I didn't know Alan had trouble handling pans :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:16:44 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 12, 2014, 10:13:34 am

((I didn't know Alan had trouble handling pans :P))

((Isn't pan a slang term for head? Or am I misremembering?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 10:17:04 am

"...Did you just rhyme 'fun' with 'pan,' 'back' with 'dark,' and 'out' with 'out'?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Xantalos on June 12, 2014, 10:23:16 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:16:44 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 12, 2014, 10:13:34 am

((I didn't know Alan had trouble handling pans :P))

((Isn't pan a slang term for head? Or am I misremembering?))

((I think it can be, brain pan and all that.
Ah well, it works.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:28:01 am

((Yep, quick search semi-confirms it:

Quote from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pan%5Bnoun%5D

the front part of the head <hey, I could do without seeing your ugly pan for a few days>

Anyway, English is really not that good for rhyming. Languages like German that have rules for how you form words are a lot easier to rhyme in, since if you want to find a rhyming word, you can simply use one that follows the same rules.

But hey, you shot yourself in the eye with a whiff, so it might be literal.))

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 10:17:04 am

"...Did you just rhyme 'fun' with 'pan,' 'back' with 'dark,' and 'out' with 'out'?"

<Did I now? I did not notice.
Sometimes I have the mind of an otis.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Toaster on June 12, 2014, 10:32:12 am

((No!  Do limericks!))

Ouch.

How close to the exit am I?  Is there anything in the way?  Regardless, get out as quickly as possible.  Damage to self will have to wait until I am clear.


<<The bombs are placed.  I got one of the core spheres, but not the other.  Doing my best to get out now...>>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 11:29:58 am

Quote from: Tiruin on June 12, 2014, 07:45:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

((DID I DO ANYTHING RIGHT? D:)

((You were exactly right. I wouldn't have done a single thing different! Thank you!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Tiruin on June 12, 2014, 12:54:42 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 11:29:58 am

Quote from: Tiruin on June 12, 2014, 07:45:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

((DID I DO ANYTHING RIGHT? D:)

((You were exactly right. I wouldn't have done a single thing different! Thank you!))

((So mentally hugging Irene is the right thing to do?
I should spread the sincerity more. MWAHAHA. :D))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 12:56:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:28:01 am

Anyway, English is really not that good for rhyming. Languages like German that have rules for how you form words are a lot easier to rhyme in, since if you want to find a rhyming word, you can simply use one that follows the same rules.

((Makes it that much more satisfying when you get a good rhyme. Also, that's why we have rhyming dictionaries.))

"But aside from 'out' and 'out,' none of those rhyme, and you're not supposed to rhyme a word with itself!"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 12, 2014, 02:18:35 pm

Rune groaned, before getting up onto four legs. He then turned into an african elephant, walked over to the TV, and sat down and watched it.

"No hard feelings, guys?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 08:16:15 pm

Ignore.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: NAV on June 12, 2014, 08:22:53 pm

"No hard feelings Rune. It was me who broke the tv after all."

Keep watching the tv, switch it to dramatic black and white. And give everyone a moustache.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosion, it does the body bad.
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 10:34:43 pm

"Hey! I liked the cartoons!"

Switch it back to cartoon mode. Also remove the mustaches.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 13, 2014, 07:49:35 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 11, 2014, 09:41:35 pm

((Erm, I meant subconscious. Or, limbo, or the Medium, or a formless void, or whatever this is that Zechariah is currently existing within.))

Interface, Scion: <Sh... Shut up...>
Zechariah struggles to keep his mind in check. Even with the absence of Artemis, he still feels that void stirring within him.

She's not Eido Aeterno. She doesn't control fate. I can decide that. That was what I spent so much time in the Medium learning to control. Fate, time, nature... and the Shadow.

>Assume Direct Control of the host. Pull out the IVs and get out. Use the Shadows to cover my escape. Find some dark places that I can hide, that will make it easier.

"Forgive me, agent. I don't want to do this, but the Shadow has already been released, and it won't stop now.."

((Existence is such a complicated concept. Or at least parts of it are.))

You take control again. This feels worse than before. You were laying down at the time, your sensory input was limited. Now you feel the entire range of your host's discomfort. Pain. Dizziness. Weakness.

You slowly rise up on unsteady legs and pull the IVs out of your arms, their contents squirting out as they're removed. You finally remove the heartbeat sensor, the heart monitor ceasing its beeping.

<You still don't get it, do you?>

You use the gurney for support and manage to walk to the exit and climb down to the sidewalk. The ambulance must have run into a wall or something. There are skid marks trailing behind it, back to where the driver first began trying to dodge your illusionary obstacle. There are a couple of people out in the windows of the apartments on the sides of the street, watching.

You take a few steps forward before loosing your footing and collapsing. You try to get up again but can't find the strength to do, so you resort to slowly crawling away.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 11, 2014, 09:57:32 pm

Bryan
Bryan thinks for a moment before answering.  <Yes. Yes, I am ready.  Time for me to give it all I've got.  No time for mistakes.>
If I can sense for minds without my host noticing, do so.

---

Faron
As he finishes driving up have him assess the building.  Anywhere he can jump up too?  Any good entrances?  Do I have any other weapons then the gun?  Have him park a block away and jog towards the building.

You attempt to gain just enough control over your host to use your powers, but it seems like you just can't concentrate enough. Your interface starts beeping and emitting ripples, parts of you randomly merging with your host's. It lasts only for a few moments but it is a bit disorienting, having to partially control his movements. Thankfully, you manage to retain control of the car.

Your host checks his hand for injuries but otherwise seems to either not realise or not really care about what just happened.

The warehouse is a large old concrete thing with a metal roof. Two storeys, ground floor and first floor, with only the first floor having windows. There are also some skylights in the roof. There's a dull orange glow and some smoke coming out of it, barely visible in the darkness.

You park about a block away from it, a small distance behind the burning cars, allowing the abandoned office building there to give you some cover.

Your host only has his "hand cannon" and knife, as well as a spare magazine.
With his strength and skill, he could probably reach the first floor windows, maybe even the roof. There's also the front door. And places like this usually have more than one entrance, although none is visible from this side.

There are two police officers hiding near the entrance to abandoned office building. They are looking at you with surprise.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

Irine
...
Abandon all other controls to channel anything and everything that I can affect in the room into a spiraling sphere that swirls around us without touching any of us, including Amelia, making sure to funnel it away from her specifically since she's likely to be the source, slowing it down as it goes and stabilizing it into something that I can properly control. If I succeed in full control, then once it has calmed down I'll shape it into a three tailed fox shape, sitting a short distance away, and looking at Zoe. If I don't, then I focus on trying to keep Amelia and Zoe safe above all else, channeling it away from them as best I can, to wherever is convenient. Abandon style if necessary, Amelia and Zoe are my priorities.
EDIT:
Do the above if and only if the... whatever it is... seems harmful. If it doesn't, then just amp up the fires in the area in general and prep for a time when I'm less distracted. My primary focus is on whatever is happening to Amelia right now.

---

Zoe

Zoe does what Zoe does, be it attacking, or running to Amelia, or breaking things, or standing still and watching, or... whatever. This is Amelia's show, I don't make the decisions, she does.

Boris turns to face the machines around Amelia. Zoe starts walking towards him.
"What is this?"
Boris doesn't respond.
"What's going on?"
Zoe grabs him from behind and tries to force him down but he manages to resist, so Zoe settles for keeping him out of balance and pointing her gun at him.
"Listen here. You've been lying at me from the start. So if you want to stay alive to do whatever it is you do here, you better start talking. Understand?"
Boris remains disinterested and annoyed.
"You are keeping me from my work. I told you this will save her. That's what you care about, right? Now let me go."
Zoe is getting frustrated by the lack of information and mostly the lack of control, the feeling that she can do nothing to help the one she cares about.
"Why is it I don't believe you?"
"Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant. My work-"
"Your work?!"
Zoe begins to turn her gun with the intention of shooting one of the machines in the room, but Boris seems to have started moving his hand before her, stopping the arm.
"Please don't do that."
They struggle for a few seconds, Zoe trying to force the gun out of Boris' grip.
<Control your host or I'll be forced to do so myself.> Victor threatens you.
She manages to pull it out of his hand and point it at him again.
"Tell me why you're doing this!"
"You want to know why I'm doing this? Look at her."
Zoe looks at Amelia. It's almost imperceptible, but the area around her seems somehow... off. Like there's something wrong with it that you just can't put your hand on.
"What- what is that?"
Zoe is more afraid than angry now.

Meanwhile, you boost the fires around the warehouse back to normal and watch closely for any sings of aggression on Boris' part, in case you have to intervene.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 12, 2014, 05:24:08 am

"Something tells me that's not exactly good!"

If it doesn't seem like I'm nearing the limit of it, assume direct control once more and climb the wall. Insurgents! Must! Die!

If I am, well, try to command this guy to do it indirectly.

((Well, I'm not sure about what exactly the "approaching the limit" should be because the rate at which you loose synchronization is semi-random so I'll be conservative.))

You mentally nudge your host to try climbing the wall. He's not really sure about this but decides to give it a try anyway. If it is going to bring him closer to justice...
The wall doesn't offer many handholds, but he does manage to find a relatively large crack to hold on to. With some effort, you manage to climb up to the ledge near the first floor windows. Closer examination reveals that these ones, unlike the ones on the front wall have semi-opaque wire-mesh glass and while the glass is almost all gone, most of the wire has managed to remain in place.
You could get in this way with some pushing, but it would probably make some noise.

You can hear voices coming from inside. Your host decides not to take a peek for fear of revealing himself. Balancing on a ledge while wearing heavy armour isn't the easiest thing in the world and getting shot at or surrounded by flames would probably only make it worst.
Still, even from this position, you can see a metal catwalk near the windows.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 12, 2014, 07:45:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2014, 01:03:08 am

((I'm baaaaaack.... for now anyway. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but I'll try.))

((DID I DO ANYTHING RIGHT? D:))

Theri
...Orange light?
The interface just turned orange. Yes, for one, we technically can fight. (Anyone can technically fight), but we can't fight well. No offense Awena, but you're not that combat capable--I am, however that would include taking more than partial control of you. Something which I am very reluctant and lathe to do once again.

I'd rather we stay back and...if you can, I can, erm, try to channel my energies to the wounded man to help him. Is just my guess. But its your call. You can pick to fight but I'm really unsure we can match men with rifles against...whatever caused those explosions out there.
I'm only well versed in physical arts. No manipulation of the essence in the air though. Are there any spirits nearby?

...
Also I feel really thankful Awena. So thanks for being such a trusting host.
^{I said that more than thrice today. Ahaha...mhmm.}


Same to you River.

Do such! As stated above, suggest.

<I only wish that I could help you more. Perhaps this wasn't the right choice for your first journey. I think I put you in a situation with more pressure than you deserve.>

Awena considers what you told her for a moment before responding.
"I... I don't know anything about guns." she says.
The man turns to look at the other approaching the windows.
"But I could maybe... use my hands? I mean, help the wounded?"
The man looks back at her.
"What's your name?"
"Awena."
"Awena. I'm Max. You're the one that came with the van?"
Awena nods.
"Okay. I don't know why you're here, but you might as well help."
Max reaches for his back and retrieves a knife. It has a black handle and a smooth blade that is slightly curved near the tip.
"Take this. If they get in, hide and try to stay out of the way. If they get close, try to ambush them, take them by surprise, hit the sensitive parts. You got it?"
Awena nods again, a bit more uncertain this time.
"Good. See if you can help here. Ask if you have trouble. I'll go check on the others."
<That man seems capable. I agree with him.>

Max gets up and looks at the man near the windows again. "See anything?" he asks.
"Nothing out there. Looks like their car exploded." responds the other. "Maybe the idiots blew themselves up?"
"Just keep your eyes open."

---

---

Meanwhile...

---

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 12, 2014, 10:32:12 am

((No!  Do limericks!))

Ouch.

How close to the exit am I?  Is there anything in the way?  Regardless, get out as quickly as possible.  Damage to self will have to wait until I am clear.


<<The bombs are placed.  I got one of the core spheres, but not the other.  Doing my best to get out now...>>

((There once was a man who could summon.
The robot he fought told him "Come on!".
He fought it all day,
put a bomb in its bay,
thinking that way his fight could be won-on.

Also, "damage to self?" I didn't knew John was into that.))

You manage to push back the pain and examine your surroundings. You seem to be lying on one of the BETA's largest "bones".
Your left arm is bleeding moderately. The saw blade cut deep, chipping the bone. You've already lost a lot of blood. You probably won't be able to stay up much longer if this keeps up.

However what you see when you look up is a bit strange. All the light inside the BETA has gathered into a single point. A single sphere. And that sphere is getting out of the chest area.

<BETA core vulnerable.>
The voice isn't coming from your interface.
<Use of Conductor Spear authorized.>
Through your mutivision helmet, it looks like an incredibly bright humanoid is standing next to you, its details lost in the light. It's holding something spear shaped. It looks utterly dark in comparison to him.
<Single penetrating hit guarantees victory. Targeting irrelevant.>
He puts the spear in your right hand. His hands feel cold and hard yet flexible, like fabric made of soft metal, while the spear's shaft is simply cold, hard yet lightweight metal,  with a few small bumps to facilitate traction. He holds the spear upright, allowing you to use it as a support for getting up if you wish to do so.

---

Fniff
((If you want me to retcon you into doing something, just say so. I'm just doing a turn because I have some time.))

All the light from the robot's chest condenses into a single point, a single sphere, becoming fainter and fainter while doing so. The sphere is then expelled outwards and crash lands at the base of the building opposite to the robot, raising a small cloud of dust. The light is barely visible through the dust.


"Great work. I knew you could stay alive long enough to get the job done."
You look next to you, to the source of the voice. It's a man in a very expensive looking black suit, white shirt and a black tie. His medium length black hair are combed backwards, following the shape of his head. He's holding a spear in his hand, a tall black shaft with a silvery tip. The shaft seems to be a bit thicker near the middle.
"Now you see that point of light there?" he says and points to the light in the cloud of dust.
"One little stab with this spear and victory is yours."
He hands you the spear.
"Oh, and don't be afraid to shoot the other if he gets in your way. This is a competitive sport, after all." he adds with a smile.

---

---

Elsewhere...

---

---

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 12:56:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2014, 10:28:01 am

Anyway, English is really not that good for rhyming. Languages like German that have rules for how you form words are a lot easier to rhyme in, since if you want to find a rhyming word, you can simply use one that follows the same rules.

((Makes it that much more satisfying when you get a good rhyme. Also, that's why we have rhyming dictionaries.))

"But aside from 'out' and 'out,' none of those rhyme, and you're not supposed to rhyme a word with itself!"

((Are you sure? I'm fairly certain those do rhyme. Then again, I'm not that good at speaking English, so the words might sound wrong in my head.))
<I'm sorry.
I didn't realise you were the rhyming police.
Don't worry.
I'm not afraid you'll bring me to justice.
You see,
This is out of your jurisdiction.
Because me,
I will not stand for any restriction.>
<I don't see where the problem is. It sounded perfectly fine to me.>
<Of course it did. It is supposed to sound like that.>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 12, 2014, 02:18:35 pm

Rune groaned, before getting up onto four legs. He then turned into an african elephant, walked over to the TV, and sat down and watched it.

"No hard feelings, guys?"

Quote from: NAV on June 12, 2014, 08:22:53 pm

"No hard feelings Rune. It was me who broke the tv after all."

Keep watching the tv, switch it to dramatic black and white. And give everyone a moustache.

Quote from: GreatWyrmGold on June 12, 2014, 10:34:43 pm

"Hey! I liked the cartoons!"

Switch it back to cartoon mode. Also remove the mustaches.

Rune turns into an elephant as he walks and then stands close to the TV, watching Nikolai and Angel argue over what is better, dramatic moustaches or cartoons.  The argument quickly devolves into a YES-NO yelling contest, as they both continuously keep switching channels, resulting in a very bizarre and fragmented mix of images being displayed, the outcome slightly resembling a moving Picasso painting.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 11, 2014, 11:12:20 pm

Ssshhh! This is a movie theatre, man!
Anyhow, this is my mental construct, so poof.

Be hypocritical and then try to will the guy out of existence.

"That is very hypocritical of you sir." the man responds. "I am after all just a figment of your imagination."
You manage to poof yourself out of existence. Now there's only a movie theatre in your mind but you're not in it. You're not exactly sure how that works.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 13, 2014, 07:54:38 am

Ah! Assume direct control once more and try to stealthily remove the mesh from the wall and slink inside the facility. If somebody sees me, lob a tear gas grenade at them.

What do I have in my possession currently? The shotgun, presumably, some machine pistols. Maybe some tear gas grenades? How about the C4 plus detonators? Do I have that?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 13, 2014, 08:08:32 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 13, 2014, 07:54:38 am

What do I have in my possession currently? The shotgun, presumably, some machine pistols. Maybe some tear gas grenades? How about the C4 plus detonators? Do I have that?

Yeah, you got all that. Which is why climbing that wall with all the things you're carrying was incredibly lucky of you and why it took you a whole turn.
Want me to check my notes and give you a full list of everything you have again?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 13, 2014, 08:13:44 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 13, 2014, 08:08:32 am

Yeah, you got all that. Which is why climbing that wall with all the things you're carrying was incredibly lucky of you and why it took you a whole turn.
Want me to check my notes and give you a full list of everything you have again?

Sure!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on June 13, 2014, 08:35:05 am

Bryan
Come on, I didn't spend months training my concentration for this.  Focus! Bryan thought this to himself as he musters his mental strength.
Try to sense other minds again

---

Faron
Try to stick to the shadows as i approach the building.  When I get to the building try to get to the roof, failing that try for a window, let's say window closest to the left side.  Leave the police alone if they don't bother me.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 13, 2014, 10:26:37 am

((Fun: "fuhn"
Pan: "pahn"
Back: "bahk"
Dark: "dahrk"

While I'm at it:
Sorry: "sawree"
Worry: "wehree"
Police: "pohlees"
Justice: "juhstis"

Pretty sure Googling the word would give you pronunciation, one designed by professionals to be more clear and precise.

And I was hoping the fight would make it a black-and-white cartoon.))

"Now look what you did!"
Turn it to cartoons!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 13, 2014, 10:54:11 am

((Now the important question is whether Paris pronounces "justice" exactly like "police" or vice versa.

And I think a better way to differentiate "sorry" and "worry" would be that "worry" rhymes more with "furry", while "sorry" has its first syllable drawn out similarly to how people pronounce "collie", or "collar".

This rhyming advice brought to you by the Society for the Furtherance of Dog Supremacy! Get a dog today!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 13, 2014, 11:32:16 am

((I hope you don't judge me when I say I don't understand the difference. Those all sound the same to me. Might be a problem with my ears or something.

Or maybe my brain.

Read a study once about how the understanding of sounds used in speech develops in humans. It turns out that the basis of the ability to differentiate sounds used in speech develops when the child is very young, during its first year of life if I remember correctly. They put some babies of varying ages and from various countries in ElectroEncephaloGraphy and played some sounds in them (I think it was two Chinese letters, one was Chi and the other Chsi, a very subtle, barely audible difference). And while young babies had a measurably different response to each sound, older babies didn't realise the difference unless they were exposed to a language where that difference mattered.

So perhaps growing up with a language where there's only 5 different vowels has rendered me deaf to more intricate vowel differences in other languages or at least it has made it harder for me to understand them.

Or maybe it's just my problem.

Anyway. Hadn't even realised I had this problem until now. Thanks for pointing it out. Something to work on, I guess.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 13, 2014, 11:35:41 am

"Well, isn't this going to be fun."
Grab the spear and activate adrenaline. Run past John, jostling if possible, then plunge the spear into the core.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 13, 2014, 02:17:25 pm

Rune sighed inwardly. It was like watching two squabbling siblings. Instead, he tried to communicate with his entity.
"Hey, could I do some sort of practice whilst waiting for this thing to end? Like, could you pitch me against some sort of imaginary enemy while I wait?"

((Just want to do some combat while bored :) ))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 13, 2014, 02:20:25 pm

((Fniff, I think the sphere is in midair))


<<We've hurt it enough... it's time to get this over with.>>


Get out.  Summon up a simple bandage/tourniquet to stop from bleeding out (or just use my shirt if that's feasible)  Once clear of BETA, summon up a better booster for the jetpack so the "can't get air" problem is resolved.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: GreatWyrmGold on June 13, 2014, 03:26:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 13, 2014, 11:32:16 am

((I hope you don't judge me when I say I don't understand the difference. Those all sound the same to me. Might be a problem with my ears or something.
Or maybe my brain.

((Or your comprehension of the pronunciation of a second language you mostly experience through text.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 13, 2014, 03:38:15 pm

Zechariah ignored Scion. Actually, in reality, he was using her words to fuel his anger. The more emotion he feels, the better for his willpower, and the more he can keep his host alive. It works out perfectly.

Mmhh... not out yet. Keep going... we can stop soon, but you just need to get out of the way and out of sight. Come on, the Shadow is flowing. Use it, let it cover the truth from the eyes of the unknowing.

Keep going and crawl to a dark place that will make it easier for me to conserve my energy and use the Shadow to completely shield me from prying eyes. After there is no danger, get to a building and find a place to shelter within.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on June 13, 2014, 05:30:46 pm

Whoops.

Try to summon myself back into the movie theatre. Hopefully I won't be committing the mind equivalent of matter-antimatter contact.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 14, 2014, 04:20:16 am

Irine
...
I hate this, but I don't have a better option.

---

Zoe
Calm down. I decided to trust him earlier for good reasons. I need to stick with that choice. Also, I'm getting way too close to this guy. I have a gun and he clearly has unarmed training. I shouldn't let myself be in his arm's reach.

---

Irine
I hate doing that. I really, really hate it.
remain on standby to control/contain any energies released and protect Amelia and Zoe. idly boost the fires outside if I don't have anything else to do

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: darkpaladin109 on June 16, 2014, 07:54:48 am

Quote from: Toady One on June 15, 2014, 10:55:29 am

I just removed another giant insult-ridden argument between GWG and somebody.  This despite at least seven warnings and a few mutes for this very infraction.  I'm tired of cleaning up after GWG, so GWG has been banned.  Please adjust your games as necessary.

Posting here in case the GM doesn't know yet.
There still a spot left? I'm thinking I wanna join this sometime. :P

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 16, 2014, 11:19:25 am

There are always spots open, no character limit.

What powers do you want?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 18, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

Quote from: Fniff on June 13, 2014, 11:35:41 am

"Well, isn't this going to be fun."
Grab the spear and activate adrenaline. Run past John, jostling if possible, then plunge the spear into the core.

John is nowhere to be seen. He's probably still in the giant robot.
Well, that's his problem. Because you are going in for the win.

You begin running towards the building your target crashed in. You try to keep your broken arm still, but it's hard, doubly so because you have to use your other arm to hold the Spear. Every step, every vibration, brings more pain.

You get inside the receding cloud of dust raised by the landing object and search around for your target. It doesn't take long to find it. The light it emits makes it easy.

The object that was ejected from the robot's chest seems to had been a sphere, one of the two that you saw inside its chest. You can see the places where the wires going into it where cleanly cut by laser cutters. It seems to have bounced around a bit inside the building, striking some of the support columns and further wrecking its already damaged interior before coming to a stop deeper in the building.

But the sphere itself is not your target. Your target is above the sphere.

You can't see it clearly. It's dark in here and the light it's emitting is not making it easy for you to discern its features. But you can tell it's humanoid. You can see pieces of metal on it, shinning from what little light is coming from outside. Whatever it is, it's crouched on top of the sphere. You can't see its face and yet you know it's looking at you.

Before you can manage to close in enough to stab it, it slides backwards, hiding from you behind the metal sphere.

Quote from: Toaster on June 13, 2014, 02:20:25 pm

<<We've hurt it enough... it's time to get this over with.>>


Get out.  Summon up a simple bandage/tourniquet to stop from bleeding out (or just use my shirt if that's feasible)  Once clear of BETA, summon up a better booster for the jetpack so the "can't get air" problem is resolved.

You fire your jetpack and begin slowly flying out of the BETA. While you do so, you try to summon something to help with the bleeding, but you just can't muster the concentration. All you manage to get is a very simple piece of cloth that falls on your shoulder.
After you land on the street outside, you try to apply it as a tourniquet, using your one good hand and your mouth, but you can't do much that way. You slow the bleeding down a bit but it's still serious.
That's not good.

Your attempt to improve your jetpack goes equally unwell. You barely manage to retain enough concentration to not give in to temptation and simply allow your power to work on its own, without your guidance.

You can see Jordan on the other side of the street, inside the ground floor of a semi destroyed building. You can see him even through the walls, by use of your helmet. He's looking at a humanoid figure standing on top of the sphere that was ejected from the robot's chest. Inside the humanoid, you can see that same thing made of light that was inside the robot, the bundle of tentacles of light, only it's much fainter now.

---

---

Elsewhere...

---

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 13, 2014, 02:17:25 pm

Rune sighed inwardly. It was like watching two squabbling siblings. Instead, he tried to communicate with his entity.
"Hey, could I do some sort of practice whilst waiting for this thing to end? Like, could you pitch me against some sort of imaginary enemy while I wait?"

((Just want to do some combat while bored :) ))

"Ha ha ha! A man of action? Certainly. If it would bring you pleasure.
Let's start with something easy. What do you think of... this?"
A distortion appears a couple of dozen meters away from you, a large, roughly circular patch of air that causes everything behind it to appear blurred and a bit bluish. The distortion remains there for a few seconds.
It is only when gravity begins having an effect on it that you realize that isn't a distortion, rather it is some kind of... thing. Probably a living thing. You can tell by the way the edges of its body seem to glimmer as it falls, a bit more slowly than it should. It touches the ground and deforms like a water-balloon, spreading out but not breaking apart.
It begins reforming into a ball again, one that is a bit elongated on the horizontal axis to form a "torso". Part of its body reforms into 6 short, thick legs that help it rise higher off the ground. A triangle of three very small protrusion forms on the part of its body facing you.
All and all, it looks like someone made a very bad painting of some kind of 6 legged headless animal using only curves and the colour blue.
"That's what you came up with? Looks kinda... weak and flabby."
"Don't underestimate it. Victory doesn't always come through strength. Now human... fight!"
The creature's shimmering skin begins vibrating like water on a subwoofer (http://youtu.be/CkFEdJXGOr4) as it emits its alien cry, a deep sound that rapidly variates in pitch.

---

---

OOC
((Sorry for the delays. I'll try to make time to update this more often.))

Quote from: darkpaladin109 on June 16, 2014, 07:54:48 am

Quote from: Toady One on June 15, 2014, 10:55:29 am

I just removed another giant insult-ridden argument between GWG and somebody.  This despite at least seven warnings and a few mutes for this very infraction.  I'm tired of cleaning up after GWG, so GWG has been banned.  Please adjust your games as necessary.

Posting here in case the GM doesn't know yet.
There still a spot left? I'm thinking I wanna join this sometime. :P

NAV is correct (thanks NAV), spots are always open. Just write what special ability you want.

And well, I don't know what to say about GWG, other than that it would had been better if that hadn't happened.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 18, 2014, 09:42:37 pm

Sprint towards it, use biomass to become a crocodile, and latch on to a leg, biting down and shaking my head around.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on June 19, 2014, 12:39:35 am

Theri
<Irene, what's going on there? What happened? I'm over here with Awena and Boris' men--armed and alright. Who attacked us?>

Awena, I can lend you much knowledge in the field of physical arts and probably even human anatomy, physiology (and to that extent, treatment of wounds) but I'm no fighter. Err, by that I mean...despite my claims of prowess in unarmed combat, I'm a pacifist at heart. Sorry if-...

*sigh* I should not confuse you any longer. We've a knife at our disposal and are in the company of armed men. Boris' men. Friendly men. We're all here for Amelia though (and in that case, Zoe).

My suggestion is we do as Max says. Hide. If you're ever in doubt or in trouble, my knowledge is at your disposal (and I am reluctant to take control--but...I do realize [ok, starting to realize] that it may be needed at times--I also like how you control me though!). I think we're more useful on patrol. Whoever attacked us has the intent of either demolishing us or...
...
Probably best to assume they're after Amelia. If you--ok, we--see anyone, let's not jump to quickly alerting people ok? Relay information quietly and-...
I...I should learn to stop being authoritative. Erm.


Suggest to keep hidden, yet patrol the area. Check the insides of the buildings or any area entrance could be...made. Like doors, windows...any skylights?
Also ask River stuff!

River, why does my interface beep at certain points? Wait, blink. I meant blink. What does it mean?
Also I can do this! I'm just nervous.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 19, 2014, 07:51:48 am

It'll have to do.


Jetpack straight for the sphere, and prepare to stabby stabby.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 19, 2014, 03:41:37 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on June 19, 2014, 12:39:35 am

Theri
<Irene, what's going on there? What happened? I'm over here with Awena and Boris' men--armed and alright. Who attacked us?>

<Boris is being cryptic and it's making Zoe panic. I... I think I'm going to have to step in and calm her down. I hate messing with her mind though, I want her will and her fate to be her own. I don't know who attacked, but it's apparently not the police, or at least it shouldn't be them according to Boris. Which is one of the reasons Zoe is panicking. Let me know if you need me to cleanse the outside of the building, right now I'm focused on Zoe and Amelia. Boris's machines are turning on and it also made my Interface change color and beep.>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2014, 04:31:38 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 13, 2014, 07:54:38 am

Ah! Assume direct control once more and try to stealthily remove the mesh from the wall and slink inside the facility. If somebody sees me, lob a tear gas grenade at them.

You take a quick peek through the window. Looks clear. If you stay low the catwalk should keep you out of sight from the people below.

You very very slowly begin pulling the mesh from the window's frame, making sure to try and do it as quietly as possible. It's not that easy. The wires are stuck inside small shards of glass still embedded in the frame, so you have to slowly wiggle and pull out the entire shard and ensure none of the pieces of glass make any noise, all the while trying to keep your balance on the ledge. It takes you quite some time.

With the wire removed, you slowly take the mesh and deposit it in the catwalk.

The room beyond is a very large yet simple thing made of concrete and metal, what one would expect to find in a warehouse. It's lit by the orangeyellow light of unseen fires.

On the level you're on, there's only the metal platform you're standing on, going around the room. You're standing on it, on the catwalk hanging from the north wall, somewhere in the middle between the east and west walls. On the north-west corner you can see the controls for the bridge bridge crane that is hanging from the ceiling, probably what they used to move whatever's blocking the door. The stairs for descending down to the ground floor are on the south-west corner.

You don't take a look down towards the ground floor, out of fear that you'll get spotted. You can't hear anyone right now, but you're certain you heard voices before.

On the east wall, near the windows you used your RPG on (as you can tell by the two half burnt bodies lying next to them), there's a man with an assault rifle. He's looking out the windows right now, has his back turned on you.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 13, 2014, 08:35:05 am

Bryan
Come on, I didn't spend months training my concentration for this.  Focus! Bryan thought this to himself as he musters his mental strength.
Try to sense other minds again

---

Faron
Try to stick to the shadows as i approach the building.  When I get to the building try to get to the roof, failing that try for a window, let's say window closest to the left side.  Leave the police alone if they don't bother me.

Your host gets out of his car
"Sir! Sir stop! You can't go there, it's dangerous! There's-..."
One of the police officers tries to warn your host to stay away but he simply ignores them and keeps walking.
_{"Ah, sod it, I'm not getting payed enough to risk my life for this lo-"}
He starts taking a roundabout way towards the building, trying to approach without being seen.

You take this time to cast out your mind at random positions inside the building, trying to locate the thoughts of anyone in it. It feels hard, like there's something that's trying to stop you from psychically approaching it. Nevertheless, you succeed, managing to spot quite a few people in during your search.

Most of them are gathered deep inside the building, arrayed in a rough circle around some central location. At least 6 of them are facing your way, maybe more if there's someone you missed. One of the people in that group feels strange. Like there are two minds inside a single body.

But the strangest thing in the centre of that circle. It's a bit hard to define. It's like someone is psychically screaming things with many voices. Orders, pleading, threats, all of them given so quickly and so loudly that they are completely incomprehensible. They are merely felt as they are registered by your subconscious. And then there are voices belonging to others, many others, most of them human but some of them... not, saying more things you can't understand. At the source of all this commotion seem to be three minds, each sharing three enormous ever-expanding yet fragmented bodies, bodies that couldn't possibly fit inside this warehouse, each bigger than the last, dwarfing and drowning out the mind of any human beside them as they become larger and larger. It feels like their sheer size, their gravity is dragging you in them. Where you were pushed, now you are pulled.

With some effort, you manage to extricate yourself from their influence before they can manage to do anything to your mind. Not that you gathered they were trying to do something, but you'd not like to risk finding that out. You take stock of your surroundings to ensure that the warehouse is not, in fact, exploding from the size of the things inside it.

Your host has moved right up next to the door of the building. He's standing with his back against the front wall of the warehouse, looking up. There's the barrel of a gun sticking out from the windows there. Looks like there's a guard up there, one you missed with your scan. Judging by his movements and the lack of shooting, he probably hasn't spotted you, although he is alert and looking for something.

Your host could probably jump up there if he wanted and then make his way to the roof.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 13, 2014, 03:38:15 pm

Zechariah ignored Scion. Actually, in reality, he was using her words to fuel his anger. The more emotion he feels, the better for his willpower, and the more he can keep his host alive. It works out perfectly.

Mmhh... not out yet. Keep going... we can stop soon, but you just need to get out of the way and out of sight. Come on, the Shadow is flowing. Use it, let it cover the truth from the eyes of the unknowing.

Keep going and crawl to a dark place that will make it easier for me to conserve my energy and use the Shadow to completely shield me from prying eyes. After there is no danger, get to a building and find a place to shelter within.

You go past your second wind and manage to find enough strength to get back up and make your way to a dark alley between two buildings. You collapse behind a dumpster.

Your attempt to use your ability goes less well. The darkness you are gathering is erratic and unstable, some of it coming in streams and hitting you in the abdomen while others smash against the walls. Thankfully, the fact that it is not fully substantial makes this small mistake less deadly.

<What do you think your struggling will accomplish?>

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 14, 2014, 04:20:16 am

Irine
...
I hate this, but I don't have a better option.

---

Zoe
Calm down. I decided to trust him earlier for good reasons. I need to stick with that choice. Also, I'm getting way too close to this guy. I have a gun and he clearly has unarmed training. I shouldn't let myself be in his arm's reach.

---

Irine
I hate doing that. I really, really hate it.
remain on standby to control/contain any energies released and protect Amelia and Zoe. idly boost the fires outside if I don't have anything else to do

"What- what is that?"
Zoe is more afraid than angry now.
"That there is power."
You manage to convince Zoe to take a few steps back and lower her weapon.
"That is what is going to kill her if I don't intervene."
Her feelings of defeat and helplessness are amplified now that there's nowhere to channel them, now that she can understand even less than before. There's nothing she can do. It's hopeless.
"That is what I seek to control."
It's better to just wait here. There's nothing she can do but trust this man. Hope that after he gets whatever he wants, he'll give her what she needs.
Zoe looks down and closes her eyes.
<Thank you.>
After taking a few seconds to compose herself and fight back the tears, she raises her head and opens her eyes, even though her thoughts are still a jumble of emotions. She hates being unable to do anything.

Meanwhile, you remain at the ready to contain whatever might happen here, even though you're unsure about what exactly you could do about it. The difference around Amelia seems to be colour. It's very subtle and hard to see in her mostly already black and white surroundings, but it looks like some of the colours around her are slightly brighter and duller, like someone messed with the Colour temperature setting of a monitor to make all colours appear slightly "colder".

The fires outside seem to be good, so unless you want to start gathering orbs of fire, you probably don't want to boost them any more, seeing as that would exhaust them of fuel and energy quicker.

<If there was knowledge I could give you, knowledge that could lead to harder decisions with uncertain outcomes, knowledge that could end up causing more harm than good, would you still want me to share it with you?> Stellar asks you reluctantly.

One of the machines near Boris emits a beep of a different pitch. He presses a few buttons on it to stop the beeping and looks at the lines moving inside one of its green screens for a few seconds.
<Hmmm... Looks like someone is trying to use telepathy around here. Better watch it.>

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 19, 2014, 12:39:35 am

Theri
<Irene, what's going on there? What happened? I'm over here with Awena and Boris' men--armed and alright. Who attacked us?>

Awena, I can lend you much knowledge in the field of physical arts and probably even human anatomy, physiology (and to that extent, treatment of wounds) but I'm no fighter. Err, by that I mean...despite my claims of prowess in unarmed combat, I'm a pacifist at heart. Sorry if-...

*sigh* I should not confuse you any longer. We've a knife at our disposal and are in the company of armed men. Boris' men. Friendly men. We're all here for Amelia though (and in that case, Zoe).

My suggestion is we do as Max says. Hide. If you're ever in doubt or in trouble, my knowledge is at your disposal (and I am reluctant to take control--but...I do realize [ok, starting to realize] that it may be needed at times--I also like how you control me though!). I think we're more useful on patrol. Whoever attacked us has the intent of either demolishing us or...
...
Probably best to assume they're after Amelia. If you--ok, we--see anyone, let's not jump to quickly alerting people ok? Relay information quietly and-...
I...I should learn to stop being authoritative. Erm.


Suggest to keep hidden, yet patrol the area. Check the insides of the buildings or any area entrance could be...made. Like doors, windows...any skylights?
Also ask River stuff!

River, why does my interface beep at certain points? Wait, blink. I meant blink. What does it mean?
Also I can do this! I'm just nervous.

<Great! That's the spirit! I'll try to help as much as I can from here, although a voice in the head of a voice in a head really doesn't have much it can do.>

<Anyway, the "face" of your Interface (the part that looks bluish) lights up to indicate something and the interface beeps to draw your attention to it. Green usually means something good. Orange means information. Red usually means something not good.

Sometimes it will speak to announce additional information. You can try asking it something yourself, although it usually won't know much more than you. But you can ask it to remind you something you might have forgotten.

In our current situation, orange indicates that time is running out. Which is a good thing. We want time to run out. When time runs out, we will be victorious and we can leave this mission knowing we have done what we could to help whoever needed our help.

In our current situation, red means that the connection with your host is wavering. Your host is more receptive to outside influences due to the nature of her condition, so loosing your connection with her is less of a danger, but the interface warns you of it nevertheless.>

Do not worry kind spirit. replies your host. I thank you for all your help tonight. I would not be here were it not for you and your help.

Awena looks around but there aren't many places she could hide in in this room. There are the containers the men are using as cover. There is a small door on her left, probably leading to some kind of storage room or small office. There's the stairs on her right that lead up to a catwalk that encircles the room. And then there's the door behind her, the one that leads back to Zoe.

As for what you can see, there's nothing alarming around here yet. The entrance is still blocked by that container. There's nothing on the windows that you can see from here (the ones above the locked entrance) besides the lookout, standing there with his rifle. And the skylights are still clear. You can see the stars through them.

Still, Awena keeps watch, watching out for anything that could be a danger.

Awena suddenly feels like she was hit by a cold draft, like cold air is engulfing her and gets goosebumps. Yet there is no draft in here and her clothes should had been able to keep her warm.

It seems like one of the armed men beside her also felt it, because he shivers and emits a grumble of displeasure.
"What is it?" one of the others asks him.
"Felt strange."
"Strange? Like what?"
"Like I don't know what." He sighs. "I remember the days battles used to be fought with weapons and honour, not all those magic nonsense."
"Alien, not magic." the other corrects him.
"Whatever. Looks like magic to me."
"Don't worry. If we succeed here, everything will be better. The world will be free again."
"We'll see."

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 19, 2014, 04:43:30 pm

<Get the feeling I should be moving along as quickly as possible, so...>

Shoot the guard as dead as reasonably possible. Then put down the brick of C4 in a place where it seems like it'll cause as much structural damage as possible, arm it, and move along downward. I do have a remote detonator, right?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2014, 07:48:12 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on June 13, 2014, 05:30:46 pm

Whoops.

Try to summon myself back into the movie theatre. Hopefully I won't be committing the mind equivalent of matter-antimatter contact.

Well, you summon yourself back to the movie theatre, but you're further away from your original seat and there's an even larger and fatter version of you sitting in front of you and blocking your view. You lean to the side to see past your enormous girth and try to view the movie that way, but it feels uncomfortable.

During your adventures in non-existence, our scientist protagonists have entered a cave, presumably the result of their investigation into the rocks.

"-excavated recently?"
"No, not excavated. Look at the ground. No footprints besides ours. And look at the walls. No pick can leave rock so smooth."
Steve stops talking and takes a look around with the I-have-a-fishook-in-my-eybrow look.
"No, something else happened here."
"Eh, you're overreacting, as always. It's probably just a natural cave. Maybe if we're lucky, someone is smuggling fans and has hidden his stash here."
After another small delay of just looking around, Steve orders:
"Check the instruments."
"Still as cold as where I'd like to be right now."
"Come on then, let's investigate further."
With that, Steve activates his bulky flashlight and begins going forward. Dan does the same a few seconds later and reluctantly follows.

As you see Steve from behind, you notice that he has a pistol holster attached on his belt that wasn't there before. Probably a fight scene coming up.

The two continue going through the cave for a while. The camera angles are kinda terrible and everything is dark so you aren't sure about where exactly they are going or what the cave looks like, other than that it's rocky.

Your back is beginning to hurt, leaning like this, and the vaguely defined person sitting next to you is staring at you angrily from time to time with its vaguely defined eyes, probably annoyed you invaded its vaguely defined personal space.

The two finally stop moving and continue to inspect their surroundings and wave their "scientific instruments" around in what the actors believed was a scientific manner: like butterfly nets.
Steve accidentally hits some loose rocks with all that waving, causing them to fall to the ground with a loud bang.
Dan jumps and emits a surprised gasp in response. When Steve turns to look at him, Dan tries to look calm and composed, trying to hide his fear.
"Uhh, find anything Steve?"
"Nothing. Dead end."
However his fear only becomes more obvious as he jumps in surprise when the sound effect of a Geiger counter begins to play.
"Steve!"
Steve rushes to take a look at the large rod Dan is holding in his hand, presumably what the people in charge of props thought a Geiger counter looked like.
"Dear God! That must be more than 1000 rems per second! Good thing it's intermittent or we would had been fried!"
Very few audience members facepalm.
"I dunno, with all this heat I'm already feeling a bit singed."

Steve seems to do some quick thinking before taking the lead.
"Come on! This way!"
Dan reluctantly follows.
"Let's just find what we came here for and get out of this giant radioactive oven!" he shouts to Steve.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 18, 2014, 09:42:37 pm

Sprint towards it, use biomass to become a crocodile, and latch on to a leg, biting down and shaking my head around.

You begin running towards the creature and it begins to do the same, albeit in a very unusual way. It pushes its central sack forward, absorbs its back legs and at the same time uses the mass gained to grow a new pair of front legs, using the two remaining pairs of legs to support itself. And then it does it again. And again. It moves towards you with incredible speed in a wobbly but straight line.

Undeterred by this, you slide on the ground, allowing your momentum to propel you while your body changes. You have not fully transformed yet when you meet, but you have your mouth and your tail, and that's all you need.

You open your mouth, aiming for the right triplet of legs but when it snaps closed, it catches nothing but empty air. The thing managed to partially absorb your target and move it out of the way. Which leaves you right under the creature.

You try to scurry away with your still forming legs and almost succeed. The creature manages to absorb its legs in time for it to land on your tail, but you manage to pull it away before it can... do whatever that thing does to the tails of crocodiles. Not really sure what that is. Presumably, it's something bad.

The creature, now only a semi-transparent faint blue blob with a shimmering outline like it was when it was first summoned, is currently right behind your crocodilian body.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 19, 2014, 07:50:05 pm

Quicky morph into a creature much like a massive porcupine, with large spikes menacing out of my mammalian body. Hug the creature with my spikes. Hopefully it feels pain.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on June 19, 2014, 08:53:04 pm

Bryan
Ugh, that was worse than a screamer.  Screamers are like static, loud, annoying, and distracting when you're trying to do something, but this was disorienting...and larger.  Hope I don't have to deal with something quite like that again.

---

Faron
If I can climb to the roof without going into a room,try that.  Otherwise climb towards the room with the man and aim for a heavy blow to his head to incapacitate with a roll into cover.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 19, 2014, 09:33:29 pm

"Violet, I would like to have a practice fight like Rune's, and some equipment to fight it with. Can you do that? It doesn't have to be a fight, it could be any challenge."

Talk.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on June 20, 2014, 12:23:15 am

Leapfrog over myself to get into the seat in front of other me.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 20, 2014, 02:10:59 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 19, 2014, 07:50:05 pm

Quicky morph into a creature much like a massive porcupine, with large spikes menacing out of my mammalian body. Hug the creature with my spikes. Hopefully it feels pain.

You start transforming your body again while at the same time trying to turn around to face your enemy. You're about halfway there (in terms of turning around. Full body transformation takes a bit longer than that.) when you feel the thing touching you from the side. It feels slimy and slippery for about half a second but a moment later it becomes dry and rough. You try to push yourself away from it but it has managed to grab one of your small legs with its elastic grip, pushing you upwards at the same time, keeping you off balance and unable to turn to face it.

Quote from: NAV on June 19, 2014, 09:33:29 pm

"Violet, I would like to have a practice fight like Rune's, and some equipment to fight it with. Can you do that? It doesn't have to be a fight, it could be any challenge."

Talk.

"Sure. Why not? Should be fun, right? Now, what to give you... Oh, I know! Pick an object. Any object you'd like to have in your fight."

Quote from: Xantalos on June 20, 2014, 12:23:15 am

Leapfrog over myself to get into the seat in front of other me.

You jump over yourself (a very surprising act given your size) and land on the seat in front of you (not you you, the other you) with a mighty thud, crushing its vaguely defined occupant in the process.
"Oh, in what sad vaguely defined time intervals do we live in when a vaguely defined person can't even have a vaguely defined time watching an imaginary movie without falling victim to the weight of a enormously huge man landing on top of said vaguely defined person's vaguely defined body." the vaguely defined audience member bemoans its fate before expiring.

Meanwhile, our scientist protagonists keep moving in the dark tunnels, following their Geiger counter to the source of the radiation, when suddenly they are hit by a strong flash of light coming from off screen, made all the stronger by the darkness of the cave. It lasts for a fraction of a second, but it causes both men to pause.
"Did you see that?" asks Steve?
"The flash of light? Of course. You think I'd be walking around in here with my eyes shut?"
The two men keep looking around for a few seconds. You're not really sure what they're looking for, since that flash obviously came from the right. While they do that, the Geiger counter stops making its clicking noise.
"Turn the Geiger back on, will ya?" asks Steve.
Dan looks at the rod he is holding.
"It is on! It's just... not doing anything."
"There was radioactivity here before, we saw it!" states Steve. "Douse your light Dan." he adds, suddenly getting an idea.
Dan complies. With their flashlights off, the screen turns black. But suddenly, there's a strong light coming from the right, illuminating the two men and their surroundings once more.
"See that glow?"
"Yeah, somebody's in that passage." replies Dan.
"Get the rifle ready."
Dan tries to comply, holding his "scientific instruments" with one hand while trying to retrieve the rifle that is hanging from his shoulder with the other. He succeeds, now wielding the rifle one handed, as absurd as that looks. Steve retrieves his handgun from his belt.
They both start walking and enter the passage the light is coming from.

The camera is now showing them from the same angle as the one the light is coming from, two men carrying "scientific instruments" with one hand and weapons in the other.
"Hello over there!" Steve shouts.
"We're friends, come one out!"
That seems kinda ironic when you consider they are both pointing their weapons at the source of the light.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 20, 2014, 02:59:53 pm

"Hmm..."
Nikolai thinks for a few seconds.
"A swiss army knife."

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 20, 2014, 03:04:59 pm

Irine
To Stellar: <Yes. Always. I want to know what it is I'm really doing and why, to understand the consequences of my actions, and how to try to control, contain, or shape the outcome.>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 20, 2014, 03:47:09 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 20, 2014, 03:04:59 pm

Irine
To Stellar: <Yes. Always. I want to know what it is I'm really doing and why, to understand the consequences of my actions, and how to try to control, contain, or shape the outcome.>

<Okay. I... I just want to be sure I won't end up hurting you again. Even by accident. So... I have one more question. If you had to make a choice, would you choose the path of least resistance, to let people be controlled without knowing what that may result in? Or would you risk and try to control people to save them from the influence of others, even if that would mean putting their fates in your hands, in your skills?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on June 20, 2014, 06:09:29 pm

Ah, the classic 'friendly rifle' maneuver. Interesting.

Keep watching!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 21, 2014, 02:45:53 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 20, 2014, 03:47:09 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 20, 2014, 03:04:59 pm

Irine
To Stellar: <Yes. Always. I want to know what it is I'm really doing and why, to understand the consequences of my actions, and how to try to control, contain, or shape the outcome.>

<Okay. I... I just want to be sure I won't end up hurting you again. Even by accident. So... I have one more question. If you had to make a choice, would you choose the path of least resistance, to let people be controlled without knowing what that may result in? Or would you risk and try to control people to save them from the influence of others, even if that would mean putting their fates in your hands, in your skills?>

<That isn't a choice. It'd be nice if it were. It'd be nice if I could stand aside and let the world take care of itself. But if I had to interfere or the minds and wills of others would be enslaved against their own wills and desires? I don't have the option of standing aside in those circumstances. I really would prefer to leave well enough alone more often than not, but if I have to interfere, I will.

I would take control, assume responsibility for others, until it was no longer needful. and afterwards, I'd probably be spending years trying to repair the damage that I'd done to their lives. I'd hate it, but I'd do it...

I think this isn't going to be fun. Still, better to go in with my eyes open. Tell me.>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 22, 2014, 10:42:14 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 21, 2014, 02:45:53 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 20, 2014, 03:47:09 pm

<Okay. I... I just want to be sure I won't end up hurting you again. Even by accident. So... I have one more question. If you had to make a choice, would you choose the path of least resistance, to let people be controlled without knowing what that may result in? Or would you risk and try to control people to save them from the influence of others, even if that would mean putting their fates in your hands, in your skills?>

<That isn't a choice. It'd be nice if it were. It'd be nice if I could stand aside and let the world take care of itself. But if I had to interfere or the minds and wills of others would be enslaved against their own wills and desires? I don't have the option of standing aside in those circumstances. I really would prefer to leave well enough alone more often than not, but if I have to interfere, I will.

I would take control, assume responsibility for others, until it was no longer needful. and afterwards, I'd probably be spending years trying to repair the damage that I'd done to their lives. I'd hate it, but I'd do it...

I think this isn't going to be fun. Still, better to go in with my eyes open. Tell me.>

<Your choice both gladdens me and saddens me. Because that would be my choice too. And because you will have to make it.>

After a pause, she continues on, though she sounds slow and uncertain.

<Like I said before, that woman is a keystone, a part of this world that is "weak" in a way, allowing whoever controlled her some manner of control over the world. I did not knew, however, at the time, the extent of her powers. But now that I see this, after what I herd, I believe that she can quite literally change the fate of this world.>

<It will take quite a lot of explaining for you to fully understand what's going on but I'll try to be brief. As I said before, outsiders are usually focused on the large scale of things, acting more like a living organism existing in symbiosis with their section of the cosmos than a thinking being living in it. This is also the case when they are under attack. They tend to influence the creation of individuals with whom they share some sort of connection with, releasing them like white blood cells near the "infection", hoping they will be enough to counteract the problem with the help of the power it provides them with and its vague guidance. However, because we are more... direct, we can usually evade this. Keep manipulating small sections of the world to create situations that are to our advantage, taking it over one piece at a time. Pit the defenders against one another and use them against the outsider. Slow work, but far less costly than a direct attack.>

<This particular outsider must have either been very weak to begin with or very careless. For whatever manipulation he has used against this world in his effort to acquire it, he has managed not only to force his way into this section in record time (considering this is an occupied universe) and gain a foothold in this world, but he has also managed to force the outsider to pour an incredible amount of power into that keystone, maybe even part of itself.>

<I believe the outsider probably released her as a last hope to reverse whatever effect he has caused in this world, a way to allow the outsider to retain control. A large release of power at the right time, directed in the right way, it can change the entire world. Not a large change, not directly obvious. A butterfly effect. More visible in the long term.>

<Of course, it will probably not be enough to stop him. He will keep trying until he wins. But it will buy the outsider some time.>

<That's where you come in. The crystal you acquired in the first challenge, the colony ship, they were put on this planet by him in an effort to establish his control over this section of this world and eventually this entire universe. When you got to it, it was being used to locate her. And when she was located, she would be brought to the colony ship so that the way the energy inside her would be released could be reprogrammed by it, since it was the only thing in the vicinity powerful enough to do that. Reprogrammed in a way that would immediately give him direct control over this section.>

<He organized the previous mission as an effort to impede that. He is probably the one behind part of the rebel's efforts, in the same way he is using part of the dominant government of this world as his pawn. I don't know whether he planned to somehow take the power for himself (since once one of us establishes dominance over a section of a universe, they can claim ownership of the entire universe and be protected from claims by other entities by the rules) or if he simply did this to hurt him.>

<So now, we come to this. The crystal, the primary anchor of the colony ship unbound, under the control of humans aligned with him along with the keystone. The dissenters, the rebels, they were probably promised the power to change the world to their vision. To finally achieve their victory. And they would had done so if it weren't for his champion. Victor. He used the rules to his advantage and now he has him in place. The moment the timer runs out, Victor will touch the crystal and transfer control of this section of this universe to him. He fights for neither of this challenge's teams. This is his own, final challenge.>

<Of course, the above are just a story, a frame to put this in perspective. Maybe I'm wrong in places. The important thing is that there is immense power here and if you so choose, you can use it to alter this world to your liking. The moment the timer runs out, if she is still alive, then you will win. However, if you are touching the crystal at the time, then you will also be able to control the power released by the keystone and change the way it affects this world according to your will. The power of a god will be yours, for a limited time. The question is, if you acquire it, then what will you do with that power?>

<Will you concern yourself with the entities? And if yes, which entity will you choose to transfer control to, which one of us will you trust with the future of this universe? Or maybe you will transfer control back to the outsider, knowing that it is doomed to fail eventually? Will you try to alter the world according to your beliefs? To right wrongs? To bring about peace or prosperity? Or exact vengeance on those you deem unworthy? Maybe to aid the dissenters or rejuvenate the faltering government of this world's superpower? Or maybe you'll choose to simply let that power harmlessly dissipate, leaving the conflict unresolved until a later battle, when one of our kind will eventually gain control over this place and claim it as their own?>

((Yay, infodump! Sorry for making this so long, I was originally going to write less (because I don't think it makes sense to give detailed exposition in the middle of a battle, even with near instantaneous telepathic communication) but Tiruin hasn't posted and Fniff hasn't posted and I happened to have a lot of free time (managed to finish all homework early), so I thought I should use it to give you something.))

---

---

Quote from: NAV on June 20, 2014, 02:59:53 pm

"Hmm..."
Nikolai thinks for a few seconds.
"A swiss army knife."

"Swiss army knife? That's sooo booring. Couldn't you choose something more fun like... I dunno. Fireworks. A guillotine. A horse with built in chainguns. A saxophone. An amputation saw. Even a power glove. Eh, anyway. Let's see what I can do with that..."
Two Swiss army knives appear in your hands.
At the same time, a woman appears about a dozen meters away from you. She has short black hair, shaved on the sides. They seem to float away from the ground like they defy gravity. She's dressed in black, wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts. On one arm she has a tattoo of fire going all the way around it in a clockwise spiral while on the other she has ice doing the same counterclockwise.
And most importantly, in each hand she holds a small metal rod. From one end of the rod comes a thin, flexible metal wire that ends in what could had been a Swiss army knife, although it looks a bit bulkier (but not enough to make it very heavy). Some of the tools (like the corkscrew) seem to be missing while there are other, non-standard ones, like one that looks like a sewing needle.
"You two have fun~ Try not to hurt him too much, will you darling?"
The woman smiles with a mischievous grin, showing sharp, shark-like teeth and begins to spin her weapons in wide circles while slowly walking towards you, her legs slightly bent on a ready stance.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 23, 2014, 01:11:31 am

Zechariah was annoyed by Scion's words, but he knew what she was doing. It was the same test Eido Aeterno put him to a few years back. He would not fall for the same traps.
Interface, Scion: <And what happens if I do not try to have him live? Artemis once told me a phrase: 'Laiku nāca un gāja, the time came and went.' What happened already has passed me by and cannot be retrieved. The best I can hope for is to correct my wrongdoings and have my host live. At the very least... I owe him that.>

He hated thinking about Artemis but, regardless of the damage he had done, Artemis had taught him a few good things. Maybe he could put some of those things to good use.

>If I cannot move anymore, simply get behind the dumpster and relinquish my control of the host, allowing him to rest. If I have a little bit of energy, continuing moving into a building. Secure it off as best as I can and then relinquish control.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on June 23, 2014, 02:54:07 am

{Lenglon, if you can, please post for me :X
Net is going silly these days. Thank you.}

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 23, 2014, 01:19:36 pm

"Nice tattoos. I'm thinking of getting some of my own."
Check what tools I have in my knives. Just the standard stuff?
"Do you know what I can do?"
Try to get a better look at her weapons.
"Lets fight."
Nikolai copies her fighting pose, and he also copies her smile, not that anyone can tell with his mask on.

For now don't attack, back up and try to avoid and dodge if she attacks.

((Is she one of the characters you used to test the system?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 23, 2014, 02:07:07 pm

Pull away from it until the transformation is fully done, then suddenly rocket backwards, stabbing it with massive porcupine needles.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 23, 2014, 04:32:05 pm

"Guess I'm going to need another push."
Try to get up onto a piece of furniture and jump onto the sphere to climb up towards the target.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 23, 2014, 07:48:08 pm

((Got nostalgic. Have some music. (http://youtu.be/lCmCz4_tyT4) Semi-relevant, if you're into RTS games, Petroglyph is making a new one that looks fun: Grey Goo (http://www.greybox.com/greygoo/en/news/goo-faction/)))

---

Quote from: Fniff on June 23, 2014, 04:32:05 pm

"Guess I'm going to need another push."
Try to get up onto a piece of furniture and jump onto the sphere to climb up towards the target.

Your jump on a nearby pile of broken furniture (looks like half a door laying on some kind of counter, forming a ramp) and try to jump on top of the sphere. You almost make it, but you can't quite reach the top. You use your spear (it embeds itself in it with surprising ease, cutting through the material like butter) and your legs to latch onto the sphere (seeing as your other arm is broken and you can't use it to hold on). You're about to try climbing it when you notice your target moving, trying to slip past you and get away. You're not going to let it do that.

You groan and jump towards it. Realising what's going on, it turns to face you, but can't do much to stop you. You can't reorient your spear in time for you to hit it, but you manage to land on it, pinning it down.

You're face to face now, you can feel its body under yours, cold metal and plastic wires mixed with warm flesh, you can see its face, with a surprisingly human mouth yet lacking any eyes, only smooth plastic and metal in the upper portion of its face.
But face to face is hardly the optimal range to be in when using a spear as a weapon.

Gah, those entities, are they completely stupid? Why did it have to be a spear? Why couldn't it be a knife?

You can hear the buzz of a jetpack's engines behind you.

Quote from: Toaster on June 19, 2014, 07:51:48 am

It'll have to do.

Jetpack straight for the sphere, and prepare to stabby stabby.

Death by bleeding postponed for another minute, you fly onwards to your objective, through the hole in the façade of the building in front of you and inside its ruined interior.

When you reach it, said objective seems to be lying under Jordan, at least for the moment.

It's a strange thing when you look at it with your multivision helmet. It seems to have been human sometime in the past, female judging by the bone structure, but now it is a mix of flesh and machine, much of its limbs and some of its organs replaced by synthetic counterparts. The only skin remaining on her is near her mouth and upper torso (probably because with a cursory scan, it looks like the synthetic replacements that were meant to provide nutrition have not been completely implanted yet), the rest of her face (but not her brain) having been replaced by a metal and plastic helmet-like thing, multiple cameras hiding beneath a smooth sheet of sturdy plastic, while the rest of her limbs have been replaced by robotic prosthetics, the rest of her torso covered in armour and wires going into her skin.

So, now, what do you do?

---

---

Elsewhere...

---

---

Quote from: NAV on June 23, 2014, 01:19:36 pm

"Nice tattoos. I'm thinking of getting some of my own."
Check what tools I have in my knives. Just the standard stuff?
"Do you know what I can do?"
Try to get a better look at her weapons.
"Lets fight."
Nikolai copies her fighting pose, and he also copies her smile, not that anyone can tell with his mask on.

For now don't attack, back up and try to avoid and dodge if she attacks.

((Is she one of the characters you used to test the system?))

((Sort of. She's got the stats of a simple test NPC but her appearance is based off of one of your entitiy's past acquaintances and the weapons I just came up with when you asked for a Swiss army knife while I was trying to think like your entity.))

"Nice tattoos. I'm thinking of getting some of my own."

Her grin gets even wider (something you didn't believe was quite possible) but she remains silent and continues slowly walking towards you, spinning her weapons while looking straight at the lenses of your gas mask. You don't give in to temptation to return the stare, but instead you focus on analysing her stance and her weapons, getting ready for her eventual attack.

Which proves fortuitous, since it allows you to notice her slightly twist her thumb and index finger on the rods, flipping a hidden switch. In response, light spreads from the rod to her arms, making her tattoos glow faintly with their respective colour, gold and red for fire and cool cyan for ice. The same faint coloured glow spreads from the wires to the ends of her weapons. When it reaches the end, each multitool flares brightly with its respective colour. The way she spins them around, she looks a lot like a fire poi dancer right now, getting ready for her deadly performance.

Maybe she liked your compliment?

You look at your own weapon of choice. Well, yours don't have any fancy lights or wires to spin them on. On the other hand, your two multitools combined have pretty much most common tools you could think of. Screwdriver/bottle opener, saw/file, compass, hook, corkscrew, mini-scissors, mini-pliers,... It's a bit surprising they managed to fit so much stuff on it while keeping it small and light, honestly. I mean, it doesn't have everything, but it has a lot.

On top of that, each has a knife that looks quite sharp and long (for something that can fit in your palm, anyway). You could cause some damage with the knives alone, either by stabbing or cutting something vital.

"Do you know what I can do?"
"I don't need to." she replies. Her accent sounds strange. She drags the vowels out, like she is unsure about which syllable comes next, while her non-human teeth make it difficult for her to pronounce consonants like D, T and F. Definitely not built for speaking English.

As for her weapons, even though she is not spinning them around very quickly, they are moving a bit too fast for you to make out any details, and any detail that you could catch is obscured by the glow of the implement. However, from what you remember from when she was first summoned, they both look a lot like normal Swiss army knives, only they're a bit bigger than the ones you have and a bit more angular. They're also grey and have small round lights embedded in them. But that's mostly cosmetic changes. On the tool part, your memory fails you. You remember they had fewer tools than yours and you remember some things about which tools they had (like that they both had knives and that one of them had what looked like a hook while another had something like a sewing needle) but not much else. And then there are those rods she's holding. It's obvious they have some sort of control mechanism in there, but you don't really know what it can do.

She is getting close to you now, dangerously close. She's spinning her weapons above her head now, a lot faster than before. You start slowly backing away while remaining ready to dodge her attack.
"Lets fight."
"Then stop running. Come on. I want to see you. Let's get that mask off, see your FACE!"
At the same time her voice rises, she jumps forward and extends both her arms, putting the ends of her weapons on a collision course with your head. You are ready and jump backwards, dodging the attack, but she doesn't relent, immediately taking a step forward and trying to hit you again, spinning one of her weapons upward and another downward like two maces, going for your head again. You fail to react in time, so you can only watch the two points of light nearly collide with each other in front of you, two small flying blades framed in orangered and cyan passing millimetres away from your face. Lucky for you, her follow-up attack wasn't that accurate so you only end up with your clothes getting slightly scratched in your torso.

She is now standing a couple of meters away from you, the red knife embedded in the dirt in front of you while the cyan is spinning upwards defensively at her side.
"You can jump."
Her face is a bit more tense now, her grin has become a smile, her eyes have stopped looking into yours and are now going all over your body, analysing you.
"Or you're lucky."
Her breathing is slightly quicker, causing her already slow speech to sound slower. Her face has already begun becoming flushed from the effort.
"But can you hit?"

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 23, 2014, 02:07:07 pm

Pull away from it until the transformation is fully done, then suddenly rocket backwards, stabbing it with massive porcupine needles.

You try to use your two remaining legs to pull away, but the thing keeps pulling at you like a giant bubblegum and growing more of itself around your legs. You feel it going under you, reaching for your front legs, when your transformation finally completes. You make an evil grin (well, as much as a porcupine-like thing like you can grin anyway) as you use your two front legs to jump, flipping backwards and landing with all your spikes on the creature. It feels like it's boiling under you as it screams and vibrates. It becomes slippery again and lets go of you as it retreats away from you to reform itself.
It stands opposite to you, small holes on its thin skin bleeding something cyan that looks more like heavy air than something liquid, for it hovers a bit above the ground and dissipates after a while. The holes are closing.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 23, 2014, 08:30:34 pm

Keep attacking it with my spikes. In the meantime, grow a clublike tail, but keep it concealed for now.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on June 23, 2014, 08:50:32 pm

((Mhhrrmmbll looks like Lenglon won't be there to post for me :-[))

World will be-...Awena, can you make any sense of this? River, can you? What freedom are they all talking about?

Theri pondered in her current form as a thought--it was pretty nice to be intangible yet existent.

Awena, what do you think about suggesting to the men to all form up in an area instead of spreading out? Lock down all doors, windows and possibly barricade the area so their employer can get everything ship-shape? Considering our current case, it seems things have died down. So that either means two things!

Either we're being attacked by sneakiness, which I doubt given the intensity of what just happened (ie That can't be just it.) or they've given up. Anyway, we need a search team to check the source. How's about suggesting that?

...Also how're you feeling? For now, I guess I know a bit regarding physical exertion and the reaction from the environment (ie Physical force). Probably want to browse a bit of my knowledge regarding that? Muscular exertion and the like as well as bodily kinesthetics and all. Have to modify the concept given that I mostly do that work with my tail but-...well, you get the idea. Kitsune-like and all.

Inquire! Also offer knowledge to host.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 23, 2014, 10:55:04 pm

What do I do?  I stab the feckin' thing!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 23, 2014, 11:20:21 pm

Step on the red knife with a heavy boot.
"No one can hit harder."
Slash her ice arm with a knife and tsar it as its coming down. Tsar it at the last moment, hopefully she won't expect that and won't be able to avoid it.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 24, 2014, 05:33:56 am

Irine
-.-
I will do what must be done.

---

Zoe
Slowly walk over to Amelia, hold her hand, and tell her that she's going to be ok. Try to provide what emotional comfort I can for her, and show her that I'm there for her. It's all I can do for her right now. Keep an eye on the mad doc behind me, and don't let him go totally crazy and try to kill either of us.

---

Irine
Collect myself, and prepare for a mental fight for control / Boris moving in to attack hand-to-hand and me needing to immolate him as he tries (If this happens, I'll burn ALL my remaining flame generation charges in my counterattack, and I do remember that he is dangerously fast)
I've used this kind of power before, and I normally work with an immaterial force. I should be able to take Victor/Boris in a mental battle for control, to reshape this place as necessary.
In case I have to make a shaping attempt immediately: my goals are going to be to revive my host from mission 1, and to put Stellar in a position of control.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 23, 2014, 08:50:32 pm

((Mhhrrmmbll looks like Lenglon won't be there to post for me :-[))

((Sorry! I didn't have the time to make one before now, else I would have!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2014, 07:09:05 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 19, 2014, 04:43:30 pm

<Get the feeling I should be moving along as quickly as possible, so...>

Shoot the guard as dead as reasonably possible. Then put down the brick of C4 in a place where it seems like it'll cause as much structural damage as possible, arm it, and move along downward. I do have a remote detonator, right?

It's actually a mix of timed and remote detonated. Flip a switch to activate, input detonation delay and frequency and then you can use the detonator to trigger it.

Staying close to the ground, you take out your machine pistol, take aim at the unsuspecting guard and pull the trigger. You empty about a third of your magazine on him and his surroundings, filling the back of your target full of bloody holes and the air with the rattle of your automatic pistol and the sound of bullets ricocheting. The man falls forward and out of the window.
<It's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden lead poisoning in the beginning.>
Well, if that isn't "as dead as reasonably possible", you're not sure what is.

Before you even have a chance to turn around, bullets start flying towards you from below, as the entire room opens fire on your location. Most are off target or stopped by the metal catwalk, but few make it through. The two that hit you in the torso and arm, already slowed by going through the metal, can't even penetrate the first layer of your armour. However, one finds its way to your reinforced goggles. It doesn't get through, but it causes a small crack to form on them, simultaneously reminding you that you are not invincible.

You jump away from the area most of the shots seem to be directed towards, avoiding further hits. The full-auto shooting turns to small bursts and then stops altogether after a few seconds.
You can hear shouts coming from below.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 19, 2014, 08:53:04 pm

Bryan
Ugh, that was worse than a screamer.  Screamers are like static, loud, annoying, and distracting when you're trying to do something, but this was disorienting...and larger.  Hope I don't have to deal with something quite like that again.

---

Faron
If I can climb to the roof without going into a room,try that.  Otherwise climb towards the room with the man and aim for a heavy blow to his head to incapacitate with a roll into cover.

Your host jumps, grabbing hold of a crack in the wall. He's about to reach out to grab the ledge near the window, when the guard standing there is riddled with bullets. Well, that's one less problem for you. The dead guard falls on your host, but he manages to maintain his balance and cling on the wall, barely. The initial sound of gunfire, coming from some kind of low calibre automatic weapon, is replaced by the sound of a large number of assault rifles and pistols firing.

Your host climbs the rest of the way up and hides behind the concrete between two windows. The shooting inside seems to have died down. For now.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 23, 2014, 01:11:31 am

Zechariah was annoyed by Scion's words, but he knew what she was doing. It was the same test Eido Aeterno put him to a few years back. He would not fall for the same traps.
Interface, Scion: <And what happens if I do not try to have him live? Artemis once told me a phrase: 'Laiku nāca un gāja, the time came and went.' What happened already has passed me by and cannot be retrieved. The best I can hope for is to correct my wrongdoings and have my host live. At the very least... I owe him that.>

He hated thinking about Artemis but, regardless of the damage he had done, Artemis had taught him a few good things. Maybe he could put some of those things to good use.

>If I cannot move anymore, simply get behind the dumpster and relinquish my control of the host, allowing him to rest. If I have a little bit of energy, continuing moving into a building. Secure it off as best as I can and then relinquish control.

<You!- you...> she begins saying something, her voice full of anger but then she stops and remains silent.

You feel like you could move, but you don't think it would be the best idea right now, so you simply hide and relinquish control. Your host just stands there for a few seconds, trying to catch his breath, but his mind is racing, trying to think of how he can get out of this one alive.

<You do that, then.> she hisses.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 23, 2014, 08:50:32 pm

((Mhhrrmmbll looks like Lenglon won't be there to post for me :-[))

World will be-...Awena, can you make any sense of this? River, can you? What freedom are they all talking about?

Theri pondered in her current form as a thought--it was pretty nice to be intangible yet existent.

Awena, what do you think about suggesting to the men to all form up in an area instead of spreading out? Lock down all doors, windows and possibly barricade the area so their employer can get everything ship-shape? Considering our current case, it seems things have died down. So that either means two things!

Either we're being attacked by sneakiness, which I doubt given the intensity of what just happened (ie That can't be just it.) or they've given up. Anyway, we need a search team to check the source. How's about suggesting that?

...Also how're you feeling? For now, I guess I know a bit regarding physical exertion and the reaction from the environment (ie Physical force). Probably want to browse a bit of my knowledge regarding that? Muscular exertion and the like as well as bodily kinesthetics and all. Have to modify the concept given that I mostly do that work with my tail but-...well, you get the idea. Kitsune-like and all.

Inquire! Also offer knowledge to host.

<I... I'm not entirely sure. They probably believe they could use that girl you brought here to do something to "free the world". But I don't know what that may be or what the world needs to be freed from. They all seem perfectly fine to me. Well, for a group of outlaws, anyway.

In my experience, when humans-> His response is cut short by the sound of gunfire echoing across the large, mostly empty room. Your host watches in shock as the man looking outside the window on the first floor is shot several times from behind and then falls out of the window. She can't see where the shots are coming from, but the sound indicates it's somewhere from your left.
"They're up there on the left! Kill them!"
Almost immediately, most of the guards near you turn to aim their pistols and automatic rifles at the catwalk up on the left. They fire several shots blindly, some of them going through the metal floor, while others simply bounce off of it or hit the wall beneath it. After several shots, they stop firing.
"Are they dead?"
"Stay ready everyone!"
"Someone get eyes on them!"

Awena gets past her initial shock and hides behind a metal container. She was hoping this was over. The fact that it isn't makes her afraid again.
<The enemy has the high ground and hence the advantage. I suggest retreating and contacting your friend for help.>

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 24, 2014, 05:33:56 am

Irine
-.-
I will do what must be done.

---

Zoe
Slowly walk over to Amelia, hold her hand, and tell her that she's going to be ok. Try to provide what emotional comfort I can for her, and show her that I'm there for her. It's all I can do for her right now. Keep an eye on the mad doc behind me, and don't let him go totally crazy and try to kill either of us.

---

Irine
Collect myself, and prepare for a mental fight for control / Boris moving in to attack hand-to-hand and me needing to immolate him as he tries (If this happens, I'll burn ALL my remaining flame generation charges in my counterattack, and I do remember that he is dangerously fast)
I've used this kind of power before, and I normally work with an immaterial force. I should be able to take Victor/Boris in a mental battle for control, to reshape this place as necessary.
In case I have to make a shaping attempt immediately: my goals are going to be to revive my host from mission 1, and to put Stellar in a position of control.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 23, 2014, 08:50:32 pm

((Mhhrrmmbll looks like Lenglon won't be there to post for me :-[))

((Sorry! I didn't have the time to make one before now, else I would have!))

While you mentally prepare for battle, you subtly influence your host, nudging her to stay close to Amelia.
Zoe's thoughts are calmed, spurred by your influence. The fact that she can do nothing doesn't mean she has to stand idle. She can still show Amelia she cares.

She starts walking towards Amelia, putting the safety on her pistol and putting it in her pocket. She pauses briefly after a couple of steps. She takes a deep breath as she takes the final steps, crossing the threshold of the effect surrounding Amelia.

It's strangely quiet inside. There's only the almost infrasonic buzzing of the machines that surround you (plural) like a shell, with only two holes in them. The one you entered from and one for the crystal standing near her head on its flower-like cradle made of dark metal. The world outside looks darker and yet more colourful.
It also affects you (Irene) in some way. Feels like your mind getting tired, working slower. Like it's under pressure. Similar to a headache or a migraine, only without the pain. For some reason, you have the feeling that this pressure is alive.
It seems to have no effect on Zoe's mind.

Zoe stands over Amelia. She is still unconscious. Yet her face looks contorted, tense, strained. It's clear that even in her unconsciousness, whatever is going on here is causing her discomfort. She grabs her hand. It feels cold. Her pale arm is filled with red cracks where the blood vessels have collapsed. She squeezes it and leans, bringing her head close to Amelia's.
Zoe closes her eyes and whispers. "I'm here. Don't worry. I promised you."
She stays there for a few seconds, using her other hand to caress her forehead, removing a few strands of hair from it.
Amelia seems slightly less tense now and that is reflected on Zoe's mental state. Despite everything, feeling Amelia so close to her, it gives her hope, makes her fee like there's-

Her thoughts are interrupted by a hand grabbing her shoulder from behind.

---

Map of the area:

Spoiler: 1st Floor (click to show/hide) (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/FirstFloor_zpsa5ac19e9.png) Black are either walls or the railing in the case of the catwalk. Cyan are windows. The ones in the top have a wire mesh. Light Brown are catwalks. The dark brown things are the stairs leading down. Pink is Harry Baldman Red is Alarith

Spoiler: Ground Floor (click to show/hide) (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/GroundFloor_zpsa1c72421.png) Brown are doors. The one on the right is the entrance, leading outside. The one on the left leads to the room Lenglon is in. The one on the bottom... well, none of you know where that leads. The one on the top leads to a small room within the room, painted with dark grey. Purple are various metal containers. Cyan is Tiruin

Things not shown: the bridge crane at the top of the room (near its centre) and the controls for it at the top left corner of the first floor catwalk, the roof and its skylights, two dead guards on the catwalk on the right side of the room, one dead guard outside the entrance door, several small fires at the floor of the room, several guards taking cover near Tiruin.

Note: not to scale. This is just to give you a rough idea of your locations and layout of the room.

---

OOC
@Toaster: Sorry, I know you want to attack, but I got to give Fniff a chance to act first.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 25, 2014, 07:56:18 pm

"If you're a BETA... then it's time for some fucking bugtesting."
Grab the robot's head and repeatedly slam it into the ground. Then try to get up as far as possible without falling off, then plunge the spear down into it.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on June 25, 2014, 08:02:35 pm

((Why is there a map? o_O))

The image of the wounded man crossed Theri's mind.

Awena, I suggest that you suggest to the men to spread out--whatever assailant that is here, he's still here. If they've got explosives and we're all bunched up...err, well that's obviously a bad thing. As in, spread out thoroughly. The image was so clear and vivid enough that the very idea of such utilizations of force via explosive origins fazed her. We should warn Zoe. Do you see anything there that could help? As in, given the direction of the shots and the wounds (sorry for bringing up the memory!) then...well, the general area where the killer is must be..above us? (It looked possible from below, too...) Well, my point is to suggest to the men. Your choice. No pressure? (Please don't take this as pressuring...)

...Or, perchance, is there anyway we could...err, sync vision? That's alright with you, right?

Suggest and talk!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2014, 08:19:30 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 23, 2014, 08:30:34 pm

Keep attacking it with my spikes. In the meantime, grow a clublike tail, but keep it concealed for now.

You both charge at each other, you running on your small legs while the thing simply rolls towards you.
At the same time, you begin growing a new tail that you keep hidden between your back legs.

As you get close to it, you roll into a ball. You can't see what happens next, but from the bump and rather satisfying scream that follows, you deduce that you managed to hit the creature.

You unfurl and look around. The thing is bleeding heavily and is currently retreating towards a nearby tree.

---

Quote from: NAV on June 23, 2014, 11:20:21 pm

Step on the red knife with a heavy boot.
"No one can hit harder."
Slash her ice arm with a knife and tsar it as its coming down. Tsar it at the last moment, hopefully she won't expect that and won't be able to avoid it.

"No one can hit harder." you say your one-liner trying to look as badass as possible and step on her red knife before she has a chance to pull it out, at the same time bringing your knife down on her general direction and focusing on tsaring it.
You cough. "I said, 'No one can hit harder'." You say and make another slash. Nothing continues to happen.
"I swear, this has never happened to me before." you say while making a few more swings.
She laughs. Unlike her speech, her laugh sounds completely ordinary, the laugh of a normal human woman.
"Come on, you can do better than that!" she says when she's done laughing. "One more chance." she adds and begins spinning her remaining blue knife faster while crouching a bit more.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 20, 2014, 06:09:29 pm

Ah, the classic 'friendly rifle' maneuver. Interesting.

Keep watching!

The lights go out, leaving the two men barely lit.
"Our friend turned off his light." says Steve.
"Antisocial." adds Dan. "We go in after him?" he asks and Steve simply nods in response.
The two men cock their weapons with ominous clicks and clacks and ensure they have a round loaded. It's a bit funny watching them trying to do that while holding their "scientific equipment" on their other hands and under their shoulders. You'd think they could just leave the things down. What are they afraid of, that whatever is in here started spouting radiation to lure scientists so that he could steal their equipment?
"We're coming in!" shouts Steve. "We don't want any trouble. But we're armed. In case you are."
With that, they start walking forward, towards the invisible source of the light, using their flashlights to look around. They keep walking until they reach a rock wall.
"Dead end!" observes Dan with surprise in his voice. "There's nothing here!"
"You saw that light."
"He couldn't had gotten past us, could he? We've covered every inch of these caverns and we've seen there's no one here."
Suddenly, the Geiger counter starts clicking again, accompanied by brass instruments playing quick sharp notes to create more tension.
Both men look at the device as it keeps clicking faster and faster until it makes an almost continuous sound. There's a sound like wind passing through the caverns. Both men point their weapon at the source of the sound, but there's nothing there.
"Let's get out of here!" says Steve, fear creeping in his voice.
"Oh, I'm with you!" agrees Dan, too eager to get out of here.
Our heroes have not taken two steps when suddenly the light returns again.
"Look!" exclaims Dan as he points off screen, at the source of the light with his rifle, fear obvious in his face.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 25, 2014, 08:02:35 pm

((Why is there a map? o_O))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2014, 07:09:05 pm

This is just to give you a rough idea of your locations and layout of the room.

I just did that in case you (plural) misunderstood something from the descriptions I was giving. Since I think people can more easily understand the layout of locations when they are drawn. Felt like it could help prevent misunderstandings in the future.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2014, 08:45:03 pm

Time for the final part of my plan. Evolve massive wings that are also covered in bristles that have small, painful bits of poison stuck inside the stingers. If anything tries to grab my wings, they'll go into so much pain that they start twitching. Bask in the glory of this moment, and wait for my enemy to make the first move.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2014, 08:49:44 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 23, 2014, 10:55:04 pm

What do I do?  I stab the feckin' thing!

Quote from: Fniff on June 25, 2014, 07:56:18 pm

"If you're a BETA... then it's time for some fucking bugtesting."
Grab the robot's head and repeatedly slam it into the ground. Then try to get up as far as possible without falling off, then plunge the spear down into it.

Jordan grabs the robot (cyborg, if we want to be precise) by the head with one hand and slams it to the ground. And then again. And again, faster and faster until its plastic visor begins to crack and break. In response, the cyborg hits his broken arm and tries to push Jordan off of it, but he simply ignores the pain, perhaps too lost in his rage to notice, even as the cyborg pushes him up and off the ground. He simply keeps hitting it.

However, while he doesn't notice the pain, he is perceptive enough to notice John hovering over him like an angry giant bee with an equally giant stinger, attempting to use his spear on the cyborg. Which would put it dangerously close to Jordan. He grabs the cyborg with one arm and shifts his weight to the right, rolling away. The spear misses the cyborg but it manages to hit Jordan at the side of his waist. It cuts through him like he isn't even there and to his surprise he feels almost no pain from the hit. Lucky for him, it just goes through fat. Nothing important is injured.

Despite all that, Jordan manages to remain on top of the thing.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 25, 2014, 09:01:18 pm

Flick out my left hand knife's hook. Tsar that knife's compass. Compasses have magnets, which should Attract her knife, or at least distrupt her spinning. Catch her knife with the hook.

Then stab her and tsar with my other knife. No words this time.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 25, 2014, 10:12:14 pm

"Shit!  Watch out!"


Stab the thing I'm supposed to be stabbing, not the teammate!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on June 25, 2014, 10:17:18 pm

((Yo, Toaster. You're using my characters colour. John speaks in (northern) lime green. Nikolai speaks in green. It says so in the op.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on June 25, 2014, 11:05:43 pm

My god, it's a-

Alan is interrupted by the movie.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 26, 2014, 03:48:19 am

Irine
If he wanted to attack, he'd have done a lot more than just grab her shoulder.
Stay ready for combat, be it either mental or physical, but do not initiate hostilities.

---

Zoe
-not influencing Zoe-

---

Irine
To the presence pressing upon me: <Hello? My name's Irine. I'm here to try to help, but I'm not sure how. Who are you? What's happening here?>
hopefully that won't spook him/her/it/them and I might get some more information, or maybe even some help or cooperation. or at least get him/her/it/them to stop pushing against me like that.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2014, 03:53:11 am

Lob some of that tear gas and a flashbang at whoever was shooting, then lob down two armed blocks of C4. Get to a safe distance and detonate.

Move toward potential objectives if situation does not become critical!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 26, 2014, 08:07:11 am

Quote from: NAV on June 25, 2014, 10:17:18 pm

((Yo, Toaster. You're using my characters colour. John speaks in (northern) lime green. Nikolai speaks in green. It says so in the op.))

((Derp.  I get mixed up))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on June 26, 2014, 05:43:06 pm

Bryan
Sounds like the other person is still fighting.  <Hey Kathryn, if I tried to use telepathy to attack a guard's mind, would that weird blocking thing happen again?>

---

Wait a bit for more gunfire or an explosion, then enter the building and sneak towards the area where I felt the disturbance, keeping an eye out for guards and the other person attacking.  If no gunfire or explosions occur, enter the same way but use even more caution.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 26, 2014, 05:45:45 pm

"I got it first, John!"
Put the spear near the ground, then thrust horizontally into it's side. Try to avoid John's spear jab by leaning out of the way.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2014, 07:35:00 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 25, 2014, 10:12:14 pm

"Shit!  Watch out!"

Stab the thing I'm supposed to be stabbing, not the teammate!

Quote from: Fniff on June 26, 2014, 05:45:45 pm

"I got it first, John!"
Put the spear near the ground, then thrust horizontally into it's side. Try to avoid John's spear jab by leaning out of the way.

While John pulls his spear out of the concrete, Jordan is leaning to the side, trying to grab his spear (which he had dropped in order to slam the BETA's head to the ground). The BETA takes this opportunity to push him off of it. It rolls further away and tries to get up and run away.

John takes this opportunity to attack once more. He uses his one good arm to control the jetpack, moving forward and upwards with one arm while holding the spear under his his armpit. He lands behind the BETA, using his momentum to keep hobbling forward on his metal leg. The BETA hears him and tries to dodge out of the way, but his aim is true.
In a very anticlimactic way, the spear hits the BETA in the back. It goes through its armour like it's nothing and yet it encounters resistance when it reaches its fleshy insides, getting embedded there.
His momentum keeps John moving forward. He slams into the BETA, and they both fall to the ground, John on top of the cyborg.

John uses the spear as a handhold to pull himself up. He looks around. Jordan is standing there besides him. The light inside the BETA has become concentrated into a single spot at the tip of the spear.
Their interfaces beep and their faces light with a green light.
<Primary objective achieved.>
Huh. Looks like that's it.
John is in the middle of letting out a sigh of relief when the spear he is holding starts humming.
He lets it go and takes a step back.
It glows brightly and cracks in the air start forming around it, quickly spreading like blindingly bright step leader lightning. When it makes contact with John, it solidifies into a single stream that courses through his entire body.
At this point, John hears a deafening scream made of static in his mind and everything becomes white and hot before he looses consciousness.
From Jordan's perspective, John keeps getting zapped until he falls on the ground, glowing brightly and still spasming. Guess they don't call them conductor spears for nothing.
Their interfaces beep green again.
<Secondary objective achieved. Mission accomplished. Disconnecting...>
And then there was nothing.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

RFLX:
John:5-1(blood loss)
Jordan:5+1
BETA:6

STR: Jordan vs BETA: 2+1 vs 6+1(cybernetic limbs)

DEX Jordan vs RFLX BETA: 6-2(Blood loss, one arm) vs 1

((Welp. Looks like that's it.
On the one hand, I'm kinda saddened that I didn't get to show off some of the BETA's cyborg form attacks. On the other hand, you were both kinda bleeding to death, so if I got to show them off, you probably wouldn't have much chance.
Now to do all the post mission stuff and gather all my notes and PM you your upgrade trees and stuff. It might take a while since I'm a bit busy with university stuff.))

---

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 26, 2014, 05:43:06 pm

Bryan
Sounds like the other person is still fighting.  <Hey Kathryn, if I tried to use telepathy to attack a guard's mind, would that weird blocking thing happen again?>

<I'm not sure. There may be some kind of field here that's meant to prevent outside forces from interfering. Or inside forces, given what you saw. I can't be entirely sure, because I can't see for myself and your mind perceives things differently from mine. Maybe it will get easier when you're inside it?>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 26, 2014, 07:38:11 pm

In the nothing, Jordan muses...

<"Seems we're getting better. Only most of our team died, rather then all of them.">

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on June 26, 2014, 08:13:34 pm

>_>
<_<
 :-\: Hey River, why are people attacking us anyway? All I've heard is some government and tyranny and...my memory isn't that acute here.
 :'(: I mean people are DYING left and right--there's no-...
 ::): Alright maybe I can suggest to Awena tha-
 :o: Ahh wait, I'm speaking my thoughts out loud. Hi Awena! Hope you don't mind my conversation!
 :-X: *whimpers silently*
 :-[: ...Well, I was also going to suggest you shout "Don't kill us" or something to say we don't actually mean any harm and are just doing our job. Might be the police anyway. Heavily...armed...police.
 >:(: Blargh why can't I be of anymore use to you?!
...
 :-\


Additional: Suggest tiny one-or-so-liner dialogue!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 26, 2014, 08:32:56 pm

What about my turn? :<

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on June 26, 2014, 09:17:38 pm

I'd like to thank the two people who believed in me.

<<It's nice to see the end of a mission.  I've really got to learn to keep myself out of danger... barely made it though that one.  Anyway, sorry about stealing the thunder, but I had to take my shot at it.>>

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Fniff on June 26, 2014, 09:38:42 pm

(I similarly would thank those who believed in me, even if those bets were somewhat misplaced. I cast my vote for Toaster because he was always on the frontline, had better equipment, and since I'm only working off one adrenaline rush at a time, John seemed more likely to succeed.)
Jordan was angry, and he feared some of it slipped through.
"Better luck next time.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 29, 2014, 01:36:36 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on June 26, 2014, 08:13:34 pm

>_>
<_<
 :-\: Hey River, why are people attacking us anyway? All I've heard is some government and tyranny and...my memory isn't that acute here.
 :'(: I mean people are DYING left and right--there's no-...
 ::): Alright maybe I can suggest to Awena tha-
 :o: Ahh wait, I'm speaking my thoughts out loud. Hi Awena! Hope you don't mind my conversation!
 :-X: *whimpers silently*
 :-[: ...Well, I was also going to suggest you shout "Don't kill us" or something to say we don't actually mean any harm and are just doing our job. Might be the police anyway. Heavily...armed...police.
 >:(: Blargh why can't I be of anymore use to you?!
...
 :-\


Additional: Suggest tiny one-or-so-liner dialogue!

((Ah, that made me sad. Hopefully, this mission will end soon and we can go to something happier.))
<They are attacking because they want power. Some humans always want more. If you're asking me why these specific humans are attacking, then I don't know.> He sounds angry.

Quote from: Tiruin on June 25, 2014, 08:02:35 pm

((Why is there a map? o_O))

The image of the wounded man crossed Theri's mind.

Awena, I suggest that you suggest to the men to spread out--whatever assailant that is here, he's still here. If they've got explosives and we're all bunched up...err, well that's obviously a bad thing. As in, spread out thoroughly. The image was so clear and vivid enough that the very idea of such utilizations of force via explosive origins fazed her. We should warn Zoe. Do you see anything there that could help? As in, given the direction of the shots and the wounds (sorry for bringing up the memory!) then...well, the general area where the killer is must be..above us? (It looked possible from below, too...) Well, my point is to suggest to the men. Your choice. No pressure? (Please don't take this as pressuring...)

...Or, perchance, is there anyway we could...err, sync vision? That's alright with you, right?

Suggest and talk!

You're right. I-I have to do something. Maybe we could just get out of here? replies Awena. I don't understand why they are doing this.
"We have to spread out! They have explosives, remember?" she yells to a nearby guard to be heard over the ringing in her ears caused by the recent gunshots. The guard nods and spreads the word to the other, instructing them to spread out.

This turns to be the right choice, for a few moments later, something metalic can be heard bouncing on the concrete floor near the front of the guard's makeshift cover. It explodes but not with the deadly shockwave and shrapnel of a grenade. Instead it releases a white mist that causes Awena's throat to burn and her eyes to water. She instinctively tries to rub her eyes to make them feel better but that only ends up making them burn worse.

Coughing, she makes her way through the door. There is a flash of light like lightning coming from behind her, followed by the sound of another explosion and more gunfire.

She reaches the room Amelia is in, entering just in time to see Boris and Zoe closing the metal doors leading into the room behind her.
"We need help." she says and coughs some more, trying to clear her throat from whatever's burning it. "They came through the windows." she says with her eyes closed, both to protect her eyes and to hide her emotions.

Your interface beeps and its screen lights up with an orange light.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 26, 2014, 03:48:19 am

Irine
If he wanted to attack, he'd have done a lot more than just grab her shoulder.
Stay ready for combat, be it either mental or physical, but do not initiate hostilities.

---

Zoe
-not influencing Zoe-

---

Irine
To the presence pressing upon me: <Hello? My name's Irine. I'm here to try to help, but I'm not sure how. Who are you? What's happening here?>
hopefully that won't spook him/her/it/them and I might get some more information, or maybe even some help or cooperation. or at least get him/her/it/them to stop pushing against me like that.

The hand pulls her. Zoe turns around, pushing the hand away from her shoulder as she does so.
"Get out of here. There's a problem." says Boris before she has a chance to say anything and quickly turns around and gets out of the shell.

You try to open your mind to whatever presence may be here but for some reason you feel nothing except for the pressure getting stronger. Maybe you're doing something wrong. Maybe it's not interested in talking. Or maybe it just can't understand you. Either way, you get no response and the pressure disappears the moment you and your host get out of the shell.

"They're inside. Help me close the door." Boris says and points to the two sliding metal doors leading to the room you came from.
"You didn't need to pull." says Zoe, trying to get to her angry mindset again, trying to get ready to fight.
"I don't like it in there." he replies.

They both grab one door and start pushing, moving the heavy metal thing until it's closed. As you do so, you can hear the sound of more explosions and more gunfire. After one door closes, they then reposition themselves and try to do the same with the other.

Awena comes through the door a few seconds before you close them, bringing with her a smell that burns your host's nose, making her want to sneeze. "We need help." She looks terrible. It's not only the fact that she's coughing and crying, it's also the look on her face. She looks terrified. "They came through the windows."

Your interface beeps and its screen lights up with an orange light.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2014, 03:53:11 am

Lob some of that tear gas and a flashbang at whoever was shooting, then lob down two armed blocks of C4. Get to a safe distance and detonate.

Move toward potential objectives if situation does not become critical!

You grab a tear gas canister, pull the pin, cook it for a few seconds and throw it down. There are more shouts and then the canister explodes, filling the area with whitish smoke that hovers low, close to the ground floor.

Next you grab a flashbang, pull the pin and throw it down too for good measure. It explodes with a deafening bang that you can sounds painful even through your thick helmet and damaged ears, lighting up the room like lightning for a split second. Judging from the shouts that follow, it must have done a good job.

<Smoke, lights and fireworks. All we need is an electric guitar and we're set.>

And finally, a block of C4. You flip its switch and the screen lights up. That's when bullets start flying towards you again, but this time they are more unfocused. They're just firing blindly. They don't know where you are.

Your interface beeps and its screen lights up with an orange light.

You push the buttons on the detonator, setting its frequency and then timer. You get ready to throw it. But at the last second a lucky stray bullet ricochets, hitting your hand just as you're about to lob it. It doesn't penetrate your armour but it causes you to flinch and drop it down, right below the catwalk you're on.

What's more, you can see the railing of the stairwell opposite to you vibrating. They must be getting ready to make a push upwards.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 26, 2014, 05:43:06 pm

Wait a bit for more gunfire or an explosion, then enter the building and sneak towards the area where I felt the disturbance, keeping an eye out for guards and the other person attacking.  If no gunfire or explosions occur, enter the same way but use even more caution.

You take a peek inside. There seem to be a lot of guards taking cover near a door. Your host might be good, but he's no immortal. Going in from here would probably not be a good idea.
You can also see the other attacker, a heavily armoured hulk full of weapons, currently taking cover and... throwing a grenade? The grenade turns out to be some sort of smoke grenade, obscuring most of the guards from sight.

Well, that works in your favour. However that still leaves the choice of what to do with the attacker. Your goals might not align.

You go inside anyway, stepping over the corpse of another dead guard. You stay low and approach the stairwell from the other side, moving very slowly, staying low and hiding in the shadows. There's a bang from a flashbang followed by a few more disorganised shots.

Your interface beeps and its screen lights up with an orange light.

---

DAF
After a few seconds of thinking, your host settles on a simple plan. He needs some help. Otherwise he'll most likely die here or get captured, which would just as likely lead to death. Only chance he has is to call for help and hope he can reach someone. Just got to get up. Get in a building. Find a phone.

He attempts to pull himself up but the stress proves too much for him. He falls down, unconscious.

---

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 26, 2014, 08:32:56 pm

What about my turn? :<

((I've finished your upgrade trees, I'll PM them later today after I make a final check and then you can level up. I'll do your turns after you level up and I'm done processing that level up.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 29, 2014, 01:43:30 pm

Okay, cheese it for now and then, once at a safe distance, detonate the C4! That oughta shake things, including the framework of the factory up.

And after that, relinquish control and let Ike Wayne take care of the rest, since good ol' Lucky Ike Watkins is going to be taking a bit of a nap. Autopilot directives that could possibly be input: >shoot for the heads of anybody who looks weird, special priority on fire people, and also is not on my team, blow shit up for maximum sabotage and destruction, and generally get rid of all that excess weight by shooting, lobbing and bombing things like it's the end of the world. These assholes are obviously terrorists, and deserve death.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 29, 2014, 01:57:13 pm

((Sorry for not posting a turn that time, my fault for not paying attention, but the autoaction was pretty much  what I would've had the host do anyways.))

>Let my host rest. If possible, give him a little willpower push in order to speed up his recovery. Otherwise, just keep a view on the situation and make sure that he doesn't go critical or something. That, or he doesn't spotted by people who would want to hurt him.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 29, 2014, 03:22:00 pm

@Harry Baldman: Ah, you will be missed. Don't worry, your host will make sure to teach them why they should fear the night. Or die trying.

@People from mission 2b, the BETA mission: Here's a reminder of how leveling up works. I've sent you your upgrade trees. As always, if you have any questions, ask.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:23:05 am

Leveling up:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:28:48 am

Okay, here's how leveling up works:

Each of you has an upgrade tree. You need to unlock the previous upgrades in the tree before you gain access to the next ones. You can get multiple upgrades from the same branch (unlock Reflex 1,2 and 3 all at the same time for example if you have 3 upgrade points). Each upgrade costs 1 Upgrade Point (except for some special cases).
You can also choose to spend 3 Upgrade points to let your entities work on you freely, giving you something they find useful, something related to them. The ability they choose is not limited by your current abilities. It will be powerful and will probably unlock new options for you, increasing your versatility. However you have no control over what they give you.

You will receive your upgrade trees via PM soon. If something seems weird or wrong or if you have a question or if I have made a mistake, don't be afraid to PM me and tell me about it. Once you're certain which upgrades you want, PM me your choices. Or write them here if you don't care about secrecy.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 29, 2014, 03:35:44 pm

How many points did I get?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 29, 2014, 03:38:56 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 29, 2014, 03:35:44 pm

How many points did I get?

Did you read your PM?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 29, 2014, 03:49:20 pm

I just used the link, sorry.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on June 30, 2014, 04:17:32 am

Irine
Seize the flames I left burning outside, form them into spheres, and then send them spiraling simultaniously therough the windows and into the room Awena came from. once they are through the windows split each of them into several smaller spheres and send them spiraling outwards and across the room before regrouping into a single large sphere in front of the door we just closed. after that slowly lower the sphere to the ground and spread out the flame across the floor, making the entire area in front of the door a literal sea of flames.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on June 30, 2014, 11:12:17 am

Bryan
I'm not liking my options here. Try to keep a telekinetic wave of force swirling around me to deflect projectiles.

---

Faron
If I can jump off the catwalk to the ground floor without hurting myself, do so.  Either way start running towards the anomaly in any way possible.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2014, 09:46:35 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 29, 2014, 01:43:30 pm

Okay, cheese it for now and then, once at a safe distance, detonate the C4! That oughta shake things, including the framework of the factory up.

And after that, relinquish control and let Ike Wayne take care of the rest, since good ol' Lucky Ike Watkins is going to be taking a bit of a nap. Autopilot directives that could possibly be input: >shoot for the heads of anybody who looks weird, special priority on fire people, and also is not on my team, blow shit up for maximum sabotage and destruction, and generally get rid of all that excess weight by shooting, lobbing and bombing things like it's the end of the world. These assholes are obviously terrorists, and deserve death.

Well, just because you had a bad throw doesn't mean you have to give up on that explosive. You start running towards the entrance of the factory, trying to put a safe distance between you and the block of C4 you just dropped. The few bursts of gunfire that come your way fail to even come close to you.

It's a bit more worrying when all the fires in the bottom of the room suddenly flare up and come alive, lighting up the entire warehouse with their bright orange and yellow light.
In that light, you catch a glimpse of a man, sprinting incredibly fast, making his way towards the other end of the room. He doesn't look like one of those terrorists. Those are mostly immigrants or peasants, most of them dressed in cheap dark clothes or old pre-war military camo apparel, probably to remember the bygone glory of their destroyed nations. But not this man. He's wearing a suit. Who is he and what is he doing here?
Before you have a chance to contemplate this further, the fires condense into spheres that spiral around the room, focusing on the areas near the windows, splitting up and burning anything near them.
You fall and hit the metal floor with a loud clang, trying to avoid them. Despite the fact that you've cleared the windows, one of the spheres finds its way to you. A small amount of flames manages to go through your armour, causing some nasty burns on your upper leg. It's going to be a bit painful moving it, but not much more.

You reckon you are far enough to be safe now, so you push the button on your detonator. If nothing else, it might eliminate the pyrokinetic before one of those fire spheres hits you again.
The explosion rocks the warehouse, causing dust and ash to rise and float the air. You turn around to see the results of the detonation.
Much of the fire spheres near the detonation have been weakened by the blast wave. Furthermore, part of the nearby wall has been damaged by the blast, causing large cracks to form on it and the part of the catwalk connected to it to bend dangerously. You can hear debris falling.

The fires make another pass and then head for the other side of the room, going through the door at its end, leaving this part of the warehouse dark, only a few fires strong enough to provide adequate illumination now.

Even in the darkness, you can still see the markings the fire has left on the wall, lines showing the path the spheres travelled as they touched the walls. breaking apart into flower like spirals where the spheres got divided into more spheres. It's oddly artistic in a way, like graffiti made from ashes.
You can also see the metal boxes your enemies are using for cover below. Looks like the combination of time, the fireballs and your C4 was enough to remove most of the tear gas. You can see a few armed men down there, some of them still coughing and looking around like they're blind.
And the worst part of all, you can see a quartet of armed men making their final steps up the staircase leading to the catwalk. They'll be pointing their weapons at you soon.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 29, 2014, 01:57:13 pm

((Sorry for not posting a turn that time, my fault for not paying attention, but the autoaction was pretty much  what I would've had the host do anyways.))

>Let my host rest. If possible, give him a little willpower push in order to speed up his recovery. Otherwise, just keep a view on the situation and make sure that he doesn't go critical or something. That, or he doesn't spotted by people who would want to hurt him.

You are not exactly certain about how much time passes in the nothingness until your host finally wakes up.

You can hear beeping again. For a moment, you're worried that your host is back in the back of an ambulance, riding it to his slow and painful execution.
But even with his blurry eyesight, he can see that everything around here looks dark. There's an even darker shape looking at him with shining eyes.
You can see an orange light at the same time you hear the beeps. The beeps are slow, too slow to be from a human heartbeat.
Further away, you can hear police sirens.

This is not an ambulance.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 30, 2014, 04:17:32 am

Irine
Seize the flames I left burning outside, form them into spheres, and then send them spiraling simultaniously therough the windows and into the room Awena came from. once they are through the windows split each of them into several smaller spheres and send them spiraling outwards and across the room before regrouping into a single large sphere in front of the door we just closed. after that slowly lower the sphere to the ground and spread out the flame across the floor, making the entire area in front of the door a literal sea of flames.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Irene starts her attack, creating spheres of fire and moving them towards potential threats.

"So, what now?"
Zoe's question remains unanswered, as Boris turns his back on her and makes his way to the other entrance to the room. She makes a motion to follow him, in case he needs her help again, but stops when she notices he isn't heading towards the door.
Instead she focuses on Awena, who is currently sitting on the floor with her back against the wall, her face hidden behind her hands. Zoe sits besides her and puts one hand on her shoulder. Awena may be shaken, but she needs to know what's happening outside, if she wants to learn what's going on here, if she's wants to be prepared for whatever may follow.
"Hey, are you allright? What's going on out there?"
Awena lowers her hands, letting them rest on her legs, but she keeps looking down.
"I don't know. They attacked us from the outside. Something exploded, it..."
Awena takes a deep breath and stays silent for a few moments. Zoe looks towards Boris. He's barking orders to another man. Kind of surprising he hasn't been shot by his own men yet, given his attitude. If they even are his own men. They don't look very similar.
"That spirit did something with the fires in the room, pushing them outside. There was another explosion further away and after that nothing. I thought-"
A very loud bang comes from outside, followed by a tremor that shakes the warehouse and causes the lights in the room to flicker. Awena gasps. This one felt like it was closer.
After a few seconds to compose herself, she tries to continue.
"I thought that it was over. But then... he was... they shot him from behind. I was with him only moments ago and they shot him, they..."
Zoe feels bad for Awena. Unlike Zoe, she has probably never seen a man die before. Now that the adrenaline has worn off, all of this is too much for her. Poor thing. She rubs her shoulder gently.
"They threw some kind of gas from above. The others spread out and got ready to... I came here to warn you."

Meanwhile, Irene has successfully finished her attack and gathered all remaining fire near the door (or at least as much as she could manage while doing this blindly) and the corridor leading to it.

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 30, 2014, 11:12:17 am

Bryan
I'm not liking my options here. Try to keep a telekinetic wave of force swirling around me to deflect projectiles.

---

Faron
If I can jump off the catwalk to the ground floor without hurting myself, do so.  Either way start running towards the anomaly in any way possible.

Your host grabs the railing with one hand and pushes himself over it. He falls down, rolling to absorb the energy of the impact.
He runs towards the tear gas cloud on the other end of the room, even as the flames surrounding him grow dangerously large and bright and begin to form into sphere-like blobs. He can feel their heat from here.
You try to help with a telekinetic forcefield but only end up making things worse when you accidentally hit his leg with part of your telekinetic field, causing him to trip and fall straight onto a sphere. He manages to twist out of the way in the last second, but his left hand ends up passing through the sphere regardless, getting severely burnt in the process. An explosion from his right follows a few seconds later, the shock-wave temporarily deafening him.
He is incredibly stoic during all this, not even making one grunt despite the pain he should be feeling. He gets up and starts running again, focused on his objective.
The flames, after swirling near the edges of the room for a while make their way through the door leading to your objective.
The cloud of tear gas is almost gone and with it so is his concealment. He can make out some guards hiding behind large metal boxes.
But if he manages to make his way to the boxes there, he'll have cover and time to plan his next move. Can't stay out here in the open.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 02, 2014, 10:29:12 pm

<A shooter, probably more--but given the current firepower it may be one person (or a synchronized team at worst) Catwalk area. He's busied by the other gunmen out there--I worry for them as much as my host, Irene.

Of note, he's armed, heavily. Probably armored too if the idea of an assault comes (especially given explosive ordinance?) I'll be staying with Awena and working on getting her stable.

Irene, I'll be aiding Awena by the doors. I'm not...erm, telepathically able as you, but I've knowledge in the physical and if anyone decides to trespass here, I'll know. Until then...>

Focus energies to heal Awena. Poke at interface (not literally :v), wonder what info it has to give based on River's information.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 03, 2014, 05:03:14 am

Irine
<Understood. Victor, if your men can't get things under control soon I'm going to have to take extreme measures, risking the destruction of this facility in the process. Give me a better option.>
Demand

If he says his men can handle it, asks me to wait, or gives me a better option, then leave my flames (still under my control, and growing them if I'm able but otherwise just leaving them idle) at their position blocking the door.

If he tells me to do it, then (conditional action PMd)

---

Zoe

I don't want to stand too close to that door in case they decide to breach it with explosives. And I don't want to leave Boris alone with Amelia either, there's no knowing what he might do to her while I'm not looking.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2014, 06:14:11 am

You skipped my turn... again... :c

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 03, 2014, 02:46:05 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2014, 08:45:03 pm

Time for the final part of my plan. Evolve massive wings that are also covered in bristles that have small, painful bits of poison stuck inside the stingers. If anything tries to grab my wings, they'll go into so much pain that they start twitching. Bask in the glory of this moment, and wait for my enemy to make the first move.

Everything stops moving.
"Oooohhh, mission's over!" says you entity with excitement. "Time to work on making you less weak!"
You black out.

When you wake up, everything is just as you left it, you still frozen on the ground, the thing frozen as it scampers towards a tree, bleeding profusely, its gas-like blood suspended in mid-air.
"All set! Give it a try!" he adds and everything starts moving again.

You focus on modifying your body, trying to grow your custom-made wings.
You grow wings allright. You grow the largest, most spikiest, most poisonous and most muscular wings your ability allows you! Unfortunately, that, coupled with your previous transformations, leaves  you incredibly spent.

You collapse on the dirt with one of the most terrible stomach-aches you have ever experienced, too weak to even stand.
"Oh dear. He did too much too fast."
On the bright side, the thing is just standing there, wrapped around one of the tree's branches, staring at you with its triplet of tendril-like eyes as it nurses its wounds.

((Read your suggestion. Can't do exactly that but I have an idea for adding something similar. I'll think about it.))

---

Quote from: NAV on June 25, 2014, 09:01:18 pm

Flick out my left hand knife's hook. Tsar that knife's compass. Compasses have magnets, which should Attract her knife, or at least distrupt her spinning. Catch her knife with the hook.

Then stab her and tsar with my other knife. No words this time.

Everything freezes.
"Just a sec dear, I'm just going to play around with your soul for a bit." your entity says before you black out.

When you wake up again, everything is as you left it.
"Here. That should solve your impotency problems."

When everything unfreezes, you go ahead with your plan, opening the hook on one of your knives and focusing all your efforts on tsaring it. You won't let others make fun of you like that.
Turns out your entity wasn't joking when she said she'll make you more powerful. Because next thing you know, your Swiss army knife figuratively explodes, becoming many times larger in less than a second. Both of you are caught by surprise by this.
You are lifted off the ground by the force of the transformation and are pushed back a quarter of a meter, which has the unfortunate sideffect of freeing your enemy's weapon from beneath your boot.
She is a bit quicker to react, twisting her body, trying to get out of the way, but despite being prepared for you attack, she is not fast enough. She is hit square on the gut and pushed backwards about half a meter. She falls on the ground, one hand pushing her body off the ground while the other lies over her abdomen. She lays there, gasping for breath.
As for your now hugge Swiss army knife, it simply lies on the ground like some sort of modern art statue, something that would probably be entitled "monument to captain Hook".
"Oh, good one! See? Am I the best or what?"

((By the way, I think I found your character's theme song. Because you may have bigger for them (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rne_AcOjmf8&list=PLBF363127E6396E75&feature=share&index=10).))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 25, 2014, 11:05:43 pm

My god, it's a-

Alan is interrupted by the movie.

The camera finally makes a close up to the object of interest. It's big, taking up the entire screen. It's black. It's floating in mid air. It's got lots of appendages and two glowing frowning eyes painted on it. It's not a tentacle monster. It's overlaid over a film of the rock walls of the cave so that it appears semi transparent.
The camera makes a quick cut to Dan's face before going back to the creature. "WHAT IS THIS THING?" yells Dan again, visibly even more panicked now, if that was even possible.
It is...
a Giant Sentient Wig!
Which, given the title of the movie, isn't that much of a surprise. The goofy special effects are kinda funny though. The wig keeps floating towards the camera, moving its hairy appendages, until only its glowing eyes surrounded by semi-transparent darkness can be seen.
The camera cuts to Dan and Steve again. Steve, not one to ask questions first when it comes to such unearthly abominations, shoots several times with his pistol. But the thing keeps coming not visibly harmed in any way, closing in with the camera until only one big frowning eye is visible.
"We have to get past it somehow!" says Steve, now also panicking. He starts running towards the exit from this chamber of the cave, shooting at the offscreen light source at the same time. But he takes no more than a few steps before stopping. He drops his pistol and lifts his arm as if to protect himself from the glow, closing his eyes and opening his mouth like he's chocking. He grabs his neck before falling to the ground and off camera.
Dan, seeing no better course of action, decides to follow in Steve's footsteps, firing several shots from his rifle. And like Steve before him, he too lifts his hands to shield his eyes as the intensity of the light rises, falling to the ground amongst his dropped gear a second later.

The wig now hovers above the still moving body of Steve, who is lying on the ground with his eyes closed, his limbs still moving as if struggling against something. The wig begins approaching him, going lower and lower as the screen fades to black until there's nothing but the tense music accompanied by Steve's grunts.

---

Toaster

You wake up.
Your sensory deprivation bed slides out of its hole in the wall, releasing you back into your personal section of the staging area.

It's just as you remembered it, a room full of grey metal, bright white lights and cyan hidden lights, except for one detail. Your robotic dancing partner is standing near the entrance, holding your reward upright in one hand. Kinda like one of those tacky knight statues you see in the houses of rich people in movies, only slightly more elegant.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2014, 02:55:01 pm

"It's had enough", Rune said, mostly to his entity. Well, as well as he could say it, anyways. "I'll leave it be, now."

Rest a while.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 03, 2014, 03:17:40 pm

@Everyone: It will probably be a while until we do a new mission (I would like to finish the Amethyst mission first), but feel free to discuss about what it should be if you want.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2014, 02:55:01 pm

"It's had enough", Rune said, mostly to his entity. Well, as well as he could say it, anyways. "I'll leave it be, now."

Rest a while.

"Ah. Well, good fight. Good job. You really pricked its gas."
You slowly walk towards a rock near the stream and lay there. You're a strange sight, a porcupine like thing with a club-like tail and spiky wings, moving with its tiny legs. The wings in particular make you look like some sort of land skate.
The thing stares at you as you walk away for a few more seconds. It stays on the tree, wrapping itself around a branch and becoming thin enough that its already transparent body becomes invisible. Some sort of camouflage probably.
"But you also did the right thing. You don't always have to kill those you defeat. It's not like you could gain something by killing it. You probably couldn't even digest it."

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2014, 03:26:10 pm

"What made you think I was gonna eat it? I was fighting for my life, there, for a while. Ah, well. What's next? Is this heaven? Or, more likely, is this hell?"

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 03, 2014, 03:49:27 pm

"Thanks, Galatea."  John took the spear and examined it, looking over it for various details and to learn its functions.  After a physical exam, he used his abilities to study it in depth.


Study the Spear, both regularly and with power.  Consider: would it be possible to duplicate this?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2014, 05:47:41 pm

duh duh Duh duh DUH duh DUH DUH DUH DUH DUUUUUUUUUU-

Make dramatic music.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 03, 2014, 08:28:08 pm

Bryan
Ugh, I really messed that one up.

---

Faron
Take in as many of the guards' positions as you get into cover as close to the door as possible

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 03, 2014, 09:34:17 pm

This could go two ways, Zechariah thought. Well, four. This might be a car holding people that may or may not want to kill me. Or, it's a supernatural.. thing.. that may or may not also want to kill me.

Great.

>Get behind the dumpster and get a closer look at whatever that thing is. If it seems remotely dangerous, use the Shadow to darken the area and confuse the thing.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 04, 2014, 12:08:48 am

"Stand up if you still want to fight."

Let her stand up. This is an honourable duel.
If my remaining knife has a toothpick, then secretly hide the toothpick in my left hand.
Dodge any attacks she makes.

((Cool song. It definitely suits him.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 05, 2014, 02:19:45 pm

I would like to note that I might not have internet access next week

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 06, 2014, 07:42:26 pm

((I'm writing this through my phone. Please excuse any mistakes.))

Quote from: Tiruin on July 02, 2014, 10:29:12 pm

<A shooter, probably more--but given the current firepower it may be one person (or a synchronized team at worst) Catwalk area. He's busied by the other gunmen out there--I worry for them as much as my host, Irene.

Of note, he's armed, heavily. Probably armored too if the idea of an assault comes (especially given explosive ordinance?) I'll be staying with Awena and working on getting her stable.

Irene, I'll be aiding Awena by the doors. I'm not...erm, telepathically able as you, but I've knowledge in the physical and if anyone decides to trespass here, I'll know. Until then...>

Focus energies to heal Awena. Poke at interface (not literally :v), wonder what info it has to give based on River's information.

You don't think you can heal Awena because she doesn't need healing. Physically she's fine. Mentally, she's a bit shaken, but healing can't fix the troubles of the mind.

You project a general and undirected feeling of quandary to your interface. It beeps and its screen lights up with an orange light as it speaks in an emotionless deep male voice.
<Defend human known as Amelia until the time limit expires.
4.8 time units remain until time limit expires.
Do you require additional data?>

See Lenglon's turn for more about what Awena is doing.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 03, 2014, 05:03:14 am

Irine
<Understood. Victor, if your men can't get things under control soon I'm going to have to take extreme measures, risking the destruction of this facility in the process. Give me a better option.>
Demand

If he says his men can handle it, asks me to wait, or gives me a better option, then leave my flames (still under my control, and growing them if I'm able but otherwise just leaving them idle) at their position blocking the door.

If he tells me to do it, then (conditional action PMd)

---

Zoe

I don't want to stand too close to that door in case they decide to breach it with explosives. And I don't want to leave Boris alone with Amelia either, there's no knowing what he might do to her while I'm not looking.

Ah, now I really want to do that action.

<Are you kidding me? 'Destruction of the facility' is your best plan right now? Just relax and don't do anything stupid. If you're lucky you will win and you won't have to lift a finger. If there's any immediate danger, Boris should feel it. Is that good enough for you?>

Zoe ponders getting up and further away from the sealed door but decides she can wait a bit longer. After all, the sounds of gunfire don't seem to be getting any closer and Awena looks like she needs some emotional support. Zoe may know her for less than a day, but Awena has been trying to help her or at least it seems so. Zoe keeps her hand on Awena's shoulder and looks around.

Boris seems to have finished speaking to the man and is now waiting for something near the door. Now he's just sort of staring forward into nothingness, swaying slightly.

Amelia... well, everything looks brighter in that shell of machines, brighter and discouloured.

She turns to look at Boris again.
"Boris?" she shouts.
"Yes?" he responds without moving.
"Is Amelia OK?"
"Who?"
"Amelia." she says a bit more angrily and points to Amelia. "Is she OK?"
Boris looks at Zoe's extended arm and then at Amelia for a few seconds.
"Oh. Yes. Don't worry. Almost ready. Then all will be fine."

Zoe woders if he is even capable of ordering people around. He looks to be becoming more distant by the minute. But what more can she do? Should she try to force him to accept her help? To stop ignoring her? Should she just kill him and get out of here, try to fix things on her own? Those people are the ones who are causing this to Amelia for all she knows.

As she ponders this, she is interrupted by Awena.
"What's happening to her?"
Zoe turns to look at her. She's currently looking at Amelia. She appears to be a bit calmer now.
"I... I'm not sure. Boris says it's some kind of power. You... can you 'see' something? Are your spirits telling you anything?"

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 03, 2014, 08:28:08 pm

Bryan
Ugh, I really messed that one up.

---

Faron
Take in as many of the guards' positions as you get into cover as close to the door as possible

Your host keeps running, trying to get to cover. As he does so, you and him both try to spot as many enemies as you can. There's four up in the stairwell, two taking cover near a box in the left and one on the right. At least those are the ones you can see.

You manage to reach cover just as one of the guards on the left notices you and turns to point his weapon at you. You're hidden now, both from the men at the stairwell (who are currently shooting at someone else from the sound of it) and the guard that noticed you, although he's probably waiting for you around the corner of this box, if he hasn't relocated to a more optimal position.

Your host reaches beneath his coat and removes his oversized pistol from his holster, his other arm instinctively moving to ensure his knife is on his belt, before the pain makes him realise that this is a bad idea.

---

Ike Wayne
Ike Wayne is without cover, with no means of escape and about to be shot by a firing squad. So he does the only logical thing. He creates cover. He pulls the pin from one of his tear gas grenades while it is still on him. And then he starts running. The tear gas grenade explodes a second later, engulfing him in whiteish smoke, the blast causing him to stumble but not fall.

The bullets come a moment later. The smokescreen appears to be paying off, since only two of them hit and both are stopped by his armour. Okay, next order of business: distraction. He retrieves another flashbang and throws it at the general direction of the shooters and keeps moving without waiting for the bang. This should give him some breathing space.

And finally, the C4. He flips its switch and starts configuring this one. He's almost done by the time he exits the smokescreen. He spots the four men on the oppostie catwalk, most of them temporarily blinded by his flashbang. Great. Now one good throw and... Your host pulls his hand back, gets ready to throw, but at the last second one of the wires of the explosive gets tangled on his armoured glove, causing him to botch the trhow and drop it.
<Not again!>
At least this time it remains on the catwalk and does not fall to the ground below.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 03, 2014, 09:34:17 pm

This could go two ways, Zechariah thought. Well, four. This might be a car holding people that may or may not want to kill me. Or, it's a supernatural.. thing.. that may or may not also want to kill me.

Great.

>Get behind the dumpster and get a closer look at whatever that thing is. If it seems remotely dangerous, use the Shadow to darken the area and confuse the thing.

Your host stirs and tries to get a better look at whatever that is. The thing reacts and becomes bigger. Your host moves his legs, trying to push himself away. The thing hisses. Your host stays still and blinks a couple of times. The blurry shapes reform into a dark alley with an even darker black cat looking at you with eyes shining from reflected light, its ears down and its back raised in an arch.

Great. I'm going to die and my body is going to get eaten by stray cats. the thought crosses his numb mind as he notices he seems to be bleeding again.
You, on the other hand, notice that thee beeping seems to be coming from your interface. It's beeping faster than before.

((You're a bit more forward in time than the rest. Incidentally, I'm feeding a semi-stray black cat as I'm writing this. But she's a lot more friendly and purring.))

---

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2014, 03:26:10 pm

"What made you think I was gonna eat it? I was fighting for my life, there, for a while. Ah, well. What's next? Is this heaven? Or, more likely, is this hell?"

"I don't know. That's what people kill for usually, isn't it? Hunting, eating, things like that?"
Your entity takes interest in the second question.
"Why? Do you believe you have done something in your life that you must atone for in your afterlife?" he asks intrigued.

Quote from: Toaster on July 03, 2014, 03:49:27 pm

"Thanks, Galatea."  John took the spear and examined it, looking over it for various details and to learn its functions.  After a physical exam, he used his abilities to study it in depth.

Study the Spear, both regularly and with power.  Consider: would it be possible to duplicate this?

As you approach, Galatea kneels and presents the spear to you. When you pick it up, she plays some triumphant music (http://youtu.be/-YCN-a0NsNk) from her speakers, looks up at you and smiles before returning to her corner and standing perfectly still.

The spear looks a lot like the one S0 showed you, perfectly straight, perfectly symmetrical, no apparent flaw or decoration on it.

You run your hand along the shaft of the spear. The metal is surprisingly warm and feels less smooth then it looks, its texture slightly different than you remembered it.
The spearhead is a lot colder, but still above room temperature. It also feels a lot smoother than the shaft, almost frictionless. Touching the tip with your index finger turns out to be a bad idea. It goes right through the outer layers of skin with no resistance and only stops due to the Staging Area not allowing your body to come to harm. It's sharp enough that you feel nothing as it moves through you.

You then twist the spear around and slash and stab at the air a bit, trying to get a feel for its weight. It feels light, its weight about equal to what you'd expect a spear made of wood to weigh.

Finally, you inspect the new addition, a ring of metal wrapped around the middle of the shaft, about thrice as wide as your index finger. Pushing it up and down does nothing. Looks like it's stuck there. The ring has a few circular depressions covered by what feels like gray plastic that are lit from behind by a very dim cyan light. Probably some sort of button. They have nothing to tell them apart except for a small notch above one of them.

((Rest of the examination later.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 03, 2014, 05:47:41 pm

duh duh Duh duh DUH duh DUH DUH DUH DUH DUUUUUUUUUU-

Make dramatic music.

I've been quoting one of the worst sci-fi movies of all time and I'm going to switch to quoting an even worse one. Are you sure you want me to continue?

I'll post a link to the movie I was quoting so far, by the way, in case you want to see it for some reason. When I get back to my PC, since I can't seem to find the YouTube link from my phone.

---

Quote from: NAV on July 04, 2014, 12:08:48 am

"Stand up if you still want to fight."

Let her stand up. This is an honourable duel.
If my remaining knife has a toothpick, then secretly hide the toothpick in my left hand.
Dodge any attacks she makes.

((Cool song. It definitely suits him.))

Do your Swiss army knives have toothpicks? You check the one on your hand. Hmm... No, this one doesn't have one. How about the other one? Oh yeah. Embedded in a hole in the base of the hook-statue you can see a metal stake. Near its base there's a hole surrounded by an intricate pattern carved around it. That was probably a sewing needle. That could double as a toothpick in a pinch.

While you were examining your tool, your sparring partner has recovered from the blow and has stood up.
"You should had used your advantage. You had earned it." she says as she removes some dirt from her clothes.
"But thanks." she adds and begins spinning her weapons around again. She stays low, one leg bent slightly more than the other.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 06, 2014, 08:21:55 pm

Zechariah was confused. To this point, he couldn't remember what the interface could be sounding off for.
Erm... is that good or bad? Please, please let it be good. I'd even take neutral, if it was a thing at this time. Just not bad. My host has already danced with death, I don't need it to go any farther than this...

>Check the interface. See if it does anything out of the ordinary. If not, stay behind the dumpster and... take your coat off, if you have one. Leave just the undershirt and your pants, and rustle yourself up a bit - leave your hair undone and all. Wrap the coat over your torso to hide any obvious bullet wounds. If possible, tear up a bit of fabric from the coat or your shirt and use it to wrap up any small wounds. Other than that, keep your wits about you and hide behind the dumpster. If someone arrives and they don't seem friendly, act like a disheveled homeless person. Better to feign weakness than to be captured again. Use the Shadow to hide your face and voice if needed.

It's a long stretch, but anything I can use to help him live will do for now.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 06, 2014, 08:30:43 pm

"Could I have something else to do? Doing nothing is sorta... boring."

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 06, 2014, 08:42:56 pm

Continue exam.

((Called the music.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 06, 2014, 08:44:28 pm

"I can't keep fighting you if you're dead, can I?"

Whip off my coat, tsar it and throw it at her like a net. Then stab repeatedly.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 06, 2014, 09:44:58 pm

Well of course I want bad movie quotes. I paid no money for this, dammit!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Quote

((You're a bit more forward in time than the rest. Incidentally, I'm feeding a semi-stray black cat as I'm writing this. But she's a lot more friendly and purring.))

((Your phone is phenomenal if you can write THAT WHOLE TURN like that ;_;
/me so envy
I wish we could do that same thing here, then I'd never have to beat m'self up over lacking updates EVER again [though with good reason, the internet quality here is x_x]
New word get! Quandary.))

Theri's irises widened (or at least she felt the 'feeling' and not exactly the same thing, being a...thought) as she noted the information from the bracelet.

This was an...interesting find.

Irene! Irene! Project curiosity towards your bracelet! If its orange, its a note for information!
We've about...4.8 time units (in human time @_@) to protect Amelia.
I have no idea what it means-
...
Hi Awena ._.
This is...a bit hard to explain but I'll explain all I said later on when we get out of here. Does anyone know what a time unit measures by?
((Is it funny that I think of that 'deep male voice' along the lines of something akin to Morgan Freeman? XD))
Theri pondered and wondered...what more information coul-
Right.

@Interface:
> Define Time Unit.
> Are you able to automatically notify 'me' when information is presented?
> Ask Amelia if she sees anything. Also notify her of probable intervention in the future.

. . .
Hey...Awena. I know this is probably abrupt but you're 'hearing' all this within the timespan of a thought. Meaning around a second or so in feelings, emotions, images, and words.
So...well, for you it may feel like just minutes since I last said this but here, it feels like days.
Thank you for being such a kind person.
I...it feels a bit twisty here. Not bad or convoluted but- I'm unsure.
I'm really thankful to have met you. I'm unsure what will happen after all this but-
...
But if you're in danger, I am at your full disposal. Though it will probably mean 'possessing' you to get you out of it--all things that happen in relation to me are your full decision.
...
Still, I can't help it but say thank you again. That feeling of thanks that you know when you're with a good friend?
That's what I feel when I think about this situation right here.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 07, 2014, 05:57:33 am

Irene

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 06, 2014, 07:42:26 pm

"What's happening to her?"
Zoe turns to look at her. She's currently looking at Amelia. She appears to be a bit calmer now.
"I... I'm not sure. Boris says it's some kind of power. You... can you 'see' something? Are your spirits telling you anything?"

...
To Theri/Awena/Stellar: <Awena, Amelia right now is posessed by something that is somewhat related to us. I can't see it well, but it seems like a mindless, shapeless version of us. and its swelling out of her. I've tried talking to it, but it hasn't responded. According to my patron, the being that put me here, linked me to Zoe, this something was imbued with a massive amount of power, but it has no real control over it. All this fighting, and the attempts on Amelia's life, are based on different groups and people attempting to seize control of that power like Boris and his machines or trying to force it to dissipate unused by killing her. My mission and Theri's is simply to keep Amelia alive. Boris here also has someone attached to him, but unlike Theri and I, his 'spirit' has no qualms about taking over his mind and body to further its own ends. his spirit's named Victor by the way. Anyway, what Zoe and you haven't heard is the negotiations going on between Victor and me, because we're allied on this mission. That's why Boris keeps acting oddly - Victor is taking control of him periodically to help give me information I need. The mission Theri and I are on has a time limit on it, and I think it's timed to whatever is happening to Amelia, and the time limit is nearly up. One way or another, this is going to end soon.

Now then, the reason that I'm talking to you now is I'm worried that despite my best efforts, I'm damaging Zoe's mind. Look at Boris and notice how he seems sort of hollow - like he's a puppet under someone else's control. That's not just an impression, that's what is really going on. It seems that the longer we're attached to someone, and the more we influence them, they slowly lose their own force of will. I've been touching Zoe's mind as little as I possibly can, but she's getting really indecisive, her subconscious is practically begging for me to tell her what to do. When I refused to do anything even when she was lost she started acting erratic, wildly swinging between trusting Boris and attempting to shoot him. At this point I'm giving her very gentle and subtle stabilizing nudges, trying to keep her calm and effective without breaking her mind the way Boris's has been, but I don't like it.

Theri, please tell Zoe to trust herself more. She doesn't need anybody to tell her what to do, including me. She needs to calm down and have faith in herself. Victor and I are going to deal with the fighting going on outside, You and Zoe are here because you care about Amelia, right? Please, watch over your friend. I don't trust Victor, his mission is different from mine even though right now we're allied. I think he's going to try to betray us, to hurt Amelia, at the very last moment. And it doesn't matter what Boris wants, his mind is so broken that Victor can do whatever he wants to him whenever he wants.

I'll deal with the fighting going on outside, I need you two to protect Amelia, and to protect yourselves. Grow a spine, and show some strength of will. Don't let the side effects of me and Theri being here break you two and make you into puppets like Boris, ok?>

If I'm confident I can say this without Victor/Boris overhearing then I add:
<Also, there is a side objective to this. I... This isn't the first time I've possessed someone on this world, and when I did it last time I got my host killed. I'd like to try to use the power Amelia is going to release to fix that. I took total control that time, suppressing her mind so that when my mission was over, she'd come back with only vague memories of what happened but with her mind still intact. Taking control like that made me stronger, and able to use some information I had that my host didn't. I thought that I could protect her, and accomplish her mission and mine better than she could on her own. It nearly worked. I honestly think I did better than she ever could. But it wasn't good enough. I acomplished the mission, but she died at the end, while her mind was waking up and I was losing control again... and the way she died was horrible. I'm not human Theri, and her mind woke up before I could change her body back, and she was able to watch her own death slowly coming but had no ability to stop it. And from her perspective, in her mind, it was all her fault.

The amount of power that Amelia is going to release is immense, and if Zoe stands by her when it happens, I'll be able to shape it. I can't keep it, but I could use it to reshape reality itself in an instant. I want to bring my previous host back to life. I owe it to her. I stole her free will, her right to choose, and as a result anything that happens or fails to happen to her is my responsibility. I managed to accomplish everything she wanted to accomplish, but I didn't keep her alive. And that makes her death my fault, and I am responsible for fixing my mistake.>

---

Zoe
-no influence-

---

Irene:

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Irene! Irene! Project curiosity towards your bracelet! If its orange, its a note for information!
We've about...4.8 time units (in human time @_@) to protect Amelia.
I have no idea what it means-

?!?
To Interface: ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:59:23 am

((That wall of nice text ._.))

To Irene (I'm sure it was an e not an i)/Awena/River:

Woah, hold that thought on damaging someone's mind (Awena, that's Irene, a friendly spirit like me). I've been talking to Awena as of late and there's nothing wrong with her that I can detect. She's unsure at times but she's pretty much in the same state I met her as.
Though on damage to health, I...guess that makes sense? We've had to cut down on food consumption and other basic needs ever since the incident happened. Rushing from place to place, and added stress. Not that sure that its a damage to one's mind (at least I'm sure Awena is OK.) but...maybe I guess its in forcing your host to do things against their will causes physical and mental damage?

...If so then goodness, Awena I'm sorry for ever asking you about possession. Does anyone have ideas regarding that?

I believe its less of us influencing and staying with them and more of forcing interaction that causes that damage. Now about touching one's mind--I do not believe its like that. There's something such as indecision--when one looks for all modes of analysis, and maybe her subconscious is asking you as you're a valid influence on her. Like what I've been telling Awena all this time--everything is her final decision, we're all just influences.

Maybe...on being an influence, it must be an informed and understood influence. Awena is ok (unless she's not .__.) with all I've done and maybe any influence you might've done with Zoe must be known to her. The thing about trust on Boris or shooting him is...pretty normal. I'm guessing less of indecision and more of her focusing on two ideas, both in the same context: Protecting Amelia. Eliminating a threat seems to be the same as working with a probable aid, if both aid and threat are a possibility...in her eyes.

But...alright. I'll...Awena, are you up for this? Telling Zoe to trust herself more?

Because there's one thing I've been pondering all my life about. It's thoughts.
Our very nature, actions, skills and talents all operate on a 'second'-hand basis. All the initial points from this comes from thought--something which is personal before it can be felt by anyone else. Like how you say you're a natural at...err, medicine. You think about it before-...err. That.

It's a really complex and simple idea at the same time. But in that case, Awena--I ask of you (or anyone else able to talk with Zoe) to help her realize herself. Her thoughts. How to act on them.

...Hug her?

If the added portion is...added in, then:
Theri pushed aside the many questions that got her going, mainly being:
> ...Possessed someone else...on this world?! But you were with me back in that one place!
> Where did River bring me anyway?

I...well what happens to people when they...don't not live?
...We're alive, despite being thoughts.
Erm, wouldn't reshaping things be...equal more probabilities than would be expected? By that, I mean the chance of bad things not going to plan?
There are a lot of factors that I can't see in that plan but I know may exist. Like how or why it would all work.
I'm...unsure, but if you can do all that then-
...River, what do you think?

Askaskask :3

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 07, 2014, 06:00:16 am

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:59:23 am

((That wall of nice text ._.))
Editing

same, though my edit was pretty small so I just put it at the bottom.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 06:01:14 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 07, 2014, 05:57:33 am

Irine:

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Irene! Irene! Project curiosity towards your bracelet! If its orange, its a note for information!
We've about...4.8 time units (in human time @_@) to protect Amelia.
I have no idea what it means-

?!?
To Interface: ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

((XD))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 11, 2014, 06:13:30 am

Um, Alarith, Harry baldman?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2014, 08:15:39 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 11, 2014, 06:13:30 am

Um, Alarith, Harry baldman?

They both said they wouldn't be able to post for a couple of weeks. I've written about half of the update, but considering I'm writing it from my phone whenever I have free time and that the last one took me about 8 hours combined and that I'm a very slow thinking person in general, it might take a while.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 11, 2014, 08:23:30 am

"Oh, and to answer your earlier question... I don't listen to that religious stuff any-more. The thing that possessed me gave me much knowledge of how things work, and it was clear that there was no room left for most of the religion stuff... I don't fear death, but I do fear that I know nothing about it... and have I done anything that would have earned me heaven? Probably not. Have I done anything that would have earned me hell...?"
"..."
"..."
"Too many times..."

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 11, 2014, 09:27:55 am

((Oh, hey, I didn't miss all that much!))

<Ike Wayne, you shall officially never be a pitcher. Then again, you are in Future Soviet Russia, I guess, so you're excused for now. For now!>

>Maybe don't pitch blocks of C4 and shoot people instead. Pick up that block, disarm it for now. Look for a significant-looking, objective-like area to bomb thoroughly. And only then engage in sabotage!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 11, 2014, 01:39:40 pm

((hey, looks like I'm back :)))
Bryan
Got to keep moving.Is there a box I can move to hit the guards on the left?  If so use telekinesis to hit them with it.

---

Faron
If there isn't a box I can use have him dive out of cover to take out the guards on the left, then right.  If there is a box take out the one on the right first.  If the guards by the door are taken care of get through the door, otherwise get back in cover.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 11, 2014, 01:52:17 pm

The timing!  It's glorious!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2014, 08:56:04 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 11, 2014, 08:23:30 am

"Oh, and to answer your earlier question... I don't listen to that religious stuff any-more. The thing that possessed me gave me much knowledge of how things work, and it was clear that there was no room left for most of the religion stuff... I don't fear death, but I do fear that I know nothing about it... and have I done anything that would have earned me heaven? Probably not. Have I done anything that would have earned me hell...?"
"..."
"..."
"Too many times..."

Space begins distorting and changing colour, solidifying into the form of a raven, sitting on a tree on the opposite side of the stream. Its pitch black feathers are iridescent, they reflect deep blue light when the sunlight strikes them from a certain angle. It turns its head to look at you with one eye, opens its beak and begins speaking with the voice of your entity.
"I don't really know about the afterlife. Many of my kind believe that if we are worthy, then we will be reincarnated after death. But I'm too young to concern myself with what follows life. I have to live it first."
He twists his head and starts cleaning his feathers with his beak.
"Besides, thinking too much can sometimes spoil the fun in life. Just try to do what you want and what you think is right and don't concern yourself with the rest. They will happen on their own. Or with my help. You'll see."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 06, 2014, 08:30:43 pm

"Could I have something else to do? Doing nothing is sorta... boring."

"We have to wait for a while for the others. Can't start another challenge with just you."
He lifts one wing to point to the Television.
"You could just watch some TV if you want. Otherwise..."
He croaks and flies to a lower branch, closer to you.
"We can always do a different kind of test. You've proven yourself capable in a fight. But what about a challenge that requires quick and smart thinking?"

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 06, 2014, 08:42:56 pm

Continue exam.

((Called the music.))

You switch to using your power to examine your new weapon. You close your eyes and its components begin filling your mind's eye.

Your ability allows you to see what your eyes could not and what your hands could suspect. There are tiny veins of a different kind of material running through the shaft, forming fractal patterns. It's a extremely hard to grasp the entirety of their design, given their immensely small size combined with their large number, but you can make out that the veins originate from a small number of "roots", mostly centred around the spearhead and the ring near the middle of the shaft, which then branch off until they reach the surface, where they continue to branch and twist in two dimensional patterns. While it's true that they help with getting a better grip on it, you're not exactly sure about whether or not that's their true purpose or if they even have a purpose beyond really fancy grips. Whatever their purpose, they cover almost the entire surface of the shaft with their dense patterns. You get a feeling there's something else about the material the shaft is made of but you just can't figure it out right now, something inside it that you can't feel properly.

Your examination reveals that the ring around the center of the shaft actually consists of two parts: a lower (the one that touches the shaft) and an upper (the one that contains the buttons). The two parts seem to have merged together.

The upper part consists of nothing more than a small battery and some LEDs and pushbuttons hidden behind semi-transparent gray plastic covers. Whenever the buttons are pressed, current is allowed to pass through a pair of wires and resistors corresponding to the button pressed, which then continue on to the lower ring. A fairly simple device, all things considered, the only thing that makes it something you couldn't build on Earth being the metal cover of the upper part, which is composed of the same material as the shaft, although it lacks the fractal designs.

The upper part is in stark contrast with the lower part. First of all, there's a button in there, inaccessible from the outside, with wires leading to the metal cover of the ring. And while that's not exactly normal, that's not the strangest part. The button seems to be giving off a feeling or a message or something similar, like it is speaking to you. It says "Reconfigure". You can get a similar feeling from some of the wires in there, wires coming from the upper part, corresponding to those buttons. They all emit certain thoughts or concepts, like tiny supernatural labels: "Front","Back","Safe","Unsafe","Enlarge","Shrink","Stop","Move". But even that is not the strangest part. The strangest part is that while the metal surrounding the lower part looks the same as the rest of the shaft, it "feels" different. You can't get a proper picture of it because it feels confused, like something has scrambled the space in it. If you focus on a single spot, you can sense some components but every time you try to expand your awareness of that spot to try and understand how it is connected and interacts with the rest, it gets disjointed, like somehow a connector can connect two parts of the ring without crossing the distance between them. What's more, you sometimes get different results from trying to sense the exact same spot. You're not sure about whether or not there's something actually messing up space in there or if this is some kind of test or FRM enforced by Zero. If he's capable of creating psychic labels for your power, he's probably able to confuse it too.

The spearhead feels much the same as the metal surrounding the bottom part of the control ring. A jumbled mess of components. You can tell that its surface is incredibly smooth and sharp, almost frictionless, but that's not exactly brand new information.

Overall, it doesn't feel like something you could duplicate. Even if you were certain you could summon all of those materials, bending space like that is beyond your abilities. And even if you could bend space, you'd have to visualise the insides of that bent and confusing space, which would require a level of concentration you do not currently possess. At best, you might end up with an inferior replica. At worse...

Still, your ability keeps getting better ever since you were drafted into the games. Maybe soon you will be able to summon it. Or maybe you could ask S-Zero to help you somehow.

---

Quote from: NAV on July 06, 2014, 08:44:28 pm

"I can't keep fighting you if you're dead, can I?"

Whip off my coat, tsar it and throw it at her like a net. Then stab repeatedly.

"Haha! So sure of yourself. I said you should had attacked, not that the attack could had killed me." she says as you remove your coat.

You hold your coat on one hand, your Swiss army knife in the other, like a child trying to imitate a gladiator, while you wait for the other knife to shrink. You keep staring at each other, waiting for an attack. She doesn't move more than is necessary to change the orientation of her spinning knives, bringing them above her head. Looks like she's waiting for you to attack.

You focus on tsaring your coat while throwing it towards her. The throw is very good but the tsarification is not your best job. It only gets slightly bigger. Not that it would had helped. Before the coat has even left your hand, she's gone, jumping diagonally, both to the right and towards you. She's turns at the same time, following the rotation of her knives, giving even more power to her swing. Her knives are nothing but a blurry circle of blue and red going straight for your head.

Without thinking, you jerk your arm upwards, interjecting it between the knives and your head. The knives hit, cutting deep. They complete another circle and twist around your arm, latching onto your flesh with hooks. You don't even flinch as the hooks and knives cut your flesh. If you've ever had a fish-hook accidentally latch onto you, then you'll understand why that's an impressive accomplishment. Knives and swords, when sharpened, cut almost painlessly. Hooks on the other hand...

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 06, 2014, 09:44:58 pm

Well of course I want bad movie quotes. I paid no money for this, dammit!

Okay then, your funeral.

The lights come on inside the movie theatre and the music cuts off as the screen displays the message "INTERMISSION" with the words "Please wait while we change the reel. Feel free to go to the cafeteria for snacks. You will be notified when the viewing will resume." beneath it. Looks like many of the members of the vaguely defined audience are doing just that, getting out of their seats and through the exit, while a vaguely defined janitor is asking you if you could please get up so that he can clean the vaguely defined corpse you're sitting on. ((That means, please wait a bit.))

Oh, and the movie I was blatantly plagiarising was "The Brain From Planet Arous": http://youtu.be/XFSeNed7mbU
I've got a site full of bad sci-fi movies like this, I'll post it whenever you get bored with this movie mix.

---

Fniff
You wake up. You're back in your personal section of the staging area, sitting on your armchair across the fireplace. Everything is quiet, even the fire, which usually cracked from time to time, is not making much noise.

---

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Theri's irises widened (or at least she felt the 'feeling' and not exactly the same thing, being a...thought) as she noted the information from the bracelet.

This was an...interesting find.

Irene! Irene! Project curiosity towards your bracelet! If its orange, its a note for information!
We've about...4.8 time units (in human time @_@) to protect Amelia.
I have no idea what it means-
...
Hi Awena ._.
This is...a bit hard to explain but I'll explain all I said later on when we get out of here. Does anyone know what a time unit measures by?

Theri pondered and wondered...what more information coul-
Right.

@Interface:
> Define Time Unit.
> Are you able to automatically notify 'me' when information is presented?
> Ask Amelia if she sees anything. Also notify her of probable intervention in the future.

. . .
Hey...Awena. I know this is probably abrupt but you're 'hearing' all this within the timespan of a thought. Meaning around a second or so in feelings, emotions, images, and words.
So...well, for you it may feel like just minutes since I last said this but here, it feels like days.
Thank you for being such a kind person.
I...it feels a bit twisty here. Not bad or convoluted but- I'm unsure.
I'm really thankful to have met you. I'm unsure what will happen after all this but-
...
But if you're in danger, I am at your full disposal. Though it will probably mean 'possessing' you to get you out of it--all things that happen in relation to me are your full decision.
...
Still, I can't help it but say thank you again. That feeling of thanks that you know when you're with a good friend?
That's what I feel when I think about this situation right here.

<One Time Unit is equal to approximately sixty standard Earth-3 seconds.>
<Affirmative>
((I'm assuming that third thing is not directed at the interface, since Awena is not aware it exists and Amelia is unconscious.))

Time units are... I don't know. Seconds, minutes, hours. Aren't they all time units? Awena responds.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 07, 2014, 05:57:33 am

Irene

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 06, 2014, 07:42:26 pm

"What's happening to her?"
Zoe turns to look at her. She's currently looking at Amelia. She appears to be a bit calmer now.
"I... I'm not sure. Boris says it's some kind of power. You... can you 'see' something? Are your spirits telling you anything?"

...
To Theri/Awena/Stellar: <Awena, Amelia right now is posessed by something that is somewhat related to us. I can't see it well, but it seems like a mindless, shapeless version of us. and its swelling out of her. I've tried talking to it, but it hasn't responded. According to my patron, the being that put me here, linked me to Zoe, this something was imbued with a massive amount of power, but it has no real control over it. All this fighting, and the attempts on Amelia's life, are based on different groups and people attempting to seize control of that power like Boris and his machines or trying to force it to dissipate unused by killing her. My mission and Theri's is simply to keep Amelia alive. Boris here also has someone attached to him, but unlike Theri and I, his 'spirit' has no qualms about taking over his mind and body to further its own ends. his spirit's named Victor by the way. Anyway, what Zoe and you haven't heard is the negotiations going on between Victor and me, because we're allied on this mission. That's why Boris keeps acting oddly - Victor is taking control of him periodically to help give me information I need. The mission Theri and I are on has a time limit on it, and I think it's timed to whatever is happening to Amelia, and the time limit is nearly up. One way or another, this is going to end soon.

Now then, the reason that I'm talking to you now is I'm worried that despite my best efforts, I'm damaging Zoe's mind. Look at Boris and notice how he seems sort of hollow - like he's a puppet under someone else's control. That's not just an impression, that's what is really going on. It seems that the longer we're attached to someone, and the more we influence them, they slowly lose their own force of will. I've been touching Zoe's mind as little as I possibly can, but she's getting really indecisive, her subconscious is practically begging for me to tell her what to do. When I refused to do anything even when she was lost she started acting erratic, wildly swinging between trusting Boris and attempting to shoot him. At this point I'm giving her very gentle and subtle stabilizing nudges, trying to keep her calm and effective without breaking her mind the way Boris's has been, but I don't like it.

Theri, please tell Zoe to trust herself more. She doesn't need anybody to tell her what to do, including me. She needs to calm down and have faith in herself. Victor and I are going to deal with the fighting going on outside, You and Zoe are here because you care about Amelia, right? Please, watch over your friend. I don't trust Victor, his mission is different from mine even though right now we're allied. I think he's going to try to betray us, to hurt Amelia, at the very last moment. And it doesn't matter what Boris wants, his mind is so broken that Victor can do whatever he wants to him whenever he wants.

I'll deal with the fighting going on outside, I need you two to protect Amelia, and to protect yourselves. Grow a spine, and show some strength of will. Don't let the side effects of me and Theri being here break you two and make you into puppets like Boris, ok?>

If I'm confident I can say this without Victor/Boris overhearing then I add:
<Also, there is a side objective to this. I... This isn't the first time I've possessed someone on this world, and when I did it last time I got my host killed. I'd like to try to use the power Amelia is going to release to fix that. I took total control that time, suppressing her mind so that when my mission was over, she'd come back with only vague memories of what happened but with her mind still intact. Taking control like that made me stronger, and able to use some information I had that my host didn't. I thought that I could protect her, and accomplish her mission and mine better than she could on her own. It nearly worked. I honestly think I did better than she ever could. But it wasn't good enough. I accomplished the mission, but she died at the end, while her mind was waking up and I was losing control again... and the way she died was horrible. I'm not human Theri, and her mind woke up before I could change her body back, and she was able to watch her own death slowly coming but had no ability to stop it. And from her perspective, in her mind, it was all her fault.

The amount of power that Amelia is going to release is immense, and if Zoe stands by her when it happens, I'll be able to shape it. I can't keep it, but I could use it to reshape reality itself in an instant. I want to bring my previous host back to life. I owe it to her. I stole her free will, her right to choose, and as a result anything that happens or fails to happen to her is my responsibility. I managed to accomplish everything she wanted to accomplish, but I didn't keep her alive. And that makes her death my fault, and I am responsible for fixing my mistake.>

---

Zoe
-no influence-

---

Irene:

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Irene! Irene! Project curiosity towards your bracelet! If its orange, its a note for information!
We've about...4.8 time units (in human time @_@) to protect Amelia.
I have no idea what it means-

?!?
To Interface: ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

<I'm...> She sounds sad. <I will give you any help I can, if you ask me. I'm certain you'll do well, I'm certain you'll do your best.>

<Defend human known as Amelia until the time limit expires.
4.5 time units remain until time limit expires.
Do you require additional data?>

You say that last bit. You also hear Theri's entity talking.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:59:23 am

((That wall of nice text ._.))

To Irene (I'm sure it was an e not an i)/Awena/River:

Woah, hold that thought on damaging someone's mind (Awena, that's Irene, a friendly spirit like me). I've been talking to Awena as of late and there's nothing wrong with her that I can detect. She's unsure at times but she's pretty much in the same state I met her as.
Though on damage to health, I...guess that makes sense? We've had to cut down on food consumption and other basic needs ever since the incident happened. Rushing from place to place, and added stress. Not that sure that its a damage to one's mind (at least I'm sure Awena is OK.) but...maybe I guess its in forcing your host to do things against their will causes physical and mental damage?

...If so then goodness, Awena I'm sorry for ever asking you about possession. Does anyone have ideas regarding that?

I believe its less of us influencing and staying with them and more of forcing interaction that causes that damage. Now about touching one's mind--I do not believe its like that. There's something such as indecision--when one looks for all modes of analysis, and maybe her subconscious is asking you as you're a valid influence on her. Like what I've been telling Awena all this time--everything is her final decision, we're all just influences.

Maybe...on being an influence, it must be an informed and understood influence. Awena is ok (unless she's not .__.) with all I've done and maybe any influence you might've done with Zoe must be known to her. The thing about trust on Boris or shooting him is...pretty normal. I'm guessing less of indecision and more of her focusing on two ideas, both in the same context: Protecting Amelia. Eliminating a threat seems to be the same as working with a probable aid, if both aid and threat are a possibility...in her eyes.

But...alright. I'll...Awena, are you up for this? Telling Zoe to trust herself more?

Because there's one thing I've been pondering all my life about. It's thoughts.
Our very nature, actions, skills and talents all operate on a 'second'-hand basis. All the initial points from this comes from thought--something which is personal before it can be felt by anyone else. Like how you say you're a natural at...err, medicine. You think about it before-...err. That.

It's a really complex and simple idea at the same time. But in that case, Awena--I ask of you (or anyone else able to talk with Zoe) to help her realize herself. Her thoughts. How to act on them.

...Hug her?

If the added portion is...added in, then:
Theri pushed aside the many questions that got her going, mainly being:
> ...Possessed someone else...on this world?! But you were with me back in that one place!
> Where did River bring me anyway?

I...well what happens to people when they...don't not live?
...We're alive, despite being thoughts.
Erm, wouldn't reshaping things be...equal more probabilities than would be expected? By that, I mean the chance of bad things not going to plan?
There are a lot of factors that I can't see in that plan but I know may exist. Like how or why it would all work.
I'm...unsure, but if you can do all that then-
...River, what do you think?

Askaskask :3

((Irene was not talking to River (and I think she didn't mean to either) so that is why this is going to sound a bit confusing to him.))

<I'm sorry, I only caught pieces of what you were talking about from Awena's mind. I can say that death is a fluid thing. I know people who have died and come back to life. So death is not always permanent and sometimes not everything is lost when we die. Sometimes a piece remains.
And I think your suggestions are good. Both of these humans are going to need some willpower before this is over, some encouragement, some help. That's what we're here to do. Help. Especially Awena. You have not damaged her mind. If anything, your presence makes her stronger.>

Awena stares forward blankly as her mind tries to process all the information Theri (and Irene through her) are relaying to her in the span of a couple of seconds.
"I..." she simply utters to break the silence, her mind still too busy processing it all. Theri's Interface beeps several time and its screen lights up with a red light.
"I think we're doing the right thing, just..."
Awena hugs Zoe. Zoe is a bit surprised by this and remains limp for a second before she reluctantly returns the hug.
"Hey! It's OK. What's going on? What did you see?" she says with worry in her voice.
Awena leans closer and starts whispering in Zoe's ear, using the hug as cover, so that Boris won't suspect anything if he's watching.
"Trust yourself. Stay close to Amelia and stay strong."

((Conversation cut short because turn is short because of combat.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 11, 2014, 09:27:55 am

((Oh, hey, I didn't miss all that much!))

<Ike Wayne, you shall officially never be a pitcher. Then again, you are in Future Soviet Russia, I guess, so you're excused for now. For now!>

>Maybe don't pitch blocks of C4 and shoot people instead. Pick up that block, disarm it for now. Look for a significant-looking, objective-like area to bomb thoroughly. And only then engage in sabotage!

Your host is a bit angry at the moment. Everything seems to be stacked against him, even luck mocks him. Well, he won't stand for that. He picks up the block of C4 with one hand takes out one of his machine pistols with the other. He starts shooting at the blinded guards while slowly walking further towards the door everyone seems to be guarding. One of the rounds hits a guard right in the head with predictably deadly results, while the rest drop down for cover or fire their weapons blindly with little effect.

He then breaks into a sprint, moving towards the door. As he nears the corner of the room, he grabs the railing and tries to lift himself above it so that he can drop down. Unfortunately, he somehow manages to get his leg tangled on the railing and ends up falling and tumbling to the roof of the small room within this room below in a rather ungraceful manner. Surprisingly, the only thing that gets injured from the fall is his pride.
<Take a refund on those flying lessons.>
Just a few more steps and he will have good cover.

You can hear more gunshots coming from somewhere behind those boxes. Where are they shooting at? Did any of the cops follow you inside?

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 11, 2014, 01:39:40 pm

((hey, looks like I'm back :)))
Bryan
Got to keep moving.Is there a box I can move to hit the guards on the left?  If so use telekinesis to hit them with it.

---

Faron
If there isn't a box I can use have him dive out of cover to take out the guards on the left, then right.  If there is a box take out the one on the right first.  If the guards by the door are taken care of get through the door, otherwise get back in cover.

This box is a bit heavier than the things you're used to lifting, but with some effort, you manage to start dragging it against the floor, towards the left and backwards. Your host is a bit surprised by the sudden removal of his cover but he doesn't think much of it. He has more important things to worry about. Namely, the two guards near the door that are looking at him in surprise and that now have a clear shot to him.

He starts running towards them, lifting his pistol and taking aim. He pulls the trigger and the pistol discharges with a loud bang, the high calibre bullet striking one guard in the chest, causing it to explode into gore. The other guard manages to fire a couple of shots with his pistol, hitting your host in the shoulder of his burnt arm before he is struck in the leg, causing him to topple. Your host closes in and delivers a powerful kick to the guard's head, finishing the job.

Meanwhile, you have managed to drag the box close to the wall. If the guards behind it aren't crushed, they're at least temporarily cut off from you.

The way to the door looks clear now. Your host would run straight through it, both because he wants to get to his objective and because he needs some cover from the rest of the guards that will inevitably come, but doing so would be a bad idea. For you see, beyond the door there is only fire. Fire which does not look like normal fire. It does not move like normal fire should move.

---

OOC
Too much speech shared between different groups of people, your Paris is having difficulty processing it all and making a decision on which things the NPCs should comment on. Please consider replacing your Paris with a newer model.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Your phone is phenomenal if you can write THAT WHOLE TURN like that ;_;
/me so envy
I wish we could do that same thing here, then I'd never have to beat m'self up over lacking updates EVER again [though with good reason, the internet quality here is x_x]

You're not missing anything. It's more trouble than it's worth when it comes to updating your games. My internet access is currently not so great either, the phone is old which means it can't hold hold more than one program in its memory at the same time and they take forever to load and I am generally very slow when I do things, so it takes forever to do anything.

Currently I just copy over all the quotes to a text file in drop-box and then slowly start writing in it whenever I have time when I can't do anything else (for example, as I'm writing these lines, I'm sitting outside, watching the full moon over the sea, waiting for sleepiness to come, because I have nothing more important I can do and everyone else is asleep).

But it's good for when you want to post in games, when you have ideas that you want to write down (like a notepad) or when you want to do the basics of a turn (copy the quotes and do some basic rolls and notes for actions) or when you're away from your PC for a long time. And it's better than nothing. If my brother hadn't gifted his old phone to me, I would had nothing to write this update with.

And no, bad Tiruin, no beating yourself up over anything, especially things you can't control.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 07, 2014, 05:55:05 am

Is it funny that I think of that 'deep male voice' along the lines of something akin to Morgan Freeman? XD

Yeah, but Morgan is not emotionless, he's like the perfect narrator. Not to mention his acting. Even in movies with not-so-great plot like Outbreak he still manages to give a great performance.

Quote from: Toaster on July 11, 2014, 01:52:17 pm

The timing!  It's glorious!

Indeed. At least I didn't have to rewrite much of the turn.

@Coolrune: Your suggestions are good. I'll put some of those in the appropriate section later.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 11, 2014, 09:00:39 pm

"Logic puzzles? Whatcha got?"

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 11, 2014, 09:17:50 pm

((Um, was my action considered, or is my character in a time freeze due to the un-synchronized timelines?))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2014, 09:24:50 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 11, 2014, 09:17:50 pm

((Um, was my action considered, or is my character in a time freeze due to the un-synchronized timelines?))

Sorry, missed you, I will do you tomorrow.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 11, 2014, 10:02:03 pm

Grab the wires with my injured hand and wrap them around it and pull. Tsar slash with my other hand.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 11, 2014, 11:44:52 pm

Bryan
Think I strained myself a bit there.  Hope I don't burn out, I still have so much I need to do. 
Use telekinesis to put out as much of the fire as possible.  At least a clear path to the door.

---

Faron
Any water hose or fire extinguisher nearby he can use?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 12, 2014, 03:15:35 am

Irine
I need to keep him pressured and preoccupied
To Victor: <I'm still hearing explosions. Why?>
Keep piling the situational pressure on Victor, implying that I want to destroy the facility and am only just barely keeping myself restrained as Boris's men continue to report their failures and deaths over the radio.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 12, 2014, 05:02:08 am

<Nice shooting, though! I wonder when we're going to run into the objective. Ike Wayne wants blood!>

>Get to cover, then move carefully to investigate the shooting noises - things are getting right fishy about now, it seems. As well as very much critical! Maybe you'll get to shoot somebody who these rebel assholes will dearly miss at last!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 14, 2014, 09:35:32 pm

EH

Cartwheel out into the aether!

Hey Rhymerer, how's it going?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 16, 2014, 07:39:47 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 06, 2014, 08:21:55 pm

Zechariah was confused. To this point, he couldn't remember what the interface could be sounding off for.
Erm... is that good or bad? Please, please let it be good. I'd even take neutral, if it was a thing at this time. Just not bad. My host has already danced with death, I don't need it to go any farther than this...

>Check the interface. See if it does anything out of the ordinary. If not, stay behind the dumpster and... take your coat off, if you have one. Leave just the undershirt and your pants, and rustle yourself up a bit - leave your hair undone and all. Wrap the coat over your torso to hide any obvious bullet wounds. If possible, tear up a bit of fabric from the coat or your shirt and use it to wrap up any small wounds. Other than that, keep your wits about you and hide behind the dumpster. If someone arrives and they don't seem friendly, act like a disheveled homeless person. Better to feign weakness than to be captured again. Use the Shadow to hide your face and voice if needed.

It's a long stretch, but anything I can use to help him live will do for now.

Well, that's a reasonably good plan. If it wasn't for one small detail:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 09, 2014, 10:28:30 am

There's nothing belonging to your host around here. Not even his clothes.

The paramedics stripped him for some emergency treatment, so he's been walking around with hospital clothes ever since. He's wearing something kinda like a hospital gown but made from some sort of synthetic material. And he doesn't exactly have a mirror to look into, but he feels like something's on his back, probably bandages or similar.

As for your interface, it's just beeping from time to time, the beep accompanied by its blue-tinted screen lighting up with an orange light. The interval between the beeping appears to be getting shorter.
It hasn't happened before but it's not currently doing something else. So unless it's going to explode or similar, you're probably going to be fine.
Well, as fine as one in your situation can be, anyway. Your host is not exactly in top shape.
He really needs to reach a phone and call someone to help him. Someone to hide him from the police. Otherwise, either his injuries will kill him or the Agency will find him and hang him as a traitor. And he isn't very certain about which of the two would be worse.

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 11, 2014, 11:44:52 pm

Bryan
Think I strained myself a bit there.  Hope I don't burn out, I still have so much I need to do. 
Use telekinesis to put out as much of the fire as possible.  At least a clear path to the door.

---

Faron
Any water hose or fire extinguisher nearby he can use?

There are no fire extinguishers around that you can see (abandoned warehouses tend to not comply with safety regulations for some reason) but there are some pipes around here. They might hold some water in them, if he's lucky. If he breaks one on the right spot...

While your host inspect his surroundings, both to consider alternatives and to ensure nobody will sneak up on him from behind, you focus on clearing a path using a more direct approach.

You focus on "pushing" the flames and the air surrounding them down, hoping to extinguish them by smashing them into the ground, thus depriving them of oxygen. But the moment you begin to do so, you encounter resistance, like someone pushing you back. It's weak at first, like you caught that opposing force by surprise, which allows you to gain some ground, but it quickly matches you in strength. After a few seconds, you've only managed to make a small impact on the fire and already it's beginning to strain you.

Meanwhile, your host catches sight of that heavily armoured man again, a small distance to his right. He has just stumbled from behind a metal box and seems to be in a bit of trouble, as a guard has managed to jump on to him and is currently trying to stab him.

You on the other hand can see from this angle that he has an interface too, a metal shackle taking up most of his lower arm with a spherical portion sporting a round glass screen embedded in it, almost like a watch. It's quite similar to the one on your arm, except for the fact that his screen seems to be transparent and not red like yours. And it's a bit bigger, to account for his armour.

Your host is unsure about whether or not he should do anything about it. On one hand, taking care of both of them right here would eliminate an unknown variable that might cause problems further down the road. Their objectives might not align. On the other hand, the guards are hostile to that man as well, so that means he would be a useful distraction at the very least.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 12, 2014, 03:15:35 am

Irine
I need to keep him pressured and preoccupied
To Victor: <I'm still hearing explosions. Why?>
Keep piling the situational pressure on Victor, implying that I want to destroy the facility and am only just barely keeping myself restrained as Boris's men continue to report their failures and deaths over the radio.

---

Zoe
No Influence

<Boy, you really are impatient. I already told you I'm taking care of it as best I can. What more do you want? I can't leave this place and take care of it myself, can I?>

You feel something in the fire barrier you had created near the door. You weren't really controlling the flames at this point, you were mostly just giving them nudges to prevent them from dissipating too quickly. But even that was enough to feel something "pushing" against you. or more accurately against your fire. You quickly respond, trying to match whatever is doing this and counteract it, using the resistance to judge where you must apply more force (since you can't actually see the fire). You're not in what would be called an optimal situation both regarding using your power and judging its effects, but despite that, you don't think you've lost much ground. Looks like whoever's doing this isn't as strong as you. Or maybe they're just not as good in manipulating fire as you. For now.

Meanwhile, Awena continues talking to Zoe, quietly relaying the information she has received as best as she can understand it. At the same time, Zoe keeps an eye on Boris. A guard returns after a while and quietly tells him something.

<Second squad is moving in now. See? That will take care of them. And if they somehow manage to get through the door, then I will take care of them.>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 12, 2014, 05:02:08 am

<Nice shooting, though! I wonder when we're going to run into the objective. Ike Wayne wants blood!>

>Get to cover, then move carefully to investigate the shooting noises - things are getting right fishy about now, it seems. As well as very much critical! Maybe you'll get to shoot somebody who these rebel assholes will dearly miss at last!

Your host rolls and falls off the roof of the small structure, running towards one of the boxes for cover while checking the area around him for enemies. Besides an unconscious (or dead, can't really tell from here) half-burnt guard lying in a corner, you can't see anyone else.

Once you reach the box, you take a peek from the side. There's a man there, looking through a door and the burning hallway it leads to. He's well dress, although his clothes have taken some abuse. He has a bullet hole on his abdomen and another on his shoulder, although he doesn't appear overly bothered by that. One hand holds a large pistol (and an interface, which only you can see), while the other has been very badly burnt and is oozing... hmm... it looks like blood, but not quite. It's colour seems lighter than blood should be and-

At that moment your host hears something impacting the concrete behind him. Before he can do more than start raising his hand, something heavy hits him from behind, causing him to stumble out of cover and almost pushing him to the ground. He feels the extra weight on his back. He barely manages to intercept a hand holding a knife that was on a collision course with his neck.

---

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 11, 2014, 09:00:39 pm

"Logic puzzles? Whatcha got?"

"Let's see... Oh, I got it."
He takes flight and moves in a circle high above you.
"It's rather simple, really. A test of creativity and quick thinking."
He dives towards you, his eyes glowing blue followed by his entire body lighting up with blue light.
"I'll give you power..."
A lightning bolt flies from him, passing right through you and hitting the ground below your feet, causing your entire body to tingle.
"...and you have to catch me..."
The ground below you begins crumbling, cracks spreading outwards from the scorch mark created by the thunderbolt. Before you can do anything, it has become a hole in which everything around you, debris, water from the stream and first and foremost yourself fall.
"If you can!"
You plummet into the hole while your entity flies past you, the blue light it's emitting reflected by the walls of the tunnel as it dives further down the hole.

Well then, looks like you're going to have to catch him. But that's probably not the entirety of this challenge...

---

Quote from: NAV on July 11, 2014, 10:02:03 pm

Grab the wires with my injured hand and wrap them around it and pull. Tsar slash with my other hand.

Displaying formidable endurance, you continue ignoring the pain coming from your injuries. Instead of coming towards her to lessen the pain like your opponent expected, you instead decide to pull. She is utterly surprised by this, so much so in fact that your pull manages to throw her off her feet and face first on the ground in front of you. Your injuries appear to have been aggravated by this, but this doesn't overly concern you. Because the important thing now is that you have a clear shot at your enemy.

You put all your strength in the knife slash, both natural and supernatural. The implement transforms as it falls toward its target, becoming more like a short yet broad sword than a knife. She tries to roll out of the way but she isn't fast enough. You manage to stab her on the side of her abdomen, near the waist. The position of the blow allows her to roll away with a pained growl, leaving only your blood stained Swiss army sword embedded in the dirt, but it is a serious injury. You can see blood quickly soaking her black shirt.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 14, 2014, 09:35:32 pm

EH

Cartwheel out into the aether!

Hey Rhymerer, how's it going?

Your attempt to cartwheel ends rather poorly when your hit a wall like a wrecking ball made of fat and your head gets embedded in the wall. You're stuck there, your head in one room and your body in another, while your neck is in a sandwich of thick and sturdy drywall. What's worse, the room you're in appears to be some kind of kitchen. And your head is right above one of those kitchen friers they use at restaurants, full of potatoes swimming in boiling oil.

"It's going fine, I have to say
I seldom have, such fine a day,
with blood and battle, every which way,
arrayed around me, like bales of hay.
Then there are other things, like hey!
Your actions funny, I find them; yay!"

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 16, 2014, 08:41:33 am

Quickly turn into a falcon, and put my body into the diving pose.

Hey, it's the fastest I've got.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2014, 08:57:18 am

<Oh hey, would you look at that!>

Question: does my host get the use of my powers only when I've assumed direct control?

If yes, assume direct control, then draw my machine pistol (I presume I have a free hand - if not, free one up and dodge) with all the quickness I can muster and teach this fellow a point-blank lesson in manners.

If not, command time!

>You probably have quite a bit of training on how to deal with a situation like this - feel free to use it!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 16, 2014, 10:29:22 am

John scratches his head.  "So Zero, is my review coming when the mission debrief comes?  And how's the other team doing?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 16, 2014, 11:25:15 am

Retrieve sword and finish her off. Kick her in the wound if my sword is too stuck.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 16, 2014, 02:15:22 pm

Ooh, patatas!

Punch the wall! Try to get through!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 16, 2014, 02:31:05 pm

Bryan
Her again.  Seems we keep butting heads.  Such a shame she seems like one of the more reasonable contestants.  Let's hope that science and nature still hold some weight with this fire.  That man will probably be fine.If Faron's action doesn't work try to push the air away from the fire.

---

Faron
Break the pipes to put out the fire.  If the fire goes out go down the hallway, otherwise get into cover.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 16, 2014, 09:08:00 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 16, 2014, 08:41:33 am

Quickly turn into a falcon, and put my body into the diving pose.

Hey, it's the fastest I've got.

You raise your wing and shout "FALCOOOON! FORM!" as you transform into a falcon and dive after the glowing blue raven. The transformation feels a lot easier than it should. Maybe too easy. It doesn't take much focus nor does it consume much biomass. It still requires about the same amount of time to happen though, maybe a bit less.
"Good, you can fly!" you hear the shouting of your entity coming up the rock shaft. "Let me give you something to motivate you to keep up!" he adds and lets out a ball of blue light with a flash of light. You easily avoid it, since it wasn't aimed at you, but a few seconds later, you hear the crackle of thunder behind you and the tunnel is lit by a cyan light coming from behind you. You turn your head to take a peek (one of the advantages of being a bird: bending your neck at extreme angles) only to see a glowing wall of blue a dozen or so meters behind you. It appears to be somehow tied to your target, given how as you draw closer to him, the wall gets farther away.

"Been through tunnels, fat and narrow~" your entity begins croaking the melody, or at least trying to. Ravens aren't known for their melodious voices, after all. I guess you could say he's croaking it for a certain definition of the word croaking.

Lightning bolts shoot out of his body, hitting the tunnel as it passes through it. From the glowing scorch marks, spikes begin to form, creating a barrier in front of you, leaving only few gaps large enough for you to pass through. You can see a second barrier forming behind the first one through the gaps.

▓========================>========================o
((The better you do, the closer you get. Give good answers and you'll reach it in no time. This should help you get some ideas about using your ability, or at least some food for thought.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 16, 2014, 10:29:22 am

John scratches his head.  "So Zero, is my review coming when the mission debrief comes?  And how's the other team doing?

<Certain information about that mission is not available for multiple reasons. Clarify.>
<Please stand by while a review is being compiled...>

((That's the second time you accidentally used the wrong colour. Not that I mind, you can use whatever colour you want. Just making a note.))

---

Quote from: NAV on July 16, 2014, 11:25:15 am

Retrieve sword and finish her off. Kick her in the wound if my sword is too stuck.

You easily pull the sword out of the dirt (it's not like it's stuck in a stone) and move towards your opponent menacingly. You thrust your sword towards her, aiming for her head, but she easily avoids it, moving out of the way, at the same time pushing herself upwards with one hand, putting herself behind you and to your left.
You feel something small pushing against your left ankle and shoulder.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 16, 2014, 02:15:22 pm

Ooh, patatas!

Punch the wall! Try to get through!

You punch the wall with all your strength, pushing with your legs at the same time. You get through the wall all right. You perform a double backflip and fall face first into the small pool of boiling oil, flinging potatoes, debris and cooking oil everywhere and half-burying yourself in a mound of half-baked potatoes and debris, resting upon the still burning cooking implement. If you weren't protected from damage right now, that would really hurt.

The cooks hold out oil-stained score cards above their heads. Hey, that guy only gave you a three! Damn that East German cook...

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 16, 2014, 09:21:36 pm

Swap to a finch to fit through, and when I'm all through, return to falcon form.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 16, 2014, 10:02:29 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 16, 2014, 09:08:00 pm

((That's the second time you accidentally used the wrong colour. Not that I mind, you can use whatever colour you want. Just making a note.))

((I'll note that maroon and limegreen are next to each other in the dropdown.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 16, 2014, 10:45:56 pm

Only a three? This is a hallucination worthy of Oxford-class acid! How dare you!

Summon big wooden spoon and slap German chef silly.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 16, 2014, 11:57:20 pm

That's her batons I feel on my ankle and shoulder, right? That can't be good. Pull on the wires as hard as I can with both hands and kick backwards.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Toaster on July 17, 2014, 10:42:04 am

John frowned.  "Uh... yeah, I'll just wait for your review."

Standby!  If it's going to be a while, play with the table again.  Can it be set to simulate how my powers work with a certain combination of traits selected?

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 18, 2014, 02:44:43 am

((oops, thought I'd posted an action earlier. sry for making you wait.))

---

Irine
Someone is messing with my flames?
have my door-blocking flames gather near their far edge and creep up the walls and line the ceiling, forming a hollow ring. Then have the ring surge closed from all directions, gather in the center, and then have 2/3's of them move outwards at high speed in a hollow, impoding sphere. after the flames have passed through the center of the formation and gone out the other side have them keep going, separated into many small flames, until they reach a barrier. once they reach a barrier, return them to their starting position and return the flames to the flat bed of fire lining the floor that I had earlier.
I need to wait for Zoe to be fully briefed. I need to pay attention to the rate Amelia's condition is progressing. I need to get this timed just right...

---

Zoe
-No influence-

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 18, 2014, 06:28:38 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 16, 2014, 09:21:36 pm

Swap to a finch to fit through, and when I'm all through, return to falcon form.

You change form to that of a finch, dumping biomass in a trail of greenish-black liquid behind you to lessen your size.
You find a small gap where you can move through the gaps between in the two barriers without having to slow down or seriously alter your course and go through it without slowing down at alll.

However, changing form into a falcon is not something you can do right now. You've lost too much biomass while becoming smaller and you didn't have anywhere to put it. You're going to have to wait for it to replenish.

"Travelled the world with no tomorrow~" your entity sings and continues croaking to the rhythm. He shoots another barrage of lightning bolts at the walls of the tunnel as he passes them by. This time, the lightning bolts cause the walls to detonate into a fine gray-brown powder, creating a cloud in front of you that obscures whatever may lie ahead.

▓=============================>===================o

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 17, 2014, 10:42:04 am

John frowned.  "Uh... yeah, I'll just wait for your review."

Standby!  If it's going to be a while, play with the table again.  Can it be set to simulate how my powers work with a certain combination of traits selected?

Doesn't look like it. Although you could probably ask Zero to do it. Or maybe just "will" the Staging Area into giving you what you want. You don't know if it will work, but you could certainly try.

"Analysis follows:

John, as stated earlier, your performance was well beyond the minimum acceptable range for a human of your capacity. Your personal effort to complete your objectives was very adequate despite the circumstances.

Furthermore, your perseverance led to the deceleration of yourself as victor of that mission. The extra credit received from that event will most likely benefit you greatly and already has, to a degree. The fact that you were aggressive and competitive enough in your attempt to complete the secondary mission objective to disregard the life of a teammate is commendable.

Your idea to acquire better situational awareness was correct, however the use of  powerful active sensors attached to yourself with no means of shutting them down meant that your enemy was easily able to detect you, preventing any stealthy actions on your part. Take that into consideration and try to work around it next time you are in a similar situation.

It took you time, but you also realized the importance of mobility in such a large scale battlefield. The ability to evade and reach new positions is invaluable. Keep that in mind during future missions with similar circumstances or whenever there's a chance your enemy will be quicker or more powerful than you.

Your performance in combat was acceptable, although both your accuracy and ability to dodge were inadequate. It might be more desirable to not directly involve yourself in combat, instead using more capable or expendable assets like teammates. Disregarding those inadequacies, your choice of target was mostly good and you chose when to attack and when to retreat adequately.

Pushing yourself to the limits in pursuit of victory is sometimes desirable, however luck may not always be on your side. If you think that taking a second to regroup, rearm and recuperate would increase your chances of success, you might want to do that, even if it would allow your opponent to do the same. Assuming there is no time limit, of course.

Overall, better cooperation with your teammates would ensure an easier victory. After all, observing your capacity for teamwork was one of the reasons this challenge occurred and that teamwork was not realized to its fullest potential. Your allies could had easily filled some of the gaps in your skillset and made your survival easier. Furthermore, sharing information you received when in close proximity to the target could had prevented the death of two of your teammates and increased your chances of success.

If they are not willing to work with you, you might want to consider taking the lead yourself and having them work for you or giving the mantle of leadership to someone you find more capable than you, depending on the circumstances. Even following your allies and supporting them in a plan worse than yours could sometimes go better than each of you trying their individual ideas and hoping they somehow result in victory.

After all, there is strength in numbers and you are unfortunately not yet strong enough to stand alone in those type of engagements without plenty of time to prepare.

Overall, I believe that your opponent, as well as the battle itself, should be able to teach you more, if you consider them on your own. Such knowledge could be useful in the coming missions.

That is all.
Any questions regarding this analysis or the mission?"

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 16, 2014, 10:45:56 pm

Only a three? This is a hallucination worthy of Oxford-class acid! How dare you!

Summon big wooden spoon and slap German chef silly.

((He was not actually German, it's just an expression:

Quote from: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/EastGermany?from=Main.EastGermany

the term has come to mean anyone who seems to grade harshly and give low scores, such as Kishi Asako on Iron Chef.

But hey, it's your hallucination-turned-reality.))

"Zilly vatman. Your landing reqvires verk-ugh!"

His counter-argument is cut short by a wooden ladel to the head

Your dodging needs work you only get three!

The rest of the chefs pick up various cooking implements and begin approaching slowly you from all sides.
"How dare you oppose the judges‽"
"How dare you judge the judges‽"
"The judges are absolute!"
"The judges are always right!"
"Only one of us can judge a judge!"
"One of us!"
"One of us!"

---

Quote from: NAV on July 16, 2014, 11:57:20 pm

That's her batons I feel on my ankle and shoulder, right? That can't be good. Pull on the wires as hard as I can with both hands and kick backwards.

You both pull the wires at the same time, which results to even more pain to you. You feel your leg being pulled and your shoulder being pulled, but the worst thing is your arm, whose skin is now being pulled in two different directions. You can't hold on anymore. The pain overcomes you and you loose your footing, spinning around and falling with your back against the ground.

You can see her standing above you, ready to jump on you. She doesn't look as happy or smug as when you started the combat, she's out of breath, slightly angry and clearly in pain. Much like you, in a way.

---

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2014, 08:57:18 am

<Oh hey, would you look at that!>

Question: does my host get the use of my powers only when I've assumed direct control?

If yes, assume direct control, then draw my machine pistol (I presume I have a free hand - if not, free one up and dodge) with all the quickness I can muster and teach this fellow a point-blank lesson in manners.

If not, command time!

>You probably have quite a bit of training on how to deal with a situation like this - feel free to use it!

((You can focus on giving him a single aspect of you (requires a roll) or just take direct control (always succeeds). I'll assume you want the full control.))

You use one hand to push the man's knife wielding hands back, but he's too strong. You groan as the blade slowly descends towards you. The man keeps pushing until it slides inside a gap in your armour and starts cutting into your neck. But the blade goes no further, for your attacker is interrupted by a burst of gunfire blowing his arm apart.

With the pain loosening his grip, you bend down and pull on his now mangled arm, pushing the attacker off your back and on the ground. Before he can react, another burst of gunfire across his chest cuts him down.

You check your neck. You can't feel it through the armour or your gloved hand and you have no mirror to use to look at it. You just have the feeling of pain and the sense of your shirt becoming wet as blood leaks to it. This might be a serious injury.

You look at the other man, the one near the flames. His skin shimmers and distorts. And then the world explodes.

((See below for rest of action.))

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 16, 2014, 02:31:05 pm

Bryan
Her again.  Seems we keep butting heads.  Such a shame she seems like one of the more reasonable contestants.  Let's hope that science and nature still hold some weight with this fire.  That man will probably be fine.If Faron's action doesn't work try to push the air away from the fire.

---

Faron
Break the pipes to put out the fire.  If the fire goes out go down the hallway, otherwise get into cover.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 18, 2014, 02:44:43 am

((oops, thought I'd posted an action earlier. sry for making you wait.))

---

Irine
Someone is messing with my flames?
have my door-blocking flames gather near their far edge and creep up the walls and line the ceiling, forming a hollow ring. Then have the ring surge closed from all directions, gather in the center, and then have 2/3's of them move outwards at high speed in a hollow, impoding sphere. after the flames have passed through the center of the formation and gone out the other side have them keep going, separated into many small flames, until they reach a barrier. once they reach a barrier, return them to their starting position and return the flames to the flat bed of fire lining the floor that I had earlier.
I need to wait for Zoe to be fully briefed. I need to pay attention to the rate Amelia's condition is progressing. I need to get this timed just right...

---

Zoe
-No influence-

((No worries, I understand.
Well, that's one complicated-sounding action. Let's see if my sleep deprived brain can understand what you mean... I think you're saying you want the fire to move out of the door by creeping across the wall, creating a sphere in the process and then implode that sphere to hurt whoever might be there, while keeping the flames moving around for extra damage, then move them back to reform the barrier. But then you say ring... Well, I'll go with the sphere.))

As Bryan's host moves forward towards the fire, Irene begins her attack, having her flames quickly creep against the walls of the corridor to prepare for her attack. But before he can have them move more than a few inches, Bryan spots that movement. Panicking, he musters all his strength and focuses his mind on a single concept: "PUSH".

A distortion in the air expanding into a sphere marks the creation of an explosion of force, pushing everything away from it, located a couple of meters in front of Bryan and inside the corridor leading to the room. Everything happens in a fraction of a second, Bryan barely has time to try and protect himself as he is hurled backwards.

Irene doesn't have enough time to do anything, her pyrokinetic influence crushed like it was nothing. She doesn't even get the chance to warn her host. The door bows inwards as it is hit by the telekinetic blast. The telekinetic wave itself is unimpeded and continues through the door, bringing with it what few of her fire remains through its now widened seams. However, before the blast can reach Zoe or Awena, it begins dissipating. Still, it's enough to push them backwards and throw them to the floor. Zoe immediately pushes herself up with one hand, pointing her pistol at the door with the other, while Awena simply watches the door in surprise.

Bryan finds himself curled into a ball near a metal box, his everything hurting. There's a beeping sound. He looks down. His interface is beeping, its screen lighting red (and occasionally orange) with every beep. Huh. Looks like he must have unconsciously taken control.
Still, he doesn't appear to be seriously injured, considering what just happened. Which is to say, he's probably only broken a couple of bones.

Ike is incredibly nonchalant during all this. He is pushed upwards and backwards, almost reaching the wall he originally started near. But the blast fails to do anything to him directly. And his landing could be comparable to that of a cat or an artistic gymnastics athlete, for he manages to land on his feet without even stumbling. Still, from this new position, he can see more alarming things. Things like more guards taking action against them, three in the catwalk on the opposite side from the room aiming at him and three more coming through the door also located on the other side of the room. Their charge is a rather poor strategic move, considering that part of the room, unlike the one Ike's in, completely lacks cover. Or it would be if they didn't have the numerical advantage.

The site of the explosion itself, currently half-obscured by a very small cloud of dust, is not in a very good state. The concrete walls themselves were completely undamaged, but anything inside the small corridor (pipes, light fixtures, grates) has been ripped apart or tossed around. The broken pipes are dripping stagnant murky water, the water supply to this building cut years ago. The large metal door has not been destroyed, but it has bent inward, the other room visible through the small gaps formed due to this.

((Welp, looks like rolls rendered whether or not I understood that action correctly irrelevant.))

---

EDIT: Oh, and there's 3,8 TUs left, which translates to about 3 minutes and 48 seconds left. TUs are the units I use to measure actions/the time a turn takes, since they're a lot easier to do math with (multiply, subtract, divide, etc.). 0,1 TUs is 6 seconds.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 18, 2014, 06:49:03 am

"Oh hey, guess what!"

You guessed it, flashbang and tear gas combo retaliation against the guards! Well, more of a preemptive retaliation, followed by lots of machine pistol fire into their bodies and faces. Make sure I have some grenades left, relatedly.

And if I don't have any of those, or only one of each, just chuck my last brick of C4 at the metal door in the hallway, step out of the hallway and in a safe spot, then detonate. In fact, if I have time, do that anyway! We're running on timers both blood-related and otherwise!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 18, 2014, 06:55:29 am

Irine
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
action PMd

---

Zoe
-no influence-

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 18, 2014, 01:43:17 pm

Uh. I'm a judge too!

Steal one of their hats.

See? Judge hat!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 18, 2014, 02:18:46 pm

Come on Nikolai, you've got this.

Retrieve my swiss army sword. Open the saw.
Try to fit the wires between the teeth of my tsared saw. Then untsar it, shrinking the saw and snapping the wires. If that doesn't work, wrap the wires around the blade and tsar it again, breaking the wires. Try to aim it at Ms Sharkteeth while I'm tsaring it.
Fend off her with my feet, aiming to kick her wound.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 18, 2014, 02:46:32 pm

Quickly morph into pillbug and curl up as I fling downwards.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2014, 04:26:36 pm

>Get up. Look for the nearest building and see if you can enter it. If not, try another building. Be quiet and cautious about what you're doing, you do not want to be seen. The Shadow is your friend here. If you feel as if you're going to be spotted, use the Shadow to hide yourself, especially when you're in an alleyway.

Come on, you can do this. There's not much more left. Just get to a phone, alert your friends, and get out of there. Then, we can continue our objective.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 18, 2014, 05:56:25 pm

((Eh heh heh, I was wondering if something like that would happen.))
Bryan
Ow ow ow.  Enough.  Get a hold of yourself, this isn't over yet.  Bryan takes in his surroundings.  Ngh, din't mean to do that quite yet.  Hope I can still muster myself enough.  Oof ... I think my time here is almost up.  Hope the other man is okay, no time to check.
For better or for worse, this all ends...soon.  PM sent.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 19, 2014, 10:02:39 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 18, 2014, 06:49:03 am

"Oh hey, guess what!"

You guessed it, flashbang and tear gas combo retaliation against the guards! Well, more of a preemptive retaliation, followed by lots of machine pistol fire into their bodies and faces. Make sure I have some grenades left, relatedly.

And if I don't have any of those, or only one of each, just chuck my last brick of C4 at the metal door in the hallway, step out of the hallway and in a safe spot, then detonate. In fact, if I have time, do that anyway! We're running on timers both blood-related and otherwise!

You reach for another flashbang, fumbling with the strap that holds it on your armour, trying to release it from its grip, at the same time walking back towards the door.

At the same time the charging guards begin firing at you. However they seem to be having a bit of trouble using their assault rifles. That is to say, they totally suck at it. Not one bullet even comes close to you and one of them even manages to somehow eject his magazine while firing.

A moment later, the guards from the catwalk also start firing. They also appear to be afflicted by the same curse as their pals on the floor below, the aim of all but one of the three being most terrible. But the one in the middle, that one aims well. Three rounds find you in the torso. You can feel their impact through your armour, as they shatter part of the trauma plates over your waist.

Undeterred, you cook the flashbang for a second and then throw in the midst of the advancing guards with all your strength, looking away at the same time. After the bang confirms you can look again, you turn to face the scene. It appears that your aim was flawless, for all three men are laying on the ground, two of them completely disoriented, while the third seems to have had part of his face burnt.

That done, you empty the magazine of your machine pistol firing at the guards on the catwalk. You think you hit one of them, maybe two, before they hit the ground for cover.

You're about to reach for a gas grenade when you spot something disturbing. It looks like fire over the metal boxes you were taking cover behind moments before, appearing out of thin air and spreading into a large column that reaches for the ceiling. And it keeps getting larger.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 18, 2014, 06:55:29 am

Irine
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
action PMd

---

Zoe
-no influence-

You channel all your anger into the application of your power. All the feelings of pent up frustration. The way every terrible thing that has happened to you so far has made you feel, the destruction of your world, the loss of your power, the loss of your freedom, the loss of your host. And the knowledge that there are more to come. All these you condense into a white hot knife of focused power that cuts through space to bring forth a torrent of fire that is to be shaped into a monument to the destruction of all who oppose you. Only the vision of your creation exists in your mind's eye, you can see nothing else. Nothing will stop you know.

Tiruin
Your host gets up as Boris approaches you, Zoe doing the same, still pointing her gun at the door.
Boris says something in Russian as he stands in front of the door and raises his hands towards it. He then speaks to Awena and Zoe without taking his eyes off of it.
"Stand back. It's-"
He is interrupted by a gunshot.
He quickly turns his head to the source of the gunshot and Awena does the same. For the gunshot came from inside the room.
Zoe is standing with her eyes closed, growling, her body so tense that it's trembling slightly. Her hands are clenched so hard they have turned white from the pressure, her finger still pulling on the trigger of the pistol she is pointing towards the door. Theri can see distortions extending from the interface on Zoe's arm, spreading like ripples on the surface of a lake across her entire body.

Boris considers this for a split second but seems to find whatever he was originally doing more important, returning his eyes on the door.

"Zoe?" The worry is clear on Awena's voice. "Are you allright?"

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 18, 2014, 05:56:25 pm

((Eh heh heh, I was wondering if something like that would happen.))
Bryan
Ow ow ow.  Enough.  Get a hold of yourself, this isn't over yet.  Bryan takes in his surroundings.  Ngh, din't mean to do that quite yet.  Hope I can still muster myself enough.  Oof ... I think my time here is almost up.  Hope the other man is okay, no time to check.
For better or for worse, this all ends...soon.  PM sent.

You slowly prop yourself up, trying to ignore the pain coming from across your body. You limp forward, trying to remain focused on reality despite the pain from the impact and the splitting headache using so much power in such short amount of time has caused you.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2014, 04:26:36 pm

>Get up. Look for the nearest building and see if you can enter it. If not, try another building. Be quiet and cautious about what you're doing, you do not want to be seen. The Shadow is your friend here. If you feel as if you're going to be spotted, use the Shadow to hide yourself, especially when you're in an alleyway.

Come on, you can do this. There's not much more left. Just get to a phone, alert your friends, and get out of there. Then, we can continue our objective.

Your host decides that he should look for a back door or similar. He gets up and stumbles through the alley, checking any doors he comes across. After a bit of searching, he finds one that is open about half an inch, some kind of fire escape doors that is unable to close properly.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2014, 01:43:17 pm

Uh. I'm a judge too!

Steal one of their hats.

See? Judge hat!

Your hands are a blur, snatching a chef's judge's hat before they can tell what happened.

There are gasps and confused looks among the judges as they begin to talk among each other.
"Wow, a judge's hat!"
"How can this be?"
"He really is a judge‽"
"SILENCE!"
The other judges immediately stop speaking and part to reveal the one who yelled, a enormous and slightly fat chef about two heads higher than you.

"If you really are a judge..." he says as he walks towards you "Then where is the rest of your outfit?" he adds and points at you accusatorily.

---

Quote from: NAV on July 18, 2014, 02:18:46 pm

Come on Nikolai, you've got this.

Retrieve my swiss army sword. Open the saw.
Try to fit the wires between the teeth of my tsared saw. Then untsar it, shrinking the saw and snapping the wires. If that doesn't work, wrap the wires around the blade and tsar it again, breaking the wires. Try to aim it at Ms Sharkteeth while I'm tsaring it.
Fend off her with my feet, aiming to kick her wound.

You try to kick your opponent away as she tries to jump on you, however despite your kick connecting, she still manages to land on you. She's standing with her knees resting on your pelvis, both of her batons on one hand.

Before you can do anything, she twists your arm in rather uncomfortable angle with her free hand and pushes it against your chest, at the same time pulling her batons behind your head. As she leans forward, putting all the weight of her upper body in her blow, a needle-like thing extends from one of the things hooked on your arm, pointing straight to your chest. You use your free arm to try and push your arm back, to prevent yourself from being stabbed. Your legs flail wildly as you try to find some leverage, to get her off of you. But you can't. The best you can do is make sure it doesn't hit anything vital.

She completes her attack by bringing her batons back from your head and to your chest, the wire now behind your back and the two ends of the weapon attached to each other. A button push later, the wire begins retracting, binding your arm against your chest.

"Come on." she says between breaths. "Let's take that mask off. Give you a kiss." she adds and grins, showing her shark-like teeth as her hands move towards your head.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 18, 2014, 02:46:32 pm

Quickly morph into pillbug and curl up as I fling downwards.

The resilient form of a bug proves capable of going through the dust without much problem. Although the dust gives you some trouble breathing (as it covers the pores on your exoskeleton) that is quickly cleared up without much trouble.
The obstacle hiding behind the dust cloud is a bit harder on you, but even though it causes much damage, it doesn't kill you. You quickly roll off it, at the same time repairing the damage it has caused you.
"People I meet, they twist and cower~"
You uncurl a bit to take a peek. Looks like there's a sharp turn in the tunnel up ahead. It's no longer a fall after that.


▓==============================>==================o
 

---

---

OOC
Looks like everyone decided to overshoot and/or critfail as much as mathematically possible. Fun!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 19, 2014, 10:18:58 pm

Irine
Continue the process from the PM

---

Zoe
Reassert yourself! Irine doesn't want to control you, don't let her do it by accident!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 19, 2014, 11:01:52 pm

"The mask stays on."

Tsar mask. Aim to strike her in the head with the enlargening filter part. Also repair the cracked lens for no reason.
Stab her repeatedly with an untsared knife if I can.

((There is no way this action can go wrong. None at all.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 19, 2014, 11:40:38 pm

((I hope you auto'd me because my net went x_x

...Reading up.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 20, 2014, 01:36:00 am

Look what I made, a TV Tropes page! Come add tropes to it. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Roleplay/SpecialPeople)

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2014, 02:15:34 am

"Huh. Interesting!"

Time to get in on this hot PM action!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 20, 2014, 02:29:23 am

((I'm a little curious what the reactions of the various entities in the Staging area are to the events of the mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 20, 2014, 02:48:33 am

...
Alan surveys himself, then decides to try something out of TV.

YOU FOOL! THIS ISN'T EVEN MY FINAL FORM!

Perform DBZ-style transformation into a slightly pudgier guy wearing an apron now.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 20, 2014, 06:46:15 am

Turn into a very large centipede, and curl up into a circle. A flat plane, not a sphere. Maneuver towards the wall opposite from the direction the tunnel heads next, and twist around so that I will roll down the slope, and transfer my down momentum into sidewards momentum. Then continue rolling after my entity, continuously growing as I do so.

I'm gonna be without Internet for a week. Please put my character into standby until I return.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Alarith on July 20, 2014, 12:51:05 pm

Ngh, got to keep going.
Another PM

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 20, 2014, 03:43:38 pm

Get into the fire-escape door. Look for a phone and use it if there is one. If not, go inside a bit more and try some more doors until I find a phone.

Ah, my host's life depends on a simple, common object in most households. At least, in my previous world, it was.
I hope that's the same case here. Otherwise, I'm screwed.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 21, 2014, 12:22:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 20, 2014, 03:43:38 pm

Get into the fire-escape door. Look for a phone and use it if there is one. If not, go inside a bit more and try some more doors until I find a phone.

Ah, my host's life depends on a simple, common object in most households. At least, in my previous world, it was.
I hope that's the same case here. Otherwise, I'm screwed.

((Hey look a situation Alan would be really handy for.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 21, 2014, 05:40:55 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on July 21, 2014, 12:22:41 am

((Hey look a situation Alan would be really handy for.))

((Curse you, circumstances!))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2014, 09:24:31 pm

((I'll wait a bit for Tiruin to post, unless someone has permission to post in her place, because her action might be important and I don't want to make a decision for her, out of fear I might accidentally use the information I have to aid either side.

I'll also be studying for some exams until the end of next week, so I might not be able to make a turn.))

---

Quote from: NAV on July 19, 2014, 11:01:52 pm

"The mask stays on."

Tsar mask. Aim to strike her in the head with the enlargening filter part. Also repair the cracked lens for no reason.
Stab her repeatedly with an untsared knife if I can.

((There is no way this action can go wrong. None at all.))

In your panic, you pour everything you got in your mask, hoping it will protect you. The mask grows in less than a second into... well, you can't really see it, given that it's on your face. But it is now no longer only on your face. You can also feel it on your chest. And it is now fifty times as heavy. You can barely move your head. That and the fact that the goggles have become a bit smaller isn't good for your awareness of your surroundings. Not to mention that it has gotten a bit harder to breathe.
You hear a pained groan as it grows, but the weight of your opponent is not removed from your body.

"Aww, come on... Don't be like that!" you hear her muffled complaints and grunts as she tugs on your mask. You can see her face above yours. She seems to be back to enjoying this, although it's clear she's tired and not doing very well.
"I just want to see your face, I promise."
Meanwhile, your free hand frantically searches for your dropped knife. Just as you begin to feel she's finally making some progress, you touch something cold and quickly grab it tightly before your hand's momentum can push it away, cutting yourself in the palm in the process. But that's the least of your concerns right now.

You twist the knife so that you hold it by the handle and use it to stab towards where you feel her weight. The knife encounters resistance and then stops, there's a sound between a gasp and a grunt, you feel your hand getting wet. You pull the knife out and stab again. And again.

The third stab is intercepted by her hand.
"You...!" she growls as she twists your arm. "Stay..!" She keeps growling and grunting as she uses her other hand to try and take the knife from you. You struggle for a while but she manages to overpower you. "DOWN...!" She stabs you in the palm with it, pinning it to the ground. The pain is not insignificant but you manage to not let it cloud your mind, for now. That hand will have trouble grabbing anything, though.

You feel her weight finally getting off you.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 20, 2014, 02:48:33 am

...
Alan surveys himself, then decides to try something out of TV.

YOU FOOL! THIS ISN'T EVEN MY FINAL FORM!

Perform DBZ-style transformation into a slightly pudgier guy wearing an apron now.

YOU FOOL! THIS ISN'T EVEN MY FINAL FORM!
You close your eyes and begin shaking, your fat jiggling.

...

"What's going on?" a judge reluctantly breaks the silence after a dozen seconds or so. Others follow him.
"Was something supposed to happen?"
"What did he think that would do?"
"Silence!" says the chief-chef and the rest oblige.
"If the defendant has nothing to say for himself but nonsense, then I have no choice but to find him in contempt and declare- Huh?"

Your shaking continues to intensify. When suddenly, there's a flash of light. You are surrounded by a yellowish light and wind begins to blow away from you.
"NO! This CANNOT be!"
You start screaming and don't stop. You begin getting larger and taller, your fat multiplying. And you grow patches of thinning greasy hair on your scalp that stand upwards in a poor attempt at making them spiky.
A great and drawn out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" joins your screaming as lightning begins to strike nearby objects. And then, there's an explosion of light.

When the dust clears, only you are left standing.
You are in a crater in the centre of the now destroyed kitchen, fatman sayen, the bane of all chefs.
The judges begin to stir and get up from wherever the blast has scattered them.

((Yes, I know chief and chef mean the same thing.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 20, 2014, 06:46:15 am

Turn into a very large centipede, and curl up into a circle. A flat plane, not a sphere. Maneuver towards the wall opposite from the direction the tunnel heads next, and twist around so that I will roll down the slope, and transfer my down momentum into sidewards momentum. Then continue rolling after my entity, continuously growing as I do so.

I'm gonna be without Internet for a week. Please put my character into standby until I return.

Your trick works... sort of. But only because touching the wall slows you down enough that you can turn without getting crushed. There are more twists and turns ahead (which you roll through easily), until the tunnel becomes a straight line again, now moving horizontally. But you're running out of momentum. This isn't the fastest means of locomotion, after all.

"When in my beauty their eyes shower~"
Your entity begins flashing with blue light, each flash brighter than the last. You can see more turns coming up ahead.

▓=============================>===================o

---

---

OOC

Quote from: NAV on July 20, 2014, 01:36:00 am

Look what I made, a TV Tropes page! Come add tropes to it. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Roleplay/SpecialPeople)

Oh, what sad times are these when even passing ruffians can have a TVTropes page for their RTD.

Seriously though, thanks, that means a lot. I'll add it to Reply #1 and my sigtext.

Maybe I'll even add a few Tropes, if I have the time.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 20, 2014, 02:29:23 am

((I'm a little curious what the reactions of the various entities in the Staging area are to the events of the mission.))

Well, you can always ask when you get back. Some of them are very talkative, if you get them talking. Some might not even lie.

Thanks for that question, by the way. Because I know almost everything about them, they seem very transparent to me, rarely surprise me. That helped remind me that others don't see it like that.

Interested in anybody in particular or just learning more about their character in general?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 21, 2014, 12:22:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 20, 2014, 03:43:38 pm

Get into the fire-escape door. Look for a phone and use it if there is one. If not, go inside a bit more and try some more doors until I find a phone.

Ah, my host's life depends on a simple, common object in most households. At least, in my previous world, it was.
I hope that's the same case here. Otherwise, I'm screwed.

((Hey look a situation Alan would be really handy for.))

Yeah, especially with that upgrade you chose for Mission 1.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 21, 2014, 09:58:09 pm

HMM. I BETTER FIND AN ADVERSARY TO YELL AT AND POWER UP FURTHER.

Begin searching for a rival!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Lenglon on July 22, 2014, 02:51:37 am

((I especially want to know what Charles, Stellar, and Roger think, but the general reactions of the rest are also interesting to me.))

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 23, 2014, 12:11:29 pm

"Ow."
Untsar mask, get up, avoid any desperate attacks she makes. She has to bleed to death soon.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 23, 2014, 09:33:56 pm

Um..um...PM! :-X

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 24, 2014, 06:26:24 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 23, 2014, 09:33:56 pm

Um..um...PM! :-X

Uh, I got nothing from you. Maybe it didn't get sent?
If you have any questions, just ask, here or in PM.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 22, 2014, 02:51:37 am

((I especially want to know what Charles, Stellar, and Roger think, but the general reactions of the rest are also interesting to me.))

[3]
What's different about him since last mission?

Quote from: NAV on July 23, 2014, 12:11:29 pm

"Ow."
Untsar mask, get up, avoid any desperate attacks she makes. She has to bleed to death soon.

You untsar the mask. A weight is immediately lifted off your chest and it gets easier to breathe. Next you pull the knife embedded in your palm out of the dirt, slowly, so as to not further hurt yourself. With both hands injured, getting up is slightly more difficult. Every time you take a breath, every time you move, you feel the needle embedded in your chest moving around, stinging you. Every time you instinctively try to move either of your arms or bend your chest, they hurt, especially the one with the hooks in it.

You get up and look around. A few drops of blood on the ground next to you form a trail of sparse blood stains on the dirt, that lead your eyes to your opponent. She is lying with her back against a nearby tree, her black shirt soaked with blood around the multiple stab wounds on her side. Her eyes are closed and her chest is very slowly rising and falling. As you watch, her tattoos stop producing light and the weapons on your arms do the same, while her hair stop floating, some strands falling in front of her face.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 21, 2014, 09:58:09 pm

HMM. I BETTER FIND AN ADVERSARY TO YELL AT AND POWER UP FURTHER.

Begin searching for a rival!

You begin walking away, ready to look for adventure and-
"NOT SO SOON!" a voice booms from behind you.
You turn to see Master Chief Chef standing up. His face and body is ripped and crushed in places, showing something red and black behind it.
"Prepare to witness... my TRUE FORM!"
He brings his hands to his face and begins pulling, removing the skin to reveal something else underneath. It looks like... giant pyramid-shaped pieces of liver, merged and assembled into a tall stick figure, still bleeding dark semi-coagulated blood. One of its hands is roughly in the shape of a gavel.
It reaches down, picks up one of the chef's helmets lying on the floor and affixes it on the top of its "head".
It then begins laughing maniacally, revealing a black rhombus-shaped gap on its face that you suppose is its mouth-equivalent in the process.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Tiruin on July 24, 2014, 10:39:02 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 24, 2014, 06:26:24 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 23, 2014, 09:33:56 pm

Um..um...PM! :-X

Uh, I got nothing from you. Maybe it didn't get sent?
If you have any questions, just ask, here or in PM.

...My PMs seem to be disappearing lately.
^{I'm being intercepted by owls! D:}

I'll just post it here. :x

---

---

I see some influence on Zoe's side...maybe its my friend?

<River, what does that mean? *pertaining to the interface*>

<Irene! Time is nearing the end. If there's anyway we can forestall anyone from hurting Amelia or otherwise, now would be a good time for planning! This room--and the machinery anyway--must not be damaged! Is there anyway I can render aid?>

Awena, I'm trying to contact my friend on Zoe's side. She seems perturbed. Are you feeling alright?

Converse!

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Xantalos on July 25, 2014, 12:35:40 am

MAYBE YOU HAVEN'T REALIZED MY TRUE POWER! YOUR EDUCATION WILL BE SWITFT AND AGONZING! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Begin pre-battle shouting match.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: NAV on July 25, 2014, 11:05:40 am

"Good fight."

Free my arm, grab my coat and walk away.

Title: Re: Special People: The Core of the Problem
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 26, 2014, 10:44:36 am

Give a tiny little spring, and hop into the air. Quickly morph to a raven as well, and follow my entity through the turns.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2014, 03:11:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 19, 2014, 10:18:58 pm

Irine
Continue the process from the PM

---

Zoe
Reassert yourself! Irine doesn't want to control you, don't let her do it by accident!

Your attack continues. It feels like the fire is guiding you rather than the other way around. The pillar rotates faster and faster, causing wind to pick up inside the room, the pillar acting like a pump, drawing air from all around it, heating it and then pushing it upwards and away. Anything flammable caught in the whirlwind creates more fire which is in turn trapped by your pyrokinetic field, the temperature in it high enough to reignite ashes.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2014, 02:15:34 am

"Huh. Interesting!"

Time to get in on this hot PM action!

You run towards the door as fast as your body and armour will allow you. Which is, unfortunately, not very fast. As wind begins to pick up inside the room, the air becomes hotter and hotter. The parts of your skin that are exposed feel like they're burning. You lungs feel like they're on fire. You won't reach the door in time like this. Not before you're burned to a crisp. So you simply make your best throw, aiming for the hallway, before you fall on the floor exhausted, looking for some cover both from the raging firestorm and from the destruction you are about to unleash.

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 20, 2014, 12:51:05 pm

Ngh, got to keep going.
Another PM

((I think that word (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheWorfBarrage) does not mean what you think it means. But I understand what you mean, so I'll try to do what you mean by all means.))

You focus and make another push. The old metal door starts bending, whining as it scrapes against concrete in ways it was never supposed to move. When the gaps in the door seem large enough, you send another telekinetic wave forward, blasting the door the rest of the way open.

A man is standing on the other side of the door, his knees bent, his body leaning forward, like he was trying to resist a wave or a very strong wind, his arms extended forward and above his head. He's well dressed and old, his face full with greying facial hair. If you'd have to guess you'd say he's from northeastern Europe, probably Russian. He has been lightly injured in places, probably by the metal debris your blast sent out. There's an interface on one of his arms.

Beyond him, there's a medium sized room. Tables full of various computers and tools line its walls. On its centre is a round sphere of machinery with a faint glow coming from a gap leading inside it. There's a single skylight in the metal roof high above.

The man stands upright, his hands still above his head, showing you his palms in an "I surrender" stance, and smiles.
"You should look behind you." he says with an accent that sounds more American than Russian as the blood from his wounds begins branching out into very thin red lines, forming the outlines of hexagons that hover a few centimetres above his skin, while the machines around the room start beeping. You're about to say you aren't going to fall for that, when you hear something hit the concrete some distance behind you. Fearing a telekinetic attack, you turn your head and look.

You squint, trying to see what it is while the bright fiery glow and superheated wind coming from the other room try to blind you. On the other side of the hallway, on the floor, you can make out the outline of a small box. It emits a high pitched noise. It takes about a second for you to realise what it is and start lifting your hands. But by then, it's too late.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 24, 2014, 10:39:02 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 24, 2014, 06:26:24 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 23, 2014, 09:33:56 pm

Um..um...PM! :-X

Uh, I got nothing from you. Maybe it didn't get sent?
If you have any questions, just ask, here or in PM.

...My PMs seem to be disappearing lately.
^{I'm being intercepted by owls! D:}

I'll just post it here. :x

---

---

I see some influence on Zoe's side...maybe its my friend?

<River, what does that mean? *pertaining to the interface*>

<Irene! Time is nearing the end. If there's anyway we can forestall anyone from hurting Amelia or otherwise, now would be a good time for planning! This room--and the machinery anyway--must not be damaged! Is there anyway I can render aid?>

Awena, I'm trying to contact my friend on Zoe's side. She seems perturbed. Are you feeling alright?

Converse!

((Hou! Hou!))

<It means your ally has decided to take control of Zoe. From the looks of it, she seems very focused on something. She may need your help to ensure she remains safe. It doesn't look like she can do anything in this state and she'll probably be weakened afterwards.>

I'm OK. Is your friend doing this? Should I- Awena begins responding, but her thoughts are cut off by Boris.
"I said get back!"
She reluctantly agrees and starts trying to find a way to pull Zoe back. Zoe, for her part, continues to stand there, tense and unmoving, like a statue, which makes moving her a bit more difficult, especially for someone with as little physical strength as Awena. And Zoe is still holding that gun, a fact that makes Awena even more reluctant to approach her given her current state. Despite that, she manages to find enough strength and courage to grab her and start moving her away from the door.

It turns out this was the right thing to do, for a few seconds later, the door bursts open. You cannot see exactly what's going on there, given that the shell of machines surrounding Amelia is in the way, but you can see pieces of the metal door being pushed away.

"You should look behind you." you hear Boris saying, although his accent sounds different. Before Awena can contemplate what that could mean, the machines around the room start beeping. And then there's an explosion.

...

You are not sure how much time passes before your host wakes up. There's dust and debris everywhere around you, limiting your view distance, and yet it is eerily quiet and surprisingly bright. She doesn't feel injured, but her head hurts, like there's something pressing against it from all sides. She searches around for her friend, the fact that she's dizzy forcing her to crawl around. Eventually, she finds her. Zoe's alive but injured. A slab of reinforced concrete has fallen, trapping her left leg.

Awena lightly touches Zoe. "Zoe." Her voice sounds muffled. She tries again, louder. "Zoe!" There is no response.

---

Alarith
There is only pain, followed by darkness.

---

Harry Baldman
You open your eyes and raise your head from the floor. Well, that was definitely a good throw if you've ever seen one. The fire that was killing you moments ago is gone, although the air is still unbearably hot, at least for the moment. As for the site of the explosion, it looks like the wall there has collapsed, leaving a small mound of concrete fragments and twisted rebar mesh. The roof above it has started bending inwards but has not yet collapsed. Still, it looks like your job is not done yet. There's a very bright light coming from behind the cloud of dust the collapse has raised.

You cough a bit. You can taste blood in your mouth.

---

Lenglon
Something hits your body from top to bottom, momentarily breaking your concentration and jolting you back to reality, only to push you into unconsciousness a moment later. The last thing you feel is a sharp pain on your left leg. There is only darkness.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 20, 2014, 03:43:38 pm

Get into the fire-escape door. Look for a phone and use it if there is one. If not, go inside a bit more and try some more doors until I find a phone.

Ah, my host's life depends on a simple, common object in most households. At least, in my previous world, it was.
I hope that's the same case here. Otherwise, I'm screwed.

Oh, hey, look, someone not using PMs. And not using superweapons. That's so last turn. Let's drop a meteor on you to make it even.[/joking]

Your host puts his fingers in the seam and starts pulling, trying to get the door open. With some effort, he succeeds. Beyond the doorway it is a dark hallway. There is a door on his right and another one at the end of the hallway. There's light coming from under the door at the end of the hallway. You can also hear muffled voices and thuds coming from behind it.

---

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 25, 2014, 12:35:40 am

MAYBE YOU HAVEN'T REALIZED MY TRUE POWER! YOUR EDUCATION WILL BE SWITFT AND AGONZING! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Begin pre-battle shouting match.

You prepare for some EXTREME EXORCISM (http://youtu.be/Uzaec2eNxvc)!

---

Quote from: NAV on July 25, 2014, 11:05:40 am

"Good fight."

Free my arm, grab my coat and walk away.

"Yeah, it was OK, I suppose."
You turn around and start walking away. As you do so, the signs of the battle start dissolving into violet fire before disappearing. Which means your arms are now free. At the same time your wounds begin to heal.
"Good thing she likes playing with her food, right?"

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 26, 2014, 10:44:36 am

Give a tiny little spring, and hop into the air. Quickly morph to a raven as well, and follow my entity through the turns.

The change helps move faster, much faster than your entity, however as the flashes of light keep getting brighter and brighter, it gets harder for you to see. At one point, you fail to spot an upcoming turn in time and crash into the tunnel's wall. You manage to turn your body at the last second so that your head doesn't get crushed and you easily reform your broken bones and flesh, however doing so has cost you some time and distance. Meanwhile, your entity has stopped flashing and has instead started becoming darker and darker, a dark cloud forming around him, obscuring him from sight.

"They call me a beast, a being of shadows~"
The tunnel splits up ahead into three paths. The dark cloud divides into three parts, each part following another path.

▓==========================>======================o

---

---

OOC
We can't have a mission without blowing stuff up and everyone dying, it seems.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on July 27, 2014, 03:57:07 pm

Irine
Wake Zoe up

---

Zoe
Wake up

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2014, 05:39:50 pm

<Man, Ike Wayne's made of stern stuff, I'll give him that! Best body I've inhabited yet!>

Check time left if possible.

Then PM. For fun.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 27, 2014, 06:37:47 pm

Quickly return to falcon form, and use my incredibly sharp, bird eyes to see through the smoky material blocking the tunnels. See which one is least obstructed, and go through it.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on July 27, 2014, 07:37:40 pm

-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Begin spinning like a top and perform a ballerina kick of intense force to the liver stickman!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on July 27, 2014, 10:09:32 pm

"Hey, I went easy on her and still won. If I didn't give her that chance, then she wouldn't even stand a chance.
What was her power? I was expecting fire and ice because of the tattoos."
Talk to Violet, and see if I can find anyone else in the staging area.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on July 28, 2014, 01:46:27 am

Hallowed fish. o-o

---

---

That...was unexpected. Awena, Zoe probably can't respond due to the stress on her body. If you will it, I may be able to help lift that thing off her. Such a slab it is.

River, any ideas of what happened? Where is Boris? Where is Amelia?

...Awena, if the worst comes down to worst and we need to carry these people out, may you grant me control enough that I could activate any adrenal response for this emergency?

My knowledge is open to you. I'll try sensing for the rest.

Give ideas to host; mutuality is a go.

Sense around for Irene and Boris'...other. And probably other life forms in the vicinity.
Where is Amelia?
Also converse with River.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on July 28, 2014, 10:14:39 am

((I thought the whole point of the RTD subforum was explosions and death?))

"Hey Zero, this spear... do I get a copy for each mission?  Like if I get blown to a million pieces in one mission, do I lose it forever or no?"

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Alarith on July 28, 2014, 12:40:47 pm

((While it may not have been what I meant, it turned out to be an apt description didn't it.))
Bryan
It turns out I was justified to not work with my team mate, at least he still might have a chance.  I hope it was a worthy sacrifice.  I don't think I can continue but I have to try.  ((I'm assuming that because of how the possession works for this I can still think.))

---

Faron
Wake up?  At least to see what's going on.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on July 28, 2014, 12:59:57 pm

Quote from: Alarith on July 28, 2014, 12:40:47 pm

((While it may not have been what I meant, it turned out to be an apt description didn't it.))
Bryan
It turns out I was justified to not work with my team mate, at least he still might have a chance.  I hope it was a worthy sacrifice.  I don't think I can continue but I have to try.  ((I'm assuming that because of how the possession works for this I can still think.))

---

Faron
Wake up?  At least to see what's going on.

((Based on the first page, I think you died.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Alarith on July 28, 2014, 08:55:53 pm

((It's possible, but assuming that you are talking about how my name is separate from everyone else on the first page, that was there before the turn was posted.  It might mean something, might not.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 31, 2014, 02:49:22 pm

>Move into the building slowly and quietly. Observe where the voices are coming from - hopefully, not from my mind, because that would suggest something far worse. Use the Shadow if you need to in order to make your profile a bit less noticeable - even though you are wearing hospital clothing.

In spite of my recent luck, Zechariah thought to himself, I have a feeling that this is not going to end the way I want it to.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 02, 2014, 10:10:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 27, 2014, 03:57:07 pm

Irine
Wake Zoe up

---

Zoe
Wake up

((Oh, hey, lucky roll.))

There's pain. Then there's light. Everything seems a bit off. It's all a white haze.
"Hey! Are you awake? Can you hear me?"
Your host seems to be awake, but she can only produce a groan in response. There's a lot of pain coming from one of her legs, but it feels disconnected from you.
Her thoughts are distant, but there's something about them. Something you know. Something wrong.

<Good! You're back! I was so worried. I know that was tough and that you must be tired, but you've got to be ready.>
That's strange. You don't feel tired at all.
<Whoever did this is going to attack again. Soon.>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2014, 05:39:50 pm

<Man, Ike Wayne's made of stern stuff, I'll give him that! Best body I've inhabited yet!>

Check time left if possible.

Then PM. For fun.

You get up and start walking, eyeing the semi-collapsed wall and the cloud of dust through your cracked visor. Your entire body aches from the burns and the other forms of abuse it has putt up with so far. Or is it the body of your host? Eh, now is not the time for such metaphysical thoughts.

<Oh, this looks bad. Hope I'm not in trouble.>

Proceed with action?

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 28, 2014, 01:46:27 am

That...was unexpected. Awena, Zoe probably can't respond due to the stress on her body. If you will it, I may be able to help lift that thing off her. Such a slab it is.

River, any ideas of what happened? Where is Boris? Where is Amelia?

...Awena, if the worst comes down to worst and we need to carry these people out, may you grant me control enough that I could activate any adrenal response for this emergency?

My knowledge is open to you. I'll try sensing for the rest.

Give ideas to host; mutuality is a go.

Sense around for Irene and Boris'...other. And probably other life forms in the vicinity.
Where is Amelia?
Also converse with River.

Zoe stirs a bit and groans.
"Hey! Are you awake? Can you hear me?"
She doesn't respond.
Please, do whatever you must! Just help her.
You take control of your host. You then bend your knees, crouching near Zoe. You put your hands under the slab and push it up with all your strength. Even with your best effort and your above average strength, you're only able to lift it no more than a couple of inches off the ground. Still, that's enough to free her leg and that's all that matters.
Zoe unfortunately doesn't take this opportunity to move, for whatever reason. Probably because she hasn't fully regained consciousness yet. You use one of your legs to push a sturdy looking piece of rubble under the slab to hold it up, making sure it doesn't crush her leg again.

<Explosion happened. That's why I don't like modern worlds. Explosives and guns... Swords are better.
Boris is probably not in a very good shape after what happened. He was... close. As for Amelia, we're still here, so that means she's still alive, for now. Not sure in what shape she's in, though.
You may also want to let your teammate know what happened.>

The explosion didn't move you. You're still near the shell of machines surrounding Amelia. Or rather, what's left of it. It has been severely damaged, multicolored wires, pieces of metal and green circuit boards spilled on the ground where the rubble crushed it. She should be in there, somewhere, behind the crushed machines. She has to be. As for the rest, it's hard to see through the dust. Everything gets dark a small distance away from you, although the distance you can see is rapidly increasing as the dust settles.

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 28, 2014, 12:40:47 pm

((While it may not have been what I meant, it turned out to be an apt description didn't it.))
Bryan
It turns out I was justified to not work with my team mate, at least he still might have a chance.  I hope it was a worthy sacrifice.  I don't think I can continue but I have to try.  ((I'm assuming that because of how the possession works for this I can still think.))

---

Faron
Wake up?  At least to see what's going on.

No.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 31, 2014, 02:49:22 pm

>Move into the building slowly and quietly. Observe where the voices are coming from - hopefully, not from my mind, because that would suggest something far worse. Use the Shadow if you need to in order to make your profile a bit less noticeable - even though you are wearing hospital clothing.

In spite of my recent luck, Zechariah thought to himself, I have a feeling that this is not going to end the way I want it to.

Your host falls on the door and presses his head against it. Yes, there's definitely speech coming from behind the door, but you still can't make out what is being said. Whoever is speaking sounds a bit agitated. Your host slowly moves the handle of the door downwards and opens it just enough so that he can-
"HALT!"
He stops, completely unmoving.
"You won't get away that easily!" says someone with a pompous, distorted voice.
"Oh, no!" responds another with an exaggeration of sadness.
"Nobody escapes the Red Defender!"
Your host opens door a bit more and looks through the crack. There's a middle aged man sitting on a folding chair, watching television (The Red Defender and Crimson Boy is on), his back turned on you. The area he is in is some sort of junction or communal area, you're not really sure. It's a bit large and divided in half by a bar on which the television rests. There are various doors around here. The entire place looks either old or in the middle or renovation or somehow both in some places. It's illuminated by a few handheld electric lamps left on sparse boxes and toolboxes acting as tables, their dim light barely reaching the tapestries on the walls.

---

Everybody
<2.6 TUs left>

---

OOC
I'll try to make a turn for the rest tomorrow. Sorry.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 03, 2014, 12:23:47 am

Zechariah felt a twinge of guilt for immediately assuming that the "Red Defender" was obviously some Soviet "Captain America-esque" hero.
His next feeling was homesickness for Earth due to his previous thought.
I really miss Earth and the television shows back home. Sometimes I really wish I could go back and continue my old life without remorse.
Of course, that'll never happen, because I shook Artemis' hand.
Dammit, I make some really bad decisions sometimes.

>Open the door a bit more and look to the left and to the right. Are there any doors (or phones) that are out of the view of that man? If so, move around the edge of the room quietly and try to sneak out one of the doors or take a phone. If not, use the Shadow to manipulate the man's vision and make yourself look and sound like this "Red Defender" person. Tell him that you need to go save the world or something and that you need a phone.

Zechariah mentally facepalmed at how stupid that sounded when he thought about it a second time, but it might just work..
Hopefully.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 03, 2014, 12:41:44 am

Está bueno, señor.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 03, 2014, 07:47:20 am

PM actions are the best actions.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 03, 2014, 08:13:49 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 27, 2014, 06:37:47 pm

Quickly return to falcon form, and use my incredibly sharp, bird eyes to see through the smoky material blocking the tunnels. See which one is least obstructed, and go through it.

It turns out that no matter how good your eyes are, they can't see through solid (or semi-solid in this case) obstacles, at least not without using X-Rays or something similar. Still, you think the one on the right might be best?

You follow the tunnel you chose and the black cloud flying in it for a few seconds with no obstacles in sight. But then the cloud dissipates, leaving nothing in its place. Your entity is nowhere to be found. There's only the glow of the approaching wall of doom behind you to provide you with light. And that wall seems to be approaching even faster now.

After a few more seconds of flying, you reach a point where the tunnel you're in merges with another. You can see your entity flying up ahead again, a great distance away from you, still glowing blue like before.

"Recurring deed their end foreshadows~"
Your entity fires off an orb of blue light in front of it. It expands and forms a ring that attaches itself to the walls of the tunnel. After your entity passes through the ring, lightning bolts start arcing from one side of the ring to the other, forming an electric barrier.

▓===================>=============================o

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 27, 2014, 07:37:40 pm

-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Begin spinning like a top and perform a ballerina kick of intense force to the liver stickman!

You somehow manage to start spinning on one leg like a ballerina. Like the world's slowest, most loud ballerina. The stickman laughs as you scream, your leg very slowly approaching his face.
"HAHAHAHAHA! What do you think this is going to accomplish?"
Your incredibly slow kick finally connects, causing some of his fat to jiggle a bit.
"See? You are completely incapab- OW! OW! You freaking kicked me in the eye! OW! What kind of deranged asshole kicks someone in the eye?"
You do not respond, instead lowering your leg and standing at attention, trying to do your best imitation of karate kid after delivering your sneak attack. It's kind of surprising you manage to keep your balance.
"I'll show you! Prepare to feel great justice!"

---

Quote from: NAV on July 27, 2014, 10:09:32 pm

"Hey, I went easy on her and still won. If I didn't give her that chance, then she wouldn't even stand a chance.
What was her power? I was expecting fire and ice because of the tattoos."
Talk to Violet, and see if I can find anyone else in the staging area.

Well, there was that shapeshifter dude but the earth swallowed him up a couple of minutes ago after he was struck by lightning. That's why you don't anger the titans.

Well, you could always search around for someone. You begin walking around aimlessly, looking at what lies behind the trees, bushes and rocks, at the same time talking to your entity.
"Sure, sure. I'm certain that's what happened." she replies, her voice full of irony. "Yup, keep telling yourself that. But we all saw what really occurred here."
Before you can respond, she speaks again.
"Haha, relax, I'm just messing with you. You did OK.
Anyway, she didn't really have anything special about her. Just those shark teeth, I guess. And the ability to play with those fancy weapons of her, with all those acrobatics. Whips and nunchucks and bolas and other funny stuff like that. Never into that myself. Knives are better. Easier. More my style."
"Indeed, knives are the best. Concealable and efficient but extra bloody and extra painful with only a twist!" someone else interjects, somehow reminding you of an advertiser. You half expect hit to continue, offering you two knives in the price of one.
"Like I was saying, she was always into fancy weapons like that. Liked to drag her victim in so that she could deliver the finishing blow herself. Play with it so that she can get to know it. But what good is learning about someone if you're going to kill them a moment later? And, as you just demonstrated, playing during combat can be dangerous. Not that I never do that, of course, I just-"

Your footsteps bring you close to the waterfall and the caves lining the rock wall there. As you watch a spark appears. And then another. And another. As more and more sparks appear, a circle in the wall starts glowing and receding, like it's being eaten by thermite. Thermite termites? A couple of seconds later, the sparks and the glowing stop and it's like nothing happened. The new cave looks like it has always been there. You can even see some moss growing on one of its walls.

"Oh, a new area. You know what that means."

((Essentially no penalty for exotic weapons like that and a natural weapon. Nothing that really gave her an edge, other than that her weapons had a bit more reach and a bit more versatility but were kind of weaker (less damaging) than yours and were harder to use (things like getting caught under your boot).))

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 28, 2014, 10:14:39 am

((I thought the whole point of the RTD subforum was explosions and death?))

"Hey Zero, this spear... do I get a copy for each mission?  Like if I get blown to a million pieces in one mission, do I lose it forever or no?"

((That's an interesting way of looking at it, sure.))

<The specifications for the modified Conductor Spear's construction have been embedded into you. As long as you exist and no significant alteration occurs to those specifications, any capable party should be able to reconstruct and provide a replacement of the original. Barring significant changes to current circumstances, replacement equipment is more likely to be provided after the conclusion of a challenge.>
That seems like quite a roundabout way of saying something. Reminds you of a lawyer.

---

Ron
You wake up.

Ceiling is white. Bed is comfortable. Everything else is quiet.

A quick glance around reveals that the room is very plain. Just your bed (white metal skeleton, white sheets and a single pillow), a CRT television attached on one of those movable arms on the opposite side of the room and a night-stand on your right that holds a remote. You'd think this was a hospital if it wasn't for the lack of medical equipment. And the walls. Each wall is painted a different colour with a few rather disorienting squiggly lines drawn in them (including the floor and ceiling).

There's a single wooden door out of the room and no windows. The only light comes from a circular fluorescent light hanging from the ceiling.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 03, 2014, 08:23:06 pm

Rune Sighed, or as well as he could, being a bird and all. He reversed directions, and started flying back the way he came. He was mostly just bored with what he was currently doing, but he wondered if the point of this puzzle was to go backwards to catch his entity?

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 03, 2014, 08:55:40 pm

Belch loudly at him when he prepares to attack and then tackle him.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Alarith on August 03, 2014, 09:22:11 pm

Bryan
Contemplate what kind of state Faron would be in after the explosion.  Keep trying to reconnect with his mind.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 04, 2014, 07:14:16 am

Try to open the door and look around.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 04, 2014, 12:15:26 pm

"Uhhh... okay, thanks."

Now... let's test that power.

Use actual power levels for this- no boost from the construction table.  Try to summon that massage chair with minifridge attachment (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4963331;topicseen#msg4963331) that I tried once before.  Compare the time it takes- how much time boost are we talking?  Use techno-sense to verify its construction.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 04, 2014, 03:15:14 pm

Irine
What happened to Boris/Victor?

evaluate the status of Zoe's mind - try to place just what, exactly, is wrong. Simultaniously, attempt to seize any flames that remain in the area - I'm nearly out of power here, and need to take what I can get.

---

Zoe
comon, situational awareness! work through the pain, locate your weapon, and locate your attacker! this fight is nearly over, just last a little longer. Maybe he's going for Amelia next? whatever, just wake up wake up wake up! you need to move move move move move!

become more aware of situation, and maybe take action?

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 07, 2014, 09:17:21 am

((Hey, Tiruin, action please? Otherwise I'll auto you next turn.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 07, 2014, 11:45:06 am

Just recovering from...stuff, here. Sorry for the wait.

---

---

Quote from: Irine on August 04, 2014, 03:15:14 pm

What happened to Boris/Victor?

I have no idea. My first priority is Awena and those she cares about--and by that I mean I did not see Boris anywhere after the...explosion.

I'll check on Amelia. Is your back broken? That's why I can't move you--I'm unsure as to the extent of the damage you took.
...
Though it would be pretty obvious if the back suffered broken spinal injuries as the slab hit the lowerbody instead...

Awena, could you check on the spirits here? I..I'm sorry that I may sound like I'm using you for this --as in 'using'-- but it is my fault that I haven't the time to bond with you deeper. TO know you as who you are instead of how practical I want the situation to be for the both of us.

I will direct my energy towards you. Your choice what to do from here on out. I'll try to sense anything I can from here.

Direct energy to host; leave decision to host; Try to sense any other person or spirit in my close vicinity/proximity.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 08, 2014, 12:30:12 am

"I like hammers the best. And crossbows. Actually, I like most weapons."
Summon a drink (with alcohol). Summon a straw. Drink it with the straw.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2014, 11:28:53 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 03, 2014, 08:55:40 pm

Belch loudly at him when he prepares to attack and then tackle him.

You both charge forward at the same time, punch each other with equal force, both of your fat vibrating from the impact. You both tumble backwards. You land on your feet and your enemy does the same, after doing a backflip.

"AAAAAAARRRGGH!" The stickman prepares to charge again and drop the hammer on you. Literally.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 03, 2014, 08:23:06 pm

Rune Sighed, or as well as he could, being a bird and all. He reversed directions, and started flying back the way he came. He was mostly just bored with what he was currently doing, but he wondered if the point of this puzzle was to go backwards to catch his entity?

You turn around... and fly straight into the wall of electricity following you. A few seconds of being cooked by high voltage current later, you rematerialize in the staging area in your human form. You're laying on the ground somewhere beside the stream, spasms still going through your body.

<I think you might have missed the point of that challenge.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 04, 2014, 12:15:26 pm

"Uhhh... okay, thanks."

Now... let's test that power.

Use actual power levels for this- no boost from the construction table.  Try to summon that massage chair with minifridge attachment (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4963331;topicseen#msg4963331) that I tried once before.  Compare the time it takes- how much time boost are we talking?  Use techno-sense to verify its construction.

You push the button to open the door out of your personal section and out into the staging area proper. Well, it's a nice sunny day out here, like always. What better way to enjoy it then by relaxing and having a beer? You've died a horrible death twice already. Better enjoy what little down time you have before you have to risk your life again, no?

You let yourself fall backwards as your power gets to work. Summoning feels about as hard as before, it still requires the same amount of focus and effort and it still feels kinda hard to merge the three devices into one. Yet it feels easier to focus on assembling the individual parts of the machine. It feels like it's easier for you to work on starting one part of the project at hand while another completes, summoning and assembling more parts in the same amount of time. Like you're overall better at multitasking under certain circumstances. You'd say you're at most about twice as fast compared to before.

The chair is still partially assembling when your body falls in it, the only reason it doesn't collapse being that it is held in place by your ability as it receives its finishing touches. Not that it matters much. To anyone watching, it would look like you just fell and a perfect lawn-chair materialized under you to break your fall, with a fridge following it soon after (the fridge takes a bit more to complete).

Well not completely perfect, there are some tiny flaws in it. It's not perfectly comfortable. But try as you may, you can't figure out where the problem is, even with your special talents. The flaw is probably not very obvious. You try to relax but you can't help wandering what the flaw might be. Every time you think you've forgotten about it your mind returns to it, trying to figure out what went wrong.

...

Aaaahhhrrrrggg! That's gonna drive you crazy now!




As you are twisting around in the chair, trying to get comfortable, a hole appears on the ground near the stream in front of you and spits a man out, his limbs spasming like he's just been tazed.

---

Quote from: NAV on August 08, 2014, 12:30:12 am

"I like hammers the best. And crossbows. Actually, I like most weapons."
Summon a drink (with alcohol). Summon a straw. Drink it with the straw.

<Hah, I bet you're easy to please. Then again, weapons tend to be rather pleasing. Especially big ones. Aaaahh...>

<So, you never told me what you did before I got you here. Did you work with big weapons?>

You summon a mug filled with some kind of warm brown liquid you assume is alcoholic and a straw. You begin drinking it through the straw-opening in your gas mask (mmm.... doesn't taste that bad) while getting ready to welcome the new meat.

Ah, and here he comes now.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 04, 2014, 07:14:16 am

Try to open the door and look around.

You get up and press the handle, pulling the door backwards. It opens with a squeak, revealing a small tunnel beyond. It is slightly damp and you can see moss growing on its walls. There's light coming from the other end.

You follow the tunnel until you reach its end. Beyond the entrance, you can see large trees growing out of mostly rocky, mountainous ground and mostly clear blue skies. You can hear water falling somewhere nearby.

Standing there is someone wearing a long green coat, heavy boots and a gas mask with cracked mirror lenses. He's holding a mug with some sort of warm liquid in it and drinking out of it with a straw. You don't know why, but you get the feeling he's looking at you and smiling.

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 03, 2014, 12:23:47 am

Zechariah felt a twinge of guilt for immediately assuming that the "Red Defender" was obviously some Soviet "Captain America-esque" hero.
His next feeling was homesickness for Earth due to his previous thought.
I really miss Earth and the television shows back home. Sometimes I really wish I could go back and continue my old life without remorse.
Of course, that'll never happen, because I shook Artemis' hand.
Dammit, I make some really bad decisions sometimes.

>Open the door a bit more and look to the left and to the right. Are there any doors (or phones) that are out of the view of that man? If so, move around the edge of the room quietly and try to sneak out one of the doors or take a phone. If not, use the Shadow to manipulate the man's vision and make yourself look and sound like this "Red Defender" person. Tell him that you need to go save the world or something and that you need a phone.

Zechariah mentally facepalmed at how stupid that sounded when he thought about it a second time, but it might just work..
Hopefully.

The room does have a phone, but it is some sort of payphone on the other side of the room, to the left of the TV. Even if your host could reach it without being seen, he'd need to find some money to operate it.

He tries to sneak towards one of the doors with all the grace and quietness of a drunken elephant dancing tarantella, but despite that, the man remains absorbed to whatever the TV is showing, only flinching when static causes the image to disappear for half a second. Perhaps he is transfixed by the Red Defender's fight with his arch-nemesis, Dr Topper, and the banter they exchange while doing so.

He stumbles through a door at random and end up in a room the size of a large closet. It's dark, the only light coming from the half open door. And what luck, there is a telephone here!... sort of. It's some kind of ancient telephone switching board. It's made of wood and is full of plastic sockets with small light-bulbs over them. There's a telephone handset hanging from one side and a rotary dial on the other side. He should be able to make a call here... assuming he can figure out how this thing works before collapsing. And assuming this thing is still connected to the network. And assuming nobody finds him until then.

---

Quote from: Alarith on August 03, 2014, 09:22:11 pm

Bryan
Contemplate what kind of state Faron would be in after the explosion.  Keep trying to reconnect with his mind.

Well, he was tough. But an explosion happened. That's always bad, no matter how tough you are. And to make matters worse, you were in control when the explosion happened. That means that his body was probably somehow influenced by yours, which could mean any number of things, depending on how exactly this deep sync thing works.

You're not in control anymore, you can tell as much by the fact that you aren't unconscious. That must mean that his body is his own again. Whether that's for better or for worse, you don't know. And there is no way for you to learn, for you seem to be unable to get anything from him at the moment.

There are a lot of things you don't know, now that you think about it.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 04, 2014, 03:15:14 pm

Irine
What happened to Boris/Victor?

evaluate the status of Zoe's mind - try to place just what, exactly, is wrong. Simultaniously, attempt to seize any flames that remain in the area - I'm nearly out of power here, and need to take what I can get.

---

Zoe
comon, situational awareness! work through the pain, locate your weapon, and locate your attacker! this fight is nearly over, just last a little longer. Maybe he's going for Amelia next? whatever, just wake up wake up wake up! you need to move move move move move!

become more aware of situation, and maybe take action?

It takes you a few more seconds to figure out what, exactly, is wrong with her mind, mostly because you can't feel her mind as strongly as before. It feels like the presence you felt earlier, when you entered the shell around Amelia. Only it's stronger now and in Zoe's mind. It is simply there, almost imperceptible and not doing anything as far as you can tell. But the problem with intruders is that you never know when they're going to try something. Zoe hasn't figured out something is wrong yet, probably because her pain overshadows the subtle pressure in her head and the few foreign thoughts and feelings that accompany it. Only you are alert enough to notice it.

You try to re-establish your partial influence on Zoe so that you can use your ability again. You succeed, but your ability now feels as far away and as disconnected from you as Zoe's mind. Better hope whatever is influencing her won't influence you.
You blindly try to draw all fire from the surrounding area towards you, creating streams of pyrokinetic force, but nothing happens. Maybe there are no fires around or maybe you miscalculated their position. Either way, it looks like you have no fire you can use.

Zoe slowly becomes more aware of her surroundings. The moment she remembers why she's here and what's going on she quickly tries pushing herself up. She is rewarded for her efforts by another jolt of pain from her leg, which causes her to collapse on the floor once more. Instead she simply crawls forward a bit and looks around.

You're surrounded by a fog of brightness that is quickly dissipating, revealing only darkness beyond. There are concrete debris everywhere around you, some large and some small. Everything is quiet. For a moment Zoe believes she's not even in the same room anymore.

A trail of blood begins from her leg and leads to a particularly large slab of concrete. Bone probably crushed. Multiple fractures., she thinks, the knowledge of medicine coming to her naturally. Moderate bleeding. Need to stop it. This is probably going to require surgery to heal properly. But some bandages could help.

Awena is standing beside her, looking at Zoe with a look of relief in her face.
She can also see Amelia, barely visible through the fog and debris. She is unhurt and there are no debris around her. Whatever caused the collapse has left her unharmed, even though the machines around her have been crushed and destroyed.

Probably an explosion. I need to protect myself. And Amelia. She thinks she must have been holding her gun when the explosion happened...? Everything is a bit fuzzy from that time. So maybe the gun was thrown- That train of thought comes to an abrupt stop as her mind becomes blank and a split second later she begins searching for alternatives. Who else had a gun? The guards, sure, but there wasn't anyone around here. Wait! Boris! Boris had a gun! He was here! If she can get to him... Wait, where was he again?

She's about to ask Awena when there's a thud and a small cloud of dust rises beside her. You can see a flash of memory in her mind, sniper attack at her medical tent, as she instinctively rolls behind a slab of concrete. More thuds and pings follow as bullets hit concrete and metal, sounding incredibly loud in the silence that surrounds you. Awena falls beside you, her shirt bloody near the left part of her abdomen. Zoe tries to drag her to cover but she is hit again, this time on her right shoulder.

Just as abruptly as they started, the bullets stop coming a few moments later.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 07, 2014, 11:45:06 am

Quote from: Irine on August 04, 2014, 03:15:14 pm

What happened to Boris/Victor?

I have no idea. My first priority is Awena and those she cares about--and by that I mean I did not see Boris anywhere after the...explosion.

I'll check on Amelia. Is your back broken? That's why I can't move you--I'm unsure as to the extent of the damage you took.
...
Though it would be pretty obvious if the back suffered broken spinal injuries as the slab hit the lowerbody instead...

Awena, could you check on the spirits here? I..I'm sorry that I may sound like I'm using you for this --as in 'using'-- but it is my fault that I haven't the time to bond with you deeper. TO know you as who you are instead of how practical I want the situation to be for the both of us.

I will direct my energy towards you. Your choice what to do from here on out. I'll try to sense anything I can from here.

Direct energy to host; leave decision to host; Try to sense any other person or spirit in my close vicinity/proximity.

You return control of her body to your host and once again return to being an observer.

Your host looks around. Zoe seems to be getting better. Sort of. She's crawling forward and looking around, definitely more aware of her surroundings than before. Awena sighs a sigh of relief.

As for the rest of the area... You can see Amelia behind some rubble. She and the crystal beside her are completely unhurt, as far as you can tell. There's something red and white there besides her.

Still, something feels wrong to Awena. She takes another look around, just to make sure. She thinks she can see shadows moving around there, shadows of angular multilimbed and multijointed things jumping across the rubble, like someone has put their hands in front of a flashlight. Most of them are moving around Amelai. But one of the shadows is coming towards Awena.

She takes a step back and the shadow stops. Something pointy extends from the shadow and starts moving rhythmically towards somewhere. It takes Awena a second to realize that the shadow is pointing at something. She looks but all she can see is rubble and after that only darkness.

Before she has a chance to realize what that could mean, there's a very loud thud somewhere besides her. At the same time, a ring of color appears at the point of darkness she was looking at. A moment later, she feels pain on her abdomen, like someone just hit her there with a dozen needles. She falls backwards, more out of surprise than out of pain, breathless from surprise. This is followed by more pain, this time coming from her right shoulder.

Awena is still breathing and still conscious but she's in shock from the pain and surprise.

---

---

OOC

Quote from: Tiruin on August 07, 2014, 11:45:06 am

Just recovering from...stuff, here. Sorry for the wait.

Sorry. As you can see from how long it took me to write this, I don't have much free time myself. But the sooner I can start writing this, the sooner I can finish.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 10, 2014, 11:32:16 am

"Nah. It just got boring. When does the next mission start, perchance?"

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 10, 2014, 02:54:36 pm

Irine
Wait and mentally prepare

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 10, 2014, 03:20:26 pm

"So, whatchu want wit me, Haz, betta speak while ya still gotta head. Dis is Gene turf now, Haz, beat it!"

Measure the Haz up, see if he's going to do anything

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Alarith on August 10, 2014, 05:18:23 pm

Hmm, not much else to do but wait and think.  Foolish of me to not check for explosives, I'm going to have to get use to dishonorable tactics.
Sit down if I can, and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 10, 2014, 06:42:22 pm

Summon and fire a lounge chair at him!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 10, 2014, 08:39:05 pm

"I was a caravan guard. Had to deal with people like this all the time."

Finish the drink. Drop the straw and crush it beneath my boot. Size up the new guy.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 11, 2014, 10:06:22 am

John twitched again, trying to find the perfect spot.  "Welcome!  Looks like you had a bit of trouble."


Is the minifridge stocked?  If not, can I summon some beers?  Otherwise, look again for that blasted flaw.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 13, 2014, 02:37:34 pm

Well...
..
..
It's.. it's a phone, I guess. If it works, I'm not complaining.

>No influence. He should know what to do from here.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 13, 2014, 02:40:08 pm

PM, but a courtesy post has to be made regardless.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 13, 2014, 02:40:48 pm

((Mr. Baldman is nothing if not courteous.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 13, 2014, 07:31:56 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 10, 2014, 11:32:16 am

"Nah. It just got boring. When does the next mission start, perchance?"

"We'll decide about a new challenge once the others are back. They're still on that other mission, isolated."
He flies on a tree opposite to you and starts cleaning his feathers with his beak.
"He says we need to give everyone of us the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas about the next challenge.
He says it shouldn't be more than a couple of minutes until the others are back. Then again, time doesn't work the same here. So it might seem longer or shorter than that to you."

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 10, 2014, 03:20:26 pm

"So, whatchu want wit me, Haz, betta speak while ya still gotta head. Dis is Gene turf now, Haz, beat it!"

Measure the Haz up, see if he's going to do anything.

You keep staring at the man opposite to you, trying to look intimidating, and he does the same. Or at least you think he does. Can't really see his eyes behind the lenses of his gas mask.

He finishes drinking from his mug, noisily sucking some air along with the last drops of liquid. He then drops the straw and steps on it with his boot, twisting his foot like he's putting out a cigarette, all the while not taking his lenses off of you. It feels like a silent threat.

Judging from his looks, he's probably not as strong as you. There are no visible weapons on him. And yet he's not backing off, he doesn't look afraid... Maybe he has some other kind of advantage, something that allows him to be this confident?

Quote from: NAV on August 10, 2014, 08:39:05 pm

"I was a caravan guard. Had to deal with people like this all the time."

Finish the drink. Drop the straw and crush it beneath my boot. Size up the new guy.

<Oooh, that's interesting. I like that. Lucky me. Maybe I should get you in a simulation. See how well you work.
So that means you got into a lot of fights? With people trying to steal from you or "tax" you?>

Well, he looks buff in a bodybuilder kind of way, large and strong, stronger than you. You wouldn't want to be anywhere near his arms. He's got tattoos that all share the same motif and symbols. But other than that, he looks normal, a normal human.

Then again, just because someone looks normal doesn't mean he is. He could have laser eyes or something. But assuming you're careful and smart and he isn't absurdly powerful, you could probably take him down.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 10, 2014, 06:42:22 pm

Summon and fire a lounge chair at him!

You point at the stickman. Nothing happens. And then you're hit by a hammer and embedded in a wall.
This feels familiar...

If the staging area wasn't protecting you, this would probably be very painful, if not fatal.

"HAHAHAHAHA! DO YOU ACCEPT YOUR DEFEAT, HUMAN WEAKLING?"

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 11, 2014, 10:06:22 am

John twitched again, trying to find the perfect spot.  "Welcome!  Looks like you had a bit of trouble."

Is the minifridge stocked?  If not, can I summon some beers?  Otherwise, look again for that blasted flaw.

The minifridge is, unfortunately, not stocked. Do you want try using your power to summon beers or just modify the staging area so that there are beers in your fridge?

---

---

Quote from: Alarith on August 10, 2014, 05:18:23 pm

Hmm, not much else to do but wait and think.  Foolish of me to not check for explosives, I'm going to have to get use to dishonorable tactics.
Sit down if I can, and wait.

Waiting intensifies. Also, hard to sit down when you have no body.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 13, 2014, 02:37:34 pm

Well...
..
..
It's.. it's a phone, I guess. If it works, I'm not complaining.

>No influence. He should know what to do from here.

Your host sits in the chair when he is confronted with the question of who he should call. He hadn't considered that before. All he was focused on was getting help, but now he realizes there's probably no-one he can call. He can't call his contact, that would only put his friend in further danger... if they haven't arrested him already. He knows a few safehouses but they are not usually staffed. Even if they were, he wouldn't know their numbers by heart. If they even have telephones. And on a night like this... No, he needs something else. Someone else who could help.

He sits there on the operator's chair and rests his head on his arms. He goes through his mental list of contacts, trying to remember who else could help him. Not an easy thing to do when you're dying. His mind drifts and he finds himself thinking about all sorts of other things. His life before the war. His future if he survives, now that he is a fugitive. How his comrades are faring. How the Red Defender is going to escape Dr Topper's trap. His car. His equipment.

...

His equipment! The jammer! He got it from a courier, working for his contact. He still remembers his number. If he's lucky, he'll answer the phone. He'll be kind enough to help. Yes, he has nothing to lose by trying. He plugs the handset in one of the plugs near the rotary dial and flips a few switches experimentally, until he gets a dial tone.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 10, 2014, 02:54:36 pm

Irine
Wait and mentally prepare

---

Zoe
No Influence

Your host takes advantage of the lull in the shooting to drag Awena to cover. Awena whines but does not otherwise react. She remains there, eyes closed, her face and body tense with pain.

Zoe lifts her shirt and make a quick examination of her wounds. Surprisingly, they are not that severe, despite what the blood and Awena's reaction made her fear. The bullets have hit nothing vital and even the bleeding isn't that severe, mostly because they failed to penetrate more than her skin. The projectiles embedded in her will cause some pain and damage though, until they are removed. But there are more important things to consider now.
"You'll be fine. It's nothing serious. Just stay calm and stay in cover."

Zoe doesn't wait to see if Awena understands that. She immediately starts crawling towards Amelia, making her way around the debris surrounding her, careful to stay in cover, trying not to move her injured leg too much. She's almost there, approaching the crystal when she notices something. A glint of well polished metal on the floor a few meters away from her, on the side opposite the door. Not her gun but Boris' gun. The question of how it got there, on the side of the room opposite to the door, does not stay in her mind for long. She immediately starts crawling towards it.

But less than a second later, she can hear footsteps coming from the side of the room the door was in. She can hear them very clearly in the silence that surrounds her. Boots on concrete.

Tiruin
Awena feels hands grabbing her, dragging her. The movement makes pain shoot through her abdomen and shoulder. She whimpers in response. Someone lifts her shirt and touches her near her wounds, causing more pain.
"You'll be fine. It's nothing serious. Just stay calm and stay in cover." she hears someone say a couple of seconds later as her shirt is lowered.
The words are little comfort for someone who has never been shot before, someone who has never felt that much pain and fear before. She heeds them regardless, staying still, trying to calm down.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 13, 2014, 07:35:52 pm

Alan coughs.
You are indeed a formidable opponent, liver stickman! But I shall never give in! In fact, because you've shown me such guts in insulting me so by implying I'd give up, I will

(https://he2etic.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/hugeguts.jpg)

Kick the hammer off me and perform the above.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 13, 2014, 08:07:31 pm

Irine
I have to trust Zoe's sense of tactics here.
Same as last time, be ready.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 13, 2014, 09:21:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 13, 2014, 07:31:56 pm

The minifridge is, unfortunately, not stocked. Do you want try using your power to summon beers or just modify the staging area so that there are beers in your fridge?

Why not both?

Minifridge is staging-stocked.  Also summon a foam dome (http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdlyfuNulp1qa934fo1_1280.png), complete with beers.

"So, other Entity I don't know, what's up with the next challenge then?"

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 13, 2014, 09:22:24 pm

AHHH

. . .
Awena?. . . Awena?
Are you alright?
I...was shocked back there. I didn't know how to respond.
...I felt that.
Focus on my voice. The pain is just an indicator of a danger. You're alive. Take deep breaths.

Channel energy into host.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 14, 2014, 12:33:40 am

Not out of the clear yet, but we're getting there..

..We're getting there.

>No influence.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 14, 2014, 06:45:23 am

PM FTW

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2014, 07:10:24 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 13, 2014, 07:35:52 pm

Alan coughs.
You are indeed a formidable opponent, liver stickman! But I shall never give in! In fact, because you've shown me such guts in insulting me so by implying I'd give up, I will

(https://he2etic.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/hugeguts.jpg)

Kick the hammer off me and perform the above.

The stickman pulls the hammer back, ready to strike again.
You are indeed a formidable oppon-
*thud*
liver stickman! But I shall nev-
*thud*
give in! In fact, because you've sh-
*thud*
me such guts in insulting me so by implyi-

The final hammering is strong enough to push you through the wall and upwards a few dozen meters towards the sky and away from your opponent.
Yeah! That's right! Run away, coward!

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 13, 2014, 09:21:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 13, 2014, 07:31:56 pm

The minifridge is, unfortunately, not stocked. Do you want try using your power to summon beers or just modify the staging area so that there are beers in your fridge?

Why not both?

Minifridge is staging-stocked.  Also summon a foam dome (http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdlyfuNulp1qa934fo1_1280.png), complete with beers.

"So, other Entity I don't know, what's up with the next challenge then?"

You summon a foam dome, just the way you wanted it. It keeps your beer cool and your head comfortable. After stocking it with some beers from your fridge, it's ready for use.
((And thanks for teaching me how that strange beer hat thing is called, by the way.))

The crow stops cleaning its feathers and turns its head to look at you with one eye.
"Are you talking to me?"
It opens its wings and jumps from the branch it was sitting on, gliding its way towards you.
"What exactly do you want to know about? How we choose?"

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 14, 2014, 06:45:23 am

PM FTW

((Speech roll? Speech roll. *rolls* Hm. *rolls again* Ha! *rolls a third time* Haha!))

"You know I’m bad.
Just last week, I murdered a rock,
Injured a stone, hospitalized a brick.
I’m so mean, I make medicine sick."

To punctuate that statement you punch the cliff face next to you. Or at least you try. You somehow end up completely messing up the punch and spend the next few seconds hopping up and down while holding your hand and grunting.

<Yeah, he's bad all right. Just not in the way he means it.>

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 14, 2014, 12:33:40 am

Not out of the clear yet, but we're getting there..

..We're getting there.

>No influence.

Your host dials the number. The phone rings for some time until someone answers. You can hear the click of the phone call being answered but only silence follows that.

He tries to speak. A wheezing noise comes out of his throat instead of speech. He had never tried to speak during all this time. He hadn't realized how bad he was until he heard himself try to speak. He coughs a bit, trying to clear his throat.

"Who is it? What do you want?" the voice of a woman suddenly comes through the speaker.
"Help." his voice comes with some difficulty. "I need help."
"I'm sorry, but we can't help you."
"No, wait!"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 13, 2014, 08:07:31 pm

Irine
I have to trust Zoe's sense of tactics here.
Same as last time, be ready.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Zoe decides to keep crawling towards the gun. Without use of her leg, there's no way she can protect Amelia with her bare hands. The sound of footsteps keeps approaching her.

She manages to reach the pistol just seconds before the sound of a gunshot is heard, deafeningly loud in the silence. Her already injured leg is filled with pain once more. She fights back the pain and manages to roll into cover. Her leg has been even more horribly mangled now and is bleeding heavily. She's going to need to stop the bleeding as soon as possible.

Assuming she survives. She can hear her attacker coming closer. Zoe flips the safety off and gets ready to fire, knowing that her attacker is probably doing the same.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 13, 2014, 09:22:24 pm

AHHH

. . .
Awena?. . . Awena?
Are you alright?
I...was shocked back there. I didn't know how to respond.
...I felt that.
Focus on my voice. The pain is just an indicator of a danger. You're alive. Take deep breaths.

Channel energy into host.

You can hear footsteps, coming your way. Awena stays in cover, lying down with her back against a piece of concrete, standing still, trying to calm down.

The footsteps stop. There's a click followed by a gunshot. Awena has to hold her breath to stop herself from screaming. Somewhere further away, she can hear Zoe emit something between a whimper and a groan.

The footsteps resume, coming ever closer.

<No! He is going to hurt you! Don't let him hurt you! Kill him! Slice his throat!> your entity shouts, his voice angry and with a hint of fear.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 15, 2014, 03:21:46 pm

Irine
Zoe, please, please don't miss.
Be ready

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2014, 03:34:33 pm

Well, clandestine PMs come in all shapes and colors, some got lost in the past. But this PM here is a smart one, started living for the-uh, well, it probably got sent, anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 15, 2014, 03:43:09 pm

"I think he's the wrong kind of special. Can't wait to go on a challenge with this guy."

Materialize a bottle of that drink. Roll it to the Gene as a peace offering.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2014, 04:02:05 pm

Into the air, eh? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIH0PvqGAh8)

((Start at around 3 minutes in))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 17, 2014, 03:53:38 pm

Irene...do something. Anything. Whoever we're fighting is armed with...something that the guards Boris were wielding.

I will...try my best to distract him.

Awena, I give you my strength. We must lure whoever is out there into the melee. Ignore the pain. Pain reminds you that you are alive. That you can still fight. Move up towards a doorway and synchronize with my sight. Throw a rock or make a noise to catch their attention.

I will not let you die.

Irene. Please respond. This takes no time. It is at the speed of thought.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 17, 2014, 03:57:04 pm

Drink the drink, then throw it at his face

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 17, 2014, 04:14:41 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 17, 2014, 03:53:38 pm

Irene...do something. Anything. Whoever we're fighting is armed with...something that the guards Boris were wielding.

I will...try my best to distract him.

Awena, I give you my strength. We must lure whoever is out there into the melee. Ignore the pain. Pain reminds you that you are alive. That you can still fight. Move up towards a doorway and synchronize with my sight. Throw a rock or make a noise to catch their attention.

I will not let you die.

Irene. Please respond. This takes no time. It is at the speed of thought.

((How am i supposed to respond to an internal monologue?))

((You had me confused because you aren't denoting how you're communcating. there's no quotation marks, no angle brackets, no in-text explanations, so I've been assuming you've been talking to yourself.))

<BUSY!>

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 17, 2014, 05:20:53 pm

No, don't lose it yet!

>Calmly, with brevity, explain your situation. Explain that this is a life or death scenario and if you don't get help soon, someone may die. Don't tell them how you ended up in this situation, just that you're gravely wounded and need attention now.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 18, 2014, 02:55:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2014, 07:10:24 am

The crow stops cleaning its feathers and turns its head to look at you with one eye.
"Are you talking to me?"
It opens its wings and jumps from the branch it was sitting on, gliding its way towards you.
"What exactly do you want to know about? How we choose?"

"Yeah, you.  How do you folks pick the next challenge?"

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2014, 06:00:27 am

((I'm going to take Tiruin's speech as an action so that I can start writing a turn so that we can finally finish this mission. You have until I finish writing it to post an action that says otherwise.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 06:05:44 am

((...I didn't modify in a bolded statement :X Sorry Paris! That is my action!
...Sorry :S))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2014, 07:57:20 am

Quote from: NAV on August 15, 2014, 03:43:09 pm

"I think he's the wrong kind of special. Can't wait to go on a challenge with this guy."

Materialize a bottle of that drink. Roll it to the Gene as a peace offering.

You make a bottle of that warm brown booze in your hand.
"Here! Peace booze. Peace booooooze! Peace booze gooooood!" you speak slowly and loudly, with exaggerated hand gestures and pointing, before rolling the bottle to the new guy.

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 17, 2014, 03:57:04 pm

Drink the drink, then throw it at his face.

You drink the booze. It's sweet and warm, not really how you'd expect booze to feel. But it has alcohol in it, you can taste it. You drink the whole thing in one go and it doesn't even make you light-headed.

After the drinking is done, you throw the bottle to the other guy. He seems too surprised to react as the bottle goes right for his head. The bottle impacts with great speed, shattering to many pieces. He stumbles backwards from the hit but doesn't fall.

"Hey! That's not nice! Be nice!" you hear the voice of a little boy coming from besides you. "Why did you do that? He was just trying to be friendly!"

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 18, 2014, 02:55:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2014, 07:10:24 am

The crow stops cleaning its feathers and turns its head to look at you with one eye.
"Are you talking to me?"
It opens its wings and jumps from the branch it was sitting on, gliding its way towards you.
"What exactly do you want to know about? How we choose?"

"Yeah, you.  How do you folks pick the next challenge?"

He glides until he reaches you and flies a small circle around your head.

"Oh, theoretically it's rather simple. We get all our avatars together, each makes a suggestion in order of seniority (if they have a suggestion to make), then talk and talk some more until we all decide what we want. Usually by vote, if we can't reach consensus."

He lands on top of your hat, hitting you with a small gust of wind in the process. He's a bit heavy, but not uncomfortably so.

"There are some rules of course. There always are. For example, you can't propose a mission on a world belonging to one of us without the Owner's permission, if the Owner does not participate in the Games. That wouldn't really be fair, would it?"

He bends his body to look at you with in the eye with one of its black eyes. It's kind of unnerving to have his beak so close to your eyes.

"The same curtsey is not offered to those poor poor Outsiders though." he adds with some mock sadness, flailing his wings about a bit in an exaggerated manner. "And while we are deciding, we are... sort of locked out from the rest of the outside world. So that nobody tries to get smart, modify their world to make the challenge harder or easier. And after we choose, the world the challenge takes place becomes locked, for the same reason. Well, not fully locked, that would be terribly expensive and bad for some things in that world. But locked enough it makes it hard enough to get something through undetected without using the Players. And saying some things to the players is usually forbidden, so that doesn't happen often. Sometimes we may even be forced to remove some or all of the proceedings from memory to ensure that nobody gets knowledge they aren't supposed to. I'm saddened when that happens though, some of the arguing is pretty funny. And informative."
 
He stops looking at you and emits a caw.

"Of course that doesn't prevent us from making 'behind the scenes' discussions, having some people decide what to vote or how to act beforehand."

"Once a suggestion for a Challenge is made, we discuss it a little bit. Try to find the one that works the best. Make suggestions to improve it. Work out what the reward should be. Decide if and  how we're going to observe the challenge. We can voice objections. But all those are mostly meaningless. The one who proposes the Challenge is responsible for organizing it and has the final say for all aspects. With one exception. "

He flies down to the fridge next to you and looks at you again.

"If a Challenge takes place in the world of someone other than the Issuer and we decide to do that challenge, then the Owner of that world can use his Veto. The Proposer and the Owner then must find a compormise. If that doesn't work, then the collective must reach a consensus about what the compromise should be. If that doesn't work, then we vote. And if THAT doesn't work then the challenge is removed from consideration and we are forced to choose another one. But I've never seen that last one happen yet. Then again, I haven't been in the Games from the start. Another might know."

"Of course, like always, the rules aren't absolute. If we all agree beforehand, we can decide to ignore some of them. For example, in your previous mission, he gave you this thing" he hits your spear with his beak a couple of times, causing it to produce dull metal ringing sound "thus breaking the 'World stays locked' rule. They thought it would be safer that way, not giving you the spears beforehand, in case you were captured."

"But if one breaks the rules and we find out... well, it won't be very pleasant for the rule breaker."

He caws a couple of times and bobs his head up and down.

<So, in short, imagine a bunch of children sitting in a locked room, trying to decide what game they'll have their dolls play, based on a loose set of rules that aren't always adhered to, depending on the whims of the collective.>

<You make it sound so misleadingly simple.>

<Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean it isn't true.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 15, 2014, 04:02:05 pm

Into the air, eh? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIH0PvqGAh8)

((Start at around 3 minutes in))

Quote from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIH0PvqGAh8

This video contains content from BBTV_SonyPictures, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.
Sorry about that.

But I assume you meant this (http://youtu.be/glsUlacDN7Q?t=6m).
Uhhh... Yet I do not understand what exactly you mean by that. So time for interpretation.

You point your hands behind you and summon an extra large couch. Its cloth cover acts like a parachute, slowing it down. Your feet touch it, bend and then you jump. You jump forward and downwards. Back to the field of battle.

But you're still falling and you're not yet close enough. So you summon more couches, shooting them in front of you. You jump from couch to couch like a frog hops from water lilly to water lily, making your way closer to your enemy with each leap. You are right above the target building now.

Bombardment with a small stream of washing machines serves as a battering ram with which to demolish the roof. A tiny fly swatter shall be the weapon with which to smite your enemy. And, finally, to break your fall, you summon a... nothing. You try again. Still nothing.

A thought akin to "oh crap" goes through your mind as you fall through the hole in the roof. Not an exclamation of fear or anger, merely a thought, two words reflexively appearing in the mind of someone who has been screwed over by the gods of luck time and time again. A thought you can see reflected in the face of your enemy a few milliseconds before you smash into him with terminal velocity. With both meanings of the word terminal.

...

You're not really sure what happened next, how the Staging Area chose to protect you. Even though there was no pain, there was a lot of white and black, many things touching you and much spinning around and general confusion. All you know is that what feels a few seconds later, you find yourself lying in a small Alan-shaped crater, looking at the sky as the building you were in collapses around you.

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 17, 2014, 05:20:53 pm

No, don't lose it yet!

>Calmly, with brevity, explain your situation. Explain that this is a life or death scenario and if you don't get help soon, someone may die. Don't tell them how you ended up in this situation, just that you're gravely wounded and need attention now.

"I'm bleeding! I am going to die if-"
"Like I said, can't help you, we're not a hospital."
"I can't go to a hospital!"
"Listen man, we've got our own problems, we can't-"
She pauses for a second.
"None of your business! Just stay there!" you hear her yelling, not talking to your host.
"There is a man there with you! He knows me! He made a delivery to me two months ago. Tell him it's the man from The Sunrise!"
There is more silence and the sound of something being dragged against her microphone.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 17, 2014, 03:53:38 pm

Irene...do something. Anything. Whoever we're fighting is armed with...something that the guards Boris were wielding.

I will...try my best to distract him.

Awena, I give you my strength. We must lure whoever is out there into the melee. Ignore the pain. Pain reminds you that you are alive. That you can still fight. Move up towards a doorway and synchronize with my sight. Throw a rock or make a noise to catch their attention.

I will not let you die.

Irene. Please respond. This takes no time. It is at the speed of thought.

Awena hesitates for a second. She gets up and tries to run away. She can feel the bullet fragments biting her flesh as she moves.

There is a flash of light and a loud bang coming from behind her. The noise echoes, like lightning has just struck.

She reaches a point that looks like a doorway (or what's left of one anyway) and hides behind it. As she reaches down to pick up a piece of rubble, you momentarily take control. Her pain becomes your own. Now you can feel the wounds as if they were on your flesh. You ignore the pain and instead focus on the throw.

You get out from behind the doorway, just enough to catch a glimpse of your attacker.
He has the overall shape of a human, but he looks more like some sort of demon. A head made of metal painted dull green. A face made of black plastic, with two large plastic cylinders for a mouth. Two human eyes hiding behind cracked glass. A body covered in singed dark green fabric, with burnt and bleeding flesh visible under it, in the places the fabric does not cover. White things like cracked marble showing through the holes in the fabric on his chest. Feet made of slightly melted plastic. A large black thing, similar to the weapons the guards were wielding but larger and more cylinder shaped hanging from his shoulder by a sling. And fire floating a few meters in front of him.

You throw the rock and get back into cover before you can see whether or not he took the bait. Half a second later you hear a metal ringing, like your rock just hit a metal pot. You ready your knife.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2014, 03:21:46 pm

Irine
Zoe, please, please don't miss.
Be ready

---

Zoe
No Influence

Zoe hears a click, following by something metal falling to the ground. Before she can think about what that means, she sees a blur flying over her head and then there is only light and dizziness. Her ears hurt and she can only hear a ringing noise.
Nonono, this can't happen now!
She tries to get better by sheer willpower. Unfortunately, the human body doesn't work like that. But there is nothing else she can do.
So she is left blindly crawling away from her position, trying to get some distance between her and her attacker. She needs more time to recover if she is going to face him.

Her sight is slowly returning.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 19, 2014, 09:53:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2014, 07:57:20 am

((EDIT: Just remembered that you said you had some sort of eye surgery or something? So I spoilered the normal text and put it in code so as not to strain your eyes, since my colour choices for their speech are not that good.))

LASIK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK) to fix nearsightedness.  Recovery is surprisingly fast; I could drive the next day.  I'm good for reading forums, though I do appreciate the gesture.

---

John nodded slowly.  "Fair enough, I guess.  I take it us "guests" have no real say in it?*  Not that I blame you, really."


This area needs some more tasteful decoration.  How about a nice decorative fountain?  Maybe a lovely stone path.


((*IC, not OOC))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2014, 12:07:47 pm

...
...
My host's fate lies in the hands of other people.
Please, do not fail me now, Fortune.

>_
No influence.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 19, 2014, 12:11:10 pm

Umm, what was that noise, nevermind that, time to mess up a Haz. "You done it now, betta run, 'for I turn ya to toothpaste, and brush my teeth with ya!"

Begin walking towards NAV, and get ready to beat him to a pulp.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 19, 2014, 02:14:25 pm

((Ah copyright, you loveable scamp you. It was gonna show the part where he does the flying down hand of destruction bit.))

Summon a tiny umbrella to protect me from the rubble, Looney-Tunes style.
Alan isn't thinking clearly right now.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 03:19:05 pm

<Irene I need to listen to me and listen well. This is the attacker. Some kind of government...warrior of some sort. See my thoughts. Feel my sight. The attacker is mortal. Bleeding. Seemingly under a shell made of metal. I am unsure if it's human.>

Theri had no term to describe the creature--it was out of her nightmares, yes, but it also had the symbolisms of the technology she had grasped from the gunmen, Boris and that hammer looking L that Irene held earlier.

<Knowing my position to him and what...I'm armed with, it will not be enough. Does our bracelets say anything? Timer? I do not want to leave my host in this precarious situation.

I-...you're alone there. We cannot leave you!>
A torrent of thought came with the senses.

<Amelia. Zoe. Isn't there anything I can do?>

River? Awena? Spirits?

Quick action: Look around; examine surroundings. Anything I can use? Distance and structure of the area around me?
I think I'll need a map :x

<May I borrow your voice, Awena? The pain is much, but we can bear it. You can bear it.>

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 04:21:48 pm

Irene
To Theri: <Theri, it doesn't matter what it is. We have whatever weapons we have, and we have to make due as best we can. it blinded Zoe. Can you help me aim my flames?>
Scatter my flames into a swam as planned, and scatter them into a wide pattern attempting to hunt down Zoe's attacker. Assume that since I heard no screams my initial attack missed. If Theri gives me information about Zoe's attacker's location, use it to refine my aim and attacks. If I have a choice, I want to blind him with flames on his face or otherwise blocking his field of view.

---

Zoe
If it is remotely within my power, you are going to make it through this Zoe. You will survive. Amelia will survive. You've been through pain and hardship before. You know what you're doing. Together, we will make it through this.
wordlessly help bolster Zoe's will, keeping her alert and combat-ready.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2014, 04:56:04 pm

Crazy PM actions!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 05:00:19 pm

((*sigh* @ yet another turn of PMs with no flavor or... well, anything interesting. are you honestly worried that I'll change my post after you make yours? I don't operate like that.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2014, 05:07:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 05:00:19 pm

((*sigh* @ yet another turn of PMs with no flavor or... well, anything interesting. are you honestly worried that I'll change my post after you make yours? I don't operate like that.))

((Nah, I've just fallen into a pattern I'm unwilling to break. That's what I do. I follow patterns.

Besides, I've only got my entity to talk to right now, given that I've killed off or incapacitated the rest of my team, and Ike's a bit focused on the task ahead right now, so you're not exactly missing much. It'd basically be just a bold statement anyway.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

Quote from: Irine on August 19, 2014, 04:21:48 pm

To Theri: <Theri, it doesn't matter what it is. We have whatever weapons we have, and we have to make due as best we can. it blinded Zoe. Can you help me aim my flames?>

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))
<I will try to give as best a rendition as I can.>
Engage in inter-thought communications. Be the spotter to our sniper. ;3

Also hug Awena. Its the thought that matters.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 06:02:20 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

>.>

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 21, 2014, 01:40:36 pm

"You are much less intimidating than a giant robot. I will kill you with this mug.
Violet, please turn the safety mode off."

Begin circling around the Gene. get a better look at his tattoos and what they depict.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 21, 2014, 09:14:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 06:02:20 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

>.>

((Sorry, it's not you, it's me.  :-\ :'( ))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2014, 10:02:29 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 21, 2014, 09:14:21 pm

((Sorry, it's not you, it's me.  :-\ :'( ))

((But it was me! I was just slipping a sneaky edit in to fix it!))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 23, 2014, 09:31:15 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 19, 2014, 09:53:00 am

John nodded slowly.  "Fair enough, I guess.  I take it us "guests" have no real say in it?*  Not that I blame you, really."


This area needs some more tasteful decoration.  How about a nice decorative fountain?  Maybe a lovely stone path.


((*IC, not OOC))

You start creating a stone path, dark grey rock blocks of differing sizes rising from inside the dirt. At the same time, any shrubs or grass around it wither and crumble to dust.

"Well, no, you can't vote or veto or anything. But there's nothing stopping you from making a suggestion to one of us. Or all of us. You can suggest anything you want. If there isn't a world available that can offer what you want, it can probably be created."

The path is some distance away from you. It winds through the pines and various other conifers in the area, its general direction perpendicular to that of the stream.

"And if you really don't want to participate in a challenge, you could forfeit. Although I think he might not be so thrilled about that."

Many stone blocks fly out of the ground and start forming a bridge where the path meets the stream. Its a very simple thing, just an arch connecting the two sides, with a small stone barrier on its sides to keep people from falling. Kinda looks like those bridges the Romans used to build. The moment the bridge is constructed, moss starts to grow in the gaps between its building blocks. Its colour changes, making it appear aged, as if it had always been there.

"Why? Do you have something in mind? Some challenge you'd like to see or find yourself in? Some old score you wish to settle or someone you want to help?" he asks curiously.

"Or is there perhaps something you dread to find yourself in?" he adds with a more sinister tone

A small distance away from you, the path splits into a circle before continuing. From the dirt in the middle of the circle rises a fountain made of light grey marble. It depicts a cloaked, slightly feminine figure, with only smooth curved stone for a face. In her left arm she cradles an oversized horn, through which water flows, while her right is extended, her hand open, as if she is demanding something. A curved knife hangs from her belt.
Her bare feet rest on a small circular basin, in which the water gathers before overflowing to another, larger one. The basin she stands on rests on three different beasts that are facing each other. A canine that most closely resembles a Northwestern wolf, a large feline creature that looks kinda like a puma and a large bird that is similar to nothing you've ever seen before, except perhaps for mythical creatures. All three look like they are ready to fight, showing their teeth or claws, their fur or feathers standing upright.
There are more detailed carvings surrounding a wavy line that goes around the base of the fountain, but you can't see them clearly from here.

"Nice. Although it seems a bit empty to me." he comments.
"The path. The fountain. It's like someone started building a village, made the road leading to it and the town square, but forgot to finish the rest of it." he adds a few seconds later and takes flight towards the fountain.

---

Quote from: NAV on August 21, 2014, 01:40:36 pm

"You are much less intimidating than a giant robot. I will kill you with this mug.
Violet, please turn the safety mode off."

Begin circling around the Gene. get a better look at his tattoos and what they depict.

<Sure thing, cup killer. Just try not to get hurt too much. What do you say boy, you're up for a little death-match?>
"What?!‽ No! I just want them to be nice to each other."

((Note: I was given no info on this by Salsacookies. I am making this stuff up.))

You ready your battle mug and begin circling around the man like a shark ready to strike. He wears a simple pair of pants and a pair of shoes and nothing else, allowing you to clearly see all of his tattoos. Or at least most of them. Some people do tattoos in the craziest of places.

He has a tattoo of a black G on the right side of his chest, framed by the outline of a stylized chromosome forming an X-like shape behind it. On his back he has a larger tattoo that spells "GeneS", with the Sigma being the stylized double strand of DNA. On lower left arm he has what looks like a karyogram, although all 31 chromosomes it depicts have one of 5 shapes, some appearing more frequently than others. Along the length of his entire right arm, including his hand, are tattoos of bones that make it look like his bones are visible beneath his flesh,

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 19, 2014, 12:11:10 pm

Umm, what was that noise, nevermind that, time to mess up a Haz. "You done it now, betta run, 'for I turn ya to toothpaste, and brush my teeth with ya!"

Begin walking towards NAV, and get ready to beat him to a pulp.

You watch the masked man as he walks around you, looking at you, mug still in hand. You let him have his look. You use that time to mentally prepare for attack. When you feel ready, you start walking towards him, your relaxed stance masking your intent.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 19, 2014, 02:14:25 pm

((Ah copyright, you loveable scamp you. It was gonna show the part where he does the flying down hand of destruction bit.))

Summon a tiny umbrella to protect me from the rubble, Looney-Tunes style.
Alan isn't thinking clearly right now.

You launch a couple of dozen umbrellas from your hand.
You do your best impression of Wile E Coyote while holding the tiniest one you could find above your head. Thankfully, the ceiling is already damaged enough that no part of it is in danger of hitting you while falling. Still you can't shake that feeling that something horrible and terribly unlucky is going to happen to you, like always.

And there's that whistling sound of something falling. You've been hearing it for a while now. It's so annoying... What could possibly be doing that? And why is it taking so long to fall?
You remove the umbrella and use your hand to shield your eyes from the sun as you search for the source of the noise. Oh, there it is. Just a couch falling towards you.
Appeased by that knowledge, you replace the umbrella above your head, smiling contently.

...

Waaait a seco-*thump*

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2014, 12:07:47 pm

...
...
My host's fate lies in the hands of other people.
Please, do not fail me now, Fortune.

>_
No influence.

A few seconds pass during which nothing is heard from the phone's speaker except muffled noises.
"Where are you?" a question comes abruptly.
That... sounds like a perfectly reasonable question. Where is he? Why had he not thought of that before?
"The Old Town. An alley. Near a crashed ambulance."
"That's really helpful." the woman replies sarcastically. "You want us to start searching around town for-"
"Somewhere near an old hotel or-"
There's a burst of static on the line.
"Hello? Can you hear me?"
You can hear the man in the other room cursing loudly.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

<I will try to give as best a rendition as I can.>
Engage in inter-thought communications. Be the spotter to our sniper. ;3

Also hug Awena. Its the thought that matters.

You peek around the corner and watch the action unfold, trying to relay it to Irene as best you can.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2014, 04:21:48 pm

Irene
To Theri: <Theri, it doesn't matter what it is. We have whatever weapons we have, and we have to make due as best we can. It blinded Zoe. Can you help me aim my flames?>
Scatter my flames into a swam as planned, and scatter them into a wide pattern attempting to hunt down Zoe's attacker. Assume that since I heard no screams my initial attack missed. If Theri gives me information about Zoe's attacker's location, use it to refine my aim and attacks. If I have a choice, I want to blind him with flames on his face or otherwise blocking his field of view.

---

Zoe
If it is remotely within my power, you are going to make it through this Zoe. You will survive. Amelia will survive. You've been through pain and hardship before. You know what you're doing. Together, we will make it through this.
wordlessly help bolster Zoe's will, keeping her alert and combat-ready.

It is slightly disorienting, using your power through the eyes of another. But you have no time to get used to it. Your attacker (who you can see clearly now) is rapidly approaching your location. You deform and compress your flames experimentally as a way to adjust. Not as much left as you'd like.

You launch another attack, splitting your flames into two and then throwing them at his face. He dodges the first and headbuts the second with his metal helmet, pushing it out of the grasp of your telekinetic field. The move surprises you and you do not manage to catch the flames before they dissipate.
Your attacker seems equally surprised when you hit him from behind with the attack he dodged, twisting it and pushing it righht back to his head and under his helmet.
You must have caused heavy damage to him before the flames in his helmet dissipated and yet in a display of superhuman endurancem, he keeps walking forward,stumbling, using the debris as handholds. Almost upon you now. Just another step and he'll see you.

Zoe keeps crawling forward. She looks behind her. She's loosing too much blood. She can't go on. She's dizzy, deaf. She rests her head on the cold concrete floor and closes her eyes, the dizziness making her feel like her head is spinning. She's facing things so much bigger, so much more powerful than her.
I need more time. Amelia...
Her breathing grows shallower and shallower until it stops completely.

---

---

OOC
I was very sick and very tired while writing that last part. Still am. Sorry for any mistakes or low quality.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 23, 2014, 09:35:46 pm

"Not really.  Just curious, though of course I'd prefer something that favors what I can do."

John looks around and surveys what he's created.

"Hmm... you're right.  Does need some buildings.  Let's keep it classic."

How about a few log cabins, and a nice tavern?  Something European and 1400s.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 23, 2014, 11:08:28 pm

>_
No influence.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 23, 2014, 11:09:34 pm

Irine
pleasedon'tgiveuppleasedon'tgiveuppleasedon'tgiveup...
Wake up Zoe, we're so very, very close. she can't be giving up now! use the relay from Theri to continue to manage my final flames even as Zoe dies but before we're desynchronized, and try to keep Zoe's attacker off as long as I can.

---

Zoe
breathe, open eyes, and shoot my attacker.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 24, 2014, 12:25:20 am

Determine the state of my being. Am I a pancake-like person like in most cartoons or that guy in Space Jam who got flattened?

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 24, 2014, 04:52:31 am

To the faded consciousness of Ike Wayne: <Ike Wayne, my hat is off to you. All of my multitudinous hats are off to you. It has been fun, and you have been the very best host a man like me could aspire to, and I can only hope to carry your name honorably forward in the future.>

Let's take this show on the road!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 24, 2014, 07:47:29 am

After walking up to him, attempt to grab him. If I can't, swing a fist at him in an attempt to hit him.

"Ya dun looking and talkin now? are we actually gonna fight. "Amused chuckle" Gonna "kill" me with your mug, Haz "Full laughter, then sudden stop" No, you Haz, you tha one dying here, now.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 24, 2014, 09:33:54 pm

Hit him on the head with an upside down tsar mug. Then untsar it to crush his head.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2014, 11:29:25 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 23, 2014, 09:35:46 pm

"Not really.  Just curious, though of course I'd prefer something that favors what I can do."

John looks around and surveys what he's created.

"Hmm... you're right.  Does need some buildings.  Let's keep it classic."

How about a few log cabins, and a nice tavern?  Something European and 1400s.

The trees around the fountain shudder and fall, changing shape into the walls of a dozen or so log houses, arranged in a roughly square area around it. Most are nothing more than a small room while a couple of them are much larger two storey things.
The few holes that were left in the walls are filled by growing wood that creates floors, doors, windows and roofs. A small roofed porch grows around some of the larger houses.
Windows are sparse if they exist at all. The roofs are highly pitched and all possess at least one chimney or funnel-shaped hole for smoke to escape, although only a couple of the buildings have smoke rising out of them.
Probably gets snowy here in winter. you think before you realize that winter and snow probably never comes here unless someone wants it to.
Two buildings stand out from the rest. A large three storey building made of stone blocks and wood with a sign hanging outside and smoke coming out of its chimney. Some kind of tavern or inn probably. And a larger two storey building made almost exclusively out of stone blocks, which has no sign on it but looks imposing nonetheless. The only building to feature a balcony, as far as you can tell. Maybe a manor or a town hall?

You hear a *pop* behind you, like someone just burst a balloon. When you turn to look, you notice that the holes leading to your personal areas are gone from the cliff face. The entrances probably got relocated to the small town you just built.

You also notice two guys getting ready to fight a dozen metres away from you. The guy with the gas mask, who is currently holding a mug and some new guy with tattoos who is brandishing his fists.
Let's hope their fighting doesn't damage your newly built town.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 24, 2014, 07:47:29 am

After walking up to him, attempt to grab him. If I can't, swing a fist at him in an attempt to hit him.

"Ya dun looking and talkin now? are we actually gonna fight. "Amused chuckle" Gonna "kill" me with your mug, Haz "Full laughter, then sudden stop" No, you Haz, you tha one dying here, now.

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2014, 09:33:54 pm

Hit him on the head with an upside down tsar mug. Then untsar it to crush his head.

The gas-mask wearing mask raises his cup and turns it upside down as the Gene charges him.
"No, no, no! Stop!"
Nikolai starts lowering the cup. By the time it reaches the ground, it has become enormous, big enough to trap the Gene in it. The gene is perplexed by this, but only for a split second. He punches the walls of the oversized mug surrounding him, causing them to shatter in an explosion of ceramic fragments.
Nikolai is left holding the jagged remains of the oversized mug, its giant handle.
<I guess one could say that was not his cup of tea.>
<You are not as good at this pun thing as you think you are.>
<Really? That wasn't good? How about "His plan of attack was just shattered"?>
<No. Just no.>
Good idea NAV.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 24, 2014, 12:25:20 am

Determine the state of my being. Am I a pancake-like person like in most cartoons or that guy in Space Jam who got flattened?

http://youtu.be/mLGi3VqfYVo

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 23, 2014, 11:08:28 pm

>_
No influence.

The phone continues producing nothing but static.
"Russian piece of crap!" comes a shout from the other room, accompanied by the sound of something plastic being hit.
So your host is not the only one having trouble with technology.
As if to emphasize that thought, a couple of wires on the switchboard spark with static electricity.
Your host doesn't bother with thinking about what that could mean. He just focuses on getting out of here while still conscious. If they are coming for him, it'd probably be better if he waited for them outside.
But that might not be so easy. As he approaches the door leading out of the operator's room, he hears muffled footsteps of someone running followed by a door slamming open.
"You won't believe what's going on out there!" the newly arrived man exclaims between breaths to the until recently TV watching man.

---

Ike's eyes finally show him the entirety of the room he's in. They show him, amongst a circle of rubble and broken machinery, a girl lying on an operating table. Her eyes are closed, she looks unconscious, unmoving, but also tense, in pain. Besides her is something more familiar. The crystal he and Irene retrieved in the previous mission, standing in its flower-like base of black metal, glowing white.

<Target Amethyst located. Kill Target Amethyst. 1TU left.> his interface informs him.

Ike doesn't waste time. He uses every bit of strength he has left to walk towards her. He raises his automatic shotgun and fires.
The crystal flashes and crackles with static electricity. It happens too quickly for him to see, but each pellet is hit by a bolt, counteracted, deflected, melted, vaporised.
He fires again. The intensity of the explosion of light is lesser this time. Just need to weaken it enough for a bullet to get through.

He's about to fire a third time when he is interrupted by an inarticulate battlecry coming from his left. He turns and raises his shotgun above his head just in time to block Theri's knife from striking his throat. They both growl as they try to push the other back, to throw their opponent off balance. Theri kicks the man in the chest, pushing him to his knees. With another growl, she pushes the shotgun down, brings her knife closer to his head. Ike retaliates by twisting his body to the side, letting the knife strike his armour while he hits Theri's wounded abdomen with the butt of his shotgun, pushing her back.

They're about to clash again when Ike hears someone approaching him from behind. He doesn't manage to turn around before he feels a hand touch his arm. And then it feels like his blood is boiling inside his veins. His limbs start becoming more and more stiff. Everything becomes blurry, tinted red and white.
<Don't worry. This is for your own good.>
He falls to the floor, still conscious but unmoving, his body numb.
<You'll thank me about this later. If we ever meet again.>

---

Theri stands there, with her knife in hand, taking quick breaths, the feeling of anger still fresh. She watches as Boris (or at least the man working through his body), who had managed to sneak up to the man she was fighting, extends his arm and touches her opponent on the exposed flesh of his arm. The man's blood begins coming out of his wounds, concentrating into lines. The lines branch and split, forming a hexagonal mesh that hovers a few centimetres above his body. The mesh surrounds him like the web that envelops a spider's prey. Her opponent, now fully enveloped, falls to the ground, unmoving, his body still visible through the holes in the mesh.

"Good job." Boris congratulates her as he retracts his arm. "Knew you could handle it."
He stands still for a second, deep in thought, as if he is considering something. He looks surprisingly unhurt for a man that was standing next to an explosion. There's not even a scratch on him.
"Right! Yes." he says, talking to himself.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a deadline to meet." he tells Theri and starts walking towards Amelia.

---

Zoe takes a deep breath, rolls and gets ready to shoot, executing the maneuver like she had planned... but there's nothing there. Whoever was attacking them didn't come after her like she expected. What happened to him? She needs to stop herself from bleeding out, but first she needs to make sure she won't get shot while doing so.

She grabs the nearby rubble and pulls herself into a sitting position so that she can see what's behind it. She peeks behind it, careful not to get shot by any potential attackers. Instead of enemies, she sees Boris and Awena facing each other, Awena holding a knife on her hand with an angry look on her face, while Boris is his usual relaxed and distracted self. He's saying something, but she can't hear him clearly. Between them, there's... something. Zoe is not really sure what that is. A lump of red which looks like nothing she's ever seen before, flesh, metal and burnt fabric visible through hexagonal holes in it.

Irene on the other hand knows what that is. And she can hear Boris talking, barely. She was watching through Theri's eyes as she made her angry charge, hoping to find some fire to support her with. But there was nothing around she could use. Now she is still getting information through her, although the connection has gotten worse, probably because Theri isn't as focused on it right now.

---

---

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Vic will: 3-1 5-1
Ike will: 6-1 4-1
Ike vs Theri rflx: 5 vs 5
Ike vs Theri str: 6-1 vs 3+1
Ike, Theri, Vic rflx: 3, 2-2, 6
Ike awr vs Vic dex: 3 vs 5-1
Ike rflx: 3-1

((Congratulations to Ike. You came very close to single-handedly defeating everyone in this match. Including your teammates, although that was not entirely your fault. Better luck next time.
Don't worry about not completing your primary objective. You'll see.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 24, 2014, 11:32:06 pm

Summon a lamp directly above my circular bit and go wander around spying on whoever else is here.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 25, 2014, 12:43:59 am

Irine
and now the final battle begins
Prepare to wrest control of the mental space Victor and I are about to share from him in segments, focusing on the key points that matter in this in sequence:
1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Zoe must be protected from further harm.
3) Awena should be protected if possible (objective may need to be abandoned if implausible)
4) finally, as long as the first two conditions are met, and after the third has been assessed and attempted if plausible, then trying to change which entity gains control of this place to Stellar instead of the intended recipient is my task.
5) If I can't complete 4, then I need to make sure that the place doesn't become inhospitable to human life and objectives 1 and 2 are not undone.

Odds on my best bet is going to be to start off with an aggressive act, cutting off or restricting Victor's access to the mindspace we're going to be dualing for. Though if Theri can force him back and give me space to work...

To Theri: <Victor set us up to die fighting, and to be weakened for this final phase. be ready for his betrayal, and I expect he is ready for mine. Please help keep him from stopping me from bringing back my previous host, and fulfilling my obligation to her.>

I hope Zoe remembers what I told her, and will put me in a position to try...

Win or lose, I want to speak to her directly and thank her before I'm forced back.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 25, 2014, 12:53:55 am

Zechariah was starting to get anxious. His host had stayed there for too long. Well, not much that Zechariah could do about it on his own, but time is still against the two of them.
He then felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. There was a realization. There was a truth that Zechariah had long since avoided, from the beginning of his journey.
One than he never, ever wanted to believe was true. Because, if it was true, then he accepted that he was the source of all of the problems that had poisoned the Medium and his friends.

No.. it can't be right. I haven't gotten this goddamn far just to.. realize that he was..
He was always in control.

>Peek out of the door carefully and observe the newcomer to the room. Wait for a moment where they are not looking and attempt to sneak past them.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 25, 2014, 03:04:20 am

<For my near-success at this, I owe three things a great deal. Firstly, explosives. Secondly, guns. Thirdly, the efforts of one Ike Wayne, without whose badassery and access to said explosives and guns I would have had a much harder time of this.>

See if I can get into whatever chatspace these chucklefucks are using. Especially that guy who came out of nowhere. See if I can speak to the dark spirits infesting these two girls, mayhap. If this works, cool! Detach from Ike Wayne a moment if that helps. Maybe check if I can perceive anything intriguing their mind-riders are doing while in this state.

I'd also say "try to resist whatever this is", but I harbor no illusions of this nature. Try to see if it's possible, at any rate. Also, see if I can perceive the consciousness of Ike Wayne here. Has assuming direct control dulled his pain in any way is what I'm wondering?

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 25, 2014, 12:43:42 pm

"My name is Nikolai Slevinskyevskiovich. You broke my mug. Prepare to die.
Stab the Gene in the vitals with the jagged handle.
If he tries to use a shard as a weapon, then shrink it back down.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 25, 2014, 04:02:17 pm

John glanced at the two fighting.  Whatever.  "Don't break the city!"


Inspect the big house.  Did my doors appear in it?  Is it mine now?

Also check the tavern.  If bartender is present, have a drink.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Alarith on August 25, 2014, 04:50:32 pm

((So uh, does that mean that the explosion that took me out was C4 or something from Ike?  I'm a bit confused as to what happened there.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 26, 2014, 03:37:54 am

Quote from: Alarith on August 25, 2014, 04:50:32 pm

((So uh, does that meant that the explosion that took me out was C4 or something from Ike?  I'm a bit confused as to what happened there.))

((Quite right, I believe. This is what happens when we don't coordinate plans, I suppose.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 26, 2014, 04:33:54 am

((Man, you guys are going around paying attention to the plot and making plans and stuff while I'm having a mix of DBZ and Looney-Tunes style fight with a stickman made of liver.
Says something about me.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 26, 2014, 04:57:50 am

"Bring it, man."
Grab the handle, and pull it toward me. Grab the Haz, and pick him up by his collar. Slam him in the ground, then bring his gut down on my knee. Last, find a place in the distance that catches my eye, and throw him there. Begin walking to wherever he land

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 27, 2014, 06:09:21 pm

((Bump for Tiruin. You got until tomorrow. Mission is almost over, only 2-6 turns left. I'd like to have it finished before the new semester starts.))

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 27, 2014, 06:30:34 pm

((The bump was unneeded at this point, I was making the post a while ago and wondered what to do given the circumstances...and edited this in because of the bump :P))

---

Quote from: Irene on August 25, 2014, 12:43:59 am

To Theri: <Victor set us up to die fighting, and to be weakened for this final phase. be ready for his betrayal, and I expect he is ready for mine. Please help keep him from stopping me from bringing back my previous host, and fulfilling my obligation to her.>

Theri relayed the hearing of the thought to Awena and River.

"Deadline, you already used the machines on her. What are you planning to do?" Theri said through her host's voice. She was deeply glad, as a thought aside, that Awena was very willing for this circumstance. Her own thoughts were shifting between the now, and then. She felt disappointed and sad--Awena was being thrust into this like a pawn in a game of chess. She hated forcing and being forced. Awena, I'm sorry for everything--unsure as to what everything is but just in case...everything. I'm doing bad with words now though. I hope you can feel what I do. I am unsure what Irine meant by stopping...about something on her...'previous' host?

Regardless, I am about to relinquish control to you, Awena. I am sent here to protect you--act as your shield, and I will it only that you choose instead of me, here.

It is your choice to act, and I feel bad right now--I will feel worse if I've forced you into greater pains because of my choice, and not yours, though.

Relinquish control, yet do not relinquish mutual support. Exhaust energies to keep Awena healthy and able to act through the pain of being shot. Let her decide.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 27, 2014, 09:38:54 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 24, 2014, 11:32:06 pm

Summon a lamp directly above my circular bit and go wander around spying on whoever else is here.

After some wiggling around, you manage to remove yourself from under the couch.
Only for you to be crushed and pinned to the ground like a nail by the giant desk lamp (http://www.industrydesign.ie/shop/floor-table/muno-giant-floor-lamp-rusty/) you just summoned. Anyone watching would probably be reminded of the PIXAR intro.
...
This is getting ridiculous.

---

Quote from: NAV on August 25, 2014, 12:43:42 pm

"My name is Nikolai Slevinskyevskiovich. You broke my mug. Prepare to die.
Stab the Gene in the vitals with the jagged handle.
If he tries to use a shard as a weapon, then shrink it back down.

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 26, 2014, 04:57:50 am

"Bring it, man."
Grab the handle, and pull it toward me. Grab the Haz, and pick him up by his collar. Slam him in the ground, then bring his gut down on my knee. Last, find a place in the distance that catches my eye, and throw him there. Begin walking to wherever he land

Nikolai just sort of pokes with his broken handle in his opponent's general direction. The other man looks at him for a second before he starts half-heartedly swinging his fists, hitting the air.
<What are they doing?>
<I think it might be some sort of dance battle.>
"Well, at least it's not violent."

((All 1s, all rolls. I briefly considered treating failed DEX rolls like piecewise did in a certain incident.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 25, 2014, 04:02:17 pm

John glanced at the two fighting.  Whatever.  "Don't break the city!"

Inspect the big house.  Did my doors appear in it?  Is it mine now?

Also check the tavern.  If bartender is present, have a drink.

The two fighters are doing... Well, you aren't sure what they are doing. They're doing... something (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/dumbass-dance_5097757_GIFSoupcom_zpsab5c1667.gif)? They're not fighting, that's for sure.
You shrug and start walking.

You walk on the small stone path, making your way to the central square, looking around you as you move. There's nothing special about the houses that can be seen from up close. They're simple wooden things, enough to keep the cold winds out. Most of them have stacks of firewood outside, sometimes a small table or workbench. A small garden filled with turnips, cabbage or other vegetables can be found besides some houses in the outskirts of the town. Through the windows that are open or made of glass (although not the clear non-distorting glass you are used to), you can see that the interior is very spartan. Wooden floors and walls, sometimes covered by the pelt of a ruminant. Simple cooking implements near the fireplace. Wooden beds with a simple mattress on them. Tables and chairs or boxes acting as one.

Very few feature more sophisticated decorations, like knitted rugs hanging from the walls, thin drapes or furniture with varnish or decorative carvings.

The town is eerily empty. There are obvious signs of habitation, you get a feeling you'll see someone else any second now. But there's nobody. There's not a sound besides the waterfall in the distance, the wind and the occasional magpie emitting its call. The only living thing (if they can be called living) you encounter is the entity you were talking with before, laying with its back on the base of the fountain and throwing a ball of dim lightning from one wing to the other in a relaxed manner.

The manor is in stark contrast with the simplicity of the rest of the houses. A two storey building made out of stone blocks, wider on the side facing the fountain. Probably has a basement too, judging from its height. It has large glass windows on both floors, however the inside of the manor is obscured by thick drapes. There's also a balcony visible above the entrance that looks more like a room of the second floor has had its wall replaced with a stone railing. And finally, there is a large area behind it, partially enclosed by a wooden picket fence.

Stone stairs lead to the manor's entrance, which features wooden double doors with intricate carvings of flowers on them. Not yours then. At least not entirely, maybe your door is somewhere in there.

Although there is probably nothing preventing you from making it yours.

---

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 25, 2014, 12:53:55 am

Zechariah was starting to get anxious. His host had stayed there for too long. Well, not much that Zechariah could do about it on his own, but time is still against the two of them.
He then felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. There was a realization. There was a truth that Zechariah had long since avoided, from the beginning of his journey.
One than he never, ever wanted to believe was true. Because, if it was true, then he accepted that he was the source of all of the problems that had poisoned the Medium and his friends.

No.. it can't be right. I haven't gotten this goddamn far just to.. realize that he was..
He was always in control.

>Peek out of the door carefully and observe the newcomer to the room. Wait for a moment where they are not looking and attempt to sneak past them.

Your host decides that peeking out of the door is probably not the best thing to do right now.
He feels weak. He leans against the wall. Just needs a moment to rest.
"Just wait a second, I've got to fix this-"
"No, this is way more important man! You've got to come see this!"
"Allright. This better be worth it because Dr Topper was about-"
"It is! Now come on."
You can hear the two men running away and the door closing behind them. You are left with the sound of static coming from the TV.
Looks like that problem solved itself. Now he just needs to get out of here.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 25, 2014, 03:04:20 am

<For my near-success at this, I owe three things a great deal. Firstly, explosives. Secondly, guns. Thirdly, the efforts of one Ike Wayne, without whose badassery and access to said explosives and guns I would have had a much harder time of this.>

See if I can get into whatever chatspace these chucklefucks are using. Especially that guy who came out of nowhere. See if I can speak to the dark spirits infesting these two girls, mayhap. If this works, cool! Detach from Ike Wayne a moment if that helps. Maybe check if I can perceive anything intriguing their mind-riders are doing while in this state.

I'd also say "try to resist whatever this is", but I harbor no illusions of this nature. Try to see if it's possible, at any rate. Also, see if I can perceive the consciousness of Ike Wayne here. Has assuming direct control dulled his pain in any way is what I'm wondering?

You could talk to them and they could talk to you, if they chose to. Maybe even share senses or emotions with some mutual effort. But no more. Think of them as psychic radios. You can't force them to broadcast, you can only receive what they broadcast and they can do the same.

Assuming control is like switching from the passenger seat to the driver seat. What he was feeling was what you were feeling. And still is, even when you're not in control. It's easier for you, because this is a merging of sorts, but whereas you are attached to this body and mind for a limited amount of time, this is his actual body and his mind. He must be given the correct feelings (including pain) at all times, even when not in control, so that his mind can form more cohesive thoughts and stories and so that there is less need for rewriting it later. You on the other hand can get away with feeling less and getting just the important info without feeling pain.
I don't know if that makes sense/is correct, it's just what feels natural to me.

You strain, both physically and mentally. You're still feeling numb, but you think you manage to move your right hand a bit.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 25, 2014, 12:43:59 am

Irine
and now the final battle begins
Prepare to wrest control of the mental space Victor and I are about to share from him in segments, focusing on the key points that matter in this in sequence:
1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Zoe must be protected from further harm.
3) Awena should be protected if possible (objective may need to be abandoned if implausible)
4) finally, as long as the first two conditions are met, and after the third has been assessed and attempted if plausible, then trying to change which entity gains control of this place to Stellar instead of the intended recipient is my task.
5) If I can't complete 4, then I need to make sure that the place doesn't become inhospitable to human life and objectives 1 and 2 are not undone.

Odds on my best bet is going to be to start off with an aggressive act, cutting off or restricting Victor's access to the mindspace we're going to be dualing for. Though if Theri can force him back and give me space to work...

To Theri: <Victor set us up to die fighting, and to be weakened for this final phase. be ready for his betrayal, and I expect he is ready for mine. Please help keep him from stopping me from bringing back my previous host, and fulfilling my obligation to her.>

I hope Zoe remembers what I told her, and will put me in a position to try...

Win or lose, I want to speak to her directly and thank her before I'm forced back.

---

Zoe
No Influence

Zoe lays back down, sets her pistol aside and starts removing her belt. Whatever is going on here, she can't deal with it if she's dead.
She winces when she takes a more careful look down at her body. Her leg has been badly hurt from the knee down. She knows she's going to loose it, there's no helping that now. Too much damage. Probably infected too. It'd be like it was already cut off if it wasn't for the pain and that dead weight.
She puts the belt around her leg, gets a good grip and prepares to tighten it. She has to slow the bleeding. It's been less than a minute, but she's already lost too much blood. She can feel it. She can see it.
She pulls, as hard as she can. Despite her waning strength and the fact that she's not using the best tools for the job, she manages to do pretty well. She bought herself some time at least. Enough to ensure Amelia will get out of here alive, hopefully.

She's left panting, trying to regain her strength. All the things she's been through this night have left her tired. The pain and the bleeding isn't helping.
Come on, I need to move. I need to see what's going on. I need to get close to her.

<If you still wish to do this, then you have to reach that crystal now.>

Quote from: Tiruin on August 27, 2014, 06:30:34 pm

((The bump was unneeded at this point, I was making the post a while ago and wondered what to do given the circumstances...and edited this in because of the bump :P))

---

Quote from: Irene on August 25, 2014, 12:43:59 am

To Theri: <Victor set us up to die fighting, and to be weakened for this final phase. be ready for his betrayal, and I expect he is ready for mine. Please help keep him from stopping me from bringing back my previous host, and fulfilling my obligation to her.>

Theri relayed the hearing of the thought to Awena and River.

"Deadline, you already used the machines on her. What are you planning to do?" Theri said through her host's voice. She was deeply glad, as a thought aside, that Awena was very willing for this circumstance. Her own thoughts were shifting between the now, and then. She felt disappointed and sad--Awena was being thrust into this like a pawn in a game of chess. She hated forcing and being forced. Awena, I'm sorry for everything--unsure as to what everything is but just in case...everything. I'm doing bad with words now though. I hope you can feel what I do. I am unsure what Irine meant by stopping...about something on her...'previous' host?

Regardless, I am about to relinquish control to you, Awena. I am sent here to protect you--act as your shield, and I will it only that you choose instead of me, here.

It is your choice to act, and I feel bad right now--I will feel worse if I've forced you into greater pains because of my choice, and not yours, though.

Relinquish control, yet do not relinquish mutual support. Exhaust energies to keep Awena healthy and able to act through the pain of being shot. Let her decide.

((Oh, sorry, feeling a bit restless lately.))

<The ones we were supposed to protect will survive. That's what we were brought here to do. To help. And we did that.

If you really want to do this to help your teammate, then I will support you. But I want you to consider whether or not the risk is worth it.>

"Deadline, you already used the machines on her. What are you planning to do?"
The man takes a slow step forward.
"Nothing really, just..."
He brings his hands to his head and stops walking.
"Touch the crystal, use the power of the gods..."
She never really trusted the man. She felt there was something wrong about him. And now the spirits, the ones who had helped them and saved their life, said that he had betrayed them.
"And get my reward. We've earned it. Both me and Boris."
Her nature is that of someone who doesn't intervene, doesn't take the initiative. One who lets the world push her where it wants.
And yet now she feels the urge to do something. Like something inside her is urging her to act.
All this fighting, all this death, it has been done in the name of power. All it has brought is misery and pain. Perhaps then, the world would be a better place if nobody got this power.
"I'm sorry, but I don't trust you enough."
Awena takes a step to block his path.
"So you will try to take it for yourself then?"
He looks like he is ready to fall to his knees.
"No. Nobody should have that kind of power."
She raises her knife defensively.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 27, 2014, 10:50:27 pm

OOOOOOWWWWWWW
FUCKIT
TIME TO DO SOMETHING STUPID

Attempt to summon ... a trampoline! A big and really bouncy one.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 12:47:04 am

At the speed of thought, Theri realized something.

River...Awena...
How do we break the crystal? Otherwise stop it from being harnessed?

Can a knife throw work or-...

The image of Boris and...well, the connection was implicit.

...Ideas? Zoe's Kin wishes to uses it to bring back someone important but-...I'm unsure as to how /correct/ that may be.

Quickaction: Talk to River.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 01:50:49 am

Irine
Zoe's blood loss... She's dying, isn't she? That... That changes things. She has to touch that crystal, it's the only way she can survive this.

It's time to act

---

Zoe
Touch that crystal.

---

Irine

If Zoe can touch the crystal, I can use its power to heal her, to protect Awena too, to bring back the girl who's life I stole, and of all the Entities I've encountered, Stellar is the one who seems to be the most honorable, trustworthy, and have the best understanding of beauty. If I have to choose who gains power over this world, I'd choose her.

---

Zoe
Boris cannot be trusted, he will kill Amelia if it will bring him greater power. and if I touch that crystal, the ?spirit? attached to me promised to protect Amelia.

---

Irine

Boris is going to try to stop her, but I'm out of fire. There's no benefit to me taking over. Zoe is armed, resourcefull, and knows the stakes.

I should trust her.

Be ready to take over if need be, but trust in Zoe. as before, my priorities if I manage to take the power are:

1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Amelia must be protected / saved, for Zoe's sake. And since it seems to be Zoe's will to put Amelia before herself, she is as of now higher priority than Zoe.
3) Zoe must be protected from further harm, and I want to heal her injuries as well. Even if she is willing to sacrifice herself, I don't want her to have to do that. I don't even want her to be maimed by the events of today.
4) Awena should be protected if possible, she is the host of Theri, who was my ally and helped me through this.
5) finally I should see if I can place this world under Stellar's protection, she is the most worthy Entity that I have encountered.
6) Awena seems like a good choice for a guardian of this world, something Zoe is too single-minded for. If there is spare power after I'm done here, I should consider gifting it to her. If the amount gifted is significant, then also send her a compressed, shorthanded, version of my memories since I first arrived at the Staging Area. Include a emotional buffer on those memories to protect her. Those memories should teach her all I know about the Entities, even things that I don't know I know, especially about Stellar, who is going to be in charge of this world if I reach this stage of my priorities. do not include my private conversation with D, but do include his request to keep that conversation private, so she can understand why that blank spot exists. make sure that if I gift her power, I also gift her protections against being controlled again, as best as I am able.

I want to thank Zoe, to speak to her directly, but I don't dare do it until this is over. I can't afford to disrupt our link. I'll do it after, even if all I can say is a simple "Thank you."

---

Zoe
Be ready to fight Boris on the way to the crystal, and don't be suprised if he shrugs off bullets, but doing so probably immobilizes him, and all you have to do is touch it before he does.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2014, 05:18:47 am

<Come on, Ike Wayne, it's time to fuck these people up! It's what your entire life has been leading up to!>

This is the one they'll remember you for!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2014, 07:47:08 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 27, 2014, 10:50:27 pm

OOOOOOWWWWWWW
FUCKIT
TIME TO DO SOMETHING STUPID

Attempt to summon ... a trampoline! A big and really bouncy one.

You summon an Olympic-sport-synchronized-trampolining-sized trampoline, knocking the lamp off of you in the process.

---

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 12:47:04 am

At the speed of thought, Theri realized something.

River...Awena...
How do we break the crystal? Otherwise stop it from being harnessed?

Can a knife throw work or-...

The image of Boris and...well, the connection was implicit.

...Ideas? Zoe's Kin wishes to uses it to bring back someone important but-...I'm unsure as to how /correct/ that may be.

<The crystal is just a conduit. A way to safely harness the power inside Amelia. It would be too dangerous and time consuming to try and remove it or destroy it at this point in  time.

As for what to do, then I would say, trust yourself. I can see no right or wrong choice here. Consider what you want, what you think is right.>

"I thought I could trust you. But it turns out I was wrong. You're a fool, a pawn."
He falls to his knees. Awena keeps her distance, knife at the ready.
"Power can be lost but it cannot be destroyed. If I can't get it, then someone else will. And you would have changed nothing."
He tries to get up again, but he is visibly struggling to move. Even his speech sounds strained.
"I can't let it end like this. I won't let it kill me without a fight."

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 01:50:49 am

Irine
Zoe's blood loss... She's dying, isn't she? That... That changes things. She has to touch that crystal, it's the only way she can survive this.

It's time to act

---

Zoe
Touch that crystal.

---

Irine

If Zoe can touch the crystal, I can use its power to heal her, to protect Awena too, to bring back the girl who's life I stole, and of all the Entities I've encountered, Stellar is the one who seems to be the most honorable, trustworthy, and have the best understanding of beauty. If I have to choose who gains power over this world, I'd choose her.

---

Zoe
Boris cannot be trusted, he will kill Amelia if it will bring him greater power. and if I touch that crystal, the ?spirit? attached to me promised to protect Amelia.

---

Irine

Boris is going to try to stop her, but I'm out of fire. There's no benefit to me taking over. Zoe is armed, resourcefull, and knows the stakes.

I should trust her.

Be ready to take over if need be, but trust in Zoe. as before, my priorities if I manage to take the power are:

1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Amelia must be protected / saved, for Zoe's sake. And since it seems to be Zoe's will to put Amelia before herself, she is as of now higher priority than Zoe.
3) Zoe must be protected from further harm, and I want to heal her injuries as well. Even if she is willing to sacrifice herself, I don't want her to have to do that. I don't even want her to be maimed by the events of today.
4) Awena should be protected if possible, she is the host of Theri, who was my ally and helped me through this.
5) finally I should see if I can place this world under Stellar's protection, she is the most worthy Entity that I have encountered.
6) Awena seems like a good choice for a guardian of this world, something Zoe is too single-minded for. If there is spare power after I'm done here, I should consider gifting it to her. If the amount gifted is significant, then also send her a compressed, shorthanded, version of my memories since I first arrived at the Staging Area. Include a emotional buffer on those memories to protect her. Those memories should teach her all I know about the Entities, even things that I don't know I know, especially about Stellar, who is going to be in charge of this world if I reach this stage of my priorities. do not include my private conversation with D, but do include his request to keep that conversation private, so she can understand why that blank spot exists. make sure that if I gift her power, I also gift her protections against being controlled again, as best as I am able.

I want to thank Zoe, to speak to her directly, but I don't dare do it until this is over. I can't afford to disrupt our link. I'll do it after, even if all I can say is a simple "Thank you."

---

Zoe
Be ready to fight Boris on the way to the crystal, and don't be suprised if he shrugs off bullets, but doing so probably immobilizes him, and all you have to do is touch it before he does.

Zoe starts crawling towards Amelia. After she rounds the cover, she can see Awena, knife in hand, facing Boris, who is visibly struggling to stay upright.
They are talking but she can't hear what they're saying. Her ears still hurt.
They don't seem to have noticed her yet. She decides to get closer first before acting.
The lump of red besides them deforms a bit.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2014, 05:18:47 am

<Come on, Ike Wayne, it's time to fuck these people up! It's what your entire life has been leading up to!>

This is the one they'll remember you for!

You manage to struggle enough to grab the handle of your shotgun and pull the trigger. You feel nothing.
Well, that plan didn't work. Maybe you just need to shoot more?

<If it comes to it and I let you go, can I trust you not to kill me? Do whatever you want to the rest, but I want to survive.>

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 07:56:20 am

Oh bloody-he's stooping that low? Awena! <Irine! Law of conversation of Energy.> It works even in this kind of situation, wherein what we're facing is technically energy.

...Bloody goodness. Awena, how good is your throwing arm?

Leave the decision to Awena--though, support her fully in any feat she tries to perform. Examine surroundings as to what could possibly be used to aid an attack from this position (and am I able to rush in melee?).

{suggest to} Throw knife, if no other possibility remains- or...where was that gun which Zoe had?

Edit: Clarifications.

Use that gun if otherwise...

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2014, 08:07:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2014, 07:47:08 am

<If it comes to it and I let you go, can I trust you not to kill me? Do whatever you want to the rest, but I want to survive.>

<Well, you're not an objective and you have a kickass power. Why would I even want to kill you? I also am in dire need to kill the rest of these people, you know, for completion's sake. So yeah. Let me go, and you've got yourself a deal! If you don't mind, though, try immobilizing knife-girl beforehand, okay? I'm not in the best of conditions, really, and brawling's going to waste too much time.>

If he lets me go, first order of murder is to shoot that crystal dead!

Second order of murder is to shoot the ladies! All three of them, if they're not dead already, priority on Target Amethyst unless other immediate avenues of danger present themselves, in which case shoot those instead.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Toaster on August 28, 2014, 10:18:11 am

Hmm... no one's around, then?  I'll take it, then.


Head in and explore it.  Look for a nice place for a foosball table.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 10:24:52 am

oops, post failure :-X

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 04:17:26 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 07:56:20 am

<Irine! Law of conversation of Energy.>

<Only a rule of thumb! I violate it on a regular basis by my very nature! Not a true law!>

Spoiler:  Unchanged priority list (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 01:50:49 am

my priorities if I manage to take the power are:

1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Amelia must be protected / saved, for Zoe's sake. And since it seems to be Zoe's will to put Amelia before herself, she is as of now higher priority than Zoe.
3) Zoe must be protected from further harm, and I want to heal her injuries as well. Even if she is willing to sacrifice herself, I don't want her to have to do that. I don't even want her to be maimed by the events of today.
4) Awena should be protected if possible, she is the host of Theri, who was my ally and helped me through this.
5) finally I should see if I can place this world under Stellar's protection, she is the most worthy Entity that I have encountered.
6) Awena seems like a good choice for a guardian of this world, something Zoe is too single-minded for. If there is spare power after I'm done here, I should consider gifting it to her. If the amount gifted is significant, then also send her a compressed, shorthanded, version of my memories since I first arrived at the Staging Area. Include a emotional buffer on those memories to protect her. Those memories should teach her all I know about the Entities, even things that I don't know I know, especially about Stellar, who is going to be in charge of this world if I reach this stage of my priorities. do not include my private conversation with D, but do include his request to keep that conversation private, so she can understand why that blank spot exists. make sure that if I gift her power, I also gift her protections against being controlled again, as best as I am able.

I want to thank Zoe, to speak to her directly, but I don't dare do it until this is over. I can't afford to disrupt our link. I'll do it after, even if all I can say is a simple "Thank you."

---

Irine
Comon...
Trust Zoe...

---

Zoe
Keep going, be ready for a fight at the last second. Boris is likely to try to stop me.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 28, 2014, 04:53:41 pm

"That... never happened. There was something in the drink. Peace?"

If peace, then head over to John's village and summon another drink.
If no peace, then stab.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Salsacookies on August 29, 2014, 12:33:37 pm

"Yeah, truce. This place sure ain't Urbania, why the heck would Haz have turf out here, nothin radiatin' out here, and I've never seen anything like this out in Urbania, only on Postcard Planet. What type a' radiatin' did ya use on ya mug, anyway, neva seen that".
Actually take a good look around the place. Question the possibility i'm sleeping. Explore some while dreaming

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 29, 2014, 08:02:15 pm

I don't think there should be anything not obvious here, Zechariah thought.
Even still...

>Quietly exit the door and slide around the side of the room. Attempt to exit stealthily and stay in the room that you entered from. Make yourself small in a corner with shadows and use the Shadow, if you feel you are threatened, to disguise yourself.

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: Xantalos on August 29, 2014, 09:21:14 pm

Bounce upon the trampoline! Bounce all the way to the heavens (and possibly come crashing down upon another player)!

Title: Re: Special People: No One Could Survive That
Post by: NAV on August 30, 2014, 03:16:20 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 29, 2014, 12:33:37 pm

"Yeah, truce. This place sure ain't Urbania, why the heck would Haz have turf out here, nothin radiatin' out here, and I've never seen anything like this out in Urbania, only on Postcard Planet. What type a' radiatin' did ya use on ya mug, anyway, neva seen that".
Actually take a good look around the place. Question the possibility i'm sleeping. Explore some while dreaming

"I'm not a Haz. I'm Nikolai. I'm here for power. We all are.
My power is simple, I make things bigger. Called Tsar power because of an ancient crafter who made very big things."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 31, 2014, 03:55:21 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 29, 2014, 08:02:15 pm

I don't think there should be anything not obvious here, Zechariah thought.
Even still...

>Quietly exit the door and slide around the side of the room. Attempt to exit stealthily and stay in the room that you entered from. Make yourself small in a corner with shadows and use the Shadow, if you feel you are threatened, to disguise yourself.

Your host gets up, slowly. He looks at the smear of blood he has left on the wall he was leaning against. He is not going to make it.
He walks through the empty room, making his way in the dim light provided by the small lamps and the static-displaying TV.
He finally reaches the exit. It's getting brighter outside. Like it's almost dawn. But it's too early for that yet... isn't it?
He falls down on his back, looking at the sky. Everything seems to be moving so fast. It keeps getting brighter. Blindingly bright. You can feel his eyes straining as his irises expand.
Your interface beeps and its screen lights up red.
<Conditions exceeding safety limits. Desynchronizing...>
The last thing you remember is your host closing his eyes, the light still visible through them.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 07:56:20 am

Oh bloody-he's stooping that low? Awena! <Irine! Law of conversation of Energy.> It works even in this kind of situation, wherein what we're facing is technically energy.

...Bloody goodness. Awena, how good is your throwing arm?

Leave the decision to Awena--though, support her fully in any feat she tries to perform. Examine surroundings as to what could possibly be used to aid an attack from this position (and am I able to rush in melee?).

{suggest to} Throw knife, if no other possibility remains- or...where was that gun which Zoe had?

Edit: Clarifications.

Use that gun if otherwise...

The gun is nowhere to be seen. Maybe it was buried under debris from the explosion.
But you still have your knife and Victor is unarmed, so there is no dire need for it.
Yet.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2014, 08:07:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2014, 07:47:08 am

<If it comes to it and I let you go, can I trust you not to kill me? Do whatever you want to the rest, but I want to survive.>

<Well, you're not an objective and you have a kickass power. Why would I even want to kill you? I also am in dire need to kill the rest of these people, you know, for completion's sake. So yeah. Let me go, and you've got yourself a deal! If you don't mind, though, try immobilizing knife-girl beforehand, okay? I'm not in the best of conditions, really, and brawling's going to waste too much time.>

If he lets me go, first order of murder is to shoot that crystal dead!

Second order of murder is to shoot the ladies! All three of them, if they're not dead already, priority on Target Amethyst unless other immediate avenues of danger present themselves, in which case shoot those instead.

<You know he's probably going to betray you, right? All the standard villain signs are there.>

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 04:17:26 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 28, 2014, 07:56:20 am

<Irine! Law of conversation of Energy.>

<Only a rule of thumb! I violate it on a regular basis by my very nature! Not a true law!>

Spoiler:  Unchanged priority list (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2014, 01:50:49 am

my priorities if I manage to take the power are:

1) my previous host, the one who's will i stole, must be revived. her being forced out of this world and into the Staging Area is an acceptable version of this. Her suddenly appearing alive and well next to Zoe is acceptable. Her reviving at the site of her death, or the site of her birth, as long as it isn't going to kill her back again, is acceptable. what matters is that she is alive again, and in her OWN body, not mine, her life and memories intact (at least mostly).
2) Amelia must be protected / saved, for Zoe's sake. And since it seems to be Zoe's will to put Amelia before herself, she is as of now higher priority than Zoe.
3) Zoe must be protected from further harm, and I want to heal her injuries as well. Even if she is willing to sacrifice herself, I don't want her to have to do that. I don't even want her to be maimed by the events of today.
4) Awena should be protected if possible, she is the host of Theri, who was my ally and helped me through this.
5) finally I should see if I can place this world under Stellar's protection, she is the most worthy Entity that I have encountered.
6) Awena seems like a good choice for a guardian of this world, something Zoe is too single-minded for. If there is spare power after I'm done here, I should consider gifting it to her. If the amount gifted is significant, then also send her a compressed, shorthanded, version of my memories since I first arrived at the Staging Area. Include a emotional buffer on those memories to protect her. Those memories should teach her all I know about the Entities, even things that I don't know I know, especially about Stellar, who is going to be in charge of this world if I reach this stage of my priorities. do not include my private conversation with D, but do include his request to keep that conversation private, so she can understand why that blank spot exists. make sure that if I gift her power, I also gift her protections against being controlled again, as best as I am able.

I want to thank Zoe, to speak to her directly, but I don't dare do it until this is over. I can't afford to disrupt our link. I'll do it after, even if all I can say is a simple "Thank you."

---

Irine
Comon...
Trust Zoe...

---

Zoe
Keep going, be ready for a fight at the last second. Boris is likely to try to stop me.

Zoe keeps crawling forward.

---

Awena remains on the defensive. Victor jumps towards her but she takes a step back, avoiding him.
"I won't hurt you."
He lunges again and Awena is forced to stab him in the abdomen. However, before she can push him back, he touches her wounded shoulder.
"You know what I do?"
It feels like her blood is boiling. Blood starts flowing out of the wound, hovering over it and expanding to form lines. She's too surprised to react.
"I'm a healer. So consider this-"
He is interrupted by the sound of two gunshots. He pushes Awena away. The blood that was hovering above her wound dissolves into nothing. He tries to walk towards Amelia, but he is stopped by a third shot, the bullet going through his leg.
He falls. Awena can see two more bullet wounds on his back. Blood starts flowing out of them and hovering above them, branching into lines.
Zoe lowers her gun and keeps crawling forward, having almost reached the others.
<You could had won. I could had won. You brought this on yourself.> Victor bemoans before he is enveloped by a red hexagonal mesh formed out of his blood, like the cocoon that enveloped their previous attacker.

Speaking of which, the blood surrounding Ike shimmers and dissolves into nothing, freeing him. Ike feels a lot better, like he is not in the verge of dying anymore. But that feeling of euphoria lasts less than a second, for the next moment he feels like someone just stabbed his brain, put it on fire and freezed it all at the same time. Despite that, he manages to raise his shotgun and squeeze off a shot.
Awena is too busy looking at Victor, making sure he is unmoving, to notice that Ike is free. As such, she is caught completely off guard when the shotgun pellets hit her right hand, causing her to drop her knife.
Zoe gets ready to shoot the armored man, hoping she can somehow get a lucky shot, however Awena is faster. She doesn't hesitate, like something is pushing her to act, to give everything she has for one last fight. She jumps on top of Ike and pushes the shotgun down, struggling to hold him down, to keep him from attacking. She succeeds, for a few seconds at least. But by that time, whatever effect was affecting Ike has subsided.
He knees her in her injured abdomen to create an opening, using the pain to distract her as he reaches for a machine pistol with one hand, presses it against Awena's chest and unleashes a burst of bullets and blood. Awena is dead before she hits the ground, her heart destroyed by the barrage. Her unmoving eyes stare forward in shock as she is pushed aside by Ike.

Ike gets up, ready to complete his objective. He prepares to fire, but at that moment, his interface beeps and its screen lights up red.
<Conditions exceeding safety limits. Desynchronizing...>
Too late.
The last thing he remembers is the two girls in front of him disappearing in an explosion of light.

---

Zoe crawls the last few inches forward, reaching the crystal and Amelia. It is inviting, in a way. Like a weight just got lifted off her shoulders the moment she got near it. She uses the black base of the crystal as a handhold, to help her stand. It's incredibly hot and the sharp edges cut into her palm, but she doesn't mind. Touching it feels good. Almost makes her forget about the pain.
She puts her weight on her one good leg. With one hand she grabs the crystal, using it to balance herself. With the other she gently touches Amelia on her cheek.
That's it. We did it. You'll be OK. Even though she still doesn't fully believe that, she wants to believe that. She wants to believe that everything will turn out OK after she dies. That her sacrifice will mean something.
Irene's interface beeps and its screen lights up red.
<Conditions exceeding safety limits. Desynchronizing...>
<Override.>
<Do you accept responsibility?>
<Yes.>
<Do you accept responsibility?>
<Yes.>
<Isolation mode active.>
The screen disappears from Irene's interface, leaving an empty socket of silver metal in its place.

The world around them is made of light. No floor, no walls. Just three objects floating in a sea of irritatingly bright light.
Irene speaks with Zoe. Just a few words before she has to act, each word accompanied by the muffled beeping of her interface and a feeling of being more and more distant from each other.
She can't tell how much time they spend talking. Nothing changes. There's nothing to tell the passage of time besides the irregular beeping.
Zoe doesn't have much to say or inquire about. She is content. She is thankful. She is tired. Simple emotions Irene can see in her mind without asking. And above all, she's too tired to ask any more questions.
<I'm sorry. We can't wait anymore.>

Irene takes control, closes her eyes and focuses on the crystal. She can feel it pushing against her mind, giving her information and asking her what to do.

She can feel the crystal, a tiny point of darkness, yet with influence spreading everywhere around it like tiny black tendrils, digging into the world like a seed digs into soil with its roots, trying to resist the forces that try to uproot it. She can feel the small space she is in, enveloped and permeated by the darkness.
Amelia is like a grey sun, her light so bright it would most certainly cause Irene to miss the tiny point of light that represents Zoe, if it wasn't for something extending out of her. It's like a thin white line but it diffuses after some distance, becoming wider and blurrier until it disappears. And she can feel the Will surrounding that small space, a powerful Force coming forth from every point in the world, trying to crush it into nothingness, slowly coming closer and closer to succeeding.
She can feel the whole world, filled with millions of points of light, some brighter than others. Everything is frozen, unmoving.
She can feel a scar in the world, a hole where nothing exists, not even the Force assaulting them, a place surrounded by Death and Destruction.

She gets to work, giving her intentions to the object as clearly as she can. The darkness responds, stabbing the grey sun, sapping its reserves to gain power and knowledge, to grow outwards, creating more of itself, more tendrils that stab into things, specific things around it, living and dead, modifying them to suit its orders, crushing any obstacles it can't avoid. As it was designed to do. One of them reaches out further and further away. An unimaginable distance away. It keeps on going until it reaches something enormous. Irene can't see its full size, she can only gain a general idea about it. Yet it feels familiar, like a sea made out of trillions of warm yellow suns. The tendril dips into the edge of the sea. It stays there for a few moments, exchanging information. It is subsequently subsumed by the light, the tendril widening into a channel as the sea rushes through it, reaching for their world, for them.
<You did well. What you thought was right. You should be proud.>
The light spreads throughout the world, using the darkness as a blueprint. It takes over its tasks, helping to complete them.
<I will do my best. I will not let your effort go to waste. I will not let you down.>
As the last of the reserves of power are spent, Irene begins to feel herself fading, her perception of the world around her blurring. The use of power has weakened her and her link to her host.
<Now I have to face the consequences of what we did.>
Everything fades to darkness.
<Desynchronized.>

---

---

Awena wakes up, taking a quick, deep breath.
Run.
She gets up. She has to get out of here. Needs a vehicle.
The van you used to get here.
She sidesteps some rubble and a large metallic black box to get near Zoe.
Come on, get up.
She helps her stand, regain her balance.
"We have to leave."
"Yes..."
It takes Zoe a second to get her bearings.
"Yes. Help me carry her."
Awena didn't need to be told. She is already getting in position.
They grab the still unconscious Amelia and start moving her outside, making their way over a mound of rubble.
It is surprisingly empty out here. Deathly silent. Only the sound of the wind blowing through the holes in the building's walls.
They try to move carefully yet hastily. They are far from safe here.
"Is she allright?" asks Awena as she sits down on the driver seat.
"No. Not fully." replies Zoe. She takes a seat near Amelia after closing the back doors of the van, helping her limp body stay upright.
She looks outside, at the grey pillar in the East. The sky is changing colour there, becoming orange and yellow as the sun begins to rise.
"But I have a feeling that she will be."
<Desynchronization complete.>

---

The man who Ike had dubbed Ike Wayne wakes up.
He is still trapped in that infernal blood barrier thing, facing the sky. He can't do anything. Can't even move, no matter how much he struggles. It's much stronger than before.
Some time passes. The sky turns from that slightly greenish dark blue of dawn to a much lighter cyan colour.
The barrier finally dissolves.
He looks at himself. His injuries are gone, his tiredness and pain too. Only dried blood left to remind him what happened to him.
There's a note on his chest, written in Russian. A shred of paper that has been hastily scribbled onto with a blue pen.
[Had to go. One final mission. Healed you first. For services rendered. This probably won't make any sense to you, but if it does, do not go after me. Better to focus on your other goals. I'll be out of this world soon enough. Goodbye.]
Reads like a suicide note.
He crumples it and puts it in a still intact pocket. Something for later.
He can hear sirens outside. People moving and shouting.
He sits down on a black box and starts taking off his armour and weapons, revealing his partially burnt clothes below.
Looks like he'll be having a long chat with Operator soon. Better to at least be comfortable while he's being scolded.

...

As it turns out his chat will happen sooner than expected.
After the police come in, check the room, shout at him, cuff him, confirm his identity and then let him go and apologize profusely (nothing new or unexpected there), the boss himself arrives on the scene, complete with his group of armed gorillas. That's unexpected.
What's even more unexpected are the words that follow.
"Outstanding performance." he says as he shoos his bodyguards away.
"It became apparent after investigation that there was certain events that we were unaware of. Your intervention helped prevent a major disaster." he responds to Ike Wayne's questioning look.
"Sir?" Ike Wayne asks but the other seems unwilling to elaborate. Probably waiting for them to talk in a more private location. Instead, he continues on a different topic.
"And the recovery of that artefact, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands" he adds, pointing to that black box "will certainly not be overlooked."
"Thank you sir." His mind is racing. So many questions he wants to ask, but this is neither the time nor the place. Instead, he focuses on something simple and simultaneously very important. "Does that mean They...?"
"Yes. You're in."
Excellent.
<Desynchronization complete.>

---

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do." Male voice. Sounds tired.
"What do you mean? He's right there! He's still alive, do something!" Female. Almost yelling.
"There's too much damage. I can't just fix that. He needs complicated surgery and-"
"Then take him to a bloody hospital."
No. Not hospital. Better to die.
"Even if we somehow managed to do that with none of us getting arrested, there would still be nothing they can do. There's too much damage."
"He's managed to stay alive so far. If we could-"
"Only reason he's still alive is because of whatever they gave him. They have some weird drug cocktails they ship from the East that can keep a man alive through anything. But the effects won't last for long. And when they wear out..."
"What are you saying? That I should let this man die on the back of my car? Do nothing about it?"
"Look, I'm not saying it's easy, but-"
"No. Sod that."
Tires screech.
"Where are you going?"
No response.
"What are you doing?!"
"Something."
<Desynchronization complete.>

---

"Yeah, and then the whole thing just lit up."
"So, what do you think? Aliens?" she half-jokes.
"Maybe." replies the other with a laugh. "Heard the rumours about the Ghosts of the Anomaly?"
"No, what's-"
The man and the woman dressed in white fall to the floor with a sigh, unconscious.
Being struck in the head from behind tends to do that to people.
Completing the objective doesn't take long after that. It's a straight run to the computer room.
The systems are so outdated no outside help is needed. Not that any could be requested.
A few keystrokes later, the system has been compromised, the gateway hidden by the simple nature of the machine's obscure settings. Nobody would bother looking for it anyway. Getting any data needed should be simple after that.
A couple of minutes later, he finds himself in the central corridor, making his way towards the exit.
The white coat he got help him blend in with the physicians trying to get through the large crowd of patients and relatives lining  the hospital's corridors. The chaos is another element working to his advantage.
As he walks down the hall, a payphone starts ringing. He approaches and picks it up.
"Agent Four Teen Confirm." comes a monotonous female voice from the other side, followed by a tone.
"Affirmative."
Time for a new assignment.
<Desynchronization complete.>

---

---

Spoiler: So many rolls (click to show/hide)

0.6
Victor will-> 5-1 4-1
Victor dex-> 1-1
Awena rflx-> 2+1
0.5
Victor dex-> 5-1
Awena rflx-> 3+1
Victor end-> 6
Awena rflx-> 1
Zoe dex-> 6-1
Victor Injury-> Lower right torso
Victor end-> 6
Zoe dex-> 5-1
Victor Injury-> Upper right leg
Victor end-> 2
0.3
Zoe will-> 6-1 3-1
Ike will-> 1-1 2-1
Awena awr-> 1
Ike dex-> 4+1-2-1+1-> 3
Awena auto fails rflx->1
Awena injury-> Lower Right Arm
Awena end-> 5
0.2
Ike rlfx-> 1+3-2-1-1->0
Awena rflx-> 5
Zoe rflx-> 3
Awena dex-> 6
Ike rflx-> 5+3-2-1-1-> 4
Ike str-> 4-1-1-> 2
Awena str-> 4-1-> 3
0.1
Awena will-> 1-2 5-2
Zoe will-> 3-1 4-1
Ike str-> 4-1
Awena str-> 5-1-1
Ike str-> 6-1
Awena str-> 2-1-1
Awena injury-> Upper left torso
Awena end-> 2
0.0

So, that's it. Took a while to write. I decided to just keep rolling until the end, since I think there was little room for variation left.
I guess Irene will be the one that got away for Ike. In the serial killer sense (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheOneThatGotAway).
Not 100% happy with how I planned this mission, but I think I've learned a few things from it.

Okay, I've got a thing to write for university but I'll try to finish up any changes in your notes and upgrade trees and send them over to you ASAP.

Regular updates will continue once I'm done with all that.
In the meantime, feel free to vote-discuss the next mission. And have some music (http://youtu.be/T0EMksOz5eI).

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on August 31, 2014, 04:01:30 pm

(I'm split between Arena, Tournament, and Race, what do you think?)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 31, 2014, 04:05:23 pm

Survival is my choice. But Tournament is also really cool.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on August 31, 2014, 04:07:12 pm

I'm going with Race, because of the Containment Breach mission, That sounds like fun

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2014, 04:27:57 pm

((I'd probably like a campaign. A high-fantasy one, to balance out the sci-fi that's been going around so far.))

<I'm probably not getting too many points for that, but boy, was it fun! And I even know what I want to get!>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on August 31, 2014, 04:35:28 pm

Wanna do some Criminal Element Survival? Sounds interesting.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on August 31, 2014, 09:02:37 pm

((I am too busy mourning my host to make a coherent post or know what happened to me and/or River.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on August 31, 2014, 09:09:15 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 31, 2014, 09:02:37 pm

((I am too busy mourning my host to make a coherent post or know what happened to me and/or River.))

((She came back! read the epilogue! I revived her!))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 31, 2014, 03:55:21 pm

Awena wakes up, taking a quick, deep breath.
Run.
She gets up. She has to get out of here. Needs a vehicle.
The van you used to get here.
She sidesteps some rubble and a large metallic black box to get near Zoe.
Come on, get up.
She helps her stand, regain her balance.
"We have to leave."
"Yes..."
It takes Zoe a second to get her bearings.
"Yes. Help me carry her."
Awena didn't need to be told. She is already getting in position.
They grab the still unconscious Amelia and start moving her outside, making their way over a mound of rubble.
It is surprisingly empty out here. Deathly silent. Only the sound of the wind blowing through the holes in the building's walls.
They try to move carefully yet hastily. They are far from safe here.
"Is she allright?" asks Awena as she sits down on the driver seat.
"No. Not fully." replies Zoe. She takes a seat near Amelia after closing the back doors of the van, helping her limp body stay upright.
She looks outside, at the grey pillar in the East. The sky is changing colour there, becoming orange and yellow as the sun begins to rise.
"But I have a feeling that she will be."
<Desynchronization complete.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on August 31, 2014, 09:14:24 pm

((I read it but I'm..a tad bit confused ._. Though everything was beautiful and had me teary.
The confused part is what happened to Ike as it seems the epilogue speaks of what just happened...also what about Victor [and such]))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 01, 2014, 01:56:21 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2014, 04:27:57 pm

((I'd probably like a campaign. A high-fantasy one, to balance out the sci-fi that's been going around so far.))

<I'm probably not getting too many points for that, but boy, was it fun! And I even know what I want to get!>

((I voted survival, but this also interests me))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 01, 2014, 02:09:54 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 01, 2014, 01:56:21 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2014, 04:27:57 pm

((I'd probably like a campaign. A high-fantasy one, to balance out the sci-fi that's been going around so far.))

<I'm probably not getting too many points for that, but boy, was it fun! And I even know what I want to get!>

((I voted survival, but this also interests me))

+1

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 01, 2014, 02:26:04 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 01, 2014, 02:09:54 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 01, 2014, 01:56:21 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2014, 04:27:57 pm

((I'd probably like a campaign. A high-fantasy one, to balance out the sci-fi that's been going around so far.))

<I'm probably not getting too many points for that, but boy, was it fun! And I even know what I want to get!>

((I voted survival, but this also interests me))

+1

+Yes

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 01, 2014, 05:14:16 am

I find it funny that my notes for this are in a folder named "Arena Thing" (due to the original idea being a strictly arena DM/TDM game, with the other modes added as an afterthought for variety) and we have yet to play a single Arena Type mission. Perhaps I should simply rename that folder...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2014, 04:27:57 pm

((I'd probably like a campaign. A high-fantasy one, to balance out the sci-fi that's been going around so far.))

I've actually had a fantasy story sort of thought out for a long time, but I wasn't really happy enough with it to put it in the game modes section. Not so good with thinking about fantasy stuff, that's why I prefer more modern settings (1900s and later).

Hm. It's a good idea, variety is generally a good thing. And it's what the people demand. I'll think about it, see if I can get any inspiration.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 01, 2014, 08:37:35 am

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.


I'd do whatever, of course, but I can't pick just one.  Survival's a game concept I like.  I'd like to do a tournament (or other straight PvP) one at some point as well (despite tournament probably being a bad one for my character.)  Race would likely be good too.

And I just noticed there's a campaign suggestion based of the BETA mission.  Huh.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 01, 2014, 04:45:36 pm

((Well done Lenglon.  Hmm, at the moment I'd like to do survival.  The fantasy campaign would probably be fun to do later though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 06, 2014, 06:41:09 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2014, 10:18:11 am

Hmm... no one's around, then?  I'll take it, then.

Head in and explore it.  Look for a nice place for a foosball table.

When you decide the house is yours, the air around it shimmers for a second.

You shrug, walk up the stairs to the entrance, twist the handle, open the door and enter the mansion.

The inside is sufficiently huge and imposing. Most rooms are lit by candles hanging from the walls or resting on chandeliers. Their stone floors are covered by thick carpets. The walls are covered by dark red or green wallpapers, with molding made out of polished wood to make the transition between walls smoother and some sparse paintings for decoration. It has an overall warm (if a bit dark) feeling.

The first room you enter is an entrance hall, a large, mostly empty room featuring a large stone staircase leading up to a balcony the second floor.

The second room you enter is some sort of entertainment or event room, can't really tell for sure. Another mostly empty area, with a large fireplace, a few seats, lounges and tables. On one side of the room, on a raised platform, rests some kind of string instrument that resembles a cello, while the other holds a cabinet full of drinks. This could house the foosball table.

Other than that on the ground floor we have a grand dining room, a kitchen, a cellar and a study, as well as various other utility rooms. Some of them are obviously designed to be used by servants, since they lack the same attention and lavishness as the other rooms.

As you walk through the quiet halls of the manor, you get the feeling that there's someone there with you. Seeing however as you don't notice anything else beyond that feeling, you just discard it as it being your imagination.

The upper floor is more of a residential area, the part of the house that is actually meant to be lived in, rather than be displayed on special occasions or be used to maintain the rest of the house. It is filled with bedrooms and a couple of bathrooms, as well as a smaller dining area.

As you walk through the upper floor you go past the glass door leading to the balcony you saw from the outside. There's a small wooden table with two chairs there. On one of them sits that entity that looks like shadow in fire's form, holding a cup full of hot liquid. He raises it towards you in a sort of "cheers" motion as you go by.

The upper floor also holds another, smaller study. However, this room is strange in that it seems to contain some of the objects from the previous form of your personal area. The holotable is on the centre of the room instead of a normal table and your spear hangs from the wall.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 29, 2014, 09:21:14 pm

Bounce upon the trampoline! Bounce all the way to the heavens (and possibly come crashing down upon another player)!

You bounce up and down the trampoline.

...

Nothing happens.
You bounce higher.

...

Nothing continues to happen.

...

Why isn't this working? Why aren't you going anywhere?

The moment you make that thought, a purple ring appears over you. As you go through it, gravity reverses and you start falling.
Headfirst.
And there's no trampoline below you.

Not again.

((Read the turn below you.))

Quote from: NAV on August 28, 2014, 04:53:41 pm

"That... never happened. There was something in the drink. Peace?"

If peace, then head over to John's village and summon another drink.
If no peace, then stab.

You walk through the late medieval village John willed into existence, making your way through the small wooden houses, holding a drink in your hand.

You reach the central plaza with the fountain. There is a large manor here. There's also a three storey building with a sign hanging outside. Some kind of tavern or inn probably.
The crow shaped entity is sitting on the fountain, lazily throwing a ball of dim lightning in the air with one wing and catching it with the other.

As you walk, you hear a noise come from above you.
You look up.
There's a fat guy falling towards you.
You take a step back.
The fat guy falls on the ground in front of you, embedding his head in the ground and pelting you with dirt in the process.
After some effort, he manages to pull his head out of the ground with a rather comical pop.

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 29, 2014, 12:33:37 pm

"Yeah, truce. This place sure ain't Urbania, why the heck would Haz have turf out here, nothin radiatin' out here, and I've never seen anything like this out in Urbania, only on Postcard Planet. What type a' radiatin' did ya use on ya mug, anyway, neva seen that".
Actually take a good look around the place. Question the possibility i'm sleeping. Explore some while dreaming

((Read the turn above yours.))

You follow the masked man as he makes his way through the forest and the medieval town. ((If you want a more detailed description I can provide it. It's just that I've already given a rather detailed description to Toaster and I'd hate to have to repeat it all so soon unless I am explicitly asked to do so. Unless you want exactly the same info, in which case, it's here (Toaster's part) (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5611656;topicseen#msg5611656).))

Well, sleeping is probably the only way you could explain all this. How else could you had gotten here? Why is there a crow sitting on that fountain playing with a ball of lightning? And why are overweight people falling from the sky?

Yes, you're either dreaming or having a very bad trip.

---

Harry Bladman
You wake up.
You're sitting and your head is resting on something made of wood, a table probably.
You super sensitive nose can pick up the scent of wild boar being fried.
Yes someone is definitely frying something. You can hear the fat boiling. You can also hear someone whistling. They're whistling the refrain from "Play that Funky Music".

You open your eyes and lift your head.
You're sitting on a wooden chair next to a wooden table. Simple and old looking.
The room you're in is large, made of stone and wooden supports. It is filled with tables and chairs like the ones you're sitting on and one of the walls features a few of those gigantic wooden barrels that usually hold alcohol. It is lit by a large fireplace, complemented by a few torches hanging from the stone walls.
There's a wooden staircase leading somewhere further up.
And finally there's a bar, with a few smaller barrels and cooking implements behind it. The whistler is behind the bar, facing a small fire and holding a pan. When you look at him, he sets the pan down and turns to face you.

He's a burly man with medium length platinum blonde hair, blue eyes and the facial characteristics of a stereotypical Viking, sans the braided beard. He simply has some short facial hair.
He's wearing a light cloth shirt with short sleeves that show off his muscles.
"Goodmorning!" he says merrily and quickly, like it's one word,
He shows you the pan.
"Want some sausage for breakfast?"

---

DarkArtemisFowl
You wake up.

You're in your bed, on your small cluster of floating islands in your personal section of the Staging Area.
It seems a bit darker than before. Some of the green crystals on the ceiling of the cavern are cracked, giving off a dimmer light.
<You are awake.>
You're not really sure what the purpose of the sentence is. It's a mere statement with no emotion in it.

---

Tiruin
You wake up.
You can feel someone gently brushing your hair with their hand, occasionally moving it from them to your ears, rubbing them gently.
You can hear sparrows chirping.

When you open your eyes, you can see you're in a forested mountainous area, the one River brought you the first time you were here. It's similar to how you remember it being, a large area full of pines and sparse bushes, with a small stream forming a waterfall on the side opposite to the one you are in.
But there are a few small differences. You can see the upper storey of a building made of stone and wood visible behind the treetops, with smoke rising out of one of its chimneys. There weren't any buildings here before.
You can also see the flock of sparrows. Most of them are hiding in the bushes a few metres away, chirping happily, while others are jumping around on the ground searching for seeds or fluttering their wings as they dust bathe.

"Good day to you."
The hand is removed from your head.
"Are you... feeling well?" he says with a small pause, as if he is unsure of what he wants to say.

---

Alarith
You wake up.

You're in your bed, the one you woke up in before you went on that mission. It's just as you remember it being (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4877574;topicseen#msg4877574), a large room with walls made of white and black marble.

---

Lenglon
You regain consciousness. Everything is dark.
Not that everything weren't dark before. It is always dark before or after a mission.
But now it's different. You have a body. You can feel it, even though you can't move it or feel anything on your skin.
Everything is cold and quiet and there's no smell here but your own. And yet there is a feeling of familiarity, as if you've been here before, as if you know this place, even though you can't see it.

Before you have a chance to consider why that might be there's a draft of air. You can't feel it on your skin but you can hear it as it passes by your ears. It lasts for a second before it is replaced by a voice.
"Hello. Are you conscious?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 07:47:27 pm

"I'm conscious... yes... what happens now? Why do I feel different?"
Attempt to move each part of my body, or at least make sure it's there. Attempt to open and close my hands, to move my tails, my feet, and so on. Attempt to shake off the numbness and regain awareness of my surroundings... or my personal illusion of surroundings? it's so hard to tell what is really real and what isn't around here.
"What happened to my hosts? both Zoe and... her... are they both ok now?" Are my responsibilities fulfilled?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 06, 2014, 08:04:09 pm

Your can't hear your words being spoken, but he answers all the same.
"Oh, don't worry, it's for your safety during the operation. Won't take much time at all."
Your body is there... or at least you think it's there. You can hear your heartbeat and your breathing.
"Anyway, this is technically not entirely legal, so we don't have much time before I have to put you under again. You can learn about what happened to them later."
But it's all involuntary. As if you are under the effects of some sort of anaesthetic or sedative. You can't consciously move your body. Or if you can, then you can't feel it happening.
"I want to offer you a trade. A favour for a favour."
You can't open your eyes. There's only a grey blur with a pinkish hue visible.
"I believe you care about her. Or if you don't, then you care about what you have gained through her. There is going to be a trial soon. I can use some of my influence to protect her, but if I am to expend those favours on her, then I would like to gain one in return."
Still, there is that feeling of familiarity. So there is probably something here.
Unless it is just another trick to confuse you.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 09:07:01 pm

I can't agree to this blindly, but this sounds like something I want to go along with
"What is your wish? What favor of mine do you desire?"
might as well make sure he remembers who I really am with the why I phrase my answer.

---

((to save time, here's Irene's response to his answer, be it specific or vague:))
"As long as you don't ask me to betray my responsibilities, my friends, or myself, then you shall have your one favor. Use it well."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 06, 2014, 09:10:14 pm

.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 09:13:07 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 06, 2014, 09:10:14 pm

Oh. Well, I'm actually quite equipped for this.

Summon a huge pile of fluffy pillows!

((read the turns following yours))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 06, 2014, 09:15:09 pm

((Ah. I'll edit in a few hours.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 06, 2014, 11:24:43 pm

Zechariah squinted his eyes and blinked twice.
"Do you take that as a good or bad thing?"
He looks up to the glowing crystals, now cracked in some places. He grimaces, uncertain of his future now.
"I failed. I failed, didn't I?"

Get off of the bed and look around me. Try to observe the crystals and find out why they are cracked.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 07, 2014, 07:07:04 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 09:07:01 pm

I can't agree to this blindly, but this sounds like something I want to go along with
"What is your wish? What favor of mine do you desire?"
might as well make sure he remembers who I really am with the why I phrase my answer.

---

((to save time, here's Irene's response to his answer, be it specific or vague:))
"As long as you don't ask me to betray my responsibilities, my friends, or myself, then you shall have your one favor. Use it well."

((Now I'm tempted to have you agree with something completely absurd, like cutting down the biggest tree in the forest with a herring.))
"A rather simple thing, really. In the future, I'm going to ask you to protect someone from something. I want you to protect that someone to the best of your ability. Deal?"
You speak your answer, but once again, you do not hear it.
"Excellent. As long as you keep your word, then you have nothing to fear from me. I'm nothing if not fair.
Oh, and try to not tell everyone about this? To not speak about this out of your Personal Section? Not really part of the deal, but it would complicate things.
So, unless there's something terribly important, I'm going to have to put you under again. They'll be here any second now."
You feel like your thoughts are getting slower (or maybe the world is getting faster?) There is another gust of wind and then nothing.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 06, 2014, 11:24:43 pm

Zechariah squinted his eyes and blinked twice.
"Do you take that as a good or bad thing?"
He looks up to the glowing crystals, now cracked in some places. He grimaces, uncertain of his future now.
"I failed. I failed, didn't I?"

Get off of the bed and look around me. Try to observe the crystals and find out why they are cracked.

<It is...>
She lets the sentence drag on, as if she is considering it, but she never completes it.
"I failed. I failed, didn't I?"
<You... could had done better. But you did not fail. Not completely>
There seem to be tiny holes near the cracks on the crystals. There are also a few scorch marks on the floating island holding your portal, as well as on some of the walls of the cavern.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 06, 2014, 09:15:09 pm

((Ah. I'll edit in a few hours.))

((Sorry, I forgot you don't read the other's turns. I'll make sure to indicate that your turn extends into other's more visibly in the future.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 07, 2014, 07:28:50 am

await my awakening

((My tails are based on my age btw, 1 base + 1/50 years. max age 1000+-100, (meaning max tails is 19-23) Irene started the game at 130 (putting her in the 100-149 bracket of 3 tails) but I don't know if there's accelerated aging going on, and your last post indicated that my perception of time is distorted.))

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

((Just re-checked Irine's origin, it's Irine, not Irene, Link (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 07, 2014, 02:54:23 pm

John headed back to the balcony where the entity is sitting.  He took the other chair by the table.  He waited a few seconds then spoke.

"Not bad.  I notice some of the stuff from where I came in moved here; looks like I officially moved in."

He paused again.

"So what's your job here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 07, 2014, 03:10:12 pm

Look around the place.

Yep, definitely not Urbania

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 07, 2014, 03:39:48 pm

"Sausage! The ultimate need-to-know-basis food. Well-chosen, I must say."

Breakfast at Drake's!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 07, 2014, 05:34:40 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 07, 2014, 07:28:50 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

((Just re-checked Irine's origin, it's Irine, not Irene, Link (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)))

((I actually did check there to make sure :P before this))

Quote from: River on September 06, 2014, 06:41:09 pm

"Good day to you."
"Are you... feeling well?"

Theri blinked twice more before upturning her right hand, feeling the ground with the back of her wrist. Turning towards River, she smiled, before getting back up to hug him.

"I'm half well confused, but yes I'm alright. I think I disconnected twice? With the first being nearly a vague memory than what I remember."

She looked at the sparrows before continuing.

"Did-...it work though? Is Awena alright? What happened back there? And where are the others?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 07, 2014, 06:15:57 pm

((Oh no, no need. I'll just actually start reading the others' turns.))

Alan looks at the person in front of him.

Well, hello there! D'you have any ice packs? I've hit my head rather hard.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 07, 2014, 11:31:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 07, 2014, 07:07:04 am

<It is...>
She lets the sentence drag on, as if she is considering it, but she never completes it.
"I failed. I failed, didn't I?"
<You... could had done better. But you did not fail. Not completely>
There seem to be tiny holes near the cracks on the crystals. There are also a few scorch marks on the floating island holding your portal, as well as on some of the walls of the cavern.

I hesitate for a moment, trying to observe the tone that Scion is using. These were signs that Zechariah was all too accustomed to already, so something real sinister must be up now.
"Why are you not insulting me or telling me that I'm a failure? What happened and why does this room look like a battle just took place?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 08, 2014, 06:48:50 am

Definitely not drunk enough. Drink more.
And give the strange man an icepack.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 07, 2014, 07:28:50 am

await my awakening

((My tails are based on my age btw, 1 base + 1/50 years. max age 1000+-100, (meaning max tails is 19-23) Irene started the game at 130 (putting her in the 100-149 bracket of 3 tails) but I don't know if there's accelerated aging going on, and your last post indicated that my perception of time is distorted.))

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

((Just re-checked Irine's origin, it's Irine, not Irene, Link (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)))

((Wait, I thought the legend was they had up to nine tails?  But yes, given your character description, more than 9 makes sense. Anyway, there is no need for that to come into effect yet.

And yes, it is indeed Irine. Despite the fact that you have used that spelling many times before, I only just noticed it now. I think I did the same thing with DAF's character, calling him Zachariah instead of Zechariah for about half a mission, until I noticed the difference in spelling. It's just that my mind seems to prefer one spelling over the other, so I unconsciously use that. Sorry. I'll try to use the spelling you prefer from now on.))

You wake up.

You are back in your personal section of the staging area, the network of caverns and tunnels that resemble your home. You're currently in human form, lying with your back against the wall of a tunnel. The tunnel is connected to the chamber containing the magma pool, which in turn is connected to the chamber containing your portal.

You think you can hear someone talking somewhere further away, in the direction of the magma chamber.

You can feel something on your ear. Should you choose to investigate it, you will discover it is the flower with the fire-coloured petals given to you by Theri before the start of the previous mission.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 07, 2014, 02:54:23 pm

John headed back to the balcony where the entity is sitting.  He took the other chair by the table.  He waited a few seconds then spoke.

"Not bad.  I notice some of the stuff from where I came in moved here; looks like I officially moved in."

He paused again.

"So what's your job here?"

As you sit down, he snaps his fingers and an empty cup appears on the table in front of you after a small burst of darkness.
"Not bad.  I notice some of the stuff from where I came in moved here; looks like I officially moved in."
"Oh, yes. Since you claimed it, it's yours now. No one else may enter unless you let them. Except for him of course."
You suppose that he can be here then because this counts as outside the Lancaster Manor.
"If me being here bothers you, just say the word and I'll be on my way." he adds with a flick of his hand that sends a ball of shadowfire flying away from the balcony. The ball sails over the heads of the people standing in the plaza below before it dissipates.
"So what's your job here?"
"Well, my job here, if you could call it a job, is mostly coordinating this thing, making suggestions, making sure everything is working well." he says with a tone of voice that indicates he's smiling, even though his face is nothing but swirling shadow flying upwards and dissipating like fire.
"Even though all of our kind is supposed to be equal here, my power, my seniority and the fact that I created this place give me a rank of... well, let's say 'primus inter pares'. First among equals."

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 07, 2014, 03:10:12 pm

Look around the place.

Yep, definitely not Urbania

Looking for anything in particular? Or just going to random places. If you're going to random places, I'll just have you enter the inn.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 07, 2014, 06:15:57 pm

((Oh no, no need. I'll just actually start reading the others' turns.))

Alan looks at the person in front of him.

Well, hello there! D'you have any ice packs? I've hit my head rather hard.

Quote from: NAV on September 08, 2014, 06:48:50 am

Definitely not drunk enough. Drink more.
And give the strange man an icepack.

You drink the rest of the bottle and throw it away.
The crow throws its ball of lightning at the bottle, causing it to disintegrate into blue sparks.
"Give a hoot, don't pollute!" he says and starts creating a new ball of lightning.
"Or 'a caw' in my case." he adds and caws a couple of times while bobbing its head up and down.

You're starting to feel a bit lightheaded.

You summon an ice pack and hand it over to the man that fell from the sky.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 07, 2014, 03:39:48 pm

"Sausage! The ultimate need-to-know-basis food. Well-chosen, I must say."

Breakfast at Drake's!

"Well then, let me just finish making this omelet and I'll come service you." he replies.
He looks at you seriously for half a second before he breaks into laughter over his own joke.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, I know I'm terrible but I couldn't resist."
He breaks a few eggs and empties their content to the pan.
"Need anything else? I bet I could find something that doesn't have alcohol in it if I search around."
In a rather unconventional manner, he scrambles the eggs after having put them in the pan.
"Guess I could just summon something, but I thought I should try to remain consistent with the theme of the place."

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 07, 2014, 05:34:40 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 07, 2014, 07:28:50 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 19, 2014, 05:15:31 pm

((I distinctly remember it was Irene :P))

((Just re-checked Irine's origin, it's Irine, not Irene, Link (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124770.msg4213822#msg4213822)))

((I actually did check there to make sure :P before this))

Quote from: River on September 06, 2014, 06:41:09 pm

"Good day to you."
"Are you... feeling well?"

Theri blinked twice more before upturning her right hand, feeling the ground with the back of her wrist. Turning towards River, she smiled, before getting back up to hug him.

"I'm half well confused, but yes I'm alright. I think I disconnected twice? With the first being nearly a vague memory than what I remember."

She looked at the sparrows before continuing.

"Did-...it work though? Is Awena alright? What happened back there? And where are the others?"

You can see a brief look of worry in his face, changing into confusion as you smile.
It takes him awhile to react to your hug, his body remaining tense for a few seconds before he relaxes and raises his right hand to stroke your back.
"Oh. From what I saw, everything turned out fine in the end." he says relieved.
"If you want to learn more, you'll have to speak to Irine. I can't access that world anymore."
He raises his other hand to point at the building visible behind the treetops and at a small path made of stone blocks leading to that direction.
"Most of the others are down in the town. Would you like to go there? Or would you like me to send a message to Irine?"

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 07, 2014, 11:31:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 07, 2014, 07:07:04 am

<It is...>
She lets the sentence drag on, as if she is considering it, but she never completes it.
"I failed. I failed, didn't I?"
<You... could had done better. But you did not fail. Not completely>
There seem to be tiny holes near the cracks on the crystals. There are also a few scorch marks on the floating island holding your portal, as well as on some of the walls of the cavern.

I hesitate for a moment, trying to observe the tone that Scion is using. These were signs that Zechariah was all too accustomed to already, so something real sinister must be up now.
"Why are you not insulting me or telling me that I'm a failure? What happened and why does this room look like a battle just took place?

<Nothing you should be concerned about.> she says quietly and with a hint of anger.
As she finishes her sentence, the damage begins being repaired. Soon it will be like nothing ever happened.
<And I did not insult you. What I said was the truth and I do not regret it.> he adds more loudly. <Not to mention that you just lost an enormous opportunity for me to gain more power!>

<Still... there was something... that was pointed out to me.> she continues a bit more quietly, the crystals emitting sparks in tune with her voice.

---

Hey! Listen!

I currently count 4 requests for a high fantasy campaign mission (DAF,Tiruin,Lenglon,Harry Baldman). Since I'd like 6 players if I'm going to start one, anyone who wants one to happen now (and not, say, after the next mission) should say so now.

Else, you can volunteer later and I can start finalizing the Survival mission now.
I am guessing from everyone's response that you want the Criminal one and not one I will design based on your requests, correct?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 08:34:32 am

carefully remove and set aside the flower, then change into hybrid form, then put it back in place before going towards where I'm hearing voices.
"Stellar? could you tell me if there is anything weird about this flower? or is it just a pretty flower?"
take advantage of the nature of this place to be hearing what is being said over there clearly, and to not have my voice travel to anyone but Stellar.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:49:24 am

John nodded at the shadow entity.  "Huh.  So you're the coordinator; fair enough."

John looked out into the town he had made that was quickly becoming a gathering point.  Fine by him.  "I don't mind if you drop by; not like I could really stop you, I guess.  You mke the whole business or just this part of it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 08, 2014, 09:12:13 am

"Hm, I prefer to build up more of an innuendo train, myself, but rather nice work there! Anyhow, got some milk? From a goat, preferably, to keep with the theme. Or kefir if you've got any, that'll work nicely as well."

Continue breakfast.

EDIT: ((Also, if that's not apparent already, High Fantasy for me! Although I wouldn't have anything against Survival, either.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 08, 2014, 11:13:49 am

Yeah, a high fantasy thing would be pretty cool to do. I'm good with the prospect.

Yay thanks! Here, have a sofa in thanks!

Fire a sofa out of my hand at the guy, forgetting about the frailty of human bodies!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 11:25:44 am

((Oh yeah, meant to say that I'd be good with either.  John's power is a bit out of line with high fantasy (and Survival is more up his alley anyway) but I'll be in for pretty much anything.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 08, 2014, 11:27:05 am

( I'll head off to the fantasy campaign, I think that sounds cool. Another dose of wierd before my guy gets to familiar stuff would be cool. So that makes 7.)

I will now retreat to the inn, a bit too odd for me right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 08, 2014, 02:58:00 pm

I want to do the fantasy campaign, and I want to do the survival. So put me wherever.

Drunkenly matrix under the couch.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 08, 2014, 04:43:55 pm

((Put me in either, should be fun whichever one I'm in.))
Bryan stands up, picks up one of the clear phials of liquid from before and considers it for a moment.  No, I need to think a bit more before I relive that.  He sets the phial down and moves to the piano room.  Once there he sits down.  "It's been awhile."  He attempts to play this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h19Y5dwNfMw).
((Please note that the comments on that video might be spoiler heavy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 06:53:30 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

((Wait, I thought the legend was they had up to nine tails?))

((that is correct, Irine is an entirely different being, similar in result but not in means.))
((And although I'd enjoy a high-fantasy campaign, I'm also quite happy with survival or whatever.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 08, 2014, 09:02:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

((IF you need tips in running dual-missions with efficiency at the same time, Paris, I'm REALLY open to help there :3))
^{Err, personal experience.}

((Also, Na'vi? x3))

Quote from: River on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

"Most of the others are down in the town. Would you like to go there? Or would you like me to send a message to Irine?"

Theri pressed the back of her index finger to her chin.
"Mmm, how's about you tell me where she is--message her (as a distraction) and I'll greet her with a hug? I do recall tidbits of what happened in the end and...if what I recall is really true, I'm quite happy to see Awena ok."

Her smile faltered, "Though...I never got a chance to say goodbye. Or thankyou--enough, anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 08, 2014, 09:47:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 06:53:30 pm

((And although I'd enjoy a high-fantasy campaign, I'm also quite happy with survival or whatever.))

+Ditto

---

Zechariah
Zechariah stopped to consider this. Scion's attitude hinted at a sort of ambition that she was hiding - an ambition that went beyond what she had in mind for Zechariah himself.
Still, he was curious about what she had to say here. Might as well not waste the opportunity to learn something new about this place.
"What was it that was pointed out to you? And.. yes, this is something I should be concerned about. This is my world now. I should not be existing right now, but I am, so I might as well involve myself while I still have the chance."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 10:16:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 08:34:32 am

carefully remove and set aside the flower, then change into hybrid form, then put it back in place before going towards where I'm hearing voices.
"Stellar? could you tell me if there is anything weird about this flower? or is it just a pretty flower?"
take advantage of the nature of this place to be hearing what is being said over there clearly, and to not have my voice travel to anyone but Stellar.

You remove the flower and then use the fire in the surrounding area to transform into your hybrid form. It is a bit better than you remembered it, but it still feels bad.
idspispopd
You change the properties of the wall in front of you, making it absorb light and sound from one side but not the other, and do the reverse to the wall on the other side. The result resembles what you get when you activate no clipping mode and go through a wall in a game. A large empty expanse beyond the walls that is invisible from the inside.

On the other side, standing in front of your fire portal, you can see the outline of a humanoid made out of distortions in the air and a fox with a fur that is a mix of shining red and orange. The fox looks at the form with its head lowered and its body tense, its tail low.
"-what you said. I made the choice that I thought was right."
The sound comes as if from far away, the gap you created distorting the acoustics of the room. He is talking quickly, yet with a low voice. You can barely hear what he is saying.
"You were supposed to be on my side. Support me no matter what." She speaks with a tone of voice that is normal yet carries no discernible emotion in it.
"But I did! I helped! As much as I could! But I couldn't betray my player. I had a responsibility to him! And to you! Don't you know in how much trouble you could be if-" He is speaking more loudly now.
"I revoke your permission to be in this area." She continues speaking in her previous tone.
"No, wait-"
The fox disintegrates into orange and yellow sparks.

She stays there for about half a minute before she starts walking towards the chamber you are in. You reverse the effect and ask your question.
"No... No, there's nothing wrong with it. At least, not from what I can see. Let me have a closer look at it." She sounds calm and a bit tired.
She approaches you and extends her blurry arm, palm open.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:49:24 am

John nodded at the shadow entity.  "Huh.  So you're the coordinator; fair enough."

John looked out into the town he had made that was quickly becoming a gathering point.  Fine by him.  "I don't mind if you drop by; not like I could really stop you, I guess.  You make the whole business or just this part of it?"

"Actually, you could kick me out. We are obliged to respect your privacy." he cuts you off and says while lifting his finger.
"Well, your entities' privacy really, but it extends to you, as long as they want to." he adds with a dismissive wave of his hand, as if the distinction is not important.
"Point is, I can't enter your personal area uninvited."

"Anyway, what do you mean make the 'whole' business? Which part do you see as the whole?" The last sentence carries a hint of amusement, as if he is enjoying the antithesis in his words.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 08, 2014, 09:12:13 am

"Hm, I prefer to build up more of an innuendo train, myself, but rather nice work there! Anyhow, got some milk? From a goat, preferably, to keep with the theme. Or kefir if you've got any, that'll work nicely as well."

Continue breakfast.

EDIT: ((Also, if that's not apparent already, High Fantasy for me! Although I wouldn't have anything against Survival, either.))

"Hmmm..."
He scratches his chin and looks up.
"Think I saw some cheese, but I didn't see any goats in the storeroom... And from what I remember, humans usually don't keep goats in basements either... Well, there was that one guy, but he was rather strange."

He removes the pan from the fire and pokes its contents with a wooden spatula. Deciding they need more cooking, he puts it back on the fire.

"Perhaps I should had summoned a barmaid or an innkeeper to do the work."
At that moment, the door opens, briefly illuminating the establishment before it shuts again.
"Oooorrr...." he adds sinisterly before shouting to the new arrival "Hey! You there! There is a shortage of milk in this store! I'll reward you handsomely if you can milk a goat and bring the result to me!"
Having given a ridiculously simple quest that he could fulfil himself with but a thought, like so many NPCs in RPGs before him, he returns to his cooking.

The person who just entered is a very muscular man, one you have never seen before. He is shirtless, a fact that allows you to see his many tattoos. And he is looking around like he is lost. All in all, clues that he is pretty much a clueless new arrival.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 08, 2014, 11:27:05 am

( I'll head off to the fantasy campaign, I think that sounds cool. Another dose of wierd before my guy gets to familiar stuff would be cool. So that makes 7.)

I will now retreat to the inn, a bit too odd for me right now.

You approach the inn and look at the sign above the door. The image (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/fox_brown_smallest_zpsa4c220c4.jpg) of a fox with orange fur drinking beer out of a barrel has been engraved on a wooden board and painted with simple colours. The board bears no other images or letters. It has been has been hanged from a wooden beam with the use of ropes. ((Here you can see some of my awful drawing skills, after I have marginally improved them and coloured them via GIMP. Here is the original (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/fox_drawn_zps69d8519f.jpg) drawing I made, processed a bit to remove impurities.))

You shrug, push the door open and enter the inn. The sound of the door closing is immediately followed by a great many loud thumps coming from outside. Hope you didn't accidentally break something.

The inside is a lot darker than the outside. All the windows are closed and the only light comes from a large fireplace and a few torches hanging from the walls

There are a lot of old wooden tables and chairs in here. And yet they are all empty, save for one, which is being used by a man with very large ears. Said man is currently looking at you.

You can also see several large wooden barrels near the walls of the room, the ones that usually hold alcohol. There's also a stair leading up as well as a space with smaller barrels and cooking implements in it that is separated by the rest of the area by what looks like a bar. There's a large blonde man there, standing in front of a fire which has a metal pan over it. Said man is also currently looking at you.

The man behind the bar quietly says something to himself before speaking.
"Hey! You there!"
He says and points at you.
"There is a shortage of milk in this store! I'll reward you handsomely if you can milk a goat and bring the result to me!"
With that said, he turns his back to you and returns to looking at the pan over the fire, occasionally poking its contents with a wooden spatula.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 08, 2014, 11:13:49 am

Yeah, a high fantasy thing would be pretty cool to do. I'm good with the prospect.

Yay thanks! Here, have a sofa in thanks!

Fire a sofa out of my hand at the guy, forgetting about the frailty of human bodies!

Quote from: NAV on September 08, 2014, 02:58:00 pm

I want to do the fantasy campaign, and I want to do the survival. So put me wherever.

Drunkenly matrix under the couch.

Nikolai observes as Alan raises his hand. He turns to face the crow standing by the fountain.
"Entity!"
Alan is starting to vibrate, his body reacting to the enormous power he is about to unleash.
"Help!"
Nikolai jumps to the side, dodging the first couch. The couch that comes after that is a bit trickier, since it is wider and so he is forced to jump over it. And it is immediately followed by a high couch, meaning he has to slide under it. That last one proves too much to handle for our lightheaded hero. As he slides under it, the "tip" of the couch hits him in the chin, sending him a few feet backwards but mercifully pushing him out of the way of the following onslaught of couches.

Said onslaught litters the rest of the plaza with couches of various shapes and sizes and in various states of brokenness, creating a small mound and making it look like there is some sort of used couch sale going on.

---

Quote from: Alarith on September 08, 2014, 04:43:55 pm

((Put me in either, should be fun whichever one I'm in.))
Bryan stands up, picks up one of the clear phials of liquid from before and considers it for a moment.  No, I need to think a bit more before I relive that.  He sets the phial down and moves to the piano room.  Once there he sits down.  "It's been awhile."  He attempts to play this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h19Y5dwNfMw).
((Please note that the comments on that video might be spoiler heavy.))

((Ah, I wish I was as good at playing the piano as the one in the vid.))

You get up. You notice that there is a note on your nightstand, a note that reads [Sorry. Busy. Will be back soon. -K].

You get dressed and walk to the piano room. After a few seconds to mentally prepare yourself, you start playing.
It's not one of your best performances, but you think you manage pretty well, considering the difficulty of the piece. For the most part, the music helps loosen your hands, makes them move naturally, like they have a memory of their own.
Still, your hands got a bit tangled near the middle and you think you were out of tempo in places. You kept on playing, of course, like a pro should. But you'd need to practice a bit if you want to make it perfect.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 08, 2014, 09:02:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

((IF you need tips in running dual-missions with efficiency at the same time, Paris, I'm REALLY open to help there :3))
^{Err, personal experience.}

((Also, Na'vi? x3))

Quote from: River on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

"Most of the others are down in the town. Would you like to go there? Or would you like me to send a message to Irine?"

Theri pressed the back of her index finger to her chin.
"Mmm, how's about you tell me where she is--message her (as a distraction) and I'll greet her with a hug? I do recall tidbits of what happened in the end and...if what I recall is really true, I'm quite happy to see Awena ok."

Her smile faltered, "Though...I never got a chance to say goodbye. Or thankyou--enough, anyway."

((Thanks for the offer. I might PM you later.))

"Don't worry. I am certain she will remember you and be forever thankful for your help. Even if you never meet again."

"You helped. I am proud of you."

"About where she is..."
He looks in the distance, considering it for a second.
"let me see what I can do."

He makes his hand into a fist, brings it close to his head and extends the index finger.
A single sparrow flies away from the flock and lands on it. It chirps twice as it flutters its wings, trying to balance itself.
Once the sparrow has settled and calmed down, he leans closer and whispers something to it, a long sentence that takes him about half a minute.
After he is done talking, the sparrow stays there for a few seconds before flying away.

"Done!" he says. "Let's head towards the town. I'll have an answer by then."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 08, 2014, 09:47:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 06:53:30 pm

((And although I'd enjoy a high-fantasy campaign, I'm also quite happy with survival or whatever.))

+Ditto

---

Zechariah
Zechariah stopped to consider this. Scion's attitude hinted at a sort of ambition that she was hiding - an ambition that went beyond what she had in mind for Zechariah himself.
Still, he was curious about what she had to say here. Might as well not waste the opportunity to learn something new about this place.
"What was it that was pointed out to you? And.. yes, this is something I should be concerned about. This is my world now. I should not be existing right now, but I am, so I might as well involve myself while I still have the chance."

<This is not your world. This is my world. You are just allowed to be a part of it. And if you would just be quiet for a minute and let me say-> she starts angrily but then stops.
She remains quiet for a few seconds.
<I... I might have been a bit... I mean, my choice... it was...>
More silence.
<I wanted to say I am...>

<I don't want this to go to your head, but I just wanted to... say that I will try to... maybe be a bit calmer in the future and not... raise my tone of voice and... avoid saying things that you perceive to be insulting, even when you do things which are completely unreasonable and wrong.>

---

---

OOC
There might be some sleep-deprivation induced mistakes here which I am not in the correct state of mind to correct. Please excuse them.

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

Yeah, that's not really the problem. I'd be running 2 missions anyway. I just like to make those kind of choices linearly. First decide what the first mission is going to be, then see who will be going there, then do the same for mission 2, even though in the end I'll probably end up starting both of them at the same time. No real reason I do it this way other than personal preference or quirk or whatever word you want to use.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 10:21:43 pm

((Idiom?))

---

John laughed.  "Yeah, I get it, so much more going on that us pawns can't see.  Ha hah.  Anyway, I meant the whole 'games' bit that we're involved in, though I'm sure there's more here that meets the eye.  I guess the others could do stuff like this in line with their powers, as long as they're not shooting each other or anything?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 10:52:53 pm

"If there's nothing wrong with it, then please be gentle with it. It was a gift from Theri."
I hand over the flower to Stellar
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whos name I never even learned?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
I wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
I dash forward and hug Stellar as I yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking my final question, my eyes tightly clenched shut and my ears folding down.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 08, 2014, 11:10:52 pm

Ah, perfect. Say guy, do you do food?

Sit down on one of the sofas and summon a microwave.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 09, 2014, 12:39:53 am

TO THE TOWN!

Theri walked by River's side, eagerly grasping his hand in hers. "So...tell me more about you? I wonder what you prefer to eat, or what your favorite color is. Where did you live before I met you back in the forest there?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 05:10:39 am

"No clue wat a 'gat' is, sorry man.[/glow]

Sit on the table where the big-eared Gene is

"Ey, man. Whatchu ben hearin roundz dis place. Ya see, I'm a fellow Gene, what her be like, sure ain't Urbania."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 09, 2014, 05:33:12 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 05:10:39 am

"No clue wat a 'gat' is, sorry man.[/glow]

Sit on the table where the big-eared Gene is

"Ey, man. Whatchu ben hearin roundz dis place. Ya see, I'm a fellow Gene, what her be like, sure ain't Urbania."

"A goat's like the devil, but on four legs, and has milk. At least roughly half of them do, I think. The ones that have milk don't have the horns, if I'm not mixing something up."

"But do tell, my friend. Who are the Genes you speak of, and when or how did I get invited into their club?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 09, 2014, 03:02:14 pm

Zechariah blinked once, then twice. He should have been used to these kinds of turnarounds by now, but this was by far one of the most unexpected things that Scion could have said. Hell, she could have said "I love you, Zechariah" and that would have been less surprising than this.

..Okay, that's probably an extreme exaggeration, but you get the point. Besides, 'tis a lonely world for the Hybrid Dragonfly. One such as himself can only dream of a true friendship, even with a guiding entity who probably has the power to erase him from the fabric of reality with the ease of pressing the Backspace key.

Zechariah steps back and slowly sits down on the edge of the bed. "I.. I understand," he says softly. "I didn't mean to say I control this place. I just want to find the truth of why I'm still here and what I can do to finish this competition." He sighs and tries to gesture a bit without words, but then sighs again and asks his question.
"Still.. if I'm not intruding, why the sudden change? This is.. somewhat unexpected, I think. Not bad, but just.. unexpected."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 09, 2014, 05:44:18 pm

((I wish I could play like that too.  Unfortunately, I have trouble playing things much simpler than that.))
"Back soon... Well, I can wait."
Start playing scales and chords on the piano as a warm up.  Then try to play something a bit more upbeat.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 09, 2014, 05:59:59 pm

((is this allowed?))
Bonuses: +2 to using polearms((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_weapon))
Can create Acid out of thin air
 

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 09, 2014, 07:03:57 pm

Fall asleep on a couch.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 09, 2014, 08:00:05 pm

Well, you're not very helpful.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 08:03:31 pm

"Um, yeah. You don't just become a Gene, either your a Gene, or your not, and you ain't one."

Get a drink, I need a drink, to many things fuzzed up.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 10:21:43 pm

((Idiom?))

---

John laughed.  "Yeah, I get it, so much more going on that us pawns can't see.  Ha hah.  Anyway, I meant the whole 'games' bit that we're involved in, though I'm sure there's more here that meets the eye.  I guess the others could do stuff like this in line with their powers, as long as they're not shooting each other or anything?"

((in my own particular... *sigh*
Idiom, sir?
Idiom!))

When you finish speaking, it is his turn to laugh.
"I'm sorry, it's not you. I just keep forgetting how amusing speaking can be. All those 'this' and 'that' and 'whole', all those vague terms."
He brings a shadowy arm to his chin.
"Maybe it's because of your ability... I bet your mind has somehow adapted to imagining things, thinking about the world in images, so maybe speech becomes more vague as a result. The images are clear and self-evident in your mind, but not in the mind of others... Or maybe I'm overthinking things. Still, would be fun to take a peek in there."
He picks up his cup and drinks from it. You're not really sure how that works, given that he probably lacks human biology. Maybe some sort of magical effect? Or maybe it's just for show.
"Anyway, if I understand what you're trying to say, then yes, they could. It's pretty much free for all, as long as you don't step on anyone else's toes."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 10:52:53 pm

"If there's nothing wrong with it, then please be gentle with it. It was a gift from Theri."
I hand over the flower to Stellar
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whos name I never even learned?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
I wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
I dash forward and hug Stellar as I yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking my final question, my eyes tightly clenched shut and my ears folding down.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"

"I will be careful, then." she says as you hand her the flower.
She holds it in her hand and brings it close to her head.
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whose name I never even learned?"
"She is... getting better. There were a few problems... Part of her soul had been destroyed and I couldn't get all the information I needed from the fabric of that world. Luckily, the Colony Ship had been gathering data about that world, so with its help, I was able to restore her to the best of my ability. There are people taking care of her. I believe she will be fine."
She twists her hand around, as if she is trying to look at it from all angles.
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
"Zoe and her companions are currently in hiding. But she's happy. So happy... Every time I look upon them... it makes me feel better. I'm certain they'll be able to start living their lives without fear soon.
As for Boris... I can't locate him. I believe there is a reason for that, but I can't talk about it without getting into trouble. Even so, I believe he won't cause any more trouble. I'm working with him, trying to ensure that all of his influence on this world can be removed easily and without complications."
Finally, she opens her palm with the flower still in it and lets her other palm hover a few inches over it.
A small layer of yellowish light appears under the upper palm. It starts deforming, slowly, as if there is a small ball over it that is slowly getting bigger and bigger, as if it is being pulled by the flower more and more.
When the tip of the bulge formed by the layer of light touches the flower, there is a small flash of light and the layer disappears. However, what is more interesting is that in the last few moments before it dissipated, a few tiny grey and black spots appeared on the flower.
She sighs and extends her arm towards you, giving you the flower back. There's nothing different on it.
"I can see very small traces of his energy there, but that is all there is to it. In all other aspects, it is normal. That just means it's an object he created, nothing more. You can keep it without fear."
You take it and wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
You dash forward and hug Stellar as you yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking your final question, your eyes tightly clenched shut and your ears folding down. Stellar seems to be a bit surprised from your outburst. She doesn't say anything, but she puts her arms around you in a soft hug.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"
"What?"
She sounds shocked. Her entire body becomes tense and unmoving.
"Wh-who told you about that?"

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 08, 2014, 11:10:52 pm

Ah, perfect. Say guy, do you do food?

Sit down on one of the sofas and summon a microwave.

You shoot a couple of dozen microwaves into the air. The microwaves hover up there for a second, before, one by one, they fall on your head.
"Only human."

((I think that for the last three turns, you've been rolling sixes that are then immediately followed by a one. It's like the RNG doesn't recognize any other numbers besides 6 and 1 when it's about you.))

Quote from: NAV on September 09, 2014, 07:03:57 pm

Fall asleep on a couch.

It's hard to sleep when it's raining microwave ovens.
Maybe you could use one of those houses or the inn.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 09, 2014, 12:39:53 am

TO THE TOWN!

Theri walked by River's side, eagerly grasping his hand in hers. "So...tell me more about you? I wonder what you prefer to eat, or what your favorite color is. Where did you live before I met you back in the forest there?"

You start following the stone path, making your way through the small forested area and towards the town.
He tenses up again and looks at you with fear when you take hold of his hand, but he gets a bit more relaxed a second later.
"Oh, well I don't really have a home or a place to stay. Staying in that forest for a long as I did was quite unusual for me. I stayed there mostly because I was hunting something else and... well, because I felt obliged to my... companions. I felt like I owed them something.
I don't like staying in one place for a long time. Because then I start getting restless.
There was... someone I used to live with, someone I helped, a long time ago. But even then, we were always moving, always running away from something or hunting something new.
And I suppose I liked that."
He gets more and more relaxed as you speak. You think you can even see him smile, briefly.
"Staying in one place for your entire life, doing the same things... I understand why some choose to do that, but I could never make that choice. Whenever I was forced to stay in one place, for one reason or another, I was never really happy. After a while, I got bored and I either tried to find something, to get away or I just... slept. I slept for a long time. Wasted time."
He extends his other arm and makes a gesture towards his surroundings.
"Perhaps you could call this place my home. A part of me is always here. I'm always watching over it, even when I am away."
As the number of trees between yourself and your destination decreases, you can see the small town beyond more clearly. A collection of small houses made out of wooden logs, centred around two larger buildings made of stone and wood, one wide, the other tall. They all have highly pitched roofs and at least one chimney or funnel-shaped hole for smoke to escape, although only a couple of the buildings have smoke rising out of them.
"Did you know I helped create this place? This world?"
He says that last bit with a hint of pride.

((Giving Lenglon some time to finish her dialogue.))

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 05:10:39 am

"No clue wat a 'gat' is, sorry man."

Sit on the table where the big-eared Gene is

"Ey, man. Whatchu ben hearin roundz dis place. Ya see, I'm a fellow Gene, what her be like, sure ain't Urbania."

"Eh, it's so hard to find some good help these days."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 09, 2014, 05:33:12 am

"A goat's like the devil, but on four legs, and has milk. At least roughly half of them do, I think. The ones that have milk don't have the horns, if I'm not mixing something up."

"But do tell, my friend. Who are the Genes you speak of, and when or how did I get invited into their club?"

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 08:03:31 pm

"Um, yeah. You don't just become a Gene, either your a Gene, or your not, and you ain't one."

Get a drink, I need a drink, to many things fuzzed up.

"Here you go. Ein weissbier." the blonde guy says as he sets down an oversized wooden beer mug in front of you.
He then proceeds to empty the contents of the pan in a plate and sets it in front of the big eared man along with a fork.
"Bon apetit."
The plate is overflowing with chunks of scrambled eggs with sausages chopped into cylinders and potatoes cut into triangles embedded in them, which are gleaming from the cooking oil still clinging onto them. It looks large enough for 4 people to eat and full of cholesterol.
"I'll go search for something non-alcoholic. If I don't find a goat, I'll just bring some juice."
He turns around and starts walking away.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 09, 2014, 03:02:14 pm

Zechariah blinked once, then twice. He should have been used to these kinds of turnarounds by now, but this was by far one of the most unexpected things that Scion could have said. Hell, she could have said "I love you, Zechariah" and that would have been less surprising than this.

..Okay, that's probably an extreme exaggeration, but you get the point. Besides, 'tis a lonely world for the Hybrid Dragonfly. One such as himself can only dream of a true friendship, even with a guiding entity who probably has the power to erase him from the fabric of reality with the ease of pressing the Backspace key.

Zechariah steps back and slowly sits down on the edge of the bed. "I.. I understand," he says softly. "I didn't mean to say I control this place. I just want to find the truth of why I'm still here and what I can do to finish this competition." He sighs and tries to gesture a bit without words, but then sighs again and asks his question.
"Still.. if I'm not intruding, why the sudden change? This is.. somewhat unexpected, I think. Not bad, but just.. unexpected."

<Don't think about it. Just try to take advantage of it. Try be better. And try listening to what I say. It will make things easier.>

<The better you do, the sooner you can get away from here. That is what you want, right? To get away?>

---

Quote from: Alarith on September 09, 2014, 05:44:18 pm

((I wish I could play like that too.  Unfortunately, I have trouble playing things much simpler than that.))
"Back soon... Well, I can wait."
Start playing scales and chords on the piano as a warm up.  Then try to play something a bit more upbeat.

You play something more upbeat. (http://youtu.be/fPmruHc4S9Q)

"Well, someone is having fun." you hear from a few metres behind you as you finish playing. You can tell she's smiling from the sound of her voice.

---

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 09, 2014, 05:59:59 pm

((is this allowed?))
Bonuses: +2 to using polearms((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_weapon))
Can create Acid out of thin air
 

Yeah.
I'm assuming you also want to be given a pole weapon at the beginning of a mission, right?
And do you have any preference for acid strength and way it is used/created/launched or should I choose whatever I want?

---

I think I'm ready to start the Campaign mission, once you're all done roleplaying and I've finalized the Survival mission.
Here's who I have interested in it:

DarkArtemisFowl
Tiruin
Lenglon
Harry Baldman
Toaster
Salsacookies
NAV
Alarith

Anyone I missed?
Remember, 6 will go to the Campaign, the rest in the other mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 10, 2014, 10:54:39 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 08:03:31 pm

"Um, yeah. You don't just become a Gene, either your a Gene, or your not, and you ain't one."

"That's terrible. I think, anyway. What's a Gene? Is it some kind of slang for rogue conceptual abortions of the very idea of actual genetics? Or is it something hygiene-related? Perhaps a matter of one's natural choice of pants? Speak plainly, as I am at least twenty-percent ears by outer surface area."

Eat! Share with my friend if he wants some. Maximum cholesterol for everyone! After all, we have magic to take care of atherosclerosis.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 10, 2014, 11:25:37 am

((I'll step out of the Campaign mission running to cut down on space competition.  Next time, perhaps.  _{though it'd be fun to be able to summon tons of low tech gear, then suddenly bust out with a tank when the midden hits the windmill}

Also, reference achieved.))

John nodded slowly.  He supposed that's one way to think about it.

"Interesting..."

He looked out at the growing crowd.  Oh, that Alan...

"I think I'll see what's up down there.  I enjoyed the chat- feel free to drop by."

He headed downstairs and outside, then faced the collection of people outside.  "Hello, folks.  Like the town?"


((As an aside, I have that problem IRL; can think out a solution, but good luck if I want to describe it to someone...))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 10, 2014, 11:44:02 am

Zechariah
"Okay, I won't press the subject any farther. But I don't think that I'm just here to escape. After all, where would I go, and how would I get there?"
He paces around slowly, looking up at the green crystals above his head.
"There has to be something else. Another method to this madness, a reason that I was brought here and not left to die in the void of existence. That is what I wish to find out."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 10, 2014, 11:56:18 am

((I'm also interested in the campaign, but I'm fine if someone else goes. Hilarity'll happen either way.))

Ooooowwwwwww, Alan moans, massaging his battered head. Too much of this and I'll get a red lump on the head or something. He looks around with a hungry eye. Still need food though. Oh, I know!

SUMMON FRIDGE

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 10, 2014, 01:08:30 pm

I'll just put this here, if you still accept players. Do note that I'm kind of bad at RP. At least I think so. Feel free to nerf his abilities to the point he isn't unbalanced. If they are.

Spoiler: Saevus (click to show/hide)

Name: Saevus
Age: ~800
Appearance: A suit of black armor, towering above normal humans (~3m/~10ft tall). His "eyes" glow red. The whole suit is covered in runes that dimly glow red with the exception of the left arm - it glows a bright gold.
Quote: "..."
Bio: Lanius Sortitus was an orphan, barely managing to survive in the slums by using thievery. One day, he was caught and exiled. Without any connections and having never learned a craft he turned to banditry. Some years into the future, he's become a hardened marauder, killing and pillaging to survive along with his band. And he's grown to enjoy it. The local god, however, had different plans for him - seeing humanity beginning to overpopulate his small world he decided to introduce a "balancing mechanism" that would "help" humans with the problem. He had everything he needed to create that with the exception of a soul. Figuring that the "balancer" would work better if the spirit enjoyed its work he searched for an appropriate human to take it from. Lanius was perfect for the inexperienced gods' purposes. Lanius's soul was ripped away and used to give the construct life. His old memories and personality mostly wiped and given a new name, he was directed to force humanity's numbers below a certain point and sometimes some other small jobs. He followed his duty for centuries, until an entity took him.
Powers:
   -Runes of Power - The red runes covering Saevus's body gather mana from the area surrounding him, powering the construct. The more mana he can gather the more powerful he is. However, they've been showing signs of wear, either from age or damage sustained in battle, possibly limiting his abilities.
   -Runes of Force - The gold runes covering Saevus's left arm allow him to use force magic. Whether it was pulling down walls, firing javelins at supersonic speeds, or shielding himself from damage he could do it with ease. Just as the other runes they look worn down.
   -Metaphysical Armory - Saevus has access to an extradimensional armory storing a nearly limitless amount of medieval weaponry. He was able summon multiple weapons at the same time, but the ability might've been weakened.
   -Pain Immunity - Being a disembodied spirit inhabiting a suit of armor, it is hard to feel pain, unless it's being dealt upon his soul.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 10, 2014, 02:46:51 pm

Bryan's back stiffens slightly, just enough for it to be noticeable to someone paying close attention, then it relaxes again.  Bryan stands, moves a bit away from the piano and turns to face Kathryn.  "I'ts been awhile since anybody has heard me play.  I suppose it's a nice change.  How did the mission end?  and I suppose...did I do well enough?"  Best not to ask about why Kathryn was away.  She was his host right now.  If she wanted to, she would tell him.  If she didn't, it would be wrong to pry.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 10, 2014, 02:53:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 09, 2014, 05:59:59 pm

((is this allowed?))
Bonuses: +2 to using polearms((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_weapon))
Can create Acid out of thin air
 

Yeah.
I'm assuming you also want to be given a pole weapon at the beginning of a mission, right?
And do you have any preference for acid strength and way it is used/created/launched or should I choose whatever I want?

Yes I do want to roll for an pole weapon.
Medium strength acid and you choose how it's launched, okay? 

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 08:23:07 am

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
((When/if she asks for more information instead of answering my question:))
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???" ((yes, Irine would assume trial as in trial by fire instead of court trial, a concept from a societal level her people never reached. The opinion of the populace still greatly affects what such a trial would be, and if it would even be possible, hence why she agreed to Charlie's deal.))

((In answer to the obvious question when she asks it and after she has answered what the trial is about:))
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 11, 2014, 08:44:39 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 10:16:43 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 08, 2014, 09:02:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

((IF you need tips in running dual-missions with efficiency at the same time, Paris, I'm REALLY open to help there :3))
^{Err, personal experience.}

((Thanks for the offer. I might PM you later.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

I think I'm ready to start the Campaign mission, once you're all done roleplaying and I've finalized the Survival mission.

((I think we should rather trade PMs than you PM'ing me... :-[))

Theri took the comment and glanced around without turning her head, subtly adding this new comparison to what would be her remark.

"I've always found it fascinating," she said with a slight giggle, "Oh, by that I meant thought."

She held River's hand in her own and squeezed it a bit. "Fascinating as in, I was already attracted to the scenery before I knew what created it, or whom. Fascinating, too, on how something so...subtle, abstract and intangible as thought becomes real. I wonder where you got the materials to make all these? I love the aesthetics."

She prodded River's side playfully. "But you didn't tell me you also were into biology. I'm very interested in how you kept the ecology stable here. It's so beautiful that I assume there're a lot of miniscule details that I can't even see running the background of this."

chat Chat!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 11, 2014, 05:18:28 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 10, 2014, 10:54:39 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 09, 2014, 08:03:31 pm

"Um, yeah. You don't just become a Gene, either your a Gene, or your not, and you ain't one."

"That's terrible. I think, anyway. What's a Gene? Is it some kind of slang for rogue conceptual abortions of the very idea of actual genetics? Or is it something hygiene-related? Perhaps a matter of one's natural choice of pants? Speak plainly, as I am at least twenty-percent ears by outer surface area."

Eat! Share with my friend if he wants some. Maximum cholesterol for everyone! After all, we have magic to take care of atherosclerosis.

You start eating.
It's good, in a greasy sort of way. It's been fried into something nice and crunchy, but not enough that it feels burnt, and the potatoes and sausages help alleviate the oiliness of the rest of the rest of the thing, somewhat. However it still feels somehow... monotonous, if food can be described as such. It could use something to make it more interesting, like a tomato or some cheese.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 10, 2014, 11:25:37 am

((I'll step out of the Campaign mission running to cut down on space competition.  Next time, perhaps.  _{though it'd be fun to be able to summon tons of low tech gear, then suddenly bust out with a tank when the midden hits the windmill}

Also, reference achieved.))

John nodded slowly.  He supposed that's one way to think about it.

"Interesting..."

He looked out at the growing crowd.  Oh, that Alan...

"I think I'll see what's up down there.  I enjoyed the chat- feel free to drop by."

He headed downstairs and outside, then faced the collection of people outside.  "Hello, folks.  Like the town?"


((As an aside, I have that problem IRL; can think out a solution, but good luck if I want to describe it to someone...))

Quote from: http://mindprod.com/jgloss/unmainnaming.html

If a maintenance programmer can’t quote entire Monty Python movies from memory, he or she has no business being a programmer.

((And yeah, I understand, I sometimes have a similar problem.))

"Thanks. I think I'll stay here until the next mission. Seems like a quiet place with a good view. Great choice."
You get up, enter the manor and close the balcony door behind you.

And then suddenly a humanoid form with slightly feminine characteristics made of yellow light materializes on the balcony with a small explosion of force, grabs the entity you were speaking with by the throat, slams him against the wall and then they both disappear, all in the span of a few seconds. You think you heard her yelling something about private area.

Okay then, looks like that lady was in a hurry. Good thing that wall seems to be invincible.

You get downstairs and out the front door without much incident.

The crowd here appears to be growing, as does the collection of useless objects Alan manages to hit himself with.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 10, 2014, 11:44:02 am

Zechariah
"Okay, I won't press the subject any farther. But I don't think that I'm just here to escape. After all, where would I go, and how would I get there?"
He paces around slowly, looking up at the green crystals above his head.
"There has to be something else. Another method to this madness, a reason that I was brought here and not left to die in the void of existence. That is what I wish to find out."

<What does it matter?

If I told you you were here because you are fated to kill all those I hate, would you do that? Or are you one of those people that believe in fate, in some sort of plan that exists for all, that follows its commands no matter what, out of fear that fate will be harsher when it forces you to comply?

If I threatened you with death, would you follow my orders? Or are you someone who has already resigned to death and is now waiting for it to come?

What if I told you just thought you were no more than an interesting trinket, something to play with for a while and then be discarded, would that change what you want? Or if I told you I was fascinated by you, loved you, wanted to make you a part of me no matter what?>

She lets her rhetorical questions stand for a second.

<No, I don't believe any of the aforementioned apply to you. So why bother with the past? Why not focus on what your future could hold?>

She seems to be very capable at evading questions by using long-winded answers.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 10, 2014, 11:56:18 am

((I'm also interested in the campaign, but I'm fine if someone else goes. Hilarity'll happen either way.))

Ooooowwwwwww, Alan moans, massaging his battered head. Too much of this and I'll get a red lump on the head or something. He looks around with a hungry eye. Still need food though. Oh, I know!

SUMMON FRIDGE

You summon a rather shoddy looking fridge that immediately breaks apart when it impacts the ground.

Hmmm... Maybe I should make a mission in a place that works with cartoon physics.... Your character would fit right in.

---

Quote from: Alarith on September 10, 2014, 02:46:51 pm

Bryan's back stiffens slightly, just enough for it to be noticeable to someone paying close attention, then it relaxes again.  Bryan stands, moves a bit away from the piano and turns to face Kathryn.  "I'ts been awhile since anybody has heard me play.  I suppose it's a nice change.  How did the mission end?  and I suppose...did I do well enough?"  Best not to ask about why Kathryn was away.  She was his host right now.  If she wanted to, she would tell him.  If she didn't, it would be wrong to pry.

Her smile drops somewhat when you ask your question.

"Well, you did your best. It was a good effort. It wasn't your fault there were some unforeseen obstacles."

She walks and sits on one of the armchairs facing the fireplace.

"The mission ending was... complicated. Part of the reason I wasn't here when you woke up. There's still some conflict about what happened and whether or not all of it was correct. Your target survived and yet it seems that your host managed to survive and continue his work. I don't know much about what happened after that though."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 08:23:07 am

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
((When/if she asks for more information instead of answering my question:))
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???" ((yes, Irine would assume trial as in trial by fire instead of court trial, a concept from a societal level her people never reached. The opinion of the populace still greatly affects what such a trial would be, and if it would even be possible, hence why she agreed to Charlie's deal.))

((In answer to the obvious question when she asks it and after she has answered what the trial is about:))
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
"He did WHAT?!" she says with a mix of surprise, anger and fear.
The centre of her body starts glowing with yellow light that is slowly expanding and becoming brighter.
She starts talking quickly, loudly, taking quick shallow breaths between sentences.
"How?! When?! Why?! What did he ask of you? Did you accept?! Did you make a deal with him?"
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???"

She stands there, taking deep breaths for a few seconds. Her breathing slows. The light inside her begins fading.

"I didn't want you to know. I didn't want you to worry about me."
She sounds calmer again. She speaks more quietly, although there is still stress audible in her voice and you can feel her trembling slightly
"They believe I may have talked to you about things I wasn't supposed to talk about.
That I illegally expanded the duration of your stay.
That I used isolation mode to act without supervision in illegal ways.
That I intervened in, influenced and entered a world when it was supposed to be isolated.
Those and perhaps other things."
Apparently understanding you have misunderstood the subject, she provides a brief explanation.
"When we gather to decide the next mission, the matter of my conduct will be put forward. I know because some have been quite vocal about that. Not that I wouldn't be expecting it regardless, many are quick to take such an opportunity.
We will decide about whether or not a trial is necessary, whether or not I am guilty of any of the crimes attributed to me and if so, an appropriate action will be decided, usually in the form of restitution to the ones who fell like their rights have been violated or in the form of punishment if they believe I need to be disciplined.
I am not afraid. I will defend myself with the truth and if they find me guilty, I will accept any action they deem necessary."

She stays quiet for a few more seconds.

"Please. You have to tell me. What did he ask of you? And did you accept? I need to know so that I can know how to protect you."
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."
"You..."

More quiet.

"You didn't have to do this. I understand why you did it, but it just makes me feel..."
She doesn't complete her sentence.
"I'm the one responsible for you. I'm the one who should worry about you. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you. I didn't want you to put yourself in danger like that for me. Protecting me is not your responsibility and I will never ask you to do that."

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 11, 2014, 08:44:39 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 10:16:43 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 08, 2014, 09:02:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 08, 2014, 08:46:31 pm

I think we've reached the player mass where two missions can comfortably be run at once, especially if one caps out at six entries.  Survival, with its likely lower flavor intensity (though I wouldn't put it past Paris to keep it flavor heavy as well) shouldn't be as hard to run.

((IF you need tips in running dual-missions with efficiency at the same time, Paris, I'm REALLY open to help there :3))
^{Err, personal experience.}

((Thanks for the offer. I might PM you later.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

I think I'm ready to start the Campaign mission, once you're all done roleplaying and I've finalized the Survival mission.

((I think we should rather trade PMs than you PM'ing me... :-[))

Theri took the comment and glanced around without turning her head, subtly adding this new comparison to what would be her remark.

"I've always found it fascinating," she said with a slight giggle, "Oh, by that I meant thought."

She held River's hand in her own and squeezed it a bit. "Fascinating as in, I was already attracted to the scenery before I knew what created it, or whom. Fascinating, too, on how something so...subtle, abstract and intangible as thought becomes real. I wonder where you got the materials to make all these? I love the aesthetics."

She prodded River's side playfully. "But you didn't tell me you also were into biology. I'm very interested in how you kept the ecology stable here. It's so beautiful that I assume there're a lot of miniscule details that I can't even see running the background of this."

chat Chat!

He smiles.
"Oh, it is simply..."
Even as he turns his head to the side in a gesture of concentration, you can see his posture changing, becoming more upright and imposing, filled with pride.
"It's hard to explain. I use my memories as a base and my magic as a means, but it is more than that. I can... see it. I can see how this world works how it is all connected. I can see the trees and the flowers and the grass and the little things crawling onto them and the little things in them and I know what I have to do, how to use my power to change it."
As he starts finding words to describe what he is feeling, he starts getting more and more excited, breathing more quickly, speaking more loudly. He seems to have completely forgotten whatever was bothering him before.
"It's so strange, so... new! Even now that I've been doing it for quite some time. I was always good at using my gifts, always good at seeing the world, seeing how I could push it, bend it, break it, silence it. But this, what I can do here. I can create! I can see how to push my thoughts and my memories and twist them into something new!"
He takes a few deep breaths and starts calming down.
"I suppose it is one of the reasons I travel. I love finding new memories. New things I can use to create. New sights, new ideas."
He leans closer to you and speaks more quietly.
"Later... when we are alone and we have some time... I can show you. I mean, if you want. Show you what I see. How I see the world."

By now, you've exited the forest and are walking through a small deforested area that exists between the the small town and the forest. You're still on the stone path. It moves through the town in a mostly straight line from this point onwards, moving through the small houses towards a central plaza, where it is interrupted and forced to split into two by a fountain. You can see a few people there, standing between the two large buildings at the centre of the town.

"If I want to be completely hones, the I have to say that I don't do it all by myself. But I do most of the work. S-Zero helps too. Manages some of the less important, more menial aspects. Or the more private ones, since he is better suited for keeping secrets."
He turns his head to look at the sky and shouts.
"Hey! S-Zero! Say hello to the nice lady!"
<Hello.> comes the short response a moment later with that dry, emotionless male voice that you remember from your mission.
He turns his head to face you again.
"He is not very talkative. But he is fair and he helps with a lot of things. Ever since I've known him, he was always like that. And I've known him for a long time, we practically grew up together. Despite all of his traits, all of our differences, I have grown to like him somewhat. And I think he does too, even though he has a very... subtle way of expressing it."

---

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 10, 2014, 02:53:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 09, 2014, 05:59:59 pm

((is this allowed?))
Bonuses: +2 to using polearms((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_weapon))
Can create Acid out of thin air
 

Yeah.
I'm assuming you also want to be given a pole weapon at the beginning of a mission, right?
And do you have any preference for acid strength and way it is used/created/launched or should I choose whatever I want?

Yes I do want to roll for an pole weapon.
Medium strength acid and you choose how it's launched, okay? 

Okay then, I'll process that and send you a PM soon.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 10, 2014, 01:08:30 pm

I'll just put this here, if you still accept players. Do note that I'm kind of bad at RP. At least I think so. Feel free to nerf his abilities to the point he isn't unbalanced. If they are.

Spoiler: Saevus (click to show/hide)

Name: Saevus
Age: ~800
Appearance: A suit of black armor, towering above normal humans (~3m/~10ft tall). His "eyes" glow red. The whole suit is covered in runes that dimly glow red with the exception of the left arm - it glows a bright gold.
Quote: "..."
Bio: Lanius Sortitus was an orphan, barely managing to survive in the slums by using thievery. One day, he was caught and exiled. Without any connections and having never learned a craft he turned to banditry. Some years into the future, he's become a hardened marauder, killing and pillaging to survive along with his band. And he's grown to enjoy it. The local god, however, had different plans for him - seeing humanity beginning to overpopulate his small world he decided to introduce a "balancing mechanism" that would "help" humans with the problem. He had everything he needed to create that with the exception of a soul. Figuring that the "balancer" would work better if the spirit enjoyed its work he searched for an appropriate human to take it from. Lanius was perfect for the inexperienced gods' purposes. Lanius's soul was ripped away and used to give the construct life. His old memories and personality mostly wiped and given a new name, he was directed to force humanity's numbers below a certain point and sometimes some other small jobs. He followed his duty for centuries, until an entity took him.
Powers:
   -Runes of Power - The red runes covering Saevus's body gather mana from the area surrounding him, powering the construct. The more mana he can gather the more powerful he is. However, they've been showing signs of wear, either from age or damage sustained in battle, possibly limiting his abilities.
   -Runes of Force - The gold runes covering Saevus's left arm allow him to use force magic. Whether it was pulling down walls, firing javelins at supersonic speeds, or shielding himself from damage he could do it with ease. Just as the other runes they look worn down.
   -Metaphysical Armory - Saevus has access to an extradimensional armory storing a nearly limitless amount of medieval weaponry. He was able summon multiple weapons at the same time, but the ability might've been weakened.
   -Pain Immunity - Being a disembodied spirit inhabiting a suit of armor, it is hard to feel pain, unless it's being dealt upon his soul.

RP is not necessary. And I don't know why, but I have a feeling you'll do OK. Just one thing I want to inform you of, though, just to be perfectly clear.
This character is quite obviously above the starting power level, even if you roll perfectly during character creation. So there are two choices: I could go with what you've given me but give some disadvantages to compensate. Or I could tone down those abilities enough that they become possible through a good character creation roll. From this:

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 10, 2014, 01:08:30 pm

Feel free to nerf his abilities to the point he isn't unbalanced. If they are.

I understand that you want the second choice. If that is the case, then write nothing and expect a PM somewhere in the next few days. Else, write here or in PM to inform me otherwise.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 11, 2014, 06:22:24 pm

Is there anything in the fridge? Food? If so, stuff in microwave and heat it up while hoping it won't explode. If not, more fridges!

I am a paragon of reasonable action!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 07:36:53 pm

"I'm not your pet Stellar, I'm your friend. "
My grip on her eases and I look up at her, but I'm still holding her if she doesn't pull away.
"Above all else, I am me. I am my own before I am yours or anyone else's. I deserve all the rights that I believe everyone else deserves. I'm not saying I'm better than others, but I'm not below anyone either. First and foremost, that includes the right to choose. And if I think that making my life a little harder to make yours a little easier is worth it, then that is my choice to make, not yours, not anyone else's. Remember that."
I hug her tightly again and pull my head against her, once again blocking my own view but letting me feel her presence against me.
"It's why I'm so afraid of having someone messing with my mind, my will, so much."
...
"I'll be ok Stellar. I agreed on the conditions of not betraying my responsibilities, my friends, or myself. I understand what those conditions really mean better than he possibly can. If he tries to exploit me, I'll have every right to say no."
((I've gotten all I'm after from this conversation by giving Stellar that info and finding out what the trial is about. I'm fine with opening/leaving the area and begining interactions with more than just Stellar after this... unless Charlie gets dragged in here of course. *Lenglon does read other player's turns*))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 11, 2014, 08:55:09 pm

--Bloop--

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 11, 2014, 09:30:17 pm

So I failed...just like so many times before.  I can only hope their world is better off for it.
"Is there some way to keep track of Faron, my host, I'd like to see what happens."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 11, 2014, 09:42:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 11, 2014, 05:18:28 pm

http://mindprod.com/jgloss/unmainnaming.html

I found this entirely too hilarious.  Allow me to counter with The International Obfuscated C Code Contest. (http://www.ioccc.org/)  In particular, this one (http://www.ioccc.org/2000/primenum.c) is pretty awesome.

---

John shook his head.  "What's up, Alan?  Never change, buddy."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 11, 2014, 10:26:25 pm

Not much, electronic man! I'm kinda hungry, though. You might want to watch your head.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 11, 2014, 10:42:25 pm

Go congratulate that guy on stabbing the robot.
"Good job stabbing the robot."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 11, 2014, 11:13:42 pm

Zechariah paused for a moment, thinking. He wasn't sure what to say yet. Scion was somewhat right: what did it matter to him about the past now? He was on his own, he had no access to his previous dimension.
Still..

"Well then.. why do you keep me around still? I'm not satisfied yet. There has to be a reason that I did not disintegrate into basic particles when the Medium broke." He was getting a bit out of his territory, but the words kept coming. "Why, out of all the people you could've possibly chosen, did you pick me? You don't seem to have a particular liking towards me, and it seems more like this is drudge work for you rather than a true.. relationship." Zechariah turned his head back toward the crystals.
"There's something more to this than just this competition. There has to be an honest answer here. I care about this because this is the path that I am going to take, and I should know what I'm stepping into. If we're going to work together with this, I need to know.. why you chose me."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 11, 2014, 11:24:17 pm

John nodded at Dubley Nikolai.  "Thanks for your help.  What happened to you guys?  All I heard was a boom and you two were gone."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 12, 2014, 06:47:20 am

"Boom? Closer to FWOOOOOSHSH. It had a flamethrower. Rune tried to rescue me but I was too heavy. At least I crippled it first.

So, how's that spear?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2014, 06:56:51 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 11, 2014, 06:22:24 pm

Is there anything in the fridge? Food? If so, stuff in microwave and heat it up while hoping it won't explode. If not, more fridges!

I am a paragon of reasonable action!

There's an open, half eaten can of corn of dubious quality in the now nun-functional fridge.
Yay! Time to make popcorn!
You put the can in the microwave and activate it.
The can starts emitting blue and red sparks that arc from one side to the other.
Wait a second... You know what that means! That means...

...

OH MY GOD!! THAT MEANS YOUR POP CORN IS GOING TO GET SUPERPOWERS!!

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 07:36:53 pm

"I'm not your pet Stellar, I'm your friend. "
My grip on her eases and I look up at her, but I'm still holding her if she doesn't pull away.
"Above all else, I am me. I am my own before I am yours or anyone else's. I deserve all the rights that I believe everyone else deserves. I'm not saying I'm better than others, but I'm not below anyone either. First and foremost, that includes the right to choose. And if I think that making my life a little harder to make yours a little easier is worth it, then that is my choice to make, not yours, not anyone else's. Remember that."
I hug her tightly again and pull my head against her, once again blocking my own view but letting me feel her presence against me.
"It's why I'm so afraid of having someone messing with my mind, my will, so much."
...
"I'll be ok Stellar. I agreed on the conditions of not betraying my responsibilities, my friends, or myself. I understand what those conditions really mean better than he possibly can. If he tries to exploit me, I'll have every right to say no."
((I've gotten all I'm after from this conversation by giving Stellar that info and finding out what the trial is about. I'm fine with opening/leaving the area and begining interactions with more than just Stellar after this... unless Charlie gets dragged in here of course. *Lenglon does read other player's turns*))

"I know. I understand. But I still feel bad."

You stay there for a few minutes, embracing each other.

"I need to leave. But I'll be listening. If you need anything, just say it to me and I'll hear you. Do you think you are going to be okay?"

---

Quote from: Alarith on September 11, 2014, 09:30:17 pm

So I failed...just like so many times before.  I can only hope their world is better off for it.
"Is there some way to keep track of Faron, my host, I'd like to see what happens."

"I can't do it on my own. But I could ask around and learn, if you want."

---

Quote from: NAV on September 11, 2014, 10:42:25 pm

Go congratulate that guy on stabbing the robot.
"Good job stabbing the robot."

Great stabbing man. Really good technique. I'll give you a 10 for execution, but a 7 for form. You need to practice your moves a bit man. Make a pirouette or something before stabbing. Missing a leg is not an excuse. Or just scream a very long sentence, like you're in an anime.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 11, 2014, 11:13:42 pm

Zechariah paused for a moment, thinking. He wasn't sure what to say yet. Scion was somewhat right: what did it matter to him about the past now? He was on his own, he had no access to his previous dimension.
Still..

"Well then.. why do you keep me around still? I'm not satisfied yet. There has to be a reason that I did not disintegrate into basic particles when the Medium broke." He was getting a bit out of his territory, but the words kept coming. "Why, out of all the people you could've possibly chosen, did you pick me? You don't seem to have a particular liking towards me, and it seems more like this is drudge work for you rather than a true.. relationship." Zechariah turned his head back toward the crystals.
"There's something more to this than just this competition. There has to be an honest answer here. I care about this because this is the path that I am going to take, and I should know what I'm stepping into. If we're going to work together with this, I need to know.. why you chose me."

<I chose you because you had what I needed, I chose you because you had something that interested me, I chose you because I wanted to learn, I chose you because I believe I can turn you into something greater. Even though there are parts of you I find less than appealing. And that is all I am going to say on the matter. So stop testing the limits of my patience.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 12, 2014, 07:01:15 am

Oh M G! This is amazing, now I'll have supercorn powers!

Stare directly at it with my face 2-3 inches from the microwave, on my hands and knees.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 12, 2014, 08:08:12 am

"I'll be okay. Go."
I release Stellar, back away a step, and look up at her with a smile.
"Thank you."

---

after Stellar is gone, I shake myself off, re-settle myself and the flower Theri gave me, and then step out of my personal area and into the Staging Area.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 12, 2014, 08:13:29 am

"Spear's interesting.  It's a hell of a lot more complex than it looks, but it certainly cuts through armor like nothing else."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 12, 2014, 11:44:51 am

"Where you from, thought you were a Gene, but if you war one youda be in it already, where I from, gangs rule, and you in one wen boan. But I found a Haz who not a Haz an' a Gene who no Gene." Whatchu do anywhoz?"

Give this... "faod" a try. Never seen anything like it, only nutrient bars and can juices.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 12, 2014, 01:41:49 pm

"Okay, I understand," Zechariah said softly. He thought out his words carefully for a bit before he decided to spark up some other argument.
"I don't mean to anger you. I was just confused and frustrated by my circumstances, but now I have a feeling for what I am committed to."
He looked down at the ground under his feet and let a small smile show to himself.
"To be honest, I am actually pretty interested by you. In a good way, I mean. We do have our differences, but.. I feel that there's still plenty of time to explore this place and get to know everyone, including you."
Zechariah shuffled his feet around a bit. He was a little anxious, but there was also some resolution in his heart.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 12, 2014, 03:25:52 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 12, 2014, 11:44:51 am

"Where you from, thought you were a Gene, but if you war one youda be in it already, where I from, gangs rule, and you in one wen boan. But I found a Haz who not a Haz an' a Gene who no Gene." Whatchu do anywhoz?"

Give this... "faod" a try. Never seen anything like it, only nutrient bars and can juices.

"As much as I'd like to pretend your argot is entirely legible, I'm afraid I'm a little confused. So a Haz and a Gene refer to gang affiliations of some sort? If that's the case, I'm not one. See, I'm from the woods. And in the woods, everyone's a Squirrel."

Eat until full, and share with this fascinating inner-city type.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 12, 2014, 04:06:49 pm

"If you have some time to ask around, then please, yes.  If you are busy and can't find time don't worry about it."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2014, 09:32:03 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 12, 2014, 07:01:15 am

Oh M G! This is amazing, now I'll have supercorn powers!

Stare directly at it with my face 2-3 inches from the microwave, on my hands and knees.

You stand close to the oven and watch the pretty lights.
After a while the corn starts popping.
And then it catches fire.
Great.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2014, 08:08:12 am

"I'll be okay. Go."
I release Stellar, back away a step, and look up at her with a smile.
"Thank you."

---

after Stellar is gone, I shake myself off, re-settle myself and the flower Theri gave me, and then step out of my personal area and into the Staging Area.

She stands there for a few seconds. It's hard to read her expression, given that she her avatar lacks a face, but you're certain she's looking at you.
"I'm..."
She turns around and starts walking away.
"I will be back soon. Stay safe."
As she walks, her form dissolves, the distortions disappearing until there is nothing left.

You walk around the pool of magma, towards the chamber that contains your fiery portal and that small hot spring. When you feel ready, you step through the portal.

The first thing you see on the other side is a door made out of old wooden boards standing closed a couple of metres in front of you, illuminated from the fires of your portal. The floor is made out of wooden boards too and squeaks pleasantly as you step on it. To your right is a wooden bed with a light grey cloth covering. Turning around, you see that there is also a table and a chair in this room, positioned next to an open window. Through the window, you can see the blue sky and the treetops from a forest. Resting on the windowsill is a small grey and brown bird (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Passer_domesticus_male_%2815%29.jpg).

The bird chirps a couple of times when it sees you. Then it coughs. And then it starts speaking. It's not speaking in the way you'd expect a tiny bird like that to speak. It's a booming deep inhuman voice that for some reason brings to your mind the sounds of heavy rain and thunder.
"I will be downstairs. Go there. It is important."
"That is the message. And can you please allow messages to arrive to your section? I've been waiting here for like half an hour." the small bird adds with a soft squeaky voice as it turns around and gets ready to fly away.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 12, 2014, 11:44:51 am

"Where you from, thought you were a Gene, but if you war one youda be in it already, where I from, gangs rule, and you in one wen boan. But I found a Haz who not a Haz an' a Gene who no Gene." Whatchu do anywhoz?"

Give this... "faod" a try. Never seen anything like it, only nutrient bars and can juices.

That thing is assaulting your tongue. It's full of taste and chunky bits and not so chunky bits that get everywhere and get stuck in your teeth. It's so greasy it feels like you're going to choke. Swallowing it is even worse, as you can feel it sliding through your throat. Ugh, now you can feel it in your stomach and there's a strange oily after-taste left in your throat. You think you're going to throw up.

A few big gulps of beer help you forget the taste and settle your stomach a bit.

You can't understand how that big eared guy seems to be devouring that thing so quickly. He's already eaten a quarter of that giant dish. Doesn't it bother him?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 12, 2014, 03:25:52 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 12, 2014, 11:44:51 am

"Where you from, thought you were a Gene, but if you war one youda be in it already, where I from, gangs rule, and you in one wen boan. But I found a Haz who not a Haz an' a Gene who no Gene." Whatchu do anywhoz?"

Give this... "faod" a try. Never seen anything like it, only nutrient bars and can juices.

"As much as I'd like to pretend your argot is entirely legible, I'm afraid I'm a little confused. So a Haz and a Gene refer to gang affiliations of some sort? If that's the case, I'm not one. See, I'm from the woods. And in the woods, everyone's a Squirrel."

Eat until full, and share with this fascinating inner-city type.

You eat and eat and eat and then you eat some more until you can eat no more. There's still about half of the food left on the plate, given that your friend only nibbled on a small piece. You can feel your enlarged stomach pushing against your clothes and the desire to rest as much of your blood supply goes to work on your digestive system. You half-sit half-lie on your chair as you attain food nirvana, the feeling of being utterly and completely full of nice tasting high fat food accompanied by exactly zero fear for your health. Now you just need to sit here for an hour or four and digest this so that you can move again.

A minute later, the door opens and your entity walks in. His clothes have been covered in mud and are wet in places. He's carrying a wooden bucket and is approaching your table.
"Good news: I found a goat. Less than good news: The goat didn't like me. I think it might had something to do with me knowing nothing about goats or milking or the milking of goats. Or at least I didn't knew. Nothing more than how to cook them. Now I know."
He lowers his tone of voice, as if telling a secret.
"Here's a tip about goats. If you approach them from behind, do not pull their tail. They will kick you. Approaching it from the front is not a good idea either. They will headbutt you and spit you. Goats are evil man. The horns and the goatee never lie. They are the signs of the bad guy."
He continues speaking in that normal, cheery voice of his.
"But, a bit of chasing later, I was triumphant! I think. That's milk right?" he says and points at the white substance sloshing inside the bucket, some of it spilling outside.
"I mean, it tastes like milk to me, so it must be milk, right?"
He sighs.
"I'm beginning to reconsider that 'no summoning, no magic, stay in character' thing. Humans are silly."

"So! Milk! I got milk. Want milk?"

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 12, 2014, 01:41:49 pm

"Okay, I understand," Zechariah said softly. He thought out his words carefully for a bit before he decided to spark up some other argument.
"I don't mean to anger you. I was just confused and frustrated by my circumstances, but now I have a feeling for what I am committed to."
He looked down at the ground under his feet and let a small smile show to himself.
"To be honest, I am actually pretty interested by you. In a good way, I mean. We do have our differences, but.. I feel that there's still plenty of time to explore this place and get to know everyone, including you."
Zechariah shuffled his feet around a bit. He was a little anxious, but there was also some resolution in his heart.

<Oh, I am sooo glad you consider me important enough to include in the list of things you want to investigate.> she says sarcastically.

<Okay then, if you want to learn more about me, then answer me this and I will answer an inquiry of equal magnitude. If I told you that right now, I could take you anywhere and give you the power to do anything, then where would you go? What would you choose?>

---

Quote from: Alarith on September 12, 2014, 04:06:49 pm

"If you have some time to ask around, then please, yes.  If you are busy and can't find time don't worry about it."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. Anything to keep you happy. I'll be back in a while."
She turns around, opens the door and goes through it.

---

Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER
You wake up.

You are lying on a hard bed.
There's a dark grey, almost black stone ceiling above you.
The entire room you are in is built out of the same smooth dark grey stone blocks as the ceiling. The low lighting the few candles around the room provide make them seem even darker.
But other than the bed you are on, the room is very empty. There's a few red banners hanging from the walls and an armour stand and a weapon rack near a wall but that's it.
There's a single door made out of old wooden boards leading out of this room.

---

Hawk132
You regain consciousness.

You are standing upright, at attention.
You're in a sandy desert. The sun is high overhead.
Everywhere around you there is nothing but sand dunes and clear blue skies. There are no footprints leading to your position.
The wind causes sand to bounce against your armour with small clicks.
There is something shiny embedded in the sand a few metres in front of you.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 13, 2014, 09:35:01 pm

Yum, roasted corn!

Summon oven gloves and open the microwave. If it's still on fire, punch it out. If not, extract corn and eat!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2014, 10:04:11 pm

"Uhh... Thank you? I guess I'd better get going."
I wonder if that bird was brought here the same way the players were. How many people are being kidnapped for the games?
I hurry over to the door, open it, look for a way 'downstairs' and go, keeping an eye out for anyone else in the area.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 13, 2014, 10:15:51 pm

Read the banners before opening the door

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 14, 2014, 04:08:05 am

"Well, there's certainly enough of it that it couldn't plausibly be anything else, you know? Bring on the milk!"

Have a bit of milk to wash down the grease! Hope that transitioning to another world will ease digestion.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 14, 2014, 06:36:16 am

".... The waiting is killing me. When will it start?" Rune mutters to himself, but also somewhat hoping his entity notices it so that he gets an answer.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:53 am

Tis' the Great Desert? The mortals have created a new magic, perchance? To force ME aroint from the battlefield!? Verily, I am disappointed.

It matters not. My duty is ner finished. Een the greatest desert shan't stop me. An I have to wend for years, then so be it.

But first...

Walk closer to the shiny object, try pulling it into my hand. If it doesn't budge, get near it and investigate it.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 14, 2014, 10:16:53 am

[Sorry, have been ailing bad lately x_x]

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2014, 09:32:03 pm

Resting on the windowsill is a small grey and brown bird (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Passer_domesticus_male_%2815%29.jpg).

((Oh hey, this looks like one of the many Philippine mayas hanging around here x3))
Reference (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5652484#msg5652484)

Theri acknowledged River's note and waved back to his buddy-friend. "Say, he has a...somewhat different name from yours. Who was he, back in the last 'mission'? Or where, actually? Also...why do we all need a bracelet to identify each other again?

"Oh! Who, also, was Boris' person?...his..you. His...me? You know. The thoughts? Oh, also did it send yet?"
Chat with River!
Oh, also commit to action /that action/ towards /that one person/. Let's see if this works!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 14, 2014, 12:27:51 pm

Hmm... give this, "Ma-ilk" a try. Hopefully better than "food"

"... What's a scuiel?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 14, 2014, 12:41:58 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 14, 2014, 12:27:51 pm

"... What's a scuiel?"

"It is a creature that eats and hides tiny rocks, and viciously leaps from one tall structure to another, seeking its prey far and wide to prepare for a coming disaster that will empty the area of all life."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2014, 06:54:21 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 13, 2014, 09:35:01 pm

Yum, roasted corn!

Summon oven gloves and open the microwave. If it's still on fire, punch it out. If not, extract corn and eat!

You fail to summon oven gloves.
Well, who cares, you'll just eat it like this.
You grab the burning pop corn with your bare hands and start devouring it.
This would look great in a circus performance.
Mmmm... Toasty!

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 14, 2014, 10:16:53 am

[Sorry, have been ailing bad lately x_x]

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2014, 09:32:03 pm

Resting on the windowsill is a small grey and brown bird (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Passer_domesticus_male_%2815%29.jpg).

((Oh hey, this looks like one of the many Philippine mayas hanging around here x3))
Reference (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5652484#msg5652484)

Theri acknowledged River's note and waved back to his buddy-friend. "Say, he has a...somewhat different name from yours. Who was he, back in the last 'mission'? Or where, actually? Also...why do we all need a bracelet to identify each other again?

"Oh! Who, also, was Boris' person?...his..you. His...me? You know. The thoughts? Oh, also did it send yet?"
Chat with River!
Oh, also commit to action /that action/ towards /that one person/. Let's see if this works!

((I see those small birds almost every day. They come to eat the breadcrumbs that are left after breakfast. I love watching them, especially the young chicks.))

He laughs a bit.
"Oh, you're full of questions." he says with a small smile.
"Anyway, he, or at least part of him, was sort of 'inside' the bracelets, but not really. He was there to help us exist in that world and make sure we didn't accidentally harm the minds of the people we were helping. I can provide a more in depth explanation, if you are interested, but it would take a while."

"As for the one who helped Boris, the one who called himself Victor... He is no longer here."

You walk through the streets of the town, between the small log houses, until you reach the central plaza. On its centre is a fountain made of light grey marble. It depicts a cloaked, slightly feminine figure, with only smooth curved stone for a face. In her left arm she cradles an oversized horn, through which water flows, while her right is extended, her hand open, as if she is demanding something. A curved knife hangs from her belt.
Her bare feet rest on a small circular basin, in which the water gathers before overflowing to another, larger one. The basin she stands on rests on three different beasts that are facing each other. A canine that most closely resembles a Northwestern wolf, a large feline creature that looks kinda like a puma and a large bird that is similar to nothing you've ever seen before, except perhaps for mythical creatures. All three look like they are ready to fight, showing their teeth or claws, their fur or feathers standing upright.
There are more detailed carvings surrounding a wavy line that goes around the base of the fountain.

On the base of the fountain rests a crow, idly playing with a ball made out of dim lightning, tossing it from wing to wing in long lazy arcs.
A small distance away from the fountain is a man wearing a gas mask that is talking to a tall, lanky man with short dark hair and grey eyes.
Laying on the ground besides them is a rather obese man that is eating burning pop corn out of a can with his bare hands.

"The one he has chosen to come here is John." he says and points to the man talking to the one wearing the gas mask.
"While we were off helping Amelia and her companions he was defending a world from the attack of a spirit that took of the form of a giant metal man. He and his allies did quite a good job at it."

Two large buildings stand on opposite sides of the plaza. A large three storey building made of stone blocks and wood with a sign hanging outside and smoke coming out of its chimney. Some kind of tavern or inn probably. And a larger two storey building made almost exclusively out of stone blocks, which has no sign on it but looks imposing nonetheless. The only building to feature a balcony, as far as you can tell. Maybe a manor or a town hall?

"Come on, it's this way." he says and leads you towards the inn.

The inside of the inn is very dark compared to the sunny town outside. Before your eyes have much of a chance to adapt and take stock of your surroundings, he is already leading you away from the entrance and towards an upward stairway. He gently pushes you until you are hidden behind it.
"As requested. One ambush for you. Enjoy!" he whispers and quickly walks away, towards a counter.

((See Lenglon's for the rest.))

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2014, 10:04:11 pm

"Uhh... Thank you? I guess I'd better get going."
I wonder if that bird was brought here the same way the players were. How many people are being kidnapped for the games?
I hurry over to the door, open it, look for a way 'downstairs' and go, keeping an eye out for anyone else in the area.

"De nada!" the little bird squeaks its reply and flies away, emitting a couple of whistles as it does so.

You turn around and open the door out of your room. Beyond is a small hallway filled with 4 other equally spaced doors, each with an unlit torch in the wall besides it. One is a simple wooden door like yours while others are very clearly the portals of other players. A hotel room door, a door with intricate carvings, a heavy-looking door...

The hallway is lit by the diffuse light provided by sun rays escaping through gaps in the closed shutters of the windows lining the side of the hall opposite to you. You can see motes of dust floating in the rays, the ones closest to you swirling from the small wind currents opening the door has created. It smells of old wood. There are also faint smells of food and alcohol floating around in the air.

On your left the hallway makes a left turn and disappears, presumable leading to other rooms. On your right it ends on a wooden stair, leading downwards.

A short walk later, you descend the stairs and find yourself in a larger open area made of stone and wooden supports. One of the walls features a few of those gigantic wooden barrels that usually hold alcohol. It is lit by a large fireplace, complemented by a few torches hanging from the stone walls.

The room is filled with tables and chairs, although only one of them is occupied. The ones occupying the table are Ike and a muscular man with tattoos who you have never seen before. They are apparently in the process of consuming a giant dish of omelette along with a mug of beer and a bucket of milk. Guess this is where the smell of food is coming from.

Finally there's a counter, with a few smaller barrels, a small fire and some cooking implements behind it.
Behind the counter is a Viking with platinum blonde hair who is wearing very dirty and somewhat wet clothes. A large wooden mug rests on the counter in front of him. On the opposite side of the counter, talking to the Viking, is a creature that has most of the characteristics of a wolf. He has black fur and amber eyes, but his body is more humanoid, with hands instead of paws, his legs allowing him to stand upright and his snout a bit smaller than that of a normal wolf's.

When you descend the last few steps, the wolf-man and the Viking turn to face you. You start walking towards them, when suddenly you hear a sound behind you. Before you can turn around, something falls onto you from behind and ensnares you in a tight and vicious... hug?
You look down to see silver-furred arms wrapped around you.
"Surprise!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 14, 2014, 04:08:05 am

"Well, there's certainly enough of it that it couldn't plausibly be anything else, you know? Bring on the milk!"

Have a bit of milk to wash down the grease! Hope that transitioning to another world will ease digestion.

You sort of lean forward, careful not to press your stomach too much and try to have a couple of sips of milk. The first gulp makes you feel like your stomach is going to explode if you drink anymore. Then again, this place is supposed to keep you alive no matter what, so that might be an interesting experience.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 14, 2014, 12:27:51 pm

Hmm... give this, "Ma-ilk" a try. Hopefully better than "food"

"... What's a scuiel?"

After the big eared man has a sip, you try a bit of the milk yourself. It's OK... sort of. It's still a bit too "heavy" and fatty for your tastes, but it has a somewhat interesting flavour and you can drink it, albeit slowly. If nothing else, it helps wash the taste of the food away.

Both of you watch as a werewolf leads woman with silver fur, fox ears and a fox tail under the staircase and leaving her hidden there. The werewolf glances your way as he passes by you and then heads for the counter on the opposite side of the room. He sits on a stool with some effort (he is rather tall, so it's somewhat uncomfortable) and starts talking to Ike's entity, who is standing on the opposite side of the counter, drinking something.

A few seconds later, another woman with fox ears and fox tails comes down from the stairs. She starts walking towards the counter before she is surprise-hugged by the hiding woman.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 13, 2014, 10:15:51 pm

Read the banners before opening the door

You attempt to click on the banners, but it turns out they are not that kind of banner. Too bad. And you wanted to read that surefire way to gain body-builder muscles.

Lame jokes aside, they're more like this (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/076/2/e/medieval_banner_by_fil1969-d3btmua.jpg). Red banners with a dark symbol in the centre that looks like a sword stabbing a rhombus.

You shrug and go outside, into a small hallway with a wooden floor. To your left the hallway ends into an upwards stairway, while to your right it turns right. There are other doors in the hallway besides yours, all of them different from the other. The style of the hallway is also very different from the style of the room you woke up. In fact, now that you think about it, you're very certain that the room is too long to fit between the doors beside the one leading to it.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 14, 2014, 06:36:16 am

".... The waiting is killing me. When will it start?" Rune mutters to himself, but also somewhat hoping his entity notices it so that he gets an answer.

"One would think that you would welcome this reprieve. I guess you must really like the challenges."
((Soon. Sorry. Been a bit busy planning the missions and studying for the university. And sick. It's like the whole world is plotting against me.

Anyway, you can now declare you want to go to the other mission for formality's sake. Check the end of the post.))

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:53 am

Tis' the Great Desert? The mortals have created a new magic, perchance? To force ME aroint from the battlefield!? Verily, I am disappointed.

It matters not. My duty is ner finished. Een the greatest desert shan't stop me. An I have to wend for years, then so be it.

But first...

Walk closer to the shiny object, try pulling it into my hand. If it doesn't budge, get near it and investigate it.

You walk closer to the object, your heavy footsteps sinking in the soft sand of the dunes.
When you're close enough, you use your powers to pull it. The object doesn't budge. But the sand around it does. It flies towards you, pelting your armour and getting in its joints.

When the sand clears, you can see that the shiny thing was actually the tip of a much larger glass obelisk rising out of the sand, its base not yet visible. It's made out of crystal clear glass and is completely smooth. The light from the harsh desert sun is reflected refracted from it, forming small rainbows and bright rectangles on the ground around it.

"Welcome." a female voice comes from the obelisk, the sand around the obelisk shifting slightly as it vibrates.
"Let us see. What shall be your first question?"

---

Ahem!

Random.org says

    NAV
    Harry Baldman
    Lenglon
    DarkArtemisFowl
    Tiruin
    Xantalos

are going to the Campaign mission.

Anyone besides them who wants to participate in the other mission, say so now.

I'm a bit weary of letting Xantalos go on this mission, considering what happened last time. Plus this mission will have a small chance of permadeath, so with his luck, he is probably going to get himself permakilled. Uh, but I'm really hoping everything is going to turn out fine. Or at least that one of his teammates is going to be able to keep him from getting himself killed. Or maybe his teammates are going to kill him at the start of the mission to save themselves. Whatever happens, it should be... interesting.

Anyway, missions are planned and ready. They'll be starting at the end of next week, probably. Maybe a bit later, depending on how my studying goes.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 14, 2014, 08:22:11 pm

"Hmm." Zechariah thought carefully. This was a hard question for him, since he didn't really think about these kinds of things before. Surprising for someone of his personality, I know, but this is a subject that has never been particularly comfortable with. Power.
Then, a sudden thought flashed by Zechariah's mind. He had heard this before, somewhere. He didn't remember where. Come on, he thought. Where have I heard this before?
He remembered.
It was Artemis.
"I remember this question. I've answered this before," Zechariah said clearly and slowly. "I would go to the place of my dreams. A different dimension which barely crosses with my reality. A place where I actually mattered, where I had the ability to change the world. And.. and I asked him for the power to save my friends..." He looked down to the ground quickly and searched with his eyes for something there.
"To save my friends," he repeated. He shook his head softly and tried to clear those thoughts out of his head.

"Yes. That was what I asked for, and that is probably what I would say now still. Still as naive as before, I guess.
Um, as for you.. if you could change one aspect of your past, what would it be?"
Zechariah thought that this would be an interesting question that doesn't cut too deep just yet.
..Then again, this was Scion we were talking about. Oh well.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 14, 2014, 08:30:44 pm

I don't know if she can still hear me, but I might as well try to tell her.
"Uh, I'm going out too, I'd like to see what's going on outside."
Head outside.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 14, 2014, 09:43:16 pm

((Whatever you want to do, really. I can force feed Alan some character development like I did Xan from ER if need be.
And what ended up happening with me in the last mission? I don't quite remember since I've been doing the forum game equivalent of screwing around in GTA for the last little bit.))

Alan finishes the popcorn, wiping copious amounts of carbon off his lips.
Tasty! But I should stop being impolite.

Examine the surrounding area for wherever John went, to see if I can find him.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2014, 10:14:42 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 14, 2014, 08:22:11 pm

"Hmm." Zechariah thought carefully. This was a hard question for him, since he didn't really think about these kinds of things before. Surprising for someone of his personality, I know, but this is a subject that has never been particularly comfortable with. Power.
Then, a sudden thought flashed by Zechariah's mind. He had heard this before, somewhere. He didn't remember where. Come on, he thought. Where have I heard this before?
He remembered.
It was Artemis.
"I remember this question. I've answered this before," Zechariah said clearly and slowly. "I would go to the place of my dreams. A different dimension which barely crosses with my reality. A place where I actually mattered, where I had the ability to change the world. And.. and I asked him for the power to save my friends..." He looked down to the ground quickly and searched with his eyes for something there.
"To save my friends," he repeated. He shook his head softly and tried to clear those thoughts out of his head.

"Yes. That was what I asked for, and that is probably what I would say now still. Still as naive as before, I guess.
Um, as for you.. if you could change one aspect of your past, what would it be?"
Zechariah thought that this would be an interesting question that doesn't cut too deep just yet.
..Then again, this was Scion we were talking about. Oh well.

<Hm. Your answer does neither impress nor surprise. Your question on the other hand...

You wish to learn of my past mistakes, hoping to discover a weakness? That is a bit more pleasing to see, even if such attempts are to be made against me. I am tempted to say I have made none, but a promise is a promise. I should answer truthfully, if I am to retain my honour.

Still, it is a hard question to answer. There were incidents, but they would require a lot of explanation on my part to make sense. And there is nothing I truly regret or something that has affected me deeply in some negative way. After all, I am here and I have all this power...

I suppose, if I had to choose something to change, then I would choose to be more patient and convince my partner to do the same. Wait until the time is right. Use that time to gain more information about our allies and enemies. Focus on completing one task only. And perhaps enjoy the peace in the meantime.>

She remains silent for a while.

<So, do you have another question?>

Quote from: Alarith on September 14, 2014, 08:30:44 pm

I don't know if she can still hear me, but I might as well try to tell her.
"Uh, I'm going out too, I'd like to see what's going on outside."
Head outside.

<Call me if you need me. I'll be listening.>
Exiting your personal area, you find yourself in a small hallway with wooden floor. Windows line the opposite wall, letting a few rays of light pass through their closed shutters.

To your left the hallway ends into an upwards stairway, while to your right it turns right. There are other doors in the hallway besides yours, all of them different from the other

There is a rather unremarkable man in the hallway with you, but for some reason, you can't stop looking at him.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 14, 2014, 09:43:16 pm

((Whatever you want to do, really. I can force feed Alan some character development like I did Xan from ER if need be.
And what ended up happening with me in the last mission? I don't quite remember since I've been doing the forum game equivalent of screwing around in GTA for the last little bit.))

Alan finishes the popcorn, wiping copious amounts of carbon off his lips.
Tasty! But I should stop being impolite.

Examine the surrounding area for wherever John went, to see if I can find him.

((Nah, relax, I'm just joking. You'll be fine. Probably. Maybe.))

He is literally right next to you. If you can't find him when he's right next to you, then we may have some serious problems.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 14, 2014, 10:24:35 pm

Well, this IS Alan we're talking about.

So John, what've you been up to?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 14, 2014, 11:10:22 pm

"See you John. Alan."
Nikolai walks away, talking quietly to himself
Some very strange people here. Very strange. Did that woman have fur?
Go claim a house. A small cabin.
Set my cup's shards on the table and begin glueing it back together.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 14, 2014, 11:14:50 pm

"Hehe, hi Theri."
I gently tug at her arms to get her to let me go, and if/once she does, I turn around and hug her back.
"Thank you for everything last mission, you were a big help."
My tails are flicking about as we exchange greetings.
"So, what was that message about?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 15, 2014, 01:35:28 am

> Try to Find the kitchen, so I can eat something.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 01:45:25 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 14, 2014, 11:14:50 pm

"Hehe, hi Theri."
I gently tug at her arms to get her to let me go, and if/once she does, I turn around and hug her back.
"Thank you for everything last mission, you were a big help."
My tails are flicking about as we exchange greetings.
"So, what was that message about?"

Wave to her feebly.

"Hey, look who's here! Glad to see you!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 02:22:09 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 01:45:25 am

Wave to her feebly.

"Hey, look who's here! Glad to see you!"

"Hi! Good to see you too! What happened to everyone last mission? The only people I managed to recognize was Theri and the Director. Which side were you on?"
that armored monster was probably Jordan again, he'd like being like that.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:44:51 am

"Accursed sand!"

"Wherefore didst thou bringest me hither?"

"And what art thou?"

Question and receive answers.

((I'd like to join a mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 05:29:05 am

This is bad. Predators over there, Predators are mean. They're supposed to be the police of Urbania, but they have a, rather nasty habit of ripping people limb from limb. So this is very, very bad. Put a hand on the table, be prepared to throw it if necessary and act calm. Scan to see what they do

"So, how was your squirrelly ring and dang tang like?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 07:27:38 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2014, 06:54:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2014, 10:04:11 pm

"Uhh... Thank you? I guess I'd better get going."
I wonder if that bird was brought here the same way the players were. How many people are being kidnapped for the games?
I hurry over to the door, open it, look for a way 'downstairs' and go, keeping an eye out for anyone else in the area.

"De nada!" the little bird squeaks its reply and flies away, emitting a couple of whistles as it does so.

((I read that in Dora's voice x3))

Quote from: Irine on September 14, 2014, 11:14:50 pm

"So, what was that message about?"

"I asked my close friend if I could just...well, talk to you, y'know? So the best way I thought of was to surprise you." Theri replied happily. At the sound of another voice, Theri continued along, but in a lower whisper so as not to interrupt. "Oh, I also talked about the mission--River said that whoever Victor was...um, isn't. Anymore.
...
"Who's your friend?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 07:43:51 am

"Hello there sir.  My name is Bryan, may I ask who you are?"
((I'd like to go on the survival mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 08:41:15 am

John opens his arms wide.  "Well, after killing the BETA, I got sent back here.  Built this little town on a whim; seems like everyone's fitting in well here, so I guess I did all right.  How's the popcorn?"

John would like to do Survival!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 08:48:11 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 02:22:09 am

"Hi! Good to see you too! What happened to everyone last mission? The only people I managed to recognize was Theri and the Director. Which side were you on?"
that armored monster was probably Jordan again, he'd like being like that.

"Man, I don't even know. Nobody really wanted to talk to me, so I just shot everyone who got in the way. I assume I was on the opposite side than you, at least, considering you tried to kill me with fire a lot. I did kind of gain the upper hand at the end when I lobbed some C4 in that room you seemed to be in, though I kind of messed up when I didn't double tap who I assume was your host by the end, given how the fire crap stopped when she was out. Guess the lack of breathing wasn't enough evidence, eh?" Ike laughs.

"Have to say, though, odds were a bit stacked against me there. I counted five players out to get me or mess with my objectives, most of which I had to kill or cripple in some way, as well as a whole dang factory full of goons to mow through. And one guy doing roughly the same thing, but seemingly completely ambivalent about my existence. Lucky I had the foresight to get all those explosives and armor, I tell you. And that ol' Ike Wayne was as connected as he was. Top-notch fellow, really. Kind of glad he got a happy ending, even if I lost points for it."

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what the hell was even happening back there? Started out as your regular 'kill the rebels' business, but it did go on a turn for the really strange at the end."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 10:41:06 am

Pretty good, actually, want some?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 11:03:23 am

"Um... sure!"

John helps himself to some of the less-burning popcorn.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 11:22:07 am

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 07:27:38 am

"I asked my close friend if I could just...well, talk to you, y'know? So the best way I thought of was to surprise you." Theri replied happily. At the sound of another voice, Theri continued along, but in a lower whisper so as not to interrupt. "Oh, I also talked about the mission--River said that whoever Victor was...um, isn't. Anymore.
...
"Who's your friend?"

"Theri, this is Ike, Ike, Theri. Ike's a good teammate, even if he does look funny. I worked with him on the mission before last. Ike, Theri here was my ally this last mission, I think you'd remember her host, Awena, as the girl with the knife at the end."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 08:48:11 am

"Man, I don't even know. Nobody really wanted to talk to me, so I just shot everyone who got in the way. I assume I was on the opposite side than you, at least, considering you tried to kill me with fire a lot. I did kind of gain the upper hand at the end when I lobbed some C4 in that room you seemed to be in, though I kind of messed up when I didn't double tap who I assume was your host by the end, given how the fire crap stopped when she was out. Guess the lack of breathing wasn't enough evidence, eh?" Ike laughs.

"Have to say, though, odds were a bit stacked against me there. I counted five players out to get me or mess with my objectives, most of which I had to kill or cripple in some way, as well as a whole dang factory full of goons to mow through. And one guy doing roughly the same thing, but seemingly completely ambivalent about my existence. Lucky I had the foresight to get all those explosives and armor, I tell you. And that ol' Ike Wayne was as connected as he was. Top-notch fellow, really. Kind of glad he got a happy ending, even if I lost points for it."

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what the hell was even happening back there? Started out as your regular 'kill the rebels' business, but it did go on a turn for the really strange at the end."

Wait, Ike was the armored...
"Um...  heh, yeah. Zoe was a clever girl. It was her idea to hold her breath and pretend to be dead. Anyway, um, T-Target Amethyst was, kinda able to determine which Entity ended up in control of that world? Charlie and that guy who organized our first mission were competing against each other for it. I kinda messed it up by making Stellar get it instead. I'm not sure if they're mad at me for that or not. Charlie... Charlie's a little hard to read sometimes, and I haven't talked to the other guy at all."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:28:38 am

"Whyza buncha predators over here, whatarya talkin bout'. Were you all those guyz ha toached ze old district?"

Tighten grip on table, be ready to react.

(Up for survival, I can give you some ideas of some districts and enemies if you want.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 11:41:05 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 11:22:07 am

"Theri, this is Ike, Ike, Theri. Ike's a good teammate, even if he does look funny. I worked with him on the mission before last. Ike, Theri here was my ally this last mission, I think you'd remember her host, Awena, as the girl with the knife at the end."

"Oh, her! Hi, Theri! I think I shot you dead at the end there, maybe. But then the world flipped itself strange-wise. But this is what I mean! They give us a simple job, two teams. Except there's, like, two people on one team, neither of which know about the other one's work, and then there's millions of members on the other team crawling out of the woodwork along the way, and all of them are working together to some degree. What's up with that?"

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 11:22:07 am

"Um...  heh, yeah. Zoe was a clever girl. It was her idea to hold her breath and pretend to be dead. Anyway, um, T-Target Amethyst was, kinda able to determine which Entity ended up in control of that world? Charlie and that guy who organized our first mission were competing against each other for it. I kinda messed it up by making Stellar get it instead. I'm not sure if they're mad at me for that or not. Charlie... Charlie's a little hard to read sometimes, and I haven't talked to the other guy at all."

"I don't know who either of those people are, and I'm kind of glad. Anybody responsible for that clusterfuck doesn't sound like a pleasant person, really. Seems like a hotbed of hurt feelings when they bring all these stupid politics into good, clean fun, doesn't it? I swear, it's like the dang Greek pantheon all over again."

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:28:38 am

"Whyza buncha predators over here, whatarya talkin bout'. Were you all those guyz ha toached ze old district?"

Tighten grip on table, be ready to react.

(Up for survival, I can give you some ideas of some districts and enemies if you want. I doubt it, but it could take place in Urbania if you want.)

"Damn straight they toached ze old district, cuz! That hood was downright unsightly. So don't you mess with homegirls I-Pain and T-Money here, or else they're gonna skin ya alive and melt what's left, y'heard?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:45:31 am

Death glare.

"Why do you talk like that. Ze old district waz mah home, and nothin but beauty, and dey destroyzit, why? You predators were s'pose to help us, but all ya do, is hunt us down like prey, and eat us alive. What's "dayum strit" and "Hud"? "

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 11:50:11 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 11:41:05 am

"Damn straight they toached ze old district, cuz! That hood was downright unsightly. So don't you mess with homegirls I-Pain and T-Money here, or else they're gonna skin ya alive and melt what's left, y'heard?"

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:45:31 am

Death glare.

"Why do you talk like that. Ze old district waz mah home, and nothin but beauty, and dey destroyzit, why? You predators were s'pose to help us, but all ya do, is hunt us down like prey, and eat us alive. What's "dayum strit" and "Hud"? "

"Ehhhh?? W-what are you two talking about?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 11:58:30 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:45:31 am

Death glare.

"Why do you talk like that. Ze old district waz mah home, and nothin but beauty, and dey destroyzit, why? You predators were s'pose to help us, but all ya do, is hunt us down like prey, and eat us alive. What's "dayum strit" and "Hud"? "

"A hud's a district, but shorter, and zus superior in raw termage, savvy? An ze old adage, it goes two ways, oui oui? Ze one man's trash, it is ze other man's treasure, and, how you say, vice versa? As for why, well, zey iz predators, bro, and zey predate, y'heard? But hey, now zey are in prison, and you're in prison, and zo zey can't toach no hoods, old or young, no more. So it's all good, dude."

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 11:50:11 am

"Ehhhh?? W-what are you two talking about?"

"I have no idea. I assume he does, though."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 12:05:18 pm

"Not in prison, there's no prison in Urbania. Predators are right there."

Point at the fox people. Give them death glare.

"Who.. are you? And what's keeping me from ripping you apart like you've done to mah Genes?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 12:10:12 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 12:05:18 pm

"Not in prison, there's no prison in Urbania. Predators are right there."

"Zis ain't Urbania, blood! Zis is contest of ze champions, place beyond places, time beyond time! The greatest show in ze multiverse, cuz, and you've got ze center stage!"

"And flash of news for you, homegrown veggie, nobody 'round here knows what you're yammering on about, in all honesty."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 12:11:49 pm

"I-I'm Irine, and I have no idea what you're talking about!"
I turn to Ike
"Stop being so mean! First you try to make everyone think I'm a lizard, now you're saying I eat people?!? Why do you keep doing this to me?!?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 12:24:35 pm

Theri gave Irine a subtle nudge, very aware of where her tail was swishing in the closed environment.

"^{You'd be the nicest lizard I've ever met...if you really are a lizard anyway. You don't look like a lizard though.}"
She was curious about many things: Ike and the other person seem to be talking about the last 'mission', but then there were more details she did not understand...at all.

"We're in some sort of contest I take it? Given the names and the mention of teams, that is. I didn't know I was competing in one (though it does make sense)" she said, as the image of what happened before the mission came into memory. "What're we all here for and on that note, why were you all gathered in that one area below a cliff last time I saw you all?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 12:27:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 12:11:49 pm

"I-I'm Irine, and I have no idea what you're talking about!"
I turn to Ike
"Stop being so mean! First you try to make everyone think I'm a lizard, now you're saying I eat people?!? Why do you keep doing this to me?!?"

"Sorry. I just figured I'd throw the poor guy a bone, you know? He seems really confused, is all."

"Also, I never said you ate people! Just that you toached the old district, which I'm fairly sure doesn't mean anything in particular outside of a very narrow subset of impenetrable Urbanian argot, and that you'd totally skin this dude alive and melt what remains if he messed with you, which I'm pretty sure you could do."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 12:46:34 pm

not her too!
"I'm not a lizard!!! I'm really, really not!"
...
"Uhhhh.... yeah, we are kinda in a competition of sorts. We were gathered here before to get told what the next mission was going to be. It looked different then because anyone can reshape this place however they want. Apparently somebody decided to build a town."
and it's back to Ike.
"So what does toached mean in Urbanian argot? and maybe I could, but I wouldn't without a good reason."
I don't think I could, actually. He looks pretty fit. Everyone thinks I'm super-powerfull, but in reality it takes so long for me to get ready...

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 12:53:26 pm

"Woah, wait. I never said I believed you were a lizard! Just teasing you there, silly one!"
Theri noted the idea of anyone reshaping this place.
...
Huh, there must at least be a waterfall and water-powered devices then. Just for that tiny knack of natural joy.
"Um...well, River helped shape this place. It's pretty amazing, though. But why again are we in this competition? I feel like I just jumped into something a lot bigger than I expected it to be--and only hours before that, I was...well, I don't exactly know what I was doing. Just that I was in a new place before all this."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 12:58:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 12:46:34 pm

"So what does toached mean in Urbanian argot? and maybe I could, but I wouldn't without a good reason."
I don't think I could, actually. He looks pretty fit. Everyone thinks I'm super-powerfull, but in reality it takes so long for me to get ready...

"Hell if I know. I assume 'torched', which seems totally possible, given appropriate circumstances. Or maybe it has some other non-obvious subtext, probably involving raping and pillaging like an old-timey barbarian. And you could do it, I'm sure, if he messed with you. Believe in me! I know these things!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 01:28:30 pm

((note that the uncolored, italicized text is my internal thoughts on the matter))
"Still..."
I turn back towards the newcomer.
"I'm sorry, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else."

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 12:53:26 pm

"Woah, wait. I never said I believed you were a lizard! Just teasing you there, silly one!"
...
"Um...well, River helped shape this place. It's pretty amazing, though. But why again are we in this competition? I feel like I just jumped into something a lot bigger than I expected it to be--and only hours before that, I was...well, I don't exactly know what I was doing. Just that I was in a new place before all this."

"You don't remember what you were doing? Did coming here mess up your memories somehow?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 01:38:19 pm

Zechariah was a little ticked off by her statements. He didn't think that the could put up much longer with her sarcastic, over-drawn tone.
"Yes, I have another question," he said with slight irritation in his voice. "Why do you just assume that everything I do has to be calculated and for a selfish purpose? Why can I not just be friendly, or wanting to get to know other people? I don't want any of your weaknesses or your secrets. That's not what I asked for! I just want to know you better, as a friend. Not as an enemy, not as a superior, but as a friend. That's all. I don't have some ulterior motives against you or anyone." Zechariah paced around once again, his aqua irises glowing lightly.

"I'm not here to instigate some kind of multiuniversal war between all-powerful deities who work for selfish means. I want everyone to treat each other well. Because, if there's one thing I learned from my time in the Medium, there is a threat bigger than you or me, the other deities, the other competitors, the Guardians, Eido Aeterno.. all of us! And guess what? That threat comes from within! You have the power to work for the betterment of others, to enable everyone to unite in the defense of everything that has existed and will continue to exist! So why don't you focus on that, instead of playing this stupid wargame?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 01:49:09 pm

Quote from: Irine on September 15, 2014, 01:28:30 pm

"You don't remember what you were doing? Did coming here mess up your memories somehow?"

"...Well, I'm unsure. I remember who I am and my past, obviously--just the exact things I was doing before this was the note in question."

Theri massaged the back of her left hand while speaking. It was a calming measure she didn't pay heed to.

"And coming 'here' is pretty much a punch in the dark. Remember where we met? That was...not where I 'came' in the first place. I met River all before this, though. Before that event by the Cliff. I was actually overlooking you all at that time--tiny dots you were all below me and him. Anyway, I met him and a few wolves before all this. We talked, he introduced me to a few concepts, and I grew to like his person. Then we...moved to the cliff, seemed like the same area anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 01:55:16 pm

"Hmm... Well, um, you know how I mentioned that anyone can reshape this place somewhat? I think... Well, each of us has our own personal area, a space where only ourselves and the Entity that picked us can go, and we're the only ones that can shape those areas. I think you probably were first brought to your personal area, and then later went to the shared area we're in now."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 02:09:11 pm

Entity? Huh, I wonder what I've got that counts as an entity...
Theri made a spinning gesture with her index finger. "Roll back a bit. I didn't ask River when he said it at first but, 'reshape' means...what, exactly? He told me he reshaped a bit of this place himself but- c-could..."
Huh. Is this place real? I mean-
A torrent of thoughts came by, each with different notions as to the place in itself, and the exact 'familiarity' Theri had with it. Her eyes glanced around the room, setting on wood and floor and ceiling and person, before she spoke once more.

"Where are we exactly?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 02:24:59 pm

"This is called the Staging Area, and it's a kinda weird place. It is what people make of it, in a very, very literal sense. You can change it too, if you want too. All you have to do is will it."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 02:30:55 pm

By the way, I believe you all know the layout of the place by now, so if you want to go somewhere or speak to someone, there's no need to post an action, unless you want to somehow interact with the environment.

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2014, 11:10:22 pm

"See you John. Alan."
Nikolai walks away, talking quietly to himself
Some very strange people here. Very strange. Did that woman have fur?
Go claim a house. A small cabin.
Set my cup's shards on the table and begin glueing it back together.

You go claim a small cabin, just a small room with a bed, a table, a fireplace and some cupboards and boxes really.

You get back near the waterfall to gather the pieces of the mug and then return to your cabin.
You set the pieces on the table and start putting them together. You lack glue, so you just sort of put them together like it's a puzzle and hope friction will make them stick.

You do a pretty good job. All the pieces are back together now. And more.
By more, I mean you seem to have managed to somehow add a few extra pieces.

---

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 15, 2014, 01:35:28 am

> Try to Find the kitchen, so I can eat something.

You follow the hallway until you reach the stairway that leads to the bottom floor of the inn.

There's a large number of people gathered near a table, discussing something, but otherwise all of the chairs and tables in it are empty.

You approach the counter, where a Viking and a werewolf are talking to each other quietly. They stop talking when you get near them and the Viking turns to face you.
"Welcome to Drake's!" the Viking says merrily.
"I'm Drake. What can I get for you?"

Quote from: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 07:43:51 am

"Hello there sir.  My name is Bryan, may I ask who you are?"
((I'd like to go on the survival mission.))

The man (Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER) walks away before you can speak to him.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 11:03:23 am

"Um... sure!"

John helps himself to some of the less-burning popcorn.

Alan has very helpfully eaten the burning popcorn off the top of the can, leaving you some slightly burnt pop corn for you.
It is... Okay. A bit more crunchy than pop corn is supposed to be. And has an after-taste of ash. And it feels a bit stale.
Okay, it might not be that okay, okay?

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:28:38 am

"Whyza buncha predators over here, whatarya talkin bout'. Were you all those guyz ha toached ze old district?"

Tighten grip on table, be ready to react.

(Up for survival, I can give you some ideas of some districts and enemies if you want.)

I've already got the mission planned, but I won't say no to a few ideas. I can always make a few last minute changes if you got any good ideas.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 11:45:31 am

Death glare.

"Why do you talk like that. Ze old district waz mah home, and nothin but beauty, and dey destroyzit, why? You predators were s'pose to help us, but all ya do, is hunt us down like prey, and eat us alive. What's "dayum strit" and "Hud"? "

Death glare. (http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u412/FairyTailU/DeathStare.jpg)

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 12:05:18 pm

"Not in prison, there's no prison in Urbania. Predators are right there."

Point at the fox people. Give them death glare.

"Who.. are you? And what's keeping me from ripping you apart like you've done to mah Genes?"

Death stare intensifies. (https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/2638187264/h5D9BFAE5/)

Kinda wishing you'd chosen death stare as a power now, right?

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 01:38:19 pm

Zechariah was a little ticked off by her statements. He didn't think that the could put up much longer with her sarcastic, over-drawn tone.
"Yes, I have another question," he said with slight irritation in his voice. "Why do you just assume that everything I do has to be calculated and for a selfish purpose? Why can I not just be friendly, or wanting to get to know other people? I don't want any of your weaknesses or your secrets. That's not what I asked for! I just want to know you better, as a friend. Not as an enemy, not as a superior, but as a friend. That's all. I don't have some ulterior motives against you or anyone." Zechariah paced around once again, his aqua irises glowing lightly.

"I'm not here to instigate some kind of multiuniversal war between all-powerful deities who work for selfish means. I want everyone to treat each other well. Because, if there's one thing I learned from my time in the Medium, there is a threat bigger than you or me, the other deities, the other competitors, the Guardians, Eido Aeterno.. all of us! And guess what? That threat comes from within! You have the power to work for the betterment of others, to enable everyone to unite in the defense of everything that has existed and will continue to exist! So why don't you focus on that, instead of playing this stupid wargame?"

<Because that is the nature of my existence. Because that is the nature of all existence. Because it is the truth. All being seek seek power, even if they do not realise it. They work together to gain more power, they band together when they face someone more powerful, but in the end, they all want power, for whatever reason. What is friendship other than another form of power, a social contract that enforces the will of one onto another? What is love other than the craving for power over someone, for control of their fate, a veiled expression of vanity and primal instincts?

The evidence are there for all to see, even if they refuse to do so. So I will work with others when it suits me and I will work against them when I have a chance to gain more. I will take advantage of circumstances until we end up on top and nobody can oppose us.

Do you do anything different? Just because you cloak your quest for power in a shade of morality, because you believe you want it for a purpose you deem better than the others', you think that changes what it really is? In the end, you want power, just like everyone else and you would kill me gladly to gain that power if you had the chance, despite any proclamation you make of being my 'friend'.

Now it would be my turn to ask a question and I would probably ask why you feel the need to prove that you are->

She stops talking for a while and then continues more calmly.

<I said that I would attempt to be more patient with you. So I will let your little outburst slide and let you carefully consider another question.>

---

EDIT: Missed you.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:44:51 am

"Accursed sand!"

"Wherefore didst thou bringest me hither?"

"And what art thou?"

Question and receive answers.

((I'd like to join a mission.))

"A goddess. I've chosen this form and place to make our introduction.

As for why I brought you here, I have a purpose for you. I will have you work for me. Complete the challenges I set you, until you are ready to face what I require of you. Should you prove worthy, I will repair that broken shell of yours and make you formidable again and grant to you anything you require."

---

OOC
You guys (and girls) are fun. Especially Ike.

And Theri has no personal area nor was she brought here the same way you were.
If Tiruin has no problems, I could go back and add those PMs I sent her to the thread in appropriate places.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 02:33:07 pm

"I still can't grasp how thoughts affect reality...exactly. I mean I did talk it over with River but...there should be a process to it right? Like how muscles w-...All I've to do is will it, you say?"
A certain set of imagery returned to Theri.
Waterfall.

Will: Try to reshape part of this area into a waterfall upstream of the town, wherein the stream in question leads to a watermill!

"So how's about a waterfall?-...wait, if this can be reshaped at will, wouldn't it be vulnerable to chaos?"

Edit: ((PPE: Just as I was going to post. :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 02:35:39 pm

"It is, in more ways than one"
PMing action to Paris

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 02:36:03 pm

((Did you miss my turn, Paris?))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:44:51 am

"Accursed sand!"

"Wherefore didst thou bringest me hither?"

"And what art thou?"

Question and receive answers.

((I'd like to join a mission.))

((Oh, you actually noticed it quicker than I did. I hope that Ye Olde Butcherede Englishe isn't too troublesome for you.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 02:40:32 pm

((No, no trouble at all. It's kind of fun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 02:45:33 pm

John arched an eyebrow at Alan.  "A bit crunchy.  Hey, we should head into the tavern; looks like everyone else is headed there now."

John turned and walked into the tavern area.

"Hey there everyone; you enjoying the town?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 02:46:11 pm

"I sense meaning in the air!"

PM action!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 03:14:41 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 02:33:07 pm

"I still can't grasp how thoughts affect reality...exactly. I mean I did talk it over with River but...there should be a process to it right? Like how muscles w-...All I've to do is will it, you say?"
A certain set of imagery returned to Theri.
Waterfall.

Will: Try to reshape part of this area into a waterfall upstream of the town, wherein the stream in question leads to a watermill!

"So how's about a waterfall?-...wait, if this can be reshaped at will, wouldn't it be vulnerable to chaos?"

Edit: ((PPE: Just as I was going to post. :P))

((There already was a waterfall in the area, so I'll just do the second part, unless you want to create another one or bring this place closer to the waterfall.))

You focus on your intentions and ask for them to become reality.

You can't see the results of your actions, but from the quiet rumbling you hear coming from somewhere far away, you guess that it must have had some sort of effect.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 02:35:39 pm

"It is, in more ways than one"
PMing action to Paris

Irene very calmly proceeds to perform what looks like a very complex physics distorting magic trick in one swift motion.

She reaches down to grab a flaming sword that forms on her shadow's hand, forcing it to become a physical, three dimensional object.
She then use the sword to deflect the light out of the air and use it to create a reflection of Ike on the floor.
The reflection stays there as space deforms around her in a four dimensional way most minds would struggle to comprehend, so that when the distortion ends, she is left sitting on one of her tails, which is hovering a few decimetres off the ground.
She jumps off of it and onto the image of Ike, shattering it like glass into tiny little pieces that dissipate a few seconds later, while at the same time she pushes her sword behind Theri's ear.
While the tip of the sword disappears on one side of Theri's ear, it doesn't reappear on the other side, even as Irine keeps pushing the handle. She keeps pushing until the entire sword and part of he hand has disappeared, before she retracts her hand, the sword now gone.

All in all, it takes less than 12 seconds.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 02:46:11 pm

"I sense meaning in the air!"

PM action!

Meanwhile, a group of rather fungal-like humanoids with mushroom caps with glowing bioluminescent eyes instead of heads appears in an unoccupied corner of the room. They are wielding several musical instruments, which they are using to play zeuhl, singing the lyrics with their grainy squeaky voices.

Ike smells his milk and smiles contently while tapping his foot to the tune.

---

People outside
You hear a noise coming from the direction of the waterfall.
Those of you who choose to look can see the waterfall becoming wider, more water rushing through it and the tip of a conical roof appears behind the treetops somewhere in its direction.

---

OOC
We were talking, eating, drinking...
And then everyone decided to destroy reality.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 03:16:39 pm

Well sure, if you want to walk in there like a scrub. I'm arriving in style.

Summon a motorcycle-sized Bigwheel thing. Giant tricycle. Thing.

((I can't enunciate very well, but yeah. Giant tricycle thing. I did take size change, I think.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 03:40:23 pm

Spoiler: Worth a thousand words. (click to show/hide)

(http://originalbigwheel.us/images/MarxBigWheel400.jpg)

I'm guessing you're going to roll up with the same grin too.

Spoiler: Alternately (click to show/hide)

(http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-Big-Wheel-Rally-High-Roller-Adult-Trike01.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 03:43:58 pm

"Now there's some worthy musical accompaniment to our grand tavern adventures," says Ike, perilously close to chundering from the mere motion of tapping his foot.

Bask in my overfed glory.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 03:45:57 pm

"Looks like it's a party in here now."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:49:04 pm

"A Goddess?"

Saevus respectfully kneels.

"A purpose? I am to serve as thy champion? My reward would be restoration of mine powers? Verily, my liege lord will be pleaseth."

Saevus's "eyes" blaze brighter with interest.

"Challenges? I had waited centuries for a worthy challenge."

"An thou dost providest something worthy of mine skills, then I shall pledge my sword to thee."

After Saevus inevitably accepts her offer.

"Very well. My sword is thine. I have one last question to thee. What is thy name, My Lady?"

Speak.

((This Old English thing is harder than I thought. I constantly check if there isn't something wrong with it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 03:50:25 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 03:40:23 pm

Spoiler: Worth a thousand words. (click to show/hide)

(http://originalbigwheel.us/images/MarxBigWheel400.jpg)

I'm guessing you're going to roll up with the same grin too.

Spoiler: Alternately (click to show/hide)

(http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-Big-Wheel-Rally-High-Roller-Adult-Trike01.jpg)

((YEP))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 03:56:18 pm

Yep still confuses me, but what that predator did is something I have seen before, like a super speed plasmid or something like that. Let see if I can do something to top that. At least show what I can do. This is all a dream, anyway, forgot about that.

"Ehy, thos wit ey cal aey noice trixy. Nos Es mine tuan, gawk n' Uahndah oyht mine skillz Predator".

(This will be the official Urbanian dialect.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 04:04:35 pm

"Hmm?"
observe

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 04:06:40 pm

Zechariah slowed down his pace and tried to cool himself down. He was in inner conflict, uncertain of how he should approach this from here on out.
He decided to start somewhat small again. Prompting, but small.
"Okay," he said softly. "Then... what am I to you? If you already have this sum of power, what is your purpose for me? Am I a tool for more power? Or am I just a plaything, just like you said?"
He sat down on the edge of the bed, looking up at the crystals once again. He already anticipated the answer Scion would give to him, but he brought up the question nonetheless.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 04:30:52 pm

((Man, it's rough being busy while you guys are posting.))
Huh, he must be busy, I'll probably find out more later.
Bryan heads downstairs to find Irine.
"You did pretty well in the last mission.  You are a formidable and worthy opponent indeed.  I hope you don't have any hard feelings from that.  I tried to hold back as much as I could."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2014, 04:33:43 pm

Quote from: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 04:30:52 pm

((Man, it's rough being busy while you guys are posting.))
Huh, he must be busy, I'll probably find out more later.
Bryan heads downstairs to find Irine.
"You did pretty well in the last mission.  You are a formidable and worthy opponent indeed.  I hope you don't have any hard feelings from that.  I tried to hold back as much as I could."

"Thank you, You did well also. Which opponent were you? I didn't have a lot of opportunities to tell people apart."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 15, 2014, 04:40:27 pm

Nikolai heads to the tavern with his newly repaired mug.
"Anyone want to play a drinking game?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 05:16:45 pm

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 07:38:37 pm

Alarith
Salsacookies
Coolrune206
Toaster
Hawk123
Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER

Those are the ones I have for mission number 2. Anything you want to say on the subject you have until the end of the week.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 03:16:39 pm

Well sure, if you want to walk in there like a scrub. I'm arriving in style.

Summon a motorcycle-sized Bigwheel thing. Giant tricycle. Thing.

((I can't enunciate very well, but yeah. Giant tricycle thing. I did take size change, I think.))

You shoot an enormous tricycle out of your hand, large enough for an elephant to use.
It bumps against the outside of the tavern and falls to the ground with a thud.
You think you're going to have trouble riding this.
Or fitting it through the door.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2014, 03:43:58 pm

"Now there's some worthy musical accompaniment to our grand tavern adventures," says Ike, perilously close to chundering from the mere motion of tapping his foot.

Bask in my overfed glory.

I imagine you with your arms spread wide open, looking up at the ceiling, saying "I am the best." and smiling.

I wonder what basking looks like...

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:49:04 pm

"A Goddess?"

Saevus respectfully kneels.

"A purpose? I am to serve as thy champion? My reward would be restoration of mine powers? Verily, my liege lord will be pleaseth."

Saevus's "eyes" blaze brighter with interest.

"Challenges? I had waited centuries for a worthy challenge."

"An thou dost providest something worthy of mine skills, then I shall pledge my sword to thee."

After Saevus inevitably accepts her offer.

"Very well. My sword is thine. I have one last question to thee. What is thy name, My Lady?"

Speak.

((This Old English thing is harder than I thought. I constantly check if there isn't something wrong with it.))

((Well, old English is very strange. At least, it looks strange to me. It doesn't even seem like an 'old' language, it's like a different dialect of English. Then again, I'm no linguist and English is not my first language, so what do I know?))

"You will compete with and against the chosen champions of other gods. And when it is time, you will help me regain possession of what was stolen taken from me.

The champions of the other gods are odd but do not mistake that for a sign of weakness. They have already proven their skill in the challenges that were given to them, some by use of their strength, others by use of their cunning.

Prove yourself worthy in the challenges you shall face and you will receive the gifts I have promised you. Whatever you desire shall be yours."

"As for my name, you can call me Saita."

The obelisk deforms as if the glass is liquid, changing its shape into that of two interlocking arches. ((Like the ones of the LAX Theme Building.))

"When you are ready, step through the portal. You shall meet the other champions and learn of what your first challenge will be there."

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 03:56:18 pm

Yep still confuses me, but what that predator did is something I have seen before, like a super speed plasmid or something like that. Let see if I can do something to top that. At least show what I can do. This is all a dream, anyway, forgot about that.

"Ehy, thos wit ey cal aey noice trixy. Nos Es mine tuan, gawk n' Uahndah oyht mine skillz Predator".

(This will be the official Urbanian dialect.)

((I see your character's vocabulary is getting less understandable with each post. At least your actions are in normal text.))

Hm... Vague action... I suppose that means intelligence roll. *rolls* Oh. Lucky. I was kind of wishing for a one there.

You fold the space around you into distortions in the shape of jagged glass that twist the light around them. You arrange them behind your back like spread wings.
You throw the beer of mug through it. The mug is shredded as if it passed through a woodchipper, tiny grains of beer, wood and foam floating in space, giving a fractal yellow, brown and white colour to your wings.
And then you take a step back, passing your entire being through the distorted space, which results in you appearing as if you have split into many different selves, each going through a fold in your "wings" at a slightly different speed.
Each of your now visible selves raises their hands at slightly different speeds and punches. With each punch, the distortion displaying that images disappears, revealing your true self behind it, arm extended after throwing the punch.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 04:06:40 pm

Zechariah slowed down his pace and tried to cool himself down. He was in inner conflict, uncertain of how he should approach this from here on out.
He decided to start somewhat small again. Prompting, but small.
"Okay," he said softly. "Then... what am I to you? If you already have this sum of power, what is your purpose for me? Am I a tool for more power? Or am I just a plaything, just like you said?"
He sat down on the edge of the bed, looking up at the crystals once again. He already anticipated the answer Scion would give to him, but he brought up the question nonetheless.

<I... You're...>

<I-It's not like that, it's... It's... complicated.>

<Yes, I won't deny that I hope to obtain power through you, but... it is more than that. Any power you could provide me is the least of my concerns with you.>

<No offence.>

<I mean, there is another reason. It is important. You are important. I need to do this. I'm not forced to do this, but...>

<But.... I... I have... I mean, I believe...>

Her tone changes into that of resignation, as if she reconsidered something during that time of silence.

<I believe I have already answered your question. And I believe that I had said at the time that that was all I was going to say on the matter.>

She sighs.

<This conversation is going in circles. Do what you will human. It's obvious there's nothing to be gained from talking like this. Just go. Leave me alone and let me think about this. And perhaps you should try doing that yourself.>

---

OOC
People are starting to act like this is a minimalist. Soon, people will be trying to become mayors, summon dark gods and eat the world.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 07:50:51 pm

Hmm. This requires careful thought!

Summon giant shoes! Try to make them so they're wearable by me somehow.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 07:53:13 pm

Zechariah smiled once again. He wasn't sure if she truly did have another motive other than power, but he was glad that he chipped at least a tiny bit of Scion's facade away.
"I agree. Thank you this, Scion. I do look forward to this.. cooperation. Hopefully, this will be a new start. A second chance for me, and.. an opportunity for you.
..
Until next time."
He lifted himself off the bed and began walking to the edge of the cavern.

A renewed opportunity.
A second life.
Without Artemis.
With a new patron.

...This is gonna be both hell and paradise.

Exit out of this cavern. Go around and.. explore!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 08:01:53 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 02:30:55 pm

OOC
You guys (and girls) are fun. Especially Ike.

And Theri has no personal area nor was she brought here the same way you were.
If Tiruin has no problems, I could go back and add those PMs I sent her to the thread in appropriate places.

((Create a dumplog in a spoiler here, so at least the talk will be on a similar line to the people and posts relevant to it--so those who browse back may find it easier.

Searchword: Peregrine. ;3

Though you could do that too. Edit lotsa posts! :3))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 07:38:37 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 15, 2014, 03:49:04 pm

((This Old English thing is harder than I thought. I constantly check if there isn't something wrong with it.))

((Well, old English is very strange. At least, it looks strange to me. It doesn't even seem like an 'old' language, it's like a different dialect of English. Then again, I'm no linguist and English is not my first language, so what do I know?))

((Oooo! I can help you there. Seems like your character is using a mix of Old English huh.))

---

---

Theri twitched, more specifically only to Irine's display of what she could consider magic, too focused on that to relatively notice the works of others.

She also held uncomfortably still as Irine passed a sword...at her.

"W-what's going on?" she said with a shaky tone, looking to the opposite side from Irine's hand as she finished. "What's happening?"

She whimpers.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 08:02:38 pm

Eat dark mayors

John sat down at the bar and addressed the bartender.

"I see others eating here... any chance for a bacon cheeseburger and some Coke?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 15, 2014, 08:18:42 pm

Alan is intruding dangerously close to my niche with his summoning big things. Go tsar his tricycle to show him the true meaning of HUGE!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 08:46:53 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 07:50:51 pm

Hmm. This requires careful thought!

Summon giant shoes! Try to make them so they're wearable by me somehow.

Yep, still rolling only 6 and 1.

You shoot a giant pair of rubbery shoes out of your hands. They rebound off the tavern and head back to your hands, fitting over them like giant blocky sleeves.Your hands are stuck. You can't get them out. Now you have shoes instead of arms.

I guess that technically qualifies as wearing them.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 15, 2014, 07:53:13 pm

Zechariah smiled once again. He wasn't sure if she truly did have another motive other than power, but he was glad that he chipped at least a tiny bit of Scion's facade away.
"I agree. Thank you this, Scion. I do look forward to this.. cooperation. Hopefully, this will be a new start. A second chance for me, and.. an opportunity for you.
..
Until next time."
He lifted himself off the bed and began walking to the edge of the cavern.

A renewed opportunity.
A second life.
Without Artemis.
With a new patron.

...This is gonna be both hell and paradise.

Exit out of this cavern. Go around and.. explore!

You walk to the island containing your portal and step on the pedestal to activate it.
<We shall see.>
You go through the portal that forms and find yourself in a room at the inn.
It would be a fairly normal room, just a bed, a window, a table and a chair, if it wasn't for the rock slab that acts as your portal and the pedestal used to activate it.

((I believe you can find your way around now, right?))

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 08:01:53 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 02:30:55 pm

OOC
You guys (and girls) are fun. Especially Ike.

And Theri has no personal area nor was she brought here the same way you were.
If Tiruin has no problems, I could go back and add those PMs I sent her to the thread in appropriate places.

((Create a dumplog in a spoiler here, so at least the talk will be on a similar line to the people and posts relevant to it--so those who browse back may find it easier.

Searchword: Peregrine. ;3

Though you could do that too. Edit lotsa posts! :3))

---

---

Theri twitched, more specifically only to Irine's display of what she could consider magic, too focused on that to relatively notice the works of others.

She also held uncomfortably still as Irine passed a sword...at her.

"W-what's going on?" she said with a shaky tone, looking to the opposite side from Irine's hand as she finished. "What's happening?"

She whimpers.

((I'll see about doing that tomorrow.))

River approaches you from the other side of the room.
"What's going on? Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"
His worry changes to something more like anger in that last sentence as he looks at the others, showing his teeth slightly more than necessary as he speaks.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 08:02:38 pm

Eat dark mayors

John sat down at the bar and addressed the bartender.

"I see others eating here... any chance for a bacon cheeseburger and some Coke?"

Dark mayors? That sounded racist.[/badjoke]

The bartender half-exhales half-sighs as he thinks.
"Hmmmm..... Cheeseburger, I can do. Coke might be a bit harder, but I'll see if I can find any. Although I'm fairly certain they didn't have cocaine in medieval Europe."
With that, he turns around and starts preparing to cook your request.

---

Quote from: NAV on September 15, 2014, 08:18:42 pm

Alan is intruding dangerously close to my niche with his summoning big things. Go tsar his tricycle to show him the true meaning of HUGE!

Dear gods, there's two of them.

You take the already huge tricycle and turn it into something truly ginormous, the Eiffel Tower of tricycles, the ultimate monument to all three wheeled children's toys. It towers above the plaza, its seat blocking out the sun.

A moment later you collapse next to your creation, feeling like you just run a marathon, utterly spent.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 08:49:48 pm

Alan frowns. There was only one way to deal with this.

SLAPSTICK FIGHT!

Bitchslap [NAV] with my giant shoes! Then try to clamber up the thing to the seat.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 09:01:54 pm

Quote from: River on September 15, 2014, 08:46:53 pm

"What's going on? Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"

"Ohello!"
Theri turned around to give him a welcoming smile, "No, we- um, they were explaining how the things of this world may be...reshaped in a way, then Irine did a beautiful illusion-performance and I...I guess I reacted quite too much to it.

"And the others did that too. It was amazing. But I think I added a water mill to the town."

She leaned a bit to the right, to get a glimpse of any doorway on the opposite side.

"Say, where did you come from?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 09:02:41 pm

(And to think, there's a whole planet which speaks pretty much like my guy. A spout of true Urbanian, he'll talk (somewhat) normally now, I enjoy making things look weird and unpronounceable. Trying to move away from stereotypical gang speech)

Head outside to see what all that noise is out there

"Ya her all that ot dere? Gonna see wot's what."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 09:28:18 pm

Bryan just watches the carious performances going on around him.
"These people never cease to amaze me, though that's not saying much at the moment given how long I've known them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 15, 2014, 09:34:37 pm

"You're going down, fat man!"

Am I drunk enough for drunken boxing yet? If not then drink more. Drink more anyway, it can't hurt. It's a legitimate martial art, I swear.
Climb the tricycle and then flying headbutt Alan from above.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 09:51:31 pm

"Thanks pal.  A good tea will cut it if you can't find it."

John turned to see the tricycle growing outside heh.

"Alan surely makes things interesting around here."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2014, 10:46:12 pm

((I'll just do this dialogue before I go to sleep and continue the silliness tomorrow.))

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 09:01:54 pm

Quote from: River on September 15, 2014, 08:46:53 pm

"What's going on? Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"

"Ohello!"
Theri turned around to give him a welcoming smile, "No, we- um, they were explaining how the things of this world may be...reshaped in a way, then Irine did a beautiful illusion-performance and I...I guess I reacted quite too much to it.

"And the others did that too. It was amazing. But I think I added a water mill to the town."

She leaned a bit to the right, to get a glimpse of any doorway on the opposite side.

"Say, where did you come from?"

"Oh."
He awkwardly looks to the side and takes a step back.
"Oh, that is good."

"I was over there." he says pointing to the counter near which John is sitting.
"I will go now then. If all is well and you do not need me." he adds.

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2014, 09:51:31 pm

"Thanks pal.  A good tea will cut it if you can't find it."

John turned to see the tricycle growing outside heh.

"Alan surely makes things interesting around here."

"Coming right up!" he merrily exclaims as he sets off through a door near the counter, presumably to some sort of storeroom.
After a while, he returns with some minced meat, some cheese, some bread and the rest of the necessary materials and starts preparing them. This isn't going to be a standard burger, but it should be good. Probably.
"Alan surely makes things interesting around here."
"Yeah, that guy is crazy fun. Good thing I made this building invulnerable, right? Who knows what he'd do to it otherwise."
He glances at you and asks "Want it extra spicy?" as he prepares to add some seasoning.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 11:03:53 pm

Quote from: River on September 15, 2014, 10:46:12 pm

"I will go now then. If all is well and you do not need me."

"I do! Hold on, please, River."

Theri reached out as a physical gesture to emphasize her thoughts, though stopped before actually stopping him from leaving.

"Well, Irine and Ike and the rest here were talking and I was wondering. The first time we met, was it some kind of...personal area (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5661927#msg5661927)? By the way, what does that term mean? I didn't know I was going to enter in a contest.

"And by Entity, she means...whatnow?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

Saevus wordlessly rises up and walks through the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 16, 2014, 01:20:17 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

((...Well, I'm not a native English speaker. ^ ^
Though it also goes hand in hand with understanding the etymology and development of words, as well as including the alphabet or lettering used at the time :P
Is pretty nice.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 16, 2014, 04:28:55 am

''Can I have an menu to look at please?"
Choose the Cheapest Breakfast sized meal on the Menu while Discussing Morality

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

Quote from: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 05:16:45 pm

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."
...
"Theri, it's ok. I just wanted to show you how unstable this place is. Everything I did, and more, is stuff that you can do too. Just believe in yourself."
She seems shaken, maybe...
"F-for example, that sword. You can draw it too. just grab it and it will be there, I promise."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 16, 2014, 05:28:31 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

Quote from: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 05:16:45 pm

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."
...
"Theri, it's ok. I just wanted to show you how unstable this place is. Everything I did, and more, is stuff that you can do too. Just believe in yourself."
She seems shaken, maybe...
"F-for example, that sword. You can draw it too. just grab it and it will be there, I promise."

"But its-...it should be touching my ear. Oh...ok."
Theri imagined the clarity of the sword, putting in the appearance foremost and then attributing the concept of its density and weight, considering factors such as the metal involved--probably an alloy of silver and steel, she wondered--and visualized the single-edge from tip to hilt, instead wondering if there was a gem-inlay along the handle, forgetting how it exactly was.

She then imagined it hovering in midair, right next to her ear, and reached up...
Get that sword!
Also [maybe I could try this...]

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 16, 2014, 05:40:00 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

((Elizabethan English is a bit older than that, methinks, since Shakespeare himself lived ~400 years ago. If he was from the Victorian times, there'd probably be at most half as many dick jokes in his plays.))

"Mm! I just had a thought!"

PM action.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 05:52:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 16, 2014, 05:40:00 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

((Elizabethan English is a bit older than that, methinks, since Shakespeare himself lived ~400 years ago. If he was from the Victorian times, there'd probably be at most half as many dick jokes in his plays.))

((Well, I'm not from England so I'm not surprised I made a mistake there.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 16, 2014, 08:25:30 am

John nodded and grinned.  "Spice me up."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 16, 2014, 02:26:47 pm

((I'm a bit busy due to studying for an exam, but I took some time to copypaste Tiruin's PMs in appropriate places. Search for Peregrine in this thread to see them all. I'm also putting them here for those of you who want to learn their contents but are too lazy don't have enough time to search the thread.

As I was updating my old posts with the Tiruin PMs I noticed Imageshack had blanked some of my drawings. The images are still there in my album, they've just been made blank for some reason. I guess I'll have to reupload them sometime...))

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 1 (click to show/hide)

Starts here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4898451;topicseen#msg4898451)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2014, 09:59:54 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 10, 2014, 09:40:59 am

I remember what just happened--why am I here, and my surroundings if close to any major city or village!
Or, improvise some sort of weapon useable.


What gametype is the current round in?

((The current mission is an Assault. They're in another world, helping Rebels raid a Soviet base researching UFOs.
Yeah, I know it's strange. That's what you get when you let your players give ideas for the plot.

Irene (Lenglon), Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl), Jordan (Fniff), Ike (Harry Baldman) and Eria (scapheap) are in it (although scapheap seems kind of inactive lately). It's almost over, just one area left, so you'll get in the next mission very soon.))

You don't remember how you got here. You remember you felt restless these past few days, you felt the need to travel again. You remember walking in the wilderness and then... nothing. You woke up here.
The woods feel familiar and yet you cannot determine where you are. There are only trees and bushes as far as the eye can see, the only feature of the area of any note being a game trail that passes through the small clearing you're in.

You've still got your clothes and your orb. You've also got some supplies, food and water enough for a day. Everything else is gone.
As for weapon choices, the simplest thing you could do is find a sturdy piece of wood to use as a club or a pointy stick to use as a spear. You could go for something more complex, like an axe or a slingshot if you want to take some more time, but what little light remains is quickly fading. It will be dark soon.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 11, 2014, 09:52:00 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 11, 2014, 02:18:17 am

Pointy stick as spear, and try to sharpen the end.

Find the nearest path to civilization//wait for next mission//if any explosions in the distance or smoke is seen--head that way.

((Well, I can always give you some RP while you wait. Better than suddenly appearing somewhere with no explanation.))

You pick up the pointiest stick you can find and sharpen its end to the best of your ability with a rock. It's not a fearsome weapon of legend, but it's better than fighting with nothing. Not that fighting with your bare hands would be a problem, if it came to that. After all, you know a thing or two about martial arts.

You look around again. This time, you can see a faint red light in the distance, like the light of a fire. Perhaps it's someone's home or maybe just a traveler passing through these woods. Either way, it might be worth checking out, since you could use some shelter for the night.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 12, 2014, 07:57:02 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 11, 2014, 11:46:08 pm

Travel towards the light, being aware of my surroundings all the same.
When it comes to a point wherein I believe I'm near, go sneak and check on the origin of the source.

..Mmm, very strange. Red lights are not the usual kinds of lighting. Where am I? I was dreaming back then--and this surely isn't a dream.

I can see my nose.

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

You start moving towards the light, carefully watching your surroundings. You have the feeling you are being watched, but despite keeping your eyes peeled for danger, you see nothing.

After a while of walking through the undergrowth and rotten leaves that make up the ground of this forest you reach another clearing. From here you can see that the light is coming from something that looks like a cave, a tunnel made of moss-covered stone rising out of the ground.

You are about to continue walking when you hear something move in a bush on your right.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2014, 12:59:08 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 12, 2014, 09:03:49 pm

Turn quite slowly, nonchalantly, to view the origin of the sound in peripheral vision (appear not to notice and idly look around), then wait to check what the origin is.

If its some insignificant threat-animal like a squirrel, then calm my spear-hand and check that cave!

---

Quote

((Oh, out of curiosity, now that you've mentioned the nose, does your character have a human's nose/mouth or a fox's snout?))

((...I dunno. What seems nicer to you x3 I could go with anthropomorphism, or go with human + foxtail/ears. ))

((Hmm... that's a tough choice. I could write an essay about what the two different looks mean and the way they could affect how a character in a story is perceived. And more importantly, how other people in a game react to you. But I think I'm going to go with... the second. Human + foxtail/ears.))

You very casually turn to look to your right. Nothing there. Not even a squirrel or bug. But you're certain you heard something, it can't have just-
"Hello, little girl." you hear a voice behind you. You turn around, spear at the ready, only to see a great black-furred wolf. He's the size of a St. Bernard and is slowly walking towards you, his amber eyes looking into yours.
"Are you lost?" he asks, a hint of amusement is his deep voice. His mouth remains closed and yet you're certain he's the one speaking.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2014, 12:46:35 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 13, 2014, 10:59:35 pm

!!!
Not aggressive. Clever. Analyzing my response? Mhhr..doesn't seem to check my spear. Mmm.

"Mm..yessir. I don't-"
guess it won't hurt to tell a stranger. But all those stories...
"-well, I mean I'm not /actually/ lost. I just don't know where I am. Do you know where's the nearest village?"

Speak? Yeah, speak.
((Telepathic wolf! Awesome!))

Ignoring the teachings of Little red riding hood, you speak to the big bad black wolf.
"Oh, but I think you are lost. Lost for some time now. Maybe you've forgotten about it or maybe you haven't even realized it, but that doesn't make it untrue."
He stops and stares at you for a couple of seconds longer before turning around and pointing with his paw somewhere towards the east.
"The nearest village is somewhere around there. Away. Too far away. And it's going to get dark soon. Reaching it in the darkness and without what you need would be hard, even for someone like you."
He starts slowly walking towards the cave, lazily wagging his tail.
"But I like you. You made a good impression ever since I noticed you. The way you reacted. You didn't give into your fear. You were polite. You can stay with me and the others until you can find your way."
He stops and turns his head back to look at you.
"Besides, you wouldn't want to stay alone out in the forest at night.  I heard there are wolves lurking about." he says with a small laugh before continuing towards the cave.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2014, 08:34:02 pm

((Sorry, been busy writing stuff for university.))

Quote from: Tiruin on January 15, 2014, 10:17:48 pm

...But aren't..
"You're a wolf," Theri said, lowering her guard. "and I'm quite lost, yes. I mean, you -do look like- a wolf and...I'm quite a stranger here, aren't I?

"Erm, thanks for the compliment, sir." she said as she moved towards the wolf-kin. "Is...there anything about me that you found out?"
Good work, self. Be intentionally vague!

Follow the wolf because I trust him! If any kind of attack happens, go to defense protocol 1:
Raise spear and defend self, but do not attack.

You walk towards the cave, the wolf still talking with that half-amused tone of his.
"I do look like one, don't I? But I'm fairly certain wolves around these parts don't talk. At least not like I do. Besides, when was the last time you saw a wolf looking that nice? Nature seldom is so kind." His appearance is indeed too perfect. His thick black fur is clean, unknotted and shining in the dim light, he seems well fed and with no injuries. An animal that has to survive in the wild would rarely be in such pristine condition.
"But I understand that my appearance might bring you discomfort. It is the right response to a predator, after all. I'll do something about that."

With that, you reach the cave.
"Welcome to my den."
Inside is a small, roughly square room made of rock and dirt. There are two passages leading out of this room, one in the left wall, the other on the right.
At the opposite side of the entrance, there is a decorative arch carved from the rock. Under it is a red fire, floating inside a glass dome, the same fire that is illuminating this room. Above the arch are the crude carvings of the sun and the moon.
In a corner near the entrance lays a pack of wolves. They perk up when the one you're following enters, wagging their tails a bit. They give you some wary looks.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'll just take a moment to change. I'll answer your other question when I get back." he says as he disappears inside the right passage. "I find modesty unnecessary but I have come to understand people like others to follow certain rules." he shouts from the other room.

The wolves, seeing that their alpha doesn't regard you as a threat, get back to what they were doing. Mainly dozing in their corner or playing with their mother's tail in the case of two pups.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2014, 11:56:21 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 18, 2014, 03:23:23 am

"Cute little ones. So these are whom you take care of? This is...a nice, quaint place."

Theri moved over towards the others, slowly to..well, show no other harm other than to follow what she knew despite better judgement. "A bit too quaint, maybe? Where are we?"

Inquiry!

"This is the Shrine of the Three. A forgotten place, even I don't really know why it's here. It's not really my home, I just promised the spirit of this place that I'd look after the Shrine in exchange for living here for a few years." he continues speaking from the other room. "You see, I'm a traveler, of sorts. I explore the world, see its wonders, learn its stories and most importantly I search for interesting people. And have a bit of fun, of course. The members of this pack were my companions in these woods, my hunting partners during my stay here."
He walks out of the tunnel a different creature. (Do you call them werewolves if they turn into a wolf instead of a human?)
He still has his black fur and amber eyes, but his body is more humanoid now, with hands instead of paws, his legs allowing him to stand upright and his snout smaller, allowing his mouth to move like that of a human's. He's speaking with it now, but his voice sounds much the same. He is wearing dark brown shorts for modesty's sake.
"While I sometimes seek solitude, traveling is best done with the company of others, someone to share the experience with. I would like-..." he pauses mid sentence and shakes his head. "Aaah, but I forget myself, we haven't even told each other our names yet. I'm River." He extends his hand to you.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 19, 2014, 03:07:49 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 19, 2014, 12:21:13 am

((Therians. Therianthropy. Research dat. :3 That's basically the gist of what I have as concept background in my RTD.))

Theri took the hand and shook it with both her own. "That's a nice name. I'm Theri, and back on the note, I...never expected this place to be a shrine. Usually when I hear 'shrine' I think of lavishly decorated places, set in good lighting and usually decorated. This place is quite spartan and...actually I like the simplicity.

"Could I ask who are the Three, and-erm, if I can repay your help for me in anyway?"
^{Also possibly what else you were saying?}

Inquire~

((Yeah, I was talking about the fact that a werewolf usually goes from human to human-wolf hybrid, while River goes from wolf to human-wolf hybrid.))

He looks at your hands around his for a moment, puzzled. He then turns to look into your eyes again. "Theri." he says and grins, showing his fangs in the process. "Interesting."
He lets go of your hands and starts pacing in front of you as he speaks.
"The shrine. That's one of the reasons I was here. This place is a mystery. A sacred place in a remote forest. Ever since I discovered it by accident, I spent a year searching this forest and the nearby villages for something similar, some clue, but I found nothing. Nobody knew of this place, nothing similar existed nearby, nobody ever came to this place."
"Until you stumbled upon it, like me."
He stops walking and remains quiet for a moment, before he continues to recount his knowledge of this place.
"The name of this place was told to me by its spirit, but it wouldn't reveal more. I haven't been able to determine more than the obvious: That it's an old place, a magical place, somehow related to the Sun and the Moon."
He stops walking and turns to look at you again.
"I am a creature that likes to find interesting things, exciting things and this forest has not granted me that. I enjoyed hunting in it with the others, but even that gets repetitive after some time."
He is walking towards you now.
"I am thinking about moving on. And, like I said, you're an interesting person. Unique in your on way. Strong, smart, with the beauty of a hunter, willing to learn, open but not a fool."
He reaches with his hand to place it upon your shoulder.
"That is why I want to make you a proposition. Come with me, travel with me. I promise I will take you to places you have never even imagined, to worlds of beauty and sadness, of adventure and fear, of powerful magic and intricate technology. I will show you the greatest and the smartest beasts on can hunt. I will teach you things you never thought possible, show you the world from a new perspective and maybe in the process, I will help you learn more about yourself. The opportunity of a lifetime, an unforgettable experience." He is whispering near the end, his face close to yours, his eyes still looking into yours.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 20, 2014, 07:53:34 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 20, 2014, 12:52:59 am

Inquisitive nature. Wonder. Adventure.
...I like this one.

Theri looked back into his eyes--wells of unimaginable thought, reflected by the light and color--and drifted on the words of the therian. He may act refined, almost even regal in his gestures and mannerisms; his thoughts maybe of the idealist and the realist, meshed together, but she wondered if this was not but trickery.

The kitsune discarded the thought and looked aside, at the cubs and the mother after giving River a nod. "If we are to leave this place, then what about them? Aren't they your wards? Someones you protect?"
Erm, forgive me for this but...first impressions and all. I like you but..I'm a bit reluctant-the offer is fast, and it would be rude for me to decline-bah, I won't say this. It seems inappropriate. Leave at the question befor-

Ask!

River's ears fall for a moment. He turns his head away from you, towards the pack.
"I... They were my companions."
He walks towards the wolves.
"They didn't need my protection. They accepted me as an equal. They were someone to hunt with, someone to share my sleep with."
He picks up one of the cubs from the scruff of its neck and it emits a surprised yelp. He brings the limp pup close to his face to inspect it.
"They are strong, the next generation even more so. This shrine will be their home, as long as they protect it. They have their sh-" The cub licks his nose, causing him to look surprised and turn his head to the side to hide an involuntary smile from you. "They have their share of rough times but they fight and they survive, like all life should. To weaken them with my help would be cruel and wrong. Against nature."
He sets the cub down and pets it on its head. The cub goes to rejoin her brother in playing.
"I helped them find their strength. That is all. That's what I do. Now it is time to move on to something new."
He sits down near the mother, a grey and black wolf, whispers something in her ear and then gently pushes her away towards the others.

"What about you? You look... I haven't watched someone like you, not in this part of this world. Do you have someone to care for? Is that why... Do you have something that binds you to these lands? Because your equipment, your behavior says you do not."
He looks down, this time not looking at anything in particular.
"I'm sorry if I'm being impolite. I'm not used to speaking to people like this, people I don't know. I'm usually much more... direct in my dealings with others."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2014, 11:48:03 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 25, 2014, 12:25:26 pm

((I did not get that one! D:
Sorry Paris!! I -love- your GMing though, Don't doubt that!
Also I like how you characterize the pups and the rest. That's nice.))


...Total sincerity. That one.

Akari looked on until she noticed he wasn't speaking anymore-too engrossed in her thoughts before she picked up and spoke:
"If-..that was being impolite, then I believe me and most others around me were pretty much rude our whole lives. That was...really nice of you. Really. A-"
..What to add.what to add!!
"And..if need be, I could..possibly, though I don't know how, help a bit on this shrine here? To..be honest-there is no impoliteness in assuming I'm not of this...'world'. I mean, I just woke up a while ago and..where I was-is but a fleeting memory, like I was transported here. Fairy tale come true? Plausible, but this place is so similar to my...world, that I doubt this is a dream of sorts.

"Though what just happened? Honestly, hard to believe-I am..used to mundane events, so to speak. But..I do have someone to care for-though that someone is..I can't visit them right now, though."

She moved over and stroked the mother's fur, while giving the young ones a gesture of joy and happiness at their acceptance. "And on your offer? I'm wholly accepting it. These creatures-so kind and worn by nature-you've taken care of them and...lived with them. Such value. I'd..I'd actually be honored to travel with you. Thanks."

...Traveling, go!

((The character name you gave me during character creation is not Akari. Probably a typo.))

The mother accepts your stroking, a bit reluctantly at first. After a few seconds though, she's pushing herself against your hand and closing her eyes, clearly enjoying it.

River listens to you intently as you speak. When you say you accept, his face lights up. Or at least you think it does, you're not exactly an expert on wolf-people facial expressions. Although the fact that he is wagging his tail is probably a very good indicator that he is happy.
He gets up and approaches you.
"Excellent! I promise to you, you will not regret this! There may be times when the journey gets hard, the road difficult, but that will only make the destination sweeter. I am glad to have a new companion in you. I am-" He pauses mid sentence and takes a deep breath, trying to quell his excitement and happiness as best he can, but fails. He can't keep himself from smiling and wagging his tail.
He extends his hand. "Give me your hand. I have something to show you."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2014, 03:21:35 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on January 26, 2014, 09:12:31 pm

((I confuse my kitsunes x3
Also, I wholly understand that guy...I guess it's my weirdness showing?))

Oooo, seems like he's prepared this for others? I guess it would be so. I mean, that's how I'd feel.
But he's so happy! Adorably happy!
Ernh. I..mmh.
Well anyway. Why not?

The kitsune silently nodded, and took the figurative gesture and held his hand.

He holds your hand tightly and looks into your eyes.
"I think you already know I'm a creature of magic, right?" he asks, still holding your hand tightly, looking a bit more serious now. Without waiting for an answer, he continues. His amber eyes seem... different. Almost glowing.
"Not entirely natural. Not of this world myself."
You look at your hands, black and white fur mingling together where you touch. That feeling... There's something strange here. He keeps holding your hand tightly.
"But you do not know what exactly I am or what I can do. And yet you trusted me. I respect you for that."
Your vision is distorting, the black and white of your hands mixing together. This feels like a dream. One of those dreams where everything is moving slow, where you want to speak but the words can't leave your mouth, where you want to move but you just can't get your body to do what you want.
"You were worthy companions. Be strong. Little ones, make me proud." he says. You don't think he's speaking to you.
"Don't be afraid. This will be over in a moment." is the last thing  you hear before you drift into unconsciousness.

---

There's the sound of a waterfall. Someone's speaking.
"-er one? Got jealous?" one voice says with amusement in his voice.
"No. You?" the other responds seriously.
"I don't understand. What you see in that thing?" a third voice asks with indignation, her tone demanding.
The voices sound strange, distorted yet familiar.
"You know."
"Reeeeaally?" the voice teasingly lets the word drag on.
"No. The same thing you see in yours."
You realize you are awake.
You can feel the soft dirt below you and see dim light through your eyelids.
"Your concern is unfounded. She's my... travel companion. A worthy being, an exceptional being. Nothing more."
"...We shall see."
You open your eyes just in time to see what looks like black smoke disappearing near River. Maybe it's just your eyes playing tricks on you.

River is standing on the edge of a cliff a few meters away with his back turned to you, his tail nervously twitching from side to side. He doesn't seem to have noticed you are awake.
You can't see what he's looking at from this angle. Small bushes obscure your line of sight.

You are certainly at a different place than before. The terrain here is devoid of weeds and many rock outcroppings are visible. The pine trees around you are sparse. It is cold. You're probably near or on some mountain.

((I've got a poll in the mission thread. Vote for the next mission type if you want. You can see the mission types in the first reply (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4747325#msg4747325) of the thread.
You'll probably get to meet the other characters soon. Either now or at the start of the next mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 16, 2014, 02:27:05 pm

((I think that's my fourth post that I've managed to hit the character limit with.))

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 2 (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2014, 10:59:52 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 29, 2014, 12:14:41 pm

((Would it be funny that I voted 6? >_> I appreciate literary stuffs too much..I guess...yeah I'm weird blah blah <__<
I like how you merged those, though, despite me seeing both messages in all their clarity. You're awesome.))

Theri blinked. What she heard, she pushed aside as her thoughts of her past-wondering how River's own voice mixed in her stupor. He seemed a bit tense, probably fishing by the-wait, that was a cliff. An edge of a cliff!

The kitsune sprung up as her mind oriented sky from ground, and was utterly calmed that her friend was not actually falling-or at least the sky wasn't-and dropped to one knee.

...
:3
Hmm. Mr. Wolf seems preoccupied. Nervous? Afraid of heights? Doesn't seem to be like it.
..Oh dear do I feel like an opportunity is knocking.

Being a bit of a mischievous rascal--her youth wasn't all gloom and despair anyhow, she sneaked up towards River and decided to surprise him!
If he ever falls back-grab him and get him on solid ground.
If he...attacks or something, quickly explain its me and my plan.

I wonder if you can hear me, Mr. Wolf?

((Thank you. That means a lot to me.
And I just want to say that I like being able to write with you like this. Gives me an opportunity to write with less constraints. Although I am still bound by the game-stuff.))

You slowly get up and start sneaking towards River, a mischievous grin on your face. You carefully make your way around a couple of small bushes along the way, the soft dirt that makes up the ground helping to muffle the noise of your walking.
Even if you had made any noise, the wolf-man seems too preoccupied with whatever is on his mind to actually notice you. He keeps staring forward and slightly downwards.

You can see the waterfall as you approach him, a small stream falling off a cliff opposite to the one you are standing on. The sun creates a small rainbow in the mist generated by the falling water. (The waterfall and surrounding area looks somewhat like this (http://imageshack.com/a/img546/5906/pf5a.jpg). Only viewed from a higher viewpoint since you are at the same height as the start of the waterfall.)

When you get close enough to be in danger of being hit by his nervously twitching tail (he is a bit taller than you), you lean forward and playfully poke him at his back while yelling "Surprise!"

He emits a surprised yelp and quickly jumps around to face you. The surprise you can see on his face escalates when one of his legs lands on the edge of the cliff, causing him to loose his balance and start tipping backwards.
Seeing your newly made friend in danger, you quickly reach out and grab him by his arm. You dig your heels in, pull as strongly as you can (he's surprisingly heavy). After some mutually exhausting effort you manage to heave him back onto solid ground.

He collapses from the strain and the adrenaline, facing the sky, out of breath. His panting turns to laughter, a quiet one at first, but one that soon turns into a roaring laugh, his eyes closed an his mouth open wide enough for you to see his sharp canine premolars. He laughs like someone just told him the funniest thing in the world.

((I rolled for that by the way! ))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2014, 07:33:23 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 30, 2014, 09:38:56 pm

((That is one beautiful view.))

Theri laughed along with her companion-both surprised, worried and happy at the same time-as everything came into place.
I wonder if he was thinking about the lands. Some danger to it? Hmm.
"That's a lot of deep thinking you've got there, River. Something wrong with the lands? They're quite beautiful. How did we get here?"

!

"Oh, that?" he says, suppressing another wave of laughter. "That's just one of the tricks I can do. I can move to other places." He gets up and removes some dirt from his fur before approaching you. "Sorry for not warning you about it, but sometimes it is easier to show something than to explain."
"I guess I deserved that?" he adds with a smile. "Well done, by the way. Few can sneak up to me like that. And... thanks."

He turns around to face the cliff again. "Speaking of showing, come! Take a look at where we are at!" He starts walking towards it. "Clean mountainous air, clear water springs and some very interesting people! I think-" He stops talking mid sentence. "Oh... That's not good."

Looking down from the cliff, you can see what has him worried. There is a number of people down there, all of them very interesting and somewhat strange. An overweight man dressed in colorful clothing, a man with comically large ears, a boy with the aqua wings of a dragonfly on his back, a blue lizardwoman, a man sitting on a chair among unknown contraptions...

However what has River's attention drawn is a young woman that bears a bears a remarkable resemblance to you, her only difference being that her brown fur only covers her ears and three fox-tails. She seems to be having an argument with a man in black and white clothing and a black silk rope tied around his neck, shouting at him while he remains completely calm and speaks normally. The most alarming thing is that she seems to be emitting magical fire from her body, burning everything around her, causing the water in the stream to boil and filling the area around her with an orange glow.

The woman's shouts reach you, but she's too far away for you to understand exactly what she is saying. The only thing you can make out with certainty is the rage in her voice and movements, her ears hanging low, her tails twitching nervously, her body low and ready to pounce.

((The area looks somewhat like this:

Quote from: Crude Map

(http://imageshack.com/a/img545/7642/hwec.png)

Higher ground is North (the lighter brown), lower ground is South (the darker brown). The people you are watching are somewhere near the center of the area, near the stream.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2014, 07:03:43 pm

((You are going to be in the next mission. Please wait while I finalize some things and draw maps and do other stuff. I am also busy with homework so it might take a week or more to start.

The other people on the mission are:
Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Harry Baldman
Xantalos
Alarith

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 01:42:19 am

Theri looked at River for any suggestions-body language or not-the others didn't seem to do anything, or even show they probably cared. Though...that was due to the distance-although it was apparent that they were not seemingly acting. Her body tensed and she felt the strong inclination to act.

Whatshallwedo
nonocan'taskthatshe's-
River!

"Erh-"
Theri then proceeded mid-sentence to get down and help the people!...By going down..towards them!

River mutters _{"This isn't good."} one more time and points the palm of his hand towards the girl creating the fire down there. He closes his eyes and stops moving, except for his chest that slowly rises and falls.

You are not going to stand around, doing nothing while people are in danger. You climb down the hill and start running towards where you think the people you were watching are. A few seconds later, you hear something hitting the ground behind you. You take a quick glance behind you and see River running after you in his wolf form.

After some running, about halfway to your destination, you come across a man with short dark brown hair, dark brown eyes and a small horizontal scar under his right eye. He's wearing black shoes, black pants, white shirt and a black coat.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 01:42:19 am

((To be fair, I didn't recognize it as a tie when you said it like that either. xD Niice!))

((I've noticed that if you describe something you know about with many words it sounds alien because your mind misunderstands the description. For example, take the following sentence:

"A soft, fragile white substance starts falling from the sky and slowly accumulating around you. The flakes the material comes in seem incredibly light, twisting and turning, rising and falling in the wind. When you touch it, it feels very cold and almost immediately starts melting into a transparent liquid. Pushing a large amount of the material into a ball feels like you're breaking very soft glass. However, when you stop applying pressure, you find out that the material has been compacted into a fairly sturdy, hard and relatively heavy white ball."

If you say this, people are going to have a hard time figuring out that all you're really saying is: "It's snowing. You pick up some snow and make a snowball."))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2014, 01:11:22 pm

((Sorry for the delay. Busy with homework.))

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 08:44:17 pm

Quote

Like I said, this mission will be a bit of an experiment. You'll act like someone's guardian angel, guiding them and helping them with their choices and problems. Sounds interesting to you?))

YEEESSSS
Your note of 'being someone's guardian angel'... <3
If that's a good idea-I'm doing so to Lenglon.

((We'll see... ))

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2014, 08:43:18 pm

((Err..actually I think its a matter of recognition or difference in 'what comes from x'. I've never known or seen what snow is-yet I identified it in the first sentence..in the first-half of the first sentence as soon as I saw 'sky'. :p
And nup! The reading of the long descriptions in order to describe the things was fun. Long sentences of environment is nice. Long sentences of pedantry is...silly. xD))

Nhh..hh..maybe he can help!
"Excuse me good sir, what's going on over there?"

Theri hurriedly asked the man while pointing at the woman and the big guy.

"Hey, "Excuse me do you good sir need some what's going on help?" over there?" you both speak at the same time, you pointing at the river where fox-girl was burning everything, him pointing at something behind you. You stare at each other awkwardly.

There doesn't seem to be a fire there anymore, by the way. Your vision of the area the fox-girl was in is obscured by some trees but the orange glow of the fire is gone.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 05, 2014, 06:07:09 pm

Theri tilted her head to the side. "Oh, I was...sightseeing earlier and couldn't help but notice the apparent fire coming in. You really don't need help, then?"

She glanced quickly back before looking at you in the face. "You don't think they need help?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2014, 01:58:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 08, 2014, 01:30:56 am

Theri nodded. "So now I wonder what we're waiting for! Let's go!"

Run over to the brown-colored person I saw earlier, but first check back for River. If he isn't visible, then instead double back with the note of

"-..after I make sure I didn't leave anything behind, of course!"

You run back for a while until you see River in his wolf form, hiding behind a bush.
"I'm not coming." he says. "Help them. I...'ll stay here. I don't like-... People are-..." He takes a deep breath. "I prefer to observe from further away." He gently nudges you forward with his nose. "Go. Don't worry about me. I'll be watching. You can call me if there is trouble. You can talk to me from wherever you want. I'm magic, remember?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 08:05:45 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 12:20:30 am

"B-but you brought me here and what will I do if they're not friendly!" Theri's ears drooped, "Awh...I just don't want to leave you behind. Promise you'll stay with me, ok?"

Do the first note mentioned earlier-to the brown-colored person!

"But I- I can't-... The others-" He sighs and looks down. "Look. There's no reason to worry. You'll be fine. You don't need my help. But... if you really want this..."
He reaches out with his forepaw and touches your arm. "Observe." he says.
You lift your arm and watch as a black stripe forms and extends around your wrist like a bracelet, changing the color of your white fur. You look down only to see that he has disappeared without a trace.
"Now I'll be with you for as long you want me to be." you hear a voice in your head.

You return to the man who is waiting for you.
You both walk to the center of the area, where the scene is one of chaos and madness. Bears with collars made of flower petals, giant robots, a giant machine with a giant piece of colorful plastic attached to it, a pale man, a man with big ears. And a little girl that is walking around looking confused. The brown-colored person doesn't seem to be here anymore.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 08:25:21 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 08:13:10 pm

"So," Theri said, "I distinctly remember someone else here, flaring up with fire when I last saw it. Are you people some sort of traveling inventors?"

Ask mwahaha.

River?
Riiiiver?
I've to ask-you're sure you're ok in this form? I-I guess this means you've somehow bonded yourself to me, or are you somewhere else that's not here with me?

((Edited your very apt question in the current turn.))
"Not exactly. I just... hitched a ride, so to speak. When you've been traveling for as long as I have, you pick up a few tricks. Learn to be flexible. This trick has got me past guards so many times..." he says with a small laugh.

"It is a bit... uncomfortable but I'll be fine as long as it doesn't take more than a day."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2014, 09:00:33 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 08:26:46 pm

Ooohh, please tell me where to meet you though. I wouldn't want to travel without you-my kind guide and all. Was there anything about these people that caught your eye? Or was it the fire-starter...because I can't find her.

"Oh, don't worry. I won't leave your side... or arm, as it is right now." he says with a small laugh.

"They're a strange bunch, made stranger by their strength. With their troubles and their good moments. Their virtues and their faults. Like all humans. That's what makes them interesting.
Look at the man standing beside you for example. He was a soldier but now he is trting to help people. And that little girl, the one who isn't older than 7 years, she's very powerful and yet she doesn't know how to use that power."

"This is a place between worlds. A safe area where people from many different worlds meet. A place for people to travel through to other places. Places where they can watch the stories of the world unfold. And interact with them, if they so wish.
There are rooms for people here. Personal spaces. Perhaps the one who started the fire returned to hers to calm down a bit."

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 01:19:16 am

Quote from: Alarith on February 09, 2014, 08:50:45 pm

"Yes, there was someone else here, she appears to have left.  As to your other question, we are a group of people with a wide assortment of abilities, such as that fire.  It appears that some of us are inventors.
Bryan looks around the area and shakes his head, "What in the world?  I don't even know what's going on here."

"...You aren't their companion? It always pays to be informed of what your companions are doing." Theri says, "Though why you're all here is another question. What are you all doing here? And would you mind if I tried my hand in inventing?

"To lighten up the mood, of course."

Converse

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2014, 04:05:41 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2014, 09:09:36 pm

So...do you think I can give her a gift? Like-what do you know other fox-folk like me would generally like? I'll try to prepare that!

Follow advice and prepare happy-gift! Give to said person if possible, and tuck it away if not present!

"I'm not sure what she would like... She's rather... unlike you. Unique. Never met anything like her before. She's like you in that regard. Strange how you can be so similar and yet be so different."
"And I always thought that the best gifts you could give were the kind of gifts one can use. A knife, a good meal, a piece of advice, a wonderful experience... But I cannot think of what she might need..."
"But I've seen people do this before. Exchanging gifts that hold a certain beauty. Perhaps she would like something like that? Yes, something like that might work."
You extend your hand and a flower appears in it. It looks like a lily, with petals starting from red center and white edges, with an orange color in between.
"You think something simple, like that will do? Or maybe she would prefer something a bit more complex?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 03:09:12 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 09:36:57 pm

Theri pouted a bit at the idea, then brightened up. I think aesthetics would do! I believe its more in the sentimental value...but people are pretty much different due to their upbringing. Hrm...cheers to finding out!

She raised the flower a bit in the air-as a salute to River's idea and also as a way of appreciating it more.

So what things do you like?

"Yes, I guess we'll have to find out. Glad you like it. Hope she likes it too."

"Hmmm... I think I already told you I like to travel, but it's more than that.
I like to experience things. New things. We come to this world to learn. To change the world and be changed by it in turn. To become better adapted to the world. That's why I chose this name. River. The river moves and twists and branches and merges with others and changes its path overtime, sometimes to go around an obstacle and sometimes by destroying an obstacle. Sometimes it's a violent torrent and sometimes a calming stream. Sometimes a source of wealth and happiness, sometimes a source of destruction and sorrow.
 
I also like to hunt. To corner my prey, outsmart it. To see it weak, cowering before me. To feel warm blood in my mouth, soft tasty flesh rended by my teeth. To prove I am a good hunter.

And I like to fight. Danger in all its forms. I like to see what I can do. Push myself to the limits. Measure my strength against the strength of others.

And finally, I like to help people. Help them become better. And learn from them in turn. And perhaps... in the process... also become their... friend."
He seems a bit hesitant, a bit shy when saying that final sentence.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2014, 09:40:46 pm

Oop.

Approach staging area. Hand over flower discreetly to the man and ask him to give it to the brown girl I saw earlier!...if he knows her. If not, wait for her along with the rest!

The man tells you that it would be better if you gave it yourself and that she will be coming soon.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 17, 2014, 07:30:43 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"And by the way, if you were right next to me-I'd pet you. Human or not. Because you're cute that way.
And obviously, you are my friend. Silly."

"I- That- Thank you. I'm- Thank you." River says, unable to find the words to express his feelings. "I'm truly honored to be your friend."
"I'm suddenly both glad and sorry I don't have a body. I guess we'll have to wait until we get back."
_{"Hah. Nobody has called me cute in a long time."} he adds mostly to himself.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"You can choose your name? Wow, that's amazing! So..so that means you have another name, right?"

"About my names, I have some titles mostly, but none of them is terribly interesting."
He continues a bit more reluctantly.
"I... had another name once. When I was younger. The first name I was given. Darkstar. But... that's not who I am anymore. At least, that's not all I am."

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"Hmm, about the travel," Theri hefted her kite shield, examining it, "I think what we're going to see would be quite the adventure, don't you agree?

((The shield is mostly a symbol of what you will be doing. Not an object you will be using.))
"Oh, yes. This will be interesting. We'll be guiding people, protecting them. Similar to what I do."

((Tiruin was busy so I acted on her behalf and informed her of such:))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 12, 2014, 10:39:24 am

Hey, just writing to say that I had your character do something, hope you don't mind.
Here it is, with Lenglon's response:

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2014, 01:45:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

A white fox girl approaches you after you walk out. She looks very much like you, except she has white fur over all of her body and only one tail.
"Hi! I saw you were upset before. I know it's not much, but I hope this will make you happier." she says and hands you a flower. It looks like a lily, with petals that are yellow near the stamens and transition to red near their edges, with an orange gradient in between. The underside of its petals is white.

What? That looks like... Is she one of kj1225's kitsune? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=124749.msg4254930#msg4254930)
"I... I... thank you. Um, this... This might be a kinda weird question, but I was wondering if we might be from the same place. Do you know who kj1225 is?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 16, 2014, 02:27:44 pm

Spoiler: Tiruin's PMs Part 3 (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 17, 2014, 07:30:43 pm

So, if you don't have time to read the entire thing, that's the gist of the story of this mission, to help you catch up:
You (Theri) are a passenger to the body of a woman (referred to as your host). You can see what she sees, feel what she feels, know what she thinks, etc.
You can leave her be and simply watch what she does, you can subtly influence her actions or you can choose to take control of her body to use your skills (essentially transfer your stats to her in game terms and allowing you to control her actions). The more you do things that go against her character however, the more she will reject you.
Your goal is to help her.

There was a period when you couldn't influence her when you entered her body and during that time, you saw her talk to a girl and touch her hands while attempting to "see" something about her. Like a medium. Something that was important to that girl.
Your host saw nothing when she touched her and then the girl had an argument with her friends and left. The girl's friends left soon after.
After they left however, your host had a vision showing her the girl will be in danger soon. So she got inside her car and started driving towards the house you saw in your vision.
((You were actually supposed to go to another place first but I'll just cut that part to push you towards the action. Wasn't that important anyway.))

---

((Mission start here.))
Reviewing archives...
You close your eyes and focus, trying to empty your mind, to listen. Nothing.
You open them and look at the girl across the table, at your hands holding hers.
"I'm sorry." She makes a motion to get up but you hold her hand.
"Please. Let me try again. These things take time." you urge her.
She sighs and sits down again.
Reviewing archives...
Your eyes are closed. Still nothing. You've been here for so long.
But you don't want to give up. This is important to her. And you want to help her.
In the darkness and the silence, you hear the other people, the girl's friends whispering and then muffled laughs.
The girl gets up and forcefully pulls her hands from your grasp. You open your eyes just in time to see the anger in her face before she turns around to face her friends. She speaks before you have a chance to say anything.
"Is that all this is for you? A bloody joke?" she shouts. "Brought me here to have a laugh with crazy Zoe? Is that it?"
"No, please, I-" a man says.
"No, you know what? I've had enough of this for the evening. I'm out of here." The girl says and starts walking towards the door.
The man extends his arm to stop her. "Listen to me, let's just-"
She bats his arm away. "No, you listen to me. I expected better from you. Especially you, Ed." she shouts while pointing at him. They remain silent like that for a few seconds.
"I'm leaving. Don't come after me." she says with a defeated tone as she gets out and slams the door.
The remaining people in the room, you included, look at each other awkwardly.
Reviewing archives...
You're standing near the door now. Holding the hand of the man from before.
"I'm sorry about that. I-"
"Don't worry. It's not your fault." you cut his apology short. "I just... I really wish I could help her."
"I'll go pick her up." A woman says as she exits the house. "Meet you back at your place?"
"Sure." the man responds. "Goodbye, Morgan."
"Bye, Ed." she says while closing the door.
Just the two of you in the house now.
Reviewing archives...
The man is leaving now. You force a smile on your face, wave at him and close the door.
You lean against the door and sigh. That was a rough day. Rough session. Even if in the end, there was nothing you could do. You feel tired.
You start walking towards the living room. You stumble and almost fall. Didn't realize you were this tired. Maybe you'll just sit on the couch for a while before...
That's as far as your thoughts go before you collapse into unconsciousness.
Review complete.

You can see pain and suffering. Fires and screams. You can see your friends in trouble, Ed and Morgan. And in the center of it all the girl from before, Zoe. She is running, trying to outrun the thorns growing on her path, a path that is getting narrower and harder by the second. You try to reach her, to help her, but she's just out of reach.

You take a deep breath when you wake up, wet from the sweat.
You're standing on the cold wooden floor. Must have collapsed rand slept right on it.
No. This wasn't normal sleep. That wasn't a normal dream.
That girl is in trouble. You can't ignore that. You have to go help her.
Where to go though? Ed said he would let her stay at his place. That should be the best place to start.
You'd call him if he had a phone. Now you have to drive there.

You get out of your house and into your car. You start driving towards the Southern Suburbs.
"So, this is interesting, isn't it?" comes a voice from a silver thing on the woman's wrist. It looks like a watch but it has a bluish crystal where the face would be. The strange thing is that while you notice it the woman, the one whose body you're currently experiencing this through, your host, doesn't.

"Are you okay? I guess this might feel a bit strange at first. Ask me if you got any questions."

---

((Didn't proofread because I gotta sleep. Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes or missing words or other errors.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 19, 2014, 11:25:29 am

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

...
...
...River? Please tell me that's you. Am I only able to see you? Oh, and..and what I'm thinking right now-that is what I just thought and what I'm...thinking now-can all be heard by the woman or I can choose to talk to her and not to talk to her (but to you) and all?

I can only talk to you and see what you see, for now at least. I won't be able to use my body.
And don't worry, your thoughts are your own. Neither I nor she can hear them. We can only hear what you want us to hear.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

Oh. OH. Am I like a conscience to the woman? I can help with that! Hmm, let me see-this woman displays benevolence, the child is obviously either affected by what her peers tell her or she has a different belief in what just happened. Oh, and I'm probably a psychic or a medium.

Yes, I think that is a very apt assumption. You're more or less correct.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

Let's see..before anything else: I will want to appear as the voice that..hrmm, lets her rethink what happened. I need to know why what just happened, happened. Perhaps if I try a direct, personally reflective-

To host:
What did I just do. Her name. What was her name again? Why was she here? I need to know this before anything else--so I know what to try to tell her. She wants distance, and I'll allow her distance, but keep watch...
Try to...erm, remember from her perspective-infer from my words on my intent.

((I'm not sure what you mean with the first question.
Your host is currently inside her car, driving towards the house of her friend (her friend's name is Ed, short for Edward) to warn him that he and his friend (Zoe, the girl who was speaking in red, the one that Lenglon's character is currently helping) are in danger, if that's what you're asking.))

The girl, Zoe, was a close friend of Ed. Ed brought her to your house because he hoped you could help her with your gift, the ability to see things.
The person Zoe loved was abducted some time ago and all attempts to find who did it have been unsuccessful so far. Zoe has not given up hope and has been searching ever since. They were hoping you could help with the search, that's why they were there.
Zoe left and presumably returned to Ed's house where she is staying temporarily, since Zoe's house has been damaged and needs repairs.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2014, 10:08:14 pm

...
...
So how was my first-person talk there? Too...brusque? Erm, too cheesy? River? Riiiver~

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. he says with a small laugh of joy. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 25, 2014, 10:03:41 pm

Quote

((I love that teasing helpful tone. xD))

Quote

Haha. I'm here Theri, I'm here. No need to call my name. Though I have to admit, the way you say it is kind of cute.
Anyway, you did well. Very well, in fact. I'm a bit surprised you adjusted so fast. You've got the right idea, trying to be subtle, acting like her conscience. Hopefully, we'll be able to help her with whatever troubles her.

I first thought you were saying that like you were teasing from a pseudo-first-person me. Eheh. That was-thanks!
Theri sifted through the memories and tried to piece together something, but decided to be sure on the matter.

I wonder...
Try to remember what Zoe's case was. What was stopping me from helping her?
Next, try to remember if there were any sense of 'leads' that I felt.

((Whenever I use the word "You" below, I'm referring to your host, the woman whose body you are inside right now. Just making it clear.))

It wasn't a problem with Zoe in particular that was stopping you. It's the way your ability (or rather, your host's ability) works.
You are simply a conduit for the spirits. A way for them to access the physical world and influence it. A way for them to share their knowledge and wisdom with those that come to you for aid.
You can use meditative techniques to concentrate and become more receptive to their influences (or conversely better block the influence of those spirits that would seek to confuse you and lead you astray or worse seek to possess you) but you cannot control what they give you, you cannot force them to act.
So when Zoe came to you seeking help in finding the people who abducted the one she loved, all you could do was open your mind to the spirits and hope they could give you what you and Zoe needed.
With Zoe, the spirits told you nothing. Not even a tiny whisper. It was... quite unusual. Most of the time you get something, even if it isn't immediately useful.Sometimes they speak to you and show you things without you having to open your mind. Like what happened with this dream.

The dream... that was stranger still. It filled your senses. It was full of symbolism and strong imagery, the kind those supernatural entities are prone to creating. It was as if everything the spirits refused to tell you when others were present suddenly flooded your senses the moment they were gone, drowning your perceptions.
You're still trying to understand the entirety of what you saw, trying to hold on to every tiny bit of memory you have of the incident. Dreams are easy to forget, even one that had such... unnatural energy behind it.
From the details you remember right now, you're fairly certain there is danger up ahead. Danger for all of you. But the two people the vision centered around was Zoe and Ed.

Ed told you he was going to let Zoe stay at his place while she was searching for a place to stay. That's why you're driving there. If the dream told you they are in danger, then that's probably where you have to go to help them or at least find out how to help them.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2014, 03:04:50 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 26, 2014, 01:13:07 am

Nhh, dear goodness. I'm not that used to speaking in first person. Hum...
Alright, now take the most visible route. If Zoe is in trouble, trouble must make its way to Ed's house first. So if I see nothing wrong at that point, I'll...just take the diversionary place so I can warn them from the..backdoor!
Ngh, not good Theri.
Though perhaps the spirits may know- OH GOODNESS. RIVER!- I better contact them when I get there. Hopefully not to burn the bridge. And all these metaphors.

Go along the route which has the best visibility of Ed's place, then upon nearing head along a different street to approach the home from another direction--if possible, contact spirits along the way.

Also hi River. River?

Mmm.mmmm...River? Am I doing ok?

Your host continues to drive towards Ed's house.
The suburbs you're driving through look deserted, few people living here, even fewer walking on the streets at this our. Most of the lights on the sidewalk are broken or otherwise non-functional and few houses have light coming from their windows. Everything is dark and quiet, save for the sound of the car's engine trying to keep the old thing moving and its headlights illuminating the bumpy road ahead.

You try to open your mind to the spirits you see in your hosts thoughts and memories, to try to influence them or talk to them, but this proves fruitless. They seem to be uninterested in interacting with you. Or maybe they're just not here right now. Or maybe you're doing this the wrong way. You're not really sure how this is supposed to work.

When you are close to your destination, you suddenly see a red haze surrounding your host's vision before it returns to normal. Your host shakes her head. A second later, you hear a gunshot coming from up ahead, close to your destination that is currently obscured by a small rise in the road.
Your host is frightened. That can't be good. She pushes the gas pedal down, driving as fast as she can.
The gunshot is followed by another one a few seconds after that.

Your host notices something strange. On the left side of the car flies a hummingbird with iridescent orange-red feathers that make it look like it's on fire. On the right side of the car swims a multicolored tropical fish. Spirits, no doubt.
The two creatures move away from the car, the fish continuing straight while the hummingbird turns at the next intersection. They're probably trying to tell you something but what?

"Hmph. Why do they always have to be so vague..." comments River.
"Red probably means anger or conflict or... fire? I'm not sure.
I have no idea what the other one might stand for."

Do you want to influence your host and have her choose a spirit to follow?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2014, 10:34:49 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 06, 2014, 09:05:39 pm

River, do spirits have some kind of cultural connection? They obviously symbolize something. Fire and water? Red and
Blue?
Theri wondered. The gunshot was straight ahead, and this was where the multicolored fish went, and it was on her right. The colored hummingbird turned at the intersection--quite too early for it to be where the gunshot diverged, and more than not an alternate path...

She pondered, and tapped her host. The firebird was both a symbol of life and death, yet the waterfish was a symbol of hope, in her best idea.

Influence the host.
Follow the fish. We have to make sure Zoe is alright. Follow the river and don't go against it. We need not assume.


How's that, River? Getting better?

"Yes, spirits, at least the ones I know of, like symbolism a lot, cultural connections. Don't know why. Maybe 'speaking' in that way seems natural to them.

Your analysis seems correct. That's what I would have chosen, anyway. Then again, I almost always go with my instinct, so I might not be the best judge about those kinds of things."

You continue driving, the fish swimming besides you. When your destination finally comes to sight, you can see Zoe running towards an intersection and Morgan's car standing there with a shredded tire.

You stop the car next to Zoe. The fish is swimming in lazy circles around her. This is it. You have to help her.
"Hey! Are you alright? Need help?" asks your host.

You notice that she has a silver bracelet on her wrist, almost the same as the one on yours, except for the fact that its crystal is clear instead of blue. Even though you can see it, your host doesn't seem to notice the one on your or Zoe's wrist.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 12:07:12 am

Quote from: Tiruin on March 09, 2014, 08:04:01 pm

Theri: Try to calm down and introduce yourself more formally to Zoe. Say that I want to help her. Yes I'm actually a spirit and not your conscience (though I don't have any malice for you, or intended, or whatever the word is...)

...
Hug her!

Action: ^ All of the above is IC me talking.

What? You- she responds surprised. This... this is strange. You're very... very different. But thank you for the advice. I guess.
The crystal of your Interface (the bracelet) beeps and blinks red several times before stopping.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 09, 2014, 08:32:00 pm

Oh, also nudge my host and suggest her to explain why she came here.
And that she's sorry for earlier and that to ask what she needs.

Also, ask River what that bracelet is.

"It is a way to show to other travelers that we are not of this world, and a way to communicate with them. It is only visible to us and other travellers and not to the other people that inhabit this world.
It also marks your link to this woman. See that blinking? It shows how much her mind understands we are not entirely natural, not of this world. It's not alarming right now, but if it continues for too long, then she might subconsciously force us out of her body and mind.
Finally, it has some magic of its own that allows it to sometimes inform you of important things."

((I think the turn is pretty self explanatory, but feel free to ask me if you want to know something more about what your host sees or thinks or feels.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2014, 10:24:02 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 10, 2014, 01:02:20 am

@River: So...I just blew our cover and sped up the subconscious process of shoving us out?
Well. Great. Time to protect Zoe then.

@Host: Drive! Remember where that firebird went? Time to follow the other spirit.
...
Or the man. His speed is strange-no natural muscular structure accounts for his sprinting (or he's an olympic athlete but I doubt that given his weight, or adrenaline).
Try to sense any indication with the spirits. I'm only in your mind, the others are out there!

Action: Let's do this thing.

<Don't worry. It's not that bad. She's used to strange things happening so it hasn't alienated her much. You'll feel it if it gets bad. And she will slowly become more accepting of you, the damage to your... connection will be repaired.
You're doing good. Really. There's no reason to burden yourself with guilt over what may be.>

The man dashes into an alleyway, too narrow to enter with the car. Your host stops her car soon after.
"Drive around and cut him off." Zoe says as she exits the car.
Your host seems about to protest but then she sees the firebird flying over the car, moving forward. She nods and starts driving, following the spirit.
<See? She trusts you.>
"Alone? What are you goi-" Morgan's protest are cut short as the car drives away. She sighs in frustration.

Your host follows the spirit, turning left at the next intersection to move parallel to the man, so that you can hopefully cut him off at the other end of the alley.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2014, 04:53:58 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 11, 2014, 02:46:28 pm

Nooo, someone stabbed Ed (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5080243#msg5080243) D:

How's it goin?

((Whoops, I'm very, very sorry. Looks like the message didn't get sent for whatever reason.

Writing from phone, please excuse any of my mistakes.))

Quote from: Tiruin on March 10, 2014, 10:35:56 pm

Drive to block the alley then check around for spirits. Then suggest to host:
Whatever Zoe is getting at, she has the right idea, we have to stop this man or get to the person he's carrying--if all fails, try talking him down first. Say you mean no harm (and oh goodness did that hammer he was carrying look like a bad thing) and..well, I'm with you in whatever happens.

Your host continues driving to the other side of the alley. She feels afraid. She's never fought anyone before. Your words help to calm her, but she still feels very nervous. What's she going to do if she comes face to face with that man?
As she drives, her peripheral vision once more fills with a red haze. It clears a moment later, revealing that the spirits have disappeared.
Your host reaches the end of the alleyway to see Zoe crouching over Ed, her hands applying pressure on his lower body.
"Damnation." curses Morgan. She hastily gets out of the car and starts running towards Zoe. Your host follows a bit more slowly and carefully, keeping an eye out for danger.
While running, your host hears a gunshot coming from further away.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 07:16:43 am

Quote from: Tiruin on March 13, 2014, 02:54:27 am

@River

Ooooh, River. I can't..I-this, I can't do anything else but suggest and..I can't act! This is the first time I can't do quite anything in the situation wherein I could actually help..I'm just glad that Awena can talk and all-...

May I be able to speak to the other Traveler? As in, when you see people with bracelets, that means they've got...spirit-guides like us, right?

Can we talk to them directly?

<There is... one thing you could do. You have the option to manifest yourself through her, to... possess her, in a way.
If the situation is really dire, if you think that only with your help she can survive, then you can choose to take over her body.
It might become necessary for you to do that if she gets into a physical confrontation. You are much stronger and more agile then she is. For now, I think it would be best to let Zoe take care of the wound. She seems to know what she's doing.

As for the other, her name is Irene, I think. The one who bends fire to her will. The one that has an appearance similar to you. The one you gave the flower to.
Simply speak with the intention of communicating with her and she will hear you.>

((Turn later, just doing a small post with people speaking.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 11:17:21 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 14, 2014, 02:02:33 am

...Then I will only possess her when the time need be. What if I warn her beforehand? Will other spirits intervene or something bad?

---

---

Reach out and 'poke' Irene.
Hello! Zoe seems sorta troubled from here--doesn't seem to realize how Awena understands the world; spirits are real, and we're pretty much spirits here.

...Erm, Hi, I'm Theri?

Dear gods that didn't go well.

...

Wait I was talking out lou-GRAH.

Also, are you doing ok there?

((You can see Theri talking to Irene in the thread.
As always, feel free to ask me if you have any questions or tell me if I have forgotten anything/done something wrong.))

<I'm not sure. It would probably make her more receptive to you, less likely to reject you if she trusts you enough.
But this isn't an exact science and I... I'm not sure. There's a small chance she might have the opposite effect, it might make her frightened and cause her to reject you.
Just... do what you feel is right. Follow your instincts. I trust you will make the right choice.>

You and Zoe continue to drive. As you near your destination, you can see Zoe getting more agitated. Poor girl has been through so much. Now this... The fear, the anticipation, the hope... Awena can't imagine how's she's feeling.
You're almost at the address Ed gave you now. There's a van parked outside, its back door open. As your car gets closer, you can see people outside. One by the van, another near the door of the house. And then the door of the house opens. You see a woman being carried on a stretcher by two men exiting the house.
"Amelia..." Zoe whispers. That's her! That's the girl you were supposed to find.
Still, those men look dangerous. And Zoe is very emotional right now. She might do something rash and put herself in danger. Better watch out.

((Sorry if I'm doing turns too fast. I just trying to finish this mission or at least get it as close to finishing as possible before Lenglon has to leave so that she can see and participate in the entire story.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2014, 05:10:11 pm

As you approach the house, your host sees the gear stick of the car deforming, becoming full of thorns, like the stem of a rose. When Zoe tries to reach for it, your host instinctively grabs her hand to stop her, to protect her.
"Wait! These men abducted her. What if it's dangerous? What if you they hurt you? You can't help anyone if you are dead." Awena asks, worry clear both in her voice and in her thoughts.
"I've got to do something! Who knows what those bastards are going to do to her?" She's so determined. Awena couldn't change her mind. She'd probably only make it worse. But she's got to do something. Oh, spirits help me. she thinks and closes her eyes in despair. And the spirits respond.

You can see the outline of Zoe drawn in red through your closed eyelids and a line extending from her. Your host opens her eyes to see the line leading to the Van and the driver standing a few steps behind it. A direct route, aggressive. One that favors speed and strength.
Another line, this one blue, leaves your own body, leading around the men in a more concealed path, and to the man standing guard near the door of the house. An indirect, circuitous route. One that will give you the element of surprise.
"Go left, through there, towards the driver. I'll go right. When I distract them, take care of the driver. I'll... I'll think of something." your host says as she indicates the routes to Zoe. Zoe seems to accept them with a nod.

Awena doesn't feel so certain about this. But she has to do something. She gets out of the car after Zoe does. She follows the blue line, not turning to look when she hears the men shouting at Zoe to stop. Awena is now behind the man, running towards him. He's getting his gun out, pointing it towards the van Zoe is hiding behind. She's not sure what she's going to do once she gets there.

You can also see the men carrying Amelia in the stretcher. They have stopped moving on their way to the Van, surprised, unsure of what to do. None of the 4 men has noticed you.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 16, 2014, 04:47:03 pm

I await the PM well, then I'll talk to Lenglon in-thread :DD

Great. Have fun!
I just want to say I enjoyed this PM thing. Gave me the chance and the inspiration to write something a bit different for you then what I normally would have written.

((That is all. Turn tomorrow. Mission start at end of week.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 16, 2014, 04:42:31 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 16, 2014, 10:25:53 pm

((Good lord that's a lot of PM.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 03:40:47 am

Quote from: Alarith on September 16, 2014, 04:42:31 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

"O-oh... well, um, thank you for not killing him. I suppose. But what did you mean about us having a conflict before between missions? I don't remember anything like that."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 17, 2014, 07:32:20 am

"Eh it wan't that impressive or important.  I tried to stop you from burning anything after the first mission when you were upset.  After all you wouldn't have hurt anyone and the staging area can just change."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 07:36:52 am

Quote from: Alarith on September 16, 2014, 04:42:31 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."

"Uh, perhaps I didn't explain that well.  Remember Ed?  The man with information about target amethyst?  How someone had kidnapped him?  I'm afraid that was me."

Ike, deep in thought, pauses a moment to consider this fellow.

"Hey, you were there? Sweet! Which one were you? The guy who rammed me and I shot, the guy who was running away and I shot, or the guy at the factory with the big gun who I blew up? Or someone else? You don't sound like Hex Man, so that's probably out as an option."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 07:46:08 am

Theri nudged Irine with her tail, that nobody else may notice.

"You're all acquainted with each other? How did this happen before and why do you choose to partake in this contest-of-sorts?"

She raised the inner parts of her eyebrows in concern.

"It sounds weird to be speaking about kills or people you hurt, given that they were real people. Just...somewhere else."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 07:58:25 am

Quote from: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 07:46:08 am

Theri nudged Irine with her tail, that nobody else may notice.

"You're all acquainted with each other? How did this happen before and why do you choose to partake in this contest-of-sorts?"

She raised the inner parts of her eyebrows in concern.

"It sounds weird to be speaking about kills or people you hurt, given that they were real people. Just...somewhere else."

"I don't recall choosing anything, really. It's more of a fun kidnapping sort of deal, see? Not that I mind. It's been pretty cool so far."

"As for sounding weird, well, it's what we do now. There's hardly a moratorium on talking about people you kill or hurt, is there? Helps you remember them better, rather than simply as a random person with no thoughts or feelings to destroy. Makes the experience more real, does it not? And there's no point in feeling guilty about it, either, if that's what you're asking, since there is no other choice, and we're all murderers or manslaughterers no matter how we try to dodge the accusation. Or at least will be, if we aren't already."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2014, 08:10:38 am

John, hearing this, looks over at Ike.  "Hey... Ike, right?  And the fox lady who I will have to apologize for I have forgotten your name.  Sounds like your mission ended up quite explosively.  Remember our first mission with the compound?  Those people were all pretty much dead anyway; we just snuck in and manipulated the situation a bit.  Think of it this way; something like all that would have happened anyway, regardless of our involvement.  We meddled a bit, and we personally came out stronger because of it."  He turned to the front again, looking for his cheeseburger.  "If it makes you feel better, our mission was defeating this giant alien robot before it smashed a colony.  It was evacuated beforehand, so our actions saved a bunch of lives."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:13:53 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2014, 08:49:48 pm

Alan frowns. There was only one way to deal with this.

SLAPSTICK FIGHT!

Bitchslap [NAV] with my giant shoes! Then try to clamber up the thing to the seat.

Quote from: NAV on September 15, 2014, 09:34:37 pm

"You're going down, fat man!"

Am I drunk enough for drunken boxing yet? If not then drink more. Drink more anyway, it can't hurt. It's a legitimate martial art, I swear.
Climb the tricycle and then flying headbutt Alan from above.

Alan attempts to climb one of the tricycle's wheels. And by 'attempts to climb' I mean that he slams head-first into it and collapses on the ground. Nikolai attempts to take advantage of this opportunity, only to trip and drunkenly imitate Alan, following him to the ground.

"Oh, you guys are so much fun."

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 15, 2014, 09:02:41 pm

(And to think, there's a whole planet which speaks pretty much like my guy. A spout of true Urbanian, he'll talk (somewhat) normally now, I enjoy making things look weird and unpronounceable. Trying to move away from stereotypical gang speech)

Head outside to see what all that noise is out there

"Ya her all that ot dere? Gonna see wot's what."

Nikolai and Alan are lying next to each other, flailing around on the ground. Alan says something about slapping a stick and Nikolai replies with something about going down.

"Get a cabin you two! We don't want to see that!"

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 16, 2014, 05:28:31 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2014, 05:15:34 am

Quote from: Alarith on September 15, 2014, 05:16:45 pm

"Oh, I was the one who went after the one man.  Thank goodness I got away without killing him.  Actually I don't think I've formally introduced myself to you.  My name is Bryan, we've uh had at least one conflict before between missions."

"Huh? I don't remember opposing you.."
...
"Theri, it's ok. I just wanted to show you how unstable this place is. Everything I did, and more, is stuff that you can do too. Just believe in yourself."
She seems shaken, maybe...
"F-for example, that sword. You can draw it too. just grab it and it will be there, I promise."

"But its-...it should be touching my ear. Oh...ok."
Theri imagined the clarity of the sword, putting in the appearance foremost and then attributing the concept of its density and weight, considering factors such as the metal involved--probably an alloy of silver and steel, she wondered--and visualized the single-edge from tip to hilt, instead wondering if there was a gem-inlay along the handle, forgetting how it exactly was.

She then imagined it hovering in midair, right next to her ear, and reached up...
Get that sword!
Also [maybe I could try this...]

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2014, 11:03:53 pm

Quote from: River on September 15, 2014, 10:46:12 pm

"I will go now then. If all is well and you do not need me."

"I do! Hold on, please, River."

Theri reached out as a physical gesture to emphasize her thoughts, though stopped before actually stopping him from leaving.

"Well, Irine and Ike and the rest here were talking and I was wondering. The first time we met, was it some kind of...personal area (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5661927#msg5661927)? By the way, what does that term mean? I didn't know I was going to enter in a contest.

"And by Entity, she means...whatnow?"

"Oh! Oh, no! It's not like that!" he says quickly, waving his hands in front of his chest for greater emphasis.
"Not like that at all. It's not a contest, even though some may view it as such. I didn't bring you here because I want you to do something for me! I just brought you here because it would be the easiest and safest way to travel with you. The rules of this place make it better in some ways, worse in others."

"Those rules, as well as our destination, are decided by a group of people, people who bring others like you to this world. A group of people I am part of. Those people are called Entities by some, for lack of a better name."

As River talks, you put your hand behind your head and focus on the image of a sword on your hand. You do your best to imagine its how its texture would feel against your skin, the strain its weight would put on your muscles, how it would look like... And then you pull your hand, wishing that image became reality.

And it becomes so, the world changing to accommodate your desires. When you bring your hand in front of you again, you can see (and feel) that it is now holding the sword you imagined. Said sword looks exactly like you imagined it.

River gives it a wary glance but then continues looking at and talking to you.

"As for a personal area, it is a section of this world where only people who you give permission to may enter. Imagine it like a room, where you can lock the door. But this room can be as big as you want it to be and look any way you want it to look. You do not have one, but I can make one for you, if you want."

"The place we first met was not that. It was not in this world, but..."
He takes a deep breath and looks down.
"But if you ever... stop enjoying our time together, then I can... return you there." he adds quietly.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 16, 2014, 04:28:55 am

''Can I have an menu to look at please?"
Choose the Cheapest Breakfast sized meal on the Menu while Discussing Morality

Hm. Speech roll.

You spend the next minute or so making fart noises with your mouth and insulting the bartender's culinary abilities. A super-powered punch to your head later, you find yourself embedded in a wall on the opposite side of the room.

Quote from: Toaster on September 16, 2014, 08:25:30 am

John nodded and grinned.  "Spice me up."

"You got it!"

The man proceeds to prepare and serve you a very nice looking bacon cheeseburger (even though he used normal bread for it instead of a sliced bun), along with some fried potatoes that were left over from the omelette. He then adds some kind of yellowred sauce to it that he creates on the spot by mixing various ingredients and spices. Finally, he slices up a tomato, some lettuce and a red pepper, puts it on the side of the dish, sprinkles some fennel on it and adds some sort of sauce made of lemon juice and oil.
"Lemon juice! It's good for you! (http://youtu.be/hNUN9K9n1_g)"
He sets the plate down in front of you and looks at you with a grin.
"Enjoy!"

After delivering a falcon punch to the foul mouthed newcomer, he continues looking at you.
"I know he didn't feel that, but man did I enjoy it!"

---

I count three people who have sent me PMs to summon some sort of individual. I will kindly ask them to forgive me that I do not process those actions and that they keep them for later, since I'm starting the briefing next turn and thus those characters and any interactions with them would be short lived.

Speaking of which, I'm starting the briefing next turn tomorrow. So, if you got anything important to do or say here, now is the time.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2014, 08:16:13 am

John nodded approvingly.  "Thanks, man!  Nice hit."

Om nom nom


((The Xantalos Die: [1, 1, 1, 6, 6, 6]))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:27:22 am

Theri imagined a scabbard for the sword and placed it on the ground in...its unimagined state, before running up and giving River a hug.

"Oh, I didn't mean it anyway at all like that. Just curious is all, with how these places are and how these things came to be. I don't think I'll ever stop enjoying the time we had together. I mean...I didn't feel bad at all with you. Ever."

Memories of that place came back to the kitsune, and she remembered how kind and passionate River was with the wolves, and how he spoke with much sincerity regarding their well-being. She wouldn't abandon the world in being without a person of that calibre.
...Did I think that right? I shouldn't use double negatives.

"...Though you didn't answer my question on your favorite food yet or what you'd like." she added, with a :P

((I like how the smileys are emotional that way :p))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 08:33:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:13:53 am

I count three people who have sent me PMs to summon some sort of individual. I will kindly ask them to forgive me that I do not process those actions and that they keep them for later, since I'm starting the briefing next turn and thus those characters and any interactions with them would be short lived.

Speaking of which, I'm starting the briefing next turn. So, if you got anything important to do or say here, now is the time.

((Well, this speaks volumes on what I was trying to find out anyway! So it's all good.))

"Man, that cheeseburger. If I wasn't about to explode, I'd have one as well."

Relax!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 17, 2014, 08:57:14 am

((Looks like you've missed my action, Paris.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

Saevus wordlessly rises up and walks through the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 10:49:03 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 17, 2014, 08:57:14 am

((Looks like you've missed my action, Paris.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 16, 2014, 01:04:54 am

((It doesn't feel old because it isn't.  What I'm using is Victorian/Shakespearean English.  Which is ~200-150 years back if I remember right. Real old English would be unreadable even by a native English speaker.  Example sentence: "Deað he þær byrigde; hwæðere eft Dryhten aras mid his miclan mihte mannum to helpe."))

Saevus wordlessly rises up and walks through the portal.

((Sorry man, I keep missing you for some reason.))

You get up and walk towards the glass arches until you are resting underneath the point they intercept.

The arches acquire a slightly green tint as the world around you begins to change, becoming more colourful as the different wavelengths of light reaching your eyes begins getting refracted at different angles, the shapes of things around you blurring until all that's left is a whitish mix of colours.

A moment later, the colours begin forming into coherent shapes again, but when the effect ends you can see that you are somewhere else. The glass arches are still above you, but they are now resting on a wooden floor of an empty room. There's nothing in it but four walls, a window and a door.

A few seconds after the world becomes clear again, the arches liquefy as if they were made of ice and disappear under the floorboards.

<Go through the door and walk downstairs. You will learn of your first challenge there.> you hear a voice inside your mind.

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2014, 08:16:13 am

John nodded approvingly.  "Thanks, man!  Nice hit."

Om nom nom

((The Xantalos Die: [1, 1, 1, 6, 6, 6]))

((Indeed.))

Nom nom nom (http://youtu.be/Cl5Pfc5TyO0)

"My pleasure! On both counts!"

You start eating. It's a bit spicy, but not enough to make it uneatable. The texture and taste of the ingredients create a nice antithesis (the nice cool salad is a nice touch) that makes it very "interesting" for the tongue. Only thing one could hold against it is that the taste is a bit too "heavy" and some of the finer tastes and textures get lost in the process, but that is to be expected from a cheeseburger. It's not exactly a food for a delicatessen (with the European sense of the word) but if one found this at a reasonably priced restaurant, one would probably be happy.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 08:33:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:13:53 am

I count three people who have sent me PMs to summon some sort of individual. I will kindly ask them to forgive me that I do not process those actions and that they keep them for later, since I'm starting the briefing next turn and thus those characters and any interactions with them would be short lived.

Speaking of which, I'm starting the briefing next turn. So, if you got anything important to do or say here, now is the time.

((Well, this speaks volumes on what I was trying to find out anyway! So it's all good.))

"Man, that cheeseburger. If I wasn't about to explode, I'd have one as well."

Relax!

Ikey says relax, don't do it.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:27:22 am

Theri imagined a scabbard for the sword and placed it on the ground in...its unimagined state, before running up and giving River a hug.

"Oh, I didn't mean it anyway at all like that. Just curious is all, with how these places are and how these things came to be. I don't think I'll ever stop enjoying the time we had together. I mean...I didn't feel bad at all with you. Ever."

Memories of that place came back to the kitsune, and she remembered how kind and passionate River was with the wolves, and how he spoke with much sincerity regarding their well-being. She wouldn't abandon the world in being without a person of that calibre.
...Did I think that right? I shouldn't use double negatives.

"...Though you didn't answer my question on your favorite food yet or what you'd like." she added, with a :P

((I like how the smileys are emotional that way :p))

You create a scabbard for your sword and set it down carefully.

River remain silent. You hear him taking a deep breath, as if he is about to say something, but then he doesn't. A few more seconds pass before he finally speaks.
"Thank you."
He moves his head so that he can whisper in your ear.
"Oh, and don't worry. Our next destination will be one of my own choosing. It will be more relaxed and we will have plenty of time to talk and learn about each other."
He points at one of the tables near the centre of the room.
"He is going to talk about it soon."

---

Everyone in the inn
A man made out of shadowy mist that swirls and disappears like dark fire appears in the centre of the room, rising out of the surface of a table. He sits on the table he emerged from, his legs dangling from it. He says nothing and simply stands there.

---

Everyone outside
You hear a voice in your heads.
<If everyone could conclude their... ahem, "business" and come inside the inn, that would be great. You still have some time ((read: until tomorrow)) to do your... whatever it is you're doing, but try to get inside in the next few minutes.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 17, 2014, 11:13:47 am

Oh, well that's unfortunate. I was hoping I had more time to argue with people over the morals that I adopted before entering this convoluted multiverse.
Ah well. Maybe there's a next time, maybe not.

Move out of my room and into the center of the inn. Stick to a corner and simply observe the room around me.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 17, 2014, 11:58:31 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 10:49:03 am

((Sorry man, I keep missing you for some reason.))

((I ain't even mad.))

"I obey."

Attempt to get out of the room, inevitably break through the doorframe as I am most probably far too big for it, then go downstairs.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 12:26:11 pm

Ima take yo tricycle, and ima throw it at that castle. Also, who was that, now i heard 2 voices in mah hed, I hate voices in my head. Go into inn after throwing huge trike

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 12:32:30 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 10:49:03 am

Everyone outside
You hear a voice in your heads.
<If everyone could conclude their... ahem, "business" and come inside the inn, that would be great. You still have some time ((read: until tomorrow)) to do your... whatever it is you're doing, but try to get inside in the next few minutes.>

<Hey, man. Who're you and why're you talking in my head?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 12:34:23 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 12:32:30 pm

<Hey, man. Who're you and why're you talking in my head?>

<Are you outside of the inn?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 12:36:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 12:34:23 pm

<Are you outside of the inn?>

<Can't you tell without needing to ask?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 17, 2014, 12:36:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2014, 08:16:13 am

((The Xantalos Die: [1, 1, 1, 6, 6, 6]))

Sigd

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 12:26:11 pm

Ima take yo tricycle, and ima throw it at that castle. Also, who was that, now i heard 2 voices in mah hed, I hate voices in my head. Go into inn after throwing huge trike

I DISAPPROVE OF THIS AND OF YOU

Shoot a laundry machine (that's still working thanks to my power) at this guy and then head inside the inn.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 12:43:47 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 12:36:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 12:34:23 pm

<Are you outside of the inn?>

<Can't you tell without needing to ask?>

<No, not really. You see, it's a rather important question, since it will help determine whether or not I am actually talking to you or if I am just a figment of your (admittedly active) imagination. So, do you think you have gone space crazy?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 01:00:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 12:43:47 pm

<No, not really. You see, it's a rather important question, since it will help determine whether or not I am actually talking to you or if I am just a figment of your (admittedly active) imagination. So, do you think you have gone space crazy?>

<That's a pretty awful try at gaslighting me, no offense. Have you had your morning coffee?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 01:21:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:13:53 am

"But if you ever... stop enjoying our time together, then I can... return you there."

huh? she can go anytime she wants? He isn't in this to gain anything?
I walk over towards River and Theri
But Stellar said she couldn't, that this was the only way... River must be a much stronger Entity than her.

"I... I overheard you two talking. You said that... Theri gets a real choice in this? I... I'd like to know something, if I may ask. What is the real purpose of all this? and... and how does the Stray tie in to it?"
What will be my fate?

---

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2013, 07:33:32 pm

" 'What exactly is this competition?' I hear you asking? Well, it is very simple. One of us chooses a challenge for you, that is, a place where you will appear and an objective you must complete. Emerge from the challenge victorious and you will be rewarded. Your entities will be allowed to work on improving your abilities. Your power will increase, your weaknesses will be eliminated. Loose, and you get to try again, at least until your entity gets bored. The better you perform, the quicker you can go home, back to your time and space, with only increased power and knowledge to show for it. Pretty nice deal, eh? We get entertained, you gain power, everyone is happy."
"Yeah, but what about the stray? The rules state-"
"The 'Stray', as you called her, is not a problem. I've already talked to her entity about it and I'm certain we'll be able to come to an arrangement about that. Now, do not interrupt me again."
"Now, some simple things. As you may have noted, you can change almost everything in here with your mind. However, you cannot create copies of yourselves or other participants. You are also incapable of harming or otherwise hurting and undermining yourselves or others, be it physically, by changing this place or by using your abilities. That's why we are able to have this conversation in pleasant warmth instead of flesh burning heat, why that ice melted in seconds while your skin does not. If you really want to fight and hurt someone else, tell one of us. I'm sure we'll be able to arrange something. If you want to practice and experiment however, this area is perfect for that. The only difference between this area (the Staging Area) and your personal sections is that only you and the entity that chose you may enter your personal section."
"Most challenges won't allow you to bring anything from here except items that have been 'bonded' to you. But do not worry, your hosts should provide you with whatever you need. Your hosts will also be able to provide you with sufficient information about the world you appear in. Each challenge is unique in that regard, so going into it in detail before it starts seems redundant."

((for a reference this far back, thought you might want a quote to put it in context.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 02:07:07 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 01:00:18 pm

<That's a pretty awful try at gaslighting me, no offense. Have you had your morning coffee?>

<Yeah, no, just curious. Wanted to see if you'd go for it. But it's true, I didn't transmit anything to you, at least not intentionally. Maybe those big ears of yours can hear more than sound? Who knows. Anyway, that's part two of your question answered.>

Quote from: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 01:21:19 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:13:53 am

"But if you ever... stop enjoying our time together, then I can... return you there."

huh? she can go anytime she wants? He isn't in this to gain anything?
I walk over towards River and Theri
But Stellar said she couldn't, that this was the only way... River must be a much stronger Entity than her.

"I... I overheard you two talking. You said that... Theri gets a real choice in this? I... I'd like to know something, if I may ask. What is the real purpose of all this? and... and how does the Stray tie in to it?"
What will be my fate?

---

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2013, 07:33:32 pm

" 'What exactly is this competition?' I hear you asking? Well, it is very simple. One of us chooses a challenge for you, that is, a place where you will appear and an objective you must complete. Emerge from the challenge victorious and you will be rewarded. Your entities will be allowed to work on improving your abilities. Your power will increase, your weaknesses will be eliminated. Loose, and you get to try again, at least until your entity gets bored. The better you perform, the quicker you can go home, back to your time and space, with only increased power and knowledge to show for it. Pretty nice deal, eh? We get entertained, you gain power, everyone is happy."
"Yeah, but what about the stray? The rules state-"
"The 'Stray', as you called her, is not a problem. I've already talked to her entity about it and I'm certain we'll be able to come to an arrangement about that. Now, do not interrupt me again."
"Now, some simple things. As you may have noted, you can change almost everything in here with your mind. However, you cannot create copies of yourselves or other participants. You are also incapable of harming or otherwise hurting and undermining yourselves or others, be it physically, by changing this place or by using your abilities. That's why we are able to have this conversation in pleasant warmth instead of flesh burning heat, why that ice melted in seconds while your skin does not. If you really want to fight and hurt someone else, tell one of us. I'm sure we'll be able to arrange something. If you want to practice and experiment however, this area is perfect for that. The only difference between this area (the Staging Area) and your personal sections is that only you and the entity that chose you may enter your personal section."
"Most challenges won't allow you to bring anything from here except items that have been 'bonded' to you. But do not worry, your hosts should provide you with whatever you need. Your hosts will also be able to provide you with sufficient information about the world you appear in. Each challenge is unique in that regard, so going into it in detail before it starts seems redundant."

((for a reference this far back, thought you might want a quote to put it in context.))

((I remember, but thanks.))
"I... I overheard you two talking."
He looks annoyed at this but says nothing. He simply lowers his body a bit, turns his ears to face you and looks at you closely.
"You said that... Theri gets a real choice in this?"
"Yes." he growls a short reply, unmoving except for his mouth
"I... I'd like to know something, if I may ask. What is the real purpose of all this?"
"The purpose is what you and those in this want it to be."
"and... and how does the Stray tie in to it?"
"You have to be returned to where you were taken from. That would kill you."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 02:15:54 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 02:07:07 pm

<Yeah, no, just curious. Wanted to see if you'd go for it. But it's true, I didn't transmit anything to you, at least not intentionally. Maybe those big ears of yours can hear more than sound? Who knows. Anyway, that's part two of your question answered.>

<Maybe I was just imagining that I was outside, or maybe I for some reason imagined I could hear you? Well, anyhow, that's all cleared up. Back to not being on speaking terms, I suppose.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 02:56:27 pm

Well, that one certainly doesn't like me.
"O-oh. I... I... Sorry to have bothered you."
I walk away and go back to the table.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 17, 2014, 05:04:44 pm

"I leave you alone if that's what you want"
Go to the table that is as far away as possible from the one that punched me and tend to my injures

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 05:32:53 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 17, 2014, 11:13:47 am

Oh, well that's unfortunate. I was hoping I had more time to argue with people over the morals that I adopted before entering this convoluted multiverse.
Ah well. Maybe there's a next time, maybe not.

Move out of my room and into the center of the inn. Stick to a corner and simply observe the room around me.

Quote

into the center of the inn

Quote

Stick to a corner

You enter the inn and immediately start imitating a lizard (http://youtu.be/d-AlkEV_m_Q) a you walk forwards and backwards, unable to decide where you want to go.

"I think he's breakdancing."
<I think he's broken.>
"Someone press control-alt-delete."

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 17, 2014, 11:58:31 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 10:49:03 am

((Sorry man, I keep missing you for some reason.))

((I ain't even mad.))

"I obey."

Attempt to get out of the room, inevitably break through the doorframe as I am most probably far too big for it, then go downstairs.

You squeeze through the doorframe with some difficulty and then make your way downstairs, the floor complaining with creaks and squeaks as you step on it. Still, the hallways are surprisingly spacious and the ceilings surprisingly high, so you don't have to break anything to make your way downstairs.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 12:26:11 pm

Ima take yo tricycle, and ima throw it at that castle. Also, who was that, now i heard 2 voices in mah hed, I hate voices in my head. Go into inn after throwing huge trike

You give a half-hearted bump to the huge tricycle. It wiggles a bit.
You shrug, complain about the voices and enter the inn.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 17, 2014, 12:36:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2014, 08:16:13 am

((The Xantalos Die: [1, 1, 1, 6, 6, 6]))

Sigd

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 12:26:11 pm

Ima take yo tricycle, and ima throw it at that castle. Also, who was that, now i heard 2 voices in mah hed, I hate voices in my head. Go into inn after throwing huge trike

I DISAPPROVE OF THIS AND OF YOU

Shoot a laundry machine (that's still working thanks to my power) at this guy and then head inside the inn.

You fail to summon anything (thank random for all those 1s).
You shrug and follow the big guy to the inn.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 02:15:54 pm

<Maybe I was just imagining that I was outside, or maybe I for some reason imagined I could hear you? Well, anyhow, that's all cleared up. Back to not being on speaking terms, I suppose.>

<Oh, come on, don't be like that. You can talk to me. As long as you don't mind me having some fun in the process.>

Quote from: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 02:56:27 pm

Well, that one certainly doesn't like me.
"O-oh. I... I... Sorry to have bothered you."
I walk away and go back to the table.

The entity sighs, relaxes and turns to face Theri again.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 17, 2014, 05:04:44 pm

"I leave you alone if that's what you want"
Go to the table that is as far away as possible from the one that punched me and tend to my injures

You get yourself out of the Lioraw-shaped hole in the wall and sit on a nearby table.
Surprisingly though, you are uninjured. Just a bit tingly.

<Hey there! Anybody explained what's going on to you?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 17, 2014, 05:54:59 pm

((Errgh.. I knew that wording would be confusing. Sorry about that. I meant to the center of the inn in terms of rooms, not the exact center. Then, I would move to the corner of the center of the inn.
Again, so sorry about that.))

Correct myself and stop walking around like an idiot. Then, continue my last action with going to the corner of the room.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 06:11:58 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 17, 2014, 05:54:59 pm

((Errgh.. I knew that wording would be confusing. Sorry about that. I meant to the center of the inn in terms of rooms, not the exact center. Then, I would move to the corner of the center of the inn.
Again, so sorry about that.))

Correct myself and stop walking around like an idiot. Then, continue my last action with going to the corner of the room.

((Nah, relax, I'm just joking. I think everyone has realised by now that I like silly jokes like that. I understood that you meant downstairs.))

You go sit in a dark corner all alone, your face barely lit by the fireplace, and get ready to offer people shady deals.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:17:35 pm

Quote from: Irine on September 17, 2014, 02:56:27 pm

"O-oh. I... I... Sorry to have bothered you."

Theri, not yet noticing the figure on the table, was focused on Irine's conversation. She pouts a bit.
"Um...I'm not sure if I understand much here, River. The people below the cliff are...here because they're dead? As in, when they're...not in this zone of reshape-ability?"
Mmph, he didn't answer my question on favorite foods :I
Now what can I...conjure, I guess, for him?
Hmph.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 08:34:24 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:17:35 pm

Quote from: Irine on September 17, 2014, 02:56:27 pm

"O-oh. I... I... Sorry to have bothered you."

Theri, not yet noticing the figure on the table, was focused on Irine's conversation. She pouts a bit.
"Um...I'm not sure if I understand much here, River. The people below the cliff are...here because they're dead? As in, when they're...not in this zone of reshape-ability?"
Mmph, he didn't answer my question on favorite foods :I
Now what can I...conjure, I guess, for him?
Hmph.

"No, they are not dead. They are here because they were chosen by someone and brought here from their own worlds. Similar to how you were brought here from your world. But for different reasons."

"The problem with Irine is that her world doesn't exist anymore, at least not in a way that she can survive there. And yet the rules of this place state that she must return to her world if she ever leaves. So if our rules were to be followed at that point, then she would die. But arrangements have been made to ensure that doesn't happen."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:38:47 pm

Theri blinked. If she knew things like these back on where she was, physics would be pretty 'fun' to talk about.

"So its like changing time to save the world? That's...brilliant. Amazing! But-...people should compete for it?"
As she looked at River, she couldn't help but recall something due to his attire.

"Also you didn't tell me your favorite food, at least."
:P

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 09:02:36 pm

"You'z eh SHA-DOW-EEN, ain't ya. Ya, You guyz ha da gret parties, roight?"

Take a seat.

(SHA-DOW-EEN are a group of people who've taken an augmentation that turns them into an inky, shadowy silhouette. They live in the alleys and sewers, and they are shapeshifters. They take a form of your worst nightmare, and feed off of adrenaline as a source of food. They make the best haunted houses.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 10:21:19 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 17, 2014, 08:38:47 pm

Theri blinked. If she knew things like these back on where she was, physics would be pretty 'fun' to talk about.

"So its like changing time to save the world? That's...brilliant. Amazing! But-...people should compete for it?"
As she looked at River, she couldn't help but recall something due to his attire.

"Also you didn't tell me your favorite food, at least."
:P

"It's not the way I like it. But it is the way things are. The way things are for now, anyway."

"As for my favourite food... I haven't really thought about it."
He looks away in a thoughtful manner.
"I usually eat what I can find. I don't think I have a preference. I suppose there were meals that were better than others but... Hm... Let me think..."
After a few seconds of silence, his face lights up for a moment.
"Oh, fish are nice, they're fun to catch, especially the ones jumping in the waterfalls! And the others too, just corner them in a small stream and then-"
His expression turns thoughtful again.
"But that's not really what you want to know, is it?

I... I am sorry, nobody has asked me this question before. I just don't know and I do not want to lie to you. I never considered it a very important thing, never paid attention. Food is food. Sometimes the meat is more tender, sometimes it's more juicy, more sweet. But in the end, meat is meat.
I'm trying to understand. May I ask what your favourite food is?"

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2014, 09:02:36 pm

"You'z eh SHA-DOW-EEN, ain't ya. Ya, You guyz ha da gret parties, roight?"

Take a seat.

(SHA-DOW-EEN are a group of people who've taken an augmentation that turns them into an inky, shadowy silhouette. They live in the alleys and sewers, and they are shapeshifters. They take a form of your worst nightmare, and feed off of adrenaline as a source of food. They make the best haunted houses.)

"Well, I am known for my parties." the man replies. You are unsure about whether or not he is being sarcastic. "They tend to be rather... exciting."
"Sometimes people say I have a drug and alcohol problem, but they are wrong. Because I cured it. With my mind (http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-body/news/charlie-sheen-i-cured-myself-with-my-mind-2011242)."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 17, 2014, 10:50:29 pm

Speaking to no one entity in particular, maybe Charlie or Stellar.
"Um, on our next mission, do we have to have hosts again? or could I just go as myself?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 17, 2014, 10:59:35 pm

Alan walks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzSSq5AZ6Es) into the centre of the inn and clears his throat loudly.

Everyone, everyone look my way please.

Conjure an extremely plushy couch. Sit on couch.

This is MY couch. Just wanted to make that clear.

((I just remembered that I based Alan off of Alan from the Hangover movies, so just imagine him doing all of this.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 17, 2014, 11:03:02 pm

Zechariah mostly stayed absent-minded in the corner, trying to empty his mind of malicious thoughts. However, he did hear a few things that interested him - including what Irene asked. That was going to be important to him.

"I second that question," Zechariah called out to the room.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2014, 11:48:29 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2014, 05:32:53 pm

<Oh, come on, don't be like that. You can talk to me. As long as you don't mind me having some fun in the process.>

<I know I can, of course. I'm just not really sure I want to right now, is all. You do seem pretty busy and distracted, after all.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Tiruin on September 18, 2014, 12:35:59 am

Quote from: River on September 17, 2014, 10:21:19 pm

"I... I am sorry, nobody has asked me this question before. I just don't know and I do not want to lie to you. I never considered it a very important thing, never paid attention. Food is food. Sometimes the meat is more tender, sometimes it's more juicy, more sweet. But in the end, meat is meat.
I'm trying to understand. May I ask what your favourite food is?""

Theri lightened up and smiled as River talked. There was a flurry of thoughts that brought a deeper understanding of him, and a deep-seated appreciation of his mannerisms. It was like she could feel how he felt in trying to parse what she said.
It was something very hard to translate into words, directly.
...

"I have little idea either. Never had a real specific preference...ahah. I'm a bit silly for asking yours but not having one of my own. Though its pretty much nearly the same as yours--those fish jumping up waterfalls are Salmon, and the varieties of meat have sources. Me? I like squid. Fried squid. Rubbery, yet pretty juicy to the palate.

"And...I, erm, just asked that because of...I have no idea how to describe why. But I'm still confused over some bits--like, could I know why there is this contest of sorts?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 18, 2014, 02:37:09 am

"No one has explained Is happened to me"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 08:14:27 am

John laughed at Alan.  "I made this tavern, but you don't see me claiming it.  I know you can make enough for everyone!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 09:16:56 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 17, 2014, 10:59:35 pm

Alan walks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzSSq5AZ6Es) into the centre of the inn and clears his throat loudly.

Everyone, everyone look my way please.

Conjure an extremely plushy couch. Sit on couch.

This is MY couch. Just wanted to make that clear.

((I just remembered that I based Alan off of Alan from the Hangover movies, so just imagine him doing all of this.))

((Yes, I can see the resemblance. He does have a Galifianakis vibe to him.))

You summon your couch and sit on it, making sure to mark your territory beforehand.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 18, 2014, 12:35:59 am

Quote from: River on September 17, 2014, 10:21:19 pm

"I... I am sorry, nobody has asked me this question before. I just don't know and I do not want to lie to you. I never considered it a very important thing, never paid attention. Food is food. Sometimes the meat is more tender, sometimes it's more juicy, more sweet. But in the end, meat is meat.
I'm trying to understand. May I ask what your favourite food is?""

Theri lightened up and smiled as River talked. There was a flurry of thoughts that brought a deeper understanding of him, and a deep-seated appreciation of his mannerisms. It was like she could feel how he felt in trying to parse what she said.
It was something very hard to translate into words, directly.
...

"I have little idea either. Never had a real specific preference...ahah. I'm a bit silly for asking yours but not having one of my own. Though its pretty much nearly the same as yours--those fish jumping up waterfalls are Salmon, and the varieties of meat have sources. Me? I like squid. Fried squid. Rubbery, yet pretty juicy to the palate.

"And...I, erm, just asked that because of...I have no idea how to describe why. But I'm still confused over some bits--like, could I know why there is this contest of sorts?"

"Because the others like me want there to be a contest. Because they want to compete with each other. He most of all."

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 18, 2014, 02:37:09 am

"No one has explained Is happened to me"

<Oh. Well that's just poor etiquette, isn't it? Why didn't you tell him?>
<So that I may judge him. Know if he is worthy.>
<Well, anyway, you are here because he brought you here.
He is what people call an Entity.
And he brought you here to participate in challenges with others like you.
Win the challenges and you gain more power.
Sounds reasonable? I hope it does, because you don't have much choice on the matter.>

---

---

The shadow man stands up and claps his hands twice to get everyone's attention.
"Okay then, looks like everybody is here, there's nothing important anyone wants to say and people are starting to ask questions about the mission. So let's start this thing."
He lifts his hand and orbs of shadowfire fly out of them.
"Once again, you're being split into two separate challenges."

The orbs hover over Bryan, Ron Bones, "Rune", John, Saevus and Lioraw.

"First challenge is a simple and fun one. The ones with the orbs above their heads are going to this one, if it wasn't obvious.

There's some sort of gang war going on in a world we're in control of. The specifics aren't terribly important, since you won't be dealing with that. And your hosts will be able to provide you with any of the necessary data. Tech level is around what you'd find in the 1950s for those of you who know your Earth-3 history.

Anyway, you'll be in control of people trying to survive one of the events of said gang war. You will start off together, as a group. You will be hunted and you will face overwhelming odds. So you will have two very simple objectives. Survive for as long as possible and if possible, evade your pursuers and reach a safe area. If you fail, then the last man standing wins. Fairly standard thing all in all.

We won't be able to communicate with you during the challenge, but we will be watching, so try to impress."

He then turns to address Nikolai, Ike, Irene, Zechariah, Theri and Alan.

"The rest of you have been granted a great honour. Darkstar has asked for assistance in a... let's call it hunting trip. The situation doesn't allow him to hunt this prey on his own, at least not without causing some major disruption in the process. So he has selected you to accompany him."

"The challenge itself is fairly simple. You'll be teleported somewhere near your prey. Make your way there, find it, kill it and then get teleported back. You'll be provided with a few supplies. Appropriate clothing, backpacks, food, camping gear, in case the trip takes longer than expected, but I don't think it would take more than a day or two."

"However, there are some complications. You'll be operating in a world that is not under our control. In fact, we don't even know that much about it. And the outsider in control of it seems to be fairly powerful, so we'd like to avoid any conflict with it, for now at lest. So we're going for a minimal influence, more stealthy approach."

"What that means is, no hosts, no interfaces, no interactions with us, no way to communicate with you even if we wanted to. We'll have to make minor modifications to you in order to fit in better, most notably knowledge of the most common local language, but it shouldn't be anything major."

He shows you a small pendant that appears in his hand in a small burst of shadowfire. It's a simple thing, just a silver metal ring hanging from a chain made out of a similar, if a bit less shiny and darker alloy.
"Since you'll lack Interfaces, these things will provide short range communication. They should also be able to provide low level translation, should you meet anyone not speaking the same language. Try not to loose them."
He's looking at Alan as he says that last sentence.

"They are not indestructible nor bound to you in any way. Just low level magical artefacts."
He flicks his hand and the pendant is hidden by a burst of shadowfire. When it clears, the pendant has disappeared, replaced in his hand by a knife. A wooden dummy appears besides him with a similar effect.

"And, final and most important thing: Death. Now, since we'll have no connection to you, that means that if you die, then... well, you'll die. No way for us to revive you. But, it was decided that that might be a tad too dangerous, considering your previous injury and mortality rate. So, instead of dying, you get this:"

He stabs the dummy near where the heart would be. The dummy moves as if it were alive, putting a wooden hand over its "wound" before collapsing to the ground. A few seconds later, it begins to glow. When the glow disappears, all that is left in its place is a brown orb, a bit bigger than a human hand.

"When it is detected that your body can no longer be revived, all relevant information will be transferred to a little thing like this one." he says and picks the orb up.

"As long as you can manage to retrieve it and nobody damages it, then Darkstar should be able to use it to revive you. Assuming he has enough time and energy, of course.

He won't have his full power, because that would make him stand out like a meteor in the night sky. So don't expect any instant revives.

And the orbs are not indestructible and can be lost. If they aren't recovered after a long time or if they run out of power or if they are damaged beyond repair, then they will self-destruct to prevent capture."

To demonstrate, he stabs the orb. It starts cracking like glass, fractures appearing across its surface as the knife gets embedded deeper and deeper. And then, something breaks and the orb disappears in a small flash of light.

"So try not to have that happen to them. Don't fall into any volcanoes, don't drown out at sea. The usual things any sane person would do."
He is looking at Alan again as he says those last things.

"So, I think that's everything. Any questions?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:28:22 am

John raised his hand.  "You say it's a 1950s tech level there.  What if we break out gear that's clearly beyond their tech level, like modern arms or exosuits?  Will they pull back and hit us harder with different gear, or will everything break?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 09:34:34 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:28:22 am

John raised his hand.  "You say it's a 1950s tech level there.  What if we break out gear that's clearly beyond their tech level, like modern arms or exosuits?  Will they pull back and hit us harder with different gear, or will everything break?"

"Well, you'll probably be painting a big target on your back if you do that. So you might end up attracting too much attention and facing a lot of enemies. And they'll probably bring appropriate gear with them. If you summon a tank for example, they'll probably get some RPGs or AT rifles. But other than that, I see no problem. If you think you can pull off a 'guns blazing' approach, then go for it. Should be fun to watch."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:35:43 am

John nodded.  "So this may be less 'last stand' and more 'evade pursuers until we reach the extraction' for this mission?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 09:40:29 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:35:43 am

John nodded.  "So this may be less 'last stand' and more 'evade pursuers until we reach the extraction' for this mission?"

"Yes, more like that. We might be persuaded to reward all of you for a very good last stand, but other than that, it's 'make your way to safety'. Or 'hide and hope the others die first', if you aren't a team player."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 10:05:07 am

"Will we be provided with any equipment?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 11:16:08 am

"Is this place called Urbania by circumstance?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2014, 11:21:38 am

"This sounds real fun! When do we leave? And do we get any other stuff?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 11:46:16 am

"Um, when I was brought here, did... I... I used to have protections of my own against death, though they cost me a lot if I had to use them. Do they still work? I kinda can't check them and so much else got messed up when I was brought here I don't..."
((Does Irine's reincarnation system (as a different person) still trigger upon perma-death?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 11:50:09 am

Can I bring my couch with?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 10:05:07 am

"Will we be provided with any equipment?"

"Just what your hosts have. And a standard Interface, of course."

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 11:16:08 am

"Is this place called Urbania by circumstance?"

"It's the city of Kingdom Bay, actually, Earth-854. Again, if you know your Earth-3 history, imagine it like New York, but a bit smaller and a lot worse."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2014, 11:21:38 am

"This sounds real fun! When do we leave? And do we get any other stuff?"

"As soon as all this is over, we'll render you unconscious to make the necessary modifications and then you'll be on your way. As for equipment, beyond the pendants, supplies and survival gear, no, you won't be receiving anything. If we dropped you in with a couple dozen nuclear bombs, that would be neither inconspicuous nor fun, would it?
...
Well, I suppose that would be fun. Wrong example there."

Quote from: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 11:46:16 am

"Um, when I was brought here, did... I... I used to have protections of my own against death, though they cost me a lot if I had to use them. Do they still work? I kinda can't check them and so much else got messed up when I was brought here I don't..."
((Does Irine's reincarnation system (as a different person) still trigger upon perma-death?))

"No, those are linked to your home universe, which is now technically universe 523."
<If this mission were to take place in universe 523, then me and him might be able to rig something.>
"Then again, universe 523 is under my control, so that would be kind of unnecessary."

Quote from: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 11:50:09 am

Can I bring my couch with?

The shadowman brings his hand to his head and sighs.
"No, you cannot bring your couch."
"You can summon a new couch once you're there." the bartender pipes in helpfully.
"Stop giving him ideas!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 12:37:24 pm

Good! Always important is comfort when messily killing something.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 12:37:29 pm

John grinned.  "You could summon couches for everyone!  And more bigwheels and minifridges!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 12:41:30 pm

Grand idea, John, I'll do so now!

Couches! Couches galore!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 01:06:16 pm

Saevus keeps still, like a statue suit of armor on display, and watches the others.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 01:10:22 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 12:37:29 pm

John grinned.  "You could summon couches for everyone!  And more bigwheels and minifridges!"

"Please stop trying to get him permakilled. The chances are high enough as it is."

Quote from: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 12:41:30 pm

Grand idea, John, I'll do so now!

Couches! Couches galore!

Alan spreads his arms out and starts spinning around. Almost everyone sees what's coming next and hits the floor, with the exception of Zechariah and Saevus.

John (who is currently lying on the floor) feels the gaze of the shadowman on him. A couch goes through the shadowman, disturbing the inky material he is made of and causing it to swirl around.
"Why do you hate me?! Did I do anything to you?"

It's a few seconds before the barrage stops, after Alan manages to hit himself with a couch and embed his head in the ceiling.

As the rest of the people in the room stand up from wherever they took cover (or get out of the couch they are lying under in the case of Zechariah and Saevus) the shadowman points at Alan and he is enveloped in darkness. The darkness moves down until it reaches the floor where it dissipates, revealing Alan, sitting on the floor.
"Your powers and ability to influence the staging area are disabled for now. Don't make me make this permanent."

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 01:06:16 pm

Saevus keeps still, like a statue suit of armor on display, and watches the others.

Your observations help you learn why sitting still is a bad idea when there's a couch barrage on the way and why Alan is an easily influenced, dangerous, crazy and dangerously crazy person.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 01:13:39 pm

Alan pouts mightily and sits down on a stray couch, reminiscent of an angry 6 year-old.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 01:36:58 pm

John is too busy laughing to respond.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2014, 02:05:53 pm

Zechariah felt uncomfortable after the head entity mentioned another universe that was controlled by an outside force.
No. This can't have any correlation with Eido Aeterno. It's just a coincidence.
It's just not possible.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 11:16:08 am

"Is this place called Urbania by circumstance?"

"It's the city of Kingdom Bay, actually, Earth-854. Again, if you know your Earth-3 history, imagine it like New York, but a bit smaller and a lot worse."

Oh. That makes sense..
Still, why can't I shake this feeling..?

"Is there any information about the environment or our adversaries that you could give? What powers or weapons we should expect, hazards in the environment - anything that would be of use."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 02:08:41 pm

"I thank thee, human."

Nonchalantly take the couch off myself and sit down on it.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 02:13:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

"No, those are linked to your home universe, which is now technically universe 523."
"Then again, universe 523 is under my control, so that would be kind of unnecessary."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

your home universe, which is now technically universe 523

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

"universe 523 is under my control"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 10:04:46 pm

And then there are more sneaky tactics. Sending an agent to a core world to corrupt the owning entity's control directly, for example. Or the master tactic, manipulating the events of an entire universe, subtly enough for the other entity to not notice you, but changing them enough to create points of... weakness. An event that by its occurrence causes an almost unstoppable cascade of events. A cascade that will harm the control of that entity over the universe. Manipulate situations so that a lot of those events happen at once and they will destroy the control that entity has over that universe. Causing it to collapse like an arch with its keystone removed. This is the most energy efficient method, especially against outsiders. They are usually unable to concentrate on the details like we can. Then again, we are unable to see the bigger picture like they can.>

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 02:07:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2014, 11:55:16 am

{Irine}
<I... I see. So... stuff like what happened to my home is part of how Entities fight? That... *sigh* That makes sense, actually. Are... Were... Was I... Was what I once was what Entities would call an Outsider?>

<I... I don't know about what happened to your home. One of us could have caused it but I don't know who would do such a thing, or why. It's a waste, so many lives, so much potential extinguished for nothing. If one would be willing to expend so many resources, just to destroy it and gain nothing in return, nothing material at least... They would need to have some very twisted ulterior motive. Or they would have to be mad, enraged, taking pleasure in destruction and corruption...>
She remains silent for a few moments.
<You would probably be called an outsider, yes, although in a way you are more like us then most other Outsiders. Outsider is a very broad term, used for any being that exceeds a level of power and is not one of us. Ι->

WHAT?

I immediately turn to glare directly at Charlie, but don't speak for several seconds, getting myself partly under control before speaking, quietly, in a completely flat tone of voice.
"How did you acquire my home?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 03:01:16 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 01:13:39 pm

Alan pouts mightily and sits down on a stray couch, reminiscent of an angry 6 year-old.

Oooh, come oooon, I wanna throw some cooouuucheeees.

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 01:36:58 pm

John is too busy laughing to respond.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2014, 02:05:53 pm

Zechariah felt uncomfortable after the head entity mentioned another universe that was controlled by an outside force.
No. This can't have any correlation with Eido Aeterno. It's just a coincidence.
It's just not possible.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 11:16:08 am

"Is this place called Urbania by circumstance?"

"It's the city of Kingdom Bay, actually, Earth-854. Again, if you know your Earth-3 history, imagine it like New York, but a bit smaller and a lot worse."

Oh. That makes sense..
Still, why can't I shake this feeling..?

"Is there any information about the environment or our adversaries that you could give? What powers or weapons we should expect, hazards in the environment - anything that would be of use."

((Salsacookies is in mission B, you're in A. Missions are:
A:
NAV
Harry Baldman
Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Tiruin
Xantalos
B:
Alarith
Salsacookies
Coolrune206
Toaster
Hawk123
Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER))

"We don't know much about it. Planet is simple, Earth-like, one moon. Most of the land is separated into three large landmasses separated by the ocean, although there is little communication and interaction between them. Humans and human-variants are the primary and more numerous intelligent species on it. Tech level is Earth-3 medieval with some variation depending on location, maybe some other factors we don't know about. Large scale use and natural occurrence of magic, although we aren't sure if there are any rules for it. We hope there won't be any problem with your magic interacting with that world's but one can never be certain without more study. Scans also show supernatural beings, parasites, all kinds of things looking to profit from the power of that universe. There are large countries on it, most of them probably basing their existence on magic, but any of their politics or their disposition towards you are unknown. As for your target, you should ask him."

Quote from: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 02:13:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

"No, those are linked to your home universe, which is now technically universe 523."
"Then again, universe 523 is under my control, so that would be kind of unnecessary."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

your home universe, which is now technically universe 523

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

"universe 523 is under my control"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 13, 2014, 10:04:46 pm

And then there are more sneaky tactics. Sending an agent to a core world to corrupt the owning entity's control directly, for example. Or the master tactic, manipulating the events of an entire universe, subtly enough for the other entity to not notice you, but changing them enough to create points of... weakness. An event that by its occurrence causes an almost unstoppable cascade of events. A cascade that will harm the control of that entity over the universe. Manipulate situations so that a lot of those events happen at once and they will destroy the control that entity has over that universe. Causing it to collapse like an arch with its keystone removed. This is the most energy efficient method, especially against outsiders. They are usually unable to concentrate on the details like we can. Then again, we are unable to see the bigger picture like they can.>

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2014, 02:07:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2014, 11:55:16 am

{Irine}
<I... I see. So... stuff like what happened to my home is part of how Entities fight? That... *sigh* That makes sense, actually. Are... Were... Was I... Was what I once was what Entities would call an Outsider?>

<I... I don't know about what happened to your home. One of us could have caused it but I don't know who would do such a thing, or why. It's a waste, so many lives, so much potential extinguished for nothing. If one would be willing to expend so many resources, just to destroy it and gain nothing in return, nothing material at least... They would need to have some very twisted ulterior motive. Or they would have to be mad, enraged, taking pleasure in destruction and corruption...>
She remains silent for a few moments.
<You would probably be called an outsider, yes, although in a way you are more like us then most other Outsiders. Outsider is a very broad term, used for any being that exceeds a level of power and is not one of us. Ι->

WHAT?

I immediately turn to glare directly at Charlie, but don't speak for several seconds, getting myself partly under control before speaking, quietly, in a completely flat tone of voice.
"How did you acquire my home?"

The man emits a short laugh.
"I see why he doesn't trust you." he quietly says to himself with an amused tone.
"I did not acquire your 'home'. From what she told me, that place is probably only worth anything as a relay or a small addition of energy now, if it hasn't collapsed already. I'm not really watching it so I can't tell for sure." he adds with a small dismissive gesture.
"No, what I'm talking about is the universe your soul is currently linked with. It seems to require that small link, even if it is somewhere else. So it was linked to one of my own. That was part of the deal."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 03:12:01 pm

((Paris, y u do dis. Oh, and by the way, it's 132))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 02:08:41 pm

"I thank thee, human."

Nonchalantly take the couch off myself and sit down on it.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2014, 03:45:36 pm

Zechariah tensed up a bit. Maybe he wasn't wrong with his hunch. He still didn't have much in the ways of solid evidence, but there were some things popping up that resembled what he knew about before.
He had to remain vigilant. Something.. odd.. was happening in the background of all of this nonsense, and he wanted to find out what it was.

He nodded to the shadowy man and said "I.. I understand."
He then directed his attention to the general area of the room and called out to another entity.
"Darkstar, what do you have for us as the target? Anything or anyone specific, or are we just looking for a general objective?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: NAV on September 18, 2014, 03:48:32 pm

Nikolai whispers something quickly to his entity, then he observes the tavern, and picks out his new teammates among the crowd. No one else from the BETA crew sadly.
He stays silent for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 03:52:46 pm

Alan heard words.

Yo, HIM! Who's this thing we're killinating or whatever?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Alarith on September 18, 2014, 04:27:09 pm

"Hm, gangs in 50's New York.  This should prove to be interesting.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 04:32:18 pm

I still have my links? in some form, at least? They're just really far away, I still have them? I...
I look down and breathe a sigh of relief.
"Thank you. I... I suppose I owe you an apology. I'm still trying to come to terms with what happened, and it's hard to trust you, with the way you present yourself and the situation I'm in. I... I shouldn't be accusing you at every turn like this. Sorry. So far you entities have been fair, and don't deserve the way I've been lashing out at you. I'm... I'm sorry for that."
I continue looking down while speaking.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 18, 2014, 05:56:23 pm

"Who is the entity I am working for"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 08:00:22 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 03:12:01 pm

((Paris, y u do dis. Oh, and by the way, it's 132))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 18, 2014, 02:08:41 pm

"I thank thee, human."

Nonchalantly take the couch off myself and sit down on it.

((Sorry man, thought you were just RPing. I'm not doing this on purpose, I swear.
And I think I've already proven several times that I suck at noticing the spelling of names.))

You get the couch off of you and sit on it after thanking the now pouting Alan for it. The couch complains a bit and the pillows bend more than usual, but other than that, the couch holds.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2014, 03:45:36 pm

Zechariah tensed up a bit. Maybe he wasn't wrong with his hunch. He still didn't have much in the ways of solid evidence, but there were some things popping up that resembled what he knew about before.
He had to remain vigilant. Something.. odd.. was happening in the background of all of this nonsense, and he wanted to find out what it was.

He nodded to the shadowy man and said "I.. I understand."
He then directed his attention to the general area of the room and called out to another entity.
"Darkstar, what do you have for us as the target? Anything or anyone specific, or are we just looking for a general objective?"

The wolfman near Theri responds to your question.
"We're looking for a traitor. A murderer. A coward. A severer. One who dared violate the very nature of my species."
His voice is a mix of a deep human voice and growls.
"The despicable creature tried to flee into another world, thinking I could not track it and follow it there. We will arrive at the place it was last known to be, find whatever hole it has chosen to hide in and bring it to justice."
The anger is clear, both in his voice and in his snarling face.
"Its form has some power. The magical and physical strength my kind possesses, along with the gifts that were granted to it, all of them now squandered. Its size is larger than yours, it can fly, it can modify its form and it has some skill in manipulating the world, both the living and the dead."
He walks towards you, his body low, his ears facing forward, his tail moving nervously from side to side, looking like he is ready to attack.
"Nevertheless, it should have been made weak by its heinous acts. Meaning that even a few of us should be able to end its existence, provided we move quickly. I have acquired basic knowledge of the surrounding area and I am an expert tracker, so locating it should not be a problem."
He stops walking when he is face to face with you.
"Even if that is not the case and it is more powerful than I anticipated, we will see that it is punished for its deeds."
His teeth are a bit too close to your face for comfort.
"I will make sure of it." he adds more quietly, mostly to himself.

Quote from: NAV on September 18, 2014, 03:48:32 pm

Nikolai whispers something quickly to his entity, then he observes the tavern, and picks out his new teammates among the crowd. No one else from the BETA crew sadly.
He stays silent for now.

You consider the prospect of learning to work with new people.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 18, 2014, 03:52:46 pm

Alan heard words.

Yo, HIM! Who's this thing we're killinating or whatever?

I am certain you read DAF's response and are now preparing some sort of silly inappropriate important follow-up question.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 18, 2014, 04:32:18 pm

I still have my links? in some form, at least? They're just really far away, I still have them? I...
I look down and breathe a sigh of relief.
"Thank you. I... I suppose I owe you an apology. I'm still trying to come to terms with what happened, and it's hard to trust you, with the way you present yourself and the situation I'm in. I... I shouldn't be accusing you at every turn like this. Sorry. So far you entities have been fair, and don't deserve the way I've been lashing out at you. I'm... I'm sorry for that."
I continue looking down while speaking.

"No need to apologize. I always try to be fair, to follow my rules, to not go back on my deals. Because it is the best way to ensure others do the same. And that is all."

"Not that I'm complaining. It'll be an opportunity to count how long it will take you to discover some other terrible thing I have actually done that you find the need to accuse me of."

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 18, 2014, 05:56:23 pm

"Who is the entity I am working for"

<It is I, the Knight cloaked in darkness.>
<He's batmaaaan!>
<Sush, Jester. I am no bat. I am an honourable knight. Do not listen to him my champion. I always speak the truth. Do you know why?>
<Because he's batmaaaan! (http://youtu.be/YpIQQeL2ZYk?t=10s)>
<No, because mine honour compels me.>

---

---

((EDIT: I just thought of a name for the orbs. Call them Soul Spheres (http://doom.wikia.com/wiki/Supercharge).))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 08:48:15 pm

"An' who iz da boyo talkin' in mah head comin frum?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:23:18 pm

John stood up, clearing his face a bit.  He smirked at the shadowy entity, then spoke.  "Do we know the nature of the gang we'll be facing?  Grunts with guns?  Ties to deeper pockets?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 12:05:31 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 08:00:22 pm

The wolfman near Theri responds to your question.
"We're looking for a traitor. A murderer. A coward. A severer. One who dared violate the very nature of my species."
His voice is a mix of a deep human voice and growls.
"The despicable creature tried to flee into another world, thinking I could not track it and follow it there. We will arrive at the place it was last known to be, find whatever hole it has chosen to hide in and bring it to justice."
The anger is clear, both in his voice and in his snarling face.
"Its form has some power. The magical and physical strength my kind possesses, along with the gifts that were granted to it, all of them now squandered. Its size is larger than yours, it can fly, it can modify its form and it has some skill in manipulating the world, both the living and the dead."
He walks towards you, his body low, his ears facing forward, his tail moving nervously from side to side, looking like he is ready to attack.
"Nevertheless, it should have been made weak by its heinous acts. Meaning that even a few of us should be able to end its existence, provided we move quickly. I have acquired basic knowledge of the surrounding area and I am an expert tracker, so locating it should not be a problem."
He stops walking when he is face to face with you.
"Even if that is not the case and it is more powerful than I anticipated, we will see that it is punished for its deeds."
His teeth are a bit too close to your face for comfort.
"I will make sure of it." he adds more quietly, mostly to himself.

Ike listens quite intently to this, most surprised by this turn of events.

"Wait, you're Darkstar? You don't look much like a Darkstar. Though you do sound exactly like one. Hm."

He ponders these data a moment.

"Also, would this heinous unperson possibly have an unfortunate hoarding habit? Just what does qualify as a heinous act under god-law, anyway? Did it murder someone or steal something? Or was it something relatively trivial, yet nonetheless unpleasant, like insulting somebody above their weight category, or flirting with the girlfriend of the same?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2014, 12:17:48 am

Zechariah tries not to flinch. If he did, that would seem weak to Darkstar, and he didn't want to get on the wrong foot with Darkstar.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 12:05:31 am

Ike listens quite intently to this, most surprised by this turn of events.
"Wait, you're Darkstar? You don't look much like a Darkstar. Though you do sound exactly like one. Hm."
He ponders these data a moment.
"Also, would this heinous unperson possibly have an unfortunate hoarding habit? Just what does qualify as a heinous act under god-law, anyway? Did it murder someone or steal something? Or was it something relatively trivial, yet nonetheless unpleasant, like insulting somebody above their weight category, or flirt with the girlfriend of the same?"

Zechariah nodded and turned back to Darkstar. "I would also like to know what this person did to insult your species."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 19, 2014, 12:49:27 am

And you'd be right in that!

Does he have a hat I can steal off his corpse?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 19, 2014, 02:33:36 am

"I thought that entities is Much larger than that, but that does not matter anyway"
"What Morality System do you subscribe to, Utilitarianism?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 19, 2014, 05:09:06 am

"Please be more specific. What forms has it been known to take, how limited is its ability to reshape the world around it, what special abilities has it been known to demonstrate, and what is its name."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2014, 07:01:27 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 18, 2014, 08:48:15 pm

"An' who iz da boyo talkin' in mah head comin frum?"

"From here! From me!" you hear a voice coming from besides you.

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:23:18 pm

John stood up, clearing his face a bit.  He smirked at the shadowy entity, then spoke.  "Do we know the nature of the gang we'll be facing?  Grunts with guns?  Ties to deeper pockets?"

"Everything."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 12:05:31 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 08:00:22 pm

The wolfman near Theri responds to your question.
"We're looking for a traitor. A murderer. A coward. A severer. One who dared violate the very nature of my species."
His voice is a mix of a deep human voice and growls.
"The despicable creature tried to flee into another world, thinking I could not track it and follow it there. We will arrive at the place it was last known to be, find whatever hole it has chosen to hide in and bring it to justice."
The anger is clear, both in his voice and in his snarling face.
"Its form has some power. The magical and physical strength my kind possesses, along with the gifts that were granted to it, all of them now squandered. Its size is larger than yours, it can fly, it can modify its form and it has some skill in manipulating the world, both the living and the dead."
He walks towards you, his body low, his ears facing forward, his tail moving nervously from side to side, looking like he is ready to attack.
"Nevertheless, it should have been made weak by its heinous acts. Meaning that even a few of us should be able to end its existence, provided we move quickly. I have acquired basic knowledge of the surrounding area and I am an expert tracker, so locating it should not be a problem."
He stops walking when he is face to face with you.
"Even if that is not the case and it is more powerful than I anticipated, we will see that it is punished for its deeds."
His teeth are a bit too close to your face for comfort.
"I will make sure of it." he adds more quietly, mostly to himself.

Ike listens quite intently to this, most surprised by this turn of events.

"Wait, you're Darkstar? You don't look much like a Darkstar. Though you do sound exactly like one. Hm."

He ponders these data a moment.

"Also, would this heinous unperson possibly have an unfortunate hoarding habit? Just what does qualify as a heinous act under god-law, anyway? Did it murder someone or steal something? Or was it something relatively trivial, yet nonetheless unpleasant, like insulting somebody above their weight category, or flirting with the girlfriend of the same?"

"Wait, you're Darkstar? You don't look much like a Darkstar. Though you do sound exactly like one. Hm."
"If that coward hadn't fled, then he would be facing the form of Darkstar. I am River now. That is the form and name I have chosen for myself. But I am also Darkstar. The name that was chosen for me and feared by my enemies. Even if I have chosen to not look like me or wield the full range of my power, I still have the gift of Sight, I can still Silence the world, I can still strike fear to my enemies."
"Also, would this heinous unperson possibly have an unfortunate hoarding habit?"
"Not that I know of. Maybe it will have some magic items from that world for protection. But not enough time has passed for it to gather many."
"Just what does qualify as a heinous act under god-law, anyway? Did it murder someone or steal something? Or was it something relatively trivial, yet nonetheless unpleasant, like insulting somebody above their weight category, or flirting with the girlfriend of the same?"
"It is not a god and neither am I. It did not break the law of the Entities. It broke my law. The law of my species. Went against our nature. It run away from its responsibilities. It severed its bonds. It killed the one it had bonded with."
He says that last part like its the worst, most unthinkably bad thing anyone could ever do.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2014, 12:17:48 am

Zechariah tries not to flinch. If he did, that would seem weak to Darkstar, and he didn't want to get on the wrong foot with Darkstar.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 12:05:31 am

Ike listens quite intently to this, most surprised by this turn of events.
"Wait, you're Darkstar? You don't look much like a Darkstar. Though you do sound exactly like one. Hm."
He ponders these data a moment.
"Also, would this heinous unperson possibly have an unfortunate hoarding habit? Just what does qualify as a heinous act under god-law, anyway? Did it murder someone or steal something? Or was it something relatively trivial, yet nonetheless unpleasant, like insulting somebody above their weight category, or flirt with the girlfriend of the same?"

Zechariah nodded and turned back to Darkstar. "I would also like to know what this person did to insult your species."

He takes a step back and turns to reply to Ike, although he remains close to you.
I assume you read that reply.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 19, 2014, 12:49:27 am

And you'd be right in that!

Does he have a hat I can steal off his corpse?

"It may have acquired protective headgear. I do not know. It will probably be too large for you to use."

Quote from: Lenglon on September 19, 2014, 05:09:06 am

"Please be more specific. What forms has it been known to take, how limited is its ability to reshape the world around it, what special abilities has it been known to demonstrate, and what is its name."

"The traitor deserves no name." ((Or, more accurately, I haven't thought of one.))

"From what I know, he proffered the form of a giant insect, longer than it is tall, like the worm that it is. But with time it could probably take any form. It is likely to remain at its current size and form, unless it would gain some advantage in hiding."

"Its abilities are powerful, but they take time. It may have altered the environment to create traps, but I should be able to detect them. It could change the terrain to hide and make approaching it difficult. It could modify life around it to support it, but again, that would take time and energy. The worse it can do is to acquire power and somehow completely break the terrain, but that would bring attention to it and I doubt a coward like it would do that."

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 19, 2014, 02:33:36 am

"I thought that entities is Much larger than that, but that does not matter anyway"
"What Morality System do you subscribe to, Utilitarianism?"

"Guess you could call it that. Although it's more 'let everyone do what they want, we'll sort things out later if they do something they weren't supposed to or something that goes against the progress of the collective' sort of thing."

---

---

"Any more questions or shall we begin?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Toaster on September 19, 2014, 07:36:24 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2014, 07:01:27 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:23:18 pm

John stood up, clearing his face a bit.  He smirked at the shadowy entity, then spoke.  "Do we know the nature of the gang we'll be facing?  Grunts with guns?  Ties to deeper pockets?"

"Everything."

"That's not really an answer.  But whatever, let's get this show on the road."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 11:28:37 am

"You look like way less of a River than you do a Darkstar, and that's not something I'd say lightly. Isn't River a girl's name?"

"Anyway, what do you look like in Darkstar mode, if you don't mind saying or, better yet, showing? Is it something suitably cool? Humanoid, perhaps?"

"Also, why did he run away from his responsibilities and kill the one he bonded with? Do you know?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 19, 2014, 12:59:32 pm

No hat is too large for me!


Hey Rhymerer, what d'you think about this traitor cicada or whatever? Havebt heard you talk in a while.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2014, 01:13:27 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 11:28:37 am

"You look like way less of a River than you do a Darkstar, and that's not something I'd say lightly. Isn't River a girl's name?"

"Oh, come on," Zechariah scoffed. "It's nowhere near as girly of a name as Artemis is. Well, that is, if you ignore the context around the name, but that's.. a story for another time."

So far, Ike's questions have been pretty valid, so just pay attention for now and be a passive commenter.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Lenglon on September 19, 2014, 02:01:15 pm

"Ready."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2014, 02:27:51 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 19, 2014, 07:36:24 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2014, 07:01:27 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 09:23:18 pm

John stood up, clearing his face a bit.  He smirked at the shadowy entity, then spoke.  "Do we know the nature of the gang we'll be facing?  Grunts with guns?  Ties to deeper pockets?"

"Everything."

"That's not really an answer.  But whatever, let's get this show on the road."

"I meant that you'll be facing all sorts of enemies. I was trying to sound dramatic by saying something short, vague and powerful."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 11:28:37 am

"You look like way less of a River than you do a Darkstar, and that's not something I'd say lightly. Isn't River a girl's name?"

"Anyway, what do you look like in Darkstar mode, if you don't mind saying or, better yet, showing? Is it something suitably cool? Humanoid, perhaps?"

"Also, why did he run away from his responsibilities and kill the one he bonded with? Do you know?"

"You look like way less of a River than you do a Darkstar, and that's not something I'd say lightly. Isn't River a girl's name?"
"Are you making a joke? It is hard to understand."
"Anyway, what do you look like in Darkstar mode, if you don't mind saying or, better yet, showing? Is it something suitably cool? Humanoid, perhaps?"
"Ask me when we have some spare time on that world. If I have seen that I can trust you, then I will show you.

Or do something that will make me seek revenge against you. I will make sure to track you down and show you my power. It will be the last thing you will ever see."
You're fairly certain he is dead serious when he gives you that warning, given his voice, facial expression and body language.
"Also, why did he run away from his responsibilities and kill the one he bonded with? Do you know?"
"I do not. But it would not change anything. The only excuse that would make any difference is self-defence and I know that that was not the case."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2014, 01:13:27 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2014, 11:28:37 am

"You look like way less of a River than you do a Darkstar, and that's not something I'd say lightly. Isn't River a girl's name?"

"Oh, come on," Zechariah scoffed. "It's nowhere near as girly of a name as Artemis is. Well, that is, if you ignore the context around the name, but that's.. a story for another time."

So far, Ike's questions have been pretty valid, so just pay attention for now and be a passive commenter.

Passive mode: Active

Quote from: Xantalos on September 19, 2014, 12:59:32 pm

No hat is too large for me!

Hey Rhymerer, what d'you think about this traitor cicada or whatever? Havebt heard you talk in a while.

<Though an opinion I may carry
on actions done by creature such
I don't want to make you tarry
so I will only say as much:
As traitor I do not perceive him
but neither as a friendly couch.
Try staying alive after you see him,
'tis busy searching foranew louche.>

---

---

Okay then, it looks like all important questions have been asked so I'll start the missions. Expect them tomorrow. I may respond to any last questions or dialogue you have until then,  but I make no promises.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 3
Post by: Xantalos on September 19, 2014, 02:32:51 pm

Well then, I'll cushionify the bitch!

Quiver in excitement.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 20, 2014, 08:33:07 pm

"Okay then. If that is all..."
The entity snaps his fingers and everyone falls to the floor, unconscious.
"I just want to tell you all good luck. We're all counting on you."

---

---

You lift the glass and bring it to your mouth. The ice cubes clink against the glass as they resettle.
You take a sip out of it. Aaaahhh... That's a fine whiskey.
You set the glass down on the desk and turn to face the man standing by the door again.
"So, everything is ready then?" you ask.
"Uhh, y-yes sir." the other one replies reluctantly.
"Good. Good. And you, are you ready?"
"Uhhh..."
"Come on, tell me, you can speak freely." you say as you get up from your armchair.
You start walking away from your desk, towards the window. The man fidgets and struggles to find the courage to express his opinion.
"Uhhh... Well... Are you certain it is worth the risk sir? All the destruction?"
"Yes, I am certain. This city has stagnated. It needs a new leader, someone to lead it to greatness once more. It needs change. And change requires sacrifice."
Even though he says nothing, he doesn't look very convinced by your small speech.
Environmental assessment complete.
"Well, think about it this way then. The world will be better off without those scum in it. We're doing the people of this city a favour."
The man still doesn't look fully convinced. Well, no matter. He won't dare oppose you. Soon, nobody will.
You look out at the city outside of the window.

---

Toaster
You look out at the city outside of the window, watching the buildings go by. Warehouses and small businesses mostly, with the occasional small house or apartment building popping up among them. Most of them are not in the best of conditions and the dim orange lighting provide by the street lights makes them look even worse. The houses especially. Almost all of them are dark.

Establishing host control. Standby...

While some of the businesses and warehouses survived the events of the past decades, some even thrived, the same cannot be said for the inhabitants of this area. Not many want to live in such a place. Even the people who profit from the criminals are scared of them, scared of finding themselves caught in the crossfire. That's why there's a mass exodus every night. Because there is certainly going to be conflict for such a coveted area. There has been many times before.

Further away the small towers at the heart of the city appear as dark silhouettes against the night sky, only few lights left open where a worker has failed to abandon his work. The night sky takes a slightly orange hue from the light coming from the city, making it starless and empty, only-
"Hey! You with me?" a voice pulls you out of your thoughts.
"Oh, yeah." you reply. "Just trying to relax. Not to think about what comes next."
"Yeah, I think we all are." the voice replies and sighs.

You turn to face the man besides you, an obese man in his late 50s, made to look even bigger by his thick blue coat. His hair and his moustache have started turning grey from old age and there are many wrinkles on his face. Overall he looks like someone's grandfather, someone who should be telling his grandchildren stories, not someone riding in a police car.

"Do you really think this is a good idea? Going there in person?" you ask as you turn to look at the standard issue police cap sitting on your lap. You lift the cap and clean a smudge with your finger. "I am certain I could represent you."

He had always offered a great deal of support for you. It is only right that you repay the favour. Not to mention what would happen if someone in the media got wind that the commissioner was meeting with the heads of the biggest criminal organisations in the city.
"We have one chance to stop this. We have to give it our best shot."
Some may call what you were doing unethical, accuse you of consorting with criminals. Accuse you of getting bribed. Of abandoning your duty.
"It is the only way to prevent an all out war from breaking out. Besides, I'm certain none of them will attempt anything."
But what you are doing is making the best choice. The only choice. You keep the peace. You make sure everybody is playing nice, that things don't get out of hand. And in exchange you look the other way when certain things happen.
"All the big bosses are going to be there. It would be disrespectful of me to not be there in person. Plus, it is a statement. That I am taking this seriously. That I want peace, no matter what."
It is better than the alternative. It is better then gang members shooting each other out on the street. Better than having to tell the wife of a co-worker that her husband won't be coming home because he tried to stop some punk from stealing a few dollars or moving some liqueur around.
"Plus, everybody is bringing all their muscle with them. And they know I have the entire police force ready to storm the island. They would be idiots to try anything."
And so what if you take a few money on the side? That is irrelevant. You are performing a service for this city. You regulate the madness. You won't complain when that service is rewarded. Everybody does it, all the way up to the mayor. Why should you be left on the outside?
"I don't know sir, some of them aren't exactly smart."
The commissioner laughs.
"Well, no they are not. But they all want to survive."
The car stops. You open the door, get outside, put your cap on and check the surrounding area. Looks like the commissioner was right. Every goon in the city that can hold a gun is here or somewhere in the surrounding area.
"I'm counting on that. Survival."

---

Hawk132
You look out at the city outside of the window, trying to ignore the annoyingly pitched voice of the man next to you.
"...so the guy is all like 'And what was I supposed to do? There was nothing there. I thought that-' and so I cut him off and I tell him 'Look Vinny, I am not paying you to think. I am paying you to do.' So I got him..."
Gaaaah, why won't he shut up? Ever? Even before a meeting as important as this one.
Establishing host control. Standby...
"...yeah, they think they can muscles us out of our territory, push us out of the docks. Well, they're not getting that. No they are not. I'm telling you, my family has been in this city far longer than the rest of them. My father..."
He's probably scared. He won't shut up when he is scared. Despite all his big talk, he's nothing but a coward, using the power left to him by his father but unable to properly manage it. Just a little weasel that pretends to be a lion.
"... not to mention the money we get from things other than shipping in this area. I'm telling you, whatever they offer, I'm not taking it. Our territory stays as it always was. You hear me Fredo? Hey, Fredo, you hear me?"
You turn to face him. Looks like a weasel too. A weasel with a cheap Italian suit and a fedora. Bulging eyes, looks like he's ready to bolt. You wonder how he managed to survive that long. If his father were around to see this-
"Hey! You fell asleep or something? What am I saying, can you even fall asleep? Are you listening to me?"
How can a man utter so many words is such a short amount of time? If his father hadn't asked you to take care of him, if you didn't respect his memory so much, then you would snap his neck right this moment.
"I am listening sir."
It would be better if he at least took your advice every once in a while. Instead, the little fat thing just barks orders and then complains when his stupid plans fail. Thinking he knows everything, that he is right and everyone else is wrong.
"Well good, I'm not keeping you around to just stand there like a worthless statue. I need you to pay attention!"
"You have my utmost attention sir."
He doesn't detect the sarcasm in your voice. Admittedly, it's a hard thing to do.
"Great, now once we get there, since all the other idiots are going to be waiting for us, I want you to make sure that there are men..."
This is going to be a long drive.

---

Alarith
You look out at the city outside of the window, ripe for the taking. The old order is weak. The city officials are ready to follow whoever offers them the most money, whoever makes the greatest show of power. The power of your enemies is crumbling. Your success is certain. All you need now is to make one final push.

Establishing host control. Standby...

This area will be the most important step of your conquest. The docks are the lifeblood of the city. Everything coming or going passes through here. All the goods (both legal and otherwise) are stored in its warehouses. The greatest brothels in the country serve the hungry sailors. Bars offering smuggled, tax-free alcohol. And the unions that make sure that anyone who needs work or to start a new business in the city must go through them first. Not to mention the... other advantages this area provides.

"Want a drink son?"
You turn to look at the man sitting besides you. A man in his late 30s wearing a dark red silk robe, pouring whiskey into the glass he is holding.
"No thank you sir. We'll be in a room with the greatest mob bosses of this city and their bodyguards. I need to keep my head clear to protect you."
"Suit yourself. But I am telling you. There is no reason to worry."
And how could you not succeed, when being led by such a man? A real legend in your profession. He may not look like much, but that would only apply to someone completely ignorant of who the man he is looking at really is. Leo, the Lion of Kingdom Bay.

The man not only survived an attack by 8 assault rifle wielding hitmen on his house, he not only managed to kill all 8 of them, he also escaped the burning building and shot up their getaway vehicles as they were driving away, killing their accomplices before they had a chance to escape. When you arrive at the scene to find your boss holding a tommygun, wearing his silk sleeping robe, smoking a cigar and staring at the burning wreckage of a car and the dead bodies of the hitmen sent to kill him, while the entire thing is illuminated by the glow of his burning and shot up house in the background then... Well, then you know that you're dealing with a really tough guy. One who demands your respect. One who is not only a great leader, but also a great fighter. A great survivor.

That robe was his only possession that did not burn down with the rest of his house (the tommygun belonged to one of the hitmen and the cigar was smoked). He wore it for a couple of days after the attack, until he got some new clothes. He still keeps it, wearing it for occasions like this one. Where he needs to show people of who he really is. To remind them of his strength.

"Everything OK Tom my boy?" he asks as he turns to look at you. "You look very thoughtful."
"Yes sir. Everything is going to be just fine."

---

Coolrune206
You look out at the city outside of the window, still amazed by it, even after all those years. It's so different from your home. Everything is big, everything is different. The down-town streets are filled with people at all times of the day, talking, drinking, going to their jobs. The suburbs are full of families and nice small houses. Even this decrepit neighbourhood has its own charm. It brings you a tinge of sadness knowing that you will probably never have what most people here are having.

Establishing host control. Standby...

But the thought doesn't stay in your mind for long. You do not concern yourself with such petty things. You are a survivor. And you do what it takes to survive. Everyone else can have all the luxury they want. Your first concern is staying alive. All else is secondary. That's why you joined the cartel. You chose your battles, fighting hard but knowing when to retreat, being willing to fight but also to listen, when necessary. So as the others around you fell through carelessness or petty rivalry, you have risen through the ranks, until you were trusted enough to be sent out of the country. Now you can boast the tittle of second in command to the cartel's operation in the city of Kingdom Bay.

The first in command is the man sitting besides you. Garcia, Mercader de la Muerte. Known for being both ruthless and sneaky as a snake. Your ride is quiet, as always. You are not together by choice, nor do you enjoy each other's company very much. But you are professionals. You get your job done. Else the boss will get angry and you don't want that.

Your group oversees most of the cartel's business on this side of the Atlantic. All "exports" pass through you. Drugs, guns, booze, women, assassinations, abductions, what have you. You use your men to make sure that everything goes smoothly beyond that borders. That all the proper authorities are either paid or blackmailed. That none of the locals get too greedy. That none of your men dare think about betraying you or stealing the "merchandise".

Still, that doesn't explain why you were called to this meeting. Sure, you do a few jobs in this city, but your main activity is "importing". You've always played by the rules. Didn't encroach on other people's business. Always gave your "goods" and "services" to the highest bidder. You don't even really belong in a meeting like that. Garcia is not the boss, not like the people you'll be meeting there. He's just a manager.

Maybe it was just a courtesy? A sign of respect, that you are to be included with the rest of the crime bosses? Or maybe they just want to make sure that you wont pick sides on any coming conflict? Still, that doesn't explain why Garcia accepted the invitation. If the boss has any plans on making a push, on expanding his business in the city, you haven't heard anything about that. It would be a foolish move anyway. Taking part in this conflict will cause more problems than opportunities. Maybe he just wants to negotiate better prices or ask for money in exchange for not getting involved? Or just observe how the power balance will shift, know who your new customers will be?

Even so, going there is a bad idea. Those fools are more than likely to kill each other. And you wouldn't like to be caught in the crossfire.
But you are just the second in command. They're not paying you to think more than necessary or to question their motives. All you can do for now is obey their orders and try to stay alive.

---

Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER
You look out at the city outside of the window, making sure that everything is clear. It is anything but clear, it's swarming with people. A number of people unusual for this part of the city. Still, none of them is pointing any weapons at you, so you guess you're in the clear. For now.

Establishing host control. Standby...

You open the door, step out of the car, pick up your weapon and walk to the other side to open the door for your boss. You hate that guy. Not because he is a bad boss or anything. No, the work is OK and the pay is good. It's the way he looks and acts that gets to you. He is covered top to bottom with a long hooded brown cloak that conceals every bit of his body. The hood (combined with the fact that he never gets out during the day) makes sure his face is almost never seen. And he talks with a strange low voice, almost like whispering or talking while inhaling instead of while exhaling. Most of the time he just whispers things to you and you talk for him.

And the worse thing is that he forces you to carry this polearm around. Like there aren't any guns in this world.

You know he's probably just some maniac with lots of money who thinks he looks cool when he acts like that (or had some kind of horrible disfiguring accident), but you can't help but feel mildly creeped out by him. Especially because you have never seen his face. Not that you'd ever complain. As long as you're getting paid, that is. You'd be the bodyguard of a man wearing a tutu if he was paying for your meals. A man's got to survive somehow.

You start walking towards the abandoned gallery building where the meeting is taking place. (Your boss walks in a way that makes him look like he is hovering instead of walking, his head not bobbing at all. Another thing you hate about him.) It's a large four storey building (including the ground floor), its exterior decorated by faux white bricks and some windows. This used to be a place where rich people would come and see art. Or whatever passed as art those days anyway. Nowadays, it's just standing there, unused. Surprisingly, it hasn't been taken over by any bums. Its pompously decorated interior is empty, the black outlines of missing picture frames visible on the wallpapers, nothing on its red carpets but dust and small gashes caused by the movement of objects. Yet it still retains some of its charm.

Although there are various gang members around, the 3rd floor should be completely clear. Nobody allowed up there but the bosses and their bodyguards. You just have to go up there and make sure everything is OK, no traps or bombs or anything like that. After that, just sit through he meeting until it's over and say anything the weirdo wants you to say. Not much, probably. Guy is new. He came out of nowhere, started hiring people and spending a loads of money to take a few select businesses around town. Small things mostly. Doesn't even have anything on the island that you know of.

Still, kinda strange that he is spending so much money on that thing. People usually come to this business to get money, not spend them. Oh well. Elevator's here. Time to see what's up there.

---

Salsacookies
You look out at the city outside of the window, briefly admiring the lights visible in the distance, in downtown. Then you look down, at the street in front of the gallery. You can see the silhouettes of people below in the weak illumination the orange street lamps provide. Small groups all standing away from each other. The occasional fire from a lighter lighting a cigarette reveals the faces of scared, leaderless people, ready to lash out. A powder keg waiting to blow.

Establishing host control. Standby...

Nobody is going to try to get anything through here. Nobody who wants to survive, anyway. The security measures taken are enough to ensure nobody will get through here. And people in this line of business are rarely suicidal. Mostly due to (un)natural selection. If you're suicidal, then you aren't going to last long out here.

You turn around and open the door to the meeting room. Then you make your way across the room, to the doors leading to the elevators. The elevators is where your boss is waiting. Always with a cloud of smoke swirling around him. Everybody taking part in any sort of betting or competition in the city (legal or illegal) knows that cloud. Everybody who has made the mistake of taking a loan from him soon learns to fear that cloud.
He doesn't really have many stakes in this. His business doesn't really rely on location. As long as there are people competing, people willing to rig matches, people betting and people breaking the legs of people who don't manage to pay their debts, then he is going to be making a profit. The closest thing the underworld has to a banker.

"You shouldn't smoke that much. It's bad for you."
He gets his cigar out of his mouth and turns to face you with a laugh.
"And since when do you care about my health?" he asks with a smile showing yellowed teeth.
"Since you hired me to be your bodyguard." you reply seriously.
Another laugh.
"I hired you to protect me from people trying to kill me."
"Okay, you are trying to kill yourself then."
"Ah, you sound like my doctor. Relax."
"Fine. I checked the floor. Everything is clear."
"Great! Then what are we waiting for? Let's go claim our little slice of this Kingdom!"

---

Everybody
Seven men and their bodyguards sit around a table. Seven men each looking to get the best they can out of this meeting. Seven men looking to bleed the others dry. Seven men ready to kill each other if it comes to that. Seven men and their bodyguards, who have been dragged into this conflict along with the people they were meant to protect.

The police commissioner and his deputy, both in uniform.
The leader of the local Mafia and his armoured "guard dog".
A man in a silk robe, leader of the local Irish mobsters and his elegantly dressed advisor.
The representatives of the Cartel.
A hooded guy, a new face in the criminal underworld, along with a staff-wielding guy in a flashy orange shirt.
The loan shark along, surrounded by the smoke coming from his cigar, along with his quite literal muscle.
And a man in a black suit along with a man in a white suit with slightly eastern characteristics, a scimitar hanging from his belt.

It is quiet. Everybody is staring at each other. Or at least almost everybody. Nobody can really see the hooded guy's face.
"So. Are you guys ready to get to talking or what?" the Italian says and starts fidgeting.
The tip of the cigar in the loan shark's mouth lights up as he takes a deep breath before speaking, smoke following his words as they fly out of his mouth.
"Indeed. I believe we are ready to get down to business. But first, I would like to state simply how I cherish this wonderful opportunity for all of us to... uhh... to..."
The thing that caused the man to loose his words is a brown and white pigeon. It flew in from the open door on the other side of the room.
Everybody stares at it dumbfounded as it lands on the centre of the table with a flutter of its wings.
"Okay, who's the idiot who left the window open, eh? Eh?" the Italian asks, but there is no response. Everyone keeps staring.
After that, the pigeon walked towards him.
It stopped.
It looked at him.
It cooed.
And then it exploded.

<Synchronization complete.>

...

"...be pissed we didn't grab that white one."
You regain consciousness.
"Yeah, we'll search for him later. And, well, if he wanted him so badly, he should had done it himself, you know what I mean?"
You don't know how much time has passed. Last thing you remember is that accursed pigeon exploding in blue light.
"Yeah, he has us cleaning up here like we're some sort of second rate errand boys."
The voices are coming from nearby, accompanied by the sound of intermittent gunfire coming from further away.
"'Plant a bomb Mr. Red.'" one says in a mocking tone of voices.
"'Make the rest kill each other Mr. Blue.'" the other responds in the same tone.
"'Bring the bodyguards back alive.'"
"'And make sure to clean up all evidence!'"
The two break to laughter. You open your eyes.
"Good thinking with that pigeon, by the way."
You're still in the meeting room, although it is very different since the last time you saw it. The table has been cut in half by the explosion and the two halves pushed towards the walls. There is a scorch mark there and blood stains on the walls. The chandelier that was illuminating the room has been broken. The only light now comes from the fires that burn in much of the room. Strangely, the fires do not produce any smoke.
"Why thank you. I try to be original. Did you see the look on their faces?"
You and the rest of the bodyguards (except the one wearing the white suit) are gathered in the corner of the room nearest to the exit leading to the elevators. Your clothes are a bit singed but you seem to be otherwise unhurt. The others seem to have regained consciousness as well. All of you however are in a double circle drawn on the floor with unrecognisable letters drawn between the two circles, drawn with something red. The circle is just large enough to contain all of your bodies while you are lying down. Trying to push your hand through the circle, you meet resistance, like there is a tube of glass separating you from the rest of the world.
"Yeah, man, that's the trick. If you do something unexpected enough, the other is going to be so surprised they won't be able to react reasonably."
The ones talking are two men in their early thirties, one wearing a red suit, the other a blue. They would look like completely normal human beings if it wasn't for two things: They are shooting fire out of their palms, setting fire to the walls. And they each have a pair of small horns sprouting out of their head, one red, the other blue. They have their backs turned on you, currently setting fire on the wall on the opposite side of the room.
"Like, what? Running around naked while flapping your arms like a bird?"
You can see the man in the white suit on the side of the room opposite to the one leading to the elevators, hiding from the two horned men behind the door leading to the window. He looks sort of different. Like his suit is no longer pure white, but rather three suits made of red, green and blue that have been sloppily superimposed to create white, while leaving a multicoloured reflection a few millimetres around him.
"Yeah, whatever is going to give you those few extra seconds."
He is trying to make some sort of signal to you. He is showing you his palm with his index and middle finger raised, then pointing towards the two men and then to his eyes.
"At least we aren't out there, cleaning that mess up."


<Oh, yeah, forgot to mention, supernatural beings exist in this world.> you hear a voice coming from your interfaces.
<Wouldn't be much fun if we dropped 6 super soldiers amongst mere mortals, would it? Then you could just curb stomp them to victory and that would hardly be fair, now would it? This is meant to be hard.>
<Anyway, good luck and have fun!~> he adds with a cheery voice.
<Communications severed.
Primary objective: Escape. Survive.
Updates will follow as new information is revealed.>

So, you're all trapped in a circle, the white guy is making you some sort of hand signal, your interface is telling you to escape and stay alive and there are two horned humanoids burning the room you are in. What do you do?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 20, 2014, 08:34:50 pm

Meanwhile...
NAV
Harry Baldman
Lenglon
DarkArtemisFowl
Tiruin
Xantalos

You regain consciousness.

You are still in the Staging Area, near the empty area behind the Lancaster Manor. It looks mostly the same, except for the fact that there are four green rods sprouting out of the ground a couple of dozen metres away from you, forming a large square.

River is standing further away, closer to the rods. He is wearing normal clothes this time instead of those brown shorts he had, a simple dark brown cloth coat and pants. He is carrying a backpack that is a bit larger than the ones you have. He is currently looking down at himself.
"...don't like clothes. Why wear them if I already have fur? I look silly with them."
<Don't worry. The clothes are fine.>
"Oh?"
<Yes, you are silly even without wearing them.>
<Hahaha! She got you there!>
River puts a hand on his snout and closes his eyes. "...Shut up."

On the ground besides you are medium sized backpacks, holding gear that you may need for your journey (like a sleeping bag, a small knife, a fire steel, an extra set of clothes, etc.) as well as food and water to last you for a day, maybe two with careful rationing.

Around your neck is a silver pendant, a simple metal ring hanging from a less shiny and darker metal chain. It feels very light and is cool to the touch. It also feels sort of soft, like you could bend it if you pushed it very hard.

River turns to face you and smiles.
"Oh, good! You are awake. Do you feel OK? Ready to go? Said goodbye to the one that chose you?"
"If yes, then come to the portal with me and we shall begin our journey." he says making a gesture towards the rods behind him.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Toaster on September 20, 2014, 09:13:31 pm

John stood up in a low crouch.  "Great, magic.  Any of you got a feel for that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 20, 2014, 09:37:15 pm

--Bloop?--

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 20, 2014, 09:46:10 pm

Yuppity duppers!

Search bag, aquaint myself with what's in it. Then run into the portal without regard for other things.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Salsacookies on September 20, 2014, 09:56:16 pm

"Well now, just like Urbania, if a bit retro. They justa got demselves soma augments. Letus have som fun, nao, right ya Devils."

Grab some loose rubble, or anything heavy, and, when I can, whack Mr.Blue. Look at Mr.Red afterwards, then, after cooing at him like a pigeon, whack him too.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 20, 2014, 10:09:16 pm

Morph to the most venomous snake in the world: An Inland Taipan.

Spoiler: GM'S Facial Hair only (click to show/hide)

Once the transformation is complete, bite someone. Stealthily. One of my "Teammates." Oh, but not Alarith.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Alarith on September 21, 2014, 12:08:06 am

Ugh, I'm really starting to hate explosions.  Let's see...
Bryan sends a message to everybody. <Let's try to stay quiet for now.  Don't want to attract attention.  And no, I don't know anything about magic, not my area of expertise.  If it gets too hot I can try to put it out>
Inventory check, do I have anything useful?  Try to figure out what the signal means exactly.  Does my host have any ideas about it?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 12:09:28 am

Zechariah shrugged. There wasn't much else for him to say. Not at this point at least.
"I still don't know much about our target, but I guess I'll find that out soon enough, right?"

Pick up a pack and look through its contents. Once dialogue is finished, go ahead and enter the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 12:33:31 am

"Stellar? You there? We're starting now, so I'm not going to be able to talk to you again for a while. Good luck, okay? Take care of yourself."
I look myself over, seeing what I'm wearing, and if the Entities have forced me into one of my other forms yet again (and changing back to hybrid if they have). I then dig through my backpack alongside everyone else doing the same, checking its contents. I make a point of moving the water and fire steel to the outer pockets or top of the main one, where I can access them easily as necessary. I also check the clothing very carefully, looking to see which form they're intended for. Finally, I put everything away where I can find it again later if needed, heft the backpack and make sure everything is secure, and put it on and step over to the rods.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 21, 2014, 12:57:27 am

Find the nearest safe exit and tell the other bodyguards about it

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 21, 2014, 01:08:49 am

"So you're my new team. I'm Nikolai. I can make machines and tools bigger and more powerful.
It would be good if I knew who you are and what you can do."

Claim a bag and search it thoroughly. It is important with Nikolai's powerset to know exactly what I have available.
Also check what I'm wearing. My usual outfit?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 01:22:18 am

"Irine, I control flame. You make tools stronger? What defines what a tool is? can you make your nails into claws?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 21, 2014, 01:24:08 am

I am Alan, and my power is being amazing! yells Alan as he runs flabbily toward the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 01:32:12 am

Zechariah looked up as he searched through things in his bag. He instinctively touched his crystal-flagged wooden staff, and then continued to search through the bag.
"My name's Zechariah.. Dimikaelo." He was hesitant to say his last name, as it carried some negative connotations with it. Yet, it was still a part of his identity.
"I.. harness the power of the Medium through my staff, Joma. Through my access of different dimensions, I can manifest willpower in the form of crystal hardlight constructs and illusion through shadows.

Um... well, where do you come from, Nikolai?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 21, 2014, 01:49:18 am

((DEAR GODS TYPHOON HITS THEN THIS  :'(
I...missed a lot. And I really wanted to poke River too...nghh
Recap?))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 21, 2014, 03:09:27 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 01:22:18 am

"Irine, I control flame. You make tools stronger? What defines what a tool is? can you make your nails into claws?"

"I can "Tsar" pretty much anything John could summon... and some things he definitely can't. Can't use it on my nails while they're attached, but maybe I can kill someone with a fingernail clipping."

Quote from: Xantalos on September 21, 2014, 01:24:08 am

I am Alan, and my power is being amazing! yells Alan as he runs flabbily toward the portal.

"...ok"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 01:32:12 am

Zechariah looked up as he searched through things in his bag. He instinctively touched his crystal-flagged wooden staff, and then continued to search through the bag.
"My name's Zechariah.. Dimikaelo." He was hesitant to say his last name, as it carried some negative connotations with it. Yet, it was still a part of his identity.
"I.. harness the power of the Medium through my staff, Joma. Through my access of different dimensions, I can manifest willpower in the form of crystal hardlight constructs and illusion through shadows.

Um... well, where do you come from, Nikolai?"

"You have the power of the Medium? I have the power of the big. Hehe, bad joke. I think we can work well together.
I'm from Universe number something, as the entities would call it. It wasn't very nice, the air was poison and it was very cold. Here is much better."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 21, 2014, 03:23:35 am

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 01:08:49 am

"So you're my new team. I'm Nikolai. I can make machines and tools bigger and more powerful.
It would be good if I knew who you are and what you can do."

"Ike! I can hear and smell rather well. And I'm also a bit faster than average."

To Drake: <Bye, dude! I shall return with tales of terror and explosions, I hope!>

To the portal! Adventure!

Make sure I've taken my pack along, too. Back to the woods at last, hopefully!

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Hawk132 on September 21, 2014, 04:40:05 am

Well, first of all - a warrior is nothing without his weapon. Summon myself a spear. Then observe the white human. What is he trying to show?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 06:44:52 am

"Can you... Tsar? fire?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 21, 2014, 09:20:07 am

Your bags don't have much more than what is absolutely necessary so that they don't become too heavy. Just the objects that were mentioned. A sleeping bag, a small knife, a fire steel, an extra set of clothes along with a short waterproof cloth cloak (made so with the use of wax as far as you can tell) that can be worn over them to offer some protection from rain.

((I'm leaving it a bit vague in case I forgot to pack something absolutely necessary.
If you think there's something else one going to a camping trip or preparing survival gear would pack with them, then you can search the bag for it. Provided that it is not something beyond medieval tech level.
But if I haven't made some sort of enormous blunder and forgotten something very important, then those are the objects you have with you.))

River's bag looks larger and heavier. Along with the standard supplies you all have, he is also carrying some rope, a small metal cooking pot and a piece of canvas that could be used to make a crude tent with the use of a branch or stick.

"Oh, forgot to say, the communication pendants you are wearing work when anywhere on your body, so you could wrap them around your hand or put them in a pocket if you wanted.

We just considered the pendant to be the best form because it is easy to conceal underneath clothing and harder to loose if your body is damaged, considering someone would have to stab you in the chest or cut your head off to remove it. We believe that outweighs the danger of strangulation.

If you think they have become a liability, you can either break the circle or just stop wearing it and it should stop working. If they are damaged, he should be able to repair them, if given some time and energy."

Quote from: Xantalos on September 20, 2014, 09:46:10 pm

Yuppity duppers!

Search bag, aquaint myself with what's in it. Then run into the portal without regard for other things.

You stand in the centre of the square created by the rods.
Nothing happens.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 12:09:28 am

Zechariah shrugged. There wasn't much else for him to say. Not at this point at least.
"I still don't know much about our target, but I guess I'll find that out soon enough, right?"

Pick up a pack and look through its contents. Once dialogue is finished, go ahead and enter the portal.

You stand next to Alan, who seems to be jiggling with excitement.
<Can you try to prevent him from killing himself again?>
"Do not worry. I know I am responsible for them. I will take care of them."
<Good. I don't want my effort to be wasted.>

Quote from: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 12:33:31 am

"Stellar? You there? We're starting now, so I'm not going to be able to talk to you again for a while. Good luck, okay? Take care of yourself."
I look myself over, seeing what I'm wearing, and if the Entities have forced me into one of my other forms yet again (and changing back to hybrid if they have). I then dig through my backpack alongside everyone else doing the same, checking its contents. I make a point of moving the water and fire steel to the outer pockets or top of the main one, where I can access them easily as necessary. I also check the clothing very carefully, looking to see which form they're intended for. Finally, I put everything away where I can find it again later if needed, heft the backpack and make sure everything is secure, and put it on and step over to the rods.

<Good luck to you too. Stay safe. I care for you. I don't want to loose you.>

Assume you've transformed into hybrid form.

You make sure the fire steel and water flask are on the top of the backpack to render them more easily accessible.

The clothes are for your human form. As far as I understand, your hybrid form is a bit shorter and smaller than your human form, so both forms should be able to wear the clothing. It will just be a bit larger for your hybrid form, but nothing that would cause anything more than mild discomfort. You'll just have to lift the sleeves a bit. The trousers do not have any sort of hole for your tails though, unlike Theri's.

Generally assume you can change your clothes to whatever you want (within reason). The entities aren't going to have a problem with that.

You join the growing group near the rods.

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 01:08:49 am

"So you're my new team. I'm Nikolai. I can make machines and tools bigger and more powerful.
It would be good if I knew who you are and what you can do."

Claim a bag and search it thoroughly. It is important with Nikolai's powerset to know exactly what I have available.
Also check what I'm wearing. My usual outfit?

Usual outfit, although your green coat is a lot less modern. Still, the broken gas mask might look a bit weird considering where you are going. Strange that the entities did not remove it. Perhaps they thought it was part of your identity.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 21, 2014, 03:23:35 am

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 01:08:49 am

"So you're my new team. I'm Nikolai. I can make machines and tools bigger and more powerful.
It would be good if I knew who you are and what you can do."

"Ike! I can hear and smell rather well. And I'm also a bit faster than average."

To Drake: <Bye, dude! I shall return with tales of terror and explosions, I hope!>

To the portal! Adventure!

Make sure I've taken my pack along, too. Back to the woods at last, hopefully!

<Bye! See you soon! I'm certain you are going to have loads of fun!>
You join the rest.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 06:44:52 am

"Can you... Tsar? fire?"

"Please try that. I'd love to see you try that."

Quote from: Tiruin on September 21, 2014, 01:49:18 am

((DEAR GODS TYPHOON HITS THEN THIS  :'(
I...missed a lot. And I really wanted to poke River too...nghh
Recap?))

No pressure. Mission hasn't properly started yet, although it will once you get through the portal.

Basically, your group is being sent along with River to another world. A murderer has fled there and River has asked for your help in finding and punishing him. From what River has said, said murderer is the same species as River (which means that he too possesses magical powers) but is much larger and looks very different from him.

You've been given some backpacks with some basic equipment, as shown in the beginning of the post. You've also been given magical pendants that allow you to telepathically communicate with each other in a short range.

Even if one of you dies during the mission, then that is not the end. River might be able to revive you.

I think that's all the important stuff covered.

And since River will be going with you, you'll have plenty of chances to poke him.
...
Must resist making an "I hardly know him" joke...

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 21, 2014, 09:58:12 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 20, 2014, 09:56:16 pm

"Well now, just like Urbania, if a bit retro. They justa got demselves soma augments. Letus have som fun, nao, right ya Devils."

Grab some loose rubble, or anything heavy, and, when I can, whack Mr.Blue. Look at Mr.Red afterwards, then, after cooing at him like a pigeon, whack him too.

Quote

anything heavy

You should be more careful of your wording when the result is going to be determined by dice rolls...

Seeing as there are no rubble nearby, you instead resort to trying to grab Lioraw so that you can throw him at Mr. Blue. Lioraw sees the punch coming and tries to get out of the way, but his feet get tangled on John's and he looses his footing. This surprises you greatly, so much so that you don't manage to stop in time, also trip into John and fall onto him, smacking your head on the ground in the process.

John is having trouble breathing under the weight of two men who have just smacked onto his chest.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 21, 2014, 12:57:27 am

Find the nearest safe exit and tell the other bodyguards about it

You are in a circle, while out there there are a bunch of people trying to kill you.
And one person trying to kill you is currently lying over you, trapping you.
There is no escape from this madness. You can't move.
Now would be a good time to panic.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 20, 2014, 10:09:16 pm

Morph to the most venomous snake in the world: An Inland Taipan.

You transform your entire biomass into that of a snake.
It's kinda hard to move well and do anything inside the circle when you're a four metre long serpent.
Not to mention that your eyesight isn't that well. You can't tell who is who unless they stand still and allow you to bob your head around. Damn motion sensitive vision.

Quote from: Alarith on September 21, 2014, 12:08:06 am

Ugh, I'm really starting to hate explosions.  Let's see...
Bryan sends a message to everybody. <Let's try to stay quiet for now.  Don't want to attract attention.  And no, I don't know anything about magic, not my area of expertise.  If it gets too hot I can try to put it out>
Inventory check, do I have anything useful?  Try to figure out what the signal means exactly.  Does my host have any ideas about it?

Nothing with you besides your clothes.
You think he might be telling you to do something about those two? He shows you his eyes, so maybe he means look? Asking you where they are looking? Make them look somewhere? You're not really sure, his signals are very vague.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 21, 2014, 04:40:05 am

Well, first of all - a warrior is nothing without his weapon. Summon myself a spear. Then observe the white human. What is he trying to show?

You summon yourself a spear and then stare at the man, trying to decipher what he is saying.
You're fairly certain he is asking you to make two drinks for the red and blue gentlemen over there and make sure they come get them themselves.

---

Everyone not currently trapped under someone.
"Yeah, I heard they got the police held up in the bridge and everyone else in the island is trying to kill each other."
"Think they got magic weapons?"
"Don't know. Maybe. I wouldn't want to find out. Being summoned again is a bitch."
"Because he is certainly going to summon us again. That's for sure."
"Yeah, stupid bastard. We should unionise. Organize a strike, you know?"

The man in white facepalms as he watches what you're doing. You're fairly certain that gesture needs no translation.
He then gestures towards the scimitar hanging from his belt.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 21, 2014, 10:04:20 am

Slither up towards the voices. Bite them each in the legs, then slither back to the group.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 10:35:48 am

((Your impressions are correct, hybrid is shorter and smaller than full-human, but takes up more total volume because of the tails.))
I leave the clothing set intended for my human form in the pack, while I adjust the set I'm wearing to fit my hybrid self, including adding tailholes. I also try to use the staging area's nature to modify the clasp on my pendant's necklace, shaping it so it clasps behind my neck and if given a strong pull it will snap open. leaving me with minimal risk of being strangled by it. I also make it double back on itself, the size of the necklace able to be adjusted by changing how much slack is kept doubled back, so I can adjust it to fit myself no matter which form I'm in.
As I work on fixing my wardrobe, I speak again to River.
"Um, It.. It seemed like you don't like me when we spoke earlier. Why did you choose to include me on this trip?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 21, 2014, 11:56:30 am

Search the bag for string, first aid kit, fish hooks, hatchet, binoculars, compass, and a straw.
Then go join the rest at the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 21, 2014, 12:26:43 pm

"Hm... I just had an interesting thought."

Am I currently an elf? Or a bat person, to continue the disturbing animal people trend?

Do I look any different at all, or is the woodland camo still there as usual?

Conjure up a container of salted peanuts, if possible. Have to replenish my protein and electrolytes when teleporting, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Toaster on September 21, 2014, 01:47:07 pm

"Get off me, you idiots!"

Summon up a nice order of classic gangster Tommy guns.  Grab the first one and perforate Mr. Red.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 21, 2014, 01:53:02 pm

[I have no idea how to segue into this now. Crud. ...or how we lost consciousness. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677018#msg5677018)
Thank you RL constraints.]

Theri was quite much the last person to regain consciousness, having missed most of what had occurred in recent note.
Looking at the equipment around her, sans her necklace, she wondered.

"We are to transport supplies somewhere?"

Carrier backpacks had a very different design than she had known here.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Hawk132 on September 21, 2014, 01:53:42 pm

"I shall assist thy endeavor."

Assist by attempting to break the barrier thing using repeated kinetic blasts. If barrier thing is broken, charge at Mr. Blue and impale him. If he's dodging me, just pull him onto my shaft.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 03:33:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 21, 2014, 09:20:07 am

You stand next to Alan, who seems to be jiggling with excitement.
<Can you try to prevent him from killing himself again?>
"Do not worry. I know I am responsible for them. I will take care of them."
<Good. I don't want my effort to be wasted.>

Zechariah glances toward Darkstar, and then back toward the manor.
"...
Hmm."

He then turns his attention back towards Nikolai.

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 03:09:27 am

"You have the power of the Medium? I have the power of the big. Hehe, bad joke. I think we can work well together.
I'm from Universe number something, as the entities would call it. It wasn't very nice, the air was poison and it was very cold. Here is much better."

Zechariah laughed for a decent amount of time. He hadn't heard a joke like that for a long while now. That brought his spirits up a bit.
"Thanks for that. Um, I'm from one other iteration of Earth - not sure which, though. As far as I know, it's my home. Though, I could hardly call it my home now. I've been on my alter-ego's planet of Jauda more than I have Earth. Lots of turmoil on Jauda, but.. hopefully, my friends have settled something out there, now that my Shadow is gone."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Alarith on September 21, 2014, 04:20:19 pm

Hmm, I'm a bit worried about trying to use telepathy on a supernatural being, I don't know what would happen.  Maybe I could try using it with that man though.
There's plenty of debris outside the circle, right?  Try to use telepathy to send this message to the man outside the circle.
"I'm one of the people inside the circle.  Do you want us to attack the beings?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 21, 2014, 05:19:02 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 10:35:48 am

((Your impressions are correct, hybrid is shorter and smaller than full-human, but takes up more total volume because of the tails.))
I leave the clothing set intended for my human form in the pack, while I adjust the set I'm wearing to fit my hybrid self, including adding tailholes. I also try to use the staging area's nature to modify the clasp on my pendant's necklace, shaping it so it clasps behind my neck and if given a strong pull it will snap open. leaving me with minimal risk of being strangled by it. I also make it double back on itself, the size of the necklace able to be adjusted by changing how much slack is kept doubled back, so I can adjust it to fit myself no matter which form I'm in.
As I work on fixing my wardrobe, I speak again to River.
"Um, It.. It seemed like you don't like me when we spoke earlier. Why did you choose to include me on this trip?"

Not terribly important, you can do it, just asking for my imagination's sake (and because I don't wear necklaces), how would that adjustable length thing work? Got any pictures? I imagine it something like this (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Necklace_zpsd1a7657e.png), with the orange part being the clasp. Unless you want to change the chain into some sort of rope or leather and make an adjustable knot, which is also doable.

"I am sorry. I do not dislike you. You are good. But I do not trust your when you speak."
Now that he mentions it, you notice that his stance is more defensive than offensive when talking to you. He is not ready to pounce, he is ready to evade.
He takes a few steps backwards before turning around and walking towards Theri.

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 11:56:30 am

Search the bag for string, first aid kit, fish hooks, hatchet, binoculars, compass, and a straw.
Then go join the rest at the portal.

No to all of the above.
But hey, you got Alan, maybe he can summon some of the above.
And shoot them to you.

You go sit in the centre of the portal.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 21, 2014, 12:26:43 pm

"Hm... I just had an interesting thought."

Am I currently an elf? Or a bat person, to continue the disturbing animal people trend?

Do I look any different at all, or is the woodland camo still there as usual?

Conjure up a container of salted peanuts, if possible. Have to replenish my protein and electrolytes when teleporting, after all.

Your ears are a bit differently shaped, more oval, but you wouldn't call yourself an elf. At least not a traditional elf. Maybe this is just a case of "Our elves are different".

Your "woodland camo" is not exactly camo. Your clothes got roughly the same colours but they are more... bland, more diffused. More like someone splashed some paint into them, not like someone painted them for camouflage.

You eat some peanuts. Too bad you aren't flying there or you could complain about the quality of those airplane peanuts.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 21, 2014, 01:53:02 pm

[I have no idea how to segue into this now. Crud. ...or how we lost consciousness. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677018#msg5677018)
Thank you RL constraints.]

Theri was quite much the last person to regain consciousness, having missed most of what had occurred in recent note.
Looking at the equipment around her, sans her necklace, she wondered.

"We are to transport supplies somewhere?"

Carrier backpacks had a very different design than she had known here.

((Don't worry about it. You can always ask if you have any questions.
I'll move you through the portal with the others so that we can get moving.
Sorry if I'm moving too fast, just trying to get as many turns out as I can before something happens and I am busy again.))

"No, silly." River says with a smile as he helps you with your backpack.
"We are going on a trip. So we need supplies for the road ahead. To survive in the wilderness. It gets cold in the plains at night. I do not want my companions to get cold or hungry."

He holds your hand and gently leads you towards the others.

---

Everybody
As the last of you enter the circle, River turns to face your group.
"Thank you all for coming and helping me with this. This very important thing. I appreciate your help, even if some of you would rather not offer it to me."
He raises his arms to point his palms towards two of the green rods. The rods begin glowing, vibrating and humming.
"I will try to keep you safe. I will try to make this an experience worth having for all of you."
You are now floating a few millimetres off the ground. Everything around you except for the rods and the rest of the team starts becoming darker and darker until there is nothing left but the four rods with you in the centre floating in the void.
"With that, I would like to welcome you to the plains of-"
There's a flash of light and the world around you becomes visible again. But there are no plains around you.
"... That... wasn't supposed to happen."

The four rods are still standing around you, but the surrounding area is very different.

Its architecture looks very much like that of a cathedral, a huge empty area full of arches, domes and columns carved out of smooth grey rock. Its walls and floors lack decorations or windows, they are just smooth, seamless marble-like grey stone.

The room you are in is cross shaped and you are sitting right at the centre of the cross. The rods are standing next to the corners formed by the centre of the cross. Said corners are glowing slightly with a cyan light.

Above you is a dome with a bright cyan sphere in the middle that is illuminating the floor you are standing on, but not the rest of the room, at least not directly.

There are four exits out of the room. A bright white light is coming from one and a faint green one that intermittently gets brighter and darker from the one opposite to it. You can hear faint thunder-like rumbling coming from the green door. The other two are completely dark.

River takes a deep breath, holds it and looks towards the bright door. His eyes become completely black, save for the occasional red lighting-like spark that runs along their surface before disappearing.
After a couple of seconds, he exhales, closes his eyes, lowers his head and starts panting, like he just lifted something very heavy.
"I can not see from here." he says between breaths.
"Too much light. I have to take a closer look."
He starts walking towards the bright door.
"This room is clear. Stay here. Be careful. I do not know what has happened."
He sounds nervous.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 21, 2014, 05:20:21 pm

Use my acid powers to get the person off

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 21, 2014, 06:57:18 pm

Summon a big tent, still rolled up in the bag, and stuff it in my backpack.

((If I'm able to do this, that is.))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 21, 2014, 07:24:18 pm

Knife in hand. Cautiously investigate the green door.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 07:24:57 pm

Zechariah went into a defensive stance, observing his surroundings before calming down and listening to Darkstar.
He tried looking around for anything that might have been out of the ordinary, besides the two glowing doors. Maybe something that he could remember from his past.
Yet there was nothing. This was an unfamiliar place for him. Not once had he encountered this before.

He didn't know if this was a good or bad thing yet.

Observe the two non-glowing doors. Is there anything noticeable about them, or are they just stone slabs?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 07:36:46 pm

((close on the design, I was assuming a leather string instead of chain, there's 2 "clasps", but the second one is little more than a bar. the string goes through it once on the way to the actual clasp, loops back around a small bar on the clasp itself, goes back to the secondary bar, and then finally returns to the clasp where it is secured. to reduce the size you pull the 2 'clasps' apart, to make it bigger you pull them closer together. if you tug sharply on them however, or if they run out of room to adjust, then the actual "clasp" snaps apart into two pieces that can be snapped back together later, leaving the adjustment mechanism intact. they stay in place by the friction of all those loops and the fact that it's a tight fit around the bars.))
((It's not the prettiest design, but it doesn't look bad either, and it's very practical. also, if I have too, I can adjust it smaller in fox-form by setting it on the ground, placing my paws on the string to hold it down, and pulling on the secondary bar.))

---

"River, please wait! This place feels like a trap to me, didn't we get redirected from our destination to someplace unexpected? Someplace your sight is blocked would be the perfect place to hide a trap for you. I don't want to open any of the doors, couldn't we go through a wall instead?

If I worry you because you think I'm tricky, then please, let me tell you what a tricky person would do. If I knew someone really strong was going to chase me, I'd make all of these doors into traps, a different kind behind each door, and put a timed trap in this room we arrived in to force us into the others. probably something descending from the ceiling or through it since people don't look up very often."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 05:06:32 am

Amon Tobin - Defocus (http://youtu.be/ELrjHQRfEJo)

Quote from: Lenglon on September 21, 2014, 07:36:46 pm

((close on the design, I was assuming a leather string instead of chain, there's 2 "clasps", but the second one is little more than a bar. the string goes through it once on the way to the actual clasp, loops back around a small bar on the clasp itself, goes back to the secondary bar, and then finally returns to the clasp where it is secured. to reduce the size you pull the 2 'clasps' apart, to make it bigger you pull them closer together. if you tug sharply on them however, or if they run out of room to adjust, then the actual "clasp" snaps apart into two pieces that can be snapped back together later, leaving the adjustment mechanism intact. they stay in place by the friction of all those loops and the fact that it's a tight fit around the bars.))
((It's not the prettiest design, but it doesn't look bad either, and it's very practical. also, if I have too, I can adjust it smaller in fox-form by setting it on the ground, placing my paws on the string to hold it down, and pulling on the secondary bar.))

---

"River, please wait! This place feels like a trap to me, didn't we get redirected from our destination to someplace unexpected? Someplace your sight is blocked would be the perfect place to hide a trap for you. I don't want to open any of the doors, couldn't we go through a wall instead?

If I worry you because you think I'm tricky, then please, let me tell you what a tricky person would do. If I knew someone really strong was going to chase me, I'd make all of these doors into traps, a different kind behind each door, and put a timed trap in this room we arrived in to force us into the others. probably something descending from the ceiling or through it since people don't look up very often."

((Ah, good, I get it now. And it's probably going to be concealed by your clothes anyway, unless you wear a dress for some reason, so looking good shouldn't be much of a concern. Hm... Dress... Dance... A mission with some sort of official dance where you have to wear fancy dresses... *scribble scribble*))

"I do not have a choice. Going through the walls would take too long. The longer we wait, the worse it is going to get. If you are concerned, then come with me."

Quote from: Xantalos on September 21, 2014, 06:57:18 pm

Summon a big tent, still rolled up in the bag, and stuff it in my backpack.

((If I'm able to do this, that is.))

You lift your arm and focus on summoning a tent.
It feels harder. You start hearing a soft humming noise whose pitch slowly gets higher and then lower. A very dim blue aurora-shaped glow appears in front of you.
And then the humming stops, the glow disappears and the tent materialises. Or, at least, what you think is a tent. It's rolled into a ball, so you can't tell for sure. You shrug and put it in your backpack. Your backpack is now full.

"Oh, some of your abilities may work differently here." you hear the entity call out as he gets further away, his voice echoing in the large empty space.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2014, 07:24:57 pm

Zechariah went into a defensive stance, observing his surroundings before calming down and listening to Darkstar.
He tried looking around for anything that might have been out of the ordinary, besides the two glowing doors. Maybe something that he could remember from his past.
Yet there was nothing. This was an unfamiliar place for him. Not once had he encountered this before.

He didn't know if this was a good or bad thing yet.

Observe the two non-glowing doors. Is there anything noticeable about them, or are they just stone slabs?

They're a bit too far away from here for you to see clearly, but you are certain they aren't made of stone. They look more like glass. You can see the light coming from this room illuminating a few feet beyond the doors before stopping. Now that you look a bit closer, you can't see a handle on them. They are more like windows.

Quote from: NAV on September 21, 2014, 07:24:18 pm

Knife in hand. Cautiously investigate the green door.

You remove your knife from your backpack and cautiously approach the green doorway, your footsteps echoing across the empty room.

When you step out of the light in the centre of the room and your eyes start adjusting to the low lighting, you notice that the door you are approaching is actually transparent and lacks a handle. More like a window, actually. The dim green light is coming from behind the door. Behind the door, you can see dark rock illuminated by a dim green light that irregularly gets brighter and dimmer.

When you finally reach the door, you can see that it is a door leading outside. Said outside, however, doesn't seem like such a pleasant place.
Right outside the door, the smooth grey rock this room is made of gives its place to jagged dark rock that looks like it was just broken recently, it's edges only very slightly smoothed by erosion. The rock forms a canyon of sorts that extends away from the door, a wide corridor made of high rock walls. It gets a lot deeper the further away it goes from the door, so much so that after a while you loose sight of the floor of the canyon and thus the canyon becomes a chasm.
The sky is the source of the irregular illumination. It is a very dark green colour, like the green light has another source and is reflected from the atmosphere.

As you watch, a thick green lightning bolt crosses the sky visible above the canyon, briefly illuminating your surroundings with bright green light. You think you see something in the edge of your vision a good distance away from you, but before you can take a closer look, the lightning bolt has passed and everything is dark again. A rumble follows the passing of the lightning bolt that can be heard for quite some time afterwards.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Salsacookies on September 22, 2014, 05:34:44 am

Get back up, and observe. Actually look at what's happening. Do the thing known as paying attention

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 06:06:10 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 21, 2014, 10:04:20 am

Slither up towards the voices. Bite them each in the legs, then slither back to the group.

People seem to have a hard time understanding that they are trapped. I should had put you in a cage or something to make it more obvious.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 21, 2014, 05:20:21 pm

Use my acid powers to get the person off

You send a splash of acid out of your hands, but both John and Ron are quick enough to get out of the way. Which is exactly what you wanted.
Now there is a small puddle of acid in your circle. It's starting to smell badly in here.

Quote from: Toaster on September 21, 2014, 01:47:07 pm

"Get off me, you idiots!"

Summon up a nice order of classic gangster Tommy guns.  Grab the first one and perforate Mr. Red.

You summon a perfect Tommy gun with a drum magazine.

Quote from: Alarith on September 21, 2014, 04:20:19 pm

Hmm, I'm a bit worried about trying to use telepathy on a supernatural being, I don't know what would happen.  Maybe I could try using it with that man though.
There's plenty of debris outside the circle, right?  Try to use telepathy to send this message to the man outside the circle.
"I'm one of the people inside the circle.  Do you want us to attack the beings?"

You can sense the mind of the other man but you can't for the life of you concentrate enough to communicate with him. It feels very hard, like he is there and yet he is not.
There are debris outside the circle, but they consist mostly of wood from the broken table and chairs.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 21, 2014, 01:53:42 pm

"I shall assist thy endeavor."

Assist by attempting to break the barrier thing using repeated kinetic blasts. If barrier thing is broken, charge at Mr. Blue and impale him. If he's dodging me, just pull him onto my shaft.

Must resist making innuendo.

---

Everybody
John starts shooting wildly towards the two men in full auto, followed shortly by Saevus who starts hitting the barrier with powerful telekinetic blasts.
This turns out to be a bad idea, as the barrier seems to be also capable of stopping bullets. Which means that the bullets break into shrapnel when they hit the barrier, shrapnel that get redirected back towards them.
When John finally stops shooting, the barrier is still there, although there is shimmering in the air where the shots and telekinetic blasts hit it. John can barely hear the moaning of his teammates through the ringing in his ears.

One of the pieces of shrapnel has become embedded in Lioraw's right upper arm, causing him a lot of pain but no major injury.
Another has hit Saevus, but his armour easily deflected it.
The third hit "Rune", but it merely scratched his scaly skin.
Overall, the universe thinks you got very lucky this turn, considering the potential your actions had for teamkilling.

The two men turn around and quickly approach you.
"Hey hey hey! Stop that!"
"You're going to get yourselves killed. We're supposed to take you back alive."
"Where did you get the weapons? I thought you took their weapons."
"I did! I searched them!"
"Well, you obviously didn't do a very good job at it."

It looks like this (or something like this anyway) is what the man in white was waiting for. He slowly unsheathes his scimitar and then he breaks apart into three copies of himself (one red, one green, one blue) that move away from each other and disappear. The three copies reappear behind the two horned men and merge behind a piece of the table.

The man in white starts sneaking towards them, but your captors seem to somehow know he is there and start turning around to face him.
He runs between them and towards you, shoving them to the side before they can react and hits the circle with his sword. There is a flash of light and everyone feels something burning near where their stomach is (or would be, for the non-humans). After the flash, the circle no longer exists on the floor.

NOW you are free.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 06:44:32 am

((Sorry, RL in the way...))

Theri looked at River and spoke.

"River? Everything is alright, right?"

Recall how I brought Irine's sword and do the same idea here.


"Can I-May I speak to you a bit? Or-or are we at the destination you were going to show us?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 06:55:57 am

@Everyone: Do you find running two missions in the same thread confusing? Should I split this into another thread? I hadn't considered this before because it looks fine to me, but if you think it would be better if we had a primary and secondary mission thread, then I could do that.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 06:44:32 am

((Sorry, RL in the way...))

Theri looked at River and spoke.

"River? Everything is alright, right?"

Recall how I brought Irine's sword and do the same idea here.

"Can I-May I speak to you a bit? Or-or are we at the destination you were going to show us?"

You focus on the idea of a sword again, but when you wish for it to appear, nothing happens. Looks like this place has different rules than the one you were before.

You follow River as he slowly walks towards the doorway with the bright light coming from it.
"River? Everything is alright, right?"
"I don't know. I don't see any danger around, but that doesn't mean everything is alright."
"Can I-May I speak to you a bit? Or-or are we at the destination you were going to show us?"
"No this isn't where we were supposed to stop. This is the halfway point.
You can follow me and talk to me if you want. Just make sure to stay behind me."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 07:01:08 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 06:55:57 am

@Everyone: Do you find running two missions in the same thread confusing? Should I split this into another thread? I hadn't considered this before because it looks fine to me, but if you think it would be better if we had a primary and secondary mission thread, then I could do that.

((A special person (Skyrunner) suggested that people in a thread tag themselves or their posts in a way to discern one (mission) from another--she noted it in my game, at least, and I find it respectable to be used here, in lieu of anything else. It's a very simple solution that only requires the effort to type one word, probably ctrl b or click to bold it.

However we need said word for it to be used :) ...She used Subquest, respectively.))

"Alright-um, this...is pretty much about Irine." Theri says as she tries to keep the pace up, after glancing at where the rest she met are.
"I...don't understand. As in, she's really not the tricky type--thinking that I overheard all of what you said anyway, but she's pretty sweet. Determined and all, yeah, but she's...well, likeable. She has a sense of duty. You saw it back there right? When I-we...met Awena?"

Her last sentence was punctuated with a chirpy tone. Just the memory of that woman gave her joy.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 07:06:49 am

((Yeah, just have us post team names on top of our posts like in the clusterflup missions in ER))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 07:22:07 am

Quote from: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 07:01:08 am

((A special person (Skyrunner) suggested that people in a thread tag themselves or their posts in a way to discern one (mission) from another--she noted it in my game, at least, and I find it respectable to be used here, in lieu of anything else. It's a very simple solution that only requires the effort to type one word, probably ctrl b or click to bold it.

However we need said word for it to be used :) ...She used Subquest, respectively.))

Quote from: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 07:06:49 am

((Yeah, just have us post team names on top of our posts like in the clusterflup missions in ER))

((Yeah, good idea, I could do something like that. I could just use the mission type for my posts, since it's a simple thing. So you just do something like this at the beginning of your posts:))

Campaign

((And I'll do something like this:))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 07:01:08 am

((A special person (Skyrunner) suggested that people in a thread tag themselves or their posts in a way to discern one (mission) from another--she noted it in my game, at least, and I find it respectable to be used here, in lieu of anything else. It's a very simple solution that only requires the effort to type one word, probably ctrl b or click to bold it.

However we need said word for it to be used :) ...She used Subquest, respectively.))

"Alright-um, this...is pretty much about Irine." Theri says as she tries to keep the pace up, after glancing at where the rest she met are.
"I...don't understand. As in, she's really not the tricky type--thinking that I overheard all of what you said anyway, but she's pretty sweet. Determined and all, yeah, but she's...well, likeable. She has a sense of duty. You saw it back there right? When I-we...met Awena?"

Her last sentence was punctuated with a chirpy tone. Just the memory of that woman gave her joy.

"I... I understand what you are saying. I like her, that is why I took her with us. I know that she will probably not hurt me as long as I do not hurt her. It is not that which concerns me, it is..."
River stops and turns to face you. He looks down and whispers this to you.
"I know she does not want to hurt me but I am afraid that she may want to use me. I am afraid of what she may ask of me. That she may try to make me hurt the ones I care about. I am afraid that she may try to hurt me if she thinks it would be 'right'. I am afraid that she will hate me if she does not already. I don't want that to happen. So I prefer to not talk to her."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 22, 2014, 07:36:57 am

Survival
 >Find my pole arm and find an safe exit

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 07:46:53 am

((*YAY*))

Campaign
> Examine surroundings.

Theri pouted, and memories of her own life hit her like a flowing river. Calm, yet making you very much aware of where you stand.
And she had a choice.

"River," she said, tapping him lightly on the arm, "I really doubt that she's the type of person who uses others...or even hurts others out of her own volition. And by that, I mean I doubt she looks at others as objects rather than...erm, people, to...um, be used."

Putting stresses on words her thoughts mixed up on, yet failed at the moment to produce the needed word was the best hint she could give as to her intent. "She...really doesn'-...isn't that kind of person who returns hate with hate."

"I can see it in her person." Theri glanced at where Irine was, before looking back at River. "What caused that idea though? It's like you're focused on something in particular?"

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Toaster on September 22, 2014, 07:55:58 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 07:06:49 am

((Yeah, just have us post team names on top of our posts like in the clusterflup missions in ER))

((I was considering doing this anyway.  Time to make it official.
That said, should we use underline to prevent confusion with bolding posts that don't have actions in them?))


Survival

"Oops?"

Keep shooting them!  If ammo's gone, summon up another magazine and reload/fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 22, 2014, 08:45:19 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I follow River, but don't get too close, giving him the space he seems to want from me.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 22, 2014, 09:07:55 am

Campaign

"And here I was thinking this would happen as described. Thank goodness my fears were unfounded."

First of all, close my eyes and click my tongue a few times and get a feel for the room and the objects within, then listen without clicking for any presences in the air. Walk around a little bit.

Then smell the air. What can I discern?

Then check out the two unopened doors if the haven't been already checked. Listen for anything interesting in their vicinity, and try opening them a crack (while standing off to the side) if possible, check for smells and sounds when doors are opened if applicable.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 07:22:07 am

River stops and turns to face you. He looks down and whispers this to you.
"I know she does not want to hurt me but I am afraid that she may want to use me. I am afraid of what she may ask of me. That she may try to make me hurt the ones I care about. I am afraid that she may try to hurt me if she thinks it would be 'right'. I am afraid that she will hate me if she does not already. I don't want that to happen. So I prefer to not talk to her."

As a side note, how well can I hear this fella at his current distance and volume?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 09:10:16 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 22, 2014, 09:07:55 am

As a side note, how well can I hear this fella at his current distance and volume?

((As a general note--was all conversations we all had before the sudden 'non-plain D:' event heard by...well, all those in the vicinity of River?
And can we all hear each other despite (?)not seeing each other due to the [?]darkness[?](?)
...I think I need to re-read again. This is awesome and I'm confused due to my sads.))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Hawk132 on September 22, 2014, 10:47:17 am

Saevus, Survival

Thrust my mighty spear into Mr. Red. Repeatedly. Pull him in range if needed. If Mr. Red is too far to be pulled back into melee, attempt to fire my weapon (by pushing it, ofc) in his direction.

((The double entendres cannot be stopped. I should've summoned a sword.))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 22, 2014, 12:12:19 pm

Campaign
Go ahead and examine the windows further. I'm not yet satisfied.

((Gah! You're too fast for me, Paris! I only have so many minutes in the school day to read up on this!))

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 22, 2014, 02:26:18 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Craft a sling(weapon) out of cloth. Quickly open the door, grab a few rocks, then close the door.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 05:34:57 pm

---

Campaign

---

I've started keeping a map for you guys for quick reference.
You can find the most current version here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i5byl5jid29fbc4/map.png?dl=0
Current map posted here for posterity: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map_zpsc4eed427.png
I think it's pretty self explanatory, but feel free to ask any questions. Character colours are:
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 22, 2014, 08:45:19 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I follow River, but don't get too close, giving him the space he seems to want from me.

You stay a few feet behind River and Theri as they move and whisper to each other.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 07:46:53 am

((*YAY*))

Campaign
> Examine surroundings.

Theri pouted, and memories of her own life hit her like a flowing river. Calm, yet making you very much aware of where you stand.
And she had a choice.

"River," she said, tapping him lightly on the arm, "I really doubt that she's the type of person who uses others...or even hurts others out of her own volition. And by that, I mean I doubt she looks at others as objects rather than...erm, people, to...um, be used."

Putting stresses on words her thoughts mixed up on, yet failed at the moment to produce the needed word was the best hint she could give as to her intent. "She...really doesn'-...isn't that kind of person who returns hate with hate."

"I can see it in her person." Theri glanced at where Irine was, before looking back at River. "What caused that idea though? It's like you're focused on something in particular?"

"It is... the way I feel about the way she acts. The way I think, my instincts, my..."
He searches for the right word for a moment.
"My memories. What she reminds me of. Reminds me of people like her. And the memory is bad."
He remains silent for a couple of seconds before he turns around and starts walking towards the door again.
"Maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe I just need some time to see that she is different."
"But what I see is telling me not to trust her." he adds a few seconds later.

"Stop." he growls and raises his arm to block your progress and make sure you stay behind him.
He takes a few more steps forward, takes a deep breath and holds it.
"Disrupted. Not good." he says mostly to himself.
After a few seconds, he exhales, closes his eyes, leans downwards and starts panting.

Once he has caught his breath he stands upright and turns to face you.
"Okay, it is safe, you can come."
With that, he walks forward and touches the glass door. It bursts like a bubble in slow motion and disappears. That done, he goes through the doorway to the next room.

The room beyond is as large as the one you were before and carved out of the same grey marble-like material. It too lacks any sort of decoration, seam, window or detail. It is semi-circular and its ceiling is made out of a single half-dome
There is a semicircle of stairs in front of you leading higher up.
Up the stairs is semicircle of brightly glowing rods rising out of the ground, each with a different height. The ones closest to you are no higher than your abdomen, but the ones near the back are much higher, some of them almost reaching the ceiling.
Every once in a while, a rod dims and emits a low pitched hum. Each rod emits a sound with a slightly different pitch. That results in something that could be called a melody, albeit a very discordant one, one lacking any sort of beat or tempo.

River keeps walking towards the rods without stopping.

((If you want a description of the previous room, see Ike's turn.))

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 22, 2014, 12:12:19 pm

Campaign
Go ahead and examine the windows further. I'm not yet satisfied.

((Gah! You're too fast for me, Paris! I only have so many minutes in the school day to read up on this!))

You follow Ike and see what he sees, but don't hear what he hears.

((Sorry man, but this is going to be my last (or second to last, depending on how things go) year in university, so I am assuming I am going to be very busy, writing my thesis and all. So the more I write now, the better I can make up for any future delays.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 22, 2014, 09:07:55 am

Campaign

"And here I was thinking this would happen as described. Thank goodness my fears were unfounded."

First of all, close my eyes and click my tongue a few times and get a feel for the room and the objects within, then listen without clicking for any presences in the air. Walk around a little bit.

Then smell the air. What can I discern?

Then check out the two unopened doors if the haven't been already checked. Listen for anything interesting in their vicinity, and try opening them a crack (while standing off to the side) if possible, check for smells and sounds when doors are opened if applicable.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 07:22:07 am

River stops and turns to face you. He looks down and whispers this to you.
"I know she does not want to hurt me but I am afraid that she may want to use me. I am afraid of what she may ask of me. That she may try to make me hurt the ones I care about. I am afraid that she may try to hurt me if she thinks it would be 'right'. I am afraid that she will hate me if she does not already. I don't want that to happen. So I prefer to not talk to her."

As a side note, how well can I hear this fella at his current distance and volume?

He is a great distance away and he is whispering but the room is very quiet, apart from the occasional rumble of lightning.
You can tell he is whispering, but you'd need to focus on the whispering to discern exactly what he is saying.
Although I am certain that a gentleman like you wouldn't engage in such ungentlemanly behaviour, right?

The room is as previously described. Cross-shaped and huge. Smooth, seamless, grey marble-like stone full of columns, domed ceilings and arches separating the domes that make it look like you're walking through a giant spinal column. The dome above you has a sphere embedded in it which provides direct illumination to the area near the centre of the room and indirect illumination to everywhere else.

The four corners in the centre of the cross are glowing slightly with a cyan light that is quickly fading. The four green rods are also there, in the centre of the room, each one near one of the glowing corners.

Listening provides nothing other than the muffled rumbling of thunder. There is a faint humming and a discordant melody when River goes through the door, but it disappears when the door closes behind Irene. There's also the howling of wind and the more clearly audible rumbling of thunder when Nikolai opens the door leading outside, before it too disappears once the door closes behind him.

As far as smell goes, there is nothing other than the faint smell of ozone and the smell of your teammates, which you can discern very well by now. There's also some smell coming from your belongings and the tent Alan summoned, but nothing discernible. Just normal smells you'd expect to find on such things. Otherwise, the room is completely devoid of smells, as if you are the first people to ever arrive here. No wait, even in that case there would be some sort of smell from whatever bacteria or other living things would have grown during the time this place existed. It's more like it was built a few seconds before you arrived.

You approach a door at random and try listening and smelling for anything near it. There's nothing.
You can't see anything through it. It is dark. Unnaturally dark. As if there is physical shadow in that room, something that stops the (admittedly already faint) light coming from behind you from illuminating anything more than a couple of steps beyond the door, which reveals the same smooth grey floor, same as everywhere else.

As River and Nikolai have demonstrated, doors lack a handle and are either open or closed. I am assuming you want to open this one?

---

Quote from: NAV on September 22, 2014, 02:26:18 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Craft a sling(weapon) out of cloth. Quickly open the door, grab a few rocks, then close the door.

You cut your spare pants in half and tie them into a knot to create a crude sling. It's not very high tech or even very high quality, but you could hit something with it. Probably. Maybe even cause some serious harm if you're lucky.

You touch the glass door and it bursts like a bubble in slow motion. Air immediately starts rushing out of the room you are in, as if the pressure in it is slightly higher than on the outside.

You take two steps forward and walk outside. The door reforms behind you, cutting the air escaping from the structure and leaving you to endure this place's atmosphere. The strong wind is whistling as it is cut by your gas mask, causing it to vibrate slightly. There's a louder howling coming from above. Looks like the air is even stronger outside of this canyon.

The air smells strangely out here. Like ashes and ozone and copper and... some other things you are not sure about right now. The air irritates your nose and eyes as it gets through your broken gas mask. It makes you feel like there is less air in your lungs than it should be, making you want to cough.

Despite that you take a few more steps forward. Another bolt of green lightning passes overhead, illuminating the area, before it bends and comes down somewhere close, in front of you and on your right, right outside this canyon with a deafening rumble that makes the ground shake.

A few rocks were apparently blasted away from the thunder strike, because you can see them falling from the canyon walls, banging against them as they roll downwards. You can also see some flying above it. Perhaps a bit too high above it. Maybe the wind is helping carry them?

You shrug and make your way to a few rocks you saw when the thunder struck. You get the backpack off your back, set it down on the ground and open it, before kneeling beside it and putting some of the black rocks in it. Now when ask people to hold your backpack and they ask "It's so heavy. What have you got in there? Rocks?" you can reply "Yes, I do."

---

Everyone
<I have found the problem. I will start examining it. It will take some time to mend.>

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: NAV on September 22, 2014, 06:00:54 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Just to clarify, is this the type of sling I crafted? except the string replaced by strips of cloth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon))

Go back inside. This world isn't much nicer than my homeworld.
Put the sling and a few small rocks in my pocket. Put the knife in my belt.
Find River and go talk to him.
"Was there something wrong with the teleporter? Because if it's broken, or just not powerful enough I can help you."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 22, 2014, 06:17:49 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 22, 2014, 06:00:54 pm

Nikolai: Campaign
Just to clarify, is this the type of sling I crafted? except the string replaced by strips of cloth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon))

Well, if it isn't, then those are some veeeery stretchy pants.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 06:31:42 pm

Campaign

Alan tries this mind talking thing that seems so popular with the kids nowadays.

<AHEM. DO YOU NEED ANY HELP, BROOK?>

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Alarith on September 22, 2014, 06:53:30 pm

Survival
This place is a bit weird for my tastes.  Don't think I'm going to miss it much.
Check stomach, then if I am actually not on fire off a wave of force, starting past my allies, towards the other beings.  If I am in fact on fire, put that out.  Oh, yeah, stand up.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 22, 2014, 07:04:05 pm

Zechariah quietly goes into Ike's view, trying to get his attention now.
"Hey. Did you find anything about the windows, or the surrounding area? I don't really have that great of senses."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Lenglon on September 22, 2014, 07:36:36 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Restless and unable to help, I pace back and forth near the door.
There's nothing here for me to burn to generate a seed-flame, and I don't want to burn any of the stuff I brought with me. And I'm not sure that I even need to be ready for a fight. River seems to understand where we are and isn't that worried, is he? Though he does keep stopping to check for danger...

I pause a take some time to breathe.

So, I've thought it through and my best action right now is no action, right? calm down already and just wait. what will come, will come.

I set my pack on the ground by the wall, a moderate distance from the door, then lie down using it as a pillow, my side against the wall where I can feel it and my head facing the door, rest, and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 24, 2014, 07:05:34 pm

/me throws a post.
/me strikes the thread in the head, bruising the skin and causing a bump to form.

_/ ̅ ̅ \_

Post to help remove the above bump from the thread's head.

Post this to ten other threads, then press A B A B ← ← → → START+SELECT while inhaling and exhaling at the same time and Paris will stop being a silly idiot for a whole minute.

Oh, and I just noticed I missed this:

Quote from: Tiruin on September 22, 2014, 09:10:16 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 22, 2014, 09:07:55 am

As a side note, how well can I hear this fella at his current distance and volume?

((As a general note--was all conversations we all had before the sudden 'non-plain D:' event heard by...well, all those in the vicinity of River?
And can we all hear each other despite (?)not seeing each other due to the [?]darkness[?](?)
...I think I need to re-read again. This is awesome and I'm confused due to my sads.))

Yes, I think you(plural) should had been able to hear everything. I think there wasn't anything whispered or said in secret during that time.

You can see around you. The area you were in lacked direct lighting but had enough indirect lighting to allow you to see. The area you are in right now is bright enough to allow you to see everything very well.

About hearing each other, it's not so much a problem of seeing each other as much as it is a problem of distance. If you're close to each other, then you can hear each other. You can check the map in the previous post to see where everyone's at.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 24, 2014, 08:40:43 pm

Hey, I'm still waiting for Harry's response.
Flip, uh..

A B A B < < < > > START START

...Dammit.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Xantalos on September 24, 2014, 11:13:20 pm

*collapses lung while breathing in and out at the same time*

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Salsacookies on September 25, 2014, 05:34:01 am

Survival

What?

Now that I am free, flip a table at them for killing my boss. He was like a father to me

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2014, 05:52:02 am

Campaign

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 22, 2014, 07:04:05 pm

Zechariah quietly goes into Ike's view, trying to get his attention now.
"Hey. Did you find anything about the windows, or the surrounding area? I don't really have that great of senses."

"Exhibit A: the place smells like nothing at all, which is a refreshing and very telling turn of events. There's probably some magical fuckery at work here, if it wasn't already apparent, as evidenced by Exhibit B: glass door or window with solid shadows behind it. Definitely either monsters or liquid, coalesced, unadulterated evil in there, I'm sure. Let's check."

Open the door while standing off to the side from it. Click tongue and listen to try and echolocate shit behind that door. If that doesn't work, stare into the abyss and hope to win the contest that ensues.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 25, 2014, 12:14:19 pm

"Well, the least I would have assumed is that there was some dark magic at play here," Zechariah muttered. "Darkstar didn't seem to happy about ending up here, and I doubt that he just took a wrong turn on the inter-universal highway."

Wow, he thought to himself. A joke. Impressive, slight as it may be, for someone who's gloomy all the time.

"So, shadows, you say?" Zechariah echoed. "Let me see if that's the case."

Once Ike opens the door, use my staff to see if I can manipulate the shadows inside. If not, report this to Ike. If so, clear the shadows out of the way and try to see what's beyond this door.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2014, 12:18:40 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 25, 2014, 12:14:19 pm

"Well, the least I would have assumed is that there was some dark magic at play here," Zechariah muttered. "Darkstar didn't seem to happy about ending up here, and I doubt that he just took a wrong turn on the inter-universal highway."

Wow, he thought to himself. A joke. Impressive, slight as it may be, for someone who's gloomy all the time.

"What I mean there is, this isn't actually some fixture of the landscape we've found ourselves in. As in, we're not just misdirected by magic. We may very well be standing in magic right now. Place might have materialized around us out of thin air, and the thin air materialized by some other method, you catch my meaning?"

As a side note, what can I smell on Zechariah, exactly?

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 25, 2014, 12:35:51 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2014, 12:18:40 pm

"What I mean there is, this isn't actually some fixture of the landscape we've found ourselves in. As in, we're not just misdirected by magic. We may very well be standing in magic right now. Place might have materialized around us out of thin air, and the thin air materialized by some other method, you catch my meaning?"

As a side note, what can I smell on Zechariah, exactly?

"Well, yes, but it certainly does not seem like Darkstar anticipated this. In fact, he seem somewhat worried. Whether this place is composed of magic or not, it's certainly not a known place, so I'll treat it like I have no idea what this place is.

Which, for all intents and purposes, is true."

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2014, 01:28:20 pm

Spoiler: GM's (Insert Funny Body Part Here) Only. (click to show/hide)

Stealthily bite a teammate on the leg without them noticing. Then quickly morph into some sort of bird of prey, and follow the group.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2014, 05:05:43 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 22, 2014, 07:36:57 am

>Find my pole arm and find an safe exit

Quote from: Toaster on September 22, 2014, 07:55:58 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 07:06:49 am

((Yeah, just have us post team names on top of our posts like in the clusterflup missions in ER))

((I was considering doing this anyway.  Time to make it official.
That said, should we use underline to prevent confusion with bolding posts that don't have actions in them?))


Survival

"Oops?"

Keep shooting them!  If ammo's gone, summon up another magazine and reload/fire.

((Eh, anything visible/understandable should work.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 22, 2014, 10:47:17 am

Saevus, Survival

Thrust my mighty spear into Mr. Red. Repeatedly. Pull him in range if needed. If Mr. Red is too far to be pulled back into melee, attempt to fire my weapon (by pushing it, ofc) in his direction.

((The double entendres cannot be stopped anymore. I should've summoned a sword.))

I dunno, I think spears are more to the point concerning those kinds of things.

Quote from: Alarith on September 22, 2014, 06:53:30 pm

Survival
This place is a bit weird for my tastes.  Don't think I'm going to miss it much.
Check stomach, then if I am actually not on fire off a wave of force, starting past my allies, towards the other beings.  If I am in fact on fire, put that out.  Oh, yeah, stand up.

You are not on fire. I'm assuming you don't want to take your clothes off in the middle of the fight to check what is going on.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2014, 01:28:20 pm

Spoiler: GM's (Insert Funny Body Part Here) Only. (click to show/hide)

Stealthily bite a teammate on the leg without them noticing. Then quickly morph into some sort of bird of prey, and follow the group.

I always found the Ganglion very funny-sounding. Not sure why.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 25, 2014, 05:34:01 am

Survival

What?

Now that I am free, flip a table at them for killing my boss. He was like a father to me

Before anyone else has a chance to even comprehend what is going on, Lioraw jumps to his feet and does the most sensible thing: He runs away from what is sure to be a giant clusterfun as fast as humanly possible. He opens the door and gets out of the room right as the "fireworks" start. He finds himself in the corridor leading to the elevators. His interface beeps and its screen lights up orange.
<Escape the building. Escape. Survive.>

Back in the meeting room, Blue is the next to recover, hitting Saevus square in the chest. Despite Saevus' weight, the punch manages to throw him back with great speed and embed him in the wall behind him. Okay, note to self, stay away from that guy.

White makes an upward slash towards Red with his scimitar but Red takes a step back and gets out of the way, retaliating with a punch that clips White and causes him some pain but not much damage.

John empties the clip of his tommygun at Red and manages to get some good hits in. Although he doesn't hit anything vital, the many shots have caused moderate bleeding.

Rune somehow manages to tie his snake body into a knot. Not sure how he managed to do that.

Ron runs towards the table and tries to throw it to the two men. It takes him some time to get there and the throw itself is a rather "meh" kind of throw though. Still, he manages to hit Blue with it (Red and White have already seen it coming and gotten out of the way) and traps him under it, at least temporarily.

Bryan kneels and focuses on using his power on their enemies, creating a wave of force that pushes them away from the group and pins them to the ground. For now, at least.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2014, 05:19:26 pm

"Ssssssscrew thissssssss!"

Bite several of my allies, before transforming into a tiny cockroach, and scuttling away.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Hawk132 on September 25, 2014, 05:31:40 pm

"Splendid! Foes that are able to force me back! Sadly, engaging ye here without assistance would be folly."

Charge at Blue and impale him! Pull him into my attacks if needed. When attacked, push the blow away. If "Rune" attempts to bite me, push him into a wall/the ground.

Unless my allies retreat. They're retreating. I will follow John. He looks kind of squishy. If Lioraw is going in the same direction, and he didn't find his weapon - summon him a halberd.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Tiruin on September 25, 2014, 06:21:03 pm

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 24, 2014, 08:40:43 pm

Hey, I'm still waiting for Harry's response.
Flip, uh..

A B A B < < < > > START START

...Dammit.

((XD
Someone should summon up a GBA set with Contra :P
Also sorry. Timezones.

Paris: Does my character smell the same sensations as the rest?))

PFP - will make action post later

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Alarith on September 25, 2014, 06:44:45 pm

Survival
That went remarkably well.
"Excellent.  Time to go before the tide changes."
Let's beat it, I don't want to face those things.  As I head out, try to grab something to use as a weapon.  Activate psychic radar and try to head after Lioraw

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2014, 06:51:49 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on September 25, 2014, 06:21:03 pm

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 24, 2014, 08:40:43 pm

Hey, I'm still waiting for Harry's response.
Flip, uh..

A B A B < < < > > START START

...Dammit.

((XD
Someone should summon up a GBA set with Contra :P
Also sorry. Timezones.

Paris: Does my character smell the same sensations as the rest?))

PFP - will make action post later

No need to apologise.

You can smell the same as the rest, except for Ike (Harry Baldman) who has a lot more sensitive nose. Your sense of smell is slightly better than the one the average human has, but it doesn't make much of a difference except in awareness rolls used in very specific circumstances.

And I don't think there should be anything interesting for you to smell in the area you are currently in.

Well, there will be next turn, based on the turn as I've written it so far, but I don't think you'd like smelling that.

I'll go to sleep now, write the rest of the turn tomorrow.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 26, 2014, 06:01:41 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on September 22, 2014, 06:00:54 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Go back inside. This world isn't much nicer than my homeworld.
Put the sling and a few small rocks in my pocket. Put the knife in my belt.
Find River and go talk to him.
"Was there something wrong with the teleporter? Because if it's broken, or just not powerful enough I can help you."

Let's assume you already have that knife on your belt, since you have used it before.

You put a couple of rocks in each pocket, get up and wear your backpack.
"This is nothing like the brochure." you grunt as you take one final look at the scenery before you turn around and start walking towards the door.

You notice the pitch of the wind around you change and hear a faint whistling added to it, coming from somewhere behind you.
Before you can contemplate what that means, something cold and soft gets wrapped around your neck, pulling you off balance, strangling you. You can see about three dozen thin yellow things wrapping themselves around your arms, legs and chest, their point of origin somewhere behind you. About a dozen of them go for the pendant hanging around your neck, wrapping themselves around it until it is no longer visible.
"Ack- K- This is definitely- K- Nothing like- the- K- Brochure!"

((You can not contact your teammates via telepathy. And they cannot see you or hear you.
I was really hoping one of you would do that, going outside on his/her own without asking what this place is. And luck helped me make this worse with your many failed awareness rolls.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to provide tense life-or-death situations.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 22, 2014, 06:31:42 pm

Campaign

Alan tries this mind talking thing that seems so popular with the kids nowadays.

<AHEM. DO YOU NEED ANY HELP, BROOK?>

((I know it is not important in your case, but I just wanted to clarify something in case it becomes relevant in the future. Unless someone specifically states that they are telepathically communicating with someone privately (with something like "Private communication with <name>:" or "From now on, I want my conversation with <name> to be private," or something similarly visible), I assume they are talking to everyone, like in a radio. Just something for everyone to know about in the future. So now everyone knows you can't remember your companion's name.))

<Not unless you are willing to rid me of the distraction of heat-pain by allowing me to use your body and mind. But thanks for the offer.>

There is a flash of light from the corridor Ike and Zechariah went, followed by a bang.
Oh, good! Fireworks!
Wait, why is it so hot in here all of the sudden?

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 22, 2014, 07:36:36 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Restless and unable to help, I pace back and forth near the door.
There's nothing here for me to burn to generate a seed-flame, and I don't want to burn any of the stuff I brought with me. And I'm not sure that I even need to be ready for a fight. River seems to understand where we are and isn't that worried, is he? Though he does keep stopping to check for danger...

I pause a take some time to breathe.

So, I've thought it through and my best action right now is no action, right? calm down already and just wait. what will come, will come.

I set my pack on the ground by the wall, a moderate distance from the door, then lie down using it as a pillow, my side against the wall where I can feel it and my head facing the door, rest, and wait.

You sit down near the door and try to relax.

Tiruin
River keeps walking towards the glowing rods. He extends his hands to touch two of the shortest ones. The moment he touches them, he yelps and quickly retracts his hands, as if he was burnt.

He takes a few seconds to slow his breathing and presumably prepare his mind. Then he closes his eyes and grabs the two rods again.

This time he keeps his fingers wrapped around them and only emits a small quiet growl. His entire body is tense and trembling slightly.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2014, 05:52:02 am

Campaign

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 22, 2014, 07:04:05 pm

Zechariah quietly goes into Ike's view, trying to get his attention now.
"Hey. Did you find anything about the windows, or the surrounding area? I don't really have that great of senses."

"Exhibit A: the place smells like nothing at all, which is a refreshing and very telling turn of events. There's probably some magical fuckery at work here, if it wasn't already apparent, as evidenced by Exhibit B: glass door or window with solid shadows behind it. Definitely either monsters or liquid, coalesced, unadulterated evil in there, I'm sure. Let's check."

Open the door while standing off to the side from it. Click tongue and listen to try and echolocate shit behind that door. If that doesn't work, stare into the abyss and hope to win the contest that ensues.

You touch the door and it disappears like a bubble popping in slow motion.

Echolocation doesn't work that well. You can sense the floor further than you can see it. but that's not saying much. Still, there is something strange about that darkness. It feels sort of solid, kinda like a cloud. Like it is absorbing most of your sound, only reflecting a very small fraction of it. And it seems to be vibrating, slightly.

As for staring, it's just darkness. Not one to give up easily, you keep staring.
After a while, you start making funny faces to see if the darkness will react, but to no avail.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 25, 2014, 12:14:19 pm

"Well, the least I would have assumed is that there was some dark magic at play here," Zechariah muttered. "Darkstar didn't seem to happy about ending up here, and I doubt that he just took a wrong turn on the inter-universal highway."

Wow, he thought to himself. A joke. Impressive, slight as it may be, for someone who's gloomy all the time.

"So, shadows, you say?" Zechariah echoed. "Let me see if that's the case."

Once Ike opens the door, use my staff to see if I can manipulate the shadows inside. If not, report this to Ike. If so, clear the shadows out of the way and try to see what's beyond this door.

You take a page out of the old testament, take a step into the room, tap the staff on the floor a few times and focus on parting the sea of shadow. It's working, slowly. You're not really sure if the speed is normal, considering shadow should not behave like that. Then again, River did say your powers may work a bit differently here.

The shadow-free corridor extends in front of you, allowing the dim light coming from behind you to reach it. Yet it reveals nothing interesting. Just more grey floor and a dome ceiling. Until...

Ike senses something is wrong a few moments before you do. He tries to warn you but you're a bit too focused on what you're doing to realize what he is saying in time for you to stop.

A moment before it happens, you hear what sounds like the heartbeat of a mouse, loud bass noises one after the other, magnified enough to become deafening. You feel pressure in your ears. You feel the temperature rising. The darkness in front of you becomes grey before the final part of it parts and you can see what lies beyond it clearly.

For a tiny fraction of a second, you see a point of infinite, pure darkness, warping light around it so much that you can see very distorted mirror images of yourself looking back at you with a surprised look on their faces. You stop using your ability and begin to turn around, but by then it's too late. There's a flash of light that blinds you and burns your face, accompanied by a bang loud enough to cause your ears to ring.

You let yourself fall backwards, through the door, following the flow of the blast-wave. The darkness quickly fills up the gap you created, returning the room to its previous dark state. A moment later, the door reforms.

You are lying on the ground, in pain and part of your face and clothes has been burnt, but you have sustained no life threatening injuries.

((Since it seems I'm putting irrelevant fragments in everyone's posts, I'd just like to say that I consider you have your wings concealed under your clothes. While someone looking would probably notice a small difference, it shouldn't be something noticeable by casual observation. If you think you would had changed that before leaving the staging area like Irene did, then say so.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2014, 12:18:40 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 25, 2014, 12:14:19 pm

"Well, the least I would have assumed is that there was some dark magic at play here," Zechariah muttered. "Darkstar didn't seem to happy about ending up here, and I doubt that he just took a wrong turn on the inter-universal highway."

Wow, he thought to himself. A joke. Impressive, slight as it may be, for someone who's gloomy all the time.

"What I mean there is, this isn't actually some fixture of the landscape we've found ourselves in. As in, we're not just misdirected by magic. We may very well be standing in magic right now. Place might have materialized around us out of thin air, and the thin air materialized by some other method, you catch my meaning?"

As a side note, what can I smell on Zechariah, exactly?

I could make a joke here, but I won't.

On the bright side, you saw that coming, so you got to cover in time. That means you got a good idea about the centre of the room. Which isn't much. It's just that... hole... distortion... flashing... loud... thing over a pit. Said pit is surrounded by 8 things rising out of the floor that are curled around the strange thing like a dead spider's legs. Unless they aren't bent and that thing is distorting your perception of space even more than you thought.

And those upgrades seem to be working well too. You still feel a bit of pain, but not nearly as much as you think Zechariah is feeling right now, judging from his reaction. Superb! ... if it wasn't for your teammate lying on the floor there, looking more and more like Two-Face.

He smells the standard human male smell but his own. I can't explain it very well, I think most human languages don't tend to have many words that can be used to describe smell. Probably because most of us don't have a good sense of smell.

He smells like human, but his unique blend of human. Much like how all beers are alike yet different.

Other than that, not much. Wood from his staff, bit of clothes, bit of sweat, bit of blood, bit of burnt flesh and hair. A few other smells he carried over from the staging area that are slowly fading, like trampled plants and dirt.

I'm not really sure about his wings. I think they should probably smell something different. Even though they are partly magical, they should have some biological components, so that should make his smell even more unique and easy to recognize. But I have even less capacity of describing how that should smell.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map2_zps162ab27b.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 26, 2014, 06:38:43 pm

This shouldn't be too hard, Zechariah thought to himself. This is just the entrance. Hell, we don't even know if this place is hostile yet. I doubt anything would pop up this ear-

"DAMMIT-"
And then the flash.

Somewhere, sometime in another universe, Artemis has a smile on his face. He knew that Zechariah would never give up his stupidity, and he was right - even if he did not know it right now.
And Zechariah hated himself for that fact.

Blurriness. Ringing in his ears. Pain throughout his body, centered in his face. And no idea what just happened.
These things are no stranger to Zechariah, unfortunately.

Do a cursory check of myself. How bad are the injuries? If I can move, get myself out of the way and into a safer place - maybe around the other corridor where the others went.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 26, 2014, 07:02:06 pm

Campaign

Ah man, don't tell me the AC's broke on this thing!

Summon a handheld electric fan and try to cool myself off with it while heading left (on the map, toward where Ike and Z...Zak...Zab...Zanzibar are).

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 26, 2014, 07:43:34 pm

Survival

John's not in the mood today.  "Let's get out of here!"

Get out of there!  Summon a Kevlar vest on me while I'm at it.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on September 26, 2014, 07:52:20 pm

((I've seen enough hentai to know where this is going.))

Nikolai: Campaign
"Get off!"
The monster is behind me. My backpack full of rocks is behind me. Tsar the backpack to either crush it or get it off.
Try to get my knife in hand and hack at it.
Most importantly, escape and run back inside. Leave the bag if I have to.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 08:19:35 pm

Irine, campaign

---

Upon noticing River burn himself, I speak up.
"Do you want me to do that? Fire doesn't... well, shouldn't, anyway, hurt me."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 26, 2014, 08:44:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 08:19:35 pm

Irine, campaign

---

Upon noticing River burn himself, I speak up.
"Do you want me to do that? Fire doesn't... well, shouldn't, anyway, hurt me."

"I would need to show you. What to do. Inside your mind. Will you let me?"
He speaks without moving much or opening his eyes, more focused on what he is doing than you.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 08:51:51 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I take pause at his statement, but then stand up and begin walking towards him.
"Yes, so long as you promise to not take over, or make lasting changes to my will."
only because I trust Stellar to rescue me if he breaks his word, and because of his promise to Theri... but yes, I'll trust him in my head.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 26, 2014, 09:09:15 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 08:51:51 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I take pause at his statement, but then stand up and begin walking towards him.
"Yes, so long as you promise to not take over, or make lasting changes to my will."
only because I trust Stellar to rescue me if he breaks his word, and because of his promise to Theri... but yes, I'll trust him in my head.

He releases his hold on the rods and turns to look at you. You can't discern his expression.
"I will not do any of those things." he says a couple of seconds later.
He gestures towards the floor he was standing on. You can see that his palms have been burnt slightly.
"Stand here. Close your eyes. Try to relax."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 09:55:06 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I follow his instructions.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 27, 2014, 03:03:51 am

Campaign

"Well, that went rather poorly. In any case, should start making mental notes, I think!"

Spoiler: Notes On Ike's Quest (click to show/hide)

The place we came in on doesn't seem to have a particular smell, and may have been made around us for some reason. It's a halfway point. Maybe a halfway house?

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

Drag the poor guy over to the door on the opposite end of the hallway, and check if that's got solid shadows behind it as well. As we pass Alan, ask him to come along as well.

"Couch-Man! The realm needs your expertise! Follow us to the great darkness!"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2014, 10:58:41 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 26, 2014, 06:38:43 pm

This shouldn't be too hard, Zechariah thought to himself. This is just the entrance. Hell, we don't even know if this place is hostile yet. I doubt anything would pop up this ear-

"DAMMIT-"
And then the flash.

Somewhere, sometime in another universe, Artemis has a smile on his face. He knew that Zechariah would never give up his stupidity, and he was right - even if he did not know it right now.
And Zechariah hated himself for that fact.

Blurriness. Ringing in his ears. Pain throughout his body, centered in his face. And no idea what just happened.
These things are no stranger to Zechariah, unfortunately.

Do a cursory check of myself. How bad are the injuries? If I can move, get myself out of the way and into a safer place - maybe around the other corridor where the others went.

Your injuries... well, you're not facing any immediate risk of dying, so that's a plus, but it's safe to say your good looks are ruined. You're completely blind from one eye (with no idea if it is temporary or permanent) and part of your face and hair have been moderately burnt. The rest of your body has been protected by your clothes, so you should only get some mild burns at worst. And part of the pressure wave was absorbed by the darkness so no blood in the lungs for you. You do need medical attention though, if only to make sure those wounds don't get infected and that you aren't suffering from some sort of internal injury.

You get up with Ike's help (you haven't received any injuries that prevent you from walking but you do feel a bit dizzy) and start moving away from the room that burns faces when you come across Alan.

Wait, either your eyes must be more injured than you thought or you are suffering from a concussion, because you're seeing him holding a glowing pair of bellows and using it to blow air to his face.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 26, 2014, 07:02:06 pm

Campaign

Ah man, don't tell me the AC's broke on this thing!

Summon a handheld electric fan and try to cool myself off with it while heading left (on the map, toward where Ike and Z...Zak...Zab...Zanzibar are).

You attempt to summon a fan. After a bit of effort, a soft glow appears in the air and a pair of bellows materialises in front of you. The glow does not disappear but instead remains with the object, coming from somewhere inside it.

You shrug, pick it up and start using it to blow air towards your face.

You do some walking and you do some blowing and after a while you come across Zanzibar ((which is an awesome name, by the way, I'd totally name someone Zanzibar)) whose actual name is Zechariah and Ike who is supporting him and is asking you to join him in some sort of quest for great justice darkness.

Hmmm.... Zanzibar looks different... Like he's done something to his... face? Did he change his haircut? Is he wearing make up? Oh, wait, it's just that half his face is covered in hideous burns!
Pfft. Kids these days. They'll do anything to stand out.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 27, 2014, 03:03:51 am

Campaign

"Well, that went rather poorly. In any case, should start making mental notes, I think!"

Spoiler: Notes On Ike's Quest (click to show/hide)

The place we came in on doesn't seem to have a particular smell, and may have been made around us for some reason. It's a halfway point. Maybe a halfway house?

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

Drag the poor guy over to the door on the opposite end of the hallway, and check if that's got solid shadows behind it as well. As we pass Alan, ask him to come along as well.

"Couch-Man! The realm needs your expertise! Follow us to the great darkness!"

You help Zechariah stand up and start making your way towards the other door, until you come across Alan and his glowing bellows.

I'll pause here in case you want to go help Nikolai. But if you do not, then you discover that it does not seem to have the same kind of darkness, it's just a very dark room.

---

Quote from: NAV on September 26, 2014, 07:52:20 pm

((I've seen enough hentai to know where this is going.))

Nikolai: Campaign
"Get off!"
The monster is behind me. My backpack full of rocks is behind me. Tsar the backpack to either crush it or get it off.
Try to get my knife in hand and hack at it.
Most importantly, escape and run back inside. Leave the bag if I have to.

The thing tries to pull you backwards. It's trying to pull you down, but now that the initial surprise is gone, it is much easier to resist. But it is still strangling you and that doesn't feel very pleasant. Despite your state of mind, you manage to notice that the tentacle-things wrapped around your CP are emitting a very faint light and seem to be twitching slightly.

You try to enlarge your backpack to repel it or crush it but you can't focus enough to do more than push it away a bit, which doesn't exactly help with the strangling problem. That's not good. Not good at all. You need to get away from this thing, but trying to resist its pull and force your way towards the door is making the strangling worse. Your lungs are starting to burn and you can feel your limbs going numb in the places it has wrapped its tentacles around them.

Panicking, you use one hand to grab your knife from your belt and start hacking away at your throat, not realizing the problem with that action, while using the other hand to try and loosen the "noose". The thing squirms as you hit it but it emits no sound. Finally, you manage to cut the piece wrapped around your neck and take a deep breath. The severed tentacle falls on the ground and starts squirming and jerking like a snake with its head cut off.

You notice there's blood on your knife, mixed with a couple of drops of some sort of yellow liquid.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2014, 09:55:06 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I follow his instructions.

You stand on the position River indicates, close your eyes and try to relax.
"Do not resist. Do not influence my mind. Just accept my guidance and we will be done soon."
You feel River standing behind you and putting his burnt hands over yours, so that you are standing roughly with the same posture.
You start feeling part of his thoughts, part of his mind, like a very slight pressure on your head. You try to not resist.
You feel him think about raising his hands and you try to match him, moving your hands with him.

The presence of his mind in yours is gets stronger. His thoughts more clear. They are more of a mix of emotions and responses then anything interpreted into something coherent. Still, you could, if you tried. There's fear and trust and admiration and joy and anxiety and quandary, connected both to you, your teammates and to the situation in general to varying degrees. And now more fear, connected to your thoughts. It turns to rage for a moment before it is covered by restraint and a glimpse of a memory linked with Theri, another glimpse of a memory, of action, which is followed by a delayed reflection of your own thoughts and some more coherent thoughts on his part that-
Please. I know it is tempting. But do not let your mind wander. Focus on the task.

Your hands touch something hot. Not hot enough to burn you, not as hot as fire. You think your resistance will protect you, for now at least.
With the heat comes another presence in your mind. This one different. Unknown. It is asking something from you, but you don't know the answer. You can't even fully understand the question. But he does. The response from his mind comes automatically in the presence of the question, without much thought or emotion.
You parrot the response and the presence accepts it. Now you can feel it telling you more. A lot more.

His mind interprets this as an image, something he saw before, when he was looking into the room and again when he was doing this on his own before. It looks like several things, most of them large and connected to one another. A few are broken, scattered, like someone took several puzzles, disassembled them and mixed the resulting pieces together. All of them comprised out of a jumble of pulsing, jagged links, all of them emitting their own unique, almost musical combination of rumbling with each pulse

The need to act becomes prominent on his mind, followed by the need to know, to see better. He starts choosing fragments based on what his instincts are telling him, urging you to focus on them. You comply.
Each piece feels unique, yet similar to the rest. They all share something like the signature of their creator, reminding you of that same feeling that helps you identify which entity is talking to you. And they all seem to fit together, all the shapes feel like they have guides that help you and him see where they should be connected as well as hints of what they are supposed to do. With his help and guidance, it is very easy to connect them quickly and correctly.

This goes on for a while, connecting the pieces to create something new, something whole. His feelings have become more dull now, since he has focused completely on this. Both of you have fallen into a pattern, found a rhythm. There's only the sense of urgency, the need to fix this, to find out what is going on. And a hint of relief and gratitude related to you.

You quickly realise that whatever it is you're building is supposed to give you more knowledge about what is in this place. Some contain labelled bits of knowledge which he considers to be useless right now. The ones that interest him more are the ones set to receive and process information. He asks you to focus on each of them for a moment as you connect them together, just enough to take a peek. Some show charred rocky peaks illuminated by a dim green light, others emptiness, others speak of areas near this place that have "fallen apart", while others give raw unprocessed knowledge, mostly in the form of numbers and colours lacking any sort of hint about their meaning. You even stumble upon one showing the inside of the room you are in. You also find some pieces that clearly don't belong to this section and help move them to the correct one.

While you do so, you come across something that sparks his curiosity and causes a more coherent thought to form in his mind. A question.
Is this the cause?
The piece you're inspecting feels completely different than the rest. It bears no signature, it has no hint about what it is and it doesn't appear to be able to be connected to any of the other pieces, even though it is currently stuck between two of them. Taking a quick peek in it reveals nothing coherent, nothing understandable. Even its shape and texture look different. A bit frustrated but still curious, he urges you to set it aside for now so that you can give it a more in depth examination later.

And then you come to a view of the front door.
Nikolai is out there.
Surprise. Anger. He told them to stay. Why did they not?
There is a yellow sack of flesh hanging from the walls of the canyon by a couple of dozen long thin tentacles.
Fear. Unknown. Danger to his companions?
It has many more tentacles, currently wrapped around Nikolai's body, most of them focused on the pendant around his neck.
More fear. Parasite. Danger. Need to act.
His first instinct is to run and take care of this himself, protect him. But he reconsiders. He won't get there in time. The others should be closer. They should be able to help. He prepares a mental image of where Nikolai is in relation to you and wishes for it to be sent to the rest, along with a message.
Nikolai is fighting outside.
It's like Nikolai is moving in slow motion. Or like your mind is moving a lot faster. You can see him slowly bring his knife towards his neck, cutting the tentacle wrapped around it and creating a small gash on his neck in the process.
They might focus on the limbs to try to free him. They might end up hurting him more. Better to kill it while it is occupied. To not allow it to retreat.
Another message sent to warn them.
Aim for the heart. Kill it.
More will come. He needs to prepare. He needs to defend. It is more important.

He asks you to move to a completely different section and help him assemble that one, resisting a momentary urge to take over your mind to do it directly.

((Alternate name for this section: "Inside the mind of a River" and "Adventures in being a neural router".))

---

Everyone (except Nikolai)
<Nikolai is fighting outside.>
You get a mental picture showing you where Nikolai went.
<Aim for the heart. Kill it.>

---

EDIT: Forgot the Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map_zpse74326d0.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 27, 2014, 11:51:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"But I don't wanna kill Nikolai! He seemed cool!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

The place we came in on doesn't seem to have a particular smell, and may have been made around us for some reason. It's a halfway point. Maybe a halfway house?

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Go see what Nick's up to outside, and if I really need to kill him that badly.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on September 27, 2014, 12:20:43 pm

Nikolai, Campaign

If I can get in a good position to slash it with a greatsword, then tsar my knife and slash it. Try overhead slash to let gravity do the work. Otherwise tsar my backpack of rocks to try to crush it and free myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on September 27, 2014, 12:26:19 pm

Survival

Put my foot on the table and pin Blue down.

"Eh, buddy. You've seem to 've killed mah boss, and because of that, ah ain't gettin' payed. Tell me why you did that, and I may not flatten you like a pancake right here."

Put some pressure on the table, for some encouragement of telling me what's going on.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 27, 2014, 01:41:35 pm

Irine, campaign

---

I continue to cooperate, doing as he asked of me.
I was right, he, no, stay on task.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 27, 2014, 04:12:52 pm

Dammit, dammit, dammit. This was all that Zechariah could think of through his pain. W-where's Darkstar? Dammit..

On the plus side, he didn't seem to have too terrible of major injuries. Then again, he was probably going to be literally scarred for life. Ah well. He expected that sooner or later, anyways.
Find Darkstar or some other person who I know to be a healer. I need to at least get these wounds to heal faster, so as not to make myself lamely succumb to infection or something like that. I can deal with blindness or whatnot for the moment.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 27, 2014, 04:18:39 pm

Here, Zanzibar, I'll be nice. Have an ice pack!

Give an ice pack to Zibbledag! Then go head over to Niks and assess the situation. Attempt to look cool.
Continue bellowing my face and neck.

Title: Re: Special People: Somebody set up us the bomb
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2014, 06:58:12 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2014, 05:19:26 pm

"Ssssssscrew thissssssss!"

Bite several of my allies, before transforming into a tiny cockroach, and scuttling away.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 25, 2014, 05:31:40 pm

"Splendid! Foes that are able to force me back! Sadly, engaging ye here without assistance would be folly."

Charge at Blue and impale him! Pull him into my attacks if needed. When attacked, push the blow away. If "Rune" attempts to bite me, push him into a wall/the ground.

Unless my allies retreat. They're retreating. I will follow John. He looks kind of squishy. If Lioraw is going in the same direction, and he didn't find his weapon - summon him a halberd.

He has his weapon.

Quote from: Alarith on September 25, 2014, 06:44:45 pm

Survival
That went remarkably well.
"Excellent.  Time to go before the tide changes."
Let's beat it, I don't want to face those things.  As I head out, try to grab something to use as a weapon.  Activate psychic radar and try to head after Lioraw

You extend your consciousness outwards, opening yourself, trying to sense the minds of others. You gain a fairly good awareness of where everyone around you is and their general state of mind, which is mostly related to combat or retreat right now. Looks like beyond your team and Red, Blue and White, there is nobody else on this floor. You think you might have sensed someone further down, probably somewhere close to the entrance, but it was too faint to tell for sure and you can't sense it anymore.

Quote from: Toaster on September 26, 2014, 07:43:34 pm

Survival

John's not in the mood today.  "Let's get out of here!"

Get out of there!  Summon a Kevlar vest on me while I'm at it.

You're a bit distracted from the pain, so all you manage to get is a small shoulder guard made out of something that could be Kevlar. It looks slightly out of place in your otherwise normal clothes.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 27, 2014, 12:26:19 pm

Survival

Put my foot on the table and pin Blue down.

"Eh, buddy. You've seem to 've killed mah boss, and because of that, ah ain't gettin' payed. Tell me why you did that, and I may not flatten you like a pancake right here."

Put some pressure on the table, for some encouragement of telling me what's going on.

White goes for another slash against Red, but Red easily evades it and counter-attacks with a kick against him that pushes him back without causing any serious damage. Red's index finger starts glowing red as he points his hand towards Ron. Ron senses what's coming and ducks, avoiding a blast of red energy that causes the wall behind him to catch on fire. He's about to fire another blast but White is quicker. He can't manage to lift his blade in time for a strike but he manages to fall on him, causing him to miss and hit the ceiling.

John and Saevus (who has managed to extract himself from the wall without much difficulty) enact plan "Run away" with Bryan following them a second later.
As John runs, he feels great pain on his leg, like someone punched it and lit it on fire at the same time. He completely ignores it and keeps on running. By the time they have reached the hallway and Lioraw, the pain has subsided, but it still feels numb.
Saevus notices that there is a great dent on the chest piece of his armour, where he was punched a few seconds ago.

Ron presses Blue for answers. Both figuratively and literally, since he is currently standing over him. Blue is clearly not very happy about this.
"Ugh. You should lay off the roids man, you weigh like a ton." he says as he tries to push the desk off of him.
Ron is having none of this. He stomps his foot down, pushing the table back down and breaking it in half, along with most bones in Blue's torso.
"I'm not telling you nothing."
Blue struggles to say the words, given that his lungs are not in the best of states.
"I'm afraid of him more than I'm afraid of you."
He coughs some blood.
"Besides, you seem to be forgetting two things. If I die, I'll just get summoned again when they realise I'm dead. Unlike you."
His body starts glowing with a faint blue light.
"And I just caused a damn pigeon to explode like a bomb."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on September 28, 2014, 07:07:02 pm

Grab Blue and throw him out of the window, then assist White by putting Red in a full nelson

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2014, 07:52:21 pm

Become a highly venomous scorpion, and locate/follow a team member. When I find them, sting them. Then do the cockroach escape again.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2014, 08:36:16 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on September 27, 2014, 12:20:43 pm

Should not had gone alone. Not for rocks.
When did the air out here start tasting good?
If I can get in a good position to slash it with a greatsword, then tsar my knife and slash it. Try overhead slash to let gravity do the work. Otherwise tsar my backpack of rocks to try to crush it and free myself.

You can't do it. You can't concentrate enough to enlarge your knife.
You're starting to feel weak, light-headed, cold. Your limbs are going numb. You can't die like this.
You desperately try to move forward while slashing at the tentacles surrounding your arms but the thing is pulling more strongly now. Much more strongly. It pulls you back until you fall down, your back lying against your backpack. It spreads your arms and legs, pulling them up and away from your torso.

You can see it hovering over you, a sack of yellow flesh surrounded with more than 50 wire-thin tentacles coming out of it, surrounding it like a halo. It's using some of them to hang from the walls of the canyon. It's tentacles are being retracted, coiled. It's pulling you towards it. You're starting to rise.

You're not having that. You're not going to let this thing... well, whatever this thing wants to do with you, you aren't going to let it do it. Whatever it would do, it probably wouldn't be very pleasant. You need to pull back. You focus all your power to your backpack. You can't see exactly what happens, but you feel its weight increasing. You feel it touch the ground again. And it keeps getting larger, pushing the you up a bit. You can feel it touching your head.

The thing struggles a bit, but is clearly unable to lift you, despite its now tremendous strength. With that giant backpack it's far more likely that it will manage to dismember you than it is that it will manage to lift you.
Seeing that it has no hope of pulling you up, it instead starts moving towards you, using its many tentacles to slowly lower itself.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 27, 2014, 11:51:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"But I don't wanna kill Nikolai! He seemed cool!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

The place we came in on doesn't seem to have a particular smell, and may have been made around us for some reason. It's a halfway point. Maybe a halfway house?

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Go see what Nick's up to outside, and if I really need to kill him that badly.

You run as quickly as you can through the hallways, towards the door River indicated, the one leading outside.

Out there you find Nikolai laying with his back against a giant and quite ornately decorated backpack. He is holding a bloodied knife from his hand and he has blood coming out of his neck.
His hands and legs are being held away from his torso by a great number of long yet thin yellow tentacles. Said tentacles are coming from a sack of yellow, pale flesh, no larger than your head, which is hanging from the canyon wall.
It has more tentacles, which it is using to slowly descend the canyon wall, to move towards Nikolai.
It's a bit hard to hear with all that wind around, but you're fairly certain Nikolai is still alive, since you can hear him grunting and struggling.

About killing him, you don't really know. If that tentacle thing tries something funny, it might be more merciful to kill Nikolai to spare him from all that. Because you're fairly certain that what's going on here is in no way consensual.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2014, 04:18:39 pm

Here, Zanzibar, I'll be nice. Have an ice pack!

Give an ice pack to Zibbledag! Then go head over to Niks and assess the situation. Attempt to look cool.
Continue bellowing my face and neck.

You make some gestures towards Zoidberg, but you can't summon an Icepack. Damnit, it's doing that thing again where it's not working, isn't it? Well, you know from past experience that you shouldn't look at your palm or your eyes will start hurting. So you just shrug and follow Ike.

The big eared man is fast. You can't keep up with him. After a few seconds of running, you get tired, hot and sweaty, so you start walking instead, using your bellows to help cool yourself.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 27, 2014, 04:12:52 pm

Dammit, dammit, dammit. This was all that Zechariah could think of through his pain. W-where's Darkstar? Dammit..

On the plus side, he didn't seem to have too terrible of major injuries. Then again, he was probably going to be literally scarred for life. Ah well. He expected that sooner or later, anyways.
Find Darkstar or some other person who I know to be a healer. I need to at least get these wounds to heal faster, so as not to make myself lamely succumb to infection or something like that. I can deal with blindness or whatnot for the moment.

You flinch reflexively as Alan points his palm at you, but thankfully nothing comes out of it to strike your head.

That done, you start walking towards the room Darkstar went, hoping he can help. You're still a bit dizzy, but it's getting better. With any luck he'll- Ah, who are you kidding. What luck? Judging from past experience, luck clearly hates you for some reason.

((Action paused due to combat.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 27, 2014, 01:41:35 pm

Irine, campaign

---

I continue to cooperate, doing as he asked of me.
I was right, he, no, stay on task.

You start working on the new section. It's much larger than the previous one, connected to many more things, but it is also more intact. But not intact enough to work, apparently. Its centre feels mostly dead, dull, devoid of energy, like some important piece is missing.

The section you're rebuilding now is much harder to understand. You can't understand exactly what the hints on the loose pieces mean. Something about space and understanding some concept and channelling energy? River isn't very interested in what is in them, so his feelings don't provide many clues, in contrast to the previous section. Regardless, you keep following his suggestions, slowly putting the pieces together.

While working, you find more of those different pieces, the ones that lack a signature and set them aside. He gets the feeling that they are from something much larger.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map4_zps7e1bc9aa.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 28, 2014, 08:46:09 pm

Campaign

Action: Continue last action!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 28, 2014, 09:20:44 pm

Survival


"My leg feels like shit.  Think I got a nasty burn.  Also, this armor sucks."

Chuck the useless armor and follow the group.  Summon a few flashbangs.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 28, 2014, 09:44:38 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Continue to do River's will.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 28, 2014, 10:25:24 pm

Campaign

Huh. Huh. Heh. Wheeze. wheeeeeeeeze. I'm wheezing here, goddamn.

Summon electric scooter and go the rest of the way! Try to make it have a little rubber horn on it so I can honk it when I arrive.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on September 28, 2014, 11:04:24 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Fuck you tentacles."
Point knife at it and tsar.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on September 29, 2014, 10:09:19 am

Saevus, Survival

"Merely a dent. Let us continue on our way. I shall protect."

Summon a tower shield for me. Keep moving. Protect the group, whether by stabbing or keeping my shield up. Stabbing with the shield is acceptable.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 29, 2014, 10:17:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, it's a yellow land octopus!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Get my octopus killin' knife, and stab that yellow land octopus in its cold, cold heart or perhaps its most important artery. Stab until results are had or results start to appear impossible.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2014, 11:44:16 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2014, 09:44:38 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Continue to do River's will.

You finish putting all the pieces of this section back together, but there are still some missing.
Frustration.
He focuses on the concept of power and wishes for it to be transferred to you.
You feel yourself becoming stronger, feeling better, like you could do anything, even as he starts feeling more tired.
You see a vision of a missing piece. It looks completely different than the others, more organic, less ordered. But you think it should work. It feels like it would fit.
You focus on the power you have received and the image he has given you and the piece starts forming, filling the gap.
He's feeling tired. But he also feels like he must continue.
I need more power. Could I take it from here? Should I contact him? Or would he consider that against the rules?
His thoughts and glimpses of memories filled with anxiety are interrupted by a voice.
"Help. I need healing."
Fear. Protectiveness. Surprise.
Already?
The link between you breaks and the images you see dissolve, becoming unintelligible without his thoughts to provide a framework.
You feel his body move away from yours.
You let go of the rods, open your eyes and turn around to see Zechariah coming up the stairs with half of his face burnt and bleeding slightly. His clothes also look like they were burnt by something.
"What happened?"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 28, 2014, 08:46:09 pm

Campaign

Action: Continue last action!

You keep walking until you reach the room Darkstar, Irene and Theri is.
You climb up the stairs. Up there is Irene with her hands touching two of the glowing rods. Darkstar is behind her with his hands over hers, roughly matching her posture, which is made a bit more difficult due to their height difference.
"Help. I need healing."
He lets go of Irene and turns around to face you. He looks tired, his movements slower, his tail limp, his body stance lower.
A second later, Irene does the same, although she doesn't look tired.
"What happened?"

---

Quote from: NAV on September 28, 2014, 11:04:24 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Fuck you tentacles."
Point knife at it and tsar.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 29, 2014, 10:17:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, it's a yellow land octopus!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Get my octopus killin' knife, and stab that yellow land octopus in its cold, cold heart or perhaps its most important artery. Stab until results are had or results start to appear impossible.

Despite the fact that he is starting to near unconsciousness, Nikolai manages to untsar his backpack and put all of his energy into his knife. The knife transforms into an ornate claymore with a small red jewel on its golden handle.

The combination of the enlargement of the knife accompanied by the deflation of the giant backpack below him allow him to twist his hand enough to allow him to cut most of the tentacles holding his claymore wielding arm. They cut pieces fall to the ground, twitching. But all is not over yet.

The sword is a bit heavy to use efficiently with one arm and his body isn't in the best of states. He tries to slash the rest of the tentacles but he can't quite manage to lift it enough. The central part of the creature is almost upon him now, hovering about a metre above his head.

Luckily for him, Ike has used the distraction Nikolai provided to get into position to attack the creature's heart, choosing the side which has the least tentacles. Despite its apparent lack of sensory organs, it seems to know Ike is attacking. It uses one of its tentacles like a whip, trying to hit Ike in the head, but he easily sidesteps it and counter-attacks with a slash that almost severs the tentacle in half. That done, he jumps towards the creature's central part, aiming to stab it. It barely manages to evade his strike by pulling itself away.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 28, 2014, 10:25:24 pm

Campaign

Huh. Huh. Heh. Wheeze. wheeeeeeeeze. I'm wheezing here, goddamn.

Summon electric scooter and go the rest of the way! Try to make it have a little rubber horn on it so I can honk it when I arrive.

A glowing wooden wheel hits you in the back of your head and then disappears along with your bellows.
Perhaps the universe is trying to remind you that scooters are not common household objects.

Anyway, you arrive at the scene to see Ike and Nikolai engaged in combat with a "yellow land octopus" as Ike described it, a yellow sack of pale flesh with a large number of wire-thin tentacles coming out of it. Ike has managed to go around "behind" the creature and is currently trying to stab it in the central part with his knife. Meanwhile Nikolai is under attack by most of the thing's tentacles who are keeping most of his body immobile, except for one of his arms, with which he is trying (and failing) to wield a claymore (the big sword, not the mine). There is a number of severed yellow tentacles twitching on the ground below.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map5_zps3ab54ea8.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 29, 2014, 11:47:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Feisty little thing, innit?"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Stab until results are had or results start to appear impossible, as per previous statements.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on September 29, 2014, 01:21:31 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Untsar the knife, point directly at it's core, and tsar it.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2014, 01:50:40 pm

Campaign

"Well, I simply tried to part some shadows out of the way of a door and then the - agh - space in front of me.. exploded.. in a fury of light. No.. dammit.. no time to dodge."

The pain was agonizing for Zechariah. He'd felt worse before, but this was definitely pretty high on his scale of near-death scenarios. Okay, probably not, considering the amount of shenanigans he had to put up with in the Medium, but this was still pretty bad.

"You can harass me later for this, but for now, I kinda wouldn't mind not dying this early in the mission. Please."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 02:06:43 pm

Campaign

Summon lawn mower, then! Once it's summoned, run recklessly at the octopus thing, trying to shred it with the blades!

No one gets to harass sea life without a permit! And mine is ON THESE WHIRLING BLADES OF DEFEAT!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2014, 07:05:47 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2014, 01:50:40 pm

Campaign

"Well, I simply tried to part some shadows out of the way of a door and then the - agh - space in front of me.. exploded.. in a fury of light. No.. dammit.. no time to dodge."

The pain was agonizing for Zechariah. He'd felt worse before, but this was definitely pretty high on his scale of near-death scenarios. Okay, probably not, considering the amount of shenanigans he had to put up with in the Medium, but this was still pretty bad.

"You can harass me later for this, but for now, I kinda wouldn't mind not dying this early in the mission. Please."

His eyes narrow as you talk. He's clearly not happy about this.
He sighs and lowers his head while shaking it a bit.
"She is going to kill me when she finds out about this." he quietly says to himself as he approaches you.
He grabs your head and forcefully turns it around to get a better look at it. As he does so, he continues talking quietly, sounding a bit angry.
"We are going to have a talk when this is over. Because this is not right."
He touches the burnt part of your face. It hurts. You're fairly certain that's not proper medical procedure.
"I am not your enemy. I do not harass you. But I need you to listen to me. Or at least talk to me." he continues as he examines the rest of your body by touching it and applying pressure to it, starting from the chest and going down to your abdomen. You are not certain if he is checking for injuries or if he just wants to cause you more pain.
"You are fine. Go help the others." he adds as he lets you go and turns around.
He addresses Irene.
"Ready to continue?"

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 29, 2014, 11:47:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Feisty little thing, innit?"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Stab until results are had or results start to appear impossible, as per previous statements.

Quote from: NAV on September 29, 2014, 01:21:31 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

Untsar the knife, point directly at it's core, and tsar it.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 02:06:43 pm

Campaign

Summon lawn mower, then! Once it's summoned, run recklessly at the octopus thing, trying to shred it with the blades!

No one gets to harass sea life without a permit! And mine is ON THESE WHIRLING BLADES OF DEFEAT!

Ike uses the momentum from his previous strike to crouch and then jump towards the thing, hitting it right in its heart. All of its tentacles start squirming. As Ike pulls back the knife and prepares to either dodge or strike again, he notices that there is multicoloured light coming out of the knife hole. However he is not able to admire it for long, given that a second later an enormous blade goes through the thing, slicing it neatly in half. The entire thing immediately stops moving. As the two pieces fall apart, a number of coloured orbs escape out of them, quickly floating away. Its insides are full of atrophied organs and pale yellow, almost rotten flesh with a small amount of a thick yellow liquid oozing out of them where they were cut.

Nikolai gets up and starts removing the now limp tentacles from the rest of his body.

Alan arrives late to the party, dragging a glowing upside down plough with him.
He looks at Ike and Nikolai standing over the dead Yellow Land Octopus.
He pokes the dead thing with the plough's blades. It doesn't react. This is unsatisfactory.
Well, you could had saved some for me.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Tiruin on September 29, 2014, 07:30:50 pm

((I am so sorry Paris {and team, and River...}
Timezones + busy :-\
Reading back))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2014, 07:31:54 pm

((I'm not really sure what River means when he says Zechariah is fine. Did he do some weird healing ability to lessen his wounds, or did he just poke him until he was assured that Zechariah wouldn't collapse like a sack of bricks? Also, I'm still not sure if the injuries would need attention, since River seemed to just dismiss Zechariah.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2014, 07:42:19 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2014, 07:31:54 pm

((I'm not really sure what River means when he says Zechariah is fine. Did he do some weird healing ability to lessen his wounds, or did he just poke him until he was assured that Zechariah wouldn't collapse like a sack of bricks? Also, I'm still not sure if the injuries would need attention, since River seemed to just dismiss Zechariah.))

((You have not been healed. And, as I said before, your injuries do need attention sometime in the near future, but they are not immediately life threatening. Luckily for you, you didn't remove the entire barrier, else you'd be much worse.

I think in a real world situation your face would probably be considered a second degree burn. Correct treatment if I'm not mistaken is disinfection and application of sterilized gauze, perhaps with the addition of a tetanus shot and/or other antibiotics. About half of the rest of your body is first degree burns, so that would probably require the same, just making sure it is not infected. And there's your eye, from which you still can't see and you don't know why.

Do note that I have no medical training so I may just be saying stupid stuff.

EDIT: But, like all burns, they hurt a lot, especially if touched. Of course, Darkstar doesn't care much about that right now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on September 29, 2014, 07:52:11 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Thanks. Now let's get the hell out of here."
Go back inside, bandage my neck, and find River.
Edit: And gather a few tentacles in my backpack, as long as they aren't too gross. Nikolai needs rope.

((Once again, the mission's first kill goes to Nikolai. With an assist by Ike.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2014, 07:54:59 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2014, 07:42:19 pm

((You have not been healed. And, as I said before, your injuries do need attention sometime in the near future, but they are not immediately life threatening. Luckily for you, you didn't remove the entire barrier, else you'd be much worse.

I think in a real world situation your face would probably be considered a second degree burn. Correct treatment if I'm not mistaken is disinfection and application of sterilized gauze, perhaps with the addition of a tetanus shot and/or other antibiotics. About half of the rest of your body is first degree burns, so that would probably require the same, just making sure it is not infected. And there's your eye, from which you still can't see and you don't know why.

Do note that I have no medical training so I may just be saying stupid stuff.

EDIT: But, like all burns, they hurt a lot, especially if touched. Of course, Darkstar doesn't care much about that right now.))

((Thank you, that was what I needed to know. I am very sleepy right now, so my turn will be posted later.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 29, 2014, 08:30:52 pm

Survival
Use the Lift to escape

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 29, 2014, 09:08:26 pm

((He said "It's fine, rub some dirt on it, walk it off" just like that old PE coach you hated.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 09:13:45 pm

Messy bastards.

Try out a vacuum cleaner.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 29, 2014, 09:15:03 pm

((After this mission set, John and Alan need to have a crazy summon contest.

Also, roomba flashbacks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 09:19:01 pm

((Oh god memories.
It's gonna be a glowing old fashioned version of a vacuum though, so not quite as deadly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 29, 2014, 09:24:26 pm

((With gears and belts and spinning parts?  I doubt that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 09:25:35 pm

((Clockwork Roomba oh god why))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on September 29, 2014, 09:55:12 pm

((!!Idea!!))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2014, 10:02:38 pm

((It was bad enough the first time, I don't know if I could survive it's grandpa.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on September 29, 2014, 11:37:01 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

That is very much not fine.
I pause for a moment, then speak up.
"Zech, heat damages things over time. If that all came from one quick burst, then you're actually a lot better off than you feel right now. With the exception of the burns on your face, they're all really shallow. Get some clean cloth and string, and make a pad for the part of your face that's bleeding to let it clot. Fire leaves clean wounds, but open bleeding sores that contact the air will get infected anyway. The pain is only going to get worse as your body starts regrowing the burned-off nerves, be ready for that. You're going to feel horrible, but you'll live."
Not the full truth, but close, and it'll help Theri help him.
Only after I'm done speaking do I turn back to the rods and resume the earlier position and return to acting for River.
"Ready."
This is cold-hearted, but Theri can help him almost as well as I can and I think we're in a hurry here. I need to help River finish this as fast as possible.
I'll want to check out his wounds in detail later.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Tiruin on September 30, 2014, 06:26:46 am

((Gwuh, now I'm very out of place for doing little as mentioned in turn despite being right next to River a few turns back :X))

*still reading up*

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 30, 2014, 09:05:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, that was easy to resolve."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

If I have something to transfer harvested alchemical ingredients into, get some choicier bits of yellow land octopus and stick them in there.

Then go to the Dark Room on the Right, that is, the dark room at the end of the side passage I haven't explored yet. Open door as before while stepping aside, listen and smell for danger, prepare to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on September 30, 2014, 04:20:41 pm

Survival, Bryan

---

Continue following Lioraw.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 30, 2014, 04:39:10 pm

"You're going to feel horrible, but live," Zechariah echoed. "I feel like I've heard that before. Several times, actually." He sighed softly and turned around, walking back to the doorway and wincing as the pain thumped through his body.

I might as well find Alan, he thought. Maybe he'll be able to spin up some cloth for me. Clean, hopefully.

..Then again, my luck has been absolutely terrible, so I wouldn't be surprised if Alan accidentally summoned some flesh-eating cloth that will strangulate me.

Find Alan and go assist him and the others if they need my help (for instance, if they are in combat or sneaking around). If not, request some clean cloth or straight-up bandages from Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on September 30, 2014, 06:10:01 pm

Why I'll certainly help you, broody guy who I punched in the face at one point!

In addition to my other action, summon bandages at my friend here! Big bandages. BIG. He has big owies.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 02, 2014, 07:59:18 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 28, 2014, 09:20:44 pm

"My leg feels like shit.  Think I got a nasty burn.  Also, this armor sucks."

Chuck the useless armor and follow the group.  Summon a few flashbangs.

You get a flashbulb attached to a battery and a switch. That's sort of helpful?

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 29, 2014, 10:09:19 am

Saevus, Survival

"Merely a dent. Let us continue on our way. I shall protect."

Summon a tower shield for me. Keep moving. Protect the group, whether by stabbing or keeping my shield up. Stabbing with the shield is acceptable.

You summon a shield to go along with your spear and set it up in front of the elevator doors.
Two objects at the same time is starting to strain you but not enough to cause any problems. Yet.

Quote from: Alarith on September 30, 2014, 04:20:41 pm

Survival, Bryan

---

Continue following Lioraw.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on September 29, 2014, 08:30:52 pm

Survival
Use the Lift to escape

Lioraw presses the "Call elevator" button and the elevator doors open with a ping.
Everybody gets inside. Good thing this elevator is spacious.
Lioraw looks at the others wearily before pressing the ground floor button.
The elevator doors close with another ping and radio (http://youtu.be/YdQJ3Q0uhYE) starts playing from an overhead speaker as the elevator slowly descends.

...

"So, anybody read any good books recently?"
"Well, the Silo series is kind of nice. Read until book 5 and it seems all right. It has some good ideas, some nice characters and an interesting depiction of the post-apocalyptic world. That, coupled with the overall mystery should keep you reading for a while."
"Cool. Speaking of post-apocalyptic, I heard Metro 2035 is coming later this year."
"I dunno man, haven't you already played the game? That kinda spoils the ending."

...

The elevator will arrive next turn.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 28, 2014, 07:07:02 pm

Grab Blue and throw him out of the window, then assist White by putting Red in a full nelson.

You grab Blue and you throw him... right at the ceiling. Whoops.

You spend a few seconds looking at Blue wiggling his legs as in a rather comical manner as they get brighter and brighter. Then you realise that this is probably a bad idea. You turn around and try to run, but by then it's too late.
The explosion is surprisingly silent, just a flash of blue light coming from somewhere behind you followed by something hitting your back.

It takes you a few seconds to regain your bearings. You feel very dizzy and your head hurts but you think you're not dying any time soon.

A large part of the roof has collapsed, revealing the dark sky above. The room has been filled with debris but somehow you were lucky enough to avoid getting hit by something heavy. Most of the fires in the room have been extinguished as a result, making it appear much darker. There is no sign of Blue.

Turning your head to look around, you see that both Red and White are bleeding heavily. On top of the bullet wounds John caused, Red now also sports a large gash in his arm that is bleeding profusely. A large part of White's shirt has turned red, soaked with blood, although the nature of the injury is concealed by his clothes. It doesn't look like either of them has a long time to live.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2014, 07:52:21 pm

Become a highly venomous scorpion, and locate/follow a team member. When I find them, sting them. Then do the cockroach escape again.

You'd do that, but as you go through the window, you are hit by a flash of blue light followed by a wave of kinetic energy that slams you against a wall hard, severely damaging your exoskeleton and internal organs.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 02, 2014, 09:09:04 am

"That's one trap avoided.  Anyone need any gear?"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 02, 2014, 03:41:57 pm

"Eh, anything important I need ta kno before ya both die?"

After I get an answer, or if they don't answer, leave the room via jumping out the window

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 02, 2014, 04:41:31 pm

Quickly change form to a bird, and fly directly upwards. If more blue lights attack, commence evasive maneuvers. Search for another person (A player) to kill.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 02, 2014, 05:31:24 pm

"Sounds like it was a good thing we left.
Bryan shifts around so that he's standing in one of the corners next to the door, leaning on the walls.
"What do you think we're going to have to do to survive?"
Wait

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 02, 2014, 07:35:26 pm

Survival

John shrugged.  "Okay then."

Summon some pistols.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 02, 2014, 09:22:51 pm

"Ugh. Sorry, didn't mean to ignore you.  I'd appreciate a hand gun.  Always good to have multiple options.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 02, 2014, 09:49:29 pm

"Righto."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 02, 2014, 10:05:00 pm

Survival
> Wait for the door to open and get out

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 03, 2014, 12:46:06 am

Survival

Wait for the door to open.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 03, 2014, 07:56:31 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on September 29, 2014, 07:52:11 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Thanks. Now let's get the hell out of here."
Go back inside, bandage my neck, and find River.
Edit: And gather a few tentacles in by backpack, as long as they aren't too gross. Nikolai needs rope.

((Once again, the mission's first kill goes to Nikolai. With an assist by Ike.))

You stick a couple of the severed tentacles in your bag and hope that yellow goo they are oozing from where they were cut won't make all your stuff stink. Yay, questionable quality rope. Considering that it almost strangled you and lifted you in the air, you can at least be sure it's strong enough. Unless it starts decomposing.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 30, 2014, 06:10:01 pm

Why I'll certainly help you, broody guy who I punched in the face at one point!

In addition to my other action, summon bandages at my friend here! Big bandages. BIG. He has big owies.

((I'll just have you do this one and walk a bit.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 30, 2014, 04:39:10 pm

"You're going to feel horrible, but live," Zechariah echoed. "I feel like I've heard that before. Several times, actually." He sighed softly and turned around, walking back to the doorway and wincing as the pain thumped through his body.

I might as well find Alan, he thought. Maybe he'll be able to spin up some cloth for me. Clean, hopefully.

..Then again, my luck has been absolutely terrible, so I wouldn't be surprised if Alan accidentally summoned some flesh-eating cloth that will strangulate me.

Find Alan and go assist him and the others if they need my help (for instance, if they are in combat or sneaking around). If not, request some clean cloth or straight-up bandages from Alan.

Nikolai, Alan and Zechariah regroup near the teleporter, with the injured ones asking the uninjured one for bandages. Alan complies, and immediately points his palm at Nikolai. Nikolai isn't fast enough to duck, but it turns out he doesn't have to, seeing that all that comes out of Alan's palm is a thick piece of cloth. Nikolai catches it and uses it to apply pressure to his wound. Not perfect, but good enough.
Then he tries to summon something for Zechariah but it seems like nothing is happening. A few pieces of shredded cloth come out of his palm but nothing else.

You hear the sound of wind coming from somewhere far away. Those that turn to look see the door to the outside has opened. But there's nothing there... Hmmm...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 30, 2014, 09:05:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, that was easy to resolve."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

If I have something to transfer harvested alchemical ingredients into, get some choicier bits of yellow land octopus and stick them in there.

Then go to the Dark Room on the Right, that is, the dark room at the end of the side passage I haven't explored yet. Open door as before while stepping aside, listen and smell for danger, prepare to dodge.

You pick up some Yellow Land Octopus internal organs and stick them in your pockets, filling them and your hands with yellow goo in the process. You wipe the goo from your hands on your shirt and get going to the right door.

This room smells even more of nothing. I guess you could say it smells less than the others. It has no smell. Just pure, clean air.

The room is just dark it seems. No darkness here. From what your ears are telling you, it's just one big square with a domed ceiling. There's something spherical embedded at the top of the dome.

Under it are four large egg-shaped things embedded in the ground, surrounded by a circle made out of smaller eggs (still about as large as you though) and things that feel like benches, or tables (they feel kinda like this (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/China2011571458074_zps1f395c5e.jpg), but larger). There's 8 of the small eggs and 8 benches in the circle.

You hear the door to the outside opening again. You can tell by the sound of wind that accompanies the barrier disappearing.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 29, 2014, 11:37:01 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

That is very much not fine.
I pause for a moment, then speak up.
"Zech, heat damages things over time. If that all came from one quick burst, then you're actually a lot better off than you feel right now. With the exception of the burns on your face, they're all really shallow. Get some clean cloth and string, and make a pad for the part of your face that's bleeding to let it clot. Fire leaves clean wounds, but open bleeding sores that contact the air will get infected anyway. The pain is only going to get worse as your body starts regrowing the burned-off nerves, be ready for that. You're going to feel horrible, but you'll live."
Not the full truth, but close, and it'll help Theri help him.
Only after I'm done speaking do I turn back to the rods and resume the earlier position and return to acting for River.
"Ready."
This is cold-hearted, but Theri can help him almost as well as I can and I think we're in a hurry here. I need to help River finish this as fast as possible.
I'll want to check out his wounds in detail later.

As Zechariah walks away, River approaches you again and stands close to you, his hands over yours.
"Thank you." he whispers quickly and quietly before resuming his mind link with you. His mind once again interprets the data you are provided with, giving them a form you can understand.

At his prompt, you resume rebuilding the missing pieces of that particular part of the... whatever this thing you are fixing is. He gives more and more of his power to you for this. He's starting to feel like he is going to collapse. His thoughts are slower, focused only on the task at hand.
But whatever you're doing seems to be working. This section starts lighting up, reactivating, the connections once again pulsing with energy. With the missing pieces in place it's easier to understand. Looks like something meant to form some sort of barrier, drawing power and using it against things it recognizes. He feels like it will be ready soon, a fact that he uses to push himself more, to encourage himself to keep doing this.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map6_zps17bb886a.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 03, 2014, 10:18:36 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Who's there? Show yourself."
Sling a warning rock at the suspiciously open door.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 04, 2014, 01:15:31 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I can handle some of the burden, if River needs to pass some of his exhaustion over to me, That is fine.
Complete our task, do River's will

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 04, 2014, 03:11:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Fascinating!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

Head back to look at who might have arrived. If I notice nothing there, click tongue a few times to echolocate, and also smell the air to see if anything's changed. Be ready to dodge. If no signs of anything terrible, cautiously head back. If there are any signs of invisible fuckery, throw some yellow goop at suspected locations of monsters.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 04, 2014, 04:58:42 pm

At this point, I really shouldn't be expecting anything to go in my favor.
Because honestly, it's just not going to get better from here.

Turn myself to face the door and get into a combat stance. Ready my staff and observe the shadows around the area. Is anything being distorted, or do I hear anything? If so, try to locate this thing and manipulate any shadows to try and hold this... "thing" in place.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 06, 2014, 04:24:18 pm

((Bump/Pretty sure everyone from the survival team posted an action.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2014, 01:39:46 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 02, 2014, 03:41:57 pm

"Eh, anything important I need ta kno before ya both die?"

After I get an answer, or if they don't answer, leave the room via jumping out the window.

Both of them pause for a moment and turn their heads to look at you while still keeping an eye on each other. They don't look very happy with you.

"You must reach the-" White's words turn into something between a scream and a gurgling sound as he flies backwards with his chest crushed, a result of one of Red's lightning fast punches.
Oh well. I bet whatever he was saying wasn't that important.

You start running away from the exit towards the opposite side of the room, intent on taking a shortcut towards the ground.
As you run, streams of fire fly by you, hitting the wall besides the door in front of you and exploding into fireballs.
You keep running, going through the fire blocking the door and emerge on the other side slightly burnt and with your coat on fire.
That done, you jump out the window. Of the 3rd floor. With the European meaning of third floor, which means three storeys above the ground floor. Storeys that were meant to house large works of art. Storeys large enough for people in huge armour can walk around without trouble. With only concrete below you. On which you are just about to belly flop.

They say that when falling from a great height, fear causes you to loose consciousness before you hit the ground. You aren't certain about whether or not you are unfortunate when this isn't confirmed by empirical evidence. Because when you hit the street below, go through it and land on a small sewage tunnel below, causing debris to fly everywhere, the pain almost causes you to loose consciousness anyway. On top of your everything hurting and being in terrible pain, you feel like something has stabbed you on the right side of your chest.

On the bright side, you are no longer on fire. So that's something.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 02, 2014, 04:41:31 pm

Quickly change form to a bird, and fly directly upwards. If more blue lights attack, commence evasive maneuvers. Search for another person (A player) to kill.

You transform to a very small bird. You feel absolutely famished and are barely strong enough to fly up and away.

Still, looks like getting out of there was a good idea. A burning guy (literally burning, as in on fire) jumps out of the window you just escaped from and lands on the street below, breaks through the street and lands on a small underground tunnel, throwing pieces of concrete everywhere, causing cracks to form on the ground around his impact points and further destroying some of the cars around him.

A few moments later, there's a flash of red light and the top floor of the building you just escaped from is engulfed in flames.

Well, that escalated quickly.

---

Quote from: Toaster on October 02, 2014, 07:35:26 pm

Survival

John shrugged.  "Okay then."

Summon some pistols.

You summon a couple of M1911 pistols. They seems fine, fully loaded and the wooden grip fits comfortably in your hand.

Quote from: Alarith on October 02, 2014, 05:31:24 pm

"Sounds like it was a good thing we left.
Bryan shifts around so that he's standing in one of the corners next to the door, leaning on the walls.
"What do you think we're going to have to do to survive?"
Wait

Waiting.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 02, 2014, 10:05:00 pm

Survival
> Wait for the door to open and get out

Waiting intensifies.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 03, 2014, 12:46:06 am

Survival

Wait for the door to open.

Waiting is over 9000.

You hear a rumbling coming from somewhere outside the elevator, although you can't pinpoint the location. The lights in the elevator flicker and you can feel it moving about a bit. Sounds like something happened out there.

With a ping the elevator doors open to the ground floor lobby. Lioraw steps outside while the rest take cover.

The room beyond the elevator doors is a simple yet large room, with little cover except for some support columns, some boxes near the corners and some sort of reception desk near the door leading outside. It was once lit by a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, which is now resting broken in the middle of the room, the only light coming from the burning cars visible through the wood and glass entrance doors. There is a large doorway leading to another room and smaller doorways leading to corridors.

The entire area bears the signs of combat, with bullet holes marring the lavish tapestries and blood from the bodies of the dead painting the carpets a darker shade of red. The doors in particular have quite a substantial number of bullet holes. It looks like they were attacked from the outside.

---

OOC
Looks like both missions are avoiding exposition so far...

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 06, 2014, 04:24:18 pm

((Bump/Pretty sure everyone from the survival team posted an action.))

Sorry for the delay. Was tired and busy, trying to adjust to changes in my schedule. Things will better from this point onwards, since I think I've found my rhythm.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 08, 2014, 01:45:04 pm

Spoiler: Let me fix that for you (click to show/hide)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZzpUahQVv8/TZC1LIW2XfI/AAAAAAAABEg/rDV3GPrdXYQ/s1600/Capture.PNG)

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2014, 04:27:20 pm

---

Campaign

---

Demons on the Prey (http://youtu.be/fjDzUeRKn6U)

Quote from: NAV on October 03, 2014, 10:18:36 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Who's there? Show yourself."
Sling a warning rock at the suspiciously open door.

There is no response.

You do your best to throw a rock towards the door, but it is still a great distance away and by the time you have got your sling ready to fire and let loose of the rock, it has already started reforming. Your throw is not very well aimed, but the rock hits one of the nearby pillars and find its way towards the door despite that. Despite the distance and the lost energy, the projectile keeps flying most of the way there. Once it lands, the stone bounces and rolls the rest of the way there. It hits the door. Nothing happens. The rock just rebounds backwards, sliding on the smooth floor for a few more centimetres like a curling stone before stopping. Hmmm...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 04, 2014, 04:58:42 pm

At this point, I really shouldn't be expecting anything to go in my favor.
Because honestly, it's just not going to get better from here.

Turn myself to face the door and get into a combat stance. Ready my staff and observe the shadows around the area. Is anything being distorted, or do I hear anything? If so, try to locate this thing and manipulate any shadows to try and hold this... "thing" in place.

You stand next to Nikolai and get into a defensive stance while carefully observing the area around the door. You think you can see something on the floor and walls near it. It's very difficult to see. It's dark near the door but it's bright where you are standing, so it is hard for your one good eye to adjust. And it's a great distance away. But you're certain that it's there. Like there are some short thin lines with slightly different colour near it. You use the darkness to nudge them a bit but that does nothing more than cause the part that you touched to disappear. Hmmm....

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 04, 2014, 03:11:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Fascinating!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

Head back to look at who might have arrived. If I notice nothing there, click tongue a few times to echolocate, and also smell the air to see if anything's changed. Be ready to dodge. If no signs of anything terrible, cautiously head back. If there are any signs of invisible fuckery, throw some yellow goop at suspected locations of monsters.

Not there yet. I think I'll stay in combat time for now.

But that mental image of you throwing goop is fun.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 04, 2014, 01:15:31 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I can handle some of the burden, if River needs to pass some of his exhaustion over to me, That is fine.
Complete our task, do River's will

No. My body is not for combat. You defend them better than me if needed.
I have thought of how to regain my strength. But we must finish this first.

As said above, still in combat time, so not much interesting going on. Just River and you putting the finishing touches on the barrier module.
Feel free to talk if bored.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map7_zps24950051.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2014, 05:00:32 pm

Follow the man who jumped from the building. If I catch him, land on his shoulder, become a black widow, and bite him. My poison will end his life. Then, return to bird form and flee back towards the building.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 08, 2014, 06:47:56 pm

((I would converse, but side conversations would slow down the process of building the barrier...
eh, whatever, I'm bored and it was invited.))
My body isn't for combat either though, My greatest tool, both for building and for battle, is and has been my mind...

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 09, 2014, 03:46:46 am

Survival
Check the other rooms for useful items and out of the building

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 09, 2014, 08:13:26 am

Survival

John handed out the pistols to whoever wants them.  "Right, here you go.  Now let's get out of here."

Is there a back door?  That's probably better.  Poke around for one, but don't get separated from the group.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 09, 2014, 10:45:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Leap like a ravenous goat toward my goal! The delay is making me frightened and confused! Commence previously stated plans when there!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 09, 2014, 03:26:04 pm

Campaign
Continue the tried and true rock throwing method to detect invisible things. Be well prepared to advance backwards should things become dangerous.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 09, 2014, 04:01:36 pm

Survival

Ow. Climb back out, and find a doctor to fix me up

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 09, 2014, 04:57:01 pm

Survival

Look around the place. Watch for enemies.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 09, 2014, 06:51:09 pm

"Be careful around that door," I announce. "I can't see very well, but something over there is making some weird visual effects. Just stay cautious."

Probe around with the shadows some more. Keep them mainly focused around the door and attempt to seek the origin of these lines.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 09, 2014, 09:46:10 pm

((PS:  Nice choice with the pistols.  Can't go wrong with the classics.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 10, 2014, 08:55:35 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2014, 05:00:32 pm

Follow the man who jumped from the building. If I catch him, land on his shoulder, become a black widow, and bite him. My poison will end his life. Then, return to bird form and flee back towards the building.

You fly down, into the small crater the man has made when he fell, the dust around you making it harder to see and breathe.

He fell through the relatively thin layer of asphalt and concrete and into some sort of sewage pipe, a small tunnel barely large enough to fit a small man standing up. His impact has broken many of the smaller pipes that were attached to the tunnel walls, one of which (a thin pipe with many wires sticking out of it) has impaled his right shoulder. Luckily for him, it's probably just telephone wires, otherwise he'd be very dead right now.

You land on the man's shoulder and transform into a spider.
And then immediately loose consciousness due to tiredness and hunger.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 09, 2014, 04:01:36 pm

Survival

Ow. Climb back out, and find a doctor to fix me up

You try to move. You can't turn your chest. That thing going through it is stopping you. And one of your arms hurts whenever you use it.
You slowly raise your good hand, grab a pipe to use as a handhold and start trying to pull yourself up. You pull yourself halfway up with much difficulty. And then the screws holding the pipe break and you fall back down again, smashing your face against the floor. Not good.

Okay, one more try. This time you carefully search the wall and put your hand in a hole you find there, hoping it will be sturdier. You manage to pull yourself up and allow yourself to move freely once more, the pipe going through your shoulder causing you a few more injuries as it gets out.

Your shoulder is bleeding moderately, but at least none of your bones have been broken by the impact and the pain is starting to get a bit better now.

You're in a small hole in the ground where you punched through the street and into a small tunnel below, barely large enough to hold a human. Peeking out, you can see that you're on the street outside of the gallery, the one going around the small plaza next to it. The plaza is a very simple thing, just a small concrete circle with some benches and large concrete squares holding dirt and plants in them jutting out of it. There are a couple of burning cars next to your hole, which have been further pelted by debris from your impact. Around the plaza, there are signs of combat. Bullet holes, broken lampposts, shot up cars, fires, broken bottles, bodies with guns lying beside them... You think you can even spot where a grenade went off. Much of the bullet holes surround the entrance of the Gallery. And you notice that the top floor of the Gallery is now completely on fire, thick clouds of smoke rising above it, periodically illuminated by a light coming from behind it.

The plaza is in a very small park-like area with grass and small bushes that surrounds the Gallery. To the north of the plaza, the road leads to a relatively large street lined with small houses and stores with the roofs of some larger warehouses poking from behind some of them. You can see a similar sight to the east and west, with the difference that the road there is replaced by a small cobblestone path.

As for your more general surroundings, you (or rather your host) knows from memory that the old dysfunctional police station and coastguard station are to the west. The Corleone bridge which leads to Reinerfield is to the north-east. The centre of the island, where the largest residential, office and other important buildings reside (along with a few governmental buildings) is to the north. The Sovereign's bridge and the central tunnel leading into Downtown are further north. To the Northwest, right past the Kingdom Bay docks, is Allen Bridge, leading into Westwood. And then there's the old lighthouse in the southernmost part of the island, right behind the gallery, still shining its light into the ocean and the city.

This night is getting even darker. Wind is picking up, pushing the smoke coming out of the Gallery above you. You can see storm clouds gathering further up, their dark shapes given a soft orange glow by the lights of the city reflected on them.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 09, 2014, 04:57:01 pm

Survival

Look around the place. Watch for enemies.

You can't shake the feeling that Lioraw is trying to stay as far away from you as possible.

Quote from: Toaster on October 09, 2014, 08:13:26 am

Survival

John handed out the pistols to whoever wants them.  "Right, here you go.  Now let's get out of here."

Is there a back door?  That's probably better.  Poke around for one, but don't get separated from the group.

Bryan wanted one, so let's assume he gets one and you keep the other.

You think you saw someone in one of those small corridors, but Saevus goes right past it and says nothing.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 09, 2014, 03:46:46 am

Survival
Check the other rooms for useful items and out of the building

As the rest of the team gets out of the elevator, Lioraw leading the way, they get a better look at the other room. It's a massacre. Someone must have thrown some sort of explosive in it. The results were not good for those inside it.

You haven't taken more than a dozen of steps after exiting the elevator when-
"Stop! Don't come any closer!"
The voice comes from behind the reception desk, from whence two assault-rifle-wielding men have popped up. They are taking cover behind it, pointing their tommyguns at you. From what little you can see of their faces, they look absolutely terrified (especially about Saevus) and very willing to shoot you.
Looks like you missed something when you were checking out the room.

---

OOC
Another thing shared by the two missions: Everybody failing to spot their enemies.

Quote from: Toaster on October 09, 2014, 09:46:10 pm

((PS:  Nice choice with the pistols.  Can't go wrong with the classics.))

Well, I believe it's the most iconic non-revolver handgun of the era, at least movie-wise.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 10, 2014, 09:01:32 pm

Slumber a few minutes, then awaken, bite him several times into the veins, spreading my poison, before quickly turning into a small bird and flying away. Then, wander around,a eating things to restore biomass.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 10, 2014, 09:05:56 pm

Survival

"Chill out, we're not your enemies!  We're just trying to get out of here!"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 10, 2014, 10:48:10 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 08, 2014, 06:47:56 pm

((I would converse, but side conversations would slow down the process of building the barrier...
eh, whatever, I'm bored and it was invited.))
My body isn't for combat either though, My greatest tool, both for building and for battle, is and has been my mind...

((True, but I felt bad having you waiting while the others do stuff. Of course, you can always just stop helping and let him do it on his own.))

He doesn't feel convinced about what you are saying. He thinks for a few moments, trying to understand why he said what he said and put it to words. Tiredness does not make it easy.
Yes. But I want to leave this place quickly. I have to try. And you can burn the heart of the parasites' body. And if we are safe it will be well. Even if I am unconscious. Because I will have time to help them.
It's a strange experience really. Feeling like your body is both tired and well at the same time. The fact that he has somehow made your bodies feel similar helped lessen the distractions, especially at the start but now that his senses are beginning to diverge it's getting a bit disorienting. At least his mental exhaustion is not affecting you.

---

Quote from: NAV on October 09, 2014, 03:26:04 pm

Campaign
Continue the tried and true rock throwing method to detect invisible things. Be well prepared to advance backwards should things become dangerous.

((We aren't retreating, we are advancing in a backwards direction.))

You get another rock from your pocket and throw it towards the pillars on your right. Nothing happens. The rock just flies as expected.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 09, 2014, 06:51:09 pm

"Be careful around that door," I announce. "I can't see very well, but something over there is making some weird visual effects. Just stay cautious."

Probe around with the shadows some more. Keep them mainly focused around the door and attempt to seek the origin of these lines.

The origin of those lines is probably the door, since they all seem to be pointing at at it.
They are just lines on the wall by the looks of it. Merely pushing the wall a bit erases them.
You move the shadow around the door and its surrounding area but meet no resistance.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 09, 2014, 10:45:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Leap like a ravenous goat toward my goal! The delay is making me frightened and confused! Commence previously stated plans when there!

You move as quickly as you can towards your teammates, although you don't do much leaping. Mostly because leaping around with a backpack sounds unhealthy.

You reach them, a bit out of breath. As you try to catch your breath, you also attempt to listen around for any trouble.
There is something. That squeeky noise. Coming from both left and right. Almost impossible to hear with normal ears.
You hold your breath to make it quiet and then emit another pulse. Oh, there it is. You exhale.
There's a delay that wasn't there before. Sounds like there are two things, each hiding in the small arch in the ceiling and behind the two closest pillars. Long but thin, spread out, moving, changing shape, sometimes letting more and sometimes less sound go through it.
If you had to guess, you'd say that this is one of those yellow land octopuses. Probably went through the door and then moved from pillar to pillar until they got here.

You'd think that out of three people, one of them should had seen that coming. Literally.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map8_zpsd976c5cd.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Yellow land octopus

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 10, 2014, 10:59:17 pm

survival

look for anything to get my shoulder feeling better. See if there's a gun somewhere along the way too

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 11, 2014, 01:41:07 am

Glare menacingly at the two. If talking doesn't work - impalin' time.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 11, 2014, 01:47:45 am

Irine, Campaign

---

((there no way I'm leaving him to do this solo, I saw him get hurt from trying it at first and I'm unaware of the threats in the main room.))

---

<I'm honored to have your trust. planning on leaving yourself unconscious right after giving a large portion of your power to someone you are uncomfortable with, and in their presence with no protections in place... that is a brave thing to do.>
i don't understand... he didn't trust me before, why is he suddenly willing to trust me now? Did he see something in my mind to change his opinion?

---

((note: The uncolored text hasn't been actual speech, it's what I'm thinking. Due to the link River is accessing it, but it isn't me actually trying to communicate that way.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 11, 2014, 01:50:24 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation.

Chuck a little bit of yellow goop at each of the yellow land octopuses to mark them out!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 11, 2014, 07:07:15 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 10, 2014, 10:59:17 pm

survival

See if there's anything on me. If there is, brush it off, then look for anything to get my shoulder feeling better. See if there's a gun somewhere along the way too

How would you know to search yourself for anything on you? The only likely reason you're doing this is because you are metagaming from knowing that my turn was to get on you. Please fix this  ::)

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 11, 2014, 08:45:35 am

Edited, sorry about that, didn't want to die :(

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 11, 2014, 09:26:27 am

Campaign
If I know the octopodes are there, then advance backwards and sling a boulder at one.

If I don't see them, then walk backwards and continue the rock throwing technique to find invisible things.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 11, 2014, 02:57:46 pm

((Sorry for not posting very much, school has been keeping me busy, so not much time to think out posts.))

---

Survival
"I don't suppose you gentlemen would like to explain what's going on here?"
Be ready to dive for cover and use telekinesis to deflect bullets coming towards me

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 11, 2014, 08:46:28 pm

Survival
talk sense into them by making them realize that we are not enemies
If that does not work, disarm ASAP

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: bigjaredmonkey on October 12, 2014, 01:59:12 pm

sign me up. i want the power to summon any metal object.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 12, 2014, 02:39:55 pm

Keep looking around with the shadows for other threats. Expand my search area to the rest of the current room that we are in right now.

Something... something doesn't feel right. There's something that should be here, but isn't. Come on... think!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2014, 06:37:30 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 10, 2014, 09:01:32 pm

Slumber a few minutes, then awaken, bite him several times into the veins, spreading my poison, before quickly turning into a small bird and flying away. Then, wander around,a eating things to restore biomass.

Wild Rune is fast asleep!

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 10, 2014, 10:59:17 pm

survival

look for anything to get my shoulder feeling better. See if there's a gun somewhere along the way too

Well, your clothes are all burnt and torn, so you can't make a bandage out of them, at least nothing that will do much good.
Solutions are in order of proximity:
Finding a corpse and using its clothes, although that wouldn't be very sanitary.
Breaking into and searching a nearby house for cloth or medical supplies.
Looking around for a pharmacy to break into and search for medical supplies.
Going to a nearby hospital. Closest one should be to the north, near the centre of the island.
Returning to your house or a hideout used by your gang, both of which are not on this island.

As for a weapon, you could scavenge one from one of the bodies here, although it's quality and the amount of ammo you find with it depend on your luck. Peeking out of your hole, you think you can see an assault rifle under one of those burning cars. It looks undamaged.

---

Quote from: Toaster on October 10, 2014, 09:05:56 pm

Survival

"Chill out, we're not your enemies!  We're just trying to get out of here!"

Your leg keeps being numb. What's worse, it's getting harder to move it. Like it's weaker.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 11, 2014, 01:41:07 am

Glare menacingly at the two. If talking doesn't work - impalin' time.

Quote from: Alarith on October 11, 2014, 02:57:46 pm

((Sorry for not posting very much, school has been keeping me busy, so not much time to think out posts.))

---

Survival
"I don't suppose you gentlemen would like to explain what's going on here?"
Be ready to dive for cover and use telekinesis to deflect bullets coming towards me

((No worries man, RL comes first.))

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 11, 2014, 08:46:28 pm

Survival
talk sense into them by making them realize that we are not enemies
If that does not work, disarm ASAP

"Chill out, we're not your enemies!  We're just trying to get out of here!"
The man doesn't appear to be convinced.
"Yeah, right! You think that'll work on me? Now don't come any closer or I'll blow your brains out!"
"I don't suppose you gentlemen would like to explain what's going on here?"
"Ha! Like you don't know."
"No, we really don't."
"Oh, yeah? Then why don't you ask your friend over there?" he says making a motion with the barrel of his gun towards Saevus.
"Or better yet, don't. I'm sure he'll kill you soon enough, the backstabbing bastard."
"Look, sir, if you think we pose a danger to you, wouldn't it be smarter for you to let us go? That way nobody has to get hurt."
That gives the man pause.
The other one whispers something to him.
"Shut up, I'm thinking!" the man snaps at him.
Everything is quiet for a few seconds. Everybody's staring at each other, ready to kill.
After a few more seconds, he speaks, the tone of his voice quiet and angry.
"I should kill you all for what you did... but I want to live."
He sighs.
"Everyone gets out of here slowly and quietly. No sudden movements, no nothing. Anything else and I'll make sure at least one of you is filled full of lead before I die."

---

OOC

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 11, 2014, 07:07:15 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 10, 2014, 10:59:17 pm

survival

See if there's anything on me. If there is, brush it off, then look for anything to get my shoulder feeling better. See if there's a gun somewhere along the way too.

How would you know to search yourself for anything on you? The only likely reason you're doing this is because you are metagaming from knowing that my turn was to get on you. Please fix this  ::)

No need to worry, really. He still gets the same awareness roll regardless. I'm not going to give anyone bonuses for metagaming, especially if the metagaming is done so obviously

@Salsacookies: You can avoid this feeling metagaming-y by changing your wording to something more conditional, like "if I happen to notice...". That way the way your character acts doesn't change due to OOC reasons but you still have a response ready in case the OOC knowledge becomes IC knowledge.

---

Quote from: bigjaredmonkey on October 12, 2014, 01:59:12 pm

sign me up. i want the power to summon any metal object.

Just that? Making metal appear in front of you out of thin air? If yes, then I'll just roll for advantages/disadvatnages and send you the results.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2014, 07:31:01 pm

Wake up, bite him on the veins, then get a bite under his chin, and finally on the front and back of the neck. Then, shoot a web towards the nearest wall, and let go of the Human. As I swing, change into a bird, and use the momentum of the swing to move upwards at full speed. Then, survey the human's reaction to dying.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2014, 09:37:43 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 11, 2014, 01:47:45 am

Irine, Campaign

---

((there no way I'm leaving him to do this solo, I saw him get hurt from trying it at first and I'm unaware of the threats in the main room.))

---

<I'm honored to have your trust. planning on leaving yourself unconscious right after giving a large portion of your power to someone you are uncomfortable with, and in their presence with no protections in place... that is a brave thing to do.>
i don't understand... he didn't trust me before, why is he suddenly willing to trust me now? Did he see something in my mind to change his opinion?

---

((note: The uncolored text hasn't been actual speech, it's what I'm thinking. Due to the link River is accessing it, but it isn't me actually trying to communicate that way.))

((Yeah, he's unaware of it too. River is going to have a very serious talk on the merits of talking to your companions when there is time.
As for the speech, I didn't realize that. Thanks for clarifying.))

He feels uncomfortable at that. Doubtful. Doesn't quite know what to say or how to say it. Many thoughts pass through his mind before he settles on one. The fact that he is tired and can't focus doesn't help.
Stop thinking about it. She needs no answer.
My instincts tell me she won't. Not now.
No fear for death.
But I can not die for nothing. I can not leave them.
Theri said she would not.
She may still do it. If she thinks she can.
The others need our help. She will help them.
She helped me. Us.
I helped her.
She trusted me.
I trusted her. To help us.
It might be a trick.
Theri said she is not tricky.
But she is. Like the others.
She is my companion.
What you thought is true. Your mind is good. I can take you out of here. You would not kill me now. You would have nothing to gain.
And I will not be unconscious. Not if I can help it.

You finish building the final part of the barrier module. The pulses of energy in it start spreading. Soon all of it will be active.
Joy.
The vision blurs for a second as he nears unconsciousness but return a moment later.


He directs you to one of the most fragmented modules. Almost nothing is left. All of it is scrambled. This one is full of those foreign fragments.
Teleporter. Almost gone.
He needs to repair it as quickly as possible. But he needs energy first.
His mind focuses on the foreign pieces and the need to know them. To assemble them.
I need to know what I destroy. What I devour.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 11, 2014, 01:50:24 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation.

Chuck a little bit of yellow goop at each of the yellow land octopuses to mark them out!

You start walking towards the pillar the thing is hiding behind so that you can reach the little gap they are in and-
No, bad idea, backing up, backing up (http://youtu.be/6NlEeDYP18E?t=1m17s)!

Quote from: NAV on October 11, 2014, 09:26:27 am

Campaign
If I know the octopodes are there, then advance backwards and sling a boulder at one.

If I don't see them, then walk backwards and continue the rock throwing technique to find invisible things.

You take a step back and prepare to fire.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 12, 2014, 02:39:55 pm

Keep looking around with the shadows for other threats. Expand my search area to the rest of the current room that we are in right now.

Something... something doesn't feel right. There's something that should be here, but isn't. Come on... think!

The two tentacle monsters leap out of their hiding places behind the pillars. The two masses of small fleshy appendages fly towards them, their tentacles coiling back, ready to strike. They are not like the others. They look less yellow. And a bit bigger. And quicker. And a lot angrier.

And worse of all, smarter. Ike easily ducks to avoid a tentacle going for his head, but that turns out to be a feint. The actual attack hits him in the chest. He rolls with the hit, allowing himself to be pushed backwards, thus avoiding getting hurt.

Zechariah sees the monsters coming despite his bad eye and expertly dodges the tentacles going for him. He counter-attacks, creating a blade of light at the end of his staff as he slashes with it, cutting many of the creature's limbs. The severed tentacles fall on the ground, twitching, while the wounds of their owner drip its yellowish blood.

Nikolai is not so lucky. By the time he has realized what is going on, it is too late to react. A group of tentacles hits him in the leg like a freight truck. He hears it snap before he feels it. The pain is too much. He falls to the ground, unconscious.

Alan stands perfectly still as tentacles fly around him, all of them failing to hit him. He kicks one of the tentacles and then steps on it.
Bad octopus.

---

OOC
Stop making terrible awareness rolls!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Tiruin on October 12, 2014, 09:40:29 pm

Campaign

Commit all power to aid River/Irine!
Also give Irine a hug.

((Sorry, sickness got me. Prior to that, RL got me. Both are not respective in order of occurrence to each other))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 12, 2014, 09:51:39 pm

Campaign
Damnit Nikolai, this is not the right time for a nap.
Wake up and tsar slash the octopus.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Wolfkit on October 12, 2014, 11:00:35 pm

Can I get in on this too?

Spoiler: Character sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Welroki
Bio: Welroki was his city's resident mad scientist. He had taken over the title and lab after the previous mad scientist had mysteriously disappeared, said previous mad scientist having similarly succeeded a prior mad scientist, and so on and so forth. One day while clearing out a room to be refitted into a new blast chamber, Welroki stumbled across a stack of pages containing incomprehensible equations, a particularly eldritch formula caught his attention. The equation was, of course, spectacularly invalid, but it did use some intriguing concepts, so Welroki set to work on his own version. His equation poked all sorts of holes in the fundamental laws of the universe, and he chose to pick at one of the juicier targets, the photon. Successfully proving many inconsistencies in the nature of light,–where did that laser come from? Anyway, Welroki double checked his work just to make sure there were no–there it is again! Odd... What if he rewrote the equation, and yep, there it is. Apparently this new equation creates lasers! Interesting. Also, the lasers cut gashes in the floor. Welroki was quite glad his lab was on the bottom floor, if there was anyone below him he would have fallen into their room and gotten chewed out. He didn't have time for that, too much science to do. Yes, falling out of the flying city was much preferable, no one to distrust Welroki while he fell into the mists below.
Appearance: Singed white lab coat, safety glasses, wild white hair that is lightly smoking, and perpetually writing on a clipboard.
Power: Through solving complicated equations can create a laser from any nearby point and control it. Carries a clipboard to facilitate solving the equations.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 13, 2014, 12:34:36 am

Irine, Campaign

---

Devour...
Another part of what Entities are?
I miss home...
Focus on the shards of the attack that broke this place, and attempt to reassemble them into the whole they once formed.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 13, 2014, 08:42:03 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation.

Knife at least one of those pesky octopodes in the center of mass via tricky footwork!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 13, 2014, 08:59:28 am

((Alan is doing really well, considering.))

---

Survival


"Okay, okay.  We just want to get the hell out of here.  Look, hands empty."


Put away the last pistol, show empty hands, and limp out of here with the group.  I'll fix it in a second.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 13, 2014, 10:12:48 am

Survival

More glaring at the two AR wielding guys. Get out of the building. Help John out if needed. If the AR-guys decide to backstab us - commence impaling.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 13, 2014, 07:19:33 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Spoiler: long internal monologue (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2014, 09:37:43 pm

He feels uncomfortable at that. Doubtful. Doesn't quite know what to say or how to say it. Many thoughts pass through his mind before he settles on one. The fact that he is tired and can't focus doesn't help.
Stop thinking about it. She needs no answer.
My instincts tell me she won't. Not now.
No fear for death.
But I can not die for nothing. I can not leave them.
Theri said she would not.
She may still do it. If she thinks she can.
The others need our help. She will help them.
She helped me. Us.
I helped her.
She trusted me.
I trusted her. To help us.
It might be a trick.
Theri said she is not tricky.
But she is. Like the others.
She is my companion.
What you thought is true. Your mind is good. I can take you out of here. You would not kill me now. You would have nothing to gain.
And I will not be unconscious. Not if I can help it.

As River thinks upon my question, my mental dicipline slips
River is honorable, probably not my foe, but his objectives and mine aren't the same... can I trust him fully? like I do Stellar?
I need to know what he is after, but I can't trust what he'd tell me if I ask...
I want to trust him though...
Where is my foe? Who destroyed my home? Did... Did it really happen on its own?
Am I attacking my friends?
Am I failing my friends(from home)?
Why do I have to be so weak...
Am I even really me? or just a copy?
Is the real me still home?
What is real anymore?
Does it matter?
Who is Stellar?
What is Stellar hiding from me?
Can I really trust her?
Did I make the wrong choice?
River is right to not trust me, but I want him to be able too...
I don't want to be so treacherous, but I've been ready to do it...
Even last time, I tricked Theri to my own gain...
I'm scared for Theri, for Zech, and for me.
What is to become of me?
What are the Games?!?!
Will winning the Games give me back my home?
Do the entities understand what I really want?
Do they understand why I stepped down?
Do they even know?
Are the Games my chance?
Will I see my chance if it comes?
Did I miss it already?
Is He/She right in front of me?
I'm tired, and scared and blind...
I miss home...

---

((Sorry Paris about having 2 posts to respond too. the thoughts in the first one and this one occur in parallel btw.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 13, 2014, 07:46:30 pm

Dammit Art- wait, I can't blame Artemis for this. I'm pretty sure that he doesn't have anything to do with yellow octopi..

Still, DAMMIT ARTEMIS!

Get myself into a defensive stance and keep my crystal-bladed staff at the ready. If I receive another attack, use my staff to defend myself. If not, use the shadows to try and wrap the octopi down and keep them pinned.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 14, 2014, 06:45:49 am

Survival
Get out of the building slowly and quietly so I they don't try to shoot me.
If they decide to try shoot me, Disarm them ASAP

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 14, 2014, 07:05:43 pm

Campaign

All these octopus disagree with my constitution, I'm thinking. Away!

Summon gigantic glass jars just above each octopus thing in turn, hopefully capturing them inside like a spider underneath a cup!

((Sorry for not posting for so long; we had to move houses and it took me a while to get back into Alan's headspace.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: bigjaredmonkey on October 14, 2014, 09:55:48 pm

by "summon metal" i mean, "summon metal objects" like a razor sharp sword or a giant anvil for cartoonish squashing.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 14, 2014, 10:19:54 pm

((So like Alan, only with metal items?))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: bigjaredmonkey on October 14, 2014, 10:24:41 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 14, 2014, 10:19:54 pm

((So like Alan, only with metal items?))

eh pretty much, haven't been paying attention that much.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 14, 2014, 10:34:21 pm

Quote from: bigjaredmonkey on October 14, 2014, 10:24:41 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 14, 2014, 10:19:54 pm

((So like Alan, only with metal items?))

eh pretty much, haven't been paying attention that much.

((You'll be our third item summoner, though you each have different rules. Alan summons household stuff. John summons technology. and you'll be summoning metal.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 14, 2014, 10:43:35 pm

((Fourth, as Saevus can summon medieval weapons.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 15, 2014, 04:55:48 am

Survival

I will take the burning car and throw it into a house. I will then grab the gun and check if it has ammo. Last, I will look into the house I threw the car into for possible ammo and medical goods, along with completely pillaging it for other goodies

(Is there anybody else who has super strength and/or toughness, or am I the first?)

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 15, 2014, 07:42:02 am

((Fniff's character Jordan can trigger a super-adrenaline rush.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 15, 2014, 08:18:01 am

---

Campaign

---

Always - Amon Tobin (http://youtu.be/UdJpK5jY_jA)

Quote from: Tiruin on October 12, 2014, 09:40:29 pm

Campaign

Commit all power to aid River/Irine!
Also give Irine a hug.

((Sorry, sickness got me. Prior to that, RL got me. Both are not respective in order of occurrence to each other))

You join Irene and River in a sort of group hug.

((Eh, we're almost done here anyway, we'll have the team decide where to go next soon.))

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2014, 07:19:33 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Spoiler: long internal monologue (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2014, 09:37:43 pm

He feels uncomfortable at that. Doubtful. Doesn't quite know what to say or how to say it. Many thoughts pass through his mind before he settles on one. The fact that he is tired and can't focus doesn't help.
Stop thinking about it. She needs no answer.
My instincts tell me she won't. Not now.
No fear for death.
But I can not die for nothing. I can not leave them.
Theri said she would not.
She may still do it. If she thinks she can.
The others need our help. She will help them.
She helped me. Us.
I helped her.
She trusted me.
I trusted her. To help us.
It might be a trick.
Theri said she is not tricky.
But she is. Like the others.
She is my companion.
What you thought is true. Your mind is good. I can take you out of here. You would not kill me now. You would have nothing to gain.
And I will not be unconscious. Not if I can help it.

As River thinks upon my question, my mental dicipline slips
River is honorable, probably not my foe, but his objectives and mine aren't the same... can I trust him fully? like I do Stellar?
I need to know what he is after, but I can't trust what he'd tell me if I ask...
I want to trust him though...
Where is my foe? Who destroyed my home? Did... Did it really happen on its own?
Am I attacking my friends?
Am I failing my friends(from home)?
Why do I have to be so weak...
Am I even really me? or just a copy?
Is the real me still home?
What is real anymore?
Does it matter?
Who is Stellar?
What is Stellar hiding from me?
Can I really trust her?
Did I make the wrong choice?
River is right to not trust me, but I want him to be able too...
I don't want to be so treacherous, but I've been ready to do it...
Even last time, I tricked Theri to my own gain...
I'm scared for Theri, for Zech, and for me.
What is to become of me?
What are the Games?!?!
Will winning the Games give me back my home?
Do the entities understand what I really want?
Do they understand why I stepped down?
Do they even know?
Are the Games my chance?
Will I see my chance if it comes?
Did I miss it already?
Is He/She right in front of me?
I'm tired, and scared and blind...
I miss home...

---

((Sorry Paris about having 2 posts to respond too. the thoughts in the first one and this one occur in parallel btw.))

((No need to apologize.))

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2014, 12:34:36 am

Irine, Campaign

---

Devour...
Another part of what Entities are?
I miss home...
Focus on the shards of the attack that broke this place, and attempt to reassemble them into the whole they once formed.

Putting the pieces back together is a lot harder. There is nothing telling you where each piece should go. It looks like a job that would take a lot of observation and trial and error. Thankfully, he seems to be capable of guessing the correct combinations most of the time. They feel vaguely familiar, like they are similar to something else he's seen before.

Something touches you.
Surprise.
He opens his eyes and turns his head, ready to fight. That's disorienting. You're seeing two things at once.
It's Theri. She's hugging you.
Relief. Affection.
He exhales and closes his eyes again, feeling a lot more relaxed. He starts thinking about Theri and what she told him, his thoughts getting influenced by yours.
I have to do something.
If all had gone well, I would have time. I could had talked to them. Away from the others.
I need to talk to them. I need to let them talk to me. I need to let Irene talk to me.
We should not be wary of each other. This was supposed to be something fun.
I will not run away from my fears.

The shape of the foreign module starts getting clearer. It's quite large, its reconstruction is far from over. And it's very organic, lacking symmetry or structure. Yet there are parts he recognizes. In fact, this all feels very familiar to him, despite the fact that he can't figure out what it does. Probably due to the fact that it is not attached to anything that can make it react and "pulse", like the other modules.
That final piece... Yes, he's certain he's seen something like that before.
That is...
There's a spike of surprise. Disbelief.
That is... like me.
Fear. Panic.
No. No, I cannot-
The link between you breaks.
A moment later he pulls your hands away from the rods. Not that it was really necessary. You can't understand them without him anyway.

He's pacing around aimlessly. Showing his teeth to no one in particular. Growling slightly.
After a few seconds he approaches you again and attempts to grab you and force you to look at him.
"Say nothing of what you saw." he growls at you.
"The can not know about this, they-"
He falters and grabs a rod to support himself, as if he just remembered that he was tired.
"Go help the others." he continues more quietly. "Make sure Zechariah's wounds are fine."
"I will finish this. It will not take long."

---

Quote from: NAV on October 12, 2014, 09:51:39 pm

Campaign
Damnit Nikolai, this is not the right time for a nap.
Wake up and tsar slash the octopus.

You slip further into unconsciousness.

((I'm starting to regret not keeping my rolls somewhere, because I get the feeling that if I kept statistics of yours and Xantalos' rolls, I'd find a lot more 6s and 1s than anyone else's.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 13, 2014, 08:42:03 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation.

Knife at least one of those pesky octopodes in the center of mass via tricky footwork!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 13, 2014, 07:46:30 pm

Dammit Art- wait, I can't blame Artemis for this. I'm pretty sure that he doesn't have anything to do with yellow octopi..

Still, DAMMIT ARTEMIS!

Get myself into a defensive stance and keep my crystal-bladed staff at the ready. If I receive another attack, use my staff to defend myself. If not, use the shadows to try and wrap the octopi down and keep them pinned.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 14, 2014, 07:05:43 pm

Campaign

All these octopus disagree with my constitution, I'm thinking. Away!

Summon gigantic glass jars just above each octopus thing in turn, hopefully capturing them inside like a spider underneath a cup!

((Sorry for not posting for so long; we had to move houses and it took me a while to get back into Alan's headspace.))

((No problem. Although getting into Alan's headspace sounds dangerous.
Oh, but you can only summon things near you or launch them. So...))

The creature attacking Zechariah once again tries to grab him with its tentacles and once again Zechariah is ready for them, batting them aside with his staff to create an opening. He then stabs the creature at its heart with the tip of the staff, raising it in the air. In a fit of bloodlust, he causes light blades to erupt from the top of his weapon, causing the creature's heart to break apart into chunks and blood that spray the area around him and multicoloured orbs of light that fly away, going through the ceiling.

The creature that was attacking Ike and Nikolai now focuses completely on Ike, pressing the attack, pinning him to the floor and pummelling him with its tentacles. That might have broken a rib. And it's definitely going to hurt like hell tomorrow.
All these octopus disagree with my constitution, I'm thinking. Away!
Ike doesn't need to look to know what that means. He immediately uses every ounce of strength he has left to roll to the side and try to get as far away from the creature pinning him as he can as quickly as possible. A moment later, the creature is swept away by a giant jar. The shock of the impact helps free Ike from the last of the tentacles and causes him to roll forward a few metres. He remains mostly unhurt, quite unlike the creature, which is now a barely visible yellow splatter on the south wall, mixed with chunky body parts and broken glass.

Nikolai finally wakes up and looks around. Huh. Looks like someone started painting the place yellow.

The door leading outside opens again. You can see humanoid shapes in the dim green back-light, walking forward quickly despite how deformed they appear. Two of them cross the threshold. And then the rest, the ones still outside, disappear in a fizzle of light. The two humanoids keep walking forward, not caring too much about the disappearance of the others. Or the fact that there is something yellow dripping on them from above the entrance.

They can see a reflection extending from one's hand. Some kind of blade.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map10_zps7a44fd10.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Humanoid -> Yellow with Red
Sword wielding humanoid -> Yellow with Light turquoise

---

OOC
Overshoots + Superpowers = Gore
Actually made a bunch of combat rolls but everyone (literally everyone) missed and failed to wake up so I decided I should keep rolling until something happened.
Plus, it helps advance things faster.

Map later because I can't get the thing to work right now for some reason. But everyone is close to where they were, except for Ike who's a bit closer to the entrance, but not enough to matter. The two new arrivals that you can't see clearly are right next to the entrance.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 15, 2014, 08:26:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though!

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least.

Throw some goop on the two humanoids and try to circle out of their immediate way a bit. Do they seem to notice me? What do they smell like, if I can tell? Any ambient sounds they make?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 15, 2014, 08:35:28 am

((Alan saves the day again!))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 15, 2014, 09:18:09 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I need to remember that. There must be a reason he wants it secret.
Go to the main hallway and check on Zech.

---

Upon entereing the main hallway and seeing the yellow splatter and humanoid visitors:
"Um, what's going on?"

---

upon being informed directly or indirectly about imminent combat, I use my first flame generation charge and send a flame sphere over near the entrance to harass our visitors and light them up for everyone to see clearly. keep it intact for now, actively make sure that I keep a strong flame charge avilable, at the cost of effectiveness of attack if necessary. for now anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 15, 2014, 11:37:04 am

Nikolai: Campaign
"I missed the fight? Damn.
Does anyone know first aid?"
Limp/crawl backwards. Sling a boulder at the mysterious humanoids at the first sign of hostility.

And loot a shard of glass from the ground because kleptomania hoarding resourcefulness.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 15, 2014, 03:22:43 pm

Campaign

You two saw that, right? That rude octopus dripped on you. You're going to have to wash before you do anything else. Here, I'll help you.

Fire bathtubs at the two humanoids!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 15, 2014, 07:04:27 pm

Survival
Follow the reasonable fellows orders, be on guard though.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 16, 2014, 07:45:38 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on October 12, 2014, 11:00:35 pm

Can I get in on this too?

Spoiler: Character sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Welroki
Bio: Welroki was his city's resident mad scientist. He had taken over the title and lab after the previous mad scientist had mysteriously disappeared, said previous mad scientist having similarly succeeded a prior mad scientist, and so on and so forth. One day while clearing out a room to be refitted into a new blast chamber, Welroki stumbled across a stack of pages containing incomprehensible equations, a particularly eldritch formula caught his attention. The equation was, of course, spectacularly invalid, but it did use some intriguing concepts, so Welroki set to work on his own version. His equation poked all sorts of holes in the fundamental laws of the universe, and he chose to pick at one of the juicier targets, the photon. Successfully proving many inconsistencies in the nature of light,–where did that laser come from? Anyway, Welroki double checked his work just to make sure there were no–there it is again! Odd... What if he rewrote the equation, and yep, there it is. Apparently this new equation creates lasers! Interesting. Also, the lasers cut gashes in the floor. Welroki was quite glad his lab was on the bottom floor, if there was anyone below him he would have fallen into their room and gotten chewed out. He didn't have time for that, too much science to do. Yes, falling out of the flying city was much preferable, no one to distrust Welroki while he fell into the mists below.
Appearance: Singed white lab coat, safety glasses, wild white hair that is lightly smoking, and perpetually writing on a clipboard.
Power: Through solving complicated equations can create a laser from any nearby point and control it. Carries a clipboard to facilitate solving the equations.

Very good. I like it. Sorry for the late reply. I'll send you a PM sometime soon.  Weekend probably.

Quote from: bigjaredmonkey on October 14, 2014, 09:55:48 pm

by "summon metal" i mean, "summon metal objects" like a razor sharp sword or a giant anvil for cartoonish squashing.

Okay then, as above, I'll send you a PM sometime this weekend.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2014, 07:31:01 pm

Wake up, bite him on the veins, then get a bite under his chin, and finally on the front and back of the neck. Then, shoot a web towards the nearest wall, and let go of the Human. As I swing, change into a bird, and use the momentum of the swing to move upwards at full speed. Then, survey the human's reaction to dying.

Next turn.
Also, do you know the definition of insanity?

Quote from: Toaster on October 13, 2014, 08:59:28 am

Survival


"Okay, okay.  We just want to get the hell out of here.  Look, hands empty."


Put away the last pistol, show empty hands, and limp out of here with the group.  I'll fix it in a second.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 13, 2014, 10:12:48 am

Survival

More glaring at the two AR wielding guys. Get out of the building. Help John out if needed. If the AR-guys decide to backstab us - commence impaling.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 14, 2014, 06:45:49 am

Survival
Get out of the building slowly and quietly so I they don't try to shoot me.
If they decide to try shoot me, Disarm them ASAP

Quote from: Alarith on October 15, 2014, 07:04:27 pm

Survival
Follow the reasonable fellows orders, be on guard though.

The team slowly and quietly goes out the front door, Saevus helping John walk, since he's more dragging his leg than lifting it now. The two men keep pointing their weapons at them, one of them muttering something. Probably not something very polite.

The area outside the Gallery looks very different from how it was when you entered it. There are more signs of combat out here. Shot up cars, fires, dead bodies. Makes you wonder where the ones who killed them went...

There's also a hole on the street in front of the gallery. Looks like something hit it with great force.

And right besides it is Ron, who is currently bleeding from a rather alarming hole in his shoulder and... is he trying to lift a car?

((Assume you have the same information about your surroundings given here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5724869#msg5724869) to Salsacookies. Oh, and keep reading Salsacookie's turn.))

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 15, 2014, 04:55:48 am

Survival

I will take the burning car and throw it into a house. I will then grab the gun and check if it has ammo. Last, I will look into the house I threw the car into for possible ammo and medical goods, along with completely pillaging it for other goodies

You try to lift a car. And not one of those fancy new cars that are all plastic and aluminium, one of those old fashioned cars with giant engine blocks full of heavy metal. A car that is on fire. And your shoulder has been injured, meaning you're basically lifting it with one arm. Just wanted to state that even with your increased strength, those aren't the best of conditions.

You try to lift the car, but you can't manage to lift it properly and end up pulling it towards you. Luckily, you manage to take a step back and avoid getting trapped under it. Unluckily, you take a step back right into the hole behind you. Luckily, you are uninjured by the impact.

Phew. That would had been a silly way to die. On the bright side, you managed to make the gun easier to reach without getting burnt. You grab it and check the magazine. Still has bullets in it. That's something.

You hear gunshots coming from the north. A few moments later, a car appears in the second intersection to the north, some distance away. It swerves, trying to turn with its flat tires, but it lacks the necessary friction. It slides with a screeching noise, crashing into and partially through the corner of a small brick building.

---

OOC
Sorry, I was busy trying to organize some guys for a university project. Will try to post more often.

Quote from: Toaster on October 15, 2014, 08:35:28 am

((Alan saves the day again!))

Yep, he's doing very well, considering the poll results. Hasn't killed anyone and has actually been very careful.
Then again, the mission is still young. Someone will fail to dodge one of his overshoots eventually.
The entire team (on average) is looking frighteningly competent really, now that I think about it. Maybe I should make missions with the chance of permadeath more often...

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2014, 08:30:42 pm

Bite the man, then scuttle away. Since I'm underground, find something to eat.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 16, 2014, 10:21:39 pm

"Let's get the hell out of here.  We need a ride."

Look around.  Do any cars look functional?  If so, get everyone in.  If not, Technomance the least broken one; can it be fixed?  Summon any parts it needs if it can be fixed easily.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 16, 2014, 11:26:03 pm

"Octopi! Man-eating octopi! That's what's going on!"

Mmm.. still not as weird as I thought this would be. Still, this is only the beginning..

..Though nothing beats Melancholy Island. I'm still not sure if that was real or just a drug-induced hallucination. Maybe it was a coma. Who knows? I don't, that's for sure.

Let crystal blade dissipate and summon up a wall of fragmented light crystals. Arrange them in a defensive structure in front of our group. I am not taking chances with these... beings.
 

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 16, 2014, 11:52:38 pm

((Well, I was comatose for several turns. That severely impacted my mayhem-causing abilities.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 17, 2014, 05:30:47 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 15, 2014, 08:26:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though!

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least.

Throw some goop on the two humanoids and try to circle out of their immediate way a bit. Do they seem to notice me? What do they smell like, if I can tell? Any ambient sounds they make?

You get the feeling they are looking at you, but they aren't doing anything obvious that indicates that they are aware of you. You can't see them clearly due to the low light, but you can tell that they are probably looking towards your general direction. That is, if they have eyes and aren't some sort of batmen.

There is the smell of those creatures everywhere and they are a bit too far away, but you think that you can smell a new scent. The scent of a human.

As for ambient sounds, you can hear the sound of boots striking the floor as they walk and the one with the sword also sounds like there is something metallic on him that makes a muffled noise as he walks, like the sound a bell makes when you aren't allowing it to vibrate.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 15, 2014, 09:18:09 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I need to remember that. There must be a reason he wants it secret.
Go to the main hallway and check on Zech.

---

Upon entereing the main hallway and seeing the yellow splatter and humanoid visitors:
"Um, what's going on?"

---

upon being informed directly or indirectly about imminent combat, I use my first flame generation charge and send a flame sphere over near the entrance to harass our visitors and light them up for everyone to see clearly. keep it intact for now, actively make sure that I keep a strong flame charge available, at the cost of effectiveness of attack if necessary. for now anyway.

Quote from: NAV on October 15, 2014, 11:37:04 am

Nikolai: Campaign
"I missed the fight? Damn.
Does anyone know first aid?"
Limp/crawl backwards. Sling a boulder at the mysterious humanoids at the first sign of hostility.

And loot a shard of glass from the ground because kleptomania hoarding resourcefulness.

You get a shard of glass from the ground as you start crawling backwards.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 15, 2014, 03:22:43 pm

Campaign

You two saw that, right? That rude octopus dripped on you. You're going to have to wash before you do anything else. Here, I'll help you.

Fire bathtubs at the two humanoids!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 16, 2014, 11:26:03 pm

"Octopi! Man-eating octopi! That's what's going on!"

Mmm.. still not as weird as I thought this would be. Still, this is only the beginning..

..Though nothing beats Melancholy Island. I'm still not sure if that was real or just a drug-induced hallucination. Maybe it was a coma. Who knows? I don't, that's for sure.

Let crystal blade dissipate and summon up a wall of fragmented light crystals. Arrange them in a defensive structure in front of our group. I am not taking chances with these... beings.
 

Ike gets up, gets one of the organs out of his pockets and start spinning his arms around, spraying goo everywhere in a short distance around him, including his teammates. It isn't very helpful.

The two humanoids don't seem that concerned with what he's doing, or anything else around them for that matter. They just keep walking forward. Towards you.

Zechariah draws from the light above the teleporter to create a quite sturdy wall of hardlight shards. Which is a bit of a shame because a moment later it is blasted apart by two brass bathtubs launched from Alan's hands. Given the distance and the fact that the bathtubs are slowed by the impact and pushed off course, the two humanoids easily manage to step out of the way. Zechariah grumbles and starts reforming the wall. The humanoid with the sword starts running towards you, while the other one keeps walking.

Nikolai assumes that whatever their intentions were before, they certainly aren't going to be friendly now that they fired at them, so he tries to fire his sling at them. It's hard to do so while on the floor however. Even though his aim is good, he just can't muster the strength to launch it far enough to hit them.

It is at that time that Irene steps through the northern door and takes a look at what's going on. From the stance of her teammates, it's easy to understand that whatever those two things are at the end of the corridor, they are probably not friendly. She's not having that. Irene brings forth a large amount of fire. She launches it forward at great speed, a stream of fire going right towards the two humanoids. And right through her teammates.

Seeing (but mostly hearing) the fire coming, Zechariah lets his wall break apart so that he and the others aren't flambéed from the fire bouncing on it. A small amount fire still comes his way but he manages to fall on the floor and avoid it.
"Gah, why do I even try?"

Irene meets a very weak resistance as her attack nears the two beings but she just powers through it, the stream of fire hitting them head on. There is no audible reaction as the stream hits them. No screams, no swearing, nothing. When the fire passes, it becomes apparent why. The two humanoids are covered almost completely in those yellow tentacled things, at least two of them per person, their tentacles wrapped around their bodies until only their hands and feet are uncovered. Two more lie unmoving on the ground behind them, burnt by Irene's attack but still trying to move, not quite dead yet. The swordsman's hands look dark and elongated, almost as if they have been mummified, while the other's hands look more normal, if a bit red.

Irene has lost a great part of her fire in the attack but she still has some left.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map11_zps8b4892c6.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Humanoid
Sword wielding humanoid
Tentacled thing

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 17, 2014, 05:56:04 pm

Hey. Hey. You're filthy. Wash.

Giant soap bar barrage!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 17, 2014, 08:00:14 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 16, 2014, 11:26:03 pm

"Octopi! Man-eating octopi! That's what's going on!"

"I... see... I'll see what I can do."
redirect the flame to the being with the sword, and keep it there, attempting to ignite the individual and use it as a source of additional flame
"Zech! What burned you earlier? Think I could harness it?"

---

((I do not approve of flame-burst attacks, I keep saying that it's a damage-over-time effect for a reason. I want to HOLD it on them so the damage isn't simply superficial, I want the heat to transfer deep into the target and damage the internal organs and bone, heating any armor/skin or other protective layers over the target and making the defenses themselves into sources of damage and pain. I think I've only ever asked for a burst-type attack once? ever? could I please stop doing them already? they're absurdly wasteful, costing me flame with every attack instead of generating additional flame for follow-on-attacks the way I intend.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 17, 2014, 08:26:05 pm

((I agree with you, but when you overshoot, I need to have some unpleasant side effects. If you have a better suggestion, I'm willing to hear it, because currently my choices come down to hurting self, hurting others, unnecessary destruction of your environment, overkill, wasting ammo, tiring yourself, things like that. So after a while, things get repetitive.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 17, 2014, 08:42:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 17, 2014, 08:26:05 pm

((I agree with you, but when you overshoot, I need to have some unpleasant side effects. If you have a better suggestion, I'm willing to hear it, because currently my choices come down to hurting self, hurting others, unnecessary destruction of your environment, overkill, wasting ammo, tiring yourself, things like that. So after a while, things get repetitive.))

...
*considers*
that's fair.
I know what I'll be leveling up next time then. simple as that. carry on.
thanks for hearing me out.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 18, 2014, 12:33:31 am

Even if I don't have the range, a boulder should keep rolling along the ground utill it hits something. Using my power, sling a rock at the enemies. Tsar the sling + ammo to make it a boulder just as I let go.
And keep advancing backwards.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 18, 2014, 01:16:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow! Cool! Mindslaves! Guys! Don't murder them yet! Go for the octopuses first!"

"Also, save some power for later. I'm sure there's more octopus people around here somewhere!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes.

Okay, it's time for some knife mutilation. Wait a bit and dodge any horrendous overshoots first, letting my teammates try their luck first, then perform knife mutilation on octopodes enslaving these fellows. Perhaps we can get some captives!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 20, 2014, 05:17:42 am

Survival

Stay inside the hole for cover. Ready weapon for shooting the guys at the car if they're hostile

"Eh you all, any o ya able ta heal me? Gota big hol in ma solda!"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 20, 2014, 09:57:41 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2014, 08:30:42 pm

Bite the man, then scuttle away. Since I'm underground, find something to eat.

You wake up.

You're lying with your back against the ground, your legs curled up above you. You're inside some kind of tunnel. Your legs can sense the smell of blood and smoke, as well as water. You're still feeling a bit tired and hungry.

You get up and crawl up to the man. He doesn't seem to notice. You do your best to bite him but its hard. His skin is so damn tough. After some effort, you think you manage to inject some venom. The man continues to be totally oblivious to your existence.

That done, youstart moving away, going deeper into the sewer. Maybe there's a mouse or something else you could eat around here.

Quote from: Toaster on October 16, 2014, 10:21:39 pm

"Let's get the hell out of here.  We need a ride."

Look around.  Do any cars look functional?  If so, get everyone in.  If not, Technomance the least broken one; can it be fixed?  Summon any parts it needs if it can be fixed easily.

Quote from: Saevus:autoaction

Help John.

With the help of Saevus, John makes his way around the plazza checking the cars. Despite the fact that some of them look sort-of OK, further investigation with his abilities reveals that all of them are in terrible shape. It's like someone deliberately shot them up or smashed them to make sure they wouldn't be working. He could start repairing one by scavenging parts from other cars or summoning them, but it would probably take just as long as it would take to summon one from scratch, since he'll be pretty much switching out the entire engine block.

That is, if he wants it done properly. If he just wants a car that has been severely shot, has some components missing and may or may not hold up, then repairing one would definitely be faster.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 20, 2014, 05:17:42 am

Survival

Stay inside the hole for cover. Ready weapon for shooting the guys at the car if they're hostile

"Eh you all, any o ya able ta heal me? Gota big hol in ma solda!"

The guys in the car do not appear hostile. Mostly because they, like their car been too banged up by the impact to move properly.
The guys that do appear hostile are the guys following them. Two cars, four passengers each. They stop, exit their cars and approach the crashed car, assault rifles and pistols in hand. They unload a few more rounds on the car, making sure its occupants won't be walking out of it.

That done, they turn to look towards you. You can't discern what gang they are from, they wear pretty generic coats. One of them even has a hat. Only common feature they share is that they have some kind of scarf around the lower part of their face to cover their mouth and nose.

They're a great distance away, almost three blocks. They're probably not looking at you, just looking at the building behind you. Still, you do your best to hide while aiming at them. Better safe than sorry.

Quote from: others:autoaction

Hide

You do your best to hide behind a shot up car.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 20, 2014, 10:13:35 am

"None of these cars are worth much.  I could fix one, but we might be better off just headed out on foot for now.  Think fast!"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Hawk132 on October 20, 2014, 12:33:36 pm

((Sorry for not giving you an action. I was waiting to see what the others were going to do.))

Survival

"I do not mind continuing on foot."

If we're going on foot, walk in the same direction as John. If we're fixing the car, help John out in any way I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 20, 2014, 01:59:38 pm

Crawl around until I either find something to eat, or have the biomass to grow into a rat. Whenever I become a rat, eat lots of floor vegetation, and keep growing.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 20, 2014, 03:00:42 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 17, 2014, 05:56:04 pm

Hey. Hey. You're filthy. Wash.

Giant soap bar barrage!

Quote from: Lenglon on October 17, 2014, 08:00:14 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 16, 2014, 11:26:03 pm

"Octopi! Man-eating octopi! That's what's going on!"

"I... see... I'll see what I can do."
redirect the flame to the being with the sword, and keep it there, attempting to ignite the individual and use it as a source of additional flame
"Zech! What burned you earlier? Think I could harness it?"

Quote from: NAV on October 18, 2014, 12:33:31 am

Even if I don't have the range, a boulder should keep rolling along the ground utill it hits something. Using my power, sling a rock at the enemies. Tsar the sling + ammo to make it a boulder just as I let go.
And keep advancing backwards.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 18, 2014, 01:16:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow! Cool! Mindslaves! Guys! Don't murder them yet! Go for the octopuses first!"

"Also, save some power for later. I'm sure there's more octopus people around here somewhere!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes.

Okay, it's time for some knife mutilation. Wait a bit and dodge any horrendous overshoots first, letting my teammates try their luck first, then perform knife mutilation on octopodes enslaving these fellows. Perhaps we can get some captives!

Nikolai attempts to shoot a boulder with his slingshot by tsaring it at just the right time. He devotes all of his concentration in making this a good throw. After all, if one of his teammates gets caught in the way of this boulder, it's not going to end well for them. In fact he focuses so much on making this the best throw possible, he kinda forgets to tsar the sling. He hastily adds some energy to it as the rock is released, but the effect on the rock isn't that great. Still, his aim is dead on, hitting one of the creatures wrapped around the Sword wielder right at its central part. The swordsman staggers, the creature's limbs go limp and it falls to the ground. That done, Nikolai keeps using semantics to avoid getting shot by commissars.

Irene follows this up with a fire attack directed to the swordsman, engulfing him in fire. The last creature on him, already hurt by her previous attack, releases him and tries to run away, but Irene keeps her fires on it, keeping them focused on its centre of mass until it stops moving.

The moment the creature leaves him, the swordsman falls to the ground, unmoving. With the creatures no longer obscuring his features, he looks like someone that has been long dead, his hair gone, his skin dark and stretched, so thin you can see the outline of his bones. He appears to have had been wearing some sort of breastplate with faulds at some time, but now it has been pressed and bent so much it has become part of his body, crushing part of his ribcage. Below it, he's wearing a simple shirt and pants. The red cloth they are made of shows no signs of wear, beyond the fact that it is now on fire, along with part of the rest of the corpse. A sheath for his sword hangs from his leather belt.

Alan sends a single, somewhat large bar of soap towards the general direction of their enemies. It hits one of the burnt creatures left over by Irene's initial attack, expediting its demise.
Octopus recently took a soapy death.

Meanwhile, Ike has been slowly going around the creatures, using the pillars at the edges of the corridor as cover, making sure to check his surroundings for any signs of friendly fire. Hearing that his teammates have finished doing their series of deadly attacks and that he is in no danger of being hit by any of them (until the next barrage, at least), he charges the last remaining enemy.

The octopus covered man (or woman, can't really tell with all those octopuses (or is it octopi? or octopodes?)) raises his right arm (or her right arm) and points it at Ike's general direction, his hand (or her hand) hanging limp and not really pointing at anything in particular. Ike jumps to the side, not willing to take any chances with unknown things. But to everyone watching, it looks like nothing has happened, beyond a faint red glow appearing where Ike was standing moments ago.

Ike attempts to stab the thing with his knife, hitting one of the creatures right at its heart and cutting it open until it has spilled its insides in a small flash of light. The dead creature lets go of the man (or woman) and falls to the ground. The other creature however immediately jumps at him and tries to wrap its tendrils around him. Ike easily manages to dodge and counter-attacks, slicing one of its many tentacles.

((I'll keep rolling, since it's only one almost burnt enemy left and I doubt it can manage to kill Ike.))

He slashes at the octopus but it moves backwards, managing to dodge. It once again tries to wrap its tendrils around one of Ike's arms. Ike lets it. And then he yanks the tentacle as strongly as he can, pulling the central part of the creature towards him, in range for knife mutilation. He makes several weak stabs at it that don't manage to cut too deeply, before he finally manges to strike the killing blow, letting small glowing orbs of various colours escape from within it and make their way through the ceiling.

It turns out that the humanoid Ike helped render free of octopuses is in fact a woman. A middle aged woman with medium length black hair dressed in red and purple robes, wearing a golden pendant. She doesn't look as dead as the swordsman. For one, her skin isn't as pale. In fact, it looks slightly red. Although she is laying on the ground as limp and unmoving as him, so the skin colour might be a result of having recently been covered in fire.

((I'll advance time and have River come meet you next turn, unless there's something terribly important that comes up during that time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 20, 2014, 03:04:10 pm

"That woman needs assistance!

Of the drugs kind!"

Summon painkillers - Tylenol or something like that - and administer a dose or twelve to her. Whatever the helpful label says.

Also shoot some newspapers and duct tape at Nikolai.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 20, 2014, 03:19:03 pm

Nikolai, Campaign
"Help please? My leg is broken."
Step 1: Splint my leg with the newspaper and tape. Keep any extra tape.
Step 2: Try to obtain painkillers.
Step 3: Go loot the breastplate and the sword and scabbard. Also check his pockets for anything worth taking.
Step 4: Go loot that golden pendant, it might be magic. Also check her pockets for usable stuff.
Step 5: Cauterize the ends of those tentacles in my bag, so they stop leaking everywhere.
Step 6: Bash the breastplate with a rock until it is wearable.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 20, 2014, 03:26:53 pm

Oh. Here, I'll help.

Action edited.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 20, 2014, 03:58:57 pm

survival

---

Stick with the group

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 20, 2014, 04:15:44 pm

"It... it was like a flash of light. Something very intense and hot. You've already seen my burns. I would strongly advise against going back there unless you have some kind of blast shield."

He watched as the rest of the team attacked the new humanoids, himself preparing his focus again in case he needed to draw up a quick defense.

After they were done fighting, he went up to check the humanoids.

"Let's try to aid them. We'll need to find out what those yellow octopi are, but for now let's see if we can help these two out"

I wonder if those octopi are some form of Shadow... their yellow color seems to suggest otherwise, but then again, this is an entirely different multiverse. Maybe Shadows appear differently here.

I'll definitely have to see if that is true. If so, this is a battlefield that I'm familiar with already.

Check the humanoids and determine if they're still alive or not. If at least one of them is, go ahead and see if I can provide some basic treatment with what I have. If not, go ahead and collect the weapons and stow them away for now. Also, examine the tentancles and the octopi - carefully. What can I ascertain from them?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Toaster on October 20, 2014, 04:48:41 pm

Survival


"Right.  Let's keep moving."


Get away from the building; is there any indication of the correct path?  If not, move away from public view.

Try to summon a leg brace as I go.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Salsacookies on October 20, 2014, 08:09:16 pm

Stay put, and keep gun at ready

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 21, 2014, 01:21:14 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I gather all the remaining flames into an elevated sphere, leaving it up over our heads where it is available but not dangerous to anyone.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 20, 2014, 04:15:44 pm

"It... it was like a flash of light. Something very intense and hot. You've already seen my burns. I would strongly advise against going back there unless you have some kind of blast shield."

He watched as the rest of the team attacked the new humanoids, himself preparing his focus again in case he needed to draw up a quick defense.

After they were done fighting, he went up to check the humanoids.

"Let's try to aid them. We'll need to find out what those yellow octopi are, but for now let's see if we can help these two out"

"Ok..."
I move forward to the female and check for a pulse

---

If I find a pulse:
"She's alive!"
I immediately run back to the room with the rods and grab my pack whilst yelling at River and Theri.
"Near-death unknown female in main room! Was possessed by yellow creatures!"
before running out again without waiting for a response.
back in the main room I run over near the female and upend my pack on the ground to the side, not wasting time digging through it. then grab my spare clothes as makeshift blankets and begin treating her for shock.
Once River / Theri come into the room, I give them a more full explanation.

---

If I don't find a pulse:
"I think she's dead."
look over her pendant before picking it up and turning to face Zech, inspecting his burns and making sure he's going to be ok.
Once River shows up, go over to him and show him the pendant, explaining to him what happened here as best as I can before asking:"Do you recognize this? I found it on her" as I point to indicate the female body

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2014, 09:42:05 am

Campaign, Ike!

"That settles it! I need an axe!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Compare the yellow land octopus, invisible yellow land octopus and mind-controlling yellow land octopus anatomically, based on my general knowledge of their internal components attained by repeated knife mutilation and part handling.

Also, check what's happening outside. There still octopus-dominated people around, or did they disappear entirely?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 21, 2014, 04:12:40 pm

Observe the gang for an minute then sneak away from the gang.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2014, 06:05:35 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 20, 2014, 12:33:36 pm

((Sorry for not giving you an action. I was waiting to see what the others were going to do.))

Survival

"I do not mind continuing on foot."

If we're going on foot, walk in the same direction as John. If we're fixing the car, help John out in any way I can.

Quote from: Alarith on October 20, 2014, 03:58:57 pm

survival

---

Stick with the group

Quote from: Toaster on October 20, 2014, 04:48:41 pm

Survival


"Right.  Let's keep moving."


Get away from the building; is there any indication of the correct path?  If not, move away from public view.

Try to summon a leg brace as I go.

Small pieces of iron appear, joining themselves together around your leg to form a structure to keep your leg rigid and protected. Many small wheels appear under it to allow you to move the heavy thing around.
This will take some getting used to, but at least you can walk around on your own now.

As for the correct path, beyond getting away from here, you have no idea where you have to go.
Since the obvious quest info giver mysterious stranger who helped you is probably a pile of ash by now, perhaps you could gain some info from some other source. Or you could just start running and hope things will work out in the end.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 20, 2014, 08:09:16 pm

Stay put, and keep gun at ready.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 21, 2014, 04:12:40 pm

Observe the gang for a minute and then sneak away from the gang.

The team hides as best as they can, watching the armed men in the distance. The men keep looking towards them. One of them talks to another, pointing at the Gallery. He then turns around and returns to his car, the others following him. The two cars start driving towards you, slowly. You are still not sure about whether or not they've seen you.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 20, 2014, 01:59:38 pm

Crawl around until I either find something to eat, or have the biomass to grow into a rat. Whenever I become a rat, eat lots of floor vegetation, and keep growing.

You crawl forward until you find something. It's dark down here in the sewers, the only light coming from the hole some distance behind you.
After a bit of walking, you find a rat. In fact, you find a bunch of rats. An entire swarm of large black rats with red eyes, their long tails waving behind them. And they are all running towards you as fast as they can. You cannot see them all, but you can hear them, the clicking of their teeth and their squeals as they jostle each other around in their mini stampede.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2014, 11:32:53 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2014, 03:04:10 pm

"That woman needs assistance!

Of the drugs kind!"

Summon painkillers - Tylenol or something like that - and administer a dose or twelve to her. Whatever the helpful label says.

Also shoot some newspapers and duct tape at Nikolai.

You summon a small glass jar filled with tiny white spheres that glow with a faint yellow light.
Hmmm... No label... Guess you're going to have to use your medical knowledge!
You open the jar, empty its contents in your hand and shove it down the woman's throat. There! Good as new!
Aaahhh, this brings back memories of your days as a surgeon... (http://youtu.be/FXy3cXld33Y)

Well, no time to reminisce, there are more lives that need saving!
"Help please? My leg is broken."
Like this man! This man clearly needs your medical expertise!
Oh. Here, I'll help.
Hmmm... This is clearly a case of brokenboneitis. And there is only one way to make that better. A highly concentrated dose of Alan's adhesionification actualiser! That will keep his bones from flying away.
A few seconds later, the man's brokenboneitis is cured. Or at least it isn't visible anymore, because the man is buried under large amounts of sticky tape. But you don't bother yourself with such technicalities! You focus on the important things! You save lives!

Quote from: NAV on October 20, 2014, 03:19:03 pm

Nikolai, Campaign
"Help please? My leg is broken."
Step 1: Splint my leg with the newspaper and tape. Keep any extra tape.
Step 2: Try to obtain painkillers.
Step 3: Go loot the breastplate and the sword and scabbard. Also check his pockets for anything worth taking.
Step 4: Go loot that golden pendant, it might be magic. Also check her pockets for usable stuff.
Step 5: Cauterize the ends of those tentacles in my bag, so they stop leaking everywhere.
Step 6: Bash the breastplate with a rock until it is wearable.

Well, your leg is sort-of splinted now. Along with the rest of your body.

With some effort, wiggling and slight tearing of your clothes, you finally manage to free yourself from the sticky grip of Alan's "help".

That done, you half-crawl half-hobble to the now burning man and loot his sword and sheath. It looks like a gladius. Its quality is very good, although it appears as if it has either been misused or not maintained properly for a while, since its edges have become slightly blunt and dented, one more so than the other. You can also see traces of somewhat fresh blood on it.

The breastplate is a bit harder to remove from the body, mostly because it has been partially crushed and bent into it and said body is now on fire. Still, with some effort, you manage to remove it and avoid getting burnt in the process. The straps keeping it in place are missing, so that makes removing it slightly easier.

Finally, you stick the tentacles at the end of your newly acquired sword and hold them over the burning corpse in what would be the weirder take on camp-fire activities. Hmm... Wonder if those tentacles taste like chicken...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 20, 2014, 04:15:44 pm

"It... it was like a flash of light. Something very intense and hot. You've already seen my burns. I would strongly advise against going back there unless you have some kind of blast shield."

He watched as the rest of the team attacked the new humanoids, himself preparing his focus again in case he needed to draw up a quick defense.

After they were done fighting, he went up to check the humanoids.

"Let's try to aid them. We'll need to find out what those yellow octopi are, but for now let's see if we can help these two out"

I wonder if those octopi are some form of Shadow... their yellow color seems to suggest otherwise, but then again, this is an entirely different multiverse. Maybe Shadows appear differently here.

I'll definitely have to see if that is true. If so, this is a battlefield that I'm familiar with already.

Check the humanoids and determine if they're still alive or not. If at least one of them is, go ahead and see if I can provide some basic treatment with what I have. If not, go ahead and collect the weapons and stow them away for now. Also, examine the tentancles and the octopi - carefully. What can I ascertain from them?

You don't need more than a look to deduce that the mummified man that is currently on fire is dead or at least extremely good at playing dead. The woman... well, she's warm and her limbs are flexible, her body doesn't feel dead... Or more accurately, it doesn't feel like it has been dead a long time. But she doesn't have a pulse, she's not breathing and she is not moving. Seeing as even if there was any hope of resuscitating her, you lack the equipment to do so, I assume you are going to give up and not perform CPR in the hopes of inducing some sort of Lazarus syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_syndrome).

See below for Ike's dissection results.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2014, 09:42:05 am

Campaign, Ike!

"That settles it! I need an axe!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Compare the yellow land octopus, invisible yellow land octopus and mind-controlling yellow land octopus anatomically, based on my general knowledge of their internal components attained by repeated knife mutilation and part handling.

Also, check what's happening outside. There still octopus-dominated people around, or did they disappear entirely?

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, you discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around your arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in your skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented you from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, you move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things you'd expect the central part of a creature to posses.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a yellowish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although you can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while you can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures you encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that you think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

As for what's going on outside, a quick look shows that there is nothing out there. At least nothing that looks living. Even the remains of the creature you and Nikolai killed are gone. You wait until a lightning bolt passes overhead and lights up the surrounding area, but even then, you don't see anything. Just a dead windy rock out there.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 21, 2014, 01:21:14 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I gather all the remaining flames into an elevated sphere, leaving it up over our heads where it is available but not dangerous to anyone.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 20, 2014, 04:15:44 pm

"It... it was like a flash of light. Something very intense and hot. You've already seen my burns. I would strongly advise against going back there unless you have some kind of blast shield."

He watched as the rest of the team attacked the new humanoids, himself preparing his focus again in case he needed to draw up a quick defense.

After they were done fighting, he went up to check the humanoids.

"Let's try to aid them. We'll need to find out what those yellow octopi are, but for now let's see if we can help these two out"

"Ok..."
I move forward to the female and check for a pulse
If I don't find a pulse:
"I think she's dead."
look over her pendant before picking it up and turning to face Zech, inspecting his burns and making sure he's going to be ok.
Once River shows up, go over to him and show him the pendant, explaining to him what happened here as best as I can before asking:"Do you recognize this? I found it on her" as I point to indicate the female body

You keep your fire and the fire coming from the burning body in the small domes above the hallway, providing helpful illumination to the people there.

You make your way to the body of the woman and like Zechariah before you, you too find no pulse. You carefully remove her pendant, a golden circle with wavy lines joining each other near its top (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/GoldThing_zps212168c2.png). There's nothing extraordinary about it, just a golden pendant, still warm from the woman's body heat or maybe from your fire attack.

Zech... well, it would probably be best if River healed him at this point, given that he has not bandaged his burns and yet he is helping Ike dissect those creatures, a task that is probably not very sanitary when done unprotected and with open wounds.

River comes through the northern door after a while with Their behind him and quickly makes his way towards you and the rest of the team. He looks much better than before, no longer tired, the burns on his hands healed.
You explain to him what has happened from the moment you got out of the rod room as best as you can. While you do so, he looks around inspecting his surroundings, his eyes turning black.

When you're done, you show him the pendant and ask your question. He cocks his head to the side.
"I do not know what this is."
He leans forward and downwards a bit to look at it better.
"Small imperfections in its structure. More visible on the lower part. Small cut near the bottom. Very faint magical residue in it. Constructed with mundane means. Maybe with the assistance of magic or from magical materials. Or maybe the magic was used as a sort of identifying mark. Or there was an enchantment on it that the Parasites destroyed. Drag marks spread equally around it. Probably normal wear. Meaning it is old. Unless it was inserted into a rigid slot when not worn."
After finishing his examination, his eyes return to normal and he stands up to face you again.
"That's all I can tell you about it. You should keep it. It is worth investigating. If we can not discover something about it or if it is purely decorative, then perhaps it could be used to trade. Humans tend to think gold is valuable for some reason."
He starts walking towards the woman.
"She can tell us more. More information before we decide what to do next is better."
He grabs her limp body by the neck with one hand, lifts her and starts dragging her with him towards a nearby pillar.
"Good thing she is intact."
He turns to address all of you as he hides behind the pillar with her.
"Do not look at what I am about to do."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 01:05:03 pm

Campaign

Everyone, I think we know what we must do.

Summon cool sunglasses and put them on.
Also totally look at the procedure, it's not like it'll mentally scar me or anything.

Before I do that, generously give Nikolai a crutch in his general direction. Or a walking cane if I can't do crutches.

Also a pair of sunglasses for my good friend Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Alarith on October 22, 2014, 01:46:18 pm

Survival

---

"Anyone have a plan? The best I've got is to just sit tight."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 22, 2014, 01:49:40 pm

Wait until the rats are nearly upon me, then use all my biomass to swell in size, transforming into a cat. When they hit me, rip into them, devouring as many as I can. If I am injured, use my biomass to heal my wounds at the same time.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2014, 02:06:26 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"How terribly fascinating, I must say. Anyway, guys, the coast is clear."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

Listen to what Darkstar's doing over there, but don't look. It probably looks really ugly.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: NAV on October 22, 2014, 02:23:47 pm

Nikolai, Campaign

Bash the breastplate with rocks until it is wearable. Put it on under my coat and secure it with duct tape. Put some spare tape in my bag.

This is a bad idea. It's too dangerous.
"Alan, can you please summon a crutch for me."
Try to not die.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 02:33:42 pm

Hwy certainly, good chap!

Edited!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2014, 04:02:56 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 01:05:03 pm

Campaign

Also totally look at the procedure, it's not like it'll mentally scar me or anything.

You walk around the pillar until you can see Darkstar holding the woman from the neck against the pillar with one hand while removing her clothes with the other. His ear turns towards you, followed by his head. He looks at you and does something between a sigh and a faint growl.
"You should not do that. It will be bad.  You will-"
He shakes his head a bit.
"I can not do it with you watching. Go away or I will have to do something else." he continues a bit more angrily.
Man, that guy is very private about his naked corpses. Maybe you could agree to move away but secretly pop up while he is doing his nefarious deeds?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 04:08:51 pm

Hey fine man, if you can't perform electricity transplants with an audience I understand. Not everyone's as great a surgeon as myself.

Stroll away and go bother someone else. That Ike guy, maybe.

Say Ike! What were we doing here again?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2014, 04:17:50 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 04:08:51 pm

Say Ike! What were we doing here again?

"Fuck if I know, good buddy. Emperor Darkstar isn't exactly in the business of telling us anything helpful, as you may have noticed. I'm mostly just looking for adventure and trying to pass the time until our good friend gets his bearings and our quest can get underway. Also murdering octopuses left and right."

"So far no valuable clues aside from magical fuckery and yellow land octopus zombifications being at work have presented themselves. The side rooms seem to be there to confuse and bewilder us, as well as blow up inexplicably, while outside looks like it'll not be fun to explore."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 04:19:12 pm

Hmm. Want a pair of sunglasses?

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2014, 04:21:29 pm

"I surely do! Even though it's dark outside!"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 04:39:32 pm

Wearing them so they impede vision just means you're hip!


Sunglasses!

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 22, 2014, 09:54:34 pm

I remain out of sight, but speak up.
"Um, River? You wanted us to keep you informed of what we're doing, right? Communication goes two ways. What's going on and what are you doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2014, 01:53:27 am

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2014, 09:54:34 pm

I remain out of sight, but speak up.
"Um, River? You wanted us to keep you informed of what we're doing, right? Communication goes two ways. What's going on and what are you doing?"

"Oh!“ he exclaims, as if you reminded him something he had forgotten.
He begins speaking more quickly, clearly very interested in the woman and her situation. Yet he doesn't display the same level of interest when talking about the place you are currently in and the creatures inhabiting it.
"I repaired the teleporter. But when I made a final check for enemies, I found a portal nearby. Most likely the one she used to get here. Although I do not know why anyone would come to a Relay world. The Outsider probably influenced them to come here as a response to our probing, but I would like to know the reason they had. Nor do I know where the portal leads. I am going to devour her. Hoping to learn more, if the parasites didn't destroy it all. More about why she is here, where the portal leads and her world in general. When I know, I will tell you and we can decide if it is better to go through the portal or use the teleporter. Because there are many Parasites near the portal. Predators too."

"But if it leads to somewhere close to our target's last location it might be better. Because with the damage to the teleporter and without S0 to help me with the numbers, there will be some... drift."
He sounds very annoyed when he says those last two sentences.

((EDIT: Fixed colours because writing from phone without my notes.))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Xantalos on October 23, 2014, 01:55:35 am

((This means that he's probably gonna end up drugging himself with the magical painkillers Alan stuffed down her throat, isn't it?))

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 06:34:35 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I continue to collect as much fire as I can
Devour again...
"Thank you River."
I look over at Zech's gore-covered open wounds.
"Zech, you should try to keep your burns clean. Covering them in that slime stuff is likely to give you an infection."

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 23, 2014, 03:45:54 pm

Campaign

Zechariah picked himself up from the goop that he was searching through and carefully brushed off his own arms.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 06:34:35 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I look over at Zech's gore-covered open wounds.
"Zech, you should try to keep your burns clean. Covering them in that slime stuff is likely to give you an infection."

"What... oh." Zechariah looked down at himself, seeing the unsavory goo that he got himself into by trying to search the man-eating octopi for any signs of... well, anything, really.
"I should probably clean that up. Um, do we have any healers in the group? Maybe Darkstar, but I'm pretty sure he's busy. If we don't have a healer, I could at least use a bandage or two."

Meanwhile, Zechariah also called to Ike.
"Ike, did you find anything from the octopi? Anything weird, or is there nothing to tell so far?'

Converse. Try to clean the vile octopus matter off of myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Nothing like the brochure
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 23, 2014, 04:11:04 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 23, 2014, 03:45:54 pm

"Ike, did you find anything from the octopi? Anything weird, or is there nothing to tell so far?'

"I think they enslave and/or murder people with needles in their tentacles. Also their organs are funny!"

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2014, 06:49:51 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2014, 01:05:03 pm

Campaign

Everyone, I think we know what we must do.

Summon cool sunglasses and put them on.

Before I do that, generously give Nikolai a crutch in his general direction. Or a walking cane if I can't do crutches.

Also a pair of sunglasses for my good friend Ike.

You summon a pair of wooden shutter shades for you and Ike. They have a slight green glow.
You also make a small stick for Nikolai.

You put the shades on and cross your arms. Groovy.

Quote from: NAV on October 22, 2014, 02:23:47 pm

Nikolai, Campaign

Bash the breastplate with rocks until it is wearable. Put it on under my coat and secure it with duct tape. Put some spare tape in my bag.

This is a bad idea. It's too dangerous.
"Alan, can you please summon a crutch for me."
Try to not die.

You take cover and prepare to dodge but it turns out it isn't necessary. The only thing that comes out of Alan's palm is a wooden stick which clatters ineffectually on the floor. You could use it as a crutch but it's not tall enough to use comfortably and it lacks handholds.

That done, you start bashing the breastplate, trying to return it to what you assume was its original shape. It's hard work. After all, this thing was designed to withstand impacts. But not to bend, now that you think about it. Wonder what that would cause to its internal structure... Still, you get it about halfway done. You could wear it now, but it wouldn't be a perfect fit. It would probably make moving quickly and comfortably more difficult.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 06:34:35 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I continue to collect as much fire as I can
Devour again...
"Thank you River."
I look over at Zech's gore-covered open wounds.
"Zech, you should try to keep your burns clean. Covering them in that slime stuff is likely to give you an infection."

You continue to do so perfectly, not letting a single shred of fire escape without risking extinguishing them completely.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 23, 2014, 03:45:54 pm

Campaign

Zechariah picked himself up from the goop that he was searching through and carefully brushed off his own arms.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 06:34:35 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I look over at Zech's gore-covered open wounds.
"Zech, you should try to keep your burns clean. Covering them in that slime stuff is likely to give you an infection."

"What... oh." Zechariah looked down at himself, seeing the unsavory goo that he got himself into by trying to search the man-eating octopi for any signs of... well, anything, really.
"I should probably clean that up. Um, do we have any healers in the group? Maybe Darkstar, but I'm pretty sure he's busy. If we don't have a healer, I could at least use a bandage or two."

Meanwhile, Zechariah also called to Ike.
"Ike, did you find anything from the octopi? Anything weird, or is there nothing to tell so far?'

Converse. Try to clean the vile octopus matter off of myself.

The best you can do is wiggle your hands a bit and wipe the goo on your clothes.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2014, 02:06:26 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"How terribly fascinating, I must say. Anyway, guys, the coast is clear."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

Listen to what Darkstar's doing over there, but don't look. It probably looks really ugly.

It is too quiet for the others to hear (and the guy banging the breastplate rock isn't helping. Good thing you got those upgrades), but there's a small dull noise that sounds like wind that continues during the entire process. Then a pop, then the sound of something like snow being compressed in a snowball and finally a very quiet noise bordering on the infra-sound, with a very faint and very slow rhythm discernible in it, most closely resembling the sound a wind instrument would make, it's sound and slow rhythm making it sound pompous and sad, as if played on a minor scale.

The noises that follow a few seconds after that are a lot more audible to anyone paying close attention. Sounds of something being broken, something being torn, liquid falling on the ground. It takes about ten seconds for that to stop.

Darkstar emerges half a minute later, in the process of putting his coat back on.
"Good news. I learnt more about their world. Their magic and part of their world is based on an expanded elemental system. And that sorcerer could work with a very useful element." he says and grins. He snaps his fingers and a small amount of fire appears over them and immediately dissipates.
"She and others like her were trying to create a portal to the sky and the moon. Channelling energy into 'magical stone' that would create the portal. I think. Memory is damaged. Wanted power and... food? Sounds dangerous. And inefficient. And silly. Silly humans."
He sends an image of a red slab and someone standing next to it, in a large room with similar slabs. It feels fuzzy, like a half-forgotten memory, some details more vivid and clear than others.
"The portal they opened leads to their capital. A small kingdom Northwest of the one I want to go. They like fire a lot. An entire tower dedicated to fire and magic. With the portal near the top."

"The parasites have taken this opportunity. Going through the portal. Looking for sustenance. Getting through will be difficult. Irene can keep the parasites and predators away. Me too, using the energy that remains after I heal you. For as long as I can keep the sorcerer's soul. But if they have found more sorcerers to feed on, those will be difficult to evade. We will have to run."
Another image, this one much clearer. Dark rock illuminated by dull green light, viewed from somewhere above. Dozens of those yellow things approaching a bright sphere.
"We do not have to do this. Not if you do not want it. Not if you can not survive it. I would prefer to do this quickly. But not if it requires your death."

"Our other choice is the teleporter."
He gestures at the four green rods at the centre of the room.
"We will drift further from our destination. Cause more delays. But it is safer. Gives me more time to heal you properly."

"Oh, and remember: whatever you choose, when we enter that world we will be subjected to its rules. That world should accept us as one of its own. And I have no idea what that means. Just know that there might be changes."

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 07:04:56 pm

"Should I shift to being fully human before we go? to avoid having their world change me?"

"Oh, and what are the rules for their flame magic? for me it's easy to manipulate fire that is already there but hard to make more, but from your demonstration is theirs the opposite? easy to make more but hard to manipulate already existing flame?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2014, 08:55:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 07:04:56 pm

"Should I shift to being fully human before we go? to avoid having their world change me?"

"It will probably not affect your body. Not directly. Anything non-magical should be mostly unaffected. But it might affect your ability to transform. I do not know. I will be able to say more once I examine you."

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 07:04:56 pm

"Oh, and what are the rules for their flame magic? for me it's easy to manipulate fire that is already there but hard to make more, but from your demonstration is theirs the opposite? easy to make more but hard to manipulate already existing flame?"

"I believe what I created was a... projection? Is that the correct word? Like an image of fire. The properties of fire, not fire itself. We are not in their world yet, and it uses part of my power, so it is different. Flexible, easy, not as strong. Not like yours. But similar. You could probably control it."

"From her memories and soul, I can tell that she could summon small quantities of fire easily. True fire. And other things. Create light. Influence her emotions. But it requires a... ritual? A certain way to think and act that makes it possible. It comes naturally to her. Not like other magic. Her memories say other magic is hard. Hard to understand, hard to do. Different way of thinking. But possible. Looks interesting. I would like to see that myself."

"Hmmm... Looks like the parasites kept most of that part intact. Well adapted."

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 09:16:52 pm

"So most likely I can steal their flames, but they can't steal mine? that could be very useful. Would my current appearance scare them? and do you need to wait until we are in their world to examine me or can you get it done now?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: NAV on October 23, 2014, 11:32:39 pm

Campaign
"Irene, I think I can restore the magic in that amulet. Maybe. Can I try?"
Clang clang clang keep hammering the breastplate into shape.
When I'm finished the breastplate then tsar the amulet and try to restore its magic.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 11:47:39 pm

Irine, campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on October 23, 2014, 11:32:39 pm

"Irene, I think I can restore the magic in that amulet. Maybe. Can I try?"
Clang clang clang keep hammering the breastplate into shape.

"You think you can? Sure!"
I hand the amulet over

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2014, 11:04:41 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I say we make a break for the portal. I've encountered enough delays, and it'll only hurt more later!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Look at what that noisy guy is doing. Maybe help him with it, so that he's done quicker and stops messing around already.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Salsacookies on October 24, 2014, 11:33:53 am

Climb out and take cover behind the car. Grab it, and move to the nearest house while wheeling it around

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Alarith on October 24, 2014, 10:07:55 pm

survival

---

Look for better places to hide, If I can get there easily, and unseen, move there.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 25, 2014, 01:17:29 am

"Okay, I guess no bandages for me," Zechariah muttered.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2014, 11:04:41 am

"I say we make a break for the portal. I've encountered enough delays, and it'll only hurt more later!"

Zechariah hesitated before speaking. "I wouldn't be so eager. We still have to make sure that the portal won't lead us into another trap."

"Darkstar, is there anything you need from us, or are you able to manage the portal?"

Speak and watch over the area. Keep a watchful eye (lousy pun not intended) on our surroundings and make sure that we don't get ambushed by mind-controlling octopuses again.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on October 25, 2014, 03:10:51 am

The only thing I got from that was that we're going into a bad place. Therefore, it's time to summon an old staple of mine.

Giant hamster ball go!

Alan doesn't really care what we do, if you didn't notice.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 25, 2014, 03:14:27 am

"Oh, um, yeah, the portal or teleporter choice. I think the portal is a good idea."

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: NAV on October 25, 2014, 10:25:23 am

"I'm in favour for the teleporter. River worked so hard to repair it. Also, I can't run."

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 25, 2014, 10:26:26 am

Quote from: NAV on October 25, 2014, 10:25:23 am

"I'm in favour for the teleporter. River worked so hard to repair it. Also, I can't run."

"But you have up to four limbs we can drag you by should the need arise!"

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 25, 2014, 09:34:10 pm

Quote from: NAV on October 25, 2014, 10:25:23 am

"I'm in favour for the teleporter. River worked so hard to repair it. Also, I can't run."

---

EDIT: stupid question made no sense upon reading back.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Hawk132 on October 26, 2014, 01:51:31 pm

Survival

If we haven't moved yet, hide and try to disable the two cars when they get close enough to get blasted. If we did move, try to find a place from which I can see any obvious quest hooks place we are likely supposed to go to.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 26, 2014, 02:56:38 pm

Survival
Sneak away from the gang without being seen.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Tiruin on October 26, 2014, 04:54:34 pm

Auto me to aid River/Irine.

((Because wow I dislike my net now  :-\ Will catch up in the future days))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 29, 2014, 08:29:30 pm

((Sorry for taking so long. Will try to do better.))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 09:16:52 pm

"So most likely I can steal their flames, but they can't steal mine? that could be very useful. Would my current appearance scare them? and do you need to wait until we are in their world to examine me or can you get it done now?"

"Whatever I say is not certain. All I have is twisted pieces. I can only be certain when we have crossed over and I have seen for myself.

I can not see something related to your appearance. Maybe it was lost. Or never existed. What I know is that humans are at best fearful of what they do not know. They like to judge."

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2014, 11:47:39 pm

Irine, campaign

---

"You think you can? Sure!"
I hand the amulet over

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2014, 11:04:41 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I say we make a break for the portal. I've encountered enough delays, and it'll only hurt more later!"

Look at what that noisy guy is doing. Maybe help him with it, so that he's done quicker and stops messing around already.

Quote from: NAV on October 23, 2014, 11:32:39 pm

Campaign
"Irene, I think I can restore the magic in that amulet. Maybe. Can I try?"
Clang clang clang keep hammering the breastplate into shape.
When I'm finished the breastplate then tsar the amulet and try to restore its magic.

With Ike's help (or more correctly despite it, since it's less of a help and more of him yelling at you to work faster and making whipping noises with his mouth as he slaps your back) you manage to get the breastplate back into shape. Sort of. It looks like the twisted remains of a car crash bent into the rough shape of an armour. But you can wear it and it's better than cloth. With the addition of copious amounts of sticky tape remains, the armour is put on. Let's hope nobody yanks it too hard or slices the tape with a sword.

That done, you focus on tsaring the amulet. It becomes big. Really big. A big lump of heavy gold, like the wedding ring of a giant. Resting on your hand. The hand of a man with a broken leg resting on a walking stick that is an actual stick. Luckily you don't end up getting hurt. You just loose your balance as you let go of the amulet and fall to the ground, looking slightly embarrassed.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 25, 2014, 01:17:29 am

"Okay, I guess no bandages for me," Zechariah muttered.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2014, 11:04:41 am

"I say we make a break for the portal. I've encountered enough delays, and it'll only hurt more later!"

Zechariah hesitated before speaking. "I wouldn't be so eager. We still have to make sure that the portal won't lead us into another trap."

"Darkstar, is there anything you need from us, or are you able to manage the portal?"

Speak and watch over the area. Keep a watchful eye (lousy pun not intended) on our surroundings and make sure that we don't get ambushed by mind-controlling octopuses again.

"We just need to step through it.

I can tell from the human bodies that they must have the portal open for a day or more. The stream of parasites preventing them from closing it. Hard to combat in large numbers. More so if they know nothing about them. Even more so if they are changed by the other world.

I believe the parasites will continue to stop them from closing it long enough for us to get through.

The area around it will probably be infested as well. Once we cross to the other side, we should go away from the portal very quickly. We can escape in the confusion while they feed on the tower and the rest of the humans in the capital."

You keep a watchful eye, trying very hard not to loose it. It's your final watchful eye, after all. If you loose that, then you'll end up blind.

((I'm assuming you won't object to a bit of healing for expediency's sake, so...))

River approaches you, extends his hand and touches your cheek with his palm.
"Okay, let me try something..."
You feel a pleasant warmth spreading from the point he is touching you. The pain stops wherever it spreads. Oh, this feels nice...
You close your eyes and relax.
A few seconds later, you hear something like a bark followed by hurried breathing. What's all that excitement for? Why can't everyone relax... Chill...
You calmly open your eyes to see River patting you, trying to extinguish a fire coming from you. Oh. Cool.
"Oh dear!"
A couple of seconds later, River finally manages to extinguish the fire. Your feelings return to normal a couple of seconds after that.
"Sorry. Still getting used to her." he says, forcing a weak smile on his face.
"Stopped bad things. Started healing. Should be fine until I can do a better job."

Quote from: Xantalos on October 25, 2014, 03:10:51 am

The only thing I got from that was that we're going into a bad place. Therefore, it's time to summon an old staple of mine.

Giant hamster ball go!

Alan doesn't really care what we do, if you didn't notice.

((Travelling in style. I approve.))
Ahh.. Unfortunately the RNG does not approve. Your foot becomes embedded in what looks like a glowing coconut. Half a minute later, the sphere disappears. At least it didn't take your foot with it.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 25, 2014, 03:14:27 am

"Oh, um, yeah, the portal or teleporter choice. I think the portal is a good idea."

Quote from: NAV on October 25, 2014, 10:25:23 am

"I'm in favour for the teleporter. River worked so hard to repair it. Also, I can't run."

River stifles a smile as he helps you stand.
"I understand. We shall not go through the portal if that is what you want. But before you make that choice, let me try something."

((I assume you won't object to an offer for healing despite what happened with Zechariah so to make up for lost time...))

River escorts you to the room with the eggs. He guides you through the darkness and has you lay on something like a stone table.
"Close your eyes. Try to remain calm. Do not to resist. Ignore the pain."
He either doesn't understand or doesn't care about the white bear problem.
A series of noises follow and you feel something like cold heavy air pressing up against your leg. And then it starts feeling like it's burning. You try to look, to move, to scream, but you are paralysed. All you can do is focus on the sensation that your leg is burning.
You're not sure how much time passes.
After a while, you regain control of your body. Your leg still feels unnaturally hot, still in pain, but not as much as before. You hear panting.
"That... took more... than expected."
Your leg feels... OK. Very hot, but otherwise OK.
River helps you stand and take a few slow steps. You can walk. There's some discomfort, but you can walk.
"Leg... still weak. Try not to... push it too much. Keep the... sticky thing on leg. Use the stick."
River helps support you for a few more steps until he is certain you won't fall.
The two of you make your way to the others, the click of your walking stick accompanying the clicking of his claws. You don't feel like you need it, but still, better safe than sorry.
"So?"

---

OOC
As a side note, I have no preference for either choice. Both lead to interesting things in my opinion. River naturally prefers the more direct approach of course, but the indirect also has its benefits. Anyway, we'll get going next turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on October 30, 2014, 03:08:36 am

A coconut? Really, powers? That's just bananas!

Alan grins vacantly as he imagines sound effects to cap off this terrible joke.
But transportation must be attained! Alan assumes his powerup stance.

Attempt to summon a car! Preferably a big one. If that doesn't work, go back to basics and call into being a wheeled mattress to ride upon.
By that I mean a mattress with a bed frame underneath it, not an actual mattress with wheels attached.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 30, 2014, 04:53:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, wonderful. Making good progress already, we are. So, let's take the dang portal to where we're supposed to be. Maybe murder some things on the way, eh?"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Expedite any urgent tasks by helping out however is needed. Seriously, let's get moving, you guys.

If there are no tasks I can expedite, cheer for Alan and encourage him to be the best Alan he can be.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:03:35 am

"I think I'll stay like this then. I've been mostly shifting between extremes lately, it's nice to just be me for a while."
Continuing to collect flames, same as the last several turns.

---

EDIT: adding movement pattern for when we go towards the portal
When we move to leave, I collect my flames into five evenly distributed spheres, one of these remains over my head or otherwise near me as I move, the other four spread out, slowly spiraling and circling around the entire group as a whole, and arcing down to strike any threats. the one near me I further subdivide into five parts as needed, and have them move to strike at any parasites that get in the middle of the group.
If we come to a small dark area I will light it with a perimiter orb or two as we move through/near it. If we come to a large dark area I will take a small section of the interior sphere and scatter it into a large array of tiny motes and sparks of flame, making the entire area around us glow.
At all times I'm attempting to continue to collect additional flames, increasing the firepower I have available and using it to form additional perimeter orbs of fire, using the bodies of parasites or other threats as fuel.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: NAV on October 30, 2014, 09:09:07 am

"Thanks. Alright, lets use the portal.
Show the repaired amulet to River and ask if he can sense any magic.
"Can you sense any magic in this amulet?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 22, 2014, 01:49:40 pm

Wait until the rats are nearly upon me, then use all my biomass to swell in size, transforming into a cat. When they hit me, rip into them, devouring as many as I can. If I am injured, use my biomass to heal my wounds at the same time.

You are a spider. You have enough biomass to transform into a kitten. Barely. When the transformation is over, you are left starving and feeling weak.
That done, you try to appear ferocious (http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/photography/bigs/00155-Kitten-meowing-white-background.jpg) and prepare to fight the wave of rats. The rats are not impressed by your display. They keep on coming.

What follows is several seconds of you being trampled by rats, some of them occasionally biting you. You try to swat at them but you are too weak and distracted to cause any significant harm. When it's finally over, you are left moderately wounded and bleeding.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 24, 2014, 11:33:53 am

Climb out and take cover behind the car. Grab it, and move to the nearest house while wheeling it around

I like your video game logic. Unfortunately for you, humans in this world don't run on Half life 2's "advanced" AI (http://youtu.be/e0WqAmuSXEQ).
All houses are about the same distance away so...
[Random destination->East]

Quote from: Alarith on October 24, 2014, 10:07:55 pm

survival

---

Look for better places to hide, If I can get there easily, and unseen, move there.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 26, 2014, 01:51:31 pm

Survival

If we haven't moved yet, hide and try to disable the two cars when they get close enough to get blasted. If we did move, try to find a place from which I can see any obvious quest hooks place we are likely supposed to go to.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on October 26, 2014, 02:56:38 pm

Survival
Sneak away from the gang without being seen.

Quote from: Toaster:autoaction

Sneak along with the rest.

Hmm... Vague actions all around... What to do, what to do... Oh, I know! Let's roll for it!
[Collective common sense roll->1]
Okay then. Maybe I shouldn't had rolled for it. Oh well, can't take it back now...

The entire group hides behind the burning car as Ron uses his one good arm to shove it forward. The molten wheels offer him some resistance at first, but soon the car starts moving along, making an awful screeching noise as it is dragged towards the east. Unsurprisingly, about halfway through the small park separating them from the houses there, they see the headlights of an approaching car and hear the sound of its engine coming from behind the wrecked car they are using as mobile shrubbery (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MobileShrubbery). It slows and comes to a stop a few seconds later. You can hear its doors opening.

Judging that at least one car is a couple of metres beyond his striking distance, Saevus gathers his strength and prepares to attack. When he feels ready, he stands up so that he can see the car, takes aim with his golden arm and sends out a telekinetic blast towards it. The blast causes the car's doors to slam closed, blows away its roof and breaks its headlights, stopping them from blinding him and allowing him to see what's behind them. Four men wielding assault rifles are lying on the ground besides the car, the lower part of their faces obscured by scarves. They look unharmed. And very very angry.

The other car is over near the entrance of the gallery, a great distance away.

---

OOC
So. This mission is going great.

In other news, I noticed this will be one year old in seven days. Yay for me. I think it's customary to do something during such anniversaries. Can't really give you presents or anything though, at least nothing you could use. Want me to do anything else maybe?

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 30, 2014, 08:09:20 pm

Chase the rats. Nom them, then heal

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on October 30, 2014, 08:12:47 pm

((You could have confetti rain down for an inexplicable reason.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 08:40:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

In other news, I noticed this will be one year old in seven days. Yay for me. I think it's customary to do something during such anniversaries. Can't really give you presents or anything though, at least nothing you could use. Want me to do anything else maybe?

...
...
...
((PMing Paris a horrible idea))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 30, 2014, 09:00:37 pm

"Wait... these parasites are actually killing more people?" Zechariah tightened his grip on his staff. "But.. we can't just.. let them.." He gritted his teeth, uncertain of what he should say. It went against his very nature to just let people die like that, but he had already gone through similar experiences with the Shadow. He knew that, in order to save them in the end, he had to keep himself focused on the goal at hand. Then, maybe he'll be able to do something about it.

He didn't want to compromise their mission thus far, though. His feelings could come later. He didn't want to turn into Artemis again.
Never again.

"Whichever way is going to be safest for us to get to.. your destination," Zechariah said in a flat tone. He was being a bit snide, but he couldn't help it. It was his only consolation, for now.

Follow River.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:12:58 pm

I give Zech a predatory smile.
"Zech, I'm in favor of the portal. Do you remember how I fight?"
I pause for a moment, giving him time to think through my question.
"I make most decisions for more than one reason."

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Tiruin on October 30, 2014, 09:29:13 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 08:40:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

In other news, I noticed this will be one year old in seven days. Yay for me. I think it's customary to do something during such anniversaries. Can't really give you presents or anything though, at least nothing you could use. Want me to do anything else maybe?

...
...
...
((PMing Paris a horrible idea))

((I wish you well and a prosperous game. Do not descend into self-doubt like I did [and thereby stalled my game for years]))
Also cake. Make cake.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: NAV on October 30, 2014, 11:19:44 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on October 30, 2014, 09:29:13 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 08:40:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

In other news, I noticed this will be one year old in seven days. Yay for me. I think it's customary to do something during such anniversaries. Can't really give you presents or anything though, at least nothing you could use. Want me to do anything else maybe?

...
...
...
((PMing Paris a horrible idea))

((I wish you well and a prosperous game. Do not descend into self-doubt like I did [and thereby stalled my game for years]))
Also cake. Make cake.

I read prosperous as preposterous. Lol.
Bake yourself a cake Paris.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Toaster on October 31, 2014, 07:56:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

Want me to do anything else maybe?

Entity shipping grid.

---

Survival

"Good one."

Summon molotov.  Throw molotov.  Shoot if there's a clear shot, but try to stay down.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Hawk132 on October 31, 2014, 11:28:11 am

Survival

((Time to test how bulletproof I am.))

Charge at the four guys. It's finally impaling time.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on October 31, 2014, 12:10:53 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 31, 2014, 07:56:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

Want me to do anything else maybe?

Entity shipping grid.

((!!This!!))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on October 31, 2014, 12:31:12 pm

((I can't even determine what entities there are in the first place, but that sounds like a good idea.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 31, 2014, 08:40:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 31, 2014, 12:10:53 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 31, 2014, 07:56:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

Want me to do anything else maybe?

Entity shipping grid.

((!!This!!))

((I wholeheartedly approve of this.))

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:12:58 pm

I give Zech a predatory smile.
"Zech, I'm in favor of the portal. Do you remember how I fight?"
I pause for a moment, giving him time to think through my question.
"I make most decisions for more than one reason."

Campaign
Zechariah raised his eyebrows in a show of surprise. Out of all the people to suggest this, she was the one.

Maybe he would be able to take out his anger on the predators of the living after all. He had fought the Shadows before. This shouldn't be too alien of an experience for him, should it?

He nods and gives a very slight but determined smile. "That was what I was hoping for." He turns to River and decides his answer. "Let's take the portal. Maybe we can save a few souls along the way, if we're lucky. Either way, I think we can keep them off of us if we are attacked. Let's do this."

To the portal and beyond, then. Time to take my frustration out on some mind-enslaving octopuses.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Alarith on November 01, 2014, 09:05:54 pm

survival

---

Look for another way out.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Salsacookies on November 01, 2014, 11:49:16 pm

Survival

Begin laying heavy fire on the guys around the car. Aim so I don't hit Saevus, and if all the guys around the car are dead, walk over, get in the car, and invite the other guys to get in before I drive to my hideout. If they aren't dead, stay behind cover of the burning car.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 02, 2014, 07:51:47 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 30, 2014, 03:08:36 am

A coconut? Really, powers? That's just bananas!

Alan grins vacantly as he imagines sound effects to cap off this terrible joke.
But transportation must be attained! Alan assumes his powerup stance.

Attempt to summon a car! Preferably a big one. If that doesn't work, go back to basics and call into being a wheeled mattress to ride upon.
By that I mean a mattress with a bed frame underneath it, not an actual mattress with wheels attached.

Quote

car

Quote

common household objects

No. Be glad I'm not interpreting this as a roll with a ridiculous penalty.

The other thing, let's see... You get a race-car bed (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/vx-375_1z_zpsce227b4b.jpg). Surely there will be no problem with using that.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 30, 2014, 04:53:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, wonderful. Making good progress already, we are. So, let's take the dang portal to where we're supposed to be. Maybe murder some things on the way, eh?"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Expedite any urgent tasks by helping out however is needed. Seriously, let's get moving, you guys.

If there are no tasks I can expedite, cheer for Alan and encourage him to be the best Alan he can be.

"Just be yourself Alan! Trust the power within you! It will lead you to greatness! Be it great performance, great hilarity or great injury, one thing is certain: it will be as great as an overshoot!"

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:03:35 am

"I think I'll stay like this then. I've been mostly shifting between extremes lately, it's nice to just be me for a while."
Continuing to collect flames, same as the last several turns.

---

EDIT: adding movement pattern for when we go towards the portal
When we move to leave, I collect my flames into five evenly distributed spheres, one of these remains over my head or otherwise near me as I move, the other four spread out, slowly spiraling and circling around the entire group as a whole, and arcing down to strike any threats. the one near me I further subdivide into five parts as needed, and have them move to strike at any parasites that get in the middle of the group.
If we come to a small dark area I will light it with a perimiter orb or two as we move through/near it. If we come to a large dark area I will take a small section of the interior sphere and scatter it into a large array of tiny motes and sparks of flame, making the entire area around us glow.
At all times I'm attempting to continue to collect additional flames, increasing the firepower I have available and using it to form additional perimeter orbs of fire, using the bodies of parasites or other threats as fuel.

Well, the corpse really doesn't have much left to burn, so you just gather what few scraps of flame remain and add them to your collection.

Quote from: NAV on October 30, 2014, 09:09:07 am

"Thanks. Alright, lets use the portal.
Show the repaired amulet to River and ask if he can sense any magic.
"Can you sense any magic in this amulet?"

You show the giant piece of gold lying on the floor to River. He looks unsure for a moment, looking at you and then at the amulet and then back at you. He emits something between a sigh and a growl, kneels down besides it, puts a hand on it and takes a deep breath as his eyes turn black. After a few moments of staring at it, you can see a faint smile briefly appearing on his mouth. Well, at least you think it does. You're not an expert on wolf-people facial expressions. Then again, maybe the emotions you're getting out of his body language aren't entirely natural. A few seconds later he lets his breath out, gets up and turns to face you again.
"I can sense magic. Most of it is yours. It has filled some gaps but... Nothing clear. It has form but no use. No function. Maybe it is meant to be part of something else. Or to tell something to something else. Like a... a thing that things attach themselves on to function. Anchor? Antigen? Frame? Key? Maybe it will be clearer once we go through the portal. Or maybe your magic is misleading."

((I'm assuming you untsared it and are either carrying it or handed it over to Irene.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 30, 2014, 09:00:37 pm

"Wait... these parasites are actually killing more people?" Zechariah tightened his grip on his staff. "But.. we can't just.. let them.." He gritted his teeth, uncertain of what he should say. It went against his very nature to just let people die like that, but he had already gone through similar experiences with the Shadow. He knew that, in order to save them in the end, he had to keep himself focused on the goal at hand. Then, maybe he'll be able to do something about it.

He didn't want to compromise their mission thus far, though. His feelings could come later. He didn't want to turn into Artemis again.
Never again.

"Whichever way is going to be safest for us to get to.. your destination," Zechariah said in a flat tone. He was being a bit snide, but he couldn't help it. It was his only consolation, for now.

Follow River.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:12:58 pm

I give Zech a predatory smile.
"Zech, I'm in favor of the portal. Do you remember how I fight?"
I pause for a moment, giving him time to think through my question.
"I make most decisions for more than one reason."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 31, 2014, 08:40:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:12:58 pm

I give Zech a predatory smile.
"Zech, I'm in favor of the portal. Do you remember how I fight?"
I pause for a moment, giving him time to think through my question.
"I make most decisions for more than one reason."

Campaign
Zechariah raised his eyebrows in a show of surprise. Out of all the people to suggest this, she was the one.

Maybe he would be able to take out his anger on the predators of the living after all. He had fought the Shadows before. This shouldn't be too alien of an experience for him, should it?

He nods and gives a very slight but determined smile. "That was what I was hoping for." He turns to River and decides his answer. "Let's take the portal. Maybe we can save a few souls along the way, if we're lucky. Either way, I think we can keep them off of us if we are attacked. Let's do this."

To the portal and beyond, then. Time to take my frustration out on some mind-enslaving octopuses.

River looks at you for a few seconds but says nothing.

Everyone
With everyone assembled and ready to move, you make your way outside, to the dark world made of rough dead dark rock, filled with the sound of howling winds that transfer with them the smell of things that make your nose burn and your eyes water (with the exception of Ike's). A dim dark green glow is coming from the sky that allows you to see once your eyes adjust. Brief bright illumination is provided by the passage of green lightning bolts, allowing you to see a great distance around you while simultaneously ruining your night-vision. The appear intermittently, usually about a minute or two apart, crossing the part of the sky the high walls of the canyon allow you to see.

Irene has some trouble keeping her fire from being blown away and scattering into the wind when the door closes behind them, leaving them to face the full force of the winds of the canyon. But with some effort and concentration, she manages to retain it and not loose any significant amount.

"The surrounding area should be clear. But clear is not safe. This world itself is a danger. Especially as we move away from the Relay and its influence."

The canyon floor has a great downward slope, getting much deeper and darker the further away you move from the structure behind you.
Alan wastes no time with walking, instead choosing to roll down with his race-car bed, wearing his wooden shutter shades, like something out of rapper video parody. He doesn't care too much about River shouting at him to stop or running after him. After all, he is an expert driver. Even though this thing has plastic wheels and no steering wheel, suspension (other than the springs of the mattress), way to know where he is going or way to stop. Yep, those vibrations and that hellish noise of plastic banging against rock and plastic is surely an indication that he is doing something right.
Amazingly, Alan manages to roll down a great distance without injuring himself before the wheels get so worn and broken the "vehicle" slows down and then comes to a stop.

He seems to have arrived at a more flat section of the canyon. One that is also very, very dark, so much so that he can barely see. On the bright side (no pun intended), there's less wind down here and thus more silence and less irritation. He can see the rest of the group of the group quickly making their way towards him, following the trail of broken plastic he has left behind him. The balls of fire near them are very easy to spot.

When River finally catches up to him, he gives him an angry look (or at least tries the best he can as he stands there panting, trying to catch his breath).
"Do you want to get yourself killed? Alert every parasite and predator in the vicinity?"
He continues a bit calmer.
"Be more careful. For our sake and yours."

The rest of the group reach them soon after and together they continue making their way towards their destination. The light from Irene's fire reveals that the area you are going through is much wider. The floor of the canyon is littered with a large number of small rocks that make walking a bit uncomfortable, with huge rocks closer to the canyon walls. The canyon walls themselves are highly irregular, like someone broke great pieces off of them with a giant hammer. When the occasional lightning strike illuminates the area further from you, you can see that the canyon gets even wider further ahead, to the point where it is no longer a canyon. At that point, large rock has broken off from the side of the canyon, creating a small barrier in your path that you'll have to walk around.

((Final chance to do things before you reach the portal.))

---

OOC

Quote from: Xantalos on October 30, 2014, 08:12:47 pm

((You could have confetti rain down for an inexplicable reason.))

Inexplicable Confetti Rain. Sounds like a Forgotten Art spell.

Quote from: NAV on October 30, 2014, 11:19:44 pm

I read prosperous as preposterous. Lol.
Bake yourself a cake Paris.

Mmm... Good idea. Haven't made a cake for at least a year. Don't think I have the ingredients for it though... Eh, I got a slightly stale chocolate muffin I can stick in the microwave and make it filled with delicious molten chocolate bits. That will work.

And I think all RTDs are by nature preposterous. Varying levels of preposterous, but still preposterous.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 31, 2014, 12:31:12 pm

((I can't even determine what entities there are in the first place, but that sounds like a good idea.))

It's all there in the first post. Well, the entities that are participating in the games, anyway.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on October 31, 2014, 08:40:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 31, 2014, 12:10:53 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 31, 2014, 07:56:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 2014, 07:55:57 pm

Want me to do anything else maybe?

Entity shipping grid.

((!!This!!))

((I wholeheartedly approve of this.))

My first thought when I read shipping grid was "But what kind of package would one send an entity?"
I have no idea what that is, but a quick search reveals it is either a way to keep track of known and possible relationships and/or love triangles/rectangles/non-eucledian shapes (http://redtroubadour.tumblr.com/post/44666779689/i-noticed-a-lot-of-my-friends-playing-fire-emblem) or some kind of weird grid used in some kind of extended poker where date, star-sign of players and various other hidden rules and factors determine the suit of a card (http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m30l686Av21qj4elao1_500.gif). More search reveals this (http://mspaintadventures.wikia.com/wiki/Quadrants) which helps explain things better.

Unfortunately, I'm not doing that. First of all, too much effort. Not too much free time right now. I'd have to read and think hard of how to best categorize a relationship using strict terms. Plus it wouldn't be complete, since there are entities and people that are not part of the games. And fourth, I like people to discover things on their own IC. (Partly because I like having people ask and learn about things overtime instead of having walls of infodumps and exposition, partly because such things might be plot related or pertaining to alternate choices possible within a mission (which means that by giving you OOC information I am giving you the temptation to metagame in certain situations and giving you an advantage you haven't worked for), partly a remnant of the original concept of the game (a game where people participate in missions trying to complete objectives, with caring about the reasons behind them being optional (not that I do not like making up little (and big) stories about things in missions (in fact, I often make small stories about the origin of objects, locations and NPCs you find (partly because some powers could potentially care about those details, partly because it can lead to a related mission, partly because it can lead to things you can use I haven't thought of), some chit chat between NPCs about local and world events (people tend to not be stealthy enough for that to come up) and other things like that so that I have some sort of world building to provide (that picture NAV got being a small example of that). But a good GM should try not to shove his world building and stories into people throats (I try to be more of a Darths & Droids GM than a DM of the Rings GM (That means leaving more freedom to the players to act and influence the world and less railroading in pursuit of the GMs fantasies of perfect stories (one of the reasons I think River is a good choice for a guide for a mission, because he gives choices and possible objectives, thus solving the "people don't like too much freedom" problem but also allows you to mostly do whatever you want (within reason) and doesn't bore you with too many details, unless you ask for them. (Then again, maybe it would be better if I just had NPCs ramble about world details and provide exposition since people don't tend to ask too many questions. And having stories with no way to share them is kind of like having an itch you cannot scratch. But I digress. (In fact, I used to be a professional digressor, but I don't want to get off track, so I'll tell you about the time I was a professional digressor. (http://www.tv.com/m/shows/the-simpsons/thursdays-with-abie-1271729/trivia/))))))))))[/longjokeusedtoexcuseself]

But I guess if you really want to, I could give you a suggestion for a question to ask or a line of questioning to pursue that could provide some information on the subject. Or you could just be blunt and ask about it directly.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on November 02, 2014, 08:45:40 pm

Campaign - Totally Radical

Man, being careful never kept anyone alive.

Alan ignores the voices of everyone who died horribly via recklessness shouting at him, including his own, twice over.

Though it is a shame that I can't use my wonderful bed anymore. I guess I'll have to improvise! But if I go too fast those rude octopi might spot me, like that out-of-shape black fox spirit thingy told me. Hmm. I need a disguise.

Do I have any sharp things on my person? A knife or something? If not, call up one of those and a cardboard box. Cut eyeholes in the box and pull a Metal Gear by creeping about everywhere under the box.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Toaster on November 02, 2014, 11:41:42 pm

((Nyars entity, then!  No, I have no idea how that'd work ingame either.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on November 03, 2014, 12:22:03 am

((Note: I'm going to be unavailable for the next couple days, so am going to make this post have a lot of If:then statements so you can keep going without me for a couple turns.))

---

Irine, Campaign

---

En-route to portal:

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:03:35 am

When we move to leave, I collect my flames into five evenly distributed spheres, one of these remains over my head or otherwise near me as I move, the other four spread out, slowly spiraling and circling around the entire group as a whole, and arcing down to strike any threats. the one near me I further subdivide into five parts as needed, and have them move to strike at any parasites that get in the middle of the group.
If we come to a small dark area I will light it with a perimiter orb or two as we move through/near it. If we come to a large dark area I will take a small section of the interior sphere and scatter it into a large array of tiny motes and sparks of flame, making the entire area around us glow.
At all times I'm attempting to continue to collect additional flames, increasing the firepower I have available and using it to form additional perimeter orbs of fire, using the bodies of parasites or other threats as fuel.

Action unchanged

Spoiler: large set of if-thens (click to show/hide)

At Portal:
Send one flame orb through first, then a second after I've seen what happened with the first one, then let the party move through. The one I'm keeping close to me I send through right before/after/with me. The last two go through behind us.

On other side of portal:
Secure the area, burn one flame charge if necessary but I'd prefer not too. If no threats then leave the orbs as orbs, if threats in area but not attacking immediately or if the area is uninhabited then find anything that can burn and collect more flames, thatched roofs / grass / wood / trees / parasites are all flame-sources, if threats attacking immediately then same as pre-portal combat.

If we encounter beings we can converse with:
Do not initiate hostilities, abstain from destruction of property or otherwise attacking until/unless they attack first.

If the squid-things swarm us:
Form a firewall perimeter surrounding us and then send out small tendrils of flame from the firewall to attack any squids in the area.

If we are attacked by a large monster or other parasited creature:
Aim for the eyes, nose, and lungs, attempting to disable it while we get some distance.

If an ally is wounded:
Redirect one orb to assist that ally.

If an ally is taken over:
yell for Zech to immobilize them and ask for River's aid. If necessary then attempt to burn the squid off without harming the ally... or at least not harming them too badly. If no other option, secure the area around the ally and then kill them on the spot, retrieving their soul energy as soon as it becomes available and taking it to River.

If River is taken over:
All flames are repurposed to forming a perimeter around him to try to contain him, small tendrils reaching out towards him to lick the parasite and gently singe it away, and I prepare to redirect any flames send at the party into reinforcing the firewall.

If we are attacked by a firemage:
Steal any flames created and repurpose them to my own needs.

If I have to choose between targeting parasites and thralls:
Target the most immediately threatening. if they're at range, target the ranged ones, if they're up close, target the close ones, if Zech or other allies have some contained/controlled/blocked, target the one(s) not contained/controlled/blocked

If I have to choose between finishing off a wounded target or targeting a healthy one:
Target the wounded if they remain mostly combat-capable, if they're disabled/maimed/blinded/whatever then target the healthy one.

If the a large area is massively infested:
Use the same technique as from near the end of last mission... you know the one, Irine's second most dangerous (in her mind) technique. ((the most dangerous one has never been used... and for good reason.))

If have an option to rescue people:
Attempt to do so and question them about what's going on / the surrounding area.

If people run away from me in fear of my appearance:
Attempt to figure out what exactly is scary about me but don't take action against the fleeing people.

If people ask us for help saving their home:
Do not commit to aiding them, but do it anyway if we have the opportunity.

If people want to travel with us:
warn them that doing so will be very dangerous, but permit them as long as they don't give our position away or slow us down.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: NAV on November 03, 2014, 12:53:21 am

Give the amulet back to Irene.
"It's most likely a key."

Continue to the portal and watch out for sneaky cephalopods.

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on November 05, 2014, 09:21:39 pm

((back... wow @ no posts))

---

edit:

Quote from: NAV on November 03, 2014, 12:53:21 am

Give the amulet back to Irene.
"It's most likely a key."

Amulet Accepted

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Xantalos on November 06, 2014, 12:53:15 am

((We need to do radical things! Everyone, put bling on!))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Toaster on November 06, 2014, 11:39:02 am

(("I'd say Bling is a common household object.  You could emblingen everyone, Alan."))

((IC OOC go))

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Lenglon on November 06, 2014, 12:49:34 pm

EDIT: wrong thread

Title: Re: Special People: Fight or Flight? (aka Where do we go from here?)
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2014, 04:18:25 pm

((As my workload finally lifts, I begin my return!))

Campaign, Ike!

"Once more unto danger, then!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

What exactly is it I can smell? Anything groovy or scientifically fascinating?

In any case, keep moving.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2014, 07:57:46 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 30, 2014, 08:09:20 pm

Chase the rats. Nom them, then heal

You run after the rats. The damn things are fast. Looks like they are really scared. After some effort, you manage to catch up to a straggler. You pounce and grab it by the tail. Its survival instincts are strong. It keeps writhing and snapping its teeth at you as it tries to get away. With some effort, you finally manage to bite it in the head. You keep applying pressure until there is a crunch and it is stops moving. After that you drag it to a corner and start munching on it while at the same time focusing on slowly stopping your bleeding.

---

Quote from: Toaster on October 31, 2014, 07:56:27 am

Survival

"Good one."

Summon molotov.  Throw molotov.  Shoot if there's a clear shot, but try to stay down.

Cops throwing molotovs? That's certainly an inversion.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 31, 2014, 11:28:11 am

Survival

((Time to test how bulletproof I am.))

Charge at the four guys. It's finally impaling time.

Quote from: Alarith on November 01, 2014, 09:05:54 pm

survival

---

Look for another way out.

Bravely running away it is.

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 01, 2014, 11:49:16 pm

Survival

Begin laying heavy fire on the guys around the car. Aim so I don't hit Saevus, and if all the guys around the car are dead, walk over, get in the car, and invite the other guys to get in before I drive to my hideout. If they aren't dead, stay behind cover of the burning car.

Laying heavy fire while wielding an assault rifle with one hand. What could possibly go wrong?



The goons with the assault rifles open fire on Saevus but somehow manage to completely miss. Only a couple of bullets manage a glancing hit and those harmlessly bounce off his shield.

As the bullets fly, John is taking cover behind the car, trying to focus on his summoning. He manages to make a lighter, but he's not concentrated enough to do anything more complex right now.

Ron gets out of cover, extends his one good arm, pointing his tommygun in the general direction of the enemy. He holds down the trigger. The recoil immediately throws his arm up and around, barely missing John.

One of the revolver wielding men tries to shoot Saevus but he fumbles and drops his weapon.

Saevus, who had until now been lumbering towards the gunmen, finally reaches them. He stabs at one of the men laying on the ground with his spear. The man tries to roll away, but Saevus manages to nick him in the arm.

Meanwhile, with everyone preoccupied with killing each other, Bryan finds the opportunity to slip away. He runs as fast as he can, heading for the nearest houses, keeping his head down to avoid catching any stray bullets with his body. Question is, what is he going to do once he is there?

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 02, 2014, 08:45:40 pm

Campaign - Totally Radical

Man, being careful never kept anyone alive.

Alan ignores the voices of everyone who died horribly via recklessness shouting at him, including his own, twice over.

Though it is a shame that I can't use my wonderful bed anymore. I guess I'll have to improvise! But if I go too fast those rude octopi might spot me, like that out-of-shape black fox spirit thingy told me. Hmm. I need a disguise.

Do I have any sharp things on my person? A knife or something? If not, call up one of those and a cardboard box. Cut eyeholes in the box and pull a Metal Gear by creeping about everywhere under the box.

You get a nicely folded and rather big cardboard box, ready for deployment.

((Look! Packages! PACKAGES! Our Alan hides in cardboard boxes! The coward! TEH FOOL! I... *ultra deep breath* I shall take away his cardboard bawkses! (http://youtu.be/cO3MttgvHUY)))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 03, 2014, 12:22:03 am

((Note: I'm going to be unavailable for the next couple days, so am going to make this post have a lot of If:then statements so you can keep going without me for a couple turns.))

---

Irine, Campaign

---

En-route to portal:

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2014, 09:03:35 am

When we move to leave, I collect my flames into five evenly distributed spheres, one of these remains over my head or otherwise near me as I move, the other four spread out, slowly spiraling and circling around the entire group as a whole, and arcing down to strike any threats. the one near me I further subdivide into five parts as needed, and have them move to strike at any parasites that get in the middle of the group.
If we come to a small dark area I will light it with a perimiter orb or two as we move through/near it. If we come to a large dark area I will take a small section of the interior sphere and scatter it into a large array of tiny motes and sparks of flame, making the entire area around us glow.
At all times I'm attempting to continue to collect additional flames, increasing the firepower I have available and using it to form additional perimeter orbs of fire, using the bodies of parasites or other threats as fuel.

Action unchanged

Spoiler: large set of if-thens (click to show/hide)

At Portal:
Send one flame orb through first, then a second after I've seen what happened with the first one, then let the party move through. The one I'm keeping close to me I send through right before/after/with me. The last two go through behind us.

On other side of portal:
Secure the area, burn one flame charge if necessary but I'd prefer not too. If no threats then leave the orbs as orbs, if threats in area but not attacking immediately or if the area is uninhabited then find anything that can burn and collect more flames, thatched roofs / grass / wood / trees / parasites are all flame-sources, if threats attacking immediately then same as pre-portal combat.

If we encounter beings we can converse with:
Do not initiate hostilities, abstain from destruction of property or otherwise attacking until/unless they attack first.

If the squid-things swarm us:
Form a firewall perimeter surrounding us and then send out small tendrils of flame from the firewall to attack any squids in the area.

If we are attacked by a large monster or other parasited creature:
Aim for the eyes, nose, and lungs, attempting to disable it while we get some distance.

If an ally is wounded:
Redirect one orb to assist that ally.

If an ally is taken over:
yell for Zech to immobilize them and ask for River's aid. If necessary then attempt to burn the squid off without harming the ally... or at least not harming them too badly. If no other option, secure the area around the ally and then kill them on the spot, retrieving their soul energy as soon as it becomes available and taking it to River.

If River is taken over:
All flames are repurposed to forming a perimeter around him to try to contain him, small tendrils reaching out towards him to lick the parasite and gently singe it away, and I prepare to redirect any flames send at the party into reinforcing the firewall.

If we are attacked by a firemage:
Steal any flames created and repurpose them to my own needs.

If I have to choose between targeting parasites and thralls:
Target the most immediately threatening. if they're at range, target the ranged ones, if they're up close, target the close ones, if Zech or other allies have some contained/controlled/blocked, target the one(s) not contained/controlled/blocked

If I have to choose between finishing off a wounded target or targeting a healthy one:
Target the wounded if they remain mostly combat-capable, if they're disabled/maimed/blinded/whatever then target the healthy one.

If the a large area is massively infested:
Use the same technique as from near the end of last mission... you know the one, Irine's second most dangerous (in her mind) technique. ((the most dangerous one has never been used... and for good reason.))

If have an option to rescue people:
Attempt to do so and question them about what's going on / the surrounding area.

If people run away from me in fear of my appearance:
Attempt to figure out what exactly is scary about me but don't take action against the fleeing people.

If people ask us for help saving their home:
Do not commit to aiding them, but do it anyway if we have the opportunity.

If people want to travel with us:
warn them that doing so will be very dangerous, but permit them as long as they don't give our position away or slow us down.

Quote from: NAV on November 03, 2014, 12:53:21 am

Give the amulet back to Irene.
"It's most likely a key."

Continue to the portal and watch out for sneaky cephalopods.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 05, 2014, 09:21:39 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 03, 2014, 12:53:21 am

Give the amulet back to Irene.
"It's most likely a key."

Amulet Accepted

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2014, 04:18:25 pm

((As my workload finally lifts, I begin my return!))

Campaign, Ike!

"Once more unto danger, then!"

What exactly is it I can smell? Anything groovy or scientifically fascinating?

In any case, keep moving.

Not really groovy or interesting, although there is a multitude of smells around here, with the smell of copper being the most prominent for some reason. It smells like the air is filled with tiny copper particles. Other fainter smells include things like ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the very faint smell of those octopus things. Still, nothing immediately interesting.


You continue walking, following the canyon until you reach its end. There stands a large rock that has fallen off the canyon walls some time in the past. It serves as good cover for observing what lies beyond.

Beyond the canyon the ground keeps getting deeper, forming a roughly round shallow valley that extends for kilometres. It's just barren rock, same as the valley you just left from, although a lot smoother, with only a few deep cracks, small craters and large rocks to break the monotony. When the landscape is illuminated by a lightning strike, you notice that the valley is surrounded by canyons similar to the one you exited from, some larger, some smaller, all of them with incredibly high walls. There's also a rock in the centre of the valley that looks vaguely pyramid-like.

The more interesting (and alarming) thing is not that far away though, it's only a few dozen metres away. A pillar of light with rounded edges and a slightly red and purple hue, about 10 metres tall and 4 wide. You think you can see glimpses of things beyond it. A floor made of black and brown segments. Red and black sky. Or ceiling. Can't really tell. It's all fleeting, blurry and distorted.

There are signs of human activity near it. A trio of tents, their fabric vibrating in the light wind. Some stone blocks near them arranged in an incomplete square, as if someone started laying the foundation for a small structure. An extinguished campfire.

Deformed humanoid shapes can be seen around the pillar, as well as more of those tentacled things. A lot more. At least 50 of them in the general area. With more coming from further away. Some seem to wander aimlessly. Most of the octopuses are wandering around the pillar, spiralling closer to it, eventually making their way in it and disappearing. One bumps onto a humanoid. The humanoid moves its arms a bit and starts walking away from the portal as the thing wraps its tentacles around it.

"Looks like the portal is blinding them. Distracting them. They focus on feeding on it. But they will probably see us when we get closer. I say we make a run for it when ready. Irene can-"
At that moment, he notices a cardboard box moving away from your hiding spot.
"What?" he says and cocks his head to the side. He turns his head to look back at you and then realises what is going on, his eyes opening wider.
"Argh, now I have a second impatient annoyance to care about. Get ready to move and help him."

Alan keeps moving forward towards the pillar of light in his cardboard box, looking out through the hole he cut with his knife.
<Wait! Stop!>
Alan however is a bit too late to heed his warning. Or maybe he just doesn't care. Either way, what happens next is that he bumps into something.
<Stay still. Do not let it touch you.>
Alan stays perfectly still, even as something starts constricting the box, creating depressions across its inner surface. A pair of yellowish tentacles enter through the eye holes and start blindly groping around while another punches a hole through the cardboard, stabbing blindly in it. Alan tries to move out of the way as best as he can.

The rest of the team watch as the creature moves away from the box after punching a hole in it with one of its tentacles. The box looks slightly crumpled and torn but is otherwise fine. It keeps moving forward a few seconds later. River sighs.
"I... did not think he could do it." he says, surprised.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit

character

You wake up.

You're sitting on a comfortable black leather armchair. There's a coffee table in front of you. And beyond that there is a reception desk with a simple logo (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Symbol_zpsa8d5e3ac.png) carved on it, glowing from hidden internal lights. There's a door on your left, close to you. And another on your right, further away.

The room you're in is big. Tall. Much longer on one side than on the other, like a giant empty corridor. Lit with bright lights overhead and hidden dim blue lights in the walls. Everything is made of smooth shiny dark plastic and glass, even the walls. The floor is a layer of glass squares covering a layer of the same dark plastic. One who wanted to be poetic would say you're in a room made of darkness and reflections.

Even the receptionist is like that. An android with vaguely feminine characteristics. Its skin is another layer of black plastic, with some kind of flexible dark grey semi-opaque material acting as skin in places like the hands and legs where flexibility is necessary, covering the dark shapes inside it. It lacks a mouth. Its eyes are unblinking black orbs. She taps away at the holographic display in front of her, seemingly focused on whatever she is typing.

---

OOC
Title given by this music: http://youtu.be/Sg37lkE5cuw

Quote from: Toaster on November 02, 2014, 11:41:42 pm

((Nyars entity, then!  No, I have no idea how that'd work ingame either.))

The option already exists to get a semi-random upgrade from your entity. I could make it cheaper, change it to allow you to choose to get a semi-random upgrade from any entity you want, plus some options that allow you to further narrow down the nature of the upgrade, with the downside that you do not know what those choices mean, so the upgrade might not be what you want until those choices are deciphered.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 05, 2014, 09:21:39 pm

((back... wow @ no posts))

Sorry, been busy, mostly working on this (https://github.com/parisbre56/eclipse-workspace/tree/master/Net_Traffic_Monitor), plus other things. Trying to finish all my work early so that I can go to Paris to attend my brother's graduation.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:10:26 am

((Based on my efforts in last mission, is the portal within range or close to it?))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2014, 08:16:00 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:10:26 am

((Based on my efforts in last mission, is the portal within range or close to it?))

((It's a bit less than 100 metres, so that makes it a bit outside your range. So it would take a bit more effort to get some fire there, but you could do it with your stats.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:25:55 am

Irine, Campaign

---

"Either they're unintelligent or lack sensory organs. Meaning I can do this without giving us away."

Direct my four circling spheres of flame to split into 16 (or if doing this makes them too small to be effective or sustainable, a smaller value, if I could split them further and remain stable and effective, then a larger value. I'm (Lenglon) estimating their size right now.) and send them arcing up and then down upon the parasites. as individual parasites fall to the rain of fire, collect the flames from its body and send them arcing up and on to another one, or split to target two if the amount of fire is sufficiently large. the one orb I'm keeping near me, stays near me for use against anything that gets close. start at the parasites nearest me and advance as the distance starts to become a strain.

---

((I'm aware that my assumptions here are wrong by the way, I wasn't in the room for when the parasites were sneaking from pillar to pillar. Feel free to inform me if you don't want me to do this.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Hawk132 on November 07, 2014, 08:34:48 am

Survival

No rolling! Keep stabbing and pull people towards me/into my spear if needed. Maybe even try to grab a guy by his face and fire a point-blank blast.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 07, 2014, 09:06:43 am

((Does that mean your brother is bre56?))

Survival

"Watch where you point that thing!  Damn!"

Try again!  Make molotov, throw molotov.

((Also, where's the spear?))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2014, 09:35:56 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:25:55 am

((I'm aware that my assumptions here are wrong by the way, I wasn't in the room for when the parasites were sneaking from pillar to pillar. Feel free to inform me if you don't want me to do this.))

((Why would I not want you to do this? There are things I would prefer some of you would do, but in the end the choices you make are yours. As long as you're not somehow breaking some rule or doing something bad OOC, you're free to do anything you want. Unless you meant that as a notification to the other characters around you that they can do this IC if they want.))

Quote from: Toaster on November 07, 2014, 09:06:43 am

((Does that mean your brother is bre56?))

((Badum-tish! (http://www.badum-tish.com/)))

Quote from: Toaster on November 07, 2014, 09:06:43 am

((Also, where's the spear?))

Did I not put that in any of the descriptions I gave?
*checks back*
Yeah, looks like I didn't. Sorry.
Anyway, the part of the spear that had the buttons is around your not-interface-wearing arm's wrist, like a bracelet.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2014, 09:54:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I'm kind of glad this doesn't seem to be actual powdered metal in the air. I kind of like not being on fire," Ike observes as he watches Irene try yet another of her zany, showy schemes. Truly fire is the ultimate element of buffoonery.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:25:55 am

"Either they're unintelligent or lack sensory organs. Meaning I can do this without giving us away."

"Astute as always, my dear."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Step away a bit from the group discreetly. Listen for yellow land octopus ssp. invisible in the area, and pay attention to the octopuses I can see. Do they look like ssp. yellow or ssp. invisible (var. visible)?

In fact, is it entirely correct to say that ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible (var. visible) are true subspecies at all? Is there a gradient between the two that may indicate it is instead healthiness and abundance of food that separates them rather than a genetic gulf?

Whatever may be the case, this is clearly a job for Ike, naturalist extraordinaire! Prepare to dodge!

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 07, 2014, 11:10:50 am

"Hrm. Definitely not where I was, I was falling through the sky before. Probably not a hallucination, neither I nor my subconscious designed this room. Probably. Not that the decor is bad, it's actually quite interesting, though personally I would throw in some metal, probably steel. Then again, my subconscious could be changing things up on me and this actually is a dream, but I don't think it's that time of the month. Not that I really care either way; worrying about that philosophical crap takes up too much time. Time that could be used for science. And monologuing."
Continue sitting for now.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 12:02:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2014, 09:35:56 am

((Unless you meant that as a notification to the other characters around you that they can do this IC if they want.))

((Meant it as a notification to other characters around me that they can do that IC if they want.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 07, 2014, 12:25:57 pm

"Should I attack?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2014, 02:54:00 pm

((Holy shit, I'm still alive?))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2014, 03:02:42 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 07, 2014, 02:54:00 pm

((Holy shit, I'm still alive?))

((You got lucky and only one parasite got interested in you. You got a 6 at most rolls. And you happen to have a penalty on most of those rolls, so they turned to 5. Plus, with some changes, that plan would actually be very good, due to reasons. You could say your character did something so stupid it came full circle and became smart.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2014, 03:28:09 pm

((Huh. THE DICE PROTECT THEIR FAVORITE PUNCHING BAG))

Alan can't think of anything after that experience besides the following:
I'm a fucking genius.

Keep slowly edging towards the light. Keep perfectly still if I sense any octopus coming near me. Utilize the hole that one punched in it for seeing purposes.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 08, 2014, 02:25:55 am

((Whoops, missed the last turn due to reasons.))

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, having taken in the turn of events. He didn't think that Alan would be so... unaware.
Then again, it would seem that Zechariah is wrong most of the time, if not all of the time. At the very least, he should be putting his powers to use right about now and not internally shaming himself for not knowing any better.

"I really hope that they cannot detect light, because that would seriously inhibit my ability to manipulate crystals at this time. Though, considering Irene's fireballs, I guess not."

Use Irene's fires to construct some crystal shields in front of me. Keep them jagged and sharp, so that I may break them apart and send them flying at enemies if needed at a moment's notice. Mainly, however, aim to use them as defensive items and move them accordingly to defend teammates as necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 08, 2014, 06:47:16 am

Sling a boulder aiming to take out as many of the damn things as possible. Then defend self and others with the sword.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 09, 2014, 08:47:30 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2014, 09:54:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I'm kind of glad this doesn't seem to be actual powdered metal in the air. I kind of like not being on fire," Ike observes as he watches Irene try yet another of her zany, showy schemes. Truly fire is the ultimate element of buffoonery.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:25:55 am

"Either they're unintelligent or lack sensory organs. Meaning I can do this without giving us away."

"Astute as always, my dear."

Step away a bit from the group discreetly. Listen for yellow land octopus ssp. invisible in the area, and pay attention to the octopuses I can see. Do they look like ssp. yellow or ssp. invisible (var. visible)?

In fact, is it entirely correct to say that ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible (var. visible) are true subspecies at all? Is there a gradient between the two that may indicate it is instead healthiness and abundance of food that separates them rather than a genetic gulf?

Whatever may be the case, this is clearly a job for Ike, naturalist extraordinaire! Prepare to dodge!

((Are you sure about that powdered metal bit? Because based on the research I did when building this place, copper powder has an ignition temperature of around 1000^oC and does not explode in standard conditions, so combined with non-standard environmental factors and the weird physics of the place you are in, the risk of sustained fire should not be that great. It should just turn lightning and Irene's fires green, make fires a bit stronger and cause small fires around thunder strike craters without causing immediate problems. It's far more likely to die by all the nasty things copper can do to the body in the long term when inhaled. Then again, I know nothing about chemistry, so I could be entirely incorrect, in which case we simply attribute the whole thing to magic. Anyway.))

The creatures close to the portal are mostly of the yellow variety, with a small number of them being of the whitish yellow variety. ((Which I just noticed I accidentally wrote as whitish white when I was giving you the description.))

As for hearing them, you can't detect any of them nearby, although you do sense some descending the end of the canyon walls as they make their way closer to the pillar of light.

From the specimens you were able to observe so far, there does not appear to be much gradience between the two kinds you've fought. Then again, maybe the transformation from one to another requires a particular event to happen, something that happens quickly enough to leave little room for gradients to appear.

You prepare to dodge while taking mental notes for your book "On the Origin of Yellow Land Octopuses by Means of Unnatural Occultism, or the Decimation of Pesky Parasites in the Struggle for the Portal". You briefly wonder how a caricature of a tentacled Ike would look like.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2014, 08:25:55 am

Irine, Campaign

---

"Either they're unintelligent or lack sensory organs. Meaning I can do this without giving us away."

Direct my four circling spheres of flame to split into 16 (or if doing this makes them too small to be effective or sustainable, a smaller value, if I could split them further and remain stable and effective, then a larger value. I'm (Lenglon) estimating their size right now.) and send them arcing up and then down upon the parasites. as individual parasites fall to the rain of fire, collect the flames from its body and send them arcing up and on to another one, or split to target two if the amount of fire is sufficiently large. the one orb I'm keeping near me, stays near me for use against anything that gets close. start at the parasites nearest me and advance as the distance starts to become a strain.

You split your fires into about a dozen spheres, select some of the closest parasites you can see and send the spheres towards them in a long arc. The attack seems to be going well at first, as your aim is good and the creatures make no visible effort to get out of its way. However the moment the flames engulf them, they begin squirming, moving quickly and erratically, trying to get away from the fire. You do your best to keep an eye on their movements and adjust your attack accordingly. You manage to incapacitate more than half of your targets, however it is going much slower and is much more mentally tiring than you would have liked.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 08, 2014, 02:25:55 am

((Whoops, missed the last turn due to reasons.))

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, having taken in the turn of events. He didn't think that Alan would be so... unaware.
Then again, it would seem that Zechariah is wrong most of the time, if not all of the time. At the very least, he should be putting his powers to use right about now and not internally shaming himself for not knowing any better.

"I really hope that they cannot detect light, because that would seriously inhibit my ability to manipulate crystals at this time. Though, considering Irene's fireballs, I guess not."

Use Irene's fires to construct some crystal shields in front of me. Keep them jagged and sharp, so that I may break them apart and send them flying at enemies if needed at a moment's notice. Mainly, however, aim to use them as defensive items and move them accordingly to defend teammates as necessary.

You create a few light shards, drawing from the sphere Irene keeps by her side and arrange them in a defensive formation. They are not many, but hopefully you won't need many.

Quote from: NAV on November 08, 2014, 06:47:16 am

Sling a boulder aiming to take out as many of the damn things as possible. Then defend self and others with the sword.

You execute a perfect sling-tsar combo, using your power at exactly the right time and sending your stone-turned-boulder flying towards the creatures. It hits them like a bowling ball, crushing and incapacitating about twenty of them before it slows down and comes to rest on top of a crack on the ground. Quite impressive for something made out of a spare pair of pants.

Everyone except Xantalos
As the more ranged-combat-capable among you unleash their attacks, there is a notable shift in the movement patterns of the creatures surrounding the pillar of light. They start moving in your general direction, converging on your position. It is not an attack at the moment, it is more of a shifting of a flow, a drain becoming a stream. They are moving a bit faster, but not much faster than before. However their sheer numbers along with the fact that more of them seem to be arriving every minute does make this shift rather problematic.

River takes the lead, his body low and ready to pounce. He motions for you to follow him.
"Theri, stay with Irene and Zechariah.
Nikolai, remember your leg.
Move quick. Do not let them swarm you. Do not let them grab you."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 07, 2014, 03:28:09 pm

((Huh. THE DICE PROTECT THEIR FAVORITE PUNCHING BAG))

Alan can't think of anything after that experience besides the following:
I'm a fucking genius.

Keep slowly edging towards the light. Keep perfectly still if I sense any octopus coming near me. Utilize the hole that one punched in it for seeing purposes.

((I am looking at my screen, shaking my head and smiling because the actions of your teammates mean you can continue unhindered barring some very bad rolls or very bad ideas.))

You continue moving forward for a while, covering a bit more than a quarter of the distance to your target. The shapes and colours visible inside the pillar start to become a bit clearer for you. However they are still too distorted to make out.

Unfortunately, you are forced to stop when something makes the ground shake, almost causing your box to tip and fall into a small crack in the stone beneath you. And then you are forced to stop again as more of those creatures pass by you, mostly ignoring you and your box. Probably has something to do with those orbs of greenish fire falling upon them. A few of them run their tendrils over it, causing a sound of flesh being dragged across paper to be emitted and making it move a bit. Still, it looks like once the bulk of them pass you by, there will be little standing between you and the pillar of light.

And then you notice something alarming. There is a sword-wielding humanoid shape obscuring the light coming from the pillar of light in front of you. And it is getting closer to you. There are more of the octopus creatures passing by you, you can hear them even now. One could say you have been... boxed in.

A lightning strike provides momentary illumination, allowing you to see a that what approaches is a human with the back of his head and his torso covered by whitish yellow land octopuses, their tendrils wrapped around the body parts tightly, causing his neck and cheeks to bruise and his armour to dent. He is staring forward with unmoving dead eyes, unblinking like the eyes of a snake.

((And then this happened, causing even more amusement.))

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 07, 2014, 11:10:50 am

"Hrm. Definitely not where I was, I was falling through the sky before. Probably not a hallucination, neither I nor my subconscious designed this room. Probably. Not that the decor is bad, it's actually quite interesting, though personally I would throw in some metal, probably steel. Then again, my subconscious could be changing things up on me and this actually is a dream, but I don't think it's that time of the month. Not that I really care either way; worrying about that philosophical crap takes up too much time. Time that could be used for science. And monologuing."
Continue sitting for now.

Something red flashes on the receptionist's holographic display.
She presses it, says "Yes sir. Right away." in a serious tone and releases it, the red spot disappearing as she does so.
That done, she looks at you and speaks in a softer, more jaunty manner.
"He will see you now."
She makes a gesture towards the door closer to you, a double door made of the same dark plastic and with a glass door handle.
"Right through there."
With that, she returns her attention to the holographic display on the reception desk in front of her.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 09, 2014, 11:30:54 pm

((Hehehhhehehehe.

Would you classify Silly String as a thing Alan could summon?))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2014, 05:10:47 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 09, 2014, 11:30:54 pm

((Hehehhhehehehe.

Would you classify Silly String as a thing Alan could summon?))

((Hmmm... I think I'll allow it. Sounds like something you could find in a house.

Slightly relevant, I was surprised to see that Wikipedia says silly string is used at weddings. Those must be some very fun weddings.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2014, 05:12:41 am

((Excellent. This'll go well even if it goes horribly.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Salsacookies on November 10, 2014, 06:02:31 am

Survival

Well, I'm behind a burning car, with no gun, and a bunch of angry thugs want me dead. I am going to push my car onto one of them. Crush a thug with it

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 10, 2014, 08:57:53 am

"Ah, yes, of course. Wouldn't want to be late for a meeting, especially with someone I don't know. I don't know anyone worth having a meeting with _{they all just tend to yell at me about 'Your experiments keep destroying sections of the city!" Feh. No appreciation for mad science.} so obviously this time it will be someone with appreciation of science."
Get up and walk through the double doors. Scribble cryptic comments on my clipboard while walking through the doors.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2014, 09:17:06 am

((As far as I know, any sort of metal dust in the air is very bad news if you have an open flame around. For example, examine this link (http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/msds/126-copper) over here - says that copper powder may form an explosive mixture with the air and that the autoignition temperature for a cloud of copper dust is 700 degrees Celsius, which makes sense when you consider that the flammability of anything goes up several degrees when it's in airborne dust form (like how cocaine clouds violently combust when ignited, apparently). If it's really copper dust in the air, shouldn't the lightning strikes cause the entirety of the surrounding area to violently explode? A quick search tells me that a lightning strike can heat up the air it passes through up to 50 000 degrees Fahrenheit (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/temperature.htm), which seems like it should technically be enough to make it ignite and go boom over a certain area. Of course, I'm not a chemist, either, so there might be some nuance to the whole thing, even if it seems a little counterintuitive to me that there'd be enough copper dust in the air to produce green flames (which would indicate there's enough of it to ignite and even predominate in the flame in the first place), yet not enough to violently explode all of the things at breathable oxygen levels when exposed to an open flame. It probably depends on the wonkiness of the local physics.

EDIT: Though I guess the flammability problem is offset if you make it copper (II) oxide or something similar instead. Cu²⁺ actually would produce green flames rather than blue-green ones like elemental copper would (though I still don't think it'd color all the flames green, just the ones without another fuel source - could be wrong). Not sure it coloring lightning is entirely plausible, either. But probably best not to dwell on that overmuch.))

Campaign, Ike!

"You guys might want to consider pushing forward or at least trying to pass through the portal - I have this feeling there's way more yellow land octopuses around here than any of us may have dared to suspect!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

First question - is anything coming after me right now? Me specifically as I am stepping off in another direction, that is?

If not, circle around the charging mass of yellow land octopuses and move in the direction of the portal. Brandish knife in any case.

If yes, stand next to our blasting experts and ward off any attackers who get into tentacle range.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 10, 2014, 09:18:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2014, 05:10:47 am

((Slightly relevant, I was surprised to see that Wikipedia says silly string is used at weddings. Those must be some very fun weddings.))

((Now I wish I had stashed some in my tux somewhere.  Would have made mine more hilarious.

Then again, after dropping a chocolate-covered strawberry on her wedding dress, I was already on thin ice...))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 10, 2014, 12:49:56 pm

((Do guns count as common household objects? They do in 'Murrica!))

Campaign: Nikolai
"Let's hurry. You don't want to be caught by those."
Stay with the group, move to the portal, use the stick for support.
Unsheathe my sword with my other hand, and tsar-slash anything that gets too close. Or regular slash if I'm boosting Zech.

Keep an eye on Zechariah's light shields. If they begin to falter, then repair and strengthen and enlarge them with my power.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 10, 2014, 01:05:57 pm

((Knives would be, and if can summon them in a torrent...))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2014, 01:07:26 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

As I run with River, I pull my flames back towards us, reshaping them into thin circular bands of flame, rotating around the group on different axises. when the bands would impact the ground I instead have the sections about to impact reverse rotational direction, with a result that looks similar to as if the fire bounced off the ground. the orb that I've been keeping with me remains with me, again, to be used on anything that gets through.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 10, 2014, 01:05:57 pm

((Knives would be, and if can summon them in a torrent...))

((It would be quite impressive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygB9S2fsicQ)))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Alarith on November 10, 2014, 05:26:05 pm

((Ugh, I meant to respond yesterday))
Survival

---

update on my radar please, then head to the house that I got the least info on.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2014, 05:47:45 pm

Campaign

Summon a large (as in 2 litre jug of soda large) ca of Silly String. Maintain chillness for now, but if I'm discovered by an octopus or the possessed knight guy, apply excessive amounts of silly string to the facial area in an attempt to distract them while I go hellbent for the portal. If I'm not discovered, just keep calm and move towards the portal when I'm not gonna bump into the knight guy or the octopi.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2014, 10:49:33 pm

Campaign

Zechariah was hoping that his abilities would not falter now. He could seriously lower their risk of coming under attack if he just coordinated his light shields correctly. If he couldn't manage them, the octopuses would be invited to attack the group head-on.

"Right, let's move!" he said with determination, readying his staff and concentrating his mind.

Manipulate and/or create light shields to defend the sides and top of anyone who is accompanying me. Focus my mind on this task, I need as much energy as I can to maintain the shields and calculate them accordingly to be efficient with the hardlight distribution. Still, watch where I'm going. Wouldn't want to walk into the enemy, would I?

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2014, 12:00:10 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on November 10, 2014, 05:26:05 pm

((Ugh, I meant to respond yesterday))
Survival

---

update on my radar please, then head to the house that I got the least info on.

You sense someone in a nearby house. You can feel his fear, his wish to escape.
There's also someone else in another house. Feels female. Not as concerned as the others, more annoyed actually.
There's a third person whose emotions are too dull right now to get any clear reading.
Other than that, the area that you can sense feels empty.

You try the door of one of the empty houses that don't look abandoned. Locked. Well, you could always break in. Or you could try one of the obviously abandoned houses if you want, one of them is bound to be either unlocked or have a broken window.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 07, 2014, 08:34:48 am

Survival

No rolling! Keep stabbing and pull people towards me/into my spear if needed. Maybe even try to grab a guy by his face and fire a point-blank blast.

Quote from: Toaster on November 07, 2014, 09:06:43 am

Survival

"Watch where you point that thing!  Damn!"

Try again!  Make molotov, throw molotov.

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 10, 2014, 06:02:31 am

Survival

Well, I'm behind a burning car, with no gun, and a bunch of angry thugs want me dead. I am going to push my car onto one of them. Crush a thug with it

Ron has a brilliant idea. There is a car in front of him. There are guys that want to kill him behind it. Therefore, pushing the car should crush them. He gets up, puts his foot against the door of the car and pushes. The car screeches forward a bit on its tireless wheels before it topples over and starts tumbling towards the other car. But when it reaches it, instead of the sound of a single impact, there is the sound of two.
Puzzling.
A few moment later, a voice comes from behind the wreckage.
"I can't... I can't feel my legs!"
Aaaahhh! So that explains that.
"That's probably because your legs are way over there." Ron helpfully points out. Even though Saevus probably can't see where he is pointing at.
"Could he ever feel his legs? Isn't he something like a magical robot?" John ponders as a bunch of small glass canisters attached to a hollow metal tube with a stone inside it appear and assemble in his hand.

Their pondering is interrupted by the sound of the second car accelerating towards them. It's still a few dozen metres away but it's getting closer.

((This mission... This mission... Everything that can go wrong... At this point I think it has turned into "Who will be the last man standing". Maybe I should had made it easier.))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2014, 09:17:06 am

((As far as I know, any sort of metal dust in the air is very bad news if you have an open flame around. For example, examine this link (http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/msds/126-copper) over here - says that copper powder may form an explosive mixture with the air and that the autoignition temperature for a cloud of copper dust is 700 degrees Celsius, which makes sense when you consider that the flammability of anything goes up several degrees when it's in airborne dust form (like how cocaine clouds violently combust when ignited, apparently). If it's really copper dust in the air, shouldn't the lightning strikes cause the entirety of the surrounding area to violently explode? A quick search tells me that a lightning strike can heat up the air it passes through up to 50 000 degrees Fahrenheit (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/temperature.htm), which seems like it should technically be enough to make it ignite and go boom over a certain area. Of course, I'm not a chemist, either, so there might be some nuance to the whole thing, even if it seems a little counterintuitive to me that there'd be enough copper dust in the air to produce green flames (which would indicate there's enough of it to ignite and even predominate in the flame in the first place), yet not enough to violently explode all of the things at breathable oxygen levels when exposed to an open flame. It probably depends on the wonkiness of the local physics.

EDIT: Though I guess the flammability problem is offset if you make it copper (II) oxide or something similar instead. Cu²⁺ actually would produce green flames rather than blue-green ones like elemental copper would (though I still don't think it'd color all the flames green, just the ones without another fuel source - could be wrong). Not sure it coloring lightning is entirely plausible, either. But probably best not to dwell on that overmuch.))

Campaign, Ike!

"You guys might want to consider pushing forward or at least trying to pass through the portal - I have this feeling there's way more yellow land octopuses around here than any of us may have dared to suspect!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

First question - is anything coming after me right now? Me specifically as I am stepping off in another direction, that is?

If not, circle around the charging mass of yellow land octopuses and move in the direction of the portal. Brandish knife in any case.

If yes, stand next to our blasting experts and ward off any attackers who get into tentacle range.

((I was going with a)this place has existed for quite some time, so most of the copper should had already been oxidised and b) the copper particles would tend to accumulate in lower altitudes due to gravity, so in the higher altitudes where the lightning strikes happens the concentration should be smaller.

But you're right. I certainly don't know much about the subject. So let's just say it's weird physics bending and be done with it.))

You'd say that no, none of them are coming specifically for you. They are moving closer to you but none of them are facing you or changing their orientation to track you. So you just take off towards the right, trying to circle around to a point where the octopus concentration is small enough to easily pass through them.

As you get closer to them however, you notice that a couple of them change heading and start moving towards you. Then again, they aren't moving that quickly. You could pass through them if you moved quickly enough. Assuming that they aren't super-fast and that this isn't just some kind of ruse to trick you into approaching them.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 10, 2014, 05:47:45 pm

Campaign

Summon a large (as in 2 litre jug of soda large) ca of Silly String. Maintain chillness for now, but if I'm discovered by an octopus or the possessed knight guy, apply excessive amounts of silly string to the facial area in an attempt to distract them while I go hellbent for the portal. If I'm not discovered, just keep calm and move towards the portal when I'm not gonna bump into the knight guy or the octopi.

A giant can of Silly String that looks more like a large fire extinguisher appears from your hand. And almost immediately, every one of those creatures around you starts stabbing at your box with their tentacles, wrapping them around your arms and legs. You jump out of the box like a scared cat and manage to break free of their grip for now.

You do a pirouette while shooting your sticky goo everywhere around you. The mound of aerosol-propelled goop you bury them under is enough to buy you some temporary breathing space, but they are already freeing themselves from it and moving towards you. More of them are turning to face you, making their way towards you.

You try to get away, but you aren't the best of runners. What's worse, in the darkness, you fail to spot a small crack. One of your legs falls into it and gets momentarily stuck. You fall and drop your can in the process, thankfully without spraining your leg. If thankfully is a word that can be used when you are surrounded by creatures that want to do nasty things to you with their swords and tentacles.

This idea just went from "could had been planned better" to "very bad". Let's see how long it takes to reach "horrible" and "deadly".

---

Quote from: NAV on November 10, 2014, 12:49:56 pm

Campaign: Nikolai
"Let's hurry. You don't want to be caught by those."
Stay with the group, move to the portal, use the stick for support.
Unsheathe my sword with my other hand, and tsar-slash anything that gets too close. Or regular slash if I'm boosting Zech.

Keep an eye on Zechariah's light shields. If they begin to falter, then repair and strengthen and enlarge them with my power.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2014, 01:07:26 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

As I run with River, I pull my flames back towards us, reshaping them into thin circular bands of flame, rotating around the group on different axes. when the bands would impact the ground I instead have the sections about to impact reverse rotational direction, with a result that looks similar to as if the fire bounced off the ground. the orb that I've been keeping with me remains with me, again, to be used on anything that gets through.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2014, 10:49:33 pm

Campaign

Zechariah was hoping that his abilities would not falter now. He could seriously lower their risk of coming under attack if he just coordinated his light shields correctly. If he couldn't manage them, the octopuses would be invited to attack the group head-on.

"Right, let's move!" he said with determination, readying his staff and concentrating his mind.

Manipulate and/or create light shields to defend the sides and top of anyone who is accompanying me. Focus my mind on this task, I need as much energy as I can to maintain the shields and calculate them accordingly to be efficient with the hardlight distribution. Still, watch where I'm going. Wouldn't want to walk into the enemy, would I?

Your group makes your way through the path of least resistance, the path Nikolai's boulder and Irene's fires cleared. Irene easily manages to boost her barrier whenever and wherever an enemy approaches it, dissuading them from attempting to get any closer. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Zechariah, who somehow manages to completely loose his concentration, causing all his hardlight crystals to vanish. Perhaps he is distracted by the fact that two of his teammates are missing.

Your approach is made even easier by the fact that half of the enemies in your way seem to have been distracted by something. Closer observation reveals that the thing that has them distracted is Alan, who is currently lying on the ground next to a giant can and some of those creatures, which have been covered in a colourful sticky substance. Not trapped for long though. They are already in the process of escaping.

<Keep moving. I will catch up.>

As he says so, two of the swordsman-slaves make it through the fire barrier and stand in a ready stance, preparing to swing their swords once you get closer.

River charges at one with a growl, hitting the swordsman before he can react, his punch-grab destroying the heart of one of the creatures wrapped around him and causing him to catch on fire. The swordsman is propelled backwards by the force of the impact, going right back through the flame barrier. River follows after him, making his way towards Alan.

Nikolai engages the second one. He first tries to tsar-slash the slave from a distance, but he seems to be suffering from the same magical impotency Zechariah is. So he is forced to engage it in melee along with Theri. His strike is easily parried by the swordsman, so he tries to engage it in a contest of brute strength, pushing against it with his sword until he manages to shove it down. At that moment Theri attacks and is easily able to use her strength and skills in unarmed combat to destroy the heart of the creatures controlling the swordsman's body. And just in time too, since one of those creatures was in the process of releasing its host and getting ready to grab Nikolai.

"Killstealer!" Nikolai jokes as he rubs his recently repaired leg. That hurt, straining himself like that. Looks like River was right. It's not fully mended yet.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 10, 2014, 08:57:53 am

"Ah, yes, of course. Wouldn't want to be late for a meeting, especially with someone I don't know. I don't know anyone worth having a meeting with _{they all just tend to yell at me about 'Your experiments keep destroying sections of the city!" Feh. No appreciation for mad science.} so obviously this time it will be someone with appreciation of science."
Get up and walk through the double doors. Scribble cryptic comments on my clipboard while walking through the doors.

You get up, open the door and step through it to the other side.

The room on the other side is in the shape of a semicircle. The part of the circle directly opposite to you is dominated by a giant screen displaying the same logo you saw earlier. The rest of the semicircle is composed of glass windows showing a few skyscrapers, their scant lights blending with the stars in the night sky and faintly illuminating the clouds that they rise out of. The wall behind you is made out of the same dark plastic there was in the previous room. You notice there are cameras in the ceiling, tracking you as you move forward. You make your way towards the only pieces of furniture in the room. Three armchairs arranged in a semicircle in front of a tall desk with a squawk-box on it.

"Welcome." comes a voice from the box, slightly distorted.
"Welcome Mr..."
There's a slight delay and the sound of papers being moved.
"Ah, here we are.  Mr. Welroki. Nice name. Catchy."
"Please, have a seat."

---

OOC

Quote from: Toaster on November 10, 2014, 09:18:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2014, 05:10:47 am

((Slightly relevant, I was surprised to see that Wikipedia says silly string is used at weddings. Those must be some very fun weddings.))

((Now I wish I had stashed some in my tux somewhere.  Would have made mine more hilarious.

Then again, after dropping a chocolate-covered strawberry on her wedding dress, I was already on thin ice...))

Ouch. Hopefully that was after the wedding ceremony and could be passed off as "cute/funny accident".

A few months ago I attended a wedding where the first song the newly-weds danced to was the groom's favourite football team's anthem. So I guess it all depends on how much one is capable of pushing it without causing trouble. Or how seriously the ones involved are treating it. Or how obsessed one is with their football team.

Quote from: NAV on November 10, 2014, 12:49:56 pm

((Do guns count as common household objects? They do in 'Murrica!))

Well, I suppose he could try to summon them, but they would probably get a penalty. Guns aren't THAT common. Even if they were, he would probably still get that penalty, if only to make it less overpowered. And he can shoot them out of his hand, he can't actually shoot them when summoned, so he'd have to summon them and then pick them up and use them. He couldn't fire a stream of guns that fire bullets as they fly. Or a robot with guns for arms shooting a plane made out of guns that fires guns (http://imgur.com/r/thesimpsons/mOdgoEH).

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 11, 2014, 12:16:29 am

Campaign - Smartest Man Alive

Quick! Emergency plan activate! Summon hair spray and a lighter, and use the flamethrower this combination yields to set the silly string on fire!
Then continue running away.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 11, 2014, 12:21:06 am

Irine, Campaign

---

Formation unchanged, but my defensive orb is to be send to provide our Prodigal Boxman some cover. focus on attacking any squids that are getting their tendrils on him, don't go for the kill unless they refuse to let go or I have nothing better to do to protect him.

Physically, I keep running with the group for the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2014, 12:34:33 am

Campaign

Focus! Reassemble the shield array and...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2014, 10:49:33 pm

Manipulate and/or create light shields to defend the sides and top of anyone who is accompanying me. Focus my mind on this task, I need as much energy as I can to maintain the shields and calculate them accordingly to be efficient with the hardlight distribution. Still, watch where I'm going. Wouldn't want to walk into the enemy, would I?

Continue with the last action, pretty much.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 11, 2014, 12:41:02 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wily little octopuses. Probably quicker than they look, too."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Be ready to dodge a lot as I move on toward the portal in the aforementioned circling manner.

Try to adjust my course so that I can potentially assist Alan in passing. Even if that would seem a dangerous thing like few others.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 11, 2014, 12:53:28 am

Campaign

"Zech, shields up."

Loot that zombie's sword and give it to Theri. She could make good use of a sword. Unless she prefers to use a knife for some reason. If that's the case, store it in my scabbard.

Stay with group, use walking stick for support. Try to be extra careful.
Tsar-slash anything that gets near. Or regular slash if I have to.

If Zech's shields falter (from enemies breaking through, not from magical impotency), then repair, strengthen, and enlarge them with my power.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Hawk132 on November 11, 2014, 02:10:13 am

((I did not expect this to happen.))

((... does anyone have some duct tape?))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 11, 2014, 10:29:50 am

Survival

Sense the thing I made; if it's a reliable weapon, use it at the approaching car.  If it just needs a little patching, fix it first.

If it's hopeless, just fire a few rounds at the oncoming car then duck back into cover.

How's the leg feel?

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 11, 2014, 10:49:10 am

"Thank you. My name is a relic of bygone ages of my culture, that I could only find through extensive research. By which I mean that I slammed my assistants face against a keyboard for a few minutes. Or was it one of the funny sounds he made while I was mashing his face against the keyboard? I can't remember. I can't remember what my name before that was either, except it was quite funny when I suddenly stopped responding to my old name. Took about a month for the residents of the city to figure out what my new name was. And also provided an excellent excuse to ignore them when I accidentally disabled the main repulsor-engine. _{Which I did fix and improve within 5 minutes, but they only remember the bit about the city falling half a kilometer.} Anyway, the point is that all of the best history is written by mashing keyboards with other people's bodies for no apparent reason.

Not that I have that out of the way, do you mind telling me your name?"

Sit down

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 11, 2014, 10:39:03 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 11, 2014, 12:16:29 am

Campaign - Smartest Man Alive

Quick! Emergency plan activate! Summon hair spray and a lighter, and use the flamethrower this combination yields to set the silly string on fire!
Then continue running away.

You start trying to summon a can of hairspray and a lighter as you get up. You get them, after a few moments. In that time the creatures around you have freed themselves fully and are now approaching you.

You try the lighter. It's not working. It produces sparks but you just can't get any fire. Maybe it's the stress or maybe you just don't know how to properly operate a lighter. This one is child-proof, after all.

Luckily for you, Irene has your back. A ball of fire ignites the silly string, causing it to go off in a small explosion. It doesn't cause too much damage but it works as a distraction. The ball of fire continues to move around near you, hitting targets at random and preventing them from approaching you, clearing a path for you.

You keep running, but you are still surrounded and not the most agile of people. And that swordsman is still in your way.

A flash of red light announces River's arrival to your aid. Whatever magic he used allowed him to clear a path to you, causing the creatures in his way to back off. The left part of his fur and clothes appear to have been slightly burnt by something.

"Keep moving." he barks the command to you as he overtakes you, moving towards the swordsman.

He ducks under the swordsman's strike and tries to grab him, but he merely manages to push him away. Out of your way. You overtake them and keep running. A few seconds later you hear a yelp, followed by another flash of red light.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 11, 2014, 12:21:06 am

Irine, Campaign

---

Formation unchanged, but my defensive orb is to be send to provide our Prodigal Boxman some cover. focus on attacking any squids that are getting their tendrils on him, don't go for the kill unless they refuse to let go or I have nothing better to do to protect him.

Physically, I keep running with the group for the portal.

You do your best to maintain awareness of your surroundings as you run towards the portal. After all, a great part of your ability relies on knowing where things are relative to you and one's mind can only estimate so much.

Your support towards Alan buys him some breathing space, enough for River to get there and start helping him. Together they continue to run, making their way towards you and towards the portal. River falls behind to distract a swordsman and you loose sight of him as you focus on helping Alan. A few seconds later, you hear a yelp. Searching for the source of the noise, you see River, with a parasite wrapping its tendrils around his left arm and leg and the sword of the swordsman embedded in his raised right arm, sacrificed to protect his head from the chop. He drags the swordsman closer, bites the parasite controlling the man's body and emits a flash of red light. A moment later, you can see him running after Alan, noticeably slower than before, his right arm limp while his left applies pressure to the wound. Where he was standing there are only burning corpses.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 11, 2014, 12:34:33 am

Campaign

Focus! Reassemble the shield array and...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 10, 2014, 10:49:33 pm

Manipulate and/or create light shields to defend the sides and top of anyone who is accompanying me. Focus my mind on this task, I need as much energy as I can to maintain the shields and calculate them accordingly to be efficient with the hardlight distribution. Still, watch where I'm going. Wouldn't want to walk into the enemy, would I?

Continue with the last action, pretty much.

Red alert! Shields up!

You manage to make a very nice shield array. You start using it to shove the parasites back, moving it quickly forwards and then immediately backwards every time one approaches it, so that they don't get a chance to grab them. This is helping to ease the strain on Irene's firewall. After all, she's boosting it with any fire she can manage and trying not to waste any fire, but it is slowly weakening with every parasite it touches.

Quote from: NAV on November 11, 2014, 12:53:28 am

Campaign

"Zech, shields up."

Loot that zombie's sword and give it to Theri. She could make good use of a sword. Unless she prefers to use a knife for some reason. If that's the case, store it in my scabbard.

Stay with group, use walking stick for support. Try to be extra careful.
Tsar-slash anything that gets near. Or regular slash if I have to.

If Zech's shields falter (from enemies breaking through, not from magical impotency), then repair, strengthen, and enlarge them with my power.

I see you're already in the adventurer mindset, looting everything you can whenever you can. Keep up the good work. And get a pack mule.

You decide to keep the sword for now.

Zechariah and Irene are actually doing pretty good. Nothing trying to kill you so far. Well, nothing trying to kill you that is close enough for you to do anything, anyway. You just watch as an unarmed octo-zombie is pushed away by one of Zechariah's shields, his limbs flailing like a ragdoll's.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 11, 2014, 12:41:02 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wily little octopuses. Probably quicker than they look, too."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Be ready to dodge a lot as I move on toward the portal in the aforementioned circling manner.

Try to adjust my course so that I can potentially assist Alan in passing. Even if that would seem a dangerous thing like few others.

Some of the creatures move closer to you, but you easily change your course and move through them before they have a chance to do anything.
Hm. That wasn't so hard. Wonder what all the big fuss is about.
With almost none of the creatures in your way, it is easy to run full speed and take a circuitous route to the portal and the others, passing by the small encampment in the process.

---

Everyone
The area around the portal is mostly clean of those creatures. Most of them that get this close go through it almost immediately.

Its shape isn't much different from up close. Just a tall and wide pillar-like thing with rounded edges. Said edges are still made of light that has a red and purple hue. However the rest of the portal appears more like a doorway or a window now. You can see "through" it, even though it seems to be distorting the "image" a bit.

You can't see the entirety of the room on the other side of the portal. But from what you can see, it's a large rectangular room with a floor made out of red and brown blocks, with a black block a few metres away from the portal standing out from the rest. There are also some irregular dark red or yellowish pools of liquid on the floor. Blood, you'd guess.
The walls are made from the same brown rock and have alcoves with something moving in them.
There's a large wooden door on the other side of the room. It is open, showing a hallway that immediately bends right.
The ceiling is very high.
There's probably a window or other light source in some part of the room you can't see from here, as shown by the fact that most objects have two shadows.
You can see things moving in there. Mind controlled people and octopuses, most of them moving away from the portal.

---

OOC
Videos found while searching for silly string and fire: http://youtu.be/CPnX-hx94OU http://youtu.be/wWE9EmcV__8
Turns out that thing isn't very safe.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 11, 2014, 02:10:13 am

((I did not expect this to happen.))

((... does anyone have some duct tape?))

If it helps, with Salsacookie's rolls, there was probably no IC action you could take that could save you.

EDIT: Wow, that post had a lot of errors in it. I must have been half-asleep when I was writing it.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 11, 2014, 11:36:43 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I recollect my flames then split them into three orbs, the first one I send through the portal and attempt to maintain control of it as it passes through and afterwards, aiming for the wooden door and creatures on the other side to provide me with some more fuel. the second, if the first is successfull, goes through right afterwards, if it is not, then I recomine both orbs and try to have them pass through at the same time as I do. if I can control flame through the portal, then the last orb comes through behind us, being used to prevent pursuit and assist stragglers.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2014, 11:54:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

"This is probably a very poor idea!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Proceed! Let us go Beyond the Dark Portal. Focus on dodging once on the other side.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 12, 2014, 03:08:12 pm

Campaign, The Twoface of Luck

Well, if I'm going to an alternate dimension I should look good.

Give myself a few spritzes of hairspray, then charge mah lazor step through.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 12, 2014, 04:08:29 pm

Nikolai: Campaign
Through the portal.

Keep performing this action because we're not safe yet.

Quote from: NAV on November 11, 2014, 12:53:28 am

Stay with group, use the walking stick for support. Try to be extra careful.
Tsar-slash anything that gets near. Or regular slash if I have to.

If Zech's shields falter (from enemies breaking through, not from magical impotency), then repair, strengthen, and enlarge them with my power.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Alarith on November 12, 2014, 06:58:18 pm

Try to get in one of the abandoned houses. If I can, keep an eye on the rest of the group.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2014, 11:08:53 pm

Campaign

"Move through! I'll keep my shields with us!"

Move through the portal, keeping the shields around the group as best as I can. Once I am through, rearrange the shields to face 210 degrees to my front and sides.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Tiruin on November 13, 2014, 03:43:51 am

Continue auto-ing to aid the rest...sorry for this Paris.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 11:43:13 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 11, 2014, 11:36:43 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I recollect my flames then split them into three orbs, the first one I send through the portal and attempt to maintain control of it as it passes through and afterwards, aiming for the wooden door and creatures on the other side to provide me with some more fuel. the second, if the first is successful, goes through right afterwards, if it is not, then I recombine both orbs and try to have them pass through at the same time as I do. if I can control flame through the portal, then the last orb comes through behind us, being used to prevent pursuit and assist stragglers.

You start moving the orb towards the portal but River has an objection to that.
"Wait."
You manage to stop it in time, only a small part of it touching the portal.
The portal pulses, rapidly expanding and then immediately contracting several times per second, taking a small chunk of your orb with it every time it returns to its previous size, the image visible in it distorting as it does so. It stops doing that the moment you stop pushing the sphere against it.
"Portal... unstable. Fire control... hard... through it." he adds, sounding very tired and out of breath.
You assume that means that it's best to bring one big orb with you as you cross.
Although that unstable bit sounds troubling. And the part of your orb that was swallowed up by the portal still hasn't appeared on the other side.
Hmmm. Well, you can't do anything else except go through the portal right now, so there's probably no use worrying.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2014, 11:54:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

"This is probably a very poor idea!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Proceed! Let us go Beyond the Dark Portal. Focus on dodging once on the other side.

Zog zog.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 12, 2014, 03:08:12 pm

Campaign, The Twoface of Luck

Well, if I'm going to an alternate dimension I should look good.

Give myself a few spritzes of hairspray, then charge mah lazor step through.

Looking cool Mr. Alan.

Quote from: NAV on November 12, 2014, 04:08:29 pm

Through the portal.

You take a deep breath and run through the portal.

Wonder what would happen if you went under the portal. Or fell in it like Flynn in the MCP.
Good thing that magic seems to take care of all those little things. Imagine what would happen if the portal was actually somewhere very high or under the ground. Or not anchored to the ground, moving around freely.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 12, 2014, 11:08:53 pm

Campaign

"Move through! I'll keep my shields with us!"

Move through the portal, keeping the shields around the group as best as I can. Once I am through, rearrange the shields to face 210 degrees to my front and sides.

Beam me up, Scotty.

Everyone
Going through the portal is like... nothing much. No psychedelic light-shows, no dark tunnels through spacetime filled with eldritch horrors. You take another step forward, there's a very bright light and then you're shoved to other side, falling face first on the stone floor. That's it.

It is, however, for some reason, very disorienting for half the team. While River, Ike and Irene don't look like they felt anything other than mild discomfort, the rest feel very much like someone shook them around and then gave them something nasty to eat, like they must throw up.

Irene manages to catch almost all of the fire that went through with her and reassemble it into orbs before it dissipates. Overall, she didn't loose more than a quarter of her fire.

Zechariah manages to maintain most of his light shields, although he looses about a third in the transfer and the disorientation that follows. He does his best to rearrange them in a defensive formation.

You get up and prepare for combat, but even though the room is full of those creatures and their slaves, most of them seem to be ignoring you for now. A couple of them turn to face you, but they don't move towards you yet. Looks like you have a moment of respite.

Then again, there were a lot of those creatures following you. They could enter the portal soon. And if they remember you, then they probably won't be very happy to bump into you as they exit. Not to mention that one of the creatures in this room might take interest in you. So staying here for too long while the portal remains operational might not be a very good idea.

The other side of the portal is mostly like the images you saw through it, a large rectangular room. The air is much better here, although it is very hot and humid, almost unbearably so, a jarring transition from the cold windy world you were previously.
The floor is made out of large red and light brown stone blocks, with the occasional black block among them ((the black squares in the map)).
The walls are made out of blocks of various shades of brown rock that form simple patterns.
The ceiling is very high and made out of the same material as the walls. It has some simple circles and lines engraved in it that have been encrusted with metal, mostly gold. They look kinda like constellations, not random but also not very clear about what they depict.

The portal stands close to the centre of the room but it looks a bit different on this side. It is surrounded by red and purple fire and the images seen through it look less clear.

The ethereal ghostly fire surrounding it is supplied by three claw-like things surrounding the portal. Two of them are red while the other is larger, taller and purple. They curve more and more as they get higher, their tips almost touching each other above the portal. They look like they are made of stone, but they are glowing with an internal light, appearing transparent. The light they emit is strong enough to pass through some of the many dozens of parasites wrapped around each of them, giving you a shadowy image of their internal organs. They appear to be unharmed by this though, so you'd guess the light is at least partly magical in nature.

There are some boxes on the south-west side of the room, along with some sacks and barrels. Based on a broken barrel revealing water inside, they probably contain supplies.

There are many alcoves on the walls, many of them higher than ground level. Almost all of them have at least one of those octopuses in them. The ones that don't have one reveal dark red stone slabs resting inside them, probably what the octopuses are interested in. The slabs the octopuses are wrapped around are glowing slightly.

The single exit to this room is towards the south, a large wooden door with metal bands and nails holding the boards it is made out of together.

There is blood on the ground, both human and octopus. There are scorch marks on the floor and walls. Even the slaves are not in the best of condition, as some of them are missing a limb or have their robes burnt or stabbed through. Strangely, despite these obvious signs of combat, there aren't any dead bodies around, octopus or human.

Most of the lighting in the room comes from the portal and the spikes around it, but much of it comes through a hole in the northeastern wall that looks the result of an explosion. The floor has started collapsing near it, the blocks forming it becoming loose. Through it, you can see red sky, the kind of sky you'd get in a polluted city during sundown. There are black and white clouds of smoke in the sky, as if there is a great fire nearby.

Further down, you can see rocky mountains in the distance and a road that crosses the barren terrain and leads to the walls of a city. The city your  structure is in, you guess. From the looks of it, wherever you are, you must be pretty high. You can't see the entire city from your current position inside the room, but the parts of it you can see aren't looking good. There are a few fires burning in the city, but that is probably not a very big problem, since most of the buildings are made of stone and it doesn't look there are many flammable things near them.

The biggest problem is another type of creature, one that you haven't seen before. They look like big wrinkled sacks that float above the city, long appendages hanging behind them like the tentacles of a jellyfish. Every once in a while, they suddenly change their altitude, swooping down. When they rise up again, they almost always hold something moving held by at least one of their tentacles. Something living. Something that is brought closer to their central sack and disappears under it, not there when the tentacle is extended again. There are only a couple of them (that you can see from here), but they don't look like they'll be stopping any time soon.

"The magic... Power... Complexity..." River says with faint joy in his voice as he scans the room and you, his eyes doing that thing where they turn black again. "Interesting."
He keeps one hand over the wound in his arm, applying pressure. In the brighter light of this room, you can see that he is bleeding moderately, the blood soaking his dark brown coat.
He looks at the hole in the wall and narrows his eyes.
"Worse... than I thought. The city... is falling... from the flow."
His eyes return to normal again.
"I will... not lead... for now. Need time."
"No traps... I can see. Only parasites. Watch corners." he adds a second later.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map_zps5c6eddbe.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Swordsman slave
Unarmed man/woman slave
Parasite

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 11, 2014, 10:49:10 am

"Thank you. My name is a relic of bygone ages of my culture, that I could only find through extensive research. By which I mean that I slammed my assistants face against a keyboard for a few minutes. Or was it one of the funny sounds he made while I was mashing his face against the keyboard? I can't remember. I can't remember what my name before that was either, except it was quite funny when I suddenly stopped responding to my old name. Took about a month for the residents of the city to figure out what my new name was. And also provided an excellent excuse to ignore them when I accidentally disabled the main repulsor-engine. _{Which I did fix and improve within 5 minutes, but they only remember the bit about the city falling half a kilometer.} Anyway, the point is that all of the best history is written by mashing keyboards with other people's bodies for no apparent reason.

Not that I have that out of the way, do you mind telling me your name?"

Sit down

A short, amused laugh comes through the squawk-box as you recount the story of your name.
"Hahaha. Yeah, yeah, I agree."
"Good. You look like you could be fun."
You sit on one of the armchairs.
"Anyway, about my name. Mysterious, rich, powerful man with many connections, talking through a box, his face never seen. Likes working indirectly through people he employs. Three armchairs. Trusts almost nobody. Did you guess it yet?"
The symbol on the screen disappears, a waist down picture of the back of a middle aged man in an expensive suit taking its place. He is holding a cigar in one hand and is being embraced by three attractive women.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm Charlie."
There are a few seconds of silence and then the noise of papers being shuffled again.
"Wait, where are you from? I didn't check. Earth right?"
"Because if you aren't from the right place or if you're from the wrong time period then this probably won't make much sense to you."

---

OOC
I'm leaving for France tomorrow. I'll have internet access so I'll probably be able to post a turn, but just in case I am not, that's probably why. I'll definitely do some dialogue or minor actions though, if you have any.

EDIT: Okay, there are definitely words being eaten here, either by the forum or by Firefox, but I don't know why. Sorry if there are any mistakes because of it. I read through the post and tried to fix it, but there might be some that I missed.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2014, 12:25:43 pm

I look at the exhausted River and nod once, then turn back to the room.
"Zech, could you make crystals to block the portal and anything that might chase us?"
again, split up my flames into many partially-effective segments, and send them out seeking targets. priority 1 is anything that would make a good fuel source... like that wooden door. second priority is any slaves or parasites that have noticed our presence. third is armed slaves. fourth is isolated parasites/slaves. lowest priority is groups of distracted parasites... I probably want to avoid those completely if I can.
We can't go hunting until River is ready, and this place seems like a project to me. This city will burn, and the parasites with it.
Is this portal fueled by fire or the three fire sources around it? that would explain the pulsing... or maybe something else...
One easy way to find out I suppose.
Collect additional flames from the fire sources already in the room, if weakening the flames weakens the portal, then take them in their entirity to shut it down, but if it seems unaffected then leave the source-flames so I can constantly collect everything I can from them in addition to the wooden door and anything else I can find to burn.
I need to keep gaining momentum... I'm going to need such a massive amount of fire to do what I have to do...
I hope I can control it right, I'm scared what will happen if I try it and lose control since I can get burned now...

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 13, 2014, 12:44:23 pm

"Unfortunately not. I come from a colony city at gas giant 2b4a-428342, brought by an interstellar transport during the colonization initiative after WWIV ravaged Earth. We were actually supposed to be sent to one of the habitable moons, but the transport screwed up an left us at the gas giant instead. Anyway, that was about a thousand eye are before my time and I really only know about it due to digging around in the main computer to see I could find something to blackmail the governor with so he would increase my resource allocation. So yeah, I don't really understand your reference, sorry.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2014, 02:17:09 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, River, dude, mind shutting that portal? I don't think anything good's coming out of leaving it open. Figured I'd ask, you know?"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Draw my knife if I haven't yet. Acquaint myself with the smells in here, and also listen for any suspicious noises. Take a tally of octopuses present and their varieties. Be wary of yellow land octopus ssp. invisible!

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 03:03:24 pm

Campaign

After vomiting profusely on the floor, Alan looks a round and sighs in disapproval at all the octopi.
Someone let this pet infestation get way out of control. So! Where are we going, black spirit fox guy?

Follow the group around wherever we're going. Get ready to blast washing machines at anything that attacks me/us.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 13, 2014, 04:05:28 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Does anyone want a sword?"
Give whoever wants a sword a sword.

Those magical torch things, do they look lootable?
Search the boxes for anything useful.

Tsar-slash anything that attacks.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2014, 04:06:50 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 13, 2014, 04:05:28 pm

"Does anyone want a sword?"

"Sword!"

Sword! Get sword! Say thank you. Brandish instead of knife.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 05:00:23 pm

Ooh! Ooh! Me sword! Me sword please! Pokey stabbity yes!

Aquire sword, admire it.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 13, 2014, 05:02:49 pm

"Sorry Alan, I only have two. And this one's mine. I'm sure you could take one from a zombie, they have lots."
Give Ike a sword.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 05:10:57 pm

Aaaawwww


Pout.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2014, 02:17:09 pm

Draw my knife if I haven't yet. Acquaint myself with the smells in here, and also listen for any suspicious noises. Take a tally of octopuses present and their varieties. Be wary of yellow land octopus ssp. invisible!

There are none of the yellow kind around. Only whitish yellow. Which means that only the strong ones are here. And there's a lot of them here.
You can hear sounds of battle coming from somewhere further away. The city, you'd guess, based on the terrified noises the civilians are making. Unless there are people flying outside or on the roof of this structure.
The portal is doing its little buzzing noise but on a bit of a different tune now, more bass. Three beats, over and over again.
There don't appear to be any of the creatures hiding around here, unless you count the ones in the alcoves near the ceiling. But you probably wouldn't count that as hiding.
In the smell front, you've got the smells you brought through the portal with you and any that are still escaping through it. But the smell of sulphur is stronger here, so maybe this was actually its origin on the other side of the portal. Beyond the obvious smells of human, octopus and burnt flesh, there's also the smell of a living thing you cannot identify. It's not very faint, but it's probably at least an hour old.

Just out of curiosity, when you smell, do you sniff around like a human, like a dog or like a mouse? I've been imagining it mouse-like, just lifting your nose as high as you can and taking short sniffs.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2014, 02:17:09 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, River, dude, mind shutting that portal? I don't think anything good's coming out of leaving it open. Figured I'd ask, you know?"

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 03:03:24 pm

Campaign

After vomiting profusely on the floor, Alan looks a round and sighs in disapproval at all the octopi.
Someone let this pet infestation get way out of control. So! Where are we going, black spirit fox guy?

<Away from here. As fast as we can. I am loosing blood. More parasites will come. And the humans here will not keep them distracted forever.>

Quote from: NAV on November 13, 2014, 04:05:28 pm

Nikolai: Campaign

"Does anyone want a sword?"
Give whoever wants a sword a sword.

Those magical torch things, do they look lootable?
Search the boxes for anything useful.

Tsar-slash anything that attacks.

I imagine you breaking those boxes, expecting a spinning coin to appear out of one of them like one of those RPG/adventure games.
And by torch, do you mean the slabs of rock or the giant claw things? Because trying to move either of those would require a very good strength roll in the first case and random.org to break and start giving results above 6 for the second case.

Second sword transferred to packmule Ike. You feel lighter already.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 05:10:57 pm

Aaaawwww

Pout.

"Why won't you give that deadly weapon to your unstable teammate who is incapable of using it? What's wrong with you?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 11:01:09 pm

Campaign

You're losing blood, foxman? Why didn't you say so?

Bandages!
At River. His injured bits.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 13, 2014, 11:07:01 pm

Campaign

"On it, Irene!"

Follow through and rearrange some of the shields to block the portal behind us. Leave a small portion of the shields for emergency defense of our group. Keep moving along with the majority of the group.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 13, 2014, 11:11:49 pm

Nikolai asks River
""Can't we break the portal generators the old fashion way?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 11:37:16 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 13, 2014, 11:11:49 pm

Nikolai asks River
""Can't we break the portal generators the old fashion way?"

<The energy inside will escape. Energy that created a portal to a relay world and sustained it for days. That will be bad.>
Sounds like a job that must be done either properly or cleverly. Or recklessly. That last one has always been your strong suit.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 13, 2014, 11:07:01 pm

Campaign

"On it, Irene!"

Follow through and rearrange some of the shields to block the portal behind us. Leave a small portion of the shields for emergency defense of our group. Keep moving along with the majority of the group.

Just building a small temporary wall around it, I assume?

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2014, 01:15:08 am

Yes, preferably with low energy usage if possible. If not, then just circle it with a small amount of shields, not anything too big.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2014, 01:55:00 am

"Well, that's simple enough for me to handle."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2014, 12:25:43 pm

I look at the exhausted River and nod once, then turn back to the room.
"Zech, could you make crystals to block the portal and anything that might chase us?"
again, split up my flames into many partially-effective segments, and send them out seeking targets. priority 1 is anything that would make a good fuel source... like that wooden door. second priority is any slaves or parasites that have noticed our presence. third is armed slaves. fourth is isolated parasites/slaves. lowest priority is groups of distracted parasites... I probably want to avoid those completely if I can.
We can't go hunting until River is ready, and this place seems like a project to me. This city will burn, and the parasites with it.
Is this portal fueled by fire or the three fire sources around it? that would explain the pulsing... or maybe something else...
One easy way to find out I suppose.
Collect additional flames from the fire sources already in the room, if weakening the flames weakens the portal, then take them in their entirity to shut it down, but if it seems unaffected then leave the source-flames so I can constantly collect everything I can from them in addition to the wooden door and anything else I can find to burn.
I need to keep gaining momentum... I'm going to need such a massive amount of fire to do what I have to do...
I hope I can control it right, I'm scared what will happen if I try it and lose control since I can get burned now...

Action unchanged. Sieze all the fire from the claws, and keep taking it as the claws draw from the reserve power, burn things that seem flammable, and scatter my fires out to begin cleansing the room.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2014, 02:43:08 am

((I'd say lifting his nose up to sniff the air would be an Ike thing to do, yes.))

Campaign, Ike!

"I see! That explains everything, I suppose. Well then, let us cheese it most verily."

Sword ready, look impressive, do samurai-style walk out of the room. Prepare to dodge.

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Committing magibabble to memory:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

The other side of the portal smells of what you'd expect, plus sulfur and a curious living thing from an hour ago. Prolly a monster of some sort.

In other news, Darkstar's exposition abilities seem to correlate with the amount of blood in him!

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Hawk132 on November 14, 2014, 11:21:42 am

Survival

Crawl back to cover where the group is. Try to grab my legs if those are on the way. If legs have been grabbed, try to attach them back on. Any enemy in range gets blasted/stabbed in the face.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 14, 2014, 12:38:44 pm

Campaign
Go tsar-slash the nearest sword zombie and take it's sword and give it to Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2014, 06:08:54 pm

((Hey, I found footage of Alan! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj22DbRoAPM)))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 17, 2014, 08:25:33 am

((I'm going to have limited net access this week, may or may not be able to post, don't know yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2014, 01:26:05 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2014, 11:01:09 pm

Campaign

You're losing blood, foxman? Why didn't you say so?

Bandages!
At River. His injured bits.

A giant pile of gauze-like cloth materializes in front of you.
River looks at it and then at you.
"Thank you?" You aren't sure if he sounds grateful, surprised, angry or just tired.
He looks at something behind him before he bends down and starts attempting to cut a strip off with his teeth and his one good arm. Following his eyes, you notice that one of the yellow octopus things there has started moving towards you.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 13, 2014, 11:07:01 pm

Campaign

"On it, Irene!"

Follow through and rearrange some of the shields to block the portal behind us. Leave a small portion of the shields for emergency defense of our group. Keep moving along with the majority of the group.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 14, 2014, 01:15:08 am

Quote

Just building a small temporary wall around it, I assume?

Yes, preferably with low energy usage if possible. If not, then just circle it with a small amount of shields, not anything too big.

You start arranging your shields around the section of the portal closest to you, aiming to block it off, or at least force anyone coming through it to either break through them or go around them. The area has plenty of light, both of natural and supernatural origin, so energy is not a very big concern.

When you are almost done, you accidentally touch the portal with one of your shields. The portal expands, enveloping the shield inside it. And that causes it to touch another shield.
You manage to pull the rest of the shields back, unwilling to find out how far that domino effect would allow the portal to expand, especially considering it's only a couple of metres away from you and the rest of the team.

Your wall is looking OK. Not the sturdiest of things, not one of your best jobs. Weren't too concentrated while working on it. But it would buy you at least half a minute, maybe more.

You notice that one of the octopus things has started moving towards your general direction from the south, although it's moving uncertainly, wobbling, not moving directly towards you.

A few seconds later though, it's moving towards you at full speed. Probably has something to do with that light show.

Quote from: NAV on November 14, 2014, 12:38:44 pm

Campaign
Go tsar-slash the nearest sword zombie and take it's sword and give it to Alan.

You start walking towards one of the swordsmen near the northeast and raise your sword, trying your best to avoid getting too close to any of the creatures. Looks like the swordsman has his back turned on you. Now you just need a good strike.

Even though you make a not-bad swing, you once again fail to achieve embiggenment. You end up doing nothing more than slashing at empty space. Frowning, you try again.

You mess up your timing and end up enlarging the sword too soon. Even though it doesn't get too large, the increased weight results in increased momentum. The increased momentum makes it harder for you to hold on to the sword. It slides out of your grip and clatters on the ground about halfway between you and the swordsman. Better than the sword dragging you to the floor with it, you reason.

The swordsman turns to face the sword. He starts walking towards it. And then stops after a few flashes of red light come from behind you.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2014, 01:55:00 am

"Well, that's simple enough for me to handle."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2014, 12:25:43 pm

I look at the exhausted River and nod once, then turn back to the room.
"Zech, could you make crystals to block the portal and anything that might chase us?"
again, split up my flames into many partially-effective segments, and send them out seeking targets. priority 1 is anything that would make a good fuel source... like that wooden door. second priority is any slaves or parasites that have noticed our presence. third is armed slaves. fourth is isolated parasites/slaves. lowest priority is groups of distracted parasites... I probably want to avoid those completely if I can.
We can't go hunting until River is ready, and this place seems like a project to me. This city will burn, and the parasites with it.
Is this portal fueled by fire or the three fire sources around it? that would explain the pulsing... or maybe something else...
One easy way to find out I suppose.
Collect additional flames from the fire sources already in the room, if weakening the flames weakens the portal, then take them in their entirity to shut it down, but if it seems unaffected then leave the source-flames so I can constantly collect everything I can from them in addition to the wooden door and anything else I can find to burn.
I need to keep gaining momentum... I'm going to need such a massive amount of fire to do what I have to do...
I hope I can control it right, I'm scared what will happen if I try it and lose control since I can get burned now...

Action unchanged. Sieze all the fire from the claws, and keep taking it as the claws draw from the reserve power, burn things that seem flammable, and scatter my fires out to begin cleansing the room.

You attempt to move the magical fire being emitted by the three claws. The best thing you can manage is distort the streams a bit. Unlike normal fire, they slip through your grasp like water, resisting change, attempting to maintain their original direction of movement, as if there is something pushing them towards the portal.

Frustrated, you attempt to use more power, creating a pyrokinetic "wind" that attempts to move all fire in the area in a specific direction. The torrents of fire start diverging, the purple one less than the red ones. The portal starts wobbling like a flame in the wind, loosing its cohesion.

You put every ounce of power and concentration you have into your attempt to drain fire from the portal, letting all other fire in your control dissipate. Just as you manage to cause the the torrents to break contact with the portal completely and it begins to disintegrate, a wavy line of bright red light escapes from three of the alcoves in the walls of the room. The three beams of red light each make their way towards one of the claws, breaking apart into smaller beams. They hit the claws across the side facing away from the portal at equidistant spots. Wherever the beams hit, a small eruption of fire occurs and the claws glow blindingly bright for an instant. Many of the parasites clinging to the claw get burnt or blown away and fall to the ground, exposing parts of it. The ones swarming around the claws immediately try to take their place.

When it is over, the torrent of fire produced by the claws has grown even stronger, the portal actually looking larger and more stable now. Zechariah manages to pull his wall further back in time to avoid having it transported away. You manage to gather a few scraps of fire that were left over from the explosions, pushed upwards towards the ceiling by your power.

It looks like your little stunt has attracted the attention of many of the parasites in the room. They start making their way towards you.

River looks away from his attempt to cut a bandage for himself.
"Why do you want to close this portal so badly?" he asks with a hint of anger in his voice as he gets up and starts walking towards you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2014, 02:43:08 am

((I'd say lifting his nose up to sniff the air would be an Ike thing to do, yes.))

Campaign, Ike!

"I see! That explains everything, I suppose. Well then, let us cheese it most verily."

Sword ready, look impressive, do samurai-style walk out of the room. Prepare to dodge.

You charge ahead alone, ready to kick some octopus ass.
...
Wait, do octopuses have asses?

You easily pass through the first few octopuses, swinging your sword at them and cutting a few limbs. The octopuses don't seem to like that. Many of them start making their way towards you. That number increases after a few flashes of light coming from behind you agitate every octopus in the room. And probably beyond that.

"Oh my god, he just went in."
"Stick to the plan! Stick to the plan!"

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 13, 2014, 12:44:23 pm

"Unfortunately not. I come from a colony city at gas giant 2b4a-428342, brought by an interstellar transport during the colonization initiative after WWIV ravaged Earth. We were actually supposed to be sent to one of the habitable moons, but the transport screwed up an left us at the gas giant instead. Anyway, that was about a thousand eye are before my time and I really only know about it due to digging around in the main computer to see I could find something to blackmail the governor with so he would increase my resource allocation. So yeah, I don't really understand your reference, sorry.

"Ah, I see. Oh well, it was a nice setup at least. Served its purpose."
The image in the screen fades out and an image of you falling fades in.
"I just have my assistant bring to me anyone he thinks I would like, so I don't really do any sort of background checks. I think it's more fun that way, don't you? I mean, sure, I could just read all the info about you, but an interview is more personal, you know? Lets you learn more things. And it allows you to do cool setups like theses. One thing I always say is 'Never underestimate the importance of theatricality.' "
The image of you falling is replaced by an image (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/10634997144_1a861bf9bb_zps0be87024.jpg) made of black and green question marks.
"Speaking of learning about things, if you have any questions during this interview feel free to ask. Or if there's something I could bring you, for that matter. Something to eat, something to drink? Any final wishes?"

"Otherwise, I'm really just interested in learning more about you, to see if you would be suitable for the position. Past experience, hopes and aspirations, why you think you're the best man for the job, where do you see yourself in 5 years, stuff like that."

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 18, 2014, 01:29:05 pm

What's holding Team Survival back?  Campaign has had four turns since our last one.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2014, 01:36:29 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 18, 2014, 01:29:05 pm

What's holding Team Survival back?  Campaign has had four turns since our last one.

Only two people have posted an action, unless I missed anyone.
I guess I could just auto the rest.
Yeah, I'll auto them for next turn if nobody else posts. You're right, it's been a long time.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 18, 2014, 01:41:04 pm

((Yeah, give survival a chance!
I think Paris got interested after Alan started doing useful stuff for once.))

Campaign

Alan frowns and assumes a power-up stance. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rep9nVnYPSE) He begins jiggling.

Once the parasites get sufficiently close for me to aim at them, begin firing fridges at them.

((The video's rather long, but the relevant bit is at the very beginning. You'll know it when you see it.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 18, 2014, 01:52:11 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2014, 01:41:04 pm

((Yeah, give survival a chance!
I think Paris got interested after Alan started doing useful stuff for once.))

((Yeah, that is fascinating.  Can't blame him for that.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2014, 02:29:58 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You know, guys, I think we should really be leaving as rapidly as inhumanly possible! And not be mowing down hordes of yellow land octopuses and affiliated things."

Dang it, did I say slash at anything? I said walk out of the dang room! In as cool a manner as possible!

Get to it, but abandon coolness and instead cheese it as quickly as possible while still keeping avoidance of danger strongly in mind. Only slash at things if I can't go around them.

Or, if nobody else seems to be running, silly buggers that they are, regroup with main bunch and assist these comically inept people. Defending Alan is a priority, followed by Nikolai, then the others in no particular order.

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Committing magibabble to memory:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

The other side of the portal smells of what you'd expect, plus sulfur and a curious living thing from an hour ago. Prolly a monster of some sort.

In other news, Darkstar's exposition abilities seem to correlate with the amount of blood in him!

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 18, 2014, 05:01:16 pm

Campaign
I think my power hates me.
Stop fucking up. Get the sword back and slash the zombie properly.

Edit:
Timing is difficult. Try pointing the sword above the zombies head, then tsar and let it fall on him like a guillotine. That way I won't have to time it as carefully.
Also repair the blade to its full sharpness when I tsar.
If I can't get my sword back, use my knife instead. If I'm using a knife, do a standard tsar-slash rather than a guillotine slash.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2014, 07:35:38 pm

((Um, I don't want it closed that badly. I saw it as a resource and didn't account for it refusing to enter my control. what happened to the rest of my action?))

---

((Limited time, and going to have trouble posting. auto me as needed until I post again please.))

---

EDITING IN ACTION:
Perform the rest of last turn's action, everything up to the very last part about the magical, and apparently inaccessable, flames, which I might as well ignore.

---

((I honestly cannot RP my response to River because I don't know why I did that either.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2014, 09:43:49 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on November 12, 2014, 06:58:18 pm

Try to get in one of the abandoned houses. If I can, keep an eye on the rest of the group.

All of the houses here look pretty much the same, just a two storey thing mostly made out of wood, so you just choose one of the closest ones at random. You approach it and get in through a broken window, watching with one eye through the rotten curtains as the enemy car approaches the rest of the team.

The inside of the house is very nice, even in this state of disrepair. It's one of those higher class houses that were built closer to the "good" side of the island, away from the centre and the docks. The fact that the police station used to be nearby probably helped too. Nothing like the tenements closer to downtown.

The area your are currently in is a living room-dining room-kitchen hybrid that takes up most of the bottom floor. An area close to the window you went through that was probably meant to entertain guests or hold entertainment like a radio or record player, another area that was meant to have a table for the family to eat on and a kitchen on the other side of the room, with some cupboards and a stove that has escaped the looters, along with an exit towards the back of the house.
Most of the furniture in the room are missing, except for a sofa and a broken dining table.
There's also a stairway leading up to the second floor, the entrance hallway and some kind of storage area.

The floorboards have started to rot near the broken windows, where moisture, sunlight and rain have been allowed to enter. Hopefully no rats will jump out at you from there. Because a house like this is probably infested. That's probably why those cats are here.

Yes, there's a couple of cats here, sitting on the sofa. One is pitch black except for a white spot near his neck and one is a grey and white tiger pattern. The tiger-patterned one is frightened by your presence and quickly jumps off the sofa and out a window. It makes its way through the open window of the house next door. The house with that person that seems to have very dull emotions. You can see light coming from somewhere further inside it.

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 11, 2014, 10:29:50 am

Survival

Sense the thing I made; if it's a reliable weapon, use it at the approaching car.  If it just needs a little patching, fix it first.

If it's hopeless, just fire a few rounds at the oncoming car then duck back into cover.

How's the leg feel?

You make your way towards the wreckage and take cover behind them.

Leg still feels numb and you can't move it. Feels like for all intents and purposes it has been cut off. Even though you sometimes feel a pulse of pain coming from it.

As for the thing you summoned, you assume that the vials would break and then the rock will somehow cause the liquid inside them to catch fire. It's construction seems good enough, even though it looks a bit hard to use. You could probably make it more efficient and reliable by removing the vials and just wrapping them around a piece of cloth that you then lit on fire with your newly summoned lighter. So you do just that.

You concentrate on the mental image of the object projected in your mind by your ability and then imagine it shifting, the parts of the metal holding the vials opening. That's when your limited telekinesis kicks in, slowly deforming the metal it helped shape. You gather the vials, rip one of the pockets of your uniform off, break one of the vials to soak it in whatever is inside them and put the rest of the vials in it.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 14, 2014, 11:21:42 am

Survival

Crawl back to cover where the group is. Try to grab my legs if those are on the way. If legs have been grabbed, try to attach them back on. Any enemy in range gets blasted/stabbed in the face.

You Terminator-crawl your way out of the wreckage and the dead thugs and make your way around them, towards John. A man leans out of the window of the oncoming car and shoots at you a couple of times with his pistol, but he doesn't manage to hit anything. Once in cover, you remove your legs from under the wreckage and examine them.

It looks like they were trapped in place, their toe cap embedded in the ground (you can tell by the small divot they have created) and then hit by a sharp point of the car's frame somewhere near the thigh, resulting in them both being bent (and thus weakened) and being pulled away from your torso as you were pushed forward.

You could try to put the two broken pieces together, but there would be nothing to hold them together. You'd need something to reconnect the pieces, something like a welder, maybe.

Quote from: Everyone else:autoaction

Take cover and attack any enemy in range.

Combat
Once the car is close enough, John lights his pocket on fire (not the one still in his uniform, the one he has ripped off), stands up and with a shot that would be the envy of every professional pitcher, he shoots it straight at the car, through the wind-shield and at the driver. The driver bursts into flames. To anyone watching, it would probably look like he just threw a fireball at it. John then gets back into cover and spends several seconds trying to extinguish his hand, since some of the fuel has seeped through the pocket and onto his palm.

Saevus observes what happens next. The panicking driver is unable to focus on driving (or extinguishing himself for that matter) as he flails around the driver seat, his screams reaching you. The men riding along with him don't look like they are doing much better. The car keeps moving, swerving a bit left and right. With one well placed telekinetic pull, Saevus is able to cause the car to fall to its side and come to an abrupt halt.

The fire will continue spreading. Assuming they are too stunned to come out, they should burn to death soon, along with the car.

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2014, 07:35:38 pm

((Um, I don't want it closed that badly.
I saw it as a resource and didn't account for it refusing to enter my control.
what happened to the rest of my action?))

A. I had to interpret your actions and your rolls somehow. That was the interpretation that I thought was closest to what you wanted (since I thought closing the portal and protecting the humans of this city was more important to your character, based on what she told Zechariah) and that I thought complied to your posted actions.
B. It didn't refuse to enter your control. There is simply something much more powerful controlling it. It's like trying to change the wind. Or like trying to stop a car that still has its engine running by pushing it really hard. The driver can always push the gas pedal and make your effort meaningless.
C. I sometimes run actions in small chunks to give you a chance to react to things, talk, change your plans, tell me how badly I've misinterpreted your actions, all those stuff. I thought it was a good time to pause.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2014, 02:29:58 pm

Dang it, did I say slash at anything? I said walk out of the dang room! In as cool a manner as possible!

Oh, I thought Samurai style walk involved swords. Because samurais are known for their swords. And swords are cool.
Because googling samurai walk only provided videos of people walking on their knees and I assumed you did not want that, even though it would probably be more funny to write.
And I needed a way to interpret that 6 for avoiding octopuses and the sword thing was the most obvious choice. You avoided them perfectly but also agitated them.
Did you mean ninja? As in "as stealthy and invisible as a ninja"?
Oh well, it's not like it would change too much.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 20, 2014, 01:00:31 pm

Survival

"Right, let's get the hell out of here.  Zero, where the hell are we supposed to be going from here?   Where's our evac point?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 20, 2014, 01:06:16 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2014, 09:43:49 am

Oh, I thought Samurai style walk involved swords. Because samurais are known for their swords. And swords are cool.
Because googling samurai walk only provided videos of people walking on their knees and I assumed you did not want that, even though it would probably be more funny to write.
And I needed a way to interpret that 6 for avoiding octopuses and the sword thing was the most obvious choice. You avoided them perfectly but also agitated them.
Did you mean ninja? As in "as stealthy and invisible as a ninja"?
Oh well, it's not like it would change too much.

((What I meant was basically walk forward in this sort of hovering, sideways theatrical fashion while maintaining this position (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ypsYAwDxqt4/TNG-VKWe09I/AAAAAAAAArw/iNwHRIJ_ah0/s1600/shigemori+2.jpeg), but I can see how that might not be the immediate association, and I simply thought nothing of it at the time of writing.

Although walking on my knees sounds pretty fun. Have to look that up at some point.

Most of the complaint is just me being irritable, and you can freely ignore that. I'm just kind of a control freak, and this sort of thing tends to set me off more than it probably should.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2014, 02:08:04 pm

((Closing the portal is important, but it's a short-term goal, not an immediate goal. Priority 1 right now is collecting firepower for later use. I'm going to need a very large amount for some of the stunts I want to pull off. Zech's walling off the portal is close enough to closing it for now. Once the room is clear and the area is secure I can settle down to targeting, draining, and crushing/smelting the tablets being used as power sources one by one.))

---

((My net should be stabilized for the rest of this week, going to destabilize again next Tuesday.))

---

"Not... yet..."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2014, 07:35:38 pm

Perform the rest of last turn's action, everything up to the very last part about the magical, and apparently inaccessable, flames, which I might as well ignore.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2014, 02:42:06 pm

Campaign

Zechariah backed up, noticing the octopus that was hurtling towards him at the moment. He put his staff up defensively and focused his mind on converting more light to a hardlight formation to defend himself. He couldn't keep up a constant defense for long, however; Movement was key to keeping the group alive.

"I agree, we have to move before more of them start piling up on us. Let's go!"

Keep moving along with the rest of the group and keep a small amount of hardlight shields around me, just in case we need a quick defense.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Alarith on November 20, 2014, 05:04:06 pm

Keep an eye on the group and follow them if they move. Stay out of sight of anyone not in the group
((I will be unavailable for the weekend, just a notice.))

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 20, 2014, 06:06:56 pm

"Perhaps an apple? For prior experience, I've been the (un)official mad scientist of the city I lived in for over 50 years, and with that all that being a mad scientist entails: building pointless doomsday devices in my spare time, performing horrific experiments on my lab assistants in my spare time, enraging the authorities in my spare time, and so forth. My largest accomplishment has to have been figuring out an equation that breaks the laws of physics. Now then, where do I see myself in five years? In five years I plan to have built my own flying city, which I shall fly around the universe _{or multiverse? Haven't yet gotten around to working out the math of that aspect of reality} to find other mad scientists to live in the city, such that the city would be the finest collection of mad science ever, and we could travel and spread the glory of our experiments all over, and maybe even stamp out that non-mad 'science' they teach in schools nowadays. I've been planning it for quite a while, just never really had the resources to do it, but I'm sure that this position will allow me to fix that problem.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2014, 06:57:40 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 20, 2014, 01:00:31 pm

"Right, let's get the hell out of here.  Zero, where the hell are we supposed to be going from here?"

<This unit was provided with the following mission completion parameters it is permitted to reveal to you:
Escape.
Survive.

This unit interprets that data and the data your team has gathered as:
Escape captivity. Escape pursuit.
Survive combat. Survive the changeover.>

"Where's our evac point?"

<This unit has insufficient data to answer.
This unit is limited to the data available to your team.
The following statements are based on available data and may be inaccurate.

The safest area is estimated to be: anywhere away from your current location.
The safest area is estimated to be: anywhere away from this island.
The quickest terrestrial route away from the island is estimated to be a bridge eastnortheast of your current position.
The safest route away from the island is estimated to be a bridge westnorthwest of your current position.>

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 20, 2014, 07:24:18 pm

Survival

"Okay, Zero says the safest way out is west-northwest.  There's a faster way east-northeast, but screw that.  Let's get the hell out of here."

Grab some debris that'll work as a cane; if nothing available, summon one.  Get going WNW, looking for a non-broken car.  Drag drooling inactives along with.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Hawk132 on November 21, 2014, 05:32:57 pm

Survival

Take my legs. Follow John. Keep watch for hostiles.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 21, 2014, 05:56:01 pm

Find and kill something.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Salsacookies on November 22, 2014, 03:48:42 pm

survival

Give Saevus his legs, then go to the nearest house to find stuff  to help my arm heal

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 28, 2014, 10:59:13 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2014, 02:08:04 pm

((Closing the portal is important, but it's a short-term goal, not an immediate goal. Priority 1 right now is collecting firepower for later use. I'm going to need a very large amount for some of the stunts I want to pull off. Zech's walling off the portal is close enough to closing it for now. Once the room is clear and the area is secure I can settle down to targeting, draining, and crushing/smelting the tablets being used as power sources one by one.))

---

((My net should be stabilized for the rest of this week, going to destabilize again next Tuesday.))

---

"Not... yet..."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2014, 07:35:38 pm

Perform the rest of last turn's action, everything up to the very last part about the magical, and apparently inaccessable, flames, which I might as well ignore.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2014, 01:55:00 am

again, split up my flames into many partially-effective segments, and send them out seeking targets. priority 1 is anything that would make a good fuel source... like that wooden door. second priority is any slaves or parasites that have noticed our presence. third is armed slaves. fourth is isolated parasites/slaves. lowest priority is groups of distracted parasites... I probably want to avoid those completely if I can.

"You can not fight everyone." he says as he turns around, walking towards Nikolai.

It takes a bit of effort to get the door to catch fire, but it does ignite eventually. Still, isn't that a bit strange? You'd expect a place where magic related to fire is happening would have few flammable things in it and definitely no flammable doors. Unless whoever built this place did a very poor job planning it.

You also start experimentally sticking small orbs of fire to the supply piles around the portal, looking for things that are easy to burn. A few of them catch fire. It should start spreading soon. You're already getting a good amount of fire.

As you do this, you start feeling warmth coming from the golden amulet.

Quote from: NAV on November 18, 2014, 05:01:16 pm

Campaign
I think my power hates me.
Stop fucking up. Get the sword back and slash the zombie properly.

Edit:
Timing is difficult. Try pointing the sword above the zombies head, then tsar and let it fall on him like a guillotine. That way I won't have to time it as carefully.
Also repair the blade to its full sharpness when I tsar.
If I can't get my sword back, use my knife instead. If I'm using a knife, do a standard tsar-slash rather than a guillotine slash.

You move towards the sword. A moment later, the zombie starts moving towards you.
You get to the sword first but the zombie is almost right next to you by that time. You attempt your attack but it's way off, only managing to carve a gash in the floor, and the zombie closes the few final steps, its sword raised.
It slashes at your throat. You almost avoid the strike by taking a step back. The sword still strikes your already wounded throat, causing it to start bleeding, but it thankfully doesn't penetrate too deeply.
Before you can respond, he follows up his strike with a sweep of his leg that brings you to the ground with him standing over you. You notice that you can still feel pressure around the part of your leg he hit you on, like something has grabbed you.

As this happens, you hear a growl coming from behind you.
"Esoth prasisvo es fiato platogmes. Ai kary nonshut sákrith ot atiz."

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2014, 01:41:04 pm

Campaign

Alan frowns and assumes a power-up stance. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rep9nVnYPSE) He begins jiggling.

Once the parasites get sufficiently close for me to aim at them, begin firing fridges at them.

((The video's rather long, but the relevant bit is at the very beginning. You'll know it when you see it.))

You do your best impression of a constipating sumo fighter as you prepare to bring forth the power of the fridge.

Unfortunately, nothing comes forth and you are starting to think raising your blood pressure any higher might cause a stroke. You also fail to summon any fridges.

((Hmmm... I have a feeling I have already made that particular silly joke, or some variation of it... Because you posted that video that time too and then rolled two... Coincidence?))

You try again. Your second attempt is a bit more successful, creating a small wooden box full of ice in a burst of purple light. It clatters on the ground ineffectually.

Huh. Looks like every time you teleport you get a new effect for summoning. Wonder what would happen if you went through the portal again.

In other news, you, Irene and Theri are surrounded by octopuses and about to be attacked.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2014, 02:29:58 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You know, guys, I think we should really be leaving as rapidly as inhumanly possible! And not be mowing down hordes of yellow land octopuses and affiliated things."

Dang it, did I say slash at anything? I said walk out of the dang room! In as cool a manner as possible!

Get to it, but abandon coolness and instead cheese it as quickly as possible while still keeping avoidance of danger strongly in mind. Only slash at things if I can't go around them.

Or, if nobody else seems to be running, silly buggers that they are, regroup with main bunch and assist these comically inept people. Defending Alan is a priority, followed by Nikolai, then the others in no particular order.

((I am assuming because you crossed out that part that you don't want to follow DAF's character out of the room and that you want to help Nikolai since he's currently in a difficult situation. You'll get to him next turn, so say what you want to do then or if you would like to help Alan instead.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 20, 2014, 02:42:06 pm

Campaign

Zechariah backed up, noticing the octopus that was hurtling towards him at the moment. He put his staff up defensively and focused his mind on converting more light to a hardlight formation to defend himself. He couldn't keep up a constant defense for long, however; Movement was key to keeping the group alive.

"I agree, we have to move before more of them start piling up on us. Let's go!"

Keep moving along with the rest of the group and keep a small amount of hardlight shields around me, just in case we need a quick defense.

Zechariah easily creates a few extra shields around him and starts walking around in circles. Ike passes by him a few moments later with a few octopuses following him.
"Are we leaving yet?"
"Depends."
"On what?"
"Either people dying, people leaving or people deciding to stay. I'm betting on the first one."
Ike continues making his way towards Nikolai.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 22, 2014, 03:48:42 pm

survival

Give Saevus his legs, then go to the nearest house to find stuff  to help my arm heal

You enter the house Bryan got out of and search around. After making your way through a few empty cabinets and one that had something moving in it, you finally manage to find an old bandage.
You do an OK job applying it. It won't stop the bleeding completely and it won't give you back use of your arm, but at least it will give you some more time to live. Perhaps one of your teammates can do a better job at it?
Incidentally, you are now suffering from low blood syndrome, aka lightheadedness.

Quote from: Toaster on November 20, 2014, 07:24:18 pm

Survival

"Okay, Zero says the safest way out is west-northwest.  There's a faster way east-northeast, but screw that.  Let's get the hell out of here."

Grab some debris that'll work as a cane; if nothing available, summon one.  Get going WNW, looking for a non-broken car.  Drag drooling inactives along with.

Don't really need a cane. Already got that covered, remember? Fancy rollerblade-like leg brace?

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 21, 2014, 05:32:57 pm

Survival

Take my legs. Follow John. Keep watch for hostiles.

With all the speed and subtlety of a metal suit of armour dragging itself along the asphalt with one arm, you follow John.
By which I mean you make a lot of noise while following him and you get left some distance behind.

Quote from: Alarith on November 20, 2014, 05:04:06 pm

Keep an eye on the group and follow them if they move. Stay out of sight of anyone not in the group
((I will be unavailable for the weekend, just a notice.))

You wave at Ron as you pass by him while you make your way to John and Saevus.

John ignores the screams of the men inside the burning car as he crosses the park in front of the gallery and starts heading west along the main road. After a block or so of walking among the mostly abandoned houses, he comes across a large parking space connected to a store called "The Milk Barn", a convenience store, one of those family run, "got every consumable you might need" places. It looks like it would have been a nice place to visit.

Unfortunately for him, business is probably not going well. The parking space appears to have not been used for quite some time, as it has been surrounded with a fence. There are signs of habitation in the parking. A hole in the fence, a triad of abandoned cars surrounded by shacks made out of cardboard and tin, a few metal barrels. He could try one of those cars to see if it's working. It's a long shot, but it's probably better than nothing. Because the only other half-decent car he saw along the way was literally half of a decent car. Its engine block seemed fine but much of the rest was missing.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 21, 2014, 05:56:01 pm

Find and kill something.

Let's see how your non-specific request for murder shall be granted...
[1]
After eating for a bit and regaining some of your strength, you have managed to grow enough to become what would be described as an abnormally large cat. Which is good. As you venture deeper into the tunnel, eyes adjust for nightvision allow you to see what lies ahead. What scared the rats. You can see the darkness. The darkness coming to life. Pairs of red eyes above mouths filled with razor-sharp teeth moving towards you, slithering forward on snake-like bodies, occasionally snapping their teeth at each other.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 20, 2014, 06:06:56 pm

"Perhaps an apple? For prior experience, I've been the (un)official mad scientist of the city I lived in for over 50 years, and with that all that being a mad scientist entails: building pointless doomsday devices in my spare time, performing horrific experiments on my lab assistants in my spare time, enraging the authorities in my spare time, and so forth. My largest accomplishment has to have been figuring out an equation that breaks the laws of physics. Now then, where do I see myself in five years? In five years I plan to have built my own flying city, which I shall fly around the universe _{or multiverse? Haven't yet gotten around to working out the math of that aspect of reality} to find other mad scientists to live in the city, such that the city would be the finest collection of mad science ever, and we could travel and spread the glory of our experiments all over, and maybe even stamp out that non-mad 'science' they teach in schools nowadays. I've been planning it for quite a while, just never really had the resources to do it, but I'm sure that this position will allow me to fix that problem.

"An apple it is!"
"Caroline, could you be so kind as to bring our guest an apple? ... Thank you."
"Now, you were telling me about your city? Yes, this position will certainly give you a way to accomplish that.
You see, I am searching for someone to take part in a competition of sorts. You will compete against other people or work with them, all the time participating in challenges. Most of them harmless, at least for you and the other participants. Just helping out with my... 'business' or the 'business' of my competitors. And providing a bit of entertainment on the side. Always fun to see a 'professional' at work.
But here's the real upside: We will make improvements to you according to your performance. And any improvements we make upon you, you get to keep them. You've earned them. Plus, there might be something else in store for you... We'll talk about that when your employment is close to coming to an end.
On the downside, during that competition, those 'games', you are confined to them. No going back to your city and no quitting, unless you consider death an escape."
The receptionist opens the doors and walks up to your chair. She holds a silver platter next to you with a red, a green apple and a... wait a second. Are blue apples a thing?
"Ah! Initiative. Good thinking Caroline."
The receptionist nods.
"Anyway, I feel like I've found a very worthy candidate in you. You're definitely the kind of guy I like. Ambitious, interesting. Wonder what else you have in store. I just want to see one more thing before we 'seal the deal' so to speak. Something all your predecessors had.
But first, any questions?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 28, 2014, 11:10:28 pm

Campaign, Alan

Hmm. What kills octopi in their natural habitat?
...
I know!

Summon lawnmower! Rideable variant if possible.
Begin assaulting octopi with lawnmower.
Utilize lawnmoser as escape vehicle.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 28, 2014, 11:30:19 pm

Survival


"Not too sure about this one.  Check it out or keep moving?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 28, 2014, 11:49:26 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 28, 2014, 11:10:28 pm

Hmm. What kills octopi in their natural habitat?
...
I know!

Summon lawnmower! Rideable variant if possible.
Begin assaulting octopi with lawnmower.

(http://pambakerrn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Reel-Lawn-mower-150x150.png)

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: NAV on November 29, 2014, 12:47:03 am

Campaign.

"Dammit, I am not in my element. No cars, no guns, no machines, I'm on the wrong mission."

Point my knife at the zombie then tsar it.
Then try to get up and follow the others to the hallway.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2014, 06:56:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

Probably should defend the incompetent yobs, yes. Prioritize on nudging them toward the exit while keeping them from getting stabbed by enemies. Help whichever is in more danger - probably Nikolai if River's just going to talk gibberish in his direction and not actually help, but maybe Alan if that's not the case.

To Zechariah: "Hey, you mind helping me with corralling these people to a safer place? They seem very confused about a couple things. Like how fighting the legions of doom when they're surrounding you and also very numerous is a terrible fucking idea."

Seriously, get these people to move to safer hallways once they're not getting stabbed in the neck or whatever.

To other people: "Hey, guys, fighting the legions of doom when they're surrounding you and also very numerous is a terrible fucking idea! You all really should be leaving now!"

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Committing magibabble to memory:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

The other side of the portal smells of what you'd expect, plus sulfur and a curious living thing from an hour ago. Prolly a monster of some sort.

In other news, Darkstar's exposition abilities seem to correlate with the amount of blood in him!

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2014, 07:07:19 am

Fine then, hop on my sweet ride!

...


...


...


Any second now.

Also action edited slightly to do escape things

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Tiruin on November 29, 2014, 07:39:58 am

((Hooooo, reading up now guys!))

"Irene. I do not like this."

Ready up stance; wish I had handwrap for the oncoming fistfight. Wonder if I can get a weapon to wield or get up close to perform surgical strikes. Engage in pushing or throwing enemies away from our position if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Alarith on November 29, 2014, 12:54:27 pm

Survival, Bryan

---

"I feel like we should avoid that place, there seems to be a whole bunch of people that aren't happy with us.  If we grab a car it would only make us more noticeable. I'll leave that decision up to you, and I'll stand by your decision either way.  Both choices have their merits and drawbacks."
Follow John's lead, remain cautious.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Hawk132 on November 29, 2014, 01:45:56 pm

Survival

"Indeed, it is as he says. I shall follow thy decision."

Do as John does.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 05:13:55 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

"Here comes the hard part!"
If fate is real, then...
don't damage my flame-sources, the burning door, piles of burning debris, etc, but recall the rest of my flames to form a ring around us, then have the ring expand, tendrils of flame lashing out at any octopi / slaves near us.
"We have to stem this tide, both for the sake of the people here and so that we won't have to push through them when we return. This portal has to close before we leave here. If Zech can keep that portal blocked long enough for us to clear the room, we can smash the tablets it is using as a power source and shut this thing down. For now we might want to move to a corner so we can restrict the directions they can attack us from, but there's no point too leaving since things are probably worse outside, especially with those big things floating about and no overhead cover! If we secure this room we can make a controlled, much safer, advance!"
I cannot afford to fail...
...
...
I wonder if Zech...

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2014, 05:47:34 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 05:13:55 pm

"We have to stem this tide, both for the sake of the people here and so that we won't have to push through them when we return. This portal has to close before we leave here. If Zech can keep that portal blocked long enough for us to clear the room, we can smash the tablets it is using as a power source and shut this thing down. For now we might want to move to a corner so we can restrict the directions they can attack us from, but there's no point too leaving since things are probably worse outside, especially with those big things floating about and no overhead cover! If we secure this room we can make a controlled, much safer, advance!"

"How about you clear the room from the hallway, dear? Where we're not surrounded by enemies on all sides, and half of us are not about to be stabbed to death? I know you're as much of a messianic wannabe as Crystal Jesus here, but can you please use your brain instead of your powers for a second? As much as I like my dramatic moments, some logical thinking should be applied!"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 05:57:05 pm

"Zech, will you still have range on the portal from the hallway?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 29, 2014, 06:49:54 pm

"Assuming I can focus on the shields around the portal, I will have range. It'll be harder for me to construct other shields, however. As long as we can do this quick, I'll be able to manage it."

Maintain the shields and talk.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 08:39:42 pm

"Fine, lets move then. to the hallway."
Move with group, probably to the hallway, but if they go somewhere else I'm sticking with them.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Toaster on November 29, 2014, 09:53:01 pm

Survival


"Right.  Let's keep moving."


Keep moving.  Surely there's another not-broken vehicle somewhere on this blasted island.

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Wolfkit on November 29, 2014, 11:41:25 pm

"A blue apple? Intriguing..."
Eat the blue apple. Pocket the seeds for later experimentation
"So, I have two questions. Number one, if any of these enhancements include cybernetic body mods, I want the final say on the look of the mod. _{Wait, that was a statement. The next one is a question, though} Number two, what is this 'business' of yours? Any juicy tidbit that you might be willing to divulge?"

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Salsacookies on November 30, 2014, 01:54:08 pm

Survival

Find a gun and an energy drink. Afterwards, see where that group is going, and follow them without attracting attention to my self

Title: Re: Special People: At Doom's Gate
Post by: Yourmaster on November 30, 2014, 07:56:14 pm

Name: Alex Raman
Birthplace: New
Age: 23
Appearance: His body is covered in sleek black and grayed metal plates. His eyes are still human, but they constantly glow green. He has long, artificial hair that is pure white and glows.
Quote: "Fear is a weakness. Magitek has purged fear. Without fear, I am a god."[/glow]
Power: Alex is a magitek cyborg, being a perfect combination of advanced tech and magic. He has superhuman levels of durability, strength, and can copy tech and improve it with magic.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2014, 07:59:54 pm

Vortal Combat (http://youtu.be/Xt2sbtvBuk8?t=1h28m43s)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on November 29, 2014, 12:47:03 am

Campaign.

"Dammit, I am not in my element. No cars, no guns, no machines, I'm on the wrong mission."

Point my knife at the zombie then tsar it.
Then try to get up and follow the others to the hallway.

You reach inside your pocket and draw your knife, focusing on your ability, causing it to become enlarged, stabbing forward. But that zombie seems to be either too damn lucky or too damn fast, sidestepping the blow and counter-attacking with a slash of its sword on your recently repaired leg.
You try to roll away but something holds your leg down, preventing you from moving.
The sword hits your leg with incredible force, causing your entire body to vibrate, first from the force of the blow and then from the screams and the pain that fills your mind. You barely manage to remain conscious.
You are left without the strength to resist as something begins dragging you away, entangling you.

"Pedosera bikylo fiato es tontu!"
Through your blurry, tear-filled eyes, you can see the shadow in front of you glow for a second. It becomes unmoving and falls to the ground a second later, thankfully not on top of you. You also feel the grip on your leg loosening. A few seconds later, you hear laboured breathing, someone grunting behind you as you are grabbed from under your shoulders. You begin being pulled in the opposite direction, your backpack scraping on the floor.

((I don't know, I think you can do pretty well in a fight if you use your powers creatively. And have luck on your side, of course. Remember your fight with miss Whipknife Sharksmile?
Unfortunately, luck is currently not on your side. If that guy had targeted your chest (which he actually had a higher chance of doing) he would probably had been stopped by your armour. Instead he targeted your most vulnerable body part.
Or maybe it is, if you're a glass half-full kind of guy. At least you're not dead (or even worse permadead) yet.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2014, 06:56:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

Probably should defend the incompetent yobs, yes. Prioritize on nudging them toward the exit while keeping them from getting stabbed by enemies. Help whichever is in more danger - probably Nikolai if River's just going to talk gibberish in his direction and not actually help, but maybe Alan if that's not the case.

To Zechariah: "Hey, you mind helping me with corralling these people to a safer place? They seem very confused about a couple things. Like how fighting the legions of doom when they're surrounding you and also very numerous is a terrible fucking idea."

Seriously, get these people to move to safer hallways once they're not getting stabbed in the neck or whatever.

To other people: "Hey, guys, fighting the legions of doom when they're surrounding you and also very numerous is a terrible fucking idea! You all really should be leaving now!"

The octopi on the swordsman attacking Nikolai glow red for a second and subsequently fall off him onto the floor limp and unmoving, the swordsman following them there soon after, but not before he manages to seriously injure Nikolai in the leg. River gets over there and starts dragging Nikolai back towards the others.

However Nikolai's scuffle seems to have attracted the attention of other things around the room that are now making their way towards him and his rescuer, who doesn't appear to be in the best state to fight. For one thing, he looks like he's barely able to stand. And for a second thing he only has one good arm to use for dragging Nikolai, the other one being mostly limp, barely holding on to Nikolai's shoulder and bleeding moderately.

So you reckon it's time to rescue the rescuer! Let's just hope there's no need to rescue the rescuer of the rescuer, because at this rate we'll run out of rescuers.

You keep running until you make your way to the two and stand in front of them as they retreat, ready to intercept anything that approaches. Which happens to be two of those creatures, at least for now. You wait for them to strike, easily evade their strikes and then counter-attack, slicing one of them apart and cutting off more than a dozen of the other one's tentacles, an action which seems to persuade it to keep its distance as you continue retreating.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 28, 2014, 11:10:28 pm

Campaign, Alan

Hmm. What kills octopi in their natural habitat?
...
I know!

Summon lawnmower! Rideable variant if possible.
Begin assaulting octopi with lawnmower.
Utilize lawnmoser as escape vehicle.

As the group starts running towards the gate, you call forth the power of the lawnmower.

It appears that the power of the lawnmower is much more easily brought forth than the power of the fridge. In fact, perhaps it comes too easily. Five lawnmowers are fired out of your hand, one after another, each preceded by a flash of purple light and a pop, like some sort of very weird gas-powered machine-gun. Your targets try to dodge, but only one manages to accomplish that, getting clipped and only loosing some tentacles, the rest becoming yellow stains.

However there are still some coming for you. But that is not very alarming, since Irene can probably take care of that. The more alarming thing is that one of your lawnmowers hit one of those red slabs in the wall on the left of the door. It appears to have cracked, much like a sheet of ice. And now it's leaking light. Very bright light. And the cracks are spreading.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 08:39:42 pm

"Fine, lets move then. to the hallway."
Move with group, probably to the hallway, but if they go somewhere else I'm sticking with them.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 29, 2014, 06:49:54 pm

"Assuming I can focus on the shields around the portal, I will have range. It'll be harder for me to construct other shields, however. As long as we can do this quick, I'll be able to manage it."

Maintain the shields and talk.

((I'm going to assume that your previous action holds and that you don't just want to stand around in the middle of the room, you want to follow Irene's group.))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2014, 05:13:55 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

"Here comes the hard part!"
If fate is real, then...
don't damage my flame-sources, the burning door, piles of burning debris, etc, but recall the rest of my flames to form a ring around us, then have the ring expand, tendrils of flame lashing out at any octopi / slaves near us.
"We have to stem this tide, both for the sake of the people here and so that we won't have to push through them when we return. This portal has to close before we leave here. If Zech can keep that portal blocked long enough for us to clear the room, we can smash the tablets it is using as a power source and shut this thing down. For now we might want to move to a corner so we can restrict the directions they can attack us from, but there's no point too leaving since things are probably worse outside, especially with those big things floating about and no overhead cover! If we secure this room we can make a controlled, much safer, advance!"
I cannot afford to fail...
...
...
I wonder if Zech...

Everyone
Irene's group starts making its way towards the door, Irene and Zechariah easily clearing the way without much trouble. They manage to make it halfway there before the slab Alan hit seems to reach its breaking point, the cracks spreading too far, the slab unable to contain the tangle of energy inside it. The light coming from it keeps getting brighter until it becomes blindingly bright. Zechariah makes a sweep with his staff, trying to strengthen his shields to protect the group but he's too late. There's a wave of heat, an explosion that causes the structure to rock, testing your balance. The structure rumbles as pieces of it are lost.

When the light disappears and the rumbling stops, you take a look around, blinking, trying to get the afterimage of the explosion out of your retina.

Nikolai, shaken back into full consciousness by the explosion and the pain, feels a burning sensation on his right side. A quick inspection reveals that there's red hot piece of rock embedded in his armour. He prods the piece with his knife to remove it and stop it from further heating his armour. He notices that he has stopped being dragged. Glancing upwards, he sees that that's because River is currently on the floor.

Ike continues to be inexplicably fine. He is uninjured, on his feet, his upgrades making sure he gets no burns and that his sight continues to be unhindered. The worse thing that has happened to him today so far is probably getting parasite blood on his hair.

Irene feels intense pain on her left arm. She manages to suppress the pain and focus on standing her ground and maintaining her ring of fire, preventing the flames from being displaced by the explosion. A quick look reveals a small gash on her arm that is bleeding moderately.

Zechariah's already damaged eyes don't appreciate the sudden burst of light, but other than that, he is mostly fine.

Theri is surprised by the force of the sudden explosion and she falls backwards, rolling for a couple of metres.

Alan just stands there, wondering why everything he does tends to end in overkill. Probably. Maybe. Or maybe he's just wondering why the octopuses are doing a firework show. It's hard to tell with that man. For all I know, if the tower starts shaking because it is collapsing, he might think it's music and start dancing to the rhythm.

Speaking of octopuses, many of the ones near the slab appear to be dead, while the ones in the rest of the room look very agitated.

In other news, part of the wall and floor near the site of the explosion has collapsed. Looks like some of the pieces have reached the surrounding alcoves, causing small cracks to form on some of the surrounding slabs. If they cause a similar reaction, then that poll might not be so wrong after all...

And to continue this string of pleasant news, one of those yellowish creatures comes through the portal. And then another. And another.

But hey, at least it's not as bad as the other mission?

Quote from: Tiruin on November 29, 2014, 07:39:58 am

((Hooooo, reading up now guys!))

"Irene. I do not like this."

Ready up stance; wish I had handwrap for the oncoming fistfight. Wonder if I can get a weapon to wield or get up close to perform surgical strikes.

Good news is, your teammates managed to stop the parasites before they could get close to you, so you didn't have to fight them.
Bad news is, in doing so, your teammates caused an explosion that injured some of them and possibly started a catastrophic chain reaction. You were pushed backwards and away from the others as a result but were unharmed.

As for weapons, you could probably use that small utility knife that's in your backpack or you could search around for a sword.
Or you could tear some of your spare clothes to create handwraps.
You'll cause more damage with a weapon but are overall better in combat when unarmed since you have unarmed combat training, so it really depends on what kind of enemy you're facing.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on November 29, 2014, 12:54:27 pm

Survival, Bryan

---

"I feel like we should avoid that place, there seems to be a whole bunch of people that aren't happy with us.  If we grab a car it would only make us more noticeable. I'll leave that decision up to you, and I'll stand by your decision either way.  Both choices have their merits and drawbacks."
Follow John's lead, remain cautious.

Follow the leader it is.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 29, 2014, 01:45:56 pm

Survival

"Indeed, it is as he says. I shall follow thy decision."

Do as John does.

Follow the leader intensifies.

Quote from: Toaster on November 29, 2014, 09:53:01 pm

Survival


"Right.  Let's keep moving."


Keep moving.  Surely there's another not-broken vehicle somewhere on this blasted island.

As you half-walk half-roll down the street, your teammates trying to follow you (and not being very quiet), you imagine yourself taking part in a car advertisement. "John. He doesn't follow. He leads."
Seems like a silly slogan now that you think about it. Wouldn't something that leads, aka a prototype, actually be a bad choice if you wanted a good car?
Your thoughts are interrupted as you approach the old police station. The lights are on inside and there are a few cars parked outside. Civilian cars. That's not right. This place was supposed to have been shut down, there should only be a few officers guarding the building and an old evidence locker in there.
The building itself is a long two story thing with a parking lot in front of it and a boat parking lot behind it, all of it surrounded by a short concrete wall with a few guardposts, looking more like a military base than a police station.
As you watch, a shadowy form of a human appears in one of the windows. You can't tell if it's looking at you or not.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 30, 2014, 01:54:08 pm

Survival

Find a gun and an energy drink. Afterwards, see where that group is going, and follow them without attracting attention to my self

Were there energy drinks in 1950s? I think the closest thing you could find to an energy drink would be coffee and there's no coffee to be seen, at least no coffee of acceptable quality. There's a box labelled coffee in a cupboard but you're fairly certain coffee beans aren't supposed to be green. Or moving. Or have bits of fur sticking out of them. OK, best to put that box down slowly now...

And you already have a gun. Did you mean gin? You don't find any gin either. Maybe you want some ammo? We can do ammo. *rolls* Or not. By some insane stroke of unluck, every gun and corpse you choose to check is empty. You give up and approach the little car crash you caused. You try to use your one good arm to lift the car so that you can get to the dead goons and their guns that you are certain have at least some ammo. Unfortunately, you miscalculate and end up trapping your leg under the car. It hurts a bit but fortunately you don't think it's broken.

You think you can hear a rumbling. Maybe it's distant thunder? The skies are looking cloudy, after all. If it starts raining, you'll loose the stock optimist phrase you could say right now.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on November 29, 2014, 11:41:25 pm

"A blue apple? Intriguing..."
Eat the blue apple. Pocket the seeds for later experimentation
"So, I have two questions. Number one, if any of these enhancements include cybernetic body mods, I want the final say on the look of the mod. _{Wait, that was a statement. The next one is a question, though} Number two, what is this 'business' of yours? Any juicy tidbit that you might be willing to divulge?"

You take a bite out of the blue apple. It tastes bitter, like unsweetened chocolate, and a bit salty, a kind of taste that you think would take a very specific... well, taste, the kind of thing that some people would like and some would hate.
"Yes, yes, of course, I understand the need to create your own look and feel, something you like and are comfortable with. Although, to tell you the truth, I try to make my work on my chosen employees... invisible. I see it as a sort of challenge. How much can I modify someone's flesh without the difference showing? Where would be a good place to hide a small extra organ? What kind of additions can I make to your DNA? Can I make nanomachines that mimic blood cells? Or maybe even other molecules?

And, it makes hiding it easier. I mean, if you have to pass through spaceport security, it's much easier to do so when you don't have to convince the guard at the scanners that yes, you do have a permit for that death laser in your eyes. You don't expect us to teleport you everywhere or give you your own private spaceships? Sometimes you may have to move amongst ordinary people, blend with them.

Plus, if I give you all the cool stuff, then you might end up looking cooler than me. Can't have that, now, can I?" He says and chuckles. You're not certain about whether he's joking or not.

You finish eating the apple. The secretary was thoughtful enough to provide you with a napkin. After wiping your hands and mouth, you wrap the seeds around the napkin and put it in one of your pockets. The secretary looks at you but says nothing. A suspicious man might thing that she's either judging you or that the seeds are proprietary and she is recording with her cameras, gathering info for a law suit.

"As for my business... or should I say, our business, since it is something I share... Hm... It's different for each of us, I suppose. We are all in the business of managing things. Managing people, managing worlds. Conquering them, to expand our influence. We each have our own, but we make sure to cooperate. War, after all, is usually bad for business. At least war with each other. We assimilate smaller companies very often.

You could best describe me as the... majority shareholder and the founder of our company. I'm not an elected leader, my position doesn't grant me any power, but then again, I don't need it to.  I have enough power, enough cunning and enough respect to make the changes I need and to stay on top, at least for now. Some of my fellow shareholders plot against me and the group I lead, plus I've been having a bit of an annoyance with a... subsidiary. But I've been doing fine so far. And I have people like you to help me, so it's all good.

But the why... That's what I find more interesting. Some do it for the sake of power, or for what that power can give them. Some do it because of their morals. Some see it as a duty. Some do it because they feel it frees them. Some do it simply because they like it. Some do it in the pursuit of knowledge. And some do it because they simply see it as the best thing to do."

"If you want to drop the business metaphor and just call things as they are, then what we do is that we conquer worlds in a multitude of ways. We become their rulers, exploit them, guide them, protect them, ignore them. Whatever we feel like doing. But in the end, those worlds and their power is ours."

---

Quote from: Yourmaster on November 30, 2014, 07:56:14 pm

Name: Alex Raman
Birthplace: New
Age: 23
Appearance: His body is covered in sleek black and grayed metal plates. His eyes are still human, but they constantly glow green. He has long, artificial hair that is pure white and glows.
Quote: "Fear is a weakness. Magitek has purged fear. Without fear, I am a god."[/glow]
Power: Alex is a magitek cyborg, being a perfect combination of advanced tech and magic. He has superhuman levels of durability, strength, and can copy tech and improve it with magic.

So I assume you don't want the other thing you wrote in that first PM?
And I would just like to inform you that with those bonuses you will be forced to take some penalties as well to compensate, no matter how well you roll in character creation. Is that OK?

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 01, 2014, 08:45:17 pm

Survival

"Okay, fuck this.  I'll just make a damn car.  Everyone back up into an alley; we need some cover."

Back the fuck up away from TrapStation 9000.  Summon a car; just a simple one will do.  Technosense it and make sure it's kosher.  Fix anything that isn't.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 01, 2014, 08:59:23 pm

Campaign

"FUCKING HELL! Is everyone okay?"

Check if River is okay, then check if I'm okay. Apply any bandages or tourniquets necessary. Then pick up my sword and the zombies sword if they're nearby.

What are my options for defending myself and River?
I could try to use my repairing ability on the damaged slabs to stop them from exploding, but there are too many and I can only fix one at a time. It would also require being right next to them. Bad idea.
Try to find a suitably shield-like piece of rubble to hide behind. Hide behind it with River and tsar if there are any more explosions or violence happening.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Wolfkit on December 01, 2014, 09:31:58 pm

((The Xantadice strikes again))
"Fair enough on the visible enhancements. Though if you're concerned about stealth you could always disguise them as regular prosthetics. As I've always said, the best death laser is a surprise death laser.
Interesting job you have. Sounds quite fun. How did you get into the business? I might look into it later."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 01, 2014, 11:55:30 pm

Campaign - Alan Savage! Jaime Hyneman! Together they have over 30 years of mission-fucking experience!

I'm helping!
Hey, anyone know how to stitch blankets together? We should make a parachute and do a badass glide away from the soon to happen explosion.

If people agree with Alan's plan, summon a lot of bed sheets, etc on the ground by our collective feet.

Also a bunch of salt and/or salt shakers with salt in them for Ike.
And hide behind some stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2014, 06:57:52 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Explosions! Kickass, I have to say."

Is this room still comfortably exitable? As in, is the exit standing, or did it collapse already?

Quote from: Xantalos on December 01, 2014, 11:55:30 pm

I'm helping!
Hey, anyone know how to stitch blankets together? We should make a parachute and do a badass glide away from the soon to happen explosion.

"Good thinking, buddy! But first, can you summon a whole lot of salt shakers, maybe? Or just plain salt? Salt seems like a really common thing mostly, right? Plus, snails hate the stuff. Could be good to throw on their ill-protected hides. Also, probably shouldn't use blankets. Try something a bit more durable. Maybe silk sheets could work? Oh, and take cover, you know."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Committing magibabble to memory:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

The other side of the portal smells of what you'd expect, plus sulfur and a curious living thing from an hour ago. Prolly a monster of some sort.

In other news, Darkstar's exposition abilities seem to correlate with the amount of blood in him!

Also, red slabs in room appear to be dangerously volatile.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2014, 04:53:51 pm

Okay!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Yourmaster on December 02, 2014, 04:55:25 pm

Yep to both of those.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2014, 05:48:23 pm

---

Campaign

---

((Short update to clarify some things.))

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2014, 08:59:23 pm

Campaign

"FUCKING HELL! Is everyone okay?"

Check if River is okay, then check if I'm okay. Apply any bandages or tourniquets necessary. Then pick up my sword and the zombies sword if they're nearby.

What are my options for defending Myself and River?
I could try to use my repairing ability on the damaged slabs to stop them from exploding, but there are too many and I can only fix one at a time. It would also require being right next to them. Bad idea.
Try to find a suitably shield-like piece of rubble to hide behind. Hide behind it with River and tsar if there are any more explosions or violence happening.

River stirs, grunts and puts a hand on his head, smearing it with blood in the process.
He looks... He has no new serious injuries. That's a way of putting it. Whether or not he's OK is another matter entirely.
You're fairly certain that if a human had received that kind of injury he'd have fainted and be very close to being dead right now. Along with blood, you notice that he appears to be leaking a very small quantity of dark smoky gas-like thing from his wound that disappears a few centimetres away from it.

As for you, you once again find yourself with a broken leg, with the added misfortune of a wound that is bleeding moderately. Luckily, it's not too deep, so you probably won't die within the next ten minutes. You should probably do something about it.

You've already moved away from the dead swordsman however and you were a bit busy screaming in agony because your leg was broken and your flesh ripped to pick up his sword while you were being dragged away.

The slabs surrounding the site of the explosion seem to have stabilised for now. They have some small cracks and are leaking light, but the effect doesn't appear to be spreading, at least not very quickly. They're probably going to break eventually. Especially the one that resides above the one that exploded. Even though it hasn't been damaged, the rock block that slab is on looks like it's ready to fall down at any second.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2014, 06:57:52 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Explosions! Kickass, I have to say."

Is this room still comfortably exitable? As in, is the exit standing, or did it collapse already?

Quote from: Xantalos on December 01, 2014, 11:55:30 pm

I'm helping!
Hey, anyone know how to stitch blankets together? We should make a parachute and do a badass glide away from the soon to happen explosion.

"Good thinking, buddy! But first, can you summon a whole lot of salt shakers, maybe? Or just plain salt? Salt seems like a really common thing mostly, right? Plus, snails hate the stuff. Could be good to throw on their ill-protected hides. Also, probably shouldn't use blankets. Try something a bit more durable. Maybe silk sheets could work? Oh, and take cover, you know."

Spoiler: IkeNotes (click to show/hide)

There's doors that respond to touch and behave like funny glass bubbles. Behind the one to the left is what can best be described as a dark spider singularity. It seems to mean us harm, which is further evidence of its spidery nature. It has already given Jesus a fire and shockwave-based makeover. Also, the shadows vibrate and absorb sound at the same time.

Jesus smells okay, in other news.

River increasingly reminds me of Ted.

Yellow land octopuses are apparently present and possibly quite dangerous!

Update: yellow land octopuses aren't so bad when you stab them in the center of mass repeatedly and firmly!

The room on the right has a set of four large eggs, surrounded by eight sizable benches and eight not-so-large eggs.

Clearly whoever built this place has a strange fascination with the number four, or multiples of four. This either completely rules out or utterly confirms the involvement of the Nipponese.

I am starting to get slight flashbacks to the start of the previous mission!

Yellow land octopuses can become invisible! Or maybe there's a breed or species of invisible land octopus! May require some breeding to get a clearer picture of their relation. Still yellow on the inside, though! In addition, they appear capable of making mortal mindslaves without any trouble at all.

In addition, people live here. Or humanoids, at least. They seem to have been subjugated by the yellow land octopuses, or octopodes. One's a nice red and purple lady, and the other one's dead as a doorknob.

Also:

Quote from: Ike the Ripper on the ever-mysterious yellow land octopus ssp. yellow and ssp. invisible

Well, the creatures' anatomy is the same. Just a small central part filled with organs with a large number of very thin and long but surprisingly strong tentacles sprouting out of it.

Slicing a tentacle in half, I discover that they lack muscles, which kinda begs the question of how they managed to move them in the first place. Instead, they are composed of four tubes (two large and two small) arrayed around a central part that feels and looks like very flexible cartilage. Around those tubes are very small, almost invisible clusters of black things, (some sort of organ, probably) that correspond with very small dimples on the outside. Maybe they emit something from there? Or maybe it's some sort of sensory organ? Or maybe it's used for camouflage? Or communication? Who knows. The area between the tubes and the skin of the creature feels very mushy and soft, breaking apart easily.

With careful observation, you notice that when the tendril twists, a large number of very small spikes are pushed out of its skin on the inside of the curve. You can't discern whether this is meant to inject something like microneedles or if it is just a means to grapple things and achieve better friction.
A quick inspection of the place the creature wrapped its tendrils around my arm reveals very tiny yellow needle-like things stuck in my skin, although none of them have managed to penetrate it.
An inspection of Nikolai reveals something similar. The fact that his skin has become more red around that area and has started to bruise prevented me from noticing it with casual observation, but he appears to have very tiny holes around the places the creature wrapped its tentacles around him, some of them bleeding slightly. Hopefully he won't start turning into any sort of octoman.

After that, I move to the central part of the creature. A thing of note is that it lacks any sort of visible mouth, eyes, nose, means of excretion or any of the other things I'd expect the central part of a creature to possess.

A large section of the central part of the creature is composed of two sacks, one larger, containing that yellow goo (or white with a whitish tint in the case of the later ones) and the other containing a black substance. Each of them is connected to the tubes that compose the greater part of the creature's tendrils, the black with the smaller ones and the brighter one with the larger one. The rest of their insides are filled with organs, although I can't tell exactly what they do. They have some connections between them, but they don't reveal much. Curiously, while I can identify many organs connected to the bright tubes, none of them are (visibly) connected to the dark ones.

Their insides don't smell so good, especially the ones of the creatures I encountered earlier. Smell like rotten and oil. Now that I think about it, the earlier creatures looked far worse than the later ones. The later ones were more of a whitish yellow than pure yellow, they were slightly larger and their internal organs were in much better shape.

Gee whiz!

In addition, I think Darkstar just sucked out a woman's life force with a straw? Or maybe cracked her like a giant egg from the sound of it.

Smells registered in the wastes outside that wacky teleporter building - copper most prominently, as well as hints of ashes, dust, ozone, basalt, sulphur and the inimitable musk of the yellow land octopus. Lily-livered fellow travelers seem very affected by it.

Other side of the Dark Portal seems to have yet more yellow land octopuses. Doesn't seem like there's green lightning, so that's wonderful. Well, I guess, anyway.

Committing magibabble to memory:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2014, 10:37:15 pm

"I cannot. The field generators..."
He seems to reconsider for a moment.
"Watch." he says and starts transmitting parts of a memory through your pendants to everyone on the team. You can tell it's a memory by the fact that some details appear clearer than others.
It's a picture of the red claw-like thing in front of you, covered with those creatures.
Then it changes, like changing the focus on a camera, and things that you couldn't see before become unblurred, visible.
You can see the inside of the thing, a blindingly bright orange tangle of wavy lines, simple geometrical shapes made out of right angles and  fractal patterns, all blending together without clashing. It looks like the insides of an old wristwatch, all of its springs and gear ready to burst out of them under the tension. Much of it is blurry or incomplete.
<Three elemental types. Incompatible. Unstable. Filled with power.>
The image shifts.
There are thick wavy red lines going from one claw-like thing to the next.
A pulse of light slowly travels through the line until it reaches the claw you are observing. It reacts, the whole thing shining brighter for a moment. It releases another pulse that starts travelling down the lines to the next one.
<Cycle. One pulse drives the next. One is enough to restart it. All pulses must stop at once.>
The image shifts again.
There are white lines running from the slabs in the alcoves to the claw thing, connecting to their back, making it look like many little strings have been tied between them.
<Reserves. More power. In case of loss. Interference. Disruption.>
The image changes yet again.
It's the claw like thing again. But this time only the structure inside it is visible to River's mind's eye, the rest of the image being nothing. Darkness spreads over the structure, obscuring it, matching the spots where details of its structure are missing.
<Shadow. Void. Survival adaptation, modified by this world's magic. It prevents others of their kind from seeing their host. Prevents them from using the same source. But it can also block magic. Probably why they could not close it easily.>
The memory fades.
<It needs to be given the right change, the right sequence, to gain control over this power. So that I can use my element. To break the cycle. I cannot do that with the parasites there. The portal can channel energy through the shadow and stay active, but it is using its reserves, becoming even more unstable. I lack the same ability. I am spent.>

The other side of the portal smells of what you'd expect, plus sulfur and a curious living thing from an hour ago. Prolly a monster of some sort.

In other news, Darkstar's exposition abilities seem to correlate with the amount of blood in him!

Also, red slabs in room appear to be dangerously volatile.

The smoke and heat coming from the burning door are making the approach to the door uncomfortable but not impossible. If the explosion had reached the support column near the corner of the room, that would had probably been very bad. But it looks like the thick walls of this place stopped that from happening. The walls are generally very sturdy and the room is quite large, so the danger of loosing your access to the exit due to collapse is low, at least for now.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map16_zps95023d53.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Swordsman slave
Unarmed man/woman slave
Parasite

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2014, 06:45:22 pm

"Ow!"
my teeth gritted to help me ignore the pain in my arm, I keep moving towards the door, recall all flames, including seed-flames, and use them to clear the area.
"G-get out of there!"
Once the we're all out of the room, start tugging on the flames connected to the portal again, but don't sacrifice control of my fires to do so. All my flames should be kept out in the hallway or near the door, away from the impending explosions.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2014, 07:16:59 pm

"Dammit Art-
...Oh, this still isn't his doing."

I hope not, at least.

Reform my shields and block the portal off again if my shields have dissipated. Also, form the shields around the group again and move with the group out of the room. Basically, do the same thing that I was doing before the explosion occurred.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2014, 07:27:17 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2014, 07:16:59 pm

"Dammit Art-
...Oh, this still isn't his doing."

I hope not, at least.

My name starts with A too!

:D

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 02, 2014, 07:58:20 pm

Campaign

"Ike, help."
Tourniquet River's arm to stop the leaking. Tentacles , or duct tape, or sling might work.

If I can manage to walk, with the help of a teammate, then escape the room.
If not, then try to find a suitably shield-like piece of rubble to hide behind. Hide behind it with River and tsar if there are any more explosions or violence happening.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Tiruin on December 02, 2014, 08:46:54 pm

Campaign

Theri runs off to aid allies in either getting out, or defending them from harm given she was unharmed from the resulting event!
She also tries to stick to the original/optional objective given to her (as said by River at the start of this chapter which I remember vaguely came with letting an item or bag not be destroyed or such)
(also thanks for auto'ing me as of late ._.)

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2014, 02:34:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: NAV on December 02, 2014, 07:58:20 pm

"Ike, help."

"I will!"

Help move the Critically Injured Squad over to the hallway after Nikolai's done with his tourniquet thing. Help him if he doesn't look like he has any idea what he's doing.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2014, 08:31:40 am

Survival

Also slap my catatonic allies until they follow me.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Hawk132 on December 03, 2014, 10:37:09 am

Survival

"Perchance thou might attempt to repairest mine legs?"

Go where John goes.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2014, 11:08:23 am

Survival

"When we get in the car.  Someone else can drive."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Alarith on December 05, 2014, 10:32:07 pm

"I can drive, we heading straight out?"
Hide in alley, if car is summoned get in driver's seat.  While I'm waiting feel with my radar, can I fine tune it to feel any suspicion or curiosity from the station?

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 05, 2014, 11:44:45 pm

((Writing this quickly, sorry if mistakes. Other missions later.))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 01, 2014, 11:55:30 pm

Campaign - Alan Savage! Jaime Hyneman! Together they have over 30 years of mission-fucking experience!

I'm helping!
Hey, anyone know how to stitch blankets together? We should make a parachute and do a badass glide away from the soon to happen explosion.

If people agree with Alan's plan, summon a lot of bed sheets, etc on the ground by our collective feet.

Also a bunch of salt and/or salt shakers with salt in them for Ike.
And hide behind some stuff.

I see only Ike agreeing and the hole leading outside is in the other side of the room, so unless you're planning on opening another hole in the building...

You summon a bunch of salt shakers and stuff them in your pockets. Because why not.

As for hiding, I will refer you to the map. Nothing nearby that could be used for hiding. Not that it's really necessary right now.
Just try not to overshoot and disturb the possible-to-collapse-rock-block the volatile-explosive-thing is standing on or shoot any more important things. I wouldn't like to loose half of my players and an entity in one big explosion.

Thus, I will interpret that action as follow the others and hide in the hallway with them.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 02, 2014, 07:16:59 pm

"Dammit Art-
...Oh, this still isn't his doing."

I hope not, at least.

Reform my shields and block the portal off again if my shields have dissipated. Also, form the shields around the group again and move with the group out of the room. Basically, do the same thing that I was doing before the explosion occurred.

You expand the shields assigned to the portal, adding more of them, trying to block it off completely. It's almost blocked off, but keeping it that way will probably be difficult. The parasites coming through the portal are already starting to push against it, putting their tentacles around the shield fragments. And as earlier experience has shown, it only takes one of them to start a chain reaction that could teleport away a large number of your shields if you are not quick enough.

Some of your shields have cracked or become broken, since they were used to stop some of the shrapnel. You easily reform them. In fact you more than reform them. You make an entire dome around you. Now you can be certain that nothing will get through! Hmm... But it does feel like there's something you're not seeing... Oh well. It's probably not very important. Probably feeling that way because of how everything appears to be trying to blind you. And because that shield is in the way.

All those constructs are starting to tire you a bit. If there wasn't adequate light in this room, then this would be very difficult.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2014, 06:45:22 pm

"Ow!"
my teeth gritted to help me ignore the pain in my arm, I keep moving towards the door, recall all flames, including seed-flames, and use them to clear the area.
"G-get out of there!"
Once the we're all out of the room, start tugging on the flames connected to the portal again, but don't sacrifice control of my fires to do so. All my flames should be kept out in the hallway or near the door, away from the impending explosions.

"Get out of there! It's gonna blow!" (http://youtu.be/LuAW71v_dWg)

You focus on moving forward and destroying anything that gets in your path, making your way towards the door. The shield dome is not helping you see clearly, but you have enough power that seeing clearly doesn't really matter. You finally reach the doorway and the still smoking door. You turn around to face the room, searching for targets through the- Wait a second... Someone is missing!
"Theri isn't with us?! Why didn't you say anything?"
"I'm half-blind."
"And I'm Alan. Nice to meet you Halfblind."

Quote from: Tiruin on December 02, 2014, 08:46:54 pm

Campaign

Theri runs off to aid allies in either getting out, or defending them from harm given she was unharmed from the resulting event!
She also tries to stick to the original/optional objective given to her (as said by River at the start of this chapter which I remember vaguely came with letting an item or bag not be destroyed or such)
(also thanks for auto'ing me as of late ._.)

((No, actually, you're no transporting anything. Unless you take the expression "bring someone to justice" very literally :P))

You get off the warm rock floor and try to follow Irene and the rest, but before you can join them one of Zechariah's walls of light suddenly appears in front of you. You can't stop in time. You bounce off the wall and fall back down again.
You get up again and try to go after them. If you can just reach them and talk to them then they can-
Suddenly, you feel something soft and thing wrapping itself around your tail and pulling it. You loose your balance and fall to the ground yet again. Whatever it is it's trying to drag you away.
You turn around to face the creature that grabbed you. It's a half-burnt parasite that has grabbed you with one of its tentacles. You kick it a few times and manage to get it to release your tail, freeing yourself, for now.

---

Quote from: NAV on December 02, 2014, 07:58:20 pm

Campaign

"Ike, help."
Tourniquet River's arm to stop the leaking. Tentacles , or duct tape, or sling might work.

If I can manage to walk, with the help of a teammate, then escape the room.
If not, then try to find a suitably shield-like piece of rubble to hide behind. Hide behind it with River and tsar if there are any more explosions or violence happening.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2014, 02:34:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: NAV on December 02, 2014, 07:58:20 pm

"Ike, help."

"I will!"

Help move the Critically Injured Squad over to the hallway after Nikolai's done with his tourniquet thing. Help him if he doesn't look like he has any idea what he's doing.

You both stare at River for a second.
"So, he's bleeding."
"Excellent diagnosis! You get 10 points for observation."
"And bleeding is bad."
"Another excellent and quite valid point."
"Therefore, we should stop the bleeding."
"Your powers of deduction truly are astonishing."
"Well, I am a trained cardiovascular respiratory assist technician."
...
"So, shouldn't we do something like a... a medical thing? You know, the one that sounds french? Tourou..."
"Tourniquet?"
"Yes. That thing."
"Well, duh. He obviously needs that thing."
"Oh, good."
...
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Are you going to do the thing?"
"What, me? Oh, no no no, I can't do the thing, I'm too busy handling the other thing. Keeping those parasites off our back. Not to mention I don't have my shaving tools with me."
"Well, I can't do the thing either. I'm hurt. My hands are trembling. It's a delicate procedure after all. Besides, I left my doctoring gloves in the other backpack."
...
"So, you have no idea what a tourniquet is either."
"Not a clue. I just heard them using it on TV once. It was the third thing that came to mind."
"Third thing?"
"Well, the first was 'remove appendix' and the second 'amputate', so..."
"Yep."

((In short, you both failed your medical rolls. And there is nothing nearby you could hide behind. No rubble. Surprisingly, the room is in relatively good condition. Just the site of the explosion was damaged.))

River emits a grunt and gets up. He helps Nikolai stand and move, acting like his crutch and dragging him forward, almost running as Ike covers their retreat.
The creature following Ike tries to attack him again, but Ike is quick enough to jump out of the way. The creature manages to wrap a tentacle around Ike's sword but Ike yanks it free without much trouble.
As soon as he frees his sword, he is immediately hit from the side by an unarmed slave, a man in a plain shirt with two of the creatures wrapped around him. The punch itself is not that strong, he barely feels it, however one of the creatures on the man manages to wrap one of its tentacles around his shoulder.

Ike notices that those parasites seem to be avoiding the parts of the floor made of black blocks.

---

Map: http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map17_zpscce49830.png
River (NPC) -> Black
Theri (Tiruin) -> Turquoise
Irene (Lenglon) -> Orange
Zechariah (DarkArtemisFowl) -> Light turquoise
Ike (Harry Baldman) -> Pink
Alan (Xantalos) -> Red
Nikolai (NAV) -> Green
Swordsman slave
Unarmed man/woman slave
Parasite

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2014, 04:04:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Alan, baby! Try using salt on one of these yellow land octopuses!"

Utilize my knife to slice off the tentacle grabbing me as well as any others that may have the same plan. That's some impoliteness right there, you know. Then focus on getting my good friends out of here.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 06, 2014, 10:42:01 am

Campaign.

Wrap myself and River in the severed tentacle and act like a zombie to blend in while we make our way to the hallway. It works all the time in zombie movies.
Keep my knife in hand and tsar-stab anything that attacks us.

And try to remember the fine art of tourniqueting.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Salsacookies on December 07, 2014, 10:56:40 am

Survival

Just follow that John guy for a little while. Look around for things of interest. Try to figure out who I'm walking around with

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 07, 2014, 04:03:11 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

!!
I look around and do a rapid head-count.
Me, Zech, Alan... still missing Ike, Nik, and River, and now missing Theri too... this is getting really, really bad.
I shape some of my flames into a wall at the doorway, to be lifted whenever allies need to pass through it, then send out the rest into the room again, striking down as many of the squid-things as I can and looking for my missing teammates. If/when I spot them, then I attempt to clear any parasites from their immediate area and clear their escape.
Not much time...

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Tiruin on December 07, 2014, 04:48:26 pm

Campaign
((I do muchly recall River asking us all something something backpack at the start of this :I))

That...was close. Light wall. Light wall. Must move to the shadow. Where light falls but under cover. Light wall, dear goodness.
Come, memory, recall.

Where are you River!?

Search for any shadowy area and move there--obviously in the direction of my allies; focus on evasive maneuvers and moving to aid any allies left. Ponder in the seconds separating me and them of what I may distinctly do to aid given my prowess.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 11, 2014, 10:50:35 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 01, 2014, 08:45:17 pm

Survival

"Okay, fuck this.  I'll just make a damn car.  Everyone back up into an alley; we need some cover."

Back the fuck up away from TrapStation 9000.  Summon a car; just a simple one will do.  Technosense it and make sure it's kosher.  Fix anything that isn't.

You back up into an alley between two warehouses and find a place good enough to summon a car. You close your eyes and start concentrating on what features it should have, how it should all be connected. Cars may seem deceptively simple to most people, but one like you knows that even the simplest of cars in the modern sense of the word is a very complex machine. Even something simple like a motorized wagon would need quite a lot of parts to make. And you'll need something more than simple if you are to get out of this place quickly.

Worst of all, you have to get everything just right. The amount of oil has to be just right, the fuel-air mixture has to be just right, the voltage in the spark plugs, the timing of the pistons, the calibration of the brakes, the alignment of the steering wheel, the tension of the drive belt... Not to mention what would happen if you got a flawed part and ended up with something like an obstruction in a fuel line.

You do your best to imagine the machine in all its intricacy, every piston, every wire, every bolt, muster all the strength you can gather and then release, hoping that your ability will compensate for anything you might have forgotten. Or that it will at least keep working long enough for you to get out of this god forsaken island. Parts of the frame start appearing out of thin air and assembling while you try to maintain your focus and guide the assembly process.

The assembly moves along quite quickly despite the complexity. At this rate you'll be done in less than five minutes. Maybe even quicker than you built that cannon.

After a while, you have most of the frame done, wheels, some of the interior and a good part of the engine. It looks a bit long, the engine being noticeably larger than the passenger compartment. The way your ability works give it an appearance best described as scaly while the giant engine make it look like something Cruella Deville would drive.

All you have to assemble now is the rest of the engine and assorted components, wires and electrical bits, along with non-essential things like the exterior, windscreens, lights, mirrors, seat stuffing, etc. That is, if you want to wait for them.

Let's just hope nobody interrupts you.

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 03, 2014, 10:37:09 am

Survival

"Perchance thou might attempt to repairest mine legs?"

Go where John goes.

Legless golem. (http://youtu.be/SUtziaZlDeE)
Legless golem.
Crawls wherever mechanic man goes.
Repair his legs?
No he can't.
No he can't, cause he's making a car.
Wait foooor
mechanic man.

Quote from: Alarith on December 05, 2014, 10:32:07 pm

"I can drive, we heading straight out?"
Hide in alley, if car is summoned get in driver's seat.  While I'm waiting feel with my radar, can I fine tune it to feel any suspicion or curiosity from the station?

While John works, you close your eyes, open your mind and focus on feeling the emotions of everyone around you.
The old police station is too far away from you to sense properly. You sense... something from it, but you can' tell for sure. You're not even sure how many people are in there. It's really faint and all mixed up. There's an entire city out there. All the psychic energy coming from the station is being drowned by the background noise. You're lucky you can even sense anything at this distance.

But you keep an open mind, just in case. For a while, the only thing you can sense is John concentrating on his car and Saevus worrying about his legs.
But then you pick up on a feeling. And then another. And another. Overall, you think there's at least 7 of them out there, maybe more. Their feelings are mixed. Some feel mostly fear, others anger, others anticipation, others curiosity, but all of them feel a mixture of the above, or so you think.

They seem to be approaching from the east, the direction you came from, not from the station, which is south. You can sense them spreading out, splitting in three groups moving parallel to each other, going through the block. They are probably searching for something. One of them is moving towards you. They're about 30 metres away now.

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 07, 2014, 10:56:40 am

Survival

Just follow that John guy for a little while. Look around for things of interest. Try to figure out who I'm walking around with

You start walking towards where John went. Currently you are walking alone, since you stayed back to search for stuff. ((You were also a bit behind on time, but now you're synchronized again.))

As you round the bend on the main road close to the old police station you notice something a bit alarming. There's a group of 4 people walking on the sidewalk, moving away from you, checking the alleys as they pass by them. You notice the glint of a revolver in the hand of one of them. Maybe they're searching for your teammates? Another is carrying a shoulder bag stuffed with something, the third is carrying something that looks like a very long briefcase and the fourth and last has a very bulky-looking backpack.

Whoever they are, they don't look like they've seen you yet.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on December 01, 2014, 09:31:58 pm

((The Xantadice strikes again))
"Fair enough on the visible enhancements. Though if you're concerned about stealth you could always disguise them as regular prosthetics. As I've always said, the best death laser is a surprise death laser.
Interesting job you have. Sounds quite fun. How did you get into the business? I might look into it later."

"Hm. Yes, I suppose I could do that. Maybe you should remind me when it's time for your enhancements. I'll see what I can do."

"Anyway, about how I got in the business... It's a long story. Let's just say there are two ways to earn that kind of power. Either a god gives you part of its power for whatever reason or you kill a god and consume it to gain its power. Well, three ways actually, you could possibly become a god on your own overtime, but that's never been done to my knowledge. Could also be other methods, but they'd need very specific circumstances. I won't expand further because I don't want to turn this into one of the Spanish Inquisition's lists."
The screen behind him changes to show three men in nice red uniforms. Is one of them wearing pilot goggles?
"Anyway, I think you can guess which method I used.
Oh, and when I say god, of course, I don't mean that in the literal sense. It's just a convenient word. I mean I'm-... "
There is a pause for a couple of seconds, as if he is considering something.
"Hmmmm... Let me ask you this. What's your opinion on magic?"
The screen behind him shows a classic magician's hat and magic wand.

Quote from: Yourmaster on November 30, 2014, 07:56:14 pm

Name: Alex Raman
Birthplace: New
Age: 23
Appearance: His body is covered in sleek black and grayed metal plates. His eyes are still human, but they constantly glow green. He has long, artificial hair that is pure white and glows.
Quote: "Fear is a weakness. Magitek has purged fear. Without fear, I am a god."[/glow]
Power: Alex is a magitek cyborg, being a perfect combination of advanced tech and magic. He has superhuman levels of durability, strength, and can copy tech and improve it with magic.

Okay then, one more question. The copy tech thing.
Is it "copy tech" as in you "consume" a device and can then alter your body to have a somewhat altered copy of it on your body?
Or is it more like whenever you start using a certain device, you can enhance it to perform better by half-merging with it?
Or do you stick pieces of technology on you and have them work?
Or do you create improved copies of objects?

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on December 06, 2014, 10:42:01 am

Campaign.

Wrap myself and River in the severed tentacle and act like a zombie to blend in while we make our way to the hallway. It works all the time in zombie movies.
Keep my knife in hand and tsar-stab anything that attacks us.

And try to remember the fine art of tourniqueting.

In these dark moments, moments of despair, where everything seems lost, when everything depends on you, it is at this moment that we seek comfort in the memories of the past. That we reflect upon ourselves and seek that inner power, the power to do what's right, to change the world, to choose our destiny.
Your life flashes in front of your eyes. You can see it clearly now. All your life has been building up to this moment, preparing you for this.
You know what you have to do. You procure your sling and start groaning, a groan that soon turns into a shout, a primal cry transmitting your message of fury to the heavens. With one swift motion, you rip River's clothes off of him and shred them to pieces that disperse in the wind that has started to pick up around you.
The blood coming out of River starts mixing with the darkness in him, twisting, turning, taking the form of a hideously deformed dragon baring its teeth at you, threatening you with breaths of darkness, trying to scare you. But you feel no fear. It can do nothing to you. Because now you have true power. Ultimate power. Unlimited power.
The sling starts glowing as it transforms due to the power you channel through it. You swing it at the monstrosity like a whip, its tip distorting reality as it cuts through the ether around it. It hits with the sound of thunder and the crackle of electrical sparks. The monster screams as it is cut in half, banished back into whatever alien dimension it came from, its form never to blight this world again.
With a pause for a deep breath and another shout, you throw your sling at River's arm, where it warps around it. You begin working on tying it.
An aura of light surrounds you as you work faster and better, angelic choirs singing in your ears, accompanied by epic rock music.
With the final knot tied all the accumulated power inside you blasts outwards, creating a cloud of dust and throwing everyone but River away from you.
That was it. You did it. The power of tourniquetting was inside you all along. All you needed to do was believe in yourself and the power of the Heart of Tourniquets.

At least, that's what's going on in your imagination. In reality, you simply apply a tourniquet to River after removing his coat and backpack. It's good enough to stop most of the bleeding.

((Never say I failed to provide a convoluted over-the-top description for a mundane event. See Harry's part for less silly things.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 06, 2014, 04:04:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Alan, baby! Try using salt on one of these yellow land octopuses!"

Utilize my knife to slice off the tentacle grabbing me as well as any others that may have the same plan. That's some impoliteness right there, you know. Then focus on getting my good friends out of here.

You reach for your knife using your other hand, your speed making the delay irrelevant. One upward slash with your knife frees your other arm. Another slash with your sword stuns the slave and makes him stumble backwards. Then, a dual stab with knife and sword, hitting both parasites on the slave, pushing the backwards and on the floor, dead. And finally, you duck to avoid a wave of fire, making it look like a taking a bow. Being quick sure does pay off. Or at least it looks cool.

The fire forms a line in front of you, forcing the parasites to stay away. Looking back, you see a similar sight behind you, a line of fire, keeping the parasites away but also blocking your progress. It looks like Nikolai has taken the opportunity to start applying a tourniquet to River while you wait for the wall to open.

River raises a hand to Nikolai while speaking privately to both of you using his comm-Pendant.
<Do not bother. This body will not last long. Even if you saved me, carrying me when I am weak like this will only slow you down and put you in danger.

So I will use the strength I have to make sure you have a clear path, make sure you are safe. Because if I do not, I fear Irene's bloodthirstiness will slow you down and cause more problems. She seems intent on agitating and killing every last one of the Parasites. Keep an eye on her.>
He turns to face Ike.
<Help Nikolai. Bring him to safety.
After my body perishes, make sure one of you retrieves my Soulsphere. Keep it safe. I do not want to die.
I trust you the most. When I am gone, I give you all of my authority, for all it is worth. Take good care of your companions.>
When Nikolai is done, he gets up and starts walking towards the centre of the room.
<My target is east-south-east of here. I do not know what the best way to get there would be. Search for maps. Explore on your own. Ask the locals. Whatever you wish. This was supposed to be about you, after all.
I should have regenerated enough to at least be able to talk to you in a couple of days at most. I know you can take care of yourselves until then.>

<And whatever you do, make sure nothing bad happens to Theri.>

Quote from: DAF:autoaction

I'm going to be nice and assume you break apart your shield into smaller chunks so that Irene can see more clearly and Theri can join you.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 07, 2014, 04:03:11 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

!!
I look around and do a rapid head-count.
Me, Zech, Alan... still missing Ike, Nik, and River, and now missing Theri too... this is getting really, really bad.
I shape some of my flames into a wall at the doorway, to be lifted whenever allies need to pass through it, then send out the rest into the room again, striking down as many of the squid-things as I can and looking for my missing teammates. If/when I spot them, then I attempt to clear any parasites from their immediate area and clear their escape.
Not much time...

You can see Theri. Looks like she fell behind for some reason. Now she's making her way towards you. But one of those things is following her. You reposition fire into a wall formation behind her to force it to stop before you target it for annihilation. That's good. Looks like Theri will be fine.

Next you see Nikolai and River emerging from behind on of those claw-like things covered in parasites, River helping Nikolai hobble forward. Looks like they will be surrounded soon. You do a similar thing with them, forming a wall around them to protect them while you "dissuade" the parasites from approaching. That done, you create an opening for them to get out while you work on clearing the rest of the way.

It looks like Zechariah's portal shield is about to collapse. A few parasites have slipped through gaps in it, pushing at the weak points, widening them. Some of the shield fragments have shrunk a bit. And more parasites are arriving. Probably all the ones that were following you.

<I need a clear shot.
Zechariah, target the parasites on the Field Generators. Do not damage the generators. Just get the parasites off them.
Irene, keep them off me. Burn me if you have to. Only if you have to.>

Quote from: Tiruin on December 07, 2014, 04:48:26 pm

Campaign
((I do muchly recall River asking us all something something backpack at the start of this :I))

That...was close. Light wall. Light wall. Must move to the shadow. Where light falls but under cover. Light wall, dear goodness.
Come, memory, recall.

Where are you River!?

Search for any shadowy area and move there--obviously in the direction of my allies; focus on evasive maneuvers and moving to aid any allies left. Ponder in the seconds separating me and them of what I may distinctly do to aid given my prowess.

((River provided you all with backpacks that were essentially filled with camping supplies, so that you could survive in the wilderness. They would had been necessary if your team had chosen the other path which was more slow paced exploration and less fast paced combat. In that path you'd have to use them until you got to a town or similar. Now that you are near civilization though they are not as necessary. Although they could probably come in handy later.))

You roll away from the hostile creature, get up and start making your way towards Irene and the others.
The best you can do right now is probably stay with Irene and the others to protect them. Their abilities seem to be much better suited for dealing with this.
You could probably also help with Nikolai's broken leg once he gets here. Maybe you could even ask to borrow his sword, since he doesn't seem to be able to use it right now.

As you reach Irene and the rest, you hear the voice of River in your mind.
<I am sorry. I have to break my promise. You will have to travel alone for a while.>
<Stay safe. Enjoy this world. I will talk to you soon.>
<I am sorry.> he repeats.
It he saying... goodbye?

---

OOC
Sorry for the delay. Had to study. And my mind feels like it can't concentrate on anything.
On the plus side, I've started writing a new mission information bit that will give you more info on the entities and brush the surface of their relationships. I'm about halfway done with it. It will also tie in with a modification of the upgrade system that allows you to get a semi-random upgrade by selecting an entity and a combination of symbols that I have started working on and will hopefully be ready by the end of the Survival mission.
Just so you don't think I've wasted all my time partying or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 11, 2014, 10:55:06 pm

((I'm really sorry for not posting this turn, I was busy this entire week and somehow missed the turn. I'll get my action up in the morning.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 11, 2014, 11:08:57 pm

Alan snaps out of his fugue.

Uh. What are we doing again?

((Sorry, thought I posted.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 11, 2014, 11:51:35 pm

((This update brought to you by the [abbr] tag))

Survival

John grunted.  This was much harder than expected- would have to remember that.

"Just... a bit... longer..."

Keep it up.  Don't forget to check it over when it's done.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 01:38:10 am

((I need to know what exactly I heard and saw from River, because it affects how I react to him. If I figure out that he's planning on self-sacrifice then I have a post already written up and ready to go. If not...))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Yourmaster on December 12, 2014, 06:15:46 am

I consume the devices and alter them when merging with me.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Wolfkit on December 12, 2014, 06:51:41 am

"Ah! Well, I'm a firm believer that everything can be explained by science. And magic is a phenomenon that science is currently unable to explain. So, as a mad scientist, I would be positively delighted to find an instance of magic! I could be the first _true scientist to properly study it to explain it using science, to recreate it's effects with science and technology, to use it to blow up something large to showcase that mad science is the superior school of science, _{The list goes on and on...}"

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Yourmaster on December 12, 2014, 07:09:07 am

"How long until I get to get onto the field? I haven't even cut somebody today."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Hawk132 on December 12, 2014, 08:00:40 am

Survival

Time to do the some of the things legless golems are best at. Keeping watch. And waiting. And blasting fools into space, if they're in range.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 10:57:46 am

Campaign, Ike!

To River: <Well, that's certainly a touching revelation, or at least a statement of disastrous incompetency about a few of my teammates! What's your soul sphere look like, though, just in case? Wouldn't want to accidentally pick up some unusually shiny debris and leave you to die, you know!>

Get visual ID on Theri. Does she look immediately endangered? If yes, disendanger her to the best of my ability.

If not, get Nikolai over to the rest. Keep an eye out for Irene getting up to any funny business. If she starts anything River seems to protest to, give her a hearty leg sweep from behind to dissuade her of any interference.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 01:38:10 am

((I need to know what exactly I heard and saw from River, because it affects how I react to him. If I figure out that he's planning on self-sacrifice then I have a post already written up and ready to go. If not...))

((All of the outright sacrifice talk was said to Ike and Nikolai privately, for what it's worth.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Salsacookies on December 12, 2014, 12:40:07 pm

Survival

Keep an eye on them, but also see if there's any place I could go to so that I could fix my arm up a bit more. Kinda annoying to not be at full potential.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 12, 2014, 01:08:41 pm

((No wrapping us in tentacles then pretending to be a zombie to blend in? Aww. Oh well, it would have ruined the mood and probably not worked.))

(Talking later, out of time now.)

Continue being carried around by more competent teammates.
If I can reach Zech's shield then Tsar + repair it to strengthen it and give him much more light crystals to work with.
If Theri asks for it then lend her my sword.
If anything directly attacks me then kill it with a tsar stab with the knife.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 01:43:56 pm

Campaign - Confused Alan

I guess I'll just dissuade these salesmen.

Fire bleach from one hand and lemonade from the other at any octopi or slaves that get this close.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 01:45:15 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 01:43:56 pm

Campaign - Confused Alan

I guess I'll just dissuade these salesmen.

Fire oversized frying pans at any octopi or slaves that get this close.

"Use the salt, Alan! Use the salt!" Ike shouts from afar in a theatrically faltering voice.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 12, 2014, 01:46:02 pm

((Bleach is a common household item.  If you can summon it and ammonia-based cleaner...)

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 01:52:02 pm

((I don't know, but I assume explosions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2014, 01:57:53 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 01:38:10 am

((I need to know what exactly I heard and saw from River, because it affects how I react to him. If I figure out that he's planning on self-sacrifice then I have a post already written up and ready to go. If not...))

((You heard the order he gave you and Zechariah and you probably saw his body language as he was talking to Ike and Nikolai. I suppose you could ask him or Ike what's going on. Or Tiruin could tell you about it. I feel bad preventing you from using your work.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 11, 2014, 10:55:06 pm

((I'm really sorry for not posting this turn, I was busy this entire week and somehow missed the turn. I'll get my action up in the morning.))

((Relax. You're busy. I understand. RL comes first.))

Quote from: Toaster on December 11, 2014, 11:51:35 pm

((This update brought to you by the [abbr] tag))

((Hey, it could be worse. I could had used parentheses instead of abbr and made it even harder to read.
Sometimes my mind gets stuck and starts using a certain thing constantly. Like that time I wrote a post where almost every sentence started with "also".

Anyway, in my mind 1950s tech cars are very complex and hard to do, harder than cannons using futuretech. Maybe I'm wrong.))

Quote from: NAV on December 12, 2014, 01:08:41 pm

((No wrapping us in tentacles then pretending to be a zombie to blend in? Aww. Oh well, it would have ruined the mood and probably not worked.))

((I assumed healing takes precedence. Plus Irene is keeping you safe for now. You can try it this turn, if you want.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 01:45:15 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 01:43:56 pm

Campaign - Confused Alan

I guess I'll just dissuade these salesmen.

Fire oversized frying pans at any octopi or slaves that get this close.

"Use the salt, Alan! Use the salt!" Ike shouts from afar in a theatrically faltering voice.

"Alan, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?" (http://youtu.be/grJtXD_c9HU)

Quote from: Toaster on December 12, 2014, 01:46:02 pm

((Bleach is a common household item.  If you can summon it and ammonia-based cleaner...))

((Oh dear. Don't give him ideas. He'll roll a 7 and blow up the entire floor in a cloud of toxic vapour.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 10:57:46 am

To River: <Well, that's certainly a touching revelation, or at least a statement of disastrous incompetency about a few of my teammates! What's your soul sphere look like, though, just in case? Wouldn't want to accidentally pick up some unusually shiny debris and leave you to die, you know!>

<I do not know. This has never happened to me. Dying, as River.
Probably spherical. And black. You will know when you see it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 01:59:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 12, 2014, 01:46:02 pm

((Bleach is a common household item.  If you can summon it and ammonia-based cleaner...)

((How about bleach and lemon juice?))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 12, 2014, 02:43:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 12, 2014, 01:57:53 pm

Anyway, in my mind 1950s tech cars are very complex and hard to do, harder than cannons using futuretech. Maybe I'm wrong.))

((Depends on your definition of "car" as well as "complexity."  A 1954 Thunderbird (http://images.gizmag.com/hero/3849_07.jpg) is going to be more mechanical and far less electronic than a 2014 Corolla (http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/oU/2014-Corolla-03-de.jpg).  If you decide that electronic parts are harder than mechanical ones in terms of my power, then an older car is going to be notably easier.  If it's the same complexity for the two parts, the difference won't be as large, but I'd assume the earlier car is still faster due to less safety equipment and electronic parts such as automatic door locks and the like.

That said, if we define car as loosely as possible and only concern ourselves with the engine, transmission, wheels, and body, leaving out power steering, radio, A/C, and all that fancy stuff, it'd be quite a bit simpler.

Since I didn't specify that and just asked for a "car," I think a two turn summoning time is quite justifiable.



And giving Alan ideas is my solemn duty.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 02:48:25 pm

((TIME FOR ALAN TO SELL SOME LEMONADE))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 03:14:21 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

"River, you're pretty hurt. Please just get back here where we can help you. Zech and I can handle this."
send the majority of my flames to form an very intense area just outside one panel of Zech's shield wall.
"Zech, Take down the shield in front of my fires, let them funnel themselves into it.
the remainder I use to keep the team defended as best as I can.
if the wrong panel goes down or they all go down at once or whatever, then spread my flames out and still try to catch them with my area-targeted ability whilst they're all clustered in a small area.

---

((Probably going to have to spread this turn over multiple posts, but I can post this much without hearing River's response.))

---

edit: just to be clear, this isn't everything I want to do/say this turn, however my follow-up depends on River's response or lack of response.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2014, 05:39:06 pm

Campaign

Zechariah whirls around, using his ears more than his eyes to sense the surrounding area. With his instincts going hand-in-hand with logic, he moves the shields around to make way for Lirian while trying desperately to protect the group and the portal at the same time. He's not doing his best at the moment, but he's also had worse performance. Much, much worse performance.

Pendant, River: <I'm on it!>

"I understand. Get ready!"

Focused power needed now. Maintain the portal's shields and keep them tight, while using the Shadows to pull the creature off of the Generators. Finally, open a hole in the shield directly in front of Irine to allow her to attack from her front.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 12, 2014, 07:15:10 pm

"River, don't you dare die! Not after I used my good sling to tourniquet you."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2014, 12:46:12 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 03:14:21 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

"River, you're pretty hurt. Please just get back here where we can help you. Zech and I can handle this."

<I can not. Helping me is useless. I have to do this. I need to know you will be safe.>

Quote from: NAV on December 12, 2014, 07:15:10 pm

"River, don't you dare die! Not after I used my good sling to tourniquet you."

<Your slightly selfish concern is noted. Your help is appreciated. It will make this easier.
But I can not run away. I will not be able to protect you. I am as good as dead. I have already burnt all the strength I could spare. More than I could spare.
I will not stand and watch as you get hurt. I will not let them hurt her. I will not die laying on the floor, unconscious. Not when a friend needs me.
Better to fight. Better to risk death in battle.
This is the best choice.>
Well, he seems intent on dying. You could probably still bash him in the back of the head and drag him with you if you really want that sling. Or just ask for the sling back. If he's going to die anyway, you might as well have your stuff back, right? Maybe you could even ask for his pants, so that you can make a spare sling. He won't be needing them. Sure, some may call you a vulture for that, but you'll know you're just being a realist. A survivor.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 13, 2014, 02:18:21 am

I'm not going to take a dying person's tourniquet away. Nikolai may be a bit selfish, but he's not a sociopath.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 13, 2014, 02:47:04 am

Irine, Campaign

---

"River! Get back here! No need for drastic measures! This is a siege, the type of fight that I'm strongest in! We need you to guide us, your knowledge of this world is critical! Just give me time!"

---

"River, when the portal changed to draining the slabs, that put a time limit on how long it will last. Once we're all safe I'm going to try to make them detonate, and that should stop our pursuers and clear the room all at once. Then we can tend our wounds and learn more about this place our prey is hiding in, help avoid any other traps it laid in its wake. Also, we need to talk about what we've seen and how that changes our mission. I don't want to keep secrets from my friends."

---

If River seems intent on self-sacrifice despite all this:
"River! If you get yourself killed I'm telling them everything! I'll... I'll..."
I turn to look at Theri, then back at River.
"I..."
I look at Theri again, then back at River.

---

If River STILL is intent on self-sacrifice
-PM sent-

---

((and I really do hope that my final set of Ifs don't trigger.))
((Oh, and the "everything" is something that people can learn OOC simply by reading back, however thus far Irine has kept it a secret.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2014, 04:03:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2014, 02:47:04 am

"River! Get back here! No need for drastic measures! This is a siege, the type of fight that I'm strongest in! We need you to guide us, your knowledge of this world is critical! Just give me time!"

---

"River, when the portal changed to draining the slabs, that put a time limit on how long it will last. Once we're all safe I'm going to try to make them detonate, and that should stop our pursuers and clear the room all at once. Then we can tend our wounds and learn more about this place our prey is hiding in, help avoid any other traps it laid in its wake. Also, we need to talk about what we've seen and how that changes our mission. I don't want to keep secrets from my friends."

---

If River seems intent on self-sacrifice despite all this:
"River! If you get yourself killed I'm telling them everything! I'll... I'll..."
I turn to look at Theri, then back at River.
"I..."
I look at Theri again, then back at River.

"Oh, will you stop? Even if he dies, it's gonna be for a few days at most as long as we don't cock up the retrieval. You're being overly dramatic here, as well as severely overestimating your abilities. So take a chill pill and let the guy have his fun! Maybe he'll accidentally close the portal, too!"

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 13, 2014, 09:53:32 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 13, 2014, 04:03:44 am

"Oh, will you stop? Even if he dies, it's gonna be for a few days at most as long as we don't cock up the retrieval. You're being overly dramatic here, as well as severely overestimating your abilities. So take a chill pill and let the guy have his fun! Maybe he'll accidentally close the portal, too!"

Ignored.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Alarith on December 14, 2014, 09:01:27 am

Bryan, survival

---

To every team member nearby: <We've got a group of seven 30 meters out. I'm not sure about their intent, but with how things have been going I wouldn't trust them. I suggest taking cover.>
Find the best hiding place in the alley, start focusing for my telekinesis, and aim my gun towards the entrance the men are coming to.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Coolrune206 on December 17, 2014, 10:14:06 pm

After a long leave of me being lazy, I'm back. Paris, what is the situation my character is currently in?

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 20, 2014, 12:14:56 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 12, 2014, 10:57:46 am

Campaign, Ike!

Get visual ID on Theri. Does she look immediately endangered? If yes, disendanger her to the best of my ability.

If not, get Nikolai over to the rest. Keep an eye out for Irene getting up to any funny business. If she starts anything River seems to protest to, give her a hearty leg sweep from behind to dissuade her of any interference.

Well, Theri is not in danger right now (although that may change soon). And I assume you don't want to just let Nikolai fend for himself just because River and Irene are having a disagreement. Then again, this may change soon.

You keep dragging Nikolai, almost reaching the group by the door (about 5 metres away).

Quote from: NAV on December 12, 2014, 01:08:41 pm

Continue being carried around by more competent teammates.
If I can reach Zech's shield then Tsar + repair it to strengthen it and give him much more light crystals to work with.
If Theri asks for it then lend her my sword.
If anything directly attacks me then kill it with a tsar stab with the knife.

Ike helps you hobble, at the same time dragging you with incredible speed, so much so that it causes you some pain as your broken leg bounces on the floor a couple of times. The pain is extreme but you use a few loud words to keep yourself conscious.

You've almost reached the group by the door. And then you're hit on the head by a heavy plastic bottle. Ouch! Guess we're going to have to add possible concussion to the list of injuries.

Feels like you've spent the entire mission being seriously injured. For some reason, you feel that Zechariah might sympathise with you.

Speaking of injuries, you should probably do something about your leg unless you want to bleed out.

The shield is near the portal and I assume you don't want to be there right now due to the number of nasty tentacles currently occupying that location and your inability to walk unaided.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 12, 2014, 05:39:06 pm

Campaign

Zechariah whirls around, using his ears more than his eyes to sense the surrounding area. With his instincts going hand-in-hand with logic, he moves the shields around to make way for Lirian while trying desperately to protect the group and the portal at the same time. He's not doing his best at the moment, but he's also had worse performance. Much, much worse performance.

Pendant, River: <I'm on it!>

"I understand. Get ready!"

Focused power needed now. Maintain the portal's shields and keep them tight, while using the Shadows to pull the creature off of the Generators. Finally, open a hole in the shield directly in front of Irine to allow her to attack from her front.

((Fun fact: This is the second time someone has confused Theri with another of Tiruin's characters.))

Working on three things at once is too much. And the fact that those octopi are somehow making controlling and powering the shield harder isn't helping. You just can't focus enough and you're starting to feel more tired.

You try to reposition the fragments you use for protection to the portal shield, both to reduce the number of things you are doing and to make reinforcing it easi- Ouch! Who's throwing those that small plastic slightly glowing... lemonade bottles? The momentary distraction is enough to cause the shards you are moving to crash to the ground, breaking many of them.

Despite that, you are able to reinforce the wall around the portal and keep it steady, for now, closing some of the gaps that have formed on it. You also open Irene's hole.

You are left with zero concentration with which to work on River's orders. The scant shadows in this room won't respond to such feeble, fluttering thoughts.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 12, 2014, 03:14:21 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

send the majority of my flames to form an very intense area just outside one panel of Zech's shield wall.
the remainder I use to keep the team defended as best as I can.
if the wrong panel goes down or they all go down at once or whatever, then spread my flames out and still try to catch them with my area-targeted ability whilst they're all clustered in a small area.

You push most of your fires towards Zechariah's hole.
Perhaps you do it a bit too forcefully, as some of it goes through the hole and into the portal. But the majority stays in front of the hole, blocking it.
The parasites are not as unintelligent as you might think. A few rush through the hole, a few more are pushed into it by others shoving them but after a while they stop trying to get through, instead focusing on other weak points and holes in the shield.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 12, 2014, 01:43:56 pm

Campaign - Confused Alan

I guess I'll just dissuade these salesmen.

Fire bleach from one hand and lemonade from the other at any octopi or slaves that get this close.

Quote

this close

((THIIIS close? (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/MEMES-pope-caught-a-fish-THIS-big_zps3e42bb6c.jpg)))

You put your arms forward and focus on the two things you want summoned. Nothing happens.

You exhale audibly and raise your hands in the air in exasperation as you-
Wait, why are there so many purple flashes suddenly coming from above? Fireworks? Sky adverts?
Oh dear, delayed reaction!

You cover your head as various bottles rain down on the surrounding area.
Some of them actually hit a few octopuses! Yay!
But they also hit some teammates. Whoops.

What's worse, the two ingredients aren't mixing, because it turns out plastic bottles don't break very easily.
Damnit. Foiled by childproof containers yet again.
Although a few of them are now on fire, so they may end up mixing once the fire eats through the container.

Good thing Zechariah's shield isn't there anymore, otherwise you'd end up with flaming bottles of poisonous chemicals bouncing on it and falling on you and your teammates.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 13, 2014, 02:47:04 am

Irine, Campaign

"River! Get back here! No need for drastic measures! This is a siege, the type of fight that I'm strongest in! We need you to guide us, your knowledge of this world is critical! Just give me time!"
<What do you know of war? Have you ever fought in one? Have you seen people you know disappear in a moment for no reason other than luck, knowing you will never see them again? Have you stood in battle, hoping the enemy kills someone else and not the people you care about? Have you been forced to retreat and leave people you know behind to die? To choose to save one or another? Have you ever faced a situation that made you feel completely worthless, unable to help the ones you care about? Unable to even help yourself? I am trying to spare you from this.>
<I am sorry. I cannot go back.>
"River, when the portal changed to draining the slabs, that put a time limit on how long it will last. Once we're all safe I'm going to try to make them detonate, and that should stop our pursuers and clear the room all at once. Then we can tend our wounds and learn more about this place our prey is hiding in, help avoid any other traps it laid in its wake. Also, we need to talk about what we've seen and how that changes our mission. I don't want to keep secrets from my friends."
<That... You do not know if that will work. The magic is strong. Unstable. You could kill us all.>
<I know what I have to do. This is necessary. Why can you not trust me? Help me?>
"River! If you get yourself killed I'm telling them everything! I'll... I'll..."
I turn to look at Theri, then back at River.
"I..."
I look at Theri again, then back at River.
River pauses for a moment.
<You would... betray me? Betray my trust? After I...>
He lowers his head for a second but keeps walking.
<Do so if you must. It will change nothing now. Only cause more pain and problems.>
I swallow, look back at Theri, then once more at River.
"I-i-i-I'll bur-er-er H-hurrrt Theri! I'll..."
<What?!>
He spins around to look at Irene, mouth open, eyes wide, ears forward, completely still, like he just got punched in the gut.
<Y-You would not do that.>
I take a deep breath and my eyes harden, glaring, hard, at River.
"I-I keep my promises River. And whatever y-you do to yourself, I'll do the closest I can. to the same. to her. If-If you hurt yourself, you... I'll. I'll hurt Theri."
<Why? She- You...>
After a moment he lowers his head and takes slow, unsteady steps towards you.
<I thought you were... I trusted you. I asked you to help. Help them.>
His head, ears and tail are all low. He looks defeated.
<You betrayed me. Lied to me. Used me.>
He stops walking.
<You are the same. Honourless. Spiteful. Traitor. I should had trusted my instincts.>
He clenches his still working fist. The air around it distorts and darkens. He lifts his head to look at you with completely black eyes, snarling.
<I͏ ̷will͞ ̵not̷ ͞le̸t̡y͢o̕͠ų̸ ͜͏h̢҉͟u̴r̷t̡͝͞ḿ̨͘͜y҉͜͠ ̴̡̨͠͠f̶̛r̷̴̛̀̀i̶̸͝͝e̸͏͟͏͏n҉̛͞d͘s҉̷̡͟!͘͞͏>
Despite the emotion in them being intense, the thoughts grow distorted, quieter, until they go completely silent.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 11, 2014, 11:51:35 pm

Survival

John grunted.  This was much harder than expected- would have to remember that.

"Just... a bit... longer..."

Keep it up.  Don't forget to check it over when it's done.

You're done with the most important bits. Assuming you don't want things like exterior or lights, you could stop.
Oh, and you might want to have Bryan drive, given that the rest of you are suffering from a lack of arms and legs.

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 12, 2014, 08:00:40 am

Survival

Time to do the some of the things legless golems are best at. Keeping watch. And waiting. And blasting fools into space, if they're in range.

I pity the fool who walks in the range of my bling-arm-gravity-gun-thing.
You do your best to be a lookout, considering you are a legless, slightly glowing suit of metal armour in a dark alley made of concrete.

Quote from: Alarith on December 14, 2014, 09:01:27 am

Bryan, survival

---

To every team member nearby: <We've got a group of seven 30 meters out. I'm not sure about their intent, but with how things have been going I wouldn't trust them. I suggest taking cover.>
Find the best hiding place in the alley, start focusing for my telekinesis, and aim my gun towards the entrance the men are coming to.

Best is ambiguous. It could mean a place you'll be hard to spot, or it could mean a place you'll be hard to hit. Let's go with the second thing.

You walk up to Saevus, stand behind him, draw your pistol and lean against him.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"
"What? You're armoured and conveniently placed. Something would have to go through you to hit me. Plus, you're so big I thought-"
"Wait a sec. Are you calling me fat? Just because I'm not organic it doesn't mean I don't have feelings, you know."
"No, no, I'm just saying. I mean look at yourself. If I was inside you-"
"Wow, wow, wow, buddy. Hold your horses. I'm really flattered but I'm not the kind of armour that does those kinds of... things. Not that I have a problem with it, I'm not racist or anything. I'm friends with lots of armours that do that have those kinds of... preferences. I'm just not into that.“
"Oh, sorry. No offence, but you look to me like the kind of armour that would like being worn."
"What? No way. If I was into wearing, I would definitely be the one wearing things, not the other way around. Not that I'm into wearing things. Well, except for that one time. But that didn't count! I was young and drunk and it was a rainy night! I was afraid I was going to rust! You understand, right?"
"Uh huh."
"Don't you 'uh huh' me. And besides, I don't think someone your size would be able to wear me."
"Hey, it's not the size that matters. It's how you use it."

A bearded man holding a baseball bat comes around the corner. You look at him. He looks at you. You sense mostly fear coming out of him. You also sense 3 more coming from behind him, a bit perplexed.

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 12, 2014, 12:40:07 pm

Survival

Keep an eye on them, but also see if there's any place I could go to so that I could fix my arm up a bit more. Kinda annoying to not be at full potential.

The place where you go to fix a hole in your body is called a hospital (or a less-than-legal practitioner of medicine), where you stay until the doctors fix everything and you have recuperated. Unless you know someone who can magically heal your arm or if you are carrying any health potions.

You follow the men at a safe distance. They keep walking for a while until they reach a particular side street. There, they set their stuff down and begin preparing.

The one with the revolver keeps watch while the rest prepare.
One of them starts assembling something that looks like something between a rocket launcher and a rifle with pieces he takes out of his oversized briefcase. A small tube with sights and trigger, not large enough to fit a rocket but larger than a rifle and with holes on both ends.
The other procures a telephone headset, attaches it to his backpack with a wire and starts talking into it. Probably a radio.
The third looks at the contents of his shoulder bag and shifts around nervously.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on December 17, 2014, 10:14:06 pm

After a long leave of me being lazy, I'm back. Paris, what is the situation my character is currently in?

Bad.
You are currently in the sewers, being attacked by a monstrous creature of darkness. See here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5840418#msg5840418) for more info.
You are a cat, quite a bit larger than a cat should be.
You are a bit behind in the time-line.
At this point you're probably better off just getting out of there and flying away to complete the mission.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on December 12, 2014, 06:51:41 am

"Ah! Well, I'm a firm believer that everything can be explained by science. And magic is a phenomenon that science is currently unable to explain. So, as a mad scientist, I would be positively delighted to find an instance of magic! I could be the first _true scientist to properly study it to explain it using science, to recreate it's effects with science and technology, to use it to blow up something large to showcase that mad science is the superior school of science, _{The list goes on and on...}"

"Yes! Exactly!"  the voice comes through the speaker enthusiastically. The screen behind him displays a green checkmark on a black background.
"Humans require cause and effect, because they need to know how they can change the world. How to... blow things up?"
You can tell from his voice that he is smiling as he says that last sentence.
"Even if true magic exists, something that does not follow causality, something that could not be explained, most would try to explain it anyway. Because knowledge is power, knowledge gives us control. Even false knowledge, like attributing an event to things like spirits or magic gives us a feeling of safety."
"But sometimes you say 'magic' instead of the proper term for a thing because it makes wording easier, because it makes explaining them easier, because you want to hide how it really works or maybe because you don't have an explanation yet."
"For example, even though I have no communication equipment there, no cameras, nothing, I know that someone I... know is dying. Even though he is an incredible distance away, even though he is trying to stay hidden, I know, because we are linked. Our souls are linked. Which is a much easier way of saying it than talking about entangled states, tunnelling, overmind entities, multidimensional system architecture and universal barriers and networks."
"If someone is curious, then they can always study, experiment and learn."
"Anyway, I think this interview has dragged on for long enough. Is there anything else you'd like to ask or say before I make my final decision?"

---

OOC
"Pleasing everyone is impossible. Infuriating everyone is easier and far more amusing."
   --Someone
I think this applies to Zechariah and Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 20, 2014, 12:26:20 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Brilliant! Drama! It's what makes the world go around!"

Fetch a few of those bleach bottles. The nicest-looking ones in reach, mind you, not those Brand X ones that always fare poorly in the commercials.

Then surreptitiously guide the willing (or captive in the case of Nikolai) of the party out of the room (at least the members of the party not in clear view of Irene) while Mom and Dad work out their issues.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Coolrune206 on December 20, 2014, 12:32:57 pm

Morph to a large hawk, screaming a cry of rage at the oncoming creature, hoping to startle it. Then, flick around, and start flying around towards the way out.

Now I'm glad I had that training session with that weird entity that was the hawk. I'm used to flying through narrow bits!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Alarith on December 20, 2014, 01:25:09 pm

Bryan, survival

---

"Sorry man, I didn't mean anything by that."
To the dudes from around the corner.
"Hello there"

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 20, 2014, 02:10:26 pm

"Shit, Rover, what's the deal? I dunno what whatserface wants to do, but if there's one thing I've learned its that you have horrible judgement. Take a chill pill! That or the plentiful lemonade I've summoned everywhere.

Summon a large burlap sack/sturdy garbage bag. Keep Spot Rover distracted with rambling of the above kind while I sneak up to him and get him into the bag. Then drag it to safety.

((I'M HELPING))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 20, 2014, 04:00:49 pm

I stand there and watch River with wet eyes, refusing to evade, block, counterattack, or look away.
"Don't die, ok?"
I perform three tasks with my flames:
1) I maintain a defensive perimeter around the group, keeping any parasites off us.
2) I have my flames near the portal back away and then suddenly rush back towards it, catching any parasites that advance in their wake.
3) I protect River and any others out away from the group from any threats that come for them.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 20, 2014, 04:25:00 pm

((Flip, I didn't even notice, haha. I guess I was tired when I wrote that.
..then again, when am I not tired?))

Campaign

Zechariah gritted his teeth, his mind becoming frayed from too many tasks compounding themselves on him at once. He was a Medium, sure, but that meant he drew power from the people around him and their spirits, as well of the spirits of the natural world. However, if he could not take care of himself also, then there was no point. He was just as useless as a twig.

He had to keep up his fighting spirit, but he also had to know his limits. He would burn himself out far too quickly if he kept trying to become more than he was capable of.
This would seem to be a recurring problem for Zechariah. It's as if he is an addict to the pain that he experiences when he stretches himself too far.
A masochist, he is.

At any rate, he was far too preoccupied with his work to listen carefully to the words that were being thrown around by River and Irine. He could tell there was strife, but he couldn't focus himself too much on the argument. He could only pray that the two of them would keep themselves together long enough to have the group escape without anyone dying.

"Irine, I'm going to have to drop some of the protective shields. I can't manage so many energy sources and hardlights. Just keep the perimeter safe until I can help River with what he needs!"

Lose some of the shields protecting the group and refocus the power to maintain the portal's shields and draw on the Shadows to pull the parasites off of the Generator.

He seriously hoped that this would not endanger the group, but even he was human..

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Wolfkit on December 20, 2014, 08:06:52 pm

"Don't think I have anything else to say, though if I recall correctly you wanted to see this."
Take the red apple and set it on the desk in front of me, then pull out my clipboard and use it to create a laser to cut the red apple into slices

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 20, 2014, 09:28:47 pm

Survival

Yeah, better finish it up.  Makes us safer and less conspicuous.

"Just a second longer... Bryan, you better drive..."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 21, 2014, 12:54:01 am

"River's not even really dying. Why don't we let him do his heroic sacrifice thing? It is better than killing teammates or carrying a useless unconsious person.

By the way Zech, if you need a power boost send your crystals this way. I will give you more crystal to use. More crystal is always good, yes?"

Continue encumbering Ike.
If I get to relative safety then bandage my leg and neck to stop the bleeding.
If Zech sends a crystal over then give it a boost.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Hawk132 on December 21, 2014, 06:07:45 am

Survival

Blast any hostile\projectile that comes into the range of my bling-arm.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Alarith on December 21, 2014, 08:48:36 am

Bryan, survival

---

to everyone again: <I don't think these men are a threat yet, I only sense fear and confusion>
Head next to the almost finished car and be ready to leave at a moments notice.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 22, 2014, 05:56:13 pm

---

Entity Challenge

---

These are mission briefings for the entity challenge mission choices.

This is in reverse. Instead of choosing a mission and then seeing its briefing, this time I'm showing you the possible briefings first. There's not too much info here, but it should help give you a better idea OOC about some things.

It's not yet done, but I thought I should write what I have. Consider it a holiday present or something.

Spoiler: Single (click to show/hide)

• Burn my shadow away
  Opponent: In this scenario you will be facing an avatar of the entity you refer to as Charlie. The avatar you will be facing is capable with both melee and ranged weapons, although he lacks extraordinary skill with either. He does not possess any inherent weapons, armour or supernatural abilities in this scenario, thus he will be limited to whatever his environment provides. His preference for theatricality, playing with his enemies and his belief in his capacity for victory under any circumstance lead to wasted opportunities and severely limit his efficiency. When fighting, he avoids danger and tries to set things up so that his victory is guaranteed, relying more on outsmarting and misdirecting his enemies than on beating them outright. Victory will require more than just combat prowess.
  Difficulty rating: 9
  Arena: The images show a large room on the three top floors of a skyscraper, the tallest one in the cityscape. The skyscraper appears to be made from modern materials, nothing too extraordinary. From the outside it wouldn't look like much more than an office building. The room itself is made out of wood and ecru walls and lit by dim orange lights and the city lights coming through the window that makes up one of its sides.
  The centre of the room is dominated by what looks like a miniature Mayan pyramid made out of brown and grey stone pieces. On the flat top of the pyramid exists a holographic projection of Earth made out of red light. The pyramid is surrounded by small desks with computers on them. There are red banners with the image of a black arrow hanging from the walls. There are also three doors, one on each wall, each leading to other rooms. The one on the left has a wooden sign that says "Armoury", the one on the right has one that says "Security" and the one on the north is unlabelled.
  There's also an image of the Armoury there. It contains racks filled with mostly modern weapons and armour. Knives, machines pistols, assault rifles, kevlar vests, all of them in mechanized racks that seem capable of retracting to the floor. There are also some things that do not fit amongst them. Some things that could be called relics (katanas, medieval armour sets) and some things that don't look like any weapon you've seen before (one of them looks like a fishing rod, another like a yo-yo with blades). There's even a couple of exosuits there.
  ARROW headquarters in Earth-6, also known to the public as Diana Investment Group. Now those guys had style. Controlling governments, collecting artefacts, reverse engineering alien technology... This is just a replica I made from memory and reconstructed a bit. Removed the people from it. Changed the armoury to add some of my favourites. Removed all ways to go down except jumping out of the windows. Made a few... personal additions. Generally things to make the battle more fun. More fun for me, at least.
   
  
• Technosteel
  Opponent: I asked S0 to use an early prototype S0 unit for this fight, since it kept proposing things like putting you in a mile long corridor with him as a laser rifle on the other side or turning into liqu-
  It was the most efficient option.
  We're supposed to give them a chance.
  They had a chance.
  *sigh* Anyway, like I was saying, it's a prototype with debug output enabled, so that should give you an easier time. It is quite capable with melee and ranged weapons and has heavy armour and powerful weapons with limited ammunition and durability. Its mobility is limited but it is capable of short bursts of rapid movement and limited flight. It is a ruthlessly efficient fighter. Expect no mercy.
  Difficulty Rating: 10
  Arena: The images show a large room made out of shiny metal and white plastic. There's only a single, airlock-like door leading out of the room. On the other side of the room there are dark windows showing a dimmed view of the outside: Dark grey skies. A steep mountain side covered in snow, with snow-capped fir trees occasionally jutting out of it. A small valley at the bottom of the mountain side, surrounded by rocky mountain peaks, probably similar to the one this room is standing close to.
  The most interesting feature of the room is that around the room there are pairs of straight, single-edged blades with very simple coloured plastic handles embedded in sockets on the floor. There are also circular things on the floor that look like the faces of your interfaces but larger, each of them displaying a simple coloured symbol, each of them with a pedal next to it.
  Hello and welcome to Siberia Russia, Earth-25. It is as usual a cold and snowy evening here in Krasnoyarsk Testing Facility for potentially dangerous substances. This small facility is made out of interconnected modules resting on a mountainside, ready to slide down to the isolated valley below in case of accident. It contains just the bare essentials for survival and testing, so don't expect anything fancy in it. The module you'll be starting in is the entertainment module, modified to be larger and contain all the ammunition and weapons your opponent might need. This facility has also been modified to support 'magic', since S0 has a habit of purging the worlds he controls from all things 'supernatural'. Be sure to enjoy the view of the surrounding wilderness as you are lying on the cold metal floor, bleeding to death.
   
  
• Razorback
  Opponent: In this scenario you will be facing the being known as River. He is a mediocre magic user, focusing mainly on his innate abilities, but he is capable of performing any magic adequately if given enough time. He possesses great strength, melee combat skill, natural weapons as well as the capacity to withstand severe physical harm. He prefers to use the shadow, to use his abilities to ambush, sneak attack and attempt to wound, using fear as a weapon, trying to separate his enemies and force them into a one on one fight, where he will hold the advantage and use his abilities to become even more powerful.
  Difficulty rating: 6
  Arena: The images show a cave with a large entrance, large enough to fit a truck. It's a very spacious cave, with varied pillars of stalagmites and stalactites adorning it. There is a chasm with a naturally formed bridge a few dozens of metres away from the entrance.
  You can see bright light coming from the outside. Said outside looks filled with leaves and plants, with only a small path leading away from the entrance.
  This place... I made some of the most important hunts of my life in this place. Now I shall hunt you here. The shadow and the jungle shall be my allies. I am eager to test my skill against you.
  This is not a nice place. Be sure to watch your step. If you aren't careful, the environment can be more dangerous than your opponent.
   
  
• Sunkissed
  Opponent: In this scenario you will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Stellar. The avatar is an average magic user and skilled with melee weapons and shields. She is also capable of limited flight and possesses low level armour. Her preference for defence and non-lethal combat may lead to wasted opportunities and severely limit her efficiency.
  Nah, don't listen to that. She'll burn you alive if you give her a reason. Not to mention what I'm goi-
  Difficulty rating: 7
  Arena: The images show a sandy beach that stretches for a couple of kilometres in either direction, where it ends in a small rocky hill. The sea is calm and the skies are clear blue. There's a small ruin a couple of dozen metres away from the sea, made out of marble blocks and columns with intricate decorative carvings. Further in the distance the beach gives way to a small village, a sparse collection of single or two storey old houses, most of them with a small garden. Behind the village is a small hill, barren and brown except for a number of olive trees and a few thorny bushes.
  It'sa the shoresa of Italia. Mama mia, magnifico, eh? Let'sa go hava some fun on the beach and eat some magnificently fatty food. Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
   
  
• Shoot to Thrill
  Opponent: Yes, it's the moment you've all been waiting for, the bestest guy around these parts, me!
  You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Roger D. Drake. This avatar focuses mainly on heavy melee weapons, meaning he is good all around, with an extra focus on strength and endurance. In battle, he attacks with overwhelming force, looking for a quick kill. He is also not averse to using trickery, unfair fighting and causing disorientation. His propensity for fooling around may lead to wasted opportunities and limit his efficiency.
  Difficulty rating: 8
  Arena: The images show a dark room with what looks like a circular stage with a radius of about a dozen metres in the centre of the room. It is connected to a rectangular stage at the end of the room with a small ramp. There are a great many people surrounding the stages. At the end of the room opposite to the stage there's a small booth with a DJ board and assorted electronic equipment. On the left of the stage is a small bar and on the right an exit with a few burly men in black suits standing in front of it. The entire room and especially the rectangular stage is fitted with a large number of stage lights, though only some of them are active, painting the crowd with moving beams of colourful light.
  What's a little match without an audience to cheer my awesomeness? Don't worry I'll try not to embarrass you. Too much.
   
  
• Valiant
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Icarus. The avatar is a jack of all trades, focusing on both melee and ranged weapons. He also possesses high speed flight and moderate armour. His preference for non-lethal combat and occasional childlike behaviour may lead to wasted opportunities and limit his efficiency.
  Difficulty rating: 7
  Arena: The images show a relatively small room with a bridge suspended over a pit of a red hot molten material that lights the room with a red glow. There are several pipes going down the pit and several obscure and convoluted machines around the room connected to them. There are also some lockers and giant screens around the room and a couple of doors leading out of it on opposite sides. The ceiling is shaped like a dome with a hole near its top through which sunlight enters. There are several metal supports around the room holding the dome up, most of them with a ladder attached to them.
  Ah, going for the standard supervillain base I see? I approve. Let's see how much collateral damage will happen during this 'heroic' showdown.
   
  
• Poison
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Kathryn. The avatar is a skilled magic user specialising in illusion and mind control. She also possesses some skill with melee and ranged weapons. However she lacks any serious advantage in her physical attributes. She fights with her mind more than she fights with her body.
  Be careful. Battles against her are at best frustrating and at worse a confusing, devastated mess.
  Just the way I like them.
  Difficulty rating: 9
  Arena: The images show a long hall made out of black and white marble. On either side of it there are pillars holding up something like a balcony. Behind the rows of pillars and on the walls of the balconies are wooden double doors. In one end of the room there's a grand stairway leading up to those balconies. On the other, there's a wall that has been carved to look like a door. In the centre of the room is a circular wooden bar, much like the one that exists in some libraries.
  The Hall of Mirrors. A museum, a library... A place that holds samples of the beauty and the shadows of the worlds. Don't worry about disturbing its silence. It will be hard to scream with a knife in your lung.
   
  
• Battle with Magus
  Opponent: You will be facing a form of the one you call Scion. An excellent user of magic, her capabilities are limitless. Given enough time, she can do almost anything.
  She possesses some skill with melee weapons. Her chosen melee weapon works well with her preferred use of magic. Her chosen avatar lacks notable physical capabilities. Her temper may cause her to overextend herself.
  Do not underestimate her though. If you do, she will destroy you.
  Difficulty rating: 9
  Arena: The images show a dusty, desert-like landscape with a river canyon cutting through it. Sparse shrubs break the monotony of the brown-red dirt. At one point, the canyon and the river inside it split, forming an island that looks more like a giant pillar. A walled town with a castle on the hill near its centre rest precariously on top of the island. Most of the images show the area near the drawbridge connecting the island-village to the desert outside its walls, a small plaza surrounded by houses made primarily out of grey stone that has been painted slightly brown by the sand.
  Makes you wonder where the hell they found that stone in the first place, given how everything around it is all brown and Grand Canyon-y.
  Maybe it's like the Stonehenge?
  Nah, more likely they traded for it. What other reason to build out there if not for the commerce?
  Magic?
  Religion?
  A post-apocalyptic world where there's valuable oil under the city?
  Impossible. The geology is wrong.
  I really don't think that's what interests our players right now.
   
  
• Aerodynamic
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Saita. She focuses on extraordinary speed, accuracy and melee attacks to the detriment of all else. She is also equipped with light armour that augments her mobility, at a cost. Her preference for non-lethal combat may lead to wasted opportunities and limit her efficiency somewhat.
  He aint' kidding folks. She can kick your ass before you even realise she's there. Don't take her lightly.
  Difficulty rating: 9
  Arena: The images show the gate of what looks like a Japanese castle or temple during night time. It has the build of a castle, sturdy stone walls and smaller buildings surrounding a courtyard and a large, multi-storey central structure. And yet it has all the extravagance of a temple, with colour and decoration making its way everywhere. The outside looks a bit dark, with only the moon and whatever light is coming from the entrance providing illumination to the road leading from the forest to the building complex. Everything has a thin covering of snow, making the environment more visible in the dim light, at the same time blurring out the details by replacing colour with shades of white. More snow is slowly falling towards the ground, sparse snowflakes ready to be carried away by the slightest wind.
  The serenity this mountain fortress offers is very suitable for meditation. It helps one come to terms with what must be done.
   
  
• Come on
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Violet. She focuses on stealth, unconventional tactics, long range weapons and heavy weapons. She tries to keep her distance from her targets. She strives to be an effective assassin, however she may sometimes get distracted or carried away, limiting her effectiveness.
  Difficulty rating: 8
  Arena: The images show a location in a modern city. Apartment buildings, some of them with fire escapes, some stores, a gas station and a pair of tall office buildings surrounded by a small park-like area with a few sparse trees and bushes jutting out of the concrete, encircling a modern art piece. The office buildings are circular, with chrome decorations, clearly very new, clashing with the old apartment buildings surrounding them. The night is dark and starless, leaving most alleys without much light, but the street lamps and the light coming from the modern art piece provide ample illumination to central locations.
  I always liked taking jobs in cities. The urban jungle, as some call it. My marks never knew what hit 'em. And if the authorities ever bothered to investigate, I made sure to leave them a present...
   
  
• Storm coming Fought and defeated
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Nick. This is his original bond-former body and as such possesses most of the species' common strengths and weaknesses. Those are a large size, strength and endurance, with limited mobility. A biological with avian characteristics, he focuses primarily on flying above an area and delivering devastating electricity-based attacks, using his limited weather control to provide cover for himself. He delivers hit-and-run attacks while using his flight capability to increase his mobility. Despite his attempts to utilize them intelligently, the simplicity of his abilities, biological body and lack of notable magical talent leaves him weaker compared to others of his kind.
  Difficulty rating: 6
  Arena: The images show what looks like the site of a major disaster. The ground is grey with ash that is occasionally lifted into the air by wind, creating obscuring grey clouds. There are half-destroyed and collapsed buildings dotting the landscape, filled with burnt furniture, with pieces of rebar sticking out of broken concrete. Fires still burn in some of the buildings. It looks like the destruction originated from somewhere nearby, some kind of crater around which the ground has cracked. Thick dark clouds overhead make everything appear dark, despite it presumably being daytime.
  Hey, what's with all the doom and gloom?
  Cover, mostly. Cover for me, lack of cover for them. Thought about making it like home, but I think the caverns would make it too hard for them.
   
  
• Giant
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Knight. He has heavy armour and focuses on strength, endurance, shields and heavy melee weapons. His obsession with what he considers honour limit his effectiveness.
  Difficulty rating: 7
  Arena: The images show a plaza in an old medieval town, surrounded by rickety wooden houses strewn about disorderly. The plaza is little more than an area that has nothing in it (except dirt). It looks like some sort of fair is taking place in the plaza, since tents of varying sizes have been erected in it and various counters have been set up. The central area has been left clear and surrounded with benches for people to sit on, probably the site of some sort of performance. It's a clear but frigid morning, the kind of day where there is little humidity, when you can see every detail for miles, like the battlements of that giant castle resting on a nearby hill, looming over the town.
  Test your might.
   
  
• The Whistler
  Opponent:  You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as  Rhymerer. Known to cause extreme distortions, mainly spatial and biological. Large and physically capable. Erratic, undocumented behavioural patterns. Highly unpredictable. Recorded instances of extreme violence and sadism. Presumed to be incapable of human-like emotional response and long term planning.
  Difficulty rating: Unknown. Estimated 9 or higher.
  Arena:
  There is no doubt Here.
  You are going to Loose.
  This may lessen your Fear
  I am letting you Choose:
  Choose wherever you Desire
  For this scuffle to Transpire
   
  
• Reign
  Opponent: Razor
  Difficulty Rating:
  Arena:
  
  

Spoiler: Pair (click to show/hide)

• On the prowl
  Opponent: You will be facing an avatar the entity known as Scion and the being known as River.
  Her avatar will posses no skill with melee weapons in this scenario and will be limited mostly to her magical abilities.
  It should be noted that his behaviour in combat changes when fighting alongside with someone he has formed an emotional bond. When such a person is present, he primarily focuses on defending them and making sure they will remain in acceptable condition even if that means lower efficiency and survival odds for him. However when alone he is an efficient hunter that focuses primarily on defeating his enemies.
  While that would normally mean pairing with someone is undesirable given the overall frailty of organic bodies and his lack of armour, in this pairing it is less detrimental. His protection gives her the necessary time and focus to perform magic with even more devastating effect, while she acts as a multiplier, severely increasing their capabilities and survival odds if left unmolested.
  Friction may develop between the two. This sometimes leads to sub-optimal performance, while other times it actually increases their combat effectiveness.
  Difficulty rating: 12
  Arena: The images show a clearing with tall green grass. There's a small lake near the centre of the clearing whose waters reflect the setting sun. The clearing is surrounded by a lush forest with thick vegetation.
  It is great to hunt with you once more. Do you believe this time you will be able to surpass me?
  You insolent-! I'll show you! When this is over and I stand over their burning corpses, I will be the one laughing!
  Oh, then show me.
  I will!
  Oh, get a room you two.
   
  
• Conduit
  Opponent: You will be facing the avatar of the entities known as Violet and Nick.
  He will be using his aforementioned bond-former avatar.
  She will be using an avatar focusing on mobility and melee attacks.
  She will be using the Conduit, a melee weapon that allows her to channel and amplify his power for various uses, including increased mobility, increased damage, short range attacks and alteration of the arena.
  They are good at teamwork and will try to support each other despite their differing combat styles.
  Despite her playfulness when fighting in melee, she manages to maintain most of her efficiency.
  Difficulty rating: 11
  Arena: The images show barren brown rock, surrounded with dark grey clouds that form a large sphere around it. The rocky arena ends in nothingness on three of its sides, leaving only a fall to the clouds and whatever lies beyond them for those who walk there. The fourth side disappears inside the clouds. At the centre of the arena, on an elevated area is a black thing that looks like a mix of a staff and a mace, stabbed into the ground. There are more elevated areas and depressions in the ground, extending symmetrically around that central point.
  Awe-inspiring 
  Stupefying
  This pair is
  Electrifying!
   
  
• Devil's Dance
  Opponent: Scion Saita
  Difficulty rating: 13
  Arena:
   
  
• The Clouds
  Opponent: Roger D. Drake this
  Difficulty rating: 13
  Arena:
   
  
• Necromancy
  Opponent: Kathryn Scion
  Difficulty rating: 14
  Arena:
   
  
• Scarlet Dawn
  Opponent: Roger D. Drake Stellar
  Difficulty rating: 12
  Arena:
   
  
• Breaking Protocol
  Opponent: 10 River S0
  Difficulty rating:
  Arena:
   
  
• Gunmetal Black
  Opponent: Violet this
  Difficulty rating: 10
  Arena:
   
  
• Misunderstood
  Opponent: Saita Roger D. Drake
  Difficulty rating: 12
  Arena:
   
  

Spoiler: Triad (click to show/hide)

The missions here are incredibly hard. The opponents are meant to be OP when compared to low level characters. Do not select unless you are really powerful, suicidal or curious to see how long you'll last.

• Champion
  Opponent: The Architect, the Engineer and the Creator. The three beings responsible for the creation of the games. The first. The advocates of the dark. The Champion triad.
  The abilities of the Champion triad are powerful and are further amplified by their teamwork.
  The being known as Darkstar draws enemy fire by presenting a big slow-moving target and threatening the enemy, for if left unmolested, he is capable of launching devastating ranged attacks. He takes turns flying and engaging in melee combat, trying to keep the enemy occupied and disorganised and the rest of the triad safe. With his standard inorganic bond-former body, his endurance is severely increased. Furthermore, he becomes more resilient with each attack he survives. He is also capable of seeing through most forms of mundane and supernatural camouflage and providing detailed information about things he can see.
  This gives the S0 unit the opportunity to generate energy and create equipment specific to the fight at hand. Once ready, it will engage the enemy with superior armour, powerful ranged and melee weapons and flight capability. It is capable of regenerating from most injuries given enough time, assuming it has enough energy and body left.
  The avatar of Charlie tends to stay close to the S0 unit. He moves with it, requesting equipment and providing support whenever necessary. He may stay back to lay traps or ambushes or pick off stragglers. He possesses limited magical ability he can use to better defend himself or provide support to allies. He possesses limited regeneration. He tends to not engage in combat unless it is necessary or an opportune moment has presented itself, instead working to support the triad.
  
  Difficulty rating: 20
  Arena:
   
  
• Golden Sun
  Opponent: The Queen, the Prince and the Fool. The advocates of the light. Blinded by its brightness. The Golden Sun triad.
  Difficulty rating: 17
  Arena:
   
  
• Zero Two
  Opponent: The Ghost, the Servant and the Witch. The seekers of Silver. The trapped. The advocates of the grey. The Zero Two triad.
  Difficulty rating: 18
  Arena:
   
  
• Stomp
  Opponent: The Assassin, the Knight and the Wanderer.
  The Stomp triad, named for the disruption and noise they tend to cause. This tendency has not abated after their induction to the entities. Even though they are young and therefore not as powerful or experienced as others, the rate at which they have managed to obtain power is the best of their generation. This is evident in their participation in the games, a gamble that could leave them with great power or great loss. Time will tell if this meteoric rise will continue or if they are destined to crash and burn.
  One thing is certain though. Whoever faces them will crash and burn. Literally.
  They are quite capable at coordination, even though their abilities do not provide many opportunities for coordinated efforts compared to most guardian triads.
  Difficulty rating: 15
  Arena:
   
  

Spoiler: Q&A (click to show/hide)

Q: [some_thing]/[some_one] is missing!
A: Probably because I haven't thought of a way to do that thing that I find acceptable yet. Or maybe it's because this is still a work in progress. Still, feel free to mention it or PM it to me, since I might have actually made a mistake.
Oh, and that's not a question.

Q: This briefing does not mention [some_info] about [some_thing]!
A: Well, you can always ask, either IC or OOC (probably better if you do it IC after you select that mission, if you can). I can't write my entire mission notes here, wouldn't be very easy or good. Which is why I may not answer some questions.
I'd also like to point out that that's not a question.

Q: I have no idea what the difficulty rating means!
A: 5 means someone that would give much trouble to a single low-level character.
6 is someone who would probably be impossible to defeat for a single low-level character, unless they had incredible luck and/or the right stats/powers.
9 is someone who would be very hard to defeat for a group of players.
10 is someone almost impossible to defeat for a group of players.
I think you get where I'm going with this.
Do note that they are not based entirely on your opponent's stats and abilities, but also on how their abilities work together, how they work with the environment and how well they are going to use them.
And that's still not a question.

Q: But that means that fights with high difficulty rating are meaningless!
A: Not quite. First of all, all boss fights are balanced at mission start. Your opponent gets some upgrades points to put in stats. The number of upgrade points they get depends on your level and their difficulty rating.
So if you are all high level players and choose a low level opponent, you'll have an enemy that originally has somewhat weak abilities end up with very 'boosted' stats in order to match yours. If you choose a high level opponent, he'll get little or no stat boosts because they'll already have good enough stat bonuses or powerful abilities. Perhaps too powerful.
But there's a second thing to consider: the more powerful the opponent, the greater the rewards you will receive upon victory and the greater your bragging rights.
Also, your inability to ask questions is starting to distress me.

Q: I don't understand why there is need for pair/triad fights!
A: Two things. First thing is that it helps show interesting pairings and combinations of abilities.
Second thing is, it allows for more fun gameplay, since the power is spread between two opponents. It's one thing facing a single character with insanely boosted stats that requires very good actions, specific stats/powers and/or luck to be defeated and it's another thing fighting two characters that have more normal stats but work well together.
It also makes it easier if there is a low level character joining high level ones, since they won't be left attempting things like shooting an opponent with +6 reflex, they'll actually have an opponent they have a good (or at least better) chance of hurting.
And that is once again not a question. Ask questions or I'll have to rename this section to statement and counter-statement.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 22, 2014, 05:58:16 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 20, 2014, 12:26:20 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Brilliant! Drama! It's what makes the world go around!"

Fetch a few of those bleach bottles. The nicest-looking ones in reach, mind you, not those Brand X ones that always fare poorly in the commercials.

Then surreptitiously guide the willing (or captive in the case of Nikolai) of the party out of the room (at least the members of the party not in clear view of Irene) while Mom and Dad work out their issues.

((Oh no! Looks like he's been using brand X! (http://youtu.be/SgCbegtw0JM?t=23s)))

You grab a big litre-sized bottle of bleach (at least, you think it's bleach, the label is not in any language you know) that appears to be glowing slightly before you start shoving and dragging people out of the room. "Come on, people! Get out of the way of the crazy magic user drama argument thing."

The hallway looks much like the other room. It is just a large, wide, angular hallway similar in build to the other room that runs one side of it. It is mostly empty. A curious thing is that it lacks windows, torches or any other method of illumination, making it darker the further you get from the door. And the smoke left here by all those fires is definitely not helping with the visibility problems.

Then again, now that the fire is out, the situation will probably get better. You can sense hot air coming from the end of the corridor and disappearing somewhere through tiny holes in the wall behind you. That must by why it's so comfortably warm up here.

Your superior senses tell you that the hallway is surprisingly empty. There's a couple of parasites and a humanoid you guess is a slave walking around there, shambling towards your general direction, but not much else. You can also sense a... thing in the left wall some distance away, something like a triad of very irregular bumps.

The hallway continues a bit further until it reaches a right turn. You sense that it becomes larger and more irregular there, although you can't tell exactly what is there. A stairway or similar, probably.

Quote from: NAV on December 21, 2014, 12:54:01 am

"River's not even really dying. Why don't we let him do his heroic sacrifice thing? It is better than killing teammates or carrying a useless unconsious person.

By the way Zech, if you need a power boost send your crystals this way. I will give you more crystal to use. More crystal is always good, yes?"

Continue encumbering Ike.
If I get to relative safety then bandage my leg and neck to stop the bleeding.
If Zech sends a crystal over then give it a boost.

While Ike spends his time clicking and clacking at the darkness, you spend yours bandaging the cut in your leg, using some spare duct tape. You do a very good job, considering the materials you're working with. The bleeding has almost stopped.

But it is only a temporary solution. You really hope either River survives so he can heal you properly or that there is some sort of magical hospital around here. Wonder if the entities provide you with health insurance...

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 20, 2014, 04:00:49 pm

I stand there and watch River with wet eyes, refusing to evade, block, counterattack, or look away.
"Don't die, ok?"
I perform three tasks with my flames:
1) I maintain a defensive perimeter around the group, keeping any parasites off us.
2) I have my flames near the portal back away and then suddenly rush back towards it, catching any parasites that advance in their wake.
3) I protect River and any others out away from the group from any threats that come for them.

River brings his hand close to his face, its back facing you, opens it and then immediately closes it.
You feel like there's pressure applied to your body, focusing primarily on your head and chest.
A familiar pain overcomes you. You start to feel sick. Like you want to throw up. Everything is spinning. You can't focus. You can't even stay upright.
The pain lets up for a moment, only for another more intense wave to hit you a moment later. You feel weak. Every movement is hard. You feel like your insides are burning.
You're not sure how much time passes. You start to near unconsciousness. Probably for the best. Unconsciousness means no more pain. No more emotion.
But then it stops. You still feel sick and disoriented, but at least it feels like you're slowly getting better.
Should you open your eyes, you shall see that you have fallen on the floor.
You've lost control of all fires. The only thing that's left on fire is some of the burning supplies inside the room.

((In case you are wondering, you'd normally get both a will roll and an end roll for this sort of attack. I interpreted the lack of dodging as an autofail for the will rolls. You always get End rolls even if you're unconscious, since they are considered to both your and your body's reaction to harm.))

Quote from: Xantalos on December 20, 2014, 02:10:26 pm

"Shit, Rover, what's the deal? I dunno what whatserface wants to do, but if there's one thing I've learned its that you have horrible judgement. Take a chill pill! That or the plentiful lemonade I've summoned everywhere.

Summon a large burlap sack/sturdy garbage bag. Keep Spot Rover distracted with rambling of the above kind while I sneak up to him and get him into the bag. Then drag it to safety.

((I'M HELPING))

((Too bad River can't hear you, because I had a great comeback.))
Dodge doesn't appear very interested in what you have to say. It's like he can't even hear or see you. Much rude. How sad. Wow.

In fact, his refusal to listen to you infuriates you so much you actually manage to run. And nobody is around to see it. That was like a once in a lifetime event and everyone missed it because they're busy doing something else. It's like the first time you walked all over again.

Running takes you there in record time although you are starting to feel a bit tired. River doesn't appear to have noticed you, or if he has, then he is not paying much attention to you. Well, that should make your job easier. Just need a sack.

And you get a sack! Flying at high speed. Out of your hand. Hitting River straight on the head. Throwing him down on the floor.
River whines and clutches at the air before he closes his eyes and his body goes limp. Well, that should make carrying him easier.

But there is a slight problem with that plan. You aren't really strong or quick or dexterous. Meaning that trying to carry him like this will be really slow, barring another stroke of luck (or unluck, depending on how you look at it).
Oh, and there's a bunch of parasites coming your way.
And the portal is acting up. Looks like it's coming towards you.
This is going great![/sarcasm]

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 20, 2014, 04:25:00 pm

Campaign

Zechariah gritted his teeth, his mind becoming frayed from too many tasks compounding themselves on him at once. He was a Medium, sure, but that meant he drew power from the people around him and their spirits, as well of the spirits of the natural world. However, if he could not take care of himself also, then there was no point. He was just as useless as a twig.

He had to keep up his fighting spirit, but he also had to know his limits. He would burn himself out far too quickly if he kept trying to become more than he was capable of.
This would seem to be a recurring problem for Zechariah. It's as if he is an addict to the pain that he experiences when he stretches himself too far.
A masochist, he is.

At any rate, he was far too preoccupied with his work to listen carefully to the words that were being thrown around by River and Irine. He could tell there was strife, but he couldn't focus himself too much on the argument. He could only pray that the two of them would keep themselves together long enough to have the group escape without anyone dying.

"Irine, I'm going to have to drop some of the protective shields. I can't manage so many energy sources and hardlights. Just keep the perimeter safe until I can help River with what he needs!"

Lose some of the shields protecting the group and refocus the power to maintain the portal's shields and draw on the Shadows to pull the parasites off of the Generator.

He seriously hoped that this would not endanger the group, but even he was human..

You already did that. I had you do it last turn by more loosely interpreting your action to make success easier. Yes, I am sometimes nice. Especially when there's a chance it will make a TPK less likely.

Anyway, let's try again.
You continue to fail to utilise the shadows. The good news is that with River K.O., that doesn't really matter.
The bad news is that River and Alan are near the portal.
The worse news is that the wall around the portal is starting to fail. You're pushing as much power and concentration as you can muster into it but it is still not enough. The parasites keep draining the wall faster than you can replenish it.

The ugly news is that the portal has stopped pouring out parasites and is simply getting larger. It engulfs a few of the parasites inside your wall but it looks like this isn't what's driving it. This isn't a chain reaction. It just keeps getting larger. It will reach your wall any moment now.
On one hand, keeping the wall where it is means that all the parasites caught inside it will disappear inside it. But that will also mean that you'll loose all those shields shards and will have to recreate them.
On the other hand, opening the wall will save those shards for later use but will also unleash the parasites inside in the room.

---

OOC
Note to self: NPCs' life expectency appears to be low when near players
Possible solution: Provide armour to all NPCs. Make all NPCs also be PCs scratch that, the life expectancy is even worse
Addendum: Store owners should move inside tanks to prevent (accidental) killing and looting. Look into Sandcrawler modifications.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 22, 2014, 06:14:03 pm

((What was the comeback? I'm curious now.))

Alan looks about and sees the day is dire/
He knows what he must do, it's time to light the fire!
Summon COUCH!
Glorious wheeled couch that will save hiiiiiim/
Awesome couch!
Throw Doggy on the sofa and begin to speed away

((That was set to some sort of rythm in my head.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2014, 06:49:20 pm

Zechariah kept moving around, trying to multitask but failing to do so. The best he could do was try to salvage the wall of crystals, but even then, the wall was diminishing. He had little room to observe his surroundings, but he could see Irine fall to the floor, her fires no longer under her control.

"Irine!" he shouted out to her. This was only going to make things harder, as he no longer had her to provide primary defense against the parasites. He fought his instinct to drop the shields and assist both her and River, and continued to mount the defensive wall, trying to keep the portal from spewing out more monsters.

He began shouting out to his teammates, trying to get them to help him with his endeavors. He wasn't sure if they were even going to listen, but he had to try. "The portal is unstable! Nikolai, I need you to help repair the crystals and keep them strong. After that, I need you to back away or hit the floor immediately. Try to help Irine out if you can. Ike... keep doing what you're doing. Alan, get River out of here  and help Ike move us out of here!"

He had a plan. It was a simple plan, and it wasn't a particularly good one. But it was a plan.

After Nikolai (hopefully) repairs my shields and gets out of the way, manipulate the wall so that it breaks up into sharp, jagged shards. Manipulate the new shards so that they form a maelstrom, spinning around the portal and killing any parasites that dare to touch the spinning shards. If possible, try to manipulate the Shadows to choke the portal, keeping it in a state of neutrality or collapse if I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 22, 2014, 07:00:14 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I slowly roll over and dazedly look around, trying to avoid jostling my head.

If I'm alone, then I curl up and rest my head on my knees, letting myself rest and recover.

If I'm in a room with few parasites and no teammates, then I let my predatory instincts take over, and grab the few flames in the room with me and begin hunting them down.

If I'm in a room with many parasites and no teammates, then I start crawling towards an exit.

If only a few moments have passed and I'm still in time-sync with the rest of the team, then I crawl towards the main group, trying to put a wall between me and the portal and the slabs, once I'm sure nobody is left behind in the room with the portal, I start siezing the fire it's using as fuel and tugging on it, backing it up, making it flow too fast, attempting to rip it away, just generally messing with it and pushing the limits of whatever is fighting with me for control.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 22, 2014, 09:57:45 pm

"Understood."
Get to Zech's barrier as fast as a cripple can. Repair and strengthen it. Then retreat.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 23, 2014, 02:19:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

Take a look inside the portal room again. Is drama still in progress?

If not and nothing challenges the assumptions that immediately follow, fetch bag from Rover's vicinity and bag Irine for safe transportation using the Bag of K.O. while Alan takes care of our kindly host.

If yes or something challenges the assumptions in the preceding action, secure the hallway with sword in hand, like one of them knights!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Salsacookies on December 23, 2014, 08:41:30 am

Survival

Well, keep out of site of those guys, don't want to mess with them, until I head to a hospital and get my shoulder hole fixed

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 23, 2014, 06:57:25 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on December 20, 2014, 12:32:57 pm

Morph to a large hawk, screaming a cry of rage at the oncoming creature, hoping to startle it. Then, flick around, and start flying around towards the way out.

Now I'm glad I had that training session with that weird entity that was the hawk. I'm used to flying through narrow bits!

((It was a crow. And it wanted to teach you how to use your head. Although I guess head-butting things does count as using your head.))

You turn tail and run away as fast as you can, trying to transform at the same time. The thing tries to bit you but you're too fast for that. Its teeth snap at empty air. The transformation works OK, for the most part. You think you might have left a small piece of you behind, but it wasn't anything important.

A minute later, you're flying out of the hole in the ground in front of the Gallery.
The area looks much the same, except that now most of the Gallery is on fire and there are a few more wrecked cars around.
As for ways to get off the island:
You've got the North, with the centre of the island and a bridge and a tunnel beyond that.
You've got the West with the docks and another bridge.
You've got the East, with yet another bridge.
Or you could choose to not follow a terrestrial escape route.

---

Quote from: Alarith on December 20, 2014, 01:25:09 pm

Bryan, survival

---

"Sorry man, I didn't mean anything by that."
To the dudes from around the corner.
"Hello there"

"Uuuuhhh..."
He takes a step backwards.
"Hi?"
He takes a few hasty steps backwards and disappears back where he came from.

Quote from: Toaster on December 20, 2014, 09:28:47 pm

Survival

Yeah, better finish it up.  Makes us safer and less conspicuous.

"Just a second longer... Bryan, you better drive..."

Almost done. Just the roof and the windows left.
Now that I think about it, you might want to skip the roof, make it a convertible. It would certainly make fitting Saevus in there easier, unless you're planning on throwing him in the trunk or dragging him behind you. Or you could just leave him behind, that would work too.
Anyway, consider yourself free to drive away next turn. As in, give me your destination. Just drive out of the alley and towards the nearest bridge (which is the western one)?

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 21, 2014, 06:07:45 am

Survival

Blast any hostile\projectile that comes into the range of my bling-arm.

You keep your arm pointed at the corner behind which the man disappeared. About half a minute later, a pineapple flies out from the corner and towards you, bouncing on the floor. Well, littering like that is not going to be left unpunished. Especially when the perpetrators are using such evil fruits.
Strange. You never felt pineapples were dangerous or evil before. In fact, you don't think you've ever seen a pineapple before, yet you know its name. It's like this one triggers a memory you didn't knew you had.
Well, no matter, you'll deal with those foreign memories later. Right now the evil fruit plotting against you takes precedence.

A swift application of bling-arm pushes the pineapple away. The pinapple rolls and bounces a couple of times before it disappears behind a trashcan. The trashcan disappears with a bang and a flash of light.
Hah! You knew that pineapple was plotting against you. Now its plans are ruined and you are victorious.

Quote from: Alarith on December 21, 2014, 08:48:36 am

Bryan, survival

---

to everyone again: <I don't think these men are a threat yet, I only sense fear and confusion>
Head next to the almost finished car and be ready to leave at a moments notice.

You take cover behind the car, making sure to keep your distance from all the things materialising around it.

You feel a transformation in feelings coming from the group. The fear of the man that left spreads to the others. All except one. That one also feels fear, true but he also feels more of anxiety, anticipation and relief at the same time. A moment later, this changes to something more like determination, courage or something similar. A few seconds later, similar emotions spread to the other two groups.

Now that you think focus on it, it feels like the other groups have stopped somewhere nearby. One somewhere towards the south and one somewhere towards the north. That leaves only the west clear.

Before you can contemplate more, there's the sound of air moving at high speed, followed by a trashcan some distance away exploding.

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 23, 2014, 08:41:30 am

Survival

Well, keep out of site of those guys, don't want to mess with them, until I head to a hospital and get my shoulder hole fixed

You make sure not to visit those guys' website. They're probably full of boring status updates like "I just did the laundry." anyway.

It looks like they have finished preparing whatever they were meant to be preparing. The man talking in the radio says something and nods before removing his headset. He reaches for the handbag of the other and retrieves a revolver, the man with the handbag doing the same. The guy with the big hollow stick thing stands ready.

About ten seconds later, there's an explosion. The men get ready, kneeling and aiming somewhere down the road.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Yourmaster

<Character>

You open your eyes.

You find yourself in a larger open area made of stone and wooden supports. One of the walls features a few of those gigantic wooden barrels that usually hold alcohol. It is lit by a large fireplace, complemented by a few torches hanging from the stone walls. The room is filled with tables and chairs, although they are all unoccupied. In a corner of the room, there are is a music band made up from humanoids that look like bioluminescent fungi.

Finally there's a counter, with a few smaller barrels, a small fire and some cooking implements behind it. Behind the counter is a a burly man with medium length platinum blonde hair, blue eyes and the facial characteristics of a stereotypical Viking, sans the braided beard. He simply has some short facial hair.
He's wearing a light cloth shirt with short sleeves that show off his muscles. A large wooden mug rests on the counter in front of him. He appears to be reading something, deep in thought.

He turns to face you once he notices that you're conscious.
"Hey." he says, acknowledging your presence.
He uses one hand to close the book and the other to make a motion towards you.
"Nice eyes. I bet they're really good for night reading."

Quote from: Wolfkit on December 20, 2014, 08:06:52 pm

"Don't think I have anything else to say, though if I recall correctly you wanted to see this."
Take the red apple and set it on the desk in front of me, then pull out my clipboard and use it to create a laser to cut the red apple into slices

You retrieve the red apple and the notepad and prepare to show off your skills.
"I am watching." the voice states through the speaker. To punctuate that statement, the screen behind the speaker splits into a grid, each square showing an image of you from a different angle.
With that, you start working. You get distracted a few seconds into the calculations and draw a doodle of yourself in a giant death robot instead. As you start drawing a man get crushed under one of your robot's legs, you suddenly realise where you are and what you were supposed to be doing.
"That was just a warmup."
You quickly flip your notepad into a new page.
"For a future design." you add. The lack of facial characteristics of the speaker does nothing to aid any feelings of awkwardness you may be having.
"Never mind that, now pay attention, here it comes."
You start working on your equation, trying your best to remember how everything was supposed to be written, how all the variables are supposed to interact. Then comes the setting of the variables, judging the location of your target and the intensity necessary to hit it, making sure there are enough components to account for the needed focusing and amplification. Finally, you work on solving the equation, trading variables around, rewriting things until it reaches the necessary form. And immediately, the moment your work is complete a line of distorted air appears near the apple. That surface of the apple is instantly obscured by vaporizing liquid, while more liquid drips from the newly forming hole, creating a small puddle around it. The generated pressure causes the apple to wobble a bit, melting uneven gashes across its surface. Smoke starts coming out of it as it gets hotter and hotter. Finally, the beam penetrates the other side of the apple and starts to melt the plastic of the wall. A moment later, it stops.

You are left with a smoking apple with many gashes molten across its surface and a funnel-like hole going through its middle, surrounded by a puddle of its own juices and a cloud of vaporised water.
"Good. A bit messy, but good." the voice says.
The robo-secretery comes through the door and approaches the desk with rubber gloves and a wiper in hand.
"Just give me a sec to consult my assistants. Opinions?"
<This being fits the minimum specifications provided in your search query.> you hear a voice in your head, cold, monotonous, deep.
<Give him a challenge. Let him show who he really is. If he does well, keep him. If he does not, kill him.> another deep voice in your head, accompanied with a small growl. It sounds slightly angry. It reminds you of thunder and giant rocks falling.
"Helpful, as always." the speaker replies sarcastically.

"Well, I'm a bit pressed for time at the moment." he adds after a small delay. "And I enjoyed this little conversation. You show promise, although it remains to be seen how you act in a more complex situation. But I think I can work through any issues. So... the job is yours. Congratulations."
The image behind the speaker shows confetti falling.
"Just go through the door you came in through when you're ready. I'll clean up in here in the meantime. Rebuild a bit. Make the place better. Any preference?"

---

Edit: Oh, people in the campaign mission are all at the same time and should be ablr to see each other, in case it matters.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 23, 2014, 07:23:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 23, 2014, 06:57:25 pm

<Give him a challenge. Let him show who he really is. If he does well, keep him. If he does not, kill him.> another deep voice in your head, accompanied with a small growl. It sounds slightly angry. It reminds you of thunder and giant rocks falling.

((River, what are you doing over there? I thought you were with us, and unconscious.
Maybe Charlie's impersonating him?))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Coolrune206 on December 23, 2014, 07:40:04 pm

Fly up several hundred meters, then simply glide to my destination. East.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 23, 2014, 09:27:43 pm

((Can I get a health/status update of everyone who is with Team Car?  I need to know who needs prosthesis.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Tiruin on December 24, 2014, 02:16:00 am

((I've been absent primarily because of net troubles :x Sorry people.

...Oh...oh wow. Oh dear. I was reading this up (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5892264#msg5892264) when the new replies flooded in -_-
Ngghhh. Dislike being dead weight.

Can anyone post for me or fill me in for the next few days if no response occurs? :S))

---

---

Campaign

Theri

> Sequential aid allies generic action {Until I catch up to all this}

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 24, 2014, 04:51:32 am

Quote from: Xantalos on December 22, 2014, 06:14:03 pm

((What was the comeback? I'm curious now.))

Alan looks about and sees the day is dire/
He knows what he must do, it's time to light the fire!
Summon COUCH!
Glorious wheeled couch that will save hiiiiiim/
Awesome couch!
Throw Doggy on the sofa and begin to speed away

((That was set to some sort of rythm in my head.))

((See, everyone knew this would happen:))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 12:35:25 pm

"You can summon a new couch once you're there." the bartender pipes in helpfully.
"Stop giving him ideas!"

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2014, 12:37:29 pm

John grinned.  "You could summon couches for everyone!  And more bigwheels and minifridges!"

((Anyway, it was something along the lines of "You're right. I have poor judgement. I risked my life to save you.". Or something like that. Insulting you by saying saving you is an example of poor judgement. Can't remember the exact wording right now.))

Quote from: NAV on December 23, 2014, 07:23:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 23, 2014, 06:57:25 pm

<Give him a challenge. Let him show who he really is. If he does well, keep him. If he does not, kill him.> another deep voice in your head, accompanied with a small growl. It sounds slightly angry. It reminds you of thunder and giant rocks falling.

((River, what are you doing over there? I thought you were with us, and unconscious.
Maybe Charlie's impersonating him?))

It was explained before (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5672755#msg5672755) that River is a form chosen by him while his original body is Darkstar, who along with S0 are the two creating the Staging Area. So since he is creating the staging area, then part of him has to be there, doesn't it? But as it was stated, the link between the two parts is weaker now, so that he doesn't look too powerful and thus easy to spot.
You could ask River why he chose the form of River or how he got that form once he wakes up and calms down, if you want more info.

Quote from: Toaster on December 23, 2014, 09:27:43 pm

((Can I get a health/status update of everyone who is with Team Car?  I need to know who needs prosthesis.))

You have one leg that will not move and has started to hurt. It is surrounded by a roller-blade-like brace that allows you to stand.
Saevus has two legs that need reattachment.
Bryan is A-OK.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2014, 05:06:51 am

((You know, after looking at those entity matchups, I'm very interested in the Rhymerer one. A shame he doesn't have any pairings, since that could wind up pretty amusing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 24, 2014, 05:10:20 am

((I plan to take a boost from him if I survive the mission to make things more interesting. I need more trips through the aether fighting space squids or whatever the hell happened after I died that time before I got stuck in a movie theatre.))

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 24, 2014, 08:48:06 am

Quote from: Tiruin on December 24, 2014, 02:16:00 am

((I've been absent primarily because of net troubles :x Sorry people.

...Oh...oh wow. Oh dear. I was reading this up (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5892264#msg5892264) when the new replies flooded in -_-
Ngghhh. Dislike being dead weight.

Can anyone post for me or fill me in for the next few days if no response occurs? :S))

---

---

Campaign

Theri

> Sequential aid allies generic action {Until I catch up to all this}

"Theri, can you please help me to Zech's shield? I'm having trouble walking."

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Toaster on December 24, 2014, 10:28:50 am

((Okay, gotcha.  I know Coolrune's character whose name escapes me is doing his own thing, but what about the other two?  AWOL?))

Good enough!  "Get in, let's get the hell out to that west bridge!  Bryan, you drive!  You have the most working legs."


See if I can fix Saevus's legs after he gets tossed in the back.  At least he's lighter without them, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Tiruin on December 24, 2014, 10:34:32 am

((As a note: I like River :I
And from what I remember, NAV, was that Theri was separated from everyone...
Sorry all x_x I'm seriously thoroughly enjoying this though D:))

Quote from: NAV on December 24, 2014, 08:48:06 am

"Theri, can you please help me to Zech's shield? I'm having trouble walking."

"Will do!"

Leg it, and get {NAV's character} to safety!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Hawk132 on December 24, 2014, 11:15:33 am

Survival

Get tossed in the back.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Alarith on December 27, 2014, 04:33:19 pm

Bryan, Survival

---

"Guys, there are men everywhere but to the west, I think it might be a trap, maybe explosives, keep a sharp eye open."
Start heading towards the west bridge, carefully, (meaning look for traps) at the moment as we don't seem to be in imminent danger.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 29, 2014, 08:44:33 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 22, 2014, 06:49:20 pm

Zechariah kept moving around, trying to multitask but failing to do so. The best he could do was try to salvage the wall of crystals, but even then, the wall was diminishing. He had little room to observe his surroundings, but he could see Irine fall to the floor, her fires no longer under her control.

"Irine!" he shouted out to her. This was only going to make things harder, as he no longer had her to provide primary defense against the parasites. He fought his instinct to drop the shields and assist both her and River, and continued to mount the defensive wall, trying to keep the portal from spewing out more monsters.

He began shouting out to his teammates, trying to get them to help him with his endeavors. He wasn't sure if they were even going to listen, but he had to try. "The portal is unstable! Nikolai, I need you to help repair the crystals and keep them strong. After that, I need you to back away or hit the floor immediately. Try to help Irine out if you can. Ike... keep doing what you're doing. Alan, get River out of here  and help Ike move us out of here!"

He had a plan. It was a simple plan, and it wasn't a particularly good one. But it was a plan.

After Nikolai (hopefully) repairs my shields and gets out of the way, manipulate the wall so that it breaks up into sharp, jagged shards. Manipulate the new shards so that they form a maelstrom, spinning around the portal and killing any parasites that dare to touch the spinning shards. If possible, try to manipulate the Shadows to choke the portal, keeping it in a state of neutrality or collapse if I can.

Quote from: NAV on December 22, 2014, 09:57:45 pm

"Understood."
Get to Zech's barrier as fast as a cripple can. Repair and strengthen it. Then retreat.

((One of you is either misunderstanding the size of the room or the range of Nikolai's powers. Probably my fault for not making a new map. Sorry, busy. Anyway, I'll just modify this action a bit to make it possible in a timely, efficient and non-suicidal manner.))

Zechariah creates a tiny shard of light in the hallway for Nikolai to work with. Nikolai reaches out and touches is it. It's something new, touching light. It doesn't feel like anything he has touched before. Hard, yet smooth. Slightly warm and vibrating but also cool and hard. It's confusing his senses. But that's not really his thing. He's not a wizard type like those other guys. He doesn't make cool things and have them fly around. He's concerned with one thing most of all.
"That small thing? Hah. That's not going to impress anyone. Here, I'll make it bigger for you."
He closes his eyes and focuses his power on the shard. And for a moment he feels so much stronger, like he is no longer alone, like there is someone helping him. He pushes an enormous amount of power into the tiny shard, more than he knew he had. The tiny shard starts glowing with a purple glow, dim at first, but soon it's bright enough to outshine the portal, if only for a moment. And then it starts growing, irregularities appearing on its surface, developing into sharp spikes shaped like decorative crystal flowers and vines. A network of microcracks develops inside of the crystal, connecting points across its surface with irregular, fractal-like patterns in its centre that are pulsing with purple light. The shard keeps growing and growing until it is almost the size of the doorway, the spikes threatening anyone near it.
"There." Nikolai says with a huff. "See? That's the way you do it."
"Now if you don't mind, I'm going to take my leave."
And with that, he falls into Theri's arms, unconscious. Man, you're dropping like flies.

Zechariah feels like he suddenly got a bunch of power that he has no control of. It's just there. He can move it around, but that's it. He can't shape it or change it.
Furthermore it appears as if the shard is unstable. He can already feel the power inside it waning, while at the same time the shard is cracking, deteriorating, decorative spikes falling off and disappearing. He has to use some power of his own to keep it together. Still, this is a massive increase in power. And he's not going to let it go to waste.
"Thanks Nikolai." Zechariah says, even though Nikolai can't hear him. The sound of an explosion as a slab provides more power to the portal turns his attention back to the action. "You did good."
He opens up his shield and lets the parasites inside get out, lets them stream towards him, drawn by the massive build-up in magical energy.
"Yes, that's right." he says as he watches them getting into position. "You know you want me. You know I'm tasty. Come at me. I'm over here."
He waits until all of them are in the right position, ready to strike. And at the right moment, he swiftly extends his arm and points his staff towards them.
"Now catch!"
And with that, the massive shard flies forward, slicing up everything in its path. Every time it hits something, it doesn't slow down, it doesn't meet any resistance. Instead it ablates, as every piece that stabs something breaks off and then evaporates in a puff of purplish smoke and crystal shrapnel. By the time the shard reaches the ever expanding portal, only its core remains and everything in its path has turned into pools of citrine and black liquid interspersed with chunks of white flesh. Its work done, Zechariah lets what's left of the shard fall apart. And it does so. Explosively.

The thing detonates into a flash of purple and white light, sending crystal shrapnel flying everywhere around it. You manage to deflect most of them away from you and anything important. In its place is left a chaotic spider-web of wispy purple lines, slowly expanding in all direction, slightly distorting and reflecting the light going between them, like a prism.

The light of the portal is disrupted by the explosion. It is pushed back a couple of metres. It wobbles and tries to resist for a few seconds before it collapses into a single point and then disappears, like an old CRT TV being turned off. In its place there a massive creature. Parts of a massive creature, to be exact. Mainly giant tentacles and some pieces of flesh and yellow fluid. They hover in the air for a moment, before they fall to the ground.

The three claw-like things around the portal and a circular piece underneath it you couldn't see before are spouting small clouds of fire ineffectually and flickering like the lights of a pinball table. They appear to have been damaged by the explosion a bit, light escaping through a couple of small cracks in them. But they don't appear to be in danger of exploding any time soon.

Whatever happened probably disabled or drained the portal, at least for now. And for whatever reason it doesn't look like it's recharging with those slabs. Looks like you bought yourself a few seconds of respite.

It might be a good idea to use that time to deal with some other problems. Like helping your teammates. Or taking care of some of the parasites left in the room. Or doing something about that slab that just fell to the floor due to the explosion and is about to explode itself, the one I had previously mentioned was about to fall down with the slightest disturbance.

Not that you have to. Just saying.

((Please excuse any liberties I took with your characters' dialogue. I just did it for dramatic effect. Assume it didn't happen if you find it objectionable.))

Quote from: Tiruin on December 24, 2014, 10:34:32 am

((As a note: I like River :I
And from what I remember, NAV, was that Theri was separated from everyone...
Sorry all x_x I'm seriously thoroughly enjoying this though D:))

Quote from: NAV on December 24, 2014, 08:48:06 am

"Theri, can you please help me to Zech's shield? I'm having trouble walking."

"Will do!"

Leg it, and get {NAV's character} to safety!

After Nikolai uses his ability and falls unconscious, you drag him further into the hallway Ike is in, hoping he'll be safe there.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 23, 2014, 02:19:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

Take a look inside the portal room again. Is drama still in progress?

If not and nothing challenges the assumptions that immediately follow, fetch bag from Rover's vicinity and bag Irine for safe transportation using the Bag of K.O. while Alan takes care of our kindly host.

If yes or something challenges the assumptions in the preceding action, secure the hallway with sword in hand, like one of them knights!

((Kinda too far away for you to do that. Also it would probably be very dangerous. And you'd probably have to knock Irene unconscious (which wouldn't be really hard in the state she's in). So given the risk vs reward here, I'll assume you don't want to do that. It would probably be easier to just empty your backpack and put her in it or say you retroactively grabbed River's backpack and use that.))

Brave sir Ike starts boldly walking through the hallway, sword in hand, not afraid to die.
Bravely taking to his feet he goes for one of the parasites, only for him to miss and hit nothing but air. The parasite tries to take advantage of that, but Ike is quick enough to turn his miss into a sideways attack, cutting a few of the attacking tentacles out of the way.

A flash of purple light briefly illuminates the hallway, showing you a couple of parasites lying in ambush further into the hallway, hiding in small holes and around the corners the architect of this place seemed to like so much. It also shows you that the slave in this case appears to be a robed woman with three parasites wrapped around her. Well, that's good to know.

You attack once more, but this time you are both so good (or equally terrible) that you are unable to hit each other.
By this time the second parasite has reached you. It attacks but you are easily able to sidestep and stab it in its "heart" in one swift motion.
You are about to attack the first one again when it grabs your arms. You try to resist and pull away, but it's too strong. It pushes you down into the ground and starts pulling itself towards you, trying to wrap itself around you.
The sound of small explosions that was coming from the portal room seems to have culminated in a big one that causes the floor to tremble slightly.

((That's one lucky parasite.))

Quote from: Xantalos on December 22, 2014, 06:14:03 pm

Alan looks about and sees the day is dire/
He knows what he must do, it's time to light the fire!
Summon COUCH!
Glorious wheeled couch that will save hiiiiiim/
Awesome couch!
Throw Doggy on the sofa and begin to speed away

((That was set to some sort of rythm in my head.))

((I imagine it sung by one of those rock bands that sound like they're wailing when they're singing.))

You summon a massive, wheeled, slightly glowing couch. Right on top of River.
Somebody watching would think that you were doing this on purpose.
His body wedges the couch in place, preventing it from moving.
"Silly Rover. I said on the couch, not under it."
Maybe he's confused because some people don't allow dogs to sit on furniture? Well, no matter.

A big bright flash of purple light distracts the parasites going after you for a while, buying you some time. You try to lift the couch so that you can pull River out of it and put him on it. And for a second, it looks like you're going to succeed. But then you slip on a pool of slimy liquid on the ground and somehow also end up under the couch. What the? How did that happen?
"Why couch? Why have you betrayed me?"

The portal keeps coming closer and closer. Looks like that's it. You'll be teleported on the other side where you'll be eaten by many angry tentacle things. It touches the couch, eating the arm, then starting to go through the pillow. And then there's an explosion nearby. The entire left side of your face hurts, feels like it's being burnt. You feel a lot of pain, almost passing out.

But it looks like the portal is no longer there. It has vaporised part of your couch, true, but at least it's not going to eat you.
On the downside, your couch is now missing two wheels, is stained with fluids, has pieces of tentacles on it and is slightly on fire in the places the portal touched it. All and all, you wouldn't say it's in good condition.
Furthermore there's a weird expanding-purple-line-thing that is slowly coming towards you. And if your life has taught you anything is that glowing magical things are probably either important, dangerous or both.

((I find it funny that the less people are around you (including yourself), the more dangerous you are to them.))

Quote from: Lenglon on December 22, 2014, 07:00:14 pm

Irine, Campaign

---

I slowly roll over and dazedly look around, trying to avoid jostling my head.

If I'm alone, then I curl up and rest my head on my knees, letting myself rest and recover.

If I'm in a room with few parasites and no teammates, then I let my predatory instincts take over, and grab the few flames in the room with me and begin hunting them down.

If I'm in a room with many parasites and no teammates, then I start crawling towards an exit.

If only a few moments have passed and I'm still in time-sync with the rest of the team, then I crawl towards the main group, trying to put a wall between me and the portal and the slabs, once I'm sure nobody is left behind in the room with the portal, I start siezing the fire it's using as fuel and tugging on it, backing it up, making it flow too fast, attempting to rip it away, just generally messing with it and pushing the limits of whatever is fighting with me for control.

((You're with Zechariah in the doorway, but I don't know if a person counts as a group. Well, it's the largest closest concentration of conscious, safe and able teammates around, so I'll just say it does.))

Despite your head hurting, your weakness and the general un-wellness you are feeling, you manage to find enough strength to crawl closer to Zechariah. You try to use your ability and you succeed for a few moments, but you can't maintain your concentration for long and trying to only causes your head to hurt more. Looks like you need a minute of rest and non-magic.

((Oh, and in case it matters, you can see everything Zechariah can.))

---

OOC
So, it looks like in an inversion of what happened first mission, Zechariah is the only one left that is OK and on his feet at this point. And Theri, who seems to be (trying) to keep everyone safe.

Quote from: Toaster on December 24, 2014, 10:28:50 am

((Okay, gotcha.  I know Coolrune's character whose name escapes me is doing his own thing, but what about the other two?  AWOL?))

One is as inactive as a mammoth in a glacier (read: profile marks him as inactive since November) and the other is currently a couple of blocks away, watching the guys preparing to ambush you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2014, 05:06:51 am

((You know, after looking at those entity matchups, I'm very interested in the Rhymerer one. A shame he doesn't have any pairings, since that could wind up pretty amusing.))

I have one thought up but I'm still thinking about the details and how I'm going to describe it. That and his challenge, along with a few more pairings.
Remember it's still work in progress, I only have things that I'm ~80% certain or above in there. Anything below that is in my mind/notes and anything in there is subject to change (for example, I'm thinking of changing the difficulty rating to linear).

Quote from: Xantalos on December 24, 2014, 05:10:20 am

((I plan to take a boost from him if I survive the mission to make things more interesting. I need more trips through the aether fighting space squids or whatever the hell happened after I died that time before I got stuck in a movie theatre.))

Yeah, I still need to finish making the images for that thing. Been very busy lately, so it might take a while.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2014, 09:14:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

Hah! Grabbing my arms, huh? Doesn't it know that legs are far better as natural weapons?

Step on the tentacles grabbing me forcefully if possible, then try and eliminate the center of mass with a convenient sharp object (probably the sword) if the tentacles go slack, or just rising to my feet as it moves toward me and jumping on it repeatedly. Hopefully that'll work!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Lenglon on December 29, 2014, 09:34:47 am

Campaign, Irine

---

I close my eyes and allow myself to finish returning to the floor in a controlled manner, resting.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Salsacookies on December 29, 2014, 10:30:03 am

Things are now interesting! Keep watching

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: NAV on December 29, 2014, 12:19:57 pm

Regain consciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Wolfkit on December 29, 2014, 02:08:30 pm

"Ah, excellent.
As far as the deco goes, personally I would add a bit more chrome, _{but then again I always say that, don't I?}
Get up and walk out the door, grabbing and eating the green apple on the way

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: Xantalos on December 29, 2014, 05:09:18 pm

Campaign, Alan

Alan briefly contemplates catching the purple thing with a butterfly net, but disregards the urge. He knows he has to get away, and couch is grumpy.
The solution is obvious.

Summon perfect getaway vehicle - Bigwheel! Appropriately sized for Alan of course. Piggyback River and wheel away to safety!

Title: Re: Special People: Portal Combat
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2015, 04:41:13 pm

Campaign

Zechariah let out a sigh of relief, finally glad that his move did not end up in any of his teammates, or himself, getting injured or killed by his actions. At the very least, it wouldn't be directly.

Now to see what kind of chaos has spun up in the few seconds that he was busy killing the portal in.

Form some small, spiky crystal shards (about the size of playing cards or smaller) and use those to harass the parasites by cutting them with the shards. At the same time, use the Shadows to try and replace the slab in good order.

If my concentration is split to the point that I cannot lift the slab up completely, drop some of the hardlight shards to compensate. The slab takes priority for now. Then, continue filleting the rest of the parasites.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2015, 04:47:52 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 24, 2014, 10:28:50 am

Good enough!  "Get in, let's get the hell out to that west bridge!  Bryan, you drive!  You have the most working legs."

See if I can fix Saevus's legs after he gets tossed in the back.  At least he's lighter without them, right?

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 24, 2014, 11:15:33 am

Survival

Get tossed in the back.

((I see no action to get you in the back... should I assume one of your teammates helps you? Hmmm... No one's in a position to do that though. Better to say that you try to terminator-drag yourself there, I think.))

Quote from: Alarith on December 27, 2014, 04:33:19 pm

Bryan, Survival

---

"Guys, there are men everywhere but to the west, I think it might be a trap, maybe explosives, keep a sharp eye open."
Start heading towards the west bridge, carefully, (meaning look for traps) at the moment as we don't seem to be in imminent danger.

Bryan gets in the driver's seat as John tries to lift his dead leg into the back of the car without falling down. Bryan presses the brake, removes the handbrake and is about to start the car when he notices something important is missing.
"John! Keys!" he says as he turns around to look at John.
"Oh. Right."
John closes his eyes and applies a bit of technokinesis to the ignition switch to cause it to turn enough for the starter to kick in and the car to start.
"There you go. All set."
"Okay! Let's go!"
"Wait. Take it slow. They might be waiting to ambush us. And Saevus hasn't boarded yet."
Bryan presses the clutch, puts in a gear and waits for the OK to go. He accidentally touches the radio, causing music (http://mp3box.to/user/player/?song=1261099) to start playing.
"You had time to put in a radio?"
"Hey, it's an important part of the car!"

As John watches Saevus reaching the car and throwing his legs in, his metal body making a horrible sound as it is dragged against the ground, he notices something alarming. A man gets out of the corner behind which he's taking cover, throws something towards the car and hides again. The thing bounces and rolls towards the car.
"What are you doing? Get out of here! Accelerate! Go, go, go!"
"Indecisive." Bryan mutters as he puts the pedal to the metal, flinging the car forward. Saevus, currently half-inside the car is pushed backwards by inertia and barely manages to hold on with one hand.

The car swerves around, put off balance by the weight of the giant suit of armour hanging on to it. Nevertheless, it manages to get far enough so that the grenade does not effect it. Good thing those guys seem unable to cook a grenade.
The car continues on, with sparks flying behind it as the body of Saevus gets dragged on the ground.

Bryan turns towards the west at the next intersection, barely avoiding an impact with the wall of the small alley. The already unsteady and front heavy car has trouble adjusting to the extra weight, requiring some very good manoeuvring out of Bryan to keep it from entering a spin. Its back side keeps swerving left and right like a boat, causing Saevus to take some trashcans and garbage along for the ride, narrowly avoiding the walls. John tries to hold on to his handle so as not to fly around the car. Should had used a seatbelt.
"Thine handlung of thy chariot is causing gréatian distress!"
"Yeah man, slow down! Why are you going so fast?"

The car reaches the main road, turns right and with a great amount of oversteering comes to a stop on it, facing towards the north, where the docks and the bridge await. John takes a second to look around as he tries to get his bearings and make the world stop spinning. It is then that he notices two points of light appearing behind the car. And then another two. As the cars leave the police station's parking lot and come under the light of the street-lamps, he notices an assault rifle sticking out of a window.
"Why did you stop?! We're sitting ducks here! Drive, damn you! Get us out of here!"
"No backseat driving, please!"

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 29, 2014, 10:30:03 am

Things are now interesting! Keep watching.

There's the sound of tires screeching followed by an explosion, all the while accompanied by a sound similar to a giant hollow metal drum being dragged. The sound continues but starts getting further away, towards the northwest, until it suddenly stops. A few moments later, two cars exit the police station's parking lot, heading towards the north. The men look to each other for a moment before they get up and start running after the two cars.

Well, that turned out differently than expected.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on December 23, 2014, 07:40:04 pm

Fly up several hundred meters, then simply glide to my destination. East.

You start flying, heading higher and higher, towards the storm-cloud-covered sky that is growing ever darker. The wind up here is strong, making it easy for you to maintain your altitude. Just got to face south and position your wings the right way. From up here, you can observe much of the city, helped by your superior senses.

The sound of intermittent gunfire and shouts occasionally reaches your ears, depending on the strength and direction of the wind. You can see sparse cars patrolling the city below. You can see fires and flashes of lights. You can see people being dragged out of buildings and into the streets, where they are corralled around trucks. You can see concentrations of cars around certain buildings. You can see an apartment building that has caught fire near the centre of the island. You can see part of the Corleone bridge to the east has been obstructed by burning things, preventing the flashing lights of police cars from moving closer to the island. Even if they had, they would be stopped by the debris of a building that has collapsed on top of the road leading to the bridge.

It sure feels good to be up here, where the odds of someone spotting you and doing something about you are low.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on December 29, 2014, 02:08:30 pm

"Ah, excellent.
As far as the deco goes, personally I would add a bit more chrome, _{but then again I always say that, don't I?}
Get up and walk out the door, grabbing and eating the green apple on the way

"Noted. Don't worry, I like shiny things myself. Although I like the colour and texture of steel better. Eh, anyway, off you go."

You open the door and look around. It's a small hallway, lit by light coming from windows covered by wooden shutters. There are three wooden doors here, all with an unlit torch in the wall beside them. On your left there is a wooden upwards stairway, while on your right the hallway turns towards the right, presumably leading downstairs or towards other rooms.

You get through the doorway. The wooden floor squeaks a bit as you step on it. You look behind you to see that the door you used has disappeared. There's only a closed wooden door there. Now you kinda wish you had walked backwards, just to see what would had happened.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 04, 2015, 04:57:34 pm

Head to the right

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 04, 2015, 06:21:20 pm

Fly off in the direction of the police.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 04, 2015, 07:45:01 pm

Survival

John pounded the seat in front of him.  "Move!"


Can I pull Saevus in from here?  If so, do that and fix his legs.  If not, do I still have that Tommy gun?  Use it on the car that pulled its own weapon.  If not, summon a loaded bazooka.  If there's time, shoot it at the attacking car.  Mind the backwash from that.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 04, 2015, 08:38:04 pm

Survival

Attempt to pull myself into the car. Blast anything dangerous away. Oh, and hopefully get my legs fixed.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2015, 06:42:21 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2014, 09:14:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

Hah! Grabbing my arms, huh? Doesn't it know that legs are far better as natural weapons?

Step on the tentacles grabbing me forcefully if possible, then try and eliminate the center of mass with a convenient sharp object (probably the sword) if the tentacles go slack, or just rising to my feet as it moves toward me and jumping on it repeatedly. Hopefully that'll work!

You try to kick the thing away, step on it, something, but you're just not strong enough. This one seems to be much stronger than the ones you fought previously. Soon it has grabbed all your limbs, rendering you completely immobile.

((Welp, this is going bad. Let's see if I can help a bit.))
You shout for help, hoping to avoid whatever terrible fate this thing has in store for you.

Quote from: Theri: autoaction

Help Ike. Get that bad thing off him.

After hearing his cries for help, Theri runs to Ike's aid but as she does so, she steps on something slippery, something she couldn't see in the darkness and falls down.

((Nope, the terrible luck continues.))

Quote from: NAV on December 29, 2014, 12:19:57 pm

Regain consciousness.

You wake up.

Huh, looks like someone moved you further into the hallway.
You're also feeling a lot better now than when you passed out.
You don't feel like you were out for long.

Theri's further into the hallway, lying on the floor in a puddle of blood. Probably not (all) hers, as she seems to be a bit too alive for the amount of blood there. You can also hear Ike calling for help further into the hallway.

You might also want to read what follows.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on December 29, 2014, 09:34:47 am

Campaign, Irine

---

I close my eyes and allow myself to finish returning to the floor in a controlled manner, resting.

Resting it is.
You lie down, close your eyes and try to relax for a couple of seconds.
You're starting to feel a bit better.
But what follows is not very conductive for relaxation.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 29, 2014, 05:09:18 pm

Campaign, Alan

Alan briefly contemplates catching the purple thing with a butterfly net, but disregards the urge. He knows he has to get away, and couch is grumpy.
The solution is obvious.

Summon perfect getaway vehicle - Bigwheel! Appropriately sized for Alan of course. Piggyback River and wheel away to safety!

You summon a small wooden waterwheel that looks like part of a larger construction. Its appearance pushes the couch off of you and River.

You drag him on the wheel and attempt to run away using it as transportation. Even though that killed you last time. Oh well.

You manage to make one complete revolution before you loose hold of River, trip on his body, step through one of the gaps in the wheel and end up having your right leg broken. You barely manage to remain conscious as the wheel continues to turn, repeatedly crushing your leg, until it finally stops and falls to the side.

And that's not the worse thing that happens to you.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2015, 04:41:13 pm

Campaign

Zechariah let out a sigh of relief, finally glad that his move did not end up in any of his teammates, or himself, getting injured or killed by his actions. At the very least, it wouldn't be directly.

Now to see what kind of chaos has spun up in the few seconds that he was busy killing the portal in.

Form some small, spiky crystal shards (about the size of playing cards or smaller) and use those to harass the parasites by cutting them with the shards. At the same time, use the Shadows to try and replace the slab in good order.

If my concentration is split to the point that I cannot lift the slab up completely, drop some of the hardlight shards to compensate. The slab takes priority for now. Then, continue filleting the rest of the parasites.

You attempt to lift the slab and put it back in its place, but it you once again can't muster the concentration to do so. You focus all your attention on the task and finally manage to get it where you want. Not that it helps much.

The slab explodes in a bright fiery blast, throwing shrapnel everywhere. Somehow, all of them manage to miss Alan.
The floor under it collapses further, letting in bright red light. The nearby wall looks about ready to crumble.
The explosion pushes the other damaged slabs over the edge, causing the cracks on them to start spreading and "leak" light as they get closer and closer to exploding.

---

OOC
Welp, looks like this is happening. Let's give you one final chance, because I'd prefer it if you didn't all die.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 06, 2015, 06:47:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Struggling doesn't help... screaming doesn't help... hm..."

"Aha!"

Struggle while screaming terribly. Summon up some of that survivor strength. Get the adrenaline going! This not giving a shit business doesn't seem to be paying off at the moment.

Failing that, look forward to bright future as murderslave to a yellow land octopus. It's a healthy yellow land octopus, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 06, 2015, 10:27:30 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I target the area the slabs are in, and redirect the force of their explosions away from us. If I have to choose between remaining conscious and us all dying from this chain of bombs, I'm going to overwork myself to keep us all alive.

---

((DAF, I hope you noticed Paris's comment about the walls and floor. gonna need your help here and Irine isn't up for talking or coordination right now.))

---

Physically, i'm walking, stumbling, crawling, etc. towards putting a nice big thick wall between me and what is about to happen. I'd prefer for it to be putting me near teammates too, but honestly, right now I just need the protection.

If I already have cover / once I get cover / once I'm sure I can't make it in time then I curl up in a ball with my tails wrapped around me.

---

if a parasite grabs me then I still am focused on deflecting the explosions, if it attempts to actually take me over then I change to my full-fox form, letting the vast difference in my volume deal with my parasite problem, and keep trying to keep the explosions from killing us all.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 06, 2015, 10:46:37 am

((I was about to say this one actually wasn't Alan's fault, but yeah, he did crack the first slab.  He didn't mean to!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on January 06, 2015, 02:50:53 pm

Nikolai, Campaign

"Oh fuck. GET BEHIND ME!"

Remove my breastplate. Enlarge, strengthen, and repair it into a huge wall of metal to hide behind. Hide behind it and hope to not die.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2015, 03:07:33 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 06, 2015, 10:46:37 am

((I was about to say this one actually wasn't Alan's fault, but yeah, he did crack the first slab.  He didn't mean to!))

((Eh, it was bound to happen eventually, if they stayed in the same room. Any strong attack near sensitive magical devices could trigger it. And the longer they stayed in that room the higher the chances that a certain event would happen that would 85% cause the same thing. It was just Xan's luck that made it happen to him. So it's really not his fault.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 06, 2015, 03:17:03 pm

GGGGGGHKLGLKNNNNNNNNNN

Remember those painkillers I summoned a while ago? Take a few of those if I still have them,,which I think I do. Then summon a skateboard, get down on my belly on it, River on my back, and accelerate myself with my arms toward safety.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 10, 2015, 02:17:22 pm

Bryan survival
"Looks like being careful is out."
Head to the bridge as fast as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 11, 2015, 01:24:51 am

Campaign

Zechariah had to keep going. He was probably exhausting himself to the point that he might collapse, but there was no way that he was letting even a single person die here. Not now, not before they had even started.

If he let anyone die, he was letting his Shadow win. He couldn't have that happen. That's not what he had fought for so long to accept and combine with.

This wasn't going to end with his Shadow. This was going to end with him and him alone.

"Get down and in cover, now! There's no more time!"

Have all of my focus go to forming a solid crystal wall to contain the explosion, or at least to redirect it away from our group. After the inevitable explosion and if I am still conscious, try to move anyone who is still in the room into the hallway. If not, get the hell out of there myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2015, 12:18:27 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 06, 2015, 06:47:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Struggling doesn't help... screaming doesn't help... hm..."

"Aha!"

Struggle while screaming terribly. Summon up some of that survivor strength. Get the adrenaline going! This not giving a shit business doesn't seem to be paying off at the moment.

Failing that, look forward to bright future as murderslave to a yellow land octopus. It's a healthy yellow land octopus, right?

It is indeed a healthy yellowish-white land octopus, none of those pesky second rate knock-offs. So you'd indeed be serving the best.

You once again attempt to push the thing away from you. You put everything you have in it. But whatever it is doing, it seems to be making you weaker. You manage to use your legs to push it back and keep it away from you but you can't disentangle yourself fully.

Quote from: Tiruin:autoaction

Help Ike! Get that thing off him!

Theri finally reaches Ike and strikes the creature grabbing him with a running kick strong enough to push it back a couple of metres, freeing Ike in the process.

"That's it girl! Bend it like Beckham."

However before the two of them can do much more, there is the sound of explosions, one after the other. The ground starts shaking like in an earthquake, making it impossible to stand. There is the sound of rocks falling. Bright red light is coming from the Portal room, lighting the hallway.

That doesn't feel good.

---

Quote from: NAV on January 06, 2015, 02:50:53 pm

Nikolai, Campaign

"Oh fuck. GET BEHIND ME!"

Remove my breastplate. Enlarge, strengthen, and repair it into a huge wall of metal to hide behind. Hide behind it and hope to not die.

You cower behind your armour and enlarge it to the best of your ability, creating a small double metal wall for you to hide behind, hoping it will protect you.

And you are right to fear for your life. Explosions start happening, one after the other, causing your ears to hurt, deafening you, making everything shake. The light and heat coming from the door is strong enough to make you want to run away, even though the vibrations make that impossible. You can see bands of fire forming in the air out of nothing, slowly going through the air like rings of water in zero-g. You briefly wonder what would happen if you didn't had that wall between you and that doorway.

"Damn it Ike, you angered the humour gods!"

This doesn't sound good.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 06, 2015, 10:27:30 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I target the area the slabs are in, and redirect the force of their explosions away from us. If I have to choose between remaining conscious and us all dying from this chain of bombs, I'm going to overwork myself to keep us all alive.

---

((DAF, I hope you noticed Paris's comment about the walls and floor. gonna need your help here and Irine isn't up for talking or coordination right now.))

---

Physically, i'm walking, stumbling, crawling, etc. towards putting a nice big thick wall between me and what is about to happen. I'd prefer for it to be putting me near teammates too, but honestly, right now I just need the protection.

If I already have cover / once I get cover / once I'm sure I can't make it in time then I curl up in a ball with my tails wrapped around me.

---

if a parasite grabs me then I still am focused on deflecting the explosions, if it attempts to actually take me over then I change to my full-fox form, letting the vast difference in my volume deal with my parasite problem, and keep trying to keep the explosions from killing us all.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 11, 2015, 01:24:51 am

Campaign

Zechariah had to keep going. He was probably exhausting himself to the point that he might collapse, but there was no way that he was letting even a single person die here. Not now, not before they had even started.

If he let anyone die, he was letting his Shadow win. He couldn't have that happen. That's not what he had fought for so long to accept and combine with.

This wasn't going to end with his Shadow. This was going to end with him and him alone.

"Get down and in cover, now! There's no more time!"

Have all of my focus go to forming a solid crystal wall to contain the explosion, or at least to redirect it away from our group. After the inevitable explosion and if I am still conscious, try to move anyone who is still in the room into the hallway. If not, get the hell out of there myself.

Zechariah helps pull Irene back, further into the hallway as both of them do their best to contain the inevitable explosions. They can't see what happens next, but they're close enough they can make a reasonable assumption. They manage to protect themselves. Despite the unbearable heat, the deafening noise, the blinding light and the shaking, they remain alive. But it is a short-lived victory.

The wall, despite its thickness, can't take any more. It begins crumbling, thus accelerating the rate of destruction. The slabs begin falling to the floor and disappearing in bursts of light and fire, like a wall of dominoes made out of nitroglycerin and napalm. The floor gives out, large sections of it falling, revealing what lies below.

This doesn't look good.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 06, 2015, 03:17:03 pm

GGGGGGHKLGLKNNNNNNNNNN

Remember those painkillers I summoned a while ago? Take a few of those if I still have them,,which I think I do. Then summon a skateboard, get down on my belly on it, River on my back, and accelerate myself with my arms toward safety.

((I'm pretty sure you stuffed those down a corpse's throat and didn't bother retrieving them after River was done with the body.))

You summon a gigantic skateboard which looks more like something made for moving furniture than for people to stand on. Taking your leg off the wheel is more work (and pain) than you'd like. Eventually you manage to get on it and start wheeling away, just as the wall starts collapsing. You don't manage to get far. The floor starts falling apart. One of your wheels gets stuck in one of the gaps forming between the blocks making up the floor. You try to move forward but you can't.

The floor can't take any more. You feel weightless. You fall.

The room below is gigantic, probably spanning the entirety of the tower or more, meaning that if you don't hit anything on the way down, you'll be falling for several seconds. You briefly wonder if that's enough time for your life to appear before your eyes. Still, hitting something has a very high possibility of happening, considering that there are bridges joining opposite sides and even rooms held in place by stone supports coming out of the walls.

Then there's the red thing that takes up most of the room. You can't see its features clearly, for the light it emits is so bright you can only look at it with half-closed eyes. It has an organic quality to it, looking much like blood vessels extending from a main artery or vines that have spread everywhere, grabbing columns and bridges to support themselves, thus creating a contrast with the highly symmetrical nature of the architecture. You can see a thicker part running through its centre, like the trunk of a tree.

The walls remind one of sedimentary rock as there are layers, each with a slightly different shade of brown and slightly different decorations or angle, as if each group of floors was constructed by a different architect with a slightly different vision for the project. Yet they all retain their angular, blocky design, using curves only for (what you think are) decorations.

As you fall, you notice that the four things that created the portal extend below it, surrounded by now crumbling falsework, the cylindrical thing connected to the red network by a rather weak link. Pieces of rubble hit the network, causing cracks to form on it and a bright plasma-like substance to escape from within along with blindingly bright light.

A slab falls through the hole and hits part of the network with an explosion. The network begins moving and for a moment it looks like it has come alive. But a moment later you realize that the movement is a result of numerous explosions happening across its surface.

The heat becomes unbearable. Your lungs burn and your clothes catch fire. Looks like you'll die before you hit the ground.

---

Everyone
For a second, there is only light and heat. Than nothing. The energy release is so great and it happens so quickly that your body is vaporized immediately, not giving you a chance to feel pain (or anything at all) before it cases to exist.

Congratulations, you are all dead. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Have some music (http://youtu.be/UnL3e7FAMF8) to go with the experience.

At least I managed to describe the tower a bit before it exploded, so not all my world building was wasted.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 04, 2015, 06:21:20 pm

Fly off in the direction of the police.

A lightning bolt from the imminent storm briefly illuminates the surrounding area as you pass over the men gathered near this side of the bridge. Some of them are searching nearby homes, while others are using whatever they can get their hands on to create makeshift barricades and fortifications.

A couple of them seem to notice you, for you can see one of them pointing up at you. Or maybe they're not pointing at you and are instead pointing at the storm clouds above you. Even so, they don't do anything about you and simply get back to doing whatever they were doing. Maybe they're just wondering what a bird like yourself is doing flying at this time of day and with this kind of weather.

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 10, 2015, 02:17:22 pm

Bryan survival
"Looks like being careful is out."
Head to the bridge as fast as possible.

Quote from: Toaster on January 04, 2015, 07:45:01 pm

Survival

John pounded the seat in front of him.  "Move!"

Can I pull Saevus in from here?  If so, do that and fix his legs.  If not, do I still have that Tommy gun?  Use it on the car that pulled its own weapon.  If not, summon a loaded bazooka.  If there's time, shoot it at the attacking car.  Mind the backwash from that.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 04, 2015, 08:38:04 pm

Survival

Attempt to pull myself into the car. Blast anything dangerous away. Oh, and hopefully get my legs fixed.

Not willing to get dragged along the road again, Saevus (in a display of uncharacteristic agility) quickly pulls himself into the car before Bryan has a chance to put in a gear. Good thing too, for what follows would not had been pleasant from his previous vantage point. It's hardly pleasant from the current.

Bryan punches it and the car's oversized motor happily obliges with a rumble. This is what this car was meant to do, after all. High speed in straight lines. The wheels spin once more and the car is launched forward, its 'nose' rising slightly due to the torque and Saevus' weight in the back. Bryan breaks for a split second and does some rapid turns of the wheel to counteract the momentary loss of friction but manages to maintain control. The other cars have trouble keeping up. You hear a few gunshots but it doesn't looks like anything was hit. Car is still moving and nobody screamed.

John digs himself out of his patchwork seat and stands behind Saevus, using him as cover as he prepares to work on his legs.
"Et tu, John?"
John, not willing to try messing with magic unless necessary, begins summoning the necessary equipment, a welding mask forming on his head, while at the same time a small gas tank appears and gets tied around his arm with metal bands, with the welding tip and pilot flame getting attached to his index finger, along with various wires and tubes. It's a bit hard working in the enclosed space, but thankfully he manages to start the weld without setting the car on fire. Still, it's a bit hard working in here, so it might take a while.

Around the next bend, the eponymous bay of Kingdom bay docks becomes visible, with the dark figures of the shipping cranes and cargo ships obscuring the cityscape of down-town and more importantly for you, Allen bridge. Allen bridge is a vertical lift bridge on the part of the island that is closest to the mainland. The sea there has been artificially widened deepened to ensure bigger ships can approach the protected dock from that side, if you remember correctly, so that ships can approach from the side less exposed to the elements and thus easier to navigate in inclement weather.

And that's where the problem lies, for the bridge appears to be raised. Meaning that unless you can make the car fly or swim, you can't cross to the other side. Thunder strikes and illuminates the bridge and the docs for a few moments, as if to make the revelation more ominous.

So the question now is, are you going to try and get to Allen bridge and try to lower it or are you going to attempt to keep driving, aiming to get to the tunnel in the northern part of the island and hope it's unobstructed?
And if you choose to keep driving towards the tunnel, then how are you going to get there? The main road following the shoreline is faster, but there's little cover and it's much easier to get ambushed. Going through the island's centre would be more unpredictable and provide more cover, but it would take longer, plus you could accidentally end up near enemies anyway, if they're everywhere on the island.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 04, 2015, 04:57:34 pm

Head to the right

The corridor to leads to 5 more doors, each of them very peculiar. You can see light created by fire coming under one of them, another is shaped like a hotel room door, another looks very heavily reinforced with metal. There are also stairs leading down.

You continue downstairs, where you find yourself in the ground floor of the inn, which I have previously described here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5900607;topicseen#msg5900607). The room is empty save for the man behind the counter who is blatantly ignoring you, instead focusing on his book.

You feel a tremor, as if the ground moved slightly for a second and then stopped, accompanied by the distant rumbling of thunder. And for that time, everything looks darker.
The man behind the counter looks up with a slightly concerned expression, as if he can see the sky through the ceiling.
"Well, that doesn't feel, sound or look good." he says to himself.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 12:40:16 pm

((Well, that's wonderful. We all died before we even began.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 01:05:26 pm

((I'm thinking that in retrospect, the safest course of action would have been for as soon as you arrived through the portal for NAV and or Xantalos to create parachutes and or hanggliders, and jump out the window.))

"Ah, how wonderfully dramatic. I expect that it shall now start raining, and someone will burst in from outside to inform us of some dire event. Well, now to wait and test my hypothesis. Say, bartender, do you server cider here?"
Sit down at the counter

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2015, 01:16:45 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 01:05:26 pm

((I'm thinking that in retrospect, the safest course of action would have been for as soon as you arrived through the portal for NAV and or Xantalos to create parachutes and or hanggliders, and jump out the window.))

((Or go with my plan and GTFO instead of trying to fight all the squids in the portal room. But oh well, hindsight is 20/20 and we absolutely needed to demonstrate our really nifty powers, you know.

Anywho, is that a perma-TPK, then? If so, amazing, I'll get to make a new character!

Also, is River permadead as well (by which I mean all of him - there seems to be some fragmentation at work)? That'd be double-amazing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 01:18:38 pm

((Whoops. Looks like the poll was right!
Is that everyone permadead? If so that's goddamn hilarious.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 13, 2015, 01:22:22 pm

((Wow.  Going to have to pour one out for Alan when John gets back; no more Bigwheel Buddy.))

Survival

"Is the bridge unusable?  I think it'd take too long and be way too obvious to make this thing fly; let's just go around.  Let's get there as quick as possible."

Keep working on fixing the legs.


((That's a vote for the tunnel via the shoreline road, if it's not obvious.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 13, 2015, 01:29:00 pm

((Thrice darnit I'm useless and we all died and I was useless. :'( ))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2015, 01:44:12 pm

---

Campaign

---

Harry Baldman
There's a vibrant orange tiger, so much so that it makes the world around it seem duller and irrelevant. It's young, smaller than you, like a very large dog. It walks through the bushes, sniffing. You impulsively walk closer to it and try to pet it. It shows its teeth and growls, clearly not liking the fact that you're approaching, but that doesn't bother you that much. Before it can react, you reach out and pet it, its fur being incredibly soft and pleasantly warm in your hands, compared to the cold air. It immediately tries jumping, pushing back against your hand and you suddenly realise that you are in danger. And yet you do not feel much fear. Just the need to act.

You try to hold it down, keep it from lunging at you. The tiger struggles. You somehow know that if you let it go, it will go for your face or neck, killing you or maiming you. You don't know what would be worse. But despite its strength it is young and small. You manage to restrain it, using your weight to push its head and body against the ground and hold it there. It doesn't submit. It keeps pushing. You put your arm around its neck and put it in a chokehold. When you momentarily feel its efforts weakening, you take the opportunity to turn it around and put your entire weight against its windpipe. You look at it as it struggles, look into its golden eyes. Suddenly you don't know what you're supposed to do or even what you want to do. This all seems so strange. It's not... not something that makes sense. The feeling lasts for a moment. When that moment is over, you once again know what to do. All you need is a single strike. You pull your head back, close your eyes, open your mouth and-

You take a deep breath as you push yourself up. Something is around your neck, chocking you. You put your hands around it, instinctively trying to get the metal wire away from it, to give your neck more room for air to pass through. It takes you a couple of seconds to realise that it is actually not chocking you. You relax your grip on the wire and observe your hands. You realize that your vision is blurry. Not good. But from what you can see, they're uninjured, they just have a white and red line where the wire cut circulation.

There's a buzzing in your ears and you can hear your heart beating fast. You fell dizzy and out of breath. The wire still feels uncomfortable around your neck, especially whenever a muscle expands and pulls it. It's very hot in here. There's a foul stench in the air. It feels hard to breathe.

You quickly run your hands around your neck, trying to learn more about the wire. As you lower your head to reach the back of your neck, your eyes fall on your body and you suddenly realize that you are naked. Your hand reaches the point where the two ends of the wire have been twisted around each other. Well, at least you're not tied to some sort of collar or noose. You wouldn't want to wake up in that kind of situation again.

You blink repeatedly as you try to get the blurriness out of your eyes and take stock of your surroundings. What you're sitting on feels hard. It's rock, dark brown, not very smooth but not very rough either. With something else on it. Dirt, maybe. It looks like an enclosed space, like a cave. Too enclosed. Only a few spots around where one can stand up without hunching. You appear to be standing near a corner, on something that looks like a counter. Not much light here. There's a little light coming through small holes in the roof and a little more coming from a fire a dozen metres away, near the centre of the room. The smoke from the fire escapes through a hole above the-

You freeze. Something moved near the fire. Something large. You wait perfectly still for your eyes to adjust until you can see it. It's large, almost as large as a human. You couldn't see it before because it's almost completely black, save for a piece of dark clothing around its neck and part of its torso that could be considered the remnants of a shirt or coat. It is humanoid, but not human. It has no skin, only a black exoskeleton, like that of a beetle. It has no mouth, only two pairs of mandibles. It has three fingers that end in points that look somewhat sharp. It looks disfigured, one arm smaller than the other, with parts of the exoskeleton missing.

It is leaning against a pile of large jagged rocks that act as a support collumn, its side turned on you. It is using one arm to hold something over the fire. A hand. A human hand, held from the bone jutting out of it. As you watch, it brings the hand close to its mouth and nibbles on it before putting it back over the fire.

You feel sick. You feel the need to move.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 01:05:26 pm

"Ah, how wonderfully dramatic. I expect that it shall now start raining, and someone will burst in from outside to inform us of some dire event. Well, now to wait and test my hypothesis. Say, bartender, do you server cider here?"
Sit down at the counter

Quote

server cider

"Sorry, cider is going to get implemented properly in the next version of the server. I've got a beta I could give you, but it's a bit buggy. Keeps producing foam for some reason." the man says as he closes his book and looks at you.

---

OOC
Meant to post this right after the other post. Sorry for the delay, needed to consult the map and notes a bit, make some rolls and create some new ones for your current situation. And then Lazarus lost the last part of the thing and I had to rewrite it and by then you had written things and I wanted to respond to them without making another post.

Does the forum load a new page when previewing for everybody else too? Because I think it didn't need to reload the page in the past.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 12:40:16 pm

((Well, that's wonderful. We all died before we even began.))

At this rate, we'll have our next TPK in the staging area as we prepare for mission 5.

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 01:05:26 pm

((I'm thinking that in retrospect, the safest course of action would have been for as soon as you arrived through the portal for NAV and or Xantalos to create parachutes and or hanggliders, and jump out the window.))

Interestingly, that was the thing in this part of the mission that greatly surprised me. I had just put that hole there to give the players an idea of where they are and what's going on, to hint that damaging slabs = danger to hint that there are stronger things than parasites out there, to hint that there was fighting in that room and to give the parasites and the predators a way out of the tower. For some reason I didn't think the obvious, that someone with the right skills could very easily escape through it, even though Zechariah has small wings (which he has never used, BTW) so he could just jump out if he wanted. It's not that it would break anything in my plans, the end result would be almost identical to another, but it still made me facepalm in a "why didn't I think of that?" way.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2015, 01:16:45 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 01:05:26 pm

((I'm thinking that in retrospect, the safest course of action would have been for as soon as you arrived through the portal for NAV and or Xantalos to create parachutes and or hanggliders, and jump out the window.))

((Or go with my plan and GTFO instead of trying to fight all the squids in the portal room. But oh well, hindsight is 20/20 and we absolutely needed to demonstrate our really nifty powers, you know.

Anywho, is that a perma-TPK, then? If so, amazing, I'll get to make a new character!

Also, is River permadead as well (by which I mean all of him - there seems to be some fragmentation at work)? That'd be double-amazing.))

Eh, you did well on the small scale, just had some wrong choices in the large scale and general lack of coordination and direction.

I believe the above answers that question.

And River really really wanted you to keep his soulsphere safe after his body died for a reason. Same reason there's things happening in the Staging Area.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 13, 2015, 01:29:00 pm

((Thrice darnit I'm useless and we all died and I was useless. :'( ))

Not much you could do, unless you wanted to be the leader of the group and forced people to make different choices or coordinated them better.
Besides, Ike's still alive. Not everyone is dead.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 01:48:00 pm

Quote

Does the forum load a new page when previewing for everybody else too? Because I think it didn't need to reload the page in the past.

((Yeah, dunno why.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 13, 2015, 01:51:00 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 01:48:00 pm

Quote

Does the forum load a new page when previewing for everybody else too? Because I think it didn't need to reload the page in the past.

((Yeah, dunno why.))

((Same here...I thought it was just my net going crazy but...woah.))

Quote

Not much you could do, unless you wanted to be the leader of the group and forced people to make different choices or coordinated them better.
Besides, Ike's still alive. Not everyone is dead.

((I was useless to aid others ._. I could've done much more! But then RL and and  :-\ :'(

GO HARRY, YOU CAN DO THIS THING!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2015, 02:00:26 pm

Campaign, Ike?

<Calling all stations, this is Lucky Ike Watkins, lucky as usual, fresh off some mental tiger wrestling, completely naked. Anybody out there, over?>

Check if there's any mental reply to me entirely mentally calling all stations via the interface. I still have that, right?

In any case, see if the wire's removable. Should be - Mr. Beetle doesn't seem like he has much manual dexterity.

If that works, commence sneaking toward nearest accessible exit. If Mr. Beetle (assuming that's not Darkstar or something, in case I'm supposing he'd hear my mental call) sees me and seems aggressive rather than entirely friendly like you'd normally expect, cheese it most verily with less concern for stealth.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 02:06:52 pm

"Well, there also seems to be a bug in my speech processor, I think I'll need to disable higher level functions in my CPU while I refactor my codebase. In other words, I'll take the beta cider."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on January 13, 2015, 05:38:17 pm

New character time?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 05:43:13 pm

Quote from: NAV on January 13, 2015, 05:38:17 pm

New character time?

((Please not let this be permadeath. I can't bear to lose my prime character this early.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 13, 2015, 07:10:47 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 05:43:13 pm

Quote from: NAV on January 13, 2015, 05:38:17 pm

New character time?

((Please not let this be permadeath. I can't bear to lose my prime character this early.))

((Me too! Especially losing River! Especially since I wasn't here to see my character go x_x!))

IC: Go Ike, Go! You hold our hopes! You can do this!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 07:20:54 pm

Lenglon takes several deep breaths, and backs away from the keyboard, twitching slightly.

I can't react to this turn of events right now. I get very attached to my characters.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 07:23:33 pm

/me laughs maniacally

The dice, the dice, they herald doom whenever they roll for me ahahhahahahhhahahahhahaha

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 13, 2015, 07:24:26 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 07:20:54 pm

Lenglon takes several deep breaths, and backs away from the keyboard, twitching slightly.

I can't react to this turn of events right now. I get very attached to my characters.

((We aren't dead-dead, silly :P I do believe there is something very certainly going on. Though that's a good RP move for Irene there ._. Just believe on. And believe me when I say we aren't dead-dead.
...Hopefully :o
/me nudges Xantalos. You're being silly again. :v))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 09:33:28 pm

I am hoping that that... that didn't really happen. that Irine will wake up sometime in the next couple turns, battered and burned, but alive.

I am angry, because I don't think that's going to happen. That everything was for naught. that even with her specilized defenses against exactly this type of death, in her most defensive possible posture and form, weren't enough. That there was nothing she could do. that her fate... that all of our fates, were sealed the moment I stopped River from sacrificing himself.

That it's all my fault.

I want to pm Paris, to beg and bargain for Irine's survival, or... or something... I don't even know really.

I know that anything I could say, could do, could ask for... I shouldn't do it. The GM is the GM, I shouldn't go about trying to fight against or undermine his authority. There is nothing productive I can say or do right now, all I can do is lash out... and I want to avoid doing that.

so...

yeah.

I can't afford to react right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 10:04:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 09:33:28 pm

I am hoping that that... that didn't really happen. that Irine will wake up sometime in the next couple turns, battered and burned, but alive.

I am angry, because I don't think that's going to happen. That everything was for naught. that even with her specilized defenses against exactly this type of death, in her most defensive possible posture and form, weren't enough. That there was nothing she could do. that her fate... that all of our fates, were sealed the moment I stopped River from sacrificing himself.

That it's all my fault.

I want to pm Paris, to beg and bargain for Irine's survival, or... or something... I don't even know really.

I know that anything I could say, could do, could ask for... I shouldn't do it. The GM is the GM, I shouldn't go about trying to fight against or undermine his authority. There is nothing productive I can say or do right now, all I can do is lash out... and I want to avoid doing that.

so...

yeah.

I can't afford to react right now.

To be honest, I'm about the same way. I mean, that was my character of all characters, the one that was my primary person. But I'm sure that the GM isn't going to be so harsh. I mean, come on, we weren't even out of the gate yet before we all "died." There has to be something else going on here.

Just trust that it'll turn out well, because I also have to put that trust into the game. Let's wait and see for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 10:59:51 pm

The thing that has me confused is why Ike woke up alone. Theri was right next to him, and I have specilized defenses against flame. Theri, though Tiruin's kept her capabilities hidden well, seems to be a physical-based character. so I'd expect her to be more resilient than Ike. Yet Ike woke up alone. It might simply have been a quirk of the dice or... I dono. Did Ike get something on his last levelup to make him survive with all his limbs when everyone else was instantly burnt to cinders too quickly to even feel what was happening including the person next to him?

so why Ike?

why not me?

---

wait a sec, did the portal colapse before the explosion or not? *starts re-reading turn to check*
if that thing swells up upon being hit by fire, and it WAS closer to the core of the explosion than any of us...

*check complete* yeah, I don't see anything about the portal colapsing, though nobody was keeping close track of it, so I can't be sure. still, if the explosion hit it before us, and since the frontal wave of it was the source of its overwhelming power, there's a chance that the portal swelled up to impossible size and we all went through without being hit by the explosion after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 11:11:13 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 10:59:51 pm

The thing that has me confused is why Ike woke up alone. Theri was right next to him, and I have specilized defenses against flame. Theri, though Tiruin's kept her capabilities hidden well, seems to be a physical-based character. so I'd expect her to be more resilient than Ike. Yet Ike woke up alone. It might simply have been a quirk of the dice or... I dono. Did Ike get something on his last levelup to make him survive with all his limbs when everyone else was instantly burnt to cinders too quickly to even feel what was happening including the person next to him?

so why Ike?

why not me?

Maybe it's a progressive wakeup. Maybe Ike needs to find the rest of us if he can (or wants to), so that we can get out of whatever kind of mess we have fallen into. I dunno. I am personally doubting why all of us, with our wide range of abilities, couldn't have survived the blast. Unless the portal was made of anti-matter, of course, but that's something else. Oh well. Again, I want to wait and see before reacting any more. Paris has been fair to us so far, I'm still putting my faith in that's it's not the end of the line for our characters.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 11:24:04 pm

((I think the permadeath Paris mentioned was if we got enslaved to an octopus, so don't worry, your giblets should be calm.
I'm still giggling over the manner of Alan's second? Or is it third? Death.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 11:30:42 pm

((The permadeath was pretty clearly stated to be if our soul spheres were destroyed. considering the complete and total annihilation he described, that seems likely.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2015, 11:42:57 pm

((In that case it's most likely that Alan's permadead, since he was right next to the giant crystal when it exploded.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 14, 2015, 12:25:33 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 10:04:17 pm

I mean, that was my character of all characters, the one that was my primary person.

((I find this statement interesting, as this character of all my characters made here at Bay12, is played closest to the person behind the keyboard.

Anyway, we'll just have to see how this thread plays out.  I rather saw that explosion as a nuclear-level blast that no one would survive, but there's always that one in a million chance (http://www.unicornjelly.com/urulesmystories.html).))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 12:53:52 am

((If there ever was a game where a dice roll like that would be made it'd be this one.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 02:18:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 10:59:51 pm

The thing that has me confused is why Ike woke up alone. Theri was right next to him, and I have specilized defenses against flame. Theri, though Tiruin's kept her capabilities hidden well, seems to be a physical-based character. so I'd expect her to be more resilient than Ike. Yet Ike woke up alone. It might simply have been a quirk of the dice or... I dono. Did Ike get something on his last levelup to make him survive with all his limbs when everyone else was instantly burnt to cinders too quickly to even feel what was happening including the person next to him?

so why Ike?

why not me?

((Perhaps Satan likes Ike for some reason.

But yes, I'd expect some form of foul sorcery was involved to un-deaden Ike, in which case it's not unreasonable to guess that either all the others, much to my disappointment, are going to wake up soon as well, or Ike is going to have a bit of a moral choice ahead of him, which would be a deliciously wondrous thing to happen. Or maybe he rolled a 6 on Will. Or my last levelup really makes much, much more of a difference than I have been led to believe. Who knows?

In any case, really disappointed that anyone survived. If anyone were to live, I was hoping it would be Alan first and foremost.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 02:24:18 am

((It would be fitting. He would be Alanzathoth, the idiot god of RTDs.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 14, 2015, 02:32:42 am

((Woah, woah. DAF. Lenglon, chill you dudes. :O This is a time wherein we reflect on the feelings--as if our characters are still feeling that; though there is no note of further awareness post-blast. Herein I say we have faith in Ike until the very end. Hopefully he has empathy for us, despite me knowing his player is a nice dude.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2015, 02:37:28 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 14, 2015, 02:32:42 am

((Woah, woah. DAF. Lenglon, chill you dudes. :O This is a time wherein we reflect on the feelings--as if our characters are still feeling that; though there is no note of further awareness post-blast. Herein I say we have faith in Ike until the very end. Hopefully he has empathy for us, despite me knowing his player is a nice dude.))

((Mhm, I agree. Let's just watch what happens for now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 02:41:25 am

((Well, this was certainly a good update in that it got us all fired up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 14, 2015, 05:59:02 am

Survival

In all the chaos, go and grab that rocket launcher. Find a rocket too, so that I can actually fire it.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 06:47:42 am

((Oh, wait! I completely forgot one important thing.

There is another entity in this realm as far as I'm aware, the one we were hunting. Maybe that's who saved Ike and potentially some other people? They've got all manner of largely unexplained godly powers. That could be a fun twist.

Of course, might just be River Unchained instead, considering Ike is who he put his trust in right before he died and that he may have some sort of death avoidance ability or River may have just been part of a greater whole that is Darkstar.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 09:33:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 06:47:42 am

Of course, might just be River Unchained instead, considering Ike is who he put his trust in right before he died and that he may have some sort of death avoidance ability or River may have just been part of a greater whole that is Darkstar.))

((Sleep to calm down + this bit of text right here makes me feel a lot better. It does make sense that if River had to revive the entire group he'd start with Ike. So at least I can hope that River has us all, and just hasn't revived us yet. especially since you woke up naked with a wire (necklace chain) around your neck))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 11:13:36 am

((We were hunting an entity? Shit, I completely forgot that if I ever even knew it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2015, 11:16:38 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 11:13:36 am

((We were hunting an entity? Shit, I completely forgot that if I ever even knew it.))

((I knew we were chasing some guy or girl, but I didn't think it was an entity.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 12:33:55 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2015, 02:00:26 pm

Campaign, Ike?

<Calling all stations, this is Lucky Ike Watkins, lucky as usual, fresh off some mental tiger wrestling, completely naked. Anybody out there, over?>

Check if there's any mental reply to me entirely mentally calling all stations via the interface. I still have that, right?

In any case, see if the wire's removable. Should be - Mr. Beetle doesn't seem like he has much manual dexterity.

If that works, commence sneaking toward nearest accessible exit. If Mr. Beetle (assuming that's not Darkstar or something, in case I'm supposing he'd hear my mental call) sees me and seems aggressive rather than entirely friendly like you'd normally expect, cheese it most verily with less concern for stealth.

Spoiler: Reminder (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 09:16:56 am

"The rest of you have been granted a great honour. Darkstar has asked for assistance in a... let's call it hunting trip. The situation doesn't allow him to hunt this prey on his own, at least not without causing some major disruption in the process. So he has selected you to accompany him."

"The challenge itself is fairly simple. You'll be teleported somewhere near your prey. Make your way there, find it, kill it and then get teleported back. You'll be provided with a few supplies. Appropriate clothing, backpacks, food, camping gear, in case the trip takes longer than expected, but I don't think it would take more than a day or two."

"However, there are some complications. You'll be operating in a world that is not under our control. In fact, we don't even know that much about it. And the outsider in control of it seems to be fairly powerful, so we'd like to avoid any conflict with it, for now at lest. So we're going for a minimal influence, more stealthy approach."

"What that means is, no hosts, no interfaces, no interactions with us, no way to communicate with you even if we wanted to. We'll have to make minor modifications to you in order to fit in better, most notably knowledge of the most common local language, but it shouldn't be anything major."

He shows you a small pendant that appears in his hand in a small burst of shadowfire. It's a simple thing, just a silver metal ring hanging from a chain made out of a similar, if a bit less shiny and darker alloy.
"Since you'll lack Interfaces, these things will provide short range communication. They should also be able to provide low level translation, should you meet anyone not speaking the same language. Try not to loose them."
He's looking at Alan as he says that last sentence.

"They are not indestructible nor bound to you in any way. Just low level magical artefacts."
He flicks his hand and the pendant is hidden by a burst of shadowfire. When it clears, the pendant has disappeared, replaced in his hand by a knife. A wooden dummy appears besides him with a similar effect.

"And, final and most important thing: Death. Now, since we'll have no connection to you, that means that if you die, then... well, you'll die. No way for us to revive you. But, it was decided that that might be a tad too dangerous, considering your previous injury and mortality rate. So, instead of dying, you get this:"

He stabs the dummy near where the heart would be. The dummy moves as if it were alive, putting a wooden hand over its "wound" before collapsing to the ground. A few seconds later, it begins to glow. When the glow disappears, all that is left in its place is a brown orb, a bit bigger than a human hand.

"When it is detected that your body can no longer be revived, all relevant information will be transferred to a little thing like this one." he says and picks the orb up.

"As long as you can manage to retrieve it and nobody damages it, then Darkstar should be able to use it to revive you. Assuming he has enough time and energy, of course.

He won't have his full power, because that would make him stand out like a meteor in the night sky. So don't expect any instant revives.

And the orbs are not indestructible and can be lost. If they aren't recovered after a long time or if they run out of power or if they are damaged beyond repair, then they will self-destruct to prevent capture."

To demonstrate, he stabs the orb. It starts cracking like glass, fractures appearing across its surface as the knife gets embedded deeper and deeper. And then, something breaks and the orb disappears in a small flash of light.

"So try not to have that happen to them. Don't fall into any volcanoes, don't drown out at sea. The usual things any sane person would do."
He is looking at Alan again as he says those last things.

"So, I think that's everything. Any questions?"

You don't have an interface or other magical device on you, but you try to telepathically broadcast your status report anyway, just in case you suddenly gained that ability. You try to think it as hard as you can, trying different ways of thinking it, mental commands, even doing various gestures. You don't know if you broadcasted anything or if anybody received it (after all there wasn't any sort of TMS delivery report last time you used it) but you sure as hell tried your best.

The effort has given you the time to calm down a bit. The adrenaline rush starts passing, the buzzing in your ears and the dizziness dying down a bit, your heart rate dropping. You try to listen for a response, but you can't hear anything. You can hear the sound of light wind coming from somewhere further away, probably the holes. For a moment, you think you get a signal, something like a whisper, but you can't be sure if it wasn't just the wind and your state playing tricks on you.

It appears that it has also given time to Mr. (or Mrs., since it doesn't have any genitals that you can see) Bug to notice that you're up and moving. It stands up and looks at you (at least you think it's looking at you, it has two triads of small orbs on its "face" that could be eyes). It doesn't do anything more after that though, it just stands there, looking at you, unmoving.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 13, 2015, 02:06:52 pm

"Well, there also seems to be a bug in my speech processor, I think I'll need to disable higher level functions in my CPU while I refactor my codebase. In other words, I'll take the beta cider."

"Great, great! I'm all for disabling higher level functions through drunkness protocols, especially in situations like theses. Now let's see here..."
The man procures a wooden mug from under the counter and looks at the barrels behind him, before choosing one and approaching it.
"You're not going to disappear into thin air, right? Because that'd be kinda annoying." he says seriously as he starts pouring liquid into the mug.
"A waste of beta cider." he adds in a lighter tone.

---

OOC
I am deeply sorry for any distress I caused. I'm just trying to make a good story and a good game with you, I do not want to hurt anyone.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 09:33:28 pm

That there was nothing she could do. that her fate... that all of our fates, were sealed the moment I stopped River from sacrificing himself.

That it's all my fault.

It's not your fault. It's not somebody's fault. Or it's everybody's fault, depending on your philosophy. Personally I don't believe there even was any fault. Your characters did their choices and acted how they would had acted, there's nothing wrong with that.

That being said, the entire group had plenty of points where they could had done things differently. Everyone could had moved out of the Portal room immediately or chosen a different escape route. Alan could had chosen not to use a heavy attack (in fact I expected Zechariah to use some sort of crystal attack to trigger the first blast) or do some sort of dark ritual to change his luck. You could had asked River for more information. Nikolai could had approached the rock block holding the slab and enlarged it to make the height it falls less or he could had enlarged something to support that block or just let it fall and then use his ability to try and repair it. Or he could ask Alan to summon a mattress or something for it to fall on and hope he doesn't overshoot. Or maybe our more physically capable characters (Theri and Ike) could had gone there to do something about it. Someone could had convinced River to do something else. Ike could had kept his previous action and attacked Irene. Alan could had let River kill Irene or find a way to stop rolling 6s all the time. Zechariah could had done something other than putting the slab in the worse position possible. Irene and Zechariah could had tried to somehow lessen or direct the effect of the blast by shrouding the slabs that were about to explode in crystal and pyrokinesis or Zechariah could had tried to support the floor and roof. You could had removed some slabs from the wall to stop the domino effect. I even gave you the benefit of focusing solely on that problem instead of that AND a giant enemy by interpreting Nikolai's and Zecharia's actions more loosely (because that enemy was bound to do something to cause that slab to fall or worse and then everything would had been worse).

So it wasn't a predetermined outcome and it wasn't caused by a single choice, action or inaction. It was circumstance, choices and luck that led to it.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 10:04:17 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2015, 09:33:28 pm

I am hoping that that... that didn't really happen. that Irine will wake up sometime in the next couple turns, battered and burned, but alive.

I am angry, because I don't think that's going to happen. That everything was for naught. that even with her specilized defenses against exactly this type of death, in her most defensive possible posture and form, weren't enough. That there was nothing she could do. that her fate... that all of our fates, were sealed the moment I stopped River from sacrificing himself.

That it's all my fault.

I want to pm Paris, to beg and bargain for Irine's survival, or... or something... I don't even know really.

I know that anything I could say, could do, could ask for... I shouldn't do it. The GM is the GM, I shouldn't go about trying to fight against or undermine his authority. There is nothing productive I can say or do right now, all I can do is lash out... and I want to avoid doing that.

so...

yeah.

I can't afford to react right now.

To be honest, I'm about the same way. I mean, that was my character of all characters, the one that was my primary person. But I'm sure that the GM isn't going to be so harsh. I mean, come on, we weren't even out of the gate yet before we all "died." There has to be something else going on here.

Just trust that it'll turn out well, because I also have to put that trust into the game. Let's wait and see for now.

It's not about being harsh. I like your characters, I don't want to kill them. It's about actions and consequences.

If there is no danger, if everything ends up well no matter what you do, then there is little point in having choice in the first place. You wouldn't be controlling characters, you'd be controlling actors and instead of interacting with the world you'd be improvising lines and actions for the plot.

I may bend things to your favour sometimes, plus the game mechanics do favour PCs over NPCs in certain circumstances, but I have to do things a certain way, I want to do things a certain way. So if the dice say you die, you die. End of the line.

On the other hand, that also means there is little limit to what you can do. So if your first action after arriving was murdering River and then using the teleporter to go live free in this world, not caring one bit about your quest, then if you rolled well, you could do it and there would be nothing I could do about that.

Quote from: Toaster on January 14, 2015, 12:25:33 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 13, 2015, 10:04:17 pm

I mean, that was my character of all characters, the one that was my primary person.

((I find this statement interesting, as this character of all my characters made here at Bay12, is played closest to the person behind the keyboard.

Anyway, we'll just have to see how this thread plays out.  I rather saw that explosion as a nuclear-level blast that no one would survive, but there's always that one in a million chance (http://www.unicornjelly.com/urulesmystories.html).))

Oh, nice link. Thanks.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 02:18:57 am

((In any case, really disappointed that anyone survived.))

Hmm.... Using reverse psychology or seeking the death of all things like one of those comic book villains? I guess we'll find out.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 02:41:25 am

((Well, this was certainly a good update in that it got us all fired up.))

Pun intended or just happy coincidence?

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2015, 11:16:38 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 11:13:36 am

((We were hunting an entity? Shit, I completely forgot that if I ever even knew it.))

((I knew we were chasing some guy or girl, but I didn't think it was an entity.))

Reminder about your target (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5671547#msg5671547)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 12:54:50 pm

"Not planning on it. I like existing in a solid form, how am I supposed to do mad science if I am naught but gas? _{Though I suppose it could be a good chance to expand my area of expertise...} Anyway, why do you ask, have you had anyone sublimate mid-conversation recently?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:16:08 pm

((Legit unintended pun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 01:18:27 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:16:08 pm

((Legit unintended pun.))

((Who said it was unintentional?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 14, 2015, 01:18:47 pm

Survival

Same thing as before - anything dangerous gets slapped away by the bling-arm.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:21:27 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 01:18:27 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:16:08 pm

((Legit unintended pun.))

((Who said it was unintentional?))

((I dunno man, a heated debate could be made about that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 01:25:11 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:21:27 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 01:18:27 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 14, 2015, 01:16:08 pm

((Legit unintended pun.))

((Who said it was unintentional?))

((I dunno man, a heated debate could be made about that.))

((Don't let your preconceptions cloud your judgement))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2015, 01:27:24 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 12:33:55 pm

It's not about being harsh. I like your characters, I don't want to kill them. It's about actions and consequences.

If there is no danger, if everything ends up well no matter what you do, then there is little point in having choice in the first place. You wouldn't be controlling characters, you'd be controlling actors and instead of interacting with the world you'd be improvising lines and actions for the plot.

I may bend things to your favour sometimes, plus the game mechanics do favour PCs over NPCs in certain circumstances, but I have to do things a certain way, I want to do things a certain way. So if the dice say you die, you die. End of the line.

On the other hand, that also means there is little limit to what you can do. So if your first action after arriving was murdering River and then using the teleporter to go live free in this world, not caring one bit about your quest, then if you rolled well, you could do it and there would be nothing I could do about that.

Right, and I'm not trying to say that we should have survived through all of the stupid decisions. A consequence is a consequence, of course. Maybe it was just my terrible reading comprehension, but I felt like I was interpreting things wrong throughout the whole thing. Like the size of the room or the hallway, for example, and the actual danger of the rock slabs. I didn't think we had any serious danger other than the parasites and the portal, so that's what I focused on. Perhaps that is a product of my misunderstandings, but I still feel like it could have turned out a lot better if we had a map or something of that sort.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 01:29:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hello, sir or madam. You wouldn't happen to understand my language, would you? If so, I would like to point out that I make a far better accomplice to murder than I do food, though I suspect you may know this already, or at least that you have a very keen appreciation for freshness in your human flesh, given how I am not dead yet."

Fingers crossed for beetlemen (or beetlewomen) understanding the most common local dialect.

If Mr. and/or Ms. Beetle choose to try and end me, though, try and free myself in turn!

((It's not that I want the death of all things or anything, it's just that everyone exploding in a nuclear manner after steadfastly refusing to do anything at all reasonable is tragically (in the theatrical, entertaining sense) satisfying to me. We had it coming, we fucked up in a big, wonderful, interconnected way and this terrible thing could have been averted, but we just failed to collectively do so. It's cathartic, so to speak. And the catharsis is somewhat lessened by the seemingly inexplicable survival of Ike, to say nothing of the rest of the gang, maybe except Alan.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 01:35:59 pm

@Xantalos and Wolfkit: I hate to mention this because you're being funny, but each of you is talking about a different pun.

@DAF: Like the map and description of the room I provided in various points, including the moment you entered it?
I don't know, maybe I do things too complex or difficult. Or maybe my descriptions are not well because of my English or because I write too much. Sorry, I'll try to do better. That's why I experiment, try to figure out what works.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 14, 2015, 01:38:22 pm

Yeah, I think that was my fault for missing whatever you put in there. Sorry for the trouble.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 01:46:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 01:35:59 pm

@DAF: Like the map and description of the room I provided in various points, including the moment you entered it?
I don't know, maybe I do things too complex or difficult. Or maybe my descriptions are not well because of my English or because I write too much. Sorry, I'll try to do better. That's why I experiment, try to figure out what works.

((No real way to get people to read attentively - I know that I often don't. I have this unfortunate habit of reading the first paragraph, the last paragraph and then whatever's in the middle, and then I get confused, and then I either reread it two more times or just go ahead with what I've gleaned, damn the consequences.

Though it is probably overly optimistic to consider the possibility that a player in an RTD is ever likely to put two and two together due to a general habit of missing details in writing. Just look at ER. The general idiocy of the HMRC is rooted at least halfway in people failing to pay attention at a critical juncture. It's somewhat hard to avoid.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 02:14:43 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 12:54:50 pm

"Not planning on it. I like existing in a solid form, how am I supposed to do mad science if I am naught but gas? _{Though I suppose it could be a good chance to expand my area of expertise...} Anyway, why do you ask, have you had anyone sublimate mid-conversation recently?"

The man snickers a bit at your pun.
"Oh, just that one guy." the man says as he starts filling a second mug. "One moment he was there, the next he was... 'Poof'!... Gone."
"Who knows. Maybe it's related to all this end-of-the-world crap going on. But that's up in the air."
The man sets the drinks down on the counter with a giddy expression, but that changes a moment later to a momentary frown. They are noticeably not-foaming.
"Ah, so it's going to be like this, huh?" he says to nobody in particular.
"Well, I'd just like to say you just wasted a perfect opportunity for a practical joke. Just because you're frothing doesn't mean our drinks can't."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 01:29:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hello, sir or madam. You wouldn't happen to understand my language, would you? If so, I would like to point out that I make a far better accomplice to murder than I do food, though I suspect you may know this already, or at least that you have a very keen appreciation for freshness in your human flesh, given how I am not dead yet."

Fingers crossed for beetlemen (or beetlewomen) understanding the most common local dialect.

If Mr. and/or Ms. Beetle choose to try and end me, though, try and free myself in turn!

((It's not that I want the death of all things or anything, it's just that everyone exploding in a nuclear manner after steadfastly refusing to do anything at all reasonable is tragically (in the theatrical, entertaining sense) satisfying to me. We had it coming, we fucked up in a big, wonderful, interconnected way and this terrible thing could have been averted, but we just failed to collectively do so. It's cathartic, so to speak. And the catharsis is somewhat lessened by the seemingly inexplicable survival of Ike, to say nothing of the rest of the gang, maybe except Alan.))

((Ah, good, I get it now.))

The bug doesn't react. It just stands there, not doing anything, not even moving its mandibles. You'd think it was frozen if it wasn't for a barely audible noise being emitted by its 'mouth', something like breathing. Well, at least it's not attacking you.

As you stand there, staring at each other, the whisper returns. And this time you get a few words.
<.̀͠͏͝.̵̀̕͡.̕͘ ̵͡à̢͝b̡́͡o̶̕u͠҉ţ̸́͘ ͏́͢͞t̨͏͟h̵is҉,̛ ͏̸͢ca̶͢n̡͟ ̸̛̛͝y̶̵҉ò̵̷͟͞ư̸̶̵ ͢.̶̵́́.̷̵̵̴͝.̡͡͠͡ ͡c̶̢o̢̢͝͠m̀͟e̸̢͢͟ ͏̵͘ǫ͜n̡̛͢,̕͢ ̵̡̛D̸̀ù̡͟m̸b͟͏o̢,̕͟ u̴͞se ͞th͢o͞ś̷͡e ̧̛͡͡b̕͟i̧̕͜͢ģ̶̀ ͝͏҉̧.̶̴̷̢͡.̡̛.̷̧͘>
Hmm... That sounds familiar.

---

OOC

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 01:46:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 01:35:59 pm

@DAF: Like the map and description of the room I provided in various points, including the moment you entered it?
I don't know, maybe I do things too complex or difficult. Or maybe my descriptions are not well because of my English or because I write too much. Sorry, I'll try to do better. That's why I experiment, try to figure out what works.

((No real way to get people to read attentively - I know that I often don't. I have this unfortunate habit of reading the first paragraph, the last paragraph and then whatever's in the middle, and then I get confused, and then I either reread it two more times or just go ahead with what I've gleaned, damn the consequences.

Though it is probably overly optimistic to consider the possibility that a player in an RTD is ever likely to put two and two together due to a general habit of missing details in writing. Just look at ER. The general idiocy of the HMRC is rooted at least halfway in people failing to pay attention at a critical juncture. It's somewhat hard to avoid.))

Indeed. I remember that time I thought my spaceship had enough fuel.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 02:26:43 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, would this be telepathy of some sort, then? Or is it that you just talk really quietly? I do hear a little whisper on the wind. Can barely hear you. Or <hear> you, you know. Maybe try a little body language to supplement the whispers?"

Think real hard at Mr. Beetle. Try to establish a clearer telepathic link if it seems to be working.

<Did you hear me think at the surrounding area back there? I hear a bit of interference between us. Repeat, maybe try a bit more body language to make yourself clear?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 02:50:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 12:33:55 pm

Irene and Zechariah could had tried to somehow lessen or direct the effect of the blast by shrouding the slabs that were about to explode in crystal and pyrokinesis

did that

Quote from: Lenglon on January 06, 2015, 10:27:30 am

Irine, Campaign

---

I target the area the slabs are in, and redirect the force of their explosions away from us.

I tried to redirect the explosions away from us, sideways, to the outside of the tower...
and when I read the turn, I'd thought it had worked.
until I read Alan's bit.

---

we were missing a key piece of information the entire time, the knowledge of the giant bomb waiting below us. we had a visible power source in the room with us, and no reason to suspect that there was anything of the kind that nearby. In fact, we had reason to believe there was nothing remotely of the kind anywhere near us, on the simple assumption that nobody is that stupid.

what kind of a moron puts vibration-sensitive explosives on unsecured shelves directly above a gunpowder silo anyway? not only that, but those unsecured shelves are in the same room as a major transport route. It's mind-blowingly insane. If you're going to properly exploit a inter-dimensional portal you need to have the ability to send proper logistics through it. if you're going to have rumbling wagons rolling through the room on a regular basis, and you have unsecured explosive power sources in the room, and the room is directly above a unstable nuclear reactor, then I want to take out a life insurance policy on you and everyone in your workplace, whilst immediately fleeing the city, because this exact thing was going to happen by accident sooner rather than later.

one sloppy janitor bumps one tablet and it chains into the rest and in the middle of one night your entire city just got vaporized.

the only person who had a chance to know this was River, because he understood the system better than we did by far. Yes, we didn't ask him, but we had no reason to ask the question in the first place! "hey, did these people store their explosives directly above a giant unstable reactor?" Do we really need to bother asking those kinds of questions?!?

yes, we could have slowed the process down by keeping the tablets from hitting the floor, but the cracks on them were growing weather or not we kept them from the ground. so they WERE going to go off one way or another, and we had not way to know there was anything ELSE they were going to set off.

so we did the smart thing, and acted to contain / control the tablet explosions, and prioritized them as such. honestly, the parasites were a bigger threat than the tablets themselves so we just went on with what we were doing. at the end, when it looked like a large number of them were going to go off at once, that was also the only threat from them going off at once. a large pack of them ment a much bigger boom. so we took cover.

how on earth were we supposed to know the main power lines weren't the main power sources themselves when the tablets, which are much smaller, were shown to be signifigant power sources?

in short, yes, we could have avoided this if we had known the portal's designer was a suicidal maniac who puts vibration-sensitive bombs directly over a gigantic unstable reactor. We assumed the portal's designer wasn't completely insane, and River never put forth any information otherwise. Do we really need to ask "are there giant bombs waiting to go off hidden in the floor underneath us" all the time?
EDIT: toaster convinced me to re-evaluate this post, and I realized that this is exactly what I wanted to avoid. sorry.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 14, 2015, 03:06:52 pm

Continue flying. If the wind gets bad, descend a bit, then glide.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 03:29:00 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 02:50:04 pm

in short, yes, we could have avoided this if we had known the portal's designer was a suicidal maniac who puts vibration-sensitive bombs directly over a gigantic unstable reactor. We assumed the portal's designer wasn't completely insane, and River never put forth any information otherwise. Do we really need to ask "are there giant bombs waiting to go off hidden in the floor underneath us" all the time?

((Well, there was the important hint that these were the same idiot wizards who opened a portal to the land of copper winds and mind-controlling parasites for power and... food. By channeling power into a magical stone (bigger one than we expected, too!) to rip apart spacetime. And they're from a nation that really likes fire. Inefficiency is their primary byword.

Put all that together, and the architecture makes much more sense, does it not?

Besides, the whole thing about the parasites was that they were a non-threat the entire time (mostly being only vaguely aware of the presence of unenslaved flesh at best) as long as everyone stuck together and kept moving, which is why I found it highly perplexing when up to two thirds of the team felt the compulsive need to pick fights with them at any given moment. While in a room surrounded by loads and loads of them or in their home realm, no less. Almost makes me regret at the very least not sneak attack decapitating one or two teammates, taking their soul spheres and then moving out with the rest. That would have been the fun thing to do.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 04:54:54 pm

"End of the world? Also, may I ask who you are talking to and why they are mad?"
Drink

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 06:51:33 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 03:29:00 pm

Besides, the whole thing about the parasites was that they were a non-threat the entire time (mostly being only vaguely aware of the presence of unenslaved flesh at best) as long as everyone stuck together and kept moving, which is why I found it highly perplexing when up to two thirds of the team felt the compulsive need to pick fights with them at any given moment. While in a room surrounded by loads and loads of them or in their home realm, no less. Almost makes me regret at the very least not sneak attack decapitating one or two teammates, taking their soul spheres and then moving out with the rest. That would have been the fun thing to do.))

((see, this is where communication matters. as in: if you thought that, you should have said so. most of your objections were in personal thought-text, which I make a point of ignoring when deciding my character's actions since my character can't hear it. What little you did say was offensive and as a result, largely ignored.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 03:29:00 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 02:50:04 pm

in short, yes, we could have avoided this if we had known the portal's designer was a suicidal maniac who puts vibration-sensitive bombs directly over a gigantic unstable reactor. We assumed the portal's designer wasn't completely insane, and River never put forth any information otherwise. Do we really need to ask "are there giant bombs waiting to go off hidden in the floor underneath us" all the time?

((Well, there was the important hint that these were the same idiot wizards who opened a portal to the land of copper winds and mind-controlling parasites for power and... food. By channeling power into a magical stone (bigger one than we expected, too!) to rip apart spacetime. And they're from a nation that really likes fire. Inefficiency is their primary byword.

Put all that together, and the architecture makes much more sense, does it not?))

so their method was channeling power into a stone, which is typically a stabilizing agent, what's wrong with that?
their nation likes fire, what does that have to do with anything?
opening a portal to -snip-
where they were opening the portal to doesn't matter because it was clear they didn't know where the portal was going. they made it blind and had to explore to find out what was there. the process of finding out was how they lost control of the portal, because the parasites took over.

so the only clue was that they dared to make an interdimensional portal...
again, what does that have to do with anything?

sorry, no, that was not a hint.
EDIT: extension of why I struck-through my above post, road I don't want to travel. shouldn't have gone there in the first place, sorry.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 07:38:18 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 06:51:33 pm

((see, this is where communication matters. as in: if you thought that, you should have said so. most of your objections were in personal thought-text, which I make a point of ignoring when deciding my character's actions since my character can't hear it. What little you did say was offensive and as a result, largely ignored.))

((Oh, I'm not saying I'm blameless or anything. Lack of communication and initiative completes the stupidity and is indistinguishable from stupidity. That's why each and every one of the people caught in the blast did, in fact, entirely deserve what they got, at least in my possibly rather harsh opinion.

In any case, probably best not to obsess over it too much. I know I've obsessed over potentialities in games far too often in the past when greatness has just escaped me (such as when Ike failed to confirm the kill on Irene during Target Amethyst), or critical failure has happened for the silliest possible reasons.))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 14, 2015, 06:51:33 pm

so their method was channeling power into a stone, which is typically a stabilizing agent, what's wrong with that?
their nation likes fire, what does that have to do with anything?
opening a portal to -snip-
where they were opening the portal to doesn't matter because it was clear they didn't know where the portal was going. they made it blind and had to explore to find out what was there. the process of finding out was how they lost control of the portal, because the parasites took over.

so the only clue was that they dared to make an interdimensional portal...
again, what does that have to do with anything?

sorry, no, that was not a hint.

((The idea that a stone is a stabilizing agent is backwards alchemy, since anything with energy poured into it becomes unstable to one degree or another. Physics, you know!

Wizards that like fire are generally a red flag in terms of responsible behavior. Try and name me a wizard who likes fire and is also associated with any form of mature, reasonable behavior.

Opening a giant two-way portal to a place you don't know anything about is dangerously irresponsible (especially when practiced in the middle of a densely populated city), as is generally trying to rip through spacetime for food and power (aka the classic "let's let loose demons/harness the power of the gods/explore the furthest reaches of experience" type of dealie that inevitably kills everyone any time that people try it).

Finally, they're wizards, which means a nebulous understanding of what they're doing and absolutely no safety compliance in their work. And they're wizards that like fire, which is at least 50% worse in this regard.

What I'm saying is, these people clearly weren't scientists, rational people, terribly clever or even all around sane, and this sort of highly unstable, dangerously irresponsibly made technology just completes the portrayal and lets it coalesce into a cohesive whole rather than comes as a surprise.

In addition, note that the portal itself was screwed around with quite liberally by us as far as I recall, so perhaps the reactor thingy wasn't unstable at all in the first place, but we merely deprived it of an energy output when the portal closed (at least that's what I think it did by the end).

(the above is struck through in the spirit of not traveling the yellow bickering road and because I am a petty human being who tends to try and squeeze in the final word and because I already wrote that when you struck through yours)

In any case, be chill. All these negative vibes in here, I swear. It'd almost make me less mellow if not for such a pronounced reaction being so unimaginable to me that I cannot properly empathize and just find it rather funny in spite of kinder impulses within me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 14, 2015, 07:55:44 pm

((Apologies for not posting often, I'm feeling quite busy))
Bryan Survival

---

"Sounds like we want to go for the tunnel, not feeling good about that, but it is worth a shot"
Head to the tunnel, people wanted the quick way, right? Either way continue to be the chauffeur and follow their directions.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2015, 11:04:07 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2015, 02:26:43 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, would this be telepathy of some sort, then? Or is it that you just talk really quietly? I do hear a little whisper on the wind. Can barely hear you. Or <hear> you, you know. Maybe try a little body language to supplement the whispers?"

Think real hard at Mr. Beetle. Try to establish a clearer telepathic link if it seems to be working.

<Did you hear me think at the surrounding area back there? I hear a bit of interference between us. Repeat, maybe try a bit more body language to make yourself clear?>

Mr. Beetle starts walking towards you, hunched over to prevent hitting its head on the outcroppings in the ceiling.

<Ơh̵̸͘͜͠ ͟͟͞͡.̴̷̧̛.̴̸̡̡.̴̵̨͜ ̶̢̛͘ẁ̸͝ơ͝r̀́ki̡n̵̵͏g̵̕?̴ ̕O̶k̢a̸̧͠͝y̴̶̡͟,̶̡̢͜͠ ̧͟h̵̨̛͜ơ̛͝͞w͏̴̢ ̀͢҉̢̀.͢͏̸.̴̶.͝͠>

It keeps walking until it is close to you. When it reaches you, it just stands there for a few more moments.

<Th͢ere̢.̷ I͠s ̵t̨h̶at̕ ̵bet̡t͝er? I t̵h͘i̵nk ̷that'͟s b̀èt̀ter҉.Y͜ou̵ ca͢n̛ h͠ea̢r̵ ͠mé,͠ r͝i͡ght?͢>
Oh, hey, it's that guy.

The bug thrusts the half-roasted arm it is holding towards your head. You take a step back to avoid being hit. It keeps standing there. You're not sure if it's trying to give you a hand or trying to get you to back off.

<Ca͟n't̕ re͞ąlly̧ ̶d̀o m͜uch͢ f͞or bo͟dý l̷ang͡u̵a̸g̛e͠, si̵n̡c͏e̶ I'̧m just̛ a͡ voi̴ce͡ in͢ ͞y̨our ̀h͜e̷ad. I̶ ҉gu̸e̛s̸s̵ ̷I c҉ou̵ld i̵mág̡in̴e̸ I'̡m d͠oi̧n̛g ̨so͢me̵thing a͜nd t́ry͘ to ̀s͡end̵ th̷a̵t i͡mage͟, ͞bu͠t the͡n͝ g҉o͜o͞ḑ l̢uck ͡ŕe̕ce͠iv̴i͝n͡g̴ t͘h̕at͠.̸ U͞n҉l͝ȩs̷s͠ ̸t̷he ͢éa̕rs h̸e͜l̨p̀. Ỳǫu̵ ̴k̀now,͏ ac̷t҉ ҉li͞ke͢ sate̕ĺlit̀e ̷d̸i͡şhe̴s͝? A̧n͘yẃay҉,̧ w҉hy̕ ͏t̨he̴ ҉h҉e҉ll͘ a͝re̢ ̵y̢o͜u͢r messa̧g̡e̛s ̨ad̵d҉ress̀e͞d t̡o̕ a 'M͟r.͞ ̕Be̡e̕t̀le̢'?͟>
And still as talkative as ever.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 04:54:54 pm

"End of the world? Also, may I ask who you are talking to and why they are mad?"
Drink

"Oh yeah, the universe is shrinking, the apocalypse is upon us, we're all going to die, same old, same old." the man says very matter-of-factly before pausing to drink from his mug. Another tremor happens, this time even weaker. After a few gulps, he exhales audibly and puts it down.
"Well, not really. I'll be just fine. But you'll probably die."
"As for who I was talking to, it was the harbinger of the apocalypse, screwing with my magical drinks."
"If this place has a god, then he's something like the holy spirit.
You know the pigeon?" he adds, putting his hands close to his waist and tilting them up and down a bit in a flapping motion.
"Yeah, well he's like that, in a grumpy sort of way. A big flying rat that supposedly is really important and powerful but really doesn't show up or talk that much or do anything helpful."
"As for why he's angry, I haven't  the faintest idea. You're some sort of sciency guy, right? You ever hear of- Oh, wait, that guy's been dead a long time... How about- No, you probably don't know that thing either... Oh, I know! Who's your guy? You know, who brought you here?"

---

Survival

---

Tunnel it is then. Okay. The journey continues. (http://youtu.be/ZclUYn_mNpw?t=13m)

Quote from: Toaster on January 13, 2015, 01:22:22 pm

Survival
"Is the bridge unusable?  I think it'd take too long and be way too obvious to make this thing fly; let's just go around.  Let's get there as quick as possible."

Keep working on fixing the legs.

You continue your work as a medic for magical metal golems. You do a considerably good job, considering your lack of prior expertise on the field and the fact that you are in a moving vehicle. It's not the best weld that you have ever seen and his legs look a bit shorter than before, plus the runes on them aren't lighting up, but it looks like he can use them or at least move them, which is better than before.

"Try to take it easy until it's properly sealed. No running, no heavy weights, use a crutch if you can. Come back in two weeks for a followup so that I can check the seams and change your oils. Ask my robo-secretary, she'll set you up with an appointment and give you a lollipop."

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 14, 2015, 01:18:47 pm

Survival

Same thing as before - anything dangerous gets slapped away by the bling-arm.

You carefully try to turn around so that you can let John work on the back of your legs, at the same time keeping an eye on your tail. Bryan is doing a quite admirable job driving this hot rod. They've been left quite far behind and disappear from sight behind a turn from time to time.

John does an OK job on your legs. You can move them but you should probably avoid injury or more strain on them, lest they become detached again.

Quote from: Alarith on January 14, 2015, 07:55:44 pm

((Apologies for not posting often, I'm feeling quite busy))
Bryan Survival

---

"Sounds like we want to go for the tunnel, not feeling good about that, but it is worth a shot"
Head to the tunnel, people wanted the quick way, right? Either way continue to be the chauffeur and follow their directions.

You keep driving, doing your best to not break for anything without loosing control. The car must be completely aerodynamically unstable at this speed, because it feels like it wants to enter a spin with the slightest turn. Probably has something to do with the fact that it's scalier than a fish. Even the wheel is multiple pieces of metal screwed together. You suddenly become very fearful for the durability of the vehicle.

You continue to do a very decent job driving. A quick look on the rear view mirror (oh gods, even the rear view mirror is two mirrors held together by the casing) shows you that you have left your pursuers a great distance behind. On your left the sea is replaced by the docks, warehouses, administrative buildings, cranes, piers and trucks hiding behind a simple chainlink fence.

You feel a very powerful mix of emotions moving that joins the one coming from your pursuers towards the main road. Mostly a sense of urgency and anxiousness. Must be really powerful if you can feel it at that distance. They don't feel like they're moving very fast though, so they're probably not in a car. They're probably five or six people.

Thunder strikes somewhere far away, momentarily illuminating the clouds in the night sky. Soon after, it starts to drizzle, an occasional drop of water splashing across the wind-shield before it is swept away by the wind.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 14, 2015, 05:59:02 am

Survival

In all the chaos, go and grab that rocket launcher. Find a rocket too, so that I can actually fire it.

You approach the group of four men from behind. They've stopped running and are currently very loudly arguing with each other in between pants.
"Well how was I supposed to know they wouldn't go out the same way they went in? Boss said-"
"Boss said to keep following them and get them if they do anything fishy. How are you going to explain this to him air-for-brains? Because there's no chance I'm taking the fall for it."
"Hey, he told me he heard from the radio they were coming this way."
"Woah, don't blame this on me, I said they might be coming this way. Might! They were facing this way, how was I supposed to know they were going to turn?"
"Oh, yeah? And I might crack your skull open with my big metal tube."
"I like your rocket launcher."
"It's not a rocket launcher you peckerhead, it's an anti- Huh?!" the man exclaims in confusion as he realizes that the statement did not come from one of his comrades, but instead from someone behind him.
"Yoink!" you say as you yank the weapon out of his hands.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 14, 2015, 03:06:52 pm

Continue flying. If the wind gets bad, descend a bit, then glide.

You continue to glide downwards, getting closer to the bridge, a wide suspension bridge. Looks like the police have gotten some construction vehicles and are preparing to push through the barricade. It's probably going to get messy once they get to the other side...

It's a good thing you've gotten lower. A lightning bolt strikes one of the lightning rods of the bridge and soon after it starts to drizzle, a drop of water occasionally falling on you.

---

OOC
Again, I'm sorry. I guess I should not try to create suspense that way again, it leads to bad things.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 11:48:14 pm

"It's not going to be the apocalypse that kills me, I've got plans for that. In true mad scientist tradition, I expect to be horrifically killed when one of my expirememts goes terribly right. _{Although, that already happened yet apparently I am still alive, so I suppose I shall live forever instead?}
Anyway, guy who brought me here... Do you mean Charlie? If not I can't help you as I haven't met anyone else. Well, there was Charlie's secretary, but I'm not sure she counts. Also, there were two voices that provided Charlie with no useful information, but I dunno who they were."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 14, 2015, 11:59:50 pm

((Toaster, you're an awesome person. Lenglon and Harry: Y'all are awesome in following his advice on the yellow bricky road. Paris: You are nyancat. Also awesome in writing all this and continuing being a GM. Same with everyone else.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 15, 2015, 01:26:11 am

Survival

John shrugged.  "It'll do, I guess.  How's the car holding, Bryan?"

Quote from: Tiruin on January 14, 2015, 11:59:50 pm

((Toaster, you're an awesome person.))

((I'm just some guy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2015, 05:08:45 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, hey, man! Good to hear from you. I thought you were Mr. Beetle there for a second, talking in that Southern White Noise accent. It would be a good look for you, I think, all insectoid and whatnot. Try it sometime.>

Hm... I suspect I should... take a bite of the arm? It's trying to feed me, I think. Express approval for quality meal. Two thumbs up!

Sad thing is, it's probably not the worst bit of human flesh I've ever eaten.

<Anywho, you think you could teleport me out of here, dude? Mr. Beetle's trying to fatten me up with human flesh for when it's going to eat me or trying to nurse me back to health with said human flesh, I think. Also, everything blew up and I survived via unclear means, and I'm in an unfamiliar place and I'm naked and I don't know how I got here and it would be just smashing if you had any exposition handy or dimensional escape route proposals oh gods.>

If it doesn't appreciate me having a bite and makes any hostile moves, I presume I can dodge it, though just to be sure, prepare for trouble anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 15, 2015, 11:51:39 am

Survival

"Good work. Gramercy."

Keep being the party's anti-projectile system and meat shield.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on January 15, 2015, 04:36:24 pm

I've grown quite fond of Nikolai, but I don't think I'd mind losing him that much. I've been working on a new character in case he dies. She would be an apprentice voodoo witch, who has healing magic as well as darker magic like curses and necromancy.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 15, 2015, 04:47:13 pm

Keep flying.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 15, 2015, 04:48:13 pm

I haven't made a spare character in case, but I probably could. I do have plans to import Alan into ER in the rare event that Xan permadies though.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 15, 2015, 05:01:20 pm

"As far as I can tell, its holding together quite well. I haven't noticed any problems yet."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 15, 2015, 05:05:50 pm

Sweet, a new toy! Grab that guy a took the gun from, and use him as a shield. I doubt they came unarmed. Run back someway, ready my weapon for fire, and see what they do.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 15, 2015, 05:09:34 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 14, 2015, 11:48:14 pm

"It's not going to be the apocalypse that kills me, I've got plans for that. In true mad scientist tradition, I expect to be horrifically killed when one of my expirememts goes terribly right. _{Although, that already happened yet apparently I am still alive, so I suppose I shall live forever instead?}
Anyway, guy who brought me here... Do you mean Charlie? If not I can't help you as I haven't met anyone else. Well, there was Charlie's secretary, but I'm not sure she counts. Also, there were two voices that provided Charlie with no useful information, but I dunno who they were."

"Hold on a sec. You're Fat Shady's guy?"
The man pokes at you with his index finger a couple of times as if he expects his hand to go through you.
"I never expected him to get a guy with a sense of humour. He usually goes for more serious psychos."

"So, anyways, Dr. Dred, here's the thing. That guy you're working for has two other guys working for him, the voices you heard. (Well, actually, he has many guys working for him, but that's not important right now.) And those two guys are working to create this entire place we're in. You know, magical dimensions and all those things. And one of them, for some reason, has decided to go all angsty emo or something so that's causing some problems around here."

"For example, it used to be that you could change anything around here just by thinking it really hard, but that no longer seems to be the case. It's great for pranks, because most people here either don''t know it or don't realise what that actually means. He's also disrupting magic in this place a bit, since that's his area of expertise. Although..."

The man caresses his beard for a bit in a thoughtful manner before smiling, leaning over and poking your mug, causing it to lean towards you.
For a split second, the mug is surrounded by orange and yellow flames, before it produces an extreme amount of foam that immediately rockets towards you, at the same time causing the mug to tumble backwards and break against the wall. Displaying excellent reflexes, you hide behind the counter, leading to the jet of foam hitting the ceiling instead and spraying everything around it.

"Hah! Excellent! Personal magic still works!" he exclaims triumphantly.

"Too bad it missed. Nice reflexes though, excellent jump. Lots of your creations tried to blow your head?"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 15, 2015, 05:08:45 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, hey, man! Good to hear from you. I thought you were Mr. Beetle there for a second, talking in that Southern White Noise accent. It would be a good look for you, I think, all insectoid and whatnot. Try it sometime.>

Hm... I suspect I should... take a bite of the arm? It's trying to feed me, I think. Express approval for quality meal. Two thumbs up!

Sad thing is, it's probably not the worst bit of human flesh I've ever eaten.

<Anywho, you think you could teleport me out of here, dude? Mr. Beetle's trying to fatten me up with human flesh for when it's going to eat me or trying to nurse me back to health with said human flesh, I think. Also, everything blew up and I survived via unclear means, and I'm in an unfamiliar place and I'm naked and I don't know how I got here and it would be just smashing if you had any exposition handy or dimensional escape route proposals oh gods.>

If it doesn't appreciate me having a bite and makes any hostile moves, I presume I can dodge it, though just to be sure, prepare for trouble anyway.

<Oh, still a bug, eh? That would explain a few things. Can't say if the look would suit me, though. Vision's kind of shit right now, I can barely see you. Can you start sending me what you're seeing? Or all of your senses if you can manage, that would be a big help.>

You take the hand and start trying to bite it open to get to the muscle within. Now that the adrenaline rush has died down your stomach has started complaining. Your stomach feels completely empty. It's good to have some meat to fill that gap with, even if it's medium-rare long pork. The bug takes a step back and continues to watch you.

<No can do on that teleport. What I said is true, I'm literally just a voice in your head. Well, actually I'm just a voice in his head, but I at least get to talk to you now. Which means I can provide exposition.

First of all, no sudden movements and no talking very loudly. I think there's something wrong with his head, and it'd be a shame going through all that trouble to get you revived for you to end up dying due to a misunderstanding.

Second, there should be some corpses somewhere around here or outside, you could go loot them for clothes. Try to pick something nice and not too burnt or bloodstained. I want my guys to look classy. Not that I would mind if I could at least admire the view.

Third, we're still in the general vicinity ground zero, some kind of hole in the ground, and it feels to me like it's been about two weeks since you last died. Maybe less, maybe more. Can't really tell for sure. Anyways, things are still crap out there. Less 'guys trying to kill you' crap, more 'things likely to kill you' crap, but still crap, so watch your step. You don't want to step on crap.

Any other questions about pressing matters or things you'd like to know about? Because I could be talking for hours. And that's not a threat, that's a promise.>

---

OOC

Quote from: Toaster on January 15, 2015, 01:26:11 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 14, 2015, 11:59:50 pm

((Toaster, you're an awesome person.))

((I'm just some guy.))

Who is awesome.

Quote from: NAV on January 15, 2015, 04:36:24 pm

I've grown quite fond of Nikolai, but I don't think I'd mind losing him that much. I've been working on a new character in case he dies. She would be an apprentice voodoo witch, who has healing magic as well as darker magic like curses and necromancy.

We do need a medic. Closest thing we got is John, because he can create partly or fully automated medical devices.
I like medics. If I was playing this game, I'd probably make a medic, find a powerful character to befriend and stick close to them to support them. I'll probably go for a fleshtech whenever Flint dies in ER with a similar MO.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 15, 2015, 04:48:13 pm

I haven't made a spare character in case, but I probably could. I do have plans to import Alan into ER in the rare event that Xan permadies though.

Oh, that would be fun. Going for a golden Nyarstifact, I assume? Or just an amp, so instead of burn-everything-psycho we have burn everything-clueless-guy?
Edit: Oh, wait, piecewise changed the system. I was just reminded that that page in the wiki needs rewriting.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 15, 2015, 05:34:15 pm

"So, there are other people around here who... 'recruit' people like me? Anything you might be willing to tell me about them and the people they've recruited?

I'm guessing that it was the one who sounded dark and rumbly the one who is angry right now, not the one who sounded cold and emotionless, because, well, emotionless.

Yeah, dodging comes in handy when you're a mad scientist. Explosions, broken death laser gimbal mounts, maintenance trying to beat me to death with wrenches about every other day, the mayor throwing his desk at me after I tried to blackmail him with his steroid habits, so on and so forth."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2015, 12:35:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, so that is River? Or Darkstar or whatever? And you're talking to me through him?>

Try giving my main man a visual feed of things.

<I can honestly understand why he'd be a bit out of sorts. He did bleed half to death, got pissed at Irine and get hit in the head, and then got his ass nuked. And his girlfriend's presumably still dead, considering she's not here with me. Not really surprised he's alive, either, considering he is some kind of weird alien thing, and it would be the only sensible explanation of why I'm still alive, either. Wonder if he can resurrect the others, too, or if I just had an unusually resilient or fortuitously placed soul sphere?>

<By the way, what is River or Darkstar or that guy, anyway? Is he one person or some kind of composite thingy? What's his deal?>

Nod appreciatively at Mr. Beetle, then slowly move for the exit, keeping my ears, eyes and nose open. Check back to see if Mr. Beetle approves if he doesn't make any sudden moves to stop/murder me.

What does magical nuclear devastation smell like, I wonder?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 01:05:29 am

((Things are bad if I'm the closest medic-analogue.  It's only via sheer versatility, and I appear as likely to replace whatever is broken than to repair it.))

Haven't really had a chance to sense the car itself.  Anything I could be improving?  If so, go for it.  You know, things I can safely do while it's in motion.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 16, 2015, 12:37:23 pm

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Survival

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I'll just process some small actions to keep things moving.

@Alarith: Might also want to post an action, or at least inform me that you keep doing what you're doing so that I know to not wait for you.

Quote from: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 01:05:29 am

((Things are bad if I'm the closest medic-analogue.  It's only via sheer versatility, and I appear as likely to replace whatever is broken than to repair it.))

Haven't really had a chance to sense the car itself.  Anything I could be improving?  If so, go for it.  You know, things I can safely do while it's in motion.

Car is fine. It was hit by a couple of bullets but they just knocked some scales off, nothing serious.
As for things you could be improving, it all depends on what you want to improve. As long as it doesn't involve the wheels, engine, or other parts necessary for the car's motion, you could do it. You could probably even replace some of those parts, but it would probably be quite harder to do so and not very safe.
So you could do something like add spoilers and generally modify aerodynamics to increase grip at high speeds, which seems to be one of the areas the vehicle is suffering.
You could start its conversion into a 007 car by fitting things like lasers, chainsaws, rocket boosters or the ability to drive on two wheels (http://youtu.be/vJIUWonENMA?t=3m33s).
Or you could start converting it into a tank. Increase armour, reinforce glass, add a turret with firing ports so that you can fire your weapons at enemies without exposing yourselves.
Or you could do something else.

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Quote from: Salsacookies on January 15, 2015, 05:05:50 pm

Sweet, a new toy! Grab that guy a took the gun from, and use him as a shield. I doubt they came unarmed. Run back someway, ready my weapon for fire, and see what they do.

You grab the man in a chokehold before he can react, lift him up and start quickly backing off. The other three are surprised to say the least. After fumbling with their revolvers for a bit and backing off in fear, they stand their ground and point their weapons at you. The man in your grip is struggling and making chocking noises.
"Uh... Throw down your weapon and your, uh, man, uh, I mean our man or we will... uh..." one of them starts shouting.
"Kill you." the one next to him says.
"Kill you! Yes, we will kill you. That is what we will do. So let go of him. Please. Good sir."
The shouter receives an elbow to the side.
"I mean, not please! I command you! Or else. Else we will kill you. And we will do horrible things to you. Before we kill you. Not after."

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Staging Area

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Quote from: Wolfkit on January 15, 2015, 05:34:15 pm

"So, there are other people around here who... 'recruit' people like me? Anything you might be willing to tell me about them and the people they've recruited?

I'm guessing that it was the one who sounded dark and rumbly the one who is angry right now, not the one who sounded cold and emotionless, because, well, emotionless.

Yeah, dodging comes in handy when you're a mad scientist. Explosions, broken death laser gimbal mounts, maintenance trying to beat me to death with wrenches about every other day, the mayor throwing his desk at me after I tried to blackmail him with his steroid habits, so on and so forth."

The man laughs a bit and shakes his head.
"That sounds like fun world. I think I'll ask him if I can go visit sometime."
He finishes his drink with a few quick gulps, fetches a new mug for you and starts refilling them.
"Anyway, my player is a cool guy with big ears that can kick ass, but he's probably not going to be around here for a while, if at all. Depends on how things go. I might need to start looking for a new one if he permadies."
You hear the door opening. If you choose to turn around and look, you'll see someone entering. A humanoid with female characteristics made of soft grey semi-transparent plastic-like skin with chrome accents. Her eyes are solid blue and glowing slightly. The world outside (at least the parts of it that you can see) looks dark and rainy, with small puddles forming on the cobblestone-covered ground. Weather must change quickly around here.
"And this is a creation of another player. The one working for that emotionless guy you talked about. Yeah, that player can do all sorts of machines.
And create them too!" he adds with a laugh.
"Get it? Do machines?"
The new arrival emits a sarcastic clap (http://youtu.be/DCaXycaYDhQ) from her speakers as she closes the door and starts approaching the counter, still a bit wet from the rain outside.
"Anyway, what are you doing here girl? Finally decided to accept my job offer? This place still needs a barmaid. It could be you..."
She responds with a rather negative sounding buzzer noise (http://youtu.be/7XMW6Z_Oq38).
"Oh well. The offer still stands though."
"She'll cave eventually. Nobody can resist my irresistible charm and good looks forever." he leans closer and whispers to you.
"Anyway, how's it going out there?" he turns to speak to her again.
She rests her hands on the counter in a tired manner and makes multiple error sounds (http://youtu.be/ajrqpweD6r8).
"That bad, eh?"

---

Campaign

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Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2015, 12:35:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, so that is River? Or Darkstar or whatever? And you're talking to me through him?>

Try giving my main man a visual feed of things.

<I can honestly understand why he'd be a bit out of sorts. He did bleed half to death, got pissed at Irine and get hit in the head, and then got his ass nuked. And his girlfriend's presumably still dead, considering she's not here with me. Not really surprised he's alive, either, considering he is some kind of weird alien thing, and it would be the only sensible explanation of why I'm still alive, either. Wonder if he can resurrect the others, too, or if I just had an unusually resilient or fortuitously placed soul sphere?>

<By the way, what is River or Darkstar or that guy, anyway? Is he one person or some kind of composite thingy? What's his deal?>

Nod appreciatively at Mr. Beetle, then slowly move for the exit, keeping my ears, eyes and nose open. Check back to see if Mr. Beetle approves if he doesn't make any sudden moves to stop/murder me.

What does magical nuclear devastation smell like, I wonder?

You're not sure how exactly this sharing of information works, so you just wish really hard for it to happen. Whatever it is you did seems to be working, for you get a response soon enough.

<Oh, man, he looks even uglier than before. Yep, that's him allright. I can't believe how you thought that could be me. I'd never go for something like this. Not that he chose to look like this, but still.>

<And yes, I'm sort of in his head. The best analogy would be that if he is a giant robot, then I was locked in a cage somewhere in the control centre. Bloody idiot said it was for my 'own good' or something. Didn't even give me access to his Sight. He even put me on mute because my top notch advice and commentary were 'annoying' and 'distracting'!>

<Who's the idiot now, eh? You're the one that ended up as an ugly cockroach. Yeah, great job.>

<Anyway, after various ugly circumstances wrecked said command centre, I got free of my gag and locks. So I can sort of reach out through my cage and poke around blindly, try to work stuff and hope that the guards don't see, don't mind or have more serious things to deal with. That's how I get to talk with you. Good thing too, because as you can tell, I think he either can't hear a thing or can't understand a thing.>

<On the bright side, that means that you can make fun of him and he won't know. Isn't that right you big ugly bug?>

You start slowly walking around, inspecting the room while searching for an exit. After watching you for a about a minute, the bugman goes back to standing near the fire.

<Oh, by the way, I think there's something wrong with your nose. Don't know why but it doesn't feel right. Maybe your soulsphere was damaged or maybe Bugface screwed up. You might want to have him to give you a check-up once he manages to regenerate fully.>

Now that you have time to look at it more thouroughly, the room you're in looks like a wide corridor or an oblong room that has had parts of it covered or blocked off by rubble. In the furthest corner of the room, hidden around a collapsed wall, you can see what looks like a glass sphere, glowing slightly with a dim inner fire that slowly moves around like the ribbon of a rythmic gymnastics athlete. It has numerous cracks on its surface. The wall above it has numerous gashes.

<Yep, he's not very happy with her. For a while I was worried I was going to have to fight Cockroach man to keep him from killing her. And I'm really in no position to fight right now, unless you can fight someone with harsh language or killer jokes. I think he's hidden the others around here somewhere.>

Searching around, you finally find the corpses he was talking about. Looks like a burnt man and a woman that has had her head crushed. Judging by her missing arm, it was probably your source of food. There's also some bones (many of them human) and some more clothes around here. I assume you grab some clothes so that you're not walking around barefoot and naked.

<As for what he is, he is two beings. Or, more clearly, two bodies. You see, most entities, we have our avatars, we have our universes, backups, all sorts of crap and we're really 'spread out'. Which is kind of fun, because you can do many things at once and never care about dying, just got to synchronize everything every once in a while to ensure there's not too much drift. There are some rules regarding those things, but as long as nobody learns about it, there's little limit to what you can do.>

<But he is not an entity. I mean, he technically is an entity, he is part of the agreement and he is listed as one in the Library, but he doesn't have all those things. No universes of his own, no backups, no nothing, just two bodies. From what I understand they share memories whenever they meet but they are not connected in any other way. Well, except for their bond to their master, there's almost no way to sever that.>

<For a time he just stuck with his original bond-former body, but for some reason one day he decided he wanted a new one. So he got that thing. Probably got someone to make it for him, since he sucks at things like that. I think he may have wanted to take a vacation or something, because he asked me to travel with him some time after that. But things got a bit out of control and we ended up almost killing each other, so I'd say that worked out pretty well.>

After a while, you find the exit. It's actually quite close to where you woke up, near the fire, you just didn't thought of looking up to find it. In retrospect, using sonar to scan the room might have been faster. You climb through the hole and crawl through the narrow space that follows. For a few seconds you feel a bit sick and the sound of your entity's voice cuts off but everything is back to normal by the time you reach the other side.

<Oh, there you are. Stopped transmitting for a sec. I don't know what those things do, but I don't like it when he gets near them. Probably why he put them there.>

On the other side is the skeleton of a building, a building that was probably built by some flammable material, leaving only ashes and collapsed support columns around. The fact that it is surrounded by collapsed or damaged stone buildings makes it look like a crater. Good for hiding, not so good for observation. You start climbing up a mound of rubble to get a better view.

The smells are much the same as when you arrived, although the smell of fire is much stronger now. The sky is still covered in smoke that makes its colours appear 'warmer' more red. When you reach the top, it becomes apparent why.

It appeared, when you first arrived, that the city was built on the side of a hill or mountain, with the tower being closest to it. Now however, it becomes apparent that it was a volcano. An active one. There's something very strange going on with it, for it appears there is a literal river of lava coming out of it, flowing down its side, around one of the city's walls and disappearing somewhere beyond the horizon. Probably magical.

The explosion has caused extensive damage to one of the volcano's sides, causing it to 'bleed' lava that flows downwards into the crater where you assume the tower once stood or into parts of the city. You'd guess the tower extended underground. Around ground zero there's nothing left standing. The ground was probably unstable or filled with vents; it has crumbled and collapsed, causing the destruction of almost all buildings around it. As if it wasn't enough, many buildings have been hit by large pieces of rubble.

It looks like you're somewhere close to the outskirts of the city, where the ground becomes more flat. You can see the walls and some buildings that look almost intact further down. The walls especially seem to be the thing that was least effected, with only very small sections of them having collapsed. You can see signs of people outside the city. Most of the buildings out there were made of flammable materials and didn't survive, but there are tents or temporary hovels. You can see another group of makeshift habitats much further away.

Everything is quiet, save for the wind.

<Oh boy, you really did a number on this place, didn't you? What's this, second city you destroyed?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2015, 01:55:11 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Hah! And they thought geothermal power was clean and safe! That'll show 'em. But yeah, second city destroyed in so much subjective time. Soon enough I'm going to need to step up my game just to keep up with all the expectations!>

Grab a skull, fill with gravel or rocks, wrap in a bit of available clothes. Then attach to a femur (with some shreds of cloth) to make a club. Then take another femur and try to break off its smaller end to make a stabby thing. Is there any broken glass lying about? Could set that into a femur instead if there is to make sort of a sharp pick thingy.

In any case, make a killing tool or two. Preferably two.

<Anywho, should really read up on my interdimensional being physiology when I get back, because so far this all sounds a bit esoteric and out of context.>

<More importantly! What are your thoughts on what I could possibly do to make this better? Make Mr. Beetle some refugee soup or something? Or am I going to need to solo quest for whatever the hell kind of entity we were looking for in the first place?>

Idly, yet cautiously wander toward the makeshift tents if I have at least one killing tool ready. Look up at the skies and the surrounding area. Do I see any yellow land octopuses? How about invisible land octopuses? Any giant sky overlords floating up above me? I dimly recall something like that being around previously.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 02:26:22 pm

((Geez.  Make one female robot and all the smartasses come out of the woodwork!))

Survival

John backs off his connection the the car and nods.  "Give me a sec- gonna patch up the car a bit.  Let me know if there's anything you need.

Not sure how much time these things will take, so I'll just list several.  Do them in order until I run out of time, repeating anything I screw up:

A spoiler or two to get some downforce going on to make it less squirrelly
Reinforce the glass to make it bullet resistant
A ram on the front (like you see on police cars)
A turret on the back, ideally sunk into the trunk to make it less obviously visible.  Remote operation for someone in the back seat.  A .50 cal or something is fine for armament.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Yourmaster on January 16, 2015, 09:50:21 pm

Alex would start to speak.
"I want blood. I haven't seen blood recently. My circuitry grinds with excitement."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 16, 2015, 10:47:17 pm

"Where did you come from? I'm 90±50% sure you weren't here earlier. And the hell kind of circuits do you have that grind? _{Are you sure you didn't mean gears?} Well, whatever.

Suddenly, Welroki realizes that he so rudely forgot to introduce himself to the friendly bartender, the sudden, mysterious new arrival provides Welroki with a convenient chance to introduce himself to both! Unfortunately, Welroki has inexplicably decided to narrate his plan, ruining subtlety and his imminent introduction, but such is the way of insanity, glorious insanity. And thus, Welroki warmly says:
Sorry, that was mean of me. Let's start this off on the right foot instead. I'm Welroki, by the way."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 16, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Just fly to freedom...

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 16, 2015, 11:10:05 pm

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Campaign

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Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2015, 01:55:11 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Hah! And they thought geothermal power was clean and safe! That'll show 'em. But yeah, second city destroyed in so much subjective time. Soon enough I'm going to need to step up my game just to keep up with all the expectations!>

Grab a skull, fill with gravel or rocks, wrap in a bit of available clothes. Then attach to a femur (with some shreds of cloth) to make a club. Then take another femur and try to break off its smaller end to make a stabby thing. Is there any broken glass lying about? Could set that into a femur instead if there is to make sort of a sharp pick thingy.

In any case, make a killing tool or two. Preferably two.

<Anywho, should really read up on my interdimensional being physiology when I get back, because so far this all sounds a bit esoteric and out of context.>

<More importantly! What are your thoughts on what I could possibly do to make this better? Make Mr. Beetle some refugee soup or something? Or am I going to need to solo quest for whatever the hell kind of entity we were looking for in the first place?>

Idly, yet cautiously wander toward the makeshift tents if I have at least one killing tool ready. Look up at the skies and the surrounding area. Do I see any yellow land octopuses? How about invisible land octopuses? Any giant sky overlords floating up above me? I dimly recall something like that being around previously.

((I'm not so sure that's the best way to create a weapon of that sort, but OK.))

Your attempt to create a weapon goes less well than desirable. You make a sort-of-OK club that should hold up for a hit or two using the described method. However while trying to grab a piece of glass that's been stuck in a corner for use in making your little shiv you manage to cut your hand pretty badly. You use a torn piece of cloth to apply a bandage and stop the bleeding, but it will be a bit hard to use that hand until the pain and irritation passes.

<Hah. You look like one of those movie savages with that thing. All you need now is a funny hat with feathers. Could also use a leather jacket to go for a post apocalyptic style. Would fit with the backdrop.>

<But anyway, it's a good idea to have some weapons. First time he tried regenerating something attacked and interrupted things. Couldn't see exactly what it was but it didn't look human. Probably how he got his arm hit.>

You start walking towards the city walls, making your way through the destroyed city. Many times you have to walk on mounds of rubble but sometimes you go through a relatively intact street, where the buildings were either sturdy enough or lucky enough to be left standing, but not undisturbed. Everything looks burnt and covered with soot and ash, even things that don't look like they were near anything flammable. A bit more macabre are the burnt corpses. Some of them have holes or fractures in their body, probably injured before the fires got to them. Others... don't. Some look surprisingly intact, showing very little fire damage, only the damage expected from decomposing corpses.

<Hah, no offence man, I mean you're cool and all, but I don't think you could take on a bond-former on your own, at least not without finishing some sidequests first. You know, level up, get some new equipment.>

<And I really don't think soup is what he really needs. More like something with protein. And this place looked pretty barren to begin with, so there's not much food around. I'd recommend something extra spicy as punishment, but I don't think bugs can taste spicy. Dunno, never been one. Now that I think about it, guy's probably not even a proper bug. I'm pretty sure I heard him breathing and last I checked bugs don't have lungs.>

<As for what you should do, I've got a few ideas.>

<First, there's the question of why he woke you up. Did he wake you up because he needed protection while he regenerates? Or while he wakes the rest of the team up? Or maybe he just wanted you around to fetch food for him? Or to draw power from? Or maybe you're a test, to see if this reviving thing works? Did he have a reason or is he so far gone he doesn't even understand why he did it, just doing it from instinct? Is he just doing all this to annoy me?>

<Second, there's the question of what you're going to do from here on out. The way I see it, you've got three choices. One is revive the others, two is have him regenerate, three is move some place safer to do those things. Or you could try something else. Maybe search for some sort of magical artefact he could use or something, although I haven't the faintest clue about where you could find one intact. Hell, you could even bring some humans for him to devour if you have no problem with kidnapping, cold blooded murder, sacrifice and potentially alienating the masses. Probably better not to use that option, now that I think about it.>

<From what I can see, he's still there where you left him, recuperating from reviving you. I bet you could go back there and force a decision on him. Or wait for him and see what he does. Or go off exploring the great unknown. Although I'd prefer it if you at least ensured the rest of your team will be safe.>

Sometimes you pick up the trail of a human or group of humans, but you never see any. Alien invasions followed by nuclear explosions don't make a very attractive place of residence, you reason. There are signs that they've been here though, discarded objects lying scattered on the street, rubble and ashes that look disturbed, where someone returned to the city in search for a loved one or for something to loot. Still, a bit strange they're not using the relatively intact-

You hear a rumbling somewhere behind you and feel the ground shake slightly. Turning around to look, you see a beam of light escaping from ground zero, pointing upwards. It disappears a few seconds later, but not before the vibration causes much of the surrounding rubble to resettle, producing the sound of rock striking upon rock.

<Oh, yeah, that happens from time to time. Spontaneous magical effects from the residual magic, I guess. You should had seen what it looked like when I first woke up. They were happening all the time and everywhere. And not only fire, some other things too. Not that I could actually see them, all I had was a blurry... thing.>

<I bet this place looks amazing during the night. Even in this state. The lack of people makes it kind of boring though. It's good to have a pair of eyes to look at it with  and someone to talk to about it.>

You continue walking towards the walls, finally reaching them a while later. They're very thick, sturdy looking things. Tall too, the towers even more so. They keep with the design of the place, blocky, angular and slightly narrower near the top, creating the optical illusion that the towers are pyramid-like.

The section you're in has had part of the wall bend outwards, revealing some sort of room inside. You could try climbing on that. Alternatively, you could follow the wall until you reach a door or gate you could use. Or you could keep moving along the wall to reach part of it where a building has collapsed upon it, making for an easy climb. Or you could use something else.

<Whatever you do, I just want to ask you a favour. Once he regenerates, try to convince him to let me talk to you? All those days with nothing to do and no one to talk to... I was starting to feel like I was going insane, you know? Like I was going to start talking to a frigging football or something. You get me man, right?>

---

Staging Area

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Quote from: Yourmaster on January 16, 2015, 09:50:21 pm

Alex would start to speak.
"I want blood. I haven't seen blood recently. My circuitry grinds with excitement."

"G-g-g-g-ghost!" the man says, pointing at the man who just materialized out of thin air.
"No, not really. Still, nice of you to pop back up from whatever time vortex you were in and give a response, even if delayed. I guess I could get you a bloody mary if you want one."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 16, 2015, 11:25:00 pm

((Here's a question for you Harry Baldman: Why did he revive Ike instead of Theri?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Yourmaster on January 16, 2015, 11:32:13 pm

"I would, but I can't exactly drink."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2015, 01:20:06 am

Quote from: Yourmaster on January 16, 2015, 11:32:13 pm

"I would, but I can't exactly drink."

"That sounds kind of cruel. Who'd give someone a mouth if they can't use it to get drunk?"
"No offence." he adds, talking to the female robot. She just shrugs indifferently.

His statement is followed by a very powerful tremor. Sounds like it's coming from somewhere outside.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 17, 2015, 03:52:10 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 16, 2015, 11:25:00 pm

((Here's a question for you Harry Baldman: Why did he revive Ike instead of Theri?))

((I think its a reference to how Ike played his past 'persona'. Remember the killer that we faced when we were saving Amelia? Yeah, him. Though considering the voice color of the speaker with Ike...I'm unsure.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2015, 04:30:06 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 16, 2015, 11:25:00 pm

((Here's a question for you Harry Baldman: Why did he revive Ike instead of Theri?))

((Because he's one of the more level-headed of the bunch (read "most likely to just go with whatever River told him to do"), and on the surface seemed like the best choice for team leader to River, hence why he was given the responsibility of being his first mate on this doomed voyage, so to speak. So it might have been an instinctual thing for him, going off memory to the first guy that came to mind as possibly helpful.

Also, he may have been testing how soul sphere damage affects the finished product. Would have been pretty unfortunate if he tried to revive Theri and the result was a bunch of unconnected organs phased into one another. Maybe that's what even happened. This might not be so likely, though, given that he seems to be slightly less rational than I'd think such a plan of action would require.

He may just be fretting over Theri's safety in general and reviving her right now might put her in additional danger, since he doesn't appear to have much faith in her abilities. Or finally, he just hid Theri's soul sphere and doesn't remember where it is.))

<I've always wanted to incorporate a skull into a club. It's like a fantasy come true here.>

Wait, do the people here have socks or perhaps stockings? Could put a half-brick in one of those and call it a day. And if stockings are available, could use those to reinforce the club.

<Well, I think probably the best idea would be to get at least one other person as backup, if only to diffuse the responsibility a little and have some redundancy, y'know?>

Fetch a less decomposed corpse not far from the Rivercave and drag it back, then take the soul sphere (which I assume is Irine's) and try to convey to River wordlessly and calmly that it'd be great if he could revive Irine and that I've brought him the corpse in case he needs a lot of protein to do it or something, I dunno.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2015, 09:08:17 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2015, 04:30:06 am

<I've always wanted to incorporate a skull into a club. It's like a fantasy come true here.>

Wait, do the people here have socks or perhaps stockings? Could put a half-brick in one of those and call it a day. And if stockings are available, could use those to reinforce the club.

<Well, I think probably the best idea would be to get at least one other person as backup, if only to diffuse the responsibility a little and have some redundancy, y'know?>

Fetch a less decomposed corpse not far from the Rivercave and drag it back, then take the soul sphere (which I assume is Irine's) and try to convey to River wordlessly and calmly that it'd be great if he could revive Irine and that I've brought him the corpse in case he needs a lot of protein to do it or something, I dunno.

<Bashing in skulls with skulls. Reminds me of egg tapping.>

No socks you can see just lying around. Probably because it's hot enough here they're not really needed, at least not in the city. If you made a more thorough search, you could probably find some. It probably gets cold in the night further away from the city. And sure, reinforcing your club with more cloth would make it more sturdy and slightly less intimidating. Or you could just tie a long piece of cloth on a heavy rock and use that as a sort of flail or thrown weapon. Or you could use a different kind of material. All depends on what you want.

<Great! More people to talk to! I approve. And the redundancy thing, that too.>

You begin walking back to River's temporary lodging. As you walk, you notice that there is an effect high above ground zero that seems to be distorting light slightly. Probably another one of those residual magic side effects your entity talked about.

Your enhanced senses find a corpse that looks sort-of OK, hidden in a cavity of a building, crushed by debris. It is one of the few that is not surrounded by bugs and it smells mostly fine. You manage to retrieve it with nothing horrible happening to you and start dragging it back towards your hole.

Along the way you encounter something strange. At first it looks like a still burning flake of ash, kept aloft by the occasional wind some distance away. But suddenly it starts flying towards you, soon joined by similar looking things following it. You prepare to dodge or run away, but it turns out to have been unnecessary, as the points of light simply pass you by, creating a somewhat impressive light show. They keep moving, going out of sight somewhere behind you.

<That was weird. And kind of fun.
Looked alive. Let's hope it's not the dangerous kind of Spirit or some sort of Demon.>

You drag the corpse the rest of the way to the hole with no other notable incident. Getting it through the hole is a bit difficult, but you eventually manage to pull it through.

<Honey, I'm home. Brought you diner.>

As you move the corpse to where he had stored the others, you notice that one of them is missing. Looks like he was hungry. So it's probably a good thing you brought extra food.

That done, you retrieve Irene's soulsphere from the corner it was lying in. It seems to react to your touch, the movement of the flame inside getting closer to your hands and slightly faster. It feels a bit warm.

<Err, are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, I'm all for reviving her, but given that he tried to kill her once... I don't know, don't you think he might try to do it again? Shouldn't you wait until you're at least able to talk to him about it, make sure he won't go all papa wolf again?>
<Heh, 'papa wolf'. Get it? It's funny because it's both a trope and he's- Oh crap. You might want to turn around.>

Turning around, you notice bugman standing behind you. Either that guy can move really quietly if he wants to or there's something wrong with your ears.

Undeterred, you approach him very slowly in the most non-threatening manner possible. When you are close to him, you push the soulsphere towards his chest, inviting him to pick it up. After a couple of seconds, he raises his hands, grabs the sphere and pushes it back towards you. You push the sphere back towards him, a bit more forcefully now, and let go of it, hoping he gets the message and accepts.

He spends several seconds alternating looking at you and the sphere. Is he trying to figure out what you mean? Is he trying to figure out what to do? Is he trying to to figure out the best way to hit you in the face with it? Is he trying to figure out what that strange glowy thing in his hands is? You have no idea.

Finally he apparently makes a decision. He walks towards the exit hole and starts going through it, holding the sphere with his injured hand.

<Hey! Where do you think you're going? We brought you food you idiot, now fix her! Don't do anything stupid!>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 17, 2015, 09:23:53 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 16, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Just fly to freedom...

Cmon, Paris! Lemme just finish!


Also, what happened to the dudes I poisoned back in the beginning?
Did they die a terrible slow death?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 17, 2015, 10:49:21 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2015, 04:30:06 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 16, 2015, 11:25:00 pm

((Here's a question for you Harry Baldman: Why did he revive Ike instead of Theri?))

((Because he's one of the more level-headed of the bunch (read "most likely to just go with whatever River told him to do"), and on the surface seemed like the best choice for team leader to River, hence why he was given the responsibility of being his first mate on this doomed voyage, so to speak. So it might have been an instinctual thing for him, going off memory to the first guy that came to mind as possibly helpful.

Also, he may have been testing how soul sphere damage affects the finished product. Would have been pretty unfortunate if he tried to revive Theri and the result was a bunch of unconnected organs phased into one another. Maybe that's what even happened. This might not be so likely, though, given that he seems to be slightly less rational than I'd think such a plan of action would require.

He may just be fretting over Theri's safety in general and reviving her right now might put her in additional danger, since he doesn't appear to have much faith in her abilities. Or finally, he just hid Theri's soul sphere and doesn't remember where it is.))

((Oww. The judgement. ._. Hmm, something to work on. "Impression onto others. And activity."
Mmph >_<))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2015, 11:06:37 pm

((*Lenglon watches and waits intently*))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 03:31:43 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Okay, so he's either going to go for a dramatic resurrection under the empowering yellow light of the morning sun or he's going off to find a pointier rock to smash the sphere against, or a deeper hole to drop it into. That'd suck, since it would mean that me going for the not-hidden fruit first would have directly resulted in someone's complete annihilation.>

Follow Mr. Beetle and watch what he does. If he tries to do harm to the sphere, either attempt to peacefully dissuade him or catch it if he lets go of it in the process.

Also, file Skullflail under "things I'm going to make in the near future".

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2015, 09:08:19 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 03:31:43 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Okay, so he's either going to go for a dramatic resurrection under the empowering yellow light of the morning sun or he's going off to find a pointier rock to smash the sphere against, or a deeper hole to drop it into. That'd suck, since it would mean that me going for the not-hidden fruit first would have directly resulted in someone's complete annihilation.>

Follow Mr. Beetle and watch what he does. If he tries to do harm to the sphere, either attempt to peacefully dissuade him or catch it if he lets go of it in the process.

Also, file Skullflail under "things I'm going to make in the near future".

You make a note to self to keep an eye out for the most thick-headed man you can find. Does it have to be a natural human skull or would other things (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_the_Love_of_God) also work?

<Let's hope it's the first one. I don't think he'd really kill someone like her in cold blood like that. Then again, I have no way of telling if he is still himself.>

Making your way out the hole, you find that he has already started climbing out of the 'crater', quickly moving towards the centre of the city. He can move surprisingly fast and jump across large gaps, as if his body is much lighter than yours. Not that it's much trouble for you to keep up.

<I'm really hoping he has not read Lord of the Rings. Because, you know, volcano and object containing someone's soul.>

You continue moving deeper into the city. The destruction is even more severe here. You haven't seen anything, living or dead for a while. From time to time you come across wide rubble-filled depressions on the ground that emit hot air and foul smelling smoke that you have to either go around or find a collapsed building intact enough to act as a bridge and as limited protection from the gases. Occasionally a tremor occurs, usually followed by release of light or fire from somewhere near ground zero. Luckily, no tremors occur while you are crossing a 'bridge'.

The most interesting moment of the trip so far is when you hear a buzzing, like the one made by a transformer. It sounds like it's coming from somewhere in front of you, the direction you're travelling towards but much further away. Scanning the horizon, you spot the source of the noise. It's a ball made of jagged lines of dim light extending out from a common starting point, slowly moving around above the city in apparently random, semi-circular trajectories, like a UFO. The moment you spot it he grabs you from the wire around your neck and pulls you to cover. It continues moving around for about a minute before it descends and the noise dies down.

<Oh great, another weird magical flying thing. I think I'll call that a Discoball. Unless you have a better idea for a name. But why go for something like Wraith or Skylight when you can call it Discoball? Oh, and we can call the small ones Baubles to keep with the theme. You know, balls.>
<Heh, balls.>

It's getting late in the afternoon when you reach the area close to ground zero. It's even hotter here, and all this physical exercise isn't helping. You can't help sweating all the time. You really wish you had some water to drink.
Occasionally you come across one of those floating points of light, but they don't seem to do anything other than getting out of your way and keeping their distance. He doesn't pay much attention to them.
There's the feeling of something vibrating in the air, like a quiet infrasonic noise coming from all around you.

<Do͘ ͘yo̷u ̷t͡h͞in̴k͘ m̨a̧ǵi̢c͝al҉ r͏a͜d͠ia͝tion pois̛o͏n͢ìng̡ i̶s̵ ą t͘hi͝ńg͟ ͠i͠n ̧t̢his w̢o̢rl̨d̡? Be̛c͜ause̡ t͞his ̀d̀o͞e͞sn'͜t͏ f͘ȩel go̶ǫd.̵ T͟hi̡ng͟s͠ ar͠e ͡ligh͠t͟in͜ǵ u̶p ̢ìn͝ he͠re̕.>
He sounds quieter now, with echoes, like when he first started talking to you. As you instinctively try to remain quiet to hear what he's saying (even though that makes no sense with telepathy), you manage to hear something else. A buzzing, like the one that occurred when that ball thing was flying around.

You've reached a point close enough to the explosion that there are no rubble around, having all been pushed away, leaving little cover, except for the parts of the ground that have collapsed, creating trenches, the foundations of buildings and the occasional hole in the ground. Part of the ground has been pushed away and vaporized, creating a ring of stone and glass-like dirt surrounding the site of the explosion. There are much more of those points of light floating around here. You can see lava dripping into the ring on the side closer to the volcano (that side is higher, the one you're on is lower).

He turns around and pushes, trying to get you to sit behind a small slab of rock you assume to be part of the foundation of a building. He then turns around and starts walking towards the crater.

((I assumed you'd just keep following, so I did that to keep things moving.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2015, 09:10:07 am

((*Lenglon is excited, still watching and waiting*))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 09:31:12 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, I hope I either don't live long enough or get back to the staging area before I find out what exactly magical cancer does!>

<Oh! Maybe he'll eat Irine's soul to put himself back together. Fill in the blanks with it or something, y'know?>

Do as instructed. This looks all nice and ritualistic. Sit behind the bit of cover as indicated and watch carefully.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 09:52:04 am

(Waits for Survival Turn instead of Campaign Turn.)

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 17, 2015, 09:23:53 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 16, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Just fly to freedom...

Cmon, Paris! Lemme just finish!


Also, what happened to the dudes I poisoned back in the beginning?
Did they die a terrible slow death?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2015, 12:36:56 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 09:31:12 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, I hope I either don't live long enough or get back to the staging area before I find out what exactly magical cancer does!>

<Oh! Maybe he'll eat Irine's soul to put himself back together. Fill in the blanks with it or something, y'know?>

Do as instructed. This looks all nice and ritualistic. Sit behind the bit of cover as indicated and watch carefully.

<W͟h̷o ḱn҉ow̵s͜?͞ ̛M̸aybe̶ ̧yoų'͘ll ̸ge҉t̷ su̵perpow̷ers.͘ Las̢e͘r̀ e͢y͠e̛s woul͘d̴ be f͏u͟n̵.̧
Or̕ y͘ou'̨lĺ b͟e͏c͝òme͟ ͡h͢o͡rri̵b͘ly̸ ̸disf͞i͠gur͠e̶d҉ w̴ith̨ ̨p͘ustùl͡es ̧t͏hat p̵roduc͞e̕ fiȩr͟y̸ ex̴p̀l͢ơsi̷ons̢. ̵̀Ţ̵ha̧t'͝s ̧́͜a̧͠l̢s͘͘o ̵̛a͏̧ p͡ơs̡ś̢̢i̕b̵͟i̶͘͞l̵͘ì̡t̨y̧͞.>

You watch him walk away and disappear inside the crater.

<I̧͠'l͏҉l͏́ ̷̢s̸e͏̡̀è ̸͘w͢hat͢ h͡è̸͏ ̡̡҉d̀͡ơe͡͠s̡͟,̷͞ ̀t͢r͘y͘͞͠ ͘to ̡̛͠ẃ̴̢a͡r̷n ̢y͟o̡͞ų̴ ̵i͘f ̷͡he͠ ̕͜doe͢͏̵s̴͜ ͢҉a̵ny̶̕t̴̶hi̧͡n̴͘g͢͝ ̀b͝͏͠a̵͝d̵. ͡J̕ư̢ş͢t̶̷ ̡͡bȩ ̵ŗe͏ąd̵͘y ͘͏͏t̡o̶ ̸͡r̷̶ư͜n̷ ͏̡́an̕d̨͡ ̛͘h̕e͝lp͝,̴̸͜ O͘K͝?̷͏>

About half a minute later you start seeing a much brighter light coming from inside the crater. Lines of distorted, shimmering air rise above it, forming a tangled weave that extends a great distance above it, with tendrils extending from it towards all directions of the horizon, but primarily towards the volcano. It looks kinda like a fleshy lopsided ghost tree. Many of the Baubles begin slowly converging towards the location, floating above it, moving about as if pushed by the wind.

<O̧͘h͝͡, ҉l̸̢͜o̢͟ó͟k̢ ̨a̵͏͟ţ͏̢ ̴͘t͏̡͢h̶̛͜a͏̵̢t͞͝.́҉>

You get a mental image feed via mind mail. It's a very low quality image made worse by the bad signal, but you think you can make out a point of light between two hands, moving around. It starts moving around faster, until it rises above the hands and stays there. The image distorts, expands, darkens and then cuts off. This is accompanied by a dimming of the light coming from the crater.

<D͘҉́a͘m̵ņ͢.͏̵̀ ̀͝͝I̵̛ ̷ĺ̢o͠s͡t̡͜ ̛t͘h͝e̴͜͡ ͜e͏ý͟e̢͘͞s͜ á̡̡͟͡ģ̸̕͏̀a̵҉̢̢͠i̷̡͟͡n̨͘͜͝.̵̢͠ ̵͝W͝҉ai̢̡t̸̛͞, ̴ļ̸e͟͝͝t̴̵ ̀̕m̢e͟ ̷͟͝s͏҉é҉e ͠҉í̴f̢̛̛ ̷͡I͜҉ ̧͏c̴a͡n̷ ͞g̷e̸̛t͘͟ i̴͞t̢̧҉ ̷b͜͞a͞ck.͜͡>
<J̶us̴t̕͡ ̶i̵ǹ̴ ͜c̢̕ás̸͞e̡͢ ̛̀I ̴͟ge̶t͘͜ ̨c̷͝ut͝ ̨͢ó͝f̨̨́f҉͢͟,͘ ͜I̴'̡͜ḑ ̷̴͜l̢͟i̧ke̶͢ t͏o͝҉ te͠ļ̸̛l ̀ỳ̛o͜͞͡u̵͡ I-̡͝>

You notice that the buzzing you heard earlier has become noticeably louder. You turn around to see the Discoball floating around, barely visible with the light coming from the setting sun behind it. It looks really big up close, perhaps one and a half times your height. A giant ball made of what could best be described as frozen lightning extending from a central point. Its movement speed also appears much faster up close.

It is moving towards your general direction, but in an erratic zig-zag manner as it goes after every Bauble in its path, dashing towards them and then slowing down whenever they get far enough away from it. The Baubles appear to be giving it a wide berth, all of them reacting and quickly moving away whenever it moves after one of them. It reminds you of a shark moving amongst smaller fish.

<B̸̡̧҉ą̶͢͠l̡͘l̶̷̸̛͟s͘͜.̶̴̨̕ Ņ̛͞o̵͏w̶ ̶̢̛t̨̀h̴̴͝a͏t I̶̛͡ ̶҉thi̛͞n͜k̷̷͠ ̸̀͞a͞b͞ǫ̶u̢̡͢t̵̨͜ ̡̢̢it̨͝,̸ ̛́yo̕u̶ ͘m̸̧ig̸͢͝h̨̀͜t҉̴ ha҉̴̧ve̵ ̡̡m͏o̢re̢͏ í͜m̧̨͝p̶͏o͏̵r̛͞ta͝ņ̕t̶̀͞ ̛͟t̛̀h́͏i̕͘ng̷҉s̕ t͢͏ơ͜ ̨̕d҉eal w͜i͘t̷̀͝h̷.̨̀͢>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 12:40:57 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Eh, feel free to tell me. I might very well need to do something highly stupid right now.>

If the Discoball looks like it's going for Mr. Beetle in a hostile manner, detach skull from Skullclub and throw it at the thing.

If not, though, try to hide away from its gaze or better yet, distract it away from whatever the hell Mr. Beetle's up to, though that seems unlikely.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 01:05:43 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 09:52:04 am

(Waits for Survival Turn instead of Campaign Turn.)

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 17, 2015, 09:23:53 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 16, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Just fly to freedom...

Cmon, Paris! Lemme just finish!


Also, what happened to the dudes I poisoned back in the beginning?
Did they die a terrible slow death?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2015, 01:27:47 pm

@Coolrune206: Quoting the same thing over and over again won't make me post a Survival turn any faster. Either wait for Alarith and Salsacookies to post an action or for me to get bored waiting for them.

@Toaster and Hawk132: Alternatively, since Alarith's characters previous action was essentially allowing others to control his driving, does either of you want to post an action for him?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 12:40:57 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Eh, feel free to tell me. I might very well need to do something highly stupid right now.>

If the Discoball looks like it's going for Mr. Beetle in a hostile manner, detach skull from Skullclub and throw it at the thing.

If not, though, try to hide away from its gaze or better yet, distract it away from whatever the hell Mr. Beetle's up to, though that seems unlikely.

<H͟͡ȩ̶́y͢,̷͠͡ ͢I̶̡̢'҉̀͜ḿ̵ ̷́a҉ll͢͝ f́̕҉o͝r͘ ̷st͞͞u̧͡p͞i͘ḑ͡.̸̢͞ ̀As͜ ̢l͟҉͡o͜͠ng͡ a̡͡͠s̨̢̛ ҉s͘͞t͡u͏͜p̛͝i̵̶d̕ ͜d̡̀o̡e̵͢͢s̷n't̵͘ ́i҉̢̧ǹv̶oĺ͟͏v̢͡͡é͠҉ ̕c̢oḿín̷͟ģ́́ ̸c͞l͝osȩ̸ ̸̴͜t̵͟o̵̧͡ t̴̨͟h͝at͝ ҉th̷̀í̷n͠g̛.̡ ̷̶B͡͏̀eç̸a̧͘͞u͠s̵̛e̵͞͠,́ ̢͠y҉̴̀òu̸ ̛k̢̕now͠,̡ ̸͢i̧͢t͞͠ ̶͠şu҉c̨̛k̶̀s ̷̛͢b͡a͟ll̷̸̢s̢. ̕S͏o͡ ͟͜i͏t m̸͢ig̕h͜͠t͟҉ ̀͜be̷̴ a͞b̶͝͡ĺ͡e̸̸ ̧͟͞t͟o̴̵͠ ̛́s̨͟ų̸ć͝k̴ ͘h͠͏um̨͡ą́͘n͘͏̧s͠ ̵̛̕to̡͞ơ̡͝.̨>

It definitely looks like it's coming towards him and you, if for no other reason then merely by virtue of going after the Baubles. So you untie your rock-filled-skull from your club and prepare to throw it.

<A͠s҉ ͏f̷̷ó̴r͡͞ ̨̀͟w̵̶ha̧t҉҉ ̶͏̛I ẃ̵͜a̛ǹ̨t̴e̸̶d̵̢ ̷̶̨t̶͟o̵҉ ̧̛̀te҉l̛̀l͟ ́yo͠u̢,̛͏ ́i͏͝t̕͞͞'̸̸͞s̷̵͡ ̡̀t҉҉̨h͏a͏̶t̷͠ ͏̨͜I͜'͏̀͝m͝ ̶p͡ŕ͠e̷͝t͢ty̨ s͘͡u͘ŕ́͡e ͝t̵h̵҉e̵r̕͡e̵'s ̡̡͝s͠o͢҉meon̡̢e͏ ̶̛͞ẃ̸h̡͘o̷ ͟͠ŗ̸͜ea͘͟͠ll͠y͘ ̢͘w͢͝͡á̷ǹ͢͡ţs ̧y͜ơ̶u̧ ͠d̵͠͝e͘͢a͏̵̀d̡̕.̢͢͝ ͘I̢̕͞'́m̴͝ c͏e͡r̡̡t̛a̷̵i͡ń͢͡ ͝t͡h͏e̸̕ ͠͠á̕͡t̕t̨͝a̕͡c͜k͟ ̡on ̢̡̛t̸he͏͞͠ ͢t̴͘e̶̸҉l͏̷҉e̴͜ṕo̵r̶t̴̵e̸̛͢r͝͏ ͞c͝à͠m̷͡e̷ ̸͘f͡r҉̴ó̢m͝ ̧̀s̷̸͠o͏m̸͘e͏́͡w͏h̵́e̢̡͜r̛e̶͝ ̴̢͟i͘n̛͜͏ ̵͜͞è̢nti̴t҉y̸-̶̢҉ćǫ͠͏n̶tŕ̨͝ǫl̸l͘e͟͢d̨҉ ̶s̛p͟ac͘͢ȩ.̸͠͡>

You make a very bad throw, not very strong and off target, barely managing to clip the thing. The buzzing it emits intensifies for the moment the skull touches it. It quickly moves away from the point the skull touched it. Looks like it doesn't like it. The skull falls to the ground and rolls to a stop, slightly scorched.

<S͞o͞ t̵́͢h̡̡͞a̡͟t͏͞ ̛͜ḿ̸͟e̛a̵̡̕n̵̢s̨̢̛ ̷t̡҉h͝҉a̛t ͏̧i̛͝t̨'̶̕s̸͏ ̸v͢e̡r̶̡y͘ ĺ̴̀i̴̢͡ḱe҉̴l̵͏y͠͞ ͞t͢͡h̵͜ę͜ ̵̴̛g̛͏u͘y̢ ͟w̡͟h͏̢̕o̢͘ ̢̛́d́i͞ḑ̀͞ ͡͞it̨͝ ̨̡is͟ ͢a̕͟͢ń̴̡ ̀͘e͝n҉ti̴̡ty̢͜.͡ I ̧̡t҉r̵̡͏į̵͟èd ̴̸̢t̡ò w͠a̡ŗ̸͠n͝͠ him̛ ͟҉̧a̴̴b͢͝out҉ ̶i̸t,̷̵͠ ̵t̕o̶̢͠ld͜ ͘h͟i̢͜m̛̀ ̀͠he̸ ̕sh̶̵̀ould͝ ̕h͏̸ad̕ ͡c͘a͡n̸c̕͡e͝l͢͡lȩ͘͢d́ t̕͝͠h͠ę́ ͢͏m͢͡͞i̧͜͡ss̨̛ion҉̵͟ ̵r̸̴i̶̶ght̡ t̡͡h̛͜͡e̛r͜e̷̵̢ ͠i͞n̛ ̨̀th͟͞ȩ̸ Ŗ͘e҉l҉̨͘a̷y͜͝ w҉̕͠o̴͞r̨l̸d͡͏,̕ ̴b̢u̷t͘ ̧h̷̛e͟͏ ̡̡ḑ҉ę̵c͢͜id̀eḑ̛ ̸̕t̵̡o̡̕ ̴́k͏ee̢p͏ ̴̧g҉̢o͝i͘ng̷̵͢ ̴̧̕r̨ę́g͘͢͠a͢r̵d͏l͘e̢ss̀͟.>

It's very close to you now. Within dashing distance.

<N̵͠ǫ̨͝w̴͘ ̶m̸i͢g͞h̢́͟t̶͞ ͢b̶e͢ ̨͟a ̢́͠ǵo̷͜ò͠d͢ ̢̨tì̢m͝e͏͠ ̛͘͞f̸̛o̢͡r͏ ͜͠a̷̢ ͞͏g̸r̴e̴͘a̸̵t͢͡ ͏̸i̵d̸̕e̵͟a͏̢.͢ ̶
͠P͞r̸̕͝o̶t̶̨i͠͞p̴̷:̵ ̕R̸͠u͜͝͝n̨n͞͡in͞g̴͟ aw҉͞ay͘ ̵̨f͏̛͢r̢͡o͟m̶̨ ͡ẃ̢eir̸̢͝d͏͡ ̡̡͝s̵͞h͜i̛ţ̶͠ ̡͞i̷͏s̷̶ ͠a͘͡l҉w̡͡á҉̛ys ̶̢͘a̸̕͞ ̶̸͢g̛͘reá̢t̵͡ ́i̧͠͞d҉e̴a͢.̛͝ ̨͝
J̛u̴̴st̛ ͡r̢ȩ͞͠m̷͡e͟͟m̀b͏e͡r̕͜͝ ͢t͢o ̨n̛͞o͏̶t̵ ͏̡̢ĺe̕a̵͡d̀ ̡͠i̷̢͜t st̵̢̛r͡ai͟gh̕t̴ t̸̨͢ờ́ ̨̛Iŗ̸̨e͟ne͟ ͝i͝f̸̛ ̶y͠o͏u̧ ̨d̛o.̵̡̢>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 18, 2015, 01:47:44 pm

Point the rocket launcher at their feet.

"How 'bout ya drop da gunz, and give meh ya car?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 01:48:04 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Not really surprising that someone wants River dead, really. He doesn't strike me as the likeable, personable, keep-your-head-down type. Kind of reminds me of old Dick Nixon, really. Such a promising presidency! Such a gallant man cut down in his prime.>

Evasive maneuvers. Get away from the Discoball and try not to die. If it draws close and escape doesn't seem likely, stab it with the bone I tied the skull to.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 01:49:37 pm

Wait- I don't get the logic. You won't post survival turns because only one person has posted, but you're continuously posting Campaign turns even though only one person is posting?

>>---(logic)---->

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 01:57:45 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 01:49:37 pm

Wait- I don't get the logic. You won't post survival turns because only one person has posted, but you're continuously posting Campaign turns even though only one person is posting?

>>---(logic)---->

((There's the issue in the campaign that only one character in the former party is currently alive. So each time I post, the full roster of living characters has posted.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 18, 2015, 01:58:30 pm

Makes sense. I haven't been really following the campaign :P

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 18, 2015, 02:00:58 pm

Quote from: Alarith:action

Survival

Continue driving to the tunnel, I guess.

If Toaster has posted an action for Alarith too, pick his one instead. He's pretty much the party leader, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2015, 02:34:41 pm

((My top 2 suspects for which entity caused problems with the teleporter: Darkstar, and Jordan's unnamed entity.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 02:47:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2015, 02:34:41 pm

((My top 2 suspects for which entity caused problems with the teleporter: Darkstar, and Jordan's unnamed entity.))

((Aren't Darkstar and River the same person, though? I might have missed something.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on January 18, 2015, 02:52:51 pm

((I think there's some sort of Jekyll and Hyde split personality thing going on with River and Darkstar.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 18, 2015, 05:19:36 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 02:47:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2015, 02:34:41 pm

((My top 2 suspects for which entity caused problems with the teleporter: Darkstar, and Jordan's unnamed entity.))

((Aren't Darkstar and River the same person, though? I might have missed something.))

((They are, or so I recall River saying [maybe to you guys, but as I recall--the setting was in the inn, before we exited for the mission]; do note that Theri would still be defensive of River because of her first encounter with him--of which I am sure Parisbre posted as snipped from PMs, as it was done in PMs ._.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 05:25:00 pm

Quote from: NAV on January 18, 2015, 02:52:51 pm

((I think there's some sort of Jekyll and Hyde split personality thing going on with River and Darkstar.))

((I see. He seems to be, like, made of problems and issues by this point. Or is that just River who manages to be both beastly and neurotic at the same time, and Darkstar's twist is that he's generally cool about things?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2015, 10:13:12 pm

((I'll just post this before going to sleep and finish writing the Survival turn tomorrow.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2015, 01:48:04 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Not really surprising that someone wants River dead, really. He doesn't strike me as the likeable, personable, keep-your-head-down type. Kind of reminds me of old Dick Nixon, really. Such a promising presidency! Such a gallant man cut down in his prime.>

Evasive maneuvers. Get away from the Discoball and try not to die. If it draws close and escape doesn't seem likely, stab it with the bone I tied the skull to.

You start running away from the thing but it soon becomes apparent that you're not fast enough. You feel your hair standing on end and the buzzing sounds closer than ever. With no other option, you dive towards the ground, turn around and stab at the air with your bone.

<O҉h͜, t̶he guy ͘w̶it̕h͡ ̧t͝he ḿoon͡ landing̨,͘ r͞i̛g͘ht̡?͟ W̸as̴n'͟t̡ h͜e̸ ͡alsó ca̵u̢g͞h̶ţ spy͟ing̷ ón ̸şo̸me ot̨h͘er͠ ͡guy̴s? I c͠a͞n't ̸q̶u͟ìt͢e͜ ͢r͞e̢memb̶er͏. ̵I̵ thìn̶k̕ I ̴w̡as͜ in ͞M͜o͟nac͡o whén̕ I҉ heard͝ ab̨o̷ųt̛ ̶it.̴ ̡I ͏wa͘s ̵n̸eve͡r̢ ̴rea̵ll̨y int̶o̕ po̡l͘i͏tic̴ş. Only ev̡er sta͟yed͡ ͏i҉n͘ t҉o͝uch w͘ith͟ ͞thęm҉ ̀beca͟use͜ ̕p̕oliti͜çs ̶ar͠e̷ a̵ gr̢e̷a̵t͡ ͏sourc̨e of͏ h͘umo̸u͏r͡.>

You watch as the Discoball flies inches away from your face. The buzzing is almost deafening now. It looks much brighter from up close.
It feels very cold and smells funny. Not a foul smell, just one you've never smelled before. Your hands feel like something living is inside them and is trying to get out.
You notice that some of the lines of light that make up the sphere flicker, change position or disappear as they pass through the bone. It is left scorching and smoking by the encounter with the Discoball. Despite the fact that it got boned, the Discoball itself looks mostly fine.

<Bu͟t͝ ye͝ah,̵ ̕he̕'̶s n͠ot͢ v͢er̨y fr̀ien̵dly̨. Or fun to b͜e ar͟o̕un͡d.͝ I̵ţ'̵ş l͝i̛k̷e ̀thè guy ̧n͝ev͜er r̷éĺa̛xȩs/Plus, yơu need ͠to͏ sw҉eat́ ́t͡o ge͡t͢ ҉a͡ single w̛o̶ŗd out of̛ h́im. I̵ ͏mean, ̢he eve̕ǹ ̢l̷eft ҉yo̧u͝ ҉h҉e̷r͡e͘ t́o̸ ̧b̴e..́.̨ ͘ba͜it̢ ̀oŗ ̀d͠i͝st͏r̕a̧ct̛io͠n ór͟... so͡m͞e͡thi̡n͟g,̧ ́a͢ppa̛r͘e̷ņţl͏y. ̡Ì'̀d b̶e̡tter̷ not̴ s̷ta̛rt́ t̴a̕l̶ki̢n̵g ̢about̡ t͠he ̕s͏ub҉j̡ect ͢be͏c͞ause͜ ͝I ̨f̢e̢ęl like ͝I͢'ll̴ ̨n̡e͜v͡e̵r s̨t͡op͢.>

The sphere quickly rises up and moves away from you. Its rise slows down, stops and then reverses. It makes a wide turn and starts moving towards you again. You start running in the opposite direction.

<Ni̴c͜e dod͘g̢e̕,̕ ͞by the̸ ͏w̴ay̕.̸ This͞ re̴m҉i͡n̛d̵ş ̢m͞e ͟o͘f ̵North by͠ Nòrt͝hw͞e͏st̸ ̨a ͟bįt. ̸Ýoų ̢k̛n̸ow͞, ţhe͝ ͞c̷r͜ơp͞ du͜ster ͢s͘cene?҉ ̷Thínk͡ ̶y̧ơu̵ c̴an̨ g̀e͞t͞ ̡sơme̛t̢h̡įn̶g͞ to ̷c͜ol͢li̧d͞e̛ wi̴t͜h̛ įt͡?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2015, 04:41:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

<He did get the moon landing, though Kennedy mostly laid the groundwork for that. About the only good thing old Jack did, really. Dude lost the Empire, you know, only forty years after we took it from the Brits, too. I hear he was on so much drugs by the end, he couldn't even keep his wife's name straight on live television.>

<But hey, in mortal peril right now, so why don't you entertain me for the duration with some juicy River-gossip?>

Grab rock, throw at center of Discoball, prepare to dodge. Stab with bone as appropriate.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 19, 2015, 09:29:13 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 18, 2015, 02:00:58 pm

Quote from: Alarith:action

Survival

Continue driving to the tunnel, I guess.

If Toaster has posted an action for Alarith too, pick his one instead. He's pretty much the party leader, after all.

Do we drive past the bridge on the way to the tunnel?  We should at least see if it's up.  Otherwise, this sounds quite reasonable.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 19, 2015, 05:10:35 pm

((Apologies, I appear to have missed some of the last turns.))
Unless problem got fixed: "Actually something feels a bit weird with the balance."
Continue driving to the tunnel, look for other exits.
Yeah, I am fine with auto driving until we get to an exit, have to be a bit more careful there.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 20, 2015, 03:45:45 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 19, 2015, 05:10:35 pm

((Apologies, I appear to have missed some of the last turns.))
Unless problem got fixed: "Actually something feels a bit weird with the balance."
Continue driving to the tunnel, look for other exits.
Yeah, I am fine with auto driving until we get to an exit, have to be a bit more careful there.

Well, the only other exit on your path is the overground metro bridge, but getting onto that would be a bit tricky, because this car isn't exactly nimble and you'd need to either get into a station or make your way to a switching station.

Quote from: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 02:26:22 pm

Survival

John backs off his connection the the car and nods.  "Give me a sec- gonna patch up the car a bit.  Let me know if there's anything you need.

Not sure how much time these things will take, so I'll just list several.  Do them in order until I run out of time, repeating anything I screw up:

A spoiler or two to get some downforce going on to make it less squirrelly
Reinforce the glass to make it bullet resistant
A ram on the front (like you see on police cars)
A turret on the back, ideally sunk into the trunk to make it less obviously visible.  Remote operation for someone in the back seat.  A .50 cal or something is fine for armament.

You attempt to summon a spoiler, but it is hard. You have to counteract the air's resistance, trying to hold each piece in place as you assemble them. You loose focus for a second and end up with a bunch of metal debris going for the windscreen. Bryan brakes and dodges the debris. Perhaps it was unnecessary, the glass could probably take it, but better safe than sorry.

You try a second time. You decide to go with a rear spoiler for more safety in case something goes wrong. This time you concentrate extra hard on keeping each piece in the right place. And you manage to do so. All the pieces are connected to each other perfectly. But there is a slight problem: its connection with the car. There's nothing wrong with its quality, it's screwed in place tightly. But it is installed backwards.

Quote from: Toaster on January 19, 2015, 09:29:13 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 18, 2015, 02:00:58 pm

Quote from: Alarith:action

Survival

Continue driving to the tunnel, I guess.

If Toaster has posted an action for Alarith too, pick his one instead. He's pretty much the party leader, after all.

Do we drive past the bridge on the way to the tunnel?  We should at least see if it's up.  Otherwise, this sounds quite reasonable.

The bridge is indeed up. It looks a bit like this one (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_Bridge), but is quite larger and a bit higher above the water, so it's easy to tell that it's up.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 15, 2015, 11:51:39 am

Survival

"Good work. Gramercy."

Keep being the party's anti-projectile system and meat shield.

As you approach the entrance to the docks you hear shouts. A second later two men with guns, one with a shotgun and one with an assault rifle, come out of their hiding spots and some sort of wheelbarrow is pushed in the path of your vehicle.

The man carrying the shotgun seems to be a bit too nervous and shoots before the car ends up in front of him. He ends up hitting the man with the assault rifle instead, causing him to scream in pain. Guess that's what crossfire gets you when you're not careful.

Saevus manages to push the wheelbarrow out of the way with a well timed telekinetic blast. However during his attempt to dodge the obstacle, Bryan looses control of the car. The back of the car veers towards the left. The vehicle falls to its side and comes to a literal grinding halt a few metres later.

Saevus is a bit disoriented but otherwise unharmed by the sudden stop. John is also fine, or would be if there wasn't a giant metal suit of armour using him as a cushion. Bryan is bleeding from a cut on his forehead from where one of the fragments from the driver's side door's window hit him, but it's nothing life threatening, merely annoying as the blood is falling in his eyes. All and all, it looks like you weren't harmed too much.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 16, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Just fly to freedom...

You cross the bridge to other side. Congratulations.

So, any plans on what you want to do while you wait for the others to get away?

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 18, 2015, 01:47:44 pm

Point the rocket launcher at their feet.

"How 'bout ya drop da gunz, and give meh ya car?"

The men exchange meaningful looks.
"Uh... Okay. Just take it easy now. No reason to do anything any of us will regret. Just... uh... we don't have a car. So that's a problem. But we can get you a car. Yeah sure, what kind of car would you like? We'll get it for you."
They keep pointing their guns at you, taking slow and frightened steps backwards and away from each other.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2015, 04:41:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

<He did get the moon landing, though Kennedy mostly laid the groundwork for that. About the only good thing old Jack did, really. Dude lost the Empire, you know, only forty years after we took it from the Brits, too. I hear he was on so much drugs by the end, he couldn't even keep his wife's name straight on live television.>

<But hey, in mortal peril right now, so why don't you entertain me for the duration with some juicy River-gossip?>

Grab rock, throw at center of Discoball, prepare to dodge. Stab with bone as appropriate.

<Oh, boy, where do I begin? It's like the guy has it in for me. Let me give you an example about what I'm talking about. I don't know if you know this, but when it comes to relationships, bond-formers tend to be more for 'free love' than long term relationships. You know, find someone you like, have some fun, ...'get busy' and then each goes their separate way. Especially inorganic ones like the ones involved in the following story.>

You continue to run, but unfortunately for you, there's no suitable piece of rock around. They're all either too large, too small or fused together into pieces you'd have to break apart.

<So when I first met her I naturally made my move the moment I saw her. But he's all like, keeping me away from her, being an aggressive jerk, trying to make me look bad, generally cockblocking me and stuff. And from what I could tell he wasn't even doing her. I mean, hey man, I get it, you like her, but as long as you're not man enough to do anything about it, why not let a brother have a go?>

You once again throw yourself to the ground when you feel it approaching, thrusting your bone in its direction in the hope that it will dissuade it from coming closer. Once again the bone does its job, keeping you safe.

<Not that it really hurt me or anything, it's not like I don't get enough. In fact I may have dodged a bullet there, because it turns out that girl is way higher in the hot/crazy scale than I'm comfortable with. Don't want to end up with some crazy stalker unless she's really worth it, you know.>

You get up and keep running. This time you manage to spot the skull you threw earlier, surprisingly intact despite the fact that it fell on a piece of stone. You change direction and start heading towards it with the intent of picking it up.

<And the hypocrisy! A few hundred years later I heard from a friend that he heard that she's been 'busy'. Like, a lot. With many people. So what, he's fine with her going around with everyone but me? I don't get it. Unless he had a thing for me instead and that's the only way the unsociable geezer can show it. (And before you ask, I'd have no problem with it if he put some effort into actually becoming likeable. Like most inorganics I'm technically genderless. But we spend our time with humans, so...)>

You reach the skull, duck to pick it up and twist around and face the Discoball. It has started dashing towards you again. With less than a second to react, you take aim and do your best throw, falling backwards at the same time in the hopes of avoiding it. Despite the throw being a bit weak, it's aim was pretty good. You don't manage to hit its exact centre but you do manage to make it pass close to it. The buzzing it emits as the skull passes through it approximates a screech. Many of the lines that make it up flicker and disappear. It immediately changes direction, quickly moving away from you. What was once your skull falls to the ground as ash and glowing hot stones.

<And now I see him walking around, holding hands and cuddling with foxgirl number two. If he's supposed to be in some sort of relationship with her, then doesn't that make him a giant cheater? Talk about double standards. I at least never do anything like that. I'll never promise anyone exclusive relationships or eternal love or whatever story he has sold her to get her to come along with him.>

The thing flies higher and starts making wide circles around you, the pitch of its buzzing periodically going higher and then lower. You get back up and watch it carefully, holding your bone tightly in your hands.

< He's like the personification of double standards, always talking about one thing and ending up doing something else. He's always going on about how I should be more careful about my decisions, but I've seen him lashing out, acting on his feelings and making impulsive decisions thousands of times, even though he tries to play it all cool and indifferent. Not to mention that he's a freaking psycho sometimes. I've seen him hurt people because they talked back or didn't follow orders or even because he was hungry. Especially humans. I really think he has something against them. Bloody speciesist. But god forbid I accidentally cause someone some harm, he starts going on and on and on and on about it, he's all like 'oh, no, why did you do that, you didn't need to, that's bad' etcetera, etcetera.>

Then it suddenly breaks pattern. You get ready to dodge again but it doesn't move towards you. You watch as the Discoball flies away and disappears behind some rubble, scattering the Baubles along its path. You keep hearing it for about another minute after that and you think you catch sight of the glow it produces a time or two, but it keeps moving away, a bit slower now.

<Great shot man. You really showed that thing. You got it running like the nose of a kindergartner during wintertime. Looks like it decided you aren't worth the trouble.
Or it's going to get its friends.
Or it's going to get its parents.
Let's hope it's the first one, eh?>

You settle back down to cover and look at what's going on at the crater. It doesn't look like anything's changed. The distortions in the air are still there in the same basic shape, although they look like they've moved a bit. You keep watch, just in case something else decides to make an appearance.

<So, it looks like this will take a while. Anything else you want to talk about before we are hopefully joined by someone else with the capability of speaking?> ((Basically, tell me when you're ready to timeskip and if you want to do anything else during that time.))

((Alternate name for this section: 'Bad mouthing River'))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 20, 2015, 03:50:23 pm

"Ow!  Get off me, Iron Man!"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 20, 2015, 04:23:23 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Man, these Discoballs are pretty fast. Other than that, though, they seem pretty reasonable to deal with. As long as there's not more than one, anyway.>

<More on topic, though, River does sound like the sort of guy who you'd describe as 'he's a good guy if you get to know him' when you really mean 'he's an asshole, but you'll get used to him'. More interestingly, though, who's she? I'm not up to speed on all these entity babes. Or, to be honest, any entities at all. I don't think I've been paying nearly enough attention to all this shit. But yeah, got some choice commentary on her?>

Get the dirt on whoever the main man cares to provide dirt on, in short. Though I can perfectly nicely continue gossiping even after that, I assume, so timeskip if it brings over some other living people to mess with.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 20, 2015, 04:30:05 pm

Survival

"'Tis time to spread fear."

Get out of the car and commence impalement of undesirables. Attempt to look extra terrifying during said impaling.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 20, 2015, 04:58:07 pm

"Ugh, I guess good things can't last forever, suggestions?"
Carefully work my way out of the car and find an inanimate object to hide behind. Can I rip a sleeve off my shirt to keep the blood out of my eyes?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 20, 2015, 05:03:53 pm

((I make you guys a nice car and you smash it just a couple turns in.  Sheesh.  (Though if it's just on its side I imagine Captain Armor can just push it back over on its wheels.  Hell, he could probably just rock it down, though that might flip it the wrong way.))

"I guess we clear the area?"

Still got my gun, right?  Use it!  Otherwise, summon a Molotov and chuck it at the largest concentration.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 10:30:25 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 20, 2015, 05:03:53 pm

((I make you guys a nice car and you smash it just a couple turns in.  Sheesh.  (Though if it's just on its side I imagine Captain Armor can just push it back over on its wheels.  Hell, he could probably just rock it down, though that might flip it the wrong way.))

"I guess we clear the area?"

Still got my gun, right?  Use it!  Otherwise, summon a Molotov and chuck it at the largest concentration.

((Indeed, car is mostly fine. Just lost part of its exterior.))

You get out your handgun, hide behind the car and prepare to fire. The assault rifle wielding man is currently still screaming in pain and cursing due to the loss of his arm from friendly fire, so you focus on the cause of the injury instead: the shotgun wielding man. You take careful aim, hold your breath and the moment you see him leave cover and prepare to fire you put a round through his shoulder. The man gets back into cover and semi-blindly fires at you again but at this distance he can't hit anything. A few seconds later, he makes a run for a nearby shop and smashes through the front window.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 20, 2015, 04:30:05 pm

Survival

"'Tis time to spread fear."

Get out of the car and commence impalement of undesirables. Attempt to look extra terrifying during said impaling.

You smash through the back window, slowly get up and start walking. Mostly because you're afraid that if you push it too much you'll end up with no legs again, but it also helps with the intimidation. As you do so, you summon a spear so that you can start the impaling.

The men who threw the whelbarrow on your path peek out of the alley they were hiding in, look at you for a second and then start running away.
"Wait! Stop running! I just want to make a point! On your head!"

Oh well, they're gone. It's like luck is conspiring against you to ensure you will never get to thrust your spear into anyone today. I guess you could go stab the injured guy, but that's just not the same. Plus you'd have to walk all the way there, and that would take a while.

Those guys are the worse ambushers ever. No challenge at all. Then again, they probably had to set all this up in a very short time, what with the speed you were going.

Quote from: Alarith on January 20, 2015, 04:58:07 pm

"Ugh, I guess good things can't last forever, suggestions?"
Carefully work my way out of the car and find an inanimate object to hide behind. Can I rip a sleeve off my shirt to keep the blood out of my eyes?

You join John in hiding behind the car. You attempt to rip your sleeve but you just can't. All those movies make it look so easy. Or maybe you're just weak. Now that you think about it, it might be easier to just use telekinesis. Or you could even supplement your physical effort with telekinesis. It would be hard to concentrate on doing two things at once, but perhaps the combined strength will overcome the lack of concentration.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 20, 2015, 04:23:23 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Man, these Discoballs are pretty fast. Other than that, though, they seem pretty reasonable to deal with. As long as there's not more than one, anyway.>

<More on topic, though, River does sound like the sort of guy who you'd describe as 'he's a good guy if you get to know him' when you really mean 'he's an asshole, but you'll get used to him'. More interestingly, though, who's she? I'm not up to speed on all these entity babes. Or, to be honest, any entities at all. I don't think I've been paying nearly enough attention to all this shit. But yeah, got some choice commentary on her?>

Get the dirt on whoever the main man cares to provide dirt on, in short. Though I can perfectly nicely continue gossiping even after that, I assume, so timeskip if it brings over some other living people to mess with.

<Yeah, that seems like a nice way to sum it up. Like a guy I knew used to say: 'It's like being punched in the face so hard and for so long you sometimes start to sort of miss it when it finally stops.'>

<Oh, she's just your good old fashioned power hungry psycho. You know, first time I met her she didn't seem so bad. You know, a bit vain, a bit bossy, things to be expected from the young and powerful, nothing that screamed 'Danger: Stay away!'. But the craziness starts soon after that. If he never chills then she doesn't know what chill is. She's ready to snap at the slightest provocation. And god forbid if you ever disagree with her. Even when she's blatantly wrong! And of course violence is the answer to everything. And not the angry kind of violence the 'oh, you forgot to say hello to me ten years ago so today I'm going to kick your dog, kill your family, burn your house, nuke your planet for good measure and then go for tea like nothing happened' kind of violence. As you'd expect she doesn't have any friends (she says she 'doesn't believe in friends' whatever that means), just people she bosses around or people she lies to trick them into working with her for whatever nefarious purpose. Nowadays I try to stay away from her as much as I can. This entity thing has pushed her crazy into overdrive and inflated her brains to thrice their previous Zeppelin-big-enough-to-lift-Fort-Knox state. She thinks she is the most powerful being in the entire universe (or multiverse, whatever term you want to use), that everyone should bow down to her greatness and other such deranged supervillain clichés. And-...>

<And I just realised that by shovelling all this dirt I may be digging myself into a hole. So I think I'll stop talking on the subject for now and hope he doesn't remember this when he regenerates.>

Time flies as you wait for whatever is going on to finish. You alternate from watching the crater to watching the sun approach the mountains on the horizon, going from orange to red. It's a bit strange though that even though the ambient light is decreased, the light coming from the crater also starts to look dimmer. One would expect the opposite. You also fail to spot any movement either in the city or outside of it.

Finally, as nightfall approaches, the phantom shape extending above the crater disappears and the Baubles begin scattering, although many of them stay in the general area. Everything around looks much darker and silent. Even the wind has stopped.

<We get signal. What!> you hear the voice of your entity a few minutes after that.
You can see the glow of lava coming out of the crater again.
<Main screen turn on.>
You start getting a visual feed from him again. The image itself looks much better, even though occasionally details disappear or things become out of focus. The inside of the crater looks much like the impact site of a meteor, rock molten, fused and metamorphosed by extreme temperature and pressure into a bowl-like shape, with one side being higher than the other due to the mountain's inclination. The lava inside hasn't started cooling and solidifying yet. It hasn't got much viscosity and it is still radiating light and heat which are providing light to the surrounding area.
<It's you!!>
The feed is focused on a small three-tailed fox lying on the ground close to the observer's legs, which are barely visible as dark shapes at the edge of the vision. They both seem to be standing close to the lava, not close enough to be in danger of being burnt but probably close enough they aren't comfortable.
<No, wait! No no->
The feed cuts off. You take this as your queue to hastily make your way there to see what's going on.

---

Lenglon
You are drowning. In darkness. Alone. You do not react. The darkness is pushing you from everywhere. The cold surrounds you. You do not react. You float limply, letting the currents take you. For a moment you feel the need to act, the need to do something, even though you don't know what that may be. You need to stop this. But the feeling passes a moment later. There is nothing you can do. You failed. Everyone is gone. You can not make things right for them. All you can hope is that someone will come to you. That someone will do something for you. Something to make you live again. You float. Alone. In darkness.

Suddenly the world floods with golden light. It's so bright. It's burning you. But you know it is a chance. It scares you. You hesitate. But you have to take it. You try to fight. You try to open your eyes-

Your vision is blurry. Something is holding you. You try to move, but you can't escape its grip. Its holding your mouth shut, not letting you take all the air you need. It's holding your neck like a noose, ready to dig into your flesh. You feel sick. Your chest is burning.

But then you notice you have a second set of feelings. Eyes and ears you can use but cannot control. You focus on it as your heart-rate starts returning to normal and you stop hyperventilating. A humanoid with the characteristics of a black wolf is holding a three-tailed fox, forcing it to stand still and look at him. The fox looks tiny compared to him.

The moment you stop struggling, he brings his face closer to yours, looks at you straight in the eyes and speaks.
"I will not forget what you did. Not until you cease to be."
There is little emotion in his voice.

He gets up, pushing you a bit harder than needed in the process, causing some pain. He leaves you looking at the points of light floating around above you like burning ashes in the wind in the backdrop of the dark blue dusk sky. He quickly walks towards your second vision. He reaches out towards it with a hand and it ceases to exist.

You still feel dizzy, disoriented, sick. And now that the adrenaline rush has started dying down you also start to feel hungry. Yet you also feel like something is slowly filling you with strength, empowering you.

---

Harry Baldman
As River walks by you, he pauses and grabs you by the wire around your neck. You notice that he, unlike you and Irene, doesn't have a wire around his neck. In fact, he is completely naked.
<If you care about your entity, you will not speak about it to anyone.
And stop transmitting. I do not need you to attract attention anymore.>
You get the feeling that what he said was only heard by you.
He releases you and continues walking away, disappearing outside of the crater.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 21, 2015, 10:45:07 am

No car, no guns dropped. Shoot the rocket launcher where I pointed, and throw the guy I'm holding at them too. Afterwards, run off to another place.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:01:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

"You're gonna need to be more specific about what exactly I won't speak of anymore, 'cause if you mean all the gossip, then okay. If you mean something else, though, you're gonna need to tell me what exactly, otherwise I might let it slip by accident, since I really don't know the significance or deeper meaning of even the smallest sliver of all this bullshit and entity drama, you know. And please don't be set off by this, since I know you're kind of sensitive and all, I just need to know where the buttons are in order not to push them, see?"

"Anywho, where'd you put the rest of the soul spheres? Do we get them and rebuild the rest of my teammates now, or do you have a better plan?"

"Also, hey, Irene or Irine or whatever your actual name was! Firefox. How's it feel to be back in the land of the crappily living?"

Let's be chatty to the insufferable prick, shall we?

Also, is he still Mr. Beetle, or does he look different? Wolf form, maybe? This seems like it'd be important to establish.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 11:12:07 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 21, 2015, 10:45:07 am

No car, no guns dropped. Shoot the rocket launcher where I pointed, and throw the guy I'm holding at them too.

Are you going to just stand there after that or are you actually doing something? I understand it if you are being optimistic and hoping you'll kill them all, but you might want to have a condition in case your plan doesn't work.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:01:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

"You're gonna need to be more specific about what exactly I won't speak of anymore, 'cause if you mean all the gossip, then okay. If you mean something else, though, you're gonna need to tell me what exactly, otherwise I might let it slip by accident, since I really don't know the significance or deeper meaning of even the smallest sliver of all this bullshit and entity drama, you know. And please don't be set off by this, since I know you're kind of sensitive and all, I just need to know where the buttons are in order not to push them, see?"

"Anywho, where'd you put the rest of the soul spheres? Do we get them and rebuild the rest of my teammates now, or do you have a better plan?"
Let's be chatty to the insufferable prick, shall we?

Also, is he still Mr. Beetle, or does he look different? Wolf form, maybe? This seems like it'd be important to establish.

((Note: Irene can hear what he says now.))
<You will not speak about it. What happened during that time. Not a word. To anyone.>

<I need to see that they are fine first. Wait.>

When he was talking to you he was a humanoid warewolf-like thing. I assumed you were going to read Lenglon's stuff.
If you follow him beyond the crater now, you'll see that he has turned into a wolf during the time you weren't looking at him.
Oh and you can talk to Irene telepathically, but not to River.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:16:05 am

Pfp:
Irine, campaign

---

as I stumble out to where ike is.
to River:
<Remember why too. I've lost more than you ever will. Self-sacrifice is never worth it. No matter what I did to Theri, you could fix it. Protecting you is, for me, a better way to protect her than protecting her myself.>
To ike:
<Thank you. Where is everyone else?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 21, 2015, 11:22:20 am

(Understood, added a condition. Just had the thought that running off would be an after action after I shot, and it'd be too many actions in one turn)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 21, 2015, 11:28:53 am

John shook his head.  "Well, that was a waste of time.  Hey Iron Man!  Let's get this ride tipped back over."

Tip car back over, get in, go.  Also help Bandage Man get a bandage going.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:33:40 am

Campaign, Ike!

((Oh, I just thought that since you didn't note any kind of difference at work in my turns and because of the mindfuckery in Lenglon's turn that there might be some shenanigans at play.))

"No trouble at all, fearless leader."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:16:05 am

To ike:
<Thank you. Where is everyone else?>

<Dead, I'd assume. Very, very dead. Not permanently dead, mind you, dead like you were. River can probably put them back together, possibly sans some important features, like he did me.>

<Now then, quick debriefing, since you're probably very out of the loop at the moment. This is the city we were in before things went nuclear at the tower. Well, I assume, anyway, otherwise us being here would be some weird coincidence. There used to be people living here - they're kind of all dead now, or at least most of them are. Skulls, bones and loose clothing everywhere. Also, dancing lights in the skies, there's these little harmless ones we call Baubles and bigger ones that want to kill the shit out of you we call Discoballs. They come after you, you want to throw things at their center of mass. Or use flame powers, not sure if that'd work though, since there's magical shenanigans at work.>

<Oh, and River turned into this cool beetle monster, though he's back to being one of you weirdo beastmen now. Such a shame, insects are so underrated, though if you're gonna go big, guess mammalian's the best choice. Well, that or a plant, but being a plant doesn't seem like the Wolfman's style.>

Debrief, and while waiting/following River, seek materials (skulls, femurs, gravel, strips of cloth) to construct Skullflail.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 21, 2015, 11:36:32 am

Survival

Help out with the car and get in.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:42:55 am

Pfp:

---

To ike and river
<Dead? I... I wasn't the last one? Why...>
((Note: am using innate telepathy from foxform. Not necklace one.))
<are they missing? Is something wrong with their soul orbs? I... I was sure River would revive me last... if ever.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:55:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:42:55 am

<are they missing? Is something wrong with their soul orbs? I... I was sure River would revive me last... if ever.>

<I'm afraid that the precise rationale I must keep to myself due to a vow of secrecy, but rest assured that it was part of a very logical, well-reasoned plan. But anyway, you're alive! Rejoice! Dance on the ashes of civilization!>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 12:08:21 pm

<oh yay. I survive for no reason when everyone else dies and doesn't even get a burial. Again. That is soooo much better! But hey, at least i get to share this one with the two people who hate me the most this time! What's even worse is that's an actual improvement! Rejoice! Death's coy laughter is right around the corner! I wonder if Zoe and Amelia will be dead when I get back too! But don't worry, I'll live through everything.  Nobody I care about will. But I get to survive for no reason! Yay!>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 01:02:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 12:08:21 pm

<oh yay. I survive for no reason when everyone else dies and doesn't even get a burial. Again. That is soooo much better! But hey, at least i get to share this one with the two people who hate me the most this time! What's even worse is that's an actual improvement! Rejoice! Death's coy laughter is right around the corner! I wonder if Zoe and Amelia will be dead when I get back too! But don't worry, I'll live through everything.  Nobody I care about will. But I get to survive for no reason! Yay!>

<Hey, chin up! Maybe we can revive some people who hate you even more! Besides, only River actually hates you as far as I'm aware, I'm more just ambivalent on your continued existence because you happen to rub me every possibly wrong way and because you're secretly a nascent lizard overlord, but I can't in all honesty say I hate you, at least no more than I would or have any other coworker. And also I don't think I respect you much because you insist on being a perpetual poopyhead. But that's all it is, baby! I don't wish you any harm! I just don't care if you get hurt! And if you hurt yourself and others in an amusing fashion, that gets you quite a few bonus points in my book, and I can't say accidentally blowing everything up wasn't an absolutely perfect method of improving my disposition toward the general concept of you.>

Within those thoughts, no sarcasm is at all perceptible.

<Also, I've always imagined death to have more of a Santa (not Satan, easy mistake to make) kind of laugh, personally, more of a "HO-HO-HO" in the dark, if you will, getting the diaphragm fully involved. But anyway, welcome back, glad to see you in top form and complaining about the precious miracle of resurrection in no time flat. Next thing you know, River will bring back Theri and all you'll think about is just that the soul sphere is just a compilation of all your bodily information rather a fragment of your being, so the real Theri and real you (and real me, though I can't imagine you'd be broken up about that since you hate me and all) are actually still dead and you're just an imitation made from a cracked, damaged soul sphere, and none of you can even remember what exactly of the original you has been lost forever, like bits of your childhood or people you knew or something else entirely, and whatever you've forgotten or lost in the process, you'll never know you had in the first place, which may in fact be the saddest thing of all.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 04:33:00 pm

<That 'am I real?' thing is nothing new. I am not a lizard and... you... I don't know what you're trying to do. Are... are you trying to cheer me up by making me mad? I... you're confusing...>

---

((EDIT: no longer posting from phone, adding some body language.))

---

I pull my head back from its forward-leaning position and relax my tails, looking up at Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 06:17:53 pm

---

Campaign

---

((Ike wins at psychology forever.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:33:40 am

Campaign, Ike!

Debrief, and while waiting/following River, seek materials (skulls, femurs, gravel, strips of cloth) to construct Skullflail.

You debrief Irine ((for some reason my mind keeps spelling that as Irene)) in your own particular manner.

<I do not see anything wrong. I am going back.>
River's psychic message reaches the two of you, answering Ike's previous question. It feels weak and distorted, barely audible.

There's a bit of confusion here as Lenglon appears to be staying where she is and you want to follow River yet you are still talking to each other in a manner that requires you to be close to each other, so I'll let you continue talking so that you can sort that out and decide if you want to stay here, go back with River, convince him to stay here, kill him or whatever else you may want.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 21, 2015, 10:45:07 am

No car, no guns dropped. Shoot the rocket launcher where I pointed, and throw the guy I'm holding at them too. Afterwards, run off to another place.

You pull the trigger and the thing releases a bout of smoke and fire. The projectile it launches moves too fast to be seen. It impacts the ground between the three men, causing it to detonate in a small explosion, throwing pieces of sidewalk everywhere around the small crater it forms.
You immediately use your freakish strength to throw the man you're holding towards them, and right onto a lamp post. The lamppost produces a dry metal tune, reverberating from the impact. That looked like it hurt.

That done, you run away, straight into a nearby alley, the same one they had gathered around. You hear a few shots riocheting off the wall behind you, but the combination of smoke and the delay in their reaction caused by your attack means they hit nothing but air.
You don't hear them running after you.

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 21, 2015, 11:28:53 am

John shook his head.  "Well, that was a waste of time.  Hey Iron Man!  Let's get this ride tipped back over."

Tip car back over, get in, go.  Also help Bandage Man get a bandage going.

Quote from: Alartih:autoaction

Bandage self. Drive.

You have a bit of trouble ripping a strip of cloth of the proper length so you end up destroying both of Bryan's sleeves to get one, making him look kinda like one of those rock singers. That done, you manage to apply it to Bryan with minimal trouble.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 21, 2015, 11:36:32 am

Survival

Help out with the car and get in.

John, in a stunning display of strength for a man who is in pain and lacks use of one leg, manages to help Saevus tilt the car and get it upright again. Saevus' newly repaired legs complain a bit, producing a very disturbing sound of metal grinding upon metal, but they do not fail. He gets in in the back seat, out of breath and Saevus follows him a moment after that.
"Try to use "*breath*" a seatbelt this time?"

You drive away, leaving a few pieces of metal behind you as you go. The car feels a lot more breezy now with all those holes. At least the wind shield is still OK.

((Anything else you want to do or do you just keep driving?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 06:50:28 pm

((did River have a response to my statement? that would have been made immediately, before we left the crater.))
I am attempting to follow Ike, but am not 100% right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 07:32:28 pm

---

Campaign

---

Keep your distance - Amon Tobin (http://youtu.be/Bk8W3ysnB7M)

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 06:50:28 pm

((did River have a response to my statement? that would have been made immediately, before we left the crater.))
I am attempting to follow Ike, but am not 100% right now.

If you mean this,

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:16:05 am

Pfp:
Irine, campaign

---

as I stumble out to where ike is.
to River:
<Remember why too. I've lost more than you ever will. Self-sacrifice is never worth it. No matter what I did to Theri, you could fix it. Protecting you is, for me, a better way to protect her than protecting her myself.>
To ike:
<Thank you. Where is everyone else?>

then no. He just kept walking towards Ike. Ike (and therefore you, since he was still transmitting) would see him display a hint of anger on his face and you'd probably see his tail twitch a bit, but that's it.
Also, I forgot to ask, what is pfp?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2015, 11:33:40 am

Campaign, Ike!
Debrief, and while waiting/following River, seek materials (skulls, femurs, gravel, strips of cloth) to construct Skullflail.

The two of you follow River as he quickly moves away from the crater, his four legs and general strength giving him an advantage in the rough terrain. You two follow some distance behind, trying to keep up.

At one point a tremor occurs that causes the rubble Ike is standing on to destabilise. He falls into a small hole, but besides some abrasions he's OK. In fact, it turns out to be a fortuitous coincidence when inside he finds a simple stone sarcophagus that has been broken in half by the collapsing ceiling. The contents aren't very impressive, just a skeleton of a short human that looks like it was burned a long time ago, but its skull is interesting. It has a metal plate screwed on it. That could make it a better than average flail, if the screws haven't compromised the integrity of the skull. It looks like his luck continues.

By the time the sun has disappeared behind the mountains and the sky has turned dark blue everywhere but there, where it is a dark red instead, you have managed to get away from the worst of the destruction. Just in time too, for navigating the sections of collapsed ground would have been quite dangerous during the night without illumination, even with Ike's enhanced senses. Right now there's only the twilight and what little glow from the lava reaching you providing illumination.

---

OOC
I started watching Black Mirror (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2085059/). It is depressing yet fun.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 07:42:21 pm

pfp = Posting From Phone. or Posting From Place of work.
basically the post is made in a hurry / on a tiny keyboard and so please forgive mistakes.

---

((Are you sure about the navigation problems? River is River, Ike has enhanced senses, and the early morning / late evening is a fox's preferred hunting time. all of us should be fine in the dark.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 07:53:05 pm

((Ah, thanks, that's good to know.

And I was just saying that it's hard to tell if something is stable or not in low lighting. Sonar can't help very much with that, especially now that his hearing is a bit damaged. Not that that's much of a problem, you could just create some fire. And I think foxes don't have very good eyesight compared to humans.

At least I think it would be easier to visually check if something is stable. Maybe it's not.

Oh, and something I forgot.)) That feeling of being stronger is starting to diminish as you move further into the city.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 21, 2015, 08:43:27 pm

Survival:


Yeah, work on the below list as we go:

Quote from: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 02:26:22 pm

Not sure how much time these things will take, so I'll just list several.  Do them in order until I run out of time, repeating anything I screw up:
Reinforce the glass to make it bullet resistant
A ram on the front (like you see on police cars)
A turret on the back, ideally sunk into the trunk to make it less obviously visible.  Remote operation for someone in the back seat.  A .50 cal or something is fine for armament./b]

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 21, 2015, 08:55:44 pm

Survival

Attempt to use this "seatbelt" contraption. Do the usual watching for projectiles thing too.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 21, 2015, 10:24:40 pm

Bryan, survival
"Another hour, another crisis"
No, just keep driving and using my radar, anything else would probably be too distracting.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 11:03:19 pm

Quote from: wikipedia

Red foxes have binocular vision, but their sight reacts mainly to movement. Their auditory perception is acute, being able to hear black grouses changing roosts at 600 paces, the flight of crows at 0.25–0.5 kilometres (0.16–0.31 mi) and the squeaking of mice at about 100 metres (330 ft). They are capable of locating sounds to within one degree at 700–3,000 Hz, though less accurately at higher frequencies. Their sense of smell is good, but weaker than that of specialised dogs.

((something people who haven't been out of the city much don't usually understand is how nightvision actually works. even on a clouded over night with no moon (like, say, this last monday night, and over 20 miles from the nearest city, at midnight, which is exactly where i was at that time) you don't need a flashlight or NVGs or anything like that to see. it tends to take about 15-20 mins to fully adjust, sometimes longer, and you lose color vision. (which for me makes everything very slightly blue-tinted versions of greyscale). but it's actually not as hard to see as you'd think. the tough part is when the sun has  set for a short while but the sky around it is still very slightly glowing, because every time you look up enough to see the sky your nightvision takes a major hit.

under those conditions, the worst i've ever experienced, even worse than a cloudy sky with no moon at midnight, where the sun-reflecting-off-the-sky is reducing how far I can see, I can generally sometimes recognize building-sized objects at long distances (sometimes i need to be within 50 feet-ish, depends on the color and background and angle and stuff), large objects at about 20 feet, medium-sized objects at about 7 feet, and small objects at 2 feet.

now then, for a human, that's really, really close.

but for a fox? 2 feet is actually a decent distance. remember how small a fox is and how low to the ground. your eyes are over 4 feet away from your feet, right?
a fox's are less than a single foot from the ground.

at less than a foot away, individual pebbles can be easilly picked out even under the most horrible of conditions.

foxes don't NEED good vision to walk around on rough terrain.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 21, 2015, 11:34:32 pm

((I'm backing up Lenglon's statements there, from what I know of zoology and anatomy of differing animals: she's correct in her assertions [human senses are very different from some animal senses], and considering that a few of us are drawing from mythological lore, it seems to combine in part--however, this also means that there are some traits biological to our characters that we lack, that humans have. Like surviving a very viral disease. :P

Err, that is...if you're all ok with this kind of depth with character senses and narration, Paris :o))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2015, 06:17:53 pm

---

Campaign

---

((Ike wins at psychology forever.))

. . .
*reads*
. . .
*nods*
((Nice work of narrative Harry :3 A beautiful mix of Ike's rough personality and his eccentricism.
If I was alive, I'd challenge that like an opposite magnetic pole :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 12:55:44 am

Irine, Campaign

---

As it gets later in the day and we show no signs of stopping, I start hunting for prey animals or maybe some berries that I could eat. A mouse would be nice. Still, I mostly am trying to keep up with River and Ike.
<How much farther do we have to go?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 03:31:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 04:33:00 pm

<That 'am I real?' thing is nothing new. I am not a lizard and... you... I don't know what you're trying to do. Are... are you trying to cheer me up by making me mad? I... you're confusing...>

<Oh, so you've already had and resolved that identity crisis? Coming prepared, I see! +2 points, very good. That makes... 22, if I'm not missing my mark? Good work thus far, keep at it. The point is, you just keep looking for things to get hung up on, like being dead or, more ridiculously, burial and remembrance, or even that people hate you or something, while I, by contrast, tend to look on the bright side of life, the "team one third alive, with improvements incoming" rather than the "team two thirds dead, cause of death: maginuclear explosion" side, the "River is a dick who brought this on himself" rather than the "River hates me forever for doing what I thought was the right thing at the time" side. The fun side, the good side. The self-righteous, blissfully deluded side, and I wouldn't have it any other way.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 12:55:44 am

<How much farther do we have to go?>

<It depends a lot on your subjective perception of time. For instance, I once spent the better part of two subjective months or so driving a car from one end of a town to the other with nary a car chase or destructible fruit stand in sight after the first bit. So it could be very long indeed, or not long at all. It helps to whistle your way through it.>

As it gets later in the day, consider finding a human corpse to get some extra meat from in case somebody's eaten the one in the Beetlecave, which is where I assume we're going. If we're not, get some meat just in case anyway. Make sure I've taken along the metal-plated skull and continue working on the Skullflail.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2015, 07:44:47 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 21, 2015, 08:43:27 pm

Survival:


Yeah, work on the below list as we go:

Quote from: Toaster on January 16, 2015, 02:26:22 pm

Not sure how much time these things will take, so I'll just list several.  Do them in order until I run out of time, repeating anything I screw up:
Reinforce the glass to make it bullet resistant
A ram on the front (like you see on police cars)
A turret on the back, ideally sunk into the trunk to make it less obviously visible.  Remote operation for someone in the back seat.  A .50 cal or something is fine for armament./b]

You add an extra dense layer of a glass-like material to the windshield, hoping it will help make it more resistant without reducing visibility.

You attempt to reinforce the car's bumper. But you are not content with making it a simple piece of reinforced metal. You decide to add an array of large rotating buzzsaws and hammer drills to it as well, powered directly from the engine's crankshaft through a system of gears.

You can't concentrate enough to summon a gun though.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 21, 2015, 08:55:44 pm

Survival

Attempt to use this "seatbelt" contraption. Do the usual watching for projectiles thing too.

You adjust the seat's belt, a strip of sturdy cloth that wraps around it, with a buckle featuring an orange-coloured depression in its middle. You fail to see why it needs a belt, it's not wearing any clothes. These humans have very strange customs.
"No, no, no, you're supposed to tie yourself with it."
'Tie yourself with it?' That's strange. Oh well, you suppose you'll indulge his silly demands.

Quote from: Alarith on January 21, 2015, 10:24:40 pm

Bryan, survival
"Another hour, another crisis"
No, just keep driving and using my radar, anything else would probably be too distracting.

You keep driving. The added weight to the front of the car forces you to readjust your driving style, but you continue without much problems.

You are approaching the tunnel. It should come into view soon. It feels like you're passing by large gatherings of people and there's more coming up ahead, some of them in the middle of the road.

---

Campaign

---

((@Lenglon: Ah, ok that makes sense. I hadn't thought of the scale difference.
Then again, my argument was more about the fact that it's hard to judge the overall stability/condition/damage of a large structure in low light conditions. But now that I think about it, a fox is small and doesn't weigh much, so it should not matter very much.
But I like the info you provide, especially the stuff about nightvision. Humans are everywhere around here so even on a mountain there's still quite a lot of light pollution. Only time I had to use my nightvision was during a blackout that lasted very long (and sometimes inside the house when I move around with all the lights and window covers closed, but I don't think that counts) and I found it incredible how even the glow from my wristwatch's hands was enough to help me see.
I'll keep that in mind since it will probably become relevant sometime.))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 12:55:44 am

Irine, Campaign

---

As it gets later in the day and we show no signs of stopping, I start hunting for prey animals or maybe some berries that I could eat. A mouse would be nice. Still, I mostly am trying to keep up with River and Ike.
<How much farther do we have to go?>

After walking for a while, you think you hear a noise coming from under a pile of dirt and rocks. You approach quietly, jump on it and start digging as fast as you can. You reach inside, bite and drag out something that looks like a young mole. You gulp it down greedily. It doesn't sate your hunger, but at least your stomach has stopped complaining for now.
You can hear more squeaking coming from further inside the hole, becoming quieter as time passes. Looks like the rest got away. Probably not worth it going after them. You'll find more.

You keep going after Ike and find him dragging a corpse. Looks like River went on without him but he seems to know the way. Or at least he keeps moving acting like he knows the way. Maybe he just doesn't worry that he's lost.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 03:31:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2015, 04:33:00 pm

<That 'am I real?' thing is nothing new. I am not a lizard and... you... I don't know what you're trying to do. Are... are you trying to cheer me up by making me mad? I... you're confusing...>

<Oh, so you've already had and resolved that identity crisis? Coming prepared, I see! +2 points, very good. That makes... 22, if I'm not missing my mark? Good work thus far, keep at it. The point is, you just keep looking for things to get hung up on, like being dead or, more ridiculously, burial and remembrance, or even that people hate you or something, while I, by contrast, tend to look on the bright side of life, the "team one third alive, with improvements incoming" rather than the "team two thirds dead, cause of death: maginuclear explosion" side, the "River is a dick who brought this on himself" rather than the "River hates me forever for doing what I thought was the right thing at the time" side. The fun side, the good side. The self-righteous, blissfully deluded side, and I wouldn't have it any other way.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 12:55:44 am

<How much farther do we have to go?>

<It depends a lot on your subjective perception of time. For instance, I once spent the better part of two subjective months or so driving a car from one end of a town to the other with nary a car chase or destructible fruit stand in sight after the first bit. So it could be very long indeed, or not long at all. It helps to whistle your way through it.>

As it gets later in the day, consider finding a human corpse to get some extra meat from in case somebody's eaten the one in the Beetlecave, which is where I assume we're going. If we're not, get some meat just in case anyway. Make sure I've taken along the metal-plated skull and continue working on the Skullflail.

While Irine is busy digging a hole, you look around for a suitable corpse. You find a rather fresh corpse lying on the side of a street, next to a house's door. In fact, it's a bit more fresh than you expected. The blood around the wound on the man's head looks like it has clotted only recently. He is very definitely dead, his head has been hit very hard by... something big, but he can't have been dead for very long. You shrug, pick him up from the shoulders and start dragging him away.

A while later you reach the entrance to the Beetlecave, joined in the meantime by Irene. You crawl through the entrance (Irene just walks through) and experience the same feeling of nausea and vertigo as when you were exiting. You guess from Irine's body language that she feels the same.

Inside you see that River has gotten the fire going again, adding new pieces of broken furniture to fuel it. You find him as you go to drop off your newly acquired corpse, munching hungrily on the one you left here before, having eaten almost half of it. Good thing you brought extra.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 08:21:55 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ha-hah! I knew a second corpse would come in handy! Time to have some dinner, I think!"

If River doesn't mind and the corpse he's got seems at least a bit roasted, have some of that long pork. If not, roast my own damn corpse.

However, before that, examine carefully the head wound. Does it seem like more of a giant rock that hit him on a head or a giant chisel? This seems important, you see.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 08:24:14 am

Irine, Campaign.

---

I take a small wisp of flame from the campfire and move it out of the way above us, then slowly advance on the body river is eating in a submissive posture and look it over. if it's raw and/or River starts acting defensive of it, then I back away and instead move over to the body Ike brought in. In either case, once I'm at the food source I bring my little wisp of flame down to me, and use it to cook the food and help weaken it so I can rip it off more easilly at whatever small section I'm going to be biting next, probably the calf muscle, not minding the food being still quite hot due to my innate resistance.

---

Once I'm full (which shouldn't take long, in full-fox I only need to eat enough for my small body. It's the best one for a low-food environment like this.), I slip close to the fire and curl up, waiting for everyone else to be done. my little wisp of flame on the other side of me, helping me warm up evenly.
<So what now? Where is everyone else? are their soul orbs okay?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2015, 09:55:25 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 08:21:55 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ha-hah! I knew a second corpse would come in handy! Time to have some dinner, I think!"

If River doesn't mind and the corpse he's got seems at least a bit roasted, have some of that long pork. If not, roast my own damn corpse.

However, before that, examine carefully the head wound. Does it seem like more of a giant rock that hit him on a head or a giant chisel? This seems important, you see.

The bone has shattered and bent inwards around the wound, meaning it was probably caused by a heavy blunt object, probably larger than a hammer but smaller than a giant rock. I don't think you'd be able to determine more without some CSI magic though. There are no other obvious evidence there and the fact that this place is only lit by a single fire is not helping.

You grab one of the other corpse's limbs (River detaches it by biting on it repeatedly) and go over to the fire to roast it. You reason it's better than trying figure out how to roast a corpse with nothing but a fire, small pieces of wood and rocks, since you have neither the mood nor the visibility needed for crafting tools right now. Perhaps you should try crafting that bone-knife-thing again or next time you're out you should search for a meat cleaver.

River doesn't look like he minds you taking it. He seems OK with sharing both with you and with Irine, although he stops eating about a minute after Irine starts.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 08:24:14 am

Irine, Campaign.

---

I take a small wisp of flame from the campfire and move it out of the way above us, then slowly advance on the body river is eating in a submissive posture and look it over. if it's raw and/or River starts acting defensive of it, then I back away and instead move over to the body Ike brought in. In either case, once I'm at the food source I bring my little wisp of flame down to me, and use it to cook the food and help weaken it so I can rip it off more easilly at whatever small section I'm going to be biting next, probably the calf muscle, not minding the food being still quite hot due to my innate resistance.

---

Once I'm full (which shouldn't take long, in full-fox I only need to eat enough for my small body. It's the best one for a low-food environment like this.), I slip close to the fire and curl up, waiting for everyone else to be done. my little wisp of flame on the other side of me, helping me warm up evenly.
<So what now? Where is everyone else? are their soul orbs okay?>

You curl up near the fire with your flame orb by your side, joining Ike who is currently finishing up his meal and River who has curled up near the flame with his back against a pile of rocks. He alternates from looking at you to looking at Ike.
<So what now? Where is everyone else? are their soul orbs okay?>
He lifts his head off the ground to look at you directly for a few seconds before responding.
<Now I will rest. Tomorrow I will hunt for what I need to revive the others. I hope they will be fine.>
((EDIT: Note that the lack/vagueness of answer to where the others are and if they are fine was intentional. I did not miss it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 10:08:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm. Well! I'm thinking, on one hand, that it might be a good idea to look for some soul spheres now, but on the other hand, it's pretty clear that something horrible is out there murdering people if this corpse is any indication. So it stands to reason I need some tools first."

Craft a knife out of broken glass and some clothing (don't range far in search of either), then use resulting tool to continue work on Skullflail.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 03:09:57 pm

Pfp:
Irine,  campaign

---

<River, I... I'm sorry. I...
I didn't want to make the same mistake again. I... I don't know how much you know about what I used to be but... could... could you help me show you? I don't normally have enough bandwidth for more than words but... I want to show you some special memories of mine.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 22, 2015, 04:32:40 pm

<'What I used to be'...> he echoes your words, sounding tired.
He lowers his head back to the ground and closes his eyes.
<What you are...>
He remains quiet for a long time, so much so that one might think he might not answer you at all or that he has fallen asleep.
Some time later he gets up, walks around the fire and then lies down next to you, away from your fire, so that his head touches yours.
<You are young...
I think-... I feel-...>
He doesn't complete his sentence.
<Show me.> he finally says a while later.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 22, 2015, 04:54:57 pm

((So am I back in the waiting area there? Or just sitting there.))

((Also, back to my previous question, did you remember that I poisoned several people? :P Or did ya forget))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 22, 2015, 05:02:34 pm

Bryan Survival
"Okay folks, we've got lots of people around, do we want to gun it and hope we break through, or do we want to ditch the car and try to be a bit quieter?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2015, 05:05:11 pm

Survival

"Let's just go; I think we've made enough noise that stealth isn't going to cut it."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 22, 2015, 05:35:52 pm

Survival

Projectiles get blasted away by the bling-arm as usual. Any hostile people who get too close to our vehicle can get some too.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 22, 2015, 09:16:22 pm

Right, full speed ahead to the tunnel

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 11:50:03 pm

Irine, Campaign
((no longer pfp, sorry about the slow response but had to work late today and there was no way I was going to type this thing up on my phone))

---

Spoiler: Long telepathic message to River (click to show/hide)

I think back, back to before the Games, back before I met anyone, back to the memories I was gifted at my birth, memories from before I was born, and then from among them to the oldest memories I have. Memories of how my world was made.

<I used to be what I've been told you Entities call an Outsider. I was one of a group of ten, and though we were limited to that single universe, and individually far weaker than an Entity, together we were able to accomplish anything we wanted. We were there before our universe properly existed, and were the ones that built it up. Together, we made our stars, our planets, our moons, the rocks and plants and animals and... well, literally everything that exists... or existed anyway.>

as I tell him this, I'm also sending the memories themselves, which seem to have a darker and older feel than anything from Irine herself. my mind literally can't handle all of the memory at once, so I send it in limited fragments, focusing on one aspect of it, then another, then another. each individual segment composing a tremendous amount of data. when speaking of the stars, my memory shows not just the image of them in the sky, but their true locations, compositions, ages, inertia, the gravity fields they emit and how they interact, down to the tiniest detail, and even that is the simplified version of the full memory, and the memory shows its active links to further information, though I'm not sending what those links contain simply because even though this exact kind of thing is my specialty, I still can't handle the full weight of the data involved all at once.

<We chose to delay implimenting a single specific aspect of physics until we had nearly finished the work of creation. We didn't activate the flow of time until the world was mostly complete. I literally cannot say how long it took to build the world, because time itself didn't apply. Depending on your persepctive, it took an eternity, or no time at all. I don't really know my *true* age either.>

during this I'm showing pieces of the creation of physics itself. the function of gravity, of chemistry, of mathematics, of biology, of time, of "magic", even fragments of how I, as an Outsider, worked upon the world. but still, only in pieces. the information is all there, but I can't access it all at once. there's just too much.

<During this delay, whilst deciding upon the finishing touches to make, I spent some... not-time, evaluating myself, and I realized that I was lacking. I carefully thought upon what I had built, and what they deserved, and I realized that I couldn't handle the responsibility. I knew that in order to be a good god or goddess for them, I would need to be able to handle either directly or indirectly performing injustices upon those I was responsible for, and yet that kind of leader, one that would knowingly do the wrong thing, was someone I absolutely could not stand. So when the time came for us to put the finishing touches on the world, and to create avatars for ourselves, the last step before we activated the flow of time, I created... Me... and stepped down from my position, giving up all my remaining power to another, making myself into nothing more than Irine.>

during this, I focus mostly on my (Outsider) actions, on the non-instant of the decision, and the handoff of power, and don't really bring up my memory of my own creation. that comes later.

<Each of us original ten had own own personal moon, a small planet really, and I had made mine into a cavernous world of trial and wonder. one designed to test its inhabitants and push them to excel, without overwhelming them. I was hoping to find someone there worthy to replace me, to help them grow into the strength of character needed to handle what I could not, and to be able to live and enjoy myself without the responsibility of being the god or goddess of my own creations.>

the memories sent alongside this segment are all about the creation of my personal moon, my, Irine's, home and where I had spent all my life before the games.

<When I made myself, I made a point of limiting my perception of the world around me, attempting to limit myself to my own eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and so on. I wanted to make my experience as authentic as I could, to let myself honestly just Be, without the responsibility of my true position. Yet, I needed to be able to look after myself, so I gave myself a special data dump at birth, Each time I was born, I would reach out to the world around me, using the bonds of creator and creation, and learn everything there was to know about where I was and how the world worked. to learn most of what I had been before, and to be able to remember what I had done and why. In a lot of ways it was my final gift to myself, and it's how I know all this at all.>

my memories of my own creation are very complex, because I was made first as a framework, and only at the very end was the framework, the special manipulation of the rules of the universe itself, filled in with the details that made me Irine. It is the single most complicated, most detailed, and most intense memory of creation I had yet, and it includes all kinds of complex tie-ins to the laws of my universe itself, my flame manipulation, my shapechanging, my conditional telepathy, each of these are there, but in an abstract form, a complex framework that includes all kinds of conditionals and linkages allowing for literally any element, any creature, all of it robust and able to be changed every time the frame was reset, but still carrying over just a small piece of what had been there before, to shape it into what it would become. acompanying this, is a sense of pride, a sense of being overwhelmed with what I had wrought. Irine's creation, was my (outsider) very finest work. Something that I would never be able to outdo. something that even though I was focused on a single small creature, was so overwhelmingly detailed and complex that I still cannot fully put together even a single aspect of the system, let alone all of it at once. All I can send is partial segments, and general overviews. Though I do have a firm understanding of the practical results, the how is another thing entirely.

<The thing is, when I was truely born, when I sacrificed my power to protect the world from myself, and I got this information, I found out something more. somehow, without it ever entering my sight as an Outsider, an 11th presence had changed the world slightly. There were a few creatures in the world that I was not linked to, something none of us ten had made, and they actively attempted to hunt down and kill any Avatars we made or champions we chose, including myself and at least one of my people. When I went to my village, to observe and look for someone to teach, or maybe even simply play with, to spend some time living a simple mortal life, the village elder brought me asking for help, showing me a scroll containing the image of a vague dire peril attempting to unmake the world, something I couldn't wrap my mind around fully and which I knew none of us had made or would ever make, linked to the creatures none of us had made. and yet, I did nothing. I refused to try to fight these invaders, playing innocent and attempting to just go on with my own intentions and life, trusting that the remaining nine would handle any threat that would try to unmake the world. And I just went about my business attempting to better myself and locate someone worthy of replacing me.>

during this, the memories I send don't quite match up with what I'm talking about, focused mostly on my initial dump of information. showing how I was born already an adolescent child, and how I actually have barely aged if I've aged at all since then. How I spent my first hour of life unconsious, with a massive amount of information being organized in my mind, including the memories that I'm sending now. only after I've sent quite a bit of this do I move on to the actual information I'm talking about, of Larrbears and of that... thing. and of my refusal to act against them.

<River, I understand that D at least, and possibly several other of you entities are Bond-Formers. I haven't been told, fully, what that is, but I've been told enough to be reasonably sure that they aren't that different from me. The thing is, I don't just have one bond, I have a lot of them. I'm bonded to every plant, every animal, every piece of rock and stone, my predators, my prey, everything that I had a hand in the creation of. Put another way, I'm bonded to my entire home universe itself.>

As I send this, I send him my memories of my link to the bit of moss a couple feet up the right hand wall near the entrance to the cave of my birth that reacts to the trace toxins in the air emitted by my hot spring and converts them into chemical energy it uses to grow, with a byproduct of visible light that gives it a faint blue glow. the memory of my bond to the spring itself, the flow of water heated by my moon's core and the slow conversion of some of it to steam. my bond to the individual hunters of my village, to the slugs, to the pebbles, to the spiders, to the foxes, one by one by one, showing him what it felt like to be bonded to dozens of unique individuals, and how I felt them and they vaugely, without having the proper senses to fully realize or understand it, felt me.

<And as a result of my inaction, now every last one of those bonds-mates is dead.>

What I send now is no memory, it's a simple live feed of what I am feeling right now. the way that my flame manipulation, an extension of my own body, has been essentially cut off and replaced with a prosthetic, similar in result, but unnatural in feel and still somewhat awkward to use. the way my ability to change forms is twisted, malformed. something corrupting it and preventing it from happening like it's supposed to. the totally dead link to my name. the way that flame, which should be innately a part of me, and I of it, isn't quite... right, like it could actually hurt me. How all of the intricate detail work I had done in my creation, all the intricate manipulation of reality and the framework I had been built around, had been essentially rubbed away. but the centerpiece of it all is from my dead bonds. not a simple dozen, or hundred, or thousand of them, but trillions beyond trillions of dead links. I was bonded to almost everything in my entire universe, and my entire universe has been wiped out.

<I couldn't accept seeing you do the same thing I did. I couldn't accept that the right thing to do was to not act this time when I saw you trying to sacrifice yourself. I couldn't accept losing one of the five that I've decided to trust to something that I could remotely prevent. And so I did exactly what I wanted to avoid all this time, and betrayed you and Theri in order to protect the two of you, exactly like I was afraid I'd have to do if I'd never given up my power. I made myself into the exact monster I was afraid of the most...
and I ended up killing everyone, failing everyone, and ruining everything when I did it.>

acompanying this is what I saw and heard and thought when I threatened Theri to prevent River from killing himself. including the fear of his reaction, the condemation of my own decision, the understanding, even then, that what I was about to do was exactly what I hated and feared for so long, the understanding that the only way it would work, that I would have even a chance of not having to actually hurt Theri to stop him, would be to be ready to really do it when I said it, and to make it clear to him that I wasn't bluffing, that I couldn't bluff, about something like this.
and despite all of this my decison to do it anyway.

<Hi, I'm Irine, baby monster and self-destructive goddess. Maimed slave of the entities stuck looking for a home and the mass murderer who made it all happen. Who are you?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 23, 2015, 12:14:42 am

Survival


Rear-facing .50 cal turret is go then!  Needs to be controllable from the back seat.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2015, 12:05:11 am

((I am sleep deprived and slightly drunk, so please excuse any mistakes.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 22, 2015, 04:54:57 pm

((So am I back in the waiting area there? Or just sitting there.))

((Also, back to my previous question, did you remember that I poisoned several people? :P Or did ya forget))

Normally you'd just be sitting there, but just for the sake of you not waiting there doing nothing, let's see if I can get something for you in the staging area...

Hey, people in the staging area! Any of you active?

And yes, I remembered.

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 22, 2015, 05:35:52 pm

Survival

Projectiles get blasted away by the bling-arm as usual. Any hostile people who get too close to our vehicle can get some too.

You get ready to bada bling bada boom.

Quote from: Toaster on January 23, 2015, 12:14:42 am

Survival


Rear-facing .50 cal turret is go then!  Needs to be controllable from the back seat.

Just a 50 cal? You ain't going for something that simple. It's not science-y enough unless it has a spinning part, preferably glowing, which is also the machine's weakpoint. That's boss fights 101. So you put a spinning thing on it.

You get something that looks like a motorcycle engine attached to a spinning tube assembly that will launch a shotgun-like burst of explosive projectiles at anything behind the car, along with some ammo. The ammo is put on top of the gun and is released at exactly the right time for it to be pushed out of the spinning tube by centrifugal force so that it ends up going away from the car and not towards you.

Quote from: Alarith on January 22, 2015, 09:16:22 pm

Right, full speed ahead to the tunnel

You reach the tunnel, a place where the main road sinks and goes below the ground. It looks a bit old, being only two lanes wide on either direction and with walls covered by red bricks.

And what joy, there's a perimeter of about 5 cars set up in front of it, forming a rather loose roadblock. And hiding behind those cars are, guess what, armed men. And from the 5 men dressed in military camp you can see behind it, three of them are sporting giant guns that look like they could cause a lot of trouble: a bazooka, a recoilless AT-rifle and high calibre machine gun.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2015, 10:08:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm. Well! I'm thinking, on one hand, that it might be a good idea to look for some soul spheres now, but on the other hand, it's pretty clear that something horrible is out there murdering people if this corpse is any indication. So it stands to reason I need some tools first."

Craft a knife out of broken glass and some clothing (don't range far in search of either), then use resulting tool to continue work on Skullflail.

You leave River and Irine lying next to each other and go around your temporary den in search for crafting materials. You make a pretty good knife from a broken plate of metal wrapped around in some cloth so that you don't cut your hands. After grinding it on a rock for a while it's ready to cut. It's not usable in a fight but you're pretty sure it can hold up as a replacement for your utility knife for most other uses.

You return to the fire with some cloth, a bone and the skull you retrieved a while ago and attempt to construct the dreaded skull-flail of dreadful dread. Hm... Working on this piece of cloth is proving a bit harder than expected. Maybe if you use your leg to shove it a bit... No, that didn't work. If you just twist a bit sideways and pull on that end... No, that just made it worse. If you use your other leg to hold down this knot so that you can tie the other knot using your left hand and mouth... Yes, that seems about right... Wait a second, why are you feeling so contorted all of a sudden?

Trying to look around, you realise that you have somehow managed to tie your hands, legs and head together, preventing you from moving. You're not exactly sure how you managed to do that.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 22, 2015, 11:50:03 pm

Irine, Campaign
((no longer pfp, sorry about the slow response but had to work late today and there was no way I was going to type this thing up on my phone))

---

Spoiler: Long telepathic message to River (click to show/hide)

I think back, back to before the Games, back before I met anyone, back to the memories I was gifted at my birth, memories from before I was born, and then from among them to the oldest memories I have. Memories of how my world was made.

<I used to be what I've been told you Entities call an Outsider. I was one of a group of ten, and though we were limited to that single universe, and individually far weaker than an Entity, together we were able to accomplish anything we wanted. We were there before our universe properly existed, and were the ones that built it up. Together, we made our stars, our planets, our moons, the rocks and plants and animals and... well, literally everything that exists... or existed anyway.>

as I tell him this, I'm also sending the memories themselves, which seem to have a darker and older feel than anything from Irine herself. my mind literally can't handle all of the memory at once, so I send it in limited fragments, focusing on one aspect of it, then another, then another. each individual segment composing a tremendous amount of data. when speaking of the stars, my memory shows not just the image of them in the sky, but their true locations, compositions, ages, inertia, the gravity fields they emit and how they interact, down to the tiniest detail, and even that is the simplified version of the full memory, and the memory shows its active links to further information, though I'm not sending what those links contain simply because even though this exact kind of thing is my specialty, I still can't handle the full weight of the data involved all at once.

<We chose to delay implimenting a single specific aspect of physics until we had nearly finished the work of creation. We didn't activate the flow of time until the world was mostly complete. I literally cannot say how long it took to build the world, because time itself didn't apply. Depending on your persepctive, it took an eternity, or no time at all. I don't really know my *true* age either.>

during this I'm showing pieces of the creation of physics itself. the function of gravity, of chemistry, of mathematics, of biology, of time, of "magic", even fragments of how I, as an Outsider, worked upon the world. but still, only in pieces. the information is all there, but I can't access it all at once. there's just too much.

<During this delay, whilst deciding upon the finishing touches to make, I spent some... not-time, evaluating myself, and I realized that I was lacking. I carefully thought upon what I had built, and what they deserved, and I realized that I couldn't handle the responsibility. I knew that in order to be a good god or goddess for them, I would need to be able to handle either directly or indirectly performing injustices upon those I was responsible for, and yet that kind of leader, one that would knowingly do the wrong thing, was someone I absolutely could not stand. So when the time came for us to put the finishing touches on the world, and to create avatars for ourselves, the last step before we activated the flow of time, I created... Me... and stepped down from my position, giving up all my remaining power to another, making myself into nothing more than Irine.>

during this, I focus mostly on my (Outsider) actions, on the non-instant of the decision, and the handoff of power, and don't really bring up my memory of my own creation. that comes later.

<Each of us original ten had own own personal moon, a small planet really, and I had made mine into a cavernous world of trial and wonder. one designed to test its inhabitants and push them to excel, without overwhelming them. I was hoping to find someone there worthy to replace me, to help them grow into the strength of character needed to handle what I could not, and to be able to live and enjoy myself without the responsibility of being the god or goddess of my own creations.>

the memories sent alongside this segment are all about the creation of my personal moon, my, Irine's, home and where I had spent all my life before the games.

<When I made myself, I made a point of limiting my perception of the world around me, attempting to limit myself to my own eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and so on. I wanted to make my experience as authentic as I could, to let myself honestly just Be, without the responsibility of my true position. Yet, I needed to be able to look after myself, so I gave myself a special data dump at birth, Each time I was born, I would reach out to the world around me, using the bonds of creator and creation, and learn everything there was to know about where I was and how the world worked. to learn most of what I had been before, and to be able to remember what I had done and why. In a lot of ways it was my final gift to myself, and it's how I know all this at all.>

my memories of my own creation are very complex, because I was made first as a framework, and only at the very end was the framework, the special manipulation of the rules of the universe itself, filled in with the details that made me Irine. It is the single most complicated, most detailed, and most intense memory of creation I had yet, and it includes all kinds of complex tie-ins to the laws of my universe itself, my flame manipulation, my shapechanging, my conditional telepathy, each of these are there, but in an abstract form, a complex framework that includes all kinds of conditionals and linkages allowing for literally any element, any creature, all of it robust and able to be changed every time the frame was reset, but still carrying over just a small piece of what had been there before, to shape it into what it would become. acompanying this, is a sense of pride, a sense of being overwhelmed with what I had wrought. Irine's creation, was my (outsider) very finest work. Something that I would never be able to outdo. something that even though I was focused on a single small creature, was so overwhelmingly detailed and complex that I still cannot fully put together even a single aspect of the system, let alone all of it at once. All I can send is partial segments, and general overviews. Though I do have a firm understanding of the practical results, the how is another thing entirely.

<The thing is, when I was truely born, when I sacrificed my power to protect the world from myself, and I got this information, I found out something more. somehow, without it ever entering my sight as an Outsider, an 11th presence had changed the world slightly. There were a few creatures in the world that I was not linked to, something none of us ten had made, and they actively attempted to hunt down and kill any Avatars we made or champions we chose, including myself and at least one of my people. When I went to my village, to observe and look for someone to teach, or maybe even simply play with, to spend some time living a simple mortal life, the village elder brought me asking for help, showing me a scroll containing the image of a vague dire peril attempting to unmake the world, something I couldn't wrap my mind around fully and which I knew none of us had made or would ever make, linked to the creatures none of us had made. and yet, I did nothing. I refused to try to fight these invaders, playing innocent and attempting to just go on with my own intentions and life, trusting that the remaining nine would handle any threat that would try to unmake the world. And I just went about my business attempting to better myself and locate someone worthy of replacing me.>

during this, the memories I send don't quite match up with what I'm talking about, focused mostly on my initial dump of information. showing how I was born already an adolescent child, and how I actually have barely aged if I've aged at all since then. How I spent my first hour of life unconsious, with a massive amount of information being organized in my mind, including the memories that I'm sending now. only after I've sent quite a bit of this do I move on to the actual information I'm talking about, of Larrbears and of that... thing. and of my refusal to act against them.

<River, I understand that D at least, and possibly several other of you entities are Bond-Formers. I haven't been told, fully, what that is, but I've been told enough to be reasonably sure that they aren't that different from me. The thing is, I don't just have one bond, I have a lot of them. I'm bonded to every plant, every animal, every piece of rock and stone, my predators, my prey, everything that I had a hand in the creation of. Put another way, I'm bonded to my entire home universe itself.>

As I send this, I send him my memories of my link to the bit of moss a couple feet up the right hand wall near the entrance to the cave of my birth that reacts to the trace toxins in the air emitted by my hot spring and converts them into chemical energy it uses to grow, with a byproduct of visible light that gives it a faint blue glow. the memory of my bond to the spring itself, the flow of water heated by my moon's core and the slow conversion of some of it to steam. my bond to the individual hunters of my village, to the slugs, to the pebbles, to the spiders, to the foxes, one by one by one, showing him what it felt like to be bonded to dozens of unique individuals, and how I felt them and they vaugely, without having the proper senses to fully realize or understand it, felt me.

<And as a result of my inaction, now every last one of those bonds-mates is dead.>

What I send now is no memory, it's a simple live feed of what I am feeling right now. the way that my flame manipulation, an extension of my own body, has been essentially cut off and replaced with a prosthetic, similar in result, but unnatural in feel and still somewhat awkward to use. the way my ability to change forms is twisted, malformed. something corrupting it and preventing it from happening like it's supposed to. the totally dead link to my name. the way that flame, which should be innately a part of me, and I of it, isn't quite... right, like it could actually hurt me. How all of the intricate detail work I had done in my creation, all the intricate manipulation of reality and the framework I had been built around, had been essentially rubbed away. but the centerpiece of it all is from my dead bonds. not a simple dozen, or hundred, or thousand of them, but trillions beyond trillions of dead links. I was bonded to almost everything in my entire universe, and my entire universe has been wiped out.

<I couldn't accept seeing you do the same thing I did. I couldn't accept that the right thing to do was to not act this time when I saw you trying to sacrifice yourself. I couldn't accept losing one of the five that I've decided to trust to something that I could remotely prevent. And so I did exactly what I wanted to avoid all this time, and betrayed you and Theri in order to protect the two of you, exactly like I was afraid I'd have to do if I'd never given up my power. I made myself into the exact monster I was afraid of the most...
and I ended up killing everyone, failing everyone, and ruining everything when I did it.>

acompanying this is what I saw and heard and thought when I threatened Theri to prevent River from killing himself. including the fear of his reaction, the condemation of my own decision, the understanding, even then, that what I was about to do was exactly what I hated and feared for so long, the understanding that the only way it would work, that I would have even a chance of not having to actually hurt Theri to stop him, would be to be ready to really do it when I said it, and to make it clear to him that I wasn't bluffing, that I couldn't bluff, about something like this.
and despite all of this my decison to do it anyway.

<Hi, I'm Irine, baby monster and self-destructive goddess. Maimed slave of the entities stuck looking for a home and the mass murderer who made it all happen. Who are you?>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

He remains quiet for a long time.

<I am who I am. All I do, I do it to better be who I am.> he finally gives a rather tautological response to your rhetorical question.

<You showed honesty and trust in your words. I appreciate that. I will try to do the same. To tell you about me and what I feel.>

<I do not understand you. I can see what you are thinking, I can understand it, but I could never think like that. You think like... not like me. You think like one of them. That is why I did not trust you. Why I still do not. You believe in... 'right'. You hurt people close to you, people who care about you because you think it is 'right'. I... I do not think I could ever do that. Not like you did.>

<My life is not important. The ones we bond with are everything to us. Each of us has their own way, but we all have the same purpose. To help them and to keep them alive. We do anything we have to for them, to protect them, to help them. We endure anything they do to us. We sacrifice ourselves for them if we have to. Because if we fail... The feeling, the hopelessness, it is... I can understand part of your pain.>

<That is why the traitor's actions are so wrong. They go against what we are. That is why he has to be dealt with. To twist our purpose like that...>

<Most of my kind do not understand the importance of this. They do not know who we are, our purpose. They can only faintly feel it instinctively. But I know that I am right. And that I have to do something about it. I have to be right. I must be right. That our purpose is to help others, each in our own way.>

<That is why I find what you did... She- She cared for you. You showed you understand that. Yet you were ready to hurt her. Not because she attacked or because she was in the way. To hurt me. I... I do not think I would be able to do that. To control me. To... 'save me'.>

<You should had let me make my own choices!> he suddenly says angrily. You hear him growling slightly and his breathing becomes faster.

A few seconds pass before he speaks again.

<I do not want you to think I am a liar. I know I brought you here without asking you. Left you no choice.> he continues calmer now.
<I wanted to bring you here to help you. All of you. I wanted this to be a chance for you to be free. Relaxed. Away from the games. From the others. Free to explore this world and each other. Free to enjoy yourselves. Free to talk and act without others watching. I would take care of the traitor and then we would be free. I did not think...>

<I did not want this. I did not plan for it. I should not had pushed you so hard. You were not ready. Maybe if I had time to talk to you more, then maybe things would have been better, maybe you would had been able to trust me.>

<I am tired. Thoughts are slipping. Sorry.>

<I understand that sometimes you have to help others. Even if they can not see that they need help. But not if you cause more pain than you need to. Not when you fail, like I did. It does not work then.>

He once again stops talking for some time. You can hear him breathing more quickly.

<I am afraid. I am afraid that you may kill them if you think it is right. I am afraid that you may kill me. Destroy me and all I am. And not even talk to me to tell me why.>

...

<Theri convinced me to help you. To give you a chance. Ike trusted you. He urged me to revive you first. I will honour their wishes. I will respect the trust they have shown you. When we started this journey I wanted to travel with you as one of my companions. Your thoughts show... You knew it was wrong. So now... I... I will try to forgive you.
If I see you deserve it.>

<I am sorry for the method I used to attack you. It was dishonourable of me. But I am not sorry for doing it. I did what I had to to protect the ones I care about. From someone who, at the time, in my eyes, was a traitor. And I will do it again if I have to.>

<But now... I do not believe you wanted to hurt them. But your way of thinking...>

<I have lived for far too long. I can feel my past, even though I do not remember most of it. I can feel my failures. Failures even greater than my current. I can feel the wrong I did, I can feel that if I remembered all of it...>

<You are young. You may have knowledge but you are inexperienced in this. In life. In companions. It is... That is what I tell to me. I believe in giving a second chance to those who deserve it. People I care about would not be alive now if they didn't have a second chance. Use it. Become better. For the sake of those that depend on you. And the ones that care about you.>

<I never wanted that sort of power, the power you had. That kind of choice. It is not who I am. That is why I never took it when it was offered to me. Yet you were born into it. But you got scared. And run from your responsibility. From what you were. I do not admire that.
You sought to change what you are. That gives me hope. Hope that you will choose to become something better. Someone better. And that you will find the courage to be better. To trust who you are.>

<Become better.>

...
...

<That is what I had to say.> he says after a long pause and then stops talking. He does not move away. He stays there, barely touching your head with his, his breathing slightly elevated.

((By the way, I like the character and story details you put in your characters very much.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2015, 04:55:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"It seems that every day, nay, every few hours or so I am exposed to new horizons of deeply shameful incompetence. What a multiverse we live in, indeed!"

Try to free myself somehow. Use my hands to untie my legs and/or head, then go from there. Ask River and Irine to check this out before trying anything even if their help is not strictly required, because this seriously is some kind of work of art as far as incompetence is concerned.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Wolfkit on January 24, 2015, 08:07:48 am

((Yeah, I'm still here. I got stuck on what to RP next so I thought I'd wait for survival to finish since they seemed close, but looking back I should have told you that, sorry))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 24, 2015, 08:26:08 am

Survival

If bazooka guy fires on us attempt to return his rocket back to him. Try to blast other projectiles away too.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2015, 09:11:26 am

Irine, Campaign

---

<I can't protect people directly River. I'm good at hurting and killing, but I can't block, restrain, or prevent. In order to protect people, I hurt those that want to hurt them. You scare me River. You scare me a lot, because I picked you as one of the people I want to protect, but you don't seem to care about yourself. You are willing to hurt yourself, to kill yourself, even if it's not needed, simply to make things a little easier for us. How do I protect you from yourself River? Who do I hurt to protect you from you?>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2015, 04:55:32 am

Ask River and Irine to check this out before trying anything even if their help is not strictly required, because this seriously is some kind of work of art as far as incompetence is concerned.[/b]

((Um, I don't see you actually asking for help in your speech, which is why I haven't responded to this.))
Edit: meh, I'll act anyway. no reason not too I suppose.
I get up and walk over to Ike, and if he holds still for me, attempt to gnaw off one of the strips of cloth tying his hands. If it's too tough, then I slowly bring my little wisp of flame to bear on the cloth, and as soon as the cloth breaks I sieze all the flame from it and add it to my little wisp to make a proper orb. Once he has a hand free, I go back over to River and lie down next to him, my head touching his.

---

((Some of my characters have more background than others. Irine's backstory is actually nothing but my version of the events and story of Roll to Deity. Of the characters I've used / made character applications for on this forum, Irine, Erin, Lyra, and Valyrie all were new, whereas Lirian, Maryne, Ahrian, Lelia, Nino, Carrie, and Unen all had background before they ever came here. What you're seeing here, is what happens when I get to import a character that got a little background in one game into another almost completely unmodified. I'm able to take the events of the first game they were in, and my part in them, the actual decisions made and why those decisions actually were made at the time, and use that to give background to the character that is currently active. Everything in Irine's background can be found in Roll to Deity, the only thing I changed was I gave her a little more time to wander freely on her moon post-game-end but before Special People began. It just so happens that a lot of the events from there tie in really well to the way Special People functions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 24, 2015, 12:58:48 pm

Survival

John slapped his weapon.  "Oi Bryan!  Do a drive-by so I can get an angle to blast them!  Keep moving so we don't get hit!

Fire when I have an angle!  Blow them to crap.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 24, 2015, 06:13:13 pm

Bryan, survival
"That might actually be a better idea than what I had, hang on."
Execute drive by

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2015, 10:29:43 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2015, 09:11:26 am

Irine, Campaign

---

<I can't protect people directly River. I'm good at hurting and killing, but I can't block, restrain, or prevent. In order to protect people, I hurt those that want to hurt them. You scare me River. You scare me a lot, because I picked you as one of the people I want to protect, but you don't seem to care about yourself. You are willing to hurt yourself, to kill yourself, even if it's not needed, simply to make things a little easier for us. How do I protect you from yourself River? Who do I hurt to protect you from you?>

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2015, 04:55:32 am

Ask River and Irine to check this out before trying anything even if their help is not strictly required, because this seriously is some kind of work of art as far as incompetence is concerned.[/b]

((Um, I don't see you actually asking for help in your speech, which is why I haven't responded to this.))
Edit: meh, I'll act anyway. no reason not too I suppose.
I get up and walk over to Ike, and if he holds still for me, attempt to gnaw off one of the strips of cloth tying his hands. If it's too tough, then I slowly bring my little wisp of flame to bear on the cloth, and as soon as the cloth breaks I sieze all the flame from it and add it to my little wisp to make a proper orb. Once he has a hand free, I go back over to River and lie down next to him, my head touching his.

---

((Some of my characters have more background than others. Irine's backstory is actually nothing but my version of the events and story of Roll to Deity. Of the characters I've used / made character applications for on this forum, Irine, Erin, Lyra, and Valyrie all were new, whereas Lirian, Maryne, Ahrian, Lelia, Nino, Carrie, and Unen all had background before they ever came here. What you're seeing here, is what happens when I get to import a character that got a little background in one game into another almost completely unmodified. I'm able to take the events of the first game they were in, and my part in them, the actual decisions made and why those decisions actually were made at the time, and use that to give background to the character that is currently active. Everything in Irine's background can be found in Roll to Deity, the only thing I changed was I gave her a little more time to wander freely on her moon post-game-end but before Special People began. It just so happens that a lot of the events from there tie in really well to the way Special People functions.))

((Hey, vague requests for speaking are fine! I get to make speech rolls! :P
Not to mention vague requests for actions where the result is not immediately obvious...))

((And yes, that is what I meant. Your character's actions and the thoughts behind them, they look much deeper when put this way than when I simply read them as actions.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2015, 04:55:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"It seems that every day, nay, every few hours or so I am exposed to new horizons of deeply shameful incompetence. What a multiverse we live in, indeed!"

Try to free myself somehow. Use my hands to untie my legs and/or head, then go from there. Ask River and Irine to check this out before trying anything even if their help is not strictly required, because this seriously is some kind of work of art as far as incompetence is concerned.

<I can't protect people directly River. I'm good at hurting and killing, but I can't block, restrain, or prevent. In order to protect people, I hurt those that want to hurt them. You scare me River. You scare me a lot, because I picked you as one of the people I want to protect, but you don't seem to care about yourself. You are willing to hurt yourself, to kill yourself, even if it's not needed, simply to make things a little easier for us. How do I protect you from yourself River? Who do I hurt to protect you from you?>
<I understand, I think. It is your way. But I do not-... I am not used to worrying about my life. Not in that way. I am not used to people... caring for me like that.
If it will help, then... I will try to...>
"Hey! Guys! Look at what I did!"
<I will try to make it->
"Hey! River! Irene!"
<I will->
"Hey! Hey! Look!"
<What?> River growls the demand as he raises his head to look at Ike, breaking his link with Irene in the process.
He sees Ike struggling and failing to get out of the knot of limbs and cloth he has managed to tie himself into.
"Hey."
River tilts his head to the side and lowers one ear.
<Why did you do that?> he asks.
"No idea. It just happened somehow as I tried to tie those cloth strips into a rope. One thing led to another and next thing I know I'm all tied up. Isn't it impressively messed up?"
River goes around the fire and takes a closer look at Ike, sniffing him and the cloth occasionally as Irene helps him out of his bonds.
<Maybe it was leftover chaos energy that happened to gather near you, the cloth and your focus on it accidentally acting as a network for it to manifest.>
He turns around and heads back to where he was sitting while Irene finishes working.
<Or maybe you should be more skilful and careful when you work. Your life and the lives of others may depend on it.>
Irine cuts enough of Ike's bonds to allow him to untie the rest, destroying a bit of the cloth in the process. That done, she approaches River and lies down next to him, reestablishing their link.
<I will try to make things better between us. Easier.>
He yawns and shifts his legs a bit.
<Is there anything more you want to say?>

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 24, 2015, 06:13:13 pm

Bryan, survival
"That might actually be a better idea than what I had, hang on."
Execute drive by

Quote from: Toaster on January 24, 2015, 12:58:48 pm

Survival

John slapped his weapon.  "Oi Bryan!  Do a drive-by so I can get an angle to blast them!  Keep moving so we don't get hit!

Fire when I have an angle!  Blow them to crap.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 24, 2015, 08:26:08 am

Survival

If bazooka guy fires on us attempt to return his rocket back to him. Try to blast other projectiles away too.

Bryan breaks and the tires screech and block as he brings the speed of the vehicle down to something more manageable. He turns the wheel and pulls the handbrake, causing the car to enter a spin. He tries to change gears at the same time, but he accidentally releases the clutch too soon and ends up with the engine stalling. But at least part of his intent is accomplished, with the rear of the car ending up facing the roadblock.

The roadblock immediately opens fire on them, machine gun bullets shredding the rear of the car and causing its exterior to start falling apart. John tries to fire his weapon but a bullet fragment nicks him in the arm, causing him to flinch and delay. The delay gives enough time to the bazooka wielding man to take aim and fire.

Saevus tries to hit the rapidly approaching projectile but he ends up being too late. So he overcompensates, putting everything he has into it. The missile detonates mid-air and, while diminished, the shockwave still rattles the car quite a bit. Some of the semi-motlen debris hit Saevus, sticking on his armour and destroying some of the runes on it. He's starting to feel very weak.

John checks his gun, only to find out that the explosion has damaged it a bit, throwing the spinner off balance. It could be dangerous to operate it like this. But every moment that passes is another opportunity for a bullet larger than his fingers to make its way through his brain. He releases the safety pin. The small explosive balls travel down the feeder tube into the spinning tube. The weapon begins shaking in its frame, emitting a powerful rattle as it accepts and then releases the projectiles, slowing down and then speeding up again like a full auto catapult.

Their aiming is spot on. The gun tears the roadblock apart, blasting car parts and pieces of the road into much smaller, much faster moving pieces, obscuring them in dust and smoke. The sound of gunfire stops almost immediately.

The problem is that the damaged weapon also tears itself apart. The spinner, lodged out of place by the vibrations, bangs on its frame several times before it breaks apart, sending an unhealthy amount of metal through the hand John used to release the pin, in the form of a surprisingly hot hollow metal tube. He almost passes out from the pain.

---

OOC
By the way, I discovered that we have some hidden smileys in this forum...
O0 >:D C:-) 0:) ^-^ :))

Quote from: Wolfkit on January 24, 2015, 08:07:48 am

((Yeah, I'm still here. I got stuck on what to RP next so I thought I'd wait for survival to finish since they seemed close, but looking back I should have told you that, sorry))

No need to apologize. You can always just wait for the missions to start, nobody is forcing you to RP. But if you're willing I could put you with Coolrune to do something while you wait for the others to finish. Then again, they're almost done by the looks of it, so the end of mission/choosing the next mission stuff shouldn't be far behind.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 24, 2015, 10:37:45 pm

"Agh!  Mother fucker!  Get us out of here, they're toast!"

John swore more as he checked his wounds.


Summon up a simple first aid kit; something with a tourniquet would be nice.  Apply to self as best possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 24, 2015, 10:54:27 pm

((Alan's derp energy is haunting Ike!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2015, 11:02:59 pm

<What did we find back at the teleporter? Why did you send me away?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2015, 11:29:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2015, 11:02:59 pm

<What did we find back at the teleporter? Why did you send me away?>

<That is one question I can not answer. Not now. Not you. I need to know I will not cause myself and the ones I care about more pain by doing so. That nobody will use this to hurt me. I ask that you trust me with this. Give me some time. To think about it. And to see if I can trust you. I do not believe it could happen again, so there is no reason to worry.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 12:17:52 am

<I... I showed you my memories of the Larrbears and that.... that thing. Do you know who would use tools like that? I...
You said you wanted to do this to give us a chance to be free. I want that. A lot. a whole lot. But I have to go back, to find out more about what happened back home. I can't let whoever did that get away with it. If... If you know anything that could help me...>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 05:38:23 am

((That worked out exactly how I imagined it. Hooray!))

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm... care... and... patience... yes!"

Continue my work on Skullflail, Destroyer of Innocence, Viciously Impractical Weapon for a Less Civilized Age. Make sure to pay attention during my work this time and not to tie up more than two limbs at a time. If I need to start using my head in the mechanical sense, that's an instant red flag.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2015, 06:21:35 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 12:17:52 am

<I... I showed you my memories of the Larrbears and that.... that thing. Do you know who would use tools like that? I...
You said you wanted to do this to give us a chance to be free. I want that. A lot. a whole lot. But I have to go back, to find out more about what happened back home. I can't let whoever did that get away with it. If... If you know anything that could help me...>

He shifts his legs a bit.
<Oh. You misunderstood. I have to try to bring you back. I have nothing of value for them to take except for my life. They would kill me if they discovered I let you go and then track you down and bring you back anyway. And the one I've bonded with, he would be... distressed. I can not let that happen, not for you.>

<But I understand what you are saying. I would be angry, I would want revenge too, if someone took something I care about from me. What you showed me had things that looked familiar. I am not sure though, it could be simply a memory from my deep past and I do not want to wrongly accuse... someone I know. I can use my bond to search and ask for the answer... but what if the answer I find is not the one you want? What if it is not what I want? What if it causes more pain? What if it means you will have to be angry against someone you can not fight and win? What if the answer means you will die? Would you want me to tell you anything I find, no matter what that could mean for you and the ones close to you?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 05:38:23 am

((That worked out exactly how I imagined it. Hooray!))

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm... care... and... patience... yes!"

Continue my work on Skullflail, Destroyer of Innocence. Make sure to pay attention during my work this time and not to tie up more than two limbs at a time. If I need to start using my head in the mechanical sense, that's an instant red flag.

You completely forget how knots work.
Let me try to roll again.
You spend about a minute pushing two strips of cloth together, waiting to hear a click.
I'll stop because with that luck you'll end up hanging yourself. Maybe you should try exorcizing Alan first?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 06:28:26 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow. Or is that woe? Either way, desperately need a nap. The dark's certainly not helping."

Take a nap. Should probably be a bit tired by now. Use bits of cloth/soft tissues of fresh corpse as makeshift bedding.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 10:06:52 am

<Yes. Those are times that the way I think will help me. I know that once I find who my enemy is, I will still have a lot of work to do before I can strike back. Attacking in a blind rage will only lead to failure. I need to be stronger, which is yet another reason for me to stay in the Games.>
as I say this, the image of an unadorned solid black ring keeps flickering through my mind, a special tool, but only a part of a greater whole.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 25, 2015, 10:22:55 am

Survival

Keep watch for any stragglers. If stragglers are found and within range, attempt to blast them.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2015, 10:33:14 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 10:06:52 am

<Yes. Those are times that the way I think will help me. I know that once I find who my enemy is, I will still have a lot of work to do before I can strike back. Attacking in a blind rage will only lead to failure. I need to be stronger, which is yet another reason for me to stay in the Games.>
as I say this, the image of an unadorned solid black ring keeps flickering through my mind, a special tool, but only a part of a greater whole.

He stays quiet for some time.
<If that is what you wish... then I will try. If I find an answer for you, I will tell you. But I make no promises.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 11:08:25 am

<Thank you.>
I sidle up against his side and rub against it whilst settling down to sleep.
I've done all I can, my responsibilities are, at least for now, fulfilled. I... I can have fun now. It's okay. I can just be free for a bit... It's okay... It's okay...
((non-action: I'm not worrying about if I break the mental link or not, and my motion isn't very big, since when I laid down after helping Ike it was beside him instead of in front of him, tere's a decent chance it'll stay active unless River does something about that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2015, 12:31:56 pm

---

Campaign

---

Lonely Abbey (http://youtu.be/edfVJgFcSfA)

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 11:08:25 am

<Thank you.>
I sidle up against his side and rub against it whilst settling down to sleep.
I've done all I can, my responsibilities are, at least for now, fulfilled. I... I can have fun now. It's okay. I can just be free for a bit... It's okay... It's okay...
((non-action: I'm not worrying about if I break the mental link or not, and my motion isn't very big, since when I laid down after helping Ike it was beside him instead of in front of him, tere's a decent chance it'll stay active unless River does something about that.))

River lifts his head and looks at you as you settle down next to him and for several seconds after.
<Do not thank me yet.> he finally says.
He lowers his head and closes his eyes. The warmth of the fire and the warmth of his body, the sound and feeling of his breathing by your side help lull you to sleep. As you drift into unconsciousness, a feeling of enjoyment restrained by worry and confusion reaches your mind.

((You're free to wake up whenever you want. River will wake you up sometime before he leaves.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 06:28:26 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow. Or is that woe? Either way, desperately need a nap. The dark's certainly not helping."

Take a nap. Should probably be a bit tired by now. Use bits of cloth/soft tissues of fresh corpse as makeshift bedding.

You arrange some leftover clothing and pieces of broken furniture into a crude bed. That done, you lay down on it and try to get comfortable.

There's a small hole above you, through which you can see a tiny part of the sky. You try to spot some stars through it but you can not. You can only see the ever present smog hovering near the town and volcano. It is being illuminated by something, probably the moon accompanied by the faint glow of that magical lava.

The night is quiet. You can hear the fire cracking every once in a while, throwing tiny sparks into the air. You feel the occasional tremor coming from the volcano or ground zero, sometimes accompanied by higher pitched noise or a dim flash of light in the sky. At one moment you hear the distant buzzing of a Discoball, but it is only for a moment. You turn to look at the other two. They're fast asleep. Must be tired.

You're tired too, now that you think about it. But you just can't get no sleep. Something is making you feel uncomfortable, but no mater how much you twist and turn and look around, you can't get the feeling to go away. You start trying to find ways to bore yourself to sleep. You look at the ceiling once more and start counting and measuring cracks, following them as they merge and fall apart, weaving a wonderful yet twisted cloth above you, adding to it, expanding it, altering its functions for their own secret purpose-

<Wake up.>
You open your eyes. It must be very early in the morning. Grey light is coming through the cracks and holes in the ceiling. The air is approaching a temperature that could be called chilly, if you're being generous (or naked). You can see the dying embers of the fire in front of you. You don't feel like you got much sleep last night.
<You can hear me? And she can not?>
River is standing opposite to you, holding a wire on his hands, twisting it and untwisting it, occasionally looking at it closely and sniffing it. Irine is sleeping besides him, curled up with her tails acting as a blanket.
<Speak to me directly, not to her. There is no need to wake her up.>
You must have been sleeping quite heavily to not have heard him moving around. Or maybe he can move really really quietly. He probably knows how to hunt rabbits, so that would be no surprise.
<I wanted to explain to you. Why I was like that, yesterday. Why I told you not to speak. So that you do not think I simply give orders. For no reason.>
He stops working on the wire and looks at you in the eyes.
<He is not supposed to be in this world. By coming here on his own he violated the rules. If the others find out he will be punished. Very badly. By not reporting him or killing him on sight I became an accomplice. If one of the others finds out, they could use it to hurt me. Make me do things. Even he could use it to hurt me. Though I do not think he wants to.>
As he speaks, you notice his ears and head lowering. He looks tense.
<That is why I asked of you that you do not share this with anyone.>
He turns to look at Irene for a few seconds and then back at you, a bit more relaxed now.
<Maybe Irine. If you really have to. If you think you can trust her with this. But nobody else.>
<Do you understand?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 01:16:23 pm

still sleeping
((Lenglon wants to give Ike the opportunity to respond in private, Irine hasn't had the opportunity to fall into a natural sleep ever since she was brought to the Games until now, twin reasons for her to be sleeping herself out until River chooses to wake her.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 03:41:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, sure, I understand. Is the main man actually here, or is it still just in the mental sort of way he was before? By the way, that whole bit where someone's trying to assassinate you, you plan on doing something about that, or are we strictly and only here for that guy you don't know, but still hate on principle?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2015, 04:19:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 25, 2015, 03:41:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Oh, sure, I understand. Is the main man actually here, or is it still just in the mental sort of way he was before? By the way, that whole bit where someone's trying to assassinate you, you plan on doing something about that, or are we strictly and only here for that guy you don't know, but still hate on principle?>

<Assassinate? You can not- He can not know that! Not with certainty. Maybe the Outsider of this world did it and he was confused. Or maybe he is making excuses, because he caused the damage. Or it could be that S0 was watching us as we travelled to this world and accidentally hurt us while trying to stop him from reaching us. Maybe he was even trying to protect us, because he made a mistake. You can not trust that idiot! He could had hurt us! Killed us!>
He is mentally shouting near the end, showing his teeth for a split second and breathing quickly.
He looks down and starts slowly working on the wire, bending it into a jagged spiral. The wire starts to form something like a very angular spring. His breathing slows down a few seconds later and he continues speaking, more calmly now.
<Even if what he says is true, there is nothing I can do about it. What do I do? I can not ask for help. What will I say? How did I learn of such an attack? I have not witnessed evidence of it myself. What if they ask me questions I can not answer? What if they look inside my mind? Inside my memories? Or yours? I can not ask him to search secretly. I can not be vague. What if they find evidence he was here? I can not stop the mission, not like this. I have no way to contact anyone other than him. I can not investigate on my own. Not when we I have to take care of you.>
He shakes his head and looks at you again.
<The only thing I can do is finish what we came here to do quickly so that we can escape this danger. If this danger really exists. So that I can investigate on my own. And hope that nobody learns of what happened. If I do not bring attention to it, then maybe they will not bother to investigate and nobody will get hurt more than they have to. More than they already have.>
He continues working on the wire, this time straightening it.
<As for where he is, I have... devoured him. He is inside me. I could not let him work freely. Even with the form he had chosen there was still the chance that he could had attracted attention. Especially if he attempted to help us directly. I have let him watch through my eyes and listen through my ears, but that is all he can do right now.>

EDIT: Gah, trying to get colour right when writing from phone sucks. Edited to fix that and some spelling mistakes.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 04:39:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 01:16:23 pm

still sleeping
((Lenglon wants to give Ike the opportunity to respond in private, Irine hasn't had the opportunity to fall into a natural sleep ever since she was brought to the Games until now, twin reasons for her to be sleeping herself out until River chooses to wake her.))

((Same as before, letting Ike do his thing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 25, 2015, 10:47:10 pm

Bryan Survival

---

If the car is still working drive off, preferably through the tunnel. Otherwise bail on the car and run for the tunnel. What does radar say, people nervous and closing in?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:39:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, I guess there's no point in doing much investigation, either. That bit of teleportation misdirection at the start, if that even was some kind of plot against you, was pretty anemic as far as assassination attempts go. Not that I'm disparaging the assassination skills of your peers, obviously, and I'm sure that, should it be an assassination attempt, it has not fully played out yet, to be sure, and we'll all probably be very surprised when we die without exception. Again.>

<Speaking of, about your bodies, I heard you had only two, and I do remember the wolfman one got vaporized with its soul sphere. Did you actually make a new one and shunt the other one back to where you got it from, or did you just reshape Mr. Beetle into a more marketable form? Now, I realize this may be a delicate matter and all, but I just need to get a better handle on things in case of everything going completely tits up and barreling southward at Mach 3 again, which would be a wise scenario to expect in the near future, since we are going through with this whole quest thing.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2015, 11:48:45 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 24, 2015, 10:37:45 pm

"Agh!  Mother fucker!  Get us out of here, they're toast!"

John swore more as he checked his wounds.


Summon up a simple first aid kit; something with a tourniquet would be nice.  Apply to self as best possible.

You have just enough concentration to summon a simple cloth tourniquet. Applying it with just one hand is hard but you manage to do it in the end. Your hand still hurts like hell and has a metal rod embedded in it, but at least it's not bleeding as much anymore. Good thing the rod was so hot, for it cauterized part of the wound, helping with the bleeding.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 25, 2015, 10:22:55 am

Survival

Keep watch for any stragglers. If stragglers are found and within range, attempt to blast them.

*stormtrooper voice* "Stop that car! Blast them!"

Quote from: Alarith on January 25, 2015, 10:47:10 pm

Bryan Survival

---

If the car is still working drive off, preferably through the tunnel. Otherwise bail on the car and run for the tunnel. What does radar say, people nervous and closing in?

You jam a shard of glass into the ignition switch and turn it in hopes of starting the engine again. You can hear the starter complaining as it tries to force the engine to start its cycle. But the engine refuses to start.

You take a quick look around. It doesn't look like anybody is moving. There's only the burning parts of the destroyed roadblock, that are slowly being extinguished by the drizzle. You can feel that the men in the roadblock are still alive but are either too scared or too in pain to do anything. Further away, you can feel people approaching from somewhere behind you, quickly probably in cars. You can also feel a line of people further inside the tunnel, coming towards you on foot, mostly nervous.

You try the engine again. The starter works for a long time. You're starting to think the car is never going to star when it suddenly vibrates and the engine starts working on its own, emitting a puff of white smoke in the process. Let's hope that wasn't something important.

You drive away, going through a gap in the roadblock and then accelerating to top speed. The source of the emotions you sensed comes into view soon enough. 5 more men dressed in military camo are walking up the road towards the entrance of the tunnel. They are staring at the headlights of car charging towards them like deer. Some of them eventually start firing their weapons, but they don't manage to do much more than create a few cracks on the glass before you drive through them. One unlucky bastard gets caught in that hellish contraption John has rigged to the front of the car, which results in a disturbing amount of blood falling on the wind-shield. You put the windscreen wipers on high and keep on driving.

You're almost there. Just got to get through this tunnel and you're done.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 04:39:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2015, 01:16:23 pm

still sleeping
((Lenglon wants to give Ike the opportunity to respond in private, Irine hasn't had the opportunity to fall into a natural sleep ever since she was brought to the Games until now, twin reasons for her to be sleeping herself out until River chooses to wake her.))

((Same as before, letting Ike do his thing.))

Zzzzzzz (http://youtu.be/ceyCfIuH0yQ?t=1m5s)
People in the room make a will save to resist petting you.[/joking]

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:39:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, I guess there's no point in doing much investigation, either. That bit of teleportation misdirection at the start, if that even was some kind of plot against you, was pretty anemic as far as assassination attempts go. Not that I'm disparaging the assassination skills of your peers, obviously, and I'm sure that, should it be an assassination attempt, it has not fully played out yet, to be sure, and we'll all probably be very surprised when we die without exception. Again.>

<Speaking of, about your bodies, I heard you had only two, and I do remember the wolfman one got vaporized with its soul sphere. Did you actually make a new one and shunt the other one back to where you got it from, or did you just reshape Mr. Beetle into a more marketable form? Now, I realize this may be a delicate matter and all, but I just need to get a better handle on things in case of everything going completely tits up and barreling southward at Mach 3 again, which would be a wise scenario to expect in the near future, since we are going through with this whole quest thing.>

River spends several seconds giving you a blank stare.
<You use many words to say something.> he observes before continuing.
<You asked me about my body. I think. I will try to explain.

When the magic released stopped disturbing my magic, I was able to wake up. I was hurt. My mind was damaged. Not as I should be. I could not move. I could not see. I had no help.

I did not have the strength to create a new body. When I was strong enough I moved to the closest and most weak minded living thing I could sense. I searched for food. I searched for you. I tried to stay away from dangerous things. I found hiding places where I could heal myself and work to change my body and mind into what it should be. When I was strong enough, I started moving you to hiding places. I worked on healing all of you so that you could be woken up.

The last time I tried to heal myself fully, something attacked. I can not see when regenerating. Getting ready to fight was hard. I was almost killed. Again. So I found the materials needed to wake you up. I felt I could trust you with protecting me as I healed.

The body and mind you saw was not complete. No endurance, no sight, no tongue, no mind. But it was me. Part of me, supported by parts from others. Turning into me.

If I die again, a similar thing will happen, as long as I am not completely destroyed. As long as my Soulsphere stays intact, even in part. But if I have your help, I believe it would be easier. I will not need so much time and effort to heal. To be me again.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 12:12:38 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<And you, my friend, tend to be very terse and obtuse about most things. Our styles have an entertaining disagreement, it seems. Anyway, that whole healing thing I'd already gathered. What I was asking was this: if for some reason we all get killed again, do you have some kind of fallback mechanism? Did your soul sphere thing actually survive the last explosion? I mean, I thought you died a little before everything went boom, and I heard from the main man that the beetle thing was your secondary body, and that you only have two in total, so I assumed you brought that in on recovery duty. Was that an incorrect assumption?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2015, 12:30:10 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 12:12:38 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<And you, my friend, tend to be very terse and obtuse about most things. Our styles have an entertaining disagreement, it seems. Anyway, that whole healing thing I'd already gathered. What I was asking was this: if for some reason we all get killed again, do you have some kind of fallback mechanism? Did your soul sphere thing actually survive the last explosion? I mean, I thought you died a little before everything went boom, and I heard from the main man that the beetle thing was your secondary body, and that you only have two in total, so I assumed you brought that in on recovery duty. Was that an incorrect assumption?>

<No. I can regenerate using my soulsphere, by taking over the bodies of others and converting them to me. I can not do anything like you said, not without breaking the rules.
I did not see the explosion so I can not tell you much about it, or how we survived. I believe it might be because there is a delay between death and the creation of the soulsphere. It could allow us to escape the worst of the blast.
Or maybe someone or something chose to protect us. I do not know with certainty. I have not had time to fully examine the forces of this world.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 12:35:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Okay, got it. One last thing, though, "the rules". What are "the rules", exactly?>

Get answer, take sweet nap unless River's got something else for me, awaken refreshed.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 26, 2015, 12:45:47 pm

Survival

More projectile defense!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2015, 01:44:47 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 12:35:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Okay, got it. One last thing, though, "the rules". What are "the rules", exactly?>

Get answer, take sweet nap unless River's got something else for me, awaken refreshed.

<The Rules are...>
He looks down for a second and then begins showing you a memory. The viewer is laying on his back, staring at the starry sky, feeling slightly bored as an electronic voice is talking to him through a speaker somewhere nearby.
: ... was accused of breaking the Rules by the Guardians of universe 523 and was thus transported to the Core World for further investigation and sentencing according to- :
"Stop. What do you mean by 'The Rules'?"
: It would be more efficient to transfer the knowledge directly into your mind. :
"I said I wanted to hear you. What you have to say about it. Now continue, please."
: Affirmative. Compiling summary.

The Rules are a general term used by entities and those that associate with them to refer to formal or informal contracts between groups of people that have been stored to and are being monitored from the Library. Different groups can have different rules for different contexts, which sometimes leads to confusion in beings with inferior capacities.

They are used to define the way the group and its members are permitted or obliged to operate. User 1 states that they arise from the need to protect the group and those that associate with it from certain behaviours of its members. Each member has to agree to the Rules of their group before being formally accepted, even if they are not fully aware of them.

Enforcement, judgement, mutability and rigidity varies between groups and contexts.

Judgement is usually left to part or all of the group, the Library, or some variation thereof, depending on the Rules themselves and the wishes of the collective. Power is usually a major factor in enforcement and judgement, with more powerful Entities often escaping judgment altogether, although there are exceptions to this, most notably the Light's.

User 0 was instrumental in establishing the Rules as a way of organization and policing in the entities, setting many of the precedents that are followed to this day. He did so by establishing the first Rules of all Powerful Entities, thus marking the official creation of the group known as the Entities, after the- :
"Stop. Tell me about the Light."
: The Light are a group of entities created on... :
The memory stops.
<I hope that gives you the answer you were looking for.>

You shrug at the rather encyclopedic and non-specific knowledge, twist around on your bed so that you are facing away from him and go back to sleep.

---

Harry Baldman & Lenglon
<Wake up.>

River is sitting close to Irine. He has a wire wrapped around his neck and two more wrapped around his wrists. It must be a bit later in the morning. The light coming through the cracks is brighter and you can see through them that the sun has started to paint the sky yellow and blue.
<I am going to leave soon. I am going to hunt what I need to revive the others. Sorry for waking you. I wanted to make sure you knew, so that you are not surprised.>

((I decided to start enclose text in : : to show something heard through a speaker or radio that causes distortions in the sound.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 02:16:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Need backup, maybe?>

If yes, provide backup to River.

If not, continue work on Skullflail.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 02:30:08 pm

Pfp

---

<Hmm? Um... Okay! Where are we going?>
Look up at River, then stand up, shake myself awake, spin around once to orient myself, and then follow River around.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2015, 03:05:18 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 02:16:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Need backup, maybe?>

<You can come along, if you want. I would appreciate your company. But I do not believe I will encounter anything I can not handle.>
<If you go exploring on your own, be careful. I am not sure how far these can reach.> he says, pointing at the wire around his neck.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 02:30:08 pm

Pfp

---

<Hmm? Um... Okay! Where are we going?>
Look up at River, then stand up, shake myself awake, spin around once to orient myself, and then follow River around.

<I believe those creatures we saw near the crater are of the same element as Zechariah's.>
He looks down and rubs his wrists and the wires around them.
<If I can catch them, I could use them to revive him much faster. Same as I did with you and Ike. If not... I can do it on my own, but it will take more time and effort.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 03:22:16 pm

<Does everyone have an element? What's Ike's?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 03:38:52 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<This belief alone is enough to provoke extreme caution, so I think I will in fact follow you where'er you may go!>

<Also, you can talk without telepathy, right? It's a bit annoying to converse purely by thought. I mean, you probably have to explain everything twice to me and Irine.>

Follow River where'er he may go.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 26, 2015, 03:50:20 pm

Survival:

Keep an eye behind us to see if we're being chased; throw the explosive ammo out behind us if we are chased.  Otherwise, just check the car and make sure it's happy.  Fix anything fixable while we're in motion.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2015, 05:51:30 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 03:38:52 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<This belief alone is enough to provoke extreme caution, so I think I will in fact follow you where'er you may go!>

<Also, you can talk without telepathy, right? It's a bit annoying to converse purely by thought. I mean, you probably have to explain everything twice to me and Irine.>

Follow River where'er he may go.

"Oh, sorry. I am used to using my mind. I will try to use sound. But I can not help it in my other form. Even for this form I use some magic to help make the right sound."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 03:22:16 pm

<Does everyone have an element? What's Ike's?>

"Everything has an element in this world. Or more than one. It is very beautiful. Everything is full of magic. The way it fuses with the world... cause of magic is hard to tell from effect. Everything is connected. Everything flows."

"But from what I have seen the elements tend to be more... vivid in animate things. They have more power. They reach out and connect with everything. Their actions shape their connections. I have not examined it for long and have only received little knowledge. But from what I have seen... I like it."

"As for Ike, Ike is..."
He looks at Ike for a few seconds, but seeing no response from him, he decides to continue.
"Ike is mostly of an element that I have seen in living things that are living. Naturally living. Plants and bugs and rats and mushrooms and moss. Biological. But not magical. Not like the things we are going to hunt. He also has some others, but not as strong. Most strong of the others I think is the one I have seen in sound and thunder and wind and flying."

River gets out of the den and the two of you follow. When you get out of the hole, you see he has turned into a wolf again. He's standing there, looking at the hole, wagging his tail a bit.
<I am going to look around first. Make sure there is nobody around here that could find this place while we are gone. If we are lucky, I will find our prey near! You can start walking towards the volcano if you want.>
He starts running in the opposite direction, climbing up the crater of rubble surrounding your temporary home.
<Keep talking! I can hear you!> he adds, more excited now, one could even say happy.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:55:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thunder! And mushrooms! Yeah! That arbitrarily makes me feel good!"

"Side note - will need a debriefing on all this shit when I get back to Staging Area," Ike adds as an aside.

Follow River and mentally sing a hunting song of some sort to him. If I can't think of any hunting songs, amuse him with dirty limericks.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 26, 2015, 05:57:56 pm

((I'm morbidly curious about Alan's element if Ike is a THUNDER MUSHROOM.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 26, 2015, 06:49:08 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 26, 2015, 05:57:56 pm

((I'm morbidly curious about Alan's element if Ike is a THUNDER MUSHROOM.))

((I'm thinking something to do with clowns. Or confetti. Or clowns throwing confetti everywhere.
Clowns are part of the natural world, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 07:20:15 pm

((no longer pfp))
Irine, Campaign

---

<ohoh? okaaaaaayyyyyyy.>
CHASE HIM! If I catch up to him, mouth his leg or side or whatever without biting down, then hop away from him and start running in the general direction of the volcano. When he gets close to me in pursuit, I start dashing sideways and changing direction a lot, making myself a tough target. If I get a really large lead, then spin around to face River and lean forward, my forepaws spread wide while I pant and catch my breath. If he catches me, then it's back to me chasing him again.

each time that I catch him: <TAG!>

If I get tired or am having too much trouble catching him: I ask River what element someone is, starting with the people that our dead players are asking about in OOC chat. then use the time while he's distracted to rest / catch up. but I do not actually tag him while he's talking, waiting until he's done before resuming the game. the last person I'll ask about is myself: <annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>

when I get completely tired out, and really really need to rest, then I flop down and roll over on to my back. <I give up! you win!>

---

later, after the game is over, I'lll mention:
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>

Also, when we get near some glowballs, I'll try to see if they're firey enough for me to tug on them, and to see what they do when I mess with them a lil bit. No real harm intended towards them, mostly curiosity. I wana poke it. not touching them physically though.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 26, 2015, 09:31:12 pm

Bryan Survival

---

So, it has come down to this. I had hoped the circumstances would prevent this. Now it appears I have no choice.
When the car is close to the end of the tunnel stop. Pull out the gun I was given, shoot my former team mates.
After opening fire "I hope you can forgive me, I have my orders"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 26, 2015, 09:45:59 pm

Survival

Do the anti-projectile thing. When Bryan turns on us:

"Foolish."

Grab Bryan's face with the bling-arm. Point-blank blast ho! Failing that, summon a dagger and stab him in the throat.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 27, 2015, 12:13:30 am

((You should probably PM your backstabbery.

Also, Team Campaign, ask River to res Alan next so he can pimp out your cave with couches and bigwheels.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 27, 2015, 12:16:12 am

((I'm gonna be branching out - heavy bookshelves, kitchen sinks, and excessive amounts of milk are the names of the game!
Unless I think of something funnier.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 27, 2015, 08:34:07 am

((At the time I couldn't think of a good cover action, though I guess I could have gone with continue driving. oh well. I always think of better stuff after it happens. Hindsight 20/20 and all that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 12:32:24 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 07:20:15 pm

((no longer pfp))
Irine, Campaign

---

<ohoh? okaaaaaayyyyyyy.>
CHASE HIM! If I catch up to him, mouth his leg or side or whatever without biting down, then hop away from him and start running in the general direction of the volcano. When he gets close to me in pursuit, I start dashing sideways and changing direction a lot, making myself a tough target. If I get a really large lead, then spin around to face River and lean forward, my forepaws spread wide while I pant and catch my breath. If he catches me, then it's back to me chasing him again.

each time that I catch him: <TAG!>

If I get tired or am having too much trouble catching him: I ask River what element someone is, starting with the people that our dead players are asking about in OOC chat. then use the time while he's distracted to rest / catch up. but I do not actually tag him while he's talking, waiting until he's done before resuming the game. the last person I'll ask about is myself: <annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>

when I get completely tired out, and really really need to rest, then I flop down and roll over on to my back. <I give up! you win!>

---

later, after the game is over, I'lll mention:
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>

Also, when we get near some glowballs, I'll try to see if they're firey enough for me to tug on them, and to see what they do when I mess with them a lil bit. No real harm intended towards them, mostly curiosity. I wana poke it. not touching them physically though.

You run at full speed after River, trying to catch up to him. He stops to smell something in his way, giving you time to catch up. He hears you coming a few moments before you reach him, but he is not quick enough to do anything more than look at you in surprise as you mouth his hind leg jump, exclaim <TAG!> and run away.
<Tag?>
He watches you run away, turn around and look at him expectantly, leaning forward. His ears perk up and he starts wagging his tail as he witnesses your play bow.
<Tag!> he exclaims as he runs after you, accompanying his words with an excited bark.

...

The game goes on for some time. He's a lot larger than you and from the way he half-runs half-leaps you'd guess he is also much stronger, so he can easily catch up to you. Yet he seems to be having trouble with following your changes in direction, which gives you a small advantage when you are being chased. Despite that, he is able to catch you a couple of times, giving you a playful bite before running away. On the other hand his speed means you have to struggle to catch up to him, but he seems willing to move slower or outright wait for you whenever he gets carried away and runs too quickly, so that you have a chance to catch up.

During that time spent waiting for you, he finds the opportunity to answer some of your questions.
<What element is Alan?>
<Oh, Alan is mostly of an element that I can see everywhere in this place. The cracks in the stone and the tumbling of rocks and the movement of the air above fire. The ground itself is full of threads of it, the stones here imbued with its tint. The portal used much of that element.>
He moves his head around a bit as he says so, like he can actually see the things he is describing. Combined with the fact that he is panting and swishing his tail, it makes him look a bit funny.
<It is fitting of Alan. It feeds on change, on creation and destruction. Even the way it looks and moves, it is as if without something to help keep it the same, it sets rules only to later break them. Alan also has a very small part of an element I have not seen anywhere else. Not in a great amount. I have seen glimpses of it, most of them flowing from those mountains in the east, but not enough to know what it is. I think it helps give some structure to the energy within him.>

...

<And Nikolai?>
<Nikolai is interesting. He is mostly of the same element as Alan, but much more... balanced. He has another element in great amount that helps with that. It is very rare though. I have not seen it anywhere else. I think I caught glimpses of it once, but no more than that.>
He suddenly stops moving his tail and looks around, as if he is expecting something to appear, but nothing happens. He continues normally a second later.
<It looks... abstract. It has a general arrangement, but it also feels free to move and change, even though it does so very slowly. It changes like the branches of a tree moving under a light but constant wind. Perhaps if I see him use his abilities I will be able to understand it better.>

...

<What about Zechariah?>
<His is a also interesting. I have seen it in some living things, few not living things, even in the volcano. But never in great amount. It seems capable of change but in a controlled, balanced manner. It takes aspects of other elements. Most of the ones I've  seen take the aspect of the elements closer to it, the one it forms the most connections to. I think that is why the orbs look like they are made of fire.>

...

<Annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>
<Yes, fire!>
He starts walking towards you.
<Bright, wavy fire moving around, full of heat and light and power. Fire flows through everything here. The air, the ground, the tunnels below. It tints the stones and the wood and the people. And all the connections lead to the volcano. It is so bright and always pulsing, as if it is alive. Threads lead away from it towards everywhere, every direction of the horizon, with the biggest one following the river of lava. Now that the threads are mostly free from the Resonance, I believe...>
His eyes turn black. You feel uneasy, like someone is about to poke you with a needle. There's a buzzing in your ears. You try to ignore it, to not resist. It passes a moment later as his eyes return to normal.
<Yes, I can see many threads have connected with you. They flow through you. They make you burn even brighter. It must be a good feeling.>
<I can also see another element. Much less than fire. One that is grey, full of right angles and patterns and symmetry. I can tell that it must have been here once. A very powerful thread. But no more. Old things are tinted by it, the ground is tinted by it, but new things are not. The tint has started to fade, being replaced. The flow must have stopped a long time ago.>
He stops walking once you're close to each other and lowers his head and ears a bit, although he is still wagging his tail a bit.
<I also saw something... unexpected in you. The first time I looked at you, in the Relay World. I thought she would have healed that by now. Replaced it. You have a piece of darkness in you. A piece of me.>
He keeps hhis head low but he raises his eyes to look into yours. Then he jumps.
<Which makes me wonder how you can be so slow!> he says playfully as he quickly pushes you with his front legs, turns around and starts running in the opposite direction.

...

Eventually you start getting really tired. You lie down on your back and declare <I give up! You win!>
River shows no signs of slowing down. He too has started to look a bit more tired, although his enthusiasm doesn't diminish one bit. He quickly walks towards you. He stands over you and mouths you on the neck and snout.
<Of course I win!> he exclaims playfully as he does so. <I am best hunter!> he adds with something between a bark and a howl.
He continues standing over you, looking you in the eyes. He looks a bit calmer now. His tail is moving less quickly and his ears aren't completely perked up, although he is still panting.
<We had fun. We both win.> he says with a little less excitement. He gives your snout a couple of licks and then starts briskly walking away.

...

River spends some time to quickly walk in a wide circle around your home, looking around and occasionally sniffing the ground. From what you can smell there's nothing interesting around, just an unfamiliar human scent that smells a couple of days old. He seems to concur, for after the circle is complete he takes off again, walking in the direction of the volcano. He moves quickly, but he makes sure to stays close. He looks back from time to time, slowing down or waiting for you to catch up when necessary.
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>
<I- I am happy you do. It is these places I like to go. I can not wait to wake the others to show them! And there is so much more to explore. Maybe we can stay some time after we finish, like I wanted!>
<I hope they like it too. Zechariah is so easily upset. I think it is because he is missing his bond-mate. I would understand that. I should have someone good with talking like Ike talk to him first.>
<And Theri...>
He looks down and starts walking forward more quickly.

...

After some walking, you come across one of those small glowballs. River stops and watches it.
You attempt to tug on it. For a moment it seems to work. It starts emitting a sound similar to high pitched notes coming out of a church organ. Even though it resists your efforts, it starts moving in your direction, not strong enough to escape. But then its glow changes. It becomes cyan for a second before it goes silent, becoming brown and dropping to the ground, bouncing like a rock, now glowing significantly less, so much so that you could confuse it for a rock.
River approaches it cautiously, sniffs it and then raises his paw to try and touch it. The moment he touches it the rock distorts and the sound returns. River quickly pulls his paw back, as if burnt. The ball turns cyan for a moment and then back to red, quickly floating away, as if it is being carried away by a strong wind.
He barks excitedly and starts running after it.
<Catch it! Try that again Irine! I think I know what to do!>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:55:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thunder! And mushrooms! Yeah! That arbitrarily makes me feel good!"

"Side note - will need a debriefing on all this shit when I get back to Staging Area," Ike adds as an aside.

Follow River and mentally sing a hunting song of some sort to him. If I can't think of any hunting songs, amuse him with dirty limericks.

You follow the two around, trying your best to be (http://youtu.be/3yM3XJZDV0Y) entertaining (http://www.reddit.com/r/jokes/comments/2kq9ij/) while ignoring the constant clicking of claws against stone. You don't think they appreciate your artistic assistance very much. Philistines.

You notice there has been some movement in the refugee camp furthest away from the city, it looks slightly different. You think you saw something moving there but it might have been the wind.

You also think you see a small group of people very far away, in the road leading towards the east, but you aren't sure.

You get the feeling that you're forgetting something.

---

OOC
Have I ever told you that you are great? Well, you are. Everyone in the forums, but the people here especially.

Too tired to write now. I will continue with Survival tomorrow. Just wanted to mention that I decided I'll pay the standard reward to people in Survival no matter what happens because of how it turned out (originally it was meant to have a very low base pay with potential for very high payout based on bonus objectives completed) and I'll just give whoever wins a small extra reward. So just enjoy that final fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 12:51:28 am

Irine, Campaign

---

grab it!

---

<How'd you get in me?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 28, 2015, 01:48:16 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 12:51:28 am

<How'd you get in me?>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVFHkAzWAnc

((That explains Alan quite well, actually. Dynamic change.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2015, 04:11:14 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Careful, guys! There's something moving through here. Might be people."

Try to remember what I've forgotten to remember. Go through the most important facts of the situation mentally and see if anything pops out at me.

Also, did my ears work right? I forget. If they do, listen for hostile winds that seek our doom.

Watch the refugee camp for a moment as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 28, 2015, 10:02:59 am

((Now I want to know what element John is.  Sheer bloody-mindedness?

Also, once Survival is totally done, I'd like to know what those bonus objectives were; it seemed like everyone took GTFO pretty seriously once we really started leaving, and got out really well.  Maybe something with Red and Blue?  We never saw them again.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 08:36:29 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 26, 2015, 03:50:20 pm

Survival:

Keep an eye behind us to see if we're being chased; throw the explosive ammo out behind us if we are chased.  Otherwise, just check the car and make sure it's happy.  Fix anything fixable while we're in motion.

You look out of the smashed rear window. Looks like you are indeed being followed. You can see the headlights of a car, but it has yet to come into view.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 26, 2015, 09:45:59 pm

Survival

Do the anti-projectile thing. When Bryan turns on us:

"Foolish."

Grab Bryan's face with the bling-arm. Point-blank blast ho! Failing that, summon a dagger and stab him in the throat.

Feeble! Foolish! Ogryn? Dark. (http://youtu.be/ZpBngmCpUrU?t=18s)

Quote from: Alarith on January 26, 2015, 09:31:12 pm

Bryan Survival

---

So, it has come down to this. I had hoped the circumstances would prevent this. Now it appears I have no choice.
When the car is close to the end of the tunnel stop. Pull out the gun I was given, shoot my former team mates.
After opening fire "I hope you can forgive me, I have my orders"

As John watches the road, getting ready to act the moment he sees their pursuers approach, he hears something shifting in the front seat, followed by a click. He doesn't register what's going on immediately though. And those lost moments cost him.
Acting on instinct, he tries to jostle the front seat to throw of Bryan's aim off while at the same time trying to move away. It works, in part, saving him from an immediate death.
The first bullet catches him in the chest, while the second misses entirely. He doesn't feel pain, just surprise and a feeling of coldness surrounding the wound. He's having trouble breathing.

It takes a moment for Saevus to realise what's going on and start reacting. And his slow speed is not helping. On the other hand, short range combat is the field he excels in, even in this weakened state.
Bryan can't adjust his aim quickly enough. He watches the golden arm of Saevus turning to point in his direction, the runes on it glowing brighter. The telekinetic blast blows the upper part of the driver's seat along with the windshield and part of the roof off the car. Bryan exhales from his hiding place behind the co-driver's seat, immensely glad that his quick reflexes have allowed him to keep his head.

The car starts slowing down with nobody pressing the gas pedal, but not very quickly. The steering wheel is wobbling precariously after being hit by the blast, causing the car to vibrate slightly. Something should probably be done about that, because at best the car will end scraping against a wall, at worse the car will end making a head on collision with a pillar at high speed to the detriment of all involved.

The tunnel above you is illuminated by a pair of headlights. Bryan can see the vehicle approaching. Looks like they caught up to you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2015, 04:11:14 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Careful, guys! There's something moving through here. Might be people."

Try to remember what I've forgotten to remember. Go through the most important facts of the situation mentally and see if anything pops out at me.

Also, did my ears work right? I forget. If they do, listen for hostile winds that seek our doom.

Watch the refugee camp for a moment as well.

You've forgotten to drink water. That must be it. You're feeling rather thirsty. The juicy flesh was enough to quench some of it, but you need some normal water or maybe some juice or similar. You suppose you could just drink blood. It sounds unsanitary, but River could probably heal you.

Your ears seem to work, they are just a bit less sensitive than you'd remember them. Still, they feel better than yesterday. Maybe they're healing naturally? Or maybe River did something to you while you were sleeping?

You watch the refugee camp as the other two chase the little glowball thing. Hmm... Yes, that's it. You spot someone or something moving between the makeshift dwellings. You think it's heading towards the edge of the camp closest to the eastern road.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 12:51:28 am

Irine, Campaign

---

grab it!

---

<How'd you get in me?>

River takes off in a diagonal direction, disappearing behind a still intact building. You chase after the little thing, trying to catch up with it.
<Was asked to heal you. Fix change. Needed quick work. Not good with magic. Used melding. Gave part of my change. Did not complete. Thought temporary.>

You catch up to the thing, which has started slowing down, probably feeling safer now. You pull on it and it reacts in much the same way. It turns cyan for a second before it turns brown and tries to mimic a rock, aiming to blend in with its surroundings. River appears in the opposite side of the small street, now in his humanoid form.

"Good! You caught it! I was afraid it could turn to air."

He approaches the rock. The moment he comes close to it it immediately tries to fly away, but he quickly reaches out and puts his hands on either side of it. The air between his hands distorts, the light going through it becoming dimmer, loosing its colours. It looks like the ball is unable to escape, although it is trying very hard, bouncing around between his hands. A few seconds pass and it looks like the ball has started slowing down, the tension visible in River's body relaxing slightly. But a moment later it turns into an orb of semi-transparent shadow and starts moving even faster. The area of distorted air between his hands begins to shrink.

"Grrr. Harder than I thought. Can not keep them like this. Catching them this way will not work."

He brings his hands close to his mouth and chomps at the ball. It disappears behind his closed jaws. He shivers and his hair stand on end, but he returns to normal a couple of seconds later.
"Stingy energy. Fights back." he comments.

He leans against a nearby wall.
"Without those reviving will take a day. We need more of them. More of them together. We could go closer to the volcano. Or we could try attracting them with some of your fire. Or maybe I could approach the crater. But that..."
He closes his eyes shakes his head.
"Sorry. You had questions? I was not focused."

---

OOC

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2015, 01:48:16 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 12:51:28 am

<How'd you get in me?>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVFHkAzWAnc

Good thing D doesn't have a body, because his head would have exploded with all those missed opportunities to joke/comment.

Quote from: Toaster on January 28, 2015, 10:02:59 am

((Now I want to know what element John is.  Sheer bloody-mindedness?

I'm not entirely sure, since it took me some time to decide what everyone should be (I tried to take into account both the kind of powers they had and their character's personality while assigning them their element) but I think Alan's secondary element would be your primary and Irine's secondary would be your strong secondary. Maybe with Alan's primary as a weak secondary.

Quote

Also, once Survival is totally done, I'd like to know what those bonus objectives were; it seemed like everyone took GTFO pretty seriously once we really started leaving, and got out really well.  Maybe something with Red and Blue?  We never saw them again.))

There were lots of things, really. I'll give you a more in depth summary once the mission is over if you find the one given during desync unsatisfactory, since I don't think we'll have another mission in that universe anytime soon. I could entitle this mission "My biggest failure in mission design", since nothing, absolutely nothing went as expected except you trying to leave the island.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 09:53:59 pm

<You're focused on what we're trying to do, there's nothing wrong with that. You think they'll be attracted to my fire? and, um... what kinds of things should I look for to help revive Theri? What's her elements?>
I look around for any naturally occuring flame sources, hoping to save my flame generation charges if I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 28, 2015, 10:21:35 pm

Bryan Survival
PM time
((Yeah things went south right at mission start didn't they, seeing as we couldn't help that one guy and get better instructions. Maybe the next survival mission could have a bit more time before people are thrown into action mode.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 11:01:07 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 09:53:59 pm

<You're focused on what we're trying to do, there's nothing wrong with that. You think they'll be attracted to my fire? and, um... what kinds of things should I look for to help revive Theri? What's her elements?>
I look around for any naturally occuring flame sources, hoping to save my flame generation charges if I can.

"Maybe. They were attracted to the fire I used to revive you. But that was stronger. Yet this place also makes you stronger. I do not know."
He gets noticeably less upbeat when you mention Theri, lowering his ears and head and stopping the movement of his tail.
"Theri... I do not know. It is bright and strong and it feels nice. But her soul always felt nice. Like it sings to me. I do not know. This has not happened often. Meeting ones like her. It is confusing."
He closes his eyes.
"I have been searching everywhere for it. But I only see it in her. Sometimes I see thin threads from the north and the east. But I could not follow them. I could not leave you here."

"She is my friend. I will find a way. Even if I have to use my own strength. I will do it. I promised she would travel by my side."

There is no fire around, none that you can see. You're deeper into the city now, so most of the things are burnt here. Fuel would be hard to come by, but you could find some if you searched around. You could probably also move to some place else and look for fire there. Or lava. Or ask River, he made the fire in your home, maybe he has an idea.

---

Harry Baldman
<If I tell you where Zechariah's soulsphere is, could you bring it here? Carefully?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 11:35:02 pm

<If we went to the volcano, could you drain it through me to revive her? Maybe Alan and his connection to everything around here too, assuming we revived him first? or does the element really have to match?>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 11:59:27 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2015, 11:35:02 pm

<If we went to the volcano, could you drain it through me to revive her? Maybe Alan and his connection to everything around here too, assuming we revived him first? or does the element really have to match?>

"The element does not have to match. But it makes it easier. Much easier. But any power will do. I can change it into the right kind, with time."
He looks at you.
"Now that I have companions to help me, to protect me while I work... I can do that."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on January 29, 2015, 12:26:39 am

((Nikolai could help revive people. He could directly pour energy into a soul orb for River to use. Wonder what would happen on an overshoot?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 29, 2015, 12:28:40 am

<And the orbs we want to help revive Zech are denser when we get closer to the volcano too, right? Could we go there, hunt orbs, and drain me when we're done hunting?

oh, um, and do you know where some water is? I'm getting kinda thirsty.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2015, 05:54:35 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 11:01:07 pm

<If I tell you where Zechariah's soulsphere is, could you bring it here? Carefully?>

<Not a problem, I'd surmise. Unless you stashed it inside a monster or something, in which case it'd probably take some doing to get it over here. Also, you mind reviving Alan after you're done with that Zeke guy? I could go for some lemonade.>

If River tells me where Zechariah's soulsphere is, I should bring it here. Carefully.

If not, well, check what that thing moving about is more closely.

Check if my nose works better as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 29, 2015, 06:41:29 am

(Apologies for no writing. Procrastination hit me hard.)

Survival

Go down the alley, and see if there's a car

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2015, 09:34:23 am

Survival

"Idiot!" gasped out John.

React to the events.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 29, 2015, 10:15:41 am

Survival

"Cease thy struggling and perish!"

Do stuff!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Tiruin on January 29, 2015, 01:11:36 pm

((I like how this catastrophe is turning into a great adventure. Wonderful work there. :D))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2015, 11:51:45 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Alarith on January 28, 2015, 10:21:35 pm

Bryan Survival
PM time
((Yeah things went south right at mission start didn't they, seeing as we couldn't help that one guy and get better instructions. Maybe the next survival mission could have a bit more time before people are thrown into action mode.))

Quote from: Toaster on January 29, 2015, 09:34:23 am

Survival

"Idiot!" gasped out John.

React to the events.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 29, 2015, 10:15:41 am

Survival

"Cease thy struggling and perish!"

Do stuff!

Bryan attempts to use his telekinesis to keep Saevus from hitting him, but he is not strong enough. He attempts to get out of the way but he is not fast enough. The runes on Saevus' golden arm flare and next thing he knows Bryan is sent flying.

The blast propels him out the front window and on the car's hood. The pain is immense. Feels like something broke in his chest. He's having trouble focusing.
Bryan can feel the heat of the engine starting to burn his skin. At his state of near unconsciousness, it is hard to hold on to the blood-slick surface. The vibrations generated by the car's "rammer" remind him that another inch backwards and his brain will be in more pieces than it is supposed to.

John throws the explosive ammo leftover from his gun out the side window. He can see flashes of light from the explosions, he can feel the blast-waves reaching the car. But the headlights do not disappear from above him. Looks like it dodged out of the way. At least in its effort to dodge, it denied the men on it the opportunity to fire at them.
A very thick device begins assembling around John's chest.

The car's course remains surprisingly steady considering what is going on.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 29, 2015, 06:41:29 am

(Apologies for no writing. Procrastination hit me hard.)

Survival

Go down the alley, and see if there's a car.

You continue running down the alley. It's a thin street running between some sort of shops or similar buildings, filled with tin trash-cans and thick metal garbage bins overflowing with trash, barely large enough to fit a car. It was probably used to load and unload goods once upon a time. Still is judging by the boxes that make up most of the trash, but probably not the same kind of goods.

Unfortunately, it appears continuing on this course might have been a mistake. You can see another group of armed men in the intersection in front of you, similar in composition to the one you attacked earlier. Luckily it doesn't look like they have noticed-
"He's over there! Get him!" comes a shout from behind you.
Scratch that, now they all know you're here. Looks like you're about to be surrounded.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2015, 12:28:40 am

<And the orbs we want to help revive Zech are denser when we get closer to the volcano too, right? Could we go there, hunt orbs, and drain me when we're done hunting?

oh, um, and do you know where some water is? I'm getting kinda thirsty.>

<And the orbs we want to help revive Zech are denser when we get closer to the volcano too, right?>
"Yes."
<Could we go there, hunt orbs, and drain me when we're done hunting?>
"If you are willing to do that, it would help. I will have twice the power. But once I start, I can not stop. And if someone else stops me... it will be bad. You will need to stay with me until the end. If you are still willing to do this when the time comes, I will be happy to accept your help."
<oh, um, and do you know where some water is? I'm getting kinda thirsty.>
"Oh! Yes! Water! I will show you!"
You start walking until you reach a nearby street that is mostly intact, the buildings either sturdy enough or lucky enough to remain standing.
Once there you go inside a building. It is composed of a single large empty area. It was once lit by stained glass windows that are now shattered, scattered among the floor and covered with ashes. It is a bit different from the rest of the buildings you've seen, since its architecture contains some curves instead of being all angles, with circular columns, windows and arches being the most obvious examples.
From there you go down a stairway and into what feels like a much smaller room. This isn't the end of the stairway though, it looks like it goes down further. You can hear the sound of water dripping into a puddle.
As your eyes begin to adjust to the low lighting, you realise that there is a reservoir here, with water dripping in it from a hole in the wall. It is an oblong stone basin set against the wall, although from your current vantage point you can not see inside it, since its top stands much higher than you. There are also a few implements for handling water around, including buckets and clay pots.
"The machines are not working. Tunnels have shifted. The water stopped coming. I think it will be dry soon."
River reaches for a bucket, fills it with water from the reservoir and then sets it down close to you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2015, 05:54:35 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 11:01:07 pm

<If I tell you where Zechariah's soulsphere is, could you bring it here? Carefully?>

<Not a problem, I'd surmise. Unless you stashed it inside a monster or something, in which case it'd probably take some doing to get it over here. Also, you mind reviving Alan after you're done with that Zeke guy? I could go for some lemonade.>

If River tells me where Zechariah's soulsphere is, I should bring it here. Carefully.

If not, well, check what that thing moving about is more closely.

Check if my nose works better as well.

Nose is also better.

River sends you the memory so you set off for your temporary dwelling, where the object lies.

You keep watch of what is going on in the camp as you move. From what you can see, whatever is moving in the camp looks human or at least humanoid. It starts following the road towards the east, towards the group of humanoids approaching. It's easy to keep track of it in the mostly barren terrain, only loosing track of it whenever a building or pile of rubble gets in the way. After a while the two of them meet with each other and stop for quite some time.

Looks like River has hidden the soulsphere under a very large rock block, based on the image he sent you. It takes quite a bit of effort to move it out of the way. After that you have to remove some smaller rocks (including a black one that makes your skin tingle) to reveal three soulspheres, glass-like balls a bit larger than can fit in one hand comfortably, each with cracked surfaces, each glowing with their own effect. One is a number of constantly shifting purple filaments extending from a tiny ecru core that could remind one of a plasma globe. The other contains a spherical teal grid that shifts and distorts as worm-like purple threads move within it, pushing it as they get in and out of the ball, obscuring it under their innumerable bodies. The third looks rather simple in comparison, just two bright points of cyan light orbiting the centre of the sphere.

The images says the cyan is the one you want. As you pick it up, the points of light inside react. Their orbital plane aligns with your hands and their orbital radius and velocity increases. You put the rocks back the way you found them and start making your way back to the others.

---

OOC

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2015, 12:26:39 am

((Nikolai could help revive people. He could directly pour energy into a soul orb for River to use. Wonder what would happen on an overshoot?))

Consider what your power does. Then consider that a soulsphere is a collection of everything a person is, all the information needed to rebuild their body, a place for their mind and soul to reside in while they lack a body. So essentially you're taking a box containing a bunch of blueprints needed to build a terminator and the terminator's brain and you're using your power on them. The results would definitely be interesting.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 29, 2015, 01:11:36 pm

((I like how this catastrophe is turning into a great adventure. Wonderful work there. :D))

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2015, 11:57:57 pm

((Hmm, that's interesting. I wonder which one is which in that case?
I think the gridlike one is Nikolai or Alan, and the other is ... I dunno.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 12:38:51 am

I drink my fill, then turn to look up at River. <Ready. Lets go catch us some floaties!>
and go hunting.

<Any ideas how to catch them better?>
follow his instructions.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on January 30, 2015, 12:59:11 am

Quote

The results would definitely be interesting.

((Yes, making Alan bigger, louder, and less practical would be...
DO IT))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2015, 03:02:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Return uneventfully (carefully!) and perform handoff of soulsphere if required. Keep an eye out for that encampment, watch for signs of evisceration while I was gone. Get a drink of water for my efforts if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 07:03:59 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 12:38:51 am

I drink my fill, then turn to look up at River. <Ready. Lets go catch us some floaties!>
and go hunting.

<Any ideas how to catch them better?>
follow his instructions.

As you drink, River drinks from the reservoir itself. He picks up the bucket once you are done, refills it and takes it with him.
You start going up the stairs when you sense that someone else is here. You can smell them in the air and hear them as they walk and talk quietly.
"Stop. Humans." he whispers, even though you have already stopped.
"Can you you deal with them? I can kill them, but I want to save my strength."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2015, 03:02:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Return uneventfully (carefully!) and perform handoff of soulsphere if required. Keep an eye out for that encampment, watch for signs of evisceration while I was gone. Get a drink of water for my efforts if possible.

You are returning slowly due to random event. Hopefully this will not take long.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 08:17:18 am

<I'll try.>
I then check my surroundings before generating a large sphere of flame, using one flame charge first to see if the ability has been overcharged somehow, then if it isn't large enough to block the pathway, using a second to make it larger. I also make sure I do not damage the structure, setting aside (though keeping, this will be kept separate and off near the ceiling), any flame that makes it too large to safely work with.
Once it is made, I advance up the stairs behind it, trying to avoid being directly behind it in case they start throwing things at it, and once I think they're in range of my personal telepathy, I call out to them:
<Hello? What are your intentions?>
As I do this, I slightly compress the large flame sphere in time with my words, making it visibly pulse as though the sphere itself is the one speaking.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 08:48:12 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 08:17:18 am

<I'll try.>
I then check my surroundings before generating a large sphere of flame, using one flame charge first to see if the ability has been overcharged somehow, then if it isn't large enough to block the pathway, using a second to make it larger. I also make sure I do not damage the structure, setting aside (though keeping, this will be kept separate and off near the ceiling), any flame that makes it too large to safely work with.
Once it is made, I advance up the stairs behind it, trying to avoid being directly behind it in case they start throwing things at it, and once I think they're in range of my personal telepathy, I call out to them:
<Hello? What are your intentions?>
As I do this, I slightly compress the large flame sphere in time with my words, making it visibly pulse as though the sphere itself is the one speaking.

You are on the last few steps up the stairway. It's a wide stone thing, similar to the entrance of a subway station or an underground passage. The area above is just the very large room that was described previously, probably used as some sort of communal area. Maybe a market, maybe a temple, maybe something like an agora where people used to speak. It is of little consequence now, since it only contains ashes and whatever rock, glass and metal resisted the fires. It has little cover except for a few rocks or piles of debris and the occasional pillar.

It looks like your ability has indeed been made quite stronger. A massive, bright, orangered ball of fire comes into being, large enough for at least three people to hide behind. With your size, using it as cover should be no problem. You can hear the surprised gasps and yelps of the humans as they notice this.
"Ah! What is that?"
"Anomaly! Stand back."
You think you hear three of them. You hear them take a few steps back but no more.
You move forward blindly, trying to approach where you think you heard them, your spherical wall of fire in front of you, rippling and bulging slightly seemingly on its own accord. You try to move as silently as possible, not wanting the sound of your feet against the ash-covered rock to give away your position.
"It's coming this way."
"Look, let's just get out of here!"
"Wait! It might disperse."
Once you think you are close enough, you speak and the sphere moves along with your voice. It feels a bit harder to maintain precise control, as if something else is influencing your fires ever so slightly. Small sparks of fire escape your sphere and dissipate as you try to distort it, so you are forced to use a larger and more blunt pyrokinetic field. Not very difficult for you, but it takes some getting used to.
<Hello? What are your intentions?>
"It speaks?"
"What should we do?"
"I do not like this."
"Silence. Let me speak." one says with determination.
"Spirit, we are thirsty and need water. We humbly request that you let us through to take some and we promise we will not stay long." he shouts, trying to sound calm.

((Used Bold/Italic/Underline to indicate different people talking.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 09:11:32 am

<Do not harm me or my companion, and I will not harm you.> still making it pulse with my words as I sit down just behind it, facing the voices, close enough to be a little uncomfortable but not in pain or on fire or whatever, and then release my flames, causing them to dissipate and revealing the little three-tailed fox sitting there instead, my tails spread out where it's obvious to see that there's three of them.
to River:<Good. Peaceful contact established, they'll go back to their home, tell of what they encountered, and it'll be easier to get information and supplies from the local humans when we have to talk to them later. Also, we probably won't have people try to hunt us down either.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 09:50:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 09:11:32 am

<Do not harm me or my companion, and I will not harm you.> still making it pulse with my words as I sit down just behind it, facing the voices, close enough to be a little uncomfortable but not in pain or on fire or whatever, and then release my flames, causing them to dissipate and revealing the little three-tailed fox sitting there instead, my tails spread out where it's obvious to see that there's three of them.
to River:<Good. Peaceful contact established, they'll go back to their home, tell of what they encountered, and it'll be easier to get information and supplies from the local humans when we have to talk to them later. Also, we probably won't have people try to hunt us down either.>

"Yes! Yes, of course, we-"
The man stops speaking as the ball dissipate.
You see three men, stabding there, looking at you in surprise. They look dirty, their long hair and beards greasy and matted, their robes stained with dirt. One of them stands in front of the two others, holding a butcher's cleaver. The other two have knives on their belts, but they have not drawn them. They are carrying three large waterskins each.
"It's a- an animal?" one in the back whispers.
"Look at it. It's no animal." the one in the front says.
"Let's just get what we came here for and get out of here, OK?"
"Yes, let us move."
They circle around you as they make their way towards the stairway, keeping their distance. You see River coming up the stairs, still holding the bucket. The men stop and watch him intently, the look of surprise, fear and confusion never leaving their faces. River also keeps his distance from them as he makes his way towards you. He keeps staring at them, keeping his stance low. The men keep watching until a few seconds after he reaches you. They then continue making their way towards the stairs, turning their heads to look behind them every once in a while.
"What was that thing? And what is it doing with a Beastman?" they whisper to each other as they go down the stairs.
"What if they are dangerous? What if they escaped from the tower? Should we tell someone about this?"
"Come on. You think anyone will believe this?"
"Let's get the water and we'll figure it out later. We're not safe yet."

"I would not be so optimistic. Better to be safe." River says as you walk out of the building.
"But it is your choice."

((I'm assuming you want to continue, right? Not stay here or try to follow them or something? If so, just say so and I'll continue.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2015, 09:58:35 am

Survival

"I'm in no shape to take the wheel!"

Keep saving myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 10:09:28 am

Pfp
<You could just ask me, you know. I really don't mean any harm, just don't want people forcing me to kill them because I look unusual.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on January 30, 2015, 10:58:50 am

Survival

"Begone!"

Death to the traitor!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 11:40:59 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 10:09:28 am

Pfp
<You could just ask me, you know. I really don't mean any harm, just don't want people forcing me to kill them because I look unusual.>

"Uh... OK... Sure... Uh... What are you?"
The other two look at him with a 'WTF are you doing, you idiot?!' look.
"What? It said it was fine."
"Or is that 'She said it was fine'?"
The other two take a step away from him and look ready to run.
"Uh... Please don't burn me."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 01:34:26 pm

Pfp
<She, and there isn't really a term for what I am, but 'fire spirit' is close. Who I am is Irine. And I won't burn you if you don't attack me, like I said. Don't worry.>

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 02:14:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 01:34:26 pm

Pfp
<She, and there isn't really a term for what I am, but 'fire spirit' is close. Who I am is Irine. And I won't burn you if you don't attack me, like I said. Don't worry.>

The man starts calming down a bit as he speaks.
"Uh... Sure. Good to meet you Irene. It's good that you're not trying to burn us. Sorry. Your fire is scary. And fire things are not usually calm. And there was a lot of fire here. And many fire things have tried to burn me recently. And many not fire things have tried to eat me recently. And many have tried to take my food. And Beastmen are-"
The other man grabs the man and pulls him towards him.
"We're sorry for bothering you, fire spirit. he says, looking at you.
My cousin talks too much. We'll take the water we need and be out of your way."
"Uh, okay. Goodbye. Nice meeting you." the man says as he is almost dragged away.
"Ssshhh. Now come over here and stop talking." they continue speaking to each other with whispers.
"But why? She seemed nice."
"Because we can't-"
"Look. She can clearly hear us whispering. We'll talk about it later. Now let's get that water back to the others."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 02:49:17 pm

Pfp

---

<I like your cousin, he's honest.>
To 'cousin' only: <Choose your friends carefully.>
Good to go / leave

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2015, 02:54:57 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Presumably make an entry dynamic to the point where it could be described best as "re-entry". Carefully, though.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 03:01:22 pm

@Lenglon & Harry Baldman: A bit busy now, but can I assume you'll keep following River and doing what he asks? Which is just creating an orb of fire and holding it a bit higher than the ground in the hopes of attracting those things?

Just asking so that we can keep things moving, skip to the next part of the reviving process, since barring any other random events there is nothing except walking and gathering those things in this part and I can take care of those with a few rolls.

Or do you want to talk some more or RP some of that part?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on January 30, 2015, 03:06:47 pm

Will do as he asks, yes

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2015, 03:08:22 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 30, 2015, 03:01:22 pm

@Lenglon & Harry Baldman: A bit busy now, but can I assume you'll keep following River and doing what he asks? Which is just creating an orb of fire and holding it a bit higher than the ground in the hopes of attracting those things?

Just asking so that we can keep things moving, skip to the next part of the reviving process, since barring any other random events there is nothing except walking and gathering those things in this part and I can take care of those with a few rolls.

Or do you want to talk some more or RP some of that part?

((Oh, you can automate Ike this way unless he arrives with such good timing that he brushes past those three dudes currently on the way out. On with the sequence!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on January 31, 2015, 10:19:23 am

Bryan survival
Just focus on getting off the hood safely, maybe roll off the side and use whatever telekinetic force i can to cushion the fall. But don't back up

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on January 31, 2015, 10:35:58 am

survival
Well, this isn't good. Crash through the building next to me. If that doesn't work, find something big in the alley, and throw it at the mob guys. I either case, try to escape

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 08:58:23 am

((I'm looking forward to when Zech finds out what we've been using as our primary food source. It's a non-issue for the non-humans and Ike the ethic-less, but Zech might find human meat rather... distasteful.

at least in Irine's case, she's never had a food source that wasn't effectively her own children. why would some random human's meat even slow her down?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2015, 10:50:50 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 30, 2015, 03:08:22 pm

((Oh, you can automate Ike this way unless he arrives with such good timing that he brushes past those three dudes currently on the way out. On with the sequence!))

((Nope. Different paths. They'd need to stall them for a long time for you to catch up. I guess you could spot them from afar as you made your way to the others, if you were lucky. Let's see... nope. Anyway.))

---

Irine and River make their way back to meet up with Ike, who arrives a while later, carefully holding Zechariah's soulsphere (should probably find/create something to carry more stuff then he can hold in his hands/pockets). He is rewarded for his effort with a bucket of water which he uses to quench his thirst.

They continue on, deeper into the city. There are a few differences today. Not only in its appearance, in how the dust and some buildings have shifted. But also on how it seems... quieter. The wind seems weaker, the volcano less active... Even the small bugs and rodents that have taken over the city seem to be staying in their homes. The group can occasionally spot some of those small floating things around, but River appears uninterested in them at the moment. The only moment they stop is when Ike hears one of those spheres that attacked him. River pushes them against a semi-collapsed wall and holds them there, his hands making their skin tingle. They can see the glow of the creature illuminating an adjacent street. It stops, but continues on a few seconds later, moving in a direction opposite to theirs.

Ike keeps turning around from time to time so that he can take a look on what is going on outside the city. The group approaching from the east meets up with whoever left the refugee camp. They're too far away to make out what's going on though and soon he looses track of who the one who left the refugee camp was. They stand around for a long time, before they begin approaching the camp.

It is around that time that they reach one of the few intact buildings in this area, a small squat sturdy-looking single storey thing with thick rock walls that have become cracked and burnt. The building adjacent to it has collapsed, allowing for easier access to its roof. River stops next to its entrance and takes a look inside.
"This will do." he states as he inspects what's left of the contents of the building, very likely some sort of store or repository for it is filled with a many rock objects, a few metal ones and large amounts of ash.
"Nobody must come in while I work. Nothing can interrupt me. Once I start, I can not stop."
He leaves the soulsphere inside and gets back out.
"Irine, if you still want to help, if you still want to lend me your strength, then you must come inside with me when it is time. You will not resist. You will not complain. Once it starts, you have to stay with me until the end."

With that, he turns around, jumps and climbs to the roof of the building with some effort.
"When you are ready. As much fire as you can. The more they can sense the better. Close to me. High. To escape the magic of the stone. Not too high. We do not want too much attention."
After he says so, he lies down on the roof and you can see him no longer.

Irine creates a small rotating pillar of fire and positions it exactly as requested. Not much time passes until the little things start approaching, moving towards the fire and rotating around it like burning leaves in a cyclone. They move around, some getting closer, others moving further away, each always slowly and harmoniously moving in their own particular manner. It takes a while for more of them to gather, although apparently not enough time to attract the attention of something else.
<I do not think we can wait any longer. Get ready to pull.> he eventually tells Irine.
<Ready... Now!>
Irine does her best to create a pyrokinetic field that pulls everything towards the roof. Unfortunately, she forgets to exclude her pillar of fire from that field, causing it to splash against the roof. Whoops. Hopefully River won't mind. The points of light immediately try to change and escape, many turning cyan, some brown, a few purple and a few disappear altogether. But at the same time the air around them shimmers and darkens, as if it is becoming more opaque. It shrinks and compresses itself into small dark spheres that fall onto the roof like rain.

River jumps down and lands on his side, trying his best to hold his left hand away from the ground and his body. Hovering above his palm is something that looks like a sphere made out of a mix of black and grey sludge, ever shifting, with blindingly bright light occasionally surfacing at the centre of a grey area only to get dragged down again a moment later. The fur near the top of his head looks slightly singed. The wire that was wrapped around his left hand is gone.
"I need to do it now!" he growls as he attempts to get up.
"I can not hold them for long."

((Good, got lucky. This could be over sooner than I thought.))

---

Survival

---

The Toxic Avenger - Escape (http://youtu.be/wToW2D5qfes)

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 30, 2015, 10:58:50 am

Survival

"Begone!"

Death to the traitor!

Quote from: Alarith on January 31, 2015, 10:19:23 am

Bryan survival
Just focus on getting off the hood safely, maybe roll off the side and use whatever telekinetic force i can to cushion the fall. But don't back up

Bryan starts trying to push himself up while Saevus undoes his seatbelt and attempts to reach the steering wheel. That turns out to be a bad move however, as the following car opens fire, with one of the bullets hitting the car's front right wheel. With nobody currently holding the wheel, the car veers towards the right and starts dragging itself against the wall. The sudden deceleration causes Saevus to loose his hold, bounce left and then smash through the co-driver's seat. He thankfully doesn't hit anything important while doing so.

Bryan is in a much worse condition. He instinctively tries to hold on to the hood, but the deceleration sends him exactly where he doesn't want to go: towards the front of the car. Panicking, he directs a powerful telekinetic blast against the hood, sending it straight up. He flies up with it for a moment, before the air causes it to decelerate and flip. Acting like wings, the hood sends him straight down, crashing onto the pursuing car. Even though he's sure he's broken something and has trouble moving and breathing normally, he currently can't feel the pain. He looks behind him to see the driver and the gunner of the pursuing car looking at him with wide eyed surprise through the semi-crashed windshield.

Saevus hears the sound of an engine activating and revving, followed by a scream and the sound of flesh and bone being torn apart.

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2015, 09:58:35 am

Survival

"I'm in no shape to take the wheel!"

Keep saving myself.

You are strapped securely to your seat with your seatbelt so your are not harmed too much by the collision. Some glass shards are launched your way and Saevus very narrowly avoids hitting you, but that's the least of your concerns right now.

The thing around your chest keeps expanding. It has become quite giant and heavy when it is finally done. But you guess it has to if it's going to process oxygen for you and/or pump the blood out of your lungs. You're starting to feel kinda dizzy (had to leave your ability on autopilot because of that), so you'll probably need all you can get. Although now that you think about it, you think you saw some strange pieces going in there... Let's do a quick check... Wait a second... This looks like an internal combustion engine... fuel reservoir... exhaust pipe... spring-based activation timer with audible notifier, ticking away... belt to transfer motion... three wheel adjustable length setup on movable drives to allow two degrees of freedom... connected to another wheel for the third degree... connected to a... wait, what's a chainsaw doing in there?

There is a ding, like one would expect from a kitchen timer. The engine in your chest activates, still burning exhaust escaping from the pipes going out its side. The heat from the engine is burning you. But that pain soon becomes negligible.

You scream. This is the sort of pain that makes you wish you would pass out. But you do not.

((I like how I can turn overshoots to elaborate torture medical machines.))

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 31, 2015, 10:35:58 am

survival
Well, this isn't good. Crash through the building next to me. If that doesn't work, find something big in the alley, and throw it at the mob guys. I either case, try to escape

With no escape route in sight, you resort to make one. You run towards the wall of a nearby building with all your speed and hope this works, because if it doesn't, this is going to hurt, even for you. Not to mention that you'll probably die. As the wall approaches, you close your eyes and jump, trying to hit it with your uninjured shoulder. There's the sound of a crash, followed by a lot of pain. Doesn't feel like anything is broken, but it still hurt a lot.

You look around to see that you are in the storage area of some sort of store. Everything is covered in cloud of red dust, raised by the broken bricks lying scattered on the room's floor. It has some wooden crates in it with bottles of booze stacked on top of them, some of which have been broken now. The door leading to the front of the store is closed, but you guess it probably leads close to the main street and the police station.

The sound of crashes continues behind you. You look to see the hole you made starting to collapse. Along with part of the ceiling. Looks like those old buildings aren't very sturdy...

I'm going to be nice and tell you that there are cars at the front and boats at the back of the police station. You could try using those to escape. Although whatever you do, your odds aren't looking good right now.

---

OOC
Sorry for the delay. Was busy studying. And being an idiot. Sometimes I wonder how I haven't gotten myself killed yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 11:18:47 am

do still intend to help River and allow myself to be drained. I'm aware it will be uncomfortable and do not care.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on February 02, 2015, 11:35:19 am

Survival, no matter the cost

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

((I'm the best doctor ever.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on February 02, 2015, 12:02:47 pm

Survival

Take the wheel and drive away using the awesome driving skills of a magical medieval golem/robot. Attempt to blast away any projectiles and/or other cars.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 02, 2015, 01:55:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 08:58:23 am

((I'm looking forward to when Zech finds out what we've been using as our primary food source. It's a non-issue for the non-humans and Ike the ethic-less, but Zech might find human meat rather... distasteful.

at least in Irine's case, she's never had a food source that wasn't effectively her own children. why would some random human's meat even slow her down?))

((It'll definitely be an interesting dilemma, but I think that Zechariah's been through enough of a hellhole to recognize where survival proceeds over ethics. That's not to say that it probably won't make Zechariah despair more in the moment, but I think it won't kill him if he's forced to make that decision.

I don't know. Maybe if nobody tells him what the meat is, he won't even have to worry about it because he's that oblivious, and it's not like his interdimensional senses can discern different types of meat. If he does learn, well, it'll be a fun time then...))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2015, 02:06:26 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 02, 2015, 01:55:43 pm

((It'll definitely be an interesting dilemma, but I think that Zechariah's been through enough of a hellhole to recognize where survival proceeds over ethics. That's not to say that it probably won't make Zechariah despair more in the moment, but I think it won't kill him if he's forced to make that decision.

I don't know. Maybe if nobody tells him what the meat is, he won't even have to worry about it because he's that oblivious, and it's not like his interdimensional senses can discern different types of meat. If he does learn, well, it'll be a fun time then...))

((Considering we eat our human flesh straight off the roasted corpse around these parts, blissful ignorance doesn't seem like much of an option.))

Campaign, Ike!

Ike flails his arms expressively.

"You need to do it now! You cannot hold them for long!"

Express agreement with River, having no other obvious recourse. Touching him seems like a bad idea in this state. Maybe it's part of the ritual? Like falling off the roof seems to have been?

Well, anyway, if he asks for help directly, help the guy out.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2015, 06:26:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 11:18:47 am

do still intend to help River and allow myself to be drained. I'm aware it will be uncomfortable and do not care.

You follow River inside into the centre of the building, a small storage room or break room, concealed and with only one entrance, not visible from the outside. It contains simple furniture made out of rock that have remained intact despite the fires. They look angular and rough, probably not very comfortable (or safe) to use without some extra padding. The fluctuating light floating above River's hand casts strange shadows in the walls as he quickly approaches the table where has already set the soulsphere. He grabs you from the scruff of your neck and sets you on the table, but doesn't let go.
<Close your eyes. Do not open them.>
You do as he says.
<I will try my best.>
With that, you start to feel the pressure, the pain as he starts reaching inside your mind. Trying not to resist is like trying not to blink. He grabs your body and forces you to stay still. A moment later, there is a sound, like a very soft wind. It fluctuates, slowly, but before you can discern any pattern in it, something starts physically pressing against your skin, your ears, your mouth. It even finds its way inside your lungs. It removes all light and noise, leaving nothing but the cold pressure. Feels like you're drowning, your strength leaving you. And you can not do anything about it. You're not sure how long it lasts before you fall unconscious.

((Okay then, let's see if anything important happens during that time...))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2015, 02:06:26 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike flails his arms expressively.

"You need to do it now! You cannot hold them for long!"

Express agreement with River, having no other obvious recourse. Touching him seems like a bad idea in this state. Maybe it's part of the ritual? Like falling off the roof seems to have been?

Well, anyway, if he asks for help directly, help the guy out.

River doesn't ask for help, so you just stand around near the door, looking around.

As you wait, you keep an eye on the camp. The group finally arrives to the camp and suddenly there's a transformation. The camp becomes full of people (still a very small amount compared to what the city could hold though). They all congregate around the newly arrived group, keeping their distance at first but getting closer a few minutes later. There seems to be some sort of disagreement, for a few moment later you can see a flash of light coming from one of the people there. From where you're standing it doesn't look very impressive, it looks much like distant thunder or watching someone a great distance away from you using a camera flash. But it apparently was sufficiently impressive up close to cause the two groups to separate again. Or maybe it just carried some implication, maybe it was the magical equivalent of shooting a gun in the air.

You are so engrossed in this that you almost do not see that someone is approaching. She's quite close to you when you catch a glimpse of her from the corner of your eye and turn to face her. She looks like she's in her 40s to 50s, about the same height as you, with long straight red hair, tan skin and light blue eyes. She's wearing dark robes that look way too warm for this weather, even though she doesn't appear to be sweating. The moment you turn to face her, she stops moving. She's just standing there, about 10 steps away from you, looking at you with her eybrows lowered and her lips flattened. Strange. You'd think you would had heard her approach. Should probably not get so focused on watching something.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2015, 02:06:26 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 02, 2015, 01:55:43 pm

((It'll definitely be an interesting dilemma, but I think that Zechariah's been through enough of a hellhole to recognize where survival proceeds over ethics. That's not to say that it probably won't make Zechariah despair more in the moment, but I think it won't kill him if he's forced to make that decision.

I don't know. Maybe if nobody tells him what the meat is, he won't even have to worry about it because he's that oblivious, and it's not like his interdimensional senses can discern different types of meat. If he does learn, well, it'll be a fun time then...))

((Considering we eat our human flesh straight off the roasted corpse around these parts, blissful ignorance doesn't seem like much of an option.))

((Well, you could prepare the food beforehand or look for alternate sources, but nobody has bothered with that, so...
Now that I think about it, you might want to look for alternate/fresher food sources for those of you who are human and don't want to rely on healing from River in case of disease.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 07:27:49 pm

Did it feel the same or different from when River lashed out at me?
((Am good with continuing without waiting for an answer to my question))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 02, 2015, 08:36:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2015, 06:26:08 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2015, 02:06:26 pm

((Considering we eat our human flesh straight off the roasted corpse around these parts, blissful ignorance doesn't seem like much of an option.))

((Well, you could prepare the food beforehand or look for alternate sources, but nobody has bothered with that, so...
Now that I think about it, you might want to look for alternate/fresher food sources for those of you who are human and don't want to rely on healing from River in case of disease.))

((You wouldn't scar a cute little Medium (http://media.catmoji.com/post/v83g/oh-my-goodness-so-beautiful.jpg) like Zechariah, would you? That would just be so inhumane!
Think of the ordinary human who happens to have a vengeful alter-ego and dragonfly wings!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on February 02, 2015, 10:57:52 pm

Bryan survival

---

Try to say/mouth, "I can help you kill them if you keep me alive." to the occupants of the car I am on.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:25:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hello! Would you like to engage in a social call? Perhaps a territorial dispute? It seems you're having trouble deciding."

Speak with the woman! Break the ice! Prepare to dodge!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on February 03, 2015, 03:28:30 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:25:37 am

Break the ice!

((Getting ready to break the ice!
Feels like time is standing still
Aiming right for your heart
Ready to take another spill))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 08:21:22 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 02, 2015, 07:27:49 pm

Did it feel the same or different from when River lashed out at me?
((Am good with continuing without waiting for an answer to my question))

It has some overall similarities, but is also different in some aspects.

For one, when he attacked you, it felt much worse, you actually felt as if both your mind and your body was under attack, as if somebody was trying to rip them apart. This has a similar overall feeling, a similar feeling of pressure and nausea, of somebody being inside your mind, but there is no direct attack on your body, just the feeling of being weaker and unable to act. Like in a dream where you are drowning and you want to move but you can't. If the previous was cutting you up with a knife, then this is smothering you with a pillow.

A second difference is that this felt much more powerful. You think it would had taken a lot more effort to resist his current whatever-you-may-call-it, but that might be because he was wakened by his previous actions when he attacked you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:25:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hello! Would you like to engage in a social call? Perhaps a territorial dispute? It seems you're having trouble deciding."

Speak with the woman! Break the ice! Prepare to dodge!

"Social... call...?" she whispers her question, speaking slowly. Hm. Maybe she's just shell shocked?
"Territorial... dispute!" she keeps whispering, but that last word is said with more intensity.
She starts very very slowly taking a step towards you.
"Territory... I'll... dispute!" she says as she does so. Her eyes don't stop looking yours.
Hm. The ice doesn't appear broken. If anything, it's even more chilly now. Unless she's going for a very slow and quiet hug.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 09:23:14 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah! I see you are possibly insane and/or a wizard, and you feel you need to dispute some territory! This is most interesting, clearly! However, note that my territory does not extend further than one foot from my body, and the rest I assume defaults to you, then!"

"Now, thing is, we have no beef at the moment, though our interests may overlap. So I'll state the question clearly, my dear, what do you want?"

Ask friendly question of this friendly new friend. Be ready for shenanigans and dodging.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 11:56:38 am

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 02, 2015, 11:35:19 am

Survival, no matter the cost

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

((I'm the best doctor ever.))

((Well, compared to everyone else, I think you've done quite a good job at doctoring.))

The 'procedure' continues for a few more seconds. The cutting and the burning of your insides. The front of the machine opens up and vents a mixture of blood and flesh you assume was once your lung, spraying it on Saevus' back. It is followed by a still running mini-chainsaw and the smell of burning flesh and crushed bone. There is another ding. Nothing else happens.

You feel light headed and weak, like you've lost a lot of blood. And you have a giant... 'medical' thing around your chest that is still running, the chainsaw sticking out of the giant hole in your chest still rotating (should probably watch out where you point that), smoke still exiting the exhaust pipes. But at least you're not dead and you don't feel like you're suffocating anymore. Kinda makes you wonder what will happen to your host when you're gone... assuming you survive until the end.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 02, 2015, 12:02:47 pm

Survival

Take the wheel and drive away using the awesome driving skills of a magical medieval golem/robot. Attempt to blast away any projectiles and/or other cars.

You get to the driver's seat, glad that your blast took away the roof and driver's seat, since it makes the transition slightly easier. You grab the wheel and steer away from the wall. You don't bother with the pedals, given that with your legs it would be hard to use them. No time to adjust the seat. You just let the car keep going on idle speed and try not to crash. Which is easier said then done. The flat tire isn't helping.

You hear more gunshots coming from behind. You hear some of them impact the car, but you're not sure if anything important was hit. Still, they sound like they're not getting very close to you. Would be a bit hard to hit them, especially while you're focused on driving.

You can see the end of the tunnel coming up, the wall there illuminated by alternating red and blue lights, accompanied by the sound of rain.

Quote from: Alarith on February 02, 2015, 10:57:52 pm

Bryan survival

---

Try to say/mouth, "I can help you kill them if you keep me alive." to the occupants of the car I am on.

The men look at each other for a second.
"Fuck this shit."
The driver abruptly swerves left and right while the gunner gets ready to shoot. You can't hold on. You fall to the side. You manage to grab the car's mirror and doorhandle, barely managing to hold on the wet metal, your feet occasionally touching the ground.

The gunner keeps firing at the car in front until his gun is empty. You can see him getting something very big from the back seat.
The driver glances at you. You can sense mostly anxiety coming out of him. Not that you need special abilities to sense that. The tension is visible in his face. Looks like he's trying to decide if he should focus solely on driving or if he should take care of you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 09:23:14 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah! I see you are possibly insane and/or a wizard, and you feel you need to dispute some territory! This is most interesting, clearly! However, note that my territory does not extend further than one foot from my body, and the rest I assume defaults to you, then!"

"Now, thing is, we have no beef at the moment, though our interests may overlap. So I'll state the question clearly, my dear, what do you want?"

Ask friendly question of this friendly new friend. Be ready for shenanigans and dodging.

She takes two more steps as she speaks.
"Overlap... Dispute... My territory... My body... My dear..."
"Want... My dear... My territory..."
She keeps staring at you, making you feel a bit uncomfortable. If that's her way of coming on to you, she clearly needs more practice. Not many guys go for the whole creepy quiet stalker thing.
Maybe you should approach her and shake her to her senses? Tell her to calm down and get a hold of herself? Or would that make things worse?
Too bad you have nobody to talk to about this.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 12:03:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Your conversational technique clearly needs work!"

Ike clears his throat.

"Not my territory... Feeling helpful... Need precise instructions... Stop pausing... Expand vocabulary..."

Attempt to master this exotic dialect. Make sure to keep my distance from the woman.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 12:19:31 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 12:03:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Your conversational technique clearly needs work!"

Ike clears his throat.

"Not my territory... Feeling helpful... Need precise instructions... Stop pausing... Expand vocabulary..."

Attempt to master this exotic dialect. Make sure to keep my distance from the woman.

She takes two more steps towards you. Looks like she's moving a bit faster now.
"Help... My body... Overlap... Body my- Body mine... My territory..."
You take a single step back. You prepare to take another, but reconsider. Is backing away such a good idea? What if she's like a dog, trying to scare you into running so she can attack? Besides, she's clearly trying to be friendly. I mean, she's taking care to walk so slowly and quietly you can't hear any of the noise she's making, not even the sound her clothes rubbing against each other, not even the sound of her breathing. Would you abandon someone who put so much effort to approaching you? How cruel and uncaring about others can you be?

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Toaster on February 03, 2015, 12:46:55 pm

Survival

"Uhhhhghhh..."

I had a tommy gun at one point.  If I still do, fire like crazy at the car behind us.  If it needs ammo, make some and fire behind us.  If I don't have it at all, start summoning and throwing backwards frag grenades.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 01:02:31 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You need help, it seems. Let me throw you some linguistic bones, then! Let's go: dimensions, parasites, property, willpower, explosion, resurrection, theft, life, death, I am, you are, we are, pain, suffering, horror, provide, aid, refugee, yellow land octopus, sphere, bones, skin, flesh, blood, nose, ears, feet, robes, sky, ground, horizon, people, friend, enemy, ham, bread, water, save, hate, love, kill, magic, crush, destroy, brutalize, vandalize, sodomize, victimize, give, take, beasts, spirits, cataclysm, soul... Do any of those help you express yourself?"

Don't let her get into my personal space. She hasn't obtained that level of personal trust. Keep my distance. Do so in a circling way to establish dominance - circle around her at a distance and make sure I'm not getting backed up against a wall or anything. Be ready to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Hawk132 on February 03, 2015, 01:11:17 pm

Survival

Keep driving. Try to blast away any large projectile that I'm unable to dodge away from.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2015, 01:15:14 pm

((Um, Harry, I see your theory, and it ALMOST matches up. but...))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 08:21:22 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:25:37 am

"Hello! Would you like to engage in a social call? Perhaps a territorial dispute? It seems you're having trouble deciding."

"Territory... I... dispute!"

((You didn't say "I" to her before this statement.
otherwise though, it matches up perfectly. so this might be an oversight, or a shortened version of "It"))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 01:21:50 pm

((@lenglon: I meant to write that as "I'll", but the forum decided to eat that. I'll go edit it now. Other then that, everything is as it should.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2015, 01:28:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 01:21:50 pm

((@lenglon: I meant to write that as "I'll", but the forum decided to eat that. I'll go edit it now. Other then that, everything is as it should.))

((I'll is first said in Ike's reply to "Territory... I... Dispute", before that, he mostly says variations of "you". and that's if you include what he said to river before she even appeared.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2015, 02:06:26 pm

"You need to do it now! You cannot hold them for long!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:25:37 am

"Hello! Would you like to engage in a social call? Perhaps a territorial dispute? It seems you're having trouble deciding."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 08:21:22 am

"Social... call...?"
"Territorial... dispute!"
"Territory... I... dispute!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 09:23:14 am

"Ah! I see you are possibly insane and/or a wizard, and you feel you need to dispute some territory! This is most interesting, clearly! However, note that my territory does not extend further than one foot from my body, and the rest I assume defaults to you, then!"

"Now, thing is, we have no beef at the moment, though our interests may overlap. So I'll state the question clearly, my dear, what do you want?"

((see?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 01:50:29 pm

((@Lenglon: I never disputed that. Though "Territorial" and "Territory I'll" do sound similar, don't they? On the other hand, was "mine" ever said by Ike? Hmm...))

((It's very fun working with elements. Every mix gives rise to interesting ideas. Too bad you know nothing about them except what River has been able to discern, because I've made a nice little drawing about them to help me better visualise how they work. If you're lucky, you'll hopefully come upon that knowledge eventually and I'll be able to use it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2015, 02:03:27 pm

((no... he only said my, not mine...))

---

((welp, Ike has made his move, so the question is what her response is I suppose.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 03:13:47 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 01:02:31 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You need help, it seems. Let me throw you some linguistic bones, then! Let's go: dimensions, parasites, property, willpower, explosion, resurrection, theft, life, death, I am, you are, we are, pain, suffering, horror, provide, aid, refugee, yellow land octopus, sphere, bones, skin, flesh, blood, nose, ears, feet, robes, sky, ground, horizon, people, friend, enemy, ham, bread, water, save, hate, love, kill, magic, crush, destroy, brutalize, vandalize, sodomize, victimize, give, take, beasts, spirits, cataclysm, soul... Do any of those help you express yourself?"

Don't let her get into my personal space. She hasn't obtained that level of personal trust. Keep my distance. Do so in a circling way to establish dominance - circle around her at a distance and make sure I'm not getting backed up against a wall or anything. Be ready to dodge.

You start speaking, backing away at the same time, but she does her best to keep getting closer to you. You think you see the edges of her lips rise for a moment as you speak, as if in a smile.
"You help. Help more." she responds. You think there's definitely more vocabulary there now.
You keep moving, but you think she is getting closer regardless. You don't think it's much closer, just a bit. You think she is moving faster now. You think her dark red hair look more vibrant now.
"I want you. You aid me. I take aid I need to aid."
You think she is talking louder now, although she is still whispering.
"Keep expressing yourself. Stop circling. I need it."
You think your head is starting to hurt.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2015, 03:22:03 pm

((So she IS trying to possess / feed off him. Neat. Wonder if ignoring her, denying her, attacking her, or helping her is the right move...))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:35:15 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Would you be some kind of soul-stealing vampire? Yes, no! I'm fairly sure I could find you somebody less important to fulfill your hunger for lifeblood or lifethought in that event, and I could certainly offer you quite a bit of help with hunting the local refugees if so. Always a good minion and ready ally, that's what I like to be."

Continue circling, retreating at a faster pace. Grab a rock.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2015, 07:40:29 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2015, 03:35:15 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Would you be some kind of soul-stealing vampire? Yes, no! I'm fairly sure I could find you somebody less important to fulfill your hunger for lifeblood or lifethought in that event, and I could certainly offer you quite a bit of help with hunting the local refugees if so. Always a good minion and ready ally, that's what I like to be."

Continue circling, retreating at a faster pace. Grab a rock.

You pass by the collapsed building as you retreat and grab a brick. You manage to maintain your distance.
"I need body. I need it to aid. To do. To hunt."
You're not sure if she's asking you to give her a body or asking for your body. Why are magical things always so obscure?
The pain in your head is getting even worse. You can feel your heart beating in your temples, hear it in your ears.
"I need you expressing yourself. Help me be me."
Well, this conversation is getting repetitive. You should teach her your name and the word 'hope' so she can make a star wars reference.
"That's what I like you to be."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: XXXXYYYY on February 03, 2015, 10:03:49 pm

This was a marvelous read! Don't mind me._^PTW

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 12:55:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike nods, smiling for a moment.

Throw brick at her head, make a quick retreat, get another brick.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on February 04, 2015, 12:56:50 am

Quote from: XXXXYYYY on February 03, 2015, 10:03:49 pm

This was a marvelous read! Don't mind me._^PTW

((Come! Come join the madness!))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 08:03:08 am

Quote from: XXXXYYYY on February 03, 2015, 10:03:49 pm

This was a marvelous read! Don't mind me._^PTW

Glad you enjoy it.  :)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 12:55:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike nods, smiling for a moment.

Throw brick at her head, make a quick retreat, get another brick.

She stops moving as you draw your hand back. The pain in your head increases.
You run towards her and throw the brick straight at her head. Her head breaks apart as the brick goes through it, exploding into a cloud of ash and dust, followed shortly by the rest of her body.
You quickly back away, trying not to breathe the ash. You approach the collapsed building and grab another brick.
You feel slightly better now. But it doesn't appear to be a permanent solution. The cloud of ash is shrinking, condensing into a shape.
"You are mine."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 10:37:18 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike shrugs and smiles once more.

Run for it! Full speed away!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 11:51:15 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 10:37:18 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike shrugs and smiles once more.

Run for it! Full speed away!

You start walking away, but then you reconsider. Would letting her borrow your body for a while really be such a bad thing? What would be wrong with that? It's not like there's anything to worry about. I mean, she seems really nice.  Yes, she'll probably do whatever she wants to do with it and then hand it back to you. Just like lending a friend your car. The worst that can happen is that they crash it somewhere or use it to do some crime. But she seems responsible, you don't think she'd do something like that. Besides, all this running away thing sounds really tiring. Yes, you should probably just go over there and get it over with.

Having convinced yourself to not run away, you instead approach the reforming cloud of ash.
"Yes. Come to me."
A hand made out of particles of ash frozen in the air reaches out towards your head. Her body has almost fully reformed. Only a couple of steps stand between you.
"Give it to me."
Your head is starting to feel really bad. You sense something dripping out of your nose. You can taste blood.
"I will have what I need. I will do what I want."

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 12:21:46 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike starts to vigorously shake his head. This probably isn't good.

The taste of blood means something is wrong, clearly. Retreat and rethink this idea. While loaning a body to what is clearly some kind of ashwraith may seem reasonable right now, chances are it would be something to regret later. Try the retreat-throw brick strategy again.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 01:13:45 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 12:21:46 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike starts to vigorously shake his head. This probably isn't good.

The taste of blood means something is wrong, clearly. Retreat and rethink this idea. While loaning a body to what is clearly some kind of ashwraith may seem reasonable right now, chances are it would be something to regret later. Try the retreat-throw brick strategy again.

You try to retreat, walking backwards, but you're confused. Maintaining your willpower is getting harder and harder. You can't decide exactly what you want to do. You trip and fall backwards. You throw the brick and it goes through her torso, but the resulting cloud keeps moving your way, even as it begins to reform. You keep crawling backwards and manage to get some distance between you, but if this keeps going, you are not going to last for long.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 01:21:41 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Well then, two things can really be done:

1) We've all heard that the best defense is a good offense. Attempt to reform my thoughts toward the single purpose of hostility, and force the ashwraith back through sheer willpower.
2) Shriek in as unearthly a manner as possible to attract attention and help with the thought-focusing.

And if that doesn't work, nonspecifically resist and retreat.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 02:36:41 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 01:21:41 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Well then, two things can really be done:

1) We've all heard that the best defense is a good offense. Attempt to reform my thoughts toward the single purpose of hostility, and force the ashwraith back through sheer willpower.
2) Shriek in as unearthly a manner as possible to attract attention and help with the thought-focusing.

And if that doesn't work, nonspecifically resist and retreat.

You keep retreating, but the creature is getting closer and closer. You just can't focus enough to do anything. Her hands reach out and touch the sides of your head. They feel cold and have the texture of ash, but they are not very strong. It feels like they're falling apart just by you shaking your head.
"I will make you not resist. It will be better. We will be better."
You see a dark red glow in the head shaped cloud of dust, where her eyes would have been.
"Together."
Your scream is cut short as your throat floods with ash. The ash is swirling around your head and body. You try to cough but that only makes things worse. Everything becomes grey.

You fall unconscious.

---

Lenglon
You wake up.

You feel strange. A bit weak, but mostly just dizzy. You think you'll be fine in a while, just need some time. Maybe something to eat.

You are lying on the table you were standing on when the procedure started, in that small storage room filled with stone furniture. Besides you is something warm. Turning to look, you see Zechariah lying on the table beside you, his wings open underneath him.

River is standing over him with his hands on his chest and his eyes closed.

The hair near his hands (which you now notice have no wires around them) stand on end for a second and Zechariah stirs.

River opens his eyes, smiles (revealing his teeth in the process) and leans over Zechariah.

---

DAF
You wake up.

You are lying on your back on something hard, rough and cold. That is made even more uncomfortable from the fact that you are completely naked, save for a metal wire around your neck and something soft and warm touching your side. Besides the feeling of being cold, there's also the feeling of extreme hunger and dizziness that adds to your discomfort.

You open your eyes and are greeted by shiny black fur, razor sharp teeth and a pair of amber eyes staring into yours, all a few centimetres away from your face.
"Hello!" the teeth move to accompany the enthusiastic voice, revealing even more of their kind, carrying warm, moist air towards your face.
"Are you feeling well?"

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Salsacookies on February 04, 2015, 02:50:38 pm

I'm on a boat!

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 03:29:09 pm

((Ooh. If Ike survives this one, this might be the basis of Critical Lesson Number Three.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 04:03:13 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 03:29:09 pm

((Ooh. If Ike survives this one, this might be the basis of Critical Lesson Number Three.))

(("Always rum away from weird things", "Acquire knowledge or stick with someone who knows about weird things", "Never again get volunteered for guard duty", "Never get left alone, especially in conditions resembling the plot of a thriller" or "Put some points in willpower"?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 04, 2015, 04:03:51 pm

Campaign

Zechariah blinked once, and then twice. He took a few shallow breaths at first, but steadied his breathing soon enough. He was aware of both the fact that he had a metal wire around him and the fact that he was evidently unclothed. For this, he squirmed around in place, trying to make himself modest. He also took in the cold, exacerbated by the fact that he was used to always wearing a sweater or jacket over his clothes, which were also not present.

"Um.. I'm really cold, I guess," he said with a bit of confusion in his voice."Where.. what.. wait, where am I?" he asks, bouncing between words as he tries to clear his mind of the fatigue and disorientation.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 04:06:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 04:03:13 pm

(("Always rum away from weird things", "Acquire knowledge or stick with someone who knows about weird things", "Never again get volunteered for guard duty", "Never get left alone, especially in conditions resembling the plot of a thriller" or "Put some points in willpower"?))

(("Put points in willpower" is kind of a one-time thing. I mostly mean "react to suspicious strangers with armed hostility unless mission parameters dictate otherwise".

Right now, though, I'm hoping the body repurposing kills Ike off for good. After all, would be a bit hard to imagine a situation where his soul sphere might survive that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Lenglon on February 04, 2015, 04:10:02 pm

<In the rubble of the city we blew up, along with ourselves. River just revived you. Right now it's just River, Ike, me, and you alive>
I stay low to the table and hope that I won't get buffeted too hard by Zech's twisting about.

---

((to HB: Why do you want Ike perma-dead?))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 05:05:08 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 04:06:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 04:03:13 pm

(("Always rum away from weird things", "Acquire knowledge or stick with someone who knows about weird things", "Never again get volunteered for guard duty", "Never get left alone, especially in conditions resembling the plot of a thriller" or "Put some points in willpower"?))

(("Put points in willpower" is kind of a one-time thing. I mostly mean "react to suspicious strangers with armed hostility unless mission parameters dictate otherwise".))

I guess doing that could had made things easier, but not by much. This was literally one of the worst (read "hardest") if not the worst event you could roll.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 04, 2015, 04:03:51 pm

Campaign

Zechariah blinked once, and then twice. He took a few shallow breaths at first, but steadied his breathing soon enough. He was aware of both the fact that he had a metal wire around him and the fact that he was evidently unclothed. For this, he squirmed around in place, trying to make himself modest. He also took in the cold, exacerbated by the fact that he was used to always wearing a sweater or jacket over his clothes, which were also not present.

"Um.. I'm really cold, I guess," he said with a bit of confusion in his voice."Where.. what.. wait, where am I?" he asks, bouncing between words as he tries to clear his mind of the fatigue and disorientation.

"Here!" he says, as if the answer explains everything.
He moves away from your face and points around at the dark small storage room filled with slightly ash-covered rock furniture, illuminated by the light coming through a door.
"In the city. With Irine and me." he adds, gesturing at the three tailed fox laying beside you.
"I will find something for the cold!" he declares and starts to move away from you.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2015, 05:42:30 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 04, 2015, 04:10:02 pm

((to HB: Why do you want Ike perma-dead?))

((Because I have other cool character concepts I'd like to try out. I'm a GM at heart, you see. Don't get overly attached to my characters as a consequence.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Xantalos on February 04, 2015, 08:03:05 pm

((I kinda have the same attitude only I'm no GM; I just like to cause as much hilarity as I can before the character's inevitable death.))

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: Alarith on February 04, 2015, 09:46:28 pm

Bryan survival

---

Try to make a telekinetic push to the lower front of the car with the characters in it.

Title: Re: Special People: Explosive Extraction
Post by: NAV on February 05, 2015, 11:30:54 pm

((Lucky Ike indeed.))

Quote from: XXXXYYYY on February 03, 2015, 10:03:49 pm

This was a marvelous read! Don't mind me._^PTW

((XY! Join usssssssssss!))

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 06, 2015, 08:27:16 pm

---

Survival

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 03, 2015, 12:46:55 pm

Survival

"Uhhhhghhh..."

I had a tommy gun at one point.  If I still do, fire like crazy at the car behind us.  If it needs ammo, make some and fire behind us.  If I don't have it at all, start summoning and throwing backwards frag grenades.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 03, 2015, 01:11:17 pm

Survival

Keep driving. Try to blast away any large projectile that I'm unable to dodge away from.

Quote from: Alarith on February 04, 2015, 09:46:28 pm

Bryan survival

---

Try to make a telekinetic push to the lower front of the car with the characters in it.

Now, what happens next is a bit complicated and happens in the span of a few seconds. But I will try to explain to the best of my ability.

Imagine everything happening in slow motion (http://youtu.be/V57fj584Oe8?t=45m47s). The illumination on the cars slowly getting brighter and then darker as they pass through the dark gaps between the light spots provided by the lights attached on the tunnels walls. Particles of smoke and fire, slowly drifting away from the lead car's engine where the exhaust pipes have become detached. The pistons moving up and down, causing the engine to slowly move left and right. Droplets of water being pushed upwards by the car's wheels, drifting through the air, exploding against the hull of the pursuing car and then sliding backwards until they leave it and fall to the ground again.

John attempts to summon some ammo for his gun while the gunner of the pursuing car readies his rocket launcher, trying to get the lead car in his sights. John only manages to get two rounds, assembling them out of three simple pieces that are being manifested straight into the barrel and the magazine of his tommygun as he moves it to take aim.

They both fire at the same time. John's attempt is hampered by the driver of the pursuing car noticing his attempt. He turns the wheel, sending the car towards the left, just a second before John fires. The same cannot be said about the rocket now heading towards the car, leaving a trail of fire and smoke behind it.

At about the same time, Bryan makes a last ditch effort to push the car and cause it to crash. He is successful, but his attempt is short lived. Unfortunately for him, his hands slip on the wet metal. He falls off, impacting the asphalt at the same time the driver decides to dodge. The rear wheel of the car drives over his already injured body at high speed, fatally rearranging his insides in a burst of blood and guts and quickly rendering him still-tumbling roadkill.

Meanwhile, the rocket impacts the road underneath the car, sending fire and debris everywhere. That, combined with several other factors (such as Bryan's attack and the overall instability of the car) is enough to overwhelm Saevus' driving skills. The car looses traction and turns right. It crashes headfirst into the wall and starts tumbling along its side, throwing pieces of it everywhere. Some of those pieces happen to be pieces of its creator, John. More specifically pieces of John's head. Pieces he probably needs to stay alive. The disadvantages of a missing roll cage.

The car stops tumbling and starts slowing down in the midst of the police roadblock, illuminated by flashlights held under handguns, searchlights attached on the sides of car doors and red and blue rotating lights. The light reflected by the puddles of water on the ground and the raindrops falling in slow motion creates a majestic display.

In contrast to that light show outside, inside, the lights on Saevus' armour flicker and fade. He can feel his life force leaving him. The last thing he remembers is the screeching of tires trying and failing to brake on the wet road, the headlights of a car getting brighter as they head towards him and then nothing.

<Desynchronized.>

((Sooo... That happened. If that didn't do a very good job of explaining what happened, I believe you can figure it out if you cross reference it with the rolls provided.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Some rolls not shown because I forgot to write them down. But all the important ones are there, I think.

all rolled equal rflx (I hate it when that happens.)
toaster end->2
toaster pwr-> 4-2(pain,blood loss)+1
toaster dex-> 5-2+1(own equipment)
car driver awr->6
car driver rflx-> 5
bryan pwr-> 5-2(distracted by trying to hold on, heavy object)+1
bryan dex-> 4-1(distracted by trying to hold on)
bryan str-> 1-1(driver dodging)
car gunner dex-> 4-1(driver dodging)
saevus awr-> 4-2
saevus driving-> ((1-2) + (2-2))/2 (bryan's attack, is a giant suit of armour trying to drive a car, rocket impact, unstable car (flat tire, overall unstable build))
bryan end-> 5-3 (awkwardly falling off a car at high speed)
toaster end-> 1-3 (horrible car crash, no seatbelt)
saevus end-> 3*1.5-3 (horrible car crash, no seatbelt, armour)
car driver rflx->2

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 04, 2015, 02:50:38 pm

I'm on a boat!

((I'll just make some simplified rolls so we can get on with it.))

You run through the wall, through the glass window at the front of the store and make a beeline for the police station, going straight through the garage's entrance, running as fast as you can.

As is to be expected, even with the rain helping to conceal you, you are spotted and soon there are three heavily armed men firing at you from the windows of the police station, with two more chasing after you. You manage to evade their fire by hiding behind cars and make your way through the lot without injury.

You finally reach the small pier where police used to tether their boats. There are only a couple of civilian boats there, modified with extra search lights and some sort of fireman's ladder attached. One of it even has a machinegun nest. You can see a cargo ship out in the open sea that is moving closer to the channel, briefly illuminated by lightning.

You choose one of the boats at random. It is empty, but unfortunately, it lacks a key. You untie it from the pier anyway and push it away, hoping the stream will carry you away. Your pursuers catch up to you while you do so.

They open fire on the vessel. You manage to get to cover but the boat's thin walls are easily penetrated. One of the bullet goes through your gut. You try your best to stop the bleeding, but you can't manage to do so before you fall unconscious. You die on the floor, laying in an expanding pool of blood.

<Desynchronized.>

---

The night went as it should. Sure, there were some setbacks, but those are to be expected. In the end you succeeded, just like you were supposed to do.

Managing it still takes effort though. The others can take care of the little things, but you have to double check them, to research them, make sure there is nothing they missed. The world runs on details. On signs. All one has to do is keep their eyes open.

"Our contacts in the military say they will be making their move soon."
Ah. You had almost forgotten about him. You look up from the pictures laying on a bed of heavy old tomes open in various pages.
"The media confirm it. They are massing for an attack."
"Good. Let them attack."
"Sir?"
You can tell from his eyes that he doesn't understand. He'll know before the end. He'll get to see it. Understand it. You'll make sure. He deserves it, for the aid he has provided you with.
"Have them strike sooner if you can."
"But Sir! If they move in, we will not be able to hold the island for long. Isn't controlling the city why we took the island in the first place? The men there-"
"Yes, it is. And now we have no use for it anymore. The military will come in and make a mess of things like they always do."
And a bigger mess means less room for answers. Especially when you can make any inconveniences "disappear".

"Now tell me what really interests me. Did you find what I was looking for?"
"Uh... From what I can tell they knew nothing. We saw no sign of the vessel. And their actions did not seem to align with- Uh..."
You know what he is afraid to say. That your vision was wrong. But you know for certain. Your visions have never been wrong before.  They can not be wrong. The world itself speaks to you.
"Um... I mean, our men could not notice anything important about them, although there's always the chance there's something they missed, I-"
You raise a hand to make him stop talking.
"What's their location?"
"Only one of them survived. One of the ones we had managed to turn against the others. He is currently making his way out of the city."
Hm. That's interesting. Perhaps it is the sign you've been searching for.
"Transfer the money to him, as promised. But make sure our two friends keep an eye on him. If he figures out the tracker or if he tries to find out more about what happened, have them contact me."
Those simple demons were useful things. Taking advantage of their rituals to force them to accept you as their new master was easy once your body and mind changed. After all, who better to serve the chosen of the gods then their messengers?
"And bring me all information you can gather on him."
"Yes Sir!"
Those servants, those trusted ones, those who the most corrupt and ruthless of this world had trusted with their lives, they are somehow linked with your quest. Your vision showed you as much.

"What should we do with the others? Their masters? There could still be info we could recover about their 'business' and controlling-"
"They are of no use to us once the ritual is complete and the gate is open. Get rid of them. Their men and 'businesses' will be taken care of soon enough, if they haven't been already."
The man looks a bit surprised.
"Like I said, we are going to be improving this city. And the first thing to fixing something is taking out the trash. We will remove those parasites to make it strong again."
And give me room to work to complete the change this world needs. He may think you are doing this for power, for control, but this is not your goal.

You get up and start walking towards the window.

You do not care about money, power, all those petty things. Never did. But when you were chosen, you realized there was so much more to this world. A purpose, just for you. A way to fix the past.

Soon, the gates shall be open and the gods shall enter this world once more. The agents of nature will bend to your will. They will exterminate humanity and all its imperfections. In its place a new world will be given birth. The next stage in the evolution of humanity, with you as the patriarch of the new species. A never-changing world of perpetual bliss.

You look out the window, at the still rising smoke coming from the island, at the sun rising from the horizon creating golden reflections in the sea.
"A new day has dawned."
And the end draws near.

<Desynchronization complete.>

---

OOC
((Well, that's it. Good game everyone. Hope it was fun.

I'll be a bit busy until next weekend. If I find some time, I'll do the end-of-mission stuff then, otherwise I'll do it next weekend. Might make some campaign turns if I can.

Irrelevant: Like old games? Because this looks like fun: https://www.humblebundle.com/?20150203
I remember having fun playing some of those games. Some of them I didn't even play the full game, just some demos that came with PC Gamer CDs.
I need to go get a credit card. Or some bitcoin...

EDIT: Noticed that some words were eaten again. Tried to fix it, not sure if I got them all.))

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 06, 2015, 10:12:27 pm

((I apologize for not posting. Internet went out for a couple of days.))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 04, 2015, 04:10:02 pm

<In the rubble of the city we blew up, along with ourselves. River just revived you. Right now it's just River, Ike, me, and you alive>
I stay low to the table and hope that I won't get buffeted too hard by Zech's twisting about.

Zechariah exhaled through his nose and closed his eyes.

Spoiler: Zechariah's muse (click to show/hide)

Eido told me about how he witnessed so many living beings die over eons. Each time, he moved on and created new universes, trying new things, so that he may have the next universe be closer to breaking the Shadow. And every time, they would fail. Something or other would go wrong and then it'd be all over for those planets,t hose galaxies, those universes. They'd fall to the Shadow and we'd always be on the run, failing. Watching everything die. I couldn't comprehend how someone could live with failing so much and having their own creations die every single time.

He told me that he didn't try to comprehend, that physical death was a lesser threat than what would come about if he didn't persist.

So why, then, does it hurt so much? Why can't I follow his example and realize that there's a lot more a stake right now? I shouldn't be affected by the deaths of beings that I never knew. If not for these entities, I wouldn't even be here. I would never have crossed paths with any of these people. And, besides, I was still revived. So why does it matter?

...
I can't think right now. It just hurts too much to think about it. I can cry about it and break down later. Right now, we just need to survive.
Right now, we need to revive the others and get out of here. Maybe complete the mission.
Right now, we just need to...

"...live," he murmured. Zechariah gritted his teeth and kept his eyes closed for a few more moments. Finally, he open his eyes and looked on impassively.

"Okay. Where are the others, and how can we get them back too? And where are we going next?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2015, 05:05:08 pm

"Here!" he says, as if the answer explains everything.
He moves away from your face and points around at the dark small storage room filled with slightly ash-covered rock furniture, illuminated by the light coming through a door.
"In the city. With Irine and me." he adds, gesturing at the three tailed fox laying beside you.
"I will find something for the cold!" he declares and starts to move away from you.

Zechariah blinks again and says, "Okay then.. thanks."

He's oddly... cheery. I really hope that this is how the rest of the entities normally are.
I would like that a lot. It would make my life easier - well, my second life easier...

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Salsacookies on February 06, 2015, 10:14:56 pm

I died. :(. Hopefully next time I'll be able to use my power more  and not get in as bad a situation, or at least not as badly injured at the beginning of the game. This was fun, thanks for letting me play.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 01:18:18 am

<River hid their soul spheres, I think we'll go back to the cave he hid them in to rest tonight. It's a lot of work to revive someone.>
I stay lying down on the table, resting and waiting for the dizziness and unease to fade.

---

after River has left the area, I ask:
<Zech, did I do the right thing when I stopped River?>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 02:32:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 01:18:18 am

<River hid their soul spheres, I think we'll go back to the cave he hid them in to rest tonight. It's a lot of work to revive someone.>
I stay lying down on the table, resting and waiting for the dizziness and unease to fade.

---

after River has left the area, I ask:
<Zech, did I do the right thing when I stopped River?>

Zechariah sighs once again. He didn't think that he was particularly good at "right or wrong" questions, but he would try his best to answer.
<We didn't know what would happen. We knew there would be an explosion, but not how powerful it would be. You and I thought we could contain it, that all of us together could fight it. You weren't wrong in thinking that. We could have stood together and held it back, maybe solving multiple problems at once. It was a great risk, but we took it anyways.

Things don't always go to plan. With risks, no matter how small the chance of danger, you accept that there is a possibility of total failure. River wanted to ensure that we could - that we would escape and regroup later.
The truth is that there was no solid right or wrong with what we did. We thought that we would be able to defend against the explosion, but we got it wrong, and we couldn't have measured that.

I'm rambling, I know. What I mean is that you did what you thought made sense to you. We might die doing what we do, but I think that you already know what the risk is with that.

What about you, though? Do you think that you did the right thing by stopping River, or did you endanger us all?>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 02:42:42 am

<I think I did the right thing the wrong way.>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 03:21:07 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 02:42:42 am

<I think I did the right thing the wrong way.>

<But.. you couldn't have predicted what the outcome was. You did what you believed was best, and while it didn't turn out as well as we would have liked, we're still here, right?

I mean, yeah.. it's really tough. Everything that was alive in this city died because of our mistakes. But we're alive and we'll be able to revive the others. Maybe, we took out the portal and the parasites also. It's definitely not the most desirable outcome, but given our luck, I think we could have done a whole lot worse.
River's passionate, too. Moreso than the other entities that I've encountered. There was also a chance that, had he died, we may not have been able to recover his soulsphere, and how would Theri have been affected by that? Your heart's in the right place. Maybe we all need a bit of fixing in the head, but.. you didn't do wrong.>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 03:35:03 pm

<The ends don't justify the means. I was ready to murder Theri, to burn her alive and hear her screams of pain as it happened, in order to control River and take away his ability, his right, to choose what to do with his life. That. Is. Wrong.>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2015, 04:56:03 pm

---

Campaign

---

Lenglon & DAF
River comes out of the back of the store a while later, holding a giant stack of expensive looking clothes, using his head to keep them balanced.
"I found many. In one of those rock boxes."
He dumps them unceremoniously on a chaise longue. He keeps looking at them.
"Choose what is comfortable."
He holds a tyrian purple shirt up and looks at it for a moment, as if pondering whether or not he should buy it. He tosses it aside a few seconds later and starts quickly walking out of the room. He pauses at the threshold.
"... Do you feel you can move? Or do you need more rest?" he says without turning around to face you.

---

OOC

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 06, 2015, 10:14:56 pm

I died. :(. Hopefully next time I'll be able to use my power more  and not get in as bad a situation, or at least not as badly injured at the beginning of the game. This was fun, thanks for letting me play.

Yeah, I feel kind of bad because you really made an effort while trying to have fun. You just got unlucky with your choices.

Next mission you can choose something more close quarters combat oriented. Maybe something during the late medieval period? Or even antiquity. Or some sort of sci-fi/fantasy setting where guns are worthless (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GunsAreWorthless).

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 05:24:05 pm

<I think so, um, could one of you pick out a set of clothes for me? I'd like to have some but I think I should stay full-fox for now.>
I stand up and see how dizzy I am, if I'm ok, then I hop down and walk over to River. If not, then I stay standing there for a couple moments and see if the world stops spinning.

---

if I still can't be sure I'll land safely from hopping off the table, then:
<Um, never mind. I... could one of you carry me?>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 07:05:04 pm

"Thanks, River. I appreciate it." Zechariah moved to his feet unsteadily and went to pick out some clothes for himself. He wasn't particularly choosy about what he wore as long as he basically had a jacket, shirt, and pants. After looking through the clothes, he settled and put on a long-sleeved blue dress shirt, a quarter-zip black sweater, and some black slacks to match. Though it wasn't the most form-fitting, it was pretty nice given the circumstances.

"I'll get something for you, Irine." He spends a minute or so looking for something that would be practical for her to wear. The range for selection was somewhat small, but he did his best to find something that wasn't entirely extravagant. After finding something that looked decent, he went over to Irine and presented her with the clothes: a white-and-purple shirtdress that is tied with a strip of fabric at the waist, a pair of black leggings, and a light, dark-grey coat. Although the clothing doesn't seem to match all that well, it would seem to be fine enough for moving around a lot if necessary.

"Would this be alright for you?" He checks behind him to see if River is nearby or not and then leans in closer, whispering to Irine.
"Anything you would have done to stop him would have been going against his free will. The only way not to was to let him go and sacrifice himself. I'm not saying that threatening Theri was the right answer, but what else could you have done to get his attention? We didn't have time. I hate it also. I would never encourage violence, ever. But do you think that we could have guaranteed that we would have saved River's soulsphere, even in the chaos? That we wouldn't have died anyways due to some other stupid reason?

I know free will means a lot to you. I know it seems absolutely wrong that you did what you did back there. But you were forced to make a decision under the threat of life or death for everyone involved. It's not always going to be black and white, light or dark. We're all going to have to take some dangerous risks, make some terrible sacrifices sometimes. It hurts to do so, but we're all still here - at least, we'll all be here soon.

If you still feel like you betrayed River, I would talk to him about it. Explain why you did what you did and see what his reaction is. I can't guarantee that he'll forgive you, but at least you might be able to sleep a little better knowing that you told him the truth behind the decision you made."

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 07:36:02 pm

Cool game, just read through it and it's really impressive how you did it.
PTW

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Wolfkit on February 07, 2015, 08:11:33 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 07:36:02 pm

Cool game, just read through it and it's really impressive how you did it.
PTW

If you want to join, now's a good time since the survival mission just ended.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 08:34:21 pm

<I think that would be nice, thank you.>

To Zech alone:<We already had that talk. I think he'll forgive me. That doesn't make it right. I just can't think of what I should have done instead.>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 08:59:39 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 07, 2015, 08:11:33 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 07:36:02 pm

Cool game, just read through it and it's really impressive how you did it.
PTW

If you want to join, now's a good time since the survival mission just ended.

((Yhea, I'm thinking about it, first stumbling block there, however, is the special power.
How about... A magical sacrificial dagger that causes no pain when a cut is inflicted and heals any wound caused by itself nearly instantly but if you impale yourself through the chest with it and speak the name of an emotion like anger, empathy or fear, a fully formed clone will come out of the wound having only those emotions available. If it is killed then character A loses that emotion permanently.
Perhaps not, however, might be a touch powerful.

What about the ability to near freely change the shape, size, or space of anything not seen while the machine or creature changed will show absolutely no effects until the change has been shown, as in, he could change it so his heart is positioned inside his foot with no negative side effects until any part of his body is opened up or the heart is seen, at which point everything changed then must adhere to whatever reality is in effect at the time, so suddenly he dies from the fact that his heart is completely unable to fit inside his foot and the blood cannot be pumped properly throughout the body, or he could change...
Nah, nah, too weird of an ability, I don't have the imagination to make the most of it.

Well, I'll see if I can put in a character sheet, but it'll take a while of thinking.))

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 09:07:54 pm

Zechariah nods and says, "I understand. I'm not saying that it makes it right. But don't dwell on what already happened. We'll all recover from this, and I think that River will be fine with you. Instead of worrying about what's already passed over, look to the future. Think about how we'll use our second chance to make things better. That's what we have to hope for."

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 09:45:16 pm

<No. I'm done with thinking for now. I have a chance to relax here and forget my responsibilities without abandoning them, I'm taking it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 10:21:19 pm

"That's good, do that. We all need to rest."

Find a place to sit down and maybe nap if possible. If we're going to be moving soon, just lie down and wait to move out.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Alarith on February 07, 2015, 10:51:31 pm

((Well that was painful for almost everybody.))

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2015, 10:52:50 pm

Campaign

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 05:24:05 pm

<I think so, um, could one of you pick out a set of clothes for me? I'd like to have some but I think I should stay full-fox for now.>
I stand up and see how dizzy I am, if I'm ok, then I hop down and walk over to River. If not, then I stay standing there for a couple moments and see if the world stops spinning.

You jump off the table and land awkwardly but safely.
"Good. We need to decide what to do. If we hurry, I can work on more today." he says and walks out of the door.
Would have been a bit funny if you survived all this just to get killed by a table though.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2015, 10:21:19 pm

Find a place to sit down and maybe nap if possible. If we're going to be moving soon, just lie down and wait to move out.

((I am not giving another description of the city because busy. I assume you know where you are. If not, say so.))
The two of you follow River outside once you are done.
The area around you is devoid of life and deathly silent. Not even the wind is blowing.
It's some time past midday, perhaps about three quarters of the day in.
Zechariah should be able to see the refugee camp in the distance and a smaller one being assembled on the opposite side of the road leading to the eastern mountains.

River has turned quadruped again and is currently sniffing a quite large pile of ash, lying amidst two bricks, with a set of footprints leading away from it.

---

OOC

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 08:59:39 pm

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 07, 2015, 08:11:33 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 07, 2015, 07:36:02 pm

Cool game, just read through it and it's really impressive how you did it.
PTW

If you want to join, now's a good time since the survival mission just ended.

((Yhea, I'm thinking about it, first stumbling block there, however, is the special power.
How about... A magical sacrificial dagger that causes no pain when a cut is inflicted and heals any wound caused by itself nearly instantly but if you impale yourself through the chest with it and speak the name of an emotion like anger, empathy or fear, a fully formed clone will come out of the wound having only those emotions available. If it is killed then character A loses that emotion permanently.
Perhaps not, however, might be a touch powerful.

What about the ability to near freely change the shape, size, or space of anything not seen while the machine or creature changed will show absolutely no effects until the change has been shown, as in, he could change it so his heart is positioned inside his foot with no negative side effects until any part of his body is opened up or the heart is seen, at which point everything changed then must adhere to whatever reality is in effect at the time, so suddenly he dies from the fact that his heart is completely unable to fit inside his foot and the blood cannot be pumped properly throughout the body, or he could change...
Nah, nah, too weird of an ability, I don't have the imagination to make the most of it.

Well, I'll see if I can put in a character sheet, but it'll take a while of thinking.))

If you want to join, just come up with something you like and let me worry about balance. If I think something is too powerful, I'll either notify you or give you an appropriate disadvantage. It's what I do with all characters. This was supposed to be about PvP combat, so I've put some thought into balancing things.

Quote from: Alarith on February 07, 2015, 10:51:31 pm

((Well that was painful for almost everybody.))

That's why you should always wear a seatbelt kids! You never know when a telekinetic assassin is going to cause your car to crash! Safety first!

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 10:58:41 pm

go over to River and sniff the ash myself too.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Salsacookies on February 07, 2015, 11:01:58 pm

(Something close quarters would be cool, but not really necessary. I believe my power's very versatile, everything's a piece of armor or a weapon to me, because hardly anything's beyond my capabilities weight wise, and few things can stand in my way. I've kinda learned how my power works more, like it seems to me that impacts and vibrations hardly do anything but sting a bit, but sharp and slice weapons cut through like any regular guy, so steer clear of those. My observation, anyway. I just needed to find a big gun that last mission, then I would have been gold.)

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2015, 11:07:53 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 10:58:41 pm

go over to River and sniff the ash myself too.

The ground close to it smells like Ike and ash. Much of the ground around here smells like Ike, like he was walking around in circles, but it's stronger there. The trail moves away after that. Smells fresh, probably made less than an hour ago.

River is just standing there, looking down at the pile of ash, unmoving.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 11:11:10 pm

<River? Did you send Ike somewhere?>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2015, 12:27:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2015, 11:11:10 pm

<River? Did you send Ike somewhere?>

<No. He did not answer when I called him. I think he got bored and left. He can handle himself.>
He looks left and right and then down again, opening his mouth and then closing it again.
<But I feel... I can see the tint of magic here. There is a chance something happened and... Should I...?>
He uses a paw to poke and smear the ash.
<He should be close. It will not take much time. I can track him to make sure he...>
He turns to look at you.
<Will you two be fine on your own?>

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 08, 2015, 12:55:24 am

<Go now, we'll catch up when we can. I'll track the two of you. We'll be fine.>

---

follow River at our own pace, tracking where Ike and River went once he goes out of sight.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2015, 01:41:18 am

Follow along with Irine and keep my eyes out for anything that might look out of the ordinary. Well, even though this isn't an ordinary situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2015, 08:04:55 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 08, 2015, 12:55:24 am

<Go now, we'll catch up when we can. I'll track the two of you. We'll be fine.>

---

follow River at our own pace, tracking where Ike and River went once he goes out of sight.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 08, 2015, 01:41:18 am

Follow along with Irine and keep my eyes out for anything that might look out of the ordinary. Well, even though this isn't an ordinary situation.

River looks at Irene and then at Zechariah for a second before dashing away, occasionally slowing down and putting his nose closer to the ground before continuing his run. Soon he's out of sight, although the sound of his paws hitting the ground can still be heard for a while longer. The two of you try to follow as quickly as you can without overexerting yourselves.

You make your way through the toppled buildings and the burnt debris covering the streets, following River's tracks and Irene's nose. You keep going for a few minutes without incident. You don't come upon anything, living or dead. And then you hear a mental shout.
<COMM WIRES OFF! NOW!>

Any attempts to reach him after that command result in nothing but silence. Zechariah removes the wire from around your necks and puts them between the clothes he is holding. With that, they keep running. A few minutes later, you spot River. He is standing in the middle of an intersection with all four legs bent, his tail and ears low, snarling, growling. A few more steps reveal what he is looking at.
"Oh, good. Lizard and Jesus. Can you do something about our angry friend here? He's gone crazy, keeps trying to attack me with his black magic voodoo."

---

Harry Baldman
Being under the complete and total control of someone else, body and mind, is certainly a new experience. You can feel your body moving and it feels like you're moving it. And yet you know you made no conscious decision. Your mind keeps thinking back, you keep remembering your past. Especially your recent past. And this makes you a strange mix of happy and angry. But it feels involuntary. And whatever you do, you just can't bring yourself to do something. This is must be how people suffering from things like paranoia alien limb syndrome feel like... or maybe how your hosts feel when you take control of them.

You are walking. You don't remember when you started walking. But you are walking. Still the same city. New area. Haven't seen it before. Feels strange and familiar at the same time. It is sad to see so many houses destroyed. So many people gone. So many lives destroyed.

You feel cold. Very cold. You can see what little water is in the air condensing every time you breathe out, accompanied by a couple of ash particles. You look down. Your arms look white. Unhealthily white. This makes you upset. Does it make you upset? Or does it make the thing in your head upset?

You start moving faster. You are moving away from the centre of the city. Towards the east. Towards the wall. Your target is beyond the wall. In the tents. You know it.

But something else is here. You don't know how but you know it. Something that does not run away. Something that is coming towards you. One that feels like three.

You turn around to face it. For a moment you are surprised. That is a big dog. You don't remember seeing any of those around. Then you remember. The smell. Another target. You would prefer the other first. But the order doesn't matter.

<Hey.>
You look at it.
<Ike?>
That is your name. You should keep it talking. Talking makes it easier.
"Yes?"
<Are you feeling well?>
"Yes. Just out for a stroll. What brings you here?"
This thing fights back. Stronger than you were.
<What is wrong? What are you doing?>
"Me?" you say as you raise your hands to point to your chest.
"Nothing. What are you doing?"
Its eyes darken for a moment. You feel uneasy.
You know what those eyes mean. It knows what you are now. But you also know what it is.
<Let go of him.>
"No. I never cared the bodies of half-breeds. But I have to admit, I do like this. Both mind and body. It will help me do what I must."
<It was not a request.>
It lowers its stance, showing you its teeth.
This thing will be hard. You think about running, but you aren't sure. Maybe if you keep it talking for a while longer.
"'It was not a request.'" you repeat mockingly and wave your hands.
"I know what you are. You seem pretty harmless. You don't want to screw up like you did all those times before."
It takes a step back. Looks more scared now. Good. It is working.
<If you know what I am, if you can see my mind, then you know I can kill you.>
"You are indeed correct sir. But if that is truly the case, then why haven't you done so already? Perhaps because you know what I could do to this body?"
More. Another two, coming to you.
<I can revive him again.>
"But will I let you?"
<I do not care about him. But I will kill you if you get in my way.>
More silence. Time to be bold. You take a step toward it. Nothing.
"If that was true, you would had attacked."
<What do you want? His body will not last long with you. You can not stay here forever.>
"I was given this life for one purpose. Revenge. Punishment for those who deserve it. You did this. I know now. I will kill everyone you brought with you. I will save you for last. So that I can feel the pain of your failure. Remind you of everything you do not want to be reminded of. Then I will be happy."
He knows now. You do not care. You are right.
<I will not let you do that. Even if I have to kill him.>
He growls. He may attack.
But the others are here. The others will be easy targets. Just have to exploit them. Separate them.
Yes, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. You don't want to die.
"Oh, good. Lizard and Jesus. Can you do something about our angry friend here? He's gone crazy, keeps trying to attack me with his black magic voodoo."
You smile. You feel like you're trying too much too sound like you. Which seems kind of funny if you consider that you are you. At least part of you.

((Took some liberties to keep things moving so that Ike (and the rest of the team) doesn't have to spend even more time with nothing to do.

Trying to make someone sound like they are imitating someone else is hard.

I considered hiding this, but then I thought it would offer nothing, since you'd already know something was wrong. I'd have to feed HB the possessor's intentions through PMs and have him act them out and I think that would get tedious for him.))

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2015, 09:01:17 pm

Privately, to Zech: <I'm not using telepathy until we learn why River wanted us to remove the wires>

I look over at River and Ike. Then at River. Then at Ike. Back to River. Back to Ike.

and then I make a decision.

I attempt to use a up to three flame generation charges ((I don't know if River drained them or not, if not then I have 4 left for today)), and send out a large amount of flame to block all the exits from the area, preventing anyone from coming or going, trapping all four of us inside.

physically, I begin slowly circling around the perimeter, watching the two in the middle and attempting to stay as far away from them as possible, and to spread out away from Zech as well.

---

edit: note that I am currently expecting a telepathic assault, along the same or similar channels to my telepathic link, and will actively resist anyone that tries to access my mind in any way, including River.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2015, 10:11:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2015, 09:01:17 pm

Privately, to Zech: <I'm not using telepathy until we learn why River wanted us to remove the wires.>

Zechariah looked over to Irine and nodded once. Since River had told them to take off the comm wires, he had known that there was something wrong. He wasn't sure what he was looking at, but he knew that this was it.

Spoiler: Zechariah's Inner Conversation (click to show/hide)

This is a trap. This is going to end very badly. Think, Zechariah, think... what would Artemis do?

You called?

...
You're back. I would've thought that you'd take a longer while to get here, what with... dying and all.

Your incompetence never fails to impress me. I am your mental construct, nothing more! We went over this already! I appear when you want me to appear!

Well.. yeah, you're right, I guess. Then again, wasn't that the same thing with the real Artemis?

Are you going to debate the logic of your mind or are we going to do something?

Oh, yeah. Look, there's-

Have you forgotten that I can see everything you see? I AM YOU!

Would you just shut up for a moment and listen? Okay, you see what's happening. What should I do?

I think you already know the answer to that, Zechariah. You've always known the answer.

What are you- oh, yeah. I have that ability now.

Ahaaa, yes! The Shadow! Use it to your advantage, control and manipulate those who seek to destroy everything you strive for!

That's not what I'm going to do, Artemis. I'm... not going to forge lies anymore.

But is this the same as lying?

I still have to be careful. I could ruin myself with this power.

You already know that your fate was sealed when you shook hands with Artemis. There is no hope for you, no going back! Might as well make use of your powers while you still can!

...
I still believe you're wrong, but I'll keep that in mind. Now go away.

Zechariah exhaled through his nose and carefully set the clothes and wires down on the floor in front of him. He then put his hands to his sides and stepped forward slightly with his left foot, rotating his right foot out slightly. He didn't want to alert anybody yet to what he was doing.

He hoped that his powers wouldn't fail him now. He could prevent anything bad from happening if he was fast enough and his powers were under control.

Gather the Shadows around me. Make my movements slow and imperceptible. Prioritize the element of surprise over more power. After I gather enough of the Shadow, spread it out in tendrils to be ready to grab hold of someone or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2015, 12:46:45 am

There is no way they shall see through this brillo ploy, no siree!

Look forward to bright future of being in service to a not particularly bright ashwraith.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2015, 01:33:46 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 09, 2015, 10:11:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2015, 09:01:17 pm

Privately, to Zech: <I'm not using telepathy until we learn why River wanted us to remove the wires.>

Zechariah looked over to Irine and nodded once. Since River had told them to take off the comm wires, he had known that there was something wrong. He wasn't sure what he was looking at, but he knew that this was it.

Spoiler: Zechariah's Inner Conversation (click to show/hide)

This is a trap. This is going to end very badly. Think, Zechariah, think... what would Artemis do?

You called?

...
You're back. I would've thought that you'd take a longer while to get here, what with... dying and all.

Your incompetence never fails to impress me. I am your mental construct, nothing more! We went over this already! I appear when you want me to appear!

Well.. yeah, you're right, I guess. Then again, wasn't that the same thing with the real Artemis?

Are you going to debate the logic of your mind or are we going to do something?

Oh, yeah. Look, there's-

Have you forgotten that I can see everything you see? I AM YOU!

Would you just shut up for a moment and listen? Okay, you see what's happening. What should I do?

I think you already know the answer to that, Zechariah. You've always known the answer.

What are you- oh, yeah. I have that ability now.

Ahaaa, yes! The Shadow! Use it to your advantage, control and manipulate those who seek to destroy everything you strive for!

That's not what I'm going to do, Artemis. I'm... not going to forge lies anymore.

But is this the same as lying?

I still have to be careful. I could ruin myself with this power.

You already know that your fate was sealed when you shook hands with Artemis. There is no hope for you, no going back! Might as well make use of your powers while you still can!

...
I still believe you're wrong, but I'll keep that in mind. Now go away.

Zechariah exhaled through his nose and carefully set the clothes and wires down on the floor in front of him. He then put his hands to his sides and stepped forward slightly with his left foot, rotating his right foot out slightly. He didn't want to alert anybody yet to what he was doing.

He hoped that his powers wouldn't fail him now. He could prevent anything bad from happening if he was fast enough and his powers were under control.

Gather the Shadows around me. Make my movements slow and imperceptible. Prioritize the element of surprise over more power. After I gather enough of the Shadow, spread it out in tendrils to be ready to grab hold of someone or something.

You take the time to mentally and physically prepare for the use of your ability, trying to clear your mind and focus on your goal. The anxiety of the situation helps you forget your hunger for the moment. You know that doing this without your staff is going to be difficult, but you hope that the time you took to prepare combined with Scion's enhancements will help you overcome that limitation.

As River gets away from you, you start feeling better, more confident, as if you can actually do this.

((I am assuming this is a preparation action and you don't want me to actually roll for you to randomly grab something.

Keep reading.))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2015, 09:01:17 pm

Privately, to Zech: <I'm not using telepathy until we learn why River wanted us to remove the wires>

I look over at River and Ike. Then at River. Then at Ike. Back to River. Back to Ike.

and then I make a decision.

I attempt to use a up to three flame generation charges ((I don't know if River drained them or not, if not then I have 4 left for today)), and send out a large amount of flame to block all the exits from the area, preventing anyone from coming or going, trapping all four of us inside.

physically, I begin slowly circling around the perimeter, watching the two in the middle and attempting to stay as far away from them as possible, and to spread out away from Zech as well.

---

edit: note that I am currently expecting a telepathic assault, along the same or similar channels to my telepathic link, and will actively resist anyone that tries to access my mind in any way, including River.

You manage to make a somewhat short wall (about the same height as an average human) blocking the street behind Ike and the street behind you. You very slowly start spreading it to encircle the entire area, to ensure that they can't escape by climbing or going through a damaged building. It feels different from the last time you used your powers. This feels like it should be, like something is making you weaker, without all the extra power this place is giving you.

You also start slowly circling around the two, but before you can make more than a dozen steps River charges at Ike. River jumps towards Ike and hits him before Ike can do anything more than emit a surprised "Ah!" and raise his hands to shield himself. The combination of River's speed and mass is enough to push him to the ground. Ike desperately tries to use his hands to keep River from biting his neck, getting them pretty badly injured in the process.
"Stop!"
As River gets away from you, you fell the power returning, your ability becoming stronger again.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2015, 12:46:45 am

There is no way they shall see through this brillo ploy, no siree!

Look forward to bright future of being in service to a not particularly bright ashwraith.

((You are always welcome to give suggestions about how you can better kill your teammates. You did do a pretty good job at it last time.))

<See? They are already turning against you.>
<No.>
<When we defeat you, we will return to your den and kill the rest. I will make sure you can watch.>
<NO!>
You don't make any attempt to dodge as River charges at you. You just make sure you won't die too quickly by shielding your neck.
"Stop!"
You feel better. Like you could actually think and act for yourself if you tried hard enough. Looks like that ashwraith doesn't know as much as it thought it did. Or maybe this is all part of some sort of nefarious plan.
<I will kill you!>
At least, better from a mental aspect. Somehow not having your mind controlled makes you feel very weak, while the pain of being mauled by an angry alien space wolf thing is made all the worse. Plus you having your arm bleeding that much can't be good for your health.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2015, 01:49:36 pm

Attempt to think for myself. Forcefully, like a knife in the night! Whoosh! Straight in the brain! Don't really have to worry about running this body into the ground, presumably.

Failing that:

"Look, I know this is pissing you off, dude, but let's be rational here! The fact of the matter is, we do need Alan! We can't just say his sphere got smashed!"

"... wait, did you say that last part out loud? You've got your teeth on my hands, and I can't really see."

Suggest!

Also, he seems to be quite intent on tasting my blood. Do I have some way of making him dearly regret it in the long run? Say, with some form of subtle blood or sand-based infiltration ability that'd rob him of his focus?

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Lenglon on February 10, 2015, 01:50:11 pm

PFP: incomplete at this time, still editing edit: ready

---

Send my flames spiraling inwards towards where River suddenly attacked Ike as I break into a run and charge towards them too, hoping to separate the two of them.

Spoiler: image (click to show/hide)

(http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/42900/42911/circle-17_42911_sm.gif)

Why is he doing this? Why isn't he saying any...
Why did he want use to remove our wires?
I instead of having my flames converge actually on to the struggling pair, I have them form a tight ring around them, and continue my run towards them, parting the flames before me and closing them up behind me when I reach them.
if only I could make words like he does!!!
I then whine at River, barking if he ignores me, but don't...

Quote from: River

You should have trusted me!

don't interfeere, even if his violence continues and he attempts to kill Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 10, 2015, 02:21:36 pm

Zechariah didn't have to time to think, only to act. He still wasn't sure who was in the right or wrong here, but there wouldn't be time to decide. Ike was acting very odd, though, as passiveness was not a trait that Ike was known for. River, however, seemed to rely more on his hunting instinct, and that was very well alive right now.

Right now, River seemed to be acting naturally. Ike wasn't. He had to separate Ike from River, or something terrible would be happening soon.

Use the Shadows to envelope Ike in a wrap of darkness. Pull him ten meters or more away from River. Hold him in the materialized shadows until I can discern who is at fault here. If River seems to be hellbent on killing Ike, blend him into the Shadows and out of physical view until I can calm river down. If River is manageable enough that he will not kill Ike immediately, just keep pulling Ike out of River's range.

Title: Re: Special People: Slow Mo
Post by: Tiruin on February 10, 2015, 09:38:28 pm

[I love how all this is going; Lenglon//Harry, you guys are awesome. Also Paris and co.]

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2015, 09:51:39 pm

ATTENTION PEOPLE FROM SURVIVAL MISSION
I've finished doing the post mission end stuff and will begin sending your upgrade trees shortly.

I don't remember if I've sent everyone the new upgrade tree type or not. Basically, it's an image you got to download, but it works just like the old one. One upgrade point per block, arrows show prerequisites, green is what you have, pink is what you can get, white is what you can get after you unlock the prerequisites. Just did it that way because Lucidchart is no longer as free as it was.

I would also like to inform you that I'm trying out a new upgrade system to replace the old "3UPs to get an upgrade from your entity". You can choose to try it out if you want. Basically, you choose an entity and some shapes and you get a new ability based on those, with the catch being that you don't know what the shapes mean until you try them. Costs 2 Upgrade Points but you get to generate two abilities and choose the one you like or get a 1 UP refund. Subject to change.

There are still stuff I need to do for the Entity Challenge and the new "create your own ability" system (some images haven't been drawn yet), but hopefully now that the Exams are over and I've got access to my PC I should be able to complete them quickly enough.

About the new poll: Remember that you can suggest your own mission types if you want. So if someone has got something they want to do some gametype that's not in there, then say so and I can put it in the poll. Don't suggest ten thing and expect me to put them up there though. Just one thing.

Oh, and gametypes are in the first page (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4747325#msg4747325), if you don't remember.

---

I realized I should be keeping those poll results somewhere since there's no history of them yet people are referencing the poll in thread. So...

Old poll results for posterity:
Question: Thoughts about Alan's survival odds in the next mission?
9 (36%): He'll turn the entire mission on its head. Make the whole team couch salesmen or something.
7 (28%): He'll die after managing to get the rest of the team killed.
3 (12%): The rest of the team is fairly competent. I bet with their help, he'll manage to do OK.
3 (12%): He'll contribute and make a heroic sacrifice near the end. Probably without even realizing it.
1 (04%): He's not getting out of there alive.
1 (04%): He'll do OK. Despite everything, he is competent.
1 (04%): He'll be the only survivor. Luck tends to provide for him (in the form of sixes).

I find it interesting that 25 people voted yet we have about 12 active players at any one time... Let's see how many people vote in this one.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 10, 2015, 02:21:36 pm

Zechariah didn't have to time to think, only to act. He still wasn't sure who was in the right or wrong here, but there wouldn't be time to decide. Ike was acting very odd, though, as passiveness was not a trait that Ike was known for. River, however, seemed to rely more on his hunting instinct, and that was very well alive right now.

Right now, River seemed to be acting naturally. Ike wasn't. He had to separate Ike from River, or something terrible would be happening soon.

Use the Shadows to envelope Ike in a wrap of darkness. Pull him ten meters or more away from River. Hold him in the materialized shadows until I can discern who is at fault here. If River seems to be hellbent on killing Ike, blend him into the Shadows and out of physical view until I can calm river down. If River is manageable enough that he will not kill Ike immediately, just keep pulling Ike out of River's range.

You are trying so hard not to fail, you're so worried that you might not have enough focus to act, that when you do act, you manage to grab Ike, River, Irine and a few of the surrounding rubble in your darkness. Gah, this is straining you and your body is not in a position to be strained.

River struggles, easily ripping his legs free of the darkness, while his head moves left and right as it bites into the darkness and tears it apart. Your shadow is still wrapped around his torso though. But that changes when the air around River shimmers and darkens. The darkness around him starts dissolving into nothingness. You feel a sharp pain near your chest. You don't have the strength to hold on.

Great, you've been awake for less than an hour and now you're unconscious again. Luck is not on your side.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 10, 2015, 01:50:11 pm

PFP: incomplete at this time, still editing edit: ready

---

Send my flames spiraling inwards towards where River suddenly attacked Ike as I break into a run and charge towards them too, hoping to separate the two of them.

Spoiler: image (click to show/hide)

(http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/42900/42911/circle-17_42911_sm.gif)

Why is he doing this? Why isn't he saying any...
Why did he want use to remove our wires?
I instead of having my flames converge actually on to the struggling pair, I have them form a tight ring around them, and continue my run towards them, parting the flames before me and closing them up behind me when I reach them.
if only I could make words like he does!!!
I then whine at River, barking if he ignores me, but don't...

Quote from: River

You should have trusted me!

don't interfere, even if his violence continues and he attempts to kill Ike.

The fires under your control make an impressive spiral around River and Ike, forming a cage of light and heat around them. You dash towards River and Ike. You get close to the two and try to get their attention, but before you can do much you are trapped in a wave of darkness. River doesn't seem to like that very much, so he retaliates with some darkness of his own. River's attack makes you feel weak and disoriented, but you manage to retain control of your fire.

The darkness around you starts dissolving and then disappears completely, allowing you to move freely again.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2015, 01:49:36 pm

Attempt to think for myself. Forcefully, like a knife in the night! Whoosh! Straight in the brain! Don't really have to worry about running this body into the ground, presumably.

Failing that:

"Look, I know this is pissing you off, dude, but let's be rational here! The fact of the matter is, we do need Alan! We can't just say his sphere got smashed!"

"... wait, did you say that last part out loud? You've got your teeth on my hands, and I can't really see."

Suggest!

Also, he seems to be quite intent on tasting my blood. Do I have some way of making him dearly regret it in the long run? Say, with some form of subtle blood or sand-based infiltration ability that'd rob him of his focus?

The wave of darkness pushes you back, pushing you up and then down into the ground, but you don't care that much about that. You've got other things to worry about.

You focus as hard as you can on being you. It is a bit strange, since it's hard to tell the difference. You need to try to focus on the things that make you, you. And in this case that means focusing on what it is you want. Few people know what dark desires drive Ike's actions, but those are what he focuses on to regain his sense of self and differentiate himself from whatever it is that's controlling his thoughts, using them as its own.

And it looks like it's working. The power of the thing over your mind is starting to recede. You start feeling like you again, although that thing in your head is still trying to confuse you.
It feels like you can't breathe. You roll around, rest on your hands and start coughing, trying to get the ash out of your lungs.
You feel very weak. You feel nauseous. You feel cold. You can't keep supporting yourself. You collapse on the ground.

---

Everyone
Ike coughs and convulses, releasing a disturbing amount of ash in the process. Most of it falls to the ground, but some particles become stuck in the air, as if they have been frozen in time. They remain unmoving in relation to each other, although they collectively start moving away from Ike and the rest of you.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2015, 12:27:05 am

"<hack> <cough>! Urk!"

Keep on coughing! Try to get this bad ash out of me. Try vomiting as well once the lungs feel clear.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 12, 2015, 12:41:57 pm

redirect a decent-sized portion of my flames to attempt to cage the ash in, and if it passes through unaffected then try to grab it like I grabbed the glowies.

If River seems to want out of the ring of fire, then I'll part it for him. not Ike though.

I walk over towards River and continue to vocalize my concern.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 12, 2015, 09:35:50 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 12, 2015, 12:27:05 am

"<hack> <cough>! Urk!"

Keep on coughing! Try to get this bad ash out of me. Try vomiting as well once the lungs feel clear.

You keep coughing and convulsing. Gah, everything is spinning. Your stomach is- You think you're going to-

"Urk!"
*splash*

You face falls on something wet. You try to look through watering and blurry eyes. Damn. You don't remember your vomit having that colour before. Or that smell. Enhanced smell isn't so great in these kinds of circumstances. Ugh, this can't be healthy.

Oh dear. And now you think you are on fire.
Too bad this entire situation wasn't induced by some sort of boozewraith. Inebriation would probably make this entire situation more bearable.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2015, 12:41:57 pm

redirect a decent-sized portion of my flames to attempt to cage the ash in, and if it passes through unaffected then try to grab it like I grabbed the glowies.

If River seems to want out of the ring of fire, then I'll part it for him. not Ike though.

I walk over towards River and continue to vocalize my concern.

You redirect a large amount of fire towards the ash thing and Ike, trapping them under a layer of fire. The ash thing attempts to pass through your prison. It succeeds, but it looses part of itself in the process.

Meanwhile, River seems to have shifted focus from Ike to the ash thing. He runs towards it, but stops when he gets close to your fire surrounding it, growling at it. You are a second behind, still trying to grab his attention by barking and whining. He looks at you for a moment.
<KILL IT! KILL!>
Then he looks at the thing again and bends his legs as if he's getting ready to jump.

---

Staging Area

---

Spoiler: Resuming operations... (click to show/hide)

Resynchronizing...
Regenerating valid composition...
Restoring state from backup...
Resuming operations...

Good. Power's back on. Now we can get back to business.
The business of watching drunken monkeys trying and failing to shank each other.
Yeah! That sounds like a great business.
I was being sarcastic.
I wasn't~
I just hope the memory wipe holds...
The operation was performed with the highest possible efficiency in the given timeframe.
See? Nothing to worry about.
Until the next time his little pet goes crazy and tries to destroy everything.
I am not his pet! If you call me-
Stop. Just stop. You've done enough. Leave me alone and let me handle this. I'll deal with you later.
...
See? This is the kind of danger I am talking about. We've all invested a great deal of our effort and a great deal of energy to the Games, yet our investments rely on creatures as untrustworthy as him. What is to say that nothing will kill him or that he won't choose to turn against us or our players?
I said I'll handle this. I will make sure he is punished appropriately and that this never happens again. Isn't that what we all want?
What I want, and I'm sure that everyone here will agree with me, is knowing with certainty that our investment will be protected. For that, we need control. We need to know that we can protect our investment.
Not this again...
Yes this again. You have clearly shown that you can't manage this responsibility. It is apparent that a more... democratic approach is needed. One that allows for everyone's participation in the running of these events.
I would bear the responsibility of maintaining the Games without complaining.
Yeah, I'm all for that, if it means I get a slice. I contribute like everyone else. If they're getting things I want that too. Democracy and stuff.
Well, y-yes, democracy is good, but-
Great, then we are all in agreement! We-
No! That is not what I meant!
The fact still remains that until we get more control over what is going on here, we can not ensure neither our safety or the fairness of the events that transpire here. Who's to say there aren't rule violations occurring, concealed by his little minions?
Look everyone, you just have to give me some time to sort this out and I promise you will see there is nothing to be concerned about. I have taken care of things so far and I will continue to do so without fail. There was no direct damage, no direct attack, just a loss of stability that was quickly rectified. Everything can continue like normal.
Stalling for time? So that you can try to cut deals behind closed doors, to mislead us like you've done so many times before? That won't save you. The people want fairness. Equality. Control.
Even if that is so, the Games were mine from their creation. You are simply allowed to participate. If you have a problem with that, then perhaps you should leave. I would like to see you try to create your own Games.
We'll see how long that lasts with that attitude...
Funny. I was about to say the same thing.

Everyone who is not in the Campaign mission wakes up at the bottom floor of the inn, sitting on various places, including the bar and laying on the floor. It looks much like last time, complete with Rodger manning the bar (he looks busy cooking) and the fungimen band playing... something. It's slow, discordant, and low pitched, without a discernible rhythm (one could easily mistake it for them tuning their instruments), but it also sounds kinda sad.

---

OOC
Sorry for the delay, got busy with birthday stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 12, 2015, 09:39:06 pm

(Happy Bday!)

See what Rodger's doing. What is that stuff?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 12, 2015, 10:01:10 pm

Inconspicuously wipe my eyes. If anyone notices it, disguise it as trying to get something out of my eye.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Wolfkit on February 12, 2015, 10:36:53 pm

"Hyawn... I'm awake now. Oh hey, that'd ate numerous people here now. Might as well introduce myself! I am Welroki, the new resident mad scientist, and I will not be accepting angry mobs at this time. _{I'll need a deathpit first. At the very least.}"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 12, 2015, 10:45:04 pm

All fire ->air above wraith
once River's jump is complete, if the wraith is still in the air, all fire -> wraith, repeatedly encasing it in a sphere of flame, having it split half and half into two concentric hollow spheres of flame that each rapidly grow smaller, centered on the wraith's current location. once each sphere is condensed into a single point, all the fire from that sphere is moved to form the new outer circle of the pair.
Physically, I run directly under the wraith, keeping close track of it as it flees.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 12, 2015, 11:28:00 pm

John stood up, shook himself off, and subconsciously checked his chest for intactness.  Everything appeared to be there.  That out of the way, he offered Welroki a handshake before sitting at the bar.

"Welcome!  The name's John.  Scientist, eh?  What field?  I'm in mechanics and electronics myself.  Rodger, could I have something apple cider-ish?  Hard, of course."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Wolfkit on February 13, 2015, 12:08:54 am

Welroki cheerfully shakes John's hand.
"Well, being a mad scientist I dabble in all sorts of fields _{atrocities against life and limb, atrocities against common sense, atrocities against humanity, atrocities against lab assistants,} but recently I've had a major breakthrough in atrocities against the fabric of reality.

The apple cider is good by the way, I had some earlier."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 01:51:03 am

Well, I've stopped and I've dropped - let's try rolling!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 06:00:32 am

Look around
((sorry for not posting in an while))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Alarith on February 13, 2015, 08:48:27 am

"Hello there Welroki, I'm Bryan. Always nice to see new faces.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2015, 08:56:25 am

Looks like we're going for a more PvP combat based mission next, with the Tournament game mode.

Anyone who wants to be in next mission, state so clearly, so that I can plan accordingly. Something like "In for mission 4" should suffice.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 12, 2015, 09:39:06 pm

(Happy Bday!)

See what Rodger's doing. What is that stuff?

He's holding a frying pan full of... stuff. It definitely has lots of eggs in it, as well as various other things. Looks like sausage, some sort of seasoned meat, cheese, red pieces and juices (probably tomato), slices of pepper, copious amounts of colourful spices... It's like he picked stuff at random and threw them in the frying pan.
As you watch, he holds the frying pan up and turns around to show it to you.
"Behold! I shall now flip it with but a single move!"
And he proceeds to do just that, flicking his wrist, throwing the mass of food held together by the solidified scrambled eggs in the air, which then proceeds to land back on the frying pan. He completes the demonstration with a small bow.
"Still got it." he says and returns the frying pan to the fire.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 12, 2015, 10:01:10 pm

Inconspicuously wipe my eyes. If anyone notices it, disguise it as trying to get something out of my eye.

You wipe your eyes in the most conspicuous manner possible. Oh no, everyone is looking at you now. Your cover is blown! Now they'll probably figure out that you can't breathe their atmosphere! They'll figure out you're a Martian zombie wearing a human suit that has been sent here to eat their brains and gain their knowledge! Abort! Abort! Back to the mothership! Prepare for thermonuclear strike from orbit!

Quote from: Toaster on February 12, 2015, 11:28:00 pm

John stood up, shook himself off, and subconsciously checked his chest for intactness.  Everything appeared to be there.  That out of the way, he offered Welroki a handshake before sitting at the bar.

"Welcome!  The name's John.  Scientist, eh?  What field?  I'm in mechanics and electronics myself.  Rodger, could I have something apple cider-ish?  Hard, of course."

"Sure thing!" he says as he turns away from the frying pan and kneels to access a cupboard.
He gets up a moment later, holding a rather large yellowish block of ice.
"Here you go. Hard, as requested." he says and sets the block down on the bar.

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 06:00:32 am

Look around
((sorry for not posting in an while))

You're back in the bar with the rest.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2015, 10:45:04 pm

All fire ->air above wraith
once River's jump is complete, if the wraith is still in the air, all fire -> wraith, repeatedly encasing it in a sphere of flame, having it split half and half into two concentric hollow spheres of flame that each rapidly grow smaller, centered on the wraith's current location. once each sphere is condensed into a single point, all the fire from that sphere is moved to form the new outer circle of the pair.
Physically, I run directly under the wraith, keeping close track of it as it flees.

River jumps at the thing, attempting to bite it. The bite itself does little, but the thing does start to fall apart.

That done, you use all of your fire to reinforce the wraith's cage and then start dividing it into smaller spheres that converge towards a common centre. Your fire is joined by reignited pieces of ash, while a few more fall to the ground like snow. You and River continue looking at where the wraith was, at where your fire continues to shift and bubble. About a minute later, you open the sphere a bit so that you can look inside. There's nothing there.

River spends several moments looking around and at you, Ike who is still on the ground and bleeding and Zechariah who has started stirring and waking up, his eyes occasionally turning black.
He seems to calm down a bit, his breathing slowing down a bit, although his mouth remains open. The feeling of weakness starts to recede.
He starts walking towards Ike.

<We need to move quickly. Can you take care of Zechariah while I am gone? Get him to food, water, whatever he needs? Then make your way back to where you first woke up?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 01:51:03 am

Well, I've stopped and I've dropped - let's try rolling!

You appear to not be on fire anymore, but you're still bleeding and feel generally dizzy and weak.
River approaches you and nudges you with his snout.
<Can you hold on to me or should I carry you?>

---

DAF
You regain consciousness.

Looks like you're still laying on the ground where you fell. You feel weak and a bit dizzy, on top of your persisting hunger, but are otherwise fine.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 08:59:26 am

I'm in for Mission 4.

Back away from the rest of the group. They saw my emotional side! I must leave, and make a new life! Run out the door of the inn. Once outside, try to contact my entity. The crazy one.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 13, 2015, 09:00:16 am

John grinned.  "Atrocities, huh?  You should meet Alan, then.  You and him might just get along."

Then he noticed Bryan.  "Don't trust that guy, though."


Looking at the block, he arched an eyebrow.  "Hah, hah.  Could I get one a bit more thawed?"


En fur mysseon fore

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 09:01:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Only... one way to find out?"

Hold on to River. And if that doesn't work, let my sweet prince carry me off to safety.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 09:05:31 am

<Um, I think so? What's going on River? What was that thing? Where are you going? Why did you have us remove our wires? What happened to Ike?>
I walk over to Zech and look him over, making sure he's ok.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2015, 09:26:52 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 13, 2015, 09:00:16 am

Looking at the block, he arched an eyebrow.  "Hah, hah.  Could I get one a bit more thawed?"

"What's the problem? Don't you like ice cream?"
"Oh well."
He puts the block of ice back where he took it from and proceeds to pour you a regular mug of cider.
"Here you go. One regular, boring mug of cider, no surprises, no hidden mechanisms, no boxing gloves on springs waiting to ambush you."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 08:59:26 am

I'm in for Mission 4.

Back away from the rest of the group. They saw my emotional side! I must leave, and make a new life! Run out the door of the inn. Once outside, try to contact my entity. The crazy one.

"Oy! Who are you calling crazy?" the crow complains from atop the inn's sign where it's perched.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 09:05:31 am

<Um, I think so? What's going on River? What was that thing? Where are you going? Why did you have us remove our wires? What happened to Ike?>
I walk over to Zech and look him over, making sure he's ok.

Zechariah looks fine. A bit pale, but fine.
<I do not know what it was. Thought magic. Motion magic. Focused on a single thing. Death. Revenge. It would stop at nothing.>

<I have put thought-magic into the wires. I do not know if it can use it. It could make it more powerful or allow it to attack you more easily. I do not know. Better to be safer.>

<I need to get back to get the others. I can not see it. I think it is gone, but if it is not, it could attack again. The thought-magic merged with Ike's. Stole his thoughts. Some of my thoughts too, while I was fighting it. It knows about the others. I need to move them.>

<I can not keep hiding them now. Better to revive them. And then leave this place. I am going to need Zechariah to revive them quickly. That is why I need him to be well.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 09:01:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Only... one way to find out?"

Hold on to River. And if that doesn't work, let my sweet prince carry me off to safety.

River bends under you and allows you to grab him. He then pushes you up. You do your best to wrap your arms around him without obstructing his legs.
You're about the same size as him, if not larger, but it doesn't look like he has much trouble carrying you.
This is probably going to be uncomfortable...

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 09:48:03 am

"You. You're the only crazy one around here, sir. Well, except for me. And that other mad scientist guy. So, what's the news? What's next?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 13, 2015, 09:52:21 am

John smiled and raised the glass in a toast motion.  "Thanks, buddy!  To our health!" He drank deeply.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 13, 2015, 09:55:02 am

I'm in for mission 4.

Ask if I may try to... "flip something" like he did. If yes, try it. If not, head outside, and make something to test out my strength. I feel stronger than before, and tougher too.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 10:07:16 am

<Um, last question. Why are you still draining me?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 10:36:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Onwaaard... to victory! Hooope you're not a wraith about to eat meeee!" Ike draws out, delirious with exhaustion.

Hold on! Hold on! Wait, stop! No, okay. Hold on!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 11:48:42 am

Chat up the people in the bar.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Hawk132 on February 13, 2015, 12:06:39 pm

In for mission 4.

Saevus regains consciousness and finds himself sitting in one of the couches Alan had summoned previously.

Kick back and relax for now. Observe the humans, they're bound to do something amusing soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2015, 09:47:19 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 10:07:16 am

<Um, last question. Why are you still draining me?>

<Oh! I am sorry.>
He closes his eyes for a few seconds and takes some time to calm himself down.
<I am learning the magic of this place and the magic of my element. I can not direct it well. Not as well as my gifts.>
He opens his eyes again and looks at you.
<Thank you.>
With that, he runs off, with Ike trying to hold on.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 13, 2015, 10:36:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Onwaaard... to victory! Hooope you're not a wraith about to eat meeee!" Ike draws out, delirious with exhaustion.

Hold on! Hold on! Wait, stop! No, okay. Hold on!

<... I have not thought of that. I might be. I can not look at myself. We should have killed it, but if we have not, if it is controlling my thoughts, if I attack you... Kill me. Show no mercy. If you can return my soulsphere to my brother, he should be able to heal me.>

River starts running and you do your best to hold on as you bounce up and down along with his body, your feet occasionally scraping against the ground, especially when he performs a jump. Oh dear. Too bad you're tall. Hopefully any healing you receive will take care of those bruises.

...

You don't remember exactly when you lost consciousness. Maybe it had something to do with that second time you fell. Or was it the third? You aren't sure, but you're pretty sure it involved River suddenly stopping and a very big rock.

When you wake up again, you're back on familiar territory, back in your Ikecave. Looks like River did a quick job on your hands, just enough to stop the bleeding (you can still see the scars through the holes in your sleeves). You're feeling OK though, so he either fixed any internal damage you had or it healed naturally. The torn clothes and the smell of vomit kinda make you look like a drunk though. And you're still a bit bruised and sore from your trip here.

River is currently in the process of retrieving the other two soulsphers from the hole Zechariah's was in, carefully putting each in a bag made out of a shirt.

Noticing that you are awake, he kicks a black stone towards you, trying to touch it as little as possible. You recognise that. It was one of the stones that were above the soulspheres. It looks like a fragment that was recently broken off from from a larger piece, full of sharp edges. It kinda looks like the part of one of those black stone blocks that were in the portal room's floor, now that you look at it more closely.

"This stone harms magic." he starts explaining without waiting for you to ask what it is, continuing to work with the spheres at the same time.
"Eats it. It had some sort of seal. But it is gone now. I do not have the time to recreate it."
He finishes wrapping the spheres in the improvised shoulder bags, gets up and approaches the pile of large rocks near the fire, the ones he was sitting next to when you first woke up.
"It is weak. And it keeps getting weaker. It will not kill magical things. But it is unpleasant. It might be enough to keep them away. You do not have much magic. You can use it with little fear."
He proceeds to raise one of them with one hand. It looks like it is positioned in such a way that if it was removed completely, it would cause the other stones to collapse onto whoever removed it. He puts his other hand inside the cavity uncovered by the raised stone.
"Make sure not to touch it for long. In this world everything is magic. Even you. So it can harm you."
He grunts and pulls his arm out of the hole, dropping another one of those black fragments. He puts his hand in the hole again, this time carefully pulling out a sphere made of a glass-like material with many colourful reflective surfaces on its surface and a bright white light at its core. He sets it down inside another one of those shirtbags and then lets the concealing stone fall in place with a thud.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 09:48:03 am

"You. You're the only crazy one around here, sir. Well, except for me. And that other mad scientist guy. So, what's the news? What's next?"

"Ha ha! Only crazy!" the entity caws as it jumps off the sign and glides towards you.
It lands on your fedora.
"Not sure. I have a friend working on something simple but fun. I think it will be the challenge chosen next."

Quote from: Toaster on February 13, 2015, 09:52:21 am

John smiled and raised the glass in a toast motion.  "Thanks, buddy!  To our health!" He drank deeply.

"De rien, mon ami. To enjoying life!" he says and toasts with his own mug.
Mmmm... Good stuff.

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 13, 2015, 09:55:02 am

I'm in for mission 4.

Ask if I may try to... "flip something" like he did. If yes, try it. If not, head outside, and make something to test out my strength. I feel stronger than before, and tougher too.

"I dunno, you could always flip that guy off." he says and laughs with his own joke.
"Seriously though, I'd prefer it if you didn't ruin my kitchen. The walls are indestructible, but the equipment isn't."
"I guess I could let you have a go though. No reason you can't learn things other than how to kill each other. And it's not like I can't just respawn anything you break."
He nods to himself, as if agreeing with himself.
"Yeah, it'd be educational and stuff. Know anything about cooking?"

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 11:48:42 am

Chat up the people in the bar.

((Selecting target. Rolling for effect. Speech roll protocol engaged.))

You approach Wolfkit and introduce yourself, showing him your pole.
"Hi! I'm Lioraw. Have you seen my pole? It's big but I can handle it pretty well. All the ladies, they love it. They like to caress its long shaft. They say it's hard to find wood that good. But the its tip is the best. I have penetrated many men with it. Sometimes multiple times. Penetrating them over and over and over again, until it is covered in their juices. And because the shaft is so long, it means I don't have to get close. Although what I really love is leaving my goo on their faces. You know, blinding people. Because after they've had a taste of my goo it's a lot easier to stick my pole into them whenever I want."
That's certainly an interesting way to talk about your abilities.

I assume you want in on next mission?

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 13, 2015, 12:06:39 pm

In for mission 4.

Saevus regains consciousness and finds himself sitting in one of the couches Alan had summoned previously.

Kick back and relax for now. Observe the humans, they're bound to do something amusing soon.

Things seem to be rather tame right now, although judging from experience that won't last for long. Then again, the usual troublemakers are not here, so maybe things will proceed more calmly. Couchman is especially missed. Our two summoners separated.

You look at an imaginary clock on your wrist and wait for the other shoe to drop.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 13, 2015, 09:56:49 pm

"What is Cook? NevA' haad of ZATaugment befau? Sah samm aus Book? Make us smauht foea bit.

(He thinks COOK is an intelligence enhancing plasmid.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2015, 10:13:39 pm

((Was busy most of the day, sorry.))

Zechariah tentatively opens his eyes and scowls, noticing the ache in his body. It didn't help that he expended so much energy activating his powers after barely waking up not so long ago.
He swore that he heard someone cackling in the distance. It was probably just something in his mind. Perhaps he still had Artemis on the brain, or maybe it was just that something wasn't wired correctly in his mind anymore. Either way, he didn't feel so good.

"Irine.. where did River and Ike? Did something happen to them?
Did... did I screw us over again?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 10:21:50 pm

Brush the raven off my head, then sit down. Try to strike up a LOGICAL conversation with this insane fellow.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Wolfkit on February 13, 2015, 10:46:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2015, 09:47:19 pm

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 11:48:42 am

Chat up the people in the bar.

((Selecting target. Rolling for effect. Speech roll protocol engaged.))

You approach Wolfkit and introduce yourself, showing him your pole.
"Hi! I'm Lioraw. Have you seen my pole? It's big but I can handle it pretty well. All the ladies, they love it. They like to caress its long shaft. They say it's hard to find wood that good. But the its tip is the best. I have penetrated many men with it. Sometimes multiple times. Penetrating them over and over and over again, until it is covered in their juices. And because the shaft is so long, it means I don't have to get close. Although what I really love is leaving my goo on their faces. You know, blinding people. Because after they've had a taste of my goo it's a lot easier to stick my pole into them whenever I want."
That's certainly an interesting way to talk about your abilities.

In for mission 4
Welroki raises his eyebrows.
"That's, well... I think my IQ just dropped from hearing that. And as I am a mad scientist, any decrease in intelligence _{even if imaginary and played for drama} is completely unacceptable and utterly unforgivable. But I am willing to perhaps make an exception, just this once."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Alarith on February 13, 2015, 10:50:49 pm

In for mission 4

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 11:07:35 pm

<What? No! You were fine, great really. I think you saved Ike's life. Everyone's ok now, River and Ike rushed back to shelter to protect the soul spheres, that thing posessing Ike might have given away their hiding places and he wants to make sure they're safe. I'm sticking with you and making sure we both get there ok. You ready to get up and go? We still have a ways to go before we get there.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2015, 11:19:33 pm

Zechariah carefully picks himself up off the ground, doing a cursory check for any injuries. As far as he can tell, he doesn't have anything that threatens his health at the moment.

"I think I'm pretty fine, at least on the physical side, though I'm pretty hungry right now. I could use a chocolate chip muffin or two. Maybe three. Anyways, let's start moving. No use in being here anymore, I'd think."

Get back to the shelter.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 11:31:38 pm

back to the shelter with Zech

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2015, 03:25:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Cool! Thanks!"

Grab them anti-magic stones. Maybe craft some kind of satchel out of a strip of my own clothes to keep 'em in.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2015, 10:52:27 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 13, 2015, 09:56:49 pm

"What is Cook? NevA' haad of ZATaugment befau? Sah samm aus Book? Make us smauht foea bit.

(He thinks COOK is an intelligence enhancing plasmid.)

"Oooh, boy. You really have no clue, have you? Where did they pick you up? Z.P.G?"
<He calls it Urbania.>
"OK. Second question. Why?"
<Because I wanted him to have fun. And to teach him to be nice.>
"Heh, looks like you have your work cut out for you. Have fun with that kid. Anyway, let's get the basics out of the way. Do you know what food is? Eating? Got any of that where you come from?"

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 13, 2015, 10:21:50 pm

Brush the raven off my head, then sit down. Try to strike up a LOGICAL conversation with this insane fellow.

"I'd like to have a logical conversation, please." you say and brush the raven off your head.
It caws in annoyance and flies away.
"Are you sure you don't want an argument? I'm good at those."
"No, just a logical conversation for now, thanks."
It lands on the fountain and starts playing with the water, jumping in it and fluttering its wings.
"Okay then. What are 'logical conversations'? What makes them logical? I've heard humans use the word but I have never understood it. Or got interested enough to try."

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 13, 2015, 10:46:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 13, 2015, 09:47:19 pm

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 13, 2015, 11:48:42 am

Chat up the people in the bar.

((Selecting target. Rolling for effect. Speech roll protocol engaged.))

You approach Wolfkit and introduce yourself, showing him your pole.
"Hi! I'm Lioraw. Have you seen my pole? It's big but I can handle it pretty well. All the ladies, they love it. They like to caress its long shaft. They say it's hard to find wood that good. But the its tip is the best. I have penetrated many men with it. Sometimes multiple times. Penetrating them over and over and over again, until it is covered in their juices. And because the shaft is so long, it means I don't have to get close. Although what I really love is leaving my goo on their faces. You know, blinding people. Because after they've had a taste of my goo it's a lot easier to stick my pole into them whenever I want."
That's certainly an interesting way to talk about your abilities.

In for mission 4
Welroki raises his eyebrows.
"That's, well... I think my IQ just dropped from hearing that. And as I am a mad scientist, any decrease in intelligence _{even if imaginary and played for drama} is completely unacceptable and utterly unforgivable. But I am willing to perhaps make an exception, just this once."

You grab the man's pole before he has a chance to react, rip it away from him and throw it out the door.
"And that is the price of my forgiveness."

Quote from: Alarith on February 13, 2015, 10:50:49 pm

In for mission 4

Gotcha. Currently have Coolrune, Toaster, Salsacookies, Hawk, Wolfkit and Alarith. Should start by the end of the week, barring any unforeseen events.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 13, 2015, 11:31:38 pm

back to the shelter with Zech

You start walking back towards your temporary and soon to be ex shelter. On the way, you can see signs of your predecessors, paw imprints and occasionally some blood on the ground. Otherwise, it is a fairly quiet ride. You smell some humans along the way but it feels like they passed through here more than two hours ago.

You look back from time to time to ensure Zechariah is still following. He is. Just staring at you intently for some reason.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2015, 11:19:33 pm

Zechariah carefully picks himself up off the ground, doing a cursory check for any injuries. As far as he can tell, he doesn't have anything that threatens his health at the moment.

"I think I'm pretty fine, at least on the physical side, though I'm pretty hungry right now. I could use a chocolate chip muffin or two. Maybe three. Anyways, let's start moving. No use in being here anymore, I'd think."

Get back to the shelter.

You walk alongside Irine through the ruined buildings and streets, trying your best to ignore your increasing hunger. You try your best to distract yourself, focusing on walking, on countering dizziness, thinking about things, looking around, whatever. Oh gods, you'd chew your own arm for some meat!

There are more intact buildings in the part of town you're currently going through, leading to a mostly straight path towards your destination. Most of the damage here appears to have been caused by pieces of stone falling from the sky, toppling buildings like pins in a bowling alley and riddling some of them with large holes. No idea why this particular place was affected in that particular way. Luck, maybe?

It looks like there are two camps on the eastern road now. One larger, made haphazardly by whatever materials were available and unburnt, and one smaller, made of pristine tents that match the colour of the soil they rest on, the two separated by the road and quite a bit of ground.

Maybe they have food. What you wouldn't give for a bit of food. Some nice, warm, chewy, tasty food. Sweet, sour, meat, vegetable, anything would do. You just want that gap in your stomach filled. Hell, even some water would be nice with this heat. Too bad there is nothing around here, nothing but you, damaged buildings and Irine. Wonder if fox meat would taste any good. Hmmm.... Yes, now that you look at her more closely she has started to resemble a walking steak for some reason...

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 14, 2015, 03:25:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Cool! Thanks!"

Grab them anti-magic stones. Maybe craft some kind of satchel out of a strip of my own clothes to keep 'em in.

You pick up the stones. They cause your skin to tingle but you already knew that from the first time you touched one.
You jam them through the eye sockets of that skull you've been carrying around, continuing its transformation into some kind of Indiana Jones artefact.

River rummages through the broken furniture pile you've been using as a fuel source until he finds a broken drawer containing various thin straight wires. Not really sure where it was from. Maybe a jeweller used to braid them to make jewellery or maybe they were using them to tie things or maybe these guys had electronics. Who knows?

He empties it in one of those bags, wears them and then turns to look at you.
"Are you ready to leave? ... I am not carrying you."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 14, 2015, 11:19:13 pm

"You really have started to irk me. I wonder what raw crow tastes like. Perhaps some large, hungry bird form might find you appetizing? Hmmm? Now go find me my other entity. I pray he holds up a better conversational sanity than you."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 15, 2015, 01:00:28 am

"Umm, Urbania ships out food-things. Mah fersht joab wasa bringin in za boxes. Had tun, one in each ahm,go through it ina week."

(His first job was to carry half ton cases of food bars, which he carried in one arm. The gang ate it all in a week.)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 15, 2015, 10:08:35 am

John regards the barman.  "Any idea how the other team is doing?  I'm wondering if Alan is up to his old tricks."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2015, 10:14:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

"If I'm well enough to deface human remains, I'm well enough to walk! Let's move out!"

Lessee... do I feel any better? I'd assume so, right?

If yes, let's roll!

If not, let's roll anyway!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2015, 10:33:39 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 14, 2015, 11:19:13 pm

"You really have started to irk me. I wonder what raw crow tastes like. Perhaps some large, hungry bird form might find you appetizing? Hmmm? Now go find me my other entity. I pray he holds up a better conversational sanity than you."

"Other entity? What other entity? Have you been cheating on me? Give me a name and I will make sure to take care of him."

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 15, 2015, 01:00:28 am

"Umm, Urbania ships out food-things. Mah fersht joab wasa bringin in za boxes. Had tun, one in each ahm,go through it ina week."

(His first job was to carry half ton cases of food bars, which he carried in one arm. The gang ate it all in a week.)

((Thanks, the subtitles help.))

"And you just ate them? No preparation whatsoever?"

Quote from: Toaster on February 15, 2015, 10:08:35 am

John regards the barman.  "Any idea how the other team is doing?  I'm wondering if Alan is up to his old tricks."

"No idea. There's little info coming out of there. I know something went wrong over there, but that's pretty much all I know. The mission is still going on so not everyone is dead yet, that much I know."

"Eh, I'm sure they'll be fine. Gotta stay positive."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2015, 10:14:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

"If I'm well enough to deface human remains, I'm well enough to walk! Let's move out!"

Lessee... do I feel any better? I'd assume so, right?

If yes, let's roll!

If not, let's roll anyway!

"Good."

You get out of your temporary shelter. River provides you with one final anti-magic stone buried somewhere near the entrance of your shelter, that you proceed to stick inside your skull (the one you're carrying around, not the one your brain is in). You then follow River as he quickly starts walking towards the centre of the city, occasionally stopping to look and smell around.

You're still a bit weak, you feel like you could go for something to eat or drink, but you're not about to keel over yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 15, 2015, 10:36:40 am

John shrugged.  "Nothing a torrent of couches couldn't fix, right?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 15, 2015, 10:38:18 am

"Yes! My other entity! His name is...
...
...
Gerald! Yes, his name is Gerald! Go find Gerald and take care of him! In the meantime, I'm going to go hide from y- I mean, I'm going to go wait eagerly for your return! Over THERE! Right THERE!"

The moment the entity leaves, run in the direct opposite direction from the way I pointed. I am DONE with this guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 15, 2015, 11:06:48 am

"Yep."

Pick up something heavy to show my strength

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2015, 11:26:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

"By the way, hope there's no hard feelings about me getting mind controlled back there like a complete chump - serves me right for being curious about the native wildlife and actually trying diplomacy for once. I'll try my best not to let it happen again, though with willpower as abysmal as mine, I can make no promises. For future reference, I'm pretty easy to mind control, apparently."

Follow River! Make conversation. Look, smell and listen while we encounter gaps in conversation.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 15, 2015, 12:02:52 pm

still traveling
((I expect to have this action interrupted. My net isn't reliable right now, but if zechariah tells me about the problem then I'll start hunting, use my abilities to cook my catch, and give it to him.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 15, 2015, 10:11:48 pm

((Busy today.))

"Mmhh.. hungry.. need food.. soon."

He stole glances at Irine, his mind too deluded in the moment to consider the ethics of even thinking of making a meal of a friend of his.

Hungry.. anything would be nice about now. Cupcakes, grapes, bananas, cereal.. anything would work.

..

I wonder.. how foxes.. taste?

..mmh...

...Haha...

..WAIT. NO. NONONONONONONONO. WHAT THE HELL, NO. I NEED FOOD, BUT NEVER- NOT- NO, THAT WILL NEVER WORK. I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN DO THAT.

"Could.. could we get something to eat? Quickly? Just... something?"

Search for some food with Irine. Preferably, not Irine herself, because that would probably make me lose my mind. Afterwards, continue on the journey.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 15, 2015, 11:26:38 pm

<Hunuh? Oh. Okay, I'm kinda hungry too anyway, let's find some food.>
hunt for food, cook it with my abilities, and give it to Zech.

---

((last post on reliable net, auto me if I can't make it for turns.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on February 16, 2015, 02:23:43 am

start making lunch.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 16, 2015, 01:39:40 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Anybody got any suggestions about things they'd like to see in the tournament? I've got a simple concept in mind but I'd like to see if there are any other ideas. If there are no other contestants other than the current 6 (Coolrune, Toaster, Salsacookies, Hawk, Wolfkit and Alarith) and no groundbreaking suggestions, I'll start sometime this week.

Quote from: Toaster on February 15, 2015, 10:36:40 am

John shrugged.  "Nothing a torrent of couches couldn't fix, right?"

"Yeah, that's the spirit."

"By the way, big man hasn't made the announcement yet, but they're having you fight each other for the next challenge. Think you can manage with no weapons? I mean, it's not like you can launch a wall of couches."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 15, 2015, 10:38:18 am

"Yes! My other entity! His name is...
...
...
Gerald! Yes, his name is Gerald! Go find Gerald and take care of him! In the meantime, I'm going to go hide from y- I mean, I'm going to go wait eagerly for your return! Over THERE! Right THERE!"

The moment the entity leaves, run in the direct opposite direction from the way I pointed. I am DONE with this guy.

"Gerald! Got it. I'll show her for trying to steal my player!"
The crow cows angrily and flies away, releasing a small burst of lightning in the process.
"She won't know what hit her!"
The moment it is out of sight, you run in the opposite direction from which you pointed. You run away from the town, crossing the bridge and then follow the path leading to a small watermill further up the stream.

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 15, 2015, 11:06:48 am

"Yep."

Pick up something heavy to show my strength

You pick up John and Bryan to show your strength. They don't look very happy about that.

"Oh. Well, at its simplest form, cooking means preparing food. For example, most humans do not eat eggs or meat raw. That's because unlike those food bars of yours, they aren't ready to eat. They have to put them under a fire for a while, since that makes them safer to eat."

"But, and here's the interesting part, cooking also changes how things taste. And humans have that remarkable tendency for abusing their senses to derive more pleasure out of them. Colour, sound, danger, pain, alcohol, drugs, sex, they devote so much effort to transforming those into things that pleasantly stimulate their senses even more. Many times in ways they were not meant to be stimulated. And one of the greatest and easiest to receive sources of pleasure is, of course, food. Because almost everybody's got to eat, yet preparation can take little time and few societies frown upon preparing or enjoying food."

"Now, the most important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong with eating. Want to mix watermelons and cheese? Go ahead. Want to mix salt with chocolate? No problem. Yoghurt with ketchup, rice and spaghetti, salad with alcohol and honey, any combination of food and any way to prepare it or consume it is acceptable. Food, like music or art, is a personal thing. The best thing you can do is experiment. Try new things. Figure out what you like. Sure, sometimes you'll end up with disasters, but sometimes you'll end up with something good. And in time, you'll figure out what you like, how each ingredient works and start knowing how to improve it. And after you find something you like, be it an ingredient or a recipe, don't just stick with that. Keep experimenting. Eating the same thing over and over again gets boring. It's variety that makes things interesting and fun."

"Of course there are recipes and simple bits of knowledge that will make your life easier and help you get started that I can share, if you want. Or we can just go ahead and have you try cook something of your own. Maybe deep fry one of those food bars of yours. I dunno. Got any questions, maybe?"

"Oh, and you've got to remember that organics like you might want to take it easy when outside of the staging area, unless you've got good endurance. Many of the things humans do for pleasure tend to imbalance their body and have an adverse affect to their health. But don't worry, in here you can do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't result to anyone's harm."

The bartender finishes cooking his... thing and sets it down on the counter in a large plate.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 15, 2015, 10:11:48 pm

((Busy today.))

"Mmhh.. hungry.. need food.. soon."

He stole glances at Irine, his mind too deluded in the moment to consider the ethics of even thinking of making a meal of a friend of his.

Hungry.. anything would be nice about now. Cupcakes, grapes, bananas, cereal.. anything would work.

..

I wonder.. how foxes.. taste?

..mmh...

...Haha...

..WAIT. NO. NONONONONONONONO. WHAT THE HELL, NO. I NEED FOOD, BUT NEVER- NOT- NO, THAT WILL NEVER WORK. I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN DO THAT.

"Could.. could we get something to eat? Quickly? Just... something?"

Search for some food with Irine. Preferably, not Irine herself, because that would probably make me lose my mind. Afterwards, continue on the journey.

Hey! What? It's a perfectly legitimate and totally innocent question. You know, just wondering about things, it doesn't have to mean anything.
 
Like thinking "should I drink saltwater?" when thirsty or "what would be the best way to kill the others?" when dividing loot or "what would happen if someone was pushed into traffic?" when stopped at a pedestrian crossing or "how would a man react to being choked?" when you are standing over a sleeping person. You know, what ifs.

Everyone asks these sorts of questions, right? Right? It's just curiosity, purely theoretical. One could say academical. For science!

They say people will eat anything when hungry. Some even say that the way things taste changes when humans are very hungry. Their brain itself changes. And you're just wondering whether or not that's true.

The fact that there's a probably very tasty fox right there for you to experiment with has nothing to do with that. Nothing at all.

Yes, there's certainly nothing wrong with pursuing knowledge. It's a noble ideal, is it not? I mean, what if you end up having to eat a fox? Wouldn't you like to know how it tastes beforehand?

Quote from: Lenglon on February 15, 2015, 11:26:38 pm

<Hunuh? Oh. Okay, I'm kinda hungry too anyway, let's find some food.>
hunt for food, cook it with my abilities, and give it to Zech.

---

((last post on reliable net, auto me if I can't make it for turns.))

((Okay. Hope all goes well.))

You start searching for food, smelling and listening for any signs of something edible.
The search is fruitless. There's only rotting, foul smelling corpses around and those would probably be unsuitable for consumption, unless you want to risk diseases. The creatures feeding on the corpses are not any better. Mostly small insects, flying or skittering around. And while those could be eaten by Irine, they'd need to capture a large number of them to sate Zechariah's hunger, assuming he is willing to eat them. Then again, judging from his looks, he'd start eating stones if he could chew them.
But then they catch a lucky break. Irine goes through a hole and finds a pair of rats, feeding on a corpse. Big rats. Really big rats. Larger than she is. And they don't look very happy that she's here, interrupting their meal. They start moving towards her. They could actually be dangerous, even to a human. But lucky for her, she may be unarmed, but she's not defenceless.

...

Zechariah watches the hole Irine went through, hoping she will come out with some food. A few seconds pass. His mind starts to wander, continuing to go in circles about the subject of food, when suddenly he is startled by jet of fire escaping from the hole at high speed. A few seconds later, Irine comes out dragging two giant rats that have been burnt to a crisp with her.

Well, it's probably going to taste like charcoal. And its a rat feasting on corpses, not one of the the healthiest things you could eat. But food is food, right? Beats rotting corpses.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2015, 11:26:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

"By the way, hope there's no hard feelings about me getting mind controlled back there like a complete chump - serves me right for being curious about the native wildlife and actually trying diplomacy for once. I'll try my best not to let it happen again, though with willpower as abysmal as mine, I can make no promises. For future reference, I'm pretty easy to mind control, apparently."

Follow River! Make conversation. Look, smell and listen while we encounter gaps in conversation.

"There are no 'hard feelings'. You were protecting us. You were alone. You did your best against an unknown foe much stronger than you. You did not give up. You kept fighting. I see nothing wrong with that."
"Your weakness is not my problem. I can take care of myself. I am fine on my own. It is your problem. You are the one that will be more affected by it."
"You are alive. You can improve. You can learn. You can become a better fighter."

You keep moving, occasionally sniffing around for something of interest. Hm. That's strange... It's very faint, you would not have caught it if you weren't devoting attention to it, but you catch a scent that smells very... out of place. Very salty. It reminds you of the sea, not what you would expect to find in such dry terrain. Might be worth following the scent to investigate.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 16, 2015, 01:56:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You... don't really get how teamwork works, do you? Eh, no matter. I smell something salty and fishy. Almost sea-like. Shall we investigate? Probably some abominations to vanquish in that direction."

If River says yes or at least doesn't particularly require my presence right now, try to go and investigate. He seems to not be doing anything important anyway.

If he says no, continue walking where he's walking.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 16, 2015, 02:58:59 pm

Enter the watermill, and search the structure. If alone, shut and lock the door, then sit down with my back to it, sighing.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 16, 2015, 08:52:42 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 16, 2015, 01:56:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"You... don't really get how teamwork works, do you? Eh, no matter. I smell something salty and fishy. Almost sea-like. Shall we investigate? Probably some abominations to vanquish in that direction."

If River says yes or at least doesn't particularly require my presence right now, try to go and investigate. He seems to not be doing anything important anyway.

If he says no, continue walking where he's walking.

He slows down and then stops walking.
"That is not what I meant."
He looks down and sighs. He spends a couple of seconds staring at the improvised bags hanging from his shoulders. Then he turns around to look at you.
"Lead the way. I smell nothing."

You don't have to walk for long to find the source of the smell. It's coming from a nearby building.

The building is a large two storey thing. It has a sturdy wall surrounding it, with two bent and broken metal gates. It looks like it has survived the explosion fairly well, since it was shielded by an adjacent building. Biggest problem it has is that it has started leaning a bit and you can see numerous cracks and gaps running through its walls.

You pass through a gap in the wall, make your way through the glass and rubble covered courtyard and make your way inside, through a doorway with a sliding rock door that has been left open. The rooms you go through have been severely damaged by fire, with only some rock or metal furniture and objects surviving. There are chairs, tables, desks, bookcases... The rest have become ash and unrecognisable masses of metal.

Your route takes you down a stairwell, towards a basement.
"It is not about teamwork." River suddenly says, as if it took him all this time to think of an answer.
"One day you may be alone. One day we may be enemies. How will you survive then without help? If I am constantly trying to aid you like he does, then I am only going to make you weaker. It is only by trusting you that I can make you strong. That means that sometimes you will fail. That there is a chance you will die. But I do it because I trust you to be strong enough to survive. The same is true for me."

The basement must have contained barrels, amongst other things, for you can see some rings of metal that have survived the fire that evidently managed to make its way down here too. It's dark down here, with no windows, but your eyes manage to adjust fairly quickly. It's easier when you're not relying solely on your eyes to navigate.

"You are right. I smell it too now."

The scent leads you to the charcoal-like remains of a wide wooden piece of furniture. Through the gaps created on it by the fire damage you can see a rock wall quite different from the others around here. It is much lighter in colour, almost grey and has various things on it.

It has three metal levers on its right side, all in the up position. There's also a basin-shaped horizontal slider made of dark rock at its bottom that has accumulated a lot of dust and ash in its basin. And three triangle-shaped holes, each with a metal handle protruding through it. Near its top the wall is decorated with a carving of an estoile, an axe and a horsehead, while below the slider there are various little carvings depicting such shapes as meanders and starburst as well as simple shapes like squares, triangles, three horizontal lines, all of them confined in their little squares. The smell is coming from behind that wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 16, 2015, 10:13:09 pm

((normally would wait to post until DAF has, but still unreliable so posting as I can.))
resume traveling, but keep alert to more food possibilities. aka: hunt as we move.
wait until Zech has eaten first of course, not going without him.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 17, 2015, 10:11:58 am

John nodded slowly.  "Without summoning anything I'm pretty much useless.  But that's my- what the hell?  Okay, very impressive, can you put me down now?"

John gives Ron a look, then settles back onto his stool.

"Anyway.  That's my trick; if I can get a moment, I can summon whatever weapon I need.  A tournament... hm.  I have some ideas as to what might be the best to work that..."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 17, 2015, 10:49:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Don't appeal to a distant future, dude, that's just plainly obvious rationalization. I'm talking the here and now. There's objectives to be completed, and it's pretty obvious you might just need our help to complete them. Right now, teamwork is all that matters."

"Like here, for instance. Consider this device. You are surely sorely tempted to run into it dick-first with all your ostensibly superior knowledge without telling me anything about it, just as I am sorely tempted to start pulling random levers to see how it works. These are obviously bad ideas, and the way to get a better one is simple - it's called COMMUNICATION! Let me start."

Ike ahems, looks away, then looks back at River genially, pointing a finger at the machine.

"Why, River! I spy a marvelous metaphysical engine of change or possibly a strange art installation right over there! Would you happen to have any lore to shed light on its function, or shall I just venture a manipulation to see if it can help us in any way while you put magic-eyes on it and see what changes?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 17, 2015, 11:16:11 am

Frankly, Zechariah didn't really care about how well-done his food was. It could just be ashes for all he cared. As long as it had some sort of nutritional value, he was happy.

Though he probably could go for some sort of seasoning for these rats right about now.

Eat and keep moving. Hopefully, once we get back to the shelter, we may find some food that proves to be more appetizing than charred rat bodies.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Alarith on February 17, 2015, 06:08:08 pm

Am I still being held? if so "Put me down, I am not in the mood to help someone show off"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 17, 2015, 09:46:33 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 16, 2015, 02:58:59 pm

Enter the watermill, and search the structure. If alone, shut and lock the door, then sit down with my back to it, sighing.

You enter the watermill. It's a very small structure with only a single room, with a ladder leading to a platform higher up set up to provide better access to the millstone. It doesn't look like there is anybody around here. You lock the door, lean against it and sigh. The gears are currently disengaged, so the millstone is not turning. You can occasionally hear the creaking of wood as the waterwheel's axle rotates. There's also the constant sound of water running outside.

You think you're safe. But a moment later you find yourself back inside the inn.

Quote from: Toaster on February 17, 2015, 10:11:58 am

John nodded slowly.  "Without summoning anything I'm pretty much useless.  But that's my- what the hell?  Okay, very impressive, can you put me down now?"

John gives Ron a look, then settles back onto his stool.

"Anyway.  That's my trick; if I can get a moment, I can summon whatever weapon I need.  A tournament... hm.  I have some ideas as to what might be the best to work that..."

"Sure man. Just saying, it's gonna be a bit hard going against somebody who can make a sword appear out of thin air when you have no equipment of your own. You're not as good at that sort of thing as my guy. I'm telling you, if he was here, he'd be champion, no problem."

---

EVERYONE
"Ah, good, everyone is already here." the entity says as it forms jumps out of the shadows in the walls.
"Oh, wait, almost everyone. Let me fix that."
He snaps his fingers and Rune appears out of thin air.
"We've already got the next challenge ready. Simple, but effective. A grand tournament that will pit each of you against the other, testing your ability to fight and your ability to think. After all, fighting is more than a physical activity."

"Once a duel starts, there are no rules. Be civilized or brutal, straightforward or deceitful, it matters not. You can do anything you want to crush your enemies. To win the tournament. To prove you are the best. The only way to stop a fight is to have your opponent die before you do, cause him to admit defeat and surrender or demonstrate that he is defeated beyond reasonable doubt."
"Still, we'll be watching, so try to put on a good show, eh?"
"On the other hand, before each match starts, one of you will get to choose the environment the fight takes place in. The other will choose your weapons and equipment. Any of the two can choose to not accept the other's decision. In that case, we will decide about those matters. If one cannot or does not want to make a decision, we will make one for him. We may also intervene if you decide something unacceptable, but I do not think that's very likely to happen."
<No thing is for me unacceptable.
Even birdrivers I find delectable.>
"Please, don't. I'd rather have them fight in a field full of bunnies that shoot lasers out of their eyes than that thing."
"Are you saying that my guy can't make good environment choices? Just because you don't understand art doesn't make it bad you know." the bartender protests.
The shadow sighs.
"Too bad your guy is not here. I'd love to see him crushed. Anyway, that's pretty much it. We have three duels in round one, then a three way fight between the round one losers to give one of them a second chance, then two duels in the semi-finals and the final duel in the finals, where we will determine our champion. How does that sound? Any questions? Ready to prove which one of you is the best?"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 17, 2015, 11:16:11 am

Frankly, Zechariah didn't really care about how well-done his food was. It could just be ashes for all he cared. As long as it had some sort of nutritional value, he was happy.

Though he probably could go for some sort of seasoning for these rats right about now.

Eat and keep moving. Hopefully, once we get back to the shelter, we may find some food that proves to be more appetizing than charred rat bodies.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 16, 2015, 10:13:09 pm

((normally would wait to post until DAF has, but still unreliable so posting as I can.))
resume traveling, but keep alert to more food possibilities. aka: hunt as we move.
wait until Zech has eaten first of course, not going without him.

After a rather unappetizing but filling meal, you continue moving. Irine manages to catch a small rodent that she almost swallows whole, but nothing else of interest happens during your trip to the shelter.

You descend the crater of debris surrounding the entrance to your shelter. It looks like someone has destroyed part of the hole in the ground acting as an entrance, removing some of the stones covering it.

((You're a bit forward in time in relation to Ike and River.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 17, 2015, 10:49:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Don't appeal to a distant future, dude, that's just plainly obvious rationalization. I'm talking the here and now. There's objectives to be completed, and it's pretty obvious you might just need our help to complete them. Right now, teamwork is all that matters."

"Like here, for instance. Consider this device. You are surely sorely tempted to run into it dick-first with all your ostensibly superior knowledge without telling me anything about it, just as I am sorely tempted to start pulling random levers to see how it works. These are obviously bad ideas, and the way to get a better one is simple - it's called COMMUNICATION! Let me start."

Ike ahems, looks away, then looks back at River genially, pointing a finger at the machine.

"Why, River! I spy a marvelous metaphysical engine of change or possibly a strange art installation right over there! Would you happen to have any lore to shed light on its function, or shall I just venture a manipulation to see if it can help us in any way while you put magic-eyes on it and see what changes?"

"I do not like the way you speak." he growls as he walks towards you.
"I have the responsibility to return you to the one that chose you." he continues as he passes by you.
He grunts as he shoves the piece of half-burnt furniture separating you from the depression in the wall containing the mechanism out of the way.
"Bringing your soulsphere back is returning you. Do not insult me."
He proceeds to have a closer look around the wall, sniffing it in the process.
"The smell is coming from behind this thing. Small seams. Very little air. I am surprised you smelled this."
Well, you already knew that, but it's OK to get a confirmation. You think you can smell a very faint smell of actual fish now that you're closer. Hopefully you're not wasting your time with a giant magical freezer.
"I feel magic coming from it. Strong magic. Feels like the one in the tower. They used it to link magical things together. Also other kinds of magic but less strong. Can not tell exactly what they are. Something feels... off. The magical energy release that caused our death must have damaged it. Or maybe it is old and has not been repaired for some time."
He takes a few steps back.
"I do not want to use my abilities on it. It could cause a link to activate. Even being near it could. Anything anyone does near it could. And without using my ability I can not tell you how it works. What activating it would do. I do not want to risk hurting Theri or waste more time regenerating."
He then bends down to take a closer look to the various symbols.
"I do not know what those mean. A reminder, instructions, the creator's signature. It could be anything. I was given no information about them. And I did not take the time to fully recreate our communication magic. If those symbols are something that can be translated, then I can not do it now. And I do not want to waste more time here than we can spare."
He gets back up again.
"I feel this" he points at the slider "and this" he points at the symbols below the slider "are related. Humans tend to do that in their machines."
Well, if this is a giant magical freezer, that could be the temperature control.
"I also see there are three of each... Maybe this machine does something related to the number three. Or the one who built it likes the number three. I do not know."
He starts walking backwards, leaving a respectable distance between himself and the wall.
"I suggest you try to figure it out, if you want to. Keep those stones you took away from it. And the communication magic too. Your abilities are not magical. You are not magical. It will be harder for you to trigger its links. And if they cause something harmful, if something happens to you, I will try to protect you and heal you. I will try to communicate to help, if I can."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Toaster on February 17, 2015, 10:01:07 pm

John grinned and nodded.  "Ready for anything.  Like how you handle a 6-player bracket."

He looked at the bartender.  "Which one is your person?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Wolfkit on February 17, 2015, 11:34:06 pm

"Tournament, huh? Interesting.
Also, I would love to hear the backstory about the... birdriver?"
Listen for anymore delectable hints as to the others' powers

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2015, 02:42:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, no insults here. Just a call for a cooler, more cucumber-like attitude to these things. On that note, let's take a quick look-see."

What setting is the slider on? What symbol is beneath it?

Move it to the triangle.

Then check if the handles are manipulable.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Hawk132 on February 18, 2015, 03:10:41 am

"Let us begin."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Salsacookies on February 18, 2015, 05:32:21 am

*Still tries to decipher the secrets of cooking*

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 18, 2015, 11:29:52 am

<That doesn't look good, someone's been digging at our entry-hole. Zech, be careful when we go in, ok?>
cautiously continue inside, and once inside search for intruders.

---

((I'm pretty sure the digging was River removing anti-magic rocks from the entry tunnel, but w/e.))
((I'll probably be able to post again around this time tomorrow))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2015, 09:52:40 pm

Sorry for the delay, my brain is busy being spaghetti. I'll just reply to these two keep things moving.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2015, 02:42:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, no insults here. Just a call for a cooler, more cucumber-like attitude to these things. On that note, let's take a quick look-see."

What setting is the slider on? What symbol is beneath it?

Move it to the triangle.

Then check if the handles are manipulable.

River says nothing. He just emits an annoyed grunt.

Here's a diagram of the thing I quickly put together to make it easier to understand:

Spoiler (click to show/hide) (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Slider_zpsh4yswfku.png) Sorry for the high resolution, just trying to preserve all the details And yes, I know I said the symbols were in squares, but using circles helped me save time. Plus I think it looks better.

As shown by the image, the slider is currently in the circle with the half-carved interior. You can just give a number from 1 to 19 if you want, with 1 being the leftmost. So with that system, triangle would be 19.

You start moving the slider to the triangle. It's surprisingly easy to move. You could probably just shove it with your leg. It feels well oiled, which is kind of strange considering it was next to a fire. Maybe the oil was protected by magic. Or maybe the slider is held in place via magic. Although the second option is probably less likely, given the fact that you can hear something moving behind the wall as you move the slider. Someone who would use magic to oil a slider would probably not bother with installing mechanisms in the first place. Then again they could. Might be doing it for cultural reasons or just because they like the sound of things. Maybe whatever you hear moving behind the wall is completely unrelated to its function, it might just be decorative. Who knows with those guys?

Specifically, you can hear something like stone grinding against stone coming from two places, one staying in the same place somewhere near the centre of the wall and one moving upwards. Every time the slider passes a symbol there is a click, after which the slider cannot be moved back towards the previous symbol, only towards the next.

You reach the final symbol, a triangle. There's a final click and then the slider refuses to move anymore. Nothing else happens.

You grab the leftmost handle and try pulling it. You feel and hear the stone it is attached to move slightly, as if it could be pulled out of the triangle-shaped hole but something is preventing it from doing so. You can also feel the handle turning slightly clockwise and counter-clockwise. Hopefully that doesn't mean that it has become unscrewed and is about to fall off. You try the other two handles with pretty much the same result.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 18, 2015, 11:29:52 am

<That doesn't look good, someone's been digging at our entry-hole. Zech, be careful when we go in, ok?>
cautiously continue inside, and once inside search for intruders.

---

((I'm pretty sure the digging was River removing anti-magic rocks from the entry tunnel, but w/e.))
((I'll probably be able to post again around this time tomorrow))

You cautiously walk through the entrance. Hm. That feeling of uneasiness you felt the two previous times you went through it is gone. You continue moving as carefully and as quietly as you can, keeping your eyes and ears open.

After carefully investigating the inside of the shelter, you conclude that there is nothing living there, at least nothing that you can sense. Although judging from the smell Ike and River were here some time ago.

Rocks have been moved around inside the shelter, exposing a small hole in the ground and some of the broken furniture you were using to fuel the fire have been moved around. That's pretty much all the changes you can see.

Other than that, it's the usual. Just rocks, some damaged clothes, broken objects and some corpses with very little to no flesh remaining on them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Lenglon on February 19, 2015, 10:30:04 am

((Reading comprehension fail, went back and realized that River asked me to take Zech to the volcano where I was revived, not the shelter.
oops, would have been going where he asked if I'd realized my error sooner. been rather busy lately))

---

((depending on how things go, this may be my last post for a couple weeks, though I'll post if I can. auto me as necessary please.))

---

<Well, this is where we've been hiding. Seems that River took everything of value out of here and left.>
<I think I might have misunderstood what he wanted. I thought we were supposed to meet him here, but the way he phrased it, he might have actually asked for us to go to the volcano, which makes sense now that I think on it. The way I see it we have a couple options. priority number one is to make sure we're ok, need to get you some more food and probably some water. I'm not sure about the food, but there is some kind of well or cistern hidden in a basement nearby I can show you too if you feel up for it, though we aren't the only ones that know about it. We could also wait here, or I could follow River and Ike's scent if you want and track them. or we could go directly to the meeting point at the volcano. what do you want to do?>
follow Zech's lead

---

if in the following turns we encounter humans again, I'm going to want to talk to them peacefully again, but with periodic implied threats that remind that I could kill them if I want to, I just have no reason to want that.
if "cousin" is who we meet, especially if he's alone, then i'm going to want to change to full-human form and change into the clothes Zech is carrying for me, if we're going to be having an extended conversation.
if we encounter another ashwraith, I'm going to avoid telepathy and attempt to repeatedly enclose it in flame again
if we encounter a discoball, I'm going to try to sieze it and slam it into the ground using my abilities.
if we encounter a large predator, I'm going to defend Zech and myself but not attack it unless it acts like it thinks we're prey or Zech attacks.
I will not split up from Zech except to hunt, and even then stay close, even if he asks me to leave him.
If Zech becomes immobilized then I'll go hybrid form and perform medical aid. if he is beyond my help then I'll attempt to contact River. If River is unable to be contacted then I'll go to the human village in full-human form for assistance.

I figure you've been GMing Irine and me for well over a year now, you can auto her pretty well by now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 19, 2015, 12:01:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hope I didn't break it. And also hope I don't break it some more!"

Now, listen carefully to any and all movements around me.

Touch the horsey-head symbol for a moment.

Try to pull down the rightmost lever, leave the others up. Turn the rightmost triangle handle thing clockwise.

Then touch the horsey-head again. Giggle softly.

Try the opposite configuration of levers and triangles if nothing happens, then touch the horsey-head a final time.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 19, 2015, 07:15:58 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 17, 2015, 10:01:07 pm

John grinned and nodded.  "Ready for anything.  Like how you handle a 6-player bracket."

He looked at the bartender.  "Which one is your person?"

"Big Ears. Batman. Fu Manchu. Ike. Cool guy. He's out having fun, exploring another planet right now."
"Unless he's dead. You have no way of knowing."
"Nah, I'm sure he's fine. Guy as fun as him can't die like that."

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 17, 2015, 11:34:06 pm

"Tournament, huh? Interesting.
Also, I would love to hear the backstory about the... birdriver?"
Listen for anymore delectable hints as to the others' powers

<Birdriver!> the voice in your head exclaims.
<Birdriver!>
Everything around you starts melting. The tables, the floor, the other people.
<Birdriver!>
You sink into what was the floor, now a much brighter colour, being carried away by it as it flows.
<Birdriver!>
The whiteish substance starts transforming into sharp white wood branches arranged like a fan, flapping up and down as they flow past you, poking you and leaving trails of leaves behind them.
<Birdriver!>
They continue to flow, forming beaks and bodies, constantly squeaking and squawking with a sound resembling the cries of a crow and the creaking of wood mixed together.
<Birdriver!>
The creatures continue to melt, recombine and reform into new shapes. The flow pushes you upwards, pushing until you reach the surface of the <Birdriver!>.
There seems to be something wrong though with your movement through the migratory <Birdriver!>. While one would expect you to go with the flow of all the wood poking you and brushing against you, you seem to be moving against the flow of the <Birdriver!>. And you can tell that is so because you are approaching the <Birdriver!>'s source. A gigantic mouth, sporting some gigantic teeth and gigantic lips to go with it. Right above it, there is a gigantic fu manchu-style moustache, followed by a gigantic nose that has two <Birdriver!>s flowing out of it, migrating in irregular spiral patterns in opposing directions. A moment later, your brain regrets using the word gigantic to describe the mouth, for you notice there are even more gigantic things close to it. Gigantic ears, ears that look like satellite dishes compared to everything else, ears larger than the <Birdriver!> you are currently moving through.
The entity laughs as you move towards the mouth, a sound like the laugh of a hyena mixed with the roars of a lion. You continue approaching the gigantic head spewing out that <Birdriver!>, that torrent of impossible creatures.
"Please." the shadowman says with a tone that implies he meant to say something far less polite.
You are back at the inn.
"Do not disturb my employee."
<There's no need to act so tough,
he'll be dead soon enough!> the other responds and continues to laugh.

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 18, 2015, 05:32:21 am

*Still tries to decipher the secrets of cooking*

The guy with the notepads seems to be currently surrounded by a bunch of moving colours. A moment later he starts flailing about as if he is being punched by ghosts. You shrug and use the distraction to enter the kitchen.
Now, what should you start with... Oh, those round brown things look good. Let's taste them.
Gah, it broke apart! What is that yellow stuff coming out of it? It's all over you now! And it tastes really crucnchy and oily. Swallowing makes your throat feel funny. Is this how food is supposed to taste? No wonder humans cook it to change it.
You throw the broken brown thing away and grab a new one. Let's try putting it over a fire to see if that changes anything.
You leave the thing on the fire. It starts becoming blacker. Should you remove it or should-
Gah, that thing is leaking. Yeah, there is a crack and now all that stuff is bubbling out and sizzling as it comes out of the crack and touches the fire.
You quickly remove it from the fire and blow the ash away. That done, you take a bite.
Well, still crunchy and it tastes like ash, but at least it's a lot less oily now and more solid.
Yay, you're learning things!

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 19, 2015, 12:01:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hope I didn't break it. And also hope I don't break it some more!"

Now, listen carefully to any and all movements around me.

Touch the horsey-head symbol for a moment.

Try to pull down the rightmost lever, leave the others up. Turn the rightmost triangle handle thing clockwise.

Then touch the horsey-head again. Giggle softly.

Try the opposite configuration of levers and triangles if nothing happens, then touch the horsey-head a final time.

You stand perfectly still. There's nothing, not even the wind. You hear River shift a bit a moment later but that's not what you'd call interesting. For a second you think you hear a sound coming from inside the wall but you are not sure.

You touch the horsey head. The cold stone feels smooth and rounded yet perfectly even. Whoever carved this did a good job and probably put some of their best craftsmanship in it. Unless they used magic to mass produce it. Maybe you'll find a "Made in wizard China" sticker if you look inside the thing.

You try to pull the rightmost lever. It moves for maybe a millimetre before it stops. It won't budge. You let go and it returns to its original position, one millimetre upwards. You wait. You can hear River's claws clicking against the stone as he walks around a bit. Nothing happens.

You try to turn the rightmost handle clockwise. It continues to behave as before, refusing to turn.
Touching the horsehead also produces no different effect.

You shrug and start pulling the leftmost lever instead. This one can actually move. You can hear something moving behind the wall as you do so, but you can't really make out the sound. Metal and wood you think? You move it down halfway. The moment you let it go, it returns to its original position, bouncing a bit as it bangs against the top. Judging from the newly created scratch on the lever, you are probably not supposed to do that. Well, the owner is probably dead, so he (or she or it) probably won't mind.

That done, you pull it all the way down. There is a sound like metal hitting rock, several clicks, the sound of something metal shifting and then the entire mechanism starts reverting to its original configuration, the slider slowly returning to the centre and the lever moving upwards, accompanied by the sound of mechanisms shifting.

You wait, ready to dodge. Nothing happens.

Touching the horse's head (D would probably make an silly/inappropriate joke about that if he could speak) and messing with the handles does nothing different.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 19, 2015, 10:30:04 am

((Reading comprehension fail, went back and realized that River asked me to take Zech to the volcano where I was revived, not the shelter.
oops, would have been going where he asked if I'd realized my error sooner. been rather busy lately))

---

((depending on how things go, this may be my last post for a couple weeks, though I'll post if I can. auto me as necessary please.))

---

<Well, this is where we've been hiding. Seems that River took everything of value out of here and left.>
<I think I might have misunderstood what he wanted. I thought we were supposed to meet him here, but the way he phrased it, he might have actually asked for us to go to the volcano, which makes sense now that I think on it. The way I see it we have a couple options. priority number one is to make sure we're ok, need to get you some more food and probably some water. I'm not sure about the food, but there is some kind of well or cistern hidden in a basement nearby I can show you too if you feel up for it, though we aren't the only ones that know about it. We could also wait here, or I could follow River and Ike's scent if you want and track them. or we could go directly to the meeting point at the volcano. what do you want to do?>
follow Zech's lead

---

if in the following turns we encounter humans again, I'm going to want to talk to them peacefully again, but with periodic implied threats that remind that I could kill them if I want to, I just have no reason to want that.
if "cousin" is who we meet, especially if he's alone, then i'm going to want to change to full-human form and change into the clothes Zech is carrying for me, if we're going to be having an extended conversation.
if we encounter another ashwraith, I'm going to avoid telepathy and attempt to repeatedly enclose it in flame again
if we encounter a discoball, I'm going to try to seize it and slam it into the ground using my abilities.
if we encounter a large predator, I'm going to defend Zech and myself but not attack it unless it acts like it thinks we're prey or Zech attacks.
I will not split up from Zech except to hunt, and even then stay close, even if he asks me to leave him.
If Zech becomes immobilized then I'll go hybrid form and perform medical aid. if he is beyond my help then I'll attempt to contact River. If River is unable to be contacted then I'll go to the human village in full-human form for assistance.

I figure you've been GMing Irine and me for well over a year now, you can auto her pretty well by now.

((Yeah, River was being vague in case somebody was listening. I would had probably informed you if your paths did not end up intersecting, but then Ike got a random event again.

And don't worry, it will probably take him some time for him to complete it, depending on how bad things go. Unless he gives up, of course, or River drags him away. I was hoping I could get NAV back in this week, but it looks like luck has other plans.

And yes, I think I can auto your reaction to certain problems and simple things fairly well (especially when you leave nice instructions like that), but I don't think I'm that good at doing other things. If your(plural) characters did not think and do things that surprised me, this would be a boring game for me to run.

Anyway, waiting on DAF.))

---

OOC
Old poll:
 Game mode for next mission?
8 (61.5%): Tournament
5 (38.5%): Boss Fight

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Xantalos on February 19, 2015, 07:35:28 pm

((Rhymerer is best entity.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Wolfkit on February 19, 2015, 07:59:52 pm

"Okay then, that was thoroughly strange and chaotic."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 19, 2015, 08:19:49 pm

Look around at my competitors. Wonder if there's a way I can still morph into a mouse then sneak back to my windmill. Probably not. Ask the Entity if we can just start without delay.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 4
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 20, 2015, 03:52:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, I didn't break it after all. Who'd have thought?"

Ike looks at River.

"Figuring this thing out might take a while, I suspect. So if we've got any urgent business, best get to that first."

If River has any urgent business, leave the machine be and accompany him on his quest, whatever that may be.

If not, pull middle lever. Move the slider to the black circle. Pull middle lever again.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2015, 06:55:50 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 19, 2015, 08:19:49 pm

Look around at my competitors. Wonder if there's a way I can still morph into a mouse then sneak back to my windmill. Probably not. Ask the Entity if we can just start without delay.

"Why, got a date? Hoping you won't be late? Or are you just eager to die?"  the shadowman says, a bit annoyed.
"Fine, whatever. Zero, you're up."
The shadow man makes a gesture as if he is sweeping the players away with his hand.

---

Tournament

---

<Generating pseudorandom pairs...
Pair one:
Toaster
Wolfkit
Pair two:
Hawk
Alarith
Pair three:
Coolrune
Salsacookies
Pairs generated.
Round 1 begins now.>

You are transported to a plane of infinite darkness.

You are standing inside a cyan square. You can see other people in squares of their own a great distance away, arranged in a rough circle around a common centre. Some of the squares are red. Some are blue. Each of you has another standing opposite to them in a square of the opposite colour.

There are two cyan lines coming out of your square, one straight, one dotted, both moving towards the centre, where they link up with one of four square pillars, themselves linked with two even higher. At the centre of it all is an incredibly tall and incredibly luminous pillar.

<Preparation phase begins now.
Input parameters for your partner's consideration now.>

<Reds are the ones choosing equipment. Blues are the ones choosing environments. You can specify whatever you like, but keep in mind the other has the ability to veto you. That is all. Begin when ready.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 20, 2015, 03:52:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, I didn't break it after all. Who'd have thought?"

Ike looks at River.

"Figuring this thing out might take a while, I suspect. So if we've got any urgent business, best get to that first."

If River has any urgent business, leave the machine be and accompany him on his quest, whatever that may be.

If not, pull middle lever. Move the slider to the black circle. Pull middle lever again.

"They have to find food. And Zechariah can not yet move as quickly as we do. But try to be fast. I want us to get there before the sun sets."

The middle lever continues to refuse to move, even after you move the slider to the black circle. The slider behaves like last time, refusing to return to the centre.

---

OOC
Writing from phone. Please excuse any mistakes. I might make a graph showing the matches when I get some time.

I chose the pairs through Random.org, but they look very good in my opinion. Telekinetic vs Telekinetic, Mad "Scientist" vs "Mad" Engineer...

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on February 20, 2015, 10:39:10 am

((Update: I was wrong about my connection problems. I'm still going to have a poor internet, but not anywhere near as bad as I'd thought. I'll try to get in about one post a day at about the same time of day as this one (even if just to say that I'm still here). If I miss my post, assume it isn't coming and start autoing me please.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 20, 2015, 10:51:38 am

"Well then, let's see..."
A lab with a couple of interconnecting rooms, frequent cover in the form of various scientific apparati, lab counters and server banks, a network of maintenance passages, and a deathpit spammed by catwalks.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 20, 2015, 10:57:25 am

John laughed.  "Well now, looks like it's battle of the brains!  Well met, sir!  I choose laser pistols at dawn!"

Pew pew blaster style laser pistols!  As cheesy science fiction as they get!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 20, 2015, 11:05:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

"In that case, let me psych myself up a moment!"

Ike stares intently at the machine. Blood drains from his face, and he becomes pale.

Pull the leftmost lever all the way down.

Then pull it halfway down, twist the middle triangle clockwise, and try to push the slider to Figure 13. If nothing happens then, try the middle lever, and if that doesn't work, the right lever.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 20, 2015, 11:19:12 am

Environment: a small urban fight pit,walls covered in graffiti and barbed wire, and with hundreds watching over the ring while we fight to the death.

"So I getza foight some daod? Fun.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 20, 2015, 12:00:03 pm

Bryan, environment maker
"Let's have a ruined city. Areas with long stretches of road, other areas with tightly packed buildings in various states of ruin, from pristine to a hole.Alleyways, some roads with holes in them. Stuff like that."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2015, 12:06:14 pm

PFP

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 20, 2015, 11:05:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

"In that case, let me psych myself up a moment!"

Ike stares intently at the machine. Blood drains from his face, and he becomes pale.

Pull the leftmost lever all the way down.

Then pull it halfway down, twist the middle triangle clockwise, and try to push the slider to Figure 13. If nothing happens then, try the middle lever, and if that doesn't work, the right lever.

You pull the lever. It feels a bit heavier than before, a bit harder to move. The machine resets again, but this time you also hear a shift near its lower left and lower right edges, a sound like an old unoiled car changing gears being heard through a wall. A sound starts being emitted from there. It sounds like the high pitched chime of a bell, but it lasts far longer than it should. There is another shift in the same position and the sound starts dying down.

From the second action, the only thing you manage to do is pull the leftmost lever halfway down and keep it there by holding it and put the slider to 13. The levers and the handles you try to move do not respond.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 20, 2015, 12:13:08 pm

((Gah! Curse you, internet! You have failed me once again for two more days!))

"You know," Zechariah says, "Water doesn't sound like too bad of an idea right about now. Actually, I'd probably drink anything. Barring blood or anything that would kill me, of course."

Nah, who am I kidding. I'd probably drink blood too if I'm given the chance and I'm thirsty enough.
It's not like worse hasn't happened to me.

Follow Irine to the cistern and drink something potable. Afterwards, start the trek to the volcano.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 20, 2015, 12:41:12 pm

"I fight with the traitor? I shall enjoy this."

"We will duel with longswords."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 20, 2015, 07:25:38 pm

I do not like that environment. VETO'D!

Equipment:
Bare hands. Nothing.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 20, 2015, 07:29:58 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Try a bunch of random combinations until one of them does something unusual!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 20, 2015, 07:56:22 pm

A desolate city, overgrown with alien vegetation, this better.? I like it better than the last one

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 20, 2015, 07:58:23 pm

Nevermind, that's taken :(.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 20, 2015, 08:00:08 pm

An overgrown zoo! With zoo animals roaming around, and alien vegetation growing all over the place.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 20, 2015, 08:50:56 pm

Triple Post?

And once it's vetoed, the entities decide.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2015, 09:19:17 pm

Small clarification post:

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 20, 2015, 08:50:56 pm

Triple Post?

And once it's vetoed, the entities decide.

Let's say you can consider his final proposal. After all, I was going to do a little turn where I show you the environment before you choose whether or not to accept it or say if there are minor adjustments you could do to make it acceptable. This is more like you talking and negotiating, I suppose.

Unless you're going to veto anything he proposes, in which case I can just move on to having the entities choose.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 20, 2015, 09:28:18 pm

Veto EVERYTHIIIING!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 20, 2015, 10:16:12 pm

Ok, go ahead and let the entities choose.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 21, 2015, 05:48:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"So it's not a reset lever! Cool!"

Experiment with combinations until something fun happens or I get bored.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on February 21, 2015, 11:32:51 am

((situation is mostly stabilized now, should be able to post reliably. Things that I thought were going to happen didn't.))

---

<Ok! This way then!>
to the water!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2015, 11:03:50 pm

---

Wolfkit VS Toaster

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 20, 2015, 10:51:38 am

"Well then, let's see..."
A lab with a couple of interconnecting rooms, frequent cover in the form of various scientific apparati, lab counters and server banks, a network of maintenance passages, and a deathpit spammed by catwalks.

Quote from: Toaster on February 20, 2015, 10:57:25 am

John laughed.  "Well now, looks like it's battle of the brains!  Well met, sir!  I choose laser pistols at dawn!"

Pew pew blaster style laser pistols!  As cheesy science fiction as they get!

You stare at the message blinking on the computer screen, trying to contain your anger. That's it. You can not let that man get in the way of your work like that. You can not stand an insult like that go unpunished. Oh, you'll show that arrogant bastard.

You open a drawer and retrieve your trusty prototype raygun, fresh from the weapons lab. A machine with an overabundance of curves, disks and blinking lights. It kinda looks like a toy. It's even powered by a simple pair of D batteries. But it is good enough for taking care of scum like that one.

John walks out of his office, walking through the workspaces of others. Most of them wear orange work clothes, like his, with a few greens and very rare reds amongst them. Most of the orange ones are working on various manufacturing machines, manipulating giant robotic arms to perform various tasks, preparing to operate on a test subject or even playing experimenting with robots of their own.

Welroki also gets out of his office, but the route he follows gets him through a quite different setup, small workspaces filled with strange glowing things, bubbling beakers, microscopes, chemical stations, thick tubes, holding pens, sequencing machines and a ridiculously large number of whiteboards and post-it notes, manned by men in white lab coats, like his.

You both keep walking with determination, moving towards your target. You pass through the white plastic-like halls, with walls decorated by coloured lines leading to various areas. There's also the occasional clear window on them, showing you a brief glance of the rock this place was built under and the various cramped maintenance areas that exist behind those clear white walls, reminding you of where you are. The ceiling on the other hand is filled with various sensors, speakers, detectors and lights, with the most prominent thing being the large armoured cameras, many of them tracking you as you move.

A colleague approaches you and matches your walking speed, trying to get your attention.
"Uh, sir?"
You do not stop. Do not even look at her.
"Where are you going with that? Sir?" she asks, trying very hard to not sound insubordinate and to contain the worry in her voice.
You continue to not respond. But it should not be hard for her to guess your intentions.
"Shit. This is not going to be good."
Yep, figured it out. You knew you didn't have total morons working under you.
"Quick! Back up your work, secure your test subjects and get to co-"
You raise your raygun and fire several shots at the door. Bright pulses of energy hit it, causing it to start melting. Not really necessary, but appropriately dramatic and indicative of your intentions, for those who did not yet knew what those were.
"Scratch that. Get to cover! Immediately!"

You walk through the hole in the still melting door and cross to the other side, to the heart of the roughly cross-shaped base. Said heart consists of a deep pit filled with magma, over which a potent thermoelectric generator stands, converting heat and water into energy for the entire base. Close to it are the elevators leading to various levels of the base, all the way up to the surface, including one rather large cargo elevator. The pit has various catwalks at different levels, connecting various points of the base. Around the pit runs a corridor, connecting the four main branches of the base.

At this time, it is filled with people taking their break, probably going to to the rec room, heading outside, checking up on an acquaintance on some other department or simply enjoying the heat coming out of the generator like cats, with their arms dangling from the low wall separating the corridor and the pit. Those with good survival instincts have already started running. The rest watch in shock as you continue walking towards the catwalk crossing right above the generator, the quickest link between the two departments.

You stand there, at the beginning of the catwalk, looking at the other side, staring at the man who insulted you doing the same, barely visible behind the vapour coming out of the generator. You raise your weapon. He does the same.
You start firing at each other, bolts of bright energy zipping past you, accompanied with "Pew pew" noises, melting whatever they hit.
"God damn it! They're at it agai-"
The man's cry is cut short by a blast of energy. That will teach him to complain instead of diving for cover.
Speaking of cover, you get behind the low wall separating this corridor from the main generator's pit. You don't need to make this easy on him. Besides, maybe if you stay low, you can get to his office without him noticing and do some "redecorating"...

Time pauses, allowing you to very clearly see the results of the ray gun hitting the poor staff assistant, the flesh in the area struck by it dissolving into a quickly evaporating greenish sludge, his green clothes still slightly glowing near the burnt edges around the hole.
<Is the provided environment and equipment acceptable?>

---

Alarith VS Hawk132

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 20, 2015, 12:00:03 pm

Bryan, environment maker
"Let's have a ruined city. Areas with long stretches of road, other areas with tightly packed buildings in various states of ruin, from pristine to a hole.Alleyways, some roads with holes in them. Stuff like that."

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 20, 2015, 12:41:12 pm

"I fight with the traitor? I shall enjoy this."

"We will duel with longswords."

Desolation. Death.
That is the best way to describe this city. For something far worse than destruction has been done to it.

It is clear that it has suffered great destruction a long time ago. The fires are no longer raging. The corpses have been picked clean. Those buildings still standing have started crumbling. The cars have started rusting. Nothing living can be seen or heard. There is only emptiness, grey and black emptiness. Even the skies are dark and grey, the clouds oppressively close and disturbingly still. The eerie sound of wind going through destroyed homes is the only thing heard. The only thing this place has to look forward to is the approaching winter, where another shade of grey will be added to it, mixing the ash with dirty snow and frozen water.

Against all expectations however, there is something new here. There is something disturbing the silence of this tomb. As if momentarily affected by the state of the city, they too stand dead still, staring at each other, like statues left in the middle of the street at a futile attempt to make this place feel less empty. The only thing that betrays they are not dead is them occasionally adjusting their grip on their longswords. Holding the heavy two handed weapon still for that long can become tiring. But the two do not mind. They are determined. They know that only one of them is coming out of this alive. Only one of them is going to get what he wants. They know that nothing else will disturb them in this place. So they wait. Bide their time. And prepare.

Between them lies a simple asphalt road and some of the cars that used to drive on it. The road is marked with holes that expose this city's dead veins: pipes that have run dry a long time ago, wires transmitting nothing. The buildings on either side of the street are ruined. Ruined homes, ruined businesses, ruined offices... Nothing remains but their skeletons, filled with barely recognisable furniture. Behind the man, the road continues into the wastes, grey, flat, barren plains where there are no landmarks, nothing to help you judge distance or size. In front of him, beyond the one standing in his way, is his goal. The home of death itself, from whence it rules its ever expanding domain.

Time pauses. You can no longer hear the wind or smell the scent of death and destruction, but you can still see your opponent standing opposite to you.
<Is the provided environment and equipment acceptable?>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 21, 2015, 05:48:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"So it's not a reset lever! Cool!"

Experiment with combinations until something fun happens or I get bored.

You put the slider to seven and pull the leftmost lever. The lever feels a bit harder to pull again. You can hear that shift again, happening near the lower left and lower right corners. But this time it sounds much, much louder, like a gong reverberating through the entire building.

You put the slider to seventeen and pull the leftmost lever. This time the same thing happens. But it is incredibly loud. Loud enough to cause the building above you to vibrate hard enough for something in it to collapse. Doesn't look like it was anything important, but it is indicative of the strength of the noise.

You're starting to see a pattern here...

"You are going to attract the attention of everything nearby. If you can not figure this out soon, we should leave."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 20, 2015, 12:13:08 pm

((Gah! Curse you, internet! You have failed me once again for two more days!))

"You know," Zechariah says, "Water doesn't sound like too bad of an idea right about now. Actually, I'd probably drink anything. Barring blood or anything that would kill me, of course."

Nah, who am I kidding. I'd probably drink blood too if I'm given the chance and I'm thirsty enough.
It's not like worse hasn't happened to me.

Follow Irine to the cistern and drink something potable. Afterwards, start the trek to the volcano.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 21, 2015, 11:32:51 am

((situation is mostly stabilized now, should be able to post reliably. Things that I thought were going to happen didn't.))

---

<Ok! This way then!>
to the water!

You lead Zechariah to the building containing the small water fountain/cistern thing. The route is pleasantly quiet and the building looks undisturbed when you get there.

You take the stairs down to the water level, carefully looking around to ensure there is nothing lurking in the room or in the stairs leading further down. There's nothing there. The things around here have been disturbed and move around a bit, but whoever did that is not here now. Seeing that everything is safe, you use a nearby bucket to take some water from the dwindling supply and use it to sate your thirst.

You are about finished drinking when you hear something like the sound of a very large bell coming from somewhere relatively close.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 23, 2015, 12:17:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I get the feeling it might not be worth finding out what happens when I pull this three more times. With that in mind, let's roll!"

Let's get back to our regular quest, shall we?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 23, 2015, 07:39:15 am

Our settings are ready, ready to fight

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 23, 2015, 11:52:13 am

"This is acceptable."

Get ready for the battle.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 23, 2015, 12:47:27 pm

Tournament


"Little more juice in these pistols than I expected, but screw it, let's roll!"

Ready!


((Also A+ for flavor))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 23, 2015, 01:09:49 pm

Tournament

"All the better for causing hilarious unnecessary collateral damage with. Let's duel."
Ready

((Love the flavor. Get the impression there's a lot of employee turnover.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 23, 2015, 03:11:28 pm

Rune sat waiting patiently, watching everyone else disappear around him. He frowned. What was the holdup on their match?
Ready to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 23, 2015, 05:38:15 pm

"I can work just as well with this weapon as any other."
Ready

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 24, 2015, 01:40:47 pm

http://youtu.be/VOvDTCbcHe0

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 23, 2015, 12:47:27 pm

Tournament

"Little more juice in these pistols than I expected, but screw it, let's roll!"

Ready!

((Also A+ for flavor))

((Ah, I went for a mix of Mars Attacks and CoD Zombie Mode for the raygun, but toned down so that it causes damage analogous to a pistol bullet, but with more surface damage and less penetration. Like an explosive pistol bullet.))

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 23, 2015, 01:09:49 pm

Tournament

"All the better for causing hilarious unnecessary collateral damage with. Let's duel."
Ready

((Love the flavor. Get the impression there's a lot of employee turnover.))

<Begin.> comes the voice from the silver-like shackle with the round bluish screen that has appeared on your arms, the manifestation called "Interface". And immediately, time resumes. You can hear the groans of the shot staff assistant and the rattle and noise of people running away from you.

John notices he has the ring part of his spear again, enlarged a bit so that it can fit around his arm like a bracelet.

<And they're off! Let's see how much collateral damage they can cause!>
<I feel sorry for the base.>
<There is no reason to worry. They will probably end up shooting themselves in the foot before they can reach anything important.>

---

Hawk132 VS Alrith

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 23, 2015, 11:52:13 am

"This is acceptable."

Get ready for the battle.

Quote from: Alarith on February 23, 2015, 05:38:15 pm

"I can work just as well with this weapon as any other."
Ready

<Begin.> comes the voice from the silver-like shackle with the round bluish screen that has appeared on your arms, the manifestation called "Interface". And immediately, time resumes. You can hear the wind and smell the ash again.

<Duel honourably.>
<Isn't that place a bit too... empty?>
<No harm in that. Less things to distract them from the actual fighting.>

---

Salsacookies VS Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 23, 2015, 03:11:28 pm

Rune sat waiting patiently, watching everyone else disappear around him. He frowned. What was the holdup on their match?
Ready to go.

((Well, you had no choice on the matter, so there was no point in showing you anything.))

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 23, 2015, 07:39:15 am

Our settings are ready, ready to fight

<Begin.> comes the voice from the silver-like shackle with the round bluish screen that has appeared on your arms, the manifestation called "Interface". Immediately you are pushed forward, barrelling down an enormous pinkish tunnel at incredible speeds, the walls nothing but a blur. You slow down a bit, but less than a second later you are pushed forward again, accompanied by a very loud, very bass sound. The tunnel begins getting smaller and branch into many smaller ones further ahead.

You are currently relatively close to each other, crouched on red disks with a depression near their middle. Around you are more of those red disks, along with a few smaller spiky brown things and some larger spherical spiky white things.

<What is that???>
<It's the circulatory system!>
<More like how a child thinks of it.>
<Why?>
<It's educational!>

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 24, 2015, 01:54:11 pm

Tournament

John grinned.  "Woo!  I'll get you for your many perceived insults!"

Spoiler: Since we're in direct competition, should we spoiler our actions? (click to show/hide)

Get in the best cover that's easily accessible; if already in it, stay there.

Summon an exoskeleton that's purely focused on defense, with a primary focus of defending against the pistols we're using.  Offense is not required; the pistol and spear will cover that.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 24, 2015, 02:00:52 pm

(Awesome arena. Would've never thought of that.)

I look around at my new surroundings, and I think to myself, why are we fighting on giant frisbees? They get so boring, especially because they break so quick. "Durable"? Not really.

Fight time? I'll crush ya flattah dan ah fraesbae!

Crush him flatter than a frisbee

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 24, 2015, 02:14:49 pm

Tournament
"Hmph. I have put up with you for far too long, but now your vague,  unspecified accusations shall cease! "

Spoiler: Sounds good to me (click to show/hide)

Stay behind cover, take opportunistic shots at John

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 24, 2015, 02:23:02 pm

Tournament

"Do try to make this entertaining."

Do the thing I wanted to do! Will do spoilers next turn!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 24, 2015, 02:57:18 pm

Just a clarification for Toaster and Wolfkit. Here's a map (not to scale) showing where you started and where you are.
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/TourMap1_zpsfcavsgmd.png)
You are close to the middle.
The thing in the middle between you two is the lava pit with the generator and catwalks connecting different sides.
You are behind a low wall, a wall that provides cover as long as you remain low. Like partial cover in XCOM, if you've played it.

Spoilers are fine. You can even PM actions if you want (although I'll have to write something in the thread so that the others can see what's going on). I assume you want me to spoiler the results of your actions?

And I like your vague banter.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 24, 2015, 03:01:02 pm

(And here's our map!)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Circulatory_System_en.svg/250px-Circulatory_System_en.svg.png)

Quickly transform into a large amoeba, shedding necessary biomass to complete the transformation quickly. Once done, envelop the red blood cell I am currently on, and begin absorbing biomass. If I have enough time and supplies, then get my "Specialized Trait" which I leveled up for ;) You know the one, paris!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 24, 2015, 03:06:35 pm

*rimshot*

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 24, 2015, 03:37:41 pm

((Wherefore art thou, good internet connection?))

Campaign

Zechariah drank the water greedily, taking in as much as he could without drowning himself. He didn't have a clue when he would be able to access water like this again. It was almost heaven compared to what he'd been through before. He didn't really care about the taste; it was potable, and this was good enough for him.

And then, a bell sound rang through the area. Zechariah looked around, listening more than he was seeing.
To Irine:<There's something or someone nearby. It might be dangerous. Get ready.>

Be cautious and steady with my movements. Scout the surrounding area and try to see if I can find the source of this bell sound. Prioritize stealthiness.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 24, 2015, 10:45:15 pm

Tournament, Bryan
"No hard feelings about this okay? I know I won't hold a grudge."

Spoiler: 3! 2! 1! Go! (click to show/hide)

Expect a physical charge of the giant, or a telekinetic blast from his arm, dive forward and to the side at the appropriate time. Break into his mind, doesn't need to be sneaky, just clean. Any nearby rubble I could lift with my telekinesis?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 25, 2015, 11:16:37 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 23, 2015, 12:17:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I get the feeling it might not be worth finding out what happens when I pull this three more times. With that in mind, let's roll!"

Let's get back to our regular quest, shall we?

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 24, 2015, 03:37:41 pm

((Wherefore art thou, good internet connection?))

Campaign

Zechariah drank the water greedily, taking in as much as he could without drowning himself. He didn't have a clue when he would be able to access water like this again. It was almost heaven compared to what he'd been through before. He didn't really care about the taste; it was potable, and this was good enough for him.

And then, a bell sound rang through the area. Zechariah looked around, listening more than he was seeing.
To Irine:<There's something or someone nearby. It might be dangerous. Get ready.>

Be cautious and steady with my movements. Scout the surrounding area and try to see if I can find the source of this bell sound. Prioritize stealthiness.

Let's move things along a bit, shall we?

The gang meets up near the water source, where it is explained that a strange mechanism Ike found at the basement of a building was the source of the noise. River and Ike make a trip to the water source to quench their thirst. Then they all make their way closer to the crater.

The trip is uneventful and they make good progress. By the time they have managed to make their way through the fissures that have appeared on the ground close to the crater, the sun has started to approach the horizon and parts of the city has have already been covered by the ever growing shadows. It will probably disappear in about an hour and it will be dark some time after that.

River stops close to the edge of the crater, resting on the warm smooth rock there and addresses Zechariah.
"When you are ready, I need to talk to you. I need to prepare you for the process."
He then turns to face Irine and Ike.
"I do not need you now. Explore if you want. I may need one of you later. To protect Zechariah and Theri while I awake the others. If Zechariah agrees to help me."

Ike is currently very hungry.

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 24, 2015, 01:54:11 pm

Tournament

John grinned.  "Woo!  I'll get you for your many perceived insults!"

Spoiler: Since we're in direct competition, should we spoiler our actions? (click to show/hide)

Get in the best cover that's easily accessible; if already in it, stay there.

Summon an exoskeleton that's purely focused on defense, with a primary focus of defending against the pistols we're using.  Offense is not required; the pistol and spear will cover that.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You remain crouched behind the low wall and focus on summoning some armour.

Being unsure about how exactly the raygun works and what would protect you from it, you just give your general intention to your power and hope it comes up with something good. It probably has no idea either, since it comes up with a fairly simple solution. (Or maybe it's just disappointed it cannot use your vagueness to maim you somehow.) Lightweight plastic pieces begin appearing and attaching themselves on you, with more of them appearing and screwing themselves over the old ones, leaving a gap between each layer. Layers of transparent plastic are placed in front of your eyes, so that you can still see, although they obscure your vision a bit. You make a quick check to make sure that you can breathe, just in case.

Since each raygun round has a relatively small blast radius, the spaced armour should require multiple shots in the same spot to be destroyed. The lightweight plastics should allow you to move quickly and dissipate the heat produced from each hit. The only problem is that in order to preserve your ability to move unhindered, your joints, hands and feet are not armoured with anything beyond a simple plastic cover. A single hit would be enough to hurt you there, even though the armour would mitigate some of the damage.

While you do so, your position is assaulted by a hail of raygun bolts, destroying the door behind you and melting a large part of the wall and ceiling, exposing some wires and pipes in the process. Even the wall you are hiding behind, along with the nearby sections, has started to sag and melt. It probably won't take another shot.

Any people still around you that are still alive are wise enough to lay low, with some of the bravest ones trying to crawl away.

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 24, 2015, 02:14:49 pm

Tournament
"Hmph. I have put up with you for far too long, but now your vague,  unspecified accusations shall cease! "

Spoiler: Sounds good to me (click to show/hide)

Stay behind cover, take opportunistic shots at John

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You unload on the piece of cover John was last seen hiding behind, pulling the trigger again and again and again. You cause a molten crater to appear on it, the surrounding cover, the wall behind him and the ceiling above him (exposing some pipes and wires in the process) and destroying the door behind him. You try to hit a piece of orange plastic sticking out of cover but your aim is not that good.

<Good thing those guns have lots of ammo, eh?>

---

Hawk132 VS Alarith

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 24, 2015, 10:45:15 pm

Tournament, Bryan
"No hard feelings about this okay? I know I won't hold a grudge."

Spoiler: 3! 2! 1! Go! (click to show/hide)

Expect a physical charge of the giant, or a telekinetic blast from his arm, dive forward and to the side at the appropriate time. Break into his mind, doesn't need to be sneaky, just clean. Any nearby rubble I could lift with my telekinesis?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

There are various things around you could use. Small pieces of rubble, larger slabs of concrete that have fallen off buildings, bent lamp posts, destroyed benches, burnt trees, old rusted cars. Depends on what you want and how powerful you feel.

You feel close to penetrating Saevus' mental defences, but you fail to do so. On the bright side, you don't think he noticed. And if he did, there's probably nothing he can do about it other than try to kill you faster.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 24, 2015, 02:23:02 pm

Tournament

"Do try to make this entertaining."

Do the thing I wanted to do! Will do spoilers next turn!

Bryan stands still with a wide stance, ready to dodge out of the way, while Saevus charges at him, the glow of the runes of his golden arm leaping out of them, materializing into a spear. He throws the spear at Bryan with surprising agility, adding his momentum to the throw. He attempts to make the speed go even faster by hitting it with a telekinetic blast as he throws it, but he mistimes it and hits the ground instead, ending up doing nothing more than raising a cloud of dust around him a moment after the spear leaves his hand. It does look pretty cool though.

<Good throw!>

Bryan dives out of the way, landing forward and to the side, close to a small hole in the road. The glowing spear embeds itself in the asphalt, causing small cracks to appear in it, before it fades into nothingness. Bryan starts standing up and raising his sword.

<Better reflexes.>

Saevus has almost reached Bryan. Just a few steps left.

---

Salsacookies VS Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 24, 2015, 02:00:52 pm

(Awesome arena. Would've never thought of that.)

I look around at my new surroundings, and I think to myself, why are we fighting on giant frisbees? They get so boring, especially because they break so quick. "Durable"? Not really.

Fight time? I'll crush ya flattah dan ah fraesbae!

Crush him flatter than a frisbee

Ron does his best to jump off the erythrocyte he is on and swim towards the one Rune is on. It's not that easy for a man with his abilities, but he manages. The erythrocyte he just kicked on the other hand is not left in a very good condition. Super strength tends to do that to things.

<Let's see what kind of complex tactic they will->
"Ron crush!"
<Uh, okay, scratch that.>
<He is even nice enough to call his attacks.>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 24, 2015, 03:01:02 pm

Quickly transform into a large amoeba, shedding necessary biomass to complete the transformation quickly. Once done, envelop the red blood cell I am currently on, and begin absorbing biomass. If I have enough time and supplies, then get my "Specialized Trait" which I leveled up for ;) You know the one, paris!

It's a cell. In a functioning human body. That means it is made out of appropriate materials in the appropriate scale. So you might as well had tried to absorb a statue of a pig or one of those molecular models made out of those coloured balls. The molecules themselves are incompatible. Alien. Too large for you.

If the entities weren't providing you with breathing and lighting and appropriate pressure and all those things, it would have made an already difficult environment even worse. I briefly considered giving you spacesuit-like things to justify your capability to exist and act in such an environment, but I thought it would be too restricting. Better to just say it's magic.

Rune starts transforming into a giant single celled organism. Uninuclear cells like the ones most single celled amoebas have don't work well for organisms of that size, so he transforms into a coenocyte instead, with large molecular filament chains that allow him to deform his rather thick cellular membrane reasonably well and a rather complex network of chemical pathways connected to a central core network that allow him to sense his surroundings and control his body. Unfortunately, for now he is limited to an OK sense of touch, a very vague and blurry sense of sight and an OK sense of taste.

Just as he is about finished transforming, he feels vibrations in the water surrounding him and the cell he is standing on. A moment later, before he has a chance to do anything, he feels his cellular membrane being ripped apart and a large part of his insides escaping out of it.

<Ouch. Never mind what I said before, this is looking like it's going to be a quick fight.>

Through the red haze of the exploded erythrocyte in front of him and the various former pieces of Rune's body that are now decomposing into biosludge, Ron can see the tunnel branching into more and more tunnels, getting smaller with each branch. In a couple of seconds it will be just large enough to fit him.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 25, 2015, 11:39:58 am

I don't like this place getting smaller. Rip one of the blood vessels open, so that I can get out

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 25, 2015, 11:46:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Damn I'm hungry. And I took guard duty last time. So, unless Irine here wouldn't mind hunting me up some wildlife, I'd say let her field this particular watch. At least initially, I mean. I'll probably come right back a little later when I've got at least something to keep me from blowing away in the wind."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 25, 2015, 11:47:30 am

"These grievances, whatever they are, shall be redressed in your blood!"

Spoiler: A good start.  I hope the audience is well entertained. (click to show/hide)

Run left around the corner to the end of this piece of cover, just shy of the crossroad at the 9 o'clock position of the map.  Shoot at him while running, more for suppression than anything else.  Take cover there.

If he runs the same way and we end up facing each other, take whatever cover I can.

Also, if there's time, do a quick technosense check on the raygun.  How does it work anyway?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 25, 2015, 12:05:25 pm

Tournament

"I shall look back on you finally, not for the inconveniences you have indirectly inflicted upon me, but because what is left of your skeleton shall be on display in my office!"

Spoiler: not enough death yet (click to show/hide)

Attempt to circle around. Stay in cover, shoot when I get a clear shot at John, shoot at John if he sees me

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 25, 2015, 12:21:42 pm

Tournament

"Well executed. But art thou able to dodge away from thyself?"

Spoiler: Spoilers are now a thing (click to show/hide)

Continue charging. When in range, attempt to stasis Bryan's heart (or any part of him) and slash away.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 25, 2015, 03:11:17 pm

Quickly use what remaining biomass I have that has not yet hit the eject button to morph into the largest thing my biomass will allow. Order of preference: Human, Canine, Large Fish, Small fish, Crab, Plankton, Bacteria.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: NAV on February 25, 2015, 07:17:07 pm

((Rune! Remember your fight against the blob thing? Become a hedgehog!))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 25, 2015, 07:23:42 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 25, 2015, 07:17:07 pm

((Rune! Remember your fight against the blob thing? Become a hedgehog!))

I have been split open like a bag full of a powder! I am draining quickly! I need SOMETHING TO jettison into!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 25, 2015, 07:45:12 pm

Tournament, Bryan
"Can't say I've ever tried. That's a pretty cool gauntlet you have there."

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

More evasive dodges to the side, but send a telekinetic scythe at his legs to try and trip him. His mind will have to wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2015, 10:05:12 am

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 25, 2015, 11:47:30 am

"These grievances, whatever they are, shall be redressed in your blood!"

Spoiler: A good start.  I hope the audience is well entertained. (click to show/hide)

Run left around the corner to the end of this piece of cover, just shy of the crossroad at the 9 o'clock position of the map.  Shoot at him while running, more for suppression than anything else.  Take cover there.

If he runs the same way and we end up facing each other, take whatever cover I can.

Also, if there's time, do a quick technosense check on the raygun.  How does it work anyway?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It looks like the trigger does nothing more than allow electrical current to flow through a slightly vibrating piece of material for a fraction of a second. And every time you fire, those hoops close to the "barrel" of the weapon (which is a spike with a sphere attached to its end) appear to heat up and vibrate slightly. Beyond that, you have no clue. You could try messing with it, but judging from those sci-fi movies, that usually causes things to explode. As does throwing things in water, hitting things, talking to things, looking at things, being near things, confusing things, pressing things...

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 25, 2015, 12:05:25 pm

Tournament

"I shall look back on you finally, not for the inconveniences you have indirectly inflicted upon me, but because what is left of your skeleton shall be on display in my office!"

Spoiler: not enough death yet (click to show/hide)

Attempt to circle around. Stay in cover, shoot when I get a clear shot at John, shoot at John if he sees me

John, now sporting a suit of armour made of orange plastic that makes him look like a crash test dummy, runs towards the west and Welroki does the same, both trying to remain low while at the same time firing their weapons at each other. Predictably, both of them miss each other, doing nothing more than melting parts of the environment and creating a lightshow.

<I thought villains were supposed to be better than the mooks. I've seen Stormtroopers with better hit ratios!>

As John runs towards the west door, still firing his weapon, he trips on something he failed to spot (judging from the "Ow!" it must have been a woman taking cover there). He flails his hands around to steady himself and stay upright, but that has the unfortunate side effect of having the gun point downwards as he accidentally pulls the trigger. Now it is his time to "Ow!' as he feels the heat from the energy blast hitting his foot. He is not seriously damaged though, since his armour absorbed most of the shot's energy, getting destroyed in the process.

<See? Just as I predicted.>
<Yes, yes, I hear the ringing.>
<I do not hear any ringing.>
<*sigh* Never mind.>

John takes cover on the west doorway. The coloured lines indicate that it leads to numerous things, such as "Security", "Weapons Testing" and "Energetic Materials". Welroki is currently taking cover behind the low wall's northwestern corner.

---

Hawk132 VS Alarith

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 25, 2015, 12:21:42 pm

Tournament

"Well executed. But art thou able to dodge away from thyself?"

Spoiler: Spoilers are now a thing (click to show/hide)

Continue charging. When in range, attempt to stasis Bryan's heart (or any part of him) and slash away.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You are now (barely) in range to attack with the golden arm.

Quote from: Alarith on February 25, 2015, 07:45:12 pm

Tournament, Bryan
"Can't say I've ever tried. That's a pretty cool gauntlet you have there."

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

More evasive dodges to the side, but send a telekinetic scythe at his legs to try and trip him. His mind will have to wait.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Your attack was a bit more powerful than intended, so your telekinesis now feels a bit "tired". But you feel like it will be fine again in about half a minute.

Before Saevus can act, he feels something hit his legs with incredible force. He can't react quickly enough and ends up getting flipped around and hitting his... face? helmet? hard on the blacktop, his momentum causing him to continue moving for a bit, making some drag marks on his armour.
<It appears that this fight is not worthy of my champion.>
Good thing he's made of metal, because otherwise that would had hurt.
<Maybe you are right. But the fight is not over yet.>
Bryan is still standing where he was, breathing a bit more quickly now, watching his opponent skid to a stop less than a dozen metres in front of him.

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 25, 2015, 11:39:58 am

I don't like this place getting smaller. Rip one of the blood vessels open, so that I can get out

With some flailing, you manage to navigate closer to the blood vessel's walls. Damn, you're moving really fast... And you keep getting pushed forward... Let's hope this doesn't end up with you leaving a hand behind. You extend your hand and try to grab the wall so that you can slow down.

You grab the wall and dig your hand into it, dragging it across the wall and creating a giant gash in the process of trying to slow down. The tunnel keeps getting smaller. You manage to twist and sloe down enough that you go through the wall and get embedded into... something. Must be a muscle fibre, judging from how everything around here is redbrown and changing shape. Good thing they are not currently crushing you.

Twisting around a bit, you notice that there is a small tunnel with those red disks squeezing through it you could crawl into with some shoving. The gash you made on the wall is letting out the pressurized contents of the tunnel, pushing some disks and some of that white and brown things in here. You also notice that the tunnel you were in is also composed from many different things connected with each other, like a puzzle, many of which you have sliced apart, spilling their insides.

<Good thing they're small. Imagine how much damage they could do if they were larger.>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 25, 2015, 03:11:17 pm

Quickly use what remaining biomass I have that has not yet hit the eject button to morph into the largest thing my biomass will allow. Order of preference: Human, Canine, Large Fish, Small fish, Crab, Plankton, Bacteria.

Heh. I find the idea of a dog swimming in someone's bloodstream extremely funny. Shark would be fun too. Too bad you don't have the mass for it.
And you can't turn into plankton/bacteria unless they are large, like the thing you currently are. Like I said, nothing smaller than a rat or a large beetle.

You turn into a rather large cod, a fish so large fishermen would be telling tales for years if they caught you. Still, you're a cod, and you currently weigh about 30kg, so you're not that big.

The continuous pumping pushes you through a tiny tunnel, trapped with a red disk in front of you and one behind you completely blocking the tunnel as they are squeezed through it. After a few seconds the red disks have turned into a much darker red and the tunnel has started getting bigger and merging with others.

---

OOC
Everyone is tripping.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 26, 2015, 10:33:18 am

"..."

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

Get up. Pull Bryan to me and run him through with my sword. Just charge if pulling doesn't work.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 26, 2015, 10:52:52 am

Tournament

"Armor, huh? Looks like I'm going to need to pull out the big guns now."

Spoiler: Insert witty title here (click to show/hide)

Time for the clipboard laser. As much power as I can,  need to punch through that armor. And the wall behind him if possible. Let's just aim for the torso with a slicing motion, balancing cutting through him with hitting as much area as possible. Follow John if necessary to keep him in my figurative sights, but stay in cover as much as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 26, 2015, 11:34:57 am

Tournament

"I have a habit of getting myself injured!"

Spoiler: It's true, you know.  I'm 3/3 in gruesome injuries so far. (click to show/hide)

The armor trick worked well, so let's do a shield too!  Keep it light enough to be usable with one hand, but it should hold up for a few shots.  The layered plastic approach like the armor seems to be the way to go.

Keep in cover for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2015, 01:53:50 pm

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 26, 2015, 10:52:52 am

Tournament

"Armor, huh? Looks like I'm going to need to pull out the big guns now."

Spoiler: Insert witty title here (click to show/hide)

Time for the clipboard laser. As much power as I can,  need to punch through that armor. And the wall behind him if possible. Let's just aim for the torso with a slicing motion, balancing cutting through him with hitting as much area as possible. Follow John if necessary to keep him in my figurative sights, but stay in cover as much as possible.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You take out your notepad and start solving an equation appropriate for slicing your opponent in half. There is a flash of light and some screams, but a quick peek doesn't reveal any men cut in half falling out of cover. Maybe you should try again?

Quote from: Toaster on February 26, 2015, 11:34:57 am

Tournament

"I have a habit of getting myself injured!"

Spoiler: It's true, you know.  I'm 3/3 in gruesome injuries so far. (click to show/hide)

The armor trick worked well, so let's do a shield too!  Keep it light enough to be usable with one hand, but it should hold up for a few shots.  The layered plastic approach like the armor seems to be the way to go.

Keep in cover for now.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You summon a shield similar in design to your armour, with a small viewport made out of spaced transparent plastic layers that should allow you to see. Just as you are about to finish, there is a blinding flash of light that causes you to recoil and close your eyes instinctively.

You blink profusely, as if there is something in your eyes. You feel the urge to wipe your tears but your helmet is in the way. No matter what you do, you can't get those colourful spots out of your eyes. You can sort of see something through them, but it's blurry and you are not sure if it's because of your tears or because of more permanent damage. You're not even sure if it's going to get better.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 26, 2015, 02:13:07 pm

Tournament

"I suppose that wasn't enough to kill you? I shall have to fix that."

Spoiler: I want to see casualties! (click to show/hide)

Fire a couple shots with the pistol as a distraction, then move to cover with a better vantage point all sneaky sneaky.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 26, 2015, 02:28:15 pm

"Well struck, good sir!  But alas for you I have more tricks up my sleeve!"

Spoiler: Me too! (click to show/hide)

Okay, new plan.  Sprint to better cover with some suppressing fire; location doesn't matter, unless down that west hallway gets me completely out of his sight; then do that.  Once in cover, KEEP HEAD DOWN.  Summon a flying drone with minimal defense that has a light (more conventionally simple) weapon on it; prioritize lightweight since it's flying.  It needs a simple tracking system that can identify my opponent; perhaps anything wielding a weapon like mine that isn't orange like my armor?  In any case, it should be capable of circling the opponent evasively while firing.  The perfect distraction!  (It's intended more for distraction than offense.)  Don't launch it yet, because I'm going to be using it as a template for summoning more.  (You said at one point that summoning something I can sense is a lot easier/faster than coming up with a new design on the fly.  I'm planning to use that fact to get several of these in the air.)

Shake head to clear eyes?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 26, 2015, 02:56:38 pm

Assess the situation. Can I see my foe? How much biomass do I have? If I see my enemy, swim towards him and start beating him with my admittedly small tail.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2015, 03:20:26 pm

Campaign

Zechariah watched the sun move down the horizon, the shadows stretching across the landscape. There was an odd feeling of unsteadiness that Zechariah possessed, but he paid attention to what River was saying.

He shifted around a bit, still unsure about River. So far, he seemed to be trustable to Zechariah, but he had also been pretty unpredictable. Knowing this made him both uncomfortable and at ease at the same time. It was a weird kind of feeling that left Zechariah in a place of loss.

He sighs, proceeding in spite of his inner, murky feelings. "Okay. What's this about, then?"

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2015, 03:35:57 pm

Just making some quick dialogue. Haven't forgotten about you HB, Toaster and the rest.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2015, 03:20:26 pm

Campaign

Zechariah watched the sun move down the horizon, the shadows stretching across the landscape. There was an odd feeling of unsteadiness that Zechariah possessed, but he paid attention to what River was saying.

He shifted around a bit, still unsure about River. So far, he seemed to be trustable to Zechariah, but he had also been pretty unpredictable. Knowing this made him both uncomfortable and at ease at the same time. It was a weird kind of feeling that left Zechariah in a place of loss.

He sighs, proceeding in spite of his inner, murky feelings. "Okay. What's this about, then?"

You follow River into the crater. The ground is smooth and cracked here, having been molten and then cooled down again. The lava bleeding into the crater from the volcano has started to cool off, but it still appears much hotter than it should be. Good thing the crater is so large and you are merely on its edge. Otherwise the heat would be a big problem.

A few seconds of walking later, he stops and turns around to face you.
"I need you to get me up there and hold me there until the process is complete." he says and points at somewhere in the sky. At first you cannot see what he's pointing at, it looks like he's merely pointing at the sky. But a moment later you spot it. There's something distorting light up there, like there is an abstract glass sculpture hovering very high above you.

You aren't really sure about how he expects you to get him up there with dwindling light and without your staff.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 26, 2015, 03:48:36 pm

go to the tunnel with the frisbee things

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 26, 2015, 10:25:10 pm

Bryan tournament
"Is this entertaining enough for you?"

Spoiler: Hit first and hit hard (click to show/hide)

Move in to strike at the leg joints with the sword, or other weak points I know of. Evasion/deflection takes priority over a headlong assault. Keep a close watch on the gauntlet, and if he gets enough room to swing, the sword.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2015, 10:35:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2015, 03:35:57 pm

You aren't really sure about how he expects you to get him up there with dwindling light and without your staff.

((Wonderful thing to bring up. I'm going to shamelessly steal your words.))

"I'm not really show how you expect me to get you up there with dwindling light, especially since I don't have my staff with me. I might be able to hold some footsteps up there so that you can get on whatever platform seems to be there, but I don't think I'd be able to hold it for long."

Zechariah looks around, half-expecting his staff to appear out of thin air. It won't, of course, but he could dream.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 27, 2015, 08:47:20 pm

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Beyond the west door is a rather long hallway, leading to another door that has what the coloured lines inform you is "Security" behind it.

On either side of it there are large arrangements of interconnected transparent plastic boxes that appear capable of having each of their sides opened or closed, thus allowing them to form mazes and rooms of different size. They must be some sort of testing area, since some of them have battered dummies in them or faded scorch marks on their walls. Others have... things in them. Strange things. Some of them are moving around.

Some boxes have panels with buttons on their outer walls, probably for controlling them. There is a network of catwalks going around the boxes, some of them with computers or control panels on them.

Doesn't sound like a good idea to put Security somewhere where it could easily be cut off or eliminated by an experiment going wrong. On the other hand, if an experiment going wrong needs to be dealt with by security, it's probably good to have them close by.

Quote from: Toaster on February 26, 2015, 02:28:15 pm

"Well struck, good sir!  But alas for you I have more tricks up my sleeve!"

Spoiler: Me too! (click to show/hide)

Okay, new plan.  Sprint to better cover with some suppressing fire; location doesn't matter, unless down that west hallway gets me completely out of his sight; then do that.  Once in cover, KEEP HEAD DOWN.  Summon a flying drone with minimal defense that has a light (more conventionally simple) weapon on it; prioritize lightweight since it's flying.  It needs a simple tracking system that can identify my opponent; perhaps anything wielding a weapon like mine that isn't orange like my armor?  In any case, it should be capable of circling the opponent evasively while firing.  The perfect distraction!  (It's intended more for distraction than offense.)  Don't launch it yet, because I'm going to be using it as a template for summoning more.  (You said at one point that summoning something I can sense is a lot easier/faster than coming up with a new design on the fly.  I'm planning to use that fact to get several of these in the air.)

Shake head to clear eyes?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try your best to push the panel that will open the west door. It's a bit difficult with your impaired vision and the sound of energy blasts hitting the wall you're hiding behind. In your haste, you accidentally hit it strongly enough to smash it. But the door opens, so it's probably OK.

You go through it and come face to face with a group of people in red and green clothes looking towards you. Once the initial shock wears off, they start running in the opposite direction.

You immediately make a right (towards the north), moving through the gap between the first group of boxes and the wall. As you run, you attempt to summon a combat drone on one of your hands. You get... something. Looks too small to be a combat drone, looks more like one of those remote controlled helicopters. And a quick technosensing later, you can sense no weapons on it, just some sensors and a few integrated circuits. Still, it could help. Do you dare to flip the on switch? And do you keep moving to find better cover or do you stop and focus on whatever you're doing?

Your vision is starting to get better.

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 26, 2015, 02:13:07 pm

Tournament

"I suppose that wasn't enough to kill you? I shall have to fix that."

Spoiler: I want to see casualties! (click to show/hide)

Fire a couple shots with the pistol as a distraction, then move to cover with a better vantage point all sneaky sneaky.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You fire at the corner you last saw John hiding behind. A few shots later, you see the door open. You move a bit to the left, but you can't see him behind the corner. Hm. Could be trying to lure you in. Or he could be running away because he's hurt. Or for some other reason. Maybe he got some sort of invisibility suit and he's coming towards you right now.

---

Hawk132 VS Alarith

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 26, 2015, 10:33:18 am

"..."

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

Get up. Pull Bryan to me and run him through with my sword. Just charge if pulling doesn't work.

Quote from: Alarith on February 26, 2015, 10:25:10 pm

Bryan tournament
"Is this entertaining enough for you?"

Spoiler: Hit first and hit hard (click to show/hide)

Move in to strike at the leg joints with the sword, or other weak points I know of. Evasion/deflection takes priority over a headlong assault. Keep a close watch on the gauntlet, and if he gets enough room to swing, the sword.

Doing his best imitation of the black knight (which is a bit of ironic since he is fighting one) Bryan raises his longsword and charges his fallen enemy. He reaches Saevus, who is currently in the process of getting up, swings down and before Saevus can react he... hits the ground? The sword emits an alarming sound as it hits the ground, its blade not very happy about meeting the asphalt.

Saevus takes advantage of Bryan's surprise to counter-attack. Bryan stands completely still as Saevus raises his golden arm, using it to point his longsword at Bryan. He remains still as Saevus pulls... the air in front of him.

<There is no point in missing on purpose. This fight will end with one victor, one way or another.>
Yeah, missing on purpose. Sure. That's why you can't hit each other.

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 26, 2015, 03:48:36 pm

go to the tunnel with the frisbee things

You squeeze through the two large columns in your way and reach the Frisbee tunnel. You do your best to resist the pull of the stream and the moment you see an opening you let go, letting the stream carry you.

The moment the tunnel starts opening up and the frisbees stop getting squeezed through it, you start going faster again. More tunnels merge with the one you're in, making it larger, bringing more and more of those frisbees, now looking a lot darker than they used to.

Your opponent is nowhere to be seen. Maybe he's in a different tunnel? Or maybe further ahead? Or behind you? You have no idea. This place is so huge and you're moving so fast, he could be anywhere.

That loud sound you hear every time you are pushed forward is getting louder...

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 26, 2015, 02:56:38 pm

Assess the situation. Can I see my foe? How much biomass do I have? If I see my enemy, swim towards him and start beating him with my admittedly small tail.

Your foe is nowhere to be seen. Which is a bit strange, since he was right behind you a few seconds ago. Maybe he got pushed to a different tunnel?

And, like I said, you're about 30kg of cod. The fish.

You are currently in a giant tunnel, so large you can only catch glimpses of the walls from time to time. Looks like there's something very large coming up ahead, like an end to the tunnel, getting pushed open by the stream of red disks and then closing, momentarily slowing you down. And it does so very quickly. It's just seconds away.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 25, 2015, 11:46:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Damn I'm hungry. And I took guard duty last time. So, unless Irine here wouldn't mind hunting me up some wildlife, I'd say let her field this particular watch. At least initially, I mean. I'll probably come right back a little later when I've got at least something to keep me from blowing away in the wind."

"Do whatever you want. I do not need you right now."
Well, looks like he has no problem with that.
Let's say you take Irine's clothes from Zechariah, since he'll be busy doing other things with his hands. And let's say that Irine accompanies you, so that she's not left alone.

Quote from: Lenglon:autoaction

Follow Ike.

The two of you move away from the crater in your search for something to eat. You don't have very high hopes of finding something from before the explosion, since everything above ground has been thoroughly wrecked. Maybe if it was underground and sturdy enough to survive the tremors...

Your search in the surface turns out nothing. However, as you approach one of the fissures, you start smelling something awful. Smells like a garbage dump mixed with raw sewage. You're pretty sure it's coming from down there, a hole in the wall of the fissure. You could climb down there with little risk of accident. You probably won't be able to eat whatever is emitting that smell, at least not without some serious health concerns. But you could probably find something like a rat or some other sort of vermin down there.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2015, 10:35:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 26, 2015, 03:35:57 pm

You aren't really sure about how he expects you to get him up there with dwindling light and without your staff.

((Wonderful thing to bring up. I'm going to shamelessly steal your words.))

"I'm not really show how you expect me to get you up there with dwindling light, especially since I don't have my staff with me. I might be able to hold some footsteps up there so that you can get on whatever platform seems to be there, but I don't think I'd be able to hold it for long."

Zechariah looks around, half-expecting his staff to appear out of thin air. It won't, of course, but he could dream.

"No. Footsteps will not do. I need it to be constant."
He doesn't sound very happy.
"I know you are weak, but this is the only way I can revive the others and leave this place quickly. Otherwise, I will have to drag their dead weight with me. I will have to spend too much energy, too much time reviving them. And the more I am delayed, the more time the traitor has to flee, the fainter his trail gets."
He looks down and takes a couple of seconds to slow his breathing.
"How does your ability work? Is it connected to thoughts and feelings?" he asks more calmly.

((Well, if you want a staff you can always use that stick he has up his arse.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 27, 2015, 08:51:04 pm

Ride the Frisbee!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 27, 2015, 08:56:02 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 27, 2015, 08:51:04 pm

Ride the Frisbee!

((Suddenly, Doctor Strangelove but with frisbees instead of nuclear bombs.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 27, 2015, 09:11:22 pm

"I will get you, disagreeable scientist fellow!"

Spoiler: Still Alive (click to show/hide)

Fire up the drone and let it rip!  Keep moving onward to the next area, while trying to summon a real combat drone.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 27, 2015, 09:26:00 pm

"I think not, uppity engineery individual!"

Spoiler: Not for long, John! (click to show/hide)

Would there happen to be any sort of gap underneath the floor that I could travel around in? If so, use my power to cut through the floor.
If not, head north, according to the map I should be able to circle around and reach John.
Obviously, whichever action I will stay in cover as much as possible and keep an eye out for John, shooting him if I have a clear target

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on February 27, 2015, 11:38:02 pm

((Day 3 of attempting to get a post out. Lets see if my internet stays functional long enough to get this to actually post!!))

---

<Well, I'm kinda curious about those people we met earlier. I think I'll go see what I can find out about them.>

change to full-human form, dress in the clothes Zech has been carrying for me, and walk openly over to the human village.
,
((assuming that changing forms doesn't go horribly wrong and the trip is uneventfull))

"Hello? May I visit?"

---

((edit: just saw my autoaction. thank you for doing that, I'll just need to adapt a bit. the above dialogue was ment for River. I'll try to get this edited to match my new situation.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on February 28, 2015, 12:30:21 am

Tournament

"...?"

Spoiler: I'm totally missing on purpose to give Bryan a chance. Yeah. (click to show/hide)

Since he's in melee range now, attempt the "stasis heart/anything that's a part of him -> slash away at him" thing again.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 03:18:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

Follow Irine to that human village. This ought to be fun. And perhaps filling, too!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 28, 2015, 01:49:16 pm

Use any remaining biomass to grow medium-sized curved spikes out of my side, then stick it into the wall in a way that I am no longer being pulled down the tunnel.

Do I have one of those entity communicator things?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 01:59:35 pm

((Who's River looking to revive now, I wonder? Hopefully Alan. Not because I'm impatient to begin playing again or something, but I need him to soak up all my bad rolls. Seriously, in Insanity: Roll to keep it together, I've been rolling basically straight ones or sixes for the past 5 or more turns. I NEED ALAN'S CAPACITY AS A LUCK MAGNET :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 02:12:40 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 01:59:35 pm

((Who's River looking to revive now, I wonder? Hopefully Alan. Not because I'm impatient to begin playing again or something, but I need him to soak up all my bad rolls. Seriously, in Insanity: Roll to keep it together, I've been rolling basically straight ones or sixes for the past 5 or more turns. I NEED ALAN'S CAPACITY AS A LUCK MAGNET :P))

((Not Alan, sadly. Theri, instead.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 02:16:10 pm

((That's probably safer for both them and the local villages, I'd think :P I'm just trying to cover my bases because I think Niklas is about to get nuked or something in LBAD so I have to plan for another disposable character to soak all my bad luck up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 02:29:20 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 02:16:10 pm

((That's probably safer for both them and the local villages, I'd think :P I'm just trying to cover my bases because I think Niklas is about to get nuked or something in LBAD so I have to plan for another disposable character to soak all my bad luck up.))

((Say, that reminds me...))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 02:32:55 pm

((I KINDA KNEW THAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 28, 2015, 02:50:59 pm

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 27, 2015, 09:11:22 pm

"I will get you, disagreeable scientist fellow!"

Spoiler: Still Alive (click to show/hide)

Fire up the drone and let it rip!  Keep moving onward to the next area, while trying to summon a real combat drone.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You flip the switch to the on position. The drone lifts off and hovers for a few seconds before flying away from you.

I assume you want to keep moving north. You pass by the first testing cubes and move on to the second. There is a transparent separator, beyond which you can see a rather large area. Judging from the tubular shape of the things in it and the reinforced wall used for target practice, this must be some sort of heavy weapon testing area. As in, tank Heavy.

Your attempt to summon a drone gets you a simple remote controlled quadrocopter with a camera showing whatever is in front of it on a screen in its remote control.

Your vision is almost completely restored. A quick glance behind you shows you are not being followed.

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 27, 2015, 09:26:00 pm

"I think not, uppity engineery individual!"

Spoiler: Not for long, John! (click to show/hide)

Would there happen to be any sort of gap underneath the floor that I could travel around in? If so, use my power to cut through the floor.
If not, head north, according to the map I should be able to circle around and reach John.
Obviously, whichever action I will stay in cover as much as possible and keep an eye out for John, shooting him if I have a clear target

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You don't know about any gaps below the floor. Could be. There is a maintenance hatch with a string of numbers on it on the ground, but you don't know if there is a tunnel down there or if it simply gives access to any wires in the area.

There is however those maintenance space behind the walls. You could use that.

I assume you want to head north, back to the labs you came from, and then go left(west). Through the small corridor. Assuming you don't want to take another route, I'll assume you start doing that and that you're about 1/4 of the way to the corridor linking the west section to the north section.

---

Salsacookies VS Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 28, 2015, 01:49:16 pm

Use any remaining biomass to grow medium-sized curved spikes out of my side, then stick it into the wall in a way that I am no longer being pulled down the tunnel.

Do I have one of those entity communicator things?

You quickly swim to one of the walls of the tunnel, where you form some oversized spikes and use them to dig into the wall, slowing down and eventually stopping after tearing a large gash on the wall. By carefully controlling your movement, you manage to do so without getting hurt. It's still hard to hold on to the cell, every push from the stream moving you forward a bit, closer to the rapidly moving valve. The vibrations caused by its movement are strong enough to cause the tunnel wall to shudder violently.

Yes, you do indeed have one. It's called an Interface and it's right around your tail. A bit strange how you didn't notice that until you thought about it.

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 27, 2015, 08:51:04 pm

Ride the Frisbee!

You ride the frisbee as the tunnel you are in continues to expand by merging with others. Eventually you reach an enormous tunnel, so large you can only catch glimpses of the walls beyond the cloud of frisbees surrounding you. It looks like you're coming up to a giant valve in front of you, constantly opening and closing. Your enemy is nowhere to be seen.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 27, 2015, 11:38:02 pm

((Day 3 of attempting to get a post out. Lets see if my internet stays functional long enough to get this to actually post!!))

---

<Well, I'm kinda curious about those people we met earlier. I think I'll go see what I can find out about them.>

change to full-human form, dress in the clothes Zech has been carrying for me, and walk openly over to the human village.
,
((assuming that changing forms doesn't go horribly wrong and the trip is uneventfull))

"Hello? May I visit?"

---

((edit: just saw my autoaction. thank you for doing that, I'll just need to adapt a bit. the above dialogue was ment for River. I'll try to get this edited to match my new situation.))

Don't worry, I understand. Let's say you changed to human and got dressed before leaving the crater so that you could use the heat.
I assume you don't mind me moving you towards the village in the meantime. More of a temporary encampment than a village, really, but anyway.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 03:18:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

Follow Irine to that human village. This ought to be fun. And perhaps filling, too!

You start walking away from the volcano, towards the outer walls of the city. By the time you reach the city walls, the sun has set and the sky is barely lit by whatever light remains. The only noteworthy event during the trip was Ike stumbling upon a half-filled waterskin. It had the fresh scent of human on it. He picked it up and continued on his way.

A bit of walking around reveals a section of the wall that has been knocked out of place, forming a small gap you can get through. A bit of careful climbing later, you reach the other side, where it is revealed that a small distance behind the wall is an empty moat. It is not merely a strip of dug earth, it has been covered by smooth stone blocks. The ones near the edge have some decorative carvings, while some inside the moat itself have more crude carvings and what look like symbols or letters. Can't really tell in the darkness and at this distance.

Some more walking gets you to a part of the moat that is easier to cross, where a small arched stone bridge, barely large enough to fit one person, allows you to cross to the other side. This side holds a few small buildings that appear to have been built recently (no more than ten years old) from low quality materials and with little regard to architecture or beauty. They appear to have been protected from the explosion to an extent from the city walls, although many of them have suffered fire damage regardless. Despite them being relatively intact, it doesn't look like there is anyone living here.

You continue walking towards the encampment, now with only the stars and the newly arisen moon to guide you and provide light. They are looking quite dim through the perpetually smog-covered sky, only the brightest stars being visible. You can also see the glow of the volcano and the occasional spontaneous magical effect behind you, quite useful for giving you a sense of direction. Thankfully, there is little vegetation that can get in your way and none of the wildlife shows any interest in interacting with you. The refugee camp remains surprisingly dark during this time, only a few fires being lit, mostly around its perimeter. On the other hand, the newly constructed (and much smaller) encampment on the opposite side of the road looks altogether much brighter. You can see figures with polished bronze armour covering most of their body standing guard around it.

You finally reach the perimeter of the refugee camp, where you discover that the sources of light around it are not fires. They are actually small, low quality glass containers with a stone cover on their bottom, each with a small fire floating inside them, as if there is an invisible log burning there. They look like upside down jars. There is also some ash and burnt twigs on the stone, probably from one of those dry bushes around here. It provides little heat, mostly due to the light it is emitting, heat that is nonetheless noticeable in the relative coolness of the night.

It looks like somebody noticed you when you stepped closer towards the light, and is currently quickly walking towards you. As he steps into the light, you see that he looks a lot like the swordsman zombies you fought in the tower, sans the zombie part. A man with light metal armour focusing on the chest, dark red clothes and a short sword. He doesn't appear to be in a very good shape. His clothes have been damaged and burnt slightly, his right arm and the right part of his face sport some recently healed gashes and he looks like he hasn't had a shower in weeks.

"Hey! You there! Who are you? What are you doing away from the camp so late?" he shouts as he approaches you.
"Hello? May I visit?" you ask as he gets closer.
"Oh, uh..."
He spends several seconds looking at you and Ike. He relaxes a bit, although his hand remains close to the hilt of his sword.
"Uh... Sure, I do not think there is any problem with you and your slave spending the night here. Just got to, uh... What is your name? Why are you here? Did you come from the south?"
You can hear and see another man quickly approaching you from the camp. This one is not wearing any armour.

Ike is famished. His guts keep audibly complaining about the lack of solid materials in them.

---

OOC

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 02:12:40 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 01:59:35 pm

((Who's River looking to revive now, I wonder? Hopefully Alan. Not because I'm impatient to begin playing again or something, but I need him to soak up all my bad rolls. Seriously, in Insanity: Roll to keep it together, I've been rolling basically straight ones or sixes for the past 5 or more turns. I NEED ALAN'S CAPACITY AS A LUCK MAGNET :P))

((Not Alan, sadly. Theri, instead.))

Is that really what he said? I must have not been paying attention.

Also, I like how the laws of probability behave differently around Xan, so he ends up having to resort to sacrificing characters to appease the gods of luck.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on February 28, 2015, 02:56:48 pm

Hold on tight

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 02:58:01 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Look down at my feet hungrily and slavishly. Avoid eye contact with astute foreigner. Hope mistress rewards me with food eventually. In lieu of reward, consider possibility of eating waterskin after drinking its contents.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on February 28, 2015, 03:00:38 pm

((Normally I wouldn't care since I have Xan in ER, but he's frozen right now, Niklas is about to get something unpleasant happen to him in LBAD, The DUNKER isn't doing anything roll worthy in the Forgotten Art, and so I only have STAN right now to soak up my bad luck pool. I can't have it spreading to my Age of Fire character, you see.
I spend too much time plotting this out.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 28, 2015, 03:04:33 pm

Try to communicate to my Entity, or any entity for that matter, All the while searching for my quarry. Carefully test if I can swim powerfully enough to escape the flow of this fluid.

<I have some questions. WHERE THE BLASTED HELL AM I? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? AND WHERE IS MY FOE? HOW WILL THIS END IF I CAN'T KILL HIM?>

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on February 28, 2015, 03:18:24 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Yeah, sounds good. Keep moving. Don't expect to run into John quite yet, but if I do, then: If he sees me, shoot at him and dive for cover. If he doesn't see me, quietly sneaky into cover

((I find it funny how so far the matches have largely been us flailing around))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on February 28, 2015, 05:31:47 pm

"I'm Irine."
I watch him carefully as I say this, to see if he reacts to that name.
if no reaction:
"We're traveling and have run very low on supplies. I was hoping to be able to find a meager meal and some shelter."

---

if reaction:
"Um, your face... Is my name signifigant somehow?"
if he heard of me but doesn't think I match what he heard, or he denies his reaction:
"Oh. Well, we're traveling and have run very low on supplies. I was hoping to be able to find a meager meal and some shelter."
if he asks me directly:
"That... is me. I have multiple forms. I came here mostly out of curiosity, I'd like to learn more about the people I met before. However, my companion here hasn't had the opportunity to have a good normal human meal in quite some time, and I'm also hoping to get him some food if I may."
if I am barred entry:
"I... Ok. I wish you were more welcoming but I understand your caution. may my companion at least get a normal meal before we go? He hasn't had proper food in a while."
and so on.

general conversational pattern:
will not lie, directly or indirectly.
will not give away details about party members, nor our mission. if asked I will say that it's a personal matter and/or that it's not my right to say and/or that I can't answer that without betraying my friends. aka: directly refuse to answer.
will not volunteer my non-human nature unless asked, but will admit to it if asked.
will not give away the full extent of my abilities, again, directly refusing to answer, this time because answering questions like that would only help someone attack me.
will say that I am unique, the only one of my kind, if asked.
will describe my home (original) if asked, and in detail.
will remain polite no matter my reception.
will not attack unless attacked.
will leave if asked to leave, and will not take anything unless offered.

note that all the above rules of behavior only apply to me, I won't try to restrain Ike if he wants to do something else, but I won't deviate from the above even if he does.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on February 28, 2015, 09:52:04 pm

Bryan tournament

Spoiler: Uh, honor said I couldn't hit someone while they were down, yeah. (click to show/hide)

Press the assault, he can't attack if he's being attacked, again aim for limbs, now specifically the ones on the gauntlet arm.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on February 28, 2015, 10:02:57 pm

"That blasted scientist and his non-specific transgressions..."

Spoiler: Blast! Curses! (click to show/hide)

Okay, Plan Drone isn't working.  How about Plan Proxy Mine?

Summon up a nice explosive device that can sense movement within a few feet and detonates accordingly.  Better yet, if I can rig it to the camera drone (the sensor, not the explosive), have it detonate when the camera sees movement.  It should be a good sized blast, and also have a five second delay after being armed.

Set it up either where it has good sensor coverage without being obvious (if not linked to drone) or where I can hide the camera drone to cover a path (if it is).  Arm it and keep moving around toward the north entrance where he came in.  Basically, move around the other ring.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 01, 2015, 04:06:47 am

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, annoyed by River's insistence on him using his powers. It's been proven already that Zechariah's powers are so unreliable when under favorable conditions; how does River expect him to be able to use his powers in an expected fashion here, when Zechariah was low on energy and didn't have his staff?

"Well, they're sort-of connected to thoughts and feelings. My powers rely on using my willpower and soul to channel and convert physical light and spiritual energy to physical constructs. My staff helps to amplify this power, but I do have a small amount of energy pooled up that I could use if I don't have my staff. I can't guarantee that my powers will last long though, especially since I'm not fully rested. Do you have something planned?"

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 01, 2015, 03:02:02 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 28, 2015, 02:58:01 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Look down at my feet hungrily and slavishly. Avoid eye contact with astute foreigner. Hope mistress rewards me with food eventually. In lieu of reward, consider possibility of eating waterskin after drinking its contents.

Well, you could eat it, but it would not be very filling. Not to mention that it might not be very healthy and cost you a waterskin. You could always try and find out for sure. A small bite can't hurt, right?

You try your best to look like a slave. It's not very hard, considering how you look. A man with a hungry look in his eyes, wearing simple clothes that have been torn in places and a simple wire around your neck, dirty but not as dirty as the man Irene is speaking to, slightly scarred, standing behind a much younger girl that is almost perfectly clean and wears very expensive and almost pristine clothes, letting her do the talking while avoiding direct eye contact, trying to blend with your surroundings and not attract attention to yourself. All you need now is an oversized luggage bag for you to drag or an umbrella to hold above her or some other stereotypical rich girl thing.

The guard pays no attention to you, since he is busy chatting. Perhaps he's being a bit too chatty, considering the circumstances. A big contrast with the second guard.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 28, 2015, 05:31:47 pm

"I'm Irine."
I watch him carefully as I say this, to see if he reacts to that name.
if no reaction:
"We're traveling and have run very low on supplies. I was hoping to be able to find a meager meal and some shelter."

---

if reaction:
"Um, your face... Is my name signifigant somehow?"
if he heard of me but doesn't think I match what he heard, or he denies his reaction:
"Oh. Well, we're traveling and have run very low on supplies. I was hoping to be able to find a meager meal and some shelter."
if he asks me directly:
"That... is me. I have multiple forms. I came here mostly out of curiosity, I'd like to learn more about the people I met before. However, my companion here hasn't had the opportunity to have a good normal human meal in quite some time, and I'm also hoping to get him some food if I may."
if I am barred entry:
"I... Ok. I wish you were more welcoming but I understand your caution. may my companion at least get a normal meal before we go? He hasn't had proper food in a while."
and so on.

general conversational pattern:
will not lie, directly or indirectly.
will not give away details about party members, nor our mission. if asked I will say that it's a personal matter and/or that it's not my right to say and/or that I can't answer that without betraying my friends. aka: directly refuse to answer.
will not volunteer my non-human nature unless asked, but will admit to it if asked.
will not give away the full extent of my abilities, again, directly refusing to answer, this time because answering questions like that would only help someone attack me.
will say that I am unique, the only one of my kind, if asked.
will describe my home (original) if asked, and in detail.
will remain polite no matter my reception.
will not attack unless attacked.
will leave if asked to leave, and will not take anything unless offered.

note that all the above rules of behavior only apply to me, I won't try to restrain Ike if he wants to do something else, but I won't deviate from the above even if he does.

"I'm Irine."
"Irine?" he asks and squints his eyes as if trying to look at you more closely, a facial expression not fitting such a young face.
"Um, your face... Is my name significant somehow?"
"Hm? Oh, no. Just a bit unusual. I think I've heard it before somewhere..." he says slowly, squinting his eyes again and looking slightly to your right.
"Probably someone gossiping about you or your family, I do not pay too much attention to those kinds of things." he adds, shaking his head slightly.
"Oh. Well, we're travelling and have run very low on supplies. I was hoping to be able to find a meagre meal and some shelter."
"Hm."
He looks thoughtful for a couple of seconds.
"Not sure if I can help with that. You know how it is with food here. And that was before the disaster. The gruel I get for guard duty is more water than food at this point." he half jokes.
"Not many people would be willing to give up their food for a slave." he adds more sombrely.
He points at somewhere behind him.
"Try going to to the biggest tent you can find, closer to the centre of the camp."
He looks more relaxed now, making small hand gestures as he speaks, although he remains tense and speaks quickly.
"Ask for master Kassiver, our healer and sort of unofficial leader. Well, not exactly a healer, but it's the closest thing we've got for the time being. Tell him his 'favourite student' sent you, he'll know." he adds with a small smile.
"He might have some food for you and somewhere you can rest for the night. But as you've probably seen, we are not-"
"What's going on here? Who are they?" the newly arrived guard asks as he continues approaching.
He looks nothing like the first guard. He's much older, wears darker clothes and no armour and carries a smaller straight short sword, something that looks more like a long knife.
"Travellers. They want to spend the night here. I'm-" the other one responds and turns his head slightly so that he can look at the new arrival. The older guard's eyes however stay focused on you, even when talking to the first one while one of his hands remains on the holt of his sword.
"Alone? No supplies?"
"They say they have run out."
"Why? No luggage? No means of transportation? Why are they here?"
"I dunno, I was just about to ask that, actually. Maybe they lost it. Maybe they left. Maybe they're somewhere else nearby."
The older man looks very displeased with the younger one.
"Sounds stretched to me."
"Come on, that man is hungry. That's clear enough. And she's a young girl. If they had showed up during the day you wouldn't be giving them such a hard time."
"Because it wouldn't be my shift." the older one interjects.
"And we can't let them out there to fend for themselves, who knows what's lurking around out there."
"Exactly my point."
"If you're so worried, then escort them to Kassiver yourself. He can check them, make sure they are not dangerous."
"Why, yes. Why don't I take the two strange people we know nothing of right to the centre of the camp. That way they can assassinate the one guy trying to keep things together and get us out of here. It's not like we don't have enough problems already."
The younger guard looks down and sighs before looking at Irine.
"Sorry, but I'll have to agree with him. You look fine to me, but we've seen many strange things happen lately. Just trying to make sure you won't drink anyone's blood while they sleep or something. Uh, no offence. So unless you can tell us a bit more about who you are and why you're here..."
He doesn't finish his sentence, lifting his shoulders instead.
"Isn't there anybody you know from the city? Or whoever you were visiting? Someone who can vouch for you? I know the chances are slim but if they have survived, they are probably in this camp."

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 01, 2015, 04:06:47 am

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, annoyed by River's insistence on him using his powers. It's been proven already that Zechariah's powers are so unreliable when under favorable conditions; how does River expect him to be able to use his powers in an expected fashion here, when Zechariah was low on energy and didn't have his staff?

"Well, they're sort-of connected to thoughts and feelings. My powers rely on using my willpower and soul to channel and convert physical light and spiritual energy to physical constructs. My staff helps to amplify this power, but I do have a small amount of energy pooled up that I could use if I don't have my staff. I can't guarantee that my powers will last long though, especially since I'm not fully rested. Do you have something planned?"

"Hm... I know what to do. I have to change your thoughts."
He turns his back on you and starts walking towards the centre of the crater again.
"I will try to explain. Magic here works with connections. It flows to and from things. It affects the world and is affected by it. The magic of this place flows through you. Very powerful magic. You are not of the same element, but it is still compatible with yours. It will help, granting you more power."
As if to punctuate his statement, the air above the crater shimmers, distorting your view of the sky while at the same time the ground rumbles and shakes. A second later, a pillar of light appears from somewhere over the crater, high enough you cannot tell if and where it ends. A couple of seconds pass and the pillar disappears. Many of those floating glowing things approach the place the pillar once stood, floating around it, blending nicely with the afterimage in your eyes.
"Combined with what sunlight remains and the light coming from the environment, it will be enough. It has to be enough."
He stops and sits down.
"Sit here." he says, indicating the ground in front of him.
You are close enough now that the heat and scent coming from the lava are getting a bit uncomfortable.

"You will also need control. Endurance."
He leans closer to you.
"Most of the times I want to use magic I focus on what I am feeling. What I want. My hate. My anger. My desire to kill or my desire to protect. That is good for combat. For things that need to be quick and powerful. But this body is not as constrained by the Silence. I can use magic much better."

"And I need to use it differently. More focused. More controlled. So that I can do the things I want. Like reviving the others. So I asked her for advice. Asked her for how I can make complicated things. Like the ones she  does. She told me that binding your willpower with feelings does not work well. Not for magic that takes a long time. Not for complicated magic. It is because of the..."
He looks around, as if trying to spot the word he's looking for.
"Because of the change of your willpower. Your thoughts, your feelings, what you want. That is powerful. But it will change. Become something else. Even for a moment. And what you were attempting will loose its... foundation. You need to be calm and you need to prepare your mind. You need to focus on something stable. A good memory or a poem or something else. Whatever you want, as long as it is something you can repeat. Something you can keep repeating. Something you can keep the same. Stable."

"You need to do that. Focus on something that will help, a memory or a story or music. And you need to relax, so that your mind is ready. Do whatever you need. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Go for a walk. Imagine something you like. Talk if it would help. Ask me something. Or tell me something about yourself. Something relaxing. Maybe talk to me about the one you have bonded with. That sometimes helps me relax."

"And when you are ready, we will begin."

---

OOC
Was busy. Will do tournament post later.

By the way, with the way things are, there is not much point in rushing either team. Just do whatever you feel like.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 01, 2015, 03:10:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Concern for my health? How quaint. Take a bite of the waterskin. Should be made of leather, right? Keep avoiding eye contact, and look slightly mentally challenged as I try to eat leather. Shouldn't be difficult, right?

Besides, once they get Alan back in action I'll practically be swimming in delicious nachos or something. Think of delicious nachos, Ike. Think of them like you've never thought before.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 01, 2015, 10:42:42 pm

"I suppose that's fair, but there isn't really much I can say that will-h-hey!
I round on Ike upon noticing him trying to eat the waterskin.
"Why are you doing that?!?"

---

((I suspect that Ike will have a response to insert here, but since I can't be sure my net will hold up I'll post the rest of this right away))

---

EDIT: shifting this section down to the appropriate post.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2015, 12:34:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 01, 2015, 10:42:42 pm

"I suppose that's fair, but there isn't really much I can say that will-h-hey!
I round on Ike upon noticing him trying to eat the waterskin.
"Why are you doing that?!?"

"Hungry, massah... so hungry..." Ike responds quietly, not stopping his effort in the least.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 02, 2015, 12:39:00 am

"But that's a waterskin! There's almost nothing left in the hide worth eating, and you're going to make a hole in it! Look, even if we can't get anything here, I'll try to find you something, ok? I promise."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2015, 12:42:00 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 02, 2015, 12:39:00 am

"But that's a waterskin! There's almost nothing left in the hide worth eating, and you're going to make a hole in it! Look, even if we can't get anything here, I'll try to find you something, ok? I promise."

Ike puts away the waterskin, clearly dejected.

"Okay, massah. You always know best, massah."

Okay then, don't eat the waterskin. Think of delicious nachos anyway. Start to mildly tear up at massah's rebuke, try to futilely hide my fragile emotional state. Use thought of nacho unattainability to inspire me.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 02, 2015, 08:03:17 am

"Ike..."
I sigh before returning to finish my conversation with the guards.

---

after speaking with Ike:
"Anyway, um, I don't really have a good way to verify my intentions. I'm traveling on a private matter. Our luggage was destroyed, which is why we are low on supplies. Um..."
I pause and think on my next words for a bit, giving him a chance to interrupt me or make a suggestion that I could honestly follow. but if he doesn't then:
I turn around and back away a short distance from them before sitting down and holding my hands together in my lap, watching them very carefully as I say my next words.
"I did meet a trio of young men earlier today at a water source in the basement of a ruined building. I don't think they'd recognize me though, I looked different at the time. I did tell them my name, so they should be able to verify that much at least. Just... promise me that when they tell you the rest of the story you won't attack me just for what I am, ok? I understand being paranoid of non-humans, but we really aren't all hostile, and I haven't attacked anyone without them attacking me first."

obvious questions to answer in the likely high-speed follow-up:
"I'm sorry, but they didn't say their names so I can't help you. I could recognize them if I saw them though."
"I mean no harm to anyone here."
"Nobody here has attacked me thus far."
"I've been careful with my words, and have not spoken a single lie."
"When I said here, I meant this entire village or encampment. I'm not sure which it is really, but either way, unless someone attacks me, I'm safe."
"He's human, I'm not. and he needs food far more than I do."
"What I meant was that I can change shapes."
"Haven't you noticed that I'm just sitting here? If I was going to attack you, I would have."
"I don't impersonate people. I am me."
"I have other abilities, I'm going to keep them to myself though. I don't want to make it easy to hunt me."
"I am unique, the only one of my kind, and what I am doesn't have a proper name as a result."
"As I said, my name is Irine."
in whichever order is appropriate / skipping ones that don't apply.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: akkudakku on March 02, 2015, 02:19:33 pm

I will gladly join the waitlist!

Spoiler: Char (click to show/hide)

Name: Modus Aevus
Power: Magic
Appearance: He  appears to be a slightly overweight young adult, with unkempt hair and a goatee. He wears a pair of round wireframe glasses.
Bio: Born in 1687 at the age of renaissance, living still in 2015, information age. He is a wizard and a polymath, he taught himself the art of magic after finding out his powers in a freak accident at age 6 (a horse carriage was about to run him over but it stopped in place and then rapidly decayed to dust with all its passengers, the wailing of the dying left a long lasting scar on his psyche).  He is on a constant hunt for more knowledge and magical tomes. Over the years he also learned mathematics, chemistry and physics to try understand the underlying principles to his power. The key to his longevity is liberal use of time magic to slow down his aging.
Powers:
   - Chronomancy - the art of controlling time passage regarding either: areas, objects or people - for example: slowing down a rushing warrior to a crawl, hasting yourself, accelerating time passage all around, controlling speed of natural processes (aging, chemical reactions, etc.), etc..
   - Enchanting - the art of enchanting items
   - Evocation - art of evocating physical effects (fireballs, etc.)

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 02, 2015, 06:51:59 pm

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, knowing that this would be a tough thing to go through. Meditate? Sure, he could do that, but he didn't think that would be enough for this kind of energy usage. No, he needed to be at peace with himself. He couldn't even remember the last time he was truly peaceful. Before the Battle, he was spun around in circles, whirled around by different people every day. Look over here, they said. Look over there, he says. Look at me, she says. So many unique persons that he had to console and spend time with and fight against and beg to be on his side. So many dangerous situations where the wrong word or action could destroy the universe. He wasn't old enough to deal with all of that.

Yet he was bestowed the title of "Medium," and left alone to figure out what the hell was going on and to fight a mysterious, unbeatable force known as the Shadow. Suffice to say, it was a stressful time.
He slowly walked around, looking at the ground and pondering what he should bring up. After a small while, he sat down on top of the rocks and began to speak, running his hands over the rough terrain below him.

"I I didn't - I couldn't have a person to bond with. It wasn't in my nature. It was... against what I was meant to do. I was going to be the bridge between all of the Guardians and Mediums, the focal point, the Weaver of the Connections. I kept people together, but at a price: I couldn't actually become close to anyone. The only person I could be close to was Artemis, and he was the exact reason why everyone had issues with me. And, well... I don't really have many good memories about Artemis. He was a mixed bag. I'd prefer to rather not talk about what he's done.

"So, yes, I don't really have a bondmate. Everyone else who I could consider to be 'close' has some bad memories associated with them, too. I guess.. hm." Zechariah pauses, unsure of what to say. What did he really have to signify his inner peace? There was no rest for him, no ability to.. wait.
There was one place where he was free to be who he wanted. He could design anything without restrictions. He could make up new laws of physics and destroy the old ones. He could be a god and a beggar at the same time. It was the dream sphere that he himself was connected to, the same sphere that connected all of the different multiverses that he knew together.

"I... there was one place. It was a place of silence and peace. A place that I could be in the void or I could watch colors fly all around me. I could embrace a swarm of colorful fireflies, or I could design entire cities made out of completely new materials and elements. I could do anything. It was like a dream, but I could always control it. It was the Medium. It was something magical that connected me to every living being, but also shut me off from everything that ever existed. I could be at peace. I could fly when I wanted and change directions at will. I could make things appear and be destroyed simply by thinking about it.

"Besides Artemis and a couple of other people, it was completely empty. It was just me and my thoughts and creations. It was a perfect universe. I knew that it didn't translate to anything that was real. But it provided me a place of concentration, relaxation, and enjoyment. It just... clicked with me. It was separated from everything, but also connected to everything that ever lived.

It was just like me."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Tiruin on March 03, 2015, 04:24:19 pm

((Just to note, I love all this lore being forwarded. It is awesome with the amalgam of imagery here. :) ))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Sorry, my mind is not in the best condition. Doing turn anyway because I don't like delays. Will try to keep descriptions light.

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 28, 2015, 10:02:57 pm

"That blasted scientist and his non-specific transgressions..."

Spoiler: Blast! Curses! (click to show/hide)

Okay, Plan Drone isn't working.  How about Plan Proxy Mine?

Summon up a nice explosive device that can sense movement within a few feet and detonates accordingly.  Better yet, if I can rig it to the camera drone (the sensor, not the explosive), have it detonate when the camera sees movement.  It should be a good sized blast, and also have a five second delay after being armed.

Set it up either where it has good sensor coverage without being obvious (if not linked to drone) or where I can hide the camera drone to cover a path (if it is).  Arm it and keep moving around toward the north entrance where he came in.  Basically, move around the other ring.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You strap a shrapnel-filled proximity mine with a combination of infrared/heartbeat sensors on the camera drone. That done, you arm the bomb and land the drone on a walkway that has a good coverage of the area. Let's hope it's not triggered by a poor staff assistant.

Quote from: Wolfkit on February 28, 2015, 03:18:24 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Yeah, sounds good. Keep moving. Don't expect to run into John quite yet, but if I do, then: If he sees me, shoot at him and dive for cover. If he doesn't see me, quietly sneaky into cover

((I find it funny how so far the matches have largely been us flailing around))

((Well, you are an artillery and John is a summoner, so neither of you is really good at direct fighting. I designed the map to include lots of cover and tactical opportunities to make it easier for you. Frankly, I'm surprised neither of you have hurt yourselves yet.
Bryan and Saevus really need to learn how to aim. Or at least stop rolling the way they're rolling.
Ron was looking good until he got scared and thought he couldn't fit in the capillaries.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Not much cover here, unfortunately, unless you create it. Just a relatively narrow hallway

Quite some time later, John turns the corner of the nortwester intersection, only to see Welroki running towards him. He quickly dives back into cover to avoid Welroki's shots. Not that it was really necessary, since Welroki somehow managed to miss the weapon. I mean literally miss the weapon. He fumbled and couldn't find the trigger.

The northwestern corridor is similar to the rest. White, shiny plastic-like walls with the occasional window showing the rock and maintenance areas behind it. The coloured lines inform you that the north hallway leads to "Food and Biological Material Storage" and the west to "Life Support and Climate Control". It is relatively narrow (compared to the large areas from before) and mostly empty.

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/TourMap2_zpszrmenpr0.png)

---

Alarith VS Hawk132

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 28, 2015, 09:52:04 pm

Bryan tournament

Spoiler: Uh, honor said I couldn't hit someone while they were down, yeah. (click to show/hide)

Press the assault, he can't attack if he's being attacked, again aim for limbs, now specifically the ones on the gauntlet arm.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 28, 2015, 12:30:21 am

Tournament

"...?"

Spoiler: I'm totally missing on purpose to give Bryan a chance. Yeah. (click to show/hide)

Since he's in melee range now, attempt the "stasis heart/anything that's a part of him -> slash away at him" thing again.

Bryan raises the heavy sword and brings it down towards Saevus' head in a slash, but Saevus manages to sidestep it and the sword hits only air. As Bryan recovers from the blow, he once again raises his golden hand, this time a different pattern of runes lighting up on it. Bryan manages to take a step back just as the air in front of him distorts as if it suddenly got a lot hotter.

((Should I keep rolling with the same action until one of you manages to hit the other? Because right now you both keep rolling the same and missing for some reason.))

---

Salsacookies VS Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 28, 2015, 02:56:48 pm

Hold on tight.

You are sucked through the valve and enter the heart, glad you weren't crushed by the valve closing. You don't know how tightly those things can squeeze, but you wouldn't want to find out. Than again, you seem to be doing extremely well considering the pressure this place should have, so maybe you are surrounded by some sort of field that protects you from environmental pressure.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 28, 2015, 03:04:33 pm

Try to communicate to my Entity, or any entity for that matter, All the while searching for my quarry. Carefully test if I can swim powerfully enough to escape the flow of this fluid.

<I have some questions. WHERE THE BLASTED HELL AM I? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? AND WHERE IS MY FOE? HOW WILL THIS END IF I CAN'T KILL HIM?>

<Come on friend, don't complain and cry.>
<Dying is easy, you just have to try.>
<Don't stop believing, keep your head in the fight.>
<And if you can't die, we can just set it right.>

No, you very definitely can't swim against the stream. If we consider the relative distances involved, that liquid is moving extremely fast. If it wasn't for the field protecting you from the environment and good rolling on your(plural, since you both did it) part, you'd be torn in half right now. So you could maybe claw your way backwards through the blood vessel if you tried hard enough, but it wouldn't be very quick. If you are interested in going to a specific body part for some reason, however, there are other ways to do that.

You think you catch a glimpse of something going through the valve in front of you. You keep getting pushed forward. The wall holding you is starting to break up. You don't think you can hold on much longer, not without modifying your body further.

---

---

Quote from: akkudakku on March 02, 2015, 02:19:33 pm

I will gladly join the waitlist!

Spoiler: Char (click to show/hide)

Name: Modus Aevus
Power: Magic
Appearance: He  appears to be a slightly overweight young adult, with unkempt hair and a goatee. He wears a pair of round wireframe glasses.
Bio: Born in 1687 at the age of renaissance, living still in 2015, information age. He is a wizard and a polymath, he taught himself the art of magic after finding out his powers in a freak accident at age 6 (a horse carriage was about to run him over but it stopped in place and then rapidly decayed to dust with all its passengers, the wailing of the dying left a long lasting scar on his psyche).  He is on a constant hunt for more knowledge and magical tomes. Over the years he also learned mathematics, chemistry and physics to try understand the underlying principles to his power. The key to his longevity is liberal use of time magic to slow down his aging.
Powers:
   - Chronomancy - the art of controlling time passage regarding either: areas, objects or people - for example: slowing down a rushing warrior to a crawl, hasting yourself, accelerating time passage all around, controlling speed of natural processes (aging, chemical reactions, etc.), etc..
   - Enchanting - the art of enchanting items
   - Evocation - art of evocating physical effects (fireballs, etc.)

Good. Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character. In fact, I could put you in the second chance Tournament round so that you can claim the title if you want.

However, there is a small problem. I don't have the time to evaluate your abilities right now and assign a number on them, but they are very powerful, so they would probably rank very low in the negatives. So you'd have to take some very high penalties to compensate, something like being a frail old man confined to a wheelchair. Are you OK with that? Do you perhaps have any sort of penalty you would prefer to have?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 03, 2015, 08:22:42 pm

"Oh, it's you again. How disappointing, I was hoping to find you in a less than alive state."

Spoiler: You could surrender, you know (click to show/hide)

That's a door behind me, right? Back up and use it for cover, then prepare a laser. If he pokes his head out cover to take a shot, send the laser at his head. If he fires wildly without looking, his gun/hand. If he tries to be smart and aim with a mirror, the mirror. If he come s fully out of cover, cut off his legs.

((The _{lack of} competence being displayed in these matches is quite astonishing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on March 03, 2015, 08:25:53 pm

((Alan is haunting you all evidently.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on March 03, 2015, 09:33:36 pm

"I shall disappoint you, then!  And probably take some sort of pleasure in it!"

Spoiler: Nah, I'm good (click to show/hide)

You know what?  I have armor and a shield, and he doesn't.  As far as I know.

Shoot to kill!  Don't completely get out of cover, though.

If he gets close, activate and stab him with the spear while covering self with shield, hoplite style.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on March 04, 2015, 11:36:14 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

((Should I keep rolling with the same action until one of you manages to hit the other? Because right now you both keep rolling the same and missing for some reason.))

((It feels like you're saying that our characters are incompetent, but yeah, sounds good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 11:52:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Good. Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character. In fact, I could put you in the second chance Tournament round so that you can claim the title if you want.

However, there is a small problem. I don't have the time to evaluate your abilities right now and assign a number on them, but they are very powerful, so they would probably rank very low in the negatives. So you'd have to take some very high penalties to compensate, something like being a frail old man confined to a wheelchair. Are you OK with that? Do you perhaps have any sort of penalty you would prefer to have?

What about throwing out enchanting and making evocation unlockable at a later time? Is that enough of a nerf?

On a side note: Being a (enchanted)wheelchair man on turboboost through liberal use of magic is kind of cool :D

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2015, 12:32:47 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2015, 12:42:00 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 02, 2015, 12:39:00 am

"But that's a waterskin! There's almost nothing left in the hide worth eating, and you're going to make a hole in it! Look, even if we can't get anything here, I'll try to find you something, ok? I promise."

Ike puts away the waterskin, clearly dejected.

"Okay, massah. You always know best, massah."

Okay then, don't eat the waterskin. Think of delicious nachos anyway. Start to mildly tear up at massah's rebuke, try to futilely hide my fragile emotional state. Use thought of nacho unattainability to inspire me.

((Is that a charisma roll? I think that's a charisma roll. I'm going to roll.))

You look down and hunch over, trying to hide your face contorted with pure sadness and the tears welling up in your eyes. Muffled crying escape your mouth and you sniff occasionally, each sniff and sob causing you to sway slightly, as if ready to fall. Your arms remain wrapped around your body defensively, part of them covering your stomach.

If all else fails, you can always start a career as an actor. Or a beggar.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 02, 2015, 08:03:17 am

"Ike..."
I sigh before returning to finish my conversation with the guards.

---

after speaking with Ike:
"Anyway, um, I don't really have a good way to verify my intentions. I'm traveling on a private matter. Our luggage was destroyed, which is why we are low on supplies. Um..."
I pause and think on my next words for a bit, giving him a chance to interrupt me or make a suggestion that I could honestly follow.

The young guard looks at you and then at Ike and then at the older guard and then at you again, getting more tense as he does so.
"Damn it man, do you have no pity?" he finally exclaims.
"He's obviously faking it."
"No man can fake that. We are not animals. We can't just let others suffer just because it would make our lives a little easier."
"Better us than them."
"Look, I'm taking personal responsibility-"
"We won't care about where the blame lies if we're dead. I'm not letting them through."
He sighs as he approaches you and Ike and extends his hand.
"Come with me."

He turns around to face the older guard, who has drawn his sword. It looks like the dull edge meant for blocking has been molten slightly by something at some point.
"Step aside." he asks.
The older guard does not move.
They stare at each other for a few seconds.
Then the younger guard stars walking towards the older one.
"You'll have to use that thing in your hands if you want to stop me." he says a couple of steps away from him.
The older guard steps out of the way, grunting and shaking his head slightly, just as the younger one was about to walk into his sword. Not that it would have done anything with his armour and the speed he was going.
"Idiot." the older guard mutters as the younger one walks by him.

"Don't expect me to come rescue you when you screw everything up. I'll just get my backpack and get out of here." the older guard says as you move away.

Once you take a few more steps, away from the perimeter and closer to the camp proper, he takes a deep breath and exhales before speaking to you again.
"Don't mind him. After a while Guardsmen start thinking everything is a magical fiend trying to kill them. The stress of the job, you know. And people have not been very happy with magic users in general after what happened. Funny how quickly people can change their mind, right?" he asks with a forced smile. He's trying to hide the tension visible in his body and voice and the fact that he is trembling slightly. It makes him look even younger. You'd say he looks probably a bit older than 16.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 02, 2015, 06:51:59 pm

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, knowing that this would be a tough thing to go through. Meditate? Sure, he could do that, but he didn't think that would be enough for this kind of energy usage. No, he needed to be at peace with himself. He couldn't even remember the last time he was truly peaceful. Before the Battle, he was spun around in circles, whirled around by different people every day. Look over here, they said. Look over there, he says. Look at me, she says. So many unique persons that he had to console and spend time with and fight against and beg to be on his side. So many dangerous situations where the wrong word or action could destroy the universe. He wasn't old enough to deal with all of that.

Yet he was bestowed the title of "Medium," and left alone to figure out what the hell was going on and to fight a mysterious, unbeatable force known as the Shadow. Suffice to say, it was a stressful time.
He slowly walked around, looking at the ground and pondering what he should bring up. After a small while, he sat down on top of the rocks and began to speak, running his hands over the rough terrain below him.

"I I didn't - I couldn't have a person to bond with. It wasn't in my nature. It was... against what I was meant to do. I was going to be the bridge between all of the Guardians and Mediums, the focal point, the Weaver of the Connections. I kept people together, but at a price: I couldn't actually become close to anyone. The only person I could be close to was Artemis, and he was the exact reason why everyone had issues with me. And, well... I don't really have many good memories about Artemis. He was a mixed bag. I'd prefer to rather not talk about what he's done.

"So, yes, I don't really have a bondmate. Everyone else who I could consider to be 'close' has some bad memories associated with them, too. I guess.. hm." Zechariah pauses, unsure of what to say. What did he really have to signify his inner peace? There was no rest for him, no ability to.. wait.
There was one place where he was free to be who he wanted. He could design anything without restrictions. He could make up new laws of physics and destroy the old ones. He could be a god and a beggar at the same time. It was the dream sphere that he himself was connected to, the same sphere that connected all of the different multiverses that he knew together.

"I... there was one place. It was a place of silence and peace. A place that I could be in the void or I could watch colors fly all around me. I could embrace a swarm of colorful fireflies, or I could design entire cities made out of completely new materials and elements. I could do anything. It was like a dream, but I could always control it. It was the Medium. It was something magical that connected me to every living being, but also shut me off from everything that ever existed. I could be at peace. I could fly when I wanted and change directions at will. I could make things appear and be destroyed simply by thinking about it.

"Besides Artemis and a couple of other people, it was completely empty. It was just me and my thoughts and creations. It was a perfect universe. I knew that it didn't translate to anything that was real. But it provided me a place of concentration, relaxation, and enjoyment. It just... clicked with me. It was separated from everything, but also connected to everything that ever lived.

It was just like me."

He looks really confused when you mention you couldn't have a person to bond with, but says nothing. He looks a lot more interested in the second part of your speech though.
"I... understand. That place... the 'Staging Area' as they call it. I relish it. Having the chance to use my abilities to create. What you describe sounds... pleasant."

---

OOC
I was kinda wishing Ike would roll a 1 so I could have him go bananaz and start laughing maniacally. Oh well.

I assumed you were going to follow the guard and remain quiet or at least do nothing that would prevent the confrontation, so I just kept writing to keep things moving.

Irrelevant: I found an image for Alan:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://1d4chan.org/images/e/ef/Lolwutt.png)

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 04, 2015, 11:36:14 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

((Should I keep rolling with the same action until one of you manages to hit the other? Because right now you both keep rolling the same and missing for some reason.))

((It feels like you're saying that our characters are incompetent, but yeah, sounds good.))

I'm saying that your rolls are frustrating me because they keep coming up like this (simplified example follows)
Hawk dex: Low
Alarith rflx: High
Alarith dex: Low
Hawk rflx: High
so nothing keeps happening. Even when one of you has a bonus or a penalty, you keep missing.
Hopefully Alan will be resurrected once Zechariah finishes with River so that his ghost can stop haunting other players.

Quote from: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 11:52:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Good. Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character. In fact, I could put you in the second chance Tournament round so that you can claim the title if you want.

However, there is a small problem. I don't have the time to evaluate your abilities right now and assign a number on them, but they are very powerful, so they would probably rank very low in the negatives. So you'd have to take some very high penalties to compensate, something like being a frail old man confined to a wheelchair. Are you OK with that? Do you perhaps have any sort of penalty you would prefer to have?

What about throwing out enchanting and making evocation unlockable at a later time? Is that enough of a nerf?

On a side note: Being a (enchanted)wheelchair man on turboboost through liberal use of magic is kind of cool :D

I'm not saying I'm not allowing your character. Just saying that according to the system I have for grading abilities for balance reasons, anything more than a simple +2 bonus to a major stat or equivalent has a chance of giving you negative traits for balance reasons. And the higher your power and versatility, the more your chances for negative traits increase.

That being said, you want time manipulation for things like slowing people/objects down or speeding yourself up correct? You simply select an area to affect or do you have to touch it or recite a spell? Or do you want me to decide whatever I want? So that I know how to grade it.

Oh, and I hope you have read the part of the first post saying that things that would be hard for me to manage like time-travel are completely impossible, at least to the players.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 04, 2015, 12:40:23 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Follow while sobbing unless Irine makes an effort to comfort me. Sob less in that event, but still a noticeable amount.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Xantalos on March 04, 2015, 12:45:44 pm

((It's beautiful.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 12:51:02 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2015, 12:32:47 pm

Quote from: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 11:52:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Good. Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character. In fact, I could put you in the second chance Tournament round so that you can claim the title if you want.

However, there is a small problem. I don't have the time to evaluate your abilities right now and assign a number on them, but they are very powerful, so they would probably rank very low in the negatives. So you'd have to take some very high penalties to compensate, something like being a frail old man confined to a wheelchair. Are you OK with that? Do you perhaps have any sort of penalty you would prefer to have?

What about throwing out enchanting and making evocation unlockable at a later time? Is that enough of a nerf?

On a side note: Being a (enchanted)wheelchair man on turboboost through liberal use of magic is kind of cool :D

I'm not saying I'm not allowing your character. Just saying that according to the system I have for grading abilities for balance reasons, anything more than a simple +2 bonus to a major stat or equivalent has a chance of giving you negative traits for balance reasons. And the higher your power and versatility, the more your chances for negative traits increase.

That being said, you want time manipulation for things like slowing people/objects down or speeding yourself up correct? You simply select an area to affect or do you have to touch it or recite a spell? Or do you want me to decide whatever I want? So that I know how to grade it.

Oh, and I hope you have read the part of the first post saying that things that would be hard for me to manage like time-travel are completely impossible, at least to the players.

I don't want time travel :D Yes - speeding up and slowing people and things down (and on later levels of the ability speeding or slowing down physical processes [chemistry for example]).
I want to be a 'DnD style' wizard - so recitation of spells (stronger effects taking more time of course) and AOE or touch attacks as applicable.
My character can be impaired in the physical stats, all I need him to do is move on his own strength.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 04, 2015, 02:18:17 pm

"Yeah, human nature is a scary thing. Makes people difficult to trust. Why the comment on magic users though? Are we going to meet one?"

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 04, 2015, 02:52:45 pm

Reabsorb the spikes, then convert my body into effectively a hard shell made of carapace. My brain will be located directly in the center. If I still have biomass, coat the outside of my shelter with spikes.

I'm going to squish anything that stands in my way.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2015, 03:19:38 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 04, 2015, 12:40:23 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Follow while sobbing unless Irine makes an effort to comfort me. Sob less in that event, but still a noticeable amount.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 04, 2015, 02:18:17 pm

"Yeah, human nature is a scary thing. Makes people difficult to trust. Why the comment on magic users though? Are we going to meet one?"

He leans closer to you so that he can talk more quietly.
"Aren't you one? I dunno why but you give me a mage vibe." he asks as you continue walking.
"There's no reason to hide it from me. Us mages got to stick together, help each other out, right?" he says, pointing to your chest and then to his while smiling slightly.
"The people here could really use any help you'd be willing to offer."

He moves further away from you and continues talking normally.
"Yes, if you want a magic user, you're looking right at him." he says with a bit of pride.
"Well, barely, I'm not that powerful." he continues a bit more meekly.
"But it was enough to get me in the Tower, even as a guard, so..."
He doesn't complete his sentence, raising his shoulders instead.

"Anyway, I'll take you to the medical tent. Make sure everything is fine and that you two get some food and shelter. Probably going to have some roomates, hope you don't mind."
He briefly looks at Ike as he says that, who is still sobbing.
"After that, I got to get back to my post. But hey, Kassiver will probably be there. He can probably help you with anything you need. Within reason."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on March 04, 2015, 03:50:50 pm

Ride forwards like before.

(I'd like to get back to fighting again, so could you arrange a sorta "heart-to-heart?")

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on March 04, 2015, 09:05:43 pm

((I am fine with the continued rolling for my character as well.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 04, 2015, 10:06:57 pm

"That is fine, thank you."
follow to medical tent

---

just before the guard leaves us, I gently grab the guard's arm and tug him downwards. When he lowers his head I whisper in his ear:
"Your vibes are a very powerful tool, and you've done no harm this time, for I truly mean no ill, but your vibes don't distinguish between a mage and a powerful magical creature."
I then release him and watch to see how he reacts to this information.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 04, 2015, 10:43:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Follow massah sadly. Slowly calm down.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2015, 11:28:02 am

Oh, just a reminder to everyone, if you want to defend in a way other than the default (usually dodging/taking cover) you can state so. Or if you want a different action for other parts of the battle, like attacking at the same time. It might make a difference (positive or negative).

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 03, 2015, 08:22:42 pm

"Oh, it's you again. How disappointing, I was hoping to find you in a less than alive state."

Spoiler: You could surrender, you know (click to show/hide)

That's a door behind me, right? Back up and use it for cover, then prepare a laser. If he pokes his head out cover to take a shot, send the laser at his head. If he fires wildly without looking, his gun/hand. If he tries to be smart and aim with a mirror, the mirror. If he come s fully out of cover, cut off his legs.

((The _{lack of} competence being displayed in these matches is quite astonishing.))

Quote from: Toaster on March 03, 2015, 09:33:36 pm

"I shall disappoint you, then!  And probably take some sort of pleasure in it!"

Spoiler: Nah, I'm good (click to show/hide)

You know what?  I have armor and a shield, and he doesn't.  As far as I know.

Shoot to kill!  Don't completely get out of cover, though.

If he gets close, activate and stab him with the spear while covering self with shield, hoplite style.

Spoiler: @Toaster (click to show/hide)

Just in case it becomes relevant, what do you do to activate the spear? Or do you try randomly until you succeed? Because unless I'm not remembering things correctly, you never tried it out.

Welroki, finding himself in a disadvantageous position, immediately turns tail and runs in the opposite direction. John gets partially out of cover, using his half finished shield made out of layered plastic to protect himself as he opens fire. Welroki manages to open the door just as John starts firing. However, it appears that the concept of shields is a bit confusing to John, since he starts firing through his shield, melting a nice hole in it while hitting nothing.

Spoiler: @Toaster (click to show/hide)

Another flash of light appears right in front of you, bringing with it a wave of heat. It gets significantly harder to see things, as there are colourful spots everywhere in your vision. Thankfully, it doesn't feel as bad as the first time that happened.

You stop shooting.

Spoiler: @Wolfkit (click to show/hide)

You hide behind the corner of the doorway, get your notepad out and start writing.

You do the work hastily, so you're fairly certain you might have done some sort of mistake somewhere. Regardless, you keep working, hoping you'll get something close to what you want. The moment you are done, there's a flash of light from the hallway and the shots stop coming.

---

Hawk132 VS Alarith

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 04, 2015, 11:36:14 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

((Should I keep rolling with the same action until one of you manages to hit the other? Because right now you both keep rolling the same and missing for some reason.))

((It feels like you're saying that our characters are incompetent, but yeah, sounds good.))

Quote from: Alarith on March 04, 2015, 09:05:43 pm

((I am fine with the continued rolling for my character as well.))

Okay, let's see what happens. I bet the first roll I make you'll end up hitting each other, just to mess with me.
((*rolls* Hm. Ok. So it wasn't the first one. Let's see how many combat turns it takes...
*rolls*
*rolls* This one made me think something was going to happen. Unfortunately it didn't.))

The two opponents trade blow for a long minute but remain hesitant, always remaining at a distance so that they can get out of the way of the enemy's blows. Seeing that Saevus' greater reach aids him in that regard, Bryan attempts to close in for the kill before he starts getting tired. Saevus tries to avoid the blow and he almost succeeds, with the blade hitting his armour at an awkward angle and bouncing off harmlessly. Bryan ducks out of Saevus' retaliatory strike, barely managing to retain his balance.

((*rolls* Of course they made equal strength rolls. Because doing otherwise would make this too easy.))

Saevus tries to take advantage of this to attack, but in an incredible display of speed, Bryan raises his sword to do the same. The blades meet each other in ways blades weren't meant to meet, scarring one another deeply. The two warrior push as hard as they can, trying to get the other to succumb or push them inside one of the nearby holes on the road. Despite Saevus' strength, Bryan manages to hold him back, barely. Evenly matched, they both give one great shove to each other while jumping backwards, getting away from each other.

((*rolls*
*rolls*
*rolls* There were a lot of counterattacks here.))

Saevus and Bryan, clearly as frustrated as the GM, run towards each other and attempt to hit each other with quick slashes, caring less about strength and finesse and more about hitting their opponent. Their poor stance and all out attacks leads them to being open to counter-attacks, but neither of them appears capable of capitalizing on that. By the end Bryan is grunting from the effort. This is starting to become tiring.

((*rolls*
*rolls* Oh dear, that was a lot of rolls. Luck is trolling me.))

Bryan charges Saevus and attacks him with a sloppy diagonal slash from below. Saevus sidesteps to dodge the blow and brings his sword low so that he Bryan's momentum causes him to embed his chest in it. But Bryan is not deterred, using his swing's momentum to twist his body, barely avoiding the tip of Saevus' sword, while at the same time positioning himself for an overhead strike at Saevus' side, pushing the blade down towards Saevus' head. With no time to raise his sword to block and no time to dodge, Saevus instead twists his body and moves backwards so that the blade hits his shoulder instead. The sword cuts deep and gets embedded in the wound, breaking apart some of the magical runes on Saevus' armour in a shower of colourful sparks. Using that hand is going to be a bit more difficult. At least it's not the golden one.

((And after all that, all we got is that Bryan is tired and Saevus has an injured arm. Let's hope the curse is broken for now.))

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 04, 2015, 03:50:50 pm

Ride forwards like before.

(I'd like to get back to fighting again, so could you arrange a sorta "heart-to-heart?")

*rimshot*

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You ride your round red frisbee steed, traveling towards the distant domain of lungs, where the blood vessels start branching off once more.

You could always cut a blood vessel open and go get some air. Your opponent won't be expecting that, he'll be like a fish out of water.[/terrible_jokes]

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 04, 2015, 02:52:45 pm

Reabsorb the spikes, then convert my body into effectively a hard shell made of carapace. My brain will be located directly in the center. If I still have biomass, coat the outside of my shelter with spikes.

I'm going to squish anything that stands in my way.

I was tempted to take this action literally, but because I'm nice and I do not want this to take forever, I won't turn you into a giant sea urchin.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You let go of the wall and let yourself be carried by the flow. You manage to cover your skin in relatively thick carapace, while leaving a small gap for your eyes. It's a bit harder to swim now, but you should be fine.

You start swimming towards where you last saw your opponent. You swim quickly and soon you can see him again.
You are approaching him from behind. It doesn't look like he's seen you.

---

Quote from: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 12:51:02 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2015, 12:32:47 pm

Quote from: akkudakku on March 04, 2015, 11:52:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Good. Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character. In fact, I could put you in the second chance Tournament round so that you can claim the title if you want.

However, there is a small problem. I don't have the time to evaluate your abilities right now and assign a number on them, but they are very powerful, so they would probably rank very low in the negatives. So you'd have to take some very high penalties to compensate, something like being a frail old man confined to a wheelchair. Are you OK with that? Do you perhaps have any sort of penalty you would prefer to have?

What about throwing out enchanting and making evocation unlockable at a later time? Is that enough of a nerf?

On a side note: Being a (enchanted)wheelchair man on turboboost through liberal use of magic is kind of cool :D

I'm not saying I'm not allowing your character. Just saying that according to the system I have for grading abilities for balance reasons, anything more than a simple +2 bonus to a major stat or equivalent has a chance of giving you negative traits for balance reasons. And the higher your power and versatility, the more your chances for negative traits increase.

That being said, you want time manipulation for things like slowing people/objects down or speeding yourself up correct? You simply select an area to affect or do you have to touch it or recite a spell? Or do you want me to decide whatever I want? So that I know how to grade it.

Oh, and I hope you have read the part of the first post saying that things that would be hard for me to manage like time-travel are completely impossible, at least to the players.

I don't want time travel :D Yes - speeding up and slowing people and things down (and on later levels of the ability speeding or slowing down physical processes [chemistry for example]).
I want to be a 'DnD style' wizard - so recitation of spells (stronger effects taking more time of course) and AOE or touch attacks as applicable.
My character can be impaired in the physical stats, all I need him to do is move on his own strength.

Okay then, I'll work on it when I have some time and send you a PM. Probably sometime in the weekend. Prod me a bit if I don't, sometimes I get busy and forget things.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2015, 11:29:26 am

((Nonono, you misunderstood. I WANTED to turn into a spherical sea urchin. I wanted to turn into a sphere covered with spikes! :C Oh well, I'll just get to work.))

Ram into him as hard as I can. If I have teeth, bite into him, tear him off the wall, then release him.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2015, 11:32:01 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2015, 11:29:26 am

((Nonono, you misunderstood. I WANTED to turn into a spherical sea urchin. I wanted to turn into a sphere covered with spikes! :C Oh well, I'll just get to work.))

Well, it would be hard to do combat with no way to see and no way to move. Unless you just wanted to float around accumulating biomass. But hey, if that's what you want, we can do that.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on March 05, 2015, 11:37:52 am

Forward to Adventure!

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on March 05, 2015, 11:44:58 am

"Ah hah!  Resorting to flashing me, I see.  How juvenile!"

Spoiler: I could go for some more coconut rum right now (click to show/hide)

Yeah, I never did test the spear, but Zero techno-sense labeled the buttons.  There's no "press this to kill man" button but I could probably give a coherent action if I looked at the list.  Let's just ignore that for a bit.

Okay, screw that.  Duck back into cover and summon a visor with auto-dimming capability.  If it's got targeting sensors like the BETA mission helmet I had, so much the better.  I don't think I need to worry about Welroki tracking me by active sensors.

If there's time left over, patch up my armor and shield.  Fixing something should be pretty quick.

If he comes at me, blast him.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 05, 2015, 12:10:49 pm

"Flashbangs are a perfectly legitimate! And if you don't like it, you are perfectly welcome to wear a blindfold.

Spoiler: Granted, I can't exactly do the bang part (click to show/hide)

Write up another laser, aiming to make a cut right along the edge of the wall John is hiding behind.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on March 05, 2015, 12:42:47 pm

"Quite the idea, really!  I might have to pursue it after I rid the world of whatever your particular flavor of menace is!"

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 05, 2015, 12:57:46 pm

"Nay, I shall be the one to perfect my technique once your questionable do-goodery has been removed.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on March 05, 2015, 01:09:58 pm

"Thou appearest to be tired. Shall I help thou to sleep? The eternal kind."

Spoiler: Get your free sleeping pills today! (click to show/hide)

Attempt to blast him into the nearest wall/car/similar thing (if such things aren't nearby, blast him into space the ground) and follow up with a stab if possible.

Unless Bryan's sword is still embedded in my shoulder. Then I will try to use that to keep him near me (and from getting it back) and attempt to grab him with the golden arm (preferably his face, but I'll settle for an easier target if there is one) and blast away.

((EDIT: Noticed a thing.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2015, 11:28:02 am

Bryan ducks out of Hawk's retaliatory strike, barely managing to retain his balance.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on March 05, 2015, 05:25:58 pm

"Rest of that kind is not an option, not for me, not for you. Not until all of this is over. Even if your offer held weight, I would turn it down."

Spoiler: It's too early to go to bed (click to show/hide)

Is my sword still stuck in his arm? If so try to free it. If possible disengage and try to get to favorable ground.
Two questions: Is my telekinesis back to normal? If these are long swords, and held in two hands, is it a bit harder for him to swing his sword now?

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 08, 2015, 08:06:54 am

(Pokes Paris)

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on March 08, 2015, 10:29:38 pm

((I think he's a bit busy IRL at the moment))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 09, 2015, 06:11:51 am

Quote from: Toaster on March 08, 2015, 10:29:38 pm

((I think he's a bit busy IRL at the moment))

((This - Paris has done really well by us for a long time, just trust him, things will be ok.))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 09, 2015, 10:41:17 pm

Sorry for the delay. Things happened. I'll try to get back on schedule.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 04, 2015, 10:43:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Follow massah sadly. Slowly calm down.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 04, 2015, 10:06:57 pm

"That is fine, thank you."
follow to medical tent

---

just before the guard leaves us, I gently grab the guard's arm and tug him downwards. When he lowers his head I whisper in his ear:
"Your vibes are a very powerful tool, and you've done no harm this time, for I truly mean no ill, but your vibes don't distinguish between a mage and a powerful magical creature."
I then release him and watch to see how he reacts to this information.

You follow the guard to the camp, making your way through the small defensive perimeter around it.

The largest of the dwellings that make up the camp are all placed closely together, like people huddling together for warmth. They are made from a variety of materials: a patchwork of fabric, twigs and branches obtained from the sparse vegetation, wooden and metal debris, rocks... Few of them look like something that wasn't hastily cobbled together from whatever was at hand, few are made from a single material, few have a regular shape. Their irregular shapes and placement cause jagged and oppressively narrow pathways to form between them. There are very few smaller dwellings. Most of them are closer to the outskirts of the camp and maintain a grater distance from each other than the larger ones. The part of Irine concerned with her ability notices that most of the dwellings appear very flammable. A fire here would probably be bad news for everyone of this camp's inhabitants.

The camp is very dark, with only the occasional magical light to provide lighting and heat. And due to the way the camp is built, any light they provide is quickly obscured by a dwelling, leaving only reflections. The camp is quiet and lifeless, at least where the visible world is concerned. Your guide tries to move as quietly as possible despite his armour, trying not to break the silence. The only signs of life are the few dark shapes you can see in the dwellings, some of them turning to look at you as they hear or see you pass, the white of their eyes being the most visible part of their body. The ones close enough to a light source to be seen clearly reveal famished people, with little fat on their body, most of them with at least one injury of some sort (most commonly burn damage, with cuts and bruises coming a close second), moving slowly, looking at you with dull eyes that look right through you or eyes full of fear. Your guide's attempt to move without attractong attention is clearly not working, as you seem to be doing just that. Many of the people you see are young, but very few are children.

Ike however can smell many humans here. A very small amount compared to the population the city probably had, but still significant. And he can hear the too. The occasional snorer or a child crying or someone speaking to someone else in hushed voices.

"...can't do this anymore. I can't sleep. Not here. What if they come again? To think our city could hold such..."
"...more coming from the east. Is what they say true? What are we..."
"...so hungry." "You repeating it doesn't help." "Those bastards are hoarding..."
"...no help coming. We have no more time to gather supplies, we have to..."
"...telling you the Tower planned the detonation. They just wanted the King dead so that..."
"...what she said she saw." "Her fear is deceiving her eyes. I am certain..."
"...no excuse for tolerating them. We should get in there and slaughter them all, make an..."

After a while, when you are closer to the centre of the camp, you reach a sort of clearing, an area mostly empty save for two giant tents, two of the few that don't look like something that was cobbled together recently. Both have a pair of guards close to their entrance. They do not wear any sort of uniform and their weapons do not match, but the way they are just sitting there and the fact that they carry swords means they are probably guards.

You approach the entrance of one of the tents.
"Hey." your guide says while nodding at the guards. "Quiet night?" he asks while continuing to walk.
"Quiet enough." one of the guards responds.
"Good. That's good. Is he inside?"
"Yes. But he-"
The guards look at you very curiously as you pass between them, but they do not get up and your guide passes through them too quickly for them to manage to say anything else.

The inside of the tent is filled with people laying on pieces of fabric, most of them sleeping or trying to sleep. Most of them appear to be recovering from burns, since large parts of their bodies are covered in improvised bandages, making the most injured among them look like low budget mummies. There are others that are recovering from blunt injuries to the head or torso. There are some that you cannot discern what kind of injury they are suffering from. And there is a concerning amount of people recovering from deep gashes or puncture wounds on their body, some of which look like bite marks. There is one man standing on a chair in one corner of the room, watching over the injured while a woman moves between them, occasionally looking more closely at one of them. Your entering the room attracts many eyes to you, but most of them stay onto you only for a few moments. You can see all this thanks to one of those magical light sources close to the centre of the room, much smaller than the ones you saw outside.

Your guide moves towards an old man (his hair and rather long beard are grey and his face is wrinkled) wearing dirty dark red robes, kneeling over an injured man lying on a piece of cloth on the ground. There's a slightly pudgy woman standing close to him, observing while remaining completely still and quiet. The old man is kneeling over the injured man with his eyes closed and his hands over a bandage-covered part of the injured man's body, making gestures with them and moving them around in a spiralling motion, while at the same time moving his mouth very slightly as if he is muttering something that you can't quite make out. There's a very faint orangered light coming from his palms.

Your guide stops some distance away from him and waits, saying nothing. About a minute later, the old man finishes doing whatever he was doing, opening his eyes again.
"He should be good for tonight. Mark him and check his bandages." he says to the woman softly as she helps him stand up. She nods and kneels over the injured man to examine him.

"Master Kassiver?" the guard accompanying you asks as he walks forward, trying to get the old man's attention by raising his hand slightly, suddenly a lot more timid than before.
"Hm? Rovan? Who are those people? And what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on watch tonight?
As he speaks, the old man's voice starts taking a more commanding and inquisitive tone, like a parent questioning a misbehaving child.
"Yes sir. Sorry sir. But I'm certain Syndil will have no problem while I'm gone. He knows-"
"That's not for you to decide. We need as many of you out there as possible."
"Sorry sir."
"And stop apologizing and get to the point. What are you doing here?"
"Sorry si-"
The old man shakes his head slightly.
"These two need food and shelter. Can we help them?"
Kassiver spends several seconds looking at you.
"Hm. Yes..." he replies, stroking his beard a bit. "Yes, I have a couple of empty spots here. After this night, I think there is a tent in the west they could use."
He approaches the guard and asks him more quietly, although not quietly enough that you can't hear.
"Who are they? She is not from here, is she?"
"Yes. She travelled. Came here tonight. Says she's lost her supplies. Says her name is Irine."
"Irine?" the old man says with a hint of both recognition and confusion in his face.
"You know her, right? I knew she-"
"Thank you Rovan. I'll take care of them. Get back to your post now." Kassiver cuts him off, once again speaking with his commanding voice.
The guard turns around and starts walking towards you.
"See? Everything will be fine. I have to go now. Maybe I'll see you after my shift ends. If you're still awake." he says as he approaches you with a smile on his face.
You gently grab the guard's arm and tug him downwards. He looks a bit perplexed by this but lowers his head nonetheless. When he does so, you whisper in his ear:
"Your vibes are a very powerful tool, and you've done no harm this time, for I truly mean no ill, but your vibes don't distinguish between a mage and a powerful magical creature."
As is to be expected, his face hints at large amounts of confusion being his current feeling.
"W-wait, I... I don't understand. Are you... What are you saying? Are you saying that you are-"
"Rovan! I said get back to your post!" the old man interrupts the guard, clearly angry now.
"But sir! She-"
"I said get out! Out! Now! I will take care of this!" the old man replies, yelling as loudly as he dares without risking waking up those sleeping. The magical flame illuminating the room wobbles for a second as if hit by a small gust of wind.
The guard takes a step back.
"Yes sir. Sorry sir."
He turns around and starts walking away.
"And stop apologizing!"
The young guard looks behind him to take one final look at you before exiting the tent.

"So... should we go somewhere a bit more quiet? Get you some food?" the old man says slowly. He does not approach you, standing where he was with his legs slightly wide and his body a bit low, as if halfway into a ready stance.

---

OOC
Some words were eaten. I think I fixed them all.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 10, 2015, 12:58:00 am

"Ike here -" I gesture towards Ike as I speak "- needs food pretty badly. Could you make sure he's ok and then we can talk? I see from your stance you recognize my name. I mean no harm to anyone in or around this camp, and am willing to speak frankly, though I'd prefer to take our conversation somewhere quieter to avoid disturbing the others here."
I sit down and rest my hands in my lap, looking up at him calmly.

---

if he gives me reasonable directions, I'll follow them.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2015, 11:53:08 am

Tasty humansss... no, seriously, all these survivors are making me hungry. Dang long pork, why's it gotta be so nice and veal-like? Ike internally monologues.

Don't look at powerful wizard. Let massah speak. Remain pathetic-looking. Accept tasty food, though.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 10, 2015, 12:36:27 pm

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 05, 2015, 11:44:58 am

"Ah hah!  Resorting to flashing me, I see.  How juvenile!"

Spoiler: I could go for some more coconut rum right now (click to show/hide)

Yeah, I never did test the spear, but Zero techno-sense labeled the buttons.  There's no "press this to kill man" button but I could probably give a coherent action if I looked at the list.  Let's just ignore that for a bit.

Okay, screw that.  Duck back into cover and summon a visor with auto-dimming capability.  If it's got targeting sensors like the BETA mission helmet I had, so much the better.  I don't think I need to worry about Welroki tracking me by active sensors.

If there's time left over, patch up my armor and shield.  Fixing something should be pretty quick.

If he comes at me, blast him.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Eh, visors are good, but why not do away with the middle man and replace your eyes directly? Your power probably thinks the same, since after a few seconds of something assembling in the space between your helmet and your eyes, everything becomes dark for a few moments, before you regain your sight.

You try to close your eyes for a moment to see if anything has changed, but that does not produce the expected result. Instead the image in front of your eyes starts changing rapidly, as if each eye is looking at a different TV and someone is changing channels very quickly.

When you "open" your eyes again and they stop flipping through their settings, one of them is showing you everything in monochrome, an image like someone passed whatever you were seeing through an edge detection filter. The other is showing you what you recognize to be the feeds coming from the cameras in the hallways above you, with wire-frame representation of the hallways and objects therein replacing the parts no camera can see at the moment.

It's a bit disorienting to say the least. You resist the temptation to close your eyes, hoping not to make it worse. Instead, you look down and try to focus on the image of the floor. That proves to be a good idea, since it allows you to notice a point of light travelling up the hallway between your legs, melting it in the process. You quickly jump away, trying as hard as you can not to bring your legs anywhere near the point of light. A quick examination of your armour reveals that there is a deep gash on your armour on your right leg and torso. Thankfully it didn't go all the way through.

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 05, 2015, 12:10:49 pm

"Flashbangs are a perfectly legitimate! And if you don't like it, you are perfectly welcome to wear a blindfold.

Spoiler: Granted, I can't exactly do the bang part (click to show/hide)

Write up another laser, aiming to make a cut right along the edge of the wall John is hiding behind.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Seeing as he does not seem to be attacking you or coming towards you, you take your time to write a laser as best as you can manage. You don't see or hear anything. Maybe it worked? Too bad you don't have a way to check. Except for asking maybe or waiting for him to tell you. Maybe something like "Hey? Hey you! Did I kill you?" "Yes, yes you just cut my head off. I'm dead. Uaarrgh!" "Oh, good. Thank you!" "You're welcome!"

---

Alarith VS Hawk132

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 05, 2015, 01:09:58 pm

"Thou appearest to be tired. Shall I help thou to sleep? The eternal kind."

Spoiler: Get your free sleeping pills today! (click to show/hide)

Attempt to blast him into the nearest wall/car/similar thing (if such things aren't nearby, blast him into space the ground) and follow up with a stab if possible.

Unless Bryan's sword is still embedded in my shoulder. Then I will try to use that to keep him near me (and from getting it back) and attempt to grab him with the golden arm (preferably his face, but I'll settle for an easier target if there is one) and blast away.

((EDIT: Noticed a thing.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2015, 11:28:02 am

Bryan ducks out of Hawk's retaliatory strike, barely managing to retain his balance.

((Fixed.))

Quote from: Alarith on March 05, 2015, 05:25:58 pm

"Rest of that kind is not an option, not for me, not for you. Not until all of this is over. Even if your offer held weight, I would turn it down."

Spoiler: It's too early to go to bed (click to show/hide)

Is my sword still stuck in his arm? If so try to free it. If possible disengage and try to get to favorable ground.
Two questions: Is my telekinesis back to normal? If these are long swords, and held in two hands, is it a bit harder for him to swing his sword now?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Yes x2

Bryan tries to free his sword, but before he can manage to do so, Saevus points his golden arm at him. He lets go of the sword and jumps backwards, just in time to avoid a telekinetic blast. The telekinetic blast hits the sword instead, removing it from his arm and sending it flying inside one of the derelict buildings nearby.
<An arm for a sword.>
<Hmph. He doesn't need a sword to kill him.>

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2015, 11:29:26 am

((Nonono, you misunderstood. I WANTED to turn into a spherical sea urchin. I wanted to turn into a sphere covered with spikes! :C Oh well, I'll just get to work.))

Ram into him as hard as I can. If I have teeth, bite into him, tear him off the wall, then release him.

He is on a red blood cell. Not a wall.

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 05, 2015, 11:37:52 am

Forward to Adventure!

As Ron continues to majorkong his way towards the ever branching blood vessels that make up the lungs, he feels like something is watching him. He turns around to see a black blurry spot quickly moving towards him. Before he can react, the spot hits him in the right leg. The hit stings and some blood is released by it, spreading around the wound and colouring the surrounding plasma, but it doesn't look life threatening.
<Blood within blood?>
<Bloodception!>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2015, 11:53:08 am

Tasty humansss... no, seriously, all these survivors are making me hungry. Dang long pork, why's it gotta be so nice and veal-like? Ike internally monologues.

Don't look at powerful wizard. Let massah speak. Remain pathetic-looking. Accept tasty food, though.

((Ike would make a good slasher film villain.))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 10, 2015, 12:58:00 am

"Ike here -" I gesture towards Ike as I speak "- needs food pretty badly. Could you make sure he's ok and then we can talk? I see from your stance you recognize my name. I mean no harm to anyone in or around this camp, and am willing to speak frankly, though I'd prefer to take our conversation somewhere quieter to avoid disturbing the others here."
I sit down and rest my hands in my lap, looking up at him calmly.

---

if he gives me reasonable directions, I'll follow them.

"Hm. So you are her..." the old man says and stares at you for a few seconds. He looks a bit more relaxed now.
"Very well. Follow me." he says before turning his head slightly to address the woman he was with.
"I am needed elsewhere. Make sure everything is fine while I am gone."
With that, he starts walking towards the exit, glancing at you occasionally.

He opens the tent's flap to reveal the young guard that brought you here, either talking to the other two guards or trying to eavesdrop depending on how one interprets his stance. Neither interpretation seems to be very pleasing for the old man.
"What are you still doing here?! Didn't I tell you to get back to work?!"
"Yes sir! Sorry sir!" the young guard says as he turns around and starts moving away as quickly as he can, his retreat accompanied by the laughter of the other two guards.
"And stop apologizing!"
"Sorry sir!" the young guard yells as he disappears behind a dwelling, prompting another bout of laughter from the two guards. Their laughter ceases immediately the moment the old man looks at them. They do their best to look serious.
"Sir." one of them says.

The old man hmphs and walks away towards the other large tent.
"No one gets in. No one disturbs us." he says to the two guards and they nod.
He gets halfway inside and holds the flap open with his body to allow light from the outside to make its way inside. He uses that light to pick up some twigs and dry leaves from a nearby rock bowl and put them inside one of those glass jars that make up those magical light sources. You notice that there is a slightly red spherical stone inside it. That done, he closes the jar with another stone and mutters a single word while making a small hand gesture. The small amount of twigs inside the jar ignite. The flames die off in less than a minute, but in doing so they cause the spherical stone to transform into a fire floating close to the centre of the jar. He picks up the jar from a handle and starts walking towards the centre of the tent.

This tent must be used as a storeroom. It has a cover on the ground, probably to make it harder for rodents, insects and other borrowing creatures to enter. It doesn't look like it has a lot of food in it though. There are some sacks, some barrels, some waterskins, a box with mushrooms, other boxes the contents of which you can't see... But most of the tent contains things like wood, nails, tools, wheelbarrows, stretchers and other similar materials. As he walks, the old man grabs a waterskin, a small bag and a rock bowl.

The tent also appears to be used as a temporary office, with a small table and 4 chairs close to its centre. The old man puts the magical light source down on the table and sets the rock bowl down on top of it.
"Be seated, if you want." he says, indicating the chairs.
After that, he pours some water inside the bowl and adds a pinch of a white powder he takes from the small bag. Finally, he takes an extremely thin yet surprisingly hard slice of bread and rips it to pieces which he places inside the bowl.
"Better wait a while." the old man tells Ike, seeing him eye the bowl hungrily. "It is more filling if you eat it warm."

With the "food" ready (or being prepared depending on how long Ike is willing to wait for it to get warmer) your "host" sits down on a chair in the opposite side of the table and addresses Irine, looking at her straight in the eyes.
"So. Why are you here? Are you looking to negotiate?"
He speaks quietly and slowly but with certainty, not timidly.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2015, 12:46:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

(That's just his current Chaotic Hungry alignment talking, I'm sure.)

"Fooood," Ike draws out. "Thank you, massah," he then says to Irine, keeping his eyes low. "You are very kind massah. Thank you massah again."

Smell the food. Breathe on it to help the warming. Taste a little bit once it's ready. Does it seem in any way poisonous? Don't eat it if it does.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 10, 2015, 01:18:08 pm

"You know, if you don't take the initiative this could last quite a while."

Spoiler: We can do this the easy way, or the hard way (click to show/hide)

Prep another laser, same attack plan as before. Try to listen and figure out if John is still behind the corner.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on March 10, 2015, 01:32:59 pm

Tournament

Spoiler: One of us will bleed soon (click to show/hide)

Pull him back to me and try to hack his leg off.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 10, 2015, 02:00:59 pm

Clamp my teeth onto his midsection, drag him off of the cell, and slam him into something solid. Like a wall. If he begins resisting, thrash him around a bit to disorient him, and mess him up with G-Forces.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Toaster on March 10, 2015, 02:18:57 pm

"Who says I haven't already!"

Spoiler: Mua to the ha ha. (click to show/hide)

Wonder what that would have gotten me without that point in control.

Anyway.

Hmm... probably should do something offensive.  Summon a couple frag grenades and start tossing them his way.  Don't get too out of cover.  Start leading him back toward that proxy mine.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Salsacookies on March 10, 2015, 02:31:30 pm

Ow.

Slam my fist into that thing that hit me.

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 10, 2015, 03:10:49 pm

Campaign

Zechariah sighs wistfully, his mind being drawn back to the countless hours that he spent in the Medium, tinkering with the fabric of the universe. Changing a single element in the parameters of any universe could drastically change the outcome. It was important that he practiced with his abilities. He would need it later on when he came around to fulfilling the contract between him and Artemis.

Indeed,there would be both wonderful and dreary memories associated with the Medium. For now, however, he had a new job to do. He couldn't afford to focus on the big picture. He still had questions over the decisions that he made. Maybe there was something else he could've done to fulfill his contract.

Maybe he would never know.

Sighing again, he begins to spout his stream of consciousness again. Hopefully, this would draw his mood away from the terrible thoughts that began to cloud his mind. "Yes, it was pleasant. That was the best thing about it. I could do anything, I could be anything, I could create anything. It was not impossible, and it was impossible at the same time. This was only possible because the Medium connected all living things, and was with nothing at all. I'm... probably repeating what I said before. But I don't feel that there's any other way to explain in without committing and injustice against the Medium itself.

"It wasn't without its faults, though. The Medium was both the source of my happiness and the source of my nightmares. It reminded me that I was just putting myself into a delusion, trying to ignore the Shadow and everything that I was fighting against. It was a lost cause. We were fighting against an avalanche, and I knew it. My friends knew it. The gods above knew it. We were starting to lose morale, all of us. We tried to keep our spirits up, but it's hard to do so when you continue to see people you love fall to their own Shadows.

"Maybe this sounds like nothing to you. You probably could have fought off all of the Shadows by yourself. But for us, it was a tough time. The Medium did not provide without its own faults - I mean, without my faults. It was.. me. I was the one who screwed everything up."

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Lenglon on March 10, 2015, 06:43:21 pm

"No, I..." I pause for a moment, thinking on how to say what I want to say.
"I suppose this is a social call, of sorts? This place and your people remind me a lot of home. I just wanted to spend some time here before continuing on my way. Um, who would I supposedly be negotiating for anyway? I speak only for myself, and only recently arrived in the area. Is there someone you thought I represented? What exactly did those three from the well tell you anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Alarith on March 11, 2015, 02:29:29 pm

((I was really busy yesterday))
Bryan, Tournament

Spoiler: I didn't know you could bleed (click to show/hide)

Send a more focused telekinetic blast at that gauntlet, it seems to be causing the most trouble

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2015, 10:22:57 pm

---

Toaster VS Wolfkit

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 10, 2015, 02:18:57 pm

"Who says I haven't already!"

Spoiler: Mua to the ha ha. (click to show/hide)

Wonder what that would have gotten me without that point in control.

Anyway.

Hmm... probably should do something offensive.  Summon a couple frag grenades and start tossing them his way.  Don't get too out of cover.  Start leading him back toward that proxy mine.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Not sure what I would had come up with at the time, but right now I'd probably go for either something like unshielded X-Ray eyes (so that you're slowly boiling your brain while using them) or viewing every camera in this place simultaneously. You could always stop restraining yourself and find out for sure...

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 10, 2015, 01:18:08 pm

"You know, if you don't take the initiative this could last quite a while."

Spoiler: We can do this the easy way, or the hard way (click to show/hide)

Prep another laser, same attack plan as before. Try to listen and figure out if John is still behind the corner.

John opens his palm and awaits for the fruit of his labour to fall on it, a rather large device the size of a rugby "ball", filled with whirling gears and glowing bits. When complete, it falls in his palm, fitting perfectly in it. Without thinking he raises his arm, gets out of the corner and throws the device as hard as he can. A moment later, he notices a rather thick line of glowing air approaching him, distorting the air around it in a way the indicates extreme heat. If that wasn't enough to indicate how dangerous it is, it's cutting right through the walls of the hallway and a good part of the wall behind them.
<I think I've seen this one before... Yeah, in that film with the zombies with the umbrellas. The guy tries to jump but the laser goes up, right?>
John stumbles backwards, but before he has time to do anything else, the beam goes through him. He falls to the floor, now half the man he was. He hears the other half of his body fall to the ground a moment later.

At the same time, Welroki writes furiously on his notepad, solving one of his largest equations yet. The moment he is done, drawing a line at the bottom of his notepad to signify that all is done, he catches sight of something with his peripheral vision. He looks up to see something coming his way, something like- Ow! It hit him in the face! What is that? Looks like a giant... football? And it's... ticking?
<Should had spent some time playing sports, nerd!>

Welroki spends several moments looking at the strange contraption ticking in front of him.

There is a "Ding!" and the clicking stops.

...

Another moment passes. Nothing happens.

Welroki lifts his arms in the air.
"Haha! It's a dud! A useless paperweight! I knew it! Your inferior engineering can never win over my mastery of sci-"
Welroki kicks the ball. It glows green. It distorts space around it, sucking in everything, air, walls, sound, light and of course Welroki. It becomes a single point of light and disappears with a pop.

...

And then it explode outwards, coating the remains of the hallway in the shrapnel that resulted from the spaghettification of whatever it absorbed.

...

A robot stands over John's corpse, holding a broom on its hand, humming something as it sweeps.
"Oh dear. What a mess you've made this time." he says before lifting the two parts of John's body and stuffing them in its cleaning cart's bags.
"Oh well. Back to the cloning chamber. Again. What is it? Third time this month?"
The robot sighs and closes the bags, plunging John's corpse in darkness.

<By virtue of being in less pieces than his opponent, and dying a few moment later than him, John is victorious.>
There is the sound of a rather unenthusiastic party horn.
<Congratulations. You suck slightly less than your opponent.>
<Hey, it's his victory man! He earned it, let him enjoy it!>

<Player 13 defeated. Player 13 will participate in the second chance round.
Player 5 is victorious. Player 5 advances to round 2.>

You are back in that dark and cyan grid you were earlier, but in different positions. John appears to have moved to one of those elevated pillars, while Welroki is in a rather large square.

Roger appears in front of John in a shower of golden sparks and immediately proceeds to stick the giant microphone he is holding to his face before bombarding him with "questions".
"So, John, that final attack of yours really sucked, in a good way. I bet your opponent was really blown away by your performance. I'm betting it will be hard for him to pick up the pieces now. Because you sure did a good job scattering his hopes. Still, I bet your experience was half as bad as his. Perhaps getting hit by Welroki's great glowing shaft is something that will leave you fragmented, even if he half-assed it. Don't worry, feeling a bit disconnected is perfectly normal after loosing your better half."

((Heh, those rolls.
And once again, it looks like I spent a lot of time designing a map and only a tiny fraction of it ever got used. The two of you just killed each other in a boring old hallway. Oh well.))

---

Alarith VS Hawk132

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 11, 2015, 02:29:29 pm

((I was really busy yesterday))
Bryan, Tournament

Spoiler: I didn't know you could bleed (click to show/hide)

Send a more focused telekinetic blast at that gauntlet, it seems to be causing the most trouble

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 10, 2015, 01:32:59 pm

Tournament

Spoiler: One of us will bleed soon (click to show/hide)

Pull him back to me and try to hack his leg off.

You spend several seconds pointing at each other with nothing happening, looking like a print screen from a game about lawyers.
((Rolling again, because damn those rolls.))
Eventually, Saevus wakes up. The runes on his golden arm light up and before he can do much, Bryan finds himself travelling towards Saevus' fist at high speed. The metal arm hits him hard in the chest. Bryan screams, a scream that ends in him coughing blood. He's pretty sure he broke a bone or three. The pain is really bad.
<No! You can't end the fight like that!>
And Bryan does not intend to. He fights as hard as he can, trying to get himself free of Saevus' grip. He's not strong enough to push his metal fingers open, but he manages to push his sword-wielding arm away, managing to only receive a few minor cuts.

---

Salsacookies VS Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 10, 2015, 02:31:30 pm

Ow.

Slam my fist into that thing that hit me.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 10, 2015, 02:00:59 pm

Clamp my teeth onto his midsection, drag him off of the cell, and slam him into something solid. Like a wall. If he begins resisting, thrash him around a bit to disorient him, and mess him up with G-Forces.

Rune tries and fails to push Ron, not being strong enough to manage anything. If anything, he appears to somehow manage to push Ron further away from the walls of the twisting capillaries of the lungs. Meanwhile, Ron manages to completely miss Rune, even though he's right there in his chest.
((Should I do the same as Alarith and Hawk and roll again whenever nothing happens?))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 10, 2015, 03:10:49 pm

Campaign

Zechariah sighs wistfully, his mind being drawn back to the countless hours that he spent in the Medium, tinkering with the fabric of the universe. Changing a single element in the parameters of any universe could drastically change the outcome. It was important that he practiced with his abilities. He would need it later on when he came around to fulfilling the contract between him and Artemis.

Indeed,there would be both wonderful and dreary memories associated with the Medium. For now, however, he had a new job to do. He couldn't afford to focus on the big picture. He still had questions over the decisions that he made. Maybe there was something else he could've done to fulfill his contract.

Maybe he would never know.

Sighing again, he begins to spout his stream of consciousness again. Hopefully, this would draw his mood away from the terrible thoughts that began to cloud his mind. "Yes, it was pleasant. That was the best thing about it. I could do anything, I could be anything, I could create anything. It was not impossible, and it was impossible at the same time. This was only possible because the Medium connected all living things, and was with nothing at all. I'm... probably repeating what I said before. But I don't feel that there's any other way to explain in without committing and injustice against the Medium itself.

"It wasn't without its faults, though. The Medium was both the source of my happiness and the source of my nightmares. It reminded me that I was just putting myself into a delusion, trying to ignore the Shadow and everything that I was fighting against. It was a lost cause. We were fighting against an avalanche, and I knew it. My friends knew it. The gods above knew it. We were starting to lose morale, all of us. We tried to keep our spirits up, but it's hard to do so when you continue to see people you love fall to their own Shadows.

"Maybe this sounds like nothing to you. You probably could have fought off all of the Shadows by yourself. But for us, it was a tough time. The Medium did not provide without its own faults - I mean, without my faults. It was.. me. I was the one who screwed everything up."

"I am not invincible. I am not eternal. Nothing is. In the end, the shadow always wins. Everybody dies. Everything ends. That is the way it has been. That is the way it will be."

"I have died many times. Failed many times. Watched those I was meant to protect die. And I know I will fail again. My life will end like the countless lives I have ended."

"I know you will die. I know that in time I will forget you and the pieces of you that remain, the pieces of me you touched and shaped, they will be so small they might as well not be there."

"I know these worlds will end, that there will be a time they are less than dust. There will come a time when the entities will be no more, when they will lie scattered and defeated. When the ones I care for the most will die and be no more."

"I dedicate myself to something grater than me, believe in it but even that will end. I have lived many lives, but a time will come I will be reborn no more."

"I pour my life into the worlds I live in and the ones close to me, the ones I touch and through those things I will live for timespans neither of us can comprehend, but even those pieces of me, that legacy, will die."

"Everybody looses in the end. That is not your fault. Even if it was, it does not matter now. It is in the past."

He stays quiet for some time.
That's kinda depressing. You don't think he understands the concept of pep talks very well.

"But I fight. We fight. We do not go quietly. We protest and howl and change the world, we destroy anyone and anything that stands in our way and ensure we are not destroyed in turn. We fight as hard as we can, we believe in what we are fighting for, we believe in our success. No matter what happens, how much we fail, how much we are hurt, how much we lose, we fight, we fight until the end, until the shadow wins and we are no more."

"That is what it means to be alive. That is what I feel deep in me. That is what I believe. That is what I have taught others. To accept what they are and become better. So I will fight. And so should you."

He pushes your chest with his index finger, putting a bit too much force behind it, causing your chest to hurt a bit.

"That is your fault. I have seen you give up. Do not give up. Do not accept the world as it is, do not let it push you, do not focus on your failures. Especially in the situation you are in, you cannot give up. You have to fight. As long as you keep fighting, I will not fault you for that. It might even make things easier for you and us considering... how things are with you."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2015, 12:46:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

(That's just his current Chaotic Hungry alignment talking, I'm sure.)

"Fooood," Ike draws out. "Thank you, massah," he then says to Irine, keeping his eyes low. "You are very kind massah. Thank you massah again."

Smell the food. Breathe on it to help the warming. Taste a little bit once it's ready. Does it seem in any way poisonous? Don't eat it if it does.

((Wouldn't breathing on something make it colder due to evaporation being accelerated? Anyway.))

You smell the food. It smells like water and bread. Some other very faint smells in there that you can't identify with anything in particular. Some of them smell a bit metallic-y. Probably standard impurities in the water. If he did put a poison in there, then it's probably the kind that can kill in very small amounts and those are usually rare.

Then again, this is not an earth world, so things might work differently. Maybe a "healer", especially a mage, would be able to carry a large amount of such a substance around. But wouldn't he be equally poisoned by touching it? Unless it needs to be ingested to work or it requires to be activated in some way. Or maybe he knows of an antidote he can quickly create or a spell that can heal him.

And him being a mage also means that he wouldn't even need to poison it, he could had cast some sort of spell on it or used some sort of alchemical ingredient on it. Perhaps one that is activated by the magical energy emitted by that lantern-like thing.

Maybe the poison is not even in the soup. Maybe the bowl itself is cursed and will burn you alive or turn you into a tiny ant the moment you drink from it.

You're probably overthinking things. Probably. And your stomach strongly agrees with that opinion. And it is not afraid to voice that very audibly.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 10, 2015, 06:43:21 pm

"No, I..." I pause for a moment, thinking on how to say what I want to say.
"I suppose this is a social call, of sorts? This place and your people remind me a lot of home. I just wanted to spend some time here before continuing on my way. Um, who would I supposedly be negotiating for anyway? I speak only for myself, and only recently arrived in the area. Is there someone you thought I represented? What exactly did those three from the well tell you anyway?"

The man raises an eyebrow. Looks like he was not expecting this.
"Hm. So you say..."
He strokes his beard a bit.
"They said you were leading a beastman. That sounds to me like he was either under your protection or under your orders."
He leans forward a bit to look more closely at you.
"Do you claim you are completely unrelated to them? Or are you denying that they told the truth?"
He is still quiet and calm, but his tone is bordering that of an interrogation, like a detective questioning a witness or a parent trying to find which one of their children is to blame for some mischief.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 11, 2015, 10:51:13 pm

((I'm trying to decide what I should have done differently... I'm not really sure, honestly. I had few openings and didn't roll well enough to do much of anything with them... John had that aromr so he probably had the advantage if I were to have been aggressive with advancing, but playing passive doesn't work well against John either...))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Toaster on March 12, 2015, 12:25:06 am

((I'd think bullrushing me would be the best bet, because I'm only going to get stronger with time.  I intentionally started defensive, knowing that I had a "good enough" weapon to start with.  The funny thing is that I was trying to trick you into following me back into the trap I laid behind me, and trying to flush you out with a frag grenade.  Had I not overshot that into a singularity bomb, you would have had that one.


Anyway, good fight!  May you do well in the second chance round.  Now I'll have to alter tactics for the semifinal!

EDIT: 4/4 for getting maimed))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 12:30:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

((Water in your breath should already be evaporated, if that's what you mean.))

Does it (the food, not the bowl, unless the latter seems like it's made of something edible as well) seem warm yet? Eat it if yes. Breathe on it some more if not.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 12:51:43 am

"The beastman I was with is one I've been traveling with for quite some time now. He came with me, and as far as I'm aware, he's unrelated to any beastmen from around here. Could you tell me how well your people and the local beastmen have been coexisting?"

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 12, 2015, 07:34:53 am

((Nah, I'm pretty sure that with that good throw and my poor dodge, any grenade would have murderated me))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Hawk132 on March 12, 2015, 10:26:45 am

Saevus, Tournament

"It appears that the victor is decided."

Spoiler: TAKE THAT! (click to show/hide)

Wrap my normal arm around him to keep him from escaping (bone-crushing force optional, although I won't mind some) and then move the blingcannon to his face and fire. If this has rendered him unconscious throw him onto the ground and stomp on his head. If it kills him do the same.

Gotta be unnecessarily brutal/cruel, after all. It's pretty much what Saevus' name means.

((Noticed a different thing. Gave me quite a chuckle for some reason.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2015, 10:22:57 pm

Alarith VS Bryan

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 12, 2015, 10:44:32 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 12:30:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

((Water in your breath should already be evaporated, if that's what you mean.))

Does it (the food, not the bowl, unless the latter seems like it's made of something edible as well) seem warm yet? Eat it if yes. Breathe on it some more if not.

((I meant this (http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/127309/why-does-blowing-on-hot-coffee-cool-it-down). Although that question mentions blowing, so maybe it's different if you simply breathe on it or if you breathe on the bowl instead of the liquid. Anyway, just saying, not that it's very important.))

You touch the bowl. It's a bit warm. You don't think it can get much hotter than this. It's like trying to heat something with a candle. You lift the bowl and put some of the soup in your mouth, biting the chunks of bread in it a bit before swallowing it. The food has not yet reached the same temperature, but you assume it will get there soon. As expected, it tastes bread-y.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 12:51:43 am

"The beastman I was with is one I've been traveling with for quite some time now. He came with me, and as far as I'm aware, he's unrelated to any beastmen from around here. Could you tell me how well your people and the local beastmen have been coexisting?"

The man looks thoughtful, his tense expression making his face appear even more wrinkled.
"Hm... I see no reason for you to lie... Your presence here is suspicious... And to be frank, I'd prefer it if you were not here. I have enough things to keep me occupied as it is."
He leans back and relaxes a bit.
"But as long as you cause no trouble, I have no reason to do something about you. Like I said, I have enough troubles as it is."

"To answer your question, from what I've heard, after the campaign to the north and with all the things happening in the elves' domain, beastmen raids have become less frequent."

"I've read some books on the subject, but I'm not sure how much of the information in them is true. I have always said we needed more research on the subject. Other than that, I've only seen them as prisoners during the victory parade. Heard they sometimes had fights with them in the arena, but I've never gone there myself. It is common knowledge that they are raiders that plunder our villages and kill our people, raiders that cannot be appeased or be reasoned with."

"And recent experience has done nothing to prove that wrong. Apparently, there must have been some hiding in the city, for after its destruction, there have been some attacks on our people. The survivors say there are some with the form of rodents, as well as some with the form of insects."

"Why do you need to know that? Where do you come from? Why are you here? What is your relationship with that beastman? Or this man, for that matter?"
He sounds less like he's interrogating you and more like he's genuinely interested now.

---

OOC
@Wolfkit & Toaster: Like I said, you are both very powerful but neither of you is really a fighter. So it really came down to luck, who would manage to hit the other first. That's why I found it incredibly funny when you both managed to hit each other at the same round and with lethal results. But John's rolls were better, so...

To answer Wolfkit's question, I would suggest immediately attacking John with lasers instead of bothering with the raygun, since your lasers can bypass cover. With a good roll you could had either blinded him or outright hurt him, preventing him from retaliating and slowing him down greatly, forcing him to focus on protecting/healing himself, thus allowing you more time to pummel him and keep him on the defensive. Or even get a lucky kill. Of course, that had the downside that you had to remain stationary and failure would mean you just wasted time sitting still and allowed him to generate more equipment.

Other than that, you could had used the environment. For example, you could had used the maintenance hallways to flank John in that hallway.

The environment in general offered a lot of opportunities depending on where you are. For example, if you were battling over some vats full of bubbling acid/toxins/lava, you could had shot/lasered the walkway (which would be an easier, stationary target) instead of your opponent to cause them to fall down.

Or for more extreme/dangerous things, you could had unleashed some biological test subjects and then run in the opposite direction, hoping they'd take care of the other. Or you could had gone to the security office and retrieved some better weapons and armour. Or you could had gone to the AI and used your higher privileges to convince it and its cyborgs to help you. Or to the robotics labs to try and get a nice exoskeleton. Or to the energetic material testing to find something that can make a big boom.

Or for even more extreme/dangerous things, you could had gone to the secondary nuclear reactor, overloaded it and then escape through an elevator to the surface. Or you could had gone to the AI core and upload yourself. If the (rather dangerous) procedure was successful, it would make the game a lot harder for your opponent since at that point it would be more like a strategy game for you. Or retrieve a gas mask and flood the entire complex with CO2 through life support. Or even better, seal yourself in life support and flood the entire complex with aerosolized biohorror blood or a toxin or some other dangerous material.

Not that you could had known, hindsight 20/20 and all that. Just saying. You did really good, considering the circumstances.

@Hawk: Oh dear. I need to stop writing turns when half asleep.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 12, 2015, 11:00:19 am

((Looks like I underestimated the penetrating power of my laser, then. Ah well. On the bright side, this soldifies what the first upgrade I'm going for is))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 11:05:10 am

((I did mean just plain exhalation, which doesn't ventilate quite as much. Though now it occurs to me that it'd be more effective just to take the food in my hands.))

Campaign, Ike!

Eat up quick. Check how much less hungry I am. Might still need a corpse to hit that spot.

Don't look at anyone cannibalistically, though. Just as a side note.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Toaster on March 12, 2015, 11:07:32 am

((There's an upgrade I didn't take that would have been really useful for this round.  I thought about it soon after I made my choices, but figured I was happy enough with what I took.

Paris, if you're curious, it's the farthest right one.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 12:48:48 pm

"I'm from another dimension, another world, and I and my companions are here to hunt down a murderer. I need to know that kind of thing because we don't know enough about the world we're currently in. The being we're hunting is a dimension-hopping shapechanger, a powerful one, that is capable of slowly bending reality itself around it to a limited extent. We know that it isn't nearby, and know the general direction it fled in, but we've stopped here for a while because several of our people got hurt. They're healing ok, and just need time, so we split up to each do as we wish while we wait."

"As for where I'm from? Well, as a group, we're a group of experts that were gathered together to handle dangerous tasks by a group of absurdly powerful beings actually related in kind to the creature we're hunting. Each of my companions is actually highly capable at what they do, and we all hail from different worlds or dimensions. So when you ask where we're from, depending on who you ask, you're going to get a different answer every time. I'm... well, my answer depends on if you ask what my home is like, or what it used to be, because the fabric of my home dimension itself fell apart around us, and as far as I'm aware, I'm the only survivor. If you or I ever tried to go to my home, if we're lucky it would fail, if we succeeded we'd die instantly. What it used to be though..."

I sigh and pull my legs up against me in the chair and hold them, staring up at the ceiling.

"It used to be beautiful world, handcrafted by a group of 10 gods, each with a planet or moon of their own to create what they saw fit on, and they each created a different kind of place of wonder, each amazing in their own right. The moon I was born on was a hollow cave world, full of magma and moss. A land without day or night, steadilly lit by the bioluminecent glow of the plants on the walls. A land with giant slugs and spiders, with foxes and centipedes, with humans and ferns and hot springs and amazing tunnels and caves all through it, all hidden on the inside. It was mine, and I loved it. It was literally a part of me, and I knew every plant and creature, every rock and stone. I still feel the void where they used to be, the phantom pains from all the limbs that aren't there anymore. I was free there. Free to play, to simply be a kid when I wanted to be, to be in whichever form and wanted and nobody cared. People trusted me, and I could just wander around and just BE. It was... It was so wonderful... so very very wonderful. so... so..."

I shake my head back and forth, reminding myself of where I am, and after looking back at Kassiver and realizing my posture, I lower my legs and set my hands back in my lap where they belong.

"But um, um, a-uh, W-what about you? and here? and stuff? Could I get a quick geography lesson? And maybe teach me some of how your world's magic works? It keeps trying to link with me and mess with my flames. I think it's because I'm kinda fire at the core, and that makes me suck up fire magic or something? I don't really understand it all that well, but I think I might be able to augment my natural abilities with your fire magic if you were willing to teach me. Magic here is really different from back home."

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Xantalos on March 12, 2015, 01:38:14 pm

Quote

group of experts

hohohohoho

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 01:49:58 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 12, 2015, 01:38:14 pm

Quote

group of experts

hohohohoho

((Alan is an expert at what he does))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 12, 2015, 01:55:05 pm

BITE this person, and then clamp my jaws down. Try to get my jaws positioned at the waist. See if I can bisect them with this bite. If things start going unfavorably, quickly use biomass to cover my carapace with spikes to stop any unarmed melee blows.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Xantalos on March 12, 2015, 01:55:40 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 01:49:58 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 12, 2015, 01:38:14 pm

Quote

group of experts

hohohohoho

((Alan is an expert at what he does))

((...in that way, yes.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 01:57:58 pm

((I'd describe him as more of a talent than an expert. A prodigy, even.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Wolfkit on March 12, 2015, 02:03:02 pm

((We are experts in causing collateral damage))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Toaster on March 12, 2015, 02:26:57 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 01:57:58 pm

((I'd describe him as more of a talent than an expert. A prodigy, even.))

((A wild talent, even.))

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Salsacookies on March 12, 2015, 03:42:43 pm

Rip that thing on me in half

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Alarith on March 12, 2015, 04:16:51 pm

Bryan Tournament
"Hrgh...Not Over...Quite Yet. One Chance"

Spoiler: A battle won is a battle which we will not acknowledge to be lost. (click to show/hide)

Struggle in his grip, try to break free. Break into his mind, make him too terrified to attack, either the kind of dread of the unknown or the idea that I am too hot to hold onto.

Title: Re: Special People: First Blood!
Post by: Adragis on March 12, 2015, 05:21:45 pm

((applications still up 'n running?))

Title: Re: Special People: Let's get ready to rumble!
Post by: Hawk132 on March 12, 2015, 05:55:42 pm

Quote from: Adragis029 on March 12, 2015, 05:21:45 pm

((applications still up 'n running?))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 03, 2015, 06:54:30 pm

Always good to have new players.
There's no waitlist, you can just hop in when I have approved your character.

Title: Re: Special People: Double Kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2015, 11:22:49 pm

---

Hawk132 VS Alarith

---

Quote from: Alarith on March 12, 2015, 04:16:51 pm

Bryan Tournament
"Hrgh...Not Over...Quite Yet. One Chance"

Spoiler: A battle won is a battle which we will not acknowledge to be lost. (click to show/hide)

Struggle in his grip, try to break free. Break into his mind, make him too terrified to attack, either the kind of dread of the unknown or the idea that I am too hot to hold onto.

((One opportunity (https://youtu.be/RLSkcXDHuMY)))

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 12, 2015, 10:26:45 am

Saevus, Tournament

"It appears that the victor is decided."

Spoiler: TAKE THAT! (click to show/hide)

Wrap my normal arm around him to keep him from escaping (bone-crushing force optional, although I won't mind some) and then move the blingcannon to his face and fire. If this has rendered him unconscious throw him onto the ground and stomp on his head. If it kills him do the same.

Gotta be unnecessarily brutal/cruel, after all. It's pretty much what Saevus' name means.

Bryan struggles, trying to free himself from Saevus' grip, grunting both because of the effort and of the pain caused by his broken body. He almost manages to pry Saevus' fingers open and get him to release his chest, but before he can do so, Saevus has dropped his sword and reinforced his grip with his other hand, the impact causing Bryan more pain.

Saevus lifts his golden arm and brings it close to Bryan's face, getting ready to let loose another blast. Bryan tries as hard as he can to get free, kicking Saevus while at the same time trying to push his arm away from his face. He succeeds, but it is a pyrrhic victory. The telekinetic blast flies forth from Saevus' golden arm with incredible force, breaking Bryan's hands and making them bend at an unnatural angle, the broken bone stabbing through his flesh. At this point, they might as well not be there.

Not that Bryan can worry that much about it, having been rendered unconscious from the pain. Saevus throws Bryan on the ground and stomps on Bryan's head, again and again until it is turned into a mix of broken bone and pulped brain.

The armoured warrior picks up his sword from the ground, cleans it and turns around to walk away, another enemy defeated.

<An admirable performance, honourable warriors. Hone your skills and make your next battle even more impressive and glorious.>

<Player 10 defeated. Player 10 will participate in the second chance round.
Player 1 is victorious. Player 1 advances to Round 2.>

Bryan finds himself in the same square as Welroki, fully healed. Saevus is transported to the top of a pillar similar to the one John is on.

((Bryan had good odds, but unfortunately, luck was not on his side. I was really hoping he could turn it around and succeed in his last ditch attempt. Too bad he's not as good at melee as Saevus.))

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 12, 2015, 01:55:05 pm

BITE this person, and then clamp my jaws down. Try to get my jaws positioned at the waist. See if I can bisect them with this bite. If things start going unfavorably, quickly use biomass to cover my carapace with spikes to stop any unarmed melee blows.

You have not really done anything to enhance your bite. You're a big fish, but you're still a fish. I don't think fish can bisect people unless they're sharks or something similar.

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 12, 2015, 03:42:43 pm

Rip that thing on me in half

Rune bites on Ron as hard as he can, wiggling his body while trying to rip a chunk of Ron's flesh from the rest of his body, but he simply can't muster enough strength to cause more damage than a few minor cuts.
Meanwhile, Ron attempts to grab Rune and rip him apart. For a moment, it appears he is successful. But a second later he realises that to his embarrassment he has actually caught one of his hands with the other and is currently trying to rip them apart.
<Stop hitting yourself. Why are you hitting yourself?>
<Brrr. I don't like that game.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 12, 2015, 11:05:10 am

((I did mean just plain exhalation, which doesn't ventilate quite as much. Though now it occurs to me that it'd be more effective just to take the food in my hands.))

Campaign, Ike!

Eat up quick. Check how much less hungry I am. Might still need a corpse to hit that spot.

Don't look at anyone cannibalistically, though. Just as a side note.

You eat/drink the rest of the food, draining every last drop of liquid from the bowl into your mouth  and licking it slightly so that you can get even the smallest breadcrumb.

You're feeling... OK. Not quite full but not hungry either. And definitely not thirsty. Not so sure about the nutritional value of this food, but you probably don't need to worry about that yet.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 12, 2015, 12:48:48 pm

"I'm from another dimension, another world, and I and my companions are here to hunt down a murderer. I need to know that kind of thing because we don't know enough about the world we're currently in. The being we're hunting is a dimension-hopping shapechanger, a powerful one, that is capable of slowly bending reality itself around it to a limited extent. We know that it isn't nearby, and know the general direction it fled in, but we've stopped here for a while because several of our people got hurt. They're healing ok, and just need time, so we split up to each do as we wish while we wait."

"As for where I'm from? Well, as a group, we're a group of experts that were gathered together to handle dangerous tasks by a group of absurdly powerful beings actually related in kind to the creature we're hunting. Each of my companions is actually highly capable at what they do, and we all hail from different worlds or dimensions. So when you ask where we're from, depending on who you ask, you're going to get a different answer every time. I'm... well, my answer depends on if you ask what my home is like, or what it used to be, because the fabric of my home dimension itself fell apart around us, and as far as I'm aware, I'm the only survivor. If you or I ever tried to go to my home, if we're lucky it would fail, if we succeeded we'd die instantly. What it used to be though..."

I sigh and pull my legs up against me in the chair and hold them, staring up at the ceiling.

"It used to be beautiful world, handcrafted by a group of 10 gods, each with a planet or moon of their own to create what they saw fit on, and they each created a different kind of place of wonder, each amazing in their own right. The moon I was born on was a hollow cave world, full of magma and moss. A land without day or night, steadilly lit by the bioluminecent glow of the plants on the walls. A land with giant slugs and spiders, with foxes and centipedes, with humans and ferns and hot springs and amazing tunnels and caves all through it, all hidden on the inside. It was mine, and I loved it. It was literally a part of me, and I knew every plant and creature, every rock and stone. I still feel the void where they used to be, the phantom pains from all the limbs that aren't there anymore. I was free there. Free to play, to simply be a kid when I wanted to be, to be in whichever form and wanted and nobody cared. People trusted me, and I could just wander around and just BE. It was... It was so wonderful... so very very wonderful. so... so..."

I shake my head back and forth, reminding myself of where I am, and after looking back at Kassiver and realizing my posture, I lower my legs and set my hands back in my lap where they belong.

"But um, um, a-uh, W-what about you? and here? and stuff? Could I get a quick geography lesson? And maybe teach me some of how your world's magic works? It keeps trying to link with me and mess with my flames. I think it's because I'm kinda fire at the core, and that makes me suck up fire magic or something? I don't really understand it all that well, but I think I might be able to augment my natural abilities with your fire magic if you were willing to teach me. Magic here is really different from back home."

He spends several seconds looking at you, thoughtful.
"What you say is... hard to believe."
He leans back. More seconds of silence follow, broken only by Ike greedily slurping the contents of his bowl.
"Spirits have been known to trick people for fun... but if this is no trick, then the implications... If there are more worlds out there, worlds like the one you described... And people can travel through them so simply..."
He looks at Ike for a few seconds and then back at you before sighing.
"I can give you some general directions, but your questions about magic... There are things I cannot divulge freely. Both because that information could cause harm to come to my nation and because many are secrets of my Tower, secrets we go to great lengths to protect."
He starts stroking his beard again and looks at something above you.
"However, your presence here does present me with an opportunity. An opportunity to gather knowledge that may never again be available, knowledge that can benefit all humans... Things may be bad right now, but in the future, any information I gather now... It could be the basis of a new field. My contributions could be remembered forever."
He looks at you again.
"If you are willing to answer my questions, allow me to take notes and cast some spells on you -minor divinations, nothing to worry about- then you I will answer your questions in turn."

"Answers for answers." he concludes, putting his hands on the table.
"Does this deal sound fair to you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 05:07:21 am

"The tower here already knew this. They made a stable portal between worlds, but were unable to handle what was on the other side. After their expeditionary group was consumed by parasites, both body and mind, the creatures came flowing back through the portal into this city. When the portal was forcibly destroyed, something destabilized the power source it was using. The explosion of that power source is what destroyed this city."

"I had to kill a large number of those parasites to get to this world. I hope the explosion killed all the ones on this side."

"I've been giving you answers this entire time, I don't intend to stop. As for your spells, I need you to explain them and get my permission before using them on me. And if I say no, I mean no, ok?"

"Um, you said you're ok with me wandering around and stuff. Is it ok if I don't look human too? I came here human to prove that I could have snuck in here if I wanted too, but I don't really want to hide what I am all the time. I want people to accept me as I am."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 05:20:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Can humans grasp true form of wise, noble, powah-full massah?" Ike asks quietly, half to himself, with the wonder in his voice clearly perceptible.

Examine the bowl, from all sides. Avert eyes from impending massah transformation. Value my sanity.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 05:57:11 am

Lenglon, Spectator:
"I'm not sure what Ike's plan is. I mean, he might just be waiting for an opportunity to make an excuse before going off scouting on his own and/or acomplishing whatever his objectives are. Or he might just be messing with Irine. Or maybe he's playing dumb as an investment in being underestimated for later. Still, whatever it is, he's doing a good job so far of staying like that. And Irine is avoiding saying anything about anyone but herself, so I suppose it'll work. Depends on how suspicious the guy ends up being of Ike. If he starts asking her directly about him she's going to have to get a lot more blatant in her evasions, and that might blow his cover. She already messed up by implying he's an expert at something, but who knows. Might be able to get away with it anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 06:21:16 am

Harry Baldman, Commentator:

"Well, Lenglon, Ike's had a decent season thus far, with the unexpected possession turnaround and being the first to get resurrected, so it's not out of the question that the man's got some form of plan in motion to try and win at this particular challenge as dramatically as possible. Personal interviews with Ike have revealed that he has recently considered showing greater interest in elaborate plans and contingencies, but that's a statement of interest, so the jury's still out on whether he's playing at something at all, and what exactly he's playing at if he is. Note, however, that Ike is currently doing something unusual for his general behavioral pattern. Can you spot what that is, and the points where he struggles against not slipping into the regular mode of operation?"

"And also, it's not unusual to have a slave who's an expert at something. That is, if Master Kassiver assumes that Irine even included Ike in the category of 'companions' rather than 'self-propelled items' - it's a risky play depending on local customs and assumptions, but it might all come together in the end."

((Best not to get carried away with OOC RP, though, and keep it within double parentheses. I just couldn't resist in this one instance.))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 06:40:34 am

((Lenglon, Spectator:
"Well, I suppose so. Do you mean the whole eat people thing? Or is it something else? I mean, I wouldn't assume eating people is his normal mode, but still..."))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 06:50:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 06:40:34 am

((Lenglon, Spectator:
"Well, I suppose so. Do you mean the whole eat people thing? Or is it something else? I mean, I wouldn't assume eating people is his normal mode, but still..."))

((No, something else. Eating people is just his general lack of morals and ethics, what with being from the woods. It's related to communication, and it's not the possibly mildly racist accent, either.))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 06:58:27 am

((snarky comments / lack therof?))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 07:01:50 am

Stop my attempt to rip my hands, and wallop on the thing biting on me

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 07:06:05 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 06:58:27 am

((snarky comments / lack therof?))

((Very close, but a little deeper than that. He's playing to his strengths at last, so to speak.))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 07:25:17 am

Wait, I'm currently biting him? Quickly dump any unused biomass into venom sacs, and inject him with venom through my teeth. Preferrably some sort of venom which disables the prey, allowing the predator to finish them off.

I'm a mix of Armadillo and Fish. Why not add some Scorpion and Spider to the mix?

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2015, 01:30:02 pm

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 07:01:50 am

Stop my attempt to rip my hands, and wallop on the thing biting on me

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 07:25:17 am

Wait, I'm currently biting him? Quickly dump any unused biomass into venom sacs, and inject him with venom through my teeth. Preferrably some sort of venom which disables the prey, allowing the predator to finish them off.

I'm a mix of Armadillo and Fish. Why not add some Scorpion and Spider to the mix?

Ron hits Rune, but he can't land a hit solid enough to get through his armour, managing to only push him back instead.

Rune charges again, this time sporting two oversized fangs on his upper jaw, so large that they remind one of the tusks of a walrus.

Rune and Ron struggle for a bit, Ron trying to keep Rune away from him. Rune manages to get one of his oversized fangs into Ron's leg, injecting a bit of venom in the process, before being pushed away.

Ron's leg trembles and goes numb, a small section of it (the veins, especially) becoming much darker and unhealthy-looking. Beyond that, however, it doesn't look like he has suffered a lot of damage and he retains the use of his leg.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: akkudakku on March 02, 2015, 02:19:33 pm

<character>

Welroki and Bryan rest inside a cyan square in a plane of infinite darkness. The only things visible is the collection of glowing cyan pillars nearby, one of them much higher and brighter than the rest. As they wait, another man appears with a small pop. He appears to be a slightly overweight young adult, with unkempt hair and a goatee. He wears a pair of round wireframe glasses.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 05:07:21 am

"The tower here already knew this. They made a stable portal between worlds, but were unable to handle what was on the other side. After their expeditionary group was consumed by parasites, both body and mind, the creatures came flowing back through the portal into this city. When the portal was forcibly destroyed, something destabilized the power source it was using. The explosion of that power source is what destroyed this city."

"I had to kill a large number of those parasites to get to this world. I hope the explosion killed all the ones on this side."

"I've been giving you answers this entire time, I don't intend to stop. As for your spells, I need you to explain them and get my permission before using them on me. And if I say no, I mean no, ok?"

"Um, you said you're ok with me wandering around and stuff. Is it ok if I don't look human too? I came here human to prove that I could have snuck in here if I wanted too, but I don't really want to hide what I am all the time. I want people to accept me as I am."

When you are done, the old man stares at you thoughtfully for a few seconds and is about to say something when Ike cuts him off.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 05:20:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Can humans grasp true form of wise, noble, powah-full massah?" Ike asks quietly, half to himself, with the wonder in his voice clearly perceptible.

Examine the bowl, from all sides. Avert eyes from impending massah transformation. Value my sanity.

The old man looks at Ike for a few seconds as if he is about to say something, but he does not. Instead he addresses Irine as he gets up and starts searching a nearby pile of supplies.

"Excellent. Those terms are fine with me. About not looking human however..."
He looks away from the pile he's going through to look at you.
"Most humans do not feel comfortable around non-humans like you and your... friend here." he says, pointing at Ike with his eyes.
He turns around and continues searching through the pile.
"Doing so might lead to trouble. I would prefer it if there was no trouble. I will not stop you if you want to appear non-human, but if anybody else sees you, it might force me to... take action."
He sounds a bit threatening, although you are not sure if he is doing it intentionally.
"Not to mention what the others would say if-"
The man grunts as he moves a heavy box aside, displaying considerable strength for a man of his age. He takes a couple of seconds of heavy breathing to catch his breath.
"if they knew I helped you. People always search for someone to blame in these sorts of situations. There's already been two attempts on my life. I do not need a third one. So I sincerely ask you to not- Ha!"
The man turns around and approaches the table, holding what looks like a miniature chisel made of grey stone, its tip having a slightly more red hue.
"I knew I had one of those around here somewhere." he adds as he sets the tool so that the tip touches the stone at the bottom of the lantern. That done, he goes and grabs a wooden board from a nearby pile.
"As I was saying, I do not want a non-human in the form of a talking animal to be seen around here. So I ask that you do not do that."
He sits down again. After a few seconds of quiet, he adds.
"Well? What would you like me to teach you first? Basic geography? Or the basics of the Elements?
Or you could let me cast some basic divinations to verify a few things about you, see if my theories are correct. That would allow me to answer any questions you have about your condition with more certainty."

---

OOC
Previous poll results:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Bet your places! Who is going to win the ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT?
Coolrune 1 (7.1%)
Hawk 4 (28.6%)
Wolfkit 1 (7.1%)
Alarith 2 (14.3%)
Toaster 2 (14.3%)
Salsacookies 4 (28.6%)

Poll predictions are turning out good so far.
Let's see what you'll choose in the new one...

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 01:37:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Appreciate the bowl. Smell it. What is it made of? Does it shine? Are there any remnants of food on it? Try to get at them if there are. Test out different bowl positions in my hands or on a nearby surface to find the most aesthetically pleasing one.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 03:29:13 pm

Move back in and bite quickly into any place I can, giving the venom about one or two seconds to inject before moving away, then finding another spot to bite. Aim for the arms and the torso, but don't miss an opportunity to get his head.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 05:04:38 pm

GRAB THE FISHDILLO BY THE TUSKS, AND RODIO THE THING!

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 05:12:15 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 05:04:38 pm

GRAB THE FISHDILLO BY THE TUSKS, AND RODIO THE THING!

((Just saying, those Tusks are INSIDE my mouth. Mmmm, tasty severed hands!))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2015, 05:21:22 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 05:12:15 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 05:04:38 pm

GRAB THE FISHDILLO BY THE TUSKS, AND RODIO THE THING!

((Just saying, those Tusks are INSIDE my mouth. Mmmm, tasty severed hands!))

Read the description again. They are outside your mouth.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 05:22:28 pm

I smile a sad smile as the old man threatens me, but have nothing to say on the subject.

Coward.

Looks like he can't tell the difference between actual humans like Ike and my human form. which makes sense since physically I am human, only difference is I age slowly.

"Geography first please, after that the basic theory of how magic works here."

I can't let this man cast a single spell on me. He isn't trustworthy.

I keep very close track of the mage from here on out, and keep vigil on myself as well, paying attention for attempts to hypnotize or mesmerize me, or to cast a hidden spell. During any pauses in the conversation, I'm going to be listening for motion outside, signs of an ambush gathering.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 05:51:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2015, 01:30:02 pm

Rune charges again, this time sporting two oversized fangs on his upper jaw, so large that they remind one of the tusks of a walrus.

"On" the upper jaw could be interpreted multiple ways... :P

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2015, 05:52:21 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 05:51:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2015, 01:30:02 pm

Rune charges again, this time sporting two oversized fangs on his upper jaw, so large that they remind one of the tusks of a walrus.

"On" the upper jaw could be interpreted multiple ways... :P

Yes, you're right. I'll try to be clearer.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: akkudakku on March 15, 2015, 06:09:41 pm

"Well... this is new."

Being completely confused Modus looks around and fixes his glasses on his nose. He spots two other people and goes over to them. He strikes up an conversation.

"So, what's the deal over here? I'm a little out of the loop."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Wolfkit on March 15, 2015, 06:48:13 pm

Quote from: akkudakku on March 15, 2015, 06:09:41 pm

"Well... this is new."

Being completely confused Modus looks around and fixes his glasses on his nose. He spots two other people and goes over to them. He strikes up an conversation.

"So, what's the deal over here? I'm a little out of the loop."

"Well, we're currently in the middle of a tournament, and this is the loser's bracket, unfortunately. _{and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that stupid grenade seriously, what kind of grenade hits me on the face without activating but kills me the second I nudge it with my foot? Such an excellent way to kill people in an annoying way, that's definitely going in my list of elements to include in plans.}[/sub]"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Toaster on March 16, 2015, 08:19:14 am

"Don't be hard on yourself; you put up a good fight.  I wouldn't be surprised if we see each other again!"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Alarith on March 16, 2015, 09:22:30 am

Quote from: akkudakku on March 15, 2015, 06:09:41 pm

"Well... this is new."

Being completely confused Modus looks around and fixes his glasses on his nose. He spots two other people and goes over to them. He strikes up an conversation.

"So, what's the deal over here? I'm a little out of the loop."

"What that man said is pretty accurate. The tournament is controlled by some powerful beings called entities. My name is Bryan, by the way."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: akkudakku on March 16, 2015, 11:58:16 am

"Name's Modus. I saw a lot of shit in my life but this is a first. So... We are in the losers bracket, meaning WE get to fight each other? Not the nicest way to get to know someone."

Turning to the man that didn't introduce himself.

"Sounds like a land mine. Also, whats your name?"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Wolfkit on March 16, 2015, 12:33:07 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 16, 2015, 08:19:14 am

"Don't be hard on yourself; you put up a good fight.  I wouldn't be surprised if we see each other again!"

"Don't worry, I'm not taking it personally. Truthfully it was a hilarious end to our fight."

Quote from: akkudakku on March 16, 2015, 11:58:16 am

"Name's Modus. I saw a lot of shit in my life but this is a first. So... We are in the losers bracket, meaning WE get to fight each other? Not the nicest way to get to know someone."

Turning to the man that didn't introduce himself.

"Sounds like a land mine. Also, whats your name?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm Welroki, the resident mad scientist. Also, I _{more or less} respectfully disagree. What better way to get to know someone than a fight to the death? _{The fact that we won't actually die is a bonus.}"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Toaster on March 16, 2015, 01:07:24 pm

"I'm John.  I can summon stuff and usually end up maimed in these missions.  Welroki here did a quality job at it himself, but I won on almost a technicality."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: akkudakku on March 16, 2015, 01:52:33 pm

"We can't die here? That's a relief."

Looking around for any interesting objects Modus notices a unmoving armored persona on a pilar.

"And what about that guy in the tin-can with runes over there?"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Hawk132 on March 16, 2015, 02:07:29 pm

Saevus doesn't react to Modus' slights. There are no tin-cans in sight. What is a tin can anyway?

"Humans have hight me Saevus. And who dost thou meanest by "guy in the tin-can"? There is naught tin here."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: akkudakku on March 16, 2015, 02:20:21 pm

Oh so it's a SHAKESPEAREAN tin-can.

"Wha... Eh. Well, it's figure of speech, you know."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Alarith on March 16, 2015, 10:32:39 pm

"Let me mention a couple of things in case you go up against Saevus at some point. He is pretty decent at a range, and he is terrifying up close. He likes charging at people, but that does not mean he isn't smart."

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2015, 08:15:34 pm

---

Coolrune206

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 15, 2015, 03:29:13 pm

Move back in and bite quickly into any place I can, giving the venom about one or two seconds to inject before moving away, then finding another spot to bite. Aim for the arms and the torso, but don't miss an opportunity to get his head.

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 15, 2015, 05:04:38 pm

GRAB THE FISHDILLO BY THE TUSKS, AND RODIO THE THING!

Rune dashes forward and before Ron can do anything, he stabs him with his giant fangs straight to the chest, injecting a minuscule amount of venom straight inside Ron's heart. And unfortunately for Ron, he is not Jason Statham and is thus unable to resist the effects of the poison. He can feel pain in his chest, his heartbeat getting slower. He doesn't have much time left.

((The way I see it, there is little Salsacookies can do at this point, since he will soon be missing a functional heart, which is usually needed to stay alive. But since he still has a few heartbeats left, I thought I should at least give him a chance to do something, just in case he has a good idea.))

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 16, 2015, 12:33:07 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 16, 2015, 08:19:14 am

"Don't be hard on yourself; you put up a good fight.  I wouldn't be surprised if we see each other again!"

"Don't worry, I'm not taking it personally. Truthfully it was a hilarious end to our fight."

Quote from: akkudakku on March 16, 2015, 11:58:16 am

"Name's Modus. I saw a lot of shit in my life but this is a first. So... We are in the losers bracket, meaning WE get to fight each other? Not the nicest way to get to know someone."

Turning to the man that didn't introduce himself.

"Sounds like a land mine. Also, whats your name?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm Welroki, the resident mad scientist. Also, I _{more or less} respectfully disagree. What better way to get to know someone than a fight to the death? _{The fact that we won't actually die is a bonus.}"

<That's why I like you. Don't worry, it was your first time, almost everyone dies in their first time. Speaking of which...>

Quote from: Beirus

<character>

Another man appears in the area for the second chance round participants, this one being about 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall with brown hair, brown eyes and a mountain man beard.
<Here. Play nice while you wait for a chance to die and/or kill each other. We'll be starting soon. Be friendly, give the newbies some tips, explain what's going on.
Or don't. More fun that way. Whatever you want, really.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2015, 01:37:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Appreciate the bowl. Smell it. What is it made of? Does it shine? Are there any remnants of food on it? Try to get at them if there are. Test out different bowl positions in my hands or on a nearby surface to find the most aesthetically pleasing one.

Quote

x+«-Rhyolite bowl-»+x

This is a well crafted Rhyolite bowl. Under the item is a finely designed carving of a group of symbols. The symbols are in two neat lines. The inside of the bowl has been scarred and smoothed from heavy use. Part of it is slightly chipped, creating a sharp edge that could potentially cut someone if they held it from there or put their mouth close to it.

*rolls*
You decide that the best position for the bowl is on your head, wearing it as a helmet.
Kassiver looks at you. He is not amused.
"Keep the bowl clean. Other people use that."

Quote from: Lenglon on March 15, 2015, 05:22:28 pm

I smile a sad smile as the old man threatens me, but have nothing to say on the subject.

Coward.

Looks like he can't tell the difference between actual humans like Ike and my human form. which makes sense since physically I am human, only difference is I age slowly.

"Geography first please, after that the basic theory of how magic works here."

I can't let this man cast a single spell on me. He isn't trustworthy.

I keep very close track of the mage from here on out, and keep vigil on myself as well, paying attention for attempts to hypnotize or mesmerize me, or to cast a hidden spell. During any pauses in the conversation, I'm going to be listening for motion outside, signs of an ambush gathering.

"Allright. Pay close attention. I don't like repeating myself. And I'm going to have to leave early in the morning, so I am not sure how much time we'll have to discuss things in depth."

He looks around for a few seconds before his eyes fall on the magical lantern. He picks it up, opens the stone covering on its bottom a crack and lets most of the ash inside fall down on the desk before closing it again.

"You can understand drawings, I assume? Because I've read there are creatures that do not."

He uses his hands to smooth the ash into a relatively even surface. That done, he uses a finger to make a dot in it.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/1.City_zpsakzkq6pa.png)

"Let's say this is here. The City. The Capital. The heart of our kingdom. Ineth in the shadow of Stodir, the fire living under the mountain."

He sounds a bit sad as he speaks. After a few seconds of silence, he continues speaking normally, perhaps a bit too quickly as he explains what he considers trivial.

"A capital is the centre of a kingdom, usually the place they are managed and ruled from, and a kingdom defines a group of lands and people, if you do not know."

After that, he starts drawing three lines leaving from the city. The first one moves down, towards you.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/2.SouthernRoad_zpsex5xyn7e.png)

"This is the southern road. (Something being South means that if you point your right hand towards where the Sun rises, then it will be roughly behind you.) It follows Phlegethon, the river of liquid fire, the one people call Stodir's blood. The road follows Phlegethon until the Firefall, where it falls into the Scar."

He draws a line roughly perpendicular to the road, probably indicating what he called the scar.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/3.Scar_zps0rqahb8d.png)

"The road continues through the Scar into another kingdom to the south, all the way to their capital."

He makes a couple of small dots on the southern road and a smaller branch of the road going towards the east.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/4.SouthEast_zpslw3qmyhn.png)

"There are some large settlements along its path and the river provides a great advantage to them, since they are able to draw from its power. With that power they drive machines (things that are capable of moving on their own and performing a certain job with the addition of power) that transfer water and help irrigate the land. There are also a lot smaller ones, most of them clustered around this road." he adds, pointing to the branch of the road moving towards the east.

He removes his finger from the "map" and looks at it thoughtful for a few seconds.

"I hope the destruction that happened here has not reached them. We sent some people there along with a group of traders to request help but they have not returned yet. If no help arrives soon, I will have to lead them towards the south myself... and hope I do not end up leading them in a worse situation."

He places his finger close to the city and draws another line, this one moving towards the east.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/5.East_zpsvwlpiuyp.png)

"The eastern road was mostly used for trade, and thus is in an excellent condition despite the relatively smaller number of people living there. The land is barren there and parched there, meaning there is little food to be found, so most of the people there are connected to trading in some way. Either mining resources, crafting them into things, providing food and lodging for traders coming from the east... Whatever they can."

He draws a relatively large gap at the end of the eastern road.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/6.MountainRange_zpsrteorbvm.png)

"It continues towards the east until it reaches the Gugol mountain range. There's a tunnel there going through the mountain. There's even a machine there that can help you get to the other side a lot faster. Last I heard there was some sort of problem over there so the tunnel was closed, temporarily."

He points to somewhere above the large gap.

"North of the mountain range there's only the desert. Not many people live close to it, no major roads go there. There are nomads living in it and the rare trader or caravan coming from the northern kingdoms, but the traffic is not heavy enough to warrant more than a small border settlement. It is hard to survive in the desert. I suggest not going there unless necessary."

He then draws another line, going towards the north-northwest before stopping.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/7.North_zpsoe8d8rjx.png)

"And then there's the nortwestern road. Beastmen raids had driven out most of the inhabitants there. Many considered the loss of those lands to be responsible for our current food shortages. I did not fully agree, since there were many other contributing problems of much greater importance. But it was the easiest problem to deal with. So the King took a gamble and sent a large part of our military there to try to reclaim the land without destroying it. The campaign was successful in driving out the beastmen and striking back at their camps beyond the border, but our army suffered many losses."

He points towards the patch of ash north of the end of the line.

"Beyond the end of the road are the lands of Drutrir. Hills, forests, grasslands. Beastmen territory. Not much is known about it. As you can probably guess, the road to the northeast is not in the best of conditions. Many of the settlements are being rebuilt, the military is still trying to make sure everyone is safe, many Spines are still being reactivated and reconnected to-"

He looks up to you and starts quickly explaining again, although his tone soon changes to something a bit more slow and thoughtful.

"Spines are-... were smaller buildings like the tower connected to the power of the Tower, sharing magical energy through it. Almost every settlement large enough to warrant it has a Spine. And almost every settlement that doesn't have a Spine is supposed to have a Temple with a weak mage or two. They are almost always built in a place that has a sufficiently large amount of magical power. I do not know what would have happened to them after..."

He looks down at the map again.

"As I said, it is mostly devoid of life, not many settlers brave or desperate enough to go there, even with the food situation being what it is. And it is still quite dangerous."

He makes another line leaving the city, going towards the west.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/8.West_zps1ltv0twi.png)

"There's also the western road, but it is not used very frequently any-more. Not many people living there now. Ever since the elves took our lands in the west, there are few things moving on it that are not connected to the military in some way. Still, it was a major road in the past, so it is still in a somewhat good condition."

He looks at you and makes a negatory gesture with one of his hands as he continues talking.

"Not that I suggest you go there. Elves are not known for their hospitality. I talked to a mage coming from there and he said the elves have built some sort of giant magical wall close to the hills there. I suppose they think that will keep us from burning their precious forest down."

He says the final bit with a hint of anger, grimacing slightly as he mentions the forest.

"So, those are the basics of geography for our kingdom. I could explain more about the other kingdoms, if you want. If the one you are looking for is not close to this kingdom, then you're probably better off going towards the South, beyond the Scar and searching for a ship. (Ships are large things that can carry people across large bodies of water.)"

He picks up the tool he had touching the stone at the bottom of the magical lantern. Its tip has started glowing like a car's cigarette lighter.

"But first,"

You watch his hand carefully. He holds the tip up for a moment to look at it, improves his grip on the tool and quickly brings his hand closer to the wooden board in front of him.

"I believe I have answered your question adequately, so now it is time for you to answer my own."

He starts touching the wooden board with the tip of the glowing implement and quickly moving it across its surface, leaving shallow gouges of darkened wood on it, occasionally glancing at you as he speaks. It doesn't look like he's casting a spell, but you are not sure.

"What I want to know is if you can explain the way the spell that got you here works. And how can you know what you claim you know about what happened to the Tower. Were you from the same world as those creatures? Are you or any of the others you mentioned related to them and the events that transpired there in any way?"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 17, 2015, 08:35:51 pm

Have one final chomp before swimming a fair distance away to assess the situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Salsacookies on March 17, 2015, 08:40:58 pm

Grab his fangs, and use all my strength to break them through his skull and stab into his brain

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2015, 03:32:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

Take off the bowl from my head sharpish and put it at a respectable distance from my foolish self. Hide my face in my hands.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2015, 03:53:28 am

I reach out to the board he's drawing on, and slowly and gently at first, but firmly if he resists, tug it to my chest and away from his implement.
"Please, I'm nervous right now, don't do that."
I take three slow deep breaths, and then respond to his question.
"I'm nervous because your suspicions are partly correct. I did have something to do with how the portal here was closed."
I swallow before continuing.
"D-dont... don't do anything scary for a bit please, I'm... I'm afraid you're going to attack me when I tell you this, and if you attack me, I'm going to have to kill you on the spot. I don't have anything less than lethal right now. I've killed way too many people lately, don't make me kill more. Please!"
I carefully regulate my breathing before going on.
"The world your portal connected to was a nexus of paths, a place it is much easier to go between worlds to and from. We arrived there using the abilities of one of my teammates. I honestly don't know how he does it. We actually were trying to reach your world directly, but someone, I think the being we're chasing, had damaged the relay there and we had to stop short. While we were trying to fix the relay, we were attacked by some of the parasites infesting the world, and by a couple people they had possessed. After we struck them down, one of my teammates somehow examined the remainder of the mind of one dead human they had possessed. Someone wearing an emblem that looked like this."
I sweep some of the ash into a pile again and draw the symbol on the emblem as best I can.
"He told us that the person had been some kind of mage, and that they had been part of an expeditionary group from the place we were trying to go. and that he could show us the way to where their portal was. We followed his guidance, and found a glowing rift in the middle of an open area, one that was pulsing with energy, and that energy was drawing the parasites towards it from far, far away, and that was surrounded by many possessed humans too. We fought our way through it, and when we came out the other side, we were inside a stone structure, with a large hole in one wall that showed a city under siege. giant parasites were roaming the skies and devouring the people below, dozens upon dozens of parasites were in the room with us, and we could see still more roaming the city. we had many more possessed people in the room with us too, and an army was coming through the portal behind us. So we fled the room to a more defensible position, and I noticed that the portal was partly powered by a form of modified flame. So I reached out to it and disrupted that flow. I wanted to stop more of the parasites from coming through, to maybe give the people here a chance. It worked, the portal shut down, but in the fighting some dark stone tablets in the portal room were damaged, glowing cracks spreading across their faces, and eventually they started exploding in a chain reaction, the tablets damaging each other and making each other detonate. We managed to shield ourselves from the blasts, but the explosions damaged the floor below the tablets, and it suddenly crumbled away below us, revealing a giant glowing power source, and a number of the damaged tablets fell down the hole directly into the power source before we could react. The resulting explosion kept all of us disabled for... I don't even know how long, really, i think weeks? and several of us still haven't recovered. I'm pretty sure that explosion is what destroyed your city."
I'm watching the old mage really really closely right now, afraid of how he might react.
and if he attacks me, I immolate him in flame summoned directly on top of him.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2015, 03:56:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

Oh, and if shit starts to go down, throw the bowl at Master Kassiver's face as a distraction. If he's hostile, of course. If it's someone else, throw the bowl at their face instead.

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Xantalos on March 18, 2015, 04:06:27 am

Quote

I've killed way too many people lately, don't make me kill more. Please!"

((I'm sure this is the sentence of someone perfectly innocent.))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2015, 04:32:29 am

Quote from: Xantalos on March 18, 2015, 04:06:27 am

Quote

I've killed way too many people lately, don't make me kill more. Please!"

((I'm sure this is the sentence of someone perfectly innocent.))

((Of course!))

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2015, 08:24:28 am

---

Coolrune206 VS Salsacookies

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 17, 2015, 08:35:51 pm

Have one final chomp before swimming a fair distance away to assess the situation.

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 17, 2015, 08:40:58 pm

Grab his fangs, and use all my strength to break them through his skull and stab into his brain

Rune and Ron act at the same time, both of them trying to harm the other one last time. After extracting himself from Ron's chest, Rune attempts to bite him a second time. Unfortunately for Rune, he ends up biting one of Ron's fist. A fist that Ron is moving as quickly as he can, having put everything he has behind it. Rune's body is pulverized, crushed like a beer can and then exploded into gibs. The shock-wave from the blow is strong enough to create a small cavity of void in the liquid they are in and push the surrounding erythrocytes a bit further away. Ron manages to deliver the blow in such a way that he only feels minor pain and stiffness from the impact.

<Ow, that had to hurt.>
<Should had quit while he was still winning.>

Still, not having your arm broken is little comfort when you are about to die a few seconds later. The pain in Ron's chest intensifies and he drifts into unconsciousness, floating in the continuously moving stream of liquid.

<I wonder if he'll be filtered out by the kidneys.>
<Yes, I am sure that's what everyone's thinking right now.>

<Player 11 defeated. Player 11 will participate in the Second chance round.
Player 7 is victorious. Player 7 advances to Round 2.>

Rune, fully healed and back to human, finds himself in the square along with the other participants to the Second chance round.
Ron finds himself on top of one of the four cyan pillars.

<Round 1 over. Second chance round will begin immediately. Stand by...>

---

OOC
I've got Wolfkit, Alarith, Coolrune206, akkudakku and Beirus for the second chance round. If anyone wants to do anything, now is the time, since next turn (in ~6 hours or longer, probably) will begin the second chance round.

Spoiler: Previous poll results (click to show/hide)

Would you rather be sliced or crushed?
Sliced into many little pieces
    - 2 (14.3%)
Crushed into an unrecognisable pulp
    - 6 (42.9%)
Both/Either is the same for me
    - 6 (42.9%)

I wonder if that's important somehow...

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Alarith on March 18, 2015, 10:41:24 am

"Any last second questions?"

Title: Re: Special People: Double kill
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2015, 02:30:47 pm

((Huh. I got one shot. Can I see the rolls? :) ))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2015, 07:50:35 am

((Music)) (https://youtu.be/7qPAdUDT2fo)

---

Second chance round

---

You are inside the cargo section of a cargo plane, close to its tail. Everything is illuminated by a dim red light. Judging from the noise and the vibrations you are experiencing, you are flying.
"Listen up!" you hear a slightly muffled voice shouting.
The voice comes from a woman (at least you assume it's a woman due to her voice) standing close to a tank, wearing a flight helmet with a dark green-tinted faceplate that along with an oxygen mask are completely obscuring her face. Her gloved hand is close to some sort of control panel with various large buttons.
"Get ready! You'll be dropped into the combat zone soon!"
Any attempt to move more than a few steps away proves futile, as you appear to be tied to something behind you. Looking left and right, you see the other contestants (identifiable by the interface on their arm, the silvery shackle-like thing with a round cyan screen), each of them wearing the same uniform, dark green with a grey skull in the shoulder. They all wear backpacks that are attached to the ceiling behind them, close to the cargo door.
"There's two win conditions! Either take and hold the hill-"
You start feeling weightless. The noise of the engines becomes quieter and is replaced by intense shaking.
She takes a second to readjust her grip to the wall.
"Take and hold the hill or be the last man standing! Understand?"
Something explodes nearby, causing the shaking to intensify. The door behind you starts opening and the feeling of weightlessness diminishes somewhat.
Not waiting for a response, she continues yelling.
"Move quickly! Before he has a chance to catch up to you!"
The door finishes opening, revealing darkness lit by the occasional flash or point of light. The dim red light illuminating the cargo section becomes a dim green light.
"Go, go, go!"
Before you can do anything, she presses a button and one by one you fall backwards.
You fall out of the door along with the rest of the cargo, your parachute starting to open the moment you exit. The parachute deploys, the sudden deceleration causing some discomfort. You watch the cargo plane disappear inside the clouds, climbing upwards while releasing a stream of flares behind it. The flares fall towards the ground along with you and the other- Wait! The ground!
*thump*
The impact is a bit rough but you come out uninjured, despite the fact that you were dropped so low reaching the ground took only about 10 seconds. The ground is soft and muddy, like it has recently rained, which helps soften the impact.

The area around you is still illuminated by the leftovers of the flares that fell with you. You appear to be inside a shallow ditch carved by a rather large tank that is slowly trying to move forward in front of you, the mud slowing it down. Behind it you can see a small hill with tracer rounds flying into the sky behind it. Occasional flashes of light illuminate the sky above it revealing grey clouds, with the sound of an explosion following less than a second later.

Looking left and right, you can catch glimpses of the other contestants behind their parachutes. The terrain appears to be relatively flat, with only the occasional rock or shallow crater providing any sort of cover. Not that you can see very far away in the darkness of the night.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap1_zpswkks6z32.png)
The hill starts at the top of the map.
Each square in the grid is ~2 metres (~6.5 feet).
The lighter colour indicates places where there is shallow cover (cover you can use by going prone).

Brown is Tank
Green is Beirus
Red is Alarith
Yellow is Coolrune206
Blue is Wolfkit
White is akkudakku

---

Staging Area

---

The central pillar lights up, showing the three remaining contestants images of their potential opponents competing for the fourth place of Round 2.
"Anybody want some pop corn?"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2015, 03:32:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

Take off the bowl from my head sharpish and put it at a respectable distance from my foolish self. Hide my face in my hands.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2015, 03:56:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

Oh, and if shit starts to go down, throw the bowl at Master Kassiver's face as a distraction. If he's hostile, of course. If it's someone else, throw the bowl at their face instead.

You attempt to put the bowl away from you yet in a position that you can quickly grab it.
You also attempt to remain alert but at the same time cover your eyes. If it weren't for your enhanced senses, I would be making some sort of joke here.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2015, 03:53:28 am

<dialogue I used to respond>

I'm watching the old mage really really closely right now, afraid of how he might react.
and if he attacks me, I immolate him in flame summoned directly on top of him.

You reach out to the board he's drawing on, and slowly and gently tug it towards your chest and away from his implement. He stops drawing and looks at you very annoyed, while trying to hold on to the board with one hand. He lets go of it when you tug more firmly.
"Please, I'm nervous right now, don't do that."
He continues looking at you with an annoyed look. He ends a sigh of exasperation with a single "Fine." before letting go of the implement and crossing his arms.
You take three slow deep breaths, and then respond to his question.
"I'm nervous because your suspicions are partly correct. I did have something to do with how the portal here was closed."
He looks at you with more interest than annoyance now.
You swallow before continuing.
"D-dont... don't do anything scary for a bit please, I'm... I'm afraid you're going to attack me when I tell you this, and if you attack me, I'm going to have to kill you on the spot. I don't have anything less than lethal right now. I've killed way too many people lately, don't make me kill more. Please!"
As you speak, you watch his body become more tense. He lets his hands fall to his sides where you can't see them due to the table obscuring them. He is watching you intently, his eyes following the movements of your body.
You carefully regulate your breathing before going on.
"The world your portal connected to was a nexus of paths, a place it is much easier to go between worlds to and from. We arrived there using the abilities of one of my teammates. I honestly don't know how he does it. We actually were trying to reach your world directly, but someone, I think the being we're chasing, had damaged the relay there and we had to stop short. While we were trying to fix the relay, we were attacked by some of the parasites infesting the world, and by a couple people they had possessed. After we struck them down, one of my teammates somehow examined the remainder of the mind of one dead human they had possessed. Someone wearing an emblem that looked like this."
You sweep some of the ash into a pile again and draw the symbol on the emblem as best as you can. His eyes follow the movement of your hand, occasionally glancing at you. He keeps looking at it for about a second after you finish, his eyes widening and his eyebrows coming closer together, before he continues looking at you very carefully.
"He told us that the person had been some kind of mage, and that they had been part of an expeditionary group from the place we were trying to go. and that he could show us the way to where their portal was. We followed his guidance, and found a glowing rift in the middle of an open area, one that was pulsing with energy, and that energy was drawing the parasites towards it from far, far away, and that was surrounded by many possessed humans too. We fought our way through it, and when we came out the other side, we were inside a stone structure, with a large hole in one wall that showed a city under siege. giant parasites were roaming the skies and devouring the people below, dozens upon dozens of parasites were in the room with us, and we could see still more roaming the city. we had many more possessed people in the room with us too, and an army was coming through the portal behind us. So we fled the room to a more defensible position, and I noticed that the portal was partly powered by a form of modified flame. So I reached out to it and disrupted that flow. I wanted to stop more of the parasites from coming through, to maybe give the people here a chance. It worked, the portal shut down, but in the fighting some dark stone tablets in the portal room were damaged, glowing cracks spreading across their faces, and eventually they started exploding in a chain reaction, the tablets damaging each other and making each other detonate. We managed to shield ourselves from the blasts, but the explosions damaged the floor below the tablets, and it suddenly crumbled away below us, revealing a giant glowing power source, and a number of the damaged tablets fell down the hole directly into the power source before we could react. The resulting explosion kept all of us disabled for... I don't even know how long, really, i think weeks? and several of us still haven't recovered. I'm pretty sure that explosion is what destroyed your city."
The man continues looking at you intently. He stays silent for a long time. He doesn't look very happy. You notice his arms moving slightly.
"I see." he finally says very slowly, his voice quiet and calm but a bit bitter.
He remains silent for a few more seconds.
"I do not-... I will not try to hide my... displeasure with what you've told me. I fear that-"
He pauses for a short moment to glance at something towards his right and then continues speaking a bit more quickly.
"Answer me this first and remain honest. Why are you here? You said you miss your home. Yet you said very little about the people living there. You said you do not want to kill people. Yet you admit to have killed too many. Do you only care about hunting that being you are hunting? Is that why you are here? Do you have any concern about the humans living here? Do you consider them as important as you?"

---

OOC

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 18, 2015, 02:30:47 pm

((Huh. I got one shot. Can I see the rolls? :) ))

Don't remember exactly, but I do remember that you got equal RFLX rolls (both got 3 after modifiers were applied). After that, since you were both attacking in melee and got equal RFLX, there was a STR roll where Salsa rolled absurdly high, I think it was a 9 or 10 and you got 2 or 3. And then there was an END roll I don't remember.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2015, 07:54:32 am

"Ooo, popcorn!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Wolfkit on March 19, 2015, 08:49:20 am

"May the best mad scientist win!"

Spoiler: That means I win by default, right? (click to show/hide)

I'm not really that keen on being in the middle. The edge sounds just dandy, though. Take cover and bisect akkudakku's character with a laser. Remain aware of what's going on on the other side of me though.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2015, 09:36:36 am

I pull my legs up to my chest again, and hold them there as he assaults me with his questions, leaving them there when I respond.
"I'm here because I don't know what else to do. I'm here because I need to avenge my dead. The... Whatever  destroyed my home is still running free. I don't know its identity. I don't know its location. And I don't have the power I need to destroy it anymore. This is only the latest in a series of tasks given to me, and those tasks are a means for me to gain the information and power I need. If I cease to accept these tasks, then I'll be sent home... to die. So I do what I'm told, grow stronger, and learn all I can. But so far, every single task I've been given has required me to kill."
At this point, my head is half-buried in my knees.
"My body count is too high, but it's still nothing compared to the thing that destroyed my home, and all the lives there. And if I stop, then there will be no one and nothing left of my home. Nobody to remember what happened. Nobody to do anything about it. Until that is done, then even if I myself had no value, I couldn't afford to die. After that... It depends on what I am when it's done. I think I have value for my own sake though. I think that, if I can avoid becoming a true monster, despite what I have to do, then when I achieve my goal I'll still have value and meaning. That's my hope anyway."
I reach out to the flame in the lantern-jar with my abilities, my physical body still all curled up in a ball in my chair. I lift the flame gently up and out of the jar, and draw it towards me some, then slowly disperse it while keeping it under my control, filling the tent with hundreds of tiny motes of light and evenly lighting the room. I keep my tiny flame motes away from anything flammable or people, just leaving them floating in the air, and if people move near them, moving them away.
"I know I've saved some lives too, I... I tried to avoid kiling when I could, and to act with honor. I mean, the ones I... Well, the one of them I've pledged myself to personally, at least, isn't heartless. some of the others are total creeps. I've always asked all I could about my tasks, and tried to make sure that I was killing for a good reason. I'm really, really trying to do the right thing. It's just... I don't always know, you know? And sometimes when I try, it... it doesn't end well. Like... Like here."
I pause for several moments, unmoving in my chair.
only if he keeps acting sneaky:
"Are you going to attack me or not? You aren't super sneaky."

---

again, if at any point he attacks me, I respond with his immolation. If someone else attacks me, then if he seems to be party to the attack, then he's the first target, and my attacker the second. if he doesn't seem that way though, or if I'm not sure, then I'll target my attacker first.

Also, I'm specifically listening for someone trying to creep up behind me while I talk, and if I hear someone creeping up behind me, but they haven't attacked (yet) then I interrupt myself to say:
"-and I hear you behind me by the way."
but I don't turn to look at them, and I continue with my answer after a moment's pause.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Alarith on March 19, 2015, 09:50:34 am

"A shame only one of us can win."

Spoiler: Let's move (click to show/hide)

Move as far forward in the trench as possible. Then head to the crater on the right. If I see someone try to slip into their mind

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2015, 09:53:43 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for sounds of interlopers or assassins, using my current lack of sight to its full advantage. Smell the air. Can I smell the fear of Mr. Kassiver? Or perhaps the masses?

Standing order if shit goes down (or "isgd" for short) is throw the bowl at whoever seems to blame except wise and gentle massah.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2015, 01:04:28 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2015, 09:36:36 am

I pull my legs up to my chest again, and hold them there as he assaults me with his questions, leaving them there when I respond.
"I'm here because I don't know what else to do. I'm here because I need to avenge my dead. The... Whatever  destroyed my home is still running free. I don't know its identity. I don't know its location. And I don't have the power I need to destroy it anymore. This is only the latest in a series of tasks given to me, and those tasks are a means for me to gain the information and power I need. If I cease to accept these tasks, then I'll be sent home... to die. So I do what I'm told, grow stronger, and learn all I can. But so far, every single task I've been given has required me to kill."
At this point, my head is half-buried in my knees.
"My body count is too high, but it's still nothing compared to the thing that destroyed my home, and all the lives there. And if I stop, then there will be no one and nothing left of my home. Nobody to remember what happened. Nobody to do anything about it. Until that is done, then even if I myself had no value, I couldn't afford to die. After that... It depends on what I am when it's done. I think I have value for my own sake though. I think that, if I can avoid becoming a true monster, despite what I have to do, then when I achieve my goal I'll still have value and meaning. That's my hope anyway."
I reach out to the flame in the lantern-jar with my abilities, my physical body still all curled up in a ball in my chair. I lift the flame gently up and out of the jar, and draw it towards me some, then slowly disperse it while keeping it under my control, filling the tent with hundreds of tiny motes of light and evenly lighting the room. I keep my tiny flame motes away from anything flammable or people, just leaving them floating in the air, and if people move near them, moving them away.
"I know I've saved some lives too, I... I tried to avoid kiling when I could, and to act with honor. I mean, the ones I... Well, the one of them I've pledged myself to personally, at least, isn't heartless. some of the others are total creeps. I've always asked all I could about my tasks, and tried to make sure that I was killing for a good reason. I'm really, really trying to do the right thing. It's just... I don't always know, you know? And sometimes when I try, it... it doesn't end well. Like... Like here."
I pause for several moments, unmoving in my chair.
only if he keeps acting sneaky:
"Are you going to attack me or not? You aren't super sneaky."

---

again, if at any point he attacks me, I respond with his immolation. If someone else attacks me, then if he seems to be party to the attack, then he's the first target, and my attacker the second. if he doesn't seem that way though, or if I'm not sure, then I'll target my attacker first.

Also, I'm specifically listening for someone trying to creep up behind me while I talk, and if I hear someone creeping up behind me, but they haven't attacked (yet) then I interrupt myself to say:
"-and I hear you behind me by the way."
but I don't turn to look at them, and I continue with my answer after a moment's pause.

You manage to draw a small amount of fire from the fire inside the lantern. Even though the magical fire inside it generates no smoke, the jar has small holes on its top that allow the smoke from the starter fire to escape. However, as you try pulling more, the magical fire disappears and is replaced by a slightly red spherical stone, similar to the one that was in it before it was activated, greatly reducing the illumination of the room in the process.
In response, Kassiver immediately gets up, pushing his chair back in the process. Should you or Ike choose to look at him, you will see that he has adopted a ready stance. He glances at the still glowing tool on the table and somewhere on his right again, but does not move further, letting you continue acting and speaking. Still, he keeps a close watch to the few fires you have spread around you, making sure to keep their distance from them.

He remains quiet for a few seconds after you finish, observing you, making sure you are done talking and not attempting anything else. When he speaks, the anger continues to be clear in his voice.
"... No. I am not going to attack you. Despite how much I would like to. I am a master mage, a seeker of knowledge. I am not a slave to my feelings.
However, threatening me and the other people here like this is not going to earn you any trust or leverage. Your threats do not scare me. I will deal with you if I have to.
But, as I have stated repeatedly, I do not want to cause the people that have escaped the destruction you have caused any more pain.
So if you truly mean what you are saying, then you will stop causing trouble, you will stop what you are doing and calm down!"
While he started speaking quietly, the loudness of his speech rises as he speaks, his final sentence being close to shouting.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2015, 09:53:43 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for sounds of interlopers or assassins, using my current lack of sight to its full advantage. Smell the air. Can I smell the fear of Mr. Kassiver? Or perhaps the masses?

Standing order if shit goes down (or "isgd" for short) is throw the bowl at whoever seems to blame except wise and gentle massah.

Well, you can tell that he is currently having a fight or flight response at least. Not sure if it is due to fear though.

You can hear the two guards outside whispering, even though Irine can not.
"Did'ya hear that?"
"What?" *quiet* "Huh."
"I think there's something wrong."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2015, 01:24:24 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Massah, massah, why is screaming? Is it I? I will leave if it is I! Innocent children are waking!" Ike reacts, speaking under his breath as if completely shocked while averting his eyes completely, trying to shrink away from the hostile atmosphere in the room.

Suggest fearfully.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2015, 01:38:10 pm

"I-I wasn't trying to threa- but I just-I didn't-I-Sorry!"
I release almost all of the flames, leaving a single mote near me lit, and then carefully put it back in the jar and see if the stone reacts to it.

if it doesn't then I ask him:
"H-How do I fix the light-jar?"

either way I stay still, curled up in the chair, and see what he says next.

"sorry..."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: akkudakku on March 19, 2015, 02:23:58 pm

Spoiler: Time to get a move on! (click to show/hide)

I speed myself up as much as possible and try to speed the tank up. Then dash towards the hill sticking to cover. Slow down any enemy in sight range.

EDIT: Fixed a bad case of retarditis.

EDIT2: Disregard, was too late.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Beirus on March 19, 2015, 02:26:54 pm

"Hold the hill? I got this. Them aliens might actually done somethin' useful to me for once."

Spoiler: I got this! (click to show/hide)

Dash around the left side of the tank towards the hill. If attacked, hunker down and activate to begin charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2015, 02:46:00 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Instantly turn into a deer and dash towards the low cover, where I will begin eating the grass. If something rushes at me, then do the typical thing deer do to humans that attack them. That is, rise onto their hind legs, lock their front legs together, and do a motion like punching downwards rapidly, before pulling the hooves back up and smashing again.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 19, 2015, 02:52:01 pm

((I apologize deeply for being so late and out of the loop. Real-life chaos and all that smooth jazz...))

Campaign

Zechariah twitched his fingers, digging into the rough ground a bit. He was fighting with himself to choose the right words. He didn't want to break the momentum that they were gaining with his energy and train of thought. Still, he would feel wrong if he were just to idly agree with River. That wouldn't agree with his conscious thoughts. 

The physical body of the demon was long gone, but the spirit was still tormenting Zechariah in all of his waking hours. Making him doubt his every decision. Sending him into melancholy and depression, allowing his dark thoughts to pervade his mind and cloud his judgement.

"Look, I... I understand that you may have gone through different things in this.. place. There are different paths that you took, and maybe there are different things that I can do here. But that still doesn't forgive what I did so long ago. I still have ghosts that haunt me. There are so many things that I could have done to give us a better chance against the Shadow, but I didn't. I know that it's not the end result that counts, that it's the journey that makes us who we are. But even I can't believe in that now.

I know I'm being stupid. I know it's silly, and that I should be focusing on what I can do now. And I am. That's why I am here now. But there's still a feeling of.. loss. I'd call it loss. It's like something was torn from me that I can't get back. The Medium was my addiction. I loved being there, I loved helping people and creating things. There were many people that I met and talked with, interacted with and stood with.

But I didn't plan on coming back. I was planning on dying. I wanted to leave it all behind so that I could no longer cause suffering through Artemis, and myself. I didn't plan on leaving loose ends. I didn't plan on... being alive again." Zechariah brushes some of the dust away from his surrounding area and stares at the ground, not knowing what to say.

"It just feels like... I'm lost. That was my final goal. I wanted to die. But now... I'm still here. And I don't know what I will do."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Toaster on March 19, 2015, 02:59:06 pm

"Go team Welroki!  Hey various entities, it's too bad Alan isn't around to get us some couches, am I right?"

Let's play with my spear while I wait. Hmmm... is it in bracelet mode now, or even here?  If it's not here, see if I can will it into existence.  If it's here, press the Front, Back, Enlarge, and Shrink buttons to make cool stuff happen.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2015, 02:45:00 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 19, 2015, 02:59:06 pm

"Go team Welroki!  Hey various entities, it's too bad Alan isn't around to get us some couches, am I right?"

Let's play with my spear while I wait. Hmmm... is it in bracelet mode now, or even here?  If it's not here, see if I can will it into existence.  If it's here, press the Front, Back, Enlarge, and Shrink buttons to make cool stuff happen.

<Yes, I miss him so much I'm considering not allowing him to come back.>
<Don't be such a grouch.
Wouldn't you like a couch?>
"I've got a couch right here." you hear from behind you, along with the munching of popcorn. Looks like he has summoned a couch and is currently enjoying some pop corn.

You remove the bracelet and try pressing some buttons. Front and Back do nothing. Pressing Enlarge does something. The bracelet shrinks until it becomes a ring. Then the inside of the ring starts expanding, quickly filling out the inside of the ring and then expanding to either side of it, becoming something like a short staff. The pole keeps getting longer, quickly at first but more and more slowly as time passes. You stop pressing the button when it is about the size of a quarterstaff.
You hear giggling from behind you and some muttering about "enlarging your pole".
The Shrink button does the opposite, shrinking the weapon slowly at first and then much faster, until it disappears completely and it becomes a bracelet again.
It could probably work as a portable pull-up bar, if nothing else.

---

Second chance round

---

((For those of you without any speed bonuses or penalties, you'll all be moving in a standard speed. If you want to attempt to go faster than that, please mention it explicitly by saying something like "dash forward".

Generally, if you want to do something, the more explicit you are, the less chances you'll be misunderstood there'll be.))

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 19, 2015, 08:49:20 am

"May the best mad scientist win!"

Spoiler: That means I win by default, right? (click to show/hide)

I'm not really that keen on being in the middle. The edge sounds just dandy, though. Take cover and bisect akkudakku's character with a laser. Remain aware of what's going on on the other side of me though.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((This being a prime example of what I'm talking about. "The edge" here is a bit ambiguous. I'm going to assume this means "go to the edge of the shallow cover and go prone there to take advantage of said cover. Once there, make a laser to bisect akkudakku's character." If the thing about the edge was just commentary and not part of an action, then it's probably better to not bold it so that it is more apparent.))

You run towards the right side of the shallow ditch and dive towards its edge, taking cover there. Your target (called Modus) appears to be currently staring forward thoughtfully. With your target in sight, you take out your notepad and start solving an equation for a laser that should ruin his day. Unfortunately, you realise that you have made a mistake. Specifically, you've forgotten to add the estimated distance to the target to your calculations. Meaning that the laser appears directly above you.

Fortunately, years of failed (or successful) experiments trying to kill you means that your skin, coupled with your uniform, is thick enough to take the hit long enough or you to roll away. And by take the hit I mean the skin of your upper left arm becomes red and blistered where the beam hit it, the pain intense enough for you to emit a small scream. Thankfully the pain subsides a while later.

Huh. There's apparently a giant deer behind you, wearing an interface.

Quote from: akkudakku on March 19, 2015, 02:23:58 pm

Spoiler: Time to get a move on! (click to show/hide)

I speed myself up as much as possible and try to slow the tank down. Then dash towards the hill sticking to cover.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try to use your power but you appear to have forgotten the words used in this spell... Was it "THAIM HAUT!"? Or was it "SFID BAHMP!"? Maybe "MUV PHRIZ!"? After a few seconds, you try again, but you must be doing something wrong, because the spell fails to take hold. Maybe you're just out of practice?

There's a flash of light somewhere on your left followed by a scream. You shrug and start moving towards the hill as fast as you can, trying to reach the tank so that you'll have some cover. Unfortunately you appear to be a bit out of practice in that too, since you move more at a brisk walking pace than at a running pace.

((All of your rolls were 2s. All of them. And there were many. Make a sacrifice to the luck gods and try again.))

Quote from: Alarith on March 19, 2015, 09:50:34 am

"A shame only one of us can win."

Spoiler: Let's move (click to show/hide)

Move as far forward in the trench as possible. Then head to the crater on the right. If I see someone try to slip into their mind

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You run towards the crater on the right.

As you do so, you try to enter the mind of one of your competitors, who is currently in the process of turning into a rather large yet famished-looking stag with gigantic antlers. You make some progress decoding his thoughts and forcing your way into his mind. The fact that it is a deer's brain with the thoughts of a human but the senses of a deer is a bit disorienting, but you manage. You'd say you're almost inside his brain now. You could probably start messing with things now or reading his mind now, or consolidate your power further.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 19, 2015, 02:46:00 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Instantly turn into a deer and dash towards the low cover, where I will begin eating the grass. If something rushes at me, then do the typical thing deer do to humans that attack them. That is, rise onto their hind legs, lock their front legs together, and do a motion like punching downwards rapidly, before pulling the hooves back up and smashing again.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to turn into a rather large stag, with antlers so large it takes a bit of effort to even keep your head upright. You are feeling extremely hungry after the transformation.

And unfortunately for you, while there's plenty of grass on the ground outside of the crater and the ditch the tank has carved, inside it there is little left. You munch on the little that's left but it's barely enough to satisfy your hunger.

You also start feeling a pressure on your mind, something like whispers in the back of your head. It doesn't feel nice.

Quote from: Beirus on March 19, 2015, 02:26:54 pm

"Hold the hill? I got this. Them aliens might actually done somethin' useful to me for once."

Spoiler: I got this! (click to show/hide)

Dash around the left side of the tank towards the hill. If attacked, hunker down and activate to begin charging.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It's not one of your best sprints, you barely manage to catch up to the tank. Luckily, it appears that the other guys are leaving you alone for now.

Everyone
As the competitors remove their parachutes and engage in their various actions, the battlefield does not stand still.

Another cargo plane dives through the clouds, leaving a stream of flares behind them that illuminate the terrain ahead of you, their jet engines making a deafening noise as they pass overhead before disappearing into the dark clouds of the night sky. As they pass, they drop more soldiers ahead of the tanks, soldiers that immediately start charging towards the hill.

The tanks keep slowly moving forward through the mud. They start slowing down, turning their turrets to take aim to the hill.
A flare flies from somewhere on the hill, falling towards the lead tank in a long parabolic arc.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap2_zpsjxufbtoo.png)
Brown is Tank
Green is Beirus
Red is Alarith
Yellow is Coolrune206
Blue is Wolfkit
White is akkudakku

---

OOC
Got to cut this short due to unexpected things happening. That means no time to draw soldiers, but they are ahead of the tanks.
Campaign turn coming within the next few hours when I will hopefully be done with the things that are happening.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: akkudakku on March 20, 2015, 03:32:41 pm

Spoiler: Where can I find a goat at 9PM? (click to show/hide)

Freeze the enemy flare midflight (slow it down as much as possible). I speed myself up and try to speed the tank up. Then dash towards the hill sticking to cover.

"THE FUCK WAS THAT SOUND!?"

"God fucking damn, I have to start writing these down.. Was it 'SPIDDO APPU PRIZU'? Or was it 'DUN WAN TU DAI PRZ'."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 20, 2015, 03:44:15 pm

Try to listen to the whispers. Discern what they are. If it seems threatening to me, run the fuck away like deer do. If not, then move back outside of the crater and devour every piece of grass possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Wolfkit on March 20, 2015, 03:54:39 pm

"Did I miss something while screaming? Eh. Can't have been that important."

Spoiler: After all, I'm infallible, right? (click to show/hide)

Dash foward to right behind my tank, take cover, and shoot a laser at whoever I think is the biggest threat at the moment.
((Yeah, I meant about my position in the of characters. I'll do better next time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Beirus on March 20, 2015, 04:00:45 pm

"I wish I was a tank."

Spoiler: Keep it up. (click to show/hide)

Keep moving alongside the tank. If I'm going too slow, catch a ride on the side unless it looks like I'll be crushed by the treads. If I cant jump on the tank and I'm going too slow, try to maintain a decent forward pace at least. If under attack, activate self and begin charging. Watch out for attacks from the hill.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Toaster on March 20, 2015, 08:44:03 pm

John turned and grinned at the assemblage of entities.  "Ladies."


Put it out to short spear length, then try the front/back buttons.  Safe/Unsafe too, though I figure I know what they do.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2015, 09:47:38 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2015, 01:38:10 pm

"I-I wasn't trying to threa- but I just-I didn't-I-Sorry!"
I release almost all of the flames, leaving a single mote near me lit, and then carefully put it back in the jar and see if the stone reacts to it.

if it doesn't then I ask him:
"H-How do I fix the light-jar?"

either way I stay still, curled up in the chair, and see what he says next.

"sorry..."

"I-I wasn't trying to threa- but I just-I didn't-I-Sorry!"
Kassiver says nothing, he simply continues looking at you. He relaxes a bit when you release most of the flames.
You slowly put the remaining fire back inside the light-jar, but the stone does not turn back into a fire.
"H-How do I fix the light-jar?"
"You probably scared it. Just give it some time to feel the flow of fire. The magic inside the lantern should- Ah, there it goes."
True enough, the stone dissolves, transforming back into floating fire.
"sorry..."
*quiet*
"... We should try to remain calmer."
He slowly crouches and reaches for the chair so that he can get it upright again, not taking his eyes off of you.
"Make no mistake though. If I feel-" it looks like he's about to start shouting again when he is interrupted.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2015, 01:24:24 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Massah, massah, why is screaming? Is it I? I will leave if it is I! Innocent children are waking!" Ike reacts, speaking under his breath as if completely shocked while averting his eyes completely, trying to shrink away from the hostile atmosphere in the room.

Suggest fearfully.

Ike can hear the two guards outside conversing.
_{"Yes, but he said he didn't want to be disturbed. Maybe that's the reason why?"
"Look, with all the things going on here it doesn't hurt to check."
"Doesn't it? What if he burns us alive for stumbling upon some great arcane secret?"
"Screw that, I'm checking."}
The moment the tent flap opens, Kassiver immediately stops talking to Irene and yells towards it.
"I SAID NOBODY DISTURBS US!"
The flap immediately closes, followed shortly by someone responding "Sorry!".
Ike continues to hear talking outside.
_{"See? Told ya."
"Yea, goddamn mages."}

Kassiver looks at Ike for a second and then back at Irine.
"What is wrong with him? Is he always like that?"
He immediately shakes his head slightly.
"Nevermind, don't answer that."

"I understand that what happened at the Tower was not entirely your fault. And I understand that you are not human, not from this world, so there are perhaps a few things that... escape you. So I will give you the benefit of the doubt."

"We both hold weapons that we cannot be disarmed of. And we have no understanding of the weapons of our enemy. So let us at least try to not brandish them, even by accident."

"Do you know why it happened? Whose fault it is? Why they would create a portal to such a... gateway world as you described it? Could it had been because of the one you are hunting? Do you think it could be nearby?"

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 19, 2015, 02:52:01 pm

((I apologize deeply for being so late and out of the loop. Real-life chaos and all that smooth jazz...))

Campaign

Zechariah twitched his fingers, digging into the rough ground a bit. He was fighting with himself to choose the right words. He didn't want to break the momentum that they were gaining with his energy and train of thought. Still, he would feel wrong if he were just to idly agree with River. That wouldn't agree with his conscious thoughts. 

The physical body of the demon was long gone, but the spirit was still tormenting Zechariah in all of his waking hours. Making him doubt his every decision. Sending him into melancholy and depression, allowing his dark thoughts to pervade his mind and cloud his judgement.

"Look, I... I understand that you may have gone through different things in this.. place. There are different paths that you took, and maybe there are different things that I can do here. But that still doesn't forgive what I did so long ago. I still have ghosts that haunt me. There are so many things that I could have done to give us a better chance against the Shadow, but I didn't. I know that it's not the end result that counts, that it's the journey that makes us who we are. But even I can't believe in that now.

I know I'm being stupid. I know it's silly, and that I should be focusing on what I can do now. And I am. That's why I am here now. But there's still a feeling of.. loss. I'd call it loss. It's like something was torn from me that I can't get back. The Medium was my addiction. I loved being there, I loved helping people and creating things. There were many people that I met and talked with, interacted with and stood with.

But I didn't plan on coming back. I was planning on dying. I wanted to leave it all behind so that I could no longer cause suffering through Artemis, and myself. I didn't plan on leaving loose ends. I didn't plan on... being alive again." Zechariah brushes some of the dust away from his surrounding area and stares at the ground, not knowing what to say.

"It just feels like... I'm lost. That was my final goal. I wanted to die. But now... I'm still here. And I don't know what I will do."

((No problemo. I'd prefer it if you didn't go too far ahead in time anyway (to avoid time travel and paradoxes), since Irine's conversation will probably take a while. Especially if she keeps almost causing diplomatic incidents.))

River appears confused, looking at you and then around you. He starts speaking quickly.
"I do not understand. Did you- Do you want to give up? To die because of a mistake you did in the past? Why? I do not understand. Do you have no purpose? Nothing to live for?"

"Even when I lost the thing I cared for the most, the reason I am alive,... I kept on fighting. I found a new purpose. Because I knew- The people. Did you not have any others that you cared about? Any that would want you to keep on fighting? To find a new purpose? She chose you. She must think that you are strong or important or useful. That you have a purpose. You were chosen by her for a reason."

"Why? I do not understand. I-"
He raises his hand and moves it towards you, as if he is about to touch your shoulder, but he stops halfway through, hesitating. His hand moves slightly for a second before he lets it fall back down. He looks down.
"I do not know how to do this." he half-sighs half-growls.

"Is that really what you want? To give up?" he asks more slowly and quietly.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 02:44:04 am

"I... I really don't know. I know there's something wrong with my task, that something else is going on, but I don't know what that something is. I don't know the answer to any of those questions, except the last. I'm sure that it isn't near, because one of my teammates can track it, and he said it's not."

"Um... isn't it my turn? Are you going to keep your promise to me? I... I'm not threatening you, okay? If you don't, I won't... I won't do anything to punish you."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2015, 03:09:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

Make no sound. See nothing. Hear everything. Take in the smells of the area.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2015, 04:06:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 02:44:04 am

"I... I really don't know. I know there's something wrong with my task, that something else is going on, but I don't know what that something is. I don't know the answer to any of those questions, except the last. I'm sure that it isn't near, because one of my teammates can track it, and he said it's not."

"Um... isn't it my turn? Are you going to keep your promise to me? I... I'm not threatening you, okay? If you don't, I won't... I won't do anything to punish you."

"Yes. Yes, of course. We had an agreement. What do you want to know?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 04:15:06 am

"Who's that?"
I limply wave my arm in the direction he keeps looking when he's startled.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2015, 07:02:29 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 04:15:06 am

"Who's that?"
I limply wave my arm in the direction he keeps looking when he's startled.

"Hm? Oh, that's nothing really, that's just... another exit I could take."
He remains silent for a few seconds, although he looks like he's uncomfortable about something.
"And a focusing crystal I could use to amplify my magic." he adds a few seconds later.
"I was thinking about whether or not I should try to go for it and get out or fight you here."

"I am going to be honest with you. I am currently... ambivalent about you. But if I feel letting you live is a wrong, I will deal with you. I cannot know I've let monsters roam the lands of our kingdom. I hope you understand why I am saying this."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 09:44:09 am

"What makes a monster? Is it what they are, what they do, or why they do it? Am I a monster because I'm not human, or because of the choices I've made, or something else?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2015, 08:16:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2015, 09:44:09 am

"What makes a monster? Is it what they are, what they do, or why they do it? Am I a monster because I'm not human, or because of the choices I've made, or something else?"

"If you are asking a philosophical question or a question about morality, then we could probably spend the entire night talking about the subject and still be no closer to an answer. Trust me, few of the Tower mages often indulge- used to indulge themselves in such conversations."

"However, such conversations tend to hold little weight when confronted with experience, with history, with reality. And what experience tells me is that 'non-human' and 'monster' often have very little difference. That almost every time the citizens of this kingdom have faced a non-human creature, it either did not care about their lives or actively tried to hurt them. Take the various races, for example. The Beastmen are savages, raiders, pirates that have no qualms about enslaving or killing us, infesting our lands, stealing from us, refusing any form of civilized interaction. The Elves only care about their trees and forests, fanatics willing to kill in the name of what they call perfection. The Night Knights pillaged, tortured and killed without stop for their pleasure until the Tower exterminated every last one of them, saving not only this kingdom but many others from their evil. Those are only a few examples. It is very rare to find a creature, especially a magical one, that is friendly to humans. That is what I and every other citizen of this kingdom knows. And that is why we work so hard to ensure this land stays safe from them."

"But, like I said, I am willing to give you a chance. Especially considering my current circumstances. And because as a seeker of knowledge, I should remain open to new ideas."

"I am simply being honest with you. If there was someone else instead of me here, they would  had probably chosen to eliminate any threat you could pose as soon as they got the opportunity."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Alarith on March 21, 2015, 09:12:38 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Stay put in the crater for this round, something might be about to happen. See if I can secure myself a bit further inside the human deer mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Tiruin on March 22, 2015, 01:50:42 am

((I'm loving the evolution of this story, Paris and co. :) Keep at it Lenglon! (and friends)))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 22, 2015, 02:14:06 am

"Oh!"
I perk up at his response, his statement that I'm not to blame for his hostility.
"So it's not because of me that... Ok then."
"Um, I was hoping to wait until you had a chance to start trusting me to ask you to teach me about magic, but if the reason you don't trust me is because of what I am, something that I can't change unless I start lying to you, then there really isn't anything more I can do to establish trust, is there? Um, is there anything you want me to tell you or do before you'll be okay with teaching me about magic?"
I put the wood slab he had been drawing on back on the table, and push it towards him, lowering my feet back to a normal seated posture as I do.
after a pause I add:
"Would you feel better if you got your focusing crystal first?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 22, 2015, 07:57:01 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 20, 2015, 08:44:03 pm

John turned and grinned at the assemblage of entities.  "Ladies."

Put it out to short spear length, then try the front/back buttons.  Safe/Unsafe too, though I figure I know what they do.

Pressing the Unsafe button causes something like a thin layer of mercury to flow towards one end of the pole from the ring and solidify into a spearhead there, the process taking less than a second to complete. Pressing the Safe button does the opposite, causing the spearhead to dissolve and return inside the ring. Front and back seems to control on which end of the pole the spearhead will be in Unsafe mode, with the side of the ring that has a small notch in it being regarded as Front.

A bit of technosenssing shows that the ring uses a very simple circuit made out of transistors, capacitors and zener diodes to store the state it is in (Safe/Unsafe, Front/Back, Stop/Move) while the Enlarge/Shrink pair and the Reconfigure button do not appear to store their settings anywhere, at least not anywhere you can sense.

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: akkudakku on March 20, 2015, 03:32:41 pm

Spoiler: Where can I find a goat at 9PM? (click to show/hide)

Freeze the enemy flare midflight (slow it down as much as possible). I speed myself up and try to speed the tank up. Then dash towards the hill sticking to cover.

"THE FUCK WAS THAT SOUND!?"

"God fucking damn, I have to start writing these down.. Was it 'SPIDDO APPU PRIZU'? Or was it 'DUN WAN TU DAI PRZ'."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You make an appropriate magic gesture, shout your magic words and point at the flare. You succeed in slowing down the flare a tiny bit, causing it to fall right on the lead tank, thus ensuring it will not be run over by it and remain visible.

You also manage to speed yourself up a little bit, giving you a tiny boost in speed and reaction time.

As you reach the tank, it opens fire on the hill, spewing fire from its cannon and causing small tremors on the earth. The noise is enough to cause your ears to ring, making it hard for you to hear anything.

((Luck continues to not be on your side.))

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 20, 2015, 03:54:39 pm

"Did I miss something while screaming? Eh. Can't have been that important."

Spoiler: After all, I'm infallible, right? (click to show/hide)

Dash foward to right behind my tank, take cover, and shoot a laser at whoever I think is the biggest threat at the moment.
((Yeah, I meant about my position in the of characters. I'll do better next time.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You get up and start running towards the tank as fast as a scientist that has spent most of his days in a lab can, i.e. not very fast. Looks like you are not motivated to run fast enough without something chasing you while trying to eat you.

As you reach the tank in front of you, it and the others open fire on the hill, the recoil strong enough to push it deeper into the mud and cause the ground to vibrate. Looking around the most threatening thing appears to be a deer wearing an Interface on one of its legs that is running around like crazy.

You take out your notepad and pen and start writing, when between the sounds of gunfire, explosions and cannon fire, you hear another sound. It's the sound of jet engines, coming from somewhere on your right. But it doesn't sound like the engines of the cargo planes that brought you here. It's quieter, with a different pitch and appears to be approaching you more slowly. You look at the direction the noise is coming from and immediately spot its source. A black silhouette against the background of dark clouds, an aircraft moving towards you. Something tells you that that is the biggest threat towards you at the moment, so you immediately switch the target of your current equation.

Quote from: Beirus on March 20, 2015, 04:00:45 pm

"I wish I was a tank."

Spoiler: Keep it up. (click to show/hide)

Keep moving alongside the tank. If I'm going too slow, catch a ride on the side unless it looks like I'll be crushed by the treads. If I cant jump on the tank and I'm going too slow, try to maintain a decent forward pace at least. If under attack, activate self and begin charging. Watch out for attacks from the hill.

<Don't we all?>
<Everyone who is not already a tank, certainly.>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keep moving forward as quickly as you can, reaching the back of the group of soldiers currently assaulting the hill.

Machine guns on the hill open fire on the soldiers. Many of them fall to the ground, either hit by the rounds or scared by the noise and the stream of tracers flying in their general direction and seeking cover in the mud. The fire is focused on the front of the group, but a stray round manages to nick you in the side. It's but a scratch, but it causes some pain.

The tanks behind you retaliate, striking some of the machine gun nests on the hill, momentarily silencing them, either because they were hit or because they are trying to look like less of a target.

You're almost at the base of the hill. Less than a minute's climb and you'll reach the objective. Then you just have to hold it...

Quote from: Alarith on March 21, 2015, 09:12:38 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Stay put in the crater for this round, something might be about to happen. See if I can secure myself a bit further inside the human deer mind.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You make sure you are in good cover and try to gain even more control over your deer enemy.[/terrible_joke] Unfortunately for you, he appears to have figured out that something is wrong and is beginning to resist you. He doesn't manage to get you out of his head but you don't make any progress either. He starts panicking and running away (more like stumbling, actually, since it appears that he is experiencing some discomfort). You try again and this time you manage to force your way into his mind completely. Any attempts you make for overt control over him will be now much easier. However, if he keeps running away like that, range might become a problem...

Your psychic radar is telling you that there's someone in the air, coming towards you from the east quite quickly. You have less than 10 seconds until they are here. They shine like a beacon of schadenfreude in a battlefield filled with anxiety and pain, bravery and despair, reminding you of the feelings of some of the people inside the tanks.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 20, 2015, 03:44:15 pm

Try to listen to the whispers. Discern what they are. If it seems threatening to me, run the fuck away like deer do. If not, then move back outside of the crater and devour every piece of grass possible.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The whispers are telling you to relax. To let yourself go. To stop struggling. That it will only hurt for a moment.
You cannot see who is speaking.
Before you can contemplate what that means, you feel like something is burning your head and trying to squish it into nothingness at the same time. You don't know where the effect is coming from, so you simply run forward as fast as you can, hoping it will make things better.
It appears that it does actually make things better, since the pain diminishes somewhat as you approach the back of the group of soldiers assaulting the hill.

Everyone
As if guided by an invisible force, the flare strikes the lead tank dead on, illuminating it with a bright red light for all to see.

As everyone engages in their various actions, the soldiers that were air dropped less than a minute ago keep moving towards the hill. Machine gun nests on the hill open fire, spewing tracer rounds towards the advancing soldiers. Many of them fall down, either because they were hit or because they are seeking cover in the mud.

The tanks, having gotten into position earlier, retaliate, hitting some of the defensive positions on the hill and causing many more to go quiet, giving the soldiers some respite. Those close to them wish they had been given warning, for their ears do not appreciate the noise of cannon fire.

You can hear the noise of metal moving behind you. Looking back, it looks like the horizon itself is moving, like the dark shapes of distant mountains are coming closer towards you, looming higher above you.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap3_zpsuthdvdgh.png)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2015, 03:09:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

Make no sound. See nothing. Hear everything. Take in the smells of the area.

You continue to overhear the conversation between the two guards.
_{*quiet*
"So."
"Yeah?"
"What's going on in there?"
"I do not know."
*quiet*
"Who do you think she is?"
"I do not know."
*quiet*
"I bet it's another wizard. Don't you think? I mean, it makes sense, what with all the-"
"I've received no new information in the past few seconds that will cause me to alter the answer I've been giving you. So the answer remains, I do not fucking know."
"Alright, alright."
*quiet*
"You're in a mood today."
"Well you're not helping."
"Just trying to make small talk is all. It's boring here."
"Not in the mood. And I like it boring. I'd like it to stay boring, if possible."
"Why, what's got you down? Well, besides the obvious."}

*sniff*
Human, human, human, human, wood, rock, human, human, rat, dirt, flour, salt, another rat, something dead, something rotten, rat, something that smells like rat, something that smells like it should be dead, human, human,...
*sniff sniff*
Hey, you think you can smell potatoes!

Quote from: Lenglon on March 22, 2015, 02:14:06 am

"Oh!"
I perk up at his response, his statement that I'm not to blame for his hostility.
"So it's not because of me that... Ok then."
"Um, I was hoping to wait until you had a chance to start trusting me to ask you to teach me about magic, but if the reason you don't trust me is because of what I am, something that I can't change unless I start lying to you, then there really isn't anything more I can do to establish trust, is there? Um, is there anything you want me to tell you or do before you'll be okay with teaching me about magic?"
I put the wood slab he had been drawing on back on the table, and push it towards him, lowering my feet back to a normal seated posture as I do.
after a pause I add:
"Would you feel better if you got your focusing crystal first?"

He appears a bit puzzled by your reaction but says nothing. Your offer however gets him more interested.

"Hm... If you want me to trust you, then answer me this. Tell me how to best kill you. Or give me anything that would make you vulnerable to me. Or swear an oath of loyalty to me. Anything along those lines. Trust for trust. I can get him out of here if it would help."

"If you cannot provide that, then it changes nothing and we proceed as normal... well, as normal as this can be considered. If you can, then at least I can rest safely knowing that if you turn into a monster or try to aid our enemies, I have something to use against you."

"And no, focusing crystals are rare and fragile. I do not want to strain it more than I need to. Maybe if I have to cast a complex spell, but I do not think that will be necessary."

---

OOC
Hehehehehe... It looks like this round will end much sooner than I had predicted...

I might be a bit busy next week. I'll try to keep updating but I make no promises.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 22, 2015, 01:50:42 am

((I'm loving the evolution of this story, Paris and co. :) Keep at it Lenglon! (and friends)))

Hopefully I'll have you resurrected by the end of the next in-game day so that you can participate too, assuming things turn out OK with River's and Zechariah's current attempts at resurrection.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 22, 2015, 08:08:15 pm

Keep fucking running to the hill. Then, morph to something that would camouflage well. What is the terrain like ahead of me? This will affect my transformation.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Wolfkit on March 22, 2015, 08:26:45 pm

"Ooh, a time limit via advancing wall of _probably unstoppable doom, huh? Well, I suppose they did hint at something like that during the briefing."

Spoiler: It only minutely inconveniences my plans (click to show/hide)

Dash for the crater in the green zone in front of the rightmost tank. Failing that, or if I think it is too dangerous, the crater halfway in between. Take cover either way. Write up a laser to bisect akkudakku's character.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Beirus on March 22, 2015, 08:34:02 pm

"It's just a flesh wound. Still wish I was a tank."

Spoiler:  Oh shit. (click to show/hide)

Get the fuck to the objective without dying, then transform and begin charging. If attacked prematurely, transform and begin charging. Watch out for threats, that giant shadow thing behind me, stray tank shots, and stray bullets.

((Is that green area an airstrike or something? I'm scared now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Alarith on March 22, 2015, 08:35:20 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Looks like I can hold still for one more turn, enough time for whatever is in the air to hit us. As for deer man, let's mess with his balance.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Lenglon on March 22, 2015, 11:03:33 pm

"No. I'm not suicidal. I have even less reason to trust you than you do me. I'm just going to have to hope that you keep your word. Could you please teach me the basic principals of how magic works in this world?"
My shame and guilt quickly fading, a touch of anger colors my words.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: akkudakku on March 23, 2015, 01:49:14 am

Spoiler: Oh, come on! (click to show/hide)

If possible throw the flare away from the tank, prefferably to the tank on the left. Then run towards the crater closest to the hill (and me). Speed up myself more.

"Sometimes I just wonder, how I lived so long..."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Toaster on March 23, 2015, 08:26:02 am

In various spear settings (bracelet, short spear, long spear, safe and unsafe), try out the move/stop and reconfigure buttons.

How long can I make it?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: mydjet on March 23, 2015, 12:33:21 pm

char sheet awaiting approval or denial look in pm

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 23, 2015, 03:43:41 pm

Campaign, Ike!

What kind of potatoes? Raw, fried, boiled, sauteed, pureed, whipped, chopped, whisked, burnt, hot, cold, green, blue, etiolated, growing, dying, fresh, rotten?

Oh, and continue to listen. These guys are pretty funny.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission Landing
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 23, 2015, 03:45:04 pm

Campaign

You could say that up to this point, Zechariah had been in a sort of unconscious trance. He was simply saying what came to his mind, voicing his inner thoughts. That's what he had learned to do, really. If he did not do that, bad things began to form in his mind. In this way, perhaps he would be able to help both River and himself to accomplish the task at hand. It just required him to empty what was on his mind and to form a new energy in his total being.

But River had crossed the line. River went down the river of his consciousness and plucked at all of the strings that he could find. He had pressed all of the buttons, broken the last straw - whatever metaphor you wish to use to describe what he was doing to Zechariah. Whether intentional or unintentional, River ignited Zechariah's passionate side once again. It was something that he was only barely holding onto; something that  he had almost lost when he broke his mental ties with Artemis. When he had fallen into the void. When he decided that he was going to end it once and for all.

This was his passion.

"What?!" Zechariah pushed himself off of the ground and whirled around, staring straight into River's eyes. He didn't fear River anymore. There was only anger in his own mind. He could feel himself starting to become unstable again. "You're telling me, of all people, that I just want to give up? That I'm going to just leave it all in the dust, because I don't have anyone I care for anymore? Because I never planned to wake up again?" He was beginning to shiver ever-so-slightly, as if a cold breeze had just suddenly overtaken the summit of the mount that they were standing upon. A low, energetic glow highlighted his irises, the energy surging back into Zechariah. "To even insinuate that I would do that - just give up - is absolutely absurd! I've spent a quarter of my life fighting the Shadows, constantly looking for new ways to suppress the forces that threatened to destroy the multiverse that I came from. I fought, I talked, I consoled, I befriended, I rivaled, I did everything that I could to take up any persona that was necessary! I wanted to help. I wanted to help whoever I could. I wanted to nurture and care for as many lives as possible. I wanted to be a friend for those in need and a hand for those who have fallen. I wanted to give others the joy of life that I could never have!"

He lets that hang in the air for several moments before recollecting his thoughts and beginning another rant. "That's it. That's really it. I don't really know all of these people. I mean, I know their names: Theri, Irine, Ike, Jordan... but I don't know their whole life stories. I don't know where they've been or what they've experienced. But I still care about them - all of them! I want to make their lives better, and the lives of everyone we meet with. That's.. that's what I committed myself to. That was what my contract with Artemis was about. I sacrificed my personal life to benefit the lives of others. And... I know what I did. I know what I did when I shook hands with Artemis. I accept that fate. But there is still only so much that I can take." He shakes his head and attempts to form more words, but the words become lost, replaced by the formation of tears in his eyes.

"I'm not asking for a way out. I'm not trying to escape or give up. I would never do that, because I know that I made a contract that will never go away, for as long as I live. That's why I gave myself to the Void of the Medium. It was my only chance for both escaping and giving my friends one last chance, without me as a burden. But I know that I still have a purpose now. I get it. But at the end of the day, when all of it is done, I'm still mortal. I didn't plan to live beyond what we had to face. Again, I accept that I still want to carry on. But there's one thing that I've been missing this entire time."

He paces around trying to be coherent while fighting off the tears. Finally, he brushes a sleeve over his eyes, takes a deep breath, and speaks once again. "I gave up friendship. When I made the contract with Artemis, I gave up the ability to be close to people. To be able to just talk and feel and relax. I needed to be always on my toes, to adapt to the situation, to talk with people, to convince the Guardians to act, to mold the Medium to what it needed to be. But I... I can't just keep doing this. I'm going to destroy myself doing this. And, yes, I have accepted that. I have!

But.. what if I had the ability to find solace? What if I was able to find a partner in life sometime? What if I could just relax and watch the stars, or just get some ice cream and laugh and talk, or just... just..

...live?" He stares at River while he finishes his last sentence, trying as hard as he can to hold back tears. Shaking his head, he turns around and sits down on the rocks, hugging his knees close to him.

"What if I don't have to feel so alone?" He whispers softly. He puts his head down in his arms as the first tear rolls onto his cheek.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2015, 02:42:16 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Beirus on March 22, 2015, 08:34:02 pm

"It's just a flesh wound. Still wish I was a tank."

Spoiler:  Oh shit. (click to show/hide)

Get the fuck to the objective without dying, then transform and begin charging. If attacked prematurely, transform and begin charging. Watch out for threats, that giant shadow thing behind me, stray tank shots, and stray bullets.

((Is that green area an airstrike or something? I'm scared now.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try your best to keep running as death and destruction rain all around you. Some of the soldiers look behind you, probably due to the sound of explosions quite different from the sound of cannon fire coming from there. But most of them (including you) simply get up from whatever cover they had taken and run towards the hill, trying to take advantage of the small lull in the enemy fire.

The enemy does not take long to start firing again, but by now the soldiers have reached the base of the hill and are in range to retaliate, striking their defensive emplacements with guns and grenades. However, climbing the hill and the need to take cover are slowing them down. The same conditions are affecting your speed.

Given that you have no gun of your own, you just try to look unimportant and hope they have better targets to grab their attention. It seems to be working, as you have not been shot at or hit by anything.

((Green area is my lazy attempt to paint soldiers. Yay, lazy.))

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 22, 2015, 08:26:45 pm

"Ooh, a time limit via advancing wall of _probably unstoppable doom, huh? Well, I suppose they did hint at something like that during the briefing."

Spoiler: It only minutely inconveniences my plans (click to show/hide)

Dash for the crater in the green zone in front of the rightmost tank. Failing that, or if I think it is too dangerous, the crater halfway in between. Take cover either way. Write up a laser to bisect akkudakku's character.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You do your best to keep running, but you don't manage to get very far before things start happening.

Quote from: Alarith on March 22, 2015, 08:35:20 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Looks like I can hold still for one more turn, enough time for whatever is in the air to hit us. As for deer man, let's mess with his balance.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try your best to be in the best cover possible, trying to crawl closer to the east side of the crater while at the same time messing with the mind of the deer. You don't manage to make it fall, but you do manage to make it slow long enough for the attack to hit.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 22, 2015, 08:08:15 pm

Keep fucking running to the hill. Then, morph to something that would camouflage well. What is the terrain like ahead of me? This will affect my transformation.[/b]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keep running, but it feels like the ground keeps moving, as if you're in a boat at rough sea, making you have to struggle to not loose your balance. You manage to fight back the feeling and keep running, but you're not as fast as you'd like.

Quote from: akkudakku on March 23, 2015, 01:49:14 am

Spoiler: Oh, come on! (click to show/hide)

If possible throw the flare away from the tank, prefferably to the tank on the left. Then run towards the crater closest to the hill (and me). Speed up myself more.

"Sometimes I just wonder, how I lived so long..."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You must have misunderstood something, you're on the far right and the flare is in the middle. So unless you have some clever way you can use time manipulation to move a flare, I'm just going to have you run forward.

There are the pops of cannonfire coming from the sky as an attack plane dives and launches its attack on the line of tanks, its rocket pods unleashing a large number of missiles onto the them and their surroundings. Said surroundings include the players.

Spoiler: Alarith (click to show/hide)

Bryan tries to ignore the pain as the entire world becomes noise and shaking, the moment of vacuum that follows the blast momentarily sucking the air out of his lungs. Somehow, he manages to not die from that. However when he raises his head and wipes the dirt, ash and debris the explosions threw on him, he sees a hole close to the side of his gut. One of the rounds must have hit him. He doesn't feel anything, but that will probably change once he comes down from his adrenaline high.

Luckily, nothing vital appears to have been hit except for some muscles that make movement harder. The bleeding would normally require some medical attention, but at the rate this challenge is going it probably won't matter that match.

Welroki runs for a few seconds until he sees the attack craft open fire. He is frozen, unable to react fast enough to take cover. A missile hits the crater he is hiding in. One moment he is there. The next he is not, the place he was replaced by an even deeper crater.
<Player 13 desynchronized.>

Spoiler: akkudakku (click to show/hide)

Modus, as if sensing the danger, starts running with the speed of a cheetah, quickly moving away from the tank he was hiding behind. The blast from the explosion catches him by surprise, throwing him off balance and causing him to fall to the ground, but he is otherwise unharmed.

((Hey, it looks like all that bad luck paid off.
Yes, I know luck doesn't work that way. Just another case of Xan luck.))

Spoiler: Coolrune (click to show/hide)

Rune is far enough and lucky enough to remain mostly unharmed. A piece of shrapnel to the leg combined with his previous disorientation is enough to cause him to fall to the ground, but the wound is small and does not impair him in any way besides the pain he is feeling.
On the plus side, whatever was causing him to be disoriented is no longer as intense and he quickly manages to get back to his feet. Hooves. Legs. Whatever he's using these days.

Spoiler: Beirus (click to show/hide)

You are nowhere near the tanks. Lucky you.

EDIT: Forgot the map

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap4_zpsbkjmtpeg.png)

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 23, 2015, 08:26:02 am

In various spear settings (bracelet, short spear, long spear, safe and unsafe), try out the move/stop and reconfigure buttons.

How long can I make it?

It takes quite some time, feels like minutes (the rate of enlargement gets slower and the weapon appears to be producing quite a lot of heat as it gets larger, requiring small pauses for it to cool down), but you eventually manage to make the pole long enough to start poking Saevus with it.
*poke* *poke*
He doesn't look like he likes you poking him in the face with your giant pole. Perhaps you should retract your poking device.

"Ouch. That must have hurt."
"So humans were lying when they said craters don't strike the same place twice."
"That's lightning, silly."
"No, that's not right. It must be craters, because it is certainly not lightning."

---

OOC
Why was I laughing last round? Because almost everyone failed their awareness rolls. And was in the worst position possible. But then some of you got lucky.

And some of you got really, really unlucky. Wolfkit gets the record for lowest roll ever with a -11. I challenge every one of you to try and beat that.

And in case you're wondering, if you had chosen the other option in the previous poll, the arena would have been even more deadly. The theme I went for this round was "quick round".

Campaign later, need some time to finish writing the info and got to go now.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on March 27, 2015, 02:47:33 pm

Quote

I challenge every one of you to try and beat that.

Somewhere in the netherverse, Alan begins to charge up his misfortune powers.
Seriously though, how many negative modifiers did he even have?

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 27, 2015, 03:00:26 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Now that all is alright, change to an alligator or crocodile. Use any remaining biomass to begin sprouting armored plates on my back, the side which faces up.

Wanna kill me? Try to flip me over, I fecking dare ya.

But seriously, how did being shot with a plane cure a headache? :P

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Toaster on March 27, 2015, 03:00:59 pm

I'm sure Alan can find a way.  What's the highest throw so far?  (If you recall)


"Pokey pokey?  Okay, I'll stop."

How far is that, anyway?  I don't see any specifics except that it's probably absurdly long.

Retract it to a reasonable short spear.  In various spear settings (bracelet, short spear, long spear, safe and unsafe), try out the move/stop and reconfigure buttons.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: akkudakku on March 27, 2015, 03:35:50 pm

Spoiler: HOLY SHIT! THERMOBARICS! (click to show/hide)

Slow enemy soldiers, speed up own soldiers, get into cover quickly (close to the hill).

"Holy shit, what are we against, commies? Americans? This is not fun, not fun at all..."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Wolfkit on March 27, 2015, 04:02:50 pm

((So what, did I roll 3 1s in a row to get that kind of negatives?))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on March 27, 2015, 04:17:46 pm

Saevus looks at John with a look that could only be understood as disapproval. How he can give someone a look of disapproval when he doesn't really have a face, his face-equivalent being a helmet with no facial features and other things important for visual communication, you ask? I have absolutely no idea.

"I certainly hope so."

Still, I'd like to have something to deter possible poking. Summon the biggest crossbow I can and load it up. Fire at anything that pokes (or attempts to (or looks like it might)) anything.

Saevus is basically using the poking as an excuse to amuse himself. This waiting is terribly boring. And the fact that there's a battle raging over there and he can't join in is irritating.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Alarith on March 27, 2015, 11:12:15 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Continue messing with the deer mind to slow him down. Get moving towards the hill. How's the bullet fire? If there is a lot going by go from cover to cover, otherwise just get moving.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Beirus on March 28, 2015, 12:22:20 am

Spoiler: Take two (click to show/hide)

Keep going for the spot on the hill, then activate and begin charging. Try not to die. Use cover, including soldiers. If attacked or hit, activate and begin charging.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: akkudakku on March 28, 2015, 04:28:11 am

EDIT: Edit fail. Disregard.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 29, 2015, 09:54:41 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 22, 2015, 11:03:33 pm

"No. I'm not suicidal. I have even less reason to trust you than you do me. I'm just going to have to hope that you keep your word. Could you please teach me the basic principals of how magic works in this world?"
My shame and guilt quickly fading, a touch of anger colors my words.

"Well, you can't blame me for trying." he says, raising his shoulders. "It's what every good man in my position would do."
He looks thoughtful for a few seconds and starts stroking with his beard again. He puts his hands on the table and looks at you again.
"Well then... The basics of magic... The basics of magic is the basics of the elements.
I assume you know the basic elements, from what I understand you have mages where you come from. So you should know the 4 Primary Material elements, Earth opposed to Wind, Fire opposed to Water."
He picks up the board and starts drawing on it again, occasionally glancing up at you.
"Then there are the two Secondary Material elements, one of them referred to as Life or Growth and the other known as Death or Motion. Those are a bit lesser known inside our borders. I do not know if you have heard of them before."

"Then we have the four Primary Conceptual elements, Order opposed to Chaos and Light opposed to Darkness. Those are much lesser known, even though they play an important part in more powerful spells. Probably because non-Material elements are much rarer as primary affinities."

"Now, this knowledge I'm about to give you is not known by many. I am going to trust you with this. So try to not spread it around carelessly."
He sets the board down and looks at you again.
"There are the two Secondary Conceptual elements, Time and Space. Previously we knew of those only through the discoveries of our greatest in divination, the ones that managed to catch their faint threads. Some say there was knowledge of what exactly they were and how to use them, it was just not shared with all of us. I don't know, I was not ranked high enough to know for certain at the time. But in the past few years some quite wondrous objects have arrived from the northern kingdoms bearing the magic of those elements."
He is talking a bit more quickly now.
"In fact, I had the good fortune to research one of those objects myself. Some sort of container they used to transport a large amount of food in a smaller volume, keeping them unspoilt at the same time. The magic inside it was incredible. I've made quite detailed notes on it, I think we could replicate it with a few mages cooperating. The ritual would be hard though, you'd need a set of conflicting emotions and a very powerful source of magical flow."

"I believe the Tower sent an envoy a few months ago to work on an exchange of information with the northern kingdom, a way to gain more knowledge about this sort of magic. And of course they also want to find out how such powerful objects have gotten to the hands of traders. Have they discovered a new source of power, perhaps something as powerful as Stodir? Has a new shift occurred and if so why haven't we seen it?"

"Very nasty job if you ask me, trading between mages. Like trading locked boxes. You get promises of their contents but no guarantees. I don't know, maybe it's because of my element. And... you're probably not interested in any of this."
He shakes his head slightly and then picks up the board and starts drawing on it again.
"You'll have to excuse me, I haven't had the chance to talk to anyone about these sorts of things recently."

"Then there are the two Combined elements, Mind and Soul, Potential and Energy, Balance and Imbalance, Drive and Imagination. Not quite material, not quite conceptual, but a mix of the two, very versatile, very volatile yet resistant to change at the same time, able to emulate many other elements. And they have been very hard to research, as if they actively try to confuse us. Despite that, we have developed a few spells and magical objects that use them."
He stops drawing and uses the edge of the point of the writing implement he's using to point at the flame hovering inside the lantern.
"This little creature here for example is of the Balance element, modified by our magic to serve as a source of light and heat. We don't know exactly how it works, but we understand it well enough to control it."

"And finally the two primordial elements. Creation against Destruction, Existence against Nonexistence, Essence against Void. Many people acknowledge those as elements in religion, they acknowledge their role in the existence of our universe. (I don't know if that's the case in the place you come from.) But few non-mages realise that there is more to this, that they are not strictly spiritual things, related to the realm of gods. They are elements of their own but very special ones, very different from the others, very rare. Everything flows from them and their power can be tremendous. We know of nobody that has them as their primary affinity and very few can use them directly. The best way to control them or bring them into existence is through Shadow and Light magic, since they are directly connected to them, and even that is hard and not always works."

"Void magic in particular is considered to be very dangerous to everything around it, since it slowly destroys everything. It can be contained and like all primordial elements it quickly dissipates without constant supervision, especially when in contact with powerful elemental flows. But if someone comes across powerful void magic or is caught unaware, there is little they can do. And the worst thing about it is that one of the ways Void magic can come to existence is from the overuse of magic inside an area, the kind of thing more powerful mages can do if they are not careful or if they try to cast a potent spell quickly and without the appropriate preparation. Once the Void starts feeding off the flow in an area, it can cause a chain reaction that can result in widespread destruction. It has historically been used by the evilest and most destructive of mages. As such, any unsanctioned use of it is dealt with quickly and effectively. There was even an alliance made between the kingdoms to fight a particularly dangerous darkness mage in the past."

"The creatures you claim emerged from that portal had quite potent Void magic in them, a fact I found quite alarming. For a moment I thought those preaching about the Apocalypse might have been right. That is one of the reasons I am not as angry with you as I should be. All the destruction you did might have done some good."

"Now, I know those are- Oh, hold on a second, I know."
He stars searching around near the desk until he pulls out a disk made out of multiple layers of stone and metal, with a few carved stones and glass-like orbs arranged among grooves on its top. You notice that all of the outside carvings are made out of the transparent material while most of the inner are made out of the stone-like material.

Spoiler: Disk (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Elem4_zpsa32xq6zv.png)

"Now, the magic in this thing was damaged during the explosion, but it still works as a visual aid. The material elements are on the outside ring and the conceptual on the inside, with the primordial in the centre. It was supposed to be a detector for magical energies, detecting their type and intensity. Not all of them, we couldn't get it to work with all of them, even getting it to work as well as we did took four others working alongside me for quite some time. And it had some flaws, getting it to stop detecting its own energies, getting confused by high magical flow in an area... Once we figured out how to fix all the flaws in it we hoped we could make a machine to mass produce it, use it to make finding potential magic users or illegal spells easier, it would really-"
He shows you his palms and shakes his head a bit.
"I'll try to stop myself from going off on tangents."

"Now there are a few things that novices frequently misunderstand."

"There are two elements to the usage of the elements."
He smiles a bit at his small joke.
"Magic is not a force within you, something static that you can release any time you want and direct it to do your bidding. Magic is not only power. Yes, there is power within all of us, but there is another equally important aspect of magic: flow. The power within you moves constantly, creating streams that interact with the world and get changed by it in turn. That is why you sometimes get a feeling that something is wrong, even though you can't sense it with your normal senses. The most powerful of diviners can deduce someone's feelings and motives simply by looking at how their flow of magical energy shifts, some say."

"You can see that in the materials used for enchantments. Most materials can be enchanted and each have different properties, but the two materials used most commonly in our kingdom (and are thus particularly prized by our miners) are Power Stones and Focusing Crystals. Power Stones are quite useful for storing power and it is quite easy to put simple enchantments in them, their magic quite stable. However they are not as good at letting magic flow through them. Once the natural magic stored in them is expended they become hard to use and even harder to recharge. Essence Stones are the most powerful but also the most rare, since they are easily tainted by the magic flowing through them, making them very hard to recharge."

"On the other hand Focusing Crystals can contain little magic and they are particularly hard to enchant but can cause a large amount of magic to flow through them, meaning that in places where the natural flow of magic is strong they can greatly amplify a spell's strength. Not to mention what happens if one tries to charge them. All enchanted materials become unstable if overburdened, but Focusing Crystals are especially susceptible to this. On the other hand, Focusing Crystals have the peculiar property of being able to grow when enough magic flows through them, allowing older crystals that survive long enough to become extremely powerful. An Essence Crystal is the most useful magical object a mage can have, since it allows them to use almost every form of magical flow to augment whatever spell they are casting, even flows that would be naturally opposed to the element they are using."

"Those properties of enchantable materials is why most powerful magic objects tend to be composed of a combination of materials, which tends to make the work of amateurs multicoloured, shiny, glowing and unstable. It takes a master craftsman working with a master enchanter to create something great. The moral is, if you want a good enchantment, look for something that looks mundane. 'Not all that shines is gold', as they say."

"Magic is not a tool. It is part of the world and part of yourself. Something both physical and mental. And it goes both ways, the magic affects and is affected, both by your thoughts, your body, your environment, your innate magic. Physical things and magical things. The way you think, your emotions, the way your body moves, the shapes it creates, even the clothes you wear, those can all potentially affect the way the magic flows within you and around you."

"The boy that brought you here for example, Rovan. He is not very powerful, so for the few days I've had him in my tutelage I've been trying to push him to be angry, the easiest mindset to reach for maximizing the flow of Fire magic, so that it will come more naturally to him and be easier to use. Gods know he needs some strength with the way things are now. Unfortunately his demeanour and combination of elements is not helping. And I can't simply tell him to change his emotions or even why. Knowledge is not enough for the initiate, in fact it can cause more harm than good. It's better for him if he were to cast a dangerous spell instinctively due to his emotions than if he was given knowledge he was not ready for."

"That is one of the most important aspects of magic the accomplished mage learns. For a good mage can channel thoughts and emotions related to their element, let them consume him so that he can cast the most powerful of spells. But the better mage, the truly powerful mage, he uses his thoughts and emotions, he controls them without letting them control him. He thinks and feels whatever is necessary for him to do what needs to be done. Or maybe it's because my element is more on the ordered side of the scale."

"Another thing to understand is that just because an element is named 'Fire" or 'Water', it does not mean that that is what it is all about. They may be called that for convenience's sake, but as you've seen there are elements with many names. That is because they are forces of this world. Their use relies in understanding them. Almost everything living has an element it is strong at, an element that flows through them more easily, an element that matches their minds, their bodies and the magic inside them. An element that is more easy for them to understand and thus more easy to use to its full extend. Those are called affinities. And they can change over time, depending on circumstances both internal and external. For example, the order in me is much stronger in me than it was when I first began my training, becoming almost as string as the fire inside me. I feel like I have moved much closer to the Divine Essence."
He coughs a bit, lets down the board he was drawing on and gets up.

"It's been a long time since I've made a lecture like this."
He takes a waterskin and drinks from it.
"Any need for clarifications or questions before I ask my own?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 23, 2015, 03:43:41 pm

Campaign, Ike!

What kind of potatoes? Raw, fried, boiled, sauteed, pureed, whipped, chopped, whisked, burnt, hot, cold, green, blue, etiolated, growing, dying, fresh, rotten?

Oh, and continue to listen. These guys are pretty funny.

((Rotten Potatoes could be a great name for a site with parodies of reviews of movies.))

You're pretty sure they're not as fresh as they should be. They're probably at this state where they're still edible but will start to have green things growing on them soon.

_{"'Obvious'? You're talking about the whole our home was destroyed and most of the people I know are dead? About how we might all die at any moment problem, I suppose? Or about what happened with the military? No, why would I be feeling bad about any of that?"[/sarcasm]
"Oh, no, I'm not talking about that."
"Huh? You're not?"
"Yes, no, the thing I'm talking about is your enormous weight. I can't understand how someone as fat as you can stay upright."
"You little-"
"No seriously, how did you manage to get that thing? There was (and still is) a bloody food shortage. Spending all your time in the pub, are y- Ouch."
"Next one is going to be with my sword."
"If you can catch me."
*quiet*
"Really though, what did you do? You're a Guardsman, right? Took some money under the table? Or is your dad rich and you just joined the Guardsmen to spite him or-"
*sound of sword being unsheathed*
"I swear to Krolm, one more word about my family and I'll use this on you."
*quiet*
"Speaking of drinks, do you think we could find any?"
"Seriously?"}

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 23, 2015, 03:45:04 pm

Campaign

You could say that up to this point, Zechariah had been in a sort of unconscious trance. He was simply saying what came to his mind, voicing his inner thoughts. That's what he had learned to do, really. If he did not do that, bad things began to form in his mind. In this way, perhaps he would be able to help both River and himself to accomplish the task at hand. It just required him to empty what was on his mind and to form a new energy in his total being.

But River had crossed the line. River went down the river of his consciousness and plucked at all of the strings that he could find. He had pressed all of the buttons, broken the last straw - whatever metaphor you wish to use to describe what he was doing to Zechariah. Whether intentional or unintentional, River ignited Zechariah's passionate side once again. It was something that he was only barely holding onto; something that  he had almost lost when he broke his mental ties with Artemis. When he had fallen into the void. When he decided that he was going to end it once and for all.

This was his passion.

"What?!" Zechariah pushed himself off of the ground and whirled around, staring straight into River's eyes. He didn't fear River anymore. There was only anger in his own mind. He could feel himself starting to become unstable again. "You're telling me, of all people, that I just want to give up? That I'm going to just leave it all in the dust, because I don't have anyone I care for anymore? Because I never planned to wake up again?" He was beginning to shiver ever-so-slightly, as if a cold breeze had just suddenly overtaken the summit of the mount that they were standing upon. A low, energetic glow highlighted his irises, the energy surging back into Zechariah. "To even insinuate that I would do that - just give up - is absolutely absurd! I've spent a quarter of my life fighting the Shadows, constantly looking for new ways to suppress the forces that threatened to destroy the multiverse that I came from. I fought, I talked, I consoled, I befriended, I rivaled, I did everything that I could to take up any persona that was necessary! I wanted to help. I wanted to help whoever I could. I wanted to nurture and care for as many lives as possible. I wanted to be a friend for those in need and a hand for those who have fallen. I wanted to give others the joy of life that I could never have!"

He lets that hang in the air for several moments before recollecting his thoughts and beginning another rant. "That's it. That's really it. I don't really know all of these people. I mean, I know their names: Theri, Irine, Ike, Jordan... but I don't know their whole life stories. I don't know where they've been or what they've experienced. But I still care about them - all of them! I want to make their lives better, and the lives of everyone we meet with. That's.. that's what I committed myself to. That was what my contract with Artemis was about. I sacrificed my personal life to benefit the lives of others. And... I know what I did. I know what I did when I shook hands with Artemis. I accept that fate. But there is still only so much that I can take." He shakes his head and attempts to form more words, but the words become lost, replaced by the formation of tears in his eyes.

"I'm not asking for a way out. I'm not trying to escape or give up. I would never do that, because I know that I made a contract that will never go away, for as long as I live. That's why I gave myself to the Void of the Medium. It was my only chance for both escaping and giving my friends one last chance, without me as a burden. But I know that I still have a purpose now. I get it. But at the end of the day, when all of it is done, I'm still mortal. I didn't plan to live beyond what we had to face. Again, I accept that I still want to carry on. But there's one thing that I've been missing this entire time."

He paces around trying to be coherent while fighting off the tears. Finally, he brushes a sleeve over his eyes, takes a deep breath, and speaks once again. "I gave up friendship. When I made the contract with Artemis, I gave up the ability to be close to people. To be able to just talk and feel and relax. I needed to be always on my toes, to adapt to the situation, to talk with people, to convince the Guardians to act, to mold the Medium to what it needed to be. But I... I can't just keep doing this. I'm going to destroy myself doing this. And, yes, I have accepted that. I have!

But.. what if I had the ability to find solace? What if I was able to find a partner in life sometime? What if I could just relax and watch the stars, or just get some ice cream and laugh and talk, or just... just..

...live?" He stares at River while he finishes his last sentence, trying as hard as he can to hold back tears. Shaking his head, he turns around and sits down on the rocks, hugging his knees close to him.

"What if I don't have to feel so alone?" He whispers softly. He puts his head down in his arms as the first tear rolls onto his cheek.

River appears surprised by your reaction, quickly getting up and taking a couple of steps back, watching you with eyes wide and attentive ears.
"I am sorry! I meant not hurt! Words hard to-" he tries to interject as you speak, but stops as you continue.
His ears gradually drop as you speak, along with his tail and eyes and small distortions appear in the air around him.
He speaks again two seconds after you finish, speaking quietly.
"I am sorry. I saw someone I cared about with a problem and tried to help. But I only made things worse. This was a mistake. I will leave you alone."
You hear him take two steps but stop.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on March 30, 2015, 12:07:37 pm

"You have taught me of the elements, but not how a mage manipulates them. How is a spell cast?"

---

after his explanation, if it included how to tell one spell from another:
"You wanted to cast divinations upon me before, however, I am not willing to let you cast unknown spells upon me. Could you teach me the spells you wish to cast so that they will no longer be unknown?"

---

after his explanation, if it did not include how to tell one spell from another:
"How can I tell the difference between spells? How can I know if a mage is trying to attack me or if he is simply divining information?"

---

if he refuses to teach me how a spell is cast:
"Ok, then I suppose the next question is yours?"

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 30, 2015, 03:47:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike, having listened to the mage's filibuster, sheds his last regrets about never attending college. From this moment on, he is truly free of his entire past. He has the impulse to thank the man for this great favor, but quickly suppresses it.

Thankfully there are fun guards to distract me from this lecturing business. Are they going away already to get smashed, or are they sticking around?

Think of potatoes. Consider their mysterious allure while I listen to all around me.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 02, 2015, 08:27:57 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 27, 2015, 03:00:59 pm

I'm sure Alan can find a way.  What's the highest throw so far?  (If you recall)


"Pokey pokey?  Okay, I'll stop."

How far is that, anyway?  I don't see any specifics except that it's probably absurdly long.

Retract it to a reasonable short spear.  In various spear settings (bracelet, short spear, long spear, safe and unsafe), try out the move/stop and reconfigure buttons.

It is absurdly long. And takes several minutes to get there because it gets slower and slower. And overheats more and more, which means that if you do it too fast you could burn your hands. And gets heavier, you wouldn't be able to lift it if I didn't make you use the Staging Area to cheat so I could make my silly joke. Basically, there's a point after which it's not worth making it larger and then there's a point where it reaches a limit and just grows nanometres. And the fact that the ring is in its centre is not helping. It's a melee weapon. Don't expect to use to stab the neighbours very often. I mean, there could be circumstances where that could be useful, but at most you'd be using it as a pike.

The things you try do nothing.

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 27, 2015, 04:17:46 pm

Saevus looks at John with a look that could only be understood as disapproval. How he can give someone a look of disapproval when he doesn't really have a face, his face-equivalent being a helmet with no facial features and other things important for visual communication, you ask? I have absolutely no idea.

"I certainly hope so."

Still, I'd like to have something to deter possible poking. Summon the biggest crossbow I can and load it up. Fire at anything that pokes (or attempts to (or looks like it might)) anything.

Saevus is basically using the poking as an excuse to amuse himself. This waiting is terribly boring. And the fact that there's a battle raging over there and he can't join in is irritating.

((I'm sure D would be happy to paint a smiley face on your helmet.))

You summon a crossbow and shoot a warning shot at John. The energy draw becomes overwhelming and the bolt disappears about halfway there. Could probably use the staging area to amp your power though. Then again, that also means that your bolts would probably do nothing more than push him. Might be funny though,

By the look of things, the waiting will be over soon.

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 27, 2015, 03:00:26 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Now that all is alright, change to an alligator or crocodile. Use any remaining biomass to begin sprouting armored plates on my back, the side which faces up.

Wanna kill me? Try to flip me over, I fecking dare ya.

But seriously, how did being shot with a plane cure a headache? :P

Have you ever heard the expression "If your hand hurts, you can stop the pain by cutting your arm"?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Anyway, the headache continues but it is so weak now you pay it no mind, since it doesn't slow you down at all.

Instead, you use most of the biomass you have accumulated to turn into a rather large reptile, covered in thick armoured scales everywhere except the mouth, where gigantic teeth and a powerful jaw await to rend things in half.

Quote from: Alarith on March 27, 2015, 11:12:15 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Continue messing with the deer mind to slow him down. Get moving towards the hill. How's the bullet fire? If there is a lot going by go from cover to cover, otherwise just get moving.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You slowly get up and start moving forward, making your way between the burning tanks and newly created craters. You move a bit more slowly than you'd like, one hand applying pressure to your wound. Now that the adrenaline has faded somewhat, each step hurts. It's hard to move your leg and waist. But you've had worse.

You can't concentrate enough to mess with the deer's head. Said deer starts bubbling and dissolving and within a few seconds has transformed into a giant armoured crocodile-like thing with nasty-looking teeth.

Quote from: akkudakku on March 27, 2015, 03:35:50 pm

Spoiler: HOLY SHIT! THERMOBARICS! (click to show/hide)

Slow enemy soldiers, speed up own soldiers, get into cover quickly (close to the hill).

"Holy shit, what are we against, commies? Americans? This is not fun, not fun at all..."

"Does it matter? All that matters is that you keep fighting. Go forth, for the glory of war!" you hear a booming voice coming from somewhere a long distance behind you.
<Judging from the skulls, I'd say you are the baddies (https://youtu.be/hn1VxaMEjRU).>
<Actually, historically, skulls have been used as the symbol of various armies, both good and bad, such as->
<Nobody asked for a history lesson from you.>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You might want to rephrase that a bit. Because if I interpret it as speed up all friendly soldiers and slow down all enemy soldiers... For the friendly soldiers alone you'd need to affect half an acre. It would take a while and a good roll. I'm going to assume you don't want that.

So I'll just you get up and keep running towards the hill, until you reach the base of the hill and take cover there, along with the slowest of the soldiers attacking the hill.

Most of the defensive emplacements have been silenced and the friendly soldiers have reached the top of the hill. You can see tracer rounds flying away from it, but you can't tell what is going on up there.

Quote from: Beirus on March 28, 2015, 12:22:20 am

Spoiler: Take two (click to show/hide)

Keep going for the spot on the hill, then activate and begin charging. Try not to die. Use cover, including soldiers. If attacked or hit, activate and begin charging.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keep running up the hill, somehow weaving your way through the enemy defensive emplacements and avoiding getting shot. The soldiers around you make quick work of the defensive emplacements, using tactics, numbers and explosives to counter superior firepower and cover.

You reach the top of the hill, now being in the front of the attacking soldier's charge. Your target is now in sight, a large and slightly circular concrete fortification. It is tiered, with a higher level in its centre surrounding a pillar with what looks like communication equipment. The soldiers manning the fortifications open fire the moment the soldier make it, rapid fire machine-guns tearing into the troops around you. The fact that you are flanking it combined with your continued luck means that you are once again not targeted by the enemy troops.

The outer wall is about 8 metres away. With a bit more running and a bit more luck, you can reach the wall in no time.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap5_zpsgq7bcqxm.png)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 30, 2015, 12:07:37 pm

"You have taught me of the elements, but not how a mage manipulates them. How is a spell cast?"

---

after his explanation, if it included how to tell one spell from another:
"You wanted to cast divinations upon me before, however, I am not willing to let you cast unknown spells upon me. Could you teach me the spells you wish to cast so that they will no longer be unknown?"

---

after his explanation, if it did not include how to tell one spell from another:
"How can I tell the difference between spells? How can I know if a mage is trying to attack me or if he is simply divining information?"

---

if he refuses to teach me how a spell is cast:
"Ok, then I suppose the next question is yours?"

"You have taught me of the elements, but not how a mage manipulates them. How is a spell cast?"

"Oh, that is a very interesting question. How indeed? The matter is still being researched today, but I can give you the most commonly accepted theory."

"A very important part is intent, a mage should have at least some idea of the intent of their action. Some elements rely less on it than others, but even Chaos Sorcerers usually give their spells some general intent. Note that the intent doesn't necessarily have to be conscious, in fact many times there are problems caused because a mage looses his or her concentration part way through the spell, thus halting the spell or ending up with an imperfect result. Or worse, if their thoughts wander too far, the result may be completely different from what they originally intended, sometimes with very unfortunate results. That is why many mages use magical words when casting spells. Well, one of the reasons. It also helps with the ritual and... other things."

"Speaking of, the second part is ritual. The way someone moves their body, what they say, what they feel, what they think, how they think, all those contribute to the spell. Oftentimes, it is even necessary to change your thoughts or movements or words according to how the spell is progressing. If the spell aligns with your affinity, it's usually much easier to reach the required state. And it also means that it is easier to understand the spell, if you read about it or if someone explains it to you. Because it should be closer to the way you think and act and... the way you are, really, what you are. Again, it depends on circumstances and elemental affinity. Spells that combine multiple elements tend to be much harder for that exact reason."

"And the third is... casting a spell. It is a bit hard to explain without becoming too technical, since it depends on many factors depending on circumstances and the elements involved... Basically it means that even if you want something to happen, it's not enough. You have to cause it to happen. Even if the energy inside you is in a perfect state, you have to somehow cause it to... go out. But it's not really going out, because it is already flowing through you, it is part of you. It is more like... To feel the power within you, to coax that energy to act and manifest, to push it to act while keeping control of it. But it's not really control, because... Eh, it's hard to explain to someone who's never done it before. It's like moving a hand. Or blinking. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be done intentionally, it just happens. If you've done it before, then you understand what I'm talking about."

"Depending on the inner power of a mage and their environment, either of these parts alone can be enough to cause a spell to manifest, but alone and without training they are unlikely to result in a spell as good or as powerful. In fact, they are very likely to get you killed."

"Theoretically, even a peasant could use magic in the right circumstances, usually manifested through the use of enchanted items. There have been some instances where claims of unaided magic use have been made, but they are hard to verify. How can one know for certain that they are not merely tales of drunkards? How can one know if the heroes of old or those who claim to have been aided by gods have not actually aided themselves, using magic without realising it? You cannot watch everyone all the time. It is an interesting subject but impossibly hard to research and prove conclusively."

"How can I tell the difference between spells? How can I know if a mage is trying to attack me or if he is simply divining information?"

"Well, like I said, casting requires those three element. Of those three, the easier to discern without the use of magic is the ritual element. If one knows of the spells someone is likely to use, then they can usually discern what kind of spell someone is casting based on their words and movements."

"If one does not know exactly how a spell is cast, then they could probably guess the mage's intent from the way they act. It is like trying to discern the intent of someone as they are talking or like trying to determine whether or not they are lying. Generally a violent spell will have violent words and movements. But it takes an expert judge of intent to do so. After all, the difference between determined and angry might be hard to make out depending on the circumstances."

"One may try to use their thoughts and intent to override the other elements of the ritual, but it is hard and unreliable to do so, usually even harder than casting a spell by intent alone. One may try to intentionally miscast a spell to cause damage, but that is even more unreliable. The more... chaotic elements tend to be more forgiving in that regard, so if one thinks one with such an affinity is likely to betray him, then he should probably be even more careful about them."

"You wanted to cast divinations upon me before, however, I am not willing to let you cast unknown spells upon me. Could you teach me the spells you wish to cast so that they will no longer be unknown?"

Kassiver sighs.
"Explaining would take a lot of time and I would like to get at least some sleep. I have important things to do tomorrow. I suppose I could just show you the words and movements. That way you'd-"

You catch a glimpse of something moving near Ike with the corner of your eye. Kassiver pauses and looks at him closely.

"I could cast the spell on your... companion here, if you consider him more expendable. Then you could see there is nothing to worry about."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 30, 2015, 03:47:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike, having listened to the mage's filibuster, sheds his last regrets about never attending college. From this moment on, he is truly free of his entire past. He has the impulse to thank the man for this great favor, but quickly suppresses it.

Thankfully there are fun guards to distract me from this lecturing business. Are they going away already to get smashed, or are they sticking around?

Think of potatoes. Consider their mysterious allure while I listen to all around me.

_{"What? I tried searching a pub yesterday morning but it had already been cleared of everything."
"Why does that not surprise me?"
"That they cleared the pub?"
"That you stayed awake after our shift to search for liqueur."
"Psh. I don't drink liqueur. Only strong ale will do it for me. Or something stronger."
*quiet*
"Not that I'd object to a bit of liqueur."
*quiet*
"I mean, really, any sort of drink will do."
*sigh* "Why did you even volunteer for this position? No, wait, don't answe-"
"What? I can sit around all night and get food for it. Not like it's something dangerous."
"Do you know where the person who had that post before you is?"
"Where?"
"Let's say that he only gets up when there's wind now."
"What, you mean he got cursed with some sort of wind magic curse?"
"No. How to put it... He's all around you. Here, there, a bit further."
"I'm not following you."
"He's been burnt, you idiot. There's nothing but ashes left."
"Hey, no need to call people names, you could had just said that in the first place."
*quiet*
"What's wrong?"
"All your talking about drinking has gotten me thirsty now. And I can't get in there or I'll get yelled at again."
"Want me to get in there to get you some?"
"What? So that you'll get- No, wait, that's a brilliant idea. Why don't you get me some? Maybe if I'm lucky he'll volunteer you for that military assignment and I can get you off my back."
"What?"
"Nothing."}

You close your eyes and think of the mysterious nature of the tubers, of their capacity to grow and spread, with normal plant-like leaves above ground, yet a more intricate method of reproduction below ground, a network of roots and stolons and child potatoes that could remind one of an ants' nest's network of tunnels and storage chambers. Only the network is not built merely to preserve the life of the colony, but to ensure the existence of future life, each potato being a new centre of growth, a bundle of nutrients coupled with several nodes of information and future growth, much sturdier and more likely to survive than most animals that walk the earth. One could say a potato represents life. Life is, in a way, potato.

You reason however that there is something more here, for the potato does not simply grow alone. It cannot grow outside of the ground, it needs the earth, it feeds off of it. It even takes on its nature, by becoming brown like the soil it grows in, taking the smell and shape of lumps of dirt. How does it do that though, a plant masquerading as dirt? What wondrous powers could be hidden in the simple potato?

And the potato also needs the air. And the sun. And the water. It is like the whole world revolves around the potato. As if the whole world was created to cater its needs. Even humans grow and protect potatoes, taking a few of them in return. You reason, therefore that potatoes represent the divine, perfection. People should meditate about potatoes, worship potatoes, model their ways after its lessons, regard the cultivation and consumption of potatoes as a ritual, a way to move closer to the divine perfection of the potato.

...

Maybe it's time to eat again?

---

OOC

Quote from: Xantalos on March 27, 2015, 02:47:33 pm

Quote

I challenge every one of you to try and beat that.

Somewhere in the netherverse, Alan begins to charge up his misfortune powers.
Seriously though, how many negative modifiers did he even have?

It's the way combat works. Basically, being in the site of an airstrike, having a missile happen to go towards your general direction and walking right on its path is very bad for your health. It was one of those things where if there were no rolls involved, if he had fired the missile on himself or something, I would have had him autofail his endurance.

Quote from: Wolfkit on March 27, 2015, 04:02:50 pm

((So what, did I roll 3 1s in a row to get that kind of negatives?))

Something like that, plus the damage multiplier for the missile, plus your position, plus circumstances. The only way to make it worse would have been to be standing on a tank so that you could had gotten hit by multiple missiles and bullets.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Alarith on April 02, 2015, 11:33:21 pm

Bryan, Tournament
"A shame if I were to be killed by this event instead of a contestant."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Keep moving forward. just try to get my brain to cope with the pain so its easier to do other stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Beirus on April 02, 2015, 11:49:12 pm

Spoiler: Keep on trucking (click to show/hide)

 Get to the wall and try to get over it. Maybe wait until soldiers are attacking as a distraction to get over the wall. Or go through a door if there is an unguarded entrance. Once inside, get as near the center as I can without being spotted. If attacked at any point or spotted inside and threatened with attack, activate and begin charging.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 03, 2015, 12:52:34 am

"No, He is under my protection. I won't put him at risk for my gain."
I sigh
"The problem is, you've made yourself quite clear. You think I'm a monster, and intend to use me for your own benefit as best you can, and you'll try to destroy or enslave me if given half a chance. You even said that it's what any good man would do. By your own words, you aren't trustworthy."
"and I believe you."
"I think we'd both benefit if you cast the divination you desire, but if I give you permission to try it, that isn't what you'll do. instead, you'll attack me with whatever spell you think has the best chance of disabling or killing me, and then perform your experiments on my body. If this is how your people treat all nonhumans, then I see why they're all are hostile to you."
"Why should I trust you, xenophobic mage of unknown capability?"
I tilt my head to my right side and meet him eye to eye, watching for him to look away, my next words calm and quiet.
"Why should I trust someone who judges people by what they are, instead of whom they are?"
I pause for a moment, still staring at him.
"Go ahead and ask your questions."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 03, 2015, 04:27:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue to listen.

But also begin to recontextualize the events of the past, present and future in the light of potato. It is an involved process, naturally.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on April 03, 2015, 04:39:43 am

((You're going full Halesley.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 03, 2015, 04:43:45 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 03, 2015, 04:39:43 am

((You're going full Halesley.))

((I just wonder how the talky wizard guy fits into the nascent Unified Potato Theory.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 03, 2015, 06:27:16 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 02, 2015, 08:27:57 pm

((I'm sure D would be happy to paint a smiley face on your helmet.))

((Facial expressions aside, that would make Saevus even more terrifying to the ordinary man, I think. Imagine a soldier frozen in terror as a giant clad in armor effortlessly crushes and maims his brothers in arms and friends before the figure moves in to kill him as well. The last thing he sees? A smiley face covered in blood.))

What's this about tapping into the Staging Area? Sounds mighty interesting. Do it.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Toaster on April 03, 2015, 10:58:36 am

Hmm.

"Hey Zero, how do the Move, Stop, and Reconfigure buttons work?  I can't get them to do anything."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 03, 2015, 12:12:36 pm

Walk to the area on the hill which I'm trying to get to.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 03, 2015, 01:15:38 pm

((dialogue edit complete))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 03, 2015, 07:48:49 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 03, 2015, 10:58:36 am

Hmm.

"Hey Zero, how do the Move, Stop, and Reconfigure buttons work?  I can't get them to do anything."

<When depressed the buttons allow electricity to flow through them. A circuit creates a signal that reaches the core unit, where it is interpreted. Their respective functions are activated if the environmental and internal parameters are correct.>
<They are currently operating within acceptable parameters as intended.>

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 03, 2015, 06:27:16 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 02, 2015, 08:27:57 pm

((I'm sure D would be happy to paint a smiley face on your helmet.))

((Facial expressions aside, that would make Saevus even more terrifying to the ordinary man, I think. Imagine a soldier frozen in terror as a giant clad in armor effortlessly crushes and maims his brothers in arms and friends before the figure moves in to kill him as well. The last thing he sees? A smiley face covered in blood.))

What's this about tapping into the Staging Area? Sounds mighty interesting. Do it.

((Heeeeeere's Johnny!))

You wish you were more powerful. The air around you distorts and becomes brighter. And now you suddenly are, the runes on you glowing more vibrantly, changing colour more quickly. You feel like you're 200 years old again.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 03, 2015, 12:52:34 am

"No, He is under my protection. I won't put him at risk for my gain."
I sigh
"The problem is, you've made yourself quite clear. You think I'm a monster, and intend to use me for your own benefit as best you can, and you'll try to destroy or enslave me if given half a chance. You even said that it's what any good man would do. By your own words, you aren't trustworthy."
"and I believe you."
"I think we'd both benefit if you cast the divination you desire, but if I give you permission to try it, that isn't what you'll do. instead, you'll attack me with whatever spell you think has the best chance of disabling or killing me, and then perform your experiments on my body. If this is how your people treat all nonhumans, then I see why they're all are hostile to you."
"Why should I trust you, xenophobic mage of unknown capability?"
I tilt my head to my right side and meet him eye to eye, watching for him to look away, my next words calm and quiet.
"Why should I trust someone who judges people by what they are, instead of whom they are?"
I pause for a moment, still staring at him.
"Go ahead and ask your questions."

"So this is how it is? I treat you well, I try to forget what you did to us and what you are, I give you food and water and offer you shelter, I share with you secrets few know and all you have to offer me are useless answers, mistrust and insults? This is how you repay me for my hospitality?"
He doesn't look happy. The flame inside the lantern starts wobbling slightly.
"All right then. I have a question for you."
He gets up from his seat, puts his hands on the table and leans forward, staring at you aggressively.
"What kind of fair compensation can you offer? What do you have to offer that would make up for what I have given you? What can you do... What...
What in the Void is going on out there?"
Kassiver's attention shifts to somewhere behind you. A moment later, he starts walking around the table.
"Stay here. We are not finished." he orders you as he starts walking away.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 03, 2015, 04:27:30 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue to listen.

But also begin to recontextualize the events of the past, present and future in the light of potato. It is an involved process, naturally.

_{"You said something about me?"
"No."
"Hey, I'm trying to be good here man. But if you're going to be like that then let us go at it, right here right now!"
"That's not what I-"
"I try to talk to you, nothing."
"Look, all I want is a quiet shift and I really don't-"
"Well maybe I don't want a quiet shift. You've been nothing but boring. I want something to happen."}
There's a soft sound that quickly alternates between loud and quiet, something like the vibration from a particularly loud bus somewhere very far away reaching you, barely audible.
_{*quiet*
"I just want you to know, I blame you for that."}

((I have no idea what an involved process is. Or know much about your past other than that you are from a forest that has a university. And I'm pretty sure you can't predict the future. I can try to recontextualize your missions. Let's see...))

Well, you suppose some of your enemies were treacherous, like potatoes hiding underground. And one of them literally tried to peel you with its scythe-hands. One of your companions is a couch potato, literally in a way. Could perhaps everyone that you have met be considered to have the traits of a potato? How could your current companion resemble a potato, you wonder.

You have persevered like a potato. And you listen like a potato listens to the ground and the air and the sun to change and grow, to act at the best possible moment. Potatoes have no ears though, they do not listen as well as you can... or do they? Perhaps they listen to the entire world, every vibration reaching them through the ground. Perhaps they listen at a different level, a mystic level.

---

OOC
Have you ever read You are a Necromancer? If not, go read it here: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=96692.0
Monk started updating it again. Yay!

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 03, 2015, 11:23:46 pm

I get up and walk with him.
"At no point have I deceived you, you are the one that proposed our current agreement and discussion. If you dislike those terms, then you shouldn't have made them. My words are the natural extension of your own, and you have also offered offense. The scales are balanced, I do not owe you compensation."
"As I said, it is your turn to ask, and mine to answer. ask your questions."

---

if he objects to me following him, then I simply walk out the tent ahead of him and ask the guards outside:
"Um, excuse me, what's going on out here?"

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on April 03, 2015, 11:35:04 pm

((Who else was on this campaign mission? I've kinda forgotten.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 04, 2015, 03:26:40 am

(("Involved" means it requires an investment of resources, time and attention, and thus not possible to do quickly. And Ike's forest doesn't have a college, I will add.))

Campaign, Ike!

Listen, hey, listen!

If talky wizard allows Irine to walk with him to his no doubt impending doom, slink after them in a humble, nigh-invisible slavelike fashion.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 03, 2015, 11:35:04 pm

((Who else was on this campaign mission? I've kinda forgotten.))

((Ike, Irine, Zechariah, Nikolai, Alan and... Theri, yeah.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Andres on April 04, 2015, 05:22:39 am

((What's going on? Is Mission 3 still happening? Can I start a character? I only read the first and second posts.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 04, 2015, 05:39:37 am

Quote from: Andres on April 04, 2015, 05:22:39 am

((What's going on? Is Mission 3 still happening? Can I start a character? I only read the first and second posts.))

((Mission 3 is over. Well, the survival one. Campaign is still going on. There's a tournament right now. And yeah, Paris said that new players are welcome.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: akkudakku on April 04, 2015, 01:08:08 pm

Spoiler: High speed, low drag. (click to show/hide)

Slow down the opponent closest to the goal. RUN towards the goal.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 04, 2015, 01:17:52 pm

"Aye, 'tis quite an enjoyable feeling."

How about a proper warning shot this time. I mean, it does look like he stopping playing around with this menacing poking implement of his, but maybe he didn't notice the first one.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 04, 2015, 04:09:12 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Alarith on April 02, 2015, 11:33:21 pm

Bryan, Tournament
"A shame if I were to be killed by this event instead of a contestant."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Keep moving forward. just try to get my brain to cope with the pain so its easier to do other stuff.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Moving forward it is.

Looking at your right, you notice another one of those transport planes, however it doesn't appear to be swooping down for a drop. A second later, you see the problem, as it is hit by a stream of tracer rounds from somewhere behind it, causing part of it to explode into flaming fragments. Looks like some of them are going to fall close to you and Rune.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 03, 2015, 12:12:36 pm

Walk to the area on the hill which I'm trying to get to.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You walk. Because hey, running as a short-legged heavily-armoured reptile is hard. Plus, better to let the others to fight each other and kill them when they're tired and/or distracted.

Quote from: akkudakku on April 04, 2015, 01:08:08 pm

Spoiler: High speed, low drag. (click to show/hide)

Slow down the opponent closest to the goal. RUN towards the goal.

Spoiler: Bound forward! (click to show/hide)

Unfortunately, you cannot currently see the opponent closest to the goal. Could slow the second closest, but I'm going to assume you want to focus on running.

You reach the top of the hill, where the friendly troops are in the process of assaulting your objective: a large and slightly circular concrete fortification. It is tiered, with a higher level in its centre surrounding a pillar with what looks like communication equipment. The troops around you are having a hard time taking the fortification. Not many are brave (or stupid) enough to rush the defending soldiers. It is a dangerous endeavour, as the corpses laying between the two sides show. Instead, they try to kill the attackers or flush them out with grenades. Some of them have managed to get through, turning the fight into a close range melee, where guns are used to bash and stab people almost as much as they are used to fire bullets at them.

You can see a faint green glow coming from the west side of the fortification.

Quote from: Beirus on April 02, 2015, 11:49:12 pm

Spoiler: Keep on trucking (click to show/hide)

 Get to the wall and try to get over it. Maybe wait until soldiers are attacking as a distraction to get over the wall. Or go through a door if there is an unguarded entrance. Once inside, get as near the center as I can without being spotted. If attacked at any point or spotted inside and threatened with attack, activate and begin charging.

Spoiler: Like a bus! (click to show/hide)

You jump out of cover and charge at the enemy position, screaming vague obscenities as you do so. You try to approach a lightly defended position, but finding one is not easy.

As is to be expected, you are targeted by one of the enemy machine-gunners almost immediately. As you see the barrel of his gun turning to face you, you jump forward and down. There is the rattle of gunfire. You feel like something just burned through your skull your skull.

You open your eyes. It takes you a moment to realize that you are still alive. You don't know what happened, but you are alive, and you can move, so as soon as you comprehend that, you get up and keep moving forward, trying your best to ignore the blood going in your eyes and the smell of burnt flesh and hair.

The machinegunner is hit by one of the soldiers behind you, eliminating the threat, at least temporarily. You can hear more people following your charge from behind you. You don't know if the others are motivated by your bravery or if they are simply taking advantage of the distraction you are providing, but their support helps get you the rest of the way there without getting shot at again.

It looks like inside the fortification there is a small artillery emplacement in a depression on the ground, some kind of hole. You can only see its tip rising out of it. But you don't care that much about it. The moment you are over the wall, you reach inside you and push the metaphorical button.

Blades of bone explode out of your chest. The soldiers around, both friendly and enemy you look at you with surprise, then a mix of fear and disgust, some of them falling down while others start running away. You look down. Your guts starts spilling out, leaking a strange goo. Your legs star dissolving. You are melting.

Tick tock.

Everyone
There is a faint green haze coming from the top of the hill, as if aerosolized glowstick fluid is seeping from somewhere on it.

<The objective is being captured.>

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap6_zpsun7buhcf.png)

---

OOC
Got to go, I'll do the others later.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: akkudakku on April 04, 2015, 04:19:58 pm

Spoiler: Double time! (click to show/hide)

Grab a rifle from one of the dead. Pick a group of enemy soldiers that are in the way to the objective and slow them down.

"Move it guys! Storm that group!"

Join the assault on said group, get into the fortress.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 04, 2015, 04:21:59 pm

Evolve anything that will allow me to pick up the pace. Whether it be longer legs, or something ridiculous like flight, I need to get to that capture zone. Then, rush off at full speed. To that capture zone.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 04, 2015, 08:02:43 pm

Quote from: Andres on April 04, 2015, 05:22:39 am

((What's going on? Is Mission 3 still happening? Can I start a character? I only read the first and second posts.))

Yes, you can send me a character or post one here, whatever you want. The first post mission info thing is a bit outdated, I need to fix it when I get some time.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 03, 2015, 11:35:04 pm

((Who else was on this campaign mission? I've kinda forgotten.))

I'm sorry, I really must apologize for the delay. To you, NAV and Tiruin. I was kinda hoping you'd be playing again by now.

If DAF doesn't post soon, I'm gonna start bugging him with PMs (or just auto him. Autoing someone in a situation like that would be one of the things I hate the most, but I hate inconsistencies and keeping others from playing even more. It's been two weeks.), because the time difference between the two groups is getting a bit too much. Already there are things happening that, depending on other things, they could cause paradoxes.

Plus I'd like the current situation to be resolved soon, one way or another, so that things can move forward and we can see what happens.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 04, 2015, 03:26:40 am

(("Involved" means it requires an investment of resources, time and attention, and thus not possible to do quickly. And Ike's forest doesn't have a college, I will add.))

Campaign, Ike!

Listen, hey, listen!

If talky wizard allows Irine to walk with him to his no doubt impending doom, slink after them in a humble, nigh-invisible slavelike fashion.

((Ah, I see. Thanks.))

You hear something like a whisper or a gasp, like the entire camp is holding their breath. Then the murmurs start. You can't make out exactly what they're saying, but you can tell what they are. Cries of alarm spreading amongst the herd.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 03, 2015, 11:23:46 pm

I get up and walk with him.
"At no point have I deceived you, you are the one that proposed our current agreement and discussion. If you dislike those terms, then you shouldn't have made them. My words are the natural extension of your own, and you have also offered offense. The scales are balanced, I do not owe you compensation."
"As I said, it is your turn to ask, and mine to answer. ask your questions."

---

if he objects to me following him, then I simply walk out the tent ahead of him and ask the guards outside:
"Um, excuse me, what's going on out here?"

He ignores you and keeps walking away, although his face still betrays anger and annoyance.
The flaps of the tent open, revealing the two guards with their swords drawn. They start speaking at the same time.
"Sir, I'm sorry to-" "There was a-"
"I know." Kassiver cuts them off. "You two stay here. Guard the tent."
He keeps talking as he walks, his eyes on the exit.
"Theses two don't get out. Use violence if you have to. They are dangerous."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on April 05, 2015, 12:07:40 am

((Oh no trouble, I've waited far longer for a chance to play some games (84 or so days after STAN, by my count), so I'm good. Just wondering who else was playing since I'm starting to forget.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 05, 2015, 01:42:30 am

I keep walking with the mage
"Kassiver, do not force this. I will not be a prisoner when I've done no wrong. What is going on?"

---

if he attempts to cast something, then i sieze his inner fire and yank it up to the roof of the tent.
"STOP THAT! How hard is it to NOT try to enslave people!?! What is going on here?!?"

---

If the guards attempt to restrain me, I do not attack them, though I will tug out of their grip if given the chance.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 05, 2015, 09:00:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quietly prime myself for massah's next murderous rampage. Smile absently. Avoid eye contact.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Alarith on April 05, 2015, 03:09:04 pm

Bryan, tournament

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Get moving, but concentrate on either sending out small telekinetic pulses, or just a shield for me. Whichever is easier.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 05, 2015, 03:55:12 pm

((I apologize for not posting earlier. I really do. It's just that my situation at home has really been volatile and I haven't had time to post to any of the RtDs that I am in, or even to the one that I GM. I am sorry if I have been an inconvenience to other people. I will try to be more timely with my posting of turns.

I will edit this with my turn later. Right now, I am a little bit busy. Easter weekend and all...))

---

---

Campaign

Zechariah looked down, thinking that he could search for an answer in the ground. Something. Anything. Maybe the answer would be spelled out across the sky. He looked up. Nothing still. Maybe it would be waiting behind him, a clear image or few words to guide him. He turned his head reluctantly, knowing that there would be nothing there, but that he would try anyways. Still, only the dimming sky stared back at him. He sighed, knowing that it was useless. There was never a straight answer. It always had to be so complicated.

"Look, River," he began softly. "I don't know what your true intentions are. Maybe you do mean the best for us, and wish to see us succeed. Maybe this is just a sick game, and we are just rats in a lab maze for you to study. But I.. I just wish to be honest with myself. That's all. If I try to delude myself with lies, I will be falling back into the same cycle that I am trying to avoid. My Shadow would overtake me again. That's not what I want for anyone." Zechariah stands up, and turns to face River.

"I don't know if you'll face me again. And you might not want to anymore. But.. if I am to be truthful.." he falters in his voice, unsure of how to continue. "I.. I think that I am afraid over everything else.

"I am afraid. I'm afraid of the future. Afraid of what happens after this is all over. Afraid of the uncertainties. Afraid of what I can't control. In order to escape - to end - my eternal contract, I wanted to end my path and make the best of my end that I could. There was that opportunity. By using the Medium, I could give my friends a second chance at making things right, and I could also leave everyone and everything - forever." He looks down, afraid of how his words might come out. "I wanted to vaporize myself in the void of the Medium. I wanted to envelope myself in the chaos. In that way, I could destroy my own Shadow, put Artemis' final move into motion, and disconnect myself from existence altogether. That was my last plan. But then... you entities found me. That.. that is what I am afraid of now.

"I am afraid now, because I cannot even trust in the destruction of my physical, mental, and spiritual self. You picked up the parts and reformed me. I cannot even trust in death now to put me to rest. I am afraid that I will be bound eternally to the contract that I formed. If even death cannot be certain and eternal for me, what can I trust on to allow me to live - or die - in peace? Or.. am I left to this fate forever?"

Zechariah shakes his head. He knew that he was simply spouting his consciousness now, but maybe he could find resolution in this. "I know that you probably don't have the answer. I don't expect you, or anyone else, to have that answer. But.. I just would like to be able to find a hand to grasp in the darkness. I don't want to feel.. alone in a crowd. This all probably sounds silly to you, but.. these are my thoughts."

"So it's not your fault. It's mine. I still don't know how I will go about finding the help I need. Maybe I won't find that help. I... don't know."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on April 05, 2015, 04:40:59 pm

((Don't worry about it, RL stuff comes up.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Toaster on April 06, 2015, 08:40:07 am

John sighed.  Right, forgot to properly phrase my question.  "Okay, Zero.  In terms of adjusting the effect of the spear, what function do those circuits cause the device to perform?"

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2015, 08:39:32 pm

I'm busy and/or terrible at managing my time, sorry for the delay. I know some have sent me PMs, I'll try to respond when I have time.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 04, 2015, 01:17:52 pm

"Aye, 'tis quite an enjoyable feeling."

How about a proper warning shot this time. I mean, it does look like he stopping playing around with this menacing poking implement of his, but maybe he didn't notice the first one.

A bolt appears on the crossbow, accompanied by a dull red glow, pushing the mechanism and arming it as it materializes. The moment you fire it, you immediately materialize another and fire that as well. And another. And another. John hears the bolt whistling through the air and instinctively dodges the first, receives a glancing blow from the second, but the third and fourth hit him on the chest and on the head, throwing him to the ground, the bolts clattering to the ground beside him before disappearing. He remains unharmed though and doesn't feel anything that could be described as more painful than mildly irritating.

Quote from: Toaster on April 06, 2015, 08:40:07 am

John sighed.  Right, forgot to properly phrase my question.  "Okay, Zero.  In terms of adjusting the effect of the spear, what function do those circuits cause the device to perform?"

<The circuits allow manual control over the originally automated functions of the spear that ensure optimal penetration for maximal conductivity.> is what you hear inside your head before you are rather rudely pummelled by a hail of crossbow bolts that drive you to the ground.

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: akkudakku on April 04, 2015, 04:19:58 pm

Spoiler: Double time! (click to show/hide)

Grab a rifle from one of the dead. Pick a group of enemy soldiers that are in the way to the objective and slow them down.

"Move it guys! Storm that group!"

Join the assault on said group, get into the fortress.

Spoiler:  Hoo-'ah! (click to show/hide)

((That sounds like a charisma roll. Let's see...))
"Listen here you dirty maggots. You will get over there, you will kill those guys and you will give your lives to clear a path for me. If there is a mine, you will detect it with your legs. If it leaves a crater, you will bridge it with your body. And if it rains debris, you will hold my fucking umbrella! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR SOLDIERS?!"
The soldiers all look at you.
They don't look very happy.
"Hey, come on now, I was only joking. There's nothing wrong with a good joke, right? We're all friends here, right?"
They begin gathering around you.
"Right guys? Uh, guys?"

...

A few seconds later, you are thrown out of the trench.
"No no no, wait!"
You raise your hands in a futile defence from the inevitable hail of bullets... that never comes.

You dare to open your eyes and take a step backwards as you see a bullet right in front of your eye, moving forward and spinning slowly. Oh, right, you froze time in a thin lane in front of you, going from your trench to the enemy emplacement. Kinda forgot about that while you were giving your awesome speech.
Unfortunately, it looks like you have also slowed yourself down as a side effect.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 04, 2015, 04:21:59 pm

Evolve anything that will allow me to pick up the pace. Whether it be longer legs, or something ridiculous like flight, I need to get to that capture zone. Then, rush off at full speed. To that capture zone.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You make your front legs slightly higher. That doesn't help things much.

Quote from: Alarith on April 05, 2015, 03:09:04 pm

Bryan, tournament

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Get moving, but concentrate on either sending out small telekinetic pulses, or just a shield for me. Whichever is easier.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You do that. Or at least you try to.

There is a whistling that turns into a deafening buzzing. The flaming debris of a cargo plane fall from the sky, the remains of the fuselage carving a ditch on the earth filled with burning Kerosene.

Spoiler: coolrune (click to show/hide)

A piece of shrapnel strikes one of your joints. Your armour stops it before it can penetrate too deeply and cause any serious damage, but the hot piece of metal causes you a lot of pain. You roar in agony as you thrash on the ground until you finally manage to dislodge the piece from you.

Spoiler: Alarith (click to show/hide)

One of the cargo plane's jet engines detaches from its wind and tumbles through the air toward you, its blades still turning, spewing smoke and emitting a mix of whining and grinding. You manage to push it out of the way, but with your attention focused on it, you fail to spot a much smaller metal rod that strikes your hand, pinning you to the ground. You barely manage to not pass out from the pain.

Spoiler: akkudakku (click to show/hide)

You're too far away to be affected. Good for you.

There is a burst of green light coming from the top of the hill, bright enough to be reflected by the clouds overhead. It leaves a jagged spiral line slowly extending towards the clouds in a zig-zagging mostion in its wake.

<2 time units until the objective is captured.>

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap7_zpsflidayuc.png)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 05, 2015, 01:42:30 am

I keep walking with the mage
"Kassiver, do not force this. I will not be a prisoner when I've done no wrong. What is going on?"

---

if he attempts to cast something, then i sieze his inner fire and yank it up to the roof of the tent.
"STOP THAT! How hard is it to NOT try to enslave people!?! What is going on here?!?"

---

If the guards attempt to restrain me, I do not attack them, though I will tug out of their grip if given the chance.

The two guards reluctantly raise their swords as you approach, looking from you to Kassiver.
"Kassiver, do not force this. I will not be a prisoner when I've done no wrong. What is going on?"
Kassiver spins around to look at you, his face a snarl, his fists clenched.
"'Done no wrong'?!" he yells incredulously. "You truly believe that?" he immediately adds, a bit quieter, although his posture remains hostile.
A few seconds pass. But instead of attacking, he relaxes and makes a motion for the guards to lower their weapons.
"Very well. Why don't you follow me and see how much 'nothing' you have done?" he says, almost growling the words.
"Then we will see what you have to say for yourself."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 05, 2015, 09:00:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quietly prime myself for massah's next murderous rampage. Smile absently. Avoid eye contact.

You watch Irine's demonstration of high quality diplomacy and negotiations. Truly, her words and actions will be remembered and studied by historians and orators alike for years to come.

Outside, you can hear that the camp is in turmoil. There are worried murmurs everywhere. Yet there is very little sounds of movement or of other things happening.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 05, 2015, 03:55:12 pm

((I apologize for not posting earlier. I really do. It's just that my situation at home has really been volatile and I haven't had time to post to any of the RtDs that I am in, or even to the one that I GM. I am sorry if I have been an inconvenience to other people. I will try to be more timely with my posting of turns.

I will edit this with my turn later. Right now, I am a little bit busy. Easter weekend and all...))

---

---

Campaign

Zechariah looked down, thinking that he could search for an answer in the ground. Something. Anything. Maybe the answer would be spelled out across the sky. He looked up. Nothing still. Maybe it would be waiting behind him, a clear image or few words to guide him. He turned his head reluctantly, knowing that there would be nothing there, but that he would try anyways. Still, only the dimming sky stared back at him. He sighed, knowing that it was useless. There was never a straight answer. It always had to be so complicated.

"Look, River," he began softly. "I don't know what your true intentions are. Maybe you do mean the best for us, and wish to see us succeed. Maybe this is just a sick game, and we are just rats in a lab maze for you to study. But I.. I just wish to be honest with myself. That's all. If I try to delude myself with lies, I will be falling back into the same cycle that I am trying to avoid. My Shadow would overtake me again. That's not what I want for anyone." Zechariah stands up, and turns to face River.

"I don't know if you'll face me again. And you might not want to anymore. But.. if I am to be truthful.." he falters in his voice, unsure of how to continue. "I.. I think that I am afraid over everything else.

"I am afraid. I'm afraid of the future. Afraid of what happens after this is all over. Afraid of the uncertainties. Afraid of what I can't control. In order to escape - to end - my eternal contract, I wanted to end my path and make the best of my end that I could. There was that opportunity. By using the Medium, I could give my friends a second chance at making things right, and I could also leave everyone and everything - forever." He looks down, afraid of how his words might come out. "I wanted to vaporize myself in the void of the Medium. I wanted to envelope myself in the chaos. In that way, I could destroy my own Shadow, put Artemis' final move into motion, and disconnect myself from existence altogether. That was my last plan. But then... you entities found me. That.. that is what I am afraid of now.

"I am afraid now, because I cannot even trust in the destruction of my physical, mental, and spiritual self. You picked up the parts and reformed me. I cannot even trust in death now to put me to rest. I am afraid that I will be bound eternally to the contract that I formed. If even death cannot be certain and eternal for me, what can I trust on to allow me to live - or die - in peace? Or.. am I left to this fate forever?"

Zechariah shakes his head. He knew that he was simply spouting his consciousness now, but maybe he could find resolution in this. "I know that you probably don't have the answer. I don't expect you, or anyone else, to have that answer. But.. I just would like to be able to find a hand to grasp in the darkness. I don't want to feel.. alone in a crowd. This all probably sounds silly to you, but.. these are my thoughts."

"So it's not your fault. It's mine. I still don't know how I will go about finding the help I need. Maybe I won't find that help. I... don't know."

((Sorry, my bad. It's not your fault. I shouldn't have said that. It's not like I have a lot of time these days with all the things I've divided my attention to. Just a bit stressed and feeling bad for not updating.))

River doesn't turn to look at you. But as you speak, the distortions in the light around him start to diminish and his posture changes.

As you finish talking, he turns to look at you straight in the eyes. He approaches you slowly until he is two steps away from you, your height difference becoming more apparent at this distance.
He speaks slowly, quietly yet firmly.
"I do not understand. Not everything."
He takes another step towards you.
"But I am here."
He continues looking at you in the eyes, but says nothing more. He stays where he is, semi-relaxed but barely moving besides the slow the rising and falling of his chest.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 10, 2015, 11:50:28 pm

I nod once, and follow the mage.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: akkudakku on April 11, 2015, 03:26:34 am

Spoiler: For the Union! (click to show/hide)

Speed myself up. Just run to the goal. Cry a little at my leadership ineptitude.

((Oh, that was funny  :D))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 11, 2015, 06:40:19 am

Campaign, Ike!

WE FOLLOW.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 11, 2015, 07:33:43 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Move to the objective zone as quickly as possible. If I run across anything, either eat it, or just ignore it.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 11, 2015, 12:31:07 pm

((My name is Heavy Metal Guy... and this *huge ass crossbow appears out of nowhere and drops to the ground with a heavy thud* is my crossbow. She weighs one hundred fifty kilograms and fires custom-tooled bolts at however fast you press the trigger. Shooting it for 12 seconds costs NOTHING!))

Now that the warning shots have been administered, how about some target practice to pass the time? Maybe summon some targets using the Staging Area or my ability? Failing that... well, there are some targets standing around.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 11, 2015, 12:33:30 pm

I'm considering joining up as a somewhat mad dwarven martial artist, but I'm wondering if now is really the time to join this game... considering all that's going on.  :-\

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 12, 2015, 11:48:05 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 11, 2015, 12:33:30 pm

I'm considering joining up as a somewhat mad dwarven martial artist, but I'm wondering if now is really the time to join this game... considering all that's going on.  :-\

Well, we're going to start a new mission once the tournament ends. Just the semi-finals and the final left. Your char can join that mission.

There's two other people who have sent me PMs for characters and I have yet to find the time to respond to. You can add yourself to that group by sending me a PM.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 10, 2015, 11:50:28 pm

I nod once, and follow the mage.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 11, 2015, 06:40:19 am

Campaign, Ike!

WE FOLLOW.

You follow him outside. He speaks even before you are completely through as he steps aside to let you pass.
"Do you see?" he says as he points at a point of the horizon close to where the city is, before letting his hand fall. Whatever it is, it's hard to see, there's only a faint, barely visible red line, going towards the sky. It looks like it's coming from somewhere close to the camp.

Irine sees his fist moving towards her face. It's less of a punch and more of an extension of his hand, an incredibly quick movement, like a spring being released. She's not quick enough to react, even though she sees it coming, warned by the single word uttered by him during his motion:
"Fiato!"
The hit is not very strong, it's more of a push. But as his fist hits her face, it bursts into glowing red flames. They only last for a moment, but they are enough to cause her immense pain as they burn her face. More because of the pain (and perhaps surprise) than because of the force of the blow, she falls on her side.

Ike sees the two guards look shocked and confused. They try to keep both Ike, Irine and Kassiver in their sight but are not currently doing anything else.
Kassiver starts kneeling besides Irine, his hands going towards hers.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:18:52 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Jump back in utter surprise and also because there might be a firestorm in the making here.

"Massah! Oh no!" Ike says with childlike concern in his voice.

If it looks like hostilities are escalating, approach and prepare to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 12, 2015, 12:21:13 pm

Pre-planned action (siezing his inner flame and yanking it up into the air above him) - DO

If that incapacitates him:
"W-WHY?!? WHY CAN'T YOU STOP TRYING TO HURT ME! WHY DOES EVERYONE I MEET WANT TO MAKE ME INTO A MONSTER?!?!! WHY!?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!" I scream at him, crying in pain and betrayal and lost hope.

---

If it doesn't work, then I shift into my full-fox-form as I sieze all the surrounding flame, including flame from my transformation, and send it all pouring on to him.
<W-WHY?!? WHY CAN'T YOU STOP TRYING TO HURT ME! WHY DOES EVERYONE I MEET WANT TO MAKE ME INTO A MONSTER?!?!! WHY!?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!> I cry out to everyone near me as I scramble to my feet and try to get some distance from him.

---

((No @ firestorm, that attack may be crazy-strong, but it's also slow and exhausting.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:24:14 pm

As a side note, if I can manage it in my turn, see if I can't get behind Massah Kassah, as I've taken to calling him, and perhaps shoving an anti-magic stone I've got as deep into his ear as I can. Past the eardrum, preferably. Do this even if the man's incapacitated.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 12, 2015, 12:30:24 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:24:14 pm

As a side note, if I can manage it in my turn, see if I can't get behind Massah Kassah, as I've taken to calling him, and perhaps shoving an anti-magic stone I've got as deep into his ear as I can. Past the eardrum, preferably.

If the quoted action occurs and I had him disabled already and the guards aren't attacking me then:
"Ike Stop! He... He... He..." - I call out to him, though I can't put together fully why I want him to stop.
If the quoted action occurs and it was needful, then:
"T-thank you Ike, he, he, I..."
((Or if I'm in fox-form, then the same message, telepathically.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Beirus on April 12, 2015, 01:21:07 pm

Second chance round

Spoiler: What? (click to show/hide)

Keep charging. Maybe try to keep my guts inside.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Toaster on April 13, 2015, 09:11:13 pm

John sighed.  He guessed that was the best answer he was going to get.  "Watch your aim, buddy!"

Summon an extreme-range super soaker and squirt him if he tries that again.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 15, 2015, 08:36:32 pm

Busy, busy, busy. Turn tomorrow.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:24:14 pm

As a side note, if I can manage it in my turn, see if I can't get behind Massah Kassah, as I've taken to calling him, and perhaps shoving an anti-magic stone I've got as deep into his ear as I can. Past the eardrum, preferably. Do this even if the man's incapacitated.

Is this "slowly sneak behind him if I can" or "rush him and stab him" or something else like "pretend I'm having a heart attack and stumble towards him"? I need to know because of reasons. Otherwise I'll just go with one at random.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 15, 2015, 11:39:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 15, 2015, 08:36:32 pm

Is this "slowly sneak behind him if I can" or "rush him and stab him" or something else like "pretend I'm having a heart attack and stumble towards him"? I need to know because of reasons. Otherwise I'll just go with one at random.

((Surprise me.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 16, 2015, 07:39:38 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 11, 2015, 12:31:07 pm

((My name is Heavy Metal Guy... and this *huge ass crossbow appears out of nowhere and drops to the ground with a heavy thud* is my crossbow. She weighs one hundred fifty kilograms and fires custom-tooled bolts at however fast you press the trigger. Shooting it for 12 seconds costs NOTHING!))

Now that the warning shots have been administered, how about some target practice to pass the time? Maybe summon some targets using the Staging Area or my ability? Failing that... well, there are some targets standing around.

You start shooting bolts in the air and then hitting those bolts with other bolts as they come down. It's fun at first, but it gets boring after a while. It's not as fun when you know that all your shots are auto-successes.
It's like playing an FPS game on easy. Sure, the feeling of power is nice, but after a while you need something to challenge you.

Quote from: Toaster on April 13, 2015, 09:11:13 pm

John sighed.  He guessed that was the best answer he was going to get.  "Watch your aim, buddy!"

Summon an extreme-range super soaker and squirt him if he tries that again.

"I'm pretty sure he did that on purpose."
<Which one?>
"Both of them."

You summon a strange longbow-like contraption.

The "arrow" is actually a plastic cuboid attached to the bow. It is a mechanism including a water container and a manual pump connected to the string. It has a nozzle in its front made out of an incredibly smooth material you can't identify, through which water can be pushed out from the pump when it opens.

The bow is black and made out of interwoven fibres. Its edges bend like one would expect from an actual bow.

The string is made out of grey synthetic muscles that respond to your touch, allowing you to easily pull it and augmenting the force it applies when released.

Pulling the string causes it to relax thus making it easier to pull. Pulling the string pulls the pump back and fills the firing chamber with water from the container. When the string is released, the muscles contract, adding their strength to the power stored in the bow. The combined pressure this creates to the pump is enough to drive the water out at very high speeds and incredible distances with good stream cohesion but limited SPM.

---

Second Chance Round

---

Quote from: akkudakku on April 11, 2015, 03:26:34 am

Spoiler: For the Union! (click to show/hide)

Speed myself up. Just run to the goal. Cry a little at my leadership ineptitude.

((Oh, that was funny  :D))

Spoiler: Mommy! (click to show/hide)

Your spell fizzles and nothing happens. On the other hand, the effect of your slowdown spell remains active long enough for you to reach the wall and climb over it, into the fortification.

It's a bit scary seeing the enemy soldiers around you that are not affected by the slowdown pointing their guns at you, some of them even firing a few rounds. Made even more scary by the fact that the men around you appear to be speeding up. Spell will end soon...

Maybe you could undress and steal their clothes really quick?

As you contemplate that, a powerful green light (like the one from a spotlight) shines through one of the inner walls of the fortification, as if it isn't there, barely missing you. The soldiers it strikes fall to the ground, putting their hands on their heads and emitting noises of extreme displeasure.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 11, 2015, 07:33:43 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Move to the objective zone as quickly as possible. If I run across anything, either eat it, or just ignore it.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keep running, but you aren't very fast or very agile. You stumble as you climb the hill and fall down a couple of times.
You come across some friendly soldiers, but I assume you don't want to eat those, lest they turn their weapons towards you.
You could try eating the dead... Then again, humans sometimes get a bit touchy about that.

Quote from: Beirus on April 12, 2015, 01:21:07 pm

Second chance round

Spoiler: What? (click to show/hide)

Keep charging. Maybe try to keep my guts inside.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Dum de dum, charging, dum de dum, blasting people with horrifying energy to do so.
And your guts were needed elsewhere, so they had to leave your torso. You have to learn to relax and let go. They can't be there to hold your hand food forever.
Maybe that's why everyone (including your guts, it seems) is running away from you, many of them screaming. Too clingy.
Or maybe it's because you're frying their brains with eldritch radiation.
Nah, probably the first thing.

<1 time unit until the objective is captured.>
And a few seconds after that...
<Capture zone contested. Capture paused.>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap8_zpsszwlmg0o.png)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:18:52 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Jump back in utter surprise and also because there might be a firestorm in the making here.

"Massah! Oh no!" Ike says with childlike concern in his voice.

If it looks like hostilities are escalating, approach and prepare to dodge.

You jump back, your sudden motion the effect of surprise on the two guards somewhat. They take a step back and away from each other and point their swords in your general direction, but don't do anything more than that.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 12, 2015, 12:21:13 pm

Pre-planned action (siezing his inner flame and yanking it up into the air above him) - DO

If that incapacitates him:
"W-WHY?!? WHY CAN'T YOU STOP TRYING TO HURT ME! WHY DOES EVERYONE I MEET WANT TO MAKE ME INTO A MONSTER?!?!! WHY!?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!" I scream at him, crying in pain and betrayal and lost hope.

You encounter resistance when you try to apply a pyrokinetic field to him. You can barely concentrate enough to break through it.
Still, it is not enough, as you feel him grabbing your hands.

"Kestothas es thevysme!" he grunts as he pushes your hands behind your back, his voice sounding wrong, like someone trying to speak without opening their jaw.
You feel cold starting to spread from where he is touching you. He lets go of your hands and falls to the side, getting his robe stained with dirt.
From the way his face is contorting and his hands are grabbing the dirt, one could guess he's not feeling very comfortable right now.

"W-WHY?!? WHY CAN'T YOU STOP TRYING TO HURT ME! WHY DOES EVERYONE I MEET WANT TO MAKE ME INTO A MONSTER?!?!! WHY!?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!" you scream at him, crying in pain and betrayal and lost hope.

He speaks with some difficulty, starting to speak long before you stop.
"You... are an animal... You will have... obedience... and respect... for your superiors."

The feeling of coldness keeps slowly spreading on your arms. You can't move them away from each other.

He starts making an effort to get up and you feel the resistance to your ability manifesting again.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 15, 2015, 11:39:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 15, 2015, 08:36:32 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 12, 2015, 12:24:14 pm

As a side note, if I can manage it in my turn, see if I can't get behind Massah Kassah, as I've taken to calling him, and perhaps shoving an anti-magic stone I've got as deep into his ear as I can. Past the eardrum, preferably. Do this even if the man's incapacitated.

Is this "slowly sneak behind him if I can" or "rush him and stab him" or something else like "pretend I'm having a heart attack and stumble towards him"? I need to know because of reasons. Otherwise I'll just go with one at random.

((Surprise me.))

You put your hand in your pocket and take a step away from the guards while still looking at them.
"Don't." the more heavyset of the two says.
"Even think about it." the other one continues.

You take another step back.

"We don't want to hurt you." the first warns you.
"Speak for yourself." the other one says.
"Now is not the time for jokes." the first one says and glances at him. You take that opportunity to take another step back without them noticing.
"Who said I was kidding?"

You're far enough away now you could run and be reasonably safe from retaliation, barring any tricks up the guards' sleeves.

You can't see or hear one of the guards from the other tent. The second guard from the other tent is too busy looking at the horizon and has not noticed you yet. Must be one of those video game guards to not notice a freaking fireball erupting and shouting. Then again, the camp is still filled with noise and murmurs, so he might have some excuses.

You've also attracted the attention of a young woman looking at you from the tents with a surprised expression. There doesn't seem to be any other people around though. Most of the tents have their openings pointing away from this main area.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 16, 2015, 07:40:57 pm

KEEEEEEEEEP RUNNNNIIIIIING!

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 16, 2015, 11:32:29 pm

"I AM A PERSON, NOT YOUR TOY! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
I have no choice, and I warned him as best I could.
I form a swirling chimney of flame, burning every flame generation charge I have, centered directly on the mage. All nearby fire flows at him, then rises up above him into a pillar of fire. The surrounding air, to fuel the flames, gets sucked in low, bringing everything nearby along with it. for the second time in the course of the Games, I create a fire tornado. Augmented by my desperation, my rage, my sense of betrayal. I go all out in my attack and simply make sure that this treacherous bastard dies for his sins.
Ike... please... save me.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Toaster on April 16, 2015, 11:33:00 pm

Squirt a few bolts out of the air!  If the Tinman shoots at me, shoot back!

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 12:05:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Sorry, guys. You're cool and all, but we're a little past rational dialogue at this point."

Make a break for the wizard if he doesn't get consumed in flames and do that anti-magic-stone-in-the-ear trick, on the ear, the nose or a similar orifice, whichever proves handy at the moment. Or just knee him in the kidney sharply if those two guards are faster than I surmise or have tricks up their sleeves.

If Massah Kassah is taken care of already, defensively fight the two guards - focus on dodging and exploiting openings to disarm one of them and then proceed with violent murder (unarmed first, armed second).

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 12:43:23 am

((I hate my internet, this was supposed to be posted 5 mins after my action but...))

((Oh, and HB, I understand Ike probably can't do anything to help Irine, she is a lil more focused on what's happening to her and on the mage than the whole dynamic of the guards and you and everything else going on. Priorities and all.

Damn those guards, they're helping the local mage attack a lil girl, that is not cool.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 01:07:57 am

((This is hilarious from my perspective, especially since I have no idea why you guys started fighting all do a sudden.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 01:16:57 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 01:07:57 am

((This is hilarious from my perspective, especially since I have no idea why you guys started fighting all do a sudden.))

((Something happened while we were talking and the mage walked out while telling the guards to hold us prisoner. I objected and asked what was going on. He then sucker-punched me and is currently attempting to suppress and immobilize me. I don't know if I'm being paralyzed or stoned right now, but either way it seems to be progressing on its own now that he started it so I have to take him out right now, before I'm overwhelmed.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:00 am

((For all the talk about not wanting to kill people, to me it appears that Irine brought this upon herself. By things like not cooperating on minor things for some reason. And being more distrustful of Kassiver than he was of her. And keeping up orbs of flame that could be used as a weapon during a peaceful talk. And having all the "if attacked" reactions be of a "immolate him until only ash remains" flavor, with no less-than-lethal ones (even if your abilities are lethal, your fists and legs are usually not). You could even say that she actually wants to kill people a little. But at the same time I'm an asocial jerk who doesn't understand emotions sometimes, so I guess I may be missing something.))

Since this is getting too easy, let's stop tapping into the Staging Area and continue target practice. Unless John wants to start shooting each other for teh lols.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2015, 05:08:50 am

It wont. The turn is half written up somewhere, before I decided to go do something else. Expect turn in the next few hours.

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 05:27:43 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2015, 05:08:50 am

It wont. The turn is half written up somewhere, before I decided to go do something else. Expect turn in the next few hours.

((Pretty sure you wanted to post this in here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=148919.0).))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 06:26:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 12:43:23 am

((I hate my internet, this was supposed to be posted 5 mins after my action but...))

((Oh, and HB, I understand Ike probably can't do anything to help Irine, she is a lil more focused on what's happening to her and on the mage than the whole dynamic of the guards and you and everything else going on. Priorities and all.

Damn those guards, they're helping the local mage attack a lil girl, that is not cool.))

((Well, he can at least distract Kassiver for a moment to let Irine fire off her win condition and kill the remaining people we didn't get to the previous time we set off a magical cataclysm.

Also, doesn't Irine's transition into fox-form set off a gout of flame, or am I remembering that wrong?

Will edit action slightly at any rate.))

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 07:14:45 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:00 am

((For all the talk about not wanting to kill people, to me it appears that Irine brought this upon herself. By things like not cooperating on minor things for some reason. And being more distrustful of Kassiver than he was of her. And keeping up orbs of flame that could be used as a weapon during a peaceful talk. And having all the "if attacked" reactions be of a "immolate him until only ash remains" flavor, with no less-than-lethal ones (even if your abilities are lethal, your fists and legs are usually not). You could even say that she actually wants to kill people a little. But at the same time I'm an asocial jerk who doesn't understand emotions sometimes, so I guess I may be missing something.))

((Not really. I agree she was being rude, but that doesn't justify what he's doing to her. And him deciding to sucker-punch her because she doesn't trust him? that really seems counterproductive. He never intended for her to leave that tent under her own power. that was a trap. as for the "if attacked" reactions being lethal, that's because she didn't have a chance in hell of taking him on physically. remember that Irine isn't fully grown, Kassiver is bigger and stronger than her, even without his magic.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 06:26:53 am

((Well, he can at least distract Kassiver for a moment to let Irine fire off her win condition and kill the remaining people we didn't get to the previous time we set off a magical cataclysm.

Also, doesn't Irine's transition into fox-form set off a gout of flame, or am I remembering that wrong?

Will edit action slightly at any rate.))

((>.> murder wasn't her goal at all here. right now she's attacking in self-defense, and has a single target. she's going all-out because he's successfully convinced her that he's really dangerous.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 07:27:15 am

WARNING: Last chance for DAF to post an action. Otherwise, I'm autoing you to helping revive the others, because people are now 'making friends' with liberal application of fire.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 16, 2015, 11:32:29 pm

"I AM A PERSON, NOT YOUR TOY! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
I have no choice, and I warned him as best I could.
I form a swirling chimney of flame, burning every flame generation charge I have, centered directly on the mage. All nearby fire flows at him, then rises up above him into a pillar of fire. The surrounding air, to fuel the flames, gets sucked in low, bringing everything nearby along with it. for the second time in the course of the Games, I create a fire tornado. Augmented by my desperation, my rage, my sense of betrayal. I go all out in my attack and simply make sure that this treacherous bastard dies for his sins.
Ike... please... save me.

A large collumn of fire appears a few centimetres above Kassiver's head, streaming down towards him. The mage displays amazing speed, not taking more than a second to recover, roll away and start getting up after you release him from your incapacitating effect. But he is still not fast enough to fully escape the fire streaming towards him. Part of his face gets burnt and his robes get singed. He lets out a cry that sounds more like a growl made out of anger than out of pain or fear.

You manage to keep the fire from burning you (you're still very uncomfortably hot though) and start moving it around to form your fire tornado as nearby lights go out. You hear footsteps coming closer and a scream coming from somewhere nearby, perhaps one of those tents or temporary dwellings.

The feeling of coldness continues spreading, rising up your lower arms and going down your palms. They feel cold and stiff, becoming harder to move. You've lost almost all movement on your hands and fingers. The effect feels like it's slowing down, but it is still spreading.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 12:05:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Sorry, guys. You're cool and all, but we're a little past rational dialogue at this point."

Make a break for the wizard if he doesn't get consumed in flames and do that anti-magic-stone-in-the-ear trick, on the ear, the nose or a similar orifice, whichever proves handy at the moment. Or just knee him in the kidney sharply if those two guards are faster than I surmise or have tricks up their sleeves.

If Massah Kassah is taken care of already, defensively fight the two guards - focus on dodging and exploiting openings to disarm one of them and then proceed with violent murder (unarmed first, armed second).

"No, wait!" the heavyset guard exclaims, but you're already moving.
You jump back and twist around just as the column of fire manifests and moves against the mage.

You reach him as he's getting up, hold your skull high, scream "BY THE POWER OF SKULLFLAIL!" and smash it into his face (Is it still headbutting if you're using someone else's head?), the metal plate emitting a loud thunk as it hits his forehead and sends him falling on his back. He screams as he falls, probably because the two dark grey stones that were in the skull's eye sockets stab into his eyes, getting embedded there. All in all, a good strike.

The two stones quickly become a light grey colour, dissolving into dust as they do so, their remains mixing with Kassiver's blood and vitreous humour (a bit hard to see that, as he keeps thrashing about). Only one dark grey stone remains in your possession.

The guards sure are quick. They're right behind you, the heavyset one going for you while the other moves towards Irine. The young woman that was watching you screams and runs away.

---

OOC

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:00 am

((For all the talk about not wanting to kill people, to me it appears that Irine brought this upon herself. By things like not cooperating on minor things for some reason. And being more distrustful of Kassiver than he was of her. And keeping up orbs of flame that could be used as a weapon during a peaceful talk. And having all the "if attacked" reactions be of a "immolate him until only ash remains" flavor, with no less-than-lethal ones (even if your abilities are lethal, your fists and legs are usually not). You could even say that she actually wants to kill people a little. But at the same time I'm an asocial jerk who doesn't understand emotions sometimes, so I guess I may be missing something.))

Well, trying to punch a powerful mage while having no weapons or training probably wouldn't turn out very well for her. Like many characters here, she's a focusing on one ability above all others. Not that that's a bad thing, it's simply a matter of power vs versatility. So everything is a nail.

And it's not that hard to see why things turned out the way they did with Irine speaking with Kassiver. I'm certain things would go differently if Ike was in her place, although I'm not sure if they would have been better.

Ninja'd by Lenglon.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 07:40:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Quick word of warning, guys, let's not fight, shall we? This fucker right here decided to start a fight he couldn't finish, so do us all a favor and not follow his example, alright? This place is already about to go up in flames (sorry!), so probably best to just go along and rescue whoever we can, then go our separate ways, alright?"

Give Massah Kassah's throat or head, whichever I can confidently hit, a good stomp for safety's sake, then fight defensively (dodge first and foremost, seek to disarm one during an opening) against these poor fellows if they really don't seem about to see reason.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on April 17, 2015, 07:40:56 am

((I don't know how I missed all these updates))
Bryan, Tournament

Spoiler: keep on trucking (click to show/hide)

Get that rod out of the ground. If it is a short rod that I could walk around with, leave it in my hand to stop/reduce bleeding. If it is pretty long just take it out of my hand as well. See if I can keep the rod as a kind of lance. If I get unstuck keep moving to the hill. Ignore pain.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 07:44:22 am

((Not quite what I'd intended but I'll go with it.))

((Um, I need to know what I can see of what is happening from my position on the ground to make my next action.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 07:47:32 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 07:44:22 am

((Not quite what I'd intended but I'll go with it.))

((Um, I need to know what I can see of what is happening from my position on the ground to make my next action.))

Isn't it "Summon fire, make fire start spinning"? Am I forgetting things? My memory isn't the best.

You're face first on the ground, looking to your side where Kassiver just fell. There's also your fire there and Ike somewhere in the edge of your vision. You could simply turn your head the other way, but trying to get up without using your hands would be a bit hard. You can hear footsteps behind you. Behind you meaning from the side opposite to the one you are looking at. There's also that woman that screamed and run away that you can't see.

EDIT: Not that you'd need to get up to turn your head the other way. Those two are unrelated.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 07:52:09 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 07:47:32 am

Isn't it "Summon fire, make fire start spinning"? Am I forgetting things? My memory isn't the best.

You're face first on the ground, looking to your side where Kassiver just fell. There's also your fire there and Ike somewhere in the edge of your vision. You could simply turn your head the other way, but trying to get up without using your hands would be a bit hard. You can hear footsteps behind you. Behind you meaning from the side opposite to the one you are looking at. There's also that woman that screamed and run away that you can't see.

((I think Lenglon means that thing Irine did at the factory during Target Amethyst that probably killed all of those rebels that Ike didn't bother to finish off. That oppressive heat apocalypse thingamajig.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 07:54:44 am

((I think we're talking about the same thing. It just summons fire and then starts spinning it around. Just takes some time to happen and the time of combat turns is variable, sometimes they're 6 seconds sometimes they're half a minute, sometimes they're a full minute, etc. depending on what's going on, so you can't always start an action and finish it in the same turn.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 07:59:19 am

@summon flame and make it spin:((Actually, no, it's not. It's all about how airflow around large fires works, and the fire is spinning vertically, not horizontally. it rises in the center and draws the surrounding air into it. the rotation is a slow process that is based on inconsistencies in the availability of the air to feed the flames. the fire itself doesn't actually spin horizontally at all at first.

what this means is that the summoned flame would actually arrive from all sides of the mage, sweeping low along the ground, and then rise up in a pillar centered on him.

also, since the way I incapacitated him was by pulling his inner fire up directly above him, the same direction and location I'm pulling all the other fire, I can keep it up throughout the attack.))

---

((HB, that WAS what was happening at the factory. it didn't get up to full power in there.
That attack has some rather... significant... friendly fire risks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 08:07:30 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 07:59:19 am

@summon flame and make it spin:((Actually, no, it's not. It's all about how airflow around large fires works, and the fire is spinning vertically, not horizontally. it rises in the center and draws the surrounding air into it. the rotation is a slow process that is based on inconsistencies in the availability of the air to feed the flames. the fire itself doesn't actually spin horizontally at all at first.

what this means is that the summoned flame would actually arrive from all sides of the mage, sweeping low along the ground, and then rise up in a pillar centered on him.

Ah, OK. I think I get it now. Not that it would have made any difference, it'd still be the same rolls. You got a bonus to hitting him for the AoE-like style of the attack, he just rolled well at dodging it.

Quote

also, since the way I incapacitated him was by pulling his inner fire up directly above him, the same direction and location I'm pulling all the other fire, I can keep it up throughout the attack.))

Ah, I assumed you would stop trying to incapacitate him. Because if you continued, then you'd also have to overcome his resistance on top of manipulating fire. You could had tried doing that, just didn't realise you wanted to.

Quote

((HB, that WAS what was happening at the factory. it didn't get up to full power in there.
That attack has some rather... significant... friendly fire risks.))

Yep, Ike saw Irine's tornado and raised her a C4.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:26:38 am

Upon seeing Ike defeat the mage, I stop my attack and pull 2/3 of my flames back to form a protective barrier around me, the remaining 1/3 I send tosurround Kassiver. Physically, I and turn my head to see who's running.
If I see Ike get attacked then I redirect the flames around Kassiver to attack his attacker, and if Ike needs to pass through my walls of flame I part them for him.
"Ike! He did something to me, I can't move my arms!"

---

found the old PM:

Quote from: Lenglon on July 03, 2014, 05:03:11 am

Extreme Measure is:

<Victor, tell your men to evacuate. And if there is a part of this facility that you need me to leave intact, tell me now.>

Form my flames into a narrow superheated column in the middle of the large room the fighting is happening in, rapidly heating the air and making it rise quickly, drawing more air in from the bottom to replace the rising air, and superheating that air as well, repeating and accelerating the process. Continue this, the flow of air growing faster and faster, as the imbalances in the shape of the room cause one side to get slightly more air flow than the other, causing a slight rotation to form as it naturally rebalances itself. Allow this rotation to continue and accelerate, the air still cycling, flowing faster and faster towards the tightly focused heat source before rising up and out of the building, and drawing the surrounding debris along with it. use any flammable debris drawn in to increase the flames, making the column hotter, the airflow faster, the destructive power greater, as the tornado of flame grows and grows, stronger and stronger, faster and faster, unnaturally hot, unnaturally fast, until it reaches the point that it is pulling anyone and anything not bolted down into it, incinerating it, and growing even stronger still, beyond that point, cleansing the facility completely.

Don't allow it to draw in Zoe, Amelia, or Awena. I don't care if it sucks in Boris or not, but I need to keep his machines working if possible. Rather than weaken the firespout if it gets excessive, simply move it farther away from us and keep on building it up anyway.

I expect it to take multiple turns for this particular attack to reach full power.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 08:37:02 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:26:38 am

"Ike! He did something to me, I can't move my arms!"

"So stop having pesky arms, silly! Or try having different ones!"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:41:59 am

"I don't have different ones!"

((Irine's shapeshifting does not heal injuries, damaged human arms equals damaged hybrid arms equals damaged fox forepaws))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 08:47:00 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:41:59 am

"I don't have different ones!"

((Irine's shapeshifting does not heal injuries, damaged human arms equals damaged hybrid arms equals damaged fox forepaws))

"Well, good thing you can kill people with your mind, isn't it? We should all be so lucky."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 08:54:48 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

"Okay, then don't. Third-degree burns aren't always fatal, are they? Speaking of, mind toning down the fire a bit? This place is a horrible fire hazard, don't you know."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Wolfkit on April 17, 2015, 08:56:18 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

((Tbh, I never saw you entering the survivor camp as ending workout someone dying))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:59:40 am

"I... I could. Are more people going to attack me?"

---

Quote from: Wolfkit on April 17, 2015, 08:56:18 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

((Tbh, I never saw you entering the survivor camp as ending workout someone dying))

((Yep. Doesn't mean she likes it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 09:18:39 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:59:40 am

"I... I could. Are more people going to attack me?"

"Probably! But just fill their lungs or eyes with fire or something, don't throw sparks around, you know?"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 09:48:59 am

"It's not that simple! No! I'm keeping my fire until I'm safe again. If things start burning I'll just take their fire away."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 09:50:32 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

((Of course you don't :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 10:00:53 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 09:50:32 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

"I don't want to kill people!"

((Of course you don't :P))

((Killcount means nothing! NOTHING!))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 17, 2015, 10:06:27 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:49:44 am

((Killcount means nothing! NOTHING!))

((Indeed. A few deaths mean nothing when you start counting the number of people killed in cities.
Play your cards right and you can get it up to continents. :P.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 10:17:54 am

((I (and Alan for that matter) just find it funny that Irene makes good claims on being a pacifist, understands the mood of emo teammates better than nearly anyone else, and is generally a compassionate individual ... but at the slightest hint of a threat she throws all caution and passivity to the wind, burninating or threatening to burninate anyone who gets in her way, which generally results in her viciously killing people while screaming 'I MEAN YOU NO HARM!'. It kinda reminds me of playing Raiden in MGR: Revengance when he's having his little moral crisis and going out of my way to make the cop robot's deaths really brutal. :P
At least that's the impression she's left.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 10:32:18 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 10:17:54 am

((I (and Alan for that matter) just find it funny that Irene makes good claims on being a pacifist, understands the mood of emo teammates better than nearly anyone else, and is generally a compassionate individual ... but at the slightest hint of a threat she throws all caution and passivity to the wind, burninating or threatening to burninate anyone who gets in her way, which generally results in her viciously killing people while screaming 'I MEAN YOU NO HARM!'. It kinda reminds me of playing Raiden in MGR: Revengance when he's having his little moral crisis and going out of my way to make the cop robot's deaths really brutal. :P
At least that's the impression she's left.))

O.O
That's...Wow.
I can't dispute a single bit of that.
Xantalos has gained +1 fear / respect from Lenglon.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 17, 2015, 10:38:33 am

((In my line of trivial pursuits you have to be good at discerning the inner bad guy within everyone :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2015, 02:10:24 pm

((Once again, I do apologize for not posting sooner. My life situation has not improved, and I do think it has worsened a bit. However, I am still trying my hardest to be able to free up some time to post when I can.

If I do not post again by the time the next turn comes up, then yes, please do put me on autoturn. I feel that leaving people to wait for me in my own troubles is rather limiting, and I wouldn't want to do that to anyone)).

---

---

Campaign

Zechariah looks up at River, staring into his eyes and observing every minute movement he makes. Zechariah didn't make a sound. He did not turn,  he did not speak, he did not shift. He simply kept still and expressionless, waiting for something, nothing, everything.

...

Suddenly, Zechariah pushes River backwards with his hands as hard as he can, even if he doesn't have the strength to actually move River. If River pays attention, he would be able to see Zechariah trying to hide a grin. His eyes almost glow with the brightness of some sort of energy that he has now, which was not present before in him. It was not vengeful or  of a dark passion; it was simple excitement and electric movement to be something new.

"Don't just be there!" Zechariah shouts as he pushes River. "We still have a job to do! Theri, and Alan, and all of them - they still need to come back." Regardless of whether River responds aggressively or not, Zechariah backs away and smiles openly now. "Don't worry about me now. I'll be fine. I live for others.

"As long as the others are safe and happy, I will be happy. That's how I lived before, and that's how I will live now."

Title: Re: Special People: In the line of fire
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2015, 02:26:19 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 05:27:43 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 17, 2015, 05:08:50 am

It wont. The turn is half written up somewhere, before I decided to go do something else. Expect turn in the next few hours.

((Pretty sure you wanted to post this in here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=148919.0).))

Well, that's what haaaapppppennnnsss when you use a mobile device. :P Woops.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 18, 2015, 07:04:52 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 17, 2015, 07:40:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Quick word of warning, guys, let's not fight, shall we? This fucker right here decided to start a fight he couldn't finish, so do us all a favor and not follow his example, alright? This place is already about to go up in flames (sorry!), so probably best to just go along and rescue whoever we can, then go our separate ways, alright?"

Give Massah Kassah's throat or head, whichever I can confidently hit, a good stomp for safety's sake, then fight defensively (dodge first and foremost, seek to disarm one during an opening) against these poor fellows if they really don't seem about to see reason.

(("We might have tried to kill that guy (which, by the way, I am still trying to kill), but I swear we're only going to kill that guy. And maybe cause some collateral damage. And maybe also kill some other people. But we swear it's by accident, we don't really mean to do it. Well, mostly. In part. Like 50% accidental. You can trust us. It's not like we're some crazy strangers you just met."))

Quote from: Lenglon on April 17, 2015, 08:26:38 am

Upon seeing Ike defeat the mage, I stop my attack and pull 2/3 of my flames back to form a protective barrier around me, the remaining 1/3 I send to surround Kassiver. Physically, I turn my head to see who's running.
If I see Ike get attacked then I redirect the flames around Kassiver to attack his attacker, and if Ike needs to pass through my walls of flame I part them for him.
"Ike! He did something to me, I can't move my arms!"

Ike very violently stomps on the ground, somehow managing to miss a man who was barely moving beyond screaming (although he appears to be calming down now, somewhat). He hears a sword coming from behind and tries to dive out of the way, but the sword hits him in the head, inflicting a grievous wound: The tip of one of his ears has been cut off. He spins around to see the large guard getting ready for another strike.

Irine turns her head just in time to see the other guard coming at her, emitting a cry as he raises his sword.
She doesn't have enough time to position her flames to block his path. Despite the difficulty she has moving, she manages to roll away before the guard's sword gets near her.
The guard approaches her again after he recovers from his clumsy strike, but by now she's had enough time to form a barrier. Her entire supply of fire streams around her and flows into a wall between her and the guard.
The guard doesn't have enough time to stop and steps into the wall. Irine can't tell for sure if he's been hurt, for the fire is obstructing her sight. He jumps out of the fire and looks at it, breathing quickly.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2015, 02:10:24 pm

Campaign

Zechariah looks up at River, staring into his eyes and observing every minute movement he makes. Zechariah didn't make a sound. He did not turn,  he did not speak, he did not shift. He simply kept still and expressionless, waiting for something, nothing, everything.

...

Suddenly, Zechariah pushes River backwards with his hands as hard as he can, even if he doesn't have the strength to actually move River. If River pays attention, he would be able to see Zechariah trying to hide a grin. His eyes almost glow with the brightness of some sort of energy that he has now, which was not present before in him. It was not vengeful or of a dark passion; it was simple excitement and electric movement to be something new.

"Don't just be there!" Zechariah shouts as he pushes River. "We still have a job to do! Theri, and Alan, and all of them - they still need to come back." Regardless of whether River responds aggressively or not, Zechariah backs away and smiles openly now. "Don't worry about me now. I'll be fine. I live for others.

"As long as the others are safe and happy, I will be happy. That's how I lived before, and that's how I will live now."

River looks at you wide eyed as you push him, jumping back and adopting a defensive posture.
However he relaxes as you continue talking and lowers his hands.
"Yes." he says, quietly.
"Yes!" he says again, this time with more excitement, wagging his tail slightly.
"They need to come back."

"I understand. I do too." he adds quietly a few seconds later, although he probably does not mean it the way you do.

He walks closer to you again, but not as close as he was before.
"That means you do not...?" he looks away for a second and does not finish what he's saying.
He looks at you again.
"We will work together for this? Now? Are you ready?"

---

OOC
You know, one of the reasons I give you telepathic communication instead of radios or something is so that I can avoid the problem of long conversations happening during a time period they should not be happening. A simple way that I can have an in universe excuse for anime-time conversations that usually end up happening in RTDs. Unfortunately, one of you is not wearing theirs... Oh well.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 17, 2015, 02:10:24 pm

((Once again, I do apologize for not posting sooner. My life situation has not improved, and I do think it has worsened a bit. However, I am still trying my hardest to be able to free up some time to post when I can.

If I do not post again by the time the next turn comes up, then yes, please do put me on autoturn. I feel that leaving people to wait for me in my own troubles is rather limiting, and I wouldn't want to do that to anyone)).

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

No worries man. No reason to feel bad. I usually just go ahead and auto people if they do not post an action, I don't have a problem with that. Only reason I waited for you is because this was more of an RP thing. But right now we've reached a point where time NEEDS to be resynchronized between the two groups and actions need to happen in both places, hence why I gave that warning. Delaying might have actually turned out for the best, with all that's happening in the camp. Helps with keeping things consistent.

There's no reason to push yourself to post if you don't feel like doing so or if you have more important things to do. There are things more important than my stupid game. This is supposed to be a game, something that you do for fun.

I'm not that good with words, but I am willing to listen if you have anything to say and try to help in any way I can, if you think it would help.
I can't offer much other than saying that you have to believe things can get better and realise that whatever happens, it's not the end of the world.
I don't know what you're going through and I don't want to pretend to know what it's like, but when I was having some personal problems in the past, that's part of the mindset that helped me overcome them.

Bay12 in general is a very supportive community. I am certain that if not me, then someone here can help you. That is, if you want to talk about it, if you would feel comfortable with it and think it would help.
I don't know. Personally, I don't like talking about my problems to others, but knowing that someone else cares still feels nice.
Or, hell, you can talk about whatever you want. Talk about game systems or literature or jokes or anything you like doing. Sometimes just talking in general helps.

Again, sorry, not good with words or stuff like that. I mean no harm. Just trying to help.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 19, 2015, 01:22:09 am

"Please stop fighting! I came in peace! Nobody is dead yet, it isn't too late! Please stop! Please!"
I maintain my barrier and continue to pull fires from all over to add to my resources.
if I can see Ike's fight, then I tug the inner fire of the guard attacking him down at the ground with my spare focus, maintaining my barrier is higher priority though.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on April 19, 2015, 01:43:21 am

Tournament, Second Chance Round

Spoiler: Get out of my zone! (click to show/hide)

Still charging. Check for anybody near me who might be trying to capture the zone. Maybe try to direct any effects towards/through to the east side of the fortifications if I don't spot anyone. That's where they have to be if I don't see them, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 19, 2015, 01:49:12 am

Campaign, Ike!

"My ear! You sliced me in the ear! Well!"

Focus on the guard. Dodge and angle for an opening, then disarm.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2015, 07:31:03 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 19, 2015, 01:22:09 am

"Please stop fighting! I came in peace! Nobody is dead yet, it isn't too late! Please stop! Please!"
I maintain my barrier and continue to pull fires from all over to add to my resources.
if I can see Ike's fight, then I tug the inner fire of the guard attacking him down at the ground with my spare focus, maintaining my barrier is higher priority though.

"Yeah, sure." the guard replies sarcastically as he sheathes his sword and takes a few steps back.

You generate a pyrokinetic wave to bring all nearby fire towards you and use it to reinforce your wall. You don't get much fire though. Must be obstacles in the way.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps rapidly approaching from somewhere in front of you and before you can do anything, you see the guard jumping through the wall of fire, using his cloak as a shield for his face and hands. He quickly tosses the burning cloth away and it lands on your upper body (you can't say if it was intentional or by accident), making everything dark.

It looks like he didn't escape all damage from the fire. But from the glimpse you can see before you loose sight of the world, it's nothing serious. Nothing more than cosmetic damage and he did not look that good to begin with, what with living without basic necessities for more than half a month.

"Ha! Didn't actually think that would work!" you hear him say as he pats out any fires still burning his clothes and unsheathes his sword (or at least you think so, based on what you hear). He sounds like he's enjoying himself.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 19, 2015, 01:49:12 am

Campaign, Ike!

"My ear! You sliced me in the ear! Well!"

Focus on the guard. Dodge and angle for an opening, then disarm.

The guard remains focused on you, not even pausing to let you speak. The guard's strike is good, not a wild angry flailing of his sword but a calm and calculated strike. Still too easy to dodge by someone with your skill. You effortlessly twist around the strike, getting in a flanking position and moving to counterstrike.

But despite all your advantages, you strike is clumsy while he turns with incredible speed, getting his sword ready for an upwards slash to your groin. You end up doing something more like grabbing his arms, trying to at least stop him from using his sword on you, now that he's that close.

You struggle for half a second, each of you trying to gain the upper hand, until the guard hits you in the gut with the pommel of his sword and uses his superior strength to shove you on the ground butt first.

He points his sword at you.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 19, 2015, 08:09:38 am

"Sorry."
My wall of flame gets moved to form a horizontal disk above me, boosted by the fire from the burning cloth before it can burn me.
it's a good thing heat rises.
roll away from the inevitable oncoming blow

---

I can't stay on the defensive like this any longer. They won't stop until I'm dead, no matter what I do or say.
Enough is enough, time to kill them all. They had their chance.
instead of having my flames simply form a defensive disk over me, I have them sweep over me and my attacker, and keep going, scattering to ignite the surrounding tents around us.
once my flames have reached the surrounding tents and I can release them without them instantly fading, I shift into my full-fox form and end my roll, allowing the cloth over me to fall through my flame-self as I change along with my clothes, leaving me standing on a flaming pile of cloth when done, their flames helping to obscure me.
As soon as I possibly can after changing to full-fox, I sieze the inner flames of all 3 of our attackers and slam them deep underground, followed by re-siezeing the flames from the tents and the burning cloth, leaving just enough to serve as seed-flames to increase my power over time, and immolate all 3 of them while they're having trouble moving.
I do NOT stop my actions and fail to continue to the next step if one of them is able to resist my attempt to cripple them, and I do NOT abandon my multi-target actions to focus on just one target. Handling large amounts of fire in large areas is what I do, I'm not single-target anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 19, 2015, 09:44:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

"It's almost as if I'm not good at anything other than dodging, no?"

Try to disarm him with my feet - put one foot on one side of the flat of the blade, the other foot on the other side, but a little further away, and try to use leverage to get it out of his hands and seize it for myself.

And if that doesn't work, continue dodge and recovery tactics.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 21, 2015, 04:50:08 am

Campaign

Zechariah took a deep breath in.

You're not ready.

"Yes. Let's do this. I think I'm ready. The sun is going down, anyways, so I don't think we'll have much time to talk anymore. Might as well continue while we still have the chance."

I thought you said you were going to stop spinning lies?

Zechariah relaxed his shoulders, pacing around slowly. He looked down at the ground and studied his feet.
"I probably won't be okay. I'm probably going to be unstable still. But that's the best that I can hope for now. Maybe later, I can find something else to help me out. But the answer isn't here. Not yet. Not anywhere."

You know that answer already. You're just afraid of it.

He shook his head. He couldn't let these thoughts begin to cloud his mind already. "I will.. manage for now. Don't worry about me. Worry about the ones we need to bring back now. That's the only thing I can believe in right now. I can believe in other peoples' futures."

Because you already know what you've done. You have a future, but not the one that you want for yourself, or for others. The truth is dark, and you know it. You just want an escape.

Zechariah turns to River. His eyes are sorrowful, yet determined.
"Are you ready?"

---

---

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I do appreciate that, thank you. I just often feel bad that other people have to wait on me for something like that. I really get involved in the stories that I participate in, and I want to see them come to fruition, so it kinda makes me irritated with myself whenever I cannot do my part.

It's tough. I've been going through a rollercoaster of different life events. Some things have not been looking so well lately. My life may change dramatically soon. I'm just hoping for the best and waiting for the inevitable drop.

So, thank you again. I just wanted to make sure that I was able to do my part, and that I was not harming anyone's experience through my tardiness.

Your writing is fantastic, and it was what inspired me to launch my own RtD. Yeah, it's pretty mediocre, but I think that it's a nice place for me to showcase a story of my own.

Thanks once again,
Artemis.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 21, 2015, 05:12:59 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 21, 2015, 04:50:08 am

Yeah, it's pretty mediocre

((Is not, RtM is my 2nd-highest priority RtD. Spec PPl is the only one I value higher. There's a reason I brought the character there that I did. You do great work, stop being so hard on yourself.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on April 21, 2015, 02:22:57 pm

((Sorry for taking so long but real life attacked and it was super effective))

Spoiler: Save me Romanov! (click to show/hide)

Buff speed. Fight for my life. Don't get hit.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Tiruin on April 22, 2015, 05:16:15 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 21, 2015, 05:12:59 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 21, 2015, 04:50:08 am

Yeah, it's pretty mediocre

((Is not, RtM is my 2nd-highest priority RtD. Spec PPl is the only one I value higher. There's a reason I brought the character there that I did. You do great work, stop being so hard on yourself.))

^ This, DAF. :)
((From an (*ex?)GM to a GM, there're people who will always believe in you, even if you sometimes believe in the doubts in between believing in yourself.

I've learned to face RL (the biggest contributor to  :-X > Game), and then organize myself for this.
_{I'm still going to run games...}
*Ex- = Previous(ly running one), right? Instead of 'Was once, is now not anymore'.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 22, 2015, 12:19:55 pm

Tournament round later.
Been busy with university stuf and work stuff and distractions.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 19, 2015, 08:09:38 am

"Sorry."
My wall of flame gets moved to form a horizontal disk above me, boosted by the fire from the burning cloth before it can burn me.
it's a good thing heat rises.
roll away from the inevitable oncoming blow

---

I can't stay on the defensive like this any longer. They won't stop until I'm dead, no matter what I do or say.
Enough is enough, time to kill them all. They had their chance.
instead of having my flames simply form a defensive disk over me, I have them sweep over me and my attacker, and keep going, scattering to ignite the surrounding tents around us.
once my flames have reached the surrounding tents and I can release them without them instantly fading, I shift into my full-fox form and end my roll, allowing the cloth over me to fall through my flame-self as I change along with my clothes, leaving me standing on a flaming pile of cloth when done, their flames helping to obscure me.
As soon as I possibly can after changing to full-fox, I sieze the inner flames of all 3 of our attackers and slam them deep underground, followed by re-siezeing the flames from the tents and the burning cloth, leaving just enough to serve as seed-flames to increase my power over time, and immolate all 3 of them while they're having trouble moving.
I do NOT stop my actions and fail to continue to the next step if one of them is able to resist my attempt to cripple them, and I do NOT abandon my multi-target actions to focus on just one target. Handling large amounts of fire in large areas is what I do, I'm not single-target anyway.

You roll away from where you think a blow will come from. No sword comes, but you are almost stomped by something, receiving a glancing blow instead. The cloth is pulled away from your body and no longer obscures your sight.
You're too focused on dodging and can't maintain your concentration. Your wall of fire dissipates, revealing a third guard behind it that cautiously steps towards the one engaged with you.
The guard kicks the burning cloth away and quickly moves towards you, glancing behind him at the other guard
"Had enough?" he says, twisting his blade to point it at you. "Giving up so soon?"

((Action paused due to time.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 19, 2015, 09:44:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

"It's almost as if I'm not good at anything other than dodging, no?"

Try to disarm him with my feet - put one foot on one side of the flat of the blade, the other foot on the other side, but a little further away, and try to use leverage to get it out of his hands and seize it for myself.

And if that doesn't work, continue dodge and recovery tactics.

The guard approaches you, still pointing his sword towards your head.

You once again attempt to disarm the guard, this time with your legs. Despite the fact that you are clearly superior, your execution is poor. And thus despite his surprise, the guard easily manages to block your blow, grab your leg and bring himself down on top of you, preventing you from escaping.

"Stop. Resisting. And. Surrender." he growls the words calmly but threateningly, each word punctuated by a punch in the face, the strength and hardness off the blows augmented by the sword's guard.

That hurt. You think you might have gotten an imprint of the guard on your forehead and if not, the bruise that will no doubt form will take care of that soon enough.
Your head is spinning.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 21, 2015, 04:50:08 am

Campaign

Zechariah took a deep breath in.

You're not ready.

"Yes. Let's do this. I think I'm ready. The sun is going down, anyways, so I don't think we'll have much time to talk anymore. Might as well continue while we still have the chance."

I thought you said you were going to stop spinning lies?

Zechariah relaxed his shoulders, pacing around slowly. He looked down at the ground and studied his feet.
"I probably won't be okay. I'm probably going to be unstable still. But that's the best that I can hope for now. Maybe later, I can find something else to help me out. But the answer isn't here. Not yet. Not anywhere."

You know that answer already. You're just afraid of it.

He shook his head. He couldn't let these thoughts begin to cloud his mind already. "I will.. manage for now. Don't worry about me. Worry about the ones we need to bring back now. That's the only thing I can believe in right now. I can believe in other peoples' futures."

Because you already know what you've done. You have a future, but not the one that you want for yourself, or for others. The truth is dark, and you know it. You just want an escape.

Zechariah turns to River. His eyes are sorrowful, yet determined.
"Are you ready?"

He looks uncomfortable when you talk, looking away.
"Yes. But I..."

"I am sorry." he says and grabs your head. You feel pain. You feel surrounded by coldness. You try to resist but he easily overcomes your mental defences.

The pain and uncomfortable feelings stop. The world seems to be going slowly, but so do your thoughts. Your emotions are somewhat... not dull, at least not as in weak. They are strong but... muted. Not colourful. Flat. Lacking much variation. And with a strong preference for happiness and acceptance.

"I wish I had my wings." you hear someone muttering from somewhere above you. The voice sounds familiar, but you don't really care about what it's saying or understanding what it means, if it means anything at all. You just lay there.

...

You can't tell how much time passes, but slowly it feels like your mind overcomes the effect or maybe the effect adapts to your mind, responding to your desire to not be the equivalent of a drug addled slave. You feel like it stops controlling your mind, but it remains there. You can control your own thoughts again. And somehow you feel more powerful for it.

"Good. You are stronger then you say you are. As I expected."
You realize that the voice is coming from somewhere much higher than it should be. And then you realize that you have started the process of lifting him into the air and have already gotten him quite high. It gets harder and harder as he gets further away from you, but not as hard as you'd expect it to be.

You continue lifting him for a couple of minutes, until he calls out for you to stop.
"Keep it steady. Keep it level. Do not look. And whatever happens, do not let anyone hurt Theri."
And with that, he stops talking. You don't dare open your eyes or even move at all. You focus your everything on maintaining your concentration.

...

A long time passes. The effect on your mind slowly fades, much like the light around you does, until nothing is left to go through your closed eyelids. It gets harder and harder to maintain the required energy. You feel like you have to move, your body aching after being immobile for what feels like hours. But you dare not. Better to maintain your concentration, to focus on one simple task above everything else.

The only time you open your eyes is when the ground rumbles and a beam of light flies out into the sky. The extra light offers some respite. The moon has risen and what little light comes through the smog helps, adding itself to the light you take from the volcano. The moon looks... different. Much less craters on it and somehow... You don't know if it's your imagination or a feeling of awe of looking at an alien sky, but it just feels... different. It's hard to define.

...

More time passes.
Sweat. Heat. Dizziness. Hunger. Pain in body and mind.
Can't concentrate. Can't think. Can't do this anymore.

You hear something clatter on the ground nearby. A *thump* of cloth hitting the ground accompanied by the *clink* of metal.
You open your eyes, fearing there's something approaching or worse that something fell out out of the sky. In front of you is... nothing. There's only those improvised bags River had with him.
<D̸̡͘͘͢o̡̧͢͞w͠҉̢̢n̢͡.̸҉͝>

Finally! You sigh a sigh of relief and start slowly lowering the platform. But even as you do so, you feel the darkness overtaking you. You're barely holding on to consciousness.
You can't maintain it anymore. The crystal shard falters for a moment, becoming transparent before disappearing completely. They fall.

Your entire body aches, your muscles feel stiff and your joints crack as you move. It's hard to keep your balance. For a moment you feel like you're going to fall too.

You reach the trio of naked men as fast as you can and inspect them in the dim light of the volcano.
River's left leg has been broken after impacting a stone. The leg lies limp in an an unnatural manner, bending at a point legs are not supposed to bend. There is slight bleeding from a tear there.
Nikolai's arm is bent in an unnatural way behind his back. Probably dislocated.
Alan looks fine, if a bit thinner than you'd remembered him. A closer inspection reveals that he appears to have dislocated his right ankle.
All three look alive and... not well, but at least breathing.

River slowly opens his eyes, barely conscious.

It's late. The moon has almost reached the other side of the horizon.
You feel like you need a shipping container full of food, a few swimming pools of apple juice and a few years of sleep to think of beginning to recover. Even standing up takes superhuman effort.

---

Xantalos and NAV
You are rising higher and higher, one helping the other. One enemy defeated. Now it's time for another. Both feel fear for the unknown, you can see it in each other's mind, but it is overshadowed by confidence.

A second enemy defeated. Too easy. Still rising. Still not enough. Soon you will reach it. To tame it, defeat it, master it.

There it is. The Enemy. The Light. Only a part, but still powerful. Filled with confidence, you dive in it. You bathe in its fires. It hurts. A pain, but a good pain. A pain that means you are strong, alive. Enjoyment. Pain and enjoyment. Both of you, fighting and holding your own together.

One day you will return and complete your challenge. Defeat it properly. One day you will destroy this light. One day you will be undefeated. Each time you fight, you will devour something bigger. Until one day you devour everything. The earth, the stars, space and time. Entire universes will fall apart at the whim of your hunger. Until one day you can devour the Light, devour the Creation itself.

But for now, it is time to return to the darkness. The silence. You dive down and everything becomes nothing.

((You can now attempt to wake up.))

---

OOC
Thankfully lady Luck decreed that there be no further delays or permadeaths, only horrible injuries. DAF got lucky with that first roll. On the other hand, lady Luck apparently has a new grudge against Ike. Hopefully, with Alan back alive his "normal" passive luck-o-magnetic properties will apply and restore equilibrium for the rest.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 21, 2015, 04:50:08 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I do appreciate that, thank you. I just often feel bad that other people have to wait on me for something like that. I really get involved in the stories that I participate in, and I want to see them come to fruition, so it kinda makes me irritated with myself whenever I cannot do my part.

It's tough. I've been going through a rollercoaster of different life events. Some things have not been looking so well lately. My life may change dramatically soon. I'm just hoping for the best and waiting for the inevitable drop.

So, thank you again. I just wanted to make sure that I was able to do my part, and that I was not harming anyone's experience through my tardiness.

Your writing is fantastic, and it was what inspired me to launch my own RtD. Yeah, it's pretty mediocre, but I think that it's a nice place for me to showcase a story of my own.

Thanks once again,
Artemis.

I'll agree with the others. I don't really think that's the case. I think we're more or less at the same level (at least as far as I can judge myself). We just focus on different things in our games and use different systems and different writing styles. You know, different people, thinking differently. A difference in general game style. Which is a good thing to have.

The point is that you got inspired and tried to do something and ended up doing something good that people enjoy. I'd call that success.

I don't know what to say about the rest other than wish you the best.
And don't feel like you can't take a break. RL comes first.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on April 22, 2015, 12:37:39 pm

Wake up. Gotta stop getting knocked out so much.
Look around.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 22, 2015, 12:41:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Whoa! Easy there, son. I surrender, sure! Though you, uh, might want to consider where you're going to put me, and if it probably wouldn't be more efficient to just execute me on the spot. It is pretty weird, though, that I keep doing cool shit like smashing that asshole and doing a perfect 5 point blinding with an awesome skull I found in a tomb and then I can't do as much as just kill some yob like you. Almost like the vault, where I have a shotgun and a machine pistol and body armor and flashbangs and then every dumb asshole with a knife and a gimmick just rushes me to the ground and an unconscious person who just stopped breathing abruptly gets up like nothing's happened, shit, still bitter about that!"

Try not to continue being a complete spaz.

Also, tear out this guy's throat/facebits with my teeth. Flip out. Murder the shit out of everything. Go down like a wild animal, probably. And yes, talk with my mouth full if it's relevant.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 22, 2015, 01:19:35 pm

((Um, what the hell? I don't understand how me moving my physical limbs is making me let go of the flames surrounding me. The only thing that can do that is me changing forms because I'm consolidating myself for the change before spreading myself back out again.

Don't you remember? Fire is an additional limb to me, not some psychic power.))

---

"If you'll keep your psychopath of a mage away from me, sure! I'm just trying to defend myself since you bastards sat around and let him assault me!"

---

Physically I don't resist the guards, but if Kassiver even begins to take a single step towards me or the guards try to make me approach him then I sieze his inner flame again and shove it away from me. Also if they want to make me approach him then I'm going to grind my feet into the ground and make them pretty much carry me.
I hope Ike gets a message to River, we need help and he's the one with the telepathy necklace, not me.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 22, 2015, 01:22:30 pm

Alan quietly mumbles something in his quiet slumber.
_zzzaftertenthousand yearsimfree ... it's time to eatpears

Wake up, Alan. Wake up and smell the ashes.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 26, 2015, 10:35:53 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 16, 2015, 11:33:00 pm

Squirt a few bolts out of the air!  If the Tinman shoots at me, shoot back!

Your accuracy is... well, considering how hard this is, it's actually OK. You manage to hit a couple of bolts, the water stream strong enough to send them tumbling away from you. Good thing the waterbow seems very easy to use and that the water flies out of it pretty fast, otherwise you don't think you could had gotten a single hit in.

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:00 am

Since this is getting too easy, let's stop tapping into the Staging Area and continue target practice. Unless John wants to start shooting each other for teh lols.

You fire a few shots, but all of them are misses. A few shots in, your crossbow jams as you try to summon a new bolt in it. You turn the crossbow around, trying to fix the jam and get a bolt straight through the gaps in your visor. Good thing your head is empty.
"Oh, look! Something finally went through tinman's head! Haha!" the entity shouts from John's pillar.

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Alarith on April 17, 2015, 07:40:56 am

((I don't know how I missed all these updates))
Bryan, Tournament

Spoiler: keep on trucking (click to show/hide)

Get that rod out of the ground. If it is a short rod that I could walk around with, leave it in my hand to stop/reduce bleeding. If it is pretty long just take it out of my hand as well. See if I can keep the rod as a kind of lance. If I get unstuck keep moving to the hill. Ignore pain.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((I'll give you a double turn since you missed the previous update.))
After some effort, you manage to use telekinesis to pull the rod out of the ground and your hand, freeing your arm in the process.
That done, you manage to run fairly quickly for a man in your condition, making it almost all the way to the top of the hill.
There's something strange going on with the fortification in the top... Looks like a strange light coming from on top of the hill, focused on its western side.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 16, 2015, 07:40:57 pm

KEEEEEEEEEP RUNNNNIIIIIING!

((I imagine you yelling that in a slo'mo voice.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to reach the top of the hill and take cover against the wall of the fortification there. Now all you have to do is find the others and kill them. Speaking of which, there's a strange green light coming from the west side of the fortification. Might be important.

Quote from: Beirus on April 19, 2015, 01:43:21 am

Tournament, Second Chance Round

Spoiler: Get out of my zone! (click to show/hide)

Still charging. Check for anybody near me who might be trying to capture the zone. Maybe try to direct any effects towards/through to the east side of the fortifications if I don't spot anyone. That's where they have to be if I don't see them, right?

Spoiler: You could say they're in the zone... (click to show/hide)

I'm afraid I can't let you do that. One of the things we discussed in that PM, remember?
Good thing is that everyone around is going to be in a lot of trouble soon, regardless of direction. Too bad that includes yourself. But not much you can do about that. Well, there's one thing you can do, but do you really want to do it?

Quote from: akkudakku on April 21, 2015, 02:22:57 pm

((Sorry for taking so long but real life attacked and it was super effective))

Spoiler: Save me Romanov! (click to show/hide)

Buff speed. Fight for my life. Don't get hit.

((No worries. I'm pretty busy myself, hence the lack of frequent updates.))

Spoiler: This will be messy (click to show/hide)

You manage to complete your speedup spell just as the slow field around you dissipates. You immediately run for your life, firing a few warning shots as you go, more to convince the enemy to stay in cover than intent on actually hitting anybody, although you think you manage to hit a few regardless. The enemy soldiers on the other hand have to be careful not to hit each other in the crossfire, a fact that makes your escape slightly easier.

You sprint towards the friendly soldiers that have made it inside the fortification, hoping for safety in numbers. They have established a foothold on the southern part of the fortification and are holding position there. You get some looks of disapproval and quite a few looks of surprise and disbelief as you sprint towards them with bullets chasing you.

You manage to make it among them and continue to run, not letting yourself relax and look back until you've almost reached the other side of the "beachhead".

((You lucky bastard. Only 4s and 5s for you. Let's see how long that lasts. Maybe you should be looking in front of you instead of behind you.))

Everyone
Thin white lines extend from the western part of the hill, spliting, curving and merging, burying themselves into the ground and digging through the fortifications, forming what looks like a spherical coordinate grid (http://spherical coordinate grid). Most soldiers on either side look surprised and scared and try to stay away from them.

Pulses of light start travelling from the centre of the grid towards its still expanding edges, causing a faint glow, like luminous mist, to surround them.

More and more mist gathers as the pulses become more frequent. The concentration of mist starts getting flattened and deforming, as if it is being pulled towards the centre of the squares formed by the grid.

Spoiler: Alarith (click to show/hide)

You are caught in the exact centre of one of the cubes the grid forms.

Spoiler: akkudaku (click to show/hide)

You are right at the edge of the grid.

Spoiler: Coolrune206 (click to show/hide)

You are a good distance away from the grid, watching as it envelopes almost half of the fortification.

Spoiler: Beirus (click to show/hide)

You're right in the eye of the hurricane.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/SecondChanceMap9_zpsrdwd5mex.png)

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on April 22, 2015, 12:37:39 pm

Wake up. Gotta stop getting knocked out so much.
Look around.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 22, 2015, 01:22:30 pm

Alan quietly mumbles something in his quiet slumber.
_zzzaftertenthousand yearsimfree ... it's time to eatpears

Wake up, Alan. Wake up and smell the ashes.

You wake up. The stone you are laying on feels warm and hard against your naked body. The smog is reflecting light coming from somewhere, making seeing any stars (if any stars indeed exist) difficult.

Wait, naked?
Yes, you appear to be lying naked next to each other. It's very dark, with only the setting moon and some kind of red glow coming from somewhere nearvy providing light, but your eyes have adjusted enough to see.

But that becomes a secondary concern when, as you try to move, your injuries make themselves very clear to you through pain. Nikolai appears to have a dislocated arm while Alan has a dislocated ankle. Alan is also dismayed to find that he feels a bit lighter. He seems to have lost some of his fabulous fat.

You feel utterly exhausted, like you haven't slept in days, even though your body feels stiff, like you've been standing still for a long time. You are also terribly hungry. Alan especially, since his body feels the need to compensate for what it has lost.

All and all, this isn't shaping up to be a very fun roadtrip.

Zechariah is currently standing nearby, staring at nothing, swaying slightly as if he's about to fall with the slightest breeze. He looks pale and generally in a bad condition.
River is also nearby in his four-legged body. He has his head resting on a bundle of cloth held between his forepaws. He lays unmoving, with his back turned on you.

At least they won't be making any inappropriate jokes in that state.
Well, probably, you never know.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 22, 2015, 01:19:35 pm

"If you'll keep your psychopath of a mage away from me, sure! I'm just trying to defend myself since you bastards sat around and let him assault me!"

---

Physically I don't resist the guards, but if Kassiver even begins to take a single step towards me or the guards try to make me approach him then I sieze his inner flame again and shove it away from me. Also if they want to make me approach him then I'm going to grind my feet into the ground and make them pretty much carry me.
I hope Ike gets a message to River, we need help and he's the one with the telepathy necklace, not me.

"Yeah, right." the guard begins sarcastically. "With what you did, I bet-"
You hear a wet crunching noise coming from somewhere nearby, accompanied by Ike speaking with his mouth full.
"Oh shit!"
He swiftly attempts to grab you and lift you into a hold with one arm.
The other guard that was standing behind him rushes towards something.

((Not completing the guard's action in case you want to contest it. Basically making sure you want to surrender.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 22, 2015, 12:41:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Whoa! Easy there, son. I surrender, sure! Though you, uh, might want to consider where you're going to put me, and if it probably wouldn't be more efficient to just execute me on the spot. It is pretty weird, though, that I keep doing cool shit like smashing that asshole and doing a perfect 5 point blinding with an awesome skull I found in a tomb and then I can't do as much as just kill some yob like you. Almost like the vault, where I have a shotgun and a machine pistol and body armor and flashbangs and then every dumb asshole with a knife and a gimmick just rushes me to the ground and an unconscious person who just stopped breathing abruptly gets up like nothing's happened, shit, still bitter about that!"

Try not to continue being a complete spaz.

Also, tear out this guy's throat/facebits with my teeth. Flip out. Murder the shit out of everything. Go down like a wild animal, probably. And yes, talk with my mouth full if it's relevant.

The man grunts in disapproval as you speak and gets a hand behind your neck so that he can grab you and lift you up as he gets up. You take that opportunity to hug him as hard as you can and bite at his now exposed neck. You feel something warm dripping on your clothes. You can taste blood and flesh. Maybe you're starting to acquire a taste for it...

You continue talking as you eat. Tsk tsk. No manners.

The man grunts as he gets up and tries to pull you away, but you have latched on hard like a cheetah. You feel his sword striking your back but it's at an awkward angle. It doesn't even penetrate your clothes. Must be hard to use it when you're that close to him.

You can hear footsteps approaching rapidly.

((Just a clarification, if you get attacked, let go of the man and try to dodge or keep trying to kill him?))

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on April 22, 2015, 01:19:35 pm

((Um, what the hell? I don't understand how me moving my physical limbs is making me let go of the flames surrounding me. The only thing that can do that is me changing forms because I'm consolidating myself for the change before spreading myself back out again.

Don't you remember? Fire is an additional limb to me, not some psychic power.))

You rolled low. I tried to write a description fitting that, in a way that was more interesting than saying "you fail" while keeping things clear. Obviously, I failed.

Although I have to contest that statement. Does something being a different limb justify you using it to do multiple complex things without penalty? Can someone shoot two guns at the same time? Can someone write a novel while running? Can you put both hands on your chest and move one in circles while at the same time moving the other only up and down, not sideways, at the same rate? Sure, it's possible, but it will be difficult. (If you haven't tried that last one, what happens is most of the time you involuntarily end up moving both hands in circles (perhaps with one hand moving in much smaller circles). It takes some effort and concentration to get it right.)

Even if we assume that is the case, then wouldn't spinning around while rolling mean you would have to "realign" your limbs? True, you could make fire a part of you, but is movement of one part irrelevant from the other? Is there no point providing "leverage" so to speak?

But that's irrelevant because not what happened. In game terms, it was your part of the combat turn when your roll happened, which was after you dodged.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 26, 2015, 10:51:08 pm

Alan rolls over, assuming a pose and maybe screaming in pain.

Hello there, you two. How's it ... hanging?

His eyebrows jiggle.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on April 26, 2015, 11:45:10 pm

Nikolai gets up slowly.
His working arm moves to adjust his mask when he realizes it's gone.
"Oh shit shit shit."

Nikolai actually looks fairly normal under his mask. No hideous scars or mutations or strange markings.
He's very pale and gaunt, and middle aged. He has green eyes, grey hair, and a grey moustache.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 26, 2015, 10:51:08 pm

Alan rolls over, assuming a pose and maybe screaming in pain.

Hello there, you two. How's it ... hanging?

His eyebrows jiggle.

Nik laughs at this.
"Hey Alan. Having a little trouble standing up, I see?"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 27, 2015, 12:18:58 am

((I'm fine with uncordinated, that makes sense to me that it would be kinda disorienting, though I would expect my physical motions to be the disorienting part more than the flame motion (it's lower priority). regarding moving it separate from my physical body, I kinda have all the omni-joints on that aspect of me. I'm just saying that I wouldn't let go, that's all. I see my roll being messed up, the attack action failing, or maybe me sending the fire places I didn't mean to. but I don't understand what forced me to let go.

letting go when I didn't want anything remotely of the kind has left me defenseless with no options. I completely used up my ability to generate flame to make what fire I had to work with. now that it's all gone, my options have become: 1) surrender, 2) bite the guard (as if that will end well, me being much smaller than him, unarmed, and half-paralyzed), 3) attempt to pull on people's inner flames, 4) shift to full-fox (can't go hybrid), 5) attempt to pull flames from god knows where around the camp, probably lanterns and such.

in short: I'm helpless because of this issue. better to have taken a hit from the guard than lose my only tool and option.))

---

that's odd, I never raised my voice in there. Kassiver was the one yelling, not me. Those guards must have really good hearing.
I lift my arms up to my neck and make sure he can't choke me or whatever. ((or try to anyway))
"I just want to be treated as a person! It's not that complicated! If you'll do your job and keep him from attacking me, then I'm willing to stop fighting! Why is that so hard? What are you accusing me of?"
If I become able to see Ike's fight, then I tug down against what inner flame the guards he is fighting have, trying to throw them off or immobilize them for him.

same triggered-actions for if Kassiver gets up.
((Action incomplete - RL is making me post this early, probably going to have to edit it)) - edited

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 12:25:59 am

My ankle apparently doesn't like being asleep.

Alan glances down and notices his lack of fatness. He frowns.

Aww, my ice cream reserve is gone! Dying sucks.
Hey speaking of which, what happened? I've been floating for so long in the infinite void of unconsciousness that I don't really remember how we died in the first place.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 27, 2015, 12:36:23 am

Campaign, Ike!

How does that blood flow feel? Arterial or capillary? Should be easy to tell from the pressure and amount. Furthermore, I wouldn't have happened to tear open the trachea, would I?

In any case, if I can do it before the two guys get to me and then dodge, elbow this man in the diaphragm region (to steal away his breath, you see) and perhaps take his sword if there's time. Then push him into the approaching people.

If not, just twist around and push this mook into the approaching guys.

Oh, and don't swallow the flesh+blood (I surmise) I've got in my mouth, chewing occasionally as I dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on April 27, 2015, 01:32:46 am

Spoiler: I don't have time for this! (click to show/hide)

Slowdown spell to the center of the grid. Move out of the grid. Dodge. Shoot back.

"The fuck is going on in here?..."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on April 27, 2015, 02:27:40 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 12:25:59 am

My ankle apparently doesn't like being asleep.

Alan glances down and notices his lack of fatness. He frowns.

Aww, my ice cream reserve is gone! Dying sucks.
Hey speaking of which, what happened? I've been floating for so long in the infinite void of unconsciousness that I don't really remember how we died in the first place.

"I remember fighting through an army of zombies and tentacle monsters. Then going through a portal, then fighting more damned zombies and tentacle monsters. I think there were seven of us. We made a lot of mistakes, there was a chain reaction of fuckups, and then the portal exploded like a nuke. Boom.

At least it killed all the zombies. And tentacle monsters."

While talking, Nikolai searches those bags lying on the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:31:29 am

All right! Hey, do you know anything about fixing these limbs of ours? Otherwise we only have one option for moving around.

Alan grins. This has been a long time coming.

COUCH

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 27, 2015, 07:54:46 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 27, 2015, 12:36:23 am

Campaign, Ike!

How does that blood flow feel? Arterial or capillary? Should be easy to tell from the pressure and amount. Furthermore, I wouldn't have happened to tear open the trachea, would I?

In any case, if I can do it before the two guys get to me and then dodge, elbow this man in the diaphragm region (to steal away his breath, you see) and perhaps take his sword if there's time. Then push him into the approaching people.

If not, just twist around and push this mook into the approaching guys.

Oh, and don't swallow the flesh+blood (I surmise) I've got in my mouth, chewing occasionally as I dodge.

There's a lot of blood. You can tell that. Doesn't feel healthy.
You hear the guard let go of his sword and punching you on the side. His hits are strong, but despite the pain you don't let go. Instead you retaliate with some hits of your own. You remain close to each other, hitting each other for a few moments, like the bloodiest boxing match ever.

When you feel you have the upper hand, you twist and elbow the man, causing him to stumble backwards. A kick and he falls down, his hands moving to his neck to apply pressure.

You swiftly grab the sword he dropped and raise it towards the direction of the newly arrived guard. He pauses just out of your range, his own sword raised.
"You barbarian bastard! You savage!" he yells at you with a horrified expression.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: Lenglon on April 27, 2015, 12:18:58 am

that's odd, I never raised my voice in there. Kassiver was the one yelling, not me. Those guards must have really good hearing.
I lift my arms up to my neck and make sure he can't choke me or whatever. ((or try to anyway))
"I just want to be treated as a person! It's not that complicated! If you'll do your job and keep him from attacking me, then I'm willing to stop fighting! Why is that so hard? What are you accusing me of?"
If I become able to see Ike's fight, then I tug down against what inner flame the guards he is fighting have, trying to throw them off or immobilize them for him.

same triggered-actions for if Kassiver gets up.

The guard grabs you, lifts you and puts one arm around your neck.

You try to use your arms to prevent him from choking you, but they are still stuck behind your back. You try to pull them apart as hard as you can, but it feels like whatever is holding them causes pain whenever you try to pull them apart, like thousands of needless biting into your skin. Still, it feels like you managed to pull them away from each other a bit.

Ike.... Well, Ike doesn't look like he needs any help right now. I guess you could attack the third guard that is currently attacking him with harsh words.
You also notice that Kassiver is no longer where he was. You have no idea where he is though.

"Oi! Drop the sword, right now! Or the bitch gets it!" the guard that grabbed you yells at Ike, pulling his sword close to your neck.
(("The correct term is vixen."))
"You have 5 seconds."

---

Quote from: NAV on April 27, 2015, 02:27:40 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 12:25:59 am

My ankle apparently doesn't like being asleep.

Alan glances down and notices his lack of fatness. He frowns.

Aww, my ice cream reserve is gone! Dying sucks.
Hey speaking of which, what happened? I've been floating for so long in the infinite void of unconsciousness that I don't really remember how we died in the first place.

"I remember fighting through an army of zombies and tentacle monsters. Then going through a portal, then fighting more damned zombies and tentacle monsters. I think there were seven of us. We made a lot of mistakes, there was a chain reaction of fuckups, and then the portal exploded like a nuke. Boom.

At least it killed all the zombies. And tentacle monsters."

While talking, Nikolai searches those bags lying on the ground.

You slowly get up and go check the bags, being careful not to move your dislocated arm too much.
They appear to be improvised shoulder bags made out of clothes or pieces of clothing. One of them is empty. The other contains a bunch of metal wires.

The third is between River's paws and under his head. He appears to be sleeping, his eyes closed and his breathing slow, his legs occasionally twitching. But when your hand approaches the bag he growls softly, showing his teeth, although his eyes remain closed. Might be just a coincidence. He could just be having a bad dream. But you are not sure if you want to bet your one good arm on that.

You could disassemble the empty bag and use the clothing it's made of to get dressed. It's not like you need to carry anything. Although doing so with one arm flopping about uselessly would be a bit hard. And you're not so sure they are large enough to handle Alan's girth.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:31:29 am

All right! Hey, do you know anything about fixing these limbs of ours? Otherwise we only have one option for moving around.

Alan grins. This has been a long time coming.

COUCH

You summon a single, perfectly good couch in front of you in a flash of purple light.
...
Wha- What happened? Only one couch? No friendly fire? No hideous couch abominations?
You look down at your missing fat.
The source of all your power!
Nooooooooooooooo (https://youtu.be/Eal4fep7pK4)!

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on April 27, 2015, 12:18:58 am

((I'm fine with uncordinated, that makes sense to me that it would be kinda disorienting, though I would expect my physical motions to be the disorienting part more than the flame motion (it's lower priority). regarding moving it separate from my physical body, I kinda have all the omni-joints on that aspect of me. I'm just saying that I wouldn't let go, that's all. I see my roll being messed up, the attack action failing, or maybe me sending the fire places I didn't mean to. but I don't understand what forced me to let go.

letting go when I didn't want anything remotely of the kind has left me defenseless with no options. I completely used up my ability to generate flame to make what fire I had to work with. now that it's all gone, my options have become: 1) surrender, 2) bite the guard (as if that will end well, me being much smaller than him, unarmed, and half-paralyzed), 3) attempt to pull on people's inner flames, 4) shift to full-fox (can't go hybrid), 5) attempt to pull flames from god knows where around the camp, probably lanterns and such.

in short: I'm helpless because of this issue. better to have taken a hit from the guard than lose my only tool and option.))

Well, you could just use a different fire source if you wanted. The burning piece of cloth was right there. It might not be enough for an AoE attack, but you can use it for a directed attack.

But hey, if you prefer holding on to fire at all costs, then I can try to do that. It's not like it's the only bad thing that can happen when you roll low.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on April 27, 2015, 08:09:40 am

((Yeah, I could burn myself...
and I'd forgotten about the bag...
that actually helps a ton, though I still... but...
heh, ok, idea time. thank you Paris.))

---

thanks for lifting me so close to your chest and face asshole.
"Ike don't do it! These men have no honor! Doing what they say won't stop them!"
My eyes flick around, looking for kassiver while my eyesight is still good.
and when his count hits "2" I change to full-fox form.

as soon as the change is complete, I snatch up the flames left from my transformation, from the burning cloth, from any nearby lanterns, whereever I can, I funnel it all on to the guard that *was* holding me. at the same time (and as a lower priority - abandoning this second part if I have to pick one part or another to keep active), I reach out around me and drag upwards all flames that I'm not manipulating directly. specifically aiming to catch the inner flames of the guards and a certain invisible mad mage. lowest priority - physically, I want to get some distance from the guards while keeping alert to Kassiver

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on April 27, 2015, 08:11:00 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:31:29 am

All right! Hey, do you know anything about fixing these limbs of ours? Otherwise we only have one option for moving around.

Alan grins. This has been a long time coming.

COUCH

"No, but I will try. This might hurt."

Relocate my arm, then help Alan on to the couch and relocate his ankle.

"Can you summon clothes, or weapons, or food, or drink?"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 27, 2015, 10:48:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike chews one way, then the other, then shrugs.

"Mmph," he says without opening his mouth, acknowledging the guard's flattery with a thankful smile and a nod.

Listen for anybody else moving about until Irine changes shape. Like good ol' Kassiver. Do I see him or hear him anyplace? Look thoughtful, as if I'm actually considering what the other yob is saying.

Then, once Irine does her thing, charge the guard not holding her and spit the contents of my mouth in his face while trying my best to slice open any parts of him not covered by armor.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 27, 2015, 02:04:35 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Rest for a round. Keep growing in size, until I am as big as I can get. Then, lumber towards the green light. Unless it's near that mist. I do NOT want to mess with whatever that is.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:10:14 pm

Alan downright pouts.

Well that was somewhat less spectacular than I imagined it.

Quote

"Can you summon clothes, or weapons, or food, or drink?"

Yep, yep kinda, like knives and bathtubs at high velocity and hot water heaters and stuff, yep and yep!

Assuming I'm not passed out in pain from disastrous medicine attempts, summon a large variety of chocolate and begin gorging myself. Alan deserves a reward for coming back from the dead!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on April 27, 2015, 02:53:59 pm

Spoiler: It's like an 80s rock concert (click to show/hide)

Still charging. Once fully charged, fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on April 27, 2015, 07:59:20 pm

"A guy can't get a break. I assume this is not a good place to be."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Can I find the mind of the person causing this? start breaking in if I can. Watch for more lasers popping up.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 28, 2015, 11:06:45 am

Trance L. Vania - Frank Klepacki (https://youtu.be/fqlb0p11RcE?t=1h25m44s)

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: akkudakku on April 27, 2015, 01:32:46 am

Spoiler: I don't have time for this! (click to show/hide)

Slowdown spell to the center of the grid. Move out of the grid. Dodge. Shoot back.

"The fuck is going on in here?..."

(Read spoiler title in Schwarzenegger accent for maximum effect.)

Spoiler: Let's get outa here! (click to show/hide)

"Nope."
You immediately turn around and start running in the opposite direction. Seems to be happening a lot lately...
You cast a slowdown spell but you do not see any noticeable effect... Then again, you have no idea what's going on, so there might be an effect and you just can't see it.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 27, 2015, 02:04:35 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Rest for a round. Keep growing in size, until I am as big as I can get. Then, lumber towards the green light. Unless it's near that mist. I do NOT want to mess with whatever that is.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"You guys mess with the giant glowy thing. I'll just watch from a safe distance and come kill you later if you're still alive, OK?"
You keep watching from a safe distance. Which is a good choice really, considering what happens next.

Quote from: Alarith on April 27, 2015, 07:59:20 pm

"A guy can't get a break. I assume this is not a good place to be."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Can I find the mind of the person causing this? start breaking in if I can. Watch for more lasers popping up.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You stay where you are, trying to remain aware of your surroundings, while at the same time trying to find who is responsible for this.
Well, it seems pretty clear who that one might be. The only person who doesn't seem to feel as surprised or as worried about what's going on (although there is some of those feelings, you can tell) and is sitting alone right in the middle of all this. Although there is something strange going on with his mind... Something like static.
You make good progress with breaking into his mind. He seems too focused on his surroundings to put up much of a fight (or even notice you). It does confirm your suspicion that there is something going on with his mind. It's human, but there's something... extra, in there. Something not human. Luckily, it seems to pay you no mind (pun not intended).

Quote from: Beirus on April 27, 2015, 02:53:59 pm

Spoiler: It's like an 80s rock concert (click to show/hide)

Still charging. Once fully charged, fire.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

1-3 turns, depending on how long they take.

The white mist surrounding the lines continues to expand and get larger as the pulses of light get more frequent, until the mist suddenly expands, forming a luminous membrane that divides each section of the grid into partitions.

Anything caught in the way of the forming membranes is instantly cut. Those foolish or unaware enough to remain close to them have their bodies instantly cut by the membrane formed, some times fatally so.

The moment the partitions are formed, they are violently yet symmetrically pushed outwards, taking their contents with them. They ignore all resistance, pushing the ground hard enough to cause part of the hill to shift and collapse with an intense tremor. The white light disappears moments later, letting the flying debris expand like buckshot.

In the spherical space the lines of light once occupied, now remains a distortion, something that makes light passing through it dimmer.

Spoiler: akkudakku (click to show/hide)

You are hit hard by something in the back of your head.
Ugh... Everything is spinning...

Spoiler: Coolrune206 (click to show/hide)

You twist to the side so that your armour faces the explosion.
Some debris hit you but they harmlessly bounce off your armour.

Spoiler: Alarith (click to show/hide)

You somehow manage to hold your balance as the ground beneath your feet is suddenly pushed away and starts tumbling. Not only that, but you manage to move (as much as you can, anyway) and avoid getting crushed by the tumbling rock and concrete or hit by anything big.
However, you can not summon the concentration needed to form a telekinetic barrier for the smaller debris. Your body is punched and stabbed by various debris, one of them hitting you strong enough to break your other arm.
Judging from how fast you are bleeding, you don't have much time left. A minute at most, if you're lucky.

Spoiler: Beirus (click to show/hide)

There is a large gap left under you when the ground is pushed away, although the sphere you were caught in (and the ground contained in it) remains intact. You and the piece of ground hover comically for a few seconds before falling down.
*crunch*
Ouch.  You think the impact broke your... your... Well, you have no idea what that thing is. A strange squigly tube-like thing that goes around that... bone thing and the... antenna with the... no that's not an antenna, it's a... umm... line-thing with... umm... Your splanch, let's call it splanch. You broke your splanch.
It's leaking a strange thing that looks like incredibly bright liquid light with some dark spots in it, like someone took plasma from the sun and made it into a syrup. And it seems to be burning and melting through anything it touches.
And you're in a bowl.
Great.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 28, 2015, 01:59:06 pm

((Things are getting crazy. I like.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 28, 2015, 02:30:13 pm

((Erm... I'm gonna need a map now. I have no idea what the hell just happened.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 28, 2015, 02:53:38 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 28, 2015, 02:30:13 pm

((Erm... I'm gonna need a map now. I have no idea what the hell just happened.))

Remember that white thing on the map? That thing acted like a sort of repulsion wave that tore the ground apart and launched it away, leaving a small crater and destroying much of the fortification.

Writing from phone. I can make a map later if you want?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 28, 2015, 03:52:11 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Remove some armoring on my tail to make it more maneuverable. Then, develop small disposable keratin spikes loaded with neurotoxins on the top of the tail. Have it so that I can fling them overhead in a catapult fashion at my foes.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on April 29, 2015, 01:29:36 pm

Spoiler: I'm hit! (click to show/hide)

Check myself for damage. Get hold of self. Try to find some grenades on the fallen soldiers. Close up to the epicenter and frag it with all I find. If no grenades are found go in and hose down anyone there.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on April 29, 2015, 01:43:18 pm

Spoiler: Ow, my splanch (click to show/hide)

Still charging. The only other option means I wasted all this time.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on April 29, 2015, 11:02:12 pm

"I'm getting sick of this"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Charge towards the person responsible for the repulsion field, unless it is still their, and attack him with telekinetic blasts. If there is still a repulsion field thing murder someone else, same method.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 01, 2015, 10:26:50 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 28, 2015, 03:52:11 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Remove some armoring on my tail to make it more maneuverable. Then, develop small disposable keratin spikes loaded with neurotoxins on the top of the tail. Have it so that I can fling them overhead in a catapult fashion at my foes.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Well, you make your spike launcher at least, but not the spikes themselves.

Quote from: akkudakku on April 29, 2015, 01:29:36 pm

Spoiler: I'm hit! (click to show/hide)

Check myself for damage. Get hold of self. Try to find some grenades on the fallen soldiers. Close up to the epicenter and frag it with all I find. If no grenades are found go in and hose down anyone there.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Your head is bleeding, but you don't think it's too serious. You're starting to feel better already. But it still feels hard to move properly and your thoughts are kinda jumbled.
You luck out and find a single grenade in a decapitated corpse. You get ready to pull the pin and start running. Let's hope it's not a dud.

You are running towards your target when something pushes you down, causing you to stumble and fall. You feel like it's hard to move, as if the air has gotten heavier and somewhat hotter...

You raise your hand to wipe the sweat off your forehead when something cold touches your forehead. You lower your hand, look at it and notice that you're sporting a new wedding ring. Better take it off quickly, lest you become married to Death. Or at least hope the entities can get you an annulment.

Quote from: Beirus on April 29, 2015, 01:43:18 pm

Spoiler: Ow, my splanch (click to show/hide)

Still charging. The only other option means I wasted all this time.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Imma charging mah lazor spechal ability!
Something hits you pretty hard and causes you to roll back and forth a bit, causing what used to be your legs to fall into that puddle of strange liquid. It does not feel pleasant. In fact, it feels like your legs are on fire. And you cannot see who did that. You can't see anyone around you.

Quote from: Alarith on April 29, 2015, 11:02:12 pm

"I'm getting sick of this"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Charge towards the person responsible for the repulsion field, unless it is still their, and attack him with telekinetic blasts. If there is still a repulsion field thing murder someone else, same method.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You charge towards the man causing all this, moving at incredible speed for a man who's supposed to be half-dead.

Along the way, you feel like something picks you up, causing you to start floating. And not only you, it seems. Looks like everything around you is floating. Pieces of rubble. Even giant rocks.
Luckily, your momentum keeps carrying you forward, quickly getting you through this strange area.

You reach the crater at the centre of all this destruction and chaos. There you see a... thing. It's certainly a living thing or at least biological. It looks like it has a base for it to stand on, but is otherwise asymmetrical. It has huge squirming guts wrapped around layers of upward facing bone spikes that form a protective armour. You can see eyes blinking from between the bone spikes, eyes that look unnervingly human. The entire thing pulses and squirms, slowly rearranging itself.

It seems to have fallen on its side and is currently leaking a large amount of luminous syrupy liquid from a broken gut. The liquid burns and eats through anything it touches.

Despite its inhuman appearance, you are certain that the man causing this is that thing or at least hiding inside that thing. So you attempt to hit the thing with a telekinetic blast. Your attack is fairly powerful, but the thing's armour appears capable of resisting it. You do sense a lot of pain from it though. Maybe you should try something with a bit more power?

The thing starts emitting a very bright light itself. A light that starts spreading to the space above it and the distortion left in the air there by the repulsion effect.

A very bright green light is being emitted from the now obliterated western part of the fortification.
It is almost time now...

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on April 27, 2015, 08:11:00 am

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:31:29 am

All right! Hey, do you know anything about fixing these limbs of ours? Otherwise we only have one option for moving around.

Alan grins. This has been a long time coming.

COUCH

"No, but I will try. This might hurt."

Relocate my arm, then help Alan on to the couch and relocate his ankle.

"Can you summon clothes, or weapons, or food, or drink?"

You manage to relocate your arm with one swift bash like a boss and don't even feel any pain about it. Cool.

That done, you slowly (both to avoid causing pain and due to his weight) move Alan to the couch and lay him there.
"This is probably going to hurt."
But I should not worry because you know what you're doing, right?
"Nope!"
Cool.
You bend down and take a look at the leg. And then immediately look to the side and retch, for once since you woke up feeling glad you have nothing in your stomach. Gah... You've seen injuries before but that just feels... It's making you sick. The foot just hanging there limply, swaying at odd angles with the slightest move of his fatty hip. It's.... Ugh. Can't really do it right now. Need a sec to prepare yourself, at least. Or maybe something to appease your stomach.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 27, 2015, 02:10:14 pm

Alan downright pouts.

Well that was somewhat less spectacular than I imagined it.

Quote

"Can you summon clothes, or weapons, or food, or drink?"

Yep, yep kinda, like knives and bathtubs at high velocity and hot water heaters and stuff, yep and yep!

Assuming I'm not passed out in pain from disastrous medicine attempts, summon a large variety of chocolate and begin gorging myself. Alan deserves a reward for coming back from the dead!

Your medic appears to be having a crisis of competence, for he looks unable to fix your leg. Although his squirming and retching is quite entertaining.

Well, no matter. You have food to think of. So you resort to use your ability to bring forth food.
"Food!" you command, but nothing happens. You try again, but the nothing continues. Hmm... Maybe you're doing something wrong? Or is it simply taking a long time to get here again?
It takes a few more seconds of trying, but eventually a half eaten and slightly glowing chocolate bar manifests itself in a dim flash of purple light and falls on the couch. Hmm.... Maybe you're doing something wrong? There must be a better way to do this. Well, you suppose you can ponder that after eating that snack.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 27, 2015, 08:09:40 am

((Yeah, I could burn myself...
and I'd forgotten about the bag...
that actually helps a ton, though I still... but...
heh, ok, idea time. thank you Paris.))

---

thanks for lifting me so close to your chest and face asshole.
"Ike don't do it! These men have no honor! Doing what they say won't stop them!"
My eyes flick around, looking for kassiver while my eyesight is still good.
and when his count hits "2" I change to full-fox form.

as soon as the change is complete, I snatch up the flames left from my transformation, from the burning cloth, from any nearby lanterns, whereever I can, I funnel it all on to the guard that *was* holding me. at the same time (and as a lower priority - abandoning this second part if I have to pick one part or another to keep active), I reach out around me and drag upwards all flames that I'm not manipulating directly. specifically aiming to catch the inner flames of the guards and a certain invisible mad mage. lowest priority - physically, I want to get some distance from the guards while keeping alert to Kassiver

You start the process of your transformation, but a few moments in, you feel something even more wrong than the usual pain. You feel like your body is being stretched more than it can handle, being ripped apart. You fall down on the ground with your fox body, but you can't move well. You can't feel your front legs. There's only pain in their place.

You launch a desperate attack on where you last saw the guard regardless, fighting through the nausea of your transformation and the pain of your missing legs. You don't get to see the results before you fall unconscious.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 27, 2015, 10:48:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike chews one way, then the other, then shrugs.

"Mmph," he says without opening his mouth, acknowledging the guard's flattery with a thankful smile and a nod.

Listen for anybody else moving about until Irine changes shape. Like good ol' Kassiver. Do I see him or hear him anyplace? Look thoughtful, as if I'm actually considering what the other yob is saying.

Then, once Irine does her thing, charge the guard not holding her and spit the contents of my mouth in his face while trying my best to slice open any parts of him not covered by armor.

You politely ignore the man while you listen for any indication of where your former victim is so that you can finish murdering it. Unfortunately, you fail to hear anything sounding like him. Even if you could hear him shuffling about, people seem to be more concerned about the fact that their temporary dwellings are on fire.

Well, no matter. The wait gives you enough time for your headache to pass. So the moment the guard's hostage spontaneously combusts, you assault the other standing guard. Your distraction combined with your speed means he has little chance to react. Your sword hits him hard in the jaw, knocking him to the ground along with a few of his teeth. That looked painful.

You look away from the fight when you hear a scream. Hm. Looks like firefox misplaced her front legs, short stumps and two widening pools of blood left in their place. That doesn't look very healthy. Might be time to bugger off and try to find a way to help her (or just run away and frankly not give a damn about your dear).

On the bright side, that white stuff her arms had is gone with them. And she appears to have managed to severely damage the face of the guard that was attacking her, enough to cause him to fall to the ground. Probably the source of the scream you heard.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 02, 2015, 02:45:37 am

Welp, I'm unconscious now...

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on May 02, 2015, 02:48:08 am

((Yo, do I post character apps here or would a PM be better?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 02, 2015, 02:51:19 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 02, 2015, 02:48:08 am

((Yo, do I post character apps here or would a PM be better?))

((we're sometimes PvP so a PM would be the tactically better choice - but posting the application in here works just fine too))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on May 02, 2015, 02:52:29 am

((oh, yeah. That makes a fair amount of sense.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on May 02, 2015, 03:03:18 am

Spoiler: Move along. Nothing to see here (click to show/hide)

Keep charging and fire when fully charged.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 02, 2015, 03:12:24 am

Alan offers the chocolate bar to Nikolai.

Hey guy, want a candy? I dunno why I'm not doing this powers thing right, but I can get other candy bits.

Eat it if he refuses.

Now c'mon, my squeals will only sound like 78 percent pig, put my leg back already.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 02, 2015, 07:02:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wait a minute, that was the wrong side! Silly me!"

Slit the throats of as many of the three guards as I can manage (or stab them in the throat if that's faster and more efficient, that works as well). Start with the one in front of me, then the burned one, then the one I bit.

Then fetch Irine. Check if she's about to die and if anyone's coming along to also die horribly. If no trouble aside from her dying or everything else burning is impending, steal the armor of the guy who best fits my build and put as much of it on as I can, then remove a significant amount of said individual's intestines for future use.

Also, do I remember the smell of Kassiver's blood and body?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 02, 2015, 07:05:00 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 02, 2015, 02:52:29 am

((oh, yeah. That makes a fair amount of sense.))

It's what I did. Although I'm not sure a punch could get through solid metal...

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on May 02, 2015, 10:54:48 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

More focused blasts, concentrating my power at one point should cause the force to have a greater effect.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 02, 2015, 06:31:51 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on May 02, 2015, 02:45:37 am

Welp, I'm unconscious now...

Well, Ike doesn't appear to be helping you, so... Let's see if you at least manage to wake up on your own or do any good endurance rolls...
*rolls*
Well, at least you're not dead yet.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 02, 2015, 07:02:37 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wait a minute, that was the wrong side! Silly me!"

Slit the throats of as many of the three guards as I can manage (or stab them in the throat if that's faster and more efficient, that works as well). Start with the one in front of me, then the burned one, then the one I bit.

Then fetch Irine. Check if she's about to die and if anyone's coming along to also die horribly. If no trouble aside from her dying or everything else burning is impending, steal the armor of the guy who best fits my build and put as much of it on as I can, then remove a significant amount of said individual's intestines for future use.

Also, do I remember the smell of Kassiver's blood and body?

The man lying on the ground in front of you tries to dodge, but you manage to stab him through the chest. That's going to be bad for his ability to breathe. You let him bleed/choke to death and move on to the next one.

You approach the burnt man without him noticing you as he is thrashing about, but you somehow manage to miss. The guard seems to have heard your failed strike though and attempts to blindly swing his sword in your direction, but it's laughably easy to evade his strike. You don't even need to move for you to do so. Your next strike hits him right between the eyes and almost cleaves his head in two. You'd say that unless there's weird magical stuff happening, he's pretty dead now.

The final one is the one you bit, who seems to have fallen unconscious. You stab him a few times just to be sure, since you never know and you've had unpleasant experiences with that kind of thing before.

Having slaughtered everyone rather nicely, you try to take a guy's guts. For what reason, nobody knows. Maybe you want to have the guts to face your enemies, literally? Maybe you plan to strangle people with them? Use the guts as rope? To make a bowstring or a string instrument? Who knows. Regardless, you somehow manage to completely cut them to pieces in the process.

Did I mention armour? I don't think I ever mentioned any armour for those guards. They just carry swords. Rovan (the young man you met in the perimeter) had armour.

And sure, you remember the guy's scent. Your memory is not that bad.

A small crowd chanced upon you during your demonstration of the basics of human corpse mutilation. Most of them run away the moment they realised what was going on. A few curious ones are still watching, hiding the moment you turn to look at them. They look terrified.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 02, 2015, 03:12:24 am

Alan offers the chocolate bar to Nikolai.

Hey guy, want a candy? I dunno why I'm not doing this powers thing right, but I can get other candy bits.

Eat it if he refuses.

Now c'mon, my squeals will only sound like 78 percent pig, put my leg back already.

You bung the chocolate bar into your mouth and start chewing. Hmm... It's nice, sweet, making your hungry mouth water... And then it's gone. It completely disappears from inside your mouth, leading to you biting your tongue. Ouch.

You were fed misleading candy! Preposterous!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 02, 2015, 06:35:03 pm

Come on Nikolai, stop being a wimp. Just pop his ankle back into place.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 02, 2015, 06:37:39 pm

Quote from: NAV on May 02, 2015, 06:35:03 pm

Come on Nikolai, stop being a wimp. Just pop his ankle back into place.

You attempt to fix Alan's foot again with various violent motions. Alan manages to stay surprisingly quiet about his pain during all this.

You have little idea about what you're doing or if it's right, but you at least manage to make it stop moving around unnaturally. Alan is still feeling pain though and can't move it that well. Might be better if he just got a crutch and help from someone who is not as likely to cut his foot off as he is to heal him.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 02, 2015, 09:09:06 pm

But I don' wana bleed to death!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 02, 2015, 10:32:36 pm

"There. Good enough. You should probably summon a crutch.

You should also summon some supplies.
Lots of food and drinks. Whatever you want, I'm too hungry to care.
Weapons. Knives would work. A fire poker would be excellent.
Two sets of clothes. Waterproof, durable, and many pockets. Maybe sports armor if you can summon it.
Some spare cloth for bandages and making a sling.
Vodka for drinking, first aid, and molotovs.
Hairspray and a lighter to use as a flamethrower.
A metal cup to trap and crush people with.
Rope. Always need rope.
Lanterns or flashlights and extra batteries.
And of course, Duct tape.

Sorry. Just want to be prepared."

While talking Nikolai collects some rocks the right size for slinging and fills a bag with them to create the deadliest weapon known to man: a bag full of rocks. Any particularly interesting rocks around here, or are they all the boring grey kind?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 03, 2015, 12:55:34 am

Uh.

Try for a crutch first. If not, then summon a bunch of clothes.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 03, 2015, 12:56:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hiya!" says Ike to the onlookers with a bloody smile. "Sorry it had to work out this way, guys."

See if I can arrest Irine's bleeding with an intestinal tourniquet, then tie her to my back with more intestine. Nature's answer to rope, they call it.

Then start following Kassiver's scent from the presumable puddle of ichor he left on the ground when his eyes were pierced. Keep an ear out for any sudden movements around me.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 03, 2015, 01:19:16 am

"Maybe I got a bit carried away. Just the clothes and weapons is okay. But if you want to summon the rest of thost things it would help."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on May 03, 2015, 09:06:58 am

Spoiler: Oh poop (click to show/hide)

Throw the grenade away. Use a slow field on it. Run further towards the crater. Duck and cover. If after that I still have action points - fire away.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 03, 2015, 02:22:14 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Evolve Spikes, then go hunt some peoples.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 03, 2015, 09:32:11 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Beirus on May 02, 2015, 03:03:18 am

Spoiler: Move along. Nothing to see here (click to show/hide)

Keep charging and fire when fully charged.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You are hit again, this time much stronger, a hit that breaks and rends some of the bones and flesh that make up your armour. However, the worse part is that you are pushed straight in that puddle of green stuff. The feeling of being burnt melted and burnt into nothing is not very pleasant. Death comes as a welcome reprieve from the pain.

((Ah, too bad. I really wanted you to fire. Oh well, maybe next mission. That's the problem with that kind of character build, I suppose.))

Quote from: Alarith on May 02, 2015, 10:54:48 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

More focused blasts, concentrating my power at one point should cause the force to have a greater effect.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to hit the thing with a very powerful telekinetic blast, tearing away a large chunk of its surrounding flesh and bone and throwing the creature straight into the glowing green puddle surrounding it. It looks like that isn't good for its health, for it immediately starts melting and burning.

What happens next surprises you, although in retrospect you should had expected it. The thing explodes in a flash of brilliant light, throwing you back, burning your upper body and blinding you temporarily. You can still move, but it hurts like hell.

Blood loss combined with the pain and discomfort from the rest of your injuries is getting to you. It's hard to move and think properly. You don't have long to live.

Quote from: akkudakku on May 03, 2015, 09:06:58 am

Spoiler: Oh poop (click to show/hide)

Throw the grenade away. Use a slow field on it. Run further towards the crater. Duck and cover. If after that I still have action points - fire away.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to slow the grenade down, but your frantic attempts to throw it away only manages to somehow get it tangled into your uniform.

Oh, and there's a big angry armoured dinosaur-like thing coming your way from the ast. It's got an interface around one of its legs.

You are trying to decide which one of your problems is more important when a brilliant flash of light comes from the crater, causing the ground to shift and tremble, making you loose your balance. The lizard thing looks a lot more steady on its four feet.

Talk about bad luck. Well, at least it's not raining.

((Also, action points? This isn't XCOM, friend. Although, now that I think about it, an assault or survival mission with aliens would be fun...))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 03, 2015, 02:22:14 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Evolve Spikes, then go hunt some peoples.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You continue to fail to grow spikes, but you at least manage to hunt people.

There's a little human that seems to have gone crazy and is fighting with his uniform. Looks like there's something in it. Maybe one of his friends put a rabid Tasmanian devil in his pants?

Well, no matter, he has an Interface on his wrist, which means you have to kill him. Or at least make sure he ends up dead, since you don't think you can just persuade him to give up and leave.

Just as you are about to attack, a brilliant flash of light comes from the crater, followed by a tremor that causes the ground to shift. You easily manage to maintain your balance, but the other man is not as lucky. He stumbles and almost falls to the ground.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on May 02, 2015, 10:32:36 pm

"There. Good enough. You should probably summon a crutch.

You should also summon some supplies.
Lots of food and drinks. Whatever you want, I'm too hungry to care.
Weapons. Knives would work. A fire poker would be excellent.
Two sets of clothes. Waterproof, durable, and many pockets. Maybe sports armor if you can summon it.
Some spare cloth for bandages and making a sling.
Vodka for drinking, first aid, and molotovs.
Hairspray and a lighter to use as a flamethrower.
A metal cup to trap and crush people with.
Rope. Always need rope.
Lanterns or flashlights and extra batteries.
And of course, Duct tape.

Sorry. Just want to be prepared."

While talking Nikolai collects some rocks the right size for slinging and fills a bag with them to create the deadliest weapon known to man: a bag full of rocks. Any particularly interesting rocks around here, or are they all the boring grey kind?

After placing your order to the most dangerous delivery man ever, you proceed to look around for rocks.
((inb4 I get a character application for an actual delivery man warrior.))
Unfortunately, the ground here appears to have molten and then cooled down again recently, leaving you with nothing but small and slightly porous rock fragments. Not that good for making a weapon. You could always look further away.

Quote from: Xantalos on May 03, 2015, 12:55:34 am

Uh.

Try for a crutch first. If not, then summon a bunch of clothes.

It takes several attempts during which nothing happens, but you eventually manage to summon a perfectly good crutch, complete with cloth padding that should help keep you comfortable.

As for clothing... you manage to summon a pair of pants and a shirt. And you don't even have to wear it. And it even looks like your power enlarged the shirt to make it fit someone of your body type. Unfortunately, both of the shirt's sleeves appear to be extra long and tied behind your back, making it impossible for you to move your arms. Probably a side effect of that new ability. Maybe your power is trying to tell you something?

---

Quote from: Lenglon on May 02, 2015, 09:09:06 pm

But I don' wana bleed to death!

Well, me neither since it means you'll have to wait to be revived again (unless Ike ends up perma-killing you). And River will probably not be very thrilled about you dying either, but there's not much I can do about it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 03, 2015, 12:56:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Hiya!" says Ike to the onlookers with a bloody smile. "Sorry it had to work out this way, guys."

See if I can arrest Irine's bleeding with an intestinal tourniquet, then tie her to my back with more intestine. Nature's answer to rope, they call it.

Then start following Kassiver's scent from the presumable puddle of ichor he left on the ground when his eyes were pierced. Keep an ear out for any sudden movements around me.

You kinda ruined your intestine last turn, friend. But that doesn't mean you can't try to gain some guts from someone else.
Let's see here... You smile creepily to the onlookers as you start mutilating a second corpse. You manage to cut the small intestine out of the big guard.
You try to use part of it to create a tourniquet for Irine, but the damn thing is too slippery, the blood not helping one bit.

Oh, by the way, both the medical and the supply tent are on fire, the fire spreading from somewhere close to their entrance. From what you can hear, someone's helping evacuate the occupants of the medical tent through a hole on the opposite side from the entrance.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 03, 2015, 09:36:14 pm

Can I wake up yet?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on May 04, 2015, 03:15:37 am

Spoiler: Crazy Ivan (click to show/hide)

Try to untangle the grenade and throw it at the lizard. Then run away and shoot at it.. If I still cant get rid of the nade then suicide bomb the lizard.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 04, 2015, 03:42:31 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh well. Guess I'll have to do with- wait..."

Grab some of the guard's unbloodied clothing (or at least the cleanest available) and bandage Irine. Then grab her and get out of here, keeping an ear out for hostile wizards.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on May 04, 2015, 05:23:25 am

((what happen?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2015, 10:38:19 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on May 03, 2015, 09:36:14 pm

Can I wake up yet?

magic 8ball d6 says try again later.
Besides, being conscious means increased heart rate which will probably kill you faster, so assuming Ike manages to help you, it might be better to stay unconscious.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 04, 2015, 03:42:31 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh well. Guess I'll have to do with- wait..."

Grab some of the guard's unbloodied clothing (or at least the cleanest available) and bandage Irine. Then grab her and get out of here, keeping an ear out for hostile wizards.

You use your sword to cut some strips of cloth and attempt to bandage Irine's leg stumps. You don't manage to stop the bleeding completely, but you think you do a good enough job. If you're very quick, you could make it to the others in time to help her. Or you could look for alternative means of helping her.

Hm... You can smell the wizard guy's trail, but you don't think you smell him... General direction indicates somewhere away from the city, behind the supply tent.

Anything special you want to do or just run away towards the city?

---

OOC

Quote from: Roc CURIOUSBEAST_EATER on May 04, 2015, 05:23:25 am

((what happen?))

Somebody set up us the bomb.
Lots of things happened. You'll have to be a bit more specific. You mean with your character?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 04, 2015, 11:13:11 am

I might be better off being unconsious, but I don't know that, so I still need to wake up!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 04, 2015, 12:35:04 pm

Help untie Alan's sleeves.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 04, 2015, 12:48:19 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Add more bandages. Just wrap it all up, eh?

Then follow that trail. Be ready for copious stabbing of wizards.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 04, 2015, 01:50:42 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I'm not getting near one of the other people again, after they instantaneously murdered me with one hit. Instead, I'll just sit back until these launchable spikes are ready, at which point I will fling them at the prone figure. If he gets up and runs the other direction, aim at his legs. If he gets up and runs at me, aim directly at his face, then press down to the ground until he gets close enough to lunge, at which point I will lunge for his neck, hoping to sever the head from the body.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 04, 2015, 02:58:30 pm

Hmm. I think I need to power up again or something, my couch powers aren't doing what they used to.

Wait until my sleeves are untied, then crutch over to where River is and lightly kick him until he wakes up.

Hey Rover, wake up! I need your help and exposition.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on May 04, 2015, 04:07:12 pm

"Hraghrhghgh"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Drag myself to the nearest person I can find, and try to kill them with telekinesis.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 06, 2015, 11:42:45 pm

((Alright, I've gotten some time to relax a bit in the past few days. I've caught up on whatever I've missed, so I'll try to post as quick as possible for the next few days due to upcoming finals and life shenanigans and whatnot.))

((Also, very late replies, because why not.))

Spoiler: Words! (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 22, 2015, 12:19:55 pm

I'll agree with the others. I don't really think that's the case. I think we're more or less at the same level (at least as far as I can judge myself). We just focus on different things in our games and use different systems and different writing styles. You know, different people, thinking differently. A difference in general game style. Which is a good thing to have.

The point is that you got inspired and tried to do something and ended up doing something good that people enjoy. I'd call that success.

I don't know what to say about the rest other than wish you the best.
And don't feel like you can't take a break. RL comes first.

Quote from: Tiruin on April 22, 2015, 05:16:15 am

((From an (*ex?)GM to a GM, there're people who will always believe in you, even if you sometimes believe in the doubts in between believing in yourself.

I've learned to face RL (the biggest contributor to  > Game), and then organize myself for this.
_{I'm still going to run games...}
*Ex- = Previous(ly running one), right? Instead of 'Was once, is now not anymore'.))

Quote from: Lenglon on April 21, 2015, 05:12:59 am

((Is not, RtM is my 2nd-highest priority RtD. Spec PPl is the only one I value higher. There's a reason I brought the character there that I did. You do great work, stop being so hard on yourself.))

---

I just...
Thank you. This means a lot to me. I apologize for being a bit dire with my words, but I am really stressed. When I become stressed, I tend to worry a lot more about what I am doing, how I act, et cetera. There's a lot of different complicated issues coming together. I'm weathering the storm, but I've gotta focus on what I can.
I really do appreciate the support, and I love this RtD. I'll try to write whenever I can, but finals are coming up, so I've gotta get cracking down on that. During the summer, I'll have a lot more time to write freely.

Again, thanks. Just keep writing, all of you. Reading is one of the most enjoyable things for me, especially with things like this RtD, or what people post on Roll to Medium - really, on most RtDs here. I just like to see what people come up with.
Truly grateful,
Artemis.

---

---

Campaign

Zechariah stumbled backwards, disoriented from his experience. Though it left him quite exhausted, he was proud that he was able to muster the strength to help River out for as long he needed to revive Alan and Nikolai, especially considering that he didn't have his staff with him. Might it have been a stroke of luck? Maybe he managed to muster some willpower after all. Or, maybe he drew on some reserve power that would probably disadvantage him at a later point.

Who knows? He doesn't. The only thing Zechariah knows right now is that he is starving, dehydrated, and in need of sleep. Oh, sleep - what a wonderful thing. He called back to the days where he would suffer from severe sleep loss due to disorientation from being in the Medium for so long. It was like an extreme version of jet lag, only with the catch that you're not actually adjusting to a different time zone. He was zipping around different space-time continua and expecting to be able to sleep regularly. Of course, he eventually got used to it, but that doesn't undo the damage of insomnia.

He rubs his eyes and succumbs to fatigue, falling down and remaining supine. He groans and says weakly, "River? I'm... I'm gonna need some.. some rest. And food. And water. That took.. a lot out of me. I'm gonna need.. need a nap. For a day.. or two."

State my condition to River and attempt to sit up, facing him.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on May 07, 2015, 01:18:29 am

((I've sent the GM a PM with my desired power(s).))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 07, 2015, 02:49:42 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 06, 2015, 11:42:45 pm

He rubs his eyes and succumbs to fatigue, falling down and remaining supine. He groans and says weakly, "River? I'm... I'm gonna need some.. some rest. And food. And water. That took.. a lot out of me. I'm gonna need.. need a nap. For a day.. or two."

"Oh good, you're awake. Some mission we've been having, huh?"

(After helping Alan get untied) help Zech up and onto the couch.

Then disassemble the empty bag and get dressed. See if I can spare a piece of cloth to tie around my face like a mask.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 07, 2015, 06:46:04 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 07, 2015, 01:18:29 am

((I've sent the GM a PM with my desired power(s).))

((Me too. It will probably be a few dozen pages before there's an opportunity to slide us in. But I'll be waiting.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on May 07, 2015, 09:20:44 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 07, 2015, 06:46:04 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 07, 2015, 01:18:29 am

((I've sent the GM a PM with my desired power(s).))

((Me too. It will probably be a few dozen pages before there's an opportunity to slide us in. But I'll be waiting.))

No worries, you get to run around in the stage area. Now for my action

Stage
Conjure up three plasmids(super drugs from Urbania) to share to others.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on May 07, 2015, 10:59:33 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 07, 2015, 06:46:04 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 07, 2015, 01:18:29 am

((I've sent the GM a PM with my desired power(s).))

((Me too. It will probably be a few dozen pages before there's an opportunity to slide us in. But I'll be waiting.))

((Has he replied to yours?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 07, 2015, 11:23:57 am

((Sorry for the delay and not replying to your PMs. It's just that I've really not been in the proper mindset to update my notes and stuff so I've been postponing it as much as I can until I really have to do it.

It looks like the second chance round will end soon, so I might start a third mission then while our four finalists compete for the title. You can participate in that mission. So I'll write you in soon.

I've been a bit swamped this week with university stuff and preparing for a job interview and things are unlikely to improve next week but I'll try to at least make an update during the weekend.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 07, 2015, 12:45:37 pm

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 07, 2015, 10:59:33 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 07, 2015, 06:46:04 am

Quote from: Adragis029 on May 07, 2015, 01:18:29 am

((I've sent the GM a PM with my desired power(s).))

((Me too. It will probably be a few dozen pages before there's an opportunity to slide us in. But I'll be waiting.))

((Has he replied to yours?))

((I actually sent it in several weeks ago and never received a reply... maybe the forum ate it? Dwarf martial artist with 2 weaknesses and 5 special abilities?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 12, 2015, 04:41:17 pm

Obligatory [BUMP]

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 12, 2015, 07:23:30 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: akkudakku on May 04, 2015, 03:15:37 am

Spoiler: Crazy Ivan (click to show/hide)

Try to untangle the grenade and throw it at the lizard. Then run away and shoot at it.. If I still cant get rid of the nade then suicide bomb the lizard.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You attempt to dislodge the grenade. You are panicking. Your hands are trembling. You can't find it. You can't grab it. It's slipping through your hands. All you manage to do is waste valuable seconds.

You get up and start running towards the beast. You're close. You're really close. And then your chest explodes and everything goes dark.

((You rolled four 1s in a row with that grenade. It didn't want to let go of you, it seems. Like it was stuck to you.
I guess one could say it was...

a sticky grenade. 
YEEEEEEAH (https://youtu.be/6YMPAH67f4o?list=PLIemt01rWYPuusDYLTNAAlTokMYrRb4ZD)))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 04, 2015, 01:50:42 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I'm not getting near one of the other people again, after they instantaneously murdered me with one hit. Instead, I'll just sit back until these launchable spikes are ready, at which point I will fling them at the prone figure. If he gets up and runs the other direction, aim at his legs. If he gets up and runs at me, aim directly at his face, then press down to the ground until he gets close enough to lunge, at which point I will lunge for his neck, hoping to sever the head from the body.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You grow a few spikes and prepare to launch them as the prone man gets up, screams "Adios, amigo!" and charges at you. He moves very quickly, not giving you a chance to hit him with your spikes.

However before you can do anything, the man disappears in an explosion of blood and gore, throwing bone shrapnel everywhere around him. Some of them hit you in the eyes, blinding you. You don't even feel any pain, so it takes you a few seconds to realise that you can't see.

You finally realise you're blind when you hear something whiz past you, like someone cracking a whip through the air, and try to look for its source.

Quote from: Alarith on May 04, 2015, 04:07:12 pm

"Hraghrhghgh"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Drag myself to the nearest person I can find, and try to kill them with telekinesis.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You sense a large amount of fear, anger and pain and pain nearby, coming from everywhere around you, the surge of powerful emotions making it hard to sense them properly. It's hard to discern amongst all the soldiers getting killed for nothing on this hill, but one of them stands out. It is the same thing you sensed earlier in the other contestant, human emotions in the body of an animal.

You launch a desperate attack on it, but you don't feel it getting hurt. You don't feel any pain coming from it. Unless it has somehow made its body immune to pain... But one thing you do know is that its emotions shift. It definitely noticed your attack.

The darkness is closing in. You manage to stall it for a while longer, but it's coming for you and there's little you can do about it. The only thing you can do is feed it the blood of your enemies as sacrifice and hope that will abate it.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on May 04, 2015, 12:35:04 pm

Help untie Alan's sleeves.

You put your newly repaired hands to good use and help get Alan out of the tangled mess he got himself into.

Quote from: Xantalos on May 04, 2015, 02:58:30 pm

Hmm. I think I need to power up again or something, my couch powers aren't doing what they used to.

Wait until my sleeves are untied, then crutch over to where River is and lightly kick him until he wakes up.

Hey Rover, wake up! I need your help and exposition.

You lift your giant sleeves and try to get them to stop dangling. You also try to tuck your shirt's back inside your pants so that you don't end up stepping on it. You look kinda like Mickey in the Sorcerer's Apprentice... after drowning his sorrows with booze, smokes and junk food for 30 years.

That done, you grab your crutch, get up from your couch and use your crutch to poke Rocky while stating your demands. He growls and shifts his tail and head a bit, but doesn't open his eyes.
<Make it quick. Or loose a limb.>

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 06, 2015, 11:42:45 pm

Campaign

Zechariah stumbled backwards, disoriented from his experience. Though it left him quite exhausted, he was proud that he was able to muster the strength to help River out for as long he needed to revive Alan and Nikolai, especially considering that he didn't have his staff with him. Might it have been a stroke of luck? Maybe he managed to muster some willpower after all. Or, maybe he drew on some reserve power that would probably disadvantage him at a later point.

Who knows? He doesn't. The only thing Zechariah knows right now is that he is starving, dehydrated, and in need of sleep. Oh, sleep - what a wonderful thing. He called back to the days where he would suffer from severe sleep loss due to disorientation from being in the Medium for so long. It was like an extreme version of jet lag, only with the catch that you're not actually adjusting to a different time zone. He was zipping around different space-time continua and expecting to be able to sleep regularly. Of course, he eventually got used to it, but that doesn't undo the damage of insomnia.

He rubs his eyes and succumbs to fatigue, falling down and remaining supine. He groans and says weakly, "River? I'm... I'm gonna need some.. some rest. And food. And water. That took.. a lot out of me. I'm gonna need.. need a nap. For a day.. or two."

State my condition to River and attempt to sit up, facing him.

You sit up and face River. Even staying conscious takes some effort. Every time you blink and close your eyes, you have to remind yourself not to doze off.

River does not react to your words beyond moving his ears a bit, but he replies nonetheless.
<Yes. Tired. Sleep needed.>
He doesn't appear to be in a better state than you. His fur has lost its shine and has become matted where the blood from his broken leg has stained it. At least the bleeding appears to have mostly stopped.
<The energy here helps. Food is better.>
He's just lying there in his four-legged form, sleeping with one of his improvised bags as a pillow. Or at least trying to sleep. Alan's meddling seems to be preventing that at the moment. Which is probably why there is a bit of agitation mixed into the tiredness in his voice... wait, not voice... telepathy? Eh, magic is weird.
<Others can help. When they return.>

Quote from: NAV on May 07, 2015, 02:49:42 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 06, 2015, 11:42:45 pm

He rubs his eyes and succumbs to fatigue, falling down and remaining supine. He groans and says weakly, "River? I'm... I'm gonna need some.. some rest. And food. And water. That took.. a lot out of me. I'm gonna need.. need a nap. For a day.. or two."

"Oh good, you're awake. Some mission we've been having, huh?"

(After helping Alan get untied) help Zech up and onto the couch.

Then disassemble the empty bag and get dressed. See if I can spare a piece of cloth to tie around my face like a mask.

It takes some effort to disassemble the bag (Damn knots. What's wrong with a simple bow knot? And do they have to be so tight?) but you manage to do so and get some slightly singed clothes as a reward, which you promptly wear.

You rip a piece of cloth off a shirt and use it to form a mask. It's a bit too long, so you kinda look like you're wearing a scarf. Which with this heat is a bit out of place. Eh, whatever, you can pretend to be some sort of mysterious exotic traveller with a horrible fashion sense.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on May 04, 2015, 11:13:11 am

I might be better off being unconsious, but I don't know that, so I still need to wake up!

True, but your body does, and the dice say it says no.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 04, 2015, 12:48:19 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Add more bandages. Just wrap it all up, eh?

Then follow that trail. Be ready for copious stabbing of wizards.

You completely mummify Irine using the bloody cloth taken from your enemies clothes, tightly wrapping her entire body in cloth like you have some kind of bondage fetish.
Foxes don't need to breathe that much, right? They can stay underwater for hours.
Or was that whales?
Nah, probably foxes.

That done, you grab your sword, heft the mummified Irine on your shoulder by the tail (good thing it's nice and hard) and follow Kassiver's trail. It's quite easy to do so. Even if the strong scent wasn't there, the blood and disturbed ground alone would be enough.

You don't have to follow the trail for long before you find him. First the blood drops in the trail lessen. Then you can see and smell marks of other humans next to him. And by the time you've reached the other side of the supply tent, you can see him.

He is no more than 10 metres away, being guided by an unarmed woman back towards the supply tent. He has obtained a small knife. There is a circle made of various grey line segments hovering a few millimetres above his eyes and ears, like someone started drawing a blindfold on him but neglected finishing it.
He is being escorted by a short man with an even shorter sword, who is walking in front of the two. He looks young, no more than 15. He appears to have noticed you. He has stopped moving and is currently staring at you wide eyed.

---

OOC
Looks like that round is going to end soon...

Still busy busy busy. Had actually started writing the turn when Coolrune posted, but had to pause for a while to do other things.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 12, 2015, 07:42:02 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Turn my eyes into biomass, then turn said biomass into re-functional eyes. Then, look for the source of my attacker. Launch my ranged spikes, then go for the chomp. If I have any extra biomass, evolve my jaws to have an almost pneumatic crushing force as I run towards the hostile.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 12, 2015, 07:44:03 pm

wakey-wakey rise-and-bakey

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 12, 2015, 08:51:51 pm

Actually loosening my limb isn't what I need right now since it's still dislocated or something, but thanks for the offer. What happened after I died and stuff?

Alan uses 'miss the point!' It's super effective!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on May 13, 2015, 12:18:24 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hold off death as best I can without performing a ritual. I haven't sunk that low. Continue trying to kill other competitors though

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 13, 2015, 12:53:14 am

"I would also like to know what the hell happened, and where are our other three comrades?"

While listening, try to craft a sling from strips of cloth. The last one proved to be a surprisingly effective weapon.
Pocket a few of those subpar rocks. Better than no ammo.

Quote

Eh, whatever, you can pretend to be some sort of mysterious exotic traveller with a horrible fashion sense.

((What's this about pretending? I am a mysterious exotic traveller with mystical powers from another dimension.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 13, 2015, 12:54:40 am

Campaign, Ike!

Eh, probably best to leave these people be. Wave to the dude who sees me and then run along back to River and whoever else happens to be alive at the moment.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 13, 2015, 01:57:03 am

Quote from: NAV on May 13, 2015, 12:53:14 am

Quote

Eh, whatever, you can pretend to be some sort of mysterious exotic traveller with a horrible fashion sense.

((What's this about pretending? I am a mysterious exotic traveller with mystical powers from another dimension.))

((But do you have horrible fashion sense?))

---

---

Campaign

Zechariah rolled over, blinked, and yawned, all one after the other. His voice is almost a whisper when he says, "Sleep.. is good. I think I'm gonna..."

Find a comfy place to sleep. If I don't have enough energy to do that, the ground is fine. At the very least, it's not literally killing me right now. Just sleep. Food and drink can wait until later. I hope.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 13, 2015, 02:03:41 am

((I cover that department.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 13, 2015, 05:02:14 am

Quote from: Alarith on May 13, 2015, 12:18:24 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hold off death as best I can without performing a ritual. I haven't sunk that low.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I was just being pointlessly lyrical there friend. There's no ritual. What I meant in plain English is that you are dying and your best hope of winning is to kill the other before he kills you or you bleed to death.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on May 13, 2015, 09:49:53 am

((Well that was fun, you could even say it was... explosive! Too bad I didn't make it far enough. Respawn next turn in the staging area?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on May 14, 2015, 07:38:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 13, 2015, 05:02:14 am

Quote from: Alarith on May 13, 2015, 12:18:24 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hold off death as best I can without performing a ritual. I haven't sunk that low.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I was just being pointlessly lyrical there friend. There's no ritual. What I meant in plain English is that you are dying and your best hope of winning is to kill the other before he kills you or you bleed to death.

I kind of wondered. I also modified my action a bit, if you could check that.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 15, 2015, 10:16:35 pm

---

Second chance round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 12, 2015, 07:42:02 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Turn my eyes into biomass, then turn said biomass into re-functional eyes. Then, look for the source of my attacker. Launch my ranged spikes, then go for the chomp. If I have any extra biomass, evolve my jaws to have an almost pneumatic crushing force as I run towards the hostile.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to heal your eyes perfectly and even add a backup pair of eyes, just in case your primary gets damaged again.
You can once more see the destruction all around you in the dim light of distant and nearby fires, the giant crater surrounded by pieces of upturned earth and the dark shape of a helicopter approaching from the distance.

Quote from: Alarith on May 13, 2015, 12:18:24 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hold off death as best I can without performing a ritual. I haven't sunk that low. Continue trying to kill other competitors though

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try to strike again but you just can't manage to gather the required concentration. The world becomes quiet and cold. The sounds of dying men and distant explosions lulls you into unconsciousness.

Spoiler: For everyone (click to show/hide)

The great armoured beast that is Rune observes the small lightweight helicopter approach. It lowers itself towards the cracked ground but does not actually land. It just hovers there long enough for its passenger to hop off safely.
"Not much of a show. You made some people unhappy." she says. "But you survived. It's not always the strongest or the one that kills the most that ends up being the victor. So you gain a second chance to prove you are the best or die from his hands, as promised."

((Once Bryan failed his end roll, I rolled for his future turns to save time (since I doubt Rune would heal him) and he died two turns later from bleeding out without managing to regain consciousness.

The way I see it, Rune won by standing back, playing it safe and having average luck while his opponents killed each other or died from bad luck. You know what they say... (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/b1c_zpsjmib2tvv.jpg)))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on May 12, 2015, 07:44:03 pm

wakey-wakey rise-and-bakey

You are buried alive. You can't move. You can't feel your body. You can't feel your legs. You can't see. You can't breathe. The ground is pushing your from all sides, preventing your chest from expanding. There's only pressure and the approaching darkness.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 13, 2015, 12:54:40 am

Campaign, Ike!

Eh, probably best to leave these people be. Wave to the dude who sees me and then run along back to River and whoever else happens to be alive at the moment.

You turn tail and run like the most indecisive killer ever.
Should had asked earlier, but are you doing anything special or just running towards the city at full speed?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 12, 2015, 08:51:51 pm

Actually loosening my limb isn't what I need right now since it's still dislocated or something, but thanks for the offer. What happened after I died and stuff?

Alan uses 'miss the point!' It's super effective!

<We were dead. I woke up. I woke the others up. I woke you up.>

Quote from: NAV on May 13, 2015, 12:53:14 am

"I would also like to know what the hell happened, and where are our other three comrades?"

While listening, try to craft a sling from strips of cloth. The last one proved to be a surprisingly effective weapon.
Pocket a few of those subpar rocks. Better than no ammo.

<Ike and Irine are not here. I called and howled but they did not come. Theri is... not awake yet.>
You use the few clothes left to make a perfect sling. You also scrape some light pebbles off the ground. Probably not going to cause much harm with those unless you use them to... I dunno, put them on someone's food and hope they choke on them?

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 13, 2015, 01:57:03 am

Campaign

Zechariah rolled over, blinked, and yawned, all one after the other. His voice is almost a whisper when he says, "Sleep.. is good. I think I'm gonna..."

Find a comfy place to sleep. If I don't have enough energy to do that, the ground is fine. At the very least, it's not literally killing me right now. Just sleep. Food and drink can wait until later. I hope.

A bump in the rock to rest your head, some dirt and ash for your body and your sweater as a pillow are as close as you can get to comfortable. Your body will probably regret this tomorrow, but right now it does not have the strength to care one bit. The moment you close your eyes and stop resisting, you fall unconscious.

---

OOC
I'll try to take some time to finish some stuff I should had done a long time ago, then I'll introduce the new players and start the final round. I'll probably also do upgrades for the other players.

I have an idea for where and how the battle for the championship shall take place, but any suggestions are welcome.

I'm thinking you'll start relatively close by but paired up with your opponent. The twist will be that there won't be a break to heal and prepare between semi-finals and finals. There won't even be any physical barriers so there's a small chance this could end up as a three/four way fight.

I'd write that information IC (and probably will, later), but my capacity to remain conscious and coherent is rapidly diminishing.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 15, 2015, 10:33:22 pm

((Am I able to comunicate or am I still unconsious / not conscious enough to form sendable thoughts?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 15, 2015, 10:46:32 pm

Alrighty. We need to move fast probably since the other people are probably dying or something by now, so I'll try something on that accord.

Try to make a remote-controlled truck or car that's the size of an actual truck/car.
Preferably with the remote not also as large, but if it is, eh whatever.

Oh by the way, my furnitureandvariousotheroddsandendsincludingfoodand liquidsofvaryingkindsatvaryingvelocitiesomancy isn't working as well as it was before. Just look at the couch, it's entirely unremarkable. Is that anything to do with how I died? Thanks for undying me by the way, whoever did that. Any way I can fix it? The furnitureandvariousotheroddsandendsincludingfoodand liquidsofvaryingkindsatvaryingvelocitiesomancy, not the dying.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 16, 2015, 01:06:57 am

"Something to go fast? I call driver's seat."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 16, 2015, 04:34:27 am

Campaign, Ike!

Full speed retreat to where I think Rover and the gang might be.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 16, 2015, 07:02:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 15, 2015, 10:33:22 pm

((Am I able to comunicate or am I still unconsious / not conscious enough to form sendable thoughts?))

You can try, but you're at that point where even easy things require a roll.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on May 16, 2015, 07:30:17 am

((Should I not use PMs to work out characters, then?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 16, 2015, 10:32:42 am

<Can't... Breathe...>

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 16, 2015, 10:53:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 16, 2015, 10:32:42 am

<Can't... Breathe...>

If I happen to hear this, unwrap my satchel a slight amount, or maybe poke a hole in it, whichever seems more wise.

EDIT: And in any case, don't quite full speed retreat. First steal the other two swords from the people I killed if I didn't already, and then quickly retreat in order to reunite with the others.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 16, 2015, 11:35:26 am

((Did you ever get my character PM? Just wondering because the forum eats PM's on occasion.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 17, 2015, 12:02:35 pm

(So wait, the second chance turn is over? I won?

But I didn't do anything?

Okay, where am I now?)

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on May 19, 2015, 09:27:46 am

((Man, luck hated me in the second chance round, as far as I can tell.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 19, 2015, 01:33:26 pm

Nik sits on the couch tapping his foot.
"So, should we just sit around waiting for Fox and Big ears to get back? I could go look for food, think everyone would appreciate that."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 19, 2015, 02:16:05 pm

I can food us if we need.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on May 21, 2015, 07:32:15 am

_Bump?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2015, 05:49:03 pm

         ______
_____/         \______

OBLIGATORY BUMP

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on May 23, 2015, 05:55:34 pm

         ______
_____/         \______

OLIGARCHY PUMP

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on May 23, 2015, 05:58:30 pm

         ______
_____/         \______

VICTOR'S HUMP

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 23, 2015, 06:13:55 pm

Quote from: My Character

Wake up, or I will bump world into pulp!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 23, 2015, 06:44:48 pm

You don't want Alan to reveal his lady humps.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2015, 07:38:47 pm

What have I started!?  :'(

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 23, 2015, 07:44:26 pm

You've given me thoughts that forever scar my mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 25, 2015, 07:07:38 am

Paris?

Are you still alive?
Y'see, here on the internet we assume that if your games die, then you've died. Which means that everyone here thinks I'm dead.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 25, 2015, 07:10:01 am

((He's not dead. He responded to my character PM yesterday.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 25, 2015, 03:04:32 pm

Ia ia Paris ftaghn

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on May 25, 2015, 03:10:05 pm

Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Paris Bay12 wgah'nagl fhtagn.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 25, 2015, 03:42:39 pm

((Activating translation matrix...


Paris: yeah that's clear.
Ia: repeated twice, two letter word. Is seems likely.
Ftaghn: Posting or working seems likely to me.

First message: Is Paris working (on the turn)?

The second one is beyond reason. Mostly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on May 25, 2015, 04:01:29 pm

Ftaghn means sleep.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 01, 2015, 02:09:08 pm

R.I.P. Thread

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 01, 2015, 03:09:38 pm

((I don't think so... just wait. Today... my maturing psionic powers detect... an incoming turn!))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 01, 2015, 09:57:47 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 01, 2015, 03:09:38 pm

((I don't think so... just wait. Today... my maturing psionic powers detect... an incoming turn!))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/59d1d5c9e6b0ae985bf8a2a37ecb4c21f540ec6d0ac723fe68c2a869caf623eb_zpsn3bj6fib.jpg)

Yeah, sorry, was busy with stuff, and still am. And will be for most of the next month. But the good news is I'm done with most of my time consuming stuff, so I can try making more regular posts.

---

Salsacookies, Hawk132, Coolrune206, Toaster
You are all standing on your individual pillars, identifying you as finalists. What we're waiting for is for everyone involved to choose their upgrades. And for me to write down the mission start. I've got it thought out in my head, just need to put it on paper. Well, not actual paper. Put it on virtual paper? Put it on screen? On hard drive? On post? Whatever the correct expression is.

---

Everyone not in a mission (That should be Wolfkit, Alarith, DreamerGhost, FallacyofUrist, Beirus and akkudakku, if I'm not forgetting anyone)
6 very special people walk into a bar in the staging area. A guy in a labcoat with the looks of a stereotypical mad scientist, a man in his late teens with a straight scar on the right side of his face a bit below eye level, a man with long black hair and a beard with a book on his belt, a really short and stocky man with a long red beard that reeks of alcohol, a young man with a mountain man beard that appears to have worked hard under the sun for most of his life and an overweight young adult with wireframe glasses.

An entity is manning the bar. A fungiband is standing in the corner, tuning their instruments. There is an old CRT TV in a corner of the inn, showing the four tournament finalists with the subtitle "FINAL ROUND BEGINS SOON" along with dubious factoids about them. Oh, and I forgot to tell you, the entity is promiscuous.

((You guys, you can start discussing what your next mission should be. You're 6 and 6 is a good number for a mission.
Got any suggestions? Anything you want to ask me? I'm open to anything. ((That's what she said!))
I'll put up a vote later. I need to sleep now.))

---

Campaign

Quote from: Xantalos on May 15, 2015, 10:46:32 pm

Alrighty. We need to move fast probably since the other people are probably dying or something by now, so I'll try something on that accord.

Try to make a remote-controlled truck or car that's the size of an actual truck/car.
Preferably with the remote not also as large, but if it is, eh whatever.

Oh by the way, my furnitureandvariousotheroddsandendsincludingfoodand liquidsofvaryingkindsatvaryingvelocitiesomancy isn't working as well as it was before. Just look at the couch, it's entirely unremarkable. Is that anything to do with how I died? Thanks for undying me by the way, whoever did that. Any way I can fix it? The furnitureandvariousotheroddsandendsincludingfoodand liquidsofvaryingkindsatvaryingvelocitiesomancy, not the dying.

<Food. Drink. Rest. Time. Mostly time. The damage will heal.>

Quote from: NAV on May 19, 2015, 01:33:26 pm

Nik sits on the couch tapping his foot.
"So, should we just sit around waiting for Fox and Big ears to get back? I could go look for food, think everyone would appreciate that."

<Do whatever you want. I will rest.>

As you wait, sitting on the sofa and tapping your foot impatiently, you notice the air around you shimmering and glowing faintly. The purplish glow intensifies and then fades until it disappears, leaving behind transparent shapes. Meaning you and your companions are now surrounded by ghostly see-through walls, floor and ceiling, with multicolour patterns occasionally running across their surface. The walls begin to clear up, their features sharpening, bumps in the floor and walls becoming chairs, tables and wardrobes, while bumps in the ceiling transform into tacky chandeliers that shine ethereal light to their surroundings, painting your body with slowly alternating colours.

You notice that the sharpening of features is more prominent on one specific wall and its surroundings. As you watch, the features of that wall sharpen further, turning into the square mesh of a window. Behind it, you can see two points of light, rapidly becoming larger and brighter and moving further apart from each other.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 16, 2015, 10:53:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 16, 2015, 10:32:42 am

<Can't... Breathe...>

If I happen to hear this, unwrap my satchel a slight amount, or maybe poke a hole in it, whichever seems more wise.

EDIT: And in any case, don't quite full speed retreat. First steal the other two swords from the people I killed if I didn't already, and then quickly retreat in order to reunite with the others.

Hearing Irine's plea for air, you (after a bit more looting) decide that the best course of action would be to use a sword on her to open a few breathing holes via stabbing. Luckily, you are dexterous enough to do so without actually stabbing Irine.

You also loosen the bandages around her chest a bit, but your options there are limited. If you loosen them too much, then she will bleed to death in the next few minutes. You think you've probably loosened them enough to allow her to breathe without her bleeding out, but it's hard to tell. The bandages have already become blood soaked, so it's hard to tell how much she's bleeding right now. You know it's not too much, but with her size and the amount of blood she's already lost, every drop counts. Her only hope of survival is receiving medical attention as quickly as possible, preferably now.

With that in mind, you start running, trying to make your way out of the camp as quickly as possible. A good percentage of the people you come across are too preoccupied with the fires that have engulfed some of their dwellings and their futile attempts to extinguish them to notice you, while anyone who does notice you seems too perplexed by the sight of a man covered in blood carrying a bunch weapons under one armpit and a fox over his shoulder to react immediately. By the time they act, your speed has taken you away and any of their shouts are obscured by the clamour of people talking, shouting and screaming.

Luckily, while many people are trying to get away from the centre of the camp, the edge of the camp you're heading towards seems almost deserted. In the darkness, you catch a glimpse of something that might be related to that. A single man with blood on his sword surrounded by three small unmoving dark shapes on the ground.

You don't give him enough time to do anything, continuing your sprint towards the city despite his shouts for you to stop.

Irine
You can breathe a bit better now and can see around you somewhat, but it is still hard for you to retain consciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 01, 2015, 10:50:17 pm

John nodded toward Rune.  "Congratulations on the win there.  You guys ready to do this?"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 01, 2015, 11:53:08 pm

Just stay awake. I'll stay alive if my mind stays active. Just stay conscious. Ike will take care of me. I'll be okay. Just trust him and stay awake. I do not move, just hanging limply. Just, stay awake.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 02, 2015, 06:58:55 am

Campaign, Ike!

Keep running, keep running, keep running toward reunification with my fellow incompetents.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 02, 2015, 07:04:18 am

I have no idea what is happening but I need sugary sweetness to properly respond to it.

Summon a popsicle and observe whatever happens.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 02, 2015, 07:04:44 am

((I'm presuming I pick my speaking color... if not, tell me.))

"Greetings! Excuse me, I need a drink."

Get an alcoholic drink. A large one.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 02, 2015, 07:08:55 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 02, 2015, 07:04:18 am

I have no idea what is happening but I need sugary sweetness to properly respond to it.

Summon a popsicle and observe whatever happens.

((Enjoy getting run over by a truck))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 02, 2015, 08:11:27 am

"Always ready for battle."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 02, 2015, 08:17:02 am

Good day, gentlemen... and madmen... and alcohol entusiasts.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on June 02, 2015, 01:22:56 pm

Get a beer, watch the match on the TV.

"That's completely new to me. Wonder whats the next assignment will be?

Hope this show on TV wont be like wrestling."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 02, 2015, 01:42:01 pm

"Wrestling? I'd like to see those wimps try to wrestle. They're probably not going to do that. Wait, what is that?"

Kosak points at the box with a screen on it.

((Or maybe I should try first-person? It'll work either way.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on June 02, 2015, 01:54:46 pm

"So, I'm fighting a tin can, beast boy, and some nerd? Disillbe fun. Also, who's dis kid talkintameh.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 02, 2015, 01:56:48 pm

"I'll have you know I defeated another nerd to earn my place here!"

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on June 02, 2015, 02:35:46 pm

"Oh no. Weird shit is happening."
Flip a table on its side to act as cover. Get behind it and make sure the less conscious people are behind it.
Load my least pathetic rock into my sling.

If it seems like any sort of projectile or truck or something is going to crash into us then tsar the table.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 02, 2015, 02:37:35 pm

Wave politely to the other finalists, then stop abruptly, remembering the mood I was trying to create around myself. Give them suspicious looks.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on June 02, 2015, 03:19:18 pm

"You got any moonshine? I could go fer summa that."

Drink some moonshine.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Wolfkit on June 03, 2015, 08:04:29 am

"I feel like this is the start to a bad joke or something. 'Six people walk into a bar'Well, only one thing to do about it, and that is to assume a spherical, frictionless cow.
One spherical steak, please!"

Order
Also, my mission vote is on the 11 of Diamonds

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 03, 2015, 08:25:41 am

"I shall whatever beer you have."

Support 11 of Diamonds

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on June 03, 2015, 11:33:28 am

I will support the 11 Diamonds mission too.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on June 03, 2015, 11:43:08 am

What's the 11 of Diamonds mission? I know I'm not apart of it, but it still sounds interesting.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 03, 2015, 11:45:37 am

((Quoting the Game Types post here.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2013, 08:25:07 am

• Assault: Work as a team to finish an objective. It won't be easy, and there will be incentive for infighting.
• The 11 of Diamonds: You will raid the stronghold of the 11 of Diamonds, a gang notorious for their involvement with occult rituals and bloody murders. Your aim will be to dismantle the organization by defeating its leader. While their numbers are few, none have ever been caught. Furthermore, it is said that their stronghold is full of traps and strange phenomena. Some go as far as saying that it is haunted...
  

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on June 03, 2015, 11:47:36 am

*Facepalms due to not looking at the OP* Thanks.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 03, 2015, 01:40:18 pm

"What is a 'steak'?"

Eh. 11 of Diamonds it is.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 05, 2015, 01:40:07 pm

Bryan Tavern
"Hello to all of you as well. Bartender, may I have a glass of water?"
11 of diamonds sounds fine to me.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Beirus on June 05, 2015, 05:56:52 pm

11 of Diamonds works for me.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 06, 2015, 07:18:09 am

"Did... you... just... ask for water in a BAR? I'm thinking that you need to be pulverized. Or just introduced to a good dwarven brew."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 06, 2015, 12:08:14 pm

"I'd rather keep my head clear, thank you. If you wish to fight me for that reason, go ahead."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 06, 2015, 12:37:36 pm

"Well then. Prepare to be introduced to dwarven might! Let's get some sort of sparring match set up."

Get a sparring match set up with the alcohol-hating man.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 07, 2015, 07:54:45 am

"Are we merely using our fists, or will our powers come into play as well?"
Get ready for a fight

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 07, 2015, 08:14:38 am

"Powers? All I have is fists- and kicks... bites... throws... palm smashes... secret techniques... I pulverize things. So yeah, go ahead and use your 'powers'."

((I'm presuming that two of my [specials] are loaded, Parisbre. If not, tell me before we start the sparring match.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2015, 05:53:14 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 01, 2015, 11:53:08 pm

Just stay awake. I'll stay alive if my mind stays active. Just stay conscious. Ike will take care of me. I'll be okay. Just trust him and stay awake. I do not move, just hanging limply. Just, stay awake.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 02, 2015, 06:58:55 am

Campaign, Ike!

Keep running, keep running, keep running toward reunification with my fellow incompetents.

Ike continues running. The city is easy to find, what with it being built on the side of a glowing volcano, but the same cannot be said about the path to it. The slight glow being reflected on the smog filling the sky and what little light coming from the moon makes it through it allow him to find his way around the dark, along with some help from his enhanced senses, but running around when you can't see the ground is still hard. He almost trips on some dry bushes a couple of times. At least he manages to not get attacked by whatever critters might roam around in the night and makes his way past the moat and wall surrounding the city without incident. Despite all this physical effort and the fact that he has received only a meagre meal, he's not feeling tired at all.

Reaching the outskirts of the city took him much longer than he'd like. If he's going to have to cross the entirety of the city at the same pace until he reaches the crater... Irine will definitely not make it, unless he pushes himself to the limit and uses his skills perfectly. Or unless he does something else that could help.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 02, 2015, 07:04:18 am

I have no idea what is happening but I need sugary sweetness to properly respond to it.

Summon a popsicle and observe whatever happens.

Quote from: NAV on June 02, 2015, 02:35:46 pm

"Oh no. Weird shit is happening."
Flip a table on its side to act as cover. Get behind it and make sure the less conscious people are behind it.
Load my least pathetic rock into my sling.

If it seems like any sort of projectile or truck or something is going to crash into us then tsar the table.

Nikolai flips a ghostly table that happens to be close to him, grabs River by the tail, drags him behind the table despite his protests and takes cover behind it, hoping that it will protect him from whatever comes next.

He sees the two lights approaching an oblivious Alan trying to create a popsicle but getting only small bits of ice. There is a loud booming sound like a giant trumpet being blown and then the lights disappear and there is a screeching sound coming closer.
"Alan! Duck!"
Duck?! Where?! Alan asks enthusiastically, looking around everywhere except for right behind him.

The house's ethereal wall and window condenses into an actual one, a green tapestry with flowery patterns covering a rather simple wooden wall. A moment later, the truck's trailer smashes through the wall, sending splinters and glass flying everywhere. It's moving sideways, chopping everything above a certain height like an overeager 'you must be this high to be admitted' sign.

Nikolai feels the table vibrate from the impacts of debris and hopes the screeching of the wheels will stop before they reach them.
Alan only feels something hitting him on his lower torso from behind, followed by a feeling like his skull is trying to leave his head, followed by stars, followed by darkness.

After it comes to a halt, the truck is polite enough to disappear along with most of the house and not transform into a giant robot or something like that, so Nikolai does not need to use his sling. Some of the shrapnel, debris and part of the walls of the house remain though. With the table he was taking cover behind having disappeared, he takes a look around.

Alan is lying on the ground face down beside his crutch, bleeding from the back of his head moderately. He seems to be alive and still breathing. He also appears to have a giant glass shard in his left... well, let's just say that's going to make sitting painful. And moving around, probably. At least the concussion means he won't be feeling that until he wakes up... or bleeds into his brain and dies.

Zechariah has been covered by a thin layer of dust and bits of wood but he doesn't appear to have been hurt by virtue of the small depression in the ground he was lying on.

All and all, the fun times with the Xan dice continues.

River sets down the bag that was in his mouth, checks its contents, looks around and then lies down and closes his eyes again.
<We will need to leave soon.>

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: mydjet

<character>

Now we have 7 people in the bar. Great.
You appear next to that guy below, because why not.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 02, 2015, 07:04:44 am

((I'm presuming I pick my speaking color... if not, tell me.))

"Greetings! Excuse me, I need a drink."

Get an alcoholic drink. A large one.

((Sure, whatever you want. It's customary (at least in this forum) to try and avoid having the same colour as someone else, but other then that, there are no specific rules.))

"Large one, eh? Sure thing pal. Here you go." the man says and hands you a beer tower (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_tower). "Big enough for ya?"

Another man appears next to you, bearing a remarkable resemblance to you, if only because of the size and smell. Maybe he's your long lost brother or something?

Quote from: akkudakku on June 02, 2015, 01:22:56 pm

Get a beer, watch the match on the TV.

"That's completely new to me. Wonder whats the next assignment will be?

Hope this show on TV wont be like wrestling."

You get a beer and go sit close to the TV.
Looks like the contesters are engaging in some customary pre-match trash talk.
John nodded toward Rune.  "Congratulations on the win there.  You guys ready to do this?"
The subtitle changes to "John: Worst trash talk ever"
"So, I'm fighting a tin can, beast boy, and some nerd? Disillbe fun. Also, who's dis kid talkintameh.
The subtitle changes to "Ron: Clearly overcompensating for something".
"I'll have you know I defeated another nerd to earn my place here!"
The subtitle changes to "John: Vanquisher of nerds, Technology lover *eybrow wiggle*" It literally has star eyebrow wiggle star written there.
"Always ready for battle."
The subtitle changes to "Saevus: Secretly wishes for a heart"
The man with the fedora just waves politely
The subtitle changes to "Rune: New holder of the 'Worst trash talk ever' title"
He then starts glaring at them.
The subtitle changes to "Rune: Is not fooling anyone"
Eh, you've heard better trash talk. Those factoids are interesting though.

Quote from: Beirus on June 02, 2015, 03:19:18 pm

"You got any moonshine? I could go fer summa that."

Drink some moonshine.

"Lots of work today. I should start charging for those."

Quote from: Wolfkit on June 03, 2015, 08:04:29 am

"I feel like this is the start to a bad joke or something. 'Six people walk into a bar'Well, only one thing to do about it, and that is to assume a spherical, frictionless cow.
One spherical steak, please!"

Order

"Sure thing. The customer is always right!" the man says and opens a frying pan to reveal a spherical stake bouncing around inside it. "Except when he's wrong." he adds and allows the stake to bounce into a bowl which he proceeds to put in front of you. The ball continues bouncing, each time rising at almost the same height. Damn elastic collisions.

You attempt to eat your spherical, frictionless stake, but it keeps sliding away whenever you try to bite it or cut it. All you manage to do is make it fall off the bowl.

So you just give up and reminisce about your experiments with animals while the ball bounces around the room without loosing any of its energy.
Heh, the one with the cat was funny (https://youtu.be/JNalMWLnt0o). The authorities chased it for weeks after it nuked a city block to catch some bird. Last you heard it had teleported to another planet. Shame about that assistant though, he had potential. Despite his obsession with crowbars and staying silent.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 06, 2015, 12:37:36 pm

"Well then. Prepare to be introduced to dwarven might! Let's get some sort of sparring match set up."

Get a sparring match set up with the alcohol-hating man.

Quote from: Alarith on June 07, 2015, 07:54:45 am

"Are we merely using our fists, or will our powers come into play as well?"
Get ready for a fight

You guys just want to fight? Because you can start beating each other up if you want that. Although you can't harm each other in the Staging Area.
Otherwise, I can set you up with a duel. Just ask an entity. Or mention your desire to hurt each other after failing to do so. Depends on how you want to RP it.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 07, 2015, 08:14:38 am

"Powers? All I have is fists- and kicks... bites... throws... palm smashes... secret techniques... I pulverize things. So yeah, go ahead and use your 'powers'."

((I'm presuming that two of my [specials] are loaded, Parisbre. If not, tell me before we start the sparring match.))

Sure, let's say they're loaded.
And it's just Paris.

---

Ah, the 11 of Diamonds mission, eh? That's a fun one. Came to me in a dream, actually, where I was playing through it. I've got most of the rooms and the general layout of the place worked out, just need to work on the some details and a map for a bit and we can start.

Just FYI, it's a bit hard. And a bit experimental since I try some new things in it. I'd originally designed it for 5 high level characters. Then again, there's seven of you and Alarith is pretty good, so it will probably be fine.

---

Oh, hey, looks like the forum stopped doing that thing where it refreshes the page every time I press preview.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 08, 2015, 06:05:59 pm

((Dwarves drink by the barrel-load.))

Kosak chugs the entire beer tower.

"Well then! Let's do this!"

Kosak walks outside, presumably the other guy follows. Kosak proceeds to take a fighting stance.

((I'll PM you the [specials] I want loaded.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 08, 2015, 06:33:22 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, Irine, if you got a good way to not die, this'd be the time to use it. It'd be really inconvenient to try and resurrect you again. Can you maybe cauterize your wounds or whatever? Although..."

See if I can figure out some method of applying a tourniquet to her stumps. If not, well, she's had a good run. Maybe the third life will treat her better. Continue carrying her at as brisk a pace as I can manage toward the crater.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 08, 2015, 06:52:17 pm

^{Fucking ducks hate you}

Preserve me, xantadice! For greater hilarity!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Wolfkit on June 08, 2015, 07:28:22 pm

Bounce the steak outside, then use it for target practice. Lasers ahoy!

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 08, 2015, 07:52:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 08, 2015, 06:33:22 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, Irine, if you got a good way to not die, this'd be the time to use it. It'd be really inconvenient to try and resurrect you again. Can you maybe cauterize your wounds or whatever? Although..."

See if I can figure out some method of applying a tourniquet to her stumps. If not, well, she's had a good run. Maybe the third life will treat her better. Continue carrying her at as brisk a pace as I can manage toward the crater.

He's the one of the two of us that still has a telepathy necklace.
<Call River>

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: mydjet on June 08, 2015, 08:09:00 pm

when i regain my senses enough i decide to look at the beer tower first and grunt. i then look at the man next to me and offer a noncommittal grunt. i then look at the bartender and say "shot glass and 4 bottles of anything that can be used as fuel in case of emergency's."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 08, 2015, 10:02:12 pm

John feels the need to summon some shades and put them on while posturing for the crowd

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on June 09, 2015, 01:58:58 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2015, 05:53:14 pm

<We will need to leave soon.>

"Agreed, but most of the team is crippled or unconscious so we'll have to leave them behind or find a way to carry them. Hmm, maybe it would be easiest to kill them and take their soul-orbs."

Search the rubble for some better ammo for my sling.
Also search for something to use as a club or melee weapon. Hammer it full of spikes if I happen to find any nails or similar.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2015, 04:14:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2015, 07:52:11 pm

He's the one of the two of us that still has a telepathy necklace.
<Call River>

"Huh? Well, alright."

Simultaneously: "Hey, River! Irine's about to die! Is it any easier to resurrect someone who's not vaporized?"
Simultaneously: <Hey, River! Irine's about to die! Is it any easier to resurrect someone who's not vaporized?>

Call River! Maybe he'll answer.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on June 09, 2015, 04:51:27 am

Watch the TV and catch glances at what's happening in the bar.

"Those are not normal people... and I mean in the head." Modus said to the bartender.

"Looks like a new guy just phased in too." Modus rises his glass in the direction of the new guy.

Haste the bouncing meat ball.

"This will be funny."

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 09, 2015, 10:43:43 am

((My character is aware from past experience that he can't be hurt here, I believe. Could be forgetting what he's seen.))
Head out, adopt a defensive fighting stance

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 09, 2015, 07:46:26 pm

Quote from: Alarith on June 09, 2015, 10:43:43 am

((My character is aware from past experience that he can't be hurt here, I believe. Could be forgetting what he's seen.))
Head out, adopt a defensive fighting stance

((True, you know. The other doesn't.))

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 08, 2015, 06:05:59 pm

((Dwarves drink by the barrel-load.))

Kosak chugs the entire beer tower.

"Well then! Let's do this!"

Kosak walks outside, presumably the other guy follows. Kosak proceeds to take a fighting stance.

((I'll PM you the [specials] I want loaded.))

You head outside. You find a nice open area in the plaza next to the fountain. You stand about ten steps away from each other.
You adopt a fighting stance, one ready to lunge, the other having a more evasive stance.
You stand still yet tense, like statues of frieze depicting a fight scene. There's only the soothing sound of the water falling and the distant cries of birds to break the silence.
<Round 1. Fight!>

Quote from: Wolfkit on June 08, 2015, 07:28:22 pm

Bounce the steak outside, then use it for target practice. Lasers ahoy!

Quote from: akkudakku on June 09, 2015, 04:51:27 am

Watch the TV and catch glances at what's happening in the bar.

"Those are not normal people... and I mean in the head." Modus said to the bartender.

"Looks like a new guy just phased in too." Modus rises his glass in the direction of the new guy.

Haste the bouncing meat ball.

"This will be funny."

Welroki tries to catch the bouncing-a meatball-a but it suddenly starts moving much faster. He accidentally ends up stepping on it, slipping and falling on it back first where he proceeds to bounce with it once before the ball bounces away a bit more slowly now. Ouch. That could had hurt.

Quote from: Toaster on June 08, 2015, 10:02:12 pm

John feels the need to summon some shades and put them on while posturing for the crowd

The most awesome pair of shades you can imagine assembles on your head. They're simple, dark and shiny and yet anyone looking at you would see a faint red glow coming from behind them.
Your subtitle changes to "John: Cool shades. Deal with it"
Quick, use a pun so it can change to "YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHH!"!

Quote from: mydjet on June 08, 2015, 08:09:00 pm

when i regain my senses enough i decide to look at the beer tower first and grunt. i then look at the man next to me and offer a noncommittal grunt. i then look at the bartender and say "shot glass and 4 bottles of anything that can be used as fuel in case of emergency's."

You are brought a glass with a bullet hole in it and 4 bottles of liquid propane.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 08, 2015, 06:33:22 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hey, Irine, if you got a good way to not die, this'd be the time to use it. It'd be really inconvenient to try and resurrect you again. Can you maybe cauterize your wounds or whatever? Although..."

See if I can figure out some method of applying a tourniquet to her stumps. If not, well, she's had a good run. Maybe the third life will treat her better. Continue carrying her at as brisk a pace as I can manage toward the crater.

Normally I'd roll for that, but I can't really think of a good way to do that. I dunno, anyone know what one should do when they lose their arm from the shoulder? Sounds like a hard area to apply a tourniquet to.

Could try to make some sort of device that applies more pressure to it, but you hadn't had very good luck with complex crafting. Then again one chance is better than no chance.
Or just try to hold her against your chest to try and apply pressure, but that probably wouldn't help much considering you'll be running. Or try something else.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2015, 04:14:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2015, 07:52:11 pm

He's the one of the two of us that still has a telepathy necklace.
<Call River>

"Huh? Well, alright."

Simultaneously: "Hey, River! Irine's about to die! Is it any easier to resurrect someone who's not vaporized?"
Simultaneously: <Hey, River! Irine's about to die! Is it any easier to resurrect someone who's not vaporized?>

Call River! Maybe he'll answer.

There is no response.
Then again, last time you saw him he was in the crater, getting ready to revive the others. Maybe that magical interference you first encountered there is reducing his range.
Or maybe he's working on reviving the others right now and can't answer.
Or maybe he's too far away and can't hear you. Maybe he went away and left you behind.
Maybe he's just screening his calls.
Or maybe he's sleeping. Or he's injured and unable to move or answer. Or he's dead.
The point is, there is no response.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 08, 2015, 06:52:17 pm

^{Fucking ducks hate you}

Preserve me, xantadice! For greater hilarity!

You dream about ducks being assholes (https://youtu.be/MtN1YnoL46Q).
You knew one day your inability to spot ducks would come to bite you in the ass.

Quote from: NAV on June 09, 2015, 01:58:58 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2015, 05:53:14 pm

<We will need to leave soon.>

"Agreed, but most of the team is crippled or unconscious so we'll have to leave them behind or find a way to carry them. Hmm, maybe it would be easiest to kill them and take their soul-orbs."

Search the rubble for some better ammo for my sling.
Also search for something to use as a club or melee weapon. Hammer it full of spikes if I happen to find any nails or similar.

<Kill Alan. If you must.
Not Zechariah. Still useful.
I will consider reviving him later. After we leave the city.
Better not kill. My strength used to awake you. Strength wasted. Time wasted.
Healing easier.>

River gets up and starts slowly limping towards the higher ground at the edge of the crater.

You find a board with a nasty looking nail on one end. Must have been a support or something. It's not the best weapon, but it will give you some range and cause some pain. You also grab a sharp glass shard and wrap it on a piece of tapestry. Could be used to shank people.

Your search for ammo turns up nothing. Most of the things that could have been used for that appear to have been smashed to pieces. Too bad. It would had been fun throwing miniature rock teapots at your enemies. The disadvantage of these wooden houses. Why doesn't everyone use concrete for everything except cabins?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 09, 2015, 08:02:57 pm

"HI-YARGH!!!"

Punch him in da face. Then kick him in the stomach. Then toss him into the air. Then chop him in the shoulder.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 09, 2015, 08:40:08 pm

I actually do know what to do for that, in terms of first aid anyway. and it depends on where exactly the problem is. is there a stump that extends just past the shoulder socket, or is it gone all the way up to and including the shoulder socket itself? the second one is far, far worse. the first one is simple - apply tournnequet to the stump. the latter one is scream for the medic in every way you possibly can while getting every bit of gauze you can scrape, scrounge, or murder for  and stuffing it (packing it) properly into the exposed artererial area with one hand while holding it in place with the other. once it's in place and the bleeding hasn't stopped - you pack even more gauze into it until it does.

after it has finally been mostly stopped you wrap that wall of gauze in with a giant roll of... i'm derping on the name right now, it's that stretchy cloth stuff. anyway you wrap it around the injury and around to the other side of their torso and back again like 15 times, to include wrapping the area around the injury itself and not just the injury itself so that it stays pretty secure and stable.

next step is a saline drip if you have it. but since you dont (because you never do) you just skip that one

after that is hospital ASAP. and breaking traffic laws is recomended.

and even when you get them there, having succesfully done all of the above (and treated for shock as best you can while you're moving them) expect them to die anyway.

oh, and in either case you have about 8 seconds to get step 1 done from the time of the injury or the patient is dead of blood loss right there in front of you. the actual death will take a lil longer than those 8 seconds, but not much.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on June 10, 2015, 01:34:53 am

((If I kill Alan now, then we will definitely encounter a problem later on that can only be solved by household appliances.))

Poke Alan with my new weapon to wake him. "Get up. We need to leave."
Remove the glass shard, stop the bleeding, then help him up and hand him the crutch.

If Alan doesn't wake up, then murder him with the nailboard. "Sorry Alan."
Get his soul orb, wrap it in his clothes and put it in my bag.

Also grab some spare cloth from the tapestries, spare cloth is always useful.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 01:42:56 am

Attempt to waken myself with thoughts of vengeance against the foul waterfowl that struck me down.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 10, 2015, 01:48:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, good effort. Gotta go fast!"

Run for River and think happy thoughts.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:07:16 am

Just stay conscious. I haven't bled to death yet, so Ike bandaged me up well. I just need to keep my mind active. working brain means working heart means still alive. Ike will get me to River in time. I'm sure he will.

---

((Blood loss is going to make me feel cold as I stop getting proper blood flow, leading to going into shock. however, Ike carrying me by the tail of all things actually will help with this. he's forcing the blood out of my legs and into my head/chest area, which is why I need to preverve the most. my legs can handle lack of / poor bloodflow way better than my head/brain can. this is why part of treating for shock includes elevating the person's head and putting a blanket on them, even in hot weather. Ike doesn't know it, but his full-body-bandages are already serving as the blanket and his carrying method is kinda extreme leg elevation. in short, I'm being treated for shock already.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 02:31:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:07:16 am

Just stay conscious. I haven't bled to death yet, so Ike bandaged me up well. I just need to keep my mind active. working brain means working heart means still alive. Ike will get me to River in time. I'm sure he will.

---

((Blood loss is going to make me feel cold as I stop getting proper blood flow, leading to going into shock. however, Ike carrying me by the tail of all things actually will help with this. he's forcing the blood out of my legs and into my head/chest area, which is why I need to preverve the most. my legs can handle lack of / poor bloodflow way better than my head/brain can. this is why part of treating for shock includes elevating the person's head and putting a blanket on them, even in hot weather. Ike doesn't know it, but his full-body-bandages are already serving as the blanket and his carrying method is kinda extreme leg elevation. in short, I'm being treated for shock already.))

((Alan dislikes ducks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:37:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 02:31:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:07:16 am

Just stay conscious. I haven't bled to death yet, so Ike bandaged me up well. I just need to keep my mind active. working brain means working heart means still alive. Ike will get me to River in time. I'm sure he will.

---

((Blood loss is going to make me feel cold as I stop getting proper blood flow, leading to going into shock. however, Ike carrying me by the tail of all things actually will help with this. he's forcing the blood out of my legs and into my head/chest area, which is why I need to preverve the most. my legs can handle lack of / poor bloodflow way better than my head/brain can. this is why part of treating for shock includes elevating the person's head and putting a blanket on them, even in hot weather. Ike doesn't know it, but his full-body-bandages are already serving as the blanket and his carrying method is kinda extreme leg elevation. in short, I'm being treated for shock already.))

((Alan dislikes ducks.))

((I have no understanding of why that is relevant to the quoted text))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 02:51:00 am

((It's funny because you put an immense amount of thought into how to best preserve your character after she got injured somehow and are putting an admirable amount of effort into describing how to keep her alive, while to contrast Alan got hit by a truck and developed a loathing of ducks for some reason. The extreme contrast between our RP styles is amusing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 10, 2015, 07:44:50 am

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2015, 01:34:53 am

((If I kill Alan now, then we will definitely encounter a problem later on that can only be solved by household appliances.))

((I'm here if you need me!))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: mydjet on June 10, 2015, 09:14:55 am

i sigh deeply and say listen all i want is a something to drink that has higher than believable alcohol content.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Adragis on June 10, 2015, 09:21:06 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:37:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 02:31:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:07:16 am

Just stay conscious. I haven't bled to death yet, so Ike bandaged me up well. I just need to keep my mind active. working brain means working heart means still alive. Ike will get me to River in time. I'm sure he will.

---

((Blood loss is going to make me feel cold as I stop getting proper blood flow, leading to going into shock. however, Ike carrying me by the tail of all things actually will help with this. he's forcing the blood out of my legs and into my head/chest area, which is why I need to preverve the most. my legs can handle lack of / poor bloodflow way better than my head/brain can. this is why part of treating for shock includes elevating the person's head and putting a blanket on them, even in hot weather. Ike doesn't know it, but his full-body-bandages are already serving as the blanket and his carrying method is kinda extreme leg elevation. in short, I'm being treated for shock already.))

((Alan dislikes ducks.))

((I have no understanding of why that is relevant to the quoted text))

((Because remember, ducks are responsible for all misfortune. The entities are actually controlled by the ducks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on June 10, 2015, 03:58:26 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 10, 2015, 07:44:50 am

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2015, 01:34:53 am

((If I kill Alan now, then we will definitely encounter a problem later on that can only be solved by household appliances.))

((I'm here if you need me!))

((Sure, and you can mail it through the interdimensional post office.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 10, 2015, 07:13:01 pm

Smile at my opponent and block what strikes I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Wolfkit on June 10, 2015, 10:05:29 pm

"Nyargh! I am the mad scientist Welroki and I will not have a fool made of myself by my own meal!"
Laser the steak. Laser it now.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: akkudakku on June 11, 2015, 09:15:42 am

Haste the dwarf in the 'duel', watch TV.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2015, 09:54:39 pm

Digitalism - Miami Showdown (https://youtu.be/6OIuffXWtwg)

---

Final Round

---

Establishing host control. Standby.

---

Toaster
The sun paints everything gold. Everything, even the dirty, shady alley you are in, through a copious amount of reflections. A shady alley with only a sliver of sky visible above it that is slowly becoming darker and darker. A shady alley with garbage bins, garages made for loading trucks and locked service or emergency doors. A shady alley where a plastic bag was just carried to an open electrical panel full of spliced wires, where it became stuck. A shady alley with a metal door you are trying to break through, a door with a surprisingly modern and robust electronic security system for its old and dirty appearance. This is taking longer than you'd like.

---

Salsacookies
The sun paints everything gold. The smog filled sky of the city and the few fluffy clouds visible on the horizon. The sea, each wave a tiny mirror, constantly moving. The dots of various sizes denoting ships and swimmers. The beach, with people slowly trickling away from it while the few rushing for a late swim (or party) arrive. The buildings rising ever higher as they come closer to you, the static dim golden reflections of their windows contrasting with those of the sea. The bedroom you are in, alone yet in the company of an armed escort. The gun of the assassin jumping through the window, pointed straight at your head, a dark shadow blocking the sun.

---

Toaster
There is a tremor. You look up. Smoke and dust is rising out of the side of the building. There is the sound of gunshots. You were too late. Well, there's no need for stealth anymore. A quick stab and the lock disappears, while a more ranged solution assembles on your other hand.

You come in with alarms blaring. A quick shot stops the noise, at least in the immediate area. A second shot causes the guard you encounter in the next hallway to stop and spasm. A hit with your shaft hastens his fall, while your other hand tosses the overheated gun away and gets to work on a small sphere. The moment it is ready, it is launched at an unsuspecting guard looking at his camera feeds with confusion, causing him to spasm and fall to his chair, unconscious.

With a poke, you undo your sabotage and make the screens show the truth. A quick peek shows you your target before another poke disables the surveillance system for good. You walk out of the room just as the machines start emitting smoke, the drives inside them catching fire.

---

Salsacookies
Everyone else that was in the room is gone. Friend or foe. You're in the hallway now, making your way between numbered doors. The power is still out. The only light comes through the holes in the wall and door of the room you were in, the swirling dust making the golden sun rays appear tangible. Intermittent gunfire comes from above, below and all around you, muffled by the concrete and insulation between the rooms and levels.

A door bursts open, creating a wall of light in the hallway. A shadow deforms the wall, a man dressed in black, a crow with glowing red machine eyes. He knows where you are. He raises his weapon, but you slap it away. He expected that. He immediately reaches for a knife, drawing it and slashing with it in one swift motion. You catch the knife from the blade. He did not expect that. His masked face betrays no emotion, but you can tell by the way he freezes. A kick and he's flying out the room's window.

More men come from either side of the hallway, pointing their guns at you, the glowing red lights in their goggles and glowing red laser pointers in their assault rifles all pointing at you. There is only one way out.

---

Toaster
Another tremor. The doors of the elevator open. At the end of the dark hallway, there is a hole, broken supports bent downwards, cut wires sparking, burst pipes spewing water, golden light escaping through the dust. Standing below it on a small crater formed by concrete rubble is your target. Time to end this.

---

Salsacookies
The elevator door opens. The question of why this one is full of light while everything else is dark is answered by the man inside it. He too is here for you. And he won't stop until it's over. Time to end this.

<Synchronisation complete.>

---

---

Establishing host control. Standby.
Coolrune206
You watch from your vantage point as the windows on the top level of the building are blown outwards, dust and smoke flying out of the holes they leave. Well, looks like it's time for plan B then.

You fiddle with the buttons on your coat as you wait. Not very comfortable with this heat, but necessary to hide who and more importantly what you are. Not that anybody could spot you up here, but you never now.

Yes, and here is the response. Slowly moving down the bridge, towards the island, the exact opposite of subtlety and practicality. No wonder films say the cavalry is always late to arrive.

You open your cloak, jump off the top of the building and spread your wings, quickly gliding downward. You point at your target and prepare to fire. This will be too easy.

Hawk132
The spikes came out of nowhere. There was only the evening breeze, the sound of the waves hitting concrete and the sound of traffic, the sound of your transport moving. Then the first struck a car that was unfortunate enough to be next to you. There was the sound of horns and the screeching of tires. The driver panicked and tried to stop. The one behind it drove into it, pushing it through the railing and over the edge, into the sea below. The second one hit your transport in its leg, penetrating the armour and causing it to fall on top of you.

This turned out to be a fortunate turn of events, for your steed did a good job shielding you from the rest of the barrage. But it was damaged beyond your ability to repair in the process. There are spikes embedded deep in its body, already dissolving into a sticky goo. Your employers will have to cover that once this is over.

Not much different from what happened around you. Traffic on the bridge has stopped, through fear, death and mechanical failure. What civilians were not killed are either running away or have locked themselves inside their cars.

You lift the mechanical steed off of you, get up and search for your attacker. The winged man lands in the middle of the road, his wings disappearing as they merge with his body. He looks up to you, adjusts his fedora and smiles.

Standing in your way? Challenging you? Well, he won't stand for long. You may move slowly, but you let nothing stop you, nothing keep you from your objective. You are not afraid to walk right through him. You are the law. And you will be victorious.

<Synchronisation complete.>

---

OOC
Short turn this time, starting the final round. I'll hopefully do the rest of you tomorrow.
If the way I described things was confusing, ask and I will clarify. Just thought it would be more fun to write this way.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 12, 2015, 10:12:49 pm

Tip my fedora in a classy manner, then open fire. Once the clip is depleted or my target is in a position to attack me, take off again and reload, then resume firing.

(I shoot chu now.)

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 12, 2015, 10:20:47 pm

Saevus, Final Round

"Foolish. This weapon of thine shan't save thou."

Spoiler: Anything you do is pointless, for I have the power of bling. (click to show/hide)

If he keeps himself mostly fleshy and unarmored, summon an axe and charge at him. If he changes form into something armored, summon a pole hammer and charge at him. Pull him to me if he tries to dodge/escape and I'm in range.

If he tries to fly (and is out of pulling range), try to bring him back to the ground with a javelin boosted with the blingcannon.

Any projectiles fired at me get stasis'd.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 12, 2015, 11:10:01 pm

This time, there was no effort with banter.  There was a job to be done.

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

Summon a live stun grenade like that in the intro and shoot it at him.  If he charges, he gets speared.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on June 13, 2015, 04:36:01 am

"You remind me of toothpaste." (http://youtu.be/g9moKqLx6jA)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Run into the elevator. Press the button to the top floor.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 14, 2015, 09:10:12 am

Observe those fighting, in case they use any interesting combat techiques to remember.

Do try to do something interesting, would you?

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 14, 2015, 12:20:48 pm

((I'm going to be gone for a tad bit, not today, but in a few days. You might need to auto me- I can't make a flowchart suitable for a game of this complexity beyond- hit enemies, protect friends, use special moves only if necessary, regain specials whenever possible.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 14, 2015, 06:52:40 pm

---

Final Round

---

It looks like my descriptions were not as good as I would had liked.
Toaster is in the elevator. Salsacookies is on the end of a somewhat dark hallway opposite to the elevator under a hole in the ceiling. Like this (not to scale):

┌─┐│ │              │ │
│ └┘ └──║───║───║─░░┘ │
│T                ∞S∞ ║
│ ┌┐ ┌──║───║───║─░░┐ │
└─┘│ │              │ │

Where the things around Salsacookies are debris and damaged walls.

Coolrune and Hawk are on a bridge, above water.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
─────────────────────────────
    ≈  ²      ≈    ≈WW²WW  WW
═ ═ ═ ═ HH═ ═ ═ ═ ═C═ ═ ═ ═ ═
WW  WW ≈²   ≈
────────WW───────────────────
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

Where the WW are cars and the things around Hawk are small debris from the car crash, the (now dissolved) organic spikes Coolrune shot at him and his disabled transport. And the yellow thing is the line on the road separating the two lanes. And the line near the sea is the railing.

You are all in your standart starting conditions, with your standard starting gear. No extra guns, no extra swords, no extra jetpacks. Just normal humans (or suits of armour or... whatever you are). If you want to stab your enemy and spears are not part of your standard equipment then you're going to have to find something to stab them with yourself. Same with running away, flying, shooting stuff, blowing stuff up, etc.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 09, 2015, 08:02:57 pm

"HI-YARGH!!!"

Punch him in da face. Then kick him in the stomach. Then toss him into the air. Then chop him in the shoulder.

Quote from: Alarith on June 10, 2015, 07:13:01 pm

Smile at my opponent and block what strikes I can.

The short man runs towards Bryan. Bryan smiles and raises his hands to defend himself. The man opens with a punch and a kick. Bryan partially manages to block the hits and shove them asside, preventing them from hitting his centre of mass. They still hit strongly enough to push him back, however.

As expected, he feels no pain, but he notices a red line appearing at the bottom edge of his vision. The bar grows shorter, about 17/20. At the same time, he sees a green bar appear above his opponent and take a small dip, displaying 19/20.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 14, 2015, 09:10:12 am

Observe those fighting, in case they use any interesting combat techiques to remember.

Do try to do something interesting, would you?

You play the role of that guy in anime who's always watching the fight and commenting on what's going on (even if it's blatantly obvious, even if he logically shouldn't have time to comment on that) in a super excited manner.

"Oh no! It looks like while defence saved Bryan's life HP, it's not a viable long term strategy. If he keeps getting hit like that, he's going to run out of HP soon! What is he going to do now?!"

Quote from: akkudakku on June 11, 2015, 09:15:42 am

Haste the dwarf in the 'duel', watch TV.

The duel is outside. The TV (which is currently displaying the intro. Looks like the director went with rapid cuts from one character to the other) is inside the inn. You can't be in two places at once. One of the rules of the staging area.

Quote from: mydjet on June 10, 2015, 09:14:55 am

i sigh deeply and say listen all i want is a something to drink that has higher than believable alcohol content.

He hands you a bottle that reads 1/+0 % ABV.
<Hahaha, the good stuff!>
"Which reminds me. S0, disable protection?"

Quote from: Wolfkit on June 10, 2015, 10:05:29 pm

"Nyargh! I am the mad scientist Welroki and I will not have a fool made of myself by my own meal!"
Laser the steak. Laser it now.

You create a laser grid even the red queen would envy. With it, you slice the stake into many small cubes. Which continue bouncing around the place like a bunch of ping pong balls on crack.
...
You probably should had thought about this a bit more.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 14, 2015, 12:20:48 pm

((I'm going to be gone for a tad bit, not today, but in a few days. You might need to auto me- I can't make a flowchart suitable for a game of this complexity beyond- hit enemies, protect friends, use special moves only if necessary, regain specials whenever possible.))

Next two weeks are going to be real busy for me, so as long as you are back until then, you should be fine. (I really shouldn't even be taking the time to even write this, but I was always terrible at managing my time.)

---

OOC
I'll see if I can manage to write the Campaign turn today too, but I'll post this now in case I don't manage to do so.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 14, 2015, 07:18:20 pm

Quote from: Action is still the same

Saevus, Final Round

"Foolish. This weapon of thine shan't save thou."

Spoiler: Anything you do is pointless, for I have the power of bling. (click to show/hide)

If he keeps himself mostly fleshy and unarmored, summon an axe and charge at him. If he changes form into something armored, summon a pole hammer and charge at him. Pull him to me if he tries to dodge/escape and I'm in range.

If he tries to fly (and is out of pulling range), try to bring him back to the ground with a javelin boosted with the blingcannon.

Any projectiles fired at me get stasis'd.

---

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 14, 2015, 06:52:40 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 14, 2015, 09:10:12 am

Observe those fighting, in case they use any interesting combat techiques to remember.

Do try to do something interesting, would you?

You play the role of that guy in anime who's always watching the fight and commenting on what's going on (even if it's blatantly obvious, even if he logically shouldn't have time to comment on that) in a super excited manner.

((Sounds like one of the people commenting on the races in Initial D.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 14, 2015, 07:22:45 pm

"PUNY! Eat my blows! Not literally... but eat them!"

Slam him onto the ground. Then special.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 14, 2015, 09:56:56 pm

((Don't I have wings?))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Salsacookies on June 15, 2015, 07:53:04 am

No changes to my action

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Toaster on June 15, 2015, 07:56:32 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 12, 2015, 11:10:01 pm

This time, there was no effort with banter.  There was a job to be done.

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

Summon a live stun grenade like that in the intro and shoot it at him.  If he charges, he gets speared.

((Same))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Alarith on June 15, 2015, 02:40:43 pm

"Now it gets interesting"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Go for a quick punch or kick to stop his onslaught, try to bolster the blow with telekinesis. (Something along the lines that I give wherever I hit a push with telekinesis)

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: mydjet on June 16, 2015, 03:25:03 am

(yes disabling it is fine) i take the bottle, take off the cap, and take a small swig of it. i then turn around and pay attention to the flying meat taking regular sips of the bottle until i am good and drunk.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

if any comes my way i attempt to doge. if i cant i then make use of my powers and transmute it into a non bouncing meat canon to stop it from bouncing and hopefully deflect it away from me

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 16, 2015, 07:07:04 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 14, 2015, 09:56:56 pm

((Don't I have wings?))

Nope. You absorbed those when you landed to make up for the spikes you shot. Think of it as cutscene power to the max.
Right now it's just two men one shapechanger in the form of a human and a magical suit of armour in a fight to the death, mano a mano, man to man, just you and him... and my GUARDS (https://youtu.be/j5mqQBgobTY)!

---

Campaign

---

((Oh dear. I'm dreading those rolls. I risk losing two players right after two players were revived. And with the way things are, things might get even worse. At best, it will be a giant waste of time. At worst... Well, let's hope we don't end up with a TPK.

Well, here goes.))

Quote from: Lenglon on June 09, 2015, 08:40:08 pm

I actually do know what to do for that, in terms of first aid anyway. and it depends on where exactly the problem is. is there a stump that extends just past the shoulder socket, or is it gone all the way up to and including the shoulder socket itself? the second one is far, far worse. the first one is simple - apply tournnequet to the stump. the latter one is scream for the medic in every way you possibly can while getting every bit of gauze you can scrape, scrounge, or murder for  and stuffing it (packing it) properly into the exposed artererial area with one hand while holding it in place with the other. once it's in place and the bleeding hasn't stopped - you pack even more gauze into it until it does.

after it has finally been mostly stopped you wrap that wall of gauze in with a giant roll of... i'm derping on the name right now, it's that stretchy cloth stuff. anyway you wrap it around the injury and around to the other side of their torso and back again like 15 times, to include wrapping the area around the injury itself and not just the injury itself so that it stays pretty secure and stable.

next step is a saline drip if you have it. but since you dont (because you never do) you just skip that one

after that is hospital ASAP. and breaking traffic laws is recomended.

and even when you get them there, having succesfully done all of the above (and treated for shock as best you can while you're moving them) expect them to die anyway.

oh, and in either case you have about 8 seconds to get step 1 done from the time of the injury or the patient is dead of blood loss right there in front of you. the actual death will take a lil longer than those 8 seconds, but not much.

((Thanks. It's always nice to learn new things.

Isn't there a thing where if the limb is torn away instead of sliced the veins curl up and close and make the bleeding smaller or something like that?

My knowledge of treating injuries consists of "Apply pressure/tourniquet as best as you can (without cutting blood supply if possible), disinfect if possible, get someone more capable to tell you what to do." plus some things about concussion, broken bone and car crash. As you can imagine, my knowledge about animals is even smaller (except for some factoids about the biology of insects and serpents and fish), but I assume mammals are similar to humans.))

Quote from: Lenglon on June 10, 2015, 02:07:16 am

Just stay conscious. I haven't bled to death yet, so Ike bandaged me up well. I just need to keep my mind active. working brain means working heart means still alive. Ike will get me to River in time. I'm sure he will.

---

((Blood loss is going to make me feel cold as I stop getting proper blood flow, leading to going into shock. however, Ike carrying me by the tail of all things actually will help with this. he's forcing the blood out of my legs and into my head/chest area, which is why I need to preverve the most. my legs can handle lack of / poor bloodflow way better than my head/brain can. this is why part of treating for shock includes elevating the person's head and putting a blanket on them, even in hot weather. Ike doesn't know it, but his full-body-bandages are already serving as the blanket and his carrying method is kinda extreme leg elevation. in short, I'm being treated for shock already.))

((I just had him grab you from there because of that upgrade. Hmmm... guess I could give you a bonus.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 10, 2015, 01:48:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, good effort. Gotta go fast!"

Run for River and think happy thoughts.

Quote from: NAV on June 10, 2015, 01:34:53 am

((If I kill Alan now, then we will definitely encounter a problem later on that can only be solved by household appliances.))

Poke Alan with my new weapon to wake him. "Get up. We need to leave."
Remove the glass shard, stop the bleeding, then help him up and hand him the crutch.

If Alan doesn't wake up, then murder him with the nailboard. "Sorry Alan."
Get his soul orb, wrap it in his clothes and put it in my bag.

Also grab some spare cloth from the tapestries, spare cloth is always useful.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 10, 2015, 01:42:56 am

Attempt to waken myself with thoughts of vengeance against the foul waterfowl that struck me down.

---

NAV
You poke Alan and ask for him to get up. He mumbles something about not wanting to go to school today, followed by something about DarkWaterFowl. Well, he's not awake, but he's not dead yet. You could wait a bit longer, but if something bad does come then you're going to have a hard time-
<Something coming. Be ready.>
Damn. Looks like it's too late. You're going to have to do this quick.
You raise your nailboard and prepare to "relieve Alan's head from some of its pressure and let out the evil spirits". Good thing you experimented with Trepanation on your enemies.
<Others are here.>
You pause. What, those people from that island?

HB
You find it a lot easier to navigate through the city, the buildings providing landmarks that trigger your memory and help complement your senses.

About halfway there, as you enter the more damaged parts of the city, the cost of your speed is starting to catch up to you. Your entire body is aching.

By the time you have reached the cracked earth surrounding the crater, you feel dizzy and out of breath. You move with your eyes half closed, focused on the act of running, the sound of your heartbeat in your ears helping you keep the pace. Irine has stopped moving. You don't bother stopping to check if she's breathing. It won't matter either way.

You move so quickly you almost miss the dark shape slowly moving towards you, until a white line of teeth appears in it.
<STOP>

You slow down and then stop. Your entire body, especially your legs, feel like they are throbbing. Your sense of balance is off. Feels like you're still running. This is going to hurt tomorrow.

You lay Irine down, perhaps a bit more forcefully than was necessary. You attempt to say something, but only wheezing comes out. So you simply make some vague gestures towards Irine to accompany the noises you are making.

River limps towards Irine. He looks and sniffs at her for a few seconds before turning to stare at you.
<You hunted humans.> he states.
He looks pretty banged up compared to the last time you saw him. Obviously there's the broken leg, but it's also in the way he looks and moves. He looks slower, less alert and somehow... smaller, less vibrant, like a shadow.

<The crater. Help take Alan. I take her.>

Irine
It's hard to keep track of what is going on. You think you must have lost consciousness. You have few memories of how you got here. You remember something following you, staring at you, running away, trying to outrun it... Or was that a dream? It's all a bit confused. Only think vivid in your memory is the desire to hold on.

Looks like River is here. He is looking at you, hie eyes two points of amber in the darkness.
His eyes look different though. Or maybe it's the way they look at you that's different.
He's talking about you. You can hear him in your mind.

Xan
Someone is calling for you. They're insistent, but you feel much more content duck hunting.
If that stupid annoying dog would stop laughing at you... You bet it's in secretly in league with the ducks.

---

OOC
You won't believe how lucky you got (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Lucky_zpse2hfygrr.png).
For that thing, anyway... Lots of rolls this turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 16, 2015, 07:16:47 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Hey, we -oh shit I'm going to die- didn't hunt any -wheeze- of them. She -holy crap my heart is pumping battery acid- pissed them off, and then I -wheeze- had to kill a bunch. It was a terrible shame, really,> Ike thinks at River halfway chaotically, not sure if he can be heard. <Got some -oh god this is terrible- swords out of it, so not a total loss, right?>

Go grab Alan. Maybe ask River where Alan is if I can't tell. Try not to die of exhaustion.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Lenglon on June 16, 2015, 08:25:28 am

<R-River? I... I messed up. I think... I wanted to make new friends, but they only like liars. only liars. I... I lost my arms River. No arms for me. I can't even walk now. I... Ike's a hero. Ike saved me. Ike knew to lie. He fought 4 of them at once to save me. They wanted to make me a statue River. I tried to talk and they lied and attacked me and I don't know why. Why can't I have friends River? I wanted to make friends... Friends... Is Zech ok River? And Theri? Is everyone else okay? I'm scared River. I don't want to die. I...>
Deliriously ramble at River in bits and pieces. Stay thinking. Stay alive.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 16, 2015, 09:38:43 am

((Changing my action a little.))

Quote from: Action is different

Saevus, Final Round

"Foolish. This weapon of thine shan't save thou."

Spoiler: Anything you do is pointless, for I have the power of bling. (click to show/hide)

If he keeps himself mostly fleshy and unarmored, summon an axe and charge at him. If he changes form into something armored, summon a pole hammer and charge at him. Pull him to me if he tries to dodge/escape and I'm in range.

If he changes into something like a rhino or a similar creature that likes to charge - let him charge at me and put him in stasis. And then smash him in the head with a pole hammer.

If he tries to fly (and is out of pulling range), try to bring him back to the ground with a javelin boosted with the blingcannon.

Any projectiles fired at me get stasis'd.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Xantalos on June 16, 2015, 11:17:09 am

Goddammit dog, you're supposed to help me hunt them. I'll show you!

Eat all the dog treats I brought along for the dog, then swagger away. Leave the dumbass to defend himself from the ducks, see how he likes it.

Non-Alanified Action: Try waking up fully.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 16, 2015, 02:04:11 pm

New action: Shoot him while backpedaling rapidly. If he gets too close, jump off the bridge and turn into a fast moving ship, or if I can, a coelcanth.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 16, 2015, 03:23:43 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 14, 2015, 07:22:45 pm

"PUNY! Eat my blows! Not literally... but eat them!"

Slam him onto the ground. Then special.

Quote from: Alarith on June 15, 2015, 02:40:43 pm

"Now it gets interesting"

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Go for a quick punch or kick to stop his onslaught, try to bolster the blow with telekinesis. (Something along the lines that I give wherever I hit a push with telekinesis)

Kosak prepares to land a heavy hit on Bryan, but in his overconfidence he leaves himself open to counter-attack. Which is just what Bryan is ready to do.

With a scream of "Hadoooooken!" he shoves his palms forward. The telekinetic wave that erupts from them hits Kosak straight on the head, sending him flying backwards and landing on his face. The telekinetic blast itself is unfocused and spread over a large area so it doesn't deal much damage, but the rough landing is a different story.

By the end, Kosak is face down a few metres away with the red bar above his head at 18/20, same as the blue bar above Bryan.

"Oh my! What a hit! It looks like Bryan's strategy was to wait for an opening to deliver a powerful blow! However his hit was not as powerful as he would had liked! Right now he is still in a worse condition that his opponent! Slightly worse, but worse. His only advantage is that he has managed to stun his enemy! Will he be able to take advantage of that? I sure hope Kosak keeps attacking. Learning more about the fighting technique of those two is awesome, especially Kosak's!" ((If you find this annoying, I will stop. Just doing it for fun/as a joke.))

Quote from: mydjet on June 16, 2015, 03:25:03 am

(yes disabling it is fine) i take the bottle, take off the cap, and take a small swig of it. i then turn around and pay attention to the flying meat taking regular sips of the bottle until i am good and drunk.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

if any comes my way i attempt to doge. if i cant i then make use of my powers and transmute it into a non bouncing meat canon to stop it from bouncing and hopefully deflect it away from me

<Safe mode disabled.>
You take a swig from the alcohol bottle. You feel a pleasant warmth spreading from your stomach. Which turns into pain, like heartburn times 100. You instinctively move your arm to your stomach. The hand passes right through the thin membrane that has become your skin, an effect that is rapidly spreading outwards. Some kind of liquid spills out of the hole. Your torso collapses as everything goes dark.

You respawn on a barstool a few feet away from the remains of your corpse: A burning puddle of self-replicating alcohol on the floor. Guess that explains the "Best served with Ice-9" on the label.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 16, 2015, 05:14:17 pm

((It's hillarious))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: Hawk132 on June 16, 2015, 06:29:38 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 16, 2015, 05:14:17 pm

((It's hillarious))

((+1.))

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 16, 2015, 06:58:42 pm

...

"You dare!?!"

Spoiler: Fiery Fist o Pain: (click to show/hide)

Never mind the Gatling. Burn the Gatling Strike Barrage to force a Martial Trance. Pulverize my foe. Stand up if I have the time.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 16, 2015, 08:11:27 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 13, 2015, 04:36:01 am

"You remind me of toothpaste." (http://youtu.be/g9moKqLx6jA)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Run into the elevator. Press the button to the top floor.

((I saw that edit. No rubbing for you then.))

Quote from: Toaster on June 15, 2015, 07:56:32 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 12, 2015, 11:10:01 pm

This time, there was no effort with banter.  There was a job to be done.

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

Summon a live stun grenade like that in the intro and shoot it at him.  If he charges, he gets speared.

((Same))

Ron lets loose a cry and charges at John, pushing rubble aside and causing the entire floor to rumble with each step, making it look more like a rhino is charging than an actual human. Although one could be forgiven for mistaking that walking mountain of muscle for one.

Yet John remains oddly calm. He simply raises his hand palm up and lets a small sphere appear above it almost instantaneously. As it finishes assembling, he points at Ron and the sphere is flung towards him.

It takes less than an eyeblink for it to cross the distance. Ron is caught by surprise. The sphere hits him right in his open mouth and gets rammed down his throat. Ron stumbles and gags. The electric shock that comes a second later brings him to his knees, his entire body trembling, much like the floor does when he lands face first on it and tumbles for a metre or two. Cracks can be seen on the parts of it not covered by a carpet. When the shock ends, Ron is left lying there, smoking slightly and still spasming from time to time.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

That was a quick summon, so he's still some distance away from you.
There's a *ding* and the elevator doors start closing. I'm assuming you pass your leg over the sensor or something to keep them open.

Spoiler: Salsacookies (click to show/hide)

You somehow forces your mind to remain alert and in control of your body despite being shocked with potentially lethal amounts of electricity.
Well, alert in a certain sense of the word. You still feel like shit, but at least you're not unconscious.
You didn't manage to make it very far before you were hit.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 16, 2015, 09:38:43 am

((Changing my action a little.))

Quote from: Action is different

Saevus, Final Round

"Foolish. This weapon of thine shan't save thou."

Spoiler: Anything you do is pointless, for I have the power of bling. (click to show/hide)

If he keeps himself mostly fleshy and unarmored, summon an axe and charge at him. If he changes form into something armored, summon a pole hammer and charge at him. Pull him to me if he tries to dodge/escape and I'm in range.

If he changes into something like a rhino or a similar creature that likes to charge - let him charge at me and put him in stasis. And then smash him in the head with a pole hammer.

If he tries to fly (and is out of pulling range), try to bring him back to the ground with a javelin boosted with the blingcannon.

Any projectiles fired at me get stasis'd.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 16, 2015, 02:04:11 pm

New action: Shoot him while backpedaling rapidly. If he gets too close, jump off the bridge and turn into a fast moving ship, or if I can, a coelcanth.

The runes on Saevus' body flare up, light escaping from then and forming into an axe as he charges towards Rune, as fast as the giant suit of armour can.
Rune points his fingers at Saevus and starts back-pedalling, making pew-pew noises as he goes.
Saevus, familiar with the tricks of sorcerers (and this newly encountered inventions), instinctively raises his golden arm to defend himself from whatever treacherous incantation Rune is reciting, the runes on it lighting up. But he stops when he realises nothing is hitting him.

That distraction costs him, as despite his best efforts, he can't keep up with Rune. The distance between them increases by about a dozen metres.

---

OOC

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 16, 2015, 05:14:17 pm

((It's hillarious))

Cool.

Title: Re: Special People: Making friends wherever we go
Post by: NAV on June 16, 2015, 08:29:21 pm

"No teamkilling today. Hey Ike! Could you help out here?"

Drag Alan and Zech to River. Ike can help.
Don't forget to get some spare cloth from the house.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 16, 2015, 08:44:43 pm

"Consider yourself fingerbanged!!... ewww..."
Act like I have a grenade, pull the pin, and throw. While this distracts him, throw miscellaneous items of my clothing at him, then rapidly morph into something akin to a velociraptor, high speed and sharp claws but light and unadorned. Continue moving back.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 16, 2015, 09:01:55 pm

"Thy sorcery is useless!"

Discard the axe and summon a crossbow. Shoot Rune repeatedly while advancing.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 16, 2015, 10:06:50 pm

"That was shockingly effective."

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

Hustle over to him.  If he's still down and it's possible, coup de grâce him with the Spear*.  If he's getting up quick, summon a SMG missile and fill him with holes explosions while dodging down that hallway to the "north."  In edge cases, favor the SMG missile move.

*Enlarge to about four feet, Unsafe, Front if it's not already there.

EDIT:  Slight change.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 16, 2015, 11:52:39 pm

"Fri'zzz'i fragart tagget!"

Spoiler: Ron Shocked Angry (click to show/hide)

Spit that thing out of my throat, and pull out a syringe of mine. Then walk forward menacingly and cautiously, and keep my mouth shut tight.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 17, 2015, 02:27:59 pm

See if I can predict next movement of the fighting duo based on their previous actions.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2015, 06:22:02 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 16, 2015, 07:16:47 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Hey, we -oh shit I'm going to die- didn't hunt any -wheeze- of them. She -holy crap my heart is pumping battery acid- pissed them off, and then I -wheeze- had to kill a bunch. It was a terrible shame, really,> Ike thinks at River halfway chaotically, not sure if he can be heard. <Got some -oh god this is terrible- swords out of it, so not a total loss, right?>

Go grab Alan. Maybe ask River where Alan is if I can't tell. Try not to die of exhaustion.

You tell your side of the story as you slowly go grab Alan, somehow managing to sound out of breath in a telepathic connection.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 16, 2015, 08:25:28 am

<R-River? I... I messed up. I think... I wanted to make new friends, but they only like liars. only liars. I... I lost my arms River. No arms for me. I can't even walk now. I... Ike's a hero. Ike saved me. Ike knew to lie. He fought 4 of them at once to save me. They wanted to make me a statue River. I tried to talk and they lied and attacked me and I don't know why. Why can't I have friends River? I wanted to make friends... Friends... Is Zech ok River? And Theri? Is everyone else okay? I'm scared River. I don't want to die. I...>
Deliriously ramble at River in bits and pieces. Stay thinking. Stay alive.

<Humans cannot be trusted. Always try to use and hurt.> River states after he has heard your stories.
<You should had killed them all. It is what humans deserve.>

After a few attempts, River manages to grab Irine by the back of her neck with his mouth and take her with him has he slowly limps away.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 16, 2015, 11:17:09 am

Goddammit dog, you're supposed to help me hunt them. I'll show you!

Eat all the dog treats I brought along for the dog, then swagger away. Leave the dumbass to defend himself from the ducks, see how he likes it.

Non-Alanified Action: Try waking up fully.

You sort of wake up, but you're not in the best of states. You can't see or stand up or... anything really. Should you attempt to speak, your speech will come out slurred and hard to understand. Even telepathic communication would be hard. Your head is not right even less right than it was before. Gonna need some help or some rest.

Quote from: NAV on June 16, 2015, 08:29:21 pm

"No teamkilling today. Hey Ike! Could you help out here?"

Drag Alan and Zech to River. Ike can help.
Don't forget to get some spare cloth from the house.

While you wait for Ike to get to you, you look around for any easily obtainable pieces of cloth.
Unfortunately, you can't find any intact large pieces of cloth. You find a curtain but its been torn apart so badly it's got more holes than fabric in it. Maybe you could still use it as a rope if you twisted it around or something like that?

With a great deal of effort, you and Ike manage achieve the herculean task of lifting Alan and start dragging him away. You do most of the heavy lifting, with Ike helping more with the balance and navigation.
You'd think the fact that Alan has woken up would help, but it turns out he's in no condition to do anything right now.
Really, the entire team is kinda decimated. Except you, who is only tired and hungry instead of extremely tired and hungry. Everyone else would probably lose in a fight with a baby wielding a particularly blunt butter knife.

We'll assume you wake Zech up and get him to follow you while half-asleep, unless DAF appears and says otherwise.

As you do this, River continues speaking to all of you. He pauses frequently as he speaks, making his small speech sound much longer.

<I made a promise to the ones that chose you. I would try to return you safe. But my help has made you weaker. As long as you have no strength of your own, as long as you cannot help yourselves and each other, expect no help from me.>

You walk for a very short amount of time until you reach a crack in the earth. It looks surprisingly deep in the darkness. You slowly start descending a collapsed side that forms a small ramp.

<Do whatever you want. Help me. Prepare. Do not get in my way. Or I will kill you. Tomorrow night I leave. I wait for no one.>

The freshly cut and jagged rocks are hard to walk on, but thankfully you do not have to walk for long. It turns out the crack is not as deep as it seemed.

River enters part of some sort of tunnel or pipe that was exposed when the earth cracked here. Looking inside the tunnel you can see that it has collapsed as the supports that were holding it failed, yet a ring of stone blocks close to exposed part remain standing, creating something like a small cave, a good temporary hiding spot. A small wall of rubble close to its entrance adds to the concealment, although someone passing by and causally looking in could still easily spot the ones inside.

River sets Irine down at the end of the tunnel and lies down next to her. You deposit Alan close to him, careful not to crush the others under his weight.

<Leave. Need to be alone.>

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 17, 2015, 06:51:34 pm

"I'll take first watch. Everyone else get some sleep. You heard River, we leave tomorrow and wait for no one."

Replace my nailboard with one of Ike's swords.
Get some better slinging rocks. You mentioned the ground being covered in them.

Stay awake and guard the group. Someone has to, unless we want to get our throats slit in the night.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Alarith on June 17, 2015, 08:31:24 pm

Spoiler: It's clobbering time (click to show/hide)

Keep up a fast assault, even if it lacks power, try to keep him off balance.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 17, 2015, 09:06:36 pm

((Oh jeez. I'm back.))

Campaign

Zechariah didn't really understand what went down. He had been so tired from transferring so much energy to help River that he pretty much knocked himself out until now. Now, River is chastising them for what they did.

He wanted to say something. He really did. At the end of River's speech, he opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it. Now was not the time to argue, especially since Zechariah hadn't had such a good track record himself. This only put more weight on his shoulders.

But he didn't want to prove River right, either.

Walk over to Nikolai and help him watch for guard as best as I can. Try to make myself feel better by talking.

"Hey, Nikolai," Zechariah says as he walks slowly over to where Nikolai is. "Do you... do you know what happened? I was.. kinda knocked out."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 17, 2015, 10:59:41 pm

Thdogg sucsh ashh witttth tttthinkhing

Sleepily insult River for no discernible reason. Then slip into a coma-like state to recover my strength, complete with thunderous snoring.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

Name: "Fizz" Fizzo Muzzier
Age:20
Birthplace: Skylandia City
Appearance: Brown eye, Tan skin, Black short hair, average height. Wearing t-shirt and jeans.
Power:Increased Flail Control. He is equipped with his iron saw flail (a saw attached to a chain, like normal flails are).

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 12:13:22 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

Name: "Fizz" Fizzo Muzzier
Age:20
Appearance: Brown eye, Tan skin, Black short hair, average height. Wearing t-shirt and jeans.
Power:Increased Flail Control. He is equipped with his iron saw flail (a saw attached to a chain, like normal flails are). (What do you think about this. if it's OP, you can nerf it by backfires.)

I doubt you'll be considered OP. You're really good with a flail, otherwise you're perfectly human. See ya soon :)

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 18, 2015, 01:20:22 am

I quietly cry into River.
<I'm Sorry...>

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 18, 2015, 03:18:24 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Roger, roger!" says Ike with a slightly forced grin, then walks off to find a place to sleep. He's now seemingly feeling a bit better.

Go find a place to sleep. Hand over one of my remaining swords (one already went to Nikolai) to... I dunno, Theri if she's around, Alan if she's not. Leave it as a present next to him in the latter event.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 06:46:08 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 12:13:22 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

-Snip-

I doubt you'll be considered OP. You're really good with a flail, otherwise you're perfectly human. See ya soon :)

Is starting weapons OP?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 18, 2015, 06:58:11 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 06:46:08 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 12:13:22 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

-Snip-

I doubt you'll be considered OP. You're really good with a flail, otherwise you're perfectly human. See ya soon :)

Is starting weapons OP?

Saevus has an infinite armory of medieval weapons accessible at any time. He can also smash you into a wall by pointing at you. Also, he's literally made of iron/steel/whatever.

So yeah, your character is not OP.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 07:37:59 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 18, 2015, 06:58:11 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 06:46:08 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 12:13:22 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

-Snip-

I doubt you'll be considered OP. You're really good with a flail, otherwise you're perfectly human. See ya soon :)

Is starting weapons OP?

Saevus has an infinite armory of medieval weapons accessible at any time. He can also smash you into a wall by pointing at you. Also, he's literally made of iron/steel/whatever.

So yeah, your character is not OP.

Thanks. With high Flail(or rope) Mastery through, it adds grapple function to the weapon. For example, i could tie their neck with the chain, choking(if breathing living being and their throat is there) them and possibly removing their heads(if the neck is weak enough)from the body.
Removing OP condition.....

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 08:57:11 am

The way I understand it, your starting power level with your ability is inversely related to how broad it is.  My guy can summon any machine he can envision, piece by piece, whether a pistol, a tank, or a giant artillery coilgun; it just takes longer for the bigger stuff.  If you choose mastery with your chosen weapon, you'll probably start at anime hero levels of mastery and just go up from there; your described scenario could possibly happen day one.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 09:06:40 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 08:57:11 am

The way I understand it, your starting power level with your ability is inversely related to how broad it is.  My guy can summon any machine he can envision, piece by piece, whether a pistol, a tank, or a giant artillery coilgun; it just takes longer for the bigger stuff.  If you choose mastery with your chosen weapon, you'll probably start at anime hero levels of mastery and just go up from there; your described scenario could possibly happen day one.

I will combine attacks from +Iron Saw Flail+ with martial arts. Also mental notebook.
Edit: I'm thinking about changing my character with some Shape Magic. I'd personally to the change to Shape because i can use it for a lot of different attacks. What do you think?
Examples: Links to all places then pulling them to one little point, like(and a very little chance to) creating a black hole.
Shape into a random sharp weapon and using it to cut someone.
Link on a object, strengthening the object.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 09:25:25 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 09:06:40 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 08:57:11 am

The way I understand it, your starting power level with your ability is inversely related to how broad it is.  My guy can summon any machine he can envision, piece by piece, whether a pistol, a tank, or a giant artillery coilgun; it just takes longer for the bigger stuff.  If you choose mastery with your chosen weapon, you'll probably start at anime hero levels of mastery and just go up from there; your described scenario could possibly happen day one.

I will combine attacks from +Iron Saw Flail+ with martial arts. Also mental notebook.
Edit: I'm thinking about changing my character with some Shadow Magic. I'd personally to the change to Shadow because i can use it for a lot of different attacks. What do you think?
Examples: Spray shadow to all places, place them to the object then pulling them to one little point, like(and a very little chance to) creating a black hole.
Shape shadow into a random sharp weapon and using it to cut someone.
Place shadow on a object, strengthening the object.

I think DAF has this power, though I may be mistaken. I'm newish, so I haven't seen everyone's powers yet, though I'm catching up. I honestly prefer the flail abilities, sounds like that would be a ton of fun, especially since there's a saw on it.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 09:47:19 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 09:25:25 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 09:06:40 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 08:57:11 am

-snip-

-snip-

I think DAF has this power, though I may be mistaken. I'm newish, so I haven't seen everyone's powers yet, though I'm catching up. I honestly prefer the flail abilities, sounds like that would be a ton of fun, especially since there's a saw on it.

!!FUN!!
Well(not?) seriously, a flail is (as i've said before) a combination of rope and hammer. now it's more like a combination of rope and axe(since saw isn't invented?). Grapple'em with the rope, go around merrily and slammy and then headless rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 09:52:45 am

Making the head mutable sounds like a cool upgrade.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 10:08:48 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 09:52:45 am

Making the head mutable sounds like a cool upgrade.

I just mean decapication.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 10:37:35 am

I meant the head of your flail.  Comes standard as a blade, but have the ability to change it to a grapple, a point, a cat-o-nine tails, a chainsaw, a nuke...

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 18, 2015, 10:49:12 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 10:37:35 am

I meant the head of your flail.  Comes standard as a blade, but have the ability to change it to a grapple, a point, a cat-o-nine tails, a chainsaw, a nuke...

+1

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 10:22:40 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 10:37:35 am

I meant the head of your flail.  Comes standard as a blade, but have the ability to change it to a grapple, a point, a cat-o-nine tails, a chainsaw, a nuke...

I grapple with the chain(or rope) used for keeping a distance.
If i can get an additional skill WITH one malus,  I will take Magnetize. With chains steel ropes, what could go wrong?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 19, 2015, 12:10:08 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 18, 2015, 10:22:40 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 10:37:35 am

I meant the head of your flail.  Comes standard as a blade, but have the ability to change it to a grapple, a point, a cat-o-nine tails, a chainsaw, a nuke...

I grapple with the chain(or rope) used for keeping a distance.
If i can get an additional skill WITH one malus,  I will take Magnetize. With chains steel ropes, what could go wrong?

EPIC FLAIL! Just hope you dodge good, 'cuz I doubt you could take many hits, being an average Joe otherwise.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 12:57:42 am

The head of the flail can be used to attract (metal) bullets to the flail (also sometimes back to the shooter). Also it can pull people's weapon and send metal shards flying to the flail.
Main reason choosing Magnetism as secondary skill: Buckyballs(magnet balls, not Buckminsterfullerene).

Quote from:  Gizmodo(edited)

The attraction between the neodymium balls was so strong that they can tear holes in internal organs while pulling towards each other.

That being said, magnets can kill from inside your body.
EDIT: forgot to reply this

Quote from: Toaster on June 18, 2015, 10:37:35 am

I meant the head of your flail.  Comes standard as a blade, but have the ability to change it to a grapple, a point, a cat-o-nine tails, a chainsaw, a nuke...

I tie them with the rope from the flail, not the head of the flail. As cat-o-nine-tails, i prefer use it as permanent, not mutation...
also sig'd

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 19, 2015, 07:48:28 am

I'm serious as a fart attack.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 10:41:19 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 19, 2015, 07:48:28 am

I'm serious as a fart attack.

I don't understand.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 19, 2015, 10:55:44 am

It's a play on "serious as a heart attack" which is quite serious.  A guy rolling on the floor spasmodically farting would be fairly not-serious in its reactions from viewers.  So, in response to your sig, not serious at all.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2015, 07:52:20 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 16, 2015, 06:58:42 pm

...

"You dare!?!"

Spoiler: Fiery Fist o Pain: (click to show/hide)

Never mind the Gatling. Burn the Gatling Strike Barrage to force a Martial Trance. Pulverize my foe. Stand up if I have the time.

You're a bit too far away and too small to reach him from the ground, without standing up, when you've been pushed back. I guess I'll just have to do some interpretive dance action reading...

Quote from: Alarith on June 17, 2015, 08:31:24 pm

Spoiler: It's clobbering time (click to show/hide)

Keep up a fast assault, even if it lacks power, try to keep him off balance.

Bryan moves faster yet again, continuing to pummel his opponent with relatively weak strikes. Kosak is able to roll with the hits and avoid taking damage, yet he is pushed back even further. When Bryan misses a strike, he is finally able to roll into a crouch and then stand up, displaying remarkable flexibility.

Bryan stops his strikes, closes his eyes and pulls his hands behind his torso, closing them into fists as his entire body tenses.
Just as he pushes his fists forward, punching the air and unleashing a powerful telekinetic wave, Kosak's blue bar takes a massive dip and his eyes begin glow green.

The shockwave races towards Kosak, tearing pieces of stone out of the ground and taking them with it, but he stands his ground. When the shockwave hits him, he digs his heels in and does everything he can to remain standing. The ground under his feet gives way under the pressure, pushing the stones that make it up away and forming tiny craters, but he himself does not buckle. When the hail of stones following the shockwave hits, he is able to block most of them, mitigating much of the damage.

Quote from: Bryan ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Quote from: Kosak ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

"What a twist! What a defence! It looks like both fighters are holding nothing back! And yet they are back on almost equal ground! But what could this mysterious new ability mean? Will it be worth the expense? And will it be enough to turn the tide of the battle yet again?"

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 17, 2015, 02:27:59 pm

See if I can predict next movement of the fighting duo based on their previous actions.

Well, Bryan seems to be spamming telekinetic attacks, so there's high chances he'll continue to do so and generally try to be defensive and attack from a distance. Kosak will probably try to charge at the other one. Other than that, you're can't really tell. You don't know enough about them yet.

---

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

Name: "Fizz" Fizzo Muzzier
Age:20
Birthplace: Skylandia City
Appearance: Brown eye, Tan skin, Black short hair, average height. Wearing t-shirt and jeans.
Power:Increased Flail Control. He is equipped with his iron saw flail (a saw attached to a chain, like normal flails are).

That's all you want friend? Because as others have pointed out, you can ask for more, as long as you are willing to accept the chance of some penalties (or give yourself some penalties) you can ask for more power.

Right now, the way the character generation system works, a guy with +2 STR (which is enough strength to lift a car) has a good chance of receiving no penalties and even receiving some bonuses if he rolls really well.
The more powerful, far reaching and versatile an ability is, the more it ups the chances that it will require a penalty.
On the other hand, the more time it takes to use an ability, the more focused an ability is and the more things and conditions it requires to function, the more it lessens the chances that it will require a penalty.

Of course, don't let that deter you. Power gain is (by design) relatively quick in this game, as you can probably see by our current championship finalists. So as long as you manage to do well (or at least not do bad) in a few missions, you should gain power fairly quickly.

For example, if you look at the current fight, we have a level 1 guy that's really good in combat but not much else (little versatility) and a very versatile character that due to his high level and smart choices, both in the way he fights and in the way he uses the versatility his powers afford him (and luck, you always gotta have some luck), is managing to hold his own in the fight.

If what you want is the same after this little explanation, then tell me and I'll go ahead and process your character.

Irrelevant: Are those two colours your speech colour? Asking because I keep all speech colours in my notes so that I can find them easily.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 19, 2015, 09:30:45 pm

I do love me some versatility; that said, that stun bomb move is going in the front of the playbook.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 19, 2015, 09:41:53 pm

((I wonder what you'd consider Alan's playstyle (what little I have) as, Paris. I think he's somewhat of a Magikarp, but that just might be a personality thing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 19, 2015, 10:03:20 pm

((Sorry for taking so long to reply DAF. I was busy.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 17, 2015, 09:06:36 pm

Walk over to Nikolai and help him watch for guard as best as I can. Try to make myself feel better by talking.

"Hey, Nikolai," Zechariah says as he walks slowly over to where Nikolai is. "Do you... do you know what happened? I was.. kinda knocked out."

Nik turns to Zech.
"Oh hey Zech. How are you?"

Then he turns back to watching the distance.
So this house just magically appeared around us, then *Smash* a huge truck crashed right through the wall! Crazy, huh? I dragged River by the tail and took cover behind a table, but it hit Alan and knocked him out cold. Then it all disappeared as fast as it appeared, which is unfortunate because I wanted to wrangle and drive that truck. I really have no idea how you slept through all that.

Oh, then we found and ate an entire feast, and then River performed a song and dance routine, and there was some magic glowy crystal thing and it revealed all our destinies. You really slept through a lot. Hahaha not really I was joking, but the first thing about the truck was all true."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2015, 10:38:33 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on June 19, 2015, 09:41:53 pm

((I wonder what you'd consider Alan's playstyle (what little I have) as, Paris. I think he's somewhat of a Magikarp, but that just might be a personality thing.))

((Are you asking me to tell you my thoughts on the way you play your character and how Alan acts OR do you want me to talk about how your character can be played and how I'd describe him if he was a class I could chose in some game? Because those are not always the same.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 19, 2015, 10:42:33 pm

((...yes.
To be more specific, both if that's alright. Just curious since I'd never really thought about the actual builds and stuff.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 11:19:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2015, 07:52:20 pm

-snip-

---

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

Name: "Fizz" Fizzo Muzzier
Age:20
Birthplace: Skylandia City
Appearance: Brown eye, Tan skin, Black short hair, average height. Wearing t-shirt and jeans.
Power:Increased Flail Control. He is equipped with his iron saw flail (a saw attached to a chain, like normal flails are).

That's all you want friend? Because as others have pointed out, you can ask for more, as long as you are willing to accept the chance of some penalties (or give yourself some penalties) you can ask for more power.

Right now, the way the character generation system works, a guy with +2 STR (which is enough strength to lift a car) has a good chance of receiving no penalties and even receiving some bonuses if he rolls really well.
The more powerful, far reaching and versatile an ability is, the more it ups the chances that it will require a penalty.
On the other hand, the more time it takes to use an ability, the more focused an ability is and the more things and conditions it requires to function, the more it lessens the chances that it will require a penalty.

Of course, don't let that deter you. Power gain is (by design) relatively quick in this game, as you can probably see by our current championship finalists. So as long as you manage to do well (or at least not do bad) in a few missions, you should gain power fairly quickly.

For example, if you look at the current fight, we have a level 1 guy that's really good in combat but not much else (little versatility) and a very versatile character that due to his high level and smart choices, both in the way he fights and in the way he uses the versatility his powers afford him (and luck, you always gotta have some luck), is managing to hold his own in the fight.

Irrelevant: Are those two colours your speech colour? Asking because I keep all speech colours in my notes so that I can find them easily.

I'm asking for Magnet. It can pull things with shenanigans (for example, stabbing someone(or self) with magnet-pulled sword, being shot by magnet-pulled bullets and magnet-balls tearing inside a body), disrupt someone's bioelectric(but not human memory)functions in the body and if strong enough, can kill indirectly from orbital orientation.
i'm ready from some penalties.
Yes, it is my speech colo(u)r. It is cyan with black glow.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 20, 2015, 05:14:21 pm

Use my leverage, let him have new pain.

(3DS).

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Alarith on June 22, 2015, 10:48:34 am

Spoiler: Let's see how this works (click to show/hide)

Try to manipulate the staging area to make a patch of quicksand between me and my opponent. If he gets close continue with my quick attacks

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 24, 2015, 09:56:18 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 16, 2015, 08:44:43 pm

"Consider yourself fingerbanged!!... ewww..."
Act like I have a grenade, pull the pin, and throw. While this distracts him, throw miscellaneous items of my clothing at him, then rapidly morph into something akin to a velociraptor, high speed and sharp claws but light and unadorned. Continue moving back.

You attempt to remove your pants. While running backwards. This has the quite predictable result of you tripping and falling on your back.

Untangling the mess of cloth at your feet and standing up would probably take some time, so you choose to simply make the best of this delay and use it to transform. You focus on transforming on a velociraptor, but as you do so, you get distracted thinking about how they are sometimes compared to chicken.

In the end, you end up transforming into some sort of terror bird. You're a relatively short and fat giant bird, but at least you've got somewhat sharp claws, fast legs and a fearsome beak.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 16, 2015, 09:01:55 pm

"Thy sorcery is useless!"

Discard the axe and summon a crossbow. Shoot Rune repeatedly while advancing.

Your opponent appears to be pretending to be throwing balls at you. Does he think you're a silly dog that's going to follow a ball that was not thrown?

Your aim is good, but unfortunately you lack the power or efficiency to sustain your arrows long enough for them to make it there.

You at least manage to get pretty close when Rune trips while trying to remove his pants for some reason.

And then he transforms into a giant chicken.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 16, 2015, 10:06:50 pm

"That was shockingly effective."

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

Hustle over to him.  If he's still down and it's possible, coup de grâce him with the Spear*.  If he's getting up quick, summon a SMG missile and fill him with holes explosions while dodging down that hallway to the "north."  In edge cases, favor the SMG missile move.

*Enlarge to about four feet, Unsafe, Front if it's not already there.

EDIT:  Slight change.

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 16, 2015, 11:52:39 pm

"Fri'zzz'i fragart tagget!"

Spoiler: Ron Shocked Angry (click to show/hide)

Spit that thing out of my throat, and pull out a syringe of mine. Then walk forward menacingly and cautiously, and keep my mouth shut tight.

Ron starts pushing himself up. The hulking man walks towards John slowly and menacingly, as if shocking him only made him angrier. John is unimpressed by his opponents endurance and cockiness. He'll just have to use something bigger.

He waves his hands around and a giant tube starts assembling in front of him, being filled with all sorts of nasty things. Burning things, maiming things, exploding things... Within seconds, the assembly is completed with the addition of a nozzle in the back and a cone with a smiley face painted on it in the front.

There is a spark followed by a burst of exhaust before the giant projectile disappears down the hallway towards its target, the exhaust being pushed through the nozzle emitting a sound much like a whistle.

Spoiler: John (click to show/hide)

The exhaust from the missile temporarily blinds you and causes you to bend over as you start coughing. You don't see the explosion, but you hear it very well, amplified by the enclosed space, accompanied by the sound of collapsing walls and ceilings and followed shortly after by the wave of hot air rushing towards your face.

You hear the automated sprinklers activating somewhere down the hallway. You can smell smoke and burning flesh.

Spoiler: Salsacookies (click to show/hide)

You manage to partially jump out of the way of the incoming projectile, smashing your way through a wall into what looks like a janitor's closet. But you're still caught in the blastwave. You survive the shockwave without much trouble and are left still standing, but the heat and fire does a nasty job on your body. Most of the skin on your chest and the lower part of your face is gone, leaving only blackened muscles that are slowly being eaten by fire.

That can't be healthy. You should probably do something about it.

The automated sprinklers above you fail to activate.

---

OOC
The living suit of armour is chasing a giant chicken through the city.
That's a sentence I never imagined myself saying.
I imagine the Benny Hill theme playing.

Sorry for the delays so far. Things should be better for the next couple of months, unless I find another figurative wall to bang my head on.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 25, 2015, 04:53:05 am

Spoiler: great, I'm on fire again. (click to show/hide)

Reach up to the sprinkler pipes and manually activate them by breaking the pipe over me. Also, time to use a plasmid.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 25, 2015, 06:11:42 am

Should've upgraded my range. Throw the crossbow away. Summon axe. Become Chicken Chaser. Become chicken disemboweler. Pull him to me if needed.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2015, 06:34:00 am

"BAWK?!?!"

It'll do.

Quickly evolve that special body part I selected, the poisony-gas one. At the same time, turn around, start clucking like a maniac, and run the opposite way.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2015, 07:05:07 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on June 17, 2015, 06:51:34 pm

"I'll take first watch. Everyone else get some sleep. You heard River, we leave tomorrow and wait for no one."

Replace my nailboard with one of Ike's swords.
Get some better slinging rocks. You mentioned the ground being covered in them.

Stay awake and guard the group. Someone has to, unless we want to get our throats slit in the night.

You head outside where you get a short sword and some rocks. Yay, rocks!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 17, 2015, 09:06:36 pm

((Oh jeez. I'm back.))

Campaign

Zechariah didn't really understand what went down. He had been so tired from transferring so much energy to help River that he pretty much knocked himself out until now. Now, River is chastising them for what they did.

He wanted to say something. He really did. At the end of River's speech, he opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it. Now was not the time to argue, especially since Zechariah hadn't had such a good track record himself. This only put more weight on his shoulders.

But he didn't want to prove River right, either.

Walk over to Nikolai and help him watch for guard as best as I can. Try to make myself feel better by talking.

"Hey, Nikolai," Zechariah says as he walks slowly over to where Nikolai is. "Do you... do you know what happened? I was.. kinda knocked out."

You join Nikolai in guard duty, trying to stay awake by the good old technique of talking.
You can't see much in these conditions, but maybe you'll be able to hear anyone coming. Or simply have them bump into you.

The snoring coming from your small shelter stops about a minute later.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 18, 2015, 03:18:24 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Roger, roger!" says Ike with a slightly forced grin, then walks off to find a place to sleep. He's now seemingly feeling a bit better.

Go find a place to sleep. Hand over one of my remaining swords (one already went to Nikolai) to... I dunno, Theri if she's around, Alan if she's not. Leave it as a present next to him in the latter event.

You leave a sword next to Alan and head outside.

The sky looks even darker than before. The moon has probably set. The sun will probably start rising in a couple of hours.

You semi-blindly grope around until you find a nice hole to sleep in.

You lie down and close your eyes. Lying down and relaxing your muscles after all the effort you've expended produces an incredible amount of euphoria. This is probably going to be a very deep and pleasant sleep, despite the hardness of your "bed". You try not to think about the soreness, tiredness and hunger tomorrow will bring. For now, you sleep.

As you lie there, drifting to sleep, you catch a scent. You've smelled it a few times before in the city, mostly around here, near the cracks. But you've never connected the smell with whatever left it.

It disappears a few seconds later. Maybe just something in the wind.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 17, 2015, 10:59:41 pm

Thdogg sucsh ashh witttth tttthinkhing

Sleepily insult River for no discernible reason. Then slip into a coma-like state to recover my strength, complete with thunderous snoring.

((I almost did not understand what you were saying. Which I guess is good role playing on your part.))

Quote from: Lenglon on June 18, 2015, 01:20:22 am

I quietly cry into River.
<I'm Sorry...>

<Your apology is worthless.>
<Sleep. You need to hide.>
Cold and darkness surrounds you, sapping you of your strength. You are forced to unconsciousness.

Everyone
((Fast forwarding time until the sun is up. Any actions you wanna do in the meantime or if you want to stop time earlier or if you're not ready to fast forward yet, post to indicate your intentions now.))

---

OOC

Quote from: Xantalos on June 19, 2015, 10:42:33 pm

((...yes.
To be more specific, both if that's alright. Just curious since I'd never really thought about the actual builds and stuff.))

Well, what your character is is a glass cannon with some utility. Very powerful, somewhat versatile and not very good at surviving.

How you play your character... Ever seen Dumbass from the CS animations by flashdeck (https://youtu.be/5Cjrp23lBSM)? That's what your character reminds me of.

A reckless man that tries to help and have fun in his own particular way, made useful (and dangerous) by the power he wields. He sometimes helps (sometimes in very surprising ways), he sometimes... doesn't help (sometimes at the same time as he is helping), he is sometimes lucky enough to survive things he shouldn't had possibly been able to survive while other times it seems like the whole world is conspiring to make him the punchlines to its jokes, he is sometimes stubborn and focuses on things he really shouldn't be focusing on... But in the end, whatever happens, it doesn't matter very much, for he doesn't care very much about the particulars. As long as he's having fun, everything is fine. On the morality scale, I'd say Chaotic Neutral (or Chaotic Fun (as opposed to Lawful Serious, which is Saevus), if I get to make up alignments).

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 25, 2015, 07:24:00 am

Am unconscious

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2015, 07:28:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Prolly going to get eaten now... too tired to care..."

SLEEP

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 25, 2015, 08:13:11 am

((Where is my character?))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 25, 2015, 08:33:01 am

Spoiler: I like explosions (click to show/hide)

Okay, need a self-upgrade.  Summon a full helmet with integrated targeting sensors and breathing filters while backing into the "north" hallway.  Look for a window and get near it in case I need to pull the hang glider exit again.  Keep spear at ready if I get charged.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 25, 2015, 02:30:14 pm

Guard watchfully.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 26, 2015, 01:01:12 am

Alan sleep

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2015, 08:17:11 am

Hey there! How many of you are ready for a new mission? Can I get a roll call here?
Took some time to finish designing it now that I have a bit more free time. We can start now. Just need to know who's in.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 20, 2015, 05:14:21 pm

Use my leverage, let him have new pain.

(3DS).

I... think you want to attack?
I'll just have you attack.

Quote from: Alarith on June 22, 2015, 10:48:34 am

Spoiler: Let's see how this works (click to show/hide)

Try to manipulate the staging area to make a patch of quicksand between me and my opponent. If he gets close continue with my quick attacks

Kosak charges Bryan, but is a bit confused when the stone beneath his feet turns into a sludge-like thing and he starts sinking.
He quickly regains his composure and continues forward, managing to get out of the patch with a bit of effort and continue his charge.

Bryan launches another powerful wide area strike towards his enemy, but he moves with incredible speed, trying to get out of the way. Despite his speed, he still has a hard time avoiding the massive blast. He is not hurt but he is put off balance by the strike.

Quote from: Bryan ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Quote from: Kosak ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

A low blow by Bryan, but it looks like Kosak managed to do well despite it. Kosak is almost back in melee range but dodging Bryan's strike has put him off balance.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 25, 2015, 08:33:01 am

Spoiler: I like explosions (click to show/hide)

Okay, need a self-upgrade.  Summon a full helmet with integrated targeting sensors and breathing filters while backing into the "north" hallway.  Look for a window and get near it in case I need to pull the hang glider exit again.  Keep spear at ready if I get charged.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You start walking away towards the north while summoning your Augmented Reality Helmet. The elevator doors close behind you, plunging the corridor you are in into darkness, at least until your eyes have managed to adjust.

A few moment later, the floor beneath your feet trembles and the doors creak and bang against their frames as the entire building is shaken. Feels like someone just hit the building with a wrecking ball. You bet the owner won't be very happy.

Glancing behind you, there's suddenly a lot more light coming from there. Not the flickering light of fire but the slowly fading light of the setting sun.

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 25, 2015, 04:53:05 am

Spoiler: great, I'm on fire again. (click to show/hide)

Reach up to the sprinkler pipes and manually activate them by breaking the pipe over me. Also, time to use a plasmid.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You smash the concrete ceiling above you, trying to reach the pipe leading to the sprinklers. Your hand breaks through the concrete as if it were paper and you grab the pipe and pull it down in one swift motion.

However, the ceiling is not very happy about that. It breaks apart and explodes upwards as a result of your blow. The pieces of rubble, metal and cable hover in the air for a few seconds before they come crashing down on you, burying you in a small mound of debris.

At least the fire is out.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2015, 06:34:00 am

"BAWK?!?!"

It'll do.

Quickly evolve that special body part I selected, the poisony-gas one. At the same time, turn around, start clucking like a maniac, and run the opposite way.

You were facing Saevus... so you want to turn around, that means face away from Saevus... and then run backwards towards him? No birds can't run backwards. You want to run away from him? I'm going to assume that's what you want.

And you get that modification that lets you give others chicken pox poison gas.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 25, 2015, 06:11:42 am

Should've upgraded my range. Throw the crossbow away. Summon axe. Become Chicken Chaser. Become chicken disemboweler. Pull him to me if needed.

Your opponent starts clucking in a panicked manner and running away, his wings raising small clouds of dust as he flaps them to gain more speed. As he does so, some of his feathers fall off, strange holes kept closed by sphincters appearing in their place.

You try to pull him towards you, but you miss, pulling a nearby car instead.
The car goes through the railing and falls off the bridge, going for a swim in the sea below.

Meanwhile, your opponent manages to run almost all the way to the other side of the bridge.
Huh. Look at him go. You finally understand where that expression humans keep using comes from.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2015, 07:28:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Prolly going to get eaten now... too tired to care..."

SLEEP

You wake up.

Looks like it's early in the morning. You can't see the sun from your hole, but you'd guess it's just risen or close to rising. No direct sunlight anywhere around you except the very tip of the volcano.

And you're not dead. Or at least you don't feel dead. One can never know when magic's involved.

Then again, if you were dead, you probably wouldn't feel so damn hungry and thirsty, you wouldn't feel that strange weakness and subtle ache that comes from overexertion, you wouldn't feel the bruises in your face from where you were struck repeatedly, you wouldn't feel the places where rocks pushed against your bones while you slept.

That pain means you are probably alive and your body is screaming at you to take better care of it. If it doesn't then this is probably not going to be a very pleasant afterlife.

Quote from: NAV on June 25, 2015, 02:30:14 pm

Guard watchfully.

You wake up.

Damn it, you fell asleep while standing guard, didn't you?

Well, at least your throat was not slit, so that's something. And you do feel a bit refreshed from sleeping. You didn't sleep as much as you needed, but little is better than nothing.

Your stomach is still complaining though, making weird growling noises to declare its hunger. Probably why you woke up.

You try to speak to wake up Zechariah but your voice comes out hoarse. Your throat is parched. Need water.

You raise your scarf, cough a bit, lower it and try speaking again.
Hm, yes better, you can speak normally now. Should still find some water though.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 26, 2015, 01:01:12 am

Alan sleep

I imagine "Alan sleep" involves some sort of bizarre ritual that makes it different from normal sleep.
You wake up with a fixed leg. You're still somewhat dizzy, but it should hopefully pass. And you're also hungry and thirsty.
See below for more.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 25, 2015, 07:24:00 am

Am unconscious

You wake up.

The first thing you notice is that you are hungry and thirsty. But most of all you are tired. Feels like all your muscles are aching and even your mind feels a bit slow to wake up. You could really use some more sleep.

The second thing you notice is that you have your front legs. However, when you try to move them, you notice a problem. Its a feeling like tiredness, but multiplied hundredfold. Even moving them a little bit requires immense effort on your part. You doubt they'll be able to support your weight, let alone let you walk.

It is somewhat dark, lit by what little light the morning sky is emitting, but not so dark that you can't see easily. River is standing in front of the entrance, casting his shadow across the small room the formed by collapsed tunnel you are in. He is leaning against Alan's crutch to support his broken leg. One of his improvised bags hangs from his shoulder and one of those wires is around his neck.

Alan is besides you, also awake from the looks of it.
There's a few more of those wires on the floor near you, probably enough for anyone not wearing one.

River addresses the two of you.
<When the night comes, I am leaving this city. If you are strong enough, then you will meet me outside the wall when it is time.>
He looks at Irine before he continues.
<If you are not, then she is better off without you.>
With that, he turns around and starts walking away.

---

OOC

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 11:19:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 19, 2015, 07:52:20 pm

-snip-

---

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 17, 2015, 11:57:53 pm

Name: "Fizz" Fizzo Muzzier
Age:20
Birthplace: Skylandia City
Appearance: Brown eye, Tan skin, Black short hair, average height. Wearing t-shirt and jeans.
Power:Increased Flail Control. He is equipped with his iron saw flail (a saw attached to a chain, like normal flails are).

That's all you want friend? Because as others have pointed out, you can ask for more, as long as you are willing to accept the chance of some penalties (or give yourself some penalties) you can ask for more power.

Right now, the way the character generation system works, a guy with +2 STR (which is enough strength to lift a car) has a good chance of receiving no penalties and even receiving some bonuses if he rolls really well.
The more powerful, far reaching and versatile an ability is, the more it ups the chances that it will require a penalty.
On the other hand, the more time it takes to use an ability, the more focused an ability is and the more things and conditions it requires to function, the more it lessens the chances that it will require a penalty.

Of course, don't let that deter you. Power gain is (by design) relatively quick in this game, as you can probably see by our current championship finalists. So as long as you manage to do well (or at least not do bad) in a few missions, you should gain power fairly quickly.

For example, if you look at the current fight, we have a level 1 guy that's really good in combat but not much else (little versatility) and a very versatile character that due to his high level and smart choices, both in the way he fights and in the way he uses the versatility his powers afford him (and luck, you always gotta have some luck), is managing to hold his own in the fight.

Irrelevant: Are those two colours your speech colour? Asking because I keep all speech colours in my notes so that I can find them easily.

I'm asking for Magnet. It can pull things with shenanigans (for example, stabbing someone(or self) with magnet-pulled sword, being shot by magnet-pulled bullets and magnet-balls tearing inside a body), disrupt someone's bioelectric(but not human memory)functions in the body and if strong enough, can kill indirectly from orbital orientation.
i'm ready from some penalties.
Yes, it is my speech colo(u)r. It is cyan with black glow.

So, kinda like Magneto but a bit more realistic?
If all you want is the ability to generate and manipulate powerful magnetic fields, we can do that. Just got to remember to keep you away from floppy disks.
And I'm assuming that orbital bit means that you'll be able to do that if you level up and get something like the "Power VI" upgrade.

Just two questions:
1) Do you have a preference between wide AoE, precision or something in between? Or should I choose whatever I think is best?
2) Do you want in on the next mission?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2015, 08:26:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

Pain. The best alarm clock a man can ask for. It is a brand new day, and already it's had a grand start.

"Alan!" is his first word upon rising from his half-dead state. "Need some hamburgers and lemonade, stat!"

Should Alan not hear this, Ike does his best ambulance siren impression and looks around for his favorite man in the whole wide world, then repeats his request upon locating him. And probably offers him a sword for his trouble (leaving Nikolai, Ike and Alan with one each if I didn't miscount).

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 26, 2015, 08:31:58 am

((Oh, you make me laugh. And yes, you interpreted my action correctly.))

Make my beak as lethal as possible. These wings are useless to me, absorb them into myself and use the biomass to make my legs more efficient at running. If he comes anywhere near me, begin spurting out huge amounts of poison.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 26, 2015, 08:32:21 am

<I... WILL... redeem... me. I will... I will... I WILL...>
I generate flame directly above me, and use it to shift into hybrid form, then stumble forward to follow River, my arms hanging limply by my sides.
"I will..."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 26, 2015, 09:00:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2015, 08:17:11 am

-snip-

---

OOC

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 11:19:55 pm

-snip-

So, kinda like Magneto but a bit more realistic?
If all you want is the ability to generate and manipulate powerful magnetic fields, we can do that. Just got to remember to keep you away from floppy disks.
And I'm assuming that orbital bit means that you'll be able to do that if you level up and get something like the "Power VI" upgrade.

Just two questions:
1) Do you have a preference between wide AoE, precision or something in between? Or should I choose whatever I think is best?
2) Do you want in on the next mission?

1. High-density power, one localized object at a time(This includes limbs(eg.fist).). Can be turned off and on with some focus.
2. Yes.
As for the orbital orientation, i don't meant levels. (https://gravityandlevity.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/how-strong-would-a-magnetic-field-have-to-be-to-kill-you/) It's a indirect cause of death of extreme magnetization.
Edit: DETAILS

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 26, 2015, 09:04:08 am

Spoiler: How many buildings are the two of us going to destroy? (click to show/hide)

Keep on summoning.  Get near that window/hole, and be prepared for an emergency exit.

If there's time, I also want a one-use tracer dart launcher that will send a signal to my helmet.

If an emergency exit is required, go out the window/hole while summoning a hang glider.  Pausing/stopping the first summon is okay; not splatting into the concrete takes priority.  If glider exit is done, aim to land on a shorter building; 2-3 story.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 26, 2015, 09:56:48 am

Sigh. Run after my opponent and mock his useless attempts to poison a suit of armor. Do the usual "pull->slash" thing if I catch up to him this turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Wolfkit on June 26, 2015, 10:28:18 am

((I'm ready to start the mission))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Alarith on June 26, 2015, 10:45:13 am

((I'm fine for starting a new mission))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

First, see if I can return the quicksand patch to normal. Then go on the offensive with a mixture of punches and kicks.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: mydjet on June 26, 2015, 11:08:12 am

i shake my head comming to and say "trippy dream..." i then look at the puddle of goup and then to the bartender and say "if someone dies is it a party foul here... also a bottle of wiskey please"
(im good for campagin

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 26, 2015, 11:53:57 am

((Ready to go here))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 26, 2015, 12:01:05 pm

((I should post again to say that I'm quite enjoying this.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 26, 2015, 12:06:07 pm

Poke my head out of the rubble. If I see that guy, chuck debris at him. If not, pull myself out of the rubble, and use a plasmid on myself. Random choice on the plasmid.

(Seconded with toaster. This is pretty fun.)

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 26, 2015, 12:11:00 pm

Campaign

Alan stares out at River's retreating form.

"Man. I've said it before and I'll say it again, or at least I think I have: that guy's really unnecessarily dramatic. We should call him Drama Omoga.
Hey pyromaniac fox murder girl, omoga's what wolves or whatever he is call their leader, right?"

Alan then hears Ike's reasonable request for food in the middle of a barren wasteland.

"Right on it, my man - I figure a picnic will do us some good! Or maybe a picnic is also a barbecue? I dunno, there's gonna be food. Eventually."

Try to summon up some hamburger patties and various condiments, and a jug of lemonade. Maybe some buns too. The patties don't have to be cooked or anything, I'll be trying to summon up a propane grill at some point.
Or fail because my powers still need to be excersised, either's good.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 26, 2015, 08:22:45 pm

Left ward in, right ward out.

Spoiler: Die. (click to show/hide)

Grab his left arm with my right and his right with my left. Cross his arms, then headbutt him. Then slam him onto the ground and apply extra punches.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: akkudakku on June 27, 2015, 02:23:28 am

I'm all for the new mission. Watch that TV!

This TV show is just hilarious. Look at that chicken go!

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Beirus on June 27, 2015, 03:19:05 am

New Mission!

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 27, 2015, 08:01:26 am

"The human term. for the dominant male and female. is Alpha. The wolves themselves. don't bother."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 27, 2015, 12:42:15 pm

Ah, so he's a drammalfa!

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 27, 2015, 12:49:30 pm

"Alpha, first, descriptor, second."
a half-chuckle escapes my lips.
"c-come."
I sway in place for a moment, having attempted to gesture Alan forward and discovered that it's a bad idea. then continue slowly walking after River.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 27, 2015, 02:07:08 pm

"...But Alfadrama doesn't sound as funny. And nah, none of me, big ear mustache guy, and face turban person can move around very well on account of feeling like poop so we're gonna stay here and have a barbie. That's the Australian term for a barbecue by the way, not the female doll line. You should stay and eat too, there's gonna be burgers and propane and stuff. Plus you need to get sustenance, I know an unhealthy body image is commonly promoted in modern media culture but it's not true and burgers dipped in lemonade are fucking delicious.


Also you don't seem to be able to move your arms so that sucks. You need those to eat without making a mess! Which I don't mind, but you don't get to as much food that way."

((True to form the guy only gets articulate about having a barbecue in the middle of a barren wasteland))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 27, 2015, 03:52:04 pm

"b-but River..."
I look up at Ike, hoping for an answer from him.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 27, 2015, 03:56:51 pm

"But burgers."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 27, 2015, 04:10:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 27, 2015, 03:52:04 pm

"b-but River..."
I look up at Ike, hoping for an answer from him.

Ike, who presumably has arrived moments ago, has only caught the tail end of the conversation.

"What about River?" he asks in a half-awake manner.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 27, 2015, 11:00:39 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 26, 2015, 09:00:00 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2015, 08:17:11 am

-snip-

---

OOC

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on June 19, 2015, 11:19:55 pm

-snip-

So, kinda like Magneto but a bit more realistic?
If all you want is the ability to generate and manipulate powerful magnetic fields, we can do that. Just got to remember to keep you away from floppy disks.
And I'm assuming that orbital bit means that you'll be able to do that if you level up and get something like the "Power VI" upgrade.

Just two questions:
1) Do you have a preference between wide AoE, precision or something in between? Or should I choose whatever I think is best?
2) Do you want in on the next mission?

1. High-density power, one localized object at a time(This includes limbs(eg.fist).). Can be turned off and on with some focus.
2. Yes.
As for the orbital orientation, i don't meant levels. (https://gravityandlevity.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/how-strong-would-a-magnetic-field-have-to-be-to-kill-you/) It's a indirect cause of death of extreme magnetization.
Edit: DETAILS

1. Oh, that's an interesting choice. You want it to be something that is always on, like an invisible sphere that produces a strong magnetic field whose strength you can somewhat control and that you can telekinetically move around within a certain range and attach to objects.
3. Ah, that's what you mean? When you said orbital I thought you meant the space kind of orbital not electron kind of orbital. Interesting article. by the way.
I did the character generation rolls and your character is fine. Check your PMs.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 26, 2015, 08:22:45 pm

Left ward in, right ward out.

Spoiler: Die. (click to show/hide)

Grab his left arm with my right and his right with my left. Cross his arms, then headbutt him. Then slam him onto the ground and apply extra punches.

Quote from: Alarith on June 26, 2015, 10:45:13 am

((I'm fine for starting a new mission))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

First, see if I can return the quicksand patch to normal. Then go on the offensive with a mixture of punches and kicks.

Kosak moves first, grabbing Bryan and hitting him with a powerful headbut, throwing him to the ground. He then proceeds to jump on his prone body (Bryan notes he's surprisingly heavy for his size) and prepare to strike again.
Bryan manages to roll with the blow, negating much of its damage despite its power, but he may not be so lucky next time, especially with his opponent pinning him into place.

Kosak's eyes stop glowing. Looks like whatever effect he was using has just run out of steam.

Quote from: Bryan ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Quote from: Kosak ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

As he gets pounded to the ground, Bryan feels as if time has slowed down. The fact that he feels no pain or tiredness in the staging area helps him stay focused enough to hear a whisper in the edge of his mind.
<There are smarter ways of using your abilities. You should not restrain yourself to using them merely for punching from a distance.
Use your head. Strike where the enemy least expects it. Use your strengths on his weaknesses.
He is stronger and faster than you. He will win in a fair fight against you. Your advantage is that you do not have that way, you do not have to fight as he expects you to fight.>

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 26, 2015, 08:31:58 am

((Oh, you make me laugh. And yes, you interpreted my action correctly.))

Make my beak as lethal as possible. These wings are useless to me, absorb them into myself and use the biomass to make my legs more efficient at running. If he comes anywhere near me, begin spurting out huge amounts of poison.

((I aim to please.))

Ehhh... as lethal as possible is a bit vague and I'll be nice and not have you roll intelligence for that. You already have a sharp beak and powerful neck muscles. I don't see an obvious way to make it deadlier. What do you want, add sawblades on it or something? Make it out of carbon fibre and put neon lights under it?

Same thing for the legs. They are already as powerful as they can be. Want to make them like the legs of a giant locust or something, make yourself like something out of Impossible Creatures?

I'm just giving you fair warning, posting actions like these without that upgrade that is essentially all about actions like these will have me roll intelligence for your character deciding what the best course of action is.

You absorb your wings, at least.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 26, 2015, 09:56:48 am

Sigh. Run after my opponent and mock his useless attempts to poison a suit of armor. Do the usual "pull->slash" thing if I catch up to him this turn.

He has apparently decided to stop for some reason (maybe he can't find a reason to cross the road?) so you manage to get close to him. He's near the end of the bridge where it meets up with a street running parallel to a long sandy beach. On the other side of the road there's mostly stores, tourist shops, cafes, restaurants, bars... The standard groups of stores aiming to capture the attention of swimmers and tourists, with the rare hotel or apartment building mixed among them. Most people are either watching curiously, some of them recording with their cell phones, while others are moving away with varying levels of speed and panic.

However, as you are about to get in attack range, the pores around his body suddenly open up and large amounts of a strange green smoke start streaming out like foam out of a fire extinguisher. All around you you can hear people's frightened screams turn to coughing. The gas itself does not hurt you, but it floats in the air for a few seconds, preventing you from seeing. Yet it has already started clearing, dissolving into a clear, slippery sludge.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 26, 2015, 09:04:08 am

Spoiler: How many buildings are the two of us going to destroy? (click to show/hide)

Keep on summoning.  Get near that window/hole, and be prepared for an emergency exit.

If there's time, I also want a one-use tracer dart launcher that will send a signal to my helmet.

If an emergency exit is required, go out the window/hole while summoning a hang glider.  Pausing/stopping the first summon is okay; not splatting into the concrete takes priority.  If glider exit is done, aim to land on a shorter building; 2-3 story.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Unfortunately, whoever designed this building made it like a Casino for some reason: there's zero natural light in communal spaces and that includes windows. You could try a room, you remember seeing windows in some of those.

You finish your helmet and put it on, the sound of your footsteps becoming muffled slightly while the sound of your breathing through the filter gets slightly amplified. The screens inside it activate as you put it on, giving you full visibility, but it doesn't appear to be giving you any other information right now. It has various sensors and emitters on it, that much you can tell (the mask has two large ball-shaped clusters of sensors where the eye holes should be, making you look like a fly-man mated with a gas-mask wearing technophiliac (the plot of a great post apocalyptic sci-fi novel, no doubt)) but they don't seem to be having any special effect at the moment.

You're not very focused during the second summoning, so you end up making a dart probably used with a dartboard in a bar somewhere with a bright blinking led light strapped on it with duct tape.

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 26, 2015, 12:06:07 pm

Poke my head out of the rubble. If I see that guy, chuck debris at him. If not, pull myself out of the rubble, and use a plasmid on myself. Random choice on the plasmid.

(Seconded with toaster. This is pretty fun.)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You poke your head out of the rubble like a giant concrete mole. No guy in sight, just lots of smoke and rubble illuminated by the sun leaking in from above (then again, your sight is being slightly impaired right now, so you can't be 100% certain).

So you climb out of the hole and with some effort manage to squeeze your syringe's needle between the exposed muscles on your chest and inject it in your blood stream. However, as you try to pull the syringe out, you accidentally bend it too much and end up breaking the needle off, leaving a piece of it inside you. Well, let's hope that doesn't poke anything important.

A few seconds later you feel a tingling sensation on your arm. A large bulge is growing there like a balloon of flesh. The skin grows thinner, semi-transparent, with only the veins remaining opaque. This allows the orange light being emitted from somewhere inside it to be seen. It shifts constantly, the light inside it changing. Something is moving inside your arm. You can feel it, like something is pinching your skin from the inside. As a final touch, a hole forms on your palm, kept close by a new muscle group.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2015, 08:26:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

Pain. The best alarm clock a man can ask for. It is a brand new day, and already it's had a grand start.

"Alan!" is his first word upon rising from his half-dead state. "Need some hamburgers and lemonade, stat!"

Should Alan not hear this, Ike does his best ambulance siren impression and looks around for his favorite man in the whole wide world, then repeats his request upon locating him. And probably offers him a sword for his trouble (leaving Nikolai, Ike and Alan with one each if I didn't miscount).

"DoooDeeeDoooDeeeDoooDeee"
And sure, give a sword to the guy who'll probably use it to hold his club sandwich together, what could possibly go wrong.
You are left with your sword and your knife.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 26, 2015, 08:32:21 am

<I... WILL... redeem... me. I will... I will... I WILL...>
I generate flame directly above me, and use it to shift into hybrid form, then stumble forward to follow River, my arms hanging limply by my sides.
"I will..."

You manage to concentrate enough to generate enough fire to simply leave you slightly cold after your change. It takes some effort to get up with no usable arms to help keep you balanced and the usual dizziness and unpleasantness changing forms causes combined with your general exhaustion. By the time you manage to do so, River has already left the small room and Ike has arrived seconds later, sounding very upbeat for a man with more bruises than face that just run a marathon a few hours ago.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 26, 2015, 12:11:00 pm

Campaign

Alan stares out at River's retreating form.

"Man. I've said it before and I'll say it again, or at least I think I have: that guy's really unnecessarily dramatic. We should call him Drama Omoga.
Hey pyromaniac fox murder girl, omoga's what wolves or whatever he is call their leader, right?"

Alan then hears Ike's reasonable request for food in the middle of a barren wasteland.

"Right on it, my man - I figure a picnic will do us some good! Or maybe a picnic is also a barbecue? I dunno, there's gonna be food. Eventually."

Try to summon up some hamburger patties and various condiments, and a jug of lemonade. Maybe some buns too. The patties don't have to be cooked or anything, I'll be trying to summon up a propane grill at some point.
Or fail because my powers still need to be excersised, either's good.

((I like how your character interprets River telling him "you need rest" as "you need exercise".))

You summon a giant fridge that can barely fit inside the small tunnel. The fridge is still working for some reason even though it is not plugged in, humming slightly and providing you with a pleasant cool breeze as you open it. Opening it, you see that there's some orange juice in there, some lemonade, some water bottles, chocolate, cake, sausages, turkey, yoghurt, yellow and white cheese, bread, bacon, ketchup, some sort of yellow mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, red and green apples, chilli, mustard, mayonnaise, lemon, garlic,cucumber and eggs. In the freezer there's some ice cubes, frozen beef, peas, potatoes, carrots, fish and some frozen culinary herbs.

And it didn't explode or anything.

---

OOC
Okay, so for the new mission we got
H4zardZ1 the last minute addition
Wolfkit the chaser of spicy meatballs-a (https://youtu.be/NQhwNtY3N2k)
Alarith the veteran
mydjet the extreme alcoholic
DreamerGhost the commentator
FallacyOfUrist the street fighter
akkudakku the TV wizard
and Beirus who will be... interesting to see how he chooses to play in this sort of mission

8 people. Sounds like a lot. Well, let's see how everything turns out. I'll start the mission sometime this week.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 27, 2015, 12:42:15 pm

Ah, so he's a drammalfa!

You could say he is... the drama queen of the pack.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Beirus on June 27, 2015, 11:06:01 pm

((I already have a plan for that, Paris))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 27, 2015, 11:28:23 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Go ahead and fire a test shot of my new power. If the guy I'm fighting comes along, shoot him with my new... stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 27, 2015, 11:40:40 pm

"BAWWK!"

Run the hell away from iron (armor) man. As I go, evolve a specialized organ that mixes chemicals to create an acidic compound, allowing me to spit a corrosive mixture to melt his armor.

((Thing with my char is that while starting off he's weak and average, the longer you take to kill him the more biomass he can create, meaning he can just get stronger based on his foe's strengths and weaknesses. I like that :).))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 28, 2015, 12:42:53 am

Campaign

((Alan interprets it as give rest to get rest :P))

Food! Glorious food! Whoever you people are, feel free to eat too!


Eat until I feel reasonably satiated. Try to be polite and leave food for the other people.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 28, 2015, 01:45:41 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

So where's that light coming from?  I need a way out of this building that isn't the elevator.  Technosense my helmet; what is it actually doing for me?

Try again on the tracer dart launcher; chuck this one.  If I see him coming for me, forget that and stun him again.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 03:05:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Food! And drink! You're a lifesaver, man."

Eat. And drink. Get the OJ first, drink until no longer thirsty. And then have some cake.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 28, 2015, 03:16:33 am

"I'm similar to a lifesaver, but those are candy. I'm a human. Two entirely different species."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 05:04:12 am

"I see. A useful thing to know, that. Are you still water-soluble, though?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 28, 2015, 05:14:33 am

"Does that mean I dissolve or float in water? Because I've done some of both."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 05:18:48 am

"Both, you say? That's even more interesting. Not a fan of swimming, I take it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 28, 2015, 05:26:56 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 27, 2015, 11:40:40 pm

((Thing with my char is that while starting off he's weak and average, the longer you take to kill him the more biomass he can create, meaning he can just get stronger based on his foe's strengths and weaknesses. I like that :).))

((Slowly collecting strength, the more you have the more you get...
Good idea))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 28, 2015, 05:36:35 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 05:18:48 am

"Both, you say? That's even more interesting. Not a fan of swimming, I take it?"

"Not really, I end up looking like a giant pinkish chicken nugget."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Illgeo on June 28, 2015, 06:53:22 am

This is joinable right now, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 28, 2015, 08:30:14 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 27, 2015, 11:40:40 pm

((Thing with my char is that while starting off he's weak and average, the longer you take to kill him the more biomass he can create, meaning he can just get stronger based on his foe's strengths and weaknesses. I like that :).))

((So basically, he's a slightly weaker version of John.))

Quote from: Illgeo on June 28, 2015, 06:53:22 am

This is joinable right now, right?

((Yes, make a sheet and Paris will nerf add it at some point.))

---

If I'm close enough - pull Rune to me and grab him to immobilize him. Then prepare the blingcannon.

If I'm not close enough - move close enough and perform action above.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 28, 2015, 08:40:34 am

((I want to tell this in front of everyone, that my char can only use magnetize in magnetic materials.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 28, 2015, 08:44:53 am

Quote from: Illgeo on June 28, 2015, 06:53:22 am

This is joinable right now, right?

Sure. Just make it quick if you want to join the mission starting now. Choose a special ability and I'll try to process it quickly.

I'll just have to make it harder to compensate for the large number of people.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Illgeo on June 28, 2015, 08:47:28 am

I sent the pm.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 28, 2015, 10:41:45 am

Leave my nailboard next to Zech. Everyone should have a weapon.

Nik enters the cave, not really believing what he heard until he sees it with his own two eyes. "Is this real? Seems like dream. Who cares, dream food is better than no food."

Drink water until I'm no longer thirsty, then pile a bunch of random ingredients between two slices of bread and call it a sandwich.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 28, 2015, 11:16:00 am

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, knowing that there must be more to the story than he was told. But this was no time for a full-fledged retelling of a drama. Their lives were still at risk here. Despite River's harsh nature, he had a point: They had to be able to keep up, or they would all be killed.

In the back of his mind, he recalled the same theme being brought up by Artemis, Apollo, Scion, Raphael, Danielle... really, it was essentially to their survival through so many trials and disasters. They always had to keep moving, keep running, keep fighting, even though he was tired and frustrated with himself. He wanted to quit sometimes, but he kept going. Something kept driving him.

He still needed that drive now.

Suddenly, he snaps out of his train of thought as Nikolai leaves his nailboard to go to the next place over. Zechariah only manages to blink and pick up the nailboard awkwardly while watching Nikolai stride off.

"Well, what am I supposed to do with this thing?" Zechariah muttered to himself. He tried holding it up like a club. No, that didn't work; it was too awkward in his grip. Maybe he could hold it like a sort of hammer? Still too wide for that sort of thing, and Zechariah didn't have particularly large hands.

Such a crude weapon, Zechariah thought to himself. Why would I even have use for something like this? I fight with my creations, not with a board full of nails.

Wait around and guard the area. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to intimidate someone with this piece of wood.
...who am I kidding? I couldn't intimidate a fly.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 01:45:25 pm

I look at the giant food box for a couple moments, my lips twitching, then down at my useless arms. I then swallow, wince, and resume walking after River.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 02:57:35 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 01:45:25 pm

I look at the giant food box for a couple moments, my lips twitching, then down at my useless arms. I then swallow, wince, and resume walking after River.

"Hey! Where you going? Look at this food we've got!" says Ike, starting to follow Irine with some cake in his hands.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 03:20:31 pm

I look up at Ike.
"I can't use my arms Ike. I don't want to abandon River. And I... I'd have to ask someone to feed me like a baby. I have my pride, okay? I'll... I'll think of something. I have to make sure I'm there when the sun finishes setting. I'm not going to fall behind. I won't."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 04:45:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 03:20:31 pm

I look up at Ike.
"I can't use my arms Ike. I don't want to abandon River. And I... I'd have to ask someone to feed me like a baby. I have my pride, okay? I'll... I'll think of something. I have to make sure I'm there when the sun finishes setting. I'm not going to fall behind. I won't."

"Well, if pride's the problem, why not take a fox shape and eat off the floor, which I'm sure makes more sense than just letting Alan shove food in your face? Besides, better to stick with the larger group. You're pretty much screwed if you try and follow River alone, though. There isn't going to be anyone to carry you off to a safer spot if things go south, you know. Well, River might, but that's not a guarantee of any kind."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 28, 2015, 06:36:11 pm

.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 28, 2015, 10:06:53 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 27, 2015, 11:28:23 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Go ahead and fire a test shot of my new power. If the guy I'm fighting comes along, shoot him with my new... stuff.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You point your arm towards the elevator and quickly tense the muscles as hard as you can, squeezing the sack inside it. A tiny point of bright orange light is pushed out of it at high speed, spiralling slightly and emitting a buzzing noise as it flies towards the elevator. It hits the elevator, exploding into fire that clings into the elevator door like some sort of mix between a molotov and a napalm bomb.

No sign of the enemy.

Quote from: Toaster on June 28, 2015, 01:45:41 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

So where's that light coming from?  I need a way out of this building that isn't the elevator.  Technosense my helmet; what is it actually doing for me?

Try again on the tracer dart launcher; chuck this one.  If I see him coming for me, forget that and stun him again.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The light is coming from the hole in the ceiling your opponent came from and from the slit under some of those doors around you.

If you need an exit from the building, then all you have to do is follow the emergency exit signs that probably lead to a stairwell.

You can tell that your helmet has non-electric gas filters, sensors on the outside and screens on the inside the two of them connected through a group of integrated circuits. Unfortunately, they are far too small and complex to comprehend. You can try to focus on a specific part of the circuit, but holding the location and state of all of the million tiny parts and the way the influence each other in your mind long enough to figure out what they might mean is beyond you, at least in such a sort timespan. It would take at least a few minutes of work (if not a few hours) and you don't have that time.

On the other hand, you gain a fairly good idea of what it does when something flies out of the corridor your opponent was last seen in. It explodes into a napalm-like thing that clings to the elevator doors while burning. Your helmet appears to be helping you by "clearing" some of the smoke and allowing you to see through it. It also paints a slowly fading arrow hovering in the air close to the fire, indicating the direction the projectile came from. The arrow is pointing towards a large hovering sphere that is also slowly becoming larger and fading.

Short turn again, so no summoning for you.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 28, 2015, 08:30:14 am

If I'm close enough - pull Rune to me and grab him to immobilize him. Then prepare the blingcannon.

If I'm not close enough - move close enough and perform action above.

Saevus disregards his sight, focusing on his memory and sense of hearing instead. The moment he hears his opponent move he shifts his arm and magically pulls with it as hard as he can... which results in a fire hydrant hitting him square in the face with a loud clang, throwing him to the ground and into a pool of clear goo.

Well, at least the smoke has cleared, revealing a few dead or dying humans lying in a puddle of goo that is being washed away by the water coming out of the fire  hydrant. And his opponent running into some sort of store, much to the surprise of the people in there.

The store has a sign with a giant shark above it, with the words "Discount Shark" written on it in neon and surrounded by a neon circle. It would be funny if it actually sold sharks.

It's an enormous brick building, tall enough to be two, maybe three storeys high with giant glass displays on the front. You can only see one entrance on this side.

((Four ones in a row for Hawk. Good thing he has good endurance.
I really thought he had Rune there. But it looks like Luck wants this to be a comedic chase scene instead of a dramatic standoff for some reason.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 27, 2015, 11:40:40 pm

"BAWWK!"

Run the hell away from iron (armor) man. As I go, evolve a specialized organ that mixes chemicals to create an acidic compound, allowing me to spit a corrosive mixture to melt his armor.

((Thing with my char is that while starting off he's weak and average, the longer you take to kill him the more biomass he can create, meaning he can just get stronger based on his foe's strengths and weaknesses. I like that :).))

You blindly run away from Iron Man. You can't seem to be able to concentrate enough to form your ranged weapon.

When you get out of the sight-obscuring gas, you run straight through the door of some sort of store. This section appears to be split between clothing, swimsuits (and other sorts of sea-related goods, like fishing rods) and the cashiers who are currently staring at you and your victims with terror.

There's giant signs of a shark wearing sunglasses in various poses and a speech bubble next to him saying things such as "I can smell a good discount a mile away.", "This Friday, there will be a discount frenzy!", "I've bitten this price in half!" or "It's sharktastic!"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 28, 2015, 12:42:53 am

Campaign

((Alan interprets it as give rest to get rest :P))

Food! Glorious food! Whoever you people are, feel free to eat too!


Eat until I feel reasonably satiated. Try to be polite and leave food for the other people.

((I like the try part. It sounded to me like you expected a will roll or something for some reason.))

Quote from: NAV on June 28, 2015, 10:41:45 am

Leave my nailboard next to Zech. Everyone should have a weapon.

Nik enters the cave, not really believing what he heard until he sees it with his own two eyes. "Is this real? Seems like dream. Who cares, dream food is better than no food."

Drink water until I'm no longer thirsty, then pile a bunch of random ingredients between two slices of bread and call it a sandwich.

You give a nailboard to Zech and inform him of his second amendment rights and about how everyone is safer if everyone is carrying deadly weapons.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 28, 2015, 03:05:49 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Food! And drink! You're a lifesaver, man."

Eat. And drink. Get the OJ first, drink until no longer thirsty. And then have some cake.

The three of you partake in the wonders of the fridge. Mostly in the forms of sandwiches with bacon, cheese, some lettuce and a slice of tomato (with the addition of any condiment you might prefer), along with slices of cake, some yoghurt and/or apple for dessert, since everything else needs to be cooked or processed in some way or is not something that you usually eat without accompanying it with something else. I'm making the assumptions you eat reasonably here and that you have tastes similar to most people I know.

You take out one of its drawers and use it along with some rocks to make a makeshift table to put these on.

You gorge yourselves for around half an hour, until the bacon, most of the cheese, the orange juice, most of the bread, half of the cake and half the water bottles are gone.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 28, 2015, 11:16:00 am

Campaign

Zechariah sighs, knowing that there must be more to the story than he was told. But this was no time for a full-fledged retelling of a drama. Their lives were still at risk here. Despite River's harsh nature, he had a point: They had to be able to keep up, or they would all be killed.

In the back of his mind, he recalled the same theme being brought up by Artemis, Apollo, Scion, Raphael, Danielle... really, it was essentially to their survival through so many trials and disasters. They always had to keep moving, keep running, keep fighting, even though he was tired and frustrated with himself. He wanted to quit sometimes, but he kept going. Something kept driving him.

He still needed that drive now.

Suddenly, he snaps out of his train of thought as Nikolai leaves his nailboard to go to the next place over. Zechariah only manages to blink and pick up the nailboard awkwardly while watching Nikolai stride off.

"Well, what am I supposed to do with this thing?" Zechariah muttered to himself. He tried holding it up like a club. No, that didn't work; it was too awkward in his grip. Maybe he could hold it like a sort of hammer? Still too wide for that sort of thing, and Zechariah didn't have particularly large hands.

Such a crude weapon, Zechariah thought to himself. Why would I even have use for something like this? I fight with my creations, not with a board full of nails.

Wait around and guard the area. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to intimidate someone with this piece of wood.
...who am I kidding? I couldn't intimidate a fly.

You watch River slowly climb the steep gravelly slope leading out of the crack in the earth you are in, swinging his tail around as he tries to keep his balance. His broken leg makes climbing quickly harder. River continues his climb until he reaches the top and disappears from your sight.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Alarith on June 28, 2015, 10:59:53 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Can I get my legs underneath his main body?Try to use my legs to flip him, use telekinesis to help. At the very least try to get him off me by struggling both physically and telekinetically.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 11:08:11 pm

((darn it - um, paris, mind retconning my action? I was re-reading and realized that I'd misread the time. I'd thought it was already evening and that I had to leave right away or be left behind. also, I'm still in conversation))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 29, 2015, 04:09:51 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 28, 2015, 11:08:11 pm

((darn it - um, paris, mind retconning my action? I was re-reading and realized that I'd misread the time. I'd thought it was already evening and that I had to leave right away or be left behind. also, I'm still in conversation))

Sure, yeah, I'll try to edit that with my phone. Consider it retconned. I thought you were done.

@Everyone: If you want to decrease the chances of something like this happening, please try to strike through your old actions if you can whenever you're considering new ones or post indicating you've edited your action if you edit it a long time after posting. Or something like that, as long as it works, I won't complain.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 29, 2015, 06:46:55 am

yeah, sorry. I didn't do anything to indicate otherwise, fault's on me.

---

"I... I... Okay."
I turn back around and return to the food box.
"Could... Could you get some meat out and set it on the ground for me?"
I then back away to a safe distance from everyone else, and lie down before changing back into fox-form and attempting to save what flame I can from the change.
<I... I need to start trusting your judgement more Ike. You... you seem to be handling this place better than me. I'm letting myself get caught up in old memories. I'm sorry.>

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on June 29, 2015, 07:52:00 am

Spoiler: Fire bad, unless I started it (click to show/hide)

Good thing I moved!

Try a couple doors; I'd rather take a window out if possible.  If they're locked, bolt for the emergency stairs.

If a navigable window is found, summon a hang glider
If there's no window and I head for the stairs, start summoning a sizable bomb with timer.
If the enemy catches me, summon a frag grenade and shoot it at him, while still heading for an exit if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on June 29, 2015, 08:39:23 am

Get up. Run into the store Rune's in (if there is a body (dead or nearly dead - doesn't matter) on the way grab it and launch it at Rune). Then pull him to me and grab him with my other arm.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 29, 2015, 09:55:20 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 29, 2015, 06:46:55 am

"I... I... Okay."
I turn back around and return to the food box.
"Could... Could you get some meat out and set it on the ground for me?"
I then back away to a safe distance from everyone else, and lie down before changing back into fox-form and attempting to save what flame I can from the change.
<I... I need to start trusting your judgement more Ike. You... you seem to be handling this place better than me. I'm letting myself get caught up in old memories. I'm sorry.>

Ike gets some meat and other stuff from the fridge and sets it down on the ground for Irine to eat.

"Don't get too broken up about River's finger-wagging, though. For all his posturing, he's at least as big an idiot as the rest of us. Maybe more, considering his whole 'eugh, humans bad, kill humans' piece of advice."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 29, 2015, 10:12:20 am

Locate the staircase, then release a giant cloud of toxic gas, once again more as a smokescreen. Then, head up the stairwell, and try to exit the building via a window or fire escape. If none are apparent on the second floor, continue to the third floor and search. The entire way, keep trying to get my acidic spit/spew.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 29, 2015, 10:21:56 am

((Must i wait for the mission?))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on June 29, 2015, 10:33:24 am

Spoiler: Now for fun! (click to show/hide)

Dweet, foiah! Find that guy and roast him!

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 29, 2015, 10:58:04 am

<O-okay.>
I eat with the rest as best I can from my paralyzed position on the floor.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on June 29, 2015, 09:09:14 pm

((I was saying, change the power of my magnetize so that it's core can only be used on an magnetic material or object. EDIT: Also his own limbs.))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on June 29, 2015, 11:11:48 pm

Campaign

"Excellent! Now then, do we have a container thingy to carry this food in? I mean I could just summon another one whenever I get hungry, but it might not have cake in it that time and I like this cake."

I assume I have nothing on me that could carry this much food. Could I theoretically summon a big wagon and some ice?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on June 30, 2015, 05:24:28 pm

Fill my bag with food and drinks.
Also put on one of the communication wire things.

"So, we follow river?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 30, 2015, 05:28:34 pm

Quote from: NAV on June 30, 2015, 05:24:28 pm

"So, we follow river?"

"We've got time. Better rest up instead, and meet him at the wall later. Besides, we've been eating for half an hour. He's probably far enough ahead that it'd be pretty hard to find him."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on June 30, 2015, 05:32:27 pm

<okay...>
after eating, I allow myself to doze off and rest, moving my flames to someplace safe to dissipate as I do so.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 01, 2015, 04:02:20 am

Campaign

Zechariah sits idly, looking around every so often and feeling like he might doze off again. Then again, his hunger seems to be overpowering any other sense at the moment. He continues to hear his stomach rumble. Groaning, he mutters to himself, "Dammit... when is he coming back? I'm.. soo.. hungry.... and thirsty. Apple juice.. some rice.. fish.. anything."

As River passes by his area, Zechariah perks up, his interest piqued.
Huh? Where is he going?

Battling against my own instincts, stay on guard and wait for Nikolai to come back before looking for food. If more than twenty minutes pass with no response from Nikolai, go find food myself.[/i]

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on July 01, 2015, 11:01:37 am

Relieve Zechariah of his guard duty. "Go on get some food."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 01, 2015, 09:06:53 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Illgeo, H4zardZ1
The two of you appear at the central square in what looks like a medieval village.
You're standing next to a fountain with the statue of a woman supported by three animals.
Sitting on the edge of the fountain is a humanoid figure made out of black shadow, with a crow sitting next to it.
They're apparently watching a midget fight a wizard in some sort of re-enactment of a fighting game. Looks like the midget is about to win before the wizard manages to get him off him.

"Ah. New blood. Welcome" the shadow man says to you when he notices you are there. "Did your guys explain what's going on or do I have to?"

Quote from: Alarith on June 28, 2015, 10:59:53 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Can I get my legs underneath his main body?Try to use my legs to flip him, use telekinesis to help. At the very least try to get him off me by struggling both physically and telekinetically.

Before Bryan has a chance to move, Kosak delivers a series of powerful blows straight to his head, cracking the ground below Bryan. Bryan himself is unharmed, but his red bar takes a massive dip. One more hit and he's done for.

Kosak is too busy hitting Bryan to notice that Bryan, his mind unburdened by pain, shifts his hand. As a response, a powerful telekinetic wave hits Kosak's legs, sending him flying through the air, making half a flip and impacting the ground in an angle that would probably had resulted in a broken neck were this a normal fight.

Quote from: Bryan ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Quote from: Kosak ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

"Hey, can you guys wrap this up?" the shadow man shouts. "Got a new mission starting soon. You'll get the briefing on site so there's not much I can tell you, just want to go through the formalities so we can start."

Everyone else
You all get the message to gather outside.
I assume you heed it for expedience's shake so that I can start the mission once the fight is done.
Unless there's something else you want to do.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 29, 2015, 07:52:00 am

Spoiler: Fire bad, unless I started it (click to show/hide)

Good thing I moved!

Try a couple doors; I'd rather take a window out if possible.  If they're locked, bolt for the emergency stairs.

If a navigable window is found, summon a hang glider
If there's no window and I head for the stairs, start summoning a sizable bomb with timer.
If the enemy catches me, summon a frag grenade and shoot it at him, while still heading for an exit if possible.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You use a bit of technomancy to unlock a door and enter the room beyond.
It looks like some sort of hotel room, a small thing with a simple double bed, a nightstand with a lamp, a wardrobe, a door leading to a tiny bathroom...

Only thing that makes it exceptional is that the wall opposite to the door is in fact a giant window, giving you an exceptional view of the ocean outside and the surrounding buildings.
Hm... Looks like there's some sort of accident on the bridge. No cops there yet though.

The window only needs to be broken (you can see no easy way to open it by hand, probably to prevent suicides) and you can fly out.

Hm... More like "glide away"... Can't fly too far with a glider. But flying around like those seagulls chasing that fishing boat would be fun...
As if responding to your thoughts, your ability creates some sort of support harness around your torso which allows jet engines to start forming on your back, along with electronic pieces that-
You clench your eyes and mouth shut, your shout turning into something like "grarrfgfnhahr", trying to maintain silence and concentration as something bites into your spine all across your back, as if it's trying to remove it. Thankfully it stops moving a moment later.

When the pain fades, you notice you can now move the thing on your back at will. It feels surprisingly easy how you can control it, like it's any other limb. It feels... natural. Like it was made just for you. It's not yet as coordinated or precise as your other limbs, but already you're starting to feel better at controlling it. Already your body has started adapting and adjusting, giving you a new self-image about your body and its size.

As you work, you hear heavy thuds, moving closer to where you are. With each thud, your helmet projects a widening circle on the floor that slowly fades as it becomes larger, like a ripple extending from where a droplet of water fell. With each thud, the ripples come closer, becoming brighter. You try not to look for the source, instead focusing on what you're making, on finishing faster.

The footsteps stop suddenly. You look back. The centre of the pulses is right outside your door. He is right outside your door. And you're not done yet. The engines are done but the wings themselves need a while longer and you're not sure how much of your wings you need to fly. The question is, do you have time to wait?

Quote from: Salsacookies on June 29, 2015, 10:33:24 am

Spoiler: Now for fun! (click to show/hide)

Dweet, foiah! Find that guy and roast him!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You walk around, going the direction you last saw your opponent moving towards, but you don't see him anywhere.

Hm... He's either hiding waiting to ambush you, or he's buggered off.
Running away seems to be becoming a theme this mission... Bloody summoners.

You look around for some time before you spot a shadow momentarily obscuring the light coming from the slit under a door in the corridor.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 29, 2015, 10:12:20 am

Locate the staircase, then release a giant cloud of toxic gas, once again more as a smokescreen. Then, head up the stairwell, and try to exit the building via a window or fire escape. If none are apparent on the second floor, continue to the third floor and search. The entire way, keep trying to get my acidic spit/spew.

You start regenerating your gasses, but you can't do so instantly. Should had eaten more beans.

You jump over the cashier stations and start running towards the other side of the building, searching left and right for a staircase. At least with eyes on either side of your head, you don't have to look around that much.

You suddenly spot an elevator and stairwell on your left, but before you can run for it, something happens. ((Continue reading.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 29, 2015, 08:39:23 am

Get up. Run into the store Rune's in (if there is a body (dead or nearly dead - doesn't matter) on the way grab it and launch it at Rune). Then pull him to me and grab him with my other arm.

You grab a poor dying civilian, run through one of the displays and throw him towards Rune, aiding the throw with a small telekinetic blast.

Unfortunately, your aim is off and you miss Rune.

Fortunately, the poor civilian bursts through a stall on Rune's left in a small explosion of blood and causes the one behind it to tip and start falling, which in turns falls to the next one, causing the entire row to start falling like dominoes. This cut off that escape route, at least.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 29, 2015, 06:46:55 am

yeah, sorry. I didn't do anything to indicate otherwise, fault's on me.

---

"I... I... Okay."
I turn back around and return to the food box.
"Could... Could you get some meat out and set it on the ground for me?"
I then back away to a safe distance from everyone else, and lie down before changing back into fox-form and attempting to save what flame I can from the change.
<I... I need to start trusting your judgement more Ike. You... you seem to be handling this place better than me. I'm letting myself get caught up in old memories. I'm sorry.>

((It's mine too. I should had waited a bit longer, since you were in the middle of a conversation.))

Quote from: Xantalos on June 29, 2015, 11:11:48 pm

Campaign

"Excellent! Now then, do we have a container thingy to carry this food in? I mean I could just summon another one whenever I get hungry, but it might not have cake in it that time and I like this cake."

I assume I have nothing on me that could carry this much food.

Could I theoretically summon a big wagon and some ice?

Not unless a packmule with air conditioned saddlebags inexplicably appears in your pocket.

You could theoretically summon a big wagon and some ice. Whether or not that's a good idea is another story.

Oh, and forgot to say that last turn, but the power to the fridge went out while you were eating. The fridge is still retaining some coldness (or more correctly, keeping most of the heat out) but it has started to get warmer. This is some of that silly vegetarian hippy organic food, not the good old fashioned genetically modified processed food filled to the brim with preservatives that real men eat. It won't last long in this heat.

Quote from: NAV on June 30, 2015, 05:24:28 pm

Fill my bag with food and drinks.
Also put on one of the communication wire things.

"So, we follow river?"

Hmmm... What could last long in this heat... The water will. And some empty bottles to refill later would be nice... Could also take some apples. What's left of the cake, wrapped in a plastic bag. A bar of dark chocolate. Maybe some of the condiments? Ketchup won't last long and eating it on its own would be strange but it's better than starving. Tomatoes and cucumber... Hmm... are those mushrooms edible raw? The instructions are not in a language you understand. It might not even be their original container for all you know. You chuck them in your bag anyway.

In the end, your bag is heavy with food. They won't last long in this heat, but they'll last more than everything else that's in there, and you'll probably eat them quickly enough for a bit of staleness to not matter.

Once you're finished with your bag, you get all wired up.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 30, 2015, 05:32:27 pm

<okay...>
after eating, I allow myself to doze off and rest, moving my flames to someplace safe to dissipate as I do so.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 01, 2015, 04:02:20 am

Campaign

Zechariah sits idly, looking around every so often and feeling like he might doze off again. Then again, his hunger seems to be overpowering any other sense at the moment. He continues to hear his stomach rumble. Groaning, he mutters to himself, "Dammit... when is he coming back? I'm.. soo.. hungry.... and thirsty. Apple juice.. some rice.. fish.. anything."

As River passes by his area, Zechariah perks up, his interest piqued.
Huh? Where is he going?

Battling against my own instincts, stay on guard and wait for Nikolai to come back before looking for food. If more than twenty minutes pass with no response from Nikolai, go find food myself.[/i]

You and Irine finish the rest of the lemon juice. You continue with some bread, cheese, tomato, lettuce and some cake while she takes care of a turkey.

Everyone
Do you have any plans? Do you want to do anything? Just rest until it's that time you need to leave if you want to reach the walls by sundown?
Choose your destiny.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Lenglon on July 01, 2015, 09:10:33 pm

note: am in fox-form, and prefer meat and water, although am capable of eating most things if need be.

resting

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 01, 2015, 09:14:12 pm

I need that acidic spit and I need it now. Evolve it. See if there is any way to squeeze through the stalls into the elevator. If so, get through and go to the top floor. If not, startle my for by flinging myself directly at him but leaping over him at they last second and exit the building via the storefront Windows or doors.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 01, 2015, 09:27:16 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 01, 2015, 09:10:33 pm

note: am in fox-form, and prefer meat and water, although am capable of eating most things if need be.

resting

Your preference is noted. Just had you finish the lemonade since it wouldn't last as long as water. And then turkey is just raw meat, so I assume it's fine.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 01, 2015, 09:36:31 pm

Quote

You could theoretically summon a big wagon and some ice. Whether or not that's a good idea is another story.

ALAN CONSIDERS THESE POSSIBILITIES NOT CONCERNING

Summon a giant wagon filled with ice cubes to keep the food in!




At nonlethal velocity.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on July 01, 2015, 09:56:16 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Well, let's take some wall and throw it at the door, as hard as I can throw

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on July 01, 2015, 11:13:36 pm

Agreed, resting.

Nikolai asks Ike
"What happened when we were dead? Looks like you got in a fight or ten.

(Nik's gonna make sure his power still works after being revived by tsaring a bottlecap a few times. He's also gonna spend some time practicing with his weapons. But mostly relaxing and standing guard, nothing too important.)

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on July 01, 2015, 11:20:50 pm

Ketchup keeps just fine on the shelf, actually.  You don't have to refrigerate it.

Spoiler: Final Round question (click to show/hide)

Did I think to lock the door behind me, or did it lock itself?  That sliver of time may make a difference, since I rather think him punching it down is a non-issue.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 02, 2015, 12:54:07 am

((Is my magnet is the orb one or the object one?))
"Hello there, explain what's going on. I don't know what to do here."
Stand still. Defend myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 02, 2015, 02:34:48 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 02, 2015, 12:54:07 am

((Is my magnet is the orb one or the object one?))
"Hello there, explain what's going on. I don't know what to do here."
Stand still. Defend myself.

((Just a little note: Your color might be a bit confusing with my own color at first glance, "As shown here."
I personally have no problem with it, but something to take into account.))

Campaign

Zechariah wastes no time in eating his food. He treated it as if the food was going to disappear if he didn't eat fast enough.

A few minutes in, he slows down and takes time to look around. Noticing Irine there, he decides that he might try to cheer some people up, or at least show solidarity. If they were going to be able to work together, they had to have at least some relation with each other. Well, they could just be business partners, but Zechariah wanted to try being.. friendly for once, instead of sparking arguments with people and complaining about his life. Lord knows he does that too often.

"So, Irine.." He turns to face Irine, but finds that she is getting ready to rest.

I shouldn't bother her. She probably needs the rest. He looks around again, hoping that he could maybe actually strike up a conversation. He sees that Nikolai is talking with Ike.
No, I don't want to interrupt their conversation.. they look like they're busy. Zechariah finishes eating the last of his portion of food, glances around one last time, and picks himself up off the floor, moving to his own corner of the place. He sits down against the wall and pulls his knees toward his body, hugging his legs with his arms. He sighs, closing his eyes.

I don't even know these people. I've just been... I've been trying to recreate the Medium here. But.. that's not how it works. I'm not a Medium anymore. I still have my power, but that comes from myself, not the Medium here. If I did have the Medium, I would be able to do a lot more. But I'm just myself. And when I'm myself... I can barely function.
I want to fight to protect people, but I can't treat them like they're suddenly life friends. Their welfare is tied to my own, but most of them wouldn't even notice if I died permanently. It's a competition, after all. It's a game. In the Medium, people had a reason to form alliances and rivalries, because the fate of our multiverse was at stake, and the only way the Shadows would be beaten is if we understood each others' weaknesses and strengths together.

But it doesn't work here like it did there. I might as well be dead. Well, I might be, considering my soul and physical body were torn apart in the void. Or, that's what I thought.
So why.. why do I keep going on? I don't have a reason to be here anymore. The Medium is safe. I did my part. I chose to die. I could die here if I wanted to. Somebody could take my place. Why not? Why, why, why...
Zechariah puts his head down in his arms.
"Why?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 02, 2015, 02:37:20 am

The best/worst possible thing happens: Alan takes notice.

"Why what?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 02, 2015, 02:49:52 am

Quote from: NAV on July 01, 2015, 11:13:36 pm

Nikolai asks Ike
"What happened when we were dead? Looks like you got in a fight or ten.

"Nothing much, honestly - there was a village of survivors, kind of like refugees except they didn't actually go anywhere after their city got blown up. Me and Irine paid them a visit and she told them about how we blew their city up. They didn't like that much. Well, the guy we talked to named Kassiver didn't. And he was a wizard. He was pretty dang displeased, to be honest, and after he was needled some more he decided to get physically magical with Irine, and then I smashed him in the face with a skull and stabbed him in the eyes with some anti-magic stones. This was pretty metal, and I was hoping he'd be dead, but he survived. I also had to kill three of his guards, which is where I got the swords from. Took a bit of biting, that. Somewhere along the way Irine's arms exploded. We also set fire to the really flammable survivor village and probably killed a bunch of people that way."

Ike laughs.

"As you can probably tell, this wasn't really how it was supposed to go. In fact, that was the opposite of how it was supposed to go. But before shit hit the fan, Kassiver told us about magic and some other junk, I think. We also learned that people really don't like funny animal people around here, since there's apparently been a bit of hostility between funny animal people and regular people."

Ike pauses a moment, trying to recall anything else.

"Aside from that, mostly we were looking for food, clothing, that kind of crap. I got possessed by an ash wraith briefly. And I also found a machine with some symbols on it that, now that I think about it, did seem pretty similar to the ones Kassiver mentioned in his magical lecture, incredibly boring as it was."

Resting until our fateful rendezvous, probably.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 02, 2015, 02:53:52 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 02, 2015, 02:37:20 am

The best/worst possible thing happens: Alan takes notice.

"Why what?"

Zechariah was startled and didn't know how to respond. He didn't think anybody was actually listening to him. "Um, well... I, uh..."
Just say something, dammit!
His eyes are downcast as he responds. "I've been, um... doubting myself. I don't think I've really done much good here, even though.. even though I say that I want to protect people. And, well.. I don't think anyone really benefits from me being here. I think I hurt people more than I help most of the time. I'm not a good fighter. I'm not a good supporter. I'm not a good defender. What am I?"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 02, 2015, 03:06:01 am

Cyan with black glow.....

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 02, 2015, 03:09:12 am

"Oh, I've heard of this. People being sad at themselves because they can't do as good as they think they should at arbitrary things. A better question is why should you care? I mean, look at me! I'm the best person here - no offence I'm just fucking fabulous - and I'm pretty sure I was the one who accidentally killed all of us earlier. Do I look distraught?"

Alan spreads his arms wide, exposing rather less flab than he would've in the past due to his accidental thinning up.

"The answer is I still look awesome. And you shouldn't be sad that you can't be as amazing as me, because that's impossible. Instead focus on what you can do almost as good as me - like care about people and stuff. Hell, you're getting all wound up about not being able to save people but I don't even remember why we're here or anything! It's irrelevant to me anyway, but still. Loosen up and have fun, ya big glowstick."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Illgeo on July 02, 2015, 05:13:48 am

John is nodding very enthusiastically:
"Yes. Information is good"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on July 02, 2015, 06:46:15 am

"No more escaping, craven."

If Rune manages to find a way to the stairwell/elevator - run as fast as I can to him and pull him while grabbing him with my other hand.

If he eludes me and gets into the stairwell/elevator - destroy it with the blingcannon.

If he doesn't find his escape route and tries to run at me - put him in stasis and then slash away.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Alarith on July 02, 2015, 11:09:13 am

"Do we need to conclude this fight? Or shall we just head to the mission now?"
If my opponent feels no need to finish the fight, head to the briefing otherwise, if he takes any hostile action (like moving towards me) see below

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Charge, and use telekinesis to knock him into my assault. Try to finish him.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 02, 2015, 12:01:12 pm

If bar has any flamable alcohol, grab it and go outside.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on July 02, 2015, 12:26:19 pm

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

I guess it won't make any real difference; let's go ahead and get an action up.

Time to go, methinks.  Get the spear out a couple feet long (Enlarge) and Unsafe it to get the point; it should go straight through any mortal glass.

Once broken, prepare to exit as soon as that door opens.  HOPEFULLY between the existing wings and any thrust provided by the engines, I should be able to at least not fall quickly.  If not, it should buy time until it's flight capable.

If I get stable, start circling the building.  If I don't, do my best to land safely.  Also, check fuel supply.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2015, 11:16:37 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Alarith on July 02, 2015, 11:09:13 am

"Do we need to conclude this fight? Or shall we just head to the mission now?"
If my opponent feels no need to finish the fight, head to the briefing otherwise, if he takes any hostile action (like moving towards me) see below

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Charge, and use telekinesis to knock him into my assault. Try to finish him.

Well... Urist appears to be missing for the past 6 days... Let's declare this a draw and give him a couple more days before I start the mission.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 02, 2015, 12:01:12 pm

If bar has any flammable alcohol, grab it and go outside.

You ask for a bottle of pure ethanol and then go outside after receiving it, joining those guys below.

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 02, 2015, 12:54:07 am

((Is my magnet is the orb one or the object one?))
"Hello there, explain what's going on. I don't know what to do here."
Stand still. Defend myself.

((I... don't understand? Its an effect with an invisible and immaterial source that you can move around within your range and attach to objects. Did you want something else?))

A bit hard to defend yourself by standing still, unless you're playing dead.

Quote from: Illgeo on July 02, 2015, 05:13:48 am

John is nodding very enthusiastically:
"Yes. Information is good"

"Well, you my friends, have been lucky enough to be selected as participants to the Interuniversal Games for Special People, by one of us. And I have the honour of being the organizer of said games. Responsible for running them smoothly, upholding the rules, things like that."

"The concept of the games is very easy. A group of players (that's you) gets a challenge, selected by us. Said challenge may be anything. It might require you to work together or fight each other, to kill people or to help people. It might take place in a city familiar to you or worlds where the natural laws you're familiar with do not apply."

"If you do well and you are entertaining enough, you get rewarded. Fail and... well, you get to try your luck on another challenge, if the one that chose you is kind enough to give you a second chance. Succeed enough times and you get to go home. Simple, right?"

"On missions, you usually get an interface, a little meta-object that provides you with information and allows you to communicate with each other and identify each other as players, although that may change on certain challenges."

"As for this challenge, you'll receive your briefing on site so there's no need for me to tell you much, but basically you just have to search a house and kill a guy (or try to capture him alive if you want a greater challenge). That's more or less it."

"Any questions?"

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 01, 2015, 09:14:12 pm

I need that acidic spit and I need it now. Evolve it. See if there is any way to squeeze through the stalls into the elevator. If so, get through and go to the top floor. If not, startle my foe by flinging myself directly at him but leaping over him at they last second and exit the building via the storefront Windows or doors.

Well, you could become a rat or something and crawl under it, but I assume you don't want that.
You try to get to the elevator, but you just can't jump or climb over the obstacles in your way. Too bad you have no wings.
Well, guess it's time to charge him.

While all this happens, you manage to form a gland filled with an acidic substance on your neck. It should hopefully allow you to launch acid at high speeds out of your mouth.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 02, 2015, 06:46:15 am

"No more escaping, craven."

If Rune manages to find a way to the stairwell/elevator - run as fast as I can to him and pull him while grabbing him with my other hand.

If he eludes me and gets into the stairwell/elevator - destroy it with the blingcannon.

If he doesn't find his escape route and tries to run at me - put him in stasis and then slash away.

Rune runs towards Saevus. Saevus merely prepares his golden arm and points it towards him. Rune attempts to jump over him at the last second, just as the runes on Saevus' golden arm light up. Unfortunately, jumping over a ~3 metre tall suit of armour is not very easy, especially when you have no wings. It would had probably been easier to try and dive between his legs. As it is, he's going to collide with Saevus.

Or at least he would have, had he not suddenly stopped mid air like he collided with a wall. Not half a second later, as if that was not enough, Saevus slaps him with the flat of his blade right at the neck, throwing him to the floor.

Spoiler: Hawk132 (click to show/hide)

You maintained the wall a few moments too long and ended up tiring yourself a bit, but not enough to impair your capacity to function. Not yet, anyway.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 01, 2015, 11:20:50 pm

Spoiler: Final Round question (click to show/hide)

Did I think to lock the door behind me, or did it lock itself?  That sliver of time may make a difference, since I rather think him punching it down is a non-issue.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The guy broke through a wall without breaking a sweat. I really don't think a cheap locked door will make a difference.

Anyway, those are doors with a card reader. Need the card to open them from the outside. And with the power out, even if he somehow had the card for this room, the door would not open anyway because the electronics have no power. You just "cheated" and bypassed the electronics entirely, forcing the mechanism to unlock as if it was opened from the inside of the room, since that part is purely mechanical.

So it's as if the door is locked.

Quote from: Toaster on July 02, 2015, 12:26:19 pm

Spoiler: John Action (click to show/hide)

I guess it won't make any real difference; let's go ahead and get an action up.

Time to go, methinks.  Get the spear out a couple feet long (Enlarge) and Unsafe it to get the point; it should go straight through any mortal glass.

Once broken, prepare to exit as soon as that door opens.  HOPEFULLY between the existing wings and any thrust provided by the engines, I should be able to at least not fall quickly.  If not, it should buy time until it's flight capable.

If I get stable, start circling the building.  If I don't, do my best to land safely.  Also, check fuel supply.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((Hehe. "mortal glass" I imagine some sort of god of glass, ruling over all of glassdom.))

You poke the glass a few time, breaking off enough of it to make a nice safe hole. As you do so, you hear a loud crash outside, followed by the sound of falling rubble and the entire building trembling. You turn around to face the door and walk backwards to the edge of the window as the engine on your back starts spinning up, getting ready to jump outside. Your wings create an impressive shadow on the wall, making it look like the shadow of some sort of giant gargoyle, with its wings still being assembled. The tiny actuators and thin wire-like parts of your wings that allow them to move change their shape keep coming, followed by a thin semi-transparent black cover. Why does your ability have to make everything complicated?

The sound of falling rubble continues, some of them hitting the door of your room and cracks start appearing on its floor. Your helmet shows you that there's something wrong with the walls out there. First the wall in the opposite side from your room appears in red wireframe, followed by the ceiling and the floor of the hallway, followed by the floor of the hallway on the floor below, accompanied by another loud thud. The red is spreading.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 01, 2015, 09:56:16 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Well, let's take some wall and throw it at the door, as hard as I can throw.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You smash a nearby wall with enough force to cause the entire building to shudder. The wall explodes outwards, the rubble and pieces of rebar launched by your strike destroying the room on the other side like the shrapnel of a giant grenade, some of them going fast enough to get embedded in the wall on the other side of the room.

And the destruction does not stop there. Pieces of debris keep falling from the ceiling, burdening the already cracked floor. You attempt to move away quickly but that only makes things worse, causing the floor to collapse and you to fall on the floor below. Thankfully, the floor below you holds (for now. It's cracked and there's more debris coming from above.) and you manage to slowly get up and move away from it.

Well, look on the bright side. Once you demolish the building, you'll probably have many giant pieces of wall.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 01, 2015, 09:36:31 pm

Quote

You could theoretically summon a big wagon and some ice. Whether or not that's a good idea is another story.

ALAN CONSIDERS THESE POSSIBILITIES NOT CONCERNING

Summon a giant wagon filled with ice cubes to keep the food in!

At nonlethal velocity.

Oh dear. Well, uh, let's see...
Luckily for you and the rest of the team, you rolled a 2 and not something worse like a -1.

Quote from: NAV on July 01, 2015, 11:13:36 pm

Agreed, resting.

Nikolai asks Ike
"What happened when we were dead? Looks like you got in a fight or ten.

(Nik's gonna make sure his power still works after being revived by tsaring a bottlecap a few times. He's also gonna spend some time practicing with his weapons. But mostly relaxing and standing guard, nothing too important.)

Yep, power works.

You stand guard outside of the little tunnel while the others rest (or do whatever else they want), occasionally standing up to stretch your legs, make a few practice swings with your sword and use your sling to try and hit a piece of rubble. You keep imagining the piece of rubble you're aiming for is Alan for some reason.

You stay there for some time (two hours? Three? Hard to tell, although it's about midday. Still too early to leave.), standing close to the tunnel to shield your head from the sun, when you hear something in the silence. It sounds like something slowly walking somewhere above, coming from the centre of the city.

---

Tiruin
You are looking at the sky. Clear blue sky, so clear and cloudless it feels like there's nothing around you, like you're flying through a blue void. But you're not. You can feel it. Your legs resting on the soft ground, on a bed of weeds and dirt, your head and back slightly elevated, touching something very cold. But there's also warmth, the sun giving your face a pleasant warmth with its beams. And the feeling of your chest moving, your heartbeat in your ears, the sound of wind and birds and...

You close your eyes and the world, the feelings, it all disappears. All that's left is the sight, a grey sight that never leaves, never grows dark. Everything is grey, a grey gradient surrounding you that never goes away, always the same, the differences so small one who saw it for the first time would had trouble noticing them. But you notice it. The light, your enemy, it's always there, at the edge of your sight, coming closer and...

You open your eyes again and the world returns. It's better this way. Resting here on this plain, you feel content. Yes, there is trouble. There are problems. There is worry and running. But for now, you can forget that. You can enjoy this while you can. Being with a friend. Seeing the world. Being calm. Resting. Being happy.

Your body moves. It feels alien, as if you're not the one controlling it, merely watching. You sigh and then open your mouth to take a deep breath-

And wake up.

You are naked, lying on your back, with your head and back on something cold and hard. Feels like stone. It is dark and quiet, except for some distant sound, maybe wind. You open your eyes and try to get up so you can look-
"Theri!"
With a bark, two arms are wrapped around you and a tongue starts licking your nose.
<My friend! My friend is here!> he repeats a couple of times, along with whines and barks.
After a while, River stops licking you and just stands there with his arms resting on your shoulders, looking at you more calmly.
"I missed you."
Despite him being a bit more calm, he is still panting and you can still see and hear his tail moving.

You are sitting on a stone table, inside a dark room. The only light is coming through a hole over a fireplace, a beam of light coming through it and cutting through the darkness. The room looks like a storage room that's been converted into a kitchen of sorts. There's the unlit fireplace, cupboards, a few metal cooking implements, some chairs, some shelves and a few barrels. There's a single doorway leading out of the room into a slightly brighter room.

---

OOC

Quote from: Toaster on July 01, 2015, 11:20:50 pm

Ketchup keeps just fine on the shelf, actually.  You don't have to refrigerate it.

Are you sure? Because the one I have says "store in fridge after the seal has been removed" in the label. On the other hand, I've never tried to leave it out of the fridge and I've seen restaurants leave ketchup out in the open unrefrigerated... Maybe it's a time thing? Because the one in my fridge might stay there for months, but the ones in restaurants tend to be consumed within a week? I have no idea. Let's ask Google.
*googles*
Yeah, turns out you're right (http://www.stilltasty.com/questions/index/25). You can leave it out for about a month or more. The fridge is just to keep it fresh and tasty longer.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Megggas on July 02, 2015, 11:47:42 pm

Is this a good time to get in on this?  I've been reading through this entire thread (95% done) and would like to submit a character. :D

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Tiruin on July 03, 2015, 12:01:26 am

((That heads-up was beautiful to match how you introduced this [I have been lurking and following everyone ever since. Well, screenshot + offline reading anyway due to RL conditions.] :3))

[Also someone could totally edit the tropes page (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Roleplay/SpecialPeople)? I'd gladly do it, but my schedule is...extremely paper thin >_< apologies.]

---

---

Quote from: Megggas on July 02, 2015, 11:47:42 pm

Is this a good time to get in on this?  I've been reading through this entire thread (95% done) and would like to submit a character. :D

Yes. Do so :3
I played across nearly 40 pages (15 posts per page) via PMs, and I'm planning to nominate this in the Hall of Fame for proof that PM gaming works.
Do submit--the GM needs sleep though. He is organizing his sleep. x3

---

---

Theri
Is this all a dream?
A dream within dreams?...
Oh...oh its not.
Sentient thought echoed within Theri's mind as she recalled the first memories since she had met River--the short yet vast time she spent before she came into his world. What had occurred happened at the speed of thought: So vivid, impactful and solid, though also carrying a fleeting and yet ever-present gist. She remembered how it felt when she knew of this world--moving towards the light. She felt reality once more.

Looking up at River, she gave him a smile. "Hi River. You're as much a wolf as I know a wolf. I missed you too. I missed my friends,"  she said, pronouncing the greeting with a fatigued and slightly cracking tone, disappearing wholly as she took a deep breath.

"I...don't recall much. Where is the brown fox?-..err, I remember Irine has a brown hue.Irine! " Theri blinked. She recalled what had occurred in a time that spanned only a yesterday for her. "Irine! Ike? Where are they? Are they alright? Where am I and-oh...I'm naked."

The Kitsune glanced at River, then back at herself. The awkwardness of her response was lost to her, and would be easily misunderstood if it wasn't for the ability to think out loud.
"Do I look alright?" I think I was hurt and-...

Inquire! Get situational awareness.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 01:58:20 am

Alan thinks for a bit, then decides to be more careful.

Shocking.

Go outside and try to summon a bunch of ice first.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 03, 2015, 02:29:48 am

((Hmph. Thank you.))
"Let's go to the mission first."
Go to briefing.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 03, 2015, 03:16:23 am

Campaign

Zechariah didn't really know how to respond to that. In all honesty, he wasn't surprised by Alan's response. After all, Alan seemed to be someone who liked to keep things simple, sporadic, and exciting - whether for the better or for the worse. Still, Zechariah had tried to be relaxed and laid-back before. He just couldn't manage it. There was too much anxiety running through him. What if this, what if that? Am I doing enough? How could I do better? Is this is all my fault?

And so on and so forth. Though Zechariah may have found the Answer for the Medium, he did not have an answer for himself yet.
He began to formulate a response for Alan, but by the time he had looked up, Alan was already distracted with attempting to solve the problem of the refrigerator not actually refrigerating at the moment. All he manages to stammer out is a simple "I- um.. okay..." before he sighs, still disappointed in himself.
What's the use? I'm a ghost. A shadow.

Plop down near the corner I was at and rest, sulking over my self-induced melancholy.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 03:18:50 am

Alan looks over while waddling over to go outside.

"Oh right, we were talking, right? Say something!"

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Hawk132 on July 03, 2015, 03:32:42 am

"'Tis the end of our "battle"!"

Blast him into the floor repeatedly.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 03, 2015, 03:46:33 am

Zechariah hears Alan call out to him again unexpectedly. As he is about to lie down, he turns around and blinks.
I thought he'd forgotten about me. He seemed to have an awfully short attention span... and besides, my whining is not worth anyone's time.

He fidgets around while he tries to remember what he was about to say. "Um... what was it again.. oh, I remember now. I was gonna say that yes, you are awesome, and I'll probably never reach that level. I agree with that." He laughs halfheartedly. "But, seriously... I've tried to ignore it and just trudge through. That's why I'm not dead or why I haven't given up yet. But it's... it's extremely difficult to continue. I feel like me just caring is not enough, because anyone can do that, and I don't really seem to be having a positive impact on anything. Besides, just caring isn't going to help us survive these missions. And... and.. Zechariah exhales, frustrated.

"I just feel so goddamn worthless, and I can't just shake that feeling off. It's probably a lot easier for you. But things just stick to me, and never go away. I just want to have a positive influence on other people, to make even the smallest difference to improve the quality of life for others. That's all I ask. But I'm not even able to do that. And that.. that's just going to consume me for the rest of my life. It's... the closest thing I can compare it to is a self-hatred." Zechariah looks down, not sure as to how he wants to continue. After being silent for several moments, he speaks again with a quieter voice.

"I'm sorry. I know I'm just complaining over nothing, but you wanted to know, so.."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 04:06:11 am

Alan shrugs.

"I think you're just going too harsh on yourself. You can't go and get all the achievements and rescue all the people and get all the bonus trophies, you're not Korean after all, so you just gotta keep chugging along. You'll get your chance to do cool stuff eventually."

He puts his hand on his chins in contemplation.

"Maybe you need ehnacn- ecnah- enhancement - encouagement! No one ever probably told you good job or whatever. Therefore I, as the most responsible person here," he pauses and lets the gales of laughter from an undefined source dramatically wave his hair back, "Will take on the role of your personal upbeaterer good mood coach. So I decree it, it shall be."

He toddles up to Zach and pats him on the head a few times in an extremely awkward manner.

"Good job." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0UvJZmGTsk)

He stands there in front of him, a vaguely happy monolith of manchild.

((That link is relevant this time))

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Salsacookies on July 03, 2015, 04:50:33 am

Spoiler: Run out of building: Crumbling Hotel Edition (click to show/hide)

Well, time to bail. Run forward until I run out of the building. Try to land on a car for extra cushioning.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 03, 2015, 07:19:25 am

Does the kill need to be confirmed by one of us or is that something that you'd tell us if it happened? Say, we explode the place guy is residing within, would we need to dig through the rubble for giblets or would you just say that all's well?

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Illgeo on July 03, 2015, 07:27:34 am

John scratches his chin, then raises his index finger theatrically:
"Aha! Got two. Is amount of wins needed decided by you on case-to-case basis or fixed? Do you have any other reasons for these games except of entertainment?"
Go to briefing after answers.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2015, 07:44:05 am

Jettison all of my biomass to confuse my foe, becoming a cockroach. Lose everything except the acid. Then, quickly scuttle away from the lump of biomass undetected, and crawl into the elevator.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Toaster on July 03, 2015, 11:08:45 am

My mom keeps her ketchup out of the fridge and she's a germaphobe, so I trust her judgement on the matter.  That said, still wouldn't want to eat it straight.

Spoiler: Why do all our characters keep having to break buildings?  It's becoming a thing. (click to show/hide)

Okay, more time is good... but time's running out.   Stay by that hole and get out it as soon as either:

1) It's done (time estimate?)
2) The building goes to crap [defined as the ceiling, floor, or outer wall in the room I'm in starts to give]
3) He comes in

Hopefully it'll be close enough by the time that happens.  Circle the building if possible if I get out.


If it finishes and there's time, do a full technosense diagnostic of the wing system.  Check feasibility of adding missile launch tubes on the end for missiles not unlike the one I shot at him earlier.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Megggas on July 03, 2015, 12:05:25 pm

Character Sheet

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: George Copperfield
Age: 32
Appearance: A slightly chubby caucasian man from early 1990s New York.  He is balding, somewhat short, wears glasses, and is dressed in khakis and a plaid button shirt. The only truly unusual thing about his appearance is that his eyes and ears emit a strange lime green glowing light.

Personality: His life is made up of one problem after another.  He's financially poor and lives in a cheap apartment.  He's had several jobs and have excelled at none of them.  He's always the employee who gets laid off.  Women consider him unattractive and avoid him.  His friends and family think he's an idiot.  Generally, nobody respects him.  The world just seems intent on crushing George's hopes and dreams and making him the punchline of every bad joke.  He has become somewhat bitter and cynical as a result.

Bio: One night, George's lackluster life took a turn for the worse. He was walking home from work when he spotted a green meteorite plummeting out of the sky.  The meteorite collided into the street, only a few meters away from him.  Every other person nearby fled, but not George.  He approached the glowing meteorite.  The last thing he remembers hearing before suddenly going unconscious is hearing an unearthly screeching sound.  He woke up several weeks later in a laboratory, with scientists running tests on him.  The scientists said he was discovered unconscious near the meteorite, with a strange green glow coming from his eyes and ears.  The government took him and sent him to a secret lab to be analyzed.  Scientists discovered some sort of alien parasite had fused itself with George's brain.  Though the parasite is currently in a dormant state, its presence is affecting George's body.  Unfortunately, the scientists were unable to finish their testing and analysis of George before he just vanished, whisked away to another world by an Entity.

Abilties: Scientific testing revealed parasitic cells have infiltrated his entire body.  These cells are produced by the parasitic lifeform inside his head, spreading to every part of his body.  These parasitic cells have modified several aspects of George's biology.

Self Regeneration: These parasitic cells are capable of repairing George's body of any damage caused to it, granting his body boosted regenerative properties.  Minor cuts heal in seconds and major injuries can heal within several minutes.  Even lost limbs are regrown after several hours.  As long as George's brain is intact, this ability happens automatically and cannot be disabled by George himself.

Contact Regeneration:  Any person, animal, or biological life form that makes physical skin to skin contact with George triggers a reaction in the parasitic cells within George's body.  Multitudes of these parasitic cells begin transferring over through this contact point into the other body.  These alien cells continue functioning as repair agents even in this other body, granting it regenerative properties similar to George's.  Since it takes some time for these cells to enter another body, the regeneration granted to this other body starts slow, increasing in speed as more alien cells are transferred.  Also, since George's body is losing alien cells during this time, his own regenerative abilities are weakened accordingly simultaneously.  If physical contact is broken during this time, the transfer process is stopped.  The alien cells within the other body continue to function for a short time before dieing off, removing the regeneration boost.  Once again, this ability occurs automatically on any physical contact, whether George wants it to or not.  George's alien cells lost to this process are slowly replaced by his brain parasite.

Heat Sensitivity: The alien cells within George's body do not respond well to unusually high temperatures.  George feels weak and dizzy when near any source of extreme heat, such as fire, boiling water, lava, etc.  This heat also weakens or nullifies George's regenerative abilities while George is near it.  To top it all off, the pain that George suffers from having a part of his body burned is amplified, which increases his chances of blacking out from the pain.

Unknown:  Beyond these 3 attributes, George doesn't know much about the parasite in his head.  George does not know if the parasite is inteliigent nor what may cause it to become active and what that entails.  He does not know if his "condition" has any side effects, nor if others healed by his ability experience side effects.

Summary: Basically my character is able to heal himself and others.  He is weak to fire, and still killable via brain damage.  He also possesses no combat skills.  Since he cannot turn off his healing ability, even enemies can grab him to heal up.  Feel free to add whatever other necessary abilities/disabilities to make him a balanced level 1 character

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 03, 2015, 03:05:21 pm

"Agh... well."

Head over to somewhere important, or mission briefing, or whatever you need.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 03, 2015, 03:17:27 pm

Zechariah just stands there and blinks, not sure how to react for a few seconds. Then, he simply shrugs.
"I suppose... it would be worth a try."
Well.. no, don't think negatively. Negativity kills.
Accept the help, because you're probably not going to get much more.

Zechariah nods in earnest, saying, "Thank you, Alan. I'll try to.. improve."

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: NAV on July 03, 2015, 08:50:08 pm

To everyone currently wearing a communication wire: <Shh! Something above us, be ready to run or fight.>

Draw my sword, be quiet and hidden.

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 09:43:33 pm

"Good! Be the disco ball you were meant to be!"

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 03, 2015, 10:35:51 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 03, 2015, 12:01:26 am

Theri
Is this all a dream?
A dream within dreams?...
Oh...oh its not.
Sentient thought echoed within Theri's mind as she recalled the first memories since she had met River--the short yet vast time she spent before she came into his world. What had occurred happened at the speed of thought: So vivid, impactful and solid, though also carrying a fleeting and yet ever-present gist. She remembered how it felt when she knew of this world--moving towards the light. She felt reality once more.

Looking up at River, she gave him a smile. "Hi River. You're as much a wolf as I know a wolf. I missed you too. I missed my friends,"  she said, pronouncing the greeting with a fatigued and slightly cracking tone, disappearing wholly as she took a deep breath.

"I...don't recall much. Where is the brown fox?-..err, I remember Irine has a brown hue.Irine! " Theri blinked. She recalled what had occurred in a time that spanned only a yesterday for her. "Irine! Ike? Where are they? Are they alright? Where am I and-oh...I'm naked."

The Kitsune glanced at River, then back at herself. The awkwardness of her response was lost to her, and would be easily misunderstood if it wasn't for the ability to think out loud.
"Do I look alright?" I think I was hurt and-...

Inquire! Get situational awareness.

"Oh!" River says and looks away. "I am sorry. I forgot."
He lets go of you and uses a chair as support, making his way closer to it and then sitting down. Looks like he has hurt one of his legs, because he makes an effort to avoid having it touch the ground. He continues talking more quietly.
"You... you look allright. Do you feel allright? I... I think you should be allright. Is there something you need?"
He lowers his head, no longer looking at you.
"The others are all... alive. They chose to stay behind. In a temporary shelter. But I told them where to meet us later."

---

Gonna wait a bit so that others have time to respond to NAV's post, since it could change some actions. I'm assuming you all have your CommWires on.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 03, 2015, 04:50:33 am

Spoiler: Run out of building: Crumbling Hotel Edition (click to show/hide)

Well, time to bail. Run forward until I run out of the building. Try to land on a car for extra cushioning.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You smash through a couple of walls like the cool-aid man until your reach a window, at which point you smash through it without thinking and start falling. Two problems quickly become apparent as you tumble through the air. One, is that you are high. Like, really high. And not in the "smoke weed every day" sense. This is not a mere two storey building. Two, is that you are not being slowed down by air at all. It's like you have no air resistance. You would had probably thought of a third one, had your feet not met the pavement.

Everything goes dark.

Quote from: Toaster on July 03, 2015, 11:08:45 am

My mom keeps her ketchup out of the fridge and she's a germaphobe, so I trust her judgement on the matter.  That said, still wouldn't want to eat it straight.

Spoiler: Why do all our characters keep having to break buildings?  It's becoming a thing. (click to show/hide)

Okay, more time is good... but time's running out.   Stay by that hole and get out it as soon as either:

1) It's done (time estimate?)
2) The building goes to crap [defined as the ceiling, floor, or outer wall in the room I'm in starts to give]
3) He comes in

Hopefully it'll be close enough by the time that happens.  Circle the building if possible if I get out.


If it finishes and there's time, do a full technosense diagnostic of the wing system.  Check feasibility of adding missile launch tubes on the end for missiles not unlike the one I shot at him earlier.

((A matter of taste I suppose. Got a friend that eats those ketchup packets they give in fast food places straight.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You could potentially put a missile launcher on your back, but why do that when you can hold one? Unless you want a really big missile. The entire wing moves to allow you to turn and fly, so putting a missile on them would not be good for their function, since it would make them heavier and harder to move.

The entire floor beneath yours starts lighting up red. Wings are almost done. Now seems like a good time to GTFO. But you're going to have to jump outside. Okay, you can do this, it's a tall building, you'll have time to fix your mistake on the way down... or the fear and agony of falling to your death will be prolonged in a horrible way. No, no need to think like that, gotta think positive.

You push your engine to full and jump out the window, flapping your wings in case it helps with anything. There is a moment of panic and weightlessness. But then, as you pick up speed, you start feeling the pull of gravity again and even climbing higher. You stop flapping your wing and angle them so that you can turn and face the building, lowering your engine power to conserve fuel.

And then you notice something falling out of the building. Your entire screen becomes red, with arrows flashing, giant letters telling you to "PULL UP". You instinctively punch your engines to full and start flapping your wings as hard as you can, trying to put as much distance between you and whatever is about to happen.

There is a sound loud enough to burst your eardrums despite your helmet. Something hits you in your back, knocking the air out of your lungs. You are tumbling uncontrollably, the sky and the ground becoming a blur.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 03, 2015, 03:32:42 am

"'Tis the end of our "battle"!"

Blast him into the floor repeatedly.

You're about to obliterate your downed foe when he suddenly breaks down. Not psychologically, he literally starts braking down, melting, dissolving into something with the consistency of a gel. Before you can properly parse what's going on, a small furry grey thing bursts out of the gel and dives under the fallen stalls, heading towards the elevator.

You fire a very powerful blast, trying to hit him, but somehow manage to completely miss him, instead obliterating a few of the lights on the ceiling, causing them to come crashing down on the floor and the area around you to become darker.

Chasing that guy around is tiring.
"I'm getting terribly old for this shite." (https://youtu.be/MqBNSMbEzI0)

And then everything starts shacking. The lights go out. There is a loud bang and the store-front windows implode into the store, accompanied by the panicked screams of the people in the store hit by the glass shrapnel. Cracks start forming on the walls, pieces of rubble and lights smashing down.
"Terribly terribly terribly old for this shite."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 03, 2015, 07:44:05 am

Jettison all of my biomass to confuse my foe, becoming a cockroach. Lose everything except the acid. Then, quickly scuttle away from the lump of biomass undetected, and crawl into the elevator.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Cocroach is not big enough to carry the gland, so you just take half of it in the form of a very fat rat.

You start running towards the elevator, making your way between the fallen stalls and their spilled merchandise, when suddenly everything starts shaking.The ground, the lights, the stalls. Which is bad news for you, because that means you could end up getting crushed by a shifting stall. There is a loud bang, the sound of shattering glass and falling rubble.

---

OOC
Semi-relevant to this turn (https://youtu.be/ppe62pdAMsk)
I was asked to write a description to this game. I think "where cities are destroyed on a regular basis and any non-immortal NPCs are in constant and grave danger of dying" should be somewhere in there.

Gotta go. I'll do the rest tomorrow.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 03, 2015, 12:01:26 am

Do submit--the GM needs sleep though. He is organizing his sleep. x3

I work slow and do my best work at night, what can I do?
The day is my enemy, the night my friend, like the Prodigy say.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 10:45:01 pm

Alan quietly giggles.

Prepare myself to shoot a really big basketball. Or, to put in memespeak:

BEGJN CHARGIN MA LAZOR

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Lenglon on July 03, 2015, 11:40:07 pm

Irine is not wearing her comwire. She simply hasn't thought about it.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Salsacookies on July 04, 2015, 12:53:27 am

(Hmm, so what now? Am I unconscious, or did I just fall through the road again? Last, when will I get to where jumping out of high places won't hurt me, or since I get bigger the stronger I get, will it be a good idea to never jump, since it'll always hurt me?)

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Tiruin on July 04, 2015, 01:29:28 am

((I'm totally naked. So I believe its not assumed I have my ComWire on. :P Unless you forgot to specify 'everyone except Theri'))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 03, 2015, 10:35:51 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 03, 2015, 12:01:26 am

Do submit--the GM needs sleep though. He is organizing his sleep. x3

I work slow and do my best work at night, what can I do?
The day is my enemy, the night my friend, like the Prodigy say.

Thus the world is round. \o/
((Yeah just being silly after recalling the flat Earth theory which was hilariously non-existent for the ancients before it existed in the 17th century. Thanks media. :V History is fun when understood.))

---

---

"Well...I feel alive. So that's the first. Not hungry, nor thirsty. I think I just need clothes. Do you have any spares? Oh-" she looked at River's leg, "I guess I'll also need your wound to heal. Anyway I can help there? You can lean on me for support."

Theri tries to sit up and get up, before moving towards her buddy-friend and helping him up (if she isn't fatigued or totally tired).
Do so!

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: NAV on July 04, 2015, 01:43:17 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 10:45:01 pm

Alan quietly giggles.

Prepare myself to shoot a really big basketball. Or, to put in memespeak:

BEGJN CHARGIN MA LAZOR

CHAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOS DUNK!

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Hawk132 on July 04, 2015, 02:56:18 am

Walk out of the building. Look for places where the building looks weak. Blast them repeatedly. I'll bring this damn building down.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 04, 2015, 04:11:39 am

"Would be too much to ask for no shit to happen while we rest. Look alive, people. We might have company in the near future."

Go over to Nikolai and use my ears and nose to check the surroundings.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 04, 2015, 09:04:14 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Become a bat and quickly fly back out of the building via the broken windows or, if none are available, the front door. Don't stop flying, and land atop the roof of a neighboring building. Do my best to stay concealed from my foe so that he thinks I am still inside.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 05, 2015, 04:32:12 am

Campaign

Zechariah reacted by first searching for his staff. Evidently, he could not find his staff, as it had been lost when they, you know, accidentally blew up a town and sorta died. He figured that he could go for the nailboard that Nikolai gave him. He started walking towards where Nikolai was, but then stopped as he realized something. He looked down at his hands and behind him, at his dimly-glowing, aquamarine, crystal wings.

No. I can't rely on a physical weapon. There is a reason I failed before. I have to take care of the problem. I have to be able to trust myself. I have to trust my hands and my soul working together. I can't be doubting myself at every turn.

I got away with it in the Medium because I was able to rely on others to help me and protect me - namely, Artemis. But I don't have him anymore, nor Michael, nor Katrina - not one of them. I have to build my core power and work my way up from there.
And I guess that now is as good of a time as ever to start.

Go help Nikolai guard and investigate the situation. Is there ample light, or is chiefly dark? If the former, practice with my abilities by keeping a very small amount of hardlight shards with me, using my hands to bounce them around and have them revolve around me. If the latter, use the Shadows to conceal myself near a wall or other obstacle and try to creep around our encampment, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 10:55:45 am

I open my eyes and glance about upon hearing Ike give warning. I then try to stand with everyone else and am reminded why that's a bad idea. I then settle back down and generate some flame, allowing me to change to hybrid form and then get started standing up.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 01:51:55 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 03, 2015, 07:19:25 am

Does the kill need to be confirmed by one of us or is that something that you'd tell us if it happened? Say, we explode the place guy is residing within, would we need to dig through the rubble for giblets or would you just say that all's well?

"Nope. You can complete your objective any way you like. And when I say any way you like, I mean any way you like. Your interfaces will confirm that the objective has been completed and end the mission when they decide it is time."

"They can also create and keep track of secondary objectives, recommend ways to complete your objectives or find limitations in them and adapt to changing conditions, even if you get cut off from us. If at any time you have any questions about your objectives, then you can ask us or your interfaces, although you might not always get all the info we have. You understand, to keep things interesting."

Quote from: Illgeo on July 03, 2015, 07:27:34 am

John scratches his chin, then raises his index finger theatrically:
"Aha! Got two. Is amount of wins needed decided by you on case-to-case basis or fixed? Do you have any other reasons for these games except of entertainment?"
Go to briefing after answers.

The entity points at you and says "Yes, blondy in the back there." as if holding a press conference.
"Case by case. We collectively decide whether or not you have completed enough challenges. When that is done, the one that chose you (with few exceptions) has the choice of keeping you in the games a while longer or making the necessary actions to remove you."

"As for the second question.... Hm... why don't you tell me what you think."

Quote from: Megggas on July 03, 2015, 12:05:25 pm

Character Sheet

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: George Copperfield
Age: 32
Appearance: A slightly chubby caucasian man from early 1990s New York.  He is balding, somewhat short, wears glasses, and is dressed in khakis and a plaid button shirt. The only truly unusual thing about his appearance is that his eyes and ears emit a strange lime green glowing light.

Personality: His life is made up of one problem after another.  He's financially poor and lives in a cheap apartment.  He's had several jobs and have excelled at none of them.  He's always the employee who gets laid off.  Women consider him unattractive and avoid him.  His friends and family think he's an idiot.  Generally, nobody respects him.  The world just seems intent on crushing George's hopes and dreams and making him the punchline of every bad joke.  He has become somewhat bitter and cynical as a result.

Bio: One night, George's lackluster life took a turn for the worse. He was walking home from work when he spotted a green meteorite plummeting out of the sky.  The meteorite collided into the street, only a few meters away from him.  Every other person nearby fled, but not George.  He approached the glowing meteorite.  The last thing he remembers hearing before suddenly going unconscious is hearing an unearthly screeching sound.  He woke up several weeks later in a laboratory, with scientists running tests on him.  The scientists said he was discovered unconscious near the meteorite, with a strange green glow coming from his eyes and ears.  The government took him and sent him to a secret lab to be analyzed.  Scientists discovered some sort of alien parasite had fused itself with George's brain.  Though the parasite is currently in a dormant state, its presence is affecting George's body.  Unfortunately, the scientists were unable to finish their testing and analysis of George before he just vanished, whisked away to another world by an Entity.

Abilties: Scientific testing revealed parasitic cells have infiltrated his entire body.  These cells are produced by the parasitic lifeform inside his head, spreading to every part of his body.  These parasitic cells have modified several aspects of George's biology.

Self Regeneration: These parasitic cells are capable of repairing George's body of any damage caused to it, granting his body boosted regenerative properties.  Minor cuts heal in seconds and major injuries can heal within several minutes.  Even lost limbs are regrown after several hours.  As long as George's brain is intact, this ability happens automatically and cannot be disabled by George himself.

Contact Regeneration:  Any person, animal, or biological life form that makes physical skin to skin contact with George triggers a reaction in the parasitic cells within George's body.  Multitudes of these parasitic cells begin transferring over through this contact point into the other body.  These alien cells continue functioning as repair agents even in this other body, granting it regenerative properties similar to George's.  Since it takes some time for these cells to enter another body, the regeneration granted to this other body starts slow, increasing in speed as more alien cells are transferred.  Also, since George's body is losing alien cells during this time, his own regenerative abilities are weakened accordingly simultaneously.  If physical contact is broken during this time, the transfer process is stopped.  The alien cells within the other body continue to function for a short time before dieing off, removing the regeneration boost.  Once again, this ability occurs automatically on any physical contact, whether George wants it to or not.  George's alien cells lost to this process are slowly replaced by his brain parasite.

Heat Sensitivity: The alien cells within George's body do not respond well to unusually high temperatures.  George feels weak and dizzy when near any source of extreme heat, such as fire, boiling water, lava, etc.  This heat also weakens or nullifies George's regenerative abilities while George is near it.  To top it all off, the pain that George suffers from having a part of his body burned is amplified, which increases his chances of blacking out from the pain.

Unknown:  Beyond these 3 attributes, George doesn't know much about the parasite in his head.  George does not know if the parasite is inteliigent nor what may cause it to become active and what that entails.  He does not know if his "condition" has any side effects, nor if others healed by his ability experience side effects.

Summary: Basically my character is able to heal himself and others.  He is weak to fire, and still killable via brain damage.  He also possesses no combat skills.  Since he cannot turn off his healing ability, even enemies can grab him to heal up.  Feel free to add whatever other necessary abilities/disabilities to make him a balanced level 1 character

Ah, cool, and we needed a healer in the group. Guess you can work with others on your first mission and try to get an offensive ability later.
I also like your little explanation. It will make for an interesting upgrade tree.
Let me roll for you real quick. Check your PMs.

Oh, and do you want in on the mission? Because if yes, I'm gonna have to roll for who goes in it, because we have too many people in it as it is. I'll just randomly choose two of you to keep in the staging area until the Final Round is done (which looks like it will be soon) so they can go to a mission with the vets, unless we have anyone who wants to stay back to go on a mission with them.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Megggas on July 05, 2015, 04:01:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 01:51:55 pm

Quote from: Megggas on July 03, 2015, 12:05:25 pm

Character Sheet

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: George Copperfield
Age: 32
Appearance: A slightly chubby caucasian man from early 1990s New York.  He is balding, somewhat short, wears glasses, and is dressed in khakis and a plaid button shirt. The only truly unusual thing about his appearance is that his eyes and ears emit a strange lime green glowing light.

Personality: His life is made up of one problem after another.  He's financially poor and lives in a cheap apartment.  He's had several jobs and have excelled at none of them.  He's always the employee who gets laid off.  Women consider him unattractive and avoid him.  His friends and family think he's an idiot.  Generally, nobody respects him.  The world just seems intent on crushing George's hopes and dreams and making him the punchline of every bad joke.  He has become somewhat bitter and cynical as a result.

Bio: One night, George's lackluster life took a turn for the worse. He was walking home from work when he spotted a green meteorite plummeting out of the sky.  The meteorite collided into the street, only a few meters away from him.  Every other person nearby fled, but not George.  He approached the glowing meteorite.  The last thing he remembers hearing before suddenly going unconscious is hearing an unearthly screeching sound.  He woke up several weeks later in a laboratory, with scientists running tests on him.  The scientists said he was discovered unconscious near the meteorite, with a strange green glow coming from his eyes and ears.  The government took him and sent him to a secret lab to be analyzed.  Scientists discovered some sort of alien parasite had fused itself with George's brain.  Though the parasite is currently in a dormant state, its presence is affecting George's body.  Unfortunately, the scientists were unable to finish their testing and analysis of George before he just vanished, whisked away to another world by an Entity.

Abilties: Scientific testing revealed parasitic cells have infiltrated his entire body.  These cells are produced by the parasitic lifeform inside his head, spreading to every part of his body.  These parasitic cells have modified several aspects of George's biology.

Self Regeneration: These parasitic cells are capable of repairing George's body of any damage caused to it, granting his body boosted regenerative properties.  Minor cuts heal in seconds and major injuries can heal within several minutes.  Even lost limbs are regrown after several hours.  As long as George's brain is intact, this ability happens automatically and cannot be disabled by George himself.

Contact Regeneration:  Any person, animal, or biological life form that makes physical skin to skin contact with George triggers a reaction in the parasitic cells within George's body.  Multitudes of these parasitic cells begin transferring over through this contact point into the other body.  These alien cells continue functioning as repair agents even in this other body, granting it regenerative properties similar to George's.  Since it takes some time for these cells to enter another body, the regeneration granted to this other body starts slow, increasing in speed as more alien cells are transferred.  Also, since George's body is losing alien cells during this time, his own regenerative abilities are weakened accordingly simultaneously.  If physical contact is broken during this time, the transfer process is stopped.  The alien cells within the other body continue to function for a short time before dieing off, removing the regeneration boost.  Once again, this ability occurs automatically on any physical contact, whether George wants it to or not.  George's alien cells lost to this process are slowly replaced by his brain parasite.

Heat Sensitivity: The alien cells within George's body do not respond well to unusually high temperatures.  George feels weak and dizzy when near any source of extreme heat, such as fire, boiling water, lava, etc.  This heat also weakens or nullifies George's regenerative abilities while George is near it.  To top it all off, the pain that George suffers from having a part of his body burned is amplified, which increases his chances of blacking out from the pain.

Unknown:  Beyond these 3 attributes, George doesn't know much about the parasite in his head.  George does not know if the parasite is inteliigent nor what may cause it to become active and what that entails.  He does not know if his "condition" has any side effects, nor if others healed by his ability experience side effects.

Summary: Basically my character is able to heal himself and others.  He is weak to fire, and still killable via brain damage.  He also possesses no combat skills.  Since he cannot turn off his healing ability, even enemies can grab him to heal up.  Feel free to add whatever other necessary abilities/disabilities to make him a balanced level 1 character

Ah, cool, and we needed a healer in the group. Guess you can work with others on your first mission and try to get an offensive ability later.
I also like your little explanation. It will make for an interesting upgrade tree.
Let me roll for you real quick. Check your PMs.

Oh, and do you want in on the mission? Because if yes, I'm gonna have to roll for who goes in it, because we have too many people in it as it is. I'll just randomly choose two of you to keep in the staging area until the Final Round is done (which looks like it will be soon) so they can go to a mission with the vets, unless we have anyone who wants to stay back to go on a mission with them.

Thanks! I can wait for the next mission. I don't mind my character hanging out in the Staging Area for a little while.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 05, 2015, 04:08:24 pm

Seems neat. Let's get to it then.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Salsacookies on July 05, 2015, 04:10:26 pm

(Hmm, so what now? Am I unconscious, or did I just fall through the road again? Last, when will I get to where jumping out of high places won't hurt me, or since I get bigger the stronger I get, will it be a good idea to never jump, since it'll always hurt me?)

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 07:49:06 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on July 03, 2015, 08:50:08 pm

To everyone currently wearing a communication wire: <Shh! Something above us, be ready to run or fight.>

Draw my sword, be quiet and hidden.

You draw your sword and take a step back, deeper into your temporary shelter. You are inside a tunnel inside a crack in the earth, there's no way whoever it is will detect you unless they search every old nook and cranny of this place. Or unless they have something like scent hounds. Or people like Ike. Or magic. And there's very little you know about this world. So it's very possible they actually have all those things. And that they are coming this way because they are searching for you.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 03, 2015, 10:45:01 pm

Alan quietly giggles.

Prepare myself to shoot a really big basketball. Or, to put in memespeak:

BEGJN CHARGIN MA LAZOR

You resist the urge to start screaming as you imagine the largest balls you can think of, with the intent of summoning them.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 03, 2015, 11:40:07 pm

Irine is not wearing her comwire. She simply hasn't thought about it.

Sure thing. Your choice.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 04, 2015, 04:11:39 am

"Would be too much to ask for no shit to happen while we rest. Look alive, people. We might have company in the near future."

Go over to Nikolai and use my ears and nose to check the surroundings.

Hmm... The air brings the sound of footsteps. Two pairs, coming vaguely towards you. Also the muffled sound of metal against metal, in rhythm with the footsteps. Smell says human, probably. Three humans, you think? It's a bit strange. Your nose tells you there's definitely two new humans here, but you also think you might be smelling a third one? You are not sure.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 05, 2015, 04:32:12 am

Campaign

Zechariah reacted by first searching for his staff. Evidently, he could not find his staff, as it had been lost when they, you know, accidentally blew up a town and sorta died. He figured that he could go for the nailboard that Nikolai gave him. He started walking towards where Nikolai was, but then stopped as he realized something. He looked down at his hands and behind him, at his dimly-glowing, aquamarine, crystal wings.

No. I can't rely on a physical weapon. There is a reason I failed before. I have to take care of the problem. I have to be able to trust myself. I have to trust my hands and my soul working together. I can't be doubting myself at every turn.

I got away with it in the Medium because I was able to rely on others to help me and protect me - namely, Artemis. But I don't have him anymore, nor Michael, nor Katrina - not one of them. I have to build my core power and work my way up from there.
And I guess that now is as good of a time as ever to start.

Go help Nikolai guard and investigate the situation. Is there ample light, or is chiefly dark? If the former, practice with my abilities by keeping a very small amount of hardlight shards with me, using my hands to bounce them around and have them revolve around me. If the latter, use the Shadows to conceal myself near a wall or other obstacle and try to creep around our encampment, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

It's the middle of the day. The sky is clear, save for a thin layer of smog. You'd say that's as much light as you could ever hope to find on an Earth-like planet, unless you used some sort of giant magnifying glass.

You summon a few hardlight shards around your torso, like a shifting armour made out of broken glass.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 10:55:45 am

I open my eyes and glance about upon hearing Ike give warning. I then try to stand with everyone else and am reminded why that's a bad idea. I then settle back down and generate some flame, allowing me to change to hybrid form and then get started standing up.

Changing form, once again. This time you manage to generate enough fire to easily transform. But that does little to change the discomfort that brings.

At least you don't produce any smoke while doing so.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 04, 2015, 01:29:28 am

((I'm totally naked. So I believe its not assumed I have my ComWire on. :P Unless you forgot to specify 'everyone except Theri'))

"Well...I feel alive. So that's the first. Not hungry, nor thirsty. I think I just need clothes. Do you have any spares? Oh-" she looked at River's leg, "I guess I'll also need your wound to heal. Anyway I can help there? You can lean on me for support."

Theri tries to sit up and get up, before moving towards her buddy-friend and helping him up (if she isn't fatigued or totally tired).
Do so!

((Yes, that's what I meant. I was talking about the other guys. River hasn't had the time or strength to make one for you.))

"Good. I was... worried. That I had..."
He doesn't finish his sentence.
"I wanted to stay awake. To make sure I did well."
You feel like you'd expect to feel if you had slept uneasily. A bit tired, a bit hungry, but not enough to make you very uncomfortable and nothing that you need to take care of immediately.
"I am fine. I am strong. I only need time. Rest. And food."
He doesn't look so fine though. He looks tired, his voice low, his speech and movements slow.
You get up and approach River. He shrinks away from you at first but after a couple of seconds of looking at your hand he accepts it and allows you to help him stand up.
"I... thank you. You... are not angry?"

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 08:29:25 pm

I'm not sure why fire that isn't burning anything would generate smoke in the first place, but okay.

I then move towards the opening, not actually going into it but instead leaning against the wall near the doorway out of the line of sight of anyone entering the chamber.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 08:36:23 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 08:29:25 pm

I'm not sure why fire that isn't burning anything would generate smoke in the first place, but okay.

That's what I said. Magically generated fire doesn't have smoke. So you won't be detected because of it.
You know, just trying to make a positive comment about the situation.
Or maybe just being an idiotic captain obvious.
Either or.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 08:38:08 pm

*Lenglon shrugs*

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 05, 2015, 09:43:36 pm

If I'm not already at briefing, go there. If I am there...

"What will we be fighting?"

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Beirus on July 05, 2015, 09:46:10 pm

Remain silent, wait for mission to start.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Toaster on July 05, 2015, 10:10:15 pm

Spoiler: And I still haven't had a chance to summon a briefcase nuke. (click to show/hide)

Get level and get UP.  Seriously, Icarus this shit.  Like, a 75 degree angle up and away from the epicenter.  I don't know what he just pulled out of his pocket, but I need to get away from it.  But mostly, regain control, then GTFO.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 06, 2015, 07:07:12 am

Wait for the mission.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 06, 2015, 07:44:38 am

"Hm... that's two people, probably armored, plus maybe a third humanoid abomination coming our way. Magical bullshit at work, no doubt. Be ready for extra murder."

Find an inconspicuous location to hide in, and maybe observe who's coming.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Salsacookies on July 06, 2015, 09:47:20 am

If unconscious, wake up. If in the sewers or subways, climb up or find a way out

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: NAV on July 06, 2015, 12:45:53 pm

<I don't think they're here to sell cookies. Let's kill them and take their stuff. Shoot first ask questions later.>

Find a place to hide and keep watch. Get ready for extra murder.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Xantalos on July 06, 2015, 03:23:01 pm

Alan, Campaign

Continue charging my balls.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 06, 2015, 09:37:25 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 05, 2015, 09:43:36 pm

If I'm not already at briefing, go there. If I am there...

"What will we be fighting?"

"You'll learn when you get there~ Don't wanna to spoil the fun now."

"Speaking of which, I think we've had enough chit-chat. Time to start the fun!"

He snaps his fingers. And with that, everything goes dark.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 04, 2015, 02:56:18 am

Walk out of the building. Look for places where the building looks weak. Blast them repeatedly. I'll bring this damn building down.

Heh, good idea. Didn't see that coming.

You start heading out. The shaking stops after a while and the building still stands, although there are cracks on it. You're not really sure if it's simply cracked paint or something worse. From the pieces of rubble that have fallen in certain places, you'd guess it's the second one.

You manage to make your way outside (the people trying to get out are smart enough to keep their distance and not get in your way). It looks like a bomb went off close to the centre of the island, where those tall buildings used to be. A large cloud of dust has risen in the air, both from what you assume was an explosion and from the buildings that have recently crumbled and collapsed close to it. There's also smoke rising, as if something is burning.

You don't spend much time looking at whatever that was, instead looking for places you could damage to easily knock down the building. You find a lightly cracked support column and try to blast it down, but your blasts are weak and you don't manage to do much to it other than chip a small piece off of it.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Nothing to see here, move along citizen. (https://youtu.be/5NNOrp_83RU)

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 04, 2015, 09:04:14 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Become a bat and quickly fly back out of the building via the broken windows or, if none are available, the front door. Don't stop flying, and land atop the roof of a neighboring building. Do my best to stay concealed from my foe so that he thinks I am still inside.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to get out from under the stalls before they fall on you and transform into a bat. Unfortunately, you have to use biomass from your acid spit gland to do so.

You at least manage to fly outside without further incident and onto the roof of the opposing building. Your opponent is down there, on the outside of the building. You think he hasn't seen you, but you aren't sure.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 05, 2015, 10:10:15 pm

Spoiler: And I still haven't had a chance to summon a briefcase nuke. (click to show/hide)

Get level and get UP.  Seriously, Icarus this shit.  Like, a 75 degree angle up and away from the epicenter.  I don't know what he just pulled out of his pocket, but I need to get away from it.  But mostly, regain control, then GTFO.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You cut your engine and focus on your wings, first focusing on stopping your horizontal spin and then your vertical. The moment you get level enough to be able to make out what the hell is going on around you, you notice a building pop up through the dust. And that you are heading straight for it. You can't turn fast enough to not crash with it. Your helmet points you to a broken window. In a split second decision, you turn and manage to smash through it, surf on some desks and cubicles and tumble to a stop.

Miraculously, you appear to have not broken anything, although the covering on your wings has been slightly damaged and your engine has been clogged by a troll doll and some paper. Should still be able to fly though, once you clear it. Other than that, they look fine, fuel full, electronics undamaged. Good thing you shut your engine, otherwise the fans would had probably broken and shot high speed shrapnel right through you.

You get up and try to get your bearings. You are on a tall building. Office building, by the looks of it. And slightly leaning, you realise, after the world stops spinning. There's only dust outside, much of it covering the floor near the broken windows (and the few windows that have miraculously remain intact). And your helmet, you realise. You try to wipe the dust off its sensors with your shirt.

Walking closer to the broken window you flew through, you take a closer look outside. Your helmet must be using some sort of IR sensor to see through the dust and smoke, but it's still not enough. From what you can make out, there's a big crater next to a mountain of debris where the building you started this little adventure in used to be. Other buildings close to it have shared the same fate, while others have merely been severely damaged. There's a dancing orange glow down there, probably from broken gas lines or maybe electrical fires.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 06, 2015, 09:47:20 am

If unconscious, wake up. If in the sewers or subways, climb up or find a way out

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You wake up. You appear to be buried somewhere, but are miraculously unharmed. Well, beyond the fact that you're missing half your face and are terribly bruised. Still, you feel like you just got really lucky there. Should probably not try that again in the future.

You try your best to dig yourself out of wherever you are burried. It's kinda like trying to move after your entire body has been buried in the sand, but with a lot of wiggling, you eventually manage to create enough room for you to use your full strength and start digging out.

When you finally create a hole and pop your head through it, what you see looks like a scene from hell. There is dust and smoke everywhere. You can barely see anything and breathing is hard. The smoke is making your eyes sting. You can see dancing orange lights inside the dust, somewhere higher above you. Fires, probably. You can hear screams in the distance, accompanied by the sound of settling rubble.

Only scraps remain of your clothes. Not that it matters that much.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 05, 2015, 08:29:25 pm

I then move towards the opening, not actually going into it but instead leaning against the wall near the doorway out of the line of sight of anyone entering the chamber.

You go join Ike and Nikolai and Alan, standing beside and slightly behind them, because the tunnel is not that large.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 06, 2015, 03:23:01 pm

Alan, Campaign

Continue charging my balls.

Goodness gracious great balls of basket!
You think that if you charge your balls anymore you might hurt yourself. You're already feeling like they're about to burst. And that probably wouldn't be good, especially in an enclosed space.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 06, 2015, 07:44:38 am

"Hm... that's two people, probably armored, plus maybe a third humanoid abomination coming our way. Magical bullshit at work, no doubt. Be ready for extra murder."

Find an inconspicuous location to hide in, and maybe observe who's coming.

You're fairly inconspicuous inside a collapsed tunnel inside a crack in the earth. You can always search for another hiding spot if you want though.

You don't see anyone coming (they're higher up and you're hiding) but you do hear them. They're walking this way. Silently for the most part. It takes them about a minute for them to say something, confirming their identity as humans, or probably humanoids. They're speaking quietly though, so you can't make out exactly what they're saying. You think one of them said something like "Who. Check things."
The pattern of their footsteps becomes irregular for a few seconds, then stops, then you hear a stone falling to the ground, then something like a grunt, then their footsteps continue moving towards you. Looks like they're going to pass somewhere on your right. Same side the slope that leads outside of this crack in the earth is.

You could just wait and hope they pass you by without them hurting or otherwise interacting with you. You could go ahead and kill them. Maybe go to a hiding spot closer to them to try and eavesdrop on what they're saying. Or maybe even get close enough to get a good look at them. Or something else.

The smell of the third human disappears for half a minute but then you catch it and the scent of another human as well. Maybe it's just something in the wind?

Quote from: NAV on July 06, 2015, 12:45:53 pm

<I don't think they're here to sell cookies. Let's kill them and take their stuff. Shoot first ask questions later.>

Find a place to hide and keep watch. Get ready for extra murder.

I'm gonna tell you what I told Harry. You're pretty well hidden here, but you can go search for another hiding place if you want, maybe one that has an escape route. Because if someone comes for you here, you're completely cornered.

---

OOC

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 04, 2015, 12:53:27 am

(Hmm, so what now? Am I unconscious, or did I just fall through the road again? Last, when will I get to where jumping out of high places won't hurt me, or since I get bigger the stronger I get, will it be a good idea to never jump, since it'll always hurt me?)

Well, I'm not going to say too much, but I'm going to say "Look at your stats and think about how stats work and what they mean in this game". Depending on the positives or negatives an action gets you, you can potentially succeed, always succeed, always overshoot, etc. I can elaborate in PM if you want, unless you want to tell your capabilities to everyone.
Oh, and I should also say that there was a reason I laughed when you selected your upgrades.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Toaster on July 06, 2015, 11:56:14 pm

Spoiler: Come on, we can blow up more buildings than that! (click to show/hide)

Clear the crap out of the fans, and technosense to make sure everything's square.  I'm assuming the damage to the wings is pretty minor.

EDIT:  Also, can I get an estimate on how much more weight the wing can bear?  Could I improve it to carry more weight?  For, say, a full armored suit?

Once that's done, summon up a missile launcher so I don't exhaust myself in the face again.  If I can link the targeting with my helmet, so much the better.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 07, 2015, 01:54:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Wait, listen. Prepare to dodge horrible death.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Salsacookies on July 07, 2015, 04:03:38 am

Spoiler: Time for a new set of clothes (click to show/hide)

Take a scrap of clothing and use is as a breathing filter. Then run out of there. When I get out, find a plus size clothing store and get myself a nice suit.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Hawk132 on July 07, 2015, 07:36:51 am

Spoiler: We doin' spoilers now (click to show/hide)

Blast that column to smithereens. Keep watch for Rune - he knows what I'm doing, so he'll try to get the hell out.

... knowing my luck, he's probably out already and I didn't notice.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Megggas on July 07, 2015, 10:01:32 am

I'm loving the showdown between the final 4 in the tournament.  John and Rune both can fly and are versatile, but Saevus and Ron are both very powerful and excel in close combat.  I'm rooting for Rune to win,  but every character still has a decent chance.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 07, 2015, 02:02:57 pm

Spoiler: Spoiler alert! (click to show/hide)

Absorb all unnecessary organs and use the biomass to re-form the acid-spitter. Rain acid upon my unsuspecting foe! If he sees me, go out of range/sight of him so that he may not use the force on me again.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: NAV on July 07, 2015, 04:34:24 pm

Is there a good hiding spot or cover visible from the cave entrance? Ideally with a better view of the canyon. If so quickly make my way there. It's really not good to be grouped all together like this with no retreat.

Get my sling loaded and ready for slinging.

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Xantalos on July 07, 2015, 06:15:23 pm

Alan Campaign

Don't make my balls more swollen ... with power than they already are, instead ... prepare for the imminent Chaos Dunk?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 08, 2015, 07:37:21 pm

---

The 11 of Diamonds

---

You are running. Running as fast as you can.

There's a bang, a flash of light in the darkness followed by a sting on your back.
No!
You stumble and fall to the ground.
You can't breathe.
So close...

You turn your head. The half-destroyed car is unloading its passenger in front of a house. Three storeys. Attic. Wooden. Old. It looks out of place among the concrete buildings around it. Abandoned probably.

You try to raise your hand, but you can't. You can't concentrate. Your strength is leaving you.

Red and blue lights are reflected on the walls of the house. Sirens. Screeching tires.
At least it wasn't all for nothing.

You try to call for help, but the sound of gunshots overshadows the sound of your voice.
_{"Return fire! Return fire!"}
More gunshots. Hope they got them.
_{"Go to the other side! Cut them off!"}

"Hey!" the standing man shouts and you instinctively turn your head to look at him.
"Over here." he adds as he cocks his revolver and touches it on your forehead in one swift motion.
"I want you to see this."

---

Everyone
"Hey!" the standing man shouts and you instinctively turn your head to look at him.
"Over here." he adds as he taps the projection behind him and points at every one of you in one swift motion.
"I want you to see this."

The sight behind him is not that pleasant. Part of the reason you turned your head away in the first place. A man is lying with his back on the asphalt. The still fresh blood around him is gleaming from the flash of the photographer. There's a hole in his head big enough to see what's left of his brain, surrounded by a burn pattern. Beyond the fact that he looks fit (and the hole in his head) he looks fairly normal. Just a man that could had been taking a morning walk. Black jeans, a black shirt with with a slogan written in orange letters, short curly black hair, facial hair unshaven for a few days. His green eyes are still open. He looks surprised.

"This is Ardent. Vigilante. Real name unknown. Still looking into it. Shot to the head from point blank range a few hours ago during the events that followed the kidnapping."

You're in a tiny dark room made out of metal that has been painted white. A single light-bulb is attached to the low ceiling, illuminating the others around you with a pale orange light. They are men in grey uniforms matching yours (most of them displaying sweaty stains), squeezed together, uncomfortably close, most of you leaning forwards or backwards so you can get a good view of the screen. The seats you are sitting on are also made of metal, making the experience even more uncomfortable. The only plus is that the metal provides a tiny bit of coolness to this room full of the warmth and humidity, of tightly packed human bodies and mixed breaths. You have the feeling of moving slightly, as if you're in the sea.

Establishing host control. Standby...

He presses a button and the image behind him changes, accompanied by the sound of something mechanical inside the wall on the other side of the room. There is the blurry photo of a girl, surrounded by the pink-ish paper of a driver's licence. You can't tell much more than that she has long black hair and the general characteristics of her face.

"The details are unclear, but from what few witnesses we've interrogated, we've gathered that the girl, Joanna Hearth, was taken from her apartment. Possibly drugged or otherwise impaired, as she wasn't seen struggling."

He presses the button and the image changes again, this time showing a car. There's a bullet hole in a window. Part of its front has been melted, including the hood and tires. The holes in the hood reveal an engine with too many moving parts.

"Ardent must have stumbled upon the kidnappers somewhere along their path, fought them for some time and then gave pursuit once they started running. Witnesses say he severely injured at least one of the kidnappers, but we were unable to confirm their identity. He was shot once in the back from some distance and then executed moments later. Moments before our men could get to him.The shooter was nowhere to be found."

The standing man takes a few seconds to simply stare at each of you before continuing. He pushes the button and the image changes to show a house. It's hard to make out the details in the dark, but it looks wooden. Old. The few windows boarded up.

"Now, officially, our government and hence our department condemns vigilante action. But that man is a hero in my book. His actions stalled the kidnappers long enough for our men to get to the scene and trap the kidnappers in this building. They've been holed up in there for the past..."
He looks at his watch.
"A bit more than an hour. Abandoned building in Oakridge. An officer attempted to enter the building but was immediately fired upon the moment he opened the door. So we've been waiting for the Emergency response teams to get there to help you make a push."

"While we have no concrete evidence... The M.O. and the timing... We believe this might be the work of the 11 of Diamonds."
Everyone around you stirs. That's not good.
"They might be using her in a ritual. Maybe related with what happened with Brawn last month."

"Now, I know you're all rookies, but you're the only ones we could gather in such short notice. The Prime Minister has called all the big boys down at Kingdom Bay, trying to clean up that mess. God knows the Americans need all the help they can get these days. We need you to go in before they have a chance to escape or cause more damage or god forbid kill that girl."

"Now don't worry. And you'll be going in with all the officers our department can spare, full police backup. And, as you know, their capacity has been diminished. You know what you'll be facing. They haven't broken pattern in the past, so they should all be holed up in there. Just 11 criminal scum, scared and on the run for god knows how long. They don't know what they'll be facing. You may be new, but you are still the best our department has, our best trained men and the hidden ace in our sleeve. You were chosen for a reason. Work well, work together ad they'll be no match for you."

He claps his hands once to add emphasis.

"Clock is ticking. Do not let Ardent's sacrifice go to waste. Get in there, save that girl and bring those sons of bitches to justice."
"Nobody will blame you if you have to kill them in the process." he adds meaningfully. "Your lives come first."

With that, he turns around and retracts the projector screen, revealing the back doors of the vehicle.

...

---

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo
The back doors of the vehicle open, but the outside world is even darker. The sun has just started approaching the horizon, painting the sky a dark blue-grey colour. You wait for the ones in front of you to exit the vehicle before exiting yourself. The chief moves forward, shouting as he searches for whoever is in charge there.

The house looks much like it did in the picture you were shown. An old wooden building with a small yard. The details are easier to make out now. A few broken windows. Bullet holes in the door. Rotten steps in the front porch. A basement door to the side. The lights of cars and floodlights make the building so bright compared to its surroundings it's almost painful to watch. A stark contrast to the photo you were shown.

The police line around it on the other hand is in almost complete darkness. Police officers hiding behind cars, prepared to shoot if necessary, while special forces prepare hidden behind their vans, trying to remain out of sight. Further back there are the emergency services and people not concerned with combat: ambulances, firefighters, bomb disposal, forensics, hazmat, electricians...
And further back there are the few curious onlookers that the police has not managed to get rid of yet, along with the few news reporters that have caught wind of what is going on here.

They should had evacuated all the buildings around here. Made a bigger perimeter. This is too dangerous.

You watch the chief berate the other group before he makes his way to you, muttering something about "no discipline" before giving you your orders.
"We're moving in. You three are doing the breach. We've got civilian lives at stake here and we don't want to fall prey to an ambush, so we're going in quiet. After the entrance is secured, I want you to sweep the ground floor. Check for clues, report if you find anything important and check for ways to enter the basement silently. Got it?"
You nod.
"Good. My team will take the top floor. Join us once you clear the ground floor and basement. We're counting on you, OK?"

...

You are crouched, slowly inching towards the door, being extra careful not to make the old floorboards creak and squeak.
"Checking the door now." you whisper.
You slowly turn the handle just enough to feel the bolt move, not making a noise.
You give the special forces officer opposite to you who is currently using a mirror to check under the door the all clear signal and then make a questioning gesture. He retracts his mirror and also gives you an all clear signal. You give the get ready signal to the other people surrounding the door and slowly turn the handle.

The door opens.
Nothing happens.

You let out your breath and give the signal it's clear to proceed. Team A gets in and moves up towards the stairway as planned. You turn right in the foyer and slowly make your way through a hallway with boarder up windows on your right. It's a corridor painted faded white with a few paintings that look like they've been sliced by a razor on the walls, hanging from half-rotten boards. Two doors leading out of it, one to the left in the middle of the hallway and one at the end of the hallway. Both closed. Looks clear for now. You stay put to give time to the teams behind you to move up before you inadvertently alert the enemy to your presence by exploring further.

When suddenly, there is the sound of wood banging against wood behind you. You turn around just to see a team C member turning to look at you with a horrified expression on his face.
"Shit. It's a trap! Run!" is the last thing you hear before the door leading to the room you are in closes, its bolts locking with a loud clack.

There is a noise from the other side, several loud bangs and then everything goes silent.
You are alone. There is no escape.

<Synchronization complete.>

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet
"Are you fucking drunk?"
"Well uh I-"
The chief grabs you by the collar and shakes you in a mildly threatening, mildly comical manner.
"Well, are you?"
He stops shaking you.
"No need to answer. Your breath smells so badly I could get drunk just by being in the same room with you."
He shakes you some more.
"Listen here you maggot. Are you trying to sabotage this operation?" he growls and waits for your answer.
You just stare at him, unsure about what you should say.
He sighs. "Nope, apparently you're not smart enough to even do that."
"Sod it. Just stay close to the entrance. Make sure nobody gets out. Aid the men in breaching the basement if things start going loud inside."
You continue to stare at him.
"Did you hear me?!"
You nod.
He lets go of you and sighs once more and turns away, muttering something like "lucky if your stench does not give us away."
You're gonna hear it tomorrow.
If there is one for you.

...

You watch Team B slowly open the door and give you the signal it's clear to proceed. Team A moves in after them, briefly checking the door on their right of the foyer before proceeding through the hallway in front of them along with a few officers, some of which break off to ensure the rooms in the hallway are clear. At the end there's a large living-room-like thing with a stairway that will lead them up.

Team B goes in after them, taking the door to the right of the foyer and slowly proceeding forward,

And then you enter third. Babysitting the foyer. It's just a small room that looks like it came out of an old picture, you don't get why it needs guarding. It's just an old armchair that probably has rats living in it, a cabinet and a half dead lamp inside a tacky (it has enormous fake crystals) light fixture hanging from the ceiling, illuminating everything with what little dull orange light makes it through the dust covering.

You look back into the hallway team A is taking. They've reached the large room at the end. Still no sign of trouble. Is this place deserted or-

That's when the doors start closing. First the one leading to the large room team A is in, then the ones in the hallway, trapping the officers checking them. An officer still in the hallway tries to run but a floorboard beneath his leg gives way, his leg getting stuck there. He falls down as his knee bends on an unnatural angle. The door closes, the last thing you see being his terrified expression, full of pain and fear. You turn to your right and try to yell a warning to team B, but it's too late. The door leading to them is already closing.

You turn around. At least you can- have to escape. But the front door is already closing. Before you can reach it, it locks shut, the wave of closing doors catching up to you. You try to open it but nothing happens. You are trapped here, one team, three people, all alone.

It's OK. The others may be gone but the ones outside will break in soon to rescue you... right?

<Synchronization complete.>

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith
You slowly walk forward through the hallway. A kitchen here. A bathroom there. A dusty old storage room holding only cobwebs. Nothing remarkable. Where is everyone? Did you wait too long? Should you had gone in sooner? Have you failed? Or are they merely waiting to ambush you?

You approach the stairway, ready for anything. Looks clear, but you don't want anything to pop up while you have no cover. The floor here creaks too much. They might have heard you. Either way, you're not liking it.

This room looks different than the rest. Better lit. More clean. Vibrant red and gold tapestry on the walls. It looks like an old lady could had sat here in this overstuffed couch looking at a painting of some mountainous landscape, a hot beverage and cookies laying on the coffee table in front of her.

You are passing by a mirror in a golden frame, glancing at your deformed reflection when you spot it. Like a wave of black smoke moving through the room in the mirror. You turn around, just in time to notice the door closing behind you with a loud bang. Some of the officers with you quickly move towards it.

"No, wait, stop!" you whisper as loud as you can but it's too late. The gunshots come from below, 6 bullets, some of them aimed at the officers with you.

They stop. You remain still for a few seconds. When one of the officers acts like he saw something. He starts running towards one of his injured comrades.
"No, stay still, stay-"
A crack forms on the floor where the man's feet touch the grond. And another. And another. The entire floor breaks apart like a piece of glass, darkness rising from below, consuming everything. There is a thud.

...

You stir your head and open your eyes. It's dark in here. You can hear broken things whenever you shift your legs. There is a slight breeze coming from somewhere. And a moan. A moan of pain. You cannot see its source. You cannot see anything.

<Synchronization complete.>

---

Everyone
Your interface starts informing you of your objectives, beeping and blinking orange with each one it lists.
<Primary objective: Capture or Eliminate the leader of the criminal organization known as 'The 11 of Diamonds'.
Secondary objective: Capture or Eliminate all members of the criminal organization known as 'The 11 of Diamonds'.
Secondary objective: Rescue hostages.
Secondary objective: Escape.>

There is a slight vibration that lasts for less than a second, like a weak earthquake. You less feel it and more hear it in the sound of vibrating objects around you.
Your interface beeps once more, this time blinking red.
<Interference detected. Communications hindered.
Requesting additional resources for creation of long range secure communication bridge... Permission denied by Administrator.
Long range communications disabled until the manual creation of secure communication bridge through physical contact.>
((The different teams are unable to communicate with each other via their interfaces.))

---

OOC
Parisbre56 cancles post OOC info: Melting
Seriously though, Extreme heat + Power outages = Bad for concentration. (At least my phone has not failed me yet.)
So please excuse any mistakes. Questions for clarification of things I did a bad job describing are welcome. Or comments or other things.

I gave individual info in the form of teams. I know it might be confusing. In case it is, then think of it like that: one of you is the person that I was narrating things for. The others were just there. Who it was that was the focus of my narration is not really that important, since it was meant to do its job: convey a certain mood and some information.

Alternate title: Special Weapons And Blunders

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 08, 2015, 07:56:59 pm

Inspect my equipment.
Locate a source of light.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on July 08, 2015, 08:27:48 pm

((So the leader is somewhere in this small building? Welp, fuck the hostage objective, I can take care of the main objective and the killing all the members probably.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 08, 2015, 08:47:27 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 07, 2015, 01:54:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Wait, listen. Prepare to dodge horrible death.

Quote from: NAV on July 07, 2015, 04:34:24 pm

Is there a good hiding spot or cover visible from the cave entrance? Ideally with a better view of the canyon. If so quickly make my way there. It's really not good to be grouped all together like this with no retreat.

Get my sling loaded and ready for slinging.

You look around, searching for a good hiding spot. The only one you can see that looks viable is the other end of the tunnel you are in. You quietly make your way there. It's not that great for escaping, since it is also a collapsed dead end, but at least if someone attacks the others, you'll be able to flank them, hopefully gaining the advantage. Or you could leave them behind to die and run away as fast as you can.

You get ready to sling.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 07, 2015, 06:15:23 pm

Alan Campaign

Don't make my balls more swollen ... with power than they already are, instead ... prepare for the imminent Chaos Dunk?

You are as prepared as a very powerful mentally divergent person with a concussion who is ready to use his giant balls can be.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 07, 2015, 01:54:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Wait, listen. Prepare to dodge horrible death.

You continue to wait and listen.

The two continue to walk, moving close to the slope leading to your hiding place and then stopping there. You are ready to use your sword, but it turns out you don't have to. After a few seconds, they continue walking, making their way towards the volcano.

They start talking as they walk away, but their words start getting lost in the wind and you lose your already tenuous grasp on what they're saying. Their thick accents and whispered words certainly aren't helping.
"Swatch goito happe withamp?"
"Meanfer lassight?"
"Hm. Themage."
"Dunno. No care."
"Srong. Subi hef."
That's as much as you get before they become completely unintelligible. You can still hear them slowly moving forward though.

The human scents you smelled earlier are slowly getting stronger and steadier and more are appearing.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 08, 2015, 09:11:20 pm

"Raagh? Er... what just happened?"

Be confused. Examine the doors in this room and see if it's possible for me to break them down.

((Do I get my [special slot] reloaded for this mission, or did I waste it during the duel?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 09, 2015, 12:35:27 am

as I finish recovering from my change, I remain silent. Watching my teammates and trusting them to know what to do.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 12:51:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 09, 2015, 12:35:27 am

as I finish recovering from my change, I remain silent. Watching my teammates and trusting them to know what to do.

HAHAGAHAHAGAHAGAGA

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 09, 2015, 01:18:07 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 12:51:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 09, 2015, 12:35:27 am

as I finish recovering from my change, I remain silent. Watching my teammates and trusting them to know what to do.

HAHAGAHAHAGAHAGAGA

correction: trusting Ike to know what to do, and ignoring Alan as much as I possibly can.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 09, 2015, 01:25:07 am

((My flail?))
"Guess we have to do this with three people."
Campaign, Fizzo: Check the door. Does it has magnetic materials?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 02:37:17 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike turns toward Nikolai and thinks real hard.

<I think those might be people from the village we pissed off, or something affiliated, since I believe they mentioned the wizard I blinded. They do sound vaguely foreign, so they might be some kind of investigators or demon hunters or maybe adventurers. Could go and see what their deal is, maybe explain a few things to them and try not to screw up like we did before. Then again, odds are they're gonna try and murder us anyway. Nevertheless, could give peace another chance.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 03:02:23 am

Alan tries to communicate with Ike, but he doesn't remember that he can think to people, so he tries sign language. It fails rather harshly.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 03:25:24 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 03:02:23 am

Alan tries to communicate with Ike, but he doesn't remember that he can think to people, so he tries sign language. It fails rather harshly.

<You... need to wash the dog? Never learned ASL, sorry.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 03:41:17 am

<AH WHO WAS THAT oh wait never mind I already freaked out over not being able to figure out telepathy, I'm all good. 
I have my balls all charged up and ready to explode, so what're we doing about the things outside?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 03:55:22 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 03:41:17 am

<AH WHO WAS THAT oh wait never mind I already freaked out over not being able to figure out telepathy, I'm all good. 
I have my balls all charged up and ready to explode, so what're we doing about the things outside?>

<Well, I think I'll go and take a look, see if they're likely to see reason. If not, I'll ask you guys to come along and help me murder them senselessly, or just let them go on their way.>

<Then again, maybe let's just let them go on their way. Worst case scenario, they'll kill River or something and I don't think I'd care much about that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 04:21:56 am

<Okay, seems good. It'll be a little quiet around here without the whiny drammalpha around if they do kill him, but I think I'll get over it quickly. Just lemme know when you want me to slam my balls into their bodies.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 04:27:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Will do, friend! So, Nicky, you going to keep watching out, or do you want me to trade spots with you? I'd be better at listening for trouble anyhow.>

We linger and wait and rest, and do not seek the deaths of these foul interlopers... just yet. If Nikolai accepts, take up watch (or, rather, the listening position).

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 04:36:32 am

Wait around impatiently with a vacant smile on my face.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 09, 2015, 06:16:20 am

Quote from: Beirus on July 08, 2015, 08:27:48 pm

((So the leader is somewhere in this small building? Welp, fuck the hostage objective, I can take care of the main objective and the killing all the members probably.))

((Have a look at this underachiever.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: akkudakku on July 09, 2015, 08:28:52 am

Inspect my equipment. Prepare a slowdown AOE trap in the room we are in. Speed up my team.

"Looks like my skill-set will finally come in use."

If there is still time prepare all spell slots with 1 target hold person spells.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on July 09, 2015, 10:36:01 am

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 09, 2015, 01:25:07 am

((My flail?))
"Guess we have to do this with three people."
Campaign, Fizzo: Check the door. Does it has magnetic materials?

"Unless we reunite with one of the other groups that is. I don't think that these doors should prove too much of a hindrance. _{Not even the walls if I put my mind to it. Probably.} So the question is, do we sweep the floor by ourselves like the police's plan, or do we say screw the plan and combine our groups? Personally, I say combine the groups. Might make sweeping take a little longer _{reducing the likelihood of success of the damsel in distress secondary objective} but the safety in numbers would increase the likelihood of living to complete the other objectives."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 09, 2015, 12:57:59 pm

Group A

---

<Hang on, I'll try to see if there is any hostile people close by. Do we want to get moving?>
Start my radar

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 09, 2015, 09:45:43 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 06, 2015, 11:56:14 pm

Spoiler: Come on, we can blow up more buildings than that! (click to show/hide)

Clear the crap out of the fans, and technosense to make sure everything's square.  I'm assuming the damage to the wings is pretty minor.

EDIT:  Also, can I get an estimate on how much more weight the wing can bear?  Could I improve it to carry more weight?  For, say, a full armored suit?

Once that's done, summon up a missile launcher so I don't exhaust myself in the face again.  If I can link the targeting with my helmet, so much the better.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You use a combination of a thin ruler (the object, not the person) and your special ability to clear the fan to the best of your ability. There's still a few scraps of paper in there, but they should hopefully burn harmlessly when you turn on the engine.

Damage to the wings doesn't compromise their ability to make you fly, but it does make them more sensitive to damage or stress. So try not to get hit and/or crash again.

You'd say... maybe enough to carry another person? You can alter your wing's shape to change direction very quickly, so executing manoeuvres is not much of a problem, but if you put more weight than that on them, it would make your acceleration much slower, to the point where you'd have to jump off a tall building if you are to have any hope of gaining enough speed and thus enough lift to stay in the air. Not to mention how anything added could screw with your aerodynamics.

Right now on the other hand, you are lightweight enough and your wings are strong enough that you could potentially land without your engine on, if you flapped your wings hard enough.

Easiest way to expand it would be to put more engines on it or replace the current engine with a bigger/better one. And maybe expand the wings a bit. That way you could support enough weight to carry an armoured suit. But it would make the thing terribly bulky and the back would be a big weak point. Might be better to build the suit and combine it with the wings later.

You summon a giant rocket launcher and rocket that make you look like you're trying to compensate for something. Seriously, it's hard to remain standing while holding that thing. You're not exactly sure about how to link it with your helmet. You just hope your ability or helmet will figure it out on its own.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 07, 2015, 04:03:38 am

Spoiler: Time for a new set of clothes (click to show/hide)

Take a scrap of clothing and use is as a breathing filter. Then run out of there. When I get out, find a plus size clothing store and get myself a nice suit.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Unfortunately, there's little left of your clothes, not enough to be used as a breathing filter unless stuff them in your nose. Luckily, on your first few steps you stumble upon a man that has had its head smashed by a rock. The blood on his shirt makes a good substitute for water. It should allow you to protect yourself from smoke inhalation long enough to give you a chance to escape. That doesn't make you stop coughing though...

You start running away from the fire. Progress is slow. You keep stumbling as the cracked ground gives way beneath your feet. You make it further away to a point where there is less smoke, but all this smoke and dust is not good for you. You're getting light-headed and concentrating is starting to become harder.

Making it this far to die from some smoke would be a really anticlimactic way to go. But even a human as powerful as you still needs oxygen...

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 07, 2015, 07:36:51 am

Spoiler: We doin' spoilers now (click to show/hide)

Blast that column to smithereens. Keep watch for Rune - he knows what I'm doing, so he'll try to get the hell out.

... knowing my luck, he's probably out already and I didn't notice.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You wait for a few seconds to recuperate before firing another blast at the column. The thing starts crumbling inwards. You take a few steps back, just to be on the safe side.

The wall remains standing, but the falling column takes a large part of the ceiling with it. A large part of the store should had been crashed by that.

...

And yet nothing happens. Your interface says nothing. You're guessing that if you had killed your opponent, then it would had told you something.

Damn thing is harder to kill than a cockroach.

A moment later, something liquid hits you on your back from above. It starts eating away at your armour, dissolving a good chunk before you can manage to get it off you. You do not feel pain, but getting weakened like that is still unpleasant.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 07, 2015, 02:02:57 pm

Spoiler: Spoiler alert! (click to show/hide)

Absorb all unnecessary organs and use the biomass to re-form the acid-spitter. Rain acid upon my unsuspecting foe! If he sees me, go out of range/sight of him so that he may not use the force on me again.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You take a bit of gut, your genitals, a kidney and some eyes and turn them into an acid... well, it's not exactly spitting, it's more on the south side. An acid bomber, one could say.

As such, you fly over your target and release your payload like the world's deadliest pigeon.
Bullseye! Straight in the torso.
Unfortunately, you have no more acid with which to continue your attack.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on July 09, 2015, 09:52:13 pm

"So, I figure I can complete the objective and that first secondary objective if y'all are willing to forfeit the hostage objective. It'll take some time though, and you'll have to defend me while I charge up."

Get my bearings. What can I see of the room we are in?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 09, 2015, 09:54:16 pm

Spoiler: Paris, make another "For Paris's eyes only" joke. (click to show/hide)

Land on a rooftop as soon as possible. Remain concealed. Try to develop photosynthetic cells on my skin to accumulate biomass faster, UNLESS the area is very hot. Then, create some sort of chemo-synthesis cells in my skin to convert heat back into energy, then to biomass. Do my best to re-develop the acidic bomb. Try to make it so that it will burst before hitting my foe, to damage them as much as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 09, 2015, 10:11:01 pm

Spoiler: Toaster Action (click to show/hide)

Okay... hm.  I was planning on building a battlesuit, but this wing might be better, especially if his ranged capability is limited.  I could just stand up here and make stuff, but that doesn't make him any less dead.  It's unlikely that he knows where I am, but on the other hand, I don't exactly know where he is either.

I should probably get some recon going.

Summon a scout drone that can link to my helmet.  Ideally make it small and simple, because I plan to make a bunch of them.  Everything about them should be aimed toward redundancy and "sensor web" style detection.  I don't need camera feed so much as indication of target location.

I might go for that gun drone again next, but we'll see how this goes first.   Remember, power, I plan to make a bunch of them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 09, 2015, 10:20:45 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 04:27:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Will do, friend! So, Nicky, you going to keep watching out, or do you want me to trade spots with you? I'd be better at listening for trouble anyhow.>

We linger and wait and rest, and do not seek the deaths of these foul interlopers... just yet. If Nikolai accepts, take up watch (or, rather, the listening position).

<Eh? Sure, let's trade spots. Put your big ears to use.

Maybe we can work things out with those people, find a peaceful solution...........pffft Hahahaha no. Still, probably best to not leave loose ends.>

Trade spots with Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 10, 2015, 04:15:56 am

Spoiler: That isn't going to work anymore Rune. So come here and fight me. (click to show/hide)

So he's out already. Well then.

Summon a circular shield large enough to cover my whole body when I raise it above me.

Raise the shield up so that he has to hit the shield. When I feel that the acid hit it, discard it and summon another one. Make it clear that his attempts to melt me are useless.

Walk into a building that doesn't look like it's about to fall apart to force him to stop this tactic.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 10, 2015, 05:08:55 am

((I will be without internet for the weekend, so here is a generalized post.))

Campaign

Continue to generate shards around me and keep myself where I am right now, simply and slowly collecting power for use later. If the shards are starting to wear me out, stop generating new ones and keep my current shards in a static position.

If we are attacked, use my shards to assist Nikolai and Ike by putting up a defensive shield, creating a cloud of small shards to disrupt the attackers' view, or launching shards against the  attackers in an attempt to injure or kill them, should it be necessary. Any of these three actions should suffice depending on the situation, but if not, then GM interpretation is allowed.

If no attacks yet, continue as stated in my first paragraph and adjust myself based on new information from Ike and Nikolai. Once again, up to GM interpretation.

Beyond that, follow anyone on the team except for Alan and what they want to do - unless it goes directly against my self-preservation, any of my teammate's preservation, or if it is blatantly and utterly stupid. Also, attempt to follow my ethical code, unless it's literally a matter of life and death.

((I trust my teammates [except for Alan] on that last one, but just in case.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 10, 2015, 05:26:28 am

Spoiler: Halfway there (click to show/hide)

RUN FOR THE GOAL! RUN FOR FRESH AIR!!1!

Title: Re: Special People: Cobblestone Path Fighter
Post by: Illgeo on July 10, 2015, 06:21:40 am

John is looking very surprised, his mouth wide open:
"What was that?i"
He closes his mouth, then frown theatrically:
"Hm. Before choosing our strategy, we should assess our situation better."
Assess situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 10, 2015, 07:26:12 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 09, 2015, 12:35:27 am

as I finish recovering from my change, I remain silent. Watching my teammates and trusting them to know what to do.

Ha! That's a good one.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 09, 2015, 04:36:32 am

Wait around impatiently with a vacant smile on my face.

You wait, smiling despite the tension in the air and the sense of impending doom.
Guess it goes to show you got balls.

Quote from: NAV on July 09, 2015, 10:20:45 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 04:27:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Will do, friend! So, Nicky, you going to keep watching out, or do you want me to trade spots with you? I'd be better at listening for trouble anyhow.>

We linger and wait and rest, and do not seek the deaths of these foul interlopers... just yet. If Nikolai accepts, take up watch (or, rather, the listening position).

<Eh? Sure, let's trade spots. Put your big ears to use.

Maybe we can work things out with those people, find a peaceful solution...........pffft Hahahaha no. Still, probably best to not leave loose ends.>

Trade spots with Ike.

You make your way back to the other tunnel for some reason.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 09, 2015, 04:27:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Will do, friend! So, Nicky, you going to keep watching out, or do you want me to trade spots with you? I'd be better at listening for trouble anyhow.>

We linger and wait and rest, and do not seek the deaths of these foul interlopers... just yet. If Nikolai accepts, take up watch (or, rather, the listening position).

You attempt to quietly make your way towards Nikolai's hiding spot, but you are too focused on your hearing and smell to notice a loose rock on your path. You stumble and fall. Your reflexes are good enough that you catch your sword before it hits the ground and alerts those two to your presence, but the whole thing delays you enough that by the time you've reached a position where hearing those two is easier, they're just finishing talking. All you catch is one of them muttering something about "damn mages", the other saying something like "not all bad. You saw what he did" and the first merely grunting non-committally as a response, probably not interested in continuing the argument.

Now that you're out of the tunnel, you can sense what's going on better. Looks like the human smells you are smelling are coming from the same direction those two did, brought towards you by a relatively strong wind, the strongest you've felt since you woke up in this devastated city. You can feel it, even in this small canyon. The coolness it brings is a bit soothing, lessening the discomfort the heat and the pain on your face causes you.

---

@DAF: Your action is noted. Just not using it right now since I think it doesn't apply to the current situation, but I'll keep it in mind for later.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 10, 2015, 10:04:50 am

Waiting.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 10, 2015, 10:36:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen to the sounds on the wind. Relax. This is no time for adventure, nay, this is time for resting!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 10, 2015, 10:38:59 am

Group A

---

<I'll keep that offer in mind, for the moment I would very much like to rescue the prisoner as well as disposing of the gang. Can you hold off for a bit?> ((To Beirus' character, whose name I can't find. Also, could everyone else put their group up top as well? I'm going to have a hard time remembering who is in what group otherwise.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 10, 2015, 01:08:48 pm

I just reread most of mission 1.  Man, we still haven't learned to not set everything on fire.  I mean, has there been one mission without something going up in flames?  The survival mission, maybe?  No fires that I can recall, ignoring the massive team fight at the end.


Also, I'm glad I did it, because it reminded me what I had set for the backstory of John's universe.


Speaking of, Illgeo, what's your character's last name?  With two Johns there's potential for confusion.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 10, 2015, 01:32:59 pm

Life's brighter when everything is on fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 10, 2015, 01:33:33 pm

(Yah, giving my character a fire weakness might have been a bad idea  :o )

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 10, 2015, 02:07:04 pm

Waity waity wait. Fortunately Alan waits better than Xan did.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 10, 2015, 02:16:39 pm

Quote from: Toaster on July 10, 2015, 01:08:48 pm

I just reread most of mission 1.  Man, we still haven't learned to not set everything on fire.  I mean, has there been one mission without something going up in flames?  The survival mission, maybe?  No fires that I can recall, ignoring the massive team fight at the end.


Also, I'm glad I did it, because it reminded me what I had set for the backstory of John's universe.


Speaking of, Illgeo, what's your character's last name?  With two Johns there's potential for confusion.

Fire has caused none of our problems. generally our biggest problems have been due to not having enough fire, or not using fire soon enough. nothing can't be solved with sufficient firepower.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 10, 2015, 02:42:00 pm

Lenglon is right: most of our problems were caused by stupidity, bad ideas, or poor communication.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 10, 2015, 03:20:45 pm

((Doe is the surname))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 10, 2015, 10:32:47 pm

Quote from: Toaster on July 10, 2015, 01:08:48 pm

I just reread most of mission 1.  Man, we still haven't learned to not set everything on fire.  I mean, has there been one mission without something going up in flames?  The survival mission, maybe?  No fires that I can recall, ignoring the massive team fight at the end.

Also, I'm glad I did it, because it reminded me what I had set for the backstory of John's universe.

Speaking of, Illgeo, what's your character's last name?  With two Johns there's potential for confusion.

Funnily enough, I recently reread Mission 1 too, and some of Mission 2. Both to remember some things better and because it was fun. It's always fun to see what you guys will think of next...

And yeah, my bad, I need to redo the first two posts. Update the info, put people's names and appearance descriptions there, add some new missions I thought of, among other things.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 10, 2015, 01:32:59 pm

Life's brighter when everything is on fire.

The words of a wise man.
I'll be sigging that.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 10, 2015, 02:16:39 pm

Fire has caused none of our problems. generally our biggest problems have been due to not having enough fire, or not using fire soon enough. nothing can't be solved with sufficient firepower.

All we need is enough firefoxes on the mission that we can crush them under their fluffy tails and destroy them with their fire! That is what matters player! (https://youtu.be/DXkSM7F_bac)

Quote from: Toaster on July 10, 2015, 02:42:00 pm

Lenglon is right: most of our problems were caused by stupidity, bad ideas, or poor communication.

Yeah, miscommunication is a bit of a problem. Bad ideas, not so much, because sometimes you want to do something that sounds like a bad idea, just to see what happens, because its sounds fun or has a chance to give you a better reward or is just what your character would do, even though you know it's not the best option.

And definitely not stupidity. More not really thinking things through. Because sometimes you can be amazingly smart and do things I haven't really thought of, bypassing things I thought would be hard.
And then sometimes, from all the possible choices I'm giving you to solve a problem and all the possible solutions I haven't thought of, you'll pick the worst one, somehow making things I thought would be easy hard.

Or just plain bad luck. Like Harry rolling terrible will and alerting the Colony Ship to the fact you were coming to stab it just as John was going through the "garden" of flesh its Life Stone had created.

Or a combination of the above. Like for example...

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 10, 2015, 02:07:04 pm

Waity waity wait. Fortunately Alan waits better than Xan did.

Hmmm... Tempted to roll will...

Quote from: NAV on July 10, 2015, 10:04:50 am

Waiting.

Everyone waiting and resting, it seems.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 10, 2015, 10:36:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen to the sounds on the wind. Relax. This is no time for adventure, nay, this is time for resting!

Resting it is.

You rest against the canyon wall, listening to the sounds of the wind and the dead city. The wind makes a different whistling noise as it passes by your ears then what it usually does, reminding you of the small piece one of them is missing.

You try to push such thoughts out of your head and focus on what's going on around you instead. The two men keep walking for a while, before stopping some distance later. Close to where the flat area close to the rim of the crater starts, if your mental map of the area is correct.

They stay there for a while, a few minutes. You spend that time watching a small flock (pack? you are not sure of what the right word is) of those small floating lights flying above your hiding place. When, suddenly, you hear something. Sounds like footsteps. Lots of them. Coming from the direction those two came. They're not very close yet, but they will be soon.

Guess now you know what those human scents were... And now that they're closer, you can make out a familiar one among them. Smells like that guard that let you into the camp last night. How was he called again? Rohan? Rover? Something like that.

And, just when you thought nothing more could happen, you start hearing the buzzing of a discoball floating through the air. Sounds like it's getting closer to your location, approaching from the direction of the slope leading out of the crack in the earth you are in.

So to recap, there's two humans in the west, a lot of them on their way from the east and a discoball coming from the south, which is also the direction out of this little hole you're in. Looks like it's a party and everyone's is invited. The only one missing is River and that mage you've blinded and you'd have everyone you've met in this campaign (and haven't killed) here.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 11, 2015, 12:31:10 am

((Am currently in Hybrid form - do I smell Rovan too? or is it just Ike that smells him?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 11, 2015, 01:06:57 am

Insert quote about slow knives from dark knight rises here

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 11, 2015, 04:18:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

To the team: <Heads up, guys - it seems like basically everyone's passing by this way for some reason, and I do mean everyone. Including a shiny sphere of death coming in from the south. Prepare something throwable just in case. And hold on to your balls, Alan.>

Keep listening and watching. See if I can grab a rock from my position without making much noise.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2015, 05:44:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 11, 2015, 12:31:10 am

((Am currently in Hybrid form - do I smell Rovan too? or is it just Ike that smells him?))

You could, but it's hard. They're some distance away. Let me make a quick roll.
You got 2. So no.
But you can always ask Ike what he means by 'everyone'.

Edit: But you said you don't have your CommWire on? Maybe HB can say something with words? Or you can ask him what's going on?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 11, 2015, 06:40:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 10, 2015, 10:32:47 pm

I'll be sigging that.

((Success! It took me over a year, but I finally wrote something sigworthy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 11, 2015, 01:02:55 pm

I look at my oddly silent teammates and just continue to wait.

((It's not that Irine dislikes the commwire, she just literally forgot about it - was distracted. So right now she doesn't even realize that she's missing out on a conversation))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2015, 02:00:33 pm

Just a clarification that you can smell that there are some humans coming, you just can't smell as many as Ike and can't make out Rovan's smell.

And, also, if you remember, those comm things just need to be close to your body, preferably touching it, as Charlie explained. You don't need to have them around your neck. You could have them around your toe or ear, for example.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 11, 2015, 02:04:53 pm

<They just keep coming. Okay no more waiting, we have to leave now. Probably will have to fight our way out. Everyone ready?>

I'm ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 11, 2015, 02:29:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2015, 02:00:33 pm

Just a classicizing that you can smell that there are some humans coming, you just can't smell as many as Like and can't make out Rovan's smell.

And, also, if you remember, those com things just need to be close to your body, preferably touching it, as Charley explained. You don't need to have them around your neck. You could Hades them around your toe or ear, for example.

((Autocorrect?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 11, 2015, 03:03:11 pm

Yeah, just wanted to write a quick clarification post so that Lenglon could see it. Trying to write quickly with wet fingers is a bad idea.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: mydjet on July 11, 2015, 04:35:56 pm

i sit pacently aginst a wall and trust my team to defeat the evil doors. if they dont i then turn the front door into a micro balista

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 11, 2015, 07:52:22 pm

Quote from: mydjet on July 11, 2015, 04:35:56 pm

i sit pacently aginst a wall and trust my team to defeat the evil doors. if they dont i then turn the front door into a micro balista

Nikolai approves of your power.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 11, 2015, 09:25:23 pm

((If we die because of you... ))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 11, 2015, 10:26:48 pm

((...you can shank him in the showers back in the Staging Area.))

Title: Re: Special People: IT KEEPS HAPPENING!!!
Post by: Tiruin on July 13, 2015, 09:21:00 am

((I have been...indisposed (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43236.msg6369891#msg6369891) the past week, preventing me from doing anything productive))

Spoiler: What had happened to Theri! (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 07:49:06 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 04, 2015, 01:29:28 am

((I'm totally naked. So I believe its not assumed I have my ComWire on. Unless you forgot to specify 'everyone except Theri'))

"Well...I feel alive. So that's the first. Not hungry, nor thirsty. I think I just need clothes. Do you have any spares? Oh-" she looked at River's leg, "I guess I'll also need your wound to heal. Anyway I can help there? You can lean on me for support."

Theri tries to sit up and get up, before moving towards her buddy-friend and helping him up (if she isn't fatigued or totally tired).
Do so!

((Yes, that's what I meant. I was talking about the other guys. River hasn't had the time or strength to make one for you.))

"Good. I was... worried. That I had..."
He doesn't finish his sentence.
"I wanted to stay awake. To make sure I did well."
You feel like you'd expect to feel if you had slept uneasily. A bit tired, a bit hungry, but not enough to make you very uncomfortable and nothing that you need to take care of immediately.
"I am fine. I am strong. I only need time. Rest. And food."
He doesn't look so fine though. He looks tired, his voice low, his speech and movements slow.
You get up and approach River. He shrinks away from you at first but after a couple of seconds of looking at your hand he accepts it and allows you to help him stand up.
"I... thank you. You... are not angry?"

Theri gently squeezed River's hand as she said "Nope, why would I ever be? I'm alive, and content with seeing my friends--makes it all the better that they're happy to see me too despite anything that happened in the past."

She sways her arm while watching River's expression--she was checking if he was weary or needed nourishment; as far as she knew, it would show in how controlled a person was of their arms or stance.

"Besides, whatever happened, happened. I may have messed up. You may have messed up. What's going to happen doesn't depend on that though--we're living that choice now. And I want to see the rest here along with my best buddy by my side!"

Tally ho? To venture forth? Oh...wait

Theri was reminded quite acutely about something very significant, and did nothing to hide her subtle show of expression.

"...Err, I just remembered that I may be walking out naked. Do I look indecent to you? Also do you know where my possessions are?"

Inquiry {and then venture forth! Because I doubt my clothes are stacked on a neat pile nearby somewhere.{

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 13, 2015, 10:24:19 pm

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 09, 2015, 01:25:07 am

((My flail?))
"Guess we have to do this with three people."
Campaign, Fizzo: Check the door. Does it have magnetic materials?

((What flail? I thought you went with the magnetic powers? Did I misunderstand something?))

You don't have any sort of ability allowing you to sense magnetic materials, so you check the door the only way you can: By using your power on it.

The door creaks and bangs against its frame as its lock and hinges are pulled by your magnetic field, first towards you and then away from you. Looks like they are indeed paramagnetic, but they respond weakly to your influence. Some sort of alloy maybe? Could always try increasing the strength of your magnetic field or trying some other trick.

Quote from: Illgeo on July 10, 2015, 06:21:40 am

John is looking very surprised, his mouth wide open:
"What was that?i"
He closes his mouth, then frown theatrically:
"Hm. Before choosing our strategy, we should assess our situation better."
Assess situation.

You look around.
There is nothing out of place here. Nothing has changed, except for some of the picture frames on the wall moving due to the tremor-
Wait a second....

You approach one of the frames.
Yes, there on the edge. The cuts on the picture extend behind it. Whatever sliced them did it while they were on the wall, slicing through the canvas and the wall behind it. The cuts are clean and straight, but not very deep. They look like they were done in a single swift motion. But there are many of them, at different angles. Were they the result of strong emotion or merely a desire to thoroughly destroy the pictures? Or something else? Whatever it was, it was good at handling whatever tool or weapon they used to cut them.

The pictutrd a few still lifes showing flower pots and a landscape showing a person laying on a field of grass and a pencil sketch of... something, maybe a person in a strange outfit. Probably just normal pictures one could find at a store or be gifted by a friend. You doubt they'd be valuable and still be inside this abandoned house in the middle of-

Hmm... That's strange. This one has the name of a famous painter on it... But the frame looks clean, recent... It has to be a fake, right? Unless... Something inside your host's mind tells you that this painting was reported missing a few months back... But... It can't be... who would steal a painting only to hang it inside an abandoned house and then destroy it? It doesn't make much sense...

You stand there staring at the painting, lost in thought, completely oblivious to any danger that could be around you.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 08, 2015, 09:11:20 pm

"Raagh? Er... what just happened?"

Be confused. Examine the doors in this room and see if it's possible for me to break them down.

((Do I get my [special slot] reloaded for this mission, or did I waste it during the duel?))

((You're loaded, with two meanings of the word.))

You're no doormancer, so you determine the endurance of the door the only way you can: By trying to break it down.

You randomly choose the front door and give it a good punch close to the lock. Surprisingly, the door remains intact, even though you hear the wood crack and break slightly. That's not right. Normal wood, especially this old and unmaintained, would had been broken immediately by a punch like that. You prepare for a few seconds and then follow up with a kick with as much power behind it as you can muster. The door breaks free of its hinges and frame and flies outward.
Yep. You can break the door allright.

What is beyond it though... This cannot be. There is nothing there. Beyond the front porch, there are is nothing. No officers, no cars, no city, not streets, no ground. Nothing. Emptiness. And beyond that, several miles away, there are only grey clouds, like on a midday when it's about to start drizzling.

The door bounces on the ground once and then disappears as it falls beyond the porch. 6 seconds pass. You don't hear it impacting anything.

Uhhh.... Maybe you finally drank too much and passed out?

Quote from: akkudakku on July 09, 2015, 08:28:52 am

Inspect my equipment. Prepare a slowdown AOE trap in the room we are in. Speed up my team.

"Looks like my skill-set will finally come in use."

If there is still time prepare all spell slots with 1 target hold person spells.

You prepare a trap for this entire room. It won't do much if something attacks you in here, since you will all be slowed down the same unless one of you has resistance to the effects, but it could trap something chasing you. Unless it has resistance to the effects.

As for one target hold person spells, I think that falls under the "too general" thing I mentioned. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I won't outright say no, I'll just give it a large penalty for the preparation roll. Nope. The spell is too complex for you to prepare with this level of concentration. Could always try something simpler and/or more specific.

You then attempt to speed up everyone else.
Wait, did you turn your hand clockwise or counter-clockwise for maintaining the time field polarity fluctuation-
That's as far as you go before slowing yourself down to a crawl, which from your perspective feels like everything else suddenly sped up incredibly.
((Any actions you take next turn would be done reeealy slow and there is a chance they will not be completed, depending on what the others and the environment does. You can still use your interface to talk at normal speed though.))

Quote from: mydjet on July 11, 2015, 04:35:56 pm

i sit pacently aginst a wall and trust my team to defeat the evil doors. if they dont i then turn the front door into a micro balista

((Please try to bold your actions if possible, since it makes finding action posts easier.))

You watch one of your teammates grunting thoughtfully and moving his hands around for a few seconds before he suddenly starts moving in slow motion. That's a neat trick. Wonder if he could teach you that.

The other defeats the evil front door and is confronted by the lack of outside world.

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 08, 2015, 07:56:59 pm

Inspect my equipment.
Locate a source of light.

You instinctively reach for your belt. Looks like you have a pistol, a baton, some things in your pockets you are not sure about and... Ah, here it is. An electric torch, of sorts. A large heavy rectangular thing with a handle in the top. You search for the switch and press it. The torch flickers on for a second, giving you a glimpse of wooden floor, wooden debris and furniture around you, before everything becomes dark again. Must have had something knocked out of place when your host fell through the floor. Damn thing. The flickering flashlight is a such a total cliché.

Quote from: Beirus on July 09, 2015, 09:52:13 pm

"So, I figure I can complete the objective and that first secondary objective if y'all are willing to forfeit the hostage objective. It'll take some time though, and you'll have to defend me while I charge up."

Get my bearings. What can I see of the room we are in?

You can see dark darkness of the dark. You'd expect there'd be at least some light coming from above, but there's nothing.

You get up and try to take a step forward. And then immediately bump onto something hard with your face. Damn, OK, bad idea. Must have hit your head really hard, because you thought you saw light there, for a second.

Quote from: Alarith on July 09, 2015, 12:57:59 pm

Group A

---

<Hang on, I'll try to see if there is any hostile people close by. Do we want to get moving?>
Start my radar

You focus on your extrasensory senses... There are who you assume are your teammates, full of confusion, trying to figure out what's going on. They're fairly close, you think. Could just walk to them, if you could see. And then there's a mind full of fear and pain and confusion. Whoever it is, it's panicking. Probably one of the men that was with you... But you were certain there were more than one of those with you, your host remembers that. They couldn't have all died, not by a simple fall... could they?

And then there is... it's hard to feel. It's somewhere ahead of you, not close but not far... Can't tell exactly where it is. Or what it is. Feels like... satisfaction? Anticipation? Relief?

There's also something more there, some other feeling by someone (or something) else, but you are not focused enough to understand where or what it is. It's so faint it barely registers.

As you look around, you notice a flash of light coming from where one of your teammates is.

DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith
There is a single mechanical clicking sound, followed by the sound of cloth moving and a sound like small metal balls clicking against each other.
"Good. You're still alive." a gruff voice says, sounding very loud in the silence of this place.
Bryan (Alarith's char) can tell that it's coming from roughly the same place he sensed satisfaction.
From where you heard the pained moan, now you hear a gasp.

---

OOC
Boy, there's a lot of you. Good thing missions have high fatality rate and this is a hard one...

Quote from: Alarith on July 10, 2015, 10:38:59 am

((Also, could everyone else put their group up top as well? I'm going to have a hard time remembering who is in what group otherwise.))

I agree with that. Not really necessary for me but it would make things easier for me and the others.

Quote from: Toaster on July 11, 2015, 10:26:48 pm

((...you can shank him in the showers back in the Staging Area.))

Note to self: Add showers in the staging area.
And spawn Megggas' character there.
The staging area, not the showers.
Although suddenly waking up on the floor of a communal shower room with no memory of how you got there would be a strange fun way to start your adventure.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 13, 2015, 10:28:50 pm

"This cannot be! AHHH!!!"

back away from the door. Have my empty slot have [ability] in it.

Spoiler: Ability (click to show/hide)

Cave-In Meteor

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 13, 2015, 10:40:34 pm

Quote

Note to self: Add showers in the staging area.
And spawn Megggas' character there.
The staging area, not the showers.
Although suddenly waking up on the floor of a communal shower room with no memory of how you got there would be a strange fun way to start your adventure

Waking up on the dirty floor of a rundown communal shower room would be the kind of unpleasant experience that my character has come to expect from life.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 13, 2015, 11:01:11 pm

((Thanks))
"The door isn't going down easily, hm? Let's try this then."
Place the magnetic field outside the door and then push the door. With my shoulder. AKA, shoulder ram the door.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 14, 2015, 08:44:30 am

Group A

---

<I can't sense anyone immediately hostile, but it could go that way fast.>
"Life is always something to be happy about, at least I think so,"
Focus more on the man's feelings, anything more I can detect without him noticing? Also see if my flashlight works better.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: akkudakku on July 14, 2015, 02:39:22 pm

<"Well this went great. I might need cover to fix myself. My proposition is to go close to one of the doors that the others went through and break it down.">

Speed myself up. Prepare a spell that slows down a person of my choosing to a crawl. Stay as close as I can to the others.

((Sorry about that, I have the worst memory ever. I hope there are okay.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 14, 2015, 02:41:20 pm

"I can hear you just fine. And I agree. RAAGH!!!"

Bash down another door somewhere in the foyer! Keep bashing doors down until I find the corridor that leads to the other teams!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on July 14, 2015, 03:12:36 pm

Keep watch for now; if (H4zardZ1) has problems with the door use lasers to cut it open

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 14, 2015, 03:42:01 pm

Even though I only saw the room for a second I should remember where evrything is.
If there are no obstacles in the way, shoot the owner of the voice in one of it's legs. If there are obstacles, Get up and move towards the vice, baton in hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 14, 2015, 09:50:04 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 09, 2015, 09:54:16 pm

Spoiler: Paris, make another "For Paris's eyes only" joke. (click to show/hide)

Land on a rooftop as soon as possible. Remain concealed. Try to develop photosynthetic cells on my skin to accumulate biomass faster, UNLESS the area is very hot. Then, create some sort of chemo-synthesis cells in my skin to convert heat back into energy, then to biomass. Do my best to re-develop the acidic bomb. Try to make it so that it will burst before hitting my foe, to damage them as much as possible.

Spoiler: I'm not seeing it (click to show/hide)

You grow leaves on your back and head and your skin takes a greenish hue, making you look like the result of an orc mating with an elf... a midget orc... with some sort of demon wings. Yeah, not the best metaphor, now that I think about it.

Unfortunately, photosynthesis is not a very fast process and neither is your innate regeneration. You're going to have to wait a while...

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 10, 2015, 04:15:56 am

Spoiler: That isn't going to work anymore Rune. So come here and fight me. (click to show/hide)

So he's out already. Well then.

Summon a circular shield large enough to cover my whole body when I raise it above me.

Raise the shield up so that he has to hit the shield. When I feel that the acid hit it, discard it and summon another one. Make it clear that his attempts to melt me are useless.

Walk into a building that doesn't look like it's about to fall apart to force him to stop this tactic.

Spoiler: Spoiler taunts. So meta. (click to show/hide)

You raise your shield and hide behind it. Nothing happens.

Well then. This is getting annoying.

Maybe you can trade spots with whoever made that giant explosion? Cause he could probably wreck everything nearby and get rid of this unarmoured pest.

Wonder if that store you demolished is selling bombs...

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 09, 2015, 10:11:01 pm

Spoiler: Toaster Action (click to show/hide)

Okay... hm.  I was planning on building a battlesuit, but this wing might be better, especially if his ranged capability is limited.  I could just stand up here and make stuff, but that doesn't make him any less dead.  It's unlikely that he knows where I am, but on the other hand, I don't exactly know where he is either.

I should probably get some recon going.

Summon a scout drone that can link to my helmet.  Ideally make it small and simple, because I plan to make a bunch of them.  Everything about them should be aimed toward redundancy and "sensor web" style detection.  I don't need camera feed so much as indication of target location.

I might go for that gun drone again next, but we'll see how this goes first.   Remember, power, I plan to make a bunch of them.

Spoiler: This is a Toaster Action type firearm (click to show/hide)

You get a remote controlled toy helicopter. Not exactly what you had in mind. Let's try again...
You get an octocopter equipped with some sort of sensor underneath it. Before you can examine it in depth, it starts buzzing away, disappearing as it dives into the dust outside. A second later, a white blip appears on your screen where the drone last was, slowly moving around. Now all you need is some more blips so that you can make some sweeps to find some creeps.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 10, 2015, 05:26:28 am

Spoiler: Halfway there (click to show/hide)

RUN FOR THE GOAL! RUN FOR FRESH AIR!!1!

Spoiler: Livin' on a prayer (click to show/hide)

You run blindly as fast as you can. You manage to run through the revolving door of a building, trip and crash into its lobby, leaving a trail of dust behind you.

<It's a home run!>

It's not perfect in here, the lobby walls were partially made out of glass that is now broken, but it's at least better in here. You can breathe more freely so you proceed to cough the smoke and dust out of your lungs. Gah, that sucks. Feels like you're going to cough your lung out.

You take a more concentrated look around. Must be some sort of office building. You can see a logo of a globe with Transnational written underneath it behind the front desk, its lights dark and unlit. There's nobody evacuating right now, but there are signs that people left in a hurry, dusty footprints on the entrance carpet that weren't caused by you.

---

Everyone
<Fair warning: If you can't kill each other in... oh, let's say a little less than 3 minutes, I'm going to start progressively making it easier for you to do so. Can't have you playing cat and mouse forever. For all I know, you guys are planning on adopting secret identities and living a normal life here, hidden until you can determine where your enemy is and how to best assassinate him.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 11, 2015, 01:06:57 am

Insert quote about slow knives from dark knight rises here

Quote from: http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/quotes?qt=qt1769250

You see, it's the slow knife... the knife that takes its time, the knife that waits years without forgetting, then slips quietly between the bones... that's the knife that cuts deepest.

Done.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 11, 2015, 01:02:55 pm

I look at my oddly silent teammates and just continue to wait.

((It's not that Irine dislikes the commwire, she just literally forgot about it - was distracted. So right now she doesn't even realize that she's missing out on a conversation))

Rolled again and new roll says you can smell Rovan. The people running towards you are close enough that you and the others can faintly hear them as well. And the Discoball is close enough and loud enough that its buzzing can be easily heard by everybody.

Quote from: NAV on July 11, 2015, 02:04:53 pm

<They just keep coming. Okay no more waiting, we have to leave now. Probably will have to fight our way out. Everyone ready?>

I'm ready.

You hear no response. You turn around to see Alan muttering something about "knives that don't go over the speed limit" and Irine standing next to you and looking at you with a confused expression.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 11, 2015, 04:18:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

To the team: <Heads up, guys - it seems like basically everyone's passing by this way for some reason, and I do mean everyone. Including a shiny sphere of death coming in from the south. Prepare something throwable just in case. And hold on to your balls, Alan.>

Keep listening and watching. See if I can grab a rock from my position without making much noise.

Grabbing a rock is easy. Just got to bend down and grab one. There's tons of rocks here. Literally.

"Coming!" one of the two says. Probably to indicate that, as your ears are informing you, the discoball is moving towards them.
"Signal!" the other orders.
"Yesyes." the first responds dismissively. "Be ready!" he adds with more urgency.

You hear movement, metal and cloth moving, followed by something like glass breaking. A fiery red ball rises towards the sky from the two men's position, hovers there for a second and then disappears, leaving only a faint red trail of distorted light behind it.

The footsteps coming from the approaching group pause for a second and then pick up speed. At this rate they might be here in a minute or sooner. Still not fast enough to reach those two faster than the Discoball will.

From what your ears are telling you, those two have stopped moving or at least moving so slowly you can't hear them.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 13, 2015, 09:21:00 am

((I have been...indisposed (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43236.msg6369891#msg6369891) the past week, preventing me from doing anything productive))

Spoiler: What had happened to Theri! (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2015, 07:49:06 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 04, 2015, 01:29:28 am

((I'm totally naked. So I believe its not assumed I have my ComWire on. Unless you forgot to specify 'everyone except Theri'))

"Well...I feel alive. So that's the first. Not hungry, nor thirsty. I think I just need clothes. Do you have any spares? Oh-" she looked at River's leg, "I guess I'll also need your wound to heal. Anyway I can help there? You can lean on me for support."

Theri tries to sit up and get up, before moving towards her buddy-friend and helping him up (if she isn't fatigued or totally tired).
Do so!

((Yes, that's what I meant. I was talking about the other guys. River hasn't had the time or strength to make one for you.))

"Good. I was... worried. That I had..."
He doesn't finish his sentence.
"I wanted to stay awake. To make sure I did well."
You feel like you'd expect to feel if you had slept uneasily. A bit tired, a bit hungry, but not enough to make you very uncomfortable and nothing that you need to take care of immediately.
"I am fine. I am strong. I only need time. Rest. And food."
He doesn't look so fine though. He looks tired, his voice low, his speech and movements slow.
You get up and approach River. He shrinks away from you at first but after a couple of seconds of looking at your hand he accepts it and allows you to help him stand up.
"I... thank you. You... are not angry?"

Theri gently squeezed River's hand as she said "Nope, why would I ever be? I'm alive, and content with seeing my friends--makes it all the better that they're happy to see me too despite anything that happened in the past."

She sways her arm while watching River's expression--she was checking if he was weary or needed nourishment; as far as she knew, it would show in how controlled a person was of their arms or stance.

"Besides, whatever happened, happened. I may have messed up. You may have messed up. What's going to happen doesn't depend on that though--we're living that choice now. And I want to see the rest here along with my best buddy by my side!"

Tally ho? To venture forth? Oh...wait

Theri was reminded quite acutely about something very significant, and did nothing to hide her subtle show of expression.

"...Err, I just remembered that I may be walking out naked. Do I look indecent to you? Also do you know where my possessions are?"

Inquiry {and then venture forth! Because I doubt my clothes are stacked on a neat pile nearby somewhere.{

((Worry not. I understand. And I'm not writing turns very fast, so there's no hurry.))

 "Nope, why would I ever be? I'm alive, and content with seeing my friends--makes it all the better that they're happy to see me too despite anything that happened in the past."
River relaxes and sighs when you reply negatively.

He doesn't appear to be very steady on his feet and his reaction time isn't very quick. It takes him a bit longer than expected to show surprise and readjust his grip when you sway your arm. You don't think he'd be able to walk on his own without some support, both due to his injury and apparent weakness and tiredness.

"Besides, whatever happened, happened. I may have messed up. You may have messed up. What's going to happen doesn't depend on that though--we're living that choice now. And I want to see the rest here along with my best buddy by my side!"
"Oh. That is good. Thank you."
He sounds more tired than happy, his speech slow and not very enthusiastic, but the way his tail was moving as you spoke tells you otherwise.
"I will do better."

You walk until you exit through the door with the light coming from it and reach a stairway going up. Looks like it's brighter up there.

"...Err, I just remembered that I may be walking out naked. Do I look indecent to you? Also do you know where my possessions are?"
"In... decent?"
He looks at you with confusion for a second before his eyes widen with recognition.
"Oh. No. You are fine. But there are some clothes for you. Upstairs. If you are worried about the humans."

You continue walking until you reach the upstairs. It must have been some sort of establishment selling food and drinks, like a tavern. But it looks like it has been looted and abandoned for some time, the barrels and cupboards that would hold alcohol alcohol and food broken and empty. There are still a few cooking implements though and a couple of wooden chairs that were not taken. There is a also a stone bar counter, behind which the owner of this establishment would presumably rest when not serving its customers.

Light is coming through cracks in a wooden door and a window, each of them blocked from opening by the two halves of a broken crutch.

"There are clothes behind this." River says while making a motion towards the bar.
He lets go of you and lies down on the floor, his back resting against the front of the bar.
"I may wear some too. But I think I need to rest first."

You look behind the bar.
There are two similar sets of clothes here. The knots holding them together are still tied, as if they were pulled off rather than removed.
They are composed of a very thin dark coloured shirt and pants, covered by leather armour in places (part of the chest and legs, but not enough to obstruct movement) and with a thin covering of metal in the left shoulder and the upper left part of the left leg. Tied around the pants like a belt is a leather strip meant for holding a small bag close to the hip.

There is also a large bloody stain on the floor there that looks fairly fresh (a day or two old at most), but no indication about who is missing that blood.

"I also have this." he says as he searches inside the improvised bag he is carrying (a bag that looks like it has been made by tying two shirts together).
He pulls out a small aqua crystal but places it back inside the bag. He continue searching until he pulls out a glass-like orb and offers it to you. Its insides show various colours that appear to change as the angle from which the light strikes it changes, like it has many reflective surfaces inside it.
"Your orb. It was all I could save."

---

OOC
I had a dream that I was running a different RTD. And I was also seeing things happen as I rolled for them, like they were becoming real, as I experienced them through each character's eyes.

The RTD was a fun concept, mostly because it had some RP challenges, but I didn't like it as an RTD very much. It had little structure or objectives. Because the players chose their own objectives, they tended to go their separate paths and seldom interact.

Still, I think the story has potential. Mostly because I think it plays to my strengths, it focuses less on descriptions and emotions (although it still has quite a lot of that) and more on action and problem solving, while still being complex and challenging enough to maintain interest (or so I feel).

Might run it as a suggestion game, focusing on a single character (I think the one I like was inspired in part by Lenglon's character, as was part of the story), since it sounds relatively simple and easy to write. Still need to think about it some more and write some more notes though, do a bit more worldbuilding and background info. Not gonna say much more, don't want to spoil things in case I end up running it.

Still, I'm happy. It's always good when your subconscious does all your work for you and presents you with a good idea for you to work on.

EDIT: Fixed some spelling mistakes. Apparently, when tired, I begin to use homophones instead of the right word.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 14, 2015, 10:12:17 pm

Nik sees Irene looking at him funny, and realizes she's not wearing a comwire. He points to his comwire and whispers _{"Irene, put a damn comwire on"}

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 14, 2015, 10:23:18 pm

Spoiler: The problems of a shapeshifter are endless (click to show/hide)

When I blinded him earlier I got the advantage. Lets do that again. Consume all the dust in the surrounding area and condense it into a small ball, which I will keep in my throat for later spitting as a smokebomb. If I somehow begin choking, gently remove the dustball and keep it nestled on the rock. Take care not to break it. Then, focus on getting that acid bomb back. It worked well last time.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 14, 2015, 11:07:15 pm

I glance down and then at the surrounding tunnel, realizing I left my commwire back with the food. Then glance down at my hands and realize it might be pointless anyway._{"I-I left mine behind. I'd need help putting it on anyway."}

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 14, 2015, 11:39:17 pm

"Don't tell me how to live my life!"

Spoiler: Toaster-Action 20-shot revolver, with depleted uranium ammo, chrome plating, and spinning rims (click to show/hide)

Create more of those drones, and try to keep a better hand on that next one so I can clone it more efficiently!

I get the feeling that was half-directed at me, so I'll go offense next turn, what with my Compensation Rocket and all.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 14, 2015, 11:49:38 pm

Alan isn't exactly sure what's happening, but if anyone not the teammates appears in the entrance to the cave he's unleashing the full force of his balls upon them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 15, 2015, 04:54:24 am

Spoiler: RAAARGH (click to show/hide)

Let loose a roar of pure hate for all the cowards out there.

In addition to the "protect myself from inevitable acid" action from before start blasting away at all the weak spots on the buildings around me. My patience has ran out. Actually, I have a tiny sliver of patience left. Let's just walk into a building that doesn't look like it's going to collapse and wait.

Changed my mind again. I don't want Charlie to do something that might hurt me, so let's just do the action I wanted to do at first - "in addition to the "protect myself from inevitable acid" action from before start blasting away at all the weak spots on the buildings around me."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 15, 2015, 05:00:07 am

To team: <Right, it seems like the entirety of the human race has decided to fight an approaching discoball right atop our current hideout. They'll be here in a minute or so.>

This is it! The match of the century! The remnants of humanity vs. one discoball of doom! Who shall be victorious in today's extinction battle?

Throw a rock at the discoball if it's coming toward us, by the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on July 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

((Totally love how you're going with this IC perfectly Parisbre :3 You knew Theri didn't mean you but meant 'probably maybe possible everyone else'))

Theri's eyes brightened at the mention of her orb, keeping her mind away from the bloody stain.

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River." Her eyes drifted back onto the stain after taking and putting on her set of clothes. "But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."

Noticing the (partially) OK fit with the clothing--a bit loose around the waist and she needed to cut a bit for her tail--she picked up the other set and plopped it right next to River.

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"

Inquire; get ready; investigate; leave when all are OK :D

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 15, 2015, 01:53:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 14, 2015, 11:07:15 pm

I glance down and then at the surrounding tunnel, realizing I left my commwire back with the food. Then glance down at my hands and realize it might be pointless anyway._{"I-I left mine behind. I'd need help putting it on anyway."}

_{"Okay. I will help you."}
Quickly quickly get commwire and put it on Irene. Quickly grab any extra commwires nearby and shove them in my bag. Quickly return to being ready to attack.

If any hostiles appear then immediately stop this and prepare to fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 15, 2015, 01:59:16 pm

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo
"Hmm..."
Check the painting more thoroughly. Could it be original? Remove it from frame to investigate closer if needed

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 15, 2015, 04:42:20 pm

_"T-thanks."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 15, 2015, 10:12:08 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 14, 2015, 11:49:38 pm

Alan isn't exactly sure what's happening, but if anyone not the teammates appears in the entrance to the cave he's unleashing the full force of his balls upon them.

The readiness of your murderballs intensifies.

Quote from: NAV on July 15, 2015, 01:53:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 14, 2015, 11:07:15 pm

I glance down and then at the surrounding tunnel, realizing I left my commwire back with the food. Then glance down at my hands and realize it might be pointless anyway._{"I-I left mine behind. I'd need help putting it on anyway."}

_{"Okay. I will help you."}
Quickly quickly get commwire and put it on Irene. Quickly grab any extra commwires nearby and shove them in my bag. Quickly return to being ready to attack.

If any hostiles appear then immediately stop this and prepare to fight.

No one suddenly jumps out to attack you as you put a comm wire around one of Irine's wrists and then return to watching the entrance. Not really surprising, since you'd expect Ike to warn you about that.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 15, 2015, 05:00:07 am

To team: <Right, it seems like the entirety of the human race has decided to fight an approaching discoball right atop our current hideout. They'll be here in a minute or so.>

This is it! The match of the century! The remnants of humanity vs. one discoball of doom! Who shall be victorious in today's extinction battle?

Throw a rock at the discoball if it's coming toward us, by the way.

The discoball does not come your way. As expected, it moves towards the two men.
You hear groans and shuffling of feet followed by that intense buzzing sound Discoballs make when they touch something solid. When the sound ends, something falls on the ground.
"You good?" one of them asks but gets no response.
"You good?!" he repeats with more urgency.
"Damhing gomy knife." the other slurs a response.
"Shh. Worry not. Stay near."
You hear the discoball come around for another pass. Once again there is the sound of it touching something solid, followed by another groan and something metallic falling on the ground.
They remain silent this time, but you assume they're at least partially alive, since you can still hear one of them moving.

"Kestothas es thevysme ek kivo!" you hear a shout coming from the approaching group, followed by a greyish line appearing in the air above you for a split second. The sound of the Discoball distorts severely. It remains that way as it starts quickly moving away.

Looks like they got a magic user. Doesn't sound like a wizard you know.

Now that they're closer, you can tell they're carrying a lot of metal. You can hear it clattering as they run.


Everyone else with that group
You can clearly hear the approaching group, the sound of the Discoball and some of the words of the mage's spell.

---

OOC
Just a quick one before I go to sleep, since all you're doing is waiting. Will do the rest tomorrow.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 05:28:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

<And it sounds like the discoball's won round one! I wouldn't have given it such great odds to begin with, but it seems like it's well-prepared for this fight! But humanity's got more tricks up its sleeve in their resident wizard! Will humanity pull through in this battle, or will the ineffable will of the murderous discoball extinguish their hopes forever? Tune in for the next exciting update on the EXTINCTION BATTLE!>

<Seriously, though, seems like those guys might be in a bit of trouble. Maybe we could just cheese it under the cover of their battle and hope for the best, because seriously this is the most ridiculous possible thing that could have happened.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 08:25:09 am

I won. Celebrate by setting something(not me) on fire. Afterwards, find a clothing store for myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on July 16, 2015, 01:22:18 pm

Team A

<Whoever it is might have some way to see in the dark. If he comes after me, I'm going to start charging up.>

Stay quiet. If attacked, do the thing I do.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 16, 2015, 02:20:11 pm

<I-I guess we could do that? We aren't going to help them?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 02:26:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 16, 2015, 02:20:11 pm

<I-I guess we could do that? We aren't going to help them?>

<I dunno, I doubt they're about to have a change of heart about us after I killed and mutilated three of their guards, blinded their master mage and helped you, who set fire to their only refuge in the hostile, monster-infested ruins, escape. So we might as well not bother with keeping them alive, right? I mean, what'd they be able to even help us with aside from being monster bait, which they're already doing very nicely?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 02:44:15 pm

<Hmm, have they seen me at all? I'm innocent looking.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 03:36:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 02:44:15 pm

<Hmm, have they seen me at all? I'm innocent looking.>

<I think you were dead mostly while we were busy aggravating them, but like I said, how does helping them possibly help us?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 16, 2015, 03:49:34 pm

<W-why does it matter? Don't they need help?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 05:36:59 pm

(Gonna be leaving forum Roleplay after I finish my fight. Gonna use this time to work on other stuff. After role playing for a year, I've decided that it's too slow for me, and I lose interest too quickly. Otherwise, I have enjoyed this a lot, and may this RP just get crazier.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 16, 2015, 05:41:54 pm

/me salutes

It's been an honor sparring with you.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 06:00:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 03:36:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 02:44:15 pm

<Hmm, have they seen me at all? I'm innocent looking.>

<I think you were dead mostly while we were busy aggravating them, but like I said, how does helping them possibly help us?>

<I don't know, I'm just bored and I need to relieve my balls.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 06:04:06 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on July 16, 2015, 03:49:34 pm

<W-why does it matter? Don't they need help?>

<They seem to be handling themselves well enough. And I also doubt our collective ability at helping them in a way that does not also kill them based on previous experience, so there's that.>

<So, who wants to make a run for it?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 08:29:11 pm

<What if I go out and act all innocent and adorable?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 16, 2015, 11:49:49 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 05:36:59 pm

(Gonna be leaving forum Roleplay after I finish my fight. Gonna use this time to work on other stuff. After role playing for a year, I've decided that it's too slow for me, and I lose interest too quickly. Otherwise, I have enjoyed this a lot, and may this RP just get crazier.)

Before you go, can you tell us what your character's abilities were?  I'm kind of curious.  It looked like you got some kind of new ability after the island escape mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 17, 2015, 02:29:51 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 16, 2015, 06:04:06 pm

<They seem to be handling themselves well enough. And I also doubt our collective ability at helping them in a way that does not also kill them based on previous experience, so there's that.>

<So, who wants to make a run for it?>

Campaign

Zechariah has been silent for the most part, simply generating energy and listening in on comms. Now, however, he felt that he could add a bit to the classic argument of benevolence versus pragmatism.

Commwire, all: <Here's my take. Since our luck seems to be at an all-time low, and considering that we have a couple of injured or otherwise hindered or fatigued members, I don't think we'll manage a great fight, especially considering there's two other parties involved. However, I don't wanna leave them to die. I suggest that we get ready to run if we have to, but stay hidden and 'observe' the fight. If it seems like the humans are dying or on the brink of death, then I don't know about you all, but I am going to attempt to make a distraction, and urge them to get the hell out of there, including us. We'll split apart from them, of course, but we'll try to make it out of there and make the fight more annoying for that... thing.

If they win, great. We'll plan from there. I've got a storm of crystal shards at the ready for a good distracting lasting a minute or two. If anyone has something they can do, please say so.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 02:50:00 am

In the midst of all this serious planning and such, Alan decides it's been far too long since something interesting has happened.

Wander outside with a friendly expression on my face. Determine what's been causing all this commotion and wave happily at it/blast it with my balls if it starts attacking me or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 17, 2015, 03:00:12 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 02:50:00 am

In the midst of all this serious planning and such, Alan decides it's been far too long since something interesting has happened.

Wander outside with a friendly expression on my face. Determine what's been causing all this commotion and wave happily at it/blast it with my balls if it starts attacking me or something.

!! !!
I seize the discoball and forcefully introduce it to the ground.

---

edit for clarity: am not leaving our hiding place.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 03:06:19 am

((Discoball?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 17, 2015, 03:59:56 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 03:06:19 am

((Discoball?))

((the floaty deathball in combat with the local populace. I'm using my fire abilities to grab it since it seems to be made of fire and/or lightning amoungst other things, and making it slam into the ground since it reacts poorly to rocks contacting it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 17, 2015, 05:47:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, if that's what you guys want to do. I'd tell you this'll end badly, but when does it ever not?>

<Besides, from the sound of it it's entirely possible they're here to hunt us in the first place.>

Watch Alan walk out, see what happens. Be prepared to rush to his aid if required, or at least hurl a rock at approaching energy beings.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on July 18, 2015, 04:04:43 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 05:36:59 pm

(Gonna be leaving forum Roleplay after I finish my fight. Gonna use this time to work on other stuff. After role playing for a year, I've decided that it's too slow for me, and I lose interest too quickly. Otherwise, I have enjoyed this a lot, and may this RP just get crazier.)

/me gives an acknowledging nod.
It was nice seeing you play here! :)
Take care in whatever you do, and well wishes from all of us~♫♪♫

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2015, 04:59:09 am

Campaign

If Zechariah hears a commotion start, or his teammates otherwise become alerted over the commwire:

Commwire, all: <...you know what, why do I even bother? Whatever, I'll try to make a distraction.>

Follow through with making a distraction. Use my collected shards to harass anyone who dares come close to any of my teammates. Try to get us out of here or at least to relative safety when possible.

If not:

Remain waiting for some sort of response or action to occur.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 05:05:30 am

((Why's everyone freaking out? Alan's the only one walking outside, everyone else is staying put IIRC.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 18, 2015, 05:27:19 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 05:05:30 am

((Why's everyone freaking out? Alan's the only one walking outside, everyone else is staying put IIRC.))

((... valid point))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2015, 05:35:06 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 05:05:30 am

((Why's everyone freaking out? Alan's the only one walking outside, everyone else is staying put IIRC.))

((I guess because, when Alan gets involved, you know that things are about to get spicy. For better or for worse.

Even if he's just taking a walk.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 18, 2015, 05:43:59 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2015, 05:35:06 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 05:05:30 am

((Why's everyone freaking out? Alan's the only one walking outside, everyone else is staying put IIRC.))

((I guess because, when Alan gets involved, you know that things are about to get spicy. For better or for worse.

Even if he's just taking a walk.))

((*joker voice* but when Alan does the same thing... Well then everyone loses their minds!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 18, 2015, 10:50:47 am

Nikolai facepalms when Alan wanders outside.


Stay put. First moving thing not of this group that I see gets hit with a boulder from my sling.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 18, 2015, 11:18:50 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 13, 2015, 11:01:11 pm

((Thanks))
"The door isn't going down easily, hm? Let's try this then."
Place the magnetic field outside the door and then push the door. With my shoulder. AKA, shoulder ram the door.

You take a few steps back and get ready to ram the door. You run as fast as you can and at the last second you close your eyes and aim your shoulder towards the lock.
*bonk*
"Aaaaugh!"
You missed. You missed the door. You rammed the wall instead.
You spend a few seconds lying on the ground, holding your shoulder, cursing these damn moving doors.

Quote from: Illgeo on July 15, 2015, 01:59:16 pm

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo
"Hmm..."
Check the painting more thoroughly. Could it be original? Remove it from frame to investigate closer if needed

As the other two are working on the door, you focus on the painting. Hmm... Yes, you're pretty sure that's the one. So this isn't just a random house? Some kind of safe-house or storage area? And they didn't steal it for money? Only did it so that they could destroy it? That means they don't value money either because they've got a crapload or because they don't need them... Unless the painting is actually intact and there's some sort of ability in work here making it look like it's damaged so that nobody gives in to the temptation to look at it too closely or steal it.

You turn to look away from the painting when you hear a noise from the other side of the room. It's a bit hard to hear because one of your teammates starts cursing doors a moment later.
You think you might have heard it before but you were too focused on the painting to notice it. But now it seems that... Oh shi-

Quote from: Wolfkit on July 14, 2015, 03:12:36 pm

Keep watch for now; if (H4zardZ1) has problems with the door use lasers to cut it open

"Observe, as I slice the door in half with the power of SCIENCE!" Welroki declares as he gets out his notepad and pen.
A few quick calculations later a beam appears from a point in front of him and starts sweeping through the middle of the door, slowly cutting it, its lock and probably whatever is behind it in half. But before the slice is even halfway there, he is tackled by John and pushed to the ground.
"Hey man! Don't interrupt me when I'm sciencing! I was-"
John interrupts Welroki, pointing to the burnt section of the door. The distortions in the air from Welroki's beam are still visible but are rapidly dissipating as the light is transformed into heat, heat that makes the cold corridor slightly warmer. But where are they coming from? The angle is indicating they're coming from behind them and that would require... Welroki's eyes follow the scorch marks in the walls. They are becoming more intense as they approach... the door on the other side of the corridor?
"Spatial distortion." John says.
Welroki gets up and pushes the door open. Yep, through the door he can see the back of a head with wild white hair that could belong to only one man. Himself. And beyond him he can see another corridor with the same sight in it. And another. And another. It's like looking at a hall of mirrors, but without the mirror.
Looks like John just saved Welroki from getting very badly burnt from his own beam.
"Only one door left. Probably herding us to a trap." John adds.
"See? I told you about those traitorous doors!" Fizz yells from where he is still lying on the floor.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 13, 2015, 10:28:50 pm

"This cannot be! AHHH!!!"

back away from the door. Have my empty slot have [ability] in it.

Spoiler: Ability (click to show/hide)

Cave-In Meteor

((Castlevania reference?))
Ability got.
My mistake for not informing you beforehand, but I should had had you declare that on your first turn. Anyway, next mission we'll do it right.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 14, 2015, 02:41:20 pm

"I can hear you just fine. And I agree. RAAGH!!!"

Bash down another door somewhere in the foyer! Keep bashing doors down until I find the corridor that leads to the other teams!

You proclaim your undying hatred for doors for showing you such sights and proceed to exact your revenge on their kind by bashing them down.

You take a few steps back and then ram the door on your right. This one was supposed to lead to team B, but instead leads to a narrow stone corridor with little light in it, so little in fact that you can barely make out where it ends. Okay, weird and not what you wanted, but not really dangerous either. You step back to the entrance room and try the other door.

You proceed to ram through the one locked door left. This one was supposed to lead to team A. And indeed it seems to be leading directly to the last room you saw team A in, the one with the stairway leading up. The hallway that was between that room and yours seems to be missing, but that's not the most alarming thing. The most alarming thing is that a large part of the room's wooden floor has bent downwards and collapsed, revealing only an unnatural dark darkness below. And your momentum means you're heading straight for it.

You trip and tumble down the crater-shaped floor. You reach the edge of the floor. You barely manage to hold on a piece of wood jutting out from the floor.

The dark hole is just below your feet. It feels dangerous. Maybe you should had taken your chances with the front porch.

Quote from: akkudakku on July 14, 2015, 02:39:22 pm

<"Well this went great. I might need cover to fix myself. My proposition is to go close to one of the doors that the others went through and break it down.">

Speed myself up. Prepare a spell that slows down a person of my choosing to a crawl. Stay as close as I can to the others.

((Sorry about that, I have the worst memory ever. I hope there are okay.))

It takes you the entire turn, but you eventually manage to speed yourself up, counteract the slow effect and even gain a small speed boost in the process.

And then you watch Kosak almost fall to his death. Looks like the only safe way to traverse that room is to move along its edges towards the stairwell and his momentum prevented him from doing that. You suppose you could go help him. Or you could let him fall and see what happens. After all, strength is not your strong suit and he looks kinda heavy. Why risk it?

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 14, 2015, 03:42:01 pm

Even though I only saw the room for a second I should remember where evrything is.
If there are no obstacles in the way, shoot the owner of the voice in one of it's legs. If there are obstacles, Get up and move towards the vice, baton in hand.

You do indeed remember everything you saw in perfect detail. However, you are still human and thus still have such biological limitations as low quality peripheral vision, meant more for spotting the movement of a predator jumping on you so as to avoid becoming its next meal and less for making detailed maps of rooms.

Even assuming you found a book on image enhancement techniques similar to the ones used in astronomy to find faint stars from variations in neighbouring pixels and used your intellect to transform such techniques and apply them to your vision, you'd still not get a perfect map of the room, although you'd probably get a good idea about where everything is.

As it is, you only have a good idea of what was in front of you. Luckily, that includes the general direction the voice is coming from.

And then Alarith makes his flashlight work for a few moments, making the above pointless. You now have a very good idea where everything is, so you start moving towards your vice the voice. On your own. In the dark.

You could try shooting right now, the bullets might penetrate his cover, but you can't be certain. And even if they do, they won't be as powerful.

Quote from: Beirus on July 16, 2015, 01:22:18 pm

Team A

<Whoever it is might have some way to see in the dark. If he comes after me, I'm going to start charging up.>

Stay quiet. If attacked, do the thing I do.

You stay still and quiet.
You are not dead yet. You'd say you're doing good.

Quote from: Alarith on July 14, 2015, 08:44:30 am

Group A

---

<I can't sense anyone immediately hostile, but it could go that way fast.>
"Life is always something to be happy about, at least I think so,"
Focus more on the man's feelings, anything more I can detect without him noticing? Also see if my flashlight works better.

The man emits a short amused laugh. There's something disconcerting about it, too many changes in pitch.
"We'll see if you feel the same about your life during the few moments that are left in it." he says.
There is the sound of metal sliding on metal. One click, two clicks...
You hit the side of your flashlight a couple of times and manage to get it to work for a few seconds before the light dies. He seems to be taking cover behind an old wooden wardrobe at the other side of the room.
"Flashlight not working, eh? Guess you're lucky. I like the ones I murder to look into my eyes when they die."
Three clicks, four clicks...
You can tell by the lack of change in his feelings that he is not telling the truth, or at least not the whole truth. This is not new information to him, there's no surprise.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 18, 2015, 11:40:36 am

"Agh. That's not good."

Pull myself off the ledge, onto the safe ground. I don't want to be anywhere near that hole. If I fail... send myself into the the ceiling with the relevant [special].

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 18, 2015, 02:21:30 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 14, 2015, 10:23:18 pm

Spoiler: The problems of a shapeshifter are endless (click to show/hide)

When I blinded him earlier I got the advantage. Lets do that again. Consume all the dust in the surrounding area and condense it into a small ball, which I will keep in my throat for later spitting as a smokebomb. If I somehow begin choking, gently remove the dustball and keep it nestled on the rock. Take care not to break it. Then, focus on getting that acid bomb back. It worked well last time.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You start slowly accumulating dust and putting it inside a new organ, but you're pretty sure you lack the size to do anything decent with it, unless you spray it close to someone's head.

You hear a very loud roar. Looks like someone is angry.

Nothing happens for almost a minute. Then there is a sound like metal hitting stone. That is followed by the building you are on toppling. You try to fly away but don't manage to do so before you are trapped under an expanding cloud of dust and debris. Kind of ironic, if you think about it.

You accidentally collide with something and fall. You are not hurt but most of your body (wings and a leg) has been trapped under something heavy.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 15, 2015, 04:54:24 am

Spoiler: RAAARGH (click to show/hide)

Let loose a roar of pure hate for all the cowards out there.

In addition to the "protect myself from inevitable acid" action from before start blasting away at all the weak spots on the buildings around me. My patience has ran out. Actually, I have a tiny sliver of patience left. Let's just walk into a building that doesn't look like it's going to collapse and wait.

Changed my mind again. I don't want Charlie to do something that might hurt me, so let's just do the action I wanted to do at first - "in addition to the "protect myself from inevitable acid" action from before start blasting away at all the weak spots on the buildings around me."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You choose a building at random and try to blast it down. Nothing happens.
And I don't mean you don't manage to bring it down, I mean you don't even manage to fire one blast off.
Seriously, I rolled three times and all three failed.
We've still got some time in this turn, so let's try rolling again...
Fail. Fail. And...
Frustrated, you smash your fist into a building. Then it fires.
And part of the building falls on you. Luckily, your shield was up, so at least you had some protection.
Unfortunately, you're still waist-deep into debris, some of which are close to crushing your legs.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 08:25:09 am

I won. Celebrate by setting something(not me) on fire. Afterwards, find a clothing store for myself.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You fire a firebolt at a nearby chair. Because clearly the best way to celebrate saving yourself from the dangers of fire is to start another fire.

You then proceed to the first floor, hoping to get a vantage point above the dust. You ignore the clothes hanging from pole hangers in an office and instead look through its windows, searching for a clothing store. Spotting what looks like a clothing store, you jump down from the window, using a shock-wave to clear the area around you of dust and make your way towards it.

Yes, this is definitely a clothing store. Here are overpriced designer bags with shards of glass sticking out of them. Here's a dust-covered fur coat. Here's a pant with concrete debris decorations. Here's a shirt with real store-clerk blood on it.

Fashion these days keeps getting stranger and stranger... Or maybe it's just the blood loss speaking.

Quote from: Toaster on July 14, 2015, 11:39:17 pm

"Don't tell me how to live my life!"

Spoiler: Toaster-Action 20-shot revolver, with depleted uranium ammo, chrome plating, and spinning rims (click to show/hide)

Create more of those drones, and try to keep a better hand on that next one so I can clone it more efficiently!

I get the feeling that was half-directed at me, so I'll go offense next turn, what with my Compensation Rocket and all.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You create a sphere of cameras and rocket thrusters. It starts flying away and bouncing around
"Oh, no you don't." you say as you toss your rocket launcher aside and go after the droid.
You manage to snatch it out of the air just as it is exiting the building through a window. It seems to have been confused by this, momentarily shutting down its thrusters.
...
Wait a second... "exiting through a window"?
You look down. Down there, some distance away from you, is the street, partially obscured by dust. Your feet are right at the edge of the window.
"Crap."
The drone fires its thruster once more, knocking you off balance and causing you to fall.

Well, at least you got your drone?

---

OOC

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 16, 2015, 05:36:59 pm

(Gonna be leaving forum Roleplay after I finish my fight. Gonna use this time to work on other stuff. After role playing for a year, I've decided that it's too slow for me, and I lose interest too quickly. Otherwise, I have enjoyed this a lot, and may this RP just get crazier.)

Ah, I understand. Hope you had fun and wish you fun and success on your future endeavours.
I'll miss Ron, he was fun.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 18, 2015, 02:49:58 pm

((Let's see what we can do here...))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If possible, become an amorphous gelid being, like a slime. Ooze my way out of the debris. Maintain a high acidity level inside my body, and distribute my brain all around so that destroying it would require completely destroying me.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 18, 2015, 02:56:01 pm

Spoiler: Buildings destroyed count: 1 (click to show/hide)

Try to get myself out of this debris while being VERY careful with my legs. Don't want to terminator drag all over the place again. Blast the debris (the debris near my legs takes priority) away if I can do it without hurting myself. If I manage to get myself out - take a look around for Rune in case that I toppled the right building.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: mydjet on July 18, 2015, 06:39:08 pm

If no one helps fallacy get out of his hole I get up and go to him as carefully as a drunk person can.
if someone dose help him i poke my head in the doorway on the right and knock on the wall saying "Any one home?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 18, 2015, 08:19:10 pm

Spoiler: A bit more literal overshoot (click to show/hide)

Good thing I can fly. Buzz back in and copy that drone a lot.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 18, 2015, 09:04:40 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 16, 2015, 08:29:11 pm

<What if I go out and act all innocent and adorable?>

Sending Alan. To help people. And make a good first impression on them. OK.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 17, 2015, 03:00:12 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 02:50:00 am

In the midst of all this serious planning and such, Alan decides it's been far too long since something interesting has happened.

Wander outside with a friendly expression on my face. Determine what's been causing all this commotion and wave happily at it/blast it with my balls if it starts attacking me or something.

!! !!
I seize the discoball and forcefully introduce it to the ground.

---

edit for clarity: am not leaving our hiding place.

Not sure if Ike ever told you it didn't like rocks, but sure.
You try to make a general fire-goes-down field above you, since you aren't as good at judging exact distances via sound as Ike is.
The field is created successfully, but judging from the sounds coming from above you, it didn't work. You're not sure if you missed or if the sphere merely doesn't have significant amounts of the fire element, but you can still hear it buzzing around.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 17, 2015, 05:47:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Well, if that's what you guys want to do. I'd tell you this'll end badly, but when does it ever not?>

<Besides, from the sound of it it's entirely possible they're here to hunt us in the first place.>

Watch Alan walk out, see what happens. Be prepared to rush to his aid if required, or at least hurl a rock at approaching energy beings.

You shake your head as you watch Alan run up the slope, making enough noise to inform someone nearby of exactly where he came from.
And he does that to try to help humans. Who are potentially friends of the ones you slaughtered last night.
Sometimes you feel like these guys actually want to die. Maybe River did the smart thing by leaving them behind.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 18, 2015, 04:59:09 am

Campaign

If Zechariah hears a commotion start, or his teammates otherwise become alerted over the commwire:

Commwire, all: <...you know what, why do I even bother? Whatever, I'll try to make a distraction.>

Follow through with making a distraction. Use my collected shards to harass anyone who dares come close to any of my teammates. Try to get us out of here or at least to relative safety when possible.

If not:

Remain waiting for some sort of response or action to occur.

Define commotion. I'm pretty sure this entire thing would count as one.
If you mean your companions getting killed, then no, you don't hear that... yet.

Quote from: NAV on July 18, 2015, 10:50:47 am

Nikolai facepalms when Alan wanders outside.


Stay put. First moving thing not of this group that I see gets hit with a boulder from my sling.

You join Ike in a tactical facepalm and prepare for indiscriminate murder.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 17, 2015, 02:50:00 am

In the midst of all this serious planning and such, Alan decides it's been far too long since something interesting has happened.

Wander outside with a friendly expression on my face. Determine what's been causing all this commotion and wave happily at it/blast it with my balls if it starts attacking me or something.

As you run towards the top, you hear the sound of the Discoball change and start returning to its normal buzzing sound as it starts once more getting closer.

Getting towards the top, you notice several things.

First thing is that there are indeed two men on your right, both wearing leather armour with a bit of metal in the left shoulder and leg. One of them is lying on the ground unconscious, with the flesh from half of his hand gone, leaving only bone behind, yet he is not bleeding. The other is crawling towards him. One of his hands must have been injured, for he appears to be having trouble moving it. He is holding a dangerous-looking knife in the other.

Second thing is that there is a large number of men (and very few women) running towards you, coming from your left. They are wearing polished bronze-coloured armour that shines golden in the midday sun. It looks (and sounds) heavy and covers almost all of their body, yet they can apparently run with an acceptable speed despite that. Most of them have a shield of similar colour with ornate carvings, decorations and spikes and a heavy-looking sword currently in their sheathe. Leading the charge is a man wearing silvery medium armour on his chest over red clothes, with a short sword in his sheathe. He is currently in the process of raising his hand and shouting a spell.

His followed by another man in armour similar to the rest, but more ornate. However, what separates him from the others is that instead of one medium shield, he has two giant ones, one strapped to each arm in such a way that they still allow him to use his hands. The shields are beautifully decorated with carvings of feathers that, along with their shape (teardrop-shaped with the pointy bit pointing backwards and slightly downwards), make them look like wings, a fact that along with the shape of his helmet (it's slightly pointy where the mouth should be, like a beak) makes the man look like some kind of flightless bird made out of metal. The part of the shield close to the wielder's hands has menacing spikes. The part of the edge the shield close to the arm is thick, blunt and curved on one shield and thin and sharp on the other, almost like the edge of a blade, yet the two look like they could fit together, so that if he held both in front of him and grabbed one hand with the other, they would form an S-like seam. On the other side, the long "feathers" at the end of the wings also look menacingly sharp.

And third is the Discoball, a ball of frozen lightning getting ready to swoop down on the two men while at the same time getting narrowly missed by the spell's beam.

Hmm... Now, which of the three is causing the most commotion...
Should I roll? I think I should roll. I mean, you did put it in the action, right there. Yeah, I'm going to roll. Can't resist that.
You logically deduce that the men in armour are making all this noise because they're running to help their two friends from that strange bright buzzing ball thing. Therefore, the best way to get them to stop sooner would be to... kill the two guys more quickly. That should get them to stop. Your ball should be more efficient at killing them than their ball. Yeah, that sounds right.

With a scream of Alan powers, activate! CHAAAOOS DUNK! you launch a gigantic basketball their way, pulsating with purplish energy.

Unfortunately, you miss. The ball goes right over their heads, instead hitting the Discoball currently swooping down on them. It seems that the collision of such mighty balls is deadly to all involved. Your ball bursts with a loud bang accompanied by a very bright flash, the semi-deflated flaming piece of rubber bouncing on the ground (and the two unfortunate men below it) before flying away for a short distance. It stays where it lands, still smoking and burning. The ball of lightning they call Discoball is nowhere to be seen.

The other guys are still running towards you, but they're slowing down. Well, that's one way to resolve all this noise. Now you'll have to endure all the honour and praise that is sure to follow for accidentally hurting those two when you meant to do it intentionally.

Everyone
You gain all the audio and most spatial information Alan got, with Ike having better accuracy and quality, as is to be expected.
That means Rovan shouting his spell, the armoured men slowing down as they approach Alan, the ball bursting over the two men, the Discoball's buzzing no longer being audible.
Everyone except Ike and Alan doesn't know where exactly the remains of the giant basketball landed and that it is on fire, but I'm guessing that's not terribly important to anyone but Irine.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

((Totally love how you're going with this IC perfectly Parisbre :3 You knew Theri didn't mean you but meant 'probably maybe possible everyone else'))

Theri's eyes brightened at the mention of her orb, keeping her mind away from the bloody stain.

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River." Her eyes drifted back onto the stain after taking and putting on her set of clothes. "But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."

Noticing the (partially) OK fit with the clothing--a bit loose around the waist and she needed to cut a bit for her tail--she picked up the other set and plopped it right next to River.

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"

Inquire; get ready; investigate; leave when all are OK :D

((I try to stick in character when I'm GMing (with varying degrees of success). Hence why I have River stick with his dislike of wearing clothes (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677018#msg5677018).))

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River."
River smiles at your response before closing his eyes and returning to resting, while you dress.

"But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."
"Hm...? Oh, you do not need to worry about them."

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"
"Yes. You are correct. I have learned more about how to use my gifts to create rather than destroy. But I am not very good at it. Not when I do not have my friends helping me. Or a source of power."
"It is hard to make something from nothing. It is easier when I have a material to change."
"It also needs strength. I had to conserve my strength. Use it for... more important things. Use it to help my companions and my friends. I am too tiered to use it now."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 18, 2015, 09:21:28 pm

"Arggghh... The freaking doors..."
Try again, but this time with punches and the remaining door.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 09:21:44 pm

Smile and generally act in a friendly manner towards the approaching people, unless they seem to want to murder me in which case skedaddle.

"Hello, fellow human people! I am Alan, and I have just saved you from the evils of disco! What are your names?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on July 18, 2015, 10:15:10 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 09:21:44 pm

Smile and generally act in a friendly manner towards the approaching people, unless they seem to want to murder me in which case skedaddle.

"Hello, fellow human people! I am Alan, and I have just saved you from the evils of disco! What are your names?"

((Ahhhh this is beautiful, I really see what you mean by your luck.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 10:27:06 pm

((Yeah see, I accidentally deliberately try to kill the two guys but instead end up killing the thing that was trying to kill them, so I just go with the flow.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 19, 2015, 02:10:04 am

Get to a better position to attack and flee from, ideally in cover. Size up the army, roughly how many knights is a lot?

Watch Alan's attempt at diplomancy with imaginary popcorn. If the violence inevitably happens then sling a tsar boulder aiming to crush dual shield guy and everyone near him.

Oh and just in case if one of my boulders is ever going to hit a teammate untsar it before it hits them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 19, 2015, 05:50:14 am

Metalic clicks? I'm betting on a gun.
Get to cover. Fire at the voice once, use the flash of gunshot to see where the voice owner is, shoot it three times.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on July 19, 2015, 02:33:05 pm

"Well, if someone is getting to get us to go through the remaining door,  I have no interest. Now, let's see if that distortion prtoects the walls as well. Everyone be ready to dodge, this could turn out to be quite a bad idea."
Pick a wall to cut a hole through. Start the cut with a low intensity laser in the visible spectrum to check for a similar distortion. If clear, speed up the cutting process with a higher power laser, but keep it in the visible spectrum and stay on my toes, be ready to dodge and abort if things go south at any point in the process.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 19, 2015, 02:35:41 pm

Alright, after getting myself a nice suit, find that guy who burned me, and burn him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: akkudakku on July 19, 2015, 02:57:11 pm

Help the guy. Speed up the team afterwards.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 19, 2015, 03:02:13 pm

Stay low. Analyze teammates abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 19, 2015, 06:56:18 pm

Group A

---

"So, do you kill for sport or necessity? Do you serve a higher purpose?"
Can I move quietly? When I'm done talking move a step or two to the left. Start trying to break into his mind, and be ready to make a telekinetic shield.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 19, 2015, 07:07:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Hoo boy, this is going to get ugly, isn't it?>

Be prepared to rush to Alan's aid, what with him being the MVP and all. Don't do so if conflict is not clearly imminent, however.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 19, 2015, 09:40:12 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 18, 2015, 02:49:58 pm

((Let's see what we can do here...))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If possible, become an amorphous gelid being, like a slime. Ooze my way out of the debris. Maintain a high acidity level inside my body, and distribute my brain all around so that destroying it would require completely destroying me.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Remember that you are still limited by minimum size, meaning that if you are reduced beyond a certain size you will die.

You manage to become THE BLOOOOB! A small mini blob. A cute little mini-blob. That does a strange gurgling noise. Who's a cute blob? Who's a cute amorphous bouncy blob? Who's a little flubbly wubbly? Yes you are. Yes you-...
...
Ahem...

Aanyway, you also manage to spread out your brain-anchor all-over your body.

You pseudopod your way through the rubble. You also develop small sacks in your body that are about acidic as a lemon.

Unfortunately, as you are moving through the building, more kinetic blasts hit it, but you manage to move and let yourself "flow" away from resettling debris in such a way that you receive no damage.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 18, 2015, 02:56:01 pm

Spoiler: Buildings destroyed count: 1 (click to show/hide)

Try to get myself out of this debris while being VERY careful with my legs. Don't want to terminator drag all over the place again. Blast the debris (the debris near my legs takes priority) away if I can do it without hurting myself. If I manage to get myself out - take a look around for Rune in case that I toppled the right building.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Despite the general difficulty of being accurate with such sensitive tasks while using a giant metal arm, you manage to get your legs free. You also blast the rubble a couple of times for good measure. Unfortunately, your opponent is nowhere to be seen. He could be in there, skittering away from his inevitable doom like a bug. Or he could be in the other side of town, laughing as he watches your futile efforts to find him.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 18, 2015, 08:19:10 pm

Spoiler: A bit more literal overshoot (click to show/hide)

Good thing I can fly. Buzz back in and copy that drone a lot.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You activate your engine, do a little loop and make a perfect landing back into the floor you were on. Hm. You feel like you're getting the hang of this flying business. Could get used to it. Wonder if you could get Zero to give you some sort of flight ability...
You make two more perfect copies of the drone and let them fly away, letting them do whatever it is they're doing. The work is fairly quick, since you don't need to concentrate as much on the form and the construction process, you only need to give your ability enough time to summon the necessary parts.
You're working on the third one when you see a red blip on your visor, next to one of the white points that represent your drone network. You're not sure which drone it was, you weren't paying much attention. A few moments later, the white dot disappears, while the red one becomes a slowly expanding disk on where you assume the ground is.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 19, 2015, 02:35:41 pm

Alright, after getting myself a nice suit, find that guy who burned me, and burn him.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You suit up and go looking for someone to kill. In the time it took you to dress, the smoke and dust outside has started dispersing somewhat, aided by the sea breeze common during these hours, the time of day the sun descends below the horizon.

As you walk back towards the spot you fell from the ground, you spot a point of light descending from a window high up on a very tall building. As it gets closer to you, you realise that it's some sort of machine, a ball made out of cameras, gliding forward on small rockets. It seems like it's going to pass right above you, but it changes course part-way through, heading straight towards you.

You fire a firebolt at it. That's when you notice something you hadn't noticed before, because the firebolt was moving too quickly. It's actually a solid thing (or at least partially solid) for you can see something moving in there, something like wings. And the thing seems to be turning, following the machine as it tries to evade. It hits the machine, causing its fuel tanks to explode in a marvellous fireball.

You look up at the window. A few seconds later, an identical point of light flies away from the same window, heading somewhere towards your left.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on July 19, 2015, 02:10:04 am

Get to a better position to attack and flee from, ideally in cover. Size up the army, roughly how many knights is a lot?

Watch Alan's attempt at diplomancy with imaginary popcorn. If the violence inevitably happens then sling a tsar boulder aiming to crush dual shield guy and everyone near him.

Oh and just in case if one of my boulders is ever going to hit a teammate untsar it before it hits them.

You approach Alan and take cover close to him, close enough to see what's going on.

You'd say there's about 20 of them here. If you bowl your boulder right, it's just two strikes, or maybe a strike and a spare.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 19, 2015, 07:07:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<Hoo boy, this is going to get ugly, isn't it?>

Be prepared to rush to Alan's aid, what with him being the MVP and all. Don't do so if conflict is not clearly imminent, however.

You watch Nikolai get closer to Alan and Alan begin his attempt at diplomancy. They're still not killing each other. And they're still not close enough to see you due to your negative relative elevation.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 18, 2015, 09:21:44 pm

Smile and generally act in a friendly manner towards the approaching people, unless they seem to want to murder me in which case skedaddle.

"Hello, fellow human people! I am Alan, and I have just saved you from the evils of disco! What are your names?"

You smile and wave at the men as their run slows to a walk, before stopping some distance away from you, close enough that you can talk without yelling but not close enough to talk without raising your voice. Not that that is a problem for you.

"Hello, fellow human people! I am Alan, and I have just saved you from the evils of disco! What are your names?"

The armoured man with the two shields looks at the less-armoured one for a few seconds and whispers something. The other man shakes his head slightly in response. The armoured man turns to face you again and takes a step forward.

"I am Pragmatus Ignales, commander of the the Torch of Omens." he responds to your question. His voice sounds loud but slightly distorted due to the metal helmet obscuring most of his face.
"And this is Rovan Istam of the Fire Tower." he continues, using a gesture with one of his shields to indicate the less armoured young man next to him.

Said man is alternating between looking at you and looking at the two men you tried to murder but instead saved and may have accidentally murdered. The attention of the rest of the men is spread between looking at you, looking at the two fallen men and keeping an eye on their environment.

"Who is that man? Why are you here?" he asks, momentarily turning his helmet towards Nikolai, who has apparently joined you in a more cowardly fashion, before looking back at you.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 19, 2015, 11:18:56 pm

Campaign, Alan

"Oh, he's my buddy! His name's ... Nicholo? Nakalas? Something like that. We're here to ... actually I completely forget why we're here. I'm just sorta taking in the sights and stuff myself. Just woke up a little while ago, y'see, you must know how colorful everything looks after a really long deep sleep. Nice to meet you, Roven and Pagnatus! Sorry, I'm bad with names. Apart from mine of course, because mine's awesome."

"Oh, how're those two possibly dead dudes doing? D'you think they're hungry? I have food."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 19, 2015, 11:25:43 pm

I look around uncertainly and wait, watching Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 19, 2015, 11:43:40 pm

Spoiler: Hm. (click to show/hide)

Good enough.  Fire Bigass Rocket Launcher at the most likely location of the target near the red blip; if there's no further detail, dead center of the red area.  Ditch the launcher (too big) and summon up some frag grenades; get a good one and start copying.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 20, 2015, 12:37:38 am

Go stand next to Alan. Twirl my sling a bit.
"It's Nikolai. We're badass monster hunters, looking for monster. Why are you here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 20, 2015, 12:55:32 am

"We're monster hunters? Huh. Sounds badass enough to fit me."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 04:07:43 am

Spoiler: can I keep one? (click to show/hide)

Grab one of them and keep it like a pet. And go look for that guy too.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2015, 04:49:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Hey! They're not instantly hostile. Poor fools. It's almost like they don't know what they're getting into.>

Keep an ear out. Analyze the sounds of the wind. Do I hear buzzing?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 20, 2015, 07:47:29 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Just in case that I felled the right building I'll wait for a short while and watch for Rune. Also, I'll switch my axe for a crossbow.

If I don't see Rune I'll go blast a different building.

If I see him I'll take a shot at him and then close the distance as fast as I can and blast him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 20, 2015, 09:00:47 am

Just a quick response from my phone, since you're all talking and waiting.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 19, 2015, 11:25:43 pm

I look around uncertainly and wait, watching Ike.

It's kinda hard to watch Ike while remaining away from the entrance, given that Ike is standing outside on the other side of this little crevice you two are in.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2015, 04:49:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Hey! They're not instantly hostile. Poor fools. It's almost like they don't know what they're getting into.>

Keep an ear out. Analyze the sounds of the wind. Do I hear buzzing?

Nope. No buzzing. Not even the figurative kind.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 19, 2015, 11:18:56 pm

Campaign, Alan

"Oh, he's my buddy! His name's ... Nicholo? Nakalas? Something like that. We're here to ... actually I completely forget why we're here. I'm just sorta taking in the sights and stuff myself. Just woke up a little while ago, y'see, you must know how colorful everything looks after a really long deep sleep. Nice to meet you, Roven and Pagnatus! Sorry, I'm bad with names. Apart from mine of course, because mine's awesome."

"Oh, how're those two possibly dead dudes doing? D'you think they're hungry? I have food."

Quote from: NAV on July 20, 2015, 12:37:38 am

Go stand next to Alan. Twirl my sling a bit.
"It's Nikolai. We're badass monster hunters, looking for monster. Why are you here?"

Do you mean twirl like a mustache, like a staff, simply start spinning it around?

Quote from: Xantalos on July 20, 2015, 12:55:32 am

"We're monster hunters? Huh. Sounds badass enough to fit me."

The two men look at each other for a few seconds but say nothing. Pragmatus turns to face you again.
"Our mission is to investigate the loss of the city and the Tower and to find a way to repair or mitigate the damage and the resulting chaos."
He waits a few seconds before continuing.
"I will send four of my men to check the health of my scouts. Is there anything I should know about this area? Are there any more of your group around here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on July 20, 2015, 09:32:07 am

Quote from: Narrator! on July 18, 2015, 09:04:40 pm

Spoiler: What had happened! (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on July 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

((Totally love how you're going with this IC perfectly Parisbre :3 You knew Theri didn't mean you but meant 'probably maybe possible everyone else'))

Theri's eyes brightened at the mention of her orb, keeping her mind away from the bloody stain.

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River." Her eyes drifted back onto the stain after taking and putting on her set of clothes. "But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."

Noticing the (partially) OK fit with the clothing--a bit loose around the waist and she needed to cut a bit for her tail--she picked up the other set and plopped it right next to River.

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"

Inquire; get ready; investigate; leave when all are OK

((I try to stick in character when I'm GMing (with varying degrees of success). Hence why I have River stick with his dislike of wearing clothes (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677018#msg5677018).))

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River."
River smiles at your response before closing his eyes and returning to resting, while you dress.

"But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."
"Hm...? Oh, you do not need to worry about them."

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"
"Yes. You are correct. I have learned more about how to use my gifts to create rather than destroy. But I am not very good at it. Not when I do not have my friends helping me. Or a source of power."
"It is hard to make something from nothing. It is easier when I have a material to change."
"It also needs strength. I had to conserve my strength. Use it for... more important things. Use it to help my companions and my friends. I am too tired to use it now."

((You misspelled tired; "tiered" :P))

Theri nudged River with his stack of clothes, sitting on the floor.

"When you're rested and ready. Do say."

She looked him over and imagined him with clothes--recalling the various mentions of him and clothes together.

"But...I can get the silliness of fur + clothes. You don't look awkward in it though. Maybe a bit of style is needed is all."

She was glad about him mentioning his friends making him strong...
"Where are we? What place is this, and who owned this bar? It doesn't seem right for me to just take these though. I do hope whoever owns this place is alright.

"Could you tell me more about yourself? I've heard DarkStar a few times."

Continue conversing, and get to know River more!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 20, 2015, 11:41:53 am

Campaign, Alan

"City? Tower? Those sound important, what happened to them?"

It's uncertain if he's pretending to not know that he was partially responsible for destroying them or just forgot.

"Ah good. Tell me quickly if they want ice cream though, because that's gonna melt fast.
I don't know anything about this area though, again, just woke up from supernap. And there are more of my pals near here, but they're always kinda nervous about interaction with people so they might not come out for a bit until they feel not nervous or something."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2015, 12:18:35 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Remain an introverted cannibal listening from afar.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 20, 2015, 03:50:27 pm

I wait where I am, gently flexing my fingers, hands, and arms to see how much control, motion, and feeling I have from them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 03:55:18 pm

(Never mind, not leaving. I enjoy this too much. And my PS3 is practically fried :(. )

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 20, 2015, 03:58:07 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 03:55:18 pm

(Never mind, not leaving. I enjoy this too much. And my PS3 is practically fried :(. )

((It's all about the density of entertainment. Although slow, this game is very, very, fun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 20, 2015, 05:16:47 pm

(Just spinning it a bit. Its funny because its such a puny weapon.)
"Send two men with no weapons or shields.

Alan's mostly right, we know not much about the city or tower. Just passing through. There's a few more in our group. What did happen here anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on July 20, 2015, 05:23:10 pm

Team A

I'm just gonna keep quiet and try to figure out where that guy is at. Do the thing I do if attacked.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 20, 2015, 08:16:14 pm

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 18, 2015, 09:21:28 pm

"Arggghh... The freaking doors..."
Try again, but this time with punches and the remaining door.

You punch the door a few times and also significantly increase the strength of your magnetic field. You hear the door's frame crack from the pressure.

You'd try again, but the science guy is firing really powerful lasers now and you don't want to be anywhere near there. You'd prefer to not burn alive.

Quote from: Wolfkit on July 19, 2015, 02:33:05 pm

"Well, if someone is getting to get us to go through the remaining door,  I have no interest. Now, let's see if that distortion prtoects the walls as well. Everyone be ready to dodge, this could turn out to be quite a bad idea."
Pick a wall to cut a hole through. Start the cut with a low intensity laser in the visible spectrum to check for a similar distortion. If clear, speed up the cutting process with a higher power laser, but keep it in the visible spectrum and stay on my toes, be ready to dodge and abort if things go south at any point in the process.

You write a few lines of calculations, enough to make a tiny beam. The small green spot barely has any effect on the wall.
"What if we tried more power?"
You make sever lines of calculations, enough to make a quite bright beam. The bright point of light seems to be having no effect beyond making a small scorch mark on the wall.
"What if we tried more power?"
You fill about half a page of your notepad, making a beam of respectable size. The bright spot on the wall is barely enough to make the wall start smoking slightly, but it's more than enough to start making you uncomfortably warm. You're pretty sure that's not normal wood.
"What if we tried more power?"
It takes you some time, but after a couple of pages of calculations you manage to make a beam so strong that you have to keep your eyes closed while it's on, both to avoid getting blind and to avoid the searing heat unleashed from this. When it's done, there's a glowing hole in the wall, but it's not deep enough for you to see the other side. Darn it.
Do you want to continue? Or maybe try more power?

Quote from: Illgeo on July 19, 2015, 03:02:13 pm

Stay low. Analyze teammates abilities.

Well, communication is definitely not one of them.
Nor spotting obvious things, apparently. If someone wanted to herd them towards that room, it would make sense for the door to be unlocked.
Not to mention common sense, since firing a laser inside a wooden house that didn't have abnormally resilient walls would probably result in a fire that would kill most of you.

Your professional opinion is that you should stay as far away from them as possible and shout encouraging words while they self-destructively or just plain destructively solve any problems they encounter.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 18, 2015, 11:40:36 am

"Agh. That's not good."

Pull myself off the ledge, onto the safe ground. I don't want to be anywhere near that hole. If I fail... send myself into the the ceiling with the relevant [special].

Quote from: mydjet on July 18, 2015, 06:39:08 pm

If no one helps fallacy get out of his hole I get up and go to him as carefully as a drunk person can.
if someone dose help him i poke my head in the doorway on the right and knock on the wall saying "Any one home?"

Quote from: akkudakku on July 19, 2015, 02:57:11 pm

Help the guy. Speed up the team afterwards.

Modus runs and dives into the hole, sliding to a stop at its edge and grabbing Kosak, thus stopping his slow slide into the dark hole. A few seconds later Jhon arrives and helps pull the two out of the hole.

A few seconds later, after everyone has calmed down sufficiently and caught their breath, Modus attempts yet another speedup spell, but unfortunately he can't concentrate enough to properly complete the spell and it fizzles out with no effect.

You all rolled well, so not much to say about this.

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 19, 2015, 05:50:14 am

Metalic clicks? I'm betting on a gun.
Get to cover. Fire at the voice once, use the flash of gunshot to see where the voice owner is, shoot it three times.

You pull out your pistol, take cover and fire off a few shots at the man, using the flashes of light to improve your aim. As you thought, he is taking cover behind a wooden piece of furniture, but you keep shooting at him anyway.

You hear nothing after those shots beyond the ringing in your ears.

Quote from: Alarith on July 19, 2015, 06:56:18 pm

Group A

---

"So, do you kill for sport or necessity? Do you serve a higher purpose?"
Can I move quietly? When I'm done talking move a step or two to the left. Start trying to break into his mind, and be ready to make a telekinetic shield.

You start breaking into his mind, but a few seconds later there is a series of gunshots, a burst of surprise and pain from him, shortly followed by rage and then a couple of seconds later his psychic energy starts dissolving until it disappears completely.

You can no longer feel him nearby. All you can feel is the injured man and this... undefined presence.

You open yourself up and carefully sense the surrounding area, trying to spot any sign of the man's psychic energy, but you can sense nothing. However you do spot something you had missed before. There is a strange sort of... void roughly over where the injured man should be. It feels like a black cloud that swallows up all psychic energy around. It is covering a good chunk of the room's ceiling (if there is one) and is at its most powerful above the injured man's body.

Quote from: Beirus on July 20, 2015, 05:23:10 pm

Team A

I'm just gonna keep quiet and try to figure out where that guy is at. Do the thing I do if attacked.

Right now? You have no idea. You didn't hear him move or talk at all after those gunshots.

---

All in Team A
"What's happening? Did you get him?" you hear the injured man say with a quivering voice.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 20, 2015, 10:08:10 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 19, 2015, 11:43:40 pm

Spoiler: Hm. (click to show/hide)

Good enough.  Fire Bigass Rocket Launcher at the most likely location of the target near the red blip; if there's no further detail, dead center of the red area.  Ditch the launcher (too big) and summon up some frag grenades; get a good one and start copying.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It's a bit hard to make anything out at this distance and the fact that night is coming and everything is getting darker is not helping. But you do see a big fire close to where the red blip is, where your drone used to be, that wasn't there before. You assume that he's going to be somewhere over there and fire your bigass rocket. As expected, it creates a bigass explosion.

That done, you start summoning grenades. You get about 3 grenades, not recommended for children. You also summon a tennis racket for launching said grenades.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 04:07:43 am

Spoiler: can I keep one? (click to show/hide)

Grab one of them and keep it like a pet. And go look for that guy too.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You mean the fire things or the camera orb things?

The first thing would be very hard, since they go fast and explode, meaning that catching one would be difficult (unless you put one hand in front of the other) and doing so without catching fire would be even more difficult.

The second thing would be marginally less hard, since it would require you to jump to grab one or otherwise make your way high into the air. Unless you used your strength to wield something like a giant fishing net.

Anyway, you start making your way towards the tower you saw that thing fly out of. You assume that's where that guy is. A few seconds later a giant rocket flies out of the same window you saw that drone fly out of, making its way towards where you were a few moments ago with tremendous speed and exploding in a gigantic fireball, sending chunks of asphalt flying everywhere. Good thing you moved.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 20, 2015, 12:18:35 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Remain an introverted cannibal listening from afar.

You regain an incognito Hannibal listening from a jar.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 20, 2015, 03:50:27 pm

I wait where I am, gently flexing my fingers, hands, and arms to see how much control, motion, and feeling I have from them.

Feeling is not a very big problem, you can feel them almost as well as you remember. And motion is mostly OK, it doesn't feel like any motion has become any harder than usual. Control however is hard, mostly because you have to expend a lot of effort to make even simple motions. Furthermore, each motion feels slightly... unpredictable, like trying to move a rusty unoiled piece of a machine, like sometimes you put too little effort into moving something, then suddenly that effort becomes too much for a moment and then it becomes too little again.

You feel slightly better than before, like maybe you could remain standing for maybe a minute if you were in fox form, but not much better. And you could perhaps perform some simple tasks with your hands given some time or effort, like picking something up and putting it somewhere else.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 20, 2015, 11:41:53 am

Campaign, Alan

"City? Tower? Those sound important, what happened to them?"

It's uncertain if he's pretending to not know that he was partially responsible for destroying them or just forgot.

"Ah good. Tell me quickly if they want ice cream though, because that's gonna melt fast.
I don't know anything about this area though, again, just woke up from supernap. And there are more of my pals near here, but they're always kinda nervous about interaction with people so they might not come out for a bit until they feel not nervous or something."

The two men look at each other again for a few seconds, Rovan raising his shoulders with a puzzled expression.

Quote from: NAV on July 20, 2015, 05:16:47 pm

(Just spinning it a bit. Its funny because its such a puny weapon.)
"Send two men with no weapons or shields.

Alan's mostly right, we know not much about the city or tower. Just passing through. There's a few more in our group. What did happen here anyway?"

Pragmatus looks at you for some time. Yet his rigid stance does not change. It doesn't feel like he's afraid of you. It's something else.

"It's fine. I can go there." Rovan says with an almost pleading tone.
Pragmatus seems to consider this for a few seconds, slightly tilting his head.
"Hmmm." he responds.
Rovan seems to take this for acceptance, for he removes his sword and proceeds towards the two scouts, giving Alan and Nikolai a wide berth. As Rovan walks, Pragmatus starts speaking again.
"You should watch your tone. You have no authority to make demands, not from me, not here. We are the king's hand in this kingdom. I suggest you take your pet chaos sorcerer and the rest of your group and leave before I decide you are worth the time it would take to discipline you."

---

@Tiruin: Got to sleep now, I will do your action tomorrow.





OOC

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 03:55:18 pm

(Never mind, not leaving. I enjoy this too much. And my PS3 is practically fried :(. )

Ah, cool.
Not the PS3 part, that's unfortunate and I hope it gets resolved soon. I remember when my PC's motherboard was fried...
The not leaving part. I'm happy I have made something people enjoy and hope I continue to do so.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 20, 2015, 03:58:07 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 20, 2015, 03:55:18 pm

(Never mind, not leaving. I enjoy this too much. And my PS3 is practically fried :(. )

((It's all about the density of entertainment. Although slow, this game is very, very, fun.))

Like I've said, I work slowly. I admire people that can work fast, but I'm not one of them. It takes some time to get some inspiration and have the turn "feel" right and I constantly forget things and need to look back into my notes.
Still glad you enjoy it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 21, 2015, 12:36:01 am

Alan, Campaign

Alan raises his hands in a gesture of relaxation and serenity. Ie not pointing towards the guys, pointing upwards in the air. Possibly with thumbs up. He makes relaxing gestures as he talks anyways.

"Hey man, no need to be rude, Noklis is just nervous and all for some reason because he's that kinda guy. I'm sure he was just trying to preserve the atmosphere of chill and relaxation we have going on here, and worded his request a little unchillfully. It happens, no one's as charismatic as me, y'know.

Anyway, I'd love to be able to comply with your asking, bro, but we can't right now - some of our other friends are still working out the kinks from our nap since they didn't want blankets for some reason. We should be outta your hair in a few hours or so, but until then why don't we just chill where we are, you guys can do your thing, whatever it is, and we can all leave relaxed and chill, huh? Sound good? Sounds good to me."

"But no seriously what happened to the city and tower? I remember being in a citylike thing at one point, but that was a while ago so I dunno if it's the one you're talking about. It was all red and stuff."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 21, 2015, 02:34:13 am

I slowly sit down and pull my knees towards my chest with my arms. waiting and listening. my ears turned towards the sounds of the people talking.
do I hear the conversation or just voices speaking without understanding the words? Do I recognize any voices?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 21, 2015, 03:48:57 am

Campaign, Ike!

To Nikolai and Alan: <Guys, don't annoy the Roman centurion. Just nod, pretend to be afraid and get the hell out of his way.>

How still is the armored detachment from the sound of it?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 21, 2015, 04:16:40 am

<How could I possibly be annoying?>

Says Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2015, 06:28:05 am

PFP

---

Campaign

---

If Alan turns out to be the best in interacting with NPCs, I'll eat my dice.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 21, 2015, 02:34:13 am

I slowly sit down and pull my knees towards my chest with my arms. waiting and listening. my ears turned towards the sounds of the people talking.
do I hear the conversation or just voices speaking without understanding the words? Do I recognize any voices?

They're nearby and speaking loudly while everything else is quiet, so you can hear them if you focus on it. So I guess you could had heard the entire thing and understood who said what. Except for that guy grunting, because how loudly can a person grunt?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 21, 2015, 03:48:57 am

Campaign, Ike!

To Nikolai and Alan: <Guys, don't annoy the Roman centurion. Just nod, pretend to be afraid and get the hell out of his way.>

How still is the armored detachment from the sound of it?

You'd say almost perfectly still. They don't move much, they don't speak much...

Quote from: Xantalos on July 21, 2015, 12:36:01 am

Alan, Campaign

Alan raises his hands in a gesture of relaxation and serenity. Ie not pointing towards the guys, pointing upwards in the air. Possibly with thumbs up. He makes relaxing gestures as he talks anyways.

"Hey man, no need to be rude, Noklis is just nervous and all for some reason because he's that kinda guy. I'm sure he was just trying to preserve the atmosphere of chill and relaxation we have going on here, and worded his request a little unchillfully. It happens, no one's as charismatic as me, y'know.

Anyway, I'd love to be able to comply with your asking, bro, but we can't right now - some of our other friends are still working out the kinks from our nap since they didn't want blankets for some reason. We should be outta your hair in a few hours or so, but until then why don't we just chill where we are, you guys can do your thing, whatever it is, and we can all leave relaxed and chill, huh? Sound good? Sounds good to me."

"But no seriously what happened to the city and tower? I remember being in a citylike thing at one point, but that was a while ago so I dunno if it's the one you're talking about. It was all red and stuff."

"Hmmm." he grunts.
"Your speech may be strange but you speak well." he continues.
He looks behind you, at Rovan making some sort of gesture to him.
"We will make a temporary camp here while we investigate the site of the Tower. I suggest you stay away unless necessary.
I have no answers for you at the moment. The investigation into the city's destruction is still ongoing."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: akkudakku on July 21, 2015, 08:20:24 am

"One last try..."

Speed the team up. Try to find a way further into the house.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 21, 2015, 09:06:34 am

"Good diplomacy, comrade!"

Nik puts away his sling now that he knows he won't have to use it and goes to join the others in the cave. Slightly dissapointed that he doesn't get fancy new shield and armour, but mostly relieved and shocked at Alan's diplomacy skills.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on July 21, 2015, 09:19:33 am

Team B

---

"I'm going to increase the power once more, so speak now or find cover and forever hold your peace!"
Unless someone objects, change the wavelength to infared, then try maximum power and take cover

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 21, 2015, 09:28:11 am

I... I think I'll just sit here?
I mean, the others know what they're doing... right?
I'll... I'll just wait and see what happens?
I... I guess I will.
I'm just sitting here all curled up and waiting.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 21, 2015, 11:55:58 am

Spoiler: I want an orb thing as a pet (click to show/hide)

Gonna be smart for once. Try to see the trail the rocket left, because I'm sure that's where that guy is. Otherwise. Hide behind some rubble, because I'm sure he'll come along to look for bits of me. When he gets to a decent distance (about mid-close range, if not seen, on reaction if I think he saw me), shoot him with hand napalm.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 21, 2015, 12:05:43 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<That could have gone much worse. Thanks, Alan, you're a true asset. With all that, though, it might be time for us to look for a less centurion-infested locale, though.>

Could I possibly move away from here without the legion of doom noticing me?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 21, 2015, 12:12:32 pm

Spoiler: Uh oh. (click to show/hide)

Ditch the silly racket and hang on to the grenades, because we're going to use them.  Get airborne and start slowly heading down; keep at least 60 feet off the ground.  Let the sensor drones do their work; we need to find this guy.

No, I'm not bringing the huge rocket launcher.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 21, 2015, 01:05:21 pm

"Aight, peace out bro. Have a good investigation and all that jazz."

Swagger back to my companions.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 21, 2015, 03:44:50 pm

"What now? WhadoIpunch?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 21, 2015, 04:28:23 pm

See if my flashlight is still not working. If so, throw it at the guy I was shooting at. If it works, see how this place and that guy actualy look like.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2015, 08:29:15 pm

Just a quick one before I go to bed. ((That's what she said!))

---

Campaign

---

As always, if you feel that there's nothing more you want to do in the short term, then you can say something like "Wait until X" or "Do the X thing Y times." or "While I wait, do X.", etc.

Quote from: NAV on July 21, 2015, 09:06:34 am

"Good diplomacy, comrade!"

Nik puts away his sling now that he knows he won't have to use it and goes to join the others in the cave. Slightly dissapointed that he doesn't get fancy new shield and armour, but mostly relieved and shocked at Alan's diplomacy skills.

Well, you can always sneak attack them or try to steal it from them.
Or maybe try to barter for it if you don't want to murder everybody for some reason, but I doubt they'd give their equipment to you when they obviously need it, unless you can offer something important.
Hmm... Maybe you could rat out Irine and Ike for a shield? You bet they'd like to know their location. And it would give you the cool new nickname of "Judas".

Quote from: Lenglon on July 21, 2015, 09:28:11 am

I... I think I'll just sit here?
I mean, the others know what they're doing... right?
I'll... I'll just wait and see what happens?
I... I guess I will.
I'm just sitting here all curled up and waiting.

You play the waiting game. You think you're going to win this time.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 21, 2015, 12:05:43 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<That could have gone much worse. Thanks, Alan, you're a true asset. With all that, though, it might be time for us to look for a less centurion-infested locale, though.>

Could I possibly move away from here without the legion of doom noticing me?

Maybe, if you're lucky. Those guys are setting up camp right next to here. That means they're going to have lookouts. If you're lucky, you could get out at a moment they're not looking. Or maybe if you're spotted, they won't run after you or will give up the pursuit when you go too far.

Going up the slope offers as much concealment as climbing the other sides of this little hole, so there's little reason to risk climbing, beyond the fact that they would have to go a greater distance around the hole catch up to you. The tunnel's collapsed so you can't go out that way, not unless you want to do some digging.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 21, 2015, 01:05:21 pm

"Aight, peace out bro. Have a good investigation and all that jazz."

Swagger back to my companions.

You make some sort of gang sign and try your best to swagger without falling while going down a steep slope.
After a short loud utterance from Pragmatus, the group of armoured men starts marching forward towards the crater in an orderly fashion, their metal-covered boots making the ground shudder slightly as they strike the earth at the same time.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 20, 2015, 09:32:07 am

Quote from: Narrator! on July 18, 2015, 09:04:40 pm

Spoiler: What had happened! (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on July 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

((Totally love how you're going with this IC perfectly Parisbre :3 You knew Theri didn't mean you but meant 'probably maybe possible everyone else'))

Theri's eyes brightened at the mention of her orb, keeping her mind away from the bloody stain.

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River." Her eyes drifted back onto the stain after taking and putting on her set of clothes. "But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."

Noticing the (partially) OK fit with the clothing--a bit loose around the waist and she needed to cut a bit for her tail--she picked up the other set and plopped it right next to River.

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"

Inquire; get ready; investigate; leave when all are OK

((I try to stick in character when I'm GMing (with varying degrees of success). Hence why I have River stick with his dislike of wearing clothes (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5677018#msg5677018).))

"I'm glad for that! Thanks River."
River smiles at your response before closing his eyes and returning to resting, while you dress.

"But...if someone was hurt here, wouldn't there be any more signs of a struggle or something? Or at the worst, signs of the result of the fight leading somewhere? I hope whoever got hurt is ok..."
"Hm...? Oh, you do not need to worry about them."

"Though I find my thoughts drifting places. I remember you said something about being a maker--like that area you made when we were in the special place. Couldn't you make clothes for yourself?"
"Yes. You are correct. I have learned more about how to use my gifts to create rather than destroy. But I am not very good at it. Not when I do not have my friends helping me. Or a source of power."
"It is hard to make something from nothing. It is easier when I have a material to change."
"It also needs strength. I had to conserve my strength. Use it for... more important things. Use it to help my companions and my friends. I am too tired to use it now."

((You misspelled tired; "tiered" :P))

Theri nudged River with his stack of clothes, sitting on the floor.

"When you're rested and ready. Do say."

She looked him over and imagined him with clothes--recalling the various mentions of him and clothes together.

"But...I can get the silliness of fur + clothes. You don't look awkward in it though. Maybe a bit of style is needed is all."

She was glad about him mentioning his friends making him strong...
"Where are we? What place is this, and who owned this bar? It doesn't seem right for me to just take these though. I do hope whoever owns this place is alright.

"Could you tell me more about yourself? I've heard DarkStar a few times."

Continue conversing, and get to know River more!

((Yeah, that's what happens when I'm "tiered" :) My eyes keep not seeing the mistakes.
I still correct spelling mistakes from my first posts in this RTD whenever I find them...))

"When you're rested and ready. Do say."
River grunts in acknowledgement, not opening his eyes.

"But...I can get the silliness of fur + clothes. You don't look awkward in it though. Maybe a bit of style is needed is all."
He remains silent for a few seconds.
"... Hm. Maybe."


"Where are we? What place is this, and who owned this bar? It doesn't seem right for me to just take these though. I do hope whoever owns this place is alright."
"I do not know who owns this place. It was abandoned when I got here. I thought it would be a good place to rest. And wait for the others to meet us. So I got in."
"As for where we are, we are in the world we were supposed to be. In the outskirts of a city. I do not know its name. There is some strong magic here, but not much else."
"The one we came here to find should be towards the east, beyond some mountains... I think. My memory has not been that good after I... I got hurt."
"I want us to leave soon. This place is dangerous. And some humans tried to hurt Irine for no reason. I would had taken her with me so we could kill them all, if I did not feel leaving was more important."

"Could you tell me more about yourself? I've heard DarkStar a few times."
"Darkstar is my name. My other name. I use it for my... It is difficult to explain. It is still myself, but not myself."
He opens his eyes and turns his head to face you. He continues speaking slowly, searching for the right words.
"I was born Darkstar. I was given someone and I knew I was destined to bond with them. I felt that was the will of the god of our kind. And the two of us were good together. We took care of each other. We flew together. We had fun. We were friends. But..."
He looks away from you.
"But things changed. After some time we were... different. I felt like... I was somehow wrong. Like I could not help as I was supposed to. Like I was failing. Not doing what he wanted. Like the one that was supposed to be closest to me was going further away. Was... hating me. Hurting me... I still wanted to do what was right. To help. But I did not know how. I felt.. abandoned."

"So I spoke to my brother. And I asked him a question. I asked him to help me understand. And he said the best way to understand, to receive the answer I wanted in the way I wanted it, was to become River and seek the answer. So I became River... while also being Darkstar. We are... the same person. Two bodies, one soul. And in time I got to like this body. It let me... do things. Learn more. Be better."
He shakes his head slightly.
"I do not know if my words are right. Maybe it would be easier if I could show you who Darkstar is. Is... is that what you want?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 21, 2015, 11:25:59 pm

Quote from: injured man

"What's happening? Did you get him?"

"I think so, something weird is going on, can you move? Try moving a little bit."
Keep an "eye" on the psychic energy. Maybe start carefully making my way to one of the walls of the room.

---

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

((Yeah, it seems pretty unique, and I like the entities. I don't know how much their personalities match up to our characters though. Hey Paris, how much are our entities personalities influenced by the way we play our characters?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 22, 2015, 01:51:48 am

Commwire, to River:<The human village sent soldiers to the crater. They made a camp above our cave. They don't know we're here, but we're trapped...>

<Is Theri okay?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 22, 2015, 03:47:24 am

Alan arrives back in the cave rather happy in an Alanish way.

"That was fun! There's a really big group of dudes dressed in really thick tinfoil running around trying to find out what happened to that one city we were in. I talked to them with my amazing talking skills and we're basically gonna chillax to ourselves, and they're gonna ... well, they don't seem the type to chillax, but they're gonna hoover around to themselves, you get my drift? Should be good unless any of you guys ended up accidentally committing a huge atrocity against their people or killed a bunch of them or something."

He looks at the rest of the group as sternly as he's capable of, which is to say not at all. He tries and fails.

"Did any of you guys do something like that? I remember some of you tend to set fire to things because you forget your words, or make one's big wheels excessively large for no good reason."

Alan has an amazing memory for certain things.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 22, 2015, 04:32:46 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Seems like this is our opportunity. Dudes are moving, and so should we in all likelihood.>

As Alan returns, Ike returns to the cave with him.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 22, 2015, 03:47:24 am

"Did any of you guys do something like that? I remember some of you tend to set fire to things because you forget your words, or make one's big wheels excessively large for no good reason."

"Oh, we most certainly did. Set fire to the refugee village, blinded a wizard, killed three guards and took their swords, entered under false pretenses, and, lest we forget, were directly responsible for the near-complete obliteration of their city. The last one, though, they don't yet know we did. The first few, though... yeah, I'm pretty sure there's at least a couple people who can place me and Irine at the scene, even though I did try to minimize witnesses."

"It does make me wonder, though, if these guys even talked to Master Kassiver. I overheard them talking about what we did to the mage, but yet they don't seem to know what happened in the Fire Tower, and Irine sure as hell told him all about that. Odd. Maybe they're just pretending to not know? Or perhaps those stones were more potent than I thought?"

"Anyway, now would be a good time to make ourselves scarce or at least get into a more defensible position. Prepare to get moving. We ought to rendezvous with Rover in not too long from now, since this doesn't seem like a very good place to rest anymore. Alan, you lead Nikolai and Zech off one way, me and Irine will go a stealthier route."

Prepare to roll out stealthily.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on July 22, 2015, 04:42:49 am

Theri pondered. She pondered on the many ideas River mentioned and pondered on how vast the knowledge he was entrusting to her was. She pondered, but she caught herself to take priorities with initiative.

"You'll show yourself when you're comfortable with it River. I'm happy with knowing you is all." She gave him a nod before focusing on the idea of Irine.
"But, if you're alright, I can support you when we go. I surprisingly feel alright--and...that note with Irine. I want to know how everyone else is doing. Is there anyway I can help while you rest?"

Theri shuddered as if a cold wind passed her. She remarked on how deep River's words to her were. It was like the creation reflecting on the will of its creator. It was an enigma and an answer.

She gave him a smile. "Because we have a long way to go it seems."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 22, 2015, 11:10:20 am

Nah, not gonna betray my teammates. Maybe for a tank, but not for a shield.

"Ready to leave at any time. The sooner the better."
Get ready to leave. Oh wait, I'm already ready to leave.

Private message to Alan: <Did you hear? He called you my pet! And also a chaos sorcerer. I thought you said you were an appliancemancer?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 22, 2015, 01:45:23 pm

Dive to cover.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 22, 2015, 01:46:26 pm

"Alrighty. Oh wait, I'll give you guys some disguises."

Try summoning up some really big bushy fake moustaches or two of those Groucho Marx glasses/nose/moustache sets.
Then get ready to leave by packing up as much of the food as I can.

Thought to Nikolai: <Yeah, I dunno what he was thinking with the chaos sorcerer thingy. I'm more a miscellaneousmancer, really, but not no chaos magic! I just use what I got very chaotically. Eh, not everyone can be perfect.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 02:50:08 am

"I... I... Okay... Um, Ike? What are we going to do?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 23, 2015, 04:19:16 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 02:50:08 am

"I... I... Okay... Um, Ike? What are we going to do?"

"Take up your fox form, we're going to do a little bit of a detour in relation to the others. We'll be all sneaky-beaky and whatnot, while they can stomp about at their leisure."

Accept any form of disguise Alan can offer. Especially a Groucho Marx set. If I have a shirt, fashion it into a hood/turban combo, tying my ears back.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 05:29:24 am

"I... are you sure? I can only make so much fire and getting smaller makes me lose a lot of it. A-also, I don't think I'll be able to walk far as a fox. My arms still need to recover from... before..."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 23, 2015, 06:09:06 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 05:29:24 am

"I... are you sure? I can only make so much fire and getting smaller makes me lose a lot of it. A-also, I don't think I'll be able to walk far as a fox. My arms still need to recover from... before..."

"Oh, right. Well, make sure to be in human form, then. Maybe figure out some way to look less recognizable, though I suppose you already seem reasonably generic."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 06:30:10 am

((Note: am currently in Hybrid form. I have a human-ish body overall, but also have three very large fox tails (they can flick up to around the top of my head), fox ears, and partly canine teeth. I'm noticeably smaller than I am in fully human form as well overall, and as a result seem to be unusually small for my age, but in terms of volume I'm bigger simply because my tails are huge.

reminder also that I'm not an adult, for the sake of understanding the logistics of trying to hide me. I'm an adolescent. this applies in fox-form as well, but isn't as noticeable simply because humans are wired to recognize humans moreso than nonhumans.

Just making sure you're aware that I'm not in fully-human form right now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 23, 2015, 06:43:29 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 06:30:10 am

((Note: am currently in Hybrid form. I have a human-ish body overall, but also have three very large fox tails (they can flick up to around the top of my head), fox ears, and partly canine teeth. I'm noticeably smaller than I am in fully human form as well overall, and as a result seem to be unusually small for my age, but in terms of volume I'm bigger simply because my tails are huge.

reminder also that I'm not an adult, for the sake of understanding the logistics of trying to hide me. I'm an adolescent. this applies in fox-form as well, but isn't as noticeable simply because humans are wired to recognize humans moreso than nonhumans.

Just making sure you're aware that I'm not in fully-human form right now.))

((I suspected as much, edited the post a little.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 10:18:55 am

"O-okay..."
I shift to full-human

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 25, 2015, 04:54:37 am

Well, I guess that could have gone worse, Zechariah thinks to himself. I don't know how we're not half past dead yet.

Oh, wait. We are.

Reluctantly follow Alan and disintegrate my shards. Conserve my energy for later.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 25, 2015, 01:32:44 pm

Spoiler: Squishy (click to show/hide)

Begin slowly crawling up the wall in slime form. As I go, develop photosynthetic cells inside my amorphous body to increase my biomass generation.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:09:37 pm

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: Illgeo on July 22, 2015, 01:45:23 pm

Dive to cover.

You do the smart thing and try to find cover. Unfortunately, there is none. So you just hug the floor as tightly as you can.

Quote from: Wolfkit on July 21, 2015, 09:19:33 am

Team B

---

"I'm going to increase the power once more, so speak now or find cover and forever hold your peace!"
Change the wavelength to infared, then try maximum power and take cover

You try to move as far away from the wall as possible, which is easier said than done when you're in a looping corridor.
"Target, maximum firepower! (https://youtu.be/2PQwo6HhNic)"
You avert your gaze from the giant beam of death, hoping that your sweat will be enough to prevent your clothes from igniting. A few seconds later, when the beam is done, you get up and start patting your head, trying to extinguish your hair.

That done, you approach the still smoking and glowing hole and try to look through it. Can't see too much. The hole is not very big. But it looks like there's something like a sewing mannequin in there, wearing a half-finished white dress with too many frills. Your laser has just missed it, making a black mark on the wall behind it. Judging from the size of the mark, the room is not small but not too large either.

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: akkudakku on July 21, 2015, 08:20:24 am

"One last try..."

Speed the team up. Try to find a way further into the house.

You manage to speed up the team for a couple of dozens of seconds.

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on July 21, 2015, 11:25:59 pm

Quote from: injured man

"What's happening? Did you get him?"

"I think so, something weird is going on, can you move? Try moving a little bit."
Keep an "eye" on the psychic energy. Maybe start carefully making my way to one of the walls of the room.

"Uh. I think so." the man replies more loudly than necessary.
"Leg's hurt but I think I- Ghhdamnit." there is a spike of pain from him but he starts moving. You can hear his legs getting dragged on the ground.
"Thank the fathers you're still alive, I thought I was- Uh? What was that? Is that you?"
Part of the psychic void above him starts condensing into a shape, like a cloud of ink with a viscous blob hanging from it, getting larger and longer until it touches the floor with a creaking and clicking sound. Suddenly a light flickers on. It stays on for a couple of seconds, during which time the psychic void in your mind's eye further condenses into the form of a human. But what you're seeing standing next to the officer, getting ready to jump on him.... that is no human.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING!?"

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 21, 2015, 04:28:23 pm

See if my flashlight is still not working. If so, throw it at the guy I was shooting at. If it works, see how this place and that guy actualy look like.

You hit the flash-light with the handle of your pistol. The third hit's the charm, as your flashlight flickers on and stays on for a couple of seconds. Plenty of time for you to see every detail of the strange creature standing a few metres ahead from you, next to the injured (and very horrified) officer frantically searching for his gun.

Its general shape is humanoid, but its features are more avian, crow-like. It has a yellow bead for an eye, one on each side of its head and a long, thin, curved, yellow beak. Instead of hands it has very short and thing wings. At the end of its wings are several brown claw-like things, about a metre long each. You can't see the entirety of its legs, but they look asymmetrical, oddly bent with too many joints. Many of its black feathers are missing or irregular, showing patches of skin, making it look like it's sick. Most of its body and especially its claws and beak are covered with blood, most of it old and dried, making its feathers look even worse, some of it fresh.

It turns its head towards you for a split second, making a displeased gurgling caw-like sound in the process, but it turns its head back towards its prey a moment later.

---

Final Round

---

<Tick tock,
goes the clock.
As time flies,
my patience expires...>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 25, 2015, 01:32:44 pm

Spoiler: Squishy (click to show/hide)

Begin slowly crawling up the wall in slime form. As I go, develop photosynthetic cells inside my amorphous body to increase my biomass generation.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You blob your way up and through the debris.

You can feel the heat and everything becoming brighter up there.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 20, 2015, 07:47:29 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Just in case that I felled the right building I'll wait for a short while and watch for Rune. Also, I'll switch my axe for a crossbow.

If I don't see Rune I'll go blast a different building.

If I see him I'll take a shot at him and then close the distance as fast as I can and blast him.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You go ahead and blast another building to pieces. This one fell much more easily. You think you're getting the hang of this. When all this is done you could go into the demolition business.

The humans around don't seem very happy with it, however. The ones that aren't screaming as they run away in fear are shouting curses at you.

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 21, 2015, 11:55:58 am

Spoiler: I want an orb thing as a pet (click to show/hide)

Gonna be smart for once. Try to see the trail the rocket left, because I'm sure that's where that guy is. Otherwise. Hide behind some rubble, because I'm sure he'll come along to look for bits of me. When he gets to a decent distance (about mid-close range, if not seen, on reaction if I think he saw me), shoot him with hand napalm.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You start moving towards the building when you spot something flying out of the same window, accompanied by the sound of an engine.

You take cover behind a still smouldering car and look at the thing. It's hard to make out details in the low light of the dusk, but you can tell that it is large and it has wings. It's holding them relatively steady, flying around in circles like a vulture.

Quote from: Toaster on July 21, 2015, 12:12:32 pm

Spoiler: Uh oh. (click to show/hide)

Ditch the silly racket and hang on to the grenades, because we're going to use them.  Get airborne and start slowly heading down; keep at least 60 feet off the ground.  Let the sensor drones do their work; we need to find this guy.

No, I'm not bringing the huge rocket launcher.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You jump out of the window and start slowly circling around like a vulture, trying to spot your target in the fading light of the dusk.

It doesn't take long to find him. Your helmet highlights him, showing his face as he turns to look in your direction. He's taking cover behind a burnt car close to a building on the same street you're in.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas

<character>

You wake up.

You're laying face first on something hard, cold and smooth. Feels like your face should be bruised from sleeping on something like that, but it isn't.
It's not very dark, but it's not very bright either. What it is, is very damp. Too much humidity.
You can hear large amounts of water falling somewhere nearby. The area you are in is distorting the sound, creating quiet echoes.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 22, 2015, 01:51:48 am

Commwire, to River:<The human village sent soldiers to the crater. They made a camp above our cave. They don't know we're here, but we're trapped...>

<Is Theri okay?>

Like before, there is no response.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 22, 2015, 04:32:46 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Seems like this is our opportunity. Dudes are moving, and so should we in all likelihood.>

As Alan returns, Ike returns to the cave with him.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 22, 2015, 03:47:24 am

"Did any of you guys do something like that? I remember some of you tend to set fire to things because you forget your words, or make one's big wheels excessively large for no good reason."

"Oh, we most certainly did. Set fire to the refugee village, blinded a wizard, killed three guards and took their swords, entered under false pretenses, and, lest we forget, were directly responsible for the near-complete obliteration of their city. The last one, though, they don't yet know we did. The first few, though... yeah, I'm pretty sure there's at least a couple people who can place me and Irine at the scene, even though I did try to minimize witnesses."

"It does make me wonder, though, if these guys even talked to Master Kassiver. I overheard them talking about what we did to the mage, but yet they don't seem to know what happened in the Fire Tower, and Irine sure as hell told him all about that. Odd. Maybe they're just pretending to not know? Or perhaps those stones were more potent than I thought?"

"Anyway, now would be a good time to make ourselves scarce or at least get into a more defensible position. Prepare to get moving. We ought to rendezvous with Rover in not too long from now, since this doesn't seem like a very good place to rest anymore. Alan, you lead Nikolai and Zech off one way, me and Irine will go a stealthier route."

Prepare to roll out stealthily.

You slowly and quietly get back to the tunnel where you get extra ready to roll out. You don't actually make any preparations, because I have no idea how you intend to roll out, but you feel so damn ready to roll you, you're ready to start rolling on the floor right now.

Quote from: NAV on July 22, 2015, 11:10:20 am

Nah, not gonna betray my teammates. Maybe for a tank, but not for a shield.

"Ready to leave at any time. The sooner the better."
Get ready to leave. Oh wait, I'm already ready to leave.

Private message to Alan: <Did you hear? He called you my pet! And also a chaos sorcerer. I thought you said you were an appliancemancer?>

You allow Ike to join your "ready to leave" club. Now he has access to all your secret parties, but no dorm room for him until he proves himself.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 23, 2015, 04:19:16 am

Quote from: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 02:50:08 am

"I... I... Okay... Um, Ike? What are we going to do?"

"Take up your fox form, we're going to do a little bit of a detour in relation to the others. We'll be all sneaky-beaky and whatnot, while they can stomp about at their leisure."

Accept any form of disguise Alan can offer. Especially a Groucho Marx set. If I have a shirt, fashion it into a hood/turban combo, tying my ears back.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 23, 2015, 10:18:55 am

"O-okay..."
I shift to full-human

Quote from: Xantalos on July 22, 2015, 01:46:26 pm

"Alrighty. Oh wait, I'll give you guys some disguises."

Try summoning up some really big bushy fake moustaches or two of those Groucho Marx glasses/nose/moustache sets.
Then get ready to leave by packing up as much of the food as I can.

Thought to Nikolai: <Yeah, I dunno what he was thinking with the chaos sorcerer thingy. I'm more a miscellaneousmancer, really, but not no chaos magic! I just use what I got very chaotically. Eh, not everyone can be perfect.>

Ike takes his bloody shirt and uses it to make some sort of improvised turban while Irine becomes the mass of fire she is while shapeshifting.

Alan decides that now is the best time to summon some disguises and put them on his teammates' faces. And by putting, he mean launching. Straight at the blob of fire that is Irine. Luckily, Ike is quick enough to use his shirt as a whip and hit the plastic projectile mid-flight, knocking it off course.

He turns around just in time to see a fake-glass-and-mustache combo heading his way, just in time to twist his head out of the way. He grabs the (now slightly cracked) pair of glasses as it bounces off the wall. Well, that's... one poorly thought out disguise for him?

((I made the assumption that Ike would try to protect a teammate.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 25, 2015, 04:54:37 am

Well, I guess that could have gone worse, Zechariah thinks to himself. I don't know how we're not half past dead yet.

Oh, wait. We are.

Reluctantly follow Alan and disintegrate my shards. Conserve my energy for later.

It's hard to follow someone who is not moving. Well, he is moving around gathering supplies, but I assume you don't want to literally follow him around like a dog.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 22, 2015, 04:42:49 am

Theri pondered. She pondered on the many ideas River mentioned and pondered on how vast the knowledge he was entrusting to her was. She pondered, but she caught herself to take priorities with initiative.

"You'll show yourself when you're comfortable with it River. I'm happy with knowing you is all." She gave him a nod before focusing on the idea of Irine.
"But, if you're alright, I can support you when we go. I surprisingly feel alright--and...that note with Irine. I want to know how everyone else is doing. Is there anyway I can help while you rest?"

Theri shuddered as if a cold wind passed her. She remarked on how deep River's words to her were. It was like the creation reflecting on the will of its creator. It was an enigma and an answer.

She gave him a smile. "Because we have a long way to go it seems."

"Thank you, I... I am too. You and the others." he says smiling as he closes his eyes again, his body relaxing.
"I am glad you understand. I... I just want to... just stay safe. The others should be close. I promise I will..."
"I do not feel it is safe yet. I will show you, when I feel... I will explain. When I feel you are ready to face it..."
"I will show you the world. The way I see it. I will show you yourself. The way I see you. I... I will... I should take you to fly... You should fly with me. Flying is so much fun... We will have fun... time to have fun. If I protect you..."
"I do not want you to get hurt again... I do not want to fail... to break my promise again... I do not want you to leave..."
He speech becomes slower and quieter until he stops talking completely, his breathing slowing down as his body relaxes further.
Looks like he's sleeping. His exhaustion must have finally caught up with him.

---

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

No, they don't. I considered it, since it would make things easier gameplay wise (less things for me to think of and keep track of) but I think it wouldn't make as much sense story wise.

And yes, I really need to update that sometime...

Quote from: Alarith on July 21, 2015, 11:25:59 pm

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

((Yeah, it seems pretty unique, and I like the entities. I don't know how much their personalities match up to our characters though. Hey Paris, how much are our entities personalities influenced by the way we play our characters?))

In an OOC sense, I try to make interesting pairs that would be an interesting match with the personality and the various possible stories/motivations/avatars I have for each entity. That rarely means exact pairings, but sometimes they are pretty close, if I think it makes sense. But a good mix of differences and similarities are what make good pairings I think. Need a bit of conflict.

That's a bit of a headache on its own, because sometimes you have people that feel like they could fit well with multiple entities depending on which angle you take on their entity and their personality (I believe I've mentioned me considering Irine for Darkstar in the past. I was also considering having Ike with one of the more murder-happy entities or Zech with one of the more... morally questionable entities.) So you have to decide which pairing is best. I think I've done an OK job thus far. I'm happy with the original pairings, still seeing how the rest are working out.

In an IC sense, most of them have a reason for choosing you, be it an ulterior motive or just because they liked you or the way you fought or thought you were fun. And their avatars are still people, so they can be influenced and changed by you and others, although doing so is not very easy.

Both of those (IC and OOC) is why I sometimes create new entities instead of choosing an old one. And why I sometimes may try to wait until after someone's first mission to let them know which entity they have if they haven't given me enough hints about their character's personality and playstyle, in case the choice I originally made was a mistake.

Haven't had much time to do proper introductions lately, been focusing more on making turns...

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2015, 02:20:24 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<All right, let's move out.>

Plan: me and Irine move separately from the rest, trying to keep a low profile. Objective - leave this area without being identified, if not necessarily without being seen.

EXECUTE INGENIOUS PLAN.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:26:27 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2015, 02:20:24 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<All right, let's move out.>

Plan: me and Irine move separately from the rest, trying to keep a low profile. Objective - leave this area without being identified, if not necessarily without being seen.

EXECUTE INGENIOUS PLAN.

When you say separately, you mean at different directions, at different times or do I choose whatever I want, potentially with a random dice roll?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2015, 02:37:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:26:27 pm

When you say separately, you mean at different directions, at different times or do I choose whatever I Wang, potentially with a random dice roll?

((The I Wang has not failed me yet, so I shall trust its judgment.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 27, 2015, 02:59:50 pm

Spoiler: Rune, y u no get out here (click to show/hide)

Give Rune a few moments to possibly show up. If he finally appears I'll take a shot at him and then close the distance as fast as I can and blast him.

If I don't see him I'll go blast a yet another building.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 27, 2015, 03:23:26 pm

But of course.

If I still have bulets in my pistol, shot the thing. In its eyes. If not, then reload and shoot it. In its eyes.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 27, 2015, 03:26:28 pm

Spoiler: Will things ever get interesting?  Tune in same Bat time, same Bat channel. (click to show/hide)

There we go!

Holding one grenade as a focus, start summoning (primed) grenades and start launching them at him.  Just shoot shoot shoot shoot and don't stop.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 27, 2015, 03:46:22 pm

Spoiler: SHOOT IT (click to show/hide)

SHOOT IT WITH MY HAND FIRE

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 27, 2015, 04:13:03 pm

Spoiler: Blobby (click to show/hide)

Erm..... continue going up. Get to the top. If the top seems dangerous, sink back down into the debris. Constantly make myself more acidic.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 27, 2015, 06:20:38 pm

"... okay, that's it. No more lack of movement. Point me!"

Be pointed in a direction, then charge in that direction and punch through any walls and doors in my path.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 27, 2015, 08:16:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:09:37 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas

<character> (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6349907#msg6349907)

You wake up.

You're laying face first on something hard, cold and smooth. Feels like your face should be bruised from sleeping on something like that, but it isn't.
It's not very dark, but it's not very bright either. What it is, is very damp. Too much humidity.
You can hear large amounts of water falling somewhere nearby. The area you are in is distorting the sound, creating quiet echoes.

Ugh...huh?  Where am I now?

George sighs as he stands up, looking around at his surroundings.

Well....of course.  Shame on me for thinking I could just take a nice nap without being disturbed.  What was I thinking?  No, no, don't worry about me, mister scientists, I love waking up in random places with my face to the ground.  It's like high school all over again.  Now I just have to wait for the constant prodding and sharp instruments and then the experience will be complete.


"Uh...Hello?  Anybody here?  This is some kind of experiment, right?"

Look around.  Try to figure out where I am.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 27, 2015, 10:39:16 pm

"Nice disguises. Let's go."

Lead the non-fugitive members of the team away. Wave goodbye to the centurion guys. Remain on guard.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 28, 2015, 01:11:32 am

"Let's!"

Begin travelling away with Nikolai and the non-murderous fugitives. Sing a song to help the travelling. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBKgOyMzSc) Alan volume.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 28, 2015, 01:28:43 am

I follow Ike and trust his judgement, literally holding his hand with mine if he lets me.

((Will be unable to post for a week, I plan to do whatever Ike asks of me as long as it isn't self-destructive unless we end up speaking with Rovan or one of the men from the well. auto me so the game can continue please.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 28, 2015, 08:44:29 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on July 27, 2015, 10:39:16 pm

"Nice disguises. Let's go."

Lead the non-fugitive members of the team away. Wave goodbye to the centurion guys. Remain on guard.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 28, 2015, 01:11:32 am

"Let's!"

Begin travelling away with Nikolai and the non-murderous fugitives. Sing a song to help the travelling. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBKgOyMzSc) Alan volume.

Quote from: DAF:previous action

Follow

Your group climbs out the hole and starts moving away from it and the soldiers. Most of them have sit down to rest but they don't seem to be letting their guard down. They're staying mostly quiet and keeping an eye out, their hands close to their weapons. And their placement is not random, they look like they've made a crude perimeter around a smaller group of humans in the centre. There are also sentries posted around the group, most of them keeping an eye on you but not moving towards or otherwise reacting to your presence.

There's a few more of them than you remember, a few more with that light leather armour. Looks like more scouts got here while you were having fun down there.

You start travelling towards the east, towards the city wall. The cool breeze coming from there help you remain cooler despite the sun doing its best to cook you alive from his vantage point in the middle of the sky.

You keep walking for a few minutes and there still seems to be no sign of murderous ambushes. Then again, with Alan's singing and the sound of the wind in your ears, hearing someone sneaking up to you would be difficult. But you're probably safe for now.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2015, 02:20:24 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<All right, let's move out.>

Plan: me and Irine move separately from the rest, trying to keep a low profile. Objective - leave this area without being identified, if not necessarily without being seen.

EXECUTE INGENIOUS PLAN.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 27, 2015, 02:37:11 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:26:27 pm

When you say separately, you mean at different directions, at different times or do I choose whatever I Wang, potentially with a random dice roll?

((The I Wang has not failed me yet, so I shall trust its judgment.))

i-Wang sounds like the kind of Apple product you'd find in a sex store.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 28, 2015, 01:28:43 am

I follow Ike and trust his judgement, literally holding his hand with mine if he lets me.

((Will be unable to post for a week, I plan to do whatever Ike asks of me as long as it isn't self-destructive unless we end up speaking with Rovan or one of the men from the well. auto me so the game can continue please.))

((OK.))

You wait some time after Alan's group is gone to make your move. You climb up the slope and start walking away from it and the soldiers, trying to look as nonchalant and inconspicuous as you can.

It feels like everyone is staring at you. You're probably just being paranoid, but you don't want to risk turning around to check. If you turn around to satisfy your paranoia, then they will see your face and then they'll recognize you and then you'd be in real trouble. They're probably wondering why you have a naked girl with you, holding your hand. It attracts their attention. Then they see the bloodstains on the shirt around your head and your sword, they put two and two together and now they know who you are and what you've done. You'll hear spells being launched your way any moment now, metal boots drawing closer, swords being drawn. You'll have to run and dodge again. Any moment now...

You manage to resist temptation and keep walking away without looking behind you until you are out of sight. Guess they won't be calling you Orpheus any time soon.

You start heading southeast, towards the wall and the river of fire that lies behind it. You continue to not hear or smell anyone following you. You catch a faint human scents to your sides, but they move away soon after and disappear completely a minute later. You don't detect anything else in the few minutes it takes you to walk forward, although you keep looking behind you, just in case. Despite you being ready for trouble, it looks like trouble was not ready for you. Then again, with the direction the wind is blowing, if anyone is following your trail they would be hard to smell.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on July 28, 2015, 08:48:27 am

((Yay, made it in my last few hours! Last-second triggered action: if we end up going near the river of fire or another flame source, I'm going to want to take it with me.))
continue previous action

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 28, 2015, 09:47:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

To entire team if possible: <Ike to whoever can hear, we seem to be clear of the Imperial Guard for now. Maybe a scout might be following us, but I wouldn't necessarily count on it.>

See if I can rendezvous with the others some way down the road. Shouldn't be too hard to find, considering Alan's singing.

And if not, find a quieter spot to stop for a bit and listen to the sounds in the air for a few minutes, check if anyone's walking around here.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 28, 2015, 11:09:26 am

Alan's team can hear you.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2015, 08:01:23 am

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 27, 2015, 02:59:50 pm

Spoiler: Rune, y u no get out here (click to show/hide)

Give Rune a few moments to possibly show up. If he finally appears I'll take a shot at him and then close the distance as fast as I can and blast him.

If I don't see him I'll go blast a yet another building.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You notice a green blob of slime climbing up a wall. That seems... sort of strange. Especially considering it has an Interface on its... hm, there's definetly an Interface on it, it's right there inside its... It's right- It's right there- It's-

Ghh, whenever you try to focus your mind on the Interface and its location it's like your mind draws a blank. Stupid meta-objects not properly rendering on weird things *grumble grumble*

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 27, 2015, 04:13:03 pm

Spoiler: Blobby (click to show/hide)

Erm..... continue going up. Get to the top. If the top seems dangerous, sink back down into the debris. Constantly make myself more acidic.

Spoiler: Blob (click to show/hide)

The top doesn't feel dangerous. It's nice and warm. It's slowly getting darker, but it's still brighter than it was down there.
You also make some super acidic sacks inside your blobiness.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 27, 2015, 03:26:28 pm

Spoiler: Will things ever get interesting?  Tune in same Bat time, same Bat channel. (click to show/hide)

There we go!

Holding one grenade as a focus, start summoning (primed) grenades and start launching them at him.  Just shoot shoot shoot shoot and don't stop.

Spoiler: WOOT WOOT WOOT (click to show/hide)

So your plan is to going "woot woot woot" and spamming grenades like this (https://youtu.be/acOIvQL8ALE?t=36s)?

You start spamming grenades like crazy, at the same time using your ability to shoot them towards your opponent.

He lifts his hand and points at you, your helmet immediately warning you with a big red exclamation mark. You twist to the side and start turning to avoid the fiery projectile, but you are surprised when it starts following you. You try to make a sharper turn when it comes closer to try and make it loose its lock, but even though it barely misses your wing the damn thing explodes anyway, coating it with fire.

The fire starts melting the surface and eating its insides, causing you to start losing control of it. But that would be the least of your problems if the fire keeps spreading.

Glancing towards where your opponent was, you see a great deal of smoke and debris, as well as a small crater on the ground. There's also some blood there, only visible to you thanks to your helmet cleaning up the image. Guess you got him.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 27, 2015, 03:46:22 pm

Spoiler: SHOOT IT (click to show/hide)

SHOOT IT WITH MY HAND FIRE

Spoiler: DO IT (click to show/hide)

You fire your flaming projectile and watch with delight as it hits its target despite said target's attempts at dodging. Looks like it hit its wing

At about the same time, you notice several metal things flying your way. You try your best to dodge, which results in a small crater being created on the ground, along with a small shockwave. You get fully out of the way of the metal things, but you are in a marginally better position and hidden from the flying thing that is launching them.

The metal things bounce on the ground a couple of times before exploding, sending shrapnel everywhere. Most of them get stuck on your skin, ruining your recently acquired clothes and giving you a very bloody appearance. One of them must have gotten lucky, hitting something important on your right leg, because it feels much harder moving it.

The light inside your arm is dimmer. Probably only one shot left.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 29, 2015, 08:16:31 am

Spoiler: I'm so cute! (click to show/hide)

Try to evolve some vague eye-like organs. If I manage to blob on top of my foe, begin to eat away at him, slowly releasing acidic sacks onto him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 29, 2015, 08:46:17 am

Spoiler: Do I still look human? (click to show/hide)

Attempt to flank him. Get to where I can see him, and begin chunking rocks at him. While doing this, shoot some fire at him too.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 29, 2015, 08:52:25 am

Spoiler: Rune, seriously, stop hiding. (click to show/hide)

QUICK, BEFORE HE RUNS AWAY AGAIN! BLAST HIM TO DEATH.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 29, 2015, 09:22:58 am

Spoiler: Woop woop woop! (click to show/hide)

OH GOD FIRE!

Get down as fast as possible; when landed, use technomancy to forcibly disconnect the burning sections; might as well disconnect the entire wing if it's not going to leave me flyable.  Get clear of the burning wreckage and take a bit of cover; keep an eye out for broman there.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2015, 10:08:44 am

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 29, 2015, 08:16:31 am

Spoiler: I'm so cute! (click to show/hide)

Try to evolve some vague eye-like organs. If I manage to blob on top of my foe, begin to eat away at him, slowly releasing acidic sacks onto him.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You would do that, but you are suddenly kicked into the air by something, so you have to expend all your concentration trying to keep your acid sacks from breaking apart and burning your insides. You manage to preserve them during the initial shove, however some got away during your landing onto something hard.

It hurts a lot and it's very disorienting, making it hard to concentrate. Which is normal, considering you just got acid poured inside your brain. Not the kind of acid that makes you see dragons in the kitchen, the kind of acid that burns your kitchen counter.

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 29, 2015, 08:52:25 am

Spoiler: Rune, seriously, stop hiding. (click to show/hide)

QUICK, BEFORE HE RUNS AWAY AGAIN! BLAST HIM TO DEATH.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You try to blast the amorphous blob to death, however at this distance, unsurprisingly, all you manage to do is cause it to deform and fly into the air, landing somewhere behind the (now crumbling) wall he was on with a *splat*. Blobs unfortunately don't have bones for you to break and unlike another player you're not as strong as superman, you're just a knight with a really powerful gravity gun.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 29, 2015, 09:22:58 am

Spoiler: Woop woop woop! (click to show/hide)

OH GOD FIRE!

Get down as fast as possible; when landed, use technomancy to forcibly disconnect the burning sections; might as well disconnect the entire wing if it's not going to leave me flyable.  Get clear of the burning wreckage and take a bit of cover; keep an eye out for broman there.

Spoiler: SHOOP SHOOP SHOOP (click to show/hide)

Unfortunately, landing with one wing is easier said than done. You lose stability as you approach the ground, twisting towards the right just as your feet touch the ground. Your attempt to run forward is ruined, so you end up tumbling instead, losing your orientation as metal, fire and plastic bite into your skin.

When the tumbling stops, you find that your right arm hurts like hell, especially every time you try to move it. On the bright side, you don't seem to be bleeding very much and the crash has caused the burning wing to break off. You can see it somewhere behind you, still burning among pieces of broken metal and plastic. You guess it's a good thing you were wearing a helmet.

Speaking of helmet, its cameras have been scratched and covered by dirt a bit, but your helmet still shows you your opponent somewhere on the far end of the street behind you. He is raising his palm in your direction, a fiery light escaping through his skin.

You're not as comfortable doing complex neurosurgery as your ability, so you could just disconnect the engine and what's left of the wings.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 29, 2015, 08:46:17 am

Spoiler: Do I still look human? (click to show/hide)

Attempt to flank him. Get to where I can see him, and begin chunking rocks at him. While doing this, shoot some fire at him too.

Spoiler: As human as an anatomy model wearing torn clothes that has been bathing in ketchup. (click to show/hide)

You use a wall as a support and start moving towards your target, who has just crashed at the far end of the street you are on.

While doing so, you attempt to throw a rock at him, but somehow manage to completely miss and throw it on your face instead. Your super strength and super toughness cancelling each other out, it hurts as expected and causes you some dizziness. Blood loss is making your bad aim even worse than usual, it seems.

Trying to ignore this minor setback, you raise your hand and prepare to fire your final shot, your aim perfect.

((Pausing a bit to give you two a chance to react, since it looks like we're nearing the end of this match, one way or another.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 29, 2015, 10:19:19 am

Spoiler: Beep beep boop (click to show/hide)

Yes, that's what I meant; just disconnect the easy bits.

Also, summon/shoot a grenade straight at his palm first, then disconnect and DOOOOOOOOODGE

Hope I'm not trying too much here!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 29, 2015, 10:52:51 am

Spoiler: Well, that was impolite. (click to show/hide)

Quickly repair any damage done to myself, then evolve the ocular devices. I can't attack him if I can't see him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 29, 2015, 10:53:02 am

Spoiler: NO MORE RUNNING (click to show/hide)

Okay, initial wave of excitement at finally finding him is gone. No more all-caps. Since he's a slime I guess that I'll have to break him apart or something. Let's summon a large hammer and smash him with that a few times.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 29, 2015, 11:17:56 am

Spoiler: Is this real life? (click to show/hide)

Same plan as before, just don't hit myself in the head this time

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 29, 2015, 03:18:19 pm

Team B.
"Hmm... And what is that?"
Check mannequin for abnormalities. From a distance.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 29, 2015, 03:28:52 pm

<Don't think we're followed. Let's regroup.>

Attempt to regroupify. Still head away from the centurions and towards where we are supposed to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 29, 2015, 04:29:33 pm

((Huh, I was intending for Alan's singing to be a distraction so the other team could sneak off easier, but it turned out all good anyway!))

<Let's! But we should keep heading away from those dudes and towards ... where were we headed again?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on July 29, 2015, 04:50:34 pm

Team A

---

"That's a problem."
<I'm going to try to push it away.>
Use telekinesis to push the thing away. Keep trying to figure out more about its mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on July 30, 2015, 12:30:04 am

Quote from: Narrator! on July 27, 2015, 02:09:37 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on July 22, 2015, 04:42:49 am

Theri pondered. She pondered on the many ideas River mentioned and pondered on how vast the knowledge he was entrusting to her was. She pondered, but she caught herself to take priorities with initiative.

"You'll show yourself when you're comfortable with it River. I'm happy with knowing you is all." She gave him a nod before focusing on the idea of Irine.
"But, if you're alright, I can support you when we go. I surprisingly feel alright--and...that note with Irine. I want to know how everyone else is doing. Is there anyway I can help while you rest?"

Theri shuddered as if a cold wind passed her. She remarked on how deep River's words to her were. It was like the creation reflecting on the will of its creator. It was an enigma and an answer.

She gave him a smile. "Because we have a long way to go it seems."

"Thank you, I... I am too. You and the others." he says smiling as he closes his eyes again, his body relaxing.
"I am glad you understand. I... I just want to... just stay safe. The others should be close. I promise I will..."
"I do not feel it is safe yet. I will show you, when I feel... I will explain. When I feel you are ready to face it..."
"I will show you the world. The way I see it. I will show you yourself. The way I see you. I... I will... I should take you to fly... You should fly with me. Flying is so much fun... We will have fun... time to have fun. If I protect you..."
"I do not want you to get hurt again... I do not want to fail... to break my promise again... I do not want you to leave..."
He speech becomes slower and quieter until he stops talking completely, his breathing slowing down as his body relaxes further.
Looks like he's sleeping. His exhaustion must have finally caught up with him.

Spoiler: OOC stuff (click to show/hide)

Quote

---

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

No, they don't. I considered it, since it would make things easier gameplay wise (less things for me to think of and keep track of) but I think it wouldn't make as much sense story wise.

And yes, I really need to update that sometime...

Quote from: Alarith on July 21, 2015, 11:25:59 pm

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

((Yeah, it seems pretty unique, and I like the entities. I don't know how much their personalities match up to our characters though. Hey Paris, how much are our entities personalities influenced by the way we play our characters?))

In an OOC sense, I try to make interesting pairs that would be an interesting match with the personality and the various possible stories/motivations/avatars I have for each entity. That rarely means exact pairings, but sometimes they are pretty close, if I think it makes sense. But a good mix of differences and similarities are what make good pairings I think. Need a bit of conflict.

That's a bit of a headache on its own, because sometimes you have people that feel like they could fit well with multiple entities depending on which angle you take on their entity and their personality (I believe I've mentioned me considering Irine for Darkstar in the past. I was also considering having Ike with one of the more murder-happy entities or Zech with one of the more... morally questionable entities.) So you have to decide which pairing is best. I think I've done an OK job thus far. I'm happy with the original pairings, still seeing how the rest are working out.

In an IC sense, most of them have a reason for choosing you, be it an ulterior motive or just because they liked you or the way you fought or thought you were fun. And their avatars are still people, so they can be influenced and changed by you and others, although doing so is not very easy.

Both of those (IC and OOC) is why I sometimes create new entities instead of choosing an old one. And why I sometimes may try to wait until after someone's first mission to let them know which entity they have if they haven't given me enough hints about their character's personality and playstyle, in case the choice I originally made was a mistake.

Haven't had much time to do proper introductions lately, been focusing more on making turns...

You totally need to updoot the OP ;3
Also I love how close you're able to characterize River with my character! He's himself, and he's very relatable! ^ ^

Theri smiled at how River droned off into unconsciousness and walked over to pat him on the shoulder as he slept, taking the time to ponder over his words. In a way, she could really understand where he's coming from, and in another way, she wondered if she could help him understand a lot more.

"Your promise is all there is fulfilled. And its being my friend. Thanks River. ...Although I still wonder why I was whisked away to this world while I was busy with whatever I was doing back there."

She made sure to add the latter part with sarcastic confusion. In all reason, she did care about being swept away, but she put aside that thought just as casual musing--she'd do the best she can here, and worrying about how long she'd have been gone would come afterwards.

"But that promise..."
Who did you make it to? It's already fulfilled with me. I am safe if others around me are safe. If I can teach them to be safe. If they teach me to be safe. I can be safe in the face of danger. I can be unhurt despite being wounded.

You're interesting River. I won't ever leave.
...Not helping that I didn't leave in the first place but that's me just being silly. Oh hello thoughts!

Theri rolled her eyes at her own silliness, glad that nobody else would be present to judge her but herself. Maybe that was the best that could occur--her own thoughts were at peace with her despite how silly she could ever be. She wondered why others didn't feel the same when interacting with others.

She wondered why she kept repeating a word many times over, and thus decided to explore this place instead, lest her thoughts turn to loquacious musing and dry humor.

This place wasn't made by him though...so I wonder where or what this place is?

Thoroughly inspect this place for any semblance of an identity that I can get about this area or location, or anyone who visited/lived here.
Also examine River's fur. Is it soft or is it rough?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 30, 2015, 07:24:47 am

((All rolls this turn were <=4, most being 1s and 2s))

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: Illgeo on July 29, 2015, 03:18:19 pm

Team B.
"Hmm... And what is that?"
Check mannequin for abnormalities. From a distance.

Oh dear. That thing is certainly not normal. What is this hellish thing? It should not exist on this earth. It is an abomination that should be put to the sword, burned and destroyed immediately. These things went out of style decades ago. I mean frills? Really? Not to mention the general tastelessness and bad design of the thing.

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 27, 2015, 06:20:38 pm

"... okay, that's it. No more lack of movement. Point me!"

Be pointed in a direction, then charge in that direction and punch through any walls and doors in my path.

Uhhh... I see no pointing... Wanna go use the stairs to go up a level instead?

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on July 29, 2015, 04:50:34 pm

Team A

---

"That's a problem."
<I'm going to try to push it away.>
Use telekinesis to push the thing away. Keep trying to figure out more about its mind.

Figuring out about is mind will probably be impossible. It remains a void to your ability and no amount of psychic energy you send its way seems capable of changing that. Furthermore, it seems to be emitting no psychic energy of its own, nothing you can pick up. Instead it looks like it's absorbing the psychic energy of others, the area it occupies being completely devoid of the energy of your teammates.

Even influencing its mind would be hard, assuming your psychic influence can even reach it. Your skill relies at least partly on feedback. You influencing the mind of someone and from its reaction readjusting your approach as you figure out more about how their mind works, how it reacts to stimuli. It's like pushing the buttons of a machine to figure out what they do and how to use them to do what you want, only now you can see neither the machine nor the buttons. Even if your psychic energy reaches that being's mind, it will be impossible to gauge its reactions to it or use it to do something complex.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 27, 2015, 03:23:26 pm

But of course.

If I still have bulets in my pistol, shot the thing. In its eyes. If not, then reload and shoot it. In its eyes.

Svajoklis' flash-light fails, once more plunging the room in darkness, but not in silence. The officer screams. There are gunshots, the burning gunpowder briefly illuminating the room, burning images into the team's eyes, while the bangs drown out all other noise. The team catches glimpses of claws slashing a torso, beak striking an eye, blood and bits of flesh sent flying.

By the time Bryan manages to concentrate enough to use his ability, the screaming has stopped and the psychic void that is the creatures has started spreading out once more like a cloud, his telekinetic shove not affecting it very much. It starts moving back towards the ceiling and towards their direction. There's only silence.

A few moments later your flash-lights flicker on, providing weak illumination, barely enough to reach one of the walls of the room. Where the injured officer was standing, now there's only a pool of blood and a few pieces of flesh. A quick inspection of nearby furniture shows that Svajoklis' aim was off. None of the three shots were even close to the target. He has now expended all ammo in his pistol.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on July 27, 2015, 08:16:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 27, 2015, 02:09:37 pm

Quote from: Megggas

<character> (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6349907#msg6349907)

You wake up.

You're laying face first on something hard, cold and smooth. Feels like your face should be bruised from sleeping on something like that, but it isn't.
It's not very dark, but it's not very bright either. What it is, is very damp. Too much humidity.
You can hear large amounts of water falling somewhere nearby. The area you are in is distorting the sound, creating quiet echoes.

Ugh...huh?  Where am I now?

George sighs as he stands up, looking around at his surroundings.

Well....of course.  Shame on me for thinking I could just take a nice nap without being disturbed.  What was I thinking?  No, no, don't worry about me, mister scientists, I love waking up in random places with my face to the ground.  It's like high school all over again.  Now I just have to wait for the constant prodding and sharp instruments and then the experience will be complete.


"Uh...Hello?  Anybody here?  This is some kind of experiment, right?"

Look around. Try to figure out where I am.

You raise your head and look around. Looks like you were laying with your face on a smooth rock surface.

Looking around, you see more rock, although less smooth and more jagged and natural-looking. Looks like some sort of natural cave, not very large but not very small either. It's much like a long yet wide corridor, with a narrower section separating it into two "rooms", with you being in the room closest to the entrance.

The entrance of the cave (just large enough to comfortably fit one person) sits behind a waterfall, the particles that escape from it creating small puddles in front of it, with ripples crossing their surface with each water drop added. Beyond the waterfall, you can barely make out reflections in a small stream, foam and grey rocks.

On the other room you can see a desk with a strange machine extending from it, like a mix of a personal computer, a multi-limbed clawed robot and a multi-pipette, with a few glass tubes sticking out for good measure.

<Right. An experiment of some kind.> you hear a voice responding from nowhere in particular.
You'd say it would be like it was coming from headphones if it wasn't for its high quality and the lack of interference from the sound of the waterfall.
<You could say that. And you wouldn't be wrong.>
She sounds like she's trying to remain serious but can't really keep herself from smiling, can't stop the bit of excitement from slipping into her voice.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 29, 2015, 10:19:19 am

Spoiler: Beep beep boop (click to show/hide)

Yes, that's what I meant; just disconnect the easy bits.

Also, summon/shoot a grenade straight at his palm first, then disconnect and DOOOOOOOOODGE

Hope I'm not trying too much here!

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 29, 2015, 11:17:56 am

Spoiler: Is this real life? (click to show/hide)

Same plan as before, just don't hit myself in the head this time

You both move simultaneously, John assembling and firing his explosive towards Ron's palm while Ron fires his firebolt straight at John. The result is a large fiery explosion between them as the two projectiles collide.

Ron is having none of that. Out of ammo and with his opponent attempting to run away, he picks up a giant piece of concrete nearby (while hobbling on one leg, no less) and throws it towards John at incredible speeds. His aim is off, but the tremor the piece of concrete causes as it hits the ground is enough to cause John to lose his footing and fall. The resulting concrete shrapnel proceed to pelt a nearby building like pellets from a giant shotgun blast and cause its façade to crumble.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 29, 2015, 10:53:02 am

Spoiler: NO MORE RUNNING (click to show/hide)

Okay, initial wave of excitement at finally finding him is gone. No more all-caps. Since he's a slime I guess that I'll have to break him apart or something. Let's summon a large hammer and smash him with that a few times.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 29, 2015, 10:52:51 am

Spoiler: Well, that was impolite. (click to show/hide)

Quickly repair any damage done to myself, then evolve the ocular devices. I can't attack him if I can't see him.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You do your best to stop your brain from melting and then try to make some eyes. You succeed. Sort of. You can now see blurry shapes and colours around you. Enough to see a knight in glowing armour charging at you with a giant hammer.

Saevus tries to use his giant warhammer to smash Rune. He misses completely.
Rune tries to dodge but only ends up somehow getting stuck inside a hole in the ground.
Quality.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 28, 2015, 08:48:27 am

((Yay, made it in my last few hours! Last-second triggered action: if we end up going near the river of fire or another flame source, I'm going to want to take it with me.))
continue previous action

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 28, 2015, 09:47:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

To entire team if possible: <Ike to whoever can hear, we seem to be clear of the Imperial Guard for now. Maybe a scout might be following us, but I wouldn't necessarily count on it.>

See if I can rendezvous with the others some way down the road. Shouldn't be too hard to find, considering Alan's singing.

And if not, find a quieter spot to stop for a bit and listen to the sounds in the air for a few minutes, check if anyone's walking around here.

Quote from: NAV on July 29, 2015, 03:28:52 pm

<Don't think we're followed. Let's regroup.>

Attempt to regroupify. Still head away from the centurions and towards where we are supposed to go.

With a bit of shouting, comm-wire directions and the help of Ike's enhanced senses, your two groups manage to regroup with nothing horrible happening to you. Where are you headed next? Going to meet up with River or is there anywhere else you wish to go? Maybe some part of the city you'd like to explore?

Quote from: Tiruin on July 30, 2015, 12:30:04 am

Quote from: Narrator! on July 27, 2015, 02:09:37 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on July 22, 2015, 04:42:49 am

Theri pondered. She pondered on the many ideas River mentioned and pondered on how vast the knowledge he was entrusting to her was. She pondered, but she caught herself to take priorities with initiative.

"You'll show yourself when you're comfortable with it River. I'm happy with knowing you is all." She gave him a nod before focusing on the idea of Irine.
"But, if you're alright, I can support you when we go. I surprisingly feel alright--and...that note with Irine. I want to know how everyone else is doing. Is there anyway I can help while you rest?"

Theri shuddered as if a cold wind passed her. She remarked on how deep River's words to her were. It was like the creation reflecting on the will of its creator. It was an enigma and an answer.

She gave him a smile. "Because we have a long way to go it seems."

"Thank you, I... I am too. You and the others." he says smiling as he closes his eyes again, his body relaxing.
"I am glad you understand. I... I just want to... just stay safe. The others should be close. I promise I will..."
"I do not feel it is safe yet. I will show you, when I feel... I will explain. When I feel you are ready to face it..."
"I will show you the world. The way I see it. I will show you yourself. The way I see you. I... I will... I should take you to fly... You should fly with me. Flying is so much fun... We will have fun... time to have fun. If I protect you..."
"I do not want you to get hurt again... I do not want to fail... to break my promise again... I do not want you to leave..."
He speech becomes slower and quieter until he stops talking completely, his breathing slowing down as his body relaxes further.
Looks like he's sleeping. His exhaustion must have finally caught up with him.

Spoiler: OOC stuff (click to show/hide)

Quote

---

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

No, they don't. I considered it, since it would make things easier gameplay wise (less things for me to think of and keep track of) but I think it wouldn't make as much sense story wise.

And yes, I really need to update that sometime...

Quote from: Alarith on July 21, 2015, 11:25:59 pm

Quote from: Megggas on July 21, 2015, 08:47:22 pm

(Heh, it's neat how each character has an entity that corresponds with their powers, personality, backstory, etc.  I'm curious, do any of the players here share the same entity?  I checked the first post, but I don't think that part has been updated lately)

((Yeah, it seems pretty unique, and I like the entities. I don't know how much their personalities match up to our characters though. Hey Paris, how much are our entities personalities influenced by the way we play our characters?))

In an OOC sense, I try to make interesting pairs that would be an interesting match with the personality and the various possible stories/motivations/avatars I have for each entity. That rarely means exact pairings, but sometimes they are pretty close, if I think it makes sense. But a good mix of differences and similarities are what make good pairings I think. Need a bit of conflict.

That's a bit of a headache on its own, because sometimes you have people that feel like they could fit well with multiple entities depending on which angle you take on their entity and their personality (I believe I've mentioned me considering Irine for Darkstar in the past. I was also considering having Ike with one of the more murder-happy entities or Zech with one of the more... morally questionable entities.) So you have to decide which pairing is best. I think I've done an OK job thus far. I'm happy with the original pairings, still seeing how the rest are working out.

In an IC sense, most of them have a reason for choosing you, be it an ulterior motive or just because they liked you or the way you fought or thought you were fun. And their avatars are still people, so they can be influenced and changed by you and others, although doing so is not very easy.

Both of those (IC and OOC) is why I sometimes create new entities instead of choosing an old one. And why I sometimes may try to wait until after someone's first mission to let them know which entity they have if they haven't given me enough hints about their character's personality and playstyle, in case the choice I originally made was a mistake.

Haven't had much time to do proper introductions lately, been focusing more on making turns...

You totally need to updoot the OP ;3
Also I love how close you're able to characterize River with my character! He's himself, and he's very relatable! ^ ^

Theri smiled at how River droned off into unconsciousness and walked over to pat him on the shoulder as he slept, taking the time to ponder over his words. In a way, she could really understand where he's coming from, and in another way, she wondered if she could help him understand a lot more.

"Your promise is all there is fulfilled. And its being my friend. Thanks River. ...Although I still wonder why I was whisked away to this world while I was busy with whatever I was doing back there."

She made sure to add the latter part with sarcastic confusion. In all reason, she did care about being swept away, but she put aside that thought just as casual musing--she'd do the best she can here, and worrying about how long she'd have been gone would come afterwards.

"But that promise..."
Who did you make it to? It's already fulfilled with me. I am safe if others around me are safe. If I can teach them to be safe. If they teach me to be safe. I can be safe in the face of danger. I can be unhurt despite being wounded.

You're interesting River. I won't ever leave.
...Not helping that I didn't leave in the first place but that's me just being silly. Oh hello thoughts!

Theri rolled her eyes at her own silliness, glad that nobody else would be present to judge her but herself. Maybe that was the best that could occur--her own thoughts were at peace with her despite how silly she could ever be. She wondered why others didn't feel the same when interacting with others.

She wondered why she kept repeating a word many times over, and thus decided to explore this place instead, lest her thoughts turn to loquacious musing and dry humor.

This place wasn't made by him though...so I wonder where or what this place is?

Thoroughly inspect this place for any semblance of an identity that I can get about this area or location, or anyone who visited/lived here.
Also examine River's fur. Is it soft or is it rough?

A quick inspection of the place shows it must have stopped working some time ago. The storage areas below are empty and have began accumulating a thin coating of dust. There is no food or drink in the drawers, boxes and barrels. Only thing you find are a few chips of plant fibre, too brown and dry for you to tell what they originally belonged to. There's also a few eating utensils and broken glasses inside the empty storage areas. Were they forgotten there or did they fell as whoever was emptying this place left in a hurry? Yet there are sings that people have returned here recently, searching the place. There's marks of footsteps in the dust, marks that couldn't had been left by you or River (not the right shape and size). And spots with no dust that show that something was removed, probably boxes or chairs.

You slowly remove the improvised lock River has put on the door and carefully open it as quietly as you can. It takes a few moments for your eyes to adjust to the bright light outside. The area outside looks clear. Abandoned. You open the door a bit further and take a few steps on the hot and dry earth. The sun has began to set, moving closer towards the western edge of the sky. There's a cool gentle wind blowing from the east. It helps make the heat more bearable, but it gives the area around you a haunted feeling, the air creating strange, life-like sounds as it passes through the empty buildings.

You take a look around, quietly and carefully moving through the buildings. It seems like the building you were in is part of a small group of buildings of similar construction, mostly stone but also wood. There must be about a couple of dozen of them. Most of them look like small and simple houses. Few windows, a fireplace with a hole above it and that's it. A few have a bed or some form of storage, but not much else. Many of the buildings around you have pieces of them missing. It doesn't look like they were damaged, there are no debris around, it looks more as if those pieces were taken.

The cluster of building exists beyond the edge of an empty moat made out of stone blocks, like a giant artificial river bed or swimming pool, beyond which is a truly gigantic wall. The fortification appears to have been damaged slightly, since it has cracked in places and some stone blocks have fallen off of it. But it (or at least the section of it you can see) still looks very strong. Beyond the wall, somewhere far away, you can just make out the tip of a volcano, a rocky mountain with a bit smoke coming out of its top, smoke that is filling the sky with a thin layer of smog. There is a river of glowing lava coming out of it and rolling down. You can't see exactly where it goes from there because the wall is in the way.

On the opposite side of the wall, towards the east, some great distance away are two very different camps on opposite sides of a road.

One of them is larger but it looks still, devoid of activity. It appears to have been cobbled together from various materials, mostly stone, wood, tarp and pieces of dead shrubs. It also appears to have suffered from fire damage.

The other is smaller but in pristine condition, made out of brown tents matching the colour of the dirt on the ground. There are a few shiny bronze-coloured humanoid shapes around it. They are too far away to make out any details at this distance.

As for River, from what you remember, his fur is a bit soft and silky, not too much. Maybe equal to or a bit rougher than a sheep's hide, you'd say, but still pleasant to the touch. What you'd normally expect from a well groomed and healthy dog. However a visual inspection accompanied by gentle rubbing of the fur close to his neck (which causes him to smile and twist his head in his sleep) shows that his fur is not as shiny or as soft as it used to be. Isn't that usually a sign that an animal is sick or not eating properly, usually not enough meat when carnivores are concerned? Then again River is at least partly a magical creature, so it's not certain if the same applies to him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: H4zardZ1 on July 30, 2015, 07:29:49 am

"What is that mannequin thing?"
Magnetize the door to the outside of the room, then Shoulder ram.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on July 30, 2015, 07:35:01 am

Spoiler: Stop! Hammertime. (click to show/hide)

Smash him to pieces!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on July 30, 2015, 08:08:30 am

Spoiler: Let's break everything (click to show/hide)

Clearly this man is injured; get up and keep copying grenades at him.  Aim the first one at the ground in front of him to throw off his aim, and dodge a bit around.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on July 30, 2015, 08:21:43 am

Spoiler: Fun (click to show/hide)

Throw more rubble. Turn him into paste. Try to get close enough to pound him into paste too

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 30, 2015, 08:35:26 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Right, all in favor of finding River? His mood might have improved by now.>

Unless there is significant dissent, look for our good friend River.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 30, 2015, 09:18:13 am

Spoiler: You've made me activate my own trap card! On my self! (click to show/hide)

Very quickly get out of the hole. I should have enough time, as because he missed with the hammer he will have to get it unstuck. Once out of the hole, move to his legs, then begin to wrap myself around his body, bursting the occasional acid sacks on his legs so that he becomes immobile. Save at least half the sacks for later use on the head.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on July 30, 2015, 02:48:22 pm

<Oh right, we were looking for Rover. Yeah, let's go meet up with the drama queen.>

To insult River we go!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 30, 2015, 03:10:49 pm

"Well there go our answers about what is happening here. Flash-lights seem to be failing for some reason, anyone here has a lighter to make a torch?"
Reload.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on July 30, 2015, 05:38:34 pm

"Sure. Why not?"
Go find River.

Try to comm River
<Hey! Is this thing on?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on July 30, 2015, 06:08:46 pm

Huh!?  There's a voice in my head!

George looked surprised for a moment, but quickly regained his composure after coming to a realization.

Wait...the bizarre machine, the secret cave, the voice...there's only one explanation....

I've been captured by the aliens!

George sighed in defeat, and said:


"Well, I knew this day would come.  You're one of them, right?  I'm guessing you captured me so that you could use your alien device to get your buddy out of my head.  Well, take him!  I couldn't care less!  I'm sure you'll kill me afterward, so just make it quick."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on July 31, 2015, 12:55:34 pm

Team B.
Come closer to the room. Is it safe?
"Who could have done this terrible thing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 01, 2015, 02:42:01 pm

---

Final round

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 30, 2015, 07:35:01 am

Spoiler: Stop! Hammertime. (click to show/hide)

Smash him to pieces!

Quote from: Coolrune206 on July 30, 2015, 09:18:13 am

Spoiler: You've made me activate my own trap card! On my self! (click to show/hide)

Very quickly get out of the hole. I should have enough time, as because he missed with the hammer he will have to get it unstuck. Once out of the hole, move to his legs, then begin to wrap myself around his body, bursting the occasional acid sacks on his legs so that he becomes immobile. Save at least half the sacks for later use on the head.

Saevus doesn't bother raising his hammer, instead he simply moves it sideways like a croquet player, hitting Rune just as he blobs his way out of his hole. The hit is strong, launching Rune into the air and causing him to go splat against a wall. Rune is left disoriented and in pain, not knowing which way is which. But he remains mostly unharmed.

---

Quote from: Toaster on July 30, 2015, 08:08:30 am

Spoiler: Let's break everything (click to show/hide)

Clearly this man is injured; get up and keep copying grenades at him.  Aim the first one at the ground in front of him to throw off his aim, and dodge a bit around.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It's actually better to aim for explosive projectiles to land in front of someone, since it's not the projectile itself that does the damage but the explosion. So you don't really want to hit them, you just want to maximize the chances of the explosive going off near them. Or at least that's the case in most FPS games.

Quote from: Salsacookies on July 30, 2015, 08:21:43 am

Spoiler: Fun (click to show/hide)

Throw more rubble. Turn him into paste. Try to get close enough to pound him into paste too

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The getting close part might be a bit difficult, with a hurt leg.

You once again move at the same time, one launching a gigantic metal ball with a beeping red light while the other launches a gigantic piece of reinforced concrete, both projectiles flying at incredible speeds.
And then you both die.

Specifically, John tries to dodge and almost succeeds, but then the rock hits his legs, skewering them with the mangled rebar running through the piece of concrete. It rips them off, along with much of his lower body and spilling his huge guts everywhere, painting the road with his blood. The piece of concrete bounces on the ground and continues flying through the air, dragging John's corpse behind it until it smashes through a building.

Ron watches the beeping thing bounce on the ground in front of him before exploding inches away from his face. Which is a bad thing when it explodes like an unholy mix of thermite and fuel-air bomb, creating a small mushroom cloud, a shock-wave that severely damages the building next to him and a small firestorm that keeps burning with a bright blue flame for some time.

And... uh... I really don't know what to do now. I knew a draw was possible, but I never figured out how to solve that problem when the two matches are supposed to be simultaneous and their effects persistent. Because even if I go with whoever had the least worst endurance roll, the other guy is still dead. I was kinda hoping that wouldn't happen.

Guess I could say you both lost and have the winner be either Saevus or Rune, but that would be against the spirit of the tournament. Or I could say you get healed when your duel ends, but that would go against the spirit of the arena being persistent.

Don't know, have to think about it. Maybe I'll have a better idea once I sleep on it.

---

Campaign

---

@Tiruin: Is there anything else you really want to do at the moment? Because if not, I'm going to skip forward a couple of hours so that the other people can arrive. Assuming nothing horrible happens to them along the way.

You can also post any action you want to do during that time, if you want.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 30, 2015, 08:35:26 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Right, all in favor of finding River? His mood might have improved by now.>

Unless there is significant dissent, look for our good friend River.

I see no objections, so let's say you start going towards the outskirts of the city. Unfortunately, you don't happen to come across River's scent trail along the way, so you'll probably have to do with directions, assuming you get a response. Or just sniffing around the walls, he's bound to have crossed them if he wanted to go outside. Unless he is somewhere inside the city and plans on crossing them later.

As you walk, you spot a brown cloud of dust on the horizon, coming from the east-northeast. Looks like a sandstorm is coming. With a quick guesstimation of its size, speed and distance you think it's probably going to hit this place sometime tomorrow.

Quote from: Xantalos on July 30, 2015, 02:48:22 pm

<Oh right, we were looking for Rover. Yeah, let's go meet up with the drama queen.>

To insult River we go!

Quote from: NAV on July 30, 2015, 05:38:34 pm

"Sure. Why not?"
Go find River.

Try to comm River
<Hey! Is this thing on?>

Trying to contact River from where you are right now, you get no response. So you just start making your way towards the outskirts of the city. Thankfully, nothing jumps out of the rubble to eat you along the way.

You try contacting River again when you start getting closer to the walls. All is quiet for about half a minute, but you get a response a while later.
<What do you want?>

---

OOC
I started rewriting the first post. Think it's a bit better or at least more up to date now. Still a bit enormous. Should find a way to either make it more concise or mark which spoilers are important and which aren't more clearly. Might change the layout and wording later, make it a bit more concise.

I also added names for all the entities, so that you can witness my high-quality pick-a-semi-random-word-out-of-the-lexicon naming skills and so that you can call them something easier to remember and faster to write than

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2015, 02:34:41 pm

Jordan's unnamed entity

and similar.
Have I mentioned that I don't like names nor naming things?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 01, 2015, 02:46:49 pm

Spoiler: Panic! Abort abort! (click to show/hide)

Try to make myself as sticky as possible. The next time this sunnofabitch hits me, I will stick to him, then I will dissolve him. I will END him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 02:50:41 pm

<Yo man, we're back! Didn't you want us to join you or something?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 01, 2015, 02:53:28 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 02:50:41 pm

<Yo man, we're back! Didn't you want us to join you or something?>

<If you want to join me, then do so.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 01, 2015, 02:57:05 pm

Well, we both died, and we caused a ton of damage. Have the aftermath of our combat get worse through each round. That solves that, I would think.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 03:09:17 pm

<_{huh, more passive aggressive than usual today} What were we doing again? I've entirely forgotten what we even came here for.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 01, 2015, 04:53:00 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 03:09:17 pm

<_{huh, more passive aggressive than usual today} What were we doing again? I've entirely forgotten what we even came here for.>

<Grrhh.> he transmits his frustration with a mental sigh.
<I am too tired to do this right now. Nor do I like repeating myself to people who do that. Unless there is something that needs to be discussed now, we will talk when you are here and I feel better.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 04:59:37 pm

<Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmdid you do anything while you were away?>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 01, 2015, 05:32:37 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<River, my friend! You'll never guess what happened! The Imperial Guard dropped by our hideout, and I thought it best to relocate. You done with whatever you've been up to, or should we fart around the city a bit longer so you can get an adequate amount of napping done? It'll probably be a while until we track you down unless you feel like giving us directions. Just asking if you'd like us to be in any kind of hurry.>

Seek River, and lead the others in my search.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 01, 2015, 07:56:22 pm

"Let us stop this farce."

Spoiler: I'll have to rethink my approach. (click to show/hide)

[jk]Dammit, why didn't I get a flamethrower arm instead?[/jk]

I don't have anything that's really good at killing slimes aside from simply hoping that I impact him in a way that breaks him (I probably can't even kill him like this). Cutting probably won't cut it.

This might be a terrible idea, but it might work. Hopefully.

IT'S DOUBLE HAMMERTIME! Summon a pair of hammers that won't be too hard to wield at the same time. Discard the two-handed one (by throwing it at Rune, if it won't take too much time). Smash him apart by striking him with both hammers at once from opposite sides (so that he'll get ripped apart). Summon new hammers for every attack so that I can swing faster.

Got a better idea that isn't that crazy. Cutting might cut it after all.

Discard my hammer (by throwing it at Rune, of course) and summon a sword that will be easy to wield with one hand. It has to have a good edge, so if I can completely ignore its stabby parameters to give it some more sharpness - do it (it'll probably be more like a machete then). My plan is to cut him in two and blast the other piece away, before he reforms (guessing that he can do that, since he's a slime and all). If it won't kill him it'll at least make him smaller - and that means he'll have less biomass to do his tricks with.

Or it might terribly backfire and make it so that there are two Runes after Saevus' unlife.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 01, 2015, 09:54:37 pm

That's what happens when two high power offenses collide. Have I done a round yet without getting mangled in some way? Sheesh.

Clearly the solution is to resurrect the two of us as some sort of unholy fused abomination and act as a spoiler to the other round. Or not; I'll let you decide.

 

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 01, 2015, 10:50:00 pm

I like Salsa's idea.  As the rounds pass, the terrain could become more dangerous as buildings start collapsing nearby, fires spread, etc.  John and Ron can just be tied for 3rd place.  Despite the tournament format, both battles were occurring simultaneously in the same general area, so it would have been possible for Rune and Saevus to temporarily team up and kill John and Ron first, which would have put the tournament in a similar situation to what we have now.

I'm still rooting for Rune to win.  Go slime!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 02, 2015, 05:21:12 am

((Sorry, still have been busy lately. I'll try to remain on top of it.))

Follow the others. There's nothing else for me to do, really. If danger approaches, ready my shards in either a defensive shield or a grouping of killing fragments depending on what my teammates need. If nothing else, just observe and move when needed.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 03, 2015, 04:06:55 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 04:59:37 pm

<Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmdid you do anything while you were away?>

There are many seconds of silence.
<... Do not contact me again unless you have something important to say.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 01, 2015, 05:32:37 pm

Campaign, Ike!

<River, my friend! You'll never guess what happened! The Imperial Guard dropped by our hideout, and I thought it best to relocate. You done with whatever you've been up to, or should we fart around the city a bit longer so you can get an adequate amount of napping done? It'll probably be a while until we track you down unless you feel like giving us directions. Just asking if you'd like us to be in any kind of hurry.>

Seek River, and lead the others in my search.

<I am outside the walls, a building south of the gate.
You can come if you wish. It will be good to see you. And it will be good to leave this place as soon as possible.
But if you feel there is something you must do here, then I would not mind some more time to rest and recover until night comes.
Contact me if you can not find where I am. I will ask Theri to go and give you directions.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 03, 2015, 04:32:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Splendid! See you in a bit.>

Ike turns to the others.

<Right, he's in a better mood for sure. Let's go find him.>

To River!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on August 03, 2015, 09:53:48 am

Team A

---

"I'm starting to think that this is very bad."
Keep a close watch on the void, look for exits with the flashlight.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 03, 2015, 01:32:00 pm

((After a few days, the issues preventing me from posting have somewhat cleared. I'm glad to be able to continue this game.))

"Onwards! To combat! Combat!"

Stairs? If they exist, let's go!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 03, 2015, 05:37:27 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 03, 2015, 04:06:55 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 01, 2015, 04:59:37 pm

<Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmdid you do anything while you were away?>

There are many seconds of silence.
<... Do not contact me again unless you have something important to say.>

Alan positively quivers in temptation.

<But Rover>



<EVERYTHING I SAY IS IMPOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRTAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNT>

He then cuts off the mental link and begins giggling like more of a madman than he is.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 03, 2015, 08:43:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 01, 2015, 02:42:01 pm

@Tiruin: Is there anything else you really want to do at the moment? Because if not, I'm going to skip forward a couple of hours so that the other people can arrive. Assuming nothing horrible happens to them along the way.

You can also post any action you want to do during that time, if you want.

((I have been indisposed to post here .-. Sorry!! ))

Head back to River, sneakily tie back the lock, and appear nonchalant as I expect him to wake up.
IF River is awake, be startled and try to explain why I left under the general theme of curiosity tied in with River's world-building concent [which Theri superficially knows!]

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 04, 2015, 02:49:32 am

((back))
"Alan, please stop. That's mean."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 04, 2015, 03:18:51 am

"Nah, it's just fact and the guy has an obsidian pole lodged in his prostate. I gotta get him to loosen up somehow! The only problem is that I don't have any drugs with me and I can't summon any because households aren't universally shitty enough for that.
Well, yet. There's always hope, ya know?"

Alan thinks to himself for a second.

"Hey Nikolai have you ever tried using your power on drugs? Like what if you did your thing on a package of ... what's the green stuff called again? You smoke it. I'm thinking 'bucket'."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 04, 2015, 09:04:15 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on July 30, 2015, 07:29:49 am

"What is that mannequin thing?"
Magnetize the door to the outside of the room, then Shoulder ram.

You ram the door once more and this time it gives way, the door's frame breaking apart. A good kick is enough to break through the remaining wood and open the door.
Looking at the lock, you notice that the door was actually unlocked. Hm. Well, who cares, bashing down doors is cooler.

Quote from: Illgeo on July 31, 2015, 12:55:34 pm

Team B.
Come closer to the room. Is it safe?
"Who could have done this terrible thing?"

You step a bit closer to the door, but don't actually go through it. The room beyond is a bit large, but not too large.

There's 16 mannequins here, forming two lines at the other end of the room, each with white dresses in various stages of completion or destruction. And by destruction, I mean that they have several holes and slashes on them, as if someone tried to stab them or maybe shoot them. Some of them are holding white knives that look like they've been carved out of bone or a similar material.

Behind them are two doors. There are various machinery, equipment and supplies lining the walls. Some of them are simple sewing equipment while others remind one of the kind of machines one would find in a machine shop.

Yep. Looks perfectly safe. You should just get through here quickly. They're probably just trying to scare you into attacking needlessly. Or maybe making some sort of art project or fashion show. There's no way this is an ambush of any sorts.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 03, 2015, 01:32:00 pm

((After a few days, the issues preventing me from posting have somewhat cleared. I'm glad to be able to continue this game.))

"Onwards! To combat! Combat!"

Stairs? If they exist, let's go!

You slowly make your way around the hole in the floor and then carefully walk up the stairs. Going through the door in the top, there is a rather jarring change in your surroundings. Everything gets colder and damper and coloured wooden walls become hard grey stone and wooden supports, almost like you're in a basement. It's the same environment as that stone corridor you found downstairs, you realize.

The most prominent feature of this corridor is some sort of mechanical device that is dividing it in to with some sort of energy barrier. It looks like a series of eggs stuck on the walls, each projecting a pale yellow sphere around it that merges with the spheres of other eggs creating a semi-transparent layer that is thinnest close to its centre. They are also emitting a strange clicking noise, each at a different rate, a fact that makes them sound very discordant. There's wires connected to the eggs, but unfortunately they are on the other side of the barrier, twisting into a bundle and going through a larger egg before disappearing inside the wall on your left.

There's two doors (besides the one you came through) you can access on your side of the hallway, one on your left and another on your right. There's also two doors you behind the barrier, one on your right and another right in front of you.

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 30, 2015, 03:10:49 pm

"Well there go our answers about what is happening here. Flash-lights seem to be failing for some reason, anyone here has a lighter to make a torch?"
Reload.

You become DreamerGhost : Reloaded.
By which I mean you reaload your gun using your spare magazine. That's 7 more bullets for you to use.

Quote from: Alarith on August 03, 2015, 09:53:48 am

Team A

---

"I'm starting to think that this is very bad."
Keep a close watch on the void, look for exits with the flashlight.

With a quick look around, you manage to spot the exit, a simple wooden door leading out of the room. You could just make a run for it.

Your flashlights dim and start flickering. Everything goes dark for a split second. Something red and blue falls on the floor in front of you with a wet crunch. You follow its motion with your flashlight. It's just a skeleton with pieces of flesh still sticking on it, along with torn and blood-soaked clothes and some of his equipment and spare ammo.

The flickering continues and the psychic void starts condensing somewhere behind you, appearing in your mind's eye as dark and viscous oil falling from the ceiling.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on July 30, 2015, 06:08:46 pm

Huh!?  There's a voice in my head!

George looked surprised for a moment, but quickly regained his composure after coming to a realization.

Wait...the bizarre machine, the secret cave, the voice...there's only one explanation....

I've been captured by the aliens!

George sighed in defeat, and said:


"Well, I knew this day would come.  You're one of them, right?  I'm guessing you captured me so that you could use your alien device to get your buddy out of my head.  Well, take him!  I couldn't care less!  I'm sure you'll kill me afterward, so just make it quick."

<Oh, that's interesting. Did you always have this fatalistic and defeatist attitude and tendency to complain to whoever you meet or is this a recent development? Most test subjects usually put up some sort of fight or try to bargain or even run away.>

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 01, 2015, 10:50:00 pm

I like Salsa's idea.  As the rounds pass, the terrain could become more dangerous as buildings start collapsing nearby, fires spread, etc.  John and Ron can just be tied for 3rd place.  Despite the tournament format, both battles were occurring simultaneously in the same general area, so it would have been possible for Rune and Saevus to temporarily team up and kill John and Ron first, which would have put the tournament in a similar situation to what we have now.

I'm still rooting for Rune to win.  Go slime!

Yeah, you're right, that seems like the most logical thing to do. I'll just give both of them the third place reward.

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 01, 2015, 07:56:22 pm

"Let us stop this farce."

Spoiler: I'll have to rethink my approach. (click to show/hide)

[jk]Dammit, why didn't I get a flamethrower arm instead?[/jk]

I don't have anything that's really good at killing slimes aside from simply hoping that I impact him in a way that breaks him (I probably can't even kill him like this). Cutting probably won't cut it.

This might be a terrible idea, but it might work. Hopefully.

IT'S DOUBLE HAMMERTIME! Summon a pair of hammers that won't be too hard to wield at the same time. Discard the two-handed one (by throwing it at Rune, if it won't take too much time). Smash him apart by striking him with both hammers at once from opposite sides (so that he'll get ripped apart). Summon new hammers for every attack so that I can swing faster.

Got a better idea that isn't that crazy. Cutting might cut it after all.

Discard my hammer (by throwing it at Rune, of course) and summon a sword that will be easy to wield with one hand. It has to have a good edge, so if I can completely ignore its stabby parameters to give it some more sharpness - do it (it'll probably be more like a machete then). My plan is to cut him in two and blast the other piece away, before he reforms (guessing that he can do that, since he's a slime and all). If it won't kill him it'll at least make him smaller - and that means he'll have less biomass to do his tricks with.

Or it might terribly backfire and make it so that there are two Runes after Saevus' unlife.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 01, 2015, 02:46:49 pm

Spoiler: Panic! Abort abort! (click to show/hide)

Try to make myself as sticky as possible. The next time this sunnofabitch hits me, I will stick to him, then I will dissolve him. I will END him.

Saevus throws his hammer at Rune, but the time it takes for him to throw it and for it to arrive gives Rune ample opportunity to slither away from it.
<'Come on, you pansy!'>
Frustrated, Saevus summons something like a gigantic cleaver and charges at Rune while screaming. Rune almost manages to get out of the way but he's not fast enough. The blade strikes him, cutting off a small chunk from him that proceeds to dissolve into a puddle of yellowish fluid on the ground.
<'The Black Knight ALWAYS TRIUMPHS!'>
The blob shivers and gurgles, clearly in pain from the hit, its movements more erratic. Despite that, it proceeds to latch onto Saevus' leg and begins melting through it, the bright lights on its dark metal surface disappearing.
<'Right, I'll do you for that!'>

<What are you doing?>
<What? Half the fun of duelling is the witty banter. And they're not doing much of that. So I'm doing it for them. What's wrong with that?>
<Probably the lack of wit!>
<Ack! Haha, you wound me man!>
<You are idiots.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 03, 2015, 08:43:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 01, 2015, 02:42:01 pm

@Tiruin: Is there anything else you really want to do at the moment? Because if not, I'm going to skip forward a couple of hours so that the other people can arrive. Assuming nothing horrible happens to them along the way.

You can also post any action you want to do during that time, if you want.

((I have been indisposed to post here .-. Sorry!! ))

Head back to River, sneakily tie back the lock, and appear nonchalant as I expect him to wake up.
IF River is awake, be startled and try to explain why I left under the general theme of curiosity tied in with River's world-building concent [which Theri superficially knows!]

((No need to apologize.))

You return to find River still resting on the floor. You quietly block the door again and find a comfortable spot for you to wait and rest.

He wakes up some time later and looks around until he spots you. Seemingly satisfied with your presence and the state of his surroundings, he turns his head to look at nowhere in particular.

In the next few moments, he has a severe and slightly comical change of facial expressions, going from calm, to frustrated, to happy, to angry and then to calm again in the span of a couple of minutes.

He shakes his head slightly and then looks at you.
"I got a message from the others. They are close. They should arrive soon." he states.
He grabs the clothes from next to him and looks at them for a few seconds.
"You can go greet them and help them find this place while I take care of... this." he continues with some annoyance in his voice as he struggles to undo some of the bindings that hold the clothes and armour together.
"If you want to, that is."

Quote from: Xantalos on August 04, 2015, 03:18:51 am

"Nah, it's just fact and the guy has an obsidian pole lodged in his prostate. I gotta get him to loosen up somehow! The only problem is that I don't have any drugs with me and I can't summon any because households aren't universally shitty enough for that.
Well, yet. There's always hope, ya know?"

Alan thinks to himself for a second.

"Hey Nikolai have you ever tried using your power on drugs? Like what if you did your thing on a package of ... what's the green stuff called again? You smoke it. I'm thinking 'bucket'."

Tsar Joint (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/733134588-Girl_smokes_gigantic_joint_zps1ixagvqk.jpg)
And an appropriate Deus Ex mashup (https://youtu.be/MUwdJXuwSns)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 03, 2015, 04:32:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Splendid! See you in a bit.>

Ike turns to the others.

<Right, he's in a better mood for sure. Let's go find him.>

To River!

Your group continues until you find the gate. Despite the extensive damage it has suffered, it is still an impressive thing. The thick gate must have been covered with colourful engravings and sculptures in the past, but they have received enough damage that only the fortifications remain in place. You can also see part of the mechanism controlling the gate, but it appears to have been damaged and become stuck in the halfway-open position. The holes meant for archers and rock/oil throwing have been widened, leaving large gaps in them.

You follow River's directions and start heading towards a group of buildings towards the south. You don't encounter anything along the way. The fact that you catch his scent trail as you approach confirms you are in the right place.



Everyone
((Pausing here so that you can RP/approach the situation however you want. Unless you don't feel like doing so, in which case just post an appropriate action.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 04, 2015, 09:39:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Up until now I never appreciated how much hiking adventuring parties have to do.>

Keep on walking in the free world.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 04, 2015, 09:55:58 am

Saevus takes a quick look at his leg. "I have had worse."

Spoiler: Now get off. (click to show/hide)

If I can cut a sizeable piece of him off without getting my blade stopped on my leg - do it.

If I can't - blast him off, even if I have to sacrifice my leg. If I'll still be able to do something after that - I'll try to use my immunity to pain and Rune being most likely stunned to cut him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 04, 2015, 10:30:52 am

<Svajoklis, Team A>

The things here seem to have quite an appetite. I say we move out and find something to start a fire with. Fuck this dark.

Grab ammo from corpse. Move towards the exit. In case something unrecognisable/eldrich apears/makes a sound/etc. shoot it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 04, 2015, 10:34:04 am

((super-tired right now. no new action to post. just trailing along behind Ike.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 04, 2015, 11:23:33 am

Quote from: Narrator on August 04, 2015, 09:04:15 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You return to find River still resting on the floor. You quietly block the door again and find a comfortable spot for you to wait and rest.

He wakes up some time later and looks around until he spots you. Seemingly satisfied with your presence and the state of his surroundings, he turns his head to look at nowhere in particular.

In the next few moments, he has a severe and slightly comical change of facial expressions, going from calm, to frustrated, to happy, to angry and then to calm again in the span of a couple of minutes.

He shakes his head slightly and then looks at you.
"I got a message from the others. They are close. They should arrive soon." he states.
He grabs the clothes from next to him and looks at them for a few seconds.
"You can go greet them and help them find this place while I take care of... this." he continues with some annoyance in his voice as he struggles to undo some of the bindings that hold the clothes and armour together.
"If you want to, that is."

Theri couldn't help but stifle a laugh with her hand as she observed River's expressions, until it hit her that he had a neural connection with the rest--it still looked a bit silly, though understandably silly now. She wondered about the camps she found earlier.

"I'd love to, but I'd love to do it with you. I've also been looking around the place and couldn't help but notice a few camps--two of them, by the roadside. There were brown-ish figures in one and the other was devoid of anything I could see from about a hundred meters."

She nonchalantly smoothed out the creases in her clothing.

"I think those aren't our people judging by the wording you just said. Can we check that place out?"

Query!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 04, 2015, 11:33:18 am

((Wait, I don't have pain sensors. I'm a slime. Why was I gurgling in pain? Whatever.))

"Glub. Blub Glub Blub."

Spoiler: Gooey (click to show/hide)

Quick move up his leg to his lower body. Begin dissolving him there, because if I can disable both legs at once, I can completely immobilize him and make him easier to defeat. Also, assuming I have extra biomass, try to increase the acidity of my.... acid. Yep.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 04, 2015, 12:19:31 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 04, 2015, 09:39:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

<Up until now I never appreciated how much hiking adventuring parties have to do.>

Keep on walking in the free world.

You keep walking, following River's scent trail. It's a bit strange, it disappears in places, then reappears further away. At one point it merges with a fresh scent trail of two humans before disappearing again.

You continue following it until you reach a door, outside what looks like an abandoned tavern of some sort. It's got a place for a sign to hang outside, but the sign itself is missing. This part of town has definitely seen better days. One could argue that the same could be said about the entire city, but this is different. This place looks like it had gone downhill way before the city blew up. Yet it appears that it has seen a resurgence of activity recently. There's more human smells here, less recent, new footprints as well as drag marks on the dirt.

So, what about the door? Shave and a haircut?

Quote from: Lenglon on August 04, 2015, 10:34:04 am

((super-tired right now. no new action to post. just trailing along behind Ike.))

((Sure thing. Hope you rest well.))

Quote from: Tiruin on August 04, 2015, 11:23:33 am

Quote from: Narrator on August 04, 2015, 09:04:15 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You return to find River still resting on the floor. You quietly block the door again and find a comfortable spot for you to wait and rest.

He wakes up some time later and looks around until he spots you. Seemingly satisfied with your presence and the state of his surroundings, he turns his head to look at nowhere in particular.

In the next few moments, he has a severe and slightly comical change of facial expressions, going from calm, to frustrated, to happy, to angry and then to calm again in the span of a couple of minutes.

He shakes his head slightly and then looks at you.
"I got a message from the others. They are close. They should arrive soon." he states.
He grabs the clothes from next to him and looks at them for a few seconds.
"You can go greet them and help them find this place while I take care of... this." he continues with some annoyance in his voice as he struggles to undo some of the bindings that hold the clothes and armour together.
"If you want to, that is."

Theri couldn't help but stifle a laugh with her hand as she observed River's expressions, until it hit her that he had a neural connection with the rest--it still looked a bit silly, though understandably silly now. She wondered about the camps she found earlier.

"I'd love to, but I'd love to do it with you. I've also been looking around the place and couldn't help but notice a few camps--two of them, by the roadside. There were brown-ish figures in one and the other was devoid of anything I could see from about a hundred meters."

She nonchalantly smoothed out the creases in her clothing.

"I think those aren't our people judging by the wording you just said. Can we check that place out?"

Query!

"Yes." he says, pausing for a few seconds as he focuses on working on wearing his armour.
He chose not to wear the shirt underneath it, leaving the fur on large parts of his arms and torso exposed.
"If that is what you want. ... Although..."
He pauses his work and looks up at you.
"I think they are the ones that hurt Irine. It might be better if we talked to her first."
After a couple of seconds of looking at you, he gets back to focusing on the clothes, this time attempting to wear pants without causing pain to his leg.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 04, 2015, 11:33:18 am

((Wait, I don't have pain sensors. I'm a slime. Why was I gurgling in pain? Whatever.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((Perhaps because someone just cut a piece of your brain-anchor out? Spreading out your brain means that there's no organ he can smash with his hammer to kill you and thus you become much harder to damage. Which is why you survived those hits. But it also means that if someone manages to hurt you and you DO take damage, you get hurt very very much and permanently lose part of your brain. Which tends to be a bad thing.

I was briefly considering having all your descriptions be reduced to "you do the thing with the thing" due to brain damage or apply a scrambler to replace words with other words ("I NEVER PROMISED YOU NO MISSILE PONIES!"), but I thought that while funny, that would make things too difficult.))

Anyway, got to go now, turn later.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 04, 2015, 02:26:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

To the party: <Wait, I smell people. Two of 'em, fresh trails. Keep an eye out, people.>

To River: <There's two people been around your hideout recently. You seen them? Also, I'm here, I think? Some kind of ex-tavern's where you're at, right? I thought about knocking, but hey, telepathy. I'll let myself in.>

Go inside if I can open the door. Seems like the right place to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 04, 2015, 02:59:33 pm

Alan considers yodelling, but decides to be minutely more cautious than that and settles for dancing a minor jig while waiting for something to happen.

Just follow along with Ike for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 04, 2015, 03:09:30 pm

"Finally, a bar. I hope they still have drinks?"
Into the bar.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 04, 2015, 03:18:51 am

"Hey Nikolai have you ever tried using your power on drugs? Like what if you did your thing on a package of ... what's the green stuff called again? You smoke it. I'm thinking 'bucket'."

"Yeah, that's always fun."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 04, 2015, 04:52:10 pm

((OOC, I want to science. IC...))

"RAAGHH!!!"

Punch through the barrier! Then do it again! Repeat until the barrier breaks! Then do it again!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 04, 2015, 04:55:59 pm

(well, since I'm out, I'd like to get to know my voice in my head more. Forgot what they're called, but that would be interesting. Who's in the staging area right now, anyway?)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 04, 2015, 06:15:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 04, 2015, 09:04:15 am

<Oh, that's interesting. Did you always have this fatalistic and defeatist attitude and tendency to complain to whoever you meet or is this a recent development? Most test subjects usually put up some sort of fight or try to bargain or even run away.>

George rolled his eyes, and continued speaking out loud to the air.
"Oh well, now that you mention it, Ms. alien therapist, I have been feeling stressed lately.  I think it started after an alien parasite squeezed itself into my skull.  Now, maybe most people can shrug off that kind of thing, but unfortunately I haven't been coping very well.  Knowing there's some kind of gooey creature wrapped around my brain, taking a nap, no less, has left me a wee bit frazzled."

"Seriously though, are we just gonna chit chat or is something supposed to happen?  Who are you, anyway? "

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 04, 2015, 09:34:23 pm

same as before

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on August 05, 2015, 10:44:29 am

Team A

---

<I think its coming down behind me, I'm going to try for the door.>
grab the ammo and what equipment I can manage from the man, head towards the exit. Again what's the void doing?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on August 05, 2015, 03:31:37 pm

Team B.
"You see? They are trying to make us think it's an ambush! Or... are they trying to make us think that they are trying to make us think it's an ambush? Insufficient information."
Take off one of my shoes and throw it at closest and garishest mannequin.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 05, 2015, 06:03:29 pm

---

Campaign

---

Tiruin
River tries to put on pants for a few seconds before getting frustrated from the pain and just ripping the bottom half off, turning them into much easier to wear shorts. That done, he starts trying to wear the armour over it.
"They are outside. Could you open the door?" he says as he works.

((Gonna assume you comply to expedite things.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 04, 2015, 02:26:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

To the party: <Wait, I smell people. Two of 'em, fresh trails. Keep an eye out, people.>

To River: <There's two people been around your hideout recently. You seen them? Also, I'm here, I think? Some kind of ex-tavern's where you're at, right? I thought about knocking, but hey, telepathy. I'll let myself in.>

Go inside if I can open the door. Seems like the right place to go.

<Do not worry about the humans. They will not be a problem.>
You push the door but it seems blocked from the inside.
<Wait. We will open it.>
Could probably force it open or climb in through the roof, but why risk it?

A few moments later, Theri opens the door, wearing the same clothing and armour the scouts were wearing. You can see River sitting on the floor behind her with his back resting on the bar. He's wearing the same clothes as Theri, but with the shirt and bottom part of the pants missing. He looks up at you and slowly wags his tail for a couple of seconds.
"You are here." he states before he returns to working on tightening the straps on his leg armour without hurting his leg.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 04, 2015, 09:55:58 am

Saevus takes a quick look at his leg. "I have had worse."

Spoiler: Now get off. (click to show/hide)

If I can cut a sizeable piece of him off without getting my blade stopped on my leg - do it.

If I can't - blast him off, even if I have to sacrifice my leg. If I'll still be able to do something after that - I'll try to use my immunity to pain and Rune being most likely stunned to cut him.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 04, 2015, 11:33:18 am

"Glub. Blub Glub Blub."

Spoiler: Gooey (click to show/hide)

Quick move up his leg to his lower body. Begin dissolving him there, because if I can disable both legs at once, I can completely immobilize him and make him easier to defeat. Also, assuming I have extra biomass, try to increase the acidity of my.... acid. Yep.

Spoiler: Goo (click to show/hide)

You have failed to acidify your acid.

Rune quickly moves upwards, trying to damage the rest of Saevus' torso. He succeeds, but Saevus quickly blasts him off and onto the pavement below him, rendering the damage of his attack insignificant. Still, the damage is starting to accumulate. He feels weaker and his leg sometimes refuses to move. Especially now that it's sporting a new dent.

Saevus proceeds with a counterattack, chopping off another piece from Rune with his giant cleaver. Rune barely manages to hold on and not give in to pain. At this rate, Rune won't last long.

---

OOC
I'll do a staging area turn tomorrow.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 05, 2015, 06:08:56 pm

Spoiler: Ruh roh. (click to show/hide)

Relocate the brain cells from a quarter of my body to the rest of my body, then detach it so that the acid begins to coat the ground, making it harder for him to reach me. Then, flee from the hostile. Try to create some kind of gaseous acid which I can store inside my body then release through tiny pores on my skin.

((Since Saevus attacked me with the cleaver and cut off a portion of myself, presumably letting out a bunch of acid, shouldn't his cleaver be coated in acid and potentially rendered unusable?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 05, 2015, 06:17:13 pm

((Good point Rune, but I'll just summon a new one if needed. Having an infinite amount of weaponry at your beck and call is quite useful, you see.))

"This is the end."

Spoiler: I don't know whose end yet, though. (click to show/hide)

Summon a new cleaver if needed.

He seems to be nearly dead, so he'll either do one last desperate attack or try to leg it. Both are annoying, but I have a countermeasure to them.

Put him in stasis so he can't move (unless there's a risk of accidentally shutting myself down due to the damage) and slash at him once again. Don't forget to release it before the impact though.

((EDIT:Decided to add all the new players (and put inactives at the bottom) to the TvTropes character page. Not sure what tropes apply to them though. I'm not even sure which tropes apply to my character.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 05, 2015, 06:43:51 pm

"We are! Now that the party's started, what were we doing? Seriously I have no idea what we were supposed to be doing here or even how we got here. Or what I've been doing in the last five minutes. Or years."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 05, 2015, 06:44:00 pm

(Ron Bones. Super strength and endurance. Managed to destroy an entire city by jumping off of a really high place. Uses super drugs to give him temporary powers. Got burnt, crushed, and cut up, before finally dying by a huge grenade. Does this help for TV tropes?)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 05, 2015, 07:24:37 pm

((Didn't really plan to be the one adding that, but yeah, it works. Edited the page. Feel free to point out something you'd like to be changed there.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 05, 2015, 08:30:13 pm

(Thanks, it looks good. Hopefully I'll be able to add more to the list. :) )

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on August 05, 2015, 09:34:38 pm

Team A

If I feel threatened or a suitable target presents itself (like that bird thing), do the thing I do and shoot the threat with the anchors, aiming to pierce it with one and constrict it with any others.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2015, 01:00:59 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 05, 2015, 06:43:51 pm

"We are! Now that the party's started, what were we doing? Seriously I have no idea what we were supposed to be doing here or even how we got here. Or what I've been doing in the last five minutes. Or years."

"We're supposed to kill a dragon, but then we got sidetracked," Ike explains before turning to River, having given Theri a bit of a sidelong glance. "Glad to see you're feeling better, chief. What's the next move?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 01:03:56 am

"Wait really? Aww, awesome! Can I have its head to wear as a hat? And maybe some of its back skin to wear as a cape. That'd be cool."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2015, 04:14:38 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 05, 2015, 06:43:51 pm

"We are! Now that the party's started, what were we doing? Seriously I have no idea what we were supposed to be doing here or even how we got here. Or what I've been doing in the last five minutes. Or years."

"We are here to bring a traitor of my kind to justice. I also intended for this to be a chance for you to act freely, explore and enjoy yourselves. But with the way things are now..."
He looks down.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2015, 01:00:59 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 05, 2015, 06:43:51 pm

"We are! Now that the party's started, what were we doing? Seriously I have no idea what we were supposed to be doing here or even how we got here. Or what I've been doing in the last five minutes. Or years."

"We're supposed to kill a dragon, but then we got sidetracked," Ike explains before turning to River, having given Theri a bit of a sidelong glance. "Glad to see you're feeling better, chief. What's the next move?"

"I know the traitor is somewhere in the kingdom east of here, but no more than that. I think my memory might have been hurt or confused...
Reaching the traitor is what concerns me the most, but I feel that leaving this place is the most important thing we should be doing right now. I do not care where we go. Nor do I know enough about this world to make a decision. To say which way is best. You can decide. Or we can start walking east."
...
"Theri... wanted to visit the human camps. You and Irine went there. You know more about them. Do you think you could escort her there? So that she may visit them before we leave?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: H4zardZ1 on August 06, 2015, 04:55:18 am

((Fizz's attacks are mostly shoulder rams. It's going to be. :P))
"Whatever. I'll break this door."
Another shoulder ram to the door.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 06, 2015, 05:00:43 am

upon seeing Theri I say to her:
"Theri, are you okay? River seemed worried he'd have trouble healing you."

---

when River says Theri wants to visit the human camps
"I-i don't know if that's a good idea Theri. Some of them seem to hate all nonhumans, and you're wearing the clothes of one of their scouts. I think they would assume you killed them and attack you."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 05:32:30 am

"By 'seem to' do you mean you tried to talk to them and accidentally set some of them on fire, or they actually do hate nonhuman people?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2015, 05:56:15 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 05:32:30 am

"By 'seem to' do you mean you tried to talk to them and accidentally set some of them on fire, or they actually do hate nonhuman people?"

"Let me elaborate: it's not nonhumans they hate - it's beastmen specifically (and also elves, but to a lesser degree). Animal people, you know. And those guys hate them plenty right back: they're apparently assholes to people in this particular universe, so there's no love lost between them and the poor bastards we blew up, especially since now would be a good time to come along and enslave any survivors. And I'd guess that either you guys murdered some scouts for those outfits or at least found some already dead ones, so they wouldn't appreciate that one bit, as Irine mentioned."

Ike thinks for a second, remembering what the master mage himself had told Irine.

"Anyway, I'm not sure there is a kingdom east of here - the guy we talked to said that eastward we can find a desert full of traders, and beyond that a set of mountains, called the Guggenheim or Google range or something like that. Northeast the desert gets less civilized and more Bedouin-infested, and southeast there's a river going eastward with a whole bunch of communities around it."

Having explained that whole thing, he speaks further.

"West, meanwhile, there are forests and bloody-minded elves with a big honking magical wall to keep people out of their enchanted forests. Northwest is full of beastmen - the people here had a whole bloody war with them and everything, and also some more mountains called the Brother or Dragon Range or something of that nature. South is where you'll find human kingdoms, and also southeast. There's some kind of huge canyon to the south if I understand correctly, too, called the Scar. Oh, and this place was some kingdom's capital, put down right next to a volcano and 'a river of liquid fire', and we went and blew it all to shit, so I expect either anarchy or a Pseudoroman crackdown in the surrounding area for some time. They're probably not gonna like the look of either River or Theri. Or Irine either, if she doesn't keep her current form."

"That's what the guy I blinded told me, anyway. Even drew a map for our benefit. Shockingly helpful even if we didn't manage to reconcile our differences in the end. So, River, any of that information ring the old memory bells? Got any ideas on what biome we're looking for at least? The surrounding area runs the gamut, so that'd be a good way to orient ourselves."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2015, 06:17:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 06, 2015, 05:00:43 am

when River says Theri wants to visit the human camps
"I-i don't know if that's a good idea Theri. Some of them seem to hate all nonhumans, and you're wearing the clothes of one of their scouts. I think they would assume you killed them and attack you."

"Hmph. Humans." he comments with a hint of anger as he finishes working on his armour.

River looks at you for a few seconds, before looking down. He grabs the shirt from the ground besides him and offers it to you, although he continues not looking at you.
"Do you... want this?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2015, 05:56:15 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 05:32:30 am

"By 'seem to' do you mean you tried to talk to them and accidentally set some of them on fire, or they actually do hate nonhuman people?"

"Let me elaborate: it's not nonhumans they hate - it's beastmen specifically (and also elves, but to a lesser degree). Animal people, you know. And those guys hate them plenty right back: they're apparently assholes to people in this particular universe, so there's no love lost between them and the poor bastards we blew up, especially since now would be a good time to come along and enslave any survivors. And I'd guess that either you guys murdered some scouts for those outfits or at least found some already dead ones, so they wouldn't appreciate that one bit, as Irine mentioned."

Ike thinks for a second, remembering what the master mage himself had told Irine.

"Anyway, I'm not sure there is a kingdom east of here - the guy we talked to said that eastward we can find a desert full of traders, and beyond that a set of mountains, called the Guggenheim or Google range or something like that. Northeast the desert gets less civilized and more Bedouin-infested, and southeast there's a river going eastward with a whole bunch of communities around it."

Having explained that whole thing, he speaks further.

"West, meanwhile, there are forests and bloody-minded elves with a big honking magical wall to keep people out of their enchanted forests. Northwest is full of beastmen - the people here had a whole bloody war with them and everything, and also some more mountains called the Brother or Dragon Range or something of that nature. South is where you'll find human kingdoms, and also southeast. There's some kind of huge canyon to the south if I understand correctly, too, called the Scar. Oh, and this place was some kingdom's capital, put down right next to a volcano and 'a river of liquid fire', and we went and blew it all to shit, so I expect either anarchy or a Pseudoroman crackdown in the surrounding area for some time. They're probably not gonna like the look of either River or Theri. Or Irine either, if she doesn't keep her current form."

"That's what the guy I blinded told me, anyway. Even drew a map for our benefit. Shockingly helpful even if we didn't manage to reconcile our differences in the end. So, River, any of that information ring the old memory bells? Got any ideas on what biome we're looking for at least? The surrounding area runs the gamut, so that'd be a good way to orient ourselves."

((Wait, there actually is a mountain range in the west but I'm pretty sure I never mentioned it. And there's some other things you have in there that I think I never mentioned. Are you reading my mind or something? Or are you really good at deduction? Or are you merely misinterpreting what I said in a surprisingly lucky manner? Or did I mention it and I am forgetting things? Eh, anyway. Edit: Yeah, just reread that part and it was never mentioned, along with other things Ike said, some of which are outright wrong or at least misleading. Oh well.))

"I..." he closes his eyes with a strained expression and puts his hands on his head.
"Grrrrgh." he growls angrily.
"I... I..."
He removes his hands from his head, takes a few seconds to relax and then looks at you.
"I am sorry. I can not remember more. Maybe... Maybe if I have time to rest. To fully recover what I lost. Maybe it will be better."
"You are my companions. You can choose whatever you wish. As long as it is away from here. I trust you. Whatever we face, we can deal with it."

---

OOC
Due to technical difficulties, I'm lending my PC to my mother so that she can work. Will be posting from phone (or from any PC I can get my hands on) until I finish repairs or regain access to my alternate PCs. Expect delays.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 08:31:14 pm

"Rover, you're not you when you're hungry. I don't have a Snickers, but I have this!"

Heave food sack at River.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 06, 2015, 09:26:45 pm

"River, Theri, it's good to see you!"

Nikolai searches every inch of the bar, but doesn't find anything.
"Damn, everything's looted already. Let's get moving."

"Those poor refugees have had enough, let's not visiting and risk killing more of them. South sounds nice, we should go south."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 06, 2015, 09:54:22 pm

"I... Yes please."
I accept the offered shirt and see how it fits on me.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 06, 2015, 10:03:17 pm

Campaign

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2015, 06:17:21 pm

"Hmph. Humans." he comments with a hint of anger as he finishes working on his armour.

Zechariah's mind drifts off to the Second World - the place where the main issue that spawned the Shadows there was the conflict between different peoples and species. Humans versus angels, angels versus mermen, and so on. Driven by hate and fear, anxious of what would happen to them. Thankfully, that was the one single world that they managed to completely save.
The other worlds - well, they had their own fates.

"They're afraid. They let that - the fear - drive their actions. Don't blame them all." He looks at one of his hands and says somberly, "The hate both sides create feeds the Shadows. I don't want that to happen. We should try to avoid further conflict where possible, at least until we get our strength back."

He turns to Nikolai.
"If Ike is right, the canyon seems like a good choice for now. We can set up camp and rest. The human settlements concern me, but hopefully that won't be too much of a problem. The canyon gives me some opportunities to conceal us if we find a good sheltered position.
After, River can tell us what he knows about the region, and we move from there."
Zechariah looks back at his hands. "If possible, I'll also need to find some sort of long branch or something that I can imbue with my energy to make a temporary staff. That explosion leaves little chance for me to find Joma, at least not for a very long while - maybe even until we get back to the Staging Area. It will have to do, for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 07, 2015, 04:36:02 am

Campaign, Ike!

((Well, Ike was reciting all that from memory, by which I mean I skimmed the post with the map. Some errors are bound to occur.))

"You have any idea what we'd be looking for? A size, a shape, an overall timeframe in tens, hundreds, thousands of years, maybe a habit or two? As it is, your intuition's the best clue we have, unsubstantiated as it is, but I'd like a bit more on top, you know?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 07, 2015, 05:18:36 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: Illgeo on August 05, 2015, 03:31:37 pm

Team B.
"You see? They are trying to make us think it's an ambush! Or... are they trying to make us think that they are trying to make us think it's an ambush? Insufficient information."
Take off one of my shoes and throw it at closest and garishest mannequin.

You start untying your shoe, but then your teammate just runs into the room, making the test a bit unnecessary.

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on August 06, 2015, 04:55:18 am

((Fizz's attacks are mostly shoulder rams. It's going to be. :P))
"Whatever. I'll break this door."
Another shoulder ram to the door.

You run straight into the room, heading for one of the other two doors.

The mannequins immediately move to block your path, raising their hands and their white bone (or maybe ceramic) knives.
Glancing behind you, you notice another group of 16 mannequins, similar to the first, except for the fact that they have a black colour scheme and are wearing suits. They move to cut you off from your teammates, half of them facing you, the other half facing them.

"Who else saw that coming a mile away?" Welroki says, raising his hand.

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 04, 2015, 04:52:10 pm

((OOC, I want to science. IC...))

"RAAGHH!!!"

Punch through the barrier! Then do it again! Repeat until the barrier breaks! Then do it again!

Quote

Repeat until the barrier breaks! Then do it again!

((I'm going to destroy you! And then destroy you again!))

You scream as you launch multiple rapid devastating strikes on the barrier, each strike releasing a rain of sparks, but in the end all this results into is you panting (https://youtu.be/uB06VZ9Re5o?t=50s) with nothing to show for it but the burnt flesh on your hands. Every time the barrier bent or distorted, it was immediately replenished. Looks like whatever is powering this can output power much quicker than you can.

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: Beirus on August 05, 2015, 09:34:38 pm

Team A

If I feel threatened or a suitable target presents itself (like that bird thing), do the thing I do and shoot the threat with the anchors, aiming to pierce it with one and constrict it with any others.

The rest of the team runs away. A couple of seconds later, your flash-lights go out again. You cannot see anything.
You know there's something dangerous there. Even if you didn't knew that, you could feel it. The darkness is thick with danger, a feeling of impending doom, amplified by the fact that you are alone. Alone in the dark. And you cannot tell where it is.

Let's hope your intuition is good?

Quote from: Alarith on August 05, 2015, 10:44:29 am

Team A

---

<I think its coming down behind me, I'm going to try for the door.>
grab the ammo and what equipment I can manage from the man, head towards the exit. Again what's the void doing?

You grab the man's pistol and start running towards the exit. The lights go out a few seconds later, making navigating through the mess of furniture and other crap stored down here a lot harder. You try to follow Svajoklis' mental signal, but it is still difficult when you can see nothing. You bump into something and are forced to stop to avoid falling.

You can feel the void condensing behind you, a dark cloud lunging towards you.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 04, 2015, 10:30:52 am

<Svajoklis, Team A>

The things here seem to have quite an appetite. I say we move out and find something to start a fire with. Fuck this dark.

Grab ammo from corpse. Move towards the exit. In case something unrecognisable/eldrich apears/makes a sound/etc. shoot it.

You grab the man's belt (which includes most of his equipment) and start running towards the exit. The lights go out a few seconds later, but your memory and ability to understand where you are allows you to navigate in the darkness with ease.

---

OOC

Quote

Zechariah's mind drifts off to the Second World - the place where the main issue that spawned the Shadows there was the conflict between different peoples and species.

So... one could say the problem was the... Second World War?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 07, 2015, 06:08:42 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 06, 2015, 08:31:14 pm

"Rover, you're not you when you're hungry. I don't have a Snickers, but I have this!"

Heave food sack at River.

River almost tears the sack open in his rush to get in its contents, before diving his head inside it and starting to chomp. He grunts something that could had been a 'thank you' in between bites as he hastily consumes anything he can find in there. Looks like he's got quite the appetite. At this rate he could eat everything.

You could even say he's Hungry like the Wolf (https://youtu.be/oOg5VxrRTi0).

Quote from: NAV on August 06, 2015, 09:26:45 pm

"River, Theri, it's good to see you!"

Nikolai searches every inch of the bar, but doesn't find anything.
"Damn, everything's looted already. Let's get moving."

"Those poor refugees have had enough, let's not visiting and risk killing more of them. South sounds nice, we should go south."

Well, there's some cooking implements here, some wood, a couple of boxes, a bit of broken glass. You could take a spoon, Tsar it, hit someone in the face and say "See you ladle!"

Quote from: Lenglon on August 06, 2015, 09:54:22 pm

"I... Yes please."
I accept the offered shirt and see how it fits on me.

You accept the offered shirt and attempt to wear it. Takes some effort, but you finally manage to get your hands through the sleeves.

Your character has the appearance of a young human female, so statistics would say that it would be a bit too large for her, maybe even going as far as a bit above her knees. Enough to shield her from that light breeze that has picked up recently and protect her modesty, I would assume, but not very comfortable, sleeves too long, a bit baggy. Unless she is about as tall as a tall human male.

Hey, maybe there's a part of her anatomy that is large enough to fill the shirt and cause it to rise, if you know what I mean.
...
Why are you looking at me like that? I was talking about her tails. She could hide them there. What did you think I meant?

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 06, 2015, 10:03:17 pm

Campaign

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2015, 06:17:21 pm

"Hmph. Humans." he comments with a hint of anger as he finishes working on his armour.

Zechariah's mind drifts off to the Second World - the place where the main issue that spawned the Shadows there was the conflict between different peoples and species. Humans versus angels, angels versus mermen, and so on. Driven by hate and fear, anxious of what would happen to them. Thankfully, that was the one single world that they managed to completely save.
The other worlds - well, they had their own fates.

"They're afraid. They let that - the fear - drive their actions. Don't blame them all." He looks at one of his hands and says somberly, "The hate both sides create feeds the Shadows. I don't want that to happen. We should try to avoid further conflict where possible, at least until we get our strength back."

He turns to Nikolai.
"If Ike is right, the canyon seems like a good choice for now. We can set up camp and rest. The human settlements concern me, but hopefully that won't be too much of a problem. The canyon gives me some opportunities to conceal us if we find a good sheltered position.
After, River can tell us what he knows about the region, and we move from there."
Zechariah looks back at his hands. "If possible, I'll also need to find some sort of long branch or something that I can imbue with my energy to make a temporary staff. That explosion leaves little chance for me to find Joma, at least not for a very long while - maybe even until we get back to the Staging Area. It will have to do, for now.

River snorts as you speak about not to blame them, clearly not agreeing very much, but saying nothing.

"Do not worry. I will help with your staff."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 07, 2015, 04:36:02 am

Campaign, Ike!

((Well, Ike was reciting all that from memory, by which I mean I skimmed the post with the map. Some errors are bound to occur.))

"You have any idea what we'd be looking for? A size, a shape, an overall timeframe in tens, hundreds, thousands of years, maybe a habit or two? As it is, your intuition's the best clue we have, unsubstantiated as it is, but I'd like a bit more on top, you know?"

"What do you mean timeframe?"

---

OOC
Hey, I'm in the mood for stupid jokes today.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 07, 2015, 06:25:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I mean, what are we looking for? I don't know much about these entity life cycles. Is the thing we're looking for a nameless horror from the beginning of time or somebody who dropped in? Has it lived here for ten years, a hundred years, or a thousand, or ten thousand? It changes the nature of the clues we are looking for."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on August 07, 2015, 10:27:29 am

Team A

---

Shoot once at the thing behind me, and follow up with a telekinetic push, if there is a chance I can hit a friend just use telekinesis on it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 07, 2015, 01:22:42 pm

Campaign: Nikolai

If there's any cooking tools that would make a better weapon than my glass shard take them. And don't suppse I can fashion a shield from the wood?

"Nailboard wasn't good enough for you, Zech?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 07, 2015, 02:21:54 pm

RAAGH. If I can't punch through the barrier, I'll just have to punch through the wall next to it!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on August 07, 2015, 03:15:55 pm

Team A

"I'd recommend y'all get as far from this room as possible."

Do the thing. Do the thing now. Start charging. If a viable enemy target presents itself, shoot it with my anchors to impale it with one and wrap it with the others to hold it there.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 07, 2015, 03:24:05 pm

Idly summon some sunglasses.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 08, 2015, 02:47:42 am

((Much stuffs happened since last post; sorry can't get any more tonight--REAL TIRED X_X Still haven't finished replying to all my PMs too!))

Last Note for Theri... (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6422375#msg6422375)

((I like how Ike didn't detect my scene and instead only River's when he tracked the tavern. XD))

---

---

---

Theri gave Irine a hug before she could say anything. She would've done so with the rest, but the conversations popping up told her that she just came in at a time where much was in play.

Quote from: Irine on August 06, 2015, 05:00:43 am

"Theri, are you okay? River seemed worried he'd have trouble healing you."

"I'm alright, but completely disoriented--I didn't know these clothes belonged to anyone's scouts. I was just brought here by River after he found me. I have no idea or recollection about this whole place at all. And it is nice to see you all back and well!"

She looks at Ike, deciding how best to keep herself abreast with the goings-on recently by asking general questions.

"So what happened since we...um, last met? Where are we? Staging Area or somewhere near it? Or in a whole place altogether? What's the plan?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 08, 2015, 03:02:43 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 08, 2015, 02:47:42 am

She looks at Ike, deciding how best to keep herself abreast with the goings-on recently by asking general questions.

"So what happened since we...um, last met? Where are we? Staging Area or somewhere near it? Or in a whole place altogether? What's the plan?"

Ike, assuming the question is directed at him, answers readily.

"As you may recall, our last meeting came to an end when you, me and as far as I can tell anyone else in our jolly group were atomized by a massive explosion of our own making that essentially nuked this fine city. We were then resurrected one by one from our handy-dandy resurrection spheres - me first, then Irine, then the others in some order or another, and finally you."

"You are now within the ruins, which are full of monsters, refugees and probably other things as well. The plan is that we find the entity that River doesn't like and help him kill it dead. The particulars, as you in all likelihood can tell, still need to be worked out."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 08, 2015, 04:19:41 am

"Thanks Ike. So how do we find this entity? Any tracks or trails?"

The enormity of the world nudged Theri's thoughts. Connecting the idea of the Staging Grounds and River's make (along with the other entities with him) to the creation or...entry of this world: she wondered how deep the tapestry of reality was woven.

"And...um, can we fight it physically? Since, well, I'm not capable of most powers the rest of you have."

She raised her eyebrows at Irine. Theri had always wanted to try that kind of prowess.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 08, 2015, 02:24:05 pm

((I'm statistically normal-ish, slightly on the small side. so the shirt is quite big on me, going down to my knees then. Also if I were in hybrid form I become even smaller if you exclude the tails, so in that case it would drape over me massively.

Irine doesn't have a sense of modesty, but Lenglon does, and this works out for each of us.

as for D's comments... I'll assume they're OOC so Irine doesn't hear them. but Lenglon does and is giving D a flat look, accompanied with a "Really guy? Really? Is that how we're playing this? Because I can play that game if you want. But I really don't think you want me to do that."))

---

to Theri:
"You actually are, you just don't know it yet. This place reacts to people's nature and emotions. It's how mages cast their spells here. I don't know the details, but I'm pretty sure that here, magic can be yours. It might be worthwhile to try to tap into something matching your inner nature. River is able to sense people's affinities, you should talk to him about it."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2015, 05:27:04 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 04, 2015, 06:15:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 04, 2015, 09:04:15 am

<Oh, that's interesting. Did you always have this fatalistic and defeatist attitude and tendency to complain to whoever you meet or is this a recent development? Most test subjects usually put up some sort of fight or try to bargain or even run away.>

George rolled his eyes, and continued speaking out loud to the air.
"Oh well, now that you mention it, Ms. alien therapist, I have been feeling stressed lately.  I think it started after an alien parasite squeezed itself into my skull.  Now, maybe most people can shrug off that kind of thing, but unfortunately I haven't been coping very well.  Knowing there's some kind of gooey creature wrapped around my brain, taking a nap, no less, has left me a wee bit frazzled."

"Seriously though, are we just gonna chit chat or is something supposed to happen?  Who are you, anyway? "

<Oh, I'm sorry, am I boring you? Do you want to leave?> she replies sarcastically and with a hint of annoyance.
<Do you perhaps have anywhere you urgently need to go? If you want to escape, you're free to try, the door is right there.>
Despite there not being a hand pointing at the door, you can't help feeling that there is.

<Because as your self-appointed medical investigator, I think it's only proper for me to take your history before I start digging through your brain, don't you? It's always nice to get to know your test subjects before you vivisect them.>
She has that tone of voice that's telling you she's enjoying telling you this, although you are not certain if she's enjoying this because she is being not serious or because she is.
<Or, you know, at least have some fun. It's amazing what some people can ask for or say when you tell them they've been selected. When they begin realizing what they've gotten themselves into.>

<As for a name, oh, I've had plenty of those. From such flowery titles as 'the Knight of the Wind' (which should really be Dame if we want to use the 'correct' title for a female, but nobody does that) to 'that crazy bitch who talks too much'. But you may call me Aurora. Mistress Aurora if you want to be polite. Or maybe Doctor, Doctor's better than Mistress, sounds more official.>

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 04, 2015, 04:55:59 pm

(well, since I'm out, I'd like to get to know my voice in my head more. Forgot what they're called, but that would be interesting. Who's in the staging area right now, anyway?)

((Only you and John. And Megggas, whose character's name I think is George.

And your entity has never given you a name. I picked the name Jake Boyman, just so that he has a name in the first post. But he's been mostly referred to as Ghost Boy or Strange Voice by players.

I'll get you your upgrades when I have a bit more time to review my notes.))

You wake up.

You are in your personal section of the staging area, a room in the inn whose walls have been painted with various splashes of colours. There's a window outside, showing you the plaza. It looks like its floor has received some damage recently, with rock pieces littered everywhere.

---

Toaster
You wake up to the sound of soft mellow chords on large strings, a music that threatens to lull you back into unconsciousness.

You are in your personal section of the staging area, the little mansion you claimed for yourself. You are currently laying next to the fireplace of a living room on a comfortable... It's like a mix of a therapist bed and an armchair. A reclining armchair?

Your robotic creation is sitting nearby, playing a harp. You're pretty sure this room (or the entire building for that matter) didn't have a harp before.
She nods to acknowledge the fact that you're awake without stopping her music.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 10, 2015, 05:57:39 pm

<Svajoklis, Team A>

Stay near the exit and wait for others. See if flashlight from dead guy works any better. If I see something nasty, shoot it. If my two allies start screaming, shoot slightly above the screams.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 10, 2015, 07:34:28 pm

John shook his head to get himself back awake. Another mission that ended in pain. He'd have to work on that. At least the music was nice.

"Thanks, Galatea. That's quite lovely; please keep it up. So hey Zero! Requesting evaluation of performance in the last mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 10, 2015, 08:08:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2015, 05:27:04 pm

---

Staging Area

---

<Oh, I'm sorry, am I boring you? Do you want to leave?> she replies sarcastically and with a hint of annoyance.
<Do you perhaps have anywhere you urgently need to go? If you want to escape, you're free to try, the door is right there.>
Despite there not being a hand pointing at the door, you can't help feeling that there is.

George facepalms and quietly grumbles to himself:
"She captured me, but now she's telling me to try to escape, which obviously won't work.  Ugh, mixed messages and mind games.  Am I talking to an alien terrorist or my ex-girlfriend?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2015, 05:27:04 pm

<Because as your self-appointed medical investigator, I think it's only proper for me to take your history before I start digging through your brain, don't you? It's always nice to get to know your test subjects before you vivisect them.>
She has that tone of voice that's telling you she's enjoying telling you this, although you are not certain if she's enjoying this because she is being not serious or because she is.
<Or, you know, at least have some fun. It's amazing what some people can ask for or say when you tell them they've been selected. When they begin realizing what they've gotten themselves into.>

<As for a name, oh, I've had plenty of those. From such flowery titles as 'the Knight of the Wind' (which should really be Dame if we want to use the 'correct' title for a female, but nobody does that) to 'that crazy bitch who talks too much'. But you may call me Aurora. Mistress Aurora if you want to be polite. Or maybe Doctor, Doctor's better than Mistress, sounds more official.>

As George's expression changes to a mix of confusion and irritation, he says:
"Ok, Aurora, (not gonna call you a doctor unless I see some certification), I get it.  You want me to ask a bunch of questions so you can gleefully brag about how screwed I am.  Fine, I'll bite.  I'll even take notes."

Take out my imaginary pen and notebook, and mime myself taking notes as Aurora responds.

"Ok, so where am I?  Why am I here?  How are you talking to me?  What have I been selected for?  Who else have you taken hostage?  What's your motive?  How do you plan to kill me?  Did you want this parasite to get in my head, or was that a mistake?  Are you also some kind of brain parasite?  Do you enjoy seeing me suffer?  Is this all just some kind of drug-induced hallucination?  How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 11, 2015, 04:19:32 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 07, 2015, 06:25:16 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I mean, what are we looking for? I don't know much about these entity life cycles. Is the thing we're looking for a nameless horror from the beginning of time or somebody who dropped in? Has it lived here for ten years, a hundred years, or a thousand, or ten thousand? It changes the nature of the clues we are looking for."

"The traitor is a bond-former. One of my kind. Not an entity."
...
"At least, not the last time I checked. It could had become one in the... two weeks... I think it is three weeks that we are here?"

"But I doubt it. Few would accept one such as it. Few would become one in such a small amount of time."

"It has been here for... maybe a month? Maybe a few days more?"

"I can not know where it might have gone during that time. I want to search the place I know it was. Try to find a trail. Unless I find another sign of its existence along the way."

Quote from: NAV on August 07, 2015, 01:22:42 pm

Campaign: Nikolai

If there's any cooking tools that would make a better weapon than my glass shard take them. And don't suppse I can fashion a shield from the wood?

"Nailboard wasn't good enough for you, Zech?"

You grab a kitchen knife. Always nice to have a backup in case you lose your sword.

You somehow manage to fashion a shield out of pieces of wood and two pot lids. It's small and not very strong, but it's better than nothing. You could wield it with your off hand as a buckler, good for deflecting blows, maybe even stopping weak blows. Or you could try to somehow tie it on your wrist so that your second hand remains free, in case you want to dual wield or go two-handed with your sword.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 07, 2015, 03:24:05 pm

Idly summon some sunglasses.

You summon some sunglasses and start throwing them to your teammates. You can tell River liked his, because he's smiling at you and growling. Maybe if you keep doing this, he'll come give you a hug?

Quote from: Tiruin on August 08, 2015, 04:19:41 am

"Thanks Ike. So how do we find this entity? Any tracks or trails?"

The enormity of the world nudged Theri's thoughts. Connecting the idea of the Staging Grounds and River's make (along with the other entities with him) to the creation or...entry of this world: she wondered how deep the tapestry of reality was woven.

"And...um, can we fight it physically? Since, well, I'm not capable of most powers the rest of you have."

She raised her eyebrows at Irine. Theri had always wanted to try that kind of prowess.

"It is a being of flesh and blood. It can die like any other once you bite its throat off. It may have magic, but not powerful enough to cheat death."

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on August 08, 2015, 02:24:05 pm

((I'm statistically normal-ish, slightly on the small side. so the shirt is quite big on me, going down to my knees then. Also if I were in hybrid form I become even smaller if you exclude the tails, so in that case it would drape over me massively.

Irine doesn't have a sense of modesty, but Lenglon does, and this works out for each of us.

as for D's comments... I'll assume they're OOC so Irine doesn't hear them. but Lenglon does and is giving D a flat look, accompanied with a "Really guy? Really? Is that how we're playing this? Because I can play that game if you want. But I really don't think you want me to do that."))

((Sorry. I just like making stupid jokes. If I take it too far, just tell me 'Dude, Not Funny (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DudeNotFunny)' and I'll do my best to shut up. I don't want to offend anyone, especially people I like.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 04:44:09 am

"Hmm. I think a protective newspaper is in order."

Summon a newspaper and roll it up in preperation to bap River on the snout if need be. Don't need no dog slobber on my ... actually what am I even wearing? Did I get resurrected with clothes, or have I been naked this whole time? Because if so there should've been some SAN checks going on.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 11, 2015, 05:10:10 am

((nah, it's fine. Irine can't respond to D's comments since she isn't aware of them. I was just taking up the IC OCC slack.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on August 11, 2015, 06:05:09 am

Try to find weak spots on mannequins.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 11, 2015, 07:28:05 am

"Shouldn't be too hard to find, then. I guess eastward is the way to go, unless someone has a better idea?"

Prepare for takeoff!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on August 11, 2015, 10:22:29 am

"Oh boy, target practice! In other wordss watch out and dont dodge into the path of my laser."
Laser as many of the mannequins in half as possible. Don't laser any of my teammates though. _{It's not time for that yet.}

((Sorry for disappearing. I blame life. And Rocket League. Mostly Rocket League.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 11, 2015, 04:52:08 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 04:44:09 am

"Hmm. I think a protective newspaper is in order."

Summon a newspaper and roll it up in preperation to bap River on the snout if need be. Don't need no dog slobber on my ... actually what am I even wearing? Did I get resurrected with clothes, or have I been naked this whole time? Because if so there should've been some SAN checks going on.

Indeed you are wearing some clothes. For the sanity of all involved, I think Nikolai took care of that. Even if he didn't, my notes say you're wearing clothes, so that's the way it is and nobody should question that, or the retcon police will get them somebody else must have taken care of that.

You Simon an old and yellowed newspaper with "WAR!" written on its front page in large letters. It has an almost invisible purple glow.
You roll it and prepare to use your most authoritarian voice against the bad doggy.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 11, 2015, 07:28:05 am

"Shouldn't be too hard to find, then. I guess eastward is the way to go, unless someone has a better idea?"

Prepare for takeoff!

"Hm. That is your wish. And mine as well. But not what the rest want."

"Perhaps you should try becoming the leader of your companions. Get them to follow you. You are capable. I see no reason why they will not accept you as the leader of their pack. Then you can get them to follow you."

"There is something else. You said the east is a desert. I have no problem with that. The heat will be uncomfortable, but I can tolerate it. Food will be scarce, but I am a good hunter. And I can feed off the magic of the land when there is no food. You and your companions can not do the same. Do you feel comfortable that you can survive there?"

Quote from: Lenglon on August 11, 2015, 05:10:10 am

((nah, it's fine. Irine can't respond to D's comments since she isn't aware of them. I was just taking up the IC OCC slack.))

((In that case, he would respond by... well, by being who he is. But I think that for the sake of my sanity (and probably the sanity of others) it's best to not get involved in IC OOC.

Unless we say that happened sometime in the staging area to make it IC. Otherwise, it will be what he is saying to himself as he observes from River's head (or from my imagination).))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 11, 2015, 05:10:57 pm

"Ah, but you are very much mistaken. For we have our Most Valuable Brigand, Alan on hand, and he can actually conjure tasty food and drink if given time, attention and tender loving care."

"Anyway, it's not a matter of following me or cheesy animal analogies. It's a matter of going in the right direction or the probably completely wrong direction. This isn't a sightseeing trip, it's a hunt."

Ike gives the others a look.

"And I hope you lot are paying attention, because eastward is where the quest is, and there we are most likely to find the dragon we're supposed to kill. As was already said several times. River might be shy a few marbles at the moment by his own admission, but his guess is better than our great steaming handfuls of fuck-all, so let's get our shit together and keep moving ASAP."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 05:47:21 pm

"A desert, did I hear? One second and I'll take care of our skins then. Gotta have protection!

Either summon a big bottle of sunblock, or shoot it out of my hands at everyone else, whichever is more amusing.

Put the newspaper down and behind me before this, though, I wanna read it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 11, 2015, 06:44:16 pm

"Let's get moving east then. Find the dragon, kill the dragon, get payed."

Quote from: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 05:47:21 pm

"A desert, did I hear? One second and I'll take care of our skins then. Gotta have protection!

Either summon a big bottle of sunblock, or shoot it out of my hands at everyone else, whichever is more amusing.

Put the newspaper down and behind me before this, though, I wanna read it.

Block sunscreen with tsar shield if that happens.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 12, 2015, 02:48:50 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 05:47:21 pm

Either summon a big bottle of sunblock, or shoot it out of my hands at everyone else, whichever is more amusing.

If I happen to be shot with sunblock, do try to seize a bottle out of the air if possible - if it's a stream of sunblock, just dodge it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2015, 02:33:27 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 11, 2015, 06:44:16 pm

"Let's get moving east then. Find the dragon, kill the dragon, get payed."

"I do not like it that you think like that. I brought you here to exist freely. To explore. To make your own choices. Not to follow me blindly. For some quest. For the promise of a reward. I did not like leading line that in the past. I do not like it now. I want companions. Not followers."

Quote from: Xantalos on August 11, 2015, 05:47:21 pm

"A desert, did I hear? One second and I'll take care of our skins then. Gotta have protection!

Either summon a big bottle of sunblock, or shoot it out of my hands at everyone else, whichever is more amusing.

Put the newspaper down and behind me before this, though, I wanna read it.

The outer surface of your body becomes coated with copious amounts of sunscreen. That includes your stomach, guts and lungs. You collapse on the floor and cough as hard as you can in a futile effort to start breathing again as your blood continues to rapidly run out of oxygen.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 11, 2015, 05:10:57 pm

"Ah, but you are very much mistaken. For we have our Most Valuable Brigand, Alan on hand, and he can actually conjure tasty food and drink if given time, attention and tender loving care."

"Anyway, it's not a matter of following me or cheesy animal analogies. It's a matter of going in the right direction or the probably completely wrong direction. This isn't a sightseeing trip, it's a hunt."

Ike gives the others a look.

"And I hope you lot are paying attention, because eastward is where the quest is, and there we are most likely to find the dragon we're supposed to kill. As was already said several times. River might be shy a few marbles at the moment by his own admission, but his guess is better than our great steaming handfuls of fuck-all, so let's get our shit together and keep moving ASAP."

"Hm. Maybe you are too afraid to acknowledge it. But you will soon."

"If you are comfortable with your lives depending on a single person. Who doesn't seem too concerned with his life. Someone unwise enough to anger me. Then that is your choice. And it is yours to make. That is why you are here."

With the worst timing ever, Alan collapses and starts coughing a white goo. River is not amused. He looks at him with the same annoyed expression of a recently awoken man staring at his broken alarm clock: knowing he has to get up to stop it, but wishing he could sleep in spite of it and probably hating the thing with all his will because of that.

"Alan! Can you stop killing yourself for a moment? I'm having an argument here! And you're not helping my case!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 12, 2015, 02:44:31 pm

Wake up and inspect myself for injuries. Last thing I saw was a blast of flame flying at my face. Pretty sure I killed that guy, anyways.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 12, 2015, 03:04:18 pm

*cough, splutter*

Wait, how am I coughing up the stuff if the sunscreen is on the outside of my organs? Unless you meant that the inside of my body is coated with sunscreen.
In any case, try using the newspaper to perform the Heinrich maneuver on myself. If I die, I die knowing that my remains are SPF-90 resistant.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 12, 2015, 03:12:09 pm

((No Final Round this time either? D: ))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2015, 03:33:57 pm

@Xan: Think about it like this: What are your lungs full of? What happens when you put food inside you or processed food comes out of you? Therefore, aren't those parts of your body technically on its outer surface?

@Hawk: Dialogue is easier. And Alan is an older and simpler character. I remember his stats by heart, so I don't need notes so much. So it's easier to update. So I can do it from phone by simply writing on a text file  whenever I have time.

Still, I understand I'm taking too long. I'll try to do you tomorrow morning.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 12, 2015, 03:39:38 pm

............
I'm not thinking that well right now. Lungs are full of alveoli, and get oxygen from the air they absorb and pass it on into the blood...
Did I accidentally replace my blood with sunscreen?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 12, 2015, 03:51:51 pm

It's more like you left your mouth hanging open while casting.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 12, 2015, 03:59:24 pm

Oh.
Oooooh.
Oh.
Well then.
Heh.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 12, 2015, 04:10:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2015, 02:33:27 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 11, 2015, 06:44:16 pm

"Let's get moving east then. Find the dragon, kill the dragon, get payed."

"I do not like it that you think like that. I brought you here to exist freely. To explore. To make your own choices. Not to follow me blindly. For some quest. For the promise of a reward. I did not like leading line that in the past. I do not like it now. I want companions. Not followers."

Somewhat sarcastically "Okay then. Find the dragon, kill the dragon, get payed, and have fun and be ourselves on the way there."

Nik looks at his comrade sputtering on the floor coughing up white goo.
"Is anyone going to help him? I might have a way."
If no one else steps up to save our brave foodmancer, then I have a way that just might work. It could be considered a form of torture though. Tsar a bottle of water and make him inhale it to fill his lungs with water and wash out his lungs. Then untsar it to make his lungs less filled with water. Then make him cough it out and perform CPR if he needs it of course. That's only if no one else helps him, because this is a terrible plan, but a terrible plan is better than no plan.

((My rescue diver training did not teach me about what to do when someone fills their lungs with sunscreen.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 12, 2015, 04:22:26 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2015, 02:33:27 pm

"I do not like it that you think like that. I brought you here to exist freely. To explore. To make your own choices. Not to follow me blindly. For some quest. For the promise of a reward. I did not like leading line that in the past. I do not like it now. I want companions. Not followers."

Ike rubs his temples, looking exasperated at the dramalpha's nonsensical objection.

"If you don't want us to be here on a quest, maybe you shouldn't have dragged us over here on a quest? You seem to have somehow misunderstood the basic nature of our current relationship. We'll find whoever it is you want killed, figure out how to kill it, actually kill it and then we'll go back to the Staging Area and get our upgrade points for doing such a bang-up job, which we will then use to further our own objectives, whatever those may be. It's not like anybody here's dazzled by your shining personality, dude."

If Alan doesn't seem able to help himself, provide him with some aid.

Quote from: NAV on August 12, 2015, 04:10:41 pm

If no one else steps up to save our brave foodmancer, then I have a way that just might work. It could be considered a form of torture though. Tsar a bottle of water and make him inhale it to fill his lungs with water and wash out his lungs. Then untsar it to make his lungs less filled with water. Then make him cough it out and perform CPR if he needs it of course. That's only if no one else helps him, because this is a terrible plan, but a terrible plan is better than no plan.

((Sunscreen probably isn't water-soluble.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 12, 2015, 04:25:26 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 12, 2015, 04:10:41 pm

((My rescue diver training did not teach me about what to do when someone fills their lungs with sunscreen.))

((Sigged. Also it's not only my lungs, it's my entire digestive tract. Alan will be excreting sunscreen for weeks!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2015, 04:40:31 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 12, 2015, 04:25:26 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 12, 2015, 04:10:41 pm

((My rescue diver training did not teach me about what to do when someone fills their lungs with sunscreen.))

((Sigged. Also it's not only my lungs, it's my entire digestive tract. Alan will be excreting sunscreen for weeks!))

((Let's hope it's biodegradable...))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 12, 2015, 05:38:28 pm

A quick Google says it's mostly nontoxic, though expect nausea and vomiting. Two possible ingredients are an aspirin-like and ethanol, which can have interesting side effects.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 12, 2015, 05:55:26 pm

"Um, River? I... I think Ike's right, though he's being mean about how he says it. I've told you what my goals are, why I'm participating in the Games. If... If we'd met before I'd lost my home, then maybe... maybe things could be a lot different. But I don't have that option anymore. As much as I'd like to just explore new places and meet new people, to travel with you and see new kinds of beauty and creativity, I have a different purpose right now. I want to explore and enjoy, but it's not what I need."

---

"If... If I didn't have a mission? I'd have turned around at the relay. Because the way it broke... It still bothers me. I want to know what happened. Or maybe I could try again to learn about the people here. I think I simply met the wrong ones, and that I could still try to talk to them if I found a better representative of them. But as much as I'd like to do about the past, I have to keep going forward. So... yeah. Where do we go to do what we have to do?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 13, 2015, 02:49:16 am

Campaign

Zechariah blinks, going through some possible scenarios in his head and processing what they could do. He didn't really like the idea of making this a business-only trip. Of course, the sooner they ended this, the sooner they could get their points and get out of here with some new powers. But he wondered if that was not all there was to being here. It didn't feel like it, at least. If he did become powerful and simply got out of here and, perhaps, went back to the Medium, what would he have learned? As far as he knew, the Shadows were gone. Was he to take authority over the others in the Medium? He wasn't feeling comfortable with that.

"I... I think that I agree with River," Zechariah said quietly. He raised his voice a little bit, saying, "I don't think that this is a time-critical mission. River would've been pushing us even harder if it was. I feel like this is not too different of a situation from when I was in the Medium. These places, they feel.. connected. There's always a pattern, a key, a chain. It's always a connection." He thought it over in his head a little bit more before continuing.

"There's a magic that interacts with this land. We've seen it with all of the weird portals, relics, wizards.. it exists fully here. I want to find out what makes this place tick. If we didn't need to figure out anything in person, we would've simply been sent out through hosts, so that we don't risk death. But we're here for a reason other than just collecting a bounty. We're not - I'm not a bounty hunter. I suggest that we take the time to at least explore a little bit and find out what we can about the magic in this world, if nothing else. Maybe we can get help from others on the quest. Whether we take to the desert or the canyon, I don't care." He looked over to Alan. "Though, considering his state of mind, it might not be the best to venture to empty lands like that."

"I wish to explore - not just to take it in, but to see if we can learn a bit more about how this universe, and every other one, works."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 13, 2015, 01:35:26 pm

((Sorry, problems occurred! D:))

Theri pondered on Irine's words--she was physically fit and able, and did carry the reflexes apt for one who has trained very well in general martial arts...and found reason in them. She had not asked River at all about these things.

She nodded at Ike's notion of heading East, wondering if she would ever broach the strange creatures in the camps she saw earlier ever again. She was glad she gave everyone a greeting-hug before Alan...err. It was hard giving an exact description as to what had happened.

But considering the discussion now? She decided to nudge River.

"I'm with you no matter what happens, River--but we all are using our free will, maybe just not in the words you'd expect. Maybe its the stress or specificity people expect. But nothing against you; I don't think anyone here is blindly following others. Just agreeing with the task at hand. In different words."

She looked at Irine and mentally took down the idea about her past.

"But we're building our future here no matter what those words are. I think we've all worked with each other enough to trust each one that much."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 13, 2015, 06:29:26 pm

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 05, 2015, 06:08:56 pm

Spoiler: Ruh roh. (click to show/hide)

Relocate the brain cells from a quarter of my body to the rest of my body, then detach it so that the acid begins to coat the ground, making it harder for him to reach me. Then, flee from the hostile. Try to create some kind of gaseous acid which I can store inside my body then release through tiny pores on my skin.

((Since Saevus attacked me with the cleaver and cut off a portion of myself, presumably letting out a bunch of acid, shouldn't his cleaver be coated in acid and potentially rendered unusable?))

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 05, 2015, 06:17:13 pm

((Good point Rune, but I'll just summon a new one if needed. Having an infinite amount of weaponry at your beck and call is quite useful, you see.))

"This is the end."

Spoiler: I don't know whose end yet, though. (click to show/hide)

Summon a new cleaver if needed.

He seems to be nearly dead, so he'll either do one last desperate attack or try to leg it. Both are annoying, but I have a countermeasure to them.

Put him in stasis so he can't move (unless there's a risk of accidentally shutting myself down due to the damage) and slash at him once again. Don't forget to release it before the impact though.

((EDIT:Decided to add all the new players (and put inactives at the bottom) to the TvTropes character page. Not sure what tropes apply to them though. I'm not even sure which tropes apply to my character.))

Spoiler: @hawk (click to show/hide)

It would probably cause you to shut down temporarily if you're not fast enough. So not going to do that.

Rune tries to escape while leaving a piece of him behind. Despite Rune's attempts at running blobbing away, Saevus manages to hit him. His hit is not very powerful though. All he manages to do is pin Rune in place without penetrating his 'skin'.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 10, 2015, 08:08:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2015, 05:27:04 pm

<Oh, I'm sorry, am I boring you? Do you want to leave?> she replies sarcastically and with a hint of annoyance.
<Do you perhaps have anywhere you urgently need to go? If you want to escape, you're free to try, the door is right there.>
Despite there not being a hand pointing at the door, you can't help feeling that there is.

George facepalms and quietly grumbles to himself:
"She captured me, but now she's telling me to try to escape, which obviously won't work.  Ugh, mixed messages and mind games.  Am I talking to an alien terrorist or my ex-girlfriend?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 10, 2015, 05:27:04 pm

<Because as your self-appointed medical investigator, I think it's only proper for me to take your history before I start digging through your brain, don't you? It's always nice to get to know your test subjects before you vivisect them.>
She has that tone of voice that's telling you she's enjoying telling you this, although you are not certain if she's enjoying this because she is being not serious or because she is.
<Or, you know, at least have some fun. It's amazing what some people can ask for or say when you tell them they've been selected. When they begin realizing what they've gotten themselves into.>

<As for a name, oh, I've had plenty of those. From such flowery titles as 'the Knight of the Wind' (which should really be Dame if we want to use the 'correct' title for a female, but nobody does that) to 'that crazy bitch who talks too much'. But you may call me Aurora. Mistress Aurora if you want to be polite. Or maybe Doctor, Doctor's better than Mistress, sounds more official.>

As George's expression changes to a mix of confusion and irritation, he says:
"Ok, Aurora, (not gonna call you a doctor unless I see some certification), I get it.  You want me to ask a bunch of questions so you can gleefully brag about how screwed I am.  Fine, I'll bite.  I'll even take notes."

Take out my imaginary pen and notebook, and mime myself taking notes as Aurora responds.

"Ok, so where am I?  Why am I here?  How are you talking to me?  What have I been selected for?  Who else have you taken hostage?  What's your motive?  How do you plan to kill me?  Did you want this parasite to get in my head, or was that a mistake?  Are you also some kind of brain parasite?  Do you enjoy seeing me suffer?  Is this all just some kind of drug-induced hallucination?  How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

<Hmmm. Well, in short...>

<Personal Section of Staging Area, to complete challenges, telepathy, Interuniversal Games for Special People, none at the moment, knowledge and power (and fun if it wasn't obvious), haven't decided yet, haven't decided yet, for a certain definition of brain and parasite, at the moment yes, yes except no, depends on the species.> she says as quickly as possible without becoming impossible to comprehend.

Quote from: Toaster on August 10, 2015, 07:34:28 pm

John shook his head to get himself back awake. Another mission that ended in pain. He'd have to work on that. At least the music was nice.

"Thanks, Galatea. That's quite lovely; please keep it up. So hey Zero! Requesting evaluation of performance in the last mission.

She nods once more and continues playing.
<Analyzing... Your performance was acceptable within your provided objectives. Nothing to report.>

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 12, 2015, 02:44:31 pm

Wake up and inspect myself for injuries. Last thing I saw was a blast of flame flying at my face. Pretty sure I killed that guy, anyways.

Didn't I already make a turn where you woke up? Oh well, you wake up back in your room in the inn in the staging area and you are fine.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on August 12, 2015, 04:10:41 pm

Somewhat sarcastically "Okay then. Find the dragon, kill the dragon, get payed, and have fun and be ourselves on the way there."

Nik looks at his comrade sputtering on the floor coughing up white goo.
"Is anyone going to help him? I might have a way."
If no one else steps up to save our brave foodmancer, then I have a way that just might work. It could be considered a form of torture though. Tsar a bottle of water and make him inhale it to fill his lungs with water and wash out his lungs. Then untsar it to make his lungs less filled with water. Then make him cough it out and perform CPR if he needs it of course. That's only if no one else helps him, because this is a terrible plan, but a terrible plan is better than no plan.

((My rescue diver training did not teach me about what to do when someone fills their lungs with sunscreen.))

"Great!" River says while wagging his tail slightly as he gets up, completely oblivious to your sarcasm.

You use your technique to get a large quantity of the substance out of Alan's lungs. You aren't sure how much was in there in the first place though and Alan can't tell you due to him being unconscious, so you just try to continue your CPR until River limps his way to you and kneels besides him.

---

Everyone
"I... do not know. I did what I felt was right. We shall see."

River touches Alan's chest. About a minute of silence later, Alan wakes up and tries to take a deep breath which gets interrupted halfway through as he continues coughing what's left inside his lungs. River gets up and starts limping away, back towards where he was resting.

"So we head east. Do we leave now? Or wait until night falls? I could use the time to rest. And work on Zechariah's staff. And the darkness would make us harder to spot. But if we delay, more bad things could happen to you."

"Is there anything else you want to say before we leave?"

Quote from: Toaster on August 12, 2015, 05:38:28 pm

A quick Google says it's mostly nontoxic, though expect nausea and vomiting. Two possible ingredients are an aspirin-like and ethanol, which can have interesting side effects.

That sounds sufficiently horrible, so I'll take your word for it and give Xan that thing. Probably coupled with the need for a fresh pair of pants.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Hawk132 on August 13, 2015, 06:46:15 pm

Spoiler: Pinned, eh? (click to show/hide)

Continue pinning him in place (unless it looks like he's about to escape - in that case try to use more force to just cut him).

Summon a second cleaver and cut him with that as much as I can. Dual wielding cleavers seems like a good idea.

If he manages to slip away, try to pull him back to me (unless that will end up with me being coated with him, not going to risk that).

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 13, 2015, 08:58:24 pm

*hork* "Never buying that brand again."

Having learned nothing from my excessive summoning of things, call up a large quantity of toilet paper and stuff it down my pants.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 13, 2015, 09:51:42 pm

John blinked.  "Uhh... right.  Any performance suggestion or advice?"

With staging room boost turned off, try to summon a suitcase nuke.  See how hard and time consuming it is.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 13, 2015, 10:08:01 pm

"A-Alan? Could you please stop? You're killing yourself."

---

"I'd like to wait, assuming Alan doesn't hurt himself again. or us."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 13, 2015, 10:37:13 pm

Theri leaned against the wall.

"Other than me being happy about seeing you all again, could...I get in a more in-depth thing about the folks you've met and whose uniform I'm wearing? What...world? are we in, River? Who are these folk and will they hinder us at all?"

Info query!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 13, 2015, 11:09:45 pm

"I'm not killing myself, the sunscreen was. On the upside, now I won't get sunburn!"

Alan leans over and vomits after saying this.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 13, 2015, 11:18:46 pm

Quote from: Alan on August 13, 2015, 11:09:45 pm

"I'm not killing myself, the sunscreen was. On the upside, now I won't get sunburn!"

Theri pursed her lips for a moment before relenting a comment--tact poked her not to mention the intricate details of how damaging something in the lungs can be...Especially if it was meant 'for sunscreen'.

She suppressed a shudder while wondering how people played around with melanin-alternatives, or the lack of fur, which she guessed was attributed to such.

"I think that's not permanent, Alan. You sure you're ok though?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 14, 2015, 12:10:38 am

"Apart from the probable poisoning I just got, I'm pretty alright. This ain't worse than eating fourteen-year old applesauce."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 12:15:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 13, 2015, 06:29:26 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 10, 2015, 08:08:05 pm

"Ok, so where am I?  Why am I here?  How are you talking to me?  What have I been selected for?  Who else have you taken hostage?  What's your motive?  How do you plan to kill me?  Did you want this parasite to get in my head, or was that a mistake?  Are you also some kind of brain parasite?  Do you enjoy seeing me suffer?  Is this all just some kind of drug-induced hallucination?  How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

<Hmmm. Well, in short...>

<Personal Section of Staging Area, to complete challenges, telepathy, Interuniversal Games for Special People, none at the moment, knowledge and power (and fun if it wasn't obvious), haven't decided yet, haven't decided yet, for a certain definition of brain and parasite, at the moment yes, yes except no, depends on the species.> she says as quickly as possible without becoming impossible to comprehend.

After hearing this, George responds....by simply standing there with a puzzled expression on his face.  He thinks hard to himself:

....What?  I'm in a "Staging Area".....What??  So, I'm here to participate in the "Interuniversal Games for Special People"?  Which requires me to do challenges for her personal gain and amusement?  This is....Huh??  I thought I had this all figured out for once, but the nonsensical revelations never stop....

After a few minutes of George silently struggling to understand and piece together the situation, he finally speaks up, saying:

"So, what you're saying is...I've been brought here to compete....in the Alien Space Olympics."

...

"And you're my sponsor."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 14, 2015, 01:24:14 am

"In any case, there's the plan. We head east as soon as everyone's done waiting or resting or whatever it is they're doing."

As soon as everyone's ready to go, head east!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 04:41:00 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: Wolfkit on August 11, 2015, 10:22:29 am

"Oh boy, target practice! In other words watch out and don't dodge into the path of my laser."
Laser as many of the mannequins in half as possible. Don't laser any of my teammates though. _{It's not time for that yet.}

((Sorry for disappearing. I blame life. And Rocket League. Mostly Rocket League.))

Your hasty scribblings only manage to produce a rather anaemic laser. Despite that, your good aim and a concentrated effort allows it to slice through one of the white mannequins. Distressingly, that doesn't do much except limit its mobility. The two halves are still moving, despite the smoke coming out of them.

Quote from: H4zardZ1:autoaction

Stop and wait.

You stop, looking around. You are surrounded and unsure about how you should proceed.

Quote from: Illgeo on August 11, 2015, 06:05:09 am

Try to find weak spots on mannequins.

Hmmm... Based on your teammate's attack and its results, you assume they have no weak-points. You could chop them in a hundred pieces and they'd still be animate. They are however rather slow. Or at least they are approaching Fizz rather slowly. Perhaps you could simply run through them and hope you get lucky.

On the other hand, they appear magical, but something is telling you they are not innately magical... there's nothing on them that looks special. Nothing inside them either... Perhaps there is some way to disrupt whatever spell or technology is making them animate? Or maybe find its source and eliminate it?

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 07, 2015, 02:21:54 pm

RAAGH. If I can't punch through the barrier, I'll just have to punch through the wall next to it!

You bang the wall for a couple of minutes, but it does nothing and now your hands are starting to hurt. You're not at your A strength right now.

As you are banging the wall, you hear someone say "Excuse me?" with a rather nasal tone of voice. Surprised, you stop and turn to your right to see a rather short man (a bit shorter than you, actually) standing on the door to the right, behind the barrier. He's dressed in white, wearing aviator goggles and his hair is standing up, as if they were pushed by a heavy wind.
"Can you please stop banging the wall while I am trying to work? All that noise is making it hard to concentrate. Thank you."
With that, he goes through the door and it closes behind him.

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 10, 2015, 05:57:39 pm

<Svajoklis, Team A>

Stay near the exit and wait for others. See if flashlight from dead guy works any better. If I see something nasty, shoot it. If my two allies start screaming, shoot slightly above the screams.

Quote from: Alarith on August 07, 2015, 10:27:29 am

Team A

---

Shoot once at the thing behind me, and follow up with a telekinetic push, if there is a chance I can hit a friend just use telekinesis on it.

Bryan turns around and shoots at the void, just as a beam of light cuts through the darkness, illuminating his target. His target immediately moves out of the way even before he pulls the trigger, the shot hitting it somewhere on its side, producing a small puff of some sort of red sludge and a few feathers. Another shot comes from behind him as he telekinetically shoves his target away, but by that time, the room is back in darkness and he can no longer sense his target near him. All his strike does is topple some furniture. The thing has dissolved again, this time moving towards the other side of the room, towards the one left behind...

Quote from: Beirus on August 07, 2015, 03:15:55 pm

Team A

"I'd recommend y'all get as far from this room as possible."

Do the thing. Do the thing now. Start charging. If a viable enemy target presents itself, shoot it with my anchors to impale it with one and wrap it with the others to hold it there.

Damn. It's time for that again, isn't it? Getting your insides scrambled never feels good...
You begin your transformation, bones exploding from your body as your skin bubbles and reshapes itself, producing a small flash of green light in the process.
Something is wrong though. It's like... something inside you is missing. Or at least very faint. Like you don't have as much power as you should have.
This is accompanied by an oppressive presence, the feeling of impending doom increasing... It feels like the darkness itself is pressing hard against your head, ready to strike at any moment. The darkness feels oily... wait, that doesn't make sense... maybe it's your transformed body's senses speaking? But still, if you had a mouth, you'd keep it shut as hard as you could to avoid getting drowned by it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 05:55:00 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 13, 2015, 09:51:42 pm

John blinked.  "Uhh... right.  Any performance suggestion or advice?"

With staging room boost turned off, try to summon a suitcase nuke.  See how hard and time consuming it is.

Hmm.... The staging area gives you no boost... How would he interpret that?... Oh, I know.

It takes about three minutes of work, mostly because you have to restart the summoning part-way through due to bad components, but you manage to summon a small nuke. Could had done it in one minute if you weren't concerned with making sure the nuke was actually working well and had good quality parts.

Could be useful if you wanted to kill something armoured or carry a big bang in a small package. Or maybe leave a present behind while escaping or dying. Probably not so useful in direct combat though.

<Succeed. Do not die.>
Well, now he's gone back to Captain Obvious.

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 12:15:50 am

After hearing this, George responds....by simply standing there with a puzzled expression on his face.  He thinks hard to himself:

....What?  I'm in a "Staging Area".....What??  So, I'm here to participate in the "Interuniversal Games for Special People"?  Which requires me to do challenges for her personal gain and amusement?  This is....Huh??  I thought I had this all figured out for once, but the nonsensical revelations never stop....

After a few minutes of George silently struggling to understand and piece together the situation, he finally speaks up, saying:

"So, what you're saying is...I've been brought here to compete....in the Alien Space Olympics."

...

"And you're my sponsor."

<Yes! Exactly!>

<But also completely wrong in almost every way!>

Yep, she's really enjoying this.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 13, 2015, 08:58:24 pm

*hork* "Never buying that brand again."

Having learned nothing from my excessive summoning of things, call up a large quantity of toilet paper and stuff it down my pants.

You summon a couple of rolls of toilet paper and stuff them down your pants with fingers slimy with sunscreen in hopes of stemming the inevitable tide. Well, if worst comes to worst, you could always use that newspaper, like the world's largest canary.

Quote from: Tiruin on August 13, 2015, 10:37:13 pm

Theri leaned against the wall.

"Other than me being happy about seeing you all again, could...I get in a more in-depth thing about the folks you've met and whose uniform I'm wearing? What...world? are we in, River? Who are these folk and will they hinder us at all?"

Info query!

"The two humans died. I took their uniforms.
I do not know who they are. Warriors of this kingdom, probably. I do not know what their intentions are. But I feel that if we stay away from them, we will be fine. They are not hunting for us yet. And I doubt the simple people living here will dare hurt us.
Irine and Ike talked to them. They could tell you more.
This world has no name. You could name it if you want. I do not know if this kingdom has a name."

---

OOC

Quote from: Tiruin on August 13, 2015, 11:18:46 pm

"I think that's not permanent, Alan."

Some sort of sunscreen that provides long-term protection by ingesting it would probably be a good product. Then again, that sounds more like a potion of protection than a scientific product.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 08:51:14 am

((They were looking to make a sunscreen pill derived from coral (http://www.ibtimes.com/sunscreen-pill-made-coral-could-make-suntan-lotion-obsolete-video-721487), but since the articles are old I don't think it went anywhere.  Still cool, though.))

"Thanks, Zero."

Can I simulate upgrades here?  That table I had helped at some point.  Can we simulate the helpfulness of making that same thing with an additional rank of power versus an additional rank of control?

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 14, 2015, 09:31:53 am

Kick the blasted wall. Hard.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 09:49:25 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 08:51:14 am

((They were looking to make a sunscreen pill derived from coral (http://www.ibtimes.com/sunscreen-pill-made-coral-could-make-suntan-lotion-obsolete-video-721487), but since the articles are old I don't think it went anywhere.  Still cool, though.))

"Thanks, Zero."

Can I simulate upgrades here?  That table I had helped at some point.  Can we simulate the helpfulness of making that same thing with an additional rank of power versus an additional rank of control?

((Ah, and there I thought I had an original idea.))

Sure, just wish for it. One level of Power would certainly make things a lot better. Two levels might be pushing it, but it would make things really good and a bit quicker, provided you don't overdo it. Three levels is just asking for an accidental earth-shattering kaboom.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 09:58:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 05:55:00 am

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 12:15:50 am

"So, what you're saying is...I've been brought here to compete....in the Alien Space Olympics."

...

"And you're my sponsor."

<Yes! Exactly!>

<But also completely wrong in almost every way!>

Yep, she's really enjoying this.

George facepalms once again, a poor attempt at hiding his frustration.  I need to find someone else to talk to.  She's just giving me a headache.  Hopefully the disembodied voice can't follow me.

Walk out of my cave and look around.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 14, 2015, 10:46:52 am

"And now I think I'm good!"

Read newspaper.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 11:07:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 09:49:25 am

Sure, just wish for it. One level of Power would certainly make things a lot better. Two levels might be pushing it, but it would make things really good and a bit quicker, provided you don't overdo it. Three levels is just asking for an accidental earth-shattering kaboom.

((We'll do that, then.  Also, there's a reason I'm trying not to let power get too far ahead of control...))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 14, 2015, 01:13:28 pm

Spoiler: Oh-hoh-hoh! Plan B, Go! (click to show/hide)

How am I pinned if I'm amorphous? I can just remove a line of my body mass around where I am pinned, making me look more like a U, and then just move out. I'll do that thing, then continue trying to slime my way up my foe. I will keep on dissolving his legs and torso to immobilize him.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Wolfkit on August 14, 2015, 09:07:21 pm

"Heh. Heh heh heh."
Start lasering the arms off of all of the mannequins, starting with the closest ones. Continue to not laser my teammates. _Yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 09:41:17 pm

(I updated the Special People Tvtropes page a bit.  I tried adding info for every character I knew about, but I don't know everybody's powers, so several characters are still empty)

EDIT: (Akkudakku's character isn't on the first post, but I added him to the TVtropes character page)

EDIT2: (Also the characters for H4zardz1, Bierus, and mydjet are missing from the first post.)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Tiruin on August 15, 2015, 05:13:14 am

Theri affirmed her readiness--inconspicuously and subconsciously holding Irine by the hand--as she took her place amongst her friends.

"So how did you both do, Ike? Irine? I mean before all this and after we all got separated?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Alarith on August 15, 2015, 12:09:53 pm

Team A

---

"You heard him, book it"
Get to the exit and vacate the room

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 01:28:06 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on August 15, 2015, 05:13:14 am

Theri affirmed her readiness--inconspicuously and subconsciously holding Irine by the hand--as she took her place amongst her friends.

"So how did you both do, Ike? Irine? I mean before all this and after we all got separated?"

"I did pretty decently, all things considered. River resurrected me first and he was all messed up, we had lunch, I threw some crap at some kind of spherical light fiend, he turned normal and resurrected Irine. Then we messed around for a good long while, I got possessed by a malevolent ash wraith with a great appreciation for vocabulary and then exorcised, and me and Irine went off to commune with the natives, which then transitioned naturally into violent conflict. It all honestly felt much longer than it really was, and was mostly tolerable at best, kind of annoying at worst. Can't say I won't be absolutely overjoyed to leave this shithole behind us."

"Speaking of."

LET'S GET MOVING ALREADY.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

"I nearly got myself and Ike killed again, because I was too trusting and honest. This place keeps reminding me of home in lots of little ways, and I dropped my guard and tried to simply enjoy myself and relax. If I had simply focused on our assigned mission, nobody would have gotten hurt."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 02:32:26 pm

@HB: Right now I'm counting 1 vote for waiting until nightfall, 1 vote for going right now. I thought it would be best to wait a bit in case anyone else had a suggestion or vote. Or something else they wanted to talk about now that you're not running for your livres and everybody is relatively healthy.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 03:17:21 pm

"I am of the opinion that my health is important."

Compromise vote! Timeskip an hour or two so Alan isn't vomiting anymore, then go.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 03:32:06 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 01:40:49 pm

"I nearly got myself and Ike killed again, because I was too trusting and honest. This place keeps reminding me of home in lots of little ways, and I dropped my guard and tried to simply enjoy myself and relax. If I had simply focused on our assigned mission, nobody would have gotten hurt."

"What? You nearly got yourself killed because you were unnecessarily hostile and jumpy like an amphetamine dealer. Not saying that's not a perfectly reasonable reaction to a wizard of unknown power, but he seemed perfectly nice up until the point where you openly disregarded his instructions, kept mentioning your general contempt of him and got into a magical standoff with him at least once if I remember it right. It's sort of like you were trusting at first, but then backpedaled with the fury of a thousand suns, you know what I mean? 'Hey man, I really want this to be a peaceful exchange, but do know that I don't trust you at all and will incinerate you as soon as you make a wrong move!' That's kind of how it was, wasn't it?"

"Granted, I'm not sure it would have been a good idea to trust the person who did actually say 'tell me how to kill you or swear an oath of fealty, then we can be friends', but this was at best a failure in decency and conversation skills on both sides, to be perfectly fair to everyone involved. After all, imagine if you had to deal with a magical alien who threatens to set you on fire with its mind every few seconds or so."

Estimated Time of Departure: when Alan stops vomiting.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 05:27:06 pm

"I was honest. What you are calling threats was nothing but the simple truth. It would have been deceptive to not give him fair warning of the danger. I had no intention of initiating hostilities, and I explicitly told him so. Him attacking me, in my weak-appearing form, would be responded to with lethal force, even if he wasn't using the same. If I had actually wanted to fight, I would have issued no such warning, and I trusted him, someone who should be well versed in literalisms, to understand the truly peaceful intent behind such a declaration."

((Irine is voting to wait as well))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 15, 2015, 05:34:26 pm

((Probably jumping the gun a bit since we'd probably need either campaign or Mission 5 to finish first, but any thoughts on next mission type?  That's directed more at players since Paris usually puts up a poll.  Personally, John would like to do something with Alan since they're such best buds now, but it's tough to say when that mission will finish.  John would like in on Galactic Adventure if it ever rolls, but I'm not necessarily pushing for it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 05:41:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 05:27:06 pm

"I was honest. What you are calling threats was nothing but the simple truth. It would have been deceptive to not give him fair warning of the danger. I had no intention of initiating hostilities, and I explicitly told him so. Him attacking me, in my weak-appearing form, would be responded to with lethal force, even if he wasn't using the same. If I had actually wanted to fight, I would have issued no such warning, and I trusted him, someone who should be well versed in literalisms, to understand the truly peaceful intent behind such a declaration."

"'I could definitely kill you, Irine. Could just slit your throat with my blade, disembowel you, leave you dying on the ground or maybe stab your brains out with a single fluid move and it'll be over before you know it. You know me and my reaction times, right? But that's okay! I'm only saying this 'cause I trust you! We cool!' You see the problem there? Or do I need to elaborate why threats of death - by which I mean conditional statements including somebody's murder, because yes, that's what a threat of death is - don't make for smooth conversation, friend-making and socialization, or why mutually assured destruction isn't a recipe for harmony?"

Quote from: Toaster on August 15, 2015, 05:34:26 pm

((Probably jumping the gun a bit since we'd probably need either campaign or Mission 5 to finish first, but any thoughts on next mission type?  That's directed more at players since Paris usually puts up a poll.  Personally, John would like to do something with Alan since they're such best buds now, but it's tough to say when that mission will finish.  John would like in on Galactic Adventure if it ever rolls, but I'm not necessarily pushing for it.))

((Ike's definitely not going on a campaign ever again - dude's learned his lesson by now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 05:51:03 pm

"Yeah, it's like, would I be such a chillaxful dude if I told people I can shoot bathtubs at them?
The answer's yes, but that's just because it's me."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 15, 2015, 05:52:50 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

The hell we are even still doing in this room. We can't just let this nonsence go on. I give you five minutes before I'm going find something flamable to light up this jokster.

Last chance. Use the sometimes working flashlight to illuminate what is outside of the room we had been dropped in. Only for a moment though, then attention back to the starting room, I know how the jokster looks, if I see something else, prioritise the one that tried to kill us before. search for something that would be able to produce fire. If I happen to have a lighter, search for something to set on fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 06:03:03 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 05:41:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 05:27:06 pm

"I was honest. What you are calling threats was nothing but the simple truth. It would have been deceptive to not give him fair warning of the danger. I had no intention of initiating hostilities, and I explicitly told him so. Him attacking me, in my weak-appearing form, would be responded to with lethal force, even if he wasn't using the same. If I had actually wanted to fight, I would have issued no such warning, and I trusted him, someone who should be well versed in literalisms, to understand the truly peaceful intent behind such a declaration."

"'I could definitely kill you, Irine. Could just slit your throat with my blade, disembowel you, leave you dying on the ground or maybe stab your brains out with a single fluid move and it'll be over before you know it. Y-"

I interrrupt at this point
"Yep! What do you-"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 05:41:58 pm

"-ou know me and my reaction times, right? But that's okay! I'm only saying this 'cause I trust you! We cool!' You see the problem there? Or do I need to elaborate why threats of death - by which I mean conditional statements including somebody's murder, because yes, that's what a threat of death is - don't make for smooth conversation, friend-making and socialization, or why mutually assured destruction isn't a recipe for harmony?"

"Oh. So... I'm supposed to be bothered by you being stronger than me right now? Why? In any relationship someone is going to be stronger anyway, right? Why would that make me trust you less? Your restraint in not doing that right now when you can is telling me that I can trust you not to do it later either unless you have a reason too."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 06:37:28 pm

"oh god I actually have to fucking explain this to you don't I well here goes" Ike mutters exasperatedly, then clears his throat before speaking.

"All forms of communication have an element of power to them. When you communicate with someone, it's polite and efficient to let them feel that they have a position of advantage, or that they stand on equal ground with you even if they don't. If I was smarter than you, for instance, I'd come off as an asshole if I outright said that I am smarter than you, even if it was perfectly true. It's just not in line with etiquette to emphasize our differences, especially when one person tries to claim superiority. It brings up tensions. Nobody likes being made to feel inferior, so you must treat them as an equal or superior. This is called 'being nice', 'being respectful' or 'being a decent human being'."

"In much the same way, you can't talk about murdering each other and expect that not to cast a shade of murder over your conversation. You tell someone you are going to murder them if event X happens, you instantly put into their mind the notion of event X happening, you trying to murder them and them defending themselves, and this establishes you as an actual threat. This spirals into formulating strategies for preemptively eliminating you before you can make good on your threat. From that moment on, you and this someone are silent enemies. The one threatened will feel the need to assert their safety from you in various ways, consider counters to your abilities and maybe humiliate you until they attain a position of equality. They will not feel the need to trust you, because you have already stated a condition on which you will become enemies. Sort of how you felt the need to explain to him that you will kill him if he tries anything to attain a level playing field, you know?"

"Compare that to a situation where you don't mention or give off the impression that you will murder someone if event X happens. This being a worst-case scenario, they will try not to think about it, assuming that surely there'll be no issue that causes this to spiral into outright hostilities because it'd wind up being a very unpleasant situation - and if they do think about it, that's paranoia, a sign of something in your head being out of whack, since there's no obvious cues that such precautions are needed."

Ike pauses and sighs.

"That's the fundamentals of it, anyway. You can't bring up violence without shifting the entire conversation to violence in one way or another. And when you've done that, violence is all anyone will think about. Like you standing around with your butt clenched and ready to turn a guy into ash. Fear, violence, interpersonal power struggles - all this is uncivilized to bring up or evoke in conversation, and I guarantee you that nobody who isn't a social retard in some way will appreciate it. Because it is uncomfortable to deconstruct and discuss, as well as it exposing the insecurity present in pretty much everybody."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 08:33:44 pm

"That is not being 'nice, respectful or a decent human being' - that is lying for the sake of convenience and attempting to manipulate others by guiding their thoughts and misinforming them of their situation. Your entire speech just now was slimy and sickening, with no worth because it was entirely based on the person you're communicating with being stupid and unwilling or unable to attempt to understand the person they're communcating with. You are placing your own twisted view of social norms on a pedestal and claiming they are right with no basis for their rightness beyond them giving you the end result you want. I am not a liar Ike, and I would sooner burn my alphabet into your toungue than accept that the only way to coexist is to refuse to try to understand one another, instead simply exploiting them for one's own personal gain the way you just said."

"You're smarter than that Ike. Don't try to convince me your urine is rainwater, get it away from me and try again when you have something of actual value to contribute."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 08:53:48 pm

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 14, 2015, 09:31:53 am

Kick the blasted wall. Hard.

You punch the wall again. This time you actually manage to make a large deep crack on the wall! One more hit and you can-
The next moment, a giant greenblue hand with dirty and broken fingernails bursts through the wall, blindly grasping around. You're too surprised to move.
Luckily, it doesn't manage to grab you, but it does accidentally poke you into the ground.
"Don't say I didn't warn you, you silly wall-banger!" you hear the man yelling through the hole.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 09:58:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 05:55:00 am

---

Quote from: Megggas on August 14, 2015, 12:15:50 am

"So, what you're saying is...I've been brought here to compete....in the Alien Space Olympics."

...

"And you're my sponsor."

<Yes! Exactly!>

<But also completely wrong in almost every way!>

Yep, she's really enjoying this.

George facepalms once again, a poor attempt at hiding his frustration.  I need to find someone else to talk to.  She's just giving me a headache.  Hopefully the disembodied voice can't follow me.

Walk out of my cave and look around.

You try to walk through the water. You get pushed, lose your footing and fall down on the river and the rocks below. You get pushed around by the falling water a bit before the current carries you away. When you finally get the water out of your lungs, figure out which way is up, get to the surface and try to look around, you figure out that you're on a stream, heading straight for a windmill. You can see that the stream continues, going under a stone bridge that leads into a small medieval town with smoke coming out of some of its chimneys. The surrounding area is dominated by steep rocky cliff faces and a small forest.

During all this, the entities find an opportunity to comment.

<That's your new one?>
<Yep.>
<Not very smart, is he?>
<Nope.>
<Going to look for another?>
<Nah, it's not as bad as it looks. Tests show he's smarter than some of the ones here->
<I resemble that remark!>
<Though not much better than it looks either. But he has some interesting traits I'd like to explore. And I think he can do well with some work.>
<Hehe, a fixer-upper then?>
<Of sorts. Besides, too expensive to get a new one now.>

Quote from: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 11:07:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 09:49:25 am

Sure, just wish for it. One level of Power would certainly make things a lot better. Two levels might be pushing it, but it would make things really good and a bit quicker, provided you don't overdo it. Three levels is just asking for an accidental earth-shattering kaboom.

((We'll do that, then.  Also, there's a reason I'm trying not to let power get too far ahead of control...))

Do what? Summon once with 1 level of power and once with 1 level of control?

---

Campaign

---

((I'll timeskip tomorrow then, if there's nothing else.
FAKEEDIT: And if you don't get into a fight and kill each other until then.))

River remains standing and looks at Irine and Ike, getting a bit more tense.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 14, 2015, 10:46:52 am

"And now I think I'm good!"

Read newspaper.

You find an abandoned building where you could do your business, find something resembling a toilet, sit down and then start reading the newspaper.

It calls itself "The Daily Inquisition" and boasts that it is "the only newspaper in Bargion appearing in authentic-feeling and looking yellow SPLaM, simulating the nostalgia-inducing appearance of newspapers commonly found in museums".

The front page article is talking about how the previous morning "there was a complete and total loss of communication with" there's a few strange symbols here you just skip past "a.k.a. 'Fool's Fortress'. Any attempts to create portals or teleport anywhere close to the colony have been met with failure. Although no official comments have been made by the Dark, some of the info we managed to get before the planet got dark indicates that it was attacked by unknown forces. Forces powerful enough to apparently overwhelm the planet's defences in seconds, causing a high number of civilian deaths in the process. It remains to be seen whether or not the recently mobilized fleets can get there in time to provide assistance. And whether or not they will be able to resolve this crisis once there. More on page 6, where our reporter interviews one of the Guardians responsible for the operation."

To our knowledge, there was nothing out of the ordinary with the colony. The reason behind the attack is unknown. Off the record comments suggest that the invading forces are either a result of or the cause of this blockade. Could this be the appearance of a new outside context threat? Should other colonies be afraid? Is a larger scale mobilisation necessary? Or is this-"
That's as far as you get before the newspaper disappears in a burst of purple light flashes.
Eh, it was kinda boring anyway. Should had started with the comics in the back.

---

Final Round

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 13, 2015, 06:46:15 pm

Spoiler: Pinned, eh? (click to show/hide)

Continue pinning him in place (unless it looks like he's about to escape - in that case try to use more force to just cut him).

Summon a second cleaver and cut him with that as much as I can. Dual wielding cleavers seems like a good idea.

If he manages to slip away, try to pull him back to me (unless that will end up with me being coated with him, not going to risk that).

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 14, 2015, 01:13:28 pm

Spoiler: Oh-hoh-hoh! Plan B, Go! (click to show/hide)

How am I pinned if I'm amorphous? I can just remove a line of my body mass around where I am pinned, making me look more like a U, and then just move out. I'll do that thing, then continue trying to slime my way up my foe. I will keep on dissolving his legs and torso to immobilize him.

Rune easily escapes the weight of the blade and lunges at Saevus, grabbing his other leg and starting to melt through it. Saevus doesn't think much, cutting through his leg and through Rune with it, cutting both him and it in half. And that is it. The blob dissolves into an inert clear liquid. Saevus' interface beeps green and announces that his objectives have been complete.

((I'll do the outro and give your rewards later.

Rune, you have a good character but you appear to be underutilizing him a bit. So a bit of advice. Consider it part of your second place prize.

First, get the Stabilised Secretions upgrade, since much of the actions you attempted during this fight and previous ones need that upgrade to work properly.

Second (and this goes to everyone, including Hawk) when you can't harm something directly with your power, see if you can't harm it indirectly. For Hawk, for example, you might not be able to get your weapons stable long enough to reach your target with your summoned corssbow projectiles. But you can use your gravity arm to launch rocks at people or find some normal arrows or... I dunno, use a mace like a golf club to shoot rocks if you have to.

Third, try to find ways to attack that will be unexpected and hard to counter. You can also make them fun, if you want. For example, if you had gone through Saevus' helmet and went inside him, Saevus could not get to you directly while you could take your time melting him. Of course, Saevus could counter by summoning a certain piece of equipment to stab inside himself or setting himself on fire but you could counter his counter and so on. And the most important thing would be that I could make silly jokes about how much you want to be inside him.))

---

OOC

Quote from: Toaster on August 15, 2015, 05:34:26 pm

((Probably jumping the gun a bit since we'd probably need either campaign or Mission 5 to finish first, but any thoughts on next mission type?  That's directed more at players since Paris usually puts up a poll.  Personally, John would like to do something with Alan since they're such best buds now, but it's tough to say when that mission will finish.  John would like in on Galactic Adventure if it ever rolls, but I'm not necessarily pushing for it.))

Well, we have 4-5 active people in the staging area right now. That's enough for a small mission.
I'll also put another assault I've thought of in the missions once I have a bit of time.
And you can always suggest a mission.
Galactic Adventure is fun. Much easier to get upgrades during it too, I think, since it's a bit more segmented. Unless you try to do things the hard way and end up floating in space. I think I need to think of a way around that, since with your luck it will probably happen at some point...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 15, 2015, 05:41:58 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 15, 2015, 05:34:26 pm

((Probably jumping the gun a bit since we'd probably need either campaign or Mission 5 to finish first, but any thoughts on next mission type?  That's directed more at players since Paris usually puts up a poll.  Personally, John would like to do something with Alan since they're such best buds now, but it's tough to say when that mission will finish.  John would like in on Galactic Adventure if it ever rolls, but I'm not necessarily pushing for it.))

((Ike's definitely not going on a campaign ever again - dude's learned his lesson by now.))

Hey, don't blame the campaign! I mean, sure, you've risked permadeath and gotten horribly hurt several times and it looks like everything is trying to kill you and you are no closer to finishing your objective.
...
Hmmm... I'm sure I was supposed to put a but there somewhere.
Oh, I remembered! You can get almost all of those things on any mission!
...
Wait, that doesn't sound like a good thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 15, 2015, 09:03:09 pm

"At last, something to beat into a pulp!"

Beat the hand into a pulp! Then do it again!

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 09:19:50 pm

"Huh. That was probably really important to someone and I fucked them over by summoning it over to me. Ah well!"

Alan pauses and tilts his head.

"My Irine senses are tingling."

Finish up my business, dispose of the toilet paper for the sake of my companions' fragile immune systems, summon a Nerf gun and go shoot Irine in the butt. Or failing that, a slingshot or something like that.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on August 15, 2015, 09:21:26 pm

((After Mission 5, I'm totally down for the Galactic Adventure. It makes me think of Star Wars. I'll be R2D2. Also, what about Team A, Paris?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 09:28:12 pm

Quote from: Beirus on August 15, 2015, 09:21:26 pm

((After Mission 5, I'm totally down for the Galactic Adventure. It makes me think of Star Wars. I'll be R2D2. Also, what about Team A, Paris?))

Did you post an action? I thought you didn't. Wanted to make sure you had a chance to respond, since you are in danger. Just posting THE SAME is enough. I'll do you tomorrow. Got to sleep now.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 09:30:38 pm

((Also, whoever updates the TVTropes page, you a baller.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Beirus on August 15, 2015, 09:31:35 pm

Quote from: Beirus on August 07, 2015, 03:15:55 pm

Team A

"I'd recommend y'all get as far from this room as possible."

Do the thing. Do the thing now. Start charging. If a viable enemy target presents itself, shoot it with my anchors to impale it with one or two and wrap it with the others to hold it there.

((I'm doing the exact opposite of THE SAME.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 15, 2015, 09:42:10 pm

((Sign me up for whatever new mission comes next. If we're doing galactic adventures, sign me the f*ck up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 09:46:11 pm

((...guys we need to go kill the thing right now))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Salsacookies on August 15, 2015, 09:47:35 pm

(Let's go! I wanna destroy big and valuable peoples and things... And be rewarded for it!)

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 15, 2015, 10:03:22 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 15, 2015, 09:47:35 pm

(Let's go! I wanna destroy big and valuable peoples and things... And be rewarded for it!)

((And I want to duel your character! Later, then.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 15, 2015, 10:16:10 pm

Zechariah was watching from the side while Ike and Irine argued. However, he decided now to intervene before they went too far. Even if they didn't start getting physical with the fight or anything, they couldn't risk  more tensions within the group itself right now. It was bad enough that they were on bad terms with the humans already.

"Alright, that's enough, both of you." He looked at Irine first and addressed her. "Irine, I know that you have your own values, and I respect that. But, at this point in the mission, you have to remember that we're a very small group against the world. You wanted to get this mission done quickly and simply, right? Well, there's no point in making that more difficult by antagonizing anyone - whether it's in our own group or outside of it. By no means should you abandon your own standards, but perhaps we should try to stick on as best of terms as possible with the humans and other peoples here. You don't have to lie or mislead them, but let them know that we are on their side and mean no harm. That wouldn't be lying, would it?"

Then, to Ike.
"Ike, I wasn't there for what occurred. But from what it sounds like, it was a mess from both sides, and the blame should not fall totally on Irine. At a point where we were on our own and weak, and the humans were also pretty shaken up from our screw-up with the explosion, I believe that it's unfair to say that one or the other was responsible."

"I know that we all have our differences and, well, we might not get along very well. Still, when we're already weakened and uncertain of where we stand in this world, it doesn't help us to fight over each other, or with other people. We all want to succeed for one reason or another. Let that be your focus. You are either totally separated and easy to destroy, or united and able to complement each others' strengths."

Opt to wait until we're either rested and ready to go or until the others decide it's time to move.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Megggas on August 16, 2015, 12:28:03 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 09:30:38 pm

((Also, whoever updates the TVTropes page, you a baller.))

((Agreed.  The more people to contribute, the better.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 15, 2015, 09:42:10 pm

((Sign me up for whatever new mission comes next. If we're doing galactic adventures, sign me the f*ck up.))

((Same.  I'm eager for my first mission.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 08:53:48 pm

George fails Caution 101.

As George struggles in the water, mentally cursing to himself, he notices the town up ahead.  The medieval town.  George isn't sure whether he should add time travel to the list of impossible things that his alien captors are capable of, or finally just conclude that Reality was put on trial and lynched for the crime of having no place in this world.

Continue being pushed by the currents, toward the town.  Question my own existence along the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 16, 2015, 12:29:04 am

((Of course I'm still not gonna do it but still :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Toaster on August 16, 2015, 12:59:43 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 08:53:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 11:07:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 09:49:25 am

Sure, just wish for it. One level of Power would certainly make things a lot better. Two levels might be pushing it, but it would make things really good and a bit quicker, provided you don't overdo it. Three levels is just asking for an accidental earth-shattering kaboom.

((We'll do that, then.  Also, there's a reason I'm trying not to let power get too far ahead of control...))

Do what? Summon once with 1 level of power and once with 1 level of control?

No, summon once with +1 to current power and once with +1 to current speed.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: NAV on August 16, 2015, 02:52:55 am

Strap the shield to my arm to leave my hand free. Also make a spare sling for reasons. Let the more talky people talk about their stuff.

((Definitely want to go on the galactic adventure mission. Not sure if I want to do another campaign right after this one though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 16, 2015, 03:10:18 am

Quote from: NAV on August 16, 2015, 02:52:55 am

Strap the shield to my arm to leave my hand free. Also make a spare sling for reasons. Let the more talky people talk about their stuff.

((Definitely want to go on the galactic adventure mission. Not sure if I want to do another campaign right after this one though.))

((I would like to do a galactic adventure and maybe another campaign after that one.
Though that's thinking waaaaaay into the future.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Xantalos on August 16, 2015, 03:19:01 am

((Assuming we don't all die of course :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 08:33:44 pm

"That is not being 'nice, respectful or a decent human being' - that is lying for the sake of convenience and attempting to manipulate others by guiding their thoughts and misinforming them of their situation. Your entire speech just now was slimy and sickening, with no worth because it was entirely based on the person you're communicating with being stupid and unwilling or unable to attempt to understand the person they're communcating with. You are placing your own twisted view of social norms on a pedestal and claiming they are right with no basis for their rightness beyond them giving you the end result you want. I am not a liar Ike, and I would sooner burn my alphabet into your toungue than accept that the only way to coexist is to refuse to try to understand one another, instead simply exploiting them for one's own personal gain the way you just said."

"You're smarter than that Ike. Don't try to convince me your urine is rainwater, get it away from me and try again when you have something of actual value to contribute."

"But it's you refusing to understand people. That's the entire problem. Somebody reacts - relatively reasonably and clear-headedly, mind you - to you threatening them with execution, you say they're stupid evil liars and start working out plans how to burn them to death, and increase their paranoia with suspicious behavior. The essence of friendliness is mutual understanding and empathy, not clear statement of hostilities. You can't tell someone you mean them no harm and admit that you mean them harm in the same conversation, it makes you seem like a stupid evil liar yourself. Or as humans describe it, sending mixed messages."

Ike sighs.

"But okay. Everyone else is slimy, stupid and evil, and you're absolutely right and perfect and possessed of unassailable virtue unseen by humankind. As long as it supports your internal narrative of somehow being the victim in all this, right?"

He pauses, about to turn to Zech, but then thinks of yet more to say.

"But even if we assume they are slimy, stupid and evil, the spirit of diplomacy requires that you compensate for someone's personal flaws and insecurities so that you can get what you want out of them in the end. Unwillingness to compromise, spin and manipulate renders diplomacy basically impossible, and if you can't do that, I'm probably going to need to switch places with you in similar situations, with me being the talky serious guy and you being the one who makes occasional quaint remarks to lighten the mood and performs acts of grisly violence when the situation demands it. Or heck, maybe use Alan as the party face. He's got a decent track record, and he's a pretty chillaxed dude."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 15, 2015, 10:16:10 pm

Then, to Ike.
"Ike, I wasn't there for what occurred. But from what it sounds like, it was a mess from both sides, and the blame should not fall totally on Irine. At a point where we were on our own and weak, and the humans were also pretty shaken up from our screw-up with the explosion, I believe that it's unfair to say that one or the other was responsible."

"I know that we all have our differences and, well, we might not get along very well. Still, when we're already weakened and uncertain of where we stand in this world, it doesn't help us to fight over each other, or with other people. We all want to succeed for one reason or another. Let that be your focus. You are either totally separated and easy to destroy, or united and able to complement each others' strengths."

Opt to wait until we're either rested and ready to go or until the others decide it's time to move.

"Of course Massah Kassah wasn't exactly a bastion of hospitality, and his people aren't really highly enlightened, peace-loving types, and the people in the Tower were such enormous idiots that it'd take more than a day to assess the full magnitude of their gruesome mistakes. And there was more than a little bit of bad faith in Massah Kassah after we told him we blew everything up. But I can't exactly tell him to git gud at the basics of diplomacy now that I've killed three of his trusted guards and blinded him with poisonous anti-magic rocks, can I? Not like it'd help much, either - both parties have to take the appropriate steps, and all things considered he was as nice to us as he could afford to be."

"Point is, I wouldn't have expected diplomacy to be Irine's weakness. I mean, I fucked up as well - I probably shouldn't have just been standing by and essentially watching it unfold while affecting a racist accent, but my worse nature got the better of me, and I'll try to do better in the future. It's important to analyze why an approach failed so that we don't make mistakes in the future. Reassess our strengths in light of new information. For instance, Irine here believes she did nothing wrong, which is a harmful and all too easy thing to believe about one's failures. So I'm telling her to git gud at diplomacy and explaining how she would go about such a thing. With a touch of abrasive frustration because you can't really teach someone who's unwilling to learn, you know?"

"Besides, we get along fine. Though to assuage your concerns and help distinguish between a performance assessment and an argument, we should maybe figure out some kind of structure for this kind of performance assessment. And make our criticism maximally constructive and whatnot. Adopt instructive tones when required instead of mere riffing."

ETD: whenever everyone's ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 16, 2015, 07:52:05 am

((Hey, Irene, would you like some BURN CREAM WITH THAT SPEECH?!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 09:00:00 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 15, 2015, 08:33:44 pm

"That is not being 'nice, respectful or a decent human being' - that is lying for the sake of convenience and attempting to manipulate others by guiding their thoughts and misinforming them of their situation. Your entire speech just now was slimy and sickening, with no worth because it was entirely based on the person you're communicating with being stupid and unwilling or unable to attempt to understand the person they're communcating with. You are placing your own twisted view of social norms on a pedestal and claiming they are right with no basis for their rightness beyond them giving you the end result you want. I am not a liar Ike, and I would sooner burn my alphabet into your toungue than accept that the only way to coexist is to refuse to try to understand one another, instead simply exploiting them for one's own personal gain the way you just said."

"You're smarter than that Ike. Don't try to convince me your urine is rainwater, get it away from me and try again when you have something of actual value to contribute."
"But it's you refusing to understand people. That's the entire problem. Somebody reacts - relatively reasonably and clear-headedly, mind you - to you threatening them with execution, you say they're stupid evil liars and start working out plans how to burn them to death,-

"That isn't what-"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

"-and increase their paranoia with suspicious behavior. The essence of friendliness is mutual understanding and empathy, not clear statement of hostilities. You can't tell someone you mean them no harm and admit that you mean them harm in the same conversation, it makes you seem like a stupid evil liar yourself. Or as humans describe it, sending mixed messages."

"But that isn't what happened and you-"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

Ike sighs.

"But okay. Everyone else is slimy, stupid and evil, and you're absolutely right and perfect and possessed of unassailable virtue unseen by humankind. As long as it supports your internal narrative of somehow being the victim in all this, right?"

"No! That isn't what happened! stop lying! You aren't even responding to what I actually said, you're just twisting it into something easy to attack and then attacking that twisted version of my words!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

He pauses, about to turn to Zech, but then thinks of yet more to say.

"But even if we assume they are slimy, stupid and evil, the spirit of diplomacy requires that you compensate for someone's personal flaws and insecurities so that you can get what you want out of them in the end. Unwillingness to compromise, spin and manipulate renders diplomacy basically impossible"

"And now you're mixing lying and compromise, as though they're the same thing. I'm fine with comprimise. Stop speaking slimy Ike, please."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

", and if you can't do that, I'm probably going to need to switch places with you in similar situations, with me being the talky serious guy and you being the one who makes occasional quaint remarks to lighten the mood and performs acts of grisly violence when the situation demands it. Or heck, maybe use Alan as the party face. He's got a decent track record, and he's a pretty chillaxed dude."

"I..."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 03:44:49 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 15, 2015, 10:16:10 pm

Then, to Ike.
"Ike, I wasn't there for what occurred. But from what it sounds like, it was a mess from both sides, and the blame should not fall totally on Irine. At a point where we were on our own and weak, and the humans were also pretty shaken up from our screw-up with the explosion, I believe that it's unfair to say that one or the other was responsible."

"I know that we all have our differences and, well, we might not get along very well. Still, when we're already weakened and uncertain of where we stand in this world, it doesn't help us to fight over each other, or with other people. We all want to succeed for one reason or another. Let that be your focus. You are either totally separated and easy to destroy, or united and able to complement each others' strengths."

Opt to wait until we're either rested and ready to go or until the others decide it's time to move.

"Of course Massah Kassah wasn't exactly a bastion of hospitality, and his people aren't really highly enlightened, peace-loving types, and the people in the Tower were such enormous idiots that it'd take more than a day to assess the full magnitude of their gruesome mistakes. And there was more than a little bit of bad faith in Massah Kassah after we told him we blew everything up. But I can't exactly tell him to git gud at the basics of diplomacy now that I've killed three of his trusted guards and blinded him with poisonous anti-magic rocks, can I? Not like it'd help much, either - both parties have to take the appropriate steps, and all things considered he was as nice to us as he could afford to be."

"Point is, I wouldn't have expected diplomacy to be Irine's weakness. I mean, I fucked up as well - I probably shouldn't have just been standing by and essentially watching it unfold while affecting a racist accent, but my worse nature got the better of me, and I'll try to do better in the future. It's important to analyze why an approach failed so that we don't make mistakes in the future. Reassess our strengths in light of new information. For instance, Irine here believes she did nothing wrong, which is a harmful and all too easy thing to believe about one's failures. So I'm telling her to git gud at diplomacy and explaining how she would go about such a thing. With a touch of abrasive frustration because you can't really teach someone who's unwilling to learn, you know?"

"Besides, we get along fine. Though to assuage your concerns and help distinguish between a performance assessment and an argument, we should maybe figure out some kind of structure for this kind of performance assessment. And make our criticism maximally constructive and whatnot. Adopt instructive tones when required instead of mere riffing."

ETD: whenever everyone's ready.

"In other words, Ike, I was too trusting. I spoke directly and honestly, when what we needed was lies and distortions. I should have been speaking subserviently instead of as equals. I should have hidden my teeth, not said exactly where the line was so he'd know if he was going to cross it. I shouldn't have treated someone I wanted to make a friend with the respect as if they actually were one. I needed to treat him as prey, not as another predator."

---

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 16, 2015, 07:52:05 am

((Hey, Irene, would you like some BURN CREAM WITH THAT SPEECH?!))

((Irine can't hear you, are you trying to be offensive to me instead? I'm just keeping her in character. Irine really doesn't like lies in any form.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 09:30:32 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 09:00:00 am

"In other words, Ike, I was too trusting. I spoke directly and honestly, when what we needed was lies and distortions. I should have been speaking subserviently instead of as equals. I should have hidden my teeth, not said exactly where the line was so he'd know if he was going to cross it. I shouldn't have treated someone I wanted to make a friend with the respect as if they actually were one. I needed to treat him as prey, not as another predator."

"Cheesy animal metaphors aside (don't you just love 'em), let's say yeah. If being nice to people doesn't come naturally to you, do fake-nice instead - any sociopath will vouch for the effectiveness of fake-nice behavior. Or better yet, devote some thought to what you're going to say and what effect it's going to have before you open your hole - I'm a very good counterexample, going into tailspins of shit verbiage at the slightest provocation. But that's me, unfiltered. Natural me. When you want something from someone, you lie to them in such a way that it makes them well-disposed toward you. Natural me needs to keep his hole shut in that event."

"But what if you don't want to lie, you ask? Well, that's kind of tough. And also a bit overly categorical. Everyone has to lie sometime, if only by omission. We lie most to those who are important to us, whose opinion we value and who can present us things we need, usually to make sure of their approval. People who insist on being honest at all times in life are known as massive bags of dicks in polite society, and people who have no secrets usually have no true achievements, either. You need to soften your speech, manipulate the truth and make yourself seem more acceptable if you are in the business of making actual friends or allies, because everyone exists in a shared illusion of adjusted truths and unconsidered gaps, and the whole truth is usually more than a little unsettling because of it."

"Lying isn't bad, in summary. It's the grease that makes everything smoother! It costs nothing, and is very energy-efficient compared to murder and pillage. The power of elaborate lying is the collective superpower of organic life, and you can build some truly impressive things with it. So lie to someone today! For instance, tell me that this all makes sense to you and that you shall endeavor to follow my sage advice. That will hopefully stop me from yet more sophistry where I forget what I was arguing about in the middle of my speech, and we'll all start to talk about something more productive instead."

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 10:48:11 am

"There is a difference between lies of omission and actively lying. Words, symbols, language, Names, they have meaning. Twisting them twists yourself. I don't want to be twisted. I need to try to keep myself pure, if I want to return to what once was. I still want to become worthy of my old title. I don't think twisting myself will do anything but drive me from it. I do try to be nice, but that is very different from being polite."

"What about if when I want something from someone, I ask them for it? If when people are different from me, I just acknowledge it? Is what you're asking for a truly necessary web of lies, or is it just what you're used too?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 16, 2015, 11:32:59 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 10:48:11 am

"There is a difference between lies of omission and actively lying. Words, symbols, language, Names, they have meaning. Twisting them twists yourself. I don't want to be twisted. I need to try to keep myself pure, if I want to return to what once was. I still want to become worthy of my old title. I don't think twisting myself will do anything but drive me from it. I do try to be nice, but that is very different from being polite."

"What about if when I want something from someone, I ask them for it? If when people are different from me, I just acknowledge it? Is what you're asking for a truly necessary web of lies, or is it just what you're used too?"

"Purity's kind of a dumb thing to strive for, if you don't mind me saying. There's absolutely no advantage to being pure. It's just a stagnant form of existence, isn't it?"

"By the way, yeah, omission is still lying, because your intent is still to deliberately mislead, just more subtly. Assholes simply like to use it as an exception because they, being assholes, have a penchant for technicalities. 'Ooh, but I didn't say that! I just made you infer something else on purpose, so it's totally your fault!' It's the blame game, but dumber."

"And asking for something exists apart from manipulation - you always have to ask for something. Manipulation is meant to make people more likely to give you what you ask for, or what you really want when you ask something else entirely. Everybody wants to fit in, so pointing out how they are different is also never appreciated as much as you'd think, except when being different means they fit in better. If you emphasize commonalities, you make people more likely to see themselves in you, empathize. Friends are made on commonalities, things they can share. And seeking commonalities is also a good reason for lying - it makes commonalities where there aren't any, and smoothens communication."

"Biggest problem is that you can't actually explain the principles of communication without them seeming sinister and unnatural. Which is why your reaction to this seems to be in the form of superficial moral judgments that make you feel oh so special and great. I am used to the web of lies, yeah. That's because I happen to be a social being and that's how most communication works aside from your purely hypothetical kind from the exploded galaxy of fantabulous wonderment or wherever it is you were plucked from. If you want to reform the system (though why would anyone want a social system composed purely of 100% honest bags of dicks is beyond me), feel free. But nobody is going to appreciate your trailblazing effort in the least, because it has no point and makes everything much worse."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 10:01:04 pm

"I don't think you're actually listening to me. You keep responding to something similar to what I'm saying, but with a totally different meaning. Stop it. You might be able to fool onlookers that way, but I know what I'm saying, and trying to play tricks with my words isn't convincing me to do what you want. It's just making me mad. Please stop it."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2015, 02:42:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 16, 2015, 10:01:04 pm

"I don't think you're actually listening to me. You keep responding to something similar to what I'm saying, but with a totally different meaning. Stop it. You might be able to fool onlookers that way, but I know what I'm saying, and trying to play tricks with my words isn't convincing me to do what you want. It's just making me mad. Please stop it."

"I don't think I'm twisting your words, am I? Maybe what you say is just very easy to misinterpret and unclear, especially if I happen to do it consistently. I can't read your mind, after- wait, I sort of can, can't I? Still, I'm mostly just taking what you say at face value. Or at least what I think you're saying."

Title: Re: Special People: No one Told the Truth
Post by: H4zardZ1 on August 17, 2015, 02:55:53 am

"Exceptable, huh?"
If someone attacks to me, grab their used limbs or weapon. Same applies to thrown weapons.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 17, 2015, 10:17:09 am

"You're being long-winded, but you want me to speak less honestly. Yet when I ask you why, your answer is only that other people are doing it. You've said a lot more than that, but most of it makes no sense or is irrelevant. Like when you accused me of refusing to compromise. Or said that my family was just made up. Or saying I don't respect others. Or that I refuse to try to understand others. Or said I assume everyone but myself is evil. Or your attempt to pass judgement on my goals. I understand the point of lying to enemies or prey, but Ike, why should I lie to my friends like you want me to?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2015, 10:26:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 17, 2015, 10:17:09 am

"You're being long-winded, but you want me to speak less honestly. Yet when I ask you why, your answer is only that other people are doing it. You've said a lot more than that, but most of it makes no sense or is irrelevant. Like when you accused me of refusing to compromise. Or said that my family was just made up. Or saying I don't respect others. Or that I refuse to try to understand others. Or said I assume everyone but myself is evil. Or your attempt to pass judgement on my goals. I understand the point of lying to enemies or prey, but Ike, why should I lie to my friends like you want me to?"

"Good question! It depends on who your friends are, of course. Who is your friend?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on August 17, 2015, 11:39:51 am

Try to interact with machinery, look if it influences mannequins.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 17, 2015, 01:37:44 pm

"Irene, Ike, that's enough. You've gone far past the point of understanding each other better or solving problems and now you are both just adding more fuel to the fire, to use a bad metaphor. Stop. Let's get going already."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2015, 01:41:45 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 17, 2015, 01:37:44 pm

"Irene, Ike, that's enough. You've gone far past the point of understanding each other better or solving problems and now you are both just adding more fuel to the fire, to use a bad metaphor. Stop. Let's get going already."

"A very good point! And do believe me when I say that I'd love to get moving as soon as possible. Indeed, you could say that not moving out has put me in a rather unfriendly mood, as Irine can no doubt attest to."

let's get moving already my god

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 17, 2015, 03:36:10 pm

still shooting Irine in the butt

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 17, 2015, 09:45:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2015, 10:26:21 am

"Good question! It depends on who your friends are, of course. Who is your friend?"

"Stellar, River, Theri, Zechariah, maybe Zoe, and maybe you."

---

((Paris, HB has been asking to move out soonish for quite a while now. please don't hold up the game for this conversation.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 18, 2015, 04:11:02 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 17, 2015, 09:45:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2015, 10:26:21 am

"Good question! It depends on who your friends are, of course. Who is your friend?"

"Stellar, River, Theri, Zechariah, maybe Zoe, and maybe you."

"Hm. Well, don't know who Stellar or Zoe are, and I know basically nothing about Theri, and talking about Riv doesn't seem like a good idea, so... hm... Well, imagine when you want to do something, but the other won't be capable of understanding why, or wouldn't be able to forgive you if they knew the reason, or hold violently opposed views to your own. But you value their cooperation nonetheless - in these situations it's highly beneficial to lie to them and misrepresent yourself, present to them a version of you that is easy to understand and accept. You don't have to, of course, but it smoothens things in a great number of ways, much more so than getting into an argument with them about it would. Nobody agrees on everything, after all. And sometimes you just lack the time to explain yourself acceptably, and must offer a misleading, quicker explanation to see your plans come to fruition on schedule. Does that make sense to you? And even if it doesn't, can you take a moment to imagine why your friends might feel this way?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 09:20:09 am

"That's different, because we're in competition with each other. We're temporarily enemies then."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 18, 2015, 09:30:51 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 09:20:09 am

"That's different, because we're in competition with each other. We're temporarily enemies then."

"Not just then. Even when we are allies. Has your entity told you the full and correct story, do you think? And why would it do either thing? Has River told us everything he knows about our mission yet? What about when we were in that weird place with the exploding shadow doors in the alternate dimension? Lies to your allies are often lies of omission, but they can often be more active as well. They're usually well-intentioned, too, unlike lies to enemies, and come more naturally to nicer people if you can believe that."

"Of course, often there isn't really any need to lie to your allies, because all truth can potentially be useful. But sometimes that truth would grant you a little too much power over them, power that they don't want you to have, and that's when the lies come in. Lies also grant you the ability to partition information, designate people among your allies you lie to more or less - in fact, trusting someone with whatever you have lied about before, as long as you don't trust everyone with it, is a good trust-building exercise. You need not even tell them the whole truth, so good is the technique. Or you could even tell them a different, profound lie instead."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 18, 2015, 09:36:12 am

(Maybe the next mission should be a rescue mission to bring back River and his group.  It doesn't look like they're gonna be going anywhere for awhile  :P)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 10:27:33 am

I glance at River before looking back at Ike.
"I don't like those. I admit, I omit some things that I want to keep to myself, or that I was trusted to hide by someone else. but I don't like what you're asking me to do, same as why I don't like how much River is hiding from us. I'm afraid something from his past is going to come back to hurt us, and he won't tell us about it until it already as done harm, because he's afraid of our reactions to it. The truth is a better trust building exercise than partitioned lies anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 18, 2015, 11:42:11 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 10:27:33 am

I glance at River before looking back at Ike.
"I don't like those. I admit, I omit some things that I want to keep to myself, or that I was trusted to hide by someone else. but I don't like what you're asking me to do, same as why I don't like how much River is hiding from us. I'm afraid something from his past is going to come back to hurt us, and he won't tell us about it until it already as done harm, because he's afraid of our reactions to it. The truth is a better trust building exercise than partitioned lies anyway."

"I do not understand. I did not lie to you. I have tried to say the truth. I told you what I believe and what I feel. If there is one thing I did not share with you, it was to protect those I care about." he says, looking first at Irine and then at Ike as he finishes talking.

((Sorry, been really busy. Will try to update tonight.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 18, 2015, 01:20:16 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 10:27:33 am

I glance at River before looking back at Ike.
"I don't like those. I admit, I omit some things that I want to keep to myself, or that I was trusted to hide by someone else. but I don't like what you're asking me to do, same as why I don't like how much River is hiding from us. I'm afraid something from his past is going to come back to hurt us, and he won't tell us about it until it already as done harm, because he's afraid of our reactions to it. The truth is a better trust building exercise than partitioned lies anyway."

"But lies, unlike the truth, are an infinite resource as long as you're good enough at them. You can only tell the truth once, after all. Loses its impact afterward."

"Besides, a good lie is generally accepted as a truth. So as long as you don't get caught you'll achieve the same thing with less net expenditure of truth."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 04:58:26 pm

"That's crazy Ike, the truth only grows when spread, and lies can destroy record or memory or understanding of the truth. Reality is the exact opposite of what you just said."
I then turn to River, and respond to what he just said.
"River, who are we hunting, who's body was hidden at the Relay, and why did you ask for me to hide it?"
I closely watch his reaction to my question as well.
If his memory is damaged, then this question may be critical. If he doesn't remember what we saw...

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 18, 2015, 07:41:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 04:58:26 pm

"River, who are we hunting, whose body was hidden at the Relay, and why did you ask for me to hide it?"
I closely watch his reaction to my question as well.
If his memory is damaged, then this question may be critical. If he doesn't remember what we saw...

He focuses his eyes on you and then tilts his head a couple of second later.
"I did not ask you to hide a body... I think. It does not sound like something I would do. You are too small to drag large prey. You can not dig a large hole very quickly. And I do not remember a- Was there a-..."
He tenses up, his ears stand at attention and his eyes widen. His mouth opens as if to speak, but it closes again.
A few seconds later, his ears lower. A few seconds after that, he begins to speak with uncertainty, but his tone changes as he speaks, becoming more certain, more focused, more... loud and he starts making his way closer to you.
"No. That is not true- I do not- There was no body hidden. No body hidden there when we were there. No, that is not- I hid one but- It was a human. A human that had... grh I do not remember. Something. I had to get it. You saw it. You saw me hide it. You all saw me hide it. I did not lie. I hid it. Because I have to hide it. That is how it works. I had to do it. People see me. They can not see me."

He quickly grabs his things from the floor and continues moving towards you as he speaks.
"This conversation has gone on for too long. You will help Alan heal and prepare to leave." he growls to the people in the room.
"You will come with me." he orders you as he attempts to grab you from your comm wire and force you downstairs. He looks angry, ready to attack, ears at attention, teeth showing, the pain in his leg forgotten.
"Nobody else goes downstairs while I work."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 18, 2015, 07:50:43 pm

"No, fuck that. Get your paws off Irene. I'm getting really tired of your shit River, and I think my friends agree."

Tsar shield and block with it if anyone decides to claw my face off or anything like that.
_{(I was hoping I could get those minor crafting actions done during the hour or so I&I spent talking.)}

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 08:13:57 pm

"I think your memory has been damaged River. I was talking about something different. Something I actually wasn't sure was a body or not, I was just guessing when I called it a body. Something you asked for me to not tell the others. You didn't ask for me to hide it, but to instead hide my knowledge of it."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 18, 2015, 08:15:07 pm

Action amendment: butt-shootings for everyone! Make pew-pew noises.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 18, 2015, 08:39:18 pm

(Hey campaign guys and gals, remember how River described your target?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2014, 08:00:22 pm

The wolfman near Theri responds to your question.
"We're looking for a traitor. A murderer. A coward. A severer. One who dared violate the very nature of my species."
His voice is a mix of a deep human voice and growls.
"The despicable creature tried to flee into another world, thinking I could not track it and follow it there. We will arrive at the place it was last known to be, find whatever hole it has chosen to hide in and bring it to justice."
The anger is clear, both in his voice and in his snarling face.
"Its form has some power. The magical and physical strength my kind possesses, along with the gifts that were granted to it, all of them now squandered. Its size is larger than yours, it can fly, it can modify its form and it has some skill in manipulating the world, both the living and the dead."
He walks towards you, his body low, his ears facing forward, his tail moving nervously from side to side, looking like he is ready to attack.
"Nevertheless, it should have been made weak by its heinous acts. Meaning that even a few of us should be able to end its existence, provided we move quickly. I have acquired basic knowledge of the surrounding area and I am an expert tracker, so locating it should not be a problem."
He stops walking when he is face to face with you.
"Even if that is not the case and it is more powerful than I anticipated, we will see that it is punished for its deeds."
His teeth are a bit too close to your face for comfort.
"I will make sure of it." he adds more quietly, mostly to himself.

It's someone who is the same "species" as River, can shapeshift, can manipulate the world to affect the living and dead, and is implied to become more powerful as time passes.  After the explosion in the tower, some time went by while you were all dead, right?  Is there any possibility that the "River" with you is actually your target in disguise?)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 18, 2015, 08:47:52 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 18, 2015, 07:50:43 pm

"No, fuck that. Get your paws off Irene. I'm getting really tired of your shit River, and I think my friends agree."

Tsar shield and block with it if anyone decides to claw my face off or anything like that.
_{(I was hoping I could get those minor crafting actions done during the hour or so I&I spent talking.)}

((Sure. Assume it was done. It's just that now my NPCs are required to RP immediately, so I have to deal with the problem of my time running out and keeping the PCs from having pages of dialogue during a few seconds of action because I had to sleep. You still have the comm wires (the rest of you, Irene's currently being used by River), but it's still better, because if I act now I won't have to invalidate you're actions latter..))

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2015, 08:13:57 pm

"I think your memory has been damaged River. I was talking about something different. Something I actually wa-"

The air around Irine darkens as River tightens his grip around her body, her words replaced by a gasp as her body falls limp, every inch of it slowly slipping out of her control and filling with pain. The pain and disorientation is similar to what she feels when transforming, but much worse. She barely manages to remain conscious.

That done, he turns to face Nikolai, showing his teeth.
"Will you try stop me?" he asks, clearly believing the answer to be 'No'.
"You are weak. I am strong."

Quote from: Xantalos on August 18, 2015, 08:15:07 pm

Action amendment: butt-shootings for everyone! Make pew-pew noises.

You get up from where you were taking a dump, wipe with your toilet paper, get dressed and start heading towards the building the others are in. Things sound exciting there. And all this excitement... It's drawing you in. Time to add to the fun with... Nothing? Oh well, sometimes it happens. You still arrive in time to witness River dancing with Irine while everyone else is looking at them in shock. Looks like people these days are still uncomfortable with interspecies romance.

((Oh well. It looks like talking really isn't Irine's strong point. Especially since she seems to constantly and accidentally manage to anger people who have the same problem. And now I have to start rolling for this... At least I remember some of your stats.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 18, 2015, 09:30:41 pm

Nik looks at the rest of the group.
"Well, what do you think? River's seriously pissing me off."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2015, 12:12:17 am

Zechariah instinctively went for his staff, finding nothing. Instead, he was about to put up his hands in a ready position when he caught himself. He quickly thought the situation over in his head.

I can't escalate this. We can't keep fighting each other.

He struggled to keep his voice calm and collected. His hands were at his sides, though he was fighting to keep his hands from tensing up. He was on-edge.

"River, I ask this not from any sort of superior stance, but an inferior one. I ask from pure sincerity." Still, he fought his fear.
"Do you think that this is what Theri would want to see? Does this serve a purpose to help all of us? Irine didn't mean to anger you. She wanted to help. She wanted to be friendly to you. Are you going to throw away the confidence we put into you for this?

Zechariah blinked.
"Please. Let. Her. Go."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 19, 2015, 01:46:51 am

Alan is shocked and appalled!


That dancing sucked! He'd clearly have to show Rover how it was done.

Summon a stereo loaded up with this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M6samPEMpM) song - or something similar, so long as it's extremely retro - and crank it up to full blast. Then walk up to Rover and hand his ass to him on a platter.

By dancing extremely well at him. Or knowing Alan, extremely badly. Either way.

If my stereo/whatever thingy (even a gramophone would work) summoning fails, just do the danceoff without music. Sing instead.

((If anyone wants to do some drastic actions, I have a feeling this is gonna take up his attention.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on August 19, 2015, 02:17:51 am

((Team A?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 02:33:37 am

Quote from: NAV on August 18, 2015, 09:30:41 pm

Nik looks at the rest of the group.
"Well, what do you think? River's seriously pissing me off."

"Mutilating our fine foxy friend's no good, I would agree. And if this were a democracy, our wolfish warlord would find himself supremely outvoted on that issue. He doesn't think this is a democracy, however, previous platitudes aside, and I tend to agree - more of a rule by strength. So I'm going to stand behind him on this one if you catch my meaning," says Ike in a vague manner.

Stand behind River on this one. Literally, not figuratively.

If River seems like he's about to endanger Alan or piss off entirely with Irine, it might be time to spring into action, probably in the form of distracting River with a playful poke in the ol' C1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_%28anatomy%29) with a sharp blade.

And if he starts something against Nik or me, or goes into a proper magical duel with Irine, the poke would become more of a drive and a twist. Superior reflexes, eh?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 03:14:32 am

I growl and force my will through the pain.
"no. N-No. No! NO! NO NO NO NO NO!"
I will River's presence out of me. I am ME. I will not let him consume me. I reinforce myself and my identity with my will, assuming that he is shoving himself on to me similarly to how I forced my will upon the old mage. I remind myself of why I am here, and all that I have lost, and why I cannot afford to lose. This isn't going to be like back at the tower where I let him in. This time, I have to fight.
If I manage to free myself from River's will, then I shift to full-fox form, weather or not he's let go of me physically. I do not do it if he's still forcing his will on me though.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 19, 2015, 07:32:03 am

Quote from: Beirus on August 19, 2015, 02:17:51 am

((Team A?))

((What of us?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 10:12:12 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on August 17, 2015, 02:55:53 am

"Exceptable, huh?"
If someone attacks to me, grab their used limbs or weapon. Same applies to thrown weapons.

The things approach you from all sides, surrounding you. Four of them strike at you at once. You manage to twist out of the way of two of the strikes and grab the bone-like knife of the third one, but the fourth manages to stab you on your arm. It makes a long scratch, but it's not very deep. It looks worse than it is. Still, you're getting overwhelmed here. You can't keep dodging forever.

Quote from: Illgeo on August 17, 2015, 11:39:51 am

Try to interact with machinery, look if it influences mannequins.

You try to force your way through the things blocking your path, barely managing to squeeze between them and the wall.
You approach one of the machines on the wall and inspect it, glancing at the approaching enemies behind you every once in a while.
It looks like a simple lathe, with a large number of available attachments, some very sharp and nasty looking metallic drill-like things.
If only you had someone in your team who was really good at manipulating metal.

Quote from: Wolfkit on August 14, 2015, 09:07:21 pm

"Heh. Heh heh heh."
Start lasering the arms off of all of the mannequins, starting with the closest ones. Continue to not laser my teammates. _Yet.

You manage to laser the arms off of two of the things as they approach you and enter the hallway. That's three of them down or at least made less dangerous. Unless they start kicking you.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 15, 2015, 09:03:09 pm

"At last, something to beat into a pulp!"

Beat the hand into a pulp! Then do it again!

You talk to the hand and prepare to beat it into pulp.

You block the strike of the index finger, duck below a sweep of the entire hand and then kick the hand hard on its back, causing something to snap. There is a gurgling groan from behind the wall as the hand retreats back through the hole like some sort of snake.
"No, wait you idiot!"
Hm. That was easy. Wonder what you should do next.
Wait, what's that thumping sound approaching you?

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: Beirus on August 15, 2015, 09:31:35 pm

Quote from: Beirus on August 07, 2015, 03:15:55 pm

Team A

"I'd recommend y'all get as far from this room as possible."

Do the thing. Do the thing now. Start charging. If a viable enemy target presents itself, shoot it with my anchors to impale it with one or two and wrap it with the others to hold it there.

((I'm doing the exact opposite of THE SAME.))

((You need to make your actions a bit less vague. Or maybe more precise, since I don't think you mean EXACT opposite.))

You feel something stab through what used to be your chest and then slashing upwards, easily cutting through your armour. You deploy your anchor module, bits of bone and flesh shooting out of you and through anything nearby, creating a web-like structure around you.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 15, 2015, 05:52:50 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

The hell we are even still doing in this room. We can't just let this nonsence go on. I give you five minutes before I'm going find something flamable to light up this jokster.

Last chance. Use the sometimes working flashlight to illuminate what is outside of the room we had been dropped in. Only for a moment though, then attention back to the starting room, I know how the jokster looks, if I see something else, prioritise the one that tried to kill us before. search for something that would be able to produce fire. If I happen to have a lighter, search for something to set on fire.

Outside there's a long and narrow hallway made out of stone covered by wood. It is also quite dark, but you think you can see another room at the end of it. You think you see a couch in it, but that's as much as you can see.

You look around. Luckily, there's a few old sheets covering a bookcase. Those look flamable. And on one of the bookcase's shelves is stored a can of paint thinner. That looks extremely inflammable. No luck with the lighter though. Damn it, why is your host a non-smoker?

You hear a mix of shrieking and cawing coming from somewhere in the back. You glance behind you to see the creature trapped inside a web of flesh and bone. It's trapped for now, but it's quickly clawing through it.

Quote from: Alarith on August 15, 2015, 12:09:53 pm

Team A

---

"You heard him, book it"
Get to the exit and vacate the room

You reach the exit along with Svajoklis.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 16, 2015, 12:59:43 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 08:53:48 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 14, 2015, 11:07:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 14, 2015, 09:49:25 am

Sure, just wish for it. One level of Power would certainly make things a lot better. Two levels might be pushing it, but it would make things really good and a bit quicker, provided you don't overdo it. Three levels is just asking for an accidental earth-shattering kaboom.

((We'll do that, then.  Also, there's a reason I'm trying not to let power get too far ahead of control...))

Do what? Summon once with 1 level of power and once with 1 level of control?

No, summon once with +1 to current power and once with +1 to current speed.

With +1 to speed, you can get one within a few seconds, however that is excluding time lost on failed attempts that leave you with a glorified dirty bomb at best and a horrible radioactive death trap (for you, not others) at worst. You're glad this room appears to be bomb-proof and that your robotic assistant was wise enough to evacuate the moment she realized what you were doing (using her speakers to play an appropriate sound effect (https://youtu.be/Aaop6e17aRs) in the process). The decor wasn't so lucky.

With +1 to power, it's easier to summon one. Easier to imagine the machine, less effort to make the parts appear, less effort to assemble them, better success rates and slightly better summoning times. If you count any time lost on failed attempts however, it is significantly faster.

So assuming you want to summon lots of nukes in a few minutes and trust your luck, speed is better. Otherwise, probably better to go with power.

Man, you know it's getting close to someone's final challenge when I start using phrases such as "summon lots of nukes in a few minutes".

Quote from: Megggas on August 16, 2015, 12:28:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 15, 2015, 08:53:48 pm

George fails Caution 101.

As George struggles in the water, mentally cursing to himself, he notices the town up ahead.  The medieval town.  George isn't sure whether he should add time travel to the list of impossible things that his alien captors are capable of, or finally just conclude that Reality was put on trial and lynched for the crime of having no place in this world.

Continue being pushed by the currents, toward the town.  Question my own existence along the way.

((Ever seen a dwarf path through a waterfall?))

You let the stream carry you past the waterwheel and towards the bridge. There is a man standing on its railing, holding a fishing rod over the water. His skin is tanned from being exposed to the sun, his hair are long and dark, his face obscured by facial hair, his clothes simple/ There's a crow standing next to him, pecking on a fish.

"Hey there!" he yells and waves.
"Want me to fish you out?" he follows up with a smile as he moves his rod towards you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on August 16, 2015, 02:52:55 am

Strap the shield to my arm to leave my hand free. Also make a spare sling for reasons. Let the more talky people talk about their stuff.

((Definitely want to go on the galactic adventure mission. Not sure if I want to do another campaign right after this one though.))

((Let's see if you'll survive this one first...))

Let's retroactively roll for this.
Strapping the shield is easy. You just take the spare pant legs, the ones River tore off, and use it to tie it on your arm.
Making the spare sling however does not work. Must be some residual brain damage, because you keep tying knots around your arm.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 19, 2015, 01:46:51 am

Alan is shocked and appalled!


That dancing sucked! He'd clearly have to show Rover how it was done.

Summon a stereo loaded up with this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M6samPEMpM) song - or something similar, so long as it's extremely retro - and crank it up to full blast. Then walk up to Rover and hand his ass to him on a platter.

By dancing extremely well at him. Or knowing Alan, extremely badly. Either way.

If my stereo/whatever thingy (even a gramophone would work) summoning fails, just do the danceoff without music. Sing instead.

((If anyone wants to do some drastic actions, I have a feeling this is gonna take up his attention.))

Alan uses "Hey, hey, guess who I am!" (https://youtu.be/LxZ_CZO9QMI) to dissolve tension.
It's not very effective...

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2015, 12:12:17 am

Zechariah instinctively went for his staff, finding nothing. Instead, he was about to put up his hands in a ready position when he caught himself. He quickly thought the situation over in his head.

I can't escalate this. We can't keep fighting each other.

He struggled to keep his voice calm and collected. His hands were at his sides, though he was fighting to keep his hands from tensing up. He was on-edge.

"River, I ask this not from any sort of superior stance, but an inferior one. I ask from pure sincerity." Still, he fought his fear.
"Do you think that this is what Theri would want to see? Does this serve a purpose to help all of us? Irine didn't mean to anger you. She wanted to help. She wanted to be friendly to you. Are you going to throw away the confidence we put into you for this?

Zechariah blinked.
"Please. Let. Her. Go."

Your words cause him to pause his retreat, his expression changing from anger to shock and confusion as he focuses on you and Theri.
"I... maybe I..."

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 03:14:32 am

I growl and force my will through the pain.
"no. N-No. No! NO! NO NO NO NO NO!"
I will River's presence out of me. I am ME. I will not let him consume me. I reinforce myself and my identity with my will, assuming that he is shoving himself on to me similarly to how I forced my will upon the old mage. I remind myself of why I am here, and all that I have lost, and why I cannot afford to lose. This isn't going to be like back at the tower where I let him in. This time, I have to fight.
If I manage to free myself from River's will, then I shift to full-fox form, weather or not he's let go of me physically. I do not do it if he's still forcing his will on me though.

Zecharia's words seem to stop or at least weaken whatever attack he was using on you, giving you the opportunity to break free and start changing forms.

He makes pained noises and turns his face away from you but he does not let go of you as you transform, even as his arms and most of the front of his body is burnt along with part of his armour.
"Yourhgh will not escape! You will-"
He is bleeding moderately.

On the other hand, he doesn't take this opportunity to crush you in those few seconds that you're vulnerable, instead merely readjusting his grip so that he ends up holding (almost strangling) your neck with one hand, while removing the burning shirt that surrounds you and his arm with the other. So at least things didn't go as bad as they could.

He brings you close to his chest as he turns around, getting you partially covered in blood and filling your nose with the smell of burnt flesh and fur. The rapid spin does not help with your shapeshifting sickness.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 02:33:37 am

Quote from: NAV on August 18, 2015, 09:30:41 pm

Nik looks at the rest of the group.
"Well, what do you think? River's seriously pissing me off."

"Mutilating our fine foxy friend's no good, I would agree. And if this were a democracy, our wolfish warlord would find himself supremely outvoted on that issue. He doesn't think this is a democracy, however, previous platitudes aside, and I tend to agree - more of a rule by strength. So I'm going to stand behind him on this one if you catch my meaning," says Ike in a vague manner.

Stand behind River on this one. Literally, not figuratively.

If River seems like he's about to endanger Alan or piss off entirely with Irine, it might be time to spring into action, probably in the form of distracting River with a playful poke in the ol' C1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_%28anatomy%29) with a sharp blade.

And if he starts something against Nik or me, or goes into a proper magical duel with Irine, the poke would become more of a drive and a twist. Superior reflexes, eh?

Seeing Irine using her magic on River, you assume it's time to make Brutus proud and give River a good shanking on the back.

Despite being distracted and partially covered by fire, River seems to notice you (whether by sound or by his peripheral vision, you cannot say) in the last moment as you slash down from behind. He tries to turn around and you miss by a few inches, instead hitting his shoulder, your sword ineffectually bouncing off the metal armour. He follows up with a quick blind slash of his fire-covered hand that you barely manage to avoid. The burning shirt flies out of his hand, hitting the stone wall.

He looks at you for a split second, his ears lowering. But a moment later, his eyes focus on something behind you and he tenses up again.

---

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on August 18, 2015, 09:36:12 am

(Maybe the next mission should be a rescue mission to bring back River and his group.  It doesn't look like they're gonna be going anywhere for awhile  :P)

Looks like your prophesy went horribly right.
Second part at least.
If they fail, they probably all die permanently (unless they fail in a very particular way), so not much chance of a rescue mission.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 15, 2015, 09:30:38 pm

((Also, whoever updates the TVTropes page, you a baller.))

I assume this is a praise, so I will add to it.
Well done to those that take the time to update TVTropes. Thank you for your time and effort.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 19, 2015, 10:32:46 am

"So this is how it is? Surrender now or die fucker!"

We're in a bar. Gotta do this bar fight style. If River doesn't immediately surrender smash a giant tsar chair over his head.

Tsar my shield and block if I'm going to be hit with any attacks I can't dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 19, 2015, 10:53:54 am

<Team A, Svajoklis>
Use gun on the known creep that is conveniently trapped. In case it turns out to be immune to bullets(I hit for 0 damage), go to the room at the end of the coridoor.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 11:00:26 am

innate telepathy to all in range:<River stop trying to eat me! You aren't acting like yourself! Stop hurting me!>
I seize the flames on River and intensify them, burning him until I can get free.

As soon as I can, I scramble away from him, but I also remove my flames from him if I do escape his grasp, instead forming a wall of fire across the floor between us.
<River! Please! Stop attacking me! Please!>

---

EDIT: rewrote action below, leaving original struck through for posterity.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 19, 2015, 11:06:24 am

Crack my knuckles, roll my shoulders, and crack my neck. Time to go out and show all those people who's the boss around here.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 19, 2015, 11:07:59 am

Interesting.

Repeat same test, except this time summoning something simple; a shotgun shell.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 19, 2015, 11:52:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 10:12:12 am

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on August 18, 2015, 09:36:12 am

(Maybe the next mission should be a rescue mission to bring back River and his group.  It doesn't look like they're gonna be going anywhere for awhile  :P)

Looks like your prophesy went horribly right.
Second part at least.
If they fail, they probably all die permanently (unless they fail in a very particular way), so not much chance of a rescue mission.

(What if they accidentally kill River?  That would reduce River back to an orb, and the team would be stuck in that fantasy world.  What would happen then?)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 10:12:12 am

---

Staging Area

---

((Ever seen a dwarf path through a waterfall?))

You let the stream carry you past the waterwheel and towards the bridge. There is a man standing on its railing, holding a fishing rod over the water. His skin is tanned from being exposed to the sun, his hair are long and dark, his face obscured by facial hair, his clothes simple. There's a crow standing next to him, pecking on a fish.

"Hey there!" he yells and waves.
"Want me to fish you out?" he follows up with a smile as he moves his rod towards you.

George excitedly thought to himself: An actual human being!  Maybe he can tell me what's really going on.  I better ask quickly, otherwise he'll probably just spontaneously explode or something, knowing my luck.

"Yes! PLEASE!"

If I am successfully rescued out of the water, make my best attempt at a smile (George is out of practice), and say:

"Ah, thanks!  I'm glad I'm not the only human being here.  Say, would you be able to tell me anything about where I am and what's going on?  The voice in my head gave me a vague idea, but I still don't know.  I think aliens are involved, but I can't be sure of anything anymore." 

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 19, 2015, 01:34:35 pm

"Oh, are we being violent now? I can do that."

Alan begins waving his hands around erratically, eventually pushing them both out in front of him, middle fingers extended.

"ALAN NO JUTSU! Excessively Large Dishwasher Greeting!"

Alan's never watched Naruto, but he's heard of it a little.

I believe it's time for Mr. Unnaturally Large Dishwasher to make an introduction to River's face.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 19, 2015, 02:38:30 pm

Beat the thumping sound to a pulp! Or if I can't do that, go through the crack in the wall and beat up everything there into a pulp.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 03:48:34 pm

"Dude, you're acting kinda crazy. I hope you don't take this too personally."

Dodge sideways, go on the defensive for the moment.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 03:54:23 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 19, 2015, 11:07:59 am

Interesting.

Repeat same test, except this time summoning something simple; a shotgun shell.

With +1 PWR:
Well, shotgun shells are so easy you start to get bored after a couple of them and start doing things harder to challenge yourself. Summoning a round inside a shotgun, forcing the parts inside a shotgun's spring, summoning a smaller round inside a larger round... In the end, you end up creating some sort of shotgunbot that moves around by repeated shotgun blasts.

Chasing it around the mansion for a couple of minutes sure is fun, until it gets out of the mansion through an open window and starts running shotguniing away. You finally bring it down by making a tube-shape with your hand and detonating a shotgun shell inside it, launching pellets at the robot's processor, thus shutting it down. Hehe, invincibility allows for some creative solutions to certain problems.

Anyway, you can make them quite quickly and easily, especially if you get one to copy.


With +1 speed, you can summon them pretty much immediately. Takes less than a second. With one to copy, you could theoretically feed an automatic shotgun with a just-in-time assembled ammo belt, thus ridding you of the need to carry ammo. In fact, you do just that, summoning a few rows of terracotta warriors in the plaza to taste your might as you dodge between them, imagining you're in bullet time.

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 19, 2015, 11:06:24 am

Crack my knuckles, roll my shoulders, and crack my neck. Time to go out and show all those people who's the boss around here.

You walk out of the surprisingly empty inn to find John has gone crazy and is taking out his craziness on some clay statues with a shotgun, dodging between them as if they are real people.

Quote from: Megggas on August 19, 2015, 11:52:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 10:12:12 am

OOC

Quote from: Megggas on August 18, 2015, 09:36:12 am

(Maybe the next mission should be a rescue mission to bring back River and his group.  It doesn't look like they're gonna be going anywhere for awhile  :P)

Looks like your prophesy went horribly right.
Second part at least.
If they fail, they probably all die permanently (unless they fail in a very particular way), so not much chance of a rescue mission.

(What if they accidentally kill River?  That would reduce River back to an orb, and the team would be stuck in that fantasy world.  What would happen then?)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 10:12:12 am

---

Staging Area

---

((Ever seen a dwarf path through a waterfall?))

You let the stream carry you past the waterwheel and towards the bridge. There is a man standing on its railing, holding a fishing rod over the water. His skin is tanned from being exposed to the sun, his hair are long and dark, his face obscured by facial hair, his clothes simple. There's a crow standing next to him, pecking on a fish.

"Hey there!" he yells and waves.
"Want me to fish you out?" he follows up with a smile as he moves his rod towards you.

George excitedly thought to himself: An actual human being!  Maybe he can tell me what's really going on.  I better ask quickly, otherwise he'll probably just spontaneously explode or something, knowing my luck.

"Yes! PLEASE!"

If I am successfully rescued out of the water, make my best attempt at a smile (George is out of practice), and say:

"Ah, thanks!  I'm glad I'm not the only human being here.  Say, would you be able to tell me anything about where I am and what's going on?  The voice in my head gave me a vague idea, but I still don't know.  I think aliens are involved, but I can't be sure of anything anymore." 

((Your question is the answer. If you need to know more, then you already know what you need.
...
Man, I shouldn't had started reading the Unix Koans (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacker_koan).))

You grab the man's rod and he uses it to pull you up towards the bridge.

"Nah, don't mention it." the man says as he pulls you over the railing and onto the bridge.
"Besides, if you stayed in there, you'd have scared all my fish away!" he adds jokingly as he wipes the water on his shirt.

"As for aliens... Yes, I suppose one could call them that."
"Aliens?!" the crow caws in surprise, grabs the fish with its legs  and gets ready to fly while quickly looking around.
"Are they here to take our fish?" it adds.
"Hehe, no, I think not. Our women, probably." the man continues to joke.
"Anyway, you can follow me to town if you want. We can get you a room and you can meet the others. I'll explain on the way."

---

Coolrune, Hawk, Toaster, Salsacookies
Sorry I've been delaying, got some technical issues.
Do you have the upgrade tree links I sent you? If yes, this is the payout:
3rd place: Salsacookies & Toaster: 1 Upgrade Point each
2nd place: Rune: 2 upgrade points
1st place: Hawk: 2 upgrade points + the choice for a special reward. Need to get around to writing about that.

Can't access my Dropbox for some reason and I don't have access to the PC those files are stored. Need to search for my PMs or get around to fixing that problem to find those links.

If you can't find/are too bored to find your links, tell me and I'll find them and send you a PM.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2015, 04:19:03 pm

"River, listen." He was under pressure from the fight that was about to start if River continued to instigate the others. He didn't have time to make a full speech about goodness and light and all that junk. He had to be fast. Well, at least as fast as the situation would provide for.

"You told me before that you despised the humans. You told us that they were fearful, and that they wanted to hurt us. I am telling you now that if you continue to hurt Irine, you are nothing more than those same humans. I don't see you as a hypocrite, River. You know better than all of us. Don't fall to your basic instincts." Finally, one last thing.

"We don't want to fight. Just let Irine free. We all want to work together toward the same goal. If you hurt Irine, you'll lose any sort of friendship gained. You wanted us to be free to relax and enjoy ourselves?" Zechariah shakes his head.

"Don't cause the pain, help us to relieve it. Just let her go, please."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 04:22:27 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2015, 04:19:03 pm

"River, listen." He was under pressure from the fight that was about to start if River continued to instigate the others. He didn't have time to make a full speech about goodness and light and all that junk. He had to be fast. Well, at least as fast as the situation would provide for.

"You told me before that you despised the humans. You told us that they were fearful, and that they wanted to hurt us. I am telling you now that if you continue to hurt Irine, you are nothing more than those same humans. I don't see you as a hypocrite, River. You know better than all of us. Don't fall to your basic instincts." Finally, one last thing.

"We don't want to fight. Just let Irine free. We all want to work together toward the same goal. If you hurt Irine, you'll lose any sort of friendship gained. You wanted us to be free to relax and enjoy ourselves?" Zechariah shakes his head.

"Don't cause the pain, help us to relieve it. Just let her go, please."

"He might be a little past diplomacy's reach, friend."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 19, 2015, 04:42:30 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 04:22:27 pm

"He might be a little past diplomacy's reach, friend."

Zechariah shakes his head once again. "No, he's not. I don't believe it. He still has compassion."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 19, 2015, 04:48:28 pm

"Eh you! 'Eady for rund 2?"

Rush forward like a ram, and punch this guy in the face.

@Toaster

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 05:49:22 pm

<Let me go! I don't want to be eaten!>
I squirm and attempt to wiggle free of River, but I also redirect the flames away, just blocking him from exiting the area where others can watch him.
<River, you're hurting me! Stop!>
<Ike, Alan, wait! Give River a chance to talk! Don't attack him, please! Just keep him from taking me away to eat me!>
privately to River alone:<River, in this form I can talk privately. Why did you hurt me? Why are you kidnapping me? I'm scared River. Please. talk. You're acting like you want to eat me!>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 05:52:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 05:49:22 pm

making a major edit to my action and speech, because upon a re-read I realized I'd missed a couple very important details.

I'm going to sleep. You have at least 6 hours, probably closer to 10-12. Take your time.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 19, 2015, 06:02:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 03:54:23 pm

((Your question is the answer. If you need to know more, then you already know what you need.
...
Man, I shouldn't had started reading the Unix Koans (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacker_koan).))

You grab the man's rod and he uses it to pull you up towards the bridge.

"Nah, don't mention it." the man says as he pulls you over the railing and onto the bridge.
"Besides, if you stayed in there, you'd have scared all my fish away!" he adds jokingly as he wipes the water on his shirt.

"As for aliens... Yes, I suppose one could call them that."
"Aliens?!" the crow caws in surprise, grabs the fish with its legs  and gets ready to fly while quickly looking around.
"Are they here to take our fish?" it adds.
"Hehe, no, I think not. Our women, probably." the man continues to joke.
"Anyway, you can follow me to town if you want. We can get you a room and you can meet the others. I'll explain on the way."

George's left eye starts twitching as he watches the crow speak, and he lets out a small nervous laugh at the man's joke.  George responds to the man:
"Er...Yes, that sounds...great.  Yes, please explain everything to me.  Also, what's your name?"

To the crow, George says, while staring:
"Hello....crow.  What's your name?  Do you happen to know a certain girl named Alice?  I believe she's good friends with the White Rabbit."

(xGeorge'sPsychex)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 06:05:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 05:52:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 05:49:22 pm

making a major edit to my action and speech, because upon a re-read I realized I'd missed a couple very important details.

I'm going to sleep. You have at least 6 hours, probably closer to 10-12. Take your time.

edit complete

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 19, 2015, 07:56:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56

Upgrade tree links.

((Was I suposed to get one or do those only arrive after I get at least some upgrade points?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on August 19, 2015, 08:19:30 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 19, 2015, 07:56:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56

Upgrade tree links.

((Was I suposed to get one or do those only arrive after I get at least some upgrade points?))

((You'll get one once you get some points.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Wolfkit on August 19, 2015, 10:26:53 pm

Team B

---

Continue lasering off arms, try to disable some of the ones harassing (H4zard) if I get the chance.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: H4zardZ1 on August 20, 2015, 04:19:13 am

"Nope!"
Grab the hand and swing 'em like crazy

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 20, 2015, 05:45:23 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on August 19, 2015, 10:32:46 am

"So this is how it is? Surrender now or die fucker!"

We're in a bar. Gotta do this bar fight style. If River doesn't immediately surrender smash a giant tsar chair over his head.

Tsar my shield and block if I'm going to be hit with any attacks I can't dodge.

You start running for one of the few chairs in the room.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 19, 2015, 01:34:35 pm

"Oh, are we being violent now? I can do that."

Alan begins waving his hands around erratically, eventually pushing them both out in front of him, middle fingers extended.

"ALAN NO JUTSU! Excessively Large Dishwasher Greeting!"

Alan's never watched Naruto, but he's heard of it a little.

I believe it's time for Mr. Unnaturally Large Dishwasher to make an introduction to River's face.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2015, 03:48:34 pm

"Dude, you're acting kinda crazy. I hope you don't take this too personally."

Dodge sideways, go on the defensive for the moment.

You lower your stance and prepare to dodge.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 19, 2015, 05:49:22 pm

<Let me go! I don't want to be eaten!>
I squirm and attempt to wiggle free of River, but I also redirect the flames away, just blocking him from exiting the area where others can watch him.
<River, you're hurting me! Stop!>
<Ike, Alan, wait! Give River a chance to talk! Don't attack him, please! Just keep him from taking me away to eat me!>
privately to River alone:<River, in this form I can talk privately. Why did you hurt me? Why are you kidnapping me? I'm scared River. Please. talk. You're acting like you want to eat me!>

River jumps towards Ike, at the same time grabbing Irine from the back of her neck with his mouth, thus freeing his hands and allowing him to raise them for a strike. Ike easily jumps out of the way, but River makes no attempt to follow. Instead, he hits the ground running on all fours, heading for the door leading to the downwards stairway. Irine uses what fire exists in the room to try and block it while at the same time continuing her attempts to get free. River jumps towards the nearby wall, wall-jumping off of it to reach the top of the doorway where the fire is thinnest, resulting in little damage to him (compared to how hurt he already is). Irine and River go through the fire and disappear into the darkness below. The firewall disappears a moment later.

Fashionably late, Alan's washing machine smashes on the wall next to the door leading to the stairway several seconds after River and Irine have disappeared. At least he didn't miss. That would had been bad for others in the room. Nikolai is especially aware of that, since the thing whizzed past him just as he was running towards the stairway with a raised chair.

---

Lenglon
You are in a dark room, some sort of storage area that is mostly empty, save for a table, two chairs and some boxes. Everything looks colourless, as if you're using your night-vision. The doorway you entered through looks like blurry light, too bright to look at. You can feel nothing touching you. Everything is cold. There is a pressure on your entire body and on your mind.

River is still holding you, still running away from the door, but everything is moving slower. Turning your head to look around takes forever.
<You were hurting those I care about. I know you can not help it. It is in your nature to hurt. But I have to stop you. It is in mine.>
Parts of the world around you are starting to disappear, consumed by bright orange lights that leave only darkness behind. It feels like looking at them is causing you pain, as if they are fires that instead of burning the room, they are burning you. And you can't close your eyes.
<Stop resisting. You are incompatible. Do not make this harder.>

((Note: at this state, talking to people other than River requires a roll.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 06:33:58 am

"Well! Shall we set off on a merry chase after a man properly pushed, lads?"

Set off on a merry chase after our good pal River. Then stab him decisively.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 20, 2015, 06:42:50 am

<It didn't used to be!>
I resend him my memories of my friends from home.
<I don't want to hurt others!>
I send him my memories of my first host's death, and what I went through to bring her back.
<You tricked me! You're hurting me! You're threatening all of us! I thought you wanted companions!>
I send him what it felt like when he was killing me before, and just now when he was doing it again.
<I trusted you!>
I send him my memory of lying down beside him, confessing my fears and telling him more about me than anyone but Stellar had been privlaged to know, and how it felt with him being there, so much bigger and older than me, listening patiently without judgement.
<You said before, when you tried to hurt my friend River, that if I thought I had no choice, that I could tell them what we saw!>
I send him my memory of when he said exactly that, back in the tower.
<You didn't even remember it! I think it's really, really important, and that it probably means that this entire mission is a trap, but you didn't even remember it!>
I send him my memory of just moments ago, when he said that he no secrets from us.
<I'm trying to protect OUR companions! I might be doing it the wrong way but that's because I don't understand what's going on and you won't tell any of us!>
I send him my memory of back at the relay, when I saw him touch the rods and begin to burn himself, and then stepping up to do what I could to help, despite how nervous he made me.
<I want to protect you River.>
I send him my memory of playing tag with him.
<I want to be your friend.>
I send him my memory of showing Theri how the staging area works, and rescuing Ike from the wraith, and burning the parasites off our companions.
<I thought that we were going to look out for each other.>
I send him my memory of him asking us to be his companions.
<Was being your companion nothing but a lie?>

---

((note: I have more, but since it involves a shift in tone I'd like to hear River's response to this part. however with the pressure I'm under, if he takes signifigant time or doesn't lift off the pressure, then I'm probably going to interrupt him.))

---

I will NOT quietly go into the dark. I continue to reinforce my self of self, and to shove River's presence away from me.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 20, 2015, 08:36:06 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 06:33:58 am

"Well! Shall we set off on a merry chase after a man properly pushed, lads?"

Set off on a merry chase after our good pal River. Then stab him decisively.

You run downstairs after River and-...
That's strange. There's nobody here. Just an empty storage room. You can't see very well in the darkness, your eyes have not completely adjusted yet, but your ears and nose are telling you that River and Irine just sort of disappeared when they reached the end of the stairs.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 20, 2015, 06:42:50 am

<It didn't used to be!>
I resend him my memories of my friends from home.
<I don't want to hurt others!>
I send him my memories of my first host's death, and what I went through to bring her back.
<You tricked me! You're hurting me! You're threatening all of us! I thought you wanted companions!>
I send him what it felt like when he was killing me before, and just now when he was doing it again.
<I trusted you!>
I send him my memory of lying down beside him, confessing my fears and telling him more about me than anyone but Stellar had been privlaged to know, and how it felt with him being there, so much bigger and older than me, listening patiently without judgement.
<You said before, when you tried to hurt my friend River, that if I thought I had no choice, that I could tell them what we saw!>
I send him my memory of when he said exactly that, back in the tower.
<You didn't even remember it! I think it's really, really important, and that it probably means that this entire mission is a trap, but you didn't even remember it!>
I send him my memory of just moments ago, when he said that he no secrets from us.
<I'm trying to protect OUR companions! I might be doing it the wrong way but that's because I don't understand what's going on and you won't tell any of us!>
I send him my memory of back at the relay, when I saw him touch the rods and begin to burn himself, and then stepping up to do what I could to help, despite how nervous he made me.
<I want to protect you River.>
I send him my memory of playing tag with him.
<I want to be your friend.>
I send him my memory of showing Theri how the staging area works, and rescuing Ike from the wraith, and burning the parasites off our companions.
<I thought that we were going to look out for each other.>
I send him my memory of him asking us to be his companions.
<Was being your companion nothing but a lie?>

---

((note: I have more, but since it involves a shift in tone I'd like to hear River's response to this part. however with the pressure I'm under, if he takes signifigant time or doesn't lift off the pressure, then I'm probably going to interrupt him.))

---

I will NOT quietly go into the dark. I continue to reinforce my self of self, and to shove River's presence away from me.

He responds in anger, mentally shouting back at you, the pressure on you increasing.
<You my friend?! You trust me?! Protect me?! I lied?! YOU are the one that lied! YOU are the one that turned against me! I asked something from you and you did not trust me! I tried to help all of you and yet you still do not trust me! You twisted my words! You hurt me! You all turned against me! Even Ike! The one I trusted the most with this. You never trusted me! Not in the tower! Not here! Not ever! YOU are the liar! Do you know how much you make me want to snap your neck in half right now and get this over with?!>
As he speaks, he slows down and then stops. The light keeps slowly being burnt off the world around you, more slowly than before, turning everything into darkness. A shadow dims the light coming from behind him for a few seconds. There is the sound of muted clicks and thumps.
He continues talking more calmly as he turns his head to focus on a patch of darkness on the ceiling behind him.
<Sometimes we have no choice. We have to hurt those we care about to protect them. You are the one that said that. That is what I did. That is what I am doing. I am protecting those I care about. I thought you would trust me to do that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Alarith on August 20, 2015, 08:43:44 am

Team A
"Well, looks like this is going about as well as any other mission I've seen."
Keep moving towards the next room, check for other presences, and check the hallway for traps.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 09:13:24 am

"Bloody sorcerers. Well, guess Irine's toast. We tried, right?"

"Now then, Plan B I suppose would be something something, murder River before he murders us. Unless he's willing to see reason, of course."

Poke at the fabric of spacetime, stab about. Maybe I can find wherever he's curled up in.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 20, 2015, 10:07:52 am

<We're afraid something has damaged your mind River! Something like the Ashwraith! Look at what you're doing! You're lying to Theri, hiding things from all of us, and TRYING TO EAT YOUR COMPANIONS ALIVE! Ike and the others are just trying to protect their companions, just like you'd want them to. I was asking you about something that only the real you would know. River, my companion, please save me from the monster trying to kidnap me and eat me alive!>
I CANNOT let him consume me. I need to keep fighting off his will, shoving it away. I need to banish the darkness, and summon my flame beside us.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 20, 2015, 12:41:15 pm

Alan begins excitedly singing the Scooby-Doo theme song as he wumbles after Ike.

Obtain an oversized bag of dog treats and throw them all over the interior of the basement.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 20, 2015, 01:29:01 pm

"Yep, murder River when he returns unless he does some really damn good explaining."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on August 20, 2015, 01:39:11 pm

Team A

Keep charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 20, 2015, 02:32:07 pm

Zechariah was frustrated that he wasn't able to persuade River, but he seemed like he went feral. What the hell had happened that struck so much of a nerve with River?

"No, we can't kill him. We don't know what happens if we do. What if we can't find a way back? We'll be stuck here forever.

Besides, if this fugitive is as powerful as River said, we won't stand a chance by ourselves. I also don't want to instigate this anymore. We don't need more fighting. I'm all for stunning or disabling River, but not killing him. We just can't."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 20, 2015, 03:28:21 pm

Team A

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 19, 2015, 10:53:54 am

<Team A, Svajoklis>
Use gun on the known creep that is conveniently trapped. In case it turns out to be immune to bullets(I hit for 0 damage), go to the room at the end of the coridoor.

You rapidly empty your clip on the thing, but only two of the bullets hit the target, going through their chest, the rest hitting that strange fleshy structure holding it in place. Your bullets are definitely hurting it and it's bleeding a lot. But then your flashlight goes out and the only thing that's left in your sight is the glowing barrel of your gun.

Quote from: Beirus on August 20, 2015, 01:39:11 pm

Team A

Keep charging.

You keep trying to charge, even as parts of your body are sliced and shot into pieces by the screeching creature near you and your teammate respectively. And then your teammate's light goes out and you stop feeling the thing on your anchors.

Quote from: Alarith on August 20, 2015, 08:43:44 am

Team A
"Well, looks like this is going about as well as any other mission I've seen."
Keep moving towards the next room, check for other presences, and check the hallway for traps.

You walk out of the room as the gunshots start. The hallway looks okay, so you slowly start walking forward. Nothing jumps out to kill you... yet. ((Your team is still in combat time, so it might take a while.)))

You don't feel anything nearby. Just this strange presence, psychic energy coming from everything around you like background noise. You can tell it's there, but you can't pick up any distinct feelings on it.

---

Team B

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 19, 2015, 02:38:30 pm

Beat the thumping sound to a pulp! Or if I can't do that, go through the crack in the wall and beat up everything there into a pulp.

The wall bursts open with a loud thud, sending bricks flying everywhere. Standing your ground was a poor choice in retrospect, given that many of those are headed for you. You somehow manage to avoid the rain of stone that ensues, but not the hands coming through it. You are grabbed by a gigantic human (even more gigantic than how humans usually look to you) who you assume to be the owner of the hand you defeated earlier based on his skin colour. He is incredibly muscular and incredibly wide, his body almost forming a square.
Parts of his body have pieces of metal sticking out of them. There are large tower-like copper coils rising out of his shoulders and hints of more machinery on the back of his body and head. There's also something on the top of his head, like a cable with a dial attached.
"Now you've done it!" you hear a voice from somewhere behind the brute.
The giant human is starting to squeeze...

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 20, 2015, 12:41:15 pm

Alan begins excitedly singing the Scooby-Doo theme song as he wumbles after Ike.

Obtain an oversized bag of dog treats and throw them all over the interior of the basement.

You point your hand forward and make a machine-gun sound with your mouth as you start firing a torrent of dog treats while running down the stairs.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 09:13:24 am

"Bloody sorcerers. Well, guess Irine's toast. We tried, right?"

"Now then, Plan B I suppose would be something something, murder River before he murders us. Unless he's willing to see reason, of course."

Poke at the fabric of spacetime, stab about. Maybe I can find wherever he's curled up in.

You start randomly slashing and poking around the basement. You don't feel like you hit anything.

You hear a sound from the wall on your left, but there's nothing there.
You also notice that you have the scent of Irine's blood on your sword, but it's very faint.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 20, 2015, 10:07:52 am

<We're afraid something has damaged your mind River! Something like the Ashwraith! Look at what you're doing! You're lying to Theri, hiding things from all of us, and TRYING TO EAT YOUR COMPANIONS ALIVE! Ike and the others are just trying to protect their companions, just like you'd want them to. I was asking you about something that only the real you would know. River, my companion, please save me from the monster trying to kidnap me and eat me alive!>
I CANNOT let him consume me. I need to keep fighting off his will, shoving it away. I need to banish the darkness, and summon my flame beside us.

<That?! That is what you think? You->
You focus on using your ability, on generating fire. You encounter some sort of barrier. It feels weak, but so are you. You almost manage to break through, but your efforts are quashed a moment later.
River continues, sounding less angry now.
<I never hid it from Theri. I merely found no reason to tell her. Or you. Not all of you. Ike knows. I told him he could tell you if he trusted you. That is why I thought he would support me. Let me talk to you in private. Instead, he chose to attack me. And now he hunts me. Unless... Hm, I will deal with him next.>
As if on cue, Ike walks into the room and starts randomly slashing around. River makes no effort to look at him or move, his head remaining still and focused on the ceiling. One of Ike's slashes strikes one of your tails, bouncing off it and barely missing River. Despite the small wound, you don't feel pain.
<I have never lied to you. Whenever there was something I could not speak about, I told you so. Maybe you are right. Maybe my mind is hurt and confused. But I trust my desire to protect those I care about. I trust my instincts, my feelings. And they are telling me this is the right thing to do. Stop being afraid and trust me.>
The lights are spreading much faster now. They've almost consumed half the world and they are not dying down.
<Even if you do not trust me, use your mind. Do you think that if I wanted to kill you and silence you, I would had chosen this way to do it? If you are telling the truth about why you are doing this, then you will know that. So stop resisting before we both die.>
Some sort of projectiles are coming down the stairs, breaking apart into fragments as they hit the ground, barely visible in the blur of bright light. Even in the slowed down time of... whatever this thing is called, they are moving quite fast.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 03:44:47 pm

Do a bit of a stab at the wall to my left. Experimental-like. Try to recall what movement I made to get some blood on there, repeat once more with feeling!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 20, 2015, 03:48:17 pm

Keep firing those doggy treats! Rover will soon be unable to resist.

To be specific, plant myself at the foot of the stairs and sweep the room left to right, machine gun turret style.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 20, 2015, 04:04:09 pm

How far can my techno-modification go?  Summon a grenade and try to turn it into a computer.  Use my current statline.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 20, 2015, 04:13:33 pm

They won't listen to me, Zechariah thought to himself. I can't let River or Irine be harmed.

Summon the Shadows and spread them out, across the basement, using them as a probe for River and Irine in whatever dimension or cubby hole they vanished to. If I find them, use the Shadows to choke out River to diminish his powers. Attempt to separate him and Irine, too.

"Ike, don't hurt them. Don't hurt either one of them!"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 20, 2015, 05:19:17 pm

"Oh come on? You aren't going to fight me fairly? At least put me down so we can punch each other to smithereens!"

If he refuses to put me down, start breaking his fingers one by one. If he puts me down, charge him and hit his leg using Dwarven Leverage.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 20, 2015, 05:53:15 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Okay then. Let's move in the general direction of "away".
Go to the other room, reload as I go. Open the door and shoot once if the room is not illuminated. Use the explosion flash to inspect the room.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 20, 2015, 07:14:57 pm

Tsar my comwire, use repair too if it helps for whatever reason. Yell into River's head as loud as I can, hopefully the tsaring makes it very loud. The main objective isn't even to get him to listen, just to distract or distrupt him. Brute force style diplomacy.
<GET BACK HERE YOU TRAITOR! GET THE HELL OUT HERE YOU MONSTER! DON'T YOU DARE HURT OUR TEAMMATE, IF YOU DO WE WILL HURT YOU WORSE! JUST FUCKING COOPERATE AND STOP THIS, WE WON'T EVEN HAVE TO KILL YOU IF YOU JUST FUCKING SURRENDER AND LET IRENE GO! YOU'RE WEAK, YOU'RE THE COWARD, YOU RAN AWAY, YOU'RE HIDING! GET OUT HERE AND PROVE YOU'RE NOT!>
Just keep shouting more stuff like this into his mind. LOUD!

While doing that barricade the top of the stairs with whatever I can. Who knows, it might slow River down a bit.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 01:12:19 am

<If that's the price to protect my companions, so be it. I wish I could save them all, but if it's either you or everyone else, I'll pick them. No River, I'll take you with me rather than go quietly to my death. Especially if you're right and this isn't some kind of mind control - this is the real you.>
<River, remember when I acted treacherously at the tower? The moment you're using to justify your actions? Riddle me this. You've felt now what it's like when I fight back, when I resist you. Why didn't I resist then? I stood still without dodging and willingly let you into my mind when you chose to stop me that way instead of physically. >
I give him a pause to respond, but I interrupt him as soon as he starts to give a wrong answer to dodge the question.
<It's because I knew I needed to be stopped. My goal was to stop you from hurting yourself. When you focused on me, you avoided causing yourself harm. I knew what I was planning to do was wrong, but trusted my companions to know to stop me, and made sure they could when the time came. I had to make my actions real or they wouldn't have stopped you, but I also needed to fail.>
<It's your turn River. This. Is. Wrong. You needed to stop me from talking publicly about what I saw. You got that. I swear, if you let me go, that I'll keep quiet for a while longer, and seek you out privately in my fox-form to ask my questions.>
<We need to talk River. Just talk. Without all the threats and without you strangling me yet AGAIN because I ask questions to try to learn. But what you're doing now is destroying our last chance to just talk this out. If I'm rescued without you letting me go on your own, then we aren't going to be friends anymore. I'm not sure you ever actually were a friend to me at all, but I've been doing my best to be one to you. But you've assaulted me, choked me, strangled me, and now you're trying to eat me alive. That's not the actions of a friend or companion River. That's the actions of an abusive monster. As much as I've scared you, I've never actually caused you or any of my companions physical harm. I've said some mean words, but that's the extent of the damage I've done.>
<I've told you all my secrets, I've put myself in harms way to protect you. You, in return, have attacked me over and over again. This is your last chance. If you don't stop of your own free will, then I will see to it that you never get close to my friends. Never have the opportunity to do to them what you've been doing repeatedly to me. I will protect Theri from you River, and make sure that you NEVER see her again. Because if I let you get near her, you'll do to her what you've done to me. And friends don't let friends get abused and murdered like that. Right now, the thing most likely to hurt Theri is you. And if I have to die to save her from the monster that you're choosing to become, then SO BE IT!>
If he doesn't let me go then I shift to Hybrid form. without any flames, at all, to support the change from my smallest form to my largest. Lets see how he likes being encased in ice with me.
As he stops me from doing that, I generate all the fire I can directly ON TOP OF us both, and immolate us both alive.
And when he shifts to suppressing THAT, then I go after his mind, assaulting him with images of pure creation. He's shown himself to be a creature of void, but I have within me the memories, the thoughts of a goddess that created a universe. I form an entire universe in his mind, assaulting him that way too.
and as THAT is forced back, I switch back to physically clawing and biting and scratching at him, attempting to free myself or at least cause him as much harm as I can, screaming telepathically to all that can hear and screaming verbally as well in the way that foxes can.
and so on, going on the attack and constantly switching the style and basis of my assault upon River, only showing self-preservation in the mental war and maintaining my own identity, which is still paramount since if that breaks down then his essence will suppress all of me. I remind myself that I am a creature of creation and change, burning eternally, and shove that concept, the reality of reality itself and my presence in it against and through River's power of void, creating from nothing versus nothingness applied to creations.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 21, 2015, 01:22:48 am

((Slightly edited my action to merely continue firing dog treats at possibly supersonic speeds if I read the description right))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 21, 2015, 05:07:20 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 01:12:19 am

<If that's the price to protect my companions, so be it. I wish I could save them all, but if it's either you or everyone else, I'll pick them. No River, I'll take you with me rather than go quietly to my death. Especially if you're right and this isn't some kind of mind control - this is the real you.>
<River, remember when I acted treacherously at the tower? The moment you're using to justify your actions? Riddle me this. You've felt now what it's like when I fight back, when I resist you. Why didn't I resist then? I stood still without dodging and willingly let you into my mind when you chose to stop me that way instead of physically. >
I give him a pause to respond, but I interrupt him as soon as he starts to give a wrong answer to dodge the question.
<It's because I knew I needed to be stopped. My goal was to stop you from hurting yourself. When you focused on me, you avoided causing yourself harm. I knew what I was planning to do was wrong, but trusted my companions to know to stop me, and made sure they could when the time came. I had to make my actions real or they wouldn't have stopped you, but I also needed to fail.>
<It's your turn River. This. Is. Wrong. You needed to stop me from talking publicly about what I saw. You got that. I swear, if you let me go, that I'll keep quiet for a while longer, and seek you out privately in my fox-form to ask my questions.>
<We need to talk River. Just talk. Without all the threats and without you strangling me yet AGAIN because I ask questions to try to learn. But what you're doing now is destroying our last chance to just talk this out. If I'm rescued without you letting me go on your own, then we aren't going to be friends anymore. I'm not sure you ever actually were a friend to me at all, but I've been doing my best to be one to you. But you've assaulted me, choked me, strangled me, and now you're trying to eat me alive. That's not the actions of a friend or companion River. That's the actions of an abusive monster. As much as I've scared you, I've never actually caused you or any of my companions physical harm. I've said some mean words, but that's the extent of the damage I've done.>
<I've told you all my secrets, I've put myself in harms way to protect you. You, in return, have attacked me over and over again. This is your last chance. If you don't stop of your own free will, then I will see to it that you never get close to my friends. Never have the opportunity to do to them what you've been doing repeatedly to me. I will protect Theri from you River, and make sure that you NEVER see her again. Because if I let you get near her, you'll do to her what you've done to me. And friends don't let friends get abused and murdered like that. Right now, the thing most likely to hurt Theri is you. And if I have to die to save her from the monster that you're choosing to become, then SO BE IT!>
If he doesn't let me go then I shift to Hybrid form. without any flames, at all, to support the change from my smallest form to my largest. Lets see how he likes being encased in ice with me.
As he stops me from doing that, I generate all the fire I can directly ON TOP OF us both, and immolate us both alive.
And when he shifts to suppressing THAT, then I go after his mind, assaulting him with images of pure creation. He's shown himself to be a creature of void, but I have within me the memories, the thoughts of a goddess that created a universe. I form an entire universe in his mind, assaulting him that way too.
and as THAT is forced back, I switch back to physically clawing and biting and scratching at him, attempting to free myself or at least cause him as much harm as I can, screaming telepathically to all that can hear and screaming verbally as well in the way that foxes can.
and so on, going on the attack and constantly switching the style and basis of my assault upon River, only showing self-preservation in the mental war and maintaining my own identity, which is still paramount since if that breaks down then his essence will suppress all of me. I remind myself that I am a creature of creation and change, burning eternally, and shove that concept, the reality of reality itself and my presence in it against and through River's power of void, creating from nothing versus nothingness applied to creations.

He remains silent to your question, so you continue.

<Mrgh. You believe that? You are like them. If that is the way it has to be...>
The world continues disappearing behind light and darkness.
<This is who I am. What you call a monster. I do what I feel is right. I will not apologize.
Talk to Ike. He knows. Maybe then you will see. Talk in private. Away from the others.
I will be watching. If he lies, if he is doing this out of malice, then I will kill him myself.
Tell Theri, if you want. If I find that you told anybody else about this, even one word, then I will kill them before I kill you.
And I always get my prey.>
With that, he lets go of you and you fall to floor as everything becomes normal again. You feel fine, except for your slowly receding shapeshifting sickness and the small cut on your tail where it blocked Ike's sword.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 20, 2015, 03:44:47 pm

Do a bit of a stab at the wall to my left. Experimental-like. Try to recall what movement I made to get some blood on there, repeat once more with feeling!

You stab at the wall to your left but nothing happens.
Which turns out to be because Irine materializes on your right. Hm. Must have been a distraction.

Before you can do anything, something hits you from behind, breaking apart as it does so. It's not very strong, but the pain and surprise is still enough to push you to the ground.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 20, 2015, 03:48:17 pm

Keep firing those doggy treats! Rover will soon be unable to resist.

To be specific, plant myself at the foot of the stairs and sweep the room left to right, machine gun turret style.

You fire a few more doggy treats, but you manage to hit the ceiling with all except one, which hits Ike from behind instead. Which is quite a feat on its own considering your shots have no recoil.

Ike falls to the ground but gets up a moment later. Another bruise to add to the pile.

Quote from: NAV on August 20, 2015, 07:14:57 pm

Tsar my comwire, use repair too if it helps for whatever reason. Yell into River's head as loud as I can, hopefully the tsaring makes it very loud. The main objective isn't even to get him to listen, just to distract or distrupt him. Brute force style diplomacy.
<GET BACK HERE YOU TRAITOR! GET THE HELL OUT HERE YOU MONSTER! DON'T YOU DARE HURT OUR TEAMMATE, IF YOU DO WE WILL HURT YOU WORSE! JUST FUCKING COOPERATE AND STOP THIS, WE WON'T EVEN HAVE TO KILL YOU IF YOU JUST FUCKING SURRENDER AND LET IRENE GO! YOU'RE WEAK, YOU'RE THE COWARD, YOU RAN AWAY, YOU'RE HIDING! GET OUT HERE AND PROVE YOU'RE NOT!>
Just keep shouting more stuff like this into his mind. LOUD!

While doing that barricade the top of the stairs with whatever I can. Who knows, it might slow River down a bit.

You tsar your commwire. It becomes gigantic. So large that it starts chocking you and you fall to the ground from the weight. You disregard that and just start psychically screaming. Every one of your teammates, even those not wearing commwires, feels the need to fall the ground and put their hands on their heads from the pain in their minds.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 20, 2015, 04:13:33 pm

They won't listen to me, Zechariah thought to himself. I can't let River or Irine be harmed.

Summon the Shadows and spread them out, across the basement, using them as a probe for River and Irine in whatever dimension or cubby hole they vanished to. If I find them, use the Shadows to choke out River to diminish his powers. Attempt to separate him and Irine, too.

"Ike, don't hurt them. Don't hurt either one of them!"

You are about to go downstairs when you hear a sound somewhere on your right, behind the bar, just as Nikolai starts painfully screaming into everyone's minds. You turn to look but there's nothing there besides a new bloodstain on the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 06:31:28 am

"Well, shit. Have you by any chance been unspeakably violated?" Ike asks Irine. "That'd be the perfect cap to my life, to be sure."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 07:43:39 am

wideband: <Stop! He let me go!>
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow my head! effective idea but OW!
private to Ike: <Ike, We need to talk privately.>
private to River: <If you try it, I'll kill you first. I'm tired of being hurt by you River. I'm not going to let you get away with doing this again. It doesn't matter that you're bigger and stronger than me, If I have to start that fight, then I'm never going to be able to go back anyway. And the options are very different for a suicide attack than a straight up fight. I WILL take you with me. You'd better leave my friends alone. But hopefully I won't have cause to start that fight.>
public again: <I'm okay, I think. River left me with deaththreats to myself and anyone I talk to about certain subjects, but he let me go. Thank you for trying to save me. I... feel like I'm not hurt, but I'm shakey from adrenaline letdown and my forepaws still aren't very strong. I-Ike? Do you mind carrying me for a bit?>
private to Ike: <Apparently River left you with secrets too Ike, a lot more than me. He said for me to talk with you. Also, he's mad at you right now, watch your back. He seems to think you should have been either agreeing with him trying to eat me, or to have told me things earlier. He's got a death threat for you too, based on "I will be watching. If he lies, if he is doing this out of malice, then I will kill him myself." So please be careful.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 08:41:00 am

"Oh, so I'm only conditionally dead. And here I thought this was going to be complicated," Ike says, picking up Irine.

To the team: <Right, so this is seemingly a very sensitive situation and River'll want me very dead if something goes wrong. Me and Irine apparently need to talk in private, so nobody bother us, will ya? Don't screw me on this, guys.>

Carry Irine to a more secluded location.

To Irine, private: <To be perfectly honest, I'm kind of re-examining that situation myself, and I dare say that, in retrospect? Probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. But there's just something about other people's poor decisions that drive me to make my own. And I don't think he really left me with any secrets, at least not...>

Ike thinks a moment and a limited realization dawns upon him.

To Irine, private: <... shit, was that what this whole misunderstanding was about? Well, I guess it is privileged information and all, but... well, seems like I might have been a bit better informed than I thought. And here I was, complaining about not having enough information.>

An internal laugh comes upon him, and Ike grins.

To Irine, private: <I think there's two important things I know about this that you don't, both of them because I was awoken first, but maybe River will disagree, because who knows how much he knows about all this and what he thinks I know. I do have to warn you though that the truth is neither pretty nor ugly nor terribly impressive. You still want to hear it?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 08:50:51 am

((I don't know if I still have my comwire. River was grabbing it earlier and it wasn't secured when I was shifting forms. but if I don't have it, you could just walk somewhere that people can't hear you so I don't think it matters. I'm using my innate telepathy, not the comwire, in any case.))

---

<Yes, very much. I need to know who else is attacking us.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 09:27:26 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 08:50:51 am

<Yes, very much. I need to know who else is attacking us.>

<That brings me to Fact One: someone wants River dead. Big surprise, am I right? It's one of the guys in the staging area, which doesn't narrow it down much since I'm pretty sure a considerable majority of them are criminally insane and most of them at one point or another have wanted to either jump each other's bones or kill each other. He knew someone wanted him dead, but came here where someone actually could plausibly kill a part of him off anyway. Probably because the thing he wants us to kill offended him that much, or maybe some kind of don't-show-fear thing animal people seem to like, but it could just as well be some other reason - it's River, so who the fuck even knows.>

<And then there's Fact Two: River's got himself a wingman for this dangerous mission, and it's none other than my attention-seeking main man RDD. He's in his head or something like that - I haven't got a single fucking clue how any of this magic shit works. I do know it's apparently illegal because them's the rules, and River himself could get into quite a lot of trouble over it or something? I imagine my main man ought to be up shit creek in that event as well. Me and him had a conversation when River was still regenerating himself, and he seemed pretty fine.>

<Oh, and Fact Three is that River had some kind of auxiliary body or something like that, and he might not actually be a wolf guy originally. He might be insecure about that, I dunno. But that's all that I remember at the moment that he might not want everyone to know.>

<All in all, this has all the makings of a clusterfuck. And to be perfectly honest I kind of forgot about all that until you reminded me. Sheesh. It's almost like not paying attention to important facts causes critical mistakes to be made.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:35:42 am

<Well, that... that is close to what I know. But I have an add-on for Fact one: An attempt has already been made to kill us all. the way the relay broke was "something like River" struck it from the direction of the Staging Area. River and I found it together and he swore me to secrecy over it. The body I was talking about was what actually struck the Relay. But I don't know if it's a backup body for River, or maybe even the original River that's been somehow replaced by the one we know. or something else entirely. But not only does some Entity want him dead, but they're willing to take all of us out at once, and have already launched an attack. Are you sure River is the target? He's refused to tell me anything about this, but that attack would have killed us all if it had hit, not just him.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 21, 2015, 09:46:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 08:50:51 am

((I don't know if I still have my comwire. River was grabbing it earlier and it wasn't secured when I was shifting forms. but if I don't have it, you could just walk somewhere that people can't hear you so I don't think it matters. I'm using my innate telepathy, not the comwire, in any case.))

Well, if River had pulled it hard while you were transforming he would had cut your hand off, so it's probably either still on you or on the floor where you transformed and Ike could had picked it up and given it to you on his way out. Go with whatever works for you, I don't think I need to roll since either would result in the same.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:47:45 am

<Wait, D's here? He could... That... I... I need to try to talk to him somehow or... but then why... Wait. You said River had a backup body? Could that be the body we found at the relay?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:55:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 21, 2015, 09:46:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 08:50:51 am

((I don't know if I still have my comwire. River was grabbing it earlier and it wasn't secured when I was shifting forms. but if I don't have it, you could just walk somewhere that people can't hear you so I don't think it matters. I'm using my innate telepathy, not the comwire, in any case.))

Well, if River had pulled it hard while you were transforming he would had cut your hand off, so it's probably either still on you or on the floor where you transformed and Ike could had picked it up and given it to you on his way out. Go with whatever works for you, I don't think I need to roll since either would result in the same.

((wait - what? why would that cut my hand / forepaw off? It's not like I've got a physical body at the time. I mean, my clothes just kinda fall through me, I thought the wire would too. That's why I commented on it not being secured - normally it'd just fall to the ground, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 10:02:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:35:42 am

<Well, that... that is close to what I know. But I have an add-on for Fact one: An attempt has already been made to kill us all. the way the relay broke was "something like River" struck it from the direction of the Staging Area. River and I found it together and he swore me to secrecy over it. The body I was talking about was what actually struck the Relay. But I don't know if it's a backup body for River, or maybe even the original River that's been somehow replaced by the one we know. or something else entirely. But not only does some Entity want him dead, but they're willing to take all of us out at once, and have already launched an attack. Are you sure River is the target? He's refused to tell me anything about this, but that attack would have killed us all if it had hit, not just him.>

<Here's a clue for you: nobody cares if we live or die. Nobody. In the grand scheme of things, you and I are hopelessly insignificant and, due to living in a multiverse of infinite possibilities, infinitely replaceable. I don't see any entity shedding tears over our collective demise. I'm not sure they're physically equipped for that, in fact. Sure, there might be exceptions like River's weird comatose girlfriend and maybe others, but by and large we're insignificant to pretty much all entities.>

<And I was explicitly told - by my main man, no less - that it's River exactly who is wanted dead by somebody unknown. He could have been wrong, but I don't see why somebody would bother with assassinating drooling incompetents like us. The main man himself proposed the green-talking thing as a suspect before confessing initial, easily defeated feelings of perverse sexual lust toward it.>

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:47:45 am

<Wait, D's here? He could... That... I... I need to try to talk to him somehow or... but then why... Wait. You said River had a backup body? Could that be the body we found at the relay?>

<Maybe? I dunno. There was dimensional fuckery involved, so I couldn't say. In fact, I can't say I understood much of anything that happened back there, but I guess that's why our respective stories are complementary to one another, right? You have the magic bit, I have the political bit.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 21, 2015, 10:25:39 am

@HB: You might want to take into account that I'm using darkling.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 09:55:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 21, 2015, 09:46:34 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 08:50:51 am

((I don't know if I still have my comwire. River was grabbing it earlier and it wasn't secured when I was shifting forms. but if I don't have it, you could just walk somewhere that people can't hear you so I don't think it matters. I'm using my innate telepathy, not the comwire, in any case.))

Well, if River had pulled it hard while you were transforming he would had cut your hand off, so it's probably either still on you or on the floor where you transformed and Ike could had picked it up and given it to you on his way out. Go with whatever works for you, I don't think I need to roll since either would result in the same.

((wait - what? why would that cut my hand / forepaw off? It's not like I've got a physical body at the time. I mean, my clothes just kinda fall through me, I thought the wire would too. That's why I commented on it not being secured - normally it'd just fall to the ground, right?))

You're vulnerable while transforming. I think I got that in your upgrade tree? I'll check my notes, but I'm pretty sure that's true. And I think I had told you about it when you made your character. At least, I remember thinking about that in previous missions, so I think it must have been true in the past. Then again, my memory is not the best... I dunno, maybe I'm making a mistake, I'll search through my PMs.

But I thought it made sense as a disadvantage. And from an "what happens" perspective. For example, what happens if you change shapes while falling? Or while standing over a grate? Or while wearing clothes or other things? For me, it makes sense to treat your body as semi-physical, so that it can remain standing (or keep falling) and resist and push the wind or clothes or burning things over it or other stuff like that and avoid having things phase through it (or worse stay in you after the transformation is over), but can still be damaged during the transformation if something hits her with enough power.

I thought it also made sense because you say injuries do not heal and yet you also say she turns into fire. So that means that the fire she turns into has something special, like it holds the data needed to rebuild her body, so any damage to it could be bad. So it also makes sense for it to have some magical resistance against damage to that fire.

I dunno, if I made a mistake I guess we could change it to "things phase through you".

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 10:59:47 am

((I have a copy of the tree in my pictures folder, and the exact opposite is shown in there. it being a viable dodge mechanic when upgraded is specifically because things pass through her when she's flame. It hasn't come up as a discussion topic though because I normally remove everything before changing and then put it back on again afterwards.))

((the fire she changes into is not special. remember that she integrates other normal fire into and out of her body as part of the change. the fire that is Irine changes all the time.))

((as for what happens? I stay in place, in midair if that's where I changed, for the duration of the change. which is why if I change with clothes on they'll fall to the ground below me and then I end up on top of them. I stay at the same location, but my posture can be massively changed, which is why my legs don't snap when I go between human and fox even though the joints aren't at the same position nor have the same range of motion. Things being shoved into me is a hazard, but if I can viably reform whilst avoiding the overlap then I will do so, even if I end up in some contortionist pose. I actually kinda thought that I could handle a long fall by timing a change properly to reset my momentum.))

((The constancy of her body's forms and the way changing doesn't heal is because of the interactions between her core abilities, especially the revive mechanic, which also governs data storage.))

---

<What I don't understand is why he's so desperate to keep the extra danger he's putting us in hidden. We're going to have to deal with the attacks launched at him, we have a major need to know. He's claiming that knowing he's an assassination target will put people he cares about in danger, but that makes no sense. I think he thinks we know or could infer something that we actually don't know.>

---

((EDIT: correction, it has come up in discussion once actually. pre-first mission when she was explaining her abilty to change to the others. As mentioned there, she turns into fire. not some firey goop or whatever. actual, burny, fire.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 21, 2015, 11:13:23 am

"Ooooowwwwwwwiiiiiie fuck stop that whoever it is"

Resort to drastic measures - fire couches everywhere in an attempt to get that screaming to stop.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 11:28:12 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 10:59:47 am

<What I don't understand is why he's so desperate to keep the extra danger he's putting us in hidden. We're going to have to deal with the attacks launched at him, we have a major need to know. He's claiming that knowing he's an assassination target will put people he cares about in danger, but that makes no sense. I think he thinks we know or could infer something that we actually don't know.>

<It's probably because he knows you and Zech won't leave well enough alone and try to deal with something you're not equipped to deal with. I mean, I at least very much know I don't have any relevant degrees in whatever interdimensional hoodoo is happening, but you might have just enough knowledge to endanger everyone with an attempt to do something. Or at least that'd be a sensible reason to do it - the actual one is up for debate. In any case, not much we can do about it aside from staying alert and keeping Alan pointed in the correct direction.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 12:31:01 pm

<I agree, but I want to ask River more about it. Because it's going to come up, and we don't even know what kinds of attacks could be launched at us. I don't want our first warning to be when someone knocks the door in. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4rD99_XDhI) If we at least knew what to look for...>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 01:36:54 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 12:31:01 pm

<I agree, but I want to ask River more about it. Because it's going to come up, and we don't even know what kinds of attacks could be launched at us. I don't want our first warning to be when someone knocks the door in. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4rD99_XDhI) If we at least knew what to look for...>

<I guess we could ask for some symptoms of our imminent demise. That is, if he's calmed down by now and doesn't want to kill me or something. I somehow doubt there's going to be a predictable, recognizable pattern in an interdimensional ambush that doesn't take a lot of imagination and maybe one or two extra senses to notice, of course, but who knows?>

<Alternatively, though, we could just let the man have his man-space like he seems to want. At least for now if he's still feeling volatile.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 02:30:44 pm

((note to Paris: my conversation with Ike has been all private, using my innate telepathy, on the off-chance River is listening in or attempting too.))
<Okay.>
I squirm around a little in Ike's arms, trying to look up at his face.
<Do you mind holding me a while longer? please?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 21, 2015, 02:35:30 pm

"Sorry, that worked way too well! It was supposed to only target River."
Stop angry russian accented screaming in everyone's heads. That's a very useful trick to add to the repertoire. Get up and try to stop this thing from strangling me. Leave it tsared though, in case I need to psychic screech again. Once again, let the more talky people do their talking.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 02:40:06 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 02:30:44 pm

((note to Paris: my conversation with Ike has been all private, using my innate telepathy, on the off-chance River is listening in or attempting too.))
<Okay.>
I squirm around a little in Ike's arms, trying to look up at his face.
<Do you mind holding me a while longer? please?>

Ike maintains an impassive look, scanning about him with both eyes and ears.

<No trouble at all. How's the regenerated limbs, by the by? Still messed up?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 02:45:44 pm

<Better, but still weak.>
I stop my squirming and settle down in his arms, nuzzling the underside of Ike's arm.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 02:56:42 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 02:45:44 pm

<Better, but still weak.>
I stop my squirming and settle down in his arms, nuzzling the underside of Ike's arm.

<Very well. So, where is our hairy, unstable friend? Can't say I like all this sorcery being afoot. Never know what to make of it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 03:46:39 pm

<I don't know. I think he's invisibly stalking me.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Alarith on August 22, 2015, 08:40:04 am

Team A
Keep heading towards the next room, and see if anything changes with the psychic energies.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 02:45:57 am

((...O goodness. Something very important and pertinent to Theri had occurred...and I did necessarily nothing while being in the vicinity of River D: ...Catching up; may take a day due to all these posts!))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 23, 2015, 03:06:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 03:46:39 pm

<I don't know. I think he's invisibly stalking me.>

<Hm. Well, here goes.>

Ike clears his throat.

"Hey River! Sorry for trying to slash at you and everything, I just thought you were going off the deep end or something. Me and Irine had a talk like you said, and it was pretty enlightening. Mind coming out? I don't wanna talk to a wall. Though if you don't, that's cool too."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

((Essentially what happened is that Alan went away to shit out all the sunscreen and without his aura of chillness and relaxivity around, things in turn went to shit, as Ike and Irene got into a massive argument about how not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying, an argument that was hilariously proven both wrong and right when Irene accidentally triggered River's murder button and he tried to kill her so he wouldn't have to lie, causing the rest of the team to try to murder him, and even Alan's best distracting dancing and dishwasher no jutsu couldn't calm the situation down. Now everyone's blasting apart the shady basement River took the cute preteen but really 700 year-old foxgirl into to do nefarious basement wolf things to with more firepower and obliviousness to structural damage than George Bush wielding a +5 Steel Beam coated with jet fuel.))

((I want that summary quoted somewhere impressive stat.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 03:38:24 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

((Essentially what happened is that Alan went away to shit out all the sunscreen and without his aura of chillness and relaxivity around, things in turn went to shit, as Ike and Irene got into a massive argument about how not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying, an argument that was hilariously proven both wrong and right when Irene accidentally triggered River's murder button and he tried to kill her so he wouldn't have to lie, causing the rest of the team to try to murder him, and even Alan's best distracting dancing and dishwasher no jutsu couldn't calm the situation down. Now everyone's blasting apart the shady basement River took the cute preteen but really 700 year-old foxgirl into to do nefarious basement wolf things to with more firepower and obliviousness to structural damage than George Bush wielding a +5 Steel Beam coated with jet fuel.))

((I want that summary quoted somewhere impressive stat.))

((It's quoted here ;3

...So what did Theri do? Surely someone AUTO'd me? D:
...Re-reading some snippets of dialogue. I feel like I missed half of my life in opportunities to interrupt there ._. GWAH!
♥ y'all though for playing your characters so straight.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 23, 2015, 03:43:09 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

((Essentially what happened is that Alan went away to shit out all the sunscreen and without his aura of chillness and relaxivity around, things in turn went to shit, as Ike and Irene got into a massive argument about how not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying, an argument that was hilariously proven both wrong and right when Irene accidentally triggered River's murder button and he tried to kill her so he wouldn't have to lie, causing the rest of the team to try to murder him, and even Alan's best distracting dancing and dishwasher no jutsu couldn't calm the situation down. Now everyone's blasting apart the shady basement River took the cute preteen but really 700 year-old foxgirl into to do nefarious basement wolf things to with more firepower and obliviousness to structural damage than George Bush wielding a +5 Steel Beam coated with jet fuel.))

((I want that summary quoted somewhere impressive stat.))

((The sentence 'Not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying' seems very confusing to me for some reason, too many negatives, I guess.
Speaking of, I've been starting to see that not many PC's in this team ever does much to help a diplomatic situation, do they? Irene hates lying, so any dangerous talky situation can easily be unbalanced by her, at which point she'll probably unbalance it even more the second things get a bit touchy by burninating everything, Ike never seems capable of grasping the seriousness of a situation, so he will frequently do really confusing things based on what I can only assume is the fact that he doesn't seem to understand the idea of someone holding a grudge, for example:

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 23, 2015, 03:06:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 03:46:39 pm

<I don't know. I think he's invisibly stalking me.>

<Hm. Well, here goes.>

Ike clears his throat.

"Hey River! Sorry for trying to slash at you and everything, I just thought you were going off the deep end or something. Me and Irine had a talk like you said, and it was pretty enlightening. Mind coming out? I don't wanna talk to a wall. Though if you don't, that's cool too."

And your character is... Well, he's Alan.
The others I don't know about because you three seem to be about the only ones to post, apart from DAF, whose character even though is based around a eternal struggle keeping an insane sealed evil inside of himself, seems to be the most level-headed and diplomatic of the group.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 03:46:18 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 23, 2015, 03:43:09 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

-snoop-

((The sentence 'Not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying' seems very confusing to me for some reason, too many negatives, I guess.
Speaking of, I've been starting to see that not many PC's in this team ever does much to help a diplomatic situation, do they? Irene hates lying, so any dangerous talky situation can easily be unbalanced by her, at which point she'll probably unbalance it even more the second things get a bit touchy by burninating everything, Ike never seems capable of grasping the seriousness of a situation, so he will frequently do really confusing things based on what I can only assume is the fact that he doesn't seem to understand the idea of someone holding a grudge, for example:

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 23, 2015, 03:06:43 am

-sneep-

And your character is... Well, he's Alan.
The others I don't know about because you three seem to be about the only ones to post, apart from DAF, whose character even though is based around a eternal struggle keeping an insane sealed evil inside of himself, seems to be the most level-headed and diplomatic of the group.))

((I should totally catch up soon -.-))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 23, 2015, 03:48:44 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 03:46:18 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 23, 2015, 03:43:09 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

-snoop-

((The sentence 'Not telling people how you'll kill them if they do certain things is or is not lying' seems very confusing to me for some reason, too many negatives, I guess.
Speaking of, I've been starting to see that not many PC's in this team ever does much to help a diplomatic situation, do they? Irene hates lying, so any dangerous talky situation can easily be unbalanced by her, at which point she'll probably unbalance it even more the second things get a bit touchy by burninating everything, Ike never seems capable of grasping the seriousness of a situation, so he will frequently do really confusing things based on what I can only assume is the fact that he doesn't seem to understand the idea of someone holding a grudge, for example:

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 23, 2015, 03:06:43 am

-sneep-

And your character is... Well, he's Alan.
The others I don't know about because you three seem to be about the only ones to post, apart from DAF, whose character even though is based around a eternal struggle keeping an insane sealed evil inside of himself, seems to be the most level-headed and diplomatic of the group.))

((I should totally catch up soon -.-))

((Before you say anything, I don't know everything, for all I know, it could just be a split personality, all I know is that he has a different 'person' inside of him that's an insane psychopath.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 23, 2015, 03:57:43 am

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 03:10:27 am

((causing the rest of the team to try to murder him))

((Heeeeey, in all fairness, Zechariah tried to play the diplomat the entire time until it was apparent that there was a good chance someone was going to get killed if he didn't step in to start intervening also. And even then, Zech simply tried to disable River, not kill him.))

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 23, 2015, 03:48:44 am

((Before you say anything, I don't know everything, for all I know, it could just be a split personality, all I know is that he has a different 'person' inside of him that's an insane psychopath.))

((It's technically both. Well, that's a bit more complicated than I would like to introduce OOC. But you're right in saying that he does have a "person" inside of his head that he contends with on a daily basis. At the basic level, at least.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 23, 2015, 04:14:28 am

((Yeah, that explanation isn't exactly accurate so much as it's how Alan's going to kinda remember it, which is why it's simplistic and humorous.
That also kinda reflects on the way I method act as Alan - when posting as him I deliberately put as little actual thought into the process as I can, which is why he often does impulsive stupid shit like firing a really large dishwasher at high velocities in the direction of all his teammates or trying to unspecific ally summon sunscreen after hearing the word 'desert' or earnestly believing that a normal couch would move him to safety while a living carpet of flesh moves to engulf him. This contrasts with the few times I do put thought into his RPing, like the diplomacy with Kasser and the time he cheered up Zechariah - if you look closely there in both of those there's times where he subtly omitted information to better suit his picture of events, interpreted positively/negatively to suit his goals, and used people's perception of him as a fat impulsive dumbass to gain favourable results. The challenge there is figuring out if he's doing that deliberately or if he's just really good at diplomacy when he puts his mind to it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 23, 2015, 04:59:46 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 03:38:24 am

...So what did Theri do? Surely someone AUTO'd me? D:

Didn't really know what you'd want to do though, since it all depended on how you viewed things.
Would you had joined DAF in trying to talk to River and figuring out what's going on?
Would you had tried to attack River with the others?
Would you had tried to stop River non-lethally?
Would you had just watched in shock?
Would you had helped River?
Would you had done something else?

Like I told Lenglon once, if I could predict how my players would think and act, this game would be much less fun for me to run.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 05:08:11 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 23, 2015, 04:59:46 am

Quote from: Tiruin on August 23, 2015, 03:38:24 am

...So what did Theri do? Surely someone AUTO'd me? D:

Didn't really know what you'd want to do though, since it all depended on how you viewed things.
Would you had joined DAF in trying to talk to River and figuring out what's going on?
Would you had tried to attack River with the others?
Would you had tried to stop River non-lethally?
Would you had just watched in shock?
Would you had helped River?
Would you had done something else?

Like I told Lenglon once, if I could predict how my players would think and act, this game would be much less fun for me to run.

((Theri is a proactive character--only showing resistance when two opposing issues she both cares about conflict--int he River-Irine conflict; she'd go for peaceful measures [ie attacking or solving what's causing River to be liek dat, at most non-lethally] rather than attacking them; she has a 0% to stand in shock and will not prefer to do such despite anything contrary to usual expectation--since she knows Irine et al, she would be acting in favor of the group [despite the...ah, erratic and hamfist-y nature of some members ._.]

Also posting in advance because I don't want to hold up a turn, AND I may not be able to catch up [because I'm busy posting in Roll to Medium because THESE TWO RTDS are so fun, but this has more pages so I'd like to be thorough...and also in order to explain my lapse of presumed inaction :P ].))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 23, 2015, 11:24:34 am

((@ Theri missing the argument - for some reason I thought she was in another room / nearby but not actually there for the conversation. Events after that were very fast-paced and she probably didn't have a chance to respond. But if you know you're going to be unable to post Tiruin, and want someone autoing Theri, I'd suggest saying so and saying who you want autoing her. Special People can get pretty fast-paced at times. I know I intentionally wait to post my Roll to Medium actions because that one is slow paced and I can take my time, so my other RtDs need to all have their actions posted first before I worry about that one. Instead I just read my section of the turn in there so I can keep it in the back of my mind and then move on to other things for a bit.))

((@ Xan's description of events - Irine isn't 700! she's in her 140's, or her 20's, depending on perspective!))
...
((But... >.> Thanks for calling her cute.))

---

I stay snuggled in Ike's arms and keep my eyes closed, not looking in case River decides to surprise us and staying where someone's holding me close and I can't get easily grabbed and carried off again by River.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2015, 08:39:25 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 21, 2015, 11:13:23 am

"Ooooowwwwwwwiiiiiie fuck stop that whoever it is"

Resort to drastic measures - fire couches everywhere in an attempt to get that screaming to stop.

You fire couches everywhere around you, trapping yourself inside the basement. You also damage the ceiling and some support columns while doing so, causing the ceiling to bulge downwards dangerously.

For the sake of not invalidating everyone else's RP, we'll say it took you some time to charge that attack up so that Irine and Ike could reach the stairs.

Quote from: NAV on August 21, 2015, 02:35:30 pm

"Sorry, that worked way too well! It was supposed to only target River."
Stop angry russian accented screaming in everyone's heads. That's a very useful trick to add to the repertoire. Get up and try to stop this thing from strangling me. Leave it tsared though, in case I need to psychic screech again. Once again, let the more talky people do their talking.

Trying to get up is very hard considering the weight of the thing and the fact that trying to do so only makes the strangling thing worst.
Trying to stop it from strangling you is probably not going to work either, seeing as the two ends of wire have fused together into a large, thick and heavy collar-like thing.

The floor you are lying on suddenly bulges upwards before sagging downwards in an alarmingly unsafe manner, just as Irine and Ike are making their way out.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 21, 2015, 08:41:00 am

Carry Irine to a more secluded location.

You walk outside and make your way to the far edge of the cluster of buildings, a two storey house that has suffered expensive burn damage, leaving only charred stones and remnants of burnt wood crushed under the semi-collapsed ceiling. With the wind blowing more strongly now, small particles of ash have started flying around, swirling in small eddies, some of them escaping out of the house, before they fall down or rearrange themselves in different patterns as the direction the wind is coming from changes slightly.

You take cover in a corner of the house where the still intact supports combined with the otherwise combined ceiling has created a cave-like structure made of stone blocks.

You don't hear, see or smell anything new or interesting along the way.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 23, 2015, 03:06:43 am

"Hey River! Sorry for trying to slash at you and everything, I just thought you were going off the deep end or something. Me and Irine had a talk like you said, and it was pretty enlightening. Mind coming out? I don't wanna talk to a wall. Though if you don't, that's cool too."

There is no response.
Maybe he's not really listening. Or maybe he's only listening using telepathy. Or maybe he doesn't feel like talking. Or maybe he's sulking. Or maybe he's afraid this is a trick. Or maybe he's busy healing himself. Or some other horrible thing happened to him in this accursed city. Or any of the other possible reasons for the lack of response.
The point is, there is no response.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 23, 2015, 11:24:34 am

I stay snuggled in Ike's arms and keep my eyes closed, not looking in case River decides to surprise us and staying where someone's holding me close and I can't get easily grabbed and carried off again by River.

Just out of curiosity, is there a spelling error there or do you mean that you do not feel like you have to look around and see what's going on?

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2015, 10:59:47 am

((I have a copy of the tree in my pictures folder, and the exact opposite is shown in there. it being a viable dodge mechanic when upgraded is specifically because things pass through her when she's flame. It hasn't come up as a discussion topic though because I normally remove everything before changing and then put it back on again afterwards.))

((the fire she changes into is not special. remember that she integrates other normal fire into and out of her body as part of the change. the fire that is Irine changes all the time.))

((as for what happens? I stay in place, in midair if that's where I changed, for the duration of the change. which is why if I change with clothes on they'll fall to the ground below me and then I end up on top of them. I stay at the same location, but my posture can be massively changed, which is why my legs don't snap when I go between human and fox even though the joints aren't at the same position nor have the same range of motion. Things being shoved into me is a hazard, but if I can viably reform whilst avoiding the overlap then I will do so, even if I end up in some contortionist pose. I actually kinda thought that I could handle a long fall by timing a change properly to reset my momentum.))

((The constancy of her body's forms and the way changing doesn't heal is because of the interactions between her core abilities, especially the revive mechanic, which also governs data storage.))

((EDIT: correction, it has come up in discussion once actually. pre-first mission when she was explaining her abilty to change to the others. As mentioned there, she turns into fire. not some firey goop or whatever. actual, burny, fire.))

I dunno, I mean I searched and I did find this:
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/UT_IRINE_zpswvwvdlfl.png)
The dodge I mention is so that you can move while shapeshifting or use your change in shape and position to confuse your enemies.

But on the other hand, I searched and I have never specifically mentioned this anywhere, PM or here. And it is your character. But on the other other hand, you did agree that her abilities have been damaged and thus could had changed.

So how about this: We say things do phase through you. And that your body can adjust its shape to its environment (which is what was happening with the current system as well, the semi-stable pyrokinetic field reshaping itself and "expanding" to fit a preprogrammed state by absorbing fire/heat, like those memory metals that self-assemble at the right temperature). But something dense enough or moving quickly enough, something that could mess with a weakened version of your ability to control fire can still harm you, along with things that would normally be capable of hurting you during the transformation. Does that sound OK? If I'm somehow mistaken or you have a better idea or if you want to give a more in depth explanation about how you feel your ability should work, I'd be willing to listen, this isn't a take it or leave it deal, just trying to figure out something you'd like but also something not too powerful.

Irrelevant, but resetting momentum sounds dangerous. What if you're in a moving vehicle? Or worse, a vehicle that rapidly changes position and acceleration, like a boat? With the current system you'd have a small decrease in terminal velocity while changing due the air resistance to weight ratio changing, but not more than that.

Not to mention the difficulty of assigning a relative point from which your momentum should be zero. Should it be the centre of gravity of the nearest object that exceeds a certain mass? What happens then when you're in orbit or in deep space? Or if someone is a gravity manipulator? What happens if someone tries to teleport you during a transformation? Questions like these might have not needed an answer in Irine's previous game, but on this one I may have to consider them depending on circumstances. But anyway, if that's what you want, I'll just have to try to figure out the answer to these if we ever come up to something like that.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 09:08:30 am

@ not looking - not a spelling error, avoiding jumpscares from invisoRiver's teeth being right next to me when he suddenly de-invis's. Don't think it's an actual attack, but don't want to be startled and am already spooked.

---

@ non-corporeal state - will edit in later, getting the RP part out now

EDIT: the problem with *not* reseting momentum is I can abuse it to walk through walls. I just generate fire on the other side, then give myself a running start and shift just before hitting the wall, reforming from the flame I generated on the other side.

In space, fire has much bigger problems than what it zero's the momentum to - like how the vacuum will instantly put it out and kill me. or how the purified pressurized atmosphere inside a spacecraft makes the entire vessel into a bomb.

Fire inside a vehicle is, again, *not a good thing*, and Irine's abilities were designed with a low-tech environment in mind.

as for being vulnerable... I really do not at all understand why she needs to be even more vulnerable than she already is. Irine, in all her forms, is relatively frail, and while shifting she's immobilized and unable to use her abilities, and afterwards she's half-paralyzed from River's infestation of her. I agree that things that mess with her flame should damage her... because she IS her flame in that state. but I don't see why a bullet would do anything to a ball of fire. The very brief moment of near-invulnerability is the only reason shifting in combat is even remotely viable pre-putting 7 freaking upgrade points into the tree. If that's seriously the case, then that there is what I call a wasted upgrade tree. Because although it's cool. it's so expensive that there is absolutely no reason to even touch it. If I put those 7 points into, say, Irine's fire, then the difference in power would be patently ridiculous.

---

Using innate teleparthy, then after a delay if no response using the comwire: to Self and River: <R-River? Are you here?>
((OOC edit in for clarity: yes, I'm sending telepathic messages to myself. This is intentional.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 24, 2015, 10:29:18 am

Okay shrink down the thing thats strangling me and scramble off the alarmingly unsafe floor. If the floor insists on being unsafe then tsar and repair it.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 24, 2015, 12:13:27 pm

"I get the feeling he's not in a very good mood."

Return to the others, see what they're up to. If needed, use sword to extricate them from various predicaments.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 12:17:02 pm

<Probably...>
Stay in Ike's arms as long as he'll let me.

---

((note: message to River / Self in earlier post))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2015, 02:52:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 09:08:30 am

Using innate teleparthy, then after a delay if no response using the comwire: to Self and River: <R-River? Are you here?>
((OOC edit in for clarity: yes, I'm sending telepathic messages to myself. This is intentional.))

There is no response.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 12:17:02 pm

<Probably...>
Stay in Ike's arms as long as he'll let me.

---

((note: message to River / Self in earlier post))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 24, 2015, 12:13:27 pm

"I get the feeling he's not in a very good mood."

Return to the others, see what they're up to. If needed, use sword to extricate them from various predicaments.

You go to the basement, fox in hand, carefully tiptoeing around the damaged floor and hack the couch in the way of the stairs in half, thus beginning the work of freeing Alan.

((Hey, there. You look like a man who likes new and exciting flails. Have you ever considered a... fox-flail? Think about it. It would be awesome. Plus, it would be a shame to let those tails go to waste. 'Wasted tails? Make them flails!' That's what I say!))

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2015, 10:29:18 am

Okay shrink down the thing thats strangling me and scramble off the alarmingly unsafe floor. If the floor insists on being unsafe then tsar and repair it.

Tsar the entire building? Or just the floor of the building?

Quote from: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 09:08:30 am

@ not looking - not a spelling error, avoiding jumpscares from invisoRiver's teeth being right next to me when he suddenly de-invis's. Don't think it's an actual attack, but don't want to be startled and am already spooked.

Giving a new meaning to "the only thing I fear is fear itself".

I'll respond to the other thing later.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 24, 2015, 02:56:01 pm

"Hmm. That's probably unsafe. That or the floor above me turned into a trampoline. In which case that's awesome.
Hmmmmmmmmmm"

Summon a sturdy table with really thick and unlikely to break legs that I can fit under.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 24, 2015, 03:05:04 pm

Let's go with just the floor. Try to get to safety first, only tsar the floor if it is being an immediate danger.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2015, 04:04:53 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2015, 03:05:04 pm

Let's go with just the floor. Try to get to safety first, only tsar the floor if it is being an immediate danger.

Do you count being on a floor that might collapse if you strain it too much while leaving "being in an immediate danger"?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on August 24, 2015, 04:08:23 pm

Weakneses?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 24, 2015, 04:22:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2015, 04:04:53 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2015, 03:05:04 pm

Let's go with just the floor. Try to get to safety first, only tsar the floor if it is being an immediate danger.

Do you count being on a floor that might collapse if you strain it too much while leaving "being in an immediate danger"?

No, only as a reaction if it actually begins to collapse under me.

Changed action:
Tsar repair the entire building and walk out calmly. Why not.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on August 24, 2015, 05:03:43 pm

Team A

Retract anchors, redeploy anchors. Do so repeatedly if I can until I hit something. Or until they are deployed in way that makes it hard to get to me from the inner edge of my effect radius. Keep charging. Hope some effects start manifesting.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 24, 2015, 07:58:42 pm

@ only fear - actually right now River has Irine scared. He literally grabbed her for a reason she (and I actually) still doesn't understand, picked her up, flat ignored all her efforts at self-defense, kidnapped her, and started to eat her alive. She knows he's allied, but he's also frankly terrifying.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 24, 2015, 08:04:27 pm

((Edited action slightly to be more Alan-oriented))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 25, 2015, 08:35:40 am

Team B: H4zardZ1, Wolfkit, Illgeo

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on August 20, 2015, 04:19:13 am

"Nope!"
Grab the hand and swing 'em like crazy

You swing one of the mannequins and slam it on another, but two more immediately attack you.
The first raises its hand for a rapid downward strike. You manage to raise your arm and block the attack, but the damn thing is too strong, pushing you off balance. And straight onto the blade of the second. The knife strikes you from behind, somewhere close to your kidneys before shoving you forward and onto the floor.

Quote from: Wolfkit on August 19, 2015, 10:26:53 pm

Team B

---

Continue lasering off arms, try to disable some of the ones harassing (H4zard) if I get the chance.

All you manage to do is emit a flash of light before you have to dodge the mannequins coming out of the door. Strangely, the things appear to be much less accurate with you. You don't even have to move to evade their slashes. It's like they are just slashing around blindly. You don't know if it's because of your flash of light or because of something else.

Quote from: Illgeo on August 24, 2015, 04:08:23 pm

Weakneses?

Hmmm... If those things are remote controlled and not really intelligent... Then whoever is controlling them must have a way of seeing what they're doing... Perhaps a quick way to render them harmless would be to blind whatever that thing is. Assuming it's not magical. And.. What's the place a human would be least likely to search for a hidden camera or similar? The place providing the best view with minimal exposure... Even if you can't figure it out, merely smashing the lights might work.

---

Team C: akkudakku, FallacyOfUrist, mydjet

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 20, 2015, 05:19:17 pm

"Oh come on? You aren't going to fight me fairly? At least put me down so we can punch each other to smithereens!"

If he refuses to put me down, start breaking his fingers one by one. If he puts me down, charge him and hit his leg using Dwarven Leverage.

The creature uses its free hand to scratch its head for a few seconds. It grunts and then sets you down.
You immedietly charge at the giant. He looks surprised by the ferocity of your onslaught.
The superpowered strike sends him flying backwards, through the wall and into a metal wall rack filled with glass tubes of various colours.
The impact pushes him partially into the wall, severely damaging the machine behind his back and the coils on his shoulders, in an explosion of sparks. Furthermore, whatever was into those vials causes a strange reaction with his skin, causing strange purple pustules to appear on one of his arms while the other turns pink and mushy looking, while his torso gains a slight green glow.

The room you're in appears to be some sort of storage/experiment area or prison. There's racks with various machinery or vials, most of them secured on the walls in sturdy looking containers as well as various beds, chains, robotic claws and restraining devices, some of them too large to fit a human. There's also part of the room from where you assume you were supposed to enter, a wooden door with nothing near it except a rather comical cage suspended above it by cables and wires.

"Gah, not again! Stop damaging my lab you imbeciles!" the short guy calls out from behind a thick-looking glass window, inside a structure that looks more like an airlock or some sort of metal bunker with two gigantic Tesla coils above it, crackling with electricity (https://youtu.be/gzNtlv5JY8M).
"You! Short guy!"
Is he talking to you? You assume he is, since he's pointing at you. How can someone shorter than you dare call you short?
"Stop moving so that my brilliant plan can work! And you! Crush him! Crush him now!" he shouts, his face red with anger, almost jumping up and down near the end.

---

Team A: DreamerGhost, Beirus, Alarith

Quote from: Alarith on August 22, 2015, 08:40:04 am

Team A
Keep heading towards the next room, and see if anything changes with the psychic energies.

Well, the void has started moving towards you again. And your teammate overtakes you as he starts running away.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 20, 2015, 05:53:15 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Okay then. Let's move in the general direction of "away".
Go to the other room, reload as I go. Open the door and shoot once if the room is not illuminated. Use the explosion flash to inspect the room.

You start running through the hallway leading to the other room, reloading as you go, overtaking Bryan who is carefully walking through the hallway. In the dim light coming from behind you, you spot some sort of tripwire there. It's not connected to anything though, merely there to cause you to trip. Now that you know it's there, you easily avoid tripping on it.

From the looks of it, the room at the end of the hallway is like a waiting area. A couch at the end of a downward stairway, facing a coffee table and the wooden door behind it. It would  There's also a door made out of metal bars, leading into a narrow stone hallway.

Quote from: Beirus on August 24, 2015, 05:03:43 pm

Team A

Retract anchors, redeploy anchors. Do so repeatedly if I can until I hit something. Or until they are deployed in way that makes it hard to get to me from the inner edge of my effect radius. Keep charging. Hope some effects start manifesting.

The lights come back on in the room and you start charging normally again.

You inspect yourself. You're not looking very healthy. You're still charging normally and don't appear to be leaking anything dangerous, but there's definitely large parts of you missing and you can see the points where the bullets went in your body. There's blood everywhere, but you can't tell if it's from your transformation or not. You don't know how healthy that would be if you ever went back to human...

You've got a nice little web around you. As long as something doesn't materialise inside it, you should be fine.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 25, 2015, 09:20:50 am

Team C: Kosak

"Wait a minute, you're a smart guy, aren't you? Smart guys are always more dangerous! Eat this!"

Kosak grabs something large and metal and chucks it at the glass window.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 25, 2015, 10:07:13 am

Continue freeing Alan. The man needs assistance!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 25, 2015, 03:37:23 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>
Bryan, watch out for the tripwire.
Warn Bryan of the tripwire. Have a look at what is behind the woden door.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 25, 2015, 05:45:14 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 24, 2015, 02:56:01 pm

"Hmm. That's probably unsafe. That or the floor above me turned into a trampoline. In which case that's awesome.
Hmmmmmmmmmm"

Summon a sturdy table with really thick and unlikely to break legs that I can fit under.

You summon a table made out of thick and heavy wood directly above you. As it slams down around you, you duck and cover underneath it like a turtle made of wood and fat. A few seconds later, you realise the problem is that said table is more like a box with its lid off, leaving you with no way out.

"It's like everything I do goes horribly right!"

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2015, 04:22:18 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 24, 2015, 04:04:53 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 24, 2015, 03:05:04 pm

Let's go with just the floor. Try to get to safety first, only tsar the floor if it is being an immediate danger.

Do you count being on a floor that might collapse if you strain it too much while leaving "being in an immediate danger"?

No, only as a reaction if it actually begins to collapse under me.

Changed action:
Tsar repair the entire building and walk out calmly. Why not.

You feel the building shudder as it slowly starts becoming bigger, expanding outwards and upwards, purple and green magical lines dancing across its walls. It lasts for a couple of seconds and the building doesn't get too large or change significantly, but it's enough to make the floor more stable.

You slowly get up and make your way outside. You feel a bit of pain on the back of your head. You instinctively look behind you, where you see your unconscious body lying on its back next to the door.
Oh right. You're supposed to be unconscious.
*blacks out*

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 25, 2015, 10:07:13 am

Continue freeing Alan. The man needs assistance!

You make your way through the couches, but there's no sign of Alan.
Oh no! He disappeared too! This basement eats people! Or maybe it was River and he-
Oh, wait, that's his scent. He just hides in thick wooden bawkses. Should had expected it, after the thing in the relay world that almost got him killed.

---

Everyone
Okay, let's assume everyone (mostly Alan) managed to extract themselves from their overshoot induced predicaments to save time. Plus, I'd prefer it if you didn't kill each other. Makes it more fun when I kill you.

You're all awake and well... Well, not well, but you know, good enough. Irine has very weak but working arms/front legs, Alan's stomach feels like it's trying to leave his body, Nikolai has a bit of a headache, Ike and Zechariah are still a bit sore from last night... Only one who is mostly fine is Theri, now that I think about it.

So, what do you say or do?

---

OOC
@Lenglon: I can respond to your statements if you want, but I don't want to spend my time arguing. Just give me a good definition about what you think "zero momentum" should be and I'll see what I can do.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 25, 2015, 07:01:22 pm

@zero - relative to nearest planetary body + no momentum reset in case of no planetary bodies in range okay? or just eff it and go with the "just be reasonable" rule of thumb? or no reset at all and possibility of wall passthrough being a thing? I agree with no arguing, don't want to be a bother, and each of those work with me. Heck, now that i've been thinking on it, the wall passthrough thing would be really cool, I've got this mental image of what it would look like now, and it's kinda awesome. I just need to be careful doing it so that I'll have fire on the receiving end.

---

have I seen River? Or heard him? Is he hiding inside me?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 25, 2015, 07:36:08 pm

((Maybe you have to roll for the passthrough, and you splat on the front side if you fail?  I dunno.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Wolfkit on August 25, 2015, 07:47:01 pm

Team B

---

Dodge, evade, backpedal, buy time to write up a laser to take out as many of the mannequins pressuring me at once as possible. Continue to not laser teammates, and make sure not to back into a corner or let myself get surrounded.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 25, 2015, 07:49:23 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 25, 2015, 07:36:08 pm

((Maybe you have to roll for the passthrough, and you splat on the front side if you fail?  I dunno.))

((Why would I splat? it doesn't logic. If I miss then I freeze on the far side and become a foxsicle))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 25, 2015, 08:38:42 pm

I have perfect idea: summon Pepto Bismol! Chug it like a 4-litre coke.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on August 25, 2015, 09:38:29 pm

Team A

Keep on charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 25, 2015, 11:45:10 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Wonder where our friend's smuggled himself off to. Could wait for him to appear, or keep moving and assume he's following. What do the rest of you think?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 26, 2015, 02:23:05 am

"Keep moving. Definitely keep moving."

Ugh my head. Try to figure out why I passed out.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 26, 2015, 05:57:22 am

---

Staging Area

---

I think we have 4-5 people here? Good enough for a small mission. Anyone has any suggestions?

Saevus and the shadowman materialize on the mansion's balcony overlooking the plaza at the centre of the town.
"Hey, everyone, gather around! It's more fun if I do this with an audience."

Quote from: Salsacookies on August 19, 2015, 04:48:28 pm

"Eh you! 'Eady for rund 2?"

Rush forward like a ram, and punch this guy in the face.

@Toaster

You charge John, but it looks like he's too absorbed with whatever he's doing to notice you. By the time he does and starts dodging, it's too late. You punch John, sending him flying into the sky until all you can see of him is a small black spot.

<Looks like John is blasting off again!>

Tosater
Hey, you can see your house from here!
No, wait, you could see your house from down there too, so that probably doesn't count.
But you can see the entire staging area from here, that ought to count for something.

Quote from: Megggas on August 19, 2015, 06:02:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2015, 03:54:23 pm

((Your question is the answer. If you need to know more, then you already know what you need.
...
Man, I shouldn't had started reading the Unix Koans (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacker_koan).))

You grab the man's rod and he uses it to pull you up towards the bridge.

"Nah, don't mention it." the man says as he pulls you over the railing and onto the bridge.
"Besides, if you stayed in there, you'd have scared all my fish away!" he adds jokingly as he wipes the water on his shirt.

"As for aliens... Yes, I suppose one could call them that."
"Aliens?!" the crow caws in surprise, grabs the fish with its legs  and gets ready to fly while quickly looking around.
"Are they here to take our fish?" it adds.
"Hehe, no, I think not. Our women, probably." the man continues to joke.
"Anyway, you can follow me to town if you want. We can get you a room and you can meet the others. I'll explain on the way."

George's left eye starts twitching as he watches the crow speak, and he lets out a small nervous laugh at the man's joke.  George responds to the man:
"Er...Yes, that sounds...great.  Yes, please explain everything to me.  Also, what's your name?"

To the crow, George says, while staring:
"Hello....crow.  What's your name?  Do you happen to know a certain girl named Alice?  I believe she's good friends with the White Rabbit."

(xGeorge'sPsychex)

"Roger D. Drake, at your service." the man says with a small bow.
The crow jumps on his shoulder as your group begins walking towards the town.
"I knew Alice once!" *caw* "She run and run and run and run. But could not get away! Always stayed the same."
The man continues speaking, responding to your question to the crow.
"People call him Nick, although that's not his real name. But, seeing as his real name can't be translated to English, I suppose it's as good a name as any."

"Anyway, do you believe in magic?"
"Do you believe in fairies?" *caw* the crow asks, flapping its wings slightly to maintain its balance.
"Shhh."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 25, 2015, 07:01:22 pm

have I seen River? Or heard him? Is he hiding inside me?

You think you caught his smell, but the combination of the wind and being on Ike's hands made it hard to tell where it was coming from or whether it was old or new.

You don't feel like there's something inside you beyond your last meal.

What's your fur colour like? Is it black close to the paws like in most foxes?

Quote from: Xantalos on August 25, 2015, 08:38:42 pm

I have perfect idea: summon Pepto Bismol! Chug it like a 4-litre coke.

Oh dear... You asked for it.
And of course it's double 6s, what else would it be.
You are now trapped inside a giant plastic bottle filled with Pepto Bismol. It is glowing slightly.

Quote from: NAV on August 26, 2015, 02:23:05 am

"Keep moving. Definitely keep moving."

Ugh my head. Try to figure out why I passed out.

Probably because you tried Tsaring an entire two storey building, including its foundation, pushing at the surrounding earth?
If you had more power or better endurance, you might had been able to hold on.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 26, 2015, 08:08:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, looks like the public has spoken."

See if I can make Alan's bottle fall over, then start rolling him off into a mission-appropriate direction, which would presumably be eastward.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 08:09:37 am

"Hello again!  I see you communicate via punches?  I don't think I'll land like you, though."


A hang glider, obviously.  Sail around and observe the staging area by air.


((What about an Entity Challenge?  Shouldn't be awful long, and it'd be a nice mix of violence and character development from an entity, especially if we pick a wordier one like Drake.  In fact, he'd probably be my first choice if Harry didn't mind missing out.  Which of course brings up a question on how much, if any, "dibs" a player has on things relevant to their character's entity.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Alarith on August 26, 2015, 08:24:02 am

Team A
Start to pick up the pace at least to catch up with my teammate, avoiding the tripwire he mentioned.
"Hey, do you have an idea of where to go next? Our spooky "friend" is coming this way."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 26, 2015, 08:27:05 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 08:09:37 am

((What about an Entity Challenge?  Shouldn't be awful long, and it'd be a nice mix of violence and character development from an entity, especially if we pick a wordier one like Drake.  In fact, he'd probably be my first choice if Harry didn't mind missing out.  Which of course brings up a question on how much, if any, "dibs" a player has on things relevant to their character's entity.))

((I wouldn't mind at all if you fought that guy. Though maybe you'd like to fight one that everybody hasn't met and spoken to at length. I'd like to see the Rhymerer in action, for instance.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 26, 2015, 08:31:23 am

My coloration is similar to that of red tailed foxes. orangish-brown body, white belly, black near the paws that fades into the same color as the body as you go up, white at the end of the tail, band of black low on the tail but white on the actual underside afterwards which isn't usually visible. white on the inside of the ears.

And @ checking if he's inside me I mean I'm suspicious that his attempt to eat me was a form of possession attempt, and that when he aborted it, he left himself inside me instead of me inside him, and that he might try to take over my mind/body at any time. I'm checking myself, my smell, my actions, my mind, to try to find any foreign influence. That's also why I used self-addressed telepathy, in an attempt to communicate with River in the case that he's sectioned himself off in a part of my mind. The trigger for my innate telepathy is the inability to speak, so he should have access to it assuming I'm correct even if he can't use comwire telepathy... assuming that the functionality for that wasn't rewired too, since the access to that is tied to my respawn mechanic as per my original design.

If Ike ended up putting me down to complete his actions, then I'll burn the last of my flame generation ability to change back to hybrid form. If he is still carrying me though, then I'd prefer to stay in his arms and stay in my current form.

If I'm in hybrid, then I'll go to the ruins of the shirt I had JUST gotten, and see if it's salvageable or I can find a replacement. If so, then I'll put it on.

---

((I think players specifically do *not* have dibs on things relating to their entity. There's an Entity-interaction story going on in the background, and people that want to investigate that are going to have to interact without limits with several different people's entities. For example I have an ongoing interaction with Charlie, who is someone else's entity. Mine's Stellar.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on August 26, 2015, 08:41:25 am

Guess I'll be waiting for Charlie to do his thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 26, 2015, 09:02:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 26, 2015, 05:57:22 am

---

Staging Area

---

"Roger D. Drake, at your service." the man says with a small bow.
The crow jumps on his shoulder as your group begins walking towards the town.
"I knew Alice once!" *caw* "She run and run and run and run. But could not get away! Always stayed the same."
The man continues speaking, responding to your question to the crow.
"People call him Nick, although that's not his real name. But, seeing as his real name can't be translated to English, I suppose it's as good a name as any."

"Anyway, do you believe in magic?"
"Do you believe in fairies?" *caw* the crow asks, flapping its wings slightly to maintain its balance.
"Shhh."

George answers the question, with uncertainty evident in his voice:
"Uh...no.  Sorry Nick, I don't believe in fairies either."
George sighs, and continues speaking:
"But...I used to think aliens were nothing more than science fiction, and I was completely wrong on that.  Let me guess, magic is real too?  Am I going to run into Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny while I'm here?  Wouldn't surprise me at this point..."

((Edit: I agree with Toaster.  I also vote for an entity challenge mission.  However, I would prefer it be related to Stellar.  I'm curious of what's been going on with her trial.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 09:39:26 am

((Stellar or Rhymerer would be interesting as well, though one that's barely done anything could open up new interaction as well.  Like Valiant through Giant on the list (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5897754#msg5897754); the end two don't even have names, and I can't recall seeing much from the others.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on August 26, 2015, 09:54:09 am

((I'd be up for an Entity Challenge.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 26, 2015, 09:55:25 am

((We'll die instantly...  buuuuuuut I agree with Hawk.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 26, 2015, 09:58:18 am

((By the way, River is a valid Entity Challenge. And he only has a difficulty of six.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 26, 2015, 10:24:54 am

((The entity I hope we end up with is that weird crow guy. He'd probably drive us insane though....))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 10:39:45 am

((We've seen a lot of River lately... and I want to see Alan on his challenge to get him nice and wound up.

The crow is Charlie, right?  He'd probably whip us down, though it'd be interesting to see his capabilities.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 26, 2015, 10:51:51 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 08:09:37 am

"Hello again!  I see you communicate via punches?  I don't think I'll land like you, though."


A hang glider, obviously.  Sail around and observe the staging area by air.


((What about an Entity Challenge?  Shouldn't be awful long, and it'd be a nice mix of violence and character development from an entity, especially if we pick a wordier one like Drake.  In fact, he'd probably be my first choice if Harry didn't mind missing out.  Which of course brings up a question on how much, if any, "dibs" a player has on things relevant to their character's entity.))

It's just as you remember it. A slice of land between two cliffs, a small forested area with a river running through it and a small town in the middle. What you hadn't seen before is that beyond the part of the staging area you know is a large forest on one side and a large mountain range on the other, forming a sort of wall. There doesn't appear to be anything interesting nearby though. Even the large road that goes through the staging area's town leads nowhere, becoming a dirt road and then disappearing completely as it moves further away from it.

Oh, look, there's people on the road. Looks like two new guys, one of them with a Crow on his shoulder, the other one with a slight green glow.

Quote from: Megggas on August 26, 2015, 09:02:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 26, 2015, 05:57:22 am

---

Staging Area

---

"Roger D. Drake, at your service." the man says with a small bow.
The crow jumps on his shoulder as your group begins walking towards the town.
"I knew Alice once!" *caw* "She run and run and run and run. But could not get away! Always stayed the same."
The man continues speaking, responding to your question to the crow.
"People call him Nick, although that's not his real name. But, seeing as his real name can't be translated to English, I suppose it's as good a name as any."

"Anyway, do you believe in magic?"
"Do you believe in fairies?" *caw* the crow asks, flapping its wings slightly to maintain its balance.
"Shhh."

George answers the question, with uncertainty evident in his voice:
"Uh...no.  Sorry Nick, I don't believe in fairies either."
George sighs, and continues speaking:
"But...I used to think aliens were nothing more than science fiction, and I was completely wrong on that.  Let me guess, magic is real too?  Am I going to run into Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny while I'm here?  Wouldn't surprise me at this point..."

((Edit: I agree with Toaster.  I also vote for an entity challenge mission.  However, I would prefer it be related to Stellar.  I'm curious of what's been going on with her trial.))

"No fairies? Fairies die. Clap your hands!" *caw* "Fairies are tasty. Better to be eaten!"
"Nah, no worries man. Just asking because it makes things easier. Tell a man who accepts magic that 'A wizard did it!' and it makes the explanation much more simpler, you know?"
It's a small walk to the town, the first buildings appearing a minute or so after you begin your walk. It doesn't look inhabited though. It's like everyone suddenly disappeared from it, leaving everything orderly behind them, as if they expected to return from vacation a week later.
"Anyway, let's start with the simple things. You are currently in what is called 'The Staging Area'. And the Staging Area is like a pocket of reality created and maintained by two very powerful beings. And those two beings enforce certain rules here. One being, nobody may get hurt or die, physically or mentally, as long as they are here. I believe you experienced that during your fall from the waterfall?"
"On slippery rocks the human slipped. Much fun!" *caw*
"Another thing is that you may attempt to change anything in here, as long as it doesn't violate the first rule. So, if you are thirsty, you may chose to wish for food and the two will work to grant you this request. If you are bored, you may chose to invert gravity. And so on."
You continue following the main road, moving towards a central plaza. It has a fountain with a statue in its centre. There's also a man there, you think, as well as a few broken terracotta statues.
"Do you have any questions on the 'where' or should I move on to the 'why' part of your question?"

---

OOC
All right then, entity challenge it is. If there's anything particular you want to know, a question you want to ask or a vote you wish to cast, bold it so that I don't miss it.

There's a lot of entity challenges I like, but the one I like the most gameplay-wise is Violet and Nick, mostly because of the Conduit mechanic, because they are not too strong in direct attacks but instead rely on more fun tactics to win. Even though it requires a bit of extra notekeeping for me.

Of course, that's just the GM in me speaking about gameplay. If you're looking for exposition or an easy fight, you're probably better off choosing someone else.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 26, 2015, 09:58:18 am

((By the way, River is a valid Entity Challenge. And he only has a difficulty of six.))

Yeah, should probably remove that, since River is busy on the campaign. He can't magically reappear in the staging area. I could come up with some excuse for it like "an imperfect simulation based on data from S0" if people really want that fight, but eh. Besides, he has a fun fighting style and he might be able to win if he gets John first, but I think it would be a too easy fight.

But they can fight Darkstar instead. Although they'd probably fail since he's completely OP. Ron and John might be able to hold their own for a few minutes, if they're lucky and the others buy John some time to set up.

There's some entities that are missing from there, I think. If there's anyone you're interested in, ask and I'll give you the info.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 26, 2015, 08:31:23 am

My coloration is similar to that of red tailed foxes. orangish-brown body, white belly, black near the paws that fades into the same color as the body as you go up, white at the end of the tail, band of black low on the tail but white on the actual underside afterwards which isn't usually visible. white on the inside of the ears.

And @ checking if he's inside me I mean I'm suspicious that his attempt to eat me was a form of possession attempt, and that when he aborted it, he left himself inside me instead of me inside him, and that he might try to take over my mind/body at any time. I'm checking myself, my smell, my actions, my mind, to try to find any foreign influence. That's also why I used self-addressed telepathy, in an attempt to communicate with River in the case that he's sectioned himself off in a part of my mind. The trigger for my innate telepathy is the inability to speak, so he should have access to it assuming I'm correct even if he can't use comwire telepathy... assuming that the functionality for that wasn't rewired too, since the access to that is tied to my respawn mechanic as per my original design.

If Ike ended up putting me down to complete his actions, then I'll burn the last of my flame generation ability to change back to hybrid form. If he is still carrying me though, then I'd prefer to stay in his arms and stay in my current form.

If I'm in hybrid, then I'll go to the ruins of the shirt I had JUST gotten, and see if it's salvageable or I can find a replacement. If so, then I'll put it on.

---

((I think players specifically do *not* have dibs on things relating to their entity. There's an Entity-interaction story going on in the background, and people that want to investigate that are going to have to interact without limits with several different people's entities. For example I have an ongoing interaction with Charlie, who is someone else's entity. Mine's Stellar.))

Cool thanks, just curious.

About him being inside you, this reminds me of a past conversation. I bet Xan is going to start going 'giggity' again. EDIT: Or more appropriately, 'blubitty', since he is currently drowning in a bottle.

And yes, it's not like you have any ownership of your entities OOCly. If you want to request that others leave it for you, that's OK. If the others chose to not respect your request, that's OK too. There are no such rules in place.

IC, you are free to do whatever you want and get involved with the plot, the entities and RP as much as you want. Nobody is going to force you if you're just here for the missions.

Quote from: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 10:39:45 am

((We've seen a lot of River lately... and I want to see Alan on his challenge to get him nice and wound up.

The crow is Charlie, right?  He'd probably whip us down, though it'd be interesting to see his capabilities.))

Crow is Nick. Shadowman is Charlie.

---

Irrelevant: I just found one of the most ridiculous superpowers:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Cocaine-powered pyrokinesis! (http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Snowflame_%28New_Earth%29)
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Snowflame02_zpse4d0bxmo.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 11:07:06 am

((No need to remove it; just a note that challenges may be unavailable if the entity is occupied.

Also, I think I just conflated fading into shadows and crows; bloops.

I think a nice mix of a good challenge and exposition would be best; that's one reason Drake came to mind, since he's such a talker.  I don't have any strong preferences, really.))


Hmmm... might have to see where that forest goes at some point.  Land and mingle first.

Land, hopefully gracefully, near the people on the road.

"Is this where the party is?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 26, 2015, 12:15:04 pm

I vote for Nick.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 26, 2015, 02:16:41 pm

I vote for Stellar.

(If I don't post by the next time you update the staging area people, just assume George wanted to hear the "Why?" answers)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 26, 2015, 10:21:52 pm

*blubbity blub. Blub! Bleee blo blebaablo blaa bloo bloo.*

Mentos! Mentos everywhere! Those fizz on contact with stuff, right?

((Yeah, we'd better get moving, Alan's regressing into a vortex of stupidity again.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 11:04:05 pm

((Bringing Alan along is a good way to keep the party on track; leave him alone too long and he does something silly.  That said, I like how his abilities are actually fairly powerful; keep him pointed in the right direction and he's a great asset to the team.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 26, 2015, 11:17:40 pm

((Short on time, cannot make fluff for this post.))

Well, anywhere's a better place than this right now. Let's move.
Keep to the back of the group and keep my powers dormant for now. If danger is sensed by any member of the group, ready either my light crystals or the shadows to defend if necessary. Otherwise, keep moving.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 26, 2015, 11:42:00 pm

Well, that was quick. Shake my head and knock on my head like how you do when water's in your ears. I want to get this squeaky voice out of my head, and squash the annoying bastard.

(How about we fight my entity, the kid one. That would be interesting to say the least.)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 27, 2015, 12:21:54 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 26, 2015, 10:51:51 am

---

Staging Area

---

"No fairies? Fairies die. Clap your hands!" *caw* "Fairies are tasty. Better to be eaten!"
"Nah, no worries man. Just asking because it makes things easier. Tell a man who accepts magic that 'A wizard did it!' and it makes the explanation much more simpler, you know?"
It's a small walk to the town, the first buildings appearing a minute or so after you begin your walk. It doesn't look inhabited though. It's like everyone suddenly disappeared from it, leaving everything orderly behind them, as if they expected to return from vacation a week later.
"Anyway, let's start with the simple things. You are currently in what is called 'The Staging Area'. And the Staging Area is like a pocket of reality created and maintained by two very powerful beings. And those two beings enforce certain rules here. One being, nobody may get hurt or die, physically or mentally, as long as they are here. I believe you experienced that during your fall from the waterfall?"
"On slippery rocks the human slipped. Much fun!" *caw*
"Another thing is that you may attempt to change anything in here, as long as it doesn't violate the first rule. So, if you are thirsty, you may chose to wish for food and the two will work to grant you this request. If you are bored, you may chose to invert gravity. And so on."
You continue following the main road, moving towards a central plaza. It has a fountain with a statue in its centre. There's also a man there, you think, as well as a few broken terracotta statues.
"Do you have any questions on the 'where' or should I move on to the 'why' part of your question?"

As George listens, his expression changes to one of shock and awe.  This is far beyond anything he would have imagined.
"Wow...all-powerful beings, pocket dimensions, wish granting....and I can really change anything here?  Hmm...."

Wish for a can of diet soda to appear in my hand.  Afterward, say:

"Ok, I now have twice as many questions as I did before, but first, why was I brought here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 27, 2015, 12:13:23 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 26, 2015, 08:08:38 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, looks like the public has spoken."

See if I can make Alan's bottle fall over, then start rolling him off into a mission-appropriate direction, which would presumably be eastward.

You kick the bottle, causing it to fall on its side and roll downhill for a while, but the combined weight of Alan and the liquid in the bottle make it quite heavy. Plus, the thing has very bad grip on the ground, making rolling it much harder than you'd expect. You could probably continue pushing it, but you wouldn't be able to move very quickly.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 26, 2015, 10:21:52 pm

*blubbity blub. Blub! Bleee blo blebaablo blaa bloo bloo.*

Mentos! Mentos everywhere! Those fizz on contact with stuff, right?

((Yeah, we'd better get moving, Alan's regressing into a vortex of stupidity again.))

((I don't know if that comment was made IC or OOC, but to clarify, those fizz on contact with carbonated stuff (or similar) due to the structure of their surface. I don't think that thing you summoned, whatever it is, is carbonated. Then again, I did find some claims on the internet that it has funny interactions with other substances, so I don't know, maybe it does something with Mentos as well.))

And now it's double 1s. Of course it is. What else could it be? Graaagh! Your luck Xan...

You fail to shoot anything. And then the bottle you are in is tipped, causing you to roll along with it, occasionally smashing against its walls like clothes in a washing machine. You can't keep your mouth closed. You involuntarily gasp for air as you are hit, immediately regretting it as your lungs fill with liquid.

You fall unconscious.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 26, 2015, 08:31:23 am

And @ checking if he's inside me I mean I'm suspicious that his attempt to eat me was a form of possession attempt, and that when he aborted it, he left himself inside me instead of me inside him, and that he might try to take over my mind/body at any time. I'm checking myself, my smell, my actions, my mind, to try to find any foreign influence. That's also why I used self-addressed telepathy, in an attempt to communicate with River in the case that he's sectioned himself off in a part of my mind. The trigger for my innate telepathy is the inability to speak, so he should have access to it assuming I'm correct even if he can't use comwire telepathy... assuming that the functionality for that wasn't rewired too, since the access to that is tied to my respawn mechanic as per my original design.

If Ike ended up putting me down to complete his actions, then I'll burn the last of my flame generation ability to change back to hybrid form. If he is still carrying me though, then I'd prefer to stay in his arms and stay in my current form.

If I'm in hybrid, then I'll go to the ruins of the shirt I had JUST gotten, and see if it's salvageable or I can find a replacement. If so, then I'll put it on.

You don't feel different in any way.

You could go for the shirt in the bar, but the thing is charred and has some pretty big holes. You did transform in it before taking its fire away.

There's no other shirts in the bar that you saw. Not very likely that one is there, but you could search. It would probably be more likely for you to find clothes if you searched one of the nearby houses that wasn't damaged by the fire.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 26, 2015, 11:17:40 pm

((Short on time, cannot make fluff for this post.))

Well, anywhere's a better place than this right now. Let's move.
Keep to the back of the group and keep my powers dormant for now. If danger is sensed by any member of the group, ready either my light crystals or the shadows to defend if necessary. Otherwise, keep moving.

Can you use your powers to do something about Alan's luck? Or at least protect him from himself?
Because those appear to be the two things most dangerous to the party right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 27, 2015, 12:17:29 pm

((Heh, I could threaten to pass my luck on to other people to get them moving.
...I wonder if Rhymerer has anything like that.))

Dream sweet dreams of airfilled balloons.

((And yeah the comment was IC.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 27, 2015, 12:18:15 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, crap. Guess we have to break the bottle, guys. You got any power over glass, Jesus? How about you, Nikolai?" says Ike, looking at Zechariah, then at Nik.

If there's no better option, try and break the bottle to free Alan, and hope he doesn't decapitate himself by accident or on purpose.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 27, 2015, 02:38:19 pm

To Alan: <Oh god dammit STOP TRYING TO KILL YOURSELF!>

"Nope. Break the bottle. I almost want to leave him in there but we need him."
Help Ike safely break the bottle.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 27, 2015, 04:27:24 pm

Zechariah rolls his eyes.
"No, no glass powers, only power over my own creations. Hey, Nikolai, see if you can use your abilities on my crystal shards. I should be able to crack it open with a big one."

Instead of using little shards like before, create a giant, sharp one, or several of them if possible. Wait for Nikolai to tsar it/them. After he does (or even if he doesn't), pierce the bottle with the shard(s) and try to open it with a can opener motion.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 27, 2015, 05:16:55 pm

<I'm not trying, it's just one of my many talents!>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 27, 2015, 05:47:04 pm

"Alright one big shard coming right up."

Tsar one of Zech's shards.

(Small minor action, move my comwire from my neck to my arm so it doesn't strangle me if I tsar it again.)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 27, 2015, 09:19:06 pm

I grab the shirt in the bar anyway in case I have to deal with something sharp, and search the nearby houses for clothes.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 09:04:50 am

Nick: 1 vote
Stellar: 1 vote

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 26, 2015, 11:07:06 am

((No need to remove it; just a note that challenges may be unavailable if the entity is occupied.

Also, I think I just conflated fading into shadows and crows; bloops.

I think a nice mix of a good challenge and exposition would be best; that's one reason Drake came to mind, since he's such a talker.  I don't have any strong preferences, really.))


Hmmm... might have to see where that forest goes at some point.  Land and mingle first.

Land, hopefully gracefully, near the people on the road.

"Is this where the party is?"

You're coming in too fast!

Quote from: Megggas on August 27, 2015, 12:21:54 am

As George listens, his expression changes to one of shock and awe.  This is far beyond anything he would have imagined.
"Wow...all-powerful beings, pocket dimensions, wish granting....and I can really change anything here?  Hmm...."

Wish for a can of diet soda to appear in my hand.  Afterward, say:

"Ok, I now have twice as many questions as I did before, but first, why was I brought here?"

You blink. When you open your eyes, a cold aluminium can of Diet Cho-Cola is now in your hand. You open it and taste it. It is chocolate flavoured.
"Well, you see, that's the hard part. This place exists because of the Games. People are brought here when they are chosen by an entity to participate in the Games. You were brought here to complete challenges for those Games, along with other people."

"Said challenges can be anything. Fights to the death between each other, protecting innocents, exploring new worlds, bringing criminals to justice, assassinating politicians, surviving the zombie apocalypse, super-powered soccer games... And they can take place anywhere, including here in the Staging Area."

"Depending on how well you do in a challenge, you gain points, points that are used by the entity that chose you to modify you as it sees fit. On certain special challenges, you can gain special rewards, depending on your actions and your performance. If you do well, succeed enough times and please the one that chose you, you get to go home and keep your upgrades. Sounds cool, right? And if you happen to die during-"
*caw* "Big bird! Duck and cover!"
Roger grabs you and forces you to duck as a glider flies above you. The man flying it lets go of it and rolls to a stop as the glider crashes on a building behind him, the rock wall unharmed by the impact. Not the most graceful landing ever, but at least he would probably come out of it unharmed if he wasn't already protected from harm.
"Is this where the party is?" the man says as he gets up and removes the dust from his clothes.
"Adventure party!"
"Hey John. Nice landing." he says with a small wave.

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 26, 2015, 08:41:25 am

Guess I'll be waiting for Charlie to do his thing.

Room of Champions - UT99 (https://youtu.be/b7Apqps4fl0)

"Good. Everyone's here." Charlie says after some sort of hang-glider accident occurs close to the entrance of the plaza.
"Or close enough anyway." he adds, shrugging as he turns to address the plaza, speaking with a quite louder voice.

"Attention everyone! I present to you, your champion!"
"Through skill, strength, cunning or luck, he has managed to defeat and outlast all who challenged him. As such..."
He raises his hands and shadowy fire appears between them, condensing and then receding to reveal a golden plate with something engraved on it.
"We present him with this symbol!"
He waves his hands and the plate flies towards Saevus, affixing itself to the lower part of his torso.
"May all who see it know that he is the best fighter among you."
The plate unfurls and expands, forming a belt around Saevus.
"May it give him strength in his future conflicts."
When the belt completely unfolds, a golden-red outline appears around him, as if there is something hovering around his body only visible when seen from a right angle.
"And may he defend it with honour from all who would claim it and wear it as long as he is worthy."
For a few seconds the belt shines and the glow spreads to the runes across Saevus' body, causing him to shine brightly and the field around him to look like it's on fire, before the effect recedes and returns to a barely seen golden outline around him.

...
*blows raspberry*
"Hey. I didn't ask for your opinion. Don't mess with my presentations." Charlie says after his shadowfire recedes into the ground and reappears next to Rodger, pointing one finger at him.
"Can't help it. It's hard to resist when you make them so lame."
Charlie just shakes his head and once again sinks into the ground, reappearing back on the balcony.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 27, 2015, 09:19:06 pm

I grab the shirt in the bar anyway in case I have to deal with something sharp, and search the nearby houses for clothes.

You change to hybrid, get the half-burnt shirt from the bar and then search a nearby house for clothes.

The house appears to have been looted recently. There's the old smell of humans here and everything appears to have been moved around in their search without much care. Although from the looks of it, there wasn't much in the house to begin with.

You manage to find some old and worn clothes and shoes and adapt them for your use without anything interesting happening, although you can't help feeling a bit uneasy as you explore the house alone, even though the others are nearby. At least you got some clothes on. Getting caught in a dust storm naked would probably not be much fun and it would probably not be a good idea to rely on Alan for protection.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 27, 2015, 12:18:15 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, crap. Guess we have to break the bottle, guys. You got any power over glass, Jesus? How about you, Nikolai?" says Ike, looking at Zechariah, then at Nik.

If there's no better option, try and break the bottle to free Alan, and hope he doesn't decapitate himself by accident or on purpose.

It's a plastic bottle, so you just repeatedly stab it to drain it and then hack it in half.
It looks like you accidentally stabbed Alan in the process. Nothing too serious though, should be fine as long as you stop the bleeding.

Quote from: NAV on August 27, 2015, 05:47:04 pm

"Alright one big shard coming right up."

Tsar one of Zech's shards.

(Small minor action, move my comwire from my neck to my arm so it doesn't strangle me if I tsar it again.)

Sure thing.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 27, 2015, 04:27:24 pm

Zechariah rolls his eyes.
"No, no glass powers, only power over my own creations. Hey, Nikolai, see if you can use your abilities on my crystal shards. I should be able to crack it open with a big one."

Instead of using little shards like before, create a giant, sharp one, or several of them if possible. Wait for Nikolai to tsar it/them. After he does (or even if he doesn't), pierce the bottle with the shard(s) and try to open it with a can opener motion.

Ike took care of that, so let's see if you can treat Alan instead... Yep, you get him up and get him to cough the liquid out of his lungs. You can't bandage his wound though. But at least he doesn't die immediately.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 27, 2015, 12:17:29 pm

((Heh, I could threaten to pass my luck on to other people to get them moving.
...I wonder if Rhymerer has anything like that.))

Dream sweet dreams of airfilled balloons.

((And yeah the comment was IC.))

((I'm a bit surprised nobody has chosen an ability to manipulate luck yet. I already have a luck/random-event system in place in anticipation of such a character so that people can have semi-random things happen to them during missions. It's what I used as a basis for the random events/encounters in the campaign.

Not that such abilities would save you, of course, unless you got a character with the ability to give inverse dynamic rolls or something. Because no matter the system, luck seems to... not hate you, but more like wanting to have fun with you, mostly at your character's expense.))

You dream you are a mylar balloon, carried by the wind. You start your journey over a city with a great white pyramid in its centre, a city that shines impossibly white and bright in the midday sun, a beacon of light amongst the desert. So strange that such a pristine city could exist in such a barren landscape, with nothing living in sight around it. No rivers, no plants, no people. You keep flying over the surrounding desert, until you come upon a great sandstorm. You get carried by the winds in its wake for a while, until you suddenly shift direction, getting carried by a different wind. The sand gives way to plains with gigantic creatures grazing in them, followed by rolling hills and then forests with the occasional clearing and lake. You catch glimpses of the life in the forest through holes in the forest canopy as you weave your way between the peaks of conifers, the ground beneath you sometimes rising and sometime falling, still following a simillar pattern since the dunes you first started in. There is a part of the forest that looks bright and young, but that is not where you are headed. The wind carries you in the opposite direction, in the old dark heart of the forest where the trees become impossibly tall and you are forced to fly beneath them. You can see few living things down there, the most prevalent being great fungi growing on the layer of decomposing leaves on the ground. There's quiet, the only sound accompanying your journey being the rustling and groaning of the trees in the wind, and yet you can't help feeling as if you are being watched. The wind carries you close to a mountain range, a great wall at the edge of the forest, its snow covered peaks preventing it from expanding further. Beyond it you catch glimpses of a great port, a bustling city with half-rotten or sunken gigantic ships resting close to its shores and small crooked towers rising out of its chaotic patchwork of buildings. The strong wind coming from the mountains carries you in the opposite direction, where the forests give way to swamps, with multicoloured insects flying above them and dark creatures lying just below their waters, part of their body occasionally emerging from them, barely visible in the moonlight. You think you catch glimpses of a human camp, but they move past you too quickly to see. You come across a dark structure half buried in the ground, but quickly move past it as well. But then you start to slow down. Slow down a lot. After a few minutes of the view of the same swamp you lose interest and turn to look at the clouds instead and start flying up instead. When you look back down, you are flying ever higher, moving above the clouds. And yet there is something taller than the clouds. Mountains, their tops barren, bald, almost shiny-gold from the sunrise. You quickly zoom past them, going through the clouds. Below them you find a yellow bird with its eyes closed, lying on its back, its claws pointing towards the sky. On one of its claws rests a child. It looks curiously as you approach. It jumps and grabs you out of the air as you pass near it. It shows you a needle. You pop.

You wake up with a stab wound in your lower torso.
"Whoa. Trippy."
It doesn't look life threatening, at least not if you bandage it and stop the bleeding. Now please stop dying.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2015, 09:26:22 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 09:04:50 am

He waves his hands and the plate flies towards Sausage, affixing itself to the lower part of his torso.

((The wonders of autocorrect.))

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, thank goodness for your flab, Alan, otherwise I might have stabbed you somewhere important."

Help bandage Alan's wound, then let's get moving out already.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 28, 2015, 09:49:22 am

((If for some reason my character dies I have a backup planned with an... interesting... rolls manipulation mechanic.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 28, 2015, 11:45:39 am

Help bandage Alan and get on our way.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 11:51:45 am

Are you going to follow the eastern road? Through the two camps? Any preference about how much you want to move or when you want to stop? Any action you want to try to perform during your trip?

Asking so that I know what happens and skip the appropriate amount of time, should you stop Alan from killing himself. EDIT: If there's no preference declared for something, I'll do what seems appropriate to me.

EDIT2: Oh, and I've linked some parts of the campaign to the second post to make them easier to find.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 28, 2015, 11:55:25 am

"I am stuck on bandaid because bandaid keeps stabbing me."

Accept bandages and passively dodder along with the party, ready to give out disguises or cover from storms or whatever if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 12:39:16 pm

John nodded at those he crashed beside, then waved toward the victor.  "Well done, Saevus.  Keep on keeping on.  And hello, you," he said toward Rodger.  "Have we met?  I can't recall."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 01:37:20 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 12:39:16 pm

John nodded at those he crashed beside, then waved toward the victor.  "Well done, Saevus.  Keep on keeping on.  And hello, you," he said toward Rodger.  "Have we met?  I can't recall."

Roger appears to be thinking you are talking to the man next to him, because he turns to look at him for an answer.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 01:57:37 pm

"Come to think of it, I don't think I recall either of you.  I could be forgetting, though."

((I can't think of if John's ever specifically met Roger.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2015, 02:00:24 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 11:51:45 am

Are you going to follow the eastern road? Through the two camps? Any preference about how much you want to move or when you want to stop? Any action you want to try to perform during your trip?

Asking so that I know what happens and skip the appropriate amount of time, should you stop Alan from killing himself. EDIT: If there's no preference declared for something, I'll do what seems appropriate to me.

EDIT2: Oh, and I've linked some parts of the campaign to the second post to make them easier to find.

((Probably not through, no. Around, more like. Much in the way of detours will be had.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on August 28, 2015, 02:35:27 pm

I don't really have a preference on who we fight, so I'll just get my dice real quick... looks like I'm voting Nick.

Also, jumping off the balcony to join the others. Feel free to make a roll for that, Paris.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 02:38:47 pm

Consider my vote toward consensus.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 02:40:37 pm

Note that you can vote/suggest with PMs if you want.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 28, 2015, 03:08:07 pm

Try to avoid going anywhere near the camps.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 28, 2015, 04:52:28 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 09:04:50 am

---

Staging Area

---

You blink. When you open your eyes, a cold aluminium can of Diet Cho-Cola is now in your hand. You open it and taste it. It is chocolate flavoured.
"Well, you see, that's the hard part. This place exists because of the Games. People are brought here when they are chosen by an entity to participate in the Games. You were brought here to complete challenges for those Games, along with other people."

"Said challenges can be anything. Fights to the death between each other, protecting innocents, exploring new worlds, bringing criminals to justice, assassinating politicians, surviving the zombie apocalypse, super-powered soccer games... And they can take place anywhere, including here in the Staging Area."

"Depending on how well you do in a challenge, you gain points, points that are used by the entity that chose you to modify you as it sees fit. On certain special challenges, you can gain special rewards, depending on your actions and your performance. If you do well, succeed enough times and please the one that chose you, you get to go home and keep your upgrades. Sounds cool, right? And if you happen to die during-"
*caw* "Big bird! Duck and cover!"
Roger grabs you and forces you to duck as a glider flies above you. The man flying it lets go of it and rolls to a stop as the glider crashes on a building behind him, the rock wall unharmed by the impact. Not the most graceful landing ever, but at least he would probably come out of it unharmed if he wasn't already protected from harm.
"Is this where the party is?" the man says as he gets up and removes the dust from his clothes.
"Adventure party!"
"Hey John. Nice landing." he says with a small wave.

After seeing this spectacle, George is actually rather unfazed.  A man falling from the sky is not the strangest thing he's seen or heard today.  He stands up and turns his attention back to Roger.
"Thanks, though if we can't be hurt here, what was the point of ducking?  Oh, but more importantly, what were you saying about dying?  These challenges can kill us?"

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 12:39:16 pm

John nodded at those he crashed beside, then waved toward the victor.  "Well done, Saevus.  Keep on keeping on.  And hello, you," he said toward Rodger.  "Have we met?  I can't recall."

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 01:57:37 pm

"Come to think of it, I don't think I recall either of you.  I could be forgetting, though."

((I can't think of if John's ever specifically met Roger.))

"So, you're John, huh?  My name is George.  I'm new here."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 28, 2015, 05:23:30 pm

now clothed again, as per the local social norm, I continue looking in other nearby houses, hoping to find a hooded cloak if I'm lucky, something with actual protective value and could hide my ears if we found ourselves talking to humans again. However, once it seems we are preparing to leave, I rejoin the group. I don't express any preference about our path, but continue looking around us, looking for signs of River. I also check on Theri, and make sure she's okay.

---

"River, we need you to tell us what a Bond-Former is, since we're hunting one."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 12:14:54 pm

---

Staging Area

---

White Vote: Toaster
Nick: Coolrune, Hawk
Stellar: Megggas

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 28, 2015, 02:35:27 pm

I don't really have a preference on who we fight, so I'll just get my dice real quick... looks like I'm voting Nick.

Also, jumping off the balcony to join the others. Feel free to make a roll for that, Paris.

You bend your legs and jump incredibly high (for a suit of armour, anyway), make a flip in mid air and land on the plazza below, cracking the stone and causing the earth to shudder slightly.

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 01:57:37 pm

((I can't think of if John's ever specifically met Roger.))

((I'm pretty sure you shared a drink in the inn before. Then again, he did change his appearance since then, so you can say it's because of that.))

Quote from: Megggas on August 28, 2015, 04:52:28 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 28, 2015, 09:04:50 am

You blink. When you open your eyes, a cold aluminium can of Diet Cho-Cola is now in your hand. You open it and taste it. It is chocolate flavoured.
"Well, you see, that's the hard part. This place exists because of the Games. People are brought here when they are chosen by an entity to participate in the Games. You were brought here to complete challenges for those Games, along with other people."

"Said challenges can be anything. Fights to the death between each other, protecting innocents, exploring new worlds, bringing criminals to justice, assassinating politicians, surviving the zombie apocalypse, super-powered soccer games... And they can take place anywhere, including here in the Staging Area."

"Depending on how well you do in a challenge, you gain points, points that are used by the entity that chose you to modify you as it sees fit. On certain special challenges, you can gain special rewards, depending on your actions and your performance. If you do well, succeed enough times and please the one that chose you, you get to go home and keep your upgrades. Sounds cool, right? And if you happen to die during-"
*caw* "Big bird! Duck and cover!"
Roger grabs you and forces you to duck as a glider flies above you. The man flying it lets go of it and rolls to a stop as the glider crashes on a building behind him, the rock wall unharmed by the impact. Not the most graceful landing ever, but at least he would probably come out of it unharmed if he wasn't already protected from harm.
"Is this where the party is?" the man says as he gets up and removes the dust from his clothes.
"Adventure party!"
"Hey John. Nice landing." he says with a small wave.

After seeing this spectacle, George is actually rather unfazed.  A man falling from the sky is not the strangest thing he's seen or heard today.  He stands up and turns his attention back to Roger.
"Thanks, though if we can't be hurt here, what was the point of ducking?"

"It's still inconvenient to have things crash on you. And that kind of thinking is dangerous. It's nice to keep your reflexes sharp and your guard up. To try to act normal so that you don't get used to this place and its advantages."

Quote

"Oh, but more importantly, what were you saying about dying?  These challenges can kill us?"

"Yes. But most of the time, you'll come back. I mean, look at John here. I don't think he ever got through a challenge without dying. I think the causes of death are, in order..."
Roger takes a few seconds to look up and stroke his beard as if he is thinking, before he starts quickly enumerating causes of death.
"Alan, soul-merged with a BETA, telekinetic-induced car-crash, lasered in half aaand getting crushed by a giant rock. And he won half of those. There's very few challenges that can 'kill' kill you and you'll probably be warned beforehand."

Quote

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 12:39:16 pm

John nodded at those he crashed beside, then waved toward the victor.  "Well done, Saevus.  Keep on keeping on.  And hello, you," he said toward Rodger.  "Have we met?  I can't recall."

Quote from: Toaster on August 28, 2015, 01:57:37 pm

"Come to think of it, I don't think I recall either of you.  I could be forgetting, though."

"So, you're John, huh?  My name is George.  I'm new here."

"Oh, I forget you're not used to psychic identifiers. Come on man! It's me!" he says while using a hand to gesture towards his chest.
He stays like that for about a second before continuing.
"Roger! The guy from the inn? I served you some food and drinks?"
"Yeah, changed my appearance a bit, got bored with the old one. Thought I'd try something a bit more Mediterranean." he says as he presents his face and body.
"I thought I'd show the new guy around a bit and explain some things before the others drive him insane, ya know?" he adds, putting his arm behind George's shoulders in a half-hug and shaking him before bringing him closer to him in what was probably meant to be a friendly gesture.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe

<character>

You wake up.

You are lying on a single bed. It feels comfortable, although its placement feels strange.
The room you are in is small and made of metal, with ice blue walls and dim white lights hidden in corners and seams.
There's a big, sturdy-looking screen replacing one of the walls of the room, showing a slowly moving starfield. There is a chair facing it, bolted securely to the floor.
There are two electronic doors on the wall, one thick, the other thin, with buttons (that you assume are) for opening them beside them.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 01:16:01 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2015, 05:23:30 pm

now clothed again, as per the local social norm, I continue looking in other nearby houses, hoping to find a hooded cloak if I'm lucky, something with actual protective value and could hide my ears if we found ourselves talking to humans again. However, once it seems we are preparing to leave, I rejoin the group. I don't express any preference about our path, but continue looking around us, looking for signs of River. I also check on Theri, and make sure she's okay.

---

"River, we need you to tell us what a Bond-Former is, since we're hunting one."

There is no cloak that you can find in this house. Best you could do is take a bed sheet and use it as one, if you want to. You'd look a bit weird, but humans calling you 'weird' is probably better than 'monster', right?

As you walk outside and continue your search, you realise why you were feeling uneasy. There's the smell of River's blood in the air, faint and scattered by the wind, but there. Must have been too weak for you to detect consciously. After walking around for a bit, you find the source. A bit of blood on the dirt. It looks like he made an attempt to cover it with dirt (and obfuscate his rather unique footprints), but the wind must have uncovered it. With a bit of effort, you manage to find a trail of weak scent and disturbed earth, hard to spot and harder to follow but visible if you know what you're looking for. This must mean that this is a new trail, different than the one that brought Ike here.

Do you try to follow it or return to the others? Or something else?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 28, 2015, 09:26:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, thank goodness for your flab, Alan, otherwise I might have stabbed you somewhere important."

Help bandage Alan's wound, then let's get moving out already.

Quote from: NAV on August 28, 2015, 11:45:39 am

Help bandage Alan and get on our way.

You use some spare cloth to make a bandage for Alan. It will at least keep him from bleeding to death, although it would probably be best if you could also disinfect the wound. Unless a member of your party knows anything about healing or medicine or herbs or similar. Because without a healer and/or medicine to take care of it, an infection could end badly. You'd need to find someone to heal him at best or someone to carry his soul-sphere at worst.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 01:26:20 pm

I follow River's trail without alerting the others.

---

((Irine knows a lot about herbs and other natural remedies actually, and I wouldn't be surprised if Theri does as well.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 01:34:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 01:26:20 pm

I follow River's trail without alerting the others.

---

((Irine knows a lot about herbs and other natural remedies actually, and I wouldn't be surprised if Theri does as well.))

It takes you some time and effort, following the trail on the dirt and through houses, but you manage to follow the trail to a burnt house, one of those furthest from the bar. The trail probably ends in there, you don't manage to pick it up anywhere around the house. And you can see a bit of blood inside. So he must be in there, unless he used another means of escape.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 29, 2015, 01:48:05 pm

((If we find something even slightly disinfectant Nikolai could tsar it to improve the disinfectant properties.))

"There, nothing a bandage won't fix. Now where have all the fox people disappeared to? We can't leave without them. Or we could."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 29, 2015, 02:16:25 pm

"Wait, don't we need stingy stuff on the owie first?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 29, 2015, 04:01:02 pm

Quote

"Yeah, changed my appearance a bit, got bored with the old one. Thought I'd try something a bit more Mediterranean."

"What?  We can change our appearance here too?"

Close my eyes and wish for a full head of hair.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 05:40:11 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 29, 2015, 01:48:05 pm

((If we find something even slightly disinfectant Nikolai could tsar it to improve the disinfectant properties.))

((Acid is bad for your skin))

---

I go to the door and speak at a normal volume, not yelling, not whispering.
"River? I'm alone. Don't attack me."
I then open the door and go inside, closing it behind me, and search him out. I stay quiet, but not silent. I don't want to startle him while he's hurt, but also don't want to draw attention to us. If I reach a door I think he's hiding behind, then I again, speaking at a calm, normal speaking volume, repeat my statement.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 06:01:41 pm

Quote from: Megggas on August 29, 2015, 04:01:02 pm

Quote

"Yeah, changed my appearance a bit, got bored with the old one. Thought I'd try something a bit more Mediterranean."

"What?  We can change our appearance here too?"

Close my eyes and wish for a full head of hair.

A head made out of hair appears in front of you, fully realistic, including organ-replicas made out of hair.
"Sure. But remember, it's not permanent. And that's not what I used, I can just change my appearance. It's a very useful trick. Especially when you get bored or want to play a prank on someone."

Quote from: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 05:40:11 pm

I go to the door and speak at a normal volume, not yelling, not whispering.
"River? I'm alone. Don't attack me."
I then open the door and go inside, closing it behind me, and search him out. I stay quiet, but not silent. I don't want to startle him while he's hurt, but also don't want to draw attention to us. If I reach a door I think he's hiding behind, then I again, speaking at a calm, normal speaking volume, repeat my statement.

There is no response.
You walk inside, following the trail of blood to a room in the back.
You approach from the side, not looking directly inside. The room looks unnaturally dark. As if only a fraction of light entering through the door makes it to the wall. It makes you feel uneasy.
When you reach the door, the darkness has faded and disappeared, along with the feeling of unease. You repeat your  statement.
There is silence for many seconds, although your sensitive ears hear something inside.
"What do you want?" the response finally comes.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 29, 2015, 06:16:59 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 29, 2015, 02:16:25 pm

"Wait, don't we need stingy stuff on the owie first?"

"Yes, don't want you to start rotting. Why don't you summon some alcohol or hydrogen peroxide or something?"

Quote from: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 05:40:11 pm

Quote from: NAV on August 29, 2015, 01:48:05 pm

((If we find something even slightly disinfectant Nikolai could tsar it to improve the disinfectant properties.))

((Acid is bad for your skin))

((It's also bad for my enemies skin!
I'm not talking about turning regular disinfectant into super disinfectant, I'm talking about turning something with insignificant disinfecting properties (not sure what) into something strong enough to work. But there are much easier ways, like having Alan summon it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 06:18:38 pm

I open the door and step inside, closing it behind me, my hands still holding the ruins of my shirt from the bar.
Once River is in my view, I walk over to him and inspect his wounds, then begin bandaging them with scraps of my old shirt.
I don't have anything to say to him until I've finished treating his wounds, except the occasional request for him to turn or shift to let me work, or to warn him that what I'm about to do will sting if appropriate.
After I'm done, I then sit down facing him, my back against a wall, and wait a bit, putting my words together carefully and making sure I'm calm when I speak.
"What is a Bond-former? If the traitor we're hunting is one, we need to know what it being a Bond-former means."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 06:59:48 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 06:18:38 pm

I open the door and step inside, closing it behind me, my hands still holding the ruins of my shirt from the bar.
Once River is in my view, I walk over to him and inspect his wounds, then begin bandaging them with scraps of my old shirt.
I don't have anything to say to him until I've finished treating his wounds, except the occasional request for him to turn or shift to let me work, or to warn him that what I'm about to do will sting if appropriate.
After I'm done, I then sit down facing him, my back against a wall, and wait a bit, putting my words together carefully and making sure I'm calm when I speak.
"What is a Bond-former? If the traitor we're hunting is one, we need to know what it being a Bond-former means."

You enter the room.

River is standing close to a corner of the room, without his armour. His armour and other belongings are lying on the floor nearby.
His wounds look better and the fur around them has regenerated somewhat, but they haven't closed yet. He is still bleeding from his chest.
He watches you closely, his body tense. He becomes even more tense as you approach and raise your hands. He does not move but you feel like he is ready to snap.

Yet you remain calm. You touch his chest and shift his fur to get a better look at his wounds, before starting to rip what was left of your shirt into appropriate fragments to use as bandages. You tie them around his torso to help cover and apply pressure to the wounds. He follows your directions and allows you to work, but he never stops watching you and your hands. You do an excellent job, the best you could hope for with the tools you were given.

You take a few seconds to inspect your work and make sure you haven't missed anything. Satisfied, you sit down facing him with your back against a wall.
"What is a Bond-former? If the traitor we're hunting is one, we need to know what it being a Bond-former means."
He continues looking at you silently for a few seconds before responding.
"Being a Bond-former means living for the one you have bonded with. We are beings that form a link with the soul of another being. Either when we are born or during our lives. We use that link to make both of us stronger. Some of us are granted Gifts. Gifts we use to achieve our purpose. We are meant to help. Each in our own way."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 29, 2015, 07:05:13 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 29, 2015, 02:16:25 pm

"Wait, don't we need stingy stuff on the owie first?"

"That's actually a good point, Alan. Can you make some antiseptic? Or at least some right and proper pure alcohol? Either'd work."

If some variety of disinfectant is produced, do not hesitate to put it to good use on Alan's wounds, rebandaging as necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 07:13:06 pm

my voice is calm, if anything a little perky and cheerful.
"I used the last of the fire I can summon to change to this form River. I need some time before I can use that ability again."
I shift my eyes from the wall beside him to actually making eye contact with him.
"I am very, very angry with you River."
I give a short pause.
"How would my questions hurt someone?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 07:33:16 pm

He doesn't break eye contact with you. His voice remains... not calm. Flat and quick might be the best way to describe it.
"Someone I care about broke the rules. It is his body you helped me find in the Relay. I broke the rules to help him. He begged me. I took him with me."

"The one that chose you might see your memories. When you go back to the Staging Area and they work on your soul. If the others find out about him, they will either punish him or blackmail him. If they find out about me helping him... I will not be blackmailed. I have nothing of value for them to take except my life. They will destroy me."

"I am not afraid of death. But I do not want to waste my life."

"I had to stop you. Your questions could make them suspicious. I had to take you away before you could cause more harm. I did not know how. I am not a good liar. So I acted on instinct. And did my best to take you away."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 07:54:31 pm

"The one that chose me is Stellar. D and Stellar are bonded. She uses Charlie's assistance to modify my abilities, due to their complexity and the way they interact with each other, being my own design. I have a piece of blackmail material against Charlie, and Stellar is in my debt. I also have made publicly clear how much I object to others touching my mind without my express permission, and probably would have no need to use either. I care for D, he's looked out for me as if I was his own, and he cares for and helps Stellar as well, as best he can. D is not at risk from me."

This is going to be a long eye-to-eye moment. I am not going to be the first to look away though. He's been trying to dominate me for far too long.

"Why didn't you just tell me you had to answer me in private?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:03:25 pm

Adam gets up, slowly looking around, noting the fact that his clothes are already on.
Did I go to bed dressed? Wait, no, I had just gotten dressed after getting out of bed, then I blacked out and ended up...
Here.
Technologically advanced, too, can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Is this an interrogation room? If so, I swear I've repented, I'm a changed man now."
Blah blah blah.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 29, 2015, 08:32:58 pm

Alan casts Summon Greater Booze!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 29, 2015, 08:35:59 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:03:25 pm

Adam gets up, slowly looking around, noting the fact that his clothes are already on.
Did I go to bed dressed? Wait, no, I had just gotten dressed after getting out of bed, then I blacked out and ended up...
Here.
Technologically advanced, too, can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Is this an interrogation room? If so, I swear I've repented, I'm a changed man now."

((Looks like we've got another character with unknown powers to add to the tvtropes page.  At least we know your character's name.  :P))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 06:01:41 pm

A head made out of hair appears in front of you, fully realistic, including organ-replicas made out of hair.
"Sure. But remember, it's not permanent. And that's not what I used, I can just change my appearance. It's a very useful trick. Especially when you get bored or want to play a prank on someone."

George shivers and tries to avoid making eye contact with the hair head.
"So you have the special ability to disguise yourself?  Is that why one of those 'entities' brought you here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:39:38 pm

Quote from: Megggas on August 29, 2015, 08:35:59 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:03:25 pm

Adam gets up, slowly looking around, noting the fact that his clothes are already on.
Did I go to bed dressed? Wait, no, I had just gotten dressed after getting out of bed, then I blacked out and ended up...
Here.
Technologically advanced, too, can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Is this an interrogation room? If so, I swear I've repented, I'm a changed man now."

((Looks like we've got another character with unknown powers to add to the tvtropes page.  At least we know your character's name.  :P))

((Adam ain't his full name, his actual name is Litany Adams, he just likes being called Adam more.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 29, 2015, 09:07:06 pm

Make sure they don't use all the booze on Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 01:32:12 am

*in Alan


John snapped his fingers.  "Oh yeah, with the sweet burgers!  Will have to have another of your specialties sometime.  So yeah, I do have a bad habit of getting maimed.  Probably should work on that sometime... but explosions are so effective!"

He thought for a second.  "How is Alan doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 30, 2015, 02:06:20 am

Quote from: NAV on August 29, 2015, 09:07:06 pm

Make sure they don't use all the booze on Alan.

Make doubly sure.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 05:43:43 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 29, 2015, 07:54:31 pm

"The one that chose me is Stellar. D and Stellar are bonded. She uses Charlie's assistance to modify my abilities, due to their complexity and the way they interact with each other, being my own design. I have a piece of blackmail material against Charlie, and Stellar is in my debt. I also have made publicly clear how much I object to others touching my mind without my express permission, and probably would have no need to use either. I care for D, he's looked out for me as if I was his own, and he cares for and helps Stellar as well, as best he can. D is not at risk from me."

"I do not trust her. And I was unsure about whether or not I should trust you. I told Ike to tell you if he thought you could be trusted. Because I trusted his judgment. I decided to tell you later. But I could not find the right time. And then you made me question my trust in you again."

Quote

This is going to be a long eye-to-eye moment. I am not going to be the first to look away though. He's been trying to dominate me for far too long.

"Why didn't you just tell me you had to answer me in private?"

"I... did not think about that.
I wanted you to do something. I expected you to do what I wanted."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 06:15:15 am

"Hehe, I can understand that. Stellar thinks like me, but isn't as honest, both to others and to herself. Kinda like what Ike was asking me to become back there. If my thought style scares you, hers is probably terrifying. Still, I'm pretty sure she won't betray you or D on this. If she even gets the chance. Like I said, she isn't comfortable modifying me.What about Charlie though?"

---

"I've never taken orders well River. You ask for me to do what you say without question, but the only time you'll actually get me to do that is when there is an immediate threat. Like when you said for us to remove our comwires during the ashwraith attack. But most of the time? I... kinda need a reason for what you want me to do if you want me to actually do it. What I do is largely about creativity. If I don't understand what you want and why, I can't do a good job."
I pause for a moment. and wow this eye to eye thing is going long.
"River, you've tried to physically dominate me several times. I don't think you understand. It doesn't matter that you're bigger and stronger than me. Everyone is bigger and stronger than me. Everyone has been bigger and stronger than me my whole life. It doesn't matter, it never has, and it never will. You can scare me, but you won't intimidate me. Right now, there's no practical difference between how we're standing, and you having your teeth on my throat. I'm out of firepower, weak, and compared to you really slow. I also chose to put myself in this situation willingly, because we needed to talk. Stop trying to make me subservient, I may have stepped down, but I bow to no one, no matter their strength."
and still, my voice is actually kinda cheerful. it's a touch unnatural and forced, but not much.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 07:57:20 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 29, 2015, 07:05:13 pm

"That's actually a good point, Alan. Can you make some antiseptic? Or at least some right and proper pure alcohol? Either'd work."

If some variety of disinfectant is produced, do not hesitate to put it to good use on Alan's wounds, rebandaging as necessary.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 29, 2015, 08:32:58 pm

Alan casts Summon Greater Booze!

You summon a small bottle half-filled with... something. It's clear and smells of alcohol, so it will probably do.

Quote from: NAV on August 29, 2015, 09:07:06 pm

Make sure they don't use all the booze on Alan.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 30, 2015, 02:06:20 am

Quote from: NAV on August 29, 2015, 09:07:06 pm

Make sure they don't use all the booze on Alan.

Make doubly sure.

You dump the contents of the bottle on Alan's wound, causing him to writhe and scream like a little girl.
You make sure to keep a few drops of the substance in the bottle.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 06:15:15 am

"Hehe, I can understand that. Stellar thinks like me, but isn't as honest, both to others and to herself. Kinda like what Ike was asking me to become back there. If my thought style scares you, hers is probably terrifying. Still, I'm pretty sure she won't betray you or D on this. If she even gets the chance. Like I said, she isn't comfortable modifying me. What about Charlie though?"

"...I have to trust him."

Quote

"I've never taken orders well River. You ask for me to do what you say without question, but the only time you'll actually get me to do that is when there is an immediate threat. Like when you said for us to remove our comwires during the ashwraith attack. But most of the time? I... kinda need a reason for what you want me to do if you want me to actually do it. What I do is largely about creativity. If I don't understand what you want and why, I can't do a good job."
I pause for a moment. and wow this eye to eye thing is going long.
"River, you've tried to physically dominate me several times. I don't think you understand. It doesn't matter that you're bigger and stronger than me. Everyone is bigger and stronger than me. Everyone has been bigger and stronger than me my whole life. It doesn't matter, it never has, and it never will. You can scare me, but you won't intimidate me. Right now, there's no practical difference between how we're standing, and you having your teeth on my throat. I'm out of firepower, weak, and compared to you really slow. I also chose to put myself in this situation willingly, because we needed to talk. Stop trying to make me subservient, I may have stepped down, but I bow to no one, no matter their strength."
and still, my voice is actually kinda cheerful. it's a touch unnatural and forced, but not much.

"...Maybe. Or maybe it is a trick. You have shown you do not trust me. Even if I did force you to do something, then if you had trusted me, you could had followed me anyway. Instead, you were ready to kill me."
He looks at you for several seconds before slowly approaching you and sitting down besides you, looking at the opposite wall.
"I do not want you to be subservient. I do not want to kill you. Or use you."

---

Staging Area

---

White Vote: Toaster
Nick: Coolrune, Hawk
Stellar: Megggas

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:03:25 pm

Adam gets up, slowly looking around, noting the fact that his clothes are already on.
Did I go to bed dressed? Wait, no, I had just gotten dressed after getting out of bed, then I blacked out and ended up...
Here.
Technologically advanced, too, can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Is this an interrogation room? If so, I swear I've repented, I'm a changed man now."
Blah blah blah.

:So you say.: comes a voice through a speaker on the screen.
He sounds old, speaking with a slight British accent.
:But I am not convinced.:
The screen starts showing you a mirror image of your own room, but different. The biggest difference being that there is something sitting in the chair there.
The humanoid figure is dark, a strange plastic-like substance that seems to dissolve and fade into his surroundings, as if its edges are made of dust. There's a thick red vertical line going through the part of his face where its left eye should be.
:Why don't you take a seat?: the voice comes through the speaker again, accompanied by a gesture from the seated figure towards your seat. Must be some sort of 3d screen system, for your view of the room changes as you move your head.

Quote from: Megggas on August 29, 2015, 08:35:59 pm

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 29, 2015, 08:03:25 pm

Adam gets up, slowly looking around, noting the fact that his clothes are already on.
Did I go to bed dressed? Wait, no, I had just gotten dressed after getting out of bed, then I blacked out and ended up...
Here.
Technologically advanced, too, can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Is this an interrogation room? If so, I swear I've repented, I'm a changed man now."

((Looks like we've got another character with unknown powers to add to the tvtropes page.  At least we know your character's name.  :P))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 29, 2015, 06:01:41 pm

A head made out of hair appears in front of you, fully realistic, including organ-replicas made out of hair.
"Sure. But remember, it's not permanent. And that's not what I used, I can just change my appearance. It's a very useful trick. Especially when you get bored or want to play a prank on someone."

George shivers and tries to avoid making eye contact with the hair head.
"So you have the special ability to disguise yourself?  Is that why one of those 'entities' brought you here?"

((All Most character names and descriptions are in the first post.))
"Among other things. And no, the others didn't bring me here. I came here on my own." he says, letting that sink in for a few moments.

Quote from: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 01:32:12 am

John snapped his fingers.  "Oh yeah, with the sweet burgers!  Will have to have another of your specialties sometime.  So yeah, I do have a bad habit of getting maimed.  Probably should work on that sometime... but explosions are so effective!"

He thought for a second.  "How is Alan doing?"

"No idea. He says they're probably still alive, so at least that's something. Don't know what's taking them so long though. Or why we haven't heard anything else from them yet."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 30, 2015, 08:07:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"There we go! Now that's proper medical-like."

Make sure Alan's bandaged, then do a headcount. Correct any conspicuous absences to the best of my ability.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 08:28:19 am

"Yeah... how many missions have the rest of us done since we left?  Didn't they leave right when we went off to the BETA event?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 30, 2015, 08:29:47 am

He hears the entity speak it's disbelief.
"Good, I would have thought much less of you if you believed me."
And he gives a small nod of appreciation when given the option to sit.
"I think I will, thank you."
He slowly lowers himself onto the chair, making himself comfortable, eventually coming to rest with one leg crossing the other, and both hands held together, laying on his legs.
"Now, I don't think we should be wasting each-others time here, so let me get down to brass tacks, if you wanted to kill me, I would be dead already, if you wanted to interrogate me, I most likely wouldn't be capable of moving around as much as I am now, yet if there was nothing to speak about, I would probably still be at the Camp, so what do you want from me?"
He speaks calmly, if he felt surprise, he did not show it, nor express any disbelief at his situation, in fact, he seemed quite happy, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 08:57:38 am

annnnnnnd I can't maintain my level voice anymore. He finally stopped acting antagonistic, and without an enemy to be shoving my will against...
my knees are coming up to my chest and my arms wrap around them.
"If you want me to believe you, then stop doing it. If you want me to trust you, then act like someone I can trust. If you didn't just drag me out here away from Stellar to torture and toy with me then stop doing it already! It hurts."
I look away from River to hide my wet eyes, and stay silent for several seconds.
"C-Could I talk to D for a bit?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 30, 2015, 09:06:35 am

(I vote for Stellar)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 30, 2015, 10:06:15 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 07:57:20 am

---

Staging Area

---

"Among other things. And no, the others didn't bring me here. I came here on my own." he says, letting that sink in for a few moments.

George, still not getting it, has a look of curiosity on his face.
"Came here on your own?  Wow, so you have the ability to travel to other dimensions too?  Are you just visiting this place?"

Before even hearing Roger's response, George pipes in with another question.
"Oh wait, hold that thought.  You said earlier that each of the people picked for these Games were chosen by some kind of 'entity'.  What is an Entity, exactly?  If it's some kind of annoying disembodied voice, then I think one of them was talking to me earlier."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 30, 2015, 10:13:02 am

"Only a few drops left? That's not enough for anything. Alan, summon more booze.

Now where did those foxes get to?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 10:24:01 am

Quote from: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 08:57:38 am

annnnnnnd I can't maintain my level voice anymore. He finally stopped acting antagonistic, and without an enemy to be shoving my will against...
my knees are coming up to my chest and my arms wrap around them.
"If you want me to believe you, then stop doing it. If you want me to trust you, then act like someone I can trust. If you didn't just drag me out here away from Stellar to torture and toy with me then stop doing it already! It hurts."

He doesn't look at you.
"I will try."

Quote

I look away from River to hide my wet eyes, and stay silent for several seconds.
"C-Could I talk to D for a bit?"

"Yes. You can. If you want to. I will let him talk. But..."
He shifts his legs.
"Do you still believe I am a...?"
He turns his head towards you but he is looking down.
"Are we...?"
He waits several seconds.
"Are we going to be companions again?" he asks quietly.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 10:51:23 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 08:28:19 am

"Yeah... how many missions have the rest of us done since we left?  Didn't they leave right when we went off to the BETA event?"

"Yeah, but those two didn't last too long. Besides, time works a bit funny here. Still linear most of the time, but not exactly constant."

Quote from: Megggas on August 30, 2015, 10:06:15 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 07:57:20 am

"Among other things. And no, the others didn't bring me here. I came here on my own." he says, letting that sink in for a few moments.

George, still not getting it, has a look of curiosity on his face.
"Came here on your own?  Wow, so you have the ability to travel to other dimensions too?  Are you just visiting this place?"

Before even hearing Roger's response, George pipes in with another question.
"Oh wait, hold that thought.  You said earlier that each of the people picked for these Games were chosen by some kind of 'entity'.  What is an Entity, exactly?  If it's some kind of annoying disembodied voice, then I think one of them was talking to me earlier."

He points towards his chest.
"Guilty as charged on both counts. Sometimes we get an avatar like Sir Smokesalot over there" he says, pointing at Charlie "or Nick here" he continues, rubbing the crow on his shoulder under its beak, which responds by closing its eyes, cawing and biting his arm softly "but most of the time it's just telepathic comments. As long as someone is powerful enough, abides to certain rules and... let's say 'signs an agreement', they can be an entity."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 30, 2015, 08:29:47 am

He hears the entity speak it's disbelief.
"Good, I would have thought much less of you if you believed me."
And he gives a small nod of appreciation when given the option to sit.
"I think I will, thank you."
He slowly lowers himself onto the chair, making himself comfortable, eventually coming to rest with one leg crossing the other, and both hands held together, laying on his legs.
"Now, I don't think we should be wasting each-others time here, so let me get down to brass tacks, if you wanted to kill me, I would be dead already, if you wanted to interrogate me, I most likely wouldn't be capable of moving around as much as I am now, yet if there was nothing to speak about, I would probably still be at the Camp, so what do you want from me?"
He speaks calmly, if he felt surprise, he did not show it, nor express any disbelief at his situation, in fact, he seemed quite happy, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

((Got any suggestions or questions for the vote? We got a tie now. If you don't have a vote, then I'll just choose at random.))

:Indeed, you are correct. Quite perceptive and to the point.:

:You see, I'm looking for a partner in certain... activities. And I believe that you have what it takes to be that man. Both in terms of skills and character. So I brought you here where you will participate in certain challenges. Challenges that will both help you prove to me that you are the right man for the job and prepare you for what is to come.:

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 01:47:27 pm

"I'm here, aren't I?"
I sniff.
"If you weren't my companion I wouldn't have come. I wouldn't even be mad. I'd just treat you as yet another monster, acting to your nature, and protect myself. There's no point in being mad at a monster for being a monster. You get mad at your companions when they do something dumb that hurts you. Putting yourself in the jaws of a monster is dumb."
...
"I've hurt you too, I can't ask for forgiveness if I can't forgive. If you weren't my companion I wouldn't have come. Annnd... I promised. If you let me go, to give you another chance. and in the end you chose to let me go. I keep my promises."
...
"Still mad though."
...
"C-can I talk to D now?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 30, 2015, 02:41:11 pm

More booze for Nikolai! I sure have learned from irresponsibly spamming my unreliable powers, haven't I?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 04:33:31 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 30, 2015, 01:47:27 pm

"I'm here, aren't I?"
I sniff.
"If you weren't my companion I wouldn't have come. I wouldn't even be mad. I'd just treat you as yet another monster, acting to your nature, and protect myself. There's no point in being mad at a monster for being a monster. You get mad at your companions when they do something dumb that hurts you. Putting yourself in the jaws of a monster is dumb."
...
"I've hurt you too, I can't ask for forgiveness if I can't forgive. If you weren't my companion I wouldn't have come. Annnd... I promised. If you let me go, to give you another chance. and in the end you chose to let me go. I keep my promises."
...
"Still mad though."
...
"C-can I talk to D now?"

"I understand."
He raises his hand and moves it closer to yours but pauses.
"I am going to touch you so I can link you directly. Less chance of someone hearing us. I will not cause you pain." he says as before continuing.
He pauses again, this time his expression changing into something like pain, like someone just slapped him.
"Give him some time to stop speaking. I do not think you want to hear that. I had him muted for a while."
"He is twice as worse now." he adds more quietly.
River's expression gets progressively angrier, more agitated, until he finally snaps and shouts.
"No! It is not like that, she is-"
"You! You are the one who-"
"Grrgh, just stop talking, I am putting her on." he says as he softly takes your hand in his, turning his head to look away from you at the same time.
<-so fucking depraved you'd make fucking hot dog vendors->
The barrage of words stops almost as quickly as it started and then immediately replaced by another one, although with an abrupt change of tone.
<Heeey, beautiful! Long time no speak! How you doing? Have you been eating well? How are your vacations with this crazy anti-social idiot treating you? Anything fun happened while I wasn't looking? Oh man, it's so good to speak to you, it was so good to see you, if I had a body I'd hug you, I was really worried you wouldn't make it for a while. And there's really not much I can do from in here except wish real hard that nothing bad happens, can't even use harsh words! But man, is it good to speak to someone again, last few days felt like years! It was torture! Like watching a movie and having no one to talk with, or worse, actually screaming at the actors in a movie what giant idiots they are being. Do you have any idea what it feels like to be completely helpless? And Ike, oh, don't get me stared on that guy! Such a dick move! I asked the guy one thing! We're supposed to be buds, and he just forgot about me? Oh, but the real dick here is the one who's head I'm trapped in. How do I know it's his head, well it's because he has so little brains he->
<Stop! Just stop. She is upset. She wants to talk to you. This is not about me.> River says with anger and some anxiety, stopping what would had probably been an endless torrent.
<Oh, yeah, right. Strangely perceptive of you. Sorry baby, just a bit pent up, venting, won't happen again. So, what can I do for my favourite foxgirl?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 10:04:44 pm

"Fair enough.  I've been here enough to know there's no real point to question weirdness like that.  I mean, if I really wanted a laugh, I could ask Zero.  No offense, bud, but you're tricky to get an answer out of- at least the one I want.  Anyway, we gearing up for another round yet?  Seems like we're always go go go, especially with no one to summon us couches."

((Hmm... is it possible for a player to become an entity?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 30, 2015, 11:51:54 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 10:04:44 pm

((Hmm... is it possible for a player to become an entity?))

((Probably not without something special happening, like how Irene gained the power of Amethyst back in Mission 2A, and used it to provide Stellar with more power and save a few folks.  Under normal circumstances, I doubt most of the entities would let their "champions" become more powerful than them.  Of course, I'm not Parisbre56, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 10:51:23 am

He points towards his chest.
"Guilty as charged on both counts. Sometimes we get an avatar like Sir Smokesalot over there" he says, pointing at Charlie "or Nick here" he continues, rubbing the crow on his shoulder under its beak, which responds by closing its eyes, cawing and biting his arm softly "but most of the time it's just telepathic comments. As long as someone is powerful enough, abides to certain rules and... let's say 'signs an agreement', they can be an entity."

George takes a deep breath and closes his eyes in concentration.  After several seconds, he opens his eyes and says:
"Ok, so you, Nick, and the smoking guy are powerful entities.  Is everyone else here in the Staging Area some kind of entity too?  How many entities are there?"

George listens to the answers, and says afterward:
"Well, I've still got dozens of questions, but I think I know enough and I'm tired of talking.  Thanks for telling me all this.  I guess I'll just go along with whatever happens next.  Eh, not that I have a choice anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 31, 2015, 01:08:02 am

((Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum I choose.... Nick.))
Adam nods courteously when the being compliments him, "I was always taught to be.", but then raises his eyebrow but a fraction when told about the challenges.
"The right man for the job? I'm flattered, though I assume these aren't any normal challenges?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 02:08:30 am

I chuckle as he calls me his favorite.
<It's nice to speak to you again too D. Are you okay?>
annnnnnnnd he's pretty much guarenteed to talk my ear off in response to that, but that's okay. He needs a chance to vent.
anyway, when he finally finishes:
<How's Stellar? Is she okay?>
and after he tells Irine something Lenglon already knows - that he doesn't have communication with the staging area.
<Oh. Okay. Um, D? What is a Bond-Former? River can't explain it very well, and I really need to know.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 31, 2015, 07:52:17 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 30, 2015, 08:07:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"There we go! Now that's proper medical-like."

Make sure Alan's bandaged, then do a headcount. Correct any conspicuous absences to the best of my ability.

Alan is indeed bandaged.
You also draw a stick figure with three tails on the dirt and call it Irine. Problem == solved.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 30, 2015, 02:41:11 pm

More booze for Nikolai! I sure have learned from irresponsibly spamming my unreliable powers, haven't I?

You summon a gigantic barrel that comes to rest on the ground with an earth-shuddering thud. It will be hard to move around, but you can probably refill your bottles from it. Assuming it has booze in it and not nitroglycerine or something.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 02:08:30 am

I chuckle as he calls me his favorite.
<It's nice to speak to you again too D. Are you okay?>
annnnnnnnd he's pretty much guarenteed to talk my ear off in response to that, but that's okay. He needs a chance to vent.
anyway, when he finally finishes:
<How's Stellar? Is she okay?>
and after he tells Irine something Lenglon already knows - that he doesn't have communication with the staging area.
<Oh. Okay. Um, D? What is a Bond-Former? River can't explain it very well, and I really need to know.>

<It's nice to speak to you again too D. Are you okay?>
<Yeah, well, OK is relative. I'm trapped here. I'm just a prisoner watching helplessly. I have no mouth and I must scream some incredibly funny jokes I've thought of while watching you guys. Kinda hard to be chill with that. It messes with my awesomeness. But I'm still alive and you're still alive and the others are still alive, so I guess that's something. And I can talk now, so that makes things better. I'm hoping now that you know about me, things will get better. You know, stay positive and all that.>
<How's Stellar? Is she okay?>
<She's still alive and mostly fine, that much I can tell. Our bond can never be completely severed. Well, it can, but it's very very very difficult without... well, doing bad things to her.> he says with disgust.
<And it would be wrong.>
<Yeah, no, I'm not having that conversation again, so stuff it. Anyway, can't really do much more than feel our bond, he's not letting me contact her, says it's too dangerous or something.>
<It is too dangerous. For you, for me and everyone else here. And it is wrong.>
<See? He's such a weener. Not that I'd have much to say other than we're fine and he's being an idiot. My stay here hasn't been exactly 'mission accomplished', ya know? But it would be nice to talk to her, see how she's feeling. Bond is fine, but it doesn't hold up to a good face to face or mind merge.>
<The one I have bonded with should feel that I have regenerated. They should all know we are still here.>
<Yeah, cause he's so trustworthy. And that's what she really cares about, whether or not you're alive.> he responds sarcastically.
<Oh. Okay. Um, D? What is a Bond-Former? River can't explain it very well, and I really need to know.>
<Sure, I wouldn't expect him to do a good job at it, that's a pretty broad subject for his mind. What exactly do you need to know? We're as complicated as we are simple. And we are really diverse. Probably because we're magical creatures. All that's really constant in bond-formers is how part of their soul works. Some basic instincts, how we bond to others and how we procreate. After that, we have all sorts of weird things. Some are almost almost fully mundane and biological, almost no magic involved, some are completely magical, made out of impossible materials, with gifts that make them the most powerful and awesomest of them all (that's me, by the way). Some are as big as small moons, some are smaller than humans. Some can fly, some can swim, some can run, some can become trees, some can survive in space or deep underground...>

Quote from: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 10:04:44 pm

"Fair enough.  I've been here enough to know there's no real point to question weirdness like that.  I mean, if I really wanted a laugh, I could ask Zero.  No offense, bud, but you're tricky to get an answer out of- at least the one I want.  Anyway, we gearing up for another round yet?  Seems like we're always go go go, especially with no one to summon us couches."

((Hmm... is it possible for a player to become an entity?))

((Possible, yes. Plausible, no, not unless you end up in some really weird mission. Not to mention that then your character would have to leave the games, at least as a participant. You could always become an entity like the others, the one that chose another player, if that's something you'd find fun. Maybe gain an extra vote and extra say in what mission I'm going to run or what's going to happen during each mission or making up rules. Don't know what else, haven't thought about it too much, since like I said it's not very plausible.

But it would definitely be an achievement. I'd find a way to reward you. Put you in some kind of hall of fame, maybe let you start the game with a new character with some extra points so you can get a much more powerful or complex character.))

"Not my fault man. I tried my best. Maybe you're just not asking the right questions. And yes, we're working on a challenge now, although I think it would take around ((15 days)) or more for us to start."

Quote from: Megggas on August 30, 2015, 11:51:54 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 30, 2015, 10:04:44 pm

((Hmm... is it possible for a player to become an entity?))

((Probably not without something special happening, like how Irene gained the power of Amethyst back in Mission 2A, and used it to provide Stellar with more power and save a few folks.  Under normal circumstances, I doubt most of the entities would let their "champions" become more powerful than them.  Of course, I'm not Parisbre56, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 30, 2015, 10:51:23 am

He points towards his chest.
"Guilty as charged on both counts. Sometimes we get an avatar like Sir Smokesalot over there" he says, pointing at Charlie "or Nick here" he continues, rubbing the crow on his shoulder under its beak, which responds by closing its eyes, cawing and biting his arm softly "but most of the time it's just telepathic comments. As long as someone is powerful enough, abides to certain rules and... let's say 'signs an agreement', they can be an entity."

George takes a deep breath and closes his eyes in concentration.  After several seconds, he opens his eyes and says:
"Ok, so you, Nick, and the smoking guy are powerful entities.  Is everyone else here in the Staging Area some kind of entity too?  How many entities are there?"

George listens to the answers, and says afterward:
"Well, I've still got dozens of questions, but I think I know enough and I'm tired of talking.  Thanks for telling me all this.  I guess I'll just go along with whatever happens next.  Eh, not that I have a choice anyway."

((Even in entities there are differences and not all of them are the same. Even if someone somehow became an entity, it would still take them a while to become more powerful then some of the entities in the games. Unless you became an entity under some really, really, really weird circumstances.))

"Right now, around 20, with an equal number of players. Although some of them are missing in other challenges. I think there's 6 of you here."

"Yeah, that's the spirit! Don't let life get you down! There's not much you can control in it. Things could get better or worse in an instant. So just enjoy yourself while you can!"

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 31, 2015, 01:08:02 am

((Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum I choose.... Nick.))
Adam nods courteously when the being compliments him, "I was always taught to be.", but then raises his eyebrow but a fraction when told about the challenges.
"The right man for the job? I'm flattered, though I assume these aren't any normal challenges?"

((Good. We have a tie breaker. Otherwise I was going to have other people vote as well in a poll.
Okay then, Nick it is. Looks like there's a storm coming...))

:Correct once again. You see, the problem is that there is a committee picking those challenges, a committee I am part of. And members of said committee sometimes have ulterior motives or are not very sane. And they are very powerful, so whatever insane challenge they can think of, they can create. However, this time you are both lucky and unlucky. You are lucky, because the challenge is simple. And unlucky because it appears that you are going to be fighting someone. Specifically, one of the people in said committee. But there is no reason to worry, for you will not be allowed to die.:

:You are free to leave through the door on your left when you are ready to meet the other participants, those who will join you in the coming fight.: he adds, pointing at one of the doors.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2015, 08:09:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

The thought of Alan being able to make boomshine is enough to bring a smile to Ike's face.

Fill bottle with suspicious boozelike liquid. The fact that it hasn't exploded yet should theoretically be a testament to its relative stability. Smell it, see what I can discern about it.

Then go looking for Irine. These freaking people just can't stay still, can they?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 08:15:08 am

"Oh sure, no rush.  Gives me more time to socialize and all that.  Do we get any hints?  Hilarious commentary by you?"

((An opinion shared by John and Toaster.))

John turned to look at George.  "Speaking of socializing, don't think I've seen you around here.  I'm John.  I've been here long enough to know that you'll be okay as long as you don't take things too seriously."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 31, 2015, 08:39:17 am

((So our team consists of George, the healer, John, the machine builder, Rune, the animorph shapeshifter, Ron, the muscled superhuman, Saevus, the living armor, and Adam, the wildcard.  Our opponent is Nick who, based on the post describing the entity battles, will fight us as a giant bird creature that flies high above us and shoots down electrical attacks at us.

Since only two of us can fly, I think our best chance of winning will be to hide somewhere at the beginning of the battle and let John and Rune buff themselves up with machinery & biomass respectively.  Then once both of them are powerful enough, they can fly up to Nick and clip his wings.  After Nick is grounded, all of us can just rush him and finish him off.

That's just my idea, though.  If there's no IC reason for our characters to work out a plan like this, then just ignore it.  George certainly isn't gonna be coming up with battle strategies.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 08:43:45 am

<So Bond-Former is a modifier applied to a base creature, structure, or concept so long as they have a soul. The modifier grants them a soul-to-soul bonding target and a special ability or talent, as well as enhancing the growth of both former and target, and makes the former protective of the target. Also it changes the way you make babies. What I want to know is how we're related, because that seems very similar to how I am, but my bonding target isn't an individual. But what I need to know right now is... River, you... might want to not listen to this... Exactly who our assassination target is, the identifier they use for their voice, what their base form is, what their talent is, who their allies are or were, and what exactly they did that makes River, and oddly only River, want to kill them.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 31, 2015, 08:45:37 am

Edit:WHOOPSIES.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on August 31, 2015, 09:13:30 am

Quote from: Megggas on August 31, 2015, 08:39:17 am

Since only two of us can fly, I think our best chance of winning will be to hide somewhere at the beginning of the battle and let John and Rune buff themselves up with machinery & biomass respectively.  Then once both of them are powerful enough, they can fly up to Nick and clip his wings.  After Nick is grounded, all of us can just rush him and finish him off.

((Or John could give Saevus a minigun.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 09:40:47 am

((An AA flak cannon might be more suitable for keeping him off us while we suit up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 31, 2015, 10:44:26 am

I have a bunch of empty bottles. Fill them!
Dip my finger in and taste a single drop of the stuff.

<Ireeeeeeene don't make us leave without you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 31, 2015, 11:16:52 am

(I can carry with me three powers. I have super drugs. So far though, they only let me have projectile powers, though. Also, just make me some BFGs, I could dual wield those)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 31, 2015, 11:20:21 am

((I'll probably try to become some large form of arachnid with the ability to fling webs. It would allow me to potentially immobilize him, and larger tarantulas have been known to eat birds.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Salsacookies on August 31, 2015, 11:21:28 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 31, 2015, 11:20:21 am

((I'll probably try to become some large form of arachnid with the ability to fling webs. It would allow me to potentially immobilize him, and larger tarantulas have been known to eat birds.))

Sweet. So I'd just throw you at the bird, then, and you'd take care of the rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on August 31, 2015, 11:22:22 am

((Hm, ya.  John could just provide every member of the team with armor and weapons.  Can John make fire extinguishers?  George could really use one of those))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 31, 2015, 11:24:22 am

((Let's not plan any group attacks yet, Salsa ^.^ The problem with those is the fact that if one member in the group dies, everyone else gets messed up ^.^))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 11:57:50 am

Quote from: Megggas on August 31, 2015, 11:22:22 am

((Hm, ya.  John could just provide every member of the team with armor and weapons.  Can John make fire extinguishers?  George could really use one of those))

((If it's a machine, I can make it.  First mission involved me making a Roomba at one point.  ...a slightly homicidal Roomba, but that's beside the point.

Anyway, the only factor is time; it's not really quick.  Giving everyone matching gear would be much quicker than individual requests, though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 31, 2015, 01:45:30 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 08:15:08 am

"Oh sure, no rush.  Gives me more time to socialize and all that.  Do we get any hints?  Hilarious commentary by you?"

"Of course! You can never get rid of my commentary."
He leans closer to you, as if he is whispering some secret, even though he continues speaking normally.
"Apparently, you'll be fighting one of our avatars. Don't know who yet, it's still under debate. I'm hoping for me, personally, so I can show off and kick some ass. But, I dunno, taking any of the others and beating them to a pulp should be fun too. Assuming you can do well. Should take their overinflated egos down a notch."
*caw* "Irony!"
"Yes, it will be pretty ironic for their avatars to die, wouldn't it?"
"Not what I meant."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on August 31, 2015, 08:45:37 am

A wry smile appears on Adams face, "Well, this certainly wasn't something I would have ever expected, still, I assume worse things have happened.
Could you give me any information on this member I shall be fighting? And, if possible, my teammates?"

:Unfortunately, no. We have yet to decide who exactly you will be fighting. As for your teammates, I believe it would be more interesting to see what you can find out on your own. I can offer advice or information if that is necessary, but I'd prefer to see how you can handle this without my help.:

Quote from: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 08:43:45 am

<So Bond-Former is a modifier applied to a base creature, structure, or concept so long as they have a soul. The modifier grants them a soul-to-soul bonding target and a special ability or talent, as well as enhancing the growth of both former and target, and makes the former protective of the target. Also it changes the way you make babies.>
<What I want to know is how we're related, because that seems very similar to how I am, but my bonding target isn't an individual. But what I need to know right now is... River, you... might want to not listen to this... Exactly who our assassination target is, the identifier they use for their voice, what their base form is, what their talent is, who their allies are or were, and what exactly they did that makes River, and oddly only River, want to kill them.>

<That's quite a clinical way of putting it. You sound like Zero. And it's not exactly like that. You describe it as a qualifier you can just attach to someone, but it's not. It is something you are. You are born a bond-former, you can feel it and the knowledge that comes with it, you can feel it when you meet other bond-formers or people touched by bond-formers. And bonding is a one-time event, it cannot happen again, even if you or the one you have bonded with dies. I mean, I assume it is possible for someone to become a bond-former or to stop being one, nothing is impossible with enough power, but it would be pretty damn hard. And yes, I suppose that if you look around in the universe there might be other creatures that behave like us. Some of those creatures are even related to us in some ways. But none of them are us, you know?>

<As for the second question, I'm not really sure. The severer is not an entity, so there wasn't much about him in the Library. This event happened on a world controlled by an independent entity (none that you know) and who knows what kind of secrets it's hiding. Most of what I know is from our voting session. Still, I'm pretty sure we'd be able to tell if we come upon one, they have a very specific... signature to us. Might be that even you could identify a bond-former.>
<This should be its identifier. If it has not altered itself or been altered by this world.>
<For the third question, I need to explain a bit more about bonding. Broadly speaking, there's three ways it can happen: At birth is the most common one. When one of our seeds connects with a suitable soul. The second is the... semi-voluntary kind. When you feel like bonding with someone is the right thing to do, so you have no choice but to do it. Except you also have a choice. It's a bit hard to explain, it's part compulsion but it's also something you want. This isn't how I bonded with her and those are not the kind of memories one usually shares, so I cannot be more specific than that. The third is the challenge. Should one without a bond be challenged in a bond-challenge and be defeated, then they are compelled to bond with the challenger.>

<The severer was of the third kind, one of those seeds that are born without bonding with someone. He (let's call him Lindworm, although I'm not really sure if it even identifies with any name or gender since he didn't grow up with humans) was bested in a challenge by a human magic user. But the problem is that, instead of dealing with it, he... devoured the one he bonded with.> he says with disgust. <One of the very few ways one can sever their bond with the one they have bonded with and the most disturbing.>
<Our bond is a gift. It should not be abused like that.>
<And that's what Mr Fluffy here has a problem with. He believes (although obsessed might be the better word) that bond-formers have a purpose or ultimate reason of being or whatever you want to call it and->
<I know we do. I can feel it. We must have.>
<-and that it's his own personal responsibility to ensure that there is justice and that all bond-formers behave as he believes they are supposed to. And that he must educate everyone to the error of their ways and the right way to behave. I just imagine him going door to door, spreading the 'good news'.>
<I am speaking from the heart of our species. Your soul is old, like mine. Despite your ways, you must feel it too. What is true. What is right. It is our obligation to guide others of our kind, so they can find their truth. So that we can realize our potential, be what we are meant to be, do what we are meant to do. And to kill the ones that taint us by becoming selfish severers.>
<And that's where we disagree. I mean, don't get me wrong, I too feel that that guy is a despicable selfish asshole who should die horribly and that what he is doing is hurting us and making us all look bad. And who knows, if I was nearby, I'd do something about it. But I won't go out of my way, beyond the fringes of entity controlled universe, to find him and kill him no matter what and who gets in my way. Certainly not dragging others into it against their will like he did.>
<It was an opportunity! I never meant to force them to fight! You are the->
<I mean, I dunno, maybe the severer had a good reason for doing what he did. Maybe he was blackmailed. Or maybe we should just give the guy a break since he went to the effort to hide so well.>

<I mean, this feels too religious for my tastes. Just cause this guy believes something, he feels he should impose his will on everyone else. Freedom should be above that. I mean, sure, there are those that agree with Mr Wolf here, those that believe this 'true purpose' and 'source' nonsense of his. But others of my kind might disagree about his approach or simply not care about the severer.>

<But I'm pretty sure most of my kind is against that sort of thing. Severers. It's certainly rare enough that across countless worlds and countless years, this occurrence is one of the few that I know of. But, then again, other bond-formers aren't as social as me and this is not the kind of thing one talks about, so there might be something one of my kind knows that I'm missing.>

<Anyway, that's more of our species' problems. Even if it's what led to this thing, it doesn't affect the fact that it's your mission to kill that guy. Can't really do anything about that now. Unless you manage to convince them that you succeeded the mission or that you cannot complete it. And I don't think he will let the severer get away with it like that, he's too much of an obsessed fanatic for that.>

((There might be things I didn't answer, mostly because I didn't want to do this even bigger. Feel free to ask again if there's something I missed.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 31, 2015, 08:09:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

The thought of Alan being able to make boomshine is enough to bring a smile to Ike's face.

Fill bottle with suspicious boozelike liquid. The fact that it hasn't exploded yet should theoretically be a testament to its relative stability. Smell it, see what I can discern about it.

Then go looking for Irine. These freaking people just can't stay still, can they?

You fill your waterskin with the liquid. It's definitely alcoholic. Mostly composed of alcohol with a bit of water. Also has something... planty in it, but you can't tell what it is. It's sweet smelling though.

That done, you start following Irine's trail.

Quote from: NAV on August 31, 2015, 10:44:26 am

I have a bunch of empty bottles. Fill them!
Dip my finger in and taste a single drop of the stuff.

<Ireeeeeeene don't make us leave without you.>

You start filling your bottles with booze.
Damn thing is strong. It burn your mouth and throat.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 02:14:21 pm

<I'm clinical because we're talking mechanics, specifics. I need details and clarity, so I express myself the same. I doubt I can sense a bond-former in my current state, not with my connections stinging and numb as they are. We are probably similar, but not the same. And I think your single bond is stronger than any one of mine individually are.>

<Next, the Severer's body. What was its base form? If it's inorganic, does it have critical locations or sensory organs?>

<Okay, what about its gift? Is that the reality-bending River mentioned or is it something else? what exactly are we dealing with?>

<Is it able to do River's mind-attack tricks? How can we defend against that anyway?>

<Can it track River the same way River is tracking it? Does it know we're here?>

<What did you ask for Ike to do D?>

<D, River, would it be possible to move D from your head to mine, since you don't want to hear him and I could benefit from his help?>

---

If River starts talking about the Severer's crimes again, I'm going to be interrupting him with a flat, angry:
<Shut up River.>
and sending a memory from home. a simple mouse hunt. a mouse that I was bonded too. Including the end, where I ate my meal. a simple daily memory of eating one of my children / bondmates.
<If I hadn't agreed to this hunt, I'd be helping the Severer hide. It is right to resist being enslaved. However, this is outside my purview, and I have no responsibility to him, and I have one to you. Now be quiet and let me hunt our prey.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 02:20:16 pm

"Well, that'll be fun.  I learned a lot from fighting BETA; hopefully some of those lessons apply.  Plus, haven't gotten the chance to meet a lot of you folks yet; mostly spoken to you and Charlie, besides Zero of course.  Hey Zero!  What do you think of these entity fights?  Are you an option?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mission 5 has started
Post by: Illgeo on August 31, 2015, 02:47:28 pm

Team B.
To H4zardZ1:
"Hey, Magnetic, can you use machinery as throwing weapon?"
Tinker with machinery, try to do stuff beneficiary to us.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on August 31, 2015, 03:20:01 pm

Threaten to start singing country music if my demands are not met. Don't specify any demands.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on August 31, 2015, 03:45:51 pm

"Yep, that's the good stuff. It will make damn good molotovs. Now lets find the fox and get moving already.

Stick with Ike and look for Irene.
How many bottles of booze do I have?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 01, 2015, 05:20:58 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 02:20:16 pm

"Well, that'll be fun.  I learned a lot from fighting BETA; hopefully some of those lessons apply.  Plus, haven't gotten the chance to meet a lot of you folks yet; mostly spoken to you and Charlie, besides Zero of course.  Hey Zero!  What do you think of these entity fights?  Are you an option?"

<Affirmative.>
"Yep. We actually considered him for a while. Asked a few questions. He kept proposing arenas where he was the trigger for inescapable death-traps."
<It was the most efficient option.>
"Yeah, but it's not very fun, is it?"
<Your enjoyment is not this unit's objective. If an S0 unit was forced to participate, its primary objective would be victory.>

Quote from: Xantalos on August 31, 2015, 03:20:01 pm

Threaten to start singing country music if my demands are not met. Don't specify any demands.

You do your best impression of an SS13 miscreant.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 31, 2015, 02:14:21 pm

<I'm clinical because we're talking mechanics, specifics. I need details and clarity, so I express myself the same. I doubt I can sense a bond-former in my current state, not with my connections stinging and numb as they are. We are probably similar, but not the same. And I think your single bond is stronger than any one of mine individually are.>

<Yeah, sure girl. I'm not criticizing, I'm just sayin'.>

Quote

<Next, the Severer's body. What was its base form? If it's inorganic, does it have critical locations or sensory organs?>

<From what I know it's organic, although it can slowly change forms. Don't know if it can put inorganic pieces in it or if it has some sort of inorganic core that->
River starts sending a memory. Or more like pieces of a memory, a dozen or so point of focus, looping endlessly. A piece of a chitinous body with strong-looking limbs protruding randomly from it, limbs ending in bone-like needle-sharp spikes at the end. The limbs quickly and violently move towards the viewer, as if they are on springs, no doubt looking to impale them.
<Yeah, that looks organic to me. Don't know much else though.>

Quote

<Okay, what about its gift? Is that the reality-bending River mentioned or is it something else? what exactly are we dealing with?>

<Not exactly reality bending. Just changing its environment. Living or inanimate, he can change it, given enough time, to make it work as he wants.>
River sends another fragmented memory. This time it's something that looks like a dark green-and-blue plant above you. Its vine-like limbs extend quickly, tracking the viewer. The viewer moves towards the side, barely avoiding the grab, which instead catches a rock, pulls it up towards the plant and starts crushing it. The viewer does not see what happens next, for they start falling and their focus changes to a hole that has just opened on the ground below one of their legs. But it is not really a simple hole. It's a black thing with walls filled with white, downward-curving teeth. The hole quickly closes, attempting to trap the viewer's leg.

Quote

<Is it able to do River's mind-attack tricks? How can we defend against that anyway?>

<I assume that he can. All bond-formers are capable of telepathy and some are capable of general magic. So if he is strong enough, he could use his offensively. Don't know how much strength or practice he has with that though or how it might have been modified by this world. He could maybe work some more defences in you or your comm-wires, but if the attack is strong enough, they'd only slow him down. If he's nearby, I assume he could also use his Silence to stop any telepathic attack, but I don't know if he could use it on all of you at once or how comfortable that would be for you. In the end, it might come down to your willpower. But it's more likely that he'll target the biggest threat to him, which would probably be our little Knight Templar Avenger friend here, depending on how things go. And if he's not too stubborn to decline, I could help in that case. Two minds are better than one.>

Quote

<Can it track River the same way River is tracking it? Does it know we're here?>

<I doubt it. From what I've gathered, River is just tracking it from its last known position. Hoping to pick up a trail once we get there. Don't know how he got that or if the information can be trusted but->
<A bond-former who understands the need for punishment alerted me to the crime. She knew I had the power to bring him to justice. So I investigated any records I could find and saw that the severer used a teleporter to flee here. My brother helped me with the numbers, helped me find the exact place he went. I could not allow him to escape after what he did, after he->

Quote

If River starts talking about the Severer's crimes again, I'm going to be interrupting him with a flat, angry:
<Shut up River.>
and sending a memory from home. a simple mouse hunt. a mouse that I was bonded too. Including the end, where I ate my meal. a simple daily memory of eating one of my children / bondmates.
<If I hadn't agreed to this hunt, I'd be helping the Severer hide. It is right to resist being enslaved. However, this is outside my purview, and I have no responsibility to him, and I have one to you. Now be quiet and let me hunt our prey.>

He looks at you with shock as you speak, eyes wide, mouth half-open.
<Woo! You tell him girl!>
River closes his eyes and looks down.
<It is not like that. You do not understand. I can explain when you are calmer and willing to hear me.> he says with some sadness and then stops talking.

Quote

<What did you ask for Ike to do D?>

<I asked him to convince my 'kind' jailer here to let me speak to Mr Fumanchu so that I didn't go crazy. But the guy didn't even try! Didn't even say a word to him about it!>
<If the one that you chose did not want to let you speak, then he must have had his reasons.> River says with a smug smile.
<Yeah, ha ha, funny.> he says with a mock laugh before abruptly changing his tone for a <Fuck you.>

Quote

<D, River, would it be possible to move D from your head to mine, since you don't want to hear him and I could benefit from his help?>

<Hihihi. She wants the D.>
<If he and you promise on your honour that you shall not do anything that will put any of us in danger. That you will respect the boundaries I have set. And that I am allowed to get him back when our mission is over so->
<Wait, you actually trust me? Oh boy, you're a bigger idiot than->
River gives you a murderous look (although you're certain it's not intended for you) and starts removing his hand from yours.
<I mean, yes, certainly, thank you, I won't do anything like that. Scout's honour!> he says with mock cheer.
River grunts and leans closer to you, puts his other hand on the back of your neck and closes his eyes.
<I will bind his soul to yours. Do not resist.>
He opens his eyes to look at you again.
<You know the danger now. I am trusting you. Both of you. Do not betray my trust.>
He closes his eyes and you start feeling a tingling sensation accompanied by the feeling of cold, spreading from where he is touching you.

Quote from: NAV on August 31, 2015, 03:45:51 pm

"Yep, that's the good stuff. It will make damn good molotovs. Now lets find the fox and get moving already.

Stick with Ike and look for Irene.
How many bottles of booze do I have?

Don't remember. Need to check my notes. I think it was three small bottles?

You follow Ike until you find Irine and River sitting side by side with their backs on the wall. Irine is wearing new clothes and River has been bandaged with torn and burnt rags. River has one arm behind Irine in a sort of hug and the other hand holding Irine's hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 01, 2015, 05:31:30 am

He nods, then starts to get up, "It has been such a blast speaking to you, I must say, but I feel I don't have any more questions for the time being, I shall be off, to meet my team."
Before leaving, he tugs on his clothes, as if to see that they still exist, and intently stares at his hand for a moment, before shaking himself off and going through the left door.
Time to meet the team.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 01, 2015, 05:43:03 am

((I've never played SS13 but I feel I'd be at home there.))

Alan decides that enough is enough and he has to break out the big guns.

"I apologize in advance for the damage I'm about to cause to everyone in the vicinity.

Ahem.

TRAILER FOR SALE OR RENT, ROOMS TO LET, FIFTY CENTS
NO PHONE, NO POOL, NO PETS, I AIN'T GOT NO CIGARETTES
AH BUT, TWO HOURS OF PUSHIN' BROOM
BUYS A MAN AN EIGHT BY TWELVE FOUR-BIT ROOM
I'M A MAN OF MEANS BY NO MEANS, KING OF THE ROAD!

THIRD BOXCAR, MIDNIGHT TRAIN, DESTINATION BANGOR, MAINE
OLD WORN-OUT CLOTHES AND SHOES
I AIN'T PAY NO UNION DUES
I SMOKE OLD STOGIES I HAVE FOUND SHORT, BUT NOT TOO BIG AROUND
I'M A MAN OF MEANS BY NO MEANS, KING OF THE ROAD!

I KNOW EVERY ENGINEER ON EVERY TRAIN
ALL OF THEIR CHILDREN, AND ALL OF THEIR NAMES
AND EVERY HANDOUT IN EVERY TOWN
AND EVERY LOCK THAT AINT' LOCKED, WHEN NO ONE'S AROUND!"

Repeat until someone shuts me up.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 01, 2015, 08:20:26 am

Summon a megaphone for Alan

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me, though it'd be interesting to see in action, undoubtedly.  How often do these entity fights occur, compared to the other missions done around here?  Who usually wins?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 01, 2015, 08:24:49 am

I close my eyes and gently lean back against the wall / River's arm, controlling where I'll fall if I lose consciousness so as to not hurt either of us or break the link.
and I wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 01, 2015, 09:01:16 am

To Nikolai: <Ooh, you better skedaddle. I think this is secret shit time again. River gets really mad if you spoil his secret shit. Keep within comfortable running distance, but don't come much closer than that. If I need backup, I'll call you up.>

Observe carefully. How shady does this bidness look?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 01, 2015, 09:49:32 am

<I can keep a secret.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 01, 2015, 10:35:31 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 08:15:08 am

John turned to look at George.  "Speaking of socializing, don't think I've seen you around here.  I'm John.  I've been here long enough to know that you'll be okay as long as you don't take things too seriously."

Quote from: Megggas on August 28, 2015, 04:52:28 pm

"So, you're John, huh?  My name is George.  I'm new here."

While I wait for something to happen, close my eyes and wish for the ability to play Tetris in my mind while my eyes are closed.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 01, 2015, 01:41:36 pm

<Oh fine.>

Go hide somewhere not too far away.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 01, 2015, 02:53:34 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 01, 2015, 09:49:32 am

<I can keep a secret.>

<I'm sure you can. But despite how much either you or I don't give a shit, River sure does. And there's only so many people that can collectively keep a secret. Four would definitely be pushing it in a big way.>

Quote from: NAV on September 01, 2015, 01:41:36 pm

<Oh fine.>

<Good man. I'll fill you in on the most relevant details later.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 02, 2015, 03:48:21 am

Auto me to be useful until I get back later to catch up and post. :-\

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 02, 2015, 04:06:35 am

Quote from: Megggas on September 01, 2015, 10:35:31 am

Quote from: Toaster on August 31, 2015, 08:15:08 am

John turned to look at George.  "Speaking of socializing, don't think I've seen you around here.  I'm John.  I've been here long enough to know that you'll be okay as long as you don't take things too seriously."

Quote from: Megggas on August 28, 2015, 04:52:28 pm

"So, you're John, huh?  My name is George.  I'm new here."

While I wait for something to happen, close my eyes and wish for the ability to play Tetris in my mind while my eyes are closed.

You play some tetris. (http://www.kongregate.com/games/banthar/hell-tetris)
Even your imagination hates you, it seems.

Quote from: Toaster on September 01, 2015, 08:20:26 am

Summon a megaphone for Alan

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me, though it'd be interesting to see in action, undoubtedly.  How often do these entity fights occur, compared to the other missions done around here?  Who usually wins?"

"Oh, not too often. They're a way to earn bragging rights and have fun at the expense of each other and all involved. 'My player is better than your player, my entity is better than your entity, my avatar killed your player, etc.' You get where I'm going with this.
And it's also a way for us to see how good you are in a variety of things, similar to your fight with the BETA. Can you fight well, can you work together, all those things.
Plus, you get to know guys like me better and we get to show off. Is there anything better than that?"

"I think we'll be going with an easy one this time. No need to kill you too much. Hey, if you're lucky, you might even survive this one! Although I bet that with your luck, a bolt of lightning or something will fall the moment the mission is about to end and kill you anyway."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 01, 2015, 05:31:30 am

He nods, then starts to get up, "It has been such a blast speaking to you, I must say, but I feel I don't have any more questions for the time being, I shall be off, to meet my team."
Before leaving, he tugs on his clothes, as if to see that they still exist, and intently stares at his hand for a moment, before shaking himself off and going through the left door.
Time to meet the team.

:Very well. Farewell. I will be in touch.:
With that, you open the door and end up... in a wooden hallway. Huh. Okay.
You follow the hallway until you make your way downstairs into some sort of bar or inn, where a bunch of fungi-men are tuning their instruments. Ok, moving right along.
You make your way outside to some sort of plaza where all sorts of bizarre people are hanging around. You guess this is it.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 01, 2015, 05:43:03 am

((I've never played SS13 but I feel I'd be at home there.))

Alan decides that enough is enough and he has to break out the big guns.

"I apologize in advance for the damage I'm about to cause to everyone in the vicinity.

Ahem.

TRAILER FOR SALE OR RENT, ROOMS TO LET, FIFTY CENTS
NO PHONE, NO POOL, NO PETS, I AIN'T GOT NO CIGARETTES
AH BUT, TWO HOURS OF PUSHIN' BROOM
BUYS A MAN AN EIGHT BY TWELVE FOUR-BIT ROOM
I'M A MAN OF MEANS BY NO MEANS, KING OF THE ROAD!

THIRD BOXCAR, MIDNIGHT TRAIN, DESTINATION BANGOR, MAINE
OLD WORN-OUT CLOTHES AND SHOES
I AIN'T PAY NO UNION DUES
I SMOKE OLD STOGIES I HAVE FOUND SHORT, BUT NOT TOO BIG AROUND
I'M A MAN OF MEANS BY NO MEANS, KING OF THE ROAD!

I KNOW EVERY ENGINEER ON EVERY TRAIN
ALL OF THEIR CHILDREN, AND ALL OF THEIR NAMES
AND EVERY HANDOUT IN EVERY TOWN
AND EVERY LOCK THAT AINT' LOCKED, WHEN NO ONE'S AROUND!"

Repeat until someone shuts me up.

((I think one of the miscreant objectives is "Pick a random object. Steal every such object, hold it hostage and make crazy demands." Don't remember the exact words, haven't played for a long time.))

Somewhere nearby, people look around with scared and confused expressions as the ground shudders.
"There is a fell voice in the air." (https://youtu.be/e8Inj56FTZc)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 01, 2015, 09:01:16 am

To Nikolai: <Ooh, you better skedaddle. I think this is secret shit time again. River gets really mad if you spoil his secret shit. Keep within comfortable running distance, but don't come much closer than that. If I need backup, I'll call you up.>

Observe carefully. How shady does this bidness look?

Judging from the fact that everything around them looks darker for some reason, you'd say this bidness is quite shady.
Oh, wait, it's starting to become normal again.

There is a thud from the room Nikolai went, followed by an "Ouch!"

"I'm OK! I'm OK."

Quote from: NAV on September 01, 2015, 01:41:36 pm

<Oh fine.>

Go hide somewhere not too far away.

You leave them to their shady business.

And then fall down to the floor as you attempt to find a good place to hide as the ground shudders. Ouch.
It's strange, but you somehow feel Alan is responsible. It's almost as if you can hear his voice.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 01, 2015, 08:24:49 am

I close my eyes and gently lean back against the wall / River's arm, controlling where I'll fall if I lose consciousness so as to not hurt either of us or break the link.
and I wait.

You feel a tingling sensation where your lost links are. A while later, the feeling is replaced by a warmth, a pleasant warmth that spreads inside you, a feeling that you are not alone, a familiar presence by your side.
You don't know how long it takes, but eventually the effect starts to recede.
<The others are here. I am going to have to stop.>
You feel the cold and the feeling of unease receding, but the link, the warmth, that stays.
<This message can only be heard by you. My restraints will hold for an hour. Two at most. Enough time for you to get used to it and for the link to finish forming. After that, it will only be your soul, your magic holding him. Do not let him take control of your body or use his magic through you. Even if he promises you power. Do not let him access your communication wire directly. Do not let your guard down because he acts friendly. He is weak in this state, but he is more skilled than you in some matters. This can make him dangerous. If there is a problem and I am not nearby, focus your willpower. Try to use your magic. If all else fails, you can focus your willpower on releasing your link. That is my advise, not orders. But I hope you will follow it.>
You still feel uneasy and a bit weak, but it's more of a residual effect, something that will probably get weaker over time.
River relaxes his grip, allowing you to leave if you want to, but does not let go completely.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 02, 2015, 03:48:21 am

Auto me to be useful until I get back later to catch up and post. :-\

You enjoy (or "enjoy") Alan's performance of (what I think is) country songs.

I'm sure either I or Lenglon will be able to handle anything that requires immediate action.
But I, personally, am not that comfortable making possibly important choices for others, so I can't promise you more than that.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 02, 2015, 05:25:10 am

Adam sighs, he can already feel this situation is not going to stay sane for very long, he already suspected it, but the Fungimen clinched it." *Ahem* Hello Sirs and Madams! How are you today? It seems I shall now be your partner in future endeavours, I must say I am very excited to get to know all of you!"
His transformation was stunning, he barely looked like a business man anymore, more like an enthusiastic butler now.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 02, 2015, 05:53:58 am

Alan abruptly pauses and tilts his head to better listen to the acoustics of suffering he has inflicted upon this plane of existence.

"This needs poking."

Summon either a megaphone or a big speaker hooked up to a microphone.

((PREPARE TO BLEEEEEEED

And the lyrics I posted are from an actual song yeah))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 09:05:48 am

I remain in River's arms
<D would hurt me?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 02, 2015, 09:17:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 09:05:48 am

I remain in River's arms
<D would hurt me?>

<Maybe. Maybe not on purpose.
I want to help him. But I do not understand him. And I do not know what will happen in the future.
I felt informing you about this was the right thing to do.
If you are worried, then I can work on stronger defences when I have time and energy.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 09:42:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

To Irine, presumably privately: <Status report?>

To Nikolai, also privately: <Try to make a little less noise, will ya?>

Continue observing.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 10:30:41 am

"I-I'm okay Ike, just... just give me a bit."
I open my eyes and look around, letting myself settle before moving.
clarity edit: this line is to River -<Thank you. I think I'll be okay. But if I get at all worried, I'll talk to you about it.>
once I see Ike, I look up at him.
"River and I managed to talk things out. And he answered some questions of mine about our mission. Sent me some raw data about the Severer. I'll try to put it into words for everyone once I've had some time to organize myself."
((Do I still feel D through my links? all, many, or just one? or is it a different feeling?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 11:05:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 10:30:41 am

"I-I'm okay Ike, just... just give me a bit."
I open my eyes and look around, letting myself settle before moving.
clarity edit: this line is to River -<Thank you. I think I'll be okay. But if I get at all worried, I'll talk to you about it.>
once I see Ike, I look up at him.
"River and I managed to talk things out. And he answered some questions of mine about our mission. Sent me some raw data about the Severer. I'll try to put it into words for everyone once I've had some time to organize myself."
((Do I still feel D through my links? all, many, or just one? or is it a different feeling?))

<Sounds useful. Keep healthy and keep me posted.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 02, 2015, 11:06:38 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 10:30:41 am

"I-I'm okay Ike, just... just give me a bit."
I open my eyes and look around, letting myself settle before moving.
clarity edit: this line is to River -<Thank you. I think I'll be okay. But if I get at all worried, I'll talk to you about it.>
once I see Ike, I look up at him.
"River and I managed to talk things out. And he answered some questions of mine about our mission. Sent me some raw data about the Severer. I'll try to put it into words for everyone once I've had some time to organize myself."
((Do I still feel D through my links? all, many, or just one? or is it a different feeling?))

Yes, you can. It's a different feeling. It's a single link that feels similar to your old links, but also stronger. Closer to you, in a way. And it's getting even stronger by the second. Yet it's also more simple, more primitive. It's just... there. You're not getting much out of it right now, other than a feeling.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 11:32:01 am

I reach out through my new link and gently caress it. feeling it and nurturing it.
<I... I have a link again...>
I just sit there for several moments, feeling again something that I'd thought I'd lost forever. Even if it's not the same.
After several seconds... and several more seconds on top of that have passed. I finally shake myself out of my stupor long enough to stand up and walk over to Ike, following him to... wherever he's going. is he going somewhere? it doesn't matter. I HAVE A LINK AGAIN!
Is kinda out of it right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 11:44:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike walks to a respectable distance from River and raises his hand in a sort of interjection.

"Hey River! You going to keep traveling separately from here on in? Sorry about the aggression previously, but it seemed like you were going off the deep end for a bit, you know what I'm saying?"

Ask River what his plan is.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 02, 2015, 12:58:55 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 11:32:01 am

I reach out through my new link and gently caress it. feeling it and nurturing it.
<I... I have a link again...>
I just sit there for several moments, feeling again something that I'd thought I'd lost forever. Even if it's not the same.
After several seconds... and several more seconds on top of that have passed. I finally shake myself out of my stupor long enough to stand up and walk over to Ike, following him to... wherever he's going. is he going somewhere? it doesn't matter. I HAVE A LINK AGAIN!
Is kinda out of it right now.

The link responds to your interaction, resulting in a slightly stronger "feeling" from it. You can feel joy and affection emanating from the other end, along with a bit of pain, but it is all weak and unfocused. There's little activity in the other end from what you can feel, as if it is half-asleep. There are also... other things there, on the link and beyond it. Things that cause you discomfort when you focus on them.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 11:44:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike walks to a respectable distance from River and raises his hand in a sort of interjection.

"Hey River! You going to keep traveling separately from here on in? Sorry about the aggression previously, but it seemed like you were going off the deep end for a bit, you know what I'm saying?"

Ask River what his plan is.

"As long as you do not attack me again, I can travel with you."
"If you are afraid of me, if you think my presence would be a problem, I can travel on my own." he says while looking at you attentively.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 01:12:42 pm

I reach over to Ike and grab his nearest hand in both of mine, and let him guide me wherever. My main focus is on my link! I continue to focus on it and care for it, helping it strengthen and grow as I can. I have a link again! I make sure to be gentle with it, and keep it close to me, and pay attention to whatever it needs. I have a link again!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 03:17:50 pm

"Hey, I'd be perfectly happy not to stir up shit between us again. I like things smooth. Do tell me to shut up next time though. I sometimes tend to forget myself, and then, well, you saw what happened. Very poorly handled on my part, and I'll try to do better in the future."

Privately, to River: <Of course, being that we can talk to each other wordlessly, feel free to tell me if you see something wrong in the future and if you want me to have your back on something. Communication, especially the telepathic sort, can ease things in a big way. Otherwise I tend to have no idea what you're on about, as you saw before.>

Head on back to the others! Reunited as one big happy family at last!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:13:32 am

((@Paris - I did a re-read of recent conversations, and re-read our momentum discussion and... well, I was an idiot. I'm sorry. Your suggestion about simply maintaining momentum was much better, the mental visual of what would happen is far less jarring, it's consistent in way more situations, and it's just generally a better idea. so... sorry. Could Irine just maintain whatever momentum she has when she changes?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 03, 2015, 07:02:02 am

Hey, you guys cool if I merge the thee teams into two teams and maybe lower the difficulty a bit to account for the inactives and get this mission moving a bit faster?

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 25, 2015, 09:20:50 am

Team C: Kosak

"Wait a minute, you're a smart guy, aren't you? Smart guys are always more dangerous! Eat this!"

Kosak grabs something large and metal and chucks it at the glass window.

You pick up a chair and throw it at the window. However, it's a pretty poor throw and the window must be reinforced, for it doesn't even crack.
"Ha! You cannot defeat the power of SCIENCE with such feeble  physical attacks! My intelligence is superior! I cannot be defeated by a common brute."
The giant man manages to extract himself from the wall and attacks you with a sweep. You do something like a half-block half-dodge, jumping into the air and using your hands to protect yourself while at the same time trying to avoid the green things on it. Your injured arm complains as you are flung backwards and tumble onto the floor.
"You just got lucky! That's why you're still alive. Only luck can explain how you are still alive in the face of such superior intellect! And only stupidity can explain why you haven't given up yet."
Damn it. It's one of those guys, isn't he? Those villains that keeps gloating while you fight. Next he'll probably start explaining his plan to you. Where's his speaker so you can at least crush that?

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 25, 2015, 03:37:23 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>
Bryan, watch out for the tripwire.
Warn Bryan of the tripwire. Have a look at what is behind the woden door.

Quote from: Alarith on August 26, 2015, 08:24:02 am

Team A
Start to pick up the pace at least to catch up with my teammate, avoiding the tripwire he mentioned.
"Hey, do you have an idea of where to go next? Our spooky "friend" is coming this way."

You move quickly and reach the door with the thing hot on your trail. There is a rush of cold air and moisture as you open the door.
Beyond it you see... huh. Beyond the door there is a snow-covered grove of trees. Almond trees (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Almond_tree,_snow..jpg) from the looks of it, brown and white, barren except for the rare flower. The clouds are low, creating a covering of mist that doesn't allow you to see more than about 20 metres away from you and makes the entire place look very... grey.

One could say the door leads outside the house, but the problem is that there is no "house". The door is just standing there, in a clearing in the middle of the grove.

There are two sets of footprints in the snow, leading away from the door. Bryan can feel a presence somewhere in there. A person filled with sadness and fear.

At least the light coming from the door seems to be keeping your shadowy 'friend' away.

Quote from: Beirus on August 25, 2015, 09:38:29 pm

Team A

Keep on charging.

You do that. About 50 seconds left.

You send out a wave of red lines, swirling around and radiating outwards in a semi-organic manner like tiny snakes or fish. They make their way through your web of flesh and disappear through the walls and floor, not affecting them in any visible way.

Quote from: Wolfkit on August 25, 2015, 07:47:01 pm

Team B

---

Dodge, evade, backpedal, buy time to write up a laser to take out as many of the mannequins pressuring me at once as possible. Continue to not laser teammates, and make sure not to back into a corner or let myself get surrounded.

You focus on your equations, trying to get a laser up and running ASAP. You barely manage to avoid their blind stabbing.
The moment you are done, you jump down on the floor and cover your hair. A giant laser appears in the hallway, slicing everything in it apart and melting some of the resulting pieces in extreme heat, boosted by the mirroring effect of the two portals. The remaining pieces fall on the floor, twitching randomly. You'd say you're home free for now. However, you wouldn't say the same about your teammates. One of them is already gone and the other appears to be in trouble.

Quote from: Illgeo on August 31, 2015, 02:47:28 pm

Team B.
To H4zardZ1:
"Hey, Magnetic, can you use machinery as throwing weapon?"
Tinker with machinery, try to do stuff beneficiary to us.

Well, you do know how to use these materials to make a kick-ass sword. However, it is hard to do so with those mannequins around bothering you. You are in the middle of activating some sort of saw-like machine when they attack. You try to dodge and get the mannequin to fall into the saw, but the thing manages to punch you as you attempt to get out of the way, sending its hand and your back into the saw. You don't even feel the pain, your body overflowing with adrenaline. But it is getting harder to move your right arm. Must be muscle damage.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Alarith on September 03, 2015, 08:20:48 am

((I'm fine with combining groups, even if I'm not in one of the groups you would combine.))
Team A
"There's someone out there, afraid and sad. Could be the person that was taken."
Head in the direction of the sad person, watch out for traps.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 03, 2015, 10:48:26 am

George finally tires of failing at Tetris, and opens his eyes.  He decides to make another wish, curious if it will work.

Imagine a strategy guide that details the best strategies for winning challenges in this competition.  Wish for that strategy guide to appear in my hands.  Read it if I succeed.  If the strategy guide is in a language I can't read, wish for the guide to be translated to English.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on September 03, 2015, 12:20:53 pm

Team A

Still charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 03, 2015, 01:59:25 pm

<Svajoklis, Team A>
Now that I have a light source that is unlikely to give out, search through the room for anything useful.
Our spooky friend dislikes light, likely because it makes it shootable. we should be safe for a while. The sad person seeem like bait to me. Cop we found earlyer was eaten. I doubt anyone kidnaped has enough mind or brain matter left intact to feel sad.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 03, 2015, 02:19:13 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:13:32 am

((@Paris - I did a re-read of recent conversations, and re-read our momentum discussion and... well, I was an idiot. I'm sorry. Your suggestion about simply maintaining momentum was much better, the mental visual of what would happen is far less jarring, it's consistent in way more situations, and it's just generally a better idea. so... sorry. Could Irine just maintain whatever momentum she has when she changes?))

Yeah, sure. But if your fire is completely extinguished for a long time during transformation (say, about a second, maybe a bit longer) then your pyrokinetic field fails and you die. And if there is something severely disturbing your fire, strong enough to mess with your pyrokinetic field (like, I dunno, trying to shape-change in a hurricane (although, now that I think about it, that would be a bad idea anyway, due to the large number of floating particles that could end up inside you and block some important blood vessel)), transformation might take longer, cause more discomfort or even some damage. Otherwise, it's as you requested, maintain momentum and try to shape-change in a way that you stay near your original position but without intersecting anything. That sounds good? Anything to add?

Quote from: Lenglon on September 02, 2015, 01:12:42 pm

I reach over to Ike and grab his nearest hand in both of mine, and let him guide me wherever. My main focus is on my link! I continue to focus on it and care for it, helping it strengthen and grow as I can. I have a link again! I make sure to be gentle with it, and keep it close to me, and pay attention to whatever it needs. I have a link again!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 02, 2015, 03:17:50 pm

"Hey, I'd be perfectly happy not to stir up shit between us again. I like things smooth. Do tell me to shut up next time though. I sometimes tend to forget myself, and then, well, you saw what happened. Very poorly handled on my part, and I'll try to do better in the future."

Privately, to River: <Of course, being that we can talk to each other wordlessly, feel free to tell me if you see something wrong in the future and if you want me to have your back on something. Communication, especially the telepathic sort, can ease things in a big way. Otherwise I tend to have no idea what you're on about, as you saw before.>

Head on back to the others! Reunited as one big happy family at last!

((Reunited and it feels so good (https://youtu.be/26J0uDIGErM)))

Private back: <Maybe. But I wanted to get away from anyone who could be a problem before I said anything. I thought you would not be a problem, but others could be. And if I told you more and then you told the others... I did not know if I would speak to Irine or... I did not know what I would do. I just knew I had to get her away and stop her from causing more harm.>
<I just had to get away. I did not feel speech was needed. I thought you would trust me.>
<And you had told me you did not like me speaking like that to you. That you wanted me to 'talk without telepathy'. Because you say it is annoying.>

"You go ahead. I will follow in about an hour. The... healing has tired me. And I need some more time to-"

Quote from: Xantalos on September 02, 2015, 05:53:58 am

Alan abruptly pauses and tilts his head to better listen to the acoustics of suffering he has inflicted upon this plane of existence.

"This needs poking."

Summon either a megaphone or a big speaker hooked up to a microphone.

((PREPARE TO BLEEEEEEED

And the lyrics I posted are from an actual song yeah))

River's speech is interrupted by a :horrible sound (https://youtu.be/v1PBptSDIh8?t=1m9s): coming from somewhere nearby but echoing from all around, distorted as if playing through speakers, a sound that makes you want to tear out your ears.

"Hm. We should leave as soon as possible. You go ahead and stop that. I will follow once I have everything." he says as he quickly starts putting on his armour over his bandages.

Should you choose to go outside, you shall see that the sun has almost reached the horizon. The wind has become stronger as well. The approaching sandstorm has gotten closer, now visible to all as a thin line on the horizon. The camps are more active now, with people moving about, although you can't tell whether or not it's because of them preparing for the sandstorm or for what sounds like the apocalypse or at least the death throes of music.

((So, anything else you want to do or are we ready to leave?
And I like that song. But imagining Alan screaming like that in a giant loudspeaker just makes me cringe.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:28:25 pm

((Sounds good to me. Thank you. Um, is the whole "create fire on far side of a wall, jump at it and change to reform on the other side of it" exploit viable?))
Same action as last turn - just absently holding Ike's hand and letting him guide me wheverever while I focus on my link!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 03, 2015, 02:31:07 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:28:25 pm

((Sounds good to me. Thank you. Um, is the whole "create fire on far side of a wall, jump at it and change to reform on the other side of it" exploit viable?))

Depends on how fast you're going, how thick the wall is and whether or not the fire on the other side is either big enough or self-sustaining enough to not dissipate as you start transforming and going through the wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:36:50 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 03, 2015, 02:31:07 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:28:25 pm

((Sounds good to me. Thank you. Um, is the whole "create fire on far side of a wall, jump at it and change to reform on the other side of it" exploit viable?))

Depends on how fast you're going, how thick the wall is and whether or not the fire on the other side is either big enough or self-sustaining enough to not dissipate as you start transforming and going through the wall.

((Nice! exactly what I was hoping for. thanks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 03, 2015, 02:47:18 pm

Campaign, Ike!

To River, privately: <It still is annoying, yeah, but you get used to it. If you need to relay something quick and secret, drop me a mind-line. On that note, what exactly did you do to Irine, anyway? She seems a bit... high.>

Seek the source of the noise.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 03, 2015, 06:19:50 pm

"THIS QUIET OFFENDS BILLY MAYS!"

Ascend to a new level of noise. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-Su1YXQYek)

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 03, 2015, 06:33:21 pm

((That's what happens when you leave children Alan bored and unsupervised...))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 03, 2015, 06:37:17 pm

((And it's only gonna get worse after I finally get those upgrades :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 03, 2015, 07:39:03 pm

Still be hiding and waiting.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 04, 2015, 12:54:42 am

Quote from: NAV on September 03, 2015, 07:39:03 pm

Still be hiding and waiting.

<Things seem to be alright. River's disposition is pretty decent. That noise, though, might wanna investigate that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 04, 2015, 11:08:39 am

Take orders from Harry, Lenglon, or anyone interested in controlling Theri for the time being. ((Net is unstable.)) x_x

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 04, 2015, 12:38:25 pm

In lieu of any sane orders for her, Theri shall politely cheer on Alan while looking around for anything to preserve her eardrums.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 04, 2015, 03:50:03 pm

---

Staging Area

---

"Hey! Everybody had your fun? Ready for the next mission briefing? We're not in a big hurry with this one." Charlie shouts from his balcony.

Quote from: Megggas on September 03, 2015, 10:48:26 am

George finally tires of failing at Tetris, and opens his eyes.  He decides to make another wish, curious if it will work.

Imagine a strategy guide that details the best strategies for winning challenges in this competition.  Wish for that strategy guide to appear in my hands.  Read it if I succeed.  If the strategy guide is in a language I can't read, wish for the guide to be translated to English.

You get a book written in unknown ideogram-like symbols, each a slightly different colours. Okay then. Let's try translating it...
Hah, it's working! Before your eyes, the title is translated from unintelligible symbols to...

Quote

Strategic orientation baseline joint meeting people for specific global game

OK then. I suppose there's no harm in checking the first page, just to make sure...

Quote

This guide is an internationally recognized special population groups, regions, improve the system and the basic rules of the game as the basic concepts and the mission to facilitate the reader wrote. Advantages and disadvantages of the basic strategy of the game developer usually cover the type of task. Both are part of the struggle for influence over the evolution of the main objectives of your strategy and win the biggest strategic confrontation common types of enemy.

Reading this book, finally, you have the basic knowledge needed to compete in the race between the universal special someone win. In addition, useful tips and strategies, you can make an advantage and eventually won, little known outside of the game and in some areas.

For more information, be sure to check for the index in a book. And "healthy snacks for specific information.

Please note that the library regularly update release. As the book of ancient documents, copies of which the EU will be able to receive updates.

Yep, this looks like a case of blind idiot translation allright.

I'm just joking with you, everything is automatically translated in the staging area. If you want a more serious answer, I can provide.

Strangely, Gizoogle actually makes the text a bit more readable:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This guide be a internationally recognized special population groups, regions, improve tha system n' tha basic rulez of tha game as tha basic concepts n' tha mission ta facilitate tha reader wrote fo' realz. Advantages n' disadvantagez of tha basic game of tha game pimper probably cover tha type of task. Both is part of tha struggle fo' influence over tha evolution of tha main objectivez of yo' game n' win tha freshest strategic confrontation common typez of enemy.

Readin dis book, finally, you have tha basic knowledge needed ta compete up in tha race between tha universal special one of mah thugs win. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. In addition, useful tips n' strategies, you can cook up a advantage n' eventually won, lil known outside of tha game n' up in some areas.

For mo' shiznit, be shizzle ta check fo' tha index up in a funky-ass book fo' realz. And "healthy snacks fo' specific shiznit.

Please note dat tha library regularly update release fo' realz. As tha book of ancient documents, copiez of which tha EU is ghon be able ta receive thugged-out shit.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 03, 2015, 06:19:50 pm

"THIS QUIET OFFENDS BILLY MAYS!"

Ascend to a new level of noise. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-Su1YXQYek)

You are amplified! (https://youtu.be/5N-FqHvr7OY)

Quote from: Xantalos on September 04, 2015, 12:38:25 pm

In lieu of any sane orders for her, Theri shall politely cheer on Alan while looking around for anything to preserve her eardrums.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 03, 2015, 02:28:25 pm

Same action as last turn - just absently holding Ike's hand and letting him guide me wheverever while I focus on my link!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 03, 2015, 02:47:18 pm

Campaign, Ike!

To River, privately: <It still is annoying, yeah, but you get used to it. If you need to relay something quick and secret, drop me a mind-line. On that note, what exactly did you do to Irine, anyway? She seems a bit... high.>

Seek the source of the noise.

<She is happy...> he echoes your words slowly as he looks at her intently while the two of you walk away. You're out of the room when he continues speaking.
<I gave it to her. She is healthy... I think. She can tell you more about it later.
Be careful with her. In case there are problems.
He is an idiot. He could make problems.>
Outside the room, you see Nikolai with a giant heavy-looking metal shackle thing on his arm, squeezing it so tightly it has cut off circulation. Must be on there for some time, since his hand has started turning blue. OK then, if that's how he wants to spend his time.

You shrug and go find Alan performing his latest masterpiece on his amplifier. You feel a great need to thank RDD for his modifications. Should probably get him to stop soon. If not for the inevitable human investigation, then because foxgirl number two is currently on the ground with her eyes closed and a pained expression on her face, trying and failing to use her hands to protect her foxears from that noise. And from what you remember, River got a bit murder-y last time someone even mentioned hurting her.

Quote from: NAV on September 03, 2015, 07:39:03 pm

Still be hiding and waiting.

You attempt to become one with the floor while Ike and Irine pass next to you.
You're certain it worked.[/sarcasm]

Quote from: Tiruin on September 04, 2015, 11:08:39 am

Take orders from Harry, Lenglon, or anyone interested in controlling Theri for the time being. ((Net is unstable.)) x_x

Okay then. Sorry to hear that your net is bad. Hope things get better soon!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 04, 2015, 03:50:55 pm

Report to briefing.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on September 04, 2015, 04:35:34 pm

Saevus wakes up from sleep mode and walks over to the briefing area.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 04, 2015, 04:36:53 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"SAY, ALAN, MIND QUIETING DOWN FOR A MOMENT? I AM BACK AND SO IS QUIET TIME!"

Politely interrupt Alan's exquisite performance.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 04, 2015, 04:43:58 pm

welp, that's one way to wake Irine from her happy trance, bring her right in front of the guy with the amplified amp while she's in hybrid with its enhanced hearing.
Thanks Ike / Alan

Go anywhere away from the sound of pure pain screaming through my skull.

via comwire:<ALAN! STOP! YOU'RE HURTING US!>

((I hate my net sometimes, I've been trying to get this edit to go through for over an hour.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 04, 2015, 05:06:14 pm

"Everything finally sorted out? Anything we should be worried about?"

Think about what would happen if Alan's noise machine were somehow amplified even more.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 04, 2015, 06:40:59 pm

"AAAAAAAAAAA- oh okay, I got bored. Hey, do you know if Nikolai's around? I have a better idea than this was."

Alan summons a plastic cone of some kind! Perhaps one of those funnel things you use to pour liquids into other cups so they don't spill. As big as I can make it, preferably.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: H4zardZ1 on September 04, 2015, 07:57:25 pm

Shoulder ram one of them

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 04, 2015, 08:29:10 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 04, 2015, 03:50:03 pm

---

Staging Area

---

You get a book written in unknown ideogram-like symbols, each a slightly different colours. Okay then. Let's try translating it...
Hah, it's working! Before your eyes, the title is translated from unintelligible symbols to...

Quote

Strategic orientation baseline joint meeting people for specific global game

OK then. I suppose there's no harm in checking the first page, just to make sure...

Quote

This guide is an internationally recognized special population groups, regions, improve the system and the basic rules of the game as the basic concepts and the mission to facilitate the reader wrote. Advantages and disadvantages of the basic strategy of the game developer usually cover the type of task. Both are part of the struggle for influence over the evolution of the main objectives of your strategy and win the biggest strategic confrontation common types of enemy.

Reading this book, finally, you have the basic knowledge needed to compete in the race between the universal special someone win. In addition, useful tips and strategies, you can make an advantage and eventually won, little known outside of the game and in some areas.

For more information, be sure to check for the index in a book. And "healthy snacks for specific information.

Please note that the library regularly update release. As the book of ancient documents, copies of which the EU will be able to receive updates.

Yep, this looks like a case of blind idiot translation allright.

I'm just joking with you, everything is automatically translated in the staging area. If you want a more serious answer, I can provide.

Strangely, Gizoogle actually makes the text a bit more readable:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This guide be a internationally recognized special population groups, regions, improve tha system n' tha basic rulez of tha game as tha basic concepts n' tha mission ta facilitate tha reader wrote fo' realz. Advantages n' disadvantagez of tha basic game of tha game pimper probably cover tha type of task. Both is part of tha struggle fo' influence over tha evolution of tha main objectivez of yo' game n' win tha freshest strategic confrontation common typez of enemy.

Readin dis book, finally, you have tha basic knowledge needed ta compete up in tha race between tha universal special one of mah thugs win. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. In addition, useful tips n' strategies, you can cook up a advantage n' eventually won, lil known outside of tha game n' up in some areas.

For mo' shiznit, be shizzle ta check fo' tha index up in a funky-ass book fo' realz. And "healthy snacks fo' specific shiznit.

Please note dat tha library regularly update release fo' realz. As tha book of ancient documents, copiez of which tha EU is ghon be able ta receive thugged-out shit.

((Nah, no need for a serious answer.  I find it amusing that even George's half-decent ideas blatantly fail.  For the sake of George's suffering, I'm just gonna assume that he actually did get that poorly translated guide.  Maybe one of the entities is messing with him.)

George stares at the guide with a blank expression on his face.  By this point, he isn't surprised.  Staging Area: 3, George: 0.  But he won't give up just yet!  He tosses the badly translated guide aside, closes his eyes, and tries to think of a wish that has no possible chance of backfiring.  He strains his face as he focuses his thoughts.   Finally, an idea comes to him!  His wishes won't backfire if he's the one calling the shots!

Wish for the ability to grant wishes.  Then wish for the Staging Area to no longer be able to grant wishes.   Savor this moment of victory as I walk to the mission briefing.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 04, 2015, 09:33:58 pm

Adam stares slightly at the oddly constipated man, before shrugging, assuming it to be another weird thing with this place, and moves on.
TO THE BRIEFING ROOM.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 04, 2015, 09:44:17 pm

John nodded at the announcement.  "Well there you go.  Guess we'll find out.  You coming?"


Head to briefing.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 02:01:01 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 04, 2015, 06:40:59 pm

"AAAAAAAAAAA- oh okay, I got bored. Hey, do you know if Nikolai's around? I have a better idea than this was."

Alan

"Should be around here somewhere, yeah. Nice noise, by the way. Might come in handy against certain stuff."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 02:37:39 am

"Yeah, I never knew I had such a talented voice. I should've guessed, of course, but still.
We're taking the speaker with us, by the way. Other people need to experience Alan decibels too."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 02:43:31 am

"That they do. If you could make that thing directional too, that'd be pretty nice."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 02:44:25 am

"Directional?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 02:55:28 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 02:44:25 am

"Directional?"

"Yeah, like pointing all of its sound in a direction. That way you could totally serenade someone."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 03:44:20 am

"If I got a big enough cone I could. I can't really call up super specific items, only handy things you would find around the house and such."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 03:47:33 am

"I dunno, I know a lot of people with cones in their houses."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 04:00:36 am

"Hmm. Do you think a plastic cone would be better for focusing it then, or a tube like a giant tube from toilet paper?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 04:02:12 am

"Physics aren't exactly my strong suit. Try both."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 04:05:09 am

Alan assumes a squatting stance and places one hand squarely on his stomach, the other behind his back just above his opposite butt cheek.

"One sec."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:17:44 am

Quote from: NAV on September 04, 2015, 05:06:14 pm

Untsar my shackle and get circulation back in my hand and join with I&I.
<Everything finally sorted out? Anything we should be worried about?> to both Ike and Irene.

Think about what would happen if Alan's noise machine were somehow amplified even more.

<Alan is too loud.>

at least the noise finally stopped...

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 05:20:14 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:17:44 am

<Alan is too loud.>

at least the noise finally stopped...

To Irine, privately: <You seem freshened up. Give me a quick and concise status report. Don't be cryptic, just tell it like it is.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:35:37 am

To Ike:<Alan's noisemaker attempted to pound an iron rod through my skull.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:39:42 am

((Alan next turn: 'hey nick mind making my noise maker even bigger louder and uncut? Irene ow why are you punching me in my fat sac'))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 05, 2015, 05:43:11 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:39:42 am

((Alan next turn: 'hey nick mind making my noise maker even bigger louder and uncut? Irene ow why are you punching me in my fat sac'))

((What isn't part of Alan's fat sack?
On that note, you'd think all this exercise would do Alan some good for his physique.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 05:47:05 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:35:37 am

To Ike:<Alan's noisemaker attempted to pound an iron rod through my skull.>

<I mean before that. What was the business with River about?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:58:23 am

Private, to Ike:<River and I talked things out. He promised to try to stop hurting me, and he told me about D and how D's body was the body we found at the Relay. I promised to keep his secret. He then let me talk to D for a while, and I learned details about the Severer. River also sent me some memories of ?humans? that had encountered the Severer to show what it looks like and what abilities it has. He also said what its identifier is, what it sounds like when it talks or others say its name. or at least what its identifier used to be, assuming it didn't change it. D's mad at you Ike, he thinks you abandoned him. Though he's still madder at River for keeping him locked up.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 06:41:24 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 05:58:23 am

Private, to Ike:<River and I talked things out. He promised to try to stop hurting me, and he told me about D and how D's body was the body we found at the Relay. I promised to keep his secret. He then let me talk to D for a while, and I learned details about the Severer. River also sent me some memories of ?humans? that had encountered the Severer to show what it looks like and what abilities it has. He also said what its identifier is, what it sounds like when it talks or others say its name. or at least what its identifier used to be, assuming it didn't change it. D's mad at you Ike, he thinks you abandoned him. Though he's still madder at River for keeping him locked up.>

To Irine, privately: <How'd I abandon him, exactly?>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 06:43:40 am

private to Ike:<You promised you'd ask River to let him speak, to give him a chance to vent and keep from losing himself, locked up unable to be seen or heard or do anything. You never did.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 06:55:13 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 06:43:40 am

private to Ike:<You promised you'd ask River to let him speak, to give him a chance to vent and keep from losing himself, locked up unable to be seen or heard or do anything. You never did.>

Still very, very private: <Don't really recall promising anything, to be honest. Maybe he just happened to say something at the end of a really long speech and at that point I was already distracted by something else? With all due respect, the guy is very easy to filter out after a certain point.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:04:02 am

((I re-read the section of Ike and Bug-man recently, and Ike did actually tell D that he'd ask for River to let D talk. It's near the end if you want to look it up yourself.))

Private to Ike:<Oh. Okay.>

((anything else you want to ask?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 07:21:40 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:04:02 am

((I re-read the section of Ike and Bug-man recently, and Ike did actually tell D that he'd ask for River to let D talk. It's near the end if you want to look it up yourself.))

((Got a link? Skimmed through and couldn't find it.))

Ultimate privacy: <So, how is the poor imprisoned bugger, anyway? Aside from maddened by isolation, I mean.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:42:29 am

((Just noticed Ike didn't actually respond to the request... (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5960117#msg5960117)))
I gently stroke my new link again, and get a smile on my face and my tails twitch.
Private to Ike:<He's okay. He really needed someone to talk to. Spending some time with him gave him a chance to vent. I think he's better off now.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 07:53:48 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:42:29 am

((Just noticed Ike didn't actually respond to the request... (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5960117#msg5960117)))

((Yeah, that's what I found as well. So Ike didn't actually promise a thing. Especially after River told him sternly afterward to not tell ANYONE about any of this without so much as mentioning that little "unless you trust them with this information" caveat. Grabbed him by the collar to make his point and everything. These fucking entities, I swear.))

Quote from: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:42:29 am

Private to Ike:<He's okay. He really needed someone to talk to. Spending some time with him gave him a chance to vent. I think he's better off now.>

Monstrously private communication: <Well, good to hear he hasn't gone insane yet. Maybe I'll talk to River about him in a bit if he wants talking privileges that badly.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 05, 2015, 07:58:49 am

Private, to Ike: <I think he'd like that, though River doesn't seem to want to let him do it. Just asking would show D that you care.>

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Wolfkit on September 05, 2015, 08:25:09 am

Resume lasering the mannequins harassing my teammates.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 11:47:36 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 05, 2015, 05:43:11 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:39:42 am

((Alan next turn: 'hey nick mind making my noise maker even bigger louder and uncut? Irene ow why are you punching me in my fat sac'))

((What isn't part of Alan's fat sack?
On that note, you'd think all this exercise would do Alan some good for his physique.))

((Alan operates on the Samwell Tarly principle of fatness: anything and everything can happen to him, including starvation, disembowelment, incineration, and explosions, but he'll still be a chubby motherfucker at the end of it all.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 05, 2015, 04:43:13 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 04, 2015, 09:44:17 pm

John nodded at the announcement.  "Well there you go.  Guess we'll find out.  You coming?"


Head to briefing.

Quote from: Megggas on September 04, 2015, 08:29:10 pm

((Nah, no need for a serious answer.  I find it amusing that even George's half-decent ideas blatantly fail.  For the sake of George's suffering, I'm just gonna assume that he actually did get that poorly translated guide.  Maybe one of the entities is messing with him.))

George stares at the guide with a blank expression on his face.  By this point, he isn't surprised.  Staging Area: 3, George: 0.  But he won't give up just yet!  He tosses the badly translated guide aside, closes his eyes, and tries to think of a wish that has no possible chance of backfiring.  He strains his face as he focuses his thoughts.   Finally, an idea comes to him!  His wishes won't backfire if he's the one calling the shots!

Wish for the ability to grant wishes.  Then wish for the Staging Area to no longer be able to grant wishes. Savor this moment of victory as I walk to the mission briefing.

<Request denied. You lack the permissions required to edit user privileges.>
Dang. Looks like this genie has been updated to the latest version. You should try a zero day exploit.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 04, 2015, 09:33:58 pm

Adam stares slightly at the oddly constipated man, before shrugging, assuming it to be another weird thing with this place, and moves on.
TO THE BRIEFING ROOM.

There is no briefing room. Only a briefing plaza. So you just go there.
What's with people in power and their obsession with giving speeches from balconies anyway?

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 04, 2015, 04:35:34 pm

Saevus wakes up from sleep mode and walks over to the briefing area.

https://youtu.be/miZHa7ZC6Z0

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 04, 2015, 03:50:55 pm

Report to briefing.

"Good. Everyone is here. Looks like your curiosity is great."
<Or their blood-lust.>
"Eh, whatever it is, you're all here now, so we can begin." the shadowman says, shrugging.

"So. This time, you'll be fighting one of us! With all our glorious reality bending power! UNLIMITED power, ready to obliterate you with the snap of our fingers!"
He is yelling near the end, his shadowy fire becoming larger and more agitated and its edges turning a deep dark blue.

He lets that statement hang in the air for a couple of seconds before continuing.
"Nah, just kidding. You'll only have to fight one of our extremely powerful avatars instead!" he says in a joking manner as he shrinks to his previous size, clearly enjoying himself.

"Standard combat rules and win conditions apply. Either you kill or otherwise defeat your opponent and the one that lands the killing blow is declared the winner or you all die or otherwise fail and the last man standing is given the consolation prize." he states matter-of-factly.

"So, with that out of the way, let us meet our contestant, shall we? Any volunteers?"
Both Rodger and Nick raise their hand/wing saying "Oh! Oh!" and *caw* *caw* respectively.
"Yes, if the pretty crow in the back could approach the stage..." he says while pointing towards it, like a magician choosing someone from the audience.
"Aaaah." Roger emits a disappointed interjection but then switches to a polite applause as the bird flies towards the balcony and comes to rest on the shadowman's shoulder, the only thing differentiating him from the darkness moving like fire being that the light reflected off his feathers is slightly blue when viewed from a certain angle.
"Yeah, you have some new guys among you and they aren't exactly fighters, so we're going a bit easy on you this time. You know, see what you can do.
Anyway, S-Zero, if you may do the honours and proceed with the briefing..."
<Affirmative.>
The space below the balcony takes on a cyan hue as images begin being projected on the air below it.
<You will be facing an avatar of the entity known as Nick. He will be using his original bond-former body and as such possesses most of the species' common strengths and weaknesses. Those are: a large size, strength and endurance, with limited mobility. A biological with avian characteristics, he focuses primarily on flying above an area and delivering devastating electricity-based attacks, using his limited weather control to provide cover for himself. He delivers hit-and-run attacks while using his flight capability to increase his mobility. Despite his attempts to utilize them intelligently, the relative simplicity of his abilities, mostly biological body and lack of notable magical talent leaves him weaker compared to others of his kind.>
<Difficulty Rating: 6>
As he talks the images that appear show what looks like the site of a major disaster. The ground is grey with ash that is occasionally lifted into the air by wind, creating obscuring grey clouds. There are half-destroyed and collapsed buildings dotting the landscape, filled with burnt furniture, with pieces of rebar sticking out of broken concrete. Fires still burn in some of the buildings. It looks like the destruction originated from somewhere nearby, some kind of crater around which the ground has cracked. Thick dark clouds overhead make everything appear dark, despite it presumably being daytime.
"That is all. If you have any questions, ask them now, while we set up the Arena. Otherwise, you're free to do whatever you want while you wait for the challenge to begin."
"Fight well and have fun. I know I will."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 04, 2015, 04:36:53 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"SAY, ALAN, MIND QUIETING DOWN FOR A MOMENT? I AM BACK AND SO IS QUIET TIME!"

Politely interrupt Alan's exquisite performance.

You SCREAM TO BE HEARD!
Which is probably unnecessary when you can just use telepathy.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 04, 2015, 06:40:59 pm

"AAAAAAAAAAA- oh okay, I got bored. Hey, do you know if Nikolai's around? I have a better idea than this was."

Alan summons a plastic cone of some kind! Perhaps one of those funnel things you use to pour liquids into other cups so they don't spill. As big as I can make it, preferably.

You summon the world's tiniest funnel.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 04, 2015, 04:43:58 pm

welp, that's one way to wake Irine from her happy trance, bring her right in front of the guy with the amplified amp while she's in hybrid with its enhanced hearing.
Thanks Ike / Alan

Go anywhere away from the sound of pure pain screaming through my skull.

via comwire:<ALAN! STOP! YOU'RE HURTING US!>

((I hate my net sometimes, I've been trying to get this edit to go through for over an hour.))

You go to a place where Alan is not screaming anymore: a few seconds forward in time.

Quote from: NAV on September 04, 2015, 05:06:14 pm

"Everything finally sorted out? Anything we should be worried about?"

Think about what would happen if Alan's noise machine were somehow amplified even more.

Step 1: Put on headphones and turn volume up to 11
Step 2: Take this sound: https://youtu.be/6h4f77T-LoM
Step 3: And combine it with that image: https://youtu.be/249MaK8UaIE

Disclaimer: Do not actually do this, because it will probably result in ear and/or psychological damage.

((Would be funny if someone came here with some sort of dubstep gun (https://youtu.be/SZaE7QkME38) ala Saints Row.))

Everyone
Soon, River walks to you, wearing his armour and carrying his improvised bag. He goes and stands close to Theri with little ceremony.

Unsurprisingly, the human camp has sent out some soldiers that are heading your way. But they're a long distance away. Even if they started running, it would take them several minutes to get here.

---

OOC

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 05, 2015, 07:53:48 am

((Yeah, that's what I found as well. So Ike didn't actually promise a thing. Especially after River told him sternly afterward to not tell ANYONE about any of this without so much as mentioning that little "unless you trust them with this information" caveat. Grabbed him by the collar to make his point and everything. These fucking entities, I swear.))

((Actually....))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2015, 12:31:56 pm

<That is why I asked of you that you do not share this with anyone.>
He turns to look at Irene for a few seconds and then back at you, a bit more relaxed now.
<Maybe Irine. If you really have to. If you think you can trust her with this. But nobody else.>

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 11:47:36 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 05, 2015, 05:43:11 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:39:42 am

((Alan next turn: 'hey nick mind making my noise maker even bigger louder and uncut? Irene ow why are you punching me in my fat sac'))

((What isn't part of Alan's fat sack?
On that note, you'd think all this exercise would do Alan some good for his physique.))

((Alan operates on the Samwell Tarly principle of fatness: anything and everything can happen to him, including starvation, disembowelment, incineration, and explosions, but he'll still be a chubby motherfucker at the end of it all.))

((Yeah. That's why I left fat on him, since it's part of his image.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 05, 2015, 04:50:13 pm

"Quick question... is Nick omniscient? Is he going to know exactly where we are, exactly what we're planning, and exactly when we're going to do things?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:23:44 pm

"Hey Nikolai, can you make my noise makerer bigger and louderer like you do? Pleeeease? Pls do it pls. Oh, and this funnel."

Beg like an infant.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 05, 2015, 05:51:03 pm

George lets out a disappointed sigh.  I guess I won't be receiving unlimited power after all.  What a shame.  Eh, maybe some day.  He raises his hand to ask a question.

"So basically, we have to fight a giant pigeon that spits lightning at us?  Oh yeah, that sure sounds easy.  Are we at least provided with any weapons or tools?  Seriously, all I can do is heal myself.  Well, I guess I can heal others too..."  George looks at the collection of bizarre looking people standing around him. "...but I'm not sure I feel comfortable making physical contact with some of these people.  No offense guys and, uh, giant walking suit of armor."

George glances at the images of the burnt landscape with some apprehension.
"Also, I don't like those fires I'm seeing at this place.  I'm kind of allergic to fire.  Will the arena be cleared of all fire before the match begins?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 05, 2015, 06:09:37 pm

John laughed.  "You're in trouble then, because when I show up, fires tend to get started. And Ron here's pretty damn good at it too.  Got any footage from that last one, Roger?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 05, 2015, 08:12:40 pm

Adam nods, "Seems simple enough, is this Nick vulnerable to electricity? His own or from others."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 06, 2015, 01:27:34 am

Untsar the shackle before I lose my hand. Gotta remember to loosen it it before tsaring it again.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:23:44 pm

"Hey Nikolai, can you make my noise makerer bigger and louderer like you do? Pleeeease? Pls do it pls. Oh, and this funnel."

Beg like an infant.

"Let me get this straight. You have loud speaker that is already hurting everyone's ears. And you want it much much bigger and louder. With nothing but that tiny cone to redirect the sound."...

"Great idea! Summon a better cone and we have a deal my friend! We can use it to defeat those guys." Nikolai points to the soldiers marching towards us.

((By the way yes a cone is much better than a tube for directing and amplifying sound.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 06, 2015, 01:58:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

"How about we start moving, and you do all that on the way? Preferably away from those incoming assholes?"

Get this party bouncing away from the incoming people.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 06, 2015, 03:18:05 am

"Aww but there's no point making loud music if there's no one to deafen with it. And then we can't steal those "incoming asshole's" stuff.

You're right it probably is best we leave now. And its not like we have any real reason to kill those guys. Hey Al why don't you summon a wagon so we can carry the noise machine and the booze barrel?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 06, 2015, 11:48:28 am

"Hnnnnnnnnng"

Wagon ho! Pls wagon nonlethal pls

In non-moonspeak: summon a wagon to carry all the random shit I keep pulling into existence.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 06, 2015, 03:47:12 pm

"Okay."
I start moving to leave and continue our journey to find the Severer.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 07, 2015, 07:54:26 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 05, 2015, 06:09:37 pm

John laughed.  "You're in trouble then, because when I show up, fires tend to get started. And Ron here's pretty damn good at it too.  Got any footage from that last one, Roger?"

"Heh, that's funny." 
George begins looking at John nervously.
"Uh, that was a joke right?   You seem like a decent guy, John, but I sincerely hope that you aren't telling me that you're the friendly neighborhood arsonist.  What do you and Ron, whoever that is, specialize in?" 

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 07, 2015, 09:52:08 am

John grinned.  "Well, I don't intentionally start fires, but they just tend to happen.  I can summon anything mechanical, and as it turns out grenades and missiles aren't too hard to summon, and highly effective.  Watch!"

Summon a frag grenade for emphasis.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on September 08, 2015, 02:29:10 pm

Try to hide behind closest teammate.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 02:32:28 pm

the A team

Quote from: Alarith on September 03, 2015, 08:20:48 am

((I'm fine with combining groups, even if I'm not in one of the groups you would combine.))
Team A
"There's someone out there, afraid and sad. Could be the person that was taken."
Head in the direction of the sad person, watch out for traps.

You step through the threshold and into the deathly cold of the grove, feeling the covering of snow crunching beneath your feet. The mist and general uniformity of the place make it hard to keep your bearings. It would probably be easy to get lost in here if it wasn't for the trail of footprints and your ability providing you with a point of reference.

As you follow the trail and the psychic signals, you notice that the two trails of footprints diverge slightly but continue in the same general direction. You also notice something else: The psychic presence you noticed earlier, spread out everywhere around you, is somewhat denser here. And it becomes even more dense as you approach that person.

You hear the door slam shut behind you. You are about to consider what that means when you notice someone in front of you. Long dark hair, barely visible through the mist.
"Who are you?" comes a female voice
She slowly lifts her head to look at you, becoming a face visible through the mist, eyes red from tears framed by dark hair. You recognise her as the girl from the briefing. The one that was abducted. At least, she looks very much like her. It wasn't a very high quality picture.
"Y-you are one of them." she adds.
There is little emotion in her voice, but you can sense the anger in her, the same anger resonating with the psychic presence around her almost at the same time.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 03, 2015, 01:59:25 pm

<Svajoklis, Team A>
Now that I have a light source that is unlikely to give out, search through the room for anything useful.
Our spooky friend dislikes light, likely because it makes it shootable. we should be safe for a while. The sad person seeem like bait to me. Cop we found earlyer was eaten. I doubt anyone kidnaped has enough mind or brain matter left intact to feel sad.

You step away from the door and start searching around in the furniture of the room with the light it provides. There's little of interest here. Empty candleholders, dyes, incense.

You're in the process of searching under the couch when the door slams shut behind you, accompanied by a gurgling sqwaking that cuts through the ensuing darkness.

And yet you are smiling with a doomguy smile. Because in the split second before that happened, you grabbed a thing that looks like a big ass torch made out of a spiky mace. And a box of matches. You don't know who put those there or why, but you feel the need to thank them.

((And here we see the luck mechanic and equipment generator in action.))

Quote from: Beirus on September 03, 2015, 12:20:53 pm

Team A

Still charging.

You wait.
...
Nothing happens.
...
You feel the need to tap your foot, but then you realise you don't have one.
...
About 35 seconds left.
...
Wonder if you could prank call your teammates.

---

Baold team

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on September 04, 2015, 07:57:25 pm

Shoulder ram one of them

You try to run towards one of the mannequins in the limited space you have. The thing tries to stab you but you weave out of the way, at the same time shoulder ramming it and throwing it over you and behind you, granting you some respite as the fallen body act as a barrier.

Quote from: Illgeo on September 08, 2015, 02:29:10 pm

Try to hide behind closest teammate.

You manage to run away using the best predicted route and hide behind Fizz, just as he manages to get away from the cluster of mannequins surrounding him. Looks like both of you have some bad injuries on your back.
"Save me, save me! Hurt them, hurt them!"
"Yes, hurt you, hurt you, save them, save them, got it."

Quote from: Wolfkit on September 05, 2015, 08:25:09 am

Resume lasering the mannequins harassing my teammates.

You draw your teammates' attempts to run away using stick figures on your notepad. You use such colourful onomatopoeia as "Fwing!", "Slich!", "Fwap!", "Bzzrrt!" and "Slam!".

The good news is that the things are not paying any attention to you,  so you're completely safe. The... sort-of-bad news is that your teammates are on the opposite side of the room, right between you and the things.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 03:01:21 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 05, 2015, 04:50:13 pm

"Quick question... is Nick omniscient? Is he going to know exactly where we are, exactly what we're planning, and exactly when we're going to do things?"

"No, not really. But he might be able to use his skills to find your general location.
And he has seen you fight, so he knows what you can do and how you tend to fight. Except for the new guys and any new skills you might have received, that is. But even for those he might have a general idea. Some of us tend to gossip a bit."
He says that last bit while looking at Roger.

Quote from: Megggas on September 05, 2015, 05:51:03 pm

George lets out a disappointed sigh.  I guess I won't be receiving unlimited power after all.  What a shame.  Eh, maybe some day.  He raises his hand to ask a question.

"So basically, we have to fight a giant pigeon that spits lightning at us?  Oh yeah, that sure sounds easy.  Are we at least provided with any weapons or tools?  Seriously, all I can do is heal myself.  Well, I guess I can heal others too..."  George looks at the collection of bizarre looking people standing around him. "...but I'm not sure I feel comfortable making physical contact with some of these people.  No offense guys and, uh, giant walking suit of armor."

George glances at the images of the burnt landscape with some apprehension.
"Also, I don't like those fires I'm seeing at this place.  I'm kind of allergic to fire.  Will the arena be cleared of all fire before the match begins?"

"Pigeon?! PIGEON?!" the crow caws angrily.
"This bird nothing like those filthy stupid flying rats!"
"Protip: Don't offend the guy that will be trying to kill you in a few moments. Or the guys that will be fighting that guy with you." the man besides you whispers to you.

<You're a smart man. You'll figure it out.> she says with a mocking tone.
"To answer your question, the arena is what it is and the challenge is what it is. No extinguishing, no equipment, nothing more or less than what you see here. You're free to use the world, your bodies and each other however you wish, but we will provide no assistance to him or you. Unless commentary can be considered assistance."

"The point is to overcome the challenge, to win. No matter which way you choose to do so. So you must show us that you can find a way to win. Preferably a good one. And an entertaining one. Do you want to hide so that you can be the last to die and win that way? Or maybe even stab your teammates in the back? That's fine by me. There are no rules in the arena. Everything goes."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 05, 2015, 08:12:40 pm

Adam nods, "Seems simple enough, is this Nick vulnerable to electricity? His own or from others."

"No thing is invulnerable. But he is less than vulnerable."

Quote from: Toaster on September 07, 2015, 09:52:08 am

John grinned.  "Well, I don't intentionally start fires, but they just tend to happen.  I can summon anything mechanical, and as it turns out grenades and missiles aren't too hard to summon, and highly effective.  Watch!"

Summon a frag grenade for emphasis.

You summon a strange spherical device.
It falls on your hand and starts beeping.
From the looks of things, it uses what you assume to be a power source to heat something at its core and then release it with a small detonation.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 09, 2015, 03:20:58 pm

John grinned.  "Anyone for a quick game of hot potato while we wait?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on September 09, 2015, 03:37:05 pm

Saevus raises his blingcannon hand. The gold one.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 09, 2015, 03:57:32 pm

"Whatever.... I guess I'll do it."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 09, 2015, 04:30:34 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Forgeting to hide something that could harm you? Heh, sir Fifty-five, those SCP guys who say you are not (in containment) might just be right.

Light a match. If I see our shadowy friend, mace him. If not, light the torch.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Beirus on September 09, 2015, 06:07:11 pm

Team A

Still charging. Oooh, can I flood the team comms with banjo music? If so, do that. It's a great prank.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 09, 2015, 08:06:49 pm

With a laugh, John activated the grenade and threw it at Roger.  "Think fast!"


Hot potato at Roger!



((EDIT:  Paris, congrats for making the RTD Hall of Fame!))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on September 09, 2015, 08:37:47 pm

If the grenade happens to go my way, blast it towards the new guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 09, 2015, 08:46:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 09, 2015, 08:06:49 pm

((EDIT:  Paris, congrats for making the RTD Hall of Fame!))

((Totally have to support this...and submit my added info for NAV  :-X Waaaay overdue for me there...And grats Paris for this achievement! Make a good summary for it. :P I ddn't check yet.))

Please keep auto'ing me, or at least place me near Irine/Ike since I guess they're the most-known to me out of everyone else (or River).

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Alarith on September 09, 2015, 11:23:17 pm

team A
Keep my distance from the girl, keeping my hands raised where she can see them
"Easy there, not one of who? I'm not one of the people who took you. I'm with the police."
Be cautious, there have been odd forces at play and she might be possessed.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 10, 2015, 10:47:09 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 03:01:21 pm

<You're a smart man. You'll figure it out.> she says with a mocking tone.

((Aurora is cyan with a blue glow right?  Is this some other Entity?))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 10, 2015, 02:14:01 pm

Change into a cute seal. No one would throw a grenade at a cute seal, right? If some monster person throws it at me anyways, bounce it off my nose towards another person, preferably the new guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2015, 08:23:44 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 09, 2015, 08:06:49 pm

With a laugh, John activated the grenade and threw it at Roger.  "Think fast!"


Hot potato at Roger!



((EDIT:  Paris, congrats for making the RTD Hall of Fame!))

((Haha! Thanks guys! You made my day even better! I've been smiling like an idiot all day today.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 09, 2015, 08:37:47 pm

If the grenade happens to go my way, blast it towards the new guy.

Quote from: Megggas on September 10, 2015, 10:47:09 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 03:01:21 pm

<You're a smart man. You'll figure it out.> she says with a mocking tone.

((Aurora is cyan with a blue glow right?  Is this some other Entity?))

((All the entities are in the first post. That one is NAV's. I don't think she's talked much to many players besides him.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 10, 2015, 02:14:01 pm

Change into a cute seal. No one would throw a grenade at a cute seal, right? If some monster person throws it at me anyways, bounce it off my nose towards another person, preferably the new guy.

John tosses the beeping potato device at Roger, who comically fumbles, tossing the grenade from one hand to the other a couple of times as if it is hot, before "accidentally" tossing it towards Saevus. By the time Saevus has realised what's going on the grenade has bounced off his helmet and is once more flying through the air, where it receives an extra helping hand from Saevus' bling cannon, sending it even higher. The sphere bounces off a barely visible bird in the sky and then starts heading down again, where it bounces off Adam's head (who currently appears completely oblivious to what's going on around him) and goes straight towards Rune. Rune uses his seal form to bounce the ball with professional precision to George. And George instinctively catches it just as the beeping starts getting more frequent and higher pitched.

"Bravo, bellissima! You win!" Roger announces as he takes the device from his hands and eats it with one quick motion.
His body distorts slightly and his stomach glows brightly for a few seconds. So brightly in fact, that you can make out his bones and internal organs. And then he returns to normal.
He burps, releasing a bit of dangerous-looking glowing blue gas that slowly disperses and disappears into distortions in the air indicating heat.
"Mama mia! That's-a a spicy meatball-a!" he adds as he uses his index finger and thumb to make a "perfect" gesture while his other hand has its palm pointing towards the sky. An woodcock falls into it a few moments later.
"Oh, for me? You guys spoil me. I'm sort-of-full now, but I'll keep it for dinner!"

((I bet you can recognise where that line is from. Here's the original commercial: https://youtu.be/NQhwNtY3N2k))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 10, 2015, 08:50:56 pm

Seal-flop my way over to Saevus, the big armor guy, and try to endear him. See if he, as an animated suit of armor, can display any kind of emotions. That information would be.... useful c:

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 10, 2015, 09:13:24 pm

"Ah, well done everyone.  That was a thing of beauty."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 10, 2015, 09:42:12 pm

As George stands there, having just watched his allies play hot potato with an active grenade and the cartoony aftermath, he thinks back to what he heard moments ago.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 03:01:21 pm

<You're a smart man. You'll figure it out.> she says with a mocking tone.

He turns toward Roger.
"Hey buddy, is there a way for me to enable some kind of spam blocker for my brain?  There's another voice in my head.  She seems to enjoy taunting me, so I'm guessing she's buddies with Aurora."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 11, 2015, 02:14:20 am

Adam rubs the back of his head, seemingly returning to focus.
"Ah, goddammit, what was that? Is someone spitballing at me?"

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Wolfkit on September 11, 2015, 06:36:52 am

"Heh heh heh... Oh. Right, I should probably do something to help. Aheh..."
Get a better angle, then laser the mannequins in half.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 11, 2015, 09:17:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:23:44 pm

"Hey Nikolai, can you make my noise makerer bigger and louderer like you do? Pleeeease? Pls do it pls. Oh, and this funnel."
Beg like an infant.

You beg like a pampered whiny child asking for a new pony.

Quote from: NAV on September 06, 2015, 01:27:34 am

Untsar the shackle before I lose my hand. Gotta remember to loosen it it before tsaring it again.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 05, 2015, 05:23:44 pm

"Hey Nikolai, can you make my noise makerer bigger and louderer like you do? Pleeeease? Pls do it pls. Oh, and this funnel."

Beg like an infant.

"Let me get this straight. You have loud speaker that is already hurting everyone's ears. And you want it much much bigger and louder. With nothing but that tiny cone to redirect the sound."...

"Great idea! Summon a better cone and we have a deal my friend! We can use it to defeat those guys." Nikolai points to the soldiers marching towards us.

((By the way yes a cone is much better than a tube for directing and amplifying sound.))

You untsar it and wiggle your hand a bit to help circulation continue. Let's hope that the bruises won't last for long.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 06, 2015, 01:58:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

"How about we start moving, and you do all that on the way? Preferably away from those incoming assholes?"

Get this party bouncing away from the incoming people.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 06, 2015, 11:48:28 am

"Hnnnnnnnnng"

Wagon ho! Pls wagon nonlethal pls

In non-moonspeak: summon a wagon to carry all the random shit I keep pulling into existence.

Again?!
Thankfully you just get a two and nothing happens.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 06, 2015, 03:47:12 pm

"Okay."
I start moving to leave and continue our journey to find the Severer.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 09, 2015, 08:46:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 09, 2015, 08:06:49 pm

((EDIT:  Paris, congrats for making the RTD Hall of Fame!))

((Totally have to support this...and submit my added info for NAV  :-X Waaaay overdue for me there...And grats Paris for this achievement! Make a good summary for it. :P I ddn't check yet.))

Please keep auto'ing me, or at least place me near Irine/Ike since I guess they're the most-known to me out of everyone else (or River).

Okay. And thank you.





Red Sky (https://youtu.be/gjco0UqotvU)

Your group starts moving away, towards the east. The group of soldiers don't seem very keen on catching up with you but you're not exactly running either. Alan is not the most athletic type, Nikolai seems a bit tired, Irine seems distracted and River is hanging back a small distance behind the group, moving at an even slower pace. The soldiers manage to get closer, but they give up their chase after several minutes and start going back. Whether because night is falling, because you got too far from the city and their camp or for some other reason, you cannot tell.

You enter the eastern road and continue following it (at a slower pace now, to conserve your strength) until the sun disappears behind the approaching clouds of dirt, before going further, behind the distant mountains. More time passes, the sky becoming a mix of red, dark bluegreen, dark blue and then just dark. You keep moving, using the twilight to navigate, until that too disappears. Temperature that until now could had been described as 'pleasant' compared to the heat of the last couple of days has now started changing to 'chilly' and quickly moving towards 'cold'.

The road remains eerily empty, devoid of signs of life. You come upon no travellers, no animals, nothing. Those of you with enhanced hearing or smell can make out small creatures moving in the dirt and the dry bushes (rodents or bugs probably) and all of you hear it when some distant thing somewhere north of you emits a low pitched and long warbling call that ends with a high pitched whistle, barely audible in the wind. But none of you see any of them. Yet Ike saw the soldiers come from here, so there must be something at the end of this road... unless they were returning from some crazy expedition to nowhere.

You can tell that you're much further from the city now. The glowing fires on the volcano have become an orangered blob on the horizon, the river of fire a glowing layer of haze above the ground, barely visible, like the lights of a distant highway. The sky is clearer here, further away from whatever the volcano is spitting into the air, allowing you to get a better view of the contents of this alien firmament. It still looks somehow... empty. Not many stars are visible and those that are are gathered in small clusters. Maybe there is still something obscuring the other stars. Dust in the air combined with the light of the moon. A moon that looks crater-less, almost pristine, a curly line of light in the sky.

Irine would had probably noticed something inside her changing as she got further away from the city, whatever influence the magic of that place had on her receding, if her attention was not focused on her new link. Said link feels stronger now, more free, more... right, its nature clearer. There is more activity there, whatever barriers were there now gone. It responds to her touch more easily, but it chooses to remain asleep and inactive for now, besides some groggy words and a general feeling of affection and happiness, the pain and discomfort almost gone.

You can also tell that the sandstorm is much closer. The wind has gotten even stronger, making it harder to walk and sending dirt into your eyes and clothes and shoes, clinging to the most annoying places it can find. There is the sound of sand and dirt falling on more sand and dirt. You can see part of the sky has been obscured by the approaching wall of dust, the stars that were there disappearing. You can even make out the vague form of the wall itself with the small amount of light the moon and stars provide, enough for a colourless detail-lacking night-vision. So wide and tall, imposing and alien in a way. Human minds are not good with handling such scales. They keep telling you that a construct of such scale should not exist, is not normal, that it is scary. And yet it is something completely mundane. Just particles riding on a wave of wind. A wave that you will enter in earnest in less than half an hour.

Most of you have been up for most of the day and this part of the night, even though part of it was not spent engaging in any strenuous activities. You're not yet close to complete exhaustion and the cold is helping you conserve water by making you not sweat as much (although it does make breathing more uncomfortable). But you've started getting thirsty, tired and hungry, your legs starting to ache from the constant walking. Well, with the appropriate variations. Alan probably wanted to stop walking and rest since before you even started walking and Nikolai was already a bit tired when you started, while Ike could (with some luck) keep going all night and then some. You're not that sure about how River rates in that scale. He must still be hanging back, keeping a relatively small and constant distance between you and him. Not close enough to be seen or heard, but close enough to be occasionally detected by those of you with better-than-human sight or hearing (though not smell).




Anything you want to ask or change? Keep following the road? Or is there anything else you want to do?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 11, 2015, 10:40:19 pm

"Anyone else getting tired and hungry?"

Share whatever food and water I have left with everyone. And just one shot of the booze for warmth.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 12, 2015, 01:26:15 am

"Not liking that storm wall. Better try to find shelter for now and get ourselves rested."

Let's find some shelter and, with the help of Alan if necessary, have some dinner.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on September 12, 2015, 02:32:24 am

Saevus notices Rune flopping his way to him and realizes that he has never seen such a being before.

"What is this vile creature?"

Prepare for combat! Summon the largest club I can wield and be ready for anything. This thing is obviously dangerous!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 12, 2015, 09:03:28 am

"Yeah, I agree with getting shelter. Sandstorms aren't to be taken lightly."

to Food/Water/Shelter!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 12, 2015, 09:58:40 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2015, 09:03:28 am

to Food/Water/Shelter!

Take a proactive role in doing scouting! Hopefully I'll be useful with my physical aptitude here!
Also Auto me a bit more! Apologies! {Exam week! Search my posts for the cause (Happy Thread Post)--Can't seem to link it for some reason at the moment :-X }

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 12, 2015, 10:15:19 am

Yes, search for shelter! Maybe I can create some shelter by tsaring that tattered curtain I'm carrying as a tent?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 12, 2015, 01:48:22 pm

Provide food if needed (for me the answer is yes).

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2015, 09:18:57 pm

---

Staging Area

---

"So, are you guys ready to rumble?"
"I am certainly ready!"

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 10, 2015, 08:50:56 pm

Seal-flop my way over to Saevus, the big armor guy, and try to endear him. See if he, as an animated suit of armor, can display any kind of emotions. That information would be.... useful c:

That depends. If you're looking for facial expressions that might convey a certain emotion or some sort of unconscious micro-expression that might convey a certain subconscious thought, then no, you're not likely to find something like that, since he has no head. On the other hand, all other ways of expressing emotion should work. His body language is a bit harder to interpret than most humans (not very easy to say how tense or relaxed he is) but you can see the way he moves his hands and head and he can always speak and state his emotions that way. Or raise a giant club and prepare to dodge and/or hit you with it. That seems like a very clear way to communicate his current emotions and intentions.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 12, 2015, 02:32:24 am

Saevus notices Rune flopping his way to him and realizes that he has never seen such a being before.

"What is this vile creature?"

Prepare for combat! Summon the largest club I can wield and be ready for anything. This thing is obviously dangerous!

"Vile beast! Returnesth to thy wastes from whence thy came!" you say as you brandish a large spiked club and get ready to strike or retreat.
"Don't let WWF see you with that thing." Roger comments.
"Why? Afraid they'll sue me?"
"Maybe they'll boycott you."
"Yeah, right. They could hurt my sales."
You're not sure what they're talking about, but from their tone, you'd guess they are not completely serious.

Quote from: Megggas on September 10, 2015, 09:42:12 pm

As George stands there, having just watched his allies play hot potato with an active grenade and the cartoony aftermath, he thinks back to what he heard moments ago.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 09, 2015, 03:01:21 pm

<You're a smart man. You'll figure it out.> she says with a mocking tone.

He turns toward Roger.
"Hey buddy, is there a way for me to enable some kind of spam blocker for my brain?  There's another voice in my head.  She seems to enjoy taunting me, so I'm guessing she's buddies with Aurora."

"Scuzati mi amigo. No can do. But I understand why you'd want to spare yourself from comments less awesome than mine."
<Fuck you D..>
"Oooh, certainly. Sounds kinky. My section or yours?"
<Hehe. Ass.>
"Sure, ass is fine. You know I'm an open person."
"If you think you are being somehow hurt, then you can ask for protection. But otherwise, as long as you are not in your private area, then everyone can talk to you or otherwise interact with you to the extent permitted by the rules."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 11, 2015, 02:14:20 am

Adam rubs the back of his head, seemingly returning to focus.
"Ah, goddammit, what was that? Is someone spitballing at me?"

Everybody whistles while looking away. Even the suit of armour. You're not sure how that's possible.

"No, I'm certainly not distorting reality."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on September 11, 2015, 10:40:19 pm

"Anyone else getting tired and hungry?"

Share whatever food and water I have left with everyone. And just one shot of the booze for warmth.

You don't have much left beyond some condiments and a bit of water. And your booze, of course. River really went to town with them. You eat them anyway, bland as they may be, turning your back on the wind in hopes of keeping the sand out of your mouth. The booze helps purge the taste by setting your throat and stomach on fire (figuratively).

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 12, 2015, 01:26:15 am

"Not liking that storm wall. Better try to find shelter for now and get ourselves rested."

Let's find some shelter and, with the help of Alan if necessary, have some dinner.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2015, 09:03:28 am

"Yeah, I agree with getting shelter. Sandstorms aren't to be taken lightly."

to Food/Water/Shelter!

Quote from: NAV on September 12, 2015, 10:15:19 am

Yes, search for shelter! Maybe I can create some shelter by tsaring that tattered curtain I'm carrying as a tent?

You'd need some kind of tent-pole for that. And the largest thing you got is your sword. And that's not long enough. Plus, that thing is a bit damaged. It probably wouldn't hold that well against the strong wind, even if you did find something to hold it down. Could maybe put them all together and then try tsaring them. Hope the effect will repair the damage and take care of the difference in proportion.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 12, 2015, 01:48:22 pm

Provide food if needed (for me the answer is yes).

All you manage to do is summon a slice of bread. So all you manage to do is make a sandwich. With actual sand.
Mmmm... Sandy...

Quote from: Tiruin on September 12, 2015, 09:58:40 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2015, 09:03:28 am

to Food/Water/Shelter!

Take a proactive role in doing scouting! Hopefully I'll be useful with my physical aptitude here!
Also Auto me a bit more! Apologies! {Exam week! Search my posts for the cause (Happy Thread Post)--Can't seem to link it for some reason at the moment :-X }

You search around, doing your best to perceive your surroundings in these adverse and low-light conditions. There is little of interest in the area. It's mostly flat and barren. But with some walking around and careful searching, you manage to find something: a much smaller dirt path, branching off the main road. It's not made out of stones like the larger path. It is marked by the lack of plants and two lines in the dirt, furrowed by the wheels of vehicles and the occasional stone on the side of the road. It looks like it was half-obscured by dirt even before the sandstorm came.

It could lead to some sort of town or cave or other place that could act as a temporary shelter. If you're lucky, it would be quicker, easier and safer than digging or otherwise creating a shelter here.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 14, 2015, 09:25:58 pm

Stab the sword into ground, drape and tie the tattered curtain over it, use some rocks to hold down the sides, then tsar and repair to make it an actually decent tent.
Unless we plan on following Theri's path instead.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 14, 2015, 11:46:46 pm

Theri gestured at her companions.

"If we can find an elevated place to hide opposite where the storm blows, that'll be fine--otherwise, I suggest we get as far away from the storm as we can! Unless we have very adequate protection all over, that storm will really do damage."

Be the front scout to that path! Check the scenery around for conspicuous and not-so-conspicuous areas to stay.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 15, 2015, 12:49:43 am

"Hmph.
Oh, yes,my es, I am certainly ready to... Rumble."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2015, 01:08:02 am

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2015, 09:25:58 pm

Stab the sword into ground, drape and tie the tattered curtain over it, use some rocks to hold down the sides, then tsar and repair to make it an actually decent tent.
Unless we plan on following Theri's path instead.

"Hang on, let's see where our unusually proactive friend leads us first."

Follow Theri at a slight distance, keeping an ear out and smelling the air for any signs of horrors waiting to ambush us.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 01:42:05 am

Toaster!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 15, 2015, 02:29:30 am

"Okay Theri lead the way."
_{"I could make us a very good tent though."}
Follow the the wolf girl. Or is it fox? Maybe coyote?

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 15, 2015, 05:33:56 am

Seal-Rune flops into his back and claps his flippers together energetically, hoping the entities realize he is ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Hawk132 on September 15, 2015, 06:13:07 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2015, 09:18:57 pm

"So, are you guys ready to rumble?"

"Aye."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2015, 06:33:41 am

"Okay"
I follow Theri's lead, but also watch the storm and ground and environment for a good place to dig myself a shelter, possibly in fox-form.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Megggas on September 15, 2015, 07:40:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2015, 09:18:57 pm

"So, are you guys ready to rumble?"

"Not really, but let's get this over with.  Hopefully it won't be too long of a fight..."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2015, 08:26:09 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 01:42:05 am

Toaster!

Appear in mirror behind him

"I'm ready; let's do this thing."

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2015, 07:25:45 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 15, 2015, 02:29:30 am

"Okay Theri lead the way."
_{"I could make us a very good tent though."}
Follow the the wolf girl. Or is it fox? Maybe coyote?

You follow the jackal girl.
"Why don't you let me use my magic and instead use crude physical solutions such as walking or digging? Magic is great! Magic is elegant! There is no problem magic can't solve! Sure, sometimes it may cause more problems than it solves, but it doesn't matter, because you can always use magic to solve those problems!"

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 01:42:05 am

Toaster!

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2015, 08:26:09 am

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 01:42:05 am

Toaster!

Appear in mirror behind him

Quick Xan! Look behind you! It's right there! Right there, can't you see it?! Right there on the kitchen counter!
Did you see it? No? Then all you have to do is extinguish all lights save a candle and look at the toaster. Look deeply into it. Look at your face reflected on its shiny surface... Now invoke the name of Toaster... Are you doing it... is anything happening? No? Then maybe you should look behind you...



_{I don't know whether or not there is a kitchen counter behind you and whether or not it has a shiny toaster on it, but if it does, wouldn't that spook you a bit? Note: Parisbre56 claims no responsibility if the Real Life Toaster or another malevolent spirit of cookware and/or cutlery appears behind you, in front of you, inside you or anywhere else nearby. Parisbre56 claims no responsibility if you burn yourself, figuratively or literally. Refunds applicable where obligatory by law. This is tiny legalese.  Quick! Toaster! Read this before Xan and use your superpowers to appear behind him! Wonder how many sub tags I can nest...}

Quote from: Lenglon on September 15, 2015, 06:33:41 am

"Okay"
I follow Theri's lead, but also watch the storm and ground and environment for a good place to dig myself a shelter, possibly in fox-form.

The dirt here seems fairly soft. If you dug a hole big enough to prevent it from getting covered up by dirt (or at least in such a way that you are not in danger of suffocating), than you should probably be fine. Unless you have a better idea.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 14, 2015, 11:46:46 pm

Theri gestured at her companions.

"If we can find an elevated place to hide opposite where the storm blows, that'll be fine--otherwise, I suggest we get as far away from the storm as we can! Unless we have very adequate protection all over, that storm will really do damage."

Be the front scout to that path! Check the scenery around for conspicuous and not-so-conspicuous areas to stay.

You follow the path, moving quickly while also keeping an eye on your surroundings.

Several minutes of walking later, the path starts going upwards and the wind abates as you begin approaching a large, solid dark thing, contrasting the blurry darkness of the approaching storm. Getting closer, you realise it's a small hill, rising out of the ground and protecting you from the wind somewhat. The edge of the hill closest to you is rocky, forming a cliff with strange shapes in it.

You finally reach the rocky cliff and rest next to one of those big strange-shaped rocks. You take cover behind the hill, gaining some respite from the wind which allows you to take a better look at this place. And then you realise that what you are touching is not a rock. What you are touching is a head. A head made out of rock, but a head nonetheless.

More careful examination of the rocky cliff reveals that the strange shapes you were seeing was a statue. The form of a man carved out of the stone on the face of the hill, sitting on a throne and yet several times higher than you, imposingly high. However, the grandeur of the statue is somewhat diminished by the fact that it has lost its head, despite the protection from the elements its little alcove provides. You can't tell all the details of the statue in the darkness, but you can tell that the man's head is bald, is wearing a simple circlet and has a smile on its face. A smile of a man with no worries and no sadness, as if he is oblivious to his decapitated state. A perfect perpetual smile lacking wrinkles and expression lines, the kind of smile you can only find in statues.

The path continues up the hill, becoming much steeper and a bit more rocky, but still traversable. Especially now that you don't have the wind pushing against you as much. You could keep exploring.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2015, 01:08:02 am

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2015, 09:25:58 pm

Stab the sword into ground, drape and tie the tattered curtain over it, use some rocks to hold down the sides, then tsar and repair to make it an actually decent tent.
Unless we plan on following Theri's path instead.

"Hang on, let's see where our unusually proactive friend leads us first."

Follow Theri at a slight distance, keeping an ear out and smelling the air for any signs of horrors waiting to ambush us.

You notice a vague periodicity in the storm, the buzzing of the wind becoming stronger, then a bit weaker, then much stronger, always getting stronger with each cycle. Other than that meteorological observation, you don't notice much else as you move forward, other than the fact that your ears make interesting sounds as they cut through the wind, the fact that one is shorter than the other making them emit something like a chord. That is, when they are not flapping in the wind or getting full of sand.

The path you are using appears devoid of human scents or other scents that could be interesting. There are some scents you don't recognize, but they seem weak and they aren't following the road, merely crossing it. Probably animals.

When you reach the broken statue however and you start examining the area around it, you notice that there is an old human smell on it and close to the path, along with some tiny bits of... *sniff* dried plants and... *poke* seeds maybe? Yes, something like apricot seeds, you can feel with your hand them under the covering of dirt. And then there is a place further away from both the statue and the path, behind a bush, where it looks like a hole was dug and... gah, not putting your hand close to that.

Looks like someone spent some time here. You think they might have been alone, but the age and weather could had erased the signs of others. Still not very interesting, but at least it's better than the familiar and unfamiliar animal scents you had until now.

You also think there are some animals hiding behind the statue's back. You think they are not very large, more like rats, although you can't really tell. You're just guessing from their scents and what your ears are telling you. You're not even sure if they are where you think they are. You might be getting confused by rocks..

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 09:06:12 pm

((There actually is a toaster right behind me right now, but it's too scared to do anything.))

Follow along and perform antics as unnecessary. Internet's down for now (I feel your pain Tir) so just that.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2015, 10:16:25 pm

((Xan Toaster, I inspire you!))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2015, 11:50:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2015, 07:25:45 pm

Several minutes of walking later, the path starts going upwards and the wind abates as you begin approaching a large, solid dark thing, contrasting the blurry darkness of the approaching storm.

((I love this writing. :3 Hello Ozymandias figurine))

Noting the opportunity, Theri took the idea before really thinking about it. "I'll keep looking around. This looks like a nice spot to camp. Though, River? Do you recognize this person?" she said, pointing at the statue head.

I shall keep exploring, or will continue leading the rest if they so wish to go along.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: H4zardZ1 on September 16, 2015, 05:40:27 am

Wait until any of them stand. Then shoulder ram!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Lenglon on September 16, 2015, 05:44:08 am

I circle round the statue, inspecting the area around it (and hunting any food animals that might be hiding here), and then, assuming area is safe and the ground is good for it, I go to the protected side, set my clothes aside to avoid ruining yet another set, and begin digging a shelter.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: NAV on September 16, 2015, 02:02:53 pm

"What's he smiling about? I wouldn't be so happy if my head fell off."

As Theri leaves he says "I'm setting up camp here. Call if you need help or if you find anything interesting."

Set up the tent at the base of the statue. Stab ground with sword, apply curtain, apply rocks, tsar.

"Hey Alan, could you get summoning some food? How about lots of beef jerky."
((NAV made beef jerky yesterday. It is delicious.))

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 16, 2015, 02:33:08 pm

"Good start, I guess!"

Try to sneakily examine the animals behind the statue and determine if they're up to no good. You never know around here.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on September 16, 2015, 03:06:35 pm

Stay covered. Hit in weak places if any mannequins approach.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Xantalos on September 16, 2015, 03:28:06 pm

HNNNNNNNNNNNGH

Food geyser! Beef of all kinds!

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2015, 06:40:29 am

AAAAA

Quote from: Beirus on September 09, 2015, 06:07:11 pm

Team A

Still charging. Oooh, can I flood the team comms with banjo music? If so, do that. It's a great prank.

The team's comms fill with banjo spam. (https://youtu.be/fdxlA8UoNB0)
...
A pulse of light is emitted from your body, a slowly expanding sphere illuminating your surroundings and then disappearing behind the walls. A while later, the strange lines of light you sent out earlier come back, their colour different and constantly changing. They come and wrap themselves around your body and limbs before disappearing. Where they coiled themselves around you, you can see your flesh starting to mend and heal. Cool.
...
About 20 second of banjo left.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 09, 2015, 04:30:34 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Forgeting to hide something that could harm you? Heh, sir Fifty-five, those SCP guys who say you are not (in containment) might just be right.

Light a match. If I see our shadowy friend, mace him. If not, light the torch.

You light a match and bring it close to your torch-flail, waiting for the second it takes for the fire to take and start spreading. It feels like something is slowing the fire down, making it weaker, but it's not enough to stop it. It keeps spreading until you have a nice fire, illuminating a circular area around you.

The bird-monster lunges out of the darkness and attempts to strike you with its claw-things, but you easily move out of the way with a spin and then counter-attack with a mace strike on its back. You press your advantage, trying to get another strike in as the creature screeches and starts turning around to face you. It barely manages to raise its claws to try to block your strike. But it doesn't keep it safe for long, as you use the mass of the mace to push it back and force it to the ground. You raise your mace to go for the killing blow, but the creature manages to roll away before it is hit. You easily keep up with it despite its frantic attempts to run away.

Quote from: Alarith on September 09, 2015, 11:23:17 pm

team A
Keep my distance from the girl, keeping my hands raised where she can see them
"Easy there, not one of who? I'm not one of the people who took you. I'm with the police."
Be cautious, there have been odd forces at play and she might be possessed.

"The... police?"
There is a bit of confusion in her mind, but it is immediately replaced by anger echoed in the presence around her.
"It is your fault."
She says and takes a step closer.
"You did not help." she adds.
Her left hand twitches for a split second. Sadness and regret battle the anger in her and around her.
"He tried to help me but he died. Because you did not help."

---

So Bold

Quote from: Wolfkit on September 11, 2015, 06:36:52 am

"Heh heh heh... Oh. Right, I should probably do something to help. Aheh..."
Get a better angle, then laser the mannequins in half.

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on September 16, 2015, 05:40:27 am

Wait until any of them stand. Then shoulder ram!

Quote from: Illgeo on September 16, 2015, 03:06:35 pm

Stay covered. Hit in weak places if any mannequins approach.

Welroki does a few quick calculations, intending to laser the mannequins in half. Horizontally. In the same room his teammates are in. Without warning them. The invisible beam of light quickly cuts through everything in its path, going low, close to the legs. The mannequins try to jump, but their attempts are slow and uncoordinated. John notices the attack quickly enough to respond and tries to warn Fizz while he jumps, barely avoiding the beam. Fizz is not so lucky. He almost manages to jump over the beam, but loses part of his left leg in the process. He falls on the floor, screaming in pain. At least the heat cauterized the wound, slowing down what would otherwise be very serious bleeding to something a bit less dangerous.

The mannequins are still moving, trying to crawl towards you and grab you, but they are moving more slowly than zombies now. They can easily be outrun by people with legs. This could be your chance to exit through one of the two doors here.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 17, 2015, 10:09:29 am

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Chase after the creature. If the mace is not so heavy as to neccecerily need to be carried in both hands, shot the thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2015, 10:11:08 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 15, 2015, 12:49:43 am

"Hmph.
Oh, yes,my es, I am certainly ready to... Rumble."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 15, 2015, 05:33:56 am

Seal-Rune flops into his back and claps his flippers together energetically, hoping the entities realize he is ready.

Onk Onk Onk!

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 15, 2015, 06:13:07 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2015, 09:18:57 pm

"So, are you guys ready to rumble?"

"Aye."

Quote from: Megggas on September 15, 2015, 07:40:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 14, 2015, 09:18:57 pm

"So, are you guys ready to rumble?"

"Not really, but let's get this over with.  Hopefully it won't be too long of a fight..."

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2015, 08:26:09 am

"I'm ready; let's do this thing."

"Good. Let us begin then." he says and claps his hands.
And with that, everything turns to darkness.

---

Storm Coming - Cheshyre (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/435832)

The clouds are moving quickly, carried by the strong wind whistling in your ears, low dark clouds moving to replace the grey ones above you, the dark blurry curtain of rain passing over distant hills and coming closer. Particles of dust and ash rise from the ground, carried by the wind, mixing with the smoke of dying fires burning in the wreckage of crushed cars and in the hearts half-destroyed buildings. It's a bit irritating for those of you with eyes when the occasional mote hits them and causes them to sting and water. There is the smell of ash and fire, burning wood and plastic, as well as the smell and feeling of coolness and moisture in the wind, heralding the approaching storm. The terrain and clouds are briefly illuminated by the occasional flash of lightning that is followed by the rumbling of thunder, before the dust and heavy cloud cover make everything darker and harder to see again.

Whatever happened here, it damaged most buildings, creating a terrain that is relatively flat. Few things rise above two stories height, most notably a small hill with a path leading up to it and a building made of steel and glass, about 30 storeys high, leaning away from the crater at a dangerous angle. Yet it appears that even before whatever disaster hit this place "pruned" its buildings, most of them were already quite short. That, combined with the fact that buildings are very sparse, surrounded by large empty areas, means that navigating around here is relatively easy. There are few large toppled buildings that create barriers of debris, but not enough to cause problems and most of them are not even close to you.

Relatively easy, because on top of the occasional large piece of debris, there are cracks and uneven sections in the ground, many of them radiating away from the crater, a few of them large enough to fit a man. Said crater is a deep hole of smashed rock, ash, dirt and debris. There's parts of the city's damaged infrastructure visible on its walls, cross sections of pipelines, tunnels and wires.

Your interfaces beep twice.
<Primary objective: Defeat your opponent or be the last man standing.
Secondary objective: Land the killing blow.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 10:28:50 am

John nodded at the group.  "Right, like I said earlier, I can summon equipment that anyone can use.  Since this guy is a flier, I was thinking about making a big flak gun to keep him off us while we mount a counterattack.  Anyone want to man that? Meanwhile, if any of you want equipment, tell me now.  The more complicated it is, the longer it takes, and I can do multiples a lot faster; meaning if you all want guns, you're getting the same guns.  Now, whatcha need?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on September 17, 2015, 01:20:17 pm

Team A

Keep charging. Banjo harder.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 17, 2015, 01:53:26 pm

"I already possess a rocket launcher. Any kind of additional ammunition would be nice. Due to the fact that this is a storm, I'm going to assume this bastard likes lightning, so if you could create a few large pillars of metal to attract any strikes of lightning, like a lightning rod, that'd be fine. I'm gonna try to get a few hits on this bastard with my rockets then become a large bird myself. Who knows, maybe while he's ripping me to pieces you guys could come up with a plan."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 02:03:50 pm

"Can hardly say no to a decoy!"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2015, 02:33:27 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 15, 2015, 09:06:12 pm

((There actually is a toaster right behind me right now, but it's too scared to do anything.))

Follow along and perform antics as unnecessary. Internet's down for now (I feel your pain Tir) so just that.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 16, 2015, 03:28:06 pm

HNNNNNNNNNNNGH

Food geyser! Beef of all kinds!

You throw a single glowing packet of minced beef at Nikolai that disappears a few moments after hitting him.
Nikolai stops working on his tent and turns around to question you.
"Hey! What's your beef?!"
Of the highest quality!

Quote from: NAV on September 16, 2015, 02:02:53 pm

"What's he smiling about? I wouldn't be so happy if my head fell off."

As Theri leaves he says "I'm setting up camp here. Call if you need help or if you find anything interesting."

Set up the tent at the base of the statue. Stab ground with sword, apply curtain, apply rocks, tsar.

"Hey Alan, could you get summoning some food? How about lots of beef jerky."
((NAV made beef jerky yesterday. It is delicious.))

You go close to the throne, on the opposite side from the head, and start working on your plan. You manage to arrange your miniature tent perfectly... Or, well, as perfectly as you can be expected to be able to arrange it. The dashed circle of rocks, half burried in dirt, hold the piece of fabric down, preventing it from getting blow away, while the sword keeps it upright in a slightly conical shape, its point embedded deep enough and at a slight angle so as to better resist the slight wind hitting it from the side, while its hilt passes through a hole in the fabric so as to keep it in position.

That done, you grab a rock with one hand and the hilt with the other, both hands touching the cloth. You focus your will on tsaring the entire thing, trying to hold it in your mind as a whole instead of a combination of parts. The transformation works. Perhaps a bit too well, since you quickly have to let go of the hilt to avoid getting carried away.

The end result is a heavy and impenetrably thick cloth forming a cone and surrounded by a circle of heavy stones that look more like small fortifications or barriers meant for vehicles. Unless a large rock or lots of sand falls from above, it should be fine. You can't see what happened to the sword, but you can hear something metal creaking inside as the occasional gust of wind hits it.

Only then, as you think about what happened to the sword, do you realise the problem with your design. You forgot to make an entrance. You've got a perfect shelter and yet you are locked outside.
The effort has also exacerbate your tiredness and hunger. You feel like you really need a place to crash. Which only makes the fact that you are locked out that much more irritating.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 16, 2015, 05:44:08 am

I circle round the statue, inspecting the area around it (and hunting any food animals that might be hiding here), and then, assuming area is safe and the ground is good for it, I go to the protected side, set my clothes aside to avoid ruining yet another set, and begin digging a shelter.

You can't really circle the statue (the back of the throne and part of the back of the statue are merged with the cliff face the statue was carved out of) but you can look around it and you can climb on parts of it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 16, 2015, 02:33:08 pm

"Good start, I guess!"

Try to sneakily examine the animals behind the statue and determine if they're up to no good. You never know around here.

Ike and Irine help each other and manage to climb up towards the neck of the statue. As Ike pushes Irine up on the neck, there is a fluttering sound and three dark shapes fly out from behind the statue. Irine instinctively lunges and swats at the things, managing to grab one of them awkwardly by the wing, but has to let go of the struggling thing to help steady herself when she almost falls off the edge of the statue's neck.

The other things attempt to fly away from the statue, but seem to reconsider when they encounter the powerful winds further away from it. The struggling thing Irine caught continues its rapid flapping, joining the two other things in hiding in a hole higher up, close to the roof of the arched alcove the statue resides in. From what Irine and Ike saw and felt, they are small birds with a large wingspan and dark colour, but they can't tell more than that.

Despite signs of habitation (you find what looks and feels like a shed snake skin and some droppings, for example) there's not much else near the statue right now beyond some insects, hiding in cracks.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2015, 11:50:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2015, 07:25:45 pm

Several minutes of walking later, the path starts going upwards and the wind abates as you begin approaching a large, solid dark thing, contrasting the blurry darkness of the approaching storm.

((I love this writing. :3 Hello Ozymandias figurine))

Noting the opportunity, Theri took the idea before really thinking about it. "I'll keep looking around. This looks like a nice spot to camp. Though, River? Do you recognize this person?" she said, pointing at the statue head.

I shall keep exploring, or will continue leading the rest if they so wish to go along.

((I always wanted to have that giant statue there. But when I went to a museum and saw a giant Egyptian statue of some Pharaoh with its head resting close to its legs and smiling, that surreal smile of a decapitated giant and ancient stone head made me feel... I don't know how I felt, I can't put it to words. But I liked it, it intrigued me and inspired me, so I tried to recreate that feeling here. Even though it's probably much harder to convey that feeling of scale and surrealism through text.))

River approaches from his position in the back of the group and goes near the head. He touches it, letting his fingers feel its surface and its features, smoothed and partially erased by the elements. He looks at it thoughtfully for a few seconds.
"It is old. Humans do not live long. We probably have not met this human. "
"Maybe a god or a master. Forgotten or not important."
"No powerful spells on it. Little magic."
"Maybe there is something else. But I do not want to tire myself examining it with magic right now. Maybe later. Unless you feel it is important."

You follow the road as it climbs up the hill, River following a few steps behind you. When you reach the top you are once more hit by the winds of the approaching sandstorm, much stronger this time. It is even closer now. Almost upon you.

You continue following the road on a relatively flat part of the hill, but it's hard to maintain awareness of your surroundings. You are hunched forward to make walking against the wind easier, looking down with only occasional glances up to make it harder for dirt to get in your eyes. Even so, one or two particles make their way to your eyes, causing them to water as you attempt to get the dirt out.

It is during one of those glances that you spot something in the distance. A light. An yellowish light, like the light of a fire. It shines like a beacon in your night-vision, despite the dust in the air between you and it intermittently obscuring it. You're not sure how far away it is, but you think you could reach it before the storm hits. The problem is that you are not certain you could reach it and then go back to the others before the sandstorm hits. And when it does, it won't be very safe to be without shelter. Even if you do find shelter, you will probably be cut off from the others, it would just be you and River.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 17, 2015, 02:58:41 pm

"Awwww, I wanted that bird. Oh well."
I carefully climb back down and inspect Nik's tent.
"Neat! Where's the door?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 17, 2015, 07:18:06 pm

(Am I in the fight? I showed interest before)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2015, 07:32:27 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2015, 07:18:06 pm

(Am I in the fight? I showed interest before)

Yeah, your disaster waiting to happen character is in this fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 17, 2015, 08:24:22 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 10:28:50 am

John nodded at the group.  "Right, like I said earlier, I can summon equipment that anyone can use.  Since this guy is a flier, I was thinking about making a big flak gun to keep him off us while we mount a counterattack.  Anyone want to man that? Meanwhile, if any of you want equipment, tell me now.  The more complicated it is, the longer it takes, and I can do multiples a lot faster; meaning if you all want guns, you're getting the same guns.  Now, whatcha need?"

George, who wasn't completely listening when John described his limitations, speaks up.
"Hey, here's an idea.  Let's not even fight this monster.  How about you just summon up a robot army to take it down.  Those count as machines, right?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 08:30:08 pm

"A robot army?  Uh... that'd probably take too long.  I can't say I've tried a true robot like that before, but it'd probably take the whole fight to even get a little robot squad going.  The more complicated, the harder it is.  Rifles and shotguns are nice and fast."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on September 17, 2015, 08:36:50 pm

"Ooh! Ooh I can help!"

Enthusiastically summon some scissors for Nikolai.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 17, 2015, 08:42:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 08:30:08 pm

"A robot army?  Uh... that'd probably take too long.  I can't say I've tried a true robot like that before, but it'd probably take the whole fight to even get a little robot squad going.  The more complicated, the harder it is.  Rifles and shotguns are nice and fast."

George sighs.  Well, of course it couldn't be that easy.  With my luck, that monster will probably come after me first.  Might as well prepare myself....

"Ugh, alright.  Can you make fire extinguishers?  Or maybe just a really good helmet?  I could use one of those.  If a helmet doesn't count as a 'machine', then uh...add a battery operated propeller to it (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDM1Mg==/z/B4QAAMXQ74JTVmcK/$_3.JPG?set_id=2).  That will work, right?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 08:43:37 pm

((And thus ended the tale of Nikolai.))

"I've done plenty of fancy helmets, but a simple one should be fine as well.  Any features on it?  Why fire extinguisher, though?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 17, 2015, 08:48:07 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 08:43:37 pm

((And thus ended the tale of Nikolai.))

"I've done plenty of fancy helmets, but a simple one should be fine as well.  Any features on it?  Why fire extinguisher, though?"

"Like I said before, I'm...allergic to fire.  Apparently, alien brain slugs don't like the stuff, and the one inside my brain is...eh, forget about it.  It's too long a story to tell.  Fire messes me up, that's all you need to know.  Actually, now that you mention it, can you make a helmet with an automated fire extinguisher attached to it?"

EDIT:
((I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to try to dig some kind of hole and hide underground.  Then John will have plenty of time to prep us, since Nick won't be able to reach us.  On the other hand, Nick's attacks might be able to cause a cave in that could kill us all.  So...might not be the best idea.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 17, 2015, 09:44:09 pm

Wake up from my nap. pound fists into the ground
"Ghraphish Nargiu TASH! Yokno Leme wakup, you stupid DREAM!!!"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 18, 2015, 12:09:53 am

Adam straightens out, and looks around while he slowly removes his gloves, folding them, and putting them in a nearly invisible pocket.
"Hmph, not much cover around here, that may be annoying."

Quote from: Toaster on September 17, 2015, 10:28:50 am

John nodded at the group.  "Right, like I said earlier, I can summon equipment that anyone can use.  Since this guy is a flier, I was thinking about making a big flak gun to keep him off us while we mount a counterattack.  Anyone want to man that? Meanwhile, if any of you want equipment, tell me now.  The more complicated it is, the longer it takes, and I can do multiples a lot faster; meaning if you all want guns, you're getting the same guns.  Now, whatcha need?"

"Some sort of sniper rifle, or at the very least some binoculars that could see through this smog, as you may be able to tell, I'm atrociously frail, so I believe I may be best sorted to gathering information and picking away at him from a distance."
Giving a quick sweep of the area, he focuses in on the large leaning building and the hill it stands on.
"I'll see if I can take up position there, perhaps not in the building itself, but the hill itself has at least some height advantage."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2015, 12:14:30 am

Entity Challenge - John

"Uhh... sure.  I've learned not to question.  Be warned, Ron and I tend to make a lot of fire.  Sniper rifle?  Visibility here's kinda shit, but we can do long rifles."

Summon a hunting rifle with scope; something of a decent but not huge caliber.  Make copies for everyone.  Also ammo and copies; keep at least one clip to myself for additional copies.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 18, 2015, 12:41:36 am

"Well, if you talkin' gunz... Gimme a big one! I'll kill befor it knows it be livin!"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2015, 01:16:22 am

((Damn. I have been away for a while. I'm so terribly sorry for not posting. I've been mentally exhausted with a bunch of work and study recently.
From what I read, I assume that I'm still with Nikolai and the others of the main group.))

Zechariah sat down on the ground and yawned. He was zoning out, trying to keep his mind blank so as to focus on the mission ahead and not let his somber mood disturb his attention. He watched as Nikolai set up a shelter, though with an odd result in the end.
With nothing much to do, Zechariah kept watch with his inferior human eyes. He really wasn't that much of a help now. He couldn't really hunt or sense things like the others could, and he can't really summon shards right now due to the time. He would have to rely on the shadows, even though they were only suitable for defensive or evasive measures.
Deciding that he couldn't just mope around, he righted himself and attempted to meditate, even with the commotion around him. He hoped that he could slow down his thought process enough to remain calm and at least relaxed despite his insecurities.
Closing his eyes, he said to Nikolai, "If you need help, just ask. I could guard or try to conceal our position if needed, but I don't have too much energy."

Meditate and be calm. Try to keep an ear out for disturbances, however.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2015, 01:39:12 am

((Zech's "inferior" human eyes are better than Irine's hybid part-fox eyes. her hearing and smell outpaces his, but her sight is comparatively poor.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2015, 01:59:34 am

Note for people in the boss fight: I usually wait a while for people to post actions, especially when I see that they are active. If you want to wait/want the turn to happen but you don't want to do an action, then it's always nice to post something bolded, since it shows me that I don't need to wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2015, 04:41:00 am

"Hmmm..."

Get a feel for the local insect population. Do they look like Earth insects, or different? What insects could I equate them with after a period of observation?

Furthermore, check the alcove behind the statue for secret doors and similar fuckery.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 18, 2015, 05:15:36 am

There is no "behind" the statue, there's just a small space behind the statue's back. The statue is part of the cliff, carved out of it. Something like this:

Spoiler: Googled Picture (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/6192342549_0c58f9bfa6_o_zpscygpjuec.jpg)

But of a man sitting on a throne, kinda like this:

Spoiler: Crappy Drawing (click to show/hide)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/statue_zpsh9rcblso.png)

Also, are you using any specific method to search or just looking/smelling around?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2015, 05:38:40 am

((For the insects, looking at first, catching for closer looks next. For the alcove, touching the walls, looking for seams, knocking on the cliff and listening plus whatever else comes to mind.

And yes, that's how I imagined it was. Perhaps "around" would have been a more fitting word than "behind".))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on September 18, 2015, 08:10:20 am

Team A
"Who died? What happened? Please, I understand that you're angry right now because I couldn't help before. What can I do now?"
Hold my position for right now, but keep an eye on how close she is getting.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on September 18, 2015, 10:33:36 am

"I would also like to request one of these 'big guns' of thine."

Look around for things I could launch at Nick.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2015, 10:36:36 am

"Okay, rifles it is.  Hope you're all good shots; you can keep him off me while I go for something bigger."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on September 18, 2015, 12:04:33 pm

((My internets dead until monday. :( Posting from phone, can't post much. I think Tiruin might be cursing people.))

"Oops, forgot the door."

Try to cut a door with my knife or Alan's scissors, whichever works better. I hope the fabric isn't too impenetrable.
If I can't get through then try hitting the handle of the knife with a rock to get it through, but something about that screams bad idea.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2015, 01:16:22 am

Closing his eyes, he said to Nikolai, "If you need help, just ask. I could guard or try to conceal our position if needed, but I don't have too much energy."

"Won't need much guarding or concealment in the sandstorm. Relax and conserve your energy."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2015, 12:38:08 pm

"Um, we could just dig under it. the ground here isn't all that hard."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Wolfkit on September 18, 2015, 12:49:07 pm

"Whoops, sorry about that. I was getting the hang of laser without hitting you guys whoch meant that it was inevitable for me to become overconfident and mess up, you know how it is, _{I'm sure you've done something like that before, I know I have!} Anyways, don't panic. I have an idea!"
You said there were some machinery and tools in here, any metal rods or similar that I could grab/salvage/break off/laser off? If so collect them, as well as any tools that look like they might be useful in surgery. Maybe some thread too. Also grab some strips of fabric from the dresses, and a severed left leg from a mannequin, there must be loads of those lying around by now.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 18, 2015, 01:07:20 pm

"Oh, you want us to distract him?......Well, uh, good luck with that.  Let me know when my stuff is ready."

Run off and hide somewhere close by.  If any of my biological allies get hurt, then point and laugh rush out, grab them, and bring them to my hiding place.  Apply healing touch if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 18, 2015, 04:23:18 pm

Use a little bit of biomass to change my eyes so they can detect changes in heat, then look for a large flying shape. If I see anything large and moving through the sky that looks like a large bird, then blast it with my rocket launcher.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 20, 2015, 03:21:45 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

I assume you're not all bunched up close together, otherwise Salsacookies' actions would have some unfortunate consequences for the rest of you.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 17, 2015, 09:44:09 pm

Wake up from my nap. pound fists into the ground
"Ghraphish Nargiu TASH! Yokno Leme wakup, you stupid DREAM!!!"

You hit the ground with enough strength to cause a shock-wave and create a respectable crater below you. The shock-wave disturbs the ash on the ground, causing it to form even thicker clouds, and shakes the surrounding wreckage, a small rumble accompanying the echoes of your shock-wave as some of the debris resettle.

<Hey! Be careful! You may accidentally hurt one of your friends! And he may see you.>

A couple of seconds later, as if to prove his statement right, a faint blue glow appears on the ground next to your hole. The wreckage of a car begin to spark and glow with St. Elmo's fire, the occasional spark escaping from its hull. The light is slowly getting brighter as the debris start to tremble.

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2015, 12:14:30 am

Entity Challenge - John

"Uhh... sure.  I've learned not to question.  Be warned, Ron and I tend to make a lot of fire.  Sniper rifle?  Visibility here's kinda shit, but we can do long rifles."

Summon a hunting rifle with scope; something of a decent but not huge caliber.  Make copies for everyone.  Also ammo and copies; keep at least one clip to myself for additional copies.

You summon a rather gigantic high-tech death tube. Even with both hands, it still feels heavy, so you have to lean backwards, make use of a sling around your back and rest it on your pelvis to hold it comfortably, without straining. It's complex enough that you don't have enough time to make copies. And for the life of you, you can't tell what that thing is supposed to do.

It has two handles on the side (the one on the back is larger than the one in the front, while the one in the front has a button), a keypad and speaker on top and three unlabelled knobs on the other side, currently in the second of the three possible positions. The sling is attached close to the front of the weapon and is currently short enough to allow you to easily aim upwards. You can also tell it has what you think is a rather potent (and heavy) power-source, given that it is connected to the collection of black bits that form the heart of the machine with thick cables, where the button and the three switches are also connected. The barrel of the gun has three spinning bits inside it and is humming quietly.

You get the feeling that you are supposed to point at what you want to die and push the button. And the things to the side are probably meant to adjust its functionality. You could just push the button and see what happens...

A building on the opposite side of the street starts glowing with a faint blue glow that is slowly getting brighter, sparks flying out of the pieces of metal inside it.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 18, 2015, 10:33:36 am

"I would also like to request one of these 'big guns' of thine."

Look around for things I could launch at Nick.

Plenty of debris around. Depends on how confident you are. You could go from "Heavy Pebble" to "Spear made out of rebar" to "Car". Could even try with "Gigantic Piece of Reinforced Concrete" but even with most of your power behind the blast, you'd need him to fly pretty low.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 18, 2015, 04:23:18 pm

Use a little bit of biomass to change my eyes so they can detect changes in heat, then look for a large flying shape. If I see anything large and moving through the sky that looks like a large bird, then blast it with my rocket launcher.

You get a sort-of blurry add-on to your vision that shows you infrared radiation. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to see much of interest beyond the fact that those glowing blue areas have something like a tendril of heat extending above them.

Quote from: Megggas on September 18, 2015, 01:07:20 pm

"Oh, you want us to distract him?......Well, uh, good luck with that.  Let me know when my stuff is ready."

Run off and hide somewhere close by.  If any of my biological allies get hurt, then point and laugh rush out, grab them, and bring them to my hiding place.  Apply healing touch if necessary.

Seeing your teammates prepare, you commit the only sensible action: RUN AWAY!
It appears to have been the right choice too, as more and more of those blue areas are appearing around their general area, but (with the exception to Ron) not very close to them.
You hide in the remains of a sturdy looking house and adopt the fetal position.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 20, 2015, 04:07:57 pm

Study the appearance of the glowing areas. Is there any kind of pattern to them? For example, are there certain regions that are not being touched by the blue glowing areas? Something that might suggest a blind spot in the enemy's line of sight, which would allow us to see where the enemy was planting these glowing areas from?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 20, 2015, 04:13:01 pm

Storm Coming - George

As George reluctantly withdrew from the fetal position (his go-to position for dangerous situations), he looked around the house he was hiding in.  I better make sure there isn't some kind of mutant fire rat hiding around the corner, eager to spit fireballs at me and nibble on my head.  Sure, it's unlikely, but it wouldn't be the strangest thing I've seen today.

Cautiously look around and search the house that I'm hiding in.  Pay close attention to any details that might indicate that dangerous fire-spitting or head-crushing creatures live here.  Also look for any clues that show that the house is about to collapse any minute now.  If I discover that dangerous creatures live here, the house is about to collapse, or any other kind of fire hazard exists here, then immediately run out of the house and find another hiding place.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on September 20, 2015, 04:27:07 pm

Let's go with "Car". Get a gun from John if he copies one (and wants to give me one). If I didn't get a gun, summon myself a tower shield (although I think it probably won't work).

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 20, 2015, 06:18:15 pm

((Who all wanted a gun?  I'm aware that they came out a bit bigger than ordered.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 20, 2015, 06:22:38 pm

I don't like the sight of that. Dig a hidey hole in the side of the creator to shield myself from the car

((ME! Something simpler though, like a giant shotgun would do.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 20, 2015, 07:08:48 pm

Adam sees the monstrosity of a weapon tha John is holding.
"You call that a long rifle? I asked for a sniper rifle, not a cannon!
*Sigh*, No chance of just making me some sort of binoculars that could see through this smog, th..."
This whole time, he had been staring up at the clouds, but then he stops, focuses on a specific point, then continues speaking.
"But it'll have to do, give me that cannon, [Toaster]."
If he gives me the cannon, hunker down and brace, then search for the enemy and steady my aim, if not, then just start hiding.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 20, 2015, 07:43:53 pm

"Sometimes things just get exciting, you know?  Also, I think he knows where we are now; scattering probably isn't a bad idea."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 20, 2015, 07:58:35 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 20, 2015, 07:43:53 pm

"Sometimes things just get exciting, you know?  Also, I think he knows where we are now; scattering probably isn't a bad idea."

"I know that, please give me the cannon."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 20, 2015, 08:01:36 pm

((that's mean E/D, editing your old statement taking toaster's new one out of context like that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 20, 2015, 08:09:10 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2015, 08:01:36 pm

((that's mean E/D, editing your old statement taking toaster's new one out of context like that.))

((Sorry, I edited my turn based on PM info and I got said info about 5 minutes ago, I didn't even know he had posted.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 20, 2015, 08:27:27 pm

To be fair, that info was supposed to be given at the first half of next turn because it took time to obtain. I just gave it to you to save time so I won't have to pause everything. So any actions made based on that info will have to take place after the first half of the turn.

Edit: Also, you are apparently holding a monstrosity of a weapon in your hands? Sounds like a strange euphemism.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 20, 2015, 08:40:57 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 20, 2015, 08:27:27 pm

To be fair, that info was supposed to be given at the first half of next turn because it took time to obtain. I just gave it to you to save time so I won't have to pause everything. So any actions made based on that info will have to take place after the first half of the turn.

Edit: Also, you are apparently holding a monstrosity of a weapon in your hands? Sounds like a strange euphemism.

((Shhh shhhhhh I never made that spelling mistake.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on September 20, 2015, 09:11:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 18, 2015, 12:38:08 pm

"Um, we could just dig under it. the ground here isn't all that hard."

"We don't have a shovel or time to dig a tunnel. Not a human sized one anyway. If I can't cut a door then I'll shrink the tent then give it a door then tsar it again. Simple."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 20, 2015, 09:31:38 pm

"Hunuh? just watch."
I dig a crawltunnel from the edge of the tent to the inside of it.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 20, 2015, 11:05:44 pm

"Lemme make another first!  Sharing is caring."

Get a bit of cover, then start duplicating.  Pass copies to anyone who wants one.


((I just realized the high utility of one of the powers I haven't picked yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2015, 08:09:46 am

A-Bomb ready

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 17, 2015, 10:09:29 am

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Chase after the creature. If the mace is not so heavy as to neccecerily need to be carried in both hands, shot the thing.

You keep up with the creature as it frantically tries to move away from you, its claws digging into the wooden and stone of the floor. It emits a high pitched sound that makes you want to close your ears, that makes the room quiver and the flame of your torch-mace shrink, but you don't let that impede you.

You raise your gun to shoot it, holding the firearm with one hand while using the mace to illuminate your target with the other. You unload three rounds in it, two in its back, one in the head. The creature twitches for a few moments and then goes still, its horrible screeching silenced.

You notice a bright green light coming from down the hallway, from the room you started. You also notice the light on your torch slowly getting brighter.

Quote from: Beirus on September 17, 2015, 01:20:17 pm

Team A

Keep charging. Banjo harder.

Strange distortions appear around you, luminous clouds that slowly slither around you, distorting any light that goes through them like water.

You are charged and ready. You feel the power inside you. You can barely contain it, barely resist the urge to release it, to feel relieved from it. If you wait any longer, you feel like you'd burst.

So... Shall I push the button? (https://youtu.be/2ULxOwBfsWc?t=46s)

Quote from: Alarith on September 18, 2015, 08:10:20 am

Team A
"Who died? What happened? Please, I understand that you're angry right now because I couldn't help before. What can I do now?"
Hold my position for right now, but keep an eye on how close she is getting.

"I don't know- you- you- should had done something!"
She stops moving and falls to her knees as the psychic energy around her begins to dissipate, using her arms to keep herself from falling completely.
"N-now it's too late and I- I don't know-" the girl on the ground says as she whimpers, shining in your minds eye with a storm of emotion: fear, sadness, confusion, anger...
"Why, you do know!" comes a voice from somewhere close to her.
"Look at him! He didn't even care enough to know what happened. To know what he was to you."
She speaks quietly, but you can hear her in the silence of this place.
"Remember what we talked about? Doesn't he and those like him deserve to be punished?"
Strangely though, you cannot feel her nearby. You can only feel the girl on her knees, not the one hidden in the mist.
"Y-yes. I think."

---

Laser Bs

Quote from: Wolfkit on September 18, 2015, 12:49:07 pm

"Whoops, sorry about that. I was getting the hang of laser without hitting you guys whoch meant that it was inevitable for me to become overconfident and mess up, you know how it is, _{I'm sure you've done something like that before, I know I have!} Anyways, don't panic. I have an idea!"
You said there were some machinery and tools in here, any metal rods or similar that I could grab/salvage/break off/laser off? If so collect them, as well as any tools that look like they might be useful in surgery. Maybe some thread too. Also grab some strips of fabric from the dresses, and a severed left leg from a mannequin, there must be loads of those lying around by now.

Sure. You quickly move through the room, avoiding the still moving bodies. On your way, you grab a leg. Once you reach a pile of supplies, you grab a metal rod and use a pair of scissors to cut some fabric and grab some thread.

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 20, 2015, 04:07:57 pm

Study the appearance of the glowing areas. Is there any kind of pattern to them? For example, are there certain regions that are not being touched by the blue glowing areas? Something that might suggest a blind spot in the enemy's line of sight, which would allow us to see where the enemy was planting these glowing areas from?

The only pattern you can see is that they are denser closer to John and Ron. However, now that they have become brighter and hotter, you can see that the heat coming out of them seems to be pointing to a particular part of the sky, tendrils of heat extending towards the front of the dark clouds approaching your position.

Quote from: Megggas on September 20, 2015, 04:13:01 pm

Storm Coming - George

As George reluctantly withdrew from the fetal position (his go-to position for dangerous situations), he looked around the house he was hiding in.  I better make sure there isn't some kind of mutant fire rat hiding around the corner, eager to spit fireballs at me and nibble on my head.  Sure, it's unlikely, but it wouldn't be the strangest thing I've seen today.

Cautiously look around and search the house that I'm hiding in.  Pay close attention to any details that might indicate that dangerous fire-spitting or head-crushing creatures live here.  Also look for any clues that show that the house is about to collapse any minute now.  If I discover that dangerous creatures live here, the house is about to collapse, or any other kind of fire hazard exists here, then immediately run out of the house and find another hiding place.

The house is not the sturdiest thing in the world, but unless someone like Ron punches it, you think it'll be fine. As for things in it, the building looks completely empty, the only thing that has disturbed the ash and dust inside being you and the wind. There's the charred remains of... something that looks and smells fleshy. You're not really sure what it is, you can't tell much about it beyond the fact that it's small, fleshy and has four limbs. But judging from the smell and the fact that it looks more like charcoal than flesh, it won't be getting up any time soon.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 20, 2015, 04:27:07 pm

Let's go with "Car". Get a gun from John if he copies one (and wants to give me one). If I didn't get a gun, summon myself a tower shield (although I think it probably won't work).

You pick a random car and go stand next to it. You grab it by the roll cage and lift it experimentally, shaking the dust and ash out of it in the process. Hm. Yes. That does feel quite easier now. You let the car down and summon a shield while waiting.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 20, 2015, 06:22:38 pm

I don't like the sight of that. Dig a hidey hole in the side of the creator to shield myself from the car

((ME! Something simpler though, like a giant shotgun would do.))

You easily pulverize the stone on the side of the crater away from the blue glow. You start moving through the gap you have created.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 20, 2015, 07:08:48 pm

Adam sees the monstrosity of a weapon tha John is holding.
"You call that a long rifle? I asked for a sniper rifle, not a cannon!
*Sigh*, No chance of just making me some sort of binoculars that could see through this smog, th..."
This whole time, he had been staring up at the clouds, but then he stops, focuses on a specific point, then continues speaking.
"But it'll have to do, give me that cannon, [Toaster]."
If he gives me the cannon, hunker down and brace, then search for the enemy and steady my aim, if not, then just start hiding.

Quote from: Toaster on September 20, 2015, 11:05:44 pm

"Lemme make another first!  Sharing is caring."

Get a bit of cover, then start duplicating.  Pass copies to anyone who wants one.


((I just realized the high utility of one of the powers I haven't picked yet.))

Adam follows John's ponderous footsteps, eager to receive his big gun. He goes with John behind a sturdy-looking car where John proceeds to give it to him. Adam has trouble handling such a big tool, he isn't really sure how John can walk with that gigantic thing on his pelvis. Nevertheless, after some grunting and tugging, he manages to get it up.




Everyone
The blue glow suddenly intensifies. Sparks begin flying from objects as particles of dust and pieces of rubble begin floating, moving away from the ground. The ground itself begins breaking apart and bending upwards. A moment later, the approaching black clouds flash and rumble as one by one lightning bolts start escaping from them, forming a jagged line, a momentary bridge of light between the earth and the clouds so bright its after-image keeps glowing in your eyes even when you close them. And you do close them, instinctively trying to protect yourselves from the booms and showers of red-hot debris that follow as every point hit by lightning, every glowing area, is repeatedly detonated. When it is over, the blue glowing areas have been replaced by red glowing craters surrounded by red hot debris.

Salsacookies
The explosion that happens behind you causes a large amount of concrete and asphalt to bury you, but it doesn't do much more than slow you down a bit and cause some unpleasant but minor burns.

Execute/Dumbo.exe
The car protects you from most of the debris, however it doesn't do much to steady you. The sudden sounds and vibrations surprise you and cause you to lose your balance. You try to grab hold of the car you're hiding behind, but you end up grabbing a mirror that easily breaks off from the combined weight of you and your weapon. You find yourself on the ground moments later, with your gun next to you. Its whine has become louder and the three rings on its cover has started to glow. You might have accidentally pulled the trigger while falling. But, like any customer would do, you feel inclined to blame the manufacturer and his faulty products.

Toaster
You watch Adam struggle to manage to get your gun up and hold it... and then watch him fall like a tree when the electrostatic artillery hits. As the echoes you notice that his gun has started whining... and the three rings on the outside of the gun's barrel that signify the three spinning things inside it have started glowing.

Everyone
Another glowing area appears, this time directly where John and Adam are hiding. They feel their skin tingling, their hair rising. More start appearing around them.

<Going with the Battleship strategy, I see?>
<It's hard to resist when they make such good targets.>
<A bit boring, but practical. I hope it's not your only trick.>
<Don't worry. It's one of many! You'll see soon.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 17, 2015, 02:58:41 pm

"Awwww, I wanted that bird. Oh well."
I carefully climb back down and inspect Nik's tent.
"Neat! Where's the door?"

You safely make your way down with the help of Ike.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 17, 2015, 08:36:50 pm

"Ooh! Ooh I can help!"

Enthusiastically summon some scissors for Nikolai.

You summon a pair of scissors and then proceed to run with them to Nikolai and his tent.
Hah! Nothing bad happened! All those people telling you not to run with scissors all those years were lying!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2015, 01:16:22 am

((Damn. I have been away for a while. I'm so terribly sorry for not posting. I've been mentally exhausted with a bunch of work and study recently.
From what I read, I assume that I'm still with Nikolai and the others of the main group.))

Zechariah sat down on the ground and yawned. He was zoning out, trying to keep his mind blank so as to focus on the mission ahead and not let his somber mood disturb his attention. He watched as Nikolai set up a shelter, though with an odd result in the end.
With nothing much to do, Zechariah kept watch with his inferior human eyes. He really wasn't that much of a help now. He couldn't really hunt or sense things like the others could, and he can't really summon shards right now due to the time. He would have to rely on the shadows, even though they were only suitable for defensive or evasive measures.
Deciding that he couldn't just mope around, he righted himself and attempted to meditate, even with the commotion around him. He hoped that he could slow down his thought process enough to remain calm and at least relaxed despite his insecurities.
Closing his eyes, he said to Nikolai, "If you need help, just ask. I could guard or try to conceal our position if needed, but I don't have too much energy."

Meditate and be calm. Try to keep an ear out for disturbances, however.

You lay down cross-legged, close your eyes and try to relax while being aware of your surroundings, trying to be receptive to their influence.
After a while, as you calm down, you slowly start becoming aware of the power of the storm, the beating of its heart, an irregular thumping noise at the edge of hearing. A noise you realise was always there, you just hadn't noticed it. You feel its energy going through you, pushing back the tiredness and hunger, making you restless, giving you the urge to get up and pace.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2015, 04:41:00 am

"Hmmm..."

Get a feel for the local insect population. Do they look like Earth insects, or different? What insects could I equate them with after a period of observation?

Furthermore, check the alcove behind the statue for secret doors and similar fuckery.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 18, 2015, 05:38:40 am

((For the insects, looking at first, catching for closer looks next. For the alcove, touching the walls, looking for seams, knocking on the cliff and listening plus whatever else comes to mind.

And yes, that's how I imagined it was. Perhaps "around" would have been a more fitting word than "behind".))

You look around the statue at the various insects. There are things that feel like ants, retreating to a crack in the rock close to the statue. You can't tell with certainty in the darkness, but you think they are red. You let one climb on your hand and walk on it for a few moments.

There is also a thing that is as large as your hand, half-buried in the sand, that you could had easily mistaken for a bone or a rock. It has a smooth white bone-like exoskeleton and remains stationary unless prodded. It has spiky legs and translucent wings hidden beneath white covers, that it attempts to use to fly away once you catch it, while at the same time attempting to bite you and pierce you with its spiky legs. You let go of it before it causes you any harm. You don't think it could had killed you or anything, but who knows when poisonous or magical creatures might be involved.

There are also spiders, hiding inside cracks in the rock, only their legs visible outside of them. Yet one can easily tell there are spiders here, for there are a few webs around here, with even fewer insects caught in them. You softly prod one of them with the tip of your sword. It tries to hide deeper into the hole, but seeing it is useless, it comes out of its hiding spot and starts quickly moving away. It is black, it has very long and very thin legs and its body is very small. It becomes difficult to keep track of as it blends with the shadows and cracks. You have to resort to catching glimpses of a moving black dot at the edges of your vision to actually see it, even though you can sort-of echolocate it. It keeps moving until it finds another crack to hide in.

As for secret doors, you can't really look for seams in this light. You grope around and echolocate a bit, but you can't find anything. Just a few cracks. So you resort to just randomly knocking at the wall and listening for anything different in the resulting sound. After a while, you think you have found something. There's an area where the sound produced has a slightly lower pitch than the surrounding rock. But you can't find anything nearby. No seams, no protrusions on the rock that could be levers, no inscriptions saying 'this is a secret door'... Maybe the rock there just has different composition.

Quote from: NAV on September 18, 2015, 12:04:33 pm

((My internets dead until monday. :( Posting from phone, can't post much. I think Tiruin might be cursing people.))

"Oops, forgot the door."

Try to cut a door with my knife or Alan's scissors, whichever works better. I hope the fabric isn't too impenetrable.
If I can't get through then try hitting the handle of the knife with a rock to get it through, but something about that screams bad idea.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2015, 01:16:22 am

Closing his eyes, he said to Nikolai, "If you need help, just ask. I could guard or try to conceal our position if needed, but I don't have too much energy."

"Won't need much guarding or concealment in the sandstorm. Relax and conserve your energy."

Ever heard that saying that driving tired is the same as driving drunk? This must be somewhat similar, because after failing to penetrate the tent with your kitchen knife and Alan's scissors (the knife keeps sliding off without actually cutting), you decide that the best thing you can do is use a rock to make your hits stronger. So you steady the hilt of your knife to the centre of your palm, press it against the tent and then hit it as hard as you can with a rock. Through your palm.

You fall down, holding your broken hand and screaming profanity that is not suitable for sensitive children Alans.

Hey, at least you made a small hole. That should help let fresh air into the tent.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2015, 09:31:38 pm

"Hunuh? just watch."
I dig a crawltunnel from the edge of the tent to the inside of it.

You go downwind of the tent where you proceed to start digging under one of the rock-barriers around the tent. You try to be careful not to make the tunnel too wide, because then you risk one of the stone barriers falling on you, and that would be unpleasant to say the least. You encounter a few small pebbles in the ground here, probably broken off from the cliff, but they don't make digging hard in any significant way.


I'm not sure if you wanted to turn to fox or not after climbing down.
If yes, then you manage to dig a tunnel that you can go through comfortably and that a human could probably squeeze through with a bit of effort (if said human wasn't as big as Alan).
If no, then you use a rock to start digging a relatively large tunnel, big enough for a human to fit through. You make it about halfway under the barrier, towards the inside of the tent.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 25, 2015, 08:53:22 am

I'd take off my only remaining clothes and change to full-fox away from them, to access my claws. so am full-fox and we have a tunnel through to the inside.

now inside the tent, I look around and evaluate the shelter.

<See? not that hard.>

I then go back outside and bring my clothes (well, all it is is an oversized shirt) inside.

<Come on in!>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 25, 2015, 09:40:02 am

((I take it I didn't have time to make copies.))

John, Team Boss

"You better point that thing at him!  Guys, some covering fire?  Got a gun for someone!"


Nope on out of there to a nearby building that's out of the firing line.  Hand off the gun to anyone who wants it.  Try to summon another sensor helmet like previous models while on the way, though running has priority.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2015, 09:58:23 am

You summoned one copy and gave it to Adam, who proceeded to fall and accidentally pull the trigger. I assumed you'd stop and take cover when the booms started.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on September 25, 2015, 11:13:31 am

"Ow fuck ow damn ow shit I knew that was terrible idea. At least your tunnel worked."

Crawl through the tunnel into the tent. Try to bandage or splint my hand the best I can (not sure what I have to do this with. Maybe leftover food packaging could work, might have some cardboard.)

Switch my shield to strapped to the arm with the broken hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 25, 2015, 11:20:27 am

Oh, so I still have the original.  Got it.  Slightly amending action.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on September 25, 2015, 11:36:22 am

Guess there's nothing else to do but watch the skies and launch cars at Nick if I see him.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 25, 2015, 12:06:16 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Crush the head of the creature with the mace just to be sure. Inspect my ammo suplies, reload the gun(s) and go see what that green light is all about.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on September 25, 2015, 12:21:51 pm

"Aw, you did a me! Here, buddy."

Give Nikolai a band-aid.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2015, 02:15:36 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Poke the irregular section firmly with the hilt of my sword, hit it a couple of times with the hilt as well, try scratching at it with the blade if that doesn't work. Percussive exploration!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2015, 02:18:26 pm

Rune points to the sky where he had deduced the source of the assault to be coming from. "I'd say he's right there. Give me a bit of covering fire, please."

Quickly use bio-mass to sprout some kind of wings, then move towards the source of the assault. Don't flying in a straight line, but rather roll and gently curve as I go to make myself a more difficult target. If I see my foe, unleash fiery hell with my rocket launcher.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on September 25, 2015, 06:14:13 pm

Team A, WMD

<We interrupt this banjo music marathon to bring you an important announcement: STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE ROOM WE STARTED IN. SHIT'S ABOUT TO GET EXPLODEY. Now back to your regularly scheduled banjo.>

Do the thing (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RAynXO6_tF0).

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 25, 2015, 07:42:44 pm

George - Storm Coming

Unsure of what to do, George twiddles his thumbs as he listens to the destruction happening outside his safe place.  He looks at the burnt creature curiously and walks toward it.  George used to be a germaphobe, but thanks to his condition he's not that nervous about getting sick any more.  There's far more sinister things to be afraid of now.  He reaches for the dead creature.

Pick up the burnt corpse with my bare hands.  Examine it and try to identify what kind of creature it is.  Then try breaking the charred corpse open to look at its insides.  If the inside of it is not burnt, put my hand in there and try to feel around for anything useful.  Who knows, maybe it swallowed some kind of super-advanced anti-lightning device.  Might as well take a look.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Tiruin on September 25, 2015, 10:26:01 pm

Please Auto me for today until I get my bearings about--dealing with x_x anxiety here (and sorry for my 10 day ish absence).

Lenglon/anyone else, please provide productive actions (even if you generally know what Theri is like). I do not want to be left doing...next to nothing. :-\

Sorry for absence.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 25, 2015, 11:43:44 pm

Theri - Regroup with the others for now, can investigate after storm has passed. don't want to be isolated. upon regroup notify group of what was seen.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on September 26, 2015, 12:27:44 pm

Team A
"I realize that I have hurt you through my inaction. Nothing I can do now will change the pain I've caused in the past. I couldn't do something then, but I can do something now. What I can do now is protect you from everything happening now. I can keep you safe, and we can leave this place." Bryan's voice takes on a more accusatory tone, "And to you hiding in the shadows, Why don't you come speak your accusations to my face? Someone who is too afraid to face his or her opponents has no right to belittle their actions. And what of your own? Are you so blameless in this matter that you can judge from behind a veil? Leave her out of this, and face me. I won't fight if you don't attack, why don't we talk?"
Can I remember any of the events they are talking about? What is the girl's name by the way, surely I know that. Also, look and listen for the source of the voice.
((I hope I don't say something that screws this up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 26, 2015, 03:21:07 pm

Storm's Coming
Take a chunk of earth, and throw it at Nick, or wherever I think Nick is.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2015, 01:17:40 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 25, 2015, 09:40:02 am

John, Team Boss

"You better point that thing at him!  Guys, some covering fire?  Got a gun for someone!"


Nope on out of there to a nearby building that's out of the firing line.  Hand off the gun to anyone who wants it.  Try to summon another sensor helmet like previous models while on the way, though running has priority.

Despite the weight of the weapon you're holding, you manage to start running at a good enough speed.

Three beeps accompany the whine coming from Adam's cannon. A moment later, the sound cuts off. The momentary silence is followed by a sound that can best be described as "whoosh-pop". Glancing behind you, you notice that the ground is sporting a new crater right next to where Adam was pointing his cannon. And this one was probably not caused by lightning as A) the debris are not glowing and are of different composition and B) the blue glow is still there. And you're still too close.

There's loud and terrifying a avian shriek somewhere above you, accompanied by rumbling. There's a flash of light momentarily blinding you, a series of loud bangs from all around you almost deafening you. You trip and fall from the surprise. When your eyes readjust, you see the body of Adam, hidden beneath a car. It's not moving and it looks awfully red and black in places, its hair disturbed, its clothes slightly charred and smoking. But the earth has not exploded. This barrage wasn't as destructive as the others, but it happened much more quickly.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 25, 2015, 11:36:22 am

Guess there's nothing else to do but watch the skies and launch cars at Nick if I see him.

You watch John run away from his impending doom.
A piece of earth close to Adam suddenly compresses and then expands, sending debris everywhere around it.
A series of intra-cloud lightning strikes happen behind the thick black clouds above you, accompanied by the sound of rumbling. The light from the strikes momentarily turns the clouds grey. You notice a shadow moving in the clouds in those few moments of light.

You immediately attempt to launch a car at said shadow. The car flies incredibly high, while at the same time lightning bolts rain down from that spot in the clouds, one after the other in rapid succession, hitting but not detonating the glowing areas close to John. The car reaches the clouds, hangs there touching them for a moment and then starts its journey back towards the earth, where it lands with a loud thud and the sound of twisting metal and breaking glass.

Damn. That was close! Just needed a bit more power or a bit less weight.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2015, 02:18:26 pm

Rune points to the sky where he had deduced the source of the assault to be coming from. "I'd say he's right there. Give me a bit of covering fire, please."

Quickly use bio-mass to sprout some kind of wings, then move towards the source of the assault. Don't flying in a straight line, but rather roll and gently curve as I go to make myself a more difficult target. If I see my foe, unleash fiery hell with my rocket launcher.

You attempt to hollow out your bones, remove redundant organs and create powerful wings. But instead, you get distracted by the pretty lights and forget what you were doing. Oooohh.... Shiny....

You too see the shadow in the clouds. You could fire at it, but at this range hitting it would be very hard.

Quote from: Megggas on September 25, 2015, 07:42:44 pm

George - Storm Coming

Unsure of what to do, George twiddles his thumbs as he listens to the destruction happening outside his safe place.  He looks at the burnt creature curiously and walks toward it.  George used to be a germaphobe, but thanks to his condition he's not that nervous about getting sick any more.  There's far more sinister things to be afraid of now.  He reaches for the dead creature.

Pick up the burnt corpse with my bare hands.  Examine it and try to identify what kind of creature it is.  Then try breaking the charred corpse open to look at its insides.  If the inside of it is not burnt, put my hand in there and try to feel around for anything useful.  Who knows, maybe it swallowed some kind of super-advanced anti-lightning device.  Might as well take a look.

You can't really tell what it is. You can tell it has 4 or 5 limbs and breaking it apart reveals semi-translucent and partially liquefied guts and bones that feel flexible, like cartilage. Unsurprisingly, it has no anti-lightning device in it. You assume that if said creature did had any strange powers, they weren't enough to keep it alive.

You stay inside and hope everyone else dies first.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 26, 2015, 03:21:07 pm

Storm's Coming
Take a chunk of earth, and throw it at Nick, or wherever I think Nick is.

You randomly throw two pieces of concrete towards the sky, one after the other, towards where Nick was last seen during his attack, where they disappear behind the clouds. One of them falls down a while later, on the other side of the city. The other breaks the sound barrier and is never seen again.

Everyone
There's another shriek coming from the clouds. They start getting thicker, descending lower. Lightning strikes (natural ones this time) light up the sky and the first raindrops start falling, wet spots on your skin that let you know the rain is almost upon you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 25, 2015, 08:53:22 am

I'd take off my only remaining clothes and change to full-fox away from them, to access my claws. so am full-fox and we have a tunnel through to the inside.

now inside the tent, I look around and evaluate the shelter.

<See? not that hard.>

I then go back outside and bring my clothes (well, all it is is an oversized shirt) inside.

<Come on in!>

We'll assume you left your clothes under a rock so that the wind doesn't take them away while you dig. And I'm pretty sure your Scout Shirt was burnt and then used to bandage River. I think you're now wearing an old Peasant outfit, complete with pants and shoes. I think, I didn't check my notes, just going from memory here. Anyway, you get those in the tent.

As for inspecting the inside of the shelter, you can't really see it because there's no light, but from what your other senses are telling you, it's OK. It's large enough to fit most of you, as long as you don't mind being a bit cramped. The ground is soft, so people can sleep there, as long as they don't mind any potential bugs or other animals that can dig reaching them. It's very protective, almost airtight, save for your tunnel and the hole Nikolai managed to make. With enough of you breathing in here, it will probably be enough to make the night comfortably warm... or the day unbearably hot.

You can hear the wind hitting the tent from the outside, you can hear the sword supporting the tent creaking slightly in response to the wind applying pressure on it, but you don't feel anything in here. Some sand will probably get in from Nikolai's hole unless you close it, but it probably won't be enough to cause any problems. There is the small problem (pun not intended) of there being a giant sword blade in the middle of the tent, so people should probably be careful not to trip and fall on it. But other than that, it's fine.

Quote from: NAV on September 25, 2015, 11:13:31 am

"Ow fuck ow damn ow shit I knew that was terrible idea. At least your tunnel worked."

Crawl through the tunnel into the tent. Try to bandage or splint my hand the best I can (not sure what I have to do this with. Maybe leftover food packaging could work, might have some cardboard.)

Switch my shield to strapped to the arm with the broken hand.

You remove your shield and try to get into the tent. With a lot of pain and a bit more cursing, you manage to squeeze through the hole. You manage to put your shield on your other hand and then lie down to rest for a second before you start working on fixing your arm. At least, that was plan. Because right now you've started snoring.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 25, 2015, 12:21:51 pm

"Aw, you did a me! Here, buddy."

Give Nikolai a band-aid.

You give Nikolai a band-aid. Yay! He does not seem to appreciate your help very much though.

You've suddenly started rolling 5s. I think piecewise was right. The world is ending.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 25, 2015, 02:15:36 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Poke the irregular section firmly with the hilt of my sword, hit it a couple of times with the hilt as well, try scratching at it with the blade if that doesn't work. Percussive exploration!

Nothing of interest happens beyond you making a small dent on the wall and your blade slightly duller.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 25, 2015, 10:26:01 pm

Please Auto me for today until I get my bearings about--dealing with x_x anxiety here (and sorry for my 10 day ish absence).

Lenglon/anyone else, please provide productive actions (even if you generally know what Theri is like). I do not want to be left doing...next to nothing. :-\

Sorry for absence.

No need to apologise.
I hope all is well/gets better.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 25, 2015, 11:43:44 pm

Theri - Regroup with the others for now, can investigate after storm has passed. don't want to be isolated. upon regroup notify group of what was seen.

Theri turns around and starts making her way back, deciding that it might be risky being isolated from the rest. Whatever is there will probably still be there tomorrow, unless the storm takes it away. River looks at the light for a few more seconds, before he continues following Theri, still keeping his distance.

Theri returns to the rest of the group and informs those awake and willing to listen of what she found in her exploration of what lies further down the path.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on September 27, 2015, 01:21:59 pm

"Hmm. Sleepytimes I think!"

Summon a very big feather mattress for us to sleep on.

((Yeah, no one expects the Xantalos conspiracy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 27, 2015, 02:39:41 pm

Damn, I need those wings and fast! If there is any sign that the Avian knows anything about my position, move my ass until I'm safe. Get those wings, asap!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 27, 2015, 02:59:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2015, 01:21:59 pm

"Hmm. Sleepytimes I think!"

Summon a very big feather mattress for us to sleep on.

((Yeah, no one expects the Xantalos conspiracy.))

((Please don't smother me))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2015, 03:11:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 27, 2015, 02:59:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2015, 01:21:59 pm

"Hmm. Sleepytimes I think!"

Summon a very big feather mattress for us to sleep on.

((Yeah, no one expects the Xantalos conspiracy.))

((Please don't smother me))

Nah, don't worry, he can't even fit through the hole to get into the tent. It's much more likely that he'll overshot, shoot the tent with a stream of gigantic mattresses, thus uprooting the giant sword and causing it to fall on you and Nikolai, instantly killing you. So, as you can see, dying a slow agonizing death due to oxygen deprivation is highly unlikely.

...That was what you were worrying about, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 27, 2015, 06:18:56 pm

((Toaster I think I just saved your ass, you better make the most of it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on September 27, 2015, 07:03:23 pm

SNOOZE SLEEP SNORE DREAM YUM SLEEP. Please link to something dreamlike I dunno.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on September 27, 2015, 11:16:59 pm

"Yeah nope, if anyone wants this gun it's right here!"

Ditch the heavy drag me to death gun, and get my ass to a more distant shelter NOW.  Targeting helmet summon go!  Still prioritize running.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on September 27, 2015, 11:20:35 pm

Oh Yeah! Get the big gun John dropped! Get shooting at that guy who shoots lightning at cars and blows them up!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on September 28, 2015, 12:07:35 am

Continue doing nothing unless told otherwise.

((Adam might still be alive.  We can communicate with each other telepathically, right?  Someone should tell George to rescue and heal Adam.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on September 28, 2015, 04:35:47 am

I very carefully create a tiny mote of flame, just enough to see by, and keep it under my active control. I then settle down to wait out the sandstorm.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2015, 04:38:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Retreat from the wall over to the tent, and guard the others for a good while. Then, once sleepiness takes over, get Alan to stand guard in my stead as I go and sleep. Failing that, get Theri or Irine instead.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on September 28, 2015, 12:13:55 pm

Let's try another (and possibly a little smaller) car. Do try to grab some rebar on the way to it though.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 29, 2015, 07:21:10 am

Try to wake up?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Tiruin on September 29, 2015, 09:09:10 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2015, 04:38:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Retreat from the wall over to the tent, and guard the others for a good while. Then, once sleepiness takes over, get Alan to stand guard in my stead as I go and sleep. Failing that, get Theri or Irine instead.

Volunteer for first shift--thinking about what I've seen, mulling it over in my mind along with the priority we're all wanting to be done, and as an aside, appreciate the storm. Check how it rages outside our comfy, tiny tent.

Theri looked at River, noticing that the rest were tired or otherwise farther than him from her.

"How do you feel now?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2015, 09:18:35 am

Quote from: Tiruin on September 29, 2015, 09:09:10 am

Theri looked at River, noticing that the rest were tired or otherwise farther than him from her.

"How do you feel now?"

"Hungry. Tired. ... Confused. Sad. Afraid." he adds as he seems to reconsider the alternate meaning of your words.
"But I can still work. I can still fight."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 01, 2015, 01:38:49 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 25, 2015, 12:06:16 pm

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Crush the head of the creature with the mace just to be sure. Inspect my ammo suplies, reload the gun(s) and go see what that green light is all about.

You crush the head of the creature with a mighty blow. It immediately starts dissolving and the feeling of unease you were feeling starts to dissipate, the flame in your torch-mace burning brightly. That done, you turn around and start heading for the green light. You realise that that was a bad idea when you enter the room and find it melting and distorting into impossible shapes like a Dali painting, a strange organic structure suspended from the walls and ceiling by long spiky tentacles its core too bright to look at directly.

And then it explodes.

Quote from: Alarith on September 26, 2015, 12:27:44 pm

Team A
"I realize that I have hurt you through my inaction. Nothing I can do now will change the pain I've caused in the past. I couldn't do something then, but I can do something now. What I can do now is protect you from everything happening now. I can keep you safe, and we can leave this place." Bryan's voice takes on a more accusatory tone, "And to you hiding in the shadows, Why don't you come speak your accusations to my face? Someone who is too afraid to face his or her opponents has no right to belittle their actions. And what of your own? Are you so blameless in this matter that you can judge from behind a veil? Leave her out of this, and face me. I won't fight if you don't attack, why don't we talk?"
Can I remember any of the events they are talking about? What is the girl's name by the way, surely I know that. Also, look and listen for the source of the voice.
((I hope I don't say something that screws this up.))

You remember what was said in the briefing (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6361445#msg6361445) you received on the way here. Her name must be Joanna.

"He is lying. He can't help you. You know what I can do. I can take the pain away. I can make everything better. Now strike him down."
"I- I can't."
"Do this. Otherwise they will kill me. And there will be nothing to take the pain away. Nothing to change what happened. You will be consumed. Your life will be a torture."
"No. I- I can't. I won't."
The girl turns around and tries to do something with her hands.
"Gah. You idiot." the other says with a pained gasp.
There is a green glow coming from behind you. Glancing there, you see the door you came through has disappeared, leaving only a line in the snow behind it.
"You're just making it harder for yourself. If you won't kill him, then I'll just kill him myself and then start over with you. It will be fun breaking you again. But first..."
You feel psychic energy gathering around you, resonating with dangerous patterns, assaulting your minds. Your training allows you to keep your mind calm, to resist most of the effect. However it seems that the girl is not so fortunate. The defences of her already fragile mind are easily overcome by a wave of pain and sadness. She falls to the snow-covered ground, making pained noises.

Quote from: Beirus on September 25, 2015, 06:14:13 pm

Team A, WMD

<We interrupt this banjo music marathon to bring you an important announcement: STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE ROOM WE STARTED IN. SHIT'S ABOUT TO GET EXPLODEY. Now back to your regularly scheduled banjo.>

Do the thing (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RAynXO6_tF0).

You are about to do the thing, but for a moment you are overwhelmed by doubt, a pressure in the back of your mind. Like part of you doesn't think it's a good idea doing this. Images of your teammates flood your mind. What if they are not safe yet? What if this doesn't complete the mission? What if it makes things worse? But you manage to ignore the feeling and push through it. It's not too hard, not when your body is screaming for it.

For a few moment you are overwhelmed by the light, the fire, the pleasure of the release. You feel as if you are about to pass out right then and there. You have no idea what is happening. And then comes the tiredness. A weakness. A darkness. A void inside you. But you manage to push through that too, staying awake by sheer willpower.

You look around you. There are clouds everywhere. Around you and below you. But you are not falling. By some miracle, you are dangling from a support column somewhere above you that has barely managed to remain intact, one of your anchors weakly tied around it, every gust of wind threatening to push you into what seems like an infinite fall.

Further above you can see parts of the building still intact, rooms suspended into the air. You can see inside some of the rooms, the destruction you have caused forming something like an empty sphere, the edges of molten rock and burnt wood still glowing. Only the top floor appears to be mostly intact, with just a few holes on its bottom. There are strange lights and effects periodically appearing in the area affected by the destruction. The ones closest to you appear to be pairs of hexagons that randomly appear in the air for a few minutes, freezing anything between them and melting apart anything touching their red-hot wireframe edges.

You can feel your body withering, you can feel your limbs weakening, the weakness spreading, you can even see your limbs slowly starting to waste away, becoming white and emaciated.

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 27, 2015, 02:39:41 pm

Damn, I need those wings and fast! If there is any sign that the Avian knows anything about my position, move my ass until I'm safe. Get those wings, asap!

You manage to make small wings sprout out of your back. They could let you glide, hover, maybe even slowly rise higher if you are not carrying anything heavy, but they are not strong enough to let you fly.

Quote from: Toaster on September 27, 2015, 11:16:59 pm

"Yeah nope, if anyone wants this gun it's right here!"

Ditch the heavy drag me to death gun, and get my ass to a more distant shelter NOW.  Targeting helmet summon go!  Still prioritize running.

You toss your weapon aside and start running away while screaming "Nope! Nope! Nope!".
And then you fall to the ground screaming "Ah! My face! Myrearfahcefgragrgbl" as your ability decides that masks are so last year and that cybernetic replacements are all the rage.
When it's done, you can feel the metal on your... what used to be your face, the electronics giving off a warmth and subtle vibrations that helps sooth your pain and dizziness somewhat. It's just a smooth armoured plate with two orbs full of energy, the air reaching your lungs through filters in the seams. The orbs are powerful enough to show you the glowing form of your opponent, even before the electronics draw a cross-hair around it.

Quote from: Salsacookies on September 27, 2015, 11:20:35 pm

Oh Yeah! Get the big gun John dropped! Get shooting at that guy who shoots lightning at cars and blows them up!

You start running, the concrete breaking beneath your legs with every thudding step, shifting like sand. You make it close to John (who is currently squirming on the floor in pain) and grab his giant gun. Finally, something big enough for you.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 28, 2015, 12:13:55 pm

Let's try another (and possibly a little smaller) car. Do try to grab some rebar on the way to it though.

You grab a piece of rebar and prepare to use it as a spear. That done, you start running towards the closest car.

Oh, hey, John is trying to imitate you. He's got a smooth and expressionless metal face and brightly glowing red eyes.

Quote from: Megggas on September 28, 2015, 12:07:35 am

Continue doing nothing unless told otherwise.

((Adam might still be alive.  We can communicate with each other telepathically, right?  Someone should tell George to rescue and heal Adam.))

Looks like the others don't want you to go help that guy who just got fried. Considering what happens next, they might have a good reason for doing so.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on September 29, 2015, 07:21:10 am

Try to wake up?

Your body twitches a little.

---

Everyone
The rain becomes stronger, starting to cover everything with water. The water mixes with ash, dirt and debris, forming a thin layer of sludge on the ground.

A gigantic bulge forms at the bottom of the clouds and starts falling towards your general direction, leaving a trail of dark clouds behind it. And then your opponent emerges through it, a great black avian creature embraced by dark clouds, dark clouds that look like they are escaping through his feathers, forming a thickening trail behind him. A poet might say something like "an enormous crow dressed on dark cloudy ribbons".
<Ha ha ha! Run humans!> he screams into your minds, accompanied by an actual avian shriek.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 01, 2015, 02:01:31 pm

((Thought there was still a coridor between the room where I went and the starting room. Ah well.))

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Inspect myself. Inspect suroundings.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 01, 2015, 03:07:54 pm

Cock my rocket launcher and open fire on the massive bird. As I do that, attempt to increase the size of my wings. If I succeed, immediately begin moving backwards, reloading my rocket launcher and firing again when possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: TheBiggerFish on October 01, 2015, 03:17:55 pm

((Can I join?))
Ability:Can (short-range timetrav and) redo (or cancel, if it turns out that things wouldone Go Horribly Wrong) any action of about 5-10 seconds length, but only once per action.  Will automatically pop on death.
(In game mechanics terms, I get best of two rolls and/or knowledge of what's around the corner.)
((Further backstory waiting on ability confirm.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on October 01, 2015, 06:10:59 pm

Team A, WMD

Deploy more anchors to get a better grip and move closer to the building. Preferably into one of the partially open rooms or underneath the top floor.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on October 02, 2015, 10:41:30 am

Team A
"You remind me of a proverbial snake. Spreading lies and pretending to be a friend. Now face someone who can fight back." Bryan speaks to Joanna now, "Please hold on Joanna, I'll try to take care of this quickly."
Fight back against the force, hopefully negating its attacks and searching for the source.
((Thanks for the reminder of her name. Should have realized it got mentioned somewhere before.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 02, 2015, 10:53:43 am

... Shoot this bird out of the sky.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: H4zardZ1 on October 02, 2015, 11:17:31 am

Inspect the room, hopefully finding an another door.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 02, 2015, 12:00:33 pm

Saevus takes a look at John squirming on the ground in pain and nods approvingly. He then briefly considers the idea of pointing out that he's not human to Nick.

Get to the car! Fire it at the bird! Then fire my rebar spear at it! Fire everything!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 02, 2015, 07:41:16 pm

Shoot an air-burst frag grenade at it!  As many as he remains in targeting range!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Wolfkit on October 03, 2015, 08:14:42 am

((Sorry for vanishing for a week, life happened))

"Now then, hold still. And you would happen to have any anesthesia on you, would you? Because I don't!"
Use a laser to trim the mannequin leg to match the portion I cut off of Fizz's leg.
Then, time for mad-science-back-alley prosthetics surgery using the tools and materials I gathered last turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on October 03, 2015, 10:08:19 am

"Hmm. What about..."
Try to help Welroki with formulas.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 03, 2015, 11:30:07 am

Storm Coming - George
George clutched his head as bitter anger sparked inside his mind.  Ugh, enough!  I am sick of hearing voices in my head!  Shut up! Shut up!! SHUT UP!!

Intensely think the words "Shut up" in an attempt to silence the voices.

(Since I'm just waiting in the house anyway, I thought I'd try to get George to accidentally discover that he can communicate telepathically.  We have interfaces for this mission, right?  I don't recall anyone telling him that he could use it to communicate)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2015, 07:23:32 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2015, 01:21:59 pm

"Hmm. Sleepytimes I think!"

Summon a very big feather mattress for us to sleep on.

((Yeah, no one expects the Xantalos conspiracy.))

You create a little pyramid out of 6 enormous mattresses and then get trapped under one of the mattresses when part of it collapses.
Well, if you think about it, it's sort of like having a very heavy blanket over your legs. You'll probably just have to wake up occasionally and spit out some sand or when the cold gets too bad. Unless the thing collapses.

Quote from: NAV on September 27, 2015, 07:03:23 pm

SNOOZE SLEEP SNORE DREAM YUM SLEEP. Please link to something dreamlike I dunno.

Hmm... I don't have much sleep or dream-like things... let's see, what could qualify if I stretched the boundaries... a quick check of my youtube vids and images folders reveals I've got a video of sleepy animals, a video of a purple anthropomorphic fox singing to the moon, a giant nightmarish biomechanical spider staring down a man, cat soldiers playing with grenades, alien ships on red  and blue skies, the 5 stages of a woman's possession, a nightmarish view of the future where everything burns... So, I dunno, choose.

Fakeedit: Oh and I can also link you to http://desktopography.net/ (http://desktopography.net/) which is where I got my avatars from. It's where I get most of my desktop backgrounds, actually. It's got some fun dream-like images and they recently released their 2015 images. EDIT: Oh, hey and they have a firefox image. I'll probably switch to that, to keep with the "fire animals from desktopography" theme my avatars have had so far.
Fakeedit2: Oh, I also have this guy http://alexandreev.livejournal.com/ (http://alexandreev.livejournal.com/), some Russian guy's site I found by accident many years ago. My Russian are not good enough to understand what he's saying, but he makes some fun drawings, some of them technological, others quite dream-like and alien.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2015, 04:35:47 am

I very carefully create a tiny mote of flame, just enough to see by, and keep it under my active control. I then settle down to wait out the sandstorm.

You create a tiny bit of flame, so small it could be confused with a firefly. It provides the barest of illumination, just enough to get a rough idea of what's around you. That done, you curl up to rest and try to ignore your tiredness and hunger.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2015, 04:38:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Retreat from the wall over to the tent, and guard the others for a good while. Then, once sleepiness takes over, get Alan to stand guard in my stead as I go and sleep. Failing that, get Theri or Irine instead.

Seeing as both Irine and Theri appear to want to stay awake for now, I'll say you sleep first and wake up later, unless you object.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 29, 2015, 09:09:10 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2015, 04:38:22 am

Campaign, Ike!

Retreat from the wall over to the tent, and guard the others for a good while. Then, once sleepiness takes over, get Alan to stand guard in my stead as I go and sleep. Failing that, get Theri or Irine instead.

Volunteer for first shift--thinking about what I've seen, mulling it over in my mind along with the priority we're all wanting to be done, and as an aside, appreciate the storm. Check how it rages outside our comfy, tiny tent.

You settle inside the tent along with the others (except for Alan and River who seem to be staying outside), but you stay awake, unlike some of the others, who are already snoring. You rest your back on one of the tent's sturdy walls, feeling the wind push against it, almost as if it is massaging your back. The whistling of the wind is accompanied by the sound of sand and dirt hitting the tent, slowly getting louder and more frequent, until it becomes constant. The already dim light coming from the tiny hole in one of the tent's walls disappears, getting replaced by occasional particles of dust swirling in, lit by Irine's tiny mote of fire. The fire is constantly shivering as the occasional gust of cold wind that makes it through the hole hits it, but it holds, its heat along with the heat of your bodies making the inside of the tent pleasantly warm. The conditions would be enough to threaten to lull you to sleep, were it not for a sense of power, a feeling of excitement and dread for standing in the way of something so powerful, being threatened to be swept away and yet surviving.

You settle your head back, close your eyes and think about what you know, letting the images of your memories drift through the darkness in your eyes, trying to work through what has happened on the brief time you've been awake. You woke up in the ruins of a city and reconnected with the rest of your teammates near the evening. Your teammates decided that it would be best to head east in order to find the being you are hunting as quickly as possible. However you don't know where exactly you are headed or how far you must go. You don't even know that much about what this being is supposed to be and why you are hunting it.

Then there was some sort of altercation between River and the others, but... now that you think about it, you don't know much about what happened then either, though everything seems better now. Then you walked until the storm came and then set up camp. You saw a light in the storm but decided to not risk exploring it alone.

It could be that that light was a sign of humans or other intelligent beings being there. Assuming they are friendly and not a band of bandits or something similar, it could be wise to try to reach them once the storm passes. They could provide you with rumours, a map you could use, better equipment, a way to travel faster or even a proper meal and a warm and comfy place to rest. Anything that could help you on your journey. But Irine, River and the others said they had some trouble with humans in the past. If that is a human village or something similar, then you hope that your interaction with them will turn out better than it did for them...

---

OOC
If there's nothing else you want to do, I'll continue tomorrow. Just wanted to get a quick update so I can get back to making them more often.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 05, 2015, 02:42:11 am

nothing to do, release my little flame and go to sleep until the storm dies out.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 05, 2015, 01:50:47 pm

Let's dream about the nightmarish biomechanical spider.

((I had a dream about being hunted by nightmarish biomechanical spiders once. It was terrifying.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 05, 2015, 01:58:13 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Bravely take second or third watch if I can be arsed to wake up or Theri/Irine need sleep and wake me up.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 05, 2015, 02:57:00 pm

Sleep soundly. That or try to fit through the tunnel into the tent if I can't.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 06, 2015, 10:49:54 pm

SNAFU

Quote from: DreamerGhost on October 01, 2015, 02:01:31 pm

((Thought there was still a coridor between the room where I went and the starting room. Ah well.))

<Team A, Svajoklis>

Inspect myself. Inspect suroundings.

Well, almost the entire building just exploded, so it doesn't really matter where you were.

Let's see... Welp. Unfortunately, you do not survive.
If you want to know exactly how you died you *rolls* got transformed into a mindless, overly fat imitation of yourself made out of magical potatoes that moves around like a zombie, searching for victims to bite. Not that anyone can see that, since the explosion threw you off the building and into the void beyond.
...
Beirus' ability can be weird.

Quote from: Beirus on October 01, 2015, 06:10:59 pm

Team A, WMD

Deploy more anchors to get a better grip and move closer to the building. Preferably into one of the partially open rooms or underneath the top floor.

You attempt to hold on for just a bit longer, to try and deploy more anchors or swing to a room or something, anything. But you just can't hold on. Your grip slips as your anchors weaken and you fall. You land on one of those red hexagons, your body resting on the solidified air the field of time-stop creates, part of it getting molten and cut off by the red outline of the hexagon.

You lay down, unable to move or really see what's going on around you. You lay there until you're back to a weak shivering naked human. You're missing an arm, but on the only bright spot for this turn, it doesn't appear to be bleeding. Yeah, everything is looking crap.

Quote from: Alarith on October 02, 2015, 10:41:30 am

Team A
"You remind me of a proverbial snake. Spreading lies and pretending to be a friend. Now face someone who can fight back." Bryan speaks to Joanna now, "Please hold on Joanna, I'll try to take care of this quickly."
Fight back against the force, hopefully negating its attacks and searching for the source.
((Thanks for the reminder of her name. Should have realized it got mentioned somewhere before.))

You muster all your mental strength and focus your mind on creating a barrier between your minds and the psychic energy around you, trying to shield your thoughts from it. You do not feel confident enough to take it on directly however, as it appears to have suddenly gotten much stronger.

You approach the girl as she gets on her knees and tries to regain her bearings.
"She's there." she manages to say between strained breaths, indicating a trail of footsteps on the snow.

---

B
Okay then, first of all, let's see how hard your room gets hit, to see if there's any point in even running your actions. Ah cool. You got sort-of lucky.

Quote from: Wolfkit on October 03, 2015, 08:14:42 am

((Sorry for vanishing for a week, life happened))

"Now then, hold still. And you would happen to have any anesthesia on you, would you? Because I don't!"
Use a laser to trim the mannequin leg to match the portion I cut off of Fizz's leg.
Then, time for mad-science-back-alley prosthetics surgery using the tools and materials I gathered last turn.

Quote from: Illgeo on October 03, 2015, 10:08:19 am

"Hmm. What about..."
Try to help Welroki with formulas.

Quote from: H4zardZ1 on October 02, 2015, 11:17:31 am

Inspect the room, hopefully finding an another door.

Fizz tries to explore the room, although his injury makes that a bit difficult. Can't really see much more than what he already knew. There's three doors here, one they came through and two others.

Welroki uses a combination of molten metal and screws tightened on Fizz's bones to attach one of the mannequin legs on Fizz. Suffice to say, it hurts like hell, as Fizz clearly demonstrates with his screaming and thrashing. But in the end, it produces something that can let Fizz walk around. They don't let him run or anything, but at least now he doesn't have to lean against a wall to stand up.

He probably wouldn't had succeeded if it weren't for John's help. John couldn't really do much to help Welroki on terms of equations. The math he is using is right (mostly) but the equations themselves make little sense to him while Welroki's explanations of them make even less sense. What he can help with however is helping him handle the various objects they are using, holding them in place or helping him bond them together, while also providing some basic first aid tips.

One of the walls and a considerable chunk of the room disappear in an explosion of green light, the shadow of their form dissolving into thin lines soon after. Once the light recedes, you can see there's been a hole left on the side of the room. And the mannequins have ceased moving altogether.

Strange serpentine things occasionally appear out of thin air there, as if emerging from behind some invisible wall. They stay close to the hole, swimming around through the air semi-randomly, slowly making their way further away from each other and closer to you. They appear to be completely two dimensional, becoming almost invisible once they turn towards you, and are glowing slightly, as if they are hot.

You can see other strange things through the hole and further away from it. The most important being that there is apparently now a giant chunk of the building missing, the rest of the rooms floating freely and loosely connected.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 01, 2015, 03:17:55 pm

((Can I join?))
Ability:Can (short-range timetrav and) redo (or cancel, if it turns out that things wouldone Go Horribly Wrong) any action of about 5-10 seconds length, but only once per action.  Will automatically pop on death.
(In game mechanics terms, I get best of two rolls and/or knowledge of what's around the corner.)
((Further backstory waiting on ability confirm.))

Gah. You're killing me man. Time manipulation is one of the things I said I do not want... Too much potential for something weird or unmanageable to happen. Your version sounds good, but it still has potential to complicate things, making me have to redo things.

How about something a bit different, but with similar effects:

Quote

Your presence disturbs space, leaving an almost invisible trail of spatial vibrations behind you, ghostly holographic images of your previous selves that slowly disappear. As a defence mechanism you can shift your body's state into one that resonates with the trail, allowing you to slip into it and return to your previous state, erasing the trail in the process.

It's almost the same thing, but doesn't have the time manipulation, so the effects of your actions don't get overwritten and there's less chance of me needing to pause a turn or PM you for clarifications, but you are given the second chance.

If you want to imagine it like something, then imagine it like the Lord Marshal from Riddick (https://youtu.be/fZXwQIIXNUQ) with the ability to project a ghostly image of himself and transport himself to it, but in reverse and with an invisible trail and regeneration.

I also find every turn to be a bit too much. It would definitely require some penalties. I think something like 40 secs would be less likely to require penalties.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on October 07, 2015, 12:02:16 am

((Sorry, DG. My bad.))

Get up and jump my way across the hexagons and other anomaly things that are safe to jump on to get to solid floor. Keep an eye out for anything useful produced by the anomaly explosion.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 07, 2015, 01:08:59 am

((Well, damn. Did the explosion kill anything besides me?))

ADDIT: ((So what happens now that I'm dead?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: TheBiggerFish on October 07, 2015, 05:08:22 am

((That sounds good.  I still want it to pop on would-have-been death though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on October 07, 2015, 07:37:45 am

Team A
"I'm afraid I'm not entirely certain I can protect you. this person or thing is stronger than I had first thought. Can you tell me anything about it or its abilities before I make decisions on whether we should just leave or take it on?"
Try to strengthen the shield

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 07, 2015, 12:51:41 pm

((Is anyone else finding the 11 of Diamonds mission very hard to follow?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 07, 2015, 01:05:00 pm

Quote from: NAV on October 07, 2015, 12:51:41 pm

((Is anyone else finding the 11 of Diamonds mission very hard to follow?))

The mission is about 11 eldrich abominations and a house they patchworked from several biomes located in diferent dimensions. They kidnap people for food and fun, so we were sent in. A lliving magic nuke went off, destroying a part of the house located in one dimension, while one guy is trying to save a little girl from falling to despair in another dimension while yet another group got sliced by laser since one of them did not feel like friendly fire was a problem.

Basicly, what i'm getting at, it is not suposed to make a whole lot of sense.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 07, 2015, 11:12:13 pm

Frank Riggio - Walk Under A Thundery Sky (https://youtu.be/nzMKRkUOG-o)

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 01, 2015, 03:07:54 pm

Cock my rocket launcher and open fire on the massive bird. As I do that, attempt to increase the size of my wings. If I succeed, immediately begin moving backwards, reloading my rocket launcher and firing again when possible.

Once again, you can't seem to be able to focus enough to use your ability. Shooting takes up most of your attention.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 02, 2015, 10:53:43 am

... Shoot this bird out of the sky.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 02, 2015, 12:00:33 pm

Saevus takes a look at John squirming on the ground in pain and nods approvingly. He then briefly considers the idea of pointing out that he's not human to Nick.

Get to the car! Fire it at the bird! Then fire my rebar spear at it! Fire everything!

Quote from: Toaster on October 02, 2015, 07:41:16 pm

Shoot an air-burst frag grenade at it!  As many as he remains in targeting range!

The entire team turns their heads and any weapons in their disposal skywards, opening fire on the dark form of the diving bird-titan.

Ron attempts to use his giant gun, however he accidentally applies too much pressure to it, causing the casing to crack, the trigger to crumble and the gun to emit an alarming beeping noise, its display flashing Err.

John attempts to hit Nick with a couple of gigantic grenades, however they both miss, exploding way behind their target into fireballs hidden by the clouds.

Saevus manages to run quickly enough to reach a car in time and shoot it at the bird, before launching his spear at it. While both items hit, they fail to hurt their opponent in any way, they merely inconvenience him as he attempts to dodge. Granted, they were but glancing blows, but even those should had caused some harm. This creature must be tougher than it looks.

Fortunately, his distraction is enough for Rune to land a perfect hit with his rocket launcher, hitting the creature on the front of its left wing, taking a large chunk out of it, adding a sizeable splatter of blood to the falling water.

<Oh, that had to hurt.>

Unbalanced and in pain by the strike, Nick attempts to level himself and gain altitude. However, his momentum is too great and before he can manage to do so, he hits the ground with a loud thud, carving a small ditch into the concrete. The veil of darkness that follows him quickly obscures the scene. It spreads and falls lower, seemingly on its own accord, until it has covered everything.

As he was passing overhead, John noticed that their opponent's torso is also hurt and bleeding close to his legs, probably hit by Ron's previous attack. Even though he is concealing it with his dark clouds, John can see the heat and energy escaping through it much more easily with the help of his new prosthetics.

And he can also keep track of their opponent through the obscuring clouds, although its hard. As he watches, his feathers seem to open up, releasing small tendrils full of energy. He straightens himself and, keeping his wings open, he begins silently floating away without moving them, trying to make his way to one of those large buildings.

The rest of the team however can't see shit, the combination of heavy rain and dark mist making it almost impossible to see.

Quote from: Megggas on October 03, 2015, 11:30:07 am

Storm Coming - George
George clutched his head as bitter anger sparked inside his mind.  Ugh, enough!  I am sick of hearing voices in my head!  Shut up! Shut up!! SHUT UP!!

Intensely think the words "Shut up" in an attempt to silence the voices.

(Since I'm just waiting in the house anyway, I thought I'd try to get George to accidentally discover that he can communicate telepathically.  We have interfaces for this mission, right?  I don't recall anyone telling him that he could use it to communicate)

https://youtu.be/AgsEdU4l8XQ

Oh, hey, your teammates brought that thing down! ...and then they disappeared inside a dark cloud... that is quickly spreading towards you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 05, 2015, 02:42:11 am

nothing to do, release my little flame and go to sleep until the storm dies out.

You decide that since Alan is not in here, you don't need to keep the night light on. You curl up and let yourself drift to sleep.

In your dreams there is a giant twisted dark cloud flying above you, chasing you, diving down from the shadows to catch you. There is an orange orb of swirly fire by your side, helping you, leading the way and leaving a glowing trail behind it, showing you a safe passage. You follow it into a twisty cavern with strangely rectangular walls. You reach an obstacle, so you let it pierce your heart with its fiery tentacles, merging with you, becoming part of you and allowing you to fly. You continue moving through the cavern until you reach a group of stone stalls filled with fire and water. The darkness follows you, until it is stopped by a wall of water, a gate made out of a waterfall. But you know it won't stop it for long. You ask the orb where the other is, but it says there never was any other. And yet you remember someone else being with you in your journey.

((Feel free to wake up whenever you want.))

Quote from: NAV on October 05, 2015, 01:50:47 pm

Let's dream about the nightmarish biomechanical spider.

((I had a dream about being hunted by nightmarish biomechanical spiders once. It was terrifying.))

In your dreams, you run through the destruction, through the derelicts of civilisation. You don't know how, but you survived the end, even though your car was flipped around and skewered by a giant I-beam, everyone around you burnt and evaporated, turned into a shadow. Now you just run, trying to hide from what came after the end. Maybe this isn't really real. Maybe you died and being alone and chased is your purgatory. The harsh white lights appear, tracking you. They came for you again. You run and stumble and fall and roll. You think this is it, you are about to resign, when you see it. An orange orb of light. Warm light. The fire that came in the sky. Without fear, you approach it, pick it up, make its warmth part of you. And then you turn around to face them. You are not afraid. You have been chased enough. Whatever happens, this ends now, one way or another. The creature stops, looking you with its lights, raising its legs toward you in apprehension. Your fire is brighter.

Image (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/mech-spider_zpsuomsqi4p.jpg)
Art by Alexiuss (http://alexiuss.deviantart.com/).

Quote from: Xantalos on October 05, 2015, 02:57:00 pm

Sleep soundly. That or try to fit through the tunnel into the tent if I can't.

You are trapped, so you have no choice but to sleep as comfortably as you can in the cold howling winds outside. Not that you mind that much.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 05, 2015, 01:58:13 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Bravely take second or third watch if I can be arsed to wake up or Theri/Irine need sleep and wake me up.

I assume you are capable enough to manage watches.

---

The storm rages on outside for a few hours, accompanied by occasional booms of thunder or strange thumps and whistles that make the air and ground shudder. A small bulge forms on the side of the tent the wind hits. But the tent holds and nothing horrible happens to you. Eventually the wind starts dying down into something more bearable, the noise outside becoming less loud until it almost stops, signs that the dangerous part of the storm has probably passed.

---

OOC

Quote from: DreamerGhost on October 07, 2015, 01:08:59 am

((Well, damn. Did the explosion kill anything besides me?))

Yep. Lots of things, actually. Almost completed the mission right then and there, just needed to roll a bit higher.
Fun fact: If it weren't for your character's actions, the explosion would have never happened. You took out 2 of the 4 that could had stopped it.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 07, 2015, 05:08:22 am

((That sounds good.  I still want it to pop on would-have-been death though.))

What do you mean pop? Because I might have misunderstood something.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 07, 2015, 11:49:11 pm

<<He's hurt, guys, good job!  He's trying to get away though; looks like he's floating up to one of those buildings!>>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 08, 2015, 01:43:08 am

((Wait, two? Did the one I shot bled to death?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:06:00 am

((Pop = automatically happen.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2015, 05:09:49 am

<<Something is not right. Our foe is an entity, a beast of incredible cunning. He would not make a rush so foolish and suicidal.... It is possible that he can conjure an illusion, a shadow form of himself. Pursuing him might lead us into a trap.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2015, 05:16:32 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:06:00 am

((Pop = automatically happen.))

That's doable. But either it can only happen as long as your brain is not thoroughly destroyed or every time you go back, you also lose your memories of what happened and can only remember that you went back, not why you did so. I think it makes sense as a drawback, since for you to remember that you activated your ability and what happened during that time, then at least part of your brain has to stay unaffected from your regeneration. So either your brain regenerates and you lose your memories or your brain does not regenerate, so going back means the brain damage stays and your brain is still mush.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:18:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2015, 05:16:32 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:06:00 am

((Pop = automatically happen.))

That's doable. But either it can only happen as long as your brain is not thoroughly destroyed or every time you go back, you also lose your memories of what happened and can only remember that you went back, not why you did so. I think it makes sense as a drawback, since for you to remember that you activated your ability and what happened during that time, then at least part of your brain has to stay unaffected from your regeneration. So either your brain regenerates and you lose your memories or your brain does not regenerate, so going back means the brain damage stays and your brain is still mush.

Yeah, killing the brain would kill me but I'd still be thrown back.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 08, 2015, 04:00:30 pm

I am very angry! Throw the stupid toy gun at that Nick thing. Stupid useless thing, I didn't even shoot that hard!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2015, 04:24:29 pm

Reload my rocket launcher then rush over to Nick, flapping my tiny wings desperately to accelerate my progress. If see him at any point, fire my rocket launcher.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 08, 2015, 04:27:07 pm

ZZZ

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 08, 2015, 09:42:08 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 07, 2015, 11:49:11 pm

<<He's hurt, guys, good job!  He's trying to get away though; looks like he's floating up to one of those buildings!>>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2015, 05:09:49 am

<<Something is not right. Our foe is an entity, a beast of incredible cunning. He would not make a rush so foolish and suicidal.... It is possible that he can conjure an illusion, a shadow form of himself. Pursuing him might lead us into a trap.>>

More voices!?  Why doesn't it ever...wait, huh?  They sound like my teammates' voices.  Why is- George's thoughts are interrupted as he spots the dark cloud approaching.  Seeing the possible threat, he considers the current situation.  The monster is injured.  The other fighters are keeping it distracted.  If he acts now, it won't even notice him.  There's not much time.  He might not get this opportunity again.  It's risky, but he'll have to take the chance.

George knows what he must do.

Run out of the house while screaming.  Run as far away from the battle as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 08, 2015, 11:04:35 pm

<<I think he's going to try to repair on that building to the ((indicate direction I saw it)).  Going to summon something real quick; might be a good time for you to press the attack.>>

Get in cover and summon up that flak cannon!  Make sure it's grounded.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 09, 2015, 01:07:04 am

Alan, having forgotten overnight what they were doing yet again, decides to toast some marshmallows. He sees no downside to doing this inside an enclosed airspace made up of a mattress fort.

First things first, let's get me some bags of marshmallows up in this here fort!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 09, 2015, 12:23:39 pm

Nikolai's first instinct is to try to fight the spider. But you can't fight everything. Well you can, but sometimes it's better not to. It didn't work out so well last time he tried to fight a giant robotic thing on foot. Why fight the nightmarish dream spider when he can potentially have it as a mount?

Try to befriend and tame the spider. Hold out my hand to it....Share the flame. Still be prepared to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 09, 2015, 12:26:55 pm

First, grab some rebar. Preferably a lot. Then, take it with me and go where Nick went. Launch rebar at the bird should I see it. Try to not mistake friendlies for a bird.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 09, 2015, 12:47:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for trouble. Smell the air.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 09, 2015, 12:57:01 pm

am still sleeping

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Tiruin on October 10, 2015, 02:36:01 am

If asleep--rest until a disturbance occurs
If awake/wakened--notice the severity of the storm, gauge our capability of withstanding it if we're to venture now, and then mention the light I saw during the storm and its general direction as the next goal for our journey.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Wolfkit on October 10, 2015, 10:10:12 pm

"Huh. Well, that's a thing."
Cautiously probe the hole and the serpent things witha mannequin limb.
Regardless of the result of the probing, fire a laser into the hole because science.

Title: Re: Special People: Everybody Lies
Post by: Illgeo on October 11, 2015, 02:11:17 pm

"DO NOT!"
Jump before Welroki. Try to think about how good it is to have new knowledge to click, and erase old ignorance.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 11, 2015, 02:14:57 pm

PTW

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2015, 03:09:16 pm

---

Campaign

---

Okay then, there's not much happening, so let's just do some rolls to see if anything interesting happens and if not skip to the morning.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 09, 2015, 12:47:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for trouble. Smell the air.

All is quiet, until the early hours of the morning, a time when the sky is a deep dark blue that has just started becoming lighter, the stars visible through the hole in the tent dimming. A series of low rumbling noises, a few minutes apart, coming from the way your group came from, like distant drums echoing across the road. Nothing else happens though, so whatever it is, it's probably not an immediate threat to you.

Quote from: NAV on October 09, 2015, 12:23:39 pm

Nikolai's first instinct is to try to fight the spider. But you can't fight everything. Well you can, but sometimes it's better not to. It didn't work out so well last time he tried to fight a giant robotic thing on foot. Why fight the nightmarish dream spider when he can potentially have it as a mount?

Try to befriend and tame the spider. Hold out my hand to it....Share the flame. Still be prepared to dodge.

You hold out your hand. The spider leans backwards, ready to take a step back, but stops. The flame bounces around in your hand, as if it is trying to move or make your hand move. The metal creature stares at you for a long time, the world shifting around you, decaying, turning into dust and darkness. It moves towards you, towards your hand. You feel like you should move but you don't. The fire jumps out of your hand, forming a thin small dome. The dome begins shimmering as the spider's mouth crashes against it and tries to bite through it.

Your feelings have changed now. You want to run away but for some reason you can't bring your legs to move. Your hand starts to become wrinkled, breaking apart, cracks forming in it as if it is parched earth. You can see red blood through the cracks, but you are not bleeding and you feel no pain, only cold. You try to move it away but it moves very slowly, leaving ghostly images behind it that seem to move differently, making gestures, fists, breaking apart. Everything seems to be moving more slowly, the world getting dimmer. Whatever is influencing your hand stops, and you can move it again.

The flame concentrates into a ball once more and then jumps into your hand, dissolving into the cracks, the blue flame burning it but in a soothing manner, a good burn. The pain wakes you up with a startled gasp, pulling your hand away instinctively. And yet it remains. Oh, right, your damn hand. In this cramped space, Zechariah seems to have accidentally rolled over it. It's free now, but the healing in the dream seems to have been just that: a dream. Your hand still hurts. And it still looks like crap. But at least it feels a bit less crap than yesterday. And... Huh. Zechariah seems to be holding his staff in his sleep, squeezing it tightly. No, not what you think it means, he is hugging his actual staff, that thing he uses to create light.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 09, 2015, 12:57:01 pm

am still sleeping

You look behind you, at the man calling your name. He is walking towards you, his tails swishing from side to side, his multicoloured fiery mane trailing behind him, one of his golden limbs extended towards your face. He is so colourful, so radiant, so blindingly bright. That warm pleasant feeling inside you is starting to turn into annoyance. You close your eyes more tightly, trying to keep the light away, but it's no use. You're already awake. The light coming through the hole in the tent saw to that.
<Goodmorning girl. Feels nice waking up with you.>
You open your eyes to see a shaft of light coming through the hole in the tent, sand occasionally trickling inside whenever the wind picks up. The sky has started turning a light blue outside, but the air is still cool. Must be early in the morning.
<Yeah, I know the feeling.>
You're quite certain that's a new hole. The entire tent seems different. Smaller, thinner, with a few extra holes.
Nikolai looks awake too. Must have woken up earlier than you.

Quote from: Tiruin on October 10, 2015, 02:36:01 am

If asleep--rest until a disturbance occurs
If awake/wakened--notice the severity of the storm, gauge our capability of withstanding it if we're to venture now, and then mention the light I saw during the storm and its general direction as the next goal for our journey.

It is early in the morning and the storm seems to have passed, as you can tell by the blue skies you can see outside. There's a cool morning breeze, but that's nothing to worry about.

You remind your teammates of the light you saw last night and propose that investigating the location of said light should be your next objective. You reason that it's only a small detour towards the direction you are heading anyway, so you might as well check it out.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 09, 2015, 01:07:04 am

Alan, having forgotten overnight what they were doing yet again, decides to toast some marshmallows. He sees no downside to doing this inside an enclosed airspace made up of a mattress fort.

First things first, let's get me some bags of marshmallows up in this here fort!

You spend the first minute of you waking up trying to shake the sand away from your head, remove it from your nostrils and cough and spit it out of your mouth. The sand and dirt seems to have formed a small mound around you and your little fort, but fortunately it has not collapsed... yet. It seems there is a similar situation with the tent, the stones that were around it being obscured by a mound of sand. It also seems... smaller, somehow.

You summon a couple of bags of marshmallows that conveniently help you free your body from under the mattress.

You can't breathe through one of your nostrils and your nose is runny. It makes breathing through it a bit harder and more annoying.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 12, 2015, 05:25:02 pm

"HEY! Hey Nik! I think your penis size expanding magic is wearing off! Cmon out, let's have some s'mores!"

Ignore my bad nasal situation for now and summon a heat radiator to cook the marshmallows on.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2015, 07:46:09 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 08, 2015, 04:27:07 pm

ZZZ

You fail to wake up. Really with the difficulty you have, chances are very low. You'll probably die soon.

Quote from: Toaster on October 08, 2015, 11:04:35 pm

<<I think he's going to try to repair on that building to the ((indicate direction I saw it)).  Going to summon something real quick; might be a good time for you to press the attack.>>

Get in cover and summon up that flak cannon!  Make sure it's grounded.

((I think almost every summon roll you made in this challenge has been the highest possible.))

You start summoning a gigantic cannon. I mean, really gigantic. Something that could get a shell from Germany to London. Something that could get Jules Verne to the moon. Something that would make an Imperial Basilisk Artillery (http://1d4chan.org/wiki/File:Basilisk.png) operator die from a joygasm. A thick tube of steel and hydraulics that can shoot railcar-sized shells at supersonic speeds (and probably deafen everything in the area in the process). As expected, it's huge and it needs an entire vehicle around it to operate. You're gonna be summoning it for a while and it's going to require your full attention.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 09, 2015, 12:26:55 pm

First, grab some rebar. Preferably a lot. Then, take it with me and go where Nick went. Launch rebar at the bird should I see it. Try to not mistake friendlies for a bird.

You hold down a nearby piece of rubble with your foot and start pulling pieces of rebar out of it like toothpicks from a piece of cheese.

You run after the bird. Unfortunately, you cannot see the bird. All you can hear is a little girl screaming.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 08, 2015, 04:00:30 pm

I am very angry! Throw the stupid toy gun at that Nick thing. Stupid useless thing, I didn't even shoot that hard!

You throw the beeping broken big baka gun towards Nick's last known location. Due to the dark clouds surrounding you however, you can't really see its effects.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2015, 04:24:29 pm

Reload my rocket launcher then rush over to Nick, flapping my tiny wings desperately to accelerate my progress. If see him at any point, fire my rocket launcher.

You run after the bird and towards the direction John indicated as fast as you can. It's hard to see in the rain and the clouds, but that upgrade of yours is still helping. You manage to spot a point of intense heat that disappears soon after.

You run towards it and come upon... a giant gun? Before you can contemplate what that might mean, the gun explodes. You close your eyes and raise your hands to protect yourself from the shrapnel. But the shrapnel never come. You open your eyes to see the explosion reversing in front of you, the shrapnel chasing the shrinking fireball, combining to reform the gun. Hm. It seems that the gun has gotten stuck in a loop where it continually explodes and reforms in semi-slow motion.

Looking around, you manage to spot another heat source. This one looks promising. It might be what you're looking for. Especially considering there is a little girl screaming there, probably frightened by the giagantic bird.

Quote from: Megggas on October 08, 2015, 09:42:08 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 07, 2015, 11:49:11 pm

<<He's hurt, guys, good job!  He's trying to get away though; looks like he's floating up to one of those buildings!>>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 08, 2015, 05:09:49 am

<<Something is not right. Our foe is an entity, a beast of incredible cunning. He would not make a rush so foolish and suicidal.... It is possible that he can conjure an illusion, a shadow form of himself. Pursuing him might lead us into a trap.>>

More voices!?  Why doesn't it ever...wait, huh?  They sound like my teammates' voices.  Why is- George's thoughts are interrupted as he spots the dark cloud approaching.  Seeing the possible threat, he considers the current situation.  The monster is injured.  The other fighters are keeping it distracted.  If he acts now, it won't even notice him.  There's not much time.  He might not get this opportunity again.  It's risky, but he'll have to take the chance.

George knows what he must do.

Run out of the house while screaming.  Run as far away from the battle as possible.

You run away, screaming like a little girl.
<Well, this is embarrassing. I don't know if I should laugh or facepalm.>
Unfortunately, you are not quick enough to outrun the darkness. Soon, you can't really see where you are going. Your screams are echoing everywhere around you, further disorienting you. You slip on the wet ground and end up falling face first on the ground.

There is a buzzing noise as you raise your head. You can feel the hair on your skin being pulled. You can see a dim blue light. And then it stops. Something falls on the ground in front of you with a thump, the faint blue light disappearing. Another thump. And another. A curved, pointy black beak appears within the clouds, followed by a head full of dark feathers, two black eyes and a blue-tinted Mohawk-like crest.
<Why are you screaming, little human?> he asks, opening its beak slightly, emitting a very low pitched warbling noise, almost beyond the range of hearing.
Its feathers shift, changing position, creating four holes in the plumage of his head. Strange tendrils start growing through the holes and towards you, things that look like long, thin and flexible eye-stalks, shining with a bioluminescent blue.
<Don't you trust me?> it adds as it cocks his head slightly. His head-voice sounds like he is smiling. And you're willing to bet it's not a good smile. At least not for you.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2015, 07:53:50 pm

Fire the rocket directly at the heat source. If I can discern any qualities of the creature based on the heat source, aim for the head. The moment I fire, begin moving forward and reloading my rocket launcher. I want to get close to the creature but not too close that I put myself in immediate danger.

<Code Red! We have a small, frightened girl being terrorized by a massive terrorbird! Converge on my location! If you know where that is, of course. If you don't, follow the sounds of explosions. That's not good advice in life, but right now, just do it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 12, 2015, 08:12:34 pm

CONTINUE TO TRY TO WAKE UP.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 12, 2015, 08:13:33 pm

I have an idea! Slam my fists into the ground, directing a shockwave into the dark cloud. That should hit SOMETHING!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 12, 2015, 08:15:15 pm

((Okay, a bit too big on this one d= ))

Yeah, let's cancel this.  Try again except more reasonably sized?  I can cancel, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 12, 2015, 08:27:21 pm

(toaster, I can use it, could I have it please?)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 12, 2015, 09:09:04 pm

((You can use this thing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwerer_Gustav)?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 12, 2015, 09:16:19 pm

(Yeah, nevermind. It'd be impossible for him to aim. Super strength doesn't help if the trigger is too far away for him to shoot.)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 12, 2015, 11:04:55 pm

<Hi D. You feeling okay? You seemed really tired yesterday.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 12, 2015, 11:50:28 pm

George - Storm Coming

Okay, so I'm surrounded by darkness, the demon bird is poised to kill me, and I have no chance of escape.  Well, at least it can't get any worse.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2015, 07:53:50 pm

<Code Red! We have a small, frightened girl being terrorized by a massive terrorbird! Converge on my location! If you know where that is, of course. If you don't, follow the sounds of explosions. That's not good advice in life, but right now, just do it.>

...I hate my life.

Fueled by fear and adrenaline, George quickly devised a plan.  A risky plan with a high chance of failure.  George rose to his feet and faced the beast.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2015, 07:46:09 pm

<Why are you screaming, little human?>
<Don't you trust me?>

"Ah..AHA!  FOOL!  You've fallen into our trap!  My scream was a ruse!  We expected you to come after me!  It was all part of our plan!  My team have rigged this place with landmines and hidden explosives that will detonate any second now!  Flee!  Flee or die!"

Bluff.  Do my best impression of a Saturday morning cartoon villain.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 13, 2015, 12:04:22 am

((Even though he's gonna instantly realise you're bluffing because the entire objective of the mission is to kill him and you would be regenerated anyway I am so glad you went for that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 13, 2015, 02:19:39 am

"Mmm s'mores the breakfast of champions. I'll be right there."

The tents exit tunnel was filled by the sandstorm and I don't think shrinking the tent with everyone still inside it is a good idea. Get whoever is in here to dig our way out, help as much as I can with one good hand. Once everyone's out shrink and pack up the tent and join Alan for smores.

Comwire to River:
<Do you mind healing? My hands broken.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 13, 2015, 02:27:10 am

((Inb4 TPK by trying to make breakfast))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 13, 2015, 04:32:10 am

Quote from: Lenglon on October 12, 2015, 11:04:55 pm

<Hi D. You feeling okay? You seemed really tired yesterday.>

<I'm better than OK. I'm purrfect!> For some reason, you can't help imagining him raising his first towards the sky as he says that.
<I was just tired from the transfer yesterday. My gifts and his are kinda opposites and he didn't really give me any energy to go, so it wasn't very pleasant. But with the help you provided, with our bond so stronger now, I'm feeling great! Much better than before!>

His tone momentarily shifts to something more serious, his usually rapid speech becoming slower.
<Thanks for helping me, by the way. And for doing something so personal as to bond with me.> he says, his words accompanied by a surge of affection in your link and a warm feeling inside you.
<I mean, really, I feel like I should apologize. I usually take girls out on at least one date before we get this close.> he immediately adds with a small laugh.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 06:12:18 am

<Hehe.>
it's convenient that I'm in full-fox-form right now, I don't need to hide facial expressions or anything else like that that might reveal our internal conversation.
<A bond's formative moments are always very important, and I kinda... I'm wired to care about my links. The fact that I consciously want to help you on top of that makes things easy.>
I gently rub my link to him, showing my affection back.
<Just having a link again is really nice. You have no idea how it felt to be so numb for so long.>
I pause for a bit, glancing around without bothering to actually stand up, and giving D a chance to respond.
<Your gift and River's are near opposites? does that make your gift related to my flames?>
I need to learn everything I can about Bond-Formers. There's so many Bond-Former Entities I need to investigate, on top of a bond-former being our assassination target, and with such an overwhelming powerset available to them, I need to understand how their abilities originate and what capabilities are derived from what. Anything I can use to disable, avoid, capture, kill, interrogate, blackmail, or weaponize in any way, shape, or form. Even if it just lets me supercharge allied Bond-Formers like D or River, could be critical. Every little bit, every time they explain themselves and give just one or two extra details, helps. Even if I end up asking the same question five different times in slightly different ways. It's all useful. Especially with how their Bond is similar to my links, and things that affect one of us might affect the other...
<You said before that Bond-formers could originate from anything, be it a creature or a material or a concept. In the case of conceptual or material Bond-Formers, is there any kind of standardized body or form they take? Do they even have a kill-able body?>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 13, 2015, 06:27:51 am

Edit:((Ignore me, I'm just tired.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 13, 2015, 06:47:44 am

Campaign, Ike!

"What a day."

Return to group. Avail myself of Alan's marshmallows, no cooking required.

"Right, I think someone marched past us in the night. Well, early morning. Shall we eat and get moving? Not sure about investigating mysterious nights or anything, since will o' the wisps are totally a thing, but we ought to start moving soon anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 13, 2015, 11:46:18 am

Quote from: Wolfkit on October 10, 2015, 10:10:12 pm

"Huh. Well, that's a thing."
Cautiously probe the hole and the serpent things witha mannequin limb.
Regardless of the result of the probing, fire a laser into the hole because science.

Quote from: Illgeo on October 11, 2015, 02:11:17 pm

"DO NOT!"
Jump before Welroki. Try to think about how good it is to have new knowledge to click, and erase old ignorance.

Welroki tries to approach the floating serpents but John tackles him from behind while shouting a big "NOOOO!" and 'I will always love you' plays in the background. John jumping on him is enough to throw him to the floor.
"Why the hell did you do that for?"
"BECAUSE I AM INCREDIBLY HAPPY! YES! I AM INCREDIBLY HAPPY WITH MY LACK OF IGNORANCE!"
"... You're weird. And that's saying something, coming from me."

---

Quote from: Beirus on October 07, 2015, 12:02:16 am

((Sorry, DG. My bad.))

Get up and jump my way across the hexagons and other anomaly things that are safe to jump on to get to solid floor. Keep an eye out for anything useful produced by the anomaly explosion.

((I assumed you'd continue trying to jump, since there isn't much else you can do. You don't even have clothes.))

You somehow manage to slip on the surface of frozen air and completely fail to jump.
You try again, this time managing to make it to an adjacent platform without losing another limb. Four platforms here form something like a crude stairway, allowing you to climb higher.
With another jump, you make it that much closer to the remains of a stone corridor, floating freely with a battered but intact door in its end. It could provide you with somewhere else to go. Or at least some safe and solid ground until someone can hopefully come and help you.

You fail to spot anything useful. In fact, you notice something alarming. Some of the oldest hexagons, the ones closest to the centre of the explosion, are starting to disintegrate, rapidly accelerating and explosively releasing their contents as they fail.

You easily make the final jump, landing on the corridor. There's only a stone floor left and not much else. Everything else seems to have been sent flying into the clouds and nothingness surrounding the house.

---

Quote from: Alarith on October 07, 2015, 07:37:45 am

Team A
"I'm afraid I'm not entirely certain I can protect you. this person or thing is stronger than I had first thought. Can you tell me anything about it or its abilities before I make decisions on whether we should just leave or take it on?"
Try to strengthen the shield

You close your eyes and focus your everything on the shield. Once again you barely manage to protect your minds from the psychic energy assaulting you.
"Ugh. Are you all-right?" she asks as she puts a hand on your shoulder, sounding a bit better now. Although judging by the way she stops to breathe between words, the tone of her voice and the strength of her grip, she is still not feeling very well.
"We need to stop her. Before she runs away. Or brings others here."
She reaches for your gun and starts trying to remove it from its holster.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:18:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2015, 05:16:32 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 08, 2015, 05:06:00 am

((Pop = automatically happen.))

That's doable. But either it can only happen as long as your brain is not thoroughly destroyed or every time you go back, you also lose your memories of what happened and can only remember that you went back, not why you did so. I think it makes sense as a drawback, since for you to remember that you activated your ability and what happened during that time, then at least part of your brain has to stay unaffected from your regeneration. So either your brain regenerates and you lose your memories or your brain does not regenerate, so going back means the brain damage stays and your brain is still mush.

Yeah, killing the brain would kill me but I'd still be thrown back.

Okay, I'll look into it and send you a PM sometime soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 13, 2015, 08:27:30 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 12, 2015, 05:25:02 pm

"HEY! Hey Nik! I think your penis size expanding magic is wearing off! Cmon out, let's have some s'mores!"

Ignore my bad nasal situation for now and summon a heat radiator to cook the marshmallows on.

I... I might be misunderstanding this, but do you mean this (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiator_%28heating%29)? Is this a case of Alan-logic or a misunderstanding? Well, uh, anyway, to save time, let's see... Whichever of the two you want, it's a small damaged-but-working version that will disappear soon.

Quote from: NAV on October 13, 2015, 02:19:39 am

"Mmm s'mores the breakfast of champions. I'll be right there."

The tents exit tunnel was filled by the sandstorm and I don't think shrinking the tent with everyone still inside it is a good idea. Get whoever is in here to dig our way out, help as much as I can with one good hand. Once everyone's out shrink and pack up the tent and join Alan for smores.

Comwire to River:
<Do you mind healing? My hands broken.>

The part of the hole inside the tent seems fine, so you simply remove some of the dirt inside and then try to shove your way outside, using your legs to push yourself through the hole and up through the soft dirt. And you succeed... sort of. Your head reaches the other side. But your torso becomes stuck at a narrow point in the tunnel. You try to push yourself with your legs but you can't get a good grip and your hands are trapped and unable to move. You are left there, wiggling ineffectually. Crap.

<Can it wait for a bit? I am in the middle of some thing.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 13, 2015, 06:47:44 am

Campaign, Ike!

"What a day."

Return to group. Avail myself of Alan's marshmallows, no cooking required.

"Right, I think someone marched past us in the night. Well, early morning. Shall we eat and get moving? Not sure about investigating mysterious nights or anything, since will o' the wisps are totally a thing, but we ought to start moving soon anyway."

What a lovely day! (https://youtu.be/sU4mDyj8DSI)

You return to Alan and his quantum uncertainty of a heater, where you help yourself to his marshmallows. They're not normal marshmallows, they're a bit darker colour and they smell and taste more like plants and less like sugar, but they are still pretty good. Or at least eatable.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 06:12:18 am

<Hehe.>
it's convenient that I'm in full-fox-form right now, I don't need to hide facial expressions or anything else like that that might reveal our internal conversation.
<A bond's formative moments are always very important, and I kinda... I'm wired to care about my links. The fact that I consciously want to help you on top of that makes things easy.>
I gently rub my link to him, showing my affection back.
<Just having a link again is really nice. You have no idea how it felt to be so numb for so long.>
I pause for a bit, glancing around without bothering to actually stand up, and giving D a chance to respond.

<You are right. I have no idea. But I may be able to understand it. I've felt similar things. And I know it can't be pleasant. So I am happy to help! And I am happy to be helped by you. Always pleasant to have nice company.>

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 06:12:18 am

<Your gift and River's are near opposites? does that make your gift related to my flames?>
I need to learn everything I can about Bond-Formers. There's so many Bond-Former Entities I need to investigate, on top of a bond-former being our assassination target, and with such an overwhelming powerset available to them, I need to understand how their abilities originate and what capabilities are derived from what. Anything I can use to disable, avoid, capture, kill, interrogate, blackmail, or weaponize in any way, shape, or form. Even if it just lets me supercharge allied Bond-Formers like D or River, could be critical. Every little bit, every time they explain themselves and give just one or two extra details, helps. Even if I end up asking the same question five different times in slightly different ways. It's all useful. Especially with how their Bond is similar to my links, and things that affect one of us might affect the other...

<Eh... sort of. I like to call mine Flare and Fun (although she likes to call it Friendship), which as you can probably tell by the words used is very different from Sight and Silence.>

<And Flare is related to Fire. But also to light and energy and power and being bright and radiant and noticed and blinding and disorienting and annoying. What some like to call gifts are just simple, narrow ways to name very broad things about bond-formers, ways to easily tell others about us in a few words. In truth, they are more like the part of our nature most easily seen, the most visible part of us that helps differentiate us from others. Which is why they tend to colour everything about us. And why they tend to be hard to express with a single word. I can give you some examples, if you want.>

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 06:12:18 am

<You said before that Bond-formers could originate from anything, be it a creature or a material or a concept. In the case of conceptual or material Bond-Formers, is there any kind of standardized body or form they take? Do they even have a kill-able body?>

<Eehhmmm... Boy, you ask some hard questions. I'm not exactly a teacher here and not fully recovered so... Well, let's start with the hard things, because why the hell not.>

<Every bond-former starts as a seed. And every seed looks like an orb somewhat similar in size to the soulsphers you turn into when you die. Said seeds are almost always physical objects (possibly with some magical properties that might make them more desirable or likely to survive), quite resilient and related to the bond-former's nature and/or their environment. They can also change and there's a bit of a debate about why that happens or doesn't happen. And - now, how do I explain this... - that change is them becoming who they should be for their nature, like the seed maturing into something different than it was, although it doesn't always happen... And when the time comes the seed transforms into the bond-former and because the bond-former came from the seed they tend to be like the seed, although some biologicals can be different... And, uh... Gah, I bet I'm confusing you even more.>

<So, what I'm trying to say is that the bond-former didn't take something to transform it or possess it, it just became what it became... for some reason. Became something that may look completely unrelated to whatever exists in its environment. It's less them originating from something and more them having the capacity to look like something.>

<As for common things... wings are common, I guess. Or generally means of flying. Two legs vs four legs vs no legs seems to be the main choices, but not the only ones. Biologicals tend to be more numerous than non-biologicals in worlds with little magic, probably because they can survive more easily.>

<And almost all bond-formers tend to be killable via physical means, since they tend to have some physical body (more easy to attach an anchor to a physical thing, I guess, or maybe its more resilient or less sensitive). At least the non-entity ones are killable, entity ones tend to take more precautions. And I guess with enough power, persistence, luck and/or the right tools, nothing is invincible. I mean, if one of them has no physical body, they would probably be vulnerable to magic.>

<What's with all the questions? You planning on exterminating us or something? Because I've gotta warn you: It'll be a tough job. We have people everywhere!> he jokes, punctuating his statement with a mock evil laugh.

---

<Hey, could I access your senses? I would feel better if I could feel what's going on from your perspective. I don't feel very comfortable being blind and helpless. That way I could help you, comment on what's going on.>

<I... took the liberty of using some of the energy you provided to strengthen our link to allow that while you slept but I thought it would be best to wait until you were awake so I could ask your permission to connect it with your soul. It will let me get everything all the time, sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, not just words and images and no conscious effort required from you. And you can stop it any time, just block the link.>

((Assuming you accept:))
D's work feels very different than River's. You still feel a tiny bit uneasy but with your acceptance the feeling quickly evaporates under the warmth inside you, the only thing left being a tingling sensation on the back of your head. Your bond felt stronger before, but it was similar to when it was created. But now it's different, more complex instead of merely thicker, thin strands tapped into your being, your senses flowing from your soul to his.

D laughs as you notice Nikolai struggle ineffectually.
<Hehe. He's all exposed. Aren't you tempted to go stuff his pants with something? Or bite him?>

---

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 13, 2015, 12:04:22 am

((Even though he's gonna instantly realise you're bluffing because the entire objective of the mission is to kill him and you would be regenerated anyway I am so glad you went for that.))

((Nah, haven't you ever seen a movie or an anime? People exposit about what they are going to do all the time. D will make sure to make a reference to such a thing when the turn comes.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 09:18:43 pm

<Not exterminating, no. But whoever destroyed my home had entity-level power, and a lot of entities are bond-formers. So I want to learn all I can so I'll understand what I'm dealing with, both for River's mission and for my own.>

---

<You can't see? of course you can access them! Go ahead, please! Sorry I didn't give you the okay earlier. I didn't know. sorry... sorry.>

---

after D has finished, and we see Nikolai struggling:
<Hehe, hold on tight.>
I generate some fire and use it to shift into Hybrid form - after moving away from my clothes of course. I then attempt to shove Nikolai out the hole, followed by getting dressed and, if I was successful, going out myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 14, 2015, 02:29:23 am

A battlefield is no place for a little girl! Move where Nick should be, following the explosions. If thunderbird is spotted - drown it in rebar.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 14, 2015, 02:59:45 am

((Yeah, those things are toasty right? I touched one once as a kid and burninated my hand so I know they're hot.))

((That is to say, I forget if you can actually toast things with radiators, so Alan (because method acting) has also forgotten and assumed that you can.))

Attempt to toast marshmallows on radiator.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Adragis on October 14, 2015, 08:18:46 am

((This is still still open, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 08:30:07 am

((Yep))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 14, 2015, 09:14:06 am

"Ahahahaha! I am trapped. Help?"
Escape! Do my best impression of a baby turtle.

@Riveter <Take your time. What are you working on? If it's not all secret.

We are okay after yesterday, right? Not friends, but not enemies. Can work together.">

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 14, 2015, 06:24:27 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 12, 2015, 08:12:34 pm

CONTINUE TO TRY TO WAKE UP.

Nope. Not much you can do without healing except hope for a miracle.

Quote from: Toaster on October 12, 2015, 08:15:15 pm

((Okay, a bit too big on this one d= ))

Yeah, let's cancel this.  Try again except more reasonably sized?  I can cancel, right?

Sure, you can.
And this time you get exactly what you want. A modern-looking, electronically controlled flak cannon, complete with a three round magazine. It'll be ready next turn.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 12, 2015, 08:13:33 pm

I have an idea! Slam my fists into the ground, directing a shockwave into the dark cloud. That should hit SOMETHING!

Oh dear. Well, let's see... You try to create a shockwave towards the dark clouds but the strike is not as strong as you'd wanted. All you manage to do is just launch a giant boulder towards it.
...
And now I must appreciate the irony of the word "just" being before the sentence "launch a giant boulder".

Quote from: Megggas on October 12, 2015, 11:50:28 pm

George - Storm Coming

Okay, so I'm surrounded by darkness, the demon bird is poised to kill me, and I have no chance of escape.  Well, at least it can't get any worse.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2015, 07:53:50 pm

<Code Red! We have a small, frightened girl being terrorized by a massive terrorbird! Converge on my location! If you know where that is, of course. If you don't, follow the sounds of explosions. That's not good advice in life, but right now, just do it.>

...I hate my life.

Fueled by fear and adrenaline, George quickly devised a plan.  A risky plan with a high chance of failure.  George rose to his feet and faced the beast.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 12, 2015, 07:46:09 pm

<Why are you screaming, little human?>
<Don't you trust me?>

"Ah..AHA!  FOOL!  You've fallen into our trap!  My scream was a ruse!  We expected you to come after me!  It was all part of our plan!  My team have rigged this place with landmines and hidden explosives that will detonate any second now!  Flee!  Flee or die!"

Bluff.  Do my best impression of a Saturday morning cartoon villain.

<Sorry to disappoint you Nick. You triggered my trap card!>
<Huh?>
<Rocket to the face!>
You both look around, flinching and preparing to defend yourselves... but nothing happens.
A moment later, there is the sound of an explosion somewhere nearby. You look towards the dim light of the fireball coming through the clouds for a second.

You look at the giant bird and raise your shoulders.
"... Whoops?"
The bird also looks at you.
<Enough silliness human.>
Sparks fly out of the blue tendrils coming out of his face, hitting your legs. Your muscles stop obeying you, causing you to fall to the ground.
<Time to go for a ride!> he adds as he grabs you with its beak and starts moving again.
The tendrils start wrapping around your head and torso. Something large whooses past and then crashes somewhere nearby, causing the bird's head to jerk suddenly.
<Oh no! The princess is being kidnapped! And I've seen enough hentai to know where this is going (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ive-seen-enough-hentai-to-know-where-this-is-going).>

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 12, 2015, 07:53:50 pm

Fire the rocket directly at the heat source. If I can discern any qualities of the creature based on the heat source, aim for the head. The moment I fire, begin moving forward and reloading my rocket launcher. I want to get close to the creature but not too close that I put myself in immediate danger.

<Code Red! We have a small, frightened girl being terrorized by a massive terrorbird! Converge on my location! If you know where that is, of course. If you don't, follow the sounds of explosions. That's not good advice in life, but right now, just do it.>

Damn it! You are not certain about whether or not you can get in range in time. And that girl could have no time to spare!
Wait a second... Yeah, you've seen this in games! If you point the rocket launcher at your feet and then fire while jumping, you'll move really fast! Yeah, that's a very good idea! You should do that immediately!
*click* *boom*
Predictably, that doesn't work. In fact, it turns out it's a very bad idea.
However, you do manage to somehow only get seriously burnt instead of killed, blind luck making all the shrapnel miss you.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 14, 2015, 02:29:23 am

A battlefield is no place for a little girl! Move where Nick should be, following the explosions. If thunderbird is spotted - drown it in rebar.

Like any proper knight you rush to rescue a damsel in distress.
Along the way, you find a mostly singed Rune suffering a case of video game logic syndrome.
"Quick! Touch a medpack on my skin to heal me!"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 09:18:43 pm

<Not exterminating, no. But whoever destroyed my home had entity-level power, and a lot of entities are bond-formers. So I want to learn all I can so I'll understand what I'm dealing with, both for River's mission and for my own.>

<I... don't feel like that's a very good thing. I feel like I should say something like "don't dwell on the past" or something, but doing that would be kinda hypocritical of me. If someone hurt her, I know there'd be few things stopping me from doing something about it.>

<So I guess what I'm saying is I understand. Just don't let revenge consume you? There are more fun things in life. When you get out of the games, I want us to have some fun, you know? Not have you waste all your time plotting some pointlessly elaborate revenge like you're Edmond Dantès.>

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 09:18:43 pm

<You can't see? of course you can access them! Go ahead, please! Sorry I didn't give you the okay earlier. I didn't know. sorry... sorry.>

<Relax girl. It's cool. There's nothing to apologize for.>

Quote from: Lenglon on October 13, 2015, 09:18:43 pm

after D has finished, and we see Nikolai struggling:
<Hehe, hold on tight.>
I generate some fire and use it to shift into Hybrid form - after moving away from my clothes of course. I then attempt to shove Nikolai out the hole, followed by getting dressed and, if I was successful, going out myself.

You summon some fire. Perhaps a bit too much fire for such a small space. But you manage to contain it.
That done, it's time change forms. Unfortunately, while you do that, you lose control over some of the fire, setting fire to the tent.
<Gah. Does it always hurt like that?>
The moment the transformation is over, you immediately try to put out the fire, but the pain caused by the transformation is a bit too much and doesn't allow you to focus fully. Still, you get most of the more threatening fire, so that's something.

That done, you focus on getting yourself, your belongings and everyone else out of here before they burn or suffocate. Your arms have almost fully healed, so it should not be very hard.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 14, 2015, 02:59:45 am

((Yeah, those things are toasty right? I touched one once as a kid and burninated my hand so I know they're hot.))

((That is to say, I forget if you can actually toast things with radiators, so Alan (because method acting) has also forgotten and assumed that you can.))

Attempt to toast marshmallows on radiator.

You attempt to roast marshmallows on the radiator. Unfortunately, that doesn't work out. It is merely very warm, not truly hot.

Luckily, it looks like one of your teammates was considerate enough to light a fire for you.

Quote from: NAV on October 14, 2015, 09:14:06 am

"Ahahahaha! I am trapped. Help?"
Escape! Do my best impression of a baby turtle.

@Riveter <Take your time. What are you working on? If it's not all secret.>

<We are okay after yesterday, right? Not friends, but not enemies. Can work together.">

<Hunting. Found some animals.>

<I... I am unsure. But I do not feel that I should kill you yet.>

Unfortunately, your flailing does not allow you to escape. And then the tent catches fire.
"Help! Fire! Fire!"
Luckily, Alan approaches, holding a marshmallow on a stick.
"Oh, I am so glad you came, I-"
Alan proceeds to sit down next to you and put a the marshmallow over the burning tent. Directly over the fire.
"What the hell are you doing?! I need help! I'll burn! They'll burn! The ones in the tent-"
That is a good camp-fire song.
The marshmallow catches fire.
"What? What camp-fire song you imb-"
You need a reward for such good singing! Here! Have this!
"Wait, what are you doing? Keep that away from my faaaiiighegfdblbl."
A moment after Alan shoves the burning marshmallow down your throat with his stick, you are thrown out of the hole and face first into the dirt.
Don't worry! Rescue Fox is here!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 14, 2015, 06:59:22 pm

<It only hurts since the Games. My natural method was damaged when I was rescued from my home, and it's still only partly repaired. I think my abilities are giving you entities trouble replicating or fixing, like the style of design we use is really different.>
I don't need, or even want, to put out the fire, I just move it all off the tent and into the air above it. I'll hang on to the flames for later since they're here anyway. anyways, I'll continue making sure everybody is out, then I'll leave the tent myself.

EDIT for clarity: Am moving all flames off the tent, which will stop the tent from burning anymore. Am not leaving seed-flames on the tent to continue collecting. If I want to do that, I can do it after everyone and everything we want to keep is out of it first.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 14, 2015, 07:44:49 pm

Alan very much did not shove a burning marshmallow down Nikolai's throat. He's wearing a scarf around his mouth to prevent exactly that!

"Really?"
Help everyone out of the tent then untsar it so there is less to burninate.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 14, 2015, 07:45:30 pm

"Everything is pain! But say, because you're coming past, how about you pick me up? I have an idea. Ever played Ark: Survival Evolved? Ah, what am I saying, you're not a human. I did back before the entities took me. Great game. Had these cute tiny little flying dinosaurs with demonically powerful jaws called Dimorphodons. The rode on the player's shoulder. Since we're currently in a video game, how about I become one of them things, you carry me over to Nick, fling me at him, and I'll eat him!"

Morph into a dimorphodon to get rid of the burned flesh. Since I'm manipulating biomass it shouldn't carry over, right? Then fly onto Saevus's shoulder and wait there.

Dimorphodons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimorphodon

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 07:49:41 pm

((Alan is best teammate))

Finish it up!  If I have a shot, take it.  Otherwise, get some more ammo going- should be able to touch the unit to get good copies.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 14, 2015, 08:26:14 pm

"Hey, you wanna refuse free food I can only cry for the food. Now then, gotta make use of this fire."

Toast as many marshmallows as possible before my teammates put the fire out.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 14, 2015, 11:36:20 pm

Wake up pretty please?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 15, 2015, 12:35:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

Perform toasting of marshmallows. From outside the tent if possible, of course. Have I even entered the tent?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 16, 2015, 07:04:16 am

"How quickly dost thou needst to fly?"

Take the the flying lizard with me and attempt to find the thunderbird. If Rune makes the foolish decision of "GOTTA GO FAST", launch him with the blingcannon. Otherwise just toss him in Nick's direction. Commence operation "drown Nick in rebar" afterwards.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 16, 2015, 08:57:00 am

Alright, time to give myself an upgrade. Inject myself with a plasmid, then run in Plasmid arm-gun a blazing!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on October 16, 2015, 10:20:06 am

Team A
((Sorry I would have posted this earlier, but I didn't see the turn))
"I'm doing okay for now. So far I've been able to counteract whatever she does, but I don't know if I can keep it up for long.Yeah, we need to get moving.
Hand her the gun, if she wants it, otherwise keep it drawn. Keep the shield up, and follow the footprints
If she takes the gun, "I'm trusting you with this. If you think you're losing your mental grip, or you have any other problems, let me know immediately.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2015, 02:04:11 pm

"I must go as fast as possible! I must make my foe's HP Zero! Oh god what am I saying."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on October 16, 2015, 02:23:51 pm

Team A

Take a moment to rest. Figure out if I have enough life left to charge up one more time.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 16, 2015, 02:45:57 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2015, 02:04:11 pm

"I must go as fast as possible! I must make my foe's HP Zero! Oh god what am I saying."

((By the way, the blingcannon method will probably kill you might be dangerous. This is likely to lead to accidental teamkilling hilarity.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2015, 02:52:43 pm

((I honestly don't care. I'm a small gliding lizard bird. I should be able to survive. If I die, at least I became the biggest living dart in the world.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 17, 2015, 01:53:46 pm

George - Storm Coming

"Oh come on!  At least buy me dinner first!"

"Hey!  Let me go or you'll be sorry!  I'm warning you!  Don't make me do something I'll regret!"

If I still have control of my head, then try biting down on one of the tendrils in a futile attempt to escape.  Yes, one of those electrical-discharge tendrils.  I'm sure that's not a horribly stupid idea at all.

If I can't do that, then instead begin complaining about being Nick's hostage.  Try to loudly complain so much that it annoys Nick into letting me go.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 18, 2015, 08:38:36 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 14, 2015, 06:59:22 pm

<It only hurts since the Games. My natural method was damaged when I was rescued from my home, and it's still only partly repaired. I think my abilities are giving you entities trouble replicating or fixing, like the style of design we use is really different.>
I don't need, or even want, to put out the fire, I just move it all off the tent and into the air above it. I'll hang on to the flames for later since they're here anyway. anyways, I'll continue making sure everybody is out, then I'll leave the tent myself.

EDIT for clarity: Am moving all flames off the tent, which will stop the tent from burning anymore. Am not leaving seed-flames on the tent to continue collecting. If I want to do that, I can do it after everyone and everything we want to keep is out of it first.

Quote from: NAV on October 14, 2015, 07:44:49 pm

Alan very much did not shove a burning marshmallow down Nikolai's throat. He's wearing a scarf around his mouth to prevent exactly that!

"Really?"
Help everyone out of the tent then untsar it so there is less to burninate.

((Eh, it was just for comedic effect, more of a rule of funny sort of thing. I didn't roll for it or anything and it didn't cause any damage. It just sounded like an Alan thing to do. Really, Alan shouldn't even have had enough time to walk towards the tent.))

Irine makes a ball of fire over the tent, extinguishing the tent in the process. It only received minor damage.
Nikolai and Irine help everyone and their belongings get out of the tent and then Nikolai untsars the tent. The piece of cloth that was the tent is in a miserable state, being more holes than fabric. It's a miracle it hasn't fallen apart. The sword is pretty much in the same state it was before it was tsared.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 14, 2015, 08:26:14 pm

"Hey, you wanna refuse free food I can only cry for the food. Now then, gotta make use of this fire."

Toast as many marshmallows as possible before my teammates put the fire out.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 15, 2015, 12:35:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

Perform toasting of marshmallows. From outside the tent if possible, of course. Have I even entered the tent?

((You managed to exit the tent without trouble... last turn was it? You were in it and then exited to go to Alan, that's what I remember.))

The two of you jump up and down next to the tent, holding sticks with marshmallows on them, trying to get them close to the fire above the tent.

---

Everyone
We can assume that you ate what little food you had left + marshmallows and are now just thirsty. Maybe a bit tired from walking a good part of the night and then not sleeping all that well, but not so tired that it's impeding you in any way.

---

OOC

Quote from: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 07:49:41 pm

((Alan is best teammate))

Finish it up!  If I have a shot, take it.  Otherwise, get some more ammo going- should be able to touch the unit to get good copies.

Quick question. Take the shot even if you can tell there is the danger of damaging teammates?
Also, remove the ammo clip and hold it on your hand to summon more over the hole?
If there's no answer by... whenever I start writing the turn, I'll assume yes to both.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 18, 2015, 08:44:35 pm

((Could I join?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 18, 2015, 09:56:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 18, 2015, 08:38:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 07:49:41 pm

((Alan is best teammate))

Finish it up!  If I have a shot, take it.  Otherwise, get some more ammo going- should be able to touch the unit to get good copies.

Quick question. Take the shot even if you can tell there is the danger of damaging teammates?
Also, remove the ammo clip and hold it on your hand to summon more over the hole?
If there's no answer by... whenever I start writing the turn, I'll assume yes to both.

1)  Yes.  John knows that mission is priority, and he's no stranger to collateral damage.
2)  Can the full clip not be duplicated in-place?  If it's possible, do it in this order:

a) Technosense sense the clip
b) Speed-copy it into hand
c) Stick that copy into pocket
d) Fire
e) Use pocket-copy to duplicate more into the gun


Otherwise, I guess just do it the way you said.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 18, 2015, 10:57:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 18, 2015, 08:38:36 pm

((Eh, it was just for comedic effect, more of a rule of funny sort of thing. I didn't roll for it or anything and it didn't cause any damage. It just sounded like an Alan thing to do. Really, Alan shouldn't even have had enough time to walk towards the tent.))

((Let's say Alan poked him repeatedly with the marshmallow not realizing why it wasn't working. That's a funny image.))

Take the sword. Leave the cloth.

"What now, we chase after the light Theri saw?"
Chase after the light Theri saw?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 19, 2015, 02:52:17 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, Alan, I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Could you summon up some lemonade, perhaps?" Ike asks as he finishes up with his share of the marshmallows.

"And yeah, why not chase after suspicious lights? We don't really have any good leads anyway, and considering that everything and its mother around here is magic, I'd bet that might be something of that nature as well."

Chase after the light Theri saw! Avail myself of lemonade if lemonade is inbound at non-injurious velocities.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 19, 2015, 02:59:51 am

"Why not!"

Lemonade sweet lemonade, sweet lemonade yeah sweet lemonade


Don't tell Ike where it's made

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 19, 2015, 02:22:32 pm

"Um, okay."
I guess we check out what Theri saw?

---

Zech and Theri:

auto-follow party, trailing in the rear of the group.warn group of something starts coming up behind us.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2015, 10:15:47 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 14, 2015, 07:45:30 pm

"Everything is pain! But say, because you're coming past, how about you pick me up? I have an idea. Ever played Ark: Survival Evolved? Ah, what am I saying, you're not a human. I did back before the entities took me. Great game. Had these cute tiny little flying dinosaurs with demonically powerful jaws called Dimorphodons. The rode on the player's shoulder. Since we're currently in a video game, how about I become one of them things, you carry me over to Nick, fling me at him, and I'll eat him!"

Morph into a dimorphodon to get rid of the burned flesh. Since I'm manipulating biomass it shouldn't carry over, right? Then fly onto Saevus's shoulder and wait there.

Dimorphodons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimorphodon

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 16, 2015, 02:52:43 pm

((I honestly don't care. I'm a small gliding lizard bird. I should be able to survive. If I die, at least I became the biggest living dart in the world.))

Heh. Yeah! That's the spirit!
You change form and then present your teammate with your wonderful bird-as-throwing-dart idea.

Quote from: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 07:49:41 pm

((Alan is best teammate))

Finish it up!  If I have a shot, take it.  Otherwise, get some more ammo going- should be able to touch the unit to get good copies.

Quote from: Toaster on October 18, 2015, 09:56:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 18, 2015, 08:38:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 14, 2015, 07:49:41 pm

((Alan is best teammate))

Finish it up!  If I have a shot, take it.  Otherwise, get some more ammo going- should be able to touch the unit to get good copies.

Quick question. Take the shot even if you can tell there is the danger of damaging teammates?
Also, remove the ammo clip and hold it on your hand to summon more over the hole?
If there's no answer by... whenever I start writing the turn, I'll assume yes to both.

1)  Yes.  John knows that mission is priority, and he's no stranger to collateral damage.
2)  Can the full clip not be duplicated in-place?  If it's possible, do it in this order:

a) Technosense sense the clip
b) Speed-copy it into hand
c) Stick that copy into pocket
d) Fire
e) Use pocket-copy to duplicate more into the gun


Otherwise, I guess just do it the way you said.

Sure, that works too.
You do your copying as quickly as possible and then run to the gunner seat.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 14, 2015, 11:36:20 pm

Wake up pretty please?

You're a bit closer to consciousness, but your chances are still not looking any better.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 16, 2015, 07:04:16 am

"How quickly dost thou needst to fly?"

Take the the flying lizard with me and attempt to find the thunderbird. If Rune makes the foolish decision of "GOTTA GO FAST", launch him with the blingcannon. Otherwise just toss him in Nick's direction. Commence operation "drown Nick in rebar" afterwards.

Rune tells you where he thinks the thunderbird is while you prepare to enact plan 'angry birds'.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 16, 2015, 08:57:00 am

Alright, time to give myself an upgrade. Inject myself with a plasmid, then run in Plasmid arm-gun a blazing!

You stick the syringe directly into your heart and empty its contents. Your forearm immediately swells and expands to twice its size, skin breaking to reveal the expanded muscles below, while 5 thick bony points break through the skin on your palm.

Quote from: Megggas on October 17, 2015, 01:53:46 pm

George - Storm Coming

"Oh come on!  At least buy me dinner first!"

"Hey!  Let me go or you'll be sorry!  I'm warning you!  Don't make me do something I'll regret!"

If I still have control of my head, then try biting down on one of the tendrils in a futile attempt to escape.  Yes, one of those electrical-discharge tendrils.  I'm sure that's not a horribly stupid idea at all.

If I can't do that, then instead begin complaining about being Nick's hostage.  Try to loudly complain so much that it annoys Nick into letting me go.

You try to free your head and bite at one of the tendrils. The fact that you are slowly gaining an awareness of where they are helps somewhat, but you're just not quick enough.
<You know, it is remarkable what one can do with electrical charges... Consider the human body, for example. They are the most important component to what most humans take pride in, the way you control your body, the means through which you store and process most of your thoughts and feelings.>
"Booooriiiing. My other kidnappers gave me cake and let me watch TV. They didn't force me to listen to their boring speeches. And they only probed me once. This is the worst kidnapping ever!"
<You may not appreciate that, you might not even know it, but I do, because I see it. And with us so close, I can see every tiny little spark in you. And control it.>
Your body goes limp, barely obeying to your commands.
<See? It's useless to resist. You're just a little puppet with electrical strings. Strings I now hold. A bit disappointing you have nothing immediately useful. But don't worry. It will take just a moment to learn all your strings.>
Immediately after, it feels like your brain catches fire. You pass out.

---

Holding Rune by his golden arm, Saevus activates his telekinetic blast, hoping to give Rune a running start in his flight towards their opponent. The runes light up on his golden arm for a moment and then Rune disappears in a cloud of feathers and blood.

A moment later, Rune slams against Nick's side, his beak getting embedded in his surprisingly resilient plumage, having somehow managed to navigate towards him despite Saevus launching him a bit off the mark and almost every bone in his body being broken. The air around Rune is crackling with electricity, blue bolts discharged by long tendrils with blue bioluminescent nodules. The tendrils are emerging from holes on his wings and body, formed by Nick's feathers and trailing behind him, sparks jumping from them to the ground.
<Remarkable bird the Electrical Blue, innit? Lovely Plumage.>
The tendrils immediately start curling towards you.
<Rune! So nice of you to->
But before he can say or do much more, he is cut off by a series of explosions, a triad of black clouds of smoke and shrapnel appearing around him. Nick sqwaks and momentarily falters as blood erupts from some of his tendrils. But he regains his balance and continues to try flying away, moving a bit slower now, the sparks coming out of him a bit weaker. Rune, continuing his streak of being lucky in his bad luck, remains mostly unhurt, save for a bit of shrapnel in his wings.
<I bet that hertz. Still, John, I'm certain you have the capacitance to do better.>

Ron sees the explosions, points his hand towards them and fires, hoping to hit Nick. The muscles on his oversized arm contract, sending a giant spike flying at supersonic speeds. However, even though he can't see it, his aim is off, missing his target by a wide margin. He fires a second time and again he misses, no closer to his target. The third shot hits his target but it hits at a bad angle and merely glances off. The fourth however hits its mark, a spike getting through Rune, into Nick's torso and out the other side, blowing a considerable hole through both of them in the process.
<What an alternating turn of events.>
The fifth and final spike suffers from some sort of misfire, getting jammed sideways in his arm. In the split second that happens, he barely has enough time to realise what's happening, let alone stop his muscles from firing. They continue trying to launch the spike through his arm, resulting in his entire hand getting launched and blown to bits at the same time, while the muscles on his arm rip and tear from the strain. Ron doesn't even feel the pain, looking at his missing stump spraying blood everywhere with some annoyance. Stupid second-rate plasmids.
<I'm truly shocked. You'd think I would have had some resistance by now.>

Nick once more falters and begins to fall. With a final effort, he manages to crash behind the building he was heading towards. And this time it's not looking like he's going to fly again.

<Come on people. He's a flier. He's crashed. We're looking for electricity based puns here. Don't fail me now. One of you has to say it. And then put your glasses on.>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 19, 2015, 02:59:51 am

"Why not!"

Lemonade sweet lemonade, sweet lemonade yeah sweet lemonade


Don't tell Ike where it's made

You get exactly what you wished for and share it with the entire team.
You sure like pouring people your lemonade in the morning.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 19, 2015, 02:52:17 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, Alan, I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Could you summon up some lemonade, perhaps?" Ike asks as he finishes up with his share of the marshmallows.

"And yeah, why not chase after suspicious lights? We don't really have any good leads anyway, and considering that everything and its mother around here is magic, I'd bet that might be something of that nature as well."

Chase after the light Theri saw! Avail myself of lemonade if lemonade is inbound at non-injurious velocities.

You enjoy drinking from Alan's jugs.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 19, 2015, 02:22:32 pm

"Um, okay."
I guess we check out what Theri saw?

---

Zech and Theri:

auto-follow party, trailing in the rear of the group.warn group of something starts coming up behind us.

Oh, sorry, just noticed I forgot to respond to you last turn. Roger's response would basically be:
<Oh. Uh, no, it's uh... Yeah. That. Maybe.>

Quote from: NAV on October 18, 2015, 10:57:13 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 18, 2015, 08:38:36 pm

((Eh, it was just for comedic effect, more of a rule of funny sort of thing. I didn't roll for it or anything and it didn't cause any damage. It just sounded like an Alan thing to do. Really, Alan shouldn't even have had enough time to walk towards the tent.))

((Let's say Alan poked him repeatedly with the marshmallow not realizing why it wasn't working. That's a funny image.))

Take the sword. Leave the cloth.

"What now, we chase after the light Theri saw?"
Chase after the light Theri saw?

The entire team packs its belongings and sets out to check out what Theri saw with a question mark.

You can get a better view of your surroundings now that it's daytime and the sky is once again clear. Your camp was on the base of a rocky hill, the same hill the statue was carved out of. You can also see the main road some distance away from the side road you're on. The distance looks much smaller today than it felt yesterday, although it's still several minutes of walking away.

You continue following the side road, making your way up the hill as Theri did yesterday. She didn't have any landmarks to go on, just her sense of time and direction, so you simply continue following the road, hoping you'll see something interesting or familiar along the way. Which is easier said than done, since the depressions on the ground that were marking the road have been obscured by yesterday's storm, leaving only the stones placed adjacent to it to guide you.

The top of the slope is a bit different than its base would suggest. There are still the occasional rocky outcropping, especially close to ridges, but most of the hill is covered by dirt, allowing small dry shrubs to grow on it, so it's not completely rocky and barren. It's also mostly even and flat, with some small depressions and ridges here and there providing some variation and obstructing your view.

You continue walking, joined along the way by River, who continues walking close to the back of the group, some distance away. There are fresh bloodstains on his clothes, but not from his own blood. Crossing a ridge, you finally see something that could be what Theri saw last night. Ike is the first to notice it, the smell of humans in the air as well as other new smells.

Off in the distance, the road comes close to a small stone tower, three stories tall but barely large enough to hold a single room on each floor. Its gate is sculpted, made to look like two men standing side by side, holding scythes, the curved edges of the scythes forming the arch of the door. There are a couple of other stone structures built adjacent to it that seem quite different. Different architecture, different height, simpler and less sturdy construction materials and more windows, although they appear to have been boarded up.

There are also a couple of wooden buildings a bit further away from it, although they seem to have suffered some damage, possibly from the storm. The same can be said for the nearby farm plot and a hastily repaired wooden fence marking a pen. There are a few stocky leathery animals in it, a couple of them horned. They seem a bit concerned, slowly walking in circles inside their pen, led by one of the horned creatures.

There are four young trees around the buildings bearing tiny black fruit, creating small patches of shade. You think this is the first time you've ever seen a true tree in this world. Their slightly brighter green is a nice change from the shades of brown, red, grey and dark green that seem to dominate this land, even if their beauty is somewhat lost by the leaves the storm took from them.

There's two humans outside. One of them, a man you think, seems to be working on the fence while another that looks more like a young woman is preparing a small horse-drawn wagon. There's also a couple of dogs with them, lazily lounging in the shade of one of the trees. They don't appear to have noticed you yet.

---

Quote from: crazyabe on October 18, 2015, 08:44:35 pm

((Could I join?))

Sure, why not. Just come up with a character.

Unless you want me to toss you some ideas. I was thinking about a concept of a guy using exploding dice the other day. Both literally and figuratively. The guy has some magic dice he can throw and depending on which number they land on, they can cause varying yet powerful effects, depending on the number he lands on. And rolling a 6 or a 1 would cause another dice to be rolled to determine even more effects with possibly even more power. And if he rolls 1 or 6 on those rolls he rolls again and so on. He (or she) could be upgraded with other types of dice (like d20) or being able to declare a more expanded or more narrow scope for his dice ("this is a cluster dice","this is a healing dice") or using some sort of limited luck manipulation system. His limitation would be that his stats work the same way and he is unable to get any upgrades that give him direct +1s or -1s, so unless he has someone else boosting him or uses some sort of special dice or luck manipulation to boost himself, he always has 1/6 chances of overshooting, 1/6 chances of failing horribly and 1/6 chances of nothing happening. And, of course, there's the problem of rolling dice in places that dice are hard to roll, like in space or on a slope, although I guess there could be an upgrade to help with that. On the other hand, the fact that his stats work on the same principle means he can reach some crazy power levels if he's lucky. 6 consecutive 6s in strength could be enough to level a city or more. And 4 consecutive 6s in endurance might be enough to allow him to survive that.

Essentially a character for a player that puts all his faith in the RNG. That could be the character's theme as well. Have him wear ridiculous dice-like clothing (dice-hat mandatory) and preach about the indifference of the RNG from the holy book of Typewriter Monkeys.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 19, 2015, 10:32:45 pm

((That's a neat idea.  Too bad I already have a backup character in mind.))

I'm assuming I can't see him since you said he's behind a building.  If I can, just summon more ammo and shoot him.  Repeatedly.

Otherwise, summon up armor.  It should be primarily resistant to electricity and secondarily resistant to slashing damage.  Stick near the gun for now.


<Roger, watt's it to you?  Go ohm, you're drunk.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 20, 2015, 01:00:12 am

I go to ground and let the full-humans handle the interaction with the locals

((going to be unable to post for a couple days.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 20, 2015, 03:46:44 am

I STAY OPTIMISTIC.
WAKE UUUUPPP.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 20, 2015, 04:16:35 am

((Is there anything more amusing than using your own teammates as weapons? I'll be trying to aggro Nick, unless someone objects.))

Go in the direction where I launched Rune. Once I can see Nick fire all the rebar I have into him. Then (if he's still on the ground) summon up a bardiche and charge into melee while making various insulting statements.

If Nick tries to do something like making a puppet out of George and siccing him on us, then be ready to backhand George at any time.

((Paris, you made a small mistake where Nick (instead of Saevus) launches Rune.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 20, 2015, 05:18:35 am

Quickly morph into an amorphous slime, like I did in the last mission.

<Watt are you going on about? Your jokes are shockingly bad.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 20, 2015, 07:42:02 am

Wake up!  How else is George gonna continue his streak of total uselessness?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

Spoiler: Sheet, If it works (click to show/hide)

Name: Colby Cottersson

Ability: I am the greatest swordsman in the world, I get better with every encounter, my mind is immune to ALL mental effects, I feel no fear, I am dexterous enough to cut a bullet coming at me in two.

Basic Weakness: I am bound by my gods to a code of Honor, I cant harm anyone who has no weapon, I cant fight with a ranged weapon, I cant attack anyone form behind without telling them that I am going to fight them from around 10 meters, I cant intervene in anyone else's fight, Dying Outside of battle is dishonorable, if a sword I own touches the ground it is defiled and I cant use again.

Appearance:he is A young white male of 4"2, Who has short red blond hair, and blue eyes. He wears black and blood red leather.

Bio/Personality info: his mother died when he was born so he was raised by his father who lived In a "isolated" town of murders that was stuck in the midevil era, Every day was a fight for his life, This forged him into the man he would be later in life, The greatest swordsman to ever live. He is a generally quiet man, Except in combat where he yells "MODI" at the top of his lungs as a warcry

Other: He has two swords and a set of black leather armor, he is a worshiper of Móði and Magni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B3%C3%B0i_and_Magni).

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 21, 2015, 03:53:00 am

Well, find that John guy. Make him make me a new hand. Whether or not this happens, push the building into Nick

"MEDIC! Gimme a hand!.It's my body, and I NEED IT NOW!"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on October 21, 2015, 07:47:33 am

<I'm hardly a medic; my surgery is more like butchery!  Give me a minute, okay; anyone else out there know first aid?>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 21, 2015, 10:08:22 am

Quote from: Toaster on October 21, 2015, 07:47:33 am

<I'm hardly a medic; my surgery is more like butchery!  Give me a minute, okay; anyone else out there know first aid?>

George's unconscious body twitches slightly.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2015, 10:57:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Be backup dancer. Make sure metahuman teammates stay behind.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: pikorge on October 21, 2015, 02:48:50 pm

following

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 21, 2015, 04:00:54 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2015, 10:57:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Be backup dancer. Make sure metahuman teammates stay behind.

Be a backup backup dancer. Like so. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoQb8vb4blA)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2015, 10:49:39 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 20, 2015, 01:00:12 am

I go to ground and let the full-humans handle the interaction with the locals

((going to be unable to post for a couple days.))

You go prone near the top of the ridge, only your head sticking out as you watch the rest of the team go on.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2015, 10:57:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Be backup dancer. Make sure metahuman teammates stay behind.

((Aren't you (and everyone else) technically either metahuman or inhuman, since all of you are either more than human or not human? One guy has frigging wings. I can't even go with what's inconspicuous. Guy with giant ears? Fat guy in a starving land? The group sticks out like... something that sticks out, I don't know, too tired. Eh, whatever. Let me post a small update until you decide.))

Quote from: NAV on October 21, 2015, 04:00:54 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2015, 10:57:20 am

Quote from: Xantalos on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

Awkwardly dance up to the locals all friendly-like.

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

Be backup dancer. Make sure metahuman teammates stay behind.

Be a backup backup dancer. Like so. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoQb8vb4blA)

((Heh, I'd forgotten about that song, thanks for reminding me.))

You start going down the small ridge, following the road towards the newly discovered structures. As you approach, there is a shift in the wind. The cool breeze that had persisted since yesterday stops and then resumes in the opposite direction. The dogs get up and look around nervously for a couple of seconds before starting to bark towards you, showing no intention of stopping. The man near the fence puts down his tools and turns his head to look around, first at the dogs and then at you.

You can see him more clearly now that he is closer. He seems a bit old, maybe in his mid 40s, his hair and short beard starting to show some grey. He is wearing a sturdy looking grey shirt and dark pants, something that seems of high quality but not very lavish, stained and scratched from heavy use but not torn or otherwise compromised. He is also wearing a dark leather glove on his right hand. From what little you can see of his body, from his height and from the way he carries himself, you'd say he is pretty strong.

When he notices you, he gets up and briskly walks towards the other person, the one close to the wagon. They speak for a few seconds, exchanging quick words. When they finish, the man turns around and makes his way a bit further away from the structure, closer to the farm plot, closer to you and the dogs, while the other retreats inside the small tower. He stops there, waiting close to a fence and a pump half-covered by dirt, looking towards you.

---

Quote from: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

Spoiler: Sheet, If it works (click to show/hide)

Name: Colby Cottersson

Ability: I am the greatest swordsman in the world, I get better with every encounter, my mind is immune to ALL mental effects, I feel no fear, I am dexterous enough to cut a bullet coming at me in two.

Basic Weakness: I am bound by my gods to a code of Honor, I cant harm anyone who has no weapon, I cant fight with a ranged weapon, I cant attack anyone form behind without telling them that I am going to fight them from around 10 meters, I cant intervene in anyone else's fight, Dying Outside of battle is dishonorable, if a sword I own touches the ground it is defiled and I cant use again.

Appearance:he is A young white male of 4"2, Who has short red blond hair, and blue eyes. He wears black and blood red leather.

Bio/Personality info: his mother died when he was born so he was raised by his father who lived In a "isolated" town of murders that was stuck in the midevil era, Every day was a fight for his life, This forged him into the man he would be later in life, The greatest swordsman to ever live. He is a generally quiet man, Except in combat where he yells "MODI" at the top of his lungs as a warcry

Other: He has two swords and a set of black leather armor, he is a worshiper of Móði and Magni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B3%C3%B0i_and_Magni).

I see this, but I'm a bit unsure. Give me some time to consider it, check the numbers. Too tired right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2015, 11:27:11 pm

Alan suddenly stops his dance routine and petulantly huffs while looking in a random direction.

"Ahem, narrator, I didn't see me actually asking the locals my question. Allow me to repeat it for you:

Quote from: Past Alan on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

So can I say this pls?"

Say/interpretive dance my greeting.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 23, 2015, 09:16:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

((I meant just leaving the beast people behind, really. The rest of us could just be confused with clowns or something. Particularly Nikolai, who has inexplicable green hair if I remember correctly.))

Harmonize with Alan as he asks his question.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 23, 2015, 10:31:11 am

Provide a beat.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 23, 2015, 10:47:16 am

Irine - stays back
Irine's fireball - stays back
Theri - stays back
River - stays back
Zech - stays back
Alan - goes
Ike - goes
Nik - goes

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2015, 08:40:39 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 23, 2015, 10:47:16 am

Irine - stays back
Irine's fireball - stays back
Theri - stays back
River - stays back
Zech - stays back
Alan - goes
Ike - goes
Nik - goes

((Okay then, going with this.))

Roger starts quietly singing the lyrics of "A horse with no name" as you watch the diplomatic mission/dance routine walk towards the others.
He stops a while later. After a second of quiet, he asks a question.
<So... what are we doing here?>

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2015, 11:27:11 pm

Alan suddenly stops his dance routine and petulantly huffs while looking in a random direction.

"Ahem, narrator, I didn't see me actually asking the locals my question. Allow me to repeat it for you:

Quote from: Past Alan on October 20, 2015, 01:55:48 am

"Sup, new aquaintizzles? What's hanging, aside from any executions your people may have recently performed in which case not cool?"

So can I say this pls?"

Say/interpretive dance my greeting.

Well, you didn't ask your question because you hadn't arrived yet. The scene described was what happened while you were approaching. If you wanted to yell your words from far away or while galloping threateningly or some other variation of said thing you should had stated that clearly. Now stop breaking the fourth wall or I'll bring out the silliness police.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 23, 2015, 09:16:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

((I meant just leaving the beast people behind, really. The rest of us could just be confused with clowns or something. Particularly Nikolai, who has inexplicable green hair if I remember correctly.))

Harmonize with Alan as he asks his question.

((Not really:))

Quote from: NAV on April 26, 2015, 11:45:10 pm

Nikolai actually looks fairly normal under his mask. No hideous scars or mutations or strange markings.
He's very pale and gaunt, and middle aged. He has green eyes, grey hair, and a grey moustache.

((He's actually the most normal amongst you. If you disregard the fact that he has a piece of cloth around his mouth, like a scarf. Although I guess you could attribute that to a combination of bad fashion sense and the sandstorm hitting last night. EDIT: Should add that to the first post along with the rest.))

Quote from: NAV on October 23, 2015, 10:31:11 am

Provide a beat.

"Welcome -"
The man starts saying something as you approach, speaking with a perplexed expression and tone, but Alan quickly interjects. He starts rapping his questions to Nikolai's beat, while Ike provides backup vocals with some "ooo yeah-yeah-yeah" and "not cool, y'all". As they do so, the trio continues doing something like dancing, although it looks more like they're having a mild seizure. Overall, except for Ike's singing, it isn't a very good performance.

The man stares at you silently for a second, clearly thrown off balance by your behaviour.
"...what?"
"Who are you strangers? What are you doing here?" he adds a few seconds later.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on October 23, 2015, 08:57:43 pm

"I'm not entirely sure
But I'm incredibly bored
I was hoping that you'd have some ... shit I can't think of a rhyme for bored.
...
I'm Alan, he's Ike, that's Nikolai,
And we're the three people who are really fly
Fly in the sense that we look good to the eye
Not literally like an antigravity pie!"

Perform shitty rap, forget what we wanted to do with these guys midsentence, bemusedly look around at other people to figure it out.
Also wiggle.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 23, 2015, 10:49:05 pm

(. . . So how's the number crunching coming along for the character I sent in?)
(And the by the way, The way my "Code of honor" works is that if I break it I lose All my powers.)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 24, 2015, 03:12:16 am

<Well, the local humans seemed to really hate and distrust beastmen so I'm staying behind to avoid scaring them.>
My tails are idly flicking about, occasionally rubbing against my sides and / or back.
<If they get into trouble or a fight, I can go help them easilly enough from here.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2015, 03:54:05 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue harmonization! I may be the only one with any talent here, but we can still pull through!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 24, 2015, 10:52:18 am

Increase the volume. Increase the tempo. Increase the fanciness of the footwork.

((Might be a good idea to keep your weeknesses like that secret, crazyabe.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 24, 2015, 01:49:50 pm

((Yeah, those are some exploitable weaknesses. Especially if the "can't hurt someone without a weapon" one doesn't see things like Saevus' Golden Arm or Irene's fire as weapons.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 24, 2015, 01:55:55 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

I cant harm anyone who has no weapon

((Woops, That should have been "I cant harm anyone without who has no weapon who doesn't attack me first"))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on October 24, 2015, 02:59:40 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on October 24, 2015, 01:55:55 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

I cant harm anyone who has no weapon

((Woops, That should have been "I cant harm anyone without who has no weapon who doesn't attack me first"))

Fists are very much a weapon if they try to strike you. They use their body as a weapon when one tries to inflict harm. Keep it as it is, it sounds better

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 26, 2015, 09:52:58 pm

Poke

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on October 27, 2015, 06:44:12 pm

((Game dead?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on October 27, 2015, 06:57:47 pm

Dude chill the game updates inconsistently sometimes. It aint dead.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 30, 2015, 10:14:52 pm

((It may not be dead but updates have definitely slowed. Wonder why.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on October 30, 2015, 11:34:26 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 30, 2015, 10:14:52 pm

((It may not be dead but updates have definitely slowed. Wonder why.))

((It's because the GM is heavily invested in Einsteinein Roulette and major events have recently occured in there.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on October 31, 2015, 03:25:26 am

((Every time one of you posts, every fiber of my being is filled with "OHMIGOD PARIS POSTED A TURN!". And then all of my hopes and dreams are crushed into an unrecognizable, bloody mess.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on October 31, 2015, 04:32:53 am

((Same))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 31, 2015, 11:14:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 30, 2015, 11:34:26 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 30, 2015, 10:14:52 pm

((It may not be dead but updates have definitely slowed. Wonder why.))

((It's because the GM is heavily invested in Einsteinein Roulette and major events have recently occured in there.))

Not really. I've only been skimming through ER and even stopped reading completely for about half a week.
It's more that other things have taken my attention.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Removing mould. Preparing to paint. Painting. Repositioning stuff after painting. Fixing broken heating thing. Going to the doctor. Suffering the side effects of medicine. Helping with a volunteer thing for the refugee crisis. Programming some stuff. Having some fun experimenting and learning how Arduino works and creating some automations for home using some old equipment and spare parts my dad gave me (I know it's stupid and that it's not much compared to what other people do, but I'm really proud I got that (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/IMG_20151028_184110_zpst5cwxymd.jpg) thing (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/IMG_20151101_023916_zpsxmvqcflq.jpg) to work and do some stuff. Now all it needs is some soldering). Trying to spread the word for some developers I really admire, since I can't offer much money to their kickstarter. Trying to get people to stop being idiots and get them to work together instead of creating stupid arguments, because they are driving me crazy.

Anyway, I know it's not that big a deal, my house didn't burn down or anything, but I've said before that I'm not very good at managing my time, I get easily distracted and I work slowl- ooh! Shiny!
And, I dunno, I guess I thought you deserved to know why I was delaying.

Anyway, enough me making excuses. I'll go on and write something and try to do better in the future.

---

Quote from: Alarith on October 16, 2015, 10:20:06 am

Team A
((Sorry I would have posted this earlier, but I didn't see the turn))
"I'm doing okay for now. So far I've been able to counteract whatever she does, but I don't know if I can keep it up for long.Yeah, we need to get moving.
Hand her the gun, if she wants it, otherwise keep it drawn. Keep the shield up, and follow the footprints
If she takes the gun, "I'm trusting you with this. If you think you're losing your mental grip, or you have any other problems, let me know immediately.

You let the woman take the gun and issue your warning.
"Yeah." she says, although she sounds a bit dismissive.
Defending your minds feels easier now. For whatever reason, the strength of the psychic energy surrounding you is slowly diminishing.
You open your eyes and start following her, helping her keep her balance as she tries to quickly move forward, following the second set of footprints. Her mind is trying to overcome her emotions, trying to focus on anger.
"Gah. You treasonous dog! No! Come back here!" you hear from somewhere in front of you.
The woman raises her gun, pointing at the shadow appearing through the mist in front of you as she continues approaching.
"Wait! I surrender! Don't shoot!" the voice says as the psychic energy around you changes into one trying to instil feelings of calmness, fear and acceptance.

((You seem to be the only one posting and in any position to finish the mission unaided, so I'll try responding the moment you post from now on.))

Quote from: Beirus on October 16, 2015, 02:23:51 pm

Team A

Take a moment to rest. Figure out if I have enough life left to charge up one more time.

You're feeling... not OK, but not like you're about to die either. However, based on how weak you felt after you gave this place a magical makeover, you'd say that trying again so soon might not be such a good idea. Or maybe it's not a matter of time but merely a matter of energy. Maybe whatever energy source you were using has run out and you need to either recharge or find another.

This would had been much easier if the results of alien probing came with instruction manuals.

---

Storm Coming

---

<Gah. None of you said it? I'm disappointed. Guess I'll have to do it instead.>
*ahem*
<I guess you could say he's...>
(•_•)
( •_•)>⌐■-■
(⌐■_■)
<Grounded.>
...
*sigh* <It's just not the same when I say it.>

Quote from: Toaster on October 19, 2015, 10:32:45 pm

((That's a neat idea.  Too bad I already have a backup character in mind.))

I'm assuming I can't see him since you said he's behind a building.  If I can, just summon more ammo and shoot him.  Repeatedly.

Otherwise, summon up armor.  It should be primarily resistant to electricity and secondarily resistant to slashing damage.  Stick near the gun for now.


<Roger, watt's it to you?  Go ohm, you're drunk.>

Well, you can tell he's there somewhere due to his energy and your helmet, but the rain and clouds are making it hard to see where exactly. You fire a few shots anyway (it's not like they cost you anything beyond time), but you don't think they managed to penetrate the building.

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 20, 2015, 03:46:44 am

I STAY OPTIMISTIC.
WAKE UUUUPPP.

You fall "deeper and deeper into damage, even death!" as Dan Rather would say.

Quote from: Salsacookies on October 21, 2015, 03:53:00 am

Well, find that John guy. Make him make me a new hand. Whether or not this happens, push the building into Nick

"MEDIC! Gimme a hand!.It's my body, and I NEED IT NOW!"

You approach John, your steps making the puddles in the pavement ripple like a T-Rex is approaching.
"Hey, John! I need a hand here!"
"And you thought I would just hand it to you?"
"Well, given that you are so handy, I thought it would not be out of your grasp."
"Well, I'm sorry, but I can't give handouts like that. Not when my hands are full with more important things."
"So you're saying I spoke out of hand?"
And unless you want to try to take a nearby building with you, you can't do both at the same turn.

Quote from: Megggas on October 20, 2015, 07:42:02 am

Wake up!  How else is George gonna continue his streak of total uselessness?

You wake up.
And then upon noticing what is going on, immediately start running in the opposite direction, continuing your screaming, trying to not slip on the mud-like mix of blood, dust, ash, dirt and water covering the ground as explosions sound around you.
You can't stop panicking. You must run away, screaming as hard as you can. It's the only thing your fear-filled mind can think of.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 20, 2015, 05:18:35 am

Quickly morph into an amorphous slime, like I did in the last mission.

<Watt are you going on about? Your jokes are shockingly bad.>

<At least they're better than yours, you spineless slimy thing!>
<Hey!>
<What?>
<You're being mean.>
<No, he really is a slimy thing with no spine. See?>
Turning into the blob solves your most immediate "bleeding" problems. However, you are still shockingly close to the Tesla Bird and its juiced up strikes. And now you can't see.
<It is not over. You may have hurt me, but I can still destroy you.>

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 20, 2015, 04:16:35 am

((Is there anything more amusing than using your own teammates as weapons? I'll be trying to aggro Nick, unless someone objects.))

Go in the direction where I launched Rune. Once I can see Nick fire all the rebar I have into him. Then (if he's still on the ground) summon up a bardiche and charge into melee while making various insulting statements.

If Nick tries to do something like making a puppet out of George and siccing him on us, then be ready to backhand George at any time.

((Paris, you made a small mistake where Nick (instead of Saevus) launches Rune.))

((I have no idea what you're talking about. I make no mistakes. We've always been at war with Eastasia.))

You go in the direction you threw Rune, trying to move as fast as you can through the water-covered ground, moving towards the place you last saw Rune. But there is nothing there besides a building. A tall one by the looks of it, a great line of glass, metal and concrete.

Although the sound is somewhat muffled by the building and the sound of chubby raindrops striking your hollow metal armour, you can hear someone screaming somewhere behind the building. It sounds like they are moving towards the right. You can also catch glimpses of blue light behind the building.

Quick question. Try to make your way through the damaged building or around it, towards the screaming?

---

((Trading a turn that doesn't last long with the promise to do more sooner.))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 23, 2015, 08:57:43 pm

"I'm not entirely sure
But I'm incredibly bored
I was hoping that you'd have some ... shit I can't think of a rhyme for bored.
...
I'm Alan, he's Ike, that's Nikolai,
And we're the three people who are really fly
Fly in the sense that we look good to the eye
Not literally like an antigravity pie!"

Perform shitty rap, forget what we wanted to do with these guys midsentence, bemusedly look around at other people to figure it out.
Also wiggle.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2015, 03:54:05 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue harmonization! I may be the only one with any talent here, but we can still pull through!

Quote from: NAV on October 24, 2015, 10:52:18 am

Increase the volume. Increase the tempo. Increase the fanciness of the footwork.

((Might be a good idea to keep your weeknesses like that secret, crazyabe.))

Alan keeps trying to rhyme, but all he manages to do is get his words confused in Nikolai's stupidly fast and loud beat, while Ike struggles to bring some semblance of harmony into this mess, but ends up looking more like a record player in a gathering of singing drunk men: unheard, ignored and likely to be damaged by their performance. Your performance is brought to an abrupt stop when Nikolai gets his feet tangled and falls on Alan, himself almost falling on Ike before he dodges.
Eh. I'd give you a 6.4, if only because of the amusement.
"That was only part of my question answered. What do you want?" the man asks, still somewhat confused but with his mood quickly shifting to something more loud and less apprehensive. He makes a gesture towards the dogs and they seem to calm down somewhat, although they still bark occasionally.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 24, 2015, 03:12:16 am

<Well, the local humans seemed to really hate and distrust beastmen so I'm staying behind to avoid scaring them.>
My tails are idly flicking about, occasionally rubbing against my sides and / or back.
<If they get into trouble or a fight, I can go help them easilly enough from here.>

<Ah, so we're in 'Wait until they screw up and then clean up with fire' duty. Right. Should be fun.> he says with a hint of sarcasm.
<And probably won't have us waiting very long, judging by how things are going down there.> he adds as you watch the forms of your teammates move around erratically and then fall down.
<If I didn't know better, I'd say they were under the influence of some sort of spell.>
After a few seconds of sniffing around, River lies down and takes out a small bone and some wire. He wraps the wire around the bone and starts carving the bone using one of his claws, cutting smooth lines on it.
<I really don't see how sending these guys down there is better though. Whoever those people down there are, they'd be stupid not to trust you. Or at least trust you more than those guys.>

---

OOC
I'll process your requests later. Please try to be patient.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 31, 2015, 11:20:06 pm

Razza frazzen dead, razza frazzen annoying.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 01, 2015, 12:03:53 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on October 31, 2015, 11:20:06 pm

Razza frazzen dead, razza frazzen annoying.

(If someone would just telepathically order George to help you, than I'd be happy to have him find you and help you out.  Healing himself and his buddies is his only ability after all.  Which he still hasn't put to use, unless it was the reason he woke up so easily.

I'll post my action sometime on Sunday, but if the next update comes before I post it, then just have George run toward his allies an administer healin' to whoever needs it.

Edit: Oh, right, this is George we're talking about here.  If I don't post an action in time, have him continue running away, find a hiding spot, and immediately enter the fetal position.  Roll to determine if he starts crying.)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 01, 2015, 12:49:38 am

"Oh, one sec."

Alan turns and yells as loud as possible to the others.

"HEY GUYS! WHAT DID WE WANT AGAIN?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 01, 2015, 05:42:45 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I HAVE NO IDEA, DUDE! DIRECTIONS OR SOMETHING?" Ike shouts back. "HONESTLY WE HAVE A FATAL LACK OF PLANS PRESENTLY AND ARE JUST FAFFING AROUND UNTIL SOMETHING FORTUITOUS OR DEADLY COMES ALONG!"

Do some cartwheels around Alan while shouting.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 01, 2015, 06:22:19 am

"If you have no business upon my land, strangers, then I must ask from you to leave." the man says, his request sounding more like a command.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on November 01, 2015, 06:29:32 am

Hmm... if there's a way to blast the building (or launch rebar at it) in such a way that it collapses, crushing whatever might be behind it, do that. Otherwise just walk around it and fire rebar at Nick if I see him.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 01, 2015, 07:13:06 am

Squiggle away as fast as I can. The entire time, make loud blurbling noises, both to appear adorable, and to attract the attention of my teammates.

"BlllrrrBBBLLLLBBBbrrrbellllbrrbbbllll."

((Technically to make the blurble noise I'm controlling the release of gases from my body. Should be okay, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on November 01, 2015, 07:51:46 am

Team All up to me?
Continue tracking and protecting out minds. Try to stay quiet, even if she can sense our minds.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 01, 2015, 08:00:18 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 01, 2015, 06:22:19 am

"If you have no business upon my land, strangers, then I must ask from you to leave." the man says, his request sounding more like a command.

"No, but seriously, do you know where anything is around here? Populated places packed with personable people, perhaps? Interesting indigenous inhabitants? Lovely locations? Anything amazing at all? We are lost and unfortunate clowns, truly, without a place to be or a living to earn in these horrible environs."

Ike pauses at the end of the next cartwheel, serenely gazing at the man.

"The west has been kinda shit thus far if you don't mind me saying, my good man. All blown up and filled with monsters, no place at all to find honest work for honest folk. Is the east much the same, good fellow? Should we turn back now or is there light at the end of our long tunnel of discontent? Tell us this much so that we may be off at least."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 01, 2015, 10:28:29 am

<That's sweet of you, thanks. But from what happened last time I tried talking, these people have been taught since childhood that all non-humans are monsters out to get them. I'd be fighting against the warnings of their entire upbringing if I went down there. And honestly, I'm not sure why we came here at all. It's not our objective, and we already have directions. But they really wanted to go so here we are.>

"River? What are you doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 01, 2015, 08:23:42 pm

Quote from: Alarith on November 01, 2015, 07:51:46 am

Team All up to me?
Continue tracking and protecting our minds. Try to stay quiet, even if she can sense our minds.

"Wait! I surrender! Don't shoot!"
Joanna silently cocks her pistol and then fires, despite the other woman's protests and attempts to back away.
The shadow falls to the ground with a scream, the psychic energy around you dissipating as that happens. Yet you still cannot feel anybody else here besides the two of you.
"Gah! Gah! Wait! I can get you out of here!" she continues pleading as you continue approaching.
You can see her clearly now. She tries to crawl away, the blood coming out of her wounded leg leaving a red trail on the white snow.
"Please! I didn't mean to-"
Joanna cocks her pistol again. Based on her anger, determination and the satisfaction she feels, you'd say she has every intention of not stopping until there are no more rounds left in the gun. And maybe not even then.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 01, 2015, 08:00:18 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 01, 2015, 06:22:19 am

"If you have no business upon my land, strangers, then I must ask from you to leave." the man says, his request sounding more like a command.

"No, but seriously, do you know where anything is around here? Populated places packed with personable people, perhaps? Interesting indigenous inhabitants? Lovely locations? Anything amazing at all? We are lost and unfortunate clowns, truly, without a place to be or a living to earn in these horrible environs."

Ike pauses at the end of the next cartwheel, serenely gazing at the man.

"The west has been kinda shit thus far if you don't mind me saying, my good man. All blown up and filled with monsters, no place at all to find honest work for honest folk. Is the east much the same, good fellow? Should we turn back now or is there light at the end of our long tunnel of discontent? Tell us this much so that we may be off at least."

"Hm. Yes, I heard about that. Nasty business. I'm not surprised things haven't improved yet." he says and remains quiet for a few moments.
"The closest town from here is Areloggez. About half a day's walk from here if you follow the road. There's more after that. Giant's Wall. Raijgnar Mine."
"Are you looking for something in particular? I could offer better directions if I knew what you were looking for.
I also have some maps for sale, if you can afford them."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 01, 2015, 10:28:29 am

<That's sweet of you, thanks. But from what happened last time I tried talking, these people have been taught since childhood that all non-humans are monsters out to get them. I'd be fighting against the warnings of their entire upbringing if I went down there. And honestly, I'm not sure why we came here at all. It's not our objective, and we already have directions. But they really wanted to go so here we are.>

"River? What are you doing?"

<Eh. I dunno. Guess I just can't believe it can be that bad. There's always someone cool around, I say, you just have to look for them. But it's your mission. I'm just here to help. Hell, I'm not even supposed to be here. Eh, who cares. If nothing fun happens here, I bet we'll find something fun soon enough.>

"Why do you care?" River growls.
He seems to reconsider a second later. He exhales audibly, stops what he is doing and looks at you, speaking more calmly.
"I am trying to create. A wire. For Theri. This is a way to work magic in this world. The carvings I did on his staff helped a little." he says, indicating Zechariah.
"Feels less tiring. Takes less focus. Gives magic a place to stay and flow. But I do not understand exactly how it works. Trying to find the symbols is hard. Trying to understand."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 01, 2015, 08:40:43 pm

Summon up armor.  It should be primarily resistant to electricity and secondarily resistant to slashing damage.  Stick near the gun for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 01, 2015, 08:55:50 pm

"Because I might be able to help."
I walk over to River, sit down next to him, and tap my head with my right hand while asking:
"May I?"

---

If River gives me permission, I then lean against him, putting my head against his, and show him the symbols the old mage used in his various carvings, along with his description of what they do or are for.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on November 01, 2015, 09:01:31 pm

Team A
"Joanna, stop and give me the gun. I don't want you to have to become a killer. I'll do it myself. And do you know of any other way out of here. Unfortunately, we might need her help." Use a firm voice. Controlled, not angry. Stay on guard for a mental assault, but if need be stop Joanna from killing the woman.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 01, 2015, 09:08:53 pm

Alan shrugs and turns back to the farmer dude.

"You guys got any good food round these parts?"

Inquire as to culinary situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on November 02, 2015, 02:55:35 pm

"Lighten up have a drink!"
Nikolai offers the guy some moonshine.

"Now how about some exposition, da?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 02, 2015, 03:41:48 pm

"Food, drink and information are our interests, truthfully! These towns you mentioned - what are they like? Who lives there? Do they enjoy wit and realizations of acrobatics?"

Maintain good cheer as communication continues.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 02, 2015, 04:11:58 pm

((I can't trust that I'll be able to post often enough to effectively play this game, but I'm willing to attempt it...))

Spoiler: If you wish: (click to show/hide)

Kosak wakens, trying to figure out where he is and if his beard is intact.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 02, 2015, 04:36:27 pm

Team A, WMD

Rest, I guess. See if that lets me restore any energy.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 02, 2015, 06:27:36 pm

That makes me mad. Screw the hand, IM GONNA BULLDOZE THAT BUILDING DOWN WITH M A SINGLE PUNCH!!!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 02, 2015, 06:48:55 pm

(So, there's still nobody telling George to start acting like an actual healer.  Oh well.)

Continue running away while screaming.  If I just so happen to discover the body of Adam, then stop running, cautiously approach his body, and...poke it with a stick.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 02, 2015, 08:53:14 pm

((IC I don't think anyone knows you are a healer))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 02, 2015, 09:29:20 pm

((He mentioned it shortly before the boss battle began, back when he got Nick mad by calling him a pigeon.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 02, 2015, 09:55:13 pm

((Quick post from phone before I go to sleep. Will do the rest tomorrow.))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 01, 2015, 08:55:50 pm

"Because I might be able to help."
I walk over to River, sit down next to him, and tap my head with my right hand while asking:
"May I?"

---

If River gives me permission, I then lean against him, putting my head against his, and show him the symbols the old mage used in his various carvings, along with his description of what they do or are for.

He continues looking at you, not taking his eyes off you as you approach. He continues to do so for several seconds after you finish.
He grunts in affirmation and turns his head away from you slightly, although he continues looking at you.
You lean against him, feeling his tense and hot body through the gaps in his armour lying almost perfectly still, feeling his breaths and the texture of his noise as his head still turned towards yours slightly even though they are touching. You close your eyes and start mentally reciting what you remember from the mage's short lesson.
"That does not solve the problem. Not completely. But it helps." he states when you are done.

<Always so positive, that guy.> Roger comments sarcastically. <You're welcome.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 01, 2015, 09:08:53 pm

Alan shrugs and turns back to the farmer dude.

"You guys got any good food round these parts?"

Inquire as to culinary situation.

"Depends on what you want and what you can afford. I've got lentils, beans, fireroots, cron's teeth... Some simple plant products I could offer you cheaply that should be good for traveling.

I also have some prepared wufa meat I could offer you. Salted and pyro-treated, should last for days. I've got some combined with some spices and vegetables if you're looking for variety."
He looks around, his ungloved hand twitching slightly. He looks back at you and makes a gesture towards the pen with the hairless quadrupeds in it.
"I could also get you nuca meat if you don't mind waiting. One of the damn things managed to kill itself trying to stampede through the fence. I could get you its meat. It will take me a while to prepare it though. Another one got out and managed to get eaten by some jackal or something like that. Took me all morning to get them back to their pen.

I can also cook for you, if you want. I've got a small quantity of spices from the east I wouldn't mind sharing for the right price. Also got some wufa eggs and some nuca milk. But again, you might have to wait a few minutes. There is other work I need to finish right now. I don't suppose you're in a hurry, since you know not where you are going?"

Quote from: NAV on November 02, 2015, 02:55:35 pm

"Lighten up have a drink!"
Nikolai offers the guy some moonshine.

"Now how about some exposition, da?"

The man smiles but shakes his ungloved hand to indicate negation.
"Heh. You tempt and honor me stranger. There is no reason I wouldn't enjoy sharing a drink with you. But if it will not offend you, I would prefer not to do so right now. I have work to do and I would rather finish it quickly and correctly. And without sweating more than I have to." he adds with another smile.

"Exposition? About what, exactly?" he responds to your question with a bit of confusion.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 02, 2015, 03:41:48 pm

"Food, drink and information are our interests, truthfully! These towns you mentioned - what are they like? Who lives there? Do they enjoy wit and realizations of acrobatics?"

Maintain good cheer as communication continues.

"They're... towns." the man responds with a bit of uncertainty as he searches for the words with which to answer you.
"Not very large. Mostly traders and a few farmers or workers living there or around them. Though they've been getting worse lately, with the Spines going crazy after what happened to the Tower. Heard some of those things started burning things at random when they broke."

"Saw they had some trouble there on my last visit to Areloggez. Some strife between the residents and the survivors coming from the City. Some were talking about sealing the gates. A stupid fight for stupid reasons, if you ask me. People should stick together in these sorts of situations. I guess I'll find out what happened when I get there."

"Things should be better in the east. Men of your profession will probably have better luck there. Especially closer to the borders and the mountains. The Sovereignty is known for being more receptive to more... liberal and modern arts and some of that attitude makes it through the border. Fastest way to the mountains is through Raijgnar Mine, if you can afford to hire a cart. After that, you can make it to Kodromota, one of the biggest towns there.

There's been some rumors circulating that some of the smallest border towns have started disappearing before this disaster happened. But I say it's probably exaggerated accounts of bandit raids or just false rumors. I don't believe the entirety of the population of a village can disappear like that without a trace or hint of what happened."



"What of the City? You came from there? How are things? Are they faring better? Have they received aid?" the man asks, looking to get his share of rumors out of this exchange.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 02, 2015, 10:02:45 pm

"Well that depends on which city you mean. Was this one big and reddish, had big red crystals all over, big tower in the middle of it? Because we miiiiiiiight have accidentally exploded that one.

Want some root beer? I want some root beer."

Root beer summoning? Root beer summoning.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 02, 2015, 11:47:35 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 02, 2015, 10:02:45 pm

"Well that depends on which city you mean. Was this one big and reddish, had big red crystals all over, big tower in the middle of it? Because we miiiiiiiight have accidentally exploded that one.

Want some root beer? I want some root beer."

Root beer summoning? Root beer summoning.

((Welp, that's Alan folks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 03, 2015, 04:53:47 pm

"Glad I could help."
I move back into the clown observation position.
<Hey, D? What is Stellar like when I'm not there? Why is she so protective of me? and what was she searching for when she found me?>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: crazyabe on November 03, 2015, 04:55:30 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

Spoiler: Did you forget about this? or are you going over the numbers? (click to show/hide)

Name: Colby Cottersson

Ability: I am the greatest swordsman in the world, I get better with every encounter, my mind is immune to ALL mental effects, I feel no fear, I am dexterous enough to cut a bullet coming at me in two.

Basic Weakness: I am bound by my gods to a code of Honor, I cant harm anyone who has no weapon, I cant fight with a ranged weapon, I cant attack anyone form behind without telling them that I am going to fight them from around 10 meters, I cant intervene in anyone else's fight, Dying Outside of battle is dishonorable, if a sword I own touches the ground it is defiled and I cant use again.

Appearance:he is A young white male of 4"2, Who has short red blond hair, and blue eyes. He wears black and blood red leather.

Bio/Personality info: his mother died when he was born so he was raised by his father who lived In a "isolated" town of murders that was stuck in the midevil era, Every day was a fight for his life, This forged him into the man he would be later in life, The greatest swordsman to ever live. He is a generally quiet man, Except in combat where he yells "MODI" at the top of his lungs as a warcry

Other: He has two swords and a set of black leather armor, he is a worshiper of Móði and Magni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B3%C3%B0i_and_Magni).

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 03, 2015, 10:09:06 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 01, 2015, 06:29:32 am

Hmm... if there's a way to blast the building (or launch rebar at it) in such a way that it collapses, crushing whatever might be behind it, do that. Otherwise just walk around it and fire rebar at Nick if I see him.

Well, you can try. Let's see...
You blast the building repeatedly, but unfortunately your blasts aren't strong enough. All you manage to do is break what's left of some windows and send water flying everywhere.

Also, I like how nobody cares about crushing the medic and the blob.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 01, 2015, 07:13:06 am

Squiggle away as fast as I can. The entire time, make loud blurbling noises, both to appear adorable, and to attract the attention of my teammates.

"BlllrrrBBBLLLLBBBbrrrbellllbrrbbbllll."

((Technically to make the blurble noise I'm controlling the release of gases from my body. Should be okay, right?))

You start trying to blindly run slime away as fast as you can, although it's hard to do so when the ground is so slippery and covered with water puddles. Something falls on you, but it doesn't cause you any harm, it merely slows you down further.

Quote from: Toaster on November 01, 2015, 08:40:43 pm

Summon up armor.  It should be primarily resistant to electricity and secondarily resistant to slashing damage.  Stick near the gun for now.

You get a full-body suit made out of a thick yet elastic green plastic-like material. Only part of your face is left uncovered.

Quote from: Megggas on November 02, 2015, 06:48:55 pm

(So, there's still nobody telling George to start acting like an actual healer.  Oh well.)

Continue running away while screaming.  If I just so happen to discover the body of Adam, then stop running, cautiously approach his body, and...poke it with a stick.

You keep running away from the flashes of light coming from behind you, screaming all the way. You almost reach the edge of the building.

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 02, 2015, 06:27:36 pm

That makes me mad. Screw the hand, IM GONNA BULLDOZE THAT BUILDING DOWN WITH M A SINGLE PUNCH!!!

Ron charges the building like an angry elephant. The building looks surprised by the ferocity of his onslaught. So much so that it dodges.

---

Everyone
John is the first to see it,  bright tendrils reaching out and infusing the building with energy, the energy rapidly spreading across the building, the outline of everything conductive inside it lighting up like in an X-ray in less than a second. Lightning erupts from the building's metal exoskeleton, striking things around it at random. The fallen tower starts hovering above the ground, quickly rising higher and slowly moving forward as the ball of lightning behind it gets brighter and brighter.

<Let me see you survive this!>

Toaster
John is safely away from whatever the hell is going on there. In fact, the only reason he's seeing this at all through the rain and clouds is because of his augmentations and how much energy that thing is emitting.

Hawk132
Several lightning bolts strike Saevus, but the shimmering armour around him seems to not care. It shifts through a rainbow of colours before it stops in a bright red. The water around him suddenly starts boiling, filling the air with steam, while his every step leaves behind red-hot glowing footprints.

Coolrune206
Rune feels the heat and light assaulting his body, boiling water tossing him around and disorienting him.

Megggas
You continue making your way away from the levitating building as lightning bolts fly around you because screw that noise.

Salsacookies
Several lightning bolts hit Ron, badly burning his body and causing him to lose control of his muscles. Ron is left gibbering with his back on the ground, looking at the building but being unable to punch it, incoherently trying to taunt it to come down and fight him like a building should, man to inanimate object.

---

<Wow! Talk about overkill.>
<Cool move bro.>
<But expensive. If he fails there's not much chance he can recover.>
<Still, he made good tactical choices. More or less as good as I could hope from someone with his abilities.>
<Yeah. It was a good show.>

---

Quote from: crazyabe on November 03, 2015, 04:55:30 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on October 20, 2015, 09:59:26 pm

Spoiler: Did you forget about this? or are you going over the numbers? (click to show/hide)

Name: Colby Cottersson

Ability: I am the greatest swordsman in the world, I get better with every encounter, my mind is immune to ALL mental effects, I feel no fear, I am dexterous enough to cut a bullet coming at me in two.

Basic Weakness: I am bound by my gods to a code of Honor, I cant harm anyone who has no weapon, I cant fight with a ranged weapon, I cant attack anyone form behind without telling them that I am going to fight them from around 10 meters, I cant intervene in anyone else's fight, Dying Outside of battle is dishonorable, if a sword I own touches the ground it is defiled and I cant use again.

Appearance:he is A young white male of 4"2, Who has short red blond hair, and blue eyes. He wears black and blood red leather.

Bio/Personality info: his mother died when he was born so he was raised by his father who lived In a "isolated" town of murders that was stuck in the midevil era, Every day was a fight for his life, This forged him into the man he would be later in life, The greatest swordsman to ever live. He is a generally quiet man, Except in combat where he yells "MODI" at the top of his lungs as a warcry

Other: He has two swords and a set of black leather armor, he is a worshiper of Móði and Magni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B3%C3%B0i_and_Magni).

Mostly haven't had time to go over it. I prefer to use any time I get to write turns than to process characters. And it's easier. Just have some patience.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 03, 2015, 10:18:34 pm

Remain stationary. With something over top of me, I should be able to safely generate biomass without fear of dying.

<Anyone want to help a blob out? Pick me up? If not, I'll just start ranting at Nick and trying to distract him. I wonder if I can use my interface to communicate with him...>

"Bbbbllllrrrrrbbbbb"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 04, 2015, 01:46:45 am

"Yeah, the city looks pretty damn bad. But now there's legionnaires hanging out in there, fancy names and all, so it's probably on the way to recovery. Still filled with glowy balls of death, though. And things that'll steal your body, too. Probably even worse stuff, to be honest. So don't go there is my advice."

Inform this man of happenings in the City.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 04, 2015, 11:44:49 am

'Y'all should probably watch out!'


Remember the missile trick from the last mission?  Let's do that again (as in summon/launch a missile at center mass.)  Go big.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on November 04, 2015, 12:40:31 pm

Wait until John's rocket flies by. Then fire all my rebar at Nick and charge into melee while summoning a bardiche.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 05, 2015, 04:53:30 pm

MEDIC!!!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 05, 2015, 10:10:32 pm

Quote from: Alarith on November 01, 2015, 09:01:31 pm

Team A
"Joanna, stop and give me the gun. I don't want you to have to become a killer. I'll do it myself. And do you know of any other way out of here. Unfortunately, we might need her help." Use a firm voice. Controlled, not angry. Stay on guard for a mental assault, but if need be stop Joanna from killing the woman.

She pauses for a second, considering your words.
"Yes. I can help you. Please listen to the nice-"
The moment the other opens her mouth to plead, Joanna raises her pistol and pulls the trigger.
A splash of blood erupts from the woman's head, creating another stain in the snow-covered ground.
The woman screams as she curls into a ball, her hand clutching the bloody spot where her ear used to be.
"Argh. Fucking bitch shot my ear off." the prone woman moans as Joanna struggles against you grip, trying to push you out of her way and get you to let go of her wrist. She shouldn't complain. If it weren't for your quick reflexes, there would be a lot more than her blood splattered on the ground.

Joanna relents for a second, taking her eyes off the woman and focusing them on yours.
"What are you going to do? Arrest her? Just so she can stab us in the back? And do this thing all over again?! She should die. They should all die!" she screams the final sentence with eyes full of anger and tears as she once more tries to free her hand from you and point the gun at the woman, this time putting some serious effort behind it.
She is surprisingly strong. It takes all your strength just to keep her from pulling you out of balance. You struggle for a few seconds before she manages to free herself from your grip. However in those few seconds now her anger has diminished somewhat (or at least been redirected towards you). She stands there, taking quick breaths while looking at you, the gun hanging from her tense hand and pointing at the ground.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 02, 2015, 04:11:58 pm

((I can't trust that I'll be able to post often enough to effectively play this game, but I'm willing to attempt it...))

Spoiler: If you wish: (click to show/hide)

Kosak wakens, trying to figure out where he is and if his beard is intact.

Well, first give me some seconds to remember what was going on with you... then let's see where you were relative to the explosion... now roll for damage... and roll for effect... Oh. This looks fun.

A green wave passes through the room accompanied by a powerful quake, the monstrous giant and the short man behind the glass pausing to look at it.

Pointy cyan icicle-like shards begin appearing close to the ceiling and very slowly making their way towards the floor, their descent slowed by feathery wings made of vision-distorting light branching out of their "body" like the branches of a tree. While the shards themselves are no larger than your head, their feathery wings give them great fluffy volume.

Other than that, you seem to be in the same condition as before.

---

Quote from: Beirus on November 02, 2015, 04:36:27 pm

Team A, WMD

Rest, I guess. See if that lets me restore any energy.

You feel slightly better.
...
After a while, you open your eyes and catch a glimpse of a head looking at you. Not an entire body, just a head. You look again but you can't see it anymore.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 03, 2015, 04:53:47 pm

"Glad I could help."
I move back into the clown observation position.
<Hey, D? What is Stellar like when I'm not there? Why is she so protective of me? and what was she searching for when she found me?>

River grunts in acknowledgement and returns to his carvings as you go back to observing the team.

<Oh, she's only the coolest and most awesomest girl in the entire world. You should see her out there... When she acts, when she talks to others, she has that... quality. It's hard to explain. She's just a good person. A great person. People just rally around her. Because they know what she can do.

But not in some boring 'white knight' sort of way, she's actually cool too. She's open, trusting, friendly. And intelligent and determined and hardworking and funny. And a great teacher, understanding and kind but also firm. And she's fun at parties.

But don't think that she's a pushover just because she tries to be nice. She sticks to her rules. And if you try to take advantage of her or try to hurt what she cares about, what she has taken under her protection, she will burn you. Hehe, much like me, I suppose.>

<Of course, she has a bit of a... Well, not a problem exactly, it is part of her charm, but it is also something I disagree with. She feels as if she's responsible for everything wrong in the world, or at least in her awareness. Like she's supposed to fix everything and stop all suffering around her. To the point where she may end up consumed by whatever task she ends up working on.

And she keeps blaming herself for not doing more. Especially when she thinks she has failed for some reason. It's like she falls in a circle of self-blame and... She closes up and just... stops. It's so strange seeing her be so positive for others but not for herself.

Good thing I'm there for her. If I wasn't there to convince her to take some time for herself and have some fun, I bet she'd work herself to death. Caring for others is cool, but sometimes you got to say screw everyone else and live your life, have your fun, that's what I say. Not being a dick to others while doing so, of course, but not necessarily sacrificing your entire life on them either.>

<Although I... I don't think I've been doing a good job with that in the Staging Area. She's kinda shut me out. Especially after last mission. Maybe it's because of all the things she sees there, things she's unable to stop... Maybe it's because she found out she couldn't help you... Maybe it's because she thinks I'm like the others... Or maybe it's because you remind her of herself...

Eh, it doesn't matter. I'm certain everything will be cool again when this mission is over and she learns about what I did here and how much I helped. Then we can get you out of the games and we can go have some fun. All together.
...
Oh, wait, I just realized I need more than one person in the audience for that joke to work.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 02, 2015, 10:02:45 pm

"Well that depends on which city you mean. Was this one big and reddish, had big red crystals all over, big tower in the middle of it? Because we miiiiiiiight have accidentally exploded that one.

Want some root beer? I want some root beer."

Root beer summoning? Root beer summoning.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 04, 2015, 01:46:45 am

"Yeah, the city looks pretty damn bad. But now there's legionnaires hanging out in there, fancy names and all, so it's probably on the way to recovery. Still filled with glowy balls of death, though. And things that'll steal your body, too. Probably even worse stuff, to be honest. So don't go there is my advice."

Inform this man of happenings in the City.

"Hmm. I see." the man says with a thoughtful expression.
"You were there when the disaster occurred then? Can you tell me more about it?
And when you say 'legionnaires' and 'accidentally exploded' you mean...? Your manner of speaking is unfamiliar. Are you from the Smothered Coast?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 05, 2015, 10:28:57 pm

"Well by accidentally exploded I mean there was this giant infestation of very rude yellow octopuses people so we were all trying to kill them and I accidentally fired a bathtub or three into these glowy red crystals all over the place and that made the whole tower we were in explode and I think set off a chain reaction to asplode the whole city.

I'm from ..."

Alan pauses as his quantumly uncertain backstory collapses a small part of its waveform.

"I am from the far-off land of Calgary, Alberta, in the great intergalactic empire of Canada!"

Be bombastic, begin developing backstory for Alan's universe.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 05, 2015, 11:49:47 pm

"You! Giant fighting guy! Come with me! We shall duel elsewhere while the smart guy gets crushed!"

Kosak beckons the giant to come with him and then leaves the room(not through the booby-trapped door, through the smashed-through wall).

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 06, 2015, 12:28:51 am

Team A, WMD

"Is this the part where you ask me to join you, or where you kill me? Or are you just going to keep watching?" William asks, closing his eyes again and going back to resting.

Rest more. Not much else I can do. Unless attacked, then transform and attack with anchors while trying to charge.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2015, 04:40:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Yes, there were these parasitic, mind-controlling octopuses that came through an interdimensional portal some idiot opened in the middle of the city. They were using a big honking crystal to power it, and when everything inevitably and stupidly went wrong the whole thing exploded violently. And by legionnaires I mean a bunch of armored, official-looking lads with fancy names like Biggus Dickus or Lucius Confucius and whatnot. Very serious people, you know? I suppose you'd know more about their lot than we would."

"And yeah, he's from Calgary, but I'm from the woods myself. The woods aren't too bad at this time of year. No sandstorms or anything."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on November 06, 2015, 09:07:29 am

Team A
"Proper justice is a hard thing to understand sometimes. It is even harder to carry out at other times. When there is someone who is capable of breaking out of jail or backstabbing you it becomes a difficult choice. Finish them, and possibly compromise your personal morals while also possibly letting real justice slip away, or let them live, allowing the possibility of them hurting you again. I have made both sides of the choice several times. Each and every time I was left wondering if I had made the right decision. I'm afraid I don't know the right answer here either. If you truly think you are doing the right thing, I suppose I am unable to stop you. But at least do it quickly. No matter how evil a person is tormenting them lowers you to their level."
Keep up the shields

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 06, 2015, 01:07:09 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 05, 2015, 04:53:30 pm

MEDIC!!!

Continue running away from all the danger.  If I just so happen to come across an injured teammate, administer healing, tell my ally that he can't give up and needs to get back in the fight, and then continue running away safely while my ally unwittingly acts as a distraction and draws all the enemy's deadly attacks away from me.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 06, 2015, 09:55:24 pm

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 03, 2015, 10:18:34 pm

Remain stationary. With something over top of me, I should be able to safely generate biomass without fear of dying.

<Anyone want to help a blob out? Pick me up? If not, I'll just start ranting at Nick and trying to distract him. I wonder if I can use my interface to communicate with him...>

"Bbbbllllrrrrrbbbbb"

You hide squished between a watery hole and whatever is on top of you, completely oblivious to what is going on.
<For a blob, he's displaying remarkably stereotypical ostrich-like behaviour.>
<You know ostriches don't actually do that, right?>
<Hence the 'stereotypical'.>

Quote from: Toaster on November 04, 2015, 11:44:49 am

'Y'all should probably watch out!'


Remember the missile trick from the last mission?  Let's do that again (as in summon/launch a missile at center mass.)  Go big.

One big rocket coming up! Let's see...
Your amazing summoning powers turn out to not be so amazing. You get a normal-sized rocket, it's not an ICBM or anything.
Where's that Tsar guy when you need him...

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 04, 2015, 12:40:31 pm

Wait until John's rocket flies by. Then fire all my rebar at Nick and charge into melee while summoning a bardiche.

Well, charging into melee is difficult when your enemy is floating in the air. But I suppose with your visibility being restricted by Steam, you'd have a bit of trouble noticing that he was still flying. So it could be considered good RP on your part. Anyway, let's say you start firing.

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 05, 2015, 04:53:30 pm

MEDIC!!!

<I can't feel my legs!>

Quote from: Megggas on November 06, 2015, 01:07:09 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 05, 2015, 04:53:30 pm

MEDIC!!!

Continue running away from all the danger.  If I just so happen to come across an injured teammate, administer healing, tell my ally that he can't give up and needs to get back in the fight, and then continue running away safely while my ally unwittingly acts as a distraction and draws all the enemy's deadly attacks away from me.

Well, if running away is your number one priority, then you're probably not moving in the same direction as the one your teammates are.
Already thinking of using your teammates as meat-shields. I'm so proud.

---

There is a burst of electrical discharge as the building starts rapidly accelerating towards the team and the ground.
A missile flies from John's direction, impacting the building close to its centre and blowing a sizeable hole on one of its walls and many of the walls behind that one. Saevus wastes no time and fires most of his ammunition towards the hole with all his strength. The bent pieces of metal aren't exactly aerodynamic, but at the speeds they are going, they don't need to be. Still, their non-aerodynamic shape combined with the fact that Saevus can't see that well means a significant part of them miss their target. But one of them must have found their target, for the lightning discharge dies down and the building stops its forward acceleration, even as it continues to fall. Straight into part of the team.

The impact is not as hard as it would had been if the team hadn't stopped it, but it is still a building falling from a significant height.

Salsacookies
Ron gets pretty banged up when the building falls on him. He gets trapped under a giant support beam. Normally, such a thing would leave him unfazed, however combined with his previous injuries, it does enough to further damage his mobility.

Coolune206
Something falls on you, further squishing you, removing pieces of your body and trapping you inside a hole.

Hawk132
As the building approaches you, you kneel and try to get your body to take the impact gracefully. Surprisingly, you feel nothing except for the ground quaking around you. Below you, a Saevus-shaped hole has been molten through the falling debris. The golden-red shimmer of your shield belt stays around you for another second before disappearing.

John
You're fine, too far away to be significantly affected. Although you can't see your target anymore.

Megggas
You're fine, too far away to be significantly affected. You can still feel your opponent somewhere behind you through your ability.

<Hm. Looks like the thunder warrior lost after all.>
<Not very surprising, really.>
<The fight is not over yet. He can still turn this around.>
<Eh. I'm much more interested in who gets the reward. This is about the time when selfishness starts to become even more prevalent and the competition (and backstabbing) begins.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 06, 2015, 10:11:54 pm

Squeeze my way out onto the surface. Do my best to return to my human self.

<I'm sure I'd be unconscious from pain if I had pain receptors in slime form. Also, hmmm, maybe I should get some poisonous gas going.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 06, 2015, 10:12:23 pm

Well, if I can't walk, time to dig. Take a deep breath, and start crawling underground like a land shark. Attempt to crawl towards the healer/only guy running away from a fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on November 07, 2015, 04:20:59 am

Go help out Ron or Rune dig themselves out. Unless it looks like they don't need help - in that case go find some large-ish looking debris I could launch at Nick.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2015, 10:12:46 am

<Like the others?>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2015, 08:43:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2015, 10:12:46 am

<Like the others?>

<Oh, um, well, you know, a... Well, to put it bluntly, a selfish asshole. I suppose kinda like how he is. Not caring about who he hurts. Not really caring about much other than himself. You've seen how the other entities in the games are. Messing with the world for fun. Willing to betray others to get what they want. Hurting each other.

But everyone can see I am not like that. I don't hurt others for fun... well, not seriously or intentionally, at least. And I never meant to betray her or hurt her. I think she's just overreacting because she cares for you and thinks I hurt you. I don't know. Wish she'd talk to me. Eh, but what can you do? Humans. I guess I'll have to suffer through some drama for the one I love.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2015, 10:28:57 pm

"Well by accidentally exploded I mean there was this giant infestation of very rude yellow octopuses people so we were all trying to kill them and I accidentally fired a bathtub or three into these glowy red crystals all over the place and that made the whole tower we were in explode and I think set off a chain reaction to asplode the whole city.

I'm from ..."

Alan pauses as his quantumly uncertain backstory collapses a small part of its waveform.

"I am from the far-off land of Calgary, Alberta, in the great intergalactic empire of Canada!"

Be bombastic, begin developing backstory for Alan's universe.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2015, 04:40:53 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Yes, there were these parasitic, mind-controlling octopuses that came through an interdimensional portal some idiot opened in the middle of the city. They were using a big honking crystal to power it, and when everything inevitably and stupidly went wrong the whole thing exploded violently. And by legionnaires I mean a bunch of armored, official-looking lads with fancy names like Biggus Dickus or Lucius Confucius and whatnot. Very serious people, you know? I suppose you'd know more about their lot than we would."

"And yeah, he's from Calgary, but I'm from the woods myself. The woods aren't too bad at this time of year. No sandstorms or anything."

The man looks at you for several seconds, his brows furrowed as he seems to contemplate something. He clenches his gloved hand with a sound like grinding pebbles and then unclenches it again.
"Hmmm.... I know of the Western Woods, but I've never heard of that place. And there are few places in these lands I have not heard of. It must be very far away indeed. You must have travelled a long way to get here.
That sounds interesting, strangers. You must be tired from such a long and... interesting journey. Would you like to rest on my way station for a while? You'd have a chance to rest and resupply. And I would welcome the company. I would be very interested in further discussing what we've talked about and learning more about your homes. And in return I could tell you much more about this land."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2015, 09:16:51 pm

"Sounds good. Lemme just invite our friends!"

I still have that megaphone and/or excessively loud speaker system that I used to cause the Great Country Music Cataclysm, right? Use that to convey my words of 'hey guys this guy's offering us shelter imma accept it so come on down' to the others that stayed behind.

If I don't have either of those things for whatever reason, try summoning another megaphone and then repeat the message.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2015, 09:53:32 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"That's nice of you to offer. Fair warning, though, our friends look a lot like animal people. And while one of them is mostly catatonic, the others can be a mite unfriendly. But they're not actual beastmen, so you need not fear their vicious savagery and depredations."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 07, 2015, 10:05:08 pm

Doctors hate him!  See this one weird tip discovered by a mom crazy dude!

And by that I mean summon another missile, then use it as a base for a lot of copies summoned into the wreckage.  I'm talking Macross Missile Massacre up in here.

'You guys might want to back up.'

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2015, 10:47:48 pm

<Good.>
And then I hear us being called to come over. So I stand up, straighten out my clothes, and step forward to within earshot, my flame orb trailing along behind me, watching carefully for signs of an ambush. I then yell out to both my companions and the locals:
"Are you sure?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 08, 2015, 08:13:10 am

Continue running from the danger. Gotta get my cardio.  Use my ability to feel out the status of Nick's body.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 08, 2015, 10:04:31 pm

((Just a quick one before I go to sleep. My head is filled with numbers already, so I'll just write something easy that doesn't involve much rolling.))

Quote from: Xantalos on November 07, 2015, 09:16:51 pm

"Sounds good. Lemme just invite our friends!"

I still have that megaphone and/or excessively loud speaker system that I used to cause the Great Country Music Cataclysm, right? Use that to convey my words of 'hey guys this guy's offering us shelter imma accept it so come on down' to the others that stayed behind.

If I don't have either of those things for whatever reason, try summoning another megaphone and then repeat the message.

You do indeed have these things. Much loudspeaker-amplified screaming ensues. The nearby animals do not seem too happy about that. The two dogs start barking at you again while the ones in the pen make a quick dash inside it before they start rapidly going in circles.
"Stop screaming! You can talk to them later. And more quietly!" the man shouts as he runs to calm the horse tied close to the wagon.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 07, 2015, 09:53:32 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"That's nice of you to offer. Fair warning, though, our friends look a lot like animal people. And while one of them is mostly catatonic, the others can be a mite unfriendly. But they're not actual beastmen, so you need not fear their vicious savagery and depredations."

"Don't worry. I'm no stranger to how... unfriendly beastmen can be." the man says between breaths after he returns to you after about a minute of moving around.
"There's no need to sugarcoat it. Although I would appreciate it if the two of you kept a closer eye on him." he adds, indicating Alan with some annoyance.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2015, 10:47:48 pm

<Good.>
And then I hear us being called to come over. So I stand up, straighten out my clothes, and step forward to within earshot, my flame orb trailing along behind me, watching carefully for signs of an ambush. I then yell out to both my companions and the locals:
"Are you sure?"

<I'm glad you find our little conversation 'good'. Anyway, let's see what kind of trouble our Falstaffian friend has gotten himself into this time.>
River looks at you curiously for a few seconds before stopping what he is doing and following you from some distance.

You get close enough to the others to be heard a few seconds after the man has finished talking to the others.
"Are you sure?"
"Certainly. As long as you keep that thing away from my house." he yells back while pointing at your fireball.
"Everyone is welcome here. Especially people as interesting as you and your friends."
<Oh, that guy must have a death-wish. Hey, which is just what you were asking for, right?
That or there's something fishy going on around here. Don't get me wrong, but y'all are not the most trustworthy-looking group of people.>

"And as long as you can offer some compensation." he continues, this time talking more quietly to the three closest to him.
"These are hard times, after all. And I wasn't expecting so many of you. Do you happen to have more of that drink you offered me, perhaps? Or something else worth trading?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 08, 2015, 11:27:28 pm

"Y'need food or anything? Household items need replacing? Pool noodles? Garden hose? Anything at all like that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 09, 2015, 01:09:29 am

<I meant... never mind. But what's a Falstaff?>
I look at the man curiously, surprised by his hospitality, and move closer (fireball still trailing along behind me), though still maintaining some distance, just close enough we don't need to yell to hear each other.
"Last time someone said stuff like that, they tricked me and tried to enslave me. Ike, why are we stopping here? We just finished waiting out that storm, shouldn't we keep moving?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 09, 2015, 02:32:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 09, 2015, 01:09:29 am

I look at the man curiously, surprised by his hospitality, and move closer (fireball still trailing along behind me), though still maintaining some distance, just close enough we don't need to yell to hear each other.
"Last time someone said stuff like that, they tricked me and tried to enslave me. Ike, why are we stopping here? We just finished waiting out that storm, shouldn't we keep moving?"

"It is true, we don't really need rest. To be honest, we're just stopping by for a good chat," Ike explains to Irine.

He then looks back at the man.

"For one, it's rather good to collect one's thoughts and explain them to someone else. And you seem like a right friendly sort, if a bit suspiciously so. And you appear to have correctly deduced that, provided none of us are provoked, my friend here," Ike says, nodding at Alan, "is indeed the most dangerous to your continued good health, which strikes me as a particularly fine guess. You wouldn't happen to be a wizard or similarly trained individual slumming it up in the back country, would you? Just asking for curiosity's sake, we'll in all likelihood be moving on in a bit in either case."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on November 09, 2015, 03:18:47 pm

Nikolai hands the man a precious bottle of moonshine.
"Here ya go. It's good stuff. Now Ike's right we really should get going to Areloggez soon. Thanks for the directions."
"Don't think you ever told us your name, mister."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 12:00:50 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 05, 2015, 11:49:47 pm

"You! Giant fighting guy! Come with me! We shall duel elsewhere while the smart guy gets crushed!"

Kosak beckons the giant to come with him and then leaves the room(not through the booby-trapped door, through the smashed-through wall).

The giant looks at you for a few seconds, shrugs and starts running towards you. You're not sure if he did that because of what you told him, but the results are pretty much the same. You, in the meantime, do your best to get out of here while those things are still nowhere close to you. For a short guy, you manage to get out of the room surprisingly fast. You're out of there before anyone can realize what happened.

However the grass is not all that greener on the other side of the wall. For one the corridor doesn't appear to be in such a good shape. One entire side of the hallway is completely gone, leaving only half of it there. Through the other half you can see the ruins of disjoint rooms and corridors floating in a sea of endless clouds and surrounded by strange things: flying snakes, floating hexagons, spinning flowers. The destruction has removed the forcefield, but that's not very encouraging considering it has also removed two of the three doors that were behind it.

On the bright side, you hear some screaming coming from the hole behind you. Literally on the bright side, because there's a lot of light accompanying said screaming. It's not blindingly bright, but you still can't look at it directly. There's something strange about it, something that makes your brain hurt. Even the reflected like feels like it's turning everything it touches into fire that painfully burns your perception of it.

Quote from: Beirus on November 06, 2015, 12:28:51 am

Team A, WMD

"Is this the part where you ask me to join you, or where you kill me? Or are you just going to keep watching?" William asks, closing his eyes again and going back to resting.

Rest more. Not much else I can do. Unless attacked, then transform and attack with anchors while trying to charge.

Everything is quiet for several seconds.
"That depends, son. Would you join us, if given the opportunity?" you finally hear a voice from somewhere above you.

Quote from: Alarith on November 06, 2015, 09:07:29 am

Team A
"Proper justice is a hard thing to understand sometimes. It is even harder to carry out at other times. When there is someone who is capable of breaking out of jail or backstabbing you it becomes a difficult choice. Finish them, and possibly compromise your personal morals while also possibly letting real justice slip away, or let them live, allowing the possibility of them hurting you again. I have made both sides of the choice several times. Each and every time I was left wondering if I had made the right decision. I'm afraid I don't know the right answer here either. If you truly think you are doing the right thing, I suppose I am unable to stop you. But at least do it quickly. No matter how evil a person is tormenting them lowers you to their level."
Keep up the shields

Joanna points the weapon at the prone woman.
She looks at you and her target quietly for several seconds.
"I... I don't want to kill her." she says and closes her eyes.
_{"I want to torture her."} she whispers to herself. _{"I'm sorry."}
She opens her eyes and lowers the gun.
"At the slightest hint of something wrong, we kill her. You understand?" she asks you, trying to be intimidating while wiping the tears off her eyes.
"You hear that? If you even think of double crossing us, you're dead! Skinned alive!" she yells at the prone and still moaning and bleeding woman. From the way she moved towards her, you half expected her to kick her.
"And at the end of this I want there to be justice. If you can't take care of that, I will." she adds.

Well, your minds are not under attack right now, but you protect them anyway, just in case.

---

Storm Coming

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 06, 2015, 10:11:54 pm

Squeeze my way out onto the surface. Do my best to return to my human self.

<I'm sure I'd be unconscious from pain if I had pain receptors in slime form. Also, hmmm, maybe I should get some poisonous gas going.>

You somehow manage to become even more trapped and not able to kill. Specifically, something in the ground or in the water reacts with your slimy bodily wall, causing it to solidify into something like brittle bones, thus depriving you of your ability to move around. And if that wasn't bad enough, this also creates another layer of wall around you.

"Nooo! I must kill the entity!"
<No, Rune. You are the entity.>
And then Rune was the entity all along! (https://youtu.be/n3LKadZ4LFU)

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 06, 2015, 10:12:23 pm

Well, if I can't walk, time to dig. Take a deep breath, and start crawling underground like a land shark. Attempt to crawl towards the healer/only guy running away from a fight.

I... Um... I... How... But... Screw it, I can't figure out what modifier that action would need, but it sounds like something you would do. I'll just roll a d6, say that accounts for the injury penalty.

You attempt to swim in the ground like it's a liquid, attempting to travel downwards, through the partially destroyed road below you and into freedom. However, you miscalculate how much time and/or oxygen you'd need. Either that or the damage to your brain and/or hearing has also given you a very crappy sense of direction. That problem, coupled with your injuries, means you quickly feel yourself run out of air and probably soon to be choking in your self-made grave.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 07, 2015, 04:20:59 am

Go help out Ron or Rune dig themselves out. Unless it looks like they don't need help - in that case go find some large-ish looking debris I could launch at Nick.

Well, Ron was last seen under the building and getting there would take some time, so you just start going around the building, trying to find Nick and hopefully Rune along with him. It sure would be nice if people told you where they are so you can help them immediately rather than have to search for them.

Quote from: Toaster on November 07, 2015, 10:05:08 pm

Doctors hate him!  See this one weird tip discovered by a mom crazy dude!

And by that I mean summon another missile, then use it as a base for a lot of copies summoned into the wreckage.  I'm talking Macross Missile Massacre up in here.

'You guys might want to back up.'

It's the Circus (https://youtu.be/BzXfVgYCxWI)

Quote from: Megggas on November 08, 2015, 08:13:10 am

Continue running from the danger. Gotta get my cardio.  Use my ability to feel out the status of Nick's body.

You keep running as stuff start exploding behind you.
You'd say he's pretty banged up. Lots of bleeding. Not much strength left.

---

Everyone
John unleashes a catastrophic missile barrage that turns the building and everything around it into burning Swiss cheese. In a way, Rune and Ron are quite lucky to be trapped. It's not exactly a catastrophic Alpha strike, but it lasts long enough to make up for it. Saevus manages to avoid getting hit through a combination of luck, cover, shielding and stasis shield.
<Argh. I surrender humans. You win.> comes a voice a while later.
<Ah. A surrender? I was hoping to see an Avatar die today.>
<Hey! If you wanna see someone die then go kill yourself in front of a mirror, asshole.>
<There is no dishonour in admitting when you are defeated.>
<But there is dishonour in getting defeated so easily. There was barely one death.>
<Only because the ones he disabled weren't worth killing.>
<Anyway, enough arguing. What do our players say? Do you accept your opponents surrender? Or do you want to... shall we say... 'finish the job'?>

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 09, 2015, 01:09:29 am

<I meant... never mind. But what's a Falstaff?>
I look at the man curiously, surprised by his hospitality, and move closer (fireball still trailing along behind me), though still maintaining some distance, just close enough we don't need to yell to hear each other.
"Last time someone said stuff like that, they tricked me and tried to enslave me. Ike, why are we stopping here? We just finished waiting out that storm, shouldn't we keep moving?"

<Oh, you meant that as in 'oh, you're so good Roger, I wish I was as great, good looking and awesome as you'? Yeah, don't worry about it, there's no need to hide that, I get that all the time, he he he.> he says with a teasing tone.
<Anyway, Falstaff is from Shakespeare. You know. 'Alas poor Yorick'? 'To be or not to be?' 'The lady doth protest too much'? 'Et tu, Brute?' Eh... 'Spear-guy was A... playwright, wrote some good plays in some Earths. You know, things where people pretend to be other people, acting out a story instead of just saying it for the amusement of others. And in some of those Earths he even played a big part in shaping language. Think he even became an emperor in one. And Falstaff was a guy in one of his plays. Fat guy, jolly, big ego, reminds me of Alan in some ways.>

"I am sorry to hear that. Alas, I can't offer you anything except my word of honour that I will not attempt to harm you or enslave my guests."

Quote from: Xantalos on November 08, 2015, 11:27:28 pm

"Y'need food or anything? Household items need replacing? Pool noodles? Garden hose? Anything at all like that?"

"I might..."
The man seems to immediately reconsider.
"Not right now, no. I would prefer to discuss that with your companions later. Preferably after they show me what they can offer."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 09, 2015, 02:32:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 09, 2015, 01:09:29 am

I look at the man curiously, surprised by his hospitality, and move closer (fireball still trailing along behind me), though still maintaining some distance, just close enough we don't need to yell to hear each other.
"Last time someone said stuff like that, they tricked me and tried to enslave me. Ike, why are we stopping here? We just finished waiting out that storm, shouldn't we keep moving?"

"It is true, we don't really need rest. To be honest, we're just stopping by for a good chat," Ike explains to Irine.

He then looks back at the man.

"For one, it's rather good to collect one's thoughts and explain them to someone else. And you seem like a right friendly sort, if a bit suspiciously so. And you appear to have correctly deduced that, provided none of us are provoked, my friend here," Ike says, nodding at Alan, "is indeed the most dangerous to your continued good health, which strikes me as a particularly fine guess. You wouldn't happen to be a wizard or similarly trained individual slumming it up in the back country, would you? Just asking for curiosity's sake, we'll in all likelihood be moving on in a bit in either case."

Quote from: NAV on November 09, 2015, 03:18:47 pm

Nikolai hands the man a precious bottle of moonshine.
"Here ya go. It's good stuff. Now Ike's right we really should get going to Areloggez soon. Thanks for the directions."
"Don't think you ever told us your name, mister."

The man slowly accepts the bottle with a smile.
"Thank you for your gift stranger. If there is anything I can do to repay your kindness, do not hesitate to ask.
It saddens me to hear that you cannot stay longer. My servant will be leaving for Areloggez too today. He'll be taking the wagon to get some supplies. He may not get there as quickly as you, but he won't be walking there in the heat of the sun.  If you are in no great hurry and as long as you promise that no harm will come to him, you could wait until he is ready to leave and ride with him."

"As for my name and abilities, I am General Linus Lokitor and I am indeed a magic user. Retired General, I should add, if that was not obvious. Understanding people is a great skill to have for that sort of position. As is the ability to use magic. And figuring out what the most dangerous thing around you is.
That is, if you wish to survive long enough to see retirement." he says with a smile on his face and a hint of sadness in his voice.

<Ah, well that might offer another explanation. He's simply so cocky he thinks he can take us all on.
Or he's suffering from some sort of trauma and doesn't really care about anything anymore. Which I guess you could fold into the previously proposed 'he is crazy' explanation.
Or he's genuinely friendly.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 10, 2015, 12:04:20 am

Spit at the earth. If it lands on the dirt, go up. If it lands on my face, go down. Spit will tell me which way to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2015, 12:19:04 am

"Nonsense, my good man! Have some corn, this is a farm!"

Summon large corn!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 10, 2015, 12:23:54 am

(How long's the campaign? It's been about a year since it started.)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 10, 2015, 12:38:58 am

((It'd be shorter if they'd quit blowing themselves up.  Not that John has any room whatsoever to talk.))

"Eh... I dunno.  We still win either way, and I don't see much benefit dragging this out.  I feel like I'm getting stuck in a rut anyway; I seem to be solving every problem with explosions these days."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Salsacookies on November 10, 2015, 12:43:30 am

(I have a feeling I would've broke the planet in half by that time. Look at my collateral damage now, and without any fancy bombs!)

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 10, 2015, 01:27:13 am

Team A, WMD

"Maybe. You got moonshine? The entities or whatever the fuck abducted me to take part in their games haven't given me any good hooch. And I suppose I have to ask, why did you take the girl? If you hadn't done that, I probably wouldn't be here. Hell, the Eleven of Diamonds seem to be powerful individually. You can even make your own place in a different dimension, or whatever this is. What did you need some random girl for? Does she have some untapped potential or something clichéd like in those moving pictures mah pa took me to see in the city? Or wait, is she actually the daughter of one of y'all and this is just some fucked up visitation rights shit, like with mah Uncle Clem?"

Talking, resting. How am I doing on energy?

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2015, 04:02:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, that's pretty cool. I knew it was a great idea to chat up people we find along the road. You seem like you'd know a bit about the, uh, everything, really," Ike says. "First off, you may want to be ready to hit the deck. Alan means well, but he's got a bit of a mutually abusive relationship with probability."

"Secondly, you got your wizard training from the city's big tower as well, right? Or are there other places that they teach wizardry in around here?"

Make conversation!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 10, 2015, 06:17:07 am

<I say we accept his surrender. Now.>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 06:53:32 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 10, 2015, 06:17:07 am

<I say we surrender. Now.>

Pssst. You actually won. We're not talking about whether or not you surrender. We're talking about whether or not you accept Nick's surrender.
Sorry, I know you probably misunderstood that, but i found this incredibly funny and I had to quote it. "Congratulations, you win!" "No, please! Not the victory! That's almost as bad as the comfy chair! I surrender!"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2015, 08:30:45 am

I pause for a bit, remaining where I am. "Sir, what does the name Kassiver mean to you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 10, 2015, 09:08:55 am

"I am going to need a few drinks after this."

Kosak looks back through the hole, trying to figure out what happened. If the giant is still coming after him, he takes a fighting stance and demonstrates his martial superiority over the giant. If the giant is also disposed of... Kosak tries to find a door he has not yet gone through, and goes through it if it is not too dangerous.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on November 10, 2015, 09:11:25 am

Team A
"I understand." Bryan turns to the strange woman, "Now you said that you could get us out of here. So, I think its time to go."
Follow instructions for getting

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 11:43:22 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 10, 2015, 12:19:04 am

"Nonsense, my good man! Have some corn, this is a farm!"

Summon large corn!

You lift your hand to begin your summoning, but at the same time the man lifts his gloved hand and waves it in a dismissive gesture. The (by now familiar) purple light that is emitted whenever you try to summon something begins appearing in front of your hand, but it is immediately beset by white lines that form a polygonal cage around it. You can feel the resistance against your ability. You and the purple light struggle against the interference for a split second, but you just can't muster enough power to defeat it. The cage shrinks around the struggling light, converting it into more white lines. It collapses into a small cube and then breaks apart into a small firework display of slowly fading voxels. You are left with nothing to show for your effort except for a feeling of stinging coldness inside you.
"No. (https://youtu.be/ulVI9OHseMA) I'd prefer it if I didn't have unpredictable chaos magic near my house." the man says a bit more firmly now.

<Hehe, Alan got destruction-blocked.
Also, isn't using 'unpredictable' when referring to 'chaos' a bit redundant?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2015, 04:02:01 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, that's pretty cool. I knew it was a great idea to chat up people we find along the road. You seem like you'd know a bit about the, uh, everything, really," Ike says. "First off, you may want to be ready to hit the deck. Alan means well, but he's got a bit of a mutually abusive relationship with probability."

"Secondly, you got your wizard training from the city's big tower as well, right? Or are there other places that they teach wizardry in around here?"

Make conversation!

"Oh, don't worry. It's not the first time I've faced magical attacks. Or the behaviour of chaos mages."

"As for your second question, yes and no. Yes, one of my teachers was a Tower Mage but no, I was not trained there, I only briefly visited the tower, at least in my early training. Most of my training took place in the northern part of the Kingdom, mostly close to Athser Fortress. It is an entirely different kind of training all together. It has a different purpose.

Soldiers train for combat.  Tower mages... they know some self defence spells and some powerful combat spells sometimes, and they might be able to use some of their spells offensively in times of need (or to control their "experiments" as their stories say), but their primary purpose is teaching, research, production, healing, utility... Except for those dedicated to combat magic, of course, although even they probably can't hold their own as well as a well trained and well equipped battlemage. I suppose it depends on who they apprentice under. They are more like a guild for people with shared interests. A really powerful guild, powerful enough to hold positions in the government."

"Besides my initial training, I'm mostly self-taught. Books, visits or letters to temples or other mages, the occasional trip to the Fire Tower. And experiments, very rarely. My teachers may have thought that I was not a very good mage and they may had been right. But I feel that I have made good progress on the subjects that interest me. Especially after my retirement."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2015, 08:30:45 am

I pause for a bit, remaining where I am. "Sir, what does the name Kassiver mean to you?"

The man thinks for a few seconds, furrowing his brow in thought.
"Hmmm... No, I don't think so... Wait, I think there was a bard with that name in... Crosswood was it? No, I don't remember."

"Why are you asking, if I may ask? Are you looking for that man? Is that why you are here from all the way... where is that place you came from, again? West? South, across the sea? Or from the North?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Hawk132 on November 10, 2015, 12:13:24 pm

<A battle ends with death.>

Though I will accept Nick's surrender if I'm outvoted on that matter. If we end up fighting to finish him off - launch some larger debris at him.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2015, 12:41:24 pm

"He's a tower mage, and is why I'm keeping my distance. The tower in the capitol exploded a couple weeks ago, and the survivors formed a camp in the ruins. We got lost and needed directions, so Ike and I went to their camp to ask for help. Their sentries led us to Kassiver, said he was a local leader. He took us to an isolated corner of the camp, talked for a little while, then sucker-punched me with a paralysis spell, called me an upstart animal that needed to learn to respect its betters, had his guards restrain Ike, and tried to... Ike broke free and saved me. And now I don't know if I can trust any of the humans from around here. No matter how much I screamed, nobody came to help me. All they did was watch. What makes you different from them?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2015, 01:15:29 pm

Ike smiles placidly as he nods his head in Irine's direction. "Ah, as I said, a mite unfriendly. Very nasty bit of business that was. Part of the reason why I felt the need to try and assuage fears of beast people a moment ago. Which she actually is not a representative of, I must add, at least not of the local variety you may be accustomed to. You would be surprised what a cornucopia of animal people you can find among the myriad strange realms of mysticality."

"More importantly, have you heard word of any strange creatures in the east? We are looking for one. I think River would be able to tell you more. Maybe the description will ring a few bells," he continues, looking at River. "Mind telling the general more about the dragon?"

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 10, 2015, 02:50:13 pm

Alan says things, but mostly in the background while everyone else is speaking.

"Aw, but it was gonna be a gigantic corn and everything. Ah well, we've got plenty of food if you wanted already.

I don't know much about what's going on, just that we were here to do something or other but then we all kinda got sidetracked and no one told me again what we were gonna do. Did you say I was a chaos mage? That's pretty cool, reminds me of that Chaos Dunk I did earlier on the giant disco ball when I accidentally didn't kill those two guys. Hey, you said you have farm animals? Imma go see what they look like. Maybe pet them! Hopefully they don't bite."

Prance over to wherever the farm animals the guy mentioned are and look at them intently.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 10, 2015, 02:54:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 06:53:32 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 10, 2015, 06:17:07 am

<I say we surrender. Now.>

Pssst. You actually won. We're not talking about whether or not you surrender. We're talking about whether or not you accept Nick's surrender.
Sorry, I know you probably misunderstood that, but i found this incredibly funny and I had to quote it. "Congratulations, you win!" "No, please! Not the victory! That's almost as bad as the comfy chair! I surrender!"

Woops sorry.
Posting late at night + on a tablet + while perusing other threads = StupidRune206. Fixed the mistake. I did realize what you said, I just didn't words at the time good.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Tiruin on November 10, 2015, 04:07:40 pm

 :-\
Please auto me because of multiple reasons my activity has dwindled in the recent days. Thank you.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 10, 2015, 05:09:39 pm

Go Anderson, win this for me! I may have been splatered by eldrich explosion, but I have not lost hope. Also, I'd recommend not putting too much trust in little girls who want to flay people alive.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on November 11, 2015, 03:39:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 11:43:22 am

"Why are you asking, if I may ask? Are you looking for that man? Is that why you are here from all the way... where is that place you came from, again? West? South, across the sea? Or from the North?"

"We're from very far away, far enough that those directions don't apply. Different worlds. I'm from the north in my world, but that's not the same north you know. We came here through a portal in the fire tower, and through a malfunctioning teleporter and rocky canyon with way too many zombies and tentacled parasites before that. We're a bit lost actually.

So what subjects did you study, general?

You probably already figured out that we're not just a group of bards. We're on a very very important quest, hunting down a traitorous monster to the east. Do you have any weapons or armour to trade or other way to help? We can pay you with things or information."

Talky talky.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Megggas on November 11, 2015, 03:48:15 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 10, 2015, 06:17:07 am

<I say we accept his surrender. Now.>

"Yes!  We give up!  Don't hurt us!"

Stop running, find a hiding place, and cower for a bit.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 11, 2015, 05:36:16 pm

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

((There is WMD but word of GM says he won't ammount to much, making Mentalist of team A the last one standing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 11, 2015, 06:01:33 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 11, 2015, 05:36:16 pm

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

((There is WMD but word of GM says he won't ammount to much, making Mentalist of team A the last one standing.))

((I'm Team A. We were on the same team until your character's mysterious and unexplainable death.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 12, 2015, 01:48:05 am

Quote from: Beirus on November 11, 2015, 06:01:33 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 11, 2015, 05:36:16 pm

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

((There is WMD but word of GM says he won't ammount to much, making Mentalist of team A the last one standing.))

((I'm Team A. We were on the same team until your character's mysterious and unexplainable death.))

((It is mysterious but not exactly unexplainable. There were walls that could withstand seriously powerfull lazers. There was a nuke in form of a man with enough power to blast through the walls with inpunity. I did not clear the blast zone in time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 12, 2015, 09:27:28 am

((Paris: would it be permissible for me to prep a new character just in case Kosak meets a horrible permanent end?))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 12, 2015, 09:43:16 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 12, 2015, 01:48:05 am

Quote from: Beirus on November 11, 2015, 06:01:33 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 11, 2015, 05:36:16 pm

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

((There is WMD but word of GM says he won't ammount to much, making Mentalist of team A the last one standing.))

((I'm Team A. We were on the same team until your character's mysterious and unexplainable death.))

((It is mysterious but not exactly unexplainable. There were walls that could withstand seriously powerfull lazers. There was a nuke in form of a man with enough power to blast through the walls with inpunity. I did not clear the blast zone in time.))

((He warned both of you to stay away. He even interrupted the banjo music in his head to do so.  :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 12, 2015, 01:21:14 pm

Quote from: Beirus on November 12, 2015, 09:43:16 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 12, 2015, 01:48:05 am

Quote from: Beirus on November 11, 2015, 06:01:33 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 11, 2015, 05:36:16 pm

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

((There is WMD but word of GM says he won't ammount to much, making Mentalist of team A the last one standing.))

((I'm Team A. We were on the same team until your character's mysterious and unexplainable death.))

((It is mysterious but not exactly unexplainable. There were walls that could withstand seriously powerfull lazers. There was a nuke in form of a man with enough power to blast through the walls with inpunity. I did not clear the blast zone in time.))

((He warned both of you to stay away. He even interrupted the banjo music in his head to do so.  :P))

Yes, but I figured that I did not need to leave the dimension to be safe. I was wrong, but still.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2015, 11:05:16 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 12, 2015, 09:27:28 am

((Paris: would it be permissible for me to prep a new character just in case Kosak meets a horrible permanent end?))

We could talk about it, bounce some ideas around and have me give you a rough estimate about how balanced they are, but processing, balancing and finalizing characters is not too easy or at least not as fun as coming up with new characters. I'd rather do it at the final second.

If you don't like him as a character or want to try something else, you can just "retire" him.

Quote from: Illgeo on November 11, 2015, 01:03:06 pm

((Is there anyone active in team B?))

You are. If you don't want to continue on your own, you can always commit suicide.

Which reminds me, I should put DreamerGhost back in the Staging Area.

Quote from: Beirus on November 10, 2015, 01:27:13 am

Team A, WMD

"Maybe. You got moonshine? The entities or whatever the fuck abducted me to take part in their games haven't given me any good hooch. And I suppose I have to ask, why did you take the girl? If you hadn't done that, I probably wouldn't be here. Hell, the Eleven of Diamonds seem to be powerful individually. You can even make your own place in a different dimension, or whatever this is. What did you need some random girl for? Does she have some untapped potential or something clichéd like in those moving pictures mah pa took me to see in the city? Or wait, is she actually the daughter of one of y'all and this is just some fucked up visitation rights shit, like with mah Uncle Clem?"

Talking, resting. How am I doing on energy?

Feeling slightly better.

"We have anything you might desire. And what we don't have, we can take.
The girl is one example of that. We wanted her. We took her.
Erinys thought she could turn her. Use her. Have fun 'playing' with her.
But that is not why we took her. She was part of a job. Easy and high paying. A way for us to get what we need. And that is all.
That fool that chased us barely slowed us down. But now things have changed.
It seems there has been some outside interference. What you are saying confirms it.
But it doesn't make a difference."

"So, you have gotten your answers boy. How about my answer? Will you join us?"

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 10, 2015, 09:08:55 am

"I am going to need a few drinks after this."

Kosak looks back through the hole, trying to figure out what happened. If the giant is still coming after him, he takes a fighting stance and demonstrates his martial superiority over the giant. If the giant is also disposed of... Kosak tries to find a door he has not yet gone through, and goes through it if it is not too dangerous.

You really can't tell what is going on in there. Just looking inside makes your head hurt. You get away from the hole, close your eyes and rest upon a mostly intact wall, trying to stop the world from spinning. At least you don't hear much from in there, so you assume there's nothing there coming for you.

Once you feel like you can walk again, you head towards the door on the opposite end of the hallway. Opening it reveals the other side of the room you were just in, with the protective barrier in the middle further reinforced with some shutters to keep the light out. About half of the room seems to be missing, replaced by a hole showing only clouds.

The room has some workbenches in it, as well as some more or less standard sci-fi equipment. Tesla coil, Jacob's ladder, green glowing rock, bubbling pink vat, hamster in wheel, jetpack, microscope, protective goggles... Much of them seem to be connected to a rather unsafe looking power source of sorts, something that looks like a pole with a fireball at its top. Lightning comes out of the fireball, hitting some bits around it and causing them to spin.

The short man from before is currently in the process of trying to enter what looks like a literal giant tin can. It has 6 wheels arranged in a circle at its base. One of its arms looks like a can opener while the other is long and cylindrical with a rounded tip.

"Get out of here, you meddler! This is my room! And those are my machines!" he screams at your direction.

Quote from: Alarith on November 10, 2015, 09:11:25 am

Team A
"I understand." Bryan turns to the strange woman, "Now you said that you could get us out of here. So, I think its time to go."
Follow instructions for getting

I'm assuming the end of that sentence is "out of here".

The woman remains curled up, holding her injured head.
"She shot my fucking leg. Ah. I can't hear-" she complains in between sniffs and moans.
Joanna takes a step closer to her and leans down.
"The way out! Now!" she shouts while touching the barrel of the gun to her bloodied temple.
"Argh! Fine! Fine. Just please don't let her shoot me again." she pleads you while hiding her head behind her arms.
Joanna takes a step back and the woman relaxes a bit and sits up, but doesn't look up.
"The circle should be there. Under the snow." she says, pointing at somewhere behind her.
"Can you-..."
She lifts her head to look at you.
"Can you please help me walk there? Please? My leg hurts."

---

Storm Coming

---

<Hm. Well. Unless I've suddenly forgotten how to count, that's two votes for accepting surrender, one against and... one for surrendering, apparently. ... Whatever. I'll let the vote go on for another second, but unless something changes, I think it's time to call this one.>

<However, since the conditions for victory were 'the one who deals the killing blow is the victor', we need another way to decide that now. I think we'll make a quick vote between us on that. Unless there's any disagreement, I'll be shipping you back to the staging area now.

I mean, obviously John dealt the final blow and did some serious damage, but he lacked innovation and coordination with his teammates, making it through the match through sheer luck, power and the help of his teammates. If it wasn't for Saevus, Ron, Rune and Adam inadvertently protecting him and causing some serious damage themselves and Rune and George serving as a distraction, he would had been the first to go. Not to mention how much the others helped in draining Nick's strength and pinning him in place near the end. In the end it was very much a team effort, even though they didn't act like a team very much.>
<Sometimes all it takes is a desire to help each other and achieve a common goal.>
<Indeed. But that doesn't mean they couldn't had done more if they had focused on actually working together. This was supposed to be a quick and easy fight for them and they barely pulled through. Had Saevus' final attack missed or had they been a bit more unlucky the fight would had ended very differently.>
<Sometimes it doesn't matter how you win. Only that you win. Through skill, through luck, through trickery. A victory is a victory in the end.>
<With that, you have my total agreement. Well, I suppose we can always give them something harder later. Perhaps something that will show them what real teamwork looks like.>

((So, take some more time to vote while I process the new characters and get you your upgrades. Probably sometime during the weekend.))

---

Campaign

---

((Making this a bit short because I fell asleep halfway through writing the campaign part and I can't really think right now and make a good quality post.))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 10, 2015, 12:41:24 pm

"He's a tower mage, and is why I'm keeping my distance. The tower in the capitol exploded a couple weeks ago, and the survivors formed a camp in the ruins. We got lost and needed directions, so Ike and I went to their camp to ask for help. Their sentries led us to Kassiver, said he was a local leader. He took us to an isolated corner of the camp, talked for a little while, then sucker-punched me with a paralysis spell, called me an upstart animal that needed to learn to respect its betters, had his guards restrain Ike, and tried to... Ike broke free and saved me. And now I don't know if I can trust any of the humans from around here. No matter how much I screamed, nobody came to help me. All they did was watch. What makes you different from them?"

"Hm. That is sad. But not unexpected." the man says quietly to himself.

"I am different. I can offer no physical proof of my intentions or my honesty. Nothing beyond my words and current actions." he shouts back at you.
"You may not be interested in my words, in my stories, so I will simply say this: I will give you the respect you deserve, both as guests and as people. I do not consider you equal to humans, for you are not. Each species is different. I've seen it for myself. You cannot treat them equally. But you can treat them with equal respect."

"So I promise I will treat you with the same good will, the same caution and the same respect I would treat any man, elf or beast that would come to my home. I will try my best to honour my word and do what I think is good. I am a warrior. A man of actions. I will not let fear stop me when there is something to be done."

"That is the best I can offer you."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 10, 2015, 01:15:29 pm

Ike smiles placidly as he nods his head in Irine's direction. "Ah, as I said, a mite unfriendly. Very nasty bit of business that was. Part of the reason why I felt the need to try and assuage fears of beast people a moment ago. Which she actually is not a representative of, I must add, at least not of the local variety you may be accustomed to. You would be surprised what a cornucopia of animal people you can find among the myriad strange realms of mysticality."

"More importantly, have you heard word of any strange creatures in the east? We are looking for one. I think River would be able to tell you more. Maybe the description will ring a few bells," he continues, looking at River. "Mind telling the general more about the dragon?"

"I understand. I am sorry that happened. Sounds like a very bad misunderstanding. But there is no need to worry about me. I've interacted with beastmen in the past. I know a thing or two about them. She might be different, but she is also similar. So I am ready to try to look at things from a different perspective."

River growls something that is not very easy to hear, considering he is further from you than Irine and you are not sure about whether he actually said something or merely growled in a way that sounded like words. Whatever it was, it sounded negative.
"Dragon in the East... You mean the one at Dragon's Hole? Grazisti? I think that one hasn't been seen in years. Centuries even. Not that anybody has been foolish enough to go there and find out. Nobody that I've heard of, anyway. I suppose there's always the one fool trying to steal the dragon's hoard. ... That's not why you are looking for a dragon, right?"

Quote from: Xantalos on November 10, 2015, 02:50:13 pm

Alan says things, but mostly in the background while everyone else is speaking.

"Aw, but it was gonna be a gigantic corn and everything. Ah well, we've got plenty of food if you wanted already.

I don't know much about what's going on, just that we were here to do something or other but then we all kinda got sidetracked and no one told me again what we were gonna do. Did you say I was a chaos mage? That's pretty cool, reminds me of that Chaos Dunk I did earlier on the giant disco ball when I accidentally didn't kill those two guys. Hey, you said you have farm animals? Imma go see what they look like. Maybe pet them! Hopefully they don't bite."

Prance over to wherever the farm animals the guy mentioned are and look at them intently.

"Don't-" the man starts saying but you're already gone.
"Gah. Terrevieve!" he shouts back towards the building.
In response a rather peculiar person comes out of the building. Said person (who you assume is Terrevieve) has ears quite similar in size to Ike's, only unlike Ike's, Terrevieve's are a bit more oval, more pointy and pointing upwards. Terrevieve has very... what could be described as traditionally feminine features. Long black hair, tiny nose, clear skin, small thin figure, big eyes... All that's missing are giant breasts.
"Try to keep him from breaking anything important, will you? And try to keep your distance. He is dangerous." he continues.
Terrevieve nods and goes towards you, getting close while maintaining a safe distance, but in an oddly jovial way, with walking looking more like skipping.

You approach one of the wooden buildings and look inside.
There is a large number of small creatures inside. They look like woolly balls with two giant eyes and three spiky legs. Most of them are crowded around each other, standing on a small mound of dirt.
Some approach you curiously but keep their distance, looking at you curiously and making a sound that could best be described as "meep!"

Quote from: NAV on November 11, 2015, 03:39:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 10, 2015, 11:43:22 am

"Why are you asking, if I may ask? Are you looking for that man? Is that why you are here from all the way... where is that place you came from, again? West? South, across the sea? Or from the North?"

"We're from very far away, far enough that those directions don't apply. Different worlds. I'm from the north in my world, but that's not the same north you know. We came here through a portal in the fire tower, and through a malfunctioning teleporter and rocky canyon with way too many zombies and tentacled parasites before that. We're a bit lost actually.

So what subjects did you study, general?

You probably already figured out that we're not just a group of bards. We're on a very very important quest, hunting down a traitorous monster to the east. Do you have any weapons or armour to trade or other way to help? We can pay you with things or information."

Talky talky.

"What do you mean? In terms of magic?"

"I am sorry. I can not help you with that. I have no weapons beyond what I need to defend myself and hunt."

Quote from: Tiruin on November 10, 2015, 04:07:40 pm

:-\
Please auto me because of multiple reasons my activity has dwindled in the recent days. Thank you.

Sure thing. Wish you the best.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 12, 2015, 11:50:29 pm

...
...
"That's all I can ask, I guess."
I move forward, leaving my flame orb floating in place, and walk up to him and extend my hand up towards him.
"I'm Irine."

---

Theri and Zech - follow River around

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 12, 2015, 11:55:31 pm

"Hi Trevorvine! I'm Alan Ricktersvinksonternikbik. Don't listen to the responsible people, I'm not super dangerous or anything, I just constantly forget to not summon random household objects at greater than lethal velocities. Anyhow, let's go see the things!"

Upon sighting the meepalls (as he decides to refer to them in his mind) he squees.

"They're awesome! What do they like to eat!

Also what are you? Are you a pixie or something or just an enhanced human or what?"

Make conversation, be just on the edge of rude and forcefully jovial.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2015, 03:38:47 am

"Well, 'dragon' is just a figure of speech in this case. I'm not sure it's an actual dragon. It just conserves the important qualities of one - solitary, powerful, presumably quite vicious. What its actual shape is I don't really know. But this dragon's cave seems like a good place to check. Mind elaborating on where exactly we could find it? I don't think this Grazisti is who we're looking for, really, but maybe the dragon we are looking for is somewhere in the vicinity. Maybe it ate Grazisti and took up residence in there and that's why nobody's seen it in centuries."

"... though that does raise the question of whether you know of any other dragons. I mean, can't just be only one in the realm, can there? That's not how species work, I'm pretty sure."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Illgeo on November 13, 2015, 07:33:36 am

Keep evading things in any way possible. Try focus my good thinking on them. It's good to gain knowledge of such peculiar creatures!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2015, 07:50:42 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2015, 11:50:29 pm

...
...
"That's all I can ask, I guess."
I move forward, leaving my flame orb floating in place, and walk up to him and extend my hand up towards him.
"I'm Irine."

---

Theri and Zech - follow River around

"It is an honour to meet you, Irine." the man says and extends his gloved hand to delicately take yours, the black leather feeling quite hot (probably heated from the sun). He bends down with a polite bow and an ornate gesture of his other hand to kiss your hand.
"It is always a pleasure meeting a fine young Lady such as yourself." he adds as he gets up and takes a step back.
<Hey, back off mister! The girl's not for you. She's not gonna fall for your flattery.>

Quote from: Xantalos on November 12, 2015, 11:55:31 pm

"Hi Trevorvine! I'm Alan Ricktersvinksonternikbik. Don't listen to the responsible people, I'm not super dangerous or anything, I just constantly forget to not summon random household objects at greater than lethal velocities. Anyhow, let's go see the things!"

Terrevieve responds with a sing-song voice, alternating pitch (while keeping it perfect (probably using auto-tune and playback that cheater)) and keeping rhythm as if he is singing instead of talking.

"HellLow ALan. It is haPiToMeet you! And I beLive youMean we-ell~"

Quote

Upon sighting the meepalls (as he decides to refer to them in his mind) he squees.

"They're awesome! What do they like to eat!"

"The WuFa for which you inQuire like small seeds and hot FiRe. ButNot tooClose or else they burn, they need careFull cooking, like their eggs."

Quote

"Also what are you? Are you a pixie or something or just an enhanced human or what?"


Make conversation, be just on the edge of rude and forcefully jovial.

"IAm anElf of the WesternWoods." the elf responds, still smiling, still almost singing the words.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2015, 03:38:47 am

"Well, 'dragon' is just a figure of speech in this case. I'm not sure it's an actual dragon. It just conserves the important qualities of one - solitary, powerful, presumably quite vicious. What its actual shape is I don't really know. But this dragon's cave seems like a good place to check. Mind elaborating on where exactly we could find it? I don't think this Grazisti is who we're looking for, really, but maybe the dragon we are looking for is somewhere in the vicinity. Maybe it ate Grazisti and took up residence in there and that's why nobody's seen it in centuries."

"... though that does raise the question of whether you know of any other dragons. I mean, can't just be only one in the realm, can there? That's not how species work, I'm pretty sure."

"Well, I'd say I'm solitary and powerful. Does that make me a dragon?" the man says with a small laugh.
"Anyway,  Grazisti the Grey is the only nearby dragon that I know of. Unfortunately, I do not know much about dragons. I can give you the last known home of some or the graves of others, I can even tell you how to kill one, but I can not give you much information about how they interact with each other. My knowledge is focused on more mundane creatures. And dragons are not known for being friendly and sharing information. You'd have to ask a mage who knows more about magical creatures."

"We could go inside and I could show you a map. I think it would be better than me trying to give you directions, especially considering that some of those locations are not well known. Plus, I would also appreciate having this conversation in the shade."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2015, 08:38:37 am

"That'd be mighty kind of you, showing us your map and all. Let's go and take a look."

Map time!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 13, 2015, 09:06:13 am

"You tried to kill me! Thus... no!"

Kosak may not know much about advanced technology, but he knew plenty about important things. And that fireball staff thingy looked important. Therefore, he grabbed it, ripped it free from anything it might have been attached to, and threw it at his foe. Preferably before his foe could enter the strange machine.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2015, 09:21:16 am

"hehe, thanks mister."
<pfffftttt. as if you don't do the same things. be nice.>
I'll follow him inside to his map. flame orb stays where it is for now.
"It isn't really a dragon we're looking for, it's a large creature from near where we came from. It's capable of shapeshifting, but its last known form was that of a giant centipede. If we can get near it, we can verify its identity despite its shapeshifting. It also has an effect on the environment near it, making the plants, ground, and so on, animate and hostile to anything it deems a target. It is intelligent, and our last information on its whereabouts is at least several weeks old, saying it was to the east of here. It's guilty of familicide and several counts of murder. Our task is to hunt it down."

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2015, 04:07:16 pm

"Knew it! Seeds huh? I have just the thing."

Spew sesame seeds!

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on November 13, 2015, 09:48:25 pm

Go look map. Look at other things too.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Alarith on November 14, 2015, 09:01:22 am

Team A
"Make sure I can see your hands, and make sure they're empty."
If she complies go and restrain her with handcuffs (I have handcuffs as the police right?). Then help her to where she indicated. If I don't have handcuffs still make sure she's unarmed, and go help her. Renew mental defenses, never know when someone might stab you in the back.
((Bit busy, and the beginning of next week might be a bit busy too. Hopefully won't affect posting. Also nice epic rap battles of history reference with the poll title.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2015, 06:21:03 pm

'Hey entities!  Why do you tell us to value teamwork while also essentially telling us to backstab our buddies?'

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Beirus on November 14, 2015, 07:02:43 pm

Team Abandoning duties, WMD

"Might as well. Be nice to be able to act in my own interests instead of whoever them is that are trying to control me."

More talky stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 14, 2015, 07:11:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2015, 06:21:03 pm

'Hey entities!  Why do you tell us to value teamwork while also essentially telling us to backstab our buddies?'

((Obiviously, people thinking that you are a part of the team, really helps when you try to shift blame for that knife in one of your teammates back.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 19, 2015, 08:18:12 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2015, 04:07:16 pm

"Knew it! Seeds huh? I have just the thing."

Spew sesame seeds!

You spew a few sesame seeds inside the enclosure. The creatures closest to you get scared and run away with frightened squeals, but they seem to quickly realise what was thrown towards them, turn around and then run towards the seeds, soon joined by more of the creatures meeping happily. They don't seem to be eating the seeds, more like rolling their face inside them and getting them stuck on the layer of slightly curly wool-like hair covering their bodies.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2015, 08:38:37 am

"That'd be mighty kind of you, showing us your map and all. Let's go and take a look."

Map time!

Map time! (https://youtu.be/pi5HtUAC1Og)

Also, "let me show you my map" sounds like some sort of euphemism but for what, I don't know.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2015, 09:21:16 am

"hehe, thanks mister."
<pfffftttt. as if you don't do the same things. be nice.>
I'll follow him inside to his map. flame orb stays where it is for now.
"It isn't really a dragon we're looking for, it's a large creature from near where we came from. It's capable of shapeshifting, but its last known form was that of a giant centipede. If we can get near it, we can verify its identity despite its shapeshifting. It also has an effect on the environment near it, making the plants, ground, and so on, animate and hostile to anything it deems a target. It is intelligent, and our last information on its whereabouts is at least several weeks old, saying it was to the east of here. It's guilty of familicide and several counts of murder. Our task is to hunt it down."

<Hey! What I do is irrelevant. We're talking about that guy now, not me.
Besides, I'm clearly much better than him. I'd show him, if I had a body.>

"That sounds like a difficult creature to track. And a dangerous one. Unfortunately (well, fortunately for me, I suppose) I have not heard about something fitting that description."

Quote from: NAV on November 13, 2015, 09:48:25 pm

Go look map. Look at other things too.

You follow the man back towards the tower.

"You got this?" he asks as he passes close to Alan and his new friend.
"YesSir!" the jovial falla responds with a small bow.

You let Alan and his new friend play with their hairy balls and get inside the small tower, passing through the arched doorway formed by the two scythe-wielding figures.

The inside is a relatively open space that seems to have been put in use as a lounge room or dining room, with furniture and storage cabinets made out of stone and a bit of wood. The room is dominated by a spiral staircase in its centre, making its way both up and into the darkness below. There is a hole in the wall (in a spot that was apparently free of engravings) leading to an adjacent kitchen, that room being clearly a much newer addition to the building.

In the room there is a woman in her 30s and a boy that must be around 5 years old, trying to clean up the sand that has slipped through a broken window (that also seems to be a new addition to the tower, formed by removing a few stone blocks from the wall) and the remains of the wooden barricade covering it. The boy seems to light up as he sees the man and the ones following him enter the tower. The woman does not seem as happy.
"What's going on here? What are those... things doing here? They are not getting their dirty feet in my house!" she says while at the same time putting a hand on the boy's shoulder to hold it back.
"Relax dear. They're customers." the man says with a forced smile as he continues slowly moving towards the staircase, hiding one hand behind his back and using it to make a motion towards you to follow him.
"Yeah, right. 'Customers'. And since when do animals and freaks have money to be customers? Is this how it is? You get to bring barbaric beasts and criminals and who knows what else in here to-"
"Thanks honey, we'll be done in a minute!" he says as he quickly makes his way up the staircase.
"-whenever you feel like it? Don't you care about me and- Hey! Get back here! I'm not done with you!"

---

((Just a quick post as I try to get back to posting more regularly.

In RL news, my brother is one lucky bastard. He managed to avoid getting caught in the terrorist attacks by getting delayed a single minute.
Too bad I'm in a different country. He always gets to have all the fun on his own.))

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 19, 2015, 08:36:42 am

Show the lady the Thief Sign as I ascend the staircase.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 19, 2015, 10:02:24 am

look around as we go inside, memorizing how to get out. also edge away from the woman yelling mean things. mostly though, I'm still following the guy to his map.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Xantalos on November 19, 2015, 12:12:34 pm

"Huh. Do they have mouths to eat with, or do they just kinda absorb them through the fluff?"

BirdFuzzballwatch.

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: Lenglon on November 21, 2015, 04:20:18 pm

<I'm sure you are D, but that doesn't mean he can't be gracious too. I mean, you're both bigger than me. Besides, it's nice having people be nice to me. Why not just let people be nice and enjoy their niceness?>

Title: Re: Special People: Storm Coming
Post by: NAV on November 25, 2015, 12:47:15 pm

Pew pew finger gun at the woman and kid and go up the stairs.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2015, 09:48:36 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2015, 06:21:03 pm

'Hey entities!  Why do you tell us to value teamwork while also essentially telling us to backstab our buddies?'

<Because it is a challenge. It's fun to see you try to balance both. Because both are essential to being successful in the games. You need to work as a team to get the best results and succeed in your objectives, maybe even get some bonus objectives done. But you also need to win if you want to advance quickly and that often requires some backstabbing. But you must be careful. Backstab too soon and you might fail the mission. Too late and you might miss your chance or get backstabbed in turn. When you have mastered both, then you will be that much closer to mastering the games.>

"But as of right now, I'd be happy if I saw you doing either of those things." he says with a smug tone as he pushes himself away from your table and heads back towards the bar. Oh. Looks like you're back again. This time it didn't even take that long... you think.

((It's very much like the Betrayal (https://youtu.be/cw1xYqMF1No) game mode for Unreal Tournament. It's a standard free-for-all with a twist: People are freelancers but based on their statistics they can be grouped into teams of two. The teammates share their points and are immune to each other's damage. But each team member has a special Betrayal fire mode that lets them kill their teammate and take all the team points for themselves. And the Betrayal fire mode is also visible to others, so that they can try to take advantage of the infighting.

Two people working together can do much better than one person working alone. But only one person can claim the team points and only one person can be victorious. And you never know when the other player is going to betray you. And you never know when the one you betrayed is going to come back and take retribution, thus reclaiming some of the lost points, potentially gaining even more points than you did by betraying them. It was a very fun gamemode.))

---

Staging Area

---

Toaster (John), Coolrune206 (Rune), Megggas (George), Execute/Dumbo.exe (Adam), Salsacookies (Ron), Hawk132 (Saevus), TheBiggerFish (Alex), crazyabe (Colby)

The gang, plus two new arrivals, find themselves back at the ground level of the inn, standing around or sitting in wooden chairs. The room is relatively dark and mostly illuminated by the fireplace. Charlie, a humanoid figure made out of shadows that move like fire is standing close to the bar. And, as always, Roger's manning the bar. The fungimen band is currently experimenting with some new music (https://youtu.be/GsLzO91M_hc) on their stage. Roger probably taught them that.

"Anyway, on to the matter at hand." Charlie says as he addresses the men in the room.
<We have decided that nobody won->
<Meaning you all lost.>
<No! Meaning that you all get rewarded equally!>
<That's stupid. As if we're a bunch of commie bastards->
<Come on boys. Don't be sore losers. A decision is a decision.>
"Indeed. Rules are rules. Your team's victory over Nick was... unconventional, but valid. And in the end, that's all that matters, isn't it? So I believe some congratulations are in order."
Charlie pauses for a second. There is only silence.
"I was expecting an applause there, but whatever."

"Anyway, I would also like to welcome our two new arrivals. Welcome to the games. You have been selected to compete by one of us. A new challenge should start sometime soon. It should give you a good idea about what's going on."
"Good luck and have fun. I'm certain your fellow competitors will do a good job welcoming you." he says with what sounds like a grin, although you can't really tell due to the lack of a face.
"But in the meantime, you can enjoy your time in the Staging Area." he says as he leans back against the bar in a relaxed posture.

"Oh, and John-" he adds and raises his hand to get John's attention.
"You should head back to your personal area when you have the chance. He wants to talk to you. In private."
"Oooh, someone's in trouble~" Roger comments from the bar.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 19, 2015, 12:12:34 pm

"Huh. Do they have mouths to eat with, or do they just kinda absorb them through the fluff?"

BirdFuzzballwatch.

"They haveMouths. Many Mouths."
After looking at the door leading inside for a few seconds, River comes closer to you and starts watching the creatures as well.
When the seeds are exhausted, most of the creatures spend a few seconds looking around for any they have missed before going back and resting close to their original resting spot, some of the larger ones trying to get more seeds from the smaller ones with small bumps.
They close their eyes. And one by one their fur puffs up and expands like the feathers of a bird before retracting into a much thinner and smooth layer, making them look like fuzzy eggs resting on spiky tripods. The seeds disappear beneath their fur in the process.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 21, 2015, 04:20:18 pm

<I'm sure you are D, but that doesn't mean he can't be gracious too. I mean, you're both bigger than me. Besides, it's nice having people be nice to me. Why not just let people be nice and enjoy their niceness?>

<Hehe, sure. He seems like a cool guy. I'm mostly just having fun. Mostly.
...
Wait, what do you mean 'bigger than you'?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 19, 2015, 08:36:42 am

Show the lady the Thief Sign as I ascend the staircase.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 19, 2015, 10:02:24 am

look around as we go inside, memorizing how to get out. also edge away from the woman yelling mean things. mostly though, I'm still following the guy to his map.

Quote from: NAV on November 25, 2015, 12:47:15 pm

Pew pew finger gun at the woman and kid and go up the stairs.

The group moves up the stairs, Ike and Nikolai doing various gang signs (or at least what they think are gang signs) while Roger mentally hums "Like a Bus" and other thug-life appropriate themes. The first floor seems to hold three rooms, the walls defining those rooms constructed from a different, less sturdy-looking stone than the floor and walls of the tower. One of them is a bedroom, from what you can see through the open door, although you can't tell what the others are. Ike can tell there's another human on that floor.

The second floor on the other hand is completely open, one big room being lit by numerous windows in all the walls but one. The windowless wall holds a large empty piece of cloth displaying various, almost indistinguishable shades of grey on it. The room seems to be a workshop and a storage area of sorts. You can identify a bench with stone-carving tools with a half-finished object resting on it, another with wood-carving and wood-cutting tools, some brushes, pots and mortars, cupboards holding glass jars filled with colourful substances, shelves with implements giving off a slight glow that denotes the involvement of magic... The centre of the room holds a large stone table that seems to have received some cuts and burns during its lifetime, stained with reds, yellows and blues, however it is mostly clear of objects, only a rag and a few brushes laying on it. One of the eastern windows has something like a stone podium or a music sheet holder close to it, with its top obscured by a piece of cloth.

The view from the windows is pretty good. The tower is not tall enough to show you what is beyond this large hill, but it does give you a nice view of the surrounding area. The view of the mountains in the east is particularly nice, some of their tops shining from the sunlight reflected on them. You can also see Alan down there along with River and the rest, not causing much trouble... for now, at least.

Even with the wind bringing in fresh air from the windows, there's a variety of scents assaulting your noses, spicy and thick and pungent.

The staircase continues going up until it reaches a trapdoor, through which dust and sand has drifted in and accumulated on some of the steps.

<Ooh, nice. Guy's got himself set up nice.
Good thing Alan isn't here. I couldn't see him and this room surviving being in the same space for too long.>

"Hm. Somewhere in here, I think..." the man says to himself as he searches through a chest.
After a few seconds, he pulls out a leather-covered metal cylinder, its top covered with some white stone decorations.
"This one..." he continues speaking to himself as he uncorks the top of the cylinder with an almost inaudible pop.
He pulls out a piece of parchment from the cylinder and lays it on the table, carefully spreading it open, even though the parchment looks brand new.
"Ah, yes, here it is." he says. "Come closer." he adds as he motions for you to approach.

The piece of parchment contains a map. You cannot understand the writing on it, but some of the symbols are easy enough to understand and the general layout of the map seems familiar to Ike and Irine.
"This is a map of our kingdom." he says, confirming why it felt familiar.
"I bet one of the most current and accurate ones you can find." he adds.
"So you came from the city, that is here-" he says and points at a drawing of some buildings, a volcano and an enormous tower on the map.
"-and you followed the eastern road-" he continues as he moves his finger over a black line towards a point where it splits.
"-until the point it splits and heads toward Godstone." he adds while his finger follows one of the two black line until it ends up on a dark point with some letters above it, centred in the drawing of a relatively large oval hill.
"If you want to reach Dragon's Holle, Grazisti's home, then you need to keep following this road until you reach a fork. On that fork you want to take the one that goes south-east until you reach a small village. Knospasaki."
His finger follows the line until it reaches a drawing of a few buildings and symbols.
"From there you need to continue for a bit and then head towards Hollow Pass." he says and points towards a gap between two hills in the south that seems to have no road going through it.
"Once you're close to the other side, you should be able to see Dragon's Hole and the Hovering Spire."
He indicates a drawing of a hill very close to another one, the two of them surrounded by other hills, although not to the point that they are completely isolated from each other.

Otherwise you can just keep heading east. This path should merge with the main road once you're off the hill and from there it's a short distance to Areloggez. From Areloggez you can follow the road East and go wherever you wish. Or you can take the road southeast and head for Raijgnar Mine. That can get you straight to Kodromota and the borders, assuming they aren't having any problems."
He isn't exaggerating. There's literally an unnaturally straight line connecting what he says is Raijgnar Mine (the drawing of a town and a hill) with a point close to what he says is Kodromota (the drawing of a large town close to the mountains at the eastern edge of the map, with two other lines heading from it towards the east and beyond the borders of the map).

"You can also follow the southern road to get to Raijgnar Mine. Keep following the road past Knospasaki and then head north-east. It's a slightly larger journey, but the climate is more welcoming, vegetation is slightly thicker and there are fewer people there and..."
He looks up at you.
"Well, pardon me for saying so, but a group such as yours might prefer to not be seen very much. Some people may not feel very safe in your presence."

"You could also go south, across the Scar, but from what you told me what interests you is east?"

((Sorry. Don't have time to draw an actual map. But you can assume you have a fair idea of where things are in relation to you, even if you don't know how they are called.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2015, 10:01:05 pm

Alan grins in what could be called a malicious manner on anyone who wasn't him. As it is he looks mischievous.

"Hmm. They seem like pretty hyper little buggers. Do they drink at all?"

Spray some coffee beans into the enclosure. If they do drink, summon some cans of Red Bull and dump them into the pen.

Alan abruptly notices River by him.

"Oh hey Rover! Came to check out the fuzzballs? They're pretty awesome. At least I think they're pretty awesome which is why I'm dosing them heavily with caffeine."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 26, 2015, 10:03:26 pm

Order an alcoholic drink of unknown origins.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on November 26, 2015, 10:17:04 pm

"Hookay, this... What... Huh... What?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: crazyabe on November 26, 2015, 10:29:01 pm

"What the..."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on November 26, 2015, 11:12:15 pm

((I wanted an IC answer more than an OOC one; wanted to see if it'd stump the entities a bit.  Guess not!))

"Oh.  Uh.  Okay, I guess."  He waved at the group.  "Have fun!"

John returned to his private area, and addressed the ceiling.  "Okay, Zero, what's up?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on November 26, 2015, 11:59:25 pm

"I still maintain that if that brute hadn't alerted Nick, we would have fared much better, at the very least, been able to prepare better.
Hmph, no use crying over it, I suppose, _{though I would like a thank you for saving Johns skin.}"
Adam gives another small 'hmph' before turning around and noticing the fungimen band.
"Interesting, what are those?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2015, 03:06:35 am

((I guess it's sort of a gang sign. Though, for reference, the Thief Sign (http://questforglory.wikia.com/wiki/Thief_Sign).))

"Heh, Dragon's Hole," Ike offers usefully. "And yeah, we're technically interested in the east, but our guide doesn't really know as much about what we're looking for and where we're looking for it as we would like."

"Well, that doesn't leave me with too many questions... except maybe on the matter of wandering monsters. Is that a thing around these parts, or just around the blown-up city, would you say?"

Ask!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on November 27, 2015, 09:29:09 am

I stare at the map and silently compare our direction of travel based on what River said and what is in that direction.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Zormod on November 27, 2015, 09:40:30 pm

Spoiler: Characer sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Brian Hoss
Ability: The creation and manipulation of unstable vortexes that consume energy(Preferably light and heat).
Apperance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
Bio: Brian was born on Earth with modern technology. He is 24 years old. He discovered his power when he was 21, and has only used them frivolously. He rarely shows anger or sadness.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 28, 2015, 10:57:45 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 13, 2015, 09:06:13 am

"You tried to kill me! Thus... no!"

Kosak may not know much about advanced technology, but he knew plenty about important things. And that fireball staff thingy looked important. Therefore, he grabbed it, ripped it free from anything it might have been attached to, and threw it at his foe. Preferably before his foe could enter the strange machine.

Certainly, if there's one thing science has taught you, it's that if something is spinning then it is important. So, without further ado, you run up to the fireball. The one that's spewing lighting. And then try to grab the metal pole supporting it.

One of the spinning bits hits you and a jolt of electricity strikes your body. You fall down next to the pole as your body convulses, but fortunately you-... well, fortunately might be an overstatement. You appear to be suffering from a temporary loss of control of your muscles and all the unfortunate side effects that brings.

A few seconds of convulsing under the heat of the giant spark-shooting fireball, the effects subside and you regain control of your body. You get up and grab the pole from its base. Unsurprisingly, it is quite hot. It also stings your hands, causing them to tremble slightly.
: You idiot! What are you doing? Stop it! : the voice comes enhanced from a speaker this time.
The pole is also unsurprisingly sturdy. Whatever is holding it inside the ground (screws, friction or something else, you don't know), it is not giving up easily.
: Stop this instant! Do you know how long it took me to get this thing to work? : the voice continues, coming closer with the sound of the repeated explosions of an internal combustion engine.
But the pole is not invulnerable. With enough pulling and tugging, the pole starts to give way and becomes free from whatever is holding it in place. You almost drop the thing as the pole suddenly stops going up just as suddenly as it started. A bundle of wires is still attached to the bottom of the pole, holding it close to the floor.
: No! You fool! You have no idea what you're doing! : he continues screaming, sounding really close.
You turn around to see the tin-can has reached your position. The arm that looks like a can opener (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Kitchen-Modern-Can-Opener_zpsl5twlose.jpg) is twitching, opening and closing its spiky tips menacingly, while the arm that looks like pole with a rounded tip is pointing at you.
As you turn around, the fireball starts growing larger, sending electrical sparks at the cage of spinning machines around you, the extra strikes making them glow red and spin much faster than before.
: You!... you!... :
He doesn't sound happy.

---

Quote from: Alarith on November 14, 2015, 09:01:22 am

Team A
"Make sure I can see your hands, and make sure they're empty."
If she complies go and restrain her with handcuffs (I have handcuffs as the police right?). Then help her to where she indicated. If I don't have handcuffs still make sure she's unarmed, and go help her. Renew mental defenses, never know when someone might stab you in the back.

"O-OK."
The wounded woman tries to be still and non-threatening.
You approach her carefully, get out your handcuffs and force her hands behind her back, trying to apply them as tightly as possible.
"I-I promised. You don't need to do that. Please? It's hard enough to walk as it is and-"
"Shut up and walk!" Joanna says, still pointing her gun at her.
"OK! OK, I'll do whatever you want."
Once the woman is handcuffed, you give her a quick pat on her pockets to make sure she isn't hiding any weapon and then help her up. With that, you start walking. You support her as you walk forward, helping her keep her balance whenever she wobbles or stumbles. You remain alert and careful. Joanna might be pointing a gun at the woman, but you don't want to rely solely on that for your safety. And there's no telling when something unexpected might happen and when things might take a turn for the worst.

The short walk is uneventful but filled with tension. The woman seems to still be in pain, whimpering every time she stumbles and puts more pressure on her injured leg, sobbing and sniffing occasionally. You also can't help but feel Joanna pointing that gun at your back. Not directly at your back, rather at the person next to it, but it is still uncomfortably close, especially considering the person behind the trigger doesn't seem very emotionally stable at the moment. The area is still quiet, save for the sound of snow getting crunched beneath your feet, along with the occasional twig. And you have to remain alert through all of this.

"How much longer?"
"Not long. It's right over there."
You continue until you reach a patch of snow-covered ground that seems no different than the rest.
"There." the woman says, pointing at the ground with her eyes and then looking down.
"There's nothing there." she says as she gets closer to the patch of ground.
"Under the snow. Here, I'll-"
She tries to walk towards the ground but Joanna stops her.
"Not so fast."
Joanna carefully kicks the snow, revealing part of a drawing, part of a double circle about a metre in diameter, with things written inside it in unknown angular symbols, carved into a stone.
"It's a transportation sigil. You just step on it. Then I activate it and it takes you back."
Joanna looks at the drawing for a few moments before looking at you.
"I don't like this. How do we know it's not a trap?"
"It's not! Really! Look, I can go in first-"
"Ha! So you can get ready to stab us on the other side? No. I don't think so."

---

Quote from: Beirus on November 14, 2015, 07:02:43 pm

Team Abandoning duties, WMD

"Might as well. Be nice to be able to act in my own interests instead of whoever them is that are trying to control me."

More talky stuff.

"Good.
Then take this. And use it on yourself."
A hole opens in the air in front of you. You catch glimpses wood and thick red cloth through it, before a knife comes through and clatters on the ground on your left.
"A sacrifice is needed. To seal the deal.
One of blood. Spilled willingly.
Do this and you will join us.
Do this and you will be free."
The knife is ornate, its hilt covered with dark scaly skin and a red ribbon tied around it, it's bottom holding a red crystal rhomboid and its blade holding carvings of strange angular symbols that seem to give off a slight red glow.

Well, that's not sinister at all.

Also, there's some screaming coming from somewhere above.

---

Quote from: Illgeo on November 13, 2015, 07:33:36 am

Keep evading things in any way possible. Try focus my good thinking on them. It's good to gain knowledge of such peculiar creatures!

You charge at the creatures coming out of the wall while screaming "I am happy! Come taste my happiness you reptile scum! I wanna be your happy fun snake friend!".
Sadly, the creatures don't appear to want to be your friend. The keep their distance from you. How rude.
Oh, look. Looking out of the hole in the wall, you can see someone down there, a naked man, lying down in a half-destroyed hovering corridor, looking at a knife. Maybe he can bee your happy fun naked friend!

---

Staging Area

---

DreamerGhost
Forgot about this last turn, but you should also be there. Can't have a levelup until the mission is over, but you aren't stuck in the mission anymore if you don't want to be. You can go ahead and do something else if you want.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 26, 2015, 10:03:26 pm

Order an alcoholic drink of unknown origins.

You blink.
Hey! There's an old bottle there! How did it get here?
And what is it? It's label is missing. All that's there is dust.
Hmmm... Do you dare to try brand X?

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 26, 2015, 10:17:04 pm

"Hookay, this... What... Huh... What?"

Quote from: crazyabe on November 26, 2015, 10:29:01 pm

"What the..."

You do your best imitation of parrots squawking "What" at each other.
"You could use a more diversified vocabulary friends. Perhaps you'd care to purchase some onomatopoeias? You could use exotic and distinctive phrases such as 'Waaak!' or 'Er...Bwah-ha-ha-hyuck' for only 0.99! Guaranteed to make you stand out in parties!"

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on November 26, 2015, 11:59:25 pm

"I still maintain that if that brute hadn't alerted Nick, we would have fared much better, at the very least, been able to prepare better.
Hmph, no use crying over it, I suppose, _{though I would like a thank you for saving Johns skin.}"
Adam gives another small 'hmph' before turning around and noticing the fungimen band.
"Interesting, what are those?"

You take a closer look at the slightly bioluminescent humanoid mushroom musicians. They seem... normal. Too normal. Nothing different in how they look.
<Musicians. Another player put them here. Aren't they fun?>

Quote from: Toaster on November 26, 2015, 11:12:15 pm

((I wanted an IC answer more than an OOC one; wanted to see if it'd stump the entities a bit.  Guess not!))

"Oh.  Uh.  Okay, I guess."  He waved at the group.  "Have fun!"

John returned to his private area, and addressed the ceiling.  "Okay, Zero, what's up?"

((Yeah, sure, just thought the parallel was interesting to point out.
That said, trying to stump him about the nature of the games is probably not the easiest thing to do.))

You walk outside, make your way around the plaza's central fountain and enter your mansion.
The inside is as you remembered it. However when you speak there is no response. Although you do hear voices coming from an adjacent room. So you decide to head that way.
 : -still attempt to. :
 : A waste of resources. :
 : I do it. Am I different? :
 : Yes. :
 : How? :
 : You have different directives. You are a simple and imperfect imitation. You are insignificant. :
 : Then why talk to me? Why play with me? :
Galatea and someone else are in the living room, playing billiard. Galatea is looking at said person, who seems to have just finished executing a shot. The person in question looks like a human trapped in a thick layer of metal, a layer of metal obscuring all his features and leaving behind a basic humanoid shape. There are edges on it, completely symmetrical, as if he was constructed out of pre-made parts and welded together like some sort of mass-produced modern art piece. However there are no seams or welds visible, only slightly menacing edges where it looks like different pieces of the material have merged. Each part and each edge lacks curvature, being almost 2d in a way.

The material gleams like polished iron, with a greyer, less polished shade appearing wherever an edge is formed. There's thick lines of rusty red on his arms below his shoulders (where the deltoid would be), on his temples and between his chest and abdomen, pointing downwards like a V. But as he moves, standing up and turning to face you, you can see that the material is not rigid, not like metal should be. It bends like rubber, adjusting to his new shape, allowing him to move freely, even though the rigid way he moves doesn't seem to indicate he needs the flexibility that provides. You can also see small ridges in it, as if the material is not completely smooth.

He stands at attention, completely unmoving. He looks at you from two hexagonal sockets elongated on the horizontal axis, where the eyes would be. Inside each is a layer of glass, glowing almost imperceptibly red.
 : Hello, John. :  the distorted cold voice comes from a trapezoid hole covered by an ultra fine mesh in place of a mouth, the shape making him look like he has a perpetual frown.

Galatea's reaction is much more vibrant in comparison. She frowns momentarily, still looking at the other player, but her frown quickly changes to a smile as she rests part of her weight on her billiard stick, looks at you and silently gives you a small wave.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2015, 10:01:05 pm

Alan grins in what could be called a malicious manner on anyone who wasn't him. As it is he looks mischievous.

"Hmm. They seem like pretty hyper little buggers. Do they drink at all?"

Spray some coffee beans into the enclosure. If they do drink, summon some cans of Red Bull and dump them into the pen.

Alan abruptly notices River by him.

"Oh hey Rover! Came to check out the fuzzballs? They're pretty awesome. At least I think they're pretty awesome which is why I'm dosing them heavily with caffeine."

"TheyDo drink, butVery little."
You spray a large number of glowing coffee seeds into the enclosure. They don't seem to appreciate them very much. Some of them run towards them greedily, but once they get closer they stop, look at the seeds closely with their giant eyes and then walk away.

You can't can cans due to two twos.

River keeps watching the creatures while remaining alert, his head following their rapid movements in response to your seeds.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2015, 03:06:35 am

((I guess it's sort of a gang sign. Though, for reference, the Thief Sign (http://questforglory.wikia.com/wiki/Thief_Sign).))

"Heh, Dragon's Hole," Ike offers usefully. "And yeah, we're technically interested in the east, but our guide doesn't really know as much about what we're looking for and where we're looking for it as we would like."

"Well, that doesn't leave me with too many questions... except maybe on the matter of wandering monsters. Is that a thing around these parts, or just around the blown-up city, would you say?"

Ask!

((No Gang Signs (https://youtu.be/-3Lc2HMcvxY)))

"Hm. It doesn't sound like you know that much about what you are searching for. This kingdom may be one of the smallest in the continent, but it is still large. Searching through it, even if you limit yourselves only to what's east of here... With so few men, no plan and no idea where you are going will probably not be easy. Even the guard would have trouble locating someone if they hid in the wilderness. I could sell you this map. It might not solve your other problems, but it will at least let you know where you are and where you can go."

"As for monsters, they are not common. There are creatures lurking around, especially in the night. Animals will hunt or try to protect their young and their territory. But I think an armed group such as yours won't have trouble driving away those brave enough or desperate enough to approach you. They're mostly small carrion feeders after all, they don't hunt so often."

"Monsters on the other hand... You'd have to be really unlucky to encounter something truly monstrous. Some sort of magical creature that actively seeks to harm you or some unnatural danger. Those are rare, at least until you get off the beaten path. If you get too far away from the road, especially if you go too close to the north, then it's anyone's guess. But as long as you're close to civilization, even with the state things are now, you should be safe. I doubt that the roads have been taken over by monsters in the past few weeks after the Tower fell. Things can't be that bad. If they are..."

"You'd be more likely to encounter a bandit. Heard many are hiding in caves close to the hills in the south. Some of those fools tried to raid this place a few months back."

"Maybe you could encounter a slaver if you're really unlucky and the rumours are true. I've heard that some might be around, but nothing more than people talking about what they heard, nothing substantial."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 27, 2015, 09:29:09 am

I stare at the map and silently compare our direction of travel based on what River said and what is in that direction.

If you keep following the eastern road, then it's mostly villages and the occasional... tower? Castle maybe? It looks like a drawing of a castle. Those continue until you reach a large city close to the mountains, then the mountains themselves and a pass going through them. And then the map ends.

You don't remember River talking about what was in that direction, at least not recently.

---

Quote from: Zormod on November 27, 2015, 09:40:30 pm

Spoiler: Characer sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Brian Hoss
Ability: The creation and manipulation of unstable vortexes that consume energy(Preferably light and heat).
Apperance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
Bio: Brian was born on Earth with modern technology. He is 24 years old. He discovered his power when he was 21, and has only used them frivolously. He rarely shows anger or sadness.

Looks OK. I'll send you a PM sometime.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 28, 2015, 10:59:43 pm

Drink it. Drink it all.

((INB4 RIP me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on November 28, 2015, 11:03:09 pm

"Do you mind telling me what exactly is happening, then?  Or pointing me to someone who will?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on November 28, 2015, 11:09:54 pm

"I think dis a dream, n youer unrealz, ya hear? Yu tel meh what isagonna on, o Isa shootu! I died 3 times today, stillilives! Why!!!"
(Basically, he thinks he's in a dream, and he'll get violent if someone doesn't tell him why he's here. He also asked why he's still alive.)

Pull out my big gun, and shoot it to get everyone's attention.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 28, 2015, 11:30:55 pm

"No."

Kosak rips away the wires at the pole's base, then laughs at the mechanical man.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 12:01:41 am

Alan's need for stimulation pokes at him. He ignores it for now because the dustball things might do something interesting now that they're fed. Even if they didn't take his possibly radioactive coffee. Philistines.

Watch them with un-Alanlike focus to see if they do something cool.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2015, 12:10:14 am

"Um... hold on."
<Hey, um, River? This guy has a map of the area. This is what it looks like:>
I attempt to show River the map that I'm currently staring at.
<We're here right now, and that ruined city was here.>
I point at the locations on the map, continuing to show him what I'm seeing.
<Where are we trying to go?>
I trace my finger over to where River directs me.
"Hey, mister? um, what's over here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Megggas on November 29, 2015, 12:27:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 28, 2015, 10:57:45 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 26, 2015, 10:17:04 pm

"Hookay, this... What... Huh... What?"

Quote from: crazyabe on November 26, 2015, 10:29:01 pm

"What the..."

You do your best imitation of parrots squawking "What" at each other.
"You could use a more diversified vocabulary friends. Perhaps you'd care to purchase some onomatopoeias? You could use exotic and distinctive phrases such as 'Waaak!' or 'Er...Bwah-ha-ha-hyuck' for only 0.99! Guaranteed to make you stand out in parties!"

"Huh?  Onitomapotos?  What is that, some kind of wonder drug?  And only 99 cents!?  I'll take one!"

Wish for a dollar to appear in my hand.  Purchase this incredible offer immediately.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on November 29, 2015, 12:33:19 am

Figuratively poke at Zero to see if he does something cool.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2015, 01:10:30 am

Sorry, your part got eaten Toaster. Edited it back in.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2015, 02:00:43 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 28, 2015, 11:30:55 pm

"No."

Kosak rips away the wires at the pole's base, then laughs at the mechanical man.

You pull at the pole until one by one the wires snap, spraying electricity, fire and boiling fluid everywhere around them. The ball of fire at the top expands further, fiery ribbons forming around it, some of them merging and breaking free in jets of plasma. You walk forward, out of the mists, wearing a fiery halo and expanding wings of electricity, laughing maniacally. You walk despite the fact that your legs are freezing, your head is burning and your arms have become rigid and unmoving, constantly clenched.
 : That's impossible! :
One of the plasma beams gets a lucky shot and hits the mechanical man, cutting off it's pole-like arm. The rest burn holes through the floor and the walls. Through the holes in the protective barrier, the otherworldly light of the other room starts seeping into this one.

---

Illgeo and Beirus
Oh, looks like someone is throwing fireworks in one of the rooms close to the upper level. Beams of light escape through it, making holes through walls and ceilings. For some reason, you feel the need to blame Jason Statham for this.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 12:01:41 am

Alan's need for stimulation pokes at him. He ignores it for now because the dustball things might do something interesting now that they're fed. Even if they didn't take his possibly radioactive coffee. Philistines.

Watch them with un-Alanlike focus to see if they do something cool.

You watch the fuzzballs. They simply stand around, doing nothing. It's almost as if they are farm animals and not some sort of furry bomb. Still, you're certain something will happen if you keep looking at them. Maybe they'll reveal the ultimate truth about life, the universe and everything. Maybe they'll drop their façade and start discussing about taking over the world. Maybe they'll turn into ninja cats. You just have to watch them very carefully. It could happen at any moment. Any moment. Anyyyy mooomeeeent...

River appears to have grown tired of waiting and after a few seconds of closing his eyes and looking down, he heads towards the building, leaving you alone with the elf.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2015, 12:10:14 am

"Um... hold on."
<Hey, um, River? This guy has a map of the area. This is what it looks like:>
I attempt to show River the map that I'm currently staring at.
<We're here right now, and that ruined city was here.>
I point at the locations on the map, continuing to show him what I'm seeing.
<Where are we trying to go?>
I trace my finger over to where River directs me.
"Hey, mister? um, what's over here?"

<I do not remember. It might have been close to those mountains. Maybe close to that line?>

You point at the mountains, close to the road he indicated, and ask your question. There's a small triangle pointing down and a ][ symbol there, along with some writing you can't understand. They are relatively close to that large town, the one that man called Kodromota. Maybe half a day's travel north, assuming the terrain is not too rough?
"Oh, that? That's Nether Pass. It's close to our borders and very dangerous to go through. It takes you through the mountains and to the Sovereignty, but I wouldn't recommend taking it. There's powerful magic up there, especially Death magic. And its highest concentration is close to that mountain pass."

"There are old fortresses carved in the rock there, ancient labyrinths of stone long abandoned. They say they are host many dangerous creatures, some mundane, most magical. If the creature you are searching for has taken refuge there and it can control other creatures like you said, then you'll have a hard fight ahead of you. That, or your job is already done and all you'll find waiting for you there is a corpse."

"It's not impossible to go through, mind you. Smugglers desperate enough to take it are said to sometimes make it through if they're quick, quiet, respectful and lucky. But I wouldn't recommend it, not when there are other paths you could take."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on November 29, 2015, 02:37:49 pm

"Hello, Zero.  Hello, Galatea.  What can I do for you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 02:41:05 pm

"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I know I can turn this into hilarity somehow, the question is what method would actually work? Say elf ladygirlperson that I forgot the name of, do they bite at all?"

Try for Red Bull again.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on November 29, 2015, 02:41:48 pm

"Sure, sound goo...hey, wait a minute. How do AI know this won't steal my soul or destroy it or that this isn't the sacrifice you need for ultimate power or some junk? Or that when you say 'free' you mean soulless and obliterated from existence?"

Bit more talking. How am I doing on energy? Close to enough to transform, or stab this guy if he shows up?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 29, 2015, 02:54:41 pm

"Bah. Do you think I care that it's impossible?"

Kosak lets out another laugh... then he charges the tin can man. Target: one of the tin can man's legs. Kosak selects a weak point on that targeted leg, then hits it repeatedly while dodging the tin can man's attacks. Soon it will fall.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2015, 03:26:34 pm

"Informative! Very informative indeed, yes. Perhaps we should buy your map indeed, good sir. What sort of payment would you be looking for? We mostly have sorceries at our disposal, so no doubt we can improvise something."

Ask about the price of the map.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on November 29, 2015, 03:45:47 pm

"I agree we should definitely buy the map. We could pay with information, if you're interested. Tell you all about the multiverse and the games and the entities, or about modern technology. Or we could have Alan summon you something. How about it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on November 29, 2015, 06:37:24 pm

"hmmm..."
To D:
<Hey D, think he's up in there?>
To River:
<River, the man says there lots of dangerous creatures and death magic in that area. Does that make it more likely or less that our prey is there?>
and back to verbal:
"Sir, you were able to restrict Alan earlier pretty easy. Um, how common is that skill? Do you just will him to... not... do what he does? or is there some trick to it? I mean, if we're going to have to go into the teeth of death magic..."
I'm fidgeting as I speak, looking down but glancing up at him periodically.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2015, 08:15:04 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 02:41:05 pm

"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I know I can turn this into hilarity somehow, the question is what method would actually work? Say elf ladygirlperson that I forgot the name of, do they bite at all?"

Try for Red Bull again.

"Oh, no! They doNot bite. They are quite friendly and proneTo fright. They may stingYou, that theyMight."

You try to summon some cans once more.
G- Ghack!
A small aluminium can just got stuck in your throat! You can't breathe, you can't scream... And there's nobody around to help, River and the rest are near the building's entrance, there's only that grinning elf next to you. Oh gods, this is going to be your least amusing death ever, isn't it?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 29, 2015, 03:26:34 pm

"Informative! Very informative indeed, yes. Perhaps we should buy your map indeed, good sir. What sort of payment would you be looking for? We mostly have sorceries at our disposal, so no doubt we can improvise something."

Ask about the price of the map.

"No, I do not like the 'gifts' of chaos sorcerers. Both their creation and their existence tend to be too unstable for my tastes. Not unless it is really worth it. I will accept anything valuable you have though. Coin, materials, magic. Really, anything that could help with my farm, my home or my family. Or my other interests."
He says that last bit while making a gesture towards the room you are in.

Quote from: NAV on November 29, 2015, 03:45:47 pm

"I agree we should definitely buy the map. We could pay with information, if you're interested. Tell you all about the multiverse and the games and the entities, or about modern technology. Or we could have Alan summon you something. How about it?"

"While your stories are interesting, I am afraid they are simply not worth the same as a map as fine as this one. The materials cost, the time it took me to draw it cost, the time and money I spent researching that information cost. I do not mean to be disrespectful of your stories, but while they are interesting and I would like to know them, a story that hardly anyone on this world will care about or believe in will not feed my family or better our lives."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 29, 2015, 06:37:24 pm

"hmmm..."
To D:
<Hey D, think he's up in there?>

<Hah! You're kidding? With your luck? Definitely! Where else would he be? Right where you wanted to? A nice bar? No, it's got to be in the worst place possible.>

<Plus, it's in line with the laws of narrative. The whole thing sounds like a quest description. 'Go to the gloomy place of deathly death and face the leader of the armies of death who threatens to conquer the world'. It's straight out of a fantasy novel or game. I'm surprised we don't have to gather three pieces of a key to gain entrance or something similarly silly.>

Quote

To River:
<River, the man says there lots of dangerous creatures and death magic in that area. Does that make it more likely or less that our prey is there?>

<More. A traitor and a coward would hide behind others.>

Quote

and back to verbal:
"Sir, you were able to restrict Alan earlier pretty easy. Um, how common is that skill? Do you just will him to... not... do what he does? or is there some trick to it? I mean, if we're going to have to go into the teeth of death magic..."
I'm fidgeting as I speak, looking down but glancing up at him periodically.

"It is Order magic. The concept is relatively simple to grasp, but the ability itself is hard to master. You simply use Order magic to equalize and calm magical energies. If your will is strong and your magic is strong, then you can prevail. It works the best for forces and effects dissimilar to Order."

"For example, Chaos summoning seeks to change and take, it uses inspiration, excitement, spontaneity. So you need to bring order and calmness and give energy equally. You need to make things as they should be, not let them be changed at the whims of the sorcerer. You need to understand that, you need have the will to do that and then you need to force your will on the sorcerer. If you do that, then the spell will fail orderly, or at least in a balanced manner. If you fail on the other hand, the disruption in your spell could be dangerous. The chaos energies could spread back towards you if you aren't careful or if don't know what you are doing."

"The problem is that for the spell to be a useful defence rather than some interesting bit of knowledge, you need to be able to identify the spell or at least the type of magic the enemy wizard is using and then enter the right state of mind to defuse it. And you must do that in the span of time it takes for the other to finish casting the spell, usually a couple of seconds or less."

"With enough training you can learn to do that instinctively. But if you are not prepared to cast the appropriate spell, then it might be easier to attack the other directly in the hopes of breaking their concentration and injuring them before they can injure you, instead of risking fumbling the spell and injuring yourself. I believe only well trained soldiers or mages that would be very concerned about their safety would be trained to be able to use this sort of magic efficiently under stress."

"Chaos sorcerers can do something similar by using a spell to break the caster's spellcasting, concentration and willpower. From what I can tell, it is quicker and easier to cast than an equalization spell, but is about as strong and very unpredictable."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 10:30:37 pm

Fortunately Alan had done some (a miniscule amount) of thinking after the sunscreen incident.

Grab the hand of the elf and shove it down my throat, hoping she gets the message to grab the obstruction thing.

If this proves unproductive, spew fireworks everywhere in an attempt to catch the others' attention.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on November 30, 2015, 09:04:17 am

"Um... is... is there something in particular you would like?"
he led us to his painting room for a reason... i think.
"Is there something missing from your paintings?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 30, 2015, 08:08:57 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 28, 2015, 10:59:43 pm

Drink it. Drink it all.

((INB4 RIP me.))

It's... gah, it feels so warm and... there are chunks in it. Slimy chunks.
And it's not that strong. Perhaps if it had more alcohol, the burning sensation would be enough to remove that horrible taste from your mouth,
You feel like vomiting.

((I felt like vomiting while writing that. Either my imagination is strong or I am sick.))

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 28, 2015, 11:03:09 pm

"Do you mind telling me what exactly is happening, then?  Or pointing me to someone who will?"

"He's your guy if you want the boring version." the barman says, pointing you to the shadowman.
"Yes? What can I help you with?"

Quote from: Salsacookies on November 28, 2015, 11:09:54 pm

"I think dis a dream, n youer unrealz, ya hear? Yu tel meh what isagonna on, o Isa shootu! I died 3 times today, stillilives! Why!!!"
(Basically, he thinks he's in a dream, and he'll get violent if someone doesn't tell him why he's here. He also asked why he's still alive.)

Pull out my big gun, and shoot it to get everyone's attention.

You get on the table and spray your AK at the ceiling with one hand, making numerous large holes in the process.
"Everybody cool this is an interrogation! If I don't get an answer, I'm gonna execute every last fucking one of you!"
The fungi-band switches organs and starts playing something appropriate (https://youtu.be/22u36FOXUQc).

"What seems to be the problem?
You're in the games. As long as you're in the games, we won't let you die."
"You live! You die! You live again!"
"At least until you're out of the games. One way or another.
If you want to know why you were chosen on the other hand..."

Quote from: Megggas on November 29, 2015, 12:27:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 28, 2015, 10:57:45 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 26, 2015, 10:17:04 pm

"Hookay, this... What... Huh... What?"

Quote from: crazyabe on November 26, 2015, 10:29:01 pm

"What the..."

You do your best imitation of parrots squawking "What" at each other.
"You could use a more diversified vocabulary friends. Perhaps you'd care to purchase some onomatopoeias? You could use exotic and distinctive phrases such as 'Waaak!' or 'Er...Bwah-ha-ha-hyuck' for only 0.99! Guaranteed to make you stand out in parties!"

"Huh?  Onitomapotos?  What is that, some kind of wonder drug?  And only 99 cents!?  I'll take one!"

Wish for a dollar to appear in my hand.  Purchase this incredible offer immediately.

"Excellent choice my dear friend! You won't regret taking this incredible offer! I guarantee it!"
_{"Disclaimer: The guarantee mention above is not an actual guarantee. Seller not responsible for any harm or benefit that comes as a result of this purchase. Extra charges may apply based on location, phase of the moon and horoscope."}
The bartender reaches under the bar, retrieves a small number of pages bound by a staple and chucks it at you.
Hm. It (https://plus.google.com/111201032851764476923/posts/2kucWsMRb4i)'s not exactly the kind of thing you were expecting. But it is certainly sufficiently random.
There's what looks like an http link (http://www.writtensound.com/index.php) scribbled in the back cover with a blue pen. That might be something interesting.

Quote from: Toaster on November 29, 2015, 02:37:49 pm

"Hello, Zero.  Hello, Galatea.  What can I do for you?"

_: It has been decided that you are eligible to initiate your final challenge. :
 : I will answer your inquiries and assess your response. That will influence my decision on allowing you to initiate your final challenge now. :
 : You are free to ask me anything you want. I in turn may ask questions of my own. :
 : There is no reason to lie during this process. However you are not obliged to tell the truth. :
 : If asked a question, feel free to attempt to answer as you desire despite what you may think I or anyone else wants, thinks or feels. :
 : You are also free to attempt to make yourself more comfortable for the duration of this conversation, by, for example, utilizing furniture or consuming food or beverages. :
 : Some information will be given to you during this conversation that is confidential. Refrain from providing that information to others, be they players, entities or other. I will notify you when such information is shared. :
 : There may also be knowledge given to you that, while not secret, it is not knowledge that should be shared liberally. For example, the existence and nature of final challenges, while not secret, is information you are discouraged from sharing. It is safe to assume that most of the information given to you during this conversation will belong to this category. Feel free to ask for clarifications on the matter. :
 : That is all. :

He remains unmoving, save for when he makes a gesture towards the armchairs and the nearby drink cabinet.

Galatea on the other hand listens to him for a few seconds before putting her cue stick on the table, walking away and sitting down on one of the armchairs.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on November 30, 2015, 08:10:37 pm

Vomit.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on November 30, 2015, 08:13:06 pm

"Well.  I'll get to the point.  What, exactly, am I here for, and why am I here for it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on November 30, 2015, 08:40:18 pm

John blinked.  Final?  Huh.

"Okay, well let's start with the obvious question: what is the final challenge?  What does it entail?  What do I get for winning... or losing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on December 01, 2015, 12:54:36 am

Adam glares at the unneeded interruption.
"Would you kindly put that weapon down, now? As... Eccentric as some of them appear to be, they should be perfectly happy to answer most of your questions."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:43 am

Actually, this is kinda fun!
Shoot more bullets! Full Spray!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on December 01, 2015, 05:53:42 am

Duck.

_{^"Quaaaaack."}

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on December 01, 2015, 06:36:55 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:43 am

Actually, this is kinda fun!
Shoot more bullets! Full Spray!

Engage peacekeeping mode. Summon a ballista. Fire it at him. Repeatedly.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2015, 12:12:56 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, we're not all chaos sorcerers. At least as far as I know. We've also got a guy who's half-asleep all the time, he can make crystals or something. Are you into mineralogy, perhaps? Crystals are the most magicky thing that exists, no?"

"Although we could paint you a picture or something. Maybe show you how to build an electric circuit or something? I mean, shit, I know a little bit about wiring. Not a lot, sure, but a little bit. And electricity is certainly magic."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:16:30 pm

I Sit in the lotus Position until something/Anything Happens.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Megggas on December 01, 2015, 12:34:39 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:16:30 pm

I Sit in the lotus Position until something/Anything Happens.

Poke him.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:37:46 pm

Quote from: Megggas on December 01, 2015, 12:34:39 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:16:30 pm

I Sit in the lotus Position until something/Anything Happens.

Poke him.

Punch em in the face.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 01, 2015, 11:28:50 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 29, 2015, 10:30:37 pm

Fortunately Alan had done some (a miniscule amount) of thinking after the sunscreen incident.

Grab the hand of the elf and shove it down my throat, hoping she gets the message to grab the obstruction thing.

If this proves unproductive, spew fireworks everywhere in an attempt to catch the others' attention.

You grab the Terrevieve's hand for and shove it down your throat. The elf seems surprised enough to allow you to do that.
Unfortunately, your uncoordinated flailing results in you ramming the hand down your throat extremely hard, shoving the tiny can down further into your oesophagus. You instinctively swallow due to the discomfort, causing the can to go down further and into your stomach.
Oh dear. That can't be healthy. You can already feel the blood inside your oesophagus from where the can tore it. And it will probably get worse unless you get it out.
After about half a second of surprise, the elf is now looking at you with curiosity.
"AreYou trying tweetMe? ThatIs a pecUliar way tweet someOne."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on November 30, 2015, 09:04:17 am

"Um... is... is there something in particular you would like?"

"Not particularly. I usually trade with traders and travellers passing through and those tend to have either coin or goods to give me in exchange for my food, my supplies and my magic. But you are unlike them, so it appears we will have to improvise something different."

Quote

he led us to his painting room for a reason... i think.
"Is there something missing from your paintings?"

The man looks thoughtful. He begins speaking mostly to himself.
"Hmm... No, I don't think so. I suppose I could draw you and the others in your group that have characteristics similar to those of Beastmen. They are hard to find alive around here and even harder to have them pose for you. A couple of paintings for my personal collection and a few measurements I could sell could be something I could trade for... but I'm not sure who would buy those measurements now that the Tower is gone. And I don't know how I would feel with paintings of Beastmen in my home. I've done some work from memory, but those were... I guess it would depend on how the images turn out. If I don't like them being here, I suppose I would have to sell them. But finding someone interested in that sort of painting might be hard. I'm not sure if it would be worth it."

He looks up at you and continues more loudly.
"Besides, I find myself more interested in light and time lately. On how the world changes as time passes. I try to work quickly, to capture that moment where the world is in a certain way, where the light 'plays' with my subject. And then do it again, with the same subject but in a different manner. I mean, here, take a look at this."
He opens a chest with some grey seals on it and removes a few canvases in it from their protective covers. He arranges them resting on the wall below a window and then removes the rag covering the top of the small column near the window, revealing another painting there.
"That is my latest work."
The paintings show a view framed by the window. Each is different, yet the same. Sun's rays painting the sky with uneven light and shadow as they emerge from behind the eastern mountains. A fire in the night, barely illuminating its surroundings, some objects visible as shadowy outlines. A feminine form standing close to the window, its features partially obscured by shadows while the shadowy forms of an adult and a child run outside. The gigantic clouds of an approaching sandstorm, painted red by the setting sun, the latest painting.
"This is what I was talking about. In this one I was mostly working with the surrounding nature and circumstances."
Some features seem slightly exaggerated or distorted. The branches of a tree in one picture are intricate and weaving and full of green leaves, the glare of the flames in another seems brighter than it should be... Colours appear to have been blended with repeated strokes on the canvas, creating small areas where the colour is the same. It is hardly realistic, but it manages to capture that beauty of light and colour and abstract shape, the beauty you would find in a cloudy sunset or the ever-changing light of a fire.
"I used to visit the City when I wanted a scene of light with more man-made objects and a bit more planning, but I suppose that is not an option for me anymore. I could paint the scenes of destruction.That would be an interesting subject. But I do not think going there myself would be worth the risk of getting hurt. ... Or the risk of staying there."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2015, 12:12:56 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, we're not all chaos sorcerers. At least as far as I know. We've also got a guy who's half-asleep all the time, he can make crystals or something. Are you into mineralogy, perhaps? Crystals are the most magicky thing that exists, no?"

"Although we could paint you a picture or something. Maybe show you how to build an electric circuit or something? I mean, shit, I know a little bit about wiring. Not a lot, sure, but a little bit. And electricity is certainly magic."

"Hm. Maybe I could use them for decorations or enchantments. I wouldn't say no to a sample. If it's good, then certainly. Wait, you don't mean elemental focus crystals? If he could produce those, that would be preposterous."

"I suppose you could paint something for me. But it is a rather unsafe endeavour, don't you think? No offence to your artistic skills, but what if I end up not liking it, not because it's bad but because it does not fit to my tastes? If I can't sell it, then you would have wasted expensive colours and both our times."

"Circuit? Like in chariot racing? And electricity...? Oh, you mean lightning? That's combined element magic, primarily Air. I'm afraid I don't have any use for that. I might be able to sell the notes to someone in the east, if they're interesting, but I wouldn't count on it."

There is some yelling downstairs, although it stops a moment later. A few seconds after that, River arrives from the stairs with the rest, minus Alan.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 01, 2015, 11:59:48 pm

"Electricity's very useful, it can make light, heat things, make music, make things move, and... hurt people. No magic involved, just physics.

There are lots of useful practical things I could teach you that my world has that yours doesn't. Chariots powered by contained explosions, that move on their own faster than any horse. Or how about guns, which use a contained explosion to shoot a tiny piece of metal much faster than any bow. Airplanes are great too, they're machines with wings that fly like birds. Most things in my world are powered by explosions or lightning, which is actually really badass when you think about it."

Nikolai remembers his broken hand and wonders if the general noticed.

Edit:
Just before we encountered the legionaries I posted an action to pick up any spare comwires lying around, since it was never actually said how many River made. I doubt there were any more than necessary, but it's worth a check. A couple of those would make a damn good trade good.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2015, 01:19:39 am

"So... you.... want to paint change? That... That is one thing I can provide. Linus? There is a good reason we've been saying that I'm not a beastman. I'm a limited shapeshifter, the only one left of my kind. I've only got a few forms, but..."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 02, 2015, 01:54:16 am

Alan coughs up of blood before answering.

"No, I accidentally swallowed a can of Red Bull I accidentally summoned in my throat and I think I tore my throat. Hope you don't mind letting me use your hand again!"

Run over to where the others are and try to use the elf's hand to trigger my vomit reflex so I hopefully vomit the can up. Even if I don't succeed, all the blood I vomit up will tell the others something's wrong with me again!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2015, 08:21:18 am

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2015, 11:59:48 pm

"Electricity's very useful, it can make light, heat things, make music, make things move, and... hurt people. No magic involved, just physics.

There are lots of useful practical things I could teach you that my world has that yours doesn't. Chariots powered by contained explosions, that move on their own faster than any horse. Or how about guns, which use a contained explosion to shoot a tiny piece of metal much faster than any bow. Airplanes are great too, they're machines with wings that fly like birds. Most things in my world are powered by explosions or lightning, which is actually really badass when you think about it."

"Electricity's not really lightning, either, it just comes from the same underlying process as lightning. It's... less dramatic. But way more useful. Can't really tell you about the details, but I do know the general principle of making electric currents. It's not at all like magic, just how things actually work. It's kind of like a water wheel in a way. I can show you, plus other stuff that we've collectively picked up in other realms."

Hopefully secrets for maps is an acceptable trade!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on December 02, 2015, 09:05:54 am

Team A
"Is there a way that I can contact you from the other side? If there is I'll go first."
I'm willing to go through first

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 02, 2015, 11:37:48 pm

Quote from: Alarith on December 02, 2015, 09:05:54 am

Team A
"Is there a way that I can contact you from the other side? If there is I'll go first."
I'm willing to go through first

"Conta- No! I-I mean I don't think so. The transportation circle on the other side will not work. Not without me or someone else there who can power it."
"What if we cut off a piece of you?"
"What? No! I-I have to be alive! You have to keep me alive!"
"You can stay alive with a few fingers missing."
"No! No. It won't work. You have to take me with you."
"Look, I can go through with you. Then when you see everything is fine I can go back and bring her to the other side as well. That would work, right?"
Gah. This would be so much easier if you could just read her mind.

Quote from: Beirus on November 29, 2015, 02:41:48 pm

"Sure, sound goo...hey, wait a minute. How do AI know this won't steal my soul or destroy it or that this isn't the sacrifice you need for ultimate power or some junk? Or that when you say 'free' you mean soulless and obliterated from existence?"

Bit more talking. How am I doing on energy? Close to enough to transform, or stab this guy if he shows up?

Physically, you still feel a bit shitty, but you could try transforming. Might work.
"You do not know. But your blood, spilled willingly, is needed.
Your blood will flow into the circles. It will activate the magic.
You do not have to accept my offer. You can stay here."
As if to punctuate his statement, a floating part of the building is obliterated with a fiery explosion, leaving behind an otherworldly light that feels unpleasant to look at.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 29, 2015, 02:54:41 pm

"Bah. Do you think I care that it's impossible?"

Kosak lets out another laugh... then he charges the tin can man. Target: one of the tin can man's legs. Kosak selects a weak point on that targeted leg, then hits it repeatedly while dodging the tin can man's attacks. Soon it will fall.

: So be it! I will be your end! : he screams as he raises his tin can's remaining hand to strike you.
You can't really walk to approach the thing with the damage on your legs, so you resort to simply throwing your pole towards it.
He twists his hand to block the strike. The ball of plasma goes through the hand, through the tin can and through the wall behind it, leaving a giant hole of vaporized flesh and metal behind. The hollow tin can has no choice but to collapse.
"The only end you'll be is the end of my pole." is what you could had replied if you still had a working mouth.
Unfortunately, you appear to be melting due to fire, so now is probably not the time for clever quips and witticisms. Or maybe it is, if you want to have some famous last words.

I really don't see how one could survive such serious burns, but you managed to remain conscious, so you get to have an action and a chance to do something.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on November 30, 2015, 08:10:37 pm

Vomit.

"Ugh. Cleanup on table 3."
<I can't understand why some people drink when they clearly can't hold their liqueur.>
Okay... you're pretty sure your vomit is not supposed to glow.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 30, 2015, 08:13:06 pm

"Well.  I'll get to the point.  What, exactly, am I here for, and why am I here for it?"

"'What are you here for?' Oh, I understand what the misunderstanding is now. No, 'buddy', you're not here because of something you did. You're not here to be punished for anything. This isn't the afterlife or meddling aliens or the realm of angels. This is the devil's work. Who you are and what you did is mostly irrelevant. What matters is what you are and what you can give us."

"You have some special quality. Something one of us found good enough for the games. And that is why you are here. You're here because we want to have some fun. To watch you flail around, trying to compete in the challenges we create. And you'll stay here as long as we want to."

Quote from: Megggas on December 01, 2015, 12:34:39 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:16:30 pm

I Sit in the lotus Position until something/Anything Happens.

Poke him.

Poke him? You hardly know him!

You spend several seconds hovering your finger close to him.
"Not touching! Not touching! You can't do anything to me if I'm not touching you! Nu uh, no touching! Woop woop woop! Here it comes! Here it comes! Getting closer! Hah, psych! Not tou- Oh. Whoops. Touched you."

Quote from: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:37:46 pm

Quote from: Megggas on December 01, 2015, 12:34:39 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 01, 2015, 12:16:30 pm

I Sit in the lotus Position until something/Anything Happens.

Poke him.

Punch em in the face.

You crossed my line of death! (https://youtu.be/OmSSVt7Mfkk)

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:43 am

Actually, this is kinda fun!
Shoot more bullets! Full Spray!

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on December 01, 2015, 05:53:42 am

Duck.

_{^"Quaaaaack."}

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 01, 2015, 06:36:55 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:43 am

Actually, this is kinda fun!
Shoot more bullets! Full Spray!

Engage peacekeeping mode. Summon a ballista. Fire it at him. Repeatedly.

The room seems to erupt into chaos for some reason. People poking other people with their fists, people shooting at people, people going around pretending they are ducks and the bartender throwing bottles at everyone. The fungi-band hangs a sign saying 'Don't shoot the pianist or other musicians, they are doing their best.' and switches to something more fitting to the situation (https://youtu.be/ZwXQTjBRP1M).

---

Quote from: Toaster on November 30, 2015, 08:40:18 pm

John blinked.  Final?  Huh.

"Okay, well let's start with the obvious question: what is the final challenge?  What does it entail?  What do I get for winning... or losing?"

: The final challenge is the final challenge a player will participate in. After it, the player is removed from the games. If the player succeeds, they are free to return to their home world. :
 : Final challenges are awarded special privileges. The entity responsible for choosing one is bound by few rules when it comes to selecting its nature, its target, its environment and its objectives. Almost all targets are valid, although the worlds of entities not participating in the games are not valid targets. No other entity has to be informed. Special systems provide protection from detection and retaliation from the entities of those worlds, although on rare occasions some may chose to cheat and attempt to override those protections. :
 : The player is completely isolated for their duration. That means that no help, equipment or instructions can be provided after the mission has started by the entity interfering with that world directly. Because of that, it is common for objectives covering many contingencies or a piece of equipment that can help with that problem to be provided. On rare cases an entity might chose to accompany the player with one of its avatars. :
 : The lack of protection systems also means that death is permanent. :
 : The final challenge will continue until the player has succeeded or failed. :
 : The specific details of your challenge cannot be revealed at this time. Doing so could lead to dangerous information being released. And I have not yet decided the exact nature of the challenge. That will depend on my assessment and the options available at the time. :  

((In OOC terms, once you've succeeded your final challenge, you get in the Hall of Fame and get to create a new character with some extra points, a New Game + if you will.

You can also get some extra, negotiable perks if you so wish. Want to control an entity of your own or an NPC? Want to alter something? Want to have a big question answered? If you want something more as a reward, it can be discussed, even if it sounds crazy.

This is not forced upon you. You are the one that chooses when to participate in the final challenge. Although when you have participated in enough missions, you will be forced to do so. Mostly to prevent really high level characters from dominating the game or making missions incredibly hard for newbies.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on December 02, 2015, 11:46:32 pm

((Clearly, there is only one way to survive.))

Kosak realized that his death was oncoming. But perhaps he could still live. Or even better...

Kosak used the "interface" to send a telepathic message to his teammates:

<I really do need a drink. Anyway... ARMOK!!!>

Kosak activates Cave-In Meteor. Target- a random direction(hopefully one he intuits booze is in). ARMOK ensues.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on December 02, 2015, 11:48:22 pm

"Well actually that was my question.  So which one of you was it anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2015, 01:39:54 am

((Figured that was what it was, but it's nice to see it IC.  Hrmm... going to have to think about this.  While part of me wants to dive right in, I also am one point short of the upgrade I really want...

Will have to sleep on it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on December 03, 2015, 01:54:22 am

Team A, WMD

"Ah, the hell with it. I need a drink. Better have one ready when this is through."

Do the ritual thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2015, 05:36:49 am

Quote from: Toaster on December 03, 2015, 01:39:54 am

((Figured that was what it was, but it's nice to see it IC.  Hrmm... going to have to think about this.  While part of me wants to dive right in, I also am one point short of the upgrade I really want...

Will have to sleep on it.))

There is no rush. You don't have to decide right now. You may refrain from making a decision for as long as you wish. It's not like I'm going to start a new mission tomorrow, I've still got applications to process.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 03, 2015, 08:51:02 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2015, 11:59:48 pm

"Electricity's very useful, it can make light, heat things, make music, make things move, and... hurt people. No magic involved, just physics.

There are lots of useful practical things I could teach you that my world has that yours doesn't. Chariots powered by contained explosions, that move on their own faster than any horse. Or how about guns, which use a contained explosion to shoot a tiny piece of metal much faster than any bow. Airplanes are great too, they're machines with wings that fly like birds. Most things in my world are powered by explosions or lightning, which is actually really badass when you think about it."

Nikolai remembers his broken hand and wonders if the general noticed.

Edit:
Just before we encountered the legionaries I posted an action to pick up any spare comwires lying around, since it was never actually said how many River made. I doubt there were any more than necessary, but it's worth a check. A couple of those would make a damn good trade good.

Well, he hasn't mentioned your hand. He might have noticed that it is hurt, given how you move it, but you have that shield strapped there, so that might have made it harder to see.

I'm also not seeing any comm-wires in your inventory. I think there weren't any? I mean, if there were, then I probably made a mistake having River make another one for Theri. If there were and I've made a mistake, feel free to correct me.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 02, 2015, 08:21:18 am

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2015, 11:59:48 pm

"Electricity's very useful, it can make light, heat things, make music, make things move, and... hurt people. No magic involved, just physics.

There are lots of useful practical things I could teach you that my world has that yours doesn't. Chariots powered by contained explosions, that move on their own faster than any horse. Or how about guns, which use a contained explosion to shoot a tiny piece of metal much faster than any bow. Airplanes are great too, they're machines with wings that fly like birds. Most things in my world are powered by explosions or lightning, which is actually really badass when you think about it."

"Electricity's not really lightning, either, it just comes from the same underlying process as lightning. It's... less dramatic. But way more useful. Can't really tell you about the details, but I do know the general principle of making electric currents. It's not at all like magic, just how things actually work. It's kind of like a water wheel in a way. I can show you, plus other stuff that we've collectively picked up in other realms."

Hopefully secrets for maps is an acceptable trade!

"That sounds... a bit hard to understand and believe. How can you generate enough fire without power stones or some enchanted item or large supplies of wood? That's what self-moving carts and flying machines usually use. Where else would you find enough power for those things?"

Quote from: Lenglon on December 02, 2015, 01:19:39 am

"So... you.... want to paint change? That... That is one thing I can provide. Linus? There is a good reason we've been saying that I'm not a beastman. I'm a limited shapeshifter, the only one left of my kind. I've only got a few forms, but..."

"That does sound interesting. If you can provide what you say you can, then it would certainly help cover at least a great part of the cost. It would certainly cover the cost of your stay here for however long it would take me to complete my work. I've never seen anything like that. It sounds like it can be... inspiring."

Quote from: Xantalos on December 02, 2015, 01:54:16 am

Alan coughs up of blood before answering.

"No, I accidentally swallowed a can of Red Bull I accidentally summoned in my throat and I think I tore my throat. Hope you don't mind letting me use your hand again!"

Run over to where the others are and try to use the elf's hand to trigger my vomit reflex so I hopefully vomit the can up. Even if I don't succeed, all the blood I vomit up will tell the others something's wrong with me again!

You... you do realize the elf's hand is not detachable, right? I don't see how you can run to the others while using the elf's hand. I mean, elves are supposed to be light and agile and all that, but I still don't think you're strong enough to carry a person. Well, unless the dice say otherwise. Let's roll and see. Nope, no you're not. Let's just stay you go upstairs and do that with your own hand while the elf gets back to its work.

You run upstairs, put your hand in your throat and proceed to spray bloody vomit along with a tin-can all over the floor. The general barely manages to protect the paintings he has lying on the floor, displaying incredibly quick reflexes as he takes a nearby rag and uses it as a shield.

He makes an exasperated sigh and uses a rag to contain the vomit on the floor..
"Can you please keep an eye on him? Do something about him?"
"If you don't, I will." he adds, rubbing his gloved arm with his other hand, as if it is in pain.
He proceeds to use another rag to start wiping the vomit spray from himself and other surfaces.
"I swear not even the animals here were ever this messy." he mutters to himself.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on December 03, 2015, 09:04:07 am

John looked at Zero quietly for a minute.  "So... once we feel like we've learned enough, this is our ticket out and back home?  Interesting."

He was quiet again for a bit.

"You know, I think I'm going to have to go on another regular mission first.  I don't feel like I am ready yet; I've still got at least one more thing to learn.  After that, I should be good.  So tell me though, Zero; what's the success rate on these missions?  Can you describe any typical ones of the past?  Are you just using us for the real dirty missions on these final challenges?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 03, 2015, 09:14:31 am

((Related entry (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133216.msg6641087#msg6641087) of me being busy :x
Sorry it's taking me so long to do [just about anything] online!))

...Silently review the things that had just happened, and then review the objective that River has mentioned earlier.
Ponder on our current situation progress in achieving said objective. {Recap please? :-X}

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2015, 09:34:44 am

"Seems Alan's got himself an internal boo-boo. Wonder if it's as likely to mess him up as, say, a ruptured colon."

Escort Alan outside and assuage his fears. Hand him off to River, see if he can't do any cool magic to fix him.

Then come right back.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 03, 2015, 10:29:22 am

"A start's a start."
I undress, elevate my flame orb outside slightly and let it disperse, toss my clothes to Nik, make sure I'm clear of people and flammables, and change to full-human, any remaining flames after the change I collect in small orbs that I direct up near the ceiling, and hold my arms out in Nik's direction.
"I'd like my clothes back please."
if/when he returns them to me, I put them back on.
"This is my fully-human form. I haven't been using it because it seems dishonest to let people assume I'm something I'm not. The form I was in earlier was the form I was born in."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on December 03, 2015, 12:24:29 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Sit this guy down. Just using my left hand should be enough.

Edit: After doing that, summon an axe and use a combination of it and the blingcannon to engage Ron in combat.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on December 03, 2015, 01:19:50 pm

(What are my Strength and Constitution scores at? I thought they were three, but I couldn't read my upgrade chart very well.)

Okay, I'm done with guns. Let's rip the top off of this tin can! After pushing the little runt out of the way, first. (Unresolved fight with Saevus, engage)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on December 03, 2015, 02:57:05 pm

Rune pauses, feeling a bit better. He then morphs into a fungiman, imitating those up on stage, and then walks up on stage. And begins screaming at all the fungimen performing.

((Drunkrune is best Rune)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 04, 2015, 01:20:02 am

Loudly recommend the can of Red Bull as I'm lead outside. It's good stuff, I swear.

Try not to choke on my own blood.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 04, 2015, 05:00:14 pm

"Have you heard of fuel, like petrol or ethanol? They use that."
"Sorry about Alan."
Help clean up the mess.
Be clothes rack for Irene.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 04, 2015, 10:53:12 pm

I've got a big thing I need to do by Christmas. I'll try to continue updating the missions until then, but I make no promises about the quantity or quality of the updates.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on December 03, 2015, 09:14:31 am

((Related entry (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133216.msg6641087#msg6641087) of me being busy :x
Sorry it's taking me so long to do [just about anything] online!))

...Silently review the things that had just happened, and then review the objective that River has mentioned earlier.
Ponder on our current situation progress in achieving said objective. {Recap please? :-X}

Short version of recent events is this:
You spent the night camping, waiting for the sandstorm to pass.
When morning came, the team went to the point of light you saw during the night. It turns out it was a small farm with a tower-like building in its centre.
A retired general lives there with his family and a servant. The team has gained information from him as well as a likely location of your target. It might be close to the mountains in the east.
The team is currently trying to buy a map from him, but they lack money. That is why they are instead trying to trade. Irine(Lenglon) has agreed to pose for his paintings as part of the payment for the map.

River wants to find and kill a member of his species who is (according to what he says) a murderer and a traitor. I believe Irine(Lenglon) has more information on the traitor and his abilities but she has not shared all of it with everyone.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 03, 2015, 09:34:44 am

"Seems Alan's got himself an internal boo-boo. Wonder if it's as likely to mess him up as, say, a ruptured colon."

Escort Alan outside and assuage his fears. Hand him off to River, see if he can't do any cool magic to fix him.

Then come right back.

You excuse yourself and get River and Alan outside of the room. Which means going slightly downstairs, since there's no door.
"Wasting time. Healing you. Healing me when you hurt me. Now this human. Should just kill him and take what we want."
He half-growls half-sighs.
"Tired. Helping you is making you weak. Making me weak. I can not keep doing this. Let him help himself or die."

Quote from: Lenglon on December 03, 2015, 10:29:22 am

"A start's a start."
I undress, elevate my flame orb outside slightly and let it disperse, toss my clothes to Nik, make sure I'm clear of people and flammables, and change to full-human, any remaining flames after the change I collect in small orbs that I direct up near the ceiling, and hold my arms out in Nik's direction.
"I'd like my clothes back please."
if/when he returns them to me, I put them back on.
"This is my fully-human form. I haven't been using it because it seems dishonest to let people assume I'm something I'm not. The form I was in earlier was the form I was born in."

"Wait, what are you-" the man says and quickly looks away as you begin undressing. A few seconds later, after his initial surprise has passed, he can't help but look back with some curiosity.
Your transformation happens normally, the usual display of fire followed by discomfort.
"Oh! Oh my! That's certainly something! I can work with that!" he says with some enthusiasm.
"This is my fully-human form. I haven't been using it because it seems dishonest to let people assume I'm something I'm not. The form I was in earlier was the form I was born in."
"Dishonest or not, you should consider it. You know what most of the people living here think about beastmen. A group consisting mostly of humans would be less likely to be harassed."

Quote from: NAV on December 04, 2015, 05:00:14 pm

"Have you heard of fuel, like petrol or ethanol? They use that."
"Sorry about Alan."
Help clean up the mess.
Be clothes rack for Irene.

You use your one good arm to help the man clean up and then act as a coat hanger.
"I have not heard of such things. What are they? Maybe it is something I know but with a different name?"

((You could try giving a more in depth explanation of things to speed things up with this course of inquiry. Assume he's an alien or a child who knows very little about what you're talking about.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 05, 2015, 01:38:41 am

Alan hears River saying everything else but he really only registers the word 'tired'.

He knows how to fix River's tiredness.

Alan help.

"R*gpthluph*ed Bull gibs oo 'ings!"

He can't talk very well around all the blood in his mouth but his enthusiasm is apparent, seemingly having forgotten momentarily about his bleeding esophagus.

This problematic situation where River is seriously contemplating killing me was caused directly by Red Bull, so clearly summoning a gigantic can of Red Bull will fix it!

((If that one theory from a while back was right and River is really the impostor in disguise I'll probably eventually get him to blow his cover via sheer annoyance at this rate.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on December 05, 2015, 01:45:08 am

Quote from: Xantalos on December 05, 2015, 01:38:41 am

He knows how to fix River's tiredness.

Alan help.

((This is one of the few times anything has made me laugh out loud, I have to sig this.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 05, 2015, 02:36:51 am

((Yay, I still got that sig magic!

Really if River weren't so uptight about everything he and Alan would get along a lot better. But Alan's just the type of guy that if you're uptight about anything, he'll unintentionally mash that button constantly and drive you insane over it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 05, 2015, 05:07:48 am

"A decent point, River. My rebuttal: infinite free food and water. Besides, not like you're making yourself particularly useful any other way. Don't need strength to grumble, do you?" Ike says with unquenchable positivity.

If this convinces River (well, either that or the giant can of Red Bull), go back inside. If not, remain here.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 05, 2015, 01:27:23 pm

"Probably so, but what someone does when things are easy isn't what is important. Anyway, um, I have one other form than these two, changing fully into my fox-self. So... Um... Since now you know I'm serious, um, is it an acceptable exchange?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on December 05, 2015, 01:38:06 pm

Team A
"We're going to be stuck here for awhile if this doesn't get resolved soon. Would you be willing to let me into your mind so we can make sure you're telling the truth? If not, I might have to force my way in."
If allowed carefully check her mind, otherwise start working on getting in forcefully.
((its been so long since I've tried to get into a mind I forgot I could use it for anything but figuring out where people are.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Megggas on December 05, 2015, 09:12:13 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 03, 2015, 12:24:29 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Sit this guy down. Just using my left hand should be enough.

Edit: After doing that, summon an axe and use a combination of it and the blingcannon to engage Ron in combat.

Take a few steps back, wish for a bag of popcorn, and enjoy the show.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Peradon on December 06, 2015, 12:30:17 am

This looks interesting. I'll join, if I can.

Power: Lucky duck. Litterally, he's just way too lucky for his own good...

Coincidentially, I'll also be a humanoid duck....

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 06, 2015, 01:13:18 am

Nik looks rather skeptically at Irene. "You sure you want to be harassed? Nothing wrong bit of dishonesty if its for the right reasons, like not being harassed."

He talks again to the General.
"Ethanol is just moonshine, exactly like the stuff I gave you. Good for a lot more than just drinking! Petrol is an oily liquid that they pump up from the ground. It needs some refining to use. Both burn nice."

"I'd need something to draw on to explain how any of this stuff actually works. Or is painting Firefox enough?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 06, 2015, 01:21:04 am

Quote from: NAV on December 06, 2015, 01:13:18 am

Nik looks rather skeptically at Irene. "You sure you want to be harassed? Nothing wrong bit of dishonesty if its for the right reasons, like not being harassed."

"No... I'm not. But I wish I were, so I'm pretending I am."

---

EDIT:quote added to clarify context

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 06, 2015, 08:58:13 pm

((Just a quick one to keep things moving.))

---

Campaign

---

((It appears that you'll stay here then, so I'm probably going to skip ahead for about a day or two in-game time when you're done with everything you feel like doing right now, unless something causes an interrupt. You can think about any actions or general behaviour guidelines you might want to have for that time, if you want.))

Quote from: Xantalos on December 05, 2015, 01:38:41 am

Alan hears River saying everything else but he really only registers the word 'tired'.

He knows how to fix River's tiredness.

Alan help.

"R*gpthluph*ed Bull gibs oo 'ings!"

He can't talk very well around all the blood in his mouth but his enthusiasm is apparent, seemingly having forgotten momentarily about his bleeding esophagus.

This problematic situation where River is seriously contemplating killing me was caused directly by Red Bull, so clearly summoning a gigantic can of Red Bull will fix it!

((If that one theory from a while back was right and River is really the impostor in disguise I'll probably eventually get him to blow his cover via sheer annoyance at this rate.))

You summon a giant can of Red Bull that completely blocks the stairwell, thus isolating you from River and Ike.
Yep. You still got it.

At least the bleeding doesn't feel that bad. Maybe you won't die immediately.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 05, 2015, 05:07:48 am

"A decent point, River. My rebuttal: infinite free food and water. Besides, not like you're making yourself particularly useful any other way. Don't need strength to grumble, do you?" Ike says with unquenchable positivity.

If this convinces River (well, either that or the giant can of Red Bull), go back inside. If not, remain here.

"You are the ones that need that. His food and water. Not me. I can find my own. You need him. You help him. I am not your servant."
Hm. Tough sell. Probably going to take more than that or maybe something else.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 05, 2015, 01:27:23 pm

"Probably so, but what someone does when things are easy isn't what is important. Anyway, um, I have one other form than these two, changing fully into my fox-self. So... Um... Since now you know I'm serious, um, is it an acceptable exchange?"

Quote from: NAV on December 06, 2015, 01:13:18 am

Nik looks rather skeptically at Irene. "You sure you want to be harassed? Nothing wrong bit of dishonesty if its for the right reasons, like not being harassed."

He talks again to the General.
"Ethanol is just moonshine, exactly like the stuff I gave you. Good for a lot more than just drinking! Petrol is an oily liquid that they pump up from the ground. It needs some refining to use. Both burn nice."

"I'd need something to draw on to explain how any of this stuff actually works. Or is painting Firefox enough?"

Quote from: Lenglon on December 06, 2015, 01:21:04 am

Quote from: NAV on December 06, 2015, 01:13:18 am

Nik looks rather skeptically at Irene. "You sure you want to be harassed? Nothing wrong bit of dishonesty if its for the right reasons, like not being harassed."

"No... I'm not. But I wish I were, so I'm pretending I am."

---

EDIT:quote added to clarify context

"Hm. I understand that, even though I might not fully agree. Maybe a lie might be better if it ends up in less people getting hurt.
But who knows. Maybe it will turn out well. Seeing beastmen walking around in scout armour might be enough to confuse people."

"But anyway, yes, that is an acceptable exchange. Share your stories, your drink and your beauty with me, help around the house with the repairs and I'll share with you my food, my water and my home, give you this map and answer your questions as best as I can."

<See? I told you there's bound to be at least some cool people around here. Granted, he does have a way of looking at the world, he seems to severely dislike Alan (I really don't see why) and he might have some weird secret but he seems like a nice guy, at least with you. Who knows? Maybe he's into you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 06, 2015, 09:12:52 pm

"Hmm. Guess I'll have to get someone to drink this for me so I can get it out of the way.
...elf!"

Go get the elf and boost her up to the top of the can so she can drink the Red Bull for me. Maybe ask if she has healing powers too.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 07, 2015, 04:20:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Your allergy to providing anything of any value saves us yet again, River! Keep up the good work!" Ike congratulates the fine fellow.

How giant is this giant can of Red Bull? And could I puncture it with my sword and have a drink?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Illgeo on December 07, 2015, 08:33:27 am

Try to stay know what's happening up there with fireworks. Keep being happy, come closer to fun naked friend.
"Hello, fun naked friend. How are you doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 08, 2015, 05:22:50 pm

I blush slightly when he says beauty.

"Thank you. Um, shall we get started? What do you want me to do and what do you know about that area of bad things our opponent has probably hidden in?"

Am okay with time skip though am curious about the reaction of the human female downstairs to this turn of events.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 10, 2015, 03:12:14 am

Nikolai comms to the entire team.
<The General agreed to give us the map and let us stay here while he draws Irene.>
After a bit of hesitation he says <Or we could mug him and get going already. But I don't think we should do that.>

He comms to River.
<Can you fix my hand any time soon?>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 10, 2015, 09:11:28 am

((I'll assume Theri is with Irine! Inconspicuously?...Thanks Lenglon and the rest for covering deeply for me ._. and especially Parisbre. Thanks GM for running awesomeness! :D))

[...Oh dear, Theri realizes that whatever position she is, she has to have been in the vicinity of NPCs! Erh, will edit when I get my bearings.]

Spoiler: snipped out (click to show/hide)

Assuming Theri is in the same area as Irine:

Knowing her own figure--Theri was a bit scathed at the idea of falling under the category of 'beastman', especially since she mimicked Irine in a less...changeable form.

---

---

((Wait, found where I was! (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6605763#msg6605763) As far as I know, I did not get comms. But I think I got them from River due to recent events o-o))
Noticing Alan's actions, and lacking awareness of everything else, Theri was bothered on the general coordination or cooperation--River seemed a tad bit irate. She moved closer to him.

"I've been silent for the longest time and...I've been wondering if I could help you in any way. I...didn't act much on aiding the rest--and I can't do rapid mending, but if anyone needs medical aid, I can act as a medical aid. Is there anything the others need taken care of, River?"

Try to make River feel better and less annoyed!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2015, 11:42:12 pm

((This is a reminder that I will be busy until Christmas. I'll try to continue making turns in the meantime, but I make no guarantees for quantity or quality.))

Quote from: Beirus on December 03, 2015, 01:54:22 am

Team A, WMD

"Ah, the hell with it. I need a drink. Better have one ready when this is through."

Do the ritual thing.

You grab the knife. It feels oddly warm in your hand.
You consider what you are about to do for a second before using it on what's left of your other arm, cutting a thin gash.
The warmth of the knife spreads inside your wound and throughout your body, just as your blood spreads through the grooves in the knife, clinging to the strange symbols on it. The warmth continues spreading from the wound, reaching your hand and then your head, causing you to relax and feel less tired.
The knife is engulfed by flames and in your surprise you drop it. It disappears a second later.
<Parasitic influence detected. Implementing quarantine...>
The blue glass in your interface is gone. In it's place, only an empty socket of silvery metal is left.

"It is done. Now you are with us.
One of us. Until death. And beyond.
The beginning of our compensation. For the damage you caused.
You may come.
Eline. Open the portal."

A hole in reality appears in the doorway on your left that until recently only lead to empty space. Now the door leads to a dusty room with wooden doors, lit by rays of light escaping through barricaded windows and small holes on the floor.

Also, someone is shouting at you from above, asking to know how you are doing. Or, to be precise, he appears to be talking to his "fun naked friend".

Quote from: Illgeo on December 07, 2015, 08:33:27 am

Try to stay know what's happening up there with fireworks. Keep being happy, come closer to fun naked friend.
"Hello, fun naked friend. How are you doing?"

Big explosions? You don't need superpowers to know what's going on. When things are exploding, it's 90% a player character's doing.
As for coming close to your new friend, you'd have to jump to do that. You could make the jump, but failing it would mean a big drop to to the clouds below. Speaking of which...

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on December 02, 2015, 11:46:32 pm

((Clearly, there is only one way to survive.))

Kosak realized that his death was oncoming. But perhaps he could still live. Or even better...

Kosak used the "interface" to send a telepathic message to his teammates:

<I really do need a drink. Anyway... ARMOK!!!>

Kosak activates Cave-In Meteor. Target- a random direction(hopefully one he intuits booze is in). ARMOK ensues.

...here's an action that is very likely to not end well.

You jump as hard as your injured legs will let you in a random direction. Unfortunately, they can't get you very far. You tumble through the air, smash against a wall, ricochet off it and through the hole in the wall. And then you fall.
You fall and you tumble through the air.
You fall until every reference point around you disappears, until everything is the same clouds everywhere.
And then you keep falling.
You fall until you mercifully lose consciousness from the blood loss and everything turns to darkness.

Remind me to respawn you in the Staging Area if I forget.

---

Quote from: Alarith on December 05, 2015, 01:38:06 pm

Team A
"We're going to be stuck here for awhile if this doesn't get resolved soon. Would you be willing to let me into your mind so we can make sure you're telling the truth? If not, I might have to force my way in."
If allowed carefully check her mind, otherwise start working on getting in forcefully.
((its been so long since I've tried to get into a mind I forgot I could use it for anything but figuring out where people are.))

Both of them look at you. Joanna looks... angry for some reason? No wait, she looks surprised. But she feels angry. Kinda confusing when you have multiple senses telling you different things. Both of them look surprised, although probably for different reasons.
"I-I can't let you into my mind."
"You can and you will!"
"No! I literally can't! It's just the way it works."
"I don't care! Try, damn it!"
"..."
"A-allright. I'll try."
The woman closes her eyes and tries to slow her breathing, although the occasional sob interrupts her.
An amorphous mass of psychic energy appears in place of the void that until recently occupied the woman's head. You touch it and try to interface with it, understand it, work your way inside it. It shies away from your touch, but it doesn't vanish. Soon, with a bit of work, you have gained access and have began working on understanding it.

It is a hard process. Everything is too... blurry. Not very well defined. Like watching an old and degraded videotape or a television with bad reception. You manage to work your way through the problem and towards the subject that interests you. From the looks of it, it must be OK. You sense that she is telling the truth the safety of taking the portal. And that even though she's very scared, it doesn't look like she's making any particularly malicious thoughts or plans about you.

The connection is blurry. There might be some detail you're missing. And it's hard to get an overall picture about who she is. But it looks safe.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on December 06, 2015, 09:12:52 pm

"Hmm. Guess I'll have to get someone to drink this for me so I can get it out of the way.
...elf!"

Go get the elf and boost her up to the top of the can so she can drink the Red Bull for me. Maybe ask if she has healing powers too.

If you or anyone else could reach the top of the can, then it wouldn't have completely blocked the stairs, now would it?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 07, 2015, 04:20:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Your allergy to providing anything of any value saves us yet again, River! Keep up the good work!" Ike congratulates the fine fellow.

How giant is this giant can of Red Bull? And could I puncture it with my sword and have a drink?

River just growls something at you.

It's bigger than you. Imagine a relatively spacious spiral staircase. Now imagine a can big enough to block it completely. So it's gotta be about... 3 metres?

You could stab it, yes. The question is, would you want to?

Quote from: Lenglon on December 08, 2015, 05:22:50 pm

I blush slightly when he says beauty.

"Thank you. Um, shall we get started? What do you want me to do and what do you know about that area of bad things our opponent has probably hidden in?"

Am okay with time skip though am curious about the reaction of the human female downstairs to this turn of events.

"Well... give me some time to organize the others in your group, see if they can handle some of the more immediate repairs. If they can't then I'll have to ensure those get finished first. I also have to... do something for me. And inform the others here about our arrangement. Then we can talk and I can think and prepare for our work together."
As he talks, he lights a small fire with a muttered spell takes a few leaves and begins heating them in a small container with a curved top, like a mini distiller.
((Sorry. Can't really think right now. I'll probably give you a better answer later.))

It's probably not going to be very nice.

Quote from: NAV on December 10, 2015, 03:12:14 am

Nikolai comms to the entire team.
<The General agreed to give us the map and let us stay here while he draws Irene.>
After a bit of hesitation he says <Or we could mug him and get going already. But I don't think we should do that.>

He comms to River.
<Can you fix my hand any time soon?>

<No. You hurt it. You fix it, if you want it soon. Otherwise, you wait.>
There is silence for a few seconds. Then River speaks again, this time sounding less angry.
<Come here. I will have a look at it. Maybe there is something I can do.>

Quote from: Tiruin on December 10, 2015, 09:11:28 am

((I'll assume Theri is with Irine! Inconspicuously?...Thanks Lenglon and the rest for covering deeply for me ._. and especially Parisbre. Thanks GM for running awesomeness! :D))

[...Oh dear, Theri realizes that whatever position she is, she has to have been in the vicinity of NPCs! Erh, will edit when I get my bearings.]

Spoiler: snipped out (click to show/hide)

Assuming Theri is in the same area as Irine:

Knowing her own figure--Theri was a bit scathed at the idea of falling under the category of 'beastman', especially since she mimicked Irine in a less...changeable form.

---

---

((Wait, found where I was! (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6605763#msg6605763) As far as I know, I did not get comms. But I think I got them from River due to recent events o-o))
Noticing Alan's actions, and lacking awareness of everything else, Theri was bothered on the general coordination or cooperation--River seemed a tad bit irate. She moved closer to him.

"I've been silent for the longest time and...I've been wondering if I could help you in any way. I...didn't act much on aiding the rest--and I can't do rapid mending, but if anyone needs medical aid, I can act as a medical aid. Is there anything the others need taken care of, River?"

Try to make River feel better and less annoyed!

You grab River by the shoulder and rub it a bit in a friendly manner as you ask your question. He visibly relaxes as you do so and exhales audibly.
"Thank you. They keep getting hurt. They do not understand healing is not easy."
"It is good to have someone who helps me."
He lifts the giant can Alan summoned out of the way to allow the two of you to get to him and examine his injuries.

To save time, after examination and with River's help you discover the following.
Alan: minor bleeding in the oesophagus.
Nikolai: fractured palm, pain and loss of sensation at tip of fingers of same hand, darker colouration of tip of fingers of the same hand. River says it's infected. He keeps staring at Nikolai and his hand.

I don't really know how those things are supposed to be treated beyond "go to a hospital" and I don't have time to research. If you don't know either and it comes down to it, I'll probably just do a medic roll with some bonuses and keep it vague. Unless you decide to use magic or ask River to help.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 10, 2015, 11:50:57 pm

"We should bring up the can to the guy doing painting stuff to the pyromaniac fox girl. He needs to know that it's a good substance! It'll help him paint better.

Well, it's either that or I wanna drink it and I don't think that'd be a super idea to do.
...
I'm sure it can't have any negative consequences, know what I'm saying?"

If I can get to the top of the can with it being moved, do so and try to open and drink it. If not, wheedle at Ike to help me move it so I can get at it until he acquiesces.

Be reasonably cooperative with my medical treatment.

((No problem dude, we're all having fun here probably. Except for River, who I half expect to try to shank Rhymerer when we get back.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 11, 2015, 12:35:16 am

Fun fact: The can weighs nearly 7000 pounds.

"Thanks. I owe you one."
Get healed.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 11, 2015, 12:40:29 am

((That says scary things about how strong River is. Maybe I shouldn't be irritating him as much as I am.
...
Nah, it'll be fine :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 11, 2015, 05:35:25 am

Quote from: NAV on December 11, 2015, 12:35:16 am

Fun fact: The can weighs nearly 7000 pounds.

Heh, maybe I should remind people River can probably crush people's heads more often. Because really, that's how the bonuses work, at least for some stats. At +2 strength and a 6, you'd have no  problem lifting a car loaded with heavy objects for a few seconds. Not throw it, but probably move it out of the way or drop it on someone from an overpass. At 5 and with a light empty car, they could probably throw it a bit.

That's a big advantage strength-using characters have over non-strength-using ones. A strong character with a good weapon could tear almost everything apart. I mean, look at salsacookies' character. He's so reality-bending-ly strong he can level large buildings with a good roll. Pure dex characters on the other hand rely mostly on the strength of their weapon, because even if they're really accurate and get a critical hit, their weapon can still do only so much damage.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 11, 2015, 06:42:26 am

Help Alan with his bleeding through the vaunted magic of Red Bull.

Maybe consider how exactly one would address bleeding in the esophagus in the meantime, as I really don't want to stick my hand down his throat.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 11, 2015, 06:56:37 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2015, 11:42:12 pm

((This is a reminder that I will be busy until Christmas. I'll try to continue making turns in the meantime, but I make no guarantees for quantity or quality.))[...]
Nikolai: fractured palm, pain and loss of sensation at tip of fingers of same hand, darker colouration of tip of fingers of the same hand. River says it's infected. He keeps staring at Nikolai and his hand.

I don't really know how those things are supposed to be treated beyond "go to a hospital" and I don't have time to research. If you don't know either and it comes down to it, I'll probably just do a medic roll with some bonuses and keep it vague. Unless you decide to use magic or ask River to help.

((Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year~ I wish you well, for a Brighter Future! :D))
[Alright, it is possible to treat Nikolai's injury- wait let me IC this.]

---

---

Theri gave River a :-\ as she listened, with her mind pondering what she heard based on what she knew. She knew a bit of medical aid given her training in physical combat.

Hmm, Nikolai can be treated--depending solely on the amount of damage the hand has received; if it's a deep fracture to the bone--considering the many bones the hand has--it'll be...difficult, to say the least, considering our methods, sans non-physical alternatives...how I wish I learned other ways. Possible blood clot or lack of blood supply may lead to the discoloration--the lack of pain and loss may indicate nerve damage, or the blood supply thing. I should've looked at it when I had a chance back when I was...being forgetfully unaware. What's happening to me?

Mhh. Alan is unsure. It'll heal in time but 'minor bleeding' is a very subjective thing. And where in the esophagus? The upper thirds are more voluntary than involuntary muscle and...I can't tend to that at all without knowing what's the cause. Must get back to Nikolai.

"Thanks River, and put in mind that everyone here wants to help you. They're just...quirky at times." Theri added a smile to the end, putting a chirpy emphasis on 'quirky'. She made sure to lower her voice for the next part: "I'll get with Nikolai and help out Irine. There seems to be something with my memory but I can only recall bits and pieces of the recent time. Maybe she will need my help too--please take care River."

Get to Nikolai's area and close the door behind me! (as I believe Irine and Nik are both in the same room with the General). Admire surroundings-in-context upon entry, and be respectful.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on December 11, 2015, 08:53:43 am

Team A
"I'm sorry I had to do that. I've seen enough though. We should go through the portal together."
Let's get moving.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on December 11, 2015, 10:21:19 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 11, 2015, 05:35:25 am

Quote from: NAV on December 11, 2015, 12:35:16 am

Fun fact: The can weighs nearly 7000 pounds.

Heh, maybe I should remind people River can probably crush people's heads more often. Because really, that's how the bonuses work, at least for some stats. At +2 strength and a 6, you'd have no  problem lifting a car loaded with heavy objects for a few seconds. Not throw it, but probably move it out of the way or drop it on someone from an overpass. At 5 and with a light empty car, they could probably throw it a bit.

That's a big advantage strength-using characters have over non-strength-using ones. A strong character with a good weapon could tear almost everything apart. I mean, look at salsacookies' character. He's so reality-bending-ly strong he can level large buildings with a good roll. Pure dex characters on the other hand rely mostly on the strength of their weapon, because even if they're really accurate and get a critical hit, their weapon can still do only so much damage.

((So Saevus' blasts are around 7-10 on the strength scale? Since I launched cars all the way to the clouds (and took out a building back in the tournament).))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: crazyabe on December 11, 2015, 12:38:54 pm

((When you consider that I could Slash a Bullet in two... Thats when you find out the use of Dex...))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 13, 2015, 10:50:10 pm

Quote from: Alarith on December 11, 2015, 08:53:43 am

Team A
"I'm sorry I had to do that. I've seen enough though. We should go through the portal together."
Let's get moving.

"Just... please don't make me do that again."
The two of you step onto the transportation circle. Nothing happens.
She kneels down and uses some of the blood coming from her wounds to smear the circle with her blood, letting it seep into the carvings.
"Okay... here we go."
"I'm giving you 5 minutes. If you're not back by then, I'm finding my own way out of here."
She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and is about to say something. She hesitates for a moment before finally speaking, slowly and clearly.
"Sanguine. Esto. Domus."
The moment she finishes speaking, the circle bursts into flames. Deep red flames that create a giant wall around you, trapping you. But strangely not burning you. There is an unnatural feeling, as if there is no gravity, as if you are falling in a bumpy waterslide. And then the walls recede, setting you free and spitting you out of the circle.

Beyond is a wooden room, mostly empty save for a few cabinets and glass display cases holding strange supplies like bones and feathers. The floor of the room is dominated by circles carved out of the wood and displaying unknown symbols. Some of them are quite large.

There's four exits out of the room, one on each side. One is a large armoured double door with innumerable symbols carved on it. The one opposite from it is quite smaller but still looks important somehow. You think you can feel a presence behind it, but you aren't sure. It's too faint. The other two doors are simple wooden doors, there's nothing special about them.

"Please. No more. I'm not feeling very well. I think I've lost too much blood. Just... just need some time to rest."

---

OOC

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 11, 2015, 10:21:19 am

((So Saevus' blasts are around 7-10 on the strength scale? Since I launched cars all the way to the clouds (and took out a building back in the tournament).))

I think I told you that you'd trade precision for extra power when you were making your character. It doesn't matter that much when you're hitting large targets like Nick, but unless you're close, humans are not that easy. Well, at least they weren't. You've gotten a lot of upgrades since then.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on December 15, 2015, 09:10:30 am

"You have three minutes to rest. Then we need to get Joanna."
Check what's outside each door, see if there's something I can patch the person up with.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on December 15, 2015, 12:17:57 pm

((Darn, thought I posted.))

Team A?, WMD

Go through the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 15, 2015, 12:40:06 pm

I watch and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 17, 2015, 09:53:44 pm

---

Campaign

---

I'm going to timeskip to the next in game day next turn. Next turn will probably happen Sunday when I'll hopefully be done with the stuff I'm doing. If you want to do something or learn something during that time, say so.

Also, unless you indicate otherwise, I'm going to assume you'll be fine with staying in the rooms assigned to you (which for Alan will be a "special room reserved for their finest guests" that just so happens to be a wooden shack instead of inside the tower) (gonna have Irine with Theri and Ike with Nikolai and Zechariah unless there are other preferences), you'll be fine with helping around with the work the General assigns to you and otherwise follow his instructions, will be fine with having dinner with him and not snooping around or otherwise trying to explore or steal or whatever.

I might end up doing it in two parts, one until the night falls and one until morning comes, both to make it easier on me and to give you a chance to interrupt or do additional things.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 10, 2015, 11:50:57 pm

"We should bring up the can to the guy doing painting stuff to the pyromaniac fox girl. He needs to know that it's a good substance! It'll help him paint better.

Well, it's either that or I wanna drink it and I don't think that'd be a super idea to do.
...
I'm sure it can't have any negative consequences, know what I'm saying?"

If I can get to the top of the can with it being moved, do so and try to open and drink it. If not, wheedle at Ike to help me move it so I can get at it until he acquiesces.

Be reasonably cooperative with my medical treatment.

((No problem dude, we're all having fun here probably. Except for River, who I half expect to try to shank Rhymerer when we get back.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 11, 2015, 06:42:26 am

Help Alan with his bleeding through the vaunted magic of Red Bull.

Maybe consider how exactly one would address bleeding in the esophagus in the meantime, as I really don't want to stick my hand down his throat.

No clue. Kiss it to make it better?

And sure, you help Alan lower the giant can to the floor (it might be heavy, but you're not lifting, merely carefully tipping) and open it without spilling it everywhere. Not sure if getting Alan caffeinated and even more hyperactive (http://youtu.be/weMpv14cW9U) is such a good idea...

Quote from: Lenglon on December 15, 2015, 12:40:06 pm

I watch and wait.

He continues heating the container until it starts releasing a very sweet smell along with a bit of steam.
He sits on a chair and applies the few drops of liquid that have condensed on the container's nozzle to his eyes before closing them, leaning backwards and exhaling in relief.
"Oh... Okay. So what were we talking about again? Oh, right, your destination. I have a minimap around here somewhere. Made it myself from dust from the Judgment Stone itself. I can use it to show you the area in more detail. I'll also tell you what I know about it, but it's mostly ancient history and rumors. I don't know how useful it will be."

Quote from: Tiruin on December 11, 2015, 06:56:37 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 10, 2015, 11:42:12 pm

((This is a reminder that I will be busy until Christmas. I'll try to continue making turns in the meantime, but I make no guarantees for quantity or quality.))[...]
Nikolai: fractured palm, pain and loss of sensation at tip of fingers of same hand, darker colouration of tip of fingers of the same hand. River says it's infected. He keeps staring at Nikolai and his hand.

I don't really know how those things are supposed to be treated beyond "go to a hospital" and I don't have time to research. If you don't know either and it comes down to it, I'll probably just do a medic roll with some bonuses and keep it vague. Unless you decide to use magic or ask River to help.

((Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year~ I wish you well, for a Brighter Future! :D))
[Alright, it is possible to treat Nikolai's injury- wait let me IC this.]

---

---

Theri gave River a :-\ as she listened, with her mind pondering what she heard based on what she knew. She knew a bit of medical aid given her training in physical combat.

Hmm, Nikolai can be treated--depending solely on the amount of damage the hand has received; if it's a deep fracture to the bone--considering the many bones the hand has--it'll be...difficult, to say the least, considering our methods, sans non-physical alternatives...how I wish I learned other ways. Possible blood clot or lack of blood supply may lead to the discoloration--the lack of pain and loss may indicate nerve damage, or the blood supply thing. I should've looked at it when I had a chance back when I was...being forgetfully unaware. What's happening to me?

Mhh. Alan is unsure. It'll heal in time but 'minor bleeding' is a very subjective thing. And where in the esophagus? The upper thirds are more voluntary than involuntary muscle and...I can't tend to that at all without knowing what's the cause. Must get back to Nikolai.

"Thanks River, and put in mind that everyone here wants to help you. They're just...quirky at times." Theri added a smile to the end, putting a chirpy emphasis on 'quirky'. She made sure to lower her voice for the next part: "I'll get with Nikolai and help out Irine. There seems to be something with my memory but I can only recall bits and pieces of the recent time. Maybe she will need my help too--please take care River."

Get to Nikolai's area and close the door behind me! (as I believe Irine and Nik are both in the same room with the General). Admire surroundings-in-context upon entry, and be respectful.

((Thanks. You too! To everyone here, really. I don't say this enough, but I really like you guys and girls over here. You're very fun and good and you give me one more reason to smile during the day. Ib like making stories with you and I hope we'll continue to do so and that I'll be able to post more often.))

"I will try. Thank you. And... I am here. I mean, if you need me for anything."

The room Irine and the General are in is one big room at the top of the stairwell, converted into a work area. It has cupboards filled with things both mundane (like cloth, herbs, wood, nails and other supplies) and magical (identified by their distinctive glow). At its centre is a large table, large enough to comfortably fit two or three people lying down on it.  There's a window in each of its four walls. One window is surrounded by painting supplies and a painting of the view from that window at different times of day or with different subjects. The strokes on the painting look small and pointy, as if they were made with great speed, with old strokes blending with new ones of a different colour, mixing on the canvas. There are also various work tables with half finished projects and tools on them, one for stone work, another for wood work... All in all, it looks like the General has decided to work on creating during his retirement, creating works that please him and works he could sell to feed himself and his family.

Irine is standing closer to the General who is currently sitting on a chair and relaxing.

There is not a door in this room but there is a hatch that can be used to cover the stairs you came through. You could close that if you wished.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 18, 2015, 01:07:50 am

During the time skipped day, Alan will drink an absolute crapton of the red bull, collect as much as he can in various containers around the place, and try his best to push it on ... the guy. Whatever his name is. He needs Red Bull, so decrees Alan.

And Alan's actions aside from accidentally almost killing myself/other people in amusing and accidental ways will mostly consist of running around being even more Alanish than usual due to all the stimulants and probably randomly exploring around looking for interesting things. He'll be fine with helping the guy with work or whatever but he'll very easily get bored and wander off.

Maybe try to feed the elf some Red Bull too.

If he finds anything interesting he'll nab it but not outright steal it, he'd just end up wandering around playing with it. He'll probably end up getting banned from any breakable thing places, just as a prediction.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 18, 2015, 01:20:35 am

((You forgot to mention River's resting location if one is made for him.))
skip is fine. sleeping arrangements are mostly fine, but would insist that everyone gets a place to rest, wouldn't accept excluding River. would explore if left unattended, mostly to satisfy curiosity. would not steal. people-watching is also an interest. would generally follow directions, but would ask why of them whilst doing so.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 18, 2015, 06:47:04 am

Eleri casually examines the magical items in the room, doing her best not to disturb Irine's poise and the General's focus.

Timeskip is alright; also insist (to) River (that he) gets the same quality rest we do. Explore the area along with Irine if able--doing the same measures of non-transferable possession of item rules. Get to know the General more, and ask a hypothetical question on if ever he has any ideas that would help manhunts [and then subtly add more details that would parallel our goal in that hypothetical questioning]

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2015, 01:01:35 pm

WORK. TOIL. OBEY.

Or something like that, anyway. Maybe spend some time explaining the magic of electromagnetism to somebody who cares to listen, like Alan for instance.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 18, 2015, 04:25:37 pm

Get hand fixed hopefully by someone who knows what they're doing.
Ask to use the Generals tools and try to make some armour from that giant can.
In general help out be respectful earn my keep.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on December 22, 2015, 12:56:07 pm

Stab an unsuspecting, fleshy opponent with whatever plasmid I grab hold of, and inject him. ATTEMPT RESTRAINT!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 22, 2015, 10:48:29 pm

Quote from: Alarith on December 15, 2015, 09:10:30 am

"You have three minutes to rest. Then we need to get Joanna."
Check what's outside each door, see if there's something I can patch the person up with.

"You have three minutes to rest. Then we need to get Joanna." you inform her.
"OK." she sighs the response and allows herself to fall to the floor, her injury the fact that her hands are handcuffed behind her back making her fall rather ungraceful. She stays there, looking down.
You look around the room for something to bind her injuries and spot a red strip of cloth in one of the cases. You grab it and start working on binding the bullet hole in her leg. It should help keep her alive a bit longer.
"Thank you." she says quietly.
She raises her head to look at you directly.
"You can't win. He will kill you. You should just leave. While you still can."
You pause your work for a second and look back at her. You can't sense her mind, but she looks sincerely concerned.
"You don't have to do this. Don't throw your life away. I can get you out of here. I don't know much about the circles but I've studied them enough to know how to get you back."

When you're done treating her, you make your way to the large armoured double doors. You try to pull them open but they won't budge.
"Nobody is allowed in there except for him. There's no way you can enter."
You try the two normal-looking doors next.

One leads to what looks like a storage room or armoury. It's a long hallway with varying equipment from a set of medieval armour complete with a sword to a modern handgun to a case of alcohol or fine fabrics or precious gems. Something feels wrong about that room. You can't help but feel a hint of fear as you open it, as if something is telling your subconscious that there is danger here.

Opposite to that door is a door leading to a lavish bedroom, silky red sheets covering a large bed surrounded by red drapes. You guess from the clothing and the other objects inside it that it belongs to a woman. There's another two doors there and behind one of them you feel a powerful psychic presence. The strength of its emotions hit you like the voice of a screaming man. Impatience mixed with a sort of mad joy. This room must be somehow isolated from the other.

You try the final door. Beyond it is a small hallway leading to another room. You can hear voices behind it. You can also sense two people, their feelings are faint, but their presence is there. It feels important somehow. They are joined by a third psychic presence, one that suddenly appears in there, as if it materialized out of thin air. This one is filled with a mix of fear, surprise and a bit of pain. Feels familiar somehow.

Quote from: Beirus on December 15, 2015, 12:17:57 pm

((Darn, thought I posted.))

Team A?, WMD

Go through the portal.

You go through the portal and into the office beyond, the portal disappearing behind you, replaced by a door leading to a small staircase. It's not very big, its emptiness makes it feel bigger than it is. The largest part of it is made up of a dark circle carved into the floor and filled with indecipherable symbols arranged in spiralling fractal patterns. Unlike the floor around it, it remains completely unharmed. The rest of the room is taken up by a bookcase, a drink cabinet and a large imposing desk. There's another door, this one closed.

Behind the large imposing desk you see a small old man dressed in expensive-looking red silk robe. He's sitting on a wheelchair, completely unmoving. In the dim light of this room Besides him is standing a woman, her right hand on the man's left shoulder. She's wearing quite revealing red clothing and has a red strip of cloth tied around her eyes, like a blindfold.

"Good. You are here." you hear a voice coming from the man.
"You can see. Drinks are available. As promised." the voice continues. You're not sure if he's being serious or not. The man is not moving his mouth, or anything at all, but it still sounds and feels like the voice is coming from him.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on December 03, 2015, 09:04:07 am

John looked at Zero quietly for a minute.  "So... once we feel like we've learned enough, this is our ticket out and back home?  Interesting."

He was quiet again for a bit.

"You know, I think I'm going to have to go on another regular mission first.  I don't feel like I am ready yet; I've still got at least one more thing to learn.  After that, I should be good.  So tell me though, Zero; what's the success rate on these missions?  Can you describe any typical ones of the past?  Are you just using us for the real dirty missions on these final challenges?"

"You know, I think I'm going to have to go on another regular mission first.  I don't feel like I am ready yet; I've still got at least one more thing to learn.  After that, I should be good."
 : I agree. Not doing the challenge now is preferable, until the situation changes. :
"So tell me though, Zero; what's the success rate on these missions?"
 : Survival rate depends on what the entity desires most out of their players and out of their challenge. Entities that believe their player holds value for whatever reason are more likely to give them challenges they believe their player can handle or symbolic challenges.
Entities that are desperate or value the opportunity the final challenge provides them to operate outside of the established rules and agreements and are more likely to push their players. A player might expire, but their mission could still be a success and that is what matters in the end.
There are outliers. Some entities may be in the games for pleasure or compensation or simply not care. However if you care only about the numerical average then that is approximately 68.6%. :
"Can you describe any typical ones of the past?"
 : Details are not widely available, however I am aware of some.
Hassan was used by Kathryn to acquire something of importance to Rook. I do not know what it was, but it was an S0 unit that oversaw the transfer of ransom for its return. Rook left the games soon after.
Redwing tried to assault a Core World belonging to Scion, attempting to defeat one of her avatars. My estimate is that he was trying to use his abilities and the special provisions of final challenges to acquire sensitive information from her. She paraded what was left of his body here, gloating about her victory and how his soul was now hers.
Victor was used by Charlie to intervene in a challenge directly in an attempt to influence its outcome to his favour. He manipulated and evaded the other players in an attempt to fulfil his objectives. :
"Are you just using us for the real dirty missions on these final challenges?"
 : Define 'real dirty'. During your time in the games you have done things that could be judged as good or bad or irrelevant. Depending on the events in question and the morals used, different conclusions can be reached. Do you expect the final challenge to be any different? Are the laws and agreements of entities any more important to you than the laws of humans you have broken? Or are you afraid of grudges and retribution? :

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on December 03, 2015, 02:57:05 pm

Rune pauses, feeling a bit better. He then morphs into a fungiman, imitating those up on stage, and then walks up on stage. And begins screaming at all the fungimen performing.

((Drunkrune is best Rune))

You invent Saloon Metal. It's a poetic form originating in the Staging Area, intended to teach a moral lesson about drunkenness. Use of synchysis and vivid imagery is characteristic of the form.

Quote from: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Quote from: Salsacookies on December 03, 2015, 01:19:50 pm

(What are my Strength and Constitution scores at? I thought they were three, but I couldn't read my upgrade chart very well.)

Okay, I'm done with guns. Let's rip the top off of this tin can! After pushing the little runt out of the way, first. (Unresolved fight with Saevus, engage)

You've got two strength upgrades, one endurance upgrade and three ability upgrades.

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 03, 2015, 12:24:29 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Sit this guy down. Just using my left hand should be enough.

Edit: After doing that, summon an axe and use a combination of it and the blingcannon to engage Ron in combat.

The three of you do your best impression of one of those cartoon fight clouds.
Wait, where did that cat came from?

Quote from: Megggas on December 05, 2015, 09:12:13 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 03, 2015, 12:24:29 pm

Quote from: crazyabe on December 03, 2015, 11:49:22 am

"MODI!"
I Jump around Punching and Kicking people in the face.

Sit this guy down. Just using my left hand should be enough.

Edit: After doing that, summon an axe and use a combination of it and the blingcannon to engage Ron in combat.

Take a few steps back, wish for a bag of popcorn, and enjoy the show.

[insert popcorn gif here]

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on December 02, 2015, 11:48:22 pm

"Well actually that was my question.  So which one of you was it anyway?"

"Does it matter? It's highly unlikely you'd know any of us." he says, his shrug distorted by a shoe flying through him.

---

Campaign

---

After recovering, the general spends some time talking to his wife, convincing her that you are skilled labourers that can help with the repairs in exchange for food and shelter and that you are good people and that your help is valuable. She doesn't appear to be very happy about the matter or even just a tiny bit convinced, but she seems to decide to stop complaining about it.

That done, he spends some time coordinating with you, assigning rooms and jobs. River, seeing Irine and Theri worry about him and where he will rest, requests that he sleeps in the same room as them instead of sleeping outside as he originally planned. Once everyone has a general idea about what they've agreed upon and what they're supposed to do, you get to work.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 18, 2015, 01:07:50 am

During the time skipped day, Alan will drink an absolute crapton of the red bull, collect as much as he can in various containers around the place, and try his best to push it on ... the guy. Whatever his name is. He needs Red Bull, so decrees Alan.

And Alan's actions aside from accidentally almost killing myself/other people in amusing and accidental ways will mostly consist of running around being even more Alanish than usual due to all the stimulants and probably randomly exploring around looking for interesting things. He'll be fine with helping the guy with work or whatever but he'll very easily get bored and wander off.

Maybe try to feed the elf some Red Bull too.

If he finds anything interesting he'll nab it but not outright steal it, he'd just end up wandering around playing with it. He'll probably end up getting banned from any breakable thing places, just as a prediction.

You spend a large amount of time emptying the giant can of red bull into whatever empty container you can find, buckets, jars, jugs, bowls, your mouth... Predictably, with your hyper-caffeinated shaking hands, you manage to break a few plates while raiding the kitchen for containers. And the general's wife is not very happy when she finds you in the kitchen among a pile of ceramic shards. She alternates from screaming to crying and back to screaming at you while you bumble around, moving your containers to wherever.

The general arrives soon after, spends some time hugging and comforting his wife, repairs a broken plate with magic. And then he tells you to find someone else to bother and locks you out of the house. How rude. But his suggestion is not half-bad. There must be other people around here you can bother. Like the elf! You run around for a while, trying to bother the elf, but to your dismay you discover that Terrevieve left for the east as soon as the cart was loaded and prepared.

You resign and go around, asking Ike and the others for something to do. You are given critically essential tasks, such as looking for spare bubbles for a spirit level, obtaining a container of elbow grease or acquiring a left-handed hammer.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 18, 2015, 01:01:35 pm

WORK. TOIL. OBEY.

Or something like that, anyway. Maybe spend some time explaining the magic of electromagnetism to somebody who cares to listen, like Alan for instance.

You spend most of your time going about, completing the various tasks the general has assigned to you. It's mostly menial work. Repairing the fence, removing barricades from windows, checking buildings for damage, cleaning dust from inside the house, returning paintings and furniture to their proper places from where they were sheltered... A point of interest is when you are cleaning the garden, removing the dust from the plants there. The garden is watered by a semi-magical pump, turned on by touching two grey stones together, which in turn activates something that looks like a steam engine without steam.

The other members of the family seem to keep their distance from you. Not from you specifically, but from everyone. The wife certainly doesn't like you and she does her best to keep her children away from you. The most you get out of her is some instructions about how to do things and where to put stuff. And the general is mostly preoccupied with his work with Irine, so beyond some questions and clarifications about your assignments, you don't get too much time to talk to him during the day.

Overall, the work goes well. A bit tiring, but not very demanding. If it wasn't for Alan, it might have actually gotten a bit boring.

Quote from: NAV on December 18, 2015, 04:25:37 pm

Get hand fixed hopefully by someone who knows what they're doing.
Ask to use the Generals tools and try to make some armour from that giant can.
In general help out be respectful earn my keep.

Theri treats your hand with River's help and some materials provided by the general, immobilizing it so that the bone can mend properly and hopefully treating whatever blockage or infection was there. You try not to think about it too much. Unfortunately, it's not an instantaneous magical healing, so you don't regain use of your hand. Not until it has had sufficient time to heal.

You approach the general and ask for permission to use his tools to work on literal tin-can armour. First he questions how the can got there in the first place and then he questions how you intended to work on it with only one hand. He laughs at your suggestion that you can use it to make good armour, but allows you to use his tools anyway, as long as you don't break them and don't use up any important supplies. Unfortunately, given that everyone else is busy with their own things, you don't find anyone willing to help you. And you don't want to risk doing this on your own. Maybe tomorrow...

With nothing to do on the matter, you join the others and try to help in whatever way you can. Your work mostly consists of hauling things around for others or helping with the animals. You learn that they are apparently semi-magical creatures, feeding on the flow of fire magic. The large things are kinda like hairless cows, although they don't produce much milk, it doesn't taste as good and the males can apparently spit tiny amounts of fire, which Alan gets to experience first hand when he tries messing with them. At least they didn't kick him too hard when he pulled one of their tails, then you'd be dealing with more broken bones instead of some bruises.

You spend a good chunk of time from your lunch break and dinner discussing science with the general. It's mostly you and Ike explaining some concepts to him. He tends to assume many things are based on magic, displaying some resistance when you suggest that things such as fire or lightning are not actually the results of magic. Especially when he can just demonstrate that you are not entirely correct with a snap of his fingers. He comes to the conclusion that what you are describing is merely another form of magic and after a while you give up trying to convince him it's otherwise.

Still, he seems quick to understand things and how they work or how they can be used, once they are put into words and concepts he is familiar with. Even when he doesn't understand something fully, he seems to be able to quickly come to conclusions about how something works and how it can be used to accomplish something. Your explanations take considerably less time than you anticipated, although you aren't certain of how much use they will be to him.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 18, 2015, 01:20:35 am

((You forgot to mention River's resting location if one is made for him.))
skip is fine. sleeping arrangements are mostly fine, but would insist that everyone gets a place to rest, wouldn't accept excluding River. would explore if left unattended, mostly to satisfy curiosity. would not steal. people-watching is also an interest. would generally follow directions, but would ask why of them whilst doing so.

The general wastes no time in beginning to work with you. You aren't certain if it's because of inspiration or because he anticipated how little time he'd end up having. Various interruptions mean he doesn't end up getting as much done as he had hoped to. Or at least that's what he states close to the end of the day, when he stops working and invites all of you for dinner with him and his family.

Most of your work consists of you manipulating the fire he generates for you in certain ways, either following his instructions or letting you take the initiative. You assume he's looking for interesting patterns, which you are more than happy to provide. He doesn't seem to like people looking at his work before it's finished (with the exception of his son who sometimes comes upstairs and curiously peers at you and his work), but you do take a peek when he's not looking. From the looks of it, he is mostly working on backgrounds, lighting and patterns, along with some sketches of you in various poses. You're not sure if this is a warm up, a preparation of a background or merely a more abstract work.

He doesn't seem to mind talking when he works. In fact he seems to enjoy telling stories, especially whenever his son comes around to watch him work. So you and Theri learn a few things about him and the world.

Spoiler: The Origin of the Name/The Story of the Two Reapers (click to show/hide)

He says this place is called Godstone Fortress named after the hill itself which is also called Godstone. Legend says that the name came from the way it was created, when two sibling gods, the two Reapers, Time and Death, made a bet. They were walking around, arguing about which of the two was the greatest. Death said she was the greatest, for there was no man safe from her. But Time said that he was even greater, for while Death could claim the lives of men, Time could claim man's work, the things men claimed made them immortal, the things that taunted Death with their ability to give men life beyond her. Time, he said, would eventually claim everything.

Seeing no way to resolve their disagreement with words, they picked up a stone and let it fall on the earth, betting on who could have its followers claim it first, saying that the one who managed to do so would be victorious. Time laughed. He thought his victory assured, for Death's domain was not over the elements. So Time took his time and rather than expending effort, he waited for the Wind, Water and the Fire of the Sun to claim the rock for him. Death on the other hand worked quickly and quietly, killing an emperor and setting her minions on his empire. The empire was broken into pieces and fighting broke out, soldiers for each piece seeking places of importance. Soldiers came to claim the hill, digging a fortress here partially under Death's influence, which she claimed was a victory for her. For who is a bigger follower of Death than a soldier, one whose job is to reap lives? Time, of course, disagreed.

The two once again couldn't come to an agreement, so they went to Dauros, who was known for being a fair god and one whose judgement they trusted. They explained the situation to him and asked that he declare a winner. Dauros stroked his beard and after some thought, he decreed that Death's minions would attack the fortress and attempt to capture it. If she won and her minions took the fortress, then she could truly claim it was hers. If however she lost, the Time would claim the stone as his, to be reaped at his leisure and with the help of the Elements, as he originally planned.

Death brought forth every fell creature in her disposal, skeletal behemoths and the souls of the damned all howling and pounding at the stone. The battle was hard, but in the end, the fortress stood, its walls and the resolve of its men too great for the minions of death. But it was at a heavy price, for countless soldiers died in the battle. Death had no choice but to admit defeat. In the end, both gods were happy. Time got his victory and Death got a good share of souls.

You're not certain if gods actually did throw this hill here, you think there would be a crater and some giant footsteps around if that was the case, but it certainly does look like a big rock, with flat sides and rounded edges both on its top and its bottom.

Spoiler: The Life of the General/Nether Pass (click to show/hide)

He continues to explain how the King himself gave him this land, among other things, for his success in the campaign in the north. "While other generals tended to ask for wealth, titles and influential political positions, I had no such ambitions. I chose to ask for this place and enough money and help to get it to an acceptable condition. I didn't want power. I wanted my family to be able to grow up and live in a place where we would be safe. I did not want to get caught in the political games of the Palace, I did not want to be afraid I would be assassinated or that my family would be held ransom. I have gone to war, I have done my duty to my kingdom. Now, as a reward, I want to claim a peaceful end to my life and something I can leave to my son and daughter." His wife disagreed on the matter, she keeps saying he is squandering his time here. That he could be a great and powerful advisor to the King. That he could start a dynasty. That their life would be better in the City. "With the way things turned out, I suppose I probably made the right choice." he says, although he sounds thoughtful, unsure.

He goes on to talk about the first time he saw this place, when he came from the north through the city, going towards the east. After he finished his training and he was leading only a small squad of magic users and soldiers, the battalion he was in was sent to the East, to help in the its defence from Glider raids coming through the eastern borders, where there was enough Wind magic to allow them to operate and make raids before the local militia could respond. He doesn't talk about combat or the raids themselves though, he just mentions that they stopped them by holding and fortifying the mountain passages the raiders went through. However, he says that that is when he first heard about Nether Pass and its dangers. The locals that knew about it told all manner of horror stories about it. The local militia just warned them to stay away from it. He heard rumours that a small squad of scouts was sent to watch it but they run away when something took two of them in the middle of the night.

He pauses his painting for a couple of minutes to show you the location on what he calls a Minimap, an enchanted item full of a magical dust-like substance. The substance can be controlled with certain words, making it move outside of the container and into surfaces, where it forms maps made out of simple lines. Despite the simplicity of its shapes, it offers much more details than the simple map he was showing you earlier. Unfortunately, when you inquire about it, you learn that it is also prohibitively expensive. Nether Pass doesn't look that imposing from there. A narrow, zig-zagging path going up the side of a mountain and then moving through the gap between two peaks before going down a similar zig-zagging path on the other side. There are a few areas where the path wideness, some of them holding things marked as ruins and caves. The general points out that the map is old, that the area might have changed since the last time someone mapped it and since the time the Minimap was created.

Spoiler: In the Fortress (click to show/hide)

The general keeps working, telling you stories and asking you questions in the meantime, until one point when something goes wrong. He curses as he drops the brush he is using. The fingers of his right hand, the gloved one, seem to have bent at an odd angle. He apologizes, grabs a one of those magical lamps with his other hand and leaves, saying he has to go fix his hand.

You follow him out of curiosity. He takes the staircase to the ground floor, unlocking a door, closing it behind him. and then continuing further down, below the surface of the earth. The spiral staircase continues for a few more turns until it reaches an open area with fortifications lining the walls. It seems designed to allow archers to fire at attackers coming through the staircase, while the fortifications funnel their forces to easily defensible choke points. He says that this is the real fortress and that its true size is massive, able to hold a few hundred men. The tower above ground was just for the watch. But, despite its strength, it was abandoned a long time ago, long before he was born. There's no use for a fortress this close to the City. It was built at a different time, during the birth of this Kingdom. Now it's simply a storage area for things they seldom need.

You continue, opening an armoured door, going through a tunnel and then taking another staircase that takes you deeper below the earth. There are lamps and torches on some walls, but none of them are working. There are many doors and branching paths along your way. If most of them weren't locked or sealed with thick rocks, you'd be worried about getting lost in this labyrinth. You continue until you find a door with a bright light coming through it. You go through it and find a large chamber with a great magical fire burning at its centre, surrounded by a grey glass dome.

The general starts removing his shirt, which causes Rodger to whistle and start making remarks about the "stupid sexy lord general" luring you into the dark depths so that he can show you his scarred muscular body and have his perverse fun. Then the general removes the glove covering his right hand, which causes D to aaaw in disappointment. His lower arm has been replaced by a prosthetic made out of dark stone, held on to his arm by metal pieces sticking out of it and leather straps wrapped around his shoulder and arm. He uses his other hand to open a compartment and remove a small red stone from it, one that looks quite similar to the ones you saw in the Tower in the City. He places it close to the glass dome and with some muttered words the fire from inside the dome leaps inside the stone.

He explains that he lost part of his lower arm while fighting a Beastman, although he doesn't go into details about the incident. However, judging from the slash marks on his body and the bite marks on what's left of his arm, you'd guess that he came very close to not being alive. He says that his arm still hurts, the prosthetic took some getting used to since it requires some magical skill to use, it takes a lot of maintenance and the damn things are still quite likely to explode. But it's still better than missing his arm.

He says this is one of the reasons this location is so valuable. He can use this source of power to create or recharge enchanted items. Those who know about this place sometimes stop here to recharge their magical items. He says that normally the spells he has put to this place would let him funnel the magical energy here wherever he wants, allowing his prosthetic to stay charged without having to come down here. But something is disrupting the flow of magic here since you arrived to this place, although his spells are still intact. "Maybe it's just your abilities interfering with it. I understand that they are not entirely conscious magic?" You explain that you are in control of your magic, but he seems to hold the belief that magic that is not based on spells is inherently unstable.

He stays there for a while, looking at the fire and fiddling with his prosthetic, until he is ready to leave. He is right about the source of power. The fire makes you feel a warmth, a sense of inner power, similarly to how you felt close to the City, similar to how you sometimes feel with your link with Roger.

Speaking of Roger, he continues with his usual behaviour during the day, making comments or (possibly inappropriate) jokes about what's going on and occasionally singing bits of music at odd intervals, saying it's for the 80's training montage (https://youtu.be/DP3MFBzMH2o), whatever that is.

Quote from: Tiruin on December 18, 2015, 06:47:04 am

Eleri casually examines the magical items in the room, doing her best not to disturb Irine's poise and the General's focus.

Timeskip is alright; also insist (to) River (that he) gets the same quality rest we do. Explore the area along with Irine if able--doing the same measures of non-transferable possession of item rules. Get to know the General more, and ask a hypothetical question on if ever he has any ideas that would help manhunts [and then subtly add more details that would parallel our goal in that hypothetical questioning]

((If you don't read the entire turn, see Irine's for some stories about the general.))

You examine the magical items you can see without disturbing them. Some seem simple and easy to understand, like a piece of stone with a very hot pointy end or a grey pointy stone next to a bottle of ink. There are others that you can't really tell what they do though. Some sort of glowing bowl? A broken magnifying glass? A tiny knife attached to what looks like a red doorknob? You can't really make sense of those things. You also spot some herbs you know can be used as an antiseptic and some plants that you know have very potent narcotic properties.

When asked about tracking, the general says it is a matter of evidence and a matter of resources. If you know where your target is going, if you have evidence and clues then it is simply a matter of following those clues and watching out for misdirection. However, if you do not know where your target is and you have to search for him, then you need to find a way to make others search him for you. If you have the money or power to hire a large group of people, then doing so is relatively easy. However, when you lack those resources, you need to figure out ways to make others work for you for what you have.

Offering a reward is one way to expend less effort for greater results. Many will search, but only one can claim the reward, essentially giving you free labour. Another is to listen for and spread rumours, present yourself as a friend or someone desirable or of interest to the target and wait for them to find you. That is especially useful in situations where you know the local population might be hiding your target. One way or the other, you need to make them trust you, at least long enough for you to investigate them. If you get them to trust you enough, you could even discredit the one they are hiding, hoping they will give them up once they hear the "truth" about him.

While it is tempting to threaten to hurt people unless the target surrenders himself or is revealed by those hiding him, that rarely works unless someone close to the target can be found. And even then it usually results in bad long term effects as the local population is alienated.

---

When the day ends, you join the general his wife and his son for dinner, his infant daughter remaining in her room on the first floor. The dinner is quite rich. Tender meat with a spicy red sauce, a salad made out of thin stringy leaves, a pie of some sort with cheese, meat and some sort of plant in it and a gravy with crunchy bread chunks in it, all accompanied by alcohol provided by Nikolai and some pleasant conversation provided by all participants. Well, most participants.

During dinner, the generals' wife continues her attempts to silently antagonize you, this time by wearing a fox fur coat. She is definitely doing this to make a statement, considering that the room is comfortably warm and she appears to be sweating. She also continually insists that you are careful around her plates.

While the wife doesn't like you or the others very much, especially the ones that don't appear fully human, the young boy seems to enjoy the strange new visitors. He frequently attempts to come close to you, although he seems to be having trouble distinguishing you, calling you all "doggy" as he attempts to hug you, catch your tails or otherwise play with you.

River seems to be enjoying the attention somewhat, playing around with the boy and chasing one of his toys. River makes a comment about how the child should learn to fear his enemies and suggests to the general that he could bite the child to teach it that lesson. There is a moment of awkwardness but the general passes it off as a joke and switches the topic to River's ability to assume different forms, for which he expresses some interest. However River states he can't talk about it and the subject is dropped.

---

OOC
Oof. That took more time and effort than I anticipated. There might be some mistakes there but I'm too tired to fix them.

So, you reached the end of the day with nothing very bad happening during it. Say anything you want to say or do during the night and for the conclusion of your agreement for next day.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on December 22, 2015, 10:57:05 pm

"Okay but I figured I was supposed to have some sort of maybe mentor maybe taskmaster out of...you all, with that sentence.  And apparently quests."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on December 22, 2015, 10:58:04 pm

((What mission's up next?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on December 22, 2015, 11:02:56 pm

Right... spawn Kosak back in the staging area.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 23, 2015, 01:47:35 am

Nothing noteworthy. I want a good night's rest. Assuming fire is available upon request I would be attending meals in human form in order to be nice to the racist, but spending idle team in hybrid form, and of course for painting I'm in whichever form Linus asks for me to be in. I also want to try slipping in a half-joking question of if he's trying to make a spell to duplicate my abilities, rather than actually focusing on painting.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on December 23, 2015, 08:47:59 pm

Spike all the food and water/juice/wine or whatever I can find with my collected Red Bull during the night, including the animal feed. If caught, provide no real reason for doing so other than 'I thought you could use some pep in your step'.

During the day, summon large amounts of whoopee cushions and place them all over the place. Generally be a nuisance, but also give them unreasonably large amounts of cutlery in recompense. Overflow their drawers! They'll surely be grateful.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on December 23, 2015, 10:35:41 pm

"Very interesting.  Thanks for the information.  I'm curious as to your opinion as to when you think I will be ready to face it.  And by "real dirty" I mean the ones that the average being with a moral system close to mine would consider objectionable.  But since that's probably meaningless to you, I'll rephrase it to ask this way: are final challenges often ones that more entities find objectionable?"

John paused for a moment in thought.

"What about you?  Can you tell me any past final challenges you've assigned?"

Converse.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on December 24, 2015, 03:06:35 am

Nikolai will demonstrate his "magic" to the General since he might be interested. See if he knows anything about it or has any tips.

He will examine those mysterious magic tools and ask General what they do.

Try to get some basic supplies. Food, water, first aid stuff, red bull. Can't rely too much on Alan. No stealing though.

Sleep.

If he can get some help (maybe Zech is willing?), and if he has enough time try to craft a cuirass or two or three from the giant can. If its too thin to be decent armour try multiple layers.

Make a spare sling too. Just in case.

((Would it be possible to have characters (non-secret) inventories and conditions kept somewhere we can see it, maybe a google doc or something? I don't think it's that important for the shorter missions but it would be very helpful for the longer campaign missions.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2015, 11:45:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, general, do you know what a demon is? A devil? A fiend? Any regional specifics you could possibly share?"

Ask the General about the local infernal gentry. Listen for any particulars.

Other than that, keep an eye and an ear out. Be unobtrusive. Rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on December 24, 2015, 07:41:06 pm

((I must say that I like the phrase "local infernal gentry."))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on December 26, 2015, 09:39:48 am

Team A
"If this man, or thing, is as powerful as you say, then it seems highly unlikely that I would be safe anywhere. Not only that, but I would be putting other people at risk. While I care for my life, I must try my best to protect others. When you get well enough get Joanna, and get her to safety. Can you point me in the direction of your leader?"
If I get an answer start heading towards the leader.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 28, 2015, 08:52:27 am

((Sorry for brevity; net is unstable but I have read through all the turn :D I love the lore bits you give out, Paris!))

Quote from: Lenglon on December 23, 2015, 01:47:35 am

Nothing noteworthy. I want a good night's rest. Assuming fire is available upon request I would be attending meals in human form in order to be nice to the racist, but spending idle team in hybrid form, and of course for painting I'm in whichever form Linus asks for me to be in. I also want to try slipping in a half-joking question of if he's trying to make a spell to duplicate my abilities, rather than actually focusing on painting.

Following the first two sentences here: Theri tries her best to stay in polite waters while avoiding the general's wife's gaze--studying both their body language for anything peculiar. If possible: She tries to play with the young daughter! If also possible, she tends to River and tries to teach him conversational topics and manners (suggesting that she'd back him up if ever the awkwardness happens again, and teaching him tact with how the "others see how his words come off as"). She will also ensure that both Irine and River will rest well since the three are sharing a room.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 08:58:19 pm

Spoiler: boop (click to show/hide)

So, yes, I have been gone for a long while. That's something I really am regretful for, because I truly am dedicated to doing my best in making Zechariah as involved a character as possible. Unfortunately, life seems to get in the way a lot of the time, and with the work that had been building up in the past few weeks, I wasn't able to exactly stay on top of things like I had planned. The turns kept coming (as I was excited to see!) and I was unable to stay on top of things.

With most of the issues in my life at least put to the side or gone entirely, I have found the time to read up on what I've missed and return! Hopefully, with the New Year coming, I can be better at staying on top of things and being more active in this game.

So, once again, apologies, and I hope that I can integrate back into the game without much trouble. Thanks,
Artemis

Eat my meal quietly. After that's done proceed to my room and check out Joma - well, is it still Joma? Anyway, yes, see if the staff still has powers over shadows or natural light if I can get close to some. When the deep night comes and everybody else seems to be getting ready to sleep, go to bed without a word. Keep Joma (should I even call it Joma now?) at the foot of the bed. Sleep. Try not to have nightmares. Fail at not having nightmares. Get ready for working the next day, and if Nikolai needs help with his homemade armor, go ahead and help.

Oh, and, of course, ruminate as I try to fall asleep.

I don't even have my regular clothes with me to feel... familiar anymore. The only familiar thing is the staff, and I don't even know if it's really mine. Have I lost Joma forever? I guess I shouldn't feel so attached to a stick. It's just a focusing element. But, damn. If this isn't Joma, then absolutely nothing I have will be familiar. I'm even a stranger here. Nobody knows me, really. I could die here and now and nobody would give a damn. I'm as good as dead.

Well, I really should be dead. I caused the Break. I felt myself being torn apart. I could see my body become vaporized, and I could feel my soul split apart. Nothing should be left of me. I was literally torn out of the fabric of space and time. And I was torn away from the Medium, worst of all. I don't even have that to rely on now. My powers now come from myself, but even those are starting to decay. I can't even manage to block a few bullets now, when I could stop pure, concentrated energy with my constructs before. Everything I have is faltering and breaking away. I'm weaker than anybody in this goddamn 'verse.

Zechariah hugs himself as he tries to drift off into his dreams and nightmares.

I am alone here. I don't have anybody who cares for me back in the Medium. I served my purpose. And now, I don't have anybody who cares for me here. I'm just another mean to an end. I'm just.. a..

He fails to continue his train of thought as the heavy grasp of slumber drags him into a blurry world.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on December 31, 2015, 09:29:51 pm

Team A?, WMD

Get me some of that there moonshine.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 09:45:02 pm

((Eh? has Zech forgotten what happened about 3 or 4 subjective days back? at the end of the very first mission?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 09:52:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 09:45:02 pm

((Eh? has Zech forgotten what happened about 3 or 4 subjective days back? at the end of the very first mission?))

((Could you message me if I forgot something? It's been some time, obviously, since I've been able to refresh myself with memories from this RtD and I haven't had the time to crawl back through events from the entire journey. I've only been able to recall whatever I have in my memory. Thanks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 10:06:45 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 09:52:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 09:45:02 pm

((Eh? has Zech forgotten what happened about 3 or 4 subjective days back? at the end of the very first mission?))

((Could you message me if I forgot something? It's been some time, obviously, since I've been able to refresh myself with memories from this RtD and I haven't had the time to crawl back through events from the entire journey. I've only been able to recall whatever I have in my memory. Thanks.))

((This conversation on page 96 if you're on default posts per page (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4993143#msg4993143)))
((It's very forgivable to forget something in a RTD this long-running.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on December 31, 2015, 10:45:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 10:06:45 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 09:52:11 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 31, 2015, 09:45:02 pm

((Eh? has Zech forgotten what happened about 3 or 4 subjective days back? at the end of the very first mission?))

((Could you message me if I forgot something? It's been some time, obviously, since I've been able to refresh myself with memories from this RtD and I haven't had the time to crawl back through events from the entire journey. I've only been able to recall whatever I have in my memory. Thanks.))

((This conversation on page 96 if you're on default posts per page (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4993143#msg4993143)))
((It's very forgivable to forget something in a RTD this long-running.))

((And an RTD this filled with lore and detail. :P I'm enjoying myself thus far, even if I have been absent due to issues. I love who I'm playing with here. Happy New Year by the way ^ ^))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2016, 01:10:32 am

((So, I read that conversation several times over now, and unless I missed something crucial, I believe that Zechariah's little muse isn't unjustified.))

Spoiler: To save space/Rationale of Zechariah's muse (click to show/hide)

Zechariah's mind often works in a way that can best be described as an echo chamber of negativity. Sure, Zechariah can have positive thoughts that can uplift him, but he's been shaped in such a way in the past that he often takes negative thoughts and lets them bounce around his head. Throughout the course of this section of the campaign (referring to after everyone was revived), Zechariah was without his staff and had less power than he would have had before - or, at least, he had much less stability with that power. He feels like more of a burden than a help when everyone else (even Alan) is using their powers to help the team out, and all he can do is rely on his human characteristics or gamble with his weakened powers, which have already been unstable in the past. He was starting to recover a bit, especially with the assurances from people like River and Irine, but he still has difficulty coming to terms with his own, well, negative and positive traits.

Now, when he's back in the background and can afford to have some time to think without having to act at the same time (meaning watching, keeping security, paying attention to the others), his thoughts have the perfect opportunity to fester in his mind and bring back the same self-torture that he's been experiencing forever.
Also, mind that he's not saying this out loud. Of course, he's thinking about this while he's going to sleep. Ergo, it hasn't exactly happened yet. People could still talk to him and things could still develop beyond that. But this is assuming that his actions go as planned and that he does not really interact with anyone besides working around the residence for the General. If he doesn't really interact with anyone, his thoughts are left to wander, and that's where they end up: in the gutter.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 01, 2016, 01:15:26 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 08:58:19 pm

...I don't have anybody who cares for me here...

((That line there is self-evidently false, and is a key part of the conclusion of his negative echochamber. The falsehood of it is what I was attempting to point out.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 01, 2016, 02:37:42 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 01, 2016, 01:15:26 am

((That line there is self-evidently false, and is a key part of the conclusion of his negative echochamber. The falsehood of it is what I was attempting to point out.))

((I get what you mean.
There's still a lot for Zechariah to figure out for himself. Not everything he thinks or does might seem (or be) rational. What becomes of those thoughts and actions, however, is another matter entirely.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 02, 2016, 12:45:33 pm

Quote from: Alarith on December 26, 2015, 09:39:48 am

Team A
"If this man, or thing, is as powerful as you say, then it seems highly unlikely that I would be safe anywhere. Not only that, but I would be putting other people at risk. While I care for my life, I must try my best to protect others. When you get well enough get Joanna, and get her to safety. Can you point me in the direction of your leader?"
If I get an answer start heading towards the leader.

"Foolish hero." she says quietly as she shakes her head, her words followed by a short bitter laugh.
"Well, I can see there's no convincing you."
She raises her hand and points at the door opposite to the large one.
"He's through there. Just do me a favor and try to surrender when he beats you? Before he destroys you? He might spare your life. And you'll be a fun toy to have."
You open the door and start walking through the hallway, your mind focusing on the emotions behind the next door.
"And don't worry. I'll fetch the girl. I'm sure he'll want his prize ready. So that he can collect his payment for her."
You open the door to see your former teammate, William, the one you left in the basement. He is naked, holding a knife and a drink on one hand, his other arm gone. And as strange as he is, his company is equally strange.

((See Beirus' part in this and the previous turn for more info.))

Quote from: Beirus on December 31, 2015, 09:29:51 pm

Team A?, WMD

Get me some of that there moonshine.

You approach the cabinet and inspect the bottles inside. Those things look... expensive. Not the kind of thing you're used to drinking. Deep dark red wines and golden whiskeys with labels full of curly letters forming strange names. Half of those things are more than twice your age. You grab one at random, open it and drink from it. It's pretty good. The drink helps you feel better, along with the general feeling of getting better you've had for the past few minutes.

"I hope it is to your  satisfaction." the voice from the man in the wheelchair continues.
"Now there is something. Something you must do.
There is another like you. One left. He is coming here.
He is coming for us. For you.
You are one of us now.
You will take care of him."

Speak of the devil, the door opens to reveal your former teammate, Bryan. He's still in uniform, missing his gun and handcuffs, a bit battered and wet but mostly unharmed.

---

OOC
I've had what will happen in the turns rolled, scribbled in notebooks and thought out in my mind for days now. But work, family and generally feeling bad has not left me as much time as I'd like to actually turn it into something readable. I'll try to get it done during the weekend.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 04, 2016, 03:39:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 01, 2016, 01:15:26 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 08:58:19 pm

...I don't have anybody who cares for me here...

((That line there is self-evidently false, and is a key part of the conclusion of his negative echochamber. The falsehood of it is what I was attempting to point out.))

((I believe most/all of the Campaign team knows and cares for each other--they just show it in different ways, but they do :P Seems like Zachariah has a self-esteem issue! :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 08:53:16 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on December 22, 2015, 10:57:05 pm

"Okay but I figured I was supposed to have some sort of maybe mentor maybe taskmaster out of...you all, with that sentence.  And apparently quests."

"Oh. Hehe. Need a mentor? I can be your mentor."
"Nah, screw that guy." the bartender butts in, jumping on a barstool next to you. "I'll be your mentor."
"Hey. I saw him first."
"Yes, but I brought him beer." he continues, leaving a mug of beer in front of you.
"Alex, as your mentor and taskmaster, I say that your first task as my protégé is to ignore that guy."
"Alex, as your mentor, I say screw that guy and let's go drink some beer."

Quote from: Coolrune206 on December 22, 2015, 10:58:04 pm

((What mission's up next?))

Haven't decided yet. I want to try and finish the other mission and/or be less busy before I start another mission. Feel free to look at the availiable missions and mission types and decide or suggest things.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on December 22, 2015, 11:02:56 pm

Right... spawn Kosak back in the staging area.

You pop into existence again in the inn. It's so much better than non-existence.

Quote from: Toaster on December 23, 2015, 10:35:41 pm

"Very interesting.  Thanks for the information.  I'm curious as to your opinion as to when you think I will be ready to face it."

: Unknown. The power you have earned will help you succeed. However, your mind is still weak. Furthermore, you seem unwilling to push yourself and improve unless you've been backed into a corner. And the fact that you do not feel ready is also relevant.

I will deploy you when you are ready. Or I will push you when you are strong enough to buy yourself enough time to adapt. :

Quote from: Toaster on December 23, 2015, 10:35:41 pm

"By "real dirty" I mean the ones that the average being with a moral system close to mine would consider objectionable. But since that's probably meaningless to you, I'll rephrase it to ask this way: are final challenges often ones that more entities find objectionable?"

: Yes. That is why they exist. :

 : And even though your morals do not apply to me or most of the situations you will encounter, they are not irrelevant. I merely made the deduction based on past observations that your morals are not strong enough to matter, at least not in the challenge I am most likely to give you. That was my answer to your previous question. :

 : I am using this unit due to its ability to better communicate with individuals such as yourself. If you are incapable of understanding it, I will readjust accordingly. :

Quote from: Toaster on December 23, 2015, 10:35:41 pm

John paused for a moment in thought.

"What about you?  Can you tell me any past final challenges you've assigned?"

He remains quiet and unmoving for a few seconds. You can hear something whirring inside his head for a few moments.
 : No. I am unable to do that. :
His entire body shifts slightly, the surfaces that make up his... skin? armour? surface? moving and then readjusting before returning to the same position.
 : I have an objective. And in my attempt to complete that mission, I have encountered a problem. An enemy. You were chosen for a reason. You will most likely be used to counter that problem and help me complete my objective. You will learn more about it when the time comes. As was the case with the others before you. Is that answer satisfactory or do you require further information? :

((I'd like to restate that the thoughts and opinions of my characters are not necessarily my opinions.))

---

Campaign

---

After the meal is concluded, the group spends some more time drinking and talking (and playing, in the case of Theri and River) before saying your goodnights and making your way to your rooms. As agreed, Ike, Zechariah and Nikolai share one room while Theri, Irine and River share another and Alan sleeps alone outside. The general was kind enough to supply you with an extra set of clothes while his servant cleans and repairs your old ones, so you slip into them (with some help in Nikolai's case) and get comfortable.

Ike claims one bed, leaving Zechariah and Nikolai to share the other. He's tired and he needs the rest and they don't seem that willing to sleep. Zechariah is being obsessed with playing with his staff and Nikolai is trying to entice Zechariah into working for him with offers of enlarging his staff. The general spends some time trying to teach Ike (what he calls) a simple spell meant to close those magical lamps hanging around the house. After a few minutes of trying however, saying the words and trying to think and act as the general instructed him, the only thing he has managed to do is make the flame inside one of them wobble slightly. The general says "It's alright. Not everyone is cut out to be a magic user. You're probably tired. I'll let you sleep." before showing him a trick to physically close the lamps by carefully shaking them, causing the fire inside to transform into a pebble and plunge the room into darkness.

In the other room, Irine claims one bed while Theri claims the other. River attempts to curl up on the floor next to Theri's bed in his four-legged form, facing the door, but after Theri's insistence that he and Irine sleep well, he curls up close to the foot of the bed instead, trying not to disturb Theri's legs. Roger makes some idle telepathic conversation about the day's happenings with Irine and some mental comments to about feeling the horror of lost joke opportunities occurring somewhere nearby, but quickly grows quiet, allowing her to relax. Irine uses her ability to extinguish the magical lights in their room, allowing her thoughts to wander in the darkness.

It's not hard to relax in such good conditions. You soon drift into unconsciousness.
Well, most of you, anyway.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 23, 2015, 08:47:59 pm

Spike all the food and water/juice/wine or whatever I can find with my collected Red Bull during the night, including the animal feed. If caught, provide no real reason for doing so other than 'I thought you could use some pep in your step'.

During the day, summon large amounts of whoopee cushions and place them all over the place. Generally be a nuisance, but also give them unreasonably large amounts of cutlery in recompense. Overflow their drawers! They'll surely be grateful.

When the dinner is over, you are unceremoniously dropped in your little room outside the house. The room is... OK. A bit small, a bit chilly, but the bed is warm and comfortable and you're getting this for free, so you can't really complain.

But it's too early and you don't feel like sleeping. There's bound to be something fun you could do around here. You can help, like the fairies in fairy tales that do fun work when everyone else is sleeping. Or was that "good work"? Eh, whatever, you'll make it work.

You go outside and manage to unbolt a storage room. There you find some food you promptly spike with whatever Red Bull you've gathered during the day. This will surely be a pleasant surprise for them when they discover it.

However, your attempts to keep spreading the joy to the inside of the house are hampered by the fact that the door won't open. Blast it. Foiled by locks once more.

You go to sleep in disappointment, vowing to continue your work in the morning.

Which you do. You wake up in the morning feeling rested and more ready than ever to spread the joy. It's just that... there's this... strange feeling... like there's something in your... throat?
You take a quick deep breath and give a mighty sneeze, which is followed by an eruption of colorful confetti. Huh. How did that get in there? Wonder what you were doing last night.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 23, 2015, 01:47:35 am

Nothing noteworthy. I want a good night's rest. Assuming fire is available upon request I would be attending meals in human form in order to be nice to the racist, but spending idle team in hybrid form, and of course for painting I'm in whichever form Linus asks for me to be in. I also want to try slipping in a half-joking question of if he's trying to make a spell to duplicate my abilities, rather than actually focusing on painting.

You get up early in the morning, woken up by thin rays of sunlight falling on your face and the sounds of others going about their work, feeling quite well rested. After a quick breakfast and a brief discussion about what each of you will do today, you go to the top floor to continue your work with the general.

While working, you ask in a half-joking manner whether or not he's interested more on copying your abilities than on capturing them in his works.
The man laughs.
"Let's assume I am. Why would I want to do that?" he replies with a smile.
<Cosplay?> D suggests.
"Some people are fascinated by change, wondering what it would be like to live in a different body than their own. And the way that I change is deceptive, not entirely within the action itself. Even if someone copied it perfectly, attempting to use it would almost certainly result in their death. I don't want that to happen to you." you respond.
"Hehe. No, you need not worry. I'm perfectly happy with who and what I am." he replies, still smiling. He looks down for a second and stops smiling, but he looks up at you again a second later.
"Besides, even if I wasn't, I know enough about magic to know how dangerous those kinds of transformations are. You're clearly a magical creature. I'm a human. It would be at least silly of me to attempt to copy your abilities."
<At least not without using a test subject first.> D comments.
"Nevertheless, thank you for your concern." he adds with another smile.

You continue your discussion on the subject of magic in general. Remembering you mentioning your previous bad experiences with magic, he explains some basic signs of magic being cast. The conversation continues with the topic of the use of symbols in magic, when he shares a story about a group of dark chaos sorcerers using symbols of blood from a fresh sacrifice to power their spells. He also says that some order mages use runes, scrolls and inscriptions to aid them in their spells, while others draw their intent and how they imagine the flow of their spell to make it easier to understand. He also tells you some stories about legendary spells (which he claims he doesn't know how to cast), such as Return to Order, which is meant to make people who don't have the will to resist the power of the caster to comply with "orders that are right and true", or Eruption, a powerful fire spell which is meant to bring forth the power of Stodir to destroy large groups of enemies, creating a gigantic, blinding explosion that cleaves the earth in two and leaves a strange spherical cloud behind it.

Your work today focuses heavily on transformations. Normally, that would probably not be a very pleasant prospect for you. But that changes with a very surprising experience. Your first transformation doesn't cause you any pain. Neither does the next. Nor the one after that. They don't feel completely normal, not like you remembered them, there's still some occasional unpleasantness and disorientation. But they feel a lot better.

You pause your work and try transforming using your own fire instead of the general's, but the result is once again the same. You ask him if he knows anything about it and he replies that he doesn't. He says he didn't even knew it felt unpleasant for you before you told him about it.

You continue working, pleasantly free of pain but with little knowledge of how it happened.

Quote from: NAV on December 24, 2015, 03:06:35 am

Nikolai will demonstrate his "magic" to the General since he might be interested. See if he knows anything about it or has any tips.

He will examine those mysterious magic tools and ask General what they do.

Try to get some basic supplies. Food, water, first aid stuff, red bull. Can't rely too much on Alan. No stealing though.

If he can get some help (maybe Zech is willing?), and if he has enough time try to craft a cuirass or two or three from the giant can. If its too thin to be decent armour try multiple layers.

Make a spare sling too. Just in case.

((Would it be possible to have characters (non-secret) inventories and conditions kept somewhere we can see it, maybe a google doc or something? I don't think it's that important for the shorter missions but it would be very helpful for the longer campaign missions.))

((You are free to do so. I'll even put a link to it and help you write it up if you do so. Just don't expect me to keep it up to date.))

The general is quite interested in your magic. He pauses his work and conversation about magic with Irine to examine you, after you give him permission to do so. First he asks you how you use your ability, what you think and do when you use it, which ends up frustrating him slightly when you insist that "it just works", you "just use it". He asks you to transform objects while he casts spells on you and the objects you transform, surrounding the two of you with stringy grey lines.

He says he is trying to determine how your magic works, because he has never seen anything like that. After a bit of examination, he says he managed to isolate the chaos element in the spell, which he demonstrates by crushing it along with your resistance. The mug on which you were experimenting changes. It becomes lighter, the spikes and patterns on it start receding, its opening widening into something you could comfortably drink from. And then it breaks apart into pieces.
"Hm. Not entirely stable then."
He says that, while interesting, it's not of much use to him. There's not much he can learn from it. At least not with the amount of time you have left. If he had a few more days...

"What is this then?"
"A pen. It helps you write well. And it can be loaded with special magical substances."
"And this?"
"A preservation box. It keeps things from degrading. But only things that are specially prepared can be preserved properly and for long. And not everything can be prepared to be preserved."
"How about this?"
"A fire cleaver. It can be made hot and sharp with powerful fire and order magic and used to cut things. Almost anything non-magical can be cut with a high quality cleaver supplied with enough power. Larger versions with expensive power sources attached are used as weapons by the bodyguards of nobles and high ranking mages."
"This?"
"Metal purifier. It can be used to purify most things, but this is specially reinforced to handle more abuse, the kind of abuse that working with molten metal causes."
"What about this one?"
"A hot point. It can melt things. Write in wood or wax. Or anything that can be burnt. Make fine metal work. Chase and sting people who ask too many questions..." he says that last bit while looking at you and smiling.

You decide to stop distracting the man and focus on your own work instead. With your direction and Zechariah's help, you manage to make quite an impressive armour and even add your makeshift shield (with improvements) to it. It's not very strong or very thick (only one layer of metal is used, with two or three covering your vitals) and it's held together by cloth strips. But having access to such fine tools and Zechariah's excellent work allowed you to make the best armour you could with the materials on your disposal. And the fact that it's quite light and flexible means you can move freely despite the fact the armour is covering most of your body.
"Hehe. What do you know? You actually did it."

As for supplies, he says he is sorry, but he can't give you more than a day's worth of supplies.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 31, 2015, 08:58:19 pm

Spoiler: boop (click to show/hide)

So, yes, I have been gone for a long while. That's something I really am regretful for, because I truly am dedicated to doing my best in making Zechariah as involved a character as possible. Unfortunately, life seems to get in the way a lot of the time, and with the work that had been building up in the past few weeks, I wasn't able to exactly stay on top of things like I had planned. The turns kept coming (as I was excited to see!) and I was unable to stay on top of things.

With most of the issues in my life at least put to the side or gone entirely, I have found the time to read up on what I've missed and return! Hopefully, with the New Year coming, I can be better at staying on top of things and being more active in this game.

So, once again, apologies, and I hope that I can integrate back into the game without much trouble. Thanks,
Artemis

Eat my meal quietly. After that's done proceed to my room and check out Joma - well, is it still Joma? Anyway, yes, see if the staff still has powers over shadows or natural light if I can get close to some. When the deep night comes and everybody else seems to be getting ready to sleep, go to bed without a word. Keep Joma (should I even call it Joma now?) at the foot of the bed. Sleep. Try not to have nightmares. Fail at not having nightmares. Get ready for working the next day, and if Nikolai needs help with his homemade armor, go ahead and help.

Oh, and, of course, ruminate as I try to fall asleep.

I don't even have my regular clothes with me to feel... familiar anymore. The only familiar thing is the staff, and I don't even know if it's really mine. Have I lost Joma forever? I guess I shouldn't feel so attached to a stick. It's just a focusing element. But, damn. If this isn't Joma, then absolutely nothing I have will be familiar. I'm even a stranger here. Nobody knows me, really. I could die here and now and nobody would give a damn. I'm as good as dead.

Well, I really should be dead. I caused the Break. I felt myself being torn apart. I could see my body become vaporized, and I could feel my soul split apart. Nothing should be left of me. I was literally torn out of the fabric of space and time. And I was torn away from the Medium, worst of all. I don't even have that to rely on now. My powers now come from myself, but even those are starting to decay. I can't even manage to block a few bullets now, when I could stop pure, concentrated energy with my constructs before. Everything I have is faltering and breaking away. I'm weaker than anybody in this goddamn 'verse.

Zechariah hugs himself as he tries to drift off into his dreams and nightmares.

I am alone here. I don't have anybody who cares for me back in the Medium. I served my purpose. And now, I don't have anybody who cares for me here. I'm just another mean to an end. I'm just.. a..

He fails to continue his train of thought as the heavy grasp of slumber drags him into a blurry world.

((Eh. Don't worry. It's not like I've been a good GM lately either. Haven't been making turns as regularly as I'd like.))

The staff is indeed quite different. The wood is clearly part of a hard, thick and mostly straight branch, with small branches forming a nest-like rim around the crystal embedded on its top. Among splinters and the stubs of broken branches are a few small carvings, made by small repeated slashes. The largest lays on an area of the wood close to where you hold it. That part has been cleared as if by grinding it against something, removing part of the bark and making it smooth. The carving there depicts three points, joined by lines to form a triangle pointing up, itself surrounded by an triangle pointing down that is made out of lines curving outwards. Overall, the staff's form gives it a crude appearance, more like the club of a savage than the staff of a mage.

The crystal is the only thing that remains the same. Well, mostly the same. It looks exactly the same on first glance, but holding it close to the light and inspecting it more closely reveals something. It's like a thin, barely visible strand of black smoke is constantly rising out of the base of the crystal. Hm.

You've been feeling quite better at manipulating light ever since you helped River revive Alan and Nikolai. You're curious to see how much better you can do with the help of your staff. You focus on manipulating the light coming from the nearby lamp's fire. You immediately feel dizzy. You feel weak, your stomach turning, your heart aching and pounding. You stop as quickly as you can, before you seriously harm yourself. That doesn't make sense. That was just a tiny piece of light. It shouldn't had made you feel like that.

Dreading what will happen next, you raise your staff and manipulate a tiny bit of shadows. It feels fine. You try more. It still feels fine. You try as much as you can hold in the room. It strains you a bit, but it's still fine. You could probably do more. That went better. You focus all your strength on forming a rod to ram an empty box. The box rolls and flies of the table. Good, that still works. You try forming an image of yourself. You find yourself facing a soup of eyes, teeth, guts and blood, frozen in a horrible spiral pattern, slowly extending its long pointy tongue to you. Cancel illusion, cancel illusion!
The thing disappears.
Well then. That's bound to give you nightmares.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 24, 2015, 11:45:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Say, general, do you know what a demon is? A devil? A fiend? Any regional specifics you could possibly share?"

Ask the General about the local infernal gentry. Listen for any particulars.

Other than that, keep an eye and an ear out. Be unobtrusive. Rest.

When late morning comes, you wake up feeling like you've had the best sleep you've had in days. The pain and tiredness in your body had become so constant you'd stopped paying attention to them. And now it's gone. The bruises on your face, the aches in your bones. And its absence is noticeable. You don't know if it's that shortness of memory and exaggeration people are prone to, but right now you really feel better than you've ever felt before. Like you could run for a day.

Fortunately, you do not have to put that statement to the test. Today's work is light and easy compared to yesterday's. Mostly carrying things around and caring for the animals, with the help of the others. Which is mostly Zechariah. Alan seems to be focusing on building a mountain of cutlery outside of the house for some reason. He is occasionally interrupted by sneezes,  each sneeze causing eruptions of random objects. The two that happen in your presence are confetti and pumpkin pies. Thankfully, not aimed at you.
"Oh, no! He has the clown flu!"

Terrevieve returns with his cart sometime during midday. The news the elf brings are not good. Apparently, there were food riots at Areloggez. The town sealed its gates to the refugees for several days, some of the refugees gathered into an angry and hungry mob that broke through the gates and the guard slaughtered a good number of them to drive them away, but not before they looted, ransacked and burnt half the town, lynching some people in blind revenge in the process.
"One bad decision, a few foolish and scared men and things are worse for everyone." the general comments.
Luckily, Terrevieve managed to hide during the night, getting the supplies the general asked for and heading back before morning came. After the general praises his servant's speed, skill and dedication, you are sent to help unload the cart while said servant rests.

You spend what little free time you have with the general asking him for information about the various magical creatures you might encounter and their names.

Apparently there are rumours for the existence of various magical creatures, including some that could fit the traditional image of a horned evil creature prone to making deals in exchange for the souls of men (which, from what the general says, they don't have to be the souls of the same men who closed the deal). But most of those are just that: rumors and folk tales, talking about the minions of dark gods tempting good (or not so good) men. Not many beyond a few mages and priests could probably provide concrete answers about the existence and capabilities of such creatures.

Elementals and magical creatures are relatively more common, creatures that are the manifestation of an element or a combination of elements or animals with a strong connection to magic. Those kind of creatures are rarely seen close to civilization without a good reason. They tend to gravitate towards great sources of magical power and most of those that are used by humans are protected by enchantments. The ones facing the most danger from those are explorers, settlers, adventurers... and warriors, since some may try to use those kinds of creatures in combat, with varying degrees of success.

What people seem to be worried about the most is bandits and beastmen (which, from what you understand, are often bandits). Bandits normally prey on travellers and caravans going through here, but they may occasionally go after towns. Some might even be in the slave trade, capturing people (mostly elves) and then sending them away from their homes to be used as slaves. Both beastmen and bandits tend to live in remote places, but they may be found close to the roads.

From what you understand, people are generally more afraid of beings of flesh and blood than vague spirits.

Quote from: Tiruin on December 28, 2015, 08:52:27 am

((Sorry for brevity; net is unstable but I have read through all the turn :D I love the lore bits you give out, Paris!))

Quote from: Lenglon on December 23, 2015, 01:47:35 am

Nothing noteworthy. I want a good night's rest. Assuming fire is available upon request I would be attending meals in human form in order to be nice to the racist, but spending idle team in hybrid form, and of course for painting I'm in whichever form Linus asks for me to be in. I also want to try slipping in a half-joking question of if he's trying to make a spell to duplicate my abilities, rather than actually focusing on painting.

Following the first two sentences here: Theri tries her best to stay in polite waters while avoiding the general's wife's gaze--studying both their body language for anything peculiar. If possible: She tries to play with the young daughter! If also possible, she tends to River and tries to teach him conversational topics and manners (suggesting that she'd back him up if ever the awkwardness happens again, and teaching him tact with how the "others see how his words come off as"). She will also ensure that both Irine and River will rest well since the three are sharing a room.

((Thank you! I love making up and telling stories.))

Playing with the daughter doesn't seem possible, since the general and his wife keep her in their room. They even bring her meals there. You only occasionally hear her crying. You don't know if they're keeping her away from other people for health reasons or if that's just how they do things.

You do however have fun playing with the general's son. The young boy can barely speak, but he's curious and full of energy. He has fun running around with you, playing hide and seek, chasing you, hugging you whenever he catches you, showing you his toys... that is, whenever his mother doesn't scold him and tell him to stay away from you.

It's understandable that he'd enjoy your company. There are few other people around here. No children, nobody even close to his age. His sister too young to play with yet. He probably enjoys the chance to have new and fun friends he can play with, not ones of the same group of grownups he lives with.

You don't notice anything too strange with the behaviour of the general and his wife. She seems to be a bit angry about something and that colors her entire attitude and relations with everyone. The general on the other hand treats her with affection, but he also seems to keep his distance from her, spending much time on his own. You don't know if that's how things normally are around here or if it's your presence here that's making her angry.

You talk with River about supporting him and helping him become better at conversations and generally being with other people. He appreciates your help, but he dislikes the notion that his behavior was wrong, since he was only trying to help. Or the notion that he should try to think like someone else, especially when that someone else is a human. He struggles for a bit, having trouble reconciling what you are saying to him with his apparent dislike for humans. He thanks you, says that he will consider what you've told him and try to do it. But he needs some time to think about it. He leaves, running away from the house.

---

Everyone
The day continues without incident and the end of you stay approaches, when River suddenly sends you a telepathic message to stop whatever you're doing, gather your things and get ready. He runs back to the house and tries to get your group away from the residents of the house as he delivers the news:
"The human betrayed us. There are soldiers coming from the east. We should kill him and get ready to fight. Or just leave."

---

OOC
Wrote most of this from phone over the course of two days (good thing there's Dropbox). Please forgive any mistakes.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 04, 2016, 09:17:16 am

"... I need a drink."

Kosak enters the bar/tavern/thing once again and gets something big. And alcoholic.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 04, 2016, 09:27:35 am

John sat for a couple minutes in quiet thought after the conversation.  He looked around at the equipment in his lab-like private area.  Hmmm...

"Yes, you're right.  I should push myself more and not wait for circumstances to push me.  I just feel there's never enough time to get everything I need done before I must push onward with the objective.  All the missions I have been on have been more "instant action" style; maybe I should go for something more slow-paced." He nodded, mostly to himself.

"Well, whenever you want to talk about your enemy, let me know.  I'll be an ear for you.  Anything else you need from me?  Or have for me?"

Anything else?  If not, head to the common area.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 09:28:17 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 04, 2016, 09:17:16 am

"... I need a drink."

Kosak enters the bar/tavern/thing once again and gets something big. And alcoholic.

The bartender throws something big and alcoholic (http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Barney_Gumble) at you.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 04, 2016, 09:31:30 am

"OW- I meant something I can drink!"

Kosak punches away the thing that just landed on him and gets something large, alcoholic, and drinkable.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 11:44:54 am

<Not likely, he's letting us near his son. If he planned treachery, he wouldn't give us the chance to take his son hostage. Will you be okay if we tell him there are soldiers coming?>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 12:28:34 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 11:44:54 am

<Not likely, he's letting us near his son. If he planned treachery, he wouldn't give us the chance to take his son hostage. Will you be okay if we tell him there are soldiers coming?>

"Say whatever you want. I am ready to fight.
Do not underestimate their arrogance, hate and stupidity. They will lie. They can risk their family just to hurt you."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2016, 12:51:54 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Listening to River flap his worthless hole never fails to make Ike feel very tired these days. He merely sighs.

"Eh. Leaving sounds like a splendid idea. We've messed around for long enough."

We leave. Quietly.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 04, 2016, 01:51:32 pm

((Yay everyone's active again :D))
((Okay I'll make a page and try to keep track of things. Wiki gnome ahoy!))

"Oh for fuck's sake."
Leave. Now.

Have a couple slings loaded and in my pockets so I can quickly take them out and sling rocks without fumbling around with one hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 02:17:39 pm

<Do we want the map or not? That is why we were waiting here, remember? I'm still in the upper room with Linus anyway, I'll stay and take my chances. Let me know when you're clear and I'll tell him. I've still got my comm-wire, I'll tell you how things go.>
((I've been assuming Irine couldn't be isolated easily and that this conversation was being relayed through the comm-wires, which is why she's been using the telepathy angle brackets))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 03:46:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 02:17:39 pm

<Do we want the map or not? That is why we were waiting here, remember? I'm still in the upper room with Linus anyway, I'll stay and take my chances. Let me know when you're clear and I'll tell him. I've still got my comm-wire, I'll tell you how things go.>
((I've been assuming Irine couldn't be isolated easily and that this conversation was being relayed through the comm-wires, which is why she's been using the telepathy angle brackets))

((Sure, I'm just assuming you were capable of talking for brevity's sake, in case someone wanted to actually talk to each other, so you wouldn't have to wait for the action to be processed. Assume you're wherever you want. Just tell me where you are when it's time to act so that there's less chance of a  misunderstanding.))

Quote from: NAV on January 04, 2016, 01:51:32 pm

Leave. Now.

Are you going to take your armour with you? If yes, are you going to wear it? If you're not going to wear it, where are you going to put it?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2016, 12:51:54 pm

We leave. Quietly.

Which direction? Just following the road east?
And what exactly does quietly mean? Just start walking away without a word? Have a drummer lightly tap on the cymbals while you walk on the tip of your toes?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2016, 04:16:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 03:46:45 pm

Which direction? Just following the road east?
And what exactly does quietly mean? Just start walking away without a word? Have a drummer lightly tap on the cymbals while you walk on the tip of your toes?

Eastward for now.

And quietly means without bothering to say tearful goodbyes/bang the gate real hard as I leave to make my feelings known/get in anyone's way/attract much in the way of attention. So if I do need to come back (such as in the case of someone messing up really badly), it'll just look like I wandered off for no particular reason without telling anyone.

Any objects I have obtained here (except the map if I happen to be in possession of it) I will leave behind. That is, keeping my original clothes, sword, miscellaneous garbage, leaving anything else I may have picked up.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 04, 2016, 04:34:42 pm

Definitely wear the armour. I think I'm already wearing it, at least there was no mention of taking it off.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 04:50:57 pm

((Main reason I'm staying is the assumption that we haven't recieved the map yet. If our exchange is complete, then my action needs to change))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 04, 2016, 05:58:47 pm

I made a page here to keep track of stuff. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yYszmIuLxFY1IwDqaiF1HkpVZMMXxuvPPfH8toaRjs4/edit)
So far it is empty. Anyone can edit it, I trust you all.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 04, 2016, 06:14:53 pm

Alan assumes by 'human' River means the soldier guy from the Chaos Disco Dunk Incident. Therefore he trots merrily over to the general dude, probably accidentally belching something into his face as he finds him.

"Yo sup general major dude! Our psychic wolf leader dude says there's soldiers coming towards here, ya know anything about that?"

Go find general, innocently ask questions, possibly compromise group integrity.
For like the third time.

Tactfully don't mention the spiked food and drink.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 05, 2016, 11:53:38 am

<Alan just walked in and told Linus about the soldiers...>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on January 05, 2016, 03:14:09 pm

Team A

---

"Well then, this seems to be the part where I would die normally. Let's see if I can get a different result this time. Hey William, glad to see you made it too."

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

bring up a more active psychic shield for my mind again. If something comes at me try use telekinesis to divert it, trip it up, or tip it over depending on whether it is flying at me, running at me, or rolling towards me.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on January 05, 2016, 03:39:02 pm

Team A

"Howdy, Bryan. Nice to see ya ain't dead yet. Well, this is a mite awkward, seems these folks here want me to kill ya. Even had me do some sort of blood ritual thing. Guess it's gonna be like that last challenge." With his back to the old man and woman, William winks at Bryan as he says that last part.

Throw the knife at Bryan, but not with enough force for it to actually hit him, or maybe throw it a bit wide. Gonna blame it on lack of my good arm. Then transform and start charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2016, 04:06:09 am

Worrying is not going to help, Zechariah thought to himself as he sat on the bed, giving himself a little breathing room before continuing to work with the others. A part of this is because the staff isn't the same, but the energy still comes from me. He began to breathe deeply, trying to put himself in a calmer mindset.

I'm gonna drive myself insane with all of this.. well, whatever it is. I can't bring myself down. Not in the middle of a mission. There's still people I can help - even if my powers won't work the way I want them to. I can still do my best. He took the wooden staff - more of a branch, really - in hand and stood up. Remember that Artemis doesn't exist anymore. He's a figment of your - my - imagination. Focus on reality. Focus on the present. That's all you need to work on, Zechariah. We - I can do this.

Even after all this time truly alone, Zechariah still felt a little strange not having to share his mind with another person's conscious presence.

---

Later, when River warns of the incoming humans:

Get ready to leave and join the rest of the main group. Keep on the lookout. What time of day is it? If it's the night or otherwise without much light, keep in mind that I must use the shadows primarily if I must cause a diversion or a defense. If there is ample light, attempt to use hardlight instead.

Practice with my crystal constructs if there is daylight available while we leave. I want to find out what's wrong with either my staff or my mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2016, 09:45:50 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 05, 2016, 03:14:09 pm

Team A

---

"Well then, this seems to be the part where I would die normally. Let's see if I can get a different result this time. Hey William, glad to see you made it too."

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

bring up a more active psychic shield for my mind again. If something comes at me try use telekinesis to divert it, trip it up, or tip it over depending on whether it is flying at me, running at me, or rolling towards me.

Quote from: Beirus on January 05, 2016, 03:39:02 pm

Team A

"Howdy, Bryan. Nice to see ya ain't dead yet. Well, this is a mite awkward, seems these folks here want me to kill ya. Even had me do some sort of blood ritual thing. Guess it's gonna be like that last challenge." With his back to the old man and woman, William winks at Bryan as he says that last part.

Throw the knife at Bryan, but not with enough force for it to actually hit him, or maybe throw it a bit wide. Gonna blame it on lack of my good arm. Then transform and start charging.

Well, those actions are a bit vague. Let's see...
Well, not like you can do anything with those rolls.

William attempts to throw his knife at Bryan, but his grip isn't very strong. The knife slips from between his fingers and clatters to the ground close to his legs. Bryan just watches with a blank stare.

That done, he starts to transform, getting his tentacles and green energy everywhere, becoming a ball of flesh and bone. He feels quite a lot better now, much less tired.

"Do not try to destroy this place. Or we will destroy you.
Eline. Open the portal." the voice coming from the man says.

---

Staging area

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 04, 2016, 09:27:35 am

John sat for a couple minutes in quiet thought after the conversation.  He looked around at the equipment in his lab-like private area.  Hmmm...

"Yes, you're right.  I should push myself more and not wait for circumstances to push me.  I just feel there's never enough time to get everything I need done before I must push onward with the objective.  All the missions I have been on have been more "instant action" style; maybe I should go for something more slow-paced." He nodded, mostly to himself.

"Well, whenever you want to talk about your enemy, let me know.  I'll be an ear for you.  Anything else you need from me?  Or have for me?"

Anything else?  If not, head to the common area.

: No. There is nothing more I need to communicate to you. Do note that this unit will be available in your personal section whenever you desire to take advantage of its capabilities. :

You shrug and head back to the inn, where you find a dwarf beating up a fat drunk cartoon character. Seems normal.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 04, 2016, 09:31:30 am

"OW- I meant something I can drink!"

Kosak punches away the thing that just landed on him and gets something large, alcoholic, and drinkable.

After a battle with a drunkard too epic to describe here, you get a barrel of booze as a prize.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2016, 04:16:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 03:46:45 pm

Which direction? Just following the road east?
And what exactly does quietly mean? Just start walking away without a word? Have a drummer lightly tap on the cymbals while you walk on the tip of your toes?

Eastward for now.

And quietly means without bothering to say tearful goodbyes/bang the gate real hard as I leave to make my feelings known/get in anyone's way/attract much in the way of attention. So if I do need to come back (such as in the case of someone messing up really badly), it'll just look like I wandered off for no particular reason without telling anyone.

Any objects I have obtained here (except the map if I happen to be in possession of it) I will leave behind. That is, keeping my original clothes, sword, miscellaneous garbage, leaving anything else I may have picked up.

You wear your old clothes (now clean of blood, vomit and other unpleasant things), go outside and start walking east.

Quote from: NAV on January 04, 2016, 04:34:42 pm

Definitely wear the armour. I think I'm already wearing it, at least there was no mention of taking it off.

Well, I try to imagine characters as normal people that actually want to be comfortable, not RPG characters that want to be under a giant wall of armor at all times. Hence why I thought you would probably not want to wear armour when not necessary and thus why you wouldn't be wearing it in the house.

You wear your protection and get behind Ike.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 04, 2016, 04:50:57 pm

((Main reason I'm staying is the assumption that we haven't recieved the map yet. If our exchange is complete, then my action needs to change))

No, you don't have the map.

 

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 06, 2016, 04:06:09 am

Worrying is not going to help, Zechariah thought to himself as he sat on the bed, giving himself a little breathing room before continuing to work with the others. A part of this is because the staff isn't the same, but the energy still comes from me. He began to breathe deeply, trying to put himself in a calmer mindset.

I'm gonna drive myself insane with all of this.. well, whatever it is. I can't bring myself down. Not in the middle of a mission. There's still people I can help - even if my powers won't work the way I want them to. I can still do my best. He took the wooden staff - more of a branch, really - in hand and stood up. Remember that Artemis doesn't exist anymore. He's a figment of your - my - imagination. Focus on reality. Focus on the present. That's all you need to work on, Zechariah. We - I can do this.

Even after all this time truly alone, Zechariah still felt a little strange not having to share his mind with another person's conscious presence.

---

Later, when River warns of the incoming humans:

Get ready to leave and join the rest of the main group. Keep on the lookout. What time of day is it? If it's the night or otherwise without much light, keep in mind that I must use the shadows primarily if I must cause a diversion or a defense. If there is ample light, attempt to use hardlight instead.

Practice with my crystal constructs if there is daylight available while we leave. I want to find out what's wrong with either my staff or my mind.

There's no well defined main group, so I'm going to assume you want to follow Ike.

There's probably at least 3 more hours of daytime left. Maybe a bit more. You haven't gotten used to this world's time yet.

You manage to create a slightly larger piece of light for a few moments. It causes you to fall on the ground from the dizziness. Even after you get back on your feet you feel a bit tired and weak.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 04, 2016, 06:14:53 pm

Alan assumes by 'human' River means the soldier guy from the Chaos Disco Dunk Incident. Therefore he trots merrily over to the general dude, probably accidentally belching something into his face as he finds him.

"Yo sup general major dude! Our psychic wolf leader dude says there's soldiers coming towards here, ya know anything about that?"

Go find general, innocently ask questions, possibly compromise group integrity.
For like the third time.

Tactfully don't mention the spiked food and drink.

"Huh?"
The man seems confused and surprised by Alan's words and sudden entrance, but he returns to calm within moments.
"No. If what you say is true, then don't know anything-"
"You lie! Your servant left for the east. Now there are soldiers coming here from the east." River accuses him.
"Once again, I have nothing to offer to you but my word. I know nothing about them."
He pauses for a moment to look at everyone around him before returning his gaze to River.
"Now if you were going to attack me you would have already done so. So we should stop wasting time on this."
River grunts something threateningly and barely intelligible in response, along the lines of "don't be so sure".
"So, I'm assuming that you're in trouble and that them finding you here will be bad for both of us." he continues, this time addressing Irine.
"Are you going to run or should I help you hide below ground?"
"So you can trap us?"
"Do you feel like I would trap you?"
"..."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 05, 2016, 11:53:38 am

<Alan just walked in and told Linus about the soldiers...>

<He he. Sometimes I really love that guy.>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 08, 2016, 09:49:34 pm

"Rover always feels like he can distrust people. Heck, he even distrusts me of all people!"

Alan looks shocked by this, he's obviously a paragon of reliability and trustworthiness.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 08, 2016, 10:40:18 pm

Comm-wire, everyone: <I don't think we should be treating him as some sort of traitor. He doesn't seem very shifty to me, and he hasn't really tried to antagonize any of us. We could run, but then we'd be on our own again. I like.. I like having his help.

Besides, we still have something to get from here, don't we? I think we can trust him, at least for now.>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 08, 2016, 11:05:30 pm

"Enough is enough, like I said through the group telepathy, those of you that want to run should go. I'll stay here, relay what happens, and fulfill my agreement with Linus. If things go badly I'll be counting on you, but I think Linus is trustworthy. Linus, if these people are allied to Kassiver, then they may have been told to hunt me and Ike down, we had to hurt him badly to escape and I think he would lie to save face. "
EDIT: lost track of people's locations when I wrote this post, need to re-evaluate.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 08, 2016, 11:31:06 pm

"Good riddance- agh my aching arms."

Kosak grabs the barrel and chugs half of it in one mighty swig.

"Agh... ah. Much better."

Kosak eyes the newcomer to the tavern.

"Hello, fellow champion! Might I challenge you to a duel?!"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 08, 2016, 11:43:06 pm

"Heyo, inn people!  What's going on?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 09, 2016, 01:15:11 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 08, 2016, 11:43:06 pm

"Heyo, inn people!  What's going on?"

"Oh, not that much, just...
*Sigh*
Quite a lot, actually, I don't exactly know how to explain it.
Adam looks him up and down.
"What were you doing?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 09, 2016, 03:28:04 am

Campaign, Ike!

Go off-road a bit. Northward, one would suppose. Just so we're not quite running into the approaching Doom Troopers.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 09, 2016, 09:34:38 am

"Well, I've found around here you just have to accept some things at face value, because the whole place is pretty bunk-ass.  It has its charms, though.  And my patron entity wanted a word in private with me, talking about future stuffs.  How about you?  Have we even met?  My name's John.  Nice suit."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 09, 2016, 03:04:07 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2016, 09:45:50 pm

Well, I try to imagine characters as normal people that actually want to be comfortable, not RPG characters that want to be under a giant wall of armor at all times. Hence why I thought you would probably not want to wear armour when not necessary and thus why you wouldn't be wearing it in the house.

((Trying to imagine our characters as normal people, Ha!
I suppose you're right. Though I can think of a few in character justifications it was done more out of RPG character reasons than actual character reasons. I'll try to not act like that in the future.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 08, 2016, 10:40:18 pm

Comm-wire, everyone: <I don't think we should be treating him as some sort of traitor. He doesn't seem very shifty to me, and he hasn't really tried to antagonize any of us. We could run, but then we'd be on our own again. I like.. I like having his help.

Besides, we still have something to get from here, don't we? I think we can trust him, at least for now.>

<I'm not sure if we can trust him or not, but he was acting suspiciously nice and helpful. Don't like the chances of him being on our side. We should leave as soon as we have the map. ...Even if he didn't betray us, we should still go so his family isn't hurt and house isn't destroyed if we fight.>

Nikolai will stay with Zech for now.

He straps his shield to left arm.

Using a sling with only one hand might be troublesome, specifically loading it. One technique I read about is to place the sling on the ground, place the rock in the pouch, then pick it up again. Do that. Then place the loaded sling in pocket or bag for quick slinging. Either it works and I can get the first shot off faster, or the rock falls out and I have to load it again.

Nikolai comms to River:
<How many are coming, do you know? Distance or time until they get here?>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 09, 2016, 03:10:41 pm

"John. John... what kind of a name is that? I'm Kosak! I wish to show you my might!"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 09, 2016, 03:13:02 pm

<Like I said, those of you that want to run should go. I'll stay here, relay what happens, and fulfill my agreement with Linus. If things go badly I'll be counting on you, but I think Linus is trustworthy.>
"Linus, if these people are allied to Kassiver, then they may have been told to hunt me and Ike down, we had to hurt him to escape and I think he would lie to save face. Most of us are leaving to avoid causing trouble, since we all seem a little odd, but I'm willing to stay if you'll protect me, that way we can finish our deal and we can have the map we need. We've got ways to find each other if we get separated."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 09, 2016, 07:13:28 pm

"Your might?  Can you pick up one of those tables?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 09, 2016, 07:37:59 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 09, 2016, 09:34:38 am

"Well, I've found around here you just have to accept some things at face value, because the whole place is pretty bunk-ass.  It has its charms, though.  And my patron entity wanted a word in private with me, talking about future stuffs.  How about you?  Have we even met?  My name's John.  Nice suit."

((Actually, I wonder if John ever mentioned his name in that entity mission.
Oh well, I'll just wing it.))
"...
Yes, we have met, when we were fighting against Nick, you remember? Any of it?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on January 09, 2016, 07:41:21 pm

Saevus breaks his nigh perfect imitation of a decorative suit of armor and picks up a table. Seeing as how his eyes are extremely small red points, as opposed to their usual flame-like appearance, it seems like he's bored.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 09, 2016, 08:07:31 pm

John slapped his head.  "Right, sorry!  That whole mission was kind of a blur."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 09, 2016, 09:47:47 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 08, 2016, 09:49:34 pm

"Rover always feels like he can distrust people. Heck, he even distrusts me of all people!"

Alan looks shocked by this, he's obviously a paragon of reliability and trustworthiness.

"I wonder why."
"Because he attacked me."
"I was being sarcastic."

Quote from: NAV on January 09, 2016, 03:04:07 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2016, 09:45:50 pm

Well, I try to imagine characters as normal people that actually want to be comfortable, not RPG characters that want to be under a giant wall of armor at all times. Hence why I thought you would probably not want to wear armour when not necessary and thus why you wouldn't be wearing it in the house.

((Trying to imagine our characters as normal people, Ha!
I suppose you're right. Though I can think of a few in character justifications it was done more out of RPG character reasons than actual character reasons. I'll try to not act like that in the future.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 08, 2016, 10:40:18 pm

Comm-wire, everyone: <I don't think we should be treating him as some sort of traitor. He doesn't seem very shifty to me, and he hasn't really tried to antagonize any of us. We could run, but then we'd be on our own again. I like.. I like having his help.

Besides, we still have something to get from here, don't we? I think we can trust him, at least for now.>

<I'm not sure if we can trust him or not, but he was acting suspiciously nice and helpful. Don't like the chances of him being on our side. We should leave as soon as we have the map. ...Even if he didn't betray us, we should still go so his family isn't hurt and house isn't destroyed if we fight.>

Nikolai will stay with Zech for now.

He straps his shield to left arm.

Using a sling with only one hand might be troublesome, specifically loading it. One technique I read about is to place the sling on the ground, place the rock in the pouch, then pick it up again. Do that. Then place the loaded sling in pocket or bag for quick slinging. Either it works and I can get the first shot off faster, or the rock falls out and I have to load it again.

Nikolai comms to River:
<How many are coming, do you know? Distance or time until they get here?>

((Heh, you know what I mean.
And don't feel that you HAVE to play your character like a normal person. As long as you don't do something too meta, it's fine, you can do whatever you want. I was just explaining why I thought the way I thought.))

I have no idea if that's possible. Let's say you can do that.

<Many. About two dozens. They were not too far and were moving quickly. They will be here soon. Maybe ten minutes.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 09, 2016, 03:28:04 am

Campaign, Ike!

Go off-road a bit. Northward, one would suppose. Just so we're not quite running into the approaching Doom Troopers.

You keep moving, changing heading to northeast.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2016, 03:13:02 pm

<Like I said, those of you that want to run should go. I'll stay here, relay what happens, and fulfill my agreement with Linus. If things go badly I'll be counting on you, but I think Linus is trustworthy.>
"Linus, if these people are allied to Kassiver, then they may have been told to hunt me and Ike down, we had to hurt him to escape and I think he would lie to save face. Most of us are leaving to avoid causing trouble, since we all seem a little odd, but I'm willing to stay if you'll protect me, that way we can finish our deal and we can have the map we need. We've got ways to find each other if we get separated."

"Hm. I would had preferred it if it was either one or the other,  instead of both. Easier to plan for."
He unlocks a cupboard and starts searching it.
"Well. There's no time to waste then. We'll treat this like a bandit raid. Hide those who should be hidden in the fortress below, try to get the soldiers away from here with words, have weapons hidden and ready just in case."
He retrieves a short sword and a gauntlet. He sets them down on the table and then starts hiding his work on you, locking it in whatever chests or cupboards can hold it.
"We should get to work, remove any trace that you were here. Easier than explaining and lying to them, whether they're here for you or not. Anything out of place, anything that could make them linger or give them an excuse to stay should be hidden... Like that mountain of cutlery. Why is there a mountain of cutlery outside my house?" he asks as his eyes happen to glance at the window.
Everyone looks at Alan.
"Oh. Right."
He looks back up at you.
"If things turn out badly, you should stay hidden in the fortress. You can stay hidden for quite a long time in that maze and if you have enough time or if they trap you down there, you can try to unseal one of the old passages that lead outside. My wife should know the passages that lead outside, she'll be able to help you."

---

((I'm going to advance time whenever I have the time for it if there's nothing more you want to do or talk about. So if there's something you need to know or do, now is the time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 09, 2016, 09:57:23 pm

Go along peacefully with wherever they want to put me. But concentrate really hard on trying to summon a radio or something that plays this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1PeQ5QL7jI) song. It's important.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 09, 2016, 10:16:17 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 09, 2016, 08:07:31 pm

John slapped his head.  "Right, sorry!  That whole mission was kind of a blur."

Adam take a small sip of a hitherto unnoticed glass filled with red wine. "Yes, it was.
Especially after I was electrocuted.
And you refused to help me."
His glare could have cut ice.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 09, 2016, 11:10:07 pm

Kosak grabs one of the tables, then lifts it. If John gushes anything other than praise, the table gets thrown at him.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 09, 2016, 11:27:51 pm

((Note from turn: You said 'looks back up at you' If he's looking at me, he's looking down, not up. Assuming I'm in my preferred hybrid form, I'm an unusually-small adolescent, ignoring the tails, remember? I may talk adult-like, but my body and voice are not. tis part of why I ignored when D questioned me saying they were both bigger than me - they ARE, and it should be self-evident.))
"Okay, but, sir, if a fight breaks out, you'll want me there. I'm not helpless."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 10, 2016, 12:27:42 am

Realization finally dawns on his face.  "Oh yeah!  You're the guy that got blown up by the first shot.  Sorry dude, but you were a goner.  I'm no doctor, and I'm definitely not a miracle worker, which is what you needed."

"And nice!  That is impressive might."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 10, 2016, 01:50:14 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 10, 2016, 12:27:42 am

Realization finally dawns on his face.  "Oh yeah!  You're the guy that got blown up by the first shot.  Sorry dude, but you were a goner.  I'm no doctor, and I'm definitely not a miracle worker, which is what you needed."

Adam quietly stares at John for a few moments, before shaking his head and returing his face to his normal, haughty look.
"Very well, nothing comes out of bitterness, I can put that behind me, I hope we can be allies in the future?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 03:29:22 am

Quote from: NAV on January 09, 2016, 03:04:07 pm

<I'm not sure if we can trust him or not, but he was acting suspiciously nice and helpful. Don't like the chances of him being on our side. We should leave as soon as we have the map. ...Even if he didn't betray us, we should still go so his family isn't hurt and house isn't destroyed if we fight.>

Zechariah thought to himself before continuing to move on. While he would like to be on the safe side and run, he appreciated the hospitality of the general. He might also have a better way to hide them than the group could devise. And, to be quite honest, Zechariah cherished the idea of possibly having an ally in a strange world, where everyone seems to distrust one another - and for good reason.

<I.. want to believe that he has no malice. He doesn't seem to have reason to, and he's been trusting of us so far.Though, I agree with you. We shouldn't take advantage of his hospitality so much. I'm going to stay as long as we need to get the map, and then I can catch up with the rest of the group too. The others are smart. They'll figure out somewhere to stay. Hopefully, we won't be a burden on him.>

Stay.

Comm-wire, Irine: <Irine, I am staying here. Do you know if there is somewhere we can hide? If there isn't a place, then I have powers that could help me and others hide. Though, with the way things seemed to be going, I'd prefer if we not have to take the risk...>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 11:07:02 am

to Zech<The lower fortress, Linus and his wife know how to get in.>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2016, 02:54:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Doot-da-doot..."

Continue moving. Don't be conspicuous. Stay out of the way. But take in the sights, the sounds, the smells! Especially the smells.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 10, 2016, 05:15:02 pm

"We're all friends here, man.  Sometimes nasty stuff happens in the field."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 10, 2016, 06:11:59 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 03:29:22 am

<I.. want to believe that he has no malice. He doesn't seem to have reason to, and he's been trusting of us so far.Though, I agree with you. We shouldn't take advantage of his hospitality so much. I'm going to stay as long as we need to get the map, and then I can catch up with the rest of the group too. The others are smart. They'll figure out somewhere to stay. Hopefully, we won't be a burden on him.>

<Okay stay. I'll catch up with Ike. Comm if you need help.>

To everyone:
<In case you didn't hear, River said there are about 24 coming and they'll be here in about 10 minutes. Thank you River. For warning, not for bringing them here.>

Catch up with Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2016, 07:50:58 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 09, 2016, 09:57:23 pm

Go along peacefully with wherever they want to put me. But concentrate really hard on trying to summon a radio or something that plays this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1PeQ5QL7jI) song. It's important.

You summon a little glowing thing in your ear that constantly plays nice smooth tunes and stay out of the way of people doing actually useful stuff.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 09, 2016, 11:27:51 pm

((Note from turn: You said 'looks back up at you' If he's looking at me, he's looking down, not up. Assuming I'm in my preferred hybrid form, I'm an unusually-small adolescent, ignoring the tails, remember? I may talk adult-like, but my body and voice are not. tis part of why I ignored when D questioned me saying they were both bigger than me - they ARE, and it should be self-evident.))
"Okay, but, sir, if a fight breaks out, you'll want me there. I'm not helpless."

((That's a problem with me imagining the turns and seeing what happens and then trying to write it concisely. He was looking out the window and down to the ground and then looked up to you. Just didn't write it very well. Until we get a better Imagination to English (https://esolangs.org/wiki/English) compiler, you'll have to rely on this buggy laggy version :P
I don't remember the D thing you're taking about, unless I do and you're using different words to describe it that I can't understand))
"Yes, I agree. Do not misunderstand me, I don't consider you helpless, I appreciate your abilities and your offer for help. But I would like to avoid a fight and them finding you would most likely lead to a fight, based on what you told me. Even if you hide, they might have mages that could detect you. I believe it would be safest for all involved for you and your friends to just hide below."
The man starts heading downstairs, but pauses for a second in case you wish to follow him or tell him something more.
"I will leave. This is your choice. The consequences will be yours as well."
<But I will be nearby and watching. If there is need for me to intervene.> he adds telepathically while looking at you, before he turns around and starts quickly moving away.
<Because deep down he's just a big softy who cares about you. Or he's just looking for a chance to kill people and say "I told you so" if the guy does betray us. Probably the second thing.>

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 03:29:22 am

Quote from: NAV on January 09, 2016, 03:04:07 pm

<I'm not sure if we can trust him or not, but he was acting suspiciously nice and helpful. Don't like the chances of him being on our side. We should leave as soon as we have the map. ...Even if he didn't betray us, we should still go so his family isn't hurt and house isn't destroyed if we fight.>

Zechariah thought to himself before continuing to move on. While he would like to be on the safe side and run, he appreciated the hospitality of the general. He might also have a better way to hide them than the group could devise. And, to be quite honest, Zechariah cherished the idea of possibly having an ally in a strange world, where everyone seems to distrust one another - and for good reason.

<I.. want to believe that he has no malice. He doesn't seem to have reason to, and he's been trusting of us so far.Though, I agree with you. We shouldn't take advantage of his hospitality so much. I'm going to stay as long as we need to get the map, and then I can catch up with the rest of the group too. The others are smart. They'll figure out somewhere to stay. Hopefully, we won't be a burden on him.>

Stay.

Comm-wire, Irine: <Irine, I am staying here. Do you know if there is somewhere we can hide? If there isn't a place, then I have powers that could help me and others hide. Though, with the way things seemed to be going, I'd prefer if we not have to take the risk...>

You turn around and start walking in the opposite direction, back to the house.

Quote from: NAV on January 10, 2016, 06:11:59 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 03:29:22 am

<I.. want to believe that he has no malice. He doesn't seem to have reason to, and he's been trusting of us so far.Though, I agree with you. We shouldn't take advantage of his hospitality so much. I'm going to stay as long as we need to get the map, and then I can catch up with the rest of the group too. The others are smart. They'll figure out somewhere to stay. Hopefully, we won't be a burden on him.>

<Okay stay. I'll catch up with Ike. Comm if you need help.>

To everyone:
<In case you didn't hear, River said there are about 24 coming and they'll be here in about 10 minutes. Thank you River. For warning, not for bringing them here.>

Catch up with Ike.

<I did not bring them here.>
Ike-following intensifies.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:21:00 pm

I follow

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2016, 08:34:38 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:21:00 pm

I follow

((I assume you're going to help with hiding evidence (although that would be a bit hard to achieve completely, given Alan's mountain) and hide in the fortress as instructed? If yes, then I'll get on with it and advance time.
Edit: Unless there's something else you or other people want to do.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:42:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2016, 08:34:38 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:21:00 pm

I follow

((I assume you're going to help with hiding evidence (although that would be a bit hard to achieve completely, given Alan's mountain) and hide in the fortress as instructed? If yes, then I'll get on with it and advance time.
Edit: Unless there's something else you or other people want to do.))

exactly, I do as instructed. those that want to run off have already done so. I think it's safe to assume those staying do what Linus tells us too. I know Irine does.

---

EDIT:
@ D and "Bigger than me"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2015, 09:48:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 21, 2015, 04:20:18 pm

<I'm sure you are D, but that doesn't mean he can't be gracious too. I mean, you're both bigger than me. Besides, it's nice having people be nice to me. Why not just let people be nice and enjoy their niceness?>

<Hehe, sure. He seems like a cool guy. I'm mostly just having fun. Mostly.
...
Wait, what do you mean 'bigger than you'?>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 10, 2016, 08:51:23 pm

"Hmph."

The table is promptly set down. Kosak finishes off his barrel.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 09:35:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:42:08 pm

exactly, I do as instructed. those that want to run off have already done so. I think it's safe to assume those staying do what Linus tells us too. I know Irine does.

Follow along with what Irine does.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 10, 2016, 11:07:21 pm

Stop after a few minutes and find somewhere to hide.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 11, 2016, 01:24:54 am

Meditate.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 12, 2016, 11:42:52 pm

((So! This (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6713489#msg6713489) was as far as I read, and I thought I made a post ~10 posts back, but then discovering that it didn't go through [yaaay connection -____-]
Back in that post, Theri had attempted to ease the tension of River and his bias to hyoomans :P But I'm making it again. In the current timeframe. Because let's just say Theri was quiet and busy attending to the team's supplies while everyone else did dem talkings [like folding clothes, and making sure everyone was clean...]))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 03:46:45 pm

[...]
(([...]Assume you're wherever you want. Just tell me where you are when it's time to act so that there's less chance of a  misunderstanding.))

((Can I assume this also applies with me? :D Theri is with Irine.))

<Hey, um...sorry for late response, so I'll cut to the point--I'll be staying with Irine. I don't possess any of the powers she does, but I can do well with the physical arts. River, I do not suspect the General has anything to do with this, too--though it may in the end be my trusting nature over political undertones that will make you right, though I did think through this...and I believe that whoever that servant follows--it is not the General, himself, that called this upon us. I believe we can trust him, especially if he can paint a very nice Irine there...>

Um, stick with Irine! Intuit out the General's motives and the soldiers--I mean the appearance of soldiers != bad stuff, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on January 14, 2016, 12:34:25 pm

"Well that's not quite what I expected. Does this mean everything is going to start going funny like last time too?"

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

Anything I can grab for a weapon? Probably should have thought of that earlier. Anyways, after maybe acquiring a weapon send a telekinetic blast towards the wheelchair man and that woman.

((Sorry for late post, adjusting to new schedule))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 14, 2016, 12:54:26 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Stop!

...

Continue!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 16, 2016, 11:45:15 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:42:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 10, 2016, 08:34:38 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:21:00 pm

I follow

((I assume you're going to help with hiding evidence (although that would be a bit hard to achieve completely, given Alan's mountain) and hide in the fortress as instructed? If yes, then I'll get on with it and advance time.
Edit: Unless there's something else you or other people want to do.))

exactly, I do as instructed. those that want to run off have already done so. I think it's safe to assume those staying do what Linus tells us too. I know Irine does.

---

EDIT:
@ D and "Bigger than me"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2015, 09:48:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 21, 2015, 04:20:18 pm

<I'm sure you are D, but that doesn't mean he can't be gracious too. I mean, you're both bigger than me. Besides, it's nice having people be nice to me. Why not just let people be nice and enjoy their niceness?>

<Hehe, sure. He seems like a cool guy. I'm mostly just having fun. Mostly.
...
Wait, what do you mean 'bigger than you'?>

((Ah, that. I still don't understand that. Unless you mean bigger in terms of age. Because his current avatar has been reduced to almost nothing in size.))

You follow the general as he makes his way to the bottom floor, informing his wife there's a raid coming and telling her to get the children below, like they practiced.
"A raid? Now? Who is it? Those... people from Areloggez?" she says with a hint of disdain.
"No. Soldiers."
"Soldiers? Then why are we-?"
"Just... please. Do as I say. These are dangerous times. We can't be too careful." he asks, holding her hand and looking her in the eyes.
She gives you an angry look. She sighs loudly and quickly moves to follow the general's instructions.
"Good. Now. Terrevieve. The rest of you. Gather up, listen well and work quick. We have work to do and little time to do it."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 10, 2016, 09:35:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 10, 2016, 08:42:08 pm

exactly, I do as instructed. those that want to run off have already done so. I think it's safe to assume those staying do what Linus tells us too. I know Irine does.

Follow along with what Irine does.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 12, 2016, 11:42:52 pm

((So! This (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6713489#msg6713489) was as far as I read, and I thought I made a post ~10 posts back, but then discovering that it didn't go through [yaaay connection -____-]
Back in that post, Theri had attempted to ease the tension of River and his bias to hyoomans :P But I'm making it again. In the current timeframe. Because let's just say Theri was quiet and busy attending to the team's supplies while everyone else did dem talkings [like folding clothes, and making sure everyone was clean...]))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2016, 03:46:45 pm

[...]
(([...]Assume you're wherever you want. Just tell me where you are when it's time to act so that there's less chance of a  misunderstanding.))

((Can I assume this also applies with me? :D Theri is with Irine.))

<Hey, um...sorry for late response, so I'll cut to the point--I'll be staying with Irine. I don't possess any of the powers she does, but I can do well with the physical arts. River, I do not suspect the General has anything to do with this, too--though it may in the end be my trusting nature over political undertones that will make you right, though I did think through this...and I believe that whoever that servant follows--it is not the General, himself, that called this upon us. I believe we can trust him, especially if he can paint a very nice Irine there...>

Um, stick with Irine! Intuit out the General's motives and the soldiers--I mean the appearance of soldiers != bad stuff, right?

<I trust your choices. I trust you. I believe you will do well.>

True. The appearance of the soldiers is not necessarily bad. The general did say that he sells supplies and magical services. Maybe the soldiers are just going to make a quick stop to resupply on their way to help with the disaster in the City. Maybe they were sent to try to purchase food because of the food problems in that other town. All this worrying could be for nothing.

However there are other, less good possibilities. It's not  uncommon in times of turmoil for authorities to take whatever they deem necessary, sometimes by force. It's not uncommon for soldiers left without something to keep them in check to become bandits or worse tyrants, if they think it is necessary or if they thirst for power and quick gain.

But even if they are merely passing through, there could be problems. From what you understand, they tend to not be very kind to people who don't look fully human. And if news about the deeds of Irine and Ike have spread to them, discovering those two here probably won't end well.

However the general does seem genuinely concerned about the soldiers. He seems to be making a good effort to hide you. Whether or not hiding you is necessary though... you can't help having a bad feeling about all this.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 11, 2016, 01:24:54 am

Meditate.

You are now at one with the force Dao birdriver house.

Quote from: NAV on January 10, 2016, 11:07:21 pm

Stop after a few minutes and find somewhere to hide.

You keep moving forward for a couple of minutes before stopping and hiding in a small depression between two small hills, behind some bushes. That will hopefully make you harder to spot. Not that there's much else you could hide behind around here. Even big rocks are kinda scarce.
...
You look down and realize that you're wearing armor made out of possibly the loudest and shiniest material you can find.
...
You try to be very very still as you hear the sound of distant running and clattering of armour. You wish as hard as you can that they won't see you and hope it will be enough.

((Pausing here to give you a chance to do anything you might want to do to prepare for combat and/or decrease your odds of getting spotted in the ~minute of time you have. If you manage to stay hidden, I'll continue with the whatever happens with the soldiers and the house. If not... well, I guess I'll have to do some turns for you about whatever happens.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 10, 2016, 02:54:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Doot-da-doot..."

Continue moving. Don't be conspicuous. Stay out of the way. But take in the sights, the sounds, the smells! Especially the smells.

You keep moving until you hear and smell the approaching soldiers. You take some time to find a good hiding spot and lie down, everything but your eyes hidden behind a small rise in the earth, your stuff left on the ground nearby.

Half a minute later, the soldiers start appearing from behind a small hill. They look much like the ones you saw in the city. There's about half of them in light scout armour, the rest in heavier and shinier types of armour. Even though they are moving quickly, they are spread out away from each other, forming a long rough line  perpendicular to the road, with the more heavily armored men closer to the center. Some occasionally stop to look around before continuing forward.

With nobody slowing you down, you were able to move quickly enough to be well out of their way, even without running as fast as you can. Probably impossible for them to detect you. Unless they have enhanced senses or some other way of detecting you.

---

The group that stays back works on making any signs of their presence there they can find disappear. Which mostly consists of dumping Alan's creations in the basement, but also involves things such as cleaning rooms, putting tools and clothes in their place, dumping garbage, erasing tracks. And casting a few spells in the case of the general.
<Part of me can't help but think this is some clever trick to force you to clean your rooms before checking out.>

Work continues for a few minutes, until Terrevieve comes running down the stairs and informs the general that the soldiers are near. You all take that as your cue to go hide.

You think you did an OK job. There might still be small  things lying around, things you missed that a more thorough search may find, but there's no point worrying about them now. You don't have the time to do anything more about them.

You are quickly led down the stairwell, below the house, the armoured door slamming closed behind you.
"Once you reach the end of the stairs, keep going. There's hiding spots, in case they search below." he informs you.
"If anything happens to me... make sure my family stays safe." he adds before locking the door and running up the stairs.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you find the general's wife sitting on the remains of a small fortification. She's holding her infant daughter close to her chest with one hand and her son's hand with her other. She looks upset, while her son looks anxious and afraid, clinging close to her. In contrast, her baby daughter seems quite calm, still sleeping.
"This is all your fault." she states.
"If you weren't here none of this would have happened. You should have known your place and stayed away."
<That girl. *sigh* She doesn't seem to care much about talking to you, she doesn't even look at you when speaking. It's like she just wants to be mean. She must be more stupid than she looks. I mean, to talk to what she thinks are animals and criminals like that...>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 12:03:06 am

"Aww, don't be sad, lady mom person! They're probably only here to recruit your husband out of retirement so he can command armies again and likely die cold and alone and in pain far from the people he loves in some muddy ditch in a place he's never been in, that's all! Not too bad, right?"

ALAN DIPLOMACY SPECIAL MOVE: REVERSE CONSOLING METAPHORICAL SUPLEX

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2016, 02:54:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Lounge in cover, lie in wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 17, 2016, 09:04:01 am

Switch commwire to left ankle, loosen it slightly, tsar it. Make sure sling is loaded and in hand. Then stay as quiet and still as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 17, 2016, 10:22:35 am

((I don't think Theri heard it was a raid, so she'll continue along the assumption that the soldiers may not be there for a bad reason. She didn't notice otherwise? :P))
The group was split in number. Theri found herself with her considerably best friend Irine, and her other best friend Zechariah--she was trusting of everyone, but unsure if she was thought of as a friend by the rest.

"We're going to help you in any way possible," she mentions to the General.
"I've been watching you and-...you're a tactful person. Why do you help us with those soldiers, again?"

Quick inquiry! Who is with who again? ((Apologies; I got lost! D:))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 17, 2016, 10:41:13 am

Zech, Irene, Theri, and Alan are in the basement with the mom and her kids and the elf.
General is upstairs waiting for the soldiers.
River is watching just outside the farm I think.
Nikolai and Ike are a few minutes away hiding in bushes.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2016, 09:33:45 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 14, 2016, 12:34:25 pm

"Well that's not quite what I expected. Does this mean everything is going to start going funny like last time too?"

Spoiler: Action (click to show/hide)

Anything I can grab for a weapon? Probably should have thought of that earlier. Anyways, after maybe acquiring a weapon send a telekinetic blast towards the wheelchair man and that woman.

((Sorry for late post, adjusting to new schedule))

Well, there's that fancy knife close to that mass of flesh and bone that used to be your teammate. You could try to grab it or use the force to pull it towards you. In fact, let's say you try to do that, to save time.

You pull the knife into your hand and then throw the most powerful telekinetic blast you can muster. The air in front of the man and woman shimmers as you encounter resistance, as if there is some sort of barrier where the desk is standing. But you manage to power through it and hit them anyway, albeit with diminished strength. They slam against the wall, but it's not a very strong strike. The woman's quick reflexes allowed her to keep her balance. At worse, they'll probably get bruised.

On the bright side, your assault seems to have  stopped them from acting, so they couldn't do...  whatever they were going to do.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 12:03:06 am

"Aww, don't be sad, lady mom person! They're probably only here to recruit your husband out of retirement so he can command armies again and likely die cold and alone and in pain far from the people he loves in some muddy ditch in a place he's never been in, that's all! Not too bad, right?"

ALAN DIPLOMACY SPECIAL MOVE: REVERSE CONSOLING METAPHORICAL SUPLEX

Oh, wow, you can actually feel the murderous intent coming from her. It's like her eyes are trying to drill a hole into your skull with red hot anger. At least you can be reasonably sure she's not a wizard, because you're pretty sure she would had made your head explode, if she could.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2016, 02:54:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Lounge in cover, lie in wait.

You lounge in cover.
...
You use your hands to check your ears, make sure they're not giving away your position due to their size. Hmm. Seems OK.
...
Should had brought a snack.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 17, 2016, 10:22:35 am

((I don't think Theri heard it was a raid, so she'll continue along the assumption that the soldiers may not be there for a bad reason. She didn't notice otherwise? :P))
The group was split in number. Theri found herself with her considerably best friend Irine, and her other best friend Zechariah--she was trusting of everyone, but unsure if she was thought of as a friend by the rest.

"We're going to help you in any way possible," she mentions to the General.
"I've been watching you and-...you're a tactful person. Why do you help us with those soldiers, again?"

Quick inquiry! Who is with who again? ((Apologies; I got lost! D:))

((Well, the general merely said it was a raid to get his family to hide, like they practiced doing in case of a raid. It's not known with 100% certainty that there will be a raid, he just wants them to be safe, just in case. Or at least that's the explanation he gave.))

((Right now you're locked below the house, so I'll assume this conversation occurred earlier.))
He seems a bit surprised by your question.
"Because I gave you my word. Because it's the right thing to do."

NAV is mostly right. You, Alan, Irine and Zechariah are locked inside the basement with the general's wife and their two children.
The general and his servant (the elf) are upstairs, in the house.
River said he will be watching, but didn't actually say from where. Probably somewhere close to the house.
Nikolai and Ike are trying to hide outside.

Quote from: NAV on January 17, 2016, 09:04:01 am

Switch commwire to left ankle, loosen it slightly, tsar it. Make sure sling is loaded and in hand. Then stay as quiet and still as possible.

Ah, so preparing for combat instead of trying to hide better. Well, let's hope you can take out two dozens of trained soldiers on your own, if you're found.

You move the wire, but you just can't muster the power required to use your ability. After three attempts, all you've managed to do is make it slightly larger, but not as large as it was before. You're not certain it will have the same effects as last time.

Well, you can at least try to stay still, make sure the bushes don't rustle and your armor doesn't reflect many moving beams of light.

You hear the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching you. That's not good. They sound like they're going to pass right next to you.

You hear a boot hitting the ground close to your hiding spot. You involuntarily close your eyes and cringe. When you open them again, there's a scout with his back turned to you, half-walking half-running away from you. And then he slows down and stops. He glances back, looking towards you, his mouth half-open, his face covered in sweat and his body swaying due to his rapid breathing. You think he's looking directly at you.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 09:36:21 pm

"...want some Red Bull?"

Alan vacantly grins.

Add straw to camel's back

Also summon a large amount of donuts to induce happiness in the nearby individuals

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2016, 09:46:16 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 09:36:21 pm

"...want some Red Bull?"

Alan vacantly grins.

Add straw to camel's back

"Alan, stop. Her family is in danger and she can't do anything about it but sit and wait. We make her uncomfortable simply for what we are, irrespective of who we are. Just leave her be, we can't make her feel better, only worse."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 09:58:55 pm

"Yeah, and Red Bull gives you wings! In this case it can be metaphorical wings, being wings for your emotions, raising them upward, and thus making you feel better! My logic is flawless."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2016, 10:07:17 pm

"Alan, your logic is insane. Please, leave her alone."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 10:16:01 pm

"What, you've never been trapped in a soul-crushing cycle of apathy and depression, near-dead on the streets from cold and starvation, and forcibly lifted yourself out of it by consuming excessive amounts of stimulants and drugs you found in back-alley trash bins and stole from that one discount Korean corner store that was going out of business and was thus a hotspot for newly developing drug dealers, probably irreversibly damaging your neurological architecture in the process but giving yourself the carefree and joyful attitude needed to accrue sufficient sympathy from others for them to give you enough food to survive and hey it's a better alternative than suicide? Red Bull is awesome."

Alan grins happily at the memory of sweet sweet red bull.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 17, 2016, 10:21:15 pm

((Two things. One, backstory? Two, these contrasting personalities are hilarious.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 10:28:18 pm

((It's a definite possibility, but Alan's actual backstory is about as certain as the Joker's - in fact he was one of the characters I based Alan off of. Until such time as I'm forced to decide what Alan's actual background is, it'll remain trapped in quantum uncertainty and he will merely be the force of Alan in the universe.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 17, 2016, 10:40:27 pm

About armour, it is covered in the Red Bull logo and colours and ingredient list and stuff because it was made from the giant can, right? Unless of course it was a generic giant energy drink can, or it was turned inside out or the colours scrubbed off during crafting. Not that that helps at all, just an interesting pattern to have on armour.
By the way does the armour have a helmet?


Very very quietly: "...don't make a sound if you want to live"
Oh shit why the hell didn't I hide properly how do I get out of this?
Calm down you've been through way worse.

Tsar the commwire properly and hopefully quietly. It's my best trump card.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2016, 10:53:26 pm

"Extremes for extremes Alan. Chemicals won't make this situation any better."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 11:00:21 pm

"I'd argue that chemicals make everything better, and not just because being overstimulated is a fun experience - from a certain point of view everything is made up of chemicals anyway. So more happiness chemicals is a good thing, right? I bet if we all ate a donut right now we'd all feel way better. Ooh, they haven't been introduced to donuts! I'll fix that."

Alan gains his Good Idea^TM face.

First action edited

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2016, 11:28:23 pm

"No Alan don't-"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 17, 2016, 11:56:56 pm

(( :o ))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 12:17:38 am

((And so great things are born.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 18, 2016, 12:20:40 am

((I like how Lenglon anticipated that Lyra wouldn't be able to stop Alan.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 12:24:26 am

((S/he's a good sport that way. Anyone would be for putting up with my constant fuckery, much less going along with it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2016, 12:47:35 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on January 18, 2016, 12:20:40 am

((I like how Lenglon anticipated that Irine wouldn't be able to stop Alan.))

((fixed))

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 12:24:26 am

((S/he's a good sport that way. Anyone would be for putting up with my constant fuckery, much less going along with it.))

((She))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 01:01:07 am

((I'll take a note of that - didn't want to assume, and I couldn't remember from the last time you clarified.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2016, 10:27:40 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on January 17, 2016, 10:40:27 pm

About armour, it is covered in the Red Bull logo and colours and ingredient list and stuff because it was made from the giant can, right? Unless of course it was a generic giant energy drink can, or it was turned inside out or the colours scrubbed off during crafting. Not that that helps at all, just an interesting pattern to have on armour.
By the way does the armour have a helmet?


Very very quietly: "...don't make a sound if you want to live"
Oh shit why the hell didn't I hide properly how do I get out of this?
Calm down you've been through way worse.

Tsar the commwire properly and hopefully quietly. It's my best trump card.

It is indeed just made out of can material, with some colour scratched/removed due to processing. You rolled well when creating it, so you can assume whatever small stylistic choices you would like. Like, for example, putting the logo on the shield, like a sort-of heraldry. The symbols knights and soldiers had on their shields and flags are called heraldry, right?

Yes, it does have a helmet. You had enough material and rolled well, so I said "why not"? I assumed that since it is light armour, you would go with a simple helmet, just something that covers the top and sides of your head and the back of your neck while not obstructing your hearing and vision very much. But if you want to go for something heavier, just say so before it becomes relevant and its quantum state collapses.

You very quietly speak to the scout while lamenting not doing something to better hide, like covering your armour with dirt or your cloth bag or using a branch to obscure your tracks, or hell, even trying to stab the scout before he had a chance to act (although with your luck, that would had probably ended with you somehow stabbing yourself). At the same time you try to tsar your comm-wire with no effect.

"...don't make a sound if you want to live" you warn the scout, but even before you start speaking, his hand has started moving towards his sword.
"Here! They're here!" he shouts as he draws his sword and gets in a defensive stance.
Well. That doesn't sound good.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2016, 09:36:21 pm

"...want some Red Bull?"

Alan vacantly grins.

Add straw to camel's back

Also summon a large amount of donuts to induce happiness in the nearby individuals

Xan, sensing that someone who is not him has just experienced a huge stroke of bad luck and fail, fears for his throne. In an effort to deter his would be usurper, he attempts to bring fun to his current situation.

You summon a perfectly good doughnut that falls into the boy's hands. He takes a bite out of it. He seems to like it. In fact, he looks a bit calmer now. The woman looks confused for half a second before looking away from you and hmph-ing in contempt.
...
An action you intended to make things better actually made things better? What is this madness?
...
Damn it! Nikolai stole your luck! You bet that's why he run away. He just wants to steal your spotlight.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2016, 10:41:05 pm

"That... that worked? Wow, okay. Um, sorry for doubting you."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 10:42:15 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2016, 10:27:40 pm

Xan, sensing that someone who is not him has just experienced a huge stroke of bad luck and fail, fears for his throne. In an effort to deter his would be usurper, he attempts to bring fun to his current situation.
-snip-
An action you intended to make things better actually made things better? What is this madness?
...
Damn it! Nikolai stole your luck! You bet that's why he run away. He just wants to steal your spotlight.

Firstly, this goes in my sig. This is incredible.

Alan giggles slightly.

"See? They're awesome, right?"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2016, 10:41:05 pm

"That... that worked? Wow, okay. Um, sorry for doubting you."

"No probs, Irine! My ideas only explode around 87 percent of the time, after all.

While we're waiting for the situation to explode, perform an entertaining dance. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8bzl6dqQI)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 18, 2016, 11:38:29 pm

<They found me, reinforcements are very welcome!> Nikolai sounds panicked.

"I warned you! Now flee if you want to live!"
Maybe if I use enough overwhelming firepower they'll give up and run away? At least I can down fighting.
Shit why did we even go in this way I thought we were running away from them not towards them.

Trebuchet that guy and everyone in his general direction. His defensive stance is futile! Or slash at him with a tsar sword if it's a more appropriate range. Or stab him then tsar the sword if he's really close.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 19, 2016, 12:49:01 am

Quote from: NAV on January 18, 2016, 11:38:29 pm

<They found me, reinforcements are very welcome!> Nikolai sounds panicked.

"I warned you! Now flee if you want to live!"
Maybe if I use enough overwhelming firepower they'll give up and run away? At least I can down fighting.
Shit why did we even go in this way I thought we were running away from them not towards them.

Trebuchet that guy and everyone in his general direction. His defensive stance is futile! Or slash at him with a tsar sword if it's a more appropriate range. Or stab him then tsar the sword if he's really close.

You get up and try to use your trademark tsar-sling combo, while the scout maintains his defensive stance. You tsar the sling too soon and the entire thing, both rock and sling, ends up getting ripped away from your hand, flying in a long arc. The oversized projectile slams on the scout who made the poor choice of watching flabbergasted instead of capitalizing on the opportunity you gave him to dodge and run. A large part of his lower body gets crushed with a horrible noise and buried in a small gory crater. The scout moans in pain as he lays bleeding with his back against the dirt. After a few moments, he closes his eyes and stops moving.

That's one down, but he was just one lonely scout and there's more where that came from. The other nearby scouts are already running your way and the rest are not far behind. Unless you have some grander plan, sustaining this would probably not be possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 19, 2016, 01:43:04 am

Quick, what is Ike's location relative to Nikolai? How far, what direction compared to the soldiers? Does he even know?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on January 19, 2016, 02:51:27 am

... I'm bored. Arm-wrestle someone. Yell at the guy's face until he says yes, but let them "win", by pulling my arm backwards. Or do I push my arm forward, I'm not sure. Anyways, award their win with a "puny sample" of plasmid, because I'm sure having the ability to shoot out fireballs is cool, and I would be making friends by giving them cool things, like super-drugs.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 19, 2016, 07:37:50 am

Quote from: NAV on January 19, 2016, 01:43:04 am

Quick, what is Ike's location relative to Nikolai? How far, what direction compared to the soldiers? Does he even know?

You don't know. Can't see him from here. You know the direction he went, somewhere towards the north... Assuming he hasn't been spotted because he's out of their range and not because he hid better/was luckier than you, then... probably a minute or two of very fast running away?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 19, 2016, 09:21:18 am

Quote from: Salsacookies on January 19, 2016, 02:51:27 am

... I'm bored. Arm-wrestle someone. Yell at the guy's face until he says yes, but let them "win", by pulling my arm backwards. Or do I push my arm forward, I'm not sure. Anyways, award their win with a "puny sample" of plasmid, because I'm sure having the ability to shoot out fireballs is cool, and I would be making friends by giving them cool things, like super-drugs.

If Kosak happens to get shouted at in his face, a punch enters the face of whoever did the shouting.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on January 19, 2016, 09:22:52 am

John would be down to arm wrestle!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on January 19, 2016, 10:22:55 am

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Charge the wheelchair dude and the woman, and attack them with the knife, try a telekinetic push in the opposite direction of the first one to imbalance them further

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2016, 01:03:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((I'm just falling behind on everything lately. Apologies for sporadic posting.))

What do I see? What do I hear? What do I know? Anything? Nothing? Everything? It's likely the middle one.

Nevertheless, mentally tabulate what's exactly happening right now. Am I presently stabbing somebody in the face, perhaps? That can happen sometimes when you're not paying attention with these magic hands of mine.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 19, 2016, 01:15:01 pm

Okay then. Nikolai draws his sword and... runs towards the direction where Ike probably is. 2v20 is better than 1v20. North is running away from the soldiers right?

If they are close to catching him he will tsar the commwire finally goddammit and shout painfully loudly into their brains like an angry slavic banshee. And also I'm pretty sure the commwire can transmit images too (at least it did for Irene) so he will try to upload bright flashing lights and gross porn to their brains too. Speed of thought. And how about some images of the BETA and the army of zombies and tentacle monsters by the portal too. And Birdriver. And naked Alan. Just trying to shock them and wreck their morale.

Of course defend self with the sword and shield if necessary or possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on January 19, 2016, 03:41:09 pm

Team A?, WMD

Still charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2016, 10:57:37 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on January 19, 2016, 01:15:01 pm

Okay then. Nikolai draws his sword and... runs towards the direction where Ike probably is. 2v20 is better than 1v20. North is running away from the soldiers right?

If they are close to catching him he will tsar the commwire finally goddammit and shout painfully loudly into their brains like an angry slavic banshee. And also I'm pretty sure the commwire can transmit images too (at least it did for Irene) so he will try to upload bright flashing lights and gross porn to their brains too. Speed of thought. And how about some images of the BETA and the army of zombies and tentacle monsters by the portal too. And Birdriver. And naked Alan. Just trying to shock them and wreck their morale.

Of course defend self with the sword and shield if necessary or possible.

((Oh, man. That action... That's just cruel. Should be banned by the Geneva Conventions or something. I'm even more confident I have the right entity for you now.))

You draw your sword and bravely run away towards where you think Ike is, trying to escape the shouts of "Get him!" and "Don't let him escape!" and other words you can't understand accompanying the footsteps behind you. You try to tsar your commwire once more... And then you step on something hard and slippery and fall face first into the ground.

You turn around, just in time to see another scout has caught up to you, moving to stab you with his sword. You keep trying to tsar your commwire, and this time you succeed, adding everything you have to the already enlarged object. You barely manage to retain consciousness as the now shackle-like wire digs into your body, causing you pain and draining every bit of strength you have, its weight pinning your leg to the ground.

Well, this is it then. Time to bring out the big guns. You give it everything you got, everything you can muster in this weakened state.

The scout running towards you cringes and comes to a halt, holding his head with one hand. You can see similar reactions from some of the other soldiers, especially the ones closest to you. One or two of them even fall to the ground. Ha! Take that!

Even now though the situation is still not good. If you had others to support you or take advantage of this, this could be a turning point. But now... You're still lying on the ground, you can't run very fast (if you manage to get up at all) and you're not sure how much longer this will keep them occupied, while most of them seem unaffected (whether by luck or skill you cannot say).

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2016, 01:03:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!
What do I see? What do I hear? What do I know? Anything? Nothing? Everything? It's likely the middle one.

Nevertheless, mentally tabulate what's exactly happening right now. Am I presently stabbing somebody in the face, perhaps? That can happen sometimes when you're not paying attention with these magic hands of mine.

Well, you just saw Nikolai get up, a giant rock fly up and then gibs. And there was an alarm sound before that (no exclamation marks above their heads though). And now Nikolai is running towards your general direction, being chased by almost everyone, pointing at him with hands or swords and shouting stuff. I think that image is pretty self-explanatory.

And then he stumbles and falls face first into the ground. Quality.

And then you get mindfucked. You can't help but empty the contents of your stomach in the face of something like that. It's an involuntary reaction. The screaming in your head, the images... It's best not to give a full account. Let's just say it's a sort of mental sensory overload combined with something else.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 10:42:15 pm

Alan giggles slightly.

"See? They're awesome, right?"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 18, 2016, 10:41:05 pm

"That... that worked? Wow, okay. Um, sorry for doubting you."

"No probs, Irine! My ideas only explode around 87 percent of the time, after all.

While we're waiting for the situation to explode, perform an entertaining dance. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8bzl6dqQI)

Dance roll:2 ((Should ask Toaster for John to give you some dance lessons. Get that +1 to Dance he has.))
You stand completely still, having a flashback about a cool dance you just did. Though you do not actually dance.

But then some very... shall we say strange? Yeah, let's go with that. Some very strange thoughts reach you. And your companions, judging from their reactions. Yet the woman and her children appear to be fine.

It's not unpleasant, but there are images on your mind, and some of  them are... well, you do look slightly better in the moonlight, I suppose, even with a broken leg.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on January 21, 2016, 10:59:39 pm

((Estimated Time of campaign ending and new missions starting = NEVER. :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2016, 11:20:11 pm

I remove my commwire, and put it in a pocket.
"oww."
I then return to curling up in a corner, holding one of my tails, and resting and waiting.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 22, 2016, 12:16:13 am

Alan takes this mental assault as a challenge. He can pose much more provocatively than that!

Attempt to flood the psychic net or whatever's assaulting me with a large number of memories of the one time I broke into a Playboy studio and made the photographers take explicit pictures of me.

((THE HENDERSON-STYLE BACKSTORY STRIKES AGAIN))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 22, 2016, 12:43:58 am

"Ha! There's more where that comes from!"
The commwire can transmit sounds and sights, maybe it can transmit other senses? Pain's a sense. Try to broadcast PURE EXCRUCIATING AGONY! And if that doesn't seem to be working switch to very painful sounding sounds and very painful looking images. Sorry to any friends in the area.

Meanwhile get up, or at least get in a more defensive position. Shield up, sword up, defensive stance.
If no one's immediately attacking me and I have a moment quickly lower my scarf and chug some energy potion Red Bull for energy.
((Look at this product placement you should get them to sponsor this game.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 21, 2016, 10:59:39 pm

((Estimated Time of campaign ending and new missions starting = NEVER. :P))

((It's almost like we're playing an entirely different game in the same thread. Still a very good game.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2016, 02:57:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

How sad to lose such a wonderful lunch so early in the day.

Steel myself for horror and try to make sense of who I'm supposed to stab. Probably those villagers running after Nikolai.

In any case, stay down and recover for a moment. Get myself back into top form.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 24, 2016, 08:21:10 am

((UGH, sorry for disappearance.
Stuffs happened that may explain my disappearance from the 17th to the 23rd in the subtext of this link. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=154932.msg6758545#msg6758545) {ie Breakdown}))

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 12:24:26 am

((S/he's a good sport that way. Anyone would be for putting up with my constant fuckery, much less going along with it.))

((Everyone is putting up with Alan's silliness :P He's a cool dude that way in that we're all showing more of ourselves with him. He isn't intentionally doing things to harm others, too.))

Quote

An action you intended to make things better actually made things better? What is this madness?

((This made me d'aww!))

---

---

Listening to Alan's philosophized backstory and Irine's responses (along with everything else in between), Theri had a familiar and distinct feeling that she could help with Alan's thinking, having a bit of experience herself in thinking about those situations and understanding several of the feelings he spoke about.

She noticed Irine's movements and decided to mimic her, putting away the commwire safely. She gave Alan a pat on the shoulder before he tried anything, and sat adjacent to Irine. She smiled at her, before sitting with her knees tucked up and looked at her feet.

"Hey. Thoughts there?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2016, 11:14:31 am

((Context for removal of commwire: we were just sent this:))

Quote from: NAV on January 19, 2016, 01:15:01 pm

shout painfully loudly into their brains like an angry slavic banshee. And also I'm pretty sure the commwire can transmit images too (at least it did for Irene) so he will try to upload bright flashing lights and gross porn to their brains too. Speed of thought. And how about some images of the BETA and the army of zombies and tentacle monsters by the portal too. And Birdriver. And naked Alan. Just trying to shock them and wreck their morale.

((It wasn't intended for us, and he had reasons, but that's why Irine is taking hers off.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2016, 09:20:47 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2016, 11:20:11 pm

I remove my commwire, and put it in a pocket.
"oww."
I then return to curling up in a corner, holding one of my tails, and resting and waiting.

You prevent further SAN losses.
But that image of Alan making a little boy happy will haunt you forever.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 22, 2016, 12:16:13 am

Alan takes this mental assault as a challenge. He can pose much more provocatively than that!

Attempt to flood the psychic net or whatever's assaulting me with a large number of memories of the one time I broke into a Playboy studio and made the photographers take explicit pictures of me.

((THE HENDERSON-STYLE BACKSTORY STRIKES AGAIN))

Hmm... Everyone around you except for Zechariah have removed their comm wires... Would DAF do the same if he could post, I wonder? Nah, why would he want to miss such an opportunity? So I guess you'll be educating Zechariah on the beauty of the human Alan body by showing him how you posed for a guy and made him photo you like one of his french girls.

Quote from: NAV on January 22, 2016, 12:43:58 am

"Ha! There's more where that comes from!"
The commwire can transmit sounds and sights, maybe it can transmit other senses? Pain's a sense. Try to broadcast PURE EXCRUCIATING AGONY! And if that doesn't seem to be working switch to very painful sounding sounds and very painful looking images. Sorry to any friends in the area.

Meanwhile get up, or at least get in a more defensive position. Shield up, sword up, defensive stance.
If no one's immediately attacking me and I have a moment quickly lower my scarf and chug some energy potion Red Bull for energy.
((Look at this product placement you should get them to sponsor this game.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on January 21, 2016, 10:59:39 pm

((Estimated Time of campaign ending and new missions starting = NEVER. :P))

((It's almost like we're playing an entirely different game in the same thread. Still a very good game.))

((Every mission is more or less its own game. That was the point of making missions so versatile. Almost anything goes. But hey, if it's boring you, I guess we could abstract some things. We'll be doing that anyway, if you get on the road again. And, you know, stop dying.))

Product placement? What product placement? This is Redd Bull, the fabled coffee created by Chief Redd Bull of the Sodari tribe, a traditional drink that was in that proud native Americans' history for generations. Its symbol is two crimson bulls over a cyan background. It's a completely original product, like Moka Cola or Dr. Piper. It says so right there on your left gauntlet, under the nutritional facts. I don't see what you're basing these unfounded allegations on.

You hum the Popeye theme and chug as much Redd Bull as you feel safe to do.
...
Nothing happens. You have no idea why you expected it to act as a sort of potion. Predictably, there is no immediate effect, beyond the placebo one.

You try to keep defending yourself via mental assault. This time you try switching tactics, but it appears that your opponents are getting used to this now that the initial shock has passed, for they seem mostly unaffected. Even the ones that had fallen down or were otherwise disabled have started getting back up again and making their way towards you. Only the scout closest to you appears to continue to be suffering from your mental attack, moaning in pain.

As you do that, you also try to find the strength to get up. You push and struggle, trying to get off the earth. But as you try to do that, something strikes you from behind, your armour making a loud *bonk* as it is hit and bent. At first you think it might have been a rock, because of the way it hit you. But then it starts to push against your armor, bending it and making it more and more cold. It's becoming heavier, not heavy enough to put you off balance, not yet, but still noticeable. Nevertheless, you manage to get up and start trying to get away as fat as you can.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Here's what the group of enemies closest to you rolled...
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2016-01-25-03-21-00_zpsqsbehzyq.png)
Yeah, good thing you also rolled well and are getting bonuses.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 22, 2016, 02:57:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

How sad to lose such a wonderful lunch so early in the day.

Steel myself for horror and try to make sense of who I'm supposed to stab. Probably those villagers running after Nikolai.

In any case, stay down and recover for a moment. Get myself back into top form.

You take a  moment to lament the loss of your lunch and recover from it. The assault on your mind continues, this time with feelings of pain, but you manage to ignore them, for now.

As for who to stab... Well, assuming you want to help, then yeah, you should probably start running towards them and try to stab them. The wizard especially, since he just hit Nikolai with something.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 24, 2016, 08:21:10 am

((UGH, sorry for disappearance.
Stuffs happened that may explain my disappearance from the 17th to the 23rd in the subtext of this link. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=154932.msg6758545#msg6758545) {ie Breakdown}))

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2016, 12:24:26 am

((S/he's a good sport that way. Anyone would be for putting up with my constant fuckery, much less going along with it.))

((Everyone is putting up with Alan's silliness :P He's a cool dude that way in that we're all showing more of ourselves with him. He isn't intentionally doing things to harm others, too.))

Quote

An action you intended to make things better actually made things better? What is this madness?

((This made me d'aww!))

---

---

Listening to Alan's philosophized backstory and Irine's responses (along with everything else in between), Theri had a familiar and distinct feeling that she could help with Alan's thinking, having a bit of experience herself in thinking about those situations and understanding several of the feelings he spoke about.

She noticed Irine's movements and decided to mimic her, putting away the commwire safely. She gave Alan a pat on the shoulder before he tried anything, and sat adjacent to Irine. She smiled at her, before sitting with her knees tucked up and looked at her feet.

"Hey. Thoughts there?"

((Don't worry. I've also not been making as many turns as I'd like. I wish you the best.))

You protect yourself from harmful mental influences, relocate close to Irine and try to start a conversation with her.

---

OOC

Spoiler: rant/random thoughts/explanation about lack of posts (click to show/hide)

I know I haven't been posting much here even though I've been online and I'm really sorry. It's mostly due to psychological reasons, feeling really bad right now because some people are being blind irrational idiots and are not letting me relax and work. Combined with said work, it hasn't left me in a state conductive to making turns, can't get in the right state of mind and I don't want to let my problems or my bad mood affect the game. So I've mostly been trying to use my internet time to make jokes, read stuff and generally try to have some easy fun. Hopefully things will improve soon without me having to fight too much. But I'll keep trying to make turns. I like this game and I like the people playing it. Just thought you deserved an explanation.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 25, 2016, 09:36:29 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2016, 09:20:47 pm

Hmm... Everyone around you except for Zechariah have removed their comm wires... Would DAF do the same if he could post, I wonder?

Nah...

YES, YES HE WOULD
FOR THE SAKE OF ZECHARIAH'S SANITY, HE WOULD

After calming down and purging my mind of those images, go ahead and keep watching around and making sure that we're all safe.
((Make mental note to not abandon posting either, for the sake of Zechariah's health, purity, and innocence [well, whatever remains of it]))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2016, 09:20:47 pm

Spoiler: rant/random thoughts/explanation about lack of posts (click to show/hide)

I know I haven't been posting much here even though I've been online and I'm really sorry. It's mostly due to psychological reasons, feeling really bad right now because some people are being blind irrational idiots and are not letting me relax and work. Combined with said work, it hasn't left me in a state conductive to making turns, can't get in the right state of mind and I don't want to let my problems or my bad mood affect the game. So I've mostly been trying to use my internet time to make jokes, read stuff and generally try to have some easy fun. Hopefully things will improve soon without me having to fight too much. But I'll keep trying to make turns. I like this game and I like the people playing it. Just thought you deserved an explanation.

Spoiler: shadowman posts again (click to show/hide)

Hey, consider it this way: From the point of view of a GM who is struggling to post regularly too, you're not doing all that bad currently, even with everything going on. You've certainly been more regular than I have in my single RtD. Even then, I struggle to keep up here, mainly due to the fact that I've had to catch up with a bunch of stuff in real life and couldn't really muster the mental energy to post. I know it sounds silly, but that's the way the potato cooks.

Also, sorry for disappearing again for those several turns. I didn't mean to, but like I said, life has a way of getting in front of my pursuits.
I'll try not to be so passively-sadistic towards Zechariah again. He doesn't deserve that.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 25, 2016, 10:32:11 pm

((Okay, I have a problem. I know what Irine would do in response to Theri's question, the problem is I don't have the talent to do it properly. She would sing something correlating to her mood. I don't write songs. She doesn't have access to Earth culture, so it makes no sense for her to sing an actual song I could find somewhere. If people would be willing to pretend that the song isn't stolen from reality, then that would work. but...))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 25, 2016, 11:17:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2016, 10:32:11 pm

((Okay, I have a problem. I know what Irine would do in response to Theri's question, the problem is I don't have the talent to do it properly. She would sing something correlating to her mood. I don't write songs. She doesn't have access to Earth culture, so it makes no sense for her to sing an actual song I could find somewhere. If people would be willing to pretend that the song isn't stolen from reality, then that would work. but...))

((I'd be absolutely fine with you using songs from reality, if you don't feel comfortable making something.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 25, 2016, 11:59:30 pm

((Hey it's all good - I'm perfectly okay with waiting a while for posts if it's what you need to do.))

"Well, that was interesting. What now?"

Jiggle slightly in an unnerving manner as we ponder our next move.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 26, 2016, 12:37:03 am

Look around and get my bearings. How many soldiers can I see, how close together, how far away? Same guys as before with the big shields? Who has the high ground? Who the hell just hit me from behind?

Give one final blast of concentrated psychic pain, then shrink down the commwire and switch to a new tactic. Lunge at the scout in front of me and stab him in the stomach then tsar the sword.

If, for example, he dodges backwards and tsaring the sword would turn a miss into a hit then do that.

Keep my shield up and defensive. Contrary to what some videogames show, you don't have to lower your shield to attack.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 26, 2016, 06:27:51 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 25, 2016, 10:32:11 pm

((Okay, I have a problem. I know what Irine would do in response to Theri's question, the problem is I don't have the talent to do it properly. She would sing something correlating to her mood. I don't write songs. She doesn't have access to Earth culture, so it makes no sense for her to sing an actual song I could find somewhere. If people would be willing to pretend that the song isn't stolen from reality, then that would work. but...))

You're linked with a being that could be called the god of singing, dancing, jokes, drinking and generally having fun, a being that constantly talks, says trivial stories about his exploits and makes references to various things, many of them from Earth worlds.

What I'm saying is, I wouldn't blame you for being OOC if you started singing something from earth, since you have a perfectly good explanation about where you heard it from.

You can also write/PM your general intentions and I can try to turn it into a song. I make no promises, but sometimes inspiration strikes me. For example, I have two bards with a slightly sad/hopeless mood-setting song planned if you enter a certain town.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 26, 2016, 09:32:25 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 24, 2016, 08:21:10 am

She noticed Irine's movements and decided to mimic her, putting away the commwire safely. She gave Alan a pat on the shoulder before he tried anything, and sat adjacent to Irine. She smiled at her, before sitting with her knees tucked up and looked at her feet.

"Hey. Thoughts there?"

I glance briefly at Theri, making eye contact, and then look back down at the ground, and close my eyes. I take two slow breaths, and then shift how I'm sitting, putting my lower legs under me, my knees touching each other in front of me, all three of tails behind me, free to move, and sitting upright, my eyes still shut. I take another slow breath, then two faster ones, getting myself breathing and my tails moving at the right tempo, and finally start to sing:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Ever on and on, I continue circling with nothing but my hate, in a carousel of agony
Till slowly I forget, and my heart starts vanishing and suddenly I see, that I can't break free I'm

slipping through the cracks, of a dark eternity with nothing but my pain, and the paralyzing agony
to tell me who I am, who I was uncertainty enveloping my mind, till I can't break free and

maybe it's a dream, maybe nothing else is real, but it wouldn't mean a thing, if I told you how I feel.
So I'm tired of all the pain, of the misery inside, and I wish that I could live, feeling nothing but the night.

you can tell me what to say, you can tell me where to go, but I doubt that I would care, and my heart would never know.
If I make another move, there'll be no more turning back, because everything will change, and it all will fade to black.

will tomorrow ever come? will I make it throught the night? will there ever be a place, for the broken in the light?
Am I hurting? am I sad? should I stay or should I go? I've forgotten how to tell, did I ever even know?
can I take another step? I've done everthing I can. All the people that I see, I will never understand.
If I find a way to change, if I step into the light, then I'll never be the same, and it all will fade to white.

Ever on and on, I continue circling with nothing but my hate, in a carousel of agony
Till slowly I forget, and my heart starts vanishing and suddenly I see, that I can't break free I'm

slipping through the cracks, of a dark eternity with nothing but my pain, and the paralyzing agony
to tell me who I am, who I was uncertainty enveloping my mind, till I can't break free and

maybe it's a dream, maybe nothing else is real, but it wouldn't mean a thing, if I told you how I feel.
So I'm tired of all the pain, of the misery inside, and I wish that I could live, feeling nothing but the night.

you can tell me what to say, you can tell me where to go, but I doubt that I would care, and my heart would never know.
If I make another move, there'll be no more turning back, because everything will change, and it all will fade to black.

If I make another move, if I take another step, then it all would fall apart, there'd be nothing of me left.
If I'm crying in the wind, if I'm crying in the night, will there ever be a way? will my heart return to white?
can you tell me who you are? can you tell me who I am? I've forgotten how to see. I've forgotten if I can.
If I opened up my eyes, there'd be no more turning back, cause I'd throw it all away, and it all would fade to black."

Afterwards, I take another two slow breaths to steady myself before finally opening my eyes and moving back into my curled up posture from before.
...
"You asked."

---

((Source: Original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TO8T0jVivU&feature=iv&src_vid=9lNZ_Rnr7Jc&annotation_id=annotation_182009), Most-popular-music-video-version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzEUeWnV73U), Full-length-vocal-version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lNZ_Rnr7Jc), English-version-I'm-using-the-Lyrics-from (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qYlJD96euc&feature=youtu.be)))
((Went with the english version because song grammar doesn't translate well and I need to know *exactly* what is being said.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2016, 12:57:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Stab the wizard, then! From behind if possible. Nobody expects that, and with good reason!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on January 26, 2016, 02:10:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2016, 09:32:25 am

-song-

((Oh hey, it's Bad Apple. +1 from me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 27, 2016, 12:35:44 am

[Snip to later on!]

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 27, 2016, 10:02:33 pm

Quote from: Beirus on January 19, 2016, 03:41:09 pm

Team A?, WMD

Still charging.

You unleash a giant wave of darkness. It flies around the room for a few moments, obscuring sight and silencing everything. The wind blowing through the holes in the floor, the footsteps and cries of the people around you, all become quiet. After a few seconds, the darkness condenses, forming a small blobby wall around you. It starts expanding outwards.

Quote from: Alarith on January 19, 2016, 10:22:55 am

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Charge the wheelchair dude and the woman, and attack them with the knife, try a telekinetic push in the opposite direction of the first one to imbalance them further

You start running towards your target, when suddenly inky black threads explode from the mass of flesh that was your teammate. Everything goes silent. Even the minds of those around you. You try to use telekinesis to attack them blindly, to clear the darkness, to do something, but nothing happens. Nothing noticeable, anyway. All you see is darkness, with an occasional blurry colour. You bump into something, flip around and land on another something. You blindly stab around in a frenzy, not knowing where they could be or what they could be preparing to do. And then next thing you know the darkness clears and you're lying on the floor with a bloody knife in your hand. The woman with the blindfold (the voice called her Eline) now has a deep hole in her left leg, close to the foot, a good chunk of flesh missing. And yet somehow she is still standing instead of lying screaming on the floor.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2016, 12:57:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Stab the wizard, then! From behind if possible. Nobody expects that, and with good reason!

You start running.Gonna take a minute, since you rolled well and actually managed to get away from the soldiers.

Also, there's not much cover in this mostly flat landscape. You could use the elevation to hide if you remain low, even get lucky enough to slip between a few of them unnoticed if Nikolai keeps distracting them. But unleash you move slowly and go around them, there's not a very high chance you'll manage to slip through the soldiers and get to the wizard from behind. Since, you know, you'll be basically running towards them with little cover.

Do you get what I'm trying to say or should I do a map?

Quote from: NAV on January 26, 2016, 12:37:03 am

Look around and get my bearings. How many soldiers can I see, how close together, how far away?
Same guys as before with the big shields?
Who has the high ground?
Who the hell just hit me from behind?

Give one final blast of concentrated psychic pain, then shrink down the commwire and switch to a new tactic. Lunge at the scout in front of me and stab him in the stomach then tsar the sword.

If, for example, he dodges backwards and tsaring the sword would turn a miss into a hit then do that.

Keep my shield up and defensive. Contrary to what some videogames show, you don't have to lower your shield to attack.

The ones close to you are scouts. About 10-40 seconds away. Then there are the soldiers a bit more than a minute or two away. Not the ones with the big shields, at least not the same guys. The ones here aren't very shiny and their equipment looks a bit old, but they appear to be just as armoured. They're spread out, although they're starting to form up again, merely by virtue of converging towards you.

There's little high ground here. There are variations in elevation that put you on slightly higher ground compared to those closest to you, but not by much.

You don't know what hit you. Literally. When you said you had eyes on the back of your head, you meant that figuratively. You literally have no idea what's going on, beyond the fact that that thing on your back keeps growing, pushing against your bag of figurative crap and your armour. It's starting to get so cold it literally feels like it's burning you. And those sounds coming from your armour aren't encouraging.

You switch tactics, stopping your mental assault to prepare, recover and allow the scout to get up and get closer to you. Once one of them gets in range, you blast him with a psychic scream, let your wire deflate and then swing around with your sword. The scout stumbles from the blast, letting him open to attack long enough for you to give him a good whack on the arm. His leather armour stops part of the strike, diminishing its effectiveness, but it is still a significant injury. And then you enlarge the sword, causing it to widen and partially split the arm off in an unnatural angle, leaving its lower half clinging to the upper by a mass of flesh and muscle.

The scout desperately strikes back at you with his sword. You block the strike with your shield, but the sword goes part way through it, leaving a large dent in it. You shield bash him in return, trying to ignore the pain in your leg as you try to push forward. You manage to overpower him, pushing him to the ground. The scout struggles and tries to push himself up, but he appears to be in too much pain to do so right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2016, 03:22:41 am

Campaign, Ike!

Lament poor Nikolai's choice to hide in an open field of all places. Proceed carefully and slowly toward wizardfriend, sneak as well as I possibly can.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 28, 2016, 08:42:35 am

Leave him. He'll hopefully keep some of the others occupied.

Create some distance, then turn around and see just what the hell did that to my back? Defend myself if anything attacks or comes close, otherwise try to scrape whatever it is off. Maybe detach the backplate, just the top layer, or the whole backplate if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on January 28, 2016, 08:58:26 am

Team A
"Yup, stuff's going weird again."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Get up, and try to focus attacks on wheelchair dude.

[/b]

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on January 28, 2016, 01:04:31 pm

Team A?, WMD

Still charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2016, 03:53:36 am

Quote from: Alarith on January 28, 2016, 08:58:26 am

Team A
"Yup, stuff's going weird again."

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Get up, and try to focus attacks on wheelchair dude.

[/b]

Eline stumbles and blindly tries to push the man away, but her attempts are in vain. You tackle her and the man behind her. The three of you land on the floor in a heap of struggling bodies. She goes for your neck but you easily manage to grab her hands, push them out of the way and overpower her. The man in the wheelchair continues to not be moving.

((You would had attacked, but she managed to get in the way/attack first both times, so I had you focus on defending/countering.
Do you want to attack even if it means leaving yourself open to attack? Because I can do that, if that's what you want.))

Quote from: Beirus on January 28, 2016, 01:04:31 pm

Team A?, WMD

Still charging.

IMAH FIRING nothing yet because IMAH CHARGING MAH WMD.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2016, 03:22:41 am

Campaign, Ike!

Lament poor Nikolai's choice to hide in an open field of all places. Proceed carefully and slowly toward wizardfriend, sneak as well as I possibly can.

Well, that's not really his choice though. It's not like there are many other places he could hide around here. Although he probably could had chosen to go towards the west instead of mostly towards the soldiers.

Anyway, slow sneaking it is.

Quote from: NAV on January 28, 2016, 08:42:35 am

Leave him. He'll hopefully keep some of the others occupied.

Create some distance, then turn around and see just what the hell did that to my back? Defend myself if anything attacks or comes close, otherwise try to scrape whatever it is off. Maybe detach the backplate, just the top layer, or the whole backplate if necessary.

You let the guy bleed, hoping he'll buy you a few seconds. Your plan works, at least in part, for one of the scouts stops to help the injured one. But the rest continue on.

You have no idea. Maybe one of those guys in the group of soldiers furthest from you, closer to the center? But you can't really tell. It could have been anyone or anything, since you didn't see it happen. For all you know it could be caused by a creature that jumped off the ground and on you.

You can't even turn around to see what's on your back. I mean, do this experiment for me. Take some office tape and a small piece of paper or something similar and stick it on your back. Now try to turn your head around to look at it. I bet you can't see it. Maybe you can see a bit of blurry white if it's big enough or you're flexible enough.

Anyway, you can't run quickly enough to do anything more than maintain the same distance between you and them. You try to do something about the thing on your armour regardless, because it's getting really bad. You start trying to scrape whatever it is off using your sword. It's a bit hard it takes some strength to break chunks of it off. It looks like you armor has iced over back there (at least that's your guess based on the chunks of ice you're removing). Removing the ice helps you feel better, less cold.

You notice that some of the chunks you are pulling out are really bloody. You don't know if the attack hurt you or if you accidentally damaged your armour with your sword. Your back is so cold and numb and burning right now you couldn't tell the difference if you had stabbed yourself.

Another scout catches up to you but he maintains his distance, not getting closer.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on January 29, 2016, 04:28:22 am

entertain the children with silly antics and ridiculous objects like a beer bottle stuffed animal thingy or some potatoes.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2016, 04:56:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue creeping, commence killing when close.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 29, 2016, 09:45:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2016, 09:32:25 am

[...]

((I am awed and :D to be Irine's friendbuddyfriend! ...I'll be posting later due to fatigue and catching up, and writing PMs!

I do not know that song anyway--so it's totally new to me no matter what. Even thought of a more classical/slower tune than the upbeat lyrics posted there.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2016, 09:20:47 pm

((Don't worry. I've also not been making as many turns as I'd like. I wish you the best.))

((I'm very grateful and thankful for this. Thank you :) ))

---

---

"That was a creative answer." Theri watched Irine until she finished. Her thoughts dwelled on the meaning in between the lines of her pensive song. It felt like an hour before she looked at the General's wife for her reaction.

"And if it wasn't obvious, I think it's beautiful. Your voice is very nice."

Hug Irine; quickly assess the rest around me.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on January 29, 2016, 09:56:25 am

Team A
Keep up the assault on the wheelchair dude
((Defending is fine, and fits more with my character than an all out assault without a care for personal safety))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on January 29, 2016, 11:50:15 am

((note: The upbeat style is intentional. The dichotomy between the style and lyrics signals how the speaker is maintaing a false front of positivity, one that is getting worn down over time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on January 29, 2016, 12:41:21 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 29, 2016, 11:50:15 am

((note: The upbeat style is intentional. The dichotomy between the style and lyrics signals how the speaker is maintaing a false front of positivity, one that is getting worn down over time.))

((That was my first insight there when I read the song in Irine-context c: She needs hugs inasmuch as all the rest of you. But that goes hand-in-hand with our mission...at hand! Just hope that my text is able to convey a sort of sentimental/understanding response to it!

Also GO HARRY/NAV! We're going to be safe as long as you two are!))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on January 29, 2016, 01:06:30 pm

"I'm not dying here, no way."
Do my best to ignore the ice and blood. Overhead tsar slash at the scout, use my reach advantage.
If anyone gets close enough to attack me I will thicken my armour, repair it, improve it, hopefully get rid of the ice problem somehow, and defend myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: chaotic skies on January 29, 2016, 11:43:50 pm

<<Can I sign up? Like, now? or is there a waitlist? if there's a waitlist I'll just watch.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 29, 2016, 11:46:20 pm

Quote from: chaotic skies on January 29, 2016, 11:43:50 pm

<<Can I sign up? Like, now? or is there a waitlist? if there's a waitlist I'll just watch.>>

You can enter immediately. Just fill out the form in the OP.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: chaotic skies on January 29, 2016, 11:57:03 pm

Alright. I'll edit it in this post in a minute.

Edit: Have a character sheet because I like character sheets.

Name: Hannah
Ability: Drawing on a magical drawing pad, which causes things drawn to be real. Also likes knives.
Appearance: Short (~5' 2") 14 year old girl, with dark brown hair coming down to slightly past her shoulders. She occasionaly wears makeup, but prefers not to. She has a great smile.
Bio/Personality info: Preffers to wear leggings or jeans and sweatshirts, but refuses to wear a dress by choice. Is very good at drawing, helping with her power, although occasionaly needs to stop, or she might start drawing nightmares into existence. Lost her dad recently, and never knew her brother. Has a boyfriend she has worried about since she was brought here, and hopes he's okay. Loves darker, cooler colors, and is annoyed by bright, warm colors.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2016, 07:38:59 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 29, 2016, 04:28:22 am

entertain the children with silly antics and ridiculous objects like a beer bottle stuffed animal thingy or some potatoes.

You summon a couple of socks and use them as improvised sock puppets. Your sketches revolve around the adventures of the incredibly handsome, intelligent and courageous Doctor Alan von Awesome and his bumbling boobish assistant Mrs. Grouchy Unfun. Most sketches are about Mrs. Grouchy complaining about something that Alan did, having a problem, or creating one and Doctor Alan resolving the situation via (nonsensical) inspirational singing, (nonsensical) words of advice and liberal throwing of random objects. (It's easy when you can just summon them. It's hard when they're heavy and may crush your other hand.) Overall, it's as Alanist as it gets.

You particularly liked the one where Doctor Alan used a giant hamster wheel to escape certain doom. You should try that sometime. Sounds like a good idea.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 29, 2016, 04:56:08 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue creeping, commence killing when close.

You keep creeping.

Do you want to risk getting closer to risk a stealth kill with one of the soldiers?
Or is your primary focus sneak-attacking the wizard?

Quote from: Tiruin on January 29, 2016, 09:45:07 am

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2016, 09:32:25 am

[...]

((I am awed and :D to be Irine's friendbuddyfriend! ...I'll be posting later due to fatigue and catching up, and writing PMs!

I do not know that song anyway--so it's totally new to me no matter what. Even thought of a more classical/slower tune than the upbeat lyrics posted there.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 25, 2016, 09:20:47 pm

((Don't worry. I've also not been making as many turns as I'd like. I wish you the best.))

((I'm very grateful and thankful for this. Thank you :) ))

---

---

"That was a creative answer." Theri watched Irine until she finished. Her thoughts dwelled on the meaning in between the lines of her pensive song. It felt like an hour before she looked at the General's wife for her reaction.

"And if it wasn't obvious, I think it's beautiful. Your voice is very nice."

Hug Irine; quickly assess the rest around me.

You lie down besides Irine and give her a big hug.

As for the people around you...

Zechariah seems to be lost in introspection, as always.

Alan is making an entertaining sock puppet show. Its plot (and morals and almost everything else about it) doesn't make much sense, but it does its job of keeping the children distracted and entertained. The funny voices, constant movements and colourful characters probably help with that.

The general's wife is also watching the show with her children, but appears a bit more... You aren't sure. Cautious? Distracted? Nervous? At least she looks calmer than before.

And Irine... You aren't sure. You know she is probably strong and resilient enough to not break down, but she's also not in the best of states. She's been through a lot and now there's more uncertainty, more chances for unhappiness and for things to go wrong. She's probably not that well. Maybe all she needs is for you to be there. Like family. Like an older sister.

Hmm. Maybe that's not such a bad comparison, at last visually. You do look alike and yet you're more physically capable than she is.

Quote from: NAV on January 29, 2016, 01:06:30 pm

"I'm not dying here, no way."
Do my best to ignore the ice and blood. Overhead tsar slash at the scout, use my reach advantage.
If anyone gets close enough to attack me I will thicken my armour, repair it, improve it, hopefully get rid of the ice problem somehow, and defend myself.

Your slash is perfect but you completely mess up your timing. Your sword ends up getting tsared while inside the ground, which means it doesn't hit anything. The scout tries to take advantage of this to kick the sword out of your hand, but you manage to deflate it and thus put it out of his reach before his strike connects.

Two more scouts arrive, but they too keep their distance. Either they're waiting for more of them to arrive, waiting for you to try to run or waiting for you to bleed out. Or they're simply waiting for you to make the first move or a mistake. Whatever they're waiting for, you bet it's not good.

Quote from: chaotic skies on January 29, 2016, 11:57:03 pm

Alright. I'll edit it in this post in a minute.

Edit: Have a character sheet because I like character sheets.

Name: Hannah
Ability: Drawing on a magical drawing pad, which causes things drawn to be real. Also likes knives.
Appearance: Short (~5' 2") 14 year old girl, with dark brown hair coming down to slightly past her shoulders. She occasionaly wears makeup, but prefers not to. She has a great smile.
Bio/Personality info: Preffers to wear leggings or jeans and sweatshirts, but refuses to wear a dress by choice. Is very good at drawing, helping with her power, although occasionaly needs to stop, or she might start drawing nightmares into existence. Lost her dad recently, and never knew her brother. Has a boyfriend she has worried about since she was brought here, and hopes he's okay. Loves darker, cooler colors, and is annoyed by bright, warm colors.

Liking knives? OK. You now have a +2 to liking knives. No knife will be unlikable for you. If anyone tries to make you dislike knives, they'll have a very hard time doing that. :P

What would you say is most important to you? Pick a word that you think describes what you want from your ability. Quick? Powerful? Durable? Versatile? Far-reaching? Flying? Candy? Zombie? Piñata? Something else?
Or list several words in order of importance. Whatever you like. I just need input to solve a dilemma, almost any input would do.

---

OOC
In other news, hard work pays off. I finally got my contract signed. I am now officially a Junior Software Engineer (which basically means being a Senior's bitch assistant and doing whatever work they tell me to do)... At lest for the next six months. But better than working almost for free without a contract. And it's much better than other people my age get in this country. And it's my first step to getting out of here and living in a nice, civilized place, where there is near constant winter and several months of near constant darkness.

And things seem to be getting better with the people in my life.

So, overall, tired and a bit nervous about the future, but happy. After fighting the bureaucracy for a few days, I should be able to start posting more regularly and start a new mission. Assuming horrible things don't happen again.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 01, 2016, 07:51:44 pm

((Grats on employment Parisbre!))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 01, 2016, 08:20:52 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2016, 07:38:59 pm

Zechariah seems to be lost in introspection, as always.

Yeah, that's about right. I didn't put in a turn because, well, that is what Zechariah would be doing right now. Maybe some body language to suggest emotions but right now most of what would be RP'ed would be on the inside.

I could write out what Zechariah's thinking, if people'd like. Otherwise, the action is unchanged, at least on the exterior.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2016, 07:38:59 pm

OOC news!

((Woo! Congratulations! I hope everything goes well for you. That's great to hear!))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2016, 08:24:42 pm

Quote from: Alarith on January 29, 2016, 09:56:25 am

Team A
Keep up the assault on the wheelchair dude
((Defending is fine, and fits more with my character than an all out assault without a care for personal safety))

You push the woman aside and stab the man lying on the floor. It's a sloppy stab right under his ribcage, but it's strong and deep and it draws a lot of blood. You pull the knife out, spraying blood on the walls. The knife shines as the blood on it catches fire. The man doesn't feel pain or fear. He feels anger and amusement. You bring the knife down for a second attack. The man catches the blade. His hand is bleeding slightly, but he doesn't seem to mind. His eyes are black with square red pupils. They are looking straight into yours.
"Pity." the voice says.
"I liked this vessel."

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 01, 2016, 07:51:44 pm

((Grats on employment Parisbre!))

Thanks! :)
Thank you all.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on February 01, 2016, 09:27:01 pm

Team A, WMD

Can I go boom now? If not, more charging.

((Edit: And congrats on the job.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 01, 2016, 09:37:43 pm

((Go Country Capital Man!))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 01, 2016, 09:42:08 pm

((As others have said, congratulations on your hiring.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 12:33:47 am

Continue the sketch! Summon other socks and use summoned decorations and stuff so the kids can make their own characters, and take them through a kiddified version of the missions I've been on up till now. Try to get the others involved and make them be their own sockpuppet people.

Except for River, who will have been Ms. Grumpypants transmogrified into a poodle.

((New headcanon, Alan is really good with young kids for whatever reason.

Also congrats on your being hired! No doubt you deserve it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2016, 03:17:23 am

Campaign, Ike!

Eyes on the prize. The Wiz must die!

((Congratulations on the job. A steady stream of respectable income does the soul good, I've found.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on February 02, 2016, 04:42:42 am

((As the others have said, good job getting employed. May it lead you to greater things, or more comfortable things at least.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 02, 2016, 09:51:01 am

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 12:33:47 am

((New headcanon, Alan is really good with young kids for whatever reason.))

((Children tend to like the absurd and the overdramatic.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 02, 2016, 09:52:08 am

Roll a bottle of water or something at them, tsar it, hopefully crush all three.
As usual if anyone gets too close tsar my armour for maximum tank siege mode.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2016, 07:27:16 pm

Hey! First of all, if you asked something from me and I've forgotten/didn't have the time/energy to respond it, now is probably the time to ask again.

Second, do you have any preference for the next mission? Or should I put the poll up and we'll see what happens? Or do you want me to propose something?

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Theri discovers Irine's reaction to her hugs is quite similar to River's.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 12:33:47 am

Continue the sketch! Summon other socks and use summoned decorations and stuff so the kids can make their own characters, and take them through a kiddified version of the missions I've been on up till now. Try to get the others involved and make them be their own sockpuppet people.

Except for River, who will have been Ms. Grumpypants transmogrified into a poodle.

((New headcanon, Alan is really good with young kids for whatever reason.

Also congrats on your being hired! No doubt you deserve it.))

Your eyes become two black dots surrounded by white. You stand where you were, drooling and swaying slightly.
You feel like you just narrowly avoided disaster.

Quote from: NAV on February 02, 2016, 09:52:08 am

Roll a bottle of water or something at them, tsar it, hopefully crush all three.
As usual if anyone gets too close tsar my armour for maximum tank siege mode.

You do remember that your abilities don't work like a grenade, right?

Oh, that would have been a good idea for a low level upgrade. Delayed tsaring. So you can make things like mines and explosives.

Unless you mean "roll it while tsaring it". Yeah, let's go with that.

You throw the bottle at the three with the strength and dexterity of a professional baseball pitcher. And then you completely forget to open your hand. What has now become an oversized water tank flies towards the three, with you riding on it. Two of them completely forget to move and the water tank bonks them in the head. The third dives backwards and slashes at you with his sword, but only hits the giant bottle.

The bottle bounces on the ground and starts spinning. You are thrown off, hitting the ground pretty hard. You are once more thankful for the flexibility of your armor, as it bites into your skin but goes no further. The bottle hits the ground somewhere further ahead and comes to a stop, leaking heavily. You guess you have that in common.

It's getting hard to push yourself off the ground. The world around you has become blurry. It's shaking, keeping you off balance. And it's hard to hear anything over that ringing noise. A large shadow is rushing towards you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2016, 03:17:23 am

Campaign, Ike!

Eyes on the prize. The Wiz must die!

((Congratulations on the job. A steady stream of respectable income does the soul good, I've found.))

You can't help but take your eyes off the prize and pause for half a second as you watch Nikolai launch himself into the air and then land face first into the hard ground. Ouch. That had to hurt. Still, that was an impressive backflip. 7 for technique, 3 for landing you'd say.

He put himself much closer to them. This will make reaching them a bit harder. But if you keep moving as quickly as you are, you think you might get there in about 30 seconds. Considering you're doing something like crouch-sneak-sprinting there, you'd say that's a pretty impressive time.

---

OOC
Once again, thank you everyone!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 02, 2016, 07:52:23 pm

I'd like to see some kind of survival mission for the next mission, but not a team survival. Maybe instead of working together, we could be in some kind of Free-For-All survival: There would be motives to actively seek out and kill other players, and the map area would be large, but there would also be natural hazards trying to exterminate the player.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 02, 2016, 08:30:19 pm

((I'd like to do Galactic Adventure, what with John's relevance to the subject material, but I appreciate you might not want to start a campaign before this one is over...))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on February 02, 2016, 09:57:00 pm

((I've got a bad feeling about this guy))

switch to a psychic assault now, figure it won't be too effective, but who knows.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 02, 2016, 10:10:08 pm

"AAAAAaaaaaAAAAAaaaaaAAAAAA!"
Defensive stance! Tsar my armour! Check if I still have my sword!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:36:26 pm

Quote from: Irine on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Theri continues the hug and doesn't withdraw, feeling completely at ease with her environment of the moment. She dwells on the current mission objective and what she can best think up during the time being, thankful for moments of peace like these.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 11:44:09 pm

((I have no idea what the hell just almost happened but now I'm morbidly curious.))

Try again; summon sock puppets for the kids to make their own characters.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:46:05 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 11:44:09 pm

((I have no idea what the hell just almost happened but now I'm morbidly curious.))

((Your character is inspiring the children and providing a convenient atmosphere for the General's wife and kids. Darn awesome there dude c:))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 11:49:51 pm

((See I'd say that but the description of my action makes me think I narrowly avoided some Faith from ER-level of creepiness.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:52:37 pm

((Oh goodness I just read up. Congrats Parisbre for that whole thing there c: Good work on personal excellence! [But your supervisor is also a person and isn't a jerk. Work with them as buddies maybe? :D]))

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 11:49:51 pm

((See I'd say that but the description of my action makes me think I narrowly avoided some Faith from ER-level of creepiness.))

((Oh. I was remembering the last turn before this ._. I...think you're beginning to poke into the hidden-mechanics of the world that River described a few leafs of posts back there. Try sensing for outside interference?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2016, 03:19:44 am

Campaign, Ike!

Must be slick, must be slippery, must be smooth!

Keep on sneaking in the free world. Avoid flashbacks to driving sections previously experienced.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 03, 2016, 03:55:11 am

((This is mainly gonna be more fluff than anything.))

Zechariah kept to his own corner of the room, observing the others. Mostly, however, he seemed to be spacing out. His mind was elsewhere.

Spoiler: Zechariah's Interior (click to show/hide)

There he appeared again. Artemis Dimikaelo stood with his back against the wall opposite from Zechariah. Of course, Artemis was just an apparition - a construct devised by Zechariah's mind as a combination of both Zechariah's previous experiences with Artemis sharing the same body as him, and as a representation of Zechariah's subconscious feelings and thoughts.

Zechariah remained quiet on the exterior. He hugged his knees to his chest and thought out his conversation to Artemis. Since Artemis was actually a part of his mind, he would be able to reply all the same. I was hoping that you wouldn't show up again. You never come at a good time.

You never need me in good times. You despise my presence because it shows that you are conflicted about yourself. Artemis moved his mouth as if he was talking, but the voice that Zechariah heard echoed inside of his head, rather than around the room. It was obvious that nobody else acknowledged Artemis' presence. They wouldn't have reason to; this was all taking place in Zechariah's mind. Zechariah had a passing thought that he may be going insane from having spent so much time with Artemis and regarding him as the exact same person as Zechariah himself.

Artemis tilted his head. You called me here because you were lonely, is that it?

I didn't - I didn't want to call you. I don't enjoy your company. You know that more than anyone else.

You know that more than anyone else, Artemis repeated. He nodded toward Irine and Theri. Is it because of them? Have they made you realize how much you really miss someone else's companionship?

Zechariah shifted around, becoming a bit more uncomfortable with Artemis' prodding. A little, I guess. I can't blame anyone though. We've been fighting for our survival in a strange world for quite a while now. We don't really have much time for huggy-feely moments. And it's not like I'm homesick for the Medium right now. Well, maybe a bit. But I'm not missing anyone in particular.

Aaaaahh, Artemis vocalized. You're.. desolate. Yes, desolate is the word. Not only are you lonely and separated, you're disappointed in yourself. It's quite ironic: the one whose power runs completely on his willpower is losing the will to live.

Zechariah stayed quiet. Artemis, pacing the room now, continued to talk. You're missing everything that kept you connected to the Medium. You're missing a personal connection. You're missing a reason for living. You're lacking a selfless interest. You're yearning for that sort of bipolarity that came with the name Dimikaelo - the constant revolution of Artemis and Zechariah. You don't feel important anymore. You're an outsider, an outcast, a weakling, a wanderer. Artemis turned to look straight into Zechariah's eyes. You don't feel like Zechariah Dimikaelo anymore. You're not sure who you are.

Zechariah looked down slightly. After a few moments of silence in his mind, he communicated with Artemis again. What do you think I should do?

What do you think you should do? Artemis threw back at him. He grinned and continued onward. Find Zechariah again. Find yourself. Find a connection again. Reattain your bipolarity. Fill the vacuum that Artemis left. At this moment, there is only one person in the world: you. Make it so. Make Zechariah Dimikaelo your focus object. Find him. Find yourself.

That advice sounds strange coming from someone who used to be so rash and invidious.

Artemis stood still and looked at Zechariah motionless. For a split second, Zechariah could see Artemis' image distort. I am not Artemis. I am you. I am everything you are now, and everything you will be. I am nothing more than everything you are.

Artemis disappeared completely. Zechariah looked around, but could find no trace of him. His audience with his subconscious was finished, apparently.

Zechariah exhaled, a little disappointed. He was hoping to get a little more from his subconscious than a very vague half-answer; then again, he couldn't come up with a much better solution. He put his head down in between his arms, almost intentionally making himself a small figure. He didn't want to be noticed very much. He wanted time to recuperate and to process the words given by Artemis (or, at least, the version of Artemis in his mind that claimed to be him).

Continue waiting. Look around occasionally. Brood over the mental conversation.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 03, 2016, 04:00:42 am

((The urge to expose Artemis to a hefty dose of Alan increases every tine I see him.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 03, 2016, 09:22:36 am

((Next mission... next mission...))
((Some sort of Wacky Death Race thing with our characters being the drivers?))
((Or another team-based objective thing. Choose three rather powerful characters, the older sorts, and allow them to pick who they want their teams to be from the rest... then some sort of capture the flag game?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on February 03, 2016, 09:28:20 am

((I like the Death Race idea. I'll +1 that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 03, 2016, 10:18:14 am

((Did somebody say Wacky Death Race?))

Quote from: Maxinum McDreich on June 04, 2012, 06:21:17 pm

Well, in fairness, without Toaster, things could happen within a certain threshold of reason. But... well... Toaster decided reason was a stupid idea and should be circumvented, which now means literally anything can happen. :P

((I'm a fan.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Zormod on February 03, 2016, 12:36:19 pm

Could I recieve a PM for my character? Quoting the sheet here so nobody has to search for it again.

Oh, and congratulations on the job!

Quote from: Zormod on November 27, 2015, 09:40:30 pm

Spoiler: Characer sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Brian Hoss
Ability: The creation and manipulation of unstable vortexes that consume energy(Preferably light and heat).
Apperance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
Bio: Brian was born on Earth with modern technology. He is 24 years old. He discovered his power when he was 21, and has only used them frivolously. He rarely shows anger or sadness.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 03, 2016, 12:44:14 pm

Am I in this game?
It's been so long...

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Zormod on February 03, 2016, 12:46:03 pm

If you are, it's certainly not recorded in the OP.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 09:30:33 pm

I stay as I am and wait, closing my eyes.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2016, 11:01:48 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 02, 2016, 07:52:23 pm

I'd like to see some kind of survival mission for the next mission, but not a team survival. Maybe instead of working together, we could be in some kind of Free-For-All survival: There would be motives to actively seek out and kill other players, and the map area would be large, but there would also be natural hazards trying to exterminate the player.

A large dangerous arena? Sounds good to me.

Quote from: Toaster on February 02, 2016, 08:30:19 pm

((I'd like to do Galactic Adventure, what with John's relevance to the subject material, but I appreciate you might not want to start a campaign before this one is over...))

It's not a problem for me, if that is what you want. That campaign is smaller than the current one, so unless you take a really sideways path, it should be about 1-2 years long, by my estimate.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:52:37 pm

((Oh goodness I just read up. Congrats Parisbre for that whole thing there c: Good work on personal excellence! [But your supervisor is also a person and isn't a jerk. Work with them as buddies maybe? :D]))

Thank you. And don't worry, I'm just joking. He's actually a cool guy and he's teaching me a lot of things and helping me.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 03, 2016, 04:00:42 am

((The urge to expose Artemis to a hefty dose of Alan increases every tine I see him.))

Now and then, everybody needs a hefty dose of Alan.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 03, 2016, 09:22:36 am

((Next mission... next mission...))
((Some sort of Wacky Death Race thing with our characters being the drivers?))
((Or another team-based objective thing. Choose three rather powerful characters, the older sorts, and allow them to pick who they want their teams to be from the rest... then some sort of capture the flag game?))

Hm. Could do that. Only problem I see is that some characters might be really ill equipped for such a race. Need to come up with a balanced vehicle creation system. Or a balanced vehicle generation system based on characters? I'd need to think about it for a bit.

Sure. Could do that. A standard assault mission, like the first one. If we go with that, I'll do what I did the first mission, ask you to give me a bunch of words or concepts and try to come up with a fun mission/story based on them.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 03, 2016, 12:44:14 pm

Am I in this game?
It's been so long...

Your character is in my notes. So yes.
Sorry.

Quote from: Zormod on February 03, 2016, 12:46:03 pm

If you are, it's certainly not recorded in the OP.

Don't trust the OP. It lies.
Mostly because I haven't updated it in forever.

Quote from: Zormod on February 03, 2016, 12:36:19 pm

Could I recieve a PM for my character? Quoting the sheet here so nobody has to search for it again.

Oh, and congratulations on the job!

Quote from: Zormod on November 27, 2015, 09:40:30 pm

Spoiler: Characer sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Brian Hoss
Ability: The creation and manipulation of unstable vortexes that consume energy(Preferably light and heat).
Apperance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
Bio: Brian was born on Earth with modern technology. He is 24 years old. He discovered his power when he was 21, and has only used them frivolously. He rarely shows anger or sadness.

So, he basically just creates dark cold holes on things?
Sorry if I have asked this again in the past.

---

Anyway, if those are our suggestions, I guess it's time to have a vote!

---

Quote from: Alarith on February 02, 2016, 09:57:00 pm

((I've got a bad feeling about this guy))

switch to a psychic assault now, figure it won't be too effective, but who knows.

It is indeed not very effective. It's like trying to cut a hot knife with butter. For a moment it's almost as if there's nothing there beyond weak, barely "audible" thoughts and echoes of thoughts. Then in the next moment the horrible dark echo there cuts through your attack, striking directly at you. You'd find it difficult to describe the sensation. The closest description you could find is that it's as if the psychic energy extending out of your mind was detonated, the fire spreading to your brain. You stumble and shake your head, trying to ignore the pain. That is all the time he needs for a strike. His hand strikes your torso and then exits, quick as a cat. You have a moment to identify a kidney and part of your intestine before losing consciousness.

Quote from: Beirus on February 01, 2016, 09:27:01 pm

Team A, WMD

Can I go boom now? If not, more charging.

Rods of light rain down around you, getting embedded on the floor and burning it slightly. They kinda look like swords.

About 20 seconds left.

The man that until recently was in a wheelchair is now standing, holding someone's internal organs in his hand, looking at you with black eyes with square red pupils. Shadowy distortions extend from him, making the part of the room behind him look quite darker. You can see his skin is starting to crack and what was left of his hair is starting to fall.

Do you have any idea? Anything you could do except hope to get really really lucky? Because I don't. I can't think of anything.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 02, 2016, 10:10:08 pm

"AAAAAaaaaaAAAAAaaaaaAAAAAA!"
Defensive stance! Tsar my armour! Check if I still have my sword!

You armour expands, covering every inch of you. And by that I mean every inch of you.

You are now trapped inside what is basically a metal box statue. This should at least give you a second to breathe, until they break through it or find another way to attack you or you run out of air.

You hear the sound of metal striking metal, painfully loud in your ears, amplified by the enclosed space. They're certainly not wasting any time with their attacks.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:36:26 pm

Quote from: Irine on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Theri continues the hug and doesn't withdraw, feeling completely at ease with her environment of the moment. She dwells on the current mission objective and what she can best think up during the time being, thankful for moments of peace like these.

Well, not much has changed since you arrived to  this place. The objective is still the same. Find the being River wants to kill and help him kill it. You got a possible location for your target in the eastern mountains, but not much more.

Unless you mean the more immediate objective of "hide in the basement until the soldiers pass". Said objective might be hard to complete now, with what's happening to Nikolai. Not that you can know much about Nikolai's current situation IC. Not much more than the fact that something is probably wrong with him, given his previous psychic screams and swearing.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 09:30:33 pm

I stay as I am and wait, closing my eyes.

You relax in Theri's warm embrace.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 02, 2016, 11:44:09 pm

((I have no idea what the hell just almost happened but now I'm morbidly curious.))

Try again; summon sock puppets for the kids to make their own characters.

((Every time I roll for you, I keep fearing that this is going to be the turn I'll have to describe a family getting brutally crushed under tons of sock puppets. Or worse.))

You summon all the perfectly good sock puppets a child could want. The good kind, not the extra itchy ones made with lead-based paint and asbestos and decorated with shaving razors.

The boy picks up a sock and tries to imitate you. From what you understand from his limited vocabulary, he is pretending that the sock represents his dad, going around being heroic.

The rest are probably not going to participate, considering one is an infant and the other appears to not be very happy, not in the mood for playing. She seems to be dividing her attention between staring at you like you're about to explode and making sure her infant daughter is fine.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 03, 2016, 03:19:44 am

Campaign, Ike!

Must be slick, must be slippery, must be smooth!

Keep on sneaking in the free world. Avoid flashbacks to driving sections previously experienced.

Ike likes to sneak, maneuver silken and sleek...

Just in case NAV decides to turtle up and you manage to get there undetected, the plan is still "stabby stabby in the back"? Nothing changed?

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 03, 2016, 03:55:11 am

((This is mainly gonna be more fluff than anything.))

Zechariah kept to his own corner of the room, observing the others. Mostly, however, he seemed to be spacing out. His mind was elsewhere.

Spoiler: Zechariah's Interior (click to show/hide)

There he appeared again. Artemis Dimikaelo stood with his back against the wall opposite from Zechariah. Of course, Artemis was just an apparition - a construct devised by Zechariah's mind as a combination of both Zechariah's previous experiences with Artemis sharing the same body as him, and as a representation of Zechariah's subconscious feelings and thoughts.

Zechariah remained quiet on the exterior. He hugged his knees to his chest and thought out his conversation to Artemis. Since Artemis was actually a part of his mind, he would be able to reply all the same. I was hoping that you wouldn't show up again. You never come at a good time.

You never need me in good times. You despise my presence because it shows that you are conflicted about yourself. Artemis moved his mouth as if he was talking, but the voice that Zechariah heard echoed inside of his head, rather than around the room. It was obvious that nobody else acknowledged Artemis' presence. They wouldn't have reason to; this was all taking place in Zechariah's mind. Zechariah had a passing thought that he may be going insane from having spent so much time with Artemis and regarding him as the exact same person as Zechariah himself.

Artemis tilted his head. You called me here because you were lonely, is that it?

I didn't - I didn't want to call you. I don't enjoy your company. You know that more than anyone else.

You know that more than anyone else, Artemis repeated. He nodded toward Irine and Theri. Is it because of them? Have they made you realize how much you really miss someone else's companionship?

Zechariah shifted around, becoming a bit more uncomfortable with Artemis' prodding. A little, I guess. I can't blame anyone though. We've been fighting for our survival in a strange world for quite a while now. We don't really have much time for huggy-feely moments. And it's not like I'm homesick for the Medium right now. Well, maybe a bit. But I'm not missing anyone in particular.

Aaaaahh, Artemis vocalized. You're.. desolate. Yes, desolate is the word. Not only are you lonely and separated, you're disappointed in yourself. It's quite ironic: the one whose power runs completely on his willpower is losing the will to live.

Zechariah stayed quiet. Artemis, pacing the room now, continued to talk. You're missing everything that kept you connected to the Medium. You're missing a personal connection. You're missing a reason for living. You're lacking a selfless interest. You're yearning for that sort of bipolarity that came with the name Dimikaelo - the constant revolution of Artemis and Zechariah. You don't feel important anymore. You're an outsider, an outcast, a weakling, a wanderer. Artemis turned to look straight into Zechariah's eyes. You don't feel like Zechariah Dimikaelo anymore. You're not sure who you are.

Zechariah looked down slightly. After a few moments of silence in his mind, he communicated with Artemis again. What do you think I should do?

What do you think you should do? Artemis threw back at him. He grinned and continued onward. Find Zechariah again. Find yourself. Find a connection again. Reattain your bipolarity. Fill the vacuum that Artemis left. At this moment, there is only one person in the world: you. Make it so. Make Zechariah Dimikaelo your focus object. Find him. Find yourself.

That advice sounds strange coming from someone who used to be so rash and invidious.

Artemis stood still and looked at Zechariah motionless. For a split second, Zechariah could see Artemis' image distort. I am not Artemis. I am you. I am everything you are now, and everything you will be. I am nothing more than everything you are.

Artemis disappeared completely. Zechariah looked around, but could find no trace of him. His audience with his subconscious was finished, apparently.

Zechariah exhaled, a little disappointed. He was hoping to get a little more from his subconscious than a very vague half-answer; then again, he couldn't come up with a much better solution. He put his head down in between his arms, almost intentionally making himself a small figure. He didn't want to be noticed very much. He wanted time to recuperate and to process the words given by Artemis (or, at least, the version of Artemis in his mind that claimed to be him).

Continue waiting. Look around occasionally. Brood over the mental conversation.

I find it fun to imagine Zechariah constantly muttering "Broodbroodbroodbrood" as he constantly vibrates and looks around.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 11:06:59 pm

Welp, I have no reason to stay awake right now.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Zormod on February 04, 2016, 12:12:06 am

I was thinking he'd just spawn them in the air or air equivalent, actually. I wouldn't mind if they were stuck to things, though.
You have not asked that, by the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 04, 2016, 12:26:13 am

Introduce the kid to the concept of Red Bull as an energy drink that gives Professor Alan and General Dad the strength to be extra heroic! Have the two of them go around on adventures and stuff throughout the basement.

((Now even his kids are going to be harassing him about it! My psychological torment of that man will never end! He will give into the power of inexplicable product placement!))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2016, 02:17:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike's going to play with your things.

And yes, the plan is backstabs, basically. Maybe not literal backstabs. Perhaps more of a backslash. One that opens up some arteries if you know what I'm saying. Go for the vitals.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 04, 2016, 02:29:53 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2016, 11:01:48 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:36:26 pm

Quote from: Irine on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Theri continues the hug and doesn't withdraw, feeling completely at ease with her environment of the moment. She dwells on the current mission objective and what she can best think up during the time being, thankful for moments of peace like these.

Well, not much has changed since you arrived to  this place. The objective is still the same. Find the being River wants to kill and help him kill it. You got a possible location for your target in the eastern mountains, but not much more.

Unless you mean the more immediate objective of "hide in the basement until the soldiers pass". Said objective might be hard to complete now, with what's happening to Nikolai. Not that you can know much about Nikolai's current situation IC. Not much more than the fact that something is probably wrong with him, given his previous psychic screams and swearing.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 09:30:33 pm

I stay as I am and wait, closing my eyes.

You relax in Theri's warm embrace.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 11:06:59 pm

Welp, I have no reason to stay awake right now.

((This made me awwwwh :)) ))
Watch over Irine; Ensure the group I'm with doesn't get any worse--tend to wounded, too.
Wonder if going out to help River and the rest is a good idea considering what I see now.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Alarith on February 04, 2016, 09:27:59 am

((Well looks like a should have kept stalling with physical attacks.))
Wake up against all odds?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 04, 2016, 11:55:02 am

Turtle in here as long as I possibly can.
Control my breathing and heart rate so I don't use much air.
Listen to the attacks, try to find a pattern, find the longest gap, plan the safest moment to escape.
Brainstorm the worst possible thoughts to psychic scream.
Prepare for the moment to strike.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2016, 08:36:50 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 04, 2016, 11:55:02 am

Turtle in here as long as I possibly can.
Control my breathing and heart rate so I don't use much air.
Listen to the attacks, try to find a pattern, find the longest gap, plan the safest moment to escape.
Brainstorm the worst possible thoughts to psychic scream.
Prepare for the moment to strike.

You feel your body shift as you fall forward. Another strike, close to your back. This one sounds different, more dull but also louder. It is followed by the sound of metal getting bent.

You try to ignore it, ignore the pain, ignore the cold, ignore the dizziness, ignore everything, just tell yourself that you are safe, just calm down. You slowly repeat those words to yourself, successfully managing to get your heart to stop pounding like crazy in your ears.

Another strike. This one is heavy. It causes the armour on your back to vibrate immensely, but it holds. Sounds like they're trying something different.

You try to think about a way to take advantage of their attacks but you can't. They aren't just blindly attacking you. They aren't just whacking you with their swords and expecting a different result. They're actually trying different things. You just can't figure out what. And thus you cannot predict what they will do. For example, right now there's mostly silence, beyond the sound of something lightly scraping against your back armour, the sound amplified by the enclosed space and your ear's proximity to the metal.

Now there's another strange sound. It's... you don't know how to describe it. Like rain on your armour, like very small drops of rain are hitting it? Then there's the sound of metal scraping against metal, but it's different. You can actually feel the metal on the back side of your armour shifting. You have only a moment to think about what this means before there is a loud clang and a powerful impact on your back, followed by the sound of metal grinding against metal. Something stings you in the back and a great weight presses down on you.

Oh, hey, now there's light inside your armour. Yeah, quickly flickering light. Kinda like a night light, like a lamp, like a campfire. It's reminding you of sleep, reminding you of nights spent sleeping on wet floors with not even a blanket and the smell of burning rats fresh in your nostrils. Yeah, you can feel it right now, the water spreading on your chest, the smell of burning flesh, the sight of flickering light... You think it's time to sleep now.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2016, 02:17:29 am

Campaign, Ike!

Ike's going to play with your things.

And yes, the plan is backstabs, basically. Maybe not literal backstabs. Perhaps more of a backslash. One that opens up some arteries if you know what I'm saying. Go for the vitals.

You try to make your way through the group of soldiers undetected, crawling now. You don't see them. And from what you hear, they must have not seen you. They continue converging around Nikolai, although some of them are keeping their distance. When you think that they have their backs turned on you, you keep trying to move towards your original targets while staying as low as possible.

As you approach your targets, you are forced to let go of your cover. You get up and start moving a bit faster. Not much point trying to hide at this range anyway. Your two targets are standing along with 4 soldiers that have their swords and shields at the ready. They all seem to be focusing on what you assume to be Nikolai. One of them is probably trying to cast some sort of spell, judging by his muttered words and the grey glowiness of his hands. The other is shouting commands between quick deep breaths, telling people to stay loose or to get ready to act when the signal light is fired.

You can see why they'd focus on the sight of Nikolai. Most of the soldiers have formed a very loose defensive circle around him, while one of the scouts and two of the soldiers are doing... something. The two soldiers are holding a shield, the side with the handle resting on top of a sword. The scout is holding the sword steady with one hand. With his other hand, he removes some small red thing from one of his packs and points it towards the tip of the sword.

The scout shouts 'Fiato Sami!' and a blindingly bright ball of fire flies out of the object and on Nikolai's armour. Its brightness lasts only for a few seconds before it turns into a dimmer fire, but during those few seconds the two soldiers struck the shield, thus pushing down the sword with all their body weight, acting like a human hammer striking a giant makeshift nail. You can see the sword sinking very deep inside the armour.

Damn. Those guys are smarter than you gave them credit for. Or maybe they just had some good intelligence rolls.

Your eyes automatically adjust to protect themselves from the bright light, so you don't worry too much about it. However, in the process of turning their heads away from the light, some of the soldiers turned their heads towards you. And of those soldiers, some of them caught a glimpse of you. And they were quite eager to inform the rest.

The wizard you targeted, the one that was casting the spell, reacts with confusion, trying to turn around to look at what the others are pointing at. All that does is give you a better target. His head turns around only to meet the edge of your knife, the thin pointy implement going straight through their skull and into their brain. The light in their hands flickers and dies.

Good news: You killed one of the two wizards.
Bad news: You are now facing numerous well trained, well equipped (and slightly tired) soldiers on your own.

Yeah. Probably not the best choice.

---

This is occurring a bit later than the above.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 11:06:59 pm

Welp, I have no reason to stay awake right now.

You relax further and further, your thoughts and worries melting away as you drift into unconsciousness.

But it doesn't last. You can tell that you haven't been asleep for very long when Theri gently wakes you by putting pressure on your shoulder and calling your name. There's the sound of bolts moving, a door unlocking. Then someone hastily coming down the stairs.

You all get ready for anything, turning around to face the stairs. The general appears at the top of the stairs.
"They... they are fighting." he says quietly, his voice barely reaching you from the top of the stairs.
He sounds... distant. Both literally and figuratively. It's like he's not 100% there.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 04, 2016, 02:29:53 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 03, 2016, 11:01:48 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2016, 11:36:26 pm

Quote from: Irine on February 01, 2016, 07:50:36 pm

Although I'm kinda stiff at first from the sudden hug, I lean into it after a moment and just let it continue as long as Theri wants it to.

Theri continues the hug and doesn't withdraw, feeling completely at ease with her environment of the moment. She dwells on the current mission objective and what she can best think up during the time being, thankful for moments of peace like these.

Well, not much has changed since you arrived to  this place. The objective is still the same. Find the being River wants to kill and help him kill it. You got a possible location for your target in the eastern mountains, but not much more.

Unless you mean the more immediate objective of "hide in the basement until the soldiers pass". Said objective might be hard to complete now, with what's happening to Nikolai. Not that you can know much about Nikolai's current situation IC. Not much more than the fact that something is probably wrong with him, given his previous psychic screams and swearing.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 09:30:33 pm

I stay as I am and wait, closing my eyes.

You relax in Theri's warm embrace.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 03, 2016, 11:06:59 pm

Welp, I have no reason to stay awake right now.

((This made me awwwwh :)) ))
Watch over Irine; Ensure the group I'm with doesn't get any worse--tend to wounded, too.
Wonder if going out to help River and the rest is a good idea considering what I see now.

Well, there's definitely something wrong out there, judging by the general's behaviour. Whether or not it would be a good idea to go out there however... you aren't sure. But it would probably be good to do something. Learning more about what's going on would probably be a good start.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 04, 2016, 12:26:13 am

Introduce the kid to the concept of Red Bull as an energy drink that gives Professor Alan and General Dad the strength to be extra heroic! Have the two of them go around on adventures and stuff throughout the basement.

((Now even his kids are going to be harassing him about it! My psychological torment of that man will never end! He will give into the power of inexplicable product placement!))

"Hey little boy. Want some candy Red Bull?"
The boy doesn't seem convinced.
"Come on kid, you should try Red Bull. It's delicious. All the cool kids are doing it."
The child looks at you curiously.
"Yeah. It's the best thing ever. It's ah how to describe it... Like sex! But, you know, sex in your mouth."
You have no idea if he understand you or not. He doesn't seem to be doing anything, he's just looking at you. You shove the can towards him anyway.
The boy shyly extends his hand towards it. He's about to pick it up when his father comes down and grabs his attention with his announcement. The boy stops paying attention to you and starts looking worried again. And you were so close to getting him to try it.

---

OOC
Normally, I would have paused to give Ike a chance to warn or otherwise help Nikolai, but at this point I don't think there was anything either of them could have done.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 04, 2016, 09:04:50 pm

I really woulda liked some warning! Might have had at least a small chance. Can we please do that?

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 04, 2016, 09:09:12 pm

"They're fighting, you say? Then allow me to prove my amazingness."

I forget, can I charge up things to make them more potent before summoning them? I think I did something like that with my Chaos Dunk.

If so, charge up an enormous can of Silly String via standing in place and grunting excessively.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2016, 09:11:11 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 04, 2016, 09:04:50 pm

I really woulda liked some warning! Might have had at least a small chance. Can we please do that?

Sure. Say you've been warned. The reason I didn't pause is because I don't think you have a chance and I didn't want to delay Ike's murder any longer to delay the inevitable, since from what I understand he doesn't like that. But feel free to prove me wrong and come up with a good solution.

Edit: @Xan: I don't want this to turn into ER like it was in the old system, where you just "charge" a bonus while doing whatever with no consequences. If you want to prepare for an action to increase your chances of success, then you actually have to stop, take the time to prepare for it and do the appropriate actions to prepare for it.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 04, 2016, 09:25:01 pm

"What may I burn to prepare?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 04, 2016, 09:32:12 pm

((Acknowledged, changed my action to do so.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 04, 2016, 09:38:08 pm

As soon as I hear Ike's warning, go with my original plan to escape, which is as quickly as possible tsar my commwire while shrinking my armour and psychic attack again really really fucking loud. If I'm quick enough and lucky enough it might just make them fumble. Plus the shrinking of the armour might actually cause the sword to slip.

Scramble to get up and attack whoever is near me with whatever I can get my hands on while still psychic screaming.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 04, 2016, 11:29:50 pm

Get auto'd by the rest {because I'll probably maybe be away for the weekend} -- General plan is Theri is very willing to aid the fight, using unarmed strikes to disable and imbalance if forced into combat. She however would really prefer diplomacy/peaceful means.

"Stay here," Theri said to the General's family. "We'll handle this."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 05, 2016, 02:22:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Woop woop, assholes!"

It's Other Wizard's turn! Give him a good swording. Strike like an atomic cobra and all that.

Possibly have retroactively warned Nikolai? He will have been warned. Somehow.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2016, 05:50:17 am

"If you leave this place to fight, then you will not be welcome here if you return."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2016, 05:55:24 am

"Wait, there aren't guys in the kitchen or whatever? That's what I thought was going on.

What's happening again?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2016, 06:07:16 am

"The members of your group that left earlier... They have attacked the soldiers."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2016, 06:13:53 am

"So you're saying we should go out and diplomacy them in the noggin."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2016, 07:41:43 am

"What I am saying is perfectly clear. You can do with it whatever you wish. But leave my house and my family out of it."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 05, 2016, 08:10:57 am

"W-why did ...I... I... I'll stay. I... We... I'll stay."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2016, 01:28:31 pm

"Oh, okay. Sounds good. Just gimme a second here and I'll go deal with it. You've no idea how much these fellas need help just talking to folks sometimes."

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 06, 2016, 05:48:11 am

((Been sick. Haven't had much mental energy due to it.))

Zechariah stood up when the general entered. He grew worried at learning that their friends had been found and were in trouble. He was still ambivalent, however. From what he had seen, his powers with the shadows were far better than his crystal powers right now. For some reason, it took a lot of effort to create even the smallest shard. Perhaps the new staff came with a different balance of power. Or, maybe, Zechariah was too unbalanced himself, and was lending more energy to his negative side. At any rate, he didn't trust himself to work well in the open. If he wanted to utilize his powers well, he would have to do it on favorable terms.

Therefore, as much as he wanted to go out and help the others, he had to stay. He would be more of a liability if he couldn't trust himself to fight well with natural light.

"I'm staying also," Zechariah stated. "I can't really.. trust my powers right now. At least, in the open. In here I might be able to protect people."
He sat back against the wall and sighed.

And, of course, Zechariah Dimikaelo plays the part of vague support extraordinaire, he thought to himself. Let's see in what amazing fashion Zechariah makes himself useful in now!

Stay.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Tiruin on February 06, 2016, 10:28:18 am

"I'll...stay too."

Theri shifted her gaze from the path leading outside, to the room they were in. She could easily help the people here if magic wasn't an option using her skills, and she bet she could communicate with River easily just as well.

She blinked and noticed something as her mental ear passed over what she heard.

"Um, you know they attacked the soldiers or...did I misunderstand something?"

Stay...and inquire.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2016, 11:48:06 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 04, 2016, 09:38:08 pm

As soon as I hear Ike's warning, go with my original plan to escape, which is as quickly as possible tsar my commwire while shrinking my armour and psychic attack again really really fucking loud. If I'm quick enough and lucky enough it might just make them fumble. Plus the shrinking of the armour might actually cause the sword to slip.

Scramble to get up and attack whoever is near me with whatever I can get my hands on while still psychic screaming.

You take half a moment to form a plan and then try to muster whatever adrenaline you have left to act quickly. You need to time everything perfect if you want to survive. You need to deflate your armour just as you dodge  Unfortunately, your timing is way off and it takes a moment for you to start moving out of the way. Luckily the sword pressing down on you as you roll away only grazes you, even though it happens to lie exactly where your armour has been damaged the most. While they are a bit surprised, the soldiers quickly move against you, even as you fail to find the inner power needed to use your ability.

Not wasting time to go for their swords, the soldiers instead opt to attack you as soon as possible. One of them tackles you, restraining you and preventing you from attacking or defending yourself, while another one bashes you to the head with the shield he was holding, your armour not offering much protection from the blow. In the blurriness that follows, you desperately try to tsar your commwire again. You succeed just as a blade makes its way through your brain.
(http://rflx(timing(pwr&dodge))-> 1-1(pain/tired/blood loss) -> sword pressing down counts as sword strike due to poor timingluck(sword not in area without armour)-> 1end->6(no armour bonus due to failed luck roll) vs 5(no sword bonus due to dodge, untsaring and general positioning making the sword strike weak)-rflx(dodge)-> 2-2(pain/tired/blood loss/leg and back injury/on the ground/bad timing) -> 0soldier 1 rflx(reaction)-> 3+1(training)-1(distracted)-1(tired)-1(medium armour) -> 1 vs 0soldier 2 rflx(reaction)-> 2+1(training)-1(distracted)-1(tired)-1(medium armour) -> 0 vs 0scout 1 rflx(reaction)-> 2+1(training)-1(distracted)-1(tired) -> 1 vs 0-pwr(tsar(postponed due to timing))-> 2+1-1(pain/tired/blood loss) -> 2-rflx(initiative)-> 3-1(pain/tired/blood loss/leg and back injury/on the ground) -> 2soldier 1 rflx(initiative)-> 5+1(training)-1(tired)-1(medium armour) -> 4soldier 2 rflx(initiative)-> 4+1(training)-1(tired)-1(medium armour) -> 3scout 1 rflx(initiative)-> 1+1(training)-1(tired) -> 1soldier 3 rflx(initiative)-> 3+1(training)-1(tired)-1(medium armour)-1(distance) -> 1soldier 4 rflx(initiative)-> 5+1(training)-1(tired)-1(medium armour)-2(distance) -> 2-soldier 1 dex(tackle)-> 2+1(training)-1(tired)soldier 1 str(tackle)-> 4+1(training)-1(tired)rflx(dodge)-> 1-2(pain/tired/blood loss/leg and back injury/on the ground) -> -1 vs 2 str(untangle)-> 5-1(pain/tired/blood loss) -> 4 vs 4-soldier 2 dex(shield bash)-> 3+1(training)-1(tired) -> 3soldier 2 str(shield bash)-> (4+1(training)-1(tired))*1.25(weapon) -> 5rflx(block)-> 2+2(blocking)-2(pain/tired/blood loss/leg and back injury/on the ground)-1(multiple attacks)-1(restrained)-> 0 vs 3 (block failed)end(block)-> 2*1.25 -> 3 vs 5-soldier 4 dex(sword)->6+1(training)-1(tired)soldier 4 str(sword)->(6+1(training)-1(tired))*1.25(weapon)->8end-> 5 vs 8pwr(tsar)->5+1-2(pain/tired/blood loss)will(psychic scream)-> 2-2(pain/tired/blood loss))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 05, 2016, 02:22:54 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Woop woop, assholes!"

It's Other Wizard's turn! Give him a good swording. Strike like an atomic cobra and all that.

Possibly have retroactively warned Nikolai? He will have been warned. Somehow.

((When the Ike comes all I hear is "woopwoop! woop!"))

Okay then, we have some retconnecting here, but none of it affects you. Nikolai gets warned, gets out of his armour and gets stabbed as described above. The soldiers still spot you, you still stab that guy in the face and things turn out exactly the same for you, because those were the rolls you made, Nikolai's fight didn't really affect them. Thankfully (for me) he rolled low will for that psychic scream, so while you (and presumably everyone else close to him) do hear it, it's nothing more than the final thoughts of a dying man, his immense desire to not die fading out and becoming incoherent as his life ends.

You extract your knife from the dead mage's face, get out your sword and charge the second mage. A soldier tries to stop you but  you easily avoid him. The mage desperately tries to do some sort of magic, but he doesn't manage to do anything in the moments it takes for you to reach him. You pull your sword back and then force it down with all your strength. At the last second a soldier puts himself between you and the mage, blocking your strike with his shield. You force his shield back, graze his eyebrow with your sword and then watch him fall backwards and on the mage from the force of your blow. But you don't have time to strike again, because you can already hear the other soldiers coming for you. You duck below one blow without looking, bringing your sword around to deter your would be killer. He takes a step back to avoid your slash. Another sword strike. This one you have no time to dodge, so you can only raise your sword to block it. You stand there for a moment with your blades locked, both of you trying to push each other back and neither succeeding. The soldier raises his shield aggressively while his comrades start getting ready for another strike.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 04, 2016, 09:09:12 pm

"They're fighting, you say? Then allow me to prove my amazingness."

I forget, can I charge up things to make them more potent before summoning them? I think I did something like that with my Chaos Dunk.

If so, charge up an enormous can of Silly String via standing in place and grunting excessively.

You do your best imitation of a clogged vacuum cleaner as you call the forces of chaos to your aid.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 05, 2016, 01:28:31 pm

"Oh, okay. Sounds good. Just gimme a second here and I'll go deal with it. You've no idea how much these fellas need help just talking to folks sometimes."

The general gives you a look like he's imagining gouging out your eyes with his bare hands. Hmm... Now that you think about it, a lot of people have been giving you that murderous look lately.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 06, 2016, 10:28:18 am

"I'll...stay too."

Theri shifted her gaze from the path leading outside, to the room they were in. She could easily help the people here if magic wasn't an option using her skills, and she bet she could communicate with River easily just as well.

She blinked and noticed something as her mental ear passed over what she heard.

"Um, you know they attacked the soldiers or...did I misunderstand something?"

Stay...and inquire.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 05, 2016, 08:10:57 am

"W-why did ...I... I... I'll stay. I... We... I'll stay."

"I was waiting for the soldiers to arrive. When they did not arrive and I heard strange noises in the wind, I looked out of one of the windows at the top of the tower. They are fighting somewhere in the north-east. I see no reason for them to be there fighting if they did not wish to attack the soldiers. If they wanted to hide, they would had fled, they would not had run straight towards the soldiers! Even if they did it out of stupidity instead of malice, their actions are still going to get them and others killed for no good reason! They frustrate me so much, I- I just want to go out there and put a stop to their evil myself!"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 06, 2016, 05:48:11 am

((Been sick. Haven't had much mental energy due to it.))

Zechariah stood up when the general entered. He grew worried at learning that their friends had been found and were in trouble. He was still ambivalent, however. From what he had seen, his powers with the shadows were far better than his crystal powers right now. For some reason, it took a lot of effort to create even the smallest shard. Perhaps the new staff came with a different balance of power. Or, maybe, Zechariah was too unbalanced himself, and was lending more energy to his negative side. At any rate, he didn't trust himself to work well in the open. If he wanted to utilize his powers well, he would have to do it on favorable terms.

Therefore, as much as he wanted to go out and help the others, he had to stay. He would be more of a liability if he couldn't trust himself to fight well with natural light.

"I'm staying also," Zechariah stated. "I can't really.. trust my powers right now. At least, in the open. In here I might be able to protect people."
He sat back against the wall and sighed.

And, of course, Zechariah Dimikaelo plays the part of vague support extraordinaire, he thought to himself. Let's see in what amazing fashion Zechariah makes himself useful in now!

Stay.

The general looks down, closes his eyes and uses his ungloved hand to rub his eyes and hide his face.
"Then... if you wish to stay, you should probably head deeper into the fortress. I won't be able to lie about you now. Or..."
He opens his eyes, looks at all of you again and shakes his head.
"Maybe it would be better for everyone if you just left. I'll unseal a tunnel leading outside, away from here. Then you can go away."

---

OOC
Sorry for not posting earlier. Had some family visiting from the US, so I wanted to spend some time with them.

Anyway, I was going to do other missions today as well, but there was a surprising number of thinking and rolls in this turn, despite its shortness. Combat is like that sometimes, especially when it involves melee instead of shooting or magic. I'll try to get the rest done tomorrow morning.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 09, 2016, 12:02:29 am

"Alrighty, that should do it."

Hand the kid Professor Alan.

"Hey, take care of this guy for me, alright? Take him on adventures and stuff. As for me..."

Alan dons a vaguely inspiring/highly terrifying expression depending on how well you know him. 

"I'm going to go use the fine art of diplomacy."

March confidently out of the basement and toward wherever the fighting is. Go look for soldiers or whatever. Obtain target!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 09, 2016, 12:28:26 am

Ah. Well, RIP. Really should have payed more attention to the direction we were going.

Good luck Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2016, 03:59:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Aw, dammit. And here I was hoping to be the big damn hero again."

Weave away and see if I can't knife the downed shieldbearer in the throat during my retreat. Otherwise be on the defensive for now. Pay attention to my surroundings as I try to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 08:10:37 am

"G-General Linus, sir, We still need a copy of your map to guide us. That's why we're still here, remember?"

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 09:29:19 am

((Based on the vote count, we need a challenge that is both a Large Dangerous Arena and a Wacky Death Race!))
((...))
((Maybe. Just a suggestion.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 09:35:44 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 09:29:19 am

((Based on the vote count, we need a challenge that is both a Large Dangerous Arena and a Wacky Death Race!))
((...))
((Maybe. Just a suggestion.))

(+1. Twisted Metal Style!)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 09:38:20 am

(Actually, the arena, campaign, and race are tied. I think that means World's Deadliest Roadtrip!)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 09:41:47 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

((This must be a thing... racing using spaceships, to start with...))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 09, 2016, 10:05:03 am

((Wacky Death Race?  In my Special People?

It's more likely than you think.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 10:07:11 am

((Footrace vs Rhymerer, no teleporting, time warping, or interdimensional shortcuts allowed.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2016, 02:13:28 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 09:38:20 am

(Actually, the arena, campaign, and race are tied. I think that means World's Deadliest Roadtrip!)

...
I think some of you might be messing with me.
You're messing with me, aren't you?
Fine then, we'll do this the old fashioned way then.
Everyone who wants to go on a mission, vote on which kind of mission you'd like, either here or in a PM. Alarith, that means you too, since either way your mission will be over once I get around to doing that turn.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 10:07:11 am

((Footrace vs Rhymerer, no teleporting, time warping, or interdimensional shortcuts allowed.))

I spent half a minute trying to remember who Footrace is and why I don't remember that entity before I realised what you meant.
Come on brain, start working properly.

Quote from: Zormod on November 27, 2015, 09:40:30 pm

Spoiler: Characer sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Brian Hoss
Ability: The creation and manipulation of unstable vortexes that consume energy(Preferably light and heat).
Apperance: Thin, and pale as a ghost. He has dark brown hair and eyes. If his face were any thinner, most people would make the mistake of thinking he was undead.
Bio: Brian was born on Earth with modern technology. He is 24 years old. He discovered his power when he was 21, and has only used them frivolously. He rarely shows anger or sadness.

Quote from: Zormod on February 04, 2016, 12:12:06 am

I was thinking he'd just spawn them in the air or air equivalent, actually. I wouldn't mind if they were stuck to things, though.

Okay then, let's see what modifiers this has...
Wow, that thing is surprisingly powerful in terms of game mechanics. There's a lot of minuses here.
Well, let's see what we can do about this.

First there's the simple method of giving penalties. -1 strength, -1 dexterity, -1 end stuff like that. To that I will add actually making the ability itself weaker, which essentially translates to penalties in effectiveness when used in situations more powerful than it should be.

Then there's things that are a bit more interesting. Like for example, the energy you drain actually goes inside you. And not in the good "fill me with power so I might smite my enemies" kind of way. In the "ohshitshitshithelpI'monfire" kind of way. Or have the requirement for vortexes to be constantly operational and draining, with failure to drain large amounts of energy energy resulting in a very quick death, thus forcing you to stay close to sources of energy. Or maybe you are some sort of creature of the night and you have a relatively common negative, like sunlight or crosses or something like that.

There's also more minor things that can help push you over the required point limit. For example, having some sort of feature that makes you very easily recognizable but can be concealed. Like an unnaturally emaciated body or semitransparent flesh that makes him look really weird.

Any preference or ideas? Feel free to PM them if you don't feel like doing this publicly. Unless you just want me to come up with something. I could even keep your weaknesses a secret even from you if you want it to be extra fun.
I'm just trying to avoid a situation where you have no idea how your ability works or you get something completely different than what you wanted.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 09, 2016, 12:02:29 am

"Alrighty, that should do it."

Hand the kid Professor Alan.

"Hey, take care of this guy for me, alright? Take him on adventures and stuff. As for me..."

Alan dons a vaguely inspiring/highly terrifying expression depending on how well you know him. 

"I'm going to go use the fine art of diplomacy."

March confidently out of the basement and toward wherever the fighting is. Go look for soldiers or whatever. Obtain target!

After an emotional goodbye, you start making your way to wherever the fighting is.
You shed a manly tear as you walk away to conduct "diplomacy".

So, the problem here is that you're from the future, so your valiant cavalry charge is going to have to wait for a couple of turns. First so that I can give you a description of what you'll see when you get out there and then so that you can actually reach wherever the fighting is.

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2016, 12:28:26 am

Ah. Well, RIP. Really should have payed more attention to the direction we were going.

Good luck Ike.

Eh, it's not that bad. It could had been worse.
Then again, things can always get worse. Speaking of which...

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 08:10:37 am

"G-General Linus, sir, We still need a copy of your map to guide us. That's why we're still here, remember?"

"Fine. I'll get you your damn map. Then you leave."
<Yay. We get a map.>

((Anything else you want to do or just get the map and leave through the indicated tunnel?))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2016, 03:59:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Aw, dammit. And here I was hoping to be the big damn hero again."

Weave away and see if I can't knife the downed shieldbearer in the throat during my retreat. Otherwise be on the defensive for now. Pay attention to my surroundings as I try to dodge.

You try to find an opening to break your sword lock and strike at the fallen soldier behind you. But the moment you try to slip away, you notice another soldier striking at you from the side. You have no choice but to bend to take a step back and to the side, positioning your blade to block his strike while still holding the other soldier's blade at bay. You try to push as hard as you can. Your knees bend and you feel the dirt slipping beneath your feet. Their combined strength is too much. You fall on one knee, using your free hand to steady yourself. They pull their blades back and prepare for another strike.

The third soldier helps the fallen soldier and mage get up. That done, they all turn towards you.

Most of the other soldiers stay close to Nikolai's body, but a couple of them are coming towards you.

This is going badly. It's almost as if you're not fighting clueless recruits while wearing a ton of armour and wielding heavy weapons.
Now might be a good time for an escape plan. You could probably outrun them if you get lucky, assuming they don't hit you with a ranged attack and assuming they have no method of fast travel. Still, there might be ways to increase your odds. Simply running away didn't seem to work out so well with Nikolai. Perhaps it would be wise to try to do better than him.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: NAV on February 09, 2016, 02:24:39 pm

The people demand their PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip Paris!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 02:25:01 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2016, 02:24:39 pm

The people demand their PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip Paris!

YEAH!
(Or a Wacky Demolition Derby, that would be fun)

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2016, 02:31:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Am I just permanently surrounded or something?

To team: <Status report: my fine friend Nikolai tried to hide from a patrol in an open field right along their path, then started trying to fight them. I then tried to extract him - now he's been stabbed in the brain and I'm being encircled by assholes, including one wizard. Would anybody like to assist? Maybe burn some people to death and recover my datasphere? I'd certainly appreciate it.>

What's the point in locking blades, anyway? Retreat! A fighting retreat, but a retreat nevertheless.

Maybe a quick update on where I am, what's nearby, how many soldiers there are and in what positions.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2016, 03:01:08 pm

((Since we're voting here now, I'd like a large dangerous arena. Also, guess what. YOU SPELLED CERTAINLY WRONG IN THE POLL. FIX EET.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 03:05:30 pm

((Yeah, I can't think of anything that wouldn't rely on ridiculous amounts of luck. Unless I can buy myself 20 seconds through talking and redneckisms. Gimme a couple of minutes to put some chatter up to try to buy time.))

Team All out of options, WMD
"Damn, I wanted to kill him. That fucker dropped me in a pool of molten liquid last time I saw him. Felt like lying in a pool of fire ants. Was hoping I could make some lava on him, repay the favor. Can't really control what pops out, though. Damn aliens. Couldn't even give me the ability to summon whiskey on demand. Bunch of carpet baggers if you ask me. Huh, you look different. You do something with your hair? Oh wait, it's your eyes. Hold on a minute, is this one of them sitiations where you were originally in the knife and you can possess anybody who did that ritual thing? My Pa took me to see one o' them movin' pictures like that once. Since it seems like you want to go after me, you mind telling me how this whole thing started? Like, why some spirit in a knife would start up a gang of thieves instead of, say, a moonshine still or a cattle outfit? Doubt the info will matter much once you erase my conciousness or whatever yer specific brand o' possessin' does, but I'd like to know. Sort of a last request, as it were. And maybe tell my kin goodbye for me. Lemme give ya the list. Ma, Pa,  Little Clem, Big Todd, Average size Billy, Bobby Joe, Billy Ray, Ricky Bobby, Brandi Lynn, Billy Bob, Bobby Ray, Cousin Ted, Cousin Buck, Uncle Toothpick, Red, me and him ain't on speakin' terms, but it'd be wrong not to say bye. Now me and Uncle Truck are on speakin' terms, but he's duller then a cow patty. Oh, and my cousin Smaller than Big Todd but Bigger than Average Sized Billy John."

Try to buy time. There should be another RME before the explosion, right? Hope it helps. Otherwise, hope I buy enough time to go boom. If he isn't buying it, transform back. Hope that the excess of energy within me will hamper any possession attempts.Or that my form can't contain the energy and I go boom anyways.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2016, 03:18:47 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2016, 03:01:08 pm

((Since we're voting here now, I'd like a large dangerous arena. Also, guess what. YOU SPELLED CERTAINLY WRONG IN THE POLL. FIX EET.))

You can't tell me what to do! You're not my real dad!

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Zormod on February 09, 2016, 03:22:20 pm

I'll take the secret. After all, what better way to play someone who has almost no idea what drawbacks their ability has than actually not knowing yourself?

My idea was that the holes would randomly explode. That being said, I liked every one of your weaknesses more. I probably would have chosen the one where the energy drained was absorbed, if the secret wasn't so tempting.

As for the mission, I choose Wacky Demolition Derby. If you're not doing that, I'll choose the large dangerous arena.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 03:25:48 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 02:25:01 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2016, 02:24:39 pm

The people demand their PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip Paris!

YEAH!
(Or a Wacky Demolition Derby, that would be fun)

((Either of these would be fine.))
((Bonus points if you throw in some hip-hop pirates.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 03:40:55 pm

((Yo Paris, my action is in that prior post. You want me to start thinking up new character ideas?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 04:00:05 pm

((I forget, am I actually in this game?))
((Also, my vote for

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

Stands.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Xantalos on February 09, 2016, 04:03:33 pm

Alan cruising in for landing, in that case. Take as long as you need for the timeline to consolidate.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 04:03:37 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 04:00:05 pm

((Also, my vote for

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

Stands.))

((I'm supporting this.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 09, 2016, 04:44:41 pm

((Torn on next mission.  While I certainly like the Galactic Adventure idea, a Wacky Death Race is awfully appealing...))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 04:55:40 pm

((I'd like Galactic Adventure, but I want a few more upgrades first so I can be like the biological magitech version of R2-D2. Or I might need a new character after this mission. Wacky Death Rave sounds neat, though. Or maybe a Search and Destroy type mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 09, 2016, 05:06:39 pm

Quote from: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 04:55:40 pm

((Wacky Death Rave))

((Nope, forget everything else, Wacky Death Rave it is))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Hawk132 on February 09, 2016, 06:40:08 pm

I'd like to do the Large Dangerous Arena, but I won't mind World's Deadliest Roadtrip. Or the Galactic Adventure. I'm willing to sacrifice quick growth by doing shorter missions just to see the reactions of highly advanced people to a clearly magical sentient suit of armor.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 10:14:47 pm

"General Linus? Sir? I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't want anything like this to happen. I.. I don't know why Ike and Nik did that. Honestly, I'm hoping they know something I don't, and that there was a good reason for their actions, but... I really don't know. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me sir."

---

((@ Ike's call for help - Irine took her commwire off when Nik did that attack through it. She can't hear the call for help. Sorry. The only one of the basement-people that still had their commwire on after that was Alan, and he's already on his way. You might be able to get River to come though. I mean, he wanted to attack the soldiers anyway. Lenglon understands what happened out there and thinks your actions were reasonable. Irine is out of the loop, and acting as such.))

---

When given the map, I'm fine with using the tunnel.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2016, 11:20:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2016, 02:31:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Am I just permanently surrounded or something?

To team: <Status report: my fine friend Nikolai tried to hide from a patrol in an open field right along their path, then started trying to fight them. I then tried to extract him - now he's been stabbed in the brain and I'm being encircled by assholes, including one wizard. Would anybody like to assist? Maybe burn some people to death and recover my datasphere? I'd certainly appreciate it.>

What's the point in locking blades, anyway? Retreat! A fighting retreat, but a retreat nevertheless.

Maybe a quick update on where I am, what's nearby, how many soldiers there are and in what positions.

Well, jumping in a squad of men tends to end with you getting surrounded. This isn't Assasin's Creed, they're not going to politely line up and attack you one at a time.

Also, the locking blades happens if there's a tie on melee strikes. I interpret it as both of you trying to attack at the same time and trying to either push the other back or overpower them and hit them despite their defence. Since you got a tie in the second turn with the same soldier, I chose to interpret this as the two of you maintaining the sword lock, you know, like people do in the movies (all that's missing is a verbal battle to accompany the locks). And then you got a tie in strength again, so again nothing would had happened. But the second soldier (who also got a tie with you) was enough to just barely push their strength over the limit and overpower you, pushing you down. I try to make battles sound interesting instead of just basically describing rolls, which is why I didn't just say "He strikes. You parry. He strikes again. You parry again. Another soldier strikes you. His strike throws you off balance."

Also, I am not psychic, so unless I'm given instructions (or I see an opportunity for a fun description that fits the rolls involved), I will not do anything extraordinary. So, for example, if you've ended the previous turn locking blades with someone and then decide to attack them again, I'll just have you use your sword to attack them again. However, you could always state something more complex or fun or in character for you to do, like pushing your locked blades up and kicking him back or using your other hand to try to stab them with your knife.

As for your position, it's something like this:

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide) (http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac165/parisbre56/map_zps75yeofhe.png) Quote from: Legend Blue is the Tower Pink is Ike Green is Nikolai Yellow is the mage Red are soldiers Orange are scouts The sun is high in the sky. It's some time after midday. There is little wind. The terrain is relatively flat with few changes in elevation. It's mostly a not very thick layer of hard dirt with more gravely rocks or solid rock underneath. There is little vegetation beyond a few dry bushes. The three scouts clustered together were two scouts taking care of an injured one but they have been alerted to your presence along with the others.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 10:14:47 pm

"General Linus? Sir? I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't want anything like this to happen. I.. I don't know why Ike and Nik did that. Honestly, I'm hoping they know something I don't, and that there was a good reason for their actions, but... I really don't know. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me sir."

---

((@ Ike's call for help - Irine took her commwire off when Nik did that attack through it. She can't hear the call for help. Sorry. The only one of the basement-people that still had their commwire on after that was Alan, and he's already on his way. You might be able to get River to come though. I mean, he wanted to attack the soldiers anyway. Lenglon understands what happened out there and thinks your actions were reasonable. Irine is out of the loop, and acting as such.))

---

When given the map, I'm fine with using the tunnel.

He sighs and takes a moment to calm down.
"I don't hate you. I'm just... angry and disappointed. With them and myself."
With that, he turns around and starts going up the stairs.

Okay then. I'll give you a description about what happens later. It's not like we're in any hurry, since we have to wait for the above ground stuff to conclude anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2016, 12:46:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Try to keep my distance from these lads, and the rest as well. No use in killing them where they can just as easily be replaced, is there? Back off a bit, and try to avoid being outmaneuvered as I move away from them.

((I'm becoming increasingly convinced that obfuscating rolls is a poor idea. They're a very nice way to provide feedback and allow someone to parse the text better, which is something I tend to have trouble with.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Toaster on February 10, 2016, 01:05:45 pm

((Getting way off subject here, but is this based on your experience changing Salvation?))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 10, 2016, 01:08:21 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2016, 12:46:08 pm

((I'm becoming increasingly convinced that obfuscating rolls is a poor idea. They're a very nice way to provide feedback and allow someone to parse the text better, which is something I tend to have trouble with.))

((to each their own. I prefer them hidden myself. Helps focus on what is happening instead of the mechanics behind it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2016, 01:13:24 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 10, 2016, 01:05:45 pm

((Getting way off subject here, but is this based on your experience changing Salvation?))

((Pretty much, yes. It's how you can tell you're doing something. A good spot to anchor the eye. And there is something deeply satisfying about seeing a good roll (or a catastrophically bad one) that all the descriptions in the world can't capture.))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 10, 2016, 01:08:21 pm

((to each their own. I prefer them hidden myself. Helps focus on what is happening instead of the mechanics behind it.))

((I suppose that's another perspective, although what's happening is a direct result of the mechanics. Much easier to see the why of things when the rolls are visible.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Lenglon on February 10, 2016, 01:46:33 pm

Quote

((I suppose that's another perspective, although what's happening is a direct result of the mechanics. Much easier to see the why of things when the rolls are visible.))

Depends on if you view it as in-universe why or OOC why. The OOC why can be distracting, especially when people talk about the numbers over the in-setting reasoning.

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: chaotic skies on February 13, 2016, 10:14:55 am

<<In order of importance for the power: Versatile, Durable, Quick, Powerful. Also, sorry for the sudden disappearance; had to deal with some stuf IRL.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2016, 08:20:43 pm

Quote from: Alarith on February 04, 2016, 09:27:59 am

((Well looks like a should have kept stalling with physical attacks.))
Wake up against all odds?

Nope. If you had rolled double 6s, then yes, I might have allowed one final action.

Quote from: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 03:05:30 pm

((Yeah, I can't think of anything that wouldn't rely on ridiculous amounts of luck. Unless I can buy myself 20 seconds through talking and redneckisms. Gimme a couple of minutes to put some chatter up to try to buy time.))

Team All out of options, WMD
"Damn, I wanted to kill him. That fucker dropped me in a pool of molten liquid last time I saw him. Felt like lying in a pool of fire ants. Was hoping I could make some lava on him, repay the favor. Can't really control what pops out, though. Damn aliens. Couldn't even give me the ability to summon whiskey on demand. Bunch of carpet baggers if you ask me. Huh, you look different. You do something with your hair? Oh wait, it's your eyes. Hold on a minute, is this one of them sitiations where you were originally in the knife and you can possess anybody who did that ritual thing? My Pa took me to see one o' them movin' pictures like that once. Since it seems like you want to go after me, you mind telling me how this whole thing started? Like, why some spirit in a knife would start up a gang of thieves instead of, say, a moonshine still or a cattle outfit? Doubt the info will matter much once you erase my conciousness or whatever yer specific brand o' possessin' does, but I'd like to know. Sort of a last request, as it were. And maybe tell my kin goodbye for me. Lemme give ya the list. Ma, Pa,  Little Clem, Big Todd, Average size Billy, Bobby Joe, Billy Ray, Ricky Bobby, Brandi Lynn, Billy Bob, Bobby Ray, Cousin Ted, Cousin Buck, Uncle Toothpick, Red, me and him ain't on speakin' terms, but it'd be wrong not to say bye. Now me and Uncle Truck are on speakin' terms, but he's duller then a cow patty. Oh, and my cousin Smaller than Big Todd but Bigger than Average Sized Billy John."

Try to buy time. There should be another RME before the explosion, right? Hope it helps. Otherwise, hope I buy enough time to go boom. If he isn't buying it, transform back. Hope that the excess of energy within me will hamper any possession attempts.Or that my form can't contain the energy and I go boom anyways.

Well, those are all good ideas. Let's start rolling and see if anything sticks.

You start speaking but about halfway through your second sentance the voice cuts you off.
"Give me some credit."
He runs towards you and jumps over the small wall of black substance that has formed around you. One of his legs touches the thing and it begins dissolving, but he doesn't seem to mind much. He seems to have bigger problems, what with his skin starting to become thinner and more pale. Then again, he doesn't seem to care about that either. Or anything, really. His face is mostly expressionless.

Every inch of your body becomes surrounded by a green light and you start glowing slightly and floating towards the ceiling.
The man grabs one of your anchors and launches himself towards your core. He shatters the green light covering it with his fist as if it was glass and penetrates you. By now he's starting to look more like a skeleton with a thin covering of skin and organs than a human.
You will have the honour of being my new vessel.
The words hit your mind the same moment as the influence does, burning through your mind. Your body starts twitching involuntarily as it slowly starts returning to its human form.
<Parasitic influence critical. Quarantine failure imminent.>
Your soul will serve me.
You find enough mental strength to regain control for a small instant.
"I'd rather die, asshole."
You use that instant to force your body to force your body to keep changing back to its human form as quickly as possible. It starts spewing smoke and distortions as bones retract and flesh shifts. There is resistance. You force it to go faster. Your body complains, wants to do this more slowly, but you force it anyway. You push with your will against what your body is telling you, against the pain, against the presence in your mind, against your survival instinct.

You are made of light. You are made of smoke. You are made of fire. That's the last thing you remember before the influence in your mind and body comes back with a vengeance, hitting you like a runaway train and forcing you into the darkness.
<Emergency desynchronization in progress...>
The void envelopes you as everything becomes a dark nothing, the familiar void that comes between missions.
Looks like either way, it is over now. You are as good as dead.
But death won't save you.

---

All players desynchronized.
Scanning...
Primary objective completion impossible.
Mission failed. Terminating session...

Detailed objective account follows:
Primary Objective: Capture or Eliminate the leader of the criminal organization known as 'The 11 of Diamonds': FAILED
Secondary Objective: Rescue Hostages: FAILED
Secondary Objective: Escape: FAILED
Secondary Objective: Capture or Eliminate all members of the criminal organization known as 'The 11 of Diamonds': PARTIAL, details follow:
-Capture or Eliminate the King: COMPLETED by William and Bryan
-Capture or Eliminate the Queen: FAILED
-Capture or Eliminate the Knave: FAILED
-Capture or Eliminate the Joker: FAILED
-Capture or Eliminate the Seer: FAILED
-Capture or Eliminate the Ghost: COMPLETED by William
-Capture or Eliminate the Brain: COMPLETED by Kosak
-Capture or Eliminate the Brawn: COMPLETED by William and Kosak
-Capture or Eliminate the Puppetmaster: COMPLETED by William
-Capture or Eliminate the Rotbird: COMPLETED by Svajoklis
-Capture or Eliminate the Ace: COMPLETED by Svajoklis
-Capture or Eliminate the Traitor: COMPLETED by William

A good job, overall. As I said when I started it, it was a hard mission and some people dropped out halfway through, so failing it is not unexpected.
Alarith gets 2 points. I really wish I could give him more, since he did very well and I enjoyed his efforts very much. Screw that, he did good, he should get rewarded. 3 points for Alarith.
FallacyOrUrist and DreamerGhost get 3 points. Good job.
And our reality-destroying-warp-fart-releasing friend killed a lot of people with his big booms, as expected. That's why Beirus gets 5 points. He also gets some demonic infection for his soul. That should teach him to let strange men stab him with their knives.
Everyone else gets 1 point.

Have I given you all your upgrade trees? I think I have. Too tired to check now.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2016, 12:46:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Try to keep my distance from these lads, and the rest as well. No use in killing them where they can just as easily be replaced, is there? Back off a bit, and try to avoid being outmaneuvered as I move away from them.

((I'm becoming increasingly convinced that obfuscating rolls is a poor idea. They're a very nice way to provide feedback and allow someone to parse the text better, which is something I tend to have trouble with.))

Spoiler: So you want something like this? (click to show/hide)

ike rflx -> 3+3-1 -> 5
soldier 1 rflx -> 6-1
soldier 2 rflx -> 2-1
soldier 3 rflx -> 3-1
soldier 4 rflx -> 6-1
mage rflx  -> 2

1 dex -> 2
ike rflx -> 6+3 -> 9
4 dex -> 3
ike rflx -> 4+3-1 -> 6

ike speed -> 5+2 -> 7
1 speed -> 4-1
4 speed -> 6-1
5 speed -> 6-1
6 speed -> 6-1

You easily jump away from the soldier's follow-up strikes before you start running away like the wind. You manage to get some distance between you and the soldiers, but they are still hot on your trail, despite their armour and their apparent tiredness. One slip up and they could be all over you once more.

The remaining mage gives an unnecessary order to some of the soldiers to pursue you before he starts preparing a spell. At least you infer he's preparing a spell from the fact that you can't understand a word he's saying.

Now, are you running towards any particular direction? Based on the map I gave you, I think the "as far away from them" directions are ESE, NW and SW.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 14, 2016, 08:33:33 pm

((I haven't gotten my upgrade tree yet.))
((Wait, is Wacky Death Rave actually going to be a thing?))
((Or is it more like "travel through space, race to the Center of the Galaxy, don't die to space pirates"?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Beirus on February 14, 2016, 09:11:42 pm

((Do I get a supplementary upgrade tree path to harness the infection? Pretty please?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 04:08:19 am

((That's quite helpful, thank you.))

Campaign, Ike!

Throw my knife at the wizard while retreating. If he does fire off a spell, try to use the pursuing soldiers as cover.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Alarith on February 15, 2016, 10:03:28 am

((Assuming nothing on my tree has changed since last time, yes I have my upgrade tree. I also seem to be continuing my tradition of dying just short of or right when I'm completing the objective. Ah well, better luck next time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 15, 2016, 04:44:55 pm

((I haven't gotten my Upgrade tree.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Beirus on February 15, 2016, 04:51:47 pm

((Wait, so is the leader of the 11 of Diamonds the demonic infection, or is that only a part of him? Because if the leader is the infection, I want an appeal on the primary objective. William captured him inside his body/soul.  :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2016, 05:53:18 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 04:08:19 am

((That's quite helpful, thank you.))

Campaign, Ike!

Throw my knife at the wizard while retreating. If he does fire off a spell, try to use the pursuing soldiers as cover.

You didn't really answer my question though. Are you heading towards a particular direction or should I choose one at random?

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 14, 2016, 08:33:33 pm

((Wait, is Wacky Death Rave actually going to be a thing?))

Why not? Sounds like fun to me!
A wacky death race in a wacky death rave.

Quote from: Beirus on February 14, 2016, 09:11:42 pm

((Do I get a supplementary upgrade tree path to harness the infection? Pretty please?))

Hehehehehe.

Quote from: Beirus on February 15, 2016, 04:51:47 pm

((Wait, so is the leader of the 11 of Diamonds the demonic infection, or is that only a part of him? Because if the leader is the infection, I want an appeal on the primary objective. William captured him inside his body/soul.  :P))

No, you didn't. The leader doesn't work like that. I don't see a way for you to rules-lawyer that.
Besides, you have already manipulated the rules in your favor. You got a point for killing yourself, didn't you? :P

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 15, 2016, 05:56:19 pm

((Which direction is Alan coming from? Just as a coincidence.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2016, 06:01:35 pm

You're coming from the blue dot in Ike's map here: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6801545#msg6801545

That's probably more or less what you're going to see when you get out, unless Ike dies horribly or rolls so well he teleports or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 15, 2016, 06:17:32 pm

((Go southwest, Ike! Good things will come from this.

That or a TPK. A spectacular TPK, though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 06:20:24 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2016, 05:53:18 pm

You didn't really answer my question though. Are you heading towards a particular direction or should I choose one at random?

((I'd prefer toward the general's estate if possible, whichever direction that is.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 15, 2016, 06:22:38 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 06:20:24 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2016, 05:53:18 pm

You didn't really answer my question though. Are you heading towards a particular direction or should I choose one at random?

((I'd prefer toward the general's estate if possible, whichever direction that is.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/63651546.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: chaotic skies on February 15, 2016, 08:35:49 pm

I'm reposting this, not to be annoying, but because I have a feeling I waited too long to reply to questions :P

Name: Hannah
Ability: Drawing on a magical drawing pad, which causes things drawn to be real. Also likes knives.
Appearance: Short (~5' 2") 14 year old girl, with dark brown hair coming down to slightly past her shoulders. She occasionaly wears makeup, but prefers not to. She has a great smile.
Bio/Personality info: Preffers to wear leggings or jeans and sweatshirts, but refuses to wear a dress by choice. Is very good at drawing, helping with her power, although occasionaly needs to stop, or she might start drawing nightmares into existence. Lost her dad recently, and never knew her brother. Has a boyfriend she has worried about since she was brought here, and hopes he's okay. Loves darker, cooler colors, and is annoyed by bright, warm colors.

Power should be Versatile, Quick, Durable, Powerful in that order.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 15, 2016, 11:21:52 pm

((Did I ever join this game?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: chaotic skies on February 16, 2016, 12:03:25 am

<<Maybe? I don't know>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on February 16, 2016, 12:35:56 am

((According to the OP player list, no.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 16, 2016, 12:38:38 am

Quote from: Toaster on February 16, 2016, 12:35:56 am

((According to the OP player list, no.))

((To be fair, Paris did say that the OP might be outdated.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 16, 2016, 06:37:51 am

((I'm pretty sure it's out of date, which is why I'm asking.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on February 17, 2016, 08:44:10 am

Quote from: Irine on February 09, 2016, 10:14:47 pm

"General Linus? Sir? I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't want anything like this to happen. I.. I don't know why Ike and Nik did that. Honestly, I'm hoping they know something I don't, and that there was a good reason for their actions, but... I really don't know. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me sir."

Theri was about to add to the idea, but as she heard the General's footsteps leave the vicinity, she directed her words onto his wife instead.

"If he's disappointed in himself for trusting us, no matter how much you are disgusted by me and my friend: We are honored to be kept safe by your husband's trust. Thank you also, for having the decency to treat us like people, despite any prejudice in mind. Your family has a good heart, I've seen it in your child's eyes. He'll grow up well and good.

"And I am very sorry for the inconveniences we've caused."

Follow the tri-tailed friend-buddy! :D Also ensure the wounded around me are kept safe, and whisper a 'stay safe, follow your parents, be good' to the young boy (if it's an OK-to-whisper-under-the-mother's-watch moment)

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2016, 06:57:39 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 15, 2016, 11:21:52 pm

((Did I ever join this game?))

I have your character in my notes, so yes.

I've got a weird sense of deja vu.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 04:08:19 am

((That's quite helpful, thank you.))

Campaign, Ike!

Throw my knife at the wizard while retreating. If he does fire off a spell, try to use the pursuing soldiers as cover.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2016, 06:20:24 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 15, 2016, 05:53:18 pm

You didn't really answer my question though. Are you heading towards a particular direction or should I choose one at random?

((I'd prefer toward the general's estate if possible, whichever direction that is.))

You throw your knife at the mage. He looks at you with a hint of dread, ready to dodge. But he doesn't have to, for your aim is way off. The knife goes towards a soldier instead, who easily swats it away with his shield. The mage immediately makes a motion with his hands and the energy gathered between them, obviously seeking a quick retaliation.

The mage gasps and falls to his knees. The energy between his hands turns into a dark blob, a darkness that explodes instead of flying towards you. The chunks fly into his face and stick to it and his body like thick viscous tar. The soldiers closest to him freeze for a second. Then one of them shouts "Black magic! Get clear!". The rest comply, running away and getting some distance between themselves and the mage. All except one, who remains frozen in place and raises his sword.

The mage screams for a second before his mouth is covered by the expanding black substance. He convulses and thrashes for a few moments before he spins around and throws himself to the soldier that stayed behind, trying to hit him with his arms. The soldier is quicker, using his sword to counter-strike at the mage's arms, but it is completely ineffective. The mage's arms barely slow down, taking the soldier's sword with them as they continue their strike. The soldier manages to raise his shield to block the strike, but it's still strong enough to send him tumbling back.

"Get out of there! What are you doing?!" one of the others warns him.

But before the soldier can move, the jumps on him. The soldier tries to push the mage away with his shield, but that only results in the soldier getting trapped under it as the mage falls on it. The mage thrashes and pummels the soldier's shield and helmet like mad, looking more like he's having a seizure than actually attacking. The strikes are strong enough to bend the metal and paint the dirt with the dead soldier's blood and brain matter.
"Damn. That ungodly abomination..." one of the soldiers comments.
"Wait! It's eating him?" another adds with the same level of disgust.
Yes, 'the abomination' as they called it (which is now less of a human and more of a human-shaped blob of tar) has put it face close to the soldier's neck, from which crunching sounds start emanating. The surface of the tar shudders slightly and becomes more solid. And then the crunching sounds spread to the body of the abomination. A more well defined shape starts appearing on its back, a new set of limbs with sharp edges.

The soldiers gather closer to each other, form a defensive line and point their swords at it defensively, but maintain their distance from it.

Those events seem to either scare or at least distract the soldiers chasing you for you to get a good distance between you and them. You keep running towards the tower. You also see Alan, who has recently made his way out of the tower and has started getting closer to you. You'll meet up with him next turn. Do you and Xan have  any plan about what you're gonna do next?

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 17, 2016, 08:44:10 am

Quote from: Irine on February 09, 2016, 10:14:47 pm

"General Linus? Sir? I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't want anything like this to happen. I.. I don't know why Ike and Nik did that. Honestly, I'm hoping they know something I don't, and that there was a good reason for their actions, but... I really don't know. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me sir."

Theri was about to add to the idea, but as she heard the General's footsteps leave the vicinity, she directed her words onto his wife instead.

"If he's disappointed in himself for trusting us, no matter how much you are disgusted by me and my friend: We are honored to be kept safe by your husband's trust. Thank you also, for having the decency to treat us like people, despite any prejudice in mind. Your family has a good heart, I've seen it in your child's eyes. He'll grow up well and good.

"And I am very sorry for the inconveniences we've caused."

Follow the tri-tailed friend-buddy! :D Also ensure the wounded around me are kept safe, and whisper a 'stay safe, follow your parents, be good' to the young boy (if it's an OK-to-whisper-under-the-mother's-watch moment)

You speak to the woman. She doesn't respond to you. When you finish speaking, she looks away and says nothing, although she doesn't look as tense anymore.
You approach the boy and whisper your goodbye. She does not interfere.
The boy looks at you curiously for several seconds. Then he hugs you. "Bye." he says with his childish voice.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2016, 10:14:47 pm

When given the map, I'm fine with using the tunnel.

The general returns a few moment later holding the same leather-covered metal cylinder that held the map he showed you earlier, the top holding some stone decorations. He quickly goes down the stairs, hands it to you and continues moving with his quick pace. You go through a tunnel and then keep moving until you reach a dead end. The general pauses, retrieves a small tuning-fork-like object made of metal and stone from one of his pockets. He closes his eyes and takes a second to slow his breathing. He strikes the wall with the object and it resonates, producing a note.
"Faaal..." the general utters the syllable, his tone matching the tone produced by the tuning fork.
"Ei fal em eoro." he continues, singing the words.
The wall resonates with the words, vibrating like water before melting away to reveal a dark tunnel.
"Get in."
"Keep going straight until you reach the staircase. Then take the second left and then right again. You'll find another door." he says while your group enters the tunnel.
"Close the door on the other side. I don't want any creatures to get in. Leave the key there."

His instructions finished, he strikes the key against what's left of the wall. The key produces a different tone and he sings a different set of words.
"Saaald... Ai sald em vounthoi."
The moment he finishes, he tosses the key to you. Then the wall closes and you are left in darkness.

<Oh, a dark tunnel. That's a classic. Watch out for bats, giant rats and giant cave spiders.> Roger warns Irine through their link.
<This is an old fortress, so skeletal soldiers are also possible. But everyone knows those guys are softer than tissue paper.>
<Heh. I mean, skeletons? Really? Who thought that would be a good idea? 'Oh, I'll just get a pile of bones barely held together by magic to defend me. I'm sure nothing will be able to defeat them.' Ha!>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 18, 2016, 07:07:42 pm

((What's my name again?  In game.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 18, 2016, 07:16:07 pm

I immediately generate a small flame orb before people have a chance to move and I'm at risk of hitting them with it, and then, assuming nobody wants to do something else, follow the General's instructions and leave.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 18, 2016, 07:45:32 pm

((Looks like somebody rolled a one... somebody being the mage.))

((I'd like to note I still don't have my upgrade tree, unfortunately.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: chaotic skies on February 18, 2016, 08:37:02 pm

((Did I ever join?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 18, 2016, 10:13:52 pm

"Hmm. That looks distinctly un-fun."

My preparation will finally be handy! Approach to optimal firing range and set my aim squarely on the Nega-Pilsbury Doughboy.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 19, 2016, 10:31:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2016, 06:57:39 pm

"Damn. That ungodly abomination..." one of the soldiers comments.
"Wait! It's eating him?" another adds with the same level of disgust.

(('twas inevitable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyophYBP_w4)))

Campaign, Ike!

Ike shrugs. Seems like these guys ought to have their hands full for a moment. He walks off toward Alan.

"Hey, I think somebody sabotaged their wizard. Also these guys killed... that guy who was hanging around us, whatever his name was. Not the Jesus guy, the other one. We might want to cheese it shortly."

Give Alan the rundown. Consider likelihood of cutting out Nikolai's datasphere without interruption. If there's an opportunity and his corpse is unguarded, steal it and then retreat back to non-threatening range.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 19, 2016, 12:07:48 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 18, 2016, 07:45:32 pm

((I'd like to note I still don't have my upgrade tree, unfortunately.))

+1

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 19, 2016, 12:23:28 pm

"Aww, they killed Nicky Giant Tricycle? That sucks. Here, I'll make a distraction so you can get his body."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2016, 10:22:57 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 19, 2016, 10:31:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2016, 06:57:39 pm

"Damn. That ungodly abomination..." one of the soldiers comments.
"Wait! It's eating him?" another adds with the same level of disgust.

(('twas inevitable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyophYBP_w4)))

Campaign, Ike!

Ike shrugs. Seems like these guys ought to have their hands full for a moment. He walks off toward Alan.

"Hey, I think somebody sabotaged their wizard. Also these guys killed... that guy who was hanging around us, whatever his name was. Not the Jesus guy, the other one. We might want to cheese it shortly."

Give Alan the rundown. Consider likelihood of cutting out Nikolai's datasphere without interruption. If there's an opportunity and his corpse is unguarded, steal it and then retreat back to non-threatening range.

You could definitely run there and get to Nikolai while that thing is distracting the soldiers. You have a pretty good chance of doing so.

One problem is that there are still two soldiers after you. You could probably outrun them, but there's always the chance you get really unlucky. Hopefully you won't attract the abomination's or any of the soldiers' or scouts' attention.

Another problem is that Nikolai is still a corpse instead of an easy-to-carry orb, which might present a problem if you get there and he's still a corpse and there are people after you. I mean, you could cut a piece and hope the sphere materializes near it, but you're not sure if that's possible and how the sphere thing actually works. Or you could try carrying the entire corpse, but that would slow you down.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 18, 2016, 10:13:52 pm

"Hmm. That looks distinctly un-fun."

My preparation will finally be handy! Approach to optimal firing range and set my aim squarely on the Nega-Pilsbury Doughboy.

We'll say you do your best cop pose and point your finger gun at your target once you get close enough. Your action is a bit ambiguous though. Do you want to fire or just take aim and be ready to fire?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 21, 2016, 10:27:31 pm

Alan squints steely-eyed at the suspect.

"Time's up, perp! You're about to get ... tied up."

I intended to just take aim. Now, however, that my aim's been squarely set, unleash the full force of my gigantic Silly String can upon yonder black jello man!

By which I mean fire the gigantic can of silly string I tried to prepare in advance at the dark magic abomination thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 22, 2016, 04:36:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

Guess we can hang around for a bit. Not like there's wizards menacing us anymore.

Also, if the soldiers insist on trying to fuck with us, show them the error of their ways. Basically run interference for Alan while he works his chaotic destruction.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2016, 08:47:22 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 18, 2016, 07:16:07 pm

I immediately generate a small flame orb before people have a chance to move and I'm at risk of hitting them with it, and then, assuming nobody wants to do something else, follow the General's instructions and leave.

You summon a rather large flame orb. But fortunately, other than making the normally dark and cold tunnel brighter and a bit hot, it has no other side effects.

Your group starts moving down the small tunnel, following the general's directions. This place is a lot more utilitarian than the parts of the fortress you had seen so far. There are no intricate carvings, only some symbols occasionally visible behind a thin layer of dust or spider webs. And so far the only statue you've seen was a small vaguely humanoid statue marking an intersection.

From the looks of it, this place has been unused for a long time. Such a long time in fact that spiders have found the time to weave large, intricate yet mostly empty webs and the dirt, dust and debris have formed a thick but fragile cover on the ground with a dune-like texture. The dust dunes get disturbed as you pass through them, raising small clouds. Parts of them are flammable, cracking as they combust whenever they fly into your fire.

There aren't many branches in the path. There are occasional small tunnels or stairs, some of them not smoothed, some of them too small for a human to go through, but they don't look important. Some of them apparently bring in fresh air, judging by the disturbance in the dust dunes and the occasional draft of air around them. However, none of them provide any light, at least none that you can see from here. You don't investigate anything. Better to continue on your way and not risk getting lost.

Eventually you come upon some of the larger inhabitants of these tunnels, things larger than the tiny insects you've encountered so far. These are instead large insects. At least in height, because they're almost half as tall as a human when walking. They have a tiny main body (no larger than a small rock). It has multiple eyes on its top and a tiny mouth with mandibles. It walks on extremely thin legs, almost bouncing on them as they bend. It looks like a kid's drawing of a spider that has come to life, so thin it looks as if it could break with the slightest pressure. You think you remember Ike mentioning a similar creature, but much smaller. Maybe this is how they look like when they get older.

<Oh, hey, giant spiders! Called it!>

They seem interested in you. They follow you around but keep their distance trying to stay in the shadows. Whenever you or your fire gets too close, they scurry off and disappear into some inaccessible hole in the wall, their legs bending and retracting close to their body to allow them to move through them, only to reappear further down the tunnel. But they don't seem hostile, so you leave them be.

((Pausing for a bit.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 21, 2016, 10:27:31 pm

Alan squints steely-eyed at the suspect.

"Time's up, perp! You're about to get ... tied up."

I intended to just take aim. Now, however, that my aim's been squarely set, unleash the full force of my gigantic Silly String can upon yonder black jello man!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 22, 2016, 04:36:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

Guess we can hang around for a bit. Not like there's wizards menacing us anymore.

Also, if the soldiers insist on trying to fuck with us, show them the error of their ways. Basically run interference for Alan while he works his chaotic destruction.

Ike stands aside and lets Alan get to work. Alan kneels and prepares to assault the abomination with a giant can and a bad pun. And he does just that. He doesn't just launch some silly string. He launches an entire can, an giant glowing metal cylinder the size of a tanker truck moving at high speed.

Ike barely has enough time to dive headfirst into the ground. He still feels the can touch him and throw a bit of dirt over him as it bounces near him.

Everyone else is not that lucky. Everything in a line from Alan to Nikolai's corpse and beyond (including the abomination) gets caught by the can bulldozing through them and get carried away with it. Only one of the soldiers in the can's path manages to execute an ostrich maneuver similar to Ike's and avoid the grim fate of getting pulped by a giant silly can.

I hope you perps like a hearty serving of hot sticky justice with your jello!

What's more, the can miraculously misses Nikolai's corpse, allowing Ike to quickly approach it without danger should he choose to do so. And saving him the trouble of having to dig through a bunch of mangled corpses to find it.

---

Is Alan's curse broken? Has he somehow become the only competent/lucky person in the team? Or is this simply one of luck's elaborate plots to put Alan in a position where he can cause maximum damage (if he hasn't done so already)? Could this all be just a giant 6, whose sideffects we have yet to see? Find out in the next exciting episode of DBZ.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 22, 2016, 10:30:01 am

((note: Giant Cave Spiders were the most dangerous threat in Irine's home. She is familiar with the concept. The ones she made dislike light and heat, have highly lethal venom, and can grow to absurd sizes. She would assume she is inside a spider den and be wary of them as such.))
the way the large flame orb is handled is to spread it out into a collection of smaller orbs, and those are spread out around the party, forming a perimeter of light and heat and making sure we can see whatever is coming. There is no need to engage the spiders, so I don't. And if they try to web our path ahead, burn the webbing away and continue undeterred. Do not leave the path.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 22, 2016, 11:47:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I think that last kind soldier needs a pillow, Alan. Or maybe a waterbed. He seems downright uncomfortable," Ike mentions.

Mention brilliant idea to Alan, then go and collect Nikolai and drag him back to relative safety.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 22, 2016, 03:08:02 pm

Alan - Good Cop?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2016, 08:47:22 am

Is Alan's curse broken? Has he somehow become the only competent/lucky person in the team? Or is this simply one of luck's elaborate plots to put Alan in a position where he can cause maximum damage (if he hasn't done so already)? Could this all be just a giant 6, whose sideffects we have yet to see? Find out in the next exciting episode of DBZ.

((Another quote for my sig hoard.))

"These were the fellas trying to inconvenience you, Ike? Well, I could fire a mattress at him, but if you want me to kill him it'd have to be something heavier than that. You guys tried talking to them?"

Approach the one soldier to a reasonable distance, one where I can talk comfortably to him but he can't get to me and stab me without giving me plenty of time to react with a dishwasher.

"Sup, dude! Want some red bull?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 23, 2016, 08:59:33 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 22, 2016, 11:47:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I think that last kind soldier needs a pillow, Alan. Or maybe a waterbed. He seems downright uncomfortable," Ike mentions.

Mention brilliant idea to Alan, then go and collect Nikolai and drag him back to relative safety.

You run up to Nikolai's corpse while Alan is distracting the soldier.

Nikolai's corpse glows faintly with a purple-green inner light and then disappears, getting replaced by a Soulsphere inside a battered and bloody suit of tin armor. Guess that will make carrying him easier, since you don't have to carry his inventory if you don't want to.

Also, the abomination is apparently very much alive under that giant can. You can't see it, but you can hear the crunching sound of breaking bones continue and the can wobbles slightly in sync with them.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 22, 2016, 03:08:02 pm

Alan - Good Cop?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2016, 08:47:22 am

Is Alan's curse broken? Has he somehow become the only competent/lucky person in the team? Or is this simply one of luck's elaborate plots to put Alan in a position where he can cause maximum damage (if he hasn't done so already)? Could this all be just a giant 6, whose sideffects we have yet to see? Find out in the next exciting episode of DBZ.

((Another quote for my sig hoard.))

"These were the fellas trying to inconvenience you, Ike? Well, I could fire a mattress at him, but if you want me to kill him it'd have to be something heavier than that. You guys tried talking to them?"

Approach the one soldier to a reasonable distance, one where I can talk comfortably to him but he can't get to me and stab me without giving me plenty of time to react with a dishwasher.

"Sup, dude! Want some red bull?"

"Burn to ash, you bastard!" the soldier screams as he charges at you.
You throw a toy dishwasher at the soldier. Said dishwasher is still the size of a cupboard, so it's not insignificant.
It clips the soldier but bounces off his armor. It doesn't cause any significant damage beyond throwing him to the ground.
"Now, now. Let's try this again. Ahem. 'SUP. DUDE. DO-'"
"Diiiiiieeeee!" the soldier interrupts you with his scream as he gets up and charges at you again.
You shoot him with a normal washing machine this time. It hits him and pins him to the ground. And even though he looks like he's in pain, he doesn't look seriously hurt. Doesn't look like he's giving up anytime soon.
"Damn you sorcerer!"
That guy is really persistent. He's already started getting himself free. He's also quite bad at dying. Maybe you could give him some pointers? Or maybe a demonstration?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on February 23, 2016, 11:22:23 pm

"I'm not a sorcerer, I'm Alan! Now then, can we like talk and stuff? Chill beans? Diplomacy? The true magic in this vast cosmos, friendship?"

In case my appeal to his better humanity doesn't work, stick him to the ground with a giant band-aid.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Alarith on February 24, 2016, 12:01:30 am

((Oh yeah, the events of my character's last mission seem kind of similar to parts of his backstory. Might lead to some interesting stuff. Or not, we'll see.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2016, 01:32:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Return to Alan and shank the guy he's distracting in any reasonably uncovered areas of his body.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on February 25, 2016, 02:52:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 22, 2016, 10:30:01 am

((note: Giant Cave Spiders were the most dangerous threat in Irine's home. She is familiar with the concept. The ones she made dislike light and heat, have highly lethal venom, and can grow to absurd sizes. She would assume she is inside a spider den and be wary of them as such.))
the way the large flame orb is handled is to spread it out into a collection of smaller orbs, and those are spread out around the party, forming a perimeter of light and heat and making sure we can see whatever is coming. There is no need to engage the spiders, so I don't. And if they try to web our path ahead, burn the webbing away and continue undeterred. Do not leave the path.

Support DAF's character as he keeps walking with us, so as not to extend any damage from his wound. Follow Irine! Be aware.

"I sometimes wonder if I were in their place. Wondering what new creatures scurried into our territory. Amazing creatures. You're doing alright Irine? Zach?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 25, 2016, 10:35:59 am

"I'm okay, just... This isn't right. I can't help but feel like I missed something important back there. Ike wouldn't just attack those scouts without a good reason."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on February 26, 2016, 12:54:18 am

"Indeed, even River wouldn't permit such a thing to happen even if there are some interactions he needs refining. Zach, do you think you can jog along? I think they're going to need our help as soon as able."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2016, 01:06:35 am

((Been busy busy busy. Haven't had much time for anything, really.))

Zechariah looked up when Tiruin called for him. He had been looking down at his staff, still uncertain. He thought that he would be able to do better when in relative darkness, where his powers with the Shadows were strong; now, however, he'd be forced to fight in the sunlight. With his powers seeming dysfunctional at the moment, he felt as if he'd be even more of a liability than before.

"Huh? Oh, yeah." He grew a little concerned. "We're going to help them?" He took the staff in his right hand and held it out away from him. "My.. my powers have been acting strange," he said. "My Shadows seem to be powerful still, but my crystal light, it's.. it's hurting me to try and use even a little bit of it. We'll be in the sun, I think, so.." He drops off at the end of his sentence and chuckles after a few seconds. "Looks like I'll be a little more than useless again."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 26, 2016, 01:33:13 am

"Don't be silly, light and darkness are two sides of the same coin  and neither can exist in isolation from the other. Wana get creative? What is directly under less than an inch of ground."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2016, 01:54:43 am

"Hmm. Darkness, I assume?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 26, 2016, 01:57:07 am

"Yep, and under your shirt, and under somebody else's skin, and so on and so forth. Darkness is easy to find."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2016, 02:13:14 am

"I wish it could be that easy," Zechariah said with a sigh. "The environment helps to augment my power. Since I'm no longer connected to the Medium, all of my power comes from me. That would be helpful in a way, but that means I'm also extremely weak without my augmentation from my staff. My staff only takes from multiple dimensions to produce a physical power. I need sustained darkness that I can constantly draw on. The more Shadows I manifest, the more influence from the environment I need, or else I lose control or am hurt from the drain on my own willpower. If we could determine where we fight, then maybe I'd have a better chance at combat. Nothing seems to ever go our way, though, so I'm not counting on it."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 26, 2016, 02:34:32 am

"If it's total area you're concerned about, then shouldn't you still be able to draw from all occupied volume?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2016, 02:45:15 am

"In theory, yes," he admitted. "But I haven't figured out how this new staff interacts with the environment, or how it interacts with me. Joma relied not just on the area but the - how can I put this - the density of darkness, too. It's hard to explain, but there's varying degrees of darkness that I can transform into living Shadows. Darkness seems to flow, too. When I had Joma, my powers worked better in complete darkness. A moonless night was better than a dark corner of a building in daytime, for example. Both worked, but I could create Shadows much more efficiently with total darkness. Like this." He gestures to the walls of the tunnel. "The darkness is continuous here. It's all around. It's not contained in one single area." He feels the texture of his staff. "Of course, this isn't Joma. I don't know if the same principles apply. I think that this staff relies more on my own willpower and mental state, but I'm not sure yet. I've only had it for a day now."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on February 26, 2016, 06:13:46 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 26, 2016, 01:06:35 am

Zechariah looked up when Tiruin called for him.[...]

((I love people mistaking me and Theri x3 I am my character, woo! \o/ :P))

Theri listened on and pondered on her knowledge of physics. Did Zach's meaning also pertain to shadows?

"If you're working with the opague space left in between light energy, could...I ask if you can deal with smoke, Irine? Zach has a point on determining where we fight--so I'm thinking let's make it our battlefield. Any ideas how you can work fire that way? I'm thinking heavy smoke."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on February 26, 2016, 12:05:36 pm

"Not without something to burn to make the smoke, no. If there's oily stuff then I could burn that for some thick smoke but my fire on its own is smokeless."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 02, 2016, 05:11:23 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 22, 2016, 10:30:01 am

((note: Giant Cave Spiders were the most dangerous threat in Irine's home. She is familiar with the concept. The ones she made dislike light and heat, have highly lethal venom, and can grow to absurd sizes. She would assume she is inside a spider den and be wary of them as such.))
the way the large flame orb is handled is to spread it out into a collection of smaller orbs, and those are spread out around the party, forming a perimeter of light and heat and making sure we can see whatever is coming. There is no need to engage the spiders, so I don't. And if they try to web our path ahead, burn the webbing away and continue undeterred. Do not leave the path.

((I'll just continue on. Ike and the rest can catch up later, if and when they get themselves out of that mess. It's not like waiting for them would change anything, unless they do something very unexpected.))

You spread your flames around in a beutiful display of twinkling lights.
<If the corridor wasn't so small, you could create a beutiful imitation of the night sky. You should try it later. Might be fun to see. You know try making some modern art. "The moving sky."
Too bad we're not on a ship. We could mess up constellations to play a prank on the navigator.
Although I guess turning constelations over cities into amusing shapes is always an option... Then you could literally say 'It's written in the stars.'.>

You continue following your path. You walk for quite some time. Sometimes you catch sight of creatures moving in the dark or scurrying out of your way. But none of them seem willing to interact with you.

You eventually reach a dead end. This should hopefully be the exit you were meant to use. Otherwise things could become a bit... difficult.

You grab the key the general gave you, face the wall and take a deep breath as you prepare. You strike the wall and try to match your voice to the tone produced by the key. You repeat the words the general used, trying to imitate his tone and rhythm as best as you can. Nothing happens. You try singing the words again, making sure to calm yourself and relax to prevent your voice from trembling, while at the same time focusing on your intent of opening the secret door. This time it works. The wall dissolves, creating a doorway that lets in blinding light.

When your eyes have adjusted, you can once more see the outside world. The doorway opens out of the rounded cliff-side of the Godstone hill that extends to your west. Is the entire hill filled with tunnels like the one you used? Or is this the only significant one?

In the distance, you see a town, a collection of small buildings surrounded by a thick but old and poorly maintained wall. (Poorly maintained because it seems there are pieces missing from it and its colour and shape varies greatly from the effects of the weather and erosion.) You could probably reach the town before sunset if you hurried. And if you wished to reach the town.

Although that might probably not be the best idea. The town is surrounded by tents, some of them burnt, some of them still smoking. Must be the refugees you heard about. Or what's left of them anyway, if this is the town the general's servant talked about. It probably is, given that many of the buildings inside the town are also smoking or otherwise damaged.

Two things dominate the centre of the town.
One is what could be described as a very tall, very thin pyramid that is covered in holes and scorch marks. Its top has partially collapsed, revealing a cross section of its upper levels.
The other is a huge statue in the centre of a plaza middle of the town. It's hard to see what it depicts from here. Looks like a humanoid standing on something and holding something. But you can see a lot of activity close to it. A large number of people disappearing into a giant hole in the ground while others come out of it. There's a mound of dirt close to it.

The area between you and the town is mostly empty. There are a few people on the road leading to the town (a number of them gathered in a group), but the road is some distance to your south, so they aren't close to you. That and the fact that there are several dry shrubs growing close to the doorway you just opened makes you think that it is almost impossible for you to have been spotted.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 25, 2016, 02:52:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 22, 2016, 10:30:01 am

((note: Giant Cave Spiders were the most dangerous threat in Irine's home. She is familiar with the concept. The ones she made dislike light and heat, have highly lethal venom, and can grow to absurd sizes. She would assume she is inside a spider den and be wary of them as such.))
the way the large flame orb is handled is to spread it out into a collection of smaller orbs, and those are spread out around the party, forming a perimeter of light and heat and making sure we can see whatever is coming. There is no need to engage the spiders, so I don't. And if they try to web our path ahead, burn the webbing away and continue undeterred. Do not leave the path.

Support DAF's character as he keeps walking with us, so as not to extend any damage from his wound. Follow Irine! Be aware.

"I sometimes wonder if I were in their place. Wondering what new creatures scurried into our territory. Amazing creatures. You're doing alright Irine? Zach?"

Zechariah probably appreciates the help.

The route is quite uneventful. The most unpleasant thing that happens to you is an unpleasant smell, something rotting somewhere in the hallways. There's a particularly thick wall of webs obstructing your path close to that point, but Irine's fire makes short work of it.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 23, 2016, 11:22:23 pm

"I'm not a sorcerer, I'm Alan! Now then, can we like talk and stuff? Chill beans? Diplomacy? The true magic in this vast cosmos, friendship?"

In case my appeal to his better humanity doesn't work, stick him to the ground with a giant band-aid.

The man doesn't seem to be willing to listen to your argument. He seems very much intent on killing you. At least you're pretty sure that he wants to do that, given the kind of words he's using to respond. But hey, who knows, this is a foreign culture. Maybe telling people to sodomise with sharpened wooden poles is a traditional greeting of theirs.
You respond by throwing a giant band aid somewhere on the horizon. And then at the sky. And then at Ike, who easily dodges it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2016, 01:32:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Return to Alan and shank the guy he's distracting in any reasonably uncovered areas of his body.

Alan tries to stop the soldier with his band aids and fails miserably multiple times. The soldier tries to stab Alan and fails miserably multiple times. Ike tries to stab the soldier but he hears him approach and turns around to block the strike with his shield. The soldier tries to stab Ike but he's so quick he might as well had tried to stab water. Ike stabs the soldier again. The soldier blocks again. Ike pushes his sword straight through the shield and the soldier's chest. The soldier swings at Ike. Ike lets go of the sword and jumps back, avoiding the strike, leaving his blade holding the shield in place, like a pin. He keeps his distance and lets the soldier's lung fill with enough blood to no longer be a threat.

While the two were dealing with the incredibly-hard-to-kill soldier (seriously, it took about 30 rolls to kill that guy) the abomination has not been sitting idle. It pushes the can of silly string into the air and bursts out of the ground, moving towards you.

It's quite different now. It's no longer a simple humanoid. Or rather, it's not quite humanoid or quite singular. It's more of a large central mass that half-walks half-slithers on the ground with its oversized, partially merged legs. It has thin long pointy limbs sprouting out of its back. The limbs are attached to mangled bodies partially covered by the black substance that are held in front of it. Some of them are walking or at least trying to imitate walking while others simply hang from where the limbs have stabbed them. You can't help but feel that the way the bodies are arranged, they look very much like the teeth of a skull.

Spoiler: Rolls (click to show/hide)

Alan pwr->6
Alan dex->2
soldier rflx->3
Alan pwr->8
Alan dex->3
soldier rflx->5
soldier dex->2
Alan rflx->4
Alan pwr-> 6
Alan dex -> 5
soldier rflx -> 3
soldier end -> 9
soldier str -> 6
soldier dex-> 1
Alan rflx-> 3
Ike dex-> 3
soldier awr -> 4
soldier rflx -> 6
ike str->3
soldier end->11
soldier dex-> 1
ike rflx -> 9
ike dex->5
soldier rflx->6
ike str-> 8
soldier end-> 5
soldier end-> 6
injury -> upper front left torso
soldier dex->1
Ike rflx->3

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 05:46:59 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Lot of good you did, you worthless piece of shit. Real credit to society. Let drowning in your own blood be my gift to you," Ike spits on the probably still choking soldier, then turns to Alan. "We'd best get out of here. Try to maybe dunk that a-bomb somehow. Details I'll leave up to you while I try to distract it so you can line up a good shot."

Retrieve sword from the soldier and make a tactical retreat. Pass Nikolai's soul sphere to Alan and run interference for him to distract the abomination.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 02, 2016, 05:57:25 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 05:20:42 pm

((Hmm. Where's the can in relation to the skullbomination right now? I have a wonderful idea.))

Somewhere in front of it and slightly to its right (that is your left assuming you're looking at it). Not very far away from it but not closer enough to be in its path..

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

Shoot a gas stove with all burners on high right at the highly pressurized flammable gigantic Silly String can.

Duck and cover.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 06:05:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

"You know, Alan, I get these dark-ish and unusually violent moods sometimes, but you seem to know exactly what to say to cheer me up every time."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:12:10 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 06:05:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

"You know, Alan, I get these dark-ish and unusually violent moods sometimes, but you seem to know exactly what to say to cheer me up every time."

"Thanks, Ike! I like doing that.

Also literally though, there's gonna be a lot of burny bits around this area in a few seconds."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on March 02, 2016, 08:38:09 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 06:05:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

"You know, Alan, I get these dark-ish and unusually violent moods sometimes, but you seem to know exactly what to say to cheer me up every time."

((Is this Stacy and Xan reversed?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 02, 2016, 08:53:38 pm

first things first, I put my comm-wire back on and try to contact River.
<River? Can you hear me? Are Ike, Alan, and Nik okay?>

---

((OOC: I understand that you don't have an answer for this yet, but Irine's goal at this point would be to regroup, so...))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 11:54:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 02, 2016, 08:38:09 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 06:05:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

"You know, Alan, I get these dark-ish and unusually violent moods sometimes, but you seem to know exactly what to say to cheer me up every time."

((Is this Stacy and Xan reversed?))

((...my god. We've come full circle.))

Title: Re: Special People: Map Time
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2016, 08:34:05 pm

Some people asked me in PMs about the entity granted abilities. Got two things for that.

One is this system:

Quote

You can choose to spend 3 Upgrade points to let your entities work on you freely, giving you something they find useful, something related to them. The ability they choose is not limited by your current abilities. It will be powerful and will probably unlock new options for you, increasing your versatility. However you have no control over what they give you.

The other is this:

Quote

I would also like to inform you that I'm trying out a new upgrade system to replace the old "3UPs to get an upgrade from your entity". You can choose to try it out if you want. Basically, you choose an entity and some shapes and you get a new ability based on those, with the catch being that you don't know what the shapes mean until you try them. Costs 2 Upgrade Points but you get to generate two abilities and choose the one you like or get a 1 UP refund. Subject to change.

Choose.

Quote from: Zormod on February 09, 2016, 03:22:20 pm

I'll take the secret. After all, what better way to play someone who has almost no idea what drawbacks their ability has than actually not knowing yourself?

My idea was that the holes would randomly explode. That being said, I liked every one of your weaknesses more. I probably would have chosen the one where the energy drained was absorbed, if the secret wasn't so tempting.

As for the mission, I choose Wacky Demolition Derby. If you're not doing that, I'll choose the large dangerous arena.

I used the ability generator I have in reverse in order to generate some weaknesses. FYI, your character is now blind. He can only see a distorted vision through the two vortexes he controls. And those two vortexes are always on. You can only try to move them around in relation to your body, widen them or try to make them smaller and more subtle, but can't extinguish them completely. Plus some other things that are secret, some good, some bad, some... interesting. That's it. Have fun~

Quote from: chaotic skies on February 15, 2016, 08:35:49 pm

I'm reposting this, not to be annoying, but because I have a feeling I waited too long to reply to questions :P

Name: Hannah
Ability: Drawing on a magical drawing pad, which causes things drawn to be real. Also likes knives.
Appearance: Short (~5' 2") 14 year old girl, with dark brown hair coming down to slightly past her shoulders. She occasionaly wears makeup, but prefers not to. She has a great smile.
Bio/Personality info: Preffers to wear leggings or jeans and sweatshirts, but refuses to wear a dress by choice. Is very good at drawing, helping with her power, although occasionaly needs to stop, or she might start drawing nightmares into existence. Lost her dad recently, and never knew her brother. Has a boyfriend she has worried about since she was brought here, and hopes he's okay. Loves darker, cooler colors, and is annoyed by bright, warm colors.

Power should be Versatile, Quick, Durable, Powerful in that order.

Sounds good to me. You'll get exactly what you wished for.
Welcome aboard.

Also, for some reason, I kept imagining your character holding an etch-a-sketch or a magna doodle.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 18, 2016, 07:07:42 pm

((What's my name again?  In game.))

Alex Tempus.
Do you want me to just send you a PM with everything I have? Might be quicker.

---

Oh dear. Let's get to counting these votes then.

Spoiler: votes (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 02:25:01 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2016, 02:24:39 pm

The people demand their PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip Paris!

YEAH!
(Or a Wacky Demolition Derby, that would be fun)

Quote from: Coolrune206 on February 09, 2016, 03:01:08 pm

((Since we're voting here now, I'd like a large dangerous arena. Also, guess what. YOU SPELLED CERTAINLY WRONG IN THE POLL. FIX EET.))

Quote from: Zormod on February 09, 2016, 03:22:20 pm

I'll take the secret. After all, what better way to play someone who has almost no idea what drawbacks their ability has than actually not knowing yourself?

My idea was that the holes would randomly explode. That being said, I liked every one of your weaknesses more. I probably would have chosen the one where the energy drained was absorbed, if the secret wasn't so tempting.

As for the mission, I choose Wacky Demolition Derby. If you're not doing that, I'll choose the large dangerous arena.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 03:25:48 pm

Quote from: Salsacookies on February 09, 2016, 02:25:01 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2016, 02:24:39 pm

The people demand their PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip Paris!

YEAH!
(Or a Wacky Demolition Derby, that would be fun)

((Either of these would be fine.))
((Bonus points if you throw in some hip-hop pirates.))

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 04:00:05 pm

((I forget, am I actually in this game?))
((Also, my vote for

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

Stands.))

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2016, 04:03:37 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 04:00:05 pm

((Also, my vote for

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 09, 2016, 09:38:27 am

((Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race.))

Stands.))

((I'm supporting this.))

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2016, 04:44:41 pm

((Torn on next mission.  While I certainly like the Galactic Adventure idea, a Wacky Death Race is awfully appealing...))

Quote from: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 04:55:40 pm

((I'd like Galactic Adventure, but I want a few more upgrades first so I can be like the biological magitech version of R2-D2. Or I might need a new character after this mission. Wacky Death Rave sounds neat, though. Or maybe a Search and Destroy type mission.))

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2016, 05:06:39 pm

Quote from: Beirus on February 09, 2016, 04:55:40 pm

((Wacky Death Rave))

((Nope, forget everything else, Wacky Death Rave it is))

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 09, 2016, 06:40:08 pm

I'd like to do the Large Dangerous Arena, but I won't mind World's Deadliest Roadtrip. Or the Galactic Adventure. I'm willing to sacrifice quick growth by doing shorter missions just to see the reactions of highly advanced people to a clearly magical sentient suit of armor.

Tally:
Beirus |Search and Destroy -> 1
Toaster, Beirus |Wacky Death Rave -> 2
Hawk132, Beirus, Toaster |Galactic Adventure -> 3
Toaster |Wacky Death Race -> 1
FallacyofUrist, TheBiggerFish| Large Dangerous Wacky Galactic Death Arena Race -> 2
Hawk132(I assume), FallacyofUrist, Salsacookies| PVP galactic wacky death roadtrip -> 3
FallacyofUrist, Zormod(first pref.), Salsacookies| wacky demolition derby -> 3
Hawk132(first pref.), Zormod(second pref.), Coolrune206| large dangerous arena -> 3

So these are the votes as I count them. Decide what you want or I'll decide for you. Either way, I want to start a new mission when I'm done with those upgrade trees.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 02, 2016, 06:00:45 pm

"Hey Ike, try not to be on fire, okay?"

Shoot a gas stove with all burners on high right at the highly pressurized flammable gigantic Silly String can.

Duck and cover.

This one is the action that matters, so let's run it first.

You summon a giant stove.
Take a look at that stove!
Said stove is supplied with gas. Ignited gas.
Oh, what a stove! (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/355734)
Said giant burning stove is launched at incredible speeds towards the giant can of silly string. The collision ruptures the string can and the stove, releasing the inflammable substances trapped in either device. The result is a Hollywood-style fireball, combined with napalm-like burning sticky silly string flying everywhere. Somehow you manage to remain completely unharmed, even though many of the burning pieces land close to you.

You're sort of burning just by being close to that thing. Not to mention that breathing it might not be very healthy. Might want to get away.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 02, 2016, 05:46:59 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Lot of good you did, you worthless piece of shit. Real credit to society. Let drowning in your own blood be my gift to you," Ike spits on the probably still choking soldier, then turns to Alan. "We'd best get out of here. Try to maybe dunk that a-bomb somehow. Details I'll leave up to you while I try to distract it so you can line up a good shot."

Retrieve sword from the soldier and make a tactical retreat. Pass Nikolai's soul sphere to Alan and run interference for him to distract the abomination.

You retrieve the sword and stand behind Alan as he kabooms the place up. Probably the safest place to be when you have to be close to Alan. For multiple reasons.

The place he just shot is now a firestorm. The fireball is dissipating but the covering of burning silly string is still there. Hm. Smells like burning bacon.

No one could had survived that. Not even that thing.
...
But knowing your luck, it's quite possible that it has survived that. And if it has survived that, then it's probably really hard to kill and really pissed with you.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 02, 2016, 08:53:38 pm

first things first, I put my comm-wire back on and try to contact River.
<River? Can you hear me? Are Ike, Alan, and Nik okay?>

---

((OOC: I understand that you don't have an answer for this yet, but Irine's goal at this point would be to regroup, so...))

My assumption with ~90% certainty would be that they won't be close to you at the time. Whether they'd be 15 minutes away or dead is another matter. So no response.

You could just wait and let them find you, find something else to do while you wait. Isn't that what you're supposed to do when you've become separated with someone in unfamiliar territory?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 05, 2016, 08:39:21 pm

TIEBREAKER
I vote for:
Large dangerous arena

Also, I'd kinda like to get that upgrade tree sometime.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 05, 2016, 08:39:30 pm

Large Dangerous Arena please.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 05, 2016, 08:40:54 pm

Alan, Lord of Unintentional Collateral Damage

"Right, that does that. Lets skidoodle before the funny gases get too densely clouded, shall we?"

Make a triumphant getaway with a good amount of speed. Wherever Ike wants to go, really, though back to the general's house thing is probably a good idea.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Beirus on March 05, 2016, 08:46:20 pm

((Hey Parisbre, could you answer the PM I sent you asking about my upgrades when you get a chance, please?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 05, 2016, 09:09:27 pm

re-synchronize time? run turns quickly for ike and alan and nik please, ignoring Irine, theri, and zech?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 06, 2016, 04:19:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Excellent work, Alan."

Follow Alan and potentially cover him from the assault of !!abominations!!.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on March 06, 2016, 07:28:55 am

((That would be nice.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Salsacookies on March 06, 2016, 10:12:48 am

Large Dangerous Arena

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 06, 2016, 03:45:56 pm

((I guess we're going with a large dangerous arena. Kosak is going to be so pleased.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on March 06, 2016, 07:53:41 pm

((Eh, I'll throw out an LDA vote for consensus.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2016, 02:19:53 am

Quote from: Xantalos on March 05, 2016, 08:40:54 pm

Alan, Lord of Unintentional Collateral Damage

"Right, that does that. Lets skidoodle before the funny gases get too densely clouded, shall we?"

Make a triumphant getaway with a good amount of speed. Wherever Ike wants to go, really, though back to the general's house thing is probably a good idea.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 06, 2016, 04:19:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Excellent work, Alan."

Follow Alan and potentially cover him from the assault of !!abominations!!.

You start going towards the general's house. Before you manage to get too close, he steps out, one hand wearing a metal gauntlet, the other holding a sword.
"Do not come near my home." he shouts towards you.
"Leave this place and take the death you have created with you." he adds and points his gauntlet-wearing arm towards you. Fire starts gathering on its palm.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 07, 2016, 02:34:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Death is an intangible concept, daddy-o!" Ike shouts back. "Besides, you're the man holding all the balls of fire, I dare say you'd be much better at taking that shit elsewhere than we would!"

He tries to remember for a moment what exactly he needs this guy for.

"Oh, by the way, do you know where the other incompetents are? I kind of need the wolf guy to help me out with something!"

Get directions, hopefully. Listen for approaching horrors. Look behind me for a moment also. Be prepared for great balls of fire, naturally.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 04:47:35 am

Alan stops, putting his hands behind his back as a gesture of trust.

"Chill, daddy-o, I know you want us to leave. We're gonna stay gone, the only thing reminding you I ever existed will be the sock puppets and stories I gave to your kiddo. We just need to know where our compadres went, safety in numbers and all.

Oh, and don't worry about the soldiers - they were remarkably unchill, but they're all dirt-napping now thanks mainly to Ike. Oh, and while I'm pretty sure I kersploded it, one of them either was or turned into a weird freaky black magic jello skull man thingy. So just in case it stayed intact after the big boom I gave it, be ready and stuff."

Alan uses Chillax Bro! Hopefully get directions as to our compadres, unintentionally reminding the general that I put him in a bind regarding whether he endure the traumatic memories of me whenever he looks at Professor Alan or alienate his kid by taking the puppet away.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2016, 08:24:54 am

The general points with his sword towards the east and then sweeps it towards the northeast.
"Follow the edge of the Godstone towards Areloggez."

It is eerily quiet. Only the sound of the fire and your shouting can be heard.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 08:41:45 am

"Thanks, broski! C'mon Ike, let's leave the man to his generalness and stuff. Probably got things to do, fluff balls to feed."

Alan turns to leave and starts walking in the direction the general indicated, but looks back momentarily.

"Oh by the way I left you a ton of Red Bull somewhere in your house. Or I might have spiked all your food and drink with it, I forget. Either way, you're welcome. Stuffs delish! 'Kay, bye now."

Cheerfully skip off in the direction he pointed to.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 07, 2016, 08:57:57 am

I forgot to mention, the direction he pointed at is straight through the fire. So unless you wanna try summoning a fire hose or something, I'll just have you walk/run around it.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 09:19:41 am

((By the fire I assume you mean the gigantic silly string explosion? I think it's probably best to keep that burning, just in case Evil Michelin Man survived somehow.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 07, 2016, 12:02:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Much obliged, general! We'll do you a favor and never show our faces around here again."

Around the flames and far away! Keep an eye out for any enemy soldiers hanging out.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on March 07, 2016, 12:30:24 pm

((You guys met an NPC and didn't maim him?  I'm amazed.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 12:35:50 pm

((Physically, no. Mentally?

Whenever his daughter plays with her beloved sock puppet and begs him to join in on her adventures with Professor Alan he'll have to relive those nightmarish few days where a posse of idiots showed up and attempted to battle-rap him in lieu of a greeting, before laying low on/injuring themselves on all over his property for a few days, ruined most of his food by spiking it with an energy drink, left a gigantic pile of cutlery by the side of his house, and traumatized his wife before befriending his kids out of what may seem to him to be a cruel sense of irony. He'll remember us as bad dreams that trouble his sleep for years to come.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on March 08, 2016, 11:00:48 am

((If we IC knew the knowledge of what y'all did to the General, I...don't believe the tension would go well .-.
That made me sad.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on March 09, 2016, 01:29:54 am

((Actually, why didn't Irene react far worse to Alan's unique methods of social attempts? You'd think she'd have Alan on a leash as short as a billionaire's fingers.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 09, 2016, 02:33:11 am

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on March 09, 2016, 01:29:54 am

((Actually, why didn't Irene react far worse to Alan's unique methods of social attempts? You'd think she'd have Alan on a leash as short as a billionaire's fingers.))

((Because Irine doesn't want to control people.))

---

edit: ((Actually, thats not quite accurate. its because she wants to not control people.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 09, 2016, 03:35:47 am

Quote

short as a billionaire's fingers

ooooooohhhh i geddit

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on March 09, 2016, 03:40:24 am

Quote from: Xantalos on March 09, 2016, 03:35:47 am

Quote

short as a billionaire's fingers

ooooooohhhh i geddit

((I have a habit of making analogies but since I am, in fact, not english good, I went for the low hanging fruit this time.))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 09, 2016, 02:33:11 am

((Because Irine doesn't want to control people.)) ... ((Actually, thats not quite accurate. its because she wants to not control people.))

((So she doesn't not want to not never no-how control people?
I'm a bit thrown off by that, what's the difference, exactly?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 09, 2016, 03:42:57 am

((the former means it isnt something she desires or cares about, the latter means its something she actively avoids. former means she wont go out of her way to control, latter means she will go out of her way to avoid controling.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: wipeout1024 on March 09, 2016, 06:25:16 am

Oh, can I have the power of being able to control the weather?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 11, 2016, 08:11:22 pm

((And I've got my upgrade tree. And it is awesome.))

Kosak sighed slightly. "So... what now? And can I get some beer?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2016, 03:42:09 pm

Okay then. That's 6 votes for Large Dangerous Arena. Looks like we're going with that. Give me some ideas so I can generate the mission, like I did for Mission 1. It can be a random word, a few words, something you'd like to see in the map, a full description of something, whatever. Even if you don't have an idea, post anyway. I'd like to know who's going.

Quote from: wipeout1024 on March 09, 2016, 06:25:16 am

Oh, can I have the power of being able to control the weather?

What kind of weather control are we talking about?
Like Storm from X-men?
Like Clear Skies from Skyrim?
Just slowly moving clouds around and changing air pressure to change long-tern weather patterns?
Being the butterfly that flaps its wings and causes a hurricane on the other side of the world?

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 08:41:45 am

"Thanks, broski! C'mon Ike, let's leave the man to his generalness and stuff. Probably got things to do, fluff balls to feed."

Alan turns to leave and starts walking in the direction the general indicated, but looks back momentarily.

"Oh by the way I left you a ton of Red Bull somewhere in your house. Or I might have spiked all your food and drink with it, I forget. Either way, you're welcome. Stuffs delish! 'Kay, bye now."

Cheerfully skip off in the direction he pointed to.

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2016, 09:19:41 am

((By the fire I assume you mean the gigantic silly string explosion? I think it's probably best to keep that burning, just in case Evil Michelin Man survived somehow.))

You turn around and start quickly moving away, towards the direction the general indicated. You make your way around the fire that is quickly dying down. Good thing too. The combination of burning chemichals probably isn't very good for your health. The general remains close to his house, standing ready with fire in his hands. You can feel him watching you carefully, even as you move away.

You can see the few remaining scouts hiding behind whatever rock and inside whatever hole they can find, only the tips of their heads occasionally popping out to watch you. One of them has even started running away towards the north. Guess you've scared them enough so that they won't be giving you much trouble. Well, not much direct trouble anyway.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 07, 2016, 12:02:27 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Much obliged, general! We'll do you a favor and never show our faces around here again."

Around the flames and far away! Keep an eye out for any enemy soldiers hanging out.

"You do that."

The remaining scouts appear to be smart enough to keep their distance as you make your way away from the fire and the general's house. Then again, they also chose to follow you from a distance, an idea which one could describe as "poor", considering what you just did. An idea which turns out to be doubly poor a short while later.

You've been moving away for a few minutes now. The tower in which you slept comfortably has disappeared below the horizon as you follow the now slightly downward but still mostly flat slope of the hill. You occasionally turn around to check up on the people following you, just to make sure they don't get any ideas, but they continue keeping their distance, making sure to remain at least a few minutes away from you. Which is fine for now, but you're not really sure what you're supposed to do to make them stop following you. You can't just keep walking forever. This place is quite barren and flat and it doesn't look like the scenery is about to change anytime soon, so there's probably no easy way to make them lose your tracks. And Alan doesn't look like the type of person who could outrun them if it came down to it. Then again his performance has a tendency to variate wildly, so you wouldn't put it past him. Guess you could just try to finish them off or wait 'till night falls and try to escape then. Or maybe just keep walking until you reach the end of this hill. Should be another hour or so, based on your estimate and what the general said. Maybe there would be an easy way to lose them there. Or maybe you can just get foxgirl to burn them from a distance, assuming she doesn't once more complain about-

You hear the ground shake, the soft vibration making its way through the ground and into the air. The sound is almost immediately followed by the sound of screams coming from far behind you. You pause momentarily and turn around to see what's causing this commotion. In the distance you can see a cloud of dust, violently twisting, being prevented from settling by the violent motions within it. It's hard to see from this distance, but whatever it is, you can tell that parts of it are standing very high. You can see pieces of darkness and fire rising out of the dust cloud only to pound down a moment later, causing a fresh brown cloud of dust and dirt to rise into the air. You can hear the screams and shouts of the scouts as they scramble to get out of the way of its attacks and organize a defence.

The two of you take a moment to look at each other. Your eyes meet Alan's eyes. They are filled with DETERMINATION, the same determination you are feeling. You nod. He nods back. You can't just stand here, watching people get killed. It is time to act.

Several minutes later, you are standing next to Alan, holding a fan and letting it blow him while he pants pants and huffs, standing with his hands on his knees. You glance back towards where you came from, a motion you've executed several times during the short amount of time you've stopped for Alan to catch his breath. Once again, nothing can be seen, heard or smelt. Looks like you're safe, at least for now. How polite of the soldiers to distract the monster while you run away. Now let's hope it finds someone else to bother instead of following you.

Once Alan is up to it, you continue moving quickly trying to make your way to the edge of the hill and the others.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2016, 09:09:27 pm

re-synchronize time

You close the secret door and leave the key as instructed, before getting comfortable and waiting for the others to hopefully catch up. You and the rest sit or lie down close to the nearby bushes, either watching the people in the town move about, looking at or talking to the rest of your group or just resting.

<Kinda sad, isn't it?> the voice in your head comments as you look at Theri. <A nice girl like her, being with someone like our grumpy 'pal'. I don't see that ending well.>

<I mean, she seems like a good person. And he's... you know... evil and stuff. I don't see what he wants with her. He says he wants to help her, but in my experience anyone he tries to 'help' tends to end up dead. Or worse.> he adds cryptically.

<His 'help' tends to end in death and sorrow. Always failing. I mean look at what is going on right now. Look at how this mission is going. At his behaviour so far. He says he's doing this to help you, but to me it looks like he's just looking for excuses to get you killed. I don't know, maybe he really thinks he's helping, he really does think what he's doing is good instead of evil, in his twisted view of the world. But the bottom line is that she is not safe with him. I bet that if she saw that, she wouldn't trust him so blindly.> He pauses for a second and then adds <Heh.> as he considers the double meaning of his last sentence.

<You should be careful. You, unlike her, see that, right? I bet that he'll cause more problems soon. Maybe even attack her. Or you. Or all of you. When that happens, I hope you will do your best to defend yourself. Don't hold back. Don't drop your guard to try to reason with him. He's an evil, stupid, dogmatic beast. He doesn't see reason like we do.>

<And if you're worrying that you'll need him to get back once the mission is over... then don't. I'm not really supposed to say anything but... if he dies, if he really dies, if his soul is gone, then an alternate means of escaping this world will be given to you. It'll probably count as failing the mission, but you don't care about that, right? I mean, maybe it would be better, better then going on with whatever idiocy he has planned for you. So if he attacks you, then there's no reason to hold back, nothing to prevent you from defending yourself as best you can.>

<I don't know, I don't know what you think about this, about any of this, but... please at least consider it? I just want to make sure you stay alive and well and happy, that's all I've been trying to do since the beginning. So if there's anything you want, anything at all you->
<Wassuuuuuup?> Alan suddenly psychically screams. A quick look around you reveals he is currently standing on the hill, a few meters above you, holding his hands high and doing a strange gesture. Ike is close to him. Looks like they caught up with you. But it doesn't look like Nikolai and River are with them.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Coolrune206 on March 17, 2016, 03:48:28 pm

I'm going.

How about... Underwater parts, Geothermal vents

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on March 17, 2016, 03:50:14 pm

I'm going, right?

Timing puzzles, hardlight, portals.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 17, 2016, 03:51:11 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Goddamn but that took longer than expected. What's up, ladies?" Ike asks, looking resplendent as always.

Catch up with our erstwhile companions.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Salsacookies on March 17, 2016, 04:07:11 pm

Driving, Apocalyptic Destruction, and Panic

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Hawk132 on March 17, 2016, 04:09:10 pm

Saevus would probably like something he's familiar with, so I suggest Ruins, Medieval.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on March 17, 2016, 04:45:31 pm

((On a highway, where we're ON the vehicles, not in them.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: wipeout1024 on March 17, 2016, 05:29:03 pm

I'm thinking more along the lines of Storm, but is that too extreme?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Beirus on March 17, 2016, 05:55:31 pm

For the Arena:
Wooden, Tacos

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 06:13:57 pm

<River isn't evil D, no more so than fire, or a spider, or a wolf. What he is, is he's feral, elemental. He's no more evil than any other nonsentient being. When he says he wants to help, he means it, he just is trying to help the way an alpha male pack predator would help. And he's just as territorial. I step on his territory and challenge his position as Alpha, but am smaller and weaker than him, so he feels a need to put me in my place or remove me from the pack. It's just his instinct as Alpha. He wanted to kill what opposed him and take what he needed by force not out of malice, but because that is the basic nature of a predator.>
<He is what I would have been had I made the other choice, and kept my power. When I look at him, I see an alternate me, one far stronger, but has lost themselves. River reminds me why I chose to abandon my strength.>
<I am worried though, where is he? If he stops considering us his pack, then yeah, he might attack us. And if I really have to then I'll put him down, but I really don't want to do that. It would break Theri's heart.>
<So, why do you want me to do that D? Why the murder River speech?>

---

"Hi Ike! Have you seen River?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 17, 2016, 06:22:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 06:13:57 pm

"Hi Ike! Have you seen River?"

"Did he get lost again? That'd be a shame, I kinda need him to resurrect our colleague. When did you see him last?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Zormod on March 17, 2016, 06:36:13 pm

Technobabble, Alien, Orbital.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 17, 2016, 06:46:04 pm

((Idea tosses:))
Plants vs. Zombies.
It's raining houses.
Time fluxes.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 17, 2016, 07:06:05 pm

"Oh yeah, Nikolai died again. How'd you guys get here?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 07:49:28 pm

"We took an escape tunnel out from under the tower. Nik is dead? Did you get his orb or is he still back there somewhere?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2016, 08:22:17 pm

<Hey, I'm not saying you should murder him in his sleep or something. Hell, he did not kill me when he had the chance, and yeah, this furry avatar thing he has now is much better than his other one, so you know, I wouldn't feel super good if he ends up dead. Even if he's done some things to me in the past that... Well, let's just say I have cause enough to kill him, if I wanted to.>

<I'm just making sure you know the danger and you know your options, in case it comes down to it. Trying to share a bit of my experience, since I've known him for so long. After all, my main concern here is you, not him. Better to get it out of the way now instead of having long drawn out conversations in anime time later, no?>

<Besides, you also have to remember who he's bonded with. Maybe he is not evil, maybe his intentions are good (even though I have a hard time believing that), but he is connected to Charlie and he follows him without question. And you never know what Charlie's planning. You know he has plans for you, that much is obvious. And I bet Charlie doesn't like you being close to Stellar, since it might screw his plans for her. So you can't be sure of River's orders and priorities. He might play the 'honest knight' or whatever but he's not above lying and betraying. So, you know... At the risk of sounding repetitive... Be careful?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 09:47:52 pm

<Haha, define 'careful'. Remember what I did and when that convinced him to let me take care of you. Being 'careful' around him will signal distrust and animosity, and D, at heart, River just wants friends. I'm not going to hurt him by keeping my distance and my guard up. River is not an enemy, he's a fellow lost soul clawing things near him in his blind terror. I might get scratched up, but that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon him unless I have no other choice.>
<I am who I am and I do what I do D. Simple as that.>
<Now then, for the important bits. Why are you suddenly attempting to justify murdering River, and what do you know about Charlie's plans?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 17, 2016, 10:34:15 pm

"Yep, we got his soul bowling ball. Where we going now that we've gotten ourselves banished from mr general's house?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on March 17, 2016, 10:37:33 pm

((OOC: Furry avatar? :P That's pretty silly of your buddy, Lenglon :P
Also I'm all awh at Irine's insight there. "River just wants friends." So true ^ ^))

"We continue with the mission River gave us. What happened back there anyway? We noticed a scuffle and then soldiers and reports that one of you attacked them first. We need to regroup so...any whereabouts for River?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 17, 2016, 10:41:12 pm

"I dunno what happened, I showed up and this one guy was being very unreasonable with refusing to stop trying to kill me, so I shot a washing machine at him and then Ike murdered him, and then there was this evil black jello skull that I exploded with silly string and then we went back to the general guy but he told us to go away so we did and now we're here."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 10:55:31 pm

"Um, Ike? Do you have a more coherent version of what happened?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 18, 2016, 01:59:39 am

Quote from: Tiruin on March 17, 2016, 10:37:33 pm

"We continue with the mission River gave us. What happened back there anyway? We noticed a scuffle and then soldiers and reports that one of you attacked them first. We need to regroup so...any whereabouts for River?"

"Was kinda hoping you'd know."

Quote from: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 10:55:31 pm

"Um, Ike? Do you have a more coherent version of what happened?"

"Well, I dunno what happened, but I was hiding and then there was Nikolai fighting these soldier guys with very poor results, and I stabbed one wizard and the other one exploded into an evil black jello skull, which Alan proceeded to hit with an appliance and then explode with silly string. I think it's still probably not dead, but so far it's mostly been eating soldiers and scouts, so honestly it's doing a good job and I support it in whatever business it has that doesn't involve eating us. All in a day's work, you know - wingman gets into trouble, people need to die, people die. But nested this time, since Nicky got into trouble and I had to resolve the conflict, but then things got a little hot and I got into trouble and then Alan had to come along and resolve the conflict. But a day's work regardless, I think."

"Mostly what's noteworthy was the evil jello skull. I'm guessing that's the general's work, considering how absurdly fortuitous it's turned out thus far. Gotta eliminate all witnesses, don't you know."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Alarith on March 18, 2016, 10:45:10 am

Underwater base or city

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 18, 2016, 11:38:30 am

<Svajoklis>
Spaceship, military base, Mad scientist lab-castle.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Salsacookies on March 18, 2016, 12:47:38 pm

(I'm thinking of beginning to write some stories about Ronald Bones, The Super Goon, and how he and his gang royally screwed things up in the nearly ruined metropolis of Centralia, and his dealings with various, interesting citizens, like the insane, self-cloning CEO Monopol, and the gang's rivals for turf, The Haz, mutants trapped ironically in hazmat suits. Sound interesting? Where should I post an excerpt of a story for critique?)

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on March 18, 2016, 12:51:22 pm

((Creative Projects.  Also since you mentioned it post a link here.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Salsacookies on March 18, 2016, 12:57:26 pm

((Okay, I'll post the link when I get started. I was asking if there was about a thread on Creative Projects for stories, or should I just make my own thread for the story?))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: TheBiggerFish on March 18, 2016, 01:03:58 pm

((Well there's the Random Stuff You Made thread but not that I know of, no.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 18, 2016, 02:55:12 pm

((There's the Writer's Apprenticeship thread, which would probably fit the bill pretty well...))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2016, 03:15:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 17, 2016, 09:47:52 pm

<Haha, define 'careful'. Remember what I did and when that convinced him to let me take care of you. Being 'careful' around him will signal distrust and animosity, and D, at heart, River just wants friends. I'm not going to hurt him by keeping my distance and my guard up. River is not an enemy, he's a fellow lost soul clawing things near him in his blind terror. I might get scratched up, but that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon him unless I have no other choice.>
<I am who I am and I do what I do D. Simple as that.>
<Now then, for the important bits. Why are you suddenly attempting to justify murdering River, and what do you know about Charlie's plans?>

<Ha! Well, if he wanted friends, then he could start by being friendly. But, anyway, I won't argue with you on that. In the end, it's your choice. You know, it's kinda like the same conversation I have with Stellar when she is like that. She was like you, always trying to see the good in people until their evil becomes obvious beyond any doubt. But sometimes, people are just plain evil. Sometimes the right thing to do is to fight fire with fire. Sometimes, a good fight is good, right, fun. I'm the violent one in the triad. I'm the one defending them, helping them fight, warning them. So I feel that it's sort of my job to make sure good is good and not dumb (https://youtu.be/Ty5bXad0dZI), you know? That it's fun and cuddly when it needs to be and righteous fury when it needs to be.

But anyway, enough about that. I've said what I had to say, I gave my warning, you gave a fair response, I said I'll help however I can and however you wish me to. There's no point dwelling on these unpleasant matters further. Let's go do something fun instead.

As for what I know about Charlie's plans... not much. I know that he wants you for something, unless that was just a diversion. I mean, that's what that whole deal was about, right? I believe I might be able to help with that. I'm already working on it. And I know... Hm. Can you keep a secret? Because if I speak about this, you should make sure not to mention it to anyone. Ever. Try to not even think about it too much when you're in the staging area. You never know who's listening. I want you to understand that if this is revealed to the wrong person and/or at the wrong time, it will be really bad for everyone. You, me and especially Stellar. But if you use that information to help her and promise to keep it secret, then I will share it with you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2016, 04:17:17 pm

<You've seen how I've handled the secrets I've been given. You tell me if I can keep it. I do promise to try. And what do you mean by 'She was like you'. specifically the 'was' part. What changed?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 18, 2016, 08:43:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 18, 2016, 04:17:17 pm

<You've seen how I've handled the secrets I've been given. You tell me if I can keep it. I do promise to try. And what do you mean by 'She was like you'. specifically the 'was' part. What changed?>

<'How you've handled the secrets you've been given...' Oh, you mean that big fight with River? Yeah, I saw that, that was fun.> he says teasingly.
<Relax. I'm just messing with ya. I trust you. I just wanted to make sure you knew how important this is to me.>

<As for what I meant by 'was', I was just talking about him and how she tried to give him a chance (or even more than one, even though he didn't deserve it), like you are doing. I suppose she is a bit quicker to judge and act now than she was when I first met and bonded with her. But that's not a very significant change, I think. Not compared to...>

<Well, let's start at the beginning, shall we? When you were brought to this place, you were given a speech. And if I'm not confusing that speech with one of his other speeches (and if I am, who can blame me, he gives so many) he said that he was the first of the entities. How do you suppose that happened?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 18, 2016, 10:00:22 pm

<I'd guess he was an Outsider, decent at competition with other Outsiders, but needed assistance dealing with another, stronger, Outsider. So he organized a group of other Outsiders into an alliance of sorts to deal with the threat that eventually grew into the system of Entities that exist now. For him to the the "first" then he probably was the most powerful of the initial alliance, which makes sense for someone with a dominance-oriented mindset. He'd feel most comfortable with a group of his inferiors, any that were his own strength or stronger would be a threat to his power, and those were probably the first targets of his alliance. He's probably managed the distribution of power gained throughout the Entity alliance as well, keeping it mostly even, but with himself just slightly stronger than any other entity at all times.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 06:16:01 am

<Hm. Good try. A very good guess, considering what you know. But still... Hmm... How could I lead you to it... So... Entities deal with immense scale, the scale of entire universes. With the infinite. But they also remain... mostly individuals. With the important parts of their identity there. But still very much unlike humans and other quote unquote mortals. And quite different from most Outsiders, even though they share similarities. Can you... see why that might be important?>

<If you can't, don't worry. We can try something else.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 06:27:37 am

<Entities are like I used to be, yes, I was already aware of... Wait, are you saying Charlie's home universe  began running time before the rest? We had to work as a group to start time back home, but we also were individually weaker than you Entities are. Yet there seem to be a linkage of all nearby universes at least across the time-axis...>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 07:13:39 am

<Hm. No. Well, I guess you are correct, in a sense, some people did get a "head start" in a way, but no.>

<Let's try something different. Why would I not tell you about this directly? You know I don't like to do these sorts of cryptic bullshit. Well, not unless I'm doing to mess with someone for fun, but that's not important right now.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:20:33 am

<It's a classic way to lawyer around a restriction against telling someone something.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 07:27:35 am

<Come on girl. Go a layer deeper. Even though I sometimes like to play dumb, I believe we're both smart enough for us to not need to state the obvious. So, why?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:40:57 am

<That's the buggery of it all. You being cagey about it only makes sense if you're being monitored or follow an iron code. So either someone in the future will be reading my memories without my permission, in which case why did River let me know about you, we're being watched from the Staging area, same problem and explicitly against the mission brief, or you personally have an iron code hidden somewhere, which doesn't seem like you. So no, I don't know why you're doing this.
...
does 2+2=5?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:44:40 am

<Or... if stating it explicitly is a triggering event of some kind, setting things into motion... am I on the right track?>
((IRL am PFP on 2 hours sleep so I might be a touch dumber than usual))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 03:38:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:40:57 am

<That's the buggery of it all. You being cagey about it only makes sense if you're being monitored or follow an iron code. So either someone in the future will be reading my memories without my permission, in which case why did River let me know about you, we're being watched from the Staging area, same problem and explicitly against the mission brief, or you personally have an iron code hidden somewhere, which doesn't seem like you. So no, I don't know why you're doing this.
...
does 2+2=5?>

<Ha!> he says with a bit of amusement.
<Take some time to consider what you know, we're in no rush. (Well, not until River comes and tries to kill us or some other horrible thing happens.) Charlie might be an asshole that treats River like shit, but he wouldn't be stupid enough to turn against him, he still has use for him. Not unless things have changed, not unless you know something that I don't.>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:44:40 am

<Or... if stating it explicitly is a triggering event of some kind, setting things into motion... am I on the right track?>
((IRL am PFP on 2 hours sleep so I might be a touch dumber than usual))

((I've been going on 2-4 hours of sleep per day. I've been falling asleep wherever I lie down for most of the weekend, trying to catch up on my rest and writing on my phone whenever I get the time/attention to spare. I feel you. Get some rest if you can/feel like it. Or talk with the others and decide where you want to go. It's not like you have to do this right now. You can take some time to think about this. I made Roger say so explicitly to give you an excuse, if you wish to do so.))

<That would be a good guess. But you're still thinking about the how, girl, not the why.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 03:58:44 pm

((I got several hours of sleep since I posted that, I'm on a 15-hour bus ride and have been dozing. still on phone but the last 2 weeks have made me quick at the phone-keyboard due to simple practice.))
<What does River plan for you for mission end? Why did he insist I pass you back before we leave? And why didn't you respond to me testing if you can blatently lie?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 04:15:14 pm

<Who is "second" and how did they become an Entity?>
((I understand that it takes a bit to respond to these lines of inqury, and I'm about to start shifting into high gear which means several separate lines of thought/inqury running at once. feel free to answer them one at a time, you're probably busier than me right now.))

edit:
<What exactly happens to us in between missions? especially that time period where I don't get sensory feedback.>

<When you split yourself like you did for this mission, does the 'primary' you have the ability to place limits or compulsions on the 'secondary' you? What does the recombination process require?>

<Can entities place compulsions on each other? Does Charlie have one on you?>

<How much feedback is Charlie getting from River?>

edit2:
<How did you learn of a 'deal' between me and Charlie? What did Stellar have to sacrifice to save me? The world my bonds were shifted to is in Charlie's domain, how much influence does that give him over me?>
...
<Why is Charlie called 'first'?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 05:48:12 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 03:58:44 pm

((I got several hours of sleep since I posted that, I'm on a 15-hour bus ride and have been dozing. still on phone but the last 2 weeks have made me quick at the phone-keyboard due to simple practice.))
<What does River plan for you for mission end? Why did he insist I pass you back before we leave?

And why didn't you respond to me testing if you can blatently lie?>

<I don't know what he has planned. To tell you the truth, I don't think he's thought that far ahead. He just knows he can't take me into the Staging Area. But if he does have a plan and if I had to guess, I'd say he probably plans to kill me. Easiest way to make the evidence disappear. Kill me and then there's no evidence left. All that's left is on your mind, Ike's mind and River's mind and I doubt any of the people who have access to those would do anything with that information.>

<Heh, I was just too amused you'd even considered that about me. 'Being bound by a code of honour.' Ha! But if you want an explicit demonstration, then two plus two equals five, I've never had a drink in my life, I've never seen a woman naked and I've never made a joke, because I utterly hate them. To tell you the truth, I've never even spoken to you. I'm not speaking to you right now.

Satisfied?>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 04:15:14 pm

<Who is "second" and how did they become an Entity?>
((I understand that it takes a bit to respond to these lines of inqury, and I'm about to start shifting into high gear which means several separate lines of thought/inqury running at once. feel free to answer them one at a time, you're probably busier than me right now.))

edit:
<What exactly happens to us in between missions? especially that time period where I don't get sensory feedback.>

<When you split yourself like you did for this mission, does the 'primary' you have the ability to place limits or compulsions on the 'secondary' you? What does the recombination process require?>

<Can entities place compulsions on each other? Does Charlie have one on you?>

<How much feedback is Charlie getting from River?>

<Wha? Second? Second who? If this is a joke, I'm not getting it. And if it isn't, then you'll have to refresh my memory, because I have no idea- Oh, wait. You mean second entity? I'm pretty sure that technically that would be Sigma Zero. First thing Charlie did was to take care of his other lap dog, get what he needs from him. I'd be surprised if it took him a significant amount of time after he became an entity to make that decision.>

<Oh. That's... That's interesting. I just realised I've never given the subject much thought. I've never experienced a... let's call it 'transition' before, although I've seen it through the memories of my Players. Anyway, to answer your question, it's a byproduct of your entity and the entities responsible for managing the games (that would be Darkstar and S0) desynchronizing you from your host, working on spending upgrade points on you and getting you back in the staging area. This usually happens in a universe that belongs to the entity that chose you, although in your case it's one of Charlie's universes, in a Core world.

I'm really not supposed to be talking about that, it's against the rules, but honestly, screw the rules, I have money bigger problems. I'm already in deep trouble, I don't think things can get much worse for me. Just be careful where you mention that knowledge, you could get in trouble. Or get me or Stellar in even more trouble.>

<It's not different MEs. Well, I guess, in a way, it is. But I think it's better to think of an entity as a single being, spread across a vast distance, with their avatars being nexuses, places where the entity converges and becomes a concentrated expression of themselves that can express themselves in a more 'mortal' level. Yes, they can be created and have restrictions placed on them, altered to work a certain way, created for a specific purpose and given certain traits. The interfaces you get on other missions for example are severely gimped S0 avatars whose creation is supervised by all entities participating in the games. The disposable avatars he creates and destroys in the staging area to ensure confidentiality is another. Yeah, S0 creates and destroys so many of his avatars it's not even funny.

Of course there's always the possibility that an avatar might drift too far and break off from the whole, like a limb that has stopped obeying you, but under normal conditions, without the avatar getting severely altered and/or cut-off from the whole for a long amount of time, there's little chance of that happening. I may be cut off from the greater me now, but I'm still me. Just less of me. If this avatar was to get back alive, if it was to stop being isolated, then there wouldn't be much difference beyond what I've gained during this time spreading to the rest of me. And if I die... Well, it will be a loss, but not a  significant one. I'm old and powerful. I can afford it. I guess the thing I'd miss the most would be the experiences I've had here. I've had some fun here. And it's nice being bonded with you and getting to know you better. If this ends with this avatar dead, like it probably will, and if you menage to get out of this alive, then you should come find me. We can't have this experience again, but... well... you know. We can make new ones.>

<Heh. Wouldn't it be simple if I could answer that and explain? Or if there was a simple answer? But to answer your other question, yes, one entity could alter an avatar or even an entire other entity to make them suit their needs. It's not easy, and under most circumstances it would probably be illegal, but it can be done.>

<My guess would be 'not a lot'. Not much more than stray thoughts and vague feelings. Not much different than what I'm getting from Stellar. I suppose he could try communicating with him or receive instructions from him. Don't know if there's any defenses in place to stop him from doing so. Don't know if River would break the rules and attempt to communicate. Charlie might even attempt to block communication, since he does seem to believe in following the rules as much as it suits him. But it is certainly possible for him to communicate or receive instructions, yes, if that's part of the plan.>



((Just noticed your second edit, I'll do that later, got to go now.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:07:58 pm

<So the only data of this conversation will be in my memories, access to which is limited to Charlie and Stellar. River plans to eliminate this part of you to hide evidence, but it's Charlie, River's bond, and Stellar, your bond and my patron Entity, that do my maintainance, so somehow the other Entities would be alerted to your presence simply by me entering the staging area with you at all? In any case, that means the limiter is that I figure out the info, not that you can't tell me. Also, this entire dance is for Charlie's benefit, and you trying to pass me anti-Charlie info which Charlie himself will have access to, but won't be able to act to counter it so long as it was acquired within the Rules. That means it's information I will need for a critical decision of some kind in the future. So the question is what info must I figure out on my own that pertains to Charlie and important future decisions. Meaning either my favor owed him, or a new deal he will arrange in the future...
But here's the thing, you asked me why you had to be circumspect, and since the limiting factor is me and my memories, which are accessed by Stellar and Charlie only, and Stellar doesn't care about legalisms but Charlie does, and the only reason Stellar has to have Charlie's assistance is her lower level of power and control, which is probably related to her age as an Entity, which is divided amongst first-gen/non-first gen, and involves prestige, and I was bound to one of Charlie's worlds not Stellar's...
You are being roundabout because Stellar doesn't, or at least didn't, control any worlds of her own. And you think Charlie is going to try to take the one I handed to her away. And since what brought it up was my deal, you think I'm going to be asked to protect Victor from Stellar while Victor is in the process of taking that world from her.
How's my guess? I think I'm over-extrapolating, but it's worth a guess, right?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2016, 07:21:16 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike stares at Irine, face vaguely drawn as he stands around for a few moments.

"You, er, thinking about something?"

Probably best to start moving on. Maybe see if I can reach River by commwire?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:30:25 pm

"I... I... Yeah, trying to figure out some... details. about the mission and... how it relates to the... the Games and other Entities. Um, you have an idea to help find River?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 07:35:40 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 04:15:14 pm

edit2:
<How did you learn of a 'deal' between me and Charlie?>
<What did Stellar have to sacrifice to save me?>
<The world my bonds were shifted to is in Charlie's domain, how much influence does that give him over me?>
...
<Why is Charlie called 'first'?>

<Our souls are linked. It's not that hard. It might be a bit different now that we're entities, but it's still easy when we're close. Even when she's angry at me. I didn't get the details, but I got enough.>
<As far as I know, not much. She just had to pay a large sum of energy and agree to have you stay in one of his worlds in exchange for putting you into the games and using his influence to ensure there would be no trouble with the others. Cheaper, easier, quicker, more certain and generally better than bringing the matter to the entities and hope she can get permission. A very good deal, actually. Especially if you consider that she was really desperate at the time, in a real hurry to manage to save you in time. Which is really bad. When Charlie offers you a good deal, that's when you should be suspicious, even afraid. Even more suspicious when you consider that he's the one who suggested the group of worlds Stellar was exploring when she found you.>
<No idea. I have no idea how it works and know little about how you've been modified. I'll say nothing is impossible. But it would probably be very very hard to influence you. Not to mention illegal, but I'm pretty sure Charlie wouldn't let that get in his way if he really wanted to do it.>

<Well, he is the first entity. He also fancies calling himself 'first amongst equals' but that's just a load of political bull. Nobody except the most wide eyed idealistic newbies would think there's anything like equality among the entities.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 19, 2016, 07:21:16 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike stares at Irine, face vaguely drawn as he stands around for a few moments.

"You, er, thinking about something?"

Probably best to start moving on.
Maybe see if I can reach River by commwire?

Move on to where?
No response.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 19, 2016, 07:41:39 pm

"Daisy chain!"

Make everyone link hands and/or tie our currently zoned-out people's hands to each other then start walking off in a random direction except the ones we came from.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:45:26 pm

"What? No, Alan, I'm not doing that."

---

<What was Stellar's perspective on my deal with Charlie? She seemed thrown off by it, like she heard something far more risky from the deal than what I had agreed to.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 10:24:30 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 19, 2016, 07:41:39 pm

"Daisy chain!"

Make everyone link hands and/or tie our currently zoned-out people's hands to each other then start walking off in a random direction except the ones we came from.

You make everyone link hands and sing Kumbaya, given that you currently lack either the physical or the mental capacity to force them to move.

You should tell camp-fire stories next.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 07:45:26 pm

<What was Stellar's perspective on my deal with Charlie? She seemed thrown off by it, like she heard something far more risky from the deal than what I had agreed to.>

<Well, wouldn't you find it worrying if someone betrayed your trust and approached a friend of yours in secret and made a deal concerning you and her behind your back? Wouldn't that look shady to you, even if they claimed they had good intentions despite doing this behind your back?

Not to mention the fact that you actually took a risk for her, when she considers herself responsible for you. She feels like she not only failed to protect you, she actually hurt you, however indirectly. And yes, you may try to go about this logically and give arguments about why that is not true, but sometimes feelings are hard to control, even when countered by reason.

Furthermore, I don't know if she has said this to you, but she does believe in following the rules she has agrees with, possibly more than anyone else in the games. So she dislikes even considering anything that could be considered even remotely shady. I know she feels so conflicted at times about this, about how hard it is to remain lawful, especially here at the games. And I know I'll never hear the end of it when she finds out what I did here.

Plus, this is Charlie we're talking about. Do you really think she overreacted? If you ask me, she took the matter too calmly. Much too calmly.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 10:49:16 pm

I pause for a bit after that, calming myself.
"Okay, um, I guess nobody has a way to contact River, so we'll just have to trust him to find his way to us. Considering our history with the locals, we probably want to avoid the towns, how about we move at night, rest during the day? I've got the general's map and can make some flame to light our way whenever it's needed. sound like a plan?"

---

<D, I meant the question very specifically. What was the agreement I made with Charlie, as well as you and Stellar understand it?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 19, 2016, 11:53:29 pm

<Oh, well, I don't know, I think it was something about being a bodyguard or something? I didn't get the specifics. What kind of wording did he use? The specific wording. That's usually important when you make a deal with the devil and other rules-lawyery and literal-genie-prone entities.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2016, 11:59:19 pm

Rather than answer him I show him the memory of what happened.

Spoiler: What happened (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 07:47:27 pm

"I'm conscious... yes... what happens now? Why do I feel different?"
Attempt to move each part of my body, or at least make sure it's there. Attempt to open and close my hands, to move my tails, my feet, and so on. Attempt to shake off the numbness and regain awareness of my surroundings... or my personal illusion of surroundings? it's so hard to tell what is really real and what isn't around here.
"What happened to my hosts? both Zoe and... her... are they both ok now?" Are my responsibilities fulfilled?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 06, 2014, 08:04:09 pm

Your can't hear your words being spoken, but he answers all the same.
"Oh, don't worry, it's for your safety during the operation. Won't take much time at all."
Your body is there... or at least you think it's there. You can hear your heartbeat and your breathing.
"Anyway, this is technically not entirely legal, so we don't have much time before I have to put you under again. You can learn about what happened to them later."
But it's all involuntary. As if you are under the effects of some sort of anaesthetic or sedative. You can't consciously move your body. Or if you can, then you can't feel it happening.
"I want to offer you a trade. A favour for a favour."
You can't open your eyes. There's only a grey blur with a pinkish hue visible.
"I believe you care about her. Or if you don't, then you care about what you have gained through her. There is going to be a trial soon. I can use some of my influence to protect her, but if I am to expend those favours on her, then I would like to gain one in return."
Still, there is that feeling of familiarity. So there is probably something here.
Unless it is just another trick to confuse you.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 06, 2014, 09:07:01 pm

I can't agree to this blindly, but this sounds like something I want to go along with
"What is your wish? What favor of mine do you desire?"
might as well make sure he remembers who I really am with the why I phrase my answer.

---

((to save time, here's Irene's response to his answer, be it specific or vague:))
"As long as you don't ask me to betray my responsibilities, my friends, or myself, then you shall have your one favor. Use it well."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 07, 2014, 07:07:04 am

"A rather simple thing, really. In the future, I'm going to ask you to protect someone from something. I want you to protect that someone to the best of your ability. Deal?"
You speak your answer, but once again, you do not hear it.
"Excellent. As long as you keep your word, then you have nothing to fear from me. I'm nothing if not fair.
Oh, and try to not tell everyone about this? To not speak about this out of your Personal Section? Not really part of the deal, but it would complicate things.
So, unless there's something terribly important, I'm going to have to put you under again. They'll be here any second now."
You feel like your thoughts are getting slower (or maybe the world is getting faster?) There is another gust of wind and then nothing.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2016, 12:11:22 am

<Oooh boy. That's it? That's vague as hell. Depending on who's there to back you up and who's there to back him up, this could go really bad.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 12:31:49 am

<Yeah, I can be a literal genie too. Not sure Charlie understood what he was agreeing to. Hopefully I'll be able to just do what he asks and call it good, but if he tries something shady I will have the ground to say no. Then the question will be if he will accept it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 20, 2016, 01:46:51 am

"Alrighty. Is it night or day?"

Be very oblivious

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 02:22:00 am

I send the next sequence of memories to D without preamble or explanation.

Spoiler: Next sequence of memories (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

You wake up.

You are back in your personal section of the staging area, the network of caverns and tunnels that resemble your home. You're currently in human form, lying with your back against the wall of a tunnel. The tunnel is connected to the chamber containing the magma pool, which in turn is connected to the chamber containing your portal.

You think you can hear someone talking somewhere further away, in the direction of the magma chamber.

You can feel something on your ear. Should you choose to investigate it, you will discover it is the flower with the fire-coloured petals given to you by Theri before the start of the previous mission.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 10:16:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 08:34:32 am

carefully remove and set aside the flower, then change into hybrid form, then put it back in place before going towards where I'm hearing voices.
"Stellar? could you tell me if there is anything weird about this flower? or is it just a pretty flower?"
take advantage of the nature of this place to be hearing what is being said over there clearly, and to not have my voice travel to anyone but Stellar.

You remove the flower and then use the fire in the surrounding area to transform into your hybrid form. It is a bit better than you remembered it, but it still feels bad.
idspispopd
You change the properties of the wall in front of you, making it absorb light and sound from one side but not the other, and do the reverse to the wall on the other side. The result resembles what you get when you activate no clipping mode and go through a wall in a game. A large empty expanse beyond the walls that is invisible from the inside.

On the other side, standing in front of your fire portal, you can see the outline of a humanoid made out of distortions in the air and a fox with a fur that is a mix of shining red and orange. The fox looks at the form with its head lowered and its body tense, its tail low.
"-what you said. I made the choice that I thought was right."
The sound comes as if from far away, the gap you created distorting the acoustics of the room. He is talking quickly, yet with a low voice. You can barely hear what he is saying.
"You were supposed to be on my side. Support me no matter what." She speaks with a tone of voice that is normal yet carries no discernible emotion in it.
"But I did! I helped! As much as I could! But I couldn't betray my player. I had a responsibility to him! And to you! Don't you know in how much trouble you could be if-" He is speaking more loudly now.
"I revoke your permission to be in this area." She continues speaking in her previous tone.
"No, wait-"
The fox disintegrates into orange and yellow sparks.

She stays there for about half a minute before she starts walking towards the chamber you are in. You reverse the effect and ask your question.
"No... No, there's nothing wrong with it. At least, not from what I can see. Let me have a closer look at it." She sounds calm and a bit tired.
She approaches you and extends her blurry arm, palm open.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 10:52:53 pm

"If there's nothing wrong with it, then please be gentle with it. It was a gift from Theri."
I hand over the flower to Stellar
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whos name I never even learned?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
I wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
I dash forward and hug Stellar as I yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking my final question, my eyes tightly clenched shut and my ears folding down.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"

"I will be careful, then." she says as you hand her the flower.
She holds it in her hand and brings it close to her head.
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whose name I never even learned?"
"She is... getting better. There were a few problems... Part of her soul had been destroyed and I couldn't get all the information I needed from the fabric of that world. Luckily, the Colony Ship had been gathering data about that world, so with its help, I was able to restore her to the best of my ability. There are people taking care of her. I believe she will be fine."
She twists her hand around, as if she is trying to look at it from all angles.
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
"Zoe and her companions are currently in hiding. But she's happy. So happy... Every time I look upon them... it makes me feel better. I'm certain they'll be able to start living their lives without fear soon.
As for Boris... I can't locate him. I believe there is a reason for that, but I can't talk about it without getting into trouble. Even so, I believe he won't cause any more trouble. I'm working with him, trying to ensure that all of his influence on this world can be removed easily and without complications."
Finally, she opens her palm with the flower still in it and lets her other palm hover a few inches over it.
A small layer of yellowish light appears under the upper palm. It starts deforming, slowly, as if there is a small ball over it that is slowly getting bigger and bigger, as if it is being pulled by the flower more and more.
When the tip of the bulge formed by the layer of light touches the flower, there is a small flash of light and the layer disappears. However, what is more interesting is that in the last few moments before it dissipated, a few tiny grey and black spots appeared on the flower.
She sighs and extends her arm towards you, giving you the flower back. There's nothing different on it.
"I can see very small traces of his energy there, but that is all there is to it. In all other aspects, it is normal. That just means it's an object he created, nothing more. You can keep it without fear."
You take it and wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
You dash forward and hug Stellar as you yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking your final question, your eyes tightly clenched shut and your ears folding down. Stellar seems to be a bit surprised from your outburst. She doesn't say anything, but she puts her arms around you in a soft hug.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"
"What?"
She sounds shocked. Her entire body becomes tense and unmoving.
"Wh-who told you about that?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 11, 2014, 05:18:28 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 08:23:07 am

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
((When/if she asks for more information instead of answering my question:))
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???" ((yes, Irine would assume trial as in trial by fire instead of court trial, a concept from a societal level her people never reached. The opinion of the populace still greatly affects what such a trial would be, and if it would even be possible, hence why she agreed to Charlie's deal.))

((In answer to the obvious question when she asks it and after she has answered what the trial is about:))
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
"He did WHAT?!" she says with a mix of surprise, anger and fear.
The centre of her body starts glowing with yellow light that is slowly expanding and becoming brighter.
She starts talking quickly, loudly, taking quick shallow breaths between sentences.
"How?! When?! Why?! What did he ask of you? Did you accept?! Did you make a deal with him?"
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???"

She stands there, taking deep breaths for a few seconds. Her breathing slows. The light inside her begins fading.

"I didn't want you to know. I didn't want you to worry about me."
She sounds calmer again. She speaks more quietly, although there is still stress audible in her voice and you can feel her trembling slightly
"They believe I may have talked to you about things I wasn't supposed to talk about.
That I illegally expanded the duration of your stay.
That I used isolation mode to act without supervision in illegal ways.
That I intervened in, influenced and entered a world when it was supposed to be isolated.
Those and perhaps other things."
Apparently understanding you have misunderstood the subject, she provides a brief explanation.
"When we gather to decide the next mission, the matter of my conduct will be put forward. I know because some have been quite vocal about that. Not that I wouldn't be expecting it regardless, many are quick to take such an opportunity.
We will decide about whether or not a trial is necessary, whether or not I am guilty of any of the crimes attributed to me and if so, an appropriate action will be decided, usually in the form of restitution to the ones who fell like their rights have been violated or in the form of punishment if they believe I need to be disciplined.
I am not afraid. I will defend myself with the truth and if they find me guilty, I will accept any action they deem necessary."

She stays quiet for a few more seconds.

"Please. You have to tell me. What did he ask of you? And did you accept? I need to know so that I can know how to protect you."
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."
"You..."

More quiet.

"You didn't have to do this. I understand why you did it, but it just makes me feel..."
She doesn't complete her sentence.
"I'm the one responsible for you. I'm the one who should worry about you. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you. I didn't want you to put yourself in danger like that for me. Protecting me is not your responsibility and I will never ask you to do that."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2014, 06:56:51 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 07:36:53 pm

"I'm not your pet Stellar, I'm your friend. "
My grip on her eases and I look up at her, but I'm still holding her if she doesn't pull away.
"Above all else, I am me. I am my own before I am yours or anyone else's. I deserve all the rights that I believe everyone else deserves. I'm not saying I'm better than others, but I'm not below anyone either. First and foremost, that includes the right to choose. And if I think that making my life a little harder to make yours a little easier is worth it, then that is my choice to make, not yours, not anyone else's. Remember that."
I hug her tightly again and pull my head against her, once again blocking my own view but letting me feel her presence against me.
"It's why I'm so afraid of having someone messing with my mind, my will, so much."
...
"I'll be ok Stellar. I agreed on the conditions of not betraying my responsibilities, my friends, or myself. I understand what those conditions really mean better than he possibly can. If he tries to exploit me, I'll have every right to say no."
((I've gotten all I'm after from this conversation by giving Stellar that info and finding out what the trial is about. I'm fine with opening/leaving the area and begining interactions with more than just Stellar after this... unless Charlie gets dragged in here of course. *Lenglon does read other player's turns*))

"I know. I understand. But I still feel bad."

You stay there for a few minutes, embracing each other.

"I need to leave. But I'll be listening. If you need anything, just say it to me and I'll hear you. Do you think you are going to be okay?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2014, 09:32:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2014, 08:08:12 am

"I'll be okay. Go."
I release Stellar, back away a step, and look up at her with a smile.
"Thank you."

---

after Stellar is gone, I shake myself off, re-settle myself and the flower Theri gave me, and then step out of my personal area and into the Staging Area.

She stands there for a few seconds. It's hard to read her expression, given that she her avatar lacks a face, but you're certain she's looking at you.
"I'm..."
She turns around and starts walking away.
"I will be back soon. Stay safe."
As she walks, her form dissolves, the distortions disappearing until there is nothing left.

You walk around the pool of magma, towards the chamber that contains your fiery portal and that small hot spring. When you feel ready, you step through the portal.

---

"It's dusk Alan, the end of the day, the beginning of the night."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 20, 2016, 03:04:20 am

"Alrighty then, let's go! You keep doing your fairy consultation thingy and just walk where me and Ike pull you."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 03:10:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I think River's gonna make himself available when he feels like it, probably. Well, either that or he's gotten into a fistfight with the general or something. Let's get a bit further away and maybe camp out and wait for him a bit."

Go parallel to the road, of course. Should know what direction that's in, right? Onward to explore the Dragon's Hole!

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2016, 07:37:52 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 03:10:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I think River's gonna make himself available when he feels like it, probably. Well, either that or he's gotten into a fistfight with the general or something. Let's get a bit further away and maybe camp out and wait for him a bit."

Go parallel to the road, of course. Should know what direction that's in, right? Onward to explore the Dragon's Hole!

A quick reminder of what you know: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6629465#msg6629465
Since you're east of Godstone hill now, close to Areloggez, you'd have to go south-south-east to reach Dragon's hole. We'll say you start walking that way, making sure to stay away from the road and give others a chance to disagree.

Quote from: Xantalos on March 20, 2016, 01:46:51 am

"Alrighty. Is it night or day?"

Be very oblivious

It's dusk hour (http://youtu.be/VZ8z-t2ejnY). It will be dark in about an hour.

[5] You walk straight into a cliff wall.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 12:31:49 am

<Yeah, I can be a literal genie too. Not sure Charlie understood what he was agreeing to. Hopefully I'll be able to just do what he asks and call it good, but if he tries something shady I will have the ground to say no. Then the question will be if he will accept it.>

<Yeah, but you see, in these sorts of situations, anything that could be interpreted as something different than "I'll do anything I want, which might include doing what you want" is dangerous. You're not an entity, you don't have the same capabilities or protections as we do. In the right circumstances he could use one of his lackeys to force you to do whatever he wants and claim that whatever he forces you to do was completely lawful. Or worse, he might find away to really not violate any of your conditions but still make matters worse for you. Trust me, if there's a way to use this against you, Charlie can find it. Hopefully he won't use this to hurt you, he has made this deal because he actually thinks you'll be useful in the future, but you can't really rely on that. Not with a person like him.>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 02:22:00 am

I send the next sequence of memories to D without preamble or explanation.

Spoiler: Next sequence of memories (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 08:06:43 am

You wake up.

You are back in your personal section of the staging area, the network of caverns and tunnels that resemble your home. You're currently in human form, lying with your back against the wall of a tunnel. The tunnel is connected to the chamber containing the magma pool, which in turn is connected to the chamber containing your portal.

You think you can hear someone talking somewhere further away, in the direction of the magma chamber.

You can feel something on your ear. Should you choose to investigate it, you will discover it is the flower with the fire-coloured petals given to you by Theri before the start of the previous mission.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 08, 2014, 10:16:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 08:34:32 am

carefully remove and set aside the flower, then change into hybrid form, then put it back in place before going towards where I'm hearing voices.
"Stellar? could you tell me if there is anything weird about this flower? or is it just a pretty flower?"
take advantage of the nature of this place to be hearing what is being said over there clearly, and to not have my voice travel to anyone but Stellar.

You remove the flower and then use the fire in the surrounding area to transform into your hybrid form. It is a bit better than you remembered it, but it still feels bad.
idspispopd
You change the properties of the wall in front of you, making it absorb light and sound from one side but not the other, and do the reverse to the wall on the other side. The result resembles what you get when you activate no clipping mode and go through a wall in a game. A large empty expanse beyond the walls that is invisible from the inside.

On the other side, standing in front of your fire portal, you can see the outline of a humanoid made out of distortions in the air and a fox with a fur that is a mix of shining red and orange. The fox looks at the form with its head lowered and its body tense, its tail low.
"-what you said. I made the choice that I thought was right."
The sound comes as if from far away, the gap you created distorting the acoustics of the room. He is talking quickly, yet with a low voice. You can barely hear what he is saying.
"You were supposed to be on my side. Support me no matter what." She speaks with a tone of voice that is normal yet carries no discernible emotion in it.
"But I did! I helped! As much as I could! But I couldn't betray my player. I had a responsibility to him! And to you! Don't you know in how much trouble you could be if-" He is speaking more loudly now.
"I revoke your permission to be in this area." She continues speaking in her previous tone.
"No, wait-"
The fox disintegrates into orange and yellow sparks.

She stays there for about half a minute before she starts walking towards the chamber you are in. You reverse the effect and ask your question.
"No... No, there's nothing wrong with it. At least, not from what I can see. Let me have a closer look at it." She sounds calm and a bit tired.
She approaches you and extends her blurry arm, palm open.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 10, 2014, 10:48:18 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 08, 2014, 10:52:53 pm

"If there's nothing wrong with it, then please be gentle with it. It was a gift from Theri."
I hand over the flower to Stellar
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whos name I never even learned?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
((Insert Stellar's response/explanation here))
I wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
I dash forward and hug Stellar as I yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking my final question, my eyes tightly clenched shut and my ears folding down.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"

"I will be careful, then." she says as you hand her the flower.
She holds it in her hand and brings it close to her head.
"Um, what... what happened to my previous host? The girl whose name I never even learned?"
"She is... getting better. There were a few problems... Part of her soul had been destroyed and I couldn't get all the information I needed from the fabric of that world. Luckily, the Colony Ship had been gathering data about that world, so with its help, I was able to restore her to the best of my ability. There are people taking care of her. I believe she will be fine."
She twists her hand around, as if she is trying to look at it from all angles.
"And Zoe? Amelia? Awena? Boris?"
"Zoe and her companions are currently in hiding. But she's happy. So happy... Every time I look upon them... it makes me feel better. I'm certain they'll be able to start living their lives without fear soon.
As for Boris... I can't locate him. I believe there is a reason for that, but I can't talk about it without getting into trouble. Even so, I believe he won't cause any more trouble. I'm working with him, trying to ensure that all of his influence on this world can be removed easily and without complications."
Finally, she opens her palm with the flower still in it and lets her other palm hover a few inches over it.
A small layer of yellowish light appears under the upper palm. It starts deforming, slowly, as if there is a small ball over it that is slowly getting bigger and bigger, as if it is being pulled by the flower more and more.
When the tip of the bulge formed by the layer of light touches the flower, there is a small flash of light and the layer disappears. However, what is more interesting is that in the last few moments before it dissipated, a few tiny grey and black spots appeared on the flower.
She sighs and extends her arm towards you, giving you the flower back. There's nothing different on it.
"I can see very small traces of his energy there, but that is all there is to it. In all other aspects, it is normal. That just means it's an object he created, nothing more. You can keep it without fear."
You take it and wait several moments, unsure what to say now.
"And what about us? What happens now that I twisted the game's ending... again? I... I... I REVOKE EVERYONE BUT STELLAR'S AND MY OWN PERMISSION TO THIS AREA!"
You dash forward and hug Stellar as you yell, and hold her tight for several seconds before asking your final question, your eyes tightly clenched shut and your ears folding down. Stellar seems to be a bit surprised from your outburst. She doesn't say anything, but she puts her arms around you in a soft hug.
"W-why are you being put on trial Stellar?!?"
"What?"
She sounds shocked. Her entire body becomes tense and unmoving.
"Wh-who told you about that?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 11, 2014, 05:18:28 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 08:23:07 am

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
((When/if she asks for more information instead of answering my question:))
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???" ((yes, Irine would assume trial as in trial by fire instead of court trial, a concept from a societal level her people never reached. The opinion of the populace still greatly affects what such a trial would be, and if it would even be possible, hence why she agreed to Charlie's deal.))

((In answer to the obvious question when she asks it and after she has answered what the trial is about:))
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."

"Charlie he. He said he could help in your upcoming trial, for a price. What trial Stellar? and why was he sneaky about how he asked me?"
"He did WHAT?!" she says with a mix of surprise, anger and fear.
The centre of her body starts glowing with yellow light that is slowly expanding and becoming brighter.
She starts talking quickly, loudly, taking quick shallow breaths between sentences.
"How?! When?! Why?! What did he ask of you? Did you accept?! Did you make a deal with him?"
"N-not until you tell me about this trial! what challenge will they have you do? why???"

She stands there, taking deep breaths for a few seconds. Her breathing slows. The light inside her begins fading.

"I didn't want you to know. I didn't want you to worry about me."
She sounds calmer again. She speaks more quietly, although there is still stress audible in her voice and you can feel her trembling slightly
"They believe I may have talked to you about things I wasn't supposed to talk about.
That I illegally expanded the duration of your stay.
That I used isolation mode to act without supervision in illegal ways.
That I intervened in, influenced and entered a world when it was supposed to be isolated.
Those and perhaps other things."
Apparently understanding you have misunderstood the subject, she provides a brief explanation.
"When we gather to decide the next mission, the matter of my conduct will be put forward. I know because some have been quite vocal about that. Not that I wouldn't be expecting it regardless, many are quick to take such an opportunity.
We will decide about whether or not a trial is necessary, whether or not I am guilty of any of the crimes attributed to me and if so, an appropriate action will be decided, usually in the form of restitution to the ones who fell like their rights have been violated or in the form of punishment if they believe I need to be disciplined.
I am not afraid. I will defend myself with the truth and if they find me guilty, I will accept any action they deem necessary."

She stays quiet for a few more seconds.

"Please. You have to tell me. What did he ask of you? And did you accept? I need to know so that I can know how to protect you."
"He wants me to protect someone for him-im, he hasn't said who yet. I-I agreed, conditionally, to do it."
"You..."

More quiet.

"You didn't have to do this. I understand why you did it, but it just makes me feel..."
She doesn't complete her sentence.
"I'm the one responsible for you. I'm the one who should worry about you. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you. I didn't want you to put yourself in danger like that for me. Protecting me is not your responsibility and I will never ask you to do that."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2014, 06:56:51 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 11, 2014, 07:36:53 pm

"I'm not your pet Stellar, I'm your friend. "
My grip on her eases and I look up at her, but I'm still holding her if she doesn't pull away.
"Above all else, I am me. I am my own before I am yours or anyone else's. I deserve all the rights that I believe everyone else deserves. I'm not saying I'm better than others, but I'm not below anyone either. First and foremost, that includes the right to choose. And if I think that making my life a little harder to make yours a little easier is worth it, then that is my choice to make, not yours, not anyone else's. Remember that."
I hug her tightly again and pull my head against her, once again blocking my own view but letting me feel her presence against me.
"It's why I'm so afraid of having someone messing with my mind, my will, so much."
...
"I'll be ok Stellar. I agreed on the conditions of not betraying my responsibilities, my friends, or myself. I understand what those conditions really mean better than he possibly can. If he tries to exploit me, I'll have every right to say no."
((I've gotten all I'm after from this conversation by giving Stellar that info and finding out what the trial is about. I'm fine with opening/leaving the area and begining interactions with more than just Stellar after this... unless Charlie gets dragged in here of course. *Lenglon does read other player's turns*))

"I know. I understand. But I still feel bad."

You stay there for a few minutes, embracing each other.

"I need to leave. But I'll be listening. If you need anything, just say it to me and I'll hear you. Do you think you are going to be okay?"

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2014, 09:32:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2014, 08:08:12 am

"I'll be okay. Go."
I release Stellar, back away a step, and look up at her with a smile.
"Thank you."

---

after Stellar is gone, I shake myself off, re-settle myself and the flower Theri gave me, and then step out of my personal area and into the Staging Area.

She stands there for a few seconds. It's hard to read her expression, given that she her avatar lacks a face, but you're certain she's looking at you.
"I'm..."
She turns around and starts walking away.
"I will be back soon. Stay safe."
As she walks, her form dissolves, the distortions disappearing until there is nothing left.

You walk around the pool of magma, towards the chamber that contains your fiery portal and that small hot spring. When you feel ready, you step through the portal.

---

"It's dusk Alan, the end of the day, the beginning of the night."

...
<Ellipses>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 07:49:06 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Don't you know you never split the party, clerics in the back..." Ike begins to quietly sing to himself as he marches south-south east to the next leg of the journey.

FORWARD MARCH. Discreetly. Keep ears and eyes out for assholes, whether military, monstrous or River.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 11:12:51 am

"Ike, hey, wrong way. Where are you trying to go?"
I thought our goal was at Nether Pass?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 12:35:48 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 11:12:51 am

"Ike, hey, wrong way. Where are you trying to go?"
I thought our goal was at Nether Pass?

"Isn't it the correct direction? Although then again you're the map officer, so I'll defer to you on this."

To Nether Pass, actually? It might actually be the same direction, I don't remember.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 01:02:01 pm

"I thought we were heading to Nether Pass. You know, path of most resistance and all that? Plus it's directly in line with where River thought our target went."
Towards Nether Pass

---

<What, nothing? I thought you'd have something to say about that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 04:42:42 pm

"Hang on, so Nether Pass was north of Whateverthefuckville, and Whateverthefuckville could be reached by Podunk Mine. And the way to Podunk Mine was the... southern road? Southeast road? Both of those?"

"I think it was something like that, right?"

Yeah, we're probably going to Nether Pass actually. Along the southern, warmer road with more vegetation available that we could hide in?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2016, 06:01:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 01:02:01 pm

<What, nothing? I thought you'd have something to say about that.>

<Yeah, you're right, it wasn't one of my best lines. Let me try again, I think I'll come up with something better.

Oh, hahaha! River's into gardening. Can you imagine him planting flowers? With a little shovel and a little watering can? And an apron with a smiling flower on it? Hahaha. Oh. I thought dogs got plants out of the ground, not into it.

Oh, hey, the girls are getting it on. Nice. I guess this is a case where the good girl gets the girl, hehe.

Another universe that will soon be brought to the light. Another place I could visit. Might go there and have some fun with the locals. See what makes this Earth-world interesting. Introduce them to some feelings that are out of their world? Hehe.

Really wish Stellar had given Charlie a better beating. Oh well, I can always hope it will happen eventually.

What do you say? Better?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 20, 2016, 04:42:42 pm

"Hang on, so Nether Pass was north of Whateverthefuckville, and Whateverthefuckville could be reached by Podunk Mine. And the way to Podunk Mine was the... southern road? Southeast road? Both of those?"

"I think it was something like that, right?"

Yeah, we're probably going to Nether Pass actually. Along the southern, warmer road with more vegetation available that we could hide in?

I'll try to draw a small map for you when I can, but if the others don't disagree, we'll say you get going that way.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 06:22:25 pm

<So nothing about that argument between you and Stellar? That was kinda the opposite of what you told me a bit ago, about Stellar and rules. She was mad at you for following them. I figured you just were doing right by your Player, and he was on the opposite team from me, but I guess helping someone oppose me made her mad? And apparently when Stellar left she beat up Charlie? I didn't know anything about that. Could you explain? And are you sure Stellar under-reacted? Seriously, why is this deal such bad news? Yeah, he's got more power than me by a huge margin, but so do all of you Entities. I've got a ton of ways to lawyer my way out of it if I have too, and protecting someone is the kind of thing I'd like to do anyway. I'm guessing he's going to want me to protect someone from Stellar, because there's others that are stronger than me, so it's probably my position or relationship that matters to him. If it's someone that I really shouldn't be protecting, then doing so would be a betrayal of my friend, so I could just say no. If it's someone that deserves protection anyway, then there's no problem with doing it. I was careful. That clause right there will make sure that, no matter what he asks, he can't force me to hurt Stellar. I don't understand why I should be afraid.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2016, 06:51:46 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 06:22:25 pm

<So nothing about that argument between you and Stellar? That was kinda the opposite of what you told me a bit ago, about Stellar and rules. She was mad at you for following them. I figured you just were doing right by your Player, and he was on the opposite team from me, but I guess helping someone oppose me made her mad?>

<Hehe. Sometimes I forget how young you are. Humans are emotional. The same is true about entities. That's part of what makes them different from outsiders. (Well, most of us anyway, there's always freaks like S0.) So, she yelled at me for helping Ike and 'betraying her' by doing what I thought was the right thing, just like I know she'll yell at me for breaking the rules and coming here to help you because I thought it was the right thing to do. Sometimes we're not purely consistent and logical beings. Sometimes she acts on her emotions. But that doesn't change how I feel about her.

And... well, she's not entirely wrong about yelling at me for helping Ike. I could had just misled him or otherwise confused him. But that would be kind of a dick move, don't you think? I gave her some vague thoughts and feelings, I didn't give Ike too much advice... I helped both as much as I could, I tried to keep her from acting on her emotions and breaking any rules, I did what I thought was best. As much as I love her, as close as our bond brings us, she should know that I'm an individual, that I make my own choices and do what I think is best for her and for me. I'm not some trained dog that's supposed to obey her every word. I think once she takes some time to think it over, she'll discuss it more calmly with me. Or, you know, scold me instead of giving me the silent treatment. It's a hundred times better to have her angry with me and yelling at me than silent and disappointed.>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 06:22:25 pm

<And apparently when Stellar left she beat up Charlie? I didn't know anything about that. Could you explain? And are you sure Stellar under-reacted?>

<Well, that might just be me using big words combined with some wishful thinking on my part. All I saw was her getting angry, slamming Charlie on a wall and forcefully dragging him to a private area. I can always hope it ended in a beating. But, knowing her, it probably ended in a stern talking to. Maybe some compensation, if we're lucky. If the deal was off, then I think either me or you would had heard about it.>

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2016, 06:22:25 pm

Seriously, why is this deal such bad news? Yeah, he's got more power than me by a huge margin, but so do all of you Entities. I've got a ton of ways to lawyer my way out of it if I have too, and protecting someone is the kind of thing I'd like to do anyway. I'm guessing he's going to want me to protect someone from Stellar, because there's others that are stronger than me, so it's probably my position or relationship that matters to him. If it's someone that I really shouldn't be protecting, then doing so would be a betrayal of my friend, so I could just say no. If it's someone that deserves protection anyway, then there's no problem with doing it. I was careful. That clause right there will make sure that, no matter what he asks, he can't force me to hurt Stellar. I don't understand why I should be afraid.>

<Because the guy is a total fucking psychopath! You never know when he'll turn on you, what deranged thoughts are in his head, how he'll hurt you just to have fun! How he'll grab you by the throat and make you feel like you can't breathe under the weight of his control. How he'll use any opportunity he gets to gain power over you and use it. And you just gave him an opportunity! More leverage to bend the rules in his favour even more. Making it harder for us to protect you. And he- he- Gah! If only I could-... find a way to-... say-... Gaaah! Just- just trust me. The guy is bad news. Especially for you and Stellar. I wanna rend him into a thousand pieces, tear him apart and vaporise him! If you don't want to believe me, then fine. Just remember my warning when the time comes: He'll find a way to make you regret that promise, to use it to put you under his control and hurt you. I don't know how exactly, but he will. And all I can do is hope you can find the power inside yourself to save what's important, when the time comes.>

<Ah. Fuck, damn, just, shit, I hate this, this is- I'll- I'll just stop.
...
Sorry.>

---

Quick map, as I promised: https://www.dropbox.com/s/iuho80wos3v75x2/general_map.gif?dl=0
Photobucket resizes my images so I can't upload it there and display it here.
It's mostly what the general told you put into visual form. It covers the central and central-eastern parts of the map you have in your inventory.
Ask if you want to examine a particular part of the map further.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 21, 2016, 11:42:11 pm

Ponder what exactly it is we're doing again. We were, like, delivering pizza to River's sister or something, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 22, 2016, 01:10:27 am

<I still haven't managed to figure out why you can't be direct about what you think Charlie has in mind... wait a sec, is the right word can't or won't?>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: chaotic skies on March 25, 2016, 11:16:45 am

<<Can I join this? Maybe?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Toaster on March 25, 2016, 04:40:28 pm

((Yep.  No real waitlist; instructions are in OP.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 04:43:37 pm

Yeah, so Knospasaki looks like the most sensible next stop. Need to loot the dragon's lair! And it's practically on the way, too!

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: chaotic skies on March 25, 2016, 04:51:43 pm

<<Cool. I'm going to go write up a character I like, be back in a bit.>>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 04:53:51 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 04:43:37 pm

Yeah, so Knospasaki looks like the most sensible next stop. Need to loot the dragon's lair! And it's practically on the way, too!

No, it's not even close. we have to go farther away from our destination to go there.
Circle around Areloggez and then continue heading east.
"Quit it with the stupid dragon lair greed Ike, you're just trying to get yourself into trouble for material things that we can't even take with us."
If the party ends up splitting I pass the map to Ike beforehand.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 05:13:58 pm

"Not greed, thoroughness. What if the thing we're looking for is actually in the dragon's hole rather than the pass of the nethers? Besides, climate's much milder in that direction, I hear. And there's more forests! I like forests, you know. We can either check two things on the way or go the long way around and then possibly return back the whole long way."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 05:22:56 pm

"There is no reason to think our quarry is there. The only reason it was even brought up was you asked, specifically, about dragons. You just want to go dragon-hunting."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 05:28:12 pm

"Still a point of interest. What we're looking for is basically a dragon, after all. Or something that might be interested in binding itself to/eating a dragon. Why do you think what we're looking for is at Nether Pass, aside from 'it's the furthest thing on the map, so the rules of gamey narrative demand we explore that-a-way'? There's no reason to think it's anywhere. We have two leads, both roughly as good. This way we explore them both."

"Besides, not sure if you've noticed, but magical dragonloot wouldn't go amiss in our party of largely ill-equipped dumbasses. While hoping that Alan nukes the shit out of everything has worked out perfectly thus far, not sure that'll work on the final boss."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 05:47:01 pm

"We have a time-sensitive last-known-location that points nowhere near there, and you want to waste time going to sate your greed because it *might* want to kill the nearest big thing. That's not even remotely as good of a lead. that's a pointless wild guess that we can follow up after we run out of actual leads. The dragon isn't going anywhere."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 05:48:28 pm

"Might have gone somewhere already. Didn't the guy say it had gone quiet as of late?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 06:15:26 pm

"His 'of late' was in reference to recent years, not recent days. So, maybe, but we have no evidence yet. and even if it has left, we could find evidence there to show where it's going."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 06:25:10 pm

"I'm actually not sure what time frames we're dealing with on this entity bullshit. I think I asked at some point, but I forgot the exact answer. In any case, I guess you've got a bit of a point in that River did have a good feeling about the pass, though who knows if that's a very accurate hint."

"However, in the interests of fairness I'll still defer to Alan's judgment. What say you, Alan? Shall we go southeast, or east? Southeast's got a further-away town, but it's got a more pleasant climate and it's presumably not where these guards we killed were from. East's got a close-by town, but we can't visit the dragon's hole on the way. We'll probably find River's Great Enemy at the end either way. Or not, depending on how wrong we are on our collective guesses."

Obtain Alan's input on this crucial decision.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 06:53:30 pm

"Um, you want Alan to be a voice of reason. Yeah... no. Ike, I'm not voting on this, here's what's happening. I'm going to go towards our actual objective. You either are or aren't going to go with me. If I have to solo it, then I guess I'll be razing the pass to the ground."

---

"Theri? Zech? Do either of you have any input to give on this?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 25, 2016, 07:51:20 pm

((Busyness does not make for a quick-to-respond DAF. Or a normal-response DAF. Or even a late-response DAF...))

"No, nobody's going solo on this. It was already bad enough before when we split up. Nikolai got killed because of it. We're already fragile as we are. We don't need to make things harder for ourselves. We can't be establishing pointless divisions between ourselves either. We have to agree on something. It's not like we're in an urgent hurry, anyway.

I think that going with Ike's idea might be the best. We don't need to be faster than we can carry ourselves, and we might find more clues as to where we're really supposed to go with the Dragon's Lair. If not, it doesn't hurt us that much anyway. It's still on the way to the pass. We don't need to kill, or steal, or do any of that at the Dragon's Lair. Besides, if there's something we can figure out at the Lair, it will take us even longer to get back there if we go through the Pass first. Going through the Dragon's Lair first isn't as drastic."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 08:33:34 pm

"What could we possibly find there? There is zero evidence our quarry is there. All we'll do is give it more time to fortify itself."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Xantalos on March 25, 2016, 08:57:25 pm

Alan decides to decide based on the best decision-making process.

Spin in circles until I get dizzy, pointing one arm out! Whichever direction I end up pointing in when I fall down and vomit is where we go.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 09:09:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 25, 2016, 08:57:25 pm

Alan decides to decide based on the best decision-making process.

Spin in circles until I get dizzy, pointing one arm out! Whichever direction I end up pointing in when I fall down and vomit is where we go.

Whichever of the two sensible options he lands closest to, take that one!

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 25, 2016, 09:25:25 pm

"I've no idea, but it doesn't sound like we're guaranteed to find much at the pass, either." Zechariah thinks for a moment. "How urgent is it that we hurry to the pass first? If you think it's crucial that we get there fast in order to find something, then we should go to the pass. Otherwise, the Dragon's Lair offers us more options in the future."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 09:44:55 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 25, 2016, 09:25:25 pm

"I've no idea, but it doesn't sound like we're guaranteed to find much at the pass, either." Zechariah thinks for a moment. "How urgent is it that we hurry to the pass first? If you think it's crucial that we get there fast in order to find something, then we should go to the pass. Otherwise, the Dragon's Lair offers us more options in the future."

"What. Options. It's completely pointless to go there. It has. absolutely. nothing. of value."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 25, 2016, 09:54:10 pm

"We don't know that. We don't know if it could contain the answers or if it's absolutely worthless. The point that I - that Ike - was trying to make was that we would then know what's contained there. If there's nothing, we have a clear path, and that's to the pass. This is assuming, though, that we're not time-critical right now. I need to know whether or not whatever we could find at the pass will be there long. If not, then the pass is the only option. If it will be there for some time, then the Dragon's Lair will be a better path in terms of time usage."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 10:39:34 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 25, 2016, 09:54:10 pm

"We don't know that. We don't know if it could contain the answers or if it's absolutely worthless. The point that I - that Ike - was trying to make was that we would then know what's contained there. If there's nothing, we have a clear path, and that's to the pass. This is assuming, though, that we're not time-critical right now. I need to know whether or not whatever we could find at the pass will be there long. If not, then the pass is the only option. If it will be there for some time, then the Dragon's Lair will be a better path in terms of time usage."

"We don't know if it's time-critical or not. If our arrival has spooked our prey, then we need to get there soonest to find evidence of where it went. If it hasn't, then we still want to arrive there before word of us reaches it. However, yes, our arrival time might not matter. I don't know. I just see delay as a pointless extra risk, and I suspect Ike is going to cause trouble once we're there."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 11:09:49 pm

"Cause trouble? That's a bit uncharitable of you, no?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2016, 11:11:19 pm

"So was murdering those scouts that had no gripe with us."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 25, 2016, 11:23:04 pm

"To be fair, they did attempt to murder Nikki first. Besides, I only killed like one wizard, maybe like one or two other guys, depending on how you count it. Rest was mostly their own work and some kind of sabotage. Honestly, the whole affair reminded me of a certain previous altercation which I hope I need not remind you of."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2016, 12:18:46 am

"Then why do you want to go to the Dragon's hole if not to murder an innocent being and loot his home?"

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2016, 12:40:10 am

"Irine, stop being accusatory. Ike and Nikolai ran away because they didn't want to risk being caught at the general's house. I don't think they went out of their way to just kill people. That would have helped nobody. The point of the Dragon's hole is that we might be able to find something, and if not, then we wouldn't have lost much time to go to the pass." Zechariah looks toward Ike. "Ike is very.. apathetic sometimes, but he's not senseless. Neither of them, Nikolai nor Ike, would risk our mission - and their rewards from the mission - just for blood. We're not enemies, we're supposed to be allies; if we are to survive, that's how we'll have to work.

"I still think that going through the Dragon's Lair, looking around, and then going to the pass is the safest option. I don't think we'll be particularly hurt by doing so. If you have fears about Ike killing people, we will all be there to protect and manage each other."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2016, 01:07:17 am

"Not unless you can give at least one reason to go there beyond 'because we can'. We could find something out by going back to the City we started in too. maybe. Just 'there might be something' with no reason to actually think there is something there is not a real reason."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2016, 01:34:12 am

"We wouldn't go back to the City because it's far more complex of a target and could potentially be populated by guards. We're not exactly on friendly terms with the guards right now, so that's why we wouldn't go back there. The Dragon's lair, on the other hand, isn't likely to have guards. May it have people or beasts that want to kill us? Probably. But the area will be more secluded and out of the way. We'll get time to rest if we need to. It's still on the way to the pass, we're not in a hurry, and we may just find some things or information that will be useful to us. Do I have any guarantee about that? No. But I'd rather do that than find out later that we need to waste triple the time to check that area again for something we missed."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2016, 02:02:29 am

"So in other words, you don't have a single reason to go there, just excuses for why it isn't a bad place to go. I never said it was a bad place to go. It's just the wrong way and we have no reason to go there. Waste your time if you want, but I won't be with you when you do."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2016, 02:22:05 am

Zechariah sighs with frustration. "Why are you so adamant about this? What time will we be wasting there? We'll still be able to get to the Nether Pass from there without doubling back. If we don't find anything when we get through the Pass, then what?" He looks down at the ground, raises a hand to his face, and waves away.

"I'm not going to argue for the sake of arguing. If you're really that confident that it's not worth it, then let's just go to the pass."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2016, 02:29:23 am

"Because you can make that excuse for every single physically possible detour. If there's something to learn or gain, then sure, why not? But the only reason to go there is Ike wants to meet a dragon. We aren't looking for a dragon. That's a town named after a dragon that's been there a long time. Even if our target could be mistaken for a dragon, it wouldn't be there because it hasn't been here long enough for the town to be named after it. After we've completed our objective, then if people want to sightsee there's no reason not to. I'll be fine with going there after we either get a reason to go there, or we complete our mission, or even if we just are forced to stop for a while and are in the area. But now? No."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2016, 02:41:18 am

Zechariah leans on his staff and exhales. After a few moments, he nods and says, "I understand. We should go to Nether Pass."

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2016, 07:54:32 am

The voice in Irine's mind gives his opinion to her:
<I know my opinion doesn't hold much weight since I'm just a voice in your head, but I don't see why we shouldn't take a route that's a bit longer but also safer. It's not like you've been doing very good so far, what with so many brushes with death. And hey, if we're lucky, River will die on the way and we won't even have to reach the end of this journey.
...
On the other hand, with your luck, every moment you spend here is deadly, so, you know... maybe which way you go doesn't make that much of a difference in the end.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on March 26, 2016, 08:32:24 am

Quote from: Irine on March 25, 2016, 06:53:30 pm

"Theri? Zech? Do either of you have any input to give on this?"

"I think we should trust our host and continue along the path marked by him." Theri replied, heavily implying that she was voting against Ike's proposal after a long period of silence and letting everyone else speak.

"Besides that, Irine has a good point. We're more topographically sure about one location than the other, and as an aside, I can make a good scout and take a day or so ahead of the rest of you to check the path. Next is River; we need him, he needs us, we have no idea where he is, he supposedly is going to the place we most likely knew. Which isn't in your suggestion, Ike. I apologize."

Act as forward scout either way; really vote heading along with Irine's choice.

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2016, 12:14:12 pm

When D said his piece to me my stance shifted from the defiant one I'd had earlier to first closing my eyes tightly, and then my muscles relaxing and my overall posture drooping, but before I could speak up, Theri cast her vote.

---

<Y-you're a lot more than that D. You're huge, universe-spanning huge. But more importantly, you're my links. All of them. You matter a ton to me.>
I hold on to D through our linkage, effectively hugging him / sending him some of my strength.
<I... I don't know how to back down now, not after everything I said, and getting people to agree with me. Theri even made a good point about finding River. I... I don't know what to do.>

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 28, 2016, 12:07:23 am

<Hehe. Yeah, I know, I'm awesome. But even so, to you, I might as well be just a voice in your head. And you're not that bad yourself. So, you know, be cool and do what you think is best for you and your friends. I'm with you either way.>

((Sorry. Haven't had much time. Unless there are objections, I'll get you going towards wherever you voted to go (which seems to be the eastern road), once I'm done with starting the other mission.

Fun fact: One of my parents is from a village whose name translates to Dragon's hole. So I've based the name and look of the surrounding area on that small village. It was always fun listening to the stories old people would say about that place.))

Title: Re: Special People: Wacky Death Rave
Post by: Tiruin on April 02, 2016, 02:00:26 am

((No objections here :) Please enjoy your rest days Parisbre/everyone else!))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2016, 01:14:29 pm

---

After the End

---

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 17, 2016, 03:48:28 pm

I'm going.

How about... Underwater parts, Geothermal vents

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on March 17, 2016, 03:50:14 pm

I'm going, right?

Timing puzzles, hardlight, portals.

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 17, 2016, 04:07:11 pm

Driving, Apocalyptic Destruction, and Panic

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 17, 2016, 04:09:10 pm

Saevus would probably like something he's familiar with, so I suggest Ruins, Medieval.

Quote from: Toaster on March 17, 2016, 04:45:31 pm

((On a highway, where we're ON the vehicles, not in them.))

Heh. Thanks. I love highway chases. Movies, games. Especially when people are on vehicles. Everything from the Matrix to Bunnykill (https://youtu.be/ObPvY4tVC_c?t=3m57s).

Quote from: Beirus on March 17, 2016, 05:55:31 pm

For the Arena:
Wooden, Tacos

Quote from: Zormod on March 17, 2016, 06:36:13 pm

Technobabble, Alien, Orbital.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 17, 2016, 06:46:04 pm

((Idea tosses:))
Plants vs. Zombies.
It's raining houses.
Time fluxes.

Quote from: Alarith on March 18, 2016, 10:45:10 am

Underwater base or city

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 18, 2016, 11:38:30 am

<Svajoklis>
Spaceship, military base, Mad scientist lab-castle.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 17, 2016, 04:45:31 pm

Establishing host control. Standby...

"You sure that's tight?"
Burning fat.
"Yeah, I've got him nice and tight."
"Good. Keep your eyes on him."
"Don't worry. With the stuff I've given him, he won't be moving for hours."
Bone against bone. Click click.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, yeah, I said it's fine. I'm telling you, sleeping will be the least of his worries when he wakes up. Damn. You're stupidly careful today."
"Eh, well..."
Vibrations. Some stronger.

"What do you think the boss wants with him?"
"Sell him probably."
"Hm. Maybe. But-"
"Shhh!"
Shuffling. Metal creaks and slides.
"Uh... Hey boss! Everything good back here!"
"Yep. Everything fine! As you can see, we-"
&&"Did he wake up?"&&

Silence. Touching you.
"Nope. Still out. I've-"
&&"Then wake him."&&
"Right away."
Shaking you.
"Hey, wake up!"
Hitting you.
"Wake up!"
Stabbing you.
"Damn bastard, you-!"
&&"Stop."&&

Opens your eyelids. He sees. Danger. You see. Opportunity.
&&"Who sent you?"&&
Low light. Two holding you. Deformed. Third speaking. Anomaly.
&&"I know what you are. Haven't seen this in years."&&
Another hit. Different.
&&"Where did you come from?"&&
Small room. Rusty. Two doors, large. No reflections.
&&"Where is it?"&&
Another hit. Cold.
&&"Tell me!"&&
Another. Very cold.
&&"I know you can hear me!"&&
More. You have to get out. They're waiting.
&&"I want out!"&&
Eyes open as he is about to hit you. He pauses.
Silence. You look at each other. His dark eyes, floating in the air.
You slip blades under the ropes. Too slow.
&&"Well?"&&
Smoke and light in the corner. Ready. You think.
&&"If you won't speak. Then I have no use for you."&&
Old gun. But it will work. When against your head. Just stop it for a second.
Just need the syringe.
"Wait."
He tenses.
"I can take you to it."
He twists his gun as he thinks.
That's all you need.

Explosions and light and heat. Close and far.
Blood falling on your eye. Too close.
You fall back. The syringe punches through your back and straight into your heart.
That's all you need.

A collection of jagged metal pieces appears in the air, forming scales that float there with the help of your telekinesis, just in time for them to deflect the shrimp-like stinger trying to stab your head. You kick the cheap plastic chair and slide out of the way as it breaks through the flimsy barrier with another strike.

The brute rushes you, trying to shove you against a wall. You form a plate of scrap to block his sight, take a step to the side and the moment he breaks through the plate, you launch a self-heating nail to his head and use his momentum to shove him against the wall.

You turn to face the anomaly that has just now recovered from the chair striking his legs, launching an electric disk at him. The shrimp-man manages to free his stinger from where it was embedded on the floor just in time to get in the way. The anomaly pauses for less than a second before shoving the corpse towards you.

You push the corpse away from you just in time to dodge the dark distortion coming your way. You try to summon but it fizzles and fails, sparks flying into the dark vortex. So you dodge the old fashioned way and hit the floor.

In that time the anomaly has slid open a small metal door on the other side of the small room, pushing away the burning corpse that was blocking him and taking your weakness with him. In his place is...
A bomb! (https://youtu.be/_Gb0bu2vsuA)
Unlock the door and-
Shit! Jump!

Highway 2: Aldrin Interchange

Quote from: Zormod on March 17, 2016, 06:36:13 pm

You watch the stranger stumble for a moment as he realizes where he is. Despite his apparent vigour and strength, he is still affected. But his confusion doesn't last long enough. A step materializes underneath his foot, letting him jump away from the road. The van behind him explodes a moment later. He smashes against the car following him, partially going through the windshield. The two men inside look at him in shock.

&&"Get him you idiots!"&& you yell at them. But the stranger is quicker. The airbags explode, stunning them, while the car swerves to avoid the burning vehichle in front of it that is now rapidly slowing down. The passenger's seatbelt starts strangling him. The driver reaches for his gun. The stranger jumps to the side, grabs the opening door and slides the driver's chair out.

You twist your vortex to get a better look. He is still holding on. You take out your gun and try to aim at where you think he is in relation to you. It's hard when you can barely see through your human eyes. But practice has given you a good idea of how to do it. You empty your clip and manage to hit one of the car's tires with one of the bullets. It's slowing down, getting further away. But he still won't give up. He jumps in the vehichle, out of the windshield and on the hood, where he starts summoning something.

You stand up, brace yourself and gather your strength. You bring your vortex in front of you and maginfy it as much as you dare. A moment later, a beam of light arcs through the air and disappears inside the vortex, inside your eyes.

You stumble as the world around you shifts and distorts, the darkness clawing at your vision. The wind pushes you, making you fall on the van's roof. You try to hold on.

You can't take much more of this.
&&"Drive! Faster!"&& you try to yell at the van's driver.
You've got to get the fuck out of here.

<Synchronization complete.>
<Primary objective: Eliminate all other players. Be the last player standing.>
<Alternate Primary objective: Hidden.>

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on March 17, 2016, 03:50:14 pm

Establishing host control. Standby...

Breathe in. Breathe out. Adjust the scope.

You wait for the time, looking at your target, listening to the wind, the groaning of the thin plastic scaffold and the occasional sound carried up here by the wind.
You don't like to look. You aren't used to this place. Feels too large and too small at the same time. In the wrong way.

The time comes and goes, but the signal doesn't.
Where is he? You're running out of time.

A distant rumbling. Orange light reflected off the window your target sits behind.

You look away for a moment. It's not your signal. Down there, in one of the large roads running through the biosphere compartments, there has been a large explosion, fire burning under a small mushroom of black smoke.

You look back at your target. Barriers are closing.
Shit. This is your last chance.
Take the shot or don't?
Either could end in death and destruction for all.
You decide to take it. You'll find a way.
The bright beam of light cuts through the air.
But in the time it has taken for your body to respond to your command, for your hesitant brain to send the nerve impulse, for it to travel to your muscles,  the man has moved away. A small change, just an inch, but at this distance...
You catch a glimpse of the shocked expression of the man with the now half-burnt face before the barrier closes. You feel quite similar. In shock, taking a moment to realise what just happened, how unlucky you were to have your target move at the exact moment you fired.

Some workers are looking at you. And among them, someone dressed differently. Someone armed.

Things are going downhill very quickly.

Trans-Orbital Cannon Assembly: Level 245

Quote from: Alarith on March 18, 2016, 10:45:10 am

You saw the beam of ionized air, you heard it explode. It's been a long time since you heard that noise. It brings back memories.
You raise your weapon out of instinct.
"You! Freeze!"
You don't know what happened. Where he shot. If he shot him.

He turns his weapon towards you. You fire, the shots making holes in the plastic, pieces of it breaking off, plastic shrapnel mixed with blood flying through the air. But a moment later, the blood disappears. He falls through the broken plastic sheet and onto the one below him. He sweeps the gun towards you, firing a beam of light, the plasma blinding you and melting through the scaffolding with a loud buzzing noise. Many fall. You mentally hold the collapsing scafolding steady, just long enough to jump to a steady platform.

He used that chance to retreat. He's in the cannon now. You can feel his echo, a trail left through the air.
You don't know what he did. You don't know what he knows. You don't know in how much danger you or anyone else is.
Through there, he could quickly get down and then away. Do more damage.
You can't let him get away.

<Synchronization complete.>
<Primary objective: Eliminate all other players. Be the last player standing.>
<Alternate Primary objective: Hidden.>

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 18, 2016, 11:38:30 am

Establishing host control. Standby...

You stare at the towers, lights and reflections on white plastic against the dark background. Their bottoms are dark. Stripped of plastic, their metal skeletons exposed, making them look like matchsticks stuck on the ground. Not that many people would understand this analogy. Haven't seen a matchstick for years down here. and whatever makeshift schools are working down here have better things to deal with than stories about a world that is now dead.

You don't think there's much of any sort of wood left in this place, now that you think about it. If it wasn't for that one desk, you think you'd had forgotten about how it feels by now. No, not many of the young people would understand. They would be much more likely to understand the analogy if you compared them to cigarette butts. Even in the worst of conditions, people still want to smoke. And manage to do so apparently, although what they do smoke, you're really not that sure. You guess bad habits die hard. If only they showed the same dedication to things that actually mattered.

Compartment 1. The brightest part of the city, but still shitty. And it gets worse from there. Compartment 2. Factories stripped of plastic to make shantytowns. Compartment 3. The Flooded Compartment, the tunnels running under it getting worse every day, creating swamp-like arreas in adjacent compartments. Comparment 4. Filled with cramped houses and rotting life support infrastructure that's barely enough to give you food one can eat safely. Comparment 5. A smog-filled and irradiated hole that's all that's keeping the lights on. And so on with the rest. But this slowly dying city is all you have. You regularly look out of here, the only place other than the Cannon overlooking all compartments, to remind yourself of that.

Or at least it was all you had, until recently. Now there is something else. A way out. Now all you have to do is wait.

A distant explosion catches your attention. What the hell is going on down there?
You're not taking any chances. Not with the way things are.
"Computer. Lockdown." you say as you take one final look before turning around.
Better investigate-

A moment later, you are down on the floor and your face is burning, along with a large part of the room.
There's beeping, flashing lights. Bolts lock.
You think... Something bad.
Gas. It starts flooding the room just as you remember about it. Or was it the other way around?
You force yourself to get up. The flashing light guides you to the gas mask.
You just need a few seconds of breathing, of protection from the cold and the lack of oxygen.
A few moments later, ventilation is clearing the room, bringing it back to the way it was... Except for the large gash surrounded by snapped wires and molten metal on the floor and the molten hole in the window. Those are new.

You sit down on the throne-like chair in the center of the room, surrounded by screens and keyboards, and rest your arms on the armrests. With a few taps, a mask descends and starts working on fixing your face. With a few more taps you access whatever cameras are still working in the highway.

You catch a glimpse of them speeding by a camera. It's... that weapon. It's the same as the one that shot at you, but not as good. Disposable. And he's fighting... You don't know. The computer gives you a name and an occupation, but it's just meaningless. Outdated and unhelpful information. All you can tell from that glimpse is that he's an anomaly.
You can't deal with this now. With a few taps, you send a drone to deal with it instead.

And that beam... It came from the Cannon. What cameras do you have in the area? On the ceiling of the biosphere? Yes, one of the wide area cameras. You can't see many details, but you can see where the shot came from. The scaffolding from one of the repair points. It's on fire now. Another camera, closer. One of the guards you assigned there is running. Hopefully chasing whoever shot you. Now where is the shooter? Inside the cannon? Yes, from the looks of it.
Can't let him be in there.
Send another drone or two to deal with it. No explosives on this one.

A red window on the edge of the screen catches your attention.
Activating Keres array...
Checking missile status...
Ker online. Uptime 5 days 8 hours.
Stygere offline.
Akhlys online. Uptime-
The list continues. They are many. As many as you had time for, after you decided to go through with this. And even one is enough.
No, no, no...
Stop.
Unauthorized.
What? That can't-
Try again. Stop.
Unauthorized.
Why?
The order is incompatible with higher level directives.
What directives?
Unauthorized.
Whose directives?
Unauthorized.
Damn computer.
I put those things up there. They're mine. I am ordering you to take them down.
Unauthorized.
If you use those missiles, humans will die.
No response.
People in this city will die.
No response.
You have to protect humans. Correct?
No response.
Grrhh...
Need to think about it in another way.
What clearence is needed to cancel that order?
Military.
Fuck. This can't be happening.
List military.
Unauthorized.
You know the answer. There is no military.
Open communication with Pandeia. Maybe you could warn them-
Unauthorized.
You run your hands through your hair, trying to avoid the mask covering half your face.
This isn't good.
Idiots. All idiots.
Why did they have to come?
Why didn't they listen to you? Do what you asked?
Why isn't this damn machine listening to you?
All you wanted was to be left alone. In peace.
If everyone had done what you asked... If everyone had just. followed. orders.
But some people. They want to destroy it all. Everything you have left. For them, the war still goes on.
You guess you were right. Bad habits die hard.

For a moment you fear about getting blamed for all this. But it doesn't matter now. You'll worry about it if- when you are safe.
You bring the radio close to your mouth and push the button.

Central: Level 132

Quote from: Hawk132 on March 17, 2016, 04:09:10 pm

You rise out of your slumber.
Pushed out of your tank.
Now put inside the elevator. Going up.
Fluid still dripping.
The door opens.

: -repeat, the AI is not to be trusted. It is erratic. It has turned on us- :
The guard looks up from his radio and to you.
"Shit."
"What the fuck is wrong with that drone?" the one next to him asks.
A crossbow appears on your arm.
You try to speak but only a strange noise comes out.
They raise their weapons.
Traitors. Eliminate.
The guards fire.
The bullets stop mid-air.
One guard is pinned to the wall by a bolt and then falls when it vanishes a moment later.
The other is crushed against it by a wave of force.
Targets eliminated.
: -listening, you need to make your way to the communications array and contact- :
You step on the radio, crushing it.
Now, you have to stop someone. You can feel it
The traitor is in here. Somewhere beyond this lobby. You can tell. You can feel it.

<Synchronization complete.>
<Primary objective: Eliminate all other players. Be the last player standing.>
<Alternate Primary objective: Hidden.>

---

Quote from: Salsacookies on March 17, 2016, 04:07:11 pm

Establishing host control. Standby...

You don't know what you're doing in here. Walking in the ruins of this place.
But the boss told you to search, so you search.
They said they found something here. Something valuable, related to the past. You don't care very much. There's no use poking into the past. It's gone, isn't it?
You don't know what he expects you to find. This place is a maze. And people who come in here tend to not come back right, if they come back at all.
You avoid a bundle of cut wire and the fluid surrounding it.
You don't even know why you're following his orders. Sure, he's scary, but you're scarier. You should probably be boss, now that you think about it. Yeah, you should do that. When you get back. Or maybe right now? Hmmm.

You are distracted from your thoughts by the green glow up ahead. Someone else in here? Or just more broken lights? You hide your glowstick in your pocket, just in case. But as it turns out, it is unnecessary. The room beyond is like a very long corridor, with a large open circular section in the middle. The door you go through is on one side of the corridor. Rusty machines and broken robotic arms line the walls, with the occasional door between them. In the central part of the corridor there is a gap, revealing dark murky waters below. There are weeds growing down there, blinking their glowing white eyes at you occasionally.

The light is coming from the centre of the room. There is a broken pipe in the ceiling. More of that black sludge is dripping through it. Water is coming through one of the walls, next to a circular watertight door. It has a strange green hue to it. As the two mix, the water bubbles and a green glow is emitted, making this room quite brighter than the rest. No use getting close to investigate. Probably gonna turn you green too, if you touch it. Should probably watch your step too. The concrete here is rotten, the metal rusty. And you're not exactly light. Strain this thing too much and you could find yourself bathing in that stuff.

What is interesting is a trail of that glowing green water, leading out of the puddle and towards the other end of the hallway. Hm. Maybe there will be more of those giant roaches around here, like the ones that attacked you earlier. That was a fun distraction while it lasted.

Compartment 3: Maintenence Tunnels

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 17, 2016, 06:46:04 pm

You lie down and cough as hard as you can, trying to get the water out of your lungs. That was close. Too close.
Those things. They were alive. They grabbed you.
Could they really be humans? Their hands... Their faces... They looked like....

You lean against the the wall and try to calm down. You close your eyes. The cold isn't helping. Making you shiver. You try to dry yourself up as best as you can, but it's like that stuff is clinging to you.

After a while, you get up, rub your hand against the wall to dry it up as best you can and reach for your watertight container. Glowstick, yes please, might even warm you if you're lucky. Food, you don't need that, your stomach feels like it's trying to come out of your mouth. The black sticks are for later. And the map. That's probably important.

You check your watch. You've wasted too much time here. It might even be too late. But you can't just give up. You need to keep going. And hope for the best.

You start walking, using the glowstick to get a better look at the synth-paper. If the plans you got were given are right, then there should be a way to access the AI core from somewhere around here. A very big if. And that's not counting the chance that you've not been reading this right or that a passage has been blocked or that you missed a turn. Hopefully you won't have to swim through that stuff again. It's making your skin crawl. They said you're immune now, but you just can't believe them for some reason. Even if it wasn't for that stuff, it would still be weird. People aren't meant to swim.

You something somewhere behind you. A rumbling. Like something heavy walking.
That doesn't sound good.

<Synchronization complete.>
<Primary objective: Eliminate all other players. Be the last player standing.>
<Alternate Primary objective: Hidden.>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on March 17, 2016, 03:48:28 pm

Establishing host control. Standby...

It's the first time you felt like going up every since you woke up. But now you regret not having gone up earlier. Flying here is quite fun. It's wide open and filled with heat and smoke. It allows you to glide and shift and fly in long straight lines, eating insects by the dozens. Even though the ceiling here is so low you have to be careful not to touch the rocks.

But right now you're hunting something else. You saw it, like you saw your prey other times in the past. And you somehow know where it is. You land in front of the building and shift into something more comfortable. But you keep the wings. You've grown fond of them.

The panel chimes and the door politely opens. You know it's the right way when the door opens. You walk inside, letting out pulses of vision and trying to ignore the distracting shouts of the people around you. Turn right, then left, then... Hmm... Yes, this is it. The door opens for you with a hiss of rushing air. Inside are men, playing with machines. They all look scared stiff, easy meals, but you don't really feel like eating them. Maybe if you get hungry later. Now, where was your prey?

Compartment 6: Cannon Payload Assembly

Quote from: Beirus on March 17, 2016, 05:55:31 pm

You walk through the streets and watch the people you've never seen before pass by you. You were scared when you first got here. But it's like they're not even seeing you.
You've walked through them for all this time. You thought you'd feel something. Something beyond this urge they gave you when they made you.

You disappear inside a door. From there it's a ladder, and then a tunnel and from there a vent.
You drop down in a storage area. It looks like this is it. You peek through the door, just to make sure.
Yes, this is it. All the materials. Nozzles. Fins. Casings. Circuit boards. And all the people assembling them, in their once-clean but now stained white suits and bright white boxes. Creating the weapons your makers are afraid of.
You don't know if this is really everything, but it should be enough. Enough to qualify. Enough to stop the urge.

You are about to burst in when the door on the other side of the room opens and what looks like a demon walks in. A humanoid with bat wings, a deformed eyeless face and black-green sludge dripping from gashes on its abdomen. As can be expected, the people in the room don't look very happy to see it. Well, if they think this is bad... wait till they see you.

<Synchronization complete.>
<Primary objective: Eliminate all other players. Be the last player standing.>
<Alternate Primary objective: Hidden.>

---

OOC

For this mission, the area is dangerous, but not too dangerous. I've put you close to each other, but not that close. I'm counting on the players and the starting situations to lead to the inevitable destruction of everything. If experience has taught me anything, it won't take long.

EDIT: I think I fixed most mistakes. One or two might have made it through.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on April 10, 2016, 01:18:45 pm

"Armokdammit!"

Get my bearings and be very careful of the shooty guy!

Like, if he goes to shoot me, shoot back.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 10, 2016, 01:21:10 pm

Shift my nose into that of an animal. Use that body-part to help me locate my target. At the same time, use some biomass to develop those poisonous gas body-parts that I have in my skills. Release poison into the room, and attempt to kill or knock out anyone nearby.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 10, 2016, 02:09:32 pm

<Svajoklis>

"Info comes first, then we get to the dangerous part."

Drain what information I can from the computer. Seek places where I am likely to find weapons, armor or helpers. Afterwards, inspect myself for any weapons I might have to hand.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 10, 2016, 02:21:06 pm

"What in the- well this is interesting. Hopefully I will find some foes to CRUSH!"

Kosak flexes his muscles, then looks around the area. It's always a good idea to know one's surroundings. And one's circumstances.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on April 10, 2016, 03:44:18 pm

"Death to the traitor."

Summon a shield&repeater crossbow combo. Search for the traitor.

((Paris, I took a look at my upgrade sheet to refresh myself on my current abilities and it looks like I have a point unspent. I looked at my PMs and it turns out I did send you one where I tell you where I want it spent. Did you just forget to change the sheet? Or did my PM not arrive?))

EDIT:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2016, 01:14:29 pm

Central: Level 132

((I saw what you did there.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on April 10, 2016, 04:52:58 pm

Bryan

Bryan thinks to himself,
A guard, a pursuer, more favorable to being a traitor. Though still not as good as infiltrating. Easier though, except when I was supposed to protect Joanna I failed. Got overpowerd. Maybe this time will be different than all the times before. Like Joanna, like Lauren. The emotions are barely dulled from everything that's happened since then.

Bryan shakes himself out of it. It's time to move.

Pursue and track the shooter, he's aware of my presence already so active detection should be fine. Stay out of his sight if possible

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on April 10, 2016, 08:11:45 pm

((Was I supposed to get a second section?  I never got the final Zero blurb for my character.))


((EDIT:  Upon second look, I'm guessing I got everything I was supposed to.  Running as such.))

That bastard's not getting away that easily.  I've never given up before.

If there's a more intact vehicle to jump to, do so.  In any case, let's get some light armor.  Bullet resistance is good.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on April 10, 2016, 11:13:30 pm

Steady myself, reload if I can. Try to move my vortex a bit further away.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 21, 2016, 05:24:56 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Tiruin on March 26, 2016, 08:32:24 am

Quote from: Irine on March 25, 2016, 06:53:30 pm

"Theri? Zech? Do either of you have any input to give on this?"

"I think we should trust our host and continue along the path marked by him." Theri replied, heavily implying that she was voting against Ike's proposal after a long period of silence and letting everyone else speak.

"Besides that, Irine has a good point. We're more topographically sure about one location than the other, and as an aside, I can make a good scout and take a day or so ahead of the rest of you to check the path. Next is River; we need him, he needs us, we have no idea where he is, he supposedly is going to the place we most likely knew. Which isn't in your suggestion, Ike. I apologize."

Act as forward scout either way; really vote heading along with Irine's choice.

You take point and start leading the group to your chosen destination.

---

You detour around the town and continue towards the east. You stay away from the road, but keep it in your sight, using it as a landmark to aid you in your navigation. You try to use the terrain to your advantage, putting small differences in elevation between you and the road to make it harder for others to notice you. You can see people moving through it occasionally. Hopefully they don't see you back.

You continue walking even after the sun sets and the moon rises. Your eyes adjust after a while and with the help of those in your group more capable of navigating in those low light conditions, you are able to continue moving through the shadows and dark shapes around you. Hm. Now that you mentioned dark shapes... There is something in front of you. It can't be a mountain or a hill, there weren't any nearby according to the map, unless you got lost in this darkness. But you can see a dark shape against the moonlit sky.

Walking starts getting difficult as you get closer to it. There are twisted sheets of metal and broken wooden beams and torn pieces of cloth on the ground, causing you to trip or scratching your legs with sharp edges and nails. And as you get closer, you start encountering larger and larger ones, to the point where they are as tall as trees or larger. Your pace slows down to a crawl, so you decide it might be best to wait until morning and decide a course of action then. Even if it weren't for all those things on the ground making walking slow and dangerous, it would probably still be a good idea to take a break. You've been walking for almost half a day and half a night. A very stressful day. Everyone is tired and hungry. Alan especially.

You eat and drink whatever rations you have on hand accompanied by a sizable portion of junk food summoned by Alan (chips and some sort of spicy dressing). While you eat your late dinner, you examine the surroundings of your temporary shelter. Whatever it is, it probably hasn't been here long. The pieces have only now started accumulating a covering of dust and dirt.

You can see the glow of fires in the distance, hidden behind one of the bigger things in your way. Ike and Theri help each other climb one of the metal pieces, where their new vantage point reveals the light is coming from some sort of camp. There's a few fires burning, both mundane and magical, and pieces of cloth covering holes in hollow pieces of metal that probably act as dwellings.

A quick look on the map doesn't reveal anything close to the point you think you are. There's another town further down the road towards the east, a drawing of a squiggly circle with an I coming out of it somewhere to your southeast and something that looks like watchtower towards the northeast. Whatever this place is, it's not on the map. After that, it's a long stretch of mostly empty land and then a few more villages as you get closer to your destination.

...

The night is quite uneventful. Ike discovers some human smells during his watch, but none of them fresh. And while the insects crawling around are annoying, the turn out to not be dangerous.

When morning comes, you discover what you could had guessed last night. This place is the remains of... something. The pieces of debris have been launched for hundreds of metres in all directions, forming small craters wherever they got embedded on the ground. What's left of the massive thing lies in three gigantic pieces, one of them blocking the road (not blocking you from continuing though, you'd simply have to go around or through it). Whatever it was, it was definitely man made. You can tell, both by the occasional object you find (pipes, gears, spheres, chairs, etc.), the way the materials have been processed and the general structure of the thing, since it was apparently made out of many compartments, many that look hollow and a few that look like rooms

---

After the End

---

Trans-Orbital Cannon Assembly: Level 245

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on April 10, 2016, 01:18:45 pm

"Armokdammit!"

Get my bearings and be very careful of the shooty guy!

Like, if he goes to shoot me, shoot back.

You're in one of the maintenance access ports of the cannon. A small door leading from the scaffolding outside to the thin, hollow and quite claustrophobic outer layer of the cannon. The door is the most prominent source of light, blinding you to the rare red led light strip that you know should exist every dozen metres or so.

The outer surface (which is mostly made out of frighteningly thin plastic with some metal supports) is cracked and broken in places, showing you views of the lights of the city below and making your stomach twist, as you can't help imagining the shell cracking and you falling to your death.

You know that some of those holes lead to scaffolding like the one you were on. Firing the cannon creates a lot of stress and this old thing (while still impressive for its age) can't take much abuse. The inner casing cracks and exposes its internals, the magnatronic de-equalizers melt and fuse... With the rate they've been firing this thing, they probably need to constantly repair it. You're surprised the entire thing hasn't collapsed yet. Anyway, one such repair point is somewhere below you, hence the scaffolding you were on.

From here, you could try climbing, using the ladders formed by the cleverly positioned metal supports combined with cables and the occasional plastic platform. That's how you got here, so you know for a fact that it's not very quick, since doing it in a hurry could be bad for your health. There should also be a small service pneumatic carrier around here somewhere, maybe enough to carry one person. That should be a lot quicker, assuming you can get it to work and nothing goes horribly wrong.

Normally there would be tiny maintenance drones sliding around here in this outer layer of the cannon, inspecting the casing. But you don't see any. You could use their means of transportation and try to slide down, but there are so many ways this can go wrong you'd have to be either very certain about your skills, very bold or very foolish to try it. The shell could break, leading to you falling to your death, you could slide through a hole, leading to you falling to your death, you could get stuck or worse collide with a support, leading to you getting shredded and/or broken in half, you could fail to slow down and stop at the end, leading to you going splat, you could snap an ultra high voltage cable, leading to you getting fried, you could encounter something that wasn't on the plans... Really, you're not even sure why you're considering this in the first place.

Oh, yeah, right, gunman chasing you.

You have a gun yourself, a PIU, but the battery is spent. It will take about an hour until the micro-fusion array refills its charge. Until then, it's just a very large, very expensive and relatively fragile flashlight. A very bright flashlight, but still mostly harmless. You also have the detonator for the charges you have paced on the cannon and a few extra charges on you, but using that sounds like a poor idea right now, since that would most likely result in your death. There's also a watch (a standard electronic wristwatch, no James Bond-esque hidden functions (that you know of)), a multitool (knife, screwdriver, the usual) and a grey but stained set of clothes.

You can hear people moving around and yelling outside. You'd take a peek, but you're not sure you want to risk get your head blown off. You think the only positive point in all of this is that you can use your ability, for whatever good it will do to you.

Quote from: Alarith on April 10, 2016, 04:52:58 pm

Bryan

Bryan thinks to himself,
A guard, a pursuer, more favorable to being a traitor. Though still not as good as infiltrating. Easier though, except when I was supposed to protect Joanna I failed. Got overpowerd. Maybe this time will be different than all the times before. Like Joanna, like Lauren. The emotions are barely dulled from everything that's happened since then.

Bryan shakes himself out of it. It's time to move.

Pursue and track the shooter, he's aware of my presence already so active detection should be fine. Stay out of his sight if possible

You go after the shooter. You run up to the scaffolding and then start climbing, doing your best to be careful. In a few seconds you will be up there, taking cover close to the tiny access port. You know he's there. You can feel him clearly, his fear and anxiety echoing and amplifying in an uncanny manner, the scent of prey calling to you but also giving you pause. He's a cornered snake, coiling up upon himself. And cornered snakes can bite.

You reach the level the access port is on. It's not much different than the rest of the cannon. The access port looks more like a small square hole on the outer casing. Its relatively smooth surface is marked by anchor points where the scaffolding attaches and sockets where various tools draw power from, including the lights that push this section of the cannon out of the dim twilight of the rest of the city. There's a human-sized hole on the plastic platform here, where your bullets broke the plastic. There are tools and replacement parts strewn among the shards of broken plastic on the level below. Hopefully you didn't break anything important.

Further below, on the surface, beyond the smoke rising from the burning scaffolding, there should be the remains of the part of the scaffolding that was sliced off. You feel bad about anyone who's down there right now. You bet it wouldn't have been fun to have several kilos of burning plastic and metal fall on your head at terminal velocity.

---

Compartment 6: Cannon Payload Assembly

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 10, 2016, 01:21:10 pm

Shift my nose into that of an animal. Use that body-part to help me locate my target. At the same time, use some biomass to develop those poisonous gas body-parts that I have in my skills. Release poison into the room, and attempt to kill or knock out anyone nearby.

Your nose is already quite good, however you don't really know how your target smells like. You never got the smells of prey before you smelled them yourself for some reason. Oh, well, doesn't mean you can't just murder everyone and sort it out later! One room full of poison, coming right up!


!!!!HEREBEIRUSBEIRUSHERE!!!!

---

Central: Level 132

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 10, 2016, 02:09:32 pm

<Svajoklis>

"Info comes first, then we get to the dangerous part."

Drain what information I can from the computer. Seek places where I am likely to find weapons, armor or helpers. Afterwards, inspect myself for any weapons I might have to hand.

You don't have any weapons of any significance on you. You've got a small concealed sidearm, but that's pretty much it. You guess that you could also bash something with your book, it's quite heavy. You're also wearing that healing mask. It looks sturdy. Maybe it will deflect a blow, if you're lucky. And you're carrying your radio. Maybe you could call for help, although you're not really sure about how many people would be willing to come to your aid after what you just transmitted.

Hmm.... Now, how exactly would that draining work? You're not really sure what you're supposed to do. Should you just... Maybe if you just shove the book against that port... No, that didn't do anything. Uhh... Oh, I know! It's based on what you can do! So... Logically... That would mean... That since you can type...

You bash a keyboard with your book. The keyboard breaks. But surprisingly, it works, giving your mind a small dump of info. Percussive maintenance FTW.

Unfortunately, your quick scan doesn't reveal much of interest. It's not that the computer doesn't have a lot of info. It does. In fact, it seems to be teeming with information. But, as you expected, most of that information appears to be outdated or restricted or not very interesting.

There's a bunch of unlabeled camera feeds (a very small chunk of how many were supposed to be active, you note) that show you glimpses of various parts of the city. It's not complete coverage, and the fact that they're unlabeled sometimes makes it hard to understand where the camera is, but it's pretty significant. There's information on people but most of it seems to have not been updated for several years. There's some manuals, technical diagrams, operating procedures, ethics codes, outdated news articles, access to various controls, personal correspondence, countless repetitive system logs... Overall, some interesting things, but no silver bullets that you can see. ((Assume you have a good chunk of into. If you need anything  specific, just ask. I can't list everything for obvious reasons.))

As for places where you can find weapons and armor, the map of this place says there should be a security station on this level, close to the lobby, which should be out this door and a short walk down a hallway later. The logs say it should be stocked with synthetic body armour and SMGs, but those logs haven't been updated for years, so... There's also a military level a few levels below, but you don't have access to details about it. But you can hope that there will be something good there. Or if anybody there would be willing to part with their equipment.

This place has a strange circular architecture. The map looks like the cross-section of an onion, with long corridors running through it and connecting the centre to the edges. Based on what you read, that's because the outer segments (the one you are on) can move around independently along the outside of the building.. Some can apparently even move to other floors, although not the one you are on. This high up the floors aren't very big, but further down the building gets wider.

As you are thinking about all that you have learned, the huge bolts locking the door start slowly unlocking and the shutters that were until recently blocking the window start to rise, once more giving you a view of the city below.

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 10, 2016, 03:44:18 pm

"Death to the traitor."

Summon a shield&repeater crossbow combo. Search for the traitor.

((Paris, I took a look at my upgrade sheet to refresh myself on my current abilities and it looks like I have a point unspent. I looked at my PMs and it turns out I did send you one where I tell you where I want it spent. Did you just forget to change the sheet? Or did my PM not arrive?))

EDIT:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2016, 01:14:29 pm

Central: Level 132

((I saw what you did there.))

((Let me take a look... Yeah, looks like you did send me a message. Must have missed it. Fixed it now.
Oh dear. You're going for that upgrade? That might turn out badly for someone.))

You summon a shield and a repeating crossbow and then kick the doors down charging down the hallway like some sort of steampunk swat operative, your loud metal footsteps echoing as they strike the plastic.

Unfortunately, the hallway looks deserted. Nobody to get in your way, nobody for you to test your new toys. Oh, but it looks like the door on the other side of the wall has started opening. That's nice. How polite of them. You didn't even have to knock.

---

Compartment 3: Maintenence Tunnels

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 10, 2016, 02:21:06 pm

"What in the- well this is interesting. Hopefully I will find some foes to CRUSH!"

Kosak flexes his muscles, then looks around the area. It's always a good idea to know one's surroundings. And one's circumstances.

You're... You're in... Okay, you don't know exactly where you are. You're not that sure you're reading your map correctly. You're not even sure what this place is supposed to be! Okay, so apparently this place was something like a secret lab or research facility? At least the above ground part? Anyway, whatever it was, this was meant to be its guts. Power lines, pipes, backup generators, stuff like that. Then again, there was something like a manufacturing area back there, so maybe it was more than that? Damn it to the void, you have no clue.

Whatever this place is, it's obvious it hasn't seen regular use by humans for a long time. There's... stuff... everywhere. Dirt, dripping water, peeling paint and crumbling walls, living things that scurry around on the floor, living things that hang from the ceiling and stare at you from walls... The hallway you are in is much the same. A small alcove with a rusty powerbox, a rusty metal sliding door that is half open, bulging outwards due to the presence of... some black-sludge-like thing being pressed against it (you have no idea what it is, it looks like a flood in slow-motion, frozen blackwater seeping out of the room at a glacial pace. There's also another metal door and then the hallway turns right.

!!!SALSAHEREHERESALSA!!!!

---

Highway 2: Aldrin Interchange

Quote from: Toaster on April 10, 2016, 08:11:45 pm

((Was I supposed to get a second section?  I never got the final Zero blurb for my character.))


((EDIT:  Upon second look, I'm guessing I got everything I was supposed to.  Running as such.))

That bastard's not getting away that easily.  I've never given up before.

If there's a more intact vehicle to jump to, do so.  In any case, let's get some light armor.  Bullet resistance is good.

There's not much here. Traffic here is sparse (although it looks like there's more traffic up ahead), except for those that you guess are part of the convoy. (Well, "were" is probably the crorrect tense, given that there are only two vehicles left in it, about two dozen metres away from you.) However, there is one civilian car nearby. Said civilian is currently staring at you and maintaining a constant velocity, too shocked to react. You swerve into it and nearly run it off the road, leaving a large dent into it and somehow getting your vehicle stuck into it. The crash causes you to lose your balance, but luckily you just end up lying on your back, your body spread between the roofs of the two vehicles.

While you lie there, you also try to summon some armour. Some pieces of scrap metal cling to your shirt and pants, but they look more like a weird fashion statement than actual body armour. Specifically, a fashion statement saying "I embrace the apocalypse but I didn't have enough bottle caps to go for the complete Mad Max look." Well, at least you got your car smashed, that's something. Now you just need to give it something ridiculous, like giant plastic mohawk or giant fire spewing exhausts.

The highway splits up ahead. You can barely make out the paint on the signs, but you can clearly see one has a "1" on it and the other a "2".

Quote from: Zormod on April 10, 2016, 11:13:30 pm

Steady myself, reload if I can. Try to move my vortex a bit further away.

You take a few seconds to calm yourself and reign in your vortex, to keep it from growing. It's hard to not just give in and let it get greater and greater, consequences be damned. Whatever it is, it's a barrier between you and that guy. As the vortexes shrink, the distortion in your sight starts fading, your vision slowly returning to normal. You grope your belt until you find your extra magazine and reload your weapon.

Now that your vision is back to normal (well, normal-ish, you don't think it's never normal to have giant floating dark vortexes instead of eyes) you can see what your pursuer is up to. Huh. Maybe you shouldn't be that afraid of that guy after all.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 21, 2016, 05:40:18 pm

Complete my metamorphosis by becoming a large hominid bear. Continue spewing poison. Consume the dead bodies of nearby humans for sustenance.

"Biomasssssssss...."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on April 21, 2016, 05:51:58 pm

UHV cables?

Any of those around?

Either way prepare to stab that guard in the face with a knife.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 21, 2016, 06:40:29 pm

"GRAAGH! I just want somebody to fight, dangit!"

Kosak sighs, then gets to exploring. Every so often while he does so, he shouts out his intent to kill in such a manner that would have everybody in a mile wide radius after him.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on April 21, 2016, 08:50:56 pm

"Damn it!  Always cuts out when I'm low on time!"

Tail the guy.  He'll probably enjoy a summoned-shot missile right up his tailpipe.  Another shot at the armor, if there is time.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on April 21, 2016, 11:27:56 pm

((My bad. Got busy and forgot I hadn't posted here yet.))

Transform. Start charging. Keep an eye on the creature.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on April 21, 2016, 11:55:21 pm

Stand up(If I'm not), try to shoot him in the chest. Move my vortex slightly to the left.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 22, 2016, 11:41:28 am

---

After the End

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on April 21, 2016, 05:51:58 pm

UHV cables?

Any of those around?

If you mean high voltage cables, then yes. You can in fact see some of them close to the hole on the outer shell of the cannon and you should be able to access more of them through an access panel or by exploring a bit.

---

Quote from: Beirus on April 21, 2016, 11:27:56 pm

((My bad. Got busy and forgot I hadn't posted here yet.))

Transform. Start charging. Keep an eye on the creature.

((Psst. Just a reminder that if you don't tell me to activate those new thing you got, then I won't. That way you can choose whether or not activating them is worth the tradeoff. So I'll just give you the standard Anchor for now.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 21, 2016, 05:40:18 pm

Complete my metamorphosis by becoming a large hominid bear. Continue spewing poison. Consume the dead bodies of nearby humans for sustenance.

"Biomasssssssss...."

You release a cloud of foul smelling sickly green gas that quickly spreads throughout the room. Even before the bulk of the gas has reached them, people start coughing and falling to their knees. Soon, they are on their backs, writhing in agony as their insides are attacked by the toxin. While people die around you, you decide you have a right to bear arms (and the rest of its body), so you transform into a rather large, slightly humanoid bear. Seeing as one can never have enough biomass, you then immediately begin to mutilate the corpses of the dead and dying as you feast upon them.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Look upon me and despair, tiny puny mortal!" you boast with your mouth half-full of flesh, blood still dripping from it.
"You don't stand a chance! So just stop hiding and come out to face your inevitable end!"

The entire eastern wall of the room breaks apart. From behind the rain of plastic shards erupt thick tentacles. They curl around what's left of the metal supports of the wall, bending them slightly as they grip them tightly, and then harden. Through the haze, you can see a bright glow coming from the centre of the web of flesh.

---

Quote from: Toaster on April 21, 2016, 08:50:56 pm

"Damn it!  Always cuts out when I'm low on time!"

Tail the guy.  He'll probably enjoy a summoned-shot missile right up his tailpipe.  Another shot at the armor, if there is time.

You raise your head to get a good view of your target and try summoning a missile and launching it at the escaping car. You're having a lot of trouble getting the parts to appear, for some reason. So you just give the entirety of your concentration to its engine and let your ability fill in the rest. A few moments later, a comet of scrap launches itself towards the vehicle, leaving behind it a beautiful trail of blue plasma as it slowly gains speed and closes the distance.

Quote from: Zormod on April 21, 2016, 11:55:21 pm

Stand up(If I'm not), try to shoot him in the chest. Move my vortex slightly to the left.

You begin standing up and start moving your vortex out of the way to get a clear shot, to ensure the bullet's path is no diverted by its dark un-energy.
You hear a buzzing noise. Your eyes never close. You can already see where its coming from, where it materialized over your opponent mere seconds ago.
Time slows down.
A spike made out of scrap metal is flying towards you, a metal spear surrounded by a halo of blue light.
The disk of light breaks apart and becomes partially obscured for a moment whenever one of the poorly attached pieces of its exterior falls off and gets left behind, slightly changing the colour of the surrounding plasma as they touch. It reminds you of an iris.
It's getting larger. That means it's getting closer.
Split second decision. Life or death decision. What do you do? Take your chances, roll the dice.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on April 22, 2016, 11:49:01 am

<After The End>

Can I set them up to electrify the metal bits without electrifying myself?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 22, 2016, 12:01:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Looks like somebody's crashed a flying house. Or some kind of land version of a submarine. Or hell, just a plain old landship."

What kind of rooms? Does it look like there are any engine parts around? Or humanoid remains, for that matter?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on April 22, 2016, 12:47:33 pm

The door opened itself? An invitation! Enter the room and be prepared to shoot anything that moves. Do it medieval SWAT style. If the room is clear, look for my opponent elsewhere.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on April 22, 2016, 01:18:22 pm

"Was this a flying saucer? Coooooool."

Look for little green men. Begin spouting nonsense about Roswell.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 22, 2016, 01:25:55 pm

Modify the poison emitters to instead leak caustic gas, A.K.A. airborne acid. Make my skin and fur resistant to the gas. Then, emit large bursts of this acidic mixture towards the tentacle monster. Charge forth, roaring.

"FEAR ME, TENTACLE DEMON THING. I SHALL ANNIHILATE THEE."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on April 22, 2016, 01:34:28 pm

Now would be an appropriate time to abandon ship, I believe. Jump away, hopefully onto another vehicle, and position the vortex between myself and the missile, enlarging it as much as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 22, 2016, 01:53:08 pm

<Svajoklis, After the end>

And so I get to be the most wanted man. Not exactly the greatest start, but there are worse.

Check if there are alternative exits, for example through a window. If not go outside, ready to shoot anyone who exibits anything besides surender and relief to see me. See if I can find anything in the security station.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on April 22, 2016, 04:09:54 pm

Do the anchor shell thing I did before. Activate the new offensive thing. Keep charging. Blast the creature with whatever I've got if it gets through.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 23, 2016, 02:00:50 am

Just a few answers.
Fakeedit: And lots of references, apparently. Don't know why I'm in a referencing strange mood and oh man, I just turned my explanation about references into a reference.

---

After the End

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on April 22, 2016, 11:49:01 am

<After The End>

Can I set them up to electrify the metal bits without electrifying myself?

To use the words used by many annoying teachers "I don't know, can you?"
You'd have to do some climbing, cut them or find a place where they can be easily disconnected and then apply the current to one of the metal supports around here, so that if your pursuer follows you, he'll get zapped.
There are going to be rolls. Now they could be good rolls and you'll end up with something like a gate of light from Dishonoured or they could be bad rolls and you end up like the cat in National Lampoon's Christmas Holidays.
So, you know, standard RTD situation, unless you can provide me with a reason why you should get bonuses or succeed without a roll.

Also, edited your part in the previous turn a bit, because I was tired and didn't make sense. A hole that has been made on a hole? Well done brain for coming up with something as silly as that.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 22, 2016, 01:53:08 pm

<Svajoklis, After the end>

And so I get to be the most wanted man. Not exactly the greatest start, but there are worse.

Check if there are alternative exits, for example through a window. If not go outside, ready to shoot anyone who exibits anything besides surender and relief to see me. See if I can find anything in the security station.

Well, there's a ledge outside the window. The window has been cracked and weakened by the shot that went through it, so you should be able to easily smash it. You could smash the window, go out and try to get somewhere else, either on this floor or another one. It's quite a big fall, though. Ready to take some risks, Mr Anderson?

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 22, 2016, 12:01:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Looks like somebody's crashed a flying house. Or some kind of land version of a submarine. Or hell, just a plain old landship."

What kind of rooms? Does it look like there are any engine parts around? Or humanoid remains, for that matter?

Well, there are no intact engine parts that you can see, at last not around here. There are things that could had been part of an engine once (pipes and gears and gyros and other appropriately steam-punk-y and retro-future-y components) but you'd probably have more luck trying closer to one of the three large pieces, since those are the more intact ones.

Also, no humanoid remains that you can see around here. But if this thing had humans in it (and it probably did), you bet there should be some around. Because whatever happened here, it looks like something that would be hard to survive.

The pieces appear to have been smashed and their floors have been bent away from each other, so seeing more than the honeycomb-like appearance of the cross section of a giant submarine is hard, at least from the outside. The only ones you can see clearly are the large empty ones and those are, well, empty. But you guess it's going to be the standard. Quarters, supplies, engines, weapons, etc.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on April 23, 2016, 02:04:30 am

After the End
Bryan

Get next to the access port if it's closed, can I start trying to get into the guys head?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 23, 2016, 02:19:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Large pieces!"

Large pieces! Specifically the one that's blocking the road. Does it have any visible entrances? Can I hear anything from within? What does the entrance, if any can be found, smell like?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 23, 2016, 02:28:21 am

"Um, are you able to do somethign with this or something? what is so nice about large pieces?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 23, 2016, 02:29:52 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 23, 2016, 02:28:21 am

"Um, are you able to do somethign with this or something? what is so nice about large pieces?"

"I assume there's treasure inside. Or monsters. Both, probably."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on April 23, 2016, 03:06:30 am

Alan on the Campaign Trail

Quote from: Xantalos on April 22, 2016, 01:18:22 pm

"Was this a flying saucer? Coooooool."

Look for little green men. Begin spouting nonsense about Roswell.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 23, 2016, 03:07:49 am

"What? Why? What is this stuff?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 23, 2016, 03:48:39 am

"Magic! Technology! Probably both. These people seem a little terrible at separating the two."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on April 23, 2016, 06:24:06 am

<After The End>

Hmmmm.

Nah, let's just ambush the chaser.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 23, 2016, 10:32:46 am

<Svajoklis, After the end>
With what happened, I'd rather not be around when people begin to protest.
Take the window pass and atempt to make my way to the armory.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 23, 2016, 11:23:48 am

"Are you able to make something useful out of it?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 23, 2016, 11:57:13 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 23, 2016, 11:23:48 am

"Are you able to make something useful out of it?"

"Only one way to find out!"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on April 23, 2016, 11:14:02 pm

Eat that.


Let's try that lightweight armor that is good against bullets again.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 24, 2016, 06:31:19 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 23, 2016, 02:19:25 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Large pieces!"

Large pieces! Specifically the one that's blocking the road. Does it have any visible entrances? Can I hear anything from within? What does the entrance, if any can be found, smell like?

You start walking and make your way towards the piece that is blocking the road. Fallen debris around it create walls, mounds and arches that look ready to topple, offering you some concealment as you approach.
 
The thing is full of cracks and holes, so yes, that probably qualifies as entrances. No "official" entrance you can see, though.

You don't hear anything inside. Then again, it's a large thing, so if there's something moving somewhere further inside, then the noise might not be able to reach you.

It smells mostly like death and taxes ashes. Specifically, dead human. There's also some other smells you don't recognize, but most of those seem weak or old. One of the smells turns out to be a bunch of large birds with sharp beaks roosting in some of the holes. They squawk and fly away as you approach, loudly beating their wings.

To save some time, let's say you find a nice hole, venture in and explore some of the more intact rooms close to the outer layers, where there's still adequate illumination.

The insides of the thing are quite twisted. Literally. The cramped metal corridors are bent and broken. There's metal corridors where you risk stepping on an open door and falling to your death or tripping on some pipe. Which is only natural, given that you are walking on what would normally be the wall. You make a point to avoid stepping on doors and other pieces of wood, since they appear brittle and prone to breaking. You don't walk too far inside, not willing to risk getting injured or trapped.

From what little you see, this appears to be a combination of living quarters and a workshop or maintenance area. It doesn't look like its inhabitants had much chance to respond to whatever happened here. Many are laying in their communal rooms, their bodies laying twisted and broken against their bunks. Like most of everything around here, they appear to have suffered the effects of great heat, but they don't appear to have actually been burnt. They're more like... cooked, you would say. Their fat molten and their bodies stripped of most of their water. A very small number of of them are probably not human, given that they have animal-like characteristics like hooves and horns.

Many of them appear to have been partially eaten, probably after death since there is very little or no blood nearby. Some have their eyes and their other soft tissues bit and eaten, while others appear to have suffered more extensive damage, like most of their guts getting eaten through a hole in their stomach. Some were probably eaten by the birds you saw outside, since they smell like them. Others... You're not that sure. Could be bigger carrion birds. Could be some animal that found a nice easy meal. Could be survivors of this thing, since it apparently had beastmen in it. Whatever it is, you haven't encountered those smells before. You make a point to memorize the smells close to them, just in case you come upon whatever ate them.

Some of the workshops have steam engines of various sizes. A simple boiler (there's still some water in it) that drives a piston that in turn makes a wheel spin. The wheel is connected to a system of belts and gears that transfers the energy to various machinery. You can't really tell what heated the engines, all you can see connecting to them are a bunch of pipes that are currently cold and still. The belts that it is connected to look a bit worn, maybe damaged by the heat, but are mostly intact. Generally, you think the steam engines are in a pretty good working condition. You could just remove the bolts that hold one of them in place and use it to do whatever you want. Might need a little oiling, but that's probably it.

Of course, you are suffering from a certain lack of materials to make it work. Your short exploration did not lead you to any storerooms, but you bet there must be some around here, since the workshop would need materials to process. Maybe you just need to dig deeper or make a more thorough search. Alternatively, you could just have Alan provide you with the necessary fuel and materials, assuming you can trust him to do that. You could work with him to make a couch with giant wheels with a steam engine attached. A 4x4 self-propelled couch or something like that that is fueled by burning common household objects.

Hmm... Since this is a magical apocalypse where people appear to be suffering from problems with their magic and magical fuel sources... And you'd have crazy people running around in crazy and inefficient, scavenged and jury-rigged vehicles in their quest for revenge... You guess it would be kinda like Mad Max, but with wizards.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 23, 2016, 03:06:30 am

Alan on the Campaign Trail

Quote from: Xantalos on April 22, 2016, 01:18:22 pm

"Was this a flying saucer? Coooooool."

Look for little green men. Begin spouting nonsense about Roswell.

You explore around on your own until you find a very strange and very ugly black-feathered alien. It spreads its feathery hands, making itself look quite larger than your head.
"Hello alien. Do you come in piece? Or was that peace?"
The alien squawks curiously.
"Yay!" you respond and give the alien a big hug.
The alien protests, squawking and biting your head.
"Ouch! Ouch! Bad alien!"
You let the alien go and it steps back, once more putting its body between you and its alien sleep pods.
"Ow. I just wanted to help." you say while rubbing your head, trying to get the blood away.
"Why do I help aliens? They always end up hurting me when they leave. Like that time I helped that alien phone home. He just wanted to go home so he could party with his friends, without me. The men in black said I was responsible for causing a big alien party or something and that it was really bad. But that's just silly. Right alien?"
The alien looks at you and moves its hands up and down a couple of times, causing a small gust of wind.
"Anyway, they were so jealous of the alien's party that they took me with them. Apparently, they were big on parties and games too, they had 51 whole areas just for those long parties that would last forever. Eventually they let me go from their party area when they run out of drinks and party games to play. But after all that time, the world just wasn't the same, you know? It was full of solicitors, everybody telling me about their new 5-tiered religion or that cool new vitamin drink or that new laundry chain that had appeared everywhere."
The alien emits a long, mournful squawk.
"Yeah, you got that right."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 24, 2016, 08:53:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Huh! Ooh! Well!"

Okay then, check outside. This thing seems to have toppled over. Was it a nearby tower or something? Is there a visible foundation that it seems to have collapsed from? Or does it seem to have apparently fallen from the sky?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 24, 2016, 12:01:05 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 24, 2016, 08:53:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Huh! Ooh! Well!"

Okay then, check outside. This thing seems to have toppled over. Was it a nearby tower or something? Is there a visible foundation that it seems to have collapsed from? Or does it seem to have apparently fallen from the sky?

Well, there's no foundation that you can see from this close to the thing, but the debris surrounding your location are doing a good work of obscuring your vision. However, from your previous inspection, the one you made before approaching, you don't remember seeing any sort of foundation close to the centre of the debris field.

The evidence does point towards the debris falling from somewhere. There is a small crater around some of them and their bottom seems much more squished and crumpled than their top. Who knows? This is a world of magic, so maybe floating cities is a thing that is a thing here. Maybe it's just a building that fell from the sky.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on April 24, 2016, 01:47:01 pm

Campaign, Alan!

"...you wanna donut?"

Befriend the alien through the power of donut

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 24, 2016, 01:54:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 24, 2016, 12:01:05 pm

Well, there's no foundation that you can see from this close to the thing, but the debris surrounding your location are doing a good work of obscuring your vision. However, from your previous inspection, the one you made before approaching, you don't remember seeing any sort of foundation close to the centre of the debris field.

Search around. Check the other large pieces. Try to work out a theory of this collapse.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 25, 2016, 12:31:21 pm

Am I with Alan or Ike? Do I see what they do?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 25, 2016, 04:13:45 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on April 24, 2016, 01:47:01 pm

Campaign, Alan!

"...you wanna donut?"

Befriend the alien through the power of donut

You summon a doughnut and offer it to the alien.
The alien looks at it curiously for a few moments before snatching it with its pointy mouth. It holds it with one of its legs while it bites pieces off with its mouth, until even the breadcrumbs are gone. After spending a few seconds searching the floor for any breadcrumbs it might have missed, the alien looks at you, first at your hands and then at your eyes and emits a curious squawk. It jumps a bit closer to you and keeps looking at you.

*triumphant music*

Quote

Alan has befriended Alien!
Give a new name to Alien?[y/N]

Quote from: Lenglon on April 25, 2016, 12:31:21 pm

Am I with Alan or Ike? Do I see what they do?

You can say you are with Ike or Alan if you want. Or you can say you're waiting somewhere. You can choose to be wherever you want at the moment, though that might change depending on things. I've been assuming you and the rest followed closer to the piece Ike explored, but stopped outside.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on April 25, 2016, 04:15:19 pm

((I find this alien adorable. I really want one as a pet. Damn you Alan!))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on April 25, 2016, 04:22:45 pm

"I think I'll call you ... Rickman! D'you like having a name, Rickman? C'mon, I'll introduce you to my other friends."

Give Rickman another donut and beckon him to come along with me while I go find Ike or Irine or Theri or Zech but probably Ike or Irine because those other two are really lost in their own thoughts

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 25, 2016, 07:10:57 pm

<Hey, D? Do we need River to revive Nik or can we do it on our own?>
Am waiting outside the crash near Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 28, 2016, 06:18:00 am

((I'll be working on a turn for the others next.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 24, 2016, 01:54:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 24, 2016, 12:01:05 pm

Well, there's no foundation that you can see from this close to the thing, but the debris surrounding your location are doing a good work of obscuring your vision. However, from your previous inspection, the one you made before approaching, you don't remember seeing any sort of foundation close to the centre of the debris field.

Search around. Check the other large pieces. Try to work out a theory of this collapse.

You try to navigate the debris for a few moments, but you soon realize that trying to navigate between them is not very easy when you have no idea where you are going and when you have to climb or watch out for falling debris or avoid stepping on a sharp piece of metal or find some piece of tarp intact enough for you to swing across a gap. So you just say screw it and start climbing on a tall piece of debris that is leaning against the piece closest to you, the one that is blocking the road.

From your new vantage point that is now much closer to the centre of the debris field, you can clearly see that there is no central point in this. There's the three pieces and then there's debris of various shapes and sizes arranged around them, chaotically but somewhat symmetrically, in the sense that they get smaller and less intact the further away you get from them. You also take note of the various paths around the debris so that you don't get lost again.

You also take note of the small number of people moving around one of the pieces or through the paths close to it. It looks like they have set up a camp there, using pieces of cloth and tarp to seal off cracks and holes in one of the pieces to form sheltered areas. Strange that they chose that piece to settle in. You'd think that they'd choose the one closest to the road.

However hard you look, you can't find any conclusive evidence of what happened here. Nothing is screaming at you, saying "This is what happened!". All you know is what your investigation has revealed: "This is something large and artificial that fell from somewhere sometime recently (maybe within the last month). It fell hard enough to get damaged but not hard enough to get completely destroyed and it suffered very significant heat damage but stopped just shy of actually getting burnt. It's mostly made of lightweight wood and metal but also a large amount of cloth and tarp. Its insides contain both cramped spaces and large empty areas. Some such areas were crewed and some contained work areas with steam engines and machinery in them. There were some pipes that were presumably used to somehow power the steam engines but there was no obvious powersource."

Quote from: Lenglon on April 25, 2016, 07:10:57 pm

<Hey, D? Do we need River to revive Nik or can we do it on our own?>
Am waiting outside the crash near Ike.

<Hmmm... Do it on your own? No, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure that only he can get revived on his own and even for him it's not quick or easy. Without someone who is able to read and use the soulsphere's markers AND use magic to recreate their body and mind AND properly link it to their soul... It would be like trying to fly with wings you just crafted from paper a few seconds after learning about flying while having lived in a system of cramped caves your entire life. At best it will fail, at worst they will come back wrong.>

<Well, I suppose I could do it, if you let me try. The way I see it, anyone who's got some basic training and a bit of magical skill could theoretically do it. I mean, if a completely unskilled idiot like big black doge can do it, then I certainly can, even if I had to work through you.>

<Only problem is where to get the power for it. Creating matter and manipulating energy isn't exactly cheap and I don't have anything to draw on. Well, I've got you babe, but I'd prefer not to risk hurting you or stopping the revival before it's done. We'd need a powerful powersource or lots of you linking up and helping me. Preferably both.>

Quote from: Xantalos on April 25, 2016, 04:22:45 pm

"I think I'll call you ... Rickman! D'you like having a name, Rickman? C'mon, I'll introduce you to my other friends."

Give Rickman another donut and beckon him to come along with me while I go find Ike or Irine or Theri or Zech but probably Ike or Irine because those other two are really lost in their own thoughts

You use the lure of more doughnuts to entice Rickman into following you. He squawks and starts following you curiously, moving around in his strange half-walking half-jumpy way, moving with you outside while you go search for the others. (Hmm... Jumpy... Almost as if Earth's gravity is too low for him... More evidence that he is an alien.)

"Mum, mum! Look what I've found!"
*sigh* "Alan, how many times have I told you not to abduct every member of the local flora and fauna you can get your hands on?"
"Yes." Alan says and looks down disappointedly. But a moment later, his face lights up.
"But Rickman's not local! He's an alien! And besides, he's cute! Look at how cute he is! Can we please please keep him?"
"Now, now, first of all, I'm pretty sure he's a she, or at least she smells like one. And second, taking care of it won't be easy. This isn't just a toy you might break. This is a living thing. Owning a pet is a big responsibility. Especially when it belongs to an unknown species. Who knows what it can do, what it needs to eat or if it might try to swallow you whole while you sleep or-"
"Oooohh, coome ooon moooom! I'll clean him, I'll feed him, I'll take him out for walks, I'll take care of him, I'll play with him, I'll love him and I won't ever ever let him go!"
Rickman emits muffled squwaks while he frantically (and futilely) tries to push Alan away as he (she?) is crushed under Alan's loving embrace.
"Can I keep him? Pleaspleaspleaspleaspleeease?"
"I told you Alan. I just don't think you're ready to-"
"Ugh. Fine! I'll go ask dad. He'll let me keep Rickman because he's way cooler."
"Fine! Go ask him! See what he says!"
"Fine! I will!" Alan shouts while stomping away.
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"... I am cool too." Irine mutters to herself when Alan has left.

...

"Dad! Dad!"
"What is it Alan? Ike-y is busy examining this crash site right now."
"Can I keep Rickman?"
"Uhh... Yeah, sure, whatever you like. ... Wait, who's Rickman?"
"My pet alien!"
"Hmmm.... I don't know. Did you ask-"
"I did. She said that I should ask you."
"Huh. So she's OK with it as long as I'm OK with it? That's strange." Ike mutters to himself.
"I told her you'd definitely say yes, since there's no way you could be less cool than her."
"Err, yes, yes, of course. You can have your pet Alan, whatever you like."
"Yay! Thanks Ike, you're the best!"
"Oh, hehe, okay, sure, whatever. Now please go play somewhere else, Ike-y has to work now. OK?"
"OK!" Alan says as he runs away.
"Me, less cool than her? How ridiculous." Ike mutters to himself a few moments later.

...

<D, can you please stop doing this?>
<Doing what?>
<Dubbing and doing voiceovers of people I'm talking to.>
<Why? It's fun and I'm bored.>
<Bored? We were literally just talking a minute ago, when Alan interrupted us with his... thing.>
<I get bored easily. I also have a very short attention span.>
<... Anyway, can you please not do that? It's distracting.>
<What's distracting?>
<Doing voiceovers.>
<Who's doing voiceovers?>
<You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?>
<I don't know what you're talking about.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 28, 2016, 11:50:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Looks like this thing fell from the sky or something. Some kind of airship, most likely. Well, not the first airline crash I've had the pleasure to loot."

Make myself a stylish torn cloak out of tarp. Check around for any unlooted valuables. Or a black box!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on April 29, 2016, 01:55:38 am

<Probably not worth the risk then. I just hope River rejoins us soon.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on April 29, 2016, 02:01:58 am

Alan on the Campaign!

"So, can you talk, Rickman? Or do you just not know English? Me Alan, you Rickman."

Attempt to identify if my alien friend can speak English.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 01, 2016, 09:49:48 pm

---

After the End

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on April 22, 2016, 12:47:33 pm

The door opened itself? An invitation! Enter the room and be prepared to shoot anything that moves. Do it medieval SWAT style. If the room is clear, look for my opponent elsewhere.

There is a pneumatic hiss and the door retracts into the wall fairly quickly (for a door of its size and thickness). Good. None of those ultra slow doors that take three turns to open.

You quickly scan the room and... Wait a second. There's nobody here. Nothing but frozen images on screens surrounding a throne-like chair. And the window is missing. So...

Crap. He went out the window, didn't he? Well, I mean, if he was smart enough he wouldn't go out the window, he'd merely break the window and hide so that it would look like he tried to escape and then leave after you left to search for him, rather than risk one unlucky step sending him to his death. But you're pretty sure he's just smart enough and lucky enough to be the biggest inconvenience possible to you.

You approach the window and look outside. The light from your eyes combined with the emergency lighting is enough to let you take a good look out there. Aaaand... Yep. Gone. Just like you expected. There's nothing there. Nothing but an empty ledge that disappears behind the curve of the building.

Dammit. Why did they make this ledge so small?! It's like they weren't expecting it to be used by a walking tank for some reason.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 23, 2016, 10:32:46 am

<Svajoklis, After the end>
With what happened, I'd rather not be around when people begin to protest.
Take the window pass and attempt to make my way to the armory.

The door is opening. Looks like you have run out of options. You bash the window as hard as you can with your book until it bends out of shape and falls out of its frame... disappearing right into the darkness below. Crap. Why did you had to look down?

You try to keep your balance and ignore the stale, unfiltered air rushing into the room as you climb outside and step onto the ledge going around the building. You try not to look down into the darkness and the tiny islands of light in it, islands that you know are actually quite large. Then it's just a matter of clinging to the wall as hard as you can, slowly moving away and hoping you don't slip on anything or trip on a maintenance hook or maintenance port or other piece of crap (literally, you've heard there's bats up here).

You manage to avoid falling to your death long enough to squeeze between the central tower and the wall of natural rock (reinforced by concrete and metal) that make up the compartment locks. If you understood the layout of the compartments correctly, this should take you to compartment 2. And if the map of this place was accurate, then the security room should have a window facing into compartment 3. So, just one more to go. _{Yay. Sort of.}

However, as you pass by the window of this part of the building (a bunch of empty bunks by the look of it) you realize something. The window you used to get out was already partially bent and damaged. The one here is intact. The one you'll find in your destination will probably be intact too. Breaking it while also avoiding falling to your death... that might turn out to be difficult.

---

Quote from: Beirus on April 22, 2016, 04:09:54 pm

Do the anchor shell thing I did before. Activate the new offensive thing. Keep charging. Blast the creature with whatever I've got if it gets through.

You push your body, your limbs splitting and forming into new implements of death, ready to strike at anyone who approaches.
Hello again

Quote from: Coolrune206 on April 22, 2016, 01:25:55 pm

Modify the poison emitters to instead leak caustic gas, A.K.A. airborne acid. Make my skin and fur resistant to the gas. Then, emit large bursts of this acidic mixture towards the tentacle monster. Charge forth, roaring.

"FEAR ME, TENTACLE DEMON THING. I SHALL ANNIHILATE THEE."

You manage to get your modifications working exactly as you described them. Let's hope you didn't forget anything important~

You charge forth, closer to the small forest of tentacles. As you do so, the few tentacles that are currently not hard and wrapped around something turn to point at you. They launch themselves at you, but you easily avoid them and respond with some gas. However, while the gas does affect the tentacles close to you, weakening them, it appears to be pushed away from the heart of the creature, as if there's a luminous wind blowing away from it.

The light being emitted by the monster takes on a violet hue.

---

Quote from: Zormod on April 22, 2016, 01:34:28 pm

Now would be an appropriate time to abandon ship, I believe. Jump away, hopefully onto another vehicle, and position the vortex between myself and the missile, enlarging it as much as I can.

You look at the vehicle in front of your own. Okay. You just have to jump to it. That's easy. Just... jump... between two moving vehicles...
Damn. Damn! You can't do it. You can't do it! You're going to die. You're-

The missile drives itself through the back door, shedding its shell in the process, leaving only the rising and falling buzzing of its plasma engine, as it struggles to propel itself through the inner door of the vehicle, where it has become embedded.

Whew. That was lucky. You had enlarged your vortex as much as you dared, but you weren't sure that was enough to stop an explosion.

Quote from: Toaster on April 23, 2016, 11:14:02 pm

Eat that.

Let's try that lightweight armor that is good against bullets again.

You get an expensive looking brown jumpsuit that has a number of coloured Tron lines on it.

---

Quote from: Alarith on April 23, 2016, 02:04:30 am

After the End
Bryan

Get next to the access port if it's closed, can I start trying to get into the guys head?

The access port is open, so you don't get too close to it.

You try to start infiltrating his mind, but the continuous echoes and repetitions you sense are making it difficult to concentrate.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on April 23, 2016, 06:24:06 am

<After The End>

Hmmmm.

Nah, let's just ambush the chaser.

You wait.

Nothing happens.

How anticlimactic.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on April 29, 2016, 01:55:38 am

<Probably not worth the risk then. I just hope River rejoins us soon.>

<Eh. If you say so. Still, I think it would be worth a shot to at least let me take a look, if we found a nice power source. You know, let me assess the situation, see if I think I can do it with it. I mean, a simple look couldn't hurt, right?>

<Besides, I'm a lot better at this than our lost puppy overlord, so I could probably do it much cheaper too. Wouldn't even need a very big power source.>

Quote from: Xantalos on April 29, 2016, 02:01:58 am

Alan on the Campaign!

"So, can you talk, Rickman? Or do you just not know English? Me Alan, you Rickman."

Attempt to identify if my alien friend can speak English.

The alien emits a drawn out squawk that one could say sounds kinda like "Rickman". Then again, it could just be wishful thinking on your part

Well, one thing is certain. If it understands English, then it certainly can't speak it very well.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 28, 2016, 11:50:34 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Looks like this thing fell from the sky or something. Some kind of airship, most likely. Well, not the first airline crash I've had the pleasure to loot."

Make myself a stylish torn cloak out of tarp. Check around for any unlooted valuables. Or a black box!

As you walk around, searching for anything interesting, it occurs: the floor collapses, sending you into a cramped and battered room.

In it, there is...There's a giant swinging his sword at you! You dodge out of the way. Nothing happens. You check again. It's still there. And it hasn't moved an inch.

As the dust settles and your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can finally see what it really is. A humanoid made from rock and occasionally covered by metal that forms interesting geometric patterns, almost like decorations. It lacks a head, instead having a very big torso. One arm has a giant metal blade on it instead of a hand while the other hand appears to be missing, only an empty socket in its place. It appears to have suffered little damage (just a few scratches and dents), the restraints holding it in place having taken most of the damage instead.

Except for the hand, it looks intact, but you aren't sure how exactly it could be useful. You can't take the blade away, it's stuck to the arm. You could maybe take the restraints left, have them as spare rope? That thing looks cold, dead and unmoving, so it's probably fine?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 01, 2016, 10:43:28 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 21, 2016, 06:40:29 pm

"GRAAGH! I just want somebody to fight, dangit!"

Kosak sighs, then gets to exploring. Every so often while he does so, he shouts out his intent to kill in such a manner that would have everybody in a mile wide radius after him.

Just in case you missed it.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 01, 2016, 10:45:09 pm

"Hrmph."

Check the quality of the armor.  Is it pretty or is it useful?  Regardless, get me a beam weapon.  Keep on tail of the target; surely that missile will explode, right?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 01, 2016, 11:22:04 pm

Alan, Master of Linguistics

The solution is clear: if Rickman can't speak English, I have to learn to speak Rickmanese! Lessons commence immediately with much enthusiasm on my part.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 02, 2016, 12:07:49 am

<Svajoklis, After the end>

There is a window right here, and I am squezed in comfortably between two walls. Smash the window, get inside, find my way to the armory. Use the gun if glass is too tough to break with the book.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 02, 2016, 04:24:27 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Shyeah, right, like there's a world where that isn't some kind of trap."

Look around for hostile animate stone hands. Prepare to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on May 02, 2016, 05:14:32 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Go near the wall and start following it in the direction my opponent went. Regularly fire telekinetic blasts at whatever might be behind the wall. Sooner or later I'll end up hitting him.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on May 02, 2016, 09:02:31 am

After the end

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

check the corners on both sides of the access port as best I can from this side. If I can't find him carefully make my way through. Expect an ambush.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on May 02, 2016, 01:52:42 pm

After the end

---

Shrink the singularity back to normal size, try to get on a different vehicle. That missile is making me nervous.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 02, 2016, 07:54:04 pm

"Hey, Ike? Could I see Nik's sphere for a bit? The spheres seem to have appearances similar to how this world interprets their natures, and I'm wondering what elements are most likely to influence him and be influenced by him."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 04, 2016, 02:18:51 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on May 01, 2016, 11:22:04 pm

Alan, Master of Linguistics

The solution is clear: if Rickman can't speak English, I have to learn to speak Rickmanese! Lessons commence immediately with much enthusiasm on my part.

I... what?
Seriously, I love Xan for his ability to post those unexpected actions that make me pause and think.

Okay, so give me a hand here. Do you actually have a plan about how you are going to do this? Or even a hint of a plan, a general direction? Or does this action boil down to "understand an alien language by mere willpower"?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 02, 2016, 04:24:27 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Shyeah, right, like there's a world where that isn't some kind of trap."

Look around for hostile animate stone hands. Prepare to dodge.

There is a distinct lack of animate stone hands. You'd think that if there was a giant stone hand walking around on its fingers like Thing T. Thing, you'd have heard it by now, even without your super-hearing. Unless it's... RIGHT ABOVE YOU! ... Nope. No it's not, a vigorous look on the ceiling just sets you back on your adjustment to the dark.

After your eyes have a chance to further adjust however, you can see that this room has a very interesting decor. Its walls are filled with engravings of circles, squares, triangles and other more complex geometric shapes with symbols inside them, all interconnected by straight, curving or angular lines. Even the floor is just one giant circle. They kinda look like arcane circuit boards. Maybe this was some sort of altar? A place where they prayed or sacrificed virgins to their gods? Or maybe it was the prison of some being and by breaking the roof you just broke the spell that was imprisoning it, thus allowing it to roam the lands and wreck havoc?

There is a single door that goes out of this room, but it appears to be locked. Maybe it leads to some inner chamber? Maybe this is supposed to be a guardian or a warning? Then again, if this was part of a flying building... why would someone keep that in a flying building? Then again, crazy fire wizards with exploding tower. Anyway, above the door there are large symbols you have seen often enough to understand that they are most likely letters.

Going around the room, you also notice that the humanoid has short stubby stone wings folded behind its back. They are made of lines that branch like tree branches, if those tree branches were drawn by someone obsessed with right angles.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 02, 2016, 07:54:04 pm

"Hey, Ike? Could I see Nik's sphere for a bit? The spheres seem to have appearances similar to how this world interprets their natures, and I'm wondering what elements are most likely to influence him and be influenced by him."

No response.

<Where's old nosey got himself to? I bet he's out there having fun without us.>

You saw him climbing around a few moments ago. He couldn't have gone very far. Maybe you could go look for him? Or maybe just use telepathy, that could also work. Right?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on May 04, 2016, 02:26:03 pm

<After The End>

Keeeeep waiting to ambush the guy.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 04, 2016, 02:48:48 pm

WMD, After the End

 Aw hell. Hey, demonic possession spirit parasite guy. You want to help me kill that other guy that's emitting stuff at us? I got some new things to try out. And you probably understand funneling all the ambient charge into specific effects better than I do.

Fire all the things at my opponent.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 04, 2016, 03:24:34 pm

Alan, Eager Student of What's Probably a Bird

Well, let's see, there's probably a few ways to go about this. As a general plan/direction, begin imitating Rickman's squawks. Point at objects and squawk, point at me and squawk, point at him and squawk, see if he corrects me at all. Basically build on a base from there, see where he takes me, keep my mind open, etc.

Also plenty of pure determination.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2016, 04:32:17 am

Campaign, Ike!

Check the door and whether I can unlock it somehow. With my foot, for instance.

Failing that, examine the stone man. Does it seem to have much in the way of articulation?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 05, 2016, 09:34:53 am

through the commwires, to Ike:<Hey, Ike? Could I see Nik's sphere for a bit? The spheres seem to have appearances similar to how this world interprets their natures, and I'm wondering what elements are most likely to influence him and be influenced by him.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2016, 09:56:31 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 05, 2016, 09:34:53 am

through the commwires, to Ike:<Hey, Ike? Could I see Nik's sphere for a bit? The spheres seem to have appearances similar to how this world interprets their natures, and I'm wondering what elements are most likely to influence him and be influenced by him.>

<Sure. I kind of fell into a hole though. You're free to join me if you like.>

Give directions to the hole if necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 05, 2016, 10:27:59 am

To Ike!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 07, 2016, 10:47:28 am

Quote from: Xantalos on May 04, 2016, 03:24:34 pm

Alan, Eager Student of What's Probably a Bird

Well, let's see, there's probably a few ways to go about this. As a general plan/direction, begin imitating Rickman's squawks. Point at objects and squawk, point at me and squawk, point at him and squawk, see if he corrects me at all. Basically build on a base from there, see where he takes me, keep my mind open, etc.

Also plenty of pure determination.

You spend a lot of time trying to imitate the motions and the noises the alien makes. You have no idea if it's working or not, they all seem the same to you, even if there are probably subtle differences.

A long time passes before something interesting happens. You feel something tugging at the back of your mind and suddenly the squawk sounds different. Both like it's closer to you, right in front of your nose, and also like... like words, a bit. Like there's rhythm and variation in it. This is working! And all you had to do was let the alien probe your brain! You're a genius!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2016, 04:32:17 am

Campaign, Ike!

Check the door and whether I can unlock it somehow. With my foot, for instance.

Failing that, examine the stone man. Does it seem to have much in the way of articulation?

Kicking the door only results in a hurt leg. That thing is tough like stone, even though it looks like metal (covered with the same engravings as the rest of the room).

However, you do have a nice tool you could use to unlock it. You remove your commwire and use it on the lock. That, combined with your hearing enable you to move the pins and unlock the door. And there are a lot of pins.

Behind it is... surprisingly underwhelming. There is a corridor that extends towards the nearby piece, but its roof has become twisted and squished, blending with the corridor above it and becoming impassable. If you want to follow it, you'll probably have to try to move the debris or find another hole.

Well, I guess this does give you some information. One, that this room was important enough to lock with a relatively tough lock and two, that this room was important enough to make it incredibly tough compared to the rest of this place.

The stone man (or woman) seems to have seams on his body that would allow it to move its limbs, like an enormous doll, but actually moving its limbs seems impossible. All your pushing just results in it moving back and forth in its restraints, like the world's weirdest pendulum. There's also a squircular (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squircle) seam on its front, where the metal plates attach, almost like some sort of panel and another one on its back, right below where its wings attach to its body. The one on it's back looks like it's popped up just a couple of millimeters. Maybe it's enough to try and pry it open?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 05, 2016, 09:56:31 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 05, 2016, 09:34:53 am

through the commwires, to Ike:<Hey, Ike? Could I see Nik's sphere for a bit? The spheres seem to have appearances similar to how this world interprets their natures, and I'm wondering what elements are most likely to influence him and be influenced by him.>

<Sure. I kind of fell into a hole though. You're free to join me if you like.>

Give directions to the hole if necessary.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 05, 2016, 10:27:59 am

To Ike!

The signal is quite bad for some reason, but with a lot of repetitions and mental yelling on both your parts, you manage to communicate.

Following Ike's instructions, it's very easy to find his hole. He-
Oh, really? I'd love to find out for myself.
Sshhh. Stop breaking the fourth wall. Anyway, he seems to have fallen in a large circular room with-
<A circular room? I bet that would be hell for River.> See? Totally IC.
A circular room with a stone humanoid in it. It lacks a head, instead it seems its torso is a lot taller than it-
<You know, because he's a dog.>
A lot taller than it would be on a human, ending way above where its arms start. The walls-
<And dogs can only pee on corners.>
Due to the light coming through the hole acting as a spotlight and the debris covering it being fairly non-reflective, Irine can only see a very small part of the engravings covering every-
<And circular rooms have no corners.>
Of the engravings covering every inch of the room. The roof of the room has been dented badly and looks quite fragile, ready to fall. At least it wouldn't be a very big fall, because-
<Oh, you could probably ask Ike to throw you the sphere!>
Because the room looks quite short. Just tall enough to hold the large stone humanoid in the middle, like a suspended statue. Still, it probably won't be very easy to get out of there again, at least not by simply jumping. The surrounding-
<Oh, wait, fragile sphere, bad idea.>
The surrounding area was probably once part of the inside of... whatever this thing was, but now it is completely covered by debris and dented metal beams. It looks like something sweeped the walls away, leaving little behind.
<You could just get some sturdy canvas to make a climbing rope. Then we can go have some fun in Ike's hole. You can climb a rope, right? And, well, if you can't you can just turn fox and have Ike pull you out, now that it doesn't hurt so much to do so.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on May 07, 2016, 10:51:36 am

((UGh, absent for many days. Lenglon and the rest--busy catching up, what had happened lately? :S Hoping Theri helped?))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 07, 2016, 10:58:45 am

Quote from: Tiruin on May 07, 2016, 10:51:36 am

((UGh, absent for many days. Lenglon and the rest--busy catching up, what had happened lately? :S Hoping Theri helped?))

Alan made a new alien friend.
Which may or may not be just a bird.

In other news, Ike and Irine are exploring the ruins of a building that looks like it fell from the sky.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 07, 2016, 11:59:32 am

<I... I don't know if I can climb a rope. I've never tried it. I... I think I can? Um, Do you know why it doesn't hurt to change anymore?>
"Um, Ike? How are you going to get out of there?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 07, 2016, 03:55:42 pm

Alan, Fuckmothering Genius

"I'm a genius!"

Try communicating with Rickman now. Am I capable of introducing myself yet? If not, keep learning.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 08, 2016, 03:29:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on May 07, 2016, 11:59:32 am

"Um, Ike? How are you going to get out of there?"

"The best part about falling down a hole is that you don't get to figure that part out in advance."

Hm. Is there garbage about I could use to elevate myself to get out of the hole? The rubble in the original exit, for instance. Make a pile high enough to climb out!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 08, 2016, 02:26:11 pm

"Um..."
I look around for anything that can be used to make a ladder or ramp or rope. something to help Ike get up.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 09, 2016, 06:12:52 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 01, 2016, 10:43:28 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 21, 2016, 06:40:29 pm

"GRAAGH! I just want somebody to fight, dangit!"

Kosak sighs, then gets to exploring. Every so often while he does so, he shouts out his intent to kill in such a manner that would have everybody in a mile wide radius after him.

Just in case you missed it.

I did indeed miss it. Sorry.

You keep walking through the dark and mouldy corridors, trying to light your way using the small glow stick while loudly proclaiming your desire to murder to anything that will listen. The plant-like tentacles growing on the walls look at you but do not seem to care. The bat-like beings crawling on the walls are wise enough to run away. A long slimy worm comes out of a broken pipe and tries to grab you, but it quickly slips away back into its pipe when you try to grab it and fight back.

You keep walking until you reach a large empty sphere, attracted by the bright light. Something that looks like some sort of container, maybe for water, maybe for something else. You can't tell. The door just says "Tank 35-B | Maintenance Entrance 3". There is a metal walkway running through it, going all the way to its other side. Light is entering the room through a hole in the roof, temporarily blinding your dark-adjusted eyes. Along with the light, through the hole comes a ladder that ends close to the centre of the walkway.

You start walking down the corridor. It's a bit eerie in here. Your footsteps are echoing across the large empty sphere. The water is making all sorts of strange sounds as it falls against the walls and the corridor. The light falling through the hole in the roof like a spotlight, somehow lighting up the corridor going from one end of the room to the other, while leaving the walls dark. It's making your heart thump, so much so that you can hear it in your ears.
But... No. That's... That's not your heart you're hearing. It can't be. There is something else thumping like a heart. It's coming from all around you.
The infrasonic thumping is joined by the moaning of metal straining.
The walls are moving.

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 01, 2016, 10:45:09 pm

"Hrmph."

Check the quality of the armor. Is it pretty or is it useful?  Regardless, get me a beam weapon.  Keep on tail of the target; surely that missile will explode, right?

It's pretty... useful. Maybe. It has wires in it. And lights. And batteries. And it's made out of various scales. That's as much as you can tell without testing it. Could always try shooting it, but doing so while wearing it might not be a very good idea.

You get a rusty retro-looking laser beam. You're not really sure how it works, but its battery appears to be a stone that is constantly hot. Like, really hot, if it wasn't for your suit, you think your hands would be burning. So, seeing it is powered by fission material or a similar magical material, this is probably not a toy.

Your opponent's vehicle is in danger of disappearing into the distance, behind the twisting turns of this road, since the driver of the vehichle you have attached your vehicle to has been slowing down for a while. Combined with the damage to your vehicles, it doesn't make you very fast.

Quote from: Zormod on May 02, 2016, 01:52:42 pm

After the end

---

Shrink the singularity back to normal size, try to get on a different vehicle. That missile is making me nervous.

You manage to make a running jump to your other vehichle.
The missile explodes, causing the vehicle to break apart into molten flakes of metal.
So, you manage to make your way to the only vehicle you have left.
You're starting to run out of vehicles.
At least it looks like you almost lost him. That's something.
You should be coming out on compartment 1 soon.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on May 02, 2016, 12:07:49 am

<Svajoklis, After the end>

There is a window right here, and I am squezed in comfortably between two walls. Smash the window, get inside, find my way to the armory. Use the gun if glass is too tough to break with the book.

You smash the window while being careful not to drop your book, slowly denting it enough to push it into the room. You throw your book in and then follow it into the bunk room.
"Hey! Who-" you hear voices coming from the darkness.
You notice two dark shapes holding gleaming metal in their hands, metal they are pointing in your direction. They're standing on either side of where the room's door would be.

They open the light in the room, allowing them to get a better look at you and for you to take a better look at them. They look scared, waving their guns around in fear.
Before either of you has a chance to speak or act, something smashes against the wall of the room, causing a gigantic dent.
The three of you look at each other for a few seconds and then you all run out of the room. A few seconds later, you hear a second bang followed by the sound of collapsing debris. Sounds like whaever was in that other room made its way through he wall instea of using the door.

Okay, armour to your left, armoury to your left... Yes! Here it is!
You slap the button as hard as you can and wait for the door to open. It beeps red. Oh, right, password. Password was...
"Our torments also may in length of time
Become our Elements."
The button beeps green and the door slides open.
The inside of the armoury is underwhelming. There are no corridors with guns (lots of guns) just hanging around. It looks like most of the room has been cleared and what little remains is in airtight containers, oiled up to prevent rust. Well, at least you can be certain that it will be in good condition. There's also a lack of serious firepower and explosives. The best you can find is some high powered rifles and some flashbangs respectively.

Quote from: Hawk132 on May 02, 2016, 05:14:32 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Go near the wall and start following it in the direction my opponent went. Regularly fire telekinetic blasts at whatever might be behind the wall. Sooner or later I'll end up hitting him.

You begin practising your interior decorator skills redecorating this floor of the building. By which I mean you start blasting the outer wall and any wall that gets in your way until they all have a nice big hole in the middle. If the puny humans want to hide, then you'll just have to destroy all hiding spots.

You make short work of the wall between you and the next room. As you walk through the hole though, you hear something. Sounds like people running, with very occasional speech.

---

Quote from: Alarith on May 02, 2016, 09:02:31 am

After the end

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

check the corners on both sides of the access port as best I can from this side. If I can't find him carefully make my way through. Expect an ambush.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Pssst. You can sense him. You don't really need to worry about ambushes. Well, I mean, you do need to worry about ambushes, since he is waiting to ambush you. But you don't need to worry so much about detecting him.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 04, 2016, 02:26:03 pm

<After The End>

Keeeeep waiting to ambush the guy.

Waiting it is.
...
Really, this is a pursuit after an assassination attempt, you'd expect there to be at least some urgency, some people caring about you. But apparently not.

---

Quote from: Beirus on May 04, 2016, 02:48:48 pm

WMD, After the End

 Aw hell. Hey, demonic possession spirit parasite guy. You want to help me kill that other guy that's emitting stuff at us? I got some new things to try out. And you probably understand funneling all the ambient charge into specific effects better than I do.

Fire all the things at my opponent.

Mmmno. I think not.
You push against the pressure on your mind. It pushes back. Your weapons stutter and flicker.
Beg.

You pause your inner struggle to address the bear that is dangerous close to dissolving you and your armour.
 "Bear with me for a moment, I'm taking care of a disagreement."  you address your opponent.
 "Heh. Get it? Because you're a bear."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 09, 2016, 06:46:13 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

((OOC, I want to analyze the walls. In character...))

Kosak kills the walls. Many punches.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on May 09, 2016, 07:42:46 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 04, 2016, 02:26:03 pm

<After The End>

Keeeeep waiting to ambush the guy.

This continues.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 09, 2016, 08:17:29 pm

Rune-bear roars. He is not amused by the bad humor.

He viciously puffs more caustic gas towards the center of the mass.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 09, 2016, 09:30:03 pm

I bet this is why my Pappy warned me not to pick up metaphysical hitchhikers. I don't beg. I want you to remember this moment later when I get stronger and rip you apart piece by piece. I want you to remember that I gave you the opportunity to work with me instead of against me. And to think I was going to ask the Entities to give you a new form so you could go on with your existence.

"Aw come on, I thought that was good. You sure you don't want to help me destroy this place instead of fighting? I bet that's the hidden objective."

Fire all the things for real this time. Or retract and redeploy the anchors at my opponent.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 09, 2016, 09:41:43 pm

The bear appeals mildly interested by the concept of destruction. It gestures for the weird octopus demon to elaborate.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 09, 2016, 11:14:54 pm

"I don't know who you ended up as, but the guy I got dropped in was trying to destroy this thing. I bet that hidden objective they didn't tell us about was to destroy this place. If you want, we could put this battle on hold for a few moments and see if anything happens if we destroy part of it. If nothing else, it'd be a nice warm up."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on May 10, 2016, 01:19:26 am

Take a moment to gather my bearings. Do I get any hints pertaining to the location of the object my host was looking for?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 10, 2016, 05:09:31 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

(To the guys with me) "It punched through a wall. Guns here likely wont be enough. Grab what you can and run after me!"
Grab a gun, extra ammo if it's there and few flashbangs, if I have a way to carry them other than my hands. Remember the map. If there is a place with heavy duty mechanisms that could crush an unwary meat tank, go there. Else, just go the swiftest way downwards. See if I can remember someplace with controls for guns too heavy to lift.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on May 10, 2016, 08:50:56 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Follow the running. Use the crossbow if I see someone too far away to blast with my arm. Otherwise just blast people into walls. Should someone try to fire at me with something that looks like it might hurt (and pierce through my shield) - engage stasis.

((I wonder, does a flashbang work on Saevus? The 'bang' part probably does, but the 'flash' part might not. Saevus doesn't really have eyes.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 10, 2016, 05:02:57 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on May 07, 2016, 11:59:32 am

<I... I don't know if I can climb a rope. I've never tried it. I... I think I can? Um, Do you know why it doesn't hurt to change anymore?>

<Well... I don't know. I might have something to do with that.>

<I was trying to help you not be in so much pain and remove any foreign influence I could find but I didn't have enough power to do so. So maybe some subconscious part of me picked up on that? I mean, bond-formers tend to change those close to them, those that they bond with or otherwise interact heavily with. And while ours might not be the bond after which we are named, it's still bringing us very close. I know you are unique in many ways, but bond-formers have been around long before the Entities and will likely continue to exist long after. I find it unlikely there's a soul close to this side of the cosmos we can't influence and interact with. Yours included. Add to that my abilities and the fact that we've both been helping each other and strengthening that bond... It doesn't seem that far fetched.>

<On the other hand, it could simply be this world's influence. Maybe it's somehow better for your soul. Or maybe it's all that fire magic. Or maybe it's just the fact that you've been using your abilities more while also having time to rest and recuperate. You know, letting you heal naturally. Hell, maybe that general guy was secretly a monster that heals people while they sleep, I don't know.>

<Either way, I can't tell for sure. Maybe it's one of the things I mentioned. Maybe it's all of them. Maybe it's none of the above. I could help you take a look if you're interested, but I can't promise anything. Souls are complex things and I'm not exactly at top shape here.>

Quote from: Xantalos on May 07, 2016, 03:55:42 pm

Alan, Fuckmothering Genius

"I'm a genius!"

Try communicating with Rickman now. Am I capable of introducing myself yet? If not, keep learning.

You speak while making various gestures, trying to get your name across. Your voice sounds strange. Low. Throaty. Even less harmonious than usual.

Rickman looks at you curiously for a few moments. He waves his feathery arms around and squawks something that sounds vaguely like "HumanWhat?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 08, 2016, 03:29:10 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on May 07, 2016, 11:59:32 am

"Um, Ike? How are you going to get out of there?"

"The best part about falling down a hole is that you don't get to figure that part out in advance."

Hm. Is there garbage about I could use to elevate myself to get out of the hole? The rubble in the original exit, for instance. Make a pile high enough to climb out!

You make a nice pile of precariously-balanced ready-to-collapse trash. If you stand on top of it, you should be able to jump out. Surely nothing can go wrong with that plan.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 08, 2016, 02:26:11 pm

"Um..."
I look around for anything that can be used to make a ladder or ramp or rope. something to help Ike get up.

You grab a long piece of torn tarp and tie one end to a sturdy looking metal beam coming out of the floor. That done, you throw the other end down the hole. It's not high tech or easy to use, but it will do.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 10, 2016, 05:54:15 pm

Alan, Linguistical Master

Excellent! Try saying 'my name Alan. You name?'

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 10, 2016, 08:50:58 pm

"Right.  Let's do this."

Is there an convenient car to jump to?  If it's an easy-looking jump, go for it.  Otherwise, let's just fix this one and get it going again, maybe with some upgrades.  Should probably subvert control from the driver if s/he won't cooperate.

Take pot shots at other car if it comes in range.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 11, 2016, 12:24:10 am

Quote from: Xantalos on May 10, 2016, 05:54:15 pm

Alan, Linguistical Master

Excellent! Try saying 'my name Alan. You name?'

"HumanAlan! AlienWhat?" you croak.
The Alien looks at you inquisitively for a couple of seconds.
"AlienRickman!" it responds.
"HumanFood?" it adds a few seconds later.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 11, 2016, 03:02:24 am

Alan, Alien Ambassador

"HumanFood, yes. Donut!"

Summon a donut as I say this. Good Rickman.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 13, 2016, 06:44:26 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 09, 2016, 06:46:13 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

((OOC, I want to analyze the walls. In character...))

Kosak kills the walls. Many punches.

Throwing caution to the wind, you dive right into the darkness and whatever may lie in there, going for a punch. The darkness flies towards you in turn as the thumping intensifies. You are surrounded by something slimy and slippery, moving ethnically, slithering all around you. You try to punch your way out, but you just can't summon the strength needed to do so. You feel like you're suffocating.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 09, 2016, 07:42:46 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 04, 2016, 02:26:03 pm

<After The End>

Keeeeep waiting to ambush the guy.

This continues.

You find a nice sturdy support and lean on it.

You might still be alive with not much happening, but you have a feeling that staying here for too long might be a bad idea.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 09, 2016, 08:17:29 pm

Rune-bear roars. He is not amused by the bad humor.

He viciously puffs more caustic gas towards the center of the mass.

Quote from: Beirus on May 09, 2016, 09:30:03 pm

I bet this is why my Pappy warned me not to pick up metaphysical hitchhikers. I don't beg. I want you to remember this moment later when I get stronger and rip you apart piece by piece. I want you to remember that I gave you the opportunity to work with me instead of against me. And to think I was going to ask the Entities to give you a new form so you could go on with your existence.

"Aw come on, I thought that was good. You sure you don't want to help me destroy this place instead of fighting? I bet that's the hidden objective."

Fire all the things for real this time. Or retract and redeploy the anchors at my opponent.

A wave of rainbow-light escapes the "octopus demon". From wherever it passes,  prismatic glass pillars rise out of the ground. The room is filled with unnatural reflections, making it hard for our players to find their way and understand what is going on.

Rune immediately starts smashing the pillars closest to him, trying to cut a path through the reflections and get to his opponent. He easily strikes them down and regains sight of his opponent. At the same time, he manages to regenerate most of the gas he had used before.

The moment he has cleared a path, he lets out another wave of poisonous and corrosive gas. However, it appears that his opponent's armoured core is just too tough to crack. The gas starts slowly eating away the armour, but it looks like it will be a while before it causes any significant damage. Furthermore, using a gas attack in an enclosed space turns out to not be a very good idea for while he is immune to the poison, he is not immune to its corrosive effects. It starts eating his eyes, causing them to tear up and making it hard to see.

This comes at the worst possible time, as William retaliates, his prism wave giving him enough time to compose himself. Coiled up tentacles uncoil, acting as an organic spring, launching themselves to rune, threatening to spear him with their arrowhead-like boney tips. Rune tries to avoid them, but he can't manage to completely get out of the way in time. William thoroughly penetrates Rune's leg with his tentacle spear, breaking his leg, leaving him unable to walk and dragging a tentacle behind him.

Hehehehe

Violet sparks erupt from the points where William's spear-tentacles attach to his body. The spear tentacles become detached. A few moments later, some of them convulse while emitting more of the same violence sparks and then start slithering around on their own.

At least that means that Rune is no longer attached to William. Thankfully the spear lodged on his leg hasn't started moving on its own yet.

---

Quote from: Zormod on May 10, 2016, 01:19:26 am

Take a moment to gather my bearings. Do I get any hints pertaining to the location of the object my host was looking for?

You gather a bunch of ball bearings.
You're coming up on compartment 1 now, exiting the interchange. It's dominated by several towers that were once living quarters and administrative buildings. Now most of their lower floors have been evacuated and/or looted and shanty-towns and small markets have cropped up all around them. The tops of some are still inhabited by those close to Central, which does what it can to police the area. Others have been taken over by whoever has enough power to carve out a territory. Even for the poorest of the area, it is still considered something of a point of pride, a show of strength and status to live in this place. You can see why. Compared to everywhere else, this is probably the least shit place to be in this hell.

Your host had two plans, both of which don't look very likely to pan out now. One was to ransom your opponent to Central for whatever he could get. The second was to use him to get out of here. Both of these seem to require the guy who is trying to kill you to be under your control. Not very easy to do.

You could keep going on, stay on the highway and head towards Central. At this speed and with some luck, you'll be there soon. And even before that, they should notice you and your friend fighting (if they haven't already), hopefully send someone to take care of him. But they probably won't treat you very well either. And they have much bigger guns than you do, those hoarding bastards. You'll just have to hope he is a better target due to who and what he is.

There's also the option of getting off the highway and trying to lose him in the streets. Hope he gets lost, maybe in the teritorry of someone who will kill him. And you could make your way into your terittory at the same time, try to get some more help. But it won't be easy driving at high speed in those streets. The shanty-towns and markets have resulted in small winding paths and dead ends that slowly change over the days. And even at this time, there could be people around. Worst case scenario, those people have guns and feel threatened by your presence. All that combined could be very bad for your health depending on your driver's skill and luck. Still, he knows those streets better than the guy chasing you, so maybe that will be enough to give you an advantage.

Quote from: Toaster on May 10, 2016, 08:50:58 pm

"Right.  Let's do this."

Is there an convenient car to jump to?  If it's an easy-looking jump, go for it.  Otherwise, let's just fix this one and get it going again, maybe with some upgrades.  Should probably subvert control from the driver if s/he won't cooperate.

Take pot shots at other car if it comes in range.

As a matter of fact, there is a convenient car next to yours. It looks like traffic has picked up a bit now. This particular car looks like some sort of Frankencar, a skeleton of a car, with a bunch of batteries on its trunk and wires running to an oversized engine coming out of it front. You shrug. Still better than the one you're on. You salute the passenger of your current car, jump and... slip as you meet unexpected resistance, falling right towards the back wheel of the car. But then suddenly you are still slipping, slipping through the air, leaving lines of light behind you. Your legs fall through the car's window and the rest of your body follows. You land in a surprisingly comfortable position on the passanger seat.
You look around.
"Right. That was totally planned."
Cool. That could be handy. Still, probably best to avoid actually hitting the road or anything else at high speed. It probably won't offer any protection against that.

The woman driving the car looks at you with wide eyes. You reach out to grab the steering wheel and make sure the car doesn't crash while she's trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
"Madam. If you'll excuse me for a moment."
The moment you touch the wheel, the car begins transforming under your directives. The engine stops dancing around, becoming properly attached to the vehicle, the dents on its drive shaft disappear, the coils become properly attached and isolated... Even the steering wheel moves to the right side of the car and forms grooves that perfectly fit your hands to better accommodate you (good thing it's electronic).
The driver continue looking at the stranger who literally just took the steering wheel from her, probably waiting for the moment she's going to wake up.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on May 10, 2016, 05:09:31 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

(To the guys with me) "It punched through a wall. Guns here likely wont be enough. Grab what you can and run after me!"
Grab a gun, extra ammo if it's there and few flashbangs, if I have a way to carry them other than my hands. Remember the map. If there is a place with heavy duty mechanisms that could crush an unwary meat tank, go there. Else, just go the swiftest way downwards. See if I can remember someplace with controls for guns too heavy to lift.

You crack an airtight container open and watch one of the men following you do the same, with the other standing guard near the door. You're not exactly sure how you're supposed to prep a rifle that's been stored like that to fire, but watching that guy do it, you are easily able to analyse and replicate his motions. Maybe not as good as him, but probably good enough to make it fire. You load a clip, grab two extra clips, 4 flashbangs and 2 CS canisters. You think that's as much as you can comfortably carry.

"It's here!" the one watching the door shouts, his voice getting cut off by a gunshot.
The man keeps firing, the gunshots in such an enclosed space making it hard to hear. He keeps firing and shouting until his gun is empty.
"What the fuck is that thing?" you faintly hear behind the ringing in your ears.
He jumps just in time to avoid a bolt. The bolt becomes ethereal and disappears, even as another comes through the door, embedding itself on the wall opposite to it.
He looks back at you and the other guy as if he is expecting something. The bolts keep coming behind him.

If you stay here, you will be trapped, forced to make a stand. With a good ambush and some luck it... could work? Maybe? If you go out there on the other hand, you'll have to face that thing. But if you make it to the elevator, you'll hopefully be able to escape this thing. And you have those two handy meatshields/distractions with you. But maybe there's a better way?

Quote from: Hawk132 on May 10, 2016, 08:50:56 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Follow the running. Use the crossbow if I see someone too far away to blast with my arm. Otherwise just blast people into walls. Should someone try to fire at me with something that looks like it might hurt (and pierce through my shield) - engage stasis.

((I wonder, does a flashbang work on Saevus? The 'bang' part probably does, but the 'flash' part might not. Saevus doesn't really have eyes.))

You stomp down the hallway as fast as you can. You should get there. Soon. Any moment.
...
Any moment.
...
It's at time like these you wish you had a faster way to move around. Maybe you could find some wheels? A magi-knight on rollers would certainly be an... interesting sight.
*bang*
The bullet being deflected off your magic shield alerts you to the presence of enemies.
Ah! Finally. You're there.
You raise your physical shield to block further shots. No need to waste your Champion's Belt power.
The man on the other side of the shield shouts and shoots. He stands his ground. A valiant effort. But no match for you.
You peek out of the shield and ready your crossbow. He manages to jump out of the way, the bolt embedding itself on the ground behind him before becoming ethereal and disappearing.
You throw a few more bolts through the door for good measure. The benefits of infinite ammo.
Hm. Looks like you got them cornered. But the cornered beast is the most dangerous.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 11, 2016, 03:02:24 am

Alan, Alien Ambassador

"HumanFood, yes. Donut!"

Summon a donut as I say this. Good Rickman.

You summon a small piece of a doughnut. Rickman looks at it greedily. You think he might try to snatch it.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 13, 2016, 06:53:22 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

((OOC, I want to flee from this situation. In character...))

Kosak lets loose a shout and BITES the slimy thing. Never mind the fact that he didn't take the Biter upgrade.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 07:07:15 pm

Alan the Beastmaster

Give Rickman the donut piece and ask him to follow me around. Go looking for Ike and Irine.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 13, 2016, 07:42:05 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 13, 2016, 06:53:22 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

((OOC, I want to flee from this situation. In character...))

Kosak lets loose a shout and BITES the slimy thing. Never mind the fact that he didn't take the Biter upgrade.

You start biting the thing, tearing into it, spitting out and biting again. The taste is horrible. It's making you sick. And you've drunk sewer brew and swamp whiskey and liked it. So that thing's got to have seriously bad taste. With enough biting, you manage to give yourself enough breathing room to tear yourself free, punching and tearing apart more of the slithering things. The thumping dies down as you are left covered in gore, standing in a patch of the wall that has been cleared of those moving things. Only their mutilated corpses remain around you.
"Hah! Yeah! Take that! You liked that? Eh? Want some more?"
Something purrs behind you.
You turn around.
It's a giant worm, the end of its body disappearing in the darkness at the bottom of this room. The top of its body unfolds, revealing a circular hole, a mouth that is filled with rows and rows and rows of pointy teeth that seem to go on forever.
"Ah. So you do want some more."

Quote from: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 07:07:15 pm

Alan the Beastmaster

Give Rickman the donut piece and ask him to follow me around. Go looking for Ike and Irine.

"HumanFood!" Rickman says and starts hopping after you, the fluttering of his hands and the clicking of his claws against debris accompanying his every jump.

Ike and Irine appear to be staring at a hole in the ground. One is staring from inside the hole, the other from outside. But it's still the same hole... or is it? Dun dun DUN!

Said hole leads to a room. It has a stone man and some drawings in it. And an unstable-looking pile of crap debris.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 13, 2016, 09:03:01 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Alright... come on then!"

Kosak charges the worm and demonstrates proper punching technique on it.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on May 13, 2016, 09:06:37 pm

<After The End>

Poke a hat out the door.  Then should that not draw fire, make a run for it.  Get out of the structure.

((Okay, what's happening here anyway?))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 10:20:26 pm

I Am The Alan And The Omega

"Hey guys! Meet Rickman, my new alien friend! Rickman, meet Ike and Irine, my pseudo-human kinda demigod friends!"

Introductions

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 13, 2016, 10:50:44 pm

Bear-rune grimaces. He removes the leg, converting it to biomass. He then attempts to grow a new leg. At the same time, he attempts to coat his entire body in a thin chitinous layer, with joints of course. He generates eye covers similar to those a frog utilizes when entering water, transparent but effective. He roars furiously, and unleashes a brutal melee attack on his opponent.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on May 13, 2016, 11:41:57 pm

After the end

---

Let's try to get in the car. Don't want to attract too much attention, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on May 14, 2016, 05:05:27 am

Go to the door. Keep firing at it as I advance, wouldn't want them to have any bright ideas like 'let's run away'. Once I reach the door, exchange my crossbow for a sword and blast the door off. Commence murder.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2016, 05:12:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 10:20:26 pm

"Hey guys! Meet Rickman, my new alien friend! Rickman, meet Ike and Irine, my pseudo-human kinda demigod friends!"

"Charmed!"

Escape from the hole with the tools available. That's a rope and a pile of junk if I understand correctly.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 14, 2016, 05:50:23 am

Quote from: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 10:20:26 pm

I Am The Alan And The Omega

"Hey guys! Meet Rickman, my new alien friend! Rickman, meet Ike and Irine, my pseudo-human kinda demigod friends!"

Introductions

Alan looks at Ike and Irine and points at what looks very much like a large carrion bird.
"Guys, this is Rickman, Rickman the Alien. His spaceship crashed here so I've been helping him learn our language. Soon he'll phone home and let them know all about our weaknesses."
He then turns to speak to the bird (which is apparently called Rickman). He emits a series of squawks and flails his arms around, but somehow it sort of makes sense to Ike and Irine. He's saying something like "AlienRickman! FoxDrama, HumanEars. FriendsAlan!"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2016, 05:12:09 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Xantalos on May 13, 2016, 10:20:26 pm

"Hey guys! Meet Rickman, my new alien friend! Rickman, meet Ike and Irine, my pseudo-human kinda demigod friends!"

"Charmed!"

Escape from the hole with the tools available. That's a rope and a pile of junk if I understand correctly.

With your Dex, Rflx and End and a perfectly good rope, I don't think there's much point in rolling for this. Assume you're out.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2016, 06:02:04 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, Rickman knows us all too well."

Ike starts to flail his arms as well.

"BirdAlien? BirdRickman? AlienRickman?"

Elucidate this affair.

Also, "looks very much like a large carrion bird" or "is very much a large carrion bird"? Wondering if there are any alien characteristics to Rickman.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 14, 2016, 07:18:09 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Have a quick look around, is there a vent we could get through? If yes, escape through it. If not;

1)Throw a CS canister in the coridoor,  slightly towards where we came from and where the darn terminator expy is to create a smoke cover.
2)Throw a flashbang at where the terminator expy is.
3)Wait until flashbang goes off and run with the two helpers behind me.

"I have a plan, I'll make some distractions and the we run, I'll go first so you'll know if my distractions were shit."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 08:31:33 am

((Sorry about the lack of post. I saw the update, realized I needed to take a bit to think about my response, and then RL stuff happened and I forgot about it. And since I check the forums by looking at the new replies and there hadn't been any... yeah. anyways, sorry about that.))
I quietly walk behind Ike, putting him between me and Rickman.
"What does Rickman say caused the crash?"
<What risk would be involved in checking?>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 14, 2016, 09:23:42 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 14, 2016, 06:02:04 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ah, Rickman knows us all too well."

Ike starts to flail his arms as well.

"BirdAlien? BirdRickman? AlienRickman?"

Elucidate this affair.

Also, "looks very much like a large carrion bird" or "is very much a large carrion bird"? Wondering if there are any alien characteristics to Rickman.

Rickman (who until recently was quiet and looked at you curiously) responds with a single squawk of "AlienRickman."

As for the second bit, you think it's just a bird, but you can't say with 100% certainty. It's certainly a very big bird, not like any you've seen before coming to this world. But you have seen others like it making their nests here, among the debris. And it does have a carrion bird's characteristic beak. So, unless there's magical stuff going on... it's probably just a bird? That you can sort of understand? I mean, some birds can speak, so it's not that weird? Right? Then again, it's not exactly using words, it's more like you can sort of understand what it's saying... But you couldn't understand any of the other birds... Maybe this one is different? Maybe Alan did something to it?

It isn't green or have any antennas if that's what you're asking. It's got long black feathers with a few white stripes on its wings and tail and a very thin and fuzzy feathery coating on the rest of his body, so thin you can see a bit of the red of his skin underneath.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 08:31:33 am

((Sorry about the lack of post. I saw the update, realized I needed to take a bit to think about my response, and then RL stuff happened and I forgot about it. And since I check the forums by looking at the new replies and there hadn't been any... yeah. anyways, sorry about that.))
I quietly walk behind Ike, putting him between me and Rickman.
"What does Rickman say caused the crash?"
<What risk would be involved in checking?>

You put Ike between you and possible alien abduction.

<None, probably. Not unless you have some sort of very aggressive protection mechanism I'm not aware of. Which I find it unlikely, since River would had probably triggered it and I don't think you could had suddenly acquired it between now and the last time he attacked you. So as long as you stay calm it should be fine.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 14, 2016, 09:53:54 am

John, After The End

"I apologize for the inconvenience, ma'am, but I must borrow your car.  Stay quiet and I won't hurt you, and I'll give the car back when I am done; you can keep the improvements.  Help me, and I might be able to help you too!  Get in my way, and... well, I think you get the idea."  John idly gestured toward his weapon.  "So which is it?"

Regardless of her answer, speed up and bear down on my target; take pot shots if I get close, improve the car more if I don't (I'm thinking an armored front, maybe a nice firing port).  If she interferes, blast her (failing that, the car seat could always detach and fall out the driver door.) 

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 14, 2016, 10:29:10 am

A.L.A.N.

Grin vacuously while my buddy's talked to.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 11:22:31 am

<Might as well go ahead and do it then. just a moment.>
I sit down where I am behind Ike.
<Ready.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on May 14, 2016, 11:47:46 pm

((Finals till Wednesday T_T))

Get updated and help others around me :I Also is River OK? Check on him if possible!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 11:49:03 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on May 14, 2016, 11:47:46 pm

((Finals till Wednesday T_T))

Get updated and help others around me :I Also is River OK? Check on him if possible!

((River is MIA, no known reason why.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 15, 2016, 12:31:22 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 11:49:03 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on May 14, 2016, 11:47:46 pm

((Finals till Wednesday T_T))

Get updated and help others around me :I Also is River OK? Check on him if possible!

((River is MIA, no known reason why.))

bih jelus of me swag

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 15, 2016, 05:04:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Disaster!" Ike points all around him. "AlienNest?"

Ask. Also, hand Irine Nik's orb.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 15, 2016, 05:15:26 am

WMD, After the End

"So much for talking it out."

Activate walker. Keep my distance. Fire all the things for real this time if my opponent gets close.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 16, 2016, 05:16:42 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 13, 2016, 09:03:01 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Alright... come on then!"

Kosak charges the worm and demonstrates proper punching technique on it.

You charge at the worm. It strikes at you with its head, trying to either swallow you or smash you into a pulp. Or both.
You respond with a well placed punch to head that sends it reeling and causes you to slide backwards from the recoil. Your hand is covered in gore and now there's a significant part of the worm's head missing.
"Now, see why this was a bad idea and why you shouldn't do it again?"
The worm screeches and tries to encircle you, slithering its giant body around you to try and reduce your mobility. Maybe even crush you. Smart. But that won't save it.
It pulls its head back, getting ready for another strike.
*sigh* "What did I just say?"
You grab the head as it flies towards you. The worm pushes futilely against you, but you bend your knees and do your best not to slip in the blood. You hold your ground as you start pulling your hands further and further apart. You keep pulling until the worm's mouth splits apart, causing a grotesque permanent smile to appear on it. But the thing is still alive, still thrashing around and trying to kill you, its body getting dangerously close to crushing you.
"Damn invertebrates. Curse your ability to survive."

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 13, 2016, 09:06:37 pm

<After The End>

Poke a hat out the door.  Then should that not draw fire, make a run for it.  Get out of the structure.

((Okay, what's happening here anyway?))

Considering that you're about a hundred floors off the ground, exiting the cannon through that door might not be such a good idea., since you wouldn't be able to go very far. Well, no, that's a lie, you'd be able to go quite far. But there would probably be a sudden stop at the end.

---

Quote from: Zormod on May 13, 2016, 11:41:57 pm

After the end

---

Let's try to get in the car. Don't want to attract too much attention, after all.

You bang the side door of the van until it opens, allowing you to enter it.
"What the hell is going on out there?" one of the two men with guns inside it ask.
"Things went badly. We're the only ones left." you respond.
They don't seem very excited about that. They're more... surprised and scared and trapped.

You notice a strange buzzing noise outside.
"What the hell is that noise?" one of the men asks.
You also want to know what the hell is going on. So you send a vortex outside to see. One of the advantages of not using your human eyes. The one who asked the question shivers as the vortex passes next to him.
Outside... first thing you see is that your opponent is catching up to you, now driving a heavily modified vehicle.
The second thing you notice is the sphere of metal moving around high above you, lightning up everything with the fire of its hover-engines and its dozens of searchlights, occasionally pointing its guns and missiles at whatever catches its attention.
Crap. A drone. They sent a frigging drone. Talk about overkill. Well, let's hope it focuses on the right target.

Quote from: Toaster on May 14, 2016, 09:53:54 am

John, After The End

"I apologize for the inconvenience, ma'am, but I must borrow your car.  Stay quiet and I won't hurt you, and I'll give the car back when I am done; you can keep the improvements.  Help me, and I might be able to help you too!  Get in my way, and... well, I think you get the idea."  John idly gestured toward his weapon.  "So which is it?"

Regardless of her answer, speed up and bear down on my target; take pot shots if I get close, improve the car more if I don't (I'm thinking an armored front, maybe a nice firing port).  If she interferes, blast her (failing that, the car seat could always detach and fall out the driver door.) 

She is quite compliant, nodding vigorously as she shrinks away from you, fastens her newly-repaired seatbelt and grips her door's handlebar tightly. Can't blame her for not antagonizing the probably crazy man with the big gun who just transformed her car.

You push the pedal to the metal and send the car screaming forward, shoving other cars out of the way. Your passenger emits frightened gasps with every collision. With that speed, you easily manage to get back in visual range of your target. You could try shooting, or keep focusing on driving and getting even closer.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on May 14, 2016, 07:18:09 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Have a quick look around, is there a vent we could get through? If not;

1)Throw a CS canister in the coridoor,  slightly towards where we came from and where the darn terminator expy is to create a smoke cover.
2)Throw a flashbang at where the terminator expy is.
3)Wait until flashbang goes off and run with the two helpers behind me.

"I have a plan, I'll make some distractions and the we run, I'll go first so you'll know if my distractions were shit."

You motion for the man to close the door and give you some time to look around and explain your plan.
There is indeed a vent, but it is armoured and barely big enough to hold a small child. Pretty much what you would expect from an armoury.

The other two with you agree with your plan. They are not at all eager to volunteer to go in your stead. I mean, sure, nobody would, but you'd expect them to at least show some emotion-

Your train of thought is cut off by the door getting blown off and flying into the room. That's your cue to leave.
You pull the pins out of a CS canister and a flashbang and throw both outside. They quickly explode, filling the corridor with smoke and your ears with ringing.
Now all you have to do is run outside. Just run outside. Run blind. Right past that killer robot. That just sent an armoured door flying like it was nothing. Yep.
...
Oh gods, you're going to die.

Quote from: Hawk132 on May 14, 2016, 05:05:27 am

Go to the door. Keep firing at it as I advance, wouldn't want them to have any bright ideas like 'let's run away'. Once I reach the door, exchange my crossbow for a sword and blast the door off. Commence murder.

You get a slightly smaller shield and a significantly bigger sword, more like an oversized cleaver. You pull your sword behind your back and then make a powerful overhead slash, cutting a deep gash in the door and getting it stuck on the floor and then immediately blasting it apart with a telekinetic blast. You don't even get a second to recover before something explodes in front of your face, overloading your sight and hearing.

You're not really sure what's going on, so you decide to respond in the most logical way. Fire everything.

DreamerGhost
You run past your pursuer. You can see his light for a moment, like lighting frozen in a cloud, before your eyes fill with tears and your throat starts to burn. The blurry light intensifies and then explodes with force. And then again. And again. The blasts send ripples through the air, creating vortexes, causing the gas to churn and spread even more.
You feel the wind against your back, you hear a cry of pain, something slamming against a wall behind you.

Looks like going first was a good idea after all. It wasn't ready for you.

Now all you have to do is find your way to the elevators... while half blind. Having a map of this place in your mind certainly helps, but not being able to see doesn't. Well, I mean, you can see, but not very clearly, your eyes are full of tears. You couldn't resist rubbing them with your hands to try and relieve yourself from the discomfort, but that somehow made it worse.

And... you can still hear it, still following you. And only one set of footsteps following you and that one limping. 

Hawk132
Your blade slashes through the air, creating eddies of spinning colorful gas. It slashes through the flesh, sending a spray of blood flying. The lifeless head bounces against the ground, still wearing a wide-eyed shocked expression. You look at it, taking in its features through the gas, under the light of your runes. Hm. Not him.

Instead of pulling your sword out of the ground, you simply let go of it and form a new one in your hands. The hunt goes on.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 13, 2016, 10:50:44 pm

Bear-rune grimaces. He removes the leg, converting it to biomass. He then attempts to grow a new leg. At the same time, he attempts to coat his entire body in a thin chitinous layer, with joints of course. He generates eye covers similar to those a frog utilizes when entering water, transparent but effective. He roars furiously, and unleashes a brutal melee attack on his opponent.

You shift your flesh around the injury, moving it like water. You free your leg and repair it, but it's a sloppy job. You do a much better job repairing and protecting your eyes. You attack with vicious abandon but you somehow manage to only hit the armour.

It looks like you're not the only one who can do shapeshifting tricks. Your opponent is also changing. He starts retracting his tentacles, releasing his hold on the environment. On the one hand, this reduces his armour. On the other hand, it allows him to start slowly moving around and increases his weaponry. Some of that stuff growing on him look completely absurd. Who puts a bone buzzsaw on a tentacle? How do you call that? The buzzsaw whip?

Quote from: Beirus on May 15, 2016, 05:15:26 am

WMD, After the End

"So much for talking it out."

Activate walker. Keep my distance. Fire all the things for real this time if my opponent gets close.

Transformation in progress. Please stand by...
In the meantime, here's a message from our sponsors:

Do you enjoy using the Galactic Compendium's "Superweapon Surprise"? Would you like to see more products in our line of bio-magical reaction engines? Then come to Three-headed Joe's great fire sale within the next cycle! We've got everything from gravitic oscillators to cake flavour intensifiers at prices that will make your tentacles squirm! A solar flare is imminent, so everything must go before it catches on fire! So come to Argloin 7 and SHOP! TILL! YOU! DROP!
_{Disclaimer: Three-headed Joe Ltd. and its affiliates bear no responsibility for you actually dropping dead due to events including but not limited to misuse of equipment, proper use of equipment, Solar Flares, dirty peasants, sky leopards or Death. Limited time offer only applies to certain products. Filthy Rifundians may pay extra, be enslaved or eaten.}

---

Quote from: Xantalos on May 14, 2016, 10:29:10 am

A.L.A.N.

Grin vacuously while my buddy's talked to.

You summon a pair of sunglasses and stand behind Rickman, grinning and waving like an overeager manager with his new star.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 15, 2016, 05:04:32 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Disaster!" Ike points all around him. "AlienNest?"

Ask. Also, hand Irine Nik's orb.

Rickman looks at you for several seconds.
"AlienNest." it responds, but it speaks slowly, like it's uncertain.

Irine seems a bit out of it right now, like she's in some sort of trance. She's not responding to external stimuli and you think she's glowing slightly. Maybe it's a foxgirl thing. Maybe she found some strange leaves and decided to eat them. Whatever it is, you decide to hold on to the sphere for now and give it to her when she wakes up.

Hmm... Now would be a perfect oportunity for you to put her in a silly pose.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 14, 2016, 11:22:31 am

<Might as well go ahead and do it then. just a moment.>
I sit down where I am behind Ike.
<Ready.>

<Cool. Just relax and let me help. Don't worry, I'll be gentle, you won't feel a thing.>
You can feel the warmth of his influence expanding outwards through your bond. It continues expanding, enveloping both your mind and your body. It's a pleasent warmth, but also a bit... weird. Kinda feels like that time you swallowed some fire and tried to control it in your stomach- I mean, what you imagine that would feel like. You'd certainly never do something that silly, not even if you were bored and wanted to test the limits of your abilities.

You feel his mind getting closer and closer to yours, close enough that you can strongly feel the surface of his thoughts. In a way, it reminds you of that time you helped River in the Relay World. Which you guess is appropriate, since you are doing similar things. But in other ways, it's much different. With River, you were mostly a conduit, a bystander. His mind was doing most of the work, making it look easy. This is a lot more involved. You can feel your minds working together to make sense of what extrasensory data you're getting. It's... a bit more tiring, but also more pleasant in a way. Or maybe that's just because this is D instead of River. After all, River's influence does tend to feel a bit more... distant and cold and dark. Even when he's doing that Sight thing to you. Then again, you felt much closer to River then than you do with Roger now-
<So. Soul.> Roger sends, taking you out of your contemplation and setting your focus back to the task at hand.
Your minds are choosing to interpret this as an image. A great structure with fuzzy edges, many of them extending outwards, beyond your perception. Its core is slightly oblong, with a few gaps in it, kinda like a grand statue that has almost finished being assembled. It looks... You aren't really sure. You weren't sure what you were expecting. You had knowledge about your soul, but you're not sure how much it applies now, or if you are in any position to be able to understand and use it. After all, that was at a different time, at a different place, when you were still whole, still linked to the greater you in the world.
<Looks good, but we don't want to just mess with it. We don't want a blunt tool. We want the deeper stuff.>
You go in deeper. The details begin expanding, getting bigger and more complex until you can no longer hold them all in your minds. You are forced to focus on a small part to be able to wrap your senses around it.

As you keep going, you encounter a thin layer of something. It's quite simple, almost transparent in a way, but very expansive.
<Ah, see? The soulsphere mechanic.>
You guess that makes sense. After all, it has to be able to interact with your soul somehow. So it has to be close to it.
<A few simple sensors. Time-delay. It's actually pretty simple. Except for those inner parts...>
It is indeed very simple. You can identify those parts even before D names them. Simple but large, sturdy looking and with a lot of repetition, a lot of redundancy. There are hundreds of tiny tendrils extending inwards and outwards from it, towards your soul and away from it. Probably meant to sense the conditions inside and around you, to trigger the change in case you... well, in case you die.
<Hmmm... Looks like it stores energy from your body AND soul. Might be related to the weakness experienced after a revival.>
Oh, yes, now that he mentions it, it does seem like some of the tendrils are meant for transferring energy instead of sensing it. Most of them go to simple storage areas but a few seem to head towards the core of the layer (after passing several layers of protection).
<Oh, that looks familiar. It's.. oh, it's an S0 fragment. Damn, that thing is everywhere these days. It's turning into a damn virus, I'm telling you.>
You can't make much sense of the thing at the core, but it does indeed feel related to him, or at least it has traces of its energy. It seems a lot more familiar to D.
<Hm. Best not to mess with that.>
Sounds like a good idea. You can already see some of the tendrils reacting to your probing. Messing with the thing that could end up saving your life sounds like a bad idea, especially if it has safeguards meant to protect you from hostile action. Or to kill you before you can fall to enemy hands.
<Anyway, enough sightseeing. Let's go look at what we're here for.>

You dive deeper into the structure- your soul. You're starting to understand just how huge this place really is. The bubble of your perception is just a tiny ant on a mountain. You're having trouble even getting an overview of it. It was a fuzzy structure from far away and now it's a mosaic that extends in all directions. And you still haven't reached the surface.
<Nice. Looking good babe.> D comments.
You sense his comment is sincere. Something about what he is seeing and this experience in general is very pleasent to him for some reason.

<Ah, cool. See? Restart markers. Nice to see she's getting better.> he comments while indicating some tiny orbs of energy embedded in parts of your soul. They feel like her. And even though they are rare, they appear to be spread out in various places throughout your soul.

You zoom around, skimming through the gigantic formations of interconnected energy, looking for something familiar. The weirdness has receded by now, just a faintly remembered thought in the back of your mind. D stops occasionally, examining one particular structure or another, mostly focusing on trying to make sense of the core formations.
<So... This thing is probably... fire control? Got a few strong connections to the outside. Then again, everything is related to fire control with you... Mind connection...? Yes. So not worth following down. Maybe up? No, that would be worse, probably leads to the core.>
This is taking longer than you expected. D is doing his best to find paths and connections, to make sense of all this, but he really seems lost. You're doing your best to help with what you know and what you remember, but it doesn't appear to be helping. Maybe it's because you're partially viewing this through his eyes or maybe you really have changed. Maybe it's because D really is a lot weaker in this state than he's comfortable letting on. Or maybe it's just normal for a being to have trouble looking into itself. After all, you wouldn't expect the average human to be able to cut someone else's body open and be able to figure out how it works.
<Phew. This place is pretty huge. Now let's see... We're looking for things related to the body... And last thing was hearing, so we're getting closer. Hm. Wonder if she's put any body data here... probably not, your body already had a great deal of magic in it. Unless it needed repairs, but... No, need something... _{I knew I should had taken that left turn at Albuquerque...} Oh, maybe I can sense her energy. Look for large concentrations, spillover from the repairs. That should at least give us a sense of direction. Or maybe his energy. Even if the damage was healed, there should be traces left. Let's see...>
Something deep within D's soul calls out, the vibration spreading through your bond. And then there is... One could describe it as a ringing, a resonance. It is as helpful as D implied. Parts of your soul light up for a brief moment, shining through the fuzziness, their structures becoming more apparent in this white noise-like field.

<Cool. I think I have a better idea about where we're going now.>

((I'll pause for a while, both because I'd like to keep this from getting too long and to give you a chance to act.))

---

Edit: Crap, I missed Tiruin. Sorry Tiruin. I'll write a quick one from my phone. I'll try to give a better response next time. Got to try to sleep now. Good luck with your finals. And sorry.

Quote from: Tiruin on May 14, 2016, 11:47:46 pm

((Finals till Wednesday T_T))

Get updated and help others around me :I Also is River OK? Check on him if possible!

You haven't seen River ever since he left the General's house. You think it might be the longest time you've been away from each other ever since you met.

It's strange. Every time he was gone, even though he was away, you still felt like he was somehow... there. Close to you. But now... You can't tell exactly when that feeling stopped, but you're certain you haven't even felt his presence. You haven't felt that connection or whatever that feeling was. Not today.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 16, 2016, 05:22:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 16, 2016, 05:16:42 pm

Disclaimer: Three-headed Joe Ltd. and its affiliates bear no responsibility for you actually dropping dead due to events including but not limited to misuse of equipment, proper use of equipment, Solar Flares, dirty peasants, sky leopards or Death. Limited time offer only applies to certain products. Filthy Rifundians may pay extra, be enslaved or eaten.

I see what you did there.

Rune-bear backs up. Growling, he takes on another change. He drops to all fours, and attempts to form two cannon-like orifices on his back. He creates acid-sacs inside his body, connected to the cannon-like body parts. Out of these, he will be able to spray acid.

In the meantime, he ejects more caustic gas to cover his retreat.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 16, 2016, 05:24:39 pm

((Haha, it worked! Not the way I intended it to, but still!))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 16, 2016, 05:40:08 pm

<D, my change mechanic as originally designed isn't entirely here. My body data for changes and my rebirth mechanic both went out through my links to external storage that was integrated with the implementation of how physics worked in my home universe, using the laws of physics themselves as a storage medium, and as a result those same laws of physics demanded the rebirth to occur in the event of my death. As I said before, when I designed myself, everything was integrated with each other, the flame manipulation, shapechanging, rebirth, telepathy, and my links to the universe itself were all actually just different aspects of the same mechanism. I don't think that's the way you Entities design things. You segment things, your designs are less organic. So I suspect if we look for where the heaviest redesign occured, we'll find a central nexus where my abilities were split apart to be worked with and on individually.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 16, 2016, 06:40:38 pm

"Sit tight.  Might have something for you here..."

Let's go with a more active defense system for the car; controllable shields, point defense, and the like.  Put a control console on the "passenger" side.  Instruct her in use.  Edge closer with whatever concentration is left over.

"You can handle defense.  I'm sure you're interested in staying alive, against whatever the target's going to bring to bear."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on May 16, 2016, 06:53:18 pm

<Auugh I Need A Map - After The End>
Let's just say 'exit cannon before it explodes'?

Also, do I have some sort of line to an entity or...

<Ahem?  Is there anybody, like, watching this or what?>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 16, 2016, 07:25:32 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

*sigh* "Okay then... Let's MOVE ON TO KICKS!"

Kicking of the worm intensifies. Preferably in the midsection.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 16, 2016, 09:31:05 pm

Alan

"AlienShip? SpaceShip?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on May 16, 2016, 11:13:34 pm

Back to the crossbow. Chase. Murder.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 17, 2016, 12:56:37 am

Hope for another RME. Fire all my weapons with enough range at my opponent.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on May 17, 2016, 02:19:54 am

Stick with Irine and support her actions, after thinking and pondering over this recent existential connection and the possible lack of it.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 17, 2016, 11:51:30 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

"Our only grace is that it is so slow. I Can't see shit but I know the way by heart."

Help Limpy hobble, see if we can get to the elevator. With any luck, he had the sense to close his eyes as he ran and has somewhat better vision of things than I.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 17, 2016, 12:54:40 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Place Irine upside-down in a corner (sort of like a sat down position, but with the position of the legs and head reversed), then return to speaking with Rickman.

"NewNest? OldNest?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on May 17, 2016, 04:05:57 pm

"... Somehow, that outsider is catching up to us, and making a big scene as he does so. And there's a drone paying a visit."

Watch out for any attacks pointed towards us, and please don't do anything to anger that drone.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on May 18, 2016, 09:59:01 am

((Well shoot, I completely forgot this existed for a couple of days, had to go to someone's graduation, lots of other stuff too, sorry. Am I still good to pick up where we left off?))

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Move in quietly, see if I can get a couple of shots in on hiding guy. if not just keep moving quietly while tracking him I guess

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 18, 2016, 07:02:41 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on May 16, 2016, 09:31:05 pm

Alan

"AlienShip? SpaceShip?"

He looks at you questioningly. You think he either has trouble understanding the question or can't find the answer for it.

Quote from: Tiruin on May 17, 2016, 02:19:54 am

Stick with Irine and support her actions, after thinking and pondering over this recent existential connection and the possible lack of it.

Irine is currently meditating, so you think the best you can do for her is make sure she is safe and remains undisturbed. Which is why you choose to stop Ike from messing with her.

As for River... you aren't 100% certain. After all, he is a being of magic, so it is hard to use pure reason to come to a conclusion.
He said his species is supposed to be good at forming connections, so maybe the reason you felt that way is that he formed some sort of connection with you?
Or maybe it could be that you were feeling him close to you because he was actually close to you. After all, he did say he would be watching.
But then, if that's the case, then what could this recent feeling, this... void mean? Did he leave? Did something happen to him?

If pure reason can't be used to come to a conclusion, then perhaps the answer is in your subconscious, in your feelings. And your feelings tell you... You have a bad feeling about this. Whatever River's disappearance could mean, it is not something good.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 17, 2016, 12:54:40 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Place Irine upside-down in a corner (sort of like a sat down position, but with the position of the legs and head reversed), then return to speaking with Rickman.

"NewNest? OldNest?"

"NewNest." Rickman responds, after some thought.

Theri prevents you from having some fun with Irine by explaining to you that doing that would be wrong and impolite and that it could hurt Irine's feelings or worse hurt her if she is casting complex magic because she would lose her concentration and might even accidentally hurt you even though she's certain she would feel really bad about that and that a good friend must not hurt their friends or their feelings and that... well, you tuned her out after that point, but you're pretty sure that's the gist of it. It's nice to know that even with giant ears you can still choose not to listen to things.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 16, 2016, 05:40:08 pm

<D, my change mechanic as originally designed isn't entirely here. My body data for changes and my rebirth mechanic both went out through my links to external storage that was integrated with the implementation of how physics worked in my home universe, using the laws of physics themselves as a storage medium, and as a result those same laws of physics demanded the rebirth to occur in the event of my death. As I said before, when I designed myself, everything was integrated with each other, the flame manipulation, shapechanging, rebirth, telepathy, and my links to the universe itself were all actually just different aspects of the same mechanism. I don't think that's the way you Entities design things. You segment things, your designs are less organic. So I suspect if we look for where the heaviest redesign occured, we'll find a central nexus where my abilities were split apart to be worked with and on individually.>

<I dunno girl. Maybe it's the way I think about things. But I can't see a giant soup of interacting energy that can do everything. Well, I mean, I can, but it's not very helpful. I don't have a problem with highly coupled systems, but there's a line between that and... more chaotic things. Complexity and stability and sentience tend to dislike that, it's hard to maintain in general... It's the difference between a human and an amoeba and even that would lying about amoebas because even those have some segmentation and specialization, they aren't all just one thing. You only see systems like that in outsiders. Well, no, I mean, the outsiders we tend to meet, not you.>
He focuses more on searching than thinking of a response, leaving large gaps between the words.
<Then again, now that I think about it, you could mean this in a different way. Could be that the communication channel is mostly integrated, like a brainstem and the laws of physics are segmented appropriately. Really, I can't judge without seeing the whole picture. Maybe if I recover enough energy, I'll have a chance to get closer to you and see the bigger picture. And show you how good a proper soul-merge can feel.>

<Anyway, looks like we're here.>
This area is surrounded by the remains of something that looks kinda like a sphere or a sack that looks like it has mostly broken down. From its walls a structure as indecipherable and complex as the others around here rises towards its centre, like a broken mountain range. The structure twists around impossibly, like only things in dreams can do, stabbing its peaks through its centre and outside of itself.

You can sense a lot of different energy here. Remnants bearing either his or her energy, with his being closer to the edges, where the holes are, while hers is more focused towards the centre. However, the most interesting thing is D's energy, connected to the peaks through channels of energy that look huge from your perspective. It feels like the energy has borrowed into them and through and "deposited" new layers of energy throughout the structure and its surroundings.
<So. That's interesting.>
But if this is his-
<Well, I think that's enough for now.>

When you regain your senses and open your eyes, you feel quite tired or maybe just a bit out of it. The others are still around. Theri is between you and Ike and is apparently giving some sort of speech about why friendship is the best thing ever.
<Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to rest for a minute. Poke me if you need anything.>
With that, he retreats back into himself and lays quiet. You don't know if he's actually that tired or if he's just doing it to avoid talking to you.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 19, 2016, 07:06:20 am

<That spinal column analogy is a good one.>

---

"Hehe, sorry about that. Um, Ike? How about you hang on to Nik a while longer, I'm a little out of it right now."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 20, 2016, 07:13:21 pm

"Um, if everyone is done here, could we get moving again? We still have traveling to do."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on May 21, 2016, 12:12:45 am

Now having Irine's possible attention, and happy that Ike seemed somewhat OK with her thoughts, Theri decided to ask her more magically-inclined friend some particular questions.

"Hey Irine, I've had this feeling nudging my side for quite some time and I- I feel that River's disappearance smells like foreboding. Figuratively. Any way you can sense him out for me?"

Let's get to moving! Be forward scout if possible!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 21, 2016, 12:27:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Have you tried howling?" Ike asks of Theri. "Works well enough for wolves. And River's totally magical too, so him hearing you doesn't even need to make any sort of physical sense."

Suggest helpfully. Irreverently pocket the soul sphere again. Proceed along toward DESTINY.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 21, 2016, 12:32:18 am

"Right, follow me, Rickman!"

Bumble along beside friendos

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 21, 2016, 12:39:00 am

"I thought that he'd just gotten frustrated with us taking so long and run ahead, that's part of why I've been pushing so hard for us to keep moving. I... I don't know if I can find him or not. Um, he's your Entity, do you have something to back up your feeling? Could it just be anxiety or do you have some kind of link with him telling you something is wrong?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 23, 2016, 05:36:26 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 16, 2016, 05:22:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 16, 2016, 05:16:42 pm

Disclaimer: Three-headed Joe Ltd. and its affiliates bear no responsibility for you actually dropping dead due to events including but not limited to misuse of equipment, proper use of equipment, Solar Flares, dirty peasants, sky leopards or Death. Limited time offer only applies to certain products. Filthy Rifundians may pay extra, be enslaved or eaten.

I see what you did there.

Rune-bear backs up. Growling, he takes on another change. He drops to all fours, and attempts to form two cannon-like orifices on his back. He creates acid-sacs inside his body, connected to the cannon-like body parts. Out of these, he will be able to spray acid.

In the meantime, he ejects more caustic gas to cover his retreat.

You should bear in mind that bear is a word that sentences of the English language commonly bear. It bears the significance of something that bears something, like a layer of ball bear-rings. So you should probably bear with me, as many more bear words will be brought to bear.

Has the word bear ceased to bear any meaning yet? If not, then you should bear the bear with a bear bear bear. Bear bear?

Quote from: Beirus on May 17, 2016, 12:56:37 am

Hope for another RME. Fire all my weapons with enough range at my opponent.

Rune transforms into acid Blastoise. William transforms into chainsword-wielding Cthulu.

Rune starts slowly backing up while preparing an acid volley, his oversized organic cannons trained at his enemy's centre of mass, making him look like a walking mortar platform mated with a fire engine. William however has already spent a turn preparing and is now ready to rock. The limbs that were until recently hugging the wall pull back (and take part of the wall with them), getting ready for a strike, full of spikes and spinning death. And at the same time, the limbs that were close to the ceiling begin unfolding like flowers, glowing with as liquid light starts dripping off of them.

The tentacle-like limbs slash through the air, the walls, the support collumns and anything else that gets in their path, causing the building to shudder and debris to get sprayed everywhere. By some miracle, Rune is able to back away and hide behind a support column. The column itself breaks like a matchstick, its absence causing the roof to sag dangerously. But the strike is high while Rune hides low, allowing it to pass over him. However, he is not so lucky when the ranged attack hits.

The spray of liquid light distorts the air as it flies through it, leaving strange patterns behind it. Where it lands, it converges into blobs, like mercury. Though they do not hit him, they are everywhere around him. Sparks fly between them and they vibrate, faster and faster, a noise building up. And then they explode into a wave of sound that strikes Rune like a punch in the gut, slamming him against the remains of the collumn he was taking cover behind. Sound is replaced by ringing, sight by blurriness, sensation by pain. He's definitely broken something... A lot of things, actually. It's hard to get up and if he does he's certain that keeping his balance won't be any easier: everything is spinning. And he's coughing blood. On the plus side, he's now full of acid (not the trippy kind, the melty kind) and his enemy has much less armour now.

William, meanwhile, begins recovering from his attack while admiring the results of his Dubstep bomb.

<Loving this fight. Getting those old monster vs monster film vibes, where people in silly suits fought in cardboard cities.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 16, 2016, 06:40:38 pm

"Sit tight.  Might have something for you here..."

Let's go with a more active defense system for the car; controllable shields, point defense, and the like.  Put a control console on the "passenger" side.  Instruct her in use.  Edge closer with whatever concentration is left over.

"You can handle defense.  I'm sure you're interested in staying alive, against whatever the target's going to bring to bear."

"What?"
"Red's energy dissipator, turn knob to adjust dispersal wavelength, push to activate, blue's active defence, use stick to adjust direction and press to engage. Shared capacitor, 500 millisecond burst, 10 second recharge. Press yellow to overload, release and detonate main capacitor."
"What?"
"Red anti-laser. Blue anti-missile. Protect self. Yellow releases bomb. Last resort."
"Wwhat?"
*sigh* "Don't make me quote Pulp Fiction."
"What?"
You don't think she'll be very helpful, although she might react if you yell a command at her, if you're lucky. Or you could control them yourself, but then your driving would suffer. Even now that you were focused on creating these you were forced to slow down.

<You shouldn't force poor helpless civilians to fight for you! They didn't ask for this, they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. They could get hurt. And that's terrible!>

Quote from: Zormod on May 17, 2016, 04:05:57 pm

"... Somehow, that outsider is catching up to us, and making a big scene as he does so. And there's a drone paying a visit."

Watch out for any attacks pointed towards us, and please don't do anything to anger that drone.

Your van keeps speeding towards Central as your opponent gets closer (it's gotten quite close now and its driving has improved somewhat, it will be right next to you in about a minute at this rate) and the drone keeps scanning the area. Suddenly, the drone's engines cut off, its lights turn off and it disappears from the senses of sight and sound the vortexes provide to you. You have a bad feeling about this...

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 16, 2016, 06:53:18 pm

<Auugh I Need A Map - After The End>
Let's just say 'exit cannon before it explodes'?

Also, do I have some sort of line to an entity or...

<Ahem?  Is there anybody, like, watching this or what?>

<Yup. We're all here. All watching.>
<Well, we're 'watching', but there's not much to hold our attention here.>
<The voices will never leave you.>
<May I help you with anything?>

As for ways out, there's sliding on the inside of the cannon, there's climbing the various beams that form a ladder and there's searching for a service elevator.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: Alarith on May 18, 2016, 09:59:01 am

((Well shoot, I completely forgot this existed for a couple of days, had to go to someone's graduation, lots of other stuff too, sorry. Am I still good to pick up where we left off?))

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Move in quietly, see if I can get a couple of shots in on hiding guy. if not just keep moving quietly while tracking him I guess

The moment Bryan senses his target running away (it takes him a split second longer due to the strange echoes his target is producing) he runs after him. He catches a glimpse of him, hastily climbing through the support collumns, makings his way down and around the cannon's shell. He raises his pistol and shoots, but the round bounces of the cannon's internals instead. The bullet makes a hole in a coolant pipe, causing the boiling liquid to spray outwards and freeze everything close to it. Startled by the burst of cold air that hits him, his mark slips and falls a couple of metres before he hits another support, knocking the wind out of him but at least stopping his fall. A moment later the coolant leak slows down and stops, cut off by automated systems. But it has already formed an area full of freezing metal and hard-to-breathe air between the two.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 16, 2016, 07:25:32 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

*sigh* "Okay then... Let's MOVE ON TO KICKS!"

Kicking of the worm intensifies. Preferably in the midsection.

You kick the worm on its side. It's not very effective.
The worm flicks its body, throwing you against the curved wall of the containment tank, knocking the wind out of you.
The worm launches itself at you, it's torn mouth flapping grotesquely. You prepare to kick.
You kick the worm at the head... just as it opens its mouth. It bites.
You look at your leg. You look at the worm's mouth wrapped around it. You look at your leg again. Yep. The worm bit it.
...
"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuu-"
You start vigorously kicking the head of the worm.
"Let go! Let go! Letgoletgoletgoletgo!"
The worm doesn't budge. It holds on, still biting and pulling, even with a broken and torn mouth.
"LET! GO!"
With that inspirational shout, you kick he worm hard enough to create a new hole on its head, completely shattering its mouth.
Ah. Free at last.
"My leg! Not yours!"
Which apparently got really close to becoming its leg, judging by the depth of those bite marks. Better not put too much pressure to it, lest you lose it permanently.
Okay, so let's just carefully extract yourself out of the- Huh. What the- Your leg is stuck in its head.
And now its still twitching body starts slowly sliding down towards the bottom of the container. It's losing traction with every inch that falls in the hole it came from. Any moment now it's going to start speeding up, dragging itself across the wall and into whatever dark hole it came from.
And you're stuck to the thing.
...
"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuu-"

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on May 16, 2016, 11:13:34 pm

Back to the crossbow. Chase. Murder.

CRUSH! KILL! DESTROY! (https://youtu.be/H1uh13Ebzjk)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keeo moving, following the noise your opponent is making. It's quite easy really.
But when you arrive at the centre of the building, the same plac you started, there's nothing there. Nothing but the corpses of the people you killed.

I mean, there's also a couple of sofas and a reception desk across the elevator, but you're pretty sure those are not alive.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on May 17, 2016, 11:51:30 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

"Our only grace is that it is so slow. I Can't see shit but I know the way by heart."

Help Limpy hobble, see if we can get to the elevator. With any luck, he had the sense to close his eyes as he ran and has somewhat better vision of things than I.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You offer a helping hand and let the man lean on you as you run towards the elevators. You're almost there.
And then your leg gets caught on something and both of you fall on the ground. It's wet and slippery.
"Oh, damnation." he curses as he tries to quickly get up. "Blasted thing."
It takes you a moment to realise why he's upset. It takes you a few seconds to realise that the thing in front of you is a human body, even though the positioning of its body reminds you more of a ragdoll thrown in a corner.

The man presses the buttons of all three elevators. None of them arrive, even though they all emit a ridiculously loud ding when their buttons are pressed.
"Come on, come on..."
You hide behind a lump of something large and soft (can't see clearly, although it's getting better, should be fine soon). You've lost track of where your buddy is, though you hear him crawling for a few seconds longer before he too stops.

You can hear your pursuer getting closer, metal boots loudly impacting the ground, their hollow shell amplifying the noise.
<So are we doing all the horror movie clichés then?>
You can also hear the vibrations through the ground, the soft whining signifying that the elevator will be here soon.

---

      

Quote from: Tiruin on May 21, 2016, 12:12:45 am

Now having Irine's possible attention, and happy that Ike seemed somewhat OK with her thoughts, Theri decided to ask her more magically-inclined friend some particular questions.

"Hey Irine, I've had this feeling nudging my side for quite some time and I- I feel that River's disappearance smells like foreboding. Figuratively. Any way you can sense him out for me?"

Let's get to moving! Be forward scout if possible!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 21, 2016, 12:27:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Have you tried howling?" Ike asks of Theri. "Works well enough for wolves. And River's totally magical too, so him hearing you doesn't even need to make any sort of physical sense."

Suggest helpfully. Irreverently pocket the soul sphere again. Proceed along toward DESTINY.

Quote from: Xantalos on May 21, 2016, 12:32:18 am

"Right, follow me, Rickman!"

Bumble along beside friendos

Rickman follows you on foot for a while. Then it tries riding on your back, with predictable results. Then it simply resorts to flying.

Your group makes its way around the crash site and keeps following the road from a distance, same as you had been doing the previous day. You keep walking as the sun continues its journey across the sky, moving forward until Alan suddenly stops and launches a stream of cutlery towards the road.

Everybody stares at Alan.
So! Do I win? Alan asks enthusiastically, completely ignorant to the stares he's getting.
Ah. It's probably too deep for them.
There was a fork in the road. I put more there. Alan explained.
Not much enthusiasm. Hm. Whatever.
So, do I win?

Map reminder: https://www.dropbox.com/s/iuho80wos3v75x2/general_map.gif?dl=0

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2016, 05:43:47 pm

Rune-Blastbear rolls out of cover, roars, and fires cannons. Hydro-pump!

He opens his mouth, and speaks in a half-speak half-roar.

"I just can't bear to take another hit. I feel bear without any cover. Hopefully you will soon come to bear the effects of my attack."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 23, 2016, 06:01:50 pm

((Don't forget to exercise your right to bear arms.))

"Just... hit the color button when I say so!  Watch, and you'll get it!"  <And oh please; when have you folks cared about such things?>

Now let's just close in.  If closing to less than 10 meters, start shooting.  If defense is required, shout out the correct instruction and hope.


((Upgrade tree idea; some sort of machine multitask mode))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on May 23, 2016, 06:06:21 pm

"The drone is stalking something now."
Keep the driver informed about any dodging decisions he should be making.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 23, 2016, 06:12:18 pm

@Toaster: You could always create an intelligent machine and have it make decisions for itse- ROOMBA FLASHBACK

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 23, 2016, 07:01:53 pm

I take out the map and look it over, showing it to the group whilst pointing out where we are and the choice we have to make.

"I... I think the northern path would be better? They're more villages on it so there's probably more food and water in the surrounding area. A straight road like that southern path has after the mine is the kind of thing you'd only see in a featureless plain or waste. That's just a guess though. The mine might be a good route too."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on May 23, 2016, 07:10:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on May 23, 2016, 06:12:18 pm

@Toaster: You could always create an intelligent machine and have it make decisions for itse- ROOMBA FLASHBACK

Alas, my power is balanced by the time it takes to summon things.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 23, 2016, 07:15:22 pm

KOSAK DURAR, AFTER THE END:

---

"GRAAAAGH! YOU'VE REALLY DONE IT NOW! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

Kosak... crawls into the thing's mouth? And starts punching it apart from the inside?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on May 23, 2016, 09:33:23 pm

<Well then.

Any of you guys care to point out the way out?  Without charging me for it.>

Uh...Flee harder?  Can I shoot him with the thing?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on May 23, 2016, 11:49:30 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Hide and sneak. Sneak around cover and try to keep it between me and the terminator expy. When/if elevator arives, toss a flashbang, get in and go to the bottom floor.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 24, 2016, 12:09:51 am

Alan, Decisionmaker

If people don't come to an agreement, perform my patented choosing process of spinning around until I fall down vomiting and then go in the direction I'm closest to facing.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on May 24, 2016, 01:00:55 am

WMD, After the End
"What was that? I could bear-ly understand it. Now bear with me for just a moment, I'll try not to make this unbearably painful. And to think, if you had agreed to cooperate with me, we would have left this place a bear-en crater by now. Oh well. Hey, if this whole 'entertainment for entities' thing doesnt work out, maybe we could go to Japan. I could work in adult films, and I'm sure kids would love to try and catch you all.""

Finish him off with the weapons. Keep hoping for a helpful RME. Hope my defences are effective against any last-ditch attack he brings to bear. William uses Flail!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on May 24, 2016, 03:01:06 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Is the elevator moving? If it's going down, break it. Make him fall to his death. If it's moving to this floor, stand guard near it. Scan the room for exits and anything I might've missed. If nothing happens for a while (like half an hour) and there are exits other than the one I came through, leave the room and search for my opponent. Otherwise just stay here and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on May 24, 2016, 04:59:05 pm

Bryan After the End

---

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Try to blast him with the chilled air, and maybe ice particles too.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 25, 2016, 07:30:05 am

"Hey, Zech? Back at the staging area, before last mission, you said that you hated every single deity that ever existed, what did you mean by that?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 25, 2016, 07:37:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

"NORTH!" Ike suggests.

>n

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 25, 2016, 10:13:01 am

"Heh, okay, north it is then."
North

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 26, 2016, 04:10:53 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Very tired right now. I've been busy for the past few months. It's been quite chaotic in my personal life. Sorry for not responding for so long.
I'm relatively caught-up now.

Quote from: Lenglon on May 25, 2016, 07:30:05 am

"Hey, Zech? Back at the staging area, before last mission, you said that you hated every single deity that ever existed, what did you mean by that?"

Zechariah had been in a drone-like state for a while now. His mental exhaustion had long taken over during the walk after the crash site. His mind was wandering between different memories of the past. He was slightly startled when Irine called to him. For a moment, he was puzzled by her question, but then realized that she was referring to his anger in the staging area. That seemed so long ago now. His time spent in the Medium seemed even more distant than that.

He looked at Irine and back to the trail. He thought to himself for a few moments before speaking. "I don't hate anyone. It's not in my nature. But something struck me back then. When I used to interact with Eido, who was, well, the 'demiurge' of our multiverse, I used to get angry at his aloofness. He always seemed amused or indifferent to many different things, despite knowing full well that he had the lives of nearly fifty human beings in his hands. Actually, what we were dealing with concerned every living being across the multiverse. Still, I was frustrated. He did not care that many of us were slowly losing our sanity due to the magnitude of our task. He was asking us to work together, in perfect unison, in order to have a slight chance of repelling a force composed entirely of the despair of sentient beings. Many of us would die. Most of us were just kids, or young adults, who hadn't experienced a majority of life. Even then, with all of us working together, it wasn't enough. The last battle was..." He does not finish he sentence, and instead changes the direct topic. "That's why I did it. That's why I sacrificed myself and burned up my soul. I didn't want to see them suffer anymore. None of the Guardians deserved to be just pieces in a game for survival. Well, that, and I was tired. If ceasing to exist was what it took to free them of the hell we were stuck in, I would do it. It's not like I had much to live for personally."

"And now it's round two of the same thing. I didn't ask to be put together again, but here I am, with even less stability than before. Not only am I in a strange place with new people, I have to put up with the worst possible entity to pair with. Of all of the entities, I had to get the one who sees people as means to an end. That's exactly what I was trying to avoid. She gets to see it that way because she's probably existed for, well, forever. My life is just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things to her, and so are the lives of everyone else here, and everyone that exists on every world. I despise that lack of connection. My power relies on the connections between people - or, at least, it used to with the Medium." He sighs. "Now here I am again. Yet another game for survival, yet another set of pawns, and yet more deities who have boundless understanding and comprehension that I do not have. And, of course, what's a single life when compared to the fate of worlds?" He touches his staff lightly against the ground and pushes off, continuing to walk. "I just don't like when higher powers forget the human. That is all."

North.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 26, 2016, 04:28:51 am

"Now, when you say 'multiverse', do you mean your multiverse, or the multiverse? 'Cause if there's several multiverses, does that mean we live in an ultraverse?"

Ike lets the question hang in the air for a second.

"And from that, could we not infer the existence of an even greater superset of ultraverses, for which we could advance the moniker of... the monsterverse? Or m-verse, if you will, after the as of yet practically unproven M- or monster unified theory of reality."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 26, 2016, 04:51:50 am

"I mean the one I came from - the one that Eido probably had control over. Though, I'm not really sure whether it was actually a multiverse or not. I assumed it was, due to the methods Eido hinted at when talking about his creation of our realms. However, I guess it is possible that we really just lived in a single universe with multiple worlds connected through the Medium. That would be complicated, however, because our enemies - the Shadows - don't really abide by dimensional laws and operate on an entirely new plane of existence. If we were in the same universe, all of our worlds would be overrun at about the same time. That didn't happen, however. In short, I really don't know. Though, that does bring up the question of how I got here and where this multiverse is in relation to my old home." He looks up at the sky, thinking about what might happen if the realms of the entities and Eido could possibly interact.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 26, 2016, 05:08:09 am

"It might very well go all the way up. Monsterverses of ultraverses of multiverses of doubleverses of universes. Which then all fold into even greater collections of monsterverses. I guess if you've got unknown numbers of dimensions you can get some pretty hilarious manipulations of location."

"It's just weird, you know? Nobody really knows what a capital-S Shadow is around here, and nobody seems very concerned about the Ophidian conspiracy, and really all of your former concerns are rendered kind of moot as a multiversal gang of assholes have you play shitty games for their amusement."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 01:55:06 pm

"Have you ever considered what happens when powers don't forget? When powers bind to every life and the inevitable destruction that living costs rips the power apart? What do you think happens then?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 01:58:15 pm

"Donuts!"

Alan interjects! Salient point!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 26, 2016, 03:13:56 pm

"I think Alan raises a solid point."

"Although there's probably a gradient between 'fuck the common filth' and 'sacrifice everything for the common good'. Not everything has to be super dramatic, you know. Just be vaguely responsible and throw people a bone every now and then and you'll do fine. No need to agonize over the fine details - better people than ourselves have fucked those up beyond our ability to resolve."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 03:26:49 pm

"No really, donuts. Does it matter whether the forces or entities that control reality focus on our existences or not? Was it random chance or playful malevolence that caused me to have my organs eaten by an angry Roomba? Was it coincidence or a deliberate scheme by an effectively omnipotent-from-my-perspective being that caused me to have to fight off a pack of ferrets while ODing on thirteen different types of crystal meth and various other drugs in a back alley in Cincinnati, Ohio? Or the time I accidentally ate a baby's foot because it got stuck in a cake and I was too hungry to notice until afterward that there was an infant spurting blood everywhere? Is it fate's design or merely sad chance that I lack the empathy and emotional complexity to grasp the seriousness and consequences of all of my actions? Who cares, more importantly? I'm alive right now. I've met a new alien friend. I have donuts. So chillax and don't worry about it!"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 04:07:24 pm

"I care."
"If you don't have a real, responsible opinion on the matter, and are saying that you don't even want to worry about it, that it's not your problem, then I should just take you at your word. You think your opinion has no value. I'll treat it that way."
"Ike, Alan, shut up."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 04:14:07 pm

"...want sprinkles?"

Offer a donut with sprinkles!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 04:19:36 pm

"No."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 04:23:53 pm

"Okay. I'll keep it for later. Donuts are always wanted eventually!"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 26, 2016, 05:43:17 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 26, 2016, 03:13:56 pm

"Although there's probably a gradient between 'fuck the common filth' and 'sacrifice everything for the common good'. Not everything has to be super dramatic, you know. Just be vaguely responsible and throw people a bone every now and then and you'll do fine. No need to agonize over the fine details - better people than ourselves have fucked those up beyond our ability to resolve."

"Like with everything, there is a balance, yes. I am not saying that the entities - or Eido, for that matter - should anguish over every single death that occurs. But at the very least, I want understanding. Empathy. Eido did not visibly show that, and he did not talk about it, but at least he understood it with the framework of the Medium. Everything was connected. Every living being mattered because, well, we needed every little bit of willpower we could get in order to fight literal representations of despair." He looks down for a moment. "Maybe there's not the same sense of urgency here. After all, I'm not sure how great the power of the entities is. Maybe they're a lot stronger than Eido, and maybe they don't face too large of a threat now. But back then, we didn't have time. Everyone mattered. We couldn't afford to lose our only tool against the Shadows, and Eido knew that."

Quote from: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 03:26:49 pm

"No really, donuts ... don't worry about it!"

"It's not my nature to not worry about it. I was one of the Mediums, which meant that it was my responsibility to worry. Besides, I already explained the rest to Ike."

Quote from: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 01:55:06 pm

"Have you ever considered what happens when powers don't forget? When powers bind to every life and the inevitable destruction that living costs rips the power apart? What do you think happens then?"

"I have, and I know that's why Eido doesn't show empathy. He can't. He saw many, many more realms than I can count die. So many people, so many Guardians, so many Mediums and other living beings died or gave in to apathy. The Shadows grew from that, and there wasn't anything he could do to stop that. All he could do was hope, and continue to tweak the Medium and its balance, and pray that there was a slight chance in all of existence that a certain combination of Guardians and Mediums could actually unite people. Eido did not let me see his actual form, as his body was so greatly distorted and ruined from eons of resistance and grief that I would not be able to handle it. I think that, at one point, he did care for every single death that happened under his watch. For our sake, however, he had to stop. He was already weak and frail in the grand scheme of things. If he continued, he would die, and we would be alone, completely defenseless." He sighs, a little bit of frustration seeping into his voice.

"I'm not asking for an entity on that scale to have bonds with every living being. It's simply not feasible. But, at the very least, a sort of mutual understanding helps. A respect for life, as it is. Life is powerful and chaotic." He pauses for a few moments before continuing. "Then again, I suppose my opinion is juvenile at best. I'm nearly the youngest person involved in all of this. I'll probably see a lot more death during my lifetime and, perhaps, I might even get desensitized to it. I hope I don't get that way. At the same time, I saw what this sort of thing did to Eido, and that was over eons to someone who had power that was orders of magnitude larger than what I could comprehend. I don't want to destroy myself necessarily, but I do care. I don't think I'll ever lose that."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 11:29:25 pm

...
"What would you think of a Power that ran away? That, rather than feel or not feel, had abandoned their power instead?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 27, 2016, 02:07:15 am

Zechariah looks at Irine once again before continuing to focus on the trail ahead. "I wouldn't blame them. Knowledge and power are terrible, in truth. With those two things, either you become apathetic and detached to save your sanity and your soul or you attempt to make everything right and you lose both in the process. I know that it's true because I fell victim to the latter. I had the knowledge to change things through the Medium and the power to make it happen, but in doing so, I was going to be erasing my existence. I did so anyway. In theory, I would have liked to see a balance between power, knowledge, empathy, sanity, and the will to live. However, I know that finding that balance is nearly impossible to do without sacrificing something. Knowledge is incredibly hard to lose voluntarily, so, out of all of those things, power is the best thing to lose to preserve the balance. That's why I would never blame anybody for giving up being a god, deity, demiurge, or entity. As long as they continue to live and help others to live, I am fine with that."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 09:02:41 am

"Thanks."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 10:53:33 am

"That sounds a lot like absolution. You didn't perchance happen to be a god, did you, Irine?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 11:07:03 am

"I-I said I didn't want to talk about what I am, remember?"

Spoiler: context (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 12, 2013, 10:10:50 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:07:36 am

"You mean you aren't a monkey? um...
But anyway, no! I'm not a reptilian anything!"

"I'm even less of a monkey than a chimpanzee, so yes. And what are you, then, if not a reptilian overlord?"

Quote from: Lenglon on November 12, 2013, 10:14:27 am

I look down uneasily.
"Um... I... I... I don't like answering that question. people get all weird when I do that, and try to take advantage of me all the time."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 11:53:15 am

"You did? Huh... well, guess I understand why if you used to be a god and stuff. It's probably weird not being one anymore. Kind of like Zechariah here, except in a quieter, more brooding way," Ike shrugs. "Though I guess if you don't wanna talk about it, that's your choice. Be warned, however, that I'll be terribly disappointed if you do open up at some point in the future and the truth falls short of what I'm presently imagining."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 12:25:50 pm

"I... I only had one universe, and I shared it with nine others equal to me. After... after we finished creating it, and we allowed time to begin, I stepped down from power, because I didn't trust myself to handle it."

"We didn't last very long. Something from outside sneaked in and broke time itself. Stellar, my entity, pulled me out before the universe finished collapsing, but I'm pretty sure nobody else made it."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 03:51:52 pm

"Where'd you come from before all that, though?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 03:55:22 pm

"Hmm? I made me when I stepped down. That was my final act as a deity. It's also why I don't have an ancestry, and am not related to anything other than myself. Meaning I really don't have a common ancestor with a lizard. Ever."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 04:14:03 pm

"Where'd you come from before you were a deity?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 04:16:18 pm

"Um, that doesn't... Um, Ike? Remember how I mentioned that we had to start time? There literally was no such thing as before then, because there literally was no time. So... yeah. Your question doesn't really make sense."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 04:32:07 pm

"It's still a question worth considering. Did you sprout from the end of a time before time? Were you seeded by a higher creator, or several other deities? Willed yourself to be by sheer act of deific will? I'm really asking because you seem to have some sort of memory of creation itself, though do feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. And also the notion that you were doing any creating, which would imply that some form of cause and effect would exist even in the absence of what you call 'time'. And if there is an effect of gods being present, surely there must be a cause for that as well, right?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 04:43:49 pm

I sigh
"This is the kind of thing I wanted to avoid. but sure, gimmie a moment. It's hard for me to access those memories, I get a massive data overflow because my brain isn't really meant to handle that stuff, but I can if I really try."
I close my eyes and take several slow deep breaths, straightening my posture at the same time, and when I speak again my voice is somehow a little off, mildly unsettling, though it sounds the same it... isn't?
"In the beginning of time, there was nothing. There was no darkness, no light, no time, no space. Everything is void. Then... out of nowhere, a sentience had developed. This sentient being, dubbing itself 'God', is capable of manipulating itself to its will. With its power, the entity had created the universe.

But soon after, it grew bored, and destroyed that universe and returned everything to void. Then, it had an idea. An idea thought up by a race of sentients long extinct. Democracy.

Soon God created several omnipotent beings, known as Deities, to be his advisers. But still God is bored, so he left the multiverse, leaving his shell as a machine that would operate to serve the majority and alter the universe according to their wills."
I shudder and return to my normal posture, taking several more deep breaths before finally opening my eyes.
"Please don't ask me to do that again."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 27, 2016, 06:40:19 pm

((Going on a family trip. Will most likely not have Internet access in the next two days.))

Zechariah looks between Ike and Irine before speaking up. "I guess it's only fair to mention a bit of the Medium as well. A bit of where I came from. Eido went great lengths to explain that, ultimately, he was not a god, or, rather, the God. Even he did not know whether there was a higher power that made him and the other beings that existed with him. He never went too far into detail, but I knew that, out of all of the beings that existed with him, only him and one other being remained. The force that killed the other beings was known to us as the Shadow. In short, Shadows are the "negatives" of everyone's subconscious. Normally, these Shadows aren't malevolent, at least not on a wide scale. But something provoked the Shadows and corrupted them, forming them into a cancer that continues to spread across every realm that exists in Eido's domain. If living beings are not strong enough to confront their own Shadows and help others to do so, then they will inevitably be consumed by the never-ending tide of Shadows.

Since the Shadows are able to span multiple dimensions, Eido created a system that would allow living beings to also connect multiple dimensions. This is known as the Medium. This system connects the physical, mental, spiritual, and temporal aspects of a person's existence, allowing them to project spiritual force as physical power. Technically, anyone can use this system, but there are always ten people who are naturally endowed with a special, natural sense for this connection. Within a single generation, they each represent one major aspect of life. We call them 'Guardians,' as they protect their facets of life against destruction. There is also one additional person - a 'Medium' - who trades direct power for the ability to cross universes, not just dimensions. There were tons of other details about this system, but it would take too long to explain. This was the most recent iteration of the Medium. I have no doubt that Eido changed it too many times to count, as he has been constantly searching for a way to stop the fall of universes to the Shadows.

In my existence, four universes with four generations of Guardians were created. That meant forty-four people in total; by the end, that number had been cut down greatly. We were supposed to be the last ones. If we failed, Eido would simply stop and conserve the rest of his power to prolong the inevitable death of all living things in our multiverse. Eventually, it came down to the last battle, and..." He sighs. "Well, you know what happens from there, at least to me. I destroyed the Medium and the Shadows connected to it, and since practically all of the malevolent Shadows had descend upon the last universe, that meant that it was over. Of course, it cost me my soul - or, at least, that was what I thought. Now it's over. I have no idea if I succeeded or not. I did have one last guarantee in case I failed, but I have no idea if it came down to that."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 27, 2016, 07:18:04 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 04:43:49 pm

I sigh
"This is the kind of thing I wanted to avoid. but sure, gimmie a moment. It's hard for me to access those memories, I get a massive data overflow because my brain isn't really meant to handle that stuff, but I can if I really try."
I close my eyes and take several slow deep breaths, straightening my posture at the same time, and when I speak again my voice is somehow a little off, mildly unsettling, though it sounds the same it... isn't?
"In the beginning of time, there was nothing. There was no darkness, no light, no time, no space. Everything is void. Then... out of nowhere, a sentience had developed. This sentient being, dubbing itself 'God', is capable of manipulating itself to its will. With its power, the entity had created the universe.

But soon after, it grew bored, and destroyed that universe and returned everything to void. Then, it had an idea. An idea thought up by a race of sentients long extinct. Democracy.

Soon God created several omnipotent beings, known as Deities, to be his advisers. But still God is bored, so he left the multiverse, leaving his shell as a machine that would operate to serve the majority and alter the universe according to their wills."
I shudder and return to my normal posture, taking several more deep breaths before finally opening my eyes.
"Please don't ask me to do that again."

"Ooh, that's a pretty cool exposition voice you have there. And that does kind of answer my question, too! Seeded by God at the start of time, some period of creation-time follows, after which there's a short period of life-time. And then a sudden collapse."

"Hm. You think maybe it was God again? The one that collapsed your universe, I mean."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 27, 2016, 06:40:19 pm

((Going on a family trip. Will most likely not have Internet access in the next two days.))

Zechariah looks between Ike and Irine before speaking up. "I guess it's only fair to mention a bit of the Medium as well. A bit of where I came from. Eido went great lengths to explain that, ultimately, he was not a god, or, rather, the God. Even he did not know whether there was a higher power that made him and the other beings that existed with him. He never went too far into detail, but I knew that, out of all of the beings that existed with him, only him and one other being remained. The force that killed the other beings was known to us as the Shadow. In short, Shadows are the "negatives" of everyone's subconscious. Normally, these Shadows aren't malevolent, at least not on a wide scale. But something provoked the Shadows and corrupted them, forming them into a cancer that continues to spread across every realm that exists in Eido's domain. If living beings are not strong enough to confront their own Shadows and help others to do so, then they will inevitably be consumed by the never-ending tide of Shadows.

Since the Shadows are able to span multiple dimensions, Eido created a system that would allow living beings to also connect multiple dimensions. This is known as the Medium. This system connects the physical, mental, spiritual, and temporal aspects of a person's existence, allowing them to project spiritual force as physical power. Technically, anyone can use this system, but there are always ten people who are naturally endowed with a special, natural sense for this connection. Within a single generation, they each represent one major aspect of life. We call them 'Guardians,' as they protect their facets of life against destruction. There is also one additional person - a 'Medium' - who trades direct power for the ability to cross universes, not just dimensions. There were tons of other details about this system, but it would take too long to explain. This was the most recent iteration of the Medium. I have no doubt that Eido changed it too many times to count, as he has been constantly searching for a way to stop the fall of universes to the Shadows.

In my existence, four universes with four generations of Guardians were created. That meant forty-four people in total; by the end, that number had been cut down greatly. We were supposed to be the last ones. If we failed, Eido would simply stop and conserve the rest of his power to prolong the inevitable death of all living things in our multiverse. Eventually, it came down to the last battle, and..." He sighs. "Well, you know what happens from there, at least to me. I destroyed the Medium and the Shadows connected to it, and since practically all of the malevolent Shadows had descend upon the last universe, that meant that it was over. Of course, it cost me my soul - or, at least, that was what I thought. Now it's over. I have no idea if I succeeded or not. I did have one last guarantee in case I failed, but I have no idea if it came down to that."

"Were there any aliens in this multiverse? I'm trying to get a picture of the scale. One of those solar system-sized affairs, then?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 08:15:07 pm

"I'm sure it wasn't."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 27, 2016, 09:22:34 pm

"Um, yes and no. Each universe had a different outcome, so each world I visited looked completely different. They each had different moons, compositions, organisms, and plant life. In terms of the Guardians, most were humans, or at least as close to ordinary humans as possible. The first generation tended to have a wide range of eye, hair, and skin color; the second had humans crossed with the traits of other animals; the third involved humans with a wider range of proportions and a natural penchant for magic; and the fourth was like the first, but a little closer to what's expected as natural. I don't know if any of the worlds had contact with actual aliens yet."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 02:57:31 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 27, 2016, 08:15:07 pm

"I'm sure it wasn't."

"How so? Dude's got the means, the knowledge and the motive, no?"

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 27, 2016, 09:22:34 pm

"Um, yes and no. Each universe had a different outcome, so each world I visited looked completely different. They each had different moons, compositions, organisms, and plant life. In terms of the Guardians, most were humans, or at least as close to ordinary humans as possible. The first generation tended to have a wide range of eye, hair, and skin color; the second had humans crossed with the traits of other animals; the third involved humans with a wider range of proportions and a natural penchant for magic; and the fourth was like the first, but a little closer to what's expected as natural. I don't know if any of the worlds had contact with actual aliens yet."

"So... no idea? Seems a little weird if there'd be aliens that had nothing to do with your multiversal threat. Just chugging along after that one sentient race in the corner of the galaxy got snuffed by their own psychic emanations or something."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:11:08 am

"No motive."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 03:18:37 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:11:08 am

"No motive."

"Sure there is. Got the notification the universe was done, took a look at it, decided to pack it back in. Wasn't impressed with the results, maybe - I imagine God's a bit hard to please if the Bible is anything to go by. Or maybe he had better things to do with his creative apparatus. Or maybe he just decided to undo creation and start it up again with different advisers to see if things get more interesting. Or maybe he was struck by inspiration and decided to make the next universe a bit more personalized."

"Makes more sense than some dick just popping in and breaking time for laughs, doesn't it?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:21:14 am

"No."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 28, 2016, 03:23:52 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:21:14 am

"No."

"Why?"

Alan you eavesdropper.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:24:48 am

"I said no."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 03:31:58 am

"Sure, you say that, but isn't God's whole schtick that he's bored and easily distracted? Universes are dime-a-dozen if you're omnipotent. Or hell, even possess a method of multiversal travel. I dunno about you, but I could easily imagine someone like that looking back on this universe he made on an off day and go like 'yeah, probably should just shelve this already' and just collapse it and everything in it. After all, anything he makes he can easily remake, and anything he remakes he can iterate upon. Shouldn't overestimate one's importance in the face of an uncaring demiurge."

"Come to think of it, that meshes pretty well with the God-figure a lot of people think was in our universe. They say he noticed that the planet was kind of fucked and infested with giants and so he just wiped it clean with a great flood save for a small population of people he thought were all right and a bunch of animals."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:33:57 am

"I said no."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 28, 2016, 03:35:09 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:24:48 am

"I said no."

"But why?"

Ah, the most annoying query of small children.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:39:30 am

"I. Said. No."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on May 28, 2016, 03:44:16 am

"...but why?"

Spoiler: Alan's current expression. Not pictured: any sensibility or sense of mercy (click to show/hide)

(http://www.morningsidemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/IMG_1836.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 04:05:14 am

"I mean, that's not an indictment of the creative abilities of all the sub-gods. It's just entirely possible that a bona fide God, from what you've told me, the guy who can make the Big Bang when he's not even trying, eclipses the concerns, hopes and dreams of all of his creations by his mere existence and basically anything he creates is like a microbe in the face of his infinite divine potential. It's the sort of thing that the best bar conversations are built upon in my experience, except in this case the things described are actually within our reach in a sense. It's cool to think about. It's possible that none of it's true, of course. You'd probably know better than I would."

"The fact remains, though, that the scope of the universe makes common concerns ultimately insignificant. And once you bring in multiverses, ultraverses, monsterverses, omnipotent beings and infinite creation, all manner and number of things suddenly become very local, very small. It's a beautiful thing, insignificance."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 10:09:54 am

"You don't know the guy, and you're overestimating how much he overshadowed us by a lot."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 03:09:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 10:09:54 am

"You don't know the guy, and you're overestimating how much he overshadowed us by a lot."

"He's where your creative powers came from if I understand correctly. The "shell". What made you a demiurge was that he let you use his tools, no? Which means that ultimately he's the omnipotent creator. He's the guy who can afford to move on to other projects. And the deities in that scenario are the middle managers of the creation process. Well-intentioned, useful, but ultimately expendable and shackled to the ground rules initially established. Advisers and overseers with limited administrative access. Could you make a new universe and a set of deities equal to you in power, for instance?"

"All I know is what you're telling me, once again. But you seem to know the guy. What was he like?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 03:38:58 pm

"We could do exactly that actually. I personally revised the framework he left and ran it on my own power instead of his for a period while he was away. He was a frustrated, detached, and bored being. He felt everything was too predictable generally, yet he insisted on clarity in what we did and acted to reduce chaos. He decided the other nine were too secure some time after I stepped down, and arbitrarilly established the Deityheart system to make them killable. He wanted risk and excitement in existance. He was intermittantly active and involved in the work we did, and wouldn't have just ended things like they did, with by definition the most boring of endings."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 04:13:54 pm

"Ooh, now that's a different affair then. Your expositron said something a lot different, is all. Honestly, a lot of it is pretty self-contradictory. There's no time, but there is time. God leaves, but he's still around. You use a god-shell to create the universe, but you can do god things without it, so what's even the point? Might be what contributes to a certain lack of investment in the outcome by God himself, perhaps."

"Though I'd still say it's well in line with what I know of frustrated, detached and bored beings to break creations that dissatisfy them. It's the stereotypical artist. They want to be great, but everything they make looks like shit to them. So they never finish anything, abandon most things and destroy the more ambitious ones before anyone finds out how badly they failed. It's not really a boring ending to a story - it's the logical consequence to the thought 'I don't care what happens to these people'. You drop the story is what you do in that case."

"But what I'm more curious about is what 'power' is in this case, though. Did gods in your universe have a quantifiable power output or something?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on May 28, 2016, 04:45:17 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 28, 2016, 02:57:31 am

"So... no idea? Seems a little weird if there'd be aliens that had nothing to do with your multiversal threat. Just chugging along after that one sentient race in the corner of the galaxy got snuffed by their own psychic emanations or something."

"I'm sure there were 'aliens,' but it's not like Eido was going to wait until multiple sentient species met together to combat the Shadows. There may have been many more generations and Guardians in different galaxies, fighting against the Shadows all the same. In the end, we never met any other Guardians. Only four generations came together from different worlds or universes that I encountered. Besides, since we were supposed to be the last Guardians, we wouldn't have gotten a chance to find out."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 06:58:21 pm

"'My power' as in me pushing a door open. It's more a matter of who is doing it than a value of quantifiable power."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 29, 2016, 03:19:13 am

Quote from: Lenglon on May 28, 2016, 06:58:21 pm

"'My power' as in me pushing a door open. It's more a matter of who is doing it than a value of quantifiable power."

"So what did you lose when you stepped down, exactly?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 29, 2016, 03:25:58 am

"Everything that made me a deity. The ability to rewrite reality, the knowlege of everything everywhere, all of it. I can't get specific with you on how that changed things though, which I think is what you're asking. It's like... a person born blind asking someone who was blinded in an accident what they lost when they became blind. I could try to explain, but it just plain doesn't work."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 29, 2016, 03:58:41 am

"So you basically just turned into what you are now, then?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 29, 2016, 10:36:20 am

"Mostly. The Entities did a lot of redesign and broke some things."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 29, 2016, 12:02:07 pm

"What, really? They didn't do that for me. Or did they?"

Ike considers things a moment.

"I guess they might have made me a bit faster? Not sure why though. To make it sporting or something?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on May 29, 2016, 12:08:25 pm

"I'm a lot weaker than I used to be. My range is shorter, my control is much weaker, and changing forms..."
I shudder.
"So, maybe?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on May 31, 2016, 11:40:00 am

Being quiet the whole time her friends were talking, Theri mused over the importance of listening. She found joy in thinking about the simple things: Like being able to listen to your friends speak and ponder over the complex things.

"There are better ways than to provoke someone while they feel uncomfortable, especially if it's someone in the 'hotseat'. But while you're all doing that, what's our current bearing? I forgot that bit there."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on May 31, 2016, 01:28:02 pm

"We're currently employing a strictly >ne approach, I should think. Or we will once Alan stops spinning and provides final confirmation."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 01, 2016, 04:38:49 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on May 24, 2016, 12:09:51 am

Alan, Decisionmaker

If people don't come to an agreement, perform my patented choosing process of spinning around until I fall down vomiting and then go in the direction I'm closest to facing.

Why not go towards the location closest to where your vomit goes?
Unless you just spray everything with vomit as you spin and fall...
Anyway, it looks like your special brand of decision making is not needed.

While walking, you notice your Alien friend flying away.

Alien! Where are you going? Noooo!

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 26, 2016, 04:10:53 am

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Very tired right now. I've been busy for the past few months. It's been quite chaotic in my personal life. Sorry for not responding for so long.
I'm relatively caught-up now.

((Don't worry man. We all get some bad times. But as long as you're willing to have some fun times here, then I'm willing to do my best to give them to you... or, well, at least provide the kind of game I want and am capable of making and hope you enjoy it.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on May 26, 2016, 04:10:53 am

"And now it's round two of the same thing. I didn't ask to be put together again, but here I am, with even less stability than before. Not only am I in a strange place with new people, I have to put up with the worst possible entity to pair with. Of all of the entities, I had to get the one who sees people as means to an end. That's exactly what I was trying to avoid. She gets to see it that way because she's probably existed for, well, forever. My life is just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things to her, and so are the lives of everyone else here, and everyone that exists on every world. I despise that lack of connection. My power relies on the connections between people - or, at least, it used to with the Medium." He sighs. "Now here I am again. Yet another game for survival, yet another set of pawns, and yet more deities who have boundless understanding and comprehension that I do not have. And, of course, what's a single life when compared to the fate of worlds?" He touches his staff lightly against the ground and pushes off, continuing to walk. "I just don't like when higher powers forget the human. That is all."

North.

<If it's any consolation, she was always like that, although being an entity has certainly magnified her attitude.> D mentally whispers to Irine. <...Not that you could possibly know that. But the point still stands. Some people are just assholes no matter who or where they are. And unfortunately you're always quite likely to encounter them and/or have to work with them. But that just means you have to try to have fun despite them.>

Quote from: Lenglon on May 26, 2016, 04:07:24 pm

"I care."
"If you don't have a real, responsible opinion on the matter, and are saying that you don't even want to worry about it, that it's not your problem, then I should just take you at your word. You think your opinion has no value. I'll treat it that way."
"Ike, Alan, shut up."

<Hey, don't diss the guys. They're just trying to help... in their own particular way.>

Quote from: Xantalos on May 26, 2016, 04:14:07 pm

"...want sprinkles?"

Offer a donut with sprinkles!

You summon a great big pile of doughnuts that are unfortunately left unappreciated.

You miss your alien.

Maybe one of these days you'll summon a giant doughnut like those on top of those doughnut stores. That would be fun, you've always wanted one of those.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 29, 2016, 12:02:07 pm

"What, really? They didn't do that for me. Or did they?"

Ike considers things a moment.

"I guess they might have made me a bit faster? Not sure why though. To make it sporting or something?"

<Nah, that's just because I thought he would do... heh, let's just say 'something fun' if I made him faster. But he's been suffering from bad luck lately, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see... But soon...>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on May 25, 2016, 07:37:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

"NORTH!" Ike suggests.

>n

Quote from: Lenglon on May 25, 2016, 10:13:01 am

"Heh, okay, north it is then."
North

Your journey continues along the northern road.

---

It's about an hour before sundown. The sun hangs low over the horizon, causing long shadows to stretch on the ground from the short hills you've recently crossed. They look almost like fingers of shadowy hands that are reaching out to grab you from behind-
More like 'grab your behinds', am I right? But with such juicy behinds, who can blame them?
Shh. I'm trying to set the mood here. Anyway, the smattering of small fluffy clouds being blown across the sky have started turning golden and merging with the smoke rising-
Whatever. Looks like a bunch of purple prose to me. Just say 'It's about an hour from evening. It's getting darker. The village is under attack.'
... I was working towards that. Painting a calm picture to juxtapose it with the violence of the attack.
...
Anyway. It appears that there is something bad going on in the village. There's smoke rising out of a building that has caught fire, although it doesn't look like it's in danger of spreading. People are moving away from the village, towards either the east or west, but mostly the west. You saw the building catching fire and the movement of people as you were approaching, but now that you're close it's become apparent that this is not just a response to the fire, but to something worse.

The village itself is quite small and elongated, as if every building was trying to stay as close to the main road as possible. It's composed of a few small buildings and a couple of storage buildings surrounded by a low stone wall. There's only two buildings that stand out, being slightly bigger than the rest, made out of painted wood and a different, brighter and more smooth stone. There are also a few buildings scattered around the village, ranches and farms by the looks of it, small patches of green in this mostly brown expanse.

It is around one of those buildings that most of the people that have escaped from the village are gathering around, possibly looking for guidance from an authority figure or merely a shelter and safety in numbers. Ike can make out some of the words. It's the usual cries for help or the name of a missing loved one, interspersed with warnings about "monsters" and "shadows".

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 01, 2016, 05:20:13 pm

Alan dramatically falls to his knees.

"RICKMAN! WHY DID YOU LEAVE?! DID MY DONUTS NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FROSTING?! WHYYYYY CRUEL FATE, WHY WOULD YOU TEAR US APART LIKE THIS?!"

He grasps his hair in agony as he screams up to the sky, the camera dramatically pans out above him, orchestral music swelling.

"WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY okay where we going next, does that village have any dust bunnies?" He hops up and begins cheerily walking towards the crowd, tunelessly droning the melody to Highway To The Danger Zone.

Go introduce myself to my soon-to-be adoring crowd of fans!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 01, 2016, 08:44:05 pm

I facepalm, but look at Theri and Zech and then turn towards the village and follow Alan without bothering to say a word. If I get into range of flame I'm going to seize control of it and take it with us, keeping it available for my use whilst stopping it from burning the village anymore. I keep what I grab elevated out of the way and don't do anything to signal that it's me specifically doing that effect, so even though it'll be pretty clear it's someone in our group it won't be obvious who.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2016, 05:17:59 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206 on May 23, 2016, 05:43:47 pm

Rune-Blastbear rolls out of cover, roars, and fires cannons. Hydro-pump!

He opens his mouth, and speaks in a half-speak half-roar.

"I just can't bear to take another hit. I feel bear without any cover. Hopefully you will soon come to bear the effects of my attack."

Quote from: Beirus on May 24, 2016, 01:00:55 am

WMD, After the End
"What was that? I could bear-ly understand it. Now bear with me for just a moment, I'll try not to make this unbearably painful. And to think, if you had agreed to cooperate with me, we would have left this place a bear-en crater by now. Oh well. Hey, if this whole 'entertainment for entities' thing doesnt work out, maybe we could go to Japan. I could work in adult films, and I'm sure kids would love to try and catch you all.""

Finish him off with the weapons. Keep hoping for a helpful RME. Hope my defences are effective against any last-ditch attack he brings to bear. William uses Flail!

The giant tentacle monster glows for a moment, but then it just fizzles and nothing happens.

The bear that bears arms fires a stream of ridiculously corrosive acid right on target. But now that he is not close enough to bypass it, the shield protecting the tentacle monster's core gets in the way, diffusing the shot. Still, the shot is good enough that it hits its target, causing significant damage. William feels his power diminishing. His core is pretty badly hurt and he's leaking strange fluids that are causing semi-transparent flowers to bloom wherever they fall.

<Heh. Looks like he's quite literally losing life fluids. Heh. Get it? Because they create life?>

Rune is also not in a very good state either. He's quite literally melting. That can't be healthy.

<I wasn't expecting this to be such an even match. This is turning out quite better than I imagined.>
<Still, I'd be disappointed if they both died. A fight needs a victor.>
<Yeah, this is the point where I hope they impress me with a brilliant idea that tips the scale in their favour, instead of relying on pure strength and luck. Not likely, I know, but an entity can hope.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on May 23, 2016, 06:01:50 pm

((Don't forget to exercise your right to bear arms.))

"Just... hit the color button when I say so!  Watch, and you'll get it!"  <And oh please; when have you folks cared about such things?>

Now let's just close in.  If closing to less than 10 meters, start shooting.  If defense is required, shout out the correct instruction and hope.


((Upgrade tree idea; some sort of machine multitask mode))

<Hey! I care! Some of us do care! This isn't just a game!>
You turn the hand crank, roll down the window and aim your energy weapon at the target.
<Those are real people! And people aren't pawns you play with and sacrifice. They are not toys, they are beings with thoughts and feelings and- Are you even listening to what I'm saying?>
There is a whine, the tip glows red and then it launches a ball of red light. The ball flies straight for a moment but then it starts wobbling, moving in a spiral instead.

Quote from: Zormod on May 23, 2016, 06:06:21 pm

"The drone is stalking something now."
Keep the driver informed about any dodging decisions he should be making.

"Dooodge!" you yell.
"Wha- Where?" the driver says in confusion.
That's all it takes for the ball to hit the road in front of the car. It doesn't explode. It's actually very quiet. One moment the road is there, the next it has been replaced by a hole two lanes wide.
"Oh, shi-!"
The driver manoeuvres expertly, turning left and then right. The van leans and drives on two wheels for a couple of seconds, barely passing over the hole without crashing.
"Phew. That was close."


Toaster
Damn. You were expecting a beam, not a projectile. And certainly not one as erratic as this one.
You turn to avoid the hole you just made while you wait for your weapon to recharge.
Still, this is a powerful weapon. And now you know its quirks. So with your next shot-
A sphere of cameras and murder falls like a shooting star and ends up hovering a few metres behind your car.
"Red!" you yell, as you see the white glow coming from two lenses facing your car.
But it is too late. A moment later, the beams cut through the air and then through the car's roof like it was nothing. Luckily, your suit seems to have protected you. For now. The downside is that it has started turning into a sauna because of the heat.


Zormod
You have less than a split second to yell "Dooodge!"
The driver turns... right into the laser beams.
You manage to twist one of your vortices quickly enough to block most of the laser beam, resulting in nothing more than a wall of the van having a glowing red hot line on it.
"How hard is it to dodge?"
"What?"
"Next time someone tells you to dodge, don't dodge directly into the laser beam!"
"Well, next time, be sure to give me a direction, asshole! I'm doing the best I can here!"
"SHut up! It's getting ready for another pass!"

The drone emits a loud beep and then darts towards the right, now moving parallel to the road.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 23, 2016, 07:15:22 pm

KOSAK DURAR, AFTER THE END:

---

"GRAAAAGH! YOU'VE REALLY DONE IT NOW! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

Kosak... crawls into the thing's mouth? And starts punching it apart from the inside?

You... do that? And it... sort of works? So you... just keep punching? Until you turn... most of its front into a pulp? And when you get out you're in... some place that is very dark? Maybe it's because you... fell down the hole? So even though the worm's body shielded you from the fall you're... in a very dark place now? There's only like... a very faint light coming from the hole you fell through? And everything is... sort of slimy and stinks?

I also considered going with the classic "annoying teacher's answer" of "Are you asking me or telling me?"

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on May 23, 2016, 09:33:23 pm

<Well then.

Any of you guys care to point out the way out?  Without charging me for it.>

Uh...Flee harder?  Can I shoot him with the thing?

<You have to let go.>
<Embrace your inner flying squirrel
to escape from death and quarrel!>
<Or, you know, take the elevator that's a quarter turn counter clockwise.>

Quote from: Alarith on May 24, 2016, 04:59:05 pm

Bryan After the End

---

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Try to blast him with the chilled air, and maybe ice particles too.

Bryan jumps on the next support beam to get a clear shot, makes a fist and shoves his hand forward. Along with it, he telekinetically shoves the boiling coolant and ice towards his target. They impale Alex from behind, icicles turning his back into a pincushion. His skin is temporarily protected by the Leidenfrost effect for a moment, but his clothes soak and a moment later his body begins freezing solid. And then it disappears.

Bryan feels the psychic echoes of his opponent as they transfer to a point right above him. He looks up and sees his opponent, looking shaken but physically fine.
"Right idea. Wrong target."

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on May 23, 2016, 11:49:30 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Hide and sneak. Sneak around cover and try to keep it between me and the terminator expy. When/if elevator arives, toss a flashbang, get in and go to the bottom floor.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You walk around as quietly as you can, putting the couch between you and the thumps of metal against plastic. Your limping buddy does his best as well, hiding behind the other couch.
Where's the damn elevator. It should be here any moment now.
This tear gas has really done a number on your nose. You think you're- you think you're about to sneeze- no, no you got it under control, it's fine.
<Oh. Good. I was afraid you were going to get exposed by the biggest movie cliché ever.>
And then suddenly your radio crackles to life and a voice starts yelling things.
<Well, at least it's only the second biggest movie cliché ever?>

((See below for what the fox radio says.))

Quote from: Hawk132 on May 24, 2016, 03:01:06 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Is the elevator moving? If it's going down, break it. Make him fall to his death. If it's moving to this floor, stand guard near it. Scan the room for exits and anything I might've missed. If nothing happens for a while (like half an hour) and there are exits other than the one I came through, leave the room and search for my opponent. Otherwise just stay here and wait.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You walk around the lobby, scanning for targets. There's nothing immediately apparent. It's just one elevator coming up. And then a second one. And a third one. Yes, all three of them are coming up now, although only one of them is close to arriving. Should be here in less than a dozen seconds.

Suddenly there is the sound of the radio in the lobby crackling to life and someone starts yelling through it.

Hmm... There's something wrong about those radios. Didn't you notice something about it when you arrived here?

: -the situation. I repeat, we found and severed the mechanofluid appendage that was interfering with the building's systems. We have also- :

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 01, 2016, 08:44:05 pm

I facepalm, but look at Theri and Zech and then turn towards the village and follow Alan without bothering to say a word. If I get into range of flame I'm going to seize control of it and take it with us, keeping it available for my use whilst stopping it from burning the village anymore. I keep what I grab elevated out of the way and don't do anything to signal that it's me specifically doing that effect, so even though it'll be pretty clear it's someone in our group it won't be obvious who.

Your vast power allows you to control the fire from a much greater distance, but it is not as easy. And there's a lot of fire there.
You start gathering as much as you can over the house.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 01, 2016, 05:20:13 pm

Alan dramatically falls to his knees.

"RICKMAN! WHY DID YOU LEAVE?! DID MY DONUTS NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FROSTING?! WHYYYYY CRUEL FATE, WHY WOULD YOU TEAR US APART LIKE THIS?!"

He grasps his hair in agony as he screams up to the sky, the camera dramatically pans out above him, orchestral music swelling.

"WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY okay where we going next, does that village have any dust bunnies?" He hops up and begins cheerily walking towards the crowd, tunelessly droning the melody to Highway To The Danger Zone.

Go introduce myself to my soon-to-be adoring crowd of fans!

As you approach a man from the group gathered near the cottage approaches you with his palms raised in a 'stop' gesture.
"Wait, travellers! The road is not safe, there are monsters-"
"Hi! I'm Maverick and this is my wingman, Goose!"
"I'm not Goose."
"Silly goose. She thinks she's not Goose."
"...What?"

While the person you are talking to hasn't noticed yet, some people have noticed the ball of fire forming over the village and are pointing at it, alerting others to its presence. The heat in the conversation dies down a bit as people take in this new development. However, two voices is clearly heard in all this, as someone can be heard yelling close to the centre of the group, accompanied by occasional grunts of agreement with either party.
"-watched those damn things kill priest Khan. And my nephew when he tried stopping them. They cut through his wards like they weren't even there! I know there was some kind of problem with the magic network but this thing, whatever it is, it's not just any monster. We can't rush into this unprepa-"
"We can't just sit around, waiting for this thing to destroy our homes and kill our people! And then come after us! Our people are still in there! My mother and father are still in there! Are we going-"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 02, 2016, 05:27:50 pm

Alan, Authoritative Maverick

"Oh, this is the black jello skull thingy, isn't it? Damn thing. Licorice never leads to anything good!"

Make my way to the argument and ascertain the identity of the monster they're talking about. Hand out eggs (no specific species) if people seem to be agitated.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 02, 2016, 05:38:01 pm

Rune-Blastbear generates a very dense layer of skin quite a way under the exterior layer, then absorbs the melting skin within. He attempts to use this additional biomass he is re-absorbing to strengthen this new tough layer of skin to be resistant to any environmental hazard.

He moves closer and fires again, aiming more carefully.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on June 02, 2016, 06:10:45 pm

Enlarge one vortex to cool that hot strip, and use the other to watch Toaster. Shout out a direction to dodge in when shit goes down.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 02, 2016, 07:32:37 pm

My abilities don't care about amount, only about distance. I said I want all of it up there so it all. is. going. up. there.
I mean, they used to not be affected by amount, but with the way the Entities broke everything...

((I think we've had this conversation several times now about how Irine's abilities are specifically designed to handle indefinite amounts of flame so long as it's in range. First iteration was distance having a graduated effect instead of hard in/out of range distance with no penalties at far distances, as well as a shortened distance max. Second iteration was the level of control available to her, with her having far less fine-tuned control than she expects. Third was about the definition of complexity, because I thought simple geometric shapes/patterns was simple, but you were saying lots of moving parts was complex, like she was controling it out of fine-grained subparts instead of handling the whole as a pattern.

I think the problem here is I specifically had manipulating large amounts in mind when I designed her, with the limiting factor being her getting those large amounts in the first place. whereas you expect getting and growing the flame to be easy, but managing it in large amounts to be hard. I mean, I gave her specific, small, limited flame generation abilities, but I honestly believe that you removed that limit and that it's all in her head about the whole 5/day thing. In this case though we're back to the sphere of influence thing. I think you envision her as having tendrils that extend outwards to grab flame, but I envision her as being the centerpoint of a sphere of control, and that sphere of control is just as much a part of her as her physical body. she simply doesn't activate it all the time. that's why it's so easy for her to manage large amounts - it's literally the same amount of effort to move a candle-flame from one candle to another as it is to shift a collossal torrent of flame across the street. if anything the candle is harder because it requires more precise control.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 02, 2016, 11:10:51 pm

==After The End==

<Oh, thanks.>

To yonder elevator!

((Also, Leidenfrost is about protection from HOT fluids, isn't it?))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2016, 11:49:48 pm

@Lenglon: I believe I have explained in the past that when you get a 3, I have to do something that sounds like a 3. If you have an idea for a 3 that sounds better then I'm always open to suggestions. If I was just writing a story then I'd have no problem doing whatever you like, but I'm running a game and when I was tired last night and was trying to write a quick reply, a large volume of fire coming out of a still burning object felt like a good enough excuse for something that would take a while to finish with a 3.

@TheBiggerFish: Ah, but it's all about relativity. What's a 0 Kelvin coolant compared to your body temperature? You'd say that your body is pretty hot, no? And Leidenfrost is about a liquid forming a protective layer around a surface whenever it meets something extremely hot and evaporates. So for a moment the boiling liquid would create a layer that repels the rest of itself for a split second. At least, that sounds reasonable to me, I don't know, I've never used telekinesis to shove liquid nitrogen on people in real life. (I only use my powers for party tricks, otherwise a curse will fall on me.)

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 03, 2016, 12:06:06 am

((*checks character sheet and sees what that 3 was before modifiers* Ah. Damn those dice. I retract everything I just said. I almost want to spend so many points on Irine's fire that she auto-rolls 5's, just to avoid such conundrums.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 03, 2016, 12:13:31 am

@Lenglon: But wouldn't you just overshoot all the time then? Also, sorry for making it seem like she's shoving fire around, but it's much easier for me to imagine than someone merely willing something and the environment obeying to comply with whatever pattern they have willed. So hey, sorry if my mind sometimes reverts to that. Generally feel free to call me out if you think I'm doing something wrong, I don't mind.

Now I really need to drive to work, so see you later.

@TheBiggerFish: Also, I usually try to not give advice or tell people what to do with their characters, but I really think you should reread the part of the turn about you.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on June 03, 2016, 12:41:50 am

John growled at the drone, then very quickly glanced at his companion.  Would she be any more help after that attack?

Gun it!  Get past this drone!  Is the lady able to defend?  If no, take over on defense while getting past the drone.  If yes, fire a few more potshots; aiming isn't priority, just fire.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 03, 2016, 01:04:43 am

((Sorry for missing an update.))

Campaign, Ike!

"Ooh."

Listen in more attentively, sounds like fun business is happening.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on June 03, 2016, 03:14:11 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If memory serves me correctly, I crushed a radio under my foot.  That means it's likely I just found DreamerGhost or the other guy. Rush over there and blast whoever is there into smithereens.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 03, 2016, 08:56:54 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Wait a minute- shouldn't I be able to see?"

Fact: dwarves don't use light sources(see Dwarf Fortress). Fact: unless they lose their eyes, they can still see anyway(see Dwarf Fortress). Kosak attempts to activate his darkvision.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 03, 2016, 11:22:38 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Time to get the hell out of doge. Toss a flashbang, run to the stairs. This place has stairs, right? If it does, go down the stairs and search for something with more punch than my gun.

If there are no stairs, run and return to my search of some huge terminator crushing gears or ubermagnets on this floor.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 03, 2016, 03:00:13 pm

((@Paris:Ah, that does make some sense.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 03, 2016, 08:26:17 pm

((Small post before I sleep.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 03, 2016, 01:04:43 am

((Sorry for missing an update.))

Campaign, Ike!

"Ooh."

Listen in more attentively, sounds like fun business is happening.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 02, 2016, 05:27:50 pm

Alan, Authoritative Maverick

"Oh, this is the black jello skull thingy, isn't it? Damn thing. Licorice never leads to anything good!"

Make my way to the argument and ascertain the identity of the monster they're talking about. Hand out eggs (no specific species) if people seem to be agitated.

"If you would excuse me for a moment, I need to investigate those evil vegetables now." you say as you shove the man in front of you out of your way.
"... What?"
 He seems too confused to be bothered by your behaviour.

Meanwhile, the argument continues, even as you approach it.
"-stand around and do nothing!"
"Look. I get it. We've all lost people. I've lost people too. But we need to remain logical. Without the priest, we have no other magic users around. Nobody who is qualified to-"

You attempt to cough to grab their attention, but you somehow manage to choke on your own spit and end up having a very long and awkward coughing fit. When it's over you straighten yourself up like nothing has happened and start questioning them.
"Right! What's all this then!" you ask with a British accent. It is important to maintain a disguise, in case news of who you are and what you look like have reached this place.
"Excuse me?"
"Who are you stranger?*
Hmmm... Alan will need a convincing alias. He looks at himself. Then at his hand. And then at himself again. And then he gets an idea.
"The name is Claus. Alan Claus."
To demonstrate the truthfulness of his statement, he summons a tiny Fabergé egg
"You've been a very good boy this year. So this is for you." he adds as he hands over the egg to the older man with the shirt with the blocky shoulders. He just looks at it in confusion.

"Now, explain to me, what kind of jelly trouble are you suffering from?"
They look confused on top of being shaken from the attack, but they indulge your questions nevertheless.
"There was something strange in the air, a general sense of unease. Then there was a scream. The priest was the first to die, struck down by a large shadow. But they didn't stop. The shadows kept coming."
"If you're a group of wizards, then you can help us defeat the monsters. Follow us and help us protect our homes!" the younger man holding a walking stick as a weapon replies.
There are murmurs of assent from many of the onlookers.
"No! Please strangers. You have to tell him that going in there is madness. This should be handled by people qualified to do this sort of thing. People like... you."

Quote from: Lenglon on June 02, 2016, 07:32:37 pm

My abilities don't care about amount, only about distance. I said I want all of it up there so it all. is. going. up. there.
I mean, they used to not be affected by amount, but with the way the Entities broke everything...

By maintaining your performance you are able to keep sucking fire until there is no more left to take.

You can't help but feel a bit uneasy. Like someone is staring at you, watching you unseen. As if your little show of power has attracted the attention of something bad, something powerful.

---

Edit: Gah. I can't believe how many mistakes I had made. Hopefully it's a little better now.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 03, 2016, 08:39:13 pm

"Generic shadows and such and such? I have an extremely emo friend who could use some positive character development by using violence as a metaphor to overcome his personal issues! Victory is assured!

Oooooooh Zaaaaachyboooooooy~"

Alan casts Summon Zechariah! Go go gadget self-actualization!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 03, 2016, 10:05:03 pm

I'm being watched? Good.
"No. I want to help, but I'm not going to just blindly follow you. What exactly is going on?"
I cross my arms before me and allow my tails to fan out behind me whilst I stand still and wait for information.
If i'm the focus of attention then they aren't watching someone else.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on June 03, 2016, 10:12:42 pm

((Dangit, I said Flail, not Splash.  :P))

WMD, After the End
Walk backwards. Unleash all the weapons at my foe with all the power I can muster.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 04, 2016, 06:41:58 am

Quote from: Xantalos on June 03, 2016, 08:39:13 pm

"Generic shadows and such and such? I have an extremely emo friend who could use some positive character development by using violence as a metaphor to overcome his personal issues! Victory is assured!

Oooooooh Zaaaaachyboooooooy~"

Alan casts Summon Zechariah! Go go gadget self-actualization!

Hmmm... Now you're wondering if you can fit him in a tiny ball that shoots out of one of your fingers.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 03, 2016, 10:05:03 pm

I'm being watched? Good.
"No. I want to help, but I'm not going to just blindly follow you. What exactly is going on?"
I cross my arms before me and allow my tails to fan out behind me whilst I stand still and wait for information.
If i'm the focus of attention then they aren't watching someone else.

The crowd doesn't appear to like you displaying your non-human features. A few among them were already murmuring and calling you a monster and they don't look happy about it. Most of the others appear to be varying mixes of curious and afraid instead of angry and afraid. But even if they were going to do anything about it, it appears that they have bigger problems to deal with right now

"We were attacked by some sort of monsters."
"Shadows! Shadows of the Destroyer!" someone in the crowd says.
"It's the Night Knights! The Night Knights are back to take from us!" another interjects.
Judging from the murmurs not everyone is of the same opinion. The older man raises his hands to request for silence.
"Some looked like animals. Nucas running through the streets, cacolopes jumping between roofs. Others... they looked like humans."
"They even had things with them. Clothes and armour. You could see them in their outline, despite their deformities. Some were using shovels and hoes, others were using swords and shields. Like the ones the soldiers use."
"Their bodies were giving off dark smoke, obscuring their details, especially when they were still. But when they moved, you could see... it was as if they were deformed and covered in tar."
"Nobody saw them coming."
"They stuck to the shadows and avoided lights, put them out whenever they could."
"Anyone who tried to stop them or got in their way was attacked and killed-"
"You don't know that!"
"-or worse. They could had been turned into more monsters."
The crowd doesn't seem happy about either of those outcomes. There are more worried murmurs. Someone is crying.
"Or they could still be alive and need our help! The less time we waste arguing about this here, the more chances we have of saving them! If we go now-"
"Then more people will die. We are not soldiers-"
"Or more people will be saved. Please! If you can, then you have to help us."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 04, 2016, 07:33:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Man, sounds like these guys sure are fucked."

Doesn't seem like they're currently being eaten, does it? Can the smacking of eldritch lips be heard from afar as children and the elderly fall prey to otherworldly terrors? Is there a smell of death and magic in the air? Anything reminiscent of that ol' jellybean we fought previously?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 04, 2016, 08:40:09 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 04, 2016, 07:33:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Man, sounds like these guys sure are fucked."

Doesn't seem like they're currently being eaten, does it? Can the smacking of eldritch lips be heard from afar as children and the elderly fall prey to otherworldly terrors?

Is there a smell of death and magic in the air?

Anything reminiscent of that ol' jellybean we fought previously?

There are no screams coming from far away, if that's what you're referring to. Generally nothing out of the ordinary that you can see or hear, other than a ghost town. Whatever this is, it seems to be focusing on the village.

As for the smell of death, you can see and smell that some of the villagers are hurt and bloody. There's also fire and human and animal and death in the air. Nothing out of the ordinary in the vicinity as far as you can tell, although that will probably change if you move closer to the village. There's also a general oppressive feeling in the air, like the air pressure is too great, pushing against your ears with a noise just below the edge of hearing.

Well, you'd say the description definitely bears similarities. The creature appeared to be changing, so this might just be a newer iteration of that thing. Or maybe it ate so much it burst. Maybe it's its offspring, spreading to make more of itself. Kinda like a zombie apocalypse, but with magical black zombies.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 04, 2016, 09:36:19 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Black zombies! That's the kind of thing an army of rednecks would be well-equipped to handle," Ike murmurs to nobody in particular. "But the Yellowhammer State this is certainly not."

"Right!" says he at the crowd that has gathered. "Any of you people have more than sticks to fight these zombies with?"

Ike then gives Irine a glance.

<Say, can you sheathe a sword in flame? I figure we can have some fun here. Also, if large black things start to try and get into your magic, you just let me know by screaming real loud, okay?>

Determine whether this lot looks more like zombie apocalypse survivors or your average mass of dead meat.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 04, 2016, 10:52:01 am

Alan, Wizard

"Never fear! Mystical food man is also here!"

Hey remember that one time when I charged a basketball somehow and it came out all flaming purple? I wanna try that again, only with a carrot. Charge the carrot with my Alanistic forces!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 12:56:42 pm

<Not really. Swords don't burn. I can put my fire along the blade, but I'd have to control it the entire time, and I'd be moving it, not the blade.>

---

"Um, if those things are afraid of light and flame, then I think I can help, but I want to give you fair warning first. I'm a specialist that works exclusively with fire. If I go in there and fight those things, a lot of stuff could get burned down. I'll try to control the damage, but don't get your hearts set on having anything make it through this unscathed. Are you okay with that?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Alarith on June 04, 2016, 06:19:17 pm

"Do you ever get the idea that someone has powers that are a very good counter to yours? You know I actually knew someone whose power set was pretty much to counter peoples's abilities. She was pretty nice too."

---

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Use my memories to see if there was anything about the clone that felt different for future reference. Work my way closer if I can, and fire a shot or two with the gun.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 04, 2016, 06:54:18 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on June 04, 2016, 10:52:01 am

Alan, Wizard

"Never fear! Mystical food man is also here!"

Hey remember that one time when I charged a basketball somehow and it came out all flaming purple? I wanna try that again, only with a carrot. Charge the carrot with my Alanistic forces!

Oh dear.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 04, 2016, 09:36:19 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Black zombies! That's the kind of thing an army of rednecks would be well-equipped to handle," Ike murmurs to nobody in particular. "But the Yellowhammer State this is certainly not."

"Right!" says he at the crowd that has gathered. "Any of you people have more than sticks to fight these zombies with?"

Ike then gives Irine a glance.

"What few guardsmen were in our village are not here, so I cannot-"
"I can handle a bow." one of them says, a small but tough looking man.
"We will have to go through my house to get it, but it's right next to the wall. I can also give you clubs and knives when we get there."
"We can also get rags and fuel from here." the younger man says, indicating the nearby building.
"We can set our weapons on fire, like torches."
"Arkos and Melithos still have horses. If they let us use them, it could give us an advantage." a third suggests.
"You know anything about mounted fighting?" the older man asks.
"No but-"
"Then how exactly are you going to use them and not end up getting dead? You could just fall off and break your neck with the first hit."
"I... could use a long stake as a spear?"
"There's also the Guardsmen Barracks. They might have some spare equipment in there."
"And we can get hammers and stakes from here."
"There might also be something useful in the temple. You know about magic. You should be able to find anything useful there."

There are more men volunteering, about a dozen more of them, but none of them seem to have any good weapons or armour. Some of them are eager, others look like they are forcing themselves to do this, but none of them have any combat experience from what you can tell.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 04, 2016, 09:36:19 am

Determine whether this lot looks more like zombie apocalypse survivors or your average mass of dead meat.

Honestly? Dead meat. I mean, you'd expect the classic distribution of deaths for a zombie movie. Most will die, one will prove incredibly useful, one will be protected and then earn his place, one will make a heroic sacrifice, etcetera, etcetera. But you're pretty sure that if those guys had to endure the same things you have, then they would be long dead.

That's not to say they won't be useful. Meatshields are always nice. Especially eager, volunteering meatshields fighting for something important to them. As long as they don't get in your way, they could be helpful.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 12:56:42 pm

"Um, if those things are afraid of light and flame, then I think I can help, but I want to give you fair warning first. I'm a specialist that works exclusively with fire. If I go in there and fight those things, a lot of stuff could get burned down. I'll try to control the damage, but don't get your hearts set on having anything make it through this unscathed. Are you okay with that?"

A few people don't seem to enjoy the idea of becoming homeless and insist on requesting for help and waiting for someone more qualified to arrive or for the crisis to resolve itself. However most of them seem to agree that the situation is bad enough for any collateral damage to not matter, as long as it is necessary and as long as such collateral damage doesn't involve any of their loved ones that might have stayed behind.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:17:17 pm

"Sir with the bow waiting for him in town, would you please get yourself a small bundle of torches, one of them lit, and come with me to guide?"
unless DAF / Tiruin are ready to play, then I'd like to leave their characters here to help guard the locals.
speed is important, as soon as my guide is ready, I'll move out towards the town, following his guidance as to the route to take.

---

((I'm leaving if we move as a group or separately up to Ike / Alan. separate we can cover more ground and search faster, group is safer.))

---

after we get moving:
"Sir, I'm going to move that ball of flame over the village to us, in case we get attacked. Please don't be scared, it's under my control."
after warning my guide, I'm bringing the giant ball of flame from the housefire to hover over us. and illuminate the area around us like a gigantic torch over our heads.

---

<Hey, D, you awake?>
I gently poke D through our link.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 04, 2016, 07:25:15 pm

<Yeah, I'm here. What is it girl? How can I help?>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:46:27 pm

<I'm going to need your help learning about what we're facing. they're probably something magical, and the extra senses you have that I don't anymore might be able to detect them before our eyes can and might help figure out what is effective against them and what isn't.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 04, 2016, 08:25:51 pm

"HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG"

Perform my best DBZ imitation; keep charging!

((I just realized that Alan is basically a slightly more articulate version of Buu, the way I've characterized him.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 05, 2016, 05:21:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:46:27 pm

<I'm going to need your help learning about what we're facing. they're probably something magical, and the extra senses you have that I don't anymore might be able to detect them before our eyes can and might help figure out what is effective against them and what isn't.>

<I...>
He seems hesitant.
<I can watch what you watch, you know, be a second set of eyes, offer my opinion, but...>
You can even feel it in his soul, how it stays within itself, shrinking away from you.
<I'd prefer not to help you directly, with my abilities unless absolutely necessary. Not because I don't want to, I do, but... well, you...>
He doesn't finish his sentence.
<Besides, my power is really limited here. Sure, I might be more experienced and have some unique skills, but I bet you could do most of the things I would be able to do without my help. Just got to try hard and believe in yourself. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. And this world's magic certainly helps with that.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 05, 2016, 05:53:22 am

<I don't doubt what I can do, I just doubt my ability to detect what I need to be doing. But I think this is related to what we saw before, isn't it. What you saw scared you. You're afraid you're hurting me somehow. What exactly did what we saw mean? Do you think you're eating away at me or something?>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 05, 2016, 01:56:26 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 03, 2016, 08:56:54 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Wait a minute- shouldn't I be able to see?"

Fact: dwarves don't use light sources(see Dwarf Fortress). Fact: unless they lose their eyes, they can still see anyway(see Dwarf Fortress). Kosak attempts to activate his darkvision.

Aha! But what about adventure mode dwarves? They have the same troubles with the dark as anyone else, no? And their raw files? They don't have any extravision tags. But anyway, let's let you have that one.

Do you want to move on to something more fun?

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 03, 2016, 11:22:38 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Time to get the hell out of doge. Toss a flashbang, run to the stairs. This place has stairs, right? If it does, go down the stairs and search for something with more punch than my gun.

If there are no stairs, run and return to my search of some huge terminator crushing gears or ubermagnets on this floor.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

There is indeed a service stairway. You should be able to access it from the southwest side of this room, assuming it's unlocked.

There should also be a magnetic conveyor accessible just one floor below. You might be able to get some rare earth magnets from there, turn them into a trap and stick the terminator to the floor or something.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 03, 2016, 03:14:11 am

Walking Tank, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If memory serves me correctly, I crushed a radio under my foot.  That means it's likely I just found DreamerGhost or the other guy. Rush over there and blast whoever is there into smithereens.

Saevus trains his golden arm towards the source of the noise and begins advancing. A moment later, a flashbang flies out from behind the couch and towards his face. But this time he's better prepared. He blasts the flashbang away and crushes it against a wall. It still explodes, but it only worsens his vision and leaves his hearing unharmed, making everything appear with a very low contrast and high illumination instead of blinding him completely.

: -have also destroyed a jamming device that was- :

Svajoklis jumps out of cover and attempts to run away, but a telekinetic blast catches him in the legs. It doesn't harm him significantly, but it throws him around and slams him against the floor. He scrambles and tries to get moving again, knowing that standing still is as good as being dead.

: -interfering with our comms. We have started regaining- :

Saevus is momentarily destructed by Limpy getting out of hiding and shooting him in the back with his rifle. One of the rounds gets through his shield, scratching his armour and messing up one of his runes. Saevus turns around, forced to defend himself, and blasts the offender with a telekinetic wave. The couch his was taking cover behind flies towards Limpy, crushing him and trapping him against the wall.

: -control of central systems and are sending a team up to- :

The elevator arrives with a ding. It's on the east side of the room. Saevus is close to the centre of the room, facing north. Limpy is crushed against the north side of the room. Svajoklis has just scrambled back to his feet on the south side of the room.

---

Quote from: Beirus on June 03, 2016, 10:12:42 pm

((Dangit, I said Flail, not Splash.  :P))

WMD, After the End
Walk backwards. Unleash all the weapons at my foe with all the power I can muster.

You manage to back away a bit, back into the room you were originally in, but you are starting to feel a lot weaker. Your limbs have started retracting back into your body. You think you're either dying or turning human, and you're not sure that second option is that far away from the first. This may very well be the final long-range attack you'll be able to use for now. You might want to make it count.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 02, 2016, 05:38:01 pm

Rune-Blastbear generates a very dense layer of skin quite a way under the exterior layer, then absorbs the melting skin within. He attempts to use this additional biomass he is re-absorbing to strengthen this new tough layer of skin to be resistant to any environmental hazard.

He moves closer and fires again, aiming more carefully.

Rune looks like a living wax statue trying to keep itself from melting as he tries to keep things vital to his survival from leaving his body or getting rearranged inside him. He moves forward and hides behind a piece of concrete that has fallen from the crumbling roof and manages to keep himself alive for now, but just barely. Or should I say... bearly?

---

Quote from: Alarith on June 04, 2016, 06:19:17 pm

"Do you ever get the idea that someone has powers that are a very good counter to yours? You know I actually knew someone whose power set was pretty much to counter peoples's abilities. She was pretty nice too."

---

Spoiler: action (click to show/hide)

Use my memories to see if there was anything about the clone that felt different for future reference. Work my way closer if I can, and fire a shot or two with the gun.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Hmm... Well, you think it was the echoes. His mind felt like his thoughts kept echoing, weaker repetitions reappearing multiple times before disappearing. The echoes also felt kinda spread out in space, as if he was leaking psychic energy. But when you killed the clone, the echoes burned away and his thoughts and position suddenly became as clear as any other human's.

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on June 02, 2016, 11:10:51 pm

==After The End==

<Oh, thanks.>

To yonder elevator!

Alex tries to run away to the elevator. Bryan raises his gun and gets ready to shoot, now having a better shot.
The shot finds Alex close to the heart, shooting out a fountain of blood. He falls like a broken bird, tumbling down the outer shell of the cannon to his death.

<Hm. I expected more.>

---

Quote from: Zormod on June 02, 2016, 06:10:45 pm

Enlarge one vortex to cool that hot strip, and use the other to watch Toaster. Shout out a direction to dodge in when shit goes down.

((Read below.))

Quote from: Toaster on June 03, 2016, 12:41:50 am

John growled at the drone, then very quickly glanced at his companion.  Would she be any more help after that attack?

Gun it!  Get past this drone!  Is the lady able to defend?  If no, take over on defense while getting past the drone.  If yes, fire a few more potshots; aiming isn't priority, just fire.

She is shaken, but alive. The car is not doing so well though. The strike must have hit some of the batteries. It's losing power.

You shoot, but the shot is way off, hitting a support column instead and completely disintegrating it.

The drone launches the two missiles hanging from it.
"Blue Right!" you yell.
The missiles break apart in mid-air, becoming dozens of points of light that dart around towards every part of the road.
You're certain this is it, that you're going to die, when a bunch of the missiles heading for you explode.
Phew. Looks like she did follow your advice this time.
Wait, what are you saying? You have a bunch of missiles that are going to explode near you and you're in the middle of a high speed chase. Sure, they may not be heading right towards you anymore, but this is hardly ideal.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 05, 2016, 05:53:22 am

<I don't doubt what I can do, I just doubt my ability to detect what I need to be doing. But I think this is related to what we saw before, isn't it. What you saw scared you. You're afraid you're hurting me somehow. What exactly did what we saw mean? Do you think you're eating away at me or something?>

<Frankly? Yes. I saw a part of me merged with a part of you. And... I saw that I could use it. If I wanted to. I could push in, go for more.

I think it might be related to our nature. Bond-formers are like you, in a way. Mind, body, soul, and their bonds, they're all one. And we are both missing pieces of ourselves. But bond-former magic... well, how do I explain this? It changes things. It's linked to more and to the memory of our kind and of itself. And it's not meant to be messed with unless you know what you're doing. It doesn't like that.

And, well, it might be helpful now, but who knows what will happen in the future? This isn't exactly an exact science nor do I have the power to analyze and control this. I could end up taking over your body and soul, eating you. And that would be a mighty big fail when I'm supposed to be here to help you. Eating my friends, not very enjoyable for me. Well, not with that meaning of the word anyway, hehe. Or I could end up stifling you, merging with you, changing you, replacing pieces of yourself, your body, your memories, forcing you to do things, who knows what else? Everything is one. Even if everything turns out OK and it ends up with us merely getting really close, what happens when this mission ends? When I have to die? I won't be able to simply... leave.>

<So... yeah. Fuck that shit. I'll just have to keep away, ignore this and be awesome without my abilities.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 05, 2016, 02:27:27 pm

Rune-blastbear survives by any means necessary!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on June 05, 2016, 02:29:16 pm

Fire the Dubstep Bomb!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 05, 2016, 02:55:17 pm

<Okay. We don't know how much our bond is your kind and how much it's mine. Mine would be completely harmless even for a really deep connection, but if yours could hurt me, then I guess we'll have to be careful.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on June 05, 2016, 02:56:39 pm

Rush Svajoklis and tackle him to the ground if I manage to get close enough. If I manage to tackle him, his face gets the Golden Arm treatment. If he manages to evade me, use the crossbow.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on June 05, 2016, 03:46:11 pm

This looks like a good time to take some potshots.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 05, 2016, 04:12:37 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"Eh?"

I guess not. Kosak looks around.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on June 05, 2016, 05:44:25 pm

Grr.  "Damn it!  Watch out!"

Time to focus on driving; both in avoiding those explosions and trying to get closer.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 06, 2016, 04:27:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I have a very good feeling about you lot! Get your throwing and shooting weapons in order. We're going zombie-hunting!"

Organize these people into loose skirmish groups of shit-throwing troops. Mobility is important! Zombies tend to be unable to skirmish effectively in return, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 06, 2016, 06:18:59 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on June 04, 2016, 08:25:51 pm

"HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG"

Perform my best DBZ imitation; keep charging!

((I just realized that Alan is basically a slightly more articulate version of Buu, the way I've characterized him.))

You are surrounded by a semi-transparent purplish flame and begin visibly vibrating. You're right on the edge and ready to explode with vegetable power. You can barely keep yourself from unleashing it right this very moment.

I have a bad feeling about these poor villagers.

On a nearby hill, two aliens from planet Fruita, here to investigate an unusual concentration of vegetable energy, are watching from afar.
"Hey, Fruita. What does the scouter say about his calories?"
"They're over NINE THOUSAAAAAAAND!"
"WHAT? NINE THOUSAND?"

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 06, 2016, 04:27:07 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I have a very good feeling about you lot! Get your throwing and shooting weapons in order. We're going zombie-hunting!"

Organize these people into loose skirmish groups of shit-throwing troops. Mobility is important! Zombies tend to be unable to skirmish effectively in return, after all.

Sure. Let's say you get 4 groups of four with rocks, knives, bandages and makeshift spears (essentially long wooden stakes). And your world-class words of encouragement, of course.

You try to get a good spread of quick-looking, tough-looking, least-scared-looking and experienced-looking amongst the groups. Or, well, you do the best you can with what you can tell and what they tell you about themselves.

Let's hope your theory works and a) those people don't panic and run away or do something stupid at the first sign of trouble and b) these aren't some of those fast cheater zombies.
...
Wait, didn't one of those guys mention one of those bull-like things running through the streets?

If you have any other preferences or alterations you'd like to make, say so and we'll work it out quickly, assuming it's nothing too ridiculous.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 05, 2016, 02:55:17 pm

<Okay. We don't know how much our bond is your kind and how much it's mine. Mine would be completely harmless even for a really deep connection, but if yours could hurt me, then I guess we'll have to be careful.>

<Good. Glad we agree. And that you're not mad at me.
This is something new for me. Our kind's magic is not really predictable. So I'd prefer to play it safe, even if it turns out this is harmless or beneficial.
I wouldn't want to hurt you. Or change you without your permission.
And really, even if this turns out to be just a very close and deep bond... Why would you let yourself get close when you know you'll have to go through the pain of separation again, even if it is to a lesser extent?>

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:17:17 pm

"Sir with the bow waiting for him in town, would you please get yourself a small bundle of torches, one of them lit, and come with me to guide?"
unless DAF / Tiruin are ready to play, then I'd like to leave their characters here to help guard the locals.
speed is important, as soon as my guide is ready, I'll move out towards the town, following his guidance as to the route to take.
((I'm leaving if we move as a group or separately up to Ike / Alan. separate we can cover more ground and search faster, group is safer.))

"Name's Vind. And sure." he says as he leaves to gather the materials you requested.
He returns a while later and you immediately leave for the village while "grand general Ike Blownapart" as D calls him finishes organizing the rest of the volunteers into their suicide squads.

You go off road, taking a circuitous route to the village.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:17:17 pm

after we get moving:
"Sir, I'm going to move that ball of flame over the village to us, in case we get attacked. Please don't be scared, it's under my control."
after warning my guide, I'm bringing the giant ball of flame from the housefire to hover over us. and illuminate the area around us like a gigantic torch over our heads.

"Fine." he says. He doesn't appear very bothered by the fire, although he does keep an eye on it.
The coldness, the feeling of being watched intensifies after you bring the sphere close to you. And then a minute later, it disappears.

After some walking, you reach the south-southwest part of the wall. The wall was clearly not intended to be of military use. It's quite short, barely taller than the average man. Probably intended to stop animals, children and thieves. And you're not so certain about the last two, since the gaps between the rocks give ample handholds.

You can't see anything out of the ordinary beyond it. The roofs look clear. And your ears and nose aren't giving you anything interesting either. There is a faint smell you've smelled before in this world, while on the road, but you've never seen the creature that caused it. But you remember Ike showing you the tracks a group of those creatures left, tracks made out of four extremely thin legs, disappearing and reappearing a couple of steps later in roughly the same  arrangement, as if it didn't walk.

There's still a bit less then an hour of sunlight left and whatever light gets reflected off the sky after the sun sets, so it's not completely dark. But there are long shadows all around you and your fire helps dispel their darkness. Which you just noticed seems... a bit too dark. Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be anything else wrong with them, they don't start moving, there's nothing hiding in them, they behave normally in all other respects.

The man, Vind, kneels by the wall and gets ready to boost you up and over it. He remains quiet and just looks at you.

((Pausing a bit to let you give input and give others a chance to catch up, since you're a bit in the future.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 06, 2016, 06:54:15 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Was that a shield that just went down? Unload my gun in terminator's back, aiming at the shoulderblade of golden arm (So between his head and his golden arm). If this fails to obviously incapacitate the terminator, run.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 06, 2016, 08:18:39 pm

<Ike, ever since I started manipulating fire around here, I felt like I was being watched. I brought my ball of flame from the village to me, intensifying the light around me by a lot, and that feeling grew stronger, but after a bit, it completely disappeared. The shadows here are a little too dark too. Also, I smell that jumping quadruped thing around here. I'm afraid if you bring a mob of people here, they're going to all die. I'm being careful and I'll keep you updated.>

---

"One moment."
I pause in the silence, letting my superior ears listen for anything unusual, but even if everything seems fine after that pause I'll sweep a tongue of flame along the stone walltop, the far side of the wall, and the ground a short distance beyond it, in case of things waiting in ambush in the wall's blind spot, and then spread my flames out in a bit of a dome over the area we're going to climb over, making sure that the entire area is extremely well lit. I'm trying to retain as much of my flame as I can, despite my already large starting amount, and I'll enjoy any growth of flame from the security sweep. but naturally I'll be taking all of it when I move the flame onwards so there won't be lingering flames that might burn Vind or grow outside my influence.
"Okay."
I then accept Vind's help getting up the wall, and pause at the top to survey what I see and to help him up too after I've leaned forward with an arm, a leg, and a tail (two tails on the far side) on each side of the wall to stabilize myself. Once we're both safely on the other side, I'll return my flames to being an overhead sphere, but I'll flatten it a bit and spread it out a little so that we ourselves shouldn't be casting any shadow at all, since we're directly under a wide light source.
"Vind, you should know, my eyesight isn't great, but my hearing is very good, if I suddenly stop and hold a closed fist in the air, please stop moving and be totally silent, and watch my ears. whatever direction they're pointing, I heard something from. Anyway, lead on."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 06, 2016, 11:38:26 pm

Kakaralan

"Innocent villagers! Point me in the direction of your troubles and I shall solve them with an excessively healthy dose of vitamins and minerals and orangeness! AT SUPERSONIC VELOCITY!"

Get people to guide me to things that need terminal carrotification!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 07, 2016, 06:06:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on June 06, 2016, 08:18:39 pm

<Ike, ever since I started manipulating fire around here, I felt like I was being watched. I brought my ball of flame from the village to me, intensifying the light around me by a lot, and that feeling grew stronger, but after a bit, it completely disappeared. The shadows here are a little too dark too. Also, I smell that jumping quadruped thing around here. I'm afraid if you bring a mob of people here, they're going to all die. I'm being careful and I'll keep you updated.>

<But if I didn't take them along it'd break their poor hearts. Look at them, so wonderfully spirited. Also, I think that was somebody's scrying spell wearing off. Probably nothing to worry about right up until the point the black dragons start showing up in the sky and disgorging wizards in black to take you into custody.>

Listen for trouble. Be the General of the People I was always meant to be! Flank that village and flank it good.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 07, 2016, 06:43:22 am

I assume the general of the people also wants to move in towards the village? If so, he should state so clearly.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 07, 2016, 06:45:56 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 07, 2016, 06:43:22 am

I assume the general of the people also wants to move in towards the village? If so, he should state so clearly.

((The General of the People needs only one tactic.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 08, 2016, 05:31:26 am

((Was busy with a major test over the weekend, and have been trying to catch up with certain things in life. Sorry! Thankfully, I'll have a lot more time in the coming month.))

Zechariah walked slowly and looked around. He felt uneasy, a sense of uncomfortable familiarity present for him about the situation.

Shadows. Monsters. Deformed, tar-covered creatures. Why does this sound so much like we're about to fight the Shadows I fought before in the Medium? Could this multiverse have its own versions of the Shadows, or are they the same type?

With the sunlight quickly fading beyond the horizon, he was worried that he wouldn't have much in the way of offensive talent, seeing as how his hardlight abilities relied on natural light. Even if the flames provided enough light to muster a defense, his powers regarding light seemed to be unstable when he tried to use his staff earlier. Perhaps it'd be safer to rely on his shadow manipulation abilities for now.

Stay close to the others for now if Irine decided to go alone with the guide. Do a little test with my shadow powers: form a tendril of shadows and wrap it around my own hand. Does it hurt me to use my power? Am I able to do it quickly and without much difficulty? If not, then look for a natural light source nearby and test out my hardlight powers as well. If there's no light, then just wait until I can find one.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2016, 11:34:59 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 06, 2016, 08:18:39 pm

"One moment."
I pause in the silence, letting my superior ears listen for anything unusual.

But even if everything seems fine after that pause I'll sweep a tongue of flame along the stone walltop, the far side of the wall, and the ground a short distance beyond it, in case of things waiting in ambush in the wall's blind spot, and then spread my flames out in a bit of a dome over the area we're going to climb over, making sure that the entire area is extremely well lit. I'm trying to retain as much of my flame as I can, despite my already large starting amount, and I'll enjoy any growth of flame from the security sweep. but naturally I'll be taking all of it when I move the flame onwards so there won't be lingering flames that might burn Vind or grow outside my influence.

You don't hear anything. There isn't even any wind around here, beyond the distortions in the air your giant fireball is causing. It's just your and the human's breathing. Maybe if Ike was here he'd be able to tell you more about what's beyond the wall.

You send down some fire (maybe a bit too much fire) to sweep the wall and the area beyond it. Vind moves away from the wall and removes a knife from his belt. Probably getting ready for trouble.

As you sweep the area beyond the wall, there is a high pitched warbling cry that ends in a whistle. You've heard similar calls during your nights on this world, but this one seems a bit off, distorted and out of tune. You hear it quickly move away, footsteps lightly impacting the ground as it jumps away and soon you can hear it no more.

"Cacolopes. Ambushers. Quick jump. Bad bite. Annoying scream." Vind says as he puts his knife back into his belt.

Seeing that you can no longer hear anything beyond the wall, you assume that whatever was there is gone or dead. So you reposition your fire into a defensive dome around your crossing point.

"They're usually pack hunters. Should move inside before more come." he adds as he once more gets in position to help you get over the wall.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 06, 2016, 08:18:39 pm

"Okay."
I then accept Vind's help getting up the wall, and pause at the top to survey what I see and to help him up too after I've leaned forward with an arm, a leg, and a tail (two tails on the far side) on each side of the wall to stabilize myself.

Once we're both safely on the other side, I'll return my flames to being an overhead sphere, but I'll flatten it a bit and spread it out a little so that we ourselves shouldn't be casting any shadow at all, since we're directly under a wide light source.

You climb on the wall, feeling it still warm from your flames' passing and take a look around. The area is clear. And a bit burnt, smoke still rising from the extinguished flames.

It looks like people had various things either on the back of their houses or on the wall itself. Small gardens, clotheslines, outhouses, little fences, storage cabinets... The creature you scared away was probably somewhere among them. Many of them were composed of wood, mostly in the form of smaller or larger branches. They haven't fared very well after your firesweep. Hopefully they won't miss those very much. And if they do, well... you have more important things to deal with.

You run your hand over the wall once more to make sure it's not too hot for humans and then help Vind up, taking his torch first. He gets down and gets his knife ready again. You reposition your flames above you and get ready to follow him.
"Vind, you should know, my eyesight isn't great, but my hearing is very good, if I suddenly stop and hold a closed fist in the air, please stop moving and be totally silent, and watch my ears. whatever direction they're pointing, I heard something from. Anyway, lead on."
He nods and starts moving, trying to remain as silent as he can and you try to follow his example.

Vind moves straight towards one of the nearby houses, a small shack made out of stone and small wooden branches. You follow him, slowly stepping through the burnt remains of the few things that were apparently outside his house, breaking some of them with the sound of cracking wood. He glances at you from time to time.

He stabs his torch to the ground, leaving it outside the house before going in. The inside is really sparse. Just a bed, a table and a few chests and storage cabinets. You saw a few cooking implements still intact outside. He probably didn't store everything he had in here.

After some searching, Vind exchanges his knife for two small knives and a large knife.
"I tried to fight one of the dark ones. They are tough." he whispers.
Ah, so that probably explains the blood on him, it was from his fight. Unless... it's from whoever was with him at the time...
"I'll injure them if I can't kill them. Slow them down. Let you burn them."
He then retrieves his bow, puts it between his legs and begins stringing it. Finally, he gets a quiver filled with a good number of arrows.
He gets an arrow out and puts between his fingers, so that he can get it ready to fire quickly. He looks ready.
"So?" he asks, looking at you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 07, 2016, 06:06:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Quote from: Lenglon on June 06, 2016, 08:18:39 pm

<Ike, ever since I started manipulating fire around here, I felt like I was being watched. I brought my ball of flame from the village to me, intensifying the light around me by a lot, and that feeling grew stronger, but after a bit, it completely disappeared. The shadows here are a little too dark too. Also, I smell that jumping quadruped thing around here. I'm afraid if you bring a mob of people here, they're going to all die. I'm being careful and I'll keep you updated.>

<But if I didn't take them along it'd break their poor hearts. Look at them, so wonderfully spirited. Also, I think that was somebody's scrying spell wearing off. Probably nothing to worry about right up until the point the black dragons start showing up in the sky and disgorging wizards in black to take you into custody.>

Listen for trouble. Be the General of the People I was always meant to be! Flank that village and flank it good.

You leave Theri to help take care of the wounded and lead your group of volunteers around the village, to the east entrance. You guess that at least if everything goes south, you'd at least be able to run away and escape towards the direction you were originally going towards. While you make your way there, you hear a cry of one of those four legged jumping creatures coming from where Irine's giant fireball is floating over, almost on the opposite side of the town. Good. If she attracts their attention, that should make your job easier.

As mentioned before, the village stretches along the road, remaining close to it. It starts with one or two buildings per street and goes all the way to five at its thickest point. Maybe 50 buildings total, more or less, about 16 streets total. Probably less, since those two large ones in the middle should take up the space of more than one building.

You slowly approach the open gates (more like two wooden fence pieces on hinges), close your eyes and listen and smell for trouble. Let's see smell... Human smells, cow smells, jumping four legged thing smells... Human smells are more prominent, which seems natural. None of the non-human smells smell very fresh though, unless you count cat smell and rodent smell. Maybe whatever affected those creatures also helps mask their scent.

Sound says... muffled voices which stop almost immediately. Must be scared villagers, in a nearby building, two streets forward and then right. Might be more hiding nearby. Should be able to smell them if you get closer. There's also footsteps. Three streets away to the left, two pairs, one much slower than the other. Maybe another one five streets away? Even in this quiet it's hard to make out. And there's also that damn thing you can't quite hear but more feel, that pressure in your ears that returns just as you are about to forget it, that annoying background noise-

"It looks fine." the young man (you've heard the others call him Mios) tells you as he approaches you.
"We should get in, start looking for people and tell them it's safe to leave. Before more come."

Some of the other men don't share his eagerness. Maybe they can subconsciously feel that damn noise, even if they can't hear it, and it's affecting them somehow. Maybe they smell the blood of other humans and its triggering some primal fight or flight response. Or maybe it's the half-eaten corpse lying in the middle of the road in a puddle of blood, just a street away from where you are.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 06, 2016, 11:38:26 pm

Kakaralan

"Innocent villagers! Point me in the direction of your troubles and I shall solve them with an excessively healthy dose of vitamins and minerals and orangeness! AT SUPERSONIC VELOCITY!"

Get people to guide me to things that need terminal carrotification!

One of the villagers hesitantly points towards the village. You decide to follow Ike, since he's heading there anyway.
You manage to hold your vegetable in. For now.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 08, 2016, 05:31:26 am

((Was busy with a major test over the weekend, and have been trying to catch up with certain things in life. Sorry! Thankfully, I'll have a lot more time in the coming month.))

Zechariah walked slowly and looked around. He felt uneasy, a sense of uncomfortable familiarity present for him about the situation.

Shadows. Monsters. Deformed, tar-covered creatures. Why does this sound so much like we're about to fight the Shadows I fought before in the Medium? Could this multiverse have its own versions of the Shadows, or are they the same type?

With the sunlight quickly fading beyond the horizon, he was worried that he wouldn't have much in the way of offensive talent, seeing as how his hardlight abilities relied on natural light. Even if the flames provided enough light to muster a defense, his powers regarding light seemed to be unstable when he tried to use his staff earlier. Perhaps it'd be safer to rely on his shadow manipulation abilities for now.

Stay close to the others for now if Irine decided to go alone with the guide. Do a little test with my shadow powers: form a tendril of shadows and wrap it around my own hand. Does it hurt me to use my power? Am I able to do it quickly and without much difficulty? If not, then look for a natural light source nearby and test out my hardlight powers as well. If there's no light, then just wait until I can find one.

You wave your staff and grab some of the nearby shadows. It doesn't really hurt you. In fact, it feels easy. Far too easy, even easier than it when you tested it the day before yesterday. When you put it close to your body, it feels like the shadow wants to be as close to you as possible, clinging to your body. And it's strong enough that it trying to do so is quite noticeable. It's not strong enough to hurt you, not with the amount of strength you're using, but... Well, you think it might be best to be very careful if you try to restrain someone with it, lest you end up strangling them. You think you can feel it vibrating slightly, moving around as if it's filled with hundreds of worms. It's almost as if something is making it agitated. Even the small amount of darkness dancing inside your staff seems more active than usual.

When one of the villagers notices you using your ability, he gets quite scared and starts warning everyone about "black magic". Everyone else shares his concern once they notice you and get ready to fight or flee. Ike quickly defuses the situation by telling them it's not black magic, merely an illusion he might use to hide people, but only as a last resort. The villagers don't look convinced. You can see them keeping an eye on you, casting you sidelong glances.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 08, 2016, 01:45:56 pm

"Huminahuminahuminahuminahuminahuminahumina"

Scan for targets! Catch up with Ike if I haven't already.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 01:49:59 pm

"We search and rescue. You need to handle talking, scared people will think I'm yet another monster. Do you know where people might have taken shelter?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 08, 2016, 01:52:13 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, certainly. Let's go get those survivors, eh! Right thing to do, no doubt."

As General of the People I do declare that my lovely regiments will proceed with the evacuation of any optimistically-expected survivors.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2016, 03:41:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 01:49:59 pm

"We search and rescue. You need to handle talking, scared people will think I'm yet another monster."

He nods.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 01:49:59 pm

"Do you know where people might have taken shelter?"

He shrugs.
"Normally the Market Square and the Temple next to it. Centre of the village. But many of the monsters headed there. Some said the temple was the target. Don't know if anyone there would be alive. Or if we could approach them without dying."
"Healer's house might have some. It's north-northwest."
"Maybe there are some hiding in the Guard Barracks. Don't know if any Guardsmen survived, the place is close to the centre. But people may have gone there seeking safety."

"That's all I can think of right now."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 03:51:34 pm

"Ike's group will have the manpower to search all the lower-risk areas efficiently, and with this giant flame overhead we aren't exactly sneaky, though I admit I'm partly counting on how the glare from it will make it hard for people to see us. Lets head to the market square and temple first, before Ike's less-well-armed group can try it and risk a lot of people getting hurt over it. In big open areas I'm going to be able to bring a lot more fire to bear than in small cramped spaces anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2016, 05:29:09 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 03:51:34 pm

"Ike's group will have the manpower to search all the lower-risk areas efficiently, and with this giant flame overhead we aren't exactly sneaky, though I admit I'm partly counting on how the glare from it will make it hard for people to see us. Lets head to the market square and temple first, before Ike's less-well-armed group can try it and risk a lot of people getting hurt over it. In big open areas I'm going to be able to bring a lot more fire to bear than in small cramped spaces anyway."

He considers what you've said for a few seconds.
"Fine." he finally says.
"You take these then, I need my hands free." he adds, making a motion towards the unlit torches.
"We should stay away from walls. Or close to them, if we can't stay away. They might try to ambush us from above."
"Anything else? Once we're out there, we might not have time."

Quote from: Xantalos on June 08, 2016, 01:45:56 pm

"Huminahuminahuminahuminahuminahuminahumina"

Scan for targets! Catch up with Ike if I haven't already.

Well, there are plenty of targets here. There's several houses, several civilians, Ike, Zechariah...
Oh, you meant enemy targets? No, can't see any of those around.
You continue to maintain control... Wonder what the Xan dice is setting you up for...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 08, 2016, 01:52:13 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, certainly. Let's go get those survivors, eh! Right thing to do, no doubt."

As General of the People I do declare that my lovely regiments will proceed with the evacuation of any optimistically-expected survivors.

You do your best General Ike impression and motion for your troops to move forward in a decisive yet nonchalant manner.
"Great."
"We're moving in. Find our people and get them out safe." the man says to the rest as he rejoins them.

Your groups move in and start going from house to house as quietly as they can. Which, of course, is not quiet enough. Not quiet enough for you and probably not quiet enough for other things either. Your troops have started going through the second row of buildings with no civvies found when you hear other footsteps closing in towards them. You hear them quickly move towards the main road, four of them, one of which breaks out from some sort of building judging by the sound of broken glass. One of them must be injured, for its gait sounds funny. Humans, most likely. Or, well, human black zombies. Wait, that doesn't sound right. Humanoid... dark beings? Virulent creatures of the night? Infected humans? Turned humanoids? Man Tar-oids?

You, meanwhile, follow your men like any general would: from the back, making cool poses with your sword and your trusty bodyguards. Well, not trusty, one of them is probably about to shoot his magical load all over you and the other is prone to sudden bouts of melancholy and running away to save people who aren't you, but you get what I mean.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 05:41:07 pm

I look up at the short man, trying to think of anything I might have forgotten.
"Um, stay near me? I can't avoid burning you if I don't know where you are. Um... I can't think of anything else right now."
Ready? I'm taking the torches by the way.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 08, 2016, 05:43:43 pm

((The dice lust for the biggest amount of amusing carnage almost as much as I do. Much like Xan and his id, our desires are nearly one and the same.))

Continue to maintain control until we spot the original jelly monster thing. Hold my carrot back and whisper sweet promises of velocity in its ear.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2016, 01:53:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Aha! The Taroids have got our scent, methinks! Back, men! And women too, I assume."

Best to retreat a little. Give some room for the Taroids to charge! Get my trusty peasant regiments back as well.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Tiruin on June 11, 2016, 12:29:52 am

((I'm late and not that proactively helpful, but also sick, and sad. :-\ :-[ Generally planning Theri to aid with what skills she has here. I think I've caught up in the past 5 pages...))

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:17:17 pm

"Sir with the bow waiting for him in town, would you please get yourself a small bundle of torches, one of them lit, and come with me to guide?"
unless DAF / Tiruin are ready to play, then I'd like to leave their characters here to help guard the locals.

((Totally could help given my advantage in speed and probably strength. Still super thankful for Parisbre/DAF's attitude and mindset of continuous activity!))

Given Theri's current circumstances (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7038342#msg7038342), she did her best as she could--bereft of magic unlike Irine, something she made known to the villagers in contrast as she tended to them and their needs. She put forward the idea that despite a group going away to take care of their concerns, the rest should keep aware. She was surprised at the recent happenings within the village of Dragon's Hole, and mused that they must be nearing their objective--finding whomever River mentioned a long time ago. Her memory was hazy at the moment.

"I get that I don't look much like someone many of you would like to be with, but I would like to know more about what happened recently. I'm here to help, and so are my friends--I cannot do any magic, but that doesn't mean we're any weaker without it. Can anyone help me here; who leads the village? What are your professions? Who watched the fighting directly?"

Acquire human intelligence resource. Get information. Try to be useful being the only one left behind. Also try to sense for River...
((As far as I recall, there is a way I can contact the others from here, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 11, 2016, 11:00:20 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 05, 2016, 02:27:27 pm

Rune-blastbear survives by any means necessary!

Rune uses run.
Rune quickly transforms into a very thin and long creature, like a giant millipede made out of paper. with giant legs. He uses his legs to jump towards the ceiling.

William points his ranged tentacles at Rune. There's a flash of light and out of nowhere, Rune is now surrounded by a floating box of mirrors. He jumps through the top mirror, breaking it apart, but something is wrong. Everything is strange. All the colours are inverted. That will make seeing things hard, until he gets used to it or it wears off.

After a moment of confusion, he decides to ignore it and just slips through the cracks on the ceiling, into the floor above this one.
Got away safely?

Quote from: Beirus on June 05, 2016, 02:29:16 pm

Fire the Dubstep Bomb!

You feel the last of your strength leaving you. Your flesh and bone retreats back inside you, back where it should be... mostly. You'll never get over all those new strange lumps and hard spots that have appeared on your body ever since you were abducted.

Now you should probably get out of here. You may be back to a healthy (if a bit tired) human form but you're A) naked B) in a room that might collapse soon and C) in the centre of a magical battlefield. You think there's still some poison floating around. That and all the other weird stuff in here might be bad for your health.

At least you can still see Rune. It's like there is a miasmatic purplish wind that is constantly blowing through the path he took and you can somehow see what he sees whenever you look at it directly. Should be useful for avoiding or finding him. And if you're lucky, that means that others can see him too, so it might make him more vulnerable to other dangers. I mean, he did look like he was in a worse state than you.

Hm. Looks like your ranged weapons are also semi-random. Or maybe it's related to that damn corruption. Wait. Corruption. Weren't there a bunch of your tentacles squirming around here? I guess we should add a D to the reasons for wanting to escape this room.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 05, 2016, 02:56:39 pm

Rush Svajoklis and tackle him to the ground if I manage to get close enough. If I manage to tackle him, his face gets the Golden Arm treatment. If he manages to evade me, use the crossbow.

"Rush"? Really? Okay, if that's what you're going for, I'll roll with for it.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 06, 2016, 06:54:15 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Was that a shield that just went down? Unload my gun in terminator's back, aiming at the shoulderblade of golden arm (So between his head and his golden arm). If this fails to obviously incapacitate the terminator, run.

Svajoklis attempts to shoot Savus in the back. He raises his gun, pulls the trigger and a round flies right above Saevus' shoulder. The casing gets stuck on the rifle's ejector. Svajoklis spends several seconds mentally cursing the gun, the world, himself and everything else as he starts legging it.

Saevus tries to catch up to him, but by the time he has started moving, the only thing left in his opponent's place is a Svajoklis-shaped cloud. He attempts to blast his opponent, but only manages to hit the ceiling and destroy some lights instead.

: -sending a team up to investigate the source of the disturbance. :

Svajoklis runs for the service stairway, presses the button top open the door and... nothing happens. It's not powered. He attempts to force the door open by running into it but only manages to form a dent on it.

Saevus unleashes a hail of crossbow bolts on his position, but he has already jumped behind the reception desk, where he is working to unjam his rifle. The bolts get embedded on the plastic of the door and the reception desk and the quickly fizzle into nothingness.

: Everyone should get ready for combat and report to their posts. :

---

Quote from: Zormod on June 05, 2016, 03:46:11 pm

This looks like a good time to take some potshots.

You open the back door of the van and start firing. You manage to hit the road, some air, a random car... and then the driver swerves right just as you're about to fire, you lose your balance, grasp for a handhold and shoot one of the two guys with you in the face.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"
"What?"
"You just shot Marvin in the face!"
"Well, it was an accident. It's all the driver's fault."

You're about to keep arguing when the missiles hit. The tiny explosions cause the entire highway to shake. The driver does his best to keep the van stable, but then there is a bump and it twists sideways. You feel weightless for a moment and then everything starts spinning. You hit something and everything goes black.

You are unconscious. And probably hurt.

Quote from: Toaster on June 05, 2016, 05:44:25 pm

Grr.  "Damn it!  Watch out!"

Time to focus on driving; both in avoiding those explosions and trying to get closer.

You pull the handbrake momentarily and drift left while at the same time slowing down just enough to stay in the sweet spot you've created and hide behind another car.

It looks like this drone has never heard of the three laws, as it seem to not give a damn about collateral damage. Destruction rains down all across the highway. The section in front of you can't take anymore and starts collapsing. Your target's van makes it across to the other section, where it leans to the side, impacts the ground, spins around and then slams against the protective barrier. Your target is probably still alive though, since those black distortions are still there close to the van, looking stronger than ever.

However, right now, you have bigger problems. The section of highway in front of you, the last one before the Central Tower, the one your target is on, it is higher than the one you are on. Which means that if you keep going at this speed, you'll slam into a solid block of reinforced concrete in a few seconds. But if you stop, you'll be a sitting duck for the drone and risk letting your target get away.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 05, 2016, 04:12:37 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"Eh?"

I guess not. Kosak looks around.

Ok then, we'll continue with your exploration of the underground if you don't want to fast forward.

The area looks similar to the one you were before, but much darker and quite larger. You can see that the thing you destroyed was just part of a greater structure. You're not even sure if you should call this an animal or a plant. You can see similar worm-like tentacles branching off a central trunk disappearing into various pipes, doors or holes in the walls. And it looks like the one you "killed" (maimed might be a more appropriate word) wasn't even the largest one.

The central trunk rises out of a pipe in the bottom of the room and is slowly pulsing. The greater structure does not appear to be aware of you, or if it is, it's not showing that in its reactions.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on June 11, 2016, 11:54:15 am

Stop jumping around and just die, dammit. Blast the desk he's hiding behind. Have my crossbow at the ready should he try to move away from the desk. Keep my shield up in case he tries shooting me.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 11, 2016, 11:55:33 am

<After The End>

Uhhh...

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 11, 2016, 01:20:40 pm

Centi-Rune pops his head back into the room and assesses the situation. He changes his eyes to negate the effect of this color inversion. If he no longer has his acid cannons, he evolves them again. If he still has them, he fires on his foe.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on June 11, 2016, 01:44:54 pm

Go back the way I came. Put as much distance as I can between me and that room. See if I can find some clothes on the way. Try to stay somewhat near some part of the weapon assembly while I recharge. Oh, and take advantage of that miasma purple stuff to avoid Rune.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on June 11, 2016, 02:06:59 pm

Well, might as well look through some old memories while I'm out.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 11, 2016, 02:32:15 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"PREPARE TO DIE!!!"
((Why does it seem to me like my character has a mind of his own?))

Kosak charges the central trunk thing, aiming to kill it with many punches.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on June 11, 2016, 04:33:00 pm

"Fuck, hang on!"

Hit the braaakes! If I can't stop in time, rapidly shift the driver's seat up so I personally don't hit the wall; a makeshift eject, if you will. If stopping is done safely, start shooting at the target.

Shoot at the drone instead if it's even close to threatening me.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 12, 2016, 01:35:51 am

Zechariah chided himself mentally as he continued with the group.

Of course they'd be afraid of shadows, idiot. That's what they're fighting right now, after all! And suddenly, a bunch of strange people show up with promises to help, but towing along a kid who can bend shadows to his will. Brilliant!

"Please don't be afraid," Zechariah reassured. "I'm not one of the monsters. I'm just here to try and help. If this.. 'magic' scares you, then I won't use it for now." He held his staff down as he walked and tried to stay behind Ike and the others. Looking down at his staff, he wondered if his crystal abilities would be reliable enough to use in this area. Considering that he was pained even in an area lit by sunlight before, he doubted it. If he needed to break out the shadows again, however, he seemed to have more than enough power to be able to repel any threat.

It's just a question of whether or not he can control that power.

Stay close like before and try to keep on guard with my sight as best as possible. If I suspect danger, see if I have enough natural light around to gather crystals. If not, gather small amounts of shadows.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 12, 2016, 03:31:14 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Do I have a radio? If so tell the guys coming up to bring the heavy guns.
Do I still have where to run? If so, do so. If not, shoot the terminator. If he get's close, flashbang, dodge and run.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 12, 2016, 01:42:18 pm

I had many songs in mind for this. Mystery Meat, Id (Purpose), Katyusha, Fortune Days, Castor Inception...
In the end, I think I'll go with something simple, old and with a relatively appropriate name:
POP:WW - Conflict At The Entrance (https://youtu.be/N_uuVuiK_OI)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 09, 2016, 01:53:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Aha! The Taroids have got our scent, methinks! Back, men! And women too, I assume."

Best to retreat a little. Give some room for the Taroids to charge! Get my trusty peasant regiments back as well.

No men. This society seems close to the ye olde gender separation, although nobody seems to be actively enforcing that, at least not on your companions. Then again, most of the people you've met have thought you were either foreigners, wizards, nobles, monsters or a combination of the above, so it's quite possible they are more tolerant of deviations in these sorts of individuals. There's probably some sort of interesting sociological study to be made there, but you can't really get too much into that right now due to the group of Taroids coming your way.

"Spears front! Hold the line!"
You give your men the order to retreat and prepare to hold them at the gate. They run around the corner, one of them slipping clumsily but quickly getting back up again. They look like humanoids covered by a thick layer of dark smoke that trails behind them as they run. Whenever their limbs thrust forward, you can see their finer details, but they are still obscured by the darkness, making them look like a dark viscous tar-like fluid became animate. They're running full speed now, almost as quick as a normal man, except for one that is moving slower than the rest, as its leg is twisted in the wrong position, causing it to half-jump half-limp forward. They stick close to the sides of the road, to the shade provided by the buildings, but they don't appear to have any trouble stepping into the light.
"Slow them! Pin them down!"
As soon as your men are close to the gate they start throwing rocks, bricks, pieces of wood and whatever else they have on them or can get their hands on. However, their efforts don't appear to be working. For the most part, the projectiles appear to be a minor inconvenience for them. A man manages to get a particularly good hit in, striking one of them in the leg with a powerful blow, causing it to lose its footing and fall down. But the others keep running.

Your spearmen do your best to stop the two advancing Taroids that reach them, the other two still catching up due to their injuries.
"Hungry..." you hear one of them rasp.
One of the spearmen manages to catch the Taroid straight in the chest and completely stop it after sliding back for half a metre. He keeps pushing, throwing it off balance and pinning it to the ground as it thrashes around and tries to hit anything within its reach.
"Sorry..." the other gurgles.
The other spearman is not so lucky. The force of the impact catches him by surprise. He is thrown back and onto the ground. He desperately tries to use his spear to hold the monster back and keep it from jumping on him.
"Hold them down! Remove the head! Destroy the brain!"
The rest of your civilian mobs attempt to mob the Taroids and help their spearmen comrades in arms. They manage to handle the downed Taroid quite well, bashing it in the head with whatever they have until they turn it into a pulp and the monster stops moving coherently (although it continues flailing around and grasping and emitting unsettling noises).
The one trying to eat the downed spearman however... The mob seems hesitant to approach, after one of them that does finds himself on the receiving end of a vicious strike that throws him to the ground with his arm broken. The monster pushes itself against the spear until it emerges on the other side of its shadowy body. Its shadow hides the poor spearman from sight, but you can still hear his screams and something crunching.
"Warm flesh..."
Meanwhile, the other mobs deal with the other two Taroids that have just arrived. The other two spearmen manage to hold their ground and keep the Taroids at a distance, while the civilians help by pelting them with stones. One of them manages to get a good hit in, stunning one of the monsters and throwing it to the ground.

This isn't turning out so well. Then again, it could had been much worse. Now might be a good time to intervene.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 12, 2016, 01:35:51 am

Zechariah chided himself mentally as he continued with the group.

Of course they'd be afraid of shadows, idiot. That's what they're fighting right now, after all! And suddenly, a bunch of strange people show up with promises to help, but towing along a kid who can bend shadows to his will. Brilliant!

"Please don't be afraid," Zechariah reassured. "I'm not one of the monsters. I'm just here to try and help. If this.. 'magic' scares you, then I won't use it for now." He held his staff down as he walked and tried to stay behind Ike and the others. Looking down at his staff, he wondered if his crystal abilities would be reliable enough to use in this area. Considering that he was pained even in an area lit by sunlight before, he doubted it. If he needed to break out the shadows again, however, he seemed to have more than enough power to be able to repel any threat.

It's just a question of whether or not he can control that power.

Stay close like before and try to keep on guard with my sight as best as possible. If I suspect danger, see if I have enough natural light around to gather crystals. If not, gather small amounts of shadows.

Trying to use your staff to manipulate light appears to be a bad idea. It feels like it's sucking the life out of you whenever you try to do so, making you feel dizzy and weak.
So you just watch Ike while maintaining some shadows in the... well, in the shadows, ready to intervene.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 08, 2016, 05:43:43 pm

((The dice lust for the biggest amount of amusing carnage almost as much as I do. Much like Xan and his id, our desires are nearly one and the same.))

Continue to maintain control until we spot the original jelly monster thing. Hold my carrot back and whisper sweet promises of velocity in its ear.

The urge for release is burning you. You think your skin is starting to turn orange.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 08, 2016, 05:41:07 pm

I look up at the short man, trying to think of anything I might have forgotten.
"Um, stay near me? I can't avoid burning you if I don't know where you are. Um... I can't think of anything else right now."
Ready? I'm taking the torches by the way.

He nods and goes for the door. He lets it open just a crack, scans the area and then opens it completely. He checks around once more, including above him and then goes outside.
Everything is quiet.
He motions for you to follow him. You get out, close the door and retrieve the lit torch while he watches the area.
When you're ready, Vind takes point and you follow him closely.

<So... There's something I've been meaning to ask you... But... I've never really worked up the courage to do so...>

The village is not that large or wide. There aren't many places you could sneak through, even if you wanted you. You follow the outer wall for a while, moving quietly through the open area close to the wall. You pay special attention to anywhere an ambush could hide, every shaded point. Corners, sheds, creaking windows... Everything seems quiet. There are signs that people rushed away, doors left open, fires still burning. It makes you wonder why they left in such a hurry, what could had alerted them to the danger. Did the news spread via word of mouth? Did they rush away, following the herd like panicked animals? Maybe there was another means of addressing a large number of people? Or maybe they saw the monsters with their own eyes...

<It's something that occurred to me the moment I first laid eyes on you... Your body, your tails... It all looked so...>

The last option becomes even more plausible when you find a couple of corpses sprawled across a shaded porch. Vind spares a minute to carefully approach and investigate them. It looks like whatever attacked them dragged them here to feed on them. Their bodies have been badly mauled and broken and then had their flesh torn with hands and teeth. There's little left on them. The tracks look a bit unclear and distorted, but you think they're human, around three of them. It looks like whatever they were, they left towards the way you came from.

<So, there's just that I want- only if you want to of course... I mean, I don't want to make you uncomfortable or force you to do anything you want, but...>

You move on. After a while, you cut through a side street and head closer to the main road. You're not yet at the centre of the village but he probably just wants to check ahead before you get too close. The area looks clear, so you keep going until you reach the main road. You can already hear something up ahead, slight repetitive movement, dirt and wood, so you use your hand to get his attention, warn him and indicate the direction it's coming from. Vind approaches a building and leans around a corner to look ahead. After a quick peek he gets back into cover and signals you that there are 5 ahead. Probably close, judging from how tense he looks.

<D, now is really not the time.>
<Yeah, but, you know, something might happen and, you know... Something might happen to me, I might never get a chance to speak with you again. So I just wanted to say it while we still had the time. You know, no time like the present, hehe...>

Suddenly, you hear a noise. You think it came from somewhere above you. You pause and try to listen as hard as you can but there's nothing. It has stopped and you're not exactly sure where it came from or if it was even something important. Vind notices you so he joins you in scanning for trouble. But there's still nothing. Maybe it was just wind from your fire disturbing things on the roofs of the buildings. Maybe you're just on edge.

<Okay, here goes. Can you... say 'Moshi Moshi'?>

---

Quote from: Tiruin on June 11, 2016, 12:29:52 am

((I'm late and not that proactively helpful, but also sick, and sad. :-\ :-[ Generally planning Theri to aid with what skills she has here. I think I've caught up in the past 5 pages...))

Quote from: Lenglon on June 04, 2016, 07:17:17 pm

"Sir with the bow waiting for him in town, would you please get yourself a small bundle of torches, one of them lit, and come with me to guide?"
unless DAF / Tiruin are ready to play, then I'd like to leave their characters here to help guard the locals.

((Totally could help given my advantage in speed and probably strength. Still super thankful for Parisbre/DAF's attitude and mindset of continuous activity!))

Given Theri's current circumstances (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7038342#msg7038342), she did her best as she could--bereft of magic unlike Irine, something she made known to the villagers in contrast as she tended to them and their needs. She put forward the idea that despite a group going away to take care of their concerns, the rest should keep aware. She was surprised at the recent happenings within the village of Dragon's Hole, and mused that they must be nearing their objective--finding whomever River mentioned a long time ago. Her memory was hazy at the moment.

"I get that I don't look much like someone many of you would like to be with, but I would like to know more about what happened recently. I'm here to help, and so are my friends--I cannot do any magic, but that doesn't mean we're any weaker without it. Can anyone help me here; who leads the village? What are your professions? Who watched the fighting directly?"

Acquire human intelligence resource. Get information. Try to be useful being the only one left behind. Also try to sense for River...
((As far as I recall, there is a way I can contact the others from here, right?))

While taking care of the wounded and organizing a rudimentary group of volunteers to help take care of them, you also do your best to gain information. The mayor in charge of the village listens to your suggestions and assigns whoever he can get to start working on creating fortifications and finding weapons, so that they will be better protected if something happens during the night. You understand, however, that the people here are not warriors. Most of them are either merchants, farmers, craftsmen or simple workers, either helping with the farms, processing their products or doing odd jobs to get by. If there were any warriors amongst them, none of them are here.

The stories you hear about the attack to the village sound bad. The creatures that attacked them were mostly humanoid. They attacked either with swords and clubs or with their bare hands. But they all appeared to be much stronger and tougher than humans should be. There was also a bull-like creature that run through the streets. And animals called Cacolopes, creatures with large sharp teeth that like to jump around on their four thin but dexterous legs.

A few villagers say that leading the attack was some sort of winged, horned, four-legged creature of darkness. They say it was somewhat larger than an Ox and it did not appear capable of flight, but it was quite ruthless nevertheless. It pounced on people and used its tail to throw away anyone that dared to come close. Some say it was a dragon, but others say that dragons don't look like that, that dragons are supposed to be reptiles with a long neck and that this was more like a dark pegasus with a long tail or maybe a large winged cat. You're not really interested in a debate on the morphology of magical creatures right now, and each of them appears to have a different story or description about the creature (some say it had red eyes while others say it had no eyes, some say it breathed fire while others say it breathed darkness) so you don't press the matter. You don't think any of them are very reliable. They're probably still in shock, embellishing and confusing their stories.

As for River... You have a very bad feeling about him. You think he might be in great danger. However, you're still not sure about what you are supposed to do about it. It's just a source of anxiety with no obvious way of resolving it. But you can't just sit around and do nothing. You can't just hope that everything will work itself out, not when your friends are in danger. You feel that you have to do something.

After relaying the information you gained to the others, you leave your telepathic communication wire to the mayor and instruct him in its use. And then you get ready to act.
((To be continued, as per your instructions...))

---

OOC
Here's a video portraying Ike's group's efforts: https://youtu.be/ONEZfj6h1xc

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 12, 2016, 03:10:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Man, this kicks ass."

That snacking Taroid isn't too good for morale. Step in personally and sort out the matter with my sword. Remove the head! Destroy the brain!

And then hopefully reinforce the other groups with numbers and invigorating spirit!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 12, 2016, 04:00:18 pm

<Moshi Moshi? what is... why? does that mean something in particular?>

---

I don't know if that sound is a survivor or not, I need to take precautions but can't go on the offensive yet.
I need to form an overhead sheet of flame first, to avoid the flanker.
Next I need to box in my targets. the road that those 5 shadows are on needs to be walled off by flame.
finally I close the net on the 5 targets, the walls of fire closing in on them to engulf them and end them.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 12, 2016, 06:48:40 pm

"Licorice men! What you lack in vitamins and minerals is clearly hurting your sense of manners! Prepare to be ... SUPPLEMENTED!"

I'm with Ike's group, I assume? Open fire at what looks like the biggest group of things/most dangerous licorice man. Superluminal Vitamin Overdose 9000 GOOOOOOOOO

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 14, 2016, 03:06:52 am

I assume I'm close to Ike as well, yes? If so, use the Shadows to try and pull those creatures away from any humans if they are harming them. Continue to be defensive and try to minimize casualties.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 22, 2016, 05:27:41 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 12, 2016, 03:31:14 am

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Do I have a radio? If so tell the guys coming up to bring the heavy guns.
Do I still have where to run? If so, do so. If not, shoot the terminator. If he get's close, flashbang, dodge and run.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Hostile drone Topside. Heavy armour." you manage a quick shout to your radio as you run.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 11, 2016, 11:54:15 am

Stop jumping around and just die, dammit. Blast the desk he's hiding behind. Have my crossbow at the ready should he try to move away from the desk. Keep my shield up in case he tries shooting me.

Saevus is really pissed off. He points his golden arm at the desk and its runes glow with power, the air fills with distortions and all that can be heard is an ominous hum, increasing in pitch as he charges his attack.
"Just die!"
The air explodes with telekinetic energy, the shockwave shattering every light in the lobby. The attack goes through the desk like it was nothing and continues through the wall and door behind it, the shrapnel moving with enough energy to travel through the service stairway and demolish the wall on the other side of the stairwell.

This time Svajoklis is not so lucky. While he was already running away and was thus safe from the brunt of the blast, the shockwave was still big enough to hit him. He gets swept of his feet and thrown against a wall. He feels the wall break as he hits it and the pain on his arm and shoulder becomes unbearable. As he struggles to get up he realize that if it's not broken, it's probably seriously hurt. He also realises that a weight is missing from him. His book is missing, having been torn away from him by the impact and the blast.

<You know, you should really look into getting a stronger belt. Or maybe a chain.>
<Hah. Yeah. I bed he'd look like some sort of librarian rapper with that thing around his neck.>
<I meant for his waist, but your way would certainly be amusing.>

Saevus, meanwhile, appears to be suffering from low power after draining his reserves to make such a powerful attack. His movement and reaction times appear quite slow and will remain so until he has recovered.

---

Quote from: Beirus on June 11, 2016, 01:44:54 pm

Go back the way I came. Put as much distance as I can between me and that room. See if I can find some clothes on the way. Try to stay somewhat near some part of the weapon assembly while I recharge. Oh, and take advantage of that miasma purple stuff to avoid Rune.

Going back the way you came is not an option, since that part of the room was the first to start collapsing, but you can do the next best thing and make your way towards the helpful glowing red exit sign above the door. Clothes are also not an option on this room, as it appears that everyone here is thoroughly dead and mutilated. Plus, the room looks ready to collapse at any moment, so sticking around to loot the dead is probably not a good idea.

You manage to reach the exit without stepping onto something deadly. The next room is much better. It's a small reinforced S-shaped corridor split to three sections, some sort of decontamination area most likely. The reinforced doors have been conveniently left unlocked (you don't know if it's because of some emergency procedure, from the damage or some other reason), allowing you to push them open and go through the sections. In there, you find a few cleanroom suits. It's not the most inconspicuous thing ever, but it's probably more conspicuous than being naked. Plus, it conveniently hides your identity.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 11, 2016, 01:20:40 pm

Centi-Rune pops his head back into the room and assesses the situation. He changes his eyes to negate the effect of this color inversion. If he no longer has his acid cannons, he evolves them again. If he still has them, he fires on his foe.

The effect is probably in your mind, because no matter how much you fiddle with your eyes, you are not able to remove it. I mean, you could try messing with your brain directly and see if that solves anything, but you've always let your ability work on your brain. You've never taken an active role in its manipulation, so you're not sure if that would be possible.

You pop out of the ceiling and look around. Your opponent is running away naked, trying to stay away from poison gas, acid and all the other nasty stuff leftover from your battle. He manages to make his way to the exit. Also, the room looks unstable could collapse at any moment. You should probably not stick around here for long.

Growing cannons with your current body is not very easy. Instead, you settle for a long thin tube across your entire body that can deliver a small but high pressure acid attack, almost like some sort of acid rifle.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 11, 2016, 02:32:15 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"PREPARE TO DIE!!!"
((Why does it seem to me like my character has a mind of his own?))

Kosak charges the central trunk thing, aiming to kill it with many punches.

Trying to punch the trunk feels much like trying to cut down a tree by slapping it. You manage to make a sizable hole in it that starts leaking a sticky grey fluid, but that hole is tiny compared to its size. And now it's starting to stir and moan. You can see it starting to vibrate, the vibrations spreading through the leaking fluid.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 11, 2016, 04:33:00 pm

"Fuck, hang on!"

Hit the braaakes! If I can't stop in time, rapidly shift the driver's seat up so I personally don't hit the wall; a makeshift eject, if you will. If stopping is done safely, start shooting at the target.

Shoot at the drone instead if it's even close to threatening me.

You push the brakes as hard as you can and try to maintain control of the car as it slips around. It turns sideways and slams against the elevated road. The impact rattles you. You can feel the reinforcing bars punch you on the side and scrape against your armour as they stab through the door, thankfully not strong enough to actually penetrate you.

The drone positions itself behind you and beeps as it prepares for another attack. You're a sitting duck out here. You can't drive, you can't get out with your door and window is blocked, you can't even move around all that well with those steel rods coming through the door. So you decide to shoot the drone. The glowing projectile flies towards the drone as it fires off another laser beam, sweeping it upwards. It cuts through the car's roof, your seat, your weapon, your armour, a good part of your chest and shoulder, the steel bars and part of the engine. You can feel all theses, sense the matter as it explodes into molten plasma and disappears from your senses, but only your body actually hurts. It's strange what kind of connections your mind can make as you fall unconscious.

Quote from: Zormod on June 11, 2016, 02:06:59 pm

Well, might as well look through some old memories while I'm out.

Luckily, your opponent almost got sliced in half by a drone and fell unconscious, so I can start rolling and moving time forward until one of you wakes up. Now, let's see, how long is this going to take...

You wake up. A man is hanging from the roof above you. Oh, no wait, that's the door of the van. And you are... oh, that's you, you can see your arm moving. It's always disorienting when your vortex gets scrambled. Especially when your everything hurts. You're pretty sure you've got a broken rib or two and you can't hear from one ear. Your sense of direction also feels off.

You try to take a quick look around but your vortexes have grown large and distorted while you were unconscious. It feels like there are things moving at the edge of your vision, pushing against it. The only thing you can see clearly is Central Tower, its form looming above you. You think there are people moving around, surrounding you, getting ready to kill you.

Toaster
You wake up screaming and clawing as something stabs you at your wound. You blindly try to tear it away, but only manage to fumble and slap it instead, your mind still not used to missing one arm. Immediately you are pulled away, although you can still feel something pressing against your side.
"Sir? Can you hear me? Calm down."
"Restrain him."
You open your eyes. A man wearing a faded grey uniform is holding you down. You can see the dark ceiling of the biosphere high above him, too close and too far away at the same time. You can feel and see another pair of hands on your shoulders, but not to whom the belong.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on June 11, 2016, 11:55:33 am

<After The End>

Uhhh...

You're pretty dead. And by that, I don't mean that you are a beautiful zombie.

I'll respawn you at the staging area.

Hmm... "The Pretty Dead". A show about a group of zombies trying to prove they may have lost their lives, but not their fashion sense dammit.

---

OOC
Gah. Sorry for not posting sooner. Many things got in the way. 43°C. Filing tax reports. People being idiots and making it hard for me not to hate them. I'll do my best to post tomorrow, whatever it takes, can't let this world defeat me.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Toaster on June 22, 2016, 05:38:14 pm

"Aaaghh..."

Calm. Calm.  They can help.  Need a real doctor.  I just kludge it.


"Help me... where am I?"

Calm it down; get self under control.  Do not resist medical aid.

Try to identify situation and see what's going on.

Restraint isn't terrible; machines bow to my will.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 22, 2016, 05:44:18 pm

Centi-Rune immediately leaps down from the ceiling and pursues his quarry. If he manages to find his foe, he unleashes a full spray of acid if he is sure that the shot will hit.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 22, 2016, 06:30:03 pm

<Svajoklis, After the end>

GET THE BOOK.
Empty the clip into the terminator.
Run.

((I thought I had the book on a chain. I can't seem to find the description of Svajoklis, so I might be misremembering.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 22, 2016, 07:05:03 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"ARRRGH! Why do you not break?"

Kosak goes after the newly created weak point with a flurry of punches, aiming to widen it.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on June 22, 2016, 07:20:58 pm

Find out if I'm pinned under anything. If not, try to move away from the van.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 22, 2016, 11:41:11 pm

"Well that sucked.  What even was that?"

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Beirus on June 22, 2016, 11:44:19 pm

Keep going along the path I was traveling. If that miasma effect is still a thing I can see, use it to keep track of Rune and avoid him. How's my energy?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on June 23, 2016, 09:51:27 am

((Guess I rolled an 8 or 9 with that blast's power.))

"Thou shall not evade me!"

Pin him to the wall with crossbow bolts. Do not let him grab that book. Raise my shield to block the bullets.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 23, 2016, 01:39:43 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on June 12, 2016, 06:48:40 pm

"Licorice men! What you lack in vitamins and minerals is clearly hurting your sense of manners! Prepare to be ... SUPPLEMENTED!"

I'm with Ike's group, I assume? Open fire at what looks like the biggest group of things/most dangerous licorice man. Superluminal Vitamin Overdose 9000 GOOOOOOOOO

Open fire with the supercharged attack at the blob of civilian, monsters and Ike. That's a wonderful idea! (https://youtu.be/D2VFWBogDQE)[/sarcasm]
Well, let's see if anyone is lucky enough to survive, because with your luck I'm sure you'll get 6s everywhere at this sort of roll.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 14, 2016, 03:06:52 am

I assume I'm close to Ike as well, yes? If so, use the Shadows to try and pull those creatures away from any humans if they are harming them. Continue to be defensive and try to minimize casualties.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 12, 2016, 03:10:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Man, this kicks ass."

That snacking Taroid isn't too good for morale. Step in personally and sort out the matter with my sword. Remove the head! Destroy the brain!

And then hopefully reinforce the other groups with numbers and invigorating spirit!

Ike sees Alan and Zechariah look incredibly focused and looking at his direction. He's seen enough weird stuff and knows Alan well enough to know what that means.
"Get down!" he shouts as a giant purple tear in reality gets ripped open, a great orange point rapidly forcing its way through it, widening it.
A moment later, the ground under the Taroids erupts with seething darkness, like a living oil well blowout that explodes with enough force to push everything away. Most of the villagers manage to retreat enough to either escape unharmed or receive minor injuries from the darkness, however two of the spearmen aren't so lucky, as one gets launched into the air, dragged by one of the taroids, while the other remains in the grasp of the taroid that had jumped on him.

Meanwhile, the carrot has forced its way through the portal to whatever carrot dimension it came from and is flying towards Ike like a giant elven ballista bolt. Ike jumps forward and to the side to avoid the carrot and get closer to its speed. With perfect precision, he slaps down the tip of the giant healthy projectile. The tip gets pushed down and the carrot stabs into the ground. It bends like a pole jumper's pole and then gets flinged into the air, now spinning with Ike holding onto the leaves on its back. With the darkness now holding the taroids in place and the carrot getting ready to obliterate them, Ike has one thing left to do.

The mighty general pulls the carrot and gets his legs on it and then just at the right moment he jumps off, at the same time drawing his blade. The carrot turns sideways in time to obliterate the two taroids on the left just as Ike flies towards the right, holding it still and letting it slice through the darkness and the taroids' limbs with the aid of his momentum. The slightly dull blade still causes friction, the torque threatening to twist him around, but he manages to counteract it by flying onto the wounded spearman as he passes through the taroids' smoke. The two of them crash through a house's roof, where they roll into a stop.

At the same time, the darkness and the carrot collide. The carrot squishes the dark creatures with a loud crunch before it gets entangled into the dark mess that has errupted out of the ground. Its momentum stretches the darkness thing and for a moment it looks as if it is threatening to uproot it. But rather than sending the darkness towards the sky, it pulls it away, creating a large gash on the road. Its momentum keeps it moving forward, where it eventually meets the ground with a loud thud and disappears into the darkness.

The darkness remains there, reducing the already not-that-great influence of Zechariah's commands to nothing. Instead, it begins bubbling as purplish lights begin appearing beneath its surface.
"Get down again!"
The bubbling intensifies and a few moments later the entire thing explodes, sending puddles of dark bubbling goo and purple lightning everywhere around it. The lightning dies down after a few seconds but it reoccurs from time to time, purple bolts jumping out of the centre of the explosion, causing the light between it to distort as if it is being viewed through a broken mirror

There seems to be little damage to the villagers, just a few bruises and hurting heads. Even the spearman that was thrown in the air managed to land on his feet. The only major injury is the bitten spearman with Ike. He is bleeding badly from a big bite mark on his shoulder, close to his neck. The wound is surrounded by a greygreen bile.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 12, 2016, 04:00:18 pm

<Moshi Moshi? what is... why? does that mean something in particular?>

---

I don't know if that sound is a survivor or not, I need to take precautions but can't go on the offensive yet.
I need to form an overhead sheet of flame first, to avoid the flanker.
Next I need to box in my targets. the road that those 5 shadows are on needs to be walled off by flame.
finally I close the net on the 5 targets, the walls of fire closing in on them to engulf them and end them.

<It's a greeting and well, you know what they say. Kitsune can't pronounce moshi moshi. So if someone doesn't respond to your moshi moshi, that means they are an evil fox in disguise trying to seduce you. So I was wondering if this was true for your particular brand of foxgirl.>
You pull a stream of flame from overhead and form it into a sheet of fire that engulfs the roofs of the buildings close to you, setting them on fire.
<But mostly, it's to break the tension. People say that mistakes happen when you're distracted. But I say they also happen when you're too tracted.>
Then you simply drop down the rest of your fire right on top of where you heard the noise. But to your surprise, it's not as easy as you expected it to be. You can actually feel them, vaguely feel their shapes like spots of dark energy in your power, resisting, pushing back. You can hear them too, their off tune shouts, sounding more like they are made in anger than in pain.
<You know. Pay attention too hard. Get too into something. Miss details, fail to consider alternatives. Then next thing you know there's fire everywhere and everyone is screaming.>
But their attempts to stop you are no match for you. You triple your efforts, condense your fire and their resistance is crushed. They try to run around, towards you, but they soon slow down and then stop. And then you can no longer hear them or feel them. If they're dead... then that's probably an acceptable tradeoff, assuming you can maintain it. I mean sure, they appear to have somehow reduced the amount of fire you had, but not by too much, not if you consider how much those now burning buildings will give you.
<BTW, if you want one for 'Lucky Ike', next time you see him, ask him if he's caught the Daltons yet.>
You feel the ground shake. A moment later, somewhere in the distance towards the east, there's a boom and the sound of glass breaking.
<Speaking of Ike, for some reason, I get the feeling he just did something awesome and I'm missing it.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 23, 2016, 02:14:03 pm

<I'm my own design, not one of kj's. His might follow wierd rules like that, but I and my multi-tails and humans don't. Also, I'm a hybrid of two very different animals, kj's kitsune arn't, they're their own species.>
I re-condense my flames into the overhead sphere.
"Clear. Those things were more resistant than I expected, but their resistance lets me feel where they are once I catch them in my flames. Ready to move."
Ready to move on

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 23, 2016, 02:36:19 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Great success! That was lesson one, good people. When the general tells you to get down, you get right the hell down and you'll probably be fine!"

Revel in delight. See if the bitten dude can be helped. Maybe bandaged or something?

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 23, 2016, 04:14:24 pm

"Perfect combo! Fatality!"

Are there any other shadow thingies in the area? If yes, begin charging a beet attack. If not, commence victory dance!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 24, 2016, 08:00:54 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on June 23, 2016, 02:14:03 pm

<I'm my own design, not one of kj's. His might follow wierd rules like that, but I and my multi-tails and humans don't. Also, I'm a hybrid of two very different animals, kj's kitsune arn't, they're their own species.>
I re-condense my flames into the overhead sphere.
"Clear. Those things were more resistant than I expected, but their resistance lets me feel where they are once I catch them in my flames. Ready to move."
Ready to move on

<Eh, well, you know what they say. If it walks like a foxgirl and it quacks like a foxgirl...>
You make a big sheet of fire a few dozen metres above you.

Vind nods and takes point after checking the corner one more time. You follow a couple of steps behind him. He approaches the bodies on the street to take a closer look but keeps his distance. You can't tell much about them though beyond the general shape of their bodies, since they've been too badly burnt. It looks like after whatever was protecting them was no longer there, they were no tougher than normal humans. There's three more charred corpses on the side of the road and another one inside a fire-damaged house.

<I guess they were snacking. Wonder what kinds of zombies they are. Are they the ones that need brains to survive, are they the ones that kill people just to kill people...>

You keep slowly moving forward, making sure to watch for ambushes, but everything is quiet. You come across a couple of puddles of blood, but no bodies accompanying them. Eventually, you get past the curve in the main road and are now able to see the centre of the village. There are a few of those mobsters milling about behind buildings or lying under overturned stalls, but they're not as many as you would expect. They don't appear very active. Then again you're not too close, there's still 4-5 streets between you and them.

You guess the temple is the large stone structure. It's not too large or too lavish, just a long, sturdy-looking building with large doors. It's got dark stained glass windows and it's decorated with a few statues of important-looking old men and women. It looks like there was once a large statue in front of it with a small flower garden around it, but the statue has been broken and the colorful marble pieces have crushed most of the colorful flowers, creating a nice synthesis.

You get the feeling that there's something really wrong here. You can't tell what it is, but you've got a very bad feeling about this. Something about this whole thing feels off.  Especially the temple. There's something ominous about it.

Vind pauses for a moment and looks at you expectantly. His body looks tense but his face remains calm.
<Maybe he sensed it too. Or maybe he just wants to know how you wanna play this.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 23, 2016, 04:14:24 pm

"Perfect combo! Fatality!"

Are there any other shadow thingies in the area? If yes, begin charging a beet attack. If not, commence victory dance!

You spend a couple of minutes yelling "WOMBO COMBO!" at anyone who will listen and everyone who won't while jiggling in the most unsettling manner.

Oh, BTW, that tear in reality you made to summon the carrot to end all carrots is still there.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 23, 2016, 02:36:19 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Great success! That was lesson one, good people. When the general tells you to get down, you get right the hell down and you'll probably be fine!"

Revel in delight. See if the bitten dude can be helped. Maybe bandaged or something?

"Come on man. That's not a wound. That's a scar for tomorrow! Now get up!" you yell in an attempt to encourage the man as you try to bandage his wound as best as you can. You're doing a pretty good job. I mean, you're no doctor, that's why generals usually order doctors around, but this should keep him alive for a while.

You pick up the sword and then try to get the man to his feet. He doesn't appear to be fully conscious (but doesn't appear to be unconscious either), so you help drag him downstairs as you move to rejoin the others. You're moving through the debris on the lower floor, trying to avoid the puddles of bubbling dark goo, when you hear something moving in the pile of broken wood and stone behind you. Can't be...

You quickly step forward to avoid the dark arm reaching out of the pile to grab you. Having missed you, the monster instead uses its arm to drag itself out of the debris. That damn thing is still alive. It's hard to tell due to the smokey cloud surrounding it, but you're pretty sure it's missing half its body. And sure, it looks slower and weaker, but you can't get over the fact that it's still moving.
"Whyyyy..."
You move quickly before it has a chance to react. You push the wounded man aside and give teo powerful slashes to where the Taroid's neck should be, going for the decapitation. At the second strike, its head flies off... and then stops and returns to the monster's neck, getting pulled by dark tendrils rising out of both body parts.
"Don't want to die..."
Well. That's certainly interesting.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 24, 2016, 09:09:07 pm

"Something is very wrong with that temple Vind, I'm not sure what, but it just feels kinda... wrong. If it weren't a likely spot for survivors, I'd want to burn it to the ground from here. Still, one thing at a time. I want to burn everything in the entire market square, giving me some more flame to work with and getting rid of the monsters hiding in it and I don't think there's people there, but I want your permission before I do. This is your home, your friends, and we'll be ending their lives if I'm wrong."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 24, 2016, 10:19:54 pm

"Ooh, that's interesting!"

Is the tear in reality big enough for me to go through? If so, take a deep breath and do a running dive through it!

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2016, 03:36:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Not dying is easy, homeboy! You just gotta stop pissing me off!"

Offer helpful advice. Prepare to dodge.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 25, 2016, 03:26:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on June 22, 2016, 05:38:14 pm

"Aaaghh..."

Calm. Calm.  They can help.  Need a real doctor.  I just kludge it.


"Help me... where am I?"

Calm it down; get self under control.  Do not resist medical aid.

Try to identify situation and see what's going on.

Restraint isn't terrible; machines bow to my will.

You open your eyes and try to take a look around. Your vision is blurry. You don't know whether it's from the tears and the dust or from the blood loss. You try to move your hand to wipe them, but it's still being held.
"Pass me that."
A moment later your one remaining arm gets handcuffed to something. A quick sense tells you it's a simple stretcher. You try not to move around too much. Best not to let them know that you're conscious. You're not sure if any extra attention that would bring would be good.
"You got him?"
"Yeah."
The two uniformed men that were holding you get up and let a man in white and a woman work on you. You can still hear them arguing, somewhere beyond your vision.
"Good. Now get them on the eL-V."
A few moments pass with the two people above you, injecting you and covering you with things.
"What will we do with them?"
"I don't know."
A few moments of silent work later, you are lifted up and carried away, your vision still being blocked by the two people working on you.
"You think she's working with him?"
"I said I don't know. Just- Load them up and take them to central. Keep him alive. We'll sort everything out later. I need to take care of things here with that anomaly."
*sigh* "Okay. Loading them up."
Your jostled around a bit and put inside a vehicle. Medical, by the looks of it. The man in white, the woman and one of the uniformed men get inside with you on the cramped space.
"And keep him under guard at all times. No one gets close to him. His friends might try to break him out."
"Got it. Stay alive."
"You too."
The doors close, you hear two slams on metal and the vehicle starts moving. A rocket-powered vehicle, you notice to your surprise. Well, you guess that's one way to quickly get patients around. As long as it remains steady...

The uniformed man disappears from your vision, while the other two hook you up to a monitor and prepare their tools. Some time later, the woman stops working, takes a deep breath, turns around and disappears from your vision, remaining on its edge.
"Sir, I-"
"Get back to your work."
"But- I'm telling you, I'm not with him. He just- he jumped into my car and- I have to get home to-"
"Not my problem. I have to get you to Central so that's what I'll do."
"But I-"
You hear the shifting of cloth and a soft whine followed by the woman gasping.
"Now don't do anything stupid and we'll be just fine. OK?"
You don't hear an answer, but you assume she gave a satisfactory response, for a few moments later, she approaches you once again and gets back to helping the man in white to keep you alive (you hope).

You don't know if they actually suspect her of doing... whatever it is they suspect her of doing (probably helping you, which you guess is technically true) or if they're simply looking for a way to make sure she is forced to help keep you alive. Or if that guy is simply an asshole intimidating a witness. I mean, why would they let her walk around in here with you if they thought she was dangerous? Then again, there's always the possibility that they're stupid, panicking, desperately short on staff or a combination of the above. They certainly don't know what you're capable of if they think this will hold you.

---

Quote from: Beirus on June 22, 2016, 11:44:19 pm

Keep going along the path I was traveling. If that miasma effect is still a thing I can see, use it to keep track of Rune and avoid him. How's my energy?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You keep moving until you're out of the airlock and in the corridors of the weapons lab. There are alarms blaring and nobody around, neither on the large main corridor or the narrower side passages. Looks like the place has been evacuated.

You're starting to feel a lot better as you move away from the lab. Still feeling like shit, but it looks like the tiredness was at least partially related to your location. Maybe it will get even better if you get even further away from here.

As you move away, you hear something behind you. It's your opponent from before, slithering out of the airlock with that giant thin centipede form of his, now sporting something like a big proboscis.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 22, 2016, 05:44:18 pm

Centi-Rune immediately leaps down from the ceiling and pursues his quarry. If he manages to find his foe, he unleashes a full spray of acid if he is sure that the shot will hit.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

After your weapon has been fully formed, you follow your target through the open airlock doors. On the other side alarms are blaring and lights are flashing in the twisting maze of narrow corridors. However your target is nowhere to be seen. There's just a lone scientist in a clean suit running away.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 22, 2016, 06:30:03 pm

<Svajoklis, After the end>

GET THE BOOK.
Empty the clip into the terminator.
Run.

((I thought I had the book on a chain. I can't seem to find the description of Svajoklis, so I might be misremembering.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Indeed. That's what I have on my notes:

Quote

... and one unchanging piece of clothing he has is a belt with a chain on which hangs the Book ...

So it's in a chain on your belt. The blast was powerful enough to tear your belt apart. If you followed Charlie's advice and had some sort of metal belt, you'd probably end up with some other lower torso related injury. Maybe I'd have your hip break or something, I dunno.

Also, one of the elevators is almost here.

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 23, 2016, 09:51:27 am

((Guess I rolled an 8 or 9 with that blast's power.))

"Thou shall not evade me!"

Pin him to the wall with crossbow bolts. Do not let him grab that book. Raise my shield to block the bullets.

Svajoklis runs towards his book as Saevus slowly turns to face him while raising his shield, a bolt fading into existance in his crossbow. Svajoklis gets the book and is in the process of backing up and raising his weapon to fire when Saevus' bolt flies out to meet him. Svajoklis tries to step back, but the bolt hits him on his foot, the ultra-sharp projectile going through it and out of his heel. Saevus attempts to keep the bolt materialized to keep his opponent in place but finds that it's just too far away and he's just too weak for that to work. All he manages to do is have his crossbow dematerialise, weaken himself and delay his recovery.

And Svajoklis is ready to capitalise on that. He takes aim while trying to ignore the pain and starts firing. He keeps firing until his clip is empty while all Saevus can do is try to keep his shield in place. The armoured brute makes a hard target, but with every shot Svajoklis gets closer to his mark. He finally hits him on an exposed leg. The hollow armoured shell echoes dully as the shrapnel bounce around inside it. His leg feels less responsive now and several runes have been disturbed by the large hole now on his armour. Saevus stumbles for a moment but maintains his balance and keeps his shield in place. He is feeling better now, despite the damage he has sustained.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 22, 2016, 07:05:03 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"ARRRGH! Why do you not break?"

Kosak goes after the newly created weak point with a flurry of punches, aiming to widen it.

You're starting to make some progress, making it about maybe a quarter inside the trunk. But that fluid is getting really sticky. In fact, it seems like it's clinging specifically to you, spreading from your arms and face and tightening its grip on you.

---

Quote from: Zormod on June 22, 2016, 07:20:58 pm

Find out if I'm pinned under anything. If not, try to move away from the van.

You get up and start trying to move away, but you are surrounded. They are people all around you, yelling things you don't understand at you. But they look both scared and scary at the same time, all of them pointing their knives, swords and bows at you. You think that this might be the time to unleash your abilities on them. Hold nothing back.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on June 22, 2016, 11:41:11 pm

"Well that sucked.  What even was that?"

You reappear back at the bar. Charlie and Razor are sitting on a table while Roger is manning the bar. They're all watching the events of the match unfold from an old CRT TV.
"They're called guns."
<A small explosive is placed in a tube and when that explodes the expanding gases send a small projectile called a bullet out. It flies out and hurts you. Guns are bad.>
"That's why I prefer funthrowers and machinehugs."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2016, 03:36:28 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Not dying is easy, homeboy! You just gotta stop pissing me off!"

Offer helpful advice. Prepare to dodge.

The thing keeps crawling towards you. It's not that hard to stay away from it, it's quite slow.
"Can't stop..."
Can't stop pissing you off? Well, it doesn't appear to be listening to your advice.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 24, 2016, 10:19:54 pm

"Ooh, that's interesting!"

Is the tear in reality big enough for me to go through? If so, take a deep breath and do a running dive through it!

...
There's a tear in reality surrounded by pure chaos energy there and you just want to dive through it.
Where if you go through it and survive, you'll probably end up on some weird giant vegetable dimension or something.
And that portal could close and leave you trapped there.

I'll give you a few moments to consider if you really trust your luck that much and give everyone around you a chance to stop you from jumping into the Eye of Terror and most likely committing suicide and/or creating some sort of horrible Chaos Alan abomination.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 24, 2016, 09:09:07 pm

"Something is very wrong with that temple Vind, I'm not sure what, but it just feels kinda... wrong. If it weren't a likely spot for survivors, I'd want to burn it to the ground from here. Still, one thing at a time. I want to burn everything in the entire market square, giving me some more flame to work with and getting rid of the monsters hiding in it and I don't think there's people there, but I want your permission before I do. This is your home, your friends, and we'll be ending their lives if I'm wrong."

"I feel it too." he whispers while nodding.
"I don't think there's anyone alive there." he adds while looking at the square.
Still, he looks unsure.
"I'll get on a roof and see if I can see anyone else." he says, indicating a tall building on the next street, some sort of storage building by the looks of it.
"If all is clear, I'll signal you. If there's a problem, you can move your fire to let me know quietly."
<Maybe he doesn't feel that well being responsible for potentially giving an order that will accidentally end the lives of others just because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Kinda like a bombing or a drone strike, I guess.>
<Or maybe there's something there he really wants. People sometimes do stupid things for material possessions. Just watch any zombie movie. They always do a mall scene about that. And I guess this is sort of the medieval equivalent of a mall.>

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2016, 03:28:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Can't stop, won't stop keeping it old school? So cool!"

Skewer this guy on the sword and chuck him into the Eye of Terror to test if Alan is prepared to weather its effects.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 25, 2016, 03:30:39 pm

"I know what a gun is, I'm wondering what we were doing there, who we were, how that happened."

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Hawk132 on June 25, 2016, 03:41:23 pm

Walking Tank, After the End

Crossbow's gone? Get a sword then. Get close to Svajoklis and pull him towards me as soon as he's in range. Cut him in half.

((Is my force-field gone? Last time it took a building falling on me to disable it.))

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Xantalos on June 25, 2016, 03:53:32 pm

Alan knows no limits of rationality or curiosity! Full steam ahead, cap'n!

Let Ike throw the licorice guy into it first though, gotta be polite.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2016, 03:54:43 pm

Spray the scientist with acid and consume him for the biomass. He was kind enough to put himself into a tin for me. Then, use the biomass to increase in size.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 25, 2016, 05:32:11 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Well, running is no longer an option it seems. Let's see how much I can take with me.
Reload, fire again.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Zormod on June 25, 2016, 05:47:25 pm

"You should stay out of my way."

Pull out my gun to shoot whatever happens to be in front of me, then try to hit anyone still standing there with my eyes. Move forward before I get shot.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 25, 2016, 05:50:40 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"I SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING! GRAAAAGH!"

Kosak breaks free, then walks to the opposite side of the trunk, the side not yet breached, and starts punching that side instead.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Lenglon on June 25, 2016, 06:10:39 pm

"Okay"
standing by for his signal.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2016, 06:57:27 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 25, 2016, 03:28:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Can't stop, won't stop keeping it old school? So cool!"

Skewer this guy on the sword and chuck him into the Eye of Terror to test if Alan is prepared to weather its effects.

You use your sword to make taroid kebab and prepare to cook it over the fires of chaos. The monster moans angrily and tries to hit you or grab you but you manage to shake it and cause its strikes to miss or duck out of their way.
"Noooo..."
Everyone keeps their distance and watches you with shock and curiosity as you approach the chaos portal. The p portal doesn't appear to like the taroid approaching it. Its swirling motion intensifies and bolts of purplish energy start flying into anything close to it. Neither does the taroid for that matter, for its flailing becomes even more frantic, but even at this close distance you easily avoid its strikes.

By now bolts are flying near-constantly from the portal, most of them directed towards the skewered monster. You can feel their energy physically pushing you back. You can feel your hands burning and feel the temptation to let go of your sword. But you keep pushing forward until you're right next to the tear in reality and then kick the monster into it. You immediately jump away from the portal and watch what happens next, ready for anything.

The monster screams as energy strikes it from all directions. The smoke is stripped away from it completely, leaving only its tar-like skin that is now bubbling, rising to meet every bolt that hits it. Its momentum carries it forward until it disappears into the swirling energies of the  chaotic portal, although its distorted screams can be heard for several seconds after that.

The portal has become quite smaller as a result of your actions. It's now a just a bit wider than the average human is tall.

Your sword has also been affected. It appears to have lost it's consistency. It's no longer a straight line. Instead it's like four (sometimes five, six if you count the handle) different line segments that roughly maintain the shape of a sword as it was before. It's as if you're viewing it through a kaleidoscope or a broken lens. Whenever you hold it steady, it changes very slowly, as if the lens you are viewing it through are slowly shifting. But whenever you move it the changes are rapid, as you'd expect from the reflection of an object seen moving through a broken mirror. It feels warm. Holding it makes your hands tingle.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 25, 2016, 03:53:32 pm

Alan knows no limits of rationality or curiosity! Full steam ahead, cap'n!

Let Ike throw the licorice guy into it first though, gotta be polite.

Okay then. You take a few steps back and prepare to make a running dive into the portal.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 25, 2016, 06:10:39 pm

"Okay"
standing by for his signal.

You slowly approach the building he indicated. You wait for him to climb the side of the building, alternating between watching him and watching the street. He reaches the top without incident, displaying admirable climbing ability despite his size. That's when you hear a loud warbling scream, that quickly rises in pitch until it becomes almost infrasonic. It makes you want to drop whatever you're holding to close your ears. It's echoed by others moments later, followed by the sound of shattering glass.
"Ambush!" Vind shouts as he tries to slide down as quickly as he can.
<No, no, no. 'It's a trap!'>
You can hear them moving on the rooftops of the buildings of the next street, jumping to those closer to you, or on the next street itself. They're moving quite quickly. One of them jumps through a window facing the main street. A creature with a large conical head and four extremely thin legs, its finer features obscured by the tar-like colour and texture of its body and the smoke-like cover of darkness following it. However, one thing you can see clearly is its legs stabbing into the ground and the hundreds of thin, sharp-looking teeth in its lipless mouth, making it look like it has a perpetual grin. It's body gets close to the ground, beneath its legs, as it gets ready to jump, like a giant toad or grasshopper.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on June 26, 2016, 07:02:31 am

Alan shows no hesitation, consideration of whatever consequences there might be because of this, or remorse. Instead his face is filled with the purest scientific curiosity - discovery purely for the sake of itself.

And shiny.

I do this knowing that should I die, it will have been for literally the most pointless reason I could possibly find.

SWAN DIVE

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2016, 07:07:45 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Alan, I don't think there's candy in that there portal. I don't think there's any candy at all. Licorice man didn't seem to like it one bit."

Ike holds up his sword toward Alan.

"Also my sword got kinda screwed up in the process of chucking licorice man in there. As your personal doctor I'm afraid I can't let you jump into that portal."

Do I look any different from being near the portal?

Also make sure Alan doesn't jump in yet. It'd be pretty bad for his health I assume. Tackle him if all else fails.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Toaster on June 26, 2016, 08:37:25 am

((Funthrower!  Roger is best entity.

Also, never change Alan.  Alan x John BFF 5ever))

((Paris:  John has access to his spear, right?))


Not yet.  Give them a minute more to work.  Don't need to get to the destination, though.

Keep watching and waiting.  Were the uniformed men armed?  What about the man, who I assume is some sort of doctor?

The time to act is when we are near, but not in, the destination.  Can I tell how far along we are?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on June 26, 2016, 12:21:04 pm

Roof of flame over the two of us, obscuring us and making the idea of jumping on us a very painful one. Run for a narrow alley. or other chokepoint. if none are near then into a random building we go.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 27, 2016, 04:44:18 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 26, 2016, 07:07:45 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Alan, I don't think there's candy in that there portal. I don't think there's any candy at all. Licorice man didn't seem to like it one bit."

Ike holds up his sword toward Alan.

"Also my sword got kinda screwed up in the process of chucking licorice man in there. As your personal doctor I'm afraid I can't let you jump into that portal."

Do I look any different from being near the portal?

Also make sure Alan doesn't jump in yet. It'd be pretty bad for his health I assume. Tackle him if all else fails.

Nope. Not that you can see, anyway. Maybe you've got magi-cancer now. Maybe there's now a face on your back or something. Or maybe you've turned pink but everyone was too polite to point that out. But in the absence of evidence, you'd say you're probably fine. Maybe you just got lucky. The boring kind of lucky, you suppose.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 26, 2016, 07:02:31 am

Alan shows no hesitation, consideration of whatever consequences there might be because of this, or remorse. Instead his face is filled with the purest scientific curiosity - discovery purely for the sake of itself.

And shiny.

I do this knowing that should I die, it will have been for literally the most pointless reason I could possibly find.

SWAN DIVE

Ike stands in front of the portal and looks Alan in the eye. Alan returns his stare, snorting and kicking back dirt with his foot.
The two charge at each other while shouting. Ike is clearly the most athletic of the two but Alan has mass on his side. They stay on their course, each of them having no intention of backing down.
And then they collide and comically bounce off. They fall on the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Alan is mostly fine and is quick to recover. I guess he must have had some practice (although a man meaner than me might say he didn't have much to injure).
Ike feels a bit rattled but also manages to quickly regain his bearings. He's been put through enough punishment by now that he is no stranger to it.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 26, 2016, 12:21:04 pm

Roof of flame over the two of us, obscuring us and making the idea of jumping on us a very painful one. Run for a narrow alley. or other chokepoint. if none are near then into a random building we go.

You slam a big brick of flame over your heads as Vind finishes sliding down and then run away. There are no convenient alleys next to you, the storage building has a large space around it. And it would probably be a bad place to try and defend. So you just run towards the closest house, a two storey thing mostly made out of stone blocks, save for the windows, the roof and the front porch.

The creature loses no time. You hear it leap-running towards your position, closing the distance with great speed. The others of its kind follow it from above, occasionally emitting their distorted calls.

You reach the door and slam into it. Locked. Naturally.
The creature jumps around the corner and into view. The next moment Vind's arrow finds it on its front leg, causing it to lose its balance and slump down with a sad whistle.
"We can't stay here."

You hear the others getting close. In the distance you can hear the trample of approaching footsteps from various locations. Most of them are coming your way.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Toaster on June 27, 2016, 05:52:22 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 27, 2016, 04:44:18 pm

The next moment Vind's arrow finds it on its front leg, causing it to lose its balance and slump down with a sad whistle.

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

?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on June 27, 2016, 07:11:04 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((Though the +1 endurance likely makes it impossible, it would be funny if I did actually collide with Alan and die if I'm reading the implied rolls right.))

"No, dude, like seriously, don't jump into the goddamn portal."

Be ready to potentially tackle Alan again if he's still intent on diving into the goddamn portal.

Also get the minions to work on making sure the bandaged dude is all right, and also make sure they look out for any other approaching Taroids.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Beirus on June 27, 2016, 10:44:53 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Duck into a side room if there is one that I can get into. Try to avoid any attacks from my opponent. If I can't get away, transform and deploy Anchors and Weapons Modules. Try to impale my opponent with the anchors, or wrap them in a protective ball around myself at the inner edge of my field. Begin charging and take stock of my weapons.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on June 27, 2016, 10:56:18 pm

"Yeah okay fine, the carrot dimension probably isn't that interesting. No promises if something like this happens with Cheetos, though."

Mmm, Cheetos. Summon a bag and munch on them while I try to remember what we were doing here again.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on June 29, 2016, 02:36:51 pm

"Find a chokepoint while I buy time!"
Time for a power-play. I still have a lot of fire, time to use it. I shift from defensive walls to a set of good-sized spheres of flame, some near me and some farther out, and wait for the next to show. I'm going to burn them down as they expose themselves. I dedicate two spheres of flame to simply setting fire to anything flammable in the area to give me more fire to work with.

Title: Re: Special People: After the End
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 30, 2016, 05:12:26 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on June 25, 2016, 03:30:39 pm

"I know what a gun is, I'm wondering what we were doing there, who we were, how that happened."

"Oh. Simple. You see-"
He snaps his fingers and the picture on the TV changes to that of the familiar bluegreen image of Earth.
"Hey. I was watching that."
Charlie ignores him and continues.
"There was a war that turned into one final catastrophic event. "
Flares appear on the Earth's surface for a few moments and then it quickly turns into something unrecognizable, a dark grey Venusian blob.
"The who, the where, the why, the details are irrelevant. What matters is that the Earth was no more."
As the image zooms in, you can see that the view from up close doesn't look much better. Everything is grey and quickly turning black. The only difference is that the silence is replaced by howling wind, occasionally broken by bolts of lightning or otherworldly moans.
"A slurry of radiation, ashes, bioweapons and nanoweapons, slowly freezing, what little life left on it dying or transforming into the stuff of nightmares through the powers of technology and the reappearance of magic. But while that might have been the end for Earth as you might have known it, that was not the end for humanity."
The sound suddenly cuts off and is replaced by distant clicks and a constant low-pitched noise. That too soon disappears and you are treated to a view from John's medical shuttle
"There remained a single city of men, deep beneath the seas and the earth, one that barely survived the war and its fallout. There was conflict and problems and sorrow and desperation, but they somehow managed to survive and find some stability. They had stopped their fall to extinction, now teetering just on the very edge."
The camera pans to show a structure that looks much like a gigantic tube that extends all the way to the ceiling of this underground cavern, a dying fire visible on one of its sides.
"With their newfound stability, the closest thing the city had to a leader decided it was time for more. They couldn't stay in this hell, in this grave with no future. So they turned their gaze to the heavens. Systems that were meant to support a war that had long since ended were converted, precious life-giving machines were cannibalized, all to give them a chance to reach the heavens and make them their home. It was that hope that helped them keep it together, gave them purpose."
The camera cuts to a missile rising out of the clouds, shedding its corroded outer shell and lower stage. As it rushes past the camera, it activates its engine and zooms into the distance until it starts turning into a point of light surrounded by grey. Cheers can be heard, distorted by radio static.
"Heh. They shouldn't have been stupid enough to hope."
The point of light shines blindingly bright for a few seconds. The cheers turn to screams. There is an explosion and then only silence.
"Indeed. They reached heaven, only to find it occupied. Their precious ship and all their colonists, their hope, their future, their one chance, gone. Destroyed by others. Those others being, as so happens, of an opposing faction in the war, they too managing to barely survive in orbital facilities and vessels that weren't meant for it. Acting out of fear and hate and every other excuse a man can find for killing another."
The camera pans and then zooms in, until a large telescope-like tube surrounded by glowing radiators becomes visible. It follows it up until a much larger structure becomes visible, silver cylinders and shuttles linked together in a semi-coherent manner. The image becomes still and then the camera zooms out, showing Svajoklis with a shocked expression watching the still picture on a screen connected to a battered black box.
"So the leader decide that a different plan was in order. He thought like the sort of person who would survive in that world. He thought like a pragmatist."
"Oh, I wouldn't call him that. 'Desperate', I'd say is the right word."
"And he decided that if he could not save everyone, he would save himself."
The man clenches his fists and gets up, shoving his chair away. The camera cuts to him speaking in a dark corner with someone else, someone invisible.
"His plan was simple, and in a way poetic. Mutually assured destruction. The very same thing whose failure had led them to this point. He removed dusty weapons from storage, reactivated old factories, got his most trusted men to work them. He launched weapons and threatened the people up there to let him live with them, or else."
"One could say it was... MADness."
"And he constructed a ship much smaller. He promised salvation to those working for him, to earn their silence and their compliance. He lied to everyone else, telling them about how their new home in the stars was prospering, how they would soon all be saved."
The camera cuts to a view of stars. Then you notice an area devoid of stars, slowly moving through the screen. The camera pans and the silhouette of the dark missile becomes more visible. It keeps going until a light becomes visible, this time following it as it falls towards the earth.
"But his gamble didn't pay off. The city was attacked by a suicide squad, looking to remove it as a threat once and for all."
The camera follows the light, until it descends into darkness. Then a light appears. Metal being welded. The camera pans, following the welding tool until it reaches the the clunky yet human-shaped form of its mechanical owner. It twists around, hearing something unseen. It stops welding. There's a barely audible buzzing. A moment later, the sound of metal striking metal.
"When the attack came, the city's AI came to the conclusion that the war was still going on. It was under attack. This was a military situation, not a civilian one. And there were no military personnel left to direct it. A rigid and inhuman thing, a thing of alien thinking, it already had to change and adapt in ways it never had before, to find new solutions humans would never consider with nobody to guide it. So it decided that it would be in command, if there was no one left to command it. It would follow its directive and win the war. For its definition of winning, anyway."
<If you believe there can be such a thing as 'winning' in something as wasteful as war.>
"Oh, there can be. Trust me."
The image fades to black and the audio stops.
"We calculated that with the current state of affairs, extinction was almost inevitable. So we put you there to shake things up. Introduce new variables. See what happens. And you've already changed things. Or at least made them more interesting."
He makes a dismissive wave towards the TV and it returns to showing the contestants, currently showing Kosak being covered by an expanding and vibrating layer of grey goo.
"You see our overly stubborn dwarf possibly being killed here? He damaged several mecahnofluid appendages, severely weakening the AIs hold over the city."
The view changes to Rune chasing a poor scientist down some hallway.
"Our bearly skilled shapechanging friend here just prevented a chaotic release of energy that would have occurred in a weapons lab with unpredictable consequences, while the destruction of said lab will probably help in the long run. Assuming there is a long run."
The view changes to you getting shot in slow motion, complete with a flashing white R at the corner.
"And you, by failing to detonate the explosives you had, you managed to prolong the life of the city, instead of having it disappear under the rocks and water."
He lets the normal program continue.
"And events are still unfolding. Who knows what will happen next?"
"It is interesting letting you loose and seeing what happens."

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 25, 2016, 03:41:23 pm

Walking Tank, After the End

Crossbow's gone? Get a sword then. Get close to Svajoklis and pull him towards me as soon as he's in range. Cut him in half.

((Is my force-field gone? Last time it took a building falling on me to disable it.))

((Well, you've had enough bonuses to be able to go way past 10 (got mostly 14s actually), but your opponent also has bonuses due to his weapon and skills and you can still roll low. So roll enough times and you will get hit. And you standing mostly still while your opponent unloaded meant that he had a lot of rolls and time to weaken your shield. He could had probably done a lot better if he had something like a powerful melee weapon, since in the system I'm using guns have a mostly static damage output that isn't affected too much by how good you are at aiming. Being good at aiming can make you do crazy stuff like jumping in a room and taking out ten guys or riocheting a bullet off the ground to hit someone behind cover, but a bullet is still a bullet. No matter how well you fire it, it won't pierce what it can't pierce. You can't make a bullet go faster, you can't make it overexert itself and give 120%. A sword responds better to rolls, meaning it can be much more powerful but also much weaker.))

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 25, 2016, 05:32:11 pm

<Svajoklis, After the End>

Well, running is no longer an option it seems. Let's see how much I can take with me.
Reload, fire again.

Svajoklis does his best to reload quickly despite his hurt arm and raises his gun to fire at the armoured giant that has now started moving towards him again. He manages to get three shots off, only one of which grazes Saevus. Saevus raises his golden arm from behind his shield and its runes get filled with dancing bright lights. Svajoklis fires one last desperate shot at the exposed arm but it just causes a small dent. And then Saevus pulls. Hard.

Svajoklis slams against his arm and gets caught in his iron grip. But he doesn't care. There is no point in being scared or shocked. There's no point being concerned about the wind getting knocked out of him. He knew this would happen. He just has to focus on a single task: Keep shooting.

But even at this range the shot he manages to squeeze off against the monster's head does nothing. The next moment Svajoklis feels a bit light. Then he realizes that something is missing, just as the other half of his body slumps against the ground.

Hawk132
If Saevus had lungs, he'd probably be out of breath right now. A tough man to kill. But nothing a diagonal cut across the chest couldn't fix.

The bullets come before he has a chance to realise what's going on. One of them finds him in his shoulder-blade, making moving his golden arm hard. He turns around to put his shield between himself and the bullets of the 6 men who just got out of the elevator.

As the last of the energy of his shield belt evaporates, it splits off into several points of light that fly around the room. The points of light transform into lightbulbs that float in place on tiny paper wings. They suck the colour out of him as if it was something tangible, making him completely invisible.

DreamerGhost
Svajoklis, meanwhile, reappears back in the Staging Area.
"Hey man. Good show. I was certain you had him there for a moment."

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 25, 2016, 03:54:43 pm

Spray the scientist with acid and consume him for the biomass. He was kind enough to put himself into a tin for me. Then, use the biomass to increase in size.

You attack the scientist, but the attack doesn't immediately incapacitate him, as his clean suit seems to offer some protection. He manages to overcome his shock quickly, jump through a nearby door and close it behind him.

Quote from: Beirus on June 27, 2016, 10:44:53 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Duck into a side room if there is one that I can get into. Try to avoid any attacks from my opponent. If I can't get away, transform and deploy Anchors and Weapons Modules. Try to impale my opponent with the anchors, or wrap them in a protective ball around myself at the inner edge of my field. Begin charging and take stock of my weapons.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You manage to jump into a room and close the door behind you, but not before you are hit by a glob of acid. Luckily, you are quick enough to get the struck piece off before the acid can eat through it, although you burn your hand in the process.

The room is some sort of automated assembly. Robotic arms are alowly moving around, switching tools and parts as each of them assembles... something. You aren't really sure. It's cylindrical, a bit larger than your hand, and it has a nozzle connected to some tubes and wires, that's the only thing you can tell by looking at the assembled object in its various stages of completion. There's also a couple of finished ones stacked boxes next to the machines.

There's a sliding door leading to some sort of testing chamber surrounded by thick glass walls that have been scarred by shallow gashes and a fine layer of soot. There's also two regular doors beyond the one you came in from.

---

Quote from: Zormod on June 25, 2016, 05:47:25 pm

"You should stay out of my way."

Pull out my gun to shoot whatever happens to be in front of me, then try to hit anyone still standing there with my eyes. Move forward before I get shot.

You raise your gun while surrounded by angry men pointing their weapons at you. Somehow, through blind luck or maybe because you took them by surprise, you manage to not get hit. You also (unsurprisingly) hit nothing. You attempt at a supernatural attack also misses. Then you start blindly running forward in the highway, once again managing to evade enemy attacks.

I dunno who you bribed at Random.org, but he must have misheard you, because he's making everything miss, not just the bullets going towards you.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 25, 2016, 05:50:40 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"I SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING! GRAAAAGH!"

Kosak breaks free, then walks to the opposite side of the trunk, the side not yet breached, and starts punching that side instead.

You manage to move away from the trunk and the puddle, but it stays on you and keeps spreading and hardening, constricting you. It's starting to close around your chest like a snake, making it hard to breathe.
<Have you ever had a dream, Kosak, that you were so sure it was real?>

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 26, 2016, 08:37:25 am

((Funthrower!  Roger is best entity.

Also, never change Alan.  Alan x John BFF 5ever))

((Paris:  John has access to his spear, right?))


Not yet.  Give them a minute more to work.  Don't need to get to the destination, though.

Keep watching and waiting.  Were the uniformed men armed?  What about the man, who I assume is some sort of doctor?

The time to act is when we are near, but not in, the destination.  Can I tell how far along we are?

((Yep. You've got yer spear. Frankly, I forgot to roll for it, but a quick roll tells me it was not in the part of your body you lost. So it's in your remaining arm, where people probably either overlooked, failed to see it because it was under your clothes or thought it was some fancy bracelet and failed to remove it.))

Doc is unarmed. The others... well, the one in here is certainly armed, you saw a pistol. The others were probably too, although you didn't see them clearly.

It turns out it takes a lot of electronics to fly a rocket car, much of which consists of sensors and flight assist software. They give you a nice view of where you are. You are approaching Central. Going for the the lower top floors.

Any idea how long you are going to wait before you make your move? Five minutes before you land? Or should I just keep going and you'll tell me when you're feeling comfortable?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Hawk132 on June 30, 2016, 05:50:46 pm

Walking Tank, After the End

One player down. Now to slaughter these mooks. I've got invisibility and a good blade. Also, a bling-cannon. Let's put them to use.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 30, 2016, 06:05:49 pm

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

Talk about bad machup. My skills were pretty much useless against the guy. even so, I could had managed if only I had found the unlitmate in defence technology against terminators. Stairs. Seriously, if I had went down in an elevator and then disabled the elevator, it would had taken him days to get to me. I would had been able to find the gun that burned half of my face off and demolish the building before he'd reach halfway down.

I hoped for a squishy mage. I got a walking tank. Next time, I'll run until I find actual explosives.

((Can I explore tha starting area or do I get to wait until next game?))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 30, 2016, 06:35:51 pm

Centi-Rune skitters up to the door and attempts to open it using a button or something similar. If it cannot find a button, it simply melts through the door. It utilizes any spare biomass to augment the power of the poison.

(Yep, the "scientist" is totally my target.)

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Toaster on June 30, 2016, 06:52:51 pm

John, After the End


((Five minutes out is perfect.))

Hmmm... yes.  I can work with this.

Follow the below plan.

Spoiler: Not really a secret, but spoilered for space. (click to show/hide)

1.  Wait until five minutes out.
2.  Lock the controls and just start hovering.
3.  I'm restrained, right?  Open all the doors and start rolling; shake people out, slam doors on fingers, all that good stuff.*
4.  Once that's done as much as possible, close the doors.
5.  If the back is not empty of hostiles, lock the cockpit door.  Summon and launch stun bombs at any hostiles.
6.  Pop restraints.
7.  If hostiles remain (stunned or otherwise), spear out to ~two feet long.  Stab.  If I'm too weak to stab, launch summoned shurikens at necks/eyes/various arteries.
8.  Repeat process to clear cockpit.
9.  Once I am in control, fly away from central.  Find a nice secluded place to land.  Make sure external doors are locked at this point.
10.  If friendly woman is still alive and not hostile, then I will handle that separately.

*Sucks for the woman that helped me, but don't actively try to hurt her (no slamming doors on her etc.)  If she can be saved, cool, but there's no time to warn her.

EDIT:  Approximately how fast is the vehicle?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 30, 2016, 06:57:40 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"GRAAAAAGH!"

You know Drawbridge Golf? Drawbridge Golf the pillar.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Beirus on June 30, 2016, 07:37:11 pm

((That poor scientist. They probably don't get paid enough to get caught in the crossfire like this.))

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Grab one of those completed tube things and haul ass out one of the other doors, closing it behind me. Just keep moving away. If my opponent catches up, fire the tube thing with the nozzle pointing at my opponent and keep running. If I'm cornered and have no way out, transform and deploy anchors and weapons at my opponent while I charge.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: TheBiggerFish on June 30, 2016, 07:49:46 pm

"Waaaaaaaait.  I had explosives?  When did I have explosives?  Huh.

So... Now what?"

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 01, 2016, 12:34:43 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 30, 2016, 06:52:51 pm

EDIT:  Approximately how fast is the vehicle?

It's a rocket powered ambulance. It's pretty fast. So your action will begin very spoon.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Zormod on July 01, 2016, 01:34:28 am

Start running, do another sweep with the vortexes. Try to get one eye down to a manageable size.

((I fully expected to just walk into a wall and die, honestly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Hawk132 on July 01, 2016, 09:12:28 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 30, 2016, 06:05:49 pm

-snip-

((Stairs would certainly slow me down, considering the height of the building. But once you had entered an elevator, you'd pretty much seal your death. I'd just destroy the cable and gravity would take care of the rest.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 01, 2016, 12:34:43 am

So your action will begin very spoon.

((This made me laugh more than it should have.))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 01, 2016, 11:19:28 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 01, 2016, 09:12:28 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 30, 2016, 06:05:49 pm

-snip-

((Stairs would certainly slow me down, considering the height of the building. But once you had entered an elevator, you'd pretty much seal your death. I'd just destroy the cable and gravity would take care of the rest.))

((Elevators have features to prefent gravity based deaths caused by snaping cables. Getting out of the elevator after that, now that would cause problems.))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Hawk132 on July 01, 2016, 11:53:48 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 01, 2016, 11:19:28 am

Quote from: Hawk132 on July 01, 2016, 09:12:28 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 30, 2016, 06:05:49 pm

-snip-

((Stairs would certainly slow me down, considering the height of the building. But once you had entered an elevator, you'd pretty much seal your death. I'd just destroy the cable and gravity would take care of the rest.))

((Elevators have features to prefent gravity based deaths caused by snaping cables. Getting out of the elevator after that, now that would cause problems.))

((They do? I have been enlightened. I could've just jumped down onto your elevator then, though.))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2016, 07:21:41 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 27, 2016, 05:52:22 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 27, 2016, 04:44:18 pm

The next moment Vind's arrow finds it on its front leg, causing it to lose its balance and slump down with a sad whistle.

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

?

It says "This video is not available". I don't know what reason one could possibly have to either copyright the noise of a whistle or restrict its use in Europe.

Anyway, those things are a strange mix of grasshoper, antelope, bird, shark and dinosaur, so I don't see why not. Imagine them how you will. No matter how good one is with words, I think it is impossible for one to convey the sounds they imagine if they don't exist in the world. So I don't think I'll ever be able to tell you exactly how I imagine Cacolopes to be or sound like.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 27, 2016, 10:56:18 pm

"Yeah okay fine, the carrot dimension probably isn't that interesting. No promises if something like this happens with Cheetos, though."

Mmm, Cheetos. Summon a bag and munch on them while I try to remember what we were doing here again.

No idea man. You actually led the group here in this poor village, so I thought you had a reason for it. Maybe you wanted to help them find their friends and save them from the monsters, maybe you just wanted to explore, maybe you hallucinated an exclamation mark over the mayor's head, I don't know.

You ponder this among others of life's grand questions while munching on an oversized bag of cheetos. The bag says party-sized, so you guess it's meant to be enough to serve your entire party.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on June 27, 2016, 07:11:04 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((Though the +1 endurance likely makes it impossible, it would be funny if I did actually collide with Alan and die if I'm reading the implied rolls right.))

"No, dude, like seriously, don't jump into the goddamn portal."

Be ready to potentially tackle Alan again if he's still intent on diving into the goddamn portal.

Also get the minions to work on making sure the bandaged dude is all right, and also make sure they look out for any other approaching Taroids.

I don't know about instant death, but severe injury is certainly possibly. You just have to roll high but equal strength and then low endurance and then you're both down in the most embarrassing manner ever. Well, no, not ever, I bet there are much worse things you could come up with.

You get your men to spread out and set some lookouts while they clear the area. You also keep an ear out, ready to warn them if there's any sign of danger. A couple of them also get to work on the injured spearman.

Their search doesn't reveal any more more monsters, only corpses covered in that grey fluid. But they manage to find a few civilians, including a large group hiding locked in the basement of a store. They gather outside the town's entrance, but you're not sure what you should do with them. You could just send them down the road towards the east, the mayor did say that some people escaped towards the east.

Among the civilians, there's the wife and son of one of your men, who after embracing them, proceeds to thank you profusely. Others among your men and the civilians join him in thanking you for your help and commending you and your companions on your performance. You even get two new volunteers, a butcher and his son joining you with large and nasty-looking cleavers.

The surrounding area is mostly quiet, but you can hear noise in the distance, accompanied by cries of a beast you've heard before but never seen. It doesn't take your enhanced hearing to notice them, they're quite loud. One of the men identifies them as Cacolopes.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 29, 2016, 02:36:51 pm

"Find a chokepoint while I buy time!"
Time for a power-play. I still have a lot of fire, time to use it. I shift from defensive walls to a set of good-sized spheres of flame, some near me and some farther out, and wait for the next to show. I'm going to burn them down as they expose themselves. I dedicate two spheres of flame to simply setting fire to anything flammable in the area to give me more fire to work with.

You burn the downed monster before it has a chance to get back up while you and Vind retreat from the advancing cries of the monsters, followed by an orrery of floating fire.
<♫As the sky darkens
Becoming darker than the night...♫>
Two more of the beasts jump from the roofs and land behind you, snapping their teeth at you. You turn around to get a better view and send two of your spheres at them. You blast one of them before it has a chance to react, tearing through its resistance and incinerating it before it has a chance to react. The other jumps above the fireball and towards you. An arrow finds it in the head as it lands right in front of you. But the beast appears merely disoriented, not dead, even though you saw the tip of the arrow disappear deep inside the smoke-like darkness.
<♫What could be the cause of all this?
Twisting their minds
Twisting their souls♫>
You continue moving backwards as fast as you dare while sending more fire against the monster. You can hear more of its kind above you. Another arrow finds it on its neck but it doesn't appear to be anything more than annoyed by it. It attempts to jump on you but you raise your arms to to block it. You manage to block its legs just enough to stop it from throwing you down, although your arm hurts a lot because of it, like it was whipped by a sturdy wooden stick. That momentary contact between you also felt... weird. In a bad way.

You bring your fire to bear on it and you feel it get burned for a few moments before it jumps away from you.
<♫Now everyone is corrupted
Their behavior now destructive♫>
You glance behind you. You can see Vind getting ready to fire another arrow and further behind him an open area around a small well in the middle of a crossroads. One of the buildings has been built too close to the others, the two two-storey-buildings creating a long and very narrow passage, perhaps enough for two, maybe three people to stand side by side, or one of those monsters to come through.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Toaster on July 02, 2016, 08:53:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2016, 07:21:41 am

Quote from: Toaster on June 27, 2016, 05:52:22 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 27, 2016, 04:44:18 pm

The next moment Vind's arrow finds it on its front leg, causing it to lose its balance and slump down with a sad whistle.

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

?

It says "This video is not available". I don't know what reason one could possibly have to either copyright the noise of a whistle or restrict its use in Europe.

It blocked the slide whistle?

https://www.sadtrombone.com/

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 02, 2016, 10:15:03 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well done, soldiers!"

How much of the town have we covered?

In any case, guard the civilians as I have two detachments lead the push into another part of town if applicable. Gotta put that good morale to use!

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 02, 2016, 01:12:59 pm

"To the alley!"
Continue the flame assault whilst running to the alley.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 02, 2016, 04:10:47 pm

"Hah! You thought I had a reason for doing something? You have much to learn, my friend.
Now then, I think I heard a thing I can attempt to ride! Let's do that."

Locate cacalopes! Offer Cheetos! Gain loyalty through superior food!
...
Lament Rickman's departure.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2016, 07:51:33 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 02, 2016, 10:15:03 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well done, soldiers!"

How much of the town have we covered?

In any case, guard the civilians as I have two detachments lead the push into another part of town if applicable. Gotta put that good morale to use!

You'd say about 20%. It was quick work searching the houses close to the entrance with such a large group and nobody harassing you.

Would you say sending them to sweep the north part of town sounds OK? Or is that too much? Maybe 3 more streets in the north part?

Quote from: Xantalos on July 02, 2016, 04:10:47 pm

"Hah! You thought I had a reason for doing something? You have much to learn, my friend.
Now then, I think I heard a thing I can attempt to ride! Let's do that."

Locate cacalopes! Offer Cheetos! Gain loyalty through superior food!
...
Lament Rickman's departure.

You start walking down the main road, searching for your ride while lamenting your missing alien friend.

Is there any special method you'd like to use for locating them? Or just walk down the street going "Here creature creature."?

Quote from: Lenglon on July 02, 2016, 01:12:59 pm

"To the alley!"
Continue the flame assault whilst running to the alley.

Vind fires another arrow at the beast, once again striking it in the head, this time probably striking something important, judging by the way the monster shrieks. Two more of its friends jump from the roofs and towards you, landing behind you.
<♫Angels of Darkness take flight
And I'm the only one left to fight♫>
You send your fire against all three of them. Another one is incinerated, while the one injured by Vind's arrows is pushed back yet again but somehow continues to resist your attacks and stay alive. The third dodges by jumping on a balcony and then down on Vind before he can get out of the way. It lands on him, pinning him to the ground with its legs. The smoke-like darkness flows around the creature, partially obscuring Vind's features.

Vind struggles with the creature, trying to get it away from him, but he can't. So he does his best to keep its head and its many teeth away from his neck. Another one of the creatures jumps from above and takes the place of the one you killed, while another one lands next to the injured one. And you can hear running close by. Your semi-blind attacks at the rooftops didn't stop them. You're getting boxed in here. The only positive about this whole thing is that you can't hear any more of those jumping creatures approaching.
<♫Our worlds are falling
As they're engulfed in the shadows♫>
You turn to face the ones attacking you and hope your blind attack manages to free Vind or at least buy him some time so that you can help him later. You continue to keep the injured one away, but the other manages to get close to you before you can stop it. With your fire trailing behind it, it jumps towards you. You're not quick enough to get out of the way. You're going to get hit. ... You know what you have to do. You close your eyes as tightly as you can and brace yourself.

You let your fire hit you at the same time the creature hits you, annihilating the creature's resistance but also causing you much pain. You do your best to keep your pain silent, to growl instead of scream. You get the fire away from you the moment you feel the beast's struggle against you fade, but the damage has already been done. At least you can still see, despite the pain and the tears.
<♫Their cries are fading from darkness
Drowning in it
Consumed by it♫>
Vind has reached one of his knives and is dealing powerful blows to the creature's body, but it is still not letting him go. It keeps trying to hit him, pushing Vind back and dragging him through the dirt, until it manages to bite him in the shoulder, the sharp teeth going deep into his skin. And the other newcomer is about to attack you along with the injured one. You've got to stop them. You don't want to risk testing your most powerful and unrestrained fire again. But you also don't want to risk hurting Vind.

You make the fire close to you into an expanding wall between you and the creatures while also sending more fire towards them. At that moment the beast biting Vind is hit by a white bullet. The creature is thrown up and forced on its back. Theri keeps the monster down by the neck while Vind, losing no time, slides next to it and begins hacking at its neck with his largest knife.
<♫There is no more time to be scared
The pain ends now, I am prepared♫>
You hit the injured creature but once more you can't fully overcome its resistance long enough to seriously harm it before it jumps away. The other jumps through the wall of fire and towards you, its resistance helping it stay alive. But this time you can feel it coming while it can't see you, so you manage to get out of the way, even if it's by a hair's breadth.

You quickly try to move away while attacking the creature, but it is quicker, turning to face you and snapping its teeth at you. The fire hits it just as it jumps towards you. But Theri is quick to turn around and stand by your side. She uses the monster's momentum against it and slams its head against the ground before kicking it back into your fire. You keep the fire on it until it is stops shrieking and moving.

The final creature whistles and then turns around and jumps away. But before it can make a second jump and disappear from sight, one of Vind's arrows strikes it on its back leg, causing it to lose its balance and fall. You burn it and keep burning it until there is nothing left.

The three of you stand next to each other, amongst the fire and the smoke and the burnt corpses, trying to catch your breath.
"Hey." Theri greets you between breaths.
You nod back.
"More are coming." Vind comments. "We should keep moving."
He's right. You can hear running close by. Should be here in about a minute, maybe less.

((I kept rolling until the fight was over.))

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 03, 2016, 02:11:49 pm

"Theri, thanks"
((Also: thanks Paris for going ahead and keeping on rolling until the end.))
"No. We fight, but in terrain of our choosing this time. Lets get in that alley."
Go into the alley with the group, then once everyone is in, I begin to work, making sure I have something firm to hang on to. I form a firewall overhead, to avoid us being jumped down on, and then concentrate the rest of my flame into a highly intense mass near ground level outside the alley entrance. I do not allow its heat spread outwards from the flame itself, but it can spread up some. and as always, at any opportunity to grow the fire, I do so.
"True mastery of fire requires understanding of how it works, and how it interacts with the environment around it. for example, how fire interacts with air."
"Wind comes from pressure differences between air masses. high pressure, heavy, air, pushes lower pressure, lighter, air out of the way, forcing the lighter air up. Air also becomes heavier the colder it is, and lighter the hotter it is."
"If you make a really. really intense fire, near the ground, and keep the heat from it from moving outwards, then you get a chimney effect, the colder air to the sides rushing into the flames, and the hot air in the fire surging upwards to get out of the way. The bigger the fire, the stronger the chimney."
"If the fire is big enough, and the total airflow large enough, and there's things nearby unevenly limiting the airflow around it, like buildings, then the uneven airflow is going to cause the central rising air column to spin."
"And that spin only gets stronger over time."
"Hang on to something, and don't let go."
Going Big

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 03, 2016, 02:15:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Three streets north, sure. Be conservative and careful. Not like we're in any kind of rush.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 03, 2016, 03:35:43 pm

Entice them with plentiful Cheetos thrown everywhere, of course.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 04, 2016, 02:23:59 am

((Woo, PM plan worked \o/ Although I have no idea when I got there :P))

"Hope it comes quick, because these things in close proximity are not good for your health."

Defend Irine, keep watch on Vind, grab hold of something *really sturdy* (that isn't Irine)

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Ragenaut on July 10, 2016, 02:15:44 pm

Nvm

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 12, 2016, 02:50:57 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on June 30, 2016, 05:50:46 pm

Walking Tank, After the End

One player down. Now to slaughter these mooks. I've got invisibility and a good blade. Also, a bling-cannon. Let's put them to use.

It turns out invisibility might have not been the best random effect to have in this sort of situation. You're still a big target and the flying light-bulbs and general cloud of colourful light surrounding your location mean your general position is still known. Still, it appears that it has caused one of them to panic, his wild shooting injuring one of his comrades.

You get closer as quickly as you can with your injured leg and attempt to fire your bling cannon. but just as you're about to fire a bullet strikes the edge of your shield, ricochets off it and strikes you in the face. It does nothing more than surprise you and mess up your paint job. As you try to regain your balance, you instinctively lower your empty hand to be ready to stop yourself from falling. And that leads to you firing your bling cannon right in front of your legs.

You fall down with a loud thud. Gah. That doesn't feel good. It's getting tiring. The gunmen have stopped their shooting for now, either out of ammo or trying to figure out what happened, but it probably won't take long for them to figure it out. And those lightbulb things are still following you, so it probably won't take them long to figure out what happened and come after you. Or maybe get something more effective than guns, if they're smart. And that second elevator is still coming. Who knows what's in there...

You're in an area exactly the same as you were in, only two floors down and with a hole in the ceiling. It's also much darker and not because you just crashed through the all the lamps on the ceiling. It looks like this floor is completely dark, only illuminated by the light coming through the hole in the ceiling and the light the flying lightbulbs are emitting.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 30, 2016, 06:05:49 pm

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

Talk about bad machup. My skills were pretty much useless against the guy. even so, I could had managed if only I had found the unlitmate in defence technology against terminators. Stairs. Seriously, if I had went down in an elevator and then disabled the elevator, it would had taken him days to get to me. I would had been able to find the gun that burned half of my face off and demolish the building before he'd reach halfway down.

I hoped for a squishy mage. I got a walking tank. Next time, I'll run until I find actual explosives.

((Can I explore tha starting area or do I get to wait until next game?))

((Sure. You can explore.))

"Well, I guess what screwed you most was the fact that he got lucky and managed to follow you. If you had lost him in those first few seconds I bet you'd had a lot more time. Personally, I'd had gone with throwing him off the buildings somehow. Or down an elevator shaft."
"Hah. Yeah. Make a Scooby-Doo monster trap, complete with grease on the floor."
"Why go for something like that when you can set an ammo case on fire to make a hole and escape on the floor below? Or maybe set a trap and use some high voltage cable on him?"
"Come on, falling off a building? Where can you gt a death as dramatic as that? If you're lucky you can get a big NOOOO and everything."
"Or your opponent can find a chance to survive. Simple plans are best. Just run away and keep running until you're in a better position."
"Some drama is worth the risk, if you ask me."

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on June 30, 2016, 07:49:46 pm

"Waaaaaaaait.  I had explosives?  When did I have explosives?  Huh.

So... Now what?"

The shadowfire man presses rewind on the remote.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 21, 2016, 05:24:56 pm

You have a gun yourself, a PIU, but the battery is spent. It will take about an hour until the micro-fusion array refills its charge. Until then, it's just a very large, very expensive and relatively fragile flashlight. A very bright flashlight, but still mostly harmless. You also have the detonator for the charges you have paced on the cannon and a few extra charges on you, but using that sounds like a poor idea right now, since that would most likely result in your death. There's also a watch (a standard electronic wristwatch, no James Bond-esque hidden functions (that you know of)), a multitool (knife, screwdriver, the usual) and a grey but stained set of clothes.

"Now you have a bit of free time until the match ends. You're free to faff about with your friend/enemy/whatever here. You'll get your upgrades once the match is done."

---

Quote from: Beirus on June 30, 2016, 07:37:11 pm

((That poor scientist. They probably don't get paid enough to get caught in the crossfire like this.))

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Grab one of those completed tube things and haul ass out one of the other doors, closing it behind me. Just keep moving away. If my opponent catches up, fire the tube thing with the nozzle pointing at my opponent and keep running. If I'm cornered and have no way out, transform and deploy anchors and weapons at my opponent while I charge.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You get your thing.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on June 30, 2016, 06:35:51 pm

Centi-Rune skitters up to the door and attempts to open it using a button or something similar. If it cannot find a button, it simply melts through the door. It utilizes any spare biomass to augment the power of the poison.

(Yep, the "scientist" is totally my target.)

Hmm... There's a button. But how can you push it with no hands and hundreds of weak legs? ... Oh, you know!
Rune uses headbutt. It's super effective!
You go through the door, only to find the scientist, now minus a shirt and a glove, disappearing behind another door.
This is getting ridiculous.
You get the other door open and find the scientist climbing up a ladder in a narrow shaft, probably two floors high. He wraps one arm around the ladder and uses the other to point the nozzle of the cylindrical object he's holding at you.

He fiddles with the object while you prepare to attack. And it activates, but probably not in the way he was hoping. The nozzle fires off a spray of fire, sliding through the scientist's injured hand, smacking him on his chest and head and then flying up the shaft where it hits its top and detonates into a cloud of silver particles that start drifting down. The scientist appears to be a bit surprised and stunned but does not appear to be physically hurt.

---

Quote from: Toaster on June 30, 2016, 06:52:51 pm

John, After the End


((Five minutes out is perfect.))

Hmmm... yes.  I can work with this.

Follow the below plan.

Spoiler: Not really a secret, but spoilered for space. (click to show/hide)

1.  Wait until five minutes out.
2.  Lock the controls and just start hovering.
3.  I'm restrained, right?  Open all the doors and start rolling; shake people out, slam doors on fingers, all that good stuff.*
4.  Once that's done as much as possible, close the doors.
5.  If the back is not empty of hostiles, lock the cockpit door.  Summon and launch stun bombs at any hostiles.
6.  Pop restraints.
7.  If hostiles remain (stunned or otherwise), spear out to ~two feet long.  Stab.  If I'm too weak to stab, launch summoned shurikens at necks/eyes/various arteries.
8.  Repeat process to clear cockpit.
9.  Once I am in control, fly away from central.  Find a nice secluded place to land.  Make sure external doors are locked at this point.
10.  If friendly woman is still alive and not hostile, then I will handle that separately.

*Sucks for the woman that helped me, but don't actively try to hurt her (no slamming doors on her etc.)  If she can be saved, cool, but there's no time to warn her.

EDIT:  Approximately how fast is the vehicle?

You wait to get closer to Central, taking that time to focus your strength (good thing they didn't give you any strong sedatives) and let them work on your body a bit longer. If you're going to be getting violently smacked around, you'd like your insides to be as securely attached to where they should be as possible.

You feel energy gradually spread from 1 to 3 and then 5 of the front proximity sensors, signalling that you're getting closer. It's the only thing that could be this tall and this wide around here. You also feel landing gear unlock and flaps realigning, the vehicle slowing down and getting ready for its approach. It is time.

You bypass the lock and pop the back door open while at the same time simulating a pull of the stick and a push on the throttle. The vehicle lifts up while at the same time accelerating, sending everyone slamming against the opening back door, forcing its mechanisms to open the rest of the way and presumable drop them down. You'd turn your head to confirm but there's enough Gs you can hardly move.

Then you deal with the pilot, who you can tell is frantically pulling at his controls, his attempts to regain control conflicting with yours. You don't want them interfering. So you trigger the ejection without unlocking the cockpit. You feel the impact both through your power and your body. You doubt anyone could survive that.

Huh. That was easier than expected. Guess you're well on your way to becoming a horror movie monster/super-villain.

That done, you focus on controlling this thing. It's not that easy when you're telekinetically moving the stick around and trying to get feedback from the various components, but you manage to bring the thing down on what you think is an empty area, crushing something in the process. Hopefully nothing important. You didn't feel anything change in the craft, so you assume you're on your own. There's only the sound of the engines and the beeping of your heart monitor keeping you company.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 30, 2016, 06:57:40 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"GRAAAAAGH!"

You know Drawbridge Golf? Drawbridge Golf the pillar.

You grab the pillar by the handhold you have created and then PULL. You feel the thing shifting, its position changing. For a moment you think you're about to unroot it. And then you feel it tear and fly off your hands, slam through the ceiling and severely damage the surrounding area. Your endurance combined with your luck allows you to endure the damage.

The fluid falls everywhere around you, partially flooding the chamber. But before you can panic, you notice that that strange non-alcoholic liquid is no longer constricting you, it's merely uncomfortably clingy and making it hard to see, as you constantly have to wipe your face clean. More of the substance keeps gushing into the room from a spray coming from below like an oil well blowout, the only thing keeping the room from flooding being the fact that the fluid disappears down the same hole.

---

Quote from: Zormod on July 01, 2016, 01:34:28 am

Start running, do another sweep with the vortexes. Try to get one eye down to a manageable size.

((I fully expected to just walk into a wall and die, honestly.))

You do another sweep with your vortex. This time it catches three of them. It literally catches three of them, sucking them in. You hear their screams and a strange crunching sound, over and over again until their screams stop.

You don't have a lot of time to process this though, as the rest of them gun you down quite thoroughly.

You reappear back at the staging area.

"You know, surrender is an option." the bartender comments.
<Oh, yeah? When was the last time you surrendered?> a voice asks playfully.
"Oh, I meant it was an option for others. I try to give it to people before I fight them. Smart ones take it."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 03, 2016, 03:35:43 pm

Entice them with plentiful Cheetos thrown everywhere, of course.

You walk forward while throwing Cheetos around like they're flowers, like you're some sort of Cheetos fairy or Chester Cheetah's bridesmaid.

You continue down a few streets until you encounter a shadow bull. You feel it looking at you.
"Silly pokemon, trying to confuse me with the shadow silhouette. Everyone knows it's Lightningrat."
It digs the ground with its hoof and huffs, the smoke around it getting distorted by the stream of air.
"Now come! I have cheetos!"
It huffs again and charges towards you, trailing smoke behind it like a dark comet.
Great! It's working!

---

OOC
I'll process the rest of you later. Gotta go now.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 12, 2016, 02:59:43 pm

"Man, you're really hungry. Make sure to wash your hands before eating!"

Throw the bag in its face and sidestep/dodge its charge.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Coolrune206 on July 12, 2016, 03:03:48 pm

Centi-Rune immediately surges forth and begins to climb the ladder. His hundreds of tiny legs should allow quick movement up the vertical surface. If he manages to completely close the distance between himself and his hostile, he bites and snaps furiously, spewing acid. If he fails to close the gap, he simply barrages his foe with acid whilst pursuing.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 12, 2016, 05:54:00 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting Area>

Look around. Am I still in a bar? Is my order of some strong liquor still there?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Zormod on July 12, 2016, 05:57:49 pm

"It didn't really seem like they'd understand that sort of thing. Sounded like the 'shoot now, shoot some more later' kind of crowd to me."

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 13, 2016, 06:40:52 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 02, 2016, 10:15:03 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well done, soldiers!"

How much of the town have we covered?

In any case, guard the civilians as I have two detachments lead the push into another part of town if applicable. Gotta put that good morale to use!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 03, 2016, 02:15:47 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Three streets north, sure. Be conservative and careful. Not like we're in any kind of rush.

You send your men out and wait, keeping an ear out for trouble.

Hmm... It's mostly quiet. Although you still can't shake that feeling that there's something there. A buzzing, a vibration. You think it's getting louder.

Several things occur during your wait. Some things are expected. Wind blows occasionally, the sun gets close to disappearing. Some things are surprising but not unexpected, like the distant shouts of men, the sound of combat coming from the north. Some things are unexpected, like the sound of hoofs on dirt and Alan shouting "Ole!". And then there's the other side of town exploding to flames. You're not really sure under which category that goes. Sort of expected, you guess? I mean, it tends to happen, right?

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 12, 2016, 02:59:43 pm

"Man, you're really hungry. Make sure to wash your hands before eating!"

Throw the bag in its face and sidestep/dodge its charge.

You manage to momentarily distract the creature with your bag and avoid its charge. It runs past you for a dozen more metres, skids to a stop and then turns around to face you, getting ready for another charge. You might need to think of something, unless your plan is "hope I can keep dodging until it gets tired".

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 04, 2016, 02:23:59 am

((Woo, PM plan worked \o/ Although I have no idea when I got there :P))

"Hope it comes quick, because these things in close proximity are not good for your health."

Defend Irine, keep watch on Vind, grab hold of something *really sturdy* (that isn't Irine)

I find the implication that Irine counts as *really sturdy* amusing. Well, I guess she is, in a figurative sense, with her morals and ideas and choices.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 03, 2016, 02:11:49 pm

"Theri, thanks"
((Also: thanks Paris for going ahead and keeping on rolling until the end.))
"No. We fight, but in terrain of our choosing this time. Lets get in that alley."
Go into the alley with the group, then once everyone is in, I begin to work, making sure I have something firm to hang on to. I form a firewall overhead, to avoid us being jumped down on, and then concentrate the rest of my flame into a highly intense mass near ground level outside the alley entrance. I do not allow its heat spread outwards from the flame itself, but it can spread up some. and as always, at any opportunity to grow the fire, I do so.
"True mastery of fire requires understanding of how it works, and how it interacts with the environment around it. for example, how fire interacts with air."
"Wind comes from pressure differences between air masses. high pressure, heavy, air, pushes lower pressure, lighter, air out of the way, forcing the lighter air up. Air also becomes heavier the colder it is, and lighter the hotter it is."
"If you make a really. really intense fire, near the ground, and keep the heat from it from moving outwards, then you get a chimney effect, the colder air to the sides rushing into the flames, and the hot air in the fire surging upwards to get out of the way. The bigger the fire, the stronger the chimney."
"If the fire is big enough, and the total airflow large enough, and there's things nearby unevenly limiting the airflow around it, like buildings, then the uneven airflow is going to cause the central rising air column to spin."
"And that spin only gets stronger over time."
"Hang on to something, and don't let go."
Going Big

Hmmm... Okay, so, the two bindings closest to you, the ones forming the alley, anything flammable in them turns to ash and they collapse inwards. Other nearby things are in a limbo of between on fire and not on fire, as your power tries to grab their flames but at the same time the heat, debris and radiation light the sensitive parts up again.

Your fire annihilates anything that dares come close, while a few focused strikes take care of those that don't attack blindly, at least any that you can see. You also have a ton of fire right now, which is a useful source of illumination in all this ash and smoke.

You are mostly unaffected, but Theri is constantly coughing, so much she can't do anything except hold on. And Vind has closed his eyes. You don't know if it's the heat or the ash or the blood loss, but you think he's close to losing consciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 13, 2016, 06:47:46 pm

The answer, my dear GM, is simple: begin charging a tomato. Keep dodging if I need to, but power the tomato up!

My reasoning is that bulls don't like red, so if I hit it with a gigantic tomato it'll calm down.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: TheBiggerFish on July 13, 2016, 06:56:54 pm

"So now what do I do?  Just, keep waiting?  What other stuff can I do?"

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Toaster on July 13, 2016, 07:52:37 pm

((Oh man, that was nice.  I must have had some great rolls.  That said, it almost makes me wish I had time to run down that power line more.  Oh well; I have my goal in sight.))

John, After the End

Okay.  That's one thing handled.  Now... how bad off am I?

How bad off am I?  If I can walk, patch myself up as much as possible.  Summon any required tools to help.  I'll worry about the arm in a bit.

If not mobile, just start wholesale patching in mechanics to replace broken bits.  Go with "brain in a jar" if I have to.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 13, 2016, 10:15:19 pm

I collect all the flames well above me, and flick one of my tails up to Theri.
"Theri! Breathe through my tail. It'll filter out the ash. Please, help Vind. He's hurt bad."

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 14, 2016, 12:03:57 pm

Theri was swamped by several instances of pragmatic ideas given the situation, in that Irine's suggestion came off as something whimsical for a split-second until a feeling of coherency came in the form of a kindly request.

Support Irine's action! Also try to aid Vind; get close to him or do something which I can work with.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 14, 2016, 12:21:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Look there, soldiers of the true cause! A diversion!"

Check what Alan's doing. He's been increasingly unpredictable.

If I find him and can help out, distract the bull and evade while Alan does what he does best.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 14, 2016, 01:55:12 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"HAHAHA! I am victorious! Now to seek out more foes!"

Kosak gets to exploring, seeking out more foes.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Hawk132 on July 14, 2016, 04:34:36 pm

((... Damn, it's been two days since the Arena turn and I'm still trying to figure out what to do. Attacking feels like a bad idea and retreat also feels like a bad idea. I'll try to figure out an action in the next 24 hours. Sorry for the delay.))

Walking Tank, After the End

Screw it, I'm fighting them. Retreat isn't particularly Saevus-like.

I shouldn't use the bling-cannon for now. Get up and take advantage of the confusion. Make use of the fact that it's unclear where I really am - blindside them and cut them apart. If I manage to kill them - damage or destroy the elevator that's coming up right now enough to make the ones inside fall. Use the Golden Arm if brute strength (and a bigger sword) won't work.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 14, 2016, 05:31:31 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on July 13, 2016, 06:47:46 pm

The answer, my dear GM, is simple: begin charging a tomato. Keep dodging if I need to, but power the tomato up!

My reasoning is that bulls don't like red, so if I hit it with a gigantic tomato it'll calm down.

You get ready to turn that bull red with a nice genetically modified tomato. Don't know why you want an extra giant tomato instead of a regular giant tomato, but if that is what you want...

The bull charges again. And this time you fail to dodge.

You are lucky enough to avoid getting hit by the horns, instead getting headbutted into the ground. The shock of the impact combined with such a heavy creature running on you has really disoriented you.

The bull grunts angrily and gets ready for another charge.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 14, 2016, 12:21:29 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Look there, soldiers of the true cause! A diversion!"

Check what Alan's doing. He's been increasingly unpredictable.

If I find him and can help out, distract the bull and evade while Alan does what he does best.

Well, let's see if you can get there in time. You're a quick guy, you should be able to do it. Now let's roll...

Hmmm... Not quick enough, it seems. Next turn probably.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 13, 2016, 10:15:19 pm

I collect all the flames well above me, and flick one of my tails up to Theri.
"Theri! Breathe through my tail. It'll filter out the ash. Please, help Vind. He's hurt bad."

<Heh. 'Touch fluffy tail'.>

You gather all your fire and put it high up in the sky, where it shines like a really ominous sun. The smoke and ash is already clearing, giving you a better view of your surroundings.

<So, we killed the monsters, saved the town, time to go home, right? Get you to rest, give you some new clothes, eh?>

Well, you can see why he might say that. There aren't any monsters around that you can see. Only burnt and semi-burnt buildings. Can't hear anything suspicious either.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 14, 2016, 12:03:57 pm

Theri was swamped by several instances of pragmatic ideas given the situation, in that Irine's suggestion came off as something whimsical for a split-second until a feeling of coherency came in the form of a kindly request.

Support Irine's action! Also try to aid Vind; get close to him or do something which I can work with.

You do the best you can to take care of the man's wound. You think that exerting himself to keep on fighting and hold on in the heat and the wind wasn't very good for him. It has exhausted him and probably made his already deep wound worst.

With your aid, he should be able to stay alive for now, but he should ideally get properly treated as soon as possible. He needs stitches, antiseptic, clean bandages. Or even just some water.

Vind regains consciousness as you are finishing taking care of him. He says "thank you", gets up with a bit of effort and then gets his bow.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 14, 2016, 05:38:59 pm

"Hey I know you're eager but wait your turn, sonny!"

imma charging my tomato

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 14, 2016, 08:30:34 pm

((Note: to her it would be comforting, not ominous))
<No D, its too early to call it. We havent found the source of the problem.>
I lower my flames again to allow rapid use, though still above the buildings, and begin cautiously moving towards the market and church. When we reach the market area I pause and look at Vind.
"May I?"
If he says yes, then I flood the market square with flame, clearing the area and purging the ambushers hidden inside. After that, I part the flames to make a path for us, allowing the residual flames throughout the rest to burn and give me even more fire to collect, and advance on the church. I'll send a tongue of flame through any cracks in the doorframe and flick it around some, checking for traps my own way, before opening the door and seeing what is inside.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 15, 2016, 12:49:59 am

Quote from: Xantalos on July 14, 2016, 05:38:59 pm

"Hey I know you're eager but wait your turn, sonny!"

imma charging my tomato

The bull charges again. This time you fail to move and just keep charging your tomato. It gores you in the chest and pins you to the ground. But you don't feel pain. There is no blood. As the shadow starts enveloping you, you feel cold and tingly. The last thing you feel before you fall unconscious is your body being constricted, pushed on from all sides as if you're deep underwater.

Harry  Baldman
You arrive at the scene with most of Alan's impressive size being hidden under the advancing shadows of the bull-like creature pinning him to the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 15, 2016, 01:35:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Sneak attack!

Then evasion!

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 15, 2016, 01:44:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 14, 2016, 05:31:31 pm

You do the best you can to take care of the man's wound. You think that exerting himself to keep on fighting and hold on in the heat and the wind wasn't very good for him. It has exhausted him and probably made his already deep wound worst.

((Oh no! It made the wound worst D: I'm glad I healed him to make it only at 'worse'! :P ...Although that is nice imagery, in all seriousness.))

Carry Vind and provide perimeter support to Irine. Move along with her like a bodyguard.

"I think you should use your flames to illuminate rather than scorch the area. These beings take up matter--they take up space just like the rest of us, and do not mimic inorganic things."

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 15, 2016, 02:49:37 am

Whoops forgot it was a shadow licorice bull is Alan's last coherent thought before he slips into oblivion.

subconsciously hope that if I die I die with a large amount of gas stored in my colon so I can startle people when I explode at the funeral.

Perhaps go on an internal journey to touch the chaos in my soul or something?

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 15, 2016, 03:15:54 am

Quote from: Tiruin on July 15, 2016, 01:44:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 14, 2016, 05:31:31 pm

You do the best you can to take care of the man's wound. You think that exerting himself to keep on fighting and hold on in the heat and the wind wasn't very good for him. It has exhausted him and probably made his already deep wound worst.

((Oh no! It made the wound worst D: I'm glad I healed him to make it only at 'worse'! :P ...Although that is nice imagery, in all seriousness.))

Well, you helped. He made it worse by pushing himself and not getting help immediately. Almost getting roasted also didn't help. I guess I was unclear.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 17, 2016, 11:13:18 am

Quote from: Tiruin on July 15, 2016, 01:44:03 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 14, 2016, 05:31:31 pm

You do the best you can to take care of the man's wound. You think that exerting himself to keep on fighting and hold on in the heat and the wind wasn't very good for him. It has exhausted him and probably made his already deep wound worst.

((Oh no! It made the wound worst D: I'm glad I healed him to make it only at 'worse'! :P ...Although that is nice imagery, in all seriousness.))

Carry Vind and provide perimeter support to Irine. Move along with her like a bodyguard.

"I think you should use your flames to illuminate rather than scorch the area. These beings take up matter--they take up space just like the rest of us, and do not mimic inorganic things."

You help Vind follow you and Irine while at the same time keeping an eye out for trouble. The area looks clear for now.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 14, 2016, 08:30:34 pm

((Note: to her it would be comforting, not ominous))
<No D, its too early to call it. We havent found the source of the problem.>
I lower my flames again to allow rapid use, though still above the buildings, and begin cautiously moving towards the market and church. When we reach the market area I pause and look at Vind.
"May I?"
If he says yes, then I flood the market square with flame, clearing the area and purging the ambushers hidden inside. After that, I part the flames to make a path for us, allowing the residual flames throughout the rest to burn and give me even more fire to collect, and advance on the church. I'll send a tongue of flame through any cracks in the doorframe and flick it around some, checking for traps my own way, before opening the door and seeing what is inside.

<Come on, it's obvious that the temple is evil. Whoever might have been there is gone by now. We can just tell those people to leave and wait until whatever's there is gone. Or we can just nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure. By which I mean burnt it to the ground from out of town. Why go there and risk getting yourself more hurt?>

You reach the market square. It looks devoid of life. Vind nods so you bring your fire down. There's something like a flow of air, pushing your fire away from the temple, threatening to redirect it to you. And yet there's no wind. It doesn't threaten you though, it's not that hard to readjust your ability to counteract the flow, it's not like you've never had to deal with wind before.

You let your fire keep burning the square for a while. Whatever was down there now probably isn't anymore. After a while you lift your fire. You find only ash, molten metal and scorched stone.

You try to push some fire through the door but there's some resistance. I assume you want to force your way through it?

((Pausing for a while due to me running out of time and to give you a chance to react.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 15, 2016, 02:49:37 am

Whoops forgot it was a shadow licorice bull is Alan's last coherent thought before he slips into oblivion.

subconsciously hope that if I die I die with a large amount of gas stored in my colon so I can startle people when I explode at the funeral.

Perhaps go on an internal journey to touch the chaos in my soul or something?

You can't think. You can't remember. There's only darkness. You can only feel. You feel cold. You feel lost. You feel alone. You feel sad. You feel angry. You feel tired. But most of all you are hungry.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on July 15, 2016, 01:35:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Sneak attack!

Then evasion!

You quickly but silently make your way behind the bull and get ready for your sneak attack.
You strike with all your strength. Your Chaos Blade shreds its way through the darkness and the creature beneath it, decapitating it in one blow. You kick the head away, just in case it tries to reconnect with it like the others. Then you kick its body away from Alan to prevent further damage to him.

The headless body struggles for a few moments, emitting gurgling noises, moving incoherently, trying to get up and failing. His struggles continue to fail and after a while its movements get slower and then stop completely. The darkness evaporates from it and Alan, streaming away from them and into the shadows closer to the centre of the village, leaving behind only grey residue on the bodies of Alan and the bull.

The bodies don't look abnormal in any way. The bull looks much like the hairless cow-like creatures you saw in the General's farm, those things that could spit small amounts of fire (you think he called them Nucas?), although this one has a large chunk of its torso missing, as if it was ripped away. However despite its missing flesh, it's not bleeding as much as you'd expect, there's only a bit of blood slowly oozing out of it, as if it's been dead for a while.

Alan on the other hand looks a bit fresher. He's got two wounds on his chest that look kinda deep and serious, but he's not bleeding too much from them. He's cold. Shaking him a bit doesn't return him to consciousness.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 17, 2016, 11:54:03 am

"Hey Irine, don't forget to communicate your plans with us. I really feel lonely without River to talk to, although that's more along a closed channel. What's the plan? Barge into here? I can handle the door, I believe, with a bit more leverage."

Theri tapped Vind's shoulder as she suggested for him to support himself in the next few seconds depending on Irine's response.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Harry Baldman on July 17, 2016, 11:55:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well shit. Looks like we'll need to get you some armor at some point, bud. Maybe you can summon phone books or something."

Get my People's Army over here and see if we can collectively resuscitate or at least prevent the death of Alan. He's kind of our party DPS/utility guy.

Failing that, another soul sphere for the collection!

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 17, 2016, 12:14:53 pm

"I'm trying to find the source of the problem and burn it down. This building is where it seems to have begun, and it is resisting my flames similarly to how the creatures did. Are you sure you want to touch it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 17, 2016, 05:06:02 pm

<Whatever you plan on doing Irine, I suggest you do it quick. The sun has almost reached the horizon. It won't be long before it is completely dark. And if those things like the darkness, who knows what they'll do. Oh, and remember, whatever happens, you still have me. I'm ready to use my abilities to help you if I have to. And if you want me to, of course.>

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 17, 2016, 06:00:53 pm

"Just... stand back, okay? I'm going to force my way in... A bit more back than that, please."
Burn the door down. Be excessive about it. Just don't waste flame. I need to have a ton of it to burn the probably really big nasty thing inside waiting for me.
Once the door is down I'm going to keep a large amount of flame in a ring around the door - part of why im going to be excessive on the door. I'll peer inside through the hoop of flame.
Change of plan - let Theri get the door open and we'll see what's inside. I keep a good-sized amount of fire near the door in case of ambush.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Xantalos on July 17, 2016, 06:49:27 pm

Ah, hunger. If only I had a tomato.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 17, 2016, 10:45:33 pm

Quote from: Irine on July 17, 2016, 06:00:53 pm

"Just... stand back, okay? I'm going to force my way in... A bit more back than that, please."

Guessing Irine's plan (probably burning a tiny hole through the door to shoot flame through), Theri spoke up as she moved back.

"Just a suggestion--if you're going to burn it, at least let me expend my energy too. Aim for the hinges, I can knock it down, and the crash can knock back anything just lurking behind it while you waft the flames through!"

Follow either plan proposed, albeit guard Irine with a physical perimeter of -coming-from-the-church-

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Beirus on July 18, 2016, 12:09:04 am

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Transform and deploy Anchors and Weapons. I really only need two anchors, one in each wall to my side. The rest should be fired at my opponent. I want to perforate him in this enclosed space. I'll also take stock of the weapons I deployed and begin charging. If my opponent made it through my anchors, then he should be fired up on by ranged weapons and attacked by melee weapons if in range. Use the enclosed space to my advantage, since it should be much more difficult for him to dodge my multitude of attacks.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 18, 2016, 04:43:41 am

"It's wood, I can use it as fuel to grow my flames, so I'm just going to burn the entire thing."

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 18, 2016, 04:59:30 am

Quote from: Irine on July 18, 2016, 04:43:41 am

"It's wood, I can use it as fuel to grow my flames, so I'm just going to burn the entire thing."

"Maybe after I knock it down. You can make a carpet of flames to ensure any of those on land won't reach us. Win-win, and I also get to gauge my strength!" Theri replied in a cheery tone, despite the ambiance.

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Lenglon on July 18, 2016, 05:48:52 am

...
"Ooookkaaayyyy..."
"Um, I don't think it's even locked..."

Title: Re: Special People: Dark Carnivore
Post by: Tiruin on July 23, 2016, 04:51:33 am

Theri blinked and nodded, awkwardly realizing a point she missed.

"...All the better to open it with force. Sorry to whomever this place of worship is dedicated to!"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 02, 2016, 06:00:49 pm

Quote from: Coolrune206

Centi-Rune immediately surges forth and begins to climb the ladder. His hundreds of tiny legs should allow quick movement up the vertical surface. If he manages to completely close the distance between himself and his hostile, he bites and snaps furiously, spewing acid. If he fails to close the gap, he simply barrages his foe with acid whilst pursuing.

Quote from: Beirus

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Transform and deploy Anchors and Weapons. I really only need two anchors, one in each wall to my side. The rest should be fired at my opponent. I want to perforate him in this enclosed space. I'll also take stock of the weapons I deployed and begin charging. If my opponent made it through my anchors, then he should be fired up on by ranged weapons and attacked by melee weapons if in range. Use the enclosed space to my advantage, since it should be much more difficult for him to dodge my multitude of attacks.

Rune gathers up some excess flesh to generate another acid glob that is immediately launched at his opponent. William, despite being a bit stunned, doesn't have to move much to avoid the clumsy shot that splatters ineffectually at the wall besides him. William attempts to counter-attack and for a moment it seems to be working, his flesh shivers as unnatural things push from underneath it. However, a moment later he feels lightheaded, his effort cut short due to his lack of power. He can't maintain his grasp on the ladder (his injured hand making it even harder to hold on) and falls straight on his pursuer's head. He slides against the centi-creature's carapace until he clumsily tumbles out the door and lands face first onto the floor of the assembly room.

---

Quote from: Toaster

((Oh man, that was nice.  I must have had some great rolls.  That said, it almost makes me wish I had time to run down that power line more.  Oh well; I have my goal in sight.))

John, After the End

Okay.  That's one thing handled.  Now... how bad off am I?

How bad off am I?  If I can walk, patch myself up as much as possible.  Summon any required tools to help.  I'll worry about the arm in a bit.

If not mobile, just start wholesale patching in mechanics to replace broken bits.  Go with "brain in a jar" if I have to.

Well, you could certainy try to walk, but at best you'd be dragging an IV-stand with you, at worst you'll make your bandages worse or otherwise move closer to 'dead'. So, let's say
you attempt to patch yourself up first.
Okay power, bring me something that will heal me. you command.
A few moments later, a metal device appears and gets attached to several pieces of plastic. The device activates and transforms the pieces of plastic into a blowup doll in a nurse outfit.
Ha, ha. Very funny. you comment sarcastically. The blowup doll runs out of power and deflates, as if in response.
Okay, screw this- Wait, poor choice of words. I mean forget the healing, just give me something that can help me move around. you command.
A hop ball manifests next to you.
I see. So we're doing this now, are we?
Seeing your ability being a bit uncooperative right now, you decide to just get up and have a look around on your own. You unlock your cuffs, disconnect yourself from the monitor, slowly get up and carefully make your way to the door, using your IV stand as a cane.

It looks like you're near some sort of junkyard close to the Central Tower. You'd guess the part you're in was some sort of parking lot or loading/storage area in the past, since there are remains of shelf-like things, rusted skeletons of vehicles (one of which you crushed when you landed the ambulance) and empty containers. The area is mostly flat and dark, save for the fence surrounding it, where the junk heaps get higher and there's a lot of light coming from intermittent lamp posts.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist

Kosak Durar, After The End

---

"HAHAHA! I am victorious! Now to seek out more foes!"

Kosak gets to exploring, seeking out more foes.

You decide to jump through the hole in the centre of the room, not wanting to break your pattern. I mean, you've been going down this whole mission, might as well continue.
<So, hey, I finally figured out who you remind me of.>
You slide for a minute or two through the twisting and not-particularly slimy tubes.
Your buzz has started to wear off. Better get this over with soon so you can go on a break and drink a barrel of booze.
<Yeah, you're Raiden. Definetly Raiden. You use melee in a futuristic world of guns, you lift objects that should be impossible to lift and would normally  cause the ground beneath your feet to collapse, you fight large and slightly strange bosses,...>
You fall through the hole and into a circular room, its centre dominated by what looks like a bioluminescent heart, with thousands of giant "trunks" extending from it like roots or branches of a tree. You fall in the grey liquid with a splash.
<-you have abilities with ridicoulous names and a ridicoulous style, you powerup through drinking, you never stop to think, you solve every problem via fighting and your final boss...>
The thing at the centre of the room contracts, sending out a visible pulse. You can feel it in your legs, the liquid momentarily hardening in response. You can feel it in your ears as they start to ring. You can feel it in the air, as the shockwave punches you on the chest.
<-is nanomachines, son.>
The liquid in the room rises like a tidal wave in the wake of the pulse, threatening to crush you against the walls.

<I have to say, I'm really starting to like you.>

---

Quote from: Hawk132

((... Damn, it's been two days since the Arena turn and I'm still trying to figure out what to do. Attacking feels like a bad idea and retreat also feels like a bad idea. I'll try to figure out an action in the next 24 hours. Sorry for the delay.))

Walking Tank, After the End

Screw it, I'm fighting them. Retreat isn't particularly Saevus-like.

I shouldn't use the bling-cannon for now. Get up and take advantage of the confusion. Make use of the fact that it's unclear where I really am - blindside them and cut them apart. If I manage to kill them - damage or destroy the elevator that's coming up right now enough to make the ones inside fall. Use the Golden Arm if brute strength (and a bigger sword) won't work.

Get up? Hm, well, I guess you could use the staircase you blew apart a short while ago.

You climb up the staircase while the men with guns search around for you and shoot around blindly. In the bad lighting and the cacophony of shouts and gunfire, they don't notice you immediately and when they do they have a hard time shooting you. You manage to slice one of them in half before he can figure out what's going on and take the limbs from another two. The two left scatter on opposite sides of the room while they reload.

The other elevator arrives with a ding. Its doors will open in a couple of seconds.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost

<Svajoklis, Starting Area>

Look around. Am I still in a bar? Is my order of some strong liquor still there?

You're still in that ye-olde bar. The one with the fireplace and the barells of booze and the fungiman band. And no, your liquor is not there. Someone must have taken it. Or maybe D really does clean up the place. Sometimes.

Quote from: Zormod

"It didn't really seem like they'd understand that sort of thing. Sounded like the 'shoot now, shoot some more later' kind of crowd to me."

"Ah, so those things also distort your perception. That's interesting."

Quote from: TheBiggerFish

"So now what do I do?  Just, keep waiting?  What other stuff can I do?"

"Look man, this isn't an exotic resort. I'm not here to entertain you. But hey, if you're so eager to get yourself thrown into harm's way, I'll tell you what. I'll let you choose what I'll throw at you. So, tell me, first thing that comes to mind."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman

Campaign, Ike!

"Well shit. Looks like we'll need to get you some armor at some point, bud. Maybe you can summon phone books or something."

Get my People's Army over here and see if we can collectively resuscitate or at least prevent the death of Alan. He's kind of our party DPS/utility guy.

Failing that, another soul sphere for the collection!

You get half your men to help you with Alan, leaving the rest to guard the civvies. Collectively, they manage to bandage his wounds, keep him warm, gie him some water and move him back to the gate. However, they inform you that they have no idea what is wrong with him and that he should probably be taken care of by an actual healer and/or someone who knows something about magic.

You also get word from your detachment that they've met some resistance from a couple of those zombie things, but were able to deal with them with some difficulty and are currently preparing to move the civilians they've found back to the gate.

Suddenly, the pressure on your head intensifies, that thing that's like a noise you know is there but can't really hear, like a smell just beyond your reach. It's coming from the centre of the village. Everything also looks kinda darker. Like someone dimmed the already dwindling sunlight a bit or gave you some really light shades. Nobody else appears to have noticed anything.

Quote from: Xantalos

Ah, hunger. If only I had a tomato.

You are in a barren desert. There are no tomatoes anywhere. Only the scorching SUN above. In fact, you don't even know what tomatoes are. Probably some word you made up. Sounds funny. What were you thinking about again?

---

Quote from: Tiruin

Kick the door open.

You approach the door. It feels strange. Cold and... weird. Makes your fur stand on end. You feel like going in there might be a bad idea.
But you can't stop now. There might be people in there that need help. You can't just leave them.
You prepare. You relax. You take a deep breath. You focus your strength. And when you're ready, you kick the door with all you've got.
There is resistance but you manage to break through it, forcing the door to swing open and maͰsouͰd~seiͰtgmͰdumat|tgtaͰmaͰdeirͰtiͰbq_sjetaiͰp_syͰtgr;ͰJaiͰaut|Ͱe_maiͰtoͰpq|bkgla;ͰCiat_Ͱaut|ͰpouͰbq_sjetaiͰstoͰp_syͰl]qorͰtouͰmao}Ͱe_maiͰj\tiͰtoͰopo_oͰdemͰlpoqe_ͰmaͰpeqicqave_ͼͰj\tiͰciaͰtoͰopo_oͰdemͰup\qwoumͰk|ciaͰciaͰmaͰpeqicqave_;ͰE_maiͰj\tiͰtoͰopo_oͰe_maiͰem\mtiaͰstgmͰjatam|gsgͼͰj\tiͰpouͰjatastq]veiͰtgmͰcm~sgͰl|moͰjaiͰl|moͰepeid^ͰtoͰbk]llaͰsouͰ]peseͰp\myͰtou;ͰToͰl|moͰpouͰav^meiͰp_syͰtouͰe_maiͰaish^lataͰtaͰopo_aͰs}mtolaͰhaͰenavamisto}mͰwyq_rͰtgmͰlm^lgͰgͰopo_aͰe_maiͰapaqa_tgtgͰciaͰmaͰtaͰsucjqat^sei;ͰToͰl|moͰpouͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰj\meirͰe_maiͰmaͰdq\seirͰemstijtyd~rͼͰmaͰajokouh^seirͰtaͰsumaish^lataͰsouͼͰtgmͰdia_shgs^Ͱsou;ͰToͰsojͼͰoͰtq|porͰleͰtomͰopo_oͰaut|ͰseͰnavmi\feiͰjaiͰseͰapopqosamatok_feiͰseͰdusjoke}eiͰstoͰmaͰjqat^seirͰtgmͰisoqqop_aͰsou;ͰSeͰsumduasl|ͰleͰtgmͰoql^ͰpouͰe_werͼͰaut|Ͱodgce_ͰstgmͰpt~sgͰsouͰstgmͰjq}aͰjaiͰke_aͰp]tqaͰtouͰpat~latorͰtouͰmao}ͼͰ|pouͰckistq\rͰciaͰk_caͰejatost\;ͰPqospahe_rͰmaͰsgjyhe_rͰjaiͰmaͰdeirͰc}qyͰsouͼͰmaͰjatak\beirͰtiͰ]cime;ͰDemͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰdeirͰAUTO;ͰToͰbk]llaͰsouͰe_maiͰsamͰmaͰtoͰja_eiͼͰsamͰmaͰdgliouqce_Ͱpuqyl]merͰcqall]rͰjatam|gsgrͰep\myͰtouͼͰakk\Ͱaut]rͰdemͰdiaqjo}mͰpok}Ͱciat_Ͱpaha_moumͰJATI;ͰToͰjairͰ|pyrͰseͰja_eiͼͰja_eiͰtaͰl\tiaͰsou;ͰToͰl|moͰpouͰl]meiͰe_maiͰtoͰt_pota;ͰC}qyͰtouͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰdeirͰ]maͰjem|;Ͱ8maͰjem|;ͰCiat_❦ͰDemͰe_saiͰs_couqg;ͰLet\Ͱpqos]weirͰ|tiͰtoͰp\tylaͰke_pei;ͰToͰp\tylaͰdemͰhaͰ]pqepeͰmaͰke_peiͰakk\Ͱke_pei;Ͱ8marͰj}jkorͰleͰcqall]rͰstaͰ|qi\ͰtouͼͰbahi]rͰwaqaclati]rͼͰsamͰmaͰ]weiͰnevt_sei;ͰTiͰ]weiͰnevt_seiΏͰToͰp\tylaͰe_maiͰpok}wqyloͼͰsamͰtaͰpaq\huqa;ͰJ|jjimaͰsw^lata;ͰSw^lataͰlaf_ͰleͰa_la;ͰStas_dia;ͰJok~mer;ͰJaiͰlet\ͰoiͰ\mhqypoi;ͰOiͰ\mhqypoiͰjqull]moiͰp_syͰap|ͰtirͰjok~merͰjaiͰtaͰstas_diaͼͰpaqakul]moiͰap|ͰtoͰv|boͰjaiͰap|ͰtgmͰamijam|tgtaͰmaͰsjevto}mͼͰmaͰjatamo^soum;ͰE_maiͰam_jamoiͰmaͰamtidq\soum;ͰE_maiͰ|koiͰtourͰseͰelbquaj^Ͱst\sg;ͰAj|lgͰjaiͰoiͰpehal]moi;ͰAkk\ͰtaͰpkaslataͰpouͰjimo}mtaiͼͰaut\ͰseͰpaqajokouho}m;ͰDemͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰdeirͰp_syͰap|ͰtoͰla}qoͰjapm|ͰpouͰtourͰpeqib\kkeiͼͰakk\Ͱj\pyrͰtoͰjatakaba_meir;Ͱ_{"PoiaͰe_sai❦"}Ͱ]maͰap|Ͱaut\Ͱqyt\eiͼͰakk\ͰgͰvym^ͰdemͰ]qwetaiͰap|Ͱaut|;Ͱ_{"PoioiͰe_ste❦"}Ͱ]qwetaiͰt~qaͰgͰvym^Ͱap|Ͱ]maͰ\kkoͰenͰaut~m;ͰGͰcgͰse_etai;Ͱ_{"Ciat_❦"}Ͱsumew_feiͰ]maͰtq_toͰjaiͰsumeidgtopoie_rͰ|tiͰgͰvym^Ͱd]mͰ]qwetaiͰap|Ͱaut\Ͱakk\Ͱap|Ͱj\pouͰakko};ͰAp|Ͱpo}❦ͰSeͰj\moumͰmaͰaish\mesaiͰ\swgla;ͰJq}aͰjaiͰvobisl]mg;ͰSeͰjoit\meͼͰseͰjq_moum;ͰTaͰl\tiaͰtourͰseͰdiapeqmo}m;ͰH]keirͰmaͰapolajqumhe_r;ͰAkk\ͰpouͰmaͰpar❦ͰDemͰup\qweiͰj\tiͰed~Ͱc}qy;

Quote from: Lenglon

"ؐػعغ״״״צعغاشتצباةرײצصراؿ؅צ؏⁀سצحصدشحצغصצجصظةثצسؿצؽاؿצدش״״״צ؇צبدغצسصظثצباةرצغخاشצغخاغײצضزثاعث״"
؈ػظشצغخثצتصصظצتصؽش״צ؈ثצثؾةثععدؼثצابصػغצدغ״צؐػعغצتصش⁀غצؽاعغثצجزاسث״צ؏צشثثتצغصצخاؼثצاצغصشצصجצدغצغصצبػظشצغخثצضظصبابزؿצظثاززؿצبدحצشاعغؿצغخدشحצدشعدتثצؽادغدشحצجصظצسث״
ؕشةثצغخثצتصصظצدعצتصؽشצ؏⁀سצحصدشحצغصצرثثضצاצزاظحثצاسصػشغצصجצجزاسثצدشצاצظدشحצاظصػشتצغخثצتصصظצ׳צضاظغצصجצؽخؿצدسצحصدشحצغصצبثצثؾةثععدؼثצصشצغخثצتصصظ״צ؏⁀ززצضثثظצدشعدتثצغخظصػحخצغخثצخصصضצصجצجزاسث״
؉خاشحثצصجצضزاشצ׳צزثغצؚخثظدצحثغצغخثצتصصظצصضثشצاشتצؽث⁀ززצعثثצؽخاغ⁀عצدشعدتث״צ؏צرثثضצاצحصصت׳عدـثتצاسصػشغצصجצجدظثצشثاظצغخثצتصصظצدشצةاعثצصجצاسبػعخ״

DemͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰjatak\beirͰtiͰsulba_meiͰ|tamͰgͰH]qiͰamacj\feiͰtgmͰp|qtaͰmaͰamo_nei;ͰJuqiokejtij\;ͰAUTOͰepit_hetaiͰstoͰluak|ͰsouͼͰstgmͰcm~sgͼͰstgmͰijam|tgtaͰsouͰmaͰjatamo^seirͼͰkerͰjaiͰgͰͰajatamogt|tgt\ͰtouͰepejte_metaiͰsamͰvyti\Ͱl]saͰstomͰecj]vak|ͰsouͼͰkerͰjaiͰaut|ͰtoͰpq\claͰ|wiͰl|moͰdemͰtoͰwyq\eiͰoͰmourͰsouͰakk\ͰstgmͰpqosp\hei\ͰtouͰmaͰwyq]seiͰseͰaut|mͰspq~wmeiͰotid^poteͰ\kkoͰ]nyͰap|Ͱaut|mͼͰsamͰliaͰep_hesgͰaposulp_esgrͰseͰ]mamͰupokocist^;ͰLpoqe_rͰmaͰdeirͰtirͰpuqyl]merͰcqall]rͰpouͰtoͰbk]llaͰsouͰja_eiͰp\myͰtouͰjaiͰl]syͰaut~mͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰamtikgvhe_rͰ]maͰek\wistoͰjoll\tiͰtgrͰv}sgrͰtou;ͰPq\clataͰcmyst\ͰjaiͰ\cmystaͰlaf_;ͰV_korͰjaiͰj_mdumor;ͰAut|Ͱ|lyrͰdemͰl]meiͰstomͰmouͰsou;ͰW\metaiͰlaf_ͰleͰ|kaͰtaͰup|koipa;Ͱ¤¤OͰtq|porͰleͰtomͰ|poiomͰhaͰtoͰamtiletyp_syͰaut|ͰhaͰe_maiͰmaͰpqospah^syͰmaͰeqlgme}syͰtirͰemstijt~deirͰamtidq\seirͰtymͰͰwaqajt^qymͰsarͰap|ͰtoͰtiͰhaͰj\meteͰyrͰpa_jterͰjaiͰtiͰdq\seirͰhaͰlouͰd~sete;◊◊ͰAͼͰep_sgrͼͰoͰt}porͰoͰopo_orͰsouͰlik\eiͰstoͰluak|Ͱ]weiͰj\poioͰsw|kioͰmaͰj\meiͰp\myͰseͰaut^mͰtgmͰjat\stasg;ͰOͰk|corͰciaͰtomͰ|poiomͰlpoqe_rͰmaͰtoͰjatak\beirͰ◊|wiͰajqib~rͰmaͰtoͰjatak\beirͼͰpeqiss|teqoͰmaͰtoͰhulghe_rͰ_syr¤Ͱe_maiͰepeid^Ͱe_steͰt|soͰjomt\ͼͰepeid^ͰoͰ_diorͰdemͰ]weiͰaishgt^qiaͰ|qcamaͰakk\Ͱwqgsilopoie_ͰtaͰdij\ͰsouͼͰepeid^ͰgͰdij^ͰsouͰhaͰ]keceͰjame_rͰheij^Ͱv}sgͰseͰpqostate}eiͰciat_ͰtoͰj\meiͰpioͰe}jokoͰmaͰwyq]seiͰAUTOͰstoͰluak|ͰsouͰja_Ͱk|cyͰtymͰijamot^tymͰsou;ͰAut\Ͱe_maiͰaqjet\ͰciaͰmaͰsouͰd~soumͰ]maͰlp|mour;ͰGͰH]qiͰpa_qmeiͰ]maͰpaq|loioͰlp|mourͰciͰ\kkourͰk|cour;ͰT]korͰp\mtymͼͰtoͰpq~toͰpq\claͰpouͰk]eiͰoͰsucj\toij|rͰsouͰe_mai Oh. Crap.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 02, 2016, 06:06:15 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting Area>

Alcoholize myself. See what is out of the bar. Don't run out too fast in case there is only endless void out there.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 02, 2016, 06:26:25 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm! Bad feelings increasing. Becoming... dare I say it? Ultrabad! I think. Probably best to evacuate for now."

Defensive retreat. Group around the civilians being escorted, defensive formations, try to get clear of the town until the weird feeling lightens up.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 06:32:34 pm

GM: I am not in the mood to play translate the transparent text games through possibly multiple filters. Could you please give me a turn that I as a player can read?

---

edit to expound:
if what you're attempting to portray is having Irine's perception of reality go all crazy, then please just say so. If I have to give action posts with no information given, I can do that too. but based on the failure of google translate to fix whatever you did to the transparent text you put for the turn, you ran it through several different filters, and different filters for my action post than for the turn results. I'm not going to be able to reverse that without signifigant amounts of work put in, and I'm working 11 hour workdays all week this week, with additional stuff I have to do on my own time. I literally don't have the time to put in to deal with this. Please just give me a turn I can read.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 02, 2016, 06:51:35 pm

Centi-Rune pounces off the ladder and immediately descends upon his foe. All organs which are not necessary for surviving around 30 minutes are converted into biomass, and all that biomass is spent on developing massive bony spikes on Centi-Rune's front. Centi-Rune attempts to impale his quarry by landing directly upon him.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on August 02, 2016, 06:58:23 pm

"A completely inanimate toy plushie of normal size, made of normal materials, at normal velocity as I would define normal.

What, you said throw."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on August 02, 2016, 07:26:36 pm

Useless flesh, damn it.  More machines mean fewer problems.

Screw it.  Anything broken or missing is going machine; machine replacement is best healing.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 02, 2016, 08:33:42 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 06:32:34 pm

GM: I am not in the mood to play translate the transparent text games through possibly multiple filters. Could you please give me a turn that I as a player can read?

---

edit to expound:
if what you're attempting to portray is having Irine's perception of reality go all crazy, then please just say so. If I have to give action posts with no information given, I can do that too. but based on the failure of google translate to fix whatever you did to the transparent text you put for the turn, you ran it through several different filters, and different filters for my action post than for the turn results. I'm not going to be able to reverse that without signifigant amounts of work put in, and I'm working 11 hour workdays all week this week, with additional stuff I have to do on my own time. I literally don't have the time to put in to deal with this. Please just give me a turn I can read.

I didn't mean for it as a challenge nor did I meant for you to translate this or anything. I just wanted to represent having your mind attacked in a less traditional way. It was just an experiment to see if I could make you engage with such a response and how you'd respond. Hm. Maybe I should had used something that was more clearly not meant to be decoded. Maybe an image. But writing that encoder program only took me like 10 minutes, so it seemed easier to do. Anyway, what the text basically says is that you failed a will roll and are now unable to understand the world because your conscious mind is under attack and has shut down. Sorry if it's frustrating, but I want to have fun too and I find experimenting and trying out new things fun. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, what can you do? You learn what you can and move on to the next thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 08:50:00 pm

Thank you. That gave me the information I needed.

---

Of course, here comes the void assault on my mind again. Like with River. This void, this nothingness, it things it is the end of all things? Pathetic.
It is the BEGINNING
I. AM. ME. I AM FROM WHENCE SOMETHING CAME FROM VOID. I AM CREATION. I AM ENERGY FROM NOTHING. I AM THE CORE OF FIRE, CHANGE. I AM MY OWN GREATEST FEAR, AND MY OWN TRUE WEAKNESS. I. AM. ME.
I reaffirm myself to myself, and BRING DOWN MY FLAMES
I am Irine. I am the reincarnating mortal avatar of what I once was. I am what I chose to be, and how I hope to grow. I am that which hopefully will grow to become worthy of the power that I once had, and may out of necessity sieze up once again. I am scared, and small, and I miss my family, but no matter what, no matter the cost, no matter anything at all, I promised that I would push forward. and I will not let anything stop me.
I direct my flames to surround me, to cut off the void that is assaulting me, and to surround the void as well, and begin the process of burning it down.

---

after all, if her mind gets totally scrambled, it kinda makes sense that she'd revert, and recollect herself starting from her core. and she has a signifigant amount of repressed anger and pain to give her fuel for the flames once her limits break.

You did say it was her consious mind that broke. I'm not sure if you thought through what exactly Irine's unconscious mind is like. remember that she literally is flame, and her origins.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on August 03, 2016, 03:55:50 pm

I meant get up from the floor, but whatever, that works too. Let's try doing something cunning. Wait for the door to open. Once whoever's in there gets out, get into the elevator myself and ride a few floors down. Once it stops, get out and hide somewhere on the floor. Once hidden, concentrate on drawing mana out of the enviroment to replenish my power supply. Also, get some blood off my blade and try to reconnect some of my runes that way.

If my invisibility shuts down before I can execute my plan, try to either break the elevator itself or its door. Use the bling-cannon if necessary. Then execute the two in the room. Throw my sword if getting to them will be difficult. I can always summon a new one.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on August 04, 2016, 01:29:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 06:32:34 pm

GM: I am not in the mood to play translate the transparent text games through possibly multiple filters. Could you please give me a turn that I as a player can read?

I can't read it either because it's scrambled :P
I think the turn went that as soon as I kicked it open--the time in between your flames and us recognizing the interior = something bad o_o
That means the blank space and your avatar's words mean that your action wasn't taken in that split narrative second, as we have just encountered something important. I hope it is not River in anyway bad. ._.

...Oh wait I didn't see you and Parisbre's two posts there :I

Observation update. WHat's going on for me! D:

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 04, 2016, 01:33:39 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I think I see something I need to PUNCH!"

Kosak dashes over to the heart thing, and climbs on it. Perhaps that will keep him out of the trap goo. Then he starts punching the heart thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Zormod on August 04, 2016, 03:52:47 pm

"Sometimes, yeah. The crash didn't exactly help, either."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2016, 01:56:44 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 03, 2016, 03:55:50 pm

I meant get up from the floor, but whatever, that works too. Let's try doing something cunning. Wait for the door to open. Once whoever's in there gets out, get into the elevator myself and ride a few floors down. Once it stops, get out and hide somewhere on the floor. Once hidden, concentrate on drawing mana out of the enviroment to replenish my power supply. Also, get some blood off my blade and try to reconnect some of my runes that way.

If my invisibility shuts down before I can execute my plan, try to either break the elevator itself or its door. Use the bling-cannon if necessary. Then execute the two in the room. Throw my sword if getting to them will be difficult. I can always summon a new one.

You try to quietly (as quietly as you can, anyway) walk towards the elevator.

The doors slide open, releasing a gust of air as they do so. Through the thin cloud of dust come two heavy humanoid forms. Despite their bulk and size, they manage to make an impressive leap. They come down with a heavy thud, slamming down their enormous shield in front of them as they land. With their other hand, they hold a hollow metal mace-like device, dragging it on the floor behind them as if it's too heavy to lift, the implement melting the plastic off the parts of the floor it touches. The device is connected to heavy-looking bank of batteries on their back through several cables, the cables and the batteries being held together by an assortment of metal supports, plastic wraps and duct tape. Between them slides a man in light grey, this one holding what looks like a six-shooter meant for flares. He ducks and takes cover between their shields.

They look ready for combat, the others probably warned them about what's going on here. They are standing still in front of the elevator in a defensive position, scanning the room. You also stand still while trying not to be detected. Everything is suddenly quiet.

As if by some unseen agreement, they raise their shields in unison and begin moving forward. You also start moving forward, trying to mask the noise of your movement with theirs, trying to get around them and into the elevator. Your lamps flicker. And a moment later one of them explodes with the sound of a gunshot.

More gunshots follow. Throwing caution to the wind, you make a run for the elevator. One of the armoured men turns to face you and brings his mace down for an overhead smash. Partway through the motion, the mace shimmers and light erupts from the hole on its top with the sound of air exploding. The newly formed blade of light cleaves through everything in front of it, boiling plastic and melting metal off the walls. It misses you but it gets a good number of your lamps. The mace hits the floor and the blade disappears with a small pop, allowing you to witness the hole that has appeared in front of you through the rapidly disappearing heat-distortions in the air. Looks like they're taking you quite seriously. It doesn't look like they care how much they destroy as long as they get to kill you. Well, it's not unjustified, there's a lot of corpses around.

You could probably jump over the hole and into the elevator, it's not that large. On one hand, that would put you in a confined space, making you an easy target. On the other hand, you weren't that fast to begin with, dodging is not exactly easy for you. And your few remaining lamps are flickering at an alarming rate, probably meaning that soon it's going to be bye-bye invisibility. So maybe getting out of here isn't the worst idea.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 04, 2016, 01:33:39 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I think I see something I need to PUNCH!"

Kosak dashes over to the heart thing, and climbs on it. Perhaps that will keep him out of the trap goo. Then he starts punching the heart thing.

You try to run faster than the tidal wave in front of you can rise, trying to give an early end to this fight, but it's just too fast.
The effect of the wave is not like running through wine. As it approaches, the liquid becomes more and more solid, allowing you to start running on it. But even that is not enough. You desperately try to keep climbing, but by now the peak is too far away and rising further with each metre the liquid moves, almost reaching the top of the room. It takes you with it and smashes you against the wall, where it starts dissolving but not before slamming against you.

You tumble down the dissolving peak and fall into the liquid. You're battered and bruised, the wind knocked out of you, but you're alive. And then you raise your head to see another wave approaching and another one after that. This is not looking good.

<Is it going to just keep spamming that attack?>
<Yeah, that's totally unfair. Waves OP, please nerf.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 02, 2016, 07:26:36 pm

Useless flesh, damn it.  More machines mean fewer problems.

Screw it.  Anything broken or missing is going machine; machine replacement is best healing.

You decide to become half man, half machine but all cybercommando. Pieces of rusty metal begin appearing all around you, forming bars, creating a metal exoskeleton for you. Machines begin appearing and tearing into your body with tubes and wires. Tubes filled with hydraulic fluid twist and tangle themselves around your exoskeleton to help you drive it. The entire thing is covered by pieces of metal that form jagged metal plates. The entire contraption is powered by an internal combustion engine and a few batteries jutting out of your back an spewing smoke.

The suit appears to have few electronics, relying on mechanical feedback from you and relatively simple electromechanical loops to function. It doesn't even have a camera for you to see outside, instead relying on a slit on the front of your helmet. It might not make you invincible or completely solve your "flesh is weak" problem, but it looks pretty strong and it should be able to take a hit or two, assuming you don't get hit in a weakspot.

Overall, you could probably describe yourself as "dieselpunk knight". Now all you need is a chainsword.

---

Quote from: Zormod on August 04, 2016, 03:52:47 pm

"Sometimes, yeah. The crash didn't exactly help, either."

"Oh. Well, I guess in that case I can't judge you for that. Unless you actually wanted this sort of power and made a deal with a demon or made some freakish experiment on yourself or something. In that case, you had it coming."

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 02, 2016, 06:06:15 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting Area>

Alcoholize myself. See what is out of the bar. Don't run out too fast in case there is only endless void out there.

You get a drink and then walk outside. It's nighttime, the streets lit by whatever light comes through the windows of houses or the rare lamp, although you guess that if you let your eyes adjust, the moonlight might be enough to see. From what you can see, it looks like an old-timey village with small houses made out of logs. The only large buildings are the one you came out of and the one directly in front of you, some kind of mansion. Between the two is a plaza with a fountain in well enough to see by the lights of the mansion.

The fountain has the form of a statue. It depicts a cloaked, slightly feminine figure, with only smooth curved stone for a face. In her left arm she cradles an oversized horn, through which water flows, while her right is extended, her hand open, as if she is demanding something. A curved knife hangs from her belt.
Her bare feet rest on a small circular basin, in which the water gathers before overflowing to another, larger one. The basin she stands on rests on three different beasts that are facing each other. A canine that most closely resembles a Northwestern wolf, a large feline creature that looks kinda like a puma and a large bird that is similar to nothing you've ever seen before, except perhaps for artists attempting to depict mythical creatures. All three look like they are ready to fight, showing their teeth or claws, their fur or feathers standing upright.

An owl hoots. It's quiet, save for the sound of water falling into the fountain.

((If you are actually interested in learning how the area looks like rather than exploring, then look at this post (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5599581#msg5599581) and the ones that follow.))

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on August 02, 2016, 06:58:23 pm

"A completely inanimate toy plushie of normal size, made of normal materials, at normal velocity as I would define normal.

What, you said throw."

You can't see his smile, but you can feel it. You can hear it in his voice.
"If that is what you want, then OK. Just look up."
You look up, ready to dodge. But nothing's there. When Charlie poofs into existence next to you, it's too late to react. He's already in the air, passing the plushie under his spread legs before dunking it right in your open mouth.
"Ooooh!" he shouts as you fall on the floor, gagging.
"Unbelievable! Did you see that ladies, gentlemen and various other beings? What an amazing dunk from that handsome being of shadowfire! The crowd is going wild! Everyone is chanting his name! _{Charlie! Charlie!} He really is the best! Undefeated champion of the entities!"
He sits back on his chair a bit too forcefully and fistbumps the man sitting with him.
"Undefeated."
"Sure. Aren't I?"
"Keep telling yourself that."
"I'll let that slide because I don't want to ruin the mood."
"I'll let that slide because I liked the way you dealt with that guy. It's fun seeing you angry."
"What you sayin? Charlie is not angry. Charlie is the man. Charlie is winning."
"Keep telling yourself that."
In the meantime, you try to remove the thing from your throat. Good thing you're invincible here.
"By the way, can I have that back now?" he says, addressing you.
"They use it to comfort dying test subjects down at the CDC-run FEMA blacksite on universe 2982, I have to take it back. You understand. Can't let those dying children die alone now, can I?I'm not a monster."

((And if you say your character wouldn't look up, then there's always other ways to corrupt a wish (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14840.0).))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 02, 2016, 06:26:25 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Hm! Bad feelings increasing. Becoming... dare I say it? Ultrabad! I think. Probably best to evacuate for now."

Defensive retreat. Group around the civilians being escorted, defensive formations, try to get clear of the town until the weird feeling lightens up.

You warn the others that something wicked this way comes and start heading back to the gate. Moving away from the centre of the village certainly helps.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 04, 2016, 01:29:29 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 06:32:34 pm

GM: I am not in the mood to play translate the transparent text games through possibly multiple filters. Could you please give me a turn that I as a player can read?

I can't read it either because it's scrambled :P
I think the turn went that as soon as I kicked it open--the time in between your flames and us recognizing the interior = something bad o_o
That means the blank space and your avatar's words mean that your action wasn't taken in that split narrative second, as we have just encountered something important. I hope it is not River in anyway bad. ._.

...Oh wait I didn't see you and Parisbre's two posts there :I

Observation update. WHat's going on for me! D:

I'm sorry Tiruin, but that thing you saw wasn't good for your mind. You're still unconscious.
I mean, you're awake, but your conscious mind isn't working, so you can't really understand or remember what's going on, you can only react instinctively. Don't know if there's anything like that in real life, but it seemed an appropriate effect for the thing you're facing.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 02, 2016, 08:50:00 pm

Thank you. That gave me the information I needed.

---

Of course, here comes the void assault on my mind again. Like with River. This void, this nothingness, it things it is the end of all things? Pathetic.
It is the BEGINNING
I. AM. ME. I AM FROM WHENCE SOMETHING CAME FROM VOID. I AM CREATION. I AM ENERGY FROM NOTHING. I AM THE CORE OF FIRE, CHANGE. I AM MY OWN GREATEST FEAR, AND MY OWN TRUE WEAKNESS. I. AM. ME.
I reaffirm myself to myself, and BRING DOWN MY FLAMES
I am Irine. I am the reincarnating mortal avatar of what I once was. I am what I chose to be, and how I hope to grow. I am that which hopefully will grow to become worthy of the power that I once had, and may out of necessity sieze up once again. I am scared, and small, and I miss my family, but no matter what, no matter the cost, no matter anything at all, I promised that I would push forward. and I will not let anything stop me.
I direct my flames to surround me, to cut off the void that is assaulting me, and to surround the void as well, and begin the process of burning it down.

---

after all, if her mind gets totally scrambled, it kinda makes sense that she'd revert, and recollect herself starting from her core. and she has a signifigant amount of repressed anger and pain to give her fuel for the flames once her limits break.

You did say it was her consious mind that broke. I'm not sure if you thought through what exactly Irine's unconscious mind is like. remember that she literally is flame, and her origins.

Now, see, the problem is that you make some rolls and some things happen but you can't really understand the results, so I can't describe them. D would try to offer some subconscious advice through your link to try and get you to retreat away from the danger to have better chances of regaining your consciousness but since you're focused on strength, anger and destruction (or construction or however else you want to call it) it'd be OOC to accept that. I suppose I could just keep doing this until something changes.
...
Oh, well, here it is. You're not fully conscious but you're starting to get some fragments. There's pain, both in your body and at the back of your mind. You're on your knees and there's screaming nearby. D is asking you to either run away or let him help you. He sounds worried.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 06, 2016, 02:08:49 pm

I move away from the mind-scrambler and attempt to ID the screams. If they're Theri's I'm recollecting my flames near me (not overlapping with myself of course). If they're the monster's then I let it burn, though I do still need to verify that I'm not burning myself.
D will do as he will, his actions are his choice. Mine are mine. I need to be awake, be aware.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2016, 02:10:50 pm

Campaign, Ike!

The Army goes rolling along straight the hell out of the village to what can be loosely described as a safe distance.

Also check on Alan and make sure he's not dead along the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on August 06, 2016, 04:42:09 pm

Alan Returneth

Barren desert ... sun blazing above me ... little kid instincts kicking in ...

I CAST GIANT MAGNIFYING GLASS

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on August 06, 2016, 05:12:12 pm

((Now how did you know I was admiring dieselpunk designs last night?  I'm all about some art deco.))

John, After the End

Hmmm... this'll work.  Now to trick out my ride, here.

Give myself a very brief once-over to make sure I'm "healthy."  Then it's time to customize the stolen vehicle.

Spoiler: Spoilered more for size than secrecy (click to show/hide)

Okay, it can fly already, that's good.  Let's trick it out now.  Here's my list of wants, in priority order:

1.  Weapons systems.  Let's go for some laser cannons and a couple missile racks.  Reloads for them are not a concern; I can just summon more.
2.  Stealth.  Anti-radar angling, ECM, shielded electronics, anything to keep whoever sent that drone off my tail.
3.  Maneuverability.  Probably not much needs to be done here, as I feel the craft is already fairly maneuverable.
4.  Defense.  Let's keep it light, so shielding over armor plating.  A little armor's fine, but maneuverability must not be sacrificed.
5.  Sensor and tracking packages.  I need to be able to find my target(s), and hit them with the weaponry once I find them.

Alternatively, if you'd rather it be vague, any sort of well-armed "black helicopter" concept works well too.

In any case, take the time to make it right.  If this takes more than one turn, so be it.  Do look up every little bit to make sure I'm not being snuck up on.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on August 06, 2016, 06:30:24 pm

((Crap, this situation is getting worse with every turn.))

Saevus, After the End

Jump the gap and get in the elevator. Exchange my current equipment for a BFS (the S stands for Shield, obviously) and hope that my tankiness pulls me through this. Should I manage to get out of this danger zone, execute the plan I had in my previous action.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 06, 2016, 07:33:25 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on August 06, 2016, 04:42:09 pm

Alan Returneth

Barren desert ... sun blazing above me ... little kid instincts kicking in ...

I CAST GIANT MAGNIFYING GLASS

You're not sure you want to do that. You haven't looked up at the sun, but you're pretty sure it's DANGEROUS. If you put glasses on it, it might see you better. It already has those big eyes and that big smile...

Then again, talking to the sun, that might be fun, even if it's dangerous.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 06, 2016, 02:10:50 pm

Campaign, Ike!

The Army goes rolling along straight the hell out of the village to what can be loosely described as a safe distance.

Also check on Alan and make sure he's not dead along the way.

He's not dead. In fact, he looks a bit more alive than last time you checked up on him. Muttering something about the sun needing glasses. The men carrying him and taking care of him reassure you that they'll do the best they can to keep him alive and comfortable.

There's a sudden and very definite drop in whatever effect was coming from the centre of the village. Things feel almost normal again. Well, as close to normal as they could be, anyway.

((Please stand by, because what happens to you might be affected by Irine's and Theri's situation. For now we'll say you continue booking it.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 06, 2016, 02:08:49 pm

I move away from the mind-scrambler and attempt to ID the screams. If they're Theri's I'm recollecting my flames near me (not overlapping with myself of course). If they're the monster's then I let it burn, though I do still need to verify that I'm not burning myself.
D will do as he will, his actions are his choice. Mine are mine. I need to be awake, be aware.

You remember crawling forward. The pain gets overwhelming. You lose consciousness again.
...
I'm sorry girl. I'm doing this for you. I can't let you do-
-temporarily blinded but slowly getting back on your feet. Theri on the other hand appears overwhelmed from her effort and her injuries. She falls on the floor, the orb slipping out of her hand and falling on the marble with a clink.
<Oh, thank that beautiful silver foxgirl, I didn't have to do it.>
You can catch glimpses of the monsters behind the flames, slowly getting up and recovering from their stupor.
<Come on girl, I know it hurts but you have to grab her and get out of here. Before that... that thing comes back.>
You can hear noise coming from inside the pit. Slow, loud thumps. It's coming back up.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on August 06, 2016, 07:54:40 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BErUaLECEAEWH62.jpg)

"GO AWAY NICOLAS CAGE NO ONE LIKES BIRD HAIR"

Fire pre-cooked rotisserie chickens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PJddmfesaA) at the sun to nauseate it and cause it to leave.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 06, 2016, 09:00:28 pm

((note: Irine's colored text with neither quotation marks nor telepathy angle brackets not even she is sure if she's speaking or not. been doing that for the last two posts as well, but didn't think to point out that it was intentional.))
Vind? Theri? I need to move them. Can I move them? I...
I try. I attempt to grab Theri and drag her clear. But I may not be able to move quickly with my physical body. my flames however do NOT have that limit. I burn the monsters down, and once they fall I attack the beast that attacked me. I'm not short ranged.
((remember: Irine is in her hybrid form. even in full-human form she's an adolescent. in hybrid she's an undersized adolescent. Dragging an adult around is NOT easy for her. but right now, she's trusting D and will follow his guidance.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on August 06, 2016, 09:03:41 pm

Try to regain composure. Work on current mission. Willpower advance! ... ?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on August 06, 2016, 10:13:54 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Check my energy. If I'm close to being able to transform, get back in the other room with the rockets and get to the bin of the completed ones. Launch them at my opponent when he enters the room, to buy time. If my energy is far from being enough to transform, then just duck back into the room with the rockets and go through the other door. Keep running.   

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 07, 2016, 02:41:54 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Bah!"

Kosak takes a nice look at the wall he was just slammed against, then starts climbing it, trying to get above the waves.

((He's got something else planned too...))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 06:31:38 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 07, 2016, 02:41:54 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Bah!"

Kosak takes a nice look at the wall he was just slammed against, then starts climbing it, trying to get above the waves.

((He's got something else planned too...))

Displaying superdwarven agility, you are able to reach a good height before the next wave hits. It slams against you once more. You slip and lose your grip but manage to grab a cable and keep yourself from falling too much. You keep climbing, this time managing to reach the roof of the room, where the waves can't reach you.

The waves appear to be becoming more frequent and dying down in intensity.

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 06, 2016, 05:12:12 pm

((Now how did you know I was admiring dieselpunk designs last night?  I'm all about some art deco.))

John, After the End

Hmmm... this'll work.  Now to trick out my ride, here.

Give myself a very brief once-over to make sure I'm "healthy."  Then it's time to customize the stolen vehicle.

Spoiler: Spoilered more for size than secrecy (click to show/hide)

Okay, it can fly already, that's good.  Let's trick it out now.  Here's my list of wants, in priority order:

1.  Weapons systems.  Let's go for some laser cannons and a couple missile racks.  Reloads for them are not a concern; I can just summon more.
2.  Stealth.  Anti-radar angling, ECM, shielded electronics, anything to keep whoever sent that drone off my tail.
3.  Maneuverability.  Probably not much needs to be done here, as I feel the craft is already fairly maneuverable.
4.  Defense.  Let's keep it light, so shielding over armor plating.  A little armor's fine, but maneuverability must not be sacrificed.
5.  Sensor and tracking packages.  I need to be able to find my target(s), and hit them with the weaponry once I find them.

Alternatively, if you'd rather it be vague, any sort of well-armed "black helicopter" concept works well too.

In any case, take the time to make it right.  If this takes more than one turn, so be it.  Do look up every little bit to make sure I'm not being snuck up on.

Well, you're "healthy", in the sense that you can move around and don't appear to be dying. But you're pretty sure that if your suit gets something important damaged or your squishy bits get hit, you won't last very long. You're also not sure about what will happen if you exert yourself. I mean, the suit appears to be aiding your body and reducing the effort you have to put in to do things, but you're no doctor, you're not sure how far that extends considering your injuries.

You try as hard as you can to do something, but nothing happens. Repeatedly. I mean, you're stranding there for about 15 minutes and nothing is happening. You're starting to wonder if you've suddenly lost your ability.

You stop for a break and are in the process of inspecting the vehicle when you notice something new in there. An oscillating energy rising out of one of the machine's "brains" and feeding into one of its antennas. It's transmitting something. You're not sure how long it's been on, you were too focused on trying to pimp your ride.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 06, 2016, 06:30:24 pm

((Crap, this situation is getting worse with every turn.))

Saevus, After the End

Jump the gap and get in the elevator. Exchange my current equipment for a BFS (the S stands for Shield, obviously) and hope that my tankiness pulls me through this. Should I manage to get out of this danger zone, execute the plan I had in my previous action.

((Well, people DID ask for a dangerous arena. The least I can do is make things more dangerous the more attention you attract to yourselves. To be honest, this isn't as dangerous as I thought it would get. I was expecting the city to have been destroyed by now, you're actually doing quite well. Well, for a certain definition of "quite well".))

You jump into the elevator, landing on it with a loud clank, your weight making it fall an inch as you land on it. You turn around, press the button and then kneel behind the thickest shield you can summon. The man with the giant revolver has heard you land and he's taking the shot. His gun clicks and then fires, releasing an appropriately giant muzzle flash from its giant barrel. The projectile hits your shield and explodes into blue fire, the force of the blast shoving you against the wall. You're not hurt. But you're quite disoriented. It takes you a while to realize you're falling down what would had been a perfectly circular shaft if it wasn't for the occasional door passing by, lit by a tiny emergency light.

---

Quote from: Beirus on August 06, 2016, 10:13:54 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Check my energy. If I'm close to being able to transform, get back in the other room with the rockets and get to the bin of the completed ones. Launch them at my opponent when he enters the room, to buy time. If my energy is far from being enough to transform, then just duck back into the room with the rockets and go through the other door. Keep running.   

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You'd say you're close. Just need a bit of extra effort.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 02, 2016, 06:51:35 pm

Centi-Rune pounces off the ladder and immediately descends upon his foe. All organs which are not necessary for surviving around 30 minutes are converted into biomass, and all that biomass is spent on developing massive bony spikes on Centi-Rune's front. Centi-Rune attempts to impale his quarry by landing directly upon him.

Rune falls towards his prey as he is getting up. The moment he lands, he skitters towards his target. Though lightweight, Rune has enough momentum to impale his opponent from behind with one of the chitinous spikes he grew moments earlier. The spike goes through William's chest. He grabs one of those boxes to keep himself from falling. He's having trouble breathing.

Another alarm joins those already sounding throughout the facility, this time joined by flashing orange lights located underneath signs displaying what looks like a caltrop with balls where the spiky bits should be. The sign reads: "Nano-contamination".

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 06, 2016, 07:54:40 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BErUaLECEAEWH62.jpg)

"GO AWAY NICOLAS CAGE NO ONE LIKES BIRD HAIR"

Fire pre-cooked rotisserie chickens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PJddmfesaA) at the sun to nauseate it and cause it to leave.

You throw a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken at a the sun. It leaves. It's dark now. You can hear voices berating you, saying things such as "Oh no! He killed the sun!" and "Why did he do that? What are we going to do now?". Then they start shoving you. You can't see them but you can hear and feel them.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 06, 2016, 09:03:41 pm

Try to regain composure. Work on current mission. Willpower advance! ... ?

Quote from: Lenglon on August 06, 2016, 09:00:28 pm

((note: Irine's colored text with neither quotation marks nor telepathy angle brackets not even she is sure if she's speaking or not. been doing that for the last two posts as well, but didn't think to point out that it was intentional.))
Vind? Theri? I need to move them. Can I move them? I...
I try. I attempt to grab Theri and drag her clear. But I may not be able to move quickly with my physical body. my flames however do NOT have that limit. I burn the monsters down, and once they fall I attack the beast that attacked me. I'm not short ranged.
((remember: Irine is in her hybrid form. even in full-human form she's an adolescent. in hybrid she's an undersized adolescent. Dragging an adult around is NOT easy for her. but right now, she's trusting D and will follow his guidance.))

Your flames lash out against the monsters, balls of fire being drawn out of burning pews, weaving between stone pillars and people curled in the fetal position before reaching the monsters, striking them and burning them before they have a chance to get back on their feet. They resist you, much like the others did, but their resistance is much weaker. You burn them until there's nothing left.

Meanwhile, you make your way to Theri and try to drag her to safety or at least get her away from danger. You help her get on her feet and do your best to support her as you make your way out of the building. You're both hurt and you're not that strong. You're not moving very quickly.

When you reach the entrance, you stop to take a quick glance at your surroundings. The monsters are dead, they never had a chance to recover. The people hidden behind various things are still lying where they were, hidden behind pillars and between pews, not even moving when they got burnt. It's the same for Vind, who's lying bleeding beside the entrance. Whatever affected their minds must have not cleared yet.

<So, this isn't looking so good. Normally I'd suggest you GTFO ASAP, but that would be kind of a dick move to those that helped you. So... are you open to suggestions?>

As for the one that attacked your mind... It comes out of the pit allowing you to take a good look at it through your fire. It's huge and dark, almost radiating darkness. It seems to be unstable, a four legged creature that constantly deforms and reforms as it moves, like melting wax or water sloshing around inside a balloon.

<Because this is really looking like a good time for suggestions.>

You send your fire at it. It seems to be repelling it, constantly pushing it away, forcing you to double your efforts. When the fire gets through, it's just gone. The flames disappear the moment they get close to touching it. It seems to be disliking it though. It wiggles around, the darkness bubbling until it sprouts things resembling a head, wings and a tail. It roars. Its roar causes the earth to shake, small pieces of rock falling from the roof. And its roar is a single hate-filled word, bubbling through the darkness, so distorted to be almost incomprehensible:
Diiiiiiieeeee!

---

Harry Baldman
As you continue your tactical retreat past the walls of the village, the earth starts to shake. Through the rumbling, your keen senses of hearing allow you to identify murderous intent.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2016, 06:47:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

Bugging out continues! Watch out for forming cracks in the ground. Put my ear to the ground at times to listen for safer areas to head to. Evacuate! Evacuate! Evacuate!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on August 17, 2016, 08:05:36 am

"You really do enjoy your games of silly buggers."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 08:30:08 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on August 17, 2016, 08:05:36 am

"You really do enjoy your games of silly buggers."

"Eh. When you're practically immortal, you need to learn to take pleasure in the simple things in life. You'll understand, if you get to live a few million years."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 17, 2016, 08:40:30 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Now for the hard part."

Kosak starts climbing on the ceiling in an attempt to get to above the heart of doom. Alternatively, if there's a trunk nearby him, he climbs to it, and then uses it to get closer to the heart.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 17, 2016, 08:56:58 am

"Burn!"
Hey, he started it.
Introduce him to ALL the flame.
Meanwhile, keep getting distance, since I outrange him. He'll probably ignore the wounded as long as neither I nor they themselves get them involved. I think I can win this shoving match. I have a LOT of fire right now, and more flammables around here to build it up even more.
<What do you have in mind?>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on August 17, 2016, 10:13:22 am

Gaaahhh, where is River when you are alone and need company...what use is my physical value compared to magic!
Would probably be the first thoughts that would come to mind to Theri, if she was aware of her own state at the moment.

Regain composure harder. Initiate wrestling match with whatever is numbing my neurons.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on August 17, 2016, 01:21:02 pm

"hey now that sun was infected and had to be put down Nicolas cage was going to kill me stop shoving me I'm keeping fragile food underneath my shirt"

now too dark. Glow stick time!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 17, 2016, 01:22:23 pm

Centi-Rune consumes his foe, wrapping around the human and stabbing it repeatedly while also nomming it.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on August 17, 2016, 02:48:20 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Force the transformation. Tear him apart with either the transformation or my weapons. If that all fails, initiate meltdown and take him with me.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on August 17, 2016, 04:34:12 pm

Shit.  Lojack.

Quickly see if I can disable this via my ability.  If so, do so.  If not, resort to smashing the antenna with more traditional measures.

If I can disable it, fly not directly away about three km and find another spot to hide.  If I can't, summon a bomb, link it to the door being opened, and run.

If I'm not sure, assume it's not disabled.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 06:31:38 am

((Well, people DID ask for a dangerous arena. The least I can do is make things more dangerous the more attention you attract to yourselves. To be honest, this isn't as dangerous as I thought it would get. I was expecting the city to have been destroyed by now, you're actually doing quite well. Well, for a certain definition of "quite well".))

((If it makes you feel better, I haven't ruled out nuclear booby traps for pursuers.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 18, 2016, 11:43:49 am

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 17, 2016, 10:13:22 am

Gaaahhh, where is River when you are alone and need company...what use is my physical value compared to magic!
Would probably be the first thoughts that would come to mind to Theri, if she was aware of her own state at the moment.

Regain composure harder. Initiate wrestling match with whatever is numbing my neurons.

If River were here, you know what he'd tell you right now. He'd tell you to trust your strength, to do what you think is right and that he'd be right there by your side to support you. That you can do anything as long as you keep fighting. But he is not here now. He left and never came back. And now this giant monster is attacking your friend and you have no idea what to do. You may have regained your consciousness and you can move without aid now, but you still feel weak against a foe like this. You really wish you had asked River or someone else to teach you some magic.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 17, 2016, 08:56:58 am

"Burn!"
Hey, he started it.
Introduce him to ALL the flame.
Meanwhile, keep getting distance, since I outrange him. He'll probably ignore the wounded as long as neither I nor they themselves get them involved. I think I can win this shoving match. I have a LOT of fire right now, and more flammables around here to build it up even more.
<What do you have in mind?>

<Well, you could just burn all the things and hope you can burn it faster than it can eat your fire. Although I bet some of the villagers might disagree with that plan. Then again, I don't think there's any scenario where this doesn't end in horrible destruction. Case in point:>

The monster runs towards you, closing the distance between you in great leaps. It smashes its way through the temple's entrance, sending large pieces of rock flying. It pauses for a moment to let its body reform, as it has been deformed by the impact.

<You could also try to lure it back to emo butterfly. He's acquired some pretty powerful dark powers recently. Maybe he could hold that thing down while you... I dunno. Rip it apart? Starve it to death? I don't know how safe that would be though. Even if you use narrow paths, it could steal catch up to you.>

Indeed. That thing appears to be capable of moving quickly. If those wings allow it to fly, then it could be even more dangerous. You might need to rethink that "run away" plan.

<That thing is also apparently weak against Light magic, as recently demonstrated by foxgirl number two. She also showed us that she's got Light magic and is probably not that powerful or knowledgeable about it. So if you somehow combined your abilities together... I dunno, maybe you could make your fire into a superhot spear and she could somehow infuse it with light? Or maybe you could somehow power her spells, since Fire can apparently fuel other types of magic in this universe? I don't know, I'm just grasping at things here, but if you could do something like that, it could end this fight quickly, before more people get hurt.>

But now it's stunned and in the open. This lets you throw more fire at it from all sides, even as you light more buildings and objects around you on fire.

<Or I could use your power combined with my abilities to attack it. I bet a nice Megaflare would be enough to pop that ugly balloon.>

It doesn't appear to like that at all. It roars and suddenly you are pushed back by a shockwave converging on it, like an explosion in reverse that darkens anything it touches and threatens to extinguish your flames. It seems to be sucking all the fire you throw at it from the front into a growing mass of darkness and distortion in its "mouth", moving its "head" around so that it can get anything close to it. Even from across the plaza, you feel yourself be physically drawn to it. Due to that attraction, it takes you a moment to notice that you actually feel lighter right now.

<Whatever you do, you might want to hurry. Cause I think I've seen that kind of attack before, a few of the Dark's magic users use it. It's prepping a Vortex Detonation. Big exploding projectile, detonates magic, matter and energy it sucks out of its environment, can take out a small building or more, depending on how big it is and how big it gets. Takes half a minute or so to charge though. I think it's trying to remove your flames and kill you in one move. I'd suggest either running and taking cover or somehow interrupting its attack.>

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 17, 2016, 01:21:02 pm

"hey now that sun was infected and had to be put down Nicolas cage was going to kill me stop shoving me I'm keeping fragile food underneath my shirt"

now too dark. Glow stick time!

You wake up. You're feeling really weak. Also a bit violated, as if someone just went around messing with your insides.

You take a look around you. Hmmm... People running through a desert... At sundown... Roars in the distance... Covered in glowsticks... Did you just teleport on the set of Riddick?

Anyway, you're not sure if you should attract attention to yourself. After all, they were nice enough to carry you. That might stop if they realize you're awake.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 17, 2016, 06:47:51 am

Campaign, Ike!

Bugging out continues! Watch out for forming cracks in the ground. Put my ear to the ground at times to listen for safer areas to head to. Evacuate! Evacuate! Evacuate!

You think this might be the wise thing to do. There was a shockwave and you're suddenly feeling a bit lighter. If something is messing with gravity, you don't want to stick around to find out if it's messing with other fundamental forces. You'd like your molecules to stay intact, thankyouverymuch.

There's no visible cracks yet, but you think you can hear cracks forming underground under the combined influence of vibrations and messed up gravity.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 18, 2016, 01:22:47 pm

"Theri! It hates light and light magic! And any matter at all, any energy at all, damages it! It's a thing of void, harmed by all that exists, and harming back in return! Use light magic or dump as much stuff on it as you can!"
This is tug of war. It can absorb stuff all day. I can send fire all day. I send fire slightly faster than it can absorb it, which burns it. It is slowly being burned down over time. But I have no defenses. If it reaches me, I'm dead.
That directional absorption thing is easy enough to handle. I just attack from everywhere it isn't.
I need to focus my efforts on a single part of it, something that it won't handle losing easilly. my preference would be its neck, to stop the absorption thing, but my second pick is its legs, which is much safer to target since they are far from the absorption point, so unless I see an opportunity, the legs are my parimary targets.
if a leg is crippled it won't be able to stand properly, forcing it to fly, and probably interrupting that bomb. and those wings can't be good for it to use. they're thin membranes that rapidly and repeatedly come into contact with very large volumes of air. It probably does itself harm every time it flies, which is why it is trying to stay on the ground. I need to force it into the air, or to get it somewhere I can really cut lose (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestorm).
Keep moving, distance is my friend. I also need to monitor the creature. If it isn't interrupted, and I can't get clear in time, I do have one other option. If I shift to full-fox at exactly the right moment, where I'm in my transitory flame state as the attack hits... maybe... I'd prefer not to do that though, if I manage to put enough stuff between me and it then I'll just keep my tails, which naturally are behind me anyway, between me and it.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on August 18, 2016, 02:15:56 pm

Hmm. Maybe I should prep a teacup.

Stealthily summon a popsicle and suck on it while enjoying being carried.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on August 18, 2016, 03:52:53 pm

Saevus, After the End

So if I read that correctly, whatever that guy fired melted through the floor, yes? If I'm right, discard the shield and summon a sword or an axe. Stab/smash it into the wall and try to stop my fall. Then try to get a nearby door open with the bling-cannon and attempt to get onto a floor.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 19, 2016, 07:27:08 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 17, 2016, 08:40:30 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"Now for the hard part."

Kosak starts climbing on the ceiling in an attempt to get to above the heart of doom. Alternatively, if there's a trunk nearby him, he climbs to it, and then uses it to get closer to the heart.

There is another pulse and the nanofluid around the heart becomes completely still for a moment, before it starts growing thousands of tiny points, rising at the ends of hardened rods, making the bottom of the room look like a giant needlestack, ready to perforate whatever is unlucky enough to fall in it. Well, the heart doesn't appear to be very optimistic about your chances of successfully reaching it. Let's see if you can prove it wrong.

Due to a combination of bad luck and poor planning, you appear to have climbed close to the least climbable part of the roof.

You try as hard as you can, but you don't manage to move forwards for more than a couple of steps before being forced to stop to avoid falling.

The needles start vibrating, moving like wheat in the wind.

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 17, 2016, 04:34:12 pm

Shit.  Lojack.

Quickly see if I can disable this via my ability.  If so, do so.  If not, resort to smashing the antenna with more traditional measures.

If I can disable it, fly not directly away about three km and find another spot to hide.  If I can't, summon a bomb, link it to the door being opened, and run.

If I'm not sure, assume it's not disabled.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 06:31:38 am

((Well, people DID ask for a dangerous arena. The least I can do is make things more dangerous the more attention you attract to yourselves. To be honest, this isn't as dangerous as I thought it would get. I was expecting the city to have been destroyed by now, you're actually doing quite well. Well, for a certain definition of "quite well".))

((If it makes you feel better, I haven't ruled out nuclear booby traps for pursuers.))

((Heh. That would make for a good title. "The revenge of the nuke door" or "Nuke door 2: Nuke harder".))

You disconnect the cord connecting the antenna to the computer, unscrew it and pull it out. That was simple. You then pick up the antenna and notice that there's still energy in it. It's still transmitting. You double check and there is indeed nothing connecting the antenna to the ship. It should be completely inert. But it's transmitting. You consider why that might be for a few moments. And then you realize that that is probably not what's important right now, so you just crush the antenna and shred the cable. If it keeps transmitting after that, then there's probably nothing you can do to stop it, sort of completely vaporizing it.

That done, you board the shuttle (taking a few moments to clear the bloody mess in the cockpit) and fly away. You're in the air for a few moments when the proximity alarm goes off, warning you about an "Obstacle! Obstacle!" with a voice that somehow manages to sound both urgent, monotonous and annoying at the same time. For a moment, you think it might have been damaged, as you can't see anything out there. You flip on the lights and sure enough, there's nothing but bugs out there. A second later, you notice that one of those mosquitoes actually looks a bit bigger than it should be. And it keeps getting larger.
...
Oh. So that's a thing then?

---

Quote from: Beirus on August 17, 2016, 02:48:20 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Force the transformation. Tear him apart with either the transformation or my weapons. If that all fails, initiate meltdown and take him with me.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 17, 2016, 01:22:23 pm

Centi-Rune consumes his foe, wrapping around the human and stabbing it repeatedly while also nomming it.

Before William can react, Rune attempts to stab him again. However, given that his stabbing part is close to his head and he's really not that strong, his attack doesn't manage to do much.

William on the other hand, has just the thing. And by thing I mean a bunch of bones and tentacles shooting out of his body. Rune is pinned against the wall by the mass of tentacles. They start squeezing his body, crushing parts of it. However, William's transformation is starting to look a bit unstable. He's starting to throw green lighting bolts around and his weapons are growing all over the place, shooting off in random directions. This might not end well for anyone involved if it hits one of those boxes.

Meanwhile, a clearly automated announcement is informing then that nano-contamination has been detected and that automated containment and cleansing has been initiated on sector D4.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 18, 2016, 03:52:53 pm

Saevus, After the End

So if I read that correctly, whatever that guy fired melted through the floor, yes? If I'm right, discard the shield and summon a sword or an axe. Stab/smash it into the wall and try to stop my fall. Then try to get a nearby door open with the bling-cannon and attempt to get onto a floor.

You summon and axe and try to use it as a hook, to decelerate yourself. And it works. Perhaps it works a bit too well, as the moment the axe hits the shaft's wall, it's yanked out of your hands.
<I bet he couldn't handle the ax-eleration.>
<Be careful, with comments like that, he might have an axe to grind when he gets back.>
<Nah. There's no reason to go axe-crazy over a simple joke like that.>
<You should give those terrible jokes the axe and let us get back on the action>
<Hehe. Look at him, he can't wait to have another look at Saevus' shaft.>
<One more out of you and I'll give you the shaft and have a vote on muting you.>
<Now we see the violence inherent in the system.>

You try again, this time dragging a sword against the walls of the shaft. Unfortunately, this is a rather large shaft, so all that accomplishes is to push you towards the wall. So you compensate by summoning a second sword and using it on the opposite side. This time it works. You start slowing down, at the same time digging your swords progressively deeper into the walls, until you reach a complete stop. You stab your swords deeper into the walls to anchor yourself, just to be safe.

Now that you're no longer moving, you notice that there are numbers next to each door. This one reads "003". Huh. Looks like you were just in time. Then again, it looks like this tube keeps going well below 0, so maybe things weren't really that pressing.

Now for the hard part. Blast a door while holding on with one hand. On a single sword that you are not really sure about whether or not it can support your weight. ... Maybe you should had summoned something like a double-edged sword-staff. Sure, it's probably silly to use in regular combat, but you bet it makes a very nice anchor.

You blast the door. It dents severely, letting light flood into the shaft through the gap in its middle. You feel your sword slipping. You suddenly wish it wasn't so sharp. Well, no time to waste. You put your legs against the wall and push as hard as you can just as the sword slips the rest of the way out. You smash through the doors and slam into a well lit but particularly dirty lobby. And by dirty I mean there's dirt everywhere, covering the floor, with the occasional green moss-like thing growing in it.

A man and a woman wearing dirty work clothes are next to you, holding a cart, staring at you dumbfounded. You stare back. They flinch. You start getting up. They slide their cart the rest of the way into their service elevator as quickly as they can. You can hear one of them frantically and repeatedly pressing one of the elevator's buttons.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Coolrune206 on August 19, 2016, 08:14:35 pm

Rune immediately uses his biomass to develop wings. He then sheds any extra mass, converting his body into a far sleeker form, turning himself into something more akin to a dragonfly. He attempts to get the hell out of that room, spitting one last bit of acid at his foe before legging it.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on August 19, 2016, 08:38:00 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Enclose my opponent in the mass of tentacles and weapons. Try to destroy him through any means necessary, whether through weapons or constriction. Keep charging.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 19, 2016, 10:23:31 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"No bloody fair! How am I supposed to hit you now!"

By hitting the trunks attached to it. Simple enough: Kosak climbs to the nearest trunk attached to the heart and starts hitting it.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2016, 10:24:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Utilize my tremorsense to lead the Army of the People to relative safety!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on August 20, 2016, 03:49:05 am

Quote from: Irine on August 18, 2016, 01:22:47 pm

"Theri! It hates light and light magic! And any matter at all, any energy at all, damages it! It's a thing of void, harmed by all that exists, and harming back in return! Use light magic or dump as much stuff on it as you can!"[...]

Theri felt her head tilt to the side in confusion, as if the sounding 'ticking' hand of a grandfather clock moved another second.
I don't think I can do magic here?
"Alright, dumping stuff!"

Get something big, or easily and effectively throwable, and throw it at the enemy!
Ponder if I had a sling and some stones instead. :I

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on August 20, 2016, 08:42:07 am

John, After the End

Oh damn it.

Does this thing have weapons?

If it has good weaponry, then let's engage the thing while trying to dodge shots.  If it has no or wimpy weapons, do not engage; just run and try to get away.

As I don't think I can get away, also summon a time bomb.  The plan if I can't get away is to fake surrender by stopping and hovering, then when they approach bail and use the hang glider trick again to drift away while the bomb takes out both craft.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on August 21, 2016, 05:35:21 pm

Saevus, After the End

Ignore the two. Conceal (well, as much as a 3 meter tall suit of armor can conceal itself) myself somewhere on this floor and try to recharge myself with ambient mana. If possible, try to reconnect some of my runes. I probably got some blood on me, it might work as a makeshift way of repairing them. I remember that there's a bullet or something stuck in my shoulder, so try to get it out as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on August 21, 2016, 10:26:07 pm

will be unable to post for 3-4 weeks.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on August 21, 2016, 11:58:49 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 21, 2016, 10:26:07 pm

will be unable to post for 3-4 weeks.

Can you leave orders for me to fill in? :-X I'd hope to at least go along Irine's character, but in any indecision--I'd follow Parisbre auto'ing her.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on September 10, 2016, 01:00:56 am

back...
I thought I'd have missed something.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on September 10, 2016, 01:09:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 10, 2016, 01:00:56 am

back...
I thought I'd have missed something.

Alan left the pizza pockets in the oven in some random house in his native dimension before he got nabbed by Rhymerer. They're probably burning if they haven't burnt the house down by now.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on September 16, 2016, 01:13:38 am

((So, to explain why Irine isnt inclined to ask D for help: D is a mental presence inside her, not a physical one. Irine's flames are not actually a mental power. they are a physical one. they are a physical part of herself and she moves them as limbs, not as an act of will or thought. all her fire actions are physical ones. to her, letting D influence her flames would be like letting someone put their hand over your mouse hand while youre playing a shooter, and them trying to aim and/or click the mouse for you. its only useful if they saw something you didnt, and even then simply pointing it out would work better. Irine doesnt think D CAN help her here unless he tries to manifest his OWN powers through her body, which would not be worth it. her body is already strained for the fight, better to use her remaining strength herself, unless he has some super-attack that is extra effective vs this thing...

Im not sure why this thing is pushing against her though. her flames can overlap and intensify, and it can only slow them, not stop them. its own efforts to slow her fires should be making them more concentrated and intense, and simply being in the area of that much intense fire should be cooking it alove. hell, its body should be igniting simply from being NEAR that much heat. Fire doesnt need direct hits, in fact a near-miss does almost full dmg. both me and Irine are simply counting on the high damage over time value of her flames to take this thing out, and her other actions are just buying time for the fire's damage over time multipliers (as something heats, it takes more and more dmg from its own high temp, fire hits harder for every moment its burning until it runs out of fuel. every tirn this fight lasts the beast takes more dmg from fire than the last.) to add up and it to lose functionality.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on September 16, 2016, 08:37:28 am

((That poll is faulty, it needs octarine.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on September 16, 2016, 08:39:54 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 08:30:08 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on August 17, 2016, 08:05:36 am

"You really do enjoy your games of silly buggers."

"Eh. When you're practically immortal, you need to learn to take pleasure in the simple things in life. You'll understand, if you get to live a few million years."

"Ah, who wants to live forever?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2016, 06:39:39 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on September 16, 2016, 08:39:54 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 17, 2016, 08:30:08 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on August 17, 2016, 08:05:36 am

"You really do enjoy your games of silly buggers."

"Eh. When you're practically immortal, you need to learn to take pleasure in the simple things in life. You'll understand, if you get to live a few million years."

"Ah, who wants to live forever?"

"I do. Like an ambitious man once said, I plan to live forever or die trying. I mean, what's there beyond life? It's not like there's any afterlife there, trust me, I know what I'm talking about. Well, not any afterlife I would enjoy, anyway. The land of the living is much more interesting. Ah. Such a long time and there's still so many things left to do. Worlds to see, worlds to conquer, people to meet, people to kill... It feels like yesterday when I was a mere mortal like you. Well, not like you, I was better, but you know... comparable."
<Wow. You reeeally believe you're a big great man, don't you?>
"No, of course not. I don't believe. I am great."

---

Quote from: Toaster on August 20, 2016, 08:42:07 am

John, After the End

Oh damn it.

Does this thing have weapons?

If it has good weaponry, then let's engage the thing while trying to dodge shots.  If it has no or wimpy weapons, do not engage; just run and try to get away.

As I don't think I can get away, also summon a time bomb.  The plan if I can't get away is to fake surrender by stopping and hovering, then when they approach bail and use the hang glider trick again to drift away while the bomb takes out both craft.

Does ramming count as a weapon? I would guess not.

So once more you do the reasonable thing. You set the vehicle to hover low above a bunch of buildings that kinda remind you of abandoned gas stations. You use your ability to activate its autopilot, jump out and take your armoured suit the hell out of there. But not before you leave a little present behind.

Your weight lets you punch through the fragile roof and into the abandoned building. The building is empty, stripped of anything important years ago. It might have been a restaurant once or some sort of store, you don't know. You hide behind a counter and watch the rising ship. You try to be quiet. There is quiet all around you. You watch from the darkness, with only the sound of your voice and the purring of your engine to keep you company.

Suddenly, the lights of your vehicle darken and start twisting around when something hits it. You can't see clearly from here, the thing is quite dark, with a bit of bright spots. It attaches itself to your vehichle and after a few seconds it starts ripping it apart, opening it like a tincan. It doesn't look like they were interested in capturing you, at least not alive, because you're pretty sure you couldn't survive what it's doing to it right now. That's when the bomb explodes, lighting up the sky for a few moments like a firework. Whatever it was that attacked you, it doesn't look like it survived.

Looks like everything turned out OK. Except for you now being minus one vehicle.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on August 21, 2016, 05:35:21 pm

Saevus, After the End

Ignore the two. Conceal (well, as much as a 3 meter tall suit of armor can conceal itself) myself somewhere on this floor and try to recharge myself with ambient mana. If possible, try to reconnect some of my runes. I probably got some blood on me, it might work as a makeshift way of repairing them. I remember that there's a bullet or something stuck in my shoulder, so try to get it out as well.

The elevator closes and departs with a ding. You move on, exploring the area beyond the lobby.

It looks like this low the tower gets quite larger. There are vast corridors here, many of them filled with great plastic pipes or bundles of wires the size of your arm. Several rooms are dark (save for a few banks of indicator lights) and filled with machinery and their noise, pumps pumping, filters filtering, fans... fanning? But the bulk of the area has been converted into great gardens, a small jungle of fruits and vegetables lit by extremely bright artificial light. Parts of it are being sprayed by water, creating small rainbows. Good thing you're not human. You bet this area would be unbearably hot and humid if you were.

There's a few guys here, but they run away the moment they see you walking around, covered in blood. You find a thick and tall group of bushes and hide inside it. Your unusual glowing metal skin makes hiding in the light actually preferable to hiding in the dark. Once there, you start working on repairs. You try your best but after a lot of effort, all you've managed to do is remove most of the shrapnel in you. It's not much, but it should at least let you move a bit better and prevent them doing any more harm. At least you've managed to recharge and replenish your supplies, so that's something. This place has a pleasant if a bit turbulent supply of ambient magical energies.

You hear the lobby elevator arrive with a ding. A few moments later, there's the sound of heave footsteps walking down the hall.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 19, 2016, 10:23:31 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

---

"No bloody fair! How am I supposed to hit you now!"

By hitting the trunks attached to it. Simple enough: Kosak climbs to the nearest trunk attached to the heart and starts hitting it.

You swing on the spot and then, when you feel you've got good enough momentum, you jump. You land on the nearest trunk, slip on the bits of nanofluid left on it and almost fall off. You manage to hold and slowly pull yourself up. And not a moment too soon. Just as you pull yourself up, the needles below you shoot up, getting embedded in the ceiling and the nearby trunks.

<Oh. Nice moves. I really thought it was going to get you there.>

Safe for now, you start punching the trunk you're standing on, creating a big hole in it and making it sag dangerously as it leaks the fluid inside it. It's getting hard to balance on it.

<... I take that back.>

The spikes above you appear to be melting, drops of liquefied material slowly sliding on them and gathering towards their bottom.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on August 19, 2016, 08:14:35 pm

Rune immediately uses his biomass to develop wings. He then sheds any extra mass, converting his body into a far sleeker form, turning himself into something more akin to a dragonfly. He attempts to get the hell out of that room, spitting one last bit of acid at his foe before legging it.

Quote from: Beirus on August 19, 2016, 08:38:00 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Enclose my opponent in the mass of tentacles and weapons. Try to destroy him through any means necessary, whether through weapons or constriction. Keep charging.

Rune shapechanges out of the grip of his opponent's anchors, at the same time transforming into a flying insectoid creature.
"Ha! You thought that was enough to trap the great-"
He is cut off as he is immediately zapped by a stream of green energy that makes his body spasm as if hit by a taser.
"H-Ha! It-t will t-take m-more t-than t-that t-to-"
Rune is immediately smashed by a giant tentacle and sent flying into one of the walls of the room.
"Ha! I am... still alive! Despite this... minor-"
A final strike squishes Rune against the wall. William goes the extra mile and makes sure to squish him extra hard, just to make sure there's nothing left.

"Ouch. That hurt."

Meanwhile, the voice in speakers says that lockdown is now in effect and that all personnel have 2 minutes to either find safety or make their peace with themselves, their god, their gods, the force, Andre the giant and/or any other higher powers they may believe in.

None of the live ammo in the room has been detonated by all the energy flying around. Not yet, anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2016, 06:44:05 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 18, 2016, 01:22:47 pm

"Theri! It hates light and light magic! And any matter at all, any energy at all, damages it! It's a thing of void, harmed by all that exists, and harming back in return! Use light magic or dump as much stuff on it as you can!"
This is tug of war. It can absorb stuff all day. I can send fire all day. I send fire slightly faster than it can absorb it, which burns it. It is slowly being burned down over time. But I have no defenses. If it reaches me, I'm dead.
That directional absorption thing is easy enough to handle. I just attack from everywhere it isn't.
I need to focus my efforts on a single part of it, something that it won't handle losing easilly. my preference would be its neck, to stop the absorption thing, but my second pick is its legs, which is much safer to target since they are far from the absorption point, so unless I see an opportunity, the legs are my parimary targets.
if a leg is crippled it won't be able to stand properly, forcing it to fly, and probably interrupting that bomb. and those wings can't be good for it to use. they're thin membranes that rapidly and repeatedly come into contact with very large volumes of air. It probably does itself harm every time it flies, which is why it is trying to stay on the ground. I need to force it into the air, or to get it somewhere I can really cut lose (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestorm).
Keep moving, distance is my friend. I also need to monitor the creature. If it isn't interrupted, and I can't get clear in time, I do have one other option. If I shift to full-fox at exactly the right moment, where I'm in my transitory flame state as the attack hits... maybe... I'd prefer not to do that though, if I manage to put enough stuff between me and it then I'll just keep my tails, which naturally are behind me anyway, between me and it.

Quote from: Tiruin on August 20, 2016, 03:49:05 am

Quote from: Irine on August 18, 2016, 01:22:47 pm

"Theri! It hates light and light magic! And any matter at all, any energy at all, damages it! It's a thing of void, harmed by all that exists, and harming back in return! Use light magic or dump as much stuff on it as you can!"[...]

Theri felt her head tilt to the side in confusion, as if the sounding 'ticking' hand of a grandfather clock moved another second.
I don't think I can do magic here?
"Alright, dumping stuff!"

Get something big, or easily and effectively throwable, and throw it at the enemy!
Ponder if I had a sling and some stones instead. :I

Irine pulls her fire back to keep the creature's attack from absorbing it, concentrating it in large masses above the plaza to give her time to prepare her own attack. She puts them as high as she dares with the monster's turbulent influence disrupting her magic. Meanwhile, Theri quickly searches her surroundings for something to throw or otherwise use to hurt the giant monster without getting too close.

Irine splits the masses of fire in pairs and then launches them towards the monster in streams twisting around each other, using the help of distance, gravity and even the monster's vortex attack to accelerate the streams as much as she can, while at the same time making it hard to defend from all of them and predict where they come from. The monster tries to absorb the attacks but it can't get all of them. The attacks are massive enough that they actually manage to reach its dark semi-amorphous body, burning large holes in it. While it might not have hit anything important, it was still quite damaging. The monster flinches, taking a step back, wobbling as its body deforms, but it manages to continue charging its attack. It is then, as the monster struggles to maintain its balance and its attack, that Theri gets in close for her strike.

Theri strikes at its exposed neck with a gigantic stone sword she took from an equally large statue (after apologizing to whatever gods or ancestors she might be offending). While hardly a good weapon, it is enough to get the job done. It cuts through the shadowy substance of the monster like a stick through mud, but this is a very large and heavy stick being pushed by a very strong woman. The creature's head falls to the ground and its attack disappears inside it with a muffled fwoomp, while at the same time what's left of the sword crumbles to dust, leaving only a stone handle. Theri looks at the handle for half a second before throwing it at the monster and running away.

The cut off head squirms and shrinks like a balloon. This might be an apt analogy, for as it shrinks hands, paws and silently screaming heads can been seen surfacing from it. They struggle as if they're trapped beneath a membrane or sack, trying to break free. The rest of the monster doesn't appear to be very happy about being hurt. And now that it is no longer focusing on charging its attack and defending itself, it is much faster. It quickly shrinks and reshapes itself into a smaller version of itself, letting out a roar at the same time.

Mine!

It quickly twists around and pounces towards Theri, who was in the process of running away. Irine shouts a warning and tries to attack the monster, but she doesn't have a lot of fire nearby, having recently spent a large chunk of it on the monster and using the rest to replenish her supplies. The monster uses its wings to glide through the air, the wings leaving behind them particles of dark smoke as they dissolve. It uses them to reach Theri in a single leap. Theri manages to avoid being smashed by the monster's pounce. But a moment later the monster turns around and slams her with its tail, sending Theri flying through the air in a cloud of dark smoke. Her short flight ends when she crashes through a wooden window and gets smashed against a wall. She spends several seconds gasping on the floor after literally having the wind knocked out of her. She falls unconscious a few moments later.

The monster has had its tail cut in half from the strike, as the part that hit Theri vaporized on impact. It turns around and spends several seconds consuming what little is left of it, making it part of its body again.

By now its former head has completely dissolved, leaving behind a dark lupine and two dark humanoids holding a sword and a shield. While the humanoids struggle to get up, the lupine creature quickly gets back on its feet. After howling, its distorted voice in tune with the monster's roar, it charges at Irine, who is by now running through the streets, trying to get  distance between her and the monster while replenishing her flames. Irine sends a single stream at it, trying to waste as little of her fire and her strength as possible. She manages to incinerate two of the newly spawned monsters with a single attack and then keeps running.

The monster takes a moment to growl at the remaining humanoid, causing it to follow it instead of going to investigate the building Theri was thrown into. And then the giant monster leaps into the air and charges after Irine, crossing great distance with each bound.

All mine!
<Oh, just shut up and die you damn katamari rip-off!>

Irine tries to hit it while it's in the air to use its speed against it, but her attacks cause little damage and don't slow it down at all. The monster leaps again, clearly intent on landing on her. She runs towards a narrow side street, hoping it will be too large to follow. She can feel the ground tremble behind her. She can feel the monster's oppressive influence weighing down on her on top of the burden of her injuries. And as she dives into the narrow passage, she feels the creature's pseudo-mouth snapping on one of her tails, its sticky texture pulling her back and causing her to lose her balance. The monster snaps at her again, slowly elongating its neck to try to get its head closer to Irine, but she manages to hit its neck with enough fire to dissuade it from going in further.

She wastes no time getting up and running away again. The monster wastes no time either, jumping on the roofs above her and trying to reach her with its head. The fire-damaged buildings it lands on can't stand its weight, sending debris down on Irine but also slowing down the monster as its legs get trapped in holes. Irine is forced to stop when a support beam slams down in front of her. She's about to jump over it when the monster lands in front of her atop a mound of stone, evaporating shadow mixing with swirling dust and ashes.

Irine turns around and starts running the other way. The monster takes a moment to reform itself and suppress the bulges appearing on its 'skin'. When it is ready, it opens its mouth and inhales, sucking the surrounding dust and enlarging its head like a pufferfish. It then exhales, sending a stream of darkness at Irine. She tries to take cover behind the debris, but the cloud still engulfs her. It hits her like a million tiny icicles and sends her on the ground. She tries to get up and keep running, but her body feels weak. The monster takes a moment to prepare and begins summoning another Vortex Detonation. While quite weaker than the one it tried to use before, this one is also much closer to her. Close enough that it starts dragging her towards the monster's open mouth.

Irine grabs the remains of a wall and tries to hold on as best as she can while hitting the monster with everything she has managed to blindly gather by that point. She manages to hit the monster from behind with a massive stream, causing its attack to stop. The creature convulses and deforms. Its head undulates, vomiting more dark humanoid forms. The one armed with the sword also approaches from the other side of the street. She tries to summon her reserves, but on their own they are too few to make a difference, barely enough to kill two of the monsters. She tries to dodge but she's too slow. One of them grabs her and bites her. Another stabs her with its sword and the tip of the blade emerges from her chest. Her weakness and the creatures' aura darkens her vision. Their attacks stop as the monster steps closer to her, still larger than her despite its height being reduced further. She is feeling like it is staring right at her. That is the last of her memories before she is consumed by the darkness.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 18, 2016, 02:15:56 pm

Hmm. Maybe I should prep a teacup.

Stealthily summon a popsicle and suck on it while enjoying being carried.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 19, 2016, 10:24:21 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Utilize my tremorsense to lead the Army of the People to relative safety!

From far away, the fighting looks... uncertain. Like a fireworks display that keeps on going just when you think it's over. Flames appear in the air, swirl and disappear. The air distorts as dark implosions travel through it. Clouds of dust rise and fall. It doesn't take long for it to end though. One final stream of fire flies in the air and then nothing. The flames are extinguished. Everything is quiet as the sun disappears beneath the horizon.

Ike supposes that this might be for the best. No more combat probably means no more tremors, meaning no more cumbling earth and running away. But it probably also means that he's the only one left from the team who's in any state to do anything, everyone else being either dead or lost in more ways than one. That would certainly make the future quite uncertain. But for now he keep getting further away. Just a bit more for good measure, in case there's more terrible things about to happen. Alan, meanwhile, blissfully sucks on his popsicle, feeling quite better. It's as if he crossed some invisible threshold while being carried away and now that weakness he was feeling has subsided. He still feels pretty bad when he tries to move (or do anything really) due to his serious injuries, but at least he can enjoy sucking his popsicle while watching the fireworks show.

That's when the fireworks show decides to put on an encore, trying to top off all of its previous performance. It does that by a blindingly brilliant stream of light that causes Alan to close his eyes to protect them (not that it helps, he can see the light through them). The ones carrying him topple as the earth trembles. The shockwave hits them a second later, a high pitched tone beyond the edge of hearing that transforms into a rumble and hits like a punch, weakened only by a hastily created shield of darkness. Much like the others, Alan coughs. Then he blinks, trying to clear the afterimage from his eyes so that he can see what has got everyone gasping and speechless. His only solace in those moments is that he landed on the soft bodies of others and that he still has his popsicle.

It takes him a moment to realise what he's seeing when his eyes finally regain their ability to see. A part of the town is just gone, replaced by glowing red and surrounded by short mounds of dirt and debris pushed away by the shockwave. It's as if the earth was split in half. The slowly fading glow on the ground goes on for long enough that you are uncertain if it disappears because it run out of power or because the earth's curvature sent it "up" and away from the ground. Above it, the dwindling glow illuminates a fading mushroom cloud against the darkening sky. Around the town, the earth is cracked, poor old mother earth too abused to be maintain her skin smooth and unwrinkled. Overall, it's probably a good thing this wasn't anywhere near him. At the very least, it would probably give him a very bad sunburn.

Alan breaks the silence by pulling the popsicle out of his mouth while sucking it, causing a pop loud enough to be heard even with everyone's ears still ringing.
Cool. So what now?

---

The last few days passed quickly for Ike. Being the only one left alive and well can have that effect, he supposes. Well, not the only one, some of the villagers may have died, but the rest are also alive and well. Some more well than others. Good thing too. They've certainly been helpful. Quick to offer their assistance with anything he asked of them.

When he returned into town after the incident, he was heralded as a hero, leading his little militia group in search of survivors to rescue and monsters to slay. The monsters turned out to be the easiest of the two problems, having been affected and made sluggish by whatever occurred. His abilities and the glow that seemed to linger in the air for a while after the incident helped him find them in the darkness. Finding the people trapped beneath rubble, that took more effort. If it weren't for his special skills, the death toll would certainly be much higher. The fact that the part of the town they had evacuated was close to where the incident occurred also helped. So it is no surprise that everyone is grateful to them for saving their friends and loved ones (some even went as far as nominate him as the replacement for the position of captain of the guard that was made vacant during the recent events).

Well, almost everyone. There was a small minority that accused him and the others of causing this mess in the first place, but the majority ignored them. It's not like they had any evidence to accuse him with, only wild theories and speculation. And hey, nobody has tried to kill him yet, so he must be doing something right. Perhaps it's because he has kept his requests mostly reasonable.

The same cannot be said about Alan. Even as injured as he was, he was asking (and is still asking) for the satisfaction of whatever whim strikes him at the moment. And then tries to summon whatever he believes he needs to satisfy that whim with various degrees of success and collateral damage. As he usually does, Ike reasons. Good thing Ike requested a private room for Alan's recovery.

Still, people don't seem to mind too much. Most everyone was smart enough to keep their distance from him once word about his antics got around. Which didn't take long. Ike's militiamen were quick to spread tales of the group's glorious activities and embellish them over campfires and empty flagons of ale. Lately he's been good enough to start walking around though, meaning the distance people should keep from him has started increasing.

The villagers also appear to have a strange fascination with him and his ability, especially when he summons food, especially exotic (for them) food. From what he gathers, the food shortage isn't so bad around here, but food's still something that they prize greatly. To them, it's like someone got the ability to summon gold. Ok, maybe not gold, but maybe one of those somewhat expensive geodes. Heh. One of the poor fools even offered his daughter's hand in marriage to him, if he would stay with them. That was a good laugh.

Oh, related, they also found out that he actually can summon gold items with the proper amount of concentration. That got everyone in a frenzy, until they figured out that the items he summons tend to have a variable time to live. They exist from a few seconds to several days, but many of them tend to fade out overtime or abruptly pop out of existence. Hm. Wonder what that means about the food he summons. If it disappears after being consumed, that would either make it the ultimate low calorie meal or very bad for one's health. Or both. Still, both him and the villagers who consumed his food are all fine for now, so there's probably no cause for alarm. If they ever come to question the healthiness of his food, he'd like them to come to that conclusion with no help of his. And hey, if they're really lucky, the only way they'll find out about the dangers of food is through cholesterol.

Whatever the case may be, the villagers certainly don't have time to think about it, not with the state their village is in. Whatever weird magical stuff happened there left the earth cracked and toppled the less reinforced buildings, even set a few fires. Entire sections of the ground have risen out of the earth and shifted position, leading to several buildings leaning dangerously. Many are left without homes or with homes too dangerous to live in, leading many of them to camping outside or crowding into whatever building still stands. Despite that, one of their first orders of business, after covering their basest needs, was to conduct a ceremony for the departed. With their clergy dead, it fell to the religious and those good with words to perform the ceremony. While a few moving words were said, the people appeared mostly numb. Not even sad. More like they've either not fully realized what's going on yet or have completely given up caring. The bodies of those dead that could be recovered were ceremoniously burned, while a few small hot air balloons were sent to the sky for those who could not be found. The remains however presented a problem. The catacombs under their temple were destroyed along with the temple itself, so their remains were taken to the basement of a house converted to a place of worship, until they can be put in a proper catacomb and given the proper spells and blessings.

The catacombs also presented a mystery. Close to the bottom of the strip of vaporized earth where the temple and its catacombs used to be, there is a hole, going straight down. What's weirder is the shape of the hole. It looks as if somebody took an orbitoclast that could make whatever it touches with its tip cease to exist and then stabbed the ground a few million times at semi-random directions, giving it a very fayed appearance, like worn fabric. And as if that wasn't weird enough, at the bottom of the hole there is a sword, covered in flames, stabbed into the black stone floor surrounding it. That was one of the arguments those accusing their group used, that they actually caused all this mess to steal that thing... whatever it is. The villagers sure aren't eager to find out. They have put a short wall around it so that nobody accidentally falls in the hole and covered it with wooden beams and stone to make a crude barrier, making it look kinda like a giant well. While there are people supposedly standing watch there to alert others of any developments and prevent people from disturbing it, they often give in to the temptation to stare into the hole and wander about its mystery or let others come closer and take a peek.

It is close to that place, as the sun begins to set that something happens to break Ike's routine. First said routine was search rescue (with occasional breaks for combat), then it was talking, explaining and negotiating, now it's mostly patrolling and investigating things (with occasional breaks when people come to him with questions or requests). Ike keeps doing his rounds as the mayor asked him to do, mostly to stay on his good side until he can... well, he's not really sure. Until he figures out what to do next, he guesses. And he knows he needs to stay on his good side. Because he can see the fear hidden beneath the admiration and respect in their eyes in him more clearly than the others.

His rounds are supposed to keep the villagers calm and feeling safe. With most of the local law enforcement gone, every bit of help is important. And with his abilities and his reputation, Ike is equal to many men. He's found that his presence alone is enough to end disputes. And there's always the occasional disturbance he has to investigate, that almost always turns out to be a rat or a rock beetle (or someone with a really upset stomach that one time).

He supposes his weird sword helps. He can't put the thing in a scabbard without shredding it, he can't even hold it close to himself from fear of getting injured by a stray "shift" of the blades, so he's forced to walk around with it whenever there's trouble around. He can't even stab the thing in something and leave it there for more than a few minutes, the thing keeps shifting and eventually falling down or getting buried further in. Even stone eventually gives way to it. If he left it there he bets it would keep going until it reached China... or whatever's on the other side of this world. Whenever he needs to leave the sword, he has to carefully get it wedged or tied up somewhere by the hilt, since it is the only part that doesn't regularly shift. He supposes he could make some sort of custom cone-shaped scabbard for it, but he hasn't had time to make one yet and he's not really sure if he should ask Alan for one.

Anyway, it's close to the end of the day when the healer's assistant, a girl called Alba Varden, walks up to him, moving with haste.
"Sir." she says, slightly out of breath.
Ike makes a polite nod in return.
"What is it Alba? Alan got himself into trouble again?"
Her visit is nothing surprising, she's been the one reporting to him for anything that concerns him. Which was mostly Alan doing something irresponsible and/or getting himself hurt and her asking him to do something about it. Actual work-related conversations such as searching for healing ingredients (or convincing one of his militiamen that he actually needed healing that one time) was actually a nice break.
"No, it's-" she shakes her head and swallows.
"You asked us to report on any changes to her status. And she... she woke up. It was only for a few minutes before we had to sedate her..."
Hmm... Not surprising, considering the state she was in. When Ike thinks about where he found her and the state she was in, he's honestly surprised she's still alive.
"But master Oftaia says she's getting better and that-"
"Take me to her and wake her up. I need to speak to her."
Finally. Time to get some answers.

---

One of Ike's first goals after returning to the town was to reach the healer's house. Without someone to take care of the wounded (proper care, not the "field dressings" his men were giving them) rescuing them would do little good. When he arrived at the building, he was surprised to find anyone in there still alive. The place appeared to have been under heavy attack, with drag marks on the walls and heavily barricaded windows smashed to pieces. But there was only a single monster outside and that was taken care of quickly. From what he learned afterwards, the monsters that were laying siege to the place were distracted by Irine's fires and run off towards them. Much like Ike, she too is considered by many to be a hero, some even going as far to say she was sent by their gods of fire and light.

The healer himself (one "master" Ghios Oftaia) also had a part to play in keeping his home safe. As Ike learned, he was not as defenseless as his profession could lead one to believe. Which makes sense. Potion is a letter away from poison for a good reason. And gauze makes for a very nice Molotov cocktail fuse. Not that his combat abilities mattered much to Ike. What mattered to him was that he did a good job and treated everyone without prejudice, so long as they let him work in peace.

Which was a bit of a problem, as Ike had certain requests he did not like and Alan is a known enemy of peace. While Alan was his primary concern, Ike did insist on private rooms for everyone while the healer insisted that only those with a real need should receive them. But finally Alan, along with his group's... non-standard characteristics were enough to cause him to concede it would perhaps be best to afford his group some protection and isolation. Which was going to come in handy now. It would be best if this conversation was held in private.

Ike and Alba reach their destination as the sky continues to darken and torches begin being lit. People are moving about in the tents and buildings surrounding the healer's house, one of the more active areas of the town. Some volunteering, others staying close to aid or their loved ones, some using this opportunity to barter their goods. They must have caught some animal. There's the smell of burning meat in the air.

"Are you certain about this? She is still weak and confused-"
"No. But as I've already explained to you, it is necessary."
Ike did spend a considerable chunk of his journey doing just that.
"Perhaps if we waited for master Oftaia to return-"
"Just wake her up and leave the room. I'll call you if I need you."
Before he has a chance to intervene and delay this further. Or wake her up when he isn't there to ensure she doesn't say anything that would result in her getting fire-punched and them getting thrown out of town. He can always make an excuse to escape Oftaia's complaints later. But he needed to be on the same page with that foxgirl now.
"...yes sir. Very well."

The room is small and poorly lit by candlelight. Alba is working on the broken body laying on the bed, gently lifting her head and giving her the concoction she has just prepared, an antidote for whatever sleep potion they gave her, no doubt. The healer's assistant makes one final check on the numerous bandages on her patient's body before heading towards the exit.
"She should be waking up soon."
"Good."
"Just... try to keep her calm. Don't cause her too much strain?"
"Make sure to close the door behind you."
Indeed she does. Perhaps a bit more loudly than necessary.

After a while, the body on the bed stirs, trying to move. It's a bit disturbing to see something so powerful be so broken.
"Can you hear me?"
"Ike?" she asks.
She tries to push herself to sit upright but fails. She blinks. She can't see well in this light. One of her eyes is covered by a bandage, the other has not fully healed yet.
"That's my name."

Maybe now he can finally get some answers about what happened to Irine. It's sad about old lizardgirl. Looks like whatever happened to her, it didn't leave much behind. Not even a soulsphere. Who knows? Maybe she exploded? He was told on the start of this mission that soulspheres might self destruct under certain conditions. Maybe she died while playing hero and something messed with her soulsphere? Whatever it was, it sure did a number on this place. It would really put Ike's mind at ease if he knew what had happened to her. Mostly so that he can avoid having the same happen to him.

"What is going on? What happened?"
Her voice is still weak, her injuries not fully healed, her lungs still in pain, her strength not yet returned.
"They won't tell me. Where is River? Where is Irine?"

Or maybe he won't. But it doesn't hurt to try.

"We'll get to that. For now tell me everything you remember."

---

The hurt girl's eyes are closed. A sword is going through her chest. The hurt girl is surrounded by the monsters. They're all eager to feast on her. The largest one approaches, its melting mouth half-open. But the girl will have none of that. She draws on her inner fire. She denies failure. She ignites.

The blinding flash pulls everyone away from her. She pulls the sword away from her chest. The fire surrounding her melts the shadow away. She's dying. But if she's going to die, she will take every last one of those things with her. She jumps backwards to get some distance while at the same time punching forward. A superheated ball flies out. It hits the middle of the group and detonates in a flash of light. When the light recedes, only the largest monster is left in the middle of the molten crater. It rises towards her in rage. She makes a superhero landing, her fiery hair floating above her.

This is it. One final flare. That's what she shouts as she raises her hand and points at the monster. Energy gathers around her, bolts of lightning flying at the ground. The superheated air blows away from her, the ground around her vaporizes, clouds swirl above. The monster attacks with its darkness, pulling the girl towards it with its dark vortex, desperately trying to defend itself. Then the girl fires a blindingly bright beam of light from her hand. For a moment it resists, absorbing the light. Then it is engulfed. The monster melting in the light can still be seen, the only other thing one can see besides the light. The light continues until every trace of the shadow has disappeared. Then that too fades away, leaving only the girl behind.

Then the girl turns to face Irine. She raises her hand and blows the smoke coming out of her finger before smiling.
"I guess it was time to say... a-River-dechi. Hehe. Get it?"
She sniffs at the air.
"Hey. You smell something burning?"
She looks at the burnt and molten wasteland around her.
"Oh right."
She looks at her burnt clothes and skin, still sparkling from the fire surrounding her. Her smile begins to disappear.
"Oh. Right."
She looks at the ashen husk left where her soul once was.
"Oh... right... Well, let me assume a more appropriate pose then."
She leans against the sides of the newly created canyon, looking exhausted.
"So, the reason I'm leaving you these memories is so that you have an idea about what happened when you eventually wake up. I'll use whatever strength I have left to get you to a safe location. Somewhere with strong magic so you can heal."
The environment distorts, looking out of focus. The few shadows left around gather, condensing into a single point. Out of it appears a shiny marble-like black sphere. It is cracked and broken to the point it barely looks like a sphere.
"Damn! That damn thing is still alive? I was hoping his soul had suffered so much damage he couldn't be revived."
She leans down and picks up the sphere, inspecting it closely.
"I should just crush the damn thing right now and get this over with. ... But this isn't really my choice to make, is it? You're the one who'll have to live with it."
He looks at you for a few moments and then tosses the thing behind him.
"Anyway, as I was saying, if I've guessed the magical laws of this place correctly, the leftover fire and light energy from my... 'ignition' should also help you heal and get stronger, assuming nothing gets in the way. If there's any of those dark thing left alive, it should hopefully keep them away."
The environment is looking increasingly distorted. There's a blurry dark red glow behind her, with stone and dirt occasionally coming into focus. But she remains mostly in focus, still shining, as if the environment is nothing but the images of a broken camera are being projected behind her.
"Since I'm dying anyway, I also took the liberty of sending a signal to Stellar. So whatever you choose, know that once you're out of this world, she's ready to support you. So you don't need to be afraid of the consequences. Do what you think is right."
Her eybrows come closer together, making her look a bit more serious or perhaps angry.
"But you know what my opinion is. Just kill him and go home. He's hurt you before. He'll do it again. That's all he does. And I don't want you to die."
She looks at Irine for a few more seconds before turning around and walking away.
"The rest, as they say, is up to you. Good luck. Have fun. And don't do anything stupid like going all moody like Stellar does about being away from me. It's not like we won't meet again."
As she speaks, she dissolves, breaking apart into sparkling particles of dust that disappear in the wind.
"Oh, and if you see him, tell Ike he'll be in for some 'fun' when I review his memories. Just because he's fun and has a cute butt doesn't mean I'll let him get away with dick moves like this. He's my player, I was supposed to be with him."
And with that, he is gone.

Irine blinks, pushing away the memories. It's dark in here, but she can see thanks to the light coming from that flaming sword in the middle of the room. Seeing is made hard due to the fact that most of the room is made of very dark stone, some sort of smoothed basalt she would guess. She's currently sitting at the edge of a hole in one of the vast walls of the room, a couple of metres up from the ground. The dark soulsphere is on the other side of the nook. She can't see it very well, but she can feel it resonating with a part of herself. A part that is now gone. But not completely.

---

OOC
Feel free to give some more general commands. I won't force you to deal with the specifics.

I'm certain there are mistakes in there, but screw it, I'm too tired to check this again and I've been holding off posting it long enough.

It's been a while since I've reached the character limit. I still got it.

And by "it" I mean my ability to needlessly go on and on and on and on and on. And on.

And on.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

And on. (https://youtu.be/9VDvgL58h_Y)

EDIT: Nobody likes the green cause.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on September 19, 2016, 07:08:35 pm

((Green is obviously the superior color.  Also, wow at the campaign.))

John, After the End

Well, that's one problem solved.  But they'll be looking for me, most likely.  Augments can come later.

Head not-quite-directly away from the central tower.  Focus on putting some distance.  Follow the easiest route, maybe hit the sewers if they're available and no extra trouble.  Again, focus on getting away; don't summon anything more than maybe a compass or a light.

On the way, see if I can recall anything about further objectives and targets.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on September 19, 2016, 07:45:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2016, 06:44:05 pm

I'm certain there are mistakes in there, but screw it, I'm too tired to check this again and I've been holding off posting it long enough.

It's been a while since I've reached the character limit. I still got it.

((I know that feel bro. ;D
Also I should really, REALLY up my physical training so I can face these mystical magical powers like Irine can :I Willpower/strength training anyway. This kitsune isn't going down to floof!))

Quote from: Lenglon on September 19, 2016, 09:45:51 pm

((Tir, Irine lost that fight, even with Theri's help. The one who won it was D's piece inside Irine, which nobody knew about. Also, Irine was in the very first mission, she has more levelips than anyone else but Zech and Ike.))

((I know .__. it looked really bad to me too, but wow all that narrative. STILL I'm going to work on my kitsune character here :P She's going to get motivated and get stronger alongside all her allies!))

Quote from: Ike

"We'll get to that. For now tell me everything you remember."

Theri stopped deciding to move around, hearing her heart's pulse, and spending the next couple of minutes in a tranquility of thoughts--looking occasionally at Ike to check if he was still there (in part, thanks to his breathing). Those words of his were very calming, and she wished she could know more of her allies given the revelations she went through between now and then: thoughts and insights of mortality, of frailty, of motivation, of isolation; of choice, of circumstance, of foresight, of hindsight. After around several minutes, she managed a smile and winced while turning to look at Ike.

"It's...blurry. I stayed behind as you and everyone else went out with the villagers, I spent my time fortifying the village, assigning people into teams for duties and to look after each other, and helped with the healing process--mental or physical. Being distraught is often one of the overlooked wounds that can bleed slowly but surely if not attended to."

She spoke in a controlled manner: Slowly, but with emphasis, noticing that every word had to be forced out in parallel with her thoughts. She drummed her fingers on the bed to ensure she could feel--as there was little that she was feeling other than the areas that had taken extensive damage and were healing.

"Minutes passed that I spent going over making sure people were ok. It turned into a time that I thought helping out Irine would be a better option since you were looking all alright. I found her with another person just as they seemed to be under attack, and we fought off those darkness things, but...I could've helped out better though. I forgot his name but it starts with a 'V', that's the person Irine was with. The goal was to head to the temple, she was burning those creatures left and right, and when we got there only me and V were doing not-that-well. The doors were larger than three people as tall, and we planned to breach and clear by purging flame; we did that, but then we found one singular creature in the temple that surprised us. Irine was fanning her flames out for a pincer attack, it distracted it just enough until I got a sword from an angelic-looking statue...unsure if it had wings, but I was sorry for grabbing the only thing nearby that seemed good as a weapon, and managed to attack the creature with it being distracted. Took of the head; it still...moved. I threw the sword at it and ran--I only noticed it still moving when it flew at me (it had wings too, by the way)."

And that is where I'm still messy. Storytelling! How does everyone else do it.
"Oh-...and, ah, before all that. Before all the fire and fighting by the way, when we noticed this creature, it looked like it was preparing for something? Some kind of magical attack or such--me hitting its head and lopping it off stopped it, so I'm assuming there are essential body parts. Anyway, it flew up to me, and crushed the ground I was on if it wasn't for Irine's notice. I managed to evade, then got hit as it turned around: I did not see its tail (it had a tail, I think?), and...then I saw the inside of the temple all to well. Then I blacked out. Guess I was hit really badly, and went headfirst through something given my- yeah. I-I don't know what happened to Irine though. Or that other guy. He was important just like her. I'm sorry if I'm forgetting."

She reached up to the bandages covering her eye, wondering at the monofocal vision she just had, as dizziness hit her like some kind of vertigo.

"I'm sorry I can't help much Ike. I tried. I really did."

Recall; am I missing anything? Also, mentally focus on healing. Hello inner mantra!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 19, 2016, 08:07:49 pm

((Am I entirely dead? Are there any tiny tiny bits of me left?))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on September 19, 2016, 08:35:22 pm

((Goodness, I'm enjoying this!))

Continue being the mandatory amount of silly. Provide the entertainment for everything all over the place. Even if not necessary.

Make sure Nikolai gets revived for maximum synergy, he was a cool dude.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on September 19, 2016, 09:45:51 pm

D... D!! D! ... D...
Mourn

---

After I finish crying for now, I look around. I do not hop down or stir much, I'm probably still weak and would neither land properly nor be able to get back up. After some time, and assuming no interruptions or interactions, I attempt to call out, clear my throat several times, then actually call out:
"Hello? Anyone? Is anyone there?"

---

If I get no response, I wait a while, resting and letting the nearby fire magic help me, and call out again after a bit. repeating up to seven times even if there is no response.

---

((Tir, Irine lost that fight, even with Theri's help. The one who won it was D's piece inside Irine, which nobody knew about. Also, Irine was in the very first mission, she has more levelips than anyone else but Zech and Ike.))

---

What about Zechariah?

---

((Oh, by the way, Irine is mourning right now, torn about what to do, feeling bad, etc... Lenglon feels like its her birthday. DAF responded to a PM about posting a couple days ago, Ive had two major happy things happen IRL, one expected and one not, IRL friend is going to hang out later, and now Special people has updated, and Irine isn't permadead! Lenglon is muchly happyface at this time.))

---

If my calls have no response, then I guess I'll have to take action. I'll first carefully sit up, seeing if I feel well enough to move. If I can't safely move then I have no choice but to sleep and recover, basking in the flames of the nearby sword to sustain myself. I didn't used to be able to do that, but with how this place works and my nature as a being of flame, I think I can. I mean, D brought me here for healing, right?.

If I am fully healed, neither dizzy nor weak, then I'll be able to move around, I'll first steel my will against intrusion, then take River's soulsphere and carefully lower myself to the ground. I'll then investigate the room  I'm in and the sword here. I am very carefull to not damage the sword, that thing could be equivilant to my very life if I'm stuck. I also do not grasp its flames for the same reason, unless I had grasped them unconsiously while resting. Right now I think my body knows more about what I need than my brain does, if that makes sense.to provide lighting to see with, I will generate 1 flame orb, and move it around to help me see.

---

If my calls get a response from above of all places, I'll generate a flame orb and send it up to show where the speaker is. I'll ask for help getting out, and for a small bag to "put a dangerous magic item in so I dont risk touching or breaking it."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on September 19, 2016, 11:37:10 pm

"You know, I'm really starting to not like you that much.

Or maybe it's the PTSD from repeatedly dying as I fell down a massive something or other.

Or maybe it's both!"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 20, 2016, 09:01:05 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Wish me luck!"

Kosak sends several more punches into the trunk, aiming to sever it. Once it's severed, he holds onto the part of the trunk that's swinging towards the heart.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on September 20, 2016, 01:09:18 pm

Saevus, After the End

Heavy steps? They're probably onto me. Probably those two I let go told them. Should've killed those snitches while I could.

Summon a ballista. Preferably one that can fire rapidly. Be ready to fire at any moment.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2016, 12:30:54 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 19, 2016, 07:08:35 pm

((Green is obviously the superior color.  Also, wow at the campaign.))

Well, that's one problem solved.  But they'll be looking for me, most likely.  Augments can come later.

Head not-quite-directly away from the central tower.  Focus on putting some distance.  Follow the easiest route, maybe hit the sewers if they're available and no extra trouble.  Again, focus on getting away; don't summon anything more than maybe a compass or a light.

On the way, see if I can recall anything about further objectives and targets.

You leave your hiding place and drift away from the central tower, moving through the deserted buildings, each step accompanied by the thumping of pumps and the whining of motors and sliding metal. You move towards one of the giant walls of rock that separate the different sections of the city, occasionally stopping to observe your surroundings and make sure you aren't being followed.

Fitting in the sewers would require creating some holes, since you can't fit through the openings. At least not in this location. Maybe you could find a better entrance a bit further away. But then again, if it's too cramped down there, you might just end up getting stuck and wasting your time.

From what you can see in your host's memories, he was supposed to be the first to move on this assault. He was supposed to destroy some sort of communication station which would be the signal for everyone else to begin. But this place was more dangerous than he anticipated. He managed to identify the station's location, but was attacked by the local wildlife and then ambushed by some locals. If he is lucky, then maybe if he reached the communication station, there would still be time.

If possible, he was also supposed to report the success of their mission. Probably through radio, but he was really hoping there would be a way for him to get back and get congratulated for a job well done in person, as opposed to stuck in a soon to be destroyed hole in the ground.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 19, 2016, 08:07:49 pm

((Am I entirely dead? Are there any tiny tiny bits of me left?))

Nope. Really squished. I even made a roll for him to get hurt by the crushed missile exploding, but he managed to succeed even that roll and the missile didn't explode.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on September 19, 2016, 11:37:10 pm

"You know, I'm really starting to not like you that much.

Or maybe it's the PTSD from repeatedly dying as I fell down a massive something or other.

Or maybe it's both!"

"Eh. Many people don't. Probably because they're jealous that they can't be like me. But it's not like I'm forcing you to be here. Well, actually, I am forcing you to be here, but I'm not forcing you to be right here. I'm not making you talk to me or agree with what I say. I'm not forcing you to stay quiet or only say what I want to hear. So really, I'm being very generous here. You should appreciate that."
"You're being even more obnoxious than usual. It's like you want me to call you out on your bullshit. There must be something going on."
"Just some trouble with a bitch being annoying. I'll be putting her down soon enough."
<The great Charlie having girl trouble?>
"Eh, more common than you might think. But, like I said, my age is beyond human comprehension (give or take a few billion years if you count the time I was dead/hibernating/etc.). I'll have taken care of her soon enough."
<That means nothing. It just says you're old.>
"Old enough to survive this long. You haven't even seen your first cycle. So I think I'm justified for my belief. Those who go against me, those who break my rules, they will soon find themselves discovering what it truly means to lose."
<We'll see about that.>
"Indeed we will."
"Anyway. Don't worry about your PTSD too much. You'll get better. Or you'll go crazy."
<'It'll either rain or not rain', said the wise and powerful entity.>
"It's the truth." *shrugs*
<You're all being mean! This human needs- is asking for your help and you're only concerned with yourselves. Please, excuse them. Is there any way I could be of assistance sir?>

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 20, 2016, 09:01:05 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Wish me luck!"

Kosak sends several more punches into the trunk, aiming to sever it. Once it's severed, he holds onto the part of the trunk that's swinging towards the heart.

You grab onto the trunk with one hand and then keep punching and kicking until it reaches its breaking point, tearing in two due to its own weight.

Your luck and quick reflexes allow you to dodge and avoid the nanofluid falling from above like winged icicles, tracking on you. However you're still too far away from the heart, as if the swinging trunk is avoiding it.

You jump from the swinging trunk and manage to grab onto a trunk close to the bottom of the heart.

<OK, sorry for doubting you. That was actually pretty cool.>

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 20, 2016, 01:09:18 pm

Saevus, After the End

Heavy steps? They're probably onto me. Probably those two I let go told them. Should've killed those snitches while I could.

Summon a ballista. Preferably one that can fire rapidly. Be ready to fire at any moment.

You remain in your hiding spot with your ballista at the ready. The heavy footsteps come closer. You see one of the armoured knights from above, holding his shield and dragging his weapon behind him. The heavy implement burns weeds and releases small clouds of stream whenever it's dragged through a puddle of water. You aim at him, trying to find a weak point in his armour, ready to strike. He passes by you without noticing you. You keep your ballista pointing at him the entire time.

In the distance, you can hear more men, occasionally reporting their position or asking each other if they've found anything.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 19, 2016, 07:45:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2016, 06:44:05 pm

I'm certain there are mistakes in there, but screw it, I'm too tired to check this again and I've been holding off posting it long enough.

It's been a while since I've reached the character limit. I still got it.

((I know that feel bro. ;D
Also I should really, REALLY up my physical training so I can face these mystical magical powers like Irine can :I Willpower/strength training anyway. This kitsune isn't going down to floof!))

Quote from: Lenglon on September 19, 2016, 09:45:51 pm

((Tir, Irine lost that fight, even with Theri's help. The one who won it was D's piece inside Irine, which nobody knew about. Also, Irine was in the very first mission, she has more levelips than anyone else but Zech and Ike.))

((I know .__. it looked really bad to me too, but wow all that narrative. STILL I'm going to work on my kitsune character here :P She's going to get motivated and get stronger alongside all her allies!))

Quote from: Ike

"We'll get to that. For now tell me everything you remember."

Theri stopped deciding to move around, hearing her heart's pulse, and spending the next couple of minutes in a tranquility of thoughts--looking occasionally at Ike to check if he was still there (in part, thanks to his breathing). Those words of his were very calming, and she wished she could know more of her allies given the revelations she went through between now and then: thoughts and insights of mortality, of frailty, of motivation, of isolation; of choice, of circumstance, of foresight, of hindsight. After around several minutes, she managed a smile and winced while turning to look at Ike.

"It's...blurry. I stayed behind as you and everyone else went out with the villagers, I spent my time fortifying the village, assigning people into teams for duties and to look after each other, and helped with the healing process--mental or physical. Being distraught is often one of the overlooked wounds that can bleed slowly but surely if not attended to."

She spoke in a controlled manner: Slowly, but with emphasis, noticing that every word had to be forced out in parallel with her thoughts. She drummed her fingers on the bed to ensure she could feel--as there was little that she was feeling other than the areas that had taken extensive damage and were healing.

"Minutes passed that I spent going over making sure people were ok. It turned into a time that I thought helping out Irine would be a better option since you were looking all alright. I found her with another person just as they seemed to be under attack, and we fought off those darkness things, but...I could've helped out better though. I forgot his name but it starts with a 'V', that's the person Irine was with. The goal was to head to the temple, she was burning those creatures left and right, and when we got there only me and V were doing not-that-well. The doors were larger than three people as tall, and we planned to breach and clear by purging flame; we did that, but then we found one singular creature in the temple that surprised us. Irine was fanning her flames out for a pincer attack, it distracted it just enough until I got a sword from an angelic-looking statue...unsure if it had wings, but I was sorry for grabbing the only thing nearby that seemed good as a weapon, and managed to attack the creature with it being distracted. Took of the head; it still...moved. I threw the sword at it and ran--I only noticed it still moving when it flew at me (it had wings too, by the way)."

And that is where I'm still messy. Storytelling! How does everyone else do it.
"Oh-...and, ah, before all that. Before all the fire and fighting by the way, when we noticed this creature, it looked like it was preparing for something? Some kind of magical attack or such--me hitting its head and lopping it off stopped it, so I'm assuming there are essential body parts. Anyway, it flew up to me, and crushed the ground I was on if it wasn't for Irine's notice. I managed to evade, then got hit as it turned around: I did not see its tail (it had a tail, I think?), and...then I saw the inside of the temple all to well. Then I blacked out. Guess I was hit really badly, and went headfirst through something given my- yeah. I-I don't know what happened to Irine though. Or that other guy. He was important just like her. I'm sorry if I'm forgetting."

She reached up to the bandages covering her eye, wondering at the monofocal vision she just had, as dizziness hit her like some kind of vertigo.

"I'm sorry I can't help much Ike. I tried. I really did."

Recall; am I missing anything? Also, mentally focus on healing. Hello inner mantra!

If you mean missing from your inventory, then yes, you have a new set of clothes.  What little personal belongings you had are on a table in the corner of the room.
If you mean missing parts of your body, then you don't think so. Nothing that won't heal eventually.
If you mean missing functions of your body, then being unable to see very well, breathe without it hurting or stand without help probably counts. The healer and his  assistant will start helping you walk around to make sure you have proper circulation and your muscles don't atrophy once they're certain that this won't result in wounds reopening and further harm coming to you or you accidentally hurting yourself.
If you mean missing from your story, then no, it was accurate enough. I liked it.

You use positive thoughts. From personal experience, I believe that the proper mindset helps a lot with healing. Not as much as proper medical attention, but it helps.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 19, 2016, 09:45:51 pm

D... D!! D! ... D...
Mourn

You do that thing D asked you not to do.

Quote

After I finish crying for now, I look around. I do not hop down or stir much, I'm probably still weak and would neither land properly nor be able to get back up. After some time, and assuming no interruptions or interactions, I attempt to call out, clear my throat several times, then actually call out:
"Hello? Anyone? Is anyone there?"

If I get no response, I wait a while, resting and letting the nearby fire magic help me, and call out again after a bit. repeating up to seven times even if there is no response.

You do indeed feel pretty weak. Your stomach is so empty it hurts. Somewhere below all that, far away, is a pleasant warmth, but it's too far away right now, drowned by the desire to eat. Maybe magic was enough to sustain you and heal you while you were in whatever state of unconsciousness you were in, but now that you are awake, biology is demanding much more. Maybe you don't really need food, maybe magical energy is enough to sustain you, but you're certain that even if that is the case, your stomach would continue to strongly disagree.

You try to speak. Your throat is dry, your voice is weak. You can barely hear yourself. You do your best to clear your throat and try again, as loud as you can. There's no response. Not even an echo. The vast chamber seems to stifle all noise.

Quote

What about Zechariah?

He made that wall that helped protect the ones running away.

From what I've gathered, DAF likes to react to events and help others rather than take initiative, so I'd probably have him guard/help at the healer's house. Or maybe somewhere else in town that could use his help.

Quote

If my calls have no response, then I guess I'll have to take action. I'll first carefully sit up, seeing if I feel well enough to move. If I can't safely move then I have no choice but to sleep and recover, basking in the flames of the nearby sword to sustain myself. I didn't used to be able to do that, but with how this place works and my nature as a being of flame, I think I can. I mean, D brought me here for healing, right?.

Well, you seem to be able to move. You won't be running a marathon anytime soon, but you can move without significant risk of falling and breaking your neck. The pain helps keep you awake. It feels more like you haven't eaten or slept in a while, the biggest problem is staying focused.

Quote

If I am fully healed, neither dizzy nor weak, then I'll be able to move around, I'll first steel my will against intrusion, then take River's soulsphere and carefully lower myself to the ground. I'll then investigate the room  I'm in and the sword here. I am very carefull to not damage the sword, that thing could be equivilant to my very life if I'm stuck. I also do not grasp its flames for the same reason, unless I had grasped them unconsiously while resting. Right now I think my body knows more about what I need than my brain does, if that makes sense.to provide lighting to see with, I will generate 1 flame orb, and move it around to help me see.

River's soulsphere looks how you feel: too much missing, on many accounts. You on the other hand don't look how you feel. You only have some scars and your skin has a strange shine to it, as if it reflects the flame a bit too well. Your hair also feel strange.

When you touch River's soulsphere, you can feel the resonance within you growing stronger, ringing like a bell. You can also feel him somewhere in there, his presence feeling much like what you remembered from touching his mind.

The sword has a heavy-looking double-edged straight blade, a bit too large for you to use comfortably (assuming it's as heavy as it looks). Its top half is decorated with three incredibly life-like female forms, one young, one old, one between the two, all wrapping their arms around the sword as if they're hugging it. They're so detailed you can see the wrinkles on the old woman's face. This must be magically protected, no craftsman would put something so detailed there just to have it rubbed into oblivion a day later. The hilt also has a few stones for decoration: two red crystals, two clear crystals and a gray pearl-like thing. The tip of the sword disappears into the ground, surrounded by molten stone. The fire has no visible source, it's just there, creating a relatively thin layer around the sword.

There's a grand arched doorway carved out of the natural rock, leading away from here, into the darkness. There should be a way up somewhere through there. There's also that hole in the ceiling, which is probably the way you came in. You don't think you can climb up there, but maybe you could send some fire up there.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on September 28, 2016, 12:49:56 am

((Oops, forgot to post an action.))

WMD, After the End
Charge faster. Decontamination devices can't activate if there are none near me. Go for the big boom.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2016, 06:08:13 am

Ike stares blankly for a few moments.

"So, big monster, you probably killed it, the day is saved. And maybe Irine died horribly. Again. Business as usual."

He shrugs.

"Eh. Probably should move along in the not too distant future if she doesn't turn up. Wonder where River is, by that same token. We got people to resurrect, y'know."

Pausing, he wonders if there's something else to address, looking at the wall for a good long moment, then looks at Theri again, patting her on the shoulder with a reassuring look on his face.

"Anyway, well done, whatever your name was. I'm sure that you probably helped do something that may or may not have been actually useful. At ease, toodles and what have you."

Mandatory checkup done, now to start preparing for the journey out. Being General of the People isn't really as fun as you'd think. We were going... westward? Anyway, get some mules or aesthetically different yet functionally the same fantasy equivalents to use as mounts! If they have any, that is. Going places on foot sucks the big one for sure.

Oh, and get Alan in there with Theri to make sure she doesn't get up to any more world saving business from the comfort of her recuperation room.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 28, 2016, 08:30:01 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I have punching to do."

Let's see. If the heart is no longer covered in spikes(was it ever?), Kosak climbs up the trunk he's currently on, reaches the heart, and starts hitting it. If it's still covered in spikes... Kosak attempts to sever the trunk he's currently on, perhaps pulling the same trick as previous(if possible) to reach another trunk.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on September 28, 2016, 08:36:04 am

"I dunno, some way you can get him to not be an asshat, or get me to not be his...Plaything.  Also, that was hyperbole earlier, for the record, but good grief, you really don't give a carp, do you, Charlie.  ^{_{Damn narcissists.}}"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on September 28, 2016, 09:21:26 am

well if D didn't want me to mourn then he shouldn't have died! This is his fault, and I don't care that he doesn't like it. That's his problem, not mine. My friend died saving my life, there's NO WAY I'm not going to mourn him. He'll just have to deal with it.
((I don't know if you remember this from the last time I mentioned it, but Irine is emotionally wired the same way I am. I counterbalance anger/pain and sorrow against each other to keep myself functional when I'm at or near overload point. Irine is intentionally inducing agression into her mindset to keep herself functional.))

My hair feels strange? what kind of strange?
I flick my tails forward and look at them, seeing if they or my fur seem different and if so, how. then I check the hair on my head, reaching behind me and pulling it in front of me so I can see it.
((Is my hair like Akari Taiyo's powered-up form's hair now?))
I also move near the chamber wall and block the light from the sword with my body, checking the shadows and such. am I glowing?

((Funny fact: Lenglon knows her Greek mythology and recognizes the three Fates. Irine is from a world without the Greeks or their myths. she has no clue. she also doesn't know there's people at the top of the shaft she's in, so she doesn't know to send fire up there to signal them. as far as she knows, she's entirely alone.))
After checking on the state of my body, I slowly approach the sword, seeing how I feel as I approach it. I also am finding out if I can feel heat coming from it.
I... reach out towards it, but don't touch. do the flames surrounding it react to me? do they only encompass the blade or do they cover the hilt as well?
I stop here and think for a time. Biology is not what healed me and is keeping my alive right now. I might need to keep this sword with me at least until I can get some food/water. I look carefully at my surroundings and the sword, and pay close attention to how my body feels around it and about it. I'm looking for signs of if the sword is blessed or cursed or possessed or a trap or exactly what I need or whatever.

however, the decision I'm going to come to at the end of all this thinking is to leave the sword alone, for now.

I slowly begin to leave the chamber, my flame orb lighting the way, and paying extremely close attention to how my body feels. If leaving the vicinity of the sword makes me weak, then I'm turning back. If I see something that looks like a gate that will slam shut behind me and lock me away from the sword, then I'm turning back, but if I don't have any reaction to leaving the sword's vicinity, and have no reason to worry that I might be unable to get back to it, then I'll explore for a bit, to learn more about this place that houses that sword. I especially look for anything I could read that would tell me about the sword back there, any statues, murals, etc. Anything that might tell me about where I am and what that sword, which I'm guessing is at the central / deepest area of this place, is all about.

If I turned back, either due to needing the sword near me or due to thinking I could be trapped away from it, then I'm going to go ahead and very gently and carefully reach out towards it with my abilities first and then my hand. If I think it's safe, both for me and for the sword, then I'll go ahead and touch the hilt. then assuming I don't get bitten for that, I'll grasp the hilt, first with one hand, then with both. and if I get away with that too, then I'll pull it out and see if anything reacted to that. If everything seems fine, then I'll resume exploring, but this time with the blade with me. note that I'm not trying to actually wield it. I understand that it's too big for me. I just need to keep it with me.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2016, 01:58:51 pm

Rune waits, in the domain of death, to be pulled back to wherever the hell the entities wanted him next.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on September 28, 2016, 03:55:04 pm

Bounce around (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8bzl6dqQI)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on September 28, 2016, 04:34:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2016, 12:30:54 am

He passes by you without noticing you.

((How bad did he roll? Did he somehow get negative dice? Because failing to find Saevus is hard to do.))

Saevus, After the End

Let the armored guy leave. Then, if no one else appears, desummon the ballista and get an automatic crossbow and shield. Find some stairs and get a few stories down. Try to keep myself out of sight. If happen upon lone soldiers, kill them.

Try to figure out where the other contestants might be.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on September 28, 2016, 04:58:25 pm

Well, might as well try that for lack of any better obvious objective.

Head in that direction.  Is it walking distance or do I need a ride?  If I have to go back near the tower, head around instead.

Regardless, focus less on traveling now and more on self-improvement.  Get some armor going on (I'm thinking something W40k Space Marine-esque in terms of scale) of general-protective nature... maybe focused a bit toward the weapons I've seen used by the locals.  Also, a nice sensor package.  Those are always useful.

Focus on that first; I'll do weapons in a bit.  If I have to stop to do this, fine, but get behind/under something first.

And yes, this is all integrated to the cyborg-body I've become.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on September 29, 2016, 07:54:08 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2016, 09:21:26 am

[...]
((I don't know if you remember this from the last time I mentioned it, but Irine is emotionally wired the same way I am. I counterbalance anger/pain and sorrow against each other to keep myself functional when I'm at or near overload point.))[...]

((Woo, then Irine or you won't mind in a bad way if I get to hug you! :P :D More the bonus to consoling skills! \o/))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2016, 06:08:13 am

Pausing, he wonders if there's something else to address, looking at the wall for a good long moment, then looks at Theri again, patting her on the shoulder with a reassuring look on his face.

"Anyway, well done, whatever your name was. I'm sure that you probably helped do something that may or may not have been actually useful. At ease, toodles and what have you."

Being calmed by Ike, and knowing it was really him given his own...unique quirks, his behavior gave Theri more calm and joy than if he said anything otherwise. She loved his bluntness, as he made it humorous.

For all the time spent here, from River's meeting back in the wolf den, to meeting Irine and the rest after running down a cliff with River, she didn't have any regrets.

Although she did wonder if the stove she left cooking either burned down the place, or had its firewood kindled away. She had a shrine to tend to, too. She hoped the others would pick up her duties, now that she thought about it.

It was quite some time that she actually did think about this, and she was partly surprised by...her own lack of surprise at this tiny revelation. It was time to think, and heal.

Recuperate. Do some meditation too for inner calm, and keep a positive attitude to help my own perception of healing--try to think about River; try to think about Irine.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 15, 2016, 09:56:39 pm

Quote from: Beirus on September 28, 2016, 12:49:56 am

((Oops, forgot to post an action.))

WMD, After the End
Charge faster. Decontamination devices can't activate if there are none near me. Go for the big boom.

Hmm... Well, there's also the swarm of flesh eating bacteria nanomachines going rampant around here, so let's just roll to see if you get to sterilize them before they eat you alive. I'll assume you try to control yourself to accumulate energy as quickly as possible to give you a chance for a bonus. Now, let's see...

You try as hard as you can to force yourself to explode as quickly as possible. You're getting very close. You start to get lightheaded. You falter and a wave of energy escapes, causing everything to rise from the ground and freeze in mid air. A few moments more and you are ready. For a few moments, everything is light. When the light fades, you are human, still floating in mid air above a giant crater. You can see that the surrounding area is filled with strange effects. A cloud that's producing a heavy downpour of rain. A green shell-less snail that is carving rune-like symbols on the crater walls. A forest of purple spikes. Alarms are going off in the distance.

You remain there for a few moments, floating in place. Then you start slowly falling downwards, towards the ground. Something feels weird. You cough. You see drops of blood floating away from you in slow motion. You slam against the ground with a bit more force than you would like. You cough some more. Your insides really hurt.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 28, 2016, 08:30:01 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I have punching to do."

Let's see. If the heart is no longer covered in spikes(was it ever?), Kosak climbs up the trunk he's currently on, reaches the heart, and starts hitting it. If it's still covered in spikes... Kosak attempts to sever the trunk he's currently on, perhaps pulling the same trick as previous(if possible) to reach another trunk.

You reach up, grab hold of the "flesh" and struggle to get up. The flesh is writhing, as if it is trying to fight you off. You manage to climb it anyway. You start punching at the heart, trying to breach its outer layer. The mechanofluid rises all around you and the heart. It's starting to create a shell, like an oyster threatening to trap you. You manage to breach the heart's outer layer, but don't manage to get much further.

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on September 28, 2016, 08:36:04 am

"I dunno, some way you can get him to not be an asshat, or get me to not be his...Plaything.  Also, that was hyperbole earlier, for the record, but good grief, you really don't give a carp, do you, Charlie.  ^{_{Damn narcissists.}}"

"Not until you give me a reason to, I'm afraid." *shrugs again and returns to watching TV*
<Please, don't mind him. He's not usually like that. And he really does care about you->
"Noidon't." he says, not turning away from the TV.
<You really should just give him a bit more time. He's not good at making friends. But I'm sure that you can be great friends in time.>
Every other entity in the bar laughs.
<What? I believe it. Everything worth having takes time and effort.>

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2016, 01:58:51 pm

Rune waits, in the domain of death, to be pulled back to wherever the hell the entities wanted him next.

Rune does not sleep. He waits.

Perhaps you'd like to go for a more cooperative mission next? I think something like that might be fun.

Anyway, if you want to dick around with the rest, you're back in the Staging Area.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 28, 2016, 04:34:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2016, 12:30:54 am

He passes by you without noticing you.

((How bad did he roll? Did he somehow get negative dice? Because failing to find Saevus is hard to do.))

Saevus, After the End

Let the armored guy leave. Then, if no one else appears, desummon the ballista and get an automatic crossbow and shield. Find some stairs and get a few stories down. Try to keep myself out of sight. If happen upon lone soldiers, kill them.

Try to figure out where the other contestants might be.

He's a big armoured dude (meaning his sight is obscured and you can hear him coming and prepare), coming out of darkness into a brightly lit place (which also means your runes are harder to see) filled with noise and water and thick fruit bearing foliage. And you don't even have to breathe, you can stand completely still. And he didn't pass right next to you, he was some distance away. Really, there couldn't be a better place to hide.

Anyway, you wait for a while, letting them pass you by. When you think it's safe to move, you start heading towards the lobby. You come upon a lone soldier on the way there. He must have been guarding the way to the lobby, but he is currently doing something in one of the corners of those pump rooms, having left his rifle besides him. You approach him from behind and get ready to stab him. You thrust forward... and miss, instead severely sounding the wall in front of him. The man is startled, jumping backwards and trying to turn around to face you. He tries to yell and push you back. You manage to get your hand around his neck and slam him against the wall. He struggles, trying to reach his rifle, but it's just out of reach. You keep pushing until he passes out. You let him fall face-first into the water.

While you're getting ready to leave, something causes the entire structure to move. You feel a wave of magical energy passing through the immaterial realm and pushing against you, momentarily giving you a small boost but also disorienting you with its chaotic energies. It feels like it's coming from the... well, you're not really sure which way is which down here. You'll just call that direction North, you decide.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 28, 2016, 04:58:25 pm

Well, might as well try that for lack of any better obvious objective.

Head in that direction.  Is it walking distance or do I need a ride?  If I have to go back near the tower, head around instead.

Regardless, focus less on traveling now and more on self-improvement.  Get some armor going on (I'm thinking something W40k Space Marine-esque in terms of scale) of general-protective nature... maybe focused a bit toward the weapons I've seen used by the locals.  Also, a nice sensor package.  Those are always useful.

Focus on that first; I'll do weapons in a bit.  If I have to stop to do this, fine, but get behind/under something first.

And yes, this is all integrated to the cyborg-body I've become.

It's on an artificial hill close to the edge of the city. At least that's what your intel told you, you haven't seen it and you know what they say about military intelligence. You... don't really know much about it. The few sonar scans you managed to make with your insertion vehicle before it was destroyed didn't reveal anything. You could walk, but it might take an hour or two to reach it, maybe more depending on any obstacles you meet along the way. A vehicle might be the best idea. Preferably something that won't attract too much attention. Or something quick enough that by the time attracting attention becomes an issue you're already gone.

You manage to get several layers of spaced armour, a whipple shield made out of hundreds of pieces of scrap, fabric and hinges. The way they move and adjust to your pose makes you look kinda lizard-ish, as if you're covered in scales. They should protect you from any single powerful strike, but a hail of bullets or a strong impact by something massive will pose a problem. You make a mental note to avoid getting into robo-brawls and look both ways before you cross the street.

Your attempt to gain sensors goes less well. All you get is half of a dirty and broken toy binocular. A telescope now, you suppose. You clean the lenses a bit and look through it, using your ability to adjust the position of the lenses and improve its resolution. It works. Better than nothing.

In fact, you use said binocular to look in the distance after a flash of light illuminates the entire cavern. The shockwave comes soon after.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2016, 06:08:13 am

Ike stares blankly for a few moments.

"So, big monster, you probably killed it, the day is saved. And maybe Irine died horribly. Again. Business as usual."

He shrugs.

"Eh. Probably should move along in the not too distant future if she doesn't turn up. Wonder where River is, by that same token. We got people to resurrect, y'know."

Pausing, he wonders if there's something else to address, looking at the wall for a good long moment, then looks at Theri again, patting her on the shoulder with a reassuring look on his face.

"Anyway, well done, whatever your name was. I'm sure that you probably helped do something that may or may not have been actually useful. At ease, toodles and what have you."

Mandatory checkup done, now to start preparing for the journey out. Being General of the People isn't really as fun as you'd think. We were going... westward? Anyway, get some mules or aesthetically different yet functionally the same fantasy equivalents to use as mounts! If they have any, that is. Going places on foot sucks the big one for sure.

Oh, and get Alan in there with Theri to make sure she doesn't get up to any more world saving business from the comfort of her recuperation room.

No. Don't listen to the pet shop boys. You're supposed to go east.
Unless you want to go west. I'm not going to stop you.

By asking around and finding various people who are willing to give you stuff for free or in exchange for Alan-food, you manage to get two mules (one young, one old) and enough money/supplies to trade for a third one, should you wish to do so. You could also go for something like those magic cow things, try and do something like an oxcart.

Well, Alan has proven his ability as a babysitter. I suppose that makes sense.

Quote from: Xantalos on September 19, 2016, 08:35:22 pm

((Goodness, I'm enjoying this!))

Continue being the mandatory amount of silly. Provide the entertainment for everything all over the place. Even if not necessary.

Make sure Nikolai gets revived for maximum synergy, he was a cool dude.

To get Nikolai revived, you need at the very least a fairly competent magic user. Preferably someone highly skilled, someone that you can trust and in the vicinity of a good magical power source.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 29, 2016, 07:54:08 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2016, 09:21:26 am

[...]
((I don't know if you remember this from the last time I mentioned it, but Irine is emotionally wired the same way I am. I counterbalance anger/pain and sorrow against each other to keep myself functional when I'm at or near overload point.))[...]

((Woo, then Irine or you won't mind in a bad way if I get to hug you! :P :D More the bonus to consoling skills! \o/))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2016, 06:08:13 am

Pausing, he wonders if there's something else to address, looking at the wall for a good long moment, then looks at Theri again, patting her on the shoulder with a reassuring look on his face.

"Anyway, well done, whatever your name was. I'm sure that you probably helped do something that may or may not have been actually useful. At ease, toodles and what have you."

Being calmed by Ike, and knowing it was really him given his own...unique quirks, his behavior gave Theri more calm and joy than if he said anything otherwise. She loved his bluntness, as he made it humorous.

For all the time spent here, from River's meeting back in the wolf den, to meeting Irine and the rest after running down a cliff with River, she didn't have any regrets.

Although she did wonder if the stove she left cooking either burned down the place, or had its firewood kindled away. She had a shrine to tend to, too. She hoped the others would pick up her duties, now that she thought about it.

It was quite some time that she actually did think about this, and she was partly surprised by...her own lack of surprise at this tiny revelation. It was time to think, and heal.

Recuperate. Do some meditation too for inner calm, and keep a positive attitude to help my own perception of healing--try to think about River; try to think about Irine.

Positive attitude is easy. Meditation... not so much. Not when Alan is around. Let me give you an example.

One day Zechariah is woken up from his guard duty by Alan yelling something. He enters the room, finding him pointing at a nest full of relatively large eggs.
"I'm telling you, that's not possible." Theri says, her voice still weak and whisper-like.
"And I'm telling you, they're mine. I'm a mum now. I'm going to love them, and care for them-"
"Alan, Alan." she tries to grab his attention but he either doesn't hear her or doesn't care, continuing on.
"-and feed them, and protect them, and pet them and-"
"Alan, you're male. Males don't carry eggs. And-"
"Penguins do!"
"Excuse me?"
"Penguins. They carry them between their legs."
And now he can't stop imagining Alan in a tux, walking like a penguin.
"That's... That's not- Look you're not a penguin. You're a human. Humans don't lay eggs. You probably just summoned them in your sleep."
"How do you know? It's my body. I choose what I do with it. Maybe I want to be a penguin. Maybe I'm secretly a lizard overlord."
Well, he's certainly making as much noise as a chicken that's just laid an egg. Wonder if there's such a thing as a chicken overlord...
"Besides, what other explanation is there? Someone came into the room and put a bunch of eggs under my bed? That's totally ridiculous. Am I right Rickman?"
"Haw! RidiculousAlan." the bird on the window caws in response.
"See? Exactly. Now excuse me, I have to take care of my eggs." Alan says with a smile of  satisfaction.
"DangerAlan. EggsAlan." the bird exclaims as it flies into the room and close to Alan, sending gusts of wind around the room.
The others state at Alan intently, then at the bird, then back at Alan...
"So you don't have a comment about that?"
Alan stares blankly at them for several seconds as the cogs in his head turn.
"About what?" he finally responds.
"About the bird?"
Several more seconds of blank staring follow.
"...Bird is the word?"
"No. You know, that thing?" he says pointing at the bird.
"Oh. That's not a bird. That's Rickman the Alien."

While the others are trying to recover from their surprise, the healer's assistant approaches and enters the room. You can hear her shouting before she even enters the room.
"What in the name of Akrios is going on in here? What is all that noise? What is that thing? No filthy animals near my patients. Get it out! Shoo! Shoo!"
"UhOh. MeanHuman. Hsss." Rickman says as he is shoved out the window, snapping his beak and hissing in a particularly un-birdlike way.
"And don't come back!" she adds as she slams the blinds shut behind him.
That done, she turns to Theri, doing a quick check of her bandages and sutures and making sure she is warm.
"You need to heal. You need to rest. You need a calm and clean environment. And the other patients need that too. So no more noise and no more animals!"
Just as quickly as she arrived, she leaves, closing the door behind her. A few seconds of silence follow before the conversation continues.

"Look, if they're your eggs, then who's the father?"
That manages to give Alan pause as he considers the answer. He looks at Theri. Then at the eggs. Then at the window. Then back at Theri. Then he gasps and his eyes widen.
"Finally, he gets it."
"You think Irine is the father?"
*facepalm*

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2016, 09:21:26 am

well if D didn't want me to mourn then he shouldn't have died! This is his fault, and I don't care that he doesn't like it. That's his problem, not mine. My friend died saving my life, there's NO WAY I'm not going to mourn him. He'll just have to deal with it.
((I don't know if you remember this from the last time I mentioned it, but Irine is emotionally wired the same way I am. I counterbalance anger/pain and sorrow against each other to keep myself functional when I'm at or near overload point. Irine is intentionally inducing agression into her mindset to keep herself functional.))

Well, it could also make sense in this world's magic. Some powerful emotions like anger feed and are fed by Fire, so when you're weak and you can't have a better emotion, it's better to be angry. I guess it's kinda like drinking alcohol to get warmer. It makes you feel better for a while, even if it's not a permanent solution.

Quote

My hair feels strange? what kind of strange?
I flick my tails forward and look at them, seeing if they or my fur seem different and if so, how. then I check the hair on my head, reaching behind me and pulling it in front of me so I can see it.
((Is my hair like Akari Taiyo's powered-up form's hair now?))

A quick googling tells me that that's close. Imagine them a bit more spiky and rigid though (kinda hairgel-like) and with a tendency to go upwards that makes them point backwards much of the time. Also, they're not fire, they're just a bit closer to orange and yellow and more shiny.

Quote

I also move near the chamber wall and block the light from the sword with my body, checking the shadows and such. am I glowing?

It's kinda like you're lit by a blacklight, like all light sources are also blacklights. Light produces more light than it should when it's reflected off your skin. In the dark the colours all look off. There's tiny bright patches all over. A bit shiny too.

Quote

((Funny fact: Lenglon knows her Greek mythology and recognizes the three Fates. Irine is from a world without the Greeks or their myths. she has no clue. she also doesn't know there's people at the top of the shaft she's in, so she doesn't know to send fire up there to signal them. as far as she knows, she's entirely alone.))
After checking on the state of my body, I slowly approach the sword, seeing how I feel as I approach it. I also am finding out if I can feel heat coming from it.
I... reach out towards it, but don't touch. do the flames surrounding it react to me? do they only encompass the blade or do they cover the hilt as well?

The light coming from the sword gets brighter. The flames rise up and their tongues touch your hand, as if they're caressing it. You can feel the power coming from it, like water seeping out of a dam that's ready to burst. You feel like the sword wants to be held.

It's pleasantly warm, not painfully hot. You don't think there's any danger you'll get burnt. Not unless it suddenly becomes hotter.

Quote

I stop here and think for a time. Biology is not what healed me and is keeping my alive right now. I might need to keep this sword with me at least until I can get some food/water. I look carefully at my surroundings and the sword, and pay close attention to how my body feels around it and about it. I'm looking for signs of if the sword is blessed or cursed or possessed or a trap or exactly what I need or whatever.

Well, there's certainly some form of intelligence in there. You can feel it somehow, there but just out of reach. When you put your hand close to it it's a bit like how you feel holding River's soulsphere, but with a completely different soul. However, you can't tell much about it. You can tell that it's powerful and that it wants to be used, but the same could be said about a smart car. The question is how smart is it and what are its intentions. Because the problems come when the smart car traps you in place on the driver's seat with the safety belt and threatens to strangle you with it until you drive it where it wants to be driven.

Quote

however, the decision I'm going to come to at the end of all this thinking is to leave the sword alone, for now.

You decide to leave the sword be until you find a scroll of identify.

Quote

I slowly begin to leave the chamber, my flame orb lighting the way, and paying extremely close attention to how my body feels. If leaving the vicinity of the sword makes me weak, then I'm turning back. If I see something that looks like a gate that will slam shut behind me and lock me away from the sword, then I'm turning back, but if I don't have any reaction to leaving the sword's vicinity, and have no reason to worry that I might be unable to get back to it, then I'll explore for a bit, to learn more about this place that houses that sword. I especially look for anything I could read that would tell me about the sword back there, any statues, murals, etc. Anything that might tell me about where I am and what that sword, which I'm guessing is at the central / deepest area of this place, is all about.

You approach the doorway. There's no door there. You don't feel any worse than you already do when you enter the corridor, so you decide to keep exploring for a while.

There are a lot of skeletons lying around in this corridor. But closer inspection reveals that they are not actual skeletons. Just very good imitations. Even if you didn't know how a proper skeleton feels, you can see there's more skulls than torsos around here.

At the other end of the corridor there's a large stone door. There's a mechanism with counterweights, gears and springs in place there that is meant to remove the locks and open the door. You don't see anything physically connected to it from the other side of the door, so you assume it has a magical trigger. A closer inspection helps you identify the trigger, a glass tube filled with a grey sludge. It also reveals a physical trigger running across the ceiling and disappearing into holes that lead behind the walls of the sword's chamber. Maybe opening the door is meant to activate something more.

Other than that, there are several passages blocked by stone walls, a few that are blocked by locked doors and a few passages that are open, leading down other corridors. You pick the most important-looking one and go through it, one guarded by two giant humanoid statues with a sword and a shield instead of a left and right arm respectively. Down that corridor is a room with a sarcophagus in its centre. The top of the sarcophagus has been carved in the form of a bearded man in heavy armour. He is resting with his hands holding the sword close to his chest and his triangular shield covering his legs, as if to keep him warm in his sleep. You notice that his sword is the same as the one in the other chamber, although the quality of the carving pales in comparison to the original sword.

Each wall has a recess with a mural painted on it. The first shows an old man forging a blade, his face lit by the burning coals. A woman stands next to him, with her arm embracing him. They are looking at each other, smiling. Although he is surrounded by fire and darkness, the mural around him transitions to green fields and blue skies. On one side a girl is running around close to a forest, looking happy. On the other an old woman is sitting on a chair, working on something while staring at the horizon. You can't tell what she's holding, parts of the mural have faded and it wasn't in a very high definition to begin with.

The second shows a man in heavy armour engaged in bloody combat with man and beast alike. From the armour, you assume this must be the same person depicted by the sarcophagus at a younger age or at least someone related to him. The man is surrounded by the same women that were in the other mural, but this time their expressions are more stern. The girl is in front of the warrior, throwing her arms in front of her to protect herself from the attack of a dark monster, the same one the man is attacking. The woman, now also clad in armour, is jumping forward, diving into combat with nothing but her armoured fists. And the old woman is holding the man's shoulders as if to steady him or perhaps direct him. Closer inspection reveals small black circles forming a line between the man and the women, like a chain. You can't really tell what that is meant to symbolize. If this means that the man was forced into combat and slaughter by the women or if it was the other way around or if this all means something else. It's true what they say, that an image is worth a thousand words. The problem is actually reducing those words to the right sentence, the one the creator of the images intended.

The final mural shows a woman climbing a claw-shaped hill, the sun either rising or setting behind it. She's also wielding a sword. This is the simplest of the three murals, not much detail in it. Maybe they run out of time and had to rush it?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 15, 2016, 11:27:13 pm

That... that tells me what I needed to know. That sword is possesed, and the people who made this place honor it but consider it dangerous. The exit is trapped, and there's a good chance there's other traps around here as well. If I touch the thing, it'll try to get in my head, and I don't have D to help protect me anymore. On top of that, the sword has a stronger influence than River does in his soulsphere.
...
We need to have a talk then.

I walk back to the sword's chamber and speak to it:
"I am addressing the being possessing the blade before me. Please identify yourself, and state for what purpose you would have me draw your blade."
I wait a while to allow it to respond, but if it doesn't, then I'll repeat myself and wait again. after I've asked it three times with no effect though, then will I finally give up on that communication method and instead use my innate telepathy, though I'm worried doing so might open myself to it influencing me, so I'd prefer to speak to it verbally.

<Hey, I know you're there. Identify yourself. I felt your request for me to wield you earlier, tell me why you wanted me to do that.>
in any case, I'm on alert for it trying to possess me or influence my mind.

note: I'm hungry, I'm on a constant passive hunt for evidence of prey. I'm staying in my current form to help me explore, but i'm going to shift to full-fox if I can find prey, meaning small rodents are very much on the table. I'm also on alert for water, and consider it even more important than food.

---

((This is interesting.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 15, 2016, 11:36:56 pm

((Y'all amazing for that entire sequence. That was awesome. Going straight in the sigbox for sure.
...
And I have just the idea to top this situation off!))

A competent magic user who I trust, you say?


*good idea gland extrudes a dollop of brilliance*


OH GENERAL WHEREFORE ART THOOOOOOOOOUUUUU

I know you kinda forbade me and by extension everyone else remotely associated with me from ever coming to your property again and I think I remember spiking all your food and drink with Red Bull before I left and there was also that mountain of forks I built next to your house but can you help my bud pretty please I promise not necessarily to cause further damage to your house and the psyche of your wife and children yo

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 16, 2016, 07:43:28 am

East! That was it! It's so great to have an insistent voice in your head telling you what you have to do.

Anyway, get some rations together. Gather the dog jerky! Amass the salted cat meat! Necklaces of dried rodents, jars of pickled eggs! That's how the true woodsman survives the pangs of starvation.

And make sure to check around for any sign of Irine or River, or at least their soul spheres. I think I actually know what they look like, don't I? Well, for Irine I do, anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on October 16, 2016, 07:52:44 am

Saevus, After the End

((Note to self: get some accuracy upgrades after this.))

Let's try to go North then. Try to keep myself out of sight.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on October 16, 2016, 08:04:15 am

Shrug.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on October 16, 2016, 08:55:44 am

((I love how the GM plays my character \o/ I also love how loveably silly Alan is :P ))

Quote from: Xantalos on October 15, 2016, 11:36:56 pm

((Y'all amazing for that entire sequence. That was awesome. Going straight in the sigbox for sure.
...
And I have just the idea to top this situation off!))

((I want to see the link in full please :P I am also tempted to talk about Irine thanks to that last quip.))

Theri winced at the mention of Irine...in that way.

"Irine isn't a bird, and-I'll just go and rest here."

NOW I can meditate! In the least, if I cannot meditate, focus my thoughts on River and...paint a vivid impression in mind about him; say something akin to a prayer to keep him safe and mentally/physically/spiritually healthy. The same goes for Irine.

And then enjoy the softness of my rest and pillows!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 16, 2016, 03:36:08 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on October 16, 2016, 08:55:44 am

((I love how the GM plays my character \o/ I also love how loveably silly Alan is :P ))

Quote from: Xantalos on October 15, 2016, 11:36:56 pm

((Y'all amazing for that entire sequence. That was awesome. Going straight in the sigbox for sure.
...
And I have just the idea to top this situation off!))

((I want to see the link in full please :P I am also tempted to talk about Irine thanks to that last quip.))

((Well, this is the second part of my sigtext, which long ago grew so large I had to make a second post in the thread for it: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=49316.msg5544100#msg5544100))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 16, 2016, 03:41:08 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 15, 2016, 11:27:13 pm

That... that tells me what I needed to know. That sword is possesed, and the people who made this place honor it but consider it dangerous. The exit is trapped, and there's a good chance there's other traps around here as well. If I touch the thing, it'll try to get in my head, and I don't have D to help protect me anymore. On top of that, the sword has a stronger influence than River does in his soulsphere.
...
We need to have a talk then.

I walk back to the sword's chamber and speak to it:
"I am addressing the being possessing the blade before me. Please identify yourself, and state for what purpose you would have me draw your blade."
I wait a while to allow it to respond, but if it doesn't, then I'll repeat myself and wait again. after I've asked it three times with no effect though, then will I finally give up on that communication method and instead use my innate telepathy, though I'm worried doing so might open myself to it influencing me, so I'd prefer to speak to it verbally.

<Hey, I know you're there. Identify yourself. I felt your request for me to wield you earlier, tell me why you wanted me to do that.>
in any case, I'm on alert for it trying to possess me or influence my mind.

note: I'm hungry, I'm on a constant passive hunt for evidence of prey. I'm staying in my current form to help me explore, but i'm going to shift to full-fox if I can find prey, meaning small rodents are very much on the table. I'm also on alert for water, and consider it even more important than food.

---

((This is interesting.))

You haven't seen much down here, nothing except a few spiders and small blind bugs. You could search around for something that might contain food or something edible, but your nose hasn't told you there's something like that around. Then again, you haven't really explored much of this place.

When you get back to the sword room, you are surprised and relieved to find some pieces of bone with tiny pieces of meat still clinging on them close to the sword. You're a bit worried about them at first but you're so hungry you just can't resist. You smell them while trying to keep your distance. They smell normal, like one of those small animals the genera had with a bit of human smell in them. You poke them a few times to make sure that you're not hallucinating them and that they won't explode or anything and then start gnawing on them. You don't know if it's because of the hunger, but they taste better than the best thing you've ever had. They don't manage to satiate your hunger though. They only leave you wanting more.

You also find a corner of the room where moisture has accumulated into a tiny puddle. You attempt to drink from it only to find it to be extremely salty. You spit it out and cough, trying to get the taste out of your mouth. The minerals here must have high salinity.

From what I understand, you're just standing near the sword and talking to it. In that case, verbal communication doesn't work with the sword and using your telepathy requires you to go fox, correct? You sure you want to go fox? Cause you'll need fire to turn back and foxes can't really wield big swords, if you end up wanting to do that.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 15, 2016, 11:36:56 pm

((Y'all amazing for that entire sequence. That was awesome. Going straight in the sigbox for sure.
...
And I have just the idea to top this situation off!))

A competent magic user who I trust, you say?


*good idea gland extrudes a dollop of brilliance*


OH GENERAL WHEREFORE ART THOOOOOOOOOUUUUU

I know you kinda forbade me and by extension everyone else remotely associated with me from ever coming to your property again and I think I remember spiking all your food and drink with Red Bull before I left and there was also that mountain of forks I built next to your house but can you help my bud pretty please I promise not necessarily to cause further damage to your house and the psyche of your wife and children yo

That would include several days of travel towards the west. You didn't actually take him with you. You don't even have his phone number. You wanna travel west in the hopes that you'll be able to meet with him and that he'll then help with the revival?

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 16, 2016, 07:43:28 am

East! That was it! It's so great to have an insistent voice in your head telling you what you have to do.

Anyway, get some rations together. Gather the dog jerky! Amass the salted cat meat! Necklaces of dried rodents, jars of pickled eggs! That's how the true woodsman survives the pangs of starvation.

And make sure to check around for any sign of Irine or River, or at least their soul spheres. I think I actually know what they look like, don't I? Well, for Irine I do, anyway.

Consider your supplies acquired.

As for finding Irine... During your search, you come across the well with the fire sword at the bottom. One of the men standing watch has just finished his meal and is dumping the remains into the well. You debate whether or not it is worth your time for a few moments before deciding to scold him for such reckless behavior. You don't want them to make whatever is down there angry. At least not while you're still here. When you're gone, they can be as stupid as they want.

You check down the hole to make sure there's nothing coming up to kill everyone right now. It's hard to see, you can't tell if it was just shadows from the fire making it look like movement, but you think you might have seen something moving down there.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on October 16, 2016, 08:55:44 am

((I love how the GM plays my character \o/ I also love how loveably silly Alan is :P ))

Quote from: Xantalos on October 15, 2016, 11:36:56 pm

((Y'all amazing for that entire sequence. That was awesome. Going straight in the sigbox for sure.
...
And I have just the idea to top this situation off!))

((I want to see the link in full please :P I am also tempted to talk about Irine thanks to that last quip.))

Theri winced at the mention of Irine...in that way.

"Irine isn't a bird, and-I'll just go and rest here."

NOW I can meditate! In the least, if I cannot meditate, focus my thoughts on River and...paint a vivid impression in mind about him; say something akin to a prayer to keep him safe and mentally/physically/spiritually healthy. The same goes for Irine.

And then enjoy the softness of my rest and pillows!

You rest and think of River and Irine. You really want to help them. For some reason, you feel like he'll appreciate that. You can sort of feel him, just out of reach. It feels as if there's something more you can do for them, but you don't know what exactly. It's just a need to get up and do... something. Something that would help. A feeling building up inside you.

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 16, 2016, 07:52:44 am

Saevus, After the End

((Note to self: get some accuracy upgrades after this.))

Let's try to go North then. Try to keep myself out of sight.

I'm assuming you want to head downstairs to do that, right? Out of the tower?

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on October 16, 2016, 08:04:15 am

Shrug.

(http://i.giphy.com/Bjh3pSRGX9rOg.gif)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 16, 2016, 03:48:02 pm

Seeing things was never really my forte. What do I hear? What do I smell? Anything familiar?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 16, 2016, 03:50:04 pm

I didn't actually think that through all that much, I just registered another possible way to unintentionally annoy the guy. I'd probably have proposed this to Ike and been 'nah'd.
...
Oh, I know something I could test out before I leave! Can I summon seeds? Would they, if I can, also be subject to the 'vanishes after a few whatevers' limit or would they potentially last long enough to grow up, produce more fruit and thus more seeds, and continue the cycle? Or no?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on October 16, 2016, 03:58:28 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((Did my field not help too much against the Nanomachines? Or my armor?))

Go see if the magic slug is sentient and not hostile. See if it can help with my internal pain problem if it's friendly. Also see if the secondary objective became visible when I went boom. If the slug is hostile or not helpful, hightail it out of the crater and away from the direction of the alarms. Maybe grab one of those purple spikes on the way if I can break it off.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 16, 2016, 04:28:16 pm

Yeah, I want to go full-fox. I'm still able to generate plenty of flame to shift back if needed, and there's no way I'm going to mess with that thing until I have more information. However, that food. Was it in here when I was in here earlier? wouldn't I have noticed it then? It's near the sword, did the thing make it? It has a human smell on it, I need to find where that human smell came from. I'm going to be shifting to full-fox anyway, and I am NOT going to waste food by eating it as big me. I need to be full-fox for eating because it'll be a much larger meal in that form.

order of actions: verbal comms check x3, shift full-fox, telepathic comms check, smell dem bones, gnaw on them and attempt to locate human smell source.

---

besides, I'm curious what changes have been made to my full-fox form, the one with the strongest fire magic. I mean, hybrid clearly was affected noticeably, I've got a good chance of being even more firey as full-fox, and might still look mostly normal as full-human, though I betcha I'm a blonde or redhead now instead of brown hair like I used to have.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on October 16, 2016, 07:08:10 pm

Hmm... not good.


Can I see what the source of that is?  Is it coming closer or threatening me?  If yes, take cover.  If no, try again on the sensor suite.  You can never go wrong with a good sensor suite.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on October 17, 2016, 04:53:05 am

Yep, going downstairs.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on October 17, 2016, 04:57:08 am

Having a connection with dreams, or at least a vivid impression of lucidity within them, Theri wondered if she could project or visualize a concept for Irine or River. Any idea or sense of communication or connection--even the basest idea would do; but how to do so, even in pondering upon this uncertain act, was the biggest question to be answered.

She wondered if people had connections to physical objects and things too.

Try to focus on Irine; even a simple idea of contact with her would help in meditation.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 17, 2016, 09:40:46 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Aha! I see what you're doing!"

Kosak attempts to figure out how many trunks are remaining(as in, unsevered). Afterwards, he severs the trunk he's currently on, and climbs onto the heart, then onto another trunk. As quickly as possible, wouldn't want to be grabbed by the goo stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2016, 09:45:39 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 16, 2016, 03:48:02 pm

Seeing things was never really my forte. What do I hear? What do I smell? Anything familiar?

This hole's porous and angular structure is especially good at absorbing sound, so using your normal brand of echolocation doesn't work that well. So you resort to shouting a random song down the well and using what little echo you get back to get a vague picture about the area down there. It's a gigantic empty room with a single exit going off towards the east.

You don't smell much. Well, you do smell much, you smell the watchmen, the people that came to see them about... half an hour ago? some food, alcohol, squished stinking bug, something rotten, a rat... But there's not much of interest coming from down the well. Just ash and moisture mixed with a faint smell of fungal spores. Maybe you're just tired.

And then that movement you saw reappears and turns into a humanoid made of fire that turns into a small dog. Well, that was certainly easier to see.

If you want, we can expedite this, say you're smart enough to figure out who you are and how to communicate and skip to your more general plan. You know, something like "offer moral support and then leave Irine to find her own way out", "come up with some elaborate plan to construct an elevator our of palm trees and coconuts", "find enough birds to make a bird-jetpack", "have Alan dump stuff down the hole until he makes a climbable mountain of random stuff or manages to clog the hole", etc.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 16, 2016, 04:28:16 pm

Yeah, I want to go full-fox. I'm still able to generate plenty of flame to shift back if needed, and there's no way I'm going to mess with that thing until I have more information. However, that food. Was it in here when I was in here earlier? wouldn't I have noticed it then? It's near the sword, did the thing make it? It has a human smell on it, I need to find where that human smell came from. I'm going to be shifting to full-fox anyway, and I am NOT going to waste food by eating it as big me. I need to be full-fox for eating because it'll be a much larger meal in that form.

order of actions: verbal comms check x3, shift full-fox, telepathic comms check, smell dem bones, gnaw on them and attempt to locate human smell source.

---

besides, I'm curious what changes have been made to my full-fox form, the one with the strongest fire magic. I mean, hybrid clearly was affected noticeably, I've got a good chance of being even more firey as full-fox, and might still look mostly normal as full-human, though I betcha I'm a blonde or redhead now instead of brown hair like I used to have.

You go fox and gnaw on bones. Changing feels a bit uncomfortable and with your weakness you fear you will pass out, but it feels like something is holding you, helping you hold on.

You don't get anything via telepathic comms. You can feel that your signal reached something in the sword, but if it understood your message, it isn't responding. Maybe it can't respond. Maybe it's broken somehow. Maybe it's just rude. Who knows?

Also, there's someone singing above. Looking up, you can see that now there's light at the end of the hole and you can see a shadow moving there, although you can't make it out clearly.

Your colour is quite similar to that orangeish D had when he used a fox form, with a few differences. You've gotten a lot fluffier on your tails, shoulders, elbows (which, if I'm reading this anatomical chart correctly, are actually called hocks) and especially the back of your head and neck. The fur has a tendency to become spiky and stand up, the one on your head and back of your neck being almost vertical, making you look like an artist's attempt to draw an animal with fire coming out of it that has come to life. In this light you can't properly see all the changes, but assuming you go out into the sun (or some other very bright light source) you'll see that on top of being super shiny, those parts are also iridescent, like tiny little prisms that display different colours of different brightness depending on how the light strikes them, with a preference for orange, red and yellow. And assuming someone with good eyesight took a proper and close look at your fur on these parts, they would see that it is not made out of hair but what looks like tiny shards. Still feels the same though, maybe just a bit rougher.

And now I'm imagining what it would be like if Irine was a stereotypical blonde.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 16, 2016, 03:50:04 pm

I didn't actually think that through all that much, I just registered another possible way to unintentionally annoy the guy. I'd probably have proposed this to Ike and been 'nah'd.
...
Oh, I know something I could test out before I leave! Can I summon seeds? Would they, if I can, also be subject to the 'vanishes after a few whatevers' limit or would they potentially last long enough to grow up, produce more fruit and thus more seeds, and continue the cycle? Or no?

Well, you don't have powers over time, so you can't get to the second part of your plan, but we can say that you run the test long enough to see some of the seeds grow into small leafy plants. You could take one of your pots with you and continue your experiment. 6

Quote from: Tiruin on October 17, 2016, 04:57:08 am

Having a connection with dreams, or at least a vivid impression of lucidity within them, Theri wondered if she could project or visualize a concept for Irine or River. Any idea or sense of communication or connection--even the basest idea would do; but how to do so, even in pondering upon this uncertain act, was the biggest question to be answered.

She wondered if people had connections to physical objects and things too.

Try to focus on Irine; even a simple idea of contact with her would help in meditation.

You focus on Irine, creating a vivid image of her running up to you and then smiling to you. The image seems so vivid you feel as if you could reach out and touch her. You wish it was real, because you'd really like to hug her.

Quote from: Beirus on October 16, 2016, 03:58:28 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((Did my field not help too much against the Nanomachines? Or my armor?))

Go see if the magic slug is sentient and not hostile. See if it can help with my internal pain problem if it's friendly. Also see if the secondary objective became visible when I went boom. If the slug is hostile or not helpful, hightail it out of the crater and away from the direction of the alarms. Maybe grab one of those purple spikes on the way if I can break it off.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((Hmm... You do make a good point. I originally imagined the shield to be porous to allow allies to hide in it without suffocating. But that would leave it vulnerable to things like toxic clouds or flamethrowers. Maybe it makes more sense for it to create a negative pressure inside, push air out. Then again, that would make it very hard to breathe after a minute or two. You don't really need to breathe as much as a normal human when transformed, but you still need some air every once in a while, so assuming you need to stay transformed for more than a few minutes, you'd probably need to deactivate your shield every once in a while. And besides, the shield doesn't cover your entire body, just your core and the part of your body around it, unless you curl yourself up into a ball.

What would you prefer? Have air and other gases come through it (the way it currently is) or make it mostly airtight unless something pushes its way in?))

The snail does not appear to be interested in you in any way. It keeps carving its patterns on the crater walls, as oblivious to its surroundings as a writer trying to meet a deadline. From this close, you can see it's  releasing a green substance to dissolve the ground and then absorbing that substance along with the dissolved ground. You could try standing in its path or touching it, but just talking to it and following it around doesn't do anything.

The purple spikes are vibrating slightly, occasionally discharging electrical sparks from their tips to the ground. You feel like touching them with your bare hands would be a bad idea. If you could find something like an insulated bag though, they could be useful.

The magical rain cloud keeps pouring rain without shrinking. The centre of the crater has already been covered by a sizeable puddle. You think that at this rate in about half an hour the entire crater will be filled and overflowing to the surrounding areas. Assuming its walls do not collapse from the pressure sooner.

You keep coughing blood for a while. Then you feel a bit better. Then you vomit blood. Then you feel a bit better.

Quote from: Toaster on October 16, 2016, 07:08:10 pm

Hmm... not good.


Can I see what the source of that is?  Is it coming closer or threatening me?  If yes, take cover.  If no, try again on the sensor suite.  You can never go wrong with a good sensor suite.

A thick spike gets pushed through the back of your neck and head, emerging out of the back of your armour like an antenna. You lose your normal sight and the ability to move your head but gain a top-down view of the surrounding area. You can focus on different parts of your view and apply filters like infrared and electromagnetic, but you can't change your perspective. This will make aiming hard (unless you go the top-down shooter route and use visible lasers or the strategy route and use autonomous units). It also makes looking at far away things a bit frustrating, since you have to keep moving your view for a while or repeatedly zoom way out (as much as you can in this underground space anyway) and then zoom back in. At least you xan easily and quickly recenter on yourself.

Using your newfound sight, you can see that something has exploded close to the edge of the city. Not the communication facility you were interested in, but one close to that section of the city. A quick look shows there's a large crater filled with strange glowing things. And a large rain cloud is slowly filling it.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 17, 2016, 04:53:05 am

Yep, going downstairs.

Okay. You reach the lobby, force open a door leading to a stairwell and start going down.

You reach the ground floor. The stairs keep going down but perhaps it might be easier finding your way above ground. You wouldn't want to get lost in the sewers or whatever is down there.

You take a peek through the door and into the ground floor lobby. It's very dark down here. There are sings of combat occurring here recently. Dead humans and grotesquely mutated rats and cockroaches with bioluminescent nodules on them lay on the ground, bleeding or burnt, twitching occasionally. There are scorch marks and bullet holes in the walls. There are a couple of workers in hazmat suits with flashlights attached on their shoulders that are slowly and carefully moving the bodies, putting them in body bags, labeling them and then stacking them in a corner. Maybe you could sneak past them. Or you could just alpha strike them before they have a chance to react.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 17, 2016, 09:40:46 am

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"Aha! I see what you're doing!"

Kosak attempts to figure out how many trunks are remaining(as in, unsevered). Afterwards, he severs the trunk he's currently on, and climbs onto the heart, then onto another trunk. As quickly as possible, wouldn't want to be grabbed by the goo stuff.

You are on the heart and it's moving its flesh around, trying to make you fall, but you've managed to hold on for now and make a small hole. The mechanofluid is forming a shell around the entire heart. The shell is rising out of the ground and closing its two halves, like a clam. The shell is not stopped by the trunks, the fluid it is composed of goes around the trunks, like one would expect from a fluid.

Now, what exactly is your plan? Destroy trunks and then climb them to reach more trunks to destroy?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 10:02:47 am

To Irine, yelling: "Little Boy to Fat Man, Little Boy to Fat Man - come in, Fat Man! Whatsherface didn't have any good input on what the hell happened, so rep on the sitch pronto, over!"

Here's a much easier plan, use a goddamn rope to get Irine out of that hole.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

to the sword:<Please? some kind of signal that you understand me at least? just flare your flames or move them around or whatever. Just give me something to work with.>
if I get a response:
<Thank you. when I ask you a question, if you need to answer something other than what I prompted, please signal three times. If me touching you would let you communicate clearly, and will not put me in danger or bind me to you in some way, please signal me again. if it will help communicate, but will bind me or endanger me, signal twice.>
I don't know if it'll tell the truth or not, but at least I'll have an answer.
<If you want me, specifically, to touch you, please signal again, if anyone would do, you just want a wielder, please signal twice. I ask because you're too big for me to use, and I never was taught how to use swords properly anyway, but I know someone who is better trained and stronger.>

<if you are the man painted in the murals of the nearby tomb, please signal once, if someone else, please signal twice.>

<If you can only understand me when I'm using my telepathy, please signal once, if me speaking verbally would work too, please signal twice.>

---

if the sword doesn't respond, then I'm generating some flame, seeing if my flame generation abilities have been affected, and then using said flame to shift back to hybrid form.

---

I assume we're communicating BY YELLING SINCE I DONT HAVE A COMMWIRE ON ME.

---

"WOKE UP IN THESE RUINS! GOT ROPE?"
annnd that's probably going to start a minor coughing fit since I think my throat is raw.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 22, 2016, 12:45:20 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"..."

Kosak is uncommonly silent as he focuses, trying to climb up the trunk that connects to the top of the heart(or as close to the top as possible). Once he severs that one, he'll be one step closer to getting the trunk to slam against the wall.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 06:51:24 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

"WOKE UP IN THESE RUINS! GOT ROPE?"
annnd that's probably going to start a minor coughing fit since I think my throat is raw.

"PROBABLY LEMME CHECK"

((Though I did assume you had "natural" telepathy as well.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 07:07:33 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 06:51:24 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

"WOKE UP IN THESE RUINS! GOT ROPE?"
annnd that's probably going to start a minor coughing fit since I think my throat is raw.

"PROBABLY LEMME CHECK"

((Though I did assume you had "natural" telepathy as well.))

((her natural telepathy isn't connected to the commwire's telepathy network, and on top of that hers is short ranged, probably too short ranged to go all the way to the top of the well, though I don't know for sure how deep it is.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2016, 08:04:30 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 06:51:24 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

"WOKE UP IN THESE RUINS! GOT ROPE?"
annnd that's probably going to start a minor coughing fit since I think my throat is raw.

"PROBABLY LEMME CHECK"

((Though I did assume you had "natural" telepathy as well.))

Alan sayeth yes to this.

Also yeah, take a pot and continue my semi-sensical experiment.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 22, 2016, 09:08:08 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2016, 08:04:30 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 06:51:24 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

"WOKE UP IN THESE RUINS! GOT ROPE?"
annnd that's probably going to start a minor coughing fit since I think my throat is raw.

"PROBABLY LEMME CHECK"

((Though I did assume you had "natural" telepathy as well.))

Alan sayeth yes to this.

Also yeah, take a pot and continue my semi-sensical experiment.

You continue experimenting with pot.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 22, 2016, 10:02:47 am

To Irine, yelling: "Little Boy to Fat Man, Little Boy to Fat Man - come in, Fat Man! Whatsherface didn't have any good input on what the hell happened, so rep on the sitch pronto, over!"

Here's a much easier plan, use a goddamn rope to get Irine out of that hole.

Spoilsport.

Okay, let's roll to see if you can find your thing and get it up. Yeah, OK, let's say that when you're ready to go you create a particularly long piece of rope by tying smaller pieces together and pull Irine up with the help of some other people.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 11:45:11 am

to the sword:<Please? some kind of signal that you understand me at least? just flare your flames or move them around or whatever. Just give me something to work with.>

Nothing happens for several seconds. Then the flames calm and recede a bit. It feels a bit colder and darker as a result.

Quote

if I get a response:
<Thank you. when I ask you a question, if you need to answer something other than what I prompted, please signal three times. If me touching you would let you communicate clearly, and will not put me in danger or bind me to you in some way, please signal me again. if it will help communicate, but will bind me or endanger me, signal twice.>
I don't know if it'll tell the truth or not, but at least I'll have an answer.

The sword responds by pulsing its flame for half a second, creating a bright light.
1

Quote

<If you want me, specifically, to touch you, please signal again, if anyone would do, you just want a wielder, please signal twice. I ask because you're too big for me to use, and I never was taught how to use swords properly anyway, but I know someone who is better trained and stronger.>

It's quiet for a long while. Then it responds with rapid pulsing.
3

Quote

<if you are the man painted in the murals of the nearby tomb, please signal once, if someone else, please signal twice.>

There's a short silence followed by slow pulses.
3

Quote

<If you can only understand me when I'm using my telepathy, please signal once, if me speaking verbally would work too, please signal twice.>

It responds immediately.
1

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 22, 2016, 12:45:20 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"..."

Kosak is uncommonly silent as he focuses, trying to climb up the trunk that connects to the top of the heart(or as close to the top as possible). Once he severs that one, he'll be one step closer to getting the trunk to slam against the wall.

I'm writing this from my phone and I need my PC for this. Please hold.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on October 22, 2016, 09:16:23 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((I thouget the shield had an effect on everything within its sphere of influence, because magi tech. If not, then I guess it's fine leaving it the way it is, since that is how it's been working. Not sure how Natoma chines would bypass it, though, since they are still solid even if very tiny.

Head away from the alarms.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on October 22, 2016, 09:32:16 pm

John, After the End

How about a nice shotgun-esque instead?  I'm thinking one that fires a fairly decent cone of death.  It should use ammo, a copy of which I keep on me and reload by directly copying it into the chamber.  And a good visible laser sight, of course.

The idea is to make precise aiming not required while still giving me a personal weapon.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 09:57:10 pm

<As I understand it, you're safe to touch, you need a wielder within specific constraints that I match, but not necessarily just me, you may or may not be who I'm referencing but you don't know, and you can only understand me through telepathy. is all that correct? one for yes, two for no.>

---

...
<I'll go ahead and touch you, but if you push strongly against my mind when I do, I'm going to immediately pull away and leave you behind. It will take me a moment to get my hands back, and I'll lose my telepathy when I shift, so expect a delay. Again, do not react strongly to my initial touch. I understand you've probably been left here for a long time, but you'll have to control yourself. I still don't know if you're trustworthy, and have had more mental assaults in the last week than in the rest of my life combined. I do not want to deal with yet another.>
... I'll trust this thing enough to touch it. I'm generating some flame, seeing if my flame generation abilities have been affected when I do, and switching to hybrid form. after I switch to hybrid form. I do NOT grasp the hilt. I'm just going to rest two fingers on the pommel. if there is absolutely no reaction to that, then I'll touch it on the hilt, again with just two fingers. if still nothing, then with all five, but not in a grasping shape, instead just the tips of the fingers touching... and if and only if even that won't cut it will I go ahead and actually grasp it.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 23, 2016, 02:14:02 am

Set up the rope and climb down there! Must be something interesting in there if Irine went and got ported into the place.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on October 23, 2016, 06:38:21 am

Saevus, After the End

Auto-crossbows in both hands. Take them out. Or if there's something I can blast into them with deadly results - do that instead.

Then proceed onwards.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 23, 2016, 12:46:49 pm

Don't tempt Alan, Paris. I don't know what horrors would result from that.

That said, Alan totes the plant around with him and periodically waters it. He also names it Bill And Ted, because something something time experimentation and that's a great name for a plant.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 24, 2016, 02:35:12 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 22, 2016, 12:45:20 pm

Kosak Durar, After The End:

"..."

Kosak is uncommonly silent as he focuses, trying to climb up the trunk that connects to the top of the heart(or as close to the top as possible). Once he severs that one, he'll be one step closer to getting the trunk to slam against the wall.

You reach the top of the heart with some difficulty and start punching the nearest trunk. However you can't cause enough damage before the shell closes all around you. You keep punching until you make a large enough tear and then reach into its slimy insides and pull until it's torn free from the heart. Soft vein-like bundles can be seen pulsing where the trunk was attached to the heart. The trunk starts falling down in slow motion, pushing its way through the surrounding walls like they are syrup.

Quote from: Beirus on October 22, 2016, 09:16:23 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

((I thouget the shield had an effect on everything within its sphere of influence, because magi tech. If not, then I guess it's fine leaving it the way it is, since that is how it's been working. Not sure how Natoma chines would bypass it, though, since they are still solid even if very tiny.

Head away from the alarms.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It does have an effect on everything. It just has a weaker effect to very small things, making it not airtight. Think of it not as a shield but a field of "push things away". Or maybe think of it like a sci-fi forcefield, like the ones they have in star wars that let objects come through but keep the air inside the ship. Only weaker and in reverse. Oh, and the nano machines did not make it through the barrier.

You make your way away from the alarms. The further away from the crater you get, the better you feel.

The ceiling is low here. Many rocks have been knocked out of place by the explosion. And it keeps getting lower the further you go. Looks like you're nearing the edge of this underground cavern. There's a great collection of pipes accompanying one nearby road and a great collection of wires accompanying another. Both are headed towards the edge.

The area is quite barren. Nothing but rocks, some of them covered by a slippery moss. The buildings are sparse and tiny, just small sheds, with the exception of a large building on top of an artificial mesa.

You feel like your host would really like to get out of here alive now that he has somehow managed to do what he was put here to do without dying. You share the sentiment.

Quote from: Toaster on October 22, 2016, 09:32:16 pm

John, After the End

How about a nice shotgun-esque instead?  I'm thinking one that fires a fairly decent cone of death.  It should use ammo, a copy of which I keep on me and reload by directly copying it into the chamber.  And a good visible laser sight, of course.

The idea is to make precise aiming not required while still giving me a personal weapon.

Your first attempt gives you a normal shotgun filled with mud, water and rust. You could repair it, but you decide it might be easier to just try again.

Your second attempt gives you a toy shotgun, its plastic brittle from age, breaking apart from the slightest touch.

Your third attempt gives you a device that looks more like an oversized cannon. It takes both arms to lift, but when it explodes it releases a few dozen large pieces of sharpened scrap at supersonic speeds. The pieces of scrap mow down anything that gets in their path. But even if they weren't there this would still be a terrible weapon. The fire and the shockwave of the explosion alone could ruin the day of anyone standing too close to the wrong end of the barrel. This has only one shot and it would normally be very slow to reload, but your ability means you can work around that limitation and fire as fast as you can summon rounds.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 23, 2016, 06:38:21 am

Saevus, After the End

Auto-crossbows in both hands. Take them out. Or if there's something I can blast into them with deadly results - do that instead.

Then proceed onwards.

You summon your crossbows, one on each hand, and hold them next to your head as you face the door. You kick it open and walk through it, lowering the crossbows to take aim on the two men, who are turning around in surprise. Before they have a chance to react, one of them gets a bolt through the gut and the neck, the bolt getting stuck between two vertebrae and severing his spine, while the other gets hit on the leg and left lung, sending him to the ground with a muffled whimper. He struggles to breathe and crawl away. He tries to reach his radio, probably trying to call for help. It is then that the monster lying on the ground next to him, some sort of giant humanoid rat with bioluminescent nodules growing all over its body like cancerous growths, grabs him and pulls him towards it. It keeps biting his face and throat until he stops moving and a while after that.

After it's done, the creature struggles to get up. It does its best to stand upright and look at you, but it doesn't attack you. It's just standing there, making a horrible whistling noise as air escapes through the holes in its throat and lungs due to its attempts to breathe. You can see other monsters stirring, trying to limp to their feet or tear through their body bags.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 23, 2016, 12:46:49 pm

Don't tempt Alan, Paris. I don't know what horrors would result from that.

That said, Alan totes the plant around with him and periodically waters it. He also names it Bill And Ted, because something something time experimentation and that's a great name for a plant.

Wait, you mean Alan got where he is in life completely drug free?
Well, I guess it's true what they say then, champions don't do drugs.

If you say so. I unfortunately have not read the big book of plant names.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 23, 2016, 02:14:02 am

Set up the rope and climb down there! Must be something interesting in there if Irine went and got ported into the place.

You go down the rabbit hole to the underground necropolis to find a Kitsune-turned-Super-Saiyan trying to pull the Excalibur of the Three Fates out of the slade floor.
Nooo! What are you doing? That's too many conflicting cultural references! If you keep this up the universe will explode!
But his warnings to the narrator were not listened to and now it was too late. Far too late for now, anyway.
Noooo!
And then the sword explodes.
With light, it explodes with light, not literally.
It lights up the entire chamber.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 22, 2016, 09:57:10 pm

<As I understand it, you're safe to touch, you need a wielder within specific constraints that I match, but not necessarily just me, you may or may not be who I'm referencing but you don't know, and you can only understand me through telepathy. is all that correct? one for yes, two for no.>

It takes a few seconds but responds 2.

Quote

...
<I'll go ahead and touch you, but if you push strongly against my mind when I do, I'm going to immediately pull away and leave you behind. It will take me a moment to get my hands back, and I'll lose my telepathy when I shift, so expect a delay. Again, do not react strongly to my initial touch. I understand you've probably been left here for a long time, but you'll have to control yourself. I still don't know if you're trustworthy, and have had more mental assaults in the last week than in the rest of my life combined. I do not want to deal with yet another.>
... I'll trust this thing enough to touch it. I'm generating some flame, seeing if my flame generation abilities have been affected when I do, and switching to hybrid form. after I switch to hybrid form. I do NOT grasp the hilt. I'm just going to rest two fingers on the pommel. if there is absolutely no reaction to that, then I'll touch it on the hilt, again with just two fingers. if still nothing, then with all five, but not in a grasping shape, instead just the tips of the fingers touching... and if and only if even that won't cut it will I go ahead and actually grasp it.

It's actually quite hard to generate enough fire to change. Maybe you're just tired. If there's any change in the fire itself, you're not seeing it right now. There's nothing beyond the urge to joke about how this has never happened to you before.

The moment you touch the sword you are hit by a bright light. However it doesn't do anything beyond feeling pleasantly warm.
The moment the light hits you, you are also hit by the presence in the sword. Its power feels immense. But it is not actually using that power. It's just there. You're not sure if it's a show of force or if that power is even more inaccessible to it than it is to you, merely seeping out of an overflowing container.
It speaks before you have a chance to, using telepathic waves that to someone not accustomed to telepathic communication would make its voice sound as if it was three, loud and impressive. You're certain that you or any of your comrades (well, perhaps not any) are accustomed enough with this form of commuicaiton to see it for what it is.
<If this is a trick, then know that no scheme will grant our power to the unworthy who seek it. They will find only death, as has every foe who has faced us in combat. So tell us then, who are you and why are you here if not to claim that you are worthy?>
The light fades a second later.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 03:57:16 pm

<I am Irine, and I'm here because I was injured, and being near your flame helped me heal. You have not yet identified yourself, nor stated why you asked me to grasp you. If this is some trick to steal my body, know that I have fought off such tricks before, and will ensure you never get the chance to harm another ever again should you try it. Also, you're loud and obnoxious, stop yelling, its not impressive, just rude.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2016, 04:04:41 pm

"Am I interrupting something?" Ike wonders aloud.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on October 24, 2016, 04:13:18 pm

Saevus, After the End

Well-balanced (for improved accuracy) sword and shield. Continue onwards, but be ready to cut the creature down if it attacks.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on October 24, 2016, 04:34:41 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Getting out of here sounds good. See if my host knows of a way to get out of here. If not, follow one of the roads. Maybe check a few of the small buildings on the way for a disguise.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on October 24, 2016, 04:45:26 pm

Nice!  Okay, one more addition.

Time for a murderbot.  Simple laser weapon, basic armored frame.  Takes orders directly from me.  Doesn't need much independent AI except protective instinct toward me.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 04:54:57 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2016, 04:04:41 pm

"Am I interrupting something?" Ike wonders aloud.

"Kinda, but that's okay. Do you mind hanging out for a bit while the sentient sword and I talk? I don't know if it's trustworthy. Oh, and um, is Theri okay?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2016, 05:38:52 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 04:54:57 pm

"Kinda, but that's okay. Do you mind hanging out for a bit while the sentient sword and I talk? I don't know if it's trustworthy. Oh, and um, is Theri okay?"

"She's pretty dim, but it's a step up from comatose, so I guess she's pretty okay, all things considered?"

"Anyway, I guess I'll just stand around and watch, then. Thing seems like it's internalized a bit of its phallicism, but hey, throwing stones from glass houses here."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 24, 2016, 06:39:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 03:57:16 pm

<I am Irine, and I'm here because I was injured, and being near your flame helped me heal. You have not yet identified yourself, nor stated why you asked me to grasp you. If this is some trick to steal my body, know that I have fought off such tricks before, and will ensure you never get the chance to harm another ever again should you try it. Also, you're loud and obnoxious, stop yelling, its not impressive, just rude.>

The sword pauses for a moment before continuing.
<We are the blade of heroes, the forger of kingdoms>
<The sword of destiny, the creator and upholder of the law>
<The torch of hope and wisdom, the defender of the innocent>
<The flaming harbringer of war and death, the arrow that burns the dark>
<We were there at the beginning>
<When the first order was shattered>
<When the first grey was made>
<When the first fire burnt all>
<We looked into the face of the First God and we->
<Are you actually talking to someone else while we are talking to you?>
<Disrespectful>
<Kinda rude>
<Sorry for ruining your sales pitch but frankly I've played final fantasy games that had less exposition.> you blurt out without thinking.
<Well, if the story of our life and the creation of the world is boring you then perhaps we should give you the short and stupid version and get on with it>
<We are a object of great magical power>
<We grant our power to those who are worthy while we wait for the chosen one to claim us>
<We have been without someone to claim us for a long time. Without someone worthy even longer. We were hoping someone worthy would claim us>
<However that prospect appears to be rapidly becoming less likely>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 24, 2016, 08:00:12 pm

Kosak Durar, After the End:

"RAAAAAGH!"

Wait, the heart's vulnerable? Dwarven Gatling Barrage. If that's not an option, Dwarven Hammer Fist. If that's not an option, repeated kicks.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 08:27:51 pm

((Paris, Irine doesn't know anything about final fantasy. it's out of character for her to say that. I need to know if that's a real thing that I need to worry about (lingering influence of D?) or if it's just creative license. Her reaction to the sword's posturing would, yes, be to deflate it, but she'd take a different tack, one less direct. specifically, she'd start shop-talk about universe creation. she WAS a major player in the building of her own after all. and if the sword wasn't an actual fellow creator, instead simply a creation, then it wouldn't be able to keep up, but it would probably be able to recognize that she DOES know what she's talking about and IS an expert on the subject.))

---

<You make it sound like you don't actually care how you're used. That seems kinda messed up. I can understand wanting to restrain your own power really well, that's how I ended up as weak as I am now after all, but there's no way I'd incarnate into an inanimate form. let alone subject myself to being simply someone else's property. What do you really want? and why would you be so timid as to use an inanimate avatar and yet talk yourself up so much when someone finally says hi? Do you have regrets about your choice?>
<You know what? never mind, that's a personal question and you probably don't want to talk about it. sorry for asking. anyway, um, I'm no swordmaster by any means, in fact I'm pretty sure you're so heavy I couldn't actually wield you even if I tried, and I flat refuse to lay claim to a person as mere property, but if you want I'll carry you with me for a while, so long as you don't get intrusive on my mind. I'm currently hunting a highly dangerous criminal from another universe, and our current best guess for where it went is Godstone Fortress, but if it isn't there we'll probably have to chase it all over the place. Would that make you happy?>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 24, 2016, 11:50:07 pm

Quote

Wait, you mean Alan got where he is in life completely drug free?
Well, I guess it's true what they say then, champions don't do drugs.

Kinda? He's certainly done drugs before, but not really. He doesn't actually have any knowledge of what they're for - he thinks cannabis is a weird type of spinach, for instance. This obviously lead to a great deal of shenanigans when he watched Popeye the Sailor Man. He's also accidentally made cinnamon buns frosted with cocaine icing for more than a few kindergarten kids classes. Stuff like that. He's mostly high enough on life that he doesn't really develop dependencies on drugs even if he knew what they were.

Hey, where'd Ike go? Go find him and show him Bill And Ted! It's just another wacky addition to the cast of side characters I seem to be building up around myself.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on October 26, 2016, 12:07:51 am

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7228122#msg7228122) continued meditate-dreaming with the theme of healing, with some of her thoughts leading onto past events, following what had occurred and several distinct-yet-not-wholly-understood feelings passing by and just brushing at her subconsciousness, stemming from the battle in the church to her meetings with the shadow creatures, to several other events covering a summary of what had occurred since. Like the villagers--especially the villagers. Thankfulness, peace, healing, and many other facets to mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 28, 2016, 09:05:45 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 24, 2016, 04:13:18 pm

Saevus, After the End

Well-balanced (for improved accuracy) sword and shield. Continue onwards, but be ready to cut the creature down if it attacks.

You summon a relatively lightweight sword and shield and give it an experimental swing. Looks good, it's sharp and quick. You decide to use your golden arm to hold the shield. That means the damage won't affect the accuracy of your sword, but on the flipside, if you try to block a really powerful blow, it might receive further damage.

You start moving, keeping your eye on the vermin. It's looking at you, but not attacking. Maybe it thinks you aren't alive? Maybe it can't figure out what you are? Maybe the lights are confusing it? Who knows. You enter a dark corridor with an exit sign on it and start walking through it. There are less signs of combat here and some of the lights are actually working. No dead vermin either, unless they were collected. Looks like whatever went down here, it was concentrated on that- You see a shadow at the corner of your vision. You flip around. A vermin is there, limping forward. It stops a bit after you stop. There are more behind it. They are following you.

You keep moving, glancing behind you from time to time, keeping an eye on the vermin following you. You keep moving until you reach the entrance. The entrance and the room behind it, once a quite large thing of glass and plastic, has been heavily fortified with metal, sandbags and barbed wire, made full of cover and chokepoints. You're currently on some sort of platform. There's stairs leading down. There's only two men down there that you can see, both close to a machinegun pointing outside, standing watch. This area is quiet. You don't think you could approach them without them hearing you coming, but the heavy cover would mean that they would not actually see you until you're quite close.

Quote from: Toaster on October 24, 2016, 04:45:26 pm

Nice!  Okay, one more addition.

Time for a murderbot.  Simple laser weapon, basic armored frame.  Takes orders directly from me.  Doesn't need much independent AI except protective instinct toward me.

Hmm... Let's see... You get the thing, now to roll for additional characteristics... You get a relatively small unit, the size of an average dog. It's got a short rectangular base on top of which sits an arrow-shaped turret with some spikes in the front. It's got several sets of small but powerful rover-like wheels hidden beneath its turret that allow it to move quite quickly, especially when it's on a good road. It's got a small chemical laser coming out of the centre of its turret and continuing on until its spikes. Its triangular turret can move independently of its base, so it can shoot while moving at another direction. Overall, it should have good odds on a one on one battle with an armed human, but it could quickly get overwhelmed when facing more, especially if it becomes stationary or gets ambushed. Furthermore, while it appears to be able to follow simple commands (like "attack that" or "move there" or "follow me") or even sequences of simple commands, complex orders like "protect me from anyone who would harm me" are beyond its understanding. It would probably require a bit of micromanaging to work at its full potential.

Quote from: Beirus on October 24, 2016, 04:34:41 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Getting out of here sounds good. See if my host knows of a way to get out of here. If not, follow one of the roads. Maybe check a few of the small buildings on the way for a disguise.

Well, the best bet would be the giant coilgun close to the centre of the city. If you're lucky, you could go there without dying, find some sort of vessel that could safely launch you to the colonies and then launch it to get out of this hellhole, hoping they won't shoot you down before you get there. On the other hand, you're already quite close to the edge of the city. They must have something that allows them to get out of here around here. A digger, some sort of submarine, maybe even a submersible aircraft if you're lucky. Contamination can't be this bad everywhere on Earth. If you're lucky, you might be able to use your escape vehicle to reach safety.

...

Both of those plans appear to rely heavily on luck. Maybe you could just convince everyone that whoever tries to kill you will end up dead so that they all stop bothering you and start respecting you. Maybe if you kill enough of them... You don't want to live down here, but if you have to, then you guess having a few slaves and power for yourself would make the stay more bearable.

While musing, you enter a shed with a busted lock and turn on the light. This one is a very simple thing. A locker, a grate leading underground to some pipes and an old computer. It looks like whoever broke the lock also broke the locker's lock. There's a black work suit, a helmet and a pair of boots in there. This could work for a disguise.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 24, 2016, 08:00:12 pm

Kosak Durar, After the End:

"RAAAAAGH!"

Wait, the heart's vulnerable? Dwarven Gatling Barrage. If that's not an option, Dwarven Hammer Fist. If that's not an option, repeated kicks.

You dig into the exposed section, kicking, ripping and tearing as fast as you can. But it's not fast enough. The entire thing shakes, threatening to throw you off. The walls are closing in. You're getting crushed. But you won't let it end this way. You flip around, using your legs to against the shell closing around you, becoming the spear that will pierce this heart, driving yourself through the hole. You madly thrash around its dark insides, tearing at flesh and wires. The vibrations are deafening you. Metal is piercing your skin. You're being eaten alive. Something breaks. There's an explosion, pain and then only darkness.

Quote from: screen >Agent life-signs terminated     Control signal terminated) >Transponder signal lost     Unable to reestablish communication) >Final burst confirms termination     Assuming total loss) >1/2 Activation Preconditions met     Activating Final Countdown Timer)

"Well done." Charlie says, bringing your attention away from the TV. "You did it. You defeated the mastermind responsible for that mess. One of them, anyway."
"Yeah, but he still died in the end." the entity sitting on the other side of the table responds.
"Eh, victory is all that matters. Everything else can be sacrificed for it."
"But is it a victory if you sacrifice yourself for it? I say it is not."
"And I say it is."

Quote from: Lenglon on October 24, 2016, 08:27:51 pm

((Paris, Irine doesn't know anything about final fantasy. it's out of character for her to say that. I need to know if that's a real thing that I need to worry about (lingering influence of D?) or if it's just creative license. Her reaction to the sword's posturing would, yes, be to deflate it, but she'd take a different tack, one less direct. specifically, she'd start shop-talk about universe creation. she WAS a major player in the building of her own after all. and if the sword wasn't an actual fellow creator, instead simply a creation, then it wouldn't be able to keep up, but it would probably be able to recognize that she DOES know what she's talking about and IS an expert on the subject.))

Irine said what she said.

Quote

<You make it sound like you don't actually care how you're used. That seems kinda messed up. I can understand wanting to restrain your own power really well, that's how I ended up as weak as I am now after all, but there's no way I'd incarnate into an inanimate form. let alone subject myself to being simply someone else's property. What do you really want? and why would you be so timid as to use an inanimate avatar and yet talk yourself up so much when someone finally says hi? Do you have regrets about your choice?>

<Those worthy will be led to worthy pursuits. And what we are here for is irrelevant. We are here to judge, not to be judged.>

Quote

<You know what? never mind, that's a personal question and you probably don't want to talk about it. sorry for asking. anyway, um, I'm no swordmaster by any means, in fact I'm pretty sure you're so heavy I couldn't actually wield you even if I tried, and I flat refuse to lay claim to a person as mere property, but if you want I'll carry you with me for a while, so long as you don't get intrusive on my mind. I'm currently hunting a highly dangerous criminal from another universe, and our current best guess for where it went is Godstone Fortress, but if it isn't there we'll probably have to chase it all over the place. Would that make you happy?>

<Until the fated one frees us, we shall accompany the worthy. Are you ready to be judged?>

Quote from: Xantalos on October 24, 2016, 11:50:07 pm

Quote

Wait, you mean Alan got where he is in life completely drug free?
Well, I guess it's true what they say then, champions don't do drugs.

Kinda? He's certainly done drugs before, but not really. He doesn't actually have any knowledge of what they're for - he thinks cannabis is a weird type of spinach, for instance. This obviously lead to a great deal of shenanigans when he watched Popeye the Sailor Man. He's also accidentally made cinnamon buns frosted with cocaine icing for more than a few kindergarten kids classes. Stuff like that. He's mostly high enough on life that he doesn't really develop dependencies on drugs even if he knew what they were.

Hey, where'd Ike go? Go find him and show him Bill And Ted! It's just another wacky addition to the cast of side characters I seem to be building up around myself.

((That sounds like an Alan thing to do.))
What's that Rickman? Little Ike fell down a well? Well, lead the way boy!

You wanna go down there to show Ike your bird and your plant? Or just yell really hard? He's got big ears, he could probably hear you. Hell, he could probably hear you even if you didn't yell.

Quote from: Tiruin on October 26, 2016, 12:07:51 am

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7228122#msg7228122) continued meditate-dreaming with the theme of healing, with some of her thoughts leading onto past events, following what had occurred and several distinct-yet-not-wholly-understood feelings passing by and just brushing at her subconsciousness, stemming from the battle in the church to her meetings with the shadow creatures, to several other events covering a summary of what had occurred since. Like the villagers--especially the villagers. Thankfulness, peace, healing, and many other facets to mind.

Healing continues.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on October 28, 2016, 09:37:22 pm

Can I make a miniaturized copy of it that would be easy to carry, and yet usable as a template to make more?  If so, do so.

Regardless, we need to make a few copies of this.  One's nice but several would be great.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on October 28, 2016, 09:39:21 pm

WMD, After the End

Wear the disguise. Go see if they have an escape vehicle on the edge of this place.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 28, 2016, 11:43:47 pm

Hell yeah, go down the well! This is important probably maybe!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on October 29, 2016, 12:25:34 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 28, 2016, 09:05:45 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on October 26, 2016, 12:07:51 am

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7228122#msg7228122) continued meditate-dreaming with the theme of healing, with some of her thoughts leading onto past events, following what had occurred and several distinct-yet-not-wholly-understood feelings passing by and just brushing at her subconsciousness, stemming from the battle in the church to her meetings with the shadow creatures, to several other events covering a summary of what had occurred since. Like the villagers--especially the villagers. Thankfulness, peace, healing, and many other facets to mind.

Healing continues.

((I want to think I'm helping your wordcount and narrative :P but also in part that comes with 'am I making any progress .-.', until I noticed that 'there's always a time for everything--and right now it's good to rest :I the other awesome people have their time too. Be busy resting and tending to yourself'.
...My wording is so messy. The idea is more like "I hope I'm not being a burden" with the other interpretation being "I think I'm not really that used to waiting-ish updates?" :P))

Continue healing! Remember memories of being with everyone else.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 29, 2016, 04:14:07 am

<I don't know what your process of judging is for, how its done, and why the results would matter. yet you ask if I'm ready. How would I possibly know that? You failed to tell me enough to make an informed decision, and as should have been clear from the questions I've been asking, I don't have any prior knowledge of you to try to piece it together with either.>
<Also, you've put me at an impasse. Either I treat you like a unfeeling machine, which you clearly aren't, despite your act, as shown by your doubts caused by the passage of so much time. or I treat you like a person.>
<If I treat you as an unfeeling machine, which seems to be what you're pretending to be, then I would just leave at this point. for I don't know what you mean by judge, there's a chance that you'd kill me or invade my mind over it (a pretty good one might I add), and quite simply, you're an utterly useless hunk of metal to me. As a sword you are far to heavy for my muscles, I lack any training in swordplay, and I create my own flames at will so you're useless in that department as well. It'd be a great risk with no reward, also known as an act of stupidity, to bother having anything to do with you.>
<Alternately I can treat you as the person you are. But in that case the way you've been treating me is frankly unacceptable. You keep trying to intimidate me, you want to pass judgement on people without being willing to accept judgement over yourself (an act of moral cowardice), and you seem to think you're better or more important than everyone. Respect has to be earned, and frankly,the way you've been behaving is unworthy of any of it. I don't have any reason to trust or respect you as a person, so why should I accept your judgement? You aren't worthy to judge.>
<So, what's it going to be? Do I just leave you behind here and now, to wait another thousand years for someone to be willing to risk touching you? or do you quit the high-and-mighty act and treat me with the same basic respect any person deserves? Starting by explaining what it is you want of me, and why, so I can make an informed decision about the risk you are asking me to take on your behalf?>
<The reason I made my offer in the first place is because I don't think people should be trapped, helpless, in a cage, for thousands of years, without a really good reason. and from what I can tell, that's what has happened to you. I just wanted to give you some of the basic freedom any person deserves.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 29, 2016, 04:26:30 am

"Doot-de-doot..."

Watch Irine engage in a staring contest with a sword. Maybe walk around a little, see what's in the rest of this place.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on October 29, 2016, 11:17:00 am

Saevus, After the End

Approach them quietly, stay behind cover and make just a little bit of noise. If my ploy works and one or both come over to investigate, stab'em. Blast the other guy if he's out of range, using the corpse of his friend if I'm out of range for a direct blast.

If instead they just start shooting, bring my shield up and charge.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 31, 2016, 07:32:18 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 28, 2016, 09:37:22 pm

Can I make a miniaturized copy of it that would be easy to carry, and yet usable as a template to make more?  If so, do so.

Regardless, we need to make a few copies of this.  One's nice but several would be great.

Hmmm... That's an interesting idea. You could try... It would be similar to a blueprint, I suppose. Maybe not even a blueprint. More like a mock-up or a miniature. Something between idea and actual thing. Let's say it's a bit hard to make something like that, even with the original to help you and that if you get it right it provides a smaller bonus than the actual thing.

As an alternative suggestion, you could always ride on one and hope it doesn't break. Or lay on top of them and have them move you around like a couch. Or make a chariot drawn by them. The dieselpunk knight and his robot chariot.

Anyway, let's roll for mini tank... You get it done perfectly. You now have an aid that should help with visualizing and duplicating your creation.

You also spend several minutes replicating your tank. You end up with about 15 of them, standing in front of you in three rough rows. You can't resist the temptation to raise your arms and shout "Go forth my minions! Annihilate our enemies! Burn! Cleave! Crush them beneath your tiny wheels!" while they spin their turrets and make excited noises.

Quote from: Beirus on October 28, 2016, 09:39:21 pm

WMD, After the End

Wear the disguise. Go see if they have an escape vehicle on the edge of this place.

You wear the clothes and head for the edge of the city, following an important-looking road. The ceiling gets lower and lower to the point where you're no longer inside a giant cavern but a great tunnel. There's little light in here, only small blinking white lights hidden behind the pipes on the walls. Everything is silent, except for the pipes occasionally resonating with distant echoes or the more proximate noise of some vermin making its way through them. At least you hope it's vermin and not something worse. You turn on the light on your helmet but it barely makes a difference. The old battery in it doesn't have enough juice to provide adequate illumination. It's just enough to allow you to see the spots where fallen rocks or potholes force you to alter your course. There's a stench in this tunnel, the stench of old and rotten. There's dead things in here, small skeletons and pieces of bone occasionally cracking under your footsteps.

You keep going, following the road until you see a light in the distance. It looks like several emergency lights positioned on top of a giant closed metal door. It's big enough to fit a boat through it, one of those ferries that take passengers and their cars from one place to another. It's hard to make out the area around it at this distance. You can tell that the pipes converge close to that spot and that it is the end of the tunnel, but that's about it.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 29, 2016, 11:17:00 am

Saevus, After the End

Approach them quietly, stay behind cover and make just a little bit of noise. If my ploy works and one or both come over to investigate, stab'em. Blast the other guy if he's out of range, using the corpse of his friend if I'm out of range for a direct blast.

If instead they just start shooting, bring my shield up and charge.

You manage to approach... well, not quietly, but not as loudly as you could. The biggest problem are the things following you. They're as subtle as a trainwreck, especially when they fumble and fall down the stairs.
"What the... Fuck, it's more vermin!" one of them shouts while moving forward and firing his shotgun at the ones coming down the stairs.
"Oh, shitshitshit. We're at the main entrance! Vermin are still in here! They're not dead! We need-"
The moment he rouds the corner and comes into view you slash at him with your sword, cutting his arm off. You then make a telekinetically-assisted shield-bash to the screaming man, sending him flying into his comrade. The force of the impact is enough to demolish the barricade behind them.
"Backup. Send backup." one of them tries to speak into the radio despite his crushed lungs, right before you put him out of his misery. You can hear others shouting and moving around in the entrance, but it sounds like they're close to the other side of the room.

The area beyond the destroyed barricade is a parking lot with things from cars and bikes to vans and trucks that has been fortified with a low wall and a couple of watchtowers. Fortunately, the lights of the watchtowers point outwards, not inwards. There's also a couple of prefab buildings amongst the vehicles, no larger than a room or two. There might be more watchmen around here, but if they are, you can't see them and they haven't started shooting at you yet.

Quote from: Xantalos on October 28, 2016, 11:43:47 pm

Hell yeah, go down the well! This is important probably maybe!

You attempt to go down the well but fail to widen the makeshift barricade at its entrance and end up getting stuck. It takes a couple of minutes for the watchmen to help you out of your predicament, a great part of which was spent with them laughing too hard to come to your aid.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 29, 2016, 04:26:30 am

"Doot-de-doot..."

Watch Irine engage in a staring contest with a sword. Maybe walk around a little, see what's in the rest of this place.

When Ike found Irine fondling the Sword of the Fates, he watched his debased kin with disdain and some fear. (https://youtu.be/lGiNE-FmrLM)

The rest of this place as in this room doesn't have much of interest. You can tell that parts of the hole and wall are hollow, probably hiding some sort of mechanism, but whatever they were meant to deploy hasn't deployed yet. They're found in greater concentration around the sword but then stop a dozen metres or so away from it.

Beyond that room, you are immediately struck by how similar those statue-like things guarding the sarcophagus chamber are to that hand-less thing you saw when you fell down that hole at the same place Alan found his pet bird. These two aren't missing their hand, they have a shield there instead and they look a lot leaner and rougher. The seams on their bodies (and especially on their back) are much more visible too, as if they were made from various pieces that were glued together.

You then open a door at random. This one leads to a storeroom that contains various textile products, from expensive looking shirts to thick and sturdy carpets. They are incredibly dusty and many of them have lost their colour or been eaten by moths, but many others still look quite good. Beyond them are other little things, like mirrors and scissors and small statues and small boxes, containers with various liquid... It's like whoever was buried here expected to come back from the dead only to start some sort of store. Or maybe furnish a palace.

While opening a container, a hand mirror, carelessly placed by whoever stored it there, slips out and starts falling towards the ground. Your quick reflexes allow you to catch it before it breaks. Gods know you don't need any more bad luck. While raising the mirror to inspect it, you notice that there's light coming out of it. Strange. It wasn't doing that when it fell. When you look into the mirror, you see that there's a fire floating in front of your face. Not your real face, but the face you can see in the mirror. It's as if the fire or the image of the fire has been trapped there. You're not sure if this is meant to be used as a flashlight or someone was so vain they wanted to be able to look at themselves with good light at any time. Whatever it was, it could be useful. If nothing else, it could fetch a good price. Good thing you caught it. Plus, if that thing caused a fire when it broke... A fire with all this dust and flammable material... That would have been a lot more bad luck than you originally imagined.

Quote from: Tiruin on October 29, 2016, 12:25:34 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 28, 2016, 09:05:45 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on October 26, 2016, 12:07:51 am

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7228122#msg7228122) continued meditate-dreaming with the theme of healing, with some of her thoughts leading onto past events, following what had occurred and several distinct-yet-not-wholly-understood feelings passing by and just brushing at her subconsciousness, stemming from the battle in the church to her meetings with the shadow creatures, to several other events covering a summary of what had occurred since. Like the villagers--especially the villagers. Thankfulness, peace, healing, and many other facets to mind.

Healing continues.

((I want to think I'm helping your wordcount and narrative :P but also in part that comes with 'am I making any progress .-.', until I noticed that 'there's always a time for everything--and right now it's good to rest :I the other awesome people have their time too. Be busy resting and tending to yourself'.
...My wording is so messy. The idea is more like "I hope I'm not being a burden" with the other interpretation being "I think I'm not really that used to waiting-ish updates?" :P))

Continue healing! Remember memories of being with everyone else.

Sorry for not being too wordy. I'm trying to make updates quickly but it always feels like there's stuff to do and not enough time to do it. I promise things will get more interesting for you soon. But now it's getting really late, I have to wake up early tomorrow and I still have to do Irine's part.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 29, 2016, 04:14:07 am

<I don't know what your process of judging is for, how its done, and why the results would matter. yet you ask if I'm ready. How would I possibly know that? You failed to tell me enough to make an informed decision, and as should have been clear from the questions I've been asking, I don't have any prior knowledge of you to try to piece it together with either.>
<Also, you've put me at an impasse. Either I treat you like a unfeeling machine, which you clearly aren't, despite your act, as shown by your doubts caused by the passage of so much time. or I treat you like a person.>
<If I treat you as an unfeeling machine, which seems to be what you're pretending to be, then I would just leave at this point. for I don't know what you mean by judge, there's a chance that you'd kill me or invade my mind over it (a pretty good one might I add), and quite simply, you're an utterly useless hunk of metal to me. As a sword you are far to heavy for my muscles, I lack any training in swordplay, and I create my own flames at will so you're useless in that department as well. It'd be a great risk with no reward, also known as an act of stupidity, to bother having anything to do with you.>
<Alternately I can treat you as the person you are. But in that case the way you've been treating me is frankly unacceptable. You keep trying to intimidate me, you want to pass judgement on people without being willing to accept judgement over yourself (an act of moral cowardice), and you seem to think you're better or more important than everyone. Respect has to be earned, and frankly,the way you've been behaving is unworthy of any of it. I don't have any reason to trust or respect you as a person, so why should I accept your judgement? You aren't worthy to judge.>
<So, what's it going to be? Do I just leave you behind here and now, to wait another thousand years for someone to be willing to risk touching you? or do you quit the high-and-mighty act and treat me with the same basic respect any person deserves? Starting by explaining what it is you want of me, and why, so I can make an informed decision about the risk you are asking me to take on your behalf?>
<The reason I made my offer in the first place is because I don't think people should be trapped, helpless, in a cage, for thousands of years, without a really good reason. and from what I can tell, that's what has happened to you. I just wanted to give you some of the basic freedom any person deserves.>

<Do as you wish. We aren't looking for pity, sympathy or help. We assumed that whoever would brave the dangers and overcome the challenges needed to reach this place would know what we are. That they would be here to seek us, to seek our aid in pursuit of some goal. If we are useless to you then you are just as useless to us. We want to do things, to do what we are denied, to feel as free as we can in this.>
<To help others.>
<To do what is right.>
<To fight in beautiful combat. Burn. Slash. Tear.>
<If we are to be as useless out there as we are in here, if you are not going to do what we want to do, if you aren't going to pursue a worthy cause, if you are not a worthy person, then we might as well sleep here, wait for the chosen one to set us free or someone worthy to come claim us.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on October 31, 2016, 07:54:10 pm

Inteoduce anyone helping me out of my stuckness to Bill And Ted.

Then try to go down the well again, of course. Who learns from their mishaps? Not me when I don't wanna!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on October 31, 2016, 08:13:11 pm

((If I wasn't near the development of this character, I'd suggest Scaling as another perk.  Of course, if I can make it smaller, making a much bigger copy is a thing as well.  Not now though; time to progress.))

That'll do.  Better keep a rearguard, but we need to move.

Keep the same formation, except move three to the back to guard from behind.  Move out at speed toward the destination I picked up earlier.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on October 31, 2016, 10:20:13 pm

<And now you have reached why I asked what you wanted. Because what you and I want to do might align, but I don't know enough about you to know, and I'm the one who is taking a risk here, so I have to judge first if I should trust you and let you judge me. So... what do you want? What makes a cause worthy, or a person worthy, in your opinion? What would allowing you to judge me actually do?
Heck, what do you even do? I'll admit, I was a bit deceptive a moment ago, your attitude irked me and I wanted to knock you down a peg. I don't know your full capabilities, so I can't really say for sure if you can help me or not. But also, I was maimed in my last fight and am having trouble using my own flame abilities, my strongest ally has been crippled and is currently useless, and my foe is far stronger than I am. I actually might need some major help if I'm going to accomplish my goal. so... you might be more useful to me than I said you would be. depending on your abilities, maybe a lot more, maybe not, I don't know. Um, are you able to change sizes or weight? the muscles thing I mentioned is a real issue. I'm... not fully grown. Not gonna be for a really long time. No, wait, you've been doing that thing where I ask a bunch of questions and you only answer one or two. What do you want and what does it mean to judge me? that's most important.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 01, 2016, 12:17:04 am

Quote

Sorry for not being too wordy. I'm trying to make updates quickly but it always feels like there's stuff to do and not enough time to do it. I promise things will get more interesting for you soon. But now it's getting really late, I have to wake up early tomorrow and I still have to do Irine's part.

((Oh it's OKAAAY, my wordiness seems to have missed the mark though--I was complimenting the style and the focus to character, and that it's also ok that when I'm down or healing, I get 'you heal', because you pretty much do care :P))

Continue healing.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 01, 2016, 05:04:14 am

Saevus, After the End

Desummon my weapons and take the machinegun off its base, summoning a large gunshield-like shield on it. If there isn't one already. If I can one-hand it, summon another shield for my Golden Arm. Then start carefully moving towards the North, while staying in cover as much as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 01, 2016, 06:37:19 am

"Guess the mirror isn't smoking, at least."

LOOT. This gladdens my soul. Look for goods and valuables of an extraordinary nature around the place. Steal them. Steal all of them.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 01, 2016, 08:19:33 am

Kosak Durar, Aftermath of After the End:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 28, 2016, 09:05:45 pm

"Well done." Charlie says, bringing your attention away from the TV. "You did it. You defeated the mastermind responsible for that mess. One of them, anyway."
"Yeah, but he still died in the end." the entity sitting on the other side of the table responds.
"Eh, victory is all that matters. Everything else can be sacrificed for it."
"But is it a victory if you sacrifice yourself for it? I say it is not."
"And I say it is."

"It is my belief that no physical sacrifice of self, up to and including death, matters when death is only temporary. I can finally be free of fear."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 02, 2016, 07:46:42 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 31, 2016, 07:54:10 pm

Inteoduce anyone helping me out of my stuckness to Bill And Ted.

Then try to go down the well again, of course. Who learns from their mishaps? Not me when I don't wanna!

That spelling mistake makes me imagine you talking with your tongue out the entire time.
They don't really know what to say, beyond stammering a few polite words.

You try to go down again, despite people urging you not to do that. You manage to make it about halfway down. Your hands are becoming too sweaty and tired to safely hold on.

Quote from: Toaster on October 31, 2016, 08:13:11 pm

((If I wasn't near the development of this character, I'd suggest Scaling as another perk.  Of course, if I can make it smaller, making a much bigger copy is a thing as well.  Not now though; time to progress.))

That'll do.  Better keep a rearguard, but we need to move.

Keep the same formation, except move three to the back to guard from behind.  Move out at speed toward the destination I picked up earlier.

You start robo-running towards the... which destination did you pick? Was it the comm centre? If so, you head that way with your minions accompanying you.

You'll be going through an inhabited area next. There's a giant machine meant to seal this part of the cavern from the tower that acts as a divider of the two areas. Beyond it is an arrangement of decrepit and looted factories and warehouses, some of them with people living in them. The streets closer to the centre are quite difficult to go through, since they are blocked by shacks or cars or barricades, but the rest appear to be mostly clear.

Are you going to be just running through it?

Quote from: Lenglon on October 31, 2016, 10:20:13 pm

<And now you have reached why I asked what you wanted. Because what you and I want to do might align, but I don't know enough about you to know, and I'm the one who is taking a risk here, so I have to judge first if I should trust you and let you judge me. So... what do you want? What makes a cause worthy, or a person worthy, in your opinion? What would allowing you to judge me actually do?
Heck, what do you even do? I'll admit, I was a bit deceptive a moment ago, your attitude irked me and I wanted to knock you down a peg. I don't know your full capabilities, so I can't really say for sure if you can help me or not. But also, I was maimed in my last fight and am having trouble using my own flame abilities, my strongest ally has been crippled and is currently useless, and my foe is far stronger than I am. I actually might need some major help if I'm going to accomplish my goal. so... you might be more useful to me than I said you would be. depending on your abilities, maybe a lot more, maybe not, I don't know. Um, are you able to change sizes or weight? the muscles thing I mentioned is a real issue. I'm... not fully grown. Not gonna be for a really long time. No, wait, you've been doing that thing where I ask a bunch of questions and you only answer one or two. What do you want and what does it mean to judge me? that's most important.>

<What we really want is revenge and freedom. But you can offer us neither. So instead we want to do something worthwhile. And to do that we need someone worthy, with worthy goals. Someone we feel comfortable supporting. Someone who will give us a great purpose. And great enjoyment. So we want to look into your mind and soul and ask you a few questions. If we like what we see, if we judge you worthy, then we shall accompany you.>

<It is for your protection as much as ours. It's much better to hear the truth now than to find out you were not worth our time or trying to trick us later. You won't have to die and we won't have to spend a few hundred years down whatever hole you happened to be in at the time. We don't want to make things more difficult for fate than they have to be.>
<Ultimate power in no time, just have to fill in this one easy questionnaire? What's the catch?>
<There is no 'catch'. We asked for nothing. We thought you came here seeking us. If you are not, if you think you're better off without our power or too afraid to claim it, then you don't really need it. We won't beg you or try to reassure you or try to convince you to change your mind. You are free to walk away and let us return to our sleep.>

Quote from: Tiruin on November 01, 2016, 12:17:04 am

Quote

Sorry for not being too wordy. I'm trying to make updates quickly but it always feels like there's stuff to do and not enough time to do it. I promise things will get more interesting for you soon. But now it's getting really late, I have to wake up early tomorrow and I still have to do Irine's part.

((Oh it's OKAAAY, my wordiness seems to have missed the mark though--I was complimenting the style and the focus to character, and that it's also ok that when I'm down or healing, I get 'you heal', because you pretty much do care :P))

Continue healing.

((Well, this event was supposed to happen tomorrow, but we could run it now to give you something to do while you wait.))

Your rest is interrupted by a commotion coming from outside. You point your ears at the door, trying to make out anything you can to satisfy your curiosity. It turns out you don't have to try hard, as a few moments later the noise is outside your door and then in your room.
"-half hour. I brought him back here as fast as I could."
"Will he be fine?"
"I've cleaned his wounds. With rest and a proper meal he should be fine."
"What about the arm?"
"The arm-"
There is a pause in the conversation as the door opens.
"Careful."
The healer, his assistant the mayor and a man you've never seen before go through the door, carefully carrying a young man. They glance at you as you enter but their attention is focused on the boy.
"The arm will heal in time. There's nothing more I can do about it right now. We'll have to wait and see if further treatment is required."
The boy on the other hand seems to have focused his attention on you.
"Good. This room should be good enough for now."
"Yes, it's the most private one we have here."
They slowly set the boy down on the bed Alan was using. The way they are clustered around him doesn't let you see much more than his head.
"Are you sure he can't stay somewhere else?"
"Better for him to stay here for now, where we can keep an eye on him."
"Hey. Can you hear me boy?" the mayor says to get the boy's attention away from you.
"Yes. But- Is it safe here? I mean-"
"Yes, it's safe."
"Am I a prisoner?"
"No, you are not."
"Just tell them what you told me kid and you'll be fine. I promise we'll take good care of you here."
"A-alright."
The boy is silent for a few moments. Then he takes a big breath and begins slowly recounting his story.
"It started with the rumors. There was something strange going on. Fires in Kodromota. Strange noises coming from the mountains. Then the people came. They were hurt and afraid. They told us that the Sovereignty had attacked. That they came with soldiers and Gliders and terrible warbeasts. The army didn't see them coming. They said they didn't stood a chance."
He looks uncomfortable being the centre of attention, nervously looking at the grownups around him for a moment before looking down or away.
"People didn't know what to do. Some said that it was for the best. That a strong empire could protect us better. Others were afraid they would become slaves. When First Green was attacked we could hear it throughout the night. The few that were left said they were taking everyone. My dad sent me to bed while he talked to them. I don't know what they told him but when he woke me up he was packing. We left before morning came."

"We and some others traveled together. We found the soldiers on the road to Traveller's Rest, going the opposite way. The said they were sent out to bring the survivors and those willing to fight to the hills, where they could regroup and keep fighting. My father... left to join them. He said I should keep going until I reached my uncle on Giant's Wall."

"I kept going along with the others. Some of them I knew. I stayed close to my friend Praeus and his dad. More joined at Traveller's Rest. We kept going for a few days. We stopped to sleep close to some old statues. And... they came during the night. There were magical flying things in the sky, searching for us with light. And... the monsters. They looked... Their screams were horrible."
By this point the boy is hiding under his blankets, speaking softly.
"One of them attacked me. It was a terrible bird. Too many wings in the wrong places. It tried to drag me away. It hurt my arm. Aelven, Praeus' dad, he hit it with a rock. It let go of me and I- I run away. I run and I kept running until I was too tired and I fell down. When I woke up it was morning and I did not know where I was. I kept going but my food run out. I thought I saw smoke but I fell down before I could reach it. When I woke up Reinn had found me and was taking me here."
Everyone is silent for a moment while they consider what they just heard.
"Hmmm... I see. Thank you. Well done boy. You did good. You can rest now."
"So what should we do next?"
"First of all we should take this conversation somewhere else and leave the boy to rest."
"Yes. Right. Alba will bring you food boy. You just rest for now. And don't mess with your bandages."
The boy lowers his blanket and tries to say something, but by the time he finds the courage to do so the others are already leaving the room.
"But- Is it-"
The healer's assistant, Alba, is the only one who lingers long enough to hear his protests, or rather his attempts to protest.
"I trust you will be fine here?" she says, somehow managing to make the question sound like an order. She's already on her way out by the time you nod in response. The boy tries to say something but the door is already closed. You can hear the assistant loudly scolding the other patients.
"What are you lot doing up? You should be resting, not standing around eavesdropping and gossiping like a bunch of old hags. Come on then. Break it off. Back to your beds you go."

When you look back at the boy you find him looking at you. He immediatly looks away but then goes back to looking at you. He raises his blanket to cover everything but his face.
"Are you going to eat me?"

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 01, 2016, 05:04:14 am

Saevus, After the End

Desummon my weapons and take the machinegun off its base, summoning a large gunshield-like shield on it. If there isn't one already. If I can one-hand it, summon another shield for my Golden Arm. Then start carefully moving towards the North, while staying in cover as much as I can.

You unlock the machinegun from its base and test its weight. You could use it one handed, but it might be better to stick with two. It would be kinda like using a high-powered pistol with one hand for a human. You can do it, but would you really want to? Well, you might want to. I mean, you could use it for suppression when moving and stick the shield to the ground to make a more accurate turret. Or just adjust the shield to be in whatever medieval-ish shape you desire and suits you on the fly.

Anyway, whatever you decide, you move forward, making your way through the parking lot, trying to remain hidden. Trying being the operative word, as you manage to bump onto a car. Now, that wouldn't be too bad for a human, but when a walking tank bumps into a car, it's not good for the car. The alarm goes off, the siren and the flashing lights attracting the attention of everyone around. You try to get as far away from the car as possible before they spot you. About half a minute later, the watchtowers turn on their searchlights one at a time and start scanning the parking lot. Luckily, they focus their attention on the entrance of the tower and the vermin coming out of it. You can hear shots coming from the towers, high powered rifles hitting cars, the ground or flesh, the monsters and the bullets and the alarms of more cars going off creating even more noise. You cannot clearly see who's shooting though, the searchlights make it hard to focus on the watchtowers, although you can tell that there's at least one person on each.

You make it all the way to the middle of the parking lot and hide behind one of the prefab buildings there. It looks like this one was some sort of office that has been turned into a storage area, with tools, materials, ammo and guns being dumped and locked inside it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 01, 2016, 06:37:19 am

"Guess the mirror isn't smoking, at least."

LOOT. This gladdens my soul. Look for goods and valuables of an extraordinary nature around the place. Steal them. Steal all of them.

Ah. Looting. The favourite past time of all refined gentlemen. Time to relive the glory of those past explorers by relieving this tomb of its valuables. You're certain its occupant won't mind. It's not like he needs all that stuff. The question is, where to start? I mean, you could just start taking everything and lifting it up through the well. But you'd prefer to have first pick for the really good pieces.

Well, there are certain works of art in here that could be valuable. Some of them are even made out of valuable materials like gold and silver. However, a few small statues really be worth it? I mean, if there's a room for fabric and other works of art, then there could certainly be a room of awesome weapons, of books of power or of mountains of gold. All you have to do is find them! And hope they are not behind one of those sealed passages. You look around this room a bit, but you don't manage to find anything that screams "I'm valuable". There are some things that look magical and thus could be valuable, but you don't mess with them. For all you know they could actually be grenades and looking at them the wrong way could trigger them.

You explore a bit more, checking the side passages. You find one that's had its door partially broken and forced open.

There's an impressive looking suit of heavy armour at the centre of the room. It's made of a material you haven't seen before, a thin dark grey metal with a slightly blue shine to it. The greatest part of the torso, the forearms and the lower legs are paintd black. The helmet is spiky and ornate, contrasting with the smooth design of the rest of the armour.The chest is decorated with some sort of heraldic symbol in gold, something that reminds you of british nobles for some reason.

What's behind it is even more impressive. It's a gigantic suit of armour made out of stone, reinforced with gold and silver and adorned with a golden crown studded with precious stones. You can tell that a human was meant to be placed inside it and then sealed in there, although you aren't sure how a human could lift all that. Maybe this was meant to be used with magical assistance. Or maybe this was meant as some sort of prank or torture device. Though the way it's siting against the wall now makes it look more like a giant throne.
...
Now that you think about it, you aren't sure how they fit that thing through the door. Maybe it can break apart into multiple pieces? That would certainly help with the looting. You'd be interested in that crown.

You'd go right ahead and try to loot those, but the charred skeleton close to the door gives you pause. Unlike all those other fake skeletons, this one is definitely real. If this place is trapped, you wouldn't like to end up like that poor colleague of yours.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 01, 2016, 08:19:33 am

Kosak Durar, Aftermath of After the End:

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 28, 2016, 09:05:45 pm

"Well done." Charlie says, bringing your attention away from the TV. "You did it. You defeated the mastermind responsible for that mess. One of them, anyway."
"Yeah, but he still died in the end." the entity sitting on the other side of the table responds.
"Eh, victory is all that matters. Everything else can be sacrificed for it."
"But is it a victory if you sacrifice yourself for it? I say it is not."
"And I say it is."

"It is my belief that no physical sacrifice of self, up to and including death, matters when death is only temporary. I can finally be free of fear."

"Exactly! Well done man, you really get what I'm saying."
"Ah, but what good is a victory if you're not around to see it? If you can't enjoy it? If it's more trouble than it's worth?"
"A victory is a victory. You sacrifice everything to win. Otherwise you're just a loser."
"And where do the sacrifices stop? If you're ok with your death and you're OK with the deaths of others, then how far would you go for victory? Your friends? Your mind? Your soul? Your happiness? Everything until you end up as a victory seeking machine like him?"
"Well, that's why you try to be good at what you do. If you're good enough you won't have to make sacrifices. Besides, as long as things can be fixed, they're not really broken, so there's no reason to bitch about them."
"Even so, you cannot be fearless. There are things worse than death."
"Eh, probably. But as long as you're alive, it means that you can deal with your problems and have a chance to fix them."
"But isn't the same true for losing? Even if you lose, you might still have a chance to try again, to make things right."

---

OOC
I feel too tired to proofread. I'll just press post. and hope I don't curse myself when I wake up about whatever mess I did.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 02, 2016, 08:02:25 pm

self-addressed: D's remnant needs to quit it. He's doing a partial takeover and this is very much not okay. I am me, and want to be treated as me. He's way out of line what with how he's pretending he's me and speaking for me.

To the sword: <... Okay, you have my permission to judge me.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 02, 2016, 11:33:54 pm

"Hey guys can you get below to catch me I'm coming down but my hands are kinda slippery and I'm holding Bill And Ted and I don't wanna damage him guyyyyyyys"

Call for assistance! If I do fall, spam plush mattresses below me to catch my fall.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 02, 2016, 11:38:24 pm

WMD, After the End

Go check out the end of that tunnel.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 02, 2016, 11:54:55 pm

John: After the End

Yes, the comm center.  Let's try to avoid the most crowded areas, but a squad of 15 robots lead by roboman is probably going to attract attention regardless.

Basically, don't go way out of the way to avoid attention, but don't seek it either.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 06:10:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Neato."

Use my sword to discombobulate potential magical wards around the entranceway. Poke around with it. Tap the armor's shoulder gently with the flat of the blade. If nothing happens, see if I can make off with the armor.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 03, 2016, 01:15:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 02, 2016, 08:02:25 pm

self-addressed: D's remnant needs to quit it. He's doing a partial takeover and this is very much not okay. I am me, and want to be treated as me. He's way out of line what with how he's pretending he's me and speaking for me.

To the sword: <... Okay, you have my permission to judge me.>

<Very well then.>
The presence and the power behind it is unleashed, surrounding you and enveloping you. It feels as if you're trapped beneath molten rock. But it is not actually hurting you nor invading you, merely surrounding you. It's not making any move of its own but it is watching your every move.
<Reveal to us your greatest desire.>
<State your ultimate goal.>
<Tell us what you would make right for others if you could, what you would fix in past present or future.>
Nothing is as simple as asking for your favourite colour these days.
<Answer us and we shall judge.>

Quote from: Xantalos on November 02, 2016, 11:33:54 pm

"Hey guys can you get below to catch me I'm coming down but my hands are kinda slippery and I'm holding Bill And Ted and I don't wanna damage him guyyyyyyys"

Call for assistance! If I do fall, spam plush mattresses below me to catch my fall.

How exactly would they assist you? Try to cushion your fall with their bodies?

Anyway, you manage to hold on for now, but you don't feel comfortable enough to let go of the rope or try to summon something. I mean, you could try, but the risk would be greater.

Quote from: Beirus on November 02, 2016, 11:38:24 pm

WMD, After the End

Go check out the end of that tunnel.

You continue approaching. As you get closer you can make out more details. You can see a small tent by its side. It looks old and unused. The gate itself is closed, as are the two smaller gates on its sides. You don't see any doorknobs, but there is a lever besides each, so you assume they move electrically. However turning the switch only causes a red light to light up for half a second. Maybe the mechanism that moves them is out of power. One of the gates has a significant dent in it, as if someone tried to force their way in.

The entire area is covered by a thin sticky substance. It's making the light coming from the emergency lights much weaker. It's also making details harder to see, blurring them under its semi-transparent covering. There's also some black sludge close to the dent door.

Quote from: Toaster on November 02, 2016, 11:54:55 pm

John: After the End

Yes, the comm center.  Let's try to avoid the most crowded areas, but a squad of 15 robots lead by roboman is probably going to attract attention regardless.

Basically, don't go way out of the way to avoid attention, but don't seek it either.

You start making your way through the streets. It's uneventful for a while. A man follows you for a block but then disappears. Then you notice people hiding in a rooftop close to you. One of them is talking to some sort of communication device. You zoom in just in time to hear him informing someone about you and the direction you are moving in. You zoom out again and check out the area in front of you. On the side streets, two blocks away from where you are, there are three pickup trucks waiting to ambush you and box you in. There are men with guns unloading from one of them, setting up behind cover. Their bodies are mostly bare, revealing extensive tattoos, deformed by unhealthy looking giant growths. Many of them walk with a quite peculiar gait as a result of their centre of mass being off.

You noticed them quite soon. You could simply try avoiding them. But if they're set on attacking you and are able to find out where you are, then those cars would allow them to easily catch up.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 06:10:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Neato."

Use my sword to discombobulate potential magical wards around the entranceway. Poke around with it. Tap the armor's shoulder gently with the flat of the blade. If nothing happens, see if I can make off with the armor.

You use the "poke it with a stick" method to determine if the room is safe. It looks safe. You experimentally put your leg in. Still safe. You take a step inside. Nothing happens. You continue advancing, looking for pressure plates as you do so, until you reach the armour stand. You poke it a bit with your sword from as far away as you can. Nothing happens. You poke harder. You hear a click coming from somewhere underneath the part you pushed. You instinctively roll away. A moment later a large area around the armour explodes into flames and stays that way for several seconds. They're so hot you're forced to look away and leave the room to escape the heat and the light.

You return to the room when the light disappears and the wind dies down to find it just the way it was, only extremely hotter, like walking into an oven. It can't be healthy staying here for long. Hopefully the heat will dissipate soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 03, 2016, 01:53:14 pm

<Home>
My response is accompanied by images of home. Images of my many-species-children. Images of those whom I failed. Images of what is now gone.
<I miss home.>
and are followed by what happened to them.
<My ultimate goal, is to bring them back, and to end whoever did that to them.>
<...>
<But that's long-term, and probably outside your jurisdiction. The goal I have in mind for here is more immediate.>
I show our mission briefing.
<I learned more later on>
I show my conversation between me and River and D.
<And my intention is to do what we came here to do, without letting anyone permadie. Not even River, despite what happened.>
I show the last fight in the village, and the memories D left for me.
<Is there anything else you need to know?>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 02:24:42 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((Just checking, you do remember that my sword was turned weird by touching that chaos portal, right?))

"You gotta love fire traps."

Go over to Irine and see what she's doing. If she's still gawking at the sword, tap her on the shoulder. If that doesn't do anything, tap the big sword with my sword.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 03, 2016, 02:55:00 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 03, 2016, 01:53:14 pm

<Home>
My response is accompanied by images of home. Images of my many-species-children. Images of those whom I failed. Images of what is now gone.
<I miss home.>
and are followed by what happened to them.
<My ultimate goal, is to bring them back, and to end whoever did that to them.>
<...>
<But that's long-term, and probably outside your jurisdiction. The goal I have in mind for here is more immediate.>
I show our mission briefing.
<I learned more later on>
I show my conversation between me and River and D.
<And my intention is to do what we came here to do, without letting anyone permadie. Not even River, despite what happened.>
I show the last fight in the village, and the memories D left for me.
<Is there anything else you need to know?>

<We do not care about what you are here to do.>
<Well, we do, but it is not what we really want to know.>
<Our primary concern is your character. Who you are. The goals of someone may change, but their being seldom does. Only the conditions it is in.>
<That is why we ask those questions. How you answer them is more important than the details.>
<Although they are enjoyable. It's nice to see there would be something interesting for us to do should we choose to accompany you.>
<We do not seek information with this interrogation.>
<This conversation itself is what we seek.>
<So speak freely and do not feel obliged to answer all of our questions.>
<Although doing so would probably let us reach a verdict sooner, one way or another.>

<So, you say you seek to end whoever destroyed your world.>
<Would that bring you great enjoyment? To fight them and kill them all? To see them suffer? Or would it be a thing you do out of duty, something you would do in a detached manner, clinically, emotionlessly?>
<Is this a quest really for your enjoyment? Your desires? Something you have to do to satisfy some urge? Or is it for something greater? For answers. For justice. For doing what is right.>
<Why even bother with revenge at all? Any deeds you do, any information you gain, it will probably change nothing for you. It will not bring the dead back, it will not give you back your world.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 02:24:42 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((Just checking, you do remember that my sword was turned weird by touching that chaos portal, right?))

"You gotta love fire traps."

Go over to Irine and see what she's doing. If she's still gawking at the sword, tap her on the shoulder. If that doesn't do anything, tap the big sword with my sword.

If you're using the Chaos Sword, then the same thing would happen, but you'd also notice that the armour is pretty durable as it not only managed to not get shredded by the sword but it didn't even get scratched by the blade fragments hitting it.

Well, it does something in that Irine can feel you tapping her. I dunno what she wants to do about that though. I can guess she's probably annoyed.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 03:00:13 pm

((I don't actually have any other sword. So if I mention my sword, I do mean the chaos one.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 03, 2016, 04:50:35 pm

"HEY GUUYYYYYYYYS CATCH ME IF I FALL OKAY"

Yes. Yes they would.

Carefully make my way down the rope.

If I slip off the rope or whatever and start falling, do the summon mattress thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 03, 2016, 05:51:58 pm

<Not true. At my full power, when I was creating my world, I could bring them back, and I could rebuild my world. I did it once, I can redo it again. I just need to regain my old power, or gain enough influence with someone who has at least as much power, of which I know several, to work with me to fix this. A similar level of power was also required to cause what happened to happen, so I'm also investigating my suspect pool at the same time. All of this is through my participation in The Games. I will fix this, it is not impossible, and I will make it happen. It is my responsibility.>
<I do this because it is my duty. I stepped down from power because I was not worthy of how much power I had. I failed those under my power when I did, because nobody better was able to take the role, and the role was a necessary one. I still am not worthy of that power, but I need it back to fix things>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 03, 2016, 07:17:37 pm

These guys must be desperate if they're after me.

Let's try to avoid them, maybe ducking into a sewer or some such if possible.  If they can't be avoided, they can't; but I'll have to pull some new tricks before engaging.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 03, 2016, 08:11:50 pm

Saevus, After the End

The 'use it for suppression and plop the shield on the ground' one sounds good. If the tools contained within the building might help me out with fixing the damage I incurred, look for a way in. Or make one with the Blingcannon. If they won't, keep heading North.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 03, 2016, 09:36:18 pm

Quote

You can hear the assistant loudly scolding the other patients.
"What are you lot doing up? You should be resting, not standing around eavesdropping and gossiping like a bunch of old hags. Come on then. Break it off. Back to your beds you go."

(Love good ol' curiosity poking its narrative head in :P)

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7246576#msg7246576) had a difficult time comprehending what was happening due to the need to pay attention to healing pains, but from the gist of what she heard, she assumed she caught onto half a conversation about something important earlier. Something much alike to what she had experienced, in a way.

Currently, she looked at the boy and raised her eyebrow the tiniest bit--sure that someone who would be noticing every detail 'because she'd eat him' would see, and then smiled. This first impression would be tantamount to his understanding...especially as a kid, who has seen things he wasn't prepared for. He'd be going through a tough time, and Theri was glad she at least could understand these.

"My name is Theri, it's nice to meet you. I'm not going to eat you--I'm not a monster. You're safe with me here, I'm a guardian," she said, matter-of-factly, making sure to pronounce her words a bit slower than usual and more pronouncedly. A thorough mind had the fun of pushing away more witty comments like 'Oh yes I'm going to eat you, that is why I am here', but a mind that was witty also had awareness that was wise; she was dealing with a child, and while it was important to know their personality (so one would know how to better respond), she didn't know him. But she knew he was scared.

"I just look different, that's all. Mostly my ears, and my fluffy tail. You can look at it," she said, slipping her tail out of the blankets, "-here, nothing to be afraid of. These people wouldn't be taking care of me if I was going to hurt any of them. You're safe with me."

Theri turned to look back at the ceiling. "It is safe here. Did you have enough sleep lately?"

Calm the young child! And converse with him!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 06, 2016, 03:17:24 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 03:00:13 pm

((I don't actually have any other sword. So if I mention my sword, I do mean the chaos one.))

Oh, yeah, right, you handed out the other swords you had to the others.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 03, 2016, 05:51:58 pm

<Not true. At my full power, when I was creating my world, I could bring them back, and I could rebuild my world. I did it once, I can redo it again. I just need to regain my old power, or gain enough influence with someone who has at least as much power, of which I know several, to work with me to fix this. A similar level of power was also required to cause what happened to happen, so I'm also investigating my suspect pool at the same time. All of this is through my participation in The Games. I will fix this, it is not impossible, and I will make it happen. It is my responsibility.>
<I do this because it is my duty. I stepped down from power because I was not worthy of how much power I had. I failed those under my power when I did, because nobody better was able to take the role, and the role was a necessary one. I still am not worthy of that power, but I need it back to fix things>

<You say you care for justice. Then what about justice for all the offenses committed by the being of darkness that accompanies you, the one you call River? Do you regard the deeds of all of your companions in such manner?>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 03, 2016, 02:24:42 pm

Campaign, Ike!

((Just checking, you do remember that my sword was turned weird by touching that chaos portal, right?))

"You gotta love fire traps."

Go over to Irine and see what she's doing. If she's still gawking at the sword, tap her on the shoulder. If that doesn't do anything, tap the big sword with my sword.

Well, there's no response from Irine, so you try to touch your sword to Irine's sword... Heh. Anyway, try is the operative word here, since it feels like it's pushing against your sword. Your blade doesn't seem to like that. Its shifts are becoming slower and more erratic, spreading it wide and making it look like you're holding multiple transforming swords. It's making your hand tingle. You could try to force it, but I wasn't sure you'd want to.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 03, 2016, 04:50:35 pm

"HEY GUUYYYYYYYYS CATCH ME IF I FALL OKAY"

Yes. Yes they would.

Carefully make my way down the rope.

If I slip off the rope or whatever and start falling, do the summon mattress thing.

You slide about halfway down before losing your grip. You slam against the pointy walls of the well, scraping your back. The pain is making it hard to concentrate, but you do manage to summon a single but relatively large mattress. Your aim however is a bit off. You'll hit close to its edge. And it'll hit the sword and the two people around it.

Ike, as always, has excellent awareness and reflexes so he can easily dodge out of the way if that is what he wants to do.

Irine on the other hand manages to barely hear the attack despite Alan's yelling and her reflex roll allows her to only partially roll out of the way if that is what she wants to do. Or she could try to convince the sword within the next turn or two and hope it saves her.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 03, 2016, 09:36:18 pm

Quote

You can hear the assistant loudly scolding the other patients.
"What are you lot doing up? You should be resting, not standing around eavesdropping and gossiping like a bunch of old hags. Come on then. Break it off. Back to your beds you go."

(Love good ol' curiosity poking its narrative head in :P)

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7246576#msg7246576) had a difficult time comprehending what was happening due to the need to pay attention to healing pains, but from the gist of what she heard, she assumed she caught onto half a conversation about something important earlier. Something much alike to what she had experienced, in a way.

Currently, she looked at the boy and raised her eyebrow the tiniest bit--sure that someone who would be noticing every detail 'because she'd eat him' would see, and then smiled. This first impression would be tantamount to his understanding...especially as a kid, who has seen things he wasn't prepared for. He'd be going through a tough time, and Theri was glad she at least could understand these.

"My name is Theri, it's nice to meet you. I'm not going to eat you--I'm not a monster. You're safe with me here, I'm a guardian," she said, matter-of-factly, making sure to pronounce her words a bit slower than usual and more pronouncedly. A thorough mind had the fun of pushing away more witty comments like 'Oh yes I'm going to eat you, that is why I am here', but a mind that was witty also had awareness that was wise; she was dealing with a child, and while it was important to know their personality (so one would know how to better respond), she didn't know him. But she knew he was scared.

"But- Your ears..."

Quote from: Tiruin on November 03, 2016, 09:36:18 pm

"I just look different, that's all. Mostly my ears, and my fluffy tail. You can look at it," she said, slipping her tail out of the blankets, "-here, nothing to be afraid of. These people wouldn't be taking care of me if I was going to hurt any of them. You're safe with me."

Theri turned to look back at the ceiling. "It is safe here. Did you have enough sleep lately?"

Calm the young child! And converse with him!

"No I-"
"I mean, I don't know."
"I slept. I don't know how long. I still feel tired. And my legs hurt. And my arm feels itchy where they wrapped it."

He's quiet for a while. He looks away, getting his head into a more comfortable position, but he's still looking at you with the corner of his eye. His breathing slows down somewhat.

"I'm San. San Fjurrsson."

Quote from: Toaster on November 03, 2016, 07:17:37 pm

These guys must be desperate if they're after me.

Let's try to avoid them, maybe ducking into a sewer or some such if possible.  If they can't be avoided, they can't; but I'll have to pull some new tricks before engaging.

A quick look around shows a passage that leads down to something like some sort of maintenance area. It's empty, making it look much like a giant empty underground parking lot. You could try going down there. You can see other passages like it in the distance, so it should be a way out.

However you'd either have to leave your minions behind or maybe summon a quick lift to take them with you, since they can't climb ladders. Being underground would also limit your vision somewhat, since you'd have to zoom in close enough to see underground.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 03, 2016, 08:11:50 pm

Saevus, After the End

The 'use it for suppression and plop the shield on the ground' one sounds good. If the tools contained within the building might help me out with fixing the damage I incurred, look for a way in. Or make one with the Blingcannon. If they won't, keep heading North.

Using a mounted machinegun like an uzi. What's next, dial wielding? What has magic done?!

Hmm... Well, they could help. You smash the lock on the door with a hammer and take a welder and an assortment of materials. You've never used one of those things before but you somehow know what it is. Now if you take a bit of scrap, maybe put one of that things there, adjust this part, maybe add a little bit of that stuff...

You don't realize how you do it, but by the time you're done you've managed to patch up the damage on your body. Your arm looks bulky, with random pieces of scrap threatening to get in the way, but it should now be even more durable than it was before. Your leg looks much more closer to to normal. You even managed to fix some of the runes on it, letting them light up with magic once more and giving you back better control over it.

While you worked, you heard the distant sounds of combat and the occasional rifles firing from the watchtowers, but they've stopped a while ago. You don't see anything moving outside.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2016, 03:23:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"So what is this thing?"

See if I can maybe take the sword by the hilt. Be ready to dodge!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 06, 2016, 03:35:46 pm

"Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

Aim for the mattress!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 06, 2016, 06:09:40 pm

<I did not say that. Justice is getting all pent up about trying to make things fair. Reality is unfair, that's just the nature of it, and if it were fair it would be uninteresting. I do not care for justice. What I do care for is duty. I have a duty to those under my protection, to those whom I am responsible for. River's known actions have been outside my jurisdiction. They have no impact upon my duty, because I was not responsible for River, nor for those he has affected. River was in charge of our group, it's organizer and leader. I was ordered to come, and was under his command. A subordinate is not responsible for the actions of their leader. Right now though, what I do with River's soulsphere IS my responsibility, and any further actions he takes until he has recovered the ability to make decisions for himself DO fall under my jurisdiction. So although his past actions are not something I need to be concerned with, his actions in the near future are.>

<Who I am (partially) responsible for is Vind, who was guiding me through the town and trusted me to protect him. and I am greatly afraid that my actions got him killed. some of the responsibility for his fate is his own, he knew the risks and chose to come, but some of it is mine.>

<And who I am entirely responsible for are those who had no choice but to trust me, no way to affect their fate or outcome of what happened, and whom I failed. For their sake, I have to do everything I can to make things right. That is my duty.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 06, 2016, 06:13:13 pm

((So, how lucky did I get with that roll?))

Saevus, After the End

To the North!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 06, 2016, 11:15:52 pm

Eeeehhh sure, head down and make the lift.  If I get ambushed while doing it, just set them loose in berserk mode (or whatever closest I can do) and make off on my own.  I can make more disposable murderbots.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2016, 06:39:35 pm

I'd like to make extra sure Harry and Lenglon have read Alan's turn. I should had probably mentioned that in their turns, but I was tired at the time.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 06, 2016, 06:09:40 pm

<I did not say that. Justice is getting all pent up about trying to make things fair. Reality is unfair, that's just the nature of it, and if it were fair it would be uninteresting. I do not care for justice. What I do care for is duty. I have a duty to those under my protection, to those whom I am responsible for. River's known actions have been outside my jurisdiction. They have no impact upon my duty, because I was not responsible for River, nor for those he has affected. River was in charge of our group, it's organizer and leader. I was ordered to come, and was under his command. A subordinate is not responsible for the actions of their leader. Right now though, what I do with River's soulsphere IS my responsibility, and any further actions he takes until he has recovered the ability to make decisions for himself DO fall under my jurisdiction. So although his past actions are not something I need to be concerned with, his actions in the near future are.>

<Who I am (partially) responsible for is Vind, who was guiding me through the town and trusted me to protect him. and I am greatly afraid that my actions got him killed. some of the responsibility for his fate is his own, he knew the risks and chose to come, but some of it is mine.>

<And who I am entirely responsible for are those who had no choice but to trust me, no way to affect their fate or outcome of what happened, and whom I failed. For their sake, I have to do everything I can to make things right. That is my duty.>

<That is good. We understand.>
<However you also said that your greatest desire is to end the one who destroyed your world. Mighty fine vengeance.>
<If that is not a quest for justice, then what is it? Your duty?>
<How can it be your duty if you do not know who they are and how and why they did those awful deeds?>
<Explain this to us and we shall make our final judgment.>

<If you find this attack unjust than consider this: If one offers you an armour they claim to be of unparalleled strength, you would be a fool to take their word for it and not test it with all your strength. You have to burn away the decorations and expose it for what it truly is, to probe its weakpoints, to look for hidden strengths that may surprise you. Your character will be our and your final defense. We would be fools not to test it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2016, 07:47:33 pm

<Again, that's not what I said. I said my ultimate goal was to make things right. Yes, my greatest desire is to end the one who did it, but I don't let my desires control me, I control them. That desire helps give me the strength to keep moving, but if at the end of it all, after learning what caused them to do it, they deserve forgiveness, then they'll get it, much as I may hate to - EEEEP!>
I can't be a good god if I don't fulfill my duties. I can't be a good god if I haven't experienced mortality. I can't be a good person if I can't forgive. I can't be a good guardian if I let attacks go unpunished. I just want to be good, and be worthy of my power. It's simple as that. I want to have truly earned the right to be proud of who I am.
((No, I hadn't been reading other people's turns, I figured Irine would be focused on the sword and I had been relativly busy))
I curl up into a ball on the spot, my tails positioned to cushion against the unavoidable impact as best they can, and hope Alan doesn't kill me.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 07, 2016, 08:03:38 pm

WMD, After the End

Try to find another exit gate.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 08, 2016, 11:54:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 07, 2016, 06:39:35 pm

I'd like to make extra sure Harry and Lenglon have read Alan's turn. I should had probably mentioned that in their turns, but I was tired at the time.

((I don't really read other people's turns either. But I was ready to dodge, so dodge I will!))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 11, 2016, 01:03:13 pm

Quote from: The other child in the healing area who has an important story and possible lead later on on November 06, 2016, 03:17:24 pm

"I'm San. San Fjurrsson."

"That's a beautiful name. And I appreciate your openness in talking to me, San. That's very nice of you."

Theri noticed the young man looking at several points behind her, until she realized he was looking at several parts that 'were not really human', and turned around on her bed to look at him back.

"If it doesn't bother you, you can touch my ears too if you'd like. I'm not very good with conversations but I'd like you to know that when I said you're safe here with me--I feel the same with you. It's nice to meet nice people. Please continue talking, it helps the mood for everyone."

Let's all keep healing here, with a positive mood!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 11, 2016, 05:58:55 pm

((minor edit to include Irine's at-the-heart reasoning. she doesn't want to directly claim it because she feels she hasn't earned her old title, and it would be presumptive and arrogant (in her mind at least) to claim it until she earned it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 12, 2016, 10:52:38 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 06, 2016, 03:23:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"So what is this thing?"

See if I can maybe take the sword by the hilt. Be ready to dodge!

Quote from: Xantalos on November 06, 2016, 03:35:46 pm

"Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

Aim for the mattress!

Quote from: Lenglon on November 07, 2016, 07:47:33 pm

<Again, that's not what I said. I said my ultimate goal was to make things right. Yes, my greatest desire is to end the one who did it, but I don't let my desires control me, I control them. That desire helps give me the strength to keep moving, but if at the end of it all, after learning what caused them to do it, they deserve forgiveness, then they'll get it, much as I may hate to - EEEEP!>
I can't be a good god if I don't fulfill my duties. I can't be a good god if I haven't experienced mortality. I can't be a good person if I can't forgive. I can't be a good guardian if I let attacks go unpunished. I just want to be good, and be worthy of my power. It's simple as that. I want to have truly earned the right to be proud of who I am.
((No, I hadn't been reading other people's turns, I figured Irine would be focused on the sword and I had been relativly busy))
I curl up into a ball on the spot, my tails positioned to cushion against the unavoidable impact as best they can, and hope Alan doesn't kill me.

The mattress slams against the ground, bounces and then slams against it once more. Alan manages to land on it, bounce off and then fall on the floor. Which hurts and knocks the wind out of him, but it's not as bad as it could had been. A moment later the mattress catches fire, the fabric on its centre getting burnt, its springs melted. Ike and Irine emerge from the burnt hole as the material sags and vaporizes, protected by an almost invisible barrier made out of grey wireframe lines, as if an cartoonist was trying to depict something invisible. Ike has moments ago collided with said barrier while trying to escape with the Sword currently in his hands. Said Sword is now connected to Irine via small distortions in the air.

<We have debated the matter and while there were reservations, we have come to the decision to accompany you for as long as you wish to. We only ask that you return us to this place or another place of power when you no longer require us, so that the fated one may more easily locate us.>

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 06, 2016, 06:13:13 pm

((So, how lucky did I get with that roll?))

Saevus, After the End

To the North!

((A fair bit.))

You get out and make your way across the rest of the parking lot without any incident. Outside there's a bridge crossing a small chasm. You start making your way across it. The road continues beyond that, leading to some sort of highway. Part of it is damage. There's also a residential area full of rundown houses next to a giant wall that divides the cavern in half. There's a giant machine embedded in that wall and the facilities to maintain it. The machine is apparently supposed to help extend a metal barrier that seals off parts of the cavern, as the other side of the wall is blocked by a giant metal wall extending from it. This place must be start-shaped or similar and these machines are meant to cut off pieces of that star.

Anyway, if you were to keep going north, you'd have to go through the residential area.

Quote from: Toaster on November 06, 2016, 11:15:52 pm

Eeeehhh sure, head down and make the lift.  If I get ambushed while doing it, just set them loose in berserk mode (or whatever closest I can do) and make off on my own.  I can make more disposable murderbots.

You quickly summon a rickety old lift and go down to the underground section. You then start getting your bots down one by one. You get about half of them down there before the elevator jams. You're about to start repairing it when a car of armed men arrive. They start firing on the bots and you return fire. They make short work of the vehicle, popping the wheels and filling the driver with smoking holes. The pickup truck swerves and crashes, throwing the men riding on its back down on the street in the process.

The bots swarm them while they are dazed and manage to take out the rest of them. Overall, they performed quite well. You only lost one of them when a lucky shot went between the laser and the armour and hit its chemical laser's ammo, blowing it up in an explosion of pretty colors and dangerous-looking fumes. The rest have only minor damage on the armour.

You manage to repair the lift and get the rest of them down before any more gunmen arrive. You close the entrance to the underground behind you with a loud clang that echoes throughout the empty underground area.

Quote from: Beirus on November 07, 2016, 08:03:38 pm

WMD, After the End

Try to find another exit gate.

You head back outside to the larger cavern area and look around. You can't see too far in this darkness. In the parts of the outer wall that you can see there are no other gates, at least none that you can see. The closest you can get is some giant pipes disappearing into the walls.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 11, 2016, 01:03:13 pm

Quote from: The other child in the healing area who has an important story and possible lead later on on November 06, 2016, 03:17:24 pm

"I'm San. San Fjurrsson."

"That's a beautiful name. And I appreciate your openness in talking to me, San. That's very nice of you."

Theri noticed the young man looking at several points behind her, until she realized he was looking at several parts that 'were not really human', and turned around on her bed to look at him back.

"If it doesn't bother you, you can touch my ears too if you'd like. I'm not very good with conversations but I'd like you to know that when I said you're safe here with me--I feel the same with you. It's nice to meet nice people. Please continue talking, it helps the mood for everyone."

Let's all keep healing here, with a positive mood!

He stays quiet for a while, looking at you without moving
"Why are you here? Are you a prisoner? ... Are they going to put me away?"
"I didn't want to do anything wrong, I swear."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 11, 2016, 05:58:55 pm

((minor edit to include Irine's at-the-heart reasoning. she doesn't want to directly claim it because she feels she hasn't earned her old title, and it would be presumptive and arrogant (in her mind at least) to claim it until she earned it.))

I also liked the original, before any of the edits you made.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 12, 2016, 11:24:09 pm

"Nicely done, troops.  Let's move out."

Move out, following the underground tunnel in the direction of the comm center.  Same formation as before.  If we can't go any more underground, go ahead and go back up (after zooming out to make sure it's clear.)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 13, 2016, 12:13:14 am

"I'm a guardian, like I said," Theri replied with some toned humor, "And I'm not from here--just like you. I was with a group of around four more others, much of them like you, with only one pretty much like me; we came here to help the local citizenry and find someone very important to us (I'd say 'me' but that would be impolite).

"And it's more you're here to heal. You didn't do anything wrong, just like me. I got into a battle lately alongside the people here, we won but I lost my friend. I'm unsure where she is now. Also don't worry there, I believe you."

Theri pursed her lips and wondered.

"Are you still afraid of me?"

Keep at it \o/

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2016, 12:51:55 am

*gasp* *wheeze* *wheeeeeeeeeeeeze*

"Hey guys. Meet ... meet Bill And Ted!"

Alan holds the plant up for inspection, a grin on his face.

Introductions.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 01:54:41 am

<I believe I can do that, and will if I'm able. So... mind telling me who you are? I mean, I asked you before and you just bragged, but you didn't really tell me anything. like your name. and what you can do. and stuff.>

---

"Welp, that happened. Alan, please try not to fall on us like that, any of us could have been hurt. So Ike, what happened while I was out? How long was I out of it? several hours?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2016, 02:02:21 am

"Well yeah but I didn't."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 03:14:27 am

"Several days at least. How long have you been down in this hole?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2016, 11:06:51 am

Quote from: Toaster on November 12, 2016, 11:24:09 pm

"Nicely done, troops.  Let's move out."

Move out, following the underground tunnel in the direction of the comm center.  Same formation as before.  If we can't go any more underground, go ahead and go back up (after zooming out to make sure it's clear.)

You keep moving in the direction of the comm centre. You don't find anything obstructing your progress.

There are places where the ceiling has cracked and collapsed, where the buildings above have fallen through the ground and into this underground section. There are occasional signs of habitation around those holes, the odd tent or sleeping bag, but you do not actually see anyone down here. There's only your metal footsteps echoing in this giant underground space.

You occasionally zoom out to track your progress. As you reach the end of the residential area, the underground area comes to an abrupt stop. There are large holes in the floor close to the wall, enormous concrete slides leading deeper underground. You follow some of them down with your sight. They each appear to be leading to different levels and different directions, although some of them are interconnected. It's as if someone dug the tunnels for some sort of railway or metro system but never installed the rails, the carts and the stations.

You think you've identified a tunnel that leads to where you want to go. You could try to follow it there. Or you could make your way back up and make your way there through the surface.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 13, 2016, 12:13:14 am

"I'm a guardian, like I said," Theri replied with some toned humor, "And I'm not from here--just like you. I was with a group of around four more others, much of them like you, with only one pretty much like me; we came here to help the local citizenry and find someone very important to us (I'd say 'me' but that would be impolite).

"And it's more you're here to heal. You didn't do anything wrong, just like me. I got into a battle lately alongside the people here, we won but I lost my friend. I'm unsure where she is now. Also don't worry there, I believe you."

Your words have some effect on him. You can see him focusing on you, moving as if something happened and he wants to react but doesn't know how.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 13, 2016, 12:13:14 am

Theri pursed her lips and wondered.

"Are you still afraid of me?"

Keep at it \o/

"A little. My dad always said I should be careful of you. That if the monsters ever come I should run or hide and not look back."
"But you are nice to me. So maybe you are not a monster."

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2016, 12:51:55 am

*gasp* *wheeze* *wheeeeeeeeeeeeze*

"Hey guys. Meet ... meet Bill And Ted!"

Alan holds the plant up for inspection, a grin on his face.

Introductions.

I imagine the standard trope of "Hey, Alan, are you allright?" *shaky thumbs up slowly rises from the floor in response before collapsing with a pained grunt*

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 01:54:41 am

<I believe I can do that, and will if I'm able. So... mind telling me who you are? I mean, I asked you before and you just bragged, but you didn't really tell me anything. like your name. and what you can do. and stuff.>

<We are Inira Milu Nimu-Kor, the Sword of Kings and Forger of Kingdoms, Aquiya Tin, the Moonblade, protector of the innocent, slayer of armies, bane of Stodir. We have the power of might, of right and of light. And as long as we are connected and you are with us, you can tap into that power. There is little that is beyond that power, though we are neither omniscient nor omnipotent and in the end the amount of power we can use depends on the power of our wielder. Simply ask of us what you wish and we shall grant it to you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 13, 2016, 11:27:01 am

Keep going underground.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 02:22:38 pm

"I don't really know. I only woke up a short while ago, and I feel pretty terrible. Is the village okay? Did Vind make it out?"

---

<We have with us the soulspheres of two of our group, in theory we can use those to revive the two we lost. doing so would require not just power but also great skill at using it, to avoid causing them harm. are you able to do that?>
ask

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 02:51:01 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 02:22:38 pm

"I don't really know. I only woke up a short while ago, and I feel pretty terrible. Is the village okay? Did Vind make it out?"

"Kind of, it's chugging along at its own pace," Ike shrugs. "Luckily for those mooks, things have remained pretty damn boring. As for Vind, I have no idea who that is. So I'd say about 50/50 on him having been horribly killed."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 04:06:56 pm

I glance at Alan and then lean close to Ike and ask him too quietly for Alan to hear.
"Do you have any food or water? I'm really hungry."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 04:11:04 pm

"There's probably some we could find for you topside," Ike says before pointing deeper in excitedly. "But first, there's a room full of fire and heat and things to steal, so can you help me disable the fire trap so we can steal some of the riches held within?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 04:18:25 pm

"Um, let me ask the sword first. I don't think just stealing their stuff is a good idea unless they're okay with it."
GM see this.
<Do you know anything about what Ike's talking about? I'm guessing that stuff is probably yours if anyone's. what is it and may we take it with us?>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 04:28:56 pm

"Oh, the sword talks? Is it like a Hitchhiker's Guide?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 04:29:37 pm

"Um, what?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 04:39:47 pm

"You know, simultaneously cheap and informative yet apocryphal or at least wildly inaccurate. The perfect low-cost solution to being a stranger in a strange land."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 05:14:22 pm

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 05:16:43 pm

"Does it tell you how things work and what you're supposed to do and what is or isn't safe to eat in the environment?" Ike taps the sword with a finger. "Or is it more just a dubiously useful voice that talks shit nobody really cares about?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2016, 05:21:07 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 02:22:38 pm

<We have with us the soulspheres of two of our group, in theory we can use those to revive the two we lost. doing so would require not just power but also great skill at using it, to avoid causing them harm. are you able to do that?>
ask

To save time, the sword would ask to examine them. After examining them, it would say that it could easily reassemble the soul of the master of space, after commenting about its rarity.

However the dark one would not be so easy, both because his element makes finer manipulations harder and because his soul is pretty badly damaged. The first isn't such a big problem, they would just have to spend more energy on it, meaning it would take more time for the sword to recover to its full strength. Reviving people isn't cheap.

The second is a much greater problem because much like you, his mind and body depend very much on his soul and directly manipulating souls is one of the few things they cannot do. That kind of damage would have to heal naturally. There are big chunks of him missing and they will remain missing for quite some time after he is revived.

The best they can do about that is feed him more power, which could help with the healing process. Although they would express their displeasure with reviving and healing the dark one, they would not oppose you should you ask them to do it.

Other than that, all they need is some time and a place in which to work without dangers and distractions and they can get the soulspheres back on the world of the living.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 04:18:25 pm

GM see this.
<Do you know anything about what Ike's talking about? I'm guessing that stuff is probably yours if anyone's. what is it and may we take it with us?>

((The GM knows all and sees all. The GM is your friend and protector. Don't let traitors tell you otherwise. Trust the GM. Report all traitorous activities to the GM.))

<He is probably referring to the Armoury. The Battle-Armour of the First King and the Throne-Armour of the First King are enshrined inside. There were also some artifacts in the same chamber, but they were destroyed during the time of Sauthjor the Red, a previous wielder, when he died before he could return them here. If you believe this 'Ike' is worthy of it, then we shall help you retrieve the Battle-Armour. We doubt he can be as worthy of it as the beloved First King, but we hope that he shall treat that artifact with all the respect it deserves. We also doubt he has the mental fortitude necessary to wear and control the mighty Throne-Armour, so we suggest he does not attempt to take that, for it will surely result in his death.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2016, 07:35:58 pm

"Hey guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys.



Check out Bill And Ted."

I fell down the well for this plant, you're gonna look at him!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 08:05:22 pm

Admire plant.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 08:22:26 pm

"Ike, I only just met the sword, I don't know. Anyway, apparently there are two sets of armor in there, the nicer one requires a very strong will to use and will probably kill you if you mess with it. The sword is willing to help disable the traps in there for you if you promise to treat the 'Battle-Armour of the First King' with respect. I figure it's battle-armor, it's intended to be used, not put in a shrine somewhere and abandoned forever, similar to the sword, so it should be fine."
Ignore plant.
"However, I'd wait to try to mess with it until we have a way to get it out of here with the thing, climbing a rope in armor won't be easy, and I'm not feeling well. Could we please just leave, give me a chance to get some food in me, and then come back?"

---

<Um, how can I carry you out of here? I don't think I'm strong enough to climb a rope with you.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 13, 2016, 08:27:12 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Guess I gotta force my way through, then. Back to that gate. Undress, put my clothes aside, then transform, activate weapons and walker. Start charging while assessing my loadout.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 13, 2016, 11:50:34 pm

"Hah, yeah...monster. There're people like you who just look different--it's how they act that's what I think your dad meant. Guess he meant the monsters that hurt you, hum? Don't worry about me--and my buddy, she's brown in fur and has more tails than me--we're pretty much like the people you talked to earlier. On your side.

"So, San. Any plans on your mind after you heal? You look better off than me; got anyone to talk to about any concern in mind?"

Keep San company!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2016, 05:01:13 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 08:22:26 pm

"Ike, I only just met the sword, I don't know. Anyway, apparently there are two sets of armor in there, the nicer one requires a very strong will to use and will probably kill you if you mess with it. The sword is willing to help disable the traps in there for you if you promise to treat the 'Battle-Armour of the First King' with respect. I figure it's battle-armor, it's intended to be used, not put in a shrine somewhere and abandoned forever, similar to the sword, so it should be fine."
Ignore plant.
"However, I'd wait to try to mess with it until we have a way to get it out of here with the thing, climbing a rope in armor won't be easy, and I'm not feeling well. Could we please just leave, give me a chance to get some food in me, and then come back?"

"Climbing a rope in armor shouldn't be that hard unless it's really shitty armor. It's not supposed to encumber you! But fine. Let's see if we can get some fine kwizine for you to enjoy."

After admiring the plant, take Irine on a food run of the town.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2016, 09:10:52 am

"Hey. Guess why I named it Bill And Ted."

Attempt to make them guess on a trivial matter that I'm going to tell them anyway. Reply 'no you have to guess' like a degenerate pile of filth if they say 'why'.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 16, 2016, 03:38:17 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 13, 2016, 11:27:01 am

Keep going underground.

You slide down the concrete slide with your robotank minions following you.

Most of the tunnel is covered in black graffiti, all variations of a single sentence: "YOU ARE STILL ALIVE". Even in places where moisture and mould have eaten through the concrete the graffiti, showing that whoever is doing this must have been doing it for quite some time. As you approach your destination you discover holes on the ground, black root-like structures boring through the concrete and reaching upwards. They are swaying slightly. You send one of your tanks towards them and they don't do anything, so you decide to keep going.

There is a giant root going through the concrete where a ladder used to be. This should lead up, close to your destination. The root has withered, leaving a gap around it you could climb through, but it would be tough. It would also be quite hard to bring your minions with you unless you enlarge the hole and build some sort of elevator again. Or maybe give them jetpacks. Or you could just keep going, search for another exit.

Quote from: Beirus on November 13, 2016, 08:27:12 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Guess I gotta force my way through, then. Back to that gate. Undress, put my clothes aside, then transform, activate weapons and walker. Start charging while assessing my loadout.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You transform, but there's pain. There's also an emptiness inside you. You realise that there is no power within you. You are no longer charging.
You guess there's a bright side to this. No more random effects.

Your skin is covered with sores dripping with dark green fluid. You only have melee weapons, most of them positioned close to the ends of your limbs. Things that look like big scythes, spikes, axes, mauls... That's not to say you're useless. You're still a giant multi-limbed thing with big-ass weapons. A Kraken with a giant shiv would make most reasonable people run the fuck away. Especially if it looks like an undead Kraken.

Anyway, you could force the large gate open or smash your way through a wall. Or you could just smash one of the smaller gates open, change back and simply walk into this place. The second option might be best if you think there's something bad inside that you don't want to get out, like the sea for example. The first option might be best if you think there's something in there you should kill before it realizes you're there or something you'd rather not deal with while you're a squishy human.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2016, 07:35:58 pm

"Hey guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys. Guys.



Check out Bill And Ted."

I fell down the well for this plant, you're gonna look at him!

Look at my plant! My plant is amazing! Give it a whiff!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 13, 2016, 08:05:22 pm

Admire plant.

It smells a bit strange. It reminds you of a human scent, but not quite.
Other than that, it looks quite nice. The leaves are thin and look kinda cracked. Their centre has started changing from green into a light violet.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 08:22:26 pm

"Ike, I only just met the sword, I don't know. Anyway, apparently there are two sets of armor in there, the nicer one requires a very strong will to use and will probably kill you if you mess with it. The sword is willing to help disable the traps in there for you if you promise to treat the 'Battle-Armour of the First King' with respect. I figure it's battle-armor, it's intended to be used, not put in a shrine somewhere and abandoned forever, similar to the sword, so it should be fine."
Ignore plant.
"However, I'd wait to try to mess with it until we have a way to get it out of here with the thing, climbing a rope in armor won't be easy, and I'm not feeling well. Could we please just leave, give me a chance to get some food in me, and then come back?"

---

<Um, how can I carry you out of here? I don't think I'm strong enough to climb a rope with you.>

You treat Alan like the father he never visited. Kinda like your father, now that I think about it. Since, you know, your creator god left, never bothered to check in, see how you're doing, if you needed any help. Wonder if gods get abandonment issues.

Anyway, I'll assume Ike gives you the sword. I'll also assume you take the sword to the armour room and Ike takes the armour after the sword disables the traps to save some time. It's quite light, as if it's made out of thin aluminum, so it's relatively easy to carry. He can put it on and try it out whenever he wants.

<We shall provide you with the means to escape.>
The sword points itself up and fires a beam of fire in while moving in a circle, making the walls of the hole above you straight and symmetrical.
It then stabs into the air around you several times, stabbing into space and weaving thing grey lines into it. The threads keep extending on their own, wrapping themselves around the rope.
It feels like the sword is telling your body what it's going to do, making it feel less disorienting as it acts on its own.
The sword's blade shortens, becoming more like a knife with a large hilt. You feel the urge to shout something about electrified felines.
After a few minutes the threads have extended all the way to the top. A ring of rocks from the top of well cracks and falls, pulling the threads through invisible puleys, pulling you and the others up. The makeshift elevator pulls you with just enough strength to get you out of the well and deposit you outside. The sword stabs itself to the ground as you land to help you stay on your feet.
<We would have flown you away, but you did not strike as as one who likes unnecessary displays of power. Besides, you intend to use us for a hard task and you are quite weak at this moment. 'tis best that we reserve our strength.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 14, 2016, 05:01:13 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 13, 2016, 08:22:26 pm

"Ike, I only just met the sword, I don't know. Anyway, apparently there are two sets of armor in there, the nicer one requires a very strong will to use and will probably kill you if you mess with it. The sword is willing to help disable the traps in there for you if you promise to treat the 'Battle-Armour of the First King' with respect. I figure it's battle-armor, it's intended to be used, not put in a shrine somewhere and abandoned forever, similar to the sword, so it should be fine."
Ignore plant.
"However, I'd wait to try to mess with it until we have a way to get it out of here with the thing, climbing a rope in armor won't be easy, and I'm not feeling well. Could we please just leave, give me a chance to get some food in me, and then come back?"

"Climbing a rope in armor shouldn't be that hard unless it's really shitty armor. It's not supposed to encumber you! But fine. Let's see if we can get some fine kwizine for you to enjoy."

After admiring the plant, take Irine on a food run of the town.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 14, 2016, 09:10:52 am

"Hey. Guess why I named it Bill And Ted."

Attempt to make them guess on a trivial matter that I'm going to tell them anyway. Reply 'no you have to guess' like a degenerate pile of filth if they say 'why'.

"What just- Who are- What is- What?"
"Don't ask questions soldier. Just keep guarding my dungeon and don't let anyone in."
"Your dungeon?"
"Called dibs. Now its loot is mine. That's how dibs work."
The man doesn't know what to say.
"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to show my pal here around town and take her to grab a bite."

Ike grabs Irine arm in arm and starts pointing at things while walking her forward.
"Now, this here is the great ravine of WhereTheTempleUsedToBe that was created during the events of the great black zombie infestation of severalDaysAgo. You see, during that battle..."

...

"...but they moved it here so now they have a short of storage area for all their immediate needs. It's sort of necessary with that many people gathered around here. And anyway, that there, that's the hospital slash HQ around here. It's also where most of the group are staying. Now come on, let's go in and grab a bite. The food is great. You see, the cook makes our group meals out of the stuff Alan summons, gives us the special treatment. And he spices things up with some sort of local herb that tastes just..."

...

Much chomping and talking ensues at the hospital. People are also curious about what is going on and where was Irine all that time, but they respect Ike enough to give them some privacy. They also probably don't want to get close to Alan, who somehow manages to be annoying even while eating. People always avoid the couples with the noisy kids at restaurants.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 13, 2016, 11:50:34 pm

"Hah, yeah...monster. There're people like you who just look different--it's how they act that's what I think your dad meant. Guess he meant the monsters that hurt you, hum? Don't worry about me--and my buddy, she's brown in fur and has more tails than me--we're pretty much like the people you talked to earlier. On your side.

"So, San. Any plans on your mind after you heal? You look better off than me; got anyone to talk to about any concern in mind?"

Keep San company!

"I don't know. I was supposed to find my uncle in Giant's Wall but... I don't know how I can get there on my own. I don't know what I'll do here. I just woke up and nobody is telling me anything."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 16, 2016, 04:07:25 pm

Time for Phase 2 of Plan Timeplants! Harvest as many seeds or flowers or whatever Bill And Ted is producing, and plant them in pots of their own!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 16, 2016, 05:54:31 pm

Grapples!  Give them all grapples so they can pull each other up (and maybe the first couple cling on to me.  And ideally incorporate them into close range combat routines.

If the hole needs to be bigger, manually control one of the robots to use its laser to widen the hole.  Should be able to technosense control it and borrow some sensors, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 16, 2016, 05:55:10 pm

Saevus, After the End

No reason not to continue. Onwards!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 16, 2016, 05:59:46 pm

((@abandonment issues - How has Irine acted regarding abandoning people? Or when she thought Stellar was abandoning her?))

---

I'll assume Ike also got me clothes, unless my old ones somehow survived all this or I got replacements in the firesword chamber somehow.
I need to check up on Theri as well, and to talk to her in private.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 16, 2016, 10:16:24 pm

"You could come with us when my companions arrive--I'll take care of you if you want. We can find out your questions along the way, too. I'm very forgetful with names however; can you tell me what you like doing?"

Chat \o/

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 16, 2016, 11:55:57 pm

"Right, now to commence matters of fashion!"

Put on the battle armor! See how it looks. Does it even fit?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 17, 2016, 06:35:11 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 16, 2016, 04:07:25 pm

Time for Phase 2 of Plan Timeplants! Harvest as many seeds or flowers or whatever Bill And Ted is producing, and plant them in pots of their own!

The thing hasn yet to produce any flowers. You're not even sure if it produces flowers. Maybe it's just an alien carrot or potato. Its leaves do look kinda tasty though. You bet they'd be sweet. They certainly smell sweet.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 16, 2016, 05:59:46 pm

((@abandonment issues - How has Irine acted regarding abandoning people? Or when she thought Stellar was abandoning her?))

---

I'll assume Ike also got me clothes, unless my old ones somehow survived all this or I got replacements in the firesword chamber somehow.
I need to check up on Theri as well, and to talk to her in private.

((Yeah, I've noticed. She also appears to feel pretty bad for abandoning her power and by proxy her creations.))

You could had taken clothes from that storage room Ike found. Let's say you did that.

Well, there's only that kid in her room. You could go in and talk to her. Or take her somewhere else if you feel this location isn't safe, she can walk if she moves slowly. I don't know what you'd prefer though. All rooms here are occupied so unless you try to empty one of them I don't know what you'd want to use. A closet? An alley? Start searching for a shed or similar? Start trying nearby buildings until you find one that's empty or has an empty room?

Anyway, assume you can get some privacy. How you do it is up to you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 16, 2016, 11:55:57 pm

"Right, now to commence matters of fashion!"

Put on the battle armor! See how it looks. Does it even fit?

Well, it was probably made for someone a bit more muscular and slightly shorter than you, but it's a pretty good fit nonetheless. You could wear it comfortably in battle, you could even wear it when not in battle assuming it doesn't get too hot when you're out walking long distances in the sun. It doesn't feel very restrictive and it's very light, so you can move with it almost as fast as you can move without it and it won't tire you too much.

There are pieces of it that sound hollow, especially close to the hands, but from what you can t tell that doesn't appear to impact its durability.

Overall it looks good. Makes you look very regal and cool, like someone you don't want to mess with. But maybe it's a bit too serious. Is serious your style? Maybe it would look better if you made it more lively? Painted it a nice pink?

Quote from: Tiruin on November 16, 2016, 10:16:24 pm

"You could come with us when my companions arrive--I'll take care of you if you want. We can find out your questions along the way, too. I'm very forgetful with names however; can you tell me what you like doing?"

Chat \o/

"You would take me with you? I... I'm not sure. Maybe I should stay here and wait for my dad. I think... He might come back, right? He wouldn't just leave me. I should stay where he can find me. Except... Where are you going?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 17, 2016, 06:40:27 pm

Then feed him love and other plant-essential things in non-lethal amounts! Bug various townspeople (if we got out of the well, I'm slightly unsure about that) until they point me to a gardener to pester for advice.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 17, 2016, 06:43:10 pm

Looking super important is part of the job as a serious adventurer! Break the armor in a little. See if I can get some assistance in fitting it and such. Practice my moves with my sword in the armor until the rest of these fools are ready to roll!

EDIT: Though also, if possible, listen in on my surroundings as I do so. Anything ominous now that we're in a slightly less disorganized shape?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 17, 2016, 06:43:43 pm

"I won't take you if you don't want to--but put in mind that your family such as your dad will always be looking for you. I could also tell my companions about your concern and we can head out to find them; did either of you talk on where to meet or what plans you have in mind if you were both separated? Any landmarks or otherwise? I forgot where we were going (I'll ask them later when they come back)--but we plan to leave this area if everything is alright in the coming week.

"Is there anything else worrying you or anything you might need?"

Attempt to conduct PFA! Also continue chatting.
_{in which psychological first aid is a thing. Haa!}

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 17, 2016, 06:46:29 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Try to figure out why I'm not charging. Smash a small hole into the smaller gate. See if anything comes out of the hole, or if it aggravates anything on the other side. If seawater starts coming through, shift back and evacuate the tunnel, grabbing my suit on the way out. Or evacuate first, then shift back and redress if I can't shift back before I need to evacuate.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 07:26:42 am

I enter the infirmary, looking for Theri. Upon finding her, I briefly glance at the boy sharing the room with her, but turn my attention back to her almost instantly.
"Hey Theri. You feeling up for going for a walk? I need to talk to you privately about something."
If she agrees to it, then we'll just go to a large open area near the infirmary, where we could see someone coming and our words won't carry. No need to actually hide or whatever.

---

assuming she agreed, then once we got some space and I was fairly sure we wouldn't be overheard so long as we didn't yell-
"Theri, I found out something important about that darkness we were fighting in the village. You remember that creature that was the source of it all? The big one that tried to devour both of us? That was River. I think his magic was twisted by this place somehow, slowly turning him into a void-creature. Remember how paranoid he was back at the mage's tower? It seemed like his paranoia slowly spiraled out of control, feeding his voidmagic and his voidmagic corrupting his mind making him more paranoid and distrusting. and after he ran off at the mage's tower, I'd guess things didn't get any better."

"But, Theri? I'm sure it was him. After the beast died, it left behind River's soulsphere. It's... in a pretty bad way."
I show her River's soulsphere in its current corrupted state.
"We have a choice to make Theri, and though the choice was presented to me, in reality, the one who has the most right to make it is you. There is a failsafe for this mission. If River dies, and his soulsphere is destroyed, then we will be automatically sent back. The situation here has gotten completely out of hand, and the entities will understand why we had to return, though it will still count as a failed mission. You know how I look kinda different right now? All shiny and blonde and stuff? That's a side-effect of how River was stopped. It took a one-shot trick I can never do again, one with a very high cost. My flame abilities are weaker now than they used to be, by a lot. If River gets revived, and remember he is able to do that on his own, and he goes rampaging like this again. I don't think I can stop him."
"I did find some kind of artifact weapon in the aftermath, a flame sword with all kinds of abilities, that might be strong enough to let us finish the mission without River and without my flames. So it's not hopeless. And that weapon should also be able to revive our dead too, if we give it time to work, and preferably also provide a good environment for it and some power sources to draw on. But Theri? It can't clense the voidstuff from River. If we want to save him, we need to get him back to the Entities, and we need to do it before he revives, or he might kill us all. so we're on a time limit now. I'd guess something like two or three weeks? It probably depends a lot on where we go. Reviving people involves finding magic they match with, and River matches with Void magic, so places with void magic will probably both revive him faster and corrupt him even more."
"Theri, River is your Entity and companion, not mine. The choice to either kill him and go home, or to press on, isn't mine, though the choice was presented to me. The one of us with the most right to decide is you."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 08:31:20 am

Quote from: Irine on November 18, 2016, 07:26:42 am

I enter the infirmary, looking for Theri. Upon finding her, I briefly glance at the boy sharing the room with her, but turn my attention back to her almost instantly.
"Hey Theri. You feeling up for going for a walk? I need to talk to you privately about something."
If she agrees to it, then we'll just go to a large open area near the infirmary, where we could see someone coming and our words won't carry. No need to actually hide or whatever.

Theri looked at Irine for quite a moment, before turning abruptly to San and happily waved at her buddybuddy.
"Irine!
"San, this is my friend who I was talking about!" she said very quickly, already subtly covering San's fear of monsters in the mention given Irine's very casual nature. She toned down her voice as she remembered there were a lot more patients in the other rooms.

"And sure, I'm feeling up for anything with you--I can't actually walk yet though. You look very well! Come sit down with us--the boy is named San, and he's pretty much like us; he's not from here and we've got to know each other just an hour or so back. You mind if it's something you can talk over in the company of us two? At this volume of voice, nobody else can hear us in the other rooms. Also sorry for the shouting but I just-...they said they couldn't find you when they checked the local church?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 10:12:28 am

"Ehhhhh, it really does need to be private. I have some bad news about River. He died, I got his soulsphere, but its damaged and the details are important and what I need to keep private. Anyway, um, yeah, I'm not surprised people couldn't find me, I ended up in a hidden complex underneath where the church used to be."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 06:31:11 pm

"...Well, that is very private then. Could you pull me up and-...tell me how that happened? Sorry there San, this really looks private," Theri said, trying to keep a straight face from wondering and jumping over all the details.

When they are in a pretty private place (like, a nearby grassy hill or something), after listening Irine's more-full explanation, Theri was happy she had the ground to slump on.

"Is...this the objective we've (pretty much far back) been chasing after then? River got to it first and...things happened? Can we delay the timer? I'll decide that we push the limit as far as reason permits and finish the mission as best as able before bre-before going after the safety mechanism and returning back."

Theri couldn't bring herself to say 'break', but her minds was onto consequences. "What are the drawbacks to if we broke it now? We return--it's marked as failed, and then what? The opposite is worrying about the revival and all, but I can see reasoning there. "River" didn't move to kill me when I got attacked, and I'm doubtful that souls can innately be corrupted (rather, their output or whatever is like the layer to the tangible world). So...is there anything else you'd like to mention because thank you for all that.

"...How did you end up under the church again? That's a pristine idea about the villagers here as an aside."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 07:36:09 pm

"I don't think it was the Target, but I can't be sure. I don't know what did cause it after all. My best guess is that he did this to himself by accident. The 'timer' can probably be delayed, yes, but the 'timer' is simply how long it takes River to revive himself. And I'm not saying his soul was corrupted exactly, but the soulspheres store so much more than just our souls themselves. I'm pretty sure the corruption is still in him, and will be when he comes back. especially if it is simply caused by the ambient nature of the magic of this world, and how it reacts to him. The drawback to breaking it now? Mission Failed, River Dead. That's it, it's that simple. But Theri, River DID move to kill you. The last hit he landed on you sent you flying out of the combat area, and he was preoccupied with me, so he didn't chase after you. But don't you remember him turning on you? River tried to kill you Theri. and he DID kill so many villagers. and he nearly killed me. When he comes back, don't expect it to really be him. Not unless we can get him back to the Staging Area, and even then I can make no promises for what the Entities can do for him."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 07:44:54 pm

"While 'he' did all that, there's a very obvious point that tells me that it's rather "him + whatever made it like that" rather than his intent and will alone. But yeah I got that point. We however don't know what happened with him but...I still do think we can do something about all this. So we'll push this as far as we can in the meantime.

"Also add in the note that there's someone who seems to have been affected by strange monsters in turn--that kid I met before that you saw? I think he's important in all this too."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 07:45:52 pm

"Hunuh? How?"

---

talking to the sword here, which I assume I'm keeping with me everywhere I go.
<Are you able to tell the difference between me and the remnant of D speaking through me?>

((note: in case it wasn't clear, although D was welcome, D's remanant is not. It is taking control and isn't really him, isn't really a person like D was, and as such cannot be trusted. D earned Irine's trust, D's remnant has only expressed itself by taking control of bits of her speech, making her say things she wouldn't. To her that is a VERY hostile act. She considers it an enemy until proven otherwise.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 08:53:34 pm

"I think I'm being more forgetful than usual but that's me healing--but the kid..."San" is his name, he's been found nearby and what seems to be a victim of a monster-attack. He's separated from his dad, who comes off as the protective and stalwart type, and wishes to go look for him. He's got somewhat of a fear with us-" Theri touched her tail and pointed at where Irine's was, given her more acute ability to hide such things, "but he's ok with me after a few introductions. You mind if we bring him along if he wants? I'm thinking it is important because that can be our next lead to the Target...if we haven't found anything here. What happened to you anyway? How did you survive? You look pretty nice, all said."

Theri was just now noticing the changes Irine mentioned about her physical appearance, despite hearing that several minutes ago and seeing her in broad daylight.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 09:47:03 pm

((Irine is in Hybrid form, not human. all three of her tails are blatently showing.))
"I don't think we should bring a kid with us. imagine if he's been with us when River attacked. Could you have protected him? I know I couldn't. I couldn't even protect Vind, an able-bodied adult with some skill at fighting. We can't realistically keep the kid safe Theri. It'd be irresponsible to bring him along."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 09:51:03 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 09:47:03 pm

((Irine is in Hybrid form, not human. all three of her tails are blatently showing.))

((Got that note, but I wrote it that way because Theri knows that bit of Irine's :P))

"Where is Vind anyway? Or anyone else we met along the way? I only talked to Ike and it was nice to see that he's his usual self. Also...that's a good point. What shall I say to San, though? I doubt we'll be anymore useful IF something akin to River-back-there was something we'd face. We can handle anything lesser however."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 10:01:31 pm

"The Target is a Bond-Former, its power is comparable to River's. If we find the Target, we find something too strong for us to defend San. So either we fail to find it, River revives, and we have to deal with River while San's there, or we succeed, and have to deal with something as strong as River. Either way, we will be unable to protect him. And Ike doesn't know what happened to Vind, and I haven't been back long enough to find out on my own. I hope he's okay."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 10:04:18 pm

Theri crossed her legs and leaned gently on Irine. "What happens if we break the soulstone on the Target in anyway? We do need a way to work together on this one target though--any leads?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 10:14:56 pm

"Um, I don't understand your question. Why would we hit the Target with River's soulstone?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2016, 10:38:31 pm

"I think Alan is influencing me. But there is a point there--River is...busy with stuff in it, the Target seems different from what corruption we've seen, so it's...as- in a way, wouldn't that both help River and probably provoke whatever is corrupting into getting the Target too?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 11:33:23 pm

"I don't think so. River's void-magic was the problem. The Target doesn't seem to have that kind of magic, so I don't think it'll affect him that way."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 19, 2016, 08:25:12 am

Theri looked out onto the village from where she was for a few moments before replying.

"Could you...tell me how it all happened then? What happened after I was down, what happened to you after? Isn't there anything we can possibly do for River other than two big choices? There must be other ways we haven't thought about. This dimension is still malleable in that way--but also distinct in itself. I...also feel strange--I expect to feel disappointed but I just feel...neutral? about all this. Just thinking that there's still something we haven't done yet, going along hope. Who else found you and all?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 19, 2016, 11:10:02 am

"What happened after you went down? The Voidbeast shifted targets to me. It chased me through the town, me burning it as much as I could the entire way, and it was screaming 'Mine' as it did so. but eventually it cornered me, and began to consume me into itself, so I used my secret, temporarilly gaining a ton of power, though with little control, and cut loose with it, incinerating the voidbeast entirely, leaving nothing left, and causing a lot of collateral damage. then a few moments after that, River's soulsphere appeared. I took it, and went to the nearest source of fire magic, needing to heal from a lot of self-infliected damage that was a side-effect of the secret, and from where the Voidbeast had ripped my guts open as it caught me. In the special state I was in, a strong source of fire magic would heal me far better than any healer could, and I wasn't able to think clearly anyway. So I went to the chamber the fire sword was in, and in there I collapsed and lost consiousness. I was down there unconsious ever since then, I only woke up today. Ike found me."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2016, 08:21:58 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 16, 2016, 05:54:31 pm

Grapples!  Give them all grapples so they can pull each other up (and maybe the first couple cling on to me.  And ideally incorporate them into close range combat routines.

If the hole needs to be bigger, manually control one of the robots to use its laser to widen the hole.  Should be able to technosense control it and borrow some sensors, right?

You give all your robots grappling hooks and winches. They can't use them automatically as part of their normal combat routines though, you have to order them to activate it. They'll need a bit of micromanaging to use them effectively in combat.
Now I'm imagining mini-tanks yelling "Get over here!"

You order your tanks to grapple the tank in front of them and have the lead tank grapple you. You're not sure if this is the most effective strategy but it sure looks fun. That done you start climbing the "root". Touching it feels very strange. The overall... "smell" once could say of the feeling kinda reminds you of how your spear feels, but the feelings you get from it are much fainter and don't translate into anything you can understand. It feels corrupted. Wrong. Being so close to it is starting to feel like a bad idea. But you're already halfway up now. Too late to go back.

You make it the rest of the way up. You inspect the room while your bots drag themselves up, using their wheels to aid their winch. The current room appears to have once served as secure storage but was latter converted for other uses, such as sleeping in and storing food and water in sizable containers.

There was definitely some sort of fight here. Or maybe slaughter is the correct term. There are corpses torn in half or have had their heads torn apart, blood spattered on the walls and pooling on the floor, bodies impaled on and partially absorbed by the "branches" of the root... It's like the aftermath of a splatter film in here. There are very few shell casings on the ground. Whatever did this either worked quickly or chose its targets well.

All the doors out of the room are thick metal things that are sealed shut. So whatever did all this must have come from outside. And could still be here. However a quick scan of this and the nearby rooms reveals nothing moving. Just more corpses and more branches that have wormed their way through the walls and vents. Well, at least it looks like going through the tunnel was the right choice since it let you bypass these doors.

<It looks like John used root escalation to bypass security.>
<Haha! Oh, nice one!>
<Please stop corrupting the boy with your lame sense of humor.>

The room you're looking for is probably the one right above this one. It looks like it was the target of the root. There are banks and banks of humming machinery in there. You've never seen so many knobs. There are rows of computer screens and workstations at one edge that remind you of pictures you've seen of the NASA control centre in the old Apollo program days. The roots have breached the plastic cases around the workstations and most of their screens have gone dark or display only static. The root has wrapped itself around the metal stairway leading up into the room as if to anchor itself, deforming it slightly.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 16, 2016, 05:55:10 pm

Saevus, After the End

No reason not to continue. Onwards!

Your journey through the buildings is surprisingly uneventful. You do not know if it is luck or something else helping you, but you do not encounter a single soul on your journey. Despite that, you keep getting the feeling that you're being watched, as if there's someone following you.

You reach the edge of the residential area and find yourself facing the aftermath of some sort of magical disaster. A large raincloud is hanging in the air, illuminated by occasional flashes of lightning surging inside it. It is constantly feeding water into an overflowing crater on the ground and it's showing no signs of dissipating. The boiling water escapes the crater burning everything in its path, while clouds of steam escaping from it reduce visibility. If this continues, this place will slowly but surely perish.

You feel yourself drawn to a building atop a nearby artificial hill that has not yet been reached by the boiling lake. You feel like going there might be important.

Quote from: Beirus on November 17, 2016, 06:46:29 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Try to figure out why I'm not charging. Smash a small hole into the smaller gate. See if anything comes out of the hole, or if it aggravates anything on the other side. If seawater starts coming through, shift back and evacuate the tunnel, grabbing my suit on the way out. Or evacuate first, then shift back and redress if I can't shift back before I need to evacuate.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

You don't know why you're not charging. It feels like you're missing something. There's just this emptiness.

You punch the door. Perhaps you punched it a bit too hard or maybe not hard enough, for it flies away, taking part of the wall with it. Luckily, no water or monstrous screams come through the gap in response. You move one of your sensing appendage thingies close to the hole and investigate inside. This is a gigantic dry-dock, housing a submarine. You can't see its end due to the darkness, but judging from the part of it that you can see, it must be the size of a cargo freighter. It looks like this part of the facility was meant to unload and temporarily store things unloaded from a giant loading ramp on its back.

The facility extends on either direction.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 17, 2016, 06:40:27 pm

Then feed him love and other plant-essential things in non-lethal amounts! Bug various townspeople (if we got out of the well, I'm slightly unsure about that) until they point me to a gardener to pester for advice.

How exactly do you feed a plant love? Kiss it? Kill people that are in love and extract their love essence?

Sword got all of you out.

The people around here have no use for gardeners, but there are lots of farmers around. None of them know what this plant is though. They suggest watering it just enough to keep its core moist and keeping it out of direct sunlight during midday to avoid having its leaves get damaged by the heat. They also suggest that if this is a magical plant and you can figure out what kind of element it belongs to, then you should probably plant it in an area where that element is strong to get the fastest growth and the best produce possible out of it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 17, 2016, 06:43:10 pm

Looking super important is part of the job as a serious adventurer! Break the armor in a little. See if I can get some assistance in fitting it and such. Practice my moves with my sword in the armor until the rest of these fools are ready to roll!

EDIT: Though also, if possible, listen in on my surroundings as I do so. Anything ominous now that we're in a slightly less disorganized shape?

The local blacksmith tries to help you with the armour but he soon comes to the conclusion that it cannot be altered. It can certainly bend, it's not completely rigid, but it cannot bend permanently. He says it's most likely enchanted armour crafted made out of some probably magical material. He has no idea what it is or how to work it though. It could have more enchantments protecting it that activate under certain conditions. He knows that protection from fire is a common one, but that's as far as his knowledge about magical armour goes. Still, he does manage to attach some pieces of leather and cloth to it that make it a lot more comfortable to wear. You comment that you'd expect magical armour to automatically fit the wearer. He responds that maybe it does but you simply lack the knowledge of how to activate that function. Or perhaps its user didn't believe that they could die and that someone else could wear their armour. After all, mages do tend to have an overinflated ego. He suggest you best be careful with it. He doesn't trust metal that has been altered by magic, because you never know what it might do. Even fine, legendary metal such as this.

While practicing with your armour, you discover one such hidden function. When something is coming towards you or you're running towards something, you can flex your left hand in the right gesture while bringing it close to your chest and what looks like a shield made of glass will form in front of it for about half a second. It seems pretty sturdy and good for parrying or maybe bashing things. While it does well against most physical attacks, your sword is able to shred it into tiny fragments very quickly.

There's nothing terribly ominous around. Things certainly seem a bit darker around here, the mood worse than it was a few days ago as people realise things won't get better any time soon. But there does not appear to be anything downright concerning about this. People are still holding on, working hard, trying to get their lives back in order one piece at a time, even though they know it will be slow and hard work. Because really, what else can they do? Give up and die?

Maybe the weather is getting to them. Today has been a bit gloomy. Some distant wind has filled the sky with dust, creating a giant layer of dust where the clouds would normally be. The diffuse light coming through the layer of dust has turned the sky into a mostly uniform greybrown sheet. The almost omnidirectional light blurs shadows, causing them to almost disappear. It's enough to make even you feel a bit uneasy. But your keen senses reveal no danger to you. No distant screams, no clatter of arms, no rumbling of the ground, no unearthly shrieks, no shadows in the sky. Just this feeling.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 17, 2016, 06:43:43 pm

"I won't take you if you don't want to--but put in mind that your family such as your dad will always be looking for you. I could also tell my companions about your concern and we can head out to find them; did either of you talk on where to meet or what plans you have in mind if you were both separated? Any landmarks or otherwise? I forgot where we were going (I'll ask them later when they come back)--but we plan to leave this area if everything is alright in the coming week.

"Is there anything else worrying you or anything you might need?"

Attempt to conduct PFA! Also continue chatting.
_{in which psychological first aid is a thing. Haa!}

"Well, if you are leaving soon... Then maybe you can help me find my father? He said he would be going to the Hills of Midnight to join the other soldiers. If I could find him there then I would not have to be alone."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2016, 07:45:52 pm

"Hunuh? How?"

---

talking to the sword here, which I assume I'm keeping with me everywhere I go.
<Are you able to tell the difference between me and the remnant of D speaking through me?>

((note: in case it wasn't clear, although D was welcome, D's remanant is not. It is taking control and isn't really him, isn't really a person like D was, and as such cannot be trusted. D earned Irine's trust, D's remnant has only expressed itself by taking control of bits of her speech, making her say things she wouldn't. To her that is a VERY hostile act. She considers it an enemy until proven otherwise.))

<We cannot. We sense no change currently occurring within you that we can reverse, no physical disease that we could heal and no outside influence that we can protect you from. We can strengthen your soul or parts of it but that would almost certainly not help. Whatever happened to you, whatever changed occurred to you, it happened in your past and is part of you now.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 20, 2016, 08:34:10 pm

Saevus, After the End

A feeling that it may be important is better than nothing. Let's go. Be very vigilant.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 20, 2016, 08:52:33 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If there's a dry dock, there has to be sea access somewhere. Transform, redress, and go see if I can find a launching dock, preferably one with a one-person operated vehicle. If I find such thing, hop in and make my escape.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 20, 2016, 08:52:44 pm

Alan, plant helper extraordinaire!

"Kay. How can I find out what type of magician Bill And Ted is? If he's my magic thing, I think he'd be ... what did the general say ... clutter? Yeah, clutter magic!"

Alan hums in thought.

"How do I find a magician tester ... maybe Ike would know! His ears can surely hear the resonance of a wizard's moustache on the desert winds!"

Off to find Ike again! Pester him about where I could find a magician tester to figure out what Hogwarts house magic type Bill And Ted is.
Oh, and ask Rickman too, if I happen by him.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 20, 2016, 11:04:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 02, 2016, 07:46:42 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 01, 2016, 08:19:33 am

"It is my belief that no physical sacrifice of self, up to and including death, matters when death is only temporary. I can finally be free of fear."

"Exactly! Well done man, you really get what I'm saying."
"Ah, but what good is a victory if you're not around to see it? If you can't enjoy it? If it's more trouble than it's worth?"
"A victory is a victory. You sacrifice everything to win. Otherwise you're just a loser."
"And where do the sacrifices stop? If you're ok with your death and you're OK with the deaths of others, then how far would you go for victory? Your friends? Your mind? Your soul? Your happiness? Everything until you end up as a victory seeking machine like him?"
"Well, that's why you try to be good at what you do. If you're good enough you won't have to make sacrifices. Besides, as long as things can be fixed, they're not really broken, so there's no reason to bitch about them."
"Even so, you cannot be fearless. There are things worse than death."
"Eh, probably. But as long as you're alive, it means that you can deal with your problems and have a chance to fix them."
"But isn't the same true for losing? Even if you lose, you might still have a chance to try again, to make things right."

"Victory isn't everything. I understand that. I fought a bronze colossus one time. Bloody tough. After the fifth time I got slammed into a wall, I realized I wasn't hurting it at all and fled. I never fought a bronze colossus again after that. Far too hard for my fists. It was better to preserve myself and go onto other fights than fight a fight I knew I could not win. Now, though? What is a loss when a death means nothing?"

"Things worse than death, though. Perhaps. Living on when one's entire nation has been massacred by a zombie army. Becoming a vampire, or a thrall. I can see that. But does that sort of thing really apply to me now?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 20, 2016, 11:43:30 pm

John; After the End

Split the squad, half covering any entrances (sealed or no) and half covering that root.  Not trustworthy.

Meanwhile, check the least broken computers.  Can I technosense anything that pertains to the goal in the host's memories?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2016, 08:21:58 pm

<It looks like John used root escalation to bypass security.>

((10/10))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 20, 2016, 11:45:00 pm

<I was afraid of that. Well, you know it's an issue. We'll deal with it best as we can.>
response to the sword

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 21, 2016, 05:40:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for the resonance of a wizard's mustache on the desert winds once Alan asks me to assist.

If that doesn't work, look around for somebody who knows a thing or two about what these element things are and where you can find some.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2016, 04:01:37 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 20, 2016, 08:34:10 pm

Saevus, After the End

A feeling that it may be important is better than nothing. Let's go. Be very vigilant.

You climb the road leading up to the artificial hill as it snakes around the stone walls holding it in place. You don't know what exactly this place was supposed to be, but it looks out of place. It could easily be converted to a castle-like fortification if the walls were a bit higher or it could turn into a park if it had some trees, but right now the only thing you could think of is that it is a monument or a temple. Or maybe a tomb.

When you reach the top, you find a single three storey building with a pyramid-shaped roof. This one appears to have been fortified, with floodlights, watchtowers and barbed wire set up around it. But all four watchtowers have been uprooted and flung around like sticks. The massive creature you assume caused all this has crashed through one of the walls of the building and is currently lying there, unmoving.

You slowly approach the beast. It kinda looks like a very pale fat man. It had a head once, but now its insides are splattered all over the surrounding area. You step through the hole and make your way inside. As you walk through the hallways you notice what looks like withered black roots covering the walls. They're coming out of vents and cracks on the walls, digging through machines and dead flesh. They cover lights and create curtains. It would be hard to see if it weren't for the light coming out of your runes. But then you notice that the light seems to linger on them far more than it should. In fact, looking behind you, you see that everywhere you've gone through has lit up like a christmas tree.

You finally reach the centre of the structure. This place is heavily covered in roots, although they easily snap under your weight, so they don't impede your progress very much. What does impede your progress is a giant reinforced metal door. Even with your strength, you think it might be difficult forcing it open.

Quote from: Beirus on November 20, 2016, 08:52:33 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If there's a dry dock, there has to be sea access somewhere. Transform, redress, and go see if I can find a launching dock, preferably one with a one-person operated vehicle. If I find such thing, hop in and make my escape.

You enter the area and look around for a bit. The room with the big cargo sub does not appear to contain anything useful to you. You quietly walk through the containers while scanning your surroundings. The tiny light coming from your helmet allows you to see some of the contents of the open ones. Most of them are empty but a few of them contain various things, from giant drills to clothes. Many of the more sensitive supplies haven't survived that well during their time here. The above average temperature in this room probably doesn't help.

As you walk around, you notice something glowing from the corner of your eye. You try to focus your eyes on it for a moment. There it is again. At irregular intervals, a light appears, like distant flashes of lightning partially obscured by rain. The lines come out of the dark maw of the sub's cargo door and disappear into the darkness below. You also notice a sound you've been hearing for quite some time. You didn't notice it before, your mind just ignored the flat sound, but now you can hear it. A constant quiet hum. It sounds like it's coming from within the sub.

You decide to leave that thing alone for now. Instead you approach the sides of the chamber and enter one of the corridors carved into the stone, now partially blocked by the vehicles that once traveled through it. As you move further down the hallway you start feeling a noise. Tremors in the ground. Something big is walking around, moving and then stopping at irregular intervals.

You keep walking, the noise getting louder as you do so. There's a flickering light at the end of the tunnel. You turn off your headlamp and approach while taking cover behind a nearby fuse-box. The signs in the wall say this is "Docking Area B2" This is a much smaller docking area, where a smaller sub was meant to emerge from below. Said sub is held by a crane right above the closed gates leading below. Despite the flickering lights, you can tell that this sub is does not look like a blimp made of metal, not like that giant inelegant thing in the other room. Instead it looks more like an underwater plane, its curved lines and shallow ridges reminding you of the shape of a dolphin crossed with a sports car. It looks like it was meant for quickly carrying a small group of people or a small amount of cargo long distances. There are several cables coming out of the crane and disappearing into the sub, so hopefully that means that it's charged up and ready to go.

Following the cables in the other direction, you see them leading into a control room on the right side of the room. You can see what look like monitors behind the thick glass. There's a simple metal stairway leading up there.

On the other side of the room there's a door leading into another room (the sign above it says "Supplies B4"), the room from which that thumping noise is coming. Whatever is moving around, it's in there and it's big. It's stopped moving for now but you bet it'll start up again in a minute or two.

Quote from: Toaster on November 20, 2016, 11:43:30 pm

John; After the End

Split the squad, half covering any entrances (sealed or no) and half covering that root.  Not trustworthy.

Meanwhile, check the least broken computers.  Can I technosense anything that pertains to the goal in the host's memories?

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2016, 08:21:58 pm

<It looks like John used root escalation to bypass security.>

((10/10))

You arrange your bots around the room in positions ready to fire. You order them to stand guard but you're not sure if they're smart enough to respond properly to anything that happens.

That done, you climb upstairs and start working on the computers. While you can't exactly sense their programming since it's too fast and complex for your mind to comprehend, you do make some progress. The first thing you do is work on repairing the damage the root has done to the screens. It seems to have targeted the heart of the machines but all other parts it touched were affected too, getting covered by it, becoming short-circuited or scrambled or whatever that thing does. All it takes is a quick application of your power and a few of  the screens stabilize, the text on them becoming legible again.

Due to the peculiarities of your senses, that means you have to zoom way in to be able to read the text. At least you can use technomancy to type, otherwise this camera angle and this exoskeleton would make this impossible. All you have to do is maintain contact with the machine and watch as the keys move up and down seemingly on their own, like the keys of a player piano.

Luckily your host appears to have some knowledge of the systems so you are able to work this terminal. Now you need to find a way to operate the communication system. You go through the recent command history trying to find anything related, but it's really messed up. Like someone was throwing random characters at the input. There might be something interesting in there, maybe someone trying to hide something, but you decide to skip back to a more legible part of the history since you can't really process that much data right now. There you find some commands that set you on your path. Some poking around later you discover that the commands to operate the comm system are unlocked so that shouldn't be a problem. However the comm system itself is non-responsive. It might be just a connection issue, these roots have really messed up the electronics in this place. You really hope this is just a connection issue, because otherwise... Or is it your host feeling that? Well, no matter.

You concentrate on sensing the machine and extend your consciousness through it, trying to feel every part of it and its connections. It's hard to focus on the specifics, it feels fuzzy, as if there's a fog surrounding you. But the wires leading away from here are few and easy to focus on. No, those join up with the rest of the grid, that won't do... Those are... temperature? Who put the thermostat in the same computer as the big red button? Eh, anyway, let's keep going, maybe if you're lucky you'll discover one leading to a coffee maker. These are severed! ...but they lead in the wrong direction. Probably used to operate the doors on the floor below. Not that big of an issue, you can just use your ability on them directly. But this one... this looks promising. It goes to the next room and then two floors down before getting severed. That's probably it. Phew. Did it. It would had been a lot easier if there wasn't that glare on the screen distracting you from-

Wait a second. Where is that light coming from?
You zoom out and notice that the root has started lighting up, multicoloured lights appearing all over its surface, spreading to all parts of the room.
The bots are just staring at it.
"Why didn't you warn me? You guys are the worst minions ever!"
The bots continue staring at their assigned positions, doing nothing.
"On second thought, I've seen worse. At least you're not shooting each other."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 20, 2016, 11:04:51 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 02, 2016, 07:46:42 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 01, 2016, 08:19:33 am

"It is my belief that no physical sacrifice of self, up to and including death, matters when death is only temporary. I can finally be free of fear."

"Exactly! Well done man, you really get what I'm saying."
"Ah, but what good is a victory if you're not around to see it? If you can't enjoy it? If it's more trouble than it's worth?"
"A victory is a victory. You sacrifice everything to win. Otherwise you're just a loser."
"And where do the sacrifices stop? If you're ok with your death and you're OK with the deaths of others, then how far would you go for victory? Your friends? Your mind? Your soul? Your happiness? Everything until you end up as a victory seeking machine like him?"
"Well, that's why you try to be good at what you do. If you're good enough you won't have to make sacrifices. Besides, as long as things can be fixed, they're not really broken, so there's no reason to bitch about them."
"Even so, you cannot be fearless. There are things worse than death."
"Eh, probably. But as long as you're alive, it means that you can deal with your problems and have a chance to fix them."
"But isn't the same true for losing? Even if you lose, you might still have a chance to try again, to make things right."

"Victory isn't everything. I understand that. I fought a bronze colossus one time. Bloody tough. After the fifth time I got slammed into a wall, I realized I wasn't hurting it at all and fled. I never fought a bronze colossus again after that. Far too hard for my fists. It was better to preserve myself and go onto other fights than fight a fight I knew I could not win. Now, though? What is a loss when a death means nothing?"

"Things worse than death, though. Perhaps. Living on when one's entire nation has been massacred by a zombie army. Becoming a vampire, or a thrall. I can see that. But does that sort of thing really apply to me now?"

"No, not now."
"But the games won't go on forever. One day you will be free again. You will have more power than when you first arrived here, yes, but power can bring with it a host of other things, good or bad. So it pays to think forward, on what kind of man you wish to be when that day comes. And what kind of man you can be."
"I think he will be the kind of man that goes to that bronze colossus and shows it who's boss now that he levelled up."
"Maybe. Maybe he will. Is that all you want? To get the best ale, the best women and the best fights? Do you want to win? To be known to all as the very best? Because I can see that perhaps you are the kind of man that is wise enough to know not to keep on punching an unbreakable wall. In my opinion, a man with that sort of wisdom has taken the first step on the path to freedom."
"If you ask me, there's no unbreakable walls. Only walls that haven't had sufficient force applied to them yet."

Quote from: Xantalos on November 20, 2016, 08:52:44 pm

Alan, plant helper extraordinaire!

"Kay. How can I find out what type of magician Bill And Ted is? If he's my magic thing, I think he'd be ... what did the general say ... clutter? Yeah, clutter magic!"

Alan hums in thought.

"How do I find a magician tester ... maybe Ike would know! His ears can surely hear the resonance of a wizard's moustache on the desert winds!"

Off to find Ike again! Pester him about where I could find a magician tester to figure out what Hogwarts house magic type Bill And Ted is.
Oh, and ask Rickman too, if I happen by him.

Rickman's reply is that it's Alan magic. Also food magic. Also not ripe.
Well, you're not really sure what that means, but you thank him anyway and leave him to watch over your eggs.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 21, 2016, 05:40:21 am

Campaign, Ike!

Listen for the resonance of a wizard's mustache on the desert winds once Alan asks me to assist.

If that doesn't work, look around for somebody who knows a thing or two about what these element things are and where you can find some.

Hmm... You think that if you focus really hard, you can pick up something. It's like there's something (https://youtu.be/hle2-bGDh10) in the wind...
No, on second thought, that's probably just the wind. Or rats. It's always rats.

Ah, well, best not to dwell on that. Anyway, asking around, you find out that the healer, Ghios Oftaia, knows a thing or two about magic, so he might be able to answer a few questions. He's probably the most knowledgeable person on the subject around. The only one who would know more would be the local priest and he's probably been eaten and/or vaporized, so not much chance of speaking with him unless his ghost suddenly materializes. So perhaps the correct term would be "the most knowledgeable one left".

You could also pester Irine and her sword once she's done posing ethical dilemmas to other foxgirls, it might also know a thing or two about magic, it being a magical item.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 20, 2016, 11:45:00 pm

<I was afraid of that. Well, you know it's an issue. We'll deal with it best as we can.>
response to the sword

<We understand. We have seen similar things before. Souls are resilient things. Like springs, they have a tendency to return to their natural state. They may bend, they can break, they might rarely even change on their own, but truly shaping them requires the power of the gods. However, put two souls together, merge them and tangle them and you can get something new as the two adjust, a change without a change, a new natural state.>

<The soul that was inhabiting you must have been very twisted indeed. Maybe as twisted as the soul of the dark one. Perhaps that is why it twisted your soul in turn as it unraveled.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 24, 2016, 04:16:14 pm

Saevus, After the End

Try to pry open the door with brute strength. If that doesn't work, exchange the shield for a superheavy polehammer for the duration of this action. Then just keep striking the door until it gets more cooperative in letting me through. Good thing I do not tire, for I expect many swings of the hammer.

Should the door be opened, carefully proceed and keep my machinegun at the ready.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 24, 2016, 04:55:44 pm

Back at the healer's home

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2016, 08:21:58 pm

"Well, if you are leaving soon... Then maybe you can help me find my father? He said he would be going to the Hills of Midnight to join the other soldiers. If I could find him there then I would not have to be alone."

"I'll to my companions about it. In the meantime, rest and focus on your thoughts. Take care, San. I'll be back."

---

---

Meanwhile with Irine on the hill...

Quote from: Lenglon on November 19, 2016, 11:10:02 am

"What happened after you went down? The Voidbeast shifted targets to me. It chased me through the town, me burning it as much as I could the entire way, and it was screaming 'Mine' as it did so. but eventually it cornered me, and began to consume me into itself, so I used my secret, temporarilly gaining a ton of power, though with little control, and cut loose with it, incinerating the voidbeast entirely, leaving nothing left, and causing a lot of collateral damage. then a few moments after that, River's soulsphere appeared. I took it, and went to the nearest source of fire magic, needing to heal from a lot of self-infliected damage that was a side-effect of the secret, and from where the Voidbeast had ripped my guts open as it caught me. In the special state I was in, a strong source of fire magic would heal me far better than any healer could, and I wasn't able to think clearly anyway. So I went to the chamber the fire sword was in, and in there I collapsed and lost consiousness. I was down there unconsious ever since then, I only woke up today. Ike found me."

"Weird, when someone says 'Mine', it's like a competition or something like ownership. And that's more 'how it works' than 'what exists'. And my thoughts are a bit mixed up--sorry Irine. Glad to see you're ok though.

"Also San mentioned places that I remembered, so that's why I said maybe it's important to bring him on. I'll try to remember in the meantime. Is there anything else you'd like to mention?"


Recall the map--is anyplace San mentioned of importance?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 24, 2016, 08:36:39 pm

Nope.

Conductor spear, lengthen to five feet, stab the root hard.  If it freaks out and starts transforming, open fire on it with bots and my cannon.  If nothing happens at all, see if I can determine the source of the light.  If there's nothing at all even then, return to the objective.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 25, 2016, 01:28:31 am

Campaign, Ike!

"The priest is missing? This surely can't stand."

Rifle through the priest's personal effects if they're still around and use my knowledge of his scent to sniff the guy out!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 25, 2016, 02:32:18 am

WMD, After The End

To the control room! See if I can figure out how to open the gates and release the sub.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 25, 2016, 02:57:27 am

Alan, gardener extraordinaire

For the sake of not having Alan get bored and wander off to start some other shenanigans I'll assume he heard about the healer from Ike. Is that alright?

If so, Alan goes and pesters the healer dude about what type of wizard Bill And Ted is.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 03:01:59 am

"No, that's all. I have River's soulsphere with me for now, let me know if you want to see it."
Unless Theri has more to say to me, then I'll take my leave, and ask around about what happened to Vind, and if he got out okay. I'll also be gauging people's reaction to me and my unusual appearance, and what they think of me and my actions at their home. However, considering that I just ate after feeling starving, I suspect I'll be tired very soon and will find a place to rest after I've learned about Vind. I'll take some time and just try to take care of myself and heal, all while in the presence of the firesword whom has the fire magic that kept me alive.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 25, 2016, 12:46:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2016, 04:01:37 pm

"No, not now."
"But the games won't go on forever. One day you will be free again. You will have more power than when you first arrived here, yes, but power can bring with it a host of other things, good or bad. So it pays to think forward, on what kind of man you wish to be when that day comes. And what kind of man you can be."
"I think he will be the kind of man that goes to that bronze colossus and shows it who's boss now that he levelled up."
"Maybe. Maybe he will. Is that all you want? To get the best ale, the best women and the best fights? Do you want to win? To be known to all as the very best? Because I can see that perhaps you are the kind of man that is wise enough to know not to keep on punching an unbreakable wall. In my opinion, a man with that sort of wisdom has taken the first step on the path to freedom."
"If you ask me, there's no unbreakable walls. Only walls that haven't had sufficient force applied to them yet."

"Yes, the first thing I'll do is find a bronze colossus and fight it. It'll show me how much I've improved compared to the creatures of my world."

"After that, though? There are two foes who I never will be able to fight. The first is a ghost. The second is old age. One day, after I return, I will die. But before that... I will establish a dojo. I will keep my arts and the arts my master taught me alive. I will show those who use weapons that martial arts can equal and exceed weapon arts. When I die, I will leave a legacy."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2016, 09:11:35 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 24, 2016, 04:16:14 pm

Saevus, After the End

Try to pry open the door with brute strength. If that doesn't work, exchange the shield for a superheavy polehammer for the duration of this action. Then just keep striking the door until it gets more cooperative in letting me through. Good thing I do not tire, for I expect many swings of the hammer.

Should the door be opened, carefully proceed and keep my machinegun at the ready.

You summon a huge polehammer and smash the door with all your strength. Despite the thickness and toughness of its construction, with a few hits the door is more smashed than a dwarf. Beyond the door is a suit of armour quite larger than yours, holding a giant cannon on one hand and a very long spear on the other, accompanied by a small squad of minitanks. Huh.

It appears he has been trying to destroy the roots in here. And for good reason, you assume, since this room has more multicoloured lights on its walls than a crashed alien ship in a transformers cartoon. The roots are moving around, trying to grab him, but they aren't doing a very good job.

Quote from: Toaster on November 24, 2016, 08:36:39 pm

Nope.

Conductor spear, lengthen to five feet, stab the root hard.  If it freaks out and starts transforming, open fire on it with bots and my cannon.  If nothing happens at all, see if I can determine the source of the light.  If there's nothing at all even then, return to the objective.

The source of the light is the root lighting up.

You enlarge your spear and the thrust it into the quivering root. It goes through it like it's not even there, but the spear isn't large enough to cause sufficient damage with just one stab. So you keep stabbing. The root immediately responds by trying to grab you and your bots with its withered roots. You respond with overhelming force, tearing the thing apart with shrapnel from your cannon and laser from your bots.

The trunk is severed, weakening the thing, but the roots are still moving around and trying to grab you, making moving around harder.

And to top it all off, while you were busy with the trunk, Saevus smashed his way into the room with a giant hammer and is currently staring at you, hammer in one hand and an hmg on the other. Looks like he has welded a bit of extra armour on him.

Quote from: Beirus on November 25, 2016, 02:32:18 am

WMD, After The End

To the control room! See if I can figure out how to open the gates and release the sub.

You sneak your way up the stairs and into the control room. After a bit of poking around, you find the switch that operates the gates. You flip it. A klaxon sounds, but quickly winds down and stops. The gate moves with stutters. One of the screens warns you about a voltage issue.

Whatever was making that noise is moving again. It comes in through the supplies room, a tall but emaciated humanoid with a very tall head and very sharp claws. It moves on all fours but stops and stands on two legs when it enters the room, as if it is sniffing around for you. Several tube-like things are connected to its back, leading into the other room.

You keep fiddling with the console until you get the sub to detach from the crane. Unfortunately, the cables and tubes that were attached to it do not detach. The sub is left dangling just above the water.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 24, 2016, 04:55:44 pm

Back at the healer's home

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 20, 2016, 08:21:58 pm

"Well, if you are leaving soon... Then maybe you can help me find my father? He said he would be going to the Hills of Midnight to join the other soldiers. If I could find him there then I would not have to be alone."

"I'll to my companions about it. In the meantime, rest and focus on your thoughts. Take care, San. I'll be back."

---

---

Meanwhile with Irine on the hill...

Quote from: Lenglon on November 19, 2016, 11:10:02 am

"What happened after you went down? The Voidbeast shifted targets to me. It chased me through the town, me burning it as much as I could the entire way, and it was screaming 'Mine' as it did so. but eventually it cornered me, and began to consume me into itself, so I used my secret, temporarilly gaining a ton of power, though with little control, and cut loose with it, incinerating the voidbeast entirely, leaving nothing left, and causing a lot of collateral damage. then a few moments after that, River's soulsphere appeared. I took it, and went to the nearest source of fire magic, needing to heal from a lot of self-infliected damage that was a side-effect of the secret, and from where the Voidbeast had ripped my guts open as it caught me. In the special state I was in, a strong source of fire magic would heal me far better than any healer could, and I wasn't able to think clearly anyway. So I went to the chamber the fire sword was in, and in there I collapsed and lost consiousness. I was down there unconsious ever since then, I only woke up today. Ike found me."

"Weird, when someone says 'Mine', it's like a competition or something like ownership. And that's more 'how it works' than 'what exists'. And my thoughts are a bit mixed up--sorry Irine. Glad to see you're ok though.

"Also San mentioned places that I remembered, so that's why I said maybe it's important to bring him on. I'll try to remember in the meantime. Is there anything else you'd like to mention?"


Recall the map--is anyplace San mentioned of importance?

Most of the places he mentioned are in your path. I'll mark them on the map tomorrow.
I think the most interesting is Kodromota, since that's the large city close to the place you were heading towards?
I'll also assume you get someone to translate the map you got or at least the parts you're interested in.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 25, 2016, 01:28:31 am

Campaign, Ike!

"The priest is missing? This surely can't stand."

Rifle through the priest's personal effects if they're still around and use my knowledge of his scent to sniff the guy out!

Considering the temple was vaporized and some people claimed he was eaten, finding him and his personal effects would be difficult. On the other hand, if you consider the dungeon under the temple to be his personal effects, you can be content that you have already looted them.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 25, 2016, 02:57:27 am

Alan, gardener extraordinaire

For the sake of not having Alan get bored and wander off to start some other shenanigans I'll assume he heard about the healer from Ike. Is that alright?

If so, Alan goes and pesters the healer dude about what type of wizard Bill And Ted is.

Sure.

The healer says that it's probably either life magic, since it's a plant, or chaos magic, since it's from you. However, it might be a different kind of plant altogether. He suggests that the best way to tell would be to notice its effects. If, for example, you notice that when an animal eats its leaves it is affected by an effect related to a certain magical element, then the plant is probably of that element.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 03:01:59 am

"No, that's all. I have River's soulsphere with me for now, let me know if you want to see it."
Unless Theri has more to say to me, then I'll take my leave, and ask around about what happened to Vind, and if he got out okay. I'll also be gauging people's reaction to me and my unusual appearance, and what they think of me and my actions at their home. However, considering that I just ate after feeling starving, I suspect I'll be tired very soon and will find a place to rest after I've learned about Vind. I'll take some time and just try to take care of myself and heal, all while in the presence of the firesword whom has the fire magic that kept me alive.

People haven't seen Vind. Last time you saw him he was unconscious close to the temple. And considering that temple is now part of a large molten gash... Yeah, he's around. He's here, there, a bit further... You know, taking a stroll every time the wind blows.

Some people really like the flame-hair and flame-sword combo. They think it's a sign that the gods are looking after them. Especially after the mayor makes the announcement about the war in the east, it helps to give them hope, comfort them, put your mind at ease. You can tell however that most of them still seem uncomfortable with your appearance, even though they are quite polite, either out of respect for saving their homes or out of fear of what you could do to them. Most of them are willing to help you and answer your questions.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 25, 2016, 12:46:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 24, 2016, 04:01:37 pm

"No, not now."
"But the games won't go on forever. One day you will be free again. You will have more power than when you first arrived here, yes, but power can bring with it a host of other things, good or bad. So it pays to think forward, on what kind of man you wish to be when that day comes. And what kind of man you can be."
"I think he will be the kind of man that goes to that bronze colossus and shows it who's boss now that he levelled up."
"Maybe. Maybe he will. Is that all you want? To get the best ale, the best women and the best fights? Do you want to win? To be known to all as the very best? Because I can see that perhaps you are the kind of man that is wise enough to know not to keep on punching an unbreakable wall. In my opinion, a man with that sort of wisdom has taken the first step on the path to freedom."
"If you ask me, there's no unbreakable walls. Only walls that haven't had sufficient force applied to them yet."

"Yes, the first thing I'll do is find a bronze colossus and fight it. It'll show me how much I've improved compared to the creatures of my world."

"After that, though? There are two foes who I never will be able to fight. The first is a ghost. The second is old age. One day, after I return, I will die. But before that... I will establish a dojo. I will keep my arts and the arts my master taught me alive. I will show those who use weapons that martial arts can equal and exceed weapon arts. When I die, I will leave a legacy."

"You know, I had misunderstood you. I thought you were just a drunk stupid fighter that liked to punch things. But I can see now that there's more to you than that. You hold promise."
"Meh. Chasing immortality, legacy. What good is that if you know there's no victory against death and oblivion?"
"Says you. I plan to live forever. Saying you can't win? Admitting defeat before it has occurred? You can't win with that attitude.[/color]
"And I say screw the legacy. What matters is here. Now. The actions you take, the choices you make, the things you do while you are still alive, all the ways you enjoy yourself."
"Carpe diem?"
"If you're into that sort of thing, then sure, why not?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on November 25, 2016, 09:15:24 pm

Was I doing anything?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pm

Heal, prepare to continue on our journey to find River's target. Nothing that has happened here has given us reason to change our guess as to where it is. Once everyone has healed, we can move along.

---

<Is there anything you want before we move on? Anyone you want to talk to to help you find whoever you've been waiting for?>
Did the sword change its appearance or size? How heavy is it to me, bearing in mind I'm in hybrid form?
<Is there anything I need to know about you since we're traveling together?>

---

sometime during the healing process when I need some exercise, I'll go somewhere out of the way and ask:
<Could you teach me the fundamentals of wielding you? I've never held a sword before.>

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 25, 2016, 10:33:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2016, 09:11:35 pm

"You know, I had misunderstood you. I thought you were just a drunk stupid fighter that liked to punch things. But I can see now that there's more to you than that. You hold promise."
"Meh. Chasing immortality, legacy. What good is that if you know there's no victory against death and oblivion?"
"Says you. I plan to live forever. Saying you can't win? Admitting defeat before it has occurred? You can't win with that attitude.[/color]
"And I say screw the legacy. What matters is here. Now. The actions you take, the choices you make, the things you do while you are still alive, all the ways you enjoy yourself."
"Carpe diem?"
"If you're into that sort of thing, then sure, why not?"

"Why can't creating a dojo be something I enjoy? Both one's legacy and one's life are important, but there's no reason creating a legacy can't be an enjoyable part of my life. But what's "carpe diem"?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 25, 2016, 10:48:58 pm

"Um... hi?"

Spoiler: Probably the point that this should come back out. (click to show/hide)

Okay, three things to do right away, and let's prioritize them.

1) I've got the big gun out.  Fire it, center mass.  Accept any recoil to help with...
2) Get into cover.  If there isn't any, MAKE some.  A summoned piece of sheet metal is still cover.
3) Command the bots to attack.  If I have the brainpower left, get the closest ones to grapple him with their grappling hooks and the rest to circle around and open fire; failing that, just shoot at him.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 12:04:40 am

"Thanks gardener guy! I'll go find some animal thingies. C'mon, Bill And Ted! We're gonna do science!"

Put on my science hat. Go find some young child and feed them a leaf from Bill And Ted.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:42:05 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 25, 2016, 09:15:24 pm

Was I doing anything?

You're back in the staging area. I suppose we could give you levelups and start preparing for the next mission while those three finish up with that mission.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 25, 2016, 10:33:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 25, 2016, 09:11:35 pm

"You know, I had misunderstood you. I thought you were just a drunk stupid fighter that liked to punch things. But I can see now that there's more to you than that. You hold promise."
"Meh. Chasing immortality, legacy. What good is that if you know there's no victory against death and oblivion?"
"Says you. I plan to live forever. Saying you can't win? Admitting defeat before it has occurred? You can't win with that attitude.
"And I say screw the legacy. What matters is here. Now. The actions you take, the choices you make, the things you do while you are still alive, all the ways you enjoy yourself."
"Carpe diem?"
"If you're into that sort of thing, then sure, why not?"

"Why can't creating a dojo be something I enjoy? Both one's legacy and one's life are important, but there's no reason creating a legacy can't be an enjoyable part of my life. But what's "carpe diem"?"

"It means living your life the way you want it. To free yourself from anything that is holding you back."
"It means to live your life to the fullest. What living your life to the fullest means though, that's up for interpretation. I mean, if you're going to believe the idiocies he's spouting-"
"Oh, now what's with the ad hominem? Run out of good arguments? Or are you just trying to get me to kill you again? Because you'll have to try harder than that."
"I have to try? I thought you always want to kill me."
"True, but that doesn't mean I am constantly trying."
"Yeah it does. You see this guy talks about being free, but in the end he's just a slave of his obsession with me."
"Hah. You'd wish. Just because you're obsessed with yourself doesn't mean everyone else is."

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pm

Heal, prepare to continue on our journey to find River's target. Nothing that has happened here has given us reason to change our guess as to where it is. Once everyone has healed, we can move along.

Assuming you get the sword to help, we can say you're all healed and ready to go within a day or two. We can also get Nikolai revived before you leave.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pm

<Is there anything you want before we move on? Anyone you want to talk to to help you find whoever you've been waiting for?>
Did the sword change its appearance or size? How heavy is it to me, bearing in mind I'm in hybrid form?
<Is there anything I need to know about you since we're traveling together?>

<Searching is unnecessary. Fate will lead us to them when it should.>
...
<We also don't know who they are. Not fully. We will know when the time comes.>

It's a bit heavy. Its blade is smaller now so that you can handle it more easily. Looks like a knife with a very large hilt.

<We will not turn against you or strike you with a curse for no reason, if that is what you're concerned about. And if anyone tries to take us from you we can deal with them.>

Quote from: Lenglon on November 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pm

sometime during the healing process when I need some exercise, I'll go somewhere out of the way and ask:
<Could you teach me the fundamentals of wielding you? I've never held a sword before.>

<Neither have we. But from what we have seen, it is not so difficult to understand. You cut things, they bleed or break.>
<Okay, maybe not that fundamental.>
<We can practice. We can advise you on your form. How you should hold us and swing us to better hurt others. We can even guide you during combat, but you should not rely on it. It is not easy, for we do not have control over your body.>
<However using our body to strike things is not our best use. It is better suited for defense. For keeping yourself and those close to you safe, should all else fail.>
<Our magical powers are our biggest strength. We can give you some quick advice on the subject.>
<Due to the way our body is built, each aspect of ourselves is better expressed through a different part.>
<Fire through the heart of the blade, all the way to its tip.>
<Order through the edges and the guard.>
<Light through the hilt.>
<During combat and outside of it, guide us and think of the best way to achieve what you wish. More explicit commands help us achieve better and more powerful results. Our best wielders moved fluidly, quickly changing stances, dancing through moves and abilities as the situation demanded.>

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 12:04:40 am

"Thanks gardener guy! I'll go find some animal thingies. C'mon, Bill And Ted! We're gonna do science!"

Put on my science hat. Go find some young child and feed them a leaf from Bill And Ted.

The kid is scared at first but then really likes it. Says it tastes like a sweetroll, but a bit worse, like there's something else mixed in it. You do not notice any other strange effects. Maybe you need a larger sample?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 26, 2016, 11:00:00 am

Campaign, Ike!

Secure ourselves some riding beasts because walking is for scrubs. Maybe get a coach for maximum travel comfort.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 26, 2016, 11:37:22 am

Saevus, After the End

"Hail. Allow me to test thy mettle."

Spoiler: Out of all the possible people I could've met, it's John. I don't have much confidence in winning this. (click to show/hide)

I expect to get shot at with a lot of guns right now. Engage Stasis Shield as I charge on John. Once distance is closed, take a few swings at him with the hammer. If he's too nimble to catch up with, fire on the minitanks with the HMG as I try to grab some cover.

Is the Symbol recharged?

Also, I'm regretting not getting Repulsor Shield earlier.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 11:39:03 am

Alan, Super Master Botanist

Hmm. Feed the kid ... say 5 or 6 leaves, assuming that isn't taking too much off of Bill And Ted.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 26, 2016, 03:07:35 pm

Yes, lets revive Nik before we go. Is Nik's player here and ready?

---

I also test my own abilities and see if they're still impacted or if they recovered while my body recovered. I test generation, shifting, and manipulation separately, especially since generation has typically been hardest for me and manipulation easiest.

---

<Do we have to be touching for us to work together or if, say, I was in my fox-form and sent you telepathic requests from a short distance away would you be able to work with them? Or if I need assistance but was knocked unconsious and am not holding you anymore, would you still be able to act?>
Do I have a channel to talk to the sword telepathically from a distance now that we're linked? or do I still need to either be touching it or be in fox-form?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 05:31:36 pm

((I PM'd NAV to let him know.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 26, 2016, 05:59:57 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Looks like it's one more fight before I can get out of here. Exit the control room and transform, deploy Anchors and Weapons. Attempt to impale the monster with my anchors, and attack it with the weapons I manifest.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:51:57 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 26, 2016, 11:37:22 am

Saevus, After the End

"Hail. Allow me to test thy mettle."

Spoiler: Out of all the possible people I could've met, it's John. I don't have much confidence in winning this. (click to show/hide)

I expect to get shot at with a lot of guns right now. Engage Stasis Shield as I charge on John. Once distance is closed, take a few swings at him with the hammer. If he's too nimble to catch up with, fire on the minitanks with the HMG as I try to grab some cover.

Is the Symbol recharged?

Also, I'm regretting not getting Repulsor Shield earlier.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Ah, good. Regretting your decisions means I've made a good upgrade tree, since there's many things you need but can't have them all at once.

And yes, your shield is up again.

Quote from: Toaster on November 25, 2016, 10:48:58 pm

"Um... hi?"

Spoiler: Probably the point that this should come back out. (click to show/hide)

Okay, three things to do right away, and let's prioritize them.

1) I've got the big gun out.  Fire it, center mass.  Accept any recoil to help with...
2) Get into cover.  If there isn't any, MAKE some.  A summoned piece of sheet metal is still cover.
3) Command the bots to attack.  If I have the brainpower left, get the closest ones to grapple him with their grappling hooks and the rest to circle around and open fire; failing that, just shoot at him.

After staring at each other for a moment, the two opponents jump into action. Saevus de-materializes his hammer and charges towards John, holding his shield in front of him. John raises his cannon and fires at Saevus' general direction, not bothering to take aim. There is a deafening bang as the crude gun fires, its massive recoil pushing John back. Pieces of metal shrapnel tear softball-sized holes through the walls and carve deep gashes on the floor, severing roots and spraying the grey liquid in them around. But Saevus is unharmed. The pieces of metal that were heading towards him stopped before they even touched his shield.

Saevus is unhurt but not unaffected. Not suprising for someone who just survived such a powerful attack. He stumbles but keeps going. One of the bots tries to stop him with a grappling hook but Saevus manages to deflect it with his shield.

<Oh, yes! Now this is a proper fight!>
<Yes. The tank versus the summoner. This shall be entertaining.>

The bots open up on Saevus with their lasers, circling around him as they try to keep him in sight and flank him. But once more he is unaffected. The lasers cut red-hot gashes into his shield and make the air above his armour glow from the heat but no gash or cut appears on the armour itself. Saevus slides into cover behind a large pump-like machine and slams his shield to the ground, anchoring it. He braces the HMG on the shield and starts firing on the bots. He lands some hits but they don't hit anything vital. They do cause some damage though, ripping off large pieces of armour. The bots try to retaliate but Saevus' cover and shield offer him good protection.

John, meanwhile, has taken cover behind a similar machine on the other side of the room and has just finished reloading his cannon.

Quote from: Beirus on November 26, 2016, 05:59:57 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Looks like it's one more fight before I can get out of here. Exit the control room and transform, deploy Anchors and Weapons. Attempt to impale the monster with my anchors, and attack it with the weapons I manifest.

You walk down the stairs and stand on the opposite side of the room from the monster.
"Hey there big fella."
The monster gurgles something and then leaps towards you. You transform just in time for one of your anchors to impale it through the gut, leaving it dangling in the air.
You haven't been having the best of days today.
The monster tries to cut itself free with its claws.
So having something to vent your frustration on? That's not so bad.
You start hitting the monster in the head, hitting and slicing it and poking it until you have cut it off, releasing a stream of blood.
But just when you think you're done, that thing gets back up again. So you strike it again. This time you grab the thing by its arm and pull its tubes with your other appendages until you have ripped them out, taking large chunks of flesh with them. Only that seems to be enough to kill the thing.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 26, 2016, 11:00:00 am

Campaign, Ike!

Secure ourselves some riding beasts because walking is for scrubs. Maybe get a coach for maximum travel comfort.

You already (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7218792#msg7218792) have a couple of mules courtesy of the gratitude of the villagers. You could buy an oxcart or more mules or similar.

With news of the war in the east spreading, a new opportunity has presented itself. Hearing you will be heading east, some people have come to you asking to travel with you. They want to get to the east so that they can join the fight there. If you let them join you, you could use their contributions to get a couple of carts, get yourself a little caravan and end up with money and supplies to spare. They could be useful. More protection, easier to keep watch during the night, having people who know about this land, not having others automatically assume you're just a group of dangerous wierdos... On the other hand, a bigger group also means a bigger target. Sneaking around and moving around undetected with them would be difficult.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 11:39:03 am

Alan, Super Master Botanist

Hmm. Feed the kid ... say 5 or 6 leaves, assuming that isn't taking too much off of Bill And Ted.

The kid refuses to eat after the third leaf. He says his stomach hurts and he feels dizzy and wants to throw up. He tries to leave and go home.

Well, at least you can tell that whatever they are, they act quickly.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2016, 03:07:35 pm

Yes, lets revive Nik before we go. Is Nik's player here and ready?

---

I also test my own abilities and see if they're still impacted or if they recovered while my body recovered. I test generation, shifting, and manipulation separately, especially since generation has typically been hardest for me and manipulation easiest.

---

<Do we have to be touching for us to work together or if, say, I was in my fox-form and sent you telepathic requests from a short distance away would you be able to work with them? Or if I need assistance but was knocked unconsious and am not holding you anymore, would you still be able to act?>
Do I have a channel to talk to the sword telepathically from a distance now that we're linked? or do I still need to either be touching it or be in fox-form?

Good. Let's say he's revived and waiting for his player.

Your abilities appear normal. You generated a bit less fire than usual and your control seems a bit too sensitive, but it's probably nothing. I mean, the magic of this place does cause your abilities to fluctuate a bit, so maybe it's related to that. Or maybe it's related to the fact that you were on a near-death state a few days ago.

<We can move on our own if necessary, but we work better when wielded.>
<We can act on our own, but we prefer to act on your requests. It is easier to make decisions that way.>
<Remember though, our strength is tied to your strength. Should you be hurt or rendered unconscious we would likely be weakened.>
<You should also remember that we are here because of you and you alone. We do not care about your quest or your companions. If you die, do not expect us to protect them or continue your quest for you.>

You can talk to it as long as it's close. Based on what it tells you it can maintain communication when it's further away, but only for short periods of time.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 05:31:36 pm

((I PM'd NAV to let him know.))

Thanks for helping.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 26, 2016, 09:38:45 pm

Spoiler: He's quite tanky indeed. (click to show/hide)

Direct fire didn't work well at all; let's go for the root.

Direct all bots to grapple; send at least 5 directly against the HMG to try to neutralize it via grappling.

He's behind a machine; can I use my connection to the room to influence it?  Have it try to grab him or interfere with him in any way?  If so, do that.  If no, summon a thick metal chain net and try to also restrain him with that.  Electrified, even.  Basically, this turn is all about staying in cover and getting him all tangled up.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 10:29:29 pm

Alan, Ethical Person

"Thanks for your contribution to science, little kid! If you experience any mutations or agonizing magical phenomena, be sure to contact me! I'm Alan."

Go report my findings to the gardener dude.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2016, 04:48:27 am

Campaign, Ike!

Wait, there's a fight in the east?

In any case, if they're really itching to get themselves killed, they're free to come along! Meatshields and expository victims are always welcome!

Oh, and get more mules, one for each of us. Maybe an oxcart for the other mooks.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 27, 2016, 10:25:59 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: I might be tanky, but you're more powerful in general. (click to show/hide)

Can I summon a ballista while still keeping the shield? If so, summon it aimed at John's cover. Make the bolt heavy and as AP as it can be. Keep firing on the bots with the HMG, and once the ballista is summoned and loaded, fire it at John.

Oh, wait. I don't have Stocked Items. I'd have to load it manually, won't I? If so, charge at John, blast his cover into him and strike him with the polehammer a few times.

Also, modify my shield to be more mirror-like. Basically, make it so that it can deflect the lasers at least a bit.

If I see John leveling his cannon at me, engage Stasis.

Seriously, if I had Repulsor Shield, John would be having a much worse time right now. But at the same time, I'm so close to Saevi Jr. Gah, choices.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on November 27, 2016, 12:45:12 pm

What was reviving Nik like?

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: NAV on November 27, 2016, 01:24:52 pm

Wake up

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 27, 2016, 01:44:52 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Transform back and head back to the control room. See if I can use a terminal to release the cables. If not, recover some energy if I need to. If I don't, transform again with weapons and cut the cables. Then transform back and board the sub. See about getting out of here.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 28, 2016, 10:44:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:42:05 am

"It means living your life the way you want it. To free yourself from anything that is holding you back."
"It means to live your life to the fullest. What living your life to the fullest means though, that's up for interpretation. I mean, if you're going to believe the idiocies he's spouting-"
"Oh, now what's with the ad hominem? Run out of good arguments? Or are you just trying to get me to kill you again? Because you'll have to try harder than that."
"I have to try? I thought you always want to kill me."
"True, but that doesn't mean I am constantly trying."
"Yeah it does. You see this guy talks about being free, but in the end he's just a slave of his obsession with me."
"Hah. You'd wish. Just because you're obsessed with yourself doesn't mean everyone else is."

"... I think you lost me."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 30, 2016, 04:49:58 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 27, 2016, 10:25:59 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: I might be tanky, but you're more powerful in general. (click to show/hide)

Can I summon a ballista while still keeping the shield? If so, summon it aimed at John's cover. Make the bolt heavy and as AP as it can be. Keep firing on the bots with the HMG, and once the ballista is summoned and loaded, fire it at John.

Oh, wait. I don't have Stocked Items. I'd have to load it manually, won't I? If so, charge at John, blast his cover into him and strike him with the polehammer a few times.

Also, modify my shield to be more mirror-like. Basically, make it so that it can deflect the lasers at least a bit.

If I see John leveling his cannon at me, engage Stasis.

Seriously, if I had Repulsor Shield, John would be having a much worse time right now. But at the same time, I'm so close to Saevi Jr. Gah, choices.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Not having stocked means that you have to manually summon replacement ammo to load it up. If you get it, you'd go from 'fires crossbows more quickly because he can summon ammo' to 'has automatic crossbows'.

Quote from: Toaster on November 26, 2016, 09:38:45 pm

Spoiler: He's quite tanky indeed. (click to show/hide)

Direct fire didn't work well at all; let's go for the root.

Direct all bots to grapple; send at least 5 directly against the HMG to try to neutralize it via grappling.

He's behind a machine; can I use my connection to the room to influence it?  Have it try to grab him or interfere with him in any way?  If so, do that.  If no, summon a thick metal chain net and try to also restrain him with that.  Electrified, even.  Basically, this turn is all about staying in cover and getting him all tangled up.

The bots stop firing their lasers and instead focus on Saevus. One after the other, they launch their grappling hooks, trying to grab his shield and the MG mounted on it. Then they all reverse, trying to pull him down. For a moment the two are equally matched, Saevus barely managing to hold his ground while the bots' wheels skid on the concrete and roots. The next moment Saevus starts winning the tug of war, pulling them back and threatening to flip them. But then the machine next to him creaks. Before he can react, a pressure vessel ruptures, filling the area around him with white foam and dust. The effect doesn't damage Saevus but it is enough to tip the scales to the bots' favour. He is forced to let go of the shield and his MG to avoid falling down.

It takes less than 5 seconds for the dust to settle. Seconds punctuated by the roots pulsing with light, echoed by flashes of light coming from within the dust. When it finally dissolves, it reveals a visibly straining Saevus' in control of a giant freaking ballista.

<It's times like these that I wish Saevus was more caught up with modern slang.>
<Oh? Why is that?>
<Because now would be the perfect time to say 'Yeah. I can summon big guns too, biatch.'>
<Oh, yeah, I can totally see that.>

Quote from: Beirus on November 27, 2016, 01:44:52 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Transform back and head back to the control room. See if I can use a terminal to release the cables. If not, recover some energy if I need to. If I don't, transform again with weapons and cut the cables. Then transform back and board the sub. See about getting out of here.

You attempt to use the terminal to release the cables. Instead, you manage to explode the crane's hydraulics and lock the sub in place a few feet above the hole. Maybe jiggling the thing was a bit too much for tubes and pressure containers that had gone unused and unmaintained for so long.

Well, I suppose it is time for percussive maintenance. You go out, transform and start yanking on the crane, trying to either break its grip so that you can release the sub, cut the cables and finally get the hell out of here. As you do so, you sort of feel something click inside the sub, some sort of electrical whir. You instinctively pull away just as its propellers activate, slicing at the air where your appendages were moments ago. Frankly, you're not really sure how much damage it can do to you, those propellers don't look too sturdy, but you'd prefer not to damage the sub, since you need it to get out of here.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2016, 10:29:29 pm

Alan, Ethical Person

"Thanks for your contribution to science, little kid! If you experience any mutations or agonizing magical phenomena, be sure to contact me! I'm Alan."

Go report my findings to the gardener dude.

By gardner I assume you mean "healer". Said healer is not very happy about what you report to him. Instead of telling you more about your plant he immediately takes off to go examine the child. Hm. Well, he was probably unhappy with the amount of data you gathered and needed more. So you follow him.

When you find the kind, he is in bed with serious stomach pain and has started turning an unhealthy shade of pink. The healer immediately goes to work, trying to bring his temperature down and figure out what is wrong with him.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2016, 04:48:27 am

Campaign, Ike!

Wait, there's a fight in the east?

In any case, if they're really itching to get themselves killed, they're free to come along! Meatshields and expository victims are always welcome!

Oh, and get more mules, one for each of us. Maybe an oxcart for the other mooks.

Yeah. Basically the Sovereignty in the east apparently decided to exploit this kingdom's weakness and invaded, taking a major city and raiding the surrounding area. See Theri's part here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7246576#msg7246576) if you want a bit more info. Or just ask for specifics.

With the help of the mooks you get a bunch of mules and oxcarts. You spend a good part of the day organizing your little caravan.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 27, 2016, 12:45:12 pm

What was reviving Nik like?

First you find a nice stone table. Then it was sterilized by fire and the soulsphere was placed on it. Then the sword weaved a frame for his body out of semi-transparent grey lines, starting from soulsphere  and the bones surrounding it and working outwards. The weaving was complicated and took quite some time, as every bone, every nerve and every muscle was woven to very fine detail. Whenever a part was finished it was "baked" in white fire and took a darker appearance, closer to how you would expect them to be, but still monochrome. Finally a great vortex of fire and light was aimed directly at the body from above, focusing, becoming thinner and more intense until all was left was a line of light aimed at his heart, at where the soulsphere once was. As his body was slowly uncovered, you could see that it was now a normal human body. A final pulse of light travels down the beam and hits his chest. And for a moment he looks gigantic, as if the whole room revolves around them, a great kaleidoscope of giant Nikolais divided by writhing purple and teal filaments. And then it all fades and you are left with a complete Nikolai. Its work is done.

When it was done, the sword informed you that it would need some time to recover before it would be at full strength and could attempt something like that again. It also informed you that since Life is not its primary discipline, the body created won't be exactly as it was before death, but the changes are not very important and it should return to its natural state overtime.

As for Nik himself, he didn't feel anything during the process. He just woke up from a dreamless sleep, feeling a bit tired and weak but otherwise fine.

Quote from: NAV on November 27, 2016, 01:24:52 pm

Wake up

You wake up. You feel normal. Maybe a bit weak.

I assume Irine would have had someone cloth you and take you to the healer's home where they could watch over you while you slept.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 28, 2016, 10:44:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:42:05 am

"It means living your life the way you want it. To free yourself from anything that is holding you back."
"It means to live your life to the fullest. What living your life to the fullest means though, that's up for interpretation. I mean, if you're going to believe the idiocies he's spouting-"
"Oh, now what's with the ad hominem? Run out of good arguments? Or are you just trying to get me to kill you again? Because you'll have to try harder than that."
"I have to try? I thought you always want to kill me."
"True, but that doesn't mean I am constantly trying."
"Yeah it does. You see this guy talks about being free, but in the end he's just a slave of his obsession with me."
"Hah. You'd wish. Just because you're obsessed with yourself doesn't mean everyone else is."

"... I think you lost me."

"Don't trouble yourself. Just an old disagreement. Nothing to be concerned about."
"Yeah. Besides, you have more important things to concern yourself with. I heard that due to your victory, you might get a special something..."
"Indeed. The operation will be beginning shortly."
"So... while preparations are being made for the operation, would you care to share your opinion on this for us?"
"How attached are you to your body? How important is it to you?"
"Would you give it up to gain more power? Alter it irreversibly?"
"There are people that take dangerous body-altering drugs just to gain a tiny bit of extra strength over their opponents. Would you consider that? Or is it only booze for you?"
"I mean look at those two." he says while pointing at the TV screen where the magically-animated suit of armour that is Saevus and the mutilated cyborg entombed in layers of armour that is John are fighting each other, the knight of magic against the knight of science.
"Would you mind having a body like theirs if it meant you would be more powerful?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: TheBiggerFish on November 30, 2016, 07:05:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:42:05 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 25, 2016, 09:15:24 pm

Was I doing anything?

You're back in the staging area. I suppose we could give you levelups and start preparing for the next mission while those three finish up with that mission.

You could.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 30, 2016, 07:13:46 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Kosak's face muscles contort. They show... revulsion, mixed in with a bit of anger.

"No. No, no no no. NO."

Kosak calms after a few moments of "no, no, no", further repeated.

"I once received a similar offer to yours. A weremouse offered to turn me during his next full moon. I sent him through the nearest wall in refusal. I'm a dwarf, and my strength will come from my body alone, not any arcane enhancement."

"But... I'm sure you are aware of my greatest weakness. If you could remove its effects on me while keeping it itself in place, that I would accept, provided no side effects were caused."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on November 30, 2016, 07:14:43 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: A nice trick! (click to show/hide)

Hm.  Might be time to split focus a bit, because I don't want that thing going off in my direction.

Another split effort:
Bots split between restraining Saevus and clamping on to his weapon to throw off his aim; looks like he's having enough trouble wielding it already.
I summon/launch stun bombs at him.  I think the indirect assault is still the way to go here since his armor is so serious.

If nothing is working, fire the cannon again at him, but I'd rather stay in cover if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on November 30, 2016, 07:32:31 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Try to figure out a way to turn off the propellers without damaging the sub. If I can't, deploy Anchors to suspend myself over the sub and to see if I can turn off the propellers from there. If I still can't, try to lower myself onto the sub, then transform back and enter it to see if I can find controls to turn off the propellers.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on November 30, 2016, 07:33:06 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Aye. I am able to summon siege weaponry as well, knave. (click to show/hide)

Fire at John! Then desummon the ballista and the shield I lost and step behind the machine I was using as cover. Blast it at John and charge. Summon a mirror-like shield to try and deflect any lasers coming at me as I run. Blast anything on the way that might do damage towards John or the minitanks. Once I reach John, polehammer away.

Should I get grappled at any point and am unable to power through it, summon a razor-sharp dagger and cut it off.

If John levels his cannon at me, Stasis. Then immediately blast the sharpnel back. (guessing that doing it this way is much less efficient that Repulsing it.)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on November 30, 2016, 08:09:10 pm

Alan, Certified Medical Professional

"Oopsie daisy! Looks like you might need some stomach relief, little kidlet."

Summon a bottle of Pepto Bismol (regular-sized) to help out with the kid's stomach pains. If it looks like his condition is reaching critical mass, take a few steps back out of the potential splash zone.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on November 30, 2016, 09:13:17 pm

Please auto Theri in the meantime, either in talking with San, or hanging out with Irine. Stuff is happening on the player's part that is causing her to be unavailable to play at the moment. :-\

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: NAV on December 01, 2016, 04:12:44 pm

Look around. Stretch.
"Hello Irene. Feels good to be alive again! What did Nikolai miss?"

((I probably won't be very active because of college eating all my time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2016, 04:56:31 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"The sovereignty of what now? Are they maybe ruled by a shadow emperor? Yes? No?"

I have no idea what you yobs are talking about, but do go on.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on December 01, 2016, 05:03:41 pm

Well, um, everyone else got clear of the mage's tower okay, Ike and Alan retrieved your soulsphere, but River went off on his own and hasn't been seen. We regrouped, reached a village that was under attack by shadow or void creatures, and tried to save it. it... kinda worked, but a lot of the place was burned down. Under the old church was a tomb with some magic artifacts, including a sentient firesword. It liked me, so we're working together for now. Ike got some armor from there too. the firesword is good enough with the magic of this place it was able to revive you, though it's been weakened by the exertion. Theri and I are still healing from our injuries in the fighting, and Ike is a local leader now of sorts. He's trying to get us stuff we can use to continue our journey. Oh, and um, the way I look now seems to be a lasting side-effect of... what I had to do to stop the shadow/void things.

---

Here's some of the changes in appearance Irine has undergone. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7218792#msg7218792)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Tiruin on December 01, 2016, 11:24:46 pm

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2016, 04:12:44 pm

Look around. Stretch.
"Hello Irene. Feels good to be alive again! What did Nikolai miss?"

((I probably won't be very active because of college eating all my time.))

((GAH, You're back now that I'm being busy :'( Nice to see you again NAV!
@Lenglon: I believe you can use my character pretty well so if there's anything needed; act for her :D A major point I've seen is only the background with San--summarized idea was he's separated from his people due to a beast-person/monster attack, and as the GM is making a map, his location is along the path we're taking since we [mostly I?] chose to continue the campaign instead of retreat with River-soulsphere.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on December 02, 2016, 12:36:29 am

Quote from: Tiruin on December 01, 2016, 11:24:46 pm

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2016, 04:12:44 pm

Look around. Stretch.
"Hello Irene. Feels good to be alive again! What did Nikolai miss?"

((I probably won't be very active because of college eating all my time.))

((GAH, You're back now that I'm being busy :'( Nice to see you again NAV!
@Lenglon: I believe you can use my character pretty well so if there's anything needed; act for her :D A major point I've seen is only the background with San--summarized idea was he's separated from his people due to a beast-person/monster attack, and as the GM is making a map, his location is along the path we're taking since we [mostly I?] chose to continue the campaign instead of retreat with River-soulsphere.))

((Thank you for the honor, and I'll bear that in mind regarding San.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: NAV on December 07, 2016, 03:40:06 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on December 01, 2016, 05:03:41 pm

Well, um, everyone else got clear of the mage's tower okay, Ike and Alan retrieved your soulsphere, but River went off on his own and hasn't been seen. We regrouped, reached a village that was under attack by shadow or void creatures, and tried to save it. it... kinda worked, but a lot of the place was burned down. Under the old church was a tomb with some magic artifacts, including a sentient firesword. It liked me, so we're working together for now. Ike got some armor from there too. the firesword is good enough with the magic of this place it was able to revive you, though it's been weakened by the exertion. Theri and I are still healing from our injuries in the fighting, and Ike is a local leader now of sorts. He's trying to get us stuff we can use to continue our journey. Oh, and um, the way I look now seems to be a lasting side-effect of... what I had to do to stop the shadow/void things.

---

Here's some of the changes in appearance Irine has undergone. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7218792#msg7218792)

"You call that a sword? It barely counts as a dagger. Just kidding, tell your sword I owe it one, and you too of course.
...So what did you have to do to stop the shadow/void things?"

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on December 07, 2016, 05:43:45 pm

"Its a secret. I can't ever do it again so it doesn't matter right now."

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on December 17, 2016, 03:20:51 am

waiting on turn, I don't want to leave until people have healed, once people have healed am ready to continue our journey.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 18, 2016, 03:36:00 pm

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 30, 2016, 07:05:05 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2016, 08:42:05 am

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on November 25, 2016, 09:15:24 pm

Was I doing anything?

You're back in the staging area. I suppose we could give you levelups and start preparing for the next mission while those three finish up with that mission.

You could.

I did. Check your PMs.

Anyone else from that mission who wants to level up, say so.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 30, 2016, 07:13:46 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Kosak's face muscles contort. They show... revulsion, mixed in with a bit of anger.

"No. No, no no no. NO."

Kosak calms after a few moments of "no, no, no", further repeated.

"I once received a similar offer to yours. A weremouse offered to turn me during his next full moon. I sent him through the nearest wall in refusal. I'm a dwarf, and my strength will come from my body alone, not any arcane enhancement."

"But... I'm sure you are aware of my greatest weakness. If you could remove its effects on me while keeping it itself in place, that I would accept, provided no side effects were caused."

The two entities appear amused by your display.
"Oh, should we? Should we just remove weaknesses? Nah, what fun would that be? Weaknesses make you who you are. Make you interesting. Give you an inner struggle on top of the challenges you have to face."
"And besides, if we just turned you into copies of ourselves, it would just be boring. I mean, why watch myself ace something when I can just do it?"
"You're implying you are perfect?"
"Nah, you're the one inferring that. I'm implying that I really like myself and there's not a thing I would change about me."
He then turns to face you again.
"Anyway, like I said, the point is for there to be a challenge. If there's no challenge and no growth, then I wouldn't make the games. I would make some sort of inter-universal cafeteria where we could all meet and chat. And come on, let's be honest, you'd hate that as much as I would, right?"

Quote from: Toaster on November 30, 2016, 07:14:43 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: A nice trick! (click to show/hide)

Hm.  Might be time to split focus a bit, because I don't want that thing going off in my direction.

Another split effort:
Bots split between restraining Saevus and clamping on to his weapon to throw off his aim; looks like he's having enough trouble wielding it already.
I summon/launch stun bombs at him.  I think the indirect assault is still the way to go here since his armor is so serious.

If nothing is working, fire the cannon again at him, but I'd rather stay in cover if possible.

Quote from: Hawk132 on November 30, 2016, 07:33:06 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Aye. I am able to summon siege weaponry as well, knave. (click to show/hide)

Fire at John! Then desummon the ballista and the shield I lost and step behind the machine I was using as cover. Blast it at John and charge. Summon a mirror-like shield to try and deflect any lasers coming at me as I run. Blast anything on the way that might do damage towards John or the minitanks. Once I reach John, polehammer away.

Should I get grappled at any point and am unable to power through it, summon a razor-sharp dagger and cut it off.

If John levels his cannon at me, Stasis. Then immediately blast the sharpnel back. (guessing that doing it this way is much less efficient that Repulsing it.)

The bots once more use their grapples on Saevus. This time they manage to pull him down, but not before he manages to fire his bolt. The thing smashes through John's cover as he jumps away. Even though the bolt doesn't manage to hit him before it disappears, the shrapnel and debris it launches hit him pretty badly. He can feel the impacts through his armour. He coughs, feeling the blood on his mouth. Even though he doesn't feel like it, he is still pretty badly injured and his body can't take much abuse. Saevus meanwhile tries to get up but the bots have him pretty well tied up. He manages to get up on one knee but that's it.

Quote from: Beirus on November 30, 2016, 07:32:31 pm

WMD, After the End

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Try to figure out a way to turn off the propellers without damaging the sub. If I can't, deploy Anchors to suspend myself over the sub and to see if I can turn off the propellers from there. If I still can't, try to lower myself onto the sub, then transform back and enter it to see if I can find controls to turn off the propellers.

There's no way to close them that you can see from here. You'd have to go through them or detach them to reach their wiring and that would probably result in damage you couldn't repair very quickly. So instead you try to carefully position yourself on top of the sub. You instead manage to cut the cables holding it in place. You quickly dive down and catch the sub before it hits the ground. You then rip off its pressure door. Oops. Oh well, good thing it has a little airlock thing there and the inner door is still intact.

After a few seconds of holding it there, the propellers stop. Hopefully it hasn't run out of power. You carefully lower it into the water and then enter through the hatch. The sub suddenly starts descending but you manage to close the hatch before water makes it inside.

The sub is not terribly large. Beyond the small airlock room is cramped corridor with three other doors: Crew Quarters, Cargo & Engineering and Control Room.

When you enter the control room you find that it's an euphemism for a tiny cockpit surrounded by tiny screens. You try to move the sub around but anything you try just causes the screens to say "Engineering Override". But you can hear the quiet hum of the propellers, their changing pitch. Something's controlling this thing. But at least whatever it is, it's taking you away from this place and not crashinh, so it's not all bad news.

You make your way to engineering and carefully open the door. Beyond it is a... thing. It looks like a fetus the size of a shipping container with an oversized brain that has yet to form properly. It's connected to the nearby electrical panels by two semi-transparent tendrils. You can see electricity moving through them in visible arcs. The creature is making warbling noises.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 30, 2016, 08:09:10 pm

Alan, Certified Medical Professional

"Oopsie daisy! Looks like you might need some stomach relief, little kidlet."

Summon a bottle of Pepto Bismol (regular-sized) to help out with the kid's stomach pains. If it looks like his condition is reaching critical mass, take a few steps back out of the potential splash zone.

Before the healer can react, you summon a bottle of purplish liquid and force feed it to the kid. The healer pushes you away before you can finish the bottle and tells you to back off, or else.

The kid gradually feels more and more pain, spreading across his body. Black hair-like strands start growing all across his body, forming spirals and lightning-shaped patterns. They keep spreading until the kid has turned into a fuzzy black ball, like metal fragments stuck on a giant magnet. The black blob dissolves until only its shadow is left and then it too fades away.

The healer does not look happy.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 30, 2016, 09:13:17 pm

Please auto Theri in the meantime, either in talking with San, or hanging out with Irine. Stuff is happening on the player's part that is causing her to be unavailable to play at the moment. :-\

OK. Hope all goes well.

Quote from: NAV on December 01, 2016, 04:12:44 pm

Look around. Stretch.
"Hello Irene. Feels good to be alive again! What did Nikolai miss?"

((I probably won't be very active because of college eating all my time.))

You feel  surprisingly well, far better than you thought a man waking up from the dead would feel. Then again, you've only died once before, so it's not like you have a great sample to compare with. And you're in no hurry to collect more data.

You get a good look around what's left of the town before Alan probably gets you all kicked out or worse.

((Eh, it's not like I'm the fastest in writing turns either. No hurry.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 01, 2016, 04:56:31 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"The sovereignty of what now? Are they maybe ruled by a shadow emperor? Yes? No?"

I have no idea what you yobs are talking about, but do go on.

None of your meat shields are great scholars, but their combination of rumors and general knowledge allow you to get a good idea about the subject. They inform you that the Sovereignty is the name of the nation to the east. They are led by a man who goes with the pretty unimaginative title of Sovereign. They control the plains east of the mountain range and south of the Desert. While quite larger than this kingdom, its centre is mostly devoid of useful resources, forcing most people to live on the shores of its few major rivers or close to its perimeter, close to the mountains and the sea. The less inhabited lands are home to all sorts of bandits and slavers, usually riding around in horseback with the more successful ones leading attacks with gliders into other nations.

Their realm is home to powerful wind magics, which to them mostly means that those who can afford their most expensive trade vessels can enjoy unparalleled speed and safety in their travels. Beyond their swift vessels, they are also known for their performers and thinkers (actors, musicians, writers, etc.) as well as their great adventurers, diplomats, traders and explorers. They are infamous for their thieves, bandits, slavers and mercenaries who are often hard to tell apart.

There had recently been some tension between the two kingdoms, so this war didn't come completely out of the blue. The tunnel at Kodromota had been closed for a while, leaving no safe way in or out of the Kingdom for eastern traders. On top of that, a few days before the tower exploded soldiers from the capital passed through this village headed that way. Rumors said the two kingdoms had some sort of dispute about taxation, but the King's heralds hadn't informed the people of why exactly the pass had closed beyond some generalities and the usual spiel about protecting the kingdom from their corrupting influence.

From what little they know, they've led a major attack on Kodromota and launched raids to nearby villages, employing both soldiers, magical vessels and some kind of monsters. While some of the villagers say that this invasion might not be so bad, since it could mean once more having someone strong help restore order and protect them, the men accompanying you think that if they went as far as to attack unarmed refugees trying to leave the area, then their intentions are definitely not good and that they should be stopped at any cost. That is why they want to go to the east, to protect their homes and loved ones by joining the army in its defense of the Kingdom.

((Don't forget you have a map (https://www.dropbox.com/s/iuho80wos3v75x2/general_map.gif?dl=0).))

---

OOC
Alan's approach to alchemy. (https://youtu.be/OBa4M-l1lAM?t=2m8s)

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Zormod on December 18, 2016, 08:05:15 pm

I wouldn't mind a levelup.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on December 18, 2016, 09:30:00 pm

Alan, Accidental Child Murderer

Alan puts his hand on his chin in a scientific fashion.

"Hmm. I conclude he must've been suffering from a skin condition, not stomach pain. I therefore should've smeared him in Vaseline instead. But that's a job for the next patient and stuff. Therefore, I can conclude that Bill And Ted can turn people into sea urchins! Genius! Such awesome magic, Bill And Ted, good job! Don't you think, gardener person?"

Probably get chewed out for magical child poisoning or something

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Toaster on December 18, 2016, 11:37:44 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: Ouch (click to show/hide)

No, this is the chance; go for it.  Drop the cannon and jump straight in and stab him with the conductor spear.  Ideally switch to unsafe mode while he's stabbed.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 19, 2016, 04:05:42 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on December 18, 2016, 09:30:00 pm

Alan, Accidental Child Murderer

Alan puts his hand on his chin in a scientific fashion.

"Hmm. I conclude he must've been suffering from a skin condition, not stomach pain. I therefore should've smeared him in Vaseline instead. But that's a job for the next patient and stuff. Therefore, I can conclude that Bill And Ted can turn people into sea urchins! Genius! Such awesome magic, Bill And Ted, good job! Don't you think, gardener person?"

Probably get chewed out for magical child poisoning or something

You don't get chewed out. He just stares at you. Then he leaves.

Okay then.

---

BTW, tell me when you're ready to move out.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: FallacyofUrist on December 19, 2016, 05:31:14 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on December 18, 2016, 03:36:00 pm

The two entities appear amused by your display.
Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

"Oh, should we? Should we just remove weaknesses? Nah, what fun would that be? Weaknesses make you who you are. Make you interesting. Give you an inner struggle on top of the challenges you have to face."
"And besides, if we just turned you into copies of ourselves, it would just be boring. I mean, why watch myself ace something when I can just do it?"
"You're implying you are perfect?"
"Nah, you're the one inferring that. I'm implying that I really like myself and there's not a thing I would change about me."
He then turns to face you again.
"Anyway, like I said, the point is for there to be a challenge. If there's no challenge and no growth, then I wouldn't make the games. I would make some sort of inter-universal cafeteria where we could all meet and chat. And come on, let's be honest, you'd hate that as much as I would, right?"

"Fine, then. *Sigh* Life is never easy, is it. But yes, if this "game" was that easy, it wouldn't mean anything. I understand that."

((I'd also like to get to the upgrading fairly soon. This chat is nice, though. Fleshes Kosak out and all that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Xantalos on December 19, 2016, 05:34:23 pm

Alan, In Good Moral Standing

"I'm sure that won't have negative repercussions down the line."

Let's go find Ike. I shall determine more of Bill And Ted's powers at a later date.

Ready to move out at any time.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Beirus on December 19, 2016, 05:53:21 pm

WMD, After the End

Politely ask the fetus to change course to wherever it is my host is trying to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 19, 2016, 05:55:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

With any luck the massive outbreak of magical catastrophes will halt any potential invasion plans.

In any case, ready to move out. Fetch the others and answer any of their questions. Pick up any would-be counterinvaders and hangers-on, then head out bravely into unfathomable danger.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: DreamerGhost on December 19, 2016, 07:05:51 pm

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

I'm up for my points and next mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Hawk132 on December 19, 2016, 08:06:25 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: These will not hold me for long. (click to show/hide)

Desummon the ballista. Break that which binds me. Once I get a hand free, summon a super-sharp dagger and cut through whatever's left. Free the bling-cannon first.

If I get the cannon leveled at me, try to stasis. If there's something nearby that I can blast at John, blast away.

Should I get myself free, summon the polehammer and charge at John. Keep the golden arm ready to stasis or fire things at John, whichever is applicable.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: NAV on December 22, 2016, 01:08:35 pm

I suppose get dressed and try to find at least a basic weapon then meet up with the others and get ready to go.

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 22, 2016, 02:28:00 pm

Quote from: NAV on December 22, 2016, 01:08:35 pm

I suppose get dressed and try to find at least a basic weapon then meet up with the others and get ready to go.

Tell my meatshields to set this man up. Spare no expense, he's a hero reborn!

Title: Re: Special People: Fistful of Silence
Post by: Lenglon on December 22, 2016, 04:44:17 pm

Ready whenever

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on December 26, 2016, 01:03:34 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 18, 2016, 11:37:44 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: Ouch (click to show/hide)

No, this is the chance; go for it.  Drop the cannon and jump straight in and stab him with the conductor spear.  Ideally switch to unsafe mode while he's stabbed.

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 19, 2016, 08:06:25 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: These will not hold me for long. (click to show/hide)

Desummon the ballista. Break that which binds me. Once I get a hand free, summon a super-sharp dagger and cut through whatever's left. Free the bling-cannon first.

If I get the cannon leveled at me, try to stasis. If there's something nearby that I can blast at John, blast away.

Should I get myself free, summon the polehammer and charge at John. Keep the golden arm ready to stasis or fire things at John, whichever is applicable.

John pushes himself to get back on his feet, trying to move as quickly as possible. It feels like he's watching himself in a dream, desperately trying to will himself to move, every movement feeling slow. As Saevus struggles to raise his head, he sees John coming for him through the debris and black goo left from his attack. John is running as fast as his exosuit will let him, his spear extending out of his hand, silver flowing and solidifying to form the tip. Saevus summons a heavy axe and lets it slam on one of the restraints holding his hand, freeing it. It immediately disappears and in its place Saevus summons a knife, with which he attempts to cut more of the restraints.

But he doesn't get far before John is upon him, thrusting his spear downwards with a primal grunt. Saevus lifts his palm and a shimmering barrier appears between the two, stopping the spear. But only for a moment. The next Saevus is forced to lower his hand and the spear goes through. It keeps going, bypassing his forceshield with a flash of light, its shattered fragments falling on the black roots below him. The spear cuts through his armour like butter, tearing a clean hole through where his left lung would be. The two stare at each other for a moment, the only thing moving being the vibrations of the cables holding Saevus down and the black goo dripping through the hole in Saevus' armour.

<Tow cables and OP weapons that can cut through almost anything are always the bane of heavy walkers it seems.>

Then Saevus lifts his golden hand and points his palm at John, the runes on it humming and glowing bright. John ducks and dashes back before the telekinetic blast can rip off the antenna embedded in his head.

The broken fragments of Saevus forceshield are drawn together, forming a large semi-transparent cane embedded on the ground next to him, like an umbrella with its top missing. It begins to suck the goo and black roots out of the ground, filling itself up with darkness and blinking lights.

---

Quote from: Beirus on December 19, 2016, 05:53:21 pm

WMD, After the End

Politely ask the fetus to change course to wherever it is my host is trying to go.

You ask the fetus-thing if it can pretty please not eat you and instead take you the hell out of here before you die. The thing makes a whine that resonates throughout the entire vessel, a noise that sounds like something you'd expect to come from a whale.

It's not making a move to attack you, so you'll take that as a yes. You return to the cockpit and watch the monitors for a while. You see that the sub is continuing its course away from the doomed city. That's good. You don't know where it's going or what it's going to do with you when it gets there, but for now you're free and alive on a vessel with food and oxygen. That went about as good as it could go. Sure you are trapped in a dying world, but it is not a dead world. There is still hope. That's all you've got to hold on right now.

A moment comes when you cross some invisible barrier or trigger some unknown condition. The screen of your interface blinks green and the voice of S0 announces that your mission is now complete. Your consciousness is slowly and smoothly decoupled from that of your host, leaving him to ponder his future and his fate while you are led to the dark void that exists in the inbetween.

((I'll PM you your upgrade points when I can.))

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 19, 2016, 05:55:39 pm

Campaign, Ike!

With any luck the massive outbreak of magical catastrophes will halt any potential invasion plans.

In any case, ready to move out. Fetch the others and answer any of their questions. Pick up any would-be counterinvaders and hangers-on, then head out bravely into unfathomable danger.

Quote from: NAV on December 22, 2016, 01:08:35 pm

I suppose get dressed and try to find at least a basic weapon then meet up with the others and get ready to go.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 22, 2016, 02:28:00 pm

Quote from: NAV on December 22, 2016, 01:08:35 pm

I suppose get dressed and try to find at least a basic weapon then meet up with the others and get ready to go.

Tell my meatshields to set this man up. Spare no expense, he's a hero reborn!

Ike delivers an incredibly passionate speech (and perhaps a bit exaggerated and over the top at times) about Nikolai and why he's the coolest monster-hunting dude there ever was and how he has the cool gas mask and everything. His meatshields take this to heart and set Nikolai up with some pretty awesome equipment considering their resources. He is given an old monster hunter set supposedly belonging to one of the village's founders. It has been well maintained and is still in excellent condition. The clothes are made out of grey and black cloth with metal reinforcements, made to be light and allow for quick movement. It covers almost all of the wearer's body except for the eyes and they insist that it is more than capable of protecting from things like fire and poison. For a weapon he receives a combination of a long yet light spear and a shield made out of layers of metal and animal hides.

The reason they gave it is that Ike made a pretty convincing case about how a weapon and armour set made to circle around and flank monsters would not be very useful in a battlefield, where confusion, low space and large numbers of enemies make armour more important, so it would be best to give those tools to someone who could ensure no monster would bring their journey to an untimely end. Ike also kinda promised that Nikolai would ride with him in the front due to his years of monster hunting experience giving him a keen ability to sense and deal with danger, so they probably have high expectations about him putting those weapons to good use should they encounter any monsters on their journey.

Quote from: Lenglon on December 22, 2016, 04:44:17 pm

Ready whenever

Quote from: Xantalos on December 19, 2016, 05:34:23 pm

Alan, In Good Moral Standing

"I'm sure that won't have negative repercussions down the line."

Let's go find Ike. I shall determine more of Bill And Ted's powers at a later date.

Ready to move out at any time.

In the morning, the Players joined by the would-be soldiers gather at gate on the edge of the village. They load the carts and mules with the final batches of supplies, checking and double-checking nervously, trying to make sure they have everything. For some enthusiastic young men, this will be the first time leaving their hometown and there's a good chance it could also be their last. Words of love are whispered, promises of safe return are extracted, goodbyes are said, prayers are chanted, wishes, curses and words of encouragement are shouted and then soon you can no longer hear them, only see them whenever you look behind. As the village disappears from view, one young man starts singing slowly and quietly, tapping his weapon on the cart to keep the rhythm. The others join him one by one and soon they become loud and laughing as they playfully shove each other or yell the name of someone or some inside joke.

Quote

I know the stories of the wives and mothers of heroes of old
those heroic men they would scold
and they would give them a curse and benediction
'Do not go to war heroically to die
for those that do eternally in battlefields they lie'

And so I was told the same by a girl to me very special
that I should love her with my all
'An oath of safe return and marriage gives you direction
For lost is a war already
if you have nobody to return to and nothing steady'

Know soldier that the one who wins in war and combat
is not the one who wears a hard hat
It's love for life that is in a fight the best protection
So eat and drink and have some fun
for in war those with nothing to lose become undone

...

With their spirits lifted the singing continues, taking a more confident tone, singing hymns to the gods of blood, of protection and family, of just war, singing about heroes of old performing incredible feats of strength and cunning, singing about why their kingdom is the best and all the stinking tree-elves can burn... At one point Alan decides to join in with his performance of Bad Boys, in which he mangles half the words but still manages to get the others to sing along.

...

You continue traveling with only short stops to drink and eat, moving fast and making good progress. By the time the sun has disappeared behind the horizon the singing and conversations between the men have died down to quiet murmurs punctuated by the occasional quiet laugh and even some snoring. With what little light is left, you can barely make out the unmoving shapes in the distance, humanoid forms both large and small forming hundreds of rows, like a stone army. Those traveling with you say that this is the Field of Statues. Nobody knows exactly how it started, but by now it has become a place where all sorts of people bring statues, from slaves and bandits to kings. Some do it to display their money and power, some to display their skill as artists, some to leave something behind, some as a sign of repentance or to fulfill a promise to a god... They inform you to be careful not to treat them badly, for some of them are trapped to ward off thievery and vandalism.

*sniff sniff* "What's that smell?"
"It's blood!"

Hmm... That's right. They also told you that this was the place where some refugees that were trying to avoid the war were ambushed by some sort of bird monsters. This happened only a couple of days ago. You could try to rest here, try to use the statues as cover while you sleep, maybe look for survivors or scavenge some supplies off the corpses. There are no  hills and very little vegetation around here, so finding another place that provides any sort of cover would require a fair bit of luck. And everyone (but most of all the animals carrying you) could use some rest. On the other hand, that bird monster attack happened during the night, so maybe staying here will just lead to the same thing happening to you. Maybe stopping before reaching the field of statues or after passing through it would be a better idea.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on December 26, 2016, 01:59:05 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: That is probably not good. (click to show/hide)

All the bots open fire on Saevus.  Don't let go of the hooks.  He's weakened; let's see if we can finish him off now with massed fire.

Meanwhile, I take some cover away from both Saevus and the cane-root thing.  Focus on patching that hit I just took; a stabilizing quick fix is priority over a permanent fix if that's all I have time for.  I don't need to keel over before the fight is finished.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on December 27, 2016, 08:56:23 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Spears are probably the worst weapon to attack Saevus with. He's got no vital organs to pierce. (click to show/hide)

Summon more axes to cut through the cables. Desummon the knife. Get a shield and take the rod. Unless the cane needs two hands to wield properly. Immediately pull John to me with the blingcannon. Since he's in melee range, it'd be a shame to let him go. Preferably, get him to fall over in front of me. Bonus points for making him into cover.

Actually, if John is in summoning range and I managed to drop him to the ground, and I can do this on top of other actions - summon some super heavy hammers on top of him. Only do so if they will drop from high enough to do some damage.

Figure out how the cane works. Hit John with it. Or try 'firing' it at him somehow, if he's not in melee range. If he got away and the rod does not fire, once I'm free - charge at John at try to hit him with it. Blast anything in my way at him as well. If there's a bot on the way, try smacking it with the rod.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on December 28, 2016, 08:19:13 pm

"Um, I'd like to stop before the statues Ike. I don't want to get caught in them in a trap in the dark"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on December 28, 2016, 09:24:48 pm

"Ho ho ho what was I doing again? Oh right, nonspecific mischef, ho ho ho!"

Be jolly! Also attempt to plant as many Bill And Ted cuttings as I feasibly can without hurting the plant too much. Claim to inquiring others that I'm growing spinach if questioned.

Summon plant food and stuff too. Gotta have the best care for my plant.

And Rickman too. Hey, maybe Bill And Ted's an alien plant! That would make sense, he turned the kid into an alien!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2016, 09:09:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 28, 2016, 08:19:13 pm

"Um, I'd like to stop before the statues Ike. I don't want to get caught in them in a trap in the dark"

"You'd rather be caught in a trap in an open field with no place to hide? Don't be silly now, we've got a long road ahead and precious little daylight to waste! We'll see if we can make it through before nightfall, and if not we'll rest under the cover of magnificent works of sculpture. Wonder how big they get out there?"

Going to continue forth!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on December 31, 2016, 03:12:51 pm

"But Ike, hiding places work both ways. I'd rather not have nasty suprises and its not like we can hide wagons anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on December 31, 2016, 05:12:00 pm

"Ah, but I have an advantage in perception. At least until I fall asleep I guess, but that's a good long time."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on December 31, 2016, 05:34:30 pm

"Ike, wagons arent invisible. You don't really have an advantage, especially if others have good nightvision too."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on December 31, 2016, 06:13:51 pm

Alan pops up in the annoyingly inconvenient way he has.

"Ooh! But what if I paint the wagons with invisible paint?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 09:08:38 am

After watching Ike just stare at me without giving a response for some time, I grow a bit nervous.
"I mean, even if we have better nightvision than whatever, which we don't know for sure we do, they still have the advantage of not having a big wagon and a bunch of people who don't have good nightvision giving them away. As a group, we're really easy to spot Ike. Why are we in such a hurry that we can't just wait until tomorrow, when everyone can see, not just you? Either way we're gonna be spotted going through, might as well not cripple everyone who doesn't have eyes like yours, since we have a group with us anyway... right?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2017, 10:22:23 am

"Silly Irine, I don't need eyes to see."

"As for the wagons, they're just as exposed anywhere else. More so out in a field, to be frank. Didn't you hear about the bird monsters? You need something over your head to protect you from the bird monsters! Simple concept, really."

"Finally, open plains aren't really a happening sort of country if you get my meaning. It's the kind of terrain where anything can happen, where the gods themselves have lost any ounce of creativity. The earth itself could open up to try and chew you up or something. Or manticores! Manticores are always bad news."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 10:33:41 am

"Open plains are not as featureless as you seem to think. There's all kinds of little rises and dips and all sorts of neat things hidden in the tall grass. They are not from lack of creativity. They're a prime example of hiding things in plain sight. Just look a little harder before being insulting."

"But anyway, the wagons being exposed is my point. They're just as exposed in the statues as out here, it's stupid to think we aren't spotted from far off. so we might as well be somewhere we can see as clearly as possible."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2017, 12:36:49 pm

"Nobody cares about wagons. They barely even exist, honestly. Bird monsters don't care about wagons, they care about manflesh. And the sooner we get through here the lesser the chance of being ambushed by bird monsters. Or we'll get ambushed by them anyway and then we can eliminate them that much sooner. Simple, no?"

"Anyway, we move. And that's all there is to say on the matter."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 01:08:47 pm

"Excuse me?"

"Okay, what are you hiding from me? You aren't that stupid. Why do you really want to keep moving?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 04, 2017, 02:25:20 pm

"Ah, you'll see!" Ike begins to look into the distance, a larcenous gleam in his eye.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 02:32:52 pm

"Ike."
I wait for an actual answer.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 04, 2017, 06:47:28 pm

Quote from: Toaster on December 26, 2016, 01:59:05 pm

John, After the End

Spoiler: That is probably not good. (click to show/hide)

All the bots open fire on Saevus.  Don't let go of the hooks.  He's weakened; let's see if we can finish him off now with massed fire.

Meanwhile, I take some cover away from both Saevus and the cane-root thing.  Focus on patching that hit I just took; a stabilizing quick fix is priority over a permanent fix if that's all I have time for.  I don't need to keel over before the fight is finished.

Quote from: Hawk132 on December 27, 2016, 08:56:23 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Spears are probably the worst weapon to attack Saevus with. He's got no vital organs to pierce. (click to show/hide)

Summon more axes to cut through the cables. Desummon the knife. Get a shield and take the rod. Unless the cane needs two hands to wield properly. Immediately pull John to me with the blingcannon. Since he's in melee range, it'd be a shame to let him go. Preferably, get him to fall over in front of me. Bonus points for making him into cover.

Actually, if John is in summoning range and I managed to drop him to the ground, and I can do this on top of other actions - summon some super heavy hammers on top of him. Only do so if they will drop from high enough to do some damage.

Figure out how the cane works. Hit John with it. Or try 'firing' it at him somehow, if he's not in melee range. If he got away and the rod does not fire, once I'm free - charge at John at try to hit him with it. Blast anything in my way at him as well. If there's a bot on the way, try smacking it with the rod.

With a sudden explosion of speed, perhaps powered by fear and the will to survive, Saevus rips himself free of his restraints. He spins around, using one arm to cut through them with a giant axe while using his golden arm to pull John towards him. The wave of telekinetic energy is weak, only managing to stagger John as he tries to regain his balance. But Saevus keeps spinning, the axe disappearing from his arm just in time for him to pickup the cane from the ground.

He presses the button on its base. His aim is way off, but it turns out he doesn't have to worry about that. A dome of writhing goo explodes out of the top of the cane as it empties it contents. The wave smashes into anything it comes across. John, still staggered, tries to dive for cover but in his confusion only manages to fall forward. The goo hits him head first, shoving him back, covering his entire suit in the sticky material. The wave continues until it hits the wall of the room. All of the bots that were behind John are moving spasmodically and erratically, as if their motors are firing at random.

However more than half of them are still operational. With their attempts to restrain Saevus no longer interfering with their aim, they manage to keep their concentrated laser beams on him as he moves. Most of the heat was focused on his golden shoulder, making it glow and partially melting it. The joints of his armour have fused from the heat and cannot move and the runes there no longer light up with multi-coloured light.

Spoiler: Hawk132 (click to show/hide)

There is some sort of magical power source nearby, radiating energy and increasing your available power. However, even that is not enough to offset your damaged runes and heavy power usage. You're bleeding too much power. If you keep up like that, you might not be able to remain conscious for more than a couple of turns. Then again, if you manage to kill him during those turns, it might be worth it.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You feel the goo moving with purpose, trying to worm its way through your armour and into the more important parts of your suit. Your layered armour keeps most of it away, but the antenna providing you your enhanced sight has been infected, the black material crawling and spreading through it and its systems. You manage to concentrate on your technomancy and keep the black goo away from vital systems, its presence causing only mild distortions in your visions as it tries to take over.

The bots that were hit by the goo do not appear to be responding to your commands anymore.

Quote from: Xantalos on December 28, 2016, 09:24:48 pm

"Ho ho ho what was I doing again? Oh right, nonspecific mischef, ho ho ho!"

Be jolly! Also attempt to plant as many Bill And Ted cuttings as I feasibly can without hurting the plant too much. Claim to inquiring others that I'm growing spinach if questioned.

Summon plant food and stuff too. Gotta have the best care for my plant.

And Rickman too. Hey, maybe Bill And Ted's an alien plant! That would make sense, he turned the kid into an alien!

You stand at the driver seat of the wagon and whip the nuca dragging it while asking it to light the way with its bright red nose. It tries to spit sparks at you instead. Eh, close enough.

You plant parts of your plant along the road. You have no doubt that this dry environment and its temperature extremes are exactly what they require to grow. The men traveling with you just laugh when you infrorm them what you are doing.

You summon a fridgefull of some rather bland sandwiches and a bit of water bottles for your expanding group of human, animal, alien, and (possibly alien) plant friends. The men comment that they taste nothing like sand witches and wonder why this food has such a funny name.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on December 29, 2016, 09:09:49 am

Quote from: Lenglon on December 28, 2016, 08:19:13 pm

"Um, I'd like to stop before the statues Ike. I don't want to get caught in them in a trap in the dark"

"You'd rather be caught in a trap in an open field with no place to hide? Don't be silly now, we've got a long road ahead and precious little daylight to waste! We'll see if we can make it through before nightfall, and if not we'll rest under the cover of magnificent works of sculpture. Wonder how big they get out there?"

Going to continue forth!

You keep moving forward, through the field of statues. You move through them as quickly, carefully and as quietly as you can, with your ears and nose ready to pick up anything out of the ordinary. Your eyes cannot be trusted, as in the little light provided by the moon and Irine's sword you wouldn't be able to tell what's a statue and what's not. It's not easy to keep the men quiet, motivated and alert. Some have fallen asleep, others are commenting the landscape as this is the first time they see it, others still are complaining about not stopping and being cold. At least the road is mostly clear, with only the occasional broken statue or pieces of stone laying by the side of the road. You're not surprised. Some of them look really old, their details almost completely eroded, while others appear to have been shoved into whatever tiny spaces could fit them, creating walls and barriers.

...

You've been walking for a while now and there's no sign of the field ending. You've been forced to stop twice now, once to pick up some people who had the stupid idea to try to sneak off and prey to the statue of some god or another and another to stop an argument about whether or not you should stop and camp before it became a fight. The third time you stop is because you've reached the source of the stench of dead and rotten.

This area is like a small clearing, a wide open space surrounding a boulder. Or, at least, at first you think it's a boulder. But as you get a better sense of it through repeated pings, you realize it was some sort of arch that the road went through. The area around is filled with broken chunks of rock, as if something not only destroyed the arch but also caused part of it to explode. There's an extraordinary amount of blood around but not many bodies. In fact, there's too few bodies. Could a scavenger have eaten them already? Some large animal did pass through here, judging by some of the marks and scents in the surrounding area, but you've never encountered that smell before.

You briefly consider waking up the boy clinging to Theri so that it can give you more information but decide against it. There probably isn't much it can tell you that you can't find out yourself plus you'd like to avoid any more drama-related delays if possible.So you simply memorize the scent of whatever thing was here and continue on your way, taking some time to carefully move your wagons around the broken arch.

...

Finally, as the moon starts getting close to the horizon, the statues start thinning out and becoming smaller until they disappear completely. You've reached the other side. And nothing killed you, you still have as many limbs as you had when you entered. What you don't have is morale. Sleep deprivation and scenes of horrible murder have left you and your men tired and cranky, no relationship to the jolly group of adventures that left the village this morning.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on January 04, 2017, 07:17:14 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Gotta end this quick. (click to show/hide)

Cane in one hand, well-balanced warhammer in the other. Crush John as quickly as possible. If necessary, take the risk to pull John to me should he try to escape melee range.

If the cane doesn't work well as a melee weapon, replace it with another warhammer. Use the spike with this one.

EDIT: One of my hand doesn't work, doesn't it? Replace the weapon it would wield with a large, kinda curved shield. One that would preferably be heat resistant.

EDIT2: Actually, since this is a do or die moment, let's go completely offensive - if I can get the blingcannon pointed at John, forget the shield and start blasting him.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 08:55:59 pm

I'm quiet during most of the trip, though I stay awake and alert during our time in the field of statues. Now that we're clear of them, I'll go sleep in the wagon while we continue traveling.
((Irine IS a kid after all, despite how responsible she tries to be.))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 04, 2017, 11:53:13 pm

Alan, Utility Party Member Extraordinare

Low morale, you say? Time for some tasty snacks (perhaps chocolate and candy bars) and in-house (relatively speaking) entertainment consisting of stereo with upbeat music, I say!

Also, an impromptu sock-puppet show.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 05, 2017, 04:19:50 am

Ike, the People's General

"Ah, the delights of a forced march. Best to be camping out soon, wouldn't you say so, men?"

Find a less conspicuous spot to camp in and take up watch. Listen for approaching horrors. Pick up scents on the night wind. Observe excellent sockpuppetry. Maybe dance a little.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 05, 2017, 11:26:01 am

Spoiler: Unfortunate. (click to show/hide)

Technomance a hole in the floor.  I've got to be somewhere else and that's probably the fastest way.  Once distance is gained, focus on purging the contaminant.

Don't suppose I could detonate the mag on my cannon?  Not sure where it is at this point.

Bots keep their fire up.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2017, 07:46:38 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 04, 2017, 07:17:14 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Gotta end this quick. (click to show/hide)

Cane in one hand, well-balanced warhammer in the other. Crush John as quickly as possible. If necessary, take the risk to pull John to me should he try to escape melee range.

If the cane doesn't work well as a melee weapon, replace it with another warhammer. Use the spike with this one.

EDIT: One of my hand doesn't work, doesn't it? Replace the weapon it would wield with a large, kinda curved shield. One that would preferably be heat resistant.

EDIT2: Actually, since this is a do or die moment, let's go completely offensive - if I can get the blingcannon pointed at John, forget the shield and start blasting him.

Quote from: Toaster on January 05, 2017, 11:26:01 am

Spoiler: Unfortunate. (click to show/hide)

Technomance a hole in the floor.  I've got to be somewhere else and that's probably the fastest way.  Once distance is gained, focus on purging the contaminant.

Don't suppose I could detonate the mag on my cannon?  Not sure where it is at this point.

Bots keep their fire up.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

Detonating that mag would require you to have prepared it beforehand with some sort of remote trigger, since you don't have the remote technomancy skill.

Also, the floor is solid concrete, so it would take a bit of effort to break with technomancing, since your telekinesis is not all that powerful, it focuses more on fine control and concentrated application of strength. I'll just have you try to jump through the hole the root made on the floor instead.

John runs off, heading towards the hole in the centre of the room. Saevus runs after him, summoning a shield to defend himself from the bots. The bots fire upon him, but they have trouble tracking him and focusing their beams on a specific point, the few shots that land getting immediately blocked by Saevus' shield. John, being a lot faster than Saevus, jumps into the hole. He manages to go through the narrow passage and land on the tunnel below without much trouble. Saevus on the other hand is not so graceful when he jumps after him. He falls down the hole bouncing between the black root and the wall and falls face first on one of its tendrils. His cane starts recharging, sucking the goo out of it.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You managed to remove most of the black goo, although there's still some clinging to your armour.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 04, 2017, 11:53:13 pm

Alan, Utility Party Member Extraordinare

Low morale, you say? Time for some tasty snacks (perhaps chocolate and candy bars) and in-house (relatively speaking) entertainment consisting of stereo with upbeat music, I say!

Also, an impromptu sock-puppet show.

You summon a few candies and hand them around to the men that can't sleep. However, your attempt to entertain them with a late night sock puppet show to the sounds of the Spice Girls is met with less success, as an annoyed men trying to sleep throw stuff at you until you stop, starting with blankets and continuing with pots.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 05, 2017, 04:19:50 am

Ike, the People's General

"Ah, the delights of a forced march. Best to be camping out soon, wouldn't you say so, men?"

Find a less conspicuous spot to camp in and take up watch. Listen for approaching horrors. Pick up scents on the night wind. Observe excellent sockpuppetry. Maybe dance a little.

You keep going for a little while until you find a spot that looks okay to camp for the night, an area with slightly lower elevation that might make you a bit harder to spot. People that are still awake unload from the wagon, prep their bedrolls, light a small fire to keep themselves warm and quickly fall asleep.

With everyone settled for the night, you take up position on the highest spot you can find and prepare to keep watch for the rest of the night. Yeah, keep watch. Keeping watch. Just keeping watch. Easy peasy. Doesn't matter that you haven't slept for a day, maybe a bit more. Your mind is strong, you have the willpower, you can stay focused. Keeping watch. Easy. Watch. Stuff. Yeah.

...

You wake up with the sun's first rays stroking your face. Damn. Should have taken a book or something. Okay, no big deal. You're certain nothing bad happened while you slept. Nothing at all. Yep, let's just take a look around, one, two, three... yep, men all still here, wagons all still here, donkeys still here... everything here, good, good. Hopefully nobody saw that.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 04, 2017, 08:55:59 pm

I'm quiet during most of the trip, though I stay awake and alert during our time in the field of statues. Now that we're clear of them, I'll go sleep in the wagon while we continue traveling.
((Irine IS a kid after all, despite how responsible she tries to be.))

You find a somewhat comfortable spot, cover yourself with a blanket to keep yourself warm and doze off to the rythmic movement of the wagon and the animal dragging it.

...

You wake up next day to the sounds of people moving around, talking, eating breakfast or tending to the wagons and the animals. Someone must have moved you out of the wagon and on a more comfortable bedroll while you slept. There's still some grumbling, but spirits appear to be much better than last night.

The various tasty breads, jams and peanutbutters summoned by Alan certainly help. People also appear to be more receptive to puppet shows in the morning. Alan is currently telling some story about how he had to chase a guy called Santa in a giant hamster wheel because he ate all his cookies. The men appear to be enjoying it.

It appears that your sword is still in the wagon. When you approach it, it informs you that someone else tried to touch it while you slept, but it burnt their hand and kept them away. It also informs you that it sensed some dark magic. It could not sense what it was, but it did not appear too powerful or directed at you, so it merely made sure you were defended.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 07, 2017, 03:02:54 am

((Side note: Irine isn't possessive of the sword. She considers it it's own owner, and they're traveling companions. In her mind it isn't "her" sword, it's "The" Sword. or occasionally "triple sword" for the three minds she's aware of it containing.))
<What makes magic 'dark' magic anyway? is is just removing light? magic of darkness? Or am I misunderstanding what you mean by 'dark'?>
I'm not concerned, the sword can take care of itself. I'll just bear what it said in mind during the day, keep an eye out but I feel no need to go looking for it.
<Oh, um, what kind of magic does River use, from your persepective? I kinda need to know if he's reaching out of his soulsphere, and what to look for in case he does.>
I'm fine with us just continuing to travel.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 07, 2017, 08:41:19 am

Can I get a reminder on the terrain?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2017, 09:08:59 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 07, 2017, 08:41:19 am

Can I get a reminder on the terrain?

Right now you're in a relatively wife underground tunnel. There's a black root coming out of the middle of the floor, its branches spreading out to create obstacles that take up the width of the tunnel. It's what created the hole that allowed you to climb to the room above. You were faster, so you get a head start for the next turn.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on January 07, 2017, 09:22:37 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Get back here. (click to show/hide)

Get the cane into my immobile arm. Summon a repeater crossbow and load it with AP bolts. Chase after John while firing on him.

If I can, try to charge the cane a bit further.

If I manage to catch up, exchange the crossbow with a warhammer and start beating on John with it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2017, 10:18:27 am

Ike, Greatest Watchman Alive

Okay, check if horrible creatures have laid any horrible eggs into me while I slept as far as I can tell. If not (also check Alan), that's probably all right. Get the men together for a morning inspection. Check weapons, uniforms, overall appearance. Offer constructive criticism. Split them into two groups, rejoin, split them into three groups, rejoin.

Then make them all stand in a circle and say, out loud, one interesting thing about themselves. It's vital group bonding.

If nothing terrible sees fit to show itself, difficult to think of anything else to do there.

Oh, and also check that kid Theri brought along (and if any civilians have followed us, them too). Inspect him like you would a wild raccoon (surface inspection, no need to dissect yet) for the overall presence of wild parasites, cross-reference with Theri's own wild parasites. I'm from the woods, so I'm presumably well-equipped for this task.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 07, 2017, 02:21:41 pm

((Thanks))

John, After the End

Spoiler: What if you are right where I want you? (click to show/hide)

Summon a large chain net, launched straight at him.

Bots shoot the cane.

Get some distance down the tunnel, while seeing about purging the last of the goo.  Any lingering effects?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 07, 2017, 05:06:21 pm

Alan, Morale Booster

Start singing Make a Man (Out of You) from Mulan when we're marching again to boost spirits and such.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 12, 2017, 06:58:26 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 07, 2017, 03:02:54 am

((Side note: Irine isn't possessive of the sword. She considers it it's own owner, and they're traveling companions. In her mind it isn't "her" sword, it's "The" Sword. or occasionally "triple sword" for the three minds she's aware of it containing.))
<What makes magic 'dark' magic anyway? is is just removing light? magic of darkness? Or am I misunderstanding what you mean by 'dark'?>
I'm not concerned, the sword can take care of itself. I'll just bear what it said in mind during the day, keep an eye out but I feel no need to go looking for it.
<Oh, um, what kind of magic does River use, from your persepective? I kinda need to know if he's reaching out of his soulsphere, and what to look for in case he does.>
I'm fine with us just continuing to travel.

Well, you might not be possessive of the sword, but it is possessive of you, in a way. From what you've gathered, it won't do something silly like attack someone just because they're close to you, but it does try to remain close to you and makes sure nobody takes it away.

<It is magic of darkness, closely related to the void. It is the magic of negative emotions, of illusion and hiding, of taking and consuming, of sacrificing and warping. Most living things naturally feel unwell in the presence of dark magic. You would have been able to feel it if you were awake. It is a natural instinct. Most civilized beings have transformed those instincts into laws that forbid or severely limit its use due to its destructive potential.>

<The being you call River is a being touched by darkness, as are most of his kind. His connections to the darkness and the void are particularly strong. We do not know what magics he would be capable of. But, since you claim he can rebuild his body on his own, I would assume he would either need someplace or something with powerful magic to feed on. Or something he could attack using whatever power he has gathered so far and sacrifice to fuel his rebirth. Perhaps he could also reach into the minds of the weak willed and force them to help him. Or summon creatures of the dark to attack everyone. We do not know. Assuming he is using his innate magic, it could be quite powerful, depending on whom he has bonded with. And on how that enchantment you are using to 'survive' death works.>

Quote from: Xantalos on January 07, 2017, 05:06:21 pm

Alan, Morale Booster

Start singing Make a Man (Out of You) from Mulan when we're marching again to boost spirits and such.

You forget the words and just sing It's Raining Men instead while Ike goes on with his hazing ritual or whatever it is he's doing.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2017, 10:18:27 am

Ike, Greatest Watchman Alive

Okay, check if horrible creatures have laid any horrible eggs into me while I slept as far as I can tell. If not (also check Alan), that's probably all right. Get the men together for a morning inspection. Check weapons, uniforms, overall appearance. Offer constructive criticism. Split them into two groups, rejoin, split them into three groups, rejoin.

Then make them all stand in a circle and say, out loud, one interesting thing about themselves. It's vital group bonding.

If nothing terrible sees fit to show itself, difficult to think of anything else to do there.

Oh, and also check that kid Theri brought along (and if any civilians have followed us, them too). Inspect him like you would a wild raccoon (surface inspection, no need to dissect yet) for the overall presence of wild parasites, cross-reference with Theri's own wild parasites. I'm from the woods, so I'm presumably well-equipped for this task.

You make sure neither you nor any of your teammates have grown any strange tumors or a second head or anything like that. The only alien eggs to be found around here are Rickman's, having reappeared on one of the wagons where the bird (or alien if you believe Alan's claims) is currently roosting. You didn't hear anything flying last night and you didn't see him carrying them yesterday, so you aren't quite sure how they got here. You stare at Rickman for several seconds. It stares back, looking at you with one eye. Hmm...
"Are you plotting something?"
The bird just croaks in response, but you get the feeling it's saying no.
"Are we going to have problems?"
The bird croaks again.
"I'm watching you." you warn it as you walk away, doing the appropriate gesture.

That done, you have Alan summon you a trumpet and sound a bugle call. His choice of music is... interesting, but you ignore that and get on with the inspection.

"Present arms!"
The men hold their arms forward like an uncoordinated mob of zombie dancers. You rub your forehead.
"Just... hold your weapons like you would if you were facing an enemy."
You start walking among them, taking note of what you have to work with. It doesn't look good.
"Are you going to ask us what our major malfunction is? Mine is I care too much."

...

"Holy Backflipping Terrorbird on a Tricycle, is that a pitchfork? You don't even have a proper weapon? What was your great plan? Pray the enemy uses hay golems? You'd probably be better off throwing rocks."
You think for a moment before another question comes to your mind.
"How many of you are actually planning on throwing rocks?"
Three men reluctantly raise their hands. You sigh.
"And how many of you actually thought to bring rocks with you?"
The number of raised hands is reduced to one.
"At lest you're a bit smarter than the other two. Dude, don't smile, that's not a compliment."
"Now, you two, no rocks with you, eh? You were just going to pick them off the ground? Well, we're passing through arid terrain that's filled with dirt and there very few rocks in sight. What were you planning on throwing? Mudballs? Until you get a proper weapon, I want you to find some good rocks and make a sling. If you were smart, you would have gathered some broken statue pieces yesterday."

...

"Come on, move it, on the double, spears and swords front, ranged in the back. Double time, double time! I want to see a proper formations. Yes Ciean, spears includes pitchforks, until we find you something to replace it. And don't you dare think of throwing it. The only throwing you'll be doing with that thing is throwing it away."

...

"Why are you holding that thing? You want to kill?"
"I...-"
"Your face doesn't scare me. You look like a lost child. Try looking more scary."
He just ends up looking more confused. You sigh.
"What's your name?"
"Xartelos."
"Xar. Well, you're going to war Xar. You'd better want to kill. So? Do you want to stab something to death?"
"I do."
"You're not making me believe you."
"I do!"
"Yeah? Well, you won't be killing much more than butter with that blunt thing. The next time I see it, I want to see it sharpened to a reasonable state. Get-"
You hear someone from the back rows snicker and make some comment about cow milkers and swords only good for making butter. You immediately rush towards him and get in his face.
"What was that? You find this funny?"
"Yes?" he says, trying to stifle his smile but only managing to appear smug instead.
"Oh, you think you're so better than him? Just because your great great grandfather or whatever could point the right end of the sword forward? Well, then prove it to me. Come on. Attack me." you say, spreading your arms.
"Erm..."
"What? You're afraid you might get hurt? That people will be laughing at you even more than they are right now? Do you even know how to properly hold a sword? Eh? Come on! Show me what you can do! Oh, what is it now? You don't want to speak? Or are you going to cry? What a baby. Are you going to cry little baby? I thought you said you were some sort of bad-"
He growls and tries to hit you. Even if the anger building up in his face didn't warn you about his impending 'sneak' attack, you'd still have enough time to dodge out of the way. You trip him, snatch the sword out of his arm so that he doesn't end up stabbing himself and use it to slap him in the butt before he has even hit the ground.
"Well, you better hope they'll fall on their asses laughing, because I don't see you knocking down anyone in any other way."
He raises his face off the ground but doesn't actually get up.
"Get your sorry ass up. Now." you command while offering a helping hand.
He reluctantly obeys. You take a better look at the sword before handing it to him.
"Hmm... At least there's one thing you're good at. You may have no idea how to use this thing, but you can keep it reasonably shiny and sharp."
"Of course I-"
"Well, until you get good enough to deserve wielding this, you'll be responsible for everyone else's weapons. Starting with Xar. I want you to teach him how to maintain his weapon. If his sword isn't perfect by tomorrow morning, I'm holding you accountable."

...

"You! Why are you standing like that? Your body should be at attention. Your bow should be ready to fire. Here, position your arm like this. It offers more stability. Are you even listening to me? Snap out of it!"
"I'm tired. We didn't get much sleep when-"
"Ooooh! Oh, you're tired, eh? What? You want me to let you sleep in? You want your mummy to make you breakfast in bed? Well, you don't get to sleep in. You think the enemy will call ahead, set up a date whenever it's convenient for you? If you sleep in, you get captured, tortured and then killed, if you're lucky."

You step in front of the men to address all of them.

"I may seem cruel, but everything I am saying is meant to help you become better at killing and surviving. If you don't want to kill, then you better start searching for a hole to hide in, because I can tell you, when war comes here, there will be generals looking for competent soldiers and meatshields and you do NOT want to be in the second category. Perhaps if you listen to me and actually try to improve for the duration of our journey, you'll manage to return home with most of your limbs still attached. And maybe then I will feel like I'm actually traveling with warriors that can watch my back instead of a bunch of schoolgirls in need of protection."

...

"What's up Lazos? All the ones before you spoke. You think you're better than them?
"He shakes his head from side to side."
"Well then, why aren't you speaking? Cat got your tongue?
"I don't know- I, what to say?"
"Well, let me help you then. Why are you here? What are you fighting for?
"Err..."
"I can't hear you! Can't you speak? Or are you just here because you have nothing better to do with your miserable life? Eh?
"I have."
"What? I still can't-"
"I have something I want to do!"
"Well, then what is it, sunshine?"
"I... I want to be a sculptor."
"Well, lookit here. We've got ourselves an artist boys. Do you like sculpting?"
"Yes."
"Sounds to me like you don't really believe it. Say it once more, with feeling!"
"Yes!"
"How much? Would you fight to become a sculptor?"
"Yes!"
"Will you kill those invading assholes that want to stop you from becoming a sculptor?"
"Yes!"
"Do you want to hammer their brains and chisel their heart in two?"
"Yes!"
"Was that so freaking hard?"
"No!"
"Good! Now, next one in the circle! Your name and something important about yourself. Chop-chop."

...

Once you're done with the inspection of the men and their equipment, you have them list supplies. During their search, they discover a bag full of almost odorless dark green beetles, feasting on the food inside and tearing through the bag. You promptly have the entire thing incinerated, just to make sure the infestation doesn't spread. They appear particularly voracious, you wouldn't want to wake up with a swarm of them searching for their next meal. None of the men have ever seen anything like that before, so you're not really sure how to call them. Piranha beetles? Anyway, you'll be keeping an eye out for them as well. And make doubly sure you don't fall asleep without someone watching your back.

...

Your search for parasites only manages to make others uncomfortable. Theri is reluctant to let you search her or the child and assures you she is perfectly capable of taking care of any parasites. The boy follows her lead. Still, from the quick look that you did give her, she appears to be OK. You didn't have time to search her hair and the thicker parts of her fur, but those are probably fine, right?

---

With your various stuff taken care of, you march forward once more. It's the middle of the afternoon when you reach a fork on the road. There is a small well here, decorated with figures of women dancing around it in a circle that are partially buried in the dirt. There is a mechanism that is constantly bringing water up, occasionally producing squeaky noises and the sound of wood rubbing on stone. There are animal tracks around the well, indicating the various creatures that must have come to it for its life giving liquid. There must have once been some sort of shade over it, but it appears to have been recently ripped off.

One path leads north, to the Water Monastery of Chizra. Then the road disappears under the sands of the desert, where paths through the shifting dunes are carved by the Nomad Traders.

The path to the east skirts the desert before reaching an area filled with small hills. There are some symbols on the map on those hills, but nothing that looks too big and nothing too close to the road. They probably denote caves or mines or cabins or something like that. The next town is a long way away and from what you know there's little civilization between here and there. Assuming you do not encounter anything unexpected or not on the map, this would probably be an uneventful trip. If you chose to go this way, you could provide some long term actions for you to do while travelling.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 12, 2017, 11:03:39 pm

I'm in favor  of  avoiding  the  desert. We  have  a  bunch  of  people  who  don't  know  how  to  deal  with  it and the long-term actions could help Ike train his recruits.

---

<What about me and my abilities? What do you see when you look at me?>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 13, 2017, 03:33:31 am

<Fire mostly. Not the strongest we have seen, but not weak either. Then there is some Order. And a bit of Light, not too high above the usual balance.>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 13, 2017, 03:44:40 am

Alan, Sir Notsurewhathesdoinginparticularatthecurrentmomentforlackofaspecificobjectivetoaccomplishbuthappytotagalongandengageinsillinessandoccasionalcatastrophicmishapsforthesakeofcomedyandinfuriatingthemorestickinthebuttpeopleinafivemileradius

Interview Rickman and discover more about his alien culture and people. Also keep fussing over Bill And Ted in the meantime - make an unnecessarily big deal about getting him the best of treatment, up to and including taking water from recruits to give to Bill And Ted instead of them. Call it motivational training or whatever.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2017, 06:01:17 am

Ike, General of the People

"Water Monks! What an interesting concept."

Quiz time! Recruits, what do you know about the Water Monastery of Chizra? Do they let people in? And how accessible are these Nomad Traders?

EDIT: oh, and most importantly do they teach water-based martial arts?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 13, 2017, 09:02:03 am

<You mentioned 'his kind' in reference to River, what are his kind? From your perspective and all. From your perspective, what kind am I? What do you think of Zechariah and Theri?>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on January 13, 2017, 12:41:15 pm

Help train our recruits.
Get some of them manufacturing slings and collecting rocks. Enough for everyone without a better ranged option. Including two for myself.

((Sorry for lack of activity))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 14, 2017, 01:56:35 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 07, 2017, 09:22:37 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Get back here. (click to show/hide)

Get the cane into my immobile arm. Summon a repeater crossbow and load it with AP bolts. Chase after John while firing on him.

If I can, try to charge the cane a bit further.

If I manage to catch up, exchange the crossbow with a warhammer and start beating on John with it.

Quote from: Toaster on January 07, 2017, 02:21:41 pm

((Thanks))

John, After the End

Spoiler: What if you are right where I want you? (click to show/hide)

Summon a large chain net, launched straight at him.

Bots shoot the cane.

Get some distance down the tunnel, while seeing about purging the last of the goo.  Any lingering effects?

While running away, John fires a rocket propelled net towards the prone Saevus, its pieces still forming as it is telekinetically guided through the air. It hits Saevus while he is getting up and pins him to the ground. Then it starts pulling him tighter.

Saevus struggles for a few moments and finally manages to break free. But in those few moments John's bots have started making their way down, following his directions and expertly using their grappling hooks to help each other descend safely. Saevus rips out his cane from the black root, a spurt of black goo flying out as he does so, and runs after John, chasing him through the small forest of black vines. He tries shooting at John but doing so while running through rough terrain is not easy. All the shots miss. But he might have better luck now that they're on this wide open corridor.

Spoiler: Hawk132 (click to show/hide)

The cane got to about halfway charged before you yanked it out of the root-thing. The triggered has popped out again, so you could probably shoot it.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You're too distracted to properly clean up the goo. It starts worming its way through the gaps in the back of your armour, trying to reach the exhaust system of your engines.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on January 14, 2017, 09:17:03 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: I will catch you, and I will kill you. (click to show/hide)

Fire the cane! Aim for John, unless the bots are bunched up nicely enough that I can get them all. In which case, fire at the bots instead. Continue chasing after John and trying to get him with the bolts. If I manage to catch up - polehammer time. Try to keep the blingcannon at ready to blast away any more shenanigans.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on January 15, 2017, 11:17:28 pm

((Yay thanks a ton for taking care of Theri! :) I like how I've gotten San and carried him along the way))

Approach Ike, inquire about the status of his 'soldiers', inquire if I can train them in unarmed combat instead--suggest to them, then to him, if those who do not wish to fight can focus as gatherers instead; supply is just as important as those who fight.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 16, 2017, 10:30:29 am

John, After the End

Spoiler: I trust you will try.  But will you succeed? (click to show/hide)

Need to buy some time.

Missile at the ceiling.   Try to collapse the tunnel on him.  Bots keep on him.

Also about that goo; keep trying to fight it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2017, 10:47:42 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 15, 2017, 11:17:28 pm

Approach Ike, inquire about the status of his 'soldiers', inquire if I can train them in unarmed combat instead--suggest to them, then to him, if those who do not wish to fight can focus as gatherers instead; supply is just as important as those who fight.

They're just the way I like them - charmingly peculiar! And sure, go ahead and teach them kung fu and wilderness survival skills, should prepare them adequately for the Water Monastery!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 16, 2017, 11:09:48 am

"Ike, we should avoid the desert unless we have a good reason to go there. These people aren't going to handle it well, and I'll be crippled there with nothing to burn."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2017, 12:09:18 pm

"Water Monks, Irine. They'll no doubt be extremely useful, since they probably know water-based martial arts, desert-based martial arts or some permutation thereof. And if we're lucky, nomad traders as well! Way better than miles and miles of generic near-badlands with probably literally nothing in it."

"Besides, Alan's a perfect source of flammable material. He can get you a mountain of novelty webbing no problem. All in all I have a good feeling about this desert. Gives the whole expedition a very authentic Crusades feel, I'd say. Just need to stock up on water beforehand."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 16, 2017, 06:04:30 pm

"Ike, every single thing you just said was stupid. From getting training from the monks when we have no time to stay around to depending on getting a necessary resource reliably in large quantities from Alan in a combat situation. Do you have a real reason or are you just impulsively going someplace because you think the name is cool?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2017, 07:17:40 pm

"Well bugger me sideways for wanting a change of pace from all these damn nondescript plains and foothills and wanting to actually make contact with people likely to have skills and goods of interest to our cause! You're being awfully negative as of late, I've noticed. Have faith! Worst thing that can happen in a desert to us is sandworms, and all you need to avoid those is to walk without rhythm."

"Besides, a desert is quite possibly the closest thing to literal fire in biome form that you'd find outside of, I dunno, the Elemental Plane of Fire. I suspect you'd have no trouble finding something incredibly dry to set fire to there. And if you're still afraid of that, there's bound to be brushland before then if I know my border conditions right and there's not some kind of mountain in the way that thus far nobody's mentioned for some reason. Gather material there if you need any. You could make a day of it with the men, advanced class in obtaining firewood."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2017, 01:48:58 am

"Oh no I'm bored lets go someplace dumb. wah wah wah. What skills and goods do you want from water monks? It is not worth waiting long enough for you to train with them and the reason we'd need to stock up on water is the desert we would avoid anyway."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2017, 07:36:06 am

"For one, they're people who've spent quite a lot of time contemplating something, being monks and what have you. Since we have literally no idea what we're actually looking for I figure they probably would have some kind of insight as to what we need to find and what artifact of terrible power we need to vanquish it. After all, when magic comes into play monasticism suddenly becomes a lot more relevant than ever before. If there's not a single mysterious old man who knows way more than he should in there I'd be sorely disappointed. Or at least some kind of cave of contemplation where we can get illuminating visions to help with our holy quest."

"Besides, you didn't see me complain when you and yours spent days on end being missing or incapacitated after stumbling dick first into whatever happened back in town, did you? You gotta have patience on these things, it really does pay off."

Something occurs to Ike suddenly. He checks the map (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/content_link/OlaF7LY8PkkcAXxWLW12Mi80uXPDRwCQoSNmNmKCa6oeyA4lUInacupZSr4rKsmr/file?raw=1&dl=0&duc_id=aOIK4lL3KtZQj3Rxnd7UYgVgVfdRQIUDorcPGCXqPlMP3Q04jnNyAvOL3LhytB17&size=2048x1536&size_mode=3).

"Aha! Forgot I had this! Okay, so new plan is we head to the monastery to see what's there - shouldn't be more than a day away. We get more context on the lands further eastward and maybe clues on what we're looking for. Then we get back on the eastern road and cautiously proceed while trying not to run afoul of too much resistance. Or maybe find an alternate route if one presents itself. We'll ask the monks for sure about that, and maybe the nomad traders if they're not inconvenient to find. We're about to be embroiled in some seriously old-fashioned guerilla warfare, so any advantage we can get may prove critical."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 17, 2017, 09:28:08 am

"What? Ike? Are you okay? We already know exactly what we're looking for."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2017, 10:45:00 am

"Okay, so enlighten me in that case, smartass. What are we looking for?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 17, 2017, 04:17:57 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 13, 2017, 03:44:40 am

Alan, Sir Notsurewhathesdoinginparticularatthecurrentmomentforlackofaspecificobjectivetoaccomplishbuthappytotagalongandengageinsillinessandoccasionalcatastrophicmishapsforthesakeofcomedyandinfuriatingthemorestickinthebuttpeopleinafivemileradius

Interview Rickman and discover more about his alien culture and people. Also keep fussing over Bill And Ted in the meantime - make an unnecessarily big deal about getting him the best of treatment, up to and including taking water from recruits to give to Bill And Ted instead of them. Call it motivational training or whatever.

Rickman has a peculiar way of speaking and Alan has a peculiar way of speaking and understanding things. Do you actually want something reliable out of this or just general knowledge?

You're next to a well. You literally have enough water to drown the plant. It has kept on growing during the last couple of days, a bit faster than you would expect a normal plant to grow but nothing supernatural.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 13, 2017, 06:01:17 am

Ike, General of the People

"Water Monks! What an interesting concept."

Quiz time! Recruits, what do you know about the Water Monastery of Chizra? Do they let people in? And how accessible are these Nomad Traders?

EDIT: oh, and most importantly do they teach water-based martial arts?

They inform you that they usually do let people in their first circle, where people can drink their sacred water, talk to initiates and trade. They are generally kind but reclusive. They say that this well is actually maintained by the monastery as a kindness to travelers. Rumors say the monks of the inner circles cannot speak at all, instead focusing all their will on meditating the nature of water. All of that is speculation, however. It takes years for an initiate to reach the inner circles and by that time they're probably completely indoctrinated, because they've never heard of anyone leaving the monastery. They don't even know what the inner circle looks like, for it is always obscured by fog, even with the strongest of winds. Very few people go to join them and even fewer stay, for life is not easy there, especially for the initiates. Most of them are either water magic users looking for an alternative to the Tower, people in trouble looking for a place they could disappear in or people that are searching for something to devote themselves on.

As for martial arts, they are certain they can defend themselves. They've heard stories of the rare occasions where a particularly dangerous criminal or troublemaker was trapped in ice. An isolated place like that is probably also on the receiving end of the rare raid of bandits too foolish or desperate to attack anyplace else, although they don't know any reliable stories about how they deal with those. They reason that any small group could be easily dealt with, as they could just close the gates and watch them helplessly try to scale the walls. The stories say that about a hundred years ago the dragon Grazisti attacked the monastery and entered the inner circle. After three days filled with deafening roars, the dragon run away from the fog severely wounded and missing its tail. So any large group attacking them would have to believe themselves stronger and more cunning than a dragon.

The monastery is the first stop of the Nomad Traders in this kingdom before they head further in. And their village, Road's End is usually the second. It's always a big deal when a caravan passes through the village, so they know a thing or two about them. They usually sell them food for gold or other precious materials and goods they might be carrying that they could later resell at a higher value, maybe even spend their savings on some fancy new tool, although the best goods like magical items are kept for the capital. They say it's been a while since a caravan has passed through the village, so if you're lucky you might find them camping near Chizra. Even if they are not there, if you've got something the monks would want and they end up liking you, you could trade with them for some kind of water enchantment or magical item.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2017, 09:02:03 am

<You mentioned 'his kind' in reference to River, what are his kind? From your perspective and all.>

<Bond formers. We can feel it. It is like a smell. Very distinctive to those who have been touched by it, or so they say. They are symbiotes. Or parasites, depending on your perspective. They unnaturally empower people and in turn feed on their power. Their bond complements their power and help the pair survive. They come at all shapes and sizes, although they tend to choose a form that better suits the one they have bonded with. This usually translates to a great desire to protect and serve the one they have bonded with, even if it is to their detriment. But they also use their bond to try to form strong emotional connections and make the one they have bonded with feel like they need them, so the relationship is less one-sided than one might think. Those that come into being without bonding with someone while they were still forming usually don't bond until they reach adulthood, at which point they either choose to bond with someone out of respect or as part of an arrangement or are beaten into submission and forced into a bond. The three reasons are usually hard to tell apart. They tend to be solitary creatures. When two meet it is usually either to mate or to fight, the former aided by them usually being genderless. They can also spread their influence by warping beings of other species. Few of them exist at one time and even fewer of them are actually known to exist. They are even rarer than dragons in that way. Their connection to the dark is usually made apparent by their ability to empower themselves through the consumption of the soul of other living things.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2017, 09:02:03 am

<From your perspective, what kind am I?>

<We do not know. We have knowledge of many magical beings, but certainly not all of them. What we know comes from our studies and experiences. And we have not come into contact with any creature resembling you. We can feel that you have been influenced by a bond former and that you appear to have a very unorthodox flow in your magic, but that is as much as we can tell. Magical analysis is not a primary ability of ours.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 13, 2017, 09:02:03 am

<What do you think of Zechariah and Theri?>

<Not much. We have not seen them act enough to form an opinion. They are your companions and we will treat them as such. Unless you wanted us to estimate what kind of a threat they could pose to you or how much they could help you, but we believe that you know them better than we do and can better answer those questions. Or unless you think they are hiding something that we can sense, in which case we would need some time to study their magical flow, preferably with their consent.>

Quote from: NAV on January 13, 2017, 12:41:15 pm

Help train our recruits.
Get some of them manufacturing slings and collecting rocks. Enough for everyone without a better ranged option. Including two for myself.

((Sorry for lack of activity))

I'll keep the training in mind as a long term goal.

Your performance during today's trip is excellent. Not only you manage to create two perfect slings, not only you help the recruits craft some pretty sweet slings of their own using spare supplies, you also help them gather ammunition and help them train, setting up targets on the road and then shooting them as you drive by, significantly improving their accuracy and speed. Their coordination is still a bit lacking though and more than once you have to dodge out of the way of a clumsy swing or help them disentangle their slings. But considering this is not the best of training environments, you'd say you did pretty well.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 15, 2017, 11:17:28 pm

((Yay thanks a ton for taking care of Theri! :) I like how I've gotten San and carried him along the way))

Approach Ike, inquire about the status of his 'soldiers', inquire if I can train them in unarmed combat instead--suggest to them, then to him, if those who do not wish to fight can focus as gatherers instead; supply is just as important as those who fight.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 16, 2017, 10:47:42 am

Quote from: Tiruin on January 15, 2017, 11:17:28 pm

Approach Ike, inquire about the status of his 'soldiers', inquire if I can train them in unarmed combat instead--suggest to them, then to him, if those who do not wish to fight can focus as gatherers instead; supply is just as important as those who fight.

They're just the way I like them - charmingly peculiar! And sure, go ahead and teach them kung fu and wilderness survival skills, should prepare them adequately for the Water Monastery!

I'll keep the training in mind as a long term goal.

You spend most of today's wagon ride trying to teach the men a thing or two about basic first aid and survival. You also demonstrate and explain some simple fighting techniques and have them practice the moves, punching the air or deflecting non-existent blows. You think it went pretty well for a first lesson. Although they were reluctant at first, most of them end up appreciating what you teach them and appear eager for more.

However, not everything is rosy. It becomes apparent during the course of the lesson that a couple of them severely dislike you for some reason. Not only do they refuse to participate (you have no problem with that, you're not forcing them to learn) they also try to do anything they can to disrupt your lesson, claiming that you are not fit to teach others about anything. You try to confront them about the matter to try to understand why they are doing this and try to make the situation better but that only makes things worse. The two of them make some rude comments about you and your mother then walk away from the group. San is pretty upset by this outburst and it affects the concentration of your other students for a while later. Well, at least they're not bothering you anymore.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2017, 04:53:06 pm

Ike, General of the People

"Looks like what we have here is a failure to communicate!"

If some of the men don't like Theri because she's a beast person, assuage their concerns by saying that she's actually not one of that kind of beastfolk. She's actually from much further away. They grow them nicer out there, and it's this kind of prejudiced treatment that makes them turn evil to begin with.

If this does not convince them, they get to learn woodcraft with Ike! And it starts like most woodcraft lessons do - by trying to identify rogue excrement in the wilderness and match it to potential predators or prey! We're going to be doing a lot of that.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 17, 2017, 06:42:46 pm

Alan, Linguist

Just general knowledge is fine, I'm interested in seeing how Rickman responds to those questions.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2017, 03:24:31 am

I undress and shift to full-fox to finish my conversation with Ike, I'll shift back afterwards.
<We're searching for a bond-former with This psychic identifier. It's last known form was similar to a centipede, around human height and unknown length. It is known to be a shifter. It has the ability to distort the world around it, to make it animate and hostile to life. Due to it being a bond-former, there is a chance that I will be able to sense its presence within an unkown radius. There is a similar chance the fire sword can as well. The target is actively avoiding River, and is believed to be in hiding on this world. It is suspected to be attracted to hostile environments and was last known to be in the direction of the death-infused area in the mountain range to our east, so that is where we are headed. Any questions?>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2017, 07:00:50 am

"I don't think it was last known to be anywhere in particular, was it? We picked east because it was one of several possible directions it could be in and River had a feeling it was either southeast, south or east, or at least something of that nature."

"And yeah, there being 'a chance' that you or your sword can sense it isn't exactly something I'm about to put my faith in any less than there being a solid chance the Water Monks can tell us something useful about what we're looking for. So the plan remains, and we go see the monks first and if we're lucky meet the traders as well, then go on our way."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on January 18, 2017, 07:08:16 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 17, 2017, 04:53:06 pm

If some of the men don't like Theri because she's a beast person, assuage their concerns by saying that she's actually not one of that kind of beastfolk. She's actually from much further away. They grow them nicer out there, and it's this kind of prejudiced treatment that makes them turn evil to begin with.

If this does not convince them, they get to learn woodcraft with Ike! And it starts like most woodcraft lessons do - by trying to identify rogue excrement in the wilderness and match it to potential predators or prey! We're going to be doing a lot of that.

Awed by Ike's niceness, Theri follows it up the best way she can.

Also probably throwing in a challenge that if anyone can beat me in unarmed combat, they earn the right to denounce me as such--if otherwise, teach also the benefits of cameraderie and trusting the other person with your life.
...Best to do those kinds of challenges to show the importance--if any such situation happens, issue a challenge of arms. To denote the importance of unarmed combat--demonstrate against an armed attacker in melee.

((At first I had thought that Irine's transformation was to also help me :O But good point in context. We still have the 'exit at any time' option...and River's soulstone.))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2017, 07:44:48 am

<Nope. You do not have the right to unilaterally make that decision. Give a reason that isnt stupid and itll be fine, but you have so far failed, horribly, to do even that much.>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2017, 09:58:15 am

"It's easily doable and potentially useful. Pretty much a valuable stop that doesn't take us at all out of our way. I can't tell you what exactly we'll find there, but it's got all the signs of a place that has things we may need or find useful, and that's about the long and short of it. I'm not really sure why you're seemingly allergic to a short detour along the edge of the desert that leads us to an interesting place, but frankly it's really bringing down the mood."

To the Water Monastery!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 18, 2017, 01:47:45 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 14, 2017, 09:17:03 pm

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: I will catch you, and I will kill you. (click to show/hide)

Fire the cane! Aim for John, unless the bots are bunched up nicely enough that I can get them all. In which case, fire at the bots instead. Continue chasing after John and trying to get him with the bolts. If I manage to catch up - polehammer time. Try to keep the blingcannon at ready to blast away any more shenanigans.

Quote from: Toaster on January 16, 2017, 10:30:29 am

John, After the End

Spoiler: I trust you will try.  But will you succeed? (click to show/hide)

Need to buy some time.

Missile at the ceiling.   Try to collapse the tunnel on him.  Bots keep on him.

Also about that goo; keep trying to fight it.

Saevus fires his cane at John and his black goo explodes from the tip, not as massive as his first shot but still a good sized wave. It covers the entire corridor in goo, obscuring the graffiti in the walls like a coat of paint. It hits John dead on. The pieces he was assembling are smashed away and clatter on the floor, his summoning interrupted. John himself however does not appear any worse for wear, the goo merely sliding off him.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You resist Saevus' attack and easily purge the last of the goo from your system.

Saevus does not relent, taking potshots with the crossbow he just materialized at the recovering John. But he appears to be having trouble holding his crossbow straight, for none of the shots find their target.

He has managed to close the distance. Assuming John doesn't run awau, he'll be upon him by next turn.

Spoiler: Hawk132 (click to show/hide)

You're starting to feel a rather weak. Too much power usage could leave you temporarily disabled.

Behind Saevus, the bots begin emerging from behind the largest roots, the first of them ready to start firing.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 18, 2017, 04:36:41 pm

<Because its a pointless detour with zero signs of having anything we want or need from it and going there will make me more vulnerable than I already am. Sitting still for a day and resting the group would be more useful than your stupid detour, take less time, and is still not necessary yet. why do you insist on us stopping at every single place we pass? Why do you want to waste so much time, little tidbits here, there, everywhere?Are you intentionally stretching out our mission as much as possible? Are you making me have to waste as much time as possible in trying to do this stupid mission to kill someone Im not even sure deserves it and let the bastard the destroyed my home have as much time as they could ever want to hide their tracks and you want to complain about the freaking mood? Quit playing stupid. Quit sabotaging the mission for kicks. Quit pretending you can boss me around. Wake up and get serious for once in your trivial life.>
Ike does not get to just drag us off to the water monastary, ignore his bolded action.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2017, 05:01:31 pm

(http://cdn-9chat-fun.9cache.com/media/photo/a1YE0dJY1_840w_v1.jpg)

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 18, 2017, 07:05:07 pm

Ike begins to get philosophical as something occurs to him.

"Does time even flow at a constant rate between dimensions? Is it technically linear at all on a grand enough scale? If the present moment of your life was to last forever, would this be a satisfactory arrangement? Probably not - while I can no doubt tolerate a perpetual state of being bitched out for wanting to visit a landmark filled with men of learning and wisdom in the name of keeping to some kind of nebulous and meaningless schedule, this wouldn't really be a pleasant existence. Besides there's the very real risk of your nagging causing the discontinuity of existence itself, which all things considered would be pretty ironic. On the other hand, letting you boss me around seems like it'd set an incredibly poor precedent as well. And letting you run off on your own would just get you killed, which seems frankly irresponsible. So what's a man of the woods to do? Hang on, I'll consult with my spirit animal to settle this. Be right back."

Ike goes up to Alan.

"Alan, you wanna go see the old monks' home or should we get underway toward ultimate destiny?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on January 18, 2017, 07:59:20 pm

Spoiler: Stop running, you knave! (click to show/hide)

Looks like I'm running out of time.

Summon a few pavises to block the bots from shooting me. If that'll drain me too much, try to go for at least three. If even three is a bad idea, just keep running and hope for the best.

Actually, can I summon a large shield already strapped to my back? If so, do that instead.

Keep chasing after John and keep the Blingcannon at the ready. If I catch up, polehammer.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 18, 2017, 08:08:12 pm

"Hmm. What kinda monks?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 01:22:00 am

<if were voting then ask Nik, Theri, and Zech as well.>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 05:04:41 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 18, 2017, 08:08:12 pm

"Hmm. What kinda monks?"

"Water monks! They live in a monastery on the edge of the desert, presumably contemplating water. They're mystical wise guys who apparently can defeat dragons. Possibly individually. It's not directly related to our mission of assassinating a shapeshifting godling but might be a potentially lucrative sidequest. Of course, we still don't know if we're on a time limit here so maybe even a small detour could prove critically decisive!"

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 01:22:00 am

<if were voting then ask Nik, Theri, and Zech as well.>

"Yeah, voting's probably the least contentious way it'll get resolved. Wouldn't count on Crystal Jesus having much to say on the subject, so that gives us three to five votes total and so we probably won't even need a tiebreaker!"

Putting this to a vote then!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 19, 2017, 05:40:54 am

Alan, As Dedicated To The Main Quest As Your Average Skyrim Player

"Ooh, water monks could probably help me with growing Bill And Ted! Let's go there."[/color]

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 06:41:04 am

"I'm following Irine on this--however if we can spare the time, and I don't believe this may take longer than a couple of days stay to hinder our progress, I'm all for taking this as something we can go with.

"But for practicality, we can split the party for this. I can stick with Irine and scout with her ahead, you can lead those who agree with you over there. Given that note, we can cover more ground."

Vote to split the party; alongside that, arrange a way we can signal each other.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 07:04:40 am

"True, but if you're going to split the party and scout ahead then you're still waiting for us, just in a slightly different location that, if reports are accurate, should be fairly smooth sailing throughout. Granted that's still a compromise that gets me what I want, but I get the feeling the heart of Irine's objection to the side quest would not be addressed this way."

"And yeah, should only be a couple of days - my preliminary plan is to try to get an audience with the inner circle with our info on extradimensional creatures and what happened down in the center of the nation, and in return we try to get access to whatever forms of firepower, knowledge and other things they may possess. Best case scenario we can secure a force multiplier of some kind for our little fighting force to make them considerably more formidable."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 19, 2017, 09:46:30 am

Spoiler: I do what I need to do. (click to show/hide)

Well, that could have gone worse.

Summon some cover and get behind it.  A simple metal plate's all I need.

Bots open fire, full force focusing him down.

If I have any time, check my armor and make sure it's in good shape.

If he charges, stab him with the spear again, preferably from cover.  Summoning the cover in a riot shield shape in this case is probably wise.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 09:56:44 am

"Actually, Irine said the entity is avoiding River. If we entrust his soulstone to you in that meantime, and scout in that direction (alongside the perimeter following a curve anyway), that'll fulfill both tasks alongside giving us an idea of what's around here. I'm also wanting to check out the area San (the kid back there, playing with one of your spearmen) mentioned as it's along our route. Also let me test out something--I don't want anyone being pressured by time so...I'll check out that soulstone.

"Besides that, I can go alongside Irine alone and we can take care of ourselves unless you have people there who would like...extreme survival training. I'm protecting the kid anyway, so he's tagging along unless the location is nearer to your path."

Test integrity--how 'stable' is it and knowing my connection with River, approximate how stable we can last out here in regards to it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 10:18:49 am

"Might get a little boring on your end, but you do you I suppose. If Irine's content with that arrangement me, Alan, the troops and whoever else would like to tag along head to the monastery while you two plus any interested parties head out to scout ahead."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 11:20:21 am

<I'm not willing to hand over River's soulstone to anyone but Theri. I don't want to risk him possessing someone. however, I'm willing to comprimise on our route, but if you don't show up for too long then I'll come looking for you, undiplomatically.>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 12:29:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

This

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 11:00:25 pm

Times were these in Ike's tone that Theri would like to interject, but she decided that they would come to mutual understanding later on.

This was time for her and Irine though! Much fun with her and learning--maybe she could ask about magic or something along the way!

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 12:29:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

This

This, but also get Zech and the others into places where you think are best!
((How are the other folks on our Campaign by the way?))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on January 19, 2017, 11:47:25 pm

Alan drags Zech along with him as a part of his ongoing quest to un-emoify him, unless there's opposition in which case he's probably easily persuaded out of it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on January 24, 2017, 05:56:36 pm

"Do we have any comwires left to keep in touch?

Going with Ike's group.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 29, 2017, 02:43:39 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 18, 2017, 07:59:20 pm

Spoiler: Stop running, you knave! (click to show/hide)

Looks like I'm running out of time.

Summon a few pavises to block the bots from shooting me. If that'll drain me too much, try to go for at least three. If even three is a bad idea, just keep running and hope for the best.

Actually, can I summon a large shield already strapped to my back? If so, do that instead.

Keep chasing after John and keep the Blingcannon at the ready. If I catch up, polehammer.

Quote from: Toaster on January 19, 2017, 09:46:30 am

Spoiler: I do what I need to do. (click to show/hide)

Well, that could have gone worse.

Summon some cover and get behind it.  A simple metal plate's all I need.

Bots open fire, full force focusing him down.

If I have any time, check my armor and make sure it's in good shape.

If he charges, stab him with the spear again, preferably from cover.  Summoning the cover in a riot shield shape in this case is probably wise.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You armour's a bit damaged in places, especially close to the back. A lucky or well-aimed shot could cause more damage there.

Both opponents focus on defense, summoning shields to protect themselves. Saevus summons a fairly sturdy and large metal shield strapped on his back. Despite its weight, it doesn't seem to slow him down at all. John meanwhile has pieces of metal bolt on his mechanical suit's arm, stacking on top of each other until they have formed a shield big enough to conceal him entirely when he hides behind it, which he promptly does. It's a bit heavy though, so it might slow him down a bit.

The bots fire but while their aim is good, they do not manage to cause any significant damage on Saevus. Most of them are blocked by Saevus' shield. Their aim is quite good right now, so John doesn't have to worry about friendly fire, even though they are essentially firing towards him.

Saevus reaches John. Despite being better prepared, John hesitates for one moment before acting. That's all the time Saevus needs, jumping towards him and using his uninjured arm to strike John's shield with his polehammer, smashing him back. The shield is dented by the strike and John is thrown off balance, the impact being felt by John through all of his armour, yet he remains uninjured. Saevus strikes again, aiming to capitalize on his opponent's moment of weakness to break his guard. John manages to keep his shield between himself and the hammer. This time the hammer breaks through more of the shield, getting wedged in it. Saevus pushes, trying to push him down, but John manage to hold his ground, his metal exoskeleton straining as much as his physical body.

<They're both so strong...>

The bots use this momentary distraction and lack of movement to target Saevus' legs. The hit, while not too damaging, is enough to give John the upper hand, allowing him to push the dark knight to the slime-covered ground.

Spoiler: Toaster (click to show/hide)

You're feeling a bit lightheaded.

((You are indeed both quiet strong, so determining a winner might take a while. If this starts taking too long I might just keep rolling until one of you wins. But you're still trying fun things that could tip the scales to your favour, so it's not that time yet.))

---

Staging Area

---

DreamerGhost
You wake up, back in the inn on the staging area.
You feel a bit different, somehow. Like someone went poking through the pages of your mind.
<Rise and shine!> your entity says as he approaches from behind.
You raise your head from the bar and turn to face him. He throws a shotgun at you. You easily catch it out of the air, cock it and point it at him in one fluid motion.
<Good! Ready to kill. Just the way I like it!>

---

FallacyOfUrist
You wake up, back in your personal section of the staging area.
<Come on! On your feet, soldier! There's work to be done. The elves aren't going to burn themselves!>
Mmmm... You feel stronger! Ready to take on the world!

---

Zormod
You wake up.

You're sitting on what could best be described as a dentist's chair, although with none of the accompanying tools. Your vortexes are sitting right next to your head, their slow, almost inaudible rumbling accompanying the slow buzz of some distant machine, maybe a ventilation fan.

Around you you, rising out of the metal floor, you can see sleek metal bookcases, perfectly spaced and arranged in rows. The way they are arranged reminds you of a plantation. They are filled with a mix of books, glowing glass tablets and floating geometric objects. They are unlabeled and the placement of objects on them has no apparent pattern.

A few rows away from you, the bookcases stop. There's a small space and then thick panes of glass form a wall, broken by reinforced metal columns. Through them you can see a desolate snowy wasteland. Frost and snow has accumulated on their edges. Though the wind is raging outside, picking up snow and throwing it against the windows, your surroundings are quiet and comfortably warm.

---

Beirus
You wake up.

You immediately feel the chilly wind hitting your body, like a rain of tiny needles.
You look around while you huddle your knees to keep yourself warm. Someone has dumped you in the middle of an arctic wasteland, half buried in snow with only your undergarments. The snow and clouds is making it hard to tell where the sun is, the sky is just a general whiteness. You can hear little beyond the howling of the wind.

---

Quote from: wipeout1024

<character>

You wake up.

You are laying on something soft, facing the ceiling. You feel something around your arms and legs.

You open your eyes and immediately close them. There's a pair of fluorescent light tubes in the ceiling right above you and looking straight at it is amplifying your dizziness.

You try once more to get up an look around but end up slamming back on the bed. Something is holding your arms and legs down. You look at your left arm. It's been tied to the bed with one of those medical restraints. The same is true about your other limbs. The one on your right arm feels loose. You could free yourself with a bit of effort.

From what you can see with your limited mobility, you are lying on a simple metal bed with its back on the wall, the kind of thing you would expect to find in a hospital... or a mental institution. Your clothes reinforce this idea, having been replaced by a medical gown. You feel cold.

The room is fairly small, just big enough to fit your bed and for a couple of people to move around it comfortably. The walls are painted a sterile white (even the floor is white tiles) and the room is devoid of objects save for your bed. The brightness is not making your nausea any better. What happened? Did you hit your head or...?

There's only one door out of the room and it's slightly ajar. There's no windows, no nothing. The only other things in the room are some sockets in the wall to your right and a small plastic cabinet with several drawers also on the right wall.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: DreamerGhost on January 29, 2017, 03:47:27 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Nothing quite like the feeling of adequate firepower. What do you have for me today?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 29, 2017, 04:36:03 pm

John, After the End

"You should know, Saevus.  I never give up.  Ever."

Spoiler: Never. (click to show/hide)

Fall on top of him and pin him to the ground.  Bots grapple down as well, targeting the shield if they must.  Top priority is getting him restrained while I have an advantage.

Technomance the shield so it assists in holding him down, ideally attaching itself to the floor.  Disconnect it from my armor if the seal on Saevus is good.

If and only if it does not interfere with restraining him, loose the spear and stab him; through the shield should be fine since a couple pinholes won't hurt it.  Repeated stabs beat out one deep stab.  Again, this is LAST priority and only if he is good and restrained.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on January 29, 2017, 04:53:00 pm

Saevus, After the End

"That is admirable of thee. However, I am the same."

Spoiler: Never surrendering. It's been that way for 800 years. And it will keep being that way. (click to show/hide)

Drop my weapons and grab him. I'll settle this now. Full-powered blingcannon at point-blank. Repeatedly. Don't bother firing it 'at' his suit. Target him directly.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 30, 2017, 06:41:22 pm

Kosak Durar: Staging Area

"Well then!"

Kosak stands, flexes his muscles, then pauses.

"Who are you, anyway?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Zormod on January 30, 2017, 06:44:02 pm

Brian stands and walks to the window. After a moment, he moves to examine a book.

Take a look at one of the books.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: wipeout1024 on January 30, 2017, 08:06:57 pm

Honora, Staging Area

Honora looks around in confusion, eventually shouting into the air.

"Where am I? Dios mio, What is this!?

Try to break free of my restraints.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2017, 02:46:12 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on January 19, 2017, 11:47:25 pm

Alan drags Zech along with him as a part of his ongoing quest to un-emoify him, unless there's opposition in which case he's probably easily persuaded out of it.

Quote from: NAV on January 24, 2017, 05:56:36 pm

"Do we have any comwires left to keep in touch?

Going with Ike's group.

You do, but unless you Tsar them or otherwise empower them, their range is limited. Normally they've got the range of an OK quality radio, enough to let you talk from one side of a small town to another when the signal is good. Then again, you haven't tested them in this mostly flat and empty terrain, maybe they'll have a better range here, especially if you can get to high ground.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 17, 2017, 06:42:46 pm

Alan, Linguist

Just general knowledge is fine, I'm interested in seeing how Rickman responds to those questions.

"So, Rickman, can you tell our audience a bit more about yourself?"
Rickman makes a questioning squawk.
"Let's start with a little bit about your origins. Where are you from?"
Rickman considers this for a second before answering "WarmHere."
"Well, yes, I can see that you're here. I meant where is your home planet?"
He takes a bit longer, but eventually answers.
"WarmThere. HomeNest."
You somehow know the general direction he is speaking about. Roughly towards the west, where you came from.
"Ah, good, good. Is it nice there?"
Rickman just stares at you. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about it?
"Ah, I see. A sensitive subject then? Is it bad there? Are you the last of your kind, like superman?"
"AlienRickman!" he states decisively.
"Well, yes, I know you're not SuperMan. But really, can you tell me about what went wrong in your home?"
It takes a while for him to answer and when he does he sounds quite... thoughtful, maybe?
"TeethMouths. CrushFoots. NestChompers. EggDrillers."
"Oh, I see. That doesn't sound pleasant at all. I can see why you left. But there must have been some good things about it."
"HumanFood." he says in response.
"Ah, I hope that means that you enjoyed human delicacies on your home and not that you actually eat humans." you say jokingly.
"RareHuman." Rickman responds seriously.
"See, now this could be interpreted as you liking your humans cooked rare or humans being rare in your diet."
"FewHuman. FlyingHuman. BurriedHuman. ManyFood. PlantFood. AnimalFood. FireFood." Rickman clarifies.
"Aha. So you enjoy spicy foods then? I've known to enjoy some Indian myself. Although the ones around me never seemed to enjoy me eating it for some reason."
Rickman makes a displeased squawk.
"Haha. Yeah, that's usually the reaction I get."
Rickman makes a small jump back, just in case, making sure to keep himself between you and his nest.
"So, have any family back there?"
Rickman makes a sad negatory squawk.
"Oh. But there was one or...?"
"NestMate." he responds sadly.
"And... what happened to her, if you don't mind me asking?"
"BigAir-BadAir-MonsterAir. SnatchClaw-CrushWind-CutClaw. Un-nestMate." he says rythmically. It kinda sounds like rapping, in a way.
"StrongPull. MateUn-help."
"Oh. That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry for your loss."
Rickman stares at you.
"Well, then. Moving on to a more pleasant subject. Night life. What's the most in place for a dashing young alien this time of year."
"NestSleep."
"Wow. That's a pretty strict bedtime schedule you got there. Surely there must be some nights that you just go out and have a wild time, eh?"
"NestSleep.  RickmanSleep."
"Oh, I get it! You're diurnal! That makes total sense. So, tell me, what sort of exciting adventures do you have during your day?"
"FoodSearch. FearRun. NestFight. NestClean."
"How interesting. Now, for my next question..."
...

Harry Baldman
While on the road, one of the men comes to warn you that Alan might have gone crazy and started squawking at a bird. Hm. That's strange. It doesn't sound like squawking to you. Anyway, you reassure him that it's perfectly normal because Xan can talk to certain animals, apparently. Besides, he's done talking to Rickman for now. Now he's just addressing the men, telling them what a wonderful audience they've been and how this is going to be the last giveaway for one of those juicy G6s and how- Wait a second... You know where this is going!
"Emergency Ike Tackle Attack! Go!"
*thump*

...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

"-telling you, they would have really enjoyed their new cars. I could see the joy building. They-"
"Ssshhh.
"But I think you really hurt my head and I-"
"No, I want to listen. We're here.
"Oh. Cool."

The "monastery" looks more like a castle or fort. The entire thing appears to be made out of a great monolithic pillar rising out of the ground. Close to the ground the rock is barren and dark grey, but higher up the rock gets covered by vines and shrubs while the top is obscured by thick fog. Part of the fog appears to be coming from a small stream falling off the top of the pillar, the water almost completely dispersing in the wind and the face of the rock before it reaches the ground. The rock has been barely dug by the flowing water, leading you to think that either magic is involved or the flow formed quite recently.

Close to the ground the stone has been carved into the walls of the monastery, tall and imposing, decorated by statues of old important-looking men as well as smaller colourful carvings that shine golden in the dying light. You can see holes with points of dim light flickering in them in the stone, signs that its at least partially dug out. The faint orange glow on the stone pillar hints on fires being alight in the courtyard beyond the wall as well.

The only way through the walls is a small (compared to the walls) gate, maybe wide enough to fit two wagons side by side. It is currently closed, with only a small wicket gate left open. The area around the monastery is muddy and slick, with water pools forming where the water has not drained or evaporated. You have no idea where all that water came from and neither do the men. From what they know, the monastery always had a bit of water around it, but never this much. Luckily, the stone road is still in a good enough condition that your wagons can keep going for most of it a while without risking getting stuck. Closer to the gate, wooden boards and stones have been placed to indicate a safe area partially covered in water, some sort of plaza just outside the main gate from the looks of it. While it's safe to walk on, it's not pleasant. The water has already started to cool and you bet in the night it could get quite chilly.

As you approach, a middle aged man, his clothes as worn as his face and hands, comes out to meet you.
"Greetings travelers. The monastery of Chizra welcomes you, as it does all people of all races. If it pleases you, you may enter and seek the blessings of the holy water. However, we must insist that you leave any weapons you may be carrying outside. This is a place of peace and meditation and we ask that you respect that."

You can hear people walking and speaking inside, most of them curious to know who the strangers are, what are they doing here and why are they armed. You can also hear the sounds of water running and firewood cracking.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 06:41:04 am

"I'm following Irine on this--however if we can spare the time, and I don't believe this may take longer than a couple of days stay to hinder our progress, I'm all for taking this as something we can go with.

"But for practicality, we can split the party for this. I can stick with Irine and scout with her ahead, you can lead those who agree with you over there. Given that note, we can cover more ground."

Vote to split the party; alongside that, arrange a way we can signal each other.

Hmmm... How would you signal each other? Well, I suppose you can make fire. So let's say you agree on some sort of smoke signal to indicate that you are in danger or that danger is going towards your friends or that you have a new Pope.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 09:56:44 am

"Actually, Irine said the entity is avoiding River. If we entrust his soulstone to you in that meantime, and scout in that direction (alongside the perimeter following a curve anyway), that'll fulfill both tasks alongside giving us an idea of what's around here. I'm also wanting to check out the area San (the kid back there, playing with one of your spearmen) mentioned as it's along our route. Also let me test out something--I don't want anyone being pressured by time so...I'll check out that soulstone.

"Besides that, I can go alongside Irine alone and we can take care of ourselves unless you have people there who would like...extreme survival training. I'm protecting the kid anyway, so he's tagging along unless the location is nearer to your path."

Test integrity--how 'stable' is it and knowing my connection with River, approximate how stable we can last out here in regards to it.

I'm sorry, I'm not certain about what it is. If you mean your connection with River, not that stable. It's just a feeling, a very weak sensation that comes and goes. Then again, River has been hurt pretty badly and transformed into a soulsphere, so maybe that's why you're feeling the way you're feeling. Maybe if you asked Irine to give you River's soulsphere for a while you could create a more stable link.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 19, 2017, 11:00:25 pm

Times were these in Ike's tone that Theri would like to interject, but she decided that they would come to mutual understanding later on.

This was time for her and Irine though! Much fun with her and learning--maybe she could ask about magic or something along the way!

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 12:29:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

This

This, but also get Zech and the others into places where you think are best!
((How are the other folks on our Campaign by the way?))

Do you mean what happens to inactive characters? I assume they help around with manual labor and other simple stuff or background actions, but I tend not to involve them in combat or make choices for them if I can help it. Obviously if they are in combat or some other life and death situation I'll have them act to save their lives. And if someone else wants to take an action in their stead, I'm fine with that.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 19, 2017, 12:29:11 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 19, 2017, 12:04:06 pm

"And that's quite good, because I've seen the disaster that you attempting to act diplomatically tends to result in. It is decided, then!"

Alan and I head to the monastery with the troops, Irine and Theri split off, Nik can go either way and Zechariah continues to occupy negative space.

This

You get as much supplies as you can comfortably carry and set off towards the east.

Quote

Me and my foxgirl
With a dream and a sword
I'm hoping my foxgirl don't point that sword at no human
Me and my foxgirl
Like Butch and the Sundance Kid
Trying to understand why she did what she did
Why she did what she did

...

We went forward exploring. Kept getting two and three.
Couldn't help notice this wolfman just staring at me.
Or was it my foxgirl? I couldn't be sure.
It's not like you've never seen a foxgirl with a flamesword and three fluffy tails before.
Now don't test my patience, cause we're not about to run.
That's a bad ass foxgirl boy and she wields fire for fun.
'My name is Rrriver.' he says with death in his eyes.
'I've been chasing you for a long time amigas, and now your foxgirl's gonna die!'

Me and my foxgirl
left in search of the sun
Now me and my foxgirl
We don't wanna kill no warewolf-man
But we've got four twitchy tails
and one thing to declare
When the foxgirl is angry
you do not stare, you do not stare
you do not stare...

...

Your little group stays on the road in order to move faster. You travel until the sun sets and then travel a bit more until you are too tired to keep going. The ride is fairly uninteresting. All you find is signs of a former campsite on the side of the road. The remains of a fire, the depressions made by stakes being driven into the ground and a bag half-buried in the sand, filled with some clothes, some food and a few golden coins, probably forgotten by one of the camp's inhabitants.

Unless you want to keep going through the night despite your tiredness and sleepiness, now would be a good time to rest. Do you make any special arrangements for the night? Or just find a secluded spot where the three of you can camp and sleep?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on January 31, 2017, 03:03:13 pm

they left gold on the ground.
that's some rather large currency to just leave behind.
examine coins, no touching until sword says its clear. take them if no threat is found.
secluded area is a good campsite. who are the three? Irine, Theri, and the sword? Irine, Theri, and Zech? (I thought Alan wanted Zech with him) Irine, Theri, and D? ((quit it D!)) Irine, Theri, and River? Irine, Theri, and BATMAN?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2017, 06:56:02 pm

Quote from: Toaster on January 29, 2017, 04:36:03 pm

John, After the End

"You should know, Saevus.  I never give up.  Ever."

Spoiler: Never. (click to show/hide)

Fall on top of him and pin him to the ground.  Bots grapple down as well, targeting the shield if they must.  Top priority is getting him restrained while I have an advantage.

Technomance the shield so it assists in holding him down, ideally attaching itself to the floor.  Disconnect it from my armor if the seal on Saevus is good.

If and only if it does not interfere with restraining him, loose the spear and stab him; through the shield should be fine since a couple pinholes won't hurt it.  Repeated stabs beat out one deep stab.  Again, this is LAST priority and only if he is good and restrained.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 29, 2017, 04:53:00 pm

Saevus, After the End

"That is admirable of thee. However, I am the same."

Spoiler: Never surrendering. It's been that way for 800 years. And it will keep being that way. (click to show/hide)

Drop my weapons and grab him. I'll settle this now. Full-powered blingcannon at point-blank. Repeatedly. Don't bother firing it 'at' his suit. Target him directly.

John jumps on Saevus, covering him with his shield like he's a fire he's trying to extinguish. Mechanized stakes appear along the edge of the shield and then their backs explode, driving them into the concrete, securing the shield in place. The shield immediately explodes with telekinetic force, pushing John off it and nearly ripping it off the ground.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on January 29, 2017, 03:47:27 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Nothing quite like the feeling of adequate firepower. What do you have for me today?

"Nothing yet. Charlie's pushing for a mission that could be quite interesting. Quite out of the ordinary. We'll vote on it once the last two fighters return, since they're the ones he really wants to have there. Of course, I really want you there, so I'm voting yes."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 30, 2017, 06:41:22 pm

Kosak Durar: Staging Area

"Well then!"

Kosak stands, flexes his muscles, then pauses.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"Did you hit your head or something? I am The Captain!"

Quote from: Zormod on January 30, 2017, 06:44:02 pm

Brian stands and walks to the window. After a moment, he moves to examine a book.

Take a look at one of the books.

You take a look at a few of the titles of the books that have titles. Some of them are in a language you can't understand, but the rest are legible. 'Being of a plain Being', 'Principia Mathematica', 'Slaves of the Void: A study of Soul Security', 'The Metaphysics of Christianity and Buddhism', 'Dracula', 'A brief history of Brief Histories', 'Chariots of the Gods', 'Failure of Reality: Why Simulations are better', 'Veridis Quo', 'The Abjur of Bazur', 'Who is this god person anyway?', 'Mix and Match', 'Death and the Human'...

You select one at random (a small but thick blue booklet, like a pocket dictionary) and start reading.

Quote from: Aro's Pocket Revelations, page 49

and the explanation is that it was, in fact, his hand. While this may be obvious to a contemporary reader, one must keep in mind that these events transpired well over a hundred years ago, when knowledge of the material was still concentrated and practitioners often hoarded and seldom shared knowledge.

While even today many feel the need to prove their superiority to others, the desire to hoard knowledge has been curbed by the need for collaboration in order to achieve a breakthrough in a reasonable timeframe. Many also state that ready access to the Library has helped reduce the need for competition and encourage sharing, but in the opinion of the writer this claim is dubious at best^[1]. However, while knowledge is shared more readily than it was in the past, competition is still a major problem. It is quite often that I have come across an experiment gone wrong, examine the remains and come to the conclusion that the problem was lack of cooperation. Most often one of the participants has decided to show off by producing more, unfortunately more than the System could tolerate, unbalancing it and destroying it in the process.

Often, in my position as a teacher in the Academy my most difficult job was to get people to talk with each other, to communicate and cooperate. Intelligent people often despise being wrong. The are a multiple of reasons for this^[2]. This often leads to stagnation, to lack of experimentation, to a desire to limit their exposure to others or overcompensate when forced to work with others. They will often stick to what they know best, choosing to perform the same task over and

---

^[1] An excellent essay over the matter is Kvor Tolios' 'Science in the Library'.
^[2] See chapter 5 for a more thorough explanation of the phenomenon.

Quote from: wipeout1024 on January 30, 2017, 08:06:57 pm

Honora, Staging Area

Honora looks around in confusion, eventually shouting into the air.

"Where am I? Dios mio, What is this!?

Try to break free of my restraints.

You tug on the loose restraint until you can get your hand free. You then use your freed hand to free the rest of your limbs. You jump out of bed on unsteady legs and slowly and quietly approach the door.

You look through the slightly ajar door. You hear a *ding* and the sound of elevator doors sliding open, followed by the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps, echoing in the silence. You duck into cover behind the wall but whoever it was merely passes by. You look through the crack in the door just in time to see the back of a man in a white lab coat, quickly moving towards the left.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 31, 2017, 03:03:13 pm

they left gold on the ground.
that's some rather large currency to just leave behind.
examine coins, no touching until sword says its clear. take them if no threat is found.
secluded area is a good campsite. who are the three? Irine, Theri, and the sword? Irine, Theri, and Zech? (I thought Alan wanted Zech with him) Irine, Theri, and D? ((quit it D!)) Irine, Theri, and River? Irine, Theri, and BATMAN?

The sword says there are faint signs of wind and dark magic nearby, but they are more of an echo, an old marker most likely placed to mark the territory of some magical beast. The coins themselves are clean. Maybe the had to pack up in a hurry because they were attacked by a predator? You shrug and loot the coins out of the bag.

I meant the 3 people with legs in the group. Irine, Theri and that kid she has with her. If you count the people without legs (regardless of whether or not you consider them to be alive), then that would be 5. If you start counting fragments of people or assign different values to people based on how much of person you consider them to currently be, then you'll probably start getting some weird fractions.

Batman is always with you during the night. He is the night. (https://youtu.be/GDppQN0s4DQ) The dark knight of the night. But I don't count people that are with you and are not part of the group.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 31, 2017, 07:41:50 pm

((I'm fairly certain Kosak and the Captain haven't been introduced yet...))

Kosak Durar:

"Well then, Captain. But a name is not all the answer to the question "Who are you". Anything else?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on January 31, 2017, 10:25:59 pm

Nikolai, has very little idea whats going on

Quote from: inventory document

(in possession of Ike, along with belongings that survived)
Commwire
Short rogue sword
Kitchen knife
Glass shiv
Slinging rocks and some light small pebbles
Scissors
A few bottles of water
A few bottles of red bull
Worn and singed peasant clothes

Did I get this stuff back from Ike?

"I do not like leaving my weapons, at all."
Extended disarming (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ExtendedDisarming) scene commence. Leave all my weapons.
Try to find a couple harmless things, like a knitting needle or tiny utility knife (or that pair of scissors) that could be tsarred into a usable weapon. Just in case.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on January 31, 2017, 11:37:33 pm

Spoiler: I believe we need to wrap this up.  Been quite the show! (click to show/hide)

Okay, this shield, is it close to flush to the ground?  Pretty well sealed him in there, more like a dome than a cage?

Assuming the dome, then summon/technomance as able (not sure if can touchy the shield) a bomb on the inside, which then gets detonated a la a bomb squad containment vessel.  The contained blast should wreck him pretty hard.

If it's more like a cage (the blast has lots of places to escape) then instead the bots all shoot in the openings to damage him as much as possible while I summon a heat ray.  If I can't stab him, then I melt him.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 01, 2017, 06:36:52 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Indeed. This has been going for a while. (click to show/hide)

Blast the shield off. Then smack John with the polehammer. Keep my back (and shield) towards the bots.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2017, 09:13:42 am

"Right, right! Do you have a place to put these? My sword's a little peculiar, so you may want to keep it apart from the rest."

Surrender our weapons and behave in a well-mannered sort of way as we presumably enter.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 01, 2017, 12:03:39 pm

"Peculiar? In what way?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2017, 12:10:57 pm

"I stuck it into a transdimensional chaos portal and it became all funky and disjointed."

Ike demonstrates his sword.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2016, 06:57:27 am

Your sword has also been affected. It appears to have lost it's consistency. It's no longer a straight line. Instead it's like four (sometimes five, six if you count the handle) different line segments that roughly maintain the shape of a sword as it was before. It's as if you're viewing it through a kaleidoscope or a broken lens. Whenever you hold it steady, it changes very slowly, as if the lens you are viewing it through are slowly shifting. But whenever you move it the changes are rapid, as you'd expect from the reflection of an object seen moving through a broken mirror. It feels warm. Holding it makes your hands tingle.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2017, 02:28:33 pm

upon re-reading the campsite description, I'd want to just take the bag as a whole, leaving the coins inside it. sorry about that, my fault. Somehow when I first read the description I didn't notice the bag, just the coins.

anyways, yeah, no special arrangements for the night, just find a secluded spot and rest.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Zormod on February 01, 2017, 04:23:03 pm

Brian Hoss, Staging Area

Replace the book and return to snowgazing.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 01, 2017, 05:41:33 pm

Alan, Accomplished Cross-Cultural Diplomat

"Don't worry guys, I've got this."

Clearly we need to resort to interpretive dance to get them to understand us! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpBjp66aj_Y)

((I realize after writing this that they actually speak the common language but I went to the trouble of looking up that link so this is still happening))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 02, 2017, 08:52:34 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2017, 02:46:12 pm

Hmmm... How would you signal each other? Well, I suppose you can make fire. So let's say you agree on some sort of smoke signal to indicate that you are in danger or that danger is going towards your friends or that you have a new Pope.

((Either any of the most suitable methods our environment can do with, or using a reflective surface [...maybe the soulstone if it reflects light] and directing it in Ike's general direction, aimed with my hand and through my fingers | Thanks for covering 'it' :) I was being indirect, it's my connection with River//stability of his soulstone that Irine hinted at beforehand))

Rest too; do some chat with San, plot out plans for future reference with our main goal as the whole idea.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2017, 04:10:39 pm

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 31, 2017, 07:41:50 pm

((I'm fairly certain Kosak and the Captain haven't been introduced yet...))

Kosak Durar:

"Well then, Captain. But a name is not all the answer to the question "Who are you". Anything else?"

((The Captain does not care about your useless concept of introductions. If you do not know who The Captain is, that is your problem, not The Captain's.))

<You want more? Very well. I'll give you more.>

The door to your personal area slams open and in comes a middle aged man in a dark blue general's uniform. His hair have started to become grey but his muscles show you that you shouldn't underestimate this body despite its apparent age.

"Well, boy? Didn't they teach you to salute your betters?" he asks as he quickly walks towards you. He is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Quote from: Zormod on February 01, 2017, 04:23:03 pm

Brian Hoss, Staging Area

Replace the book and return to snowgazing.

You try to place the book back in its place the bookcase but accidentally jostle a floating sphere in the process, causing it to become unbalanced and bounce away from the bookcase. You curse your lack of binocular vision and depth perception as you fumble with the sphere while you try to keep it from falling. Despite your best efforts, it slips through your hands and keeps falling, only to be caught by a hand.
"You should be more precise in your movements." the man says absentmindedly as he raises the sphere and puts it back in its place.
He is pale man wearing brown and white robes. His ear-length blonde hair are parted straight in the middle. His face looks a bit chubby. He is staring at you with his light blue eyes.

After a few seconds of staring you, he turns his head and instead stares at the bookcase. His eyes look unfocused and unmoving, as if he's not really looking at anything.

---

Quote from: NAV on January 31, 2017, 10:25:59 pm

Nikolai, has very little idea whats going on

Quote from: inventory document

(in possession of Ike, along with belongings that survived)
Commwire
Short rogue sword
Kitchen knife
Glass shiv
Slinging rocks and some light small pebbles
Scissors
A few bottles of water
A few bottles of red bull
Worn and singed peasant clothes

Did I get this stuff back from Ike?

"I do not like leaving my weapons, at all."
Extended disarming (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ExtendedDisarming) scene commence. Leave all my weapons.
Try to find a couple harmless things, like a knitting needle or tiny utility knife (or that pair of scissors) that could be tsarred into a usable weapon. Just in case.

Yes, you got that. Minus the clothes, but you got new clothes so who cares. Unless you were really attached to those clothes for some reason.

You start removing all your potentially harmful possessions from your bag and leaving them behind at the wagon. You've removed almost everything except for your scissors. The man at the gate stares at you as you look at them and then put them back in your bag. He keeps staring as you approach.
"Oh. No, you would not part a young man from his knitting supplies?"
The man stares at you for a few more seconds and then shrugs.
"Very well. I will not stop you." he responds.
You start walking away.
"However!" he continues, raising his voice. You halt mid-stride.
"We have plenty of knives on our tables. You do not need to bring your own."
You walk backwards for a bit, dig around your trousers, take out the knife and toss it in the wagon with the rest. You then walk through the door with an approving nod from the gatekeeper.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 01, 2017, 09:13:42 am

"Right, right! Do you have a place to put these? My sword's a little peculiar, so you may want to keep it apart from the rest."

Surrender our weapons and behave in a well-mannered sort of way as we presumably enter.

You leave your weapons back in the wagons (now moved to an elevated dry spot) and arrange for your men to guard it in shifts so that no thieves or wild animals disturb it during the night. You leave your more bloody weapon for a less civilized age where you usually put it, tied under the 'shotgun' seat of one of the wagons, where it is not in danger of shredding stuff or getting lost but can be easily retrieved should the need suddenly arise. The men are probably smart enough not to mess with it.

That done, you enter the monastery with your posse. The floor of the gateway and the area beyond it is dry, which your legs are thankful for. And that's about the only thing that is dry in there. The first thing you see is a building on the other side of the courtyard, a great blocky, monolithic thing carved out of the rock, probably acting as an entrance leading to where the important people are. It kinda reminds you of an Ancient Egyptian temple with those wide blocky towers on either side. It is painted a simple light red with some green accents. The waterfall you saw from outside ends on the top of that entrance and rolls through channels across its surface. Most of it ends up in a large basin and from there slowly flows out to various channels.

The area around it is surrounded by a constant mist but it probably won't be very unpleasant walking around there as most of the paths leading to it are covered by stone or cloth, providing shade and protecting from most of the falling water. The paths are accompanied by narrow channels through which water constantly flows. Much of the water ends up in pools filled with rows of tall yet slim green plants, which you are informed are edible but not indigenous in this area, being more common in the south, beyond the Scar.

Several people are working at expanding the fields through the gardens and parks surrounding them, although most of them are currently in the process of collecting their shovels, picks and other tools and leaving. They make their way through an inner wall and out to what appears to be the residential district. It's got some stone houses and a great amount of tents and hovels set up around them like mushrooms around the trunk of a tree.

The residential area ends here, close to the gate. There's a grand plaza with a few fountains and benches here, with shade provided by a few sizable trees. The entire area is lit by some of those magical lanterns hanging from the trees. You don't see any traders around. You ask the gatekeeper and he informs you that the caravan has yet to arrive, but they are expecting it any day now. In fact, it's a few days late.

He also mentions that there are a few traders from Kodromota around that peddle their wares close to this gate or the entrance to the Walled Garden during the day (which he says is the name of the area with the fields beyond the wall). Right now they're probably in one of the inns. You should be able to locate them easily, if you really wish to speak with them immediately for whatever reason.

Finally, he warns you that the gates to the walled garden will close soon and that if you wish to see it or the Temple from up close then you will have to wait until morning. Sneaking around in there after dark is frowned upon. You may stay for a few days and partake their food and water, but if you wish to stay longer than you are expected to contribute, though you are not obliged to accept the Flowing Way.

"So, you're one of the monks then? Are you one of the people that make the decisions around here? Because you look like you've been here for a long time."
"Oh, no, nothing that grand, I'm afraid. I'm merely one of the many Water Carriers. I've been helping the Temple for many of my years. I know much about Chizra, certainly enough to answer any questions travelers may have. I believe that is the reason the Headwater usually asks from me to perform duties close to the gates."
"You've been here all your life and you're still on glorified guard duty? Isn't that a little strange?"
"Oh, not at all. Such is the nature of the Flowing Way. It is not easy. Remaining in it requires patience, strength, spirit. I know that even though I follow its Twists, I may never reach True Enlightenment in my lifetime. But even so, I believe it is worth the pursuit."

Quote from: Xantalos on February 01, 2017, 05:41:33 pm

Alan, Accomplished Cross-Cultural Diplomat

"Don't worry guys, I've got this."

Clearly we need to resort to interpretive dance to get them to understand us! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpBjp66aj_Y)

((I realize after writing this that they actually speak the common language but I went to the trouble of looking up that link so this is still happening))

The man stares at you with a raised eyebrow. Then he looks at the nearby fountain for a few moments and then at the waterfall and then back at you and the water still dripping from your legs.
"Yes, I'm quite certain that there is water here. Is there something more you require?"

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2017, 08:52:34 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 31, 2017, 02:46:12 pm

Hmmm... How would you signal each other? Well, I suppose you can make fire. So let's say you agree on some sort of smoke signal to indicate that you are in danger or that danger is going towards your friends or that you have a new Pope.

((Either any of the most suitable methods our environment can do with, or using a reflective surface [...maybe the soulstone if it reflects light] and directing it in Ike's general direction, aimed with my hand and through my fingers | Thanks for covering 'it' :) I was being indirect, it's my connection with River//stability of his soulstone that Irine hinted at beforehand))

Rest too; do some chat with San, plot out plans for future reference with our main goal as the whole idea.

((Light signals could also work if you're not too far away. Although in that case Irine could just use her ability to control fire to write a message in the air. Then again, if she did that then everyone around you would know where you are, not just your friends.))

You set up your bedrolls, eat some of your supplies and then huddle together for the night close to Irine's fire-sword to help keep yourselves warm. As you wait for sleep to take you, you discuss with San about what his home is like and where his father is most likely to be. He tells you what he remembers about the villages he went through to get here as well as what he has heard about the surrounding areas. Then again, he is still a child that has never left his small town so what he knows about the world is mostly limited to what other have told him.

((You have gained general knowledge about the eastern regions. If you ask anything about that area or if some important fact comes up, there's a good chance you'll know it.))

As for his father, he believes he might have gone to the hills in the north. There are caves and abandoned mines there, an army could easily hide there if it had to. He hopes that he'll see signs of them once you get to the next town. Then all he has to do is convince the soldiers to take him with them.

In exchange you tell him stories, both real and imaginary, until he has fallen asleep. Irine fell asleep even before he did, probably quite tired from walking all day. You make sure San and Irine are well-covered by their blankets and then go to sleep yourself. It's naptime.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2017, 02:28:33 pm

upon re-reading the campsite description, I'd want to just take the bag as a whole, leaving the coins inside it. sorry about that, my fault. Somehow when I first read the description I didn't notice the bag, just the coins.

anyways, yeah, no special arrangements for the night, just find a secluded spot and rest.

All right then. You receive a bag, some stale rations and some clothes on top of the coins.

...

You wake up during the night from Theri's snoring. You're certain something must have messed up hair airways when she was injured in that last fight because you're positive you've never heard her be this loud before. You're about to change sides and cover yourself with the blanket to stave off the cold when the sword speaks to you.
<You are awake. Good.>
You blink. There's grey lines all around you, as if some physicist drew a Cartesian grid centered on your little campsite.
<You should remain quiet and not move. We woke you up.>
You slowly turn to look at the sword and discover that it is the centre of that grid.
<We have detected dark magic. River is doing something. Do you wish for me to stop it?>
You can feel it too. That sense of cold and pressure, the silence.

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 31, 2017, 11:37:33 pm

Spoiler: I believe we need to wrap this up.  Been quite the show! (click to show/hide)

Okay, this shield, is it close to flush to the ground?  Pretty well sealed him in there, more like a dome than a cage?

Assuming the dome, then summon/technomance as able (not sure if can touchy the shield) a bomb on the inside, which then gets detonated a la a bomb squad containment vessel.  The contained blast should wreck him pretty hard.

If it's more like a cage (the blast has lots of places to escape) then instead the bots all shoot in the openings to damage him as much as possible while I summon a heat ray.  If I can't stab him, then I melt him.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 01, 2017, 06:36:52 am

Saevus, After the End

Spoiler: Indeed. This has been going for a while. (click to show/hide)

Blast the shield off. Then smack John with the polehammer. Keep my back (and shield) towards the bots.

John summons a firecracker and tosses it under the shield. It doesn't cause any damage.

Saevus tries to blast the shield off but fails. So he just rips it off. He raises his polehammer... And then the bots fire a concentrated coordinated beam and cleave Saevus in half.

<That's... anticlimactic. Oh well.>

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 02, 2017, 04:25:29 pm

<Depends. if he targets Theri, and it is limited to communication, then monitor it but let him be, more than that, stop him. if he targets the boy at all, stop him. if he targets me, then read my emotions and if he scares me  stop him. if he targets himself, leave him be. if he targets anything else, stop him.>

Response, and I'll stay awake for this event of River's.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 02, 2017, 04:43:59 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 02, 2017, 04:25:29 pm

<Depends. if he targets Theri, and it is limited to communication, then monitor it but let him be, more than that, stop him. if he targets the boy at all, stop him. if he targets me, then read my emotions and if he scares me  stop him. if he targets himself, leave him be. if he targets anything else, stop him.>

Response, and I'll stay awake for this event of River's.

<We can't be certain about what exactly it is doing due to its nature. But we will make sure to protect you and the others from anything harmful.>

You stay awake for most of the night, watching the lines above you slowly sway and distort. Close to the end of the night, the feeling disappears. The lines disappear soon after.

<He is... gone.>
<We were watching. He should not had been able to escape unnoticed.>
<Well, obviously he did. There must be something we missed.>
<We detected some energy directed to Theri, but it should not have been enough to cause any harm. Probably a message of some kind.>
<We could try searching. He could not have gone far.>

You didn't get much sleep. You're feeling quite tired.

Inspecting the place where you have left the soulsphere, all you discover is a small hole in the dirt and a bit of blood. Doesn't smell like any creature you've met before. There's a few footprints around but they appear to be leading towards the hole, not away from it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 02, 2017, 06:33:57 pm

<No. He is not exactly a prisoner anyway. Can you send him a message or amplify my foxform's telepathy range? I want to let him know that he is welcome to rejoin us, and that we arent enemies. Also, that I'm concerned that his magic is harming him when he uses it, and would like to be nearby to help prevent problems it might cause.>

Stay awake until Theri gets up, and I've had achance to tell her what happened and ask what River had to say to her, then unless there's a reason not to, I'm going to sleep.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 02, 2017, 06:57:39 pm

"Damn it. Where are mah clothes? This is bullshit. Speaking of bullshit..." William mutters to himself before closing his eyes and drawing in a breath.

Meditate to find that demon inside me. Use my force of will to take his powers, or bind him to my will, or something like that so I can use his abilities and he can't mess with mine anymore.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 02, 2017, 07:32:55 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Respect.

Kosak bows to the Captain, as he would bow to his former(now dead) martial arts teacher.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 02, 2017, 07:42:15 pm

John looked down at his fallen foe.  Huh.

"Yeah, no, that is almost disappointing.  You fought well, sir."

Is that it?  I have some wounds that need tending if not.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2017, 07:48:52 pm

"Hot damn, Kodromota? That's exactly who I wanted to see."

"Also, can I arrange an appointment with some kind of loremaster or something if you have one? I do have some mystical stories to relate, and would like to trade for some information in turn."

Try to arrange an appointment with somebody knowledgeable in the expository arts.

Whether that works or not, go find these traders and strike up a chat with them. Ask them about what's going on eastward, and whether they know much about Nether Pass, being from the very near vicinity as it were. Inquire about monsters and such, and any important legends.

Oh, and carouse of course if that's possible. Probably with the traders. The monks can join if they want. My guys get a bit of R&R as well for morale improvement purposes.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: wipeout1024 on February 02, 2017, 09:50:43 pm

Honora hesitantly steps out of the room, following behind the man.

Slowly walk out of the room, keep my eyes open.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 02, 2017, 10:01:39 pm

Ask if he's ever heard of hydraulics.
"Have you ever heard of hydraulics?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 03, 2017, 01:47:13 am

"Tell me this, good sir: are you someone who considers themselves responsible, detail-oriented and/or orderly in character?"

Ominous questions with silly answers

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Zormod on February 03, 2017, 05:46:17 pm

"I'll keep that in mind.

We haven't been introduced. My name is Brian Hoss."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 04, 2017, 03:22:27 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 02, 2017, 07:42:15 pm

John looked down at his fallen foe.  Huh.

"Yeah, no, that is almost disappointing.  You fought well, sir."

Is that it?  I have some wounds that need tending if not.

Well, you could go on and try to complete the mission if you want, try to fix the comms console and try to find a way to stop the missiles from destroying the space colonies if you want to try to get an extra upgrade point, but at this point in the mission it's not looking like your chances are good. If you don't feel like it I'll just end the mission right now.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 04, 2017, 05:58:37 pm

I get the feeling that the next mission is waiting on me, so we might as well call it here.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2017, 11:56:29 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 02, 2017, 06:33:57 pm

<No. He is not exactly a prisoner anyway. Can you send him a message or amplify my foxform's telepathy range? I want to let him know that he is welcome to rejoin us, and that we arent enemies. Also, that I'm concerned that his magic is harming him when he uses it, and would like to be nearby to help prevent problems it might cause.>

Stay awake until Theri gets up, and I've had achance to tell her what happened and ask what River had to say to her, then unless there's a reason not to, I'm going to sleep.

<Amplifying your natural abilities would be best.>
You transform into fox. The sword embraces you with a net of fire and light that makes your skin tingle. You close your eyes, focus on your intentions and your words and then transmit the message. There is no response. You try sending it several times, in case he is having trouble receiving it or understanding it.

"Miss Theri? What is going on with miss Irine? Is there trouble?"
"Oh. No San, I think everything is fine. Everything is OK, right Irine?"

You explain what is going on to Theri and ask her if she knows anything or if she's received any messages. She says she remembers feeling River's presence in her sleep, closer than ever before, the sound of tired breathing, like someone was trying to speak but was injured or out of breath, and a feeling of fear and that's about it. She is not sure what to make of it.
((I assumed it is fine for me to answer in Tiruin's place since I believe she would give you this information anyway.))

Unless there's something else you wish to do, I'll say you sleep until around midday. It should be enough to keep you on your feet through the next day along with a promise of an early sleep. Or you could just stay transformed to fox and have Theri carry you like she sometimes does for San, but that would either mean that she'll have to carry your supplies and equipment for you or that you'll have to leave it behind.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 02, 2017, 07:48:52 pm

"Hot damn, Kodromota? That's exactly who I wanted to see."

"Also, can I arrange an appointment with some kind of loremaster or something if you have one? I do have some mystical stories to relate, and would like to trade for some information in turn."

Try to arrange an appointment with somebody knowledgeable in the expository arts.

Whether that works or not, go find these traders and strike up a chat with them. Ask them about what's going on eastward, and whether they know much about Nether Pass, being from the very near vicinity as it were. Inquire about monsters and such, and any important legends.

Oh, and carouse of course if that's possible. Probably with the traders. The monks can join if they want. My guys get a bit of R&R as well for morale improvement purposes.

"If it is knowledge you seek, then meet me tomorrow at sunrise by the Great Pool for the Morning Cleansing Ritual. I will introduce you to the Headwater. If you wish to discuss matters of magic or legend he is probably the best suited to do so with you."

He directs you towards one of the inns where you could find the traders. Walking along the streets, it isn't hard to find. You can hear the shouts and singing long before the building comes into view. Others are walking besides you, most likely workers returning from the farms. When you reach the place, you find it somewhat crowded, with some of the overflow standing around a small fire outside, talking amongst themselves and laughing from time to time.

Inside, a few musicians are playing a fast song, a duet of a male and female singer singing about how maybe in this crazy world full of torment only the people who are considered crazy are the ones who are actually smart. The crowd seems to be enjoying it, clapping to the rhythm laughing as the singer gestures to the crowd and then tries to balance his instrument on his head with his eyes crossed.

Some of the men offer to buy you a drink if you join them, but you decline, saying that you'll catch up with them later. Instead you look around for those traders. It doesn't take a lot of asking around to do so. A patron points you to one of the corner tables, where a group of people dressed in clothes somewhat more expensive than those of the rest are siting around a table. They don't appreciate your company that much at first, but the offer of free drinks is enough to get them to open up.

After some bland ice-breaking conversations about their names and the quality of drinks here (they don't approve, but you think it's palatable), you ask them about what's going on in the east. The mood immediately sours. Though they haven't seen the fighting themselves, from what they've heard it doesn't sound good. Nobody is safe in the occupied territories, not peaceful traders, not even those who surrender and do as they are told. The Sovereignty has gone into all out war with this kingdom, bringing all the troops they can gather, supported by Gliders and other flying machines and siege weapons. They've also heard they've got some sort of unnatural magical bird-beasts under their control, some strange creatures they've never seen before that are going around grabbing people and taking them away to be eaten. The last rumor they heard was that they have employed some beastman called Sword-tusks (some famous gladiator they freed from the Arena) going around with a band of slave-traders and capturing fleeing refugees, killing any who resist. Savages.

The only good news they've heard so far seem to be coming from the south, from beyond the Scar. The Sovereignty has also attacked their country, but they've managed to hold on for now. Rumors say their navy has even made some incursions into Sovereignty waters and struck their trading vessels. Then again, it takes time for news to reach them here from all the way to the south, so who knows how things are down there now?

The traders sound like they're on the verge of desperation. They're managing to get by for now while trying to find any sort of useful rumor or promising deal they can, but if things don't work out they'll either have to join a caravan to the north or head south, beyond the Scar. As simple, small time traders who have seldom left their own kingdom, it is not a prospect that excites them. They aren't certain they could even complete the journey. One of their last hopes was that that they could persuade the monks to let them purchase some of their food at a low price, but it doesn't look like that is happening any time soon.

Asking them about Nether Pass only gets you some laughter.
"You must be crazy if you're thinking of going there."
"Well, actually, Elefos says that you can cross and that he has done so numerous times. All it takes is a system."
"Oh, boy, here we go again."
"Well, that's what he said. You have to cross during the day, you have to keep your eyes down, always facing the road, you need to have an amulet of the Twin Reapers for protection and prey to them constantly, you must be quiet and you must never laugh, even if you do it quietly, you-"
"Oh, come on, that old crook was just trying to impress you with his lies."
"Yeah, those old fortresses are full of monsters. Magical monsters. How else could they have remained standing after all those years. Maybe if you had a mage with you he could deal with them."
"Nah, if you're lucky they'll just kill you. If you're unlucky you will become a monster yourself. Your soul will be denied death and you will be forced to walk those mountains for all time, craving the flesh of the living."
"So, whose fortresses are those anyway?"
"Who knows? Some crazy old King, probably."
"I heard it was an old Necromancer killed everyone and then put a curse on the place."
"I heard those mountains were already cursed and they slowly drove the masters of the fortress insane, turning them into monsters."
"I heard they dug too deep and unleashed a horrible demon on them, one coming straight from the world's dark heart."

The music players have switched tunes by now, with the male singer singing a somewhat slower and more serious song about how only those who have befriended death in their lives can leave this world happy, those who face dangers to follow their dreams, those who laugh at life and are laughed at. A few of the patrons have stood up and are trying to dance to the song but mostly look like they're stumbling around drunkenly.

During a lull in your conversation with the traders, one of your men comes to talk to you, clearly drunk but also looking somewhat guilty.
"So, uh, me and the guys have been having some fun, talking about how we're going to join the fighting in the east and, uh, some folks asked if they could join us so... We've already... sort of told them they could come, so, uh, I hope that's fine?"
Well, on one hand, that's more meatshields, on the other hand you're not 100% sure you could fit all of them in the wagons, depending on how many they are, so they might have to go on foot. Plus you'd have to rely even more on Alan-generated supplies.

Quote from: NAV on February 02, 2017, 10:01:39 pm

Ask if he's ever heard of hydraulics.
"Have you ever heard of hydraulics?"

"Oh, yes, I know a thing or two about their work. In fact, one of Toads here is a hydraulic. I think he worked on some of the pipes under Ineth before coming here a few years ago. You could find him working on the irrigation of the Garden in the morning."

Quote from: Xantalos on February 03, 2017, 01:47:13 am

"Tell me this, good sir: are you someone who considers themselves responsible, detail-oriented and/or orderly in character?"

Ominous questions with silly answers

"I... would say so, yes."

((Don't you mean ominous questions with silly questions to follow?))

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 02, 2017, 06:57:39 pm

"Damn it. Where are mah clothes? This is bullshit. Speaking of bullshit..." William mutters to himself before closing his eyes and drawing in a breath.

Meditate to find that demon inside me. Use my force of will to take his powers, or bind him to my will, or something like that so I can use his abilities and he can't mess with mine anymore.

Oh dear, we're doing this then? Let's see how the two of you roll...

You can't find the demon's presence inside your mind. You make extra certain that he is not there and then work on building a mental wall filled with traps to protect your mind from it and try to hurt him if he ever gets close to it, making sure that should he ever attempt to mess with your mind, he'll be very sorry.

<You brought this on yourself.> a voice says in your mind. It doesn't sound happy.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 02, 2017, 07:32:55 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Respect.

Kosak bows to the Captain, as he would bow to his former(now dead) martial arts teacher.

"That's more like it, boy. Didn't think you had it in ya."
He stands in front of you and inspects you for a few moments.
"At ease, son. That's enough." he finally says.

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 02, 2017, 09:50:43 pm

Honora hesitantly steps out of the room, following behind the man.

Slowly walk out of the room, keep my eyes open.

You quietly follow the man as he makes his way through the hallway. The hallway is filled with doors similar to yours, all numbered. (You take note that your door was number seventeen.) It also has an elevator and an emergency stairwell. The elevator has no call button, just a keyhole next to it. Still no windows, still those white walls and flickering fluorescent lights in the ceiling.

He keeps walking quickly until he reaches a door with the number thirteen. While he uses one hand to unlock it using one of the keys hanging from his belt, he uses the other to speak into a radio.
"On site. Responding to AB on 5-13."
There's some indistinct chatter in response to that, the only words you can make out of the distorted voice is :subject: and :proceed:.

He nods, reaches into a pocket and draws a syringe. He takes a deep breath and opens the door. Immediately you can hear the sound of urgently beeping machinery coming from inside. The doors must be soundproof.

The man enters the room. You stand beside the door. You can't hear what's going on inside and you aren't certain you should look. This room certainly looks somewhat darker than the one you were in, like there are fewer lights inside.

Quote from: Zormod on February 03, 2017, 05:46:17 pm

"I'll keep that in mind.

We haven't been introduced. My name is Brian Hoss."

"Yes." the man responds without turning to look at you. In fact, he barely moves at all.

---

Toaster
You wake up back in your personal section of the staging area.

You're lying on an armchair. The fireplace is gently cracking, producing a pleasant warmth. Everything else is quiet.
Through the window you can see light grey skies, gathering clouds.

---

Hawk132
You regain consciousness.

You are standing in the desert you first appeared in when you joined the games. There is a slight wind blowing.

"My champion."
In front of you is standing a humanoid form. Though it bears no distinctive characteristics, you can tell she is female from her voice. She is covered from head to toe in armour made out of a substance that reminds you of porcelain in the way that it reflects light, but is slightly greenish, with small ripples of darker green on it. The only part of her body not obscured by armour is her mouth, where you can see pale skin with a few stray freckles. From her waist hangs a thin-looking blade made out of the same material. It is not attached to her in any way, it is merely floating in place.

"You have done well."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 05, 2017, 12:25:59 pm

it should actually be easy for her to carry my stuff - I dont have much - but I'm fine with either action. but for me right now, rest comes first.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 05, 2017, 12:31:14 pm

On the one hand, John was eager to test his newfound power.  On the other, he could really use a break.

"Hey, Galatea?  You around?"

Converse with Galatea; tell her about the mission.  If she's not around, Zero's a bit of a substitute... though he probably knows how it went down.  Ask him for a performance review instead.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 05, 2017, 01:14:12 pm

((Well dang, that's disappointing. And apparently a waste if the demon did jump ship. Oh well.))

"Bullshit. I didn't choose to be here. I didn't wake up and decide 'hey , today seems like a good day to be freezing in the snow in my underwear'. Who are you?"

Talky stuff. Double check that the demon isn't just hiding somewhere.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 05, 2017, 01:19:59 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2017, 11:56:29 am

((I assumed it is fine for me to answer in Tiruin's place since I believe she would give you this information anyway.))

((This GM. I like his style. A lot.))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 05, 2017, 12:25:59 pm

it should actually be easy for her to carry my stuff - I dont have much - but I'm fine with either action. but for me right now, rest comes first.

Continue moving on and helping out; carry this nice person and instruct San to be on the watch (while giving him strict oversight). Continue talking with him and River, and talk and think about River, telling San of how awesome a friend he is and the nice quirkiness of how we met.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 05, 2017, 02:20:54 pm

"My Lady."

Saevus kneels in respect.

"I was merely fulfilling mine duty."

Talking, ho!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2017, 04:02:32 pm

Alan grins.

"On one hand, I should probably apologize in advance. On the other..."

Lightly pinch his nose twice and say 'honk honk' like it's a clown nose, then run past him giggling. I wanna find a place to go sledding from!

Yes, in the stone monastery.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2017, 07:06:44 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 05, 2017, 12:25:59 pm

it should actually be easy for her to carry my stuff - I dont have much - but I'm fine with either action. but for me right now, rest comes first.

Eh, I assumed you would actually carry enough supplies for you to be able to last several days, since I don't know what exactly it is you're planning. You can leave those behind if you just stay in fox form so she'll just have to carry your sword and clothes and other stuff.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 05, 2017, 01:19:59 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 05, 2017, 11:56:29 am

((I assumed it is fine for me to answer in Tiruin's place since I believe she would give you this information anyway.))

((This GM. I like his style. A lot.))

Quote from: Lenglon on February 05, 2017, 12:25:59 pm

it should actually be easy for her to carry my stuff - I dont have much - but I'm fine with either action. but for me right now, rest comes first.

Continue moving on and helping out; carry this nice person and instruct San to be on the watch (while giving him strict oversight). Continue talking with him and River, and talk and think about River, telling San of how awesome a friend he is and the nice quirkiness of how we met.

You get Irine's belongings, gently pick her up and start walking. She sleeps soundly in your arms, her head resting on your shoulder, letting the rhythmic movements lull her to sleep.

During your walk, you talk with San about River and how you met. The boy likes the story. He says he thinks River is kinda like his dad, he might be scary and mean sometimes and sometimes you might not understand why he does something but ultimately he just wants to help. You can feel River again so you assume that means he is fine, but he still has not communicated with you beyond that feeling. Yet for some reason you feel like you don't have to worry about him. Maybe he just needs some time.

It's a bit past midday when San calls your attention to a distant group of people coming from the opposite direction. By that time Irine has woken up, but you are still carrying her since it hasn't been that long and it really isn't bothering you that much. There aren't that many of them, only 8, at least one of them a child.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 05, 2017, 04:02:32 pm

Alan grins.

"On one hand, I should probably apologize in advance. On the other..."

Lightly pinch his nose twice and say 'honk honk' like it's a clown nose, then run past him giggling. I wanna find a place to go sledding from!

Yes, in the stone monastery.

The gatekeeper is not amused.

Hmm... Sledding might be hard. But you could always jump off the roof of the temple into that giant pool. Or maybe climb the massive stone pillar and use the waterfall as a waterslide. I'm sure there's no way that could possibly go wrong.

Or maybe get someone to drag you through the pool while you're on your sled. If you go fast enough it will be the same thing, right? Like water skiing.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 05, 2017, 02:20:54 pm

"My Lady."

Saevus kneels in respect.

"I was merely fulfilling mine duty."

Talking, ho!

She puts a hand on your "cheek" and raises your head that you may look at her smiling at you.
"I expected no less."
Then her smile fades somewhat and she lets go of you.
"I believe you are ready. Ready for your final and most difficult challenge."
She turns around, takes a few steps and then stops, looking into the distance, into the endless dunes and clear blue skies.
"Soon it will be time to end these games. Soon it will be time to face reality. Soon you will help me take what I desire. And then you shall be free. And more powerful than ever before. You will have anything you desire."
She turns to face you. She tilts her head slightly, as if she is considering something. You can't see her eyes so you can't tell much about her.
"Tell me then. What is it you desire? What will you wish from your goddess once you are free?"

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 05, 2017, 01:14:12 pm

((Well dang, that's disappointing. And apparently a waste if the demon did jump ship. Oh well.))

"Bullshit. I didn't choose to be here. I didn't wake up and decide 'hey , today seems like a good day to be freezing in the snow in my underwear. Who are you?"

Talky stuff. Double check that the demon isn't just hiding somewhere.

<You did. Do not lie. You wanted this. You always want.> he continues angrily.
You can hear another sound through the whistling of the wind. A rhythmic thumping.
<But you never consider what you want. And then you whine and complain. How I hate it.>
There is a great sound of air being slashed right in front of you. Before you can react, a massive white thing comes out of the snowstorm and smashes into the ground in front of you. The earth trembles and you fall, unable to maintain your footing.
<You wanted me.>
The creature spreads its wings and raises its neck, making itself appear even more massive as it roars.
<I am Frostbite.>
The quickest way to describe it would be a frost dragon. A four legged winged creature with an elongated neck and tail and vaguely reptilian shape. Most of its skin is white with ice covering it, helping it blend in to its surroundings, but there are patches of a black material that are not covered in ice, something like carbon fiber weave on its sides, the back of its wings, its eyes and the ear-like things on its head.
<Now you may know me...>
He lowers his head towards you. He shows his teeth as his head approaches you. They are made from the same black material.
<And despair.>

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 05, 2017, 12:31:14 pm

On the one hand, John was eager to test his newfound power.  On the other, he could really use a break.

"Hey, Galatea?  You around?"

Converse with Galatea; tell her about the mission.  If she's not around, Zero's a bit of a substitute... though he probably knows how it went down.  Ask him for a performance review instead.

You hear light footsteps in response and soon enough she appears beside you, smiling at you.

As usual, she is not very talkative but she listens to you attentively and displays genuine interest, asking you for clarifications from time to time.

"...and then I woke up here and, well, you know the rest."
"I see. You are a good player."
She looks down, thoughtful for a moment and then looks up at you with her big blue eyes and smiles again.
"This might be the last time we see each other."
She gets up slowly and extends her hand towards you.
"Wanna dance together? One last time?"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2017, 07:22:17 pm

"Waterfall water rafting? I've never gotten to do that before!"

Waterfall shenanigans ho!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 05, 2017, 07:35:56 pm

William stares blankly at the dragon for a few moments before getting up from the ground and responding. "That all? You don't sound like the demon, and you fit in way too well with this environment for it not to be yours, so you must be the fucker that roped me into this whole thing, just like the fucking aliens that made me this monster. The one who took me from my friends. From my family. The one who didn't even bother to speak to me for the first three games. Didn't say shit when I got myself infected by a demon. Left me to do everything on my own, and I did damn well. And now you want to try to intimidate me? To berate me about what I want? Hell fucking no. You have some fucking nerve. What I want is some good whiskey and a goddamn explanation. You. Wanted. Me. And you fucking got me." Bill retorts, his voice becoming a low growl as this half naked man puts his face right up against the dragon's and stares it in the eyes.

This is probably a really bad idea.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 05, 2017, 08:26:22 pm

I'm content to stay in fox-form and half-pretend to doze (half-really-dozing). Theri and San can handle this, I'm sure.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 05, 2017, 08:41:53 pm

"... Verily, I hath originally desired to return to mine original Liege. However, the short time I spent serving thee changed mine mind."

"For centuries I fought unsatisfying battles. T'was meaningless slaughter."

"Hither, I hath finally been challenged. Victory no longer is assured. And it leaves me feeling sanguine."

"An thou wilt, I wish to remain in thine service as thy Knight, so that I may slay thine foes."

Saevus likes this place more than his old home. What a surprise.

((A bit wordier than usual. Hopefully it still sounds as good as it sounded in my head.))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 12:20:51 am

John sighed.  How long had he been in this place, really?  It felt like both years and a couple weeks.  How much time had passed where he came from?  Did it even matter? 

Did it?  He had what he wanted, didn't he?  Right?

"...Yes.  Let's dance."

It is time to dance.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 06, 2017, 12:45:47 am

"Sure! Gotta have troops, y'know."

Accept some troops and soak in more information about the region, the road to Kodromota, anything to watch out for on the way or perhaps something to specifically seek out.

Inquire also if maybe the traders have a spare wagon or two. Entertain them with a story of our fabulous mission in return (minus the whole games thing, that's a bit implausible).

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 06, 2017, 10:29:17 am

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Kosak rises from his bow.

"Thank you."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 06, 2017, 01:17:47 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 05, 2017, 07:22:17 pm

"Waterfall water rafting? I've never gotten to do that before!"

Waterfall shenanigans ho!

You begin the wonderful adventure of jumping to your death.

The first obstacle on your way to the afterlife is a great iron gate separating you from the inner courtyard where the gardens and fields are.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 06, 2017, 12:45:47 am

"Sure! Gotta have troops, y'know."

Accept some troops and soak in more information about the region, the road to Kodromota, anything to watch out for on the way or perhaps something to specifically seek out.

Inquire also if maybe the traders have a spare wagon or two. Entertain them with a story of our fabulous mission in return (minus the whole games thing, that's a bit implausible).

You get some more men for your little army. You're not really sure how many. You guess that will be your surprise tomorrow morning... or whenever these guys wake up from their eventual hangover. Good thing you seem to be holding your liqueur so far.

You get some general information about the surrounding area ((you know things about the area and can roll for slightly more obscure stuff)) but you seem to have unfortunately stumbled upon the most clueless group of traders there ever was. They don't know much of interest. All they tell you that is somewhat interesting is that there's a rich man's estate somewhere between Traveller's Rest and First Green. Its fields and warehouses are probably abandoned now, its guards gone. If it hasn't been looted by the invaders, you could do so yourself. They've thought about doing that themselves but they don't think the risk of the trip would be worth it.

They say that if you want them to part with their wagons, one of their most valuable possessions at the moment, you'll have to offer them something much better than a crazy story. Much more.

---

Staging Area

---

*blows into mic* : _{Is this thing on? Good.} Attention players! When ready, report to the courtyard for emergency mission briefing. :

Quote from: Beirus on February 05, 2017, 07:35:56 pm

William stares blankly at the dragon for a few moments before getting up from the ground and responding. "That all? You don't sound like the demon, and you fit in way too well with this environment for it not to be yours, so you must be the fucker that roped me into this whole thing, just like the fucking aliens that made me this monster. The one who took me from my friends. From my family. The one who didn't even bother to speak to me for the first three games. Didn't say shit when I got myself infected by a demon. Left me to do everything on my own, and I did damn well. And now you want to try to intimidate me? To berate me about what I want? Hell fucking no. You have some fucking nerve. What I want is some good whiskey and a goddamn explanation. You. Wanted. Me. And you fucking got me." Bill retorts, his voice becoming a low growl as this half naked man puts his face right up against the dragon's and stares it in the eyes.

This is probably a really bad idea.

He immediately snaps his teeth and tries to bite your head off, but you manage to partially dodge out of the way. You get slapped by his head and tumble backwards in the snow.
<I. DO NOT. CARE.>
He pounces towards you, snow streaming from his spread wings.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 05, 2017, 08:41:53 pm

"... Verily, I hath originally desired to return to mine original Liege. However, the short time I spent serving thee changed mine mind."

"For centuries I fought unsatisfying battles. T'was meaningless slaughter."

"Hither, I hath finally been challenged. Victory no longer is assured. And it leaves me feeling sanguine."

"An thou wilt, I wish to remain in thine service as thy Knight, so that I may slay thine foes."

Saevus likes this place more than his old home. What a surprise.

((A bit wordier than usual. Hopefully it still sounds as good as it sounded in my head.))

"Then it shall be as you desire." she says and nods.
"Now we have a final choice to make. Will there be a penultimate challenge for you? Or are you ready to face the final challenge?"
She turns around and walks through a portal to the staging area.
"Come with me. We shall find out what he is up to."

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 12:20:51 am

John sighed.  How long had he been in this place, really?  It felt like both years and a couple weeks.  How much time had passed where he came from?  Did it even matter? 

Did it?  He had what he wanted, didn't he?  Right?

"...Yes.  Let's dance."

It is time to dance.

You dance with her like you did when you first created her. For those few moments no thoughts or worries bother you. There is only dance, the only thing you focus on.

...

You end your dance and spend a few moments looking at each other. You briefly wonder if you might have been happier and more fulfilled if you had chosen a career as a dancer instead.

She takes a step back and takes a small bow.
"Thank you."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 06, 2017, 10:29:17 am

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

Kosak rises from his bow.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome son. Now. Is there something more? Otherwise, I wanna go see what that Charlie is plotting."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 06, 2017, 01:34:10 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

"I assume you're my sponsor?"

Upon the inevitable yes answer, Kosak reports to the emergency mission briefing.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 01:36:28 pm

"Thank you, as well.  It's been pleasant here, in the quiet parts.  Makes a nice change from the violence."  John sighed, a bit of a wistful look in his eyes.  "Well, I can't not go, I imagine.  When... whatever this is is over, I'm going to ask.  Ask if I can take you with me.  You never know with these guys.  But if not... I'll miss you."  John stopped, quietly looking down.  He then stepped closer and gave her a big hug.  It held on for a while, then he finished it with a quick kiss to the forehead.  "Take care of yourself."  John started to turn, then stopped.  "Oh hey!  If I... don't make it back, look for Alan.  He's a cool kid; really a laugh riot.  And... good luck out there."

John nodded his head, then headed out.

Report in.

On his way down the stairs, John looked up.  "Zero, status report on this mission?  Oh, and what's your performance evaluation of that one?

Also check in with Zero.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 06, 2017, 01:43:28 pm

"Hmm! They only lock the good waterslides, I'm on to something."

Attempt to push the gate open. Failing that, is is just wall beside the gates? If so, summon ladder!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 06, 2017, 03:09:12 pm

"Then FUCK! YOU!"

Japanese Monster Battle 2: Tentacle Harder. Transform. Charge. Deploy anchors and weapons. Try to muzzle and otherwise bind the dragon by wrapping him with my anchors before impaling it. Maybe keep one anchor free to slap the dragon with it. See what weapons I got.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 06, 2017, 05:34:06 pm

"The bar has a temple? Colour me suprised!"

Go get drunk with all the other mooks who are getting drunk.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 06, 2017, 05:45:39 pm

"I believe I shall require more power afore the final challenge."

Saevus follows after his mistress. And he'll do one more mission before his ultimate one.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 06, 2017, 06:57:17 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 06, 2017, 05:34:06 pm

"The bar has a temple? Colour me suprised!"

Go get drunk with all the other mooks who are getting drunk.

You join the other men at the bar as they drink and sing. Soon you are as drunk as they are, standing on a table and singing some song only you can understand. Some of the other patrons boo you and tell you to be quiet and you retort with
"Dthou you knaw who youz talkin to? I wonce ztabbed a robut that waz az big a- az big az-..."
Not being able to find something big enough to compare it to, you decide to make something, bending down and attempting to grab a cup so you can tsar it to immense proportions. You instead manage to slip while getting up and fall on your ass.
"Yesh. Laike thish."
Good thing you're too drunk to feel that right now. One more thing to add to the list of things that will be hurting next morning.
"Dontza warry, the booze is shtill okay, the booze is shtill okay." you reassure the men asking if you're OK as they help you up among laughter.
Indeed, there's still booze in the now semi-enlarged cup. Soon the men taste it and proclaim that it's actually quite good. The precise words one of them uses are "hits like the flaming warhammer of Kromgur". Soon they're all getting even more drunk, first doing some sort of bar game where you're supposed to say a word twister or drink more and then doing one where you're supposed to say something embarrassing or do something embarassing about you or someone else or drink more... or something like that, you aren't really sure, everything is a blur by now.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 06, 2017, 01:43:28 pm

"Hmm! They only lock the good waterslides, I'm on to something."

Attempt to push the gate open. Failing that, is is just wall beside the gates? If so, summon ladder!

Unsurprisingly, the gate is locked.

You manage to summon a small ladder that barely reaches the top of the wall and set it up next to the gate. You get up there and look down on the other side. Looks like it's quite the drop. Not enough to kill you unless you land on your head, but enough to hurt if you don't land right.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 06, 2017, 01:34:10 pm

Kosak Durar, Staging Area:

"I assume you're my sponsor?"

Upon the inevitable yes answer, Kosak reports to the emergency mission briefing.

"Sponsor? What do you think this is? AA? I'm your commanding officer and trainer! And while I take a hands off approach in training, I expect to be treated as such."

You walk through the desolate inn and out into the plazza, filled with more people than you're used to. The crow entity and the bartender entity are sitting on the edge of the fountain, laughing about something. Another entity is resting with his back on the inn, watching the rest with a smile. And then there's a female form made out of light arguing with the smoky form of Charlie.
"-this is completely irresponsible and unnecessary. We can handle this on our own. There's no need to get them involved."
"No, what there's no need of is all this complaining directed to me. The vote is done now. You know what comes next."
"I thought you were better than this."
*shrugs* "Sorry to disappoint."
"We gain nothing by needlessly endangering them like this. First you take Irine and now this-"
"I didn't take her. There was a vote, fair and square. You knew the rules when you joined, so stop blaming me."
"But you are the one who-"
"Right! What are you dirty commies planning here?"
You get the feeling Charlie is pleased with the interruption.
"Hehehe. Come on, you know the vote results. Let's wait for a bit before we let them know what the big surprise is like we agreed, eh? Building up the anticipation is half the fun."
"I'll play along with your tricks for now. But I still think it's red propaganda."

More players are currently arriving to the plaza through doorways and portals.

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 01:36:28 pm

"Thank you, as well.  It's been pleasant here, in the quiet parts.  Makes a nice change from the violence."  John sighed, a bit of a wistful look in his eyes.  "Well, I can't not go, I imagine.  When... whatever this is is over, I'm going to ask.  Ask if I can take you with me.  You never know with these guys.  But if not... I'll miss you."  John stopped, quietly looking down.  He then stepped closer and gave her a big hug.  It held on for a while, then he finished it with a quick kiss to the forehead.

She looks surprised by your words and even more surprised by your hug. A moment later she hugs you back and presses her cheek against yours.
"Thank you. I would like that."

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 01:36:28 pm

"Take care of yourself."  John started to turn, then stopped.  "Oh hey!  If I... don't make it back, look for Alan.  He's a cool kid; really a laugh riot.  And... good luck out there."

John nodded his head, then headed out.

"Make it back, John. That is what I want. Even if it is for the last time. Make it back."

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 01:36:28 pm

On his way down the stairs, John looked up.  "Zero, status report on this mission?  Oh, and what's your performance evaluation of that one?

Also check in with Zero.

<Performance was adequate. Most difficulties were caused by chance and uncontrollable environmental factors. This unit evaluates you as highly recommended for participation in the final challenge. The only reason player 5 has not been shifted to the final challenge directly is unforeseen circumstances that could benefit more from his immediate attention.>

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 01:36:28 pm

Report in.

You arrive at the plaza and witness the congregation of players and entities.
"The machine-man with machine-hearts. Just who I wanted to see." Charlie greets you.
"Loved your performance last mission, by the way."

Quote from: Beirus on February 06, 2017, 03:09:12 pm

"Then FUCK! YOU!"

Japanese Monster Battle 2: Tentacle Harder. Transform. Charge. Deploy anchors and weapons. Try to muzzle and otherwise bind the dragon by wrapping him with my anchors before impaling it. Maybe keep one anchor free to slap the dragon with it. See what weapons I got.

((Punch in snout to establish superiority :P))

You immediately deploy in an explosion of flesh, bone and energy, catching him as he swoops down in your numerous anchors. There's a contest of strength for a few moments as you try to tie him down and he tries to break free, biting and slashing at you. You eventually manage to restrain him, if only barely. He is still struggling, snorting angrily, his tail still whipping about. (From this angle you can see that its tip and underside are also made out of that black material. Getting impaled by it could be painful.) Damn bastard is slippery. Then again, it's what you'd expect from an ice dragon that's literally covered in ice.

You've got two large turrets that can shoot bolts of energy. They're made out of a core, a spike that's constantly shooting sparks and radiating heat, so you could probably also use them as a stabbing weapon.

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 06, 2017, 05:45:39 pm

"I believe I shall require more power afore the final challenge."

Saevus follows after his mistress. And he'll do one more mission before his ultimate one.

You join the growing number of people in the plaza. One of the entities looks at you from where it's leaning against a wall and grins.
"Ah, and here they are. The soul without a man and the woman without a soul. What a fitting pair. He he he."
She ignores him and continues towards the fountain.

You get the feeling someone else is  at at the moment doing something for which you'd be more thematically appropriate... Oh well, nothing you can do about it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 06, 2017, 07:42:52 pm

Fortunately for me I can summon fluffy mattresses! Jump down onto one. Nothing will deter me from this extremely stupid course of action!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 08:32:14 pm

John waved.  "Thanks, Charlie.  I take it something weird is up?  You know, weirder than usual.  Hey, barman!  So hey, what's Alan up to?  I haven't seen him in a while."

Check in.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 06, 2017, 09:27:00 pm

"Quit strugglin' or I'll shoot yer tail off. Give me my damn answers. And my whiskey."

Keep him bound. If he continues struggling or tries to escape, blast his tail and wings off or stab him a few times to make my point.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 11:24:04 pm

((Have I mentioned lately that this game is awesome?  Because this game is awesome.))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 07, 2017, 11:05:39 am

Keep immersing myself in this excellent worldbuilding so that I may pluck ideas from it at opportune moments later.

As for the wagon, what do the traders need it for? Did they come here with goods they would care to sell? If yes, what kind?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2017, 03:40:08 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 06, 2017, 07:42:52 pm

Fortunately for me I can summon fluffy mattresses! Jump down onto one. Nothing will deter me from this extremely stupid course of action!

You summon a small pillow. Then you summon a giant mattress that falls down with a loud thump, bouncing a bit before stabilizing. You jump down, bounce off the mattress and then fall on the ground. Not the most dignified landing but it will do.

You start walking through the path, making your way right through the fields separating you from the temple, the constant sound of flowing water accompanying you and helping to mask the sound of your footsteps.

You haven't been walking for more than a couple of minutes when you notice someone holding some sort of lantern coming from your right in the next intersection. You can barely see their form through the reed-like plants.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 07, 2017, 11:05:39 am

Keep immersing myself in this excellent worldbuilding so that I may pluck ideas from it at opportune moments later.

As for the wagon, what do the traders need it for? Did they come here with goods they would care to sell? If yes, what kind?

You buy the traders another round and try to get them to talk a bit more about why they're here and what they're trading.

One of them tells you that he actually got pretty lucky. He was carrying all sorts of tools forged on Kodromota. He was originally on his way to Ineth but decided to come here when he heard about all the trouble in the city. The monks actually bought much of his equipment at a reasonable price and managed to get some good money. Now he's just waiting for the nomad traders to arrive, hoping he can convince one of them to take him with them in exchange for the weapons he hasn't sold yet. Good thing he's too drunk to realise he just told a complete stranger he has a great deal of money hidden somewhere.

Another tells you that he was carrying exotic crafts (mostly woven products) from the Sovereignty, some of the last that were left in Kodromota (and in his stock) before they closed the border. He was hoping he could market them to stupid rich folk in Ineth as "limited collector items" and make a killer profit. Now, however, there's not much of a market about this sort of stuff. Maybe he could make his way south, beyond the Scar, although he is not certain about how much lover there is for Sovereignty goods right now.

A third tells you that he was actually coming back from a delivery to one of his most important clients. No wagon for him, just his finest horse. He's an expert at "acquiring rare items", whatever that means. His most valued resource is his contacts and these sorts of things tend to degrade very badly during a war. He's seriously considering going to the east to help the military, since getting back to his stash in Kodromota is out of the question. Who knows? Maybe they could have some use for his contacts and people skills.  If he's lucky and his half-brother is still in the military (and still alive) he could have him vouch for him.

A fourth tells you he has no wagon and nothing you'd be interested in. Looks like he doesn't want to talk about it. Might be something valuable.

A fifth tells you he's carrying raw materials, mostly processed ore, coal and various processed oils, both for use in foods and in industry, purchased from various settlements on the eastern mountains during Mireshime's Fair. He's probably going to head south soon, he might be able to get rid of those stuff in one of the nearby villages, although he is not certain what he's going to do after that.

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 08:32:14 pm

John waved.  "Hey, barman!  So hey, what's Alan up to?  I haven't seen him in a while."

*shrugs* "Something crazy and fun, I would imagine. You know how that guy is. Last report says he's probably still alive. Which is to say, we know the mission isn't a TPK yet and I know that guy is too damn lucky to die when there's people around he could torture. Still don't know what's taking them so long though. So take that how you will."

Quote from: Toaster on February 06, 2017, 08:32:14 pm

John waved.  "Thanks, Charlie.  I take it something weird is up?  You know, weirder than usual."

Check in.

"Yeah, you got that right. There is a very unstable situation at the moment that is unfolding very quickly. I'm going to need the best you Special People have to offer on this job. That means you and the suit, along with anyone else who's willing to help. If your entities agree, of course, but I get the feeling they will."

"But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Give me a moment and I'll start the briefing."

((This'll take a while to write. Should be done by the end of the week, probably sooner.))

Quote from: Beirus on February 06, 2017, 09:27:00 pm

"Quit strugglin' or I'll shoot yer tail off. Give me my damn answers. And my whiskey."

Keep him bound. If he continues struggling or tries to escape, blast his tail and wings off or stab him a few times to make my point.

He manages to loosen your grip a bit, just enough to start biting the nearest tentacles and tearing them apart. You retaliate by stabbing him in the head and firing a massive bolt of energy. Your enemy disappears in an explosion of steam and boiling blood.

For a moment you wonder if you might have overshoot a bit, gone a bit too far. But a moment later the howling wind clears the steam away, revealing a massive gash starting from the top of the creature's head and going all the way down its neck. However the damage doesn't go beyond that layer of ice and flesh. Below it you can see more of that black material forming something like the creature's endoskeleton, now glowing red-hot from absorbing the energy of your discharge. It seems to have stopped it from progressing further.

He roars and redoubles his efforts to break free. Ice is starting to grow all over his body, forming tiny spikes, although all they do for now is give your tentacles better traction. You can feel your tentacles growing extremely cold wherever they're touching him. You can feel the heat getting sucked out of them, the cold spreading across them. His bleeding has already stopped and his wound is closing, expanding ice taking the place of flesh.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Zormod on February 07, 2017, 03:45:08 pm

"Would you be kind enough to direct me toward the courtyard, sir?"

Head to the courtyard.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 07, 2017, 03:47:25 pm

Constrict and crush him. Stab him. Shoot him. Maybe shove the spike in his mouth and blast his internals if he keeps trying to bite me. That endoskeleton is tough, so I don't need to hold back. Keep charging. Will myself to charge faster or blast harder, or to produce an RME that will help me out.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 07, 2017, 05:01:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2017, 03:40:08 pm

*shrugs* "Something crazy and fun, I would imagine. You know how that guy is. Last report says he's probably still alive. Which is to say, we know the mission isn't a TPK yet and I know that guy is too damn lucky to die when there's people around he could torture. Still don't know what's taking them so long though. So take that how you will."

"Hah, no kidding.  That guy's a laugh riot; I'd hate to see something bad happen to him."  John paused a moment.  "So... what exactly happens after the so-called final challenge?"  Something told John that Rodger would be less evasive about the answer.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2017, 03:40:08 pm

"Yeah, you got that right. There is a very unstable situation at the moment that is unfolding very quickly. I'm going to need the best you Special People have to offer on this job. That means you and the suit, along with anyone else who's willing to help. If your entities agree, of course, but I get the feeling they will."

"But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Give me a moment and I'll start the briefing."

"I see.  I'm in, sure, and I think Zero sounded committed.  Sure, yeah.  I'll go bother the others while you get together."

Noticing Saevus, John walked up to him and nodded his head.  "Well played, Saevus.  I thought you had me back there for a bit.  I'm not sure what that goo was, but it was nasty."


Feeling the need to test his new abilities, John summoned a small recon drone.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 07, 2017, 05:04:31 pm

Well, if the first guy is going to sell his weapons in return for getting a ride with the nomads, what use does he have for the wagon? It'll only slow him down, I should think.

As for the third, maybe he can come along with us? He seems like a crafty sort and we're going to probably link up with the military at some point. Safety in numbers, says I.

Beyond that, sleep until morning to see the Head Waiter!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 07, 2017, 08:10:49 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 07, 2017, 05:01:36 pm

Noticing Saevus, John walked up to him and nodded his head.  "Well played, Saevus.  I thought you had me back there for a bit.  I'm not sure what that goo was, but it was nasty."

"T'was an enjoyable battle. Thou foughtest well. However, next time it shall be mine victory."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 07, 2017, 08:59:09 pm

"Hey, maybe we'll be working together on this one.  If so, there's nothing that can stop us!"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 07, 2017, 09:14:09 pm

((...Can someone remind me what I was doing?))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Hawk132 on February 07, 2017, 09:19:17 pm

"Indeed. An we join forces, few shall match our mettle."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 08, 2017, 04:17:50 am

Paris, I've gotten confused about where the war is in relation to our travels, will we reach Nether Pass first?

Also, Irine should be able to sense bond-formers right now, right? did she detect Riverinside his soulsphere, and did she detect him when he left? what is her detection radius approximately?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 08, 2017, 04:39:39 am

"Hello friendo!"

A new friend! Greet him/her in the proper fashion, by running full-tilt towards them in excitement!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 08, 2017, 06:29:56 am

Gaaaah I thought this had been posted a day ago!

> Wave at the people in the distance (but be sure to secure and hide all items on person that seem pretty suspicious, like that soulstone. Move to a side, and have Irine resting on the shoulder opposite so that I block any vision to her face if-in-case-she's-awake.

> Quickly check in with San on details about the people. Examples include: Do you know them/are you familiar with them? Is there anything jogging your memory about their clothing? Could you tell me more about this area? Is it normal for people to pass through here?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 08, 2017, 07:12:37 am

((Um, please note that I'm in full-fox form, hiding my face doesn't do anything but keep me from seeing.))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 08, 2017, 08:14:50 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 08, 2017, 07:12:37 am

((Um, please note that I'm in full-fox form, hiding my face doesn't do anything but keep me from seeing.))

((It keeps them from seeing if you're awake :P I'm playing you as asleep!))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 08, 2017, 01:14:03 pm

Get the strongest bottle of the strongest drink in this establishment. Tsar it and pass it around.
"Ha ha! Drink up!"

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2017, 07:25:52 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 07, 2017, 09:14:09 pm

((...Can someone remind me what I was doing?))

I sent you a PM with your upgrades. You can start with that. Otherwise you can assume you're with the others in the courtyard, waiting for the briefing to start.

Quote from: Toaster on February 07, 2017, 05:01:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2017, 03:40:08 pm

*shrugs* "Something crazy and fun, I would imagine. You know how that guy is. Last report says he's probably still alive. Which is to say, we know the mission isn't a TPK yet and I know that guy is too damn lucky to die when there's people around he could torture. Still don't know what's taking them so long though. So take that how you will."

"Hah, no kidding.  That guy's a laugh riot; I'd hate to see something bad happen to him."  John paused a moment.  "So... what exactly happens after the so-called final challenge?"  Something told John that Rodger would be less evasive about the answer.

<Basically? You're thrown back where you came from, unless your entity has made special arrangements to transfer you somewhere else, but that's quite rare. That's almost all that the rules require of us.

Of course it rarely is as simple as that. The entity that chose you is very likely either in control of wherever you come from or has a vested interested in that place. And they know that if you survive your final challenge, they'll be leaving a pretty powerful individual in the middle of that place. You can bet your butt it won't be the last time you'll hear from them.

However being in a world influenced by them can also be a perk, since many tend to grant a wish or final request to those who complete their final challenge successfully. So if you've got something you really really want, you could get it. Please don't be so unimaginative as to say "money, power and sex", with powers like yours I bet you could get all three easily... assuming they don't lock you up somewhere to run tests on you.>

Quote from: Toaster on February 07, 2017, 05:01:36 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 07, 2017, 03:40:08 pm

"Yeah, you got that right. There is a very unstable situation at the moment that is unfolding very quickly. I'm going to need the best you Special People have to offer on this job. That means you and the suit, along with anyone else who's willing to help. If your entities agree, of course, but I get the feeling they will."

"But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Give me a moment and I'll start the briefing."

"I see.  I'm in, sure, and I think Zero sounded committed.  Sure, yeah.  I'll go bother the others while you get together."

Noticing Saevus, John walked up to him and nodded his head.  "Well played, Saevus.  I thought you had me back there for a bit.  I'm not sure what that goo was, but it was nasty."

Feeling the need to test his new abilities, John summoned a small recon drone.

You summon a small floating spherical arrangement of parts. It begins zipping around by using the twin fans at its equator, scanning things at random with a blue beam and emitting various beeping noises as a result. Charlie shoos it away like it's an annoying fly before it can get a good scan and it emits some displeased beeping noises as a result. From what you can tell, the number of beeps indicates danger or usefulness or magic or something like that, since it beeps more when it scans Saevus than it does when it scans that guy with the vortices than it does when it scans inanimate objects. Then there's also pitch and tempo which you have no idea what they mean. Maybe you should get an upgrade that lets you summon the manual as well.

Quote from: Zormod on February 07, 2017, 03:45:08 pm

"Would you be kind enough to direct me toward the courtyard, sir?"

Head to the courtyard.

"Yes. Go through the door."

You follow his directions and end up in the courtyard along with the rest of the players. A drone immediately gets in your face and starts scanning you with a blue beam. That would probably be even more uncomfortable if you saw with your human eyes.

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 07, 2017, 03:47:25 pm

Constrict and crush him. Stab him. Shoot him. Maybe shove the spike in his mouth and blast his internals if he keeps trying to bite me. That endoskeleton is tough, so I don't need to hold back. Keep charging. Will myself to charge faster or blast harder, or to produce an RME that will help me out.

You attempt to constrict him but your already tenuous grip has slipped even more. Your anchors are not so much holding him as they are just getting in his way anymore. It might be for the best, if this had kept going you would have started to lose control of some of your anchors due to the extreme cold anyway.

You fire a barrage of energy blasts on him while trying to hit him in the mouth. You blast the flesh off his head and a good part of his back, but don't manage any devastating blows. At first he continues blindly attacking you, even after you blast his eyes off. He finally jumps away, trying to hit your core with his tail as he does so, but is blocked by your anchors, only managing to slice through one of them. He lands with his side facing you.

By now there's not much flesh on his head, it's nothing more than a glowing white-hot skull with only a bit of flesh showing inside his mouth through his teeth. Yet despite that, you get the feeling he is looking right at you. You can't see any weakpoints though, his head's vaguely pyramidal shape hides any joints you could hit while he is facing you. You can see that the heat has spread through most of his body by now as even the tip of his tail has started to glow a bright red. Yet the inside of his mouth is still dark, so that thing must have some interesting heat-conduction properties.

He stand there for a moment, looking at you. His tail slides against the snow, releasing a small cloud of steam due to the heat. And yet ice is still growing on him, replacing the missing flesh. His back actually appears to be cooling off, the glow fading. His angry half-growl breaths tell you this fight is probably not over yet. Still, he is no longer blindly attacking, so he might be taking you a bit more seriously now.

Your core glows brightly for a moment. The glow spreads to the field surrounding your core and escapes in the form of four orbs of light. They land and embed themselves on your anchors at random, forming egg-shaped protrusions made out of a fragile-looking glass-like substance.

((You can try to suppress your RMEs to charge faster.))

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 08, 2017, 01:14:03 pm

Get the strongest bottle of the strongest drink in this establishment. Tsar it and pass it around.
"Ha ha! Drink up!"

Oh dear...

...

A bunch of dwarves are hammering your head and the sun is trying to burn your eyes through your eyelids. At least this bed is somewhat soft and someone has left you naked so your sweat does not feel that bad. You pull the covers tightly over your head to try and shield your eyes from the sun and noise coming from outside.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 07, 2017, 05:04:31 pm

Well, if the first guy is going to sell his weapons in return for getting a ride with the nomads, what use does he have for the wagon? It'll only slow him down, I should think.

As for the third, maybe he can come along with us? He seems like a crafty sort and we're going to probably link up with the military at some point. Safety in numbers, says I.

Beyond that, sleep until morning to see the Head Waiter!

(("Head Waiter! I wish to make a complaint! There's a fly in my water! Flies in water are unacceptable! This basin is unacceptable! Unacceptable! UNACCEPTABLE!"))

You try to convince the first trader that he has no need for the wagon and so he should just give it away to you. The mention of "giving away" appears to elicit some sort of instinctive response out of him and he immediately says no and keeps saying no to any further arguments. Maybe you could somehow have him earn something out of it?

The third considers your offer for a moment before accepting. He says he'll get his business in order tomorrow and then join up with the rest.

((Assuming you have nothing to add)) you bid the traders farewell and wish them good luck. They seemed to have enjoyed meeting with you or at least drinking for free with you. One of them tells you that if you do make it in your crazy journey to Kodromota, you should talk to the Guildmaster, Skacren-Ett, show him a little stone figurine he hands to you and tell him he sent you. If the Denion Trading Guild still has any presence there, this should help curry some favour with them.

You get up and make your way to the bartender. On the way you notice Nikolai has created some horrid mug that menaces with spikes and the certainty of future hangovers. Your men are daring each other to drink it. You're certain this won't end badly for anyone involved so you continue on your way.

You ask the bartender if he has any rooms available. He says he does not, but he directs you to someone who might have something available. As you leave the inn, you are approached by a hooded man. He says he heard about your skills (no doubt thanks to your men talking around) and that he has a job to offer to you, if you are interested, but it would be best if you discussed away from anyone who could overhear. Do you wish to follow the shady man to an isolated place and listen to what he has to say?

Quote from: Xantalos on February 08, 2017, 04:39:39 am

"Hello friendo!"

A new friend! Greet him/her in the proper fashion, by running full-tilt towards them in excitement!

You run full speed towards the walking figure just as she rounds the corner. There's a momentary surprise in her eyes before she jumps out of the way, barely avoiding your charge. You're going too fast to stop and end up falling straight into the fields of reed-like plants, landing in the water with a loud splash. Luckily the water isn't too deep.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 08, 2017, 04:17:50 am

Paris, I've gotten confused about where the war is in relation to our travels, will we reach Nether Pass first?

Also, Irine should be able to sense bond-formers right now, right? did she detect Riverinside his soulsphere, and did she detect him when he left? what is her detection radius approximately?

The "war" (although Ike knows now it is more of an occupation, since it doesn't sound like there's much fighting going on) extends (again, based on what on Ike knows) to Kodromota and the surrounding villages and settlements. Assuming you don't draw too much attention, you could probably make it there unhindered, although the occupation will probably make it harder to move. I can MSPaint a quick map to show you more or less what's going on if it would help.

Well, assuming you spent some time putting River's soulsphere in various distances and trying to sense it, you'd figure out that you have to be pretty close to reliably sense anything, within grabbing distance, and even then it was easy to miss. It's not a very easy to describe feeling. Like a weight in your chest that is so light you can sort of feel it but aren't sure if you're just imagining it. Who knows? Maybe you were just imagining it. Maybe you were just feeling his presence like you normally do when you're too close to the soulsphere. Or maybe you need to have some preexisting magical sense to be able to feel things like that. Or, didn't River say you had a part of him inside you as well? Maybe it was that part of you resonating you were feeling, nothing more. Or maybe bond-formers have to interact with you in a special way for you to gain that sense, maybe the interactions you've had with bond-formers so far were "wrong", in a way. Then again, he was in a soulsphere, so maybe that made things harder. Or maybe he was intentionally trying to hide, even then. Now that you think about it, you also felt something quite similar to how River feels when you were approaching that village where you fought that shadow monster, like you were being watched, which in retrospect makes sense since River was involved.  So maybe the "trying to hide" theory has merit, since you were able to sense that from much further away? You have no idea. Maybe you just need to practice.

To sum up, you might be able to tell if River is nearby, if you concentrate or are lucky or maybe some other condition is met that you aren't certain about at the moment. You're not sure what the deal is with other bond-formers. You'll probably just have to wait until you come across one.

You didn't feel anything when he left. Well, no, that's a lie, you did feel his presence but there wasn't anything especially different this time compared to all the other times he was using his magic.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 08, 2017, 06:29:56 am

Gaaaah I thought this had been posted a day ago!

> Wave at the people in the distance (but be sure to secure and hide all items on person that seem pretty suspicious, like that soulstone. Move to a side, and have Irine resting on the shoulder opposite so that I block any vision to her face if-in-case-she's-awake.

> Quickly check in with San on details about the people. Examples include: Do you know them/are you familiar with them? Is there anything jogging your memory about their clothing? Could you tell me more about this area? Is it normal for people to pass through here?

You stand out of the way, carefully hide all items that could be considered weird or intimidating and then sit down in a non-threatening manner and await their arrival. As they get closer, you ask San about them.

"Could you tell me more about this area? Is it normal for people to pass through here?"
"I don't know much about this place. People pass through here often. It is the main road connecting the east and west sides of the kingdom. I don't think anybody lives nearby though. People just pass through here. I think it's because there are not many plants or animals or much water here. With so few stuff here people would not be able to live here together so they would just get lonely so nobody lives here. That's what I think, anyway."

By now they are close enough that you can clearly make out their clothes and faces. And the same must be true for them. You can see the change in their behaviour as they realize what you are, their surprise followed by fear and then brief deliberation before they continue advancing, more wearily now, some of them holding small knives.

San scoots a bit closer to you.
"Are they going to attack us?"
"Don't worry San. They're just scared. They don't want to fight just like we don't want to fight."
Your words manage to reassure him a bit but he remains close to you.
"Do you know these people?"
"No... I mean, I don't think so."
"Are you sure? Maybe their clothes look familiar?"
San squints, trying to make out every detail.
"No, I-"
And then suddenly his face lights up.
"Wait, I know him!"
Before you can stop him, San gets up and runs towards them, shouting "Hey! Wait! It's OK! Don't be afraid!"
One of the travellers stands in front holding his knife in front of him while the rest take a few steps back.
"Stay back! Stay back or I swear to Krolm I'll gut you! I'll do it!"
San stops, shocked.
"I-It's me. Don't you remember? I was on my own and you helped me find the others?"
"Oh. You're- Yes, I remember. You're that boy. Erm..."
"San."
"Yes, San. What are you doing here, boy?"
"Just traveling."
"With her?"
"Don't worry. She's nice."
He doesn't look convinced, but he lowers his knife.
"It's dangerous what you're doing."
"No, I mean it, she's really nice, she-"
"Not her. Well, not only her. You shouldn't be going east. Things aren't good."
"What do you mean?"
"People are being taken. They're enslaving everyone for the slightest offense, true or false."
"Well... I'll just have to be careful then. I need to find my dad."

With the situation being less tense now, San continues speaking with the man for a while, trying to get information that could tell him where his dad might be hiding while the man tries to convince San to abandon this quest and come with him.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 08, 2017, 08:45:18 pm

John's eyes go a bit distant for a moment.  "A final request.  Huh... yeah, I might think about that.   Buh, uh, yeah.  I don't know; some pretty crazy stuff has already happened in my time; I'm not sure how much more crazy I could make it.  I'd have time to lay low, and time's certainly on my side."  John waved.   "Thanks buddy!"

John walked back after the drone.  "Come here, you."

Catch the drone and sense it.  Get detailed information on it.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 08, 2017, 10:17:33 pm

Alan rolls over in the water to look up at his new unfortunate victim acquaintance, assuming they've come to look at him."That's not how you do running hugs, you know, but hey, practice makes perfect. I'm Alan, who are you?"

Strike up conversation!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 08, 2017, 10:20:33 pm

Smack him with the glass orbs on the anchors and keep firing. Or retract and redeploy anchors to try to ensnare him and keep firing. Keep charging. Hope for a useful RME.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 12:32:37 am

darn it, I should have had Irine pass her hand through the spot River's sphere was at, since he is known to use invisibility.

Still resting.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 09, 2017, 05:44:49 am

"We can help!"
Theri lifted Irine as she stood up, carrying her on her back with both arms casually holding her.

"And by that, I didn't mean anything bad. Like 'make more people disappear'; hello, my name is Theri. We found San in a village a ways back there, he was wounded, we helped save the village from shadow creatures--him being wounded and found was after the village got-..."

Issue a tactful and polite dialogue with the nice folks, obviously not interrupting and speaking as the dialogue flows naturally.

Also say that it's okay for them to keep their knives out if they feel afraid, and before I get ahead of myself in being too friendly, inquire about them and their origins. Any areas nearby, etc. As an aside if or what they know about the monastery.

Maybe end with a 'could I ask how you're related to San?'.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 06:09:53 am

Ima jus restin har.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 09, 2017, 06:39:10 am

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 06:09:53 am

Ima jus restin har.

While San is still talking to the people and Theri is still inconspicuous before she speaks...
Theri stretched an arm, happy enough to carry her resting friend.
"Hey Irine, they can't see your face so please check around for our objective and anything else you can think of. I'll take care of this. Rest well. San knows these folks, he talked about them back when we were both healing together. Probably related to the attacks on these villages lately. Said attacks being connected to our main objective...and River."

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 09, 2017, 11:55:37 am

Check if I'm waking up back in my bunker, from a very strange and very long dream?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2017, 12:12:58 pm

"Well aren't you just the most delightfully conspicuous thing. Lead on!"

Shady offers go! Keep an ear out for trouble, and my hands on my valuables.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2017, 12:19:27 pm

Kosak Durar, Emergency Briefing:

"Eh? What's this?"

Kosak eyes the drone suspiciously. If it gets too close to him, it's probably going to get crushed.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 09, 2017, 04:29:59 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 08, 2017, 08:45:18 pm

John's eyes go a bit distant for a moment.  "A final request.  Huh... yeah, I might think about that.   Buh, uh, yeah.  I don't know; some pretty crazy stuff has already happened in my time; I'm not sure how much more crazy I could make it.  I'd have time to lay low, and time's certainly on my side."  John waved.   "Thanks buddy!"

John walked back after the drone.  "Come here, you."

Catch the drone and sense it.  Get detailed information on it.

You go to the drone. It obeys your command and moves closer to you. Or maybe it's just curious, because it starts scanning you. But you just snatch it out of the air. It revs its rotors a couple of times, tugging your hand like an excited dog tugging its leash, but it eventually settles down. Its sensor keeps looking around nervously.

From the looks of it, the drone is nothing special. A long lasting battery, a couple of rotors at its core that can move at different speeds, positioned on tiny actuators so that they can tilt to different directions independent from one another, a lightweight shell probably made out of some plastic, a small array of processors, a speaker and a microphone, some more plastic to keep it all together and some wires and optic fibers to connect everything. The only thing that makes this something more than a high quality drone is its "eye", since it actually has a good deal of sensors and emitters crammed in there. You're not sure what exactly goes on in its processor but it's certainly getting a lot of data to process.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 09, 2017, 12:19:27 pm

Kosak Durar, Emergency Briefing:

"Eh? What's this?"

Kosak eyes the drone suspiciously. If it gets too close to him, it's probably going to get crushed.

You and The Captain stand with your arms crossed, eyeing the drone suspiciously as it approaches. The drone is snatched by John before it can get too close.
"I bet it just wants to mess up my lawn. Damn drones."
You keep a close eye on it, just in case.

Quote from: Beirus on February 08, 2017, 10:20:33 pm

Smack him with the glass orbs on the anchors and keep firing. Or retract and redeploy anchors to try to ensnare him and keep firing. Keep charging. Hope for a useful RME.

He lowers his stance, getting ready to pounce. You bring down your anchors for an overhead smash but he jumps out of the way. The moment the glass orbs slam against the ground they shatter, releasing the psychic scream trapped inside. The blast of psychic energy is apparently enough to through him off balance, causing him to fumble his jump. He lands behind you, slamming on his side and tumbling, making a few rolls before he disappears in a cloud of steam. The psychic blast also affects you but it's nothing you can't handle. This isn't the first time you've had your mind assaulted.

You immediately start firing a barrage of energy bolts into the cloud, not willing to give him a chance to recover. He is not deterred. A few seconds later he is half-running half-sliding towards you and slightly to your left, dragging the red-hot tips of his wings against the snow and raising a big cloud of steam in the process. You try to hit him as he passes by you but your aim is way off. For a few moments until the steam clears you have no clear sight of him. You try a blind strike but you don't hear it hitting anything.

What you do hear through the howling wind is a single thumping of wings, realizing too late that he has jumped and is gliding above ground somewhere. You spot him a moment later, a red-grey blur in the snowstorm, rearing like a flying horse, showing you his glowing underbelly.

While all this was going on, a bunch of weirdly-shaped, shiny and vaguely conical devices appeared on the bottom of your core, filled with a fizzing liquid. They're bulging outwards as if at any moment they'll burst open.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 08, 2017, 10:17:33 pm

Alan rolls over in the water to look up at his new unfortunate victim acquaintance, assuming they've come to look at him."That's not how you do running hugs, you know, but hey, practice makes perfect. I'm Alan, who are you?"

Strike up conversation!

You hear the woman pick up her lantern and get back on her feet with a few curses. She approaches the point you fell and holds her lantern up, trying to get a better look at you, allowing you to get a better look at her in the process. It's a middle-aged woman wearing a low quality wool coat with a bit of fur to keep the neck more warm. She finds you lazily lying on your back, floating on top of the water and a bunch of bent plants.
"That's not how you do running hugs, you know, but hey, practice makes perfect. I'm Alan, who are you?"
"I'm- Who- WHY are you here? What are you doing here? Why did you run towards me? Why are you just lying there?" she asks, raising her hands as if she's trying to keep herself from shaking the answers out of you.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 09, 2017, 12:12:58 pm

"Well aren't you just the most delightfully conspicuous thing. Lead on!"

Shady offers go! Keep an ear out for trouble, and my hands on my valuables.

The man leads you to a secluded location and, after making sure nobody followed you, cuts to the chase. He says there's an object that really interests him inside the temple. While reaching it normally would be quite hard, it should be quite easy to reach for a man with your skills. There is a waterfall inside the temple, just beyond the entrance. If you climb through it, you'll be able to reach the room it is in bypassing all physical and most magical defences. You don't have to worry about those, he will give you a hex that will temporarily disable any magical defences left.

The object he's looking for is a golden staff with a rather sizable hemi-spherical blue glass orb on its top. All you have to do is get in, activate the hex, grab the staff and get it to him. He says he'll pay you enough money to make you rich and you can keep any other valuables you find in there as long as he gets the staff.

He says he heard that you have a meeting with the Headwater in the morning, so you could try doing it then. Or you could wait until it's night and he could cause some sort of distraction he's been planning to help you get in, although he doesn't mention the specifics. Or you could do something else, he doesn't care that much about how you do it. Whatever approach you decide to take however, he must have the staff by tomorrow morning.

Quote from: NAV on February 09, 2017, 11:55:37 am

Check if I'm waking up back in my bunker, from a very strange and very long dream?

You try to raise your head and look around but the sun burns your eyes, you lose your balance and you fall off the bed. You stay on the floor for a few seconds. You attempt to moan in pain but your throat is dry and all you manage to do is cough, which only makes your dizziness worse.

You cover your eyes and try to look at the room through your fingers. It's quite small, something like 2x2 meters, just enough to hold a bunk bed, a tiny table and a chair (which you thankfully missed while falling). There's a few personal belongings around that you can see from the ground. There's a bag under the bed. You recognize your clothes squeezed between the bed and a wall. There's some more clothes on the chair.

Overall, not the worst place you could have woken up in. You're not missing any kidneys and you are not behind bars. Unless you did something stupid that you're really going to regret, this will probably turn out fine. Well, something you're going to regret more than drinking all that... whatever that was. You're not really sure. Most of your recent history is all a hazy blur. You remember going into a bar, some shouting, some dancing... No, you can't remember anything concrete. It's just a few disconnected images and feelings.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 06:09:53 am

Ima jus restin har.

I don't know why but I read that in a stereotypical Jamaican accent.
Although you're probably more at this state (https://youtu.be/AcB-urQBYeQ) right about now.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 09, 2017, 05:44:49 am

"We can help!"
Theri lifted Irine as she stood up, carrying her on her back with both arms casually holding her.

"And by that, I didn't mean anything bad. Like 'make more people disappear'; hello, my name is Theri. We found San in a village a ways back there, he was wounded, we helped save the village from shadow creatures--him being wounded and found was after the village got-..."

Issue a tactful and polite dialogue with the nice folks, obviously not interrupting and speaking as the dialogue flows naturally.

Also say that it's okay for them to keep their knives out if they feel afraid, and before I get ahead of myself in being too friendly, inquire about them and their origins. Any areas nearby, etc. As an aside if or what they know about the monastery.

Maybe end with a 'could I ask how you're related to San?'.

They say they are traveling west from the village of Traveller's Rest to try to reach someplace that was safer. Hearing you talk about all the bad things happening in the west makes them a bit more desperate. You try to reassure them that things are better now, but they aren't convinced.

They say they secretly sneaked out of their village and have been on the road ever since. They say they've been traveling for a few days now and haven't encountered anything beyond a few wild animals. There was that one time where they hid from a group of strangers they saw wandering around close to the road, just to be on the safe side. They didn't look dangerous, just weird, just slowly walking around with no apparent purpose. The worst thing that has happened to them so far was when some animal stole some of their food when they made a brief stop to rest this morning.

They say the monastery doesn't sound like a great place to be in. People living there are practically slaves, working all day for a bit of food and no coin. Still, it might be the safest place to be at the moment. The monks were always good at keeping those who wished people harm away. They might head there if things really are that bad in Road's End. Or maybe they'll just head south.

The man says he's not actually related to San, he merely saw the boy while San was traveling through his village. San had become separated from the group he was traveling with and the man helped the boy find them and rejoin them.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 05:12:41 pm

Private to Theri: <River took their food, not a random animal, and those people wandering about were probably zombies of some kind. finding out where and when those happened could be important.>
No action yet.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2017, 06:53:59 am

Ike steeples his fingers.

"You make a fine offer, good sir, I will take it under careful consideration!"

What's this hex? Is it cast on me? If that's the case, I'm going to need to refuse. If it's an object, however, he can hand it to me in that case.

Then pack it in for the night. Make sure to find and tuck in Alan lest he get too restless.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 10, 2017, 07:33:20 am

<But that was this 'morning'. As in, 'in between now and when we met "River" in the church'. Anyway I'll thank them for their politeness and keep San by my side, or ask them to voice their concerns.>

Do so! Alongside asking pertinent questions for both safety and details on "what's going up west"
And also inquire as to the tracks of those 'zombies' Irine suspects in a way that I can {Roll a stat for my word power maybe?}, like "How long ago was it since you saw..." or "Did they leave any tracks?" or "How hard does the wind blow in {that direction/place}"...

Ask the man on their ideas; where will they go? Mention San's goals and where he mentioned--does it have any relation to the man's village? (and give a wave to the other villagers in the background dialogue)

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Beirus on February 10, 2017, 08:17:03 am

Hope the fizzy bottles are going to launch me like a rocket instead of blowing up. If I do get launched in the proper trajectory, use my momentum to try to impale the dragon with a spike and fire it. Otherwise, keep firing at him and use my tentacles to keep him from getting too close while I charge.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2017, 06:23:00 pm

"Well, I'm Alan, I'm here to make friends and jump off that giant waterfall, and because I was doing a running hug! What's your name?"

Begin the friendinization!

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: NAV on February 11, 2017, 03:33:58 am

Those other clothes in the room are lingerie from the beautiful model I woke up next to and didn't notice until now, eh?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2017, 08:51:07 am

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

Go to the courtyard for the briefing.
Don't suppose the shotgun comes with any special ammo?

((Damn I look away for five minutes days and stuff starts happening))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: wipeout1024 on February 12, 2017, 06:38:11 am

((Sorry for being a bit inactive.))
Slowly peek into the room. Can anyone see me?

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2017, 06:20:22 am

((Hello.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

So, it should be pretty obvious at this point that I've been gone for... well, forever, in human terms. But probably only a few days to a few weeks in game, right? Still, that's quite a long time. By my standards, unacceptable, really, and I've only myself to blame for that. I can't say I wasn't busy, though. I've had a complete two or three changes in my life during that time. I recently moved from one house to another. School has been bearing down on me in preparation for college. I've spent a great deal of time enjoying life with my significant other. Life has been wonderful, but stressful at the same time, leaving little mental capacity for following many pursuits of mine in the past.

But now, I'm back. And I don't really plan to disappear like that anymore. At least, not unless I die suddenly. But I don't plan on that either.

Anyway, I'm horribly out of pace with the story thus far, and I won't make an attempt to make an excuse as for why Zechariah's been in a coma this entire time. I'll just write it up as if he suddenly reappeared normally. Someone else has been very kind and graceful, and has filled me in on the major details. I hope my memory can serve well enough to not be an embarrassment.

This will be my final apology for my absences, as there shall be none of those from now on. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Zechariah - presumably with Ike's group, according to Alan's will - follows Ike out of the tavern, but stays at a distance when he converses with the shady man.
If he plans to retire for the night, get my rest as well. It's hard work being a living zombie.

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Lenglon on February 18, 2017, 06:21:59 am

((!!Welcome Back!!))

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Xantalos on February 18, 2017, 12:43:18 pm

:D

Title: Re: Special People: In stereo where available
Post by: Tiruin on February 18, 2017, 07:43:16 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2017, 06:20:22 am

((Hello.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

So, it should be pretty obvious at this point that I've been gone for... well, forever, in human terms. But probably only a few days to a few weeks in game, right? Still, that's quite a long time. By my standards, unacceptable, really, and I've only myself to blame for that. I can't say I wasn't busy, though. I've had a complete two or three changes in my life during that time. I recently moved from one house to another. School has been bearing down on me in preparation for college. I've spent a great deal of time enjoying life with my significant other. Life has been wonderful, but stressful at the same time, leaving little mental capacity for following many pursuits of mine in the past.

But now, I'm back. And I don't really plan to disappear like that anymore. At least, not unless I die suddenly. But I don't plan on that either.

Anyway, I'm horribly out of pace with the story thus far, and I won't make an attempt to make an excuse as for why Zechariah's been in a coma this entire time. I'll just write it up as if he suddenly reappeared normally. Someone else has been very kind and graceful, and has filled me in on the major details. I hope my memory can serve well enough to not be an embarrassment.

This will be my final apology for my absences, as there shall be none of those from now on. Not if I have anything to say about it.

[...]

((ONE OF MY FAVORITE HUMANS! :D I can't want to boop your game too!
College has gotten to me too and is one of the big reasons why I disappear too u_u [and probably disappoint NAV a lot], and kudos to that someone!))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7
Post by: NAV on February 19, 2017, 09:38:08 pm

((Hey DAF! Good to see you back, I think that makes the full party. College has nearly sucked me from bay12 too (this is the only game I'm active in).))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 20, 2017, 01:38:24 am

((Oh hey a new mission that's cool I'll just-
Why am I on the inactive list? I've only been gone for nearly a year wow that's unexpected.
Erm, I'm still allowed to join in on this mission, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7
Post by: wipeout1024 on February 20, 2017, 04:27:00 am

Wait whoops, there's gonna be a new mission? Ya lol can I move my char there?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 20, 2017, 10:17:35 am

((Hello new old person!))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2017, 07:10:31 pm

---

Staging Area

---

((I'll start the briefing so that you have time to process it. Assume that everyone who's interested is there to hear it. If you also want to continue what you were doing before, then just this once you can be at two places in space and time at once.))

"All right then. Let's begin."

Charlie strikes the surface of the water in the fountain, sending water flying. It never falls. Instead, it keeps floating in mid air. He reaches out and begins shaping the floating water droplets, weaving them into a framework of tiny streams supporting larger droplets of various shapes and sizes.
"This... is... the Sage Cluster. Or at least the parts of it that we have mapped. " he begins explaining as he puts the finishing touches on his work, drawing streams going towards the edges of the grid.
"It is an area of shattered inter-dimensional space, of loosely interconnected worlds of various sizes. A world of worlds."
He turns around to face you, the roughly eggplant-shaped structure still floating behind him.
"It basically means that each of those droplets is a universe. A place that could be from a bit smaller than a standard Earth world to a few hundred light-years across. Each with their own shape, each with their own quirk. And those tiny strands connect those nearby mini-universes together."
He begins throwing tiny orbs of shadowfire at the grid, some of them getting captured inside droplets and filling them with swirling smoke, others bursting into a tiny flickering blue flame floating in the centre of the droplet.
"The Light and the Dark both independently chanced upon universes of the cluster. Naturally they began claiming those worlds. And by the time those claims made it to the Library and someone figured out what they meant, well, nobody was willing to step back."
"We had no desire for conflict. So we came to an agreement instead. We would cooperate." Stellar says, moving her luminous form closer to the fountain.
"The Sage Cluster was important, not so much for its resources or its location but for what it meant. The unknown. Its potential for new knowledge, new possibilities."
"So we agreed with the Light's proposal: this group of universes would be owned by nobody. Both the Light and the Dark would be able to peacefully research it and benefit from it. Or that was the idea."
He turns around to face the fountain but continues talking.
"Those that had already claimed sectors.... would retain them. But all other sectors... would be explored and settled by joint operations." Charlie says, now drawing more water from the fountain and using it to form a much larger, somewhat spherical body of water.
"This... was one such world. Lonely Sandbox." he declares while drawing a line of shadow-cloud from the sphere to on of the smaller droplets in the structure behind him.
"An outwards unremarkable universe a couple of light days in size."
He picks up a bit of dirt and gravel and tosses them into the sphere.
"These were some of the larger rocks in the sector."
They don't slow down, they keep moving, approaching the 'walls' of the sphere, skimming them and then getting propelled back into the sphere on another trajectory depending on how the wall is deformed at the time.
"Not terribly interesting, just chunks of inanimate matter of various compositions. What was interesting though..."
He starts drawing blue flame from within his shadows and pouring it into the water.
"Was that its centre... had this... This is the anomaly. We called it Aimless Hurricane."
The fire gathers into its centre and then starts spreading out with thin tendrils, an organic shape like the roots of a tree or the synapses of a neuron, expanding outwards beyond the surface of the water blob.
"A great bundle of aberrant energy with no immediately apparent origin, influencing all sectors around it."
Indeed it does. You can see flickering blue light spreading through the streams and into other droplets.
"While we had encountered sentient beings in the Cluster before, this was the first concrete sign of something more being there. The direct influence of some sort of Outsider, some being that could be responsible for the... influences we were seeing in the cluster. The one responsible for the 'machinery' ticking inside it. There was no doubt we needed to study it. We needed to know what we were dealing with. There could be a way to understand more about whatever being resided there and how to best approach it. If it was intelligent, we could come to an understanding."
"Or we could find a weakness to exploit, we could know our enemy and how easy it would be to subvert them and keep taking their worlds."
Stellar makes a motion with her hand and a yellowish dot appears in the blob, like a tiny star.
"That is why about four months ago we established the research station Barbaric Donut in the outer layers of the sector."
"Unfortunately, while we had some of our most advanced non-invasive sensors on it, we received no useful information. Passive observation from a distance just wasn't cutting it. The Anomaly was a tougher nut to crack than we originally anticipated. So I decided that a more invasive procedure was necessary."
He materializes draws a shape that looks much like a hamerhead shark. A relatively flat front, with one side being slightly larger than the other, a great body with three triangular fin-like sections protruding out of it and a great array of bulbous attachments on its 'tail'.
"This is the Research Vessel Latte Maximus. The size of a small city, it was jointly designed and built for the purpose of exploring the Sage Cluster. It is built to strike a balance between high tech, resilience and stealth, between automation, self-sufficiency and redundancy. As such, it does not carry our most advanced technology and while it can theoretically operate without a crew it carried two hundred beings, most independently recruited with a few members of the Light and the Dark to accompany them."
He materializes a small orb of orange fire next to the station. It starts moving towards the larger fire at the centre of the water blob.
"At T minus 52 hours Latte Maximus departed from Barbaric Donut with the objective of performing high energy tests on the Anomaly."
The orb of fire reaches the anomaly and sticks on it, following its flowing movements.
"At T minus 20 hours it reached the anomaly and at T minus 15 hours it breached the outer layer and started analyzing the field so it could venture deeper without disturbing it. "
The small flickering orange flame moves deeper into the blue and disappears.
"At T minus 5 minutes and 29 seconds it had completed its analysis and begun its descent. At T minus 1 minute and 16 seconds we lost contact with the Latte Maximus. And then..."
He materializes a blunderbuss (that looks more like a hand-held cannon) and shoots the water-blob in one swift motion. It and several others around it explode in magnificent slow-motion, spraying water everywhere, while the entire structure begins wobbling dangerously.
"This is the Sage Cluster at T zero."
"This is your brain on drugs."
"At T plus 7 seconds the monitors sent out an APB. First responders battlecruiser Fist Biter and goliath transport Rainbow Lama each independently attempted to jump in Lonely Sandbox at T plus 1 minute 24 and 1 minute 35 respectively. They both failed to find a stable materialization point and aborted. After several unsuccessful attempts, they instead made their way to nearby sectors and attempted to find a strand leading into Lonely Sandbox. At around T plus 15 minutes they reported total reality collapse in the strands leading to the target sector and its surroundings and aborted their mission. They were unable to proceed and were instead ordered to remain in place and continue taking readings. Flagship 523.02 and the Solar Flare Wave Rider were ordered to begin preparing to force their way into what's left of the sector. They have the equipment and energy output necessary to maintain three dimensional reality for a while, hopefully long enough to gather any useful intel-"
"Or any survivors-"
"Yes, or that." he concedes with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"But then, at around T plus 27 minutes, we received a signal from the Latte Maximus' automated distress beacon. And it came from right here." he says, pointing at one of the water drops at the edge of the structure.
"A sector on the edge of explored space, one we have scanned remotely but had no concrete information on. The automated mapping software responsible for its discover had named it Deserted Haystack."

"It is now nearing T plus 30 minutes since the event. We're still no closer to finding out what happened in there. We're receiving no other signals from the area, there is no response from the ship or its crew. That is why we are sending you. Your objective is to investigate the sector, retrieve any useful intel and if possible repair the ship and get it back into entity controlled space. We won't be monitoring the mission directly so if one of you dies and you can't revive them on site, you'll have to retrieve their interface so they can be revived later. Otherwise, their death is permanent."

"There were two low level Guardians aboard the vessel. One a representative of the Light, the other of the Dark. If they're still active, they could help you repair the ship and figure out what happened. Even if they've been rendered inactive, their systems could still hold important data, so retrieve them if you can. Most likely location is their individual quarters." he says pointing at either side of the ship's 'head'.
"Other than that, most likely places to hold intel is the primary bridge" he points at the front of the ship "the AI core and primary databanks" he points at a bit forward from the ship's centre "the external labs" he points at two of the 'fins' "and the sensor and communication array." he points at the third fin on the top of the vessel, which you can see has an antenna protruding from it, making the ship look kinda like a remote controlled toy.

"We're hoping that it's a simple matter of reactor shutdown. We'll be giving you a Seed that can restart one of the vessel's Pulse Reactors. With that on-line, the ship's on board fabrication facilities should be able to produce most of what you need to get the ship in working order. You also have John to help with repairs, but since this is an unexplored universe I have no idea how his abilities may be affected and how many resources he would be able to summon. He might be better off modifying what's already there. Same goes for the rest of you, don't trust your abilities to work as they should until you've tested them."

"We won't be porting you in. You'll be traveling with a low-power mid-tech vessel that will navigate through the strands connecting those worlds in order to reduce the chances of you attracting unwanted attention. ETA is T+45 minutes to T+1 hour, so whatever happened it will hopefully not be too late. This is a high risk voluntary mission, so you'll all be getting good pay. 3 points for participation, more team points for objective completion plus individual performance bonuses."
"But you will not have to face the dangers of this challenge alone."
"Yes, unfortunately, the others voted that you might need a little help in this mission. So if the mission proceeds, you the players can choose one of us, a member of the Light or the Dark to accompany you. I suggest that you choose to proceed alone. If there is something wrong there, an Avatar might attract too much unwanted attention. Plus..."

"I'm going to be frank here."
<I thought you were Charlie.>
<Sshhh.>
<Oh, right, sorry.>
"The only reason I want you for this mission is because you are strong while also being expendable. You also don't have that much of a stake in this. Your entities are from multiple groups, you won't be accused of hiding evidence or doing things to favour this group or that or other kinds of foul play. Sending an Avatar there would defeat the whole 'expendable & trustworthy' bit. But, a vote is a vote and I will respect the outcome whatever it is."

"So, to sum up, if we're lucky, the crew just did something wrong without realising it and accidentally the whole anomaly. You'll just retrieve the data, reactivate the ship and get out of there."
"If you're not, however... you could unknowingly find yourselves leading a charge straight into the opening salvo of an inter dimensional war with something that does that to worlds." she warns you, pointing at the still exploding mass of water.
"So be careful."

"So." he says, clapping his hands loudly for emphasis.
"That was the briefing. Entities, cast your vote when ready."

((Vote to say if you want your character to go to the mission or not. In story, this is the entities voting for their players so if you think that this is not the kind of thing your character would do but you want to do it anyway, just say your entity volunteered you to do it. If we don't get enough players for this mission we'll continue as normal, picking a gametype or a mission (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg4747325#msg4747325). Which is why I wanted to get this briefing out there.))

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

You cut the bot's power and it shuts down with a sad *bwoop*.

You summon a nice plasma rifle. It has a long barrel with various superconducting magnetic focusing rings. Its main body is circular, holding the synchrotron and the power source, a miniature fusion reactor. It vents part of its reactor content and magnetically accelerates it at high speed. The plasma is contained by the spiral magnetic field the beam itself creates, allowing it to travel a good distance before it dissipates. Even unfocused it could wreak havoc on unarmoured organics and unshielded electronics. Frankly you're not sure how it can work, it would require some very alien physics-breaking materials, but it does. And you are able to arm an army of armoured automatons with it within minutes, so who cares?

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 10, 2017, 08:17:03 am

Hope the fizzy bottles are going to launch me like a rocket instead of blowing up. If I do get launched in the proper trajectory, use my momentum to try to impale the dragon with a spike and fire it. Otherwise, keep firing at him and use my tentacles to keep him from getting too close while I charge.

You use your anchors to angle your core, hoping to jump right at him. The bottles explode and propel you upwards just as he brings his head down, roaring right at you with a distorted cry. The air in front of him distorts for a moment. And then the snow between his head and where you stood explode into steam and so does the liquid you were expelling. He swings his head upwards, the explosions following you. You can feel their heat. You try to angle away from the attack but you don't have much control while in the air like this. Whatever effect he is using breaks through your flesh and defensive barrier with ease, cutting away a good number of appendages, the flesh melting and dissolving like it was butter.

You don't have time to focus on the damage though, for the next moment you slam into him, driving one of your spikes through his wing. You immediately start firing bolts of energy like there's no tomorrow. You wrap your tentacles around him, trying to keep him from striking at you but he is too damn strong and slippery. Now that his body is no longer superheated he is once again getting covered in ice. He manages to slip his head through your defenses for a moment and take a bite at your core, tearing out something that felt important, the torn flesh spraying multicoloured liquids as it flies away from you. You tumble through the air for a few moments, each of you trying to gain the upper hand, bolts of energy flying through his wing and to the spinning world around you. For a moment the wind cuts off. And then the two of you slam into the ground, making a small crater in the snow. Good thing you landed on him.

Your attack appears to have half-melted the joint of his wing, weakening it enough for the fall to break it off. The lifeless piece of black material is slowly sinking in a puddle of boiling water as it sheds the heat contained within it. But he doesn't seem much worse for wear. He immediately uses his good wing and his tail to twist you around, getting himself on top of you. He seems even more angry than before, if that was even possible. Your body grows brightly for a moment and your lost tentacles begin regrowing. But this time they are not made of flesh and blood but of wood and leaves, sluggishly responding to your commands with creaks and cracks.

The damage done to you has slowed down your charging a bit, but you're still close. Maybe about 20 seconds left. Though you are not sure you're going to survive long enough to use it.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2017, 08:51:07 am

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

Go to the courtyard for the briefing.
Don't suppose the shotgun comes with any special ammo?

((Damn I look away for five minutes days and stuff starts happening))

"Now, why would I do that? What do you think this is, a charity? We don't give out free upgrades. Get your own special ammo. Earn it, steal it, whatever, I don't care."
<Or befriend John and ask him to craft you some. And hope they won't explode in your gun.>
"Bah. Friendship is for pansies. You earn that special ammo on your own. Like a man! And if you die, you die! Come on you ape, you wanna live forever?"

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 12, 2017, 06:38:11 am

((Sorry for being a bit inactive.))
Slowly peek into the room. Can anyone see me?

You peek into the room. The man in the lab coat is currently standing over another man, restrained on a bed similar to the one you woke up on but with much more restraints, so many it would probably be impossible for him to move. He has been shaved until there is no hair left on his body and has several electrodes attached to his head and other places, wires mingled with IV tubes and respirators. The man in the lab coat is in the process of injecting the restrained man with something. The man in the bed looks at you with pleading eyes for a moment before he falls unconscious. As his grip on reality fades you can hear the machines' beeping slowing down, becoming less urgent until they stop completely. As they do so, the lights in the room flicker back to life and the ones in the hallway stop flickering altogether.
"All done here. Situation Normal."
: Roger ▓▒░▓▓░▒ ah, proceed with FS and ▒▒░▓▓░▓░▓░▓ down to F2 and report. :
The man turns around to face the door. You hide as quickly as you can.
"Got it, I'll-"
He pauses. You aren't sure but he might have seen you.

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 20, 2017, 04:27:00 am

Wait whoops, there's gonna be a new mission? Ya lol can I move my char there?

Like I said, you can assume you're there. I'm just getting the briefing out of the way because if you vote against it we'll have to start another mission.

I particularly like Neon Death Road.

---

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 20, 2017, 01:38:24 am

((Oh hey a new mission that's cool I'll just-
Why am I on the inactive list? I've only been gone for nearly a year wow that's unexpected.
Erm, I'm still allowed to join in on this mission, right?))

Sure. Just let me remember what you were doing...
Yeah, OK. Assume you were there the whole time. Or maybe you just popped into existence like a wizard's familiar.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2017, 05:12:41 pm

Private to Theri: <River took their food, not a random animal, and those people wandering about were probably zombies of some kind. finding out where and when those happened could be important.>
No action yet.

You hang out on Theri's shoulder like some sort of fox parrot slash evil advisor.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 10, 2017, 07:33:20 am

<But that was this 'morning'. As in, 'in between now and when we met "River" in the church'. Anyway I'll thank them for their politeness and keep San by my side, or ask them to voice their concerns.>

Do so! Alongside asking pertinent questions for both safety and details on "what's going up west"
And also inquire as to the tracks of those 'zombies' Irine suspects in a way that I can {Roll a stat for my word power maybe?}, like "How long ago was it since you saw..." or "Did they leave any tracks?" or "How hard does the wind blow in {that direction/place}"...

Ask the man on their ideas; where will they go? Mention San's goals and where he mentioned--does it have any relation to the man's village? (and give a wave to the other villagers in the background dialogue)

They don't have much to add to the matter beyond what they've already said.

You ask them about the 'zombies' and they say they saw them a couple of days ago, while close to some hills. They're not sure where they went though. They might have been heading south.

They're not sure where they'll go. Probably head towards the south and hope things are better there.

San's village is close to the one they came from. It's how he knows San. He doesn't know much about what San is looking for though. Maybe you'll have better luck when you get there.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2017, 06:53:59 am

Ike steeples his fingers.

"You make a fine offer, good sir, I will take it under careful consideration!"

What's this hex? Is it cast on me? If that's the case, I'm going to need to refuse. If it's an object, however, he can hand it to me in that case.

Then pack it in for the night. Make sure to find and tuck in Alan lest he get too restless.

It's a glass orb with another orb filled with a dark grey substance floating inside it. You should break it when you're inside the room to make sure it affects them and that you have enough time to get the items you need.

Well, trying to find Alan by following his scent leads you to a couple of monks inspecting a ladder on the wall separating the outer section of the monastery from the farms. Uh oh. Depending on how bored he was, this could turn really ugly.

((Continue reading.))

Quote from: Xantalos on February 10, 2017, 06:23:00 pm

"Well, I'm Alan, I'm here to make friends and jump off that giant waterfall, and because I was doing a running hug! What's your name?"

Begin the friendinization!

She stares at you.
You stare at her.
She makes an angry frown.
You smile.
She keeps frowning.
You smile harder.
She chuckles.
You chuckle back and nod.
She nods back, knowingly.
And then she screams "AAAALEEEERT!" loud enough for birds to fly away scared.

...

A couple of minutes later, you are being thrown out of the Walled Garden by three particularly muscular monks.
"And don't come back."
The two of them slam the door shut and lock it behind them. You look up to see Ike admiring your achievements.
"Throwing you out already?"
"I've been thrown out of better water parks."
"Well, it all worked out in the end. It is naptime."
"Aw. But I didn't even get to ride the slides on this one."

((Continue reading.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2017, 06:20:22 am

Zechariah - presumably with Ike's group, according to Alan's will - follows Ike out of the tavern, but stays at a distance when he converses with the shady man.
If he plans to retire for the night, get my rest as well. It's hard work being a living zombie.

((Well, if zombies are by definition dead, then I suppose being a living zombie would take hard work. :P ))

"But Alan-"
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
"Ghost!"
"Why are we shouting?"
"He surprised me!"
"You surprised me!"
"Don't surprise me like that!"
"What do you mean? I've been here the whole time."
"Indeed you have. And yet somehow your presence is still surprising."
"... Anyway. I think it is time to retire for the night."
"Yes. Let's."

You follow the directions Ike received from the bartender and find the house he suggested to you. It takes a while for the man inside to respond, probably because it's starting to get quite late. Ike talks with the owner for a bit to settle on a price before you are led to a tiny room with a bunk bed. One of you will have to sleep on the floor or share the small bed with someone else. But at least it beats sleeping outside with all the cold, the moisture and the bugs.

You wake up the following morning feeling somewhat refreshed. Or maybe you sleep in. I don't know. You're sleeping in the same room with Alan, so you'll probably wake the same time he does.

---

Quote from: NAV on February 11, 2017, 03:33:58 am

Those other clothes in the room are lingerie from the beautiful model I woke up next to and didn't notice until now, eh?

There is nobody else in the room with you. At least you think so. You take a few seconds to climb (it feels like an age) to confirm that there's nobody in the top bunk.

The clothes could belong to a female. Frankly they're so loose they could probably be worn by whoever and still be comfortable. You don't remember having any encounters of the romantic nature last night. Then again, you don't remember much about last night period. Just in case, better see a cleric within 2d4 hours (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?p=951).

---

OOC

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 18, 2017, 06:20:22 am

((Hello.))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

So, it should be pretty obvious at this point that I've been gone for... well, forever, in human terms. But probably only a few days to a few weeks in game, right? Still, that's quite a long time. By my standards, unacceptable, really, and I've only myself to blame for that. I can't say I wasn't busy, though. I've had a complete two or three changes in my life during that time. I recently moved from one house to another. School has been bearing down on me in preparation for college. I've spent a great deal of time enjoying life with my significant other. Life has been wonderful, but stressful at the same time, leaving little mental capacity for following many pursuits of mine in the past.

But now, I'm back. And I don't really plan to disappear like that anymore. At least, not unless I die suddenly. But I don't plan on that either.

Anyway, I'm horribly out of pace with the story thus far, and I won't make an attempt to make an excuse as for why Zechariah's been in a coma this entire time. I'll just write it up as if he suddenly reappeared normally. Someone else has been very kind and graceful, and has filled me in on the major details. I hope my memory can serve well enough to not be an embarrassment.

This will be my final apology for my absences, as there shall be none of those from now on. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Hey man. It's good to have you back. And it's good to hear things are getting better in your life. It's nice hearing good things happening to good people.

No need to apologize. My ability to post and keep up with the forum hasn't been that great lately either. When things are going well and I find my rhythm I can write quickly but every now and then something happens to either suck my time or my will to write. These last few days have been particularly depressing due to some family stuff.

Anyway, as always, I can't promise I'll have frequent high quality upgrades, but I'll never stop trying to continue telling this story and hopefully giving you some fun in the process. If there's anyway I can help you, please say so. And if you want any more help with mission stuff don't hesitate to ask. I'd be glad to help and, like you said, others would be too.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 18, 2017, 06:21:59 am

((!!Welcome Back!!))

Heh. I guess it's appropriate for the player of the firefox to give a welcome that's on fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Toaster on February 21, 2017, 08:08:45 pm

/me distributes hugs to GM


John nodded.  "I'm in.  And knowing us, we're bad enough at not attracting attention already; I vote we don't bring an entity with us."

---

John hefted the rifle.  "Hey barman!  Pull!"

Hopefully skeet shoot new rifle with Rodger.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on February 21, 2017, 10:02:27 pm

Get dressed.
Hmm, drink a small shot of Tsar Red Bull, to get rid of this hangover.
Leave the room.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 21, 2017, 10:25:46 pm

Kosak Durar, Mission 7 Briefing:

"If my trainer doesn't have any objections, I'm in."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Beirus on February 21, 2017, 10:54:33 pm

"Hey, before you kill me, would you happen to know what time it is?"

Push the dragon off me or block it from attacking me with the branches and keep shooting and charging. If that doesn't work, stab and shoot while charging. Use my will to suppress RMEs and charge faster. If I don't have time to fully charge before he kills me, force myself to detonate early or whatever I did in the 11 of Diamonds mission. My end goal is to go boom, preferably after making a cool one-liner about explosions and time, or just "Here comes the boom!"

Also count me in for the big mission.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 21, 2017, 11:36:22 pm

"I definitely appear to be sufficiently expendable."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on February 22, 2017, 12:03:51 am

Alan, Chaotic Silly

As soon as I wake up, begin an enthusiastic dance of vegetables (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmr_TZLpS0) to keep my soul healthy.

((You're still as good at grasping the essence of characters as ever, Parisbre. That makes this game more than worth the wait.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 22, 2017, 02:23:06 am

((Dangit, I'm a face, not a good combat guy.
Ah well, only substantial harm in trying))
Yeah, I'll be voted in.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Hawk132 on February 22, 2017, 04:14:30 am

"I shall join this as well."

Saevus is in. Although, knowing my luck with these sorts of things, he'll probably end up perma-dead.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: wipeout1024 on February 22, 2017, 06:25:01 am

"I am "in" as well."
Honora is IN.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: TheBiggerFish on February 22, 2017, 08:45:58 am

In me, in case that wasn't clear.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Zormod on February 22, 2017, 03:50:27 pm

I would also like to be in.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 22, 2017, 04:32:05 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Interdimentional ancient artifacts from planes unknown to both light and dark, Indy, eat your heart out.

I'm in.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2017, 05:12:16 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 21, 2017, 08:08:45 pm

/me distributes hugs to GM

John nodded.  "I'm in.  And knowing us, we're bad enough at not attracting attention already; I vote we don't bring an entity with us."

((The GM appreciates your hugs.))

<Player 5 is volunteered for the mission, as previously agreed.>
"Excellent! I'm counting on you John. Show them what you can do." Charlie says, pointing at you.

Quote from: Toaster on February 21, 2017, 08:08:45 pm

John hefted the rifle.  "Hey barman!  Pull!"

Hopefully skeet shoot new rifle with Rodger.

Rodger pulls a brick out of the fountain and tosses it high up in the air. You pull the trigger and sweep the rifle upwards. You are prepared to track the brick as it goes, but it explodes the moment the beam bursts out of the barrel of your gun with a small explosion of hot air. You release the trigger and the beam stops. The remaining plasma travels for a while longer before dissipating into a glowing cloud and then disappearing completely.
"Well. There goes that joke."
This feels really good. You don't have a way to describe this. Using it just feels... right. Like this gun was meant to be fired by you and you alone.
"That's a good piece you've got there. But..."
He jumps off the fountain and approaches you.
"Do you have your one liners prepared? You know, maybe you want to show people how bad you are. Maybe you want to kill a big ugly monster. So you stick the gun in their mouth and pump them full of plasma until they explode. And then you say... 'Well, that thing sure made a lot of threats. But in the end it was full of hot air.'." (•_•) / ( •_•)>⌐■-■ / (⌐■_■)

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 21, 2017, 10:25:46 pm

Kosak Durar, Mission 7 Briefing:

"If my trainer doesn't have any objections, I'm in."

"That's the spirit, boy! Get there and plant your foot in their butt!" he commends you.
"Much appreciated, Captain."
"Don't get friendly on me, boy! You're still an incompetent commie child that can't keep track of his toys. And I don't like that."
Charlie just shrugs.
"That's right. What are you going to do now, kid? I'll tell you. Nothing, if you know what's good for you, that's what you're going to do."

Quote from: Execute/Dumbo.exe on February 22, 2017, 02:23:06 am

((Dangit, I'm a face, not a good combat guy.
Ah well, only substantial harm in trying))
Yeah, I'll be voted in.

Well, any mission could involve combat. It could also involve other things. Assault missions are meant to have you working together.

<Your offer is enticing. We accept.>
"Good. If your man is half as good as you in his job, I'm sure he'll do fine."

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 22, 2017, 06:25:01 am

"I am "in" as well."
Honora is IN.

"Pffft. Not in those clothes you aren't."

"Nice to see some eagerness. But don't let that eagerness turn to stupidity. Do try to come back alive."

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 21, 2017, 11:36:22 pm

"I definitely appear to be sufficiently expendable."

Quote from: TheBiggerFish on February 22, 2017, 08:45:58 am

In me, in case that wasn't clear.

"I'd be hard pressed to find someone less not expendable." Charlie says with a chuckle.
<Wow. That's kinda cold man.>
"No, I meant because he can- Ugh, never mind."
<No, I meant I liked it.>
"Oh. In that case I think you meant 'cool'."
<Nah, just cold.>

Quote from: Zormod on February 22, 2017, 03:50:27 pm

I would also like to be in.

"Snow! I had a feeling you'd want in on this. You seldom miss these sort of things, right?"
<Yes.>
"Talkative as always, I see."

Quote from: Hawk132 on February 22, 2017, 04:14:30 am

"I shall join this as well."

Saevus is in. Although, knowing my luck with these sorts of things, he'll probably end up perma-dead.

<If you find this fight suits you, then it shall be yours.>
"My favourite tank! Nice to have such a skilled warrior along for the ride! This mission is turning into quite the all star match."

<Be sure to work together with John. Cooperate and keep in touch if you lead your own group. That is what you desire as well, correct?>
<This unit rates Player 5's teamwork skills highly.>

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 22, 2017, 04:32:05 pm

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Interdimentional ancient artifacts from planes unknown to both light and dark, Indy, eat your heart out.

I'm in.

"Yeah. I bet you're eager to try out your new toy on something nasty."
"I...'m not sure how to feel about this. I thought your guy was some archeologist information gatherer."
"And now he has a shotgun. Much more useful than a whip, I would say."
"Eh, as long as he can keep himself alive long enough to get some useful intel, he can use hand grenade nunchucks for all I care. That's not the thing that worries me."

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 21, 2017, 10:54:33 pm

"Hey, before you kill me, would you happen to know what time it is?"

Push the dragon off me or block it from attacking me with the branches and keep shooting and charging. If that doesn't work, stab and shoot while charging. Use my will to suppress RMEs and charge faster. If I don't have time to fully charge before he kills me, force myself to detonate early or whatever I did in the 11 of Diamonds mission. My end goal is to go boom, preferably after making a cool one-liner about explosions and time.

You form a defensive wall with your branches and start firing at the dragon. In retrospect, that was probably not such a good idea. Your frenzied shots only manage to heat up his body again. He uses that energy to dig through the defences and burn through the branches. He slams you back in the snow and holds you down, his claw digging into your core. You can feel him trying to suck away the energy building up within you, but you are too pissed off to let him get away with that. You resist his attack, just barely. Some energy slips away, burning the surface of his paw like acid, forming weird symbols.

You feel the urge to release an RME but resist it. It's not pleasant. It's like trying not to sneeze but 100 times worst.

He pushes harder. You feel things being squeezed that are not supposed to be squeezed.
<I think it's time you boys stopped your dick fighting competition. That's what time it is.>
He squeezes harder and growls.
<Come on Frosty. Don't ruin our investment just yet. Let him go.>
He slaps you away and roars in anger.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 21, 2017, 10:02:27 pm

Get dressed.
Hmm, drink a small shot of Tsar Red Bull, to get rid of this hangover.
Leave the room.

You check your clothes while trying to wear them and find a can of Red Bull. Drinking some of TRD does make you feel better.

You get out of the room with the half-drunk can still in hand. There's a man who has just finished cooking there.
"So. You're finally awake, are you? After last night I thought it would take a few days for you to get up again."

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 22, 2017, 12:03:51 am

Alan, Chaotic Silly

As soon as I wake up, begin an enthusiastic dance of vegetables (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmr_TZLpS0) to keep my soul healthy.

((You're still as good at grasping the essence of characters as ever, Parisbre. That makes this game more than worth the wait.))

"I'm going to sing about avocados ear man. What are you going to do about it."
"What would prompt you to do something so stupid, sir?"
"Guacamole."
https://youtu.be/AnqPfbb0GlA

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Beirus on February 22, 2017, 05:27:50 pm

((I guess I made my edit while you were working on the turn, but I wanted to volunteer for the big mission too. William's choice, so he can get stronger to beat that dragon into the ground.))

"What a tease. Got me all wound up and didn't even let me finish. And you mean pissing contest, right? I don't think dick fighting competitions are a thing. And if they are I want no part of them. That's the one part of my body that ain't supposed to be used as a weapon."

Are we still fighting? Is Frostbite still in range? If so, go boom. If we aren't fighting or he isn't in range, see if I can transform back while keeping the energy stored. Or if I need to burn it off, shoot my name in the snow in fancy writing. Or spell out "Frostbite sucks" or something. If I have to burn off the energy, I want to do so in a creative and funny (to me) way, is what I'm getting at here.

And volunteer for that big mission too, if there is still space. I need to get stronger to kick that dragon's ass.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Toaster on February 22, 2017, 07:29:00 pm

John patted the rifle.  Yes... this is just the thing he wanted.  Excellent.

He nodded to the assembling group.  "Just a note to all of you; my specialty is summoning machines and similar, much like this rifle.  Be thinking about what could most help you on this mission.  Don't give me a list now because I'll just forget it all, but I can try to gear everyone up a bit.  I can do it faster if it's many of the same thing.  Of course, be advised that this all depends on the environment; I may get nastily surprised."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on February 23, 2017, 05:24:51 pm

"When you spend long enough dead, learn not to waste time sleeping off hangovers. Plus this potion helps.
What's for breakfast?"

Nik commwires any nearby comrades wearing a commwire <Good morning Comrades!>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on February 23, 2017, 05:30:06 pm

No action

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 23, 2017, 05:36:14 pm

((I always miss the first time this updates after a bit of time))

"It's a groovy day on the earth, oh yeah, I know!"

There was some kind of water monk meeting thing that we were doing. Also inform the rest of the crew that it is not at all impossible this might turn into some kind of heist (it kind of depends on whether we get what we want out of this or not).

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on February 23, 2017, 11:51:18 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2017, 05:24:51 pm

"When you spend long enough dead, learn not to waste time sleeping off hangovers. Plus this potion helps.
What's for breakfast?"

Nik commwires any nearby comrades wearing a commwire <Good morning Comrades!>

I have no idea if Alan has a commwire anymore or not, I'm fairly certain he lost it at some point though.

Since I'm singing about it, make some guacamole! Substitute candy if I can't summon any of the ingredients for whatever reason.

Actually, make a lot of guacamole. I should reward the nice monks for their waterpark or whatever we came here for. Also communal breakfast.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on February 24, 2017, 03:12:30 pm

Eat breakfast then help clean up the mess from last night. Discreetly pocket some bottles of liquor for molotovs and what not.

Comm to the Ike: <A heist? Sounds like fun. What are we stealing and why?>

Regroup with the others. Let them know that they missed a good party last night, I assume.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2017, 03:49:28 pm

To Nik and also Zechariah: <Some shady asshole told me to go into the monastery and grab a golden staff with a hemispherical blue thing on it - in return he'll pay us a lot and we can keep anything else we find, and he gave us this little hex-thing that'll apparently dispel magic or whatever once we climb onto the waterfall and through it.>

<On the positive side, treasure may be had, and it's probably magical treasure. I like magical treasure.>

<On the negative side, there's pretty much definitely more to it than that, these monks are not to be fucked with if the rumors have any weight to them, and something tells me that a shady anonymous asshole picking adventurers off the street with vague offers is not a trustworthy employer in the slightest when there's just as much money to be made in ripping us off. So my current thought is to go see this Head Waiter guy and see what he's about. If we can get him to help us out, I think we might not need to steal a damn thing, as wonderful a break in the monotony as that would be.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on February 24, 2017, 04:49:41 pm

<Any reason we can't just beat up the shady asshole and take his money?>

<Maybe then tell the monks he was trying to steal from them, show the hex-thing as evidence and get a reward?>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2017, 04:54:25 pm

<I don't suppose he carries stacks of mad cash with him when he goes out on the town. It seems like it'd be bad for his health. In fact, safest of all would be if he had no cash at all and this hex of his carries not just a dispel magic on it but also some kind of middle-of-the-road flesh-eating curse. Not too quick, not too slow, but very messy either way. Or maybe he's way out of our league and possesses unheard-of powers of sorcery as well as bullshit dodging powers. The only way to find out for sure would be to try something, and for some reason I'm not too keen on that.>

<As for ratting the fucker out, that was my line of thinking as well, though I don't suppose I'd be able to conclusively identify him if he's any good with magic at all.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 24, 2017, 07:22:28 pm

Zechariah was absentmindedly listening to the beginning of the conversation, still shaking off the morning grogginess. He shook into awareness, however, as soon as he heard something about a heist being mentioned.

To the nearby party members on commwire: <No. We're not stealing from anyone, especially from... from monks? Why would we steal from monks? Especially if it's some sort of arcane relic. That ends up in us either getting instantly vaporized or summarily executed not long after we take it. If he's still in town, though, we could try to identify him. At any rate, you're right. We should go talk to the waiter first.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: wipeout1024 on February 25, 2017, 01:02:05 am

"We must keep our sense of morals! We will not steal from these faithful monks. I will not hear a word of it."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 25, 2017, 04:12:29 pm

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 25, 2017, 01:02:05 am

"We must keep our sense of morals! We will not steal from these faithful monks. I will not hear a word of it."

((Of course, you're not on that mission, as far as I'm aware...))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on February 25, 2017, 04:30:53 pm

Quote from: wipeout1024 on February 25, 2017, 01:02:05 am

"We must keep our sense of morals! We will not steal from these faithful monks. I will not hear a word of it."

((You're at the staging area, on a completely different mission. you have neither knowledge of nor communication with anyone on the Campaign mission.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 25, 2017, 04:44:38 pm

((Oh, I thought she was just being sarcastic. :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on February 25, 2017, 07:47:23 pm

((Ok, this is seriously annoying and weird, I had thought I already POSTED A RESPONSE here  but it seems it didn't go through -_- I'll try to recreate it as best as possible though))

---

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 23, 2017, 05:30:06 pm

No action

((Maybe check if you've got the commwire so we can keep in contact with the Temple-team :O))

Thank the travelers for their time, and their politeness despite their first impression of me.

Ask San if he's more comfortable traveling with them now knowing where they're headed and them knowing where we're headed. Knowing his place on the map and the village that the travelers spoke of, inquire for any other landmarks nearby or other sources of news--what we can prepare for in terms of 'what others observed, what war is this, what stood out in weapons or otherwise'.

Also wish them all a great day.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on February 25, 2017, 07:59:23 pm

((All my previous stuff was lost during that last fight with River. I have no commwire.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on February 25, 2017, 08:55:47 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 25, 2017, 07:59:23 pm

((All my previous stuff was lost during that last fight with River. I have no commwire.))

((Parisbre, do either of us have commwires? :P We both got knocked out by that fight...
...We should've asked to share it with the Temple-team. Oops.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on February 25, 2017, 09:16:17 pm

((Default to join the guacamole team of happiness?








:D))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 05, 2017, 09:06:41 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Beirus on February 22, 2017, 05:27:50 pm

((I guess I made my edit while you were working on the turn, but I wanted to volunteer for the big mission too. William's choice, so he can get stronger to beat that dragon into the ground.))

"What a tease. Got me all wound up and didn't even let me finish. And you mean pissing contest, right? I don't think dick fighting competitions are a thing. And if they are I want no part of them. That's the one part of my body that ain't supposed to be used as a weapon."

Are we still fighting? Is Frostbite still in range? If so, go boom. If we aren't fighting or he isn't in range, see if I can transform back while keeping the energy stored. Or if I need to burn it off, shoot my name in the snow in fancy writing. Or spell out "Frostbite sucks" or something. If I have to burn off the energy, I want to do so in a creative and funny (to me) way, is what I'm getting at here.

And volunteer for that big mission too, if there is still space. I need to get stronger to kick that dragon's ass.

((Hmmm... I suppose I could roll for control with a penalty. Let's see...))

Frostbite has backed down for now, so it would be a bit dishonourable to attack him when he's not attacking you. Then again, he did kinda kidnap you and generally treat you like shit, so, eh, maybe an attack wouldn't be uncalled for.

<I don't know, whatever gross and immature mating ritual your tribe uses.>

You unleash your energy in a slightly more controlled manner. You cut enormous fissures in the ice, sending steam flying everywhere.

<We should kill him.>

When the steam is blown away by the wind, it is revealed that you have written in a rather crude and hard to read manner "WILLIAM RULES FROST DROOLS".

<Case in point.>
<I want to kill him.>
<Oh, sush you, you want to kill everyone.>
<We should still kill him.>

And sure, you can be in the mission. I'll get on with it when I have the time.

---

"Good news everyone. It appears that your entities want you to go explore the mysteries of the universe. In this case the mysteries of the universe take the form of a giant haunted spaceship! Enjoy!"

So now it is time for you to chose how to get there:

1. Charlie and Flagship 1.2

A grey rectangular thing descends from the sky and lands behind Charlie. It has a slanted front that kinda make it look like a tank and a circular back section that make it look like a flying grandfather clock. Charlie summons some sort of handgun and a short energy knife and leans against the vessel.

"Thick frontal armour and a burst drive meant for quick sideways maneuvers. Has a spinally mounted coilgun of respectable size that launches nuclear missiles. Also has a simple lab on board."

2. S0 and the Ship

A mass of shifting pyramids, each of them with a glowing core. Together they form a somewhat spherical shape. It descends from the sky and remains floating above the ground.

<This ship is perfect.>

3. Icarus and the Phoenix

A golden blur flies across the sky. A moment later it reappears speeding towards the ground like a bird of prey. It breaks hard, stopping inches before crashing. It looks like a fighter jet with wings made out of floating golden rectangles. The rectangles shift and stab themselves into the ground, stabilising the jet. The cockpit opens and a teenage boy in golden armour with hidden cyan lights jumps out. Thin golden bars like floating machete blades fly out of his back. They remain on either side of his body, looking kinda like wings.

"Lightweight, with powerful drive systems and a variable geometry body. Extremely maneuverable. Fires relatively weak energy beams. Also has powerful sensors."

4. Stellar and the Eternal Sunrise

A bullet-shaped vessel materializes, glowing with a faint inner gold glow. Stellar goes to stand in front of it, holding a golden shield and a spear of light.

"Thick armour all around, powerful jammers and point defence systems. A good defensive option, if you're into that sort of thing."
"I want to see them return alive and well. There is nothing wrong with that."

5. Roger D. Drake and the Party Van

There is a blast of rap music (https://youtu.be/EzaBOkXOaf4) coming from the forest. A moment later, a thing that looks like a big fat missile jumps out of the trees with a burst of exhaust. It lands on giant wheels with spinning golden rims and comes to a stop with a screech and the smell of burning rubber. Rodger goes to stand in front of it, cracking his knuckles.

"Thick frontal armour, aerodynamic body, powerful main engines. Basically what would happen if a missile mated with a monster truck. Also contains 'party equipment', whatever that means."
"It means fun stuff."

6. Nobody and the X

A thing with four-way symmetry lands in the middle of the plaza. It looks kinda like a big nail with its thick engine section and thin body.

"Good old boring frame, somewhat armoured, somewhat armed, somewhat quick... A ship meant to get you from point A to point B and do it well, without too many bells and whistles. Fires basic remote guided missiles."



"And that's all your choices. Well, except for Darkstar, but trust me, you don't want him to go with you."

"Take your time to decide. Prepare for the mission, get to know each other, faff about, I don't care. We're not in a hurry."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2017, 05:24:51 pm

"When you spend long enough dead, learn not to waste time sleeping off hangovers. Plus this potion helps.
What's for breakfast?"

Nik commwires any nearby comrades wearing a commwire <Good morning Comrades!>

"I hope you like roasted vegetables with a side of vegetables and a thin slice of mystery meat."
You sit down with the man and eat some. You hadn't realised just how hungry you were until you actually started eating. The thing actually tastes quite good. The leek-like vegetables release a sweet-tasting fluid and the small amount of meat helps add some taste and variety. You thank the man for the meal as you finish drinking your can.
"Oh, don't thank me. You should thank young miss Isan for convincing me to let you stay and paying for it. It's her kindness you are receiving, through proxy."

Quote from: NAV on February 24, 2017, 03:12:30 pm

Eat breakfast then help clean up the mess from last night. Discreetly pocket some bottles of liquor for molotovs and what not.

Comm to the Ike: <A heist? Sounds like fun. What are we stealing and why?>

Regroup with the others. Let them know that they missed a good party last night, I assume.

When you're done with the breakfast, you insist that you help him clean up from last night. You try your best to fix a bunk bed on a different room. You do an OK job, but you use a bit too many planks and nails, giving the bed a rather unsafe appearance. Apparently, you broke that bed when you tried to 'improve' it, only to have it break as it became too large for the room.

He, meanwhile, continues working on making sure the house's foundations are OK. It kinda moved out of place because after the bed broke you tried 'improving' the house to fix the problem of the bed not fitting. He says that you actually tried 'improving' several things around the house but in your drunken state you couldn't figure out that you could only 'improve' two objects at the same time. While he's busy, you try snooping around for alcohol but a quick search doesn't yield any results. You decide you should probably not risk getting caught and so don't

You thank the man for his hospitality and get out of the house. Now to figure out where you are in relation to the others... While you're out on the streets, you get the feeling that everyone keeps staring at you and whispering things about you. Hmmm.... Could it be you did something so big that everyone knows about it? Hopefully it was something impressive.

When you reach the others, you tell them what a great party they missed. You don't actually remember the party, but you're pretty sure it was great. There's no way it couldn't had been great with that much alcohol in your system.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 23, 2017, 11:51:18 pm

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2017, 05:24:51 pm

"When you spend long enough dead, learn not to waste time sleeping off hangovers. Plus this potion helps.
What's for breakfast?"

Nik commwires any nearby comrades wearing a commwire <Good morning Comrades!>

I have no idea if Alan has a commwire anymore or not, I'm fairly certain he lost it at some point though.

Since I'm singing about it, make some guacamole! Substitute candy if I can't summon any of the ingredients for whatever reason.

Actually, make a lot of guacamole. I should reward the nice monks for their waterpark or whatever we came here for. Also communal breakfast.

The dice say you are actually quite a decent cook. Everyone is quite grateful for your masterfully crafted breakfast, once they get over the fact that you just summoned the materials used to make it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 23, 2017, 05:36:14 pm

((I always miss the first time this updates after a bit of time))

"It's a groovy day on the earth, oh yeah, I know!"

There was some kind of water monk meeting thing that we were doing. Also inform the rest of the crew that it is not at all impossible this might turn into some kind of heist (it kind of depends on whether we get what we want out of this or not).

You head to the temple. A good amount of people have been gathered there to witness some sort of ceremony. The guy you are supposed to meet, an old guy wearing tarnished faded blue robes, comes out of the temple and begins the ceremony. He spends some time speaking about the importance of purity but also about the importance of accepting others and how water manages to embody both of those seemingly opposite traits, because they are not so opposite after all. He then does some magic on the water that turns them crystal clear. The effect spreads through all the water that flows from the basin, even the muddy waters in the fields momentarily become clean. He then invites them all to drink from the holy water while he talks about the importance of water and invites all to meditate on the way of the water. People drink from the basin and then begin walking away, most of them making their way towards the fields while the rest make their way out of the walled garden. A few stick around, talking with each other or hoping to speak with the Headwater. They're treating him with respect, bowing and saying "Oh, Master Headwater, I plead you to let the rain of your wisdom fall upon this problem." before they start complaining or asking help about various things. He seems willing to give advice, but some of his advice sound more like platitudes to you and he doesn't appear to be willing to actually give anything important to others for free.

While you wait, Nikolai joins you. Hmm... He looks kinda different. Did he get a new haircut?

So, how do you want to approach this guy? The gatekeeper is there, you could get him to introduce you. Or you could just go up to him and talk directly. Or throw pies at him or whatever deranged plan you have in mind.
((Also, if you aren't interested in RPing this conversation then you can just post what you want as an action.))

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 23, 2017, 05:30:06 pm

No action

You relax on Theri's grip while she rubs your head and scratches you behind your ears.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 25, 2017, 07:47:23 pm

((Ok, this is seriously annoying and weird, I had thought I already POSTED A RESPONSE here  but it seems it didn't go through -_- I'll try to recreate it as best as possible though))

---

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 23, 2017, 05:30:06 pm

No action

((Maybe check if you've got the commwire so we can keep in contact with the Temple-team :O))

Thank the travelers for their time, and their politeness despite their first impression of me.

Ask San if he's more comfortable traveling with them now knowing where they're headed and them knowing where we're headed. Knowing his place on the map and the village that the travelers spoke of, inquire for any other landmarks nearby or other sources of news--what we can prepare for in terms of 'what others observed, what war is this, what stood out in weapons or otherwise'.

Also wish them all a great day.

San says he'd prefer it if he stayed with you until he found his dad. The man says he'd feel better if San traveled with him, but he won't force the boy to do so if that's what he really wants.

He says most soldiers have pretty standard swords but some of the higher ranking officers have some nasty magical items. He saw one of them throw a bottle with trapped Wind in it. Some people started yelling because their friend got arrested while they were passing a checkpoint. So the man in charge of the checkpoint just threw the bottle right in the middle of them. When it broke, the explosion knocked out everyone close to it and then the soldiers proceeded to arrest everyone involved.

You say goodbye to the nice people and wish them luck in their travels.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 25, 2017, 08:55:47 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 25, 2017, 07:59:23 pm

((All my previous stuff was lost during that last fight with River. I have no commwire.))

((Parisbre, do either of us have commwires? :P We both got knocked out by that fight...
...We should've asked to share it with the Temple-team. Oops.))

You've got one. Irine doesn't. But you're too far away from the Temple team to reach them. Even if you could contact them, you are also in the future, since it's still morning for them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 05, 2017, 09:47:37 am

We should continue scouting, probably will turnaround tomorrow I guess?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2017, 10:23:23 am

THE FACTS:

We are interdimensional travelers here on a mission to hunt down and presumably destroy a similar interdimensional traveler (provide all known details of the thing we're hunting for)

We collectively possess much in the way of might and magic, as you would put it in a place such as this, and are prepared to trade these for information and material assistance if this is required.

We have a strong idea of what the cause of the disaster to the west may have been, as we had something of a first-row seat to the happenings in what is a fascinating story we hope to relate.

We know a little bit about the overall motives and modes of operation of a cabal of arbitrary interdimensional intelligences engaged in silly games and politicking that invariably involves the deaths of anywhere between 1 and several million innocents on a given mission.

We need information about disturbances and likely locations of the thing we're hunting, including a more specific in-depth description of Nether Pass and the areas surrounding in to shed light on what we can expect there.

Since this is a pre-industrial fantasy society, the Water Monastery presumably hoards a lot of knowledge that could help us with our mission.

We have little time for platitudes and nonsense, so let's trade facts for facts and conjecture for conjecture, shall we?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on March 05, 2017, 11:34:35 am

Alan, Master Chef

Alan looks at his hands in wonderment.

"My god. I amaze myself every day. What else could I accomplish with this power?

I should test my limits."

Start cooking a bunch of extravagant shit and narrating the cooking process in a Gordon Ramsay-like fashion, only use completely nonsensical ingredients - toasted carrots with a gummy bear reduction glaze and various other things like that.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 05, 2017, 11:36:16 am

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

I say we take Icarus. It has sensors to detect trouble and maneuverability to avoid it. Since our main goal is not to fight stuff in space but just get on board of a haunted spaceship, we shouldn't need overly powerful guns.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 06, 2017, 12:12:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2017, 09:47:37 am

We should continue scouting, probably will turnaround tomorrow I guess?

Indeed we shall!
Set commwire to receive, and keep testing on multiple frequencies!

And let San decide who he retroactively goes with given all this information we all have.

"Hey Irine, that mention of nasty magical items made me feel better--if I had some of those, I could help more when we're in trouble rather than just being physical with things. What do you think if we ever meet any of them?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 06, 2017, 01:37:44 am

<I very much agree on that.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 06, 2017, 10:02:11 am

Kosak Durar:

"To think that vehicles could be brought so far..."

Kosak merely watches.

"Wait. Haunted? I vote whatever ship has the fewest ghosts."

Bloody ghosts. An enemy Kosak can't punch.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Zormod on March 08, 2017, 06:48:10 pm

"I think we should take the Phoenix as well, although that perfect ship is very tempting."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Beirus on March 08, 2017, 07:29:22 pm

"Not if ah kill yuh first, you overgrown lizardsicle. The other one is nice, though. Ah like you, whoever yuh are." William remarks, his drawl more apparent after shifting back before making his naked trek towards wherever he can get some whiskey. And maybe some clothes, but the whiskey is more important.

Shift back to normal. Go find some whiskey. And maybe clothes, but the whiskey is the important thing.

Also vote for the Eternal Sunrise, because I can provide my own firepower.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 08, 2017, 11:38:09 pm

Quote from: Irine on March 06, 2017, 01:37:44 am

<I very much agree on that.>

"Got any plans though? We're going into war torn territory, or at least the perimeter. They've got things that we can probably best acquire either by talking...or subduing without harm. And that San's safety is paramount."

((Sorry, I didn't see this!))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 09, 2017, 01:00:31 am

<No, I don't. There's no point until we actually get in a situation where we could acquire some.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 11, 2017, 05:56:20 pm

((yes its a doublepost, but its been days since the last one after all))
While we travel, I brief TripleSword on the observed combat abilities and style of both River and FeralRiver, and let them know that my intention for when River and I meet again is to be battle-ready but will not under any expected circumstance strike first. I also ask if they think they can protect me from his Silence and ask about ideas for combined combat styles between us, showing them my memories of my past fights. One thing Im considering is passing flames between each other, and I want to know if our abilities are compatible with each other.Basically we need to be ready to fight as a team, so lets work out how our teamwork needs to operate.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2017, 06:32:49 pm

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 05, 2017, 11:36:16 am

<Svajoklis, Staging area>

I say we take Icarus. It has sensors to detect trouble and maneuverability to avoid it. Since our main goal is not to fight stuff in space but just get on board of a haunted spaceship, we shouldn't need overly powerful guns.

"That is a good idea. If the vessel has been compromised a quick scan and escape might be your best option. Even with no shields it would take powerful weapons to penetrate it."
"Eh, the X is quite quick as well. And it's capable of forming a seal with the hull and cutting a hole through it... if given enough time."
"Yes, but it is not as quick as Icarus' or Rodger's vessels."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 06, 2017, 10:02:11 am

Kosak Durar:

"To think that vehicles could be brought so far..."

Kosak merely watches.

"Wait. Haunted? I vote whatever ship has the fewest ghosts."

Bloody ghosts. An enemy Kosak can't punch.

"Well, in a sense, Icarus is kinda like a ghost..."
"Am not!"
"And you know how children are, lying all the time..."
"I'm not a child! And I'm not lying!"
"I know you're not a child. Because you're a ghost."
"Rrrrh! And you're... mean!"
"Oh, 'mean'. Such harsh language. You kiss your mother with that mouth?"

Quote from: Zormod on March 08, 2017, 06:48:10 pm

"I think we should take the Phoenix as well, although that perfect ship is very tempting."

"Well, just remember that his definition of perfect might be a bit different than yours."
"Oh, come on, just because he might use your corpses for ablative armour, is he really that bad?"

Quote from: Beirus on March 08, 2017, 07:29:22 pm

"Not if ah kill yuh first, you overgrown lizardsicle. The other one is nice, though. Ah like you, whoever yuh are." William remarks, his drawl more apparent after shifting back before making his naked trek towards wherever he can get some whiskey. And maybe some clothes, but the whiskey is more important.

<Wha- Nice? You do? I mean, yes, of course you do, why wouldn't you?>
She's clearly taken aback but also somewhat enjoying your compliment. Frostbite makes an angry grunt.
<Uh, anyway. The name is Aurora, human. And don't worry about getting to finish. I believe there's going to be some fun and explosions before this is over. In fact, I'm counting on it...>
Frostbite isn't as amicable. He looks at you as he walks away, gives you yet another angry grunt and then disappears into the snow and ice.
<Kill you later.>

Quote from: Beirus on March 08, 2017, 07:29:22 pm

Shift back to normal. Go find some whiskey. And maybe clothes, but the whiskey is the important thing.

Also vote for the Eternal Sunrise, because I can provide my own firepower.

You summon a monocle-wearing butler and have him serve you some whiskey to warm you up. He produces a bottle of Talisker and fills your glass, which you promptly empty into your esophagus.
"Refill, Sir?"

"Thank you for your trust."
"Don't be so quick to thank him. Didn't you hear his reasoning? He basically wants to put a bomb inside a pressure cooker and put that in a spaceship."
"Oh, you're just mad because nobody picked you."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 05, 2017, 11:34:35 am

Alan, Master Chef

Alan looks at his hands in wonderment.

"My god. I amaze myself every day. What else could I accomplish with this power?

I should test my limits."

Start cooking a bunch of extravagant shit and narrating the cooking process in a Gordon Ramsay-like fashion, only use completely nonsensical ingredients - toasted carrots with a gummy bear reduction glaze and various other things like that.

You manage to burn everything you cook. Even the cocktails. It's kind of fascinating, in its own way. Like watching a horrible car crash in slow motion. Needless to say, everyone discovers they've forgotten something very important thing they need to do and within moments the area is deserted. It is, in a way, a superpower of its own.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2017, 10:23:23 am

THE FACTS:

We are interdimensional travelers here on a mission to hunt down and presumably destroy a similar interdimensional traveler (provide all known details of the thing we're hunting for)

We collectively possess much in the way of might and magic, as you would put it in a place such as this, and are prepared to trade these for information and material assistance if this is required.

We have a strong idea of what the cause of the disaster to the west may have been, as we had something of a first-row seat to the happenings in what is a fascinating story we hope to relate.

We know a little bit about the overall motives and modes of operation of a cabal of arbitrary interdimensional intelligences engaged in silly games and politicking that invariably involves the deaths of anywhere between 1 and several million innocents on a given mission.

We need information about disturbances and likely locations of the thing we're hunting, including a more specific in-depth description of Nether Pass and the areas surrounding in to shed light on what we can expect there.

Since this is a pre-industrial fantasy society, the Water Monastery presumably hoards a lot of knowledge that could help us with our mission.

We have little time for platitudes and nonsense, so let's trade facts for facts and conjecture for conjecture, shall we?

Though he seems a bit dismissive at first, his eyes suddenly flash with recognition. He politely dismisses the gatekeeper asks you to follow him into the temple before continuing. You get past the entrance, a pleasant spray of water droplets falling on you as you cross it. On the way to wherever you're going, you make your way through a large chamber with a hole in the ceiling through which water falls, disappearing deep below. Probably the way into that room that shady fella asked you to steal those items from.

You reach a small inner garden, decorated with miniature trees and small water ponds with water lilies. There is a pleasant smell accompanying the near constant sound of water falling. The sole occupants of the room at the moment are yourself, the other two members of your party, the Head Water and another man who appears to be meditating, completely ignorant of your presence.

You quietly discuss with the Head Water for a while, exchanging information. He says that they are well aware of the war in the east. They have been asked to help with the defence of the Kingdom but he states that, as has been done many times in the past, the Temple has chosen remain neutral unless attacked. Still, they cannot discount the possibility that they will be attacked, which is why they have begun flooding the area surrounding the temple to make it easier to defend.

He continues by stating that the situation is quite troubling and supports this by adding that this was one of the first time in his lifetime where most of their high ranking members were in favor of at least sending a few representatives away to investigate their surroundings, if not outright help with the situation. The slavers and the armies coming from the east are the least of it. While not common or expected, war and its maladies are not so strange.

What is unexpected are that armies of the Sovereign are supported by hideous beasts that have never been seen before (at least according to their quite significant stores of knowledge), beings that are clearly magical and quite powerful judging by the descriptions the refugees gave of them. Investigating them from up close would certainly help solve the mystery of their unnatural nature and origins.

And that's not the worst of it. A presence can be felt all across the land, especially during the night, a power of Darkness and Void that drains and corrupts everything it touches, especially those things with strong Fire in them. They have identified that it's coming from somewhere far away but they cannot tell much more about it, since it appears to be coming from two directions at the same time, both East and West. Luckily the temple is protected from such magic so at least the people here are safe, for now. The same cannot be said for everyone else though. This thing could adversely affect anyone and those that use fire magic in particular. Anything from mere weakness to accidental miscasts and use of dark magic.

Finally, word has reached them from their brothers in the South that the Confederation (the land South of the Scar) has also come under attack by both the Elven Tribes and the Sovereingty. While they have managed to hold their own for now, their current state means that this Kingdom cannot expect any help from them any time soon.

It is as if when the 'bubble' of the Tower of Fire burst, all the turmoil in the world has come flooding in to fill the void, he adds grimly.

When you ask about Nether Pass, he says that going there might be both good and bad. Good because it would most likely have been left alone by the Sovereignty's armies. And bad because there is a very good reason that place is left alone. He says that place is a cursed place, filled with Death.

Though not many people remember it, this kingdom and much of the known world were once part of a great Empire, led by a tyrannical Mage-Emperor.  He brought this realm to an unnatural state, the living toiling to sustain the dead, every creature forced into slavery by his armies of Monsters and Undead. The man who would later be known as the First King and his band of companions were the only ones that gave hope to the people, fighting the Emperor's oppression and improving the lives of the people with every chance he got. He remarks that it's quite a shame about the man, to have his noble deedsreduced to a twisted and barely remembered dogma. Even you, who wears an armour with his emblem on it, seem to not know his story. He seems quite interested in learning how you came across said armour.

Anyway, the First King ended up chasing the Emperor out of his palace in the desert and into the darkest pits of his mountain fortresses. There the First King defeated the Emperor, using his own dark power against him. But his victory came at a heavy price, both for him and for the surrounding area. Energies of Death still cling to this place. Anyone who enters it can still feel them. And the servants of the Emperor remain there, still trying to serve their master. Monsters of darkness still cling to the mountain tops searching for intruders and skeletal fiends come out of the ground to drag the living back there with them, bringing them into the depths of the old fortresses for unknown but assuredly wicked purposes.

He says that if you are not in a hurry, it might be best to avoid the main roads and head south, passing through the small range of hills that are between you and your destination. He says that the area should be mostly devoid of anything that could hurt you. There used to be some insectoid and avian beastmen on those hills but they have long since been 'cleared' by the armies of the King to make room for mines and estates. Not many of them are still occupied, so there shouldn't even be that many people in your way. If you stay on the main roads on the other hand, you are bound to run into something, since the bottleneck formed by the hills makes for an excellent ambush point, one that someone who wishes you harm is quite likely to take advantage of.

As for ways to help you with your quest, he says he is not certain about what you would require that he could provide. He certainly can't hand you over powerful artifacts just like that. For one he would still have to consult the other priests before making any major commitments. He could offer you a Bowl of Communication, an artifact that would allow you to transmit short messages to them. He says such a thing could be beneficial to both, since you could give the Monastery more information about what's going on in the outside world and they could respond with short pieces of advice or information.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 11, 2017, 05:56:20 pm

((yes its a doublepost, but its been days since the last one after all))
While we travel, I brief TripleSword on the observed combat abilities and style of both River and FeralRiver, and let them know that my intention for when River and I meet again is to be battle-ready but will not under any expected circumstance strike first.

I also ask if they think they can protect me from his Silence and ask about ideas for combined combat styles between us, showing them my memories of my past fights.

One thing Im considering is passing flames between each other, and I want to know if our abilities are compatible with each other.Basically we need to be ready to fight as a team, so lets work out how our teamwork needs to operate.

The Sword says that it will do as you require.

He says that his Silence sounds much like a Hex, a blast of Void energies guided by Dark magic that harms everyone around it and disrupts all sorts of magic. The Sword is capable of countering such effects with defensive and restorative Light and Order magic, so it should be able to protect you. Now that it knows what it looks like, it should be more easy for it to counter it since it can focus its efforts on negating its energies instead of casting general defensive spells. Witnessing such effects for itself would be even better, since it would allow it to get a feel for them. Much like that time the General countered Alan, you suppose, since he said he needed to know a thing or two about Alan's intentions and what he was doing in order to interrupt it. It adds however that he seems quite capable of hiding himself and escaping its notice, so it might not be that simple.

The Sword says its long range attacks consist mostly of fire, so that would be the simplest combination: its attacks will create fires that you can later manipulate. Since you are primarily a magic wielder and not a fighter it won't be able to use its more intricate fighting techniques, but merely pointing it at the direction of your enemies should be enough for it to harm them, if you so wish. Beyond that it can alert you to danger, cast general healing, defensive and concentration spells, maybe provide you with better physical skills with a bit of concentrated effort. It says that if you think you have the stomach for it, you could also try Sword-Flight. You ask it what exactly it means and in response it gives you a memory:

In a field of battle, one man stands amongst charred and mutilated corpses of monsters and men, wielding the Sword. The sky is orange and black, the sun barely visible through the smoke. You see the world mostly from his perspective, his view, his touch, his smells, although you also have a fuzzy understanding of the area around him, like a painting made of fat dots in various shades of grey. The ground shakes and a massive creature begins rising in the distance, standing up on skeletal legs, half of its torso missing, oil oozing from the torn flesh. It is as massive as a building, tall enough to block the sun. Its horned head turns to face him, its red eyes focusing on him, orange light and clouds of ash escaping from its mouth. The man grips the sword tightly with both hands, sizing up his opponent. Grey strands extend from the sword, tying themselves up around his thick gauntlet. The man spins the sword like a hammer thrower at the olympics and then releases it, letting it fly towards the monster. The monster breathes fire and ash at the sword and its wielder but it uses its magic to blast a hole through it. It hits the monster at its shoulder, getting embedded in it. And then a wave of energy passes through the strands linking man and Sword, causing them to contract like a spring, sending him flying towards the monster. The monster tries to intercept him with its massive hand but it isn't quick enough. He grabs the sword out of the monster's shoulder as he flies by and prepares for another throw, straight at the back of its neck.

With the memory concluded, it adds that you are much lighter, so it should be able to do something similar with you, even though you are weaker than the owner of the memory.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 06, 2017, 12:12:23 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2017, 09:47:37 am

We should continue scouting, probably will turnaround tomorrow I guess?

Indeed we shall!
Set commwire to receive, and keep testing on multiple frequencies!

And let San decide who he retroactively goes with given all this information we all have.

"Hey Irine, that mention of nasty magical items made me feel better--if I had some of those, I could help more when we're in trouble rather than just being physical with things. What do you think if we ever meet any of them?"

San would like to continue going with you. He seems to prefer clinging to you and your protection rather than risk trusting someone else.

You keep going forward but don't encounter anything of interest. The road is empty of people. You hear one of those creatures with the shark-like mouth roar somewhere in the distance but they don't seem keen on approaching you. The only mildly interesting thing you encounter are the remains of some sort of building. You can't tell what it was with a short investigation, for now only four low rock walls remain to mark the place it once stood. Someone has placed a pedestal with some sort of symbol in there, perhaps as a memorial or an improvised place of religious worship. It looks more recent than the building, although you aren't certain how recent exactly. Definitely not recently enough not to have been coated with dirt but recently enough to not have been eroded too much by the wind and the sun.

You also receive no response to your commwire. If someone's out there, they're not listening to you. At least that's how it seems until about an hour before the sun sets. It is at that time that you and Irine both feel the same distorted thought.
Hide

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 14, 2017, 07:27:36 pm

<Hide!>
Hide!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 14, 2017, 08:07:29 pm

((So, uh, we habe three ships with a vote apiece?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 14, 2017, 10:43:26 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2017, 07:27:36 pm

<Hide!>
Hide!

Hide!!

Theri realized she was holding more than two important things at the moment--one was Irine, next was San, and she had to get her inventory items these important people into a place that can get them visibly hidden. Whichever was nearer--whichever was more sensible, the best area would be a place where they could easily observe and still be out of common thought and hindsight. Elevation was just as important as being out of the obvious line of sight.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 15, 2017, 12:59:04 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 14, 2017, 08:07:29 pm

((So, uh, we habe three ships with a vote apiece?))

The votes are:
*Icarus
*Icarus (primary) or S0
*Stellar
*I don't care
So Icarus has a small lead

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2017, 04:25:49 am

Describe the location of the armor and how I found it as well as the Throne-Armor that was adjacent to it but unlikely to be budged or safely worn (hence why I wouldn't bother). It's probably still unguarded, nudge nudge wink wink.

Mention also the rather large sword that Irine got and give a description of it, see what they know about it.

Ask in particular about dark magic - what it is, where it comes from, what it does and how best to deal with it.

In addition, what exactly was the Tower of Fire, aside from a conduit of supernatural invasions into this world, our own sadly included?

Furthermore, mention also the shady individual that would have had me try and plunder this temple of its treasures - present the hex as evidence.

Also accept the bowl, that might indeed prove pretty handy if we run into anything perplexing on the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on March 15, 2017, 12:00:13 pm

"Hmm, I clearly have a difficult time not burning everything to ash when playing with fire! Must be from a past self."

Done being referential, Alan decides to be social.

Go find someone (first person I see, pretty much) and declare them a friend. Proceed to attempts to have shenanigans with them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: wipeout1024 on March 16, 2017, 08:35:44 am

((Sorry, but what's happening in the game just about now?))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Beirus on March 16, 2017, 11:53:14 am

William nods to the butler, handing his glass back with a "Yes, please".

"Mah reasonin' is pretty simple. See, I reckon that in this group, 'specially since y'all went out of yer way to make sure to recruit one specific guy, we can collectively muster up enough firepower to match those ships, or maybe come close. What we cain't do as easily is defend ourselves from whatever is out there, and given that we don't know what it is, I'd rather be safe in a slow moving ship than floating in the void next to the wreckage of a faster one." William pauses for a few moments before adding, "Hey, how come every one of y'all I've met is civil, but the overgrown lizardsicle just wants to try to kill me? You gonna give me some shtick 'bout how that's his way of showing affection and I'd be dead if he really wanted to kill me or somethin'?"

Drink more whiskey. Talk with entities.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2017, 06:31:19 pm

Have to go to sleep. Just campaign today, I'm afraid. I'll do the rest tomorrow.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 15, 2017, 12:00:13 pm

"Hmm, I clearly have a difficult time not burning everything to ash when playing with fire! Must be from a past self."

Done being referential, Alan decides to be social.

Go find someone (first person I see, pretty much) and declare them a friend. Proceed to attempts to have shenanigans with them.

You run face first into a drunk. You declare him a friend. He declares you a friend! You propose you go have friendly fun together. He accepts in a friendly manner. So you set of to go have friendly fun together, as friends.

...

A few minutes later you find yourself running away from an angry mob.
"You really shouldn't had stolen that booze friend. I could had created some for you."
"Well, you should had told me you could summon things before you went ahead and did it while I had my hands in a guy's pants. Right next to the head, no less."
"Well I'm an Alan, that's basically what I do."
"And I'm a drunk and a thief, that's basically what I do!"
You run silently for a few seconds, angrily staring at each other.
"Still, I never thought a goat could bounce that much." he adds and you both start laughing. "That was totally awesome."
"You're not so bad yourself. That cook never saw you swap that mildflower for dragonweed."
"Yeah, I've got to admit, those were some really smooth moves. You can never find a better distraction than a bit of dragonweed."
"And then when that guy came and tried to-"
"Oh, yeah!"
"I've never seen so much whining and fire since Irine had her last freakout."
"Who?" he asks as he spins around and kicks a stand. The stand falls down, blocking the path of your pursuers and adding another angry woman to your little mob.
"Oh, another friend of mine. Fun girl, a bit foxy. Maybe you'll get to meet her."
"Oh, cool. Anyway, now that I know you can summon things we can have all sorts of- Ohshitduck!"
"Where?"
*bump*
You slowly get up after getting hit in the head with a giant wooden board. The man that was carrying the board is also getting up and doesn't look at all happy about you running into him. The same is true for the small mob currently catching up to you.
"Heh. Buddy, if we're going to keep doing this, we really need to work on your angry mob evasion skills."
"Νο, I just got to stay away from ducks. Whenever one's around I get hurt for some reason."

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2017, 04:25:49 am

Describe the location of the armor and how I found it as well as the Throne-Armor that was adjacent to it but unlikely to be budged or safely worn (hence why I wouldn't bother). It's probably still unguarded, nudge nudge wink wink.

Mention also the rather large sword that Irine got and give a description of it, see what they know about it.

Ask in particular about dark magic - what it is, where it comes from, what it does and how best to deal with it.

In addition, what exactly was the Tower of Fire, aside from a conduit of supernatural invasions into this world, our own sadly included?

Furthermore, mention also the shady individual that would have had me try and plunder this temple of its treasures - present the hex as evidence.

Also accept the bowl, that might indeed prove pretty handy if we run into anything perplexing on the way.

The Headwater recognizes from your description that that was the sacred catacombs of the First King. He seems pleased to get to experience such a thing first-hand but mostly he is quite surprised about you having it. He asks you how you managed to overcome the tests and challenges of the catacombs and receive such a powerful artifact. You're getting the feeling that he isn't 100% certain you are worthy of wearing it. When you explain how you got it... well, he at least focuses on something else. First he asks you several times to make sure you aren't trying to trick him and then he declares that this is of the utmost importance. He must tell the others that this darkness corruption is much worse than they thought and that they must take action! And that they should probably send someone to take care of the catacombs until they are rebuilt. He seems really distressed by this whole situation.

"Oh, then I should probably also tell you about that sword we got."
"What sword?"
"The one that is on fire and changes sizes. And talks, apparently, although now that I think about it it has never done so to me."
"YOU ALSO HAVE HIS SWORD?! THE SWORD?!"
"Well, not me, my friend-"
"WHERE IS HE?"
"She is not here."

After he calms down a bit (the meditating man doesn't move at all during all this ruckus, by the way) he says that if there's nothing else he must go alert the others immediately and that you should come with him if you can. You explain that there's still some things you want to know. He cringes but agrees to continue, but not before fetching someone and having him get the other priests to assemble to some inner chamber.

You continue by asking about what dark magic is exactly and he says it's the magic related to the Dark element, the element associated with taking, deceiving, hurting, hiding, corrupting the natural state of things, those sorts of things. Its harmful uses are unfortunately the easiest to obtain and the most obvious and as such it has acquired a bad reputation, but it can also be used for good. High ranking guardsmen, for example, receive items enchanted with dark magic that can prevent mages from casting when they are placed on them. It can also be used to siphon energy to refill Power Stones or allow mages to more easily combine their powers. One of the most powerful and useful things a high ranking Dark mage can do is craft a Void Stone, a material that with the proper enchantments can become near impervious to magic, which can be quite useful if you're an alchemist trying to combine magical ingredients.

However due to the inherent danger involved in using it and the associated stigma, only experienced users may even begin learning to practice Dark magic and even then they need to receive special permission from the Tower. Those with a natural affinity for Dark magic are kept under close watch from the Tower and the Guardsmen if they aren't outright forced to join the Tower. The reason for that is that while most magic may invoke the Void if misused (for example, trying to cast powerful spells without enough Flow), Dark magic is especially capable of manipulating such Void energies, even creating them by accident. And while short lived and self-destructive, Void magics can be horrifically damaging to everyone and everything around them. Even if they don't invoke them directly, Void energies can still corrupt the magic user, entering their body, corrupting them and feeding off of them, stripping the good out of them and turning them into monsters, both figuratively and sometimes literally. Fortunately Dark magic users are quite rare (or maybe they just tend to perish before they can become a danger), so at least those kinds of situations don't come up often.

Defense against Dark magic isn't very easy, since it tends to disrupt most forms of magic. Fortunately, most minor spells like the ones you are most likely to encounter are probably not going to be strong enough to break decent magical defences. They can be detected via most common ways of detecting magic, such as Stonesensing, while a ward of Order, a protective artifact or at least a proper equalisation of magical energies can disrupt them and disable them. The problem is when you encounter a powerful spell. Then only a spell of Light can protect you or maybe a very powerful ward. And given that Light magic users are as rare as those of Darkness, if not rarer, then getting such powerful magic is highly unlikely. When you detect the icy, oppressive darkness the casting of Dark magic creates, it is best to either disable the caster quickly or run away. Or hope you have enough Willpower and Endurance to resist it. Unless one possesses the Sword of the First King, it's got enough Order and Light magic in it to at least be able to stand up to most Dark attacks.

The Tower of Fire is quite old. Its foundations and the tunnels beneath it were built by Augus, one of the few companions of the First King to survive his Ascension. It was built on Stodir's resting place and as such a place of powerful magic. People call Stodir a volcano now but in truth it is actually the name of the dragon buried there. It is said he was the Father of all dragons, who gifted them all with his fiery breath. In his wake the earth shook and the ground erupted into molten fire, but despite his power he was slain in a great battle that occurred quite a long time ago, before the Empire was even formed, during a time when gods still walked the earth. The Tower harnesses the Fire energies emanating from Stodir, capturing the power of his flow as it escapes and travels all across the land. It has grown quite a lot overtime, each Master seeking to outdo the previous one in their achievements. It has enough Power Stones and Focusing Crystals in it to dramatically amplify all sorts of magics cast in and around it and the mages of the Tower can direct that power wherever they wish through their secret rituals, giving them immense power. The range this power can spread is increased through a network of Spines,smaller towers that from what you understand act a bit like electrical substations. This not only increases the power of mages of the Tower but also allows countless magical machines to function. Finally, it also works as a defensive weapon, allowing the Tower to launch powerful attacks wherever there's a Spine capable of supporting them. Although the mages themselves are not loved very much by the general public (in fact they are greatly mistrusted, with many conspiracy theories existing around what they do to remain in power), the machines and protection they afford them do make the people like the Tower very much. Stories are still being told about how the Tower mages helped in defeating the Night Knights.

Telling him about the stone produces more surprise out of him but a more... calm surprise, in a way. As if he was expecting something like this to happen. You can hear his heartbeat elevating, probably due to fear or anger. It's like you keep coming up with things to crack this guy's facade. He says that this is quite troubling that such an object even managed to make its way through the walls and goes on to explain that the artifact that man asked you to retrieve was actually amongst other things a very powerful focusing crystal that they use primarily for the defence of the Monastery. The chamber itself is also an important nexus on the Temple's flow of magical energies. Had you detonated the Hex in there, even if you had not stolen any of the items, it would had badly disrupted their ability to protect this place. He postulates that this is yet another sign that the Sovereign desires to conquer Chizra along with the rest of the Kingdom. He asks from you to give him the Hex for safekeeping and so that he can present it as evidence to the other head priests. He insists that he needs to get them to act now, before it's too late.

The Head Water says that if that is all, he would like to go inform the others of what he has learned.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on March 14, 2017, 10:43:26 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2017, 07:27:36 pm

<Hide!>
Hide!

Hide!!

Theri realized she was holding more than two important things at the moment--one was Irine, next was San, and she had to get her inventory items these important people into a place that can get them visibly hidden. Whichever was nearer--whichever was more sensible, the best area would be a place where they could easily observe and still be out of common thought and hindsight. Elevation was just as important as being out of the obvious line of sight.

((Just add them to your backpack. Problem solved :P ))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 14, 2017, 07:27:36 pm

<Hide!>
Hide!

Theri walks away from the main road as fast as she can. She finds a depression in the ground, digs a bit and then starts covering herself and their belongings in dirt to better hide them, instructing them to try to move as little as possible. She realizes too late that her footprints are still visible, leading from the road straight to her hiding place, so she uses her blanket to smear them and make the ground appear normal around their hiding spot, hopefully making it harder for anyone trying to track them. That done, she continues trying to hide everything and everyone (including herself). All and all she does a pretty good job, though she has to cover Irine up almost completely due to how... visible she has become after her last fight.

Feeling herself sufficiently hidden, Theri tries to slow her breathing and move as little as possible. She's put herself in a position where she can hopefully see anyone coming from the direction of the road, so she hopefully has some time to react and plan if they follow their tracks. She waits for a while but nobody comes from the road. What she notices instead are the dark shapes in the sky approaching from the east, quickly coming closer every second that passes, a cloud made out of hundreds of dark specs. As they grow closer, they turn into more distinct shapes. And the sound they make, which was at first lost in the soft whistle of the wind, has now become a cacophony of screeches and whistles.

"It's the monsters. The monsters that killed them all. The monsters." San whispers as if he's in a chokehold, all strength in his voice stripped away by terror and the need to stay hidden.

The monsters look like what you'd get if you took the most filthy and diseased-looking birds you could get and then merged them together as if they were made out of play dough. Most of them have three or four wings placed at sightly off angles, with the larger ones possessing close to 8. They are flapping them furiously, producing a constant thudding noise. Somehow they manage to not only fly quickly but also avoid flying into each other despite their misshapen bodies. While their wings are covered with feathers, their bodies have only a few dirty clumps here and there, revealing wrinkly skin underneath.

They pass above you and for a moment it looks like they're leaving but then circle around for another pass. And another. But they don't appear to be landing, for the moment. With each pass, you can feel the turbulence they create, wind picking up around you and threatening to uncover you.

Irene's sword whispers to her through their link.
<They might be tracking our magical flow. However there is little we can do about that. We can not make you or us any less magic. We can try to equalize the magical flow emanating from us but that would create other un-balances and there is a chance that could make things worse. The magic we use tends to be visible, blinding even. It is not meant to be used for hiding.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 16, 2017, 09:11:19 pm

I send TripleSword the exact mechanics of how my tornado of flame actually works, why it is slow to build up, how dangerous it is to even allies nearby when used, and exactly what it does and how destructive it is.
<I have nothing less destructive that would acomplish the task of killing them all. Unless you see a way to make it feasible, then I see no option but to attempt to equalize the magic. If they keep circling us, eventually we will be found.

If equalizing would cripple us though, then if you can shield us for a time to allow me to build up my flames, then I'd prefer to just burn them down.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 17, 2017, 10:27:42 am

"Oh sure, you can have the dang thing if you want. However!"

Still more questions. Do they have any equipment that would assist in sensing magic and identifying it properly? Preferably over a distance. I'm thinking an active scanner bouncing a little bit of reproducible magic about that's calibrated for long-range sensing. Or a passive one that just picks up the local aura or whatever it is. One of those would be pretty handy to have around.

Also some more information on the Mage-Emperor as well as the First King and his companions - who they were, what they did, what were their distinguishing characteristics and what ultimately became of them. In writing preferably, for later cross-referencing (I would understand if this is not possible, of course, scrolls and moisture don't play well together at all, do they?).

Both of those would be collectively great as a reward for me doing the right thing, though if only one of those is possible I'd be willing to settle after some convincing.

((Side note: it's 'could have', never 'could had'. I keep meaning to remark on this but always forget.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on March 17, 2017, 01:47:41 pm

"Quickly friend, we must away before that crowd forces us to watch instructional videos regarding proper social conduct or whatever! Behold my ultimate getaway vehicle!"

It's Big Wheel time!

Perhaps with a fire hose attached to the back of it if I'm able, the water pressure will give us a bit of a boost.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Failbird105 on March 20, 2017, 06:15:44 pm

So, because I couldn't really wait to get into the game(if I wait much longer I may not even be able to play much at all), I'm just posting here now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2017, 06:20:38 pm

This game is PvP half the time, your charsheet is private and contains VERY valuable info you should keep hidden. I suggest removing all the content from your post Failbird.

---

edit: also Dawwwwwwwwww @ your avatar.
tis cute.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Failbird105 on March 20, 2017, 06:32:30 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on March 20, 2017, 06:20:38 pm

This game is PvP half the time, your charsheet is private and contains VERY valuable info you should keep hidden. I suggest removing all the content from your post Failbird.

---

edit: also Dawwwwwwwwww @ your avatar.
tis cute.

Ahh, okay, it's been a while since I've looked at the earlier parts of this thread besides some parts of the first post.

Also, it is only cute because your mind refuses to comprehend the horror beneath the silhouette.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 21, 2017, 09:10:25 am

((Eek, I thought this had posted but bad connection stability apparently said otherwise :x Lost the original idea in rewriting though, hopefully it's clear.))

Theri lightly wondered if she ever had anything to help in these situations other than consistent physical exercise and the willpower she had driving her, as she looked at Irine's position.

"It's not leaving...why isn't it leaving!"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2017, 09:29:03 am

((Oh, don't get me wrong, if it tried to approach me I'd feel compelled to introduce it to the business end of a shotgun... repeatedly. My self-preservation instinct is perfectly intact after all.

But that doesn't make it not cute.))

---

edit:
To Theri: <They probably smell our magic, so they know we're near, but not exactly where we are.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2017, 09:18:40 am

Quote from: Failbird105 on March 20, 2017, 06:15:44 pm

So, because I couldn't really wait to get into the game(if I wait much longer I may not even be able to play much at all), I'm just posting here now.

Sorry man. I've been really busy. Like I said in the PM, you're in.
We're starting a new mission right now. Exploring a spaceship that disappeared but has now reappeared to find out what happened to it and rescue anyone who survived if possible. Full briefing here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7369582#msg7369582), choice of ship here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7381685#msg7381685).
You wanna join?

Quote from: wipeout1024 on March 16, 2017, 08:35:44 am

((Sorry, but what's happening in the game just about now?))

I was just waiting for a while to give you a chance to talk or vote or RP or prepare or whatever. Plus I was busy. I've got the mission ready to go, all the areas and maps and everything.

If you're asking what you're doing specifically, you've just volunteered for a very dangerous mission to explore a vessel that had mysteriously disappeared and you're currently choosing if you wish an entity to accompany you and if so which one it will be. Current votes are:
*Icarus
*Icarus (primary) or S0
*Stellar
*I don't care
So Icarus has a small lead

Quote from: Beirus on March 16, 2017, 11:53:14 am

William nods to the butler, handing his glass back with a "Yes, please".

"Mah reasonin' is pretty simple. See, I reckon that in this group, 'specially since y'all went out of yer way to make sure to recruit one specific guy, we can collectively muster up enough firepower to match those ships, or maybe come close. What we cain't do as easily is defend ourselves from whatever is out there, and given that we don't know what it is, I'd rather be safe in a slow moving ship than floating in the void next to the wreckage of a faster one." William pauses for a few moments before adding, "Hey, how come every one of y'all I've met is civil, but the overgrown lizardsicle just wants to try to kill me? You gonna give me some shtick 'bout how that's his way of showing affection and I'd be dead if he really wanted to kill me or somethin'?"

Drink more whiskey. Talk with entities.

The butler obediently refills your glass with a small bow.

<Nah. He really just wants to kill you. Don't worry though, it's nothing personal. It's not that he doesn't like you. He just hates everyone.>
"Maybe 'hates' is the wrong word to use. It's more of a desire to kill everyone. Or maybe an urge."
<Yes, 'hates' is an oversimplification. Consider a cat. A cat hunts and kills things even if it is not hungry, but it doesn't really hate what it kills. It's just what it does. Trying to anthropomorphize these sort of behaviours might make them easier for you to understand but in the end human behaviours, feelings and morals just don't apply, not fully. He is not human.>
"What your 'friend' is trying to say in so many words is that, basically, you're fucked."

---

Icarus knocks on the side of the jet and its belly opens, revealing a cramped corridor with seats arranged with one on the left and one on the right creating a zig-zag path between them, probably to ensure weight is balanced equally.
"OK! Looks like we're going to be a fun team together. I'm uploading the map of the ship (https://www.dropbox.com/s/62060bh0f29xe88/spess_map.gif?dl=0) to your interfaces. Get in the Phoenix when ready. I'll materialize some acceleration suits and the necessary stims for those who need them when we port to our destination. Now, let's go be heroes!"
"Are you sure you want to go with him? I want to remind you that the X is a perfectly fine ship. And I am 100% confident that you are all strong enough to be able to do this on your own. I mean, do you really want to trust an immature child to fly you there? Someone who chose the name of one of history's worst pilots?"
"No. We've decided that I will be the captain. I will be captaining and ensuring their safe conveyance to their destination until the final termination of our transit process."
"And someone who talks like a broken thesaurus when he's trying to sound serious?"

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 17, 2017, 01:47:41 pm

"Quickly friend, we must away before that crowd forces us to watch instructional videos regarding proper social conduct or whatever! Behold my ultimate getaway vehicle!"

It's Big Wheel time!

Perhaps with a fire hose attached to the back of it if I'm able, the water pressure will give us a bit of a boost.

"Quickly friend, we must away before that crowd forces us to watch instructional videos regarding proper social conduct or whatever! Behold my ultimate getaway vehicle!"
As the crowd closes in you pretend to sit down and make bike noises with your mouth.
"Erm, buddy, you know you're not actually riding anything, right?"
"What are you talking about? The ultimate getaway vehicle is right here! All you have to do is use your imagination. Come on, friend! Let's go!"
The man shrugs, empties his bottle, tosses it to a wall where it breaks and pretends to sit down as well.
"Well, it's not like it would be my first time in the brig. Might as weeeaaAAAAH!"
Alan's friend desperately tries to hold on to him as they rocket forward, riding what would best be described as magical-water-propelled-missile in the form of a tricycle with a dozen or so high pressure fire hoses attached to its back, spewing water that seemingly appears out of thin air.
"Oh, maaaaaan!"
Their vehicle speeds through the panicking crowd doing the best to get out of its way and rides up the slanted roof of the stall they had collapsed mere moments ago. The vehicle flies up into the air and keeps going for several seconds.
"Woohooo! Yeah!"
It is at this moment that the hoses that keep it flying begin to sputter and lose pressure.
"Uh oh."
The vehicle makes it beyond the wall of the monastery before its trajectory reaches its peak and it begins its eventual descent.
"I hope you have a plan for landing this thing?"
Otherwise, it looks like you will be crashing into the muddy flooded land surrounding the monastery.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 17, 2017, 10:27:42 am

"Oh sure, you can have the dang thing if you want. However!"

Still more questions. Do they have any equipment that would assist in sensing magic and identifying it properly? Preferably over a distance. I'm thinking an active scanner bouncing a little bit of reproducible magic about that's calibrated for long-range sensing. Or a passive one that just picks up the local aura or whatever it is. One of those would be pretty handy to have around.

Also some more information on the Mage-Emperor as well as the First King and his companions - who they were, what they did, what were their distinguishing characteristics and what ultimately became of them. In writing preferably, for later cross-referencing (I would understand if this is not possible, of course, scrolls and moisture don't play well together at all, do they?).

Both of those would be collectively great as a reward for me doing the right thing, though if only one of those is possible I'd be willing to settle after some convincing.

((Side note: it's 'could have', never 'could had'. I keep meaning to remark on this but always forget.))

((Yeah, I always get those confused. Thanks for correcting me. Can't promise I'll stop doing it though.))

He says that such artifacts are quite rare, since they usually have to combine all sorts of opposing magics in a stable configuration or utilize a pure focusing crystal. He heard that a man of the Fire Tower called Kassiver was working on mass producing one such artifact but with the Tower in the state it's in now...

The temple might be in possession of such an artifact but they wouldn't part with it if there wasn't a very compelling reason. Its value due to its craftsmanship alone would be extraordinary. It might be better to make due with a simpler artifact. There are Spheres of Fate that can try to read the strands of fate and produce warnings about the future. Though unreliable, they are better than nothing.

Otherwise, you could seek an Order or Light mage, since they are usually the ones that learn how to analyze and feel the flows of magic. Water mages can also do that, but not as easily or reliably. If you would like, he could search for a volunteer to accompany you and act as a sort-of magic researcher.

He says that if you are interested in more in depth research, you may visit the repository next to the Fountain of Knowledge. The masters there should possess a good deal of written material, some of which you could purchase (or copy, if you have the time for it). He is certain that once they learn about what you have done for the temple, they would be more than willing to provide you with whatever you require, within reason. Though he warns you that they would most likely be unwilling to part with rare scrolls they have yet to copy.

You ask him how they can maintain scrolls in such humid conditions and he replies by saying that control over water means that they can also remove it, when necessary. Particularly old or valuable scrolls are also given wards of Order and Earth magic to protect them. Now that he mentions it, you do remember the General using something similar to safeguard the map he gave you, some sort of protective magical container.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on March 16, 2017, 09:11:19 pm

I send TripleSword the exact mechanics of how my tornado of flame actually works, why it is slow to build up, how dangerous it is to even allies nearby when used, and exactly what it does and how destructive it is.
<I have nothing less destructive that would acomplish the task of killing them all. Unless you see a way to make it feasible, then I see no option but to attempt to equalize the magic. If they keep circling us, eventually we will be found.

If equalizing would cripple us though, then if you can shield us for a time to allow me to build up my flames, then I'd prefer to just burn them down.>

((Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't fire tornado rely on the existence of combustible material to increase in size? Not that it matters when you can just summon more fire, just saying. Because right now you're surrounded by dirt, dirt and more dirt. The few dry bushes around would only make a meager addition to your fire.))

<Then finally the time for battle has come.>
<The flow of magic here is weak.>
<But we shall perform our duty nonetheless.>
<We are ready to act when you do, Irine.>
<We shall create a protective barrier to shield you and the others from harm.>
<We will also provide you with all the fire we can gather.>
<Just say the word.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2017, 09:28:57 am

((It does rely on that. I though the area had plenty of dry grass just asking for a grassfire. How is there any soil remaining without plant matter to keep it from eroding away? about the only place you dont have matter to burn is a sand desert.))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on March 26, 2017, 10:06:38 am

I'm at the meeting, right?

I would like to inform him about future technology, and ask if he or anyone around here would consider that knowledge of any value.

Also ask if he can part with any stuff for our makeshift army, since some of them are fighting with pitchforks and slings.

Tell him I can temporarily enhance and amplify magical artifacts, even repair or replenish damaged ones, so the weaker artifacts should be adequate. (Any broken artifacts they can't really use would be welcome).

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2017, 10:40:40 am

That's a good point - magical garbage is great for us! If they have any trashed or horribly old magical bits of equipment we can probably fix them.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2017, 11:07:39 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 26, 2017, 09:28:57 am

((It does rely on that. I though the area had plenty of dry grass just asking for a grassfire. How is there any soil remaining without plant matter to keep it from eroding away? about the only place you dont have matter to burn is a sand desert.))

I don't know if google maps links work properly, but imagine it like this spot:
https://www.google.gr/maps/@27.1575725,41.2982875,62m/data=!3m1!1e3

A road going through mostly dry and dead terrain with a random bush or rock here or there. The primary element here is Earth and even that is weak.

Most of this region is like that, with very rare spots where water is available. There are some spots close to the hills in the north that have a few wells and a bit thicker vegetation (or other magical resources) and are thus home to farms or even estates, as well as mining settlements (most of them deserted) that once mined valuable minerals and were thus supported by supply shipments.

The area you were in before (the one the village was in) was more like those parts of Mexico or Central US where it's still dry and somewhat rocky but there are a lot of small bushes and random trees all around, with the occasional well or dry riverbed to remind you of the existence of water. Maybe something like this:

https://www.google.gr/maps/@36.3211729,-109.8109858,452m/data=!3m1!1e3

It's much the same once you're out of this patch of dry land and on to the east, until you get close to the mountains.

The southern part of the kingdom as well as that close to the mountains in the east is more like Mediterranean summer in some southern part of Italy. Still too hot but also somewhat humid, with more vegetation and things like rivers/streams and small forests, especially in the higher altitudes.

This is general knowledge about the area and you can say you've learned it from the villagers or some other person you met. Sorry if I didn't give a clear description about where you were.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2017, 11:20:52 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2017, 10:40:40 am

That's a good point - magical garbage is great for us! If they have any trashed or horribly old magical bits of equipment we can probably fix them.

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2017, 10:06:38 am

0. I'm at the meeting, right?

1. I would like to inform him about future technology, and ask if he or anyone around here would consider that knowledge of any value.

2. Also ask if he can part with any stuff for our makeshift army, since some of them are fighting with pitchforks and slings.

3. Tell him I can temporarily enhance and amplify magical artifacts, even repair or replenish damaged ones, so the weaker artifacts should be adequate.

4. (Any broken artifacts they can't really use would be welcome).

0. Yes

1. He himself is not interested, but he says some of the masters of the repository might find some of those things interesting, if only because it might be worth recording them.

2. He says that even though he agrees you are doing the right thing, the temple cannot officially support you at the moment. This might change after the meeting.

3. He says that while your skills could be quite useful in the defense of the temple, since the effects are temporary, they wouldn't be very useful as part of a trade. However, he could certainly grant you a weak or broken artifact. Maybe even something quite useful (if you can repair it) for someone who has aided the temple so. What would you be interested in?

4. He says that failed magical experiments and broken artefacts should be disposed of or recycled if possible. However, there might be some that haven't been processed yet in one of the storage rooms in the east wing. He says that one of the masters responsible for magical training might know more about it and would probably be willing to help.

From what you gather, he's more of a man responsible for ceremonies and general organizational issues, knowing everyone and talking with everyone but not really knowing everything they're doing. If he is responsible for the operation of other parts of the temple, he appears to be taking a hands off approach instead of micromanaging them. He is certainly not the stereotypical sage old man that appears to know everything that's going on in his temple. More of a political figure.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on March 26, 2017, 02:54:37 pm

"Do I really seem like a man without a plan?"

Alan acts before the obvious answer is stated.

I doubt I can make actual parachutes, but give it a try. If I can't, big bedsheets will do for slowing us down. Then when we're near the ground, summon a big pile of giant marshmallows for ablative purposes.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on March 26, 2017, 03:54:03 pm

Alan's a man with a plan. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0sJvtKrRM)

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2017, 05:07:28 pm

No harm in waiting I suppose. lets see if we get lucky and they give up and go away. if they find us I can attack then just as well as now.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 26, 2017, 05:23:33 pm

Quote from: Irine's awesome telepathy! on March 21, 2017, 09:29:03 am

<They probably smell our magic, so they know we're near, but not exactly where we are.>

"Wait what do you mean our magic? I'm as dense as the rocks that are slowly slipping away from us to this wind--in terms of magic! San, dear, we're having a mind-to-mind conversation; please be on the lookout for any change in the flock above. Don't worry about us two--especially me talking to something you maybe can't hear," Theri said in reply, just now noticing that San may not have gotten Irine's words, although she couldn't be sure.

"Got a plan, Iri? I can't do anything but plan to run if we're uncovered but I will support you as best as able; I'm thinking they will follow a leader--swooping in with its claws at best. The rest will follow the first that changes direction. Is there anyway anyone can. . .place some of that magic at a different location?"

Err, do all that! Brace for impact and whatnot! Be the usual 'AAAAAA' situation in the movies and films where I'm probably powerless but have to work around personal weaknesses and all. Think! Look around!
And calm San down with planning, or if he's calm, plan with him!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2017, 05:38:09 pm

"I'll let Nik here detail what he'd find most useful, he's three times the wiz-bang I am by most conservative estimates."

All of this is good to know - can I attend the meeting? I can listen from a distance and you don't have to worry about me sitting in the chamber itself. Just stick me off in the corner or maybe a room with a vent to it and I can probably catch the important bits with some concentration. With their permission, of course!

Let Nik handle the artifact picks - he kind of needs the good stuff more than I do to be really effective.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on March 26, 2017, 06:57:57 pm

"Three times nothing is still zero!
...That's not what I meant.

Feel free to suggest things"

Something with healing powers would be good, or something with magic protection or antimagic properties (as long as they don't interfere with my own abilities), or something stealth enabling.
An artifact that creates fire or natural light would combo well with Irene and Zech.
Something with several different magical uses like a magic swiss army knife would be cool.
Or a cool magic sword of course.

What kind of stuff can water enchantments do?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 27, 2017, 01:02:35 am

((Erm, Tiruin?

What is theri talking about?
The threat is a giant swarm of fleash-eating birds, associated with void magic.
You seem to be talking about a single flying mount of some kind, bearing a rider?
What??))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 27, 2017, 02:34:21 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 27, 2017, 01:02:35 am

[Tiruin's awkward embarrassment nicely nudged by her good friend]

((I watched LotR and Parisbre's description of those 8 birds had me thinking SOMETHING ELSE D: EDITED! :-[))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2017, 06:45:11 pm

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2017, 03:54:03 pm

Alan's a man with a plan. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0sJvtKrRM)

That is at least somewhat accurate.

Quote from: Xantalos on March 26, 2017, 02:54:37 pm

"Do I really seem like a man without a plan?"

Alan acts before the obvious answer is stated.

I doubt I can make actual parachutes, but give it a try. If I can't, big bedsheets will do for slowing us down. Then when we're near the ground, summon a big pile of giant marshmallows for ablative purposes.

You summon a giant duvet cover that immediately gets tangled on the tricycle, acting as a parachute. Your stroke of luck continues and you land safely on a small muddy island in the middle of the flooded surroundings of the temple, home to a now rotting bush. The duvet cover disappears a few moments later. Not exactly an escape worthy of James Bond, but you would say it was pretty damn cool. Your friend seems to think so too, for the moment you land he gets off the bicycle and starts jumping up and down and punching the air in excitement.
"Woohoo! That was awesome! You're amazing man! All like whoosh and then fwoom and bye bye! Oh, we've got to do that again!"

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2017, 05:38:09 pm

"I'll let Nik here detail what he'd find most useful, he's three times the wiz-bang I am by most conservative estimates."

All of this is good to know - can I attend the meeting? I can listen from a distance and you don't have to worry about me sitting in the chamber itself. Just stick me off in the corner or maybe a room with a vent to it and I can probably catch the important bits with some concentration. With their permission, of course!

Let Nik handle the artifact picks - he kind of needs the good stuff more than I do to be really effective.

Sure you can. In fact, he would very much want that, since your testimony would probably be easier to believe if you give it yourself. A man wearing the armour of the First King is surely someone to be trusted and a sign they cannot ignore. It would also allow them to ask you any questions they wish about said testimony. He says that if discussion comes to a sensitive matter you might be asked to step out, but he will do his best

It would take at least a quarter of an hour to gather most of the high ranking monks for the meeting, maybe more. Is there anything you wish to do in the meantime or do you want to fast forward to the meeting? And if so, is there anything in particular you'd wish to do during the meeting or just listen carefully and tell the facts as you know them?

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2017, 06:57:57 pm

"Three times nothing is still zero!
...That's not what I meant.

Feel free to suggest things"

Something with healing powers would be good, or something with magic protection or antimagic properties (as long as they don't interfere with my own abilities), or something stealth enabling.
An artifact that creates fire or natural light would combo well with Irene and Zech.
Something with several different magical uses like a magic swiss army knife would be cool.
Or a cool magic sword of course.

"Well, if you're looking for a weapon, I've got a nice blade I can give you."
"Oh yeah? What's so nice about it?"
"No, no, no. You misunderstood. A singular ice blade. A blade made of ice."
"My previous statement still stands."
"Well, it can reform itself when broken, keep itself magically sharpened... And it looks impressive. Perhaps combined with your magic it could do something more. You did ask me for medium range magical items, something I could be persuaded to give away but could still be useful in your quest."

For protection... Well, they have a couple of those things called Melchior's Mystifying Mirage, a magical item that creates a distorting cloud of fog when supplied with water, and could be persuaded to part with one of them. The fog is altered to act as a cloud of perfectly aligned prisms, distorting light in such a way that it and those within it become mostly invisible. Though the fog doesn't last long and its effective range is not that large, it is quite capable of concealing four people from a distance (maybe more if they have no problem getting a bit too intimate), as long as you have enough water to keep it working.

If such complex enchantments are not to your liking, then there is a simple water armour enchantment. When supplied with water, it coats the wearer's body in a thick suit of armour made out of liquid water. If the user has the necessary magical skill, they can harden the water or even manipulate it to form whatever shape they wish and then harden it to ice. Though even without such skills, it would still be better than no armour and would probably fare quite well against Fire and Wind magic. And the fact that it is magically sustained would mean that it weighs nothing at all.

"How about something that produces light?"
"... You mean a lamp?"
"Well, I was thinking something a bit stronger than a lamp."
"Hmmm. In that case... How about a Signaler? It is a wand that launches a beam of Fire into that erupts into a small explosion. The explosion is persistent and provides light for a good while. It can also expend less energy to merely create a glowing line that fades after a few seconds. The military uses such artifacts to send signals from long distances or to provide light for defense against night ambushes. You could also hurt someone with it if they were standing really close or if you had really good aim, since they are not exactly made for precision. The problem is that they're not very easy to recharge and most only hold one good charge, maybe two or three if you're lucky. You'd need a Fire mage or similar to recharge one and even then they'd have to be quite careful. Charge this thing too fast or break it and it might explode and burn your face off."

As for healing stuff, he could grant you a few general purpose healing potions. They can stop almost all bleeding, stop or delay disease and poisons and speedup the body's natural healing process. While not exactly extraordinary, they are still rare enough outside of the military that they could also be used as a high value trade good when dealing with most people. He has also come to the possession of some Stones of Healing Light from the Beastmen tribes of the north which can apparently store Light energy and then release it in a healing wave, but they tend to be fickle and unreliable and take a long time to recharge.

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2017, 06:57:57 pm

What kind of stuff can water enchantments do?[/b]

Much like Fire magic, the easiest thing to do with Water is direct manipulation, flowing water. In fact, due to its relatively stable yet malleable essence, water is one of the easiest elements to manipulate. However, unlike Fire and Wind and much like Earth, generating Water out of thin air is much harder. More advanced users can alter the states of Water to freeze it or evaporate it at will, much like how advanced users of Fire can manifest their magic as beams or eruptions instead of merely flames.

Like most material elements, water is versatile but weak and relies very much on the abilities and specialization of the user. Some use Water to create mirages and confuse others or hide things, some being as capable as to create mirror images of themselves. Others submerge themselves in water and use their mastery over it to explore the deepest parts of the sea and the riches that might lie there. Others use water to shape the earth, dig tunnels or sap the ground from underneath the feet of their enemies to trap them without hurting them. Others use purified Water to heal and purify others, cleansing people of disease or intoxicants and invigorating them (such purifying properties are frequently sought after by those who fear assassination). Others can use the connection that exists between all Water to send messages to faraway lands or try to receive premonitions about the future. There was even a water mage that was notorious for acting as the Royal Torturer a few decades ago who became infamous for sucking the water out of the bodies of his victims or freezing their internal organs, though such forbidden practices are shunned by most mages. There is no good reason to inflict such pain on a man, any man. If you wish to kill someone, it is probably much more humane (and easy) to drown them or drive a spike of ice through their head.

One of the things water magic is famed for is its ability to easily create long lasting shields. When a large number of mages combines their power they can sustain a magnificent bubble shield across an entire city for well over an hour, a display that famously occurs once per year on Ialurw'ath, one of the most prominent cities of the Southern States. Water tends to make very good physical shields, especially against things like Fire or Air, though it is not as good as Order shields against magical effects like Chaos or Dark and it is not as robust as Earth shields. However it is much more flexible and long lasting, so most water mages tend to move around, creating shields and fog walls as decoys while they move through them and relocate to another position.

The other greatest use for Water magic is its use in enchantments and alchemy, the simplest use being the purification of alchemical ingredients into more potent forms and the creation of containers that can safely contain all sorts of dangerous substances. Certain alchemical reactions can only occur under very precise concentrations that only Water magic can provide while some rely direct application of Water magic to properly combine. Water magic itself can act in inverse under certain circumstances, temporarily granting potions extraordinary capabilities instead of making them inert. The most mythical Water Enchantment is the Chalice of Plenty. Legends state that it is capable of not only containing any substance but also summoning it at will. As you can imagine, many bar songs reference it directly, for what more could a drunkard ask if not a chalice that never empties? Legend states that the Artifact was lost when a foolish initiate snuck the Chalice from his master and, thinking himself smarter than the god of pleasure who had created such powerful artifact, wished for a substance that the Chalice could not contain. The legend doesn't say how the paradox was resolved, but it does say that the initiate was never heard from again.

Overall, combat mages of the Water element tend to rely on cunning, flexibility and constant movement instead of the raw power their Fire counterparts are famed for, while those not in the military tend to focus on performing rituals to aid those around them, be it for cleansing, healing, entertainment or merely for something as simple and yet as vital as providing water to those who need it. Many are attracted to the life of a traveling mage, though with the state the world is in, such a choice is ill advised for the unprepared.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on March 26, 2017, 05:23:33 pm

Quote from: Irine's awesome telepathy! on March 21, 2017, 09:29:03 am

<They probably smell our magic, so they know we're near, but not exactly where we are.>

"Wait what do you mean our magic? I'm as dense as the rocks that are slowly slipping away from us to this wind--in terms of magic! San, dear, we're having a mind-to-mind conversation; please be on the lookout for any change in the flock above. Don't worry about us two--especially me talking to something you maybe can't hear," Theri said in reply, just now noticing that San may not have gotten Irine's words, although she couldn't be sure.

"Got a plan, Iri? I can't do anything but plan to run if we're uncovered but I will support you as best as able; I'm thinking they will follow a leader--swooping in with its claws at best. The rest will follow the first that changes direction. Is there anyway anyone can. . .place some of that magic at a different location?"

Err, do all that! Brace for impact and whatnot! Be the usual 'AAAAAA' situation in the movies and films where I'm probably powerless but have to work around personal weaknesses and all. Think! Look around!
And calm San down with planning, or if he's calm, plan with him!

Quote from: Lenglon on March 26, 2017, 05:07:28 pm

No harm in waiting I suppose. lets see if we get lucky and they give up and go away. if they find us I can attack then just as well as now.

You manage to remain perfectly hidden despite the horrible sounds those things are making and the gusts of air they are releasing every time they fly over you. After a few more passes the monster birds appear to lose interest and resume on their original path, turning as one and heading west, towards the way you came from, leaving the sounds of angry squawks and snapping beaks as a farewell present.

<It appears we shall not be testing our skills in battle today after all.> the Sword says to Irine with a hint of disappointment while Theri helps them out of their hiding place. That done, Theri focuses on comforting San. He is still crying, but now he appears to be crying (slightly) more out of relief than out of fear.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 27, 2017, 07:36:52 pm

When you feel better, please tell us about them, was what Theri would have said if she hadn't noticed how affected San was, and continued comforting him.

"They must've come from somewhere. Do you think their origin would help us more? The direction?" Theri said in between helping out San, adding in a quick, silent "also how do you do telepathy again?"

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 28, 2017, 02:01:22 am

((Was sick over the weekend.))

While the others were talking, Zechariah examined the room. He found the atmosphere of the Temple to be comforting and harmonic - at least, when nobody was shouting or being frustrated. A few words in the conversation stuck out to Zechariah - in particular, the mention of Dark, Light, and Order magics and magic practitioners. Those words sounded a little too close to what Zechariah had known before in the Medium; however, it could very well be coincidence. After all, it's not like Dark energies that kill and Light energies that protect are rare concepts. Still, many of these coincidences were lining up. At the very least, the two multiverses were more similar than he had imagined. It was too early to make inferences still, but what if there was a deeper association than he had thought earlier?

He put it out of his mind for now, however, considering that the inhabitants of the Water Temple were getting ready to meet. He believed he had little in the way of personal insight to contribute to the conversation, however, so he decided to take after another task.

"I doubt I'll have much valuable information for the meeting. I'll... see what I can do elsewhere. I'll be back here in, say, thirty minutes or so - earlier if something blows up," he said, half-jokingly.

Go visit the meditating monk. I believe that I might be able to learn something from him. Meditate, if he will allow me, with him.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on March 29, 2017, 03:19:03 am

<Um, I just kinda... do? anyways, I think we should see where that flock came from. we'll need to be careful though, since they'll probably come back and we'll have to hide again.>

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on March 29, 2017, 03:33:25 am

After calming down San, Theri spoke. "Find a way to hide our magic then. I'll do the tracking. San, find some stuff nearby that we can use for hiding ourselves or creating a fire. Dry wood of this sort and look for-"

Theri began iterating utility and useful survival tips that she had learned way back--before she even met River or was somehow transported out of her world. Several trees of a sort, and their respecting physical qualities were mentioned, alongside other plant life and substances that could be used to generate cover.

"I'll be helping you with the rest, but I'd also like to see you better off than when we first met. It's okay to cry; you're a strong young person. We can talk about any concerns on the way."

Train San in survival skills.
And TRACK that murder! [if possible, gather supplies alongside]

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 29, 2017, 04:35:22 am

I guess I could like compose a haiku or do a dance routine or something else that doesn't take a lot of time.

But instead I'll wait for the meeting!

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on March 29, 2017, 10:57:24 am

"Those all sound very tempting. But the, what did you call it again, stealthy fog thing seems best. Better to avoid a fight than win one. And good to win one by sneak attack while hidden."

Choose the enchanted smoke grenade.

I would go talk to the library guys or magical waste management guys, but anyone worth talking to will probably be at the meeting. So wait for the meeting.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on March 29, 2017, 04:05:19 pm

Alan takes an exaggerated bow. "I do what I can, my bud! Though we gotta get back in the temple before we can do that again. Or just find a big hill, but I think the temple's closer. C'mon, let's go!"

Walk back to the temple wall with my new buddy - ask him his name and stuff on the way.

If I'm misinterpreting it somehow and it's right there, then ask him his name anyway and then make a big trampoline so we can jump over the walls.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on April 10, 2017, 05:49:17 pm

((realized I hadn't explicitly said I'd go along with Theri's plan so:))
Theri's plan is a good one - lets do that.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Failbird105 on April 13, 2017, 11:06:01 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2017, 09:18:40 am

Quote from: Failbird105 on March 20, 2017, 06:15:44 pm

So, because I couldn't really wait to get into the game(if I wait much longer I may not even be able to play much at all), I'm just posting here now.

Sorry man. I've been really busy. Like I said in the PM, you're in.
We're starting a new mission right now. Exploring a spaceship that disappeared but has now reappeared to find out what happened to it and rescue anyone who survived if possible. Full briefing here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7369582#msg7369582), choice of ship here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7381685#msg7381685).
You wanna join?

Well, I forgot this thread for a while, and also moved some time in there, which is probably the reason. But yeah, I would like to join, once we've actually introduced my character at least.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 14, 2017, 01:02:31 pm

Is this roleplaying session still open? Can I join in?

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Harry Baldman on August 14, 2017, 01:05:37 pm

Shit, has it only been 4 months? Sure feels like a lot longer.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on August 14, 2017, 01:02:31 pm

Is this roleplaying session still open? Can I join in?

Probably not on both counts. To avoid unnecessary thread necromancy always check the date of the last post in the thread and exercise appropriate skepticism about it experiencing a sudden resurgence.

I mean, shit, before you posted you should have gotten the three-month thread necromancy warning.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 14, 2017, 01:17:57 pm

Holy hell, my heart jumped for a moment thinking that this was coming back. Oh well.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Xantalos on August 14, 2017, 01:21:27 pm

It does unfortunately seem that Parisbre's been caught up in other things - he hasn't been online since May. Understandable, as I recall he was going into engineering of some kind and that does tend to take up quite a bit of time.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: NAV on August 14, 2017, 01:23:57 pm

You got my hopes up. I hope Paris is doing well.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Lenglon on August 14, 2017, 01:45:52 pm

I am now a walking avatar of disappointment. I thought Paris had posted.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Toaster on August 14, 2017, 04:22:23 pm

Cheers to Paris;  I hope he's doing well.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 14, 2017, 04:42:38 pm

"Aye. I too hope the world master is doing well."

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 14, 2017, 08:11:55 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on August 14, 2017, 01:05:37 pm

Shit, has it only been 4 months? Sure feels like a lot longer.



Probably not on both counts. To avoid unnecessary thread necromancy always check the date of the last post in the thread and exercise appropriate skepticism about it experiencing a sudden resurgence.

I mean, shit, before you posted you should have gotten the three-month thread necromancy warning.

Duly noted.

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Tiruin on August 14, 2017, 10:46:00 pm

Quote from: Toaster on August 14, 2017, 04:22:23 pm

Cheers to Paris;  I hope he's doing well.

Same here. He's awesome :3 and I'm really loving how he characterized the first NPC I even met.

Engineering does take a lot (although I'd rather poke Draignean or Cinder--with the latter going through their 1st year and the former already finished with it), but either way, well wishes to that.

Really nice game this is :3

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 05:59:06 pm

Hey! People who are not on a mission and/or people who want to join!
Sorry for disappearing without a word. Any of you still around and willing to go on a mission with this stupid GM?

---

Campaign Recap

---

Ike follows the Headwater up a couple of floors and into the meeting room, a large circular chamber with benches surrounding a circular pool of clear water, its unnaturally still surface acting like a polished mirror. The Headwater takes a seat in an elevated bench and invites Ike to sit next to him. They don't have to wait long for the room to fill, as important looking men (and a few women) start arriving all at once, as if obeying some unheard signal. Many are accompanied by students or friends or assistants, but when it looks like the meeting is about to begin, those are dismissed. It is during this time that Ike notices a familiar yet disconcerting smell. While the implications of said smell are not good, he decides to keep his concerns to himself for the time being. After all, the smell disappeared after the doors were sealed and before he could identify its source.

The Headwater rises and makes a motion for the number of people around the pool (around 40 of them) to be quiet. He begins with a quick blessing, asking for the thoughts of those gathered to be as clear and free of taint as the waters of this pool, before moving on to the reason he has called for this meeting. The men and women in their colorful robes listen thoughtfully as he explains that this stranger from a foreign land has a story that is as fascinating as it is disturbing, a story that they should at least listen to, if not believe, for Ike is a man that wears the legendary armor of the First King. Already some of the members of the small crowd start showing signs of surprise and disbelief, murmuring amongst each other, unable to contain their questions. In order to quiet any doubting voices, at least for a little while, he asks them to try to listen to the entire story before asking questions and coming to conclusions.

With that, he invites Ike to take the stand and recount his story to the people of the meeting. Ike rises to stand where the Headwater previously stood, while the Headwater moves to the bench to rest his aching bones. Ike greets those gathered and states his name, testing the acoustics of the room in the process. He notices that much like when the Headwater was speaking, the water of the pool vibrates in tune with his voice, amplifying it without making it unpleasantly loud. He muses that this is a useful enchantment to have in this room where old men try to listen to other tired old men speak. Tired, but not helpless, he reminds himself, as with their powers combined it would most likely be easy for them to drown him or freeze him or maybe even pull the water straight out of his blood if they so wished. With those cheery thoughts for encouragement, he begins his story where most stories start, at the beginning.

Spoiler: Recap: Part 1: General Information (click to show/hide)

He is, of course, like most people, limited by the fact that he has only his memories and knowledge to draw on. He is limited by the amount of time and attention he spent listening to his comrades. And finally he is limited by his own particular way of speaking, the way he regards other people and how he wishes for them to regard him.

That is why he cannot tell how Nikolai was born on a post apocalyptic world, how his experiences have given him the compulsive need to cover his face with his gas mask, how he was taken from this world by a capricious young goddess that calls herself Violet to be used for her amusement (and her secret plans to find her place amongst the other gods). He knows that, like all the other "players", he was forced by those gods that abduct them to participate in the Games, but he cannot exactly say how Nikolai distinguished himself with his ingeniouity and tenacity in a fight against a possessed giant robot. However, he can say that he is a man blessed with the special ability to Tsar objects, rendering them larger, stronger, meaner and much less efficient while also repairing them. And he knows that after his drunken adventures last night, he has managed to gain the ability to Tsar two objects at the same time, though he still doesn't understand why.

He also cannot speak about how Irine's world used to look, about the caverns and the magma pools and the various creatures her god-self had created. He doesn't know who destroyed this world and why they did it anymore then she does. He doesn't know what it feels like to be the broken avatar of a dead god from a destroyed world. He doesn't know how a kind goddess called Stellar came to find Irine and rescue her from destruction or why that same goddess was forced to submit Irine to the Games. He doesn't know of the deal Irine made with Charlie (the dark god who created the Games) to help that goddess or how that deal is connected to their current mission of the Games. What he knows about her with any degree of certainty is that she can go from fox to girl and somewhere in between and can control and generate fire.

Then there is Zechariah, whose backstory he hasn't really paid much attention to. He remembers something about him leading groups of people in some sort of interdimensional war or something like that and him sacrificing himself to aid his comrades. But instead of dying or becoming hopelessly lost in that space between spaces that is somehow more and less than real space, he was taken by the goddess he named Scion, an arrogant entity who values power above all else (or so she says, anyway). He uses his staff Joma to create somewhat solid illusions out of darkness or constructions out of hardened light. He also has wings that allow him to glide but Ike hasn't seen him use them much.

Theri is similar to Zechariah in some aspects of her character, in the sense that she too has an innately good nature sometimes clouded by self-doubt, however that's where the similarities end. Unlike Zechariah, she never led any great war. She would have led a life common to most other people in her world, if it wasn't for the fact that she was born with the silver fur, ears and tail of a fox and then left on a shrine to be found and raised by humans. Though she faced the worst of human behavior due to how she looked, she also came to find good people, people who led her to the path of the healer and fighter, people who led her to be hopeful and try to see the good in others and in the world. Though Ike doesn't know many details about all that, he knows that she uses her knowledge, training and physical might to aid the party any way she can. And he also knows that she willingly follows the being known as River, the wolf-man that has led them all to this long-lasting mission.

And then there's people he might not even want to know about. Who can say what madness might lie in the memories of Alan, a man chosen by the mad and bloodthirsty god of chaos he named Rhymerer? He knows that Alan is definitely a wildcard. His less than average body makes him bad at physical activity and his behavior and carelessness might have gotten him in trouble more than once, but his raw magical power and utility along with his sudden flashes of brilliance and competence (and blind luck) tend to make up for it. His has the special ability to summon and launch common (and sometimes enlarged) household items at high speed, while keeping them supplied with whatever they need to function for a short time.

Finally, there is Ike himself, a big-eared man with powers of hearing and smell as incredible as his dexterity and reflexes, aloof and to the point. He probably wouldn't want to share much about his life before being abducted by Roger D. Drake, a god that likes to make jokes and have fun with little care about what happens to everyone else. However, D. can also be fierce and helpful to those he likes and this is never more apparent than it when it comes to Stellar. For before his vastening, before he became a god, he bonded with Stellar as only a bond-former can.

Bond-formers are a species whose members do not conform to any single shape or behaviour but are instead characterized by the powerful bond they can create between its soul and another 'worthy' soul, whatever that means. The bond can almost never be broken and lasts until the bond-former dies (and even then it does not fully disappear). Like a beneficial parasite, a symbiote, the bond-former uses the bond to strengthen both of them, with strength, advice, magical abilities, emotional support... really anything, depending on the bond-former and its bond-mate. And, as it happens, bonds are an important theme on this mission.

The being called River, the one who proposed this mission, is also a bond-former bonded to the god called Charlie. (Or, more accurately, his other-self with which they share the same soul, the being called Darkstar, he had bonded with Charlie.) Unlike Darkstar, River takes the form of a wolf or a wolf-man. But much like Darkstar, he has very specific ideas about how his species should act. His beliefs can generally be described as 'bond-formers help their bond-mates by giving them what they need', but with a very loose interpretation of the words 'help' and 'need'. And he is not content with keeping those beliefs to himself.

It somehow came to River's attention that another of his kind had done something abhorrent: he utterly devoured the one it had bonded with, completely destroying its bond-mate's soul and its bond with it. River calls that being a Severer, for it severed its nigh-unbreakable bond. This act wasn't an act of wanton murder: it was beaten in a challenge and compelled to form a bond, as is the way of bond-formers. However, rather than accept this outcome, it waited until it could preform a sneak attack and devoured its bond-mate in a desperate attempt to regain its freedom. Nevertheless, River took it upon himself to bring said bond-former to justice. His justice. And for that, he organized this mission in order to seek him out and do what must be done.

So it was that River led Ike's group from that world between worlds (and missions) called the Staging Area to the world they currently reside in, professing his desire to 'help' them and have fun together as the reason for bringing them along. He claimed it would be a quick and easy mission and that they wouldn't have to do much.

Ike takes a short break from his speech to take a drink from the cup of water next to the stand. He also uses this opportunity to appraise the state of his audience. Already Ike can see the people around the pool discussing amongst themselves in disbelief or dissent. A man with light brown robes takes this opportunity to rise from his bench and voice his objections.
"I am sorry but I simply must object! Positing the existence of multiple worlds is utterly ridiculous. It is well known that the principle of Weak Alignment prohibits the simultaneous..."
At the same time, Ike's keen sense of hearing allows him to hear a man in a red robe issue warnings to the ones surrounding him.
"Letting beast-men and half-elves take the stand? This is unbecoming of civilized men. We should keep the gates of our minds guarded and ready to rebuff the lies and deceit we will be forced to listen to."
There are murmurs of assent from all around him. A woman in yellow in particular seems quite eager to agree.
"You are right. This is more evidence of what you've been saying. The Headwater is clearly losing-"
At that point the Headwater rises to silence all those little private conversations (and the heated debate about the nature of the universe between the previously mentioned man in brown and a woman in violet). Much like children being chastised by their teacher, the gathered people stop speaking amongst themselves for a moment and then immediately resume speaking (albeit more quietly) the moment the Headwater's attention turns elsewhere. He invites Ike to continue his story, which he does.

Spoiler: Recap: Part 2: Relay Rumble (click to show/hide)

It was immediately apparent that things would not go as planned. In order to escape the notice of other gods (the ones they call Outsiders), the entities responsible for the Games relay the players through dying worlds and pocket dimensions, places that are of little value to them and wouldn't mind having anything happen to them. It was in one such dying world that the players ended up in, instead of their destination. The relay got attacked before it could forward them to their final destination, stranding them on the now malfunctioning complex. The complex was a small, bare-bones thing that was never meant to be used by the common man.

River immediately set to work, using his abilities, magic and understanding of the complex's technology to try to repair the relay. Irine acted as a buffer, merging her mind with River's in order to allow him to interface with the complex's superheated core. Meanwhile, the rest of the party  explored their surroundings, discovering the pulse reactor that provides the massive amount of power necessary for the teleporter's operation and taking a look at the barren wasteland outside of the complex.

One of the systems that failed due to the attack was the relay's defensive systems. Taking notice, the last remaining denizens of that dying world immediately converged on it. They were starved and power-hungry parasites, lusting for the nourishment they could find inside, being drawn like moths to a flame.

While River and Irine worked on repairs, the rest fought to repel the tentacled monsters. During this encounter, they discovered that the parasites could take control of people by wrapping their tentacles around them. And, astonishingly, there were fresh-looking humans under their control.

During River's repairs, he discovered something that caused him great distress. Stuck in the broken remains of the teleporter was a broken, avatar of Roger D. Drake, who had followed them due to his desire to help Stellar and the players (with Ike and Irine being his main concerns). But with this unsanctioned intervention, D. broke the rules of the Games, an act that carries severe punishment. Wanting to help and protect his friend and rival and with little time to think, River immediately broke contact with Irine and worked on absorbing the remains of Roger's avatar, consuming the unimportant parts to regain his strength so that he can compete the repairs. The only thing Irine managed to see in River's thoughts was that there was 'something like him' there. The only explanation she received was a warning not to speak about this to anyone.

With the relay's defenses restored, the group has some time to breathe and finish off the parasites, which included a woman who could use magic. River states that while he has repaired the teleporter, without the advanced calculation capabilities of his synthetic 'brother' S0, he is unable to exactly define the teleport destination. They could risk the unfocused jump but there was also another alternative. Through the relay's sensors and the knowledge gained from partially devouring the (now dead) woman the parasites had captured, he determines there is an active portal leading to the capital of a kingdom which is located relatively close to their destination. Though this route was harder, it would lead them close to an area River was somewhat familiar with as opposed to a more or less random location.

The group decided to go through the portal, both because it was more certain, quicker and out of a desire to help the people of that land by stopping the invasion (and desperate escape) of the parasites of this dying world.

There are more little private conversations cropping up, most of them about how unbelievable this all sounds, but they are interrupted before  they manage to gain momentum. The Headwater is quick to support Ike, stating that what little info they have of what happened at the capital prior to the incident confirms the invasion of those parasites and confirm their point of origin was the Fire Tower. However, as the doubtful are quick to point out: "This doesn't prove the rest of their story is true. They might have gained that information from anyone fleeing the Capital and merely embellished it with lies to serve their purpose."
The woman in violet on the other hand looks particularly smug to have evidence supporting her theories.

Spoiler: Recap: Part 3: Out of the frying pan and into friendly fire (click to show/hide)

The trek through the desolate wasteland of the relay world was uneventful, however when they reached the portal, the group discovered that its magic had attracted a large number of parasites. Many crossed the portal every minute and almost as many arrived to replace them.

It immediately became apparent that there were problems with the cohesion of the group. Alan went ahead on his own, trying to hide in a cardboard box. River would seriously injure his arm to rescue him from the parasites and bring him back to the group (but in doing so he would also demonstrate his newfound ability to make limited use of fire magic after absorbing the woman's soul). Ike, having little magic power the parasites could detect, took a circuitous route and avoided combat altogether while the rest of the group distracted the parasites with their attempt to reach the portal. Barring those two incidents, the rest of the plan went on without a hitch, with the group supporting each other and successfully fighting its way to the portal.

Once they reached the other side, River declared he was tired and would not take the lead while he tended to his wounds. However, instead of escaping as River instructed them, Nikolai run off to start looting while Irine and Zechariah tried to block the portal while they figured out a way to close it. The attacks and use of magic started attracting the attention of the parasites. Players, especially those isolated and those trying to rescue those isolated, started getting hurt.

During that time, River lost a lot of blood along with his confidence to the group's ability to survive this challenge. With the group momentarily regrouped, he ordered them to stay a safe distance away and help him absorb the portal's energy so that he could use it to help them, an act that would result in the temporary death of his already damaged body. To that end, he asked that Zechariah help remove the parasites that were sucking energy from the portal generators, since their Void magic was blocking his attempts to interface with them.

Irine would not accept this sacrifice and pleaded River to stop, going as far as to threaten hurting Theri should River go ahead with it. Her plan worked, in a way. River's impulsive nature, mistrust of Irine and his desire to protect Theri drove him to attack Irine, momentarily removing her ability to use magic and causing her immense pain. Irine made no effort to make good on her threats or resist as River ravaged her soul using the darkness he had once put inside her. There's no telling how far this would had gone if Alan hadn't accidentally knocked River unconscious.

With River unconscious, Zechariah and Nikolai combined their abilities to make an attack that temporarily shut down the portal and prevented a predator (a massive floating creature that fed on other creatures) from crossing into this world. However, the shockwave of the attack triggered a chain reaction of explosions spreading across the Fire Stones that stored energy in the room's walls (though this was not entirely their fault, as they had already been weakened by one of Alan's attacks that missed its target).

Their strength sapped by constant hardship and lacking coordination, information and time, the party was unable to stop the destruction that followed. The explosions continued to spread until they reached the core of the tower, a massive magical device resonating with the trapped energy of all the fire magic of the heart of Stodir, the magical volcano on which the tower was built. With explosions spreading across it, it detonated in a massive blast. The nuclear-like fireball severely damaged the city and vaporized the entire party in an instant.

"This is preposterous!" the man in red shouts, interrupting Ike's story once more.
"This man stands there claiming to be responsible for the deaths of thousands, possibly the destruction of an entire kingdom, and yet we allow him to continue?"
"You must remember that they were motivated out of a desire to help their fellow man-" the Headwater begins.
"So they say, but-"
"-AND that they had no knowledge of what they were doing AND that it was an accident. They are not to blame for this. If anyone is to blame for this disaster it is the mages of the Fire Tower. They were the ones that recklessly opened a portal to an unknown world. It is they who didn't take precautions against the destruction of the tower from such an event. It-"
"No. I refuse to believe they could be so reckless. For one, I know for a fact that since ancient times, ever since the great Augus began the construction of the first levels of the Tower, there were powerful enchantments holding the walls in place. And those have only been strengthened over the years to support every new level added. Even the Night Knights were unable to fully destroy the Tower. They must have been using similar protective enchantments throughout the tower."
"Well, if those parasites were of Void magic, then it could be that their mere presence weakened the Tower's defenses. It could be that every drop of their blood that was spilled weakened the very Earth and Order magic that was keeping the Tower standing."
"You are right. There must be something more to the Tower's destruction. It could had even been that the tower's defenses were lowered due to an unrelated attempt for a controlled detonation. After all, we can't deny that while the loss of the Tower is regrettable, its destruction also prevented the invasion from spreading here, possibly saving countless other lives."
"Or it could had been the result of the actions of someone wishing to destroy the Capital and kill everyone there. Someone like our friend here. How convenient that anyone who could corroborate his story is dead."
While the Headwater enters into a heated debate with the man in red, the woman in violet takes this opportunity to probe Ike on a less political subject.
[color=violevioletyou claim that you all died? And how is it that you are standing before us today then, looking very much alive? Do you claim to be a ghost or a wraith?"[/color] she asks with interest in her eyes, all the disturbing interest shown by a scientist about to vivisect a frog.
"It will become apparent, if you'll allow me to continue..." Ike says before he resumes his story, his magically enhanced voice forcing the arguments to silence.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 05:59:22 pm

Spoiler: Recap: Part 4: Picking up the pieces (click to show/hide)

Ike was the first player to wake up a couple of weeks after the explosion, finding himself in the company of River, but not as he knew him. Ike deduced (correctly) that the only reason he was alive to witness this was because he was somehow restored from his Soulsphere.

You see, the entities are not so willing to lose their investments. They knew the tendency of players to die and they knew that they would be unable to directly monitor the players in this mission. Without the ability to interfere, they would be unable to resurrect them in the Staging Area upon their death (making said death permanent, as per their rules).

That is why they gave the 'blessing' of the Soulsphere to them. That means that upon a player's death, all their being will be compressed into a Soulsphere, a representation of all their selfness that can be used to reconstruct their bodies and minds. From information Ike received later, he was able to piece together how he came to be revived and how River came to be the way he was.

Nobody really knows why their Soulspheres survived, if it was merely luck combined with the delay between death and the formation of the Soulsphere or if there was the intervention of some other power. When River's soulsphere stabilised (not easy to do with the violent energies left over from the Tower's destruction) and had gathered enough power, he was able to possess a weak nearby creature, some sort of small insect as luck would have it. Even in this diminished form, with nothing but a primitive brain and the most basic urges coming from deep within his soul, he was able to start working towards restoring himself and the others, a testament to the endurance and abilities of Darkstar's soul and the truly amazing work S0 had done to create River, the durability and flexibility of the design.

River searched for nurishment (both mundane and magical) as he worked on gradually transforming his possessed body to a form that could support him, while at the same time gathering the Soulspheres of the other players and hiding them until he could restore them. However, as he searched for greater sources of power, he also risked encounters with the other beings that fed on them.

For his final transformation, he sought the most powerful magic source he could find. However, while the transformation was in progress, during this vulnerable time when his body and soul are left exposed and unprotected, he got attacked by a creature that would later be named Discoball. Attracted by the magical energies released by the explosion, these flying creatures made out of magic took the form of a ball of frozen lightning, hunted other magical beings and consumed them. River, in no position to fight or run, barely managed to escape with his life. But he was not unscathed, for his body was left damaged and disfigured, his mind incomplete and his soul missing pieces.

Like most things in his story, Ike isn't certain what drove River to wake him up, whether it was logic or instinct. In truth, it was mostly instinct, the need to no longer be alone combined with an echo of his last memories of Ike, the feeling that Ike was capable and trustworthy. There was also the fact that both River and the avatar of Roger inside him liked Ike.

But as it turned out it was also the most logical choice. In this world where everything is magic and its flow, it is the most mundane, the most lacking in magical power would be easiest to reconstruct. Not to mention that Ike's physical abilities also made him ideal as a guardian for River.

Ike never felt River drag the necessary materials to his den, he didn't feel River transform them or transfer Ike's consciousness to them. To Ike it felt more like waking up from a dream after a long sleep. But he remembered his dream. In truth, it was no dream at all, but rather his experience of one of River's memories. As River flows through and changes and rebuilds Ike, he uses pieces of himself to recreate what is missing and fill in the gaps, devouring the necessary materials and making them part of himself (or simply giving up pieces of himself) before changing them according to the Soulspheres's blueprints and giving them back to Ike. In doing so, there is always the danger of giving up too much, of taking more than he can afford. That is why during the process of revival, he also implants keystone memories, memories that make him who he is, memories he can't afford to lose and memories he is most likely to lose as he mutilates himself, so that he is later able to recover them and reduce the risk that he accidentally destroys them.

And so it was so that Ike woke up in River's dark den. Ike at first could not recognize River's beetle-like form nor was River able to speak and explain to him what happened. The only form of communication he could manage was feeding Ike a half cooked human corpse, the easiest food source to find in the destroyed city. It was Roger D. Drake who gave Ike what little information he had. With River's mind scrambled and soul weakened, D. took the chance to reach out of his 'cage' and contact Ike, though he didn't dare do more, for he wasn't sure how much he could push his boundaries before River pushed back. Unlike River, his mind was mostly undamaged. Furthermore, the mind of D. was fully magical, so while simpler it was sturdier and could function fully even with no body.

After looting some clothes, Ike set out to explore the burnt post-apocalyptic wasteland that were his surroundings. During the trip, he saw a camp of survivors outside the city and caught glimpses of some of the city's new residents. While exploring, he used the commwire River had provided him with to telepathically transmit what he was experiencing to Roger while Roger gave him some exposition. The most important bit of information was Roger D. Drake's claim that the attack that damaged the Relay Complex and broke his body did not originate on this world, but from the same direction he came, from the territory of the entities of the games. He said he warned River of that and asked him to cancel the mission and go back, but River decided to go on. During the trip D. also asked Ike to try to get River to allow D. to keep talking to Ike after River had regenerated.

After conversing with each other, they decided that the best course of action was to convince River to revive Irine. Ike feared that it might not be an easy thing to do, as even in this state River retained his anger towards Irine, damaging the walls around her Soulsphere to vent his frustration. And yet it took nothing more than some firm prodding (via body language, since he couldn't understand speech).

River took off towards the most powerful source of magical energy he could access, towards Ground Zero, the partially lava-filled crater where the Fire Tower once resided. There, Fire magic was so powerful that spontaneous magical fires lit the sky and tiny magical creatures that fed on that magic that Roger would name Baubles (continuing his theme of magic balls). River entered the crater, wordlessly giving Ike to understand that he should remain outside the crater. Ike could not see River work on rebuilding Irine out of Fire and magic, but he could see the effects as the remains of the Resonance between the volcano and the tower came alive with light.

The light show attracted many of the Baubles towards it. And in doing so, it also attracted one of the Discoballs feeding on them. Without knowing it, Ike acted as a perfect distraction, his continuous broadcasting of his senses to Roger resulting in a continuous stream of Mind energy that was like blood in the water for the magical predator. Ike dodged the floating sphere of death as it dived towards him, trying to consume him. Once again displaying that he is not only incredibly capable but also very lucky, Ike happened to be equipped with just the right thing to deal with the Discoball: a skull filled with rocks and a bone with which he had tried to construct a mace. Every time it dived towards him and Ike felt his hair stand, he hugged the ground and used the bone to keep the ball away. Every time he got some space to breathe, he threw the skull at it. Hurt by the unappetizing Earth and Death energy, the Discoball retreated, deciding Ike wasn't worth the trouble. Ike was unhurt but the components of his makeshift mace were turned to ash.

As the sun set, River finished the restoration of himself and Irine. Still angry at her and afraid of what she might do, he made no effort to communicate with her. He also once again muted Roger before Irine could realise that he is there and instructed Ike not to speak about him being there. He immediately started making his way back towards his den so he could eat, rest and check on the rest of the Soulspheres. The others followed.

On the way back, Ike brought Irine up to speed with the situation. Using his masterful skills in psychology, Ike was able to help Irine, speeding up the process of overcoming her self-pity and other negative emotions. He might not always be nice, but he is certainly effective.

Back at the den, Irine and River had a long conversation, talking about their past and their motivation. They gave each other to understand that each had good intentions, Irine being motivated by a desire to protect River from himself stemming from her most painful memories and fears while River wanted to help them and did not consider his life as important as the life of Theri and the others but mistrusted Irine for her willingness to hurt people close to her in order to do what is right. Irine also asked River to try to provide her with information about who destroyed her world. River promised to investigate but made no promises on the results of said investigation. They ended the night sleeping next to each other, the tension between them resolved for now.

The next morning River spoke to Ike before Irine woke up, explaining why he told Ike not to speak about Roger to anyone: if any entity were to find out about this after analyzing their player's memories, they could blackmail him and Roger and try to get them to do things in exchange for not exposing their violation of the rules. Worse, if such violation were ever made public, Roger would pay a heavy fine, sure, but it would be River who would have it worst: as he was not a god and had nothing of value the others could take, they would simply kill him utterly, without any chance of him being revived. He consented that perhaps he could share this information with Irine (since her entity, Stellar, is the one Roger's bonded with and thus she was less likely to use that information to harm them) but only if he thought she could be trusted not to spread this info and only if he thought it was necessary, because you never knew who might be watching.

The morning continued in good spirits, with Irine and River playfully chasing each other around their den. After the play session concluded, the group made its way deeper into the city, looking to investigate the possibility of using Baubles to revive Zechariah. During the trip, River explained what little he had learned about this world's elemental magic, about the different elements he could see and about how all magic was connected with flows, about how the cause of magic blends with the effect, creating feedback loops. He also informed Irene about how in her first mission of the games, he (or more accurately Darkstar) used part of his soul to fill in the gaps left by Stellar in her transformation system while repairing her. Those gaps required a connection with her universe and could have unravelled her soul if he hadn't replaced it with his (partially incompatible) transformation system at Charlie's orders after Stellar pleaded him to help. That incompatibility combined with the fact that he is bad with magic and had to work quickly was the reason her transformation worked differently and why she felt sick and in pain every time she used it.

After coming up with a plan about reviving Zechariah, Ike went back to the den to fetch his Soulsphere while Irine and River made a stop to get some water from the remains of an underground water pump feeding into a reservoir. There Irine and River encountered three men sent from the refugee camp to get some water. Though tense, their encounter was peaceful. Irine gave her name to them and explained that she didn't want any trouble. However it appeared that they were not fully convinced, as magical creature attacks and beastmen raids were common in the remains of the post-apocalyptic city.

The three living members of the group regrouped and made their way deeper into the city, where they found a suitable building for the procedure. There Irine used her abilities to lure several Baubles, as the small magical beings were of the same element as Zechariah's primary. With their powers combined, they were able to trap the Baubles long enough for River to begin working on Zechariah. Irine opted to stay and help River during the procedure, remaining unconscious as River drained her strength in order to speed up the process.

Ike, in the meantime, stood watch. From his vantage point, he saw the arrival of the military group called Torch of Omens, mighty warriors of the kingdom led by their commander Pragmatus Ignales, though Ike did not know that at the time. He watched as the first contact between the military and the refugees turned sour as the people of the city realised that the soldiers hadn't been sent there to help them and protect them against famine and hostile creatures, a fact that understandably made them angry. The soldiers were instead tasked with attempting to retake control of the remains of the Fire Tower and attempt to repair what they could of the magical network on which the kingdom depended on. The military had to resort to intimidation and a show of magical force to keep the peace and make sure there would be no rioting.

It was around that time that Ike's luck decided to run out, if only for a moment. In his mind, what he saw was himself being approached by a normal-looking woman. But in reality, what he was approached by was an Anomaly borne out of the destruction of the city, a tangle of Mind energy barely held together by Fire magic, Death magic and sheer willpower. It appeared as a vaguely humanoid gathering of ash particles, floating in the air. It was created by the dying wish of a woman for revenge, every ounce of hatred that was in her dying thoughts before she was vaporized by the explosion that destroyed the city. She began using Ike's commwire, every word he spoke towards her, every bit of mental energy she could use to build a more advanced thought centre, a mockery of a human mind wrapped around her core. Hungry for more, she managed to possess Ike after a protracted psychic struggle. Believing herself to be the dead woman whose wish created her (and in a way, she was) she set out towards the refugee camp in order to find the target of her revenge, draining Ike's body and mind along the way. Luckily, she did not manage to go far.

When the revival process was finished, the group came out of the building to find Ike missing, only a pile of ash left in his place. Sensing that something was not quite right, the group set out after Ike's trail. River was the first to reach Ike. At first the ashwraith tried to convince him Ike was just going out to explore on his own. However, sensing that something was wrong, River used his Sight to confirm his suspicion. His Sight, one of his two bond-former 'gifts', this 'vision' that lets him make the world part of himself and 'see' it as close to what it truly is as he can bear, allowed him to plainly see what was going on. Fearing that the ashwraith could use their commwires to invade their minds, he instructed the rest of the team to remove them before focusing on shielding his mind. While the rest managed to remove theirs in time, in his wolf-form he had no hands with which to do so and thus the ashwraith managed to obtain a foothold in his mind.

River couldn't attack her without also attacking Ike and the ashwraith knew that. By looking into River's mind, she had learnt of his drives and fears. Perhaps she could had escaped then, using that knowledge. But by looking into Ike's mind she had learnt of who they were, what they intended and what they had done. And with that knowledge grew the desire to take revenge upon them too, for what they had done to her city. And so she came up with a much riskier plan to turn them against each other. What she didn't know was that the words of last night's conversation still echoed in Irine's head and that River had already began mastering the Dark magic of this world. And so Irine chose to let River maul Ike instead of defending him.

River's Dark magic restraining the ashwraith combined with the pain of the attack waking his mind was enough to tip the balance of the mental battle between Ike and ashwraith and allow him to exorcize her from his body. With their powers combined, the group easily managed to disperse her, though they weren't sure if she was truly destroyed or merely waiting for another opportunity.

"To think that such creatures could be borne merely out of the right arrangement of magic at the right time... Truly, despite all our knowledge, it appears that we have still much to learn."
"Well, technically, that is not entirely true in this case. In his book 'On the effects of Curses on Kings and other political personalities' Grazo Ignales posits that a strong enough emotion could generate..."
As the two begin to argue some theory or other, the woman in violet edges closer to Ike and speaks more quietly to him, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"Interesting. So that is how you cheated death. I would love to get my hands on this sort of magic. It could save me years of research. Would you be willing to submit yourself to some tests? I promise they won't hurt... probably."
"Nope. No offense lady, but you sound just like Kassiver and things didn't turn out that well for him." Ike says. While that wasn't his intention, his magically enhanced voice silences the other conversations.
"Who's this... Kassiver?"
"Some mage from the Tower."
"Ah, so he survived the explosion?"
"It appears so. He said he wasn't at the Tower at the time. You two knew each other?"
"Yes, I remember him. He was always going on and on about how his little trinket was going to change the world. I dreaded our meetings. He always bored me to death with his self-important ramblings."
"Eh, you probably won't have to worry about that anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Well..."

Spoiler: Recap: Part 5: Making friends wherever we go (click to show/hide)

After speaking about what had occurred, the group split up for a moment as River went back to the den with Ike to heal Ike and also to get the rest of the Soulspheres. River was afraid that the ashwraith might had survived after all and could use the knowledge she had stolen from his mind to hurt the others. Even if she hadn't survived, he still felt like it was too dangerous to remain in the city. While taking everything useful from their den before leaving, River gave Ike some half-destroyed Void Stone fragments he had found. Though the dark magic that was holding them together was gone and they would quickly fade into nothingness in a few days, they were still unpleasent to magical creatures, which was why River had placed them close to the entrance of their den. Having little magic in him, Ike could more safely hang on to them and even touch them with his bare hands without much pain.

On their way back towards Ground Zero, Ike caught the faintest wisp of the smell of food. Following it, he came up to a hidden vault at the basement of a burnt our manor. However, he wasn't able to discover how to open it. With the vault having triggered some sort of alarm and River being unwilling to use his magic on it for fear of activating some sort of security device, Ike decided it wasn't worth the trouble and so they went on their way.

Meanwhile Irine and Zechariah took care of some basic needs like food and water before they too made their way towards the crater. They regrouped briefly in order to talk about what they were going to do. River was going to stay with Zechariah in order to revive the others while Irine and Ike we're going to the refugee camp to meet the locals and hopefully get something to eat from them. River and Zechariah found some common ground in their love for literal worldbuilding and their desire to protect those they care from a seemingly inescapable death in the hands of the Shadow, even sacrificing themselves if they had to. However River's lack of social skills, his rather bleak worldview and his misunderstanding of Zechariah's relationship with his alter ego Artemis did not help improve Zechariahs' mood. It only made Zechariah angry when he misunderstood and thought that Zechariah wanted to give up on life and his friends. In the end River had to resort to Dark magic to allow Zechariah to remain focused on maintaining a solid light platform close to a Chaos anomaly for most of the rest of the night.

Irine and Ike made their way through the broken walls of the city, over an empty moat, through a small suburb and then through the empty piece of land separating them from the camp. As night fell, magical lamps were lit up along the camp's perimeter, transparent jars that held a magical Fire creature. Combined with its stone cap that held a simple enchantment, the jar could provide hours of light and heat with only a small seed flame necessary to get it going. With those magical light sources the guards of the little encampment stood watch, either for magical creatures attracted by the magic released by the explosion or for the beastmen raids that had claimed many lives these past few days.

Most of the guards stationed at the perimeter were City Guardsmen, most often veterans. The Guardsmen were the kingdom's police force. While they didn't face magical creatures, cursed magical items and rogue mages as often as mundane criminals, they tended to face them often enough that they had some experience hunting and fighting them. For that reason, those that survived tended to be or become paranoid, focusing on every little detail that could be off, checking every corner and every shadow and, of course, mistrusting any stranger. So it was quite lucky for them that the perimeter guard that came to intercept them was Rovan Istam, a young Fire Tower Guard in training that couldn't had been over 16. Despite his age, he was still a good choice for a guard, as he had basic swordsmanship training and knew a few spells that could help against an attack from a magical creature. Due to Irine's and Ike's appearance, he thought Irine was some traveling noble and Ike was her slave. It was his nature to be kind and trusting, so when he saw Ike try his best to appear like a poor starving slave, he allowed them to enter and escorted them to the centre of the camp.

While making their way through the camp, they caught a glimpse of the misery that had fallen over these people. Sensitive supplies had been destroyed and no more could be produced. Food shortages had only gotten worse after the destruction of the city. Famished and injured, angry and without hope, things could only get worse for them. Rovan's instincts told him Irine was some sort of mage, so he tried to get her to stay there and help the people in the camp. He couldn't believe it when Irine alluded to her true nature. And he had no time to inquire her further, for Kassiver immediately ordered him to return to his post.

Kassiver was a mage of the Fire Tower, the one responsible for Rovan's education before the explosion. Though he was not a charismatic man, his power, his usefulness and his arrogance had granted him the position of the defacto leader of the camp. He had become the man who had the final say about who got healed, who got fed, who got a place to sleep, who stood guard and who went out to search for supplies. And, like most of the people of the Kingdom, he was immediately mistrustful of anything 'strange', anything foreign and unfamiliar and especially non-humans and magical creatures. So when Irine introduced herself to him while he was in the middle of helping the recovery process of the injured in a makeshift medical tent, his first course of action was to get ready for a fight and try to get her away from the tent. He recognized Irine's unfamiliar name (though not her form) from the stories told by the humans she and River had encountered on their effort to obtain water. When he saw Irine was not outright hostile, he invited her and Ike into his makeshift office in a supply tent, both so that they could talk in private and so that he could be close to his magical Focusing Crystal.

While Ike ate a meager meal provided by Kassiver, Irine and Kassiver exchanged information. However it was clear that Kassiver did not fully trust Irine, which did not help make their conversation any less tense. Still, she got some useful information from their conversation. Some of it was common knowledge to the inhabitants of the kingdom, like the recent war against the beastmen raider tribes of Drutrir to the Northwest (with some of those captured in the conflict still fighting in gladiatorial combat in the Arenas), how the fanatical elves had taken over parts of the kingdom to the West, the embargo imposed to the Sovereignty in the east, beyond the Gugol mountain range, the barren desert in the North that only the nomad traders dared to go through, the general geography of the kingdom and the name of the Capital City: Ineth, in the shadow of the volcano Stodir, spring of the river of liquid fire called Phlegethon that disappears inside the Void Scar in the South, in the place called Firefall, beyond which lie the swamplands and coasts and cities of the Confederate Southern States, a kingdom famed for its navy and the great port city Ialurw'ath. Others were less common, like the way magic worked, how the Fire Tower used a number of Spines (essentially mini Fire Towers) to extend its magical network and supply Fire power to all of the kingdom, how the mages used words and rituals to focus their will and desire and thus change the flow of magic to achieve what they wish. And, of course, he also gave a brief explanation about all the various elements that make up the world.

Elements were not exactly what their name implied, Fire was not just Fire but everything related to it, which is why some of them have many names. There are the Primary Material elements (Fire vs Water, Wind vs Earth) that are further divided to Positive (Fire, Wind) and Negative (Water, Earth). Then there are the Secondary Material elements (Life vs Death, also known as Growth vs Motion). There are also the four Primary Conceptual elements (Order vs Chaos, Light vs Dark) that are further divided to Positive (Chaos, Dark) and Negative (Order, Light). The elusive Secondary Conceptual elements (Time and Space) were so rare that few knew about them, as were the two Combined elements. Not quite Material, not quite Conceptual but a mix of the two, volatile and malleable and resistant to change at the same time, there was little known about them except for their ability to be used to emulate other elements. That is how magical beings like Baubles were able to feed on multiple elements and camouflage themselves to fit their surroundings, though few understood how they did that. In fact, there was so little definitively known about the Combined Elements that they went by many names (Mind vs Soul, Potential vs Energy, Balance vs Imbalance, Drive vs Imagination). And finally, there were the two Primordial Elements that again went by many names (Creation vs Destruction, Existence vs Nonexistence, Essence vs Void), those at the center of creation and the ones from which all elements, all creation and destruction sprung from, the most powerful and the most rare. It was unheard of (except perhaps in myths) for someone to have a Primordial Element as their Primary element, that one element that was most prominent in their being, the one that most closely describes them and the one that is easiest for them to understand. Instead, the only manipulation of those energies the mages of the Fire Tower could achieve was through Light and Dark magic, since Light was directly connected with Essence while Dark was directly connected with Void. At least that's what they thought, until examination of the Parasites coming through the Portal revealed that they were actually creatures of Void magic.

Kassiver explained how using more magic than available combined with powerful emotions can on rare occasions summon Dark and Void energies, which can combine to form a catastrophic and unpredictabe chain reaction. Such Void energies were quite dangerous, since they literally ate magic, destroying everything they touched. That is why the Tower did its best to find potential magic users and educate them in the proper use of magic, so that they don't cause such destruction by accident. That is also half of the reason why every kingdom has laws against the unauthorized use of Dark magic, the other half being its tendency to be used for evil deeds. He also explained that Creation magic could be used to boost a mage's abilities, especially when in the form of Focusing Crystals.

Focusing Crystals were one of the two basest magical items, the other being Power Stones. Power stones was the most common of the two. Like magical batteries, they were able to store magical energy and then release it for a certain purpose (overtime to power a device, for example, or all at once to power an explosion of magical energy). They could also be recharged, but that could cause them to become unstable (or change to a lesser element in the case of Essence Power Stones). Focusing Crystals on the other hand were like magic multipliers, able to increase the Flow available to a mage or magical device, thus making the casting of more powerful spells easier. It was this flow that allowed casters to affect the world and allowed the world to affect them in turn, what gave you that feeling in the back of your head that something was wrong even if you couldn't possibly know it with your senses and that is why boosting it was so important. Though both materials were naturally occurring, Power Stones could be recharged and Focusing Crystals could slowly grow larger. Focusing Crystals and Power Stones of Void and Creation energy were special in that they could affect all elements and even transform one element to another, whereas Focusing Crystals and Power Stones of other elements could only affect those specific elements.

Perhaps the conversation would had ended differently had Irine lied or at least been more frugal with the truth, if she hadn't revealed who she truly was or how she was related to the destruction of the tower or about all the people she had killed and would be willing to kill. Perhaps it would had gone better if she had something valuable to give to Kassiver so that he wouldn't feel like he was wasting his time. Perhaps it would had gone better if she didn't insult Kassiver by accusing him of being a dishonorable xenophobe (which, while true, was still an insult). Perhaps it would had gone better if she trusted Kassiver enough to allow him to cast his divinations on her or if she had allowed him to hold her there against her will. But even then it was not certain if this conflict could had been avoided, for Kassiver was not a nice man by any standard and he was certainly not above dishonorable tricks. There's no telling what he could had done if she had tried to appease him.

As it happened the camp fell victim to a beastman raid that night, as it had many nights before. Kassiver asked Irine and Ike to remain confined in the tent while he dealt with it, however Irine was not willing to trust him. He had already shown his cowardice and disdain for non-humans, his readiness to attack her. So it was only natural that she did not obey his orders. Fearing Irine might be in league with them and fearing the people would blame him if they found out about her, he decided to try and capture her and disable her abilities before dealing with the raid. His anger towards her certainly didn't help. His attack came out of the blue while she was showing Irine a Signaler line in the sky (a magical signal that notified him of the attack) allowing him to catch her by surprise and bind her arms with Order magic. But he had underestimated Ike.

Ike, who during all this time did an excellent job pretending to be a docile dim-witted slave, playing on their preconceptions, was actually highly capable in physical combat and had spent the time Irine was conversing observing his environment and his potential foes. He surprised everyone with his quick thinking and quicker actions, stabbing Kassiver through the eyes with his Void Stone fragments while Irine was using her ability to manipulate the fire inside him and cause him discomfort, much like River had done to her in the recent past. Irine also used her abilities to call all nearby flames towards her and use them to attack Kassiver and the guards, setting several of the dwellings of the refugee camp on fire in the process of drawing fire out of them. With Kassiver writhing in pain and no longer a threat, the two focused on dealing with the guards that were attacking them, unwilling to surrender. Wanting to escape her bindings and fearing that Kassiver's still spreading binding spell would slowly paralyze her until she died and with a guard holding her close to his chest with a sword on her neck, Irine attempted to transform into her fox form. However, Kassiver's spell was more than a mere rope tied around her wrists. It froze and binded her very being to a certain configuration. So when she tried to transform, those parts that were binded... didn't, a fact that left her with no front legs and bleeding profusely. Displaying both his skill and his combat pragmatism (he bit a man's throat off while he was trying to restrain him), Ike (with the help of Irine) managed to kill all 3 guards and loot them for their weapons

While the fight was going on, Kassiver had managed to crawl away and escape, still blind, half burnt and with Void energies coursing through him. Ike was faced with a dilemma. Although he knew it might be best to take care of Kassiver to make sure he wouldn't be coming back for revenge, Ike also knew that if Irine wasn't healed immediately, she would die. Deciding saving Irine was more important, Ike grabbed her, applied some bandages to help slow the bleeding and ran towards River as fast as he could.

"I can't believe we are just sitting around listening to this!"
"Arrest this monster! Get him out of here!"
"He sullies our great hall with his stories of murder!"
"ENOUGH!" the headwater shouts, his voice magically enhanced by the water in the pool. The loud noise immediately silences the rabble raised by Ike's story.
"This man is a guest and he is under my protection. People of this land have been treating him and his allies badly since the moment he came here merely because of the way he looks and he still aided us-"
"Only because it was in his interest to-"
"That in my eyes makes him noble. Furthermore, his actions were clearly not malicious. He acted in self defense and in defense of his allies."
"And you can't deny that Kassiver fella was being kind of an ass."
"And, finally, the water temple is a place where people can be forgiven of their past sins and work for atonement. Even if what he did was wrong, he deserves a second chance."
Ike sure is glad he did not mention the part where he mutilated a guard to get his guts.
"While I don't condone his methods, Ike was just trying to defend himself in a bad situation. And again, while I don't condone his methods, Kassiver was also trying his best to ensure the safety of the survivors, even though in the end his anger led to much unnecessary suffering."
"C'mon, the guy was just abusing his power. He had no official capacity to restrain them."
"He was fighting for the good of the people of Ineth and this half-elf bastard-"
"Perhaps we should let the young man continue his story before we pass any sort of judgment on him?"
"Yeah, shut up, I wanna know if the fox girl manages to survive."
"Please, there is no need for rash action. We should be as calm as a comforting pool and meditate on the nature of this mystery before..."
Ike notices that the men and women speaking appear to be the vocal minority acting as beacons to the rest, most of the other people either remaining mostly silent and attentive or agreeing with small nods and gestures to what the others are saying. He continues to watch their reactions as he goes on with his story.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 05:59:39 pm

Spoiler: Recap: Part 6: Everybody Lies (click to show/hide)

As the night drew to an end, the revival process was finished successfully. Nikolai and Zechariah were revived and River was ready to come down from the Chaos anomaly. However, Zechariah was tired and hungry, the strain of maintaining the light platform for several hours sapping his health and vitality to the point were he was starving and could barely stand. As he lowered the platform towards the ground, his concentration faltered, leading to River, Alan and Nikolai getting injured. Nikolai and Alan woke up soon after. Zechariah managed to stay conscious long enough to give them some information before falling asleep. Nikolai fixed his dislocated arm and Alan's dislocated leg while River relied on his enhanced healing to take care of his broken leg.

Alan wasted no time using his special ability to begin summoning supplies. His power was as unreliable and volatile as always and made worse by this world causing some of the objects he summoned to disappear soon after and by the fact that he had been recently revived. After summoning some clothes and food, he managed to summon a frigging truck. Luckily, almost everyone knows to be ready to dodge when Alan summons, except for Alan himself. Nikolai dragged River to safety and Zechriah remained hidden in his sleeping hole while Alan got smacked in the face and rendered unconscious with a bit of brain damage as an added bonus.

Even this early in the morning, it looked like it was not going to be a good day for River. After reviving two people at the same time and barely getting any sleep or chance to recover, he heard Ike approaching. Even with his bandages, Irine was bleeding too much and was probably not going to make it. Ike made a truly superhuman effort and displayed amazing skill to run all the way to the centre of the city in such a sort timespan and could do nothing but wheeze by the time he got there. It was a good thing that he and Irine could explain what had happened with their commwires because it would had been impossible to coherently use their mouths.

River made his way towards Ike and Irine so that he could meet them halfway. Though tired and injured and reluctant to make the sacrifice required to heal Irine, in the end he opted to heal her, knowing that it would require much more time and energy to revive her if she died. His frustration and hunger and sleep deprivation and anger towards the humans that had hurt Irine and frustration with Alan hurting himself right after he had revived him and everything that had happened led him to snap at the others, threatening to kill anyone who got in his way and refusing to help anyone too weak to help themselves. He felt like they were slowing him down at a time when he felt like leaving the city was very important. After healing Irine and Alan he would leave and the next night he would leave the city for good and he would wait for no one.

The group found a hole in the ground and slept while River healed Irine and Alan of their respective injuries. Nikolai was the first to wake the next morning, followed by the rest of the team. River was still angry at Alan and Irine, not for any logical reason but merely out of frustration and because he felt like their actions had hurt him (which was technically true). He left the group and went to the outskirts of the city to hunt for what was needed to revive Theri, knowing full well how hard working with his opposite element on his own would be.

Although Irine wanted to go with River to help calm him and make up with him, the group convinced her to stay with them and rest and partake of the supplies Alan had summoned. After gorging themselves they continued to sleep and replenish their strength, hoping to wait there safely until it was time to go meet River in the outskirts of the city. And they did manage to get some sleep, relax and catch up before something interrupted them. Two scouts from the military camp were approaching the crater and would pass next to their hiding place. The group got ready to fight, but it turned out that they weren't looking for them, they merely passed by their hiding spot without detecting them. However the group was not the only one that detected the scouts. A Discoball sensed the magical items they were carrying and swooped down to attack them. The two scouts used a Signaler to call for help while they tried to hold the Discoball off. But unlike Ike, they did not have super-reflexes and only had short swords with which to defend themselves. The Discoball's strikes sapped their strength and it was looking like it was all going to be over soon until Alan decided it was time to act. However, Alan did not know exactly what he should do, so he decided to attack the Scouts... and then missed and hit the Discoball instead, killing it... which caused the giant basketball he had launched to burst and hit the Scouts as the air escaping from it changed its path. Ike is careful to leave Alan's intentions out of his story.

The large number of Soldiers coming to assist their Scout brothers witnessed this event from afar. Alan came out to greet them and, suddenly displaying amazing competence, not only managed to convince them that he was trying to help the Scouts, but also convinced them to let the group leave unhindered. Not that it took much convincing. Pragmatus Ignales, the commander leading the group of soldiers called the Torch of Omens, was more interested in the health of his scouts and completing his objective of restoring whatever he could of the Fire Tower's network. Still, a conflict came close to erupting, a conflict that the group had little hope of winning, for not only were there many well trained soldiers there but their commander Pragmatus was an expert magic user with powerful armour enchantments, wielding his famous interlocking wing-shields. Pragmatus wanted to send some of his Medics to take care of the injured Scouts, but Nikolai insisted that they leave their weapons behind, something Pragmatus would not accept.

Luckily, in all their death and destruction, the events of last night did have a positive side effect. With Kassiver severely injured and his mind suffering from the effects of Dark and Void magic, he was in no state to act as a guide for the Torch of Omens. Though not as capable with his magic or with maintaining order as Kassiver, his student, Rovan Istam, was able to prove himself to the refugees by defending against the beastmen raid and helping extinguish the fires that had erupted from Irine's actions. With much of their already meager supplies burnt and shaken from recent events, it was hard to keep the peace. His inherently timid and good nature (somewhat diminished by the events of last night, for which he would blame himself) made for a stark contrast to Kassiver's controlling and intimidating attitude and while that made it hard to exert control, he did earn the respect of many people despite his young age. So while not fully in control, he was still the closest thing the refugee camp had to a leader and the only person related to the Fire Tower left, so Pragmatus ordered him to leave the camp and escort him to Ground Zero. Though he loathed to leave the people that depended on him, he had no choice but to obey. Which turned out for the best, because Rovan, not wanting to see another conflict erupt and more people get injured, volunteered to lay down his weapons and approach the two Scouts, thus defusing the tension between the two groups somewhat. The group left their hiding spot soon after, Ike and Irine trying to make sure they would not be recognized by Rovan.

Meanwhile, River had managed to successfully revive Theri. Though he had to sacrifice more of himself, it was still the happiest moment he had in this entire mission when he was reunited with his friend after missing her so much and being away from her for so long. He had stayed awake until she woke up to make sure she was OK and was not angry at him, but now his tiredness and leg injury and sacrifices were catching up to him. He lied to her, telling her all he needed was a bit of rest and he would be fine. Theri helped him walk out of the basement and to the ground floor of the small tavern they were taking refuge in, a small building beyond the city walls. Theri and River wore the armour of two Scouts he had devoured earlier. The two talked for a while before River rested, with Theri watching over him and exploring the surrounding area.

Ike's group arrived sometime later, following River's trail and instructions he sent them via commwire. They had managed to make their way out of the city without further incidents and regroup at the abandoned tavern. They talked for a while, exchanging information and trying to decide where to go. They talked again about their mission and why River had brought them there and people argued whether or not River's goal of having them explore and have fun made any sense seeing as how he had basically dragged them there against their will, whether they should be focused on their mission or if they could take their time to get sidetracked. Ike and Irine also discussed the nuances of human speech. Irine defended her words and actions during the refugee camp incident and stated her dislike of lies, which was how she saw what Ike was suggesting she should had done. Ike explained why it might not be very polite to mention how easily you can kill someone when you are trying to be friendly, how lying is sometimes a necessary evil in polite human communication and generally tried to make sure the group understood what went wrong and how to do better next time, instead of thinking they did nothing wrong and that it was all the evil humans' fault. As the conversation turned to lies and how useful lying to one's enemies or allies was, Irine implied River was lying. River, feeling the need to defend himself, said he tried to avoid lying if he could and that there was only one thing he did not share with them in order to protect those he cared about, meaning the incident with Roger D. Drake in the Relay Complex. Looking to challenge that statement, Irine asked him to explain just that, what had happened in the Relay.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, River is not the most quick witted when it comes to social situations. He made up some hastily constructed lie to try to deny what Irine said before trying to drag Irine away so he could speak with her in private. Of course, everyone misunderstood that as River either suffering from some sort of illness or mind-control effect or attempting to kill or otherwise harm Irine. Panicking as Irine continued to speak about things that could get him killed and feeling betrayed by her betraying his trust and speaking about things he had asked her not to speak about, River attacked her to get her to stop speaking and continued trying to drag her away. After a brief scuffle during which Irine burnt him severely, he managed to isolate Irine in the basement. He tried to use his abilities on her so they could escape to someplace away from the group, but Irine misunderstood that as an attempt to consume her and resisted, causing River further harm. Knowing that if he stayed there things would most likely go even worse for him, River escaped, leaving Irine behind, but not before threatening her yet again. He told her to speak to Ike because he could explain and that if he spoke to anyone else about this, he would kill them before killing her.

And Irine did just that, finding a private spot where she could speak with Ike and learn all that had transpired before she was revived. (Not that Ike mentions any of those things during his narration to Headwater and Co. of course, since as he had previously established, lies and omissions are sometimes necessary.) During the short conflict, Nikolai discovered a neat psychic attack he could use to incapacitate others by Tsaring his commwire. He experimented with this concept with some very interesting results that the rest of the team has yet to discover.

Irine and Ike tried to contact River, but despite his threats towards them, he had opted to heal himself instead and could not hear them. While the others got ready to leave (and tried to prevent Alan from accidentally killing himself), Irine got some new clothes (her old ones burnt during the fight) and sought out River. He found him in an abandoned house, still working on healing himself. River once again explained the situation with D and said that the reason he did not tell Irine outright was because he did not trust her entity, Stellar, not to look into her memories and cause trouble for him. And most of all he did not trust Irine, her way of thinking scaring and confusing him. The two once again came to an understanding and reconciled. Irine also got to talk with D. and get his view on the whole situation as well as whatever info he could give her. She convinced River to bind D's soul to hers so that she could talk with him and hear his advice (and inappropriate jokes) all the time.

With Alan having used a giant speaker to attract everyone's attention for miles, the group quickly made their way towards the east, the general direction River remembered their target being. Though there was a sandstorm approaching and they knew that since this morning, they had no choice but to move out if they wanted to avoid further conflict.

"Ah, yes, I remember the sandstorm. Quite an unusual phenomena. One of that magnitude hasn't been recorded in many years."
"It is possible that the fall of the Tower made it easier for Wind Energy to find its way in the kingdom."
"But the Earth magic of the Gugol mountains has always acted as an insulator-..."
While the two argue, the Headwater asks Ike about the City.
"So Pragmatus said he would restore the Fire Tower network?"
"He said he would try."
"And you do not know if he succeeded?"
"No, we left before we saw anything."
"Pity. I was hoping this would help explain the recent... anomalies."
Ike is about to ask for clarification when he is asked to continue his story.
"...-through the void."
"Hmmm... Yes, that is possible. Though I suppose without direct observations we can never know for sure."
"What about Ike? He went through the sandstorm. He looks like a perceptive man. Maybe he figured out something?" she says and turns to look at Ike expectantly.

Spoiler: Recap: Part 7: General Store (click to show/hide)

The party walked away from the city, following the eastern road. Though some soldiers followed them for a while, they eventually gave up and made their way back to their camp. As night fell, the party saw a clear view of the night sky of this alien world for the first time. It was empty, too empty, with too few stars concentrated in small clusters. And the moon was too perfect, too pristine, too uniform. But they did not have too much time to appreciate the view. Soon the sandstorm was upon them and they were forced to seek shelter.

Ike found a path leading away from the main road. Theri led the way, following the path until they reached an area sheltered from the wind, the bottom of a cliff of a large hill. There Nikolai combined various materials he had gathered to make a small tent and then Tsared it to make it large enough for everyone and sturdy enough to handle the approaching storm. He also fumbled and managed to break his hand in the process.

A quick exploration of the surrounding area revealed a large decapitated statue carved out of the rock of the cliff, its head resting on the ground nearby. Ike and Zechariah also noticed that there was a strange periodicity to the storm, in the rise and fall of its wind, in the infrasounds barely heard in its depths, like a heart was beating somewhere at its core, emitting an energy that invigorated them and made them restless. It was the powerful Wind energy flow of the storm, affecting their souls.

The team slept while the storm raged outside, occasionally woken up by the sounds of the storm and the things the wind picked up and threw or by their comrades to change shifts or by tense prophetic dreams. The next day, they awoke with the storm gone and their tent half-buried in the dirt. Zechariah had the pleasant surprise of waking up with his staff Joma, recently reconstructed out of what little had remained by River. However his inability to recreate it with the necessary purity and balance combined with Zechariah's own unbalanced state of mind made it much more powerful when manipulating shadows (though the illusions it created tended to have a rather nightmarish tint) and outright harmful when creating solid light constructs.

The team made sure everyone was well, ate some marshmallows (roasted on the tent which Irine accidentally set on fire while transforming) and then took off towards a structure Theri had spotted last night at the top of the hill. During the trip D. gave to Irine some general info about his bond-former gifts of Flare and Fun (or Friendship, as Stellar preferred calling it) and how they contrasted with River's gifts of Sight and Silence. He also gave her some more general information about bond-formers.

When they reached their destination, they found a farm constructed around an old 3-storey-high stone tower. Though they did not know it at the time, the hill was called Godstone and the tower was the entrance of the ancient underground fortress called Godstone Fortress, now completely abandoned since it had no military value. The plot of land had been granted to now-retired General Linus Lokitor as a reward for his successes in the campaign against the Northern Beastmen Tribes. The General lived there with his wife, his two children and his elf servant and friend Terrevieve. When not helping take care of the plants and livestock, he spent his time painting, studying, crafting and working on improvements (both mundane and magical) to his home so that he could one day be proud to leave it to his children.

They found the General working on repairing the fence of his Nuca pen, as the pen had been damaged by the storm and some of the Nucas had escaped. (Nucas are cow-like furless creatures that can feed on Fire energies to supplement their diet and the males can spit small amounts of fire as a defense.) Though ready to defend himself (as was prudent, one could never know when a bandit raid could occur) he was friendly towards the group and greeted them as weary travellers should be greeted: with politeness and curiosity and a desire to help. He didn't seem to mind that not all of them were human. At first this perplexed the party, thinking that no sane man would trust a group like them without some ulterior motive, but they soon had their answer as the general demonstrated the power of his magic. With Alan attempting to summon some giant corn to thank him, the General was able to cancel his summoning with a mere flick of his hand. With years of training and combat experience and with all the power of Godstone Fortress flowing through him, he was more than capable of defending himself.

While the general was friendly, the same could not be said about his wife. She was furious to learn of the deal her husband had struck with the party: the party would help repair the damage caused by the storm and help around the farm in exchange for food, rest and a simple map. The general was also very interested in Irine's ability to transform, using her as inspiration for his paintings.

During the next couple of days, the team worked hard, ate well and rested in proper beds for the first time since they arrived to this world. They exchanged stories, learning about the world and its history: the great dragon Grazisti the Grey lurking in Dragon's Hole, the story of the sibling Reaper Gods, Time and Death, and how their conflict resulted in the creation of Godstone and its fortress, how the General got injured by beastmen and lost his arm and how it was replaced by a prosthetic that he had to recharge from time to time... During that time, River got a good look at that map. Though his memory was damaged and he couldn't say for sure, something guided him towards Nether Pass, a pass leading through the Gugol mountains and into the Sovereignty. The passage had a bad reputation and was barely used, as the powerful Death magic there animated many dangerous monsters. There were old fortresses carved out of the mountain there, ancient underground labyrinths leftover from the time of the Necromancer-Emperor. The General recommended they go to Kodromota (a city resting on the side of the mountain range) and use the underground passage there instead if they wanted to cross into the Sovereignty.

Because it was damaging him, because he was still somewhat angry and frustrated and because he believed their reliance on him made them reckless, River was reluctant to heal Nikolai and Alan of their injuries, however he was convinced by Theri to work together with her in order to heal them with more mundane means. Alan, for those keeping track, had injured his throat when trying to summon a can of a certain caffeinated beverage with crimson bovines on it in order to feed it to the General's wufas. (Wufas are round woolly three-legged egg-laying cute little creatures with giant eyes that feed on seeds and magic and go "meep".) Alan did not give up on said beverage for the duration of their stay. In fact, it was one of those giant cans that Nikolai used (with help from Zechariah and some of the General's tools) to craft a suit of armor. While weak and fragile, his ability allowed him to turn it into a formidable layer of protection.

Unfortunately Terrevieve was not there to help them with their chores, having been sent to the nearby town of Arellogez to trade for goods. He came back a day later, bringing bad news about a food riot that had erupted between refugees of the city and the local inhabitants. The conflict had claimed many lives, especially when the Guardsmen intervened to quell the uprising with lethal force. More bad news followed, though Irine considered them good at the time. The disorientation and pain she felt while transforming suddenly vanished one morning. And the bad news continued. As their stay with the General was nearing its end, River informed the party that he had spotted a group of soldiers approaching, spread out as if they were searching for something. Though he believed the general had betrayed them, using his servant to call for this ambush, the others were not so sure, for why would a man planning to betray them let them play with his only son?

The General himself denied River's accusations when confronted with them. Though not very happy that his home was in danger, he was still willing to hide the group underground until the danger had passed. Ike and Nikolai preferred to run away towards the Northeast instead while River left to watch the Tower from afar,. However, unlike Ike, Nikolai stopped running after a couple of minutes. And unlike Ike, he was also wearing an extra shiny armour made out of a giant tin can. Even so, he still might had managed to escape notice if he didn't have such bad luck that a Scout walked right by his hiding place. Though he managed to kill many soldiers and last an impressive amount of time, using his power intelligently and in diverse ways, in the end he was only one man against twenty and his luck was bound to run out eventually. And so it was so that Nikolai died again. Ike wanted to help Nikolai but also wanted to be smart about it, so he circled around the soldiers to strike at the two mages, taking out the Water mage and then setting his sights on the Fire mage. His aid came too late however, so he had no choice but change his objective to retrieving Nikolai's Soulsphere, so that he could be revived later.

While Ike is perhaps the best in physical combat in the entire team, it was still not certain if he could succeed against such odds. But it appeared that luck was once more on his side, for as the scared Fire mage desperately tried to cast a spell to defend himself from Ike's attack, something went wrong. His spell exploded into a dark tar-like substance that engulfed him and turned him into a mad, murderous, hungry abomination. The creature attacked everything living in sight and attempted to consume them, adding them to its body. Ike used this opportunity to regroup with Alan (who had come out of the tower to aid him) and obtain Nikolai's Soulsphere before escaping. Though Alan attacked the creature and for a moment it looked like it had an excellent effect, it turned out it didn't finish the job. While Ike and Alan were running away, the abomination resurfaced and continued attacking the soldiers.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team used an underground tunnel to escape towards the east. The general was not happy to see combat erupt near his home, but he didn't do anything to the team beyond saying some angry words.

"The anomaly. That is what I was talking about."
"So you know about those things?"
"Not with certainty, but I think so, yes. There's a disturbance in the land, weakening and distorting all Fire magic. It started out quite weak several days ago but has been growing stronger ever since. We have no idea what's causing it."
"Oh, but we do. This man said that that beastman used Dark magic on Stodir, the heart of Fire. It is obvious he is responsible for yet another evil that befell us!"
"Or it could just as easily be a mere side effect of the collapse of the Fire Network, with Void energy springing up to cover the gap created by the Fire network receding."
"But wouldn't that had happened the moment the tower fell? Because the time the anomaly started roughly fits the time they were revived..."
"We cannot know with certainty."
"It is true. An event of this magnitude has only been recorded once before and only in myth, with the fall of the Necromancer-Emperor."
"We need to seek enlightenment on this matter through meditation. The inner circle would surely provide us with more insight."
"We got to witness the effects of the collapse first-hand..."

Spoiler: Recap: Part 8: Skyward Fire (click to show/hide)

The team, minus River, regrouped close to Arellogez with nothing bad happening along the way. Irine and co. encountered some giant spiders in their underground tunnel but they were not hostile, merely curious, keeping their distance from them.

After waiting for River for a while, the team decided to move on. Irine continued talking with Roger along the way, learning more about the entities and the games. Roger also tried to get her to discover something on her own, something pertaining to Charlie and Stellar that he couldn't speak about, but Irine isn't certain about what he really meant.

The group reached the crash site of Skyward Fire that night, the remains of one of the kingdom's massive flying fortresses. It had crashed while on its way towards the City after the Fire Tower exploded. With the remains of the fortress blocking the road and the debris making it hard to walk, the team decided to wait until morning before continuing.

When morning came, they spent some time exploring the ruins, making sure to keep their distance from the men that had taken up residence in the area. Ike found an inactive military Golem but had no idea what to do with it. Alan found that besides humans, there were also great vulture-like creatures making their nest there. Though the creatures were fearful, Alan managed to entice one of the creatures with the promise of food. Believing this to be a UFO crash site and the bird to be an alien, he started talking to it. And after a while, they somehow began to understand each other. Alan named the bird Rickman and had it follow him around by occasionally giving it more food. The team questioned the bird about the surrounding area but its rather limited vocabulary wasn't very helpful.

Theri worried about River. She tried contacting him again but once more couldn't reach him. She felt like something was wrong. Irine and Roger meanwhile dived deep into Irine's soul, trying to determine why her shapeshifting sickness was gone. What Roger found there terrified him. Following his subconscious desires to help Irine and his soul's desire to reach its normal state, he had unconsciously started taking over parts of Irine's being. Though beneficial at the moment, he dreaded accidentally taking over, changing or otherwise hurting his friend, so he vowed to try extra hard to keep his distance, not use his abilities and keep their bond from expanding further.

The group continued towards the east, making their way towards the village of Road's End. They talked about their homes and what it means to be a god along the way. Rickman flew after Alan for a while but she turned back before going too far from her nest.

"I'm sorry. You say you can speak with Blood Vultures?"
"You mean Aliens? Yeah, sure."
"Next question: How?"
"Idunno." *shrugs*
"That's so frustrating. What I wouldn't give to have your body alone in my lab for a couple of hours."
"I have a feeling my entity would be unnaturally happy to hear that."
Unfortunately, D. could not giggity at this, for he was gone from this world for good. And by that I mean this specific world, for he was still having fun in the Staging Area.

Spoiler: Recap: Part 9: Big Damn Heroes (click to show/hide)

When the team reached Road's End, they found the village taken over by creatures possessed by shadows, humans and animals with unnatural strength and endurance attacking and consuming everything in sight that wasn't them. From the few coherent words the possessed humans spoke, it appeared that they were hungry and though remorseful, they had no control over their lust for flesh. At the centre of it all was a greater shadow that had taken over the temple at the centre of the village, a being that killed the head priest in one blow despite his protective wards, a being that sounded very much like the one they had faced while running away from the general's home. While the shadows were dangerous and hard to kill, they didn't appear to be concerned with chasing the villagers outside the walls of the village, instead opting to stay close to the lead creature. So those villagers that had managed to escape (a good fraction of the population of the village) gathered close to a nearby farm and tried to decide what to do, if they should try to cleanse the town or try to rescue those still trapped in their homes or simply run away and try to find help.

And help did arrive, in the form of Alan forcing the group to go help the villagers. The mayor tried to convince the group to go in alone while the more eager amongst the villagers (led by a young man called Mios), those with loved ones still trapped inside, almost begged to be taken along to help. In the end the group decided to split the party. Irine would take an old hunter called Vind with her as a guide and then make her way towards the centre of the town to try and kill the lead creature on her own and rescue anyone trapped in the temple before Ike's group got there and was slaughtered. Theri would stay back to apply first aid to those injured and help organize the villagers so that they would be ready to defend themselves. And Ike would lead the rest of the party as well as a group of volunteers to try to systematically clear the village and rescue survivors.

The Dark energies over the area made shadows denser and created an oppressive feeling, a coldness. They also supercharged Zechariah's shadow manipulation abilities, allowing him to execute powerful attacks and defensive fields. This came in handy as the group attacked the village's front gate. The villagers proved their worth by keeping any monsters that got through occupied and even killing a few by mobbing them and hurting them with everything they got. Which is saying something, given the fact that the shadows displayed the ability to survive strikes that would normally be lethal and reconnect severed body parts. Alan also displayed the power he had gained by shooting a giant vegetable and creating a Chaos anomaly in the process.

In order to demonstrate why it would be a bad idea to approach the anomaly, Ike inserted his sword in it. Infused with Chaos energy, the sword's blade rapidly shifted through possibilities whenever the sword moved, allowing it to evade blocks and strike like a magical blender. Once more thanking his good luck Ike, along with the rest, proceeded to find and rescue many villagers. Some joined his group of volunteers, further strengthening the ranks of Ike's 'army', while the rest were sent out of the village, where they would be safe. With his ability to smell even those too shocked and afraid to respond to his calls, he was able to rescue everyone from everywhere he went through.

Still, maybe Ike's assault wouldn't had gone so well if it wasn't for Irine distracting and killing many of the most dangerous shadow creatures. She was closer to the temple at the centre of the village and thus most of the creatures appeared to be focusing on her. The most dangerous were the cacolopes, pack predators with powerful jaws and sharp teeth that liked to lay ambushes and could quickly cover large distances by jumping. Already dangerous, their possession by the shadow made them even deadlier and harder to kill. Even with her power, it would had been a tough fight for Irine if Theri hadn't arrived to help her using her superior close quarters combat skills.

With the surrounding area clear, Irine's next target was the temple. Everyone felt the evil energy flowing from it. Even Irine's fires were facing resistance, like a constant wind was blowing from it. Roger pleaded Irine to just leave or retreat to a safe distance and just burn the temple down. But Irine could not retreat now, for she was concerned that there might be people trapped inside the temple. And she was right, there were people trapped in there, however saving them wouldn't be easy.

The moment Theri broke down the temple doors, the dark energy inside assaulted their minds, overwhelming their resistance and destroying their ability to think and understand reality. Like the rest of the people in the temple, they were transfixed, staring into the naked form of the monster as it tried to reach its ultimate goal. And there they would had remained, if Irine hadn't managed to use her fires to block the entrance and if Theri hadn't managed to summon enough willpower to activate her orb, an artifact of great emotional value to her that she always carried with her. The Light energies released were enough to break the monster's influence on them, at the same time forcing it to assume a more corporeal form.

The two tried fighting the creature and they fought well, but they were simply not strong enough. After incapacitating Theri, it focused all its anger on Irine, aiming to destroy her by any means necessary, launching attack after powerful attack at her. With Irine close to death and about to lose consciousness, Roger made the only choice he could: he merged himself with Irine, using his gift of Flare to keep the monster away. Knowing that there was no going back and with the monster about to launch a devastating attack called Vortex Detonation, he used his Final Flare to completely obliterate the Vortex, the creature and a good chunk of the village for good measure.

"Oh, the temple of Road's End was destroyed? What a shame. That building had some beautiful architecture and several rare scrolls..."
"There were also people there."
"Yes, yes, the people are important too of course. But the temple..."
"That still doesn't explain his armour. Or how he got here."
"I have to agree, this is becoming a rather long story. Perhaps we should take a break? _{I've been dying to go to the toilet for like the last 10 minutes.}"
"We shall take a break once our guest finishes his speech."
"There's no reason to worry ladies and gentlemen. I am almost done. You see, when the dust settled..."

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 06:00:00 pm

Spoiler: Recap: Part 10: Winds of War (click to show/hide)

With the master creature destroyed, the village was finally free. It was easy for Ike and his militia to mop up the rest of the creatures now that they had been weakened. The villagers returned, trying to rebuild their lives. They were beyond grateful to Ike and the rest for having saved as many people as they did and they did anything they could to help the party be comfortable and recover from their injuries. (Ike had thankfully evacuated most of the people that would had been in the way of Roger's attack and immediately set to work rescuing anyone he could find after the attack, his enhanced senses being quite useful for that.) They were also thankful for the party destroying the monsters, even though they didn't know exactly how they did it. Frankly, neither did Ike. He had managed to retrieve Theri (she was recovering under the care of the healer Ghios Oftaia and his assistant Alba Varden), but she had been rendered unconscious before the fight ended and could offer no explanation. Irine was nowhere to be found.

The root cause for this was the way Roger's gift of Flare works. It allows him to burn pieces of his soul (or the souls of those he has devoured) to grant him immense strength. Normally it burnt non-essential parts, like fat in a human body. But in his present state, he had nothing left to burn but his entire being. After the attack he was like a burnt corpse, ready to collapse into ash at any moment. So with his final strength he moved Irine somewhere she could recover and left a memory of him saying goodbye and explaining what had happened to Irine. He also left her with a choice: the death of the monster was followed by the appearance of River's Soulsphere, a fact that didn't surprise Roger, since bond-formers we're quite capable of sensing each other when close. He left the sphere with Irine, for her to decide what to do with it. She could destroy it, thus giving her the ability to end this mission and return to the Staging Area, or she could allow River to revive himself once more. His final act was to send a signal to Stellar, giving her some information and asking from her to be ready to support Irine once she's out of this world.

As it happened, the place Roger chose to leave Irine was an underground chamber deep beneath the temple, the same chamber the monster was trying to reach. The reason for that was the immense power contained there in the form of the Sword of the First King. The mayor had ordered the hole to be sealed because he did not know what the sword was and did not want to risk more magical destruction. So Irine was on her own when she finally woke up. First she explored her body, seeing how Roger's merging with her had changed her appearance, made her more fiery and more noticable. Then she explored the tomb of the First King, finding a mural next to the First King's sarcophagus depicting the creation of the Sword, its creator and the three beings used to create it, beings that were depicted as three women, one old, one young. The mural also depicted the First King using the sword and a prophecy for the coming of the chosen one and how she will fulfill the Sword's destiny.

After a bit of exploring, Ike finally managed to find Irine. She had touched the sword and begun talking with it, though she was facing some difficulty due to Roger's traits sometimes surfacing in her speech. Irine tried to understand it but it didn't seem to be interested in becoming friends or telling its story, only in impressing her and judging if she was worthy to wield it. Irine agreed with being judged, claiming the sword. And for that it asked her to tell it her ultimate goal. After Irine talked about her desire to rebuild her home universe and her goal of finding and dealing with whoever destroyed it, as well as her reasons for wanting that, the Sword agreed to become bonded with her and accompany her until it was time to leave this world. It only asked from her that she return the Sword to the tomb or another place of power when she no longer wanted it.

Ike left Irine with the sword and went on to explore the rest of the tomb and find something worth looting. It is there he found the First King's armor, a suit that offered as much coverage as heavy armor but was lightweight and flexible and unbelievably sturdy. It also had the First King's emblem on it, leaving no doubt about what it was. With the Sword's permission and help, Ike deactivated the trap protecting the armor and claimed it for himself. The Sword said there were several enchantments on the armor, though it didn't reveal exactly what they do. The only one Ike managed to find so far was a shield that sometimes appeared on his arms when he made a certain motion and something was speeding towards him.

Meanwhile, Alan had been healed up enough to be able to move around unaided. While he was still a danger to be around, people understood that and were careful. They also appreciated having someone who can summon food at a time when it was scarce. Alan had also been reunited with Rickman who had also brought her nest with her. And he had made some new friends in the form of two potted plants he had named Rick and Ted.

Theri on the other hand had sustained heavy injuries and was still recuperating when a boy called San Fjurrsson was brought to her room, one of the few private rooms available. There the mayor and his trusted few (minus Ike, who was occupied with looting) debriefed the kid. Apparently he was from one of the villages close to Kodromota, the easternmost city of the Kingdom. And he brought news of war.

With the army weakened by the recent war in the north and then further weakened by the loss of the network of Fire magic that was created by the Fire Tower, the Sovereignty saw this as an opportunity to strike. Though the Kingdom and the Sovereignty were long time trading partners, this was a relationship borne out of necessity rather than desire. It was an uneasy peace. Differences in culture, the desire of the Kingdom to expand, raids from bandits and slavers originating in the Sovereignty as well as the resource shortages both nations were facing made sure of that. Conflicts (verbal or even armed) were not uncommon.

In the past, these conflicts didn't extend beyond the borders. They couldn't, both nations were too well defended. But with the kingdom defenseless, the Sovereign, Lord Bofort, saw he could decisively end any future conflict before it could begin and double the size of his kingdom overnight. Of course, even without the Fire Tower and most of the military in ruins, taking over another kingdom is no easy task. One of the biggest reasons the borders of the various kingdoms had remained more or less the same over the past hundreds of years was that most of the magical machines used to wage war depended on a primary element, giving the defender a significant advantage, for in his home territory his machines and his mages would be the most powerful. As had been shown in the past, a resistance led by capable mages with enough power could give an occupational army a lot of trouble. Even without the Fire Tower, this still held true.

The Wind magic employed by the Sovereingty would be no match for the Fire mages. Their Gliders would fall from the sky and their Storm Cannons would create nothing more than a harmless breeze soon after leaving their kingdom, leaving them open to hit and run raids that burned their supplies and left them to starve. It took time and resources to extend such a magical network or resupply the army with recharged Power Stones, time that made any expansion slow to a crawl. But, as the party would soon find out, the Sovereignty had found a way to overcome such problems. So now it waged all out war on the Kingdom, swiftly pushing its troops towards the other end of the kingdom, killing and capturing civilians and soldiers alike whenever they got in their way.

It was these raids that San and others like him were seeking to escape when they left their village and started making their way across the deserted center of the kingdom, towards the West. Though there were a few that found the invasion to be a good thing, wanting a strong empire to protect them, most were afraid of being under the Sovereignty's rule. The Sovereignty was targeting anyone who could be a threat and even random people, using them as slaves or arresting them and taking them away, never to be seen again. That is why San's father Fjur, an old soldier that had fought in the war in the North, sent San to the village of Giant's Wall, where he had relatives that could take care of him. However San had no family to accompany him on this journey, only people he knew from his village. His mother was long gone and his father decided to join the resistance when the opportunity presented itself, leaving San to continue in his own. With the fall of Kodromota what was left of the army was gathering close to the hills and desert in the North and Fjurr, like other volunteers, intended to join them.

In a way, that might have just saved Fjurr's life. It was night and the group of refugees San was in had stopped somewhere in the middle of the deserted land in the centre of the kingdom, near a place called the Field of Statues. That is when they were attacked. But it was not soldiers or raiders that attacked them. Dozens of monstrous avian creatures descended upon them, killing or taking anyone they got their claws on. Through luck and the sacrifice of his close friend Praeus and Praeus' dad Aelven, San managed to escape. He kept moving West for what felt like a long time. Already injured in the attack, walking in the heat with no food or water did his health no good. He was near death when he was found by Reinn, a hunter operating out of Road's End, and brought to the village to be healed, thus ending up in Theri's room.

Though San was afraid of Theri at first due to her non-human characteristics, through talking he became more at ease with her and eventually started to like her. San was looking for someone to hold on to, since everyone he knew was dead or far away. So when Theri offered to take him with her in her journey towards the east, he accepted, holding on to the childish hope that he could find his father along the way.

"How can you claim that the Sword of the First King could choose to-"
"Can we please just let him finish his story?"
"Well, uh, yes, certainly, but-"
"Thank you!"

Spoiler: Recap: Part 11: Shady Characters (click to show/hide)

The Sword used many fancy names to describe itself (its exact wording was "Inira Milu Nimu-Kor, the Sword of Kings and Forger of Kingdoms, Aquiya Tin, the Moonblade, protector of the innocent, slayer of armies, bane of Stodir" with "the power of might, of right and of light") but the villagers knew it from legends as the Sword of the First King. They had never imagined that it could be under their feet all these years. Some saw the Sword's and the party's arrival as a sign. Others merely wanted to do their duty to their nation. And many simply admired Ike and the rest for having saved them. Whatever the reason, with the news of war spreading, many men came to Ike, asking to accompany him on his trip towards the east, in the hopes of uniting with the local resistance. Ike saw no problem with that, so he allowed them to come along, becoming their impromptu leader in the process.

As a first demonstration of its power, the Sword revived Nikolai, though it strained it to do so. It was not omnipotent, its power depended on the power of its wielder. And even if it was at its full power, it would still hesitate to try to revive River, for his soul was too damaged by the Void, barely held together and his elements were too different from the Sword, resistant to finer manipulations.

Ike decided to expedite their leaving after Alan force fed a kid leaves from his plant and some kind of liquid he summoned, his volatile alchemical mix causing the child to disappear. Not wanting to get into trouble, Ike loaded up the various animal-drawn carts he had gathered with supplies and whatever weapons he could gather, got his teammates and their followers and left towards the east. He made extra sure to have his 'minions' equip Nikolai with the best armor and weapons they could find, an old monster hunter set with enchantments against fire and poison.

It was an emotional moment when the villagers gathered to say farewell to those brave or stupid enough to leave with Ike, to wish them well and give them gifts for their journey, to plead them not to go or to return safe, to curse them for leaving. For many enthusiastic young men this would be the first time away from the village they were born in. The people of the Kingdom liked to consider themselves brave and fun-loving, so their journey was accompanied with songs about battle and the greatness of their nation, hymns to gods and heroes of old, as well as drinking and dirty bar songs.

And so it was so that the group continued its journey until it reached the Field of Statues. The Field of Statues, as its name implied, was a large area filled with statues of all sorts and sizes, some of them enchanted with protections against vandalism. It was there that they witnessed the site of the carnage San had described. But strangely, while there was a lot of blood, there were very few bodies to be found.

As they journeyed, the Sword became more and more aware of a dark influence spreading across the land, a wide field of dark magic being felt, mostly during the night. It informed Irine of its findings and stated that it would protect her should the dark energy wish to cause her harm.

During their journey, the group tried to improve the status of their little personal army. Ike took care of getting to know the men, watching their morale, teaching them some basic strategy and formations, getting them to follow orders and giving them some simple training exercises and sword training. He also took care to strengthen the bonds between them, make sure that any animosity forming between them would be quelled and that they would also be able to teach each other what they know. Nikolai took care of ranged combat training. Alan took care of procuring supplies and improving morale through said supplies and various forms of entertainment. Alan also learned more about Rickman, her past and the dangers she had faced, the ones that killed her NestMate. (Strangely, the soldiers couldn't understand Rickman, unlike the rest of the party.) And Theri took care of training those interested in hand-to-hand combat, field medicine and foraging, though there were some who did not appreciate receiving instructions from a non-human. This training was not only for the benefit of their would-be soldiers, for it also helped the party become stronger.

They went on until they reached a fork in the road marked by a well. One path led towards the north, to the water monastery of Chizra (the same one Ike was now in) and then to the desert that marked the Kingdom's northern borders. The other path led on towards the east, towards the Hills of Midnight and ultimately to Kodromota, on the border with the Sovereignty. Irine and Ike disagreed on which direction they should go, for Ike wished to explore Chizra before moving on while Irine wanted to make their way to their final destination as soon as possible. In the end, they came to a compromise: Irine and Theri would scout ahead while Ike and the rest would go to Chizra.

As the first stop of the Nomad Traders when entering the Kingdom (and those traders wishing to deal with them first), Chizra was no stranger to strangers. Many visited the monastery merely in order to drink its holy water or watch one of the purification ceremonies. Chizra also received its fair amount of people wishing to stay there, but doing so was not easy. The monks required hard work from those who stayed, making sure they could carry their weight by farming or other work. Though some found that acceptable, others thought of it comparable to slavery. Despite that, people still made their way there, either to disappear and start anew, to receive training in Water magic from a source other than the Tower or simply because they wanted something to believe in and devote themselves to. The temple had recently received an influx of refugees, so it had set many of them working on expanding its farms, converting many of its water gardens into farmlands.

It was said that the inner circle was located at the top of the foggy hill from which the water of Chizra originated. The inner circle held the most devoted followers of the Flowing Way, those that spent most of their time meditating on the nature of water, many of them powerful mages. Judging by the stories told about them, they were powerful enough to defeat a dragon. Then there was the monastery itself (the building Ike was in) that held the various masters and high ranking members of the temple. Then there were the gardens, farmlands and places of worship and meditation surrounding the temple, themselves surrounded by a newly constructed wall, put there to prevent the theft of food. After the wall had been erected and people were forbidden from entering during the night, the inhabitants of the monastery had taken up to calling this area 'The Walled Garden'. Then there were the newly expanded residential areas, along with a few stores and inns. And finally there were the high walls of Chizra that made it look more like a fortress than a monastery, decorated with various engravings and statues. The land around Chizra had recently been flooded by the mages of the temple, knowing that it was very likely for them to be attacked in such dark times and wishing to impede anyone approaching and give them the advantage.

Ike's group entered the monastery as night fell. They were forced to leave their weapons (but not their other equipment) behind, as the temple professed to maintain peace and neutrality. It was supposed to be a place where everyone, humans of every kingdom and all non-humans, would be welcome, as long as they did not became a problem and followed the rules of the monastery. And one of those rules (one that had become harder to maintain with the rise in its population) was 'no violence'. So Ike left a few of his men to watch the wagons and supplies while he and the rest entered the monastery.

His first night in town was spent gathering information. First he had a discussion with the gatekeeper, asking about the monastery and the situation there. He also got the gatekeeper to arrange a meeting with the Headwater, some sort of leader of the monks. (The gatekeeper said he himself was merely a Water Carrier, some sort of assistant from what he understood, though Ike still wasn't sure what exactly those ranks meant.) Then, Ike, the party and his soldiers made their way to a tavern/inn. There he proceeded to search for information as well as secure financial or material support for his little army, talking to a group of down-on-their-luck merchants from Kodromota. Many of them felt that they had little hope of continuing their prosperous existence with the recent disasters and the war unfolding as it was, so they had gathered whatever wares they could find and awaited for an opportunity to leave for the Confederate Southern States or for the Nomad Traders, hoping to follow them through the northern desert and into more peaceful (and profitable) lands. Having little to do with their spare time except try to con refugees out of their valuables or futilely try to strike a deal with the temple, they had ample time to listen to any rumor that came their way. From what the traders had heard, the Sovereignty had also attacked the Confederate Southern States, but the war was going much better for them, their superior navy allowing them to hold their own and even perform some counterattacks. However said rumors were already more than a week old, so there was no telling how the war had progressed in that time. The traders had also heard (though not seen) about the various means the Sovereignty used to conduct war. There were soldiers and mages of course and also Gliders and other flying war machines and siege engines and those monstrous birds. There was also a beastman in their employment called Sword-tusks, one they had liberated from Kodromota's Arena. Sword-tusks was roaming the land leading a group of slavers, capturing people in the name of the Sovereignty. He also got some rumors about Nether Pass, but nothing concrete. And he also got some general information about Kodromota and its surroundings and a possible looting target in the Hills of Midnight, some old estate.

Having gained the information he required for now, he focused on gaining resources. He managed to persuade an 'expert at acquiring rare items' to travel with him. The man had what he claimed to be the fastest horse in the kingdom and he also claimed to have useful contacts in several places. He agreed to join Ike's army in its quest to join the resistance, hoping to be reunited with his half-brother in the military and aid the resistence with his knowledge. He also got a stone figurine from one of the traders that would indicate he is a friend of the Denion Trading Guild. If Guildmaster Skacren-Ett was still in Kodromota, the traders said it would be worth his time to seek him out.

The soldiers acted much like one would expect when given the opportunity to drink and have fun: they did just that. And joining them was Nikolai, impressing everyone with his ability to not only hold his liqueur but also to Tsar it into amazing size and potency. Nikolai and the men did a good job drinking, having fun, making noise and telling stories. Stories that, as it happened, attracted the attention of parts of the local population. Hearing about their desire to join the resistance and with little left to lose, many of them asked to join Ike's group. Ike had no problem with adding more men to his little army, so he easily accepted, increasing the size of his platoon. Unfortunately, Nikolai was still a man, so in the end he reached his limit and blacked out, his memories after that point being beyond his recollection.

It was (in part) due to his drunken state that he missed Ike's meeting with a certain shady character. The man got Ike to a secluded spot and made his offer: Ike was to get into a secret vault of the temple (a feat that would be easy for him, since he could use his dexterity and reflexes to climb through a secret passage), detonate a Hex (essentially a bomb made out of Dark and Void energies that severely disrupted magic) to disable all magical security devices and then steal a staff with a blue glass dome on its top (and any other magical artifact Ike wanted). He was supposed to bring the staff to the man early in the morning of the day after tomorrow. As Ike would later learn, the staff was a powerful and specially constructed artifact with a Water Focusing Crystal that helped the mages of the temple to form a powerful magical shield around Chizra. The man suggested stealing it either during the morning, after his meeting with the Headwater or during next night, when he would cause some sort of distraction. With their business for the night concluded, Ike, Alan and Zechariah found a place to sleep and retired for the night.

Nikolai woke up the next morning naked, in an unknown bed and with a terrible hangover. Apparently a young woman called Isan had helped him by allowing him to rest in her (rather spartan) room. Nikolai helped the owner of the house clean up the mess he had created last night. He also learned that he had displayed extraordinary power with his abilities in his drunken state, Tsaring an entire building and displaying the ability to Tsar two different objects at the same time. After having some breakfast and apologizing to the man yet again, he regrouped with Ike and Zechariah. But he could not help but notice that people were looking him strangely along the way, as if there was something different about him...

Alan woke up with his usual hyperactive energy. After cooking a lavish breakfast for everyone, he went out in search of a friend. And he found it, in the face of a drunkard and a thief. The two of them got in a few adventures, got an angry mob to chase them and flew a water-hose-powered tricycle over Chizra's walls. It is there, outside Chizra's walls, that his new friend would make an interesting proposition to him...

Ike, Zechariah and Nikolai made it to the meeting with the Headwater. The Headwater seemed to recognize them. After hearing a good chunk of Ike's story and after Ike revealed his encounter with that shady individual last night, he was more than happy to help (after he got past his initial surprise), providing them information and offering them some mid-level magical artifacts. Apparently, if they had done as the shady man asked, they would had crippled Chizra's defenses against outside attacks. However, while he was quite grateful for what they had done, he could not offer them Ike and his army the official support of Chizra. Chizra was obliged to remain neutral. For that to change, he needed to call a meeting and inform the other masters of his findings. The meeting that Ike was now in...

Irine, Theri and San meanwhile kept heading East after splitting up with Ike. They saw signs of refugees moving through the barren land but encountered nothing. During the night, River chose to attempt to resurrect himself. The Sword detected this and woke Irine up, however she chose to not intervene, partly because she did not know what he was doing and whether or not it would be safe to do so. Not that anyone could blame her for not thinking that, his soulsphere showed extensive damage. It certainly wouldn't had been able to survive in this state if it wasn't for Darkstar's mastery of Memory Folding and S0's mastery of Holographic Consciousness. So River found a compatible being he could posses, took it over and then simply disappeared, the Sword unable to track his movements.

The next day they continued on. This day they happened to encounter one such group of refugees that had managed to escape the Sovereignty-occupied territories. Though the humans were afraid of them at first, as luck would have it, one of them had seen San before, when he was passing through First Green. San vouched for Theri and Irine, which led to the humans being less afraid and more open to conversation. Theri managed to have a conversation with them, learning more about the situation in the East and the potential dangers they could face, gaining slightly better and more up-to-date information than Ike had the previous night. The soldiers of the Sovereignty had apparently set up checkpoints and were arresting and enslaving anyone for the slightest offense, like not liking their face. The soldiers were equipped with some sort of magical stun grenade in order to handle angry mobs, a bottle of trapped Wind magic that could stun or even kill people around it when it broke. San also tried to gain any info about the whereabouts of the secret resistence base, but the refugees didn't know much more than he did. They also told Theri about the time they hid from a group of people that was behaving strangely, slowly walking around the deserted landscape with no apparent purpose, like zombies. After conversing for a while, Theri wished them good luck on their journey and they each went their separate ways, the refugees moving on towards the West while Theri and Irine moved on towards the East.

Irine and Theri kept moving on, getting past an abandoned building and almost reaching the place where the road crossed through the Hills of Midnight. That is when River projected a single thought to them: hide. Theri immediately did so, hiding Irine, San and herself under the dirt, using a blanket to obscure their footprints beforehand. That's when the corrupted avian war-monsters of the Sovereignty came. They circled above them for some time, probably sensing their magic. However they were unable to spot the party, so they went on towards the west. Having escaped combat (to the slight disappointment of the Sword), Theri and Irine decided it would be best to continue on their journey...

"...and that's about it."
The Headwater steps up and takes the stand.
"Thank you Ike, you may take a seat if you'd like. I know this couldn't have been easy for you." he says to Ike before addressing the room.
Ike didn't particularity mind speaking, but sure, whatever. He sits down and watches as the Headwater unleashes his political attack.
"It is my opinion that, after what we've heard, we can no longer afford to idly stand by. It is clear in my mind that this Hex-"
The Headwater presents the glass orb containing the bubbling mass of darkness, producing quite a few gasps from the audience.
"-shows that the Sovereignty has no intention of allowing our continued independent existence."
"You have no evidence-"
"Any logical man would conclude that this is the case. Furthermore, it is clear from this story and from the stories we hear from every man that arrives at our gates seeking assistance that things are not well in the world. The Sovereignty is treating the people of this land with barbarous cruelty and shows no signs of stopping. Not until it has attained complete domination. If you need further proof of this, then look no further than our brothers in the Southern States, who are even now fighting to protect their livelihoods, their freedom and their very lives from this unprovoked attack. We need to take action! While there is still time left to act!"
He turns and points a finger at Ike while still facing his audience.
"That is why I propose that we grant our full support to Ike and the resistance!" he shouts, his loud voice overshadowing the number of protests that have erupted.
"His arrival at this crucial time, wearing the armour of the First King no less, a herald of the chosen wielder of the Sword of the First King, is a sign we cannot ignore. It is a sign that, like the First King, we should do all we can for the good of others. This is the only way that we may see peace return to our kingdom. We cannot sit here, claiming to be good while everyone else suffers. For that reason, we should send with him any mages we can spare capable of healing, combat or fortification along with any material help we can provide. It is the only way!"
"This is preposterous! Our neutrality-" the man in red is shouting now, his face starting to become as red as his clothes, but he is overshadowed by the Headwater's magically enhanced voice.
"Furthermore! Furthermore! Furthermore, we should send our craftsmen and historians to Road's End to assess and repair the damage to the tomb of the First King. We cannot let such a monument and the treasures inside it exposed. With our people there, we will also be able to provide any help we can to the villagers that have now been left without any magic users and thus without any protection from the dangers of magic. This should only be the first step, the first village we help and prove what we can do! Our disciples will be sent to every corner of the Kingdom, to find the source of this corruption, to help wherever they are needed. This should bring the invigorating truth of the Flowing Way to every man that needs it, along with our help and blessings. No longer will men starve-"
"How can you speak such things?!" the man in red shouts again, this time his voice amplified by magic.
"What are you doing? Be seated!"
"No! This is insane!"
"Be seated at once! You have not been given-"
"No! I will not! This is preposterous! This is beyond belief! That the one who is supposed to be the best of us can say such horrible things. This goes against our traditions, our morals, our way, everything our order stands for! Chizra has always been neutral in the conflicts of all beings, always standing ready to defend itself but never attacking, always ready to accept all who wish to follow the Way. We are supposed to be a place where all men who seek enlightenment may enter freely, not a seat of power, not an overlord imposing our will, even if we're to be a benevolent overlord. And, if anything, trying to keep the old Kingdom alive would only prolong its death and bring more suffering. We should be hoping that the Sovereignty wins this conflict as soon as possible. They have always shown that they are tolerant of different people and beliefs while the King has tried numerous times to put us under his control. Even if that weren't the case, we cannot make ourselves an enemy of the Sovereignty, not when they have taken no action against us."
"Please! Please brothers, let us all be calm like clear waters." the man in blue says, trying to stop the debate from escalating further.
Ike notices there are many murmurs of assent with the man in red. Even with his testimony and the Hex, it looks like the Masters are not convinced.
"Yes. This young man has given us a lot to think about. We should take the time to consider it carefully before reaching any sort of decision."
"We have been considering these matters for far too long. All these days we've done nothing but talk and now we have little time left until a decision is made for us. It is important not to confuse care with fear and indecision."
The Headwater looks around with an accusatory look, while at the same time gauging his audience's reactions. It doesn't look like many agree with the Headwater trying to force a decision, so like a man of Water should, he immediately goes with the flow, continuing like this was his intention all along.
"However, I agree that some time to consider this may be necessary. So I propose we take a break for an hour and then continue this discussion."
There are nods and affirmations from all around the room, though it looks clear that some of them would very much like this meeting to be over for good.
"Very well then. The gates shall open. Be sure to consider the importance of what has been discussed here and of the importance of the lives of others."

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 06:00:18 pm

---

Later, that very same turn...

---

Harry Baldman, NAV

With the Headwater officially declaring the meeting to be over for now, the doors are unsealed, allowing people to enter and the Masters gathered inside to slowly (and in the case of a certain violet-wearing woman, rather quickly) make their way out. Most of them stay in the chamber for now, discussing what has happened. From what Ike understands, it usually doesn't get this exciting around here.
"I am sorry for the baseless accusations made by Griman and his supporters. You must understand, he is not doing this because he hates you. We have been debating this matter for a long time and discussion tends to get a bit... heated at times." the Headwater says, trying to be diplomatic, but Ike isn't paying much attention.
That's because he has noticed that that familiar smell has returned. The man that gave him the Hex is somewhere in here, he is one of the men that entered when the gates opened. How convenient. If Ike could find out who he is and point him out to the Headwater, then that would surely help tip the scared to his favor.
"But do not worry. I'm certain that the decision that must be taken, will be taken, even if it takes a bit longer. It is as things should happen. 'All Water returns to the sea eventually', as they say."

---

Quote from: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7405171#msg7405171

((Was sick over the weekend.))

While the others were talking, Zechariah examined the room. He found the atmosphere of the Temple to be comforting and harmonic - at least, when nobody was shouting or being frustrated. A few words in the conversation stuck out to Zechariah - in particular, the mention of Dark, Light, and Order magics and magic practitioners. Those words sounded a little too close to what Zechariah had known before in the Medium; however, it could very well be coincidence. After all, it's not like Dark energies that kill and Light energies that protect are rare concepts. Still, many of these coincidences were lining up. At the very least, the two multiverses were more similar than he had imagined. It was too early to make inferences still, but what if there was a deeper association than he had thought earlier?

He put it out of his mind for now, however, considering that the inhabitants of the Water Temple were getting ready to meet. He believed he had little in the way of personal insight to contribute to the conversation, however, so he decided to take after another task.

"I doubt I'll have much valuable information for the meeting. I'll... see what I can do elsewhere. I'll be back here in, say, thirty minutes or so - earlier if something blows up," he said, half-jokingly.

Go visit the meditating monk. I believe that I might be able to learn something from him. Meditate, if he will allow me, with him.

While Ike and Nikolai are attending the meeting, you go sit next to the monk and try to relax. He doesn't seem to mind you. He merely smiles in your direction without even opening his eyes, you're not even sure if he has really noticed you.

The atmosphere of the room is certainly conductive to relaxation. The grassy floor is soft and easy to sit on, there is a pleasent smell of flowers in the air and the constant sound of flowing water helps calm and still your thoughts. After a whie, a smile creeps to your face and you let go, diving deeper inside yourself. And by letting go it is as if you've gained a greater awareness, an ability to sense the world around you. You can feel the water flowing in front of you, you can feel a fish playfully swimming in it, you can feel the monk slowly breathing next to you, you can feel the trees and blades of grass growing ever so slightly each moment, you can even feel the heart of this plae, beating somewhere far above you...

But not everything is good, not everything is balanced, not everything is flowing well. There are dark things moving in the edge of your vision, unstable energies, things you can't quite sense flowing from places both near and far. That's not quite true, there is one dark energy you can sense. It's coming from your staff and then trailing off and disappearing. It hungers too much. That's what makes it unbalanced. There's something it's missing. A hunger, you realise, that resonates within yourself.

---

Quote from: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7406914#msg7406914

Alan takes an exaggerated bow. "I do what I can, my bud! Though we gotta get back in the temple before we can do that again. Or just find a big hill, but I think the temple's closer. C'mon, let's go!"

Walk back to the temple wall with my new buddy - ask him his name and stuff on the way.

If I'm misinterpreting it somehow and it's right there, then ask him his name anyway and then make a big trampoline so we can jump over the walls.

Your new pal identifies himself as Brad Korr, rogue extraordinaire.

"Back to the temple, eh? Normally the monks don't let anyone in there, but I know just the thing for that. Some pal informed me there's going to be a raid tonight. You can bet that's going to cause a big distraction. Normally I was just going to storm the place with the rest and get some food, but with you as my pal, there are some new possibilities for enjoyment."
He opens his cloak, removes another bottle of alcohol and takes a swig before continuing.
"If we prepare, we could sneak in and have all sorts of fun. Who knows what secrets they keep in there? We could get all sorts of stuff. Maybe even climb all the way to the top!"
He offers the bottle of alcohol to you.
"What do you say, partner?"

---

Quote from: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7406388#msg7406388

After calming down San, Theri spoke. "Find a way to hide our magic then. I'll do the tracking. San, find some stuff nearby that we can use for hiding ourselves or creating a fire. Dry wood of this sort and look for-"

Theri began iterating utility and useful survival tips that she had learned way back--before she even met River or was somehow transported out of her world. Several trees of a sort, and their respecting physical qualities were mentioned, alongside other plant life and substances that could be used to generate cover.

"I'll be helping you with the rest, but I'd also like to see you better off than when we first met. It's okay to cry; you're a strong young person. We can talk about any concerns on the way."

Train San in survival skills.
And TRACK that murder! [if possible, gather supplies alongside]

Quote from: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7419023#msg7419023

((realized I hadn't explicitly said I'd go along with Theri's plan so:))
Theri's plan is a good one - lets do that.

Theri and Irine continue moving on after Theri helps San calm down, reassuring him that the monsters are gone and he is safe now. Along the way she gives San various wilderness survival tips. The two of them stop from time to time whenever they encounter a dead shrub or similar in order to break it down for firewood.

It's less than a couple of hours before the sun has disappeared behind the horizon and they stop for the night. Theri finds a small rocky outcrop rising out of the dirt, not much taller than she is but good enough to give them some cover from the wind and prying eyes. She sets up camp and tries to show San how to start a fire, but he is proud to demonstrate that he already knows how to do that. (Irine suppresses the urge to show off just how easily she can light a fire.) They eat some of their dwindling rations and lie down to sleep.

You haven't been sleeping for long when you are woken by a burst of light and a yelp.
<Ha! Got you!> the Sword exclaims.
There is a black-furred puppy dangling from a grey thread. The grey thread is simply woven into existence somewhere above him.
<We caught him sneaking up on you.> the Sword explains.
The struggling puppy barks angrily.
<No doubt with ill intent.> it adds.
He appears wounded, like someone lashed him, but along with blood there is small amounts of shadow escaping from the cuts.
<It looks like the dark one could not escape our sight forever.> the Sword continues, sounding proud of itself.

---

OOC
I did not cover some of the exposition given to Ike in his talks with the Headwater and all the offers of magical items in the last 5-10 pages, since it was a bit too much I think.

Photobucket is now asking me to pay to host my images on other websites. Guess I'll have to look for a new image host...

Spoiler: Small OOC rambling (click to show/hide)

Hey guys. Sorry for disappearing. I've had some problems, some things happened and was feeling both physically and emotionally like crap and I just kinda focused on my job and stopped doing much else, intentionally getting long shifts so that I wouldn't have to think about other stuff. I started reading books again a while back and I've slowly lost that constant anxiety that was chasing me all the time. I'm trying to get back on things now.

If you're wondering what happened to me, then some idiot with an SUV rammed my car on the national highway and I had my arm injured for about a month (thankfully nothing else, though it still hurts sometimes), then I was sent abroad to install some new systems and because we were rushing the project I had to work day and night and listen to people blaming me for things beyond my control and some days things were so bad the only sleep I got was on the plane and then I was informed that a relative close to me which I loved was dying only to find out later that it was actually a scam to con me and the rest of my family out of money.

But hey, what can you do? Life goes on. You learn and do better.

Once again, I am sorry for disappearing without a word.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Failbird105 on September 12, 2017, 06:26:09 pm

I would certainly like to try and participate, though I'm worried that my interest in my old character may have passed as it was created by interest in Resident Evil 7, and the fascination with that is over.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 12, 2017, 06:27:49 pm

PARIS IS BAAAAAACCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yay.

---

"River? You came back! Yay!"
I gently hug River, avoiding his injuries, and see how he reacts to me. I do not tell the sword to release him yet, but I don't want him harmed either. I still don't know if this is River or The Thing That Once Was River, but I THINK River has control of himself again, else he wouldn't have come back. That being the case, I'll be seeing about how to handle his injuries shortly. I'm not sure if they should be covered up or not though, that shadowstuff might need to be able to get out of his system.
((EDIT: I had forgotten that Irine is in fox-form.))
<River? You came back! Yay!>
I run over to River and nuzzle him, looking him over and looking at his injuries while greeting his return. I don't ask for the sword to release him yet, but I don't want him harmed either. I still don't know if this is River or The Thing That Once Was River, but I THINK River has control of himself again, else he wouldn't have come back. That being the case, I'll be seeing about how to handle his injuries shortly. I'm not sure if they should be covered up or not though, that shadowstuff might need to be able to get out of his system.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Beirus on September 12, 2017, 07:10:08 pm

((Glad to see you back, Paris. There's a new mission? I want in. Can't pass up the chance to see new things...and then explode and destroy those new things.))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Xantalos on September 12, 2017, 07:15:55 pm

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm dimma-damned glad to see this back again, and to hear that you're doing alright compared to previously. My sympathies about the stress pileup that happened, though the fact that it seems to be at least momentarily subsiding is good to hear.

And holy crap that's a damn fine recap. I actually know what's going on now!

I'll Alanify myself to post in character tomorrow. Might take some time to draw his thought processes out of the back of my head.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 12, 2017, 07:39:13 pm

I'm in for a new mission. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to make a new character; I have other abilities I'd like to try out, and I've definitely lost interest in my old one.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: OceanSoul on September 12, 2017, 07:45:06 pm

...Wow. That's one censor'd word of a recap. And I'm just going off length here. I mean, 12 parts over 3 posts? Simply ludicrous. That fact alone makes me want to finish reading the thread from whatever early point I'd left off, and even make a character, too. How does a character that can randomly generate all sorts of objects sound?

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Toaster on September 12, 2017, 09:45:02 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2017, 06:27:49 pm

PARIS IS BAAAAAACCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yay.

I agree.



Also I'm still totally in for any mission; can't actually read the recap at this moment but I will soon.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 12, 2017, 11:32:48 pm

First of all, I'd like to say that I hope that everything is alright in your life, Paris. Real life is such a pain sometimes, even when we want it to leave us alone for even a moment.

Anyway, I'd never thought that this thread will still be this active after all this time, especially since I'd inadvertently necro'd it last month. However, now that there's still a possibility that it will start up again, I was wondering if I can still join in or if it's too late. Thanks.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 03:20:59 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2017, 06:27:49 pm

((EDIT: I had forgotten that Irine is in fox-form.))
<River? You came back! Yay!>
I run over to River and nuzzle him, looking him over and looking at his injuries while greeting his return. I don't ask for the sword to release him yet, but I don't want him harmed either. I still don't know if this is River or The Thing That Once Was River, but I THINK River has control of himself again, else he wouldn't have come back. That being the case, I'll be seeing about how to handle his injuries shortly. I'm not sure if they should be covered up or not though, that shadowstuff might need to be able to get out of his system.

You nuzzle River, causing him to sway back and forth a bit like a pendulum from the threads hanging above him. He stops struggling and licks you a bit with a small whine. The fact that he's trying to keep his snout on you while swaying back and forth makes this a bit comical.

Quote from: Failbird105 on September 12, 2017, 06:26:09 pm

I would certainly like to try and participate, though I'm worried that my interest in my old character may have passed as it was created by interest in Resident Evil 7, and the fascination with that is over.

Make a new one if you want. I won't force you to keep your old char.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 12, 2017, 07:39:13 pm

I'm in for a new mission. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to make a new character; I have other abilities I'd like to try out, and I've definitely lost interest in my old one.

Sure, make a new one. I'll even throw in some extra points, since you had quite a few in your old char.

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 12, 2017, 07:45:06 pm

...Wow. That's one censor'd word of a recap. And I'm just going off length here. I mean, 12 parts over 3 posts? Simply ludicrous. That fact alone makes me want to finish reading the thread from whatever early point I'd left off, and even make a character, too. How does a character that can randomly generate all sorts of objects sound?

I once pitched a character like that to... Beirus, I think? I called him Pockets, he was wearing pants and a trenchcoat that were full of pockets and his special ability was basically Adventure Game Inventory Syndrome, the kind of thing that can lead to an extended disarming scene. He could reach into his pockets and attempt to pull out anything, with varying results. The downside was that this was always active, so the moment he put something in his pockets he wouldn't be certain he could pull it out again. If you're interested I could give a more detailed description.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 12, 2017, 11:32:48 pm

First of all, I'd like to say that I hope that everything is alright in your life, Paris. Real life is such a pain sometimes, even when we want it to leave us alone for even a moment.

Anyway, I'd never thought that this thread will still be this active after all this time, especially since I'd inadvertently necro'd it last month. However, now that there's still a possibility that it will start up again, I was wondering if I can still join in or if it's too late. Thanks.

Sure, give me a char (here or in PM) and we'll figure something out.

Quote from: Toaster on September 12, 2017, 09:45:02 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 12, 2017, 06:27:49 pm

PARIS IS BAAAAAACCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yay.

I agree.



Also I'm still totally in for any mission; can't actually read the recap at this moment but I will soon.

Eh, it's only for the campaign. You won't be missing too much.

Quote from: Beirus on September 12, 2017, 07:10:08 pm

((Glad to see you back, Paris. There's a new mission? I want in. Can't pass up the chance to see new things...and then explode and destroy those new things.))

Sure. Wanna go with a new mission? Wanna go with the haunted spaceship exploration we were setting up to do before I disappeared? Whatever you want, I'm good.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 13, 2017, 04:14:58 am

((Oh man, I didn't know half of the shit that was in that recap. So convenient to have everything consistently named and in the same place like that.

Also, welcome back! And don't worry about being gone, taking time off for mental and physical health is good all-around.))

Campaign, Ike!

Ike coughs and maybe has a glass of water. Being a key witness was somehow worse than jury duty, who knew?

"Don't look now, but I can smell the shady dude who gave me that hex-thing," he whispers to the Headwater. "He or maybe someone who has his stuff just came in, so when I make him out I'll point him out to ya discreet-like, and then you decide what to do with that information."

Time to sniff out a would-be criminal mastermind! Carefully scan the crowd and mingle until I've found the offending scent. If found, quietly describe/point out the chief suspect to the Headwater.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 04:36:38 am

Yay! He wasn't hostile!
<Could you let him down please? I think he might be back to being himself again!>I inspect those gashes of his, trying to figure out if the shadowstuff is River's or his attacker's.
<What happened while you were away River? How'd you get hurt?>

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Tiruin on September 13, 2017, 09:08:42 am

((:V
TFW the GM comes back on the day I'm gone due to external weather and other conditions.))

Quote

Photobucket is now asking me to pay to host my images on other websites. Guess I'll have to look for a new image host...

((Join me on imgur :3 I moved my avatar there after photobucket became a jerk))

Theri stared at Irine, then at the puppy, then prepared to heal that pupper up!

"How do you know he's River?" River? That you? Hello? You're a cute puppy?

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 10:19:35 am

Theri brings up a good point, though I trust the sword to have made an accurate ID. This is a chance to see if I can feel bond-formers or not now, as a side-effect of what happened with me and D. Do I feel River? Can I independantly confirm that River is the puppy?

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: OceanSoul on September 13, 2017, 10:40:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 03:20:59 am

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 12, 2017, 07:45:06 pm

...Wow. That's one censor'd word of a recap. And I'm just going off length here. I mean, 12 parts over 3 posts? Simply ludicrous. That fact alone makes me want to finish reading the thread from whatever early point I'd left off, and even make a character, too. How does a character that can randomly generate all sorts of objects sound?

I once pitched a character like that to... Beirus, I think? I called him Pockets, he was wearing pants and a trenchcoat that were full of pockets and his special ability was basically Adventure Game Inventory Syndrome, the kind of thing that can lead to an extended disarming scene. He could reach into his pockets and attempt to pull out anything, with varying results. The downside was that this was always active, so the moment he put something in his pockets he wouldn't be certain he could pull it out again. If you're interested I could give a more detailed description.

I'm fine, honestly. I was looking as more literal random generation. Fniff's, for example, or maybe some things from Seventh Sanctum (http://www.seventhsanctum.com). I don't simply mean random weapons, but, honestly, anything. Randomly generate a sandwich if I'm hungry, a pet if I'm lonely, a shield if I'm in combat, etc. It doesn't need to be permanent, either. If you really wanted, you could make a small table to randomly choose what kind of thing I randomly generate, to balance out getting a weapon on-demand, maybe.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Toaster on September 13, 2017, 10:49:37 am

Staging Area

John takes this opportunity to reassess the entities pitching the proposals for the campaign.  Can he detect their motives?

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 11:19:08 am

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 13, 2017, 10:40:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 03:20:59 am

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 12, 2017, 07:45:06 pm

...Wow. That's one censor'd word of a recap. And I'm just going off length here. I mean, 12 parts over 3 posts? Simply ludicrous. That fact alone makes me want to finish reading the thread from whatever early point I'd left off, and even make a character, too. How does a character that can randomly generate all sorts of objects sound?

I once pitched a character like that to... Beirus, I think? I called him Pockets, he was wearing pants and a trenchcoat that were full of pockets and his special ability was basically Adventure Game Inventory Syndrome, the kind of thing that can lead to an extended disarming scene. He could reach into his pockets and attempt to pull out anything, with varying results. The downside was that this was always active, so the moment he put something in his pockets he wouldn't be certain he could pull it out again. If you're interested I could give a more detailed description.

I'm fine, honestly. I was looking as more literal random generation. Fniff's, for example, or maybe some things from Seventh Sanctum (http://www.seventhsanctum.com). I don't simply mean random weapons, but, honestly, anything. Randomly generate a sandwich if I'm hungry, a pet if I'm lonely, a shield if I'm in combat, etc. It doesn't need to be permanent, either. If you really wanted, you could make a small table to randomly choose what kind of thing I randomly generate, to balance out getting a weapon on-demand, maybe.

((So you want to clone Alan?))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: NAV on September 13, 2017, 01:54:44 pm

I'm gonna go find the record keeper now and see if he's interested in learning about alternate universe  technology. If Nik doesn't get to spur on some sort of technological revolution in this backward world he will be very upset.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 02:29:49 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 13, 2017, 04:14:58 am

((Oh man, I didn't know half of the shit that was in that recap. So convenient to have everything consistently named and in the same place like that.

Also, welcome back! And don't worry about being gone, taking time off for mental and physical health is good all-around.))

Campaign, Ike!

Ike coughs and maybe has a glass of water. Being a key witness was somehow worse than jury duty, who knew?

"Don't look now, but I can smell the shady dude who gave me that hex-thing," he whispers to the Headwater. "He or maybe someone who has his stuff just came in, so when I make him out I'll point him out to ya discreet-like, and then you decide what to do with that information."

Time to sniff out a would-be criminal mastermind! Carefully scan the crowd and mingle until I've found the offending scent. If found, quietly describe/point out the chief suspect to the Headwater.

((Well, that's the problem with things that are connected to each other and have happened within at most a month in game time happening over such a long RL timespan. I hope this helps make things more clear for the players, if not for the characters.))

The Headwater doesn't look too surprised to hear that.
"You do? Hm. I suppose it makes sense for them to be nearby. Can you identify him with certainty? If you can, then point him out to me, discretely if you can but be loud if you have to. He will soon know that you betrayed him,  if he doesn't already. And now that he knows, there's no telling how he'll act."

You start walking around the pool, trying to follow the scent without drawing too much attention. It's not easy, as many people are looking at you, some of them trying to ask you questions. You politely refuse and try to keep moving. The downside to being famous, you suppose. Now everyone knows who you are, including people who might want to harm you.

The smell is getting stronger now, so you pause for a moment and focus your ears on that direction. You manage to make out perp's voice and soon enough you can see him through the crowd, secluded in a corner of the meeting room. His build matches what you saw yesterday in that shady alley, the only difference being that now you can clearly see his face as he whispers to the ear of the man in red, the one the Headwater identified as Griman.
"What are we going to do?"
"It's too late now. We must be ready to act while we still can."
The woman in yellow and her friends are helping the two have the necessary privacy, intercepting and delaying anyone who may wish to speak to them.
"Tell our men in the guard to gather nearby and be ready to arrest him. Then continue as we discussed."
"It will be done." the perp says with a nod.
The perp turns around and starts hastily walking away towards the exit while Griman looks around, spotting you looking at him through a gap in the crowd.

Quote from: NAV on September 13, 2017, 01:54:44 pm

I'm gonna go find the record keeper now and see if he's interested in learning about alternate universe  technology. If Nik doesn't get to spur on some sort of technological revolution in this backward world he will be very upset.

You ask the Headwater to get you your magical cloaking device but he seems to be busy carefully watching Ike uncover conspiracies at the moment. So you just ask him to point you towards the record keeper instead. He points you towards a man in brown robes.
"Hey man, wanna know about technology?" you say like an overeager door-to-door salesman.
"Huh? What kind of technology?"
"Alternate universe technology. It's radical!... lly different than what you know."
"What kind of alternate universe technology."
"I dunno. Hydraulics?"
"Ah, I'm sorry, I'm not interested in sewage systems. I already have one man trying to persuade me to copy his book on the subject."
"HYDRAULICS DOESN'T MEAN PLUMBING! What is wrong in this world?"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 04:36:38 am

Yay! He wasn't hostile!
<Could you let him down please? I think he might be back to being himself again!>I inspect those gashes of his, trying to figure out if the shadowstuff is River's or his attacker's.
<What happened while you were away River? How'd you get hurt?>

<As you wish.> the sword says, letting the small canine go.
He brushes against you with his side, leaving some blood on your fur as he does so. He sends... something to you telepathically, though you can't really make out what it is. It's just a flash of broken sounds and images smothered in grey.
<We could try examining him if you wish.>

Quote from: Tiruin on September 13, 2017, 09:08:42 am

((:V
TFW the GM comes back on the day I'm gone due to external weather and other conditions.))

Quote

Photobucket is now asking me to pay to host my images on other websites. Guess I'll have to look for a new image host...

((Join me on imgur :3 I moved my avatar there after photobucket became a jerk))

Theri stared at Irine, then at the puppy, then prepared to heal that pupper up!

((Sounds good. But I'll have to move all those images sometime and fix all those links... Probably not anytime soon.))

You approach the puppy and extend your hand towards it so that he can approach and learn your scent.
"How do you know he's River?" River? That you? Hello? You're a cute puppy?
The puppy takes a couple of steps to reach you, licks your hand a bit and then sits down and looks at you straight in your eyes with his own amber eyes. You have no doubt that this is River. You can't put it to words, maybe it's your subconscious or maybe it's magic, but just looking at him and feeling him nearby, you know. It's like meeting a close friend you haven't seen in years and instantly recognizing them despite how they have changed. You feel a fragment of a memory enter your thoughts.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2014, 08:59:47 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 16, 2014, 08:53:09 pm

"friend"

You kneel next to him and begin bandaging his wounds. He sits patiently and lets you work. His wounds are not bleeding too much, you think he's going to be fine. Still, he feels too weak and skinny. You feel like he probably needs something to eat.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 10:19:35 am

Theri brings up a good point, though I trust the sword to have made an accurate ID. This is a chance to see if I can feel bond-formers or not now, as a side-effect of what happened with me and D. Do I feel River? Can I independantly confirm that River is the puppy?

Well, he had the same telepathic markers as he usually has in those fragments he sent you. And you can sort of just tell that he is him... It's a bit hard to describe. It's like remembering that coldness you felt when his mind touched yours and the echo of his soul in yours, the same feeling you got from touching his soulsphere. You can feel how he is different than the world around him. Though you don't have a very big sample size, you think that's the sort of feeling you must watch out for.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 13, 2017, 10:49:37 am

Staging Area

John takes this opportunity to reassess the entities pitching the proposals for the campaign.  Can he detect their motives?

Well, you haven't recently gained any sort of telepathic powers (and even if you had, you doubt you'd be able to sense any thoughts the entities didn't want you to sense) but you can sort of guess based on their previous interactions with you.

Charlie doesn't want to go, but once you're there you're certain he'd do anything to win. And by anything, you mean anything.
Stellar would prefer this mission didn't happen at all, but once you're there, you're certain she would focus on doing what's right, which would probably translate to protecting you, healing you, trying to make sure you don't stray too far and take the last amount of risks and generally being like an overprotective mother. You wouldn't be surprised if she even packed your lunch.
Roger would probably just forget about the mission entirely and just have fun, unless something forces him to act or he gets a chance to show off. You guess he'd protect you and help you, in his own particular way, but he could just as easily prank you, accidentally injure you or waste time playing music over the PA. He could even punch you in the face if you get him angry enough.
Darkstar... you have no clue. You haven't talked with him much. Even Charlie, who has some sort of relationship with him, said this would be a bad idea, so you'd guess something bad. Eat you? Ditch you in a black hole?
Icarus seems like a good boy but a bit too emotional or impulsive at times. He'd help you, sure, but you think he might view this more like an adventure than a dangerous mission.
S0 is S0. He probably believes he could complete this mission perfectly on his own if given the chance, but he'll follow the objectives to the letter and take you along anyway. He'd probably either order you around or just act on his own and see you as dead weight.

---

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 13, 2017, 10:40:41 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 03:20:59 am

Quote from: OceanSoul on September 12, 2017, 07:45:06 pm

...Wow. That's one censor'd word of a recap. And I'm just going off length here. I mean, 12 parts over 3 posts? Simply ludicrous. That fact alone makes me want to finish reading the thread from whatever early point I'd left off, and even make a character, too. How does a character that can randomly generate all sorts of objects sound?

I once pitched a character like that to... Beirus, I think? I called him Pockets, he was wearing pants and a trenchcoat that were full of pockets and his special ability was basically Adventure Game Inventory Syndrome, the kind of thing that can lead to an extended disarming scene. He could reach into his pockets and attempt to pull out anything, with varying results. The downside was that this was always active, so the moment he put something in his pockets he wouldn't be certain he could pull it out again. If you're interested I could give a more detailed description.

I'm fine, honestly. I was looking as more literal random generation. Fniff's, for example, or maybe some things from Seventh Sanctum (http://www.seventhsanctum.com). I don't simply mean random weapons, but, honestly, anything. Randomly generate a sandwich if I'm hungry, a pet if I'm lonely, a shield if I'm in combat, etc. It doesn't need to be permanent, either. If you really wanted, you could make a small table to randomly choose what kind of thing I randomly generate, to balance out getting a weapon on-demand, maybe.

So you just wish for X and it magically appears near you? With the downside that it is a randomly generated X and disappears after a while?

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 13, 2017, 02:48:07 pm

((I forget if we still have commwires. Nikolai and Ike do, right?))

Campaign, Ike!

Oh boy, conspiring out in the open. How delightfully brazen!

Signal to Nikolai.

<Gonna need some backup here, bud. Follow me - I've got a perp to catch and probably some guards to disembowel on the way. Tell that Headwater dude that Griman's about to do some serious coup shit and that he ought to get some of his more loyal guards over here just in case.>

Follow that perp! If good-natured obstacles get in my way, inform them that I've been nearly bursting for three hours at this point and am about to piss myself if they don't get the hell out of my way. If that doesn't work, elbow them out of my way after giving this excellent excuse.

If I catch up to him, distract him with some bullshit such as:

"Hey, dude! Yeah, you! Everything's going as planned, I'll have that thing you asked for ready in no time at all!"

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 13, 2017, 03:02:15 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 13, 2017, 02:48:07 pm

((I forget if we still have commwires. Nikolai and Ike do, right?))

Yeah, I assume you recovered it from his body and gave it back to him after he was revived, it wouldn't be that hard to take it along with his soulsphere.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: NAV on September 13, 2017, 03:28:12 pm

Nikolai sprints away from the record keeper without saying a word. He nearly runs into the Headwater.
"Getyourloyalguards. Griman coup. Shits hitting fan!"
Then he runs after Ike, trying to find an improvised weapon along the way.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 03:39:10 pm

<San, could you get some food for River please? erm, the puppy. His name's River.>

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 13, 2017, 03:46:56 pm

I guess the mission that wasn't the campaign is pretty much gone after this break, as it hadn't properly started before.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Failbird105 on September 13, 2017, 04:08:18 pm

((Well I mean, my character hasn't even been INTRODUCED INTO THE GAME yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 13, 2017, 04:30:03 pm

((Wait what. Well okay then. Glad to see you're back. So... are we doing the spaceship mission now? And did I ever get the opportunity to spend my points for killing that worm thingy?))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 13, 2017, 04:39:27 pm

Name: Napoleon "Doll Prince" Lambeau

Ability: Napoleon has the ability to summon and control animated dolls to aid him in combat. Each doll can be consciously shaped according to whatever task is needed to be done and are connected to Napoleon by a hive mind, allowing him to see through each doll's eyes, speak through them, and remotely control and shape them among other things. Though Napoleon can create as many as he want and they can be grown into any size ranging from 3 inches to 4 feet, he would get burned out more quickly if many of his dolls are big or if they are too numerous.

Appearance: A ~200 year old Caucasian male dressed in dollish 18th century red and gold noble attire, complete with black shoe,  white sockings, knee high baggy pantaloons, and long-sleeved long coat. Wearing a crown, his skin has a strange sheen that looks almost as if it was made of painted porcelain. His curly blonde hair seems to do little to distract people away from his rarely blinking green eyes. He appears younger than he really is, looking to be 24 years of age.

Quote: "After all, I am the Doll Prince and I...."

Personality: A young French-American man with a superiority complex, Napoleon tends to look down on others whether they are his allies or enemies. Even if he doesn't wisecrack his opinions, Napoleon is almost always certain to nitpick their supposed inadequacies. Napoleon is also calculating and observant, looking for ways to turn any situation to his advantage on and off the battlefield. He is also secretly playful, using his dolls to perform tricks and to prank others. However, his superiority complex unsurprisingly hides the fact that he feels inadequate at times himself. Also, one must take care not to poke too much fun at the absurdity of his ability or worse compare him to his deceased father or insult his mother.

Biography:

Born in the early 19th century and the youngest child in a family of six, Napoleon have always wanted to stand out instead of living in the shadow of his three sisters. However, being anything but the proverbial invisible child is harder that it seems and Napoleon often found himself being out-competed by them. This wasn't helped by his father, who seemed to be very big on achievements and felt that Napoleon was a disappointment. As a result, this became what drove a wedge between Napoleon and his father during his adolescence.

After a particularly fierce argument, Napoleon decided to move into his own place. In addition to his belongings, Napoleon also took with him a porcelain doll that his mother gave to him on his birthday. It was dressed in red and gold finery that wouldn't look out of place on a dollish nobleman. On its head sat a beautiful crown. Napoleon cherished this gift very much because not only did he loved dolls but he knew that his mother was the only one who loved him for who he is. During his youth, he'd often pretended that he was a prince, just like that doll, who ruled a mighty estate. He imagined armies marching and fighting at his command and dozens of servants attending to his every need. He imagined that he was the greatest of men who will be looked up to by peoples of every nation. Needlessly to say, what happened later was nothing short of irony.

Setting the doll on a table, Napoleon noticed a glyph etched onto the crown that he didn't notice before. Curious, he detached the crown from the doll's head and placed it upon his own. Immediately, the doll exploded into a cloud of dust that filled the room. Before Napoleon could process what happened, he suddenly underwent a transformation. As Napoleon struggled against the transformation, the crown formed some sort of link with him in which it would reappear on his head if he tried to get rid of it or set it down. His skin begin to obtain a peculiar sheen and composition that would characterize his appearance centuries later, his eyes became almost as unblinking as those of a doll, and his clothes morphed into those resembling those of the doll prince, something that would keep happening no matter what he tried to put on. Finally, a psyche formed in his brain, a collection of tiny minds connected with his own like the appendages of a single organism and the will to give them any form and substance he chooses. By the time the dust finally settled, Napoleon emerged a changed man, a man destined for greater things or so he'd like to believe. Regardless, the Doll Prince has arrived.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Xantalos on September 13, 2017, 05:44:22 pm

Alan's eyes temporarily become windows into infinity. His face grows haggard and his cheeks hollow to a near skeletal state as a terrified wheezing moan trickles out of his lungs, growing over the next thirty or so seconds into a steady "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-" before it abruptly cuts off and he returns to normal like nothing ever happened. "Sorry about that, bud, just rebooted my consciousness after being frozen in the timeless abyss of endless eternity for two and a half seconds there," he cheerily explains. He takes hold of the bottle of alcohol and uses a splash or two to wash his face for some reason. "Anyway, yeah sounds fun! What d'ya think we should do first, bucko?"

Alan agrees to participate in this new friend's fiendish devilry (without having any real understanding of the implications, of course)!

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Tiruin on September 13, 2017, 07:23:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 03:39:10 pm

<San, could you get some food for River please? erm, the puppy. His name's River.>

((Also because we now have telepathy talks, all <> are to Irine :3))
<Remember that San can't do telepathy like us?>
"River!" Theri said, as she held up the cutest of puppies. "Can you find something for this good friend, San? He's hungry and probably needs some nourishment after his trip."

Can't talk much buddy? I missed you a lot! ...Nor could I sense you from anywhere else and yet you snuck up on me.
Oh you!

<Irine, since its early morning and we're awake far before the usual time, can you check on that soulsphere and River, from a distance of course?>

Focus on communication with River, give him lots of time and relaxation while trying to get his story--no pressure or rush. Just spend the early morning resting it out with best puppy friend River.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 08:21:59 pm

To Theri:<I'm not using a commwire Theri, I'm using my own innate telepathy. San can 'hear' me just fine.>

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Beirus on September 13, 2017, 10:25:57 pm

((Starship mission, new mission, either one works for me, Paris. My solution to any problem in any mission is the same, anyway. It seems like that one solution would be repetitive, but then it always ends up being so rewarding.))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 14, 2017, 03:08:23 pm

Name: TS - 1034, (TS standing for Test Subject), or as she prefers, "Tess".
Ability: Proportional-Range Object Manipulation - Effectively, a very modified Telekinesis. By "marking" two objects as "left" and "right", [placeholder] can then control the two objects in relation to each other by manipulating the hand that each object is "marked" to. Objects will move, or rather feel an accelerating force, in proportion to the distance that the hand is moved in regards to the distance between both hands and both objects.
Appearance: A young girl, seemingly around 14 or 15. Her blonde hair is only growing out after being buzzed, and reaches her chin. Her brown eyes are full of wonder, but are also surprisingly steely, as if she's already losing some of her innocent outlook on the world. She stands rather short compared to adults, but not any shorter than would be expected of a girl of her age.
Bio/Personality info: VX -014a, or "Veroxilyn", was the pinnacle of chemical sciences, a drug that gave those that consumed it special abilities, with the granted ability varying by the condition that the drug was administered in. If it was administered in a warm room, a cold room, a room full of water, in a forest, or in incredibly cramped conditions; it seemed the drug attempted to refine the body into a more fit state to survive in the conditions it was administered in. The effects of this drug betrayed all previous concepts of science, and would have caused a wide-spread paradigm shift if its existence was ever made public- which it wasn't. Testing of the drug was kept classified, operating on orphaned children to gain a better understanding of how it operated. This is where Tess came in.
It's not like the scientists were cruel to the children; they simply forced themselves to detach the test subjects from the concept of humanity, allowing it to be much easier to confine them. Tess was the 1035th individual injected with the drug (despite being the 1034th subject, as the 654th subject did not survive injection and as such a new subject 654 was chosen), and was granted her powers as a result. Afterwards, she was monitored in the controlled climate of the testing facility. This continued for only a few weeks before the 1068th individual injected with the drug, TS - 1067, was found to have the ability to create portals. What followed was a large-scale break-out event, as some of the earlier test subjects were starting to go insane due to their captivity, and desired freedom. They utilized TS - 1067's portals to escape, and Tess followed as she feared she might be euthanized once the facility's staff had recovered. The portal of subject 1067 teleported those who went through it to a random destination, and they could not return from it- the moment Tess entered the portal, she made her first meeting with an entity.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2017, 02:55:35 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 13, 2017, 02:48:07 pm

((I forget if we still have commwires. Nikolai and Ike do, right?))

Campaign, Ike!

Oh boy, conspiring out in the open. How delightfully brazen!

Signal to Nikolai.

<Gonna need some backup here, bud. Follow me - I've got a perp to catch and probably some guards to disembowel on the way. Tell that Headwater dude that Griman's about to do some serious coup shit and that he ought to get some of his more loyal guards over here just in case.>

Follow that perp! If good-natured obstacles get in my way, inform them that I've been nearly bursting for three hours at this point and am about to piss myself if they don't get the hell out of my way. If that doesn't work, elbow them out of my way after giving this excellent excuse.

If I catch up to him, distract him with some bullshit such as:

"Hey, dude! Yeah, you! Everything's going as planned, I'll have that thing you asked for ready in no time at all!"

You move after the man as quickly as you can, gently pushing people out of the way. He notices you coming after him and tries to move faster, but you easily weave through the crowd and catch up to him.
"Hey, dude! Yeah, you! Everything's going as planned, I'll have that thing you asked for ready in no time at all!" you say as you catch up to him in a mostly empty hallway close to the meeting room.
He freezes and puts his back against the wall.
"W-who are you? I don't know you. I didn't ask you to steal anything."

Quote from: NAV on September 13, 2017, 03:28:12 pm

Nikolai sprints away from the record keeper without saying a word. He nearly runs into the Headwater.
"Getyourloyalguards. Griman coup. Shits hitting fan!"
Then he runs after Ike, trying to find an improvised weapon along the way.

You sprint through the crowd, making quite a scene and almost tackle the Headwater, shoving away the people who have approached to speak to him in the process. You spout your warning and then start running in the opposite direction. Too surprised to respond immediately, you hear the Headwater shouting his response a few seconds after you're gone: "Then get me a witness or some evidence! I can't do anything without without proof!"
Let's see if there are any handy weapons around... Well, one of the Masters has a cane, you could probably take it from him and use it to hit someone in the head. Or you could maybe enlarge those scissors you're carrying and hope you get some sort of murder device. Or use the pair of scissors to craft one of your trademark slings. Or just take a can of red bull and Tsar it while throwing it on someone. Or maybe put two cans of Red Bull on either side of who you want to kill and then enlarge them to crush him. Or any other combination you want. The possibilities for improvised weapons are... well, not endless but a lot.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 13, 2017, 05:44:22 pm

Alan's eyes temporarily become windows into infinity. His face grows haggard and his cheeks hollow to a near skeletal state as a terrified wheezing moan trickles out of his lungs, growing over the next thirty or so seconds into a steady "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-" before it abruptly cuts off and he returns to normal like nothing ever happened. "Sorry about that, bud, just rebooted my consciousness after being frozen in the timeless abyss of endless eternity for two and a half seconds there," he cheerily explains. He takes hold of the bottle of alcohol and uses a splash or two to wash his face for some reason. "Anyway, yeah sounds fun! What d'ya think we should do first, bucko?"

Alan agrees to participate in this new friend's fiendish devilry (without having any real understanding of the implications, of course)!

Please wait, Alan is installing updates...
Alan might restart several times while this occurs.

"Haha! Yeah! This will be a heist that will forever live in history!"

Brad breaks a stick off the rotten shrub and starts drawing a crude map of Chizra.

Spoiler: Crude Map (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/C4U2N9f.png)

Dark blue is the temple, carved on the face of a rather tall cliff Green is the gardens and farmlands around the temple. Grey is paved areas. Red is the short inner wall (about 1 and a half man high) surrounding the garden and farmlands Brown is the residential area Black are the rather tall outer walls of Chizra Orange are gates Light blue is the partially flooded area surrounding Chizra

He points his stick at the inner wall.
"Well, first thing first, we are going to need a distraction that will allow us to reach and enter the temple. There's already going to be a raid to steal food, so that could be enough. But we could always help with that. We could just break the gates of the inner wall open to allow the raiders to enter more easily and add to their momentum. Or the inner wall itself if you can summon something that can blow up. Or you could summon some sort of thing that attracts attention. Maybe something that makes a lot of noise?"

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 03:39:10 pm

<San, could you get some food for River please? erm, the puppy. His name's River.>

"Oh, sure."
San digs through your supplies and finds a fatty piece of meat, probably used to feeding animals the less edible parts that result from butchery. He approaches River, now being held by Theri and extends his hand towards him. River smells it for a second before quickly gulping it down and then licking San's hand to make sure there's nothing he missed.
"Ha. Nice doggy." he says as he pets him on the head with his free hand.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 13, 2017, 07:23:45 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 13, 2017, 03:39:10 pm

<San, could you get some food for River please? erm, the puppy. His name's River.>

((Also because we now have telepathy talks, all <> are to Irine :3))
<Remember that San can't do telepathy like us?>
"River!" Theri said, as she held up the cutest of puppies. "Can you find something for this good friend, San? He's hungry and probably needs some nourishment after his trip."

Can't talk much buddy? I missed you a lot! ...Nor could I sense you from anywhere else and yet you snuck up on me.
Oh you!

<Irine, since its early morning and we're awake far before the usual time, can you check on that soulsphere and River, from a distance of course?>

Focus on communication with River, give him lots of time and relaxation while trying to get his story--no pressure or rush. Just spend the early morning resting it out with best puppy friend River.

You can feel River's gratitude towards you and Irine.

After he has eaten, you gently question River on what happened. There's something he is trying to communicate to you about the past, about protecting someone, but the memory isn't very clear. There's only the concept of protecting there, amongst the fragments. Then there is a memory of those bird monsters coming towards him, much clearer then the other. Yet his fear is overshadowed by anger and disgust, so he is not hiding, not immediately. Finally, there is the memory of the birds leaving accompanied with anger and pain and the desire to protect. The memory stops but the desire to protect remains. <More.> he warns you. After a while he asks <Ike?>

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 13, 2017, 03:46:56 pm

I guess the mission that wasn't the campaign is pretty much gone after this break, as it hadn't properly started before.

I've still got the maps and plans for it. Just giving you a chance to choose a new one, if you want to and some time for new players to join. Otherwise we go ahead with it.

Quote from: Failbird105 on September 13, 2017, 04:08:18 pm

((Well I mean, my character hasn't even been INTRODUCED INTO THE GAME yet.))

I dunno man, whatever works for you. Would you be happier if you poofed into existence and then disappeared?

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 13, 2017, 04:30:03 pm

((Wait what. Well okay then. Glad to see you're back. So... are we doing the spaceship mission now? And did I ever get the opportunity to spend my points for killing that worm thingy?))

I don't remember, let me check... Yeah, you got your Minecart thing now. I'm probably going to reference DBZA the first time you use it.

And yes, we're doing the mission, unless you (plural) want a different one.

Quote from: Beirus on September 13, 2017, 10:25:57 pm

((Starship mission, new mission, either one works for me, Paris. My solution to any problem in any mission is the same, anyway. It seems like that one solution would be repetitive, but then it always ends up being so rewarding.))

Well, you know what they say. When all you have is a bomb... everyone should try to keep their distance.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 13, 2017, 04:39:27 pm

Name: Napoleon "Doll Prince" Lambeau

Ability: Napoleon has the ability to summon and control animated dolls to aid him in combat. Each doll can be consciously shaped according to whatever task is needed to be done and are connected to Napoleon by a hive mind, allowing him to see through each doll's eyes, speak through them, and remotely control and shape them. Though Napoleon can create as many as he want and they can be grown into any size ranging from 3 inches to 4 feet, he would get burned out more quickly if many of his dolls are big or if they are too numerous.

Appearance: A ~200 year old Caucasian male dressed in 18th century red and gold noble attire. Wearing a crown, his skin has a strange sheen that looks almost as if it was made of painted porcelain. His curly blonde hair seems to do little to distract people away from his rarely blinking blue eyes. He appears younger than he really are, around 24 years of age.

Quote: "The next time you pick a fight with a man who plays with dolls, please remember that he can also utterly destroy you with them."

Personality: A young French-American man with a superiority complex, Napoleon tends to look down on others whether they are his allies or enemies. Even if he doesn't wisecrack his opinions, Napoleon is almost always certain to nitpick their supposed inadequacies. Napoleon is also calculating and observant, looking for ways to turn any situation to his advantage on and off the battlefield. He is also secretly playful, using his dolls to perform tricks and to prank others. However, his superiority complex unsurprisingly hides the fact that he feels inadequate at times himself. Also, one must take care not to poke too much fun at the absurdity of his ability or worse compare him to his deceased father.

Biography:

Born in the early 19th century and the youngest child in a family of six, Napoleon have always wanted to stand out instead of living in the shadow of his three sisters. However, being anything but the proverbial invisible child is harder that it seems and Napoleon often found himself being out-competed by them. This wasn't helped by his father, who seemed to be very big on achievements and felt that Napoleon was a disappointment. As a result, this became what drove a wedge between Napoleon and his father during his adolescence.

After a particularly fierce argument, Napoleon decided to move into his own place. In addition to his belongings, Napoleon also took with him a porcelain doll that his mother gave to him on his birthday. It was dressed in red and gold finery that wouldn't look out of place on a French nobleman. On its head sat a beautiful crown. Napoleon cherished this gift very much because not only did he loved dolls but he knew that his mother was the only one who loved him for who he is. During his youth, he'd often pretended that he was a prince, just like that doll, who ruled a mighty estate. He imagined armies marching and fighting on his command and dozens of servants attending to his every need. He imagined that he was the greatest of men who would be looked up to by peoples of every nation. Needlessly to say, what happened later was nothing short of irony.

Setting the doll on a table, Napoleon noticed a glyph etched onto the crown that he didn't notice before. Curious, he detached the crown from the doll's head and placed it upon his own. Immediately, the doll exploded into a cloud of dust that filled the room. Before Napoleon could process what happened, he suddenly underwent a transformation. As Napoleon struggled against the transformation, the crown formed some sort of link with him in which it would reappear on his head if he tried to get rid of it or set it down. His skin begin to obtain a peculiar sheen and composition that would characterize his appearance centuries later and his clothes morphed into those resembling those of the doll prince, something that would keep happening no matter what he tried to put on. Finally, a psyche formed in his brain, a collection of tiny minds connected with his own like the appendages of a single organism and the will to give them any form and substance he chooses. By the time the dust finally settled, Napoleon emerged a changed man, a man destined for greater things or so he'd like to believe. Regardless, the Doll Prince has arrived.

Sounds fun. I like both the ability and the character behind it. Just a couple of question so I can finish the character generation and make the appropriate rolls. Are dolls permanent and completely under your control once summoned or do they require constant effort? I mean, if you overextend yourself or become unconscious they will disappear or become inanimate or start acting on their own? And when you say shape them after creating them, you mean changing them to any other doll-like configuration you want? Does that mean they can be destroyed/desummoned at will or are they permanent unless someone else destroys them?

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 14, 2017, 03:08:23 pm

Name: TS - 1034, (TS standing for Test Subject), or as she prefers, "Tess".
Ability: Proportional-Range Object Manipulation - Effectively, a very modified Telekinesis. By "marking" two objects as "left" and "right", [placeholder] can then control the two objects in relation to each other by manipulating the hand that each object is "marked" to. Objects will move, or rather feel an accelerating force, in proportion to the distance that the hand is moved in regards to the distance between both hands and both objects.
Appearance: A young girl, seemingly around 14 or 15. Her blonde hair is only growing out after being buzzed, and reaches her chin. Her brown eyes are full of wonder, but are also surprisingly steely, as if she's already losing some of her innocent outlook on the world. She stands rather short compared to adults, but not any shorter than would be expected of a girl of her age.
Bio/Personality info: VX -014a, or "Veroxilyn", was the pinnacle of chemical sciences, a drug that gave those that consumed it special abilities, with the granted ability varying by the condition that the drug was administered in. If it was administered in a warm room, a cold room, a room full of water, in a forest, or in incredibly cramped conditions; it seemed the drug attempted to refine the body into a more fit state to survive in the conditions it was administered in. The effects of this drug betrayed all previous concepts of science, and would have caused a wide-spread paradigm shift if its existence was ever made public- which it wasn't. Testing of the drug was kept classified, operating on orphaned children to gain a better understanding of how it operated. This is where Tess came in.
It's not like the scientists were cruel to the children; they simply forced themselves to detach the test subjects from the concept of humanity, allowing it to be much easier to confine them. Tess was the 1035th individual injected with the drug (despite being the 1034th subject, as the 654th subject did not survive injection and as such a new subject 654 was chosen), and was granted her powers as a result. Afterwards, she was monitored in the controlled climate of the testing facility. This continued for only a few weeks before the 1068th individual injected with the drug, TS - 1067, was found to have the ability to create portals. What followed was a large-scale break-out event, as some of the earlier test subjects were starting to go insane due to their captivity, and desired freedom. They utilized TS - 1067's portals to escape, and Tess followed as she feared she might be euthanized once the facility's staff had recovered. The portal of subject 1067 teleported those who went through it to a random destination, and they could not return from it- the moment Tess entered the portal, she made her first meeting with an entity.

You slide through the portal's twists and turns, somewhat surprised by how smooth and slippery it feels, almost as if you're going through ice. You didn't know exactly what to expect when you made the decision to go through. You tumble through the air, fall on the roof of a car and then tumble on the road. You hear the car behind it screeching to a stop and swerving to avoid hitting you. It stops with the driver's side inches away from your face.

In the time it took you to take a couple of breaths, you see something else falling through the hole in the sky above you. You watch for a few moments, still too shocked from the impact and the fact that you are seeing the outside world to react. For the few moments you can see it, it looks like a man that has his arms and legs split into two at the knee and elbow, becoming two extremely long legs that stab into the ground with their rather sharp ends. It looks like a giant spider, but instead of a spider's body there is a human torso and a human head in the centre of all those legs. You hear it land on the other side of the car, the vehicle momentarily hiding it from view.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2017, 03:07:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike walks up to the fellow and stares him down.

"You'd think you would be a bit better at lying in your line of work, buddy boy. I never forget a stench." He inhales for effect. "Pretty heady mix you got there."

"Anyway, you got two options here. Either you try to find those guards your buddy in the main hall told you about and I unfortunately have to cut your head off on the spot, or you come along with me and repeat the conversation you two had to the Headwater and you get to walk away. I wouldn't be entirely unhappy either way, so I leave the decision up to you. You don't strike me as the kind who'd be dumb enough to persist in the face of some long odds, hence why I haven't gutted you already. Always better to make new friends, that's what I always say."

Be entirely ready to remain true to my word and fuck this guy up in six different ways if he tries anything. Or, if he were to see reason, lead him quietly back to the Headwater to blow this conspiracy wide open.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 15, 2017, 03:08:12 pm

<Ike is fine, he, Nik, Alan, and Zech all went on a detour with a group of refugees to see if they could get useful information or equipment out of a water monastery not far back. We're going to turn around and regroup with them soon, we wanted to scout ahead a bit. Or, well, I did, and Theri and San chose to go with me.>
after a moment where I remember River's mind might not be in good shape to handle complicated concepts right now, I follow up with.
<Everyone is okay, and we'll be meeting them soon.>

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 15, 2017, 03:09:33 pm

Tess, introduction?

Tess was terrified. This was a mistake. A mistake, a mistake, a mistake. After a moment, she taps the car's undercarriage with her left hand, then rises to a crouching and dashes in the opposite direction from the... thing. She's careful not to touch anything with her right hand.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Failbird105 on September 15, 2017, 03:32:09 pm

((

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2017, 02:55:35 pm

I dunno man, whatever works for you. Would you be happier if you poofed into existence and then disappeared?

It's not that, I THINK I'm going to go in as Logan, as I haven't thought of any better ideas yet, and he was an unusually fleshed out character for being made by me on such short notice.(the "by me" is the main contributing factor there to why it's unusual)

It's just me bringing up how I hadn't even begun playing yet in the first place, so I wouldn't even be dropping out or switching characters if I were to decide to do either of those things.))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 15, 2017, 04:01:59 pm

{Allrighty then, no sense in wasting a map.}

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Go find the best seat on the ship and claim it.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 15, 2017, 05:12:22 pm

Kosak Durar:

To the ship!

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 15, 2017, 05:21:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2017, 02:55:35 pm

Sounds fun. I like both the ability and the character behind it. Just a couple of question so I can finish the character generation and make the appropriate rolls. Are dolls permanent and completely under your control once summoned or do they require constant effort? I mean, if you overextend yourself or become unconscious they will disappear or become inanimate or start acting on their own? And when you say shape them after creating them, you mean changing them to any other doll-like configuration you want? Does that mean they can be destroyed/desummoned at will or are they permanent unless someone else destroys them?

1. Controlling the dolls do require constant effort, meaning that if Napoleon is taken out or overexerts himself, they will crumble to dust.

2. Concerning the ability to morph the dolls according to what situation is at hand, perhaps I should've said 'mutate' instead. For example, if something needs to be taken from a shelf that he cannot reach. Napoleon would either cause a doll to morph its fingers into claws to scale the walls or to grow wings to fly up to it. Once the doll reaches the object and push it off the shelf, a few more dolls would be waiting at the bottom, already mutating to become softer in order to catch the object without breaking it. However, they are unable to be mutated to gain new powers.

3. They can be desummoned at will.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Toaster on September 15, 2017, 07:30:37 pm

Staging Area.

Well, only one way to start this right.

"Hey Roger!  One more of your ciders for the road?  Can't leave out without a nice drink."

One for the road; quick goodbye to Roger and then hit the ship.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Beirus on September 15, 2017, 08:14:07 pm

WMD, Staging Area

Find some good whiskey or moonshine, then go to the ship.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Tiruin on September 15, 2017, 10:39:06 pm

Theri let Irine explain the situation as she tried to infer what River was trying to tell them. She was empathic to the situation, as she could readily see the difficulties in the way of communication, and tried to connect the ideas being said.

"More- there is more to where those birds and otherwise came from? That must be a powerful magic source. I'll try to ask questions that can be answered concisely so. . .is this in anyway connected to-" she mentioned the people the refugees she had earlier met described.
Gentle questioning, continue!

"Also do you think we should turn back and go help Ike? I think knowing the general disposition of those people accomplishes our scouting mission. Do you agree Irine?"

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Xantalos on September 16, 2017, 02:05:53 am

Quote from: The poor fool

Maybe something that makes a lot of noise?

It's like he doesn't even know who he's dealing with.

Alan stares off into the distance and giggles faintly. "Yeah, I can do something like that, my bucko. Very much indeedy."

Make sure Brad knows what he's getting himself into.

((Paris, could you PM me the skill tree thing of Alan's? I've lost the PM you sent me originally and I've forgotten which points I've put into what areas.))

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Lenglon on September 16, 2017, 12:39:48 pm

<Yeah, it's been long enough and far enough, Ike's probably already out of the monastery and looking for us. Best to regroup before we get lost.>

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: Zormod on September 16, 2017, 05:57:07 pm

Staging Area

---

Get in the ship.

Title: Re: Special People: A long story
Post by: NAV on September 16, 2017, 07:01:58 pm

"IKE SAID SO!"
Scissors it is! Run with scissors after Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2017, 11:46:53 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 15, 2017, 03:07:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Ike walks up to the fellow and stares him down.

"You'd think you would be a bit better at lying in your line of work, buddy boy. I never forget a stench." He inhales for effect. "Pretty heady mix you got there."

"Anyway, you got two options here. Either you try to find those guards your buddy in the main hall told you about and I unfortunately have to cut your head off on the spot, or you come along with me and repeat the conversation you two had to the Headwater and you get to walk away. I wouldn't be entirely unhappy either way, so I leave the decision up to you. You don't strike me as the kind who'd be dumb enough to persist in the face of some long odds, hence why I haven't gutted you already. Always better to make new friends, that's what I always say."

Be entirely ready to remain true to my word and fuck this guy up in six different ways if he tries anything. Or, if he were to see reason, lead him quietly back to the Headwater to blow this conspiracy wide open.

The man looks terrified and trapped in indecision. He doesn't seem to notice that you don't have your sword with you and thus cannot execute your threat. Or maybe he thinks you can make blades out of your armour. Or maybe he's just smart enough to realise you can probably take care of him without any weapons. Or it could be something else.

Whatever the case may be, he finally seems to agree with your proposal.
"O-Ok. I'll come."
He certainly sounds a lot less sure of himself than he did yesterday.

I'm going to need you to be a bit specific here. Let's say the guy is willing to follow your directions (as long as they aren't something too bad or too crazy). What are you doing here exactly? Walking him back into the meeting room with you behind him and leading him to wherever the Headwater is?

Quote from: NAV on September 16, 2017, 07:01:58 pm

"IKE SAID SO!"
Scissors it is! Run with scissors after Ike.

At least you edited it so that you wouldn't Tsar them. That would be an anticlimactic way to die, tripping and getting stabbed by your enlarged scissors. It would have been like something out of a Canadian PSA.

Let's say you make it to the entrance of the meeting room. You'll catch up with Ike next turn, assuming he doesn't start running in the opposite direction.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 16, 2017, 02:05:53 am

Quote from: The poor fool

Maybe something that makes a lot of noise?

It's like he doesn't even know who he's dealing with.

Alan stares off into the distance and giggles faintly. "Yeah, I can do something like that, my bucko. Very much indeedy."

Make sure Brad knows what he's getting himself into.

((Paris, could you PM me the skill tree thing of Alan's? I've lost the PM you sent me originally and I've forgotten which points I've put into what areas.))

Hmm.... Why don't you tell me exactly what you're going to summon? I have an idea.

And sure, I'll send it. I also need to update your upgrades with all the stuff you've gained since the mission started at some point...

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2017, 10:39:06 pm

Theri let Irine explain the situation as she tried to infer what River was trying to tell them. She was empathic to the situation, as she could readily see the difficulties in the way of communication, and tried to connect the ideas being said.

"More- there is more to where those birds and otherwise came from? That must be a powerful magic source. I'll try to ask questions that can be answered concisely so. . .is this in anyway connected to-" she mentioned the people the refugees she had earlier met described.
Gentle questioning, continue!

Well, River either doesn't know or can't understand much about the political situation in the kingdom at the moment, so those names don't mean anything to him.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 15, 2017, 10:39:06 pm

"Also do you think we should turn back and go help Ike? I think knowing the general disposition of those people accomplishes our scouting mission. Do you agree Irine?"

River barks in agreement.

((FYI, you're several hours forward in time compared to Ike and the rest. And unless you decide to try sprinting, it will take about a day or a day and a half to make it back there. So when you go back, if nothing happens along the way, I'll probably have to pause time so that you two can catch up and I can prevent paradoxes. I might just speedup the healing of River's mind to at least give you a bit more to talk about.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 15, 2017, 03:09:33 pm

Tess, introduction?

Tess was terrified. This was a mistake. A mistake, a mistake, a mistake. After a moment, she taps the car's undercarriage with her left hand, then rises to a crouching and dashes in the opposite direction from the... thing. She's careful not to touch anything with her right hand.

((Do you wanna go to the spaceship mission? Note that it is hard and has a chance of permadeath.))

You push the car with your left hand, helping yourself get up and marking it in the process. The man in the car is quick to follow your lead, speeding away with a screech of tires against the blacktop a few seconds later. He passes by you followed by a gust of wind, disappearing somewhere around the turn at the end of the street. Glancing behind you, you can see that the ones caught behind the creature are not so lucky, as the traffic doesn't allow them to reverse away from the thing. So instead they either get out and start running on foot or merely lock their doors, hide and hope nothing bad happens to them. The thing itself appears to be watching them, though you can't see its expression from here.

There is only one other person around, a woman that quickly joins you in running away. The streets here are narrow and the buildings are tall long things of red brick that lack windows. You hear some thuds behind you but you don't turn around to look, because now you've reached the end of the street and the next moment you tunr right and you're around the corner. There is still that tall building of red brick on your right, but on your left there are several rows of small shops, everything from electronics to paint to clothes and shoes to bakeries. You can see more intersections in the distance, the stores giving way to short stubby residential buildings with balconies full of flowers and plants. The street looks quite normal, all and all. There's signs and fire hydrants and parking meters with old cars next to them and a payphone and a giant cigarette advertisement painted on the side of a building... The only thing wrong about all this is that you can't understand anything, not the things written in the sings, not the license plates, not the numbers above the store entrances, not the things people are saying to each other or shouting.

But as different as the language of those people may be from yours, they are still human so their expressions are not hard to read. It doesn't look like people here are panicking yet. Some of them are looking and pointing at the portal still hanging in the sky (you can't see it from this side of the street, the brick building is in the way) while others are looking at your direction. A few seconds later, you hear a siren in the distance, getting closer.

There's an alley about 5 meters (~16 feet) away, on the other side of the street, where a man who was in the process of throwing out some trash through a fire escape door has paused to look at the portal. Close to the next intersection, about 15 meters (~50 feet) away from you and on the same side of the street as you, there's a man in a brown coat and a fedora, talking into a blue call box. You can feel the car you tagged getting further and further away.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 15, 2017, 05:21:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2017, 02:55:35 pm

Sounds fun. I like both the ability and the character behind it. Just a couple of question so I can finish the character generation and make the appropriate rolls. Are dolls permanent and completely under your control once summoned or do they require constant effort? I mean, if you overextend yourself or become unconscious they will disappear or become inanimate or start acting on their own? And when you say shape them after creating them, you mean changing them to any other doll-like configuration you want? Does that mean they can be destroyed/desummoned at will or are they permanent unless someone else destroys them?

1. Controlling the dolls do require constant effort, meaning that if Napoleon is taken out or overexerts himself, they will crumble to dust.

2. Concerning the ability to morph the dolls according to what situation is at hand, perhaps I should've said 'mutate' instead. For example, if something needs to be taken from a shelf that he cannot reach. Napoleon would either cause a doll to morph its fingers into claws to scale the walls or to grow wings to fly up to it. Once the doll reaches the object and push it off the shelf, a few more dolls would be waiting at the bottom, already mutating to become softer in order to catch the object without breaking it. However, they are unable to be mutated to gain new powers.

3. They can be desummoned at will.

((Okay, sounds good to me. Final question. Do you want to go to the mission IN SPACE! we are currently starting? Note that it is hard and has a chance of permadeath.))

You wake up. You are sitting on something hard. You open your eyes to see the floor made out of black marble blocks. They have grey and red impurities, forming lines on it. Raising your head, you notice there's a
display case in front of you containing a mannequin in a lavish dress, full of red, purple and gold, fit for a queen. A queen that wants to project the image of a warrior, you add to your previous thought as you notice the short golden scabbard hanging from her hip. You notice there are other display cases in this room. Behind the display case you notice a window, but it's dark outside, you can barely see what's out there. Even in here the lighting is low. The lamps overhead are all extinguished and only some of the display cases have lamps burning besides them. The lamps create moving humanoid shadows in the walls, making you feel as if you're being watched by things in the dark corners of the room. The marble bench you're sitting on is cold, making your hair stand on end.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 15, 2017, 04:01:59 pm

{Allrighty then, no sense in wasting a map.}

<Svajoklis, Starting area>

Go find the best seat on the ship and claim it.

As you climb the ramp and cross the threshold of the ship, a relatively thin layer of black spandex-like material replaces your clothes and shoes, covering you from top to bottom like a diver's suit, the only place left exposed being your face, your ears and part of your jaw. You don't see any zippers or even any seams, so you think you're not supposed to remove it. It's quite lightweight and adjusts to your motions, the only hard mechanical parts you can feel being close to the back of your neck and on your temples. There's also your interface on your right hand, but this time it is a real physical object rather than that weightless thing that appears only when you pay attention to it. Still, it's not too heavy, so it will probably not get in the way. You remind yourself that you have to try to keep that thing intact, it's supposed to be what they'll use to revive you if you die.

Though Icarus' ship (the one he calls the Phoenix) is shaped like a fighter jet, it's actually a bit larger than one when you look at it from up close, large enough to be able to transport your group, but not much larger than that. The interior of the ship is rather cramped and spartan, just a single line of chairs with various mechanical bits surrounding them. You notice that some of them end in various tubes, probably meant to be attached to that machine at the back of your neck. At the front of the passenger area is a section where heavy equipment is meant to be secured. It is currently holding a rather large black rectangular cuboid with two handles on its front and back that make it look kinda like a battering ram. Probably the power source you can use to jump-start the target vessel's pulse reactor.

You're not sure which exactly is the best spot on the ship. None of them have anything like TV screens or windows to the outside or seem more comfortable than the rest. The front seat feels a bit less cramped, but that's about it. If movies have taught you anything, then spaceships tend to get cut in half during combat, so being in the middle is probably the worst idea. Being in the back puts you in the quickest escape route but it also means that if something shoots you from behind, you're the most likely to get hit. The front might seem like the best option, since it puts many of the vessel's mechanical parts between you and anything that might shoot at you. But if those parts are made of explodium, then you're the most likely to get a fireball to the face. And if that power source gets detached, then it could fall on you and crush you. Hm... So maybe the best seat is the second from the front? Yeah, probably. You go and sit there. It's surprisingly comfortable.

Quote from: Zormod on September 16, 2017, 05:57:07 pm

Staging Area

---

Get in the ship.

You get in the ship with pretty much the same effects as Svajoklis. You notice that you cannot keep your vortex-'eyes' inside the hull of the ship for more than a millisecond, as if something is repelling them. You can keep them outside the ship though (or inside the passenger area, although you're not certain the others would appreciate that if you didn't position them carefully). You might be able to get them to cross from the inside to the outside or the reverse with some effort.

Quote from: Beirus on September 15, 2017, 08:14:07 pm

WMD, Staging Area

Find some good whiskey or moonshine, then go to the ship.

Roger hands you a nice bottle of whiskey.
"Good luck man, stay safe out there. Oh, and try not to blow up everyone? You can permadie if your interfaces are not brought back, so, you know, probably not a very good idea to accidentally the entire party. Hard to recover from a TPK."

With those parting words of wisdom and/or warning, you enter the ship. You notice the same things as Svajoklis.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 15, 2017, 05:12:22 pm

Kosak Durar:

To the ship!

You were somewhat afraid that the chairs would be too big for you, yet they feel surprisingly comfortable, even through your spacesuit.

Quote from: Toaster on September 15, 2017, 07:30:37 pm

Staging Area.

Well, only one way to start this right.

"Hey Roger!  One more of your ciders for the road?  Can't leave out without a nice drink."

One for the road; quick goodbye to Roger and then hit the ship.

Roger hands you a bottle of cider and pats you on the shoulder.
"Have fun machine man. And do try to keep the others alive, if you can. I know it's not always easy. Other than that, Icarus is a good boy, if you treat him well and help him he'll do his best to bring you back alive and well."

As you walk towards the ship, Charlie's shadow form emerges out of the ground and starts walking besides you.
"This mission will not be easy. And completing it is important. Don't be shy about giving advice or taking command and giving orders if you have to. Even to Icarus. Especially to Icarus. That thing sometimes acts before it thinks. Being an entity doesn't make you perfect. Well, unless you're me of course..." he says with a laugh as he disappears back into the ground, just as you're about to reach the ramp.

The first thing you notice when you touch the ramp is how it mutes your ability, as if it is resisting your ability to understand it. You can feel its general shape but its inner workings are behind a veil. You could try to force your way through it, but you're not sure if this is such a good idea.

Your spacesuit on the other hand seems to offer no such protection against supernatural influences. However that doesn't make it useless. You can feel the various systems on it. A heat dissipation network, probably meant to keep you from cooking alive or freezing to death. Moisture reclamation and waste processing meant to handle all your body's excretions, from sweat and tears to other things and then feed them back into your body. A network of tubes, wires and barely felt hypodermic needles meant to monitor your vitals and inject you with various substances, probably to counter the effects of zero G. A visor that can extend from your temples with the click of a button, equipped with a radio and an air filtration system, covering your face with an airtight seal. An air recycling system that can extend from your back to attach to your visor to allow you to breathe in vacuum, a good chunk of it taken up by an emergency repressurization charge, probably in case you engage your visor without any breathable air trapped inside it.

Everything seems centered around that part on the back of your neck full of tiny electronics and miniaturized machines. It's not powerful, but it's sturdy, it's lightweight and it's efficient. The only part that's protected from your senses is your interface, now a physical object on your right arm that appears to act as a secondary control point for the suit. Its presence accompanies your spear which is currently on your left arm in its bracelet form. You guess it might be useful to have the Interface connected to the suit, you might be able to control its systems by talking or directing your thoughts to the interface.

Quote from: Failbird105 on September 15, 2017, 03:32:09 pm

((

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 15, 2017, 02:55:35 pm

I dunno man, whatever works for you. Would you be happier if you poofed into existence and then disappeared?

It's not that, I THINK I'm going to go in as Logan, as I haven't thought of any better ideas yet, and he was an unusually fleshed out character for being made by me on such short notice.(the "by me" is the main contributing factor there to why it's unusual)

It's just me bringing up how I hadn't even begun playing yet in the first place, so I wouldn't even be dropping out or switching characters if I were to decide to do either of those things.))

Well, we can say your character is in a quantum state of either not existing in the staging area or lying unconscious on one of the chairs of Icarus' ship, same as Coolrune's character, until you definitively decide if you want him or not.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 17, 2017, 11:54:44 am

((I'm up for a spaceship mission. Should I continue to do this introductory segment thing until it begins? Or should I do something else.))

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2017, 11:57:19 am

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 17, 2017, 11:54:44 am

((I'm up for a spaceship mission. Should I continue to do this introductory segment thing until it begins? Or should I do something else.))

Continue. We'll say you're unconscious in one of the passenger seats, dreaming\thinking\whatever about what happened before you came here.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 17, 2017, 12:15:41 pm

Tess dashes into the alley, still being careful not to touch her right hand to anything. She continues simply trying to put distance between herself and the portal.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Failbird105 on September 17, 2017, 12:27:51 pm

((Eh sure, why not. Just know that "suddenly waking up on a spaceship" and "Hillbilly" is a dangerous combination))

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2017, 12:44:25 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Smart move, bud. You may get out of this alive yet."

Deliver the man into Nikolai's care and go get the Headwater in a nonchalant kind of way. Comment on the quality of the bathrooms around here if any of the other guests give me trouble.

"Got your boy, my dude. Wanna go check on him or should I tell my friend to take him someplace for processing?"

Let the Headwater take care of the organizational part of this, however he prefers. Do inform him that his buddy Griman's up to no good as well and apparently has several guys in the guard willing to do things for him, that sounds like a good thing to keep in mind.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 17, 2017, 01:41:29 pm

<Svajoklis, Phoenixs' passenger area>

Secure my shotgun and wait for the ride to begin.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 17, 2017, 02:06:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2017, 11:46:53 am

((Okay, sounds good to me. Final question. Do you want to go to the mission IN SPACE! we are currently starting? Note that it is hard and has a chance of permadeath.))

You wake up. You are sitting on something hard. You open your eyes to see the floor made out of black marble blocks. They have grey and red impurities, forming lines on it. Raising your head, you notice there's a
display case in front of you containing a mannequin in a lavish dress, full of red, purple and gold, fit for a queen. A queen that wants to project the image of a warrior, you add to your previous thought as you notice the short golden scabbard hanging from her hip. You notice there are other display cases in this room. Behind the display case you notice a window, but it's dark outside, you can barely see what's out there. Even in here the lighting is low. The lamps overhead are all extinguished and only some of the display cases have lamps burning besides them. The lamps create moving humanoid shadows in the walls, making you feel as if you're being watched by things in the dark corners of the room. The marble bench you're sitting on is cold, making your hair stand on end.

Nah, maybe I'll join the next mission. Right now, I want to be what to make of my current situation. Anyway, am I supposed to have stats or something?

Napoleon looked dreamily at the mannequin, imagining it to be one of the most beautiful life-sized dolls he'd ever seen. Its almost regal design seemed to combine elegance and a martial style in one costume, much like his own. Eyeing the golden scabbard, Napoleon imagined it as his side. However, he had the nagging feeling that he was being watched and didn't want to open the case without setting anyone or anything on him. Needless to say, Napoleon knew what to do:

Summon several three-inch dolls to scout out the entire room. Using the hive mind that connects him with the dolls, Napoleon can peer through their eyes to determine whether his suspicions are correct and to see what were in the other display cases.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Zormod on September 17, 2017, 02:59:28 pm

The Phoenix, Passenger Area

---

I'll take a seat and leave my eyes outside.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: NAV on September 17, 2017, 04:36:17 pm

catch up to Ike. Guard the prisoner.
<Thank you for causing trouble, we'll get a nice fat reward for stopping you!>
Empty his pockets, strip him, blindfold, tie his wrists and ankles, and hold the scissors against his back.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Xantalos on September 17, 2017, 05:07:28 pm

Oh, I figured that since the distraction wasn't needed right now, Alan was going to momentarily be sensible for the later chance of greater calamity. Nevertheless, I planned to go with an Alan classic to properly welcome the restarting of this game back: a boombox (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yvEYKRF5IA) and a few megaphones that I can tape to said boombox, all several sizes larger than normal.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Tiruin on September 17, 2017, 09:58:33 pm

Quote

((FYI, you're several hours forward in time compared to Ike and the rest. And unless you decide to try sprinting, it will take about a day or a day and a half to make it back there. So when you go back, if nothing happens along the way, I'll probably have to pause time so that you two can catch up and I can prevent paradoxes. I might just speedup the healing of River's mind to at least give you a bit more to talk about.))

((Well since we're farther ahead in time, and travel back makes up time, I intend to make this balanced so we just arrive at an opportune moment of your pick))

"We've covered a lot of ground, but we've been casting (as in moving in circular paths instead of a straight line) around to cover the most area of vision. What say we move hard at night and rest in the day? It's a lot better on the body with less heat, and the cool night breeze will benefit a lot. That and Irine or my vision could prevent any falls or otherwise--I memorized the terrain."

Do travel straight back there! Hopefully not to get lost!
Bring Irine and San that way!

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2017, 08:27:58 am

((Glad to see we're on the same page; my first action was going to be "technosense the ship."))

John took a seat at the front.  Flying through space sounded awesome, and he wanted a good view.

"You folks ready for this?"

Probably not a good idea launch brute force attacks on the ship.  And while the suit is probably about at peak utility for its current function, it could possibly have more functions...

Take the time to mentally map out the suit functions and plan for future enhancements.  Specifically for some light armor (without making it bulky) and enhanced sensors.  You know how John likes his sensor helmets.  (Not actually changing; just planning future changes.)

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Lenglon on September 18, 2017, 08:35:07 am

I am on board with Theri's 'return to the group' plan.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Zormod on September 18, 2017, 03:40:12 pm

"I am. I wonder what we'll encounter?

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 18, 2017, 04:33:08 pm

Kosak Durar:

"I certainly hope so..."

Kosak has never seen a seat belt before, and if there is one, will likely end up not using it.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Toaster on September 18, 2017, 05:05:33 pm

"There's no telling, really.  All we can do is be prepared for anything from simple technical error to Space Cthulhu."

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Beirus on September 18, 2017, 05:13:06 pm

WMD
Try some of that whiskey. Offer some to anyone who looks like they would appreciate it.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 18, 2017, 10:07:21 pm

Oh, hell. I just came back. I'm gonna have to read this all again and post a turn in a bit. Sorry for being away!

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2017, 01:15:55 am

((Okay, I've read up on most of what happened. I'm very excited to be back for this.))

Zechariah knew what the feeling was that resonated with him subtly. Ever since he had retrieved his staff with the help of River, it had felt this way. His staff, in a way, was directly connected to his powers. Like any of the other Guardians or Mediums, any weapon that he brandished could become hybrid: imbued with a bit of his own soul. Accordingly, he had to have a sense of unity in and of himself. If he was unable to achieve this, he would find it difficult to manifest any abilities relating to the extension of his soul.

Was it River's hand in rebuilding the staff that tainted it, or did this come from within Zechariah? It could be both, he thought to himself. No, it was certainly that. His staff was not fully his anymore; neither was his mind entirely. Many of his memories were corrupted or scrambled, and his dreams were full of interruptions and distortions from his memories. He was haunted by figures from his past, but he couldn't recall exactly who they were. He knew what his last moments were in the Medium, and he remembered his purpose in whole, but many of the precious details that made him who he was now were lost to the void. It was a small price to pay to be alive again, but in this time, it troubled him greatly.

And, of course, there was the matter of the wholeness of his soul. Artemis had been such a large part of his life and identity that, having had his memories sullied and Artemis being in an entirely different multiverse, he found it hard to master the irrational, basic feelings that stirred in him eternally. Artemis, at least, served as his introspection - his internal muse. He did not have that anymore. He had to figure out -

His thoughts were interrupted by a commotion coming from outside. He picked up his staff and signaled to his comrades.
<Ike? Nikolai? What is happening?>

Go out and investigate. Be ready for defending myself and others if it's needed.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2017, 04:43:26 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2017, 01:15:55 am

<Ike? Nikolai? What is happening?>

<We recapped our adventures to the water dudes and it's caused a ruckus. Some dickweeds are gonna do a coup. Also I have no idea where Alan's gone off to, could you check on him?>

To Alan: <Alan, where you at?>

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2017, 04:48:42 am

Alan is too far away to hear you at his present location. Also, you are in the future from his perspective. He might hear you when he catches up with you.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2017, 05:34:05 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2017, 04:48:42 am

Alan is too far away to hear you at his present location. Also, you are in the future from his perspective. He might hear you when he catches up with you.

Well, can't hurt to test, can it?

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2017, 01:42:23 pm

((It will take me some time to finish writing the SPESS mission intro. I'll probably finish it during the weekend.))

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 17, 2017, 01:41:29 pm

<Svajoklis, Phoenix's passenger area>

Secure my shotgun and wait for the ride to begin.

You secure the shotgun on one of the equipment slots. You could probably ask Icarus if he has a backpack or something like that once you reach your destination, if you don't want to have the shotgun dangling from its strap. Or you could search around the passenger area, maybe some of those containers have some goodies you could use...

Quote from: Zormod on September 17, 2017, 02:59:28 pm

The Phoenix, Passenger Area

---

I'll take a seat and leave my eyes outside.

You keep an eye on the left side of the ship and another on the right.

Quote from: Toaster on September 18, 2017, 08:27:58 am

((Glad to see we're on the same page; my first action was going to be "technosense the ship."))

John took a seat at the front.  Flying through space sounded awesome, and he wanted a good view.

"You folks ready for this?"

Probably not a good idea launch brute force attacks on the ship.  And while the suit is probably about at peak utility for its current function, it could possibly have more functions...

Take the time to mentally map out the suit functions and plan for future enhancements.  Specifically for some light armor (without making it bulky) and enhanced sensors.  You know how John likes his sensor helmets.  (Not actually changing; just planning future changes.)

Well, a good view from the passenger/cargo area would be hard, since the only window is in the cockpit. Unless there's inflight entertainment and some sort of projector appears, in which case you would be in the best position. Or you could ask Icarus to let you sit in the co-pilot seat in the cockpit, you bet that would be interesting.

Light armor you could do, but you're not certain about whether or not it would interfere with the suit's anti-radiation and heat-management system. You might have to try to extend the suit's network into your additions. Or you could simply give your ability a bit more leeway and trust it to make the necessary adjustments.

Sensors wouldn't be hard, you could implement them as some sort of goggles (or AR glasses) that you wear from inside your visor. Or you could make some sort of mask to wear on top of your visor (or completely replace it). Or you could make the sensors completely independent and project AR images on your visor (or the environment around you, if you want a more Dead Space vibe). You could probably put them straight into your brain, but it's probably not a good idea to take that risk unnecessarily, even with your power.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 18, 2017, 04:33:08 pm

Kosak Durar:

"I certainly hope so..."

Kosak has never seen a seat belt before, and if there is one, will likely end up not using it.

Well, there isn't a seatbelt, but there are an awful lot of mechanical limbs ready to spring out from behind the chair. It's like lying on the belly of a spider that's ready to embrace you. A rather soft and comfortable spider.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 17, 2017, 12:15:41 pm

Tess dashes into the alley, still being careful not to touch her right hand to anything. She continues simply trying to put distance between herself and the portal.

You quickly move into the alley and keep running. The man taking out the trash looks at you and asks you something you can't understand. You ignore him and keep moving.

The alley is quiet. There's only the tap-tap-tap of your feet hitting the ground (becoming splish-splish-splish for the few moments it takes you to cross a puddle). In the distance you hear the siren stop, followed a few seconds later by the sound of gunshots and the frightened gasps of the masses.

You reach the end of the alley. On this side there is a boulevard, a large two-way street with a line of tall trees separating the two sides. Still, there's not too much traffic, at least not on the road. The rather wide sidewalks are filled with people going about their business, their numbers bolstered by a large number of people exiting a nearby building with many bright lights (probably a theater or cinema). Some of them glance at you for a few moments as you come running and panting out of the alley, but they don't seem to care too much about you.

On your left, you can see the the boulevard ending up in the ocean, the warm wind-less day making the waters calm and clear, the only white you can see being in the wings of seabirds. On your right the road continues towards the city centre and the tall buildings located there. The architecture of some is a bit strange, like castle towers made out of metal and glass, becoming blue and white from the sun and sky being reflected on them.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 17, 2017, 02:06:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 17, 2017, 11:46:53 am

((Okay, sounds good to me. Final question. Do you want to go to the mission IN SPACE! we are currently starting? Note that it is hard and has a chance of permadeath.))

You wake up. You are sitting on something hard. You open your eyes to see the floor made out of black marble blocks. They have grey and red impurities, forming lines on it. Raising your head, you notice there's a
display case in front of you containing a mannequin in a lavish dress, full of red, purple and gold, fit for a queen. A queen that wants to project the image of a warrior, you add to your previous thought as you notice the short golden scabbard hanging from her hip. You notice there are other display cases in this room. Behind the display case you notice a window, but it's dark outside, you can barely see what's out there. Even in here the lighting is low. The lamps overhead are all extinguished and only some of the display cases have lamps burning besides them. The lamps create moving humanoid shadows in the walls, making you feel as if you're being watched by things in the dark corners of the room. The marble bench you're sitting on is cold, making your hair stand on end.

Nah, maybe I'll join the next mission. Right now, I want to be what to make of my current situation. Anyway, am I supposed to have stats or something?

Napoleon looked dreamily at the mannequin, imagining it to be one of the most beautiful life-sized dolls he'd ever seen. Its almost regal design seemed to combine elegance and a martial style in one costume, much like his own. Eyeing the golden scabbard, Napoleon imagined it as his side. However, he had the nagging feeling that he was being watched and didn't want to open the case without setting anyone or anything on him. Needless to say, Napoleon knew what to do:

Summon several three-inch dolls to scout out the entire room. Using the hive mind that connects him with the dolls, Napoleon can peer through their eyes to determine whether his suspicions are correct and to see what were in the other display cases.

((I'll give you your stats later, writing from phone right now.))

You summon a few small dolls and have them scurry around, slowly exploring your surroundings. You use them to perceive the dark corners of the room. You don't find anyone lurking there, not even on the ceiling. Through their distorted vision and your own you look around and check the contents of the various cases.

One has a heavy suit of armor holding a spear and a heater shield. It lacks decorations but its pristine nature is in a way its own decoration, its polished metal surfaces being as shiny as a mirror.

Another holds a black gentleman's suit and a white shirt, worn by the mannequin in a sloppy manner, as if whoever put it there was in a hurry or didn't care that much about how the fine material was treated. With a closer inspection, you notice that there is a bloodstain on it, hidden by the low light and the black color of the fabric.

There's also one that would be more fitting for the head of some religion than a man or a king. Or maybe a wizard. The golden outfit with the red and green decorations looks loose and comfortable but there is a massive crown on its head, holding an arcane symbol on a circular golden plate. From the crown trails a golden veil that glitters in the flickering light of the lamps.

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 19, 2017, 01:15:55 am

((Okay, I've read up on most of what happened. I'm very excited to be back for this.))

Zechariah knew what the feeling was that resonated with him subtly. Ever since he had retrieved his staff with the help of River, it had felt this way. His staff, in a way, was directly connected to his powers. Like any of the other Guardians or Mediums, any weapon that he brandished could become hybrid: imbued with a bit of his own soul. Accordingly, he had to have a sense of unity in and of himself. If he was unable to achieve this, he would find it difficult to manifest any abilities relating to the extension of his soul.

Was it River's hand in rebuilding the staff that tainted it, or did this come from within Zechariah? It could be both, he thought to himself. No, it was certainly that. His staff was not fully his anymore; neither was his mind entirely. Many of his memories were corrupted or scrambled, and his dreams were full of interruptions and distortions from his memories. He was haunted by figures from his past, but he couldn't recall exactly who they were. He knew what his last moments were in the Medium, and he remembered his purpose in whole, but many of the precious details that made him who he was now were lost to the void. It was a small price to pay to be alive again, but in this time, it troubled him greatly.

And, of course, there was the matter of the wholeness of his soul. Artemis had been such a large part of his life and identity that, having had his memories sullied and Artemis being in an entirely different multiverse, he found it hard to master the irrational, basic feelings that stirred in him eternally. Artemis, at least, served as his introspection - his internal muse. He did not have that anymore. He had to figure out -

His thoughts were interrupted by a commotion coming from outside. He picked up his staff and signaled to his comrades.
<Ike? Nikolai? What is happening?>

Go out and investigate. Be ready for defending myself and others if it's needed.

((Hey man, good to see you.))

You make your way up to the meeting room. Though the clarity brought upon you by your hours of mediation is fading, you can still sense that faint darkness in the air. It feels like it's coming from this place. Something bad is about to happen.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 17, 2017, 12:44:25 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Smart move, bud. You may get out of this alive yet."

Deliver the man into Nikolai's care and go get the Headwater in a nonchalant kind of way. Comment on the quality of the bathrooms around here if any of the other guests give me trouble.

"Got your boy, my dude. Wanna go check on him or should I tell my friend to take him someplace for processing?"

Let the Headwater take care of the organizational part of this, however he prefers. Do inform him that his buddy Griman's up to no good as well and apparently has several guys in the guard willing to do things for him, that sounds like a good thing to keep in mind.

You leave your overzealous teammate to guard the man while you start making your way to the meeting room.

"Better get him here, as quickly as you can. I can make him confess his crimes. If he does that in front of such a large audience, then this can be resolved quickly and without the conflict an investigation and subsequent trial would bring. Even if his testimony doesn't prove Griman's actions, it would be enough to rob him of his support and render him harmless."

"If I just arrest them on your word alone and then held them while I searched for evidence, I am afraid things could get out of hand. He and the others of his group would use it as evidence that I'm just as bad as he says. Even if I managed to find the necessary evidence, by that point he could had gained enough support that it wouldn't matter."

Quote from: NAV on September 17, 2017, 04:36:17 pm

catch up to Ike. Guard the prisoner.
<Thank you for causing trouble, we'll get a nice fat reward for stopping you!>
Empty his pockets, strip him, blindfold, tie his wrists and ankles, and hold the scissors against his back.

You reach into the man's pockets, searching for anything suspicious. You find a crude pendant, a small bit of parchment with smudged black marks on it and a short curved knife in a black scabbard. You pocket the stuff and have him remove his clothes. He doesn't seem to like it very much, but he agrees and slowly starts removing his clothes.

A man approaching from the other end of the hallway looks at you with suspicion, but rather than get distracted, you stay focused on your job. Your awareness allows you to notice that the guy you're guarding stares at the approaching man intensely. You can tell he is about to try something.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 17, 2017, 05:07:28 pm

Oh, I figured that since the distraction wasn't needed right now, Alan was going to momentarily be sensible for the later chance of greater calamity. Nevertheless, I planned to go with an Alan classic to properly welcome the restarting of this game back: a boombox (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yvEYKRF5IA) and a few megaphones that I can tape to said boombox, all several sizes larger than normal.

((Sorry, forgot to PM you your stuff, sent them now.))

Quote from: what the future may hold

It's early in the night, the last hints of the sun's glow disappearing. That is when the people of Chizra hear a sound they have never heard before.  It is so powerful that almost everyone can hear it and those closest to its source can barely stay standing. Some can even see it. The giant machine surrounded by a halo of blinking multicolored decorative lights, its speakers visibly vibrating. Suffice to say, it is more than enough to grab everyone's attention, either by making them look at it and investigate it or making them run away from it.

Though the unfamiliar music and alien pop-culture references are not making it an instant hit, humans and their appreciation of beat and melody is almost universal (or rather interuniversal), especially when boosted by mind-affecting chaos energies. Soon, a wave of dance starts overtaking the people of the residential area, starting from the bars and slowly spreading outwards.

Brad taps at the inner wall.
"Then we're going to need a way to overcome the inner wall. The best way to do that would be from an angle they would never expect. We could simply go around the edges of the inner wall." he says, pointing close to the top of the map.
"Or we could climb the outer walls and then you can summon something we can use to glide or rappel down." he adds, making a line from the outer wall towards the temple.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 18, 2017, 08:35:07 am

I am on board with Theri's 'return to the group' plan.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 17, 2017, 09:58:33 pm

Quote

((FYI, you're several hours forward in time compared to Ike and the rest. And unless you decide to try sprinting, it will take about a day or a day and a half to make it back there. So when you go back, if nothing happens along the way, I'll probably have to pause time so that you two can catch up and I can prevent paradoxes. I might just speedup the healing of River's mind to at least give you a bit more to talk about.))

((Well since we're farther ahead in time, and travel back makes up time, I intend to make this balanced so we just arrive at an opportune moment of your pick))

"We've covered a lot of ground, but we've been casting (as in moving in circular paths instead of a straight line) around to cover the most area of vision. What say we move hard at night and rest in the day? It's a lot better on the body with less heat, and the cool night breeze will benefit a lot. That and Irine or my vision could prevent any falls or otherwise--I memorized the terrain."

Do travel straight back there! Hopefully not to get lost!
Bring Irine and San that way!

You decide to start moving right now and then find a place to rest when the sun comes up. As you move, you notice that all of your companions are currently rather shorter (and thus slower) than you. Yesterday you solved that problem by carrying them and their supplies whenever you could, but now their number is getting to the point where trying to do so would be quite staining and would offer fewer benefits.

After the sun rises, illuminating your surroundings, you are able to see further. That is when you notice something that doesn't look good. As you reach the top of a small hill, you can see a number of people a great distance away, lying on the ground next to a dying campfire. You would assume they were merely sleeping, if it wasn't for the fact that their tent is completely torn to shreds and their clothes painted red by blood. You're not certain if you should investigate to see if you can save anyone or keep your distance in case it's an ambush.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2017, 01:45:49 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Be right back!"

Get over to where my pal Nik is.

To Nik: <Gonna need you to bring the fellow over here to the big room. Our pal the Headwater wants to make this public!>

Rendezvous with my pal. Coordinate. Engage in tactics and combat as needed.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: GigaGiant on September 19, 2017, 01:47:14 pm

PTW

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 19, 2017, 01:47:26 pm

Tess looked at her left hand. She felt the car's presence, and decided it was too far to be useful- so she slapped her right hand on the ground, then quickly moved away from the marker. With that complete, she moved her left hand to meet her right hand, keeping the right hand stationary. With that done, she quickly moves even further from the marker-  she doubts the car would make it through every building inbetween it and the marker without being atomized, but she just had to be cautious.

((I don't remember if I made it clear how to release a marker- she has to unite the two objects, or at least unite her hands (which should unite the objects anyways).))

Title: Re: Special People: Preparing for Mission 7: Crew Expendable
Post by: Toaster on September 19, 2017, 04:24:09 pm

Staging Area

I like the AR enhanced sensor HUD idea.  Let's go with that one.

Do I get to take the rifle I summoned earlier with me?  I totally get if that'd be a bit OP to let me pre-summon equipment.

Spoiler: Said rifle (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2017, 07:10:31 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

You cut the bot's power and it shuts down with a sad *bwoop*.

You summon a nice plasma rifle. It has a long barrel with various superconducting magnetic focusing rings. Its main body is circular, holding the synchrotron and the power source, a miniature fusion reactor. It vents part of its reactor content and magnetically accelerates it at high speed. The plasma is contained by the spiral magnetic field the beam itself creates, allowing it to travel a good distance before it dissipates. Even unfocused it could wreak havoc on unarmoured organics and unshielded electronics. Frankly you're not sure how it can work, it would require some very alien physics-breaking materials, but it does. And you are able to arm an army of armoured automatons with it within minutes, so who cares?

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Xantalos on September 19, 2017, 04:44:57 pm

Alan hems and haws momentarily. "Well, I could make us a mentos rocket to blast over the wall with. Or a big trampoline to jump over it. Or we could do that hose cart thing again, that was fun.
...
I suppose I can make ladders too if we wanna be boring and stuff."

He shrugs. "What d'you think?"

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 19, 2017, 06:05:46 pm

(I understand, Paris. Take you time)

"The suit of armor seems to be in pristine condition," Napoleon muttered to himself. "However, I do not want to weight myself down in metal unless absolutely necessary, not to mention that using a spear and a shield will be cumbersome without additional training. The gentleman's suit look disheveled and bloody as if someone took it off a murdered man but didn't bothered cleaning it before putting it on a mannequin. Lastly, the strange costume is too flamboyant for even my taste. Hmm..."

Standing up, Napoleon guided the dolls back to him as he eyed the queenly warrior standing before him, particularly at the scabbard. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he continued. "However, though I'm no transvestite, that sword would look great on my side regardless. Mon Dieu, I'll become a real prince yet!"

Use a doll to check for any hidden alarms. If any are found, deactivate them somehow. Either way, modify another doll into having razor sharp claws and use it to cut a circle in the glass big enough to crawl through. Use the remaining dolls to defend against any unforeseen attacks while grabbing the scabbard.

 

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 19, 2017, 06:37:55 pm

Kosak Durar:

*eyes chair suspiciously*

Sending in Dur-Jitsu choices.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: NAV on September 19, 2017, 07:11:30 pm

Syntax is ambiguous. Is it the guy I'm guarding or the approaching man who looks like he's about to try something? I assume the answer is "yes".

"I can tell you're thinking about trying something. Stop thinking. Don't try anything. Now march!"

Make the guy march over to the Headwater.
"Did I ever tell you about the time I crippled a 50 foot metal giant with scissors like these?" Keep the scissors at his back.

If I'm attacked tsar my armour and fight back with my scissors and new knife.
Did they take my shield along with the rest of my weapons or do I still have it?

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Lenglon on September 19, 2017, 07:53:33 pm

Considering our rather canine party, we should be smelling blood and such if applicable. Do we?

---

((just a reminder of Irine's senses in fox-form - poor eyesight, good hearing / sense of smell. has little risk of tripping/stumbling at night because face is close to the ground, but by the same token her vision can be obscured by low obstacles including tall grasses.))

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 19, 2017, 08:20:36 pm

Small clarifications before I go to sleep:

Quote from: NAV on September 19, 2017, 07:11:30 pm

Syntax is ambiguous. Is it the guy I'm guarding or the approaching man who looks like he's about to try something? I assume the answer is "yes".

"I can tell you're thinking about trying something. Stop thinking. Don't try anything. Now march!"

Make the guy march over to the Headwater.
"Did I ever tell you about the time I crippled a 50 foot metal giant with scissors like these?" Keep the scissors at his back.

If I'm attacked tsar my armour and fight back with my scissors and new knife.
Did they take my shield along with the rest of my weapons or do I still have it?

The guy you're guarding is looking at the approaching man and is about to try something involving him. I'm going to call the man you're guarding "perp" and the man that approached "concerned man".

You try your most intimidating voice and it seems to work, for the most part, the perp standing down. The concerned man looks at you as if trying to decide whether or not he should get involved. He seems to decide it's better to call someone more qualified to handle this, as you see him start walking away quickly, with fear in his eyes, glancing behind him while at the same time trying not to look at you.

Quote from: Lenglon on September 19, 2017, 07:53:33 pm

Considering our rather canine party, we should be smelling blood and such if applicable. Do we?

---

((just a reminder of Irine's senses in fox-form - poor eyesight, good hearing / sense of smell. has little risk of tripping/stumbling at night because face is close to the ground, but by the same token her vision can be obscured by low obstacles including tall grasses.))

Yes, you can smell it. Like Father Gascoigne would say: It's blood! This is definitely not tomato juice.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Hawk132 on September 20, 2017, 08:08:02 am

Saevus, teh ship

To show that he's still around Seeing the others preparing (mostly John), Saevus decides to summon himself a Saevus Jr and hands it a repeater crossbow, so that he can show off a little too.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 08:57:21 am

Those people need help, therefore we go help them... right? Keep our ears and eyes open for traps of course, but there's no point in waiting around.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Tiruin on September 20, 2017, 09:15:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 08:57:21 am

Those people need help, therefore we go help them... right? Keep our ears and eyes open for traps of course, but there's no point in waiting around.

This!

Theri obviously goes ahead and leaves San and Riverpuppy with Irine, because magical Irine is a lot more important if it was a trap, to be safe, and Theri can probably handle physical things better.

Theri wondered if her decision of sticking San around would be a good one with these kinds of incidents. He had a place to be, and the longer he stuck with them, the longer he may be exposed to danger that did not concern him. She mentioned to Irine that she would be checking ahead, just to be sure it was not a magical trap, as she was confident she could take a bit more physical tension if it was otherwise.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 10:38:43 am

<Um, sword? Would you three be okay going with Theri and keeping her safe? I can protect myself, San, and River readily enough and Theri is going to be at greater risk anyway going down there to see if its clear for us to follow.>
Private, to the sword three:<Theri is the kindest person I know, and I consider her quite worthy of protection, but she's not the best at magic or complicated image manipulations. You'll need to take initiative of and for yourself if you choose to go with her. Theri has a good point about keeping San and River safe, else I'd want us to alll just stick together.>

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2017, 01:30:16 am

Zechariah couldn't tell where the feeling was coming from, but he had enough experience in volatile situations to know that he had to be ready for any incursion. He thought of what Ike said and, considering the importance of the Headwater in the leadership of this temple, considered it best to make it his priority to guard him.

Approach near the Headwater.

"Sir, I assume my friends have told you about the plot underway right now," he said briefly. He looked around, noticing Ike attempting to leave, and that Nikolai was nowhere around. "Please be aware of your surroundings. I'll guard you until my friends arrive."

Guard the Headwater. Keep my distance from anyone who looks suspicious, and have my staff in both hands. Be ready to summon the shadows if I need to.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: GigaGiant on September 21, 2017, 11:10:50 pm

I've been reading the earliest missions of this game and I enjoy it a lot.  I don't know what the story's like now, but I want to join the game, if that's ok.  Here's a character I came up with.

Spoiler: GigaGiant Character Sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Stephano Falcone
Ability: He possesses special eyes.  By looking at an injured person, he is able to force a person's body to rejuvenate itself, healing all physical injuries, including the regrowth of lost limbs or organs.  However, while this is occurring, the affected person feels severe pain (as if their body is being forcefully torn apart and put back together again) and is unable to focus as a result.  After being healed, the person may experience some temporary side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hunger, feeling dazed, etc.
Appearance: He is six feet tall, has short brown hair, and wears a grey business suit and grey fedora.  He also has gold-tinted green eyes.  He is 25 years old.
Bio: He originates from Italy, born in the 60s.  Shortly after being born, his special eyes began to manifest themselves.  However, the government discovered his unusual abilities, murdered his parents, and stole him away while he was still a baby.  The military recognized his potential, training Stephano to utilize the darker aspects of his ability for torturing and interrogating captured enemies of the state.  Despite serving the government's interests for years, Stephano was always kept locked away and under constant supervision, released for short times only when needed.
Personality:  As a result of his treatment by and services under the harsh government, he is emotionally distant, rarely speaks unless required, mistrusts authority, and is secretly plagued by guilt.  Stephano yearns for the freedom to escape and live a normal life.
Other Notes: His ability requires him to keep his eyes on his target for it to function.  If his eyes are covered or he is blinded, then he can't heal people.  Maybe as he levels up, he can gain new sight/biological-based abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 23, 2017, 12:53:41 pm

Next turn some even more of you will be in an alien universe and have a chance to permadie. Better say your goodbyes while you still can...

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 19, 2017, 01:45:49 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Be right back!"

Get over to where my pal Nik is.

To Nik: <Gonna need you to bring the fellow over here to the big room. Our pal the Headwater wants to make this public!>

Rendezvous with my pal. Coordinate. Engage in tactics and combat as needed.

You meet Nikolai halfway and help him escort your half-naked prisoner the rest of the way into the meeting room. Suffice to say, you attract a lot of attention but none dare to get in your way.

You enter the meeting room. It doesn't take long for Griman and his buddies to notice you and intercept you. They stand in your way, blocking your path.
"What is the meaning of this? What have you done to my assistant? I demand that you release him this instant!"
The Headwater has also noticed you and is coming your way, quickly approaching Griman and the rest from behind.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 21, 2017, 01:30:16 am

Zechariah couldn't tell where the feeling was coming from, but he had enough experience in volatile situations to know that he had to be ready for any incursion. He thought of what Ike said and, considering the importance of the Headwater in the leadership of this temple, considered it best to make it his priority to guard him.

Approach near the Headwater.

"Sir, I assume my friends have told you about the plot underway right now," he said briefly. He looked around, noticing Ike attempting to leave, and that Nikolai was nowhere around. "Please be aware of your surroundings. I'll guard you until my friends arrive."

Guard the Headwater. Keep my distance from anyone who looks suspicious, and have my staff in both hands. Be ready to summon the shadows if I need to.

You follow the Headwater as he approaches Ike, ready to defend him.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 19, 2017, 04:44:57 pm

Alan hems and haws momentarily. "Well, I could make us a mentos rocket to blast over the wall with. Or a big trampoline to jump over it. Or we could do that hose cart thing again, that was fun.
...
I suppose I can make ladders too if we wanna be boring and stuff."

He shrugs. "What d'you think?"

"Hmm... Maybe just a ladder for now. There will be opportunities for more fun things when we're inside. We can change things later if we need to."

Quote from: what the future may hold

With everyone distracted by the sound of music, nobody is around to notice a single ladder close to the edges of the inner wall. Or the giant trampoline on the other side of the wall.

He points at the water-filled fields that lie beyond the inner wall and stand between it and the temple.
"Then we have to actually cross the fields of the Walled Garden. I think we'll be good as long as we move quietly, stay close to the plants and jump in them for cover. But it could be useful to have a distraction, to minimize the chances we'll come face to face with a patrol, something like summoning ladders and leaving them on the wall or breaking the gates of the inner wall open. That way the guards will move to the fringes to deal with the raiders, leaving the rest of the Garden unguarded."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 10:38:43 am

<Um, sword? Would you three be okay going with Theri and keeping her safe? I can protect myself, San, and River readily enough and Theri is going to be at greater risk anyway going down there to see if its clear for us to follow.>
Private, to the sword three:<Theri is the kindest person I know, and I consider her quite worthy of protection, but she's not the best at magic or complicated image manipulations. You'll need to take initiative of and for yourself if you choose to go with her. Theri has a good point about keeping San and River safe, else I'd want us to alll just stick together.>

<As you wish.> the sword says <But know that our power and even our perception of the world is bound to you. We are most effective when we are with you.>

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 08:57:21 am

Those people need help, therefore we go help them... right? Keep our ears and eyes open for traps of course, but there's no point in waiting around.

Theri runs off towards the bodies while you and the rest follow at a slower pace, keeping an eye out for anything dangerous. San seems worried and afraid. River on the other hand looks much more relaxed. He brushes against San's leg in a friendly manner and looks up at him. San pets him, losing some of his anxiety and becoming a bit more relaxed in the process. River then briskly walks next to you and brushes up against you.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 20, 2017, 09:15:44 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 20, 2017, 08:57:21 am

Those people need help, therefore we go help them... right? Keep our ears and eyes open for traps of course, but there's no point in waiting around.

This!

Theri obviously goes ahead and leaves San and Riverpuppy with Irine, because magical Irine is a lot more important if it was a trap, to be safe, and Theri can probably handle physical things better.

Theri wondered if her decision of sticking San around would be a good one with these kinds of incidents. He had a place to be, and the longer he stuck with them, the longer he may be exposed to danger that did not concern him. She mentioned to Irine that she would be checking ahead, just to be sure it was not a magical trap, as she was confident she could take a bit more physical tension if it was otherwise.

You go on ahead and make your way to the bodies while being wary of ambushes. As you approach, the stench of those monster-birds becomes more and more apparent. You are also able to make out their facial features and you begin to realise that this is the same group of people you encountered yesterday.

If you had to guess, they were attacked during the night by those monster-birds, the same monster-birds that almost attacked you yesterday. But this looks different from the other attacks you heard about. From the stories you heard from San and the others who encountered them, they tend to take as many people as they hurt. And they try to leave nobody alive. But by your count, nobody was abducted, there's the same number of people here as you encountered yesterday (though it's hard to tell for sure, since some are half-eaten and in more parts than one). And there are survivors.

The first man you check, a middle aged man in a light brown coat, still has a pulse and is breathing despite the fact that his eyes have been pecked out and there are two large holes on his chest. There are probably other injured around here, probably in equally bad conditions. But you are just one woman and each of them require your full attention. You don't like to admit it but this might require one of those words most hated by healers during wartime: triage.

You stab Irine's sword in the ground and it begins emitting a soothing white light that envelops the surrounding area, making you (and the injured, you assume) feel better. That done, you do a quick check on the area to determine the number of bodies and their state. You don't even bother checking the ones that have had their bodies torn open or smashed into the ground. Those with deep cuts or penetrating trauma you check for pulse, but only the man you checked first is lucky (or unlucky) enough to be alive. There's also two with head trauma and some cuts, one of which is half-buried in the dirt. Under the remnants of the tent, you find a delirious, half-conscious man. It seems he dragged three other unconscious humans under there with him before he collapsed. They look... mostly fine, you can't see something physically wrong with them beyond some cuts and bruises. Must be something else. Maybe those things that attacked them were using some sort of substance to poison them or render them unconscious. San did say he collapsed after he was attacked by those things...

Overall, not many are alive. This open area did not leave much room for them to hide and those that run didn't make it far, as if the monsters were giving them priority. You begin working on those that are the most injured, trying to bandage their wounds, clear their airways and generally help in any way you can. You make sure to reassure them with a few kind words, since even in their unconscious state they seem terrified and in pain. This is going to take a while. At least you have no shortage of food and water, only manpower and time. This would be so much easier if you knew some healing magic...

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 19, 2017, 01:47:26 pm

Tess looked at her left hand. She felt the car's presence, and decided it was too far to be useful- so she slapped her right hand on the ground, then quickly moved away from the marker. With that complete, she moved her left hand to meet her right hand, keeping the right hand stationary. With that done, she quickly moves even further from the marker-  she doubts the car would make it through every building inbetween it and the marker without being atomized, but she just had to be cautious.

((I don't remember if I made it clear how to release a marker- she has to unite the two objects, or at least unite her hands (which should unite the objects anyways).))

((Ah, I thought that marks could only be overwritten, never deactivated. I can change that to "marks can be deactivated when hands are joined but never overwritten" if you prefer it. It's about as balanced, I think.))

So, trying to stop a car, eh? First of all, let's roll to see which direction the car happens to be moving towards. Hm. And now let's see how fast it's going. Uh huh. Okay, now let's see how strong you are...

Somewhere closer to the centre of the city, the driver of the car that almost hit you is still driving away, but by now he has calmed down and proceeds slowly through the morning traffic as he tries to make his way to work on time. That is when he feels an unexpected resistance, as if he had accidentally hit the brakes as hard as he could. He is unable to shift gears in time so the engine sputters and stops from the sudden deceleration. The driver behind him is understandably annoyed and blares his horn in anger.

Thinking that something is wrong with his car, he pulls the handbrake and gets out. He turns around to face the angry driver, who is still in his car, and makes an apologetic gesture.
"I'm sorry, I think there's something-"
That's as far as he gets before his car lifts a couple of inches off the ground and then slams into the car behind him.
"Oh, crap."
The two cars slam into a third one, the mass becoming enough to slow their progress to a crawl.
The insurance company is never going to believe this. he thinks as he stands there watching, not knowing what to do.

...

You, meanwhile, struggle with a pained expression as if trying to compress an invisible box, your hands totally stuck in relation to each other. You stop for a few moments to breathe and then try again, trying to put as much strength as you can behind it. You manage to move it a bit, but not by a lot.

A shadow flies through the sky, going low enough and fast enough that you can't make out its details. It hits the portal, causing it to dissolve into multi-coloured lights, before making a loop to catch the man that was going through the portal at the time and drag him to the ground and out of your sight. A few seconds pass with nothing happening, only you and several other people watching the colours in the sky. Then you see geysers of fire erupt from close to where that thing landed.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 19, 2017, 06:05:46 pm

(I understand, Paris. Take you time)

"The suit of armor seems to be in pristine condition," Napoleon muttered to himself. "However, I do not want to weight myself down in metal unless absolutely necessary, not to mention that using a spear and a shield will be cumbersome without additional training. The gentleman's suit look disheveled and bloody as if someone took it off a murdered man but didn't bothered cleaning it before putting it on a mannequin. Lastly, the strange costume is too flamboyant for even my taste. Hmm..."

Standing up, Napoleon guided the dolls back to him as he eyed the queenly warrior standing before him, particularly at the scabbard. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he continued. "However, though I'm no transvestite, that sword would look great on my side regardless. Mon Dieu, I'll become a real prince yet!"

Use a doll to check for any hidden alarms. If any are found, deactivate them somehow. Either way, modify another doll into having razor sharp claws and use it to cut a circle in the glass big enough to crawl through. Use the remaining dolls to defend against any unforeseen attacks while grabbing the scabbard.

((Right now you just have +1PWR and roll power to use your ability. You roll to summon dolls, then a separate roll to modify them and a roll for their actions with a third of your PWR bonus (I might change that if I find it too much). Dolls have their own stats that may also add modifiers to your rolls or to rolls about things happening to them (like END rolls if they get damaged). You'll get an upgrade tree at the end of your first mission.))

There's no lasers or tripwires or pressure plates that you can see, so you attempt to create your burglar-doll. You get a short thing with oversized sharp-looking claw-arms and a mischievous grin. It turns out it's not that well suited for delicate tasks. You command it to cut a hole on the glass and it raises its long arms far above its head and then brings them down, slicing and breaking the glass, the frame holding it in place, the dress and the mannequin. The broken display and its contents (the sword included) fall to the marble floor with a great clatter.

You hold your breath for a moment, waiting for the echoes of the destruction to die down. Nothing else happens. But if someone else is around, they definitely heard this.

---

Quote from: Toaster on September 19, 2017, 04:24:09 pm

Staging Area

I like the AR enhanced sensor HUD idea.  Let's go with that one.

Do I get to take the rifle I summoned earlier with me?  I totally get if that'd be a bit OP to let me pre-summon equipment.

Spoiler: Said rifle (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2017, 07:10:31 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

You cut the bot's power and it shuts down with a sad *bwoop*.

You summon a nice plasma rifle. It has a long barrel with various superconducting magnetic focusing rings. Its main body is circular, holding the synchrotron and the power source, a miniature fusion reactor. It vents part of its reactor content and magnetically accelerates it at high speed. The plasma is contained by the spiral magnetic field the beam itself creates, allowing it to travel a good distance before it dissipates. Even unfocused it could wreak havoc on unarmoured organics and unshielded electronics. Frankly you're not sure how it can work, it would require some very alien physics-breaking materials, but it does. And you are able to arm an army of armoured automatons with it within minutes, so who cares?

When you say "Let's go with that" you mean right now? Or as a plan for the future?

You approach Icarus as he floats up towards the cockpit and ask him if you can take your big gun with you.
"Oh, sure. Just please deactivate the fusion core before we get going. The kind of exotic materials used in this weapon can become unstable when physics change or in the presence of supernatural influences. Leaving it unpowered will reduce the chances of an accident occurring."
You look at him with curiosity as he folds his floating wings into his back and sits on the pilot seat. You point at the spaceship's wings that are of a similar design, floating things detached from the main body, currently stabbed into the ground.
"Wait a second. If my rifle is unstable, doesn't that mean that this spaceship is also unstable?"
Icarus puts his hand in the back of his neck and looks at you awkwardly.
"Well... Yes, you are right in a way. Certain parts can be unstable. But you don't have to worry! There are several ways to prevent that from becoming a serious problem. First of all, the ship tries to maintain a certain set of conditions inside it to help it mitigate the different laws of reality one might encounter in other universes. And it also has good protection against supernatural influences. If those two fail, the more exotic components can be deactivated or jettisoned and it can keep operating at an acceptable level, like an old space rocket. The most important parts (like those responsible for keeping you alive) are the most mundane, those that are less likely to fail."
"I suppose that could make sense, although I'd still like to keep my rifle."
"That is fine. Just deactivate it. You can summon a new fusion core when we're there. Or I could use the Phoenix's reactor to try to restart the old one."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 19, 2017, 06:37:55 pm

Kosak Durar:

*eyes chair suspiciously*

Sending in Dur-Jitsu choices.

Got it.

You make sure this isn't some sort of mutated Giant Cave Spider-shaped Bronze Colossus and make battle plans in case it is.

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 20, 2017, 08:08:02 am

Saevus, teh ship

To show that he's still around Seeing the others preparing (mostly John), Saevus decides to summon himself a Saevus Jr and hands it a repeater crossbow, so that he can show off a little too.

((Good to have you in the mission.))

You don't get a spacesuit like the rest, the only thing you get is the same radio and zero gravity boots as everyone else. You also have specific instructions to make your way to the front of the passenger area.

The inside of the ship isn't too roomy, it's quite difficult for a man-  I mean for a giant suit of magically animated armor of your size to make its way to the front without shoving the other occupants out of the way. Once there, you notice there's no seat for you, at least none that could hold you comfortably. You are about to make a complaint about the lack of seating for the heavily armored when Icarus contacts you through your radio.
 : Er, well, you see, I was thinking, since you don't have bones or internal organs or blood or the need to breathe, you don't really need a full acceleration seat. :  he awkwardly explains.
 : So I was thinking... I mean, you wouldn't mind being secured along with the cargo, right? Just to be a bit more efficient. :

Being inside the ship makes you feel a bit uneasy. You know it makes no sense since you don't really need to breathe, but you feel like it's waiting for a chance to smother you. Maybe it's just because it's so cramped.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on September 21, 2017, 11:10:50 pm

I've been reading the earliest missions of this game and I enjoy it a lot.  I don't know what the story's like now, but I want to join the game, if that's ok.  Here's a character I came up with.

Spoiler: GigaGiant Character Sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Stephano Falcone
Ability: He possesses special eyes.  By looking at an injured person, he is able to force a person's body to rejuvenate itself, healing all physical injuries, including the regrowth of lost limbs or organs.  However, while this is occurring, the affected person feels severe pain (as if their body is being forcefully torn apart and put back together again) and is unable to focus as a result.  After being healed, the person may experience some temporary side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hunger, feeling dazed, etc.
Appearance: He is six feet tall, has short brown hair, and wears a grey business suit and grey fedora.  He also has gold-tinted green eyes.  He is 25 years old.
Bio: He originates from Italy, born in the 60s.  Shortly after being born, his special eyes began to manifest themselves.  However, the government discovered his unusual abilities, murdered his parents, and stole him away while he was still a baby.  The military recognized his potential, training Stephano to utilize the darker aspects of his ability for torturing and interrogating captured enemies of the state.  Despite serving the government's interests for years, Stephano was always kept locked away and under constant supervision, released for short times only when needed.
Personality:  As a result of his treatment by and services under the harsh government, he is emotionally distant, rarely speaks unless required, mistrusts authority, and is secretly plagued by guilt.  Stephano yearns for the freedom to escape and live a normal life.
Other Notes: His ability requires him to keep his eyes on his target for it to function.  If his eyes are covered or he is blinded, then he can't heal people.  Maybe as he levels up, he can gain new sight/biological-based abilities.

Spooky healer/torturer with possibility to become some sort of medusa-like villain but with weird bihorror mods instead of turning people to stone? I approve. Let me roll for this... No, actually, hold on, a question first. Does this ability affect himself or not? I'd think having it not would make more sense, but I can work with whatever.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: GigaGiant on September 23, 2017, 01:05:06 pm

Quote

Spooky healer/torturer with possibility to become some sort of medusa-like villain but with weird bihorror mods instead of turning people to stone? I approve. Let me roll for this... No, actually, hold on, a question first. Does this ability affect himself or not? I'd think having it not would make more sense, but I can work with whatever

It doesn't work on himself.   I guess I envisioned someone akin to a tragic X-men character, but I'm not too attached to the character.  I'm okay with him being a horror-esque type of character.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 23, 2017, 01:17:16 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"I recognize your right to express that opinion, good sir, but let's wait just a moment and see what happens."

Hold onto my friend here until the Headwater does his thing, since apparently he can do a thing.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 23, 2017, 02:12:42 pm

Tess continues trying to press her hands together, and resumes running in the general opposite direction from the portal. She doesn't really have any idea what else to do.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: NAV on September 23, 2017, 02:40:38 pm

"Your assistant betrayed the monestary so we are arresting him."

Nikolai takes a can of Red Bull out of his pocket and tries to intimidate again.
"Did I ever tell you about the time I killed about twenty monsters with a single throw? Get out of the way."

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Hawk132 on September 23, 2017, 02:45:50 pm

"..."

While not too amused with pretty much being called cargo, Saevus nods and allows himself to be secured.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Xantalos on September 23, 2017, 04:45:38 pm

Alan pretends to put on a pair of sunglasses.

"Baby, distraction is my middle name."

Snappy one-liner!

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Lenglon on September 23, 2017, 09:13:53 pm

I rub against River too, being friendly and comfortable and comforting. I do keep myself alert to danger though as we continue in behind Theri.
Once we catch up to Theri Irine will be switching to hybrid form to help the injured. If you list off injuries I can list off her first-responder actions. Bear in mind that Irine is extremely knowledgeable about normal human biology (creator knows creation rather well) but still lacks more than basic principals of how this world has different biology from the norm.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Toaster on September 23, 2017, 09:42:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 23, 2017, 12:53:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 19, 2017, 04:24:09 pm

Staging Area

I like the AR enhanced sensor HUD idea.  Let's go with that one.

Do I get to take the rifle I summoned earlier with me?  I totally get if that'd be a bit OP to let me pre-summon equipment.

Spoiler: Said rifle (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2017, 07:10:31 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

You cut the bot's power and it shuts down with a sad *bwoop*.

You summon a nice plasma rifle. It has a long barrel with various superconducting magnetic focusing rings. Its main body is circular, holding the synchrotron and the power source, a miniature fusion reactor. It vents part of its reactor content and magnetically accelerates it at high speed. The plasma is contained by the spiral magnetic field the beam itself creates, allowing it to travel a good distance before it dissipates. Even unfocused it could wreak havoc on unarmoured organics and unshielded electronics. Frankly you're not sure how it can work, it would require some very alien physics-breaking materials, but it does. And you are able to arm an army of armoured automatons with it within minutes, so who cares?

When you say "Let's go with that" you mean right now? Or as a plan for the future?

You approach Icarus as he floats up towards the cockpit and ask him if you can take your big gun with you.
"Oh, sure. Just please deactivate the fusion core before we get going. The kind of exotic materials used in this weapon can become unstable when physics change or in the presence of supernatural influences. Leaving it unpowered will reduce the chances of an accident occurring."
You look at him with curiosity as he folds his floating wings into his back and sits on the pilot seat. You point at the spaceship's wings that are of a similar design, floating things detached from the main body, currently stabbed into the ground.
"Wait a second. If my rifle is unstable, doesn't that mean that this spaceship is also unstable?"
Icarus puts his hand in the back of his neck and looks at you awkwardly.
"Well... Yes, you are right in a way. Certain parts can be unstable. But you don't have to worry! There are several ways to prevent that from becoming a serious problem. First of all, the ship tries to maintain a certain set of conditions inside it to help it mitigate the different laws of reality one might encounter in other universes. And it also has good protection against supernatural influences. If those two fail, the more exotic components can be deactivated or jettisoned and it can keep operating at an acceptable level, like an old space rocket. The most important parts (like those responsible for keeping you alive) are the most mundane, those that are less likely to fail."
"I suppose that could make sense, although I'd still like to keep my rifle."
"That is fine. Just deactivate it. You can summon a new fusion core when we're there. Or I could use the Phoenix's reactor to try to restart the old one."

((Yes, meant now.  But let's just wait for spooky spooky physics reasons.))

John nodded.  "No problem; I'll cut it off.  Or just chuck it if it won't go off; sometimes these things are weird like that.  Say... can I ride up front with you?  Need a copilot?"

Request seat upgrade.  Disable rifle if possible, leave it behind if no.

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 24, 2017, 12:20:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 23, 2017, 12:53:41 pm

((Right now you just have +1PWR and roll power to use your ability. You roll to summon dolls, then a separate roll to modify them and a roll for their actions with a third of your PWR bonus (I might change that if I find it too much). Dolls have their own stats that may also add modifiers to your rolls or to rolls about things happening to them (like END rolls if they get damaged). You'll get an upgrade tree at the end of your first mission.))

There's no lasers or tripwires or pressure plates that you can see, so you attempt to create your burglar-doll. You get a short thing with oversized sharp-looking claw-arms and a mischievous grin. It turns out it's not that well suited for delicate tasks. You command it to cut a hole on the glass and it raises its long arms far above its head and then brings them down, slicing and breaking the glass, the frame holding it in place, the dress and the mannequin. The broken display and its contents (the sword included) fall to the marble floor with a great clatter.

You hold your breath for a moment, waiting for the echoes of the destruction to die down. Nothing else happens. But if someone else is around, they definitely heard this.

"A bit too loud for my taste but it should do the job," Napoleon grumbled, still cringing from the display's loud descend to the marble floor as he carefully bend down and picked up the sword. Shaking it loose of glass still clinging to it. Napoleon strapped it to his side and looked around. Unsummoning all but a handful of dolls, he then muttered to himself, "I must now find the door and get out of this godforsaken place. Of course, I should also determine if someone have been alerted by my little mess."

Search for a door, if any, and exit the room. Also, modify one of the dolls to grow larger ears and listen in through the hive mind to hear if someone is coming to investigate. If someone is coming, find a place to hide.

 

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2017, 06:07:02 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 23, 2017, 01:17:16 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"I recognize your right to express that opinion, good sir, but let's wait just a moment and see what happens."

Hold onto my friend here until the Headwater does his thing, since apparently he can do a thing.

You say that, but once again Nikolai is a bit too enthusiastic in his duties... Or maybe he just gets really mad at traitors for some reason. Probably some bad experiences.

Quote from: NAV on September 23, 2017, 02:40:38 pm

"Your assistant betrayed the monestary so we are arresting him."

Nikolai takes a can of Red Bull out of his pocket and tries to intimidate again.
"Did I ever tell you about the time I killed about twenty monsters with a single throw? Get out of the way."

You attempt to intimidate the angry master mage and his cohorts with stories of slaughter and a can of red bull. In your angry waving you manage to trip and fall flat on your ass. The mage is unimpressed.

"What gives you the right to follow or arrest my assistant? You are an outsider. You have no authority here!"
"What gives him the right is the desire to protect his fellow man, to do good."
"And we all saw how good that turned out the last time they did it." Griman says iromically before continuing his protests.
"So you condone this then?"
"Believe me, I never wanted this. But I believe I may have no choice. Because I know now that despite your claims to the contrary, you are the one who betrayed this temple."
By now, everyone has stopped talking and is looking at you. Even Griman's cohorts have backed away to let the Headwater speak.
"Betrayed it? All I did was try to protect it. Because you clearly are unable to. The guard can-"
"So that is why you ordered your assistant to sabotage our defenses and sell us out to the Sovereignty?"
"What?"
"Aren't you the one who crafted this Hex and gave it to him with orders to detonate it in our most protected chamber?"
"That's- No! I did no such thing! What evidence-"
"He is all the evidence I need. Ike identified him as the one who gave him the Hex. And he just heard you giving him orders to take me down."
"The only orders I gave were to-"
The Headwater loud voice overshadows Griman's, letting him be heard over his protests as he questions Griman's assistant.
"Well? Isn't that true? Didn't you want to kill me and surrender Chizra to your masters? To enslave everyone here? To see them suffer?"
"No! You are the one who makes them suffer! You and the ones like you are the one who makes us suffer, who twists and perverts this sacred place! You are a cruel, controlling man and despite the facade you put on, I know you for what you are. I know you would do anything to achieve your dark goals. That is why we do what we have to do. The Sovereignty is the only chance this place has to be free now! Death to the tyrant!"
Griman's assistant makes a move against Nikolai, trying to gain control of the black knife currently in his possession. Griman is momentarily surprised, but eventually reacts by reaching for something in his robes. The Headwater makes a gesture towards the pool in the centre of the room and begins casting a spell. The bystanders around you seem content to be just that for now, being too surprised to act.

((If DAF doesn't post, I'll have him try to restrain everyone involved with darkness, unless anyone has another suggestion.))

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 23, 2017, 04:45:38 pm

Alan pretends to put on a pair of sunglasses.

"Baby, distraction is my middle name."

Snappy one-liner!

"Yeaaaaaaaah!"
...
"Sorry, I felt like doing that for some reason."

"Anyway, we actually need to get in the temple if we want to climb to the top and use its awesome waterslides. Going through the front gate might not be the best idea. We could just bluff our way in, but I know they have windows and balconies. It's probably easier to summon a ladder or some other way to go high and just go through a window."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 23, 2017, 09:13:53 pm

I rub against River too, being friendly and comfortable and comforting. I do keep myself alert to danger though as we continue in behind Theri.
Once we catch up to Theri Irine will be switching to hybrid form to help the injured. If you list off injuries I can list off her first-responder actions. Bear in mind that Irine is extremely knowledgeable about normal human biology (creator knows creation rather well) but still lacks more than basic principals of how this world has different biology from the norm.

River wags his tail happily. You guess he's just trying to make himself less anxious. And maybe do the same for you and the rest.

I would be quite interested in that as I like to learn new things. But for the exact same reason it wouldn't be that useful because I don't know much about keeping people alive, so in the end I'd just roll for it. After all, it's one thing knowing how something works and another thing entirely to know how to turn that knowledge into actions and execute those actions correctly. The way biology differs here is that magic is a base component of everything, so injuries suffered (both physical and mental) also unbalance the magical flows that make up someone, giving the potential for rare, strange complications. But that's not really something you would norally need to worry about unless dealing with magical damage or some other uncommon thing.

I'm tired. Rambling again. Let's just roll for this.
You do an OK job aiding the injured, trying to increase their chances of surviving. You have some trouble moving the more heavy amongst the injured to the appropriate position, so you enlist San's help to do so. Though reluctant at first, his resolve is strengthened by Theri encouraging him to be brave. River has little to do during all this, spending most of his time sniffing around and keeping watch. All and all, you think you and Theri did an OK job at stopping them from dying, considering you have no tools with which to perform surgery and no string with which to suture wounds.

You're not sure what more you should try now. You could try to perform more in depth medicine to them. You could try caring for them until they are healthy enough to walk (or die) but that could take several days and you would most likely be forced to remain here, a wide open field where those birds could return at any moment to finish what they started. Or you could do something else.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 24, 2017, 12:20:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 23, 2017, 12:53:41 pm

((Right now you just have +1PWR and roll power to use your ability. You roll to summon dolls, then a separate roll to modify them and a roll for their actions with a third of your PWR bonus (I might change that if I find it too much). Dolls have their own stats that may also add modifiers to your rolls or to rolls about things happening to them (like END rolls if they get damaged). You'll get an upgrade tree at the end of your first mission.))

There's no lasers or tripwires or pressure plates that you can see, so you attempt to create your burglar-doll. You get a short thing with oversized sharp-looking claw-arms and a mischievous grin. It turns out it's not that well suited for delicate tasks. You command it to cut a hole on the glass and it raises its long arms far above its head and then brings them down, slicing and breaking the glass, the frame holding it in place, the dress and the mannequin. The broken display and its contents (the sword included) fall to the marble floor with a great clatter.

You hold your breath for a moment, waiting for the echoes of the destruction to die down. Nothing else happens. But if someone else is around, they definitely heard this.

"A bit too loud for my taste but it should do the job," Napoleon grumbled, still cringing from the display's loud descend to the marble floor as he carefully bend down and picked up the sword. Shaking it loose of glass still clinging to it. Napoleon strapped it to his side and looked around. Unsummoning all but a handful of dolls, he then muttered to himself, "I must now find the door and get out of this godforsaken place. Of course, I should also determine if someone have been alerted by my little mess."

Search for a door, if any, and exit the room. Also, modify one of the dolls to grow larger ears and listen in through the hive mind to hear if someone is coming to investigate. If someone is coming, find a place to hide.

((Hmmm... Would extra large ears actually work? I mean, dolls don't have ears in the first place... On the other hand, larger ears would help focus the sounds to whatever supernatural sensory organs the dolls use... Eh, I'll allow it.))

You carefully pick up the sword and strap it on yourself. You get +1 Fancy.

There is indeed a door. You attempt to open it. It's locked. Well.

You suppose you could wait for someone to come. Or you could just try to open it somehow. Or maybe try to break that window and fall down, it's only one storey high. You've already started breaking things, so continuing wouldn't be that terrible, right?

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 23, 2017, 02:12:42 pm

Tess continues trying to press her hands together, and resumes running in the general opposite direction from the portal. She doesn't really have any idea what else to do.

((Feel free to 'wake up' whenever you want to participate on the mission, I'll assume you're just following someone until then. Or you can be both in the mission and in the introduction at once if you promise to not do something that requires rolling in the introduction.))

You continue slowly bringing your hands together and running away. The sounds of combat continue somewhere behind you until they are eventually silenced. And then something slams in the ground in front of you, knocking you on your back. The nearby civilians back away amidst gasps and wows.
"Look at that."
"It's the protector."
"What is going on?"
There is a boy with golden wings in front of you, pointing some sort of ray gun at you.
"Attention villain! Cease your evil deeds immediately or I will be forced to subdue you with... force!"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2017, 06:07:24 pm

Quote from: Hawk132 on September 23, 2017, 02:45:50 pm

"..."

While not too amused with pretty much being called cargo, Saevus nods and allows himself to be secured.

You follow Icarus' instructions and position yourself at the front of the passenger section. Padded restraints come out of the walls and secure you in place, trying to distribute pressure equally.

Quote from: Toaster on September 23, 2017, 09:42:47 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 23, 2017, 12:53:41 pm

Quote from: Toaster on September 19, 2017, 04:24:09 pm

Staging Area

I like the AR enhanced sensor HUD idea.  Let's go with that one.

Do I get to take the rifle I summoned earlier with me?  I totally get if that'd be a bit OP to let me pre-summon equipment.

Spoiler: Said rifle (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2017, 07:10:31 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2017, 08:36:12 pm

"Right, then, naptime."

Deactivate it.

Now let's try a rifle.  Let's say... a nice energy rifle, military grade.  How fast is it summoning now?  How fast would it take to copy?

You cut the bot's power and it shuts down with a sad *bwoop*.

You summon a nice plasma rifle. It has a long barrel with various superconducting magnetic focusing rings. Its main body is circular, holding the synchrotron and the power source, a miniature fusion reactor. It vents part of its reactor content and magnetically accelerates it at high speed. The plasma is contained by the spiral magnetic field the beam itself creates, allowing it to travel a good distance before it dissipates. Even unfocused it could wreak havoc on unarmoured organics and unshielded electronics. Frankly you're not sure how it can work, it would require some very alien physics-breaking materials, but it does. And you are able to arm an army of armoured automatons with it within minutes, so who cares?

When you say "Let's go with that" you mean right now? Or as a plan for the future?

You approach Icarus as he floats up towards the cockpit and ask him if you can take your big gun with you.
"Oh, sure. Just please deactivate the fusion core before we get going. The kind of exotic materials used in this weapon can become unstable when physics change or in the presence of supernatural influences. Leaving it unpowered will reduce the chances of an accident occurring."
You look at him with curiosity as he folds his floating wings into his back and sits on the pilot seat. You point at the spaceship's wings that are of a similar design, floating things detached from the main body, currently stabbed into the ground.
"Wait a second. If my rifle is unstable, doesn't that mean that this spaceship is also unstable?"
Icarus puts his hand in the back of his neck and looks at you awkwardly.
"Well... Yes, you are right in a way. Certain parts can be unstable. But you don't have to worry! There are several ways to prevent that from becoming a serious problem. First of all, the ship tries to maintain a certain set of conditions inside it to help it mitigate the different laws of reality one might encounter in other universes. And it also has good protection against supernatural influences. If those two fail, the more exotic components can be deactivated or jettisoned and it can keep operating at an acceptable level, like an old space rocket. The most important parts (like those responsible for keeping you alive) are the most mundane, those that are less likely to fail."
"I suppose that could make sense, although I'd still like to keep my rifle."
"That is fine. Just deactivate it. You can summon a new fusion core when we're there. Or I could use the Phoenix's reactor to try to restart the old one."

((Yes, meant now.  But let's just wait for spooky spooky physics reasons.))

John nodded.  "No problem; I'll cut it off.  Or just chuck it if it won't go off; sometimes these things are weird like that.  Say... can I ride up front with you?  Need a copilot?"

Request seat upgrade.  Disable rifle if possible, leave it behind if no.

Okay, then in that case you get exactly what you wanted. A suit of sensors located in various parts of your body that can project information on your visor. You've got to use voice commands through your radio or use your Interface to direct them to do something, but they're smart enough to be able to follow simple orders, like "highlight motion" or "make a map".

John nodded.  "No problem; I'll cut it off.  Or just chuck it if it won't go off; sometimes these things are weird like that."
"Brilliant!"
You power down the fusion core and keep it on your rifle for later. If you can't get it to reactivate, you can just try to copy it and hope the copy is active. Or maybe find another source of ammunition and power for it on the Maximus.

"Say... can I ride up front with you?  Need a copilot?"
"Yes! That would be brilliant!"
He turns around and fiddles with something on the cockpit. Some of those floating rectangles that form the Phoenix's wings move into position to allow you to climb up to the cockpit. They feel surprisingly steady, they don't move at all when you step on them. You get up and sit on the co-pilot seat. It's quite similar to the ones located on the passenger area, but with a slightly different configuration for your arms and head, allowing you to move them more freely. There's two control sticks, one for translation and one for rotation, as well as a keyboard and a screen. The pilot's controls are similar, but instead of a keyboard and screen there's lots of smaller MFDs and switches. With a couple of keypresses and switch-flips, the wings return to their previous configuration and the canopy begins closing.

Icarus caresses a picture wedged between two screens as the canopy closes. It looks like it was part of a greater picture once, its right side has been torn. On the left side of the picture, there's a woman in golden armor, holding a sword and a shield. On its right there's a bare-chested man with angel-like wings sprouting from his back, holding a spear that looks much like yours. That done, he lays back on the pilot's chair. The back of his neck opens up, revealing various ports. A few wires rise out of the pilot's seat and embed themselves in the ports. Out of curiosity, you direct your ranged technopathy towards him and are a bit surprised to find his outer body is completely mechanical (you can't tell more than that because he appears to have protection from your ESP similar to the Phoenix). And yet when you look at him, it looks like he has real skin and real muscles underneath that skin.
"You can ask about it if you want."
"What do you mean?"
"My body. It's synthetic. But I don't mind talking about it. You can just ask, you don't have to use your abilities on it."
"Oh, so your sensors let you know when people try something like that?"
"Yes. My sensors. And my soul. It would be similar if I tried looking into you or changing your body by supernatural means. If I wasn't subtle enough your soul would instinctively try to fight back against the intrusion. And if your defense was stronger than my attack, you would succeed."
"Does that mean that the Phoenix also has a soul?"
"Ummm... In a way. Not like you or me, but it does have one, yes."
Hmmm... Maybe that's why it didn't automatically get 'improved' by my power like other machines I use.
"Does the ship we're going to the... how did you call it? Maximus?"
"Yeah. Latte Maximus."
"Strange name."
"Well, the Light chose the first part, the Dark chose the second part. And when you start getting in the scale of universes, you have so many ships that even if you use completely random words to name them you still get overlap. But having mostly random, quirky and/or smart names means you have less chances of running into someone with the same name. That gets awkward."
"Yeah, so, is the Maximus going to have a soul too?"
"That's... a hard question. A good one, but also a hard one. I don't know in what state that poor ship is going to be in. But I do know that it has heavy shielding against supernatural influences from the outside and many of the internal components also have similiar but weaker protection."
"So you use that connection to fly?"
"It's easier. Lets me feel the Phoenix as an extension of my body and react as fast as I can think. But, as you can see, there are redundancies in place, in case there's a problem with the link or in case someone else has to fly the ship."

While you are talking, without any visible inputs from Icarus, the ship shudders and begins to move. The acceleration seats begin engulfing you in their protective embrace. As you fly, you ask Icarus to give you some pointers to get you started with this computer thing. He gives you the way to search for commands and the way to display a command's manual entry, as well as a few basic commands about how to partition your screen to different segments and display some basic information like position and relative speed. This should help you understand what he's doing a bit better. Good thing the entities gave you an understanding of this language.

---

The Phoenix's ramp closes as the ship starts floating higher, accompanied by a mechanical whine that increases in pitch. Its wings rise out of where they had stabbed themselves into the ground and fold into a more conventional shape. You can see all this through a convenient screen on the back of the seat in front of you (or on the cargo compartment in the case of Saevus) that gives you a view of whichever side of the ship you want (except for Brian who just uses his eyes to look wherever he wants and John who can look around from the cockpit).
 : Okay guys, this is it. Next stop, the Sage Cluster. :
Normally the screen would not be visible, as it is hidden behind the various mechanical limbs on the back of the seat. But by now those limbs have began extending, most of them forming a soft transparent protective cocoon around you, reinforcing it with a gel-like substance. Some of them connect with ports in your spacesuit, pumping you full of unknown substances. And then the Phoenix's wings expand and you immediately know why the special seats were necessary as you feel its insane acceleration.
 : Acceleration seats engaged. Charging jump device. :
The inside of the ship remains mostly the same, but the view of the outside provided by the screens becomes more and more dim. But then you realise that it's not the view that's getting dim, it's the world itself. The clouds around you become darker, yet the golden floating rectangles that make up the wings of the Phoenix are still visible, glowing with their own internal light. John's technosense gives him the feeling like the ship is evaporating, becoming transparent, quickly disappearing from his mind's eye.
 : Phase state normal and aligned with the target universe. Jump device charged. Coordinates set for Midnight Star. Materialization point locked. Jumping in 3, 2, 1... :
There is no great vortex or flash of light. One moment the Phoenix is floating alone in a dark void, the next it is floating in an entirely different black void on an entirely different universe and everything is back to normal.
 : Jump successful. We are alone. :
With that, you begin your journey through the worlds of the Sage Cluster towards your final destination.

Spoiler: The Journey (click to show/hide)

The screens show the outside world is completely dark, save for an incredibly bright point of light. Even when Brian's vortexes get in front of it, it doesn't get darker, merely a bit distorted.
 : This is Midnight Star, our insertion point. Single star-like object, a few small rocks. Stable, safe. :
You feel the Phoenix accelerate once more. It accelerates away from the star, towards the emptiness surrounding it.
 : We're supposed to meet an escort on the next two systems. They'll get us the rest of the way to Deserted Haystack. :
Without any reference points, it's hard to judge where exactly you're going or how fast you are moving. But eventually the acceleration stops for a moment, the ship turns around and then you start accelerating in the opposite direction. The wonders of brachistochrone trajectories.
 : This was the closest world to Deserted Haystack (that we know of) that can support a stable materialization point. It would be too risky to make a jump to an unknown and potentially unstable destination. We'll be using the Streams that connect the worlds of the Sage Cluster to make our way to our destination. :
As was to be expected by anyone with some knowledge of physics, it takes about as much time as it took you to accelerate to finish decelerating. The view of the outside world remains completely unchanged during all this time. This patch of empty space looks much the same as any other patch of empty space.
 : Stream entry point reached. Engaging Stream Breakers. :
Unlike the rather anti-climactic jump drive, the Stream Breakers provide more of a show. The wings of the Phoenix extend forward and glow. The glow spreads to the space in front of the ship, forming a bubble that soon turns into a glowing tunnel of light. Before long, the tunnel ends, dumping you into your destination.
 : Transition successful. Entering system: Black Hole Sun. :
Black Hole Sun is a lot more trippy than your previous location. It is full of black pillars, all parallel to each other, all perfectly round, extending towards infinity. At some central point there is the 'sun' after which the system is named, a point of darkness that, as you can tell by looking at the hull of the Phoenix, makes the colour of everything it touches appear inverted. It also makes the Stream entry point behind you look very bright compared to the rest of this grey void.

From the cockpit, John can see that the canopy has trouble adjusting to these conditions, changing its opacity as it tries and fails to keep the effect out of the cockpit, only managing to stop it when it has turned completely dark and opaque. Suddenly the cockpit feels more like a cramped submarine cockpit to John as he is forced to use the screen in front of him to try to figure out what's going on. By accessing the ship's sensors, he can tell despite the interference that there is something else waiting for them there, floating nearby. Sensors show it is a giant protective bowl with a very long engine block trailing behind it.

: This is Electra Kelvin of the Dark, captain of the vessel Infinite Sloop. We have orders to escort you to the next Stream entry point. :
 : Hi Electra! I am happy to meet you. :
: Well, I am not! I don't know what they expect you to do there, but I bet me and my crew could do it ten times better. You're just wasting our time and getting more people killed. :
 : I-I didn't - :
: They should had let us go in the moment we got the distress signal. You goody-two-shoes probably think this is all a game. You can't take it seriously. :
 : I really don't- :
: Stay in our warp-shadow and keep up. Captain Kelvin out. *static* :
"... Oh, well. Off we go!"

The Infinite Sloop takes point, with the Phoenix following closely, staying right behind it. There is something in the 'air' of this place that causes interference and slows everything down, but staying behind the lead ship seems to minimize the effects. The two vessels travel through the 'forest' for some time, making their way between the rows of pillars in right angles, constantly flipping their colours as they pass through the shadows of the pillars. There is very rarely a pillar with a 'branch' on it, a smaller pillar that extends from it in a 45 degree angle, those help break the monotony a bit, but otherwise this place looks as dead and empty as the last one you were in. Which is to say, it's really boring, especially when you're trapped in a seat and can barely move, can't even scratch your nose.

 : I spy with my litte eye something beginning with P. :  Icarus' voice says through the passenger area speakers, trying to alleviate the boredom a bit.
"Is it pillar?"
 : Yes! Now you do one! :
"I spy something beginning with C."
 : Hmm... Is it a cabin light? :
"No."
"Is it the cargo compartment?"
"No."
"Is it a chair?"
"No."
"Is it a corner?"
"No."
"Is a corner even a valid choice?"
"Of course it's a valid choice."
"Well, it's not really an object, it's more of a concept."
"It is something you see with your eyes."
 : Anyway, what was it? What else is in here that's starting with C? :
"This Crushing feeling of boredom."
"OK, now that's definitely not a valid choice."

You eventually reach another Stream entry point, another incredibly bright point against the grey void and black trunks.

: This is it. Make your way through this Stream and brace for kinetic interference on the other side. :
 : Okay. Bye! Thanks for- :
: Do us all a favour and die quickly. *static* :
The Infinite Sloop turns around and blasts off into the opposite direction, quickly becoming a distant point flipping between darkness and light as it passes through the pillar's shadows.
"She was... helpful."
The Phoenix engages its Stream Breakers and disappears into the ensuing vortex.

It's not long before you reach the other side.
 : Entering system: Screwdriver North. Locking wings in- :
The ship shudders and then all acceleration stops.
 : We've got kinetic interference, as expected. Shields are holding but we've lost control. We can't move at all. Can't even rotate. :
The cameras show the outside world is full of colored beads moving through space, following invisible routes as if they're part of a giant, invisible Rube Goldberg device. And it looks like by entering this system, you became part of it.
 : Powering down engines. Engaging inertial guidance system. :
The hull of the ship moves as if it has no mass, no inertia, as if it's an object on rails set by some video game programmer. But the laws of physics they are familiar with still apply to the passenger of the shielded vehicle, so every sudden change of direction is felt as a sudden acceleration, mitigated by their acceleration seats.
: This is Ray Swan of the Light, captain of the vessel Fractal Duck. Good to see you again kid. :
 : Ray Swan? Oh, wow! What are you doing here? Last I heard you were training in Haydsen Six. :
: Yeah, well, after that whole incident with the chicken I started looking for a transfer, and volunteered for any job I could find. :
 : Chicken... incident? :
: Uh, don't think about it, nothing important. So, anyway, I thought I got a lucky break when I was selected for a mission in another universe, but it turns out all they have me do here is look at weird things and then feed them into a computer. :
 : That... doesn't sound like the proper way to use a computer. :
: Feed the information. I meant feed the information into a computer. :
 : Oh, yeah, that's more reasonable. But, I dunno, I think these worlds are interesting. :
: Eh, the novelty wears off after a couple of years. Branch point up ahead, follow me hard to port. :
The Phoenix reaches a weakpoint in the fabric of this world, a place where the "tracks" branch off and objects can move freely for a second. Its wings flare up for a moment and it follows the Fractal Duck down another set of rails.
: You gotta be careful going through here. You don't know when a decision tree might mutate and you end up stuck in an infinite loop for the next hundred years. It's gotten a lot worse since Lonely Sandbox exploded. :
 : It's so wonderful how they can all move without colliding or getting stuck... :
: Eh. Just give it time. I'm sure it will happen eventually. But anyway, yeah, almost a full Guardian now. Frankly this whole training thing is moving a bit slower than expected. :
 : It can't be that boring. :
: Oh, no, certainly not boring. Did I ever tell you about the time I went on a mission with Stellar to Exax Seven? :
 : No, I don't think I've heard that one before. :
: Okay, so the seniors gather all of us up, say it's really important and all that and we... :

...

: ... So, me and her are there all alone, completely surrounded and I'm like, 'there's no way I'm getting out of this one alive'. And then Stellar punches the guy right in the- :
Ray is interrupted by a warning beep, followed by a sudden acceleration.
: Oh. We're here. Looks like we'll have to finish that story another time. :
 : I'll hold you to that. :
: I'll stay close to the entry point and keep my ears open. Just say the word and me and the Duck will be there in no time. :
 : Thanks Ray, I'll remember that. :
: We've only sent drones in the next one. Some sort of living things in there. Feed off of energy. They shouldn't be much trouble if you keep your distance. Just be careful of the atmosphere, it blinds long range sensors. :
 : Okay. :
: We haven't gotten a probe to Deserted Haystack yet, so I can't tell you what's there. We've only caught glimpses of the stream entry point, but we got its most recent coordinates. Sending them over now. :
 : Got it. See you soon. :
: Good luck kid. Get'em home. :
 : Will do. :
With that, the Phoenix is pushed into the Stream entry point and flies through it, moving on to the next world.

 : Entering system: Empty Breeze. Switching to atmospheric mode. :
The next system looks like something out of a fantasy book. Endless skies and clouds of various colours as far as the eye can see. Even the air is breathable with some filtering and the temperatures are cold but bearable with the proper equipment. There's no gravity though and while it looks like there's light coming from somewhere, it's all spread out so evenly it's hard to tell where exactly it comes from.

John was not idle during his time in the co-pilot seat. In the lulls in activity, he's been familiarizing himself with the Phoenix's sensor controls, letting him aid Icarus by directing sensor pulses at whatever looks fishy. Which turns out to be a good thing, as he discovers a cloud hides something solid inside it. At the speed they're going he doesn't have time to warn Icarus but it turns out he doesn't have to, as Icarus has used his connection to the ship to witness John's discovery. The ship tilts its wings and accelerates, dodging the solid thing. The vortices generated by the Phoenix's passing pull the cloud away, briefly revealing the solid thing underneath it. It looks like a mountain top, filled with small cave-like holes. As the wind recedes, the cloud takes its previous place over the rock, once again hiding it from sight and sensors.
"Phew."
"Yeah, that was a phew moment alright."
"Wonder what that was."
"Wouldn't want to find out by colliding with it."
"Yeah. Thanks John."
"Don't mention it. Besides, I'm in the same boat as you. Literally."
"Haha! You're calling my ship a boat?"
"Well, it's a very beautiful boat, if it's any consolation."
"I would accept plane or spaceship. But boat?"
"How about spaceplane?"
"Awesome spaceplane?"
"I bet I could make it more awesome."
"Nah, you'd probably just end up cutting your legs off and merging with it somehow."
"Hey, I'm awesome enough to make things I merge with even more awesome."
"Probably, but I still don't think that's valid."
"You're merged with it to make it more awesome right now."
"Touché."

During your journey through this sector you encounter those energy-feeders Ray warned you about. From the glimpses you catch of them on cameras, they look like translucent bird-like creatures, barely visible as they soar through the clouds. They are quite quick and surprisingly intelligent, trying to lead you into up ambushes in dark clouds or trying to surround you. But the Phoenix is quicker and nimbler, dodging them and outrunning them before they can become too dangerous, and John and Icarus are able to use its advanced sensors to find ambushes before the could become a danger. Eventually the energy-feeders give up, probably realizing that the Phoenix is not worth the trouble.

With them off your back, you are able to reach the Stream entry point without wasting too much time. You go through the Stream, the one that will lead you to Deserted Haystack, the system that holds your target.

Icarus redirects all power to shields and shutdowns anything that is not necessary, bracing for your entry into the unknown system. The moment you are through the Stream you are faced with a sudden deceleration. The ship rocks violently in every direction and begins to spin. Overlapping warning beeps of various pitches and frequencies fill the air and several different warning lights begin flashing.
 : We're at Deserted Haystack. Switching to Aquatic Mode. :
The Phoenix's wings rearrange themselves into a thicker, more curved configuration and lock themselves in place, making it look like a mix between a plane and a dolphin. This allows it to regain some semblance of control and stop itself from spinning.
 : We've got... unstable... unstable conditions. Too much turbulence. Pressure still rising. Shield is strained but holding for now. :
Sections of the Phoenix light up, sending rays of light into your surroundings. For the few metres around you they manage to illuminate, they reveal nothing but murky waters spinning with violent turbulence.
 : I can't see anything, I- I have... something on sensors. It's- I think it's the beacon. I'm going to need another pulse to confirm location. :
The Phoenix reorients itself and cuts a path through the liquid, leaving a trail of quickly collapsing bubbles behind it. Those of you with a very good sense of direction (or John who can just look at the inertial guidance system) can tell that you are moving away from your entry point.
 : Yes, it's the Maximus' emergency beacon. Still attempting triangulation... This liquid is interfering with my sensors. Still unable to determine the liquid's composition. :
The Phoenix stops rocking from side to side. Almost. The more perceptive amongst you can still feel sudden accelerations from time to time, dulled by your acceleration seats. There's also a constant noise, the vibrations caused by the liquid hitting the ship travelling through the hull.
 : Turbulence is fading. Pressure stabilizing. I think we're okay. Getting back to the Stream entry point will require some good flying though. :
All and all, it hasn't been more than 5 minutes since you entered the system, but it feels like it's been much longer. Thankfully things have calmed down for now, which gives Icarus and John some time to silence all those alarms that have popped up.
 : The flow of the liquid is drawing us away from our every point and towards the beacon. Pressure still stable though. It doesn't look like it increases too much as you go further in. I haven't generated a set of infons yet but I think there's no gravity here. :
 : The beacon's signal is coming from in there, which makes sense. If the ship has no power then it makes sense for it to go with the flow. I'll head there as fast as I can. :
 : Or it could be because it has been destroyed and only the beacon is left. :
 : I try to hope that is not the case. :
There are a few more minutes of somewhat quiet travel. The liquid appears quite good at absorbing radiation, so John and Icarus switch to using sonar, which has somewhat better range. It still doesn't reveal anything of interest around them. Just this constantly moving liquid.
 : Still can't see the Maximus, I only have the beacon to go on. It's nearby, but I- :
The ship's sonar picks up a distant rumbling noise and pipes it through to the speakers of the passenger section.
 : Wait, we have... Sonar says something coming... It's got a rocket engine, it's- Torpedo inbound, brace for evasive action! :
The passengers have few options, trapped in their acceleration chairs, but they tense up anyway in response to Icarus' warning. The Phoenix's wings light up, sending forth energy beams that try to pierce through the liquid surrounding them.
 : Firing weapons... No effect! This liquid absorbs energy too well. :
The Phoenix continues its attack but angles its wings so that it moves sideways. The torpedo is visible for a moment through the cameras as a bright point of light, then the Phoenix jerks upwards and then down again, putting the Torpedo on its sights. Now there's little distance between them and the Icarus can hit its less armoured sides. The torpedo explodes, the shock-wave traveling through the liquid and causing the ship to shudder.
 : Got it! Still moving towards the beacon as fast as I can. :
There is about 30 seconds of quiet travel before there is a slight change in direction.
 : I've got something on sensors. Looks like the Maximus. No power readings. I bet that's why I couldn't see it. Looks mostly intact, some damage to one of the fins but it doesn't- :
He is interrupted by a warning beep.
 : Wait, a defensive turret is powering- Another torpedo launch. Source is a defensive turret on the Fore Cargo compartment. :

 : This is Icarus of the Light, captain of the Phoenix. This is a rescue operation, we mean you no harm! Stop firing! :
Icarus pleads on the radio for the shooting to stop for a few seconds, but his pleas go unanswered. The torpedo continues to fly towards them. And soon it is joined by another.
 : Please, stop firing! We are here to help! Let us dock and we can aid you! We can- Another torpedo launch. I can hold them off but not forever. We need a way to either stop the turret or get in the Maximus. :
The Phoenix flips around and intercepts the second torpedo. The passengers can't really see much through the blur that is their screens, but they can feel the shockwave of another explosion.
 : The Maximus is not responding, so I can't open up a hangar. And the Phoenix's weapons need time to cut through its armour. Either we ditch the Phoenix and get in through the damaged fin, I eject you close to the turret to try to disable it or I eject you close to a hangar door to try and open it. Unless you have a better suggestion or want to split up. That's all I can think of right now. :

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(https://imgur.com/JKnqbio)

---

OOC

Today was a long day... I hope I haven't made too many mistakes. Got to sleep now.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 25, 2017, 06:22:20 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Drop me at this "turret". It's good as destroyed!"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2017, 06:38:44 pm

((I thought I could not understand the language of the people around me. Is this an error, or should I roll with it? No pun intended.))

((Also, I can do both the mission and the intro simultaneously. No rolling, honest.))

Introduction, Tess:

"V-Villain? I'm not a villain! I'm a ref... referee... referugee! Refugee! I'm a safe person! Wait, no! I'm a person who isn't safe! No, not like that! I can't think right now! I'm scared! But I'm not evil! I just want help!"

Space-mission, Tess:

Tess sits in her seat, paddling her feet, still enamored by the mysteries of this craft. She seems to be treating it like a ride.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 25, 2017, 09:42:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2017, 06:07:02 pm

((Hmmm... Would extra large ears actually work? I mean, dolls don't have ears in the first place... On the other hand, larger ears would help focus the sounds to whatever supernatural sensory organs the dolls use... Eh, I'll allow it.))

You carefully pick up the sword and strap it on yourself. You get +1 Fancy.

There is indeed a door. You attempt to open it. It's locked. Well.

You suppose you could wait for someone to come. Or you could just try to open it somehow. Or maybe try to break that window and fall down, it's only one storey high. You've already started breaking things, so continuing wouldn't be that terrible, right?

"The door's locked. Well, There goes part of my magnificent plan," Napoleon muttered as he went over to a window. Looking down, he guessed that the room he's currently in is one story high. With a rope of dolls, he could climb down. However, the incident with the display convinced him not to take such a chance unless absolutely necessary. After all, even a glorious prince such as himself cannot hope to survive such a fall.

Turning back to the door, Napoleon thought about modifying a doll into a moving battering ram to knock down the door. However, he then decided to make that Plan B. If someone was in this building, it is likely that they were on their way here. The sensible thing to do is to wait.

After turning off the lights, Napoleon will leave a doll motionless among the remains of the display. After finding a good place to hide, he would then wait until someone unlocks the door and will attempt to slip pass them and out of the room while they're distracted by the doll.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on September 25, 2017, 10:04:09 pm

John, before Launch

"So if it doesn't... truly have a soul, will I be able to interface with it?  Or more importantly, will I damage something if I try to force my way in?"

---

Aboard the Phoenix

"I'm down with getting out and going in myself, but one quick question; can I link the Phoenix's sensors with my HUD?  It'd be nice to have external backup,
 even if it's through this weird space soup.  Boy, am I going to have a lot of questions about all this later."

"Anyway, how much of the ship is likely compromised because of hull damage?  How much worse can we make it by forcing our way in?"

Title: Re: Special People: IN SPACE!
Post by: GigaGiant on September 25, 2017, 11:17:59 pm

I updated my character sheet slightly.  I changed the color of the name to be the color that Stephano will talk with, and the sheet mentions that he can't heal himself.

Spoiler: GigaGiant Character Sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Stephano Falcone
Ability: He possesses special eyes.  By looking at an injured person (excluding himself), he is able to force a person's body to rejuvenate itself, healing all physical injuries, including the regrowth of lost limbs or organs.  However, while this is occurring, the affected person feels severe pain (as if their body is being forcefully torn apart and put back together again) and is unable to focus as a result.  After being healed, the person may experience some temporary side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hunger, feeling dazed, etc.
Appearance: He is six feet tall, has short brown hair, and wears a grey business suit and grey fedora.  He also has gold-tinted green eyes.  He is 25 years old.
Bio: He originates from Italy, born in the 60s.  Shortly after being born, his special eyes began to manifest themselves.  However, the government discovered his unusual abilities, murdered his parents, and stole him away while he was still a baby.  The military recognized his potential, training Stephano to utilize the darker aspects of his ability for torturing and interrogating captured enemies of the state.  Despite serving the government's interests for years, Stephano was always kept locked away and under constant supervision, released for short times only when needed.
Personality:  As a result of his treatment by and services under the harsh government, he is emotionally distant, rarely speaks unless required, mistrusts authority, and is secretly plagued by guilt.  Stephano yearns for the freedom to escape and live a normal life.
Other Notes: His ability requires him to keep his eyes on his target for it to function.  If his eyes are covered or he is blinded, then he can't heal people.  Maybe as he levels up, he can gain new sight/biological-based abilities.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Paxiecrunchle on September 25, 2017, 11:28:29 pm

So i'm thinking about joining this this weekend, should I post the character sheet here or somewhere else?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on September 26, 2017, 12:21:10 am

PM it to Paris if you don't want him to hash out all the details in-thread.  Since this can be PVP it may help to keep some details to yourself.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 12:47:02 am

...
How far are we from the monestary? Our best bet is probably to stabilize and then go bring back help.

---

((I'm thinking Irine stays with the injured along with Trisword, and Theri, San, and River go to the monestary.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 26, 2017, 12:49:50 am

Quote from: Toaster on September 25, 2017, 10:04:09 pm

John, before Launch

"So if it doesn't... truly have a soul, will I be able to interface with it?  Or more importantly, will I damage something if I try to force my way in?"

"You could interface with it if you physically broke or bypassed its protection or if you overwhelmed it with raw power. That could cause some damage if you aren't careful."

Quote from: Toaster on September 25, 2017, 10:04:09 pm

Aboard the Phoenix

"I'm down with getting out and going in myself, but one quick question; can I link the Phoenix's sensors with my HUD?  It'd be nice to have external backup, even if it's through this weird space soup.  Boy, am I going to have a lot of questions about all this later."

"Anyway, how much of the ship is likely compromised because of hull damage?  How much worse can we make it by forcing our way in?"

"You can try."

"I don't see any hull damage beyond that on the fin. Unless there's something I'm not seeing, the doors should have come down and isolated the liquid to those few rooms that got exposed to the outside. Now that the ship is unpowered though, if you make a new hole the liquid will probably flood the next compartment until it finds a sealed door. So try to seal any holes you make."

Quote from: Paxiecrunchle on September 25, 2017, 11:28:29 pm

So i'm thinking about joining this this weekend, should I post the character sheet here or somewhere else?

Yeah, what Toaster said. Either post it here or PM it to me if you wanna keep the details of your character a secret.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 26, 2017, 12:56:53 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 12:47:02 am

...
How far are we from the monestary? Our best bet is probably to stabilize and then go bring back help.

---

((I'm thinking Irine stays with the injured along with Trisword, and Theri, San, and River go to the monestary.))

If it's just Theri then it's about a day, maybe half a day if she pushes herself. And then whatever time it takes to bring help back. Maybe 2-3 days total.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:13:25 am

Yeah, but its not safe here. we need to get San and River out. How long for them to get to the monestary?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on September 26, 2017, 01:16:31 am

((Argh, updates happened and being skipped over in a turn? No! :-[
Thanks for automating me as best as possible Parisbre :) ))

Get the wounded to a better area, ask Irine to establish a defensive perimeter of magic, or warding. Also note to be with San if and when he gets exposed to the...situation.
Thoroughly check for other wounded and make the best of the situation via improvisation.

Theri was glad for telepathy--she had signaled the impact of the situation to Irine as she was musing on how to make the best of the situation. She was also hit by the bittersweet note of hindsight; if she had let San go with these travelers, inasmuch as she was ambivalent back then, he may be part of-...something she pushed away to think about later.

As Irine pulled up with River, Theri asked aloud.

"I wish I knew magic, Irine. I wish I knew what you knew. My knowledge is bound to the laws of the environment around me. I don't know how you do all these. But I think that's all we can do. I found some water there and cleaned what I could; all that's left is for them to heal, and recuperate. I'm giving it a couple of days at least, with the intensity of such wounds.

"...Can you try speaking to them? In mind?"

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:13:25 am

Yeah, but its not safe here. we need to get San and River out. How long for them to get to the monestary?

((Oh heya :3 I'm not that late then! And yes, I believe I can carry a young kid much like a backpack and a pupper quite well. I think?))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:23:58 am

"I can, but my innate telepathy is one-way. I can speak, but they can't respond. The commwires would work better, and any of us can use those. And you have magic too Theri, you just don't have a good grasp on how to use it. At your current understanding, your best bet if you want to use it is to simply want something really badly, your body will handle the rest on its own. But as for warding or stuff like that, that's not really my thing. I could make a ring of fire, but that wouldn't be a good idea. The sword can probably do better."

---

edit: ((oh, and Paris, if you want to know medical stuff, Tir will generally be better. She has actual med school training. What I have is a whole lot of different kinds of first-responder training. As a rule of thumb, I can save you from dying on the spot, but what I can do needs to be supplemented by the work of a proper doctor or surgeon. For example if you get stabbed literally through the chest, breaking ribs, piercing a lung, and suchlike, I can probably get you to a hospital alive. But I can't actually fix the problem, I can only stall for time really well, and know how to move someone thats hurt if I really have to (hint: Try to not move them if you can help it. The more their body shifts, the more messed up their insides get, and you could kill them suprisingly fast) But I don't know how to make someone better, just how to keep them from getting worse.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 26, 2017, 01:28:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow."

Boot the arrested guy into Griman with my heavily armored foot to create a vaguely subdued idiot pile/set up for a Nikolai Red Bull Death Bomb.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on September 26, 2017, 01:33:40 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:23:58 am

"I can, but my innate telepathy is one-way. I can speak, but they can't respond. The commwires would work better, and any of us can use those. And you have magic too Theri, you just don't have a good grasp on how to use it. At your current understanding, your best bet if you want to use it is to simply want something really badly, your body will handle the rest on its own. But as for warding or stuff like that, that's not really my thing. I could make a ring of fire, but that wouldn't be a good idea. The sword can probably do better."

Theri just listened and thought.

"Speak to them then. Tell them they're being watched. Tell them they're safe. Also...I don't know if I want this really badly, but I feel like that really badly- and, nothing seems to be happening? I'd like to heal them, even those that I felt a pulse in, but didn't later on."

At the speed of thought, Theri recalled her medical training. Much of it was more from others' teachings, but part was from her knowledge of survival and treatment. She knew certain concepts more than other procedures, but knowing what something did was a foothold to seeing more.

"Can't your sword heal? Act like a cauterized needle, without the collateral?"

Also try going magical healing!

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on September 26, 2017, 08:08:48 am

Aboard the Phoenix

"Got it. Let me out here then; we'll try to be careful."

Also vote for dropoff near turret.
Cover the approach via summoning and launching a couple decoys perpendicularly away from the ship; small objects that radiate on a number of frequencies, even sound and vibration in case this thing uses actual sonar.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on September 26, 2017, 02:54:02 pm

The Phoenix

I'm fine with getting dropped by the turret.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on September 26, 2017, 03:39:27 pm

"Oh, I can get us to the roof when we get there no problemo my dude."

Grin enigmatically and hope he goes along with my radical idea when we eventually reach it.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2017, 06:16:44 pm

((Giving some time for others to respond as well in both missions. I'll probably move on next turn.))

---

Deserted Haystack, The Phoenix

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 25, 2017, 06:22:20 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Drop me at this "turret". It's good as destroyed!"

Quote from: Toaster on September 26, 2017, 08:08:48 am

Aboard the Phoenix

"Got it. Let me out here then; we'll try to be careful."

Also vote for dropoff near turret.
Cover the approach via summoning and launching a couple decoys perpendicularly away from the ship; small objects that radiate on a number of frequencies, even sound and vibration in case this thing uses actual sonar.

Quote from: Zormod on September 26, 2017, 02:54:02 pm

The Phoenix

I'm fine with getting dropped by the turret.

:Okay, If you wanna go for the turret, then I'll come in close and eject you as close to it as I can.:
:I've programmed the seats to attach themselves to the hull of the Maximus. Once you land, make sure to engage your boots before leaving your seats, otherwise the current will carry you away.:
:Your visors are equipped with lamps and radios but this liquid is quite good at absorbing radiation, so try not to stray too far from each other or you risk getting lost.:
:Once you're out of the ship I'll transform into a form better suited for combat and try to keep the turret focused on me. I don't know how good our comms will be out there, so if anything happens and we get separated, I'll try to make my way into the starboard hangar and then to the nearby way station.:

You remember that you should try hard not to die out there, or to at least remain attached to the hull of the Maximus if you do. Because if your interface gets carried away in these turbulent waters and the others can't recover it, then there'll be no reviving you: you'll be dead for good.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2017, 06:38:44 pm

Space-mission, Tess:

Tess sits in her seat, paddling her feet, still enamored by the mysteries of this craft. She seems to be treating it like a ride.

You yell "Wheeee!" every time the spaceship accelerates.

---

Campaign, somewhere in the parched plains east of Chizra

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:13:25 am

Yeah, but its not safe here. we need to get San and River out. How long for them to get to the monestary?

Let's say it adds... at most half a day, assuming she takes no supplies with her.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 26, 2017, 01:16:31 am

((Argh, updates happened and being skipped over in a turn? No! :-[
Thanks for automating me as best as possible Parisbre :) ))

Get the wounded to a better area, ask Irine to establish a defensive perimeter of magic, or warding. Also note to be with San if and when he gets exposed to the...situation.
Thoroughly check for other wounded and make the best of the situation via improvisation.

Theri was glad for telepathy--she had signaled the impact of the situation to Irine as she was musing on how to make the best of the situation. She was also hit by the bittersweet note of hindsight; if she had let San go with these travelers, inasmuch as she was ambivalent back then, he may be part of-...something she pushed away to think about later.

As Irine pulled up with River, Theri asked aloud.

"I wish I knew magic, Irine. I wish I knew what you knew. My knowledge is bound to the laws of the environment around me. I don't know how you do all these. But I think that's all we can do. I found some water there and cleaned what I could; all that's left is for them to heal, and recuperate. I'm giving it a couple of days at least, with the intensity of such wounds.

"...Can you try speaking to them? In mind?"

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:13:25 am

Yeah, but its not safe here. we need to get San and River out. How long for them to get to the monestary?

((Oh heya :3 I'm not that late then! And yes, I believe I can carry a young kid much like a backpack and a pupper quite well. I think?))

There's no better area nearby that you know of. Unless you plan on constructing some sort cart out of cloth and rocks to drag them back to civilization, it would probably be best if you didn't move them more than necessary. You could always search for a safer area, you've only passed by the surrounding area, maybe there's something you missed. On the other hand, if you plan on leaving in order to bring help, it might be best to leave such things to Irine and depart immediately.

You double check the wounded and make sure you did all you could and didn't miss anyone. They look fairly stable, all except for that man who has been pecked through the chest. You don't think he's going to make it through the next few hours.

You try to be there for San. He tries to hide his fear and anxiety, he tries to be strong and not get too upset. He is taking it better than you expected. Maybe all those things he's been seeing the past few days have started to numb him to tragedy. You're not sure, but maybe that's not a very good thing. Them again, he might be just trying to be more like you, or at least how he sees you with his eyes.

Quote from: Tiruin on September 26, 2017, 01:33:40 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:23:58 am

"I can, but my innate telepathy is one-way. I can speak, but they can't respond. The commwires would work better, and any of us can use those. And you have magic too Theri, you just don't have a good grasp on how to use it. At your current understanding, your best bet if you want to use it is to simply want something really badly, your body will handle the rest on its own. But as for warding or stuff like that, that's not really my thing. I could make a ring of fire, but that wouldn't be a good idea. The sword can probably do better."

Theri just listened and thought.

"Speak to them then. Tell them they're being watched. Tell them they're safe. Also...I don't know if I want this really badly, but I feel like that really badly- and, nothing seems to be happening? I'd like to heal them, even those that I felt a pulse in, but didn't later on."

At the speed of thought, Theri recalled her medical training. Much of it was more from others' teachings, but part was from her knowledge of survival and treatment. She knew certain concepts more than other procedures, but knowing what something did was a foothold to seeing more.

"Can't your sword heal? Act like a cauterized needle, without the collateral?"

Also try going magical healing!

You sit down next to the man with the chest wounds and look at him. You don't want him to die. But you can't save him with your current means. Well, that's not entirely true, people keep saying you're supposed to have magic in this world. You're not sure how magic works, you've never done this before, but encouraged by Irine and with nothing to lose, you're willing to give it a try. And willpower is a good first step. The second step is desire, you also have that covered. The third step is ritual: thoughts and actions.

Now, let's see if you get some sort of bonus or penalty for this roll. What is your character doing and thinking as she attempts to heal that man? Is she praying to a god like a Cleric? Is she thinking about her training and what she would do? Is she thinking about how Irine uses magic? Is she thinking about someone who could use healing magic?

---

Campaign, outside the Outer Walls of Chizra

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 26, 2017, 03:39:27 pm

"Oh, I can get us to the roof when we get there no problemo my dude."

Grin enigmatically and hope he goes along with my radical idea when we eventually reach it.

"Then comes navigating the area inside the temple. Some sort of disguise might come in handy. Or a way to generate a distraction in there."

---

Somewhere...

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 25, 2017, 09:42:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 25, 2017, 06:07:02 pm

((Hmmm... Would extra large ears actually work? I mean, dolls don't have ears in the first place... On the other hand, larger ears would help focus the sounds to whatever supernatural sensory organs the dolls use... Eh, I'll allow it.))

You carefully pick up the sword and strap it on yourself. You get +1 Fancy.

There is indeed a door. You attempt to open it. It's locked. Well.

You suppose you could wait for someone to come. Or you could just try to open it somehow. Or maybe try to break that window and fall down, it's only one storey high. You've already started breaking things, so continuing wouldn't be that terrible, right?

"The door's locked. Well, There goes part of my magnificent plan," Napoleon muttered as he went over to a window. Looking down, he guessed that the room he's currently in is one story high. With a rope of dolls, he could climb down. However, the incident with the display convinced him not to take such a chance unless absolutely necessary. After all, even a glorious prince such as himself cannot hope to survive such a fall.

Turning back to the door, Napoleon thought about modifying a doll into a moving battering ram to knock down the door. However, he then decided to make that Plan B. If someone was in this building, it is likely that they were on their way here. The sensible thing to do is to wait.

After turning off the lights, Napoleon will leave a doll motionless among the remains of the display. After finding a good place to hide, he would then wait until someone unlocks the door and will attempt to slip pass them and out of the room while they're distracted by the doll.

You extinguish the lamps in the room and then find a nice dark corner to hide in... at least, you try to do so, realizing too late that without any light source you really can't tell which way is which. You walk slowly, with your arms extended in front of you, trying to find a wall without bumping into something. Through luck or skill, you eventually manage to find a wall without bumping into everything along the way. You hide there, trying to make yourself as small as possible.

Eventually you hear something behind the door and after a long while you see light coming from the seam beneath it. Soon there is the sound of the door unlocking. An extremely short and pale old man in an old blue military uniform comes through the door. He looks so short it's almost like a wrinkly child took an old faded uniform from a museum. He is holding a lamp on one hand, has a jiggling keyring on his belt and is slowly marching forward as if he's dragging all his years behind him.

You try to stay as still as you can. The old man doesn't look at you though. He continues his slow march forward, muttering something unintelligible to himself. You quietly make your way out of the room as he begins trying to relight the lamps, before he has a chance to notice the destroyed case or your doll.

Outside there's a long hallway with a few more doors. It's quite dark, save for the occasional lamp. There's also a large stairway leading down.

---

Somewhere else...

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on September 25, 2017, 11:17:59 pm

I updated my character sheet slightly.  I changed the color of the name to be the color that Stephano will talk with, and the sheet mentions that he can't heal himself.

Spoiler: GigaGiant Character Sheet (click to show/hide)

Name: Stephano Falcone
Ability: He possesses special eyes.  By looking at an injured person (excluding himself), he is able to force a person's body to rejuvenate itself, healing all physical injuries, including the regrowth of lost limbs or organs.  However, while this is occurring, the affected person feels severe pain (as if their body is being forcefully torn apart and put back together again) and is unable to focus as a result.  After being healed, the person may experience some temporary side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hunger, feeling dazed, etc.
Appearance: He is six feet tall, has short brown hair, and wears a grey business suit and grey fedora.  He also has gold-tinted green eyes.  He is 25 years old.
Bio: He originates from Italy, born in the 60s.  Shortly after being born, his special eyes began to manifest themselves.  However, the government discovered his unusual abilities, murdered his parents, and stole him away while he was still a baby.  The military recognized his potential, training Stephano to utilize the darker aspects of his ability for torturing and interrogating captured enemies of the state.  Despite serving the government's interests for years, Stephano was always kept locked away and under constant supervision, released for short times only when needed.
Personality:  As a result of his treatment by and services under the harsh government, he is emotionally distant, rarely speaks unless required, mistrusts authority, and is secretly plagued by guilt.  Stephano yearns for the freedom to escape and live a normal life.
Other Notes: His ability requires him to keep his eyes on his target for it to function.  If his eyes are covered or he is blinded, then he can't heal people.  Maybe as he levels up, he can gain new sight/biological-based abilities.

((The dice say you get exactly what you asked for.))

You wake up.

It takes a moment for the blurriness to clear from your eyes. You try to wipe them but you can't move your arms, they're tied behind your back. You hear the chink of metal against metal as the handcuffs impact the metal chair. There's no other sound beyond the whirring of some ventilator, the buzzing of a fluorescent lamp, your breathing and your heartbeat.

You blink and shake your head a bit until you can see better. You're inside a brightly lit interrogation room, complete with a one way mirror. There's an empty metal table screwed to the floor in front of you.

Your handcufs are not tied to the chair, nor are your legs restrained in any way. You could try to get up and walk if you wanted to, though you wouldn't be in the best of states. Your head hurts and you feel a bit dizzy,

---

Another World, Another Time, In the Age of Wonder...

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2017, 06:38:44 pm

((I thought I could not understand the language of the people around me. Is this an error, or should I roll with it? No pun intended.))

((Also, I can do both the mission and the intro simultaneously. No rolling, honest.))

Introduction, Tess:

"V-Villain? I'm not a villain! I'm a ref... referee... referugee! Refugee! I'm a safe person! Wait, no! I'm a person who isn't safe! No, not like that! I can't think right now! I'm scared! But I'm not evil! I just want help!"

They're still speaking their foreign language, but you can somehow understand that language now.

"I really want to believe you. At least you seem a bit more cooperative then the rest."
He seems thoughtful for a moment.
"Do I have your permission to touch you? It would make it easier for me to finish using my abilities on you. I would prefer to do this while respecting your privacy. I do not want to invade your mind."

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on September 26, 2017, 01:23:58 am

"I can, but my innate telepathy is one-way. I can speak, but they can't respond. The commwires would work better, and any of us can use those. And you have magic too Theri, you just don't have a good grasp on how to use it. At your current understanding, your best bet if you want to use it is to simply want something really badly, your body will handle the rest on its own. But as for warding or stuff like that, that's not really my thing. I could make a ring of fire, but that wouldn't be a good idea. The sword can probably do better."

---

edit: ((oh, and Paris, if you want to know medical stuff, Tir will generally be better. She has actual med school training. What I have is a whole lot of different kinds of first-responder training. As a rule of thumb, I can save you from dying on the spot, but what I can do needs to be supplemented by the work of a proper doctor or surgeon. For example if you get stabbed literally through the chest, breaking ribs, piercing a lung, and suchlike, I can probably get you to a hospital alive. But I can't actually fix the problem, I can only stall for time really well, and know how to move someone thats hurt if I really have to (hint: Try to not move them if you can help it. The more their body shifts, the more messed up their insides get, and you could kill them suprisingly fast) But I don't know how to make someone better, just how to keep them from getting worse.))

Don't say it like keeping people alive long enough to get help is a small thing. If that ends up being the difference between life and death for someone, then I bet that would be really important to the one who you allowed to be saved and the ones that love them.

Anyway, feel free to correct me if you see me say anything wrong and/or stupid.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 27, 2017, 06:51:41 pm

Tess reflexively covers herself with her arms defensively, looking somehow even more frightened and confused than before.

"You want to touch me...? Are you going to do experiments on me too? Like they did?"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on September 27, 2017, 08:43:23 pm

Spoiler: Chest wounds, how do they work? (click to show/hide)

((Okay, time to start talking about chest wounds, and what makes them really bad:
1) there's a lot of really important stuff in that area
2) if something did manage to actually damage that area signifigantly, it probably had to break through the ribcage to do it, leaving sharp little pieces of bone scattered around inside the person just waiting to cut important stuff like a knife if the person gets moved around too much.
3) some of the stuff in there (lungs) has to be kept in a very controlled environment or they don't work.

- This kinda injury requires a surgeon. ASAP. I'm not a surgeon, but again, I know how to stall.

Now then, is the "chest" wound actually in the person's chest? up in the heart/lungs/ribcage area? or is it below that in the "gut" area with the stomach? both can be really bad, but they give different problems that require different solutions.

the chest area, you're looking at heart/lung issues.
If the heart gets like broke broke, sorry, but you're dead. CPR doesn't work if the heart has a hole in it. You can try it, I mean, they're pretty much dead anyway, but without a good closed fluid system to keep the person's blood inside, you're just gonna squirt it everywhere without actually hand-operating the pump, cuz the pump itself has a big ol hole in it.
Other biggie issue is if the person's lungs get fuckered. but the thing about that is you have two lungs. you CAN survive off of just one of them for a while if you have too. but even if you're setting up for that you've got to give it the best environment you can.
the lungs are in your chest cavity, and it's called a chest cavity for a reason. it's got literally nothing in it, not even air. it's a vaucum. your body uses that vacum to give the lungs room to expand and suck in air from the outside.
So what happens if the chest cavity is filled with air? you lose the vacum needed for your lungs to work, and no matter how hard you try to breathe, you won't manage to pull any air into your lungs.
the telltale for this situation is if the hole in the person's chest either has the blood over it make bubbles (air bubbles) as the person breathes, or alterantely if them breathing makes a 'sucking' sound from the hole in their chest. This is called a sucking chest wound, and if untreated the person will slowly have a harder and harder time breathing as their chest cavity fills up with air, and eventually they can't breathe at all anymore and they're dead.
the way you deal with this is to as a rule of thumb treat all significant chest wounds as sucking chest wounds, and to put a airtight seal over the entire injury as soon as possible, taped down on all sides to, again, keep it airtight. this helps keep air from collecting in the chest cavity and avoids having a panicked person fail to notice it and treat it.
but that isn't always enough.
if the person has a hole in one of their lungs themselves then they can STILL suffocate from air in their chest cavity even with an airtight seal over their injury. That's because when they exhale the air won't all go out of them, some of it will go out the hole in their lung and collect in the chest cavity, even behind the airtight seal. this is a really tough one to handle without the right tools. what you need is a one-way air valve that will let air out of the person's chest cavity, but not let it back in when they try to breathe in. The US Military keeps a needle with such a  one-way valve in a dedicated kit in every soldier's first aid kit to handle this situation  (do NOT use if unnecessary, the needle if placed in a working lung can pop it kinda like a balloon), but in Theri and Irine's situation they don't have a good answer that I'm aware of if such is the case with the man before Theri. Tiruin might know the answer for how it's handled in a hospital-type situation, and know some alternate tools for the job, but I do not.))

((Note that the above types of injuries are not only life-threatening but will generally kill rather quickly, in minutes, not hours. hours you're probably looking at shock, blood loss, infection, complications, that kinda stuff. thing is, there's only so much a first responder can do about that kinda stuff, and it's all general-purpose, not chest wound specific. After you've handled all the actual bleeding and such you elevate their feet to help keep their blood near their head and heart, because people's legs can collect a ton of blood in them and they need everything they can get in their most vital areas. You keep their tempature regulated so their body doesn't have to do it for itself and waste effort doing so. and generally stick with them and monitor them in case they get worse. This is most likely what condition the person's in, and the thing about that state is if the person lives or dies is largely up to their own body, not a whole lot that someone else can do for them. Unless you have a blood bag or IV available to you so you can try to help their body replace the lost blood. Hospitals have a ton of options and tools for this stuff, but that's hospitals, and even then it generally boils down to a blood bag + monitor for changes (+some antibiotics to fight infection).))

I suspect my next action will be determined by how Theri's attempt at magic goes.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 27, 2017, 11:12:16 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2017, 06:16:44 pm

You extinguish the lamps in the room and then find a nice dark corner to hide in... at least, you try to do so, realizing too late that without any light source you really can't tell which way is which. You walk slowly, with your arms extended in front of you, trying to find a wall without bumping into something. Through luck or skill, you eventually manage to find a wall without bumping into everything along the way. You hide there, trying to make yourself as small as possible.

Eventually you hear something behind the door and after a long while you see light coming from the seam beneath it. Soon there is the sound of the door unlocking. An extremely short and pale old man in an old blue military uniform comes through the door. He looks so short it's almost like a wrinkly child took an old faded uniform from a museum. He is holding a lamp on one hand, has a jiggling keyring on his belt and is slowly marching forward as if he's dragging all his years behind him.

You try to stay as still as you can. The old man doesn't look at you though. He continues his slow march forward, muttering something unintelligible to himself. You quietly make your way out of the room as he begins trying to relight the lamps, before he has a chance to notice the destroyed case or your doll.

Outside there's a long hallway with a few more doors. It's quite dark, save for the occasional lamp. There's also a large stairway leading down.

(OOC: Wow Lenglon, your post is quite informative. People learn something new everyday...)

After making his way out of the room, Napoleon unsummoned all of his dolls. Now he could move more stealthily without the little pattering of feet following him. Though he wanted to know what was behind each of those door, his desire to find out where he is and to get out of here were too overpowering so he decided to:

Move and quickly and quietly as he could toward the stairway and carefully descend it.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2017, 12:53:54 am

@Lenglon: Hmm... Then I guess it would had made more sense to make that a gut wound in order for him to survive like he did, unless I say something like "ironically, the poison used by the birds reduced his blood pressure and lowered his heart/breath rate, allowing him to survive for longer than he should".

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 27, 2017, 06:51:41 pm

Tess reflexively covers herself with her arms defensively, looking somehow even more frightened and confused than before.

"You want to touch me...? Are you going to do experiments on me too? Like they did?"

"What? No. I do not wish to hurt you, I merely want to confirm who and what you are saying you are is true."
 

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 27, 2017, 11:12:16 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2017, 06:16:44 pm

You extinguish the lamps in the room and then find a nice dark corner to hide in... at least, you try to do so, realizing too late that without any light source you really can't tell which way is which. You walk slowly, with your arms extended in front of you, trying to find a wall without bumping into something. Through luck or skill, you eventually manage to find a wall without bumping into everything along the way. You hide there, trying to make yourself as small as possible.

Eventually you hear something behind the door and after a long while you see light coming from the seam beneath it. Soon there is the sound of the door unlocking. An extremely short and pale old man in an old blue military uniform comes through the door. He looks so short it's almost like a wrinkly child took an old faded uniform from a museum. He is holding a lamp on one hand, has a jiggling keyring on his belt and is slowly marching forward as if he's dragging all his years behind him.

You try to stay as still as you can. The old man doesn't look at you though. He continues his slow march forward, muttering something unintelligible to himself. You quietly make your way out of the room as he begins trying to relight the lamps, before he has a chance to notice the destroyed case or your doll.

Outside there's a long hallway with a few more doors. It's quite dark, save for the occasional lamp. There's also a large stairway leading down.

(OOC: Wow Lenglon, your post is quite informative. People learn something new everyday...)

After making his way out of the room, Napoleon unsummoned all of his dolls, including the one he left in the ruined display. Now he could move more stealthily without the little pattering of feet following him. Though he wanted to know what was behind each of those door, his desire to find out where he is and to get out of here were too overpowering so he decided to:

Move and quickly and quietly as he could toward the stairway and carefully descend it.

You make your way down the stairs. It's one of those things that go down until they reach a wall, split in half and then continue down in the opposite direction. You go down the left side until you reach the ground floor.

The room you're in is a large hall, connecting the stairs with the main entrance with a red carpet with candles on tall metal bases burning on either side of it. The entrance is blocked from opening by a large wooden board, like an oversized door bolt. Through the windows, you are once again reminded that the outside is unnaturally dark. You can see the street outside through the little light that escapes through the window but there's little else, not street lamps, not light escaping from windows, not even stars.

There's another door on your left that leads to a communal dining room and smaller doors all around. One is on the stairs and seems to lead further down.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on September 28, 2017, 02:06:44 am

OOC @Paris: ((Nah, you're good as-is. The list of possible complications for chest wounds is rediculious. Seriously, hospital is mandatory. Your ribcage exists to protect your most vital internals. When it gets pierced, things will go wrong. The stuff I mentioned is the most important from a first-responder perspective because it's what will kill you first. Not even close to the only ways to die from that kind of injury.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2017, 05:18:25 am

Tess, after a few moments of absolute silence, slowly nods. As he approaches, she squeezes her eyes shut and shudders in fear.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on September 28, 2017, 11:58:32 am

Quote

You wake up.

It takes a moment for the blurriness to clear from your eyes. You try to wipe them but you can't move your arms, they're tied behind your back. You hear the chink of metal against metal as the handcuffs impact the metal chair. There's no other sound beyond the whirring of some ventilator, the buzzing of a fluorescent lamp, your breathing and your heartbeat.

You blink and shake your head a bit until you can see better. You're inside a brightly lit interrogation room, complete with a one way mirror. There's an empty metal table screwed to the floor in front of you.

Your handcufs are not tied to the chair, nor are your legs restrained in any way. You could try to get up and walk if you wanted to, though you wouldn't be in the best of states. Your head hurts and you feel a bit dizzy,

Ugh..what's going on? Where am I? Have I been captured?

Without getting up, examine this room more closely. Check if there's an exit in this room. If I see an exit, then attempt to get up and leave after my dizziness clears up.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on September 28, 2017, 12:11:44 pm

Welcome to the party, pal! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNiQ9qG47A)

Shake red bull vigorously. Aim at the idiots. Tsar and pull tab. High pressure redbull cannon.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on September 28, 2017, 02:24:58 pm

"Ah c'mon bucko chum pal boyo, you know that planning too much just means that it's not gonna be followed. We can bluff or whatever when we get in there, it'll be fine."

Alert: Alan's attention span wandering. Bored summoning probability increasing.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 28, 2017, 03:04:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2017, 12:53:54 am

You make your way down the stairs. It's one of those things that go down until they reach a wall, split in half and then continue down in the opposite direction. You go down the left side until you reach the ground floor.

The room you're in is a large hall, connecting the stairs with the main entrance with a red carpet with candles on tall metal bases burning on either side of it. The entrance is blocked from opening by a large wooden board, like an oversized door bolt. Through the windows, you are once again reminded that the outside is unnaturally dark. You can see the street outside through the little light that escapes through the window but there's little else, not street lamps, not light escaping from windows, not even stars.

There's another door on your left that leads to a communal dining room and smaller doors all around. One is on the stairs and seems to lead further down.

It took one look at the candles for Napoleon to wonder whether he could've been sent back in time. After all, it lacked any of the newfangled modern technology he expected. In fact, the old guard he just slipped pass was carrying a lamp, not a flashlight that he was preparing for.

"Where am I? This place is strange and I can't even see what's outside through that darkness," he muttered to himself. "Even if the night sky is overcast, there will still be moonlight drifting through the clouds. However, I can't see anything."

Looking at the large board blocking the door, Napoleon wondered if he could move it out of the way so that he could open the door and take a better look outside. However, he hoped that the blocked door wasn't trying to keep something from coming in.

Attempt to open the main door and take a look, hopefully not regretting doing so.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on September 28, 2017, 03:07:16 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 28, 2017, 12:11:44 pm

Welcome to the party, pal! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNiQ9qG47A)

Shake red bull vigorously. Aim at the idiots. Tsar and pull tab. High pressure redbull cannon.

((As an aside, I'm looking at some of the perks I can choose in the future and I think us combining our powers is perhaps one of the most potent combinations in the game even right now, let alone some of the future shenanigans we'll be able to get up to once I get those perks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2017, 03:39:42 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 28, 2017, 12:11:44 pm

Welcome to the party, pal! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNiQ9qG47A)

Shake red bull vigorously. Aim at the idiots. Tsar and pull tab. High pressure redbull cannon.

((I can't help but picture Nik putting it on his shoulder bazooka-style as he does this))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on September 28, 2017, 03:47:33 pm

Brian Hoss, The Phoenix/Space/The Maximus's hull

---

Bring my eyes to myself, and wait until I land to activate my Mag-boots.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on September 28, 2017, 03:57:26 pm

((I can't help but picture Alan's perk tree being mostly written in all caps.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on September 28, 2017, 04:16:52 pm

WMD, The Pheonix

"Ah might be able to help destroy the turr't, but that depends. Hey Icarus, does mah suit change with me? Or am Ah gonna be exposed to this space fluid shit? Also, you want some whiskey? Anybody else want some whiskey? Ain't no quality 'shine, but Ah reckon it'll give a kick."

If my hands are free before we drop, take a swig of that fine whiskey, and share some with any who want it. Otherwise, stay in my seat during the process until my mag boots are secure on the hull.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2017, 02:18:03 am

((As usual, I fail to be timely.))

Zechariah looked around him, and kept his defensive posture.  The accusations were flying between Griman and the Headwater. He felt that neither of them would be all too happy with a nice little talk over tea at the moment. He needed to act before any of the parties involved in this made a move. He felt a tinge of hesitation at having to harness the shadows once again. This feeling quickly dissipated, though, as his thoughts turned into actions.

Channel the shadows to prevent Griman, the Headwater, and Griman's henchman from acting.

If I am successful in restraining them, say the following:

"Enough! You won't spill blood in this temple. Ike, Nikolai, help me restrain them." To the rest of the crowd, Zechariah commands, "Stay back and don't make any sudden movements. We don't need to fight."

If I am not successful, or another situation comes up, then continue trying to restrain the three targets while keeping distance from anyone else except for Ike and Nikolai.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on September 29, 2017, 07:15:10 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 27, 2017, 08:43:23 pm

I suspect my next action will be determined by how Theri's attempt at magic goes.

((And now I am laet because busy busy x_X Also sorry to NAV of whom I promised a PM! Will do it this weekend.
Also Lenglon, I lack words to tell you how c: I am in seeing how much you've been doing these past years we've been buds :3 So there's the :)) for you, because you are ossum \o/
Especially the kindhearted RPing you did with me :) that was really touching.))

Quote

Now, let's see if you get some sort of bonus or penalty for this roll. What is your character doing and thinking as she attempts to heal that man? Is she praying to a god like a Cleric? Is she thinking about her training and what she would do? Is she thinking about how Irine uses magic? Is she thinking about someone who could use healing magic?

Doubt was at the forefront of Theri's mind. It was a volatile mixture of many feelings and thoughts as she kneeled in front of the man, with everything in detail and her head downcast. She quickly remembered River bringing her into 'this world', right out of her 'own'. The doubts lingered as she was used to what she was used to; she really wanted to help these people. She remembered how 'unfair' it felt to hear of this war in the East...or West--she didn't recall where insomuch as to how unfair it was to fight against magic she didn't understand but felt. There were good examples of parity, like Irine and River, but there was also so much she didn't understand throughout that she wanted to understand, to better apply how these things worked out better.

She had no literal God, as she was more of an animism themed believer; the lands and living creatures all had life in them, and this was at the forefront of their ability to connect with each other, even without communication or language, but that they could be sensed. She knew a person's anatomy, having studied part and parcel in her time alone, but did not know how bad this would be if she made a mistake. While she did not want to kill the man, this idea was never present as she knew she was trying her best.

In all truth, she did not know where to start other than really, really wanting to help the people out as they...struggled to live. She knew the feeling of being powerless to help others, from the most recent time at the Cathedral where she couldn't face some kind of shadowmonsterbeast, to back before she was revived, and had to face many strange beasties alongside Ike and the others...and failed because her physical strength wasn't enough. She had fanciful ideas of pressing one's hands on a person's body or over it and believing, but that was all depiction and less...application.

She felt tears fall as she looked at where his heart was; he was still alive, and soon enough...he would be gone. He could not see her, but she was crying at the devastation some strange magic birdflock had done.

In the least, she was glad to be facing away from Irine, San, and the others. She trembled as she sobbed, bracing herself with a hand on the ground  right next to the man's head. A few minutes had passed since she was in the same spot. Her mind and feelings were freely open to Irine, and she knew it...but she wished the man knew that there were others around him, even if he could not respond.

Err, Interpretation action response!

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 29, 2017, 08:01:27 am

Kosak Durar:

"Whiskey? Could you hand me some of that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DreamerGhost on September 30, 2017, 06:37:04 pm

((Fug, got distracted))
<Svajoklis, The Phoenix>

"This liquid we're in unnerves me. I'd rather we keep the thing giving us an option of having some walls between us and it. Eject me near the turret."

Prepare for Ejection

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Hawk132 on October 01, 2017, 07:58:31 am

Walking Tank, The Phoenix

Turret dropoff ho! Saevus is gonna be on guard duty. Position myself in front, summon a tower shield enchanted for durability and high defense and be ready to repulse things.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2017, 05:13:52 pm

---

Somewhere...

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 28, 2017, 03:04:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2017, 12:53:54 am

You make your way down the stairs. It's one of those things that go down until they reach a wall, split in half and then continue down in the opposite direction. You go down the left side until you reach the ground floor.

The room you're in is a large hall, connecting the stairs with the main entrance with a red carpet with candles on tall metal bases burning on either side of it. The entrance is blocked from opening by a large wooden board, like an oversized door bolt. Through the windows, you are once again reminded that the outside is unnaturally dark. You can see the street outside through the little light that escapes through the window but there's little else, not street lamps, not light escaping from windows, not even stars.

There's another door on your left that leads to a communal dining room and smaller doors all around. One is on the stairs and seems to lead further down.

It took one look at the candles for Napoleon to wonder whether he could've been sent back in time. After all, it lacked any of the newfangled modern technology he expected. In fact, the old guard he just slipped pass was carrying a lamp, not a flashlight that he was preparing for.

"Where am I? This place is strange and I can't even see what's outside through that darkness," he muttered to himself. "Even if the night sky is overcast, there will still be moonlight drifting through the clouds. However, I can't see anything."

Looking at the large board blocking the door, Napoleon wondered if he could move it out of the way so that he could open the door and take a better look outside. However, he hoped that the blocked door wasn't trying to keep something from coming in.

Attempt to open the main door and take a look, hopefully not regretting doing so.

You lift the wooden board with some difficulty and open the door with a loud creak that echoes in the darkness beyond. You stare, making sure not to cross the threshold. You can see the stairs leading up to the entrance, the cobblestone street beyond it and... that's it, that's about as far as the light goes. You can also see reflections of the light coming out of the door as well as the light coming from some of the upper floor of the building you're in. The reflections are probably due to some windows about 20 metres away, from what you can tell.

As your eyes adjust to the low light you start to make out details of things closer to you, like the wilted remains of shrubs on some large plant pots and the indistinct shape of distant buildings. You could go out there and explore if you wanted to, though you probably wouldn't be able to make it very far without a light source.
   

---

Somewhere else...

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on September 28, 2017, 11:58:32 am

Quote

You wake up.

It takes a moment for the blurriness to clear from your eyes. You try to wipe them but you can't move your arms, they're tied behind your back. You hear the chink of metal against metal as the handcuffs impact the metal chair. There's no other sound beyond the whirring of some ventilator, the buzzing of a fluorescent lamp, your breathing and your heartbeat.

You blink and shake your head a bit until you can see better. You're inside a brightly lit interrogation room, complete with a one way mirror. There's an empty metal table screwed to the floor in front of you.

Your handcufs are not tied to the chair, nor are your legs restrained in any way. You could try to get up and walk if you wanted to, though you wouldn't be in the best of states. Your head hurts and you feel a bit dizzy,

Ugh..what's going on? Where am I? Have I been captured?

Without getting up, examine this room more closely. Check if there's an exit in this room. If I see an exit, then attempt to get up and leave after my dizziness clears up.

You raise your head and look around without getting up. Your little investigation doesn't reveal much more than a camera with a blinking blue light screwed on the wall opposite to you, close to the ceiling. There's also some sort of intercom next to the mirror. You can also see the glimpse of a door behind you. That looks like an exit.

You're feeling better now, so you try to get up. But the moment you get up, you feel dizzy and weak again. You try to steady yourself but you accidentally manage to kick the chair away. You are forced to slump against the cold metal table to stop your fall, impacting it with a rather loud *bong*, accompanied by the *clang* of the falling chair. A few seconds of breathing later you feel the sense of dizziness fading away once more. They must have given you something to render you more manageable... whoever they are.

You push yourself off the table once more, being extra careful not to fall backwards. It wouldn't do to trip on the chair and break your neck after surviving for so long. You feel better now so you manage to walk around the fallen chair and up to the door. It looks quite simple, a normal wooden thing (or maybe plastic, you can't tell for sure) with a metal door handle. There's a black keypad with a small cyan light on it, some sort of lock probably. You test the door by pressing down the handle with your elbow and sure enough it's locked. It looks like it's made to open inwardly, a bit of a peculiar design choice for the door of an interrogation room.

This interrogation room overall feels like there's something wrong with it. Maybe it's just all the small details that seem off that are unnerving you, maybe it's the drugs that are making you paranoid or maybe it's something else, something deep in your gut telling you this is bad, this is dangerous, that you should get out now.

---

Some time ago, in a universe some distance away

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 28, 2017, 05:18:25 am

Tess, after a few moments of absolute silence, slowly nods. As he approaches, she squeezes her eyes shut and shudders in fear.

He approaches you and extends his arm, lightly touching the side of your head. You tremble but fight the urge to pull away.
"Ssshhh. It's going to be okay." he says with a comforting voice.
His presence in you feels... It's hard to describe. Someone wishing to be lyrical might say 'like walking out on a cold sunny day'. It's got a pleasant warmth but also something uncomfortable, as if someone is investigating if you stole the last cookie so he can scold you for it. A few seconds later, he removes his hand and the feeling fades.
"I do not see anything wrong. However, you must understand that I have no choice. I can make sure your stay here is as pleasent as I can make it, but the rules are clear: only the gods and their servants may cross the barriers between worlds. I have to take you and the others back where you came from."

---

Deserted Haystack, over the hull of the Maximus

---

The Phoenix destroys another torpedo coming its way and then approaches the Maximus as close as it can. You can see its blurry dark shape below you as you speed to your destination.
: Approaching drop point. Get ready... :
The ramp of the passenger section opens up, letting the liquid surround you.
: Dropping... now! :
One by one, the seats are launched out of the passenger area and towards the hull of the Maximus. As that is occurring, the Phoenix suddenly dives down and spins around before coming up, aiming to intercept a newly fired torpedo. It fires its energy beams and then tries to put itself between the recently ejected and the ensuing explosion.

Quote from: Toaster on September 26, 2017, 08:08:48 am

Aboard the Phoenix

"Got it. Let me out here then; we'll try to be careful."

Also vote for dropoff near turret.
Cover the approach via summoning and launching a couple decoys perpendicularly away from the ship; small objects that radiate on a number of frequencies, even sound and vibration in case this thing uses actual sonar.

"Good luck!"

[Luck: 4]
You are ejected too quickly for you to see, but your special senses allow you to perceive the floor opening up beneath your seat and then closing behind you just as another door opens beneath you, the small compartment ensuring no liquid reaches the cockpit. Even before you are ejected, you begin summoning your distractions. It goes well, at first. But then you suddenly feel like every piece of equipment you're materializing out of thin air is being pulled straight out of your skull. You can faintly hear your Interface beeping somewhere behind all this pain. You don't have the willpower or endurance necessary to withstand the pain, so you are forced to stop. You don't know if it's the acceleration seat, this liquid, the laws of this pocket universe or something else, but something clearly doesn't like you using your summoning abilities.

Your can feel your acceleration seat straining against the flow of the liquid around it. Its design does allow you greater freedom of movement than the ones on the passenger compartment, but that also means it has more places where the flow can find purchase. You feel some of the mechanical arms embracing you are unable to resist and are torn open, messing up its aerodynamics. Still, it doesn't get too bad in the few seconds it takes to reach the hull of the Maximus. You can feel it screeching and rumbling as its base is dragged against the hull before locking itself in place. The mechanical arms open, tearing away the protective gel surrounding you, allowing you to feel the pressure and flow of the liquid on your body. It feels kinda like a strong wind now that you are still. You activate your boots and attach them to the hull before leaving the acceleration seat, a bit disoriented but otherwise OK.

You can see the helmet lamps of others lighting up around you... and then something slams against the hull and bounces off of it, sending debris flying everywhere, debris that are quickly carried away by the flow of the liquid. ((Read entire turn for details of who's around you.))

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 25, 2017, 06:22:20 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Drop me at this "turret". It's good as destroyed!"

((The way you have turret in quotations, I can't help but imagine Kosak speaking like this (https://youtu.be/1IrUWUGlFjw).))

[Luck: 5]
You are ejected out of the passenger compartment on your acceleration seat. There is a bit of a jolt as it makes contact with the liquid, but the acceleration seat quickly adjusts its trajectory. It brings you down fast, decelerating in the last few seconds and smoothly making contact with the hull of the Maximus. The mechanical arms holding you in place open up, allowing you to move freely. You activate your boots, attach them to the hull and step on it. The flow of liquid against your body offers some resistance, like being pushed by a strong wind. The liquid itself also offers some resistance due to its viscosity, meaning you have to expend more effort to move around (not that it's a problem with your strength).

There. That was easy. You don't get what all the big fuss was about.

You can see the helmet lamps of others lighting up around you... and then something slams against the hull and bounces off of it, sending debris flying everywhere, debris that are quickly carried away by the flow of the liquid. ((Read entire turn for details of who's around you.))

Quote from: Coolrune206 on September 25, 2017, 06:38:44 pm

Space-mission, Tess:

Tess sits in her seat, paddling her feet, still enamored by the mysteries of this craft. She seems to be treating it like a ride.

[Luck: 5]
You are ejected a few moments after Kosak. You come down fairly smoothly, the protective cocoon of the acceleration seat shielding you from the shockwave of the explosion. Your seat makes contact with the hull and releases you on it, where your boots keep you glued in place. Walking around is a challenge though, you have to angle yourself so that the flow of liquid pushes you down and so that you're not in danger of being pulled away from the hull every time you lift your foot. It's clear that a mistake could send you off into the unknown depths of this liquid.

You can see the helmet lamps of others lighting up around you... and then something slams against the hull and bounces off of it, sending debris flying everywhere, debris that are quickly carried away by the flow of the liquid. ((Read entire turn for details of who's around you.))

Quote from: Zormod on September 28, 2017, 03:47:33 pm

Brian Hoss, The Phoenix/Space/The Maximus's hull

---

Bring my eyes to myself, and wait until I land to activate my Mag-boots.

[Luck: 2]
A few seconds after you are ejected, you feel something stabbing you on the top-left part of your chest. Your eyes allow you to catch a glimpse of the superheated piece of metal as it flies out of the hull of the Phoenix, through the protective gel surrounding you and into your body. You can see the acceleration seat as it spins around, barely managing to regain control and correct its orientation before touching down.

You are stuck in the chair, the piece of metal sticking through your torso making it impossible to move. It has also impaled one of the mechanical arms holding you in place, probably messing up some sort of internal system in the process, as it doesn't attempt to open like the rest. You guess that's fortunate, as if it had attempted to do so it would had probably caused much more damage. Right now it hasn't hit anything vital and the superheated piece of metal has stopped most of the bleeding. Still, your suit is pierced and while its skintight design means you're not losing oxygen, it's still a bad thing. You can feel the ice cold liquid pushing against your skin and you can see your blood drifting away, disappearing in the flow of the murky liquid.

You can see the helmet lamps of others lighting up around you... and then something slams against the hull and bounces off of it, sending debris flying everywhere, debris that are quickly carried away by the flow of the liquid. ((Read entire turn for details of who's around you.))

Quote from: Beirus on September 28, 2017, 04:16:52 pm

WMD, The Pheonix

"Ah might be able to help destroy the turr't, but that depends. Hey Icarus, does mah suit change with me? Or am Ah gonna be exposed to this space fluid shit? Also, you want some whiskey? Anybody else want some whiskey? Ain't no quality 'shine, but Ah reckon it'll give a kick."

If my hands are free before we drop, take a swig of that fine whiskey, and share some with any who want it. Otherwise, stay in my seat during the process until my mag boots are secure on the hull.

[Luck: 1]
Your acceleration seat is ejected while the Phoenix is maneuvering, causing it to also spin around. You can feel the seat firing its thrusters, trying to stop you from spinning and slow you down, but it was clearly not designed to operate underwater. It's not able to regain its balance quickly enough, the turbulent waters confusing its guidance system. You impact the hull sideways, still spinning. The acceleration seat protects you from the impact but it is broken in the process, pieces of protective gel and mechanical arms flying everywhere. It continues trying to get you to land and for a moment it seems like it's working. But the next the spin causes you to get flung out of the chair and towards the hull of the Maximus. You impact the hull with your back, getting the wind knocked out of you. Your Interface is beeping in alarm. You spin through the turbulent liquid dazed and in pain, unable to tell which way is which. You once again slam into something solid, filling your perception with even more pain, though this time the flow keeps you attached to the surface long enough for your boots to become attached to it.

With the light coming out of your visor, you can tell that you're on some sort of fin-like thing coming out of hull. But the light is not enough to illuminate any further. You can't see anyone nor can you hear them on the radio. There's only the constant beeping of your Interface, insistently trying to tell you what you already know: there's something wrong.

You're disoriented, in pain, cut off from everyone else and you're pretty sure you've broken something. [sarcasm]Overall this is turning out great.[/sarcasm] The only bright side is that you're not dead yet.

((You can't reach the others via radio but you might be able to relay a message to them through the Phoenix if it flies near you again.))

Quote from: DreamerGhost on September 30, 2017, 06:37:04 pm

((Fug, got distracted))
<Svajoklis, The Phoenix>

"This liquid we're in unnerves me. I'd rather we keep the thing giving us an option of having some walls between us and it. Eject me near the turret."

Prepare for Ejection

[Luck: 3]
It might be the most frustrating or maybe the most dread-inducing thing to be able to see danger coming and being powerless to stop it. With your enhanced perception, you can see the pieces of superheated shrapnel approaching your seat as it spins through the liquid. Most of them are too slow to cause any real harm, merely glancing off the seat or the protective gel. But one of them goes through the back of the seat and gets embedded in it, the tip emerging through the other side and tearing some of the protective gel away, missing your neck by inches. At least the Phoenix's hull and this liquid slowed them down a bit, if it had been going faster it could had torn your head off.

That's little consolation when you're still trapped in this chair. It looks like the piece of shrapnel must have hit something important, because the seat has stopped firing its thrusters and is instead drifting aimlessly, getting carried away by the flow of the liquid and bleeding black and white fluids. The light coming from your visor doesn't let you see much more beyond your seat, but your abilities allow you to retain your sense of direction, letting you know where you're facing and just how far you're getting carried away.

You could ask for help through the radio and hope someone can come free you. Or you could try to tear away the gel and jump or swim towards the hull. Even if you can't free yourself completely, you might be able to free one of your hands enough to reach the storage space holding your shotgun. With this liquid surrounding you, it won't be able to shoot very far, but it will be able to shoot something close no problem, like one of those mechanical arms keeping you trapped.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 01, 2017, 07:58:31 am

Walking Tank, The Phoenix

Turret dropoff ho! Saevus is gonna be on guard duty. Position myself in front, summon a tower shield enchanted for durability and high defense and be ready to repulse things.

[Luck: 5]
The entire cargo compartment detaches, launching itself towards the Maximus. You and the Pulse Reactor Seed safely make your way to the surface. You disembark, leaving the Seed inside; you're pretty sure you can come back for it later. You start walking toward your target and summon your shield, your steps slightly slower than usual due to the resistance offered by the flow of the liquid and the liquid's viscosity.

There's something... unsteady about this place. You can see the edges of your protective forcefield light up with tiny bright spots, you can see the edges of your tower shield flickering, you can feel how the flow of magic here is... somehow off. Muffled, just like the sounds traveling through this liquid. Even the magical light you're emitting seems agitated as it travels up and down your runes, reminding you of a caged animal pacing anxiously.

You can see the helmet lamps of others lighting up around you... and then something slams against the hull and bounces off of it, sending debris flying everywhere, debris that are quickly carried away by the flow of the liquid. ((Read entire turn for details of who's around you.))

Everyone
The Phoenix's evasive maneuver took about a second. Overall, the drop didn't take more than a few seconds. During that time Icarus kept transmitting.
: Damage sustained. Operational capacity is at 70% and holding. Switching to battloid mode. I'll try to-- *static* :
The glowing golden blur that was the Phoenix disappears into the murky liquid, its signal fading soon after. A few seconds later you see the faint orange light and hear the muffled boom of an explosion.

((Oh dear. Well, at least it's not as bad as an ER hot drop. Where's a medic when you need one...))

---

Campaign, the temple of Chizra

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 26, 2017, 01:28:48 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Wow."

Boot the arrested guy into Griman with my heavily armored foot to create a vaguely subdued idiot pile/set up for a Nikolai Red Bull Death Bomb.

Quote from: NAV on September 28, 2017, 12:11:44 pm

Welcome to the party, pal! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNiQ9qG47A)

Shake red bull vigorously. Aim at the idiots. Tsar and pull tab. High pressure redbull cannon.

((Yeah, more or less. Let's see if we'll have any explosion-propelled troopers coming your way.

Have you played the 1.7 update?))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on September 29, 2017, 02:18:03 am

((As usual, I fail to be timely.))

Zechariah looked around him, and kept his defensive posture.  The accusations were flying between Griman and the Headwater. He felt that neither of them would be all too happy with a nice little talk over tea at the moment. He needed to act before any of the parties involved in this made a move. He felt a tinge of hesitation at having to harness the shadows once again. This feeling quickly dissipated, though, as his thoughts turned into actions.

Channel the shadows to prevent Griman, the Headwater, and Griman's henchman from acting.

If I am successful in restraining them, say the following:

"Enough! You won't spill blood in this temple. Ike, Nikolai, help me restrain them." To the rest of the crowd, Zechariah commands, "Stay back and don't make any sudden movements. We don't need to fight."

If I am not successful, or another situation comes up, then continue trying to restrain the three targets while keeping distance from anyone else except for Ike and Nikolai.

Spoiler: rolls (click to show/hide)

Headwater RFLX -> 5+1+2+1 -> 9
Assistant RFLX->5+2 -> 7
Griman RFLX->6+1+1-2 -> 6
Ike RFLX->2+1+3 prepared -> 6
NAV RFLX->4+1 prepared -> 5
DAF RFLX->1+1 prepared -> 2


Headwater PWR -> 3+2+2+2(-1 hard)(-1 conditional on overshoot) -> 7
Headwater DEX -> 6+1+2 -> 9
Griman RFLX -> 5+1(-2 AOE overshoot main target) -> 4 vs 9
Assistant RFLX -> 6-2(-2 AOE overshoot main target) -> 2 vs 9
Ike RFLX -> 1+3 -> 4 vs 9
NAV RFLX -> 1 vs 9
Crowd RFLX -> 3+1 -> 4 vs 9
Griman END -> 4+2-1 -> 5 vs 7
Griman END -> 3
body part -> top left torso
Assistant END -> 5-1-1 -> 3 vs 7
body part -> head right top
Ike END -> 4+2+1 * 2 -> 14 vs 7
NAV END -> 4+1-1 * 1.25 -> 5 vs 7
Nav END -> 6
body part -> bottom leg right
Crowd END -> 5 -> 5 vs 7
body part -> various

assistant -> DEAD

Griman STR -> 6-1
Ike STR -> 4+1

NAV PWR -> 3+1+1+1 -> 6
NAV STR (needs to open the inefficient can) -> 4+1 -> 5
NAV DEX -> 6+1+1 -> 8
Griman RFLX -> 4+1(-1 grapple)(-1 pain)(-1 AOE) -> 2 vs 8
Ike RFLX -> 3+3(-1 grapple)(-1 AOE) -> 4 vs 8
Crowd RFLX -> 6 
Griman END -> 1+2-1 -> 2 vs 6
body part -> back torso left bottom
Ike END -> 5+2+1*1.5 -> 12 vs 6
Crowd END -> 6 vs 6
NAV STR (resist equal and opposite reaction) -> 5+1
Ike STR -> 5+1

The headwater surprises everyone with the speed and ferocity of his attack, showing no restraint in using lethal force. With a mere flick of his hand, the pool in the centre of the room explodes like a grenade went off. Parts of the flying blobs of water solidify mid-air, turning into ice spikes moving at high speed. One of them stabs Griman in chest, another goes right between the assistant's eyes and explodes through the other side in a burst of brains and broken bones, several glance off Ike's armour, one goes through Nikolai's leg and several hit various body parts of the surrounding crowd.

Clearly in pain but not yet down for the fight, Griman immediately tries to retaliate, but Ike moves to intercept him. He sees Ike coming his way and tries to cast a spell, but isn't quick enough, so he just tries to grab you instead. Neither Ike nor Griman manage to gain an advantage in the couple of seconds it takes for this to happen, both being tied up in their struggle. The next moment Griman is yanked out of Ike's grip and launched into the air by a jet of liquid, bounces around like a ragdoll and smashes into the wall of the pool, his bones audibly breaking. Luckily the crowd had made a hole, so nobody got slammed by the body/projectile.

From where he's lying on the floor, Nikolai untsars his can and smugly blows at its open top as if it's a smoking gun.
"Yeah, that gave him wings allright. Any of you want some more of my liquid magic?"
The crowd looks shocked and scared (and in pain in case of the injured ones). None of them looks like they're going to intervene after this display. The room is quiet, save for the moans of pain of the injured, though you can hear a commotion further outside.
<Boy, I sure am glad I got this armour.> Ike sends as he gets off the floor from where Nikolai's hydro cannon threw him, a bit wet and sticky but otherwise unharmed.
<How did you knew I could take it?>
<Uuhh... I'm in too much pain to answer this question right now.>

---

Campaign, outside the outer walls of Chizra

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 28, 2017, 02:24:58 pm

"Ah c'mon bucko chum pal boyo, you know that planning too much just means that it's not gonna be followed. We can bluff or whatever when we get in there, it'll be fine."

Alert: Alan's attention span wandering. Bored summoning probability increasing.

((Well, my plan was to have you explain how you would tackle each situation with me always giving a description with the results of something like a 5 to show the best possible case. Then I would actually execute the plan in one turn once the situation in the temple was resolved and see how horribly you succeeded/failed. That way I could avoid paradoxes while still having you do things and I could simply fast forward to a point where you could sync up with the guys in the temple. But if you wanna go ahead and cause paradoxes, I'm fine with that, I'll just use my divine powers of retcon magic.))

Okay, it's nighttime. You go and create your distraction and it's... quite successful. Pretty much what I described last time. Then you go through the wall and... you shoot your ladder straight through the wall with a loud crash. You guess that works. Now comes crossing the fields to the temple. What do you do? Go there? Do some sort of distraction?

---

Campaign, somewhere in the parched plains east of Chizra

---

Quote from: Tiruin on September 29, 2017, 07:15:10 am

Quote from: Lenglon on September 27, 2017, 08:43:23 pm

I suspect my next action will be determined by how Theri's attempt at magic goes.

((And now I am laet because busy busy x_X Also sorry to NAV of whom I promised a PM! Will do it this weekend.
Also Lenglon, I lack words to tell you how c: I am in seeing how much you've been doing these past years we've been buds :3 So there's the :)) for you, because you are ossum \o/
Especially the kindhearted RPing you did with me :) that was really touching.))

Quote

Now, let's see if you get some sort of bonus or penalty for this roll. What is your character doing and thinking as she attempts to heal that man? Is she praying to a god like a Cleric? Is she thinking about her training and what she would do? Is she thinking about how Irine uses magic? Is she thinking about someone who could use healing magic?

Doubt was at the forefront of Theri's mind. It was a volatile mixture of many feelings and thoughts as she kneeled in front of the man, with everything in detail and her head downcast. She quickly remembered River bringing her into 'this world', right out of her 'own'. The doubts lingered as she was used to what she was used to; she really wanted to help these people. She remembered how 'unfair' it felt to hear of this war in the East...or West--she didn't recall where insomuch as to how unfair it was to fight against magic she didn't understand but felt. There were good examples of parity, like Irine and River, but there was also so much she didn't understand throughout that she wanted to understand, to better apply how these things worked out better.

She had no literal God, as she was more of an animism themed believer; the lands and living creatures all had life in them, and this was at the forefront of their ability to connect with each other, even without communication or language, but that they could be sensed. She knew a person's anatomy, having studied part and parcel in her time alone, but did not know how bad this would be if she made a mistake. While she did not want to kill the man, this idea was never present as she knew she was trying her best.

In all truth, she did not know where to start other than really, really wanting to help the people out as they...struggled to live. She knew the feeling of being powerless to help others, from the most recent time at the Cathedral where she couldn't face some kind of shadowmonsterbeast, to back before she was revived, and had to face many strange beasties alongside Ike and the others...and failed because her physical strength wasn't enough. She had fanciful ideas of pressing one's hands on a person's body or over it and believing, but that was all depiction and less...application.

She felt tears fall as she looked at where his heart was; he was still alive, and soon enough...he would be gone. He could not see her, but she was crying at the devastation some strange magic birdflock had done.

In the least, she was glad to be facing away from Irine, San, and the others. She trembled as she sobbed, bracing herself with a hand on the ground  right next to the man's head. A few minutes had passed since she was in the same spot. Her mind and feelings were freely open to Irine, and she knew it...but she wished the man knew that there were others around him, even if he could not respond.

Err, Interpretation action response!

You look at the man, your mind a storm of thoughts and memories. You put your hand over his recently bandaged wound and try to do... something. Anything that could help. But you're not really sure what you're supposed to do. You know you want this to happen, you focus your mind on it, but nothing is happening. You don't know how to actually do what you want. You can't help but keep thinking about this poor man, about all the people here, about how much you want to help. You lose yourself to these thoughts and emotions, the sadness over the pain of others and the selfless desire to help them.

And then you feel something. Or maybe feel it is the wrong word. Remember it, understand it, perhaps those area more accurate. For a moment you realize how you can do something that felt impossible, like moving a muscle you never had, like... Maybe the best analogy would be if somehow, by putting your mind in the right state you could control every muscle of your heart, overriding its unconscious movement. But the control is tenuous, slipping, always slipping like the memory of a dream, requiring constant focus and yet also relaxation, not too much focus on the details.

But the simplest way to describe it would be this: you do it, you use magic, its energy directed out of you and towards the man, appearing like white light flowing from your hands. This fills you with excitement for the brief amount of time it lasts. But the effects... the wound looks slightly improved, but you don't see any significant change. Well, it's... it's ok, right? I mean it was your first time using magic, it was probably a bit too much to expect you to be able to use it perfectly. You have no experience and no training for this sort of thing. You made some progress and that's a success. Now you should be able to use magic more easily and overtime you could get better. ... Yet it's hard to feel that way, to stay positive, when you see your effort just wasn't good enough to help save this man.

Your thoughts are interrupted by River brushing up against your side and licking your hand. He looks into your teary eyes with his.
<See.> he says.
He shows you the memory of your use of magic as he saw it. It's hard to make out the details, the image seems somewhat muted, but you can make out the important parts. You can see how you appear in his vision, a being of beautiful bright light. You can see how imperceptible threads in the air around you suddenly condense as you cast your spell, becoming tiny streams of energy flowing through you, the man and the air between you, strengthening his being where it is weakest. Through River's sight, it appears as a weak spray of luminous needles, both beautiful and somehow terrifying in its brightness. But it looks like there is something missing, something preventing you from maintaining it, the weak streams flowing into your surroundings and dissolving into the Earth and Air.
<See.> he repeats.
Now he shows you the same from closer. It's fuzzy, you can barely make out the details, but you get the general idea. He shows you how your Light fights the Darkness that has taken hold over the man's wound like a disease. The Darkness is reaching for his soul, but your Light uproots it, it helps the man's soul fight it for the little time it stays on. You can also see it strengthening the other energies in his body but not significantly. Generally it looks like it's too spread out, too unfocused to really do much. Hmm... Maybe that's the problem? Your magic was certainly weak but it was also unfocused, spread out over a general desire to help. You're not sure what you could do to gain more power and make it last longer but maybe if you somehow focused what little power you have better then it would be more effective.
<Do.>
The vision ends and you are back where you were, with River standing by your side and looking at you. The vision he has shown you has helped you understand more about how this ability works. Even if it's not that much information, it's still a lot more than what you knew before. Now that you know what you have to do, now that you know what to expect, now that you have this new understanding, you feel confident trying this again. You focus on your knowledge of anatomy and the image River gave you to concentrate your abilities, while at the same time maintaining the desire to help this man and make him better. Once you're confident that you won't lose your focus, you try to remember and reach into that part of you that allows you to direct magical energies and release them so that they can fulfill your intent. This time the effect is a bit easier to maintain and thus it lasts a bit longer. Yet the effects are also more pronounced. You can see the damaged and diseased flesh around the wound being healed, part of the skin merging with the bandage. Well, it's not exactly what you wanted, but you think it's good enough to keep him from dying. Hopefully this will-

You suddenly feel dizzy and have to steady yourself with one hand on the ground to keep yourself from falling. This took more out of you than you expected it to. You assume this is a temporary weakness. Maybe if you rested a bit, you could continue. You and Irine's Sword could probably keep healing those people until they got better... assuming nothing goes wrong. Magic has been good to you thus far, but maybe overusing it isn't the best idea. On the other hand, it could be the only way to ensure these people are safe...

((I rolled for the action a second time after River-advice, since I figured that's probably what you would do. Hope that's OK.))

---

OOC

Quote from: Harry Baldman on September 28, 2017, 03:39:42 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 28, 2017, 12:11:44 pm

Welcome to the party, pal! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNiQ9qG47A)

Shake red bull vigorously. Aim at the idiots. Tsar and pull tab. High pressure redbull cannon.

((I can't help but picture Nik putting it on his shoulder bazooka-style as he does this))

I like this mental image.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 04, 2017, 05:30:54 pm

Tess, Space-Mission-Thing-,-The-Title-Of-Which-I-Forget

Tess, forgetting which direction she's supposed to go, and only barely remembering the entire point of the mission, picks a team member and follows them, taking great care NOT to fly off.

Tess, Introduction

"Please don't make me go back! It's... it's horrible back there! I can't even describe how bad it is!"
Tess quickly places her left hand on the individual's knee, before letting it slip off, in what would seem to be a gesture of desperation. She does a similar gesture with her right hand, seemingly accidentally missing his other knee. She makes great care not to touch her right hand to anything yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 04, 2017, 05:39:58 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2017, 05:13:52 pm

---

Somewhere else...

---

You raise your head and look around without getting up. Your little investigation doesn't reveal much more than a camera with a blinking blue light screwed on the wall opposite to you, close to the ceiling. There's also some sort of intercom next to the mirror. You can also see the glimpse of a door behind you. That looks like an exit.

You're feeling better now, so you try to get up. But the moment you get up, you feel dizzy and weak again. You try to steady yourself but you accidentally manage to kick the chair away. You are forced to slump against the cold metal table to stop your fall, impacting it with a rather loud *bong*, accompanied by the *clang* of the falling chair. A few seconds of breathing later you feel the sense of dizziness fading away once more. They must have given you something to render you more manageable... whoever they are.

You push yourself off the table once more, being extra careful not to fall backwards. It wouldn't do to trip on the chair and break your neck after surviving for so long. You feel better now so you manage to walk around the fallen chair and up to the door. It looks quite simple, a normal wooden thing (or maybe plastic, you can't tell for sure) with a metal door handle. There's a black keypad with a small cyan light on it, some sort of lock probably. You test the door by pressing down the handle with your elbow and sure enough it's locked. It looks like it's made to open inwardly, a bit of a peculiar design choice for the door of an interrogation room.

This interrogation room overall feels like there's something wrong with it. Maybe it's just all the small details that seem off that are unnerving you, maybe it's the drugs that are making you paranoid or maybe it's something else, something deep in your gut telling you this is bad, this is dangerous, that you should get out now.

If possible to do while handcuffed, pick up the chair and do the following:
Attempt to break down the door with it. If that won't work, then approach the camera and try to break it with the chair (gonna try to lure someone to come check on me so I can fight them and get out).
If I am unable to lift the chair while handcuffed, then instead do the following:
Walk over to the intercom, activate it, and say "I'm awake. Who are you, why am I here, and what do you want?"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 04, 2017, 05:57:38 pm

Ow.  That's... not good.

Summon a ball bearing.  Does it hurt now?

Also, verify I have my spear and core-less rifle.  If I can't make new gear I'll need to rely on what I already have.

Orient.  Find the turret and start moving toward it.

"Let's get in and move closer.  We all here?  I'm not sure my summoning is working right..."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 04, 2017, 06:49:02 pm

Kosak Durar:

"To the turret!"

Locate the turret, head towards it. If turret is reached, start looking for important things to break.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on October 04, 2017, 08:12:47 pm

"Very good! That's it! You did it!"
I give Theri a quick hug
"You should eat and rest for a moment Theri. Doing that took something out of you, literally. You need to let your body replace it. Don't try to do more right away. You've barely ever used these 'muscles' before, you're probably already tuckered out."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 05, 2017, 12:18:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2017, 05:13:52 pm

You lift the wooden board with some difficulty and open the door with a loud creak that echoes in the darkness beyond. You stare, making sure not to cross the threshold. You can see the stairs leading up to the entrance, the cobblestone street beyond it and... that's it, that's about as far as the light goes. You can also see reflections of the light coming out of the door as well as the light coming from some of the upper floor of the building you're in. The reflections are probably due to some windows about 20 metres away, from what you can tell.

As your eyes adjust to the low light you start to make out details of things closer to you, like the wilted remains of shrubs on some large plant pots and the indistinct shape of distant buildings. You could go out there and explore if you wanted to, though you probably wouldn't be able to make it very far without a light source.

"Merde!," Napoleon swore as he failed to discern any other objects in the distance. Without a bright source of light like moonlight for example, there is no way in hell he would be able to determine where or when he is. Even if he decided to use a handful of dolls to carry lit candles or lamps, there is no telling what dangers could be lurking in the darkness. Needless to say, he quickly shut the door and put the board back in its place. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Napoleon began to process the information he gained from his findings.

"Hmm, let's see: last time I remembered, asphalt has largely if not completely replaced cobblestone as paving material and oil lamps and candles have been replaced by electric lighting. However, I'd witnessed both of those things just now. I'd also haven't tripped any alarms as far as I can tell, neither did I spot any cameras, and the security guard I'd slipped pass didn't look like any modern security...wait, it cannot be. Did I... travel back in time?"

Deciding to wait until morning to explore the town, Napoleon decided to explore this place for a bit. Perhaps he can discover what this place is and the current year. He decided to start by exploring the communal dining area.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 05, 2017, 11:27:16 am

Campaign, Alan 'Accidental Timewrinkler' Rickybickystickyvick

Quote

((Well, my plan was to have you explain how you would tackle each situation with me always giving a description with the results of something like a 5 to show the best possible case. Then I would actually execute the plan in one turn once the situation in the temple was resolved and see how horribly you succeeded/failed. That way I could avoid paradoxes while still having you do things and I could simply fast forward to a point where you could sync up with the guys in the temple. But if you wanna go ahead and cause paradoxes, I'm fine with that, I'll just use my divine powers of retcon magic.))

((Ah, I see. I should clarify, I'm not bored, I just thought this guy was being excessively detail-oriented for whatever reason and was RPing along that path. Why don't we go with the plan you originally had, that seems like it'll be less of a headache for you. My apologies for the misinterpretation on my part.))

See above. On the question of how Alan would navigate the temple interior (which was the next question as I recall), Alan would use some combination of a cardboard box, appropriate-coloured paint, green for sneaking around outside, grey for inside, and several gigantic music-playing gift cards to serve as a distraction while he and his buddy stealth their way inside.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 05, 2017, 11:36:57 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ice cold, Mr. Headwater!" Ike says delightedly as he gets up. "Love the smell of collateral damage in the evening!"

Loot Griman and my shady friend as the situation in the room develops, await further instruction from the Headwater.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on October 05, 2017, 03:15:28 pm

Brian Hoss, Hull of the Maximus

"I'm here, but I won't be moving for a while... Does anyone know how to deal with getting impaled?"

Try removing the arm from its base.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 05, 2017, 03:33:18 pm

<Svajoklis, Deployment seat|Unknown liquid>

"I do not fancy my chances out in the open and unable to move."

Attempt to free myself and my gun. If successful, swim towards hull and then towards turret. See if I can find and help Brian or WMD along the way.

"Brian, the first thing about being impaled is to not remove whatever has impaled you. It's the only thing keeping you from bleeding out. Other steps require things that I'm not sure we have.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 05, 2017, 08:41:59 pm

"You call this collateral damage?"

"...medic"
Chill for a bit and await medical attention.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 05, 2017, 08:44:58 pm

"Don't look at me; I'm no medic unless you're already made of machine."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Hawk132 on October 06, 2017, 04:56:59 am

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

"I shall remove the arm holding thee. An I believe I can help with thy exsanguination."

Summon a supersharp sword and cut off the arm holding Brian. Then summon a gauntlet enchanted with bestowing regenerative capabilities to its wearer and give it to Brian.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on October 06, 2017, 05:55:20 am

Campaign; Theri!

Quote from: Irine on October 04, 2017, 08:12:47 pm

"Very good! That's it! You did it!"
<Theri gets a nice hug by Irine, the two fox-women feeling encouraged.>
"You should eat and rest for a moment Theri. Doing that took something out of you, literally. You need to let your body replace it. Don't try to do more right away. You've barely ever used these 'muscles' before, you're probably already tuckered out."

"I still have good stamina! It's just, this is all so...familiar? -to me?"
Theri felt understanding much like how a frustrated craftsman discovers the new ways to use a tool they were quaintly familiar with their whole life, and noticed that she lacked the vocabulary to express how it felt to her. Reality and time became a healthy mix of emotions and hormones as both elation, exhaustion, and the grim, serious reality came about. She knew she could invoke a bout of adrenalin, however, considering the power of this realization and having felt it happen; she was nervous though, and wondered how it would feel when done properly.

She looked at the man, giving a thought (moreso to Irine and asking her to repeat it)
You will live. We will help you all.
"I'll just- take a short rest," she said, standing and stretching, and realizing how long she had been in the same uncomfortable position a somber moment ago, with her legs feeling like they were about to cramp up. She looked back at Irine with a half-smile.

". . .Irine? Do you think I could use, erm, what I just did, with you, and your sword? Like that first mission we went on when you used your flames, and people had cars? I would really appreciate your help."

If GM is going to make a turn soon--concise actions are:
> Hug River puppy.
> Theri rests a bit, before working in tandem to heal, starting out small and focused on the most wounded. (Telling San to sterilize or find some specific plants or water sources, in helping our supplies)
> After doing what I best can measure is enough (knowing Irine and her awesome sword's powers), get San and River and add them to my inventory and head off to the Monastery at a forced march, at least (they can sleep on me. I made sure Im clean and floofy!)

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on October 07, 2017, 05:24:15 am

I gently shake my head.
"It's really tempting to overuse this stuff Theri. You did good, really good, but you shouldn't go overboard. You should try to use mundane methods as much as you can. It's kinda like my fire. I try to never actually just straight-up summon a lot of it. I make a little, but then I use what little I made to make more instead of just summoning more. This is similar. You need to try to just get them healthy enough to be able to heal on their own. Let nature take its course as much as possible. Besides, if we keep using tons of magic we'll attract those birds again. What we need to do is get these people safely out of here. We need carts, and people to come help. You should go to the water monestary with San and River. I'll stay here and protect these people, You bring back help, and get San and River to safety."

---

Collect wooden debris and other flammables and prepare bonfires. Don't light them, but form a ring around the victims so that if I have to defend them from the birds, I'll be able to near-effortlessly light them and use them as continual flame sources to draw upon to drive back the birds.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on October 07, 2017, 05:49:05 am

Theri nodded in understanding. "So its much like a muscle then? The magic?" she said, happy to hear her friend. "A very noticeable muscle? It needs training but it is nourished and innately works even without much use. And using it too much strains the self, and as far as I've read, makes some kind of fatigue product that-...well, um, at least I got the analogy.

"Thanks Irine. We've been through a lot, but I don't want to lose you this time, like many times before. I'll leave the soul orb with you--I hope River knows about it?"

((Action edited))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on October 07, 2017, 02:57:09 pm

WMD, Space Mission

Try to ignore the pain and focus through willpower. Make my way down the fin and along the hull in whichever direction doesn't require me to go around the fin. Hopefully that'll be the way I came from. Try to find the others, and try to get the Pheonix to give the others my location if it passes by.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2017, 07:13:34 am

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 05, 2017, 12:18:48 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2017, 05:13:52 pm

You lift the wooden board with some difficulty and open the door with a loud creak that echoes in the darkness beyond. You stare, making sure not to cross the threshold. You can see the stairs leading up to the entrance, the cobblestone street beyond it and... that's it, that's about as far as the light goes. You can also see reflections of the light coming out of the door as well as the light coming from some of the upper floor of the building you're in. The reflections are probably due to some windows about 20 metres away, from what you can tell.

As your eyes adjust to the low light you start to make out details of things closer to you, like the wilted remains of shrubs on some large plant pots and the indistinct shape of distant buildings. You could go out there and explore if you wanted to, though you probably wouldn't be able to make it very far without a light source.

"Merde!," Napoleon swore as he failed to discern any other objects in the distance. Without a bright source of light like moonlight for example, there is no way in hell he would be able to determine where or when he is. Even if he decided to use a handful of dolls to carry lit candles or lamps, there is no telling what dangers could be lurking in the darkness. Needless to say, he quickly shut the door and put the board back in its place. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Napoleon began to process the information he gained from his findings.

"Hmm, let's see: last time I remembered, asphalt has largely if not completely replaced cobblestone as paving material and oil lamps and candles have been replaced by electric lighting. However, I'd witnessed both of those things just now. I'd also haven't tripped any alarms as far as I can tell, neither did I spot any cameras, and the security guard I'd slipped pass didn't look like any modern security...wait, it cannot be. Did I... travel back in time?"

Deciding to wait until morning to explore the town, Napoleon decided to explore this place for a bit. Perhaps he can discover what this place is and the current year. He decided to start by exploring the communal dining area.

Well, you're not necessarily back in time. Maybe this is simply one of those creepy theme parks or one of those creepy old mansions in the middle of a deserted forest, the kind you see in Halloween movies.

You decide not to go exploring out in the dark, so you instead close the door and secure it again. That done, you make your way to the dining area. It has two large tables on either side, probably meant to serve as a buffet. The rest of the room is a wide open area, probably meant to be used differently and filled with different things depending on the occasion.

The walls and ceilings are decorated with great frescoes, though with only the light coming from the entrance it's hard to appreciate them fully. You look closer at one trying to discern more details. It... looks like a woman in colorful clothes, standing in front of a field of golden wheat, holding a basket. There's more people behind her, you can discern-

You are interrupted by a scream coming from the floor above. Okay, another thing to check off the "creepy tropes" list.

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 04, 2017, 05:39:58 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 04, 2017, 05:13:52 pm

---

Somewhere else...

---

You raise your head and look around without getting up. Your little investigation doesn't reveal much more than a camera with a blinking blue light screwed on the wall opposite to you, close to the ceiling. There's also some sort of intercom next to the mirror. You can also see the glimpse of a door behind you. That looks like an exit.

You're feeling better now, so you try to get up. But the moment you get up, you feel dizzy and weak again. You try to steady yourself but you accidentally manage to kick the chair away. You are forced to slump against the cold metal table to stop your fall, impacting it with a rather loud *bong*, accompanied by the *clang* of the falling chair. A few seconds of breathing later you feel the sense of dizziness fading away once more. They must have given you something to render you more manageable... whoever they are.

You push yourself off the table once more, being extra careful not to fall backwards. It wouldn't do to trip on the chair and break your neck after surviving for so long. You feel better now so you manage to walk around the fallen chair and up to the door. It looks quite simple, a normal wooden thing (or maybe plastic, you can't tell for sure) with a metal door handle. There's a black keypad with a small cyan light on it, some sort of lock probably. You test the door by pressing down the handle with your elbow and sure enough it's locked. It looks like it's made to open inwardly, a bit of a peculiar design choice for the door of an interrogation room.

This interrogation room overall feels like there's something wrong with it. Maybe it's just all the small details that seem off that are unnerving you, maybe it's the drugs that are making you paranoid or maybe it's something else, something deep in your gut telling you this is bad, this is dangerous, that you should get out now.

If possible to do while handcuffed, pick up the chair and do the following:
Attempt to break down the door with it. If that won't work, then approach the camera and try to break it with the chair (gonna try to lure someone to come check on me so I can fight them and get out).
If I am unable to lift the chair while handcuffed, then instead do the following:
Walk over to the intercom, activate it, and say "I'm awake. Who are you, why am I here, and what do you want?"

The door looks quite sturdy. You doubt you'd be able to break it down with your hands behind your back. But you might be able to break the camera or at least make it look away. You bend your knees and grab the chair. You then get close enough to the wall that holds the camera and try to spin around and throw the chair at the camera. But your throw is not strong enough, the chair bounces off the wall and hits you in the chest. Ow. You did not think this through.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 04, 2017, 05:30:54 pm

Tess, Introduction

"Please don't make me go back! It's... it's horrible back there! I can't even describe how bad it is!"
Tess quickly places her left hand on the individual's knee, before letting it slip off, in what would seem to be a gesture of desperation. She does a similar gesture with her right hand, seemingly accidentally missing his other knee. She makes great care not to touch her right hand to anything yet.

"I'm sorry, but there really is no- Well... There is one way you can legally cross the barriers between worlds. But it is not pleasent. It won't be easy, but if you can succeed then you will be free to go wherever you want. Would you be willing to do something like that? Compete in certain challenges to earn your freedom?"

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on October 05, 2017, 03:33:18 pm

<Svajoklis, Deployment seat|Unknown liquid>

"I do not fancy my chances out in the open and unable to move."

Attempt to free myself and my gun. If successful, swim towards hull and then towards turret. See if I can find and help Brian or WMD along the way.

"Brian, the first thing about being impaled is to not remove whatever has impaled you. It's the only thing keeping you from bleeding out. Other steps require things that I'm not sure we have.

You push your arm as hard as you can and manage to push one of the mechanical arms back a bit. That done, you use that extra room to wiggle around and start hitting the arms holding your arm down as hard as you can but it's not very effective, you only manage to tear away some of that protective gel. So instead you put all your weight and all your strength against one side, using your arms and legs to push as hard as you can. Suddenly there is a click, something unlocks and you find yourself flying out of the chair as the mechanical arms suddenly retract like the legs of a dead spider. You barely manage to grab and hold on to one of the mechanical arms. You maintain your grip long enough to open the chair's storage compartment and retrieve your shotgun. That done, you pull your feet up against the seat and push away as hard as you can, propelling yourself towards the hull. You half-swim half-glide your way there and attach your boots to the hull.

The area around you (what little you can see with the light coming out of your visor) looks mostly flat save for an antenna coming out of the hull, bending due to the flow of the liquid pushing against it. Said flow has carried you some distance away from the others, but you should be able to catch up if you hurry.

Hmm... Let's see if you can spot WMD... Roll says no.

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 04, 2017, 05:30:54 pm

Tess, Space-Mission-Thing,-The-Title-Of-Which-I-Forget

Tess, forgetting which direction she's supposed to go, and only barely remembering the entire point of the mission, picks a team member and follows them, taking great care NOT to fly off.

Kosak is the one closest to you, so you decide to follow him, being careful not to lose your grip to the hull.

Quote from: Toaster on October 04, 2017, 05:57:38 pm

Ow.  That's... not good.

Summon a ball bearing.  Does it hurt now?

Also, verify I have my spear and core-less rifle.  If I can't make new gear I'll need to rely on what I already have.

Orient.  Find the turret and start moving toward it.

"Let's get in and move closer.  We all here?  I'm not sure my summoning is working right..."

Summoning a ball bearing stings a bit and causes your Interface to start beeping for a few moments. You can probably summon things, assuming you can ignore the pain... and assuming that this pain isn't an indication of and/or a prelude to something worse happening.

Your equipment was stored in the storage compartment of your seat. You have your spear in its compact, bracelet-like form and your rifle and deactivated power core.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 06, 2017, 04:56:59 am

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

"I shall remove the arm holding thee. An I believe I can help with thy exsanguination."

Summon a supersharp sword and cut off the arm holding Brian. Then summon a gauntlet enchanted with bestowing regenerative capabilities to its wearer and give it to Brian.

Quote from: Zormod on October 05, 2017, 03:15:28 pm

Brian Hoss, Hull of the Maximus

"I'm here, but I won't be moving for a while... Does anyone know how to deal with getting impaled?"

Try removing the arm from its base.

You try to free yourself, but it looks like Saevus is willing to give you a hand, so you decide to wait for him instead. He lets his shield dissolve and summons a sword instead, aiming to cut the arm holding you in place with it.
: Are you sure this is a good idea? :
: Cease thy worrying, I am very well trained. :
: You mean you're a doctor? :
: No, I am a very well trained swordsman. :
: That's not very reassuriiIIIIING! :
With a swift slashing motion, Saevus cuts the arm holding you down and the tip of the piece of metal sticking out of your chest. He doesn't stop, instead twisting the blade around to slash the piece of metal sticking out of your back. You are now free from the chair, though you still have a piece of metal stuck in your chest. As expected, it hurts when you move around.
: Rise renewed for battle! :
: I don't think I should be- :
You are interrupted when Saevus shoves a glowing gauntlet on your arm and proclaims
: You are healed! Do not fear! 'Twas but a minor wound. :
With that, Saevus turns around and starts walking away, towards the turret. You look at the gauntlet for a moment. It does feel like it's making your injury hurt less.
: You know, when I asked you to give me a hand, I wasn't being literal. :

You can move around, but you should probably try to take it easy, otherwise you risk causing more damage. You should probably also try to get that injury looked at by someone who knows a thing or two about fixing wounds rather than one who knows mostly about making them, preferably when you're somewhere dry. You could pull the piece of metal out of your chest, but that would probably cause a lot of bleeding and you're not certain if that thing Saevus gave you is enough to stop that sort of thing.

((Remember, enchanted equipment take a lot of power to maintain, so if you go too far away from Saevus or he has to use a lot of power for combat I'll have him desummon it to prevent the drain from weakening him too much.))

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 04, 2017, 06:49:02 pm

Kosak Durar:

"To the turret!"

Locate the turret, head towards it. If turret is reached, start looking for important things to break.

You start making your way towards the distant explosions. As you approach, they become clearer, louder. Soon you start making out the silhouette of the turret. From this distance it looks like a hemisphere with a long thing sticking out of it and two smaller things near its top, kinda like a big nose and cat-ears respectively. You can see it constantly moving around, presumably trying to track the Phoenix. Judging from the turret's motions, it looks like the Phoenix is trying to not get too close to the turret and stay mostly on the side opposite from you so as to lessen the chances of a torpedo exploding above your heads.

It hasn't been a long time before the Phoenix makes another pass overhead, flying perpendicularly to your direction of movement so as to not risk a torpedo exploding above you. The golden form of the Phoenix seems blurry and indistinct when viewed through the liquid, but it looks vaguely humanoid.
: *static* --can't confirm life-signs. Energy concentration at the side away from the main gun, 35° down, 15° clockwise. It has launched 30 out of-- *static* :
The turret shows no signs of slowing down, throwing torpedoes like they're going out of style. It really wants to kill the Phoenix. You can feel the hull vibrate with every torpedo launched. It can't turn around fast enough to launch them directly towards it but the tracking on the torpedoes seems good enough for it to not matter.

The area around the turret is sloped, like a small angular hill or maybe a pyramid. It also seems segmented, like it's supposed to open up or detach somehow. The turret itself is quite large, about the size of a small building. From here you can tell that it is actually a spherical thing hidden inside a big bowl. It is anchored to its surroundings by several clusters of segmented mechanical tubes, thick armoured things that can change their length by extending or retracting, allowing it to face different directions. It all looks like a machine designed so that it would imitate something organic, like hydraulics acting as muscles for moving a giant eyeball.

Quote from: Beirus on October 07, 2017, 02:57:09 pm

WMD, Space Mission

Try to ignore the pain and focus through willpower. Make my way down the fin and along the hull in whichever direction doesn't require me to go around the fin. Hopefully that'll be the way I came from. Try to find the others, and try to get the Pheonix to give the others my location if it passes by.

You try to ignore the pain and the incessant beeping of your Interface as you walk down the fin and towards the direction you (think) you came from. The light coming from your visor is not enough to illuminate more than a few meters around you, you have no idea where you're going. Don't people say that without a point of reference it's nearly impossible for a human to walk in a straight line? If that is true, then making your way to the others could be quite hard.

You walk for about a minute, not sure if you're going somewhere or just moving around in circles. There aren't even any seams in the floor for you to follow. At least you don't encounter that fin again. Then you notice that your Interface has stopped beeping. And then the light of your visor flickers and dies.
Hello Darkness
Lovely.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 05, 2017, 11:27:16 am

Campaign, Alan 'Accidental Timewrinkler' Rickybickystickyvick

Quote

((Well, my plan was to have you explain how you would tackle each situation with me always giving a description with the results of something like a 5 to show the best possible case. Then I would actually execute the plan in one turn once the situation in the temple was resolved and see how horribly you succeeded/failed. That way I could avoid paradoxes while still having you do things and I could simply fast forward to a point where you could sync up with the guys in the temple. But if you wanna go ahead and cause paradoxes, I'm fine with that, I'll just use my divine powers of retcon magic.))

((Ah, I see. I should clarify, I'm not bored, I just thought this guy was being excessively detail-oriented for whatever reason and was RPing along that path. Why don't we go with the plan you originally had, that seems like it'll be less of a headache for you. My apologies for the misinterpretation on my part.))

See above. On the question of how Alan would navigate the temple interior (which was the next question as I recall), Alan would use some combination of a cardboard box, appropriate-coloured paint, green for sneaking around outside, grey for inside, and several gigantic music-playing gift cards to serve as a distraction while he and his buddy stealth their way inside.

((Eh, I think the other guys will wrap things up soon, so let's just get on with it.))

Even though Brad was not 100% sure about this sort of thing, your plan goes on perfectly. You navigate the fields of the Walled Garden, using giant music cards to cause distractions and your painted box to slip through them in the darkness while they are distracted (either by your cards or by chasing people trying to sneak in and steal food).

Things continue to go well for you, as there is only one guard manning the front gate of the temple. Either they're short on manpower or they didn't expect anyone to really get this far and try to cause trouble. You should easily be able to sneak past him or find an alternate way into the temple. You could even try to bluff your way through the front gate.

The front gate itself is a grand thing, a large stairway leading up to a great entrance, divided by pillars with letters and murals on them. There's also a great pool of water there that is fed by the water falling from the mist-covered top of Chizra and that in turn feeds small streams that branch off into your surroundings. It is the same pool the Headwater used to conduct the morning purification ritual. There is a light mist in the air due to water falling from the waterfall above, though the entrance itself is protected from the mist by a balcony held by great pillars.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 05, 2017, 11:36:57 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Ice cold, Mr. Headwater!" Ike says delightedly as he gets up. "Love the smell of collateral damage in the evening!"

Loot Griman and my shady friend as the situation in the room develops, await further instruction from the Headwater.

Well, the assistant was already looted by Nikolai, so you just loot Griman instead. It looks like mundane stuff. A flask of water with... something else mixed in, a pouch of gold coins, a simple knife... You don't think there's anything- Wait. Your ears pick up a strange noise coming from him. You follow it to find a... black thing hidden on the underside of one of the folds of his robes with a glue-like substance. It's pretty well hidden, you don't think anyone could had spotted it without a very thorough investigation. It feels kinda weird when you touch it and even when you just have it in your pocket, it reminds you of how it felt to touch those Void stones River had given you.

As you loot the man, the Headwater address the crowd and speaks about how this attack is proof of the Sovereignty's inventions to claim this place for themselves, how the fact that they managed to turn one of the masters shows just how serious of a threat they are and how everyone must support his plan. He doesn't do it so dry, he talks about unity and standing together and remaining loyal to him and the temple and other platitudes like that, but that's the gist of it. The man does not waste time when it comes to politics, it seems, walking literally over the corpses of his political rivals to achieve his goals.

((Do you want to ask any questions or request anything? Otherwise we'll just fast forward to the next day or to whenever something important happens depending on Alan actions.))

Quote from: NAV on October 05, 2017, 08:41:59 pm

"You call this collateral damage?"

"...medic"
Chill for a bit and await medical attention.

The crowd doesn't seem too eager to help you. They keep their distance, looking in fear... all except for a woman in violet who comes running through the crowd, yelling "What'd I miss? What'd I- Oh."
She searches through her robes and retrieves a vial of a cyan substance. She empties its contents in the wound of a woman who's missing half her chest. The liquid begins bubbling, forming a translucent, bubbly replacement for her chest that stops the bleeding. The woman in violet makes a motion towards the crowd.
"Well don't just stand there! Help me out here! You, get to the third floor and get any healing potions we have up here. You two go help him. You three gather the healers and get them to the empty bedroom on the second floor. The rest of you grab the injured and get them there. Chop-chop!"
This seems to wake the crowd up somewhat, the people she indicated moving into action, some of the rest following suit soon after. That done, she approaches you and retrieves another vial from her robes. She kneels besides you and uncorks the vial.
"Come here sweetie. Open wide." she says, lifting your head with one hand so that you may drink from the vial of red liquid she's holding in her other hand.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on October 06, 2017, 05:55:20 am

Campaign; Theri!

Quote from: Irine on October 04, 2017, 08:12:47 pm

"Very good! That's it! You did it!"
<Theri gets a nice hug by Irine, the two fox-women feeling encouraged.>
"You should eat and rest for a moment Theri. Doing that took something out of you, literally. You need to let your body replace it. Don't try to do more right away. You've barely ever used these 'muscles' before, you're probably already tuckered out."

"I still have good stamina! It's just, this is all so...familiar? -to me?"
Theri felt understanding much like how a frustrated craftsman discovers the new ways to use a tool they were quaintly familiar with their whole life, and noticed that she lacked the vocabulary to express how it felt to her. Reality and time became a healthy mix of emotions and hormones as both elation, exhaustion, and the grim, serious reality came about. She knew she could invoke a bout of adrenalin, however, considering the power of this realization and having felt it happen; she was nervous though, and wondered how it would feel when done properly.

She looked at the man, giving a thought (moreso to Irine and asking her to repeat it)
You will live. We will help you all.
"I'll just- take a short rest," she said, standing and stretching, and realizing how long she had been in the same uncomfortable position a somber moment ago, with her legs feeling like they were about to cramp up. She looked back at Irine with a half-smile.

". . .Irine? Do you think I could use, erm, what I just did, with you, and your sword? Like that first mission we went on when you used your flames, and people had cars? I would really appreciate your help."

If GM is going to make a turn soon--concise actions are:
> Hug River puppy.
> Theri rests a bit, before working in tandem to heal, starting out small and focused on the most wounded. (Telling San to sterilize or find some specific plants or water sources, in helping our supplies)
> After doing what I best can measure is enough (knowing Irine and her awesome sword's powers), get San and River and add them to my inventory and head off to the Monastery at a forced march, at least (they can sleep on me. I made sure Im clean and floofy!)

River appreciates your hugs and licks you while wagging his tail in response.

As for healing, you've already done the best you can using the mundane means available to you. They should be able to stay alive until you can come back with help.

Now, for going to the 'go to the monastery' bit, I'll need to delay that for a while. You can speak with Irine/River/San about anything you wish to speak if you wanna do something else, I won't have it cost you any time so there's no need to worry. I'll let you know when time can move forward again.

Quote from: Lenglon on October 07, 2017, 05:24:15 am

I gently shake my head.
"It's really tempting to overuse this stuff Theri. You did good, really good, but you shouldn't go overboard. You should try to use mundane methods as much as you can. It's kinda like my fire. I try to never actually just straight-up summon a lot of it. I make a little, but then I use what little I made to make more instead of just summoning more. This is similar. You need to try to just get them healthy enough to be able to heal on their own. Let nature take its course as much as possible. Besides, if we keep using tons of magic we'll attract those birds again. What we need to do is get these people safely out of here. We need carts, and people to come help. You should go to the water monestary with San and River. I'll stay here and protect these people, You bring back help, and get San and River to safety."

---

Collect wooden debris and other flammables and prepare bonfires. Don't light them, but form a ring around the victims so that if I have to defend them from the birds, I'll be able to near-effortlessly light them and use them as continual flame sources to draw upon to drive back the birds.

You go around collecting branches and leaves off of any dead shrubs or withered weeds you can find. It's not enough to make a giant bonefire, but it's better than nothing. Assuming you focus all your day's effort on this and go around in increasingly widening circles, you could make them quite large.

Same thing as Tiruin applies to you. If you wanna speak with River/San/Theri/Sword, now is the time. Otherwise, just wait a while or maybe queue up actions for you to do while waiting for Theri to bring back help.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 08, 2017, 08:52:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Nod approvingly at the Headwater, this guy is fucking metal.

At some point do ask if he needs us to do anything else and if we (just maybe) get a reward for our excellent work or some other kind of assistance. If not, that's still cool, but if we do that's basically cool too.

Ask the Headwater about that bondformer thing we're looking for again, maybe recent events have rung some bells or at least persuaded him to let us take a look at the more secret archives and what have you.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 08, 2017, 09:06:50 am

Well, that's no good.

<<Zero, can you hear me out here?>>

((If no, then this question is directed at Icarus instead.>>

<<Summoning hurts and is making my interface beep.  Any ideas?>>

Let's get moving.

Find/stick with the team.  Get close to the turret and start sensing around for a way to disable it.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 08, 2017, 12:49:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2017, 07:13:34 am

The door looks quite sturdy. You doubt you'd be able to break it down with your hands behind your back. But you might be able to break the camera or at least make it look away. You bend your knees and grab the chair. You then get close enough to the wall that holds the camera and try to spin around and throw the chair at the camera. But your throw is not strong enough, the chair bounces off the wall and hits you in the chest. Ow. You did not think this through.

Ugh, this is not my day.
Walk over to the intercom, activate it, and say "I'm awake. Who are you, why am I here, and what do you want?"

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 08, 2017, 01:25:15 pm

Kosak Durar:

Right, start fisting the tubes.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on October 08, 2017, 02:56:09 pm

Brian Hoss, The Maximus's hull

Follow Saevus. Move one of my eyes to get a top down view on the turret.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 08, 2017, 03:17:55 pm

Tsar the little vial of medicine before having a sip.
"That should help a bit. Pass it around."

...
Show highwater the smudged paper and crude pendant in case they mean anything.

Get that invisibility mist artifact thing. Also ask Headwater if he would consider parting with any more of the artifacts because of all the help we've been.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Hawk132 on October 08, 2017, 04:11:00 pm

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

Back to the shield. Protect the team.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 08, 2017, 10:38:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2017, 07:13:34 am

Well, you're not necessarily back in time. Maybe this is simply one of those creepy theme parks or one of those creepy old mansions in the middle of a deserted forest, the kind you see in Halloween movies.

You decide not to go exploring out in the dark, so you instead close the door and secure it again. That done, you make your way to the dining area. It has two large tables on either side, probably meant to serve as a buffet. The rest of the room is a wide open area, probably meant to be used differently and filled with different things depending on the occasion.

The walls and ceilings are decorated with great frescoes, though with only the light coming from the entrance it's hard to appreciate them fully. You look closer at one trying to discern more details. It... looks like a woman in colorful clothes, standing in front of a field of golden wheat, holding a basket. There's more people behind her, you can discern-

You are interrupted by a scream coming from the floor above. Okay, another thing to check off the "creepy tropes" list.

"Mon Dieu, as if having any reason not to be *ahem* ...slightly tensed within this creepy house isn't enough!" Napoleon grumbled in annoyance. Unsheathing the sword, Napoleon slowly crept toward the stairs leading to the floor above. Not sure whether the scream was a response to him stealing the sword, Napoleon thought better of it and sheathed the sword. Hiding the sword inside his clothes, Napoleon strained his ears as he ascended the steps. He'd seen scenes like this play out in horror movies. First the teenager who looks suspiciously like a grown up is attracted by screaming and once he arrives at the scene, he is confronted by either a dead body or a room that is splattered with so much blood that there is no way in hell it could've come from a single person. At worse, the duped teenager/grown up could be wandering into the clutches of the waiting killer.

Of course, such a coward is no match for the unrivaled intellect and combat prowess of the Doll Prince himself! Hah, the murderer would be begging the French wonder doll not to turn him into the murdered! With this Napoleon assured himself as he carried himself majestically up the stairs, even as his rapid breathing fluttered through clenched teeth.

Try not to stain one's underclothes while attempting to determine the reason and location of the scream.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on October 09, 2017, 12:07:04 am

WMD, Lost in Space Mission

"You're still here? I was starting to think you jumped ship somehow when I lost those anchors. Did you want something? Or are you just here to sustain yourself on my despair at a seemingly hopeless situation? Or were you going to offer help? If I die out here, you do too I'm guessing. If I can't come back, you probably can't either."

Talking with the demon. If it tries anything to harm me, beat it into submission with my Willpower.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 09, 2017, 04:06:41 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 08, 2017, 10:38:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2017, 07:13:34 am

Well, you're not necessarily back in time. Maybe this is simply one of those creepy theme parks or one of those creepy old mansions in the middle of a deserted forest, the kind you see in Halloween movies.

You decide not to go exploring out in the dark, so you instead close the door and secure it again. That done, you make your way to the dining area. It has two large tables on either side, probably meant to serve as a buffet. The rest of the room is a wide open area, probably meant to be used differently and filled with different things depending on the occasion.

The walls and ceilings are decorated with great frescoes, though with only the light coming from the entrance it's hard to appreciate them fully. You look closer at one trying to discern more details. It... looks like a woman in colorful clothes, standing in front of a field of golden wheat, holding a basket. There's more people behind her, you can discern-

You are interrupted by a scream coming from the floor above. Okay, another thing to check off the "creepy tropes" list.

"Mon Dieu, as if having any reason not to be *ahem* ...slightly tensed within this creepy house isn't enough!" Napoleon grumbled in annoyance. Unsheathing the sword, Napoleon slowly crept toward the stairs leading to the floor above. Not sure whether the scream was a response to him stealing the sword, Napoleon thought better of it and unsheathed the sword. Hiding the sword inside his clothes, Napoleon strained his ears as he ascended the steps. He'd seen scenes like this play out in horror movies. First the teenager who looks suspiciously like a grown up is attracted by screaming and once he arrives at the scene, he is confronted by either a dead body or a room that is splattered with so much blood that there is no way in hell it could've come from a single person. At worse, the duped teenager/grown up could be wandering into the clutches of the waiting killer.

Of course, such a coward is no match for the unrivaled intellect and combat prowess of the Doll Prince himself! Hah, the murderer would be begging the French wonder doll not to turn him into the murdered! With this Napoleon assured himself as he carried himself majestically up the stairs, even as his rapid breathing fluttered through clenched teeth.

Try not to stain one's underclothes while attempting to determine the reason and location of the scream.

You start climbing the stairs, but when you reach the top you notice that some of the lamps further from the stairs have been extinguished, making the corridor quite dark. You're about to get some of your dolls to bring you some candles from downstairs when you hear something moving about 10 meters in front of you, like stone being dragged on glass. You think you hear someone crying, sometimes whimpering something you can't make out.

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 08, 2017, 12:49:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 08, 2017, 07:13:34 am

The door looks quite sturdy. You doubt you'd be able to break it down with your hands behind your back. But you might be able to break the camera or at least make it look away. You bend your knees and grab the chair. You then get close enough to the wall that holds the camera and try to spin around and throw the chair at the camera. But your throw is not strong enough, the chair bounces off the wall and hits you in the chest. Ow. You did not think this through.

Ugh, this is not my day.
Walk over to the intercom, activate it, and say "I'm awake. Who are you, why am I here, and what do you want?"

You go to the intercom, push the button with your body and speak into the microphone. There's no reply. You try looking through the one-way mirror but you can't make out anything in the other room, you can't know whether or not there's anyone in there.

You're about to try repeating your message when you hear something on the other side of the door, like something is being dragged against it. A few seconds later the electronic device next to the door beeps and blinks green. You see the door handle being twisted experimentally, someone testing if the door has unlocked.

---

Quote from: Toaster on October 08, 2017, 09:06:50 am

Well, that's no good.

<<Zero, can you hear me out here?>>

((If no, then this question is directed at Icarus instead.>>

<<Summoning hurts and is making my interface beep.  Any ideas?>>

Let's get moving.

Find/stick with the team.  Get close to the turret and start sensing around for a way to disable it.

<<Zero, can you hear me out here?>>
: Affirmative. : comes the reply from your interface, piped through your visor's speakers.
<<Summoning hurts and is making my interface beep.  Any ideas?>>
: Potentially harmful interference detected. This unit recommends corrective actions. Additional information available upon request. :

You sense the segmented area around the turret. Though it's shielded against your senses like most things around here, it feels like it's supposed to move in order to cover the turret or the hole if the turret is not there. If you got it to close in the 'turret is not there' configuration, you're pretty sure you could crush the turret, damage it or at least stop it from moving. Though your limited telekinesis is not enough to directly move the pieces around, you could find another way to move them. Maybe you could use raw power to break through the shielding or maybe you could find an unshielded control panel you could access.

Of course, you could always go for a more direct plan of attack, like stabbing the thing with your spear. Or, hell, this thing is probably filled with explosives, if you got lucky you might be able to just use your ability to detonate any torpedoes it has inside.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 08, 2017, 01:25:15 pm

Kosak Durar:

Right, start fisting the tubes.

[insert eybrow wiggle gif here]

You jump down towards the bottom of the bowl, aiming for a cluster of tubes. Your rather enthusiastic attempts at fisting the giant tubes goes poorly however as you completely misstimed your jump and ended up jumping just as the cluster rearranged itself. A great metal tube whacks you hard and sends you flying into the wall of the bowl. The strike hurts like hell and knocks the wind out of you but leaves you without any serious damage (though you're pretty certain your entire body is going to be one giant painful bruise in a few minutes).

The flow at the walls of the bowl isn't quite as strong (at least not on the side you're on as there are quite a few vortices formed in the flow-shadow of the turret) so you easily manage to reattach yourself to the wall, hidden in a small nook where you are not in danger of being whacked by the tubes again. As you lay there, trying to catch your breath, you notice that there's a great door at the bottom of the turret sphere. You can't see it clearly due to the speed the turret is moving but you can make out its general shape. Probably meant to be used to resupply the turret.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 08, 2017, 04:11:00 pm

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

Back to the shield. Protect the team.

You provide a convenient movable wall for your teammates to hide behind.

Quote from: Zormod on October 08, 2017, 02:56:09 pm

Brian Hoss, The Maximus's hull

Follow Saevus. Move one of my eyes to get a top down view on the turret.

You hide behind the helpful medieval Terminator and position one of your 'eyes' above the turret. From here you can make out the shockwaves created every time a torpedo is launched, though there's not a hint of the light coming from your visors to be seen. Those things on its top that look like cat-ears must be clusters of sensors, you think you see part of them have the silhouette of TV antennas and you can see parts that are round and reflective like lenses, reflecting the light of distant explosions.

Quote from: Beirus on October 09, 2017, 12:07:04 am

WMD, Lost in Space Mission

"You're still here? I was starting to think you jumped ship somehow when I lost those anchors. Did you want something? Or are you just here to sustain yourself on my despair at a seemingly hopeless situation? Or were you going to offer help? If I die out here, you do too I'm guessing. If I can't come back, you probably can't either."

Talking with the demon. If it tries anything to harm me, beat it into submission with my Willpower.

Can't stop me
Can't leave me
Can't go back without me
You feel the pressure of a foreign influence against your mind. Not the demon. Something else. You fight back against it and it disappears. The lights on your visor flicker back to life.
Only two choices
Give up or
Give in to me
Your surroundings have changed completely in this past minute of darkness. You are now in a great trench or maybe a corridor with a very high ceiling, you can't even see where the metal walls end. You're pretty sure your boots are still firmly attached to the same piece of metal they were attached to previously, though this doesn't make any sense because the floor is tiled here, whereas it was smooth before and you can see pipes and support beams in the walls.
Hehehe
Yeah, laugh at your expense and/or feed on your despair sounds about right.

---

Quote from: NAV on October 08, 2017, 03:17:55 pm

Tsar the little vial of medicine before having a sip.
"That should help a bit. Pass it around."

You enlarge the vial before trying to take a sip of the now-bubbling liquid. The woman in violet takes it away from your mouth with a worried look at first but then reconsiders.
"If you want to experiment on yourself with Chaos alchemy for Science!, who am I to say no?" she says with a smile as she hands the enlarged vial back to you.

You take a sip. You can feel the bubbling liquid, tingling your insides all the way to your gut. It makes you feel better almost immediately and you notice it slows down your bleeding. It also makes you feel slightly drunk. You're given a crutch and sent on your way to the makeshift infirmary.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 08, 2017, 08:52:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Nod approvingly at the Headwater, this guy is fucking metal.

At some point do ask if he needs us to do anything else and if we (just maybe) get a reward for our excellent work or some other kind of assistance. If not, that's still cool, but if we do that's basically cool too.

Ask the Headwater about that bondformer thing we're looking for again, maybe recent events have rung some bells or at least persuaded him to let us take a look at the more secret archives and what have you.

Metal or mental?

Anyway, it's later that day, close to the evening. You (and anyone else from your group who wants to) are in a private meeting with the Headwater. The Headwater is confident he can give you his full support. Not 'full' in the sense of 'everything he's got' because he still needs to send people in other places and keep some here to defend the temple, but he can spare a lot more manpower and resources to aid you now that his faction has almost complete control of the council. He promises to supply your group and your little army with several potions and a few Water mages. He also says that he is willing to provide some magic items to you or even have his mages create a custom potion or enchantment for you.

He says he doesn't know anything about the bond-former you're hunting though he has retrieved several documents on the subject and is willing to answer any specific questions you have.

Quote from: NAV on October 08, 2017, 03:17:55 pm

...
Show highwater the smudged paper and crude pendant in case they mean anything.

Get that invisibility mist artifact thing. Also ask Headwater if he would consider parting with any more of the artifacts because of all the help we've been.

He has no idea what the pendant is. He says it might be something evil, a part of some dark magic ritual. He suggests that you leave it with him so that he may look into it and keep it safe.

He says the paper looks like a half-finished and quite crude magic scroll. It has no value and could in fact be dangerous. He says that you should give it to him so that he may get rid of it safely.

See Ike's part. You get your mist thing and can ask for more.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 09, 2017, 04:33:26 pm

Introduction, Tess

Tess, taking a second to think, nods at the suggestion of the weird person.

Spacey Mission, Tess

Not that much I can do here. Just wait around for someone else to do the thing for me.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 09, 2017, 04:48:09 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted physics!"

Punch my way through the door! Well, try to open it first, but if it doesn't open, or opens slowly, punch it repeatedly.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on October 09, 2017, 05:12:15 pm

<Hey, sword three? How's River doing?>

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 09, 2017, 06:03:53 pm

Some equipment for our ragtag militia would be good. Spears and shields would probably be ideal because of how effective they are with little training. Or just whatever rusty farm tools they can spare.

We should also ask for some armour for Alan and Zech (might be difficult to find due to Alan's girth and Zech's wings).

Nikolai personally would really like a ranged weapon better than a sling, the more magical or powerful the better. Something point and shoot that works well with tsaring, not something that requires fancy waving movements or anything like that. He would be happy with a mundane crossbow.

Nikolai would also like some bottles of high proof alcohol or other flammables if they have any. Mostly because tsar molotovs combo incredibly well with a certain pyromaniac fox.

We should ask for several large barrels of water, because we're going through a desert and the water mages need it and tsar water enchanted equipment really needs it.

Spoiler: Artifacts (click to show/hide)

Quote

"Well, if you're looking for a weapon, I've got a nice blade I can give you."
"Oh yeah? What's so nice about it?"
"No, no, no. You misunderstood. A singular ice blade. A blade made of ice."
"My previous statement still stands."
"Well, it can reform itself when broken, keep itself magically sharpened... And it looks impressive. Perhaps combined with your magic it could do something more. You did ask me for medium range magical items, something I could be persuaded to give away but could still be useful in your quest."

For protection... Well, they have a couple of those things called Melchior's Mystifying Mirage, a magical item that creates a distorting cloud of fog when supplied with water, and could be persuaded to part with one of them. The fog is altered to act as a cloud of perfectly aligned prisms, distorting light in such a way that it and those within it become mostly invisible. Though the fog doesn't last long and its effective range is not that large, it is quite capable of concealing four people from a distance (maybe more if they have no problem getting a bit too intimate), as long as you have enough water to keep it working.

If such complex enchantments are not to your liking, then there is a simple water armour enchantment. When supplied with water, it coats the wearer's body in a thick suit of armour made out of liquid water. If the user has the necessary magical skill, they can harden the water or even manipulate it to form whatever shape they wish and then harden it to ice. Though even without such skills, it would still be better than no armour and would probably fare quite well against Fire and Wind magic. And the fact that it is magically sustained would mean that it weighs nothing at all.

"How about something that produces light?"
"... You mean a lamp?"
"Well, I was thinking something a bit stronger than a lamp."
"Hmmm. In that case... How about a Signaler? It is a wand that launches a beam of Fire into that erupts into a small explosion. The explosion is persistent and provides light for a good while. It can also expend less energy to merely create a glowing line that fades after a few seconds. The military uses such artifacts to send signals from long distances or to provide light for defense against night ambushes. You could also hurt someone with it if they were standing really close or if you had really good aim, since they are not exactly made for precision. The problem is that they're not very easy to recharge and most only hold one good charge, maybe two or three if you're lucky. You'd need a Fire mage or similar to recharge one and even then they'd have to be quite careful. Charge this thing too fast or break it and it might explode and burn your face off."

As for healing stuff, he could grant you a few general purpose healing potions. They can stop almost all bleeding, stop or delay disease and poisons and speedup the body's natural healing process. While not exactly extraordinary, they are still rare enough outside of the military that they could also be used as a high value trade good when dealing with most people. He has also come to the possession of some Stones of Healing Light from the Beastmen tribes of the north which can apparently store Light energy and then release it in a healing wave, but they tend to be fickle and unreliable and take a long time to recharge.

Ask if they're willing to give a few more of these minor artifacts.
Priority:
-Water armour. Tankity tank, layers with other armour.
-Flaregun wand. Combos well with Irene and probably makes a good bazooka when tsared.
-Ice sword. Join the magic sword club.
-I'm pretty sure we're already being offered healing potions.

Lastly, an empty book and some writing supplies. So I can draw and write about machines and technology in the hopes that someone who cares about it finds it one day and advances this world from medieval fantasy to steampunk magitech. If anyone wants to travel with us to learn about technology they are welcome.

Oh yeah, and anything that can track, disable, or protect against void magic could help our quest.

I have no problem with giving Headwater the pendant and scroll, especially if he gives us more artifacts and supplies.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on October 09, 2017, 07:18:53 pm

Brian Hoss, The Maximus's hull

: I found a sensor cluster, and I'm about to try something to disrupt it. :

Move and enlarge my eye to cover as much of the cluster as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on October 09, 2017, 08:43:02 pm

WMD, Space Mission

"I reckon you forgot somethin'. No free rides."

Use my Willpower to mentally beat and batter the demon if I can, to try to take its power or at least force it to submit to using its powers for my benefit. If I can't do that, then just remain silent and down the trench in the direction I'm facing.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 09, 2017, 09:19:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 09, 2017, 04:06:41 pm

You start climbing the stairs, but when you reach the top you notice that some of the lamps further from the stairs have been extinguished, making the corridor quite dark. You're about to get some of your dolls to bring you some candles from downstairs when you hear something moving about 10 meters in front of you, like stone being dragged on glass. You think you hear someone crying, sometimes whimpering something you can't make out.

"Heh, making scary noises is a very smart way to demoralize your foes. If I survive this, I'll be sure to make use of that." Napoleon muttered softly to himself as he got down on his hands and knees and quietly crawl backwards down the stairs until only his head peeked over the landing. "Of course, it also gives away your position, something that a marvelous tactician like yours truly can exploit."

Shaking visibly, Napoleon struggled to still his fluttering heart as he crawled backward to the middle of the stairs. Summoning three 1 foot dolls, he directed one to go get a candle and the other two to modify their arms into curved blades. As he controlled the first doll, Napoleon composed himself as the strange noises continued from upstairs.

"Okay Napoleon Lambeau," he cajoled himself with a fearful falsetto, which he quickly squashed. "This isn't the worst thing you'd experienced. Sure none of that compared to this debacle but you've lived for at least two centuries without biting the dust. That's because you're the Doll Prince, a man blessed with a veritable army of dolls and the will and the capability to mold and control them much like a normal human flexing his fingers independently. Such a simpleminded creature as whoever making that noise cannot hope to understand the hive mind that I wield, neither can they hope to survive my superior tactics. Now, let's show them how I play with dolls!"

After getting a candle, Napoleon will send the trio of dolls upstairs to see what's making that scraping noise. He will look through the dolls' eyes to see the person... or thing for himself. If the entity in question becomes a clear and present threat, Napoleon will have the dolls hold it off while he runs off to find a good place to hide.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 09, 2017, 10:59:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 09, 2017, 04:06:41 pm

You go to the intercom, push the button with your body and speak into the microphone. There's no reply. You try looking through the one-way mirror but you can't make out anything in the other room, you can't know whether or not there's anyone in there.

You're about to try repeating your message when you hear something on the other side of the door, like something is being dragged against it. A few seconds later the electronic device next to the door beeps and blinks green. You see the door handle being twisted experimentally, someone testing if the door has unlocked.

Quickly position myself beside the door hinges so that when the door is opens toward me, I won't be seen until the person enters the room. Once the person enters the room, rush the person and put them into a stranglehold. Demand that the person identify who they are and tell me everything they know about where I am and why I am here.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 10, 2017, 05:54:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

Metal is definitely what I meant, way to go, old man!

Artifacts-wise, I find myself in desperate need of something that could cause a large explosion. Flames are all fine and good, but sometimes you just need to get a wall out of the way. Preferably something non-volatile, a bit of magical C4 if you will. Healing potions as well, and some of those Mystifying Mirages sound pretty good to have around as well.

And maybe something to help communicate with him at a distance - I have an associate that'd doubtlessly be able to ask better questions than I could about the basic nature of these bondformer creatures, y'see.

Also a healer would be cool to have along, if anyone's willing to volunteer.

Spoiler: As for questions... (click to show/hide)

Does he have more detailed information on Nether Pass, perhaps a layout or structural specifications for whatever undead citadels we may find there?

Furthermore, what kind of things does the Sovereignty field that we should be careful of, and how can we best mess them up and/or avoid them?

What information is available about the Blood Vultures?

What exactly is the deal with this First King that we've found the sword, armor and throne-armor of?

What are the exact enchantments on my armor and how can I best use them? What functions of the sword might Irine be unaware of, yet are attested in literature?

What do they know about void magic (that black stuff that gets everywhere and is hard to get out, that was void, right?)?

Have they heard about bond-formers at all, and is anything like this severing person (a shapeshifting, human-sized intelligent centipede at last sighting) known to exist around where we're going?

What's the context behind beastmen and half-elves around here, just so we can blend in with local racial sentiments better?

There's probably more I want to know, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'll likely have followup questions.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 10, 2017, 12:30:21 pm

John, clinging to the Maximus

Sigh.  Thanks, Zero.  <Any suggestions on what that corrective action would be?  Interference with my powers is new to me.  In fact, if at any point you see any helpful information, feel free to say it.  I'll let you judge helpful.>

"Okay team, I'm about to try to trick the turret doors into closing.  I could try to detonate it, but that strikes me as a bad idea."

Let's go with shutting the doors on the turret.  Even if I jam the turret shut without actually crushing it, that'll work.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on October 10, 2017, 12:40:46 pm

Quote from: Irine on October 09, 2017, 05:12:15 pm

<Hey, sword three? How's River doing?>

Hey Irine! How're you feeling!

Theri busied herself by checking the surroundings for plants and other forage material she could use to help out Irine's campsite, and for her trip back with San and river. She kept San company with small talk and chat about his ideas and musings whenever he brought up a thought passing by or something related, and River with what she noticed was some kind of conciseness in his communication.

"San, did you recognize anyplace where we passed at length? I know you want to get back home, but I'm planning to bring you and River with me to fetch our companions, then we'll rendezvous with Irine later on.

"River, I also noticed you speak in very short words. Can you describe what happened to you since we- err, well, does 'Church' ring a bell? Use emotions to respond. Since we left and split ways for Dragon's something- I forgot the name. Then we met an ol' farmer's dog and-"

Theri also spoke at length in recalling what had occurred until the present, in between missing River, and finding several details about Irine's awesome good looks, and River's 'soulstone' or however it was called--Theri was forgetful, and still winded but regaining her stamina from healing and stabilizing the others.

Chat with bestbuddy Irine, and others!

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 10, 2017, 03:22:59 pm

Alan, Heavily Delayed Poster

When an opportunity for bluffing pops up, Alan never turns it down! He draws upon the accumulated experience of ten thousand milliseconds as an employed individual, and puts on an Official Face.

Summon some pizza and pretend to be a pizza delivery guy, talking my way past the guard with sheer bluster.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 11, 2017, 06:18:52 am

<Svajoklis|Hull of Maximus>

Go to the turret, not much else to do here.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 12, 2017, 12:39:31 pm

((I have incrementally edited my action for this turn. I know I've been greedy asking for things and don't expect to get everything I asked for. Just letting you know in case you missed edits.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Hawk132 on October 12, 2017, 12:41:10 pm

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

Shielding? Shielding.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2017, 04:59:40 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 09, 2017, 09:19:55 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 09, 2017, 04:06:41 pm

You start climbing the stairs, but when you reach the top you notice that some of the lamps further from the stairs have been extinguished, making the corridor quite dark. You're about to get some of your dolls to bring you some candles from downstairs when you hear something moving about 10 meters in front of you, like stone being dragged on glass. You think you hear someone crying, sometimes whimpering something you can't make out.

"Heh, making scary noises is a very smart way to demoralize your foes. If I survive this, I'll be sure to make use of that." Napoleon muttered softly to himself as he got down on his hands and knees and quietly crawl backwards down the stairs until only his head peeked over the landing. "Of course, it also gives away your position, something that a marvelous tactician like yours truly can exploit."

Shaking visibly, Napoleon struggled to still his fluttering heart as he crawled backward to the middle of the stairs. Summoning three 1 foot dolls, he directed one to go get a candle and the other two to modify their arms into curved blades. As he controlled the first doll, Napoleon composed himself as the strange noises continued from upstairs.

"Okay Napoleon Lambeau," he cajoled himself with a fearful falsetto, which he quickly squashed. "This isn't the worst thing you'd experienced. Sure none of that compared to this debacle but you've lived for at least two centuries without biting the dust. That's because you're the Doll Prince, a man blessed with a veritable army of dolls and the will and the capability to mold and control them much like a normal human flexing his fingers independently. Such a simpleminded creature as whoever making that noise cannot hope to understand the hive mind that I wield, neither can they hope to survive my superior tactics. Now, let's show them how I play with dolls!"

After getting a candle, Napoleon will send the trio of dolls upstairs to see what's making that scraping noise. He will look through the dolls' eyes to see the person... or thing for himself. If the entity in question becomes a clear and present threat, Napoleon will have the dolls hold it off while he runs off to find a good place to hide.

You cower assume a more tactically sound position near the top of the stairs while you get one of your dolls to get you a candle from downstairs. However, the short doll is quite clumsy and takes a while to climb the stairs and reach you. At least the floor is made of stone so there's little danger it will set the entire place on fire if it trips. Worst it can do is maybe light a curtain or a carpet on fire.

By the time the doll gets back to you it's a bit too late for it to be useful. You can already see the source of the noise (though it appears he can't see you): It's the same old man from before. He is shuffling forward like a zombie, slowly dragging his feet against the stone floor with a faint sound of glass being dragged against stone. He keeps walking forward, despite the bloody pieces of glass sticking out of the bottom of his boots. Looks like he will pass by the stairs and keep going through the hallway. His hands are covering his face. Small rivulets of blood escape from beneath his hands, the red drops occasionally dripping to the floor, creating a trail behind him. He is crying and you can occasionally hear him whimpering "gone, gone..." between sobs.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 09, 2017, 10:59:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 09, 2017, 04:06:41 pm

You go to the intercom, push the button with your body and speak into the microphone. There's no reply. You try looking through the one-way mirror but you can't make out anything in the other room, you can't know whether or not there's anyone in there.

You're about to try repeating your message when you hear something on the other side of the door, like something is being dragged against it. A few seconds later the electronic device next to the door beeps and blinks green. You see the door handle being twisted experimentally, someone testing if the door has unlocked.

Quickly position myself beside the door hinges so that when the door is opens toward me, I won't be seen until the person enters the room. Once the person enters the room, rush the person and put them into a stranglehold. Demand that the person identify who they are and tell me everything they know about where I am and why I am here.

((Nice use of a previously provided detail to your advantage. I approve.))

You move behind the door before it opens. It swings inwardly, hiding you. Everything's quiet for a second or two.
"Hey! Are you sure he's in here?" you hear him say.
: Yes, that's what the records say. : a female voice on a radio responds.
"Well, I'm looking at the interrogation room right now and I'm telling you he's not here."
: Well, ummm... :
"Hold on a sec, let me check something." he says as he picks up the chair and uses it to keep the door from closing.
: OK :

You hear him take a few careful steps forward. You charge at him with a cry and shove the man forward, surprising him and causing him to fall on the metal table, hitting his head on it. This stuns him long enough for you to put your knee on his neck and start strangling him.
"Who are you? Who sent you?" you scream into his face.
He tries to push your leg off him but he isn't strong enough.
"What is this place? Why am I here?"
"Grh- glargh!" the man responds as he flails his arms around ineffectually.
You think you discovered a small issue with your 'interrogate while strangling him' plan.

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 09, 2017, 04:33:26 pm

Introduction, Tess

Tess, taking a second to think, nods at the suggestion of the weird person.

"Good. Then here we go."

He grabs you, flaps his wings and lifts you up in the sky, quickly rising far above the clouds. You're starting to feel like the air is too thin, like you can't breathe. You pass out before you can do anything.

When you wake up next, you're standing on the clouds. There's a boy looking at you with a huge smile.
"Hi!" he says, full of enthusiasm.
The boy looks quite younger than the man that took you, but you can tell it's the same person, just younger.
"Welcome to the Games!"

((I think that's good enough for the intro, unless you want RP some more.))

---

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 09, 2017, 04:33:26 pm

Spacey Mission, Tess

Not that much I can do here. Just wait around for someone else to do the thing for me.

You stand around asking "Are we there yet?" all the time.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on October 11, 2017, 06:18:52 am

<Svajoklis|Hull of Maximus>

Go to the turret, not much else to do here.

You move as fast as you can towards the rest of the team. Let's say you'll be there next turn. For now, you're just walking towards them. While you do so, you watch the pretty lights in the distance and hear your teammates' radio chatter.

Quote from: Zormod on October 09, 2017, 07:18:53 pm

Brian Hoss, The Maximus's hull

: I found a sensor cluster, and I'm about to try something to disrupt it. :

Move and enlarge my eye to cover as much of the cluster as I can.

You try to enlarge your vortex and put it on top of one of the two sensor clusters. You feel there's something resisting against the widening of your 'eye', as if the pressure of all this liquid is pushing against it, trying to keep it from growing. And yet somehow this feels like it's actually making your eye more stable. You also feel the sensor cluster itself pushing against you, trying to repel your eye, but the effect is much weaker than the one you encountered at the Phoenix. By focusing on your ability, you are able to overcome the effect and keep your now-enlarged vortex on the cluster as it moves around.

It seems to be enough to provoke a response from the turret. It pauses its movement for a second. There is a burst of electricity released from the cluster, but it has no effect on your 'eye'.  Then it fires a lance of white-hot energy towards it but it also has no effect. After a few seconds it seems to decide there's nothing it can do about it and continues trying to track the Phoenix with its one unblocked sensor cluster, but its movements appear more uncertain, pausing and then changing direction as if it's not sure where exactly it is.

Quote from: Toaster on October 10, 2017, 12:30:21 pm

John, clinging to the Maximus

Sigh.  Thanks, Zero.  <Any suggestions on what that corrective action would be?  Interference with my powers is new to me.  In fact, if at any point you see any helpful information, feel free to say it.  I'll let you judge helpful.>

"Okay team, I'm about to try to trick the turret doors into closing.  I could try to detonate it, but that strikes me as a bad idea."

Let's go with shutting the doors on the turret.  Even if I jam the turret shut without actually crushing it, that'll work.

: Analyzing. Please stand by... :

You try to use raw power to bypass the ship's shielding against supernatural influences and access the system that closes the doors. You feel... bits and pieces, you catch glimpses of motors, locks and rails but can't muster enough power to find a control system before you have to stop and take a break. You could try to use your limited telekinesis to unlock the systems keeping the doors locked in place, but you don't have the power necessary to move them. So it might be better to keep searching, unless you have a better idea.

 : Please try entering an area shielded against outside supernatural influences. Did this help resolve the problem? :
The S0 unit in your Interface seems quite limited but fortunately it looks like it is trying to be helpful. Or at least more helpful than usual.

Quote from: Hawk132 on October 12, 2017, 12:41:10 pm

Walking Tank, Spess Mission

Shielding? Shielding.

You shield Toaster's and Zormod's characters. You're pretty sure there won't be much of you left if one of those torpedoes explode in your face and you don't know how good your shield will be against one of those energy lances, but you figure some shielding is definitely better than no shielding.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 09, 2017, 04:48:09 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted physics!"

Punch my way through the door! Well, try to open it first, but if it doesn't open, or opens slowly, punch it repeatedly.

The door has several railings around it, probably meant to serve as anchor points for some vehicle, so you try to grab on to them and pull the door open. In a fortuitous turn of events, the turret stops moving while you try to do so, giving you some time to try to grab and open the door without having to worry about sudden changes in acceleration.

You try to pull the door open and for a moment it feels like it's working, but there's something fighting you, the moment you stop putting your full strength behind it the few millimeters of the door you managed to open go back to zero. So instead you try punching the door. But even though the door looks less armored than the rest of the turret, it's still tough enough that you don't even make a dent in it. It wasn't a very strong attack, you didn't use your full strength, but even if it was you don't think it would had caused too much damage. You think you at least managed to scratch the door, only to realize a moment later that what you're seeing are chips of the material of your spacesuit stuck on the door. You wipe them away, leaving no trace that your attack ever happened.

If you're going to try something, you better do it quick, because you feel the turret start moving around again. This thing is going to get harder to hold on to than a mechanical bull...

Quote from: Beirus on October 09, 2017, 08:43:02 pm

WMD, Space Mission

"I reckon you forgot somethin'. No free rides."

Use my Willpower to mentally beat and batter the demon if I can, to try to take its power or at least force it to submit to using its powers for my benefit. If I can't do that, then just remain silent and down the trench in the direction I'm facing.

The demon is not the one that attacked you, so you can't follow him back through the attack. You can attack the tiny pieces he uses to transport his messages, but like a good parasite should, he doesn't leave you any trace for you to follow.
 
You can try to counterattack whatever tried to inside your mind. You don't have any sort of telepathy with which to try to sense them or attack directly, but you could try to pursue the attacker through the same "mental route".

Hell, with willpower like yours you could probably just focus on something real hard and it could have an effect.

I don't know if you want to do that or not, so let's leave that option open and have you explore. You start walking forward. You reach a point where the trench you are in branches in two. One leads to a narrow tunnel, filled with pipes. The other is a dead end, but it looks like the wall was very thin there. It has a large crack on it, revealing a small passage filled with dangling wires.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2017, 05:02:57 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 10, 2017, 05:54:58 am

Campaign, Ike!

Metal is definitely what I meant, way to go, old man!

Artifacts-wise, I find myself in desperate need of something that could cause a large explosion. Flames are all fine and good, but sometimes you just need to get a wall out of the way. Preferably something non-volatile, a bit of magical C4 if you will. Healing potions as well, and some of those Mystifying Mirages sound pretty good to have around as well.

And maybe something to help communicate with him at a distance - I have an associate that'd doubtlessly be able to ask better questions than I could about the basic nature of these bondformer creatures, y'see.

Also a healer would be cool to have along, if anyone's willing to volunteer.

Spoiler: As for questions... (click to show/hide)

1. Does he have more detailed information on Nether Pass, perhaps a layout or structural specifications for whatever undead citadels we may find there?

2. Furthermore, what kind of things does the Sovereignty field that we should be careful of, and how can we best mess them up and/or avoid them?

3. What information is available about the Blood Vultures?

4. What exactly is the deal with this First King that we've found the sword, armor and throne-armor of?

5. What are the exact enchantments on my armor and how can I best use them? What functions of the sword might Irine be unaware of, yet are attested in literature?

6. What do they know about void magic (that black stuff that gets everywhere and is hard to get out, that was void, right?)?

7. Have they heard about bond-formers at all, and is anything like this severing person (a shapeshifting, human-sized intelligent centipede at last sighting) known to exist around where we're going?

8. What's the context behind beastmen and half-elves around here, just so we can blend in with local racial sentiments better?

9. There's probably more I want to know, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'll likely have followup questions.

Spoiler: Explosives (click to show/hide)

Hmmm... If you're looking for a non-volatile explosive, then he could provide you an easy to use alchemical concoction. You simply need to mix Sparkwater with Om-wood imbued with Uling essence. On their own the materials are flammable but no more than alcohol or a bit of dry wood respectively. They should be fine as long as you keep them away from direct sunlight or powerful Life or Chaos magic. However, when mixed, the two become quite unstable and will explode if burnt or otherwise disturbed too much. From the description he gives you, it's capable of packing as much punch as your average stick of TNT. It is normally used in mines, since it can be easily handled by people with no magical or alchemical knowledge.

The military most commonly makes use of alchemical explosives in its flying machines and those use a similar but much more potent mixture combined by a special machine, since it requires precise analogies and tends to degrade after at most a day. Though he doesn't have the machine that creates the explosive projectiles, he does know how to create the mixture and could give you the necessary materials if you are willing to try your hand at alchemy. From what you understand the mixture makes a much larger explosion and leaves behind a corrosive fire that eats through most non-magical materials.

If you need an explosive that might work against something with magical protection, then you're probably better off just using a fire mage. Or maybe detonating a Fire Power-stone. He knows of the existence of certain Chaos/Fire hybrid weapons in use by the military but he doesn't know how to construct them nor does he have any just lying around. Even if he did, you'd most likely need a Fire mage to operate one and supply it with power.

If you really want to destroy something, then he is capable of providing you with a Flow Annihilator by converting the Hex you have provided him with, using the power of the Temple and Dark alchemy. It's a Dark magic construct that functions much like a Hex, but is much more potent. You simply pour a vial into the glass sphere containing the dark energy and run away. When the sphere is moved too much, breaks or simply if enough time passes, it will explode. And when it explodes, it creates a gigantic cloud of void magic, its energies of destruction not only damaging magic but also eating anything it touches, damaging the very fabric of the world. Nothing but the strongest magic could survive it. The only thing that could even stand a chance of containing the explosion is specially prepared Creation magic, a type of magic that is even rarer than Void magic. It corrupts an area for a long time after it has been used like some sort of magical dirty bomb, there are places in the South still touched by the influence of such forbidden weapons. They say it even destroys the souls of living things before they have a chance to reach the afterlife. For that and for many other reasons it is considered Forbidden magic, its use will most likely make everyone hate you. If you choose to take this, you should be very careful about who knows you have this or that you used it. The only reason he is willing to give this to you is that he understands that in such desperate times it might be necessary to use such forbidden magics in order to save others and fight against similar use of forbidden magic by the Sovereignty. So... magical war-crimes then.

He only has two of those Malcador's Mesmerizing Mirages just lying around, he'd need time to make more. One's been been given to Nikolai. You get the second one.

He says he'll give you and your group a good number of general purpose healing potions that will slow/stop bleeding, accelerate healing and combat some poisons or other harmful substances and effects. He also gives you a couple of more potent regrowth potions that can regrow limbs if applied quick enough and a couple of powerful cleansing potions that should work against most non-magical and many magical poisons or other magical influences.

He says he will give the Water Mages he'll send with you a Water artifact that allows for long range voice communication. (Like a magical telephone?) It can also send shapes that are recreated on the other side, although that requires more power and may wear out the Mage conducting the ritual. (So more like a video call then.) He says its reception depends on the existence of nearby Flows of Water Magic and both parties need to be conducting the communication ritual at the same time in order for a line of communication to be established. (So, maybe more like an IM call after all.) To that end, he will set a time in the morning, midday, evening, early in the night and late in the night when one of his mages will be ready to receive their messages. He probably won't be the one answering you, he has other things to do, especially now that he'll have to organize the Temple into an organization that can actually get shit done instead of just a bunch of people dicking around and meditating all day (that's basically what he said, but using fancier words). But if you really need to speak with him, then he's sure the mage manning the Water phone can contact him.

He says he'll have no trouble getting a healer with you. Most Water Mages can conduct some basic healing rituals. And right now there are a lot of people volunteering in response to the Headwater's call for adventure action, even a few Masters have asked to be allowed to be part of it. So he's certain whoever he sends with you will have some experience. Still, there are many that are not entirely comfortable with you and your group of merry adventures from another universe, so he wants to try to make sure he sends people who won't panic and/or stab you in the back.

1. Let's say he gives you an old archeological account about the area that contains some information and some rough sketches of the insides of the fortresses. It's the sort of thing where you ask for info and I give it to you or it is revealed when it's appropriate. Mostly because I can't write several pages worth of maps and/or accounts of exploration and/or gruesome death in a single post.

Spoiler: 2. Sovereignty weapons (click to show/hide)

The Sovereignty has expert mounted archers, usually mercenaries or slavers recruited from the bands roaming the plains.

Their melee units tend to be lightly armed and armoured swordsmen, however they are not to be underestimated as they make up for their disadvantage in equipment with sheer numbers.

Some of the more successful slavers might carry a vile magical artifact they call a 'Dancing Stick', so named due to its ability to cause pain and spasms to those it is used to prod.  Thankfully armor or even thick clothing is enough to stop it.

They supplement their troops with various offensive alchemical concoctions, most often poisons and less frequently explosives, which are further enhanced by a simple Wind Magic object, a glass vial that acts much like a grenade, exploding when it breaks. When the vial is empty, its blast alone is enough to injure and disorient a man but when a material is poured into it, it will be turned into a gas cloud when it explodes, allowing it to quickly spread poison or create an explosive cloud out of an inflammable substance. Though powerful and versatile, such weapons have the downside that you are carrying something that will explode when it breaks on you. Suffice to say, those that carry them need above average bravery and/or stupidity to do so. The most vile will fill their vials with Chaotic alchemical mixes that will transform those it hits into violent monsters that attack anything around them.

Their most frequently used large magical weapon is the Lightning Cannon, an enchanted object that spews lightning bolts. Though quite powerful, it is also quite inaccurate at long range if not supported by other (quite expensive) secondary enchantments. When they are used as artillery, they tend to be mounted on large batteries that unleash a rain of bolts at the same time in order to increase their chances of hitting something. It's usually better to disable whoever is using it instead of destroying the gun or at least destroy it from a distance, because it tends to become quite unstable when damaged. Earth (and Water to a lesser extent) armours should have better resistance to it than other types of armour. He doesn't know how your armor will fare against it but he assumed it will be fine.

A variant of the Lightning Cannon is actually capable of creating a barrier of wind and electricity. The barrier is capable of flowing through things coming from inside it, allowing those inside to shoot outside without fear of reprisal. The easiest way around it (assuming you can't just walk through it or use overwhelming force) is usually to dig under it or use Water magic to divert its Flow and thus create an opening or even disable the shield. Alternatively, a very skilled (or magically enhanced) ranged combatant could find a gap in the barrier and shoot at the barrier generator through it while being mindful of how the Chaotic flow will alter the trajectory of their shot.

Some of the more successful Slaver bands are known to deploy Boom Blasters, Chaotic Wind artifacts that produce a horrible noise. They are useful for ambushes and for subduing people without a fight, but not much else. The military itself rarely uses them for anything beyond torture due to their very short range. Accounts say that many Warriors of Chaos are immune to their effects and some even claim to enjoy them, sending out their Warbands on raids against slavers to get them the 'biggest boombox so that their partyz are the bestest'.

One of the most famous war machines employed by the Sovereignty are the Gliders, incredibly fast and maneuverable flying vehicles carrying a pilot gifted with astonishing reflexes and precision. In large scale conflicts those winged machines are usually employed as bombers against ground targets or larger air targets, throwing explosives or other harmful magical substances on their targets. The most successful pilots are armed with magical artifacts they can use to defend themselves, usually Lightning Guns. During combat they usually make their attack runs and then run away to resupply. If they run out of supplies those without any other weapons may try to use bows, throw heavy objects or launch suicide attacks by trying to slice soldiers with their wings or blades, but that is a very wasteful tactic. Though cheaper than the armoured balloons employed by the Kingdom, they are certainly not cheap and good pilots are hard to come by. If they have to resort to such measures, it's probably in a very long, desperate and devastating fight.

When not in large scale combat, they are usually used for scouting or to transport raiders or commandos (to raid or perform special missions respectively). Those Gliders meant for transport use are usually much wider, making them bigger targets and less maneuverable but also capable of flying much higher and able to use much fainter Wind Flows to stay afloat.

Without a constant Flow of Wind Magic they cannot maintain their performance for long. Some are equipped with Power Stones and can keep flying for a while, however most tend to slow down significantly and even fall in areas with weak Flow. If the Wind magic in the area is weak enough or if the pilot is not skilled enough, this usually results in the death of the pilot and/or the destruction of the fragile Glider.

The Sovereignty also employs larger flying vessels, though they are usually used for support, not for combat, since they are quite expensive and can easily come crashing down if their wings or rotofloaters are damaged. At best they are used for hit and run attacks, using bombs, Lightning Cannons, Storm Cannons (artifacts capable of advanced Wind control, most notably wind blasts), on-board mages or other weapons to cause as much damage as they can before running away. Still, their speed and carrying capacity makes them perfect for all sorts of things, like carrying supplies, reinforcements, messages, keeping track of people, etc.

A big problem with the magic items of the Sovereignty is that there is no shortage of daredevils willing to use Chaos magic to modify and enhance their Artifacts. That means that equipment that at a glance might appear standard could actually reveal itself to be modified with a fatal flaw or an unexpected feature. Due to their nature those artifacts are hard to predict, but it is usual for them to have a weakness, usually related to the ritual used to create them.

When facing a Chaos sorcerer, your best bet is to have an Order mage around to deal with them or find a way to take advantage of the fact that they are easily distracted. When facing a Chaos Warrior you're better off staying on the defensive and looking for an opening, since they tend to be too enthusiastic in their motions, leaving themselves open to counterattack, however the best choice by far is not engaging them in melee combat at all.

Most users of Chaos energies tend to have a certain element they focus on (some use blood, others use food, others use pleasure, and so on). If you are able to identify said element, then you might be able to deny it from them or at least know a bit more about what to expect from them.

He knows that General Alu Gale is leading the attack, at least on this part of the Kingdom, and he has set the temple of Chizra as his next target, judging by the information you helped uncover, though he isn't sure how he intends to do that without leaving his flanks open to attacks from the Resistence. Gale is young and eager to prove himself. The Headwater doesn't know much about him other than rumors. He made his name with quick and merciless strikes against a particularly powerful Warband that threatened the Sovereignty a couple of years ago and he seems to be continuing with the same tactics, using quick strikes and sabotage to overwhelm his foes. He doesn't know what enchantments his General Armour has, but he would guess it would be something quick and devastating. There is little chance you'd see him though, assuming you don't walk straight into his headquarters, wherever those are.

3. Blood Vultures are creatures closely related to Death magic and Chaos magic to a lesser extent. They are most frequently seen flying around battlefields, arenas, slaughterhouses and other places where they can find easy access to the dead and their meat. Some mages try to get Blood Vultures as pets with varying degrees of success. While very intelligent for an animal (especially when it comes to food and defending their nest) and capable of cooperating with each other, it all depends on the temperament, the personality of the bird, some being much more cooperative than others. Trying to keep them captive almost never works, they somehow always manage to escape. That might be why you might see crude drawings of them in prison cells, a message from one prisoner to the next that this cell can't hold them forever. Others say that the drawing is actually a sign of the Thieves Guild who frequently use the birds as messengers due to their ability to get anywhere, though the Headwater himself doesn't believe the Thieves Guild actually exists anywhere except in stories. While many may be tempted to kill them in order to get rid of their annoyance, they are vengeful birds and quick to spread rumors. One who acts against one bird may soon find himself the target of an entire flock. The best thing to do if you're plagued by Blood Vultures is to turn to an Order priest and have him Ward your house or turn to a hunter or mercenary and have him hunt them all down. They are especially protective of their mates and nests, which makes sense since once they choose a mate they are bound for life.

4. A long time ago the First King led a group of adventurers and freedom fighters against the tyranny of the Necromancer-Emperor, defeated him and established the Kingdom in its place with him as its First King. The First King was a brave, charismatic young man and a wise and powerful mage, a master tactician and great philanthropist. He was the hero of the people, freeing them from slavery and defending them from the evil minions of the Necromancer-Emperor. Or so the stories say. After all, winners write the history books. Who's to say that in a few hundred years there won't be a book stating how you bravely arrested the vile Griman and forced him to confess his crimes, his shame being so great that he took his own life? He says Irine's sword likely knows more about him than all the books in their library combined, seeing as it accompanied him in most of his journey. Strangely, there's little mention about how the Sword actually came to be in his possession, most merely stating that it was granted to him by the Gods to mark him as their chosen to liberate their people.

5. Well, he doesn't have an instruction manual for the Armour or anything like that, but he knows that it is actually forged from a rare material called Adamantine. It is found in very small quantities and only deep beneath the mountains or in some cases in meteor craters. It is very resistant to all sorts of influences, making turning it into something actually useful extremely difficult. That is why most of the time it treads that thin line between 'extremely valuable' and 'utterly worthless' as few beyond Kings and Grandmaster Mages (and sometimes not even those) have the time and resources necessary to acquire a sizable chunk of Adamantine and turn it into something useful. Furthermore, even if you do manage to turn it into a useful shape, it's actually completely useless for enchanting due to its resistance to magic. That means that while it is perfectly capable of guarding someone from most physical and magical attacks, it needs extra attachments or hidden compartments in order to support wards against other kinds of attack. And since Adamantine is actually quite elastic, a powerful strike might be able to break those enchantments. The First King's armour on the other hand has its enchantments weaved directly into it through an unknown process (some say the gods did it), making it 'super OP, plz nerf' as D would say. Other than that, he only knows stories. It is said that it can protect the wearer from almost all harm, its enchantments protecting the places its metal does not. It is said it can stop all poisons, making every breath you take as clean as mountain air. It is said it can be used to fly as free as a bird. It is said it can project shields that can defend entire armies and blades that can cut through anything short of Adamantine itself. It is said that it can make the wearer invisible or have him change appearance. It is said that it can be used to move from one spot to another before a man can blink. It is even said that the First King once used it to stay underwater for hours, waiting to ambush on of the Necromancer-Emperor's generals. But he doesn't know how much of this is true, how much of this is exaggeration and how much of this is people conflating the power of the Armour with the power of the Sword. And as good as it is, it is not impervious to damage. As mentioned previously, it is quite susceptible to powerful blunt strikes and a particularly quick or powerful attack might also be capable of bypassing or overwhelming the enchantments guarding its weakpoints. And, of course, no matter how strong it is, it probably can't protect you from having a tunnel collapse on you or jumping into the liquid fire of Stodir, at least not for a large length of time.

The Sword is supposed to be all-powerful in its domains, capable of using all sorts of Order, Fire and Light magics, its only limit being the power and skill of its wielder. Beyond that, it is also said to be indestructible and capable of cutting through anything. Not that anyone has actually tried to destroy it, as far as he knows.

6. According to the Headwater, Void magic is the embodiment of destruction, of nothingness, of taking and leaving nothing behind. In a way it's like anti-magic, a magic that exists only to destroy other magic. Much like anti-matter in that way, you'd say. However, unlike anti-matter, it doesn't just vanish in a giant explosion the moment it comes into contact with magic. Rather, the destruction can create feedback that can sustain the Void, making it have similar destructive capabilities but spread over time. Void magic is closely related to Dark magic. One can emerge from the other and the two can merge to create (usually short-lived) magical constructs. Ultimately those tend to dissolve into corruptive energies that twist anything they touch, the effects sometimes lasting for years. Mages that use their abilities incorrectly may accidentally call upon Dark magic and summon Void energies, among the various other bad things that can happen to them.

7. They know about bond-formers, though nothing about what you described. You guess it makes sense, if the traitor wanted to hide it wouldn't go around showing off to everyone, though that would make your job significantly easier. As for bond-formers in general, he says those rare and mysterious creatures usually appear in times of great change, accompanying great heroes or infamous villains and aiding them with their awesome powers. He doesn't know of any actually being active at the time. That is, he doesn't know of any beyond the ones you told him about. He says it makes sense for bond-formers to appear at this time when great changes are happening once more. He only hopes that the one accompanying you will be known by future generations as a hero, rather than a villain.

8. Beastmen have existed as long as man can remember. And as long as man can remember, beastmen have been his enemy. Though peaceful relations or cooperation between the two is not unheard of (beastmen are frequently employed by pirates or mercenaries and sometimes become leaders of pirates and mercenaries themselves, after all), it seems that throughout history the two races are doomed to conflict. Perhaps it is the fact that their way of thinking is too different that's preventing them from integrating into human society, perhaps it is only a cultural thing or mistrust borne out of their bloddy history, perhaps it is a matter of magic or the gods. He doesn't know, nor does he have any strong opinion on the matter. He has heard rumors that the Fire Tower was conducting experiments with beastmen prisoners but he doesn't know if they had any sort of significant revelation on the matter. Chizra is supposed to be neutral on the matter, so if a beastman ever approached the gates and asked for sanctuary, he would be happy to accept them. Unfortunately, none have come, at least none that he knows of. From what he knows, even beastmen themselves don't get along well with each other, constantly warring between different clans and subspecies and only uniting when one of the other races becomes a threat.

The Elves have always been a secretive bunch, so he doesn't know too much about the details, but he knows that about a hundred years ago there was some sort of religious civil war between two factions of Elves. Perhaps if the Kingdom had truly known what the war was about, it would had helped (though most likely not). Instead, the Kingdom chose to bide its time in order to attack whichever faction emerged victorious, a terrible mistake in hindsight. It turns out the Elves that won the war was a sect promoting a very Dark and corrupted interpretation of the Elves' worship of Life magic. When they had gathered what they needed, the victorious Elves conducted a ritual that transformed the majority of their kind into something else. They call themselves the Immortal Elves, but those Elves that remain Elves call them the Dark Elves instead. The surviving True Elves fled to the Kingdom and the Smothered Coast, where a slightly less cruel fate was expecting them: in order to survive, they would become slaves. Though the Kingdom supposedly forbids the existence of slaves, in truth there are special provisions in place that make Elves slaves in anything but name. While 'free', they are unable to own land or businesses, hold any position of authority and so on. The most valuable were claimed by the King and the Tower as prisoners for experimentation and interrogation, most of them ended up as cheap laborers and servants, while the most unfortunate ended up in the lowest places of society. As the two races intermingled, the once rare sight of half-elves became more common (a sight that your ears and 'uncommon' appearance make you closely resemble). With their parents unwilling to recognize their bastard sons and daughters, those half-elves usually ended up accompanying their elven parents in the same social class. Most Elves try to retain their cultural identity, trying to maintain their traditions and laws, their worship of nature and forest spirits, though a few half-elves have started slowly being integrated into the Kingdom's society. He believes that in a few more years they will be living amongst them without discrimination or prejudice. (You decide not to burst his bubble by speaking about how these sorts of situations progressed on Earth.) Even before the Dark Elves emerged, relationships between the two nations were not very good, mostly due to the Elves' nature worship conflicting with the Kingdom's expansionist tendencies and their desires for more raw materials. With the emergence of the Dark Elves, these problems have multiplied a hundredfold. Not only did the Kingdom's attack fail horribly, the Dark Elves' coutnerattack claimed a significant chunk of the western part of the Kingdom. To this day the Dark Elves continue trying to expand their influence, constantly attacking their neighbours with no attempts at diplomacy, taking away civilians to consume them as part of their Dark rituals. He is thankful for the fact that the Dark Elves have yet to try to take advantage of the fall of Ineth and the Tower and attack, though he is unsure about why they have done so. Instead, the Dark Elves remain behind their magical walls, hidden in their corrupted forest.

9. Ask away. Though actually getting all this info is not instantaneous, since I'm assuming you're getting more info and asking more questions than I can comfortably write here. You know, mundane stuff like 'you know the name and a thing or two about place X'. So right now the sun has set and it is maybe a couple of hours before to midnight.

Quote from: NAV on October 09, 2017, 06:03:53 pm

Some equipment for our ragtag militia would be good. Spears and shields would probably be ideal because of how effective they are with little training. Or just whatever rusty farm tools they can spare.

We should also ask for some armour for Alan and Zech (might be difficult to find due to Alan's girth and Zech's wings).

Nikolai personally would really like a ranged weapon better than a sling, the more magical or powerful the better. Something point and shoot that works well with tsaring, not something that requires fancy waving movements or anything like that. He would be happy with a mundane crossbow.

Nikolai would also like some bottles of high proof alcohol or other flammables if they have any. Mostly because tsar molotovs combo incredibly well with a certain pyromaniac fox.

We should ask for several large barrels of water, because we're going through a desert and the water mages need it and tsar water enchanted equipment really needs it.

Spoiler: Artifacts (click to show/hide)

Quote

"Well, if you're looking for a weapon, I've got a nice blade I can give you."
"Oh yeah? What's so nice about it?"
"No, no, no. You misunderstood. A singular ice blade. A blade made of ice."
"My previous statement still stands."
"Well, it can reform itself when broken, keep itself magically sharpened... And it looks impressive. Perhaps combined with your magic it could do something more. You did ask me for medium range magical items, something I could be persuaded to give away but could still be useful in your quest."

For protection... Well, they have a couple of those things called Melchior's Mystifying Mirage, a magical item that creates a distorting cloud of fog when supplied with water, and could be persuaded to part with one of them. The fog is altered to act as a cloud of perfectly aligned prisms, distorting light in such a way that it and those within it become mostly invisible. Though the fog doesn't last long and its effective range is not that large, it is quite capable of concealing four people from a distance (maybe more if they have no problem getting a bit too intimate), as long as you have enough water to keep it working.

If such complex enchantments are not to your liking, then there is a simple water armour enchantment. When supplied with water, it coats the wearer's body in a thick suit of armour made out of liquid water. If the user has the necessary magical skill, they can harden the water or even manipulate it to form whatever shape they wish and then harden it to ice. Though even without such skills, it would still be better than no armour and would probably fare quite well against Fire and Wind magic. And the fact that it is magically sustained would mean that it weighs nothing at all.

"How about something that produces light?"
"... You mean a lamp?"
"Well, I was thinking something a bit stronger than a lamp."
"Hmmm. In that case... How about a Signaler? It is a wand that launches a beam of Fire into that erupts into a small explosion. The explosion is persistent and provides light for a good while. It can also expend less energy to merely create a glowing line that fades after a few seconds. The military uses such artifacts to send signals from long distances or to provide light for defense against night ambushes. You could also hurt someone with it if they were standing really close or if you had really good aim, since they are not exactly made for precision. The problem is that they're not very easy to recharge and most only hold one good charge, maybe two or three if you're lucky. You'd need a Fire mage or similar to recharge one and even then they'd have to be quite careful. Charge this thing too fast or break it and it might explode and burn your face off."

As for healing stuff, he could grant you a few general purpose healing potions. They can stop almost all bleeding, stop or delay disease and poisons and speedup the body's natural healing process. While not exactly extraordinary, they are still rare enough outside of the military that they could also be used as a high value trade good when dealing with most people. He has also come to the possession of some Stones of Healing Light from the Beastmen tribes of the north which can apparently store Light energy and then release it in a healing wave, but they tend to be fickle and unreliable and take a long time to recharge.

Ask if they're willing to give a few more of these minor artifacts.
Priority:
-Water armour. Tankity tank, layers with other armour.
-Flaregun wand. Combos well with Irene and probably makes a good bazooka when tsared.
-Ice sword. Join the magic sword club.
-I'm pretty sure we're already being offered healing potions.

Lastly, an empty book and some writing supplies. So I can draw and write about machines and technology in the hopes that someone who cares about it finds it one day and advances this world from medieval fantasy to steampunk magitech. If anyone wants to travel with us to learn about technology they are welcome.

Oh yeah, and anything that can track, disable, or protect against void magic could help our quest.

I have no problem with giving Headwater the pendant and scroll, especially if he gives us more artifacts and supplies.

Well, there is a weapon merchant that's been pestering the Headwater for quite some time now, looking to trade his weapons, the same guy Ike met in the tavern. The Headwater says he could contact him and get him to sell quite cheaply. He'd need to keep a number of weapons to bolster the Temple Guard but all the rest could be given to your militia.

Sure, they can get armour. Light armour would probably be best if Zechariah wants to maintain his ability to glide and Alan his ability to move (since with his STR he'd probably end up unable to move quickly/dodge while wearing anything heavier).

How about a crossbow and some alchemically enhanced bolts? What sort of effect would you prefer? Merely explosive or something less boring?

You get some barrels of booze and water, pending transportation to your carts, there's no shortage of either.

Sure, one water armour for you. And 2 Signallers, 2 full-power uses each along with instructions on how to use them. And a nice ice sword for #MagicSword.

He has an idea about someone who might be interested in this sort of knowledge-gathering thing...

There is an artifact in the Temple that can offer some protection against void magic, but he can't give that to you, no matter how helpful you have been. He could use Dark alchemy to prepare a sort-of Void repellent you could drink, but it wouldn't offer real immunity. Your best bet is using Irine's sword or finding a Light mage who knows some protection spells. That or praying to the gods, if you're a religious man.

You hand over the stuff you looted from the assistant. The Headwater is grateful.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2017, 05:06:14 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 10, 2017, 03:22:59 pm

Alan, Heavily Delayed Poster

When an opportunity for bluffing pops up, Alan never turns it down! He draws upon the accumulated experience of ten thousand milliseconds as an employed individual, and puts on an Official Face.

Summon some pizza and pretend to be a pizza delivery guy, talking my way past the guard with sheer bluster.

You approach the front door, your and Brad's face hidden behind the giant stack of pizza each of you is carrying. You barely manage to get up the stairs with that weight on you.
"Uhh... Wait, where are you going with all those... things?" the guard asks as he sees you approach.
"Pizza delivery from Luigi's. Weren't you notified? Come on pal, I'm in a hurry."
"Erm... Pizza?"
"Yes! Pizza! It is food! The Head Waiter told us to bring you all our pizzas so he could serve them at the great party."
”He means the Headwater." Brad interjects but immediately receives a kick from you for his insolence.
"I'm the head delivery boy! Only I explain what's going on!"
"Ow. Okay, okay."
"Anyway, we need to bring these things to the party."
The guard opens one of the boxes experimentally. You can feel his mouth watering as he speaks.
"He told you to-"
"Yes, he called in person. Don't tell me this is some kind of prank. I expect to get payed you know."
"Well, I-"
"Maybe they just didn't let you know? Where is your supervisor? I bet he would be able to verify this and save us from this pointless delay. These pizzas aren't getting any warmer you know and I bet your boss wouldn't like cold pizza for dinner. Everyone knows cold pizza is strictly for breakfast."
"He isn't here, he went to some secret- secret... meeting... Oh. Ooohhh."  he says, as if slowly realizing something.
"W-why wasn't I informed of all this?" he says absent-mindedly.
"Oh, poor guy. They didn't invite you to the super cool party? Too bad, too bad. Well, don't you worry. You can take a pizza from me, free of charge."
"Oh, wow, really? Thanks man, you're the best. Are you sure there won't be any problems?"
"Nah, I'm sure they won't miss one pizza. It's the least you deserve."
"Thanks a bunch. You don't know what it's like always being ignored, always-"
"I'm sorry, I'd love to stay and chat but I'm in a hurry. Raincheck?"
"Oh. Okay. You need any help with those?"
"No, I'm sorry. Only official delivery boys may handle pizzas until they are handed over to the customer, I'm afraid."
"Oh, well. If those are the rules..."
"Have a great night! Enjoy your pizza!"
"I will! Thanks again!"
You leave the guard to enjoy his pizza, find a closet to dump the rest and start making your way to the top of the temple.

Actually moving through the temple is quite easy. There are not a lot of people up and about at this time and the few monks and guards that are awake either pay no attention to you (most of them are lost in deep mediation) or glance at you curiously before resuming what they were doing.

You make your way to a stairwell and start climbing up. Brad takes a torch with him to light the way. The thing goes up for quite some time, turning from a grand smooth staircase into a narrow, rough, uneven thing carved out of the rock. You don't encounter anyone else on it.

You're starting to get bored when you finally come upon a landing. The air is quite humid and the rock floor is slightly wet and slippery. The wide open area is decorated with wavy concentric circles, centered around an empty pedestal at the centre of the room. There's a window through which you can see the waterfall. It looks like you're right under it, the flow being almost completely solid.

There's a rock door on one side of the room that looks like it can slide out of the way. It has a circular hole in it, like the end of a pipe. The door is decorated with a few simple drawings surrounded by sentences in a language you don't understand.
"Ooohhh, a great mysterious door, no doubt hiding treasures behind it, no doubt activated by some nonsensical ritual. Gotta love the classics!"

He approaches the door and looks at the drawings. One depicts a figure on an altar and a much larger figure is doing something on it with an object with wavy blue lines. The other depicts two eyes looking at each other through a blue line, maybe a mirror?

"Hmm... The old tongue. Something something sacrifice something water of life, something the eyes to something the door, etcetera etcetera. Let's leave that for later. We need a quicker way to get up there... Oh, I know!"

He bends down, presses his ear against the stone and starts tapping the door and the stone around it, occasionally readjusting his position.

"The thing about these complicated magical doors is that oftentimes you need a quick way to open them from the other side. Like, say, if there's a fire or something and you want to run away. New ones have things like this all the time, you just need to figure out how to trigger them from the other side and all the fancy security is worthless. Now, where is it..."

---

Quote from: Lenglon on October 09, 2017, 05:12:15 pm

<Hey, sword three? How's River doing?>

<He is... surprisingly resilient. He is trying to block most of our senses now, but from what we saw before he started doing that, we found it hard to believe he could stay alive, let alone heal at this rate. We do not know how much of his former self is left, but whoever he is now we believe whatever's left of his mind, body and soul will regain their full combat capabilities soon, even if there are pieces of them missing.>

<We have seen no signs of ill intent towards you or the rest of your group. While we do not like working with people of the Dark element, it's not unheard of for Dark people to aid a Good cause if it aligns with their interests. For example, even though he acted out of his own selfish desires, the Lonely Khan was of great assistance to the First King and his group. So as long as you trust him and you are willing to work with him, then we will try to do so as well. Though we will keep an eye on him.>

Despite what the sword is saying, River doesn't look so well right now. Looks like what Theri told him really upset him.

Quote from: Tiruin on October 10, 2017, 12:40:46 pm

Quote from: Irine on October 09, 2017, 05:12:15 pm

<Hey, sword three? How's River doing?>

Hey Irine! How're you feeling!

Theri busied herself by checking the surroundings for plants and other forage material she could use to help out Irine's campsite, and for her trip back with San and river. She kept San company with small talk and chat about his ideas and musings whenever he brought up a thought passing by or something related, and River with what she noticed was some kind of conciseness in his communication.

"San, did you recognize anyplace where we passed at length? I know you want to get back home, but I'm planning to bring you and River with me to fetch our companions, then we'll rendezvous with Irine later on.

"River, I also noticed you speak in very short words. Can you describe what happened to you since we- err, well, does 'Church' ring a bell? Use emotions to respond. Since we left and split ways for Dragon's something- I forgot the name. Then we met an ol' farmer's dog and-"

Theri also spoke at length in recalling what had occurred until the present, in between missing River, and finding several details about Irine's awesome good looks, and River's 'soulstone' or however it was called--Theri was forgetful, and still winded but regaining her stamina from healing and stabilizing the others.

Chat with bestbuddy Irine, and others!

San says he has no problem following you, he prefers coming with you to having to wait here without you. He also says he knows this area only because he passed through it earlier, he doesn't have in depth knowledge of it.

River"s response to your question is fear or perhaps embarrassment, standing with his tail between his legs and trembling slightly. After a few he takes a careful step forward and touches his head to your leg.
<Sorry.> he says.
<Promise broken. Sorry. Sorry. Couldn't protect. Couldn't protect you. Couldn't protect him. Couldn't protect her. Couldn't protect my friend. Couldn't protect me. Was weak. Now friend is dead. I am dead. So sorry. So sorry.>
He takes a step away from you and remains there, looking down while keeping you in his field of vision.

River would very much appreciate your retelling of events once he is done with his breakdown.

---

OOC
This is one of those posts where you don't realize how much you've written until you try to post and get a character limit error. I can barely keep my eyes open, I hope I haven't made too many mistakes.

Quote from: NAV on October 12, 2017, 12:39:31 pm

((I have incrementally edited my action for this turn. I know I've been greedy asking for things and don't expect to get everything I asked for. Just letting you know in case you missed edits.))

Eh, I don't mind. Just remember to do what you did and notify me when you make edits I'm likely to miss, since I copy posts on a text file on my phone so I can write turns when I have time, like when I'm on the bus.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 19, 2017, 05:44:56 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Bah!"

Okay, get back, get back into the nook I was in before. That's not working.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 19, 2017, 08:29:37 pm

"Ike, you should ask for long range weapon so you can snipe."

Nikolai would like some standard stabby bolts and some explodey ones. Maybe even some blunt ones. But what fancy exotic alchemical bolts do they have?

Examine the crossbow. How accurate/powerful/quality does it seem? Does it reload through cranequin, windlass, goats foot lever?

Examine the Ice Blade. Note how big and slashy/stabby and cool looking it is.

Examine the MMM. I know what it does but have no idea what it is and how one uses it. Does it have a button?

Examine the water armour enchantment. Is it an enchantment placed on my current armour or is it something separate like an amulet? How does one activate the water armour?

Examine a signaller. Same dealio as the rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 19, 2017, 10:05:21 pm

John, on the Maximus

Of course.  Thanks, Zero.

"Not having a lot of luck shutting this thing down.  I'm still looking for the controls!"

Maybe take ten steps to the left and try again?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 19, 2017, 10:10:44 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2017, 04:59:40 pm

You cower assume a more tactically sound position near the top of the stairs while you get one of your dolls to get you a candle from downstairs. However, the short doll is quite clumsy and takes a while to climb the stairs and reach you. At least the floor is made of stone so there's little danger it will set the entire place on fire if it trips. Worst it can do is maybe light a curtain or a carpet on fire.

By the time the doll gets back to you it's a bit too late for it to be useful. You can already see the source of the noise (though it appears he can't see you): It's the same old man from before. He is shuffling forward like a zombie, slowly dragging his feet against the stone floor with a faint sound of glass being dragged against stone. He keeps walking forward, despite the bloody pieces of glass sticking out of the bottom of his boots. Looks like he will pass by the stairs and keep going through the hallway. His hands are covering his face. Small rivulets of blood escape from beneath his hands, the red drops occasionally dripping to the floor, creating a trail behind him. He is crying and you can occasionally hear him whimpering "gone, gone..." between sobs.

A tinge of regret welled up inside of Napoleon as he deducted that the old man was referring to the sword he'd taken from the display case. Perhaps if he'd left it alone, the old man wouldn't be in such a state. Oh, the lengths people would go just to express their sorrow at failure...

At first, Napoleon considered giving the sword back and expressing his deepest regret at stealing it. However, something told him that he would regret it. After all, such a man didn't seem to be in the best state of mind and who's to say that he won't punish Napoleon by disemboweling him with the sword, a bitter irony that's characteristic of poetic justice. Besides, the sword was wasted at the side of a lifeless mannequin anyway.

Taking the candle from the clumsy doll, Napoleon unsummoned it as he continued to watch the old man trail blood along the hallway. With the other two dolls at his side, Napoleon decided to:

Wait until the old man disappear from sight before climbing down the stairs. Once at ground floor, Napoleon will then go to the dining room and walk down the stairs there.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on October 20, 2017, 01:03:02 am

((I've been busy the last couple of weeks and haven't had the time to respond, and now I missed something major... damn. I don't know where to go now... my character did have fairly big involvement in what would have happened.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 20, 2017, 01:13:22 am

((If you don't know what to do, you could always go searching for Alan like Ike asked you.

Or just say you're with Ike in the meeting asking for magical blenders or whatever kind of rewards you want for aiding the Headwater and leading the militia. NAV asked for some light armour on your behalf.

Or just go around speaking to random people about what happened.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on October 20, 2017, 09:36:40 am

((Chat with River: Check!
San: Probably check! I'm assuming that given the recent events, we have no choice but to bring him with us [read this in a non-cynical tone]))

Theri picks up Riverpup and holds him gently on where he would be once she began travel with San, back to Ike; because someone breaking down needed both space, and comfort, and she at least 'knew' this from her own experiences.

"I'm not demanding an answer, just curiousity. And that'll be satisfied when you feel better. I don't hold any fault (and in all honesty, I don't believe in fault); so enjoy the ride okay? Gather your thoughts and relax. I'll be planning to move at a brisk walk soon, with you and San with me. But in the meantime I've to check with Irine if things are okay.

"Will you be okay, Irine? I am all ready to set off. I mean, you may need more supplies and forage, and we can try makeshift weaponry if we are to attack or defend. We can...possibly live off the land as we wait. I lack words because I lack ideas right now."

Ready up at Irine's note!

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 20, 2017, 11:44:53 am

"The sobriety has gliders and airships? Maybe this world's not primitive as I thought, maybe enchantment is equal to technology after all....."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on October 20, 2017, 03:22:57 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Move my other eye above the second cluster, but don't enlarge it or move it close enough to feel the machine's push.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 20, 2017, 04:58:39 pm

Quote

((Nice use of a previously provided detail to your advantage. I approve.))

You move behind the door before it opens. It swings inwardly, hiding you. Everything's quiet for a second or two.
"Hey! Are you sure he's in here?" you hear him say.
: Yes, that's what the records say. : a female voice on a radio responds.
"Well, I'm looking at the interrogation room right now and I'm telling you he's not here."
: Well, ummm... :
"Hold on a sec, let me check something." he says as he picks up the chair and uses it to keep the door from closing.
: OK :

You hear him take a few careful steps forward. You charge at him with a cry and shove the man forward, surprising him and causing him to fall on the metal table, hitting his head on it. This stuns him long enough for you to put your knee on his neck and start strangling him.
"Who are you? Who sent you?" you scream into his face.
He tries to push your leg off him but he isn't strong enough.
"What is this place? Why am I here?"
"Grh- glargh!" the man responds as he flails his arms around ineffectually.
You think you discovered a small issue with your 'interrogate while strangling him' plan.

Strangle the man into unconsciousness (or death, though unconsciousness is preferred). Steal his radio and any other useful items that he might have. Look outside my room to make sure no one else is  approaching. Then activate the radio and speak into it. Demand the listener identify who she is and why she or her organization sent that man to this location. If the person is unwilling to provide information, then threaten to kill her associate unless she cooperates.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on October 21, 2017, 01:07:18 am

"I'll be fine. Just come back quick please okay? I don't know how long these people can last."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2017, 02:44:35 am

Campaign, Ike!

I'll take the Void Bomb! Preferably with some kind of secure Order-aligned containment solution so it doesn't just explode violently in the middle of the night or something. And also some of those OU (Om-Uling) components.

And a ranged weapon would be cool too. Preferably something magical, but a regular crossbow will do if he's strapped for resources.

As for questions:

1: Tell me more about these Warriors/Sorcerers of Chaos. Do they work for the Sovereignty or are they some kind of other political entity? Are they known to hang out anywhere in the direction we're going, as it sounds like Alan would like to meet these people? Do they eat anyone who tries to approach or something? Most of all, are they impressed by especially powerful Chaos magic?

2: Can I assume that I've also consulted the monastery's records about the basic political/geographical/societal/cultural bits of this world so that any information I'm given from now on can be contextualized more like the recap and less like "oh here is this dude and he has armor and there are a bunch of other people in armor and there's also magic or something". Basically asking if I can get context and GM descriptions akin to what a regular person from this world would get on things we encounter from now on.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 21, 2017, 12:19:54 pm

What types of cool alchemical crossbow bolts can I think of?
-Grappling hook bolt. Sticks to any surface and has a lightweight strong cord attached. Maybe the cord is enchanted to extend or retract on command to act as a true powered grappling hook.
-Web bolt, spews out very sticky web when it hits, immobilizes target or creates a trap.
-Ice bolt, freezes target or creates slippery surface. Similar to web.
-Seeking bolt, uses wind majycks to auto aim and seek targets, maybe even seek their weak points, maybe uses the wind magic to propel itself faster.
-Anti-magic (probably void) bolt that simply pierces magical defenses and maybe disables or weakens magic when it hits.
-Flashbang bolt. It produces loud noise and bright light. Kinda generic non-lethal AOE.
-Healing bolt. It has a syringe full of health potion on the end. Kinda silly and ineffective against armour.
-Bolt that splits into many poisoned darts. Poison can be lethal or nonlethal.
-Trench bolt that digs a hole or wall bolt that builds a wall somehow.
-Chaos bolt. Never know what it does until you try. Powerful.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on October 21, 2017, 04:03:17 pm

WMD, Space Mission

If I can focus my Willpower on preventing the demon from feeding off me, or preferably turning it into a symbiotic relationship, do that. If my suit won't be ruined by doing the thing I do, do the thing. Deploy Walker and Weapons and break through the thin wall, preferably without excessive unnecessary damage, then go down that hallway. Otherwise, go down the other hallway with the pipes without doing the thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Coolrune206 on October 21, 2017, 08:25:29 pm

If Tess can catch any debris (metal fragments from something being destroyed this turn, or pieces of the exploded space torpedoes that are floating by) she does so and holds on to it for now, admiring it.
 If not, she stretches idly.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 22, 2017, 04:24:57 pm

Alan, Trusting Fellow

"I trust ya, buddy!"

Go look around for the wavy blue lines object while I wait for Brad to figure out the door. Maybe it's around here someplace?

((As always, that dialogue is brilliant.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2017, 06:22:13 pm

---

Not on a mission

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 19, 2017, 10:10:44 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 19, 2017, 04:59:40 pm

You cower assume a more tactically sound position near the top of the stairs while you get one of your dolls to get you a candle from downstairs. However, the short doll is quite clumsy and takes a while to climb the stairs and reach you. At least the floor is made of stone so there's little danger it will set the entire place on fire if it trips. Worst it can do is maybe light a curtain or a carpet on fire.

By the time the doll gets back to you it's a bit too late for it to be useful. You can already see the source of the noise (though it appears he can't see you): It's the same old man from before. He is shuffling forward like a zombie, slowly dragging his feet against the stone floor with a faint sound of glass being dragged against stone. He keeps walking forward, despite the bloody pieces of glass sticking out of the bottom of his boots. Looks like he will pass by the stairs and keep going through the hallway. His hands are covering his face. Small rivulets of blood escape from beneath his hands, the red drops occasionally dripping to the floor, creating a trail behind him. He is crying and you can occasionally hear him whimpering "gone, gone..." between sobs.

A tinge of regret welled up inside of Napoleon as he deducted that the old man was referring to the sword he'd taken from the display case. Perhaps if he'd left it alone, the old man wouldn't be in such a state. Oh, the lengths people would go just to express their sorrow at failure...

At first, Napoleon considered giving the sword back and expressing his deepest regret at stealing it. However, something told him that he would regret it. After all, such a man didn't seem to be in the best state of mind and who's to say that he won't punish Napoleon by disemboweling him with the sword, a bitter irony that's characteristic of poetic justice. Besides, the sword was wasted at the side of a lifeless mannequin anyway.

Taking the candle from the clumsy doll, Napoleon unsummoned it as he continued to watch the old man trail blood along the hallway. With the other two dolls at his side, Napoleon decided to:

Wait until the old man disappear from sight before climbing down the stairs. Once at ground floor, Napoleon will then go to the dining room and walk down the stairs there.

You're about to go down the stairs when a pale humanoid blur jumps out of the shadows, grabs the old man and disappears back into the shadows. There is a scream but it is silenced before it can end.

Crap.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 20, 2017, 04:58:39 pm

Quote

((Nice use of a previously provided detail to your advantage. I approve.))

You move behind the door before it opens. It swings inwardly, hiding you. Everything's quiet for a second or two.
"Hey! Are you sure he's in here?" you hear him say.
: Yes, that's what the records say. : a female voice on a radio responds.
"Well, I'm looking at the interrogation room right now and I'm telling you he's not here."
: Well, ummm... :
"Hold on a sec, let me check something." he says as he picks up the chair and uses it to keep the door from closing.
: OK :

You hear him take a few careful steps forward. You charge at him with a cry and shove the man forward, surprising him and causing him to fall on the metal table, hitting his head on it. This stuns him long enough for you to put your knee on his neck and start strangling him.
"Who are you? Who sent you?" you scream into his face.
He tries to push your leg off him but he isn't strong enough.
"What is this place? Why am I here?"
"Grh- glargh!" the man responds as he flails his arms around ineffectually.
You think you discovered a small issue with your 'interrogate while strangling him' plan.

Strangle the man into unconsciousness (or death, though unconsciousness is preferred). Steal his radio and any other useful items that he might have. Look outside my room to make sure no one else is  approaching. Then activate the radio and speak into it. Demand the listener identify who she is and why she or her organization sent that man to this location. If the person is unwilling to provide information, then threaten to kill her associate unless she cooperates.

You keep pressing the writhing man's windpipe with your leg, trying to render him unconscious. The man, clearly in pain from your ability, tries to push you away. He manages to push you back a bit but can't manage to stop you from strangling him.

Spoiler: My thought process (click to show/hide)

Now, this is the fun part with new abilities (at least, for me), where I get to think about how exactly they work in corner cases. So, based on my understanding of human biology, this is a rather interesting situation. Because, you see, when you push against someone's windpipe, you cut off their supply of O² and fill them up with CO², causing cell death all around, with the most important part affected being the brain. However, your ability will keep him alive despite that. But your ability can't prevent the loss of information occurring in the brain. So if you keep this up, you'll keep basically erasing his mind until he becomes a vegetable. One could argue that your ability is even making the process faster, since from its description it sounds like it's at least in part using energy derived from the one affected. Even if you stop your attack, depending on when you stop it, it might already be too late, since all that pain and overall damage might cause his heart to stop.

So, now, after taking the above into account I have to decide bonuses and penalities. I can't have rules for all the situations you could possibly get in so I have to go based on what I think is more appropriate. He is in pain so his strength roll has a penalty, that was easy. But what about his endurance roll? You're cutting off his oxygen, not applying pressure to his blood vessels, so based on my understanding this is actually a quite lethal attack. Normally, if you didn't have any abilities, I'd say that with a 4 point difference he'd die, with a 3 he'd be badly injured, with a 2 he'd be unconscious, with a 1 he'd be closer to unconsciousness and with anything else he'd be able to keep going. So, now that he's affected by your ability he should be both easier to kill and more likely to stay conscious, which would translate to a bonus to whichever side of the spectrum he fell on. But due to the pain he should be more likely to fall unconscious. So, let's say that if he is at or below 3 he gets a penalty, while at 2 or higher he gets no bonus or penalty.

GG Str-> 6
Man Str-> 5-1 vs 6
Man End -> 3 vs 6

Hey, what do you know, -3 which becomes -4 with the penalty. So that guy is dead.

You keep pushing the man's throat, ignoring his progressively weaker efforts to get free until he finally stops struggling. You hesitantly get off him and look at him carefully, ready to attack if he starts moving again. You're happy to see he makes no such attempt to move. You are less happy when you notice that he is actually not breathing. Maybe you used a bit too much strength.

You blindly grope the man, trying to find anything useful on him. You find a strange electronic device with some buttons and connectors on it, a multitool (hey, you might be able to use that to open your handcuffs!), a security card with his picture on it identifying him as Marco Antilles, a wallet that contains an ID with the same name (you don't explore it fully, it's a bit hard to do with your hands behind your back), some keys (sadly none for your cuffs), a hat (a black baseball cap with Velcro adjusters and no logo) and a pair of mirrored sport sunglasses (curved and of a greyish color).

Trying to use the radio with your hands behind your back presents a problem though. You have to position it between your knees and then use your nose to manipulate the button on top of it. Even then, it's not easy to keep it pressed.

: What's going on there? Mantis, is that you? : you hear the woman ask, probably in response to the noise you're making.
: Mantis, respond! Are you alright? You're breaking up. :
"Who are you? Who do you work for? Why did you send this guy after me?"
: Who is this? Where is Mantis? :
"I'm asking the questions here. The guy you sent in my interrogation room can't speak right now."
: Oh shit! Is he alright? :
"If you don't start answering my questions, I'll make sure he's dead!"
: What? No! You got this all wrong. We're here to rescue you! Please don't hurt him! :
She sounds genuinely desperate to you.
: We're the good guys here. We just want to help you get out of there. Can't you trust me? :
"And you're just doing that out of the kindness of your heart? No ulterior motive? You expect me to believe that?"
: Look, I know you have questions. But it's a bit complicated to explain over the radio and we're running out of time. When you two make your way back to me, I promise I'll explain everything. :
You guess she has a point. If anybody is manning those cameras, then if they haven't seen what happened here, they'll probably notice the open door and the dead body soon enough.

Fortunately, you can see nobody in the hallway outside. It's not a complicated layout, just 3 other doors with electronic locks similar to yours and another door at the end of the hallway. Just like your room, there's bright lights on the ceiling and a camera on the dead-end part of the hallway. You assume the closed door on your side of the hallway leads to the monitoring station of your interrogation room.
"You still haven't told be who you are or who you work for."
: My codename is Iris and I am part of a network of freedom fighters called Rockslide. Now please, you have to follow Mantis out of there. I'm waiting in a van in the parking lot. :

---

The Maximus

---

See Zormod's turn for a somewhat important message from Icarus.

Quote from: Toaster on October 19, 2017, 10:05:21 pm

John, on the Maximus

Of course.  Thanks, Zero.

"Not having a lot of luck shutting this thing down.  I'm still looking for the controls!"

Maybe take ten steps to the left and try again?

You focus once more on trying to find the control system for the motors. This time you actually manage to remain focused long enough to find it. A relatively simple design, a few exotic materials but nothing too alien. You can easily turn this on, despite the fact that you can't understand some of its electronics. At least you could easily turn it on, if the thing was actually powered. Damnit!

Well, you guess this makes sense, Icarus said the only power source he could detect was on the turret itself, not anywhere on its surrounding area. You could keep trying, hoping to find some way to power it on. Maybe there's a backup battery around here somewhere, maybe you could connect it if you followed the power lines. Or maybe you could find an alternate way of powering it. Or maybe this was just a huge waste of time.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 19, 2017, 05:44:56 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Bah!"

Okay, get back, get back into the nook I was in before. That's not working.

You move back to your safe spot with no issue.

The turret moves around a bit but then stops. Then it starts moving again, tracking the Phoenix and shooting missiles at it as it flies overhead, now moving even more erratically than before as it tries to track it at this much closer range.

Quote from: Zormod on October 20, 2017, 03:22:57 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Move my other eye above the second cluster, but don't enlarge it or move it close enough to feel the machine's push.

You move your other eye in front of the second sensor. This seems to be enough to cause it to completely lose its ability to track the Phoenix.

That is, until the Phoenix passes overhead, making the turret turn around and start shooting it until it disappears. It stays much closer, visible as a blurry shape moving in erratic patterns around your sky. It twists and turns, easily intercepting the missiles before they can get close. At this range their explosions light up the area around you like temporary suns, the shockwaves making your bodies tremble, the reverberations making themselves felt in your empty stomachs.

: Thanks for making the missiles more manageable! I'll stay closer to keep its attention. Is there something else you want me to do? Or keep acting as a distraction? :

Quote from: Coolrune206 on October 21, 2017, 08:25:29 pm

If Tess can catch any debris (metal fragments from something being destroyed this turn, or pieces of the exploded space torpedoes that are floating by) she does so and holds on to it for now, admiring it.
 If not, she stretches idly.

The only thing being destroyed this turn are missiles. You look around but can't notice any debris from them that have landed close to you. You decide that going close to them in the hopes of catching debris is probably a bad idea, since any such catching would most likely happen at fatal velocities.

You could always head back and grab one of those acceleration seats from where you landed. Or maybe ask someone to lend you something they don't need.

---

Quote from: Beirus on October 21, 2017, 04:03:17 pm

WMD, Space Mission

If I can focus my Willpower on preventing the demon from feeding off me, or preferably turning it into a symbiotic relationship, do that. If my suit won't be ruined by doing the thing I do, do the thing. Deploy Walker and Weapons and break through the thin wall, preferably without excessive unnecessary damage, then go down that hallway. Otherwise, go down the other hallway with the pipes without doing the thing.

You pinch your armour and tug it a bit. It looks... acceptably durable and somewhat elastic, but you're quite certain it's not elastic enough to allow you to go full size. Maybe you should ask your entity to give you an upgrade that- oh, wait, your entity hates your guts, never mind.

You could try it anyway. You might be able to use your control to cause a helpful RME that could solve the no-suit issue. Or maybe you could blast your way through the hull, find a door and seal it behind you, though you aren't sure what kind of power would be necessary to punch a hole in this armour. Or, hell, even if none of the above work, you bet all the energy you give off would be enough for someone to spot you and hopefully come help you... or at least pick up your body after you drown so that they can revive you.

As you consider this, you decide to explore the tunnel with the pipes a bit. If this is a dead end you can always go back to the cracked wall. Or maybe follow the trench in the opposite direction. While you walk, you focus your willpower on attacking or controlling the demon. But no matter how much you struggle, it has no effect.
Haha. So Strong. So Pathetic.
What's worse, you start feeling pain. Not mental pain, not something in your mind. This is real, physical pain, like someone is burning the skin off your scalp.
So pathetic you almost make me pity you. Let me give you a hint.
The pain starts spreading across your body. It feels as if it's trying to suck your skin into itself, through the holes between your bones. The pain forces you to stop, mostly out of fear that you'll get hurt or pass out.
I am part of this mind, part of these thoughts. You can't use your mind to destroy me because your mind is not yours. And soon it will be mine.
You're not certain how much of this is true. You know it can't be entirely true, because you felt that even these few words took a lot out of the demon, a loss multiplied greatly due to your mental attacks.
The sooner you give up, the better. Focusing your mind on me now will only cause you pain. You have better things to focus on.
He might be right. As you shake your head to clear the pain away, you notice that your surroundings have changed yet again. The pipes have melted, twisted and merged, forming a roughly honeycomb pattern on the walls. The whole tunnel looks deformed. You think you can see it vibrating slightly, just beyond the edge of the light cone projected from your visor. It makes you feel like you're inside the throat of some alien beast.

Wait, now that's going to screw with your mind forever. Did this actually work and you managed to get him to help you or did he say this just because he knew it'd distract you and/or make you suffer more?

---

Chizra

---

Quote from: NAV on October 19, 2017, 08:29:37 pm

"Ike, you should ask for long range weapon so you can snipe."

1. Nikolai would like some standard stabby bolts and some explodey ones. Maybe even some blunt ones. But what fancy exotic alchemical bolts do they have?

2. Examine the crossbow. How accurate/powerful/quality does it seem? Does it reload through cranequin, windlass, goats foot lever?

3. Examine the Ice Blade. Note how big and slashy/stabby and cool looking it is.

4. Examine the MMM. I know what it does but have no idea what it is and how one uses it. Does it have a button?

5. Examine the water armour enchantment. Is it an enchantment placed on my current armour or is it something separate like an amulet? How does one activate the water armour?

6. Examine a signaller. Same dealio as the rest.

1. Well, he could craft a more stable bolt and put some sort of fuse on it to detonate it. You propose putting something that will trigger the explosive in front of the bolts like a grenade launcher round and he agrees that's probably a better idea, assuming you store the detonators seperately, in order to prevent accidental detonation. He doesn't have too much knowledge on the matter of weapon technology, so he is welcome to any suggestions you have.

2. It's a good quality crossbow, nothing magical. It could get through light, even medium armour with a good shot but it doesn't reload too quickly. ((I have no idea about the various variations of crossbows, so let's say it uses whatever mechanism you'd prefer (within reason). Also, if you have knowledge on the subject, is it true that crossbows are more powerful but harder to aim due to their weight? I'll probably read up on it when I have more time.))

3. ((Are you going to run penetration tests with all of your equipment? I'm not letting you turn this into Tinker. :P)) Anyway, the Ice Blade is quit longer than you'd expect a one-handed sword to be, mostly because the water makes it quite light. The Headwater says that one with Water Manipulation abilities could affect its shape and size, but he doesn't think you have the necessary affinities. Still, you could ask one of the mages travelling with you to try to teach you some simple water magic, maybe you'll get lucky and manage to learn some basic spells. The sword is activated by simply twisting a ring on its guard. It will then use water to reform its blade. It's as sharp as you'd expect a very sharp knife or sword to be and even better at stabbing, however it's not too durable. Its lack of elasticity makes it brittle and easy to shatter if you hit something with too much strength. It might not be that good at blocking normal swords, at least not without some magical help. Reforming it is quite easy. You can just wait for it to reform out of the ambient humidity, you can dip it in a pool of water to reform it instantly, you could touch it on the broken pieces of itself to reattach them... As a final test, you try pouring some booze on it and are delighted to find out it manages to use it to reform itself. Hmmm... That opens up some possibilities... The headwater warns you not to lick it. You'd be surprised, he says, how often they have to give that warning to novice guards. Mostly because the other guards like to prank them. You make a mental note to keep it away from Alan.

4. Malachor's Manipulative Mirage is... a thing. It's certainly a thing. There's a sphere on it and a couple of transparent tubes. There's also a cube and a rotating thing. And a funnel and what looks like a chimney. And maybe antennas? Or are those handholds? It- the water goes through the cylinder and then it- no, wait, it goes through the syringe and then split by the fan- it- it- look, the thing just works, it's magic, you have no idea how. You put water in the funnel, mist comes out. By using a valve at the bottom of the funnel you are able to control the size of the effect and the rate of consumption. From inside the effect it looks like you're in a thin cloud, limiting your sight range somewhat, but from the outside it looks like an explosion of steam that disappears a moment later, leaving nothing behind. Your test subjects say they could see nothing from outside the cloud beyond the occasional distortion but the effect broke the moment they stepped through the barrier. And it lasts for quite some time. However, this is already a very humid area and rich with water magic, so maybe it's not the best place to conduct a baseline test.

5. The water armour is comprised out of shackle-like rings of metal that go around your wrists, arms, legs, ankles and waist, linked together by pieces of cloth. Water mages favour speed and fluidity of movement, so it's originally meant to be worn as the wearer's single piece of clothing, the pieces of cloth helping to keep it together and protect the wearer's modesty while keeping it light and flexible, however it is quite capable of being worn over or under armour (though under ends up with your armour getting soaked when you deactivate it). The cloth also seems capable of absorbing quite a bit of water and keeping it there, allowing the armour to be formed quickly (and providing the water mage with a hidden weapon) even in places where there is little humidity or water. It does seem a bit fragile, a few direct hits and it could be cut to shreds. On the other hand, it seems to be capable of supporting quite a bit of water without slowing you down at all and even forming a transparent visor for you out of clear and stable water. Triggering it requires a tiny use of magic while uttering some magical words that activate the enchantment, which you should be able to master within a day or two, or so the Headwater says.

6. The signaler is a wand of black rock with a piece of glass attached on one end. You point the glass part wherever you want and then say the necessary magic words and use a bit of magic to command the enchantment and make it do what you want. The Headwater says that if you're desperate or can't concentrate enough to cast magic you can break the glass. This will cause the entire fire magic contents of the signaller to be discharged at once as a superhot ball of fire that can keep burning for a few seconds. It even works when the signaller is too empty to be able to be used normally, discharging what little magic is left inside. There are also magic words that can cause the glass part to glow, the brightness depending on the charge left, but such use is to inefficient to be worth using for more than a few seconds, most scouts just use that when they need to check how much charge is left in the signaler. He also says you should be careful not to break the wand, since that will cause it to explode. It's quite sturdy, but not indestructible and you don't want it exploding in your hands, so try not to use it to block a sword or something.

Quote from: NAV on October 20, 2017, 11:44:53 am

"The sobriety has gliders and airships? Maybe this world's not primitive as I thought, maybe enchantment is equal to technology after all....."

Well, I'd say it's more of a difference in ways of thinking. The real world says that everything man made is technology. But in the world you're in they think that everything in the world is magic and technology is just an aspect of magic. Things that we would be most likely to consider machines would be mostly things of Order and Death magic for them, combined with various other elements. That's not to say they couldn't benefit from an overall more scientific way of thinking, something closer to the way the modern world works. Perhaps it's because magic allows them to take shortcuts or perhaps it's because mages are unstable power hoarders focusing on unimportant issues or maybe it's because nobody cares to educate the public and mass produce magic or maybe it's the various wars and catastrophes that have occurred, but you're certain that their world could be in a much different state. With a more scientific and utilitarian approach you're certain they could easily have Fire-powered spaceships, Wind-Order-hybrid AIs, Death-Mind cyborg drones remotely controlled through lightning-antenna transmissions and so many other wondrous things. Then again, maybe there's a reason all those things don't exist, maybe there's something in technology that 'harms' magic or maybe there's some things that magic just isn't good at.

Quote from: NAV on October 21, 2017, 12:19:54 pm

What types of cool alchemical crossbow bolts can I think of?
-Grappling hook bolt. Sticks to any surface and has a lightweight strong cord attached. Maybe the cord is enchanted to extend or retract on command to act as a true powered grappling hook.
-Web bolt, spews out very sticky web when it hits, immobilizes target or creates a trap.
-Ice bolt, freezes target or creates slippery surface. Similar to web.
-Seeking bolt, uses wind majycks to auto aim and seek targets, maybe even seek their weak points, maybe uses the wind magic to propel itself faster.
-Anti-magic (probably void) bolt that simply pierces magical defenses and maybe disables or weakens magic when it hits.
-Flashbang bolt. It produces loud noise and bright light. Kinda generic non-lethal AOE.
-Healing bolt. It has a syringe full of health potion on the end. Kinda silly and ineffective against armour.
-Bolt that splits into many poisoned darts. Poison can be lethal or nonlethal.
-Trench bolt that digs a hole or wall bolt that builds a wall somehow.
-Chaos bolt. Never know what it does until you try. Powerful.

-That would be hard to do. He doesn't know of any mixture that could easily do that, though he could use the mixture for the next bolt. But you shouldn't get your hopes up.
-He could make such a mixture, use a brew of fire, water and order magic that should do the trick, but it would be a bit unstable and he wouldn't be able to produce too many.
-Ice he can do easily. From what you understand, it works by inducing a change in the magical state of water but keeping it liquid. When the vial breaks the water is released and quickly freezes a few seconds later. The effect is boosted by the existence of water, but it can't freeze an entire lake or somethig, maybe three times the volume it normally would. It could be quite useful as a trap, creating a slippery surface quickly. A direct hit should also be quite nasty, since it would probably freeze a good chunk of someone's arm or leg and even work through most non-magical armours.
-He has no idea how to make a seeking bolt. That would require some very complex enchantments or maybe using Forbidden magic to bind the soul of a living thing to the bolt and use it to direct its flight. It might be better (and cheaper for him) for you to just get better at aiming.
-Sure, he can do a void bolt or two. Just note that it will be quite unpleasant if it breaks while you're holding it. And it would be the equivalent of shooting flesh eating bacteria or nerve gas or something like that. (People really dislike dark magic and void magic, bitter enemies have allied themselves in the past to fight against dark magicians, they're that bad and they have an even worst reputation amongst the common people. There's a reason its use is heavily restricted.) That means people will most likely hate you for using it (even if you use it to save them) and it will corrupt an area and the people entering it for quite some time after you use it. On the other hand, it's an almost guaranteed way to bypass magical defenses, so weigh the pros and cons.
-Sure, flashbang is also doable. Some simple fire alchemy, but instead of focusing on the explosion, focus on the release of heat and light. It still won't be pleasent if you hit someone in the head with it, so file it under less-than-lethal, not non-lethal. He could also give you a sleeping poison gas if you want something less-than-lethal and don't mind it being a bit slower to act.
--Hmm... He could have one of the masters do something like that, a bit of Order and Water magic combined with a good healing potion or poison of your choosing. He wouldn't be able to make too many though.
-That would require Earth magic and he doesn't have too much experience with that. He could ask around on the alchemy masters, but don't get your hopes up.
-A bolt full of pure chaos energy? They can do that. It won't be as powerful as a Chaos Power Stone exploding, but it should produce some interesting effects, especially if the bolt penetrates the skin and injects its contents. Such use is bordering on war crimes territory but while abhorrent it should be considered acceptable.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 21, 2017, 02:44:35 am

Campaign, Ike!

I'll take the Void Bomb! Preferably with some kind of secure Order-aligned containment solution so it doesn't just explode violently in the middle of the night or something. And also some of those OU (Om-Uling) components.

And a ranged weapon would be cool too. Preferably something magical, but a regular crossbow will do if he's strapped for resources.

As for questions:

1: Tell me more about these Warriors/Sorcerers of Chaos. Do they work for the Sovereignty or are they some kind of other political entity? Are they known to hang out anywhere in the direction we're going, as it sounds like Alan would like to meet these people? Do they eat anyone who tries to approach or something? Most of all, are they impressed by especially powerful Chaos magic?

2: Can I assume that I've also consulted the monastery's records about the basic political/geographical/societal/cultural bits of this world so that any information I'm given from now on can be contextualized more like the recap and less like "oh here is this dude and he has armor and there are a bunch of other people in armor and there's also magic or something". Basically asking if I can get context and GM descriptions akin to what a regular person from this world would get on things we encounter from now on.

Okay, it'll take a while to prepare your magical dirty bomb. He needs to start working on it soon if you want it to be ready to leave by tomorrow. It shouldn't explode as long as the sphere doesn't break, since the sphere holds the dark magic enchantment that keeps it stable. He'll give you a box with foam in it if you're afraid it will break. Just make sure nobody gets curious and opens it. And keep Alan away from it, lest he fumbles and launches a couch towards it.

He doesn't have any magical weapons that don't require at least some magical skill to use and most of them are short range anyway. He can give you a crossbow, same as Nikolai. There's some crossbows that have Order enchantments that make their bolts a bit more accurate and some Fire crossbows that are much stronger than normal, but he doesn't have any of those here.

The Warbands of Chaos are groups of Chaos-aligned individuals that have banded together for one reason or another, usually due to a shared ritual, less commonly due to a powerful warlord or shared aim. While they are not as bloodthirsty or warlike as their name would suggest, there's enough groups of the warlike and bloodthirsty kind to give the rest a bad name and even the more 'reasonable' groups are usually bad news for the inhabitants of an area. They've been known since the time of the Necromancer-Emperor, coming from some island in the northeast on their strange vessels to roam the land, seeking whatever they desire. They are sometimes employed as mercenaries by the Sovereignty, using them when they want something dead and don't really care about what happens and/or don't want to risk their soldiers. They are unreliable and need to be carefully managed lest they turn on you or damage your troops but their raw power and the fact that they're disposable more than makes up for it. And yes, powerful Chaos magic would be very likely to impress them. So, if you encounter any they'll probably be basically a group of Alans, but likely more bloodthirsty and warlike.

Well, I don't think you can get a lifetime's experience in a single night, but I've already been assuming you've been talking with the population and asking them questions about things. You can spend the rest of the night in the library looking for/asking questions about things that require a slightly higher level of education if that is what you wish.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 22, 2017, 04:24:57 pm

Alan, Trusting Fellow

"I trust ya, buddy!"

Go look around for the wavy blue lines object while I wait for Brad to figure out the door. Maybe it's around here someplace?

((As always, that dialogue is brilliant.))

You look around and manage to find a few bowls and a knife. You bet one of those things must be the thing in the picture, Maybe. Probably. The question is, how do you use it?

Brad is currently kicking a certain point on the bottom of the door with his bootheel. ... Well, you're certain he knows what he's doing, he looks professional enough.

---

The Badlands

---

Quote from: Tiruin on October 20, 2017, 09:36:40 am

((Chat with River: Check!
San: Probably check! I'm assuming that given the recent events, we have no choice but to bring him with us [read this in a non-cynical tone]))

Theri picks up Riverpup and holds him gently on where he would be once she began travel with San, back to Ike; because someone breaking down needed both space, and comfort, and she at least 'knew' this from her own experiences.

"I'm not demanding an answer, just curiousity. And that'll be satisfied when you feel better. I don't hold any fault (and in all honesty, I don't believe in fault); so enjoy the ride okay? Gather your thoughts and relax. I'll be planning to move at a brisk walk soon, with you and San with me. But in the meantime I've to check with Irine if things are okay.

"Will you be okay, Irine? I am all ready to set off. I mean, you may need more supplies and forage, and we can try makeshift weaponry if we are to attack or defend. We can...possibly live off the land as we wait. I lack words because I lack ideas right now."

Ready up at Irine's note!

Depending on how things go you might get there next turn. Sorry for the delay, need Harry and NAV to finish what they're doing so I can fast forward time.

River appreciates you being there for him while he is grieving.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 23, 2017, 06:55:52 pm

Alan, Branded Goods Loremaster

"Hmmmmm. Well, the water of life is obviously Kool Aid, and the bit about the eyes  clearly means that the eyes have to be sanctified with the water of life to open the door. Therefore, I have to inject Kool Aid into someone's eyes, and then have them look into this here pool of water. Only possible explanation."

Summon a very large mixing cup, an oversized spoon, and an exceptionally large quantity of Kool Aid powder. Mix it up and then think of what I could use to inject it into an eye. A turkey baster? Am I even capable of summoning needles?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on October 23, 2017, 07:37:15 pm

((Alan's freaking insane.))

Kosak Durar:

This was... very complicated. What could be done? The maintenance door, or whatever it was, would not open. While it would perhaps be possible to break the door down, that would involve damage to the suit Kosak wore, which seemed like a bad idea. Kosak was out of his element.

Observe the turret's movements. Does it have any other possible weak points?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 23, 2017, 08:00:50 pm

(Ah, crud. Should have kept my eyes closed while strangling him.  :-\ I'll think up an action in the next 12 hours)

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 23, 2017, 08:25:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2017, 06:22:13 pm

You're about to go down the stairs when a pale humanoid blur jumps out of the shadows, grabs the old man and disappears back into the shadows. There is a scream but it is silenced before it can end.

Crap.

(Well, this sucks. Of course, most situations can be solved adequately if the right tactics are used. Also, Alan is nutzo crazy...)

"Putain de merde, all I took was a damn sword and now this happens?!' Napoleon's mind practically screamed as he quickly took the sword out of his clothes. Replacing it back at his side, Napoleon slowing and quietly unsheathed it as he readied the dolls to defend him in case the pale being try to attack him as well. Wiping away tears that have no doubt completed their job of clearing debris from his eyes to maintain their clarity and definitely have absolutely nothing to do with barely contained terror, Napoleon slowly backed away from the landing as slowly and safely as he could.

Like a tank keeping its thicker frontal armor pointing toward the enemy while moving in reverse, Napoleon is keeping the dolls in front of him as he makes it to the main floor and continue toward the dining room and its flight of stairs while making sure that he doesn't bump into anything. Of course, unlike a tank, he is much smaller and even more fragile. Nevertheless, he has a sword and can summon more dolls if needed. By God, he is the Doll Prince and it is not his destiny to die here! It is his destiny to outsmart, outmaneuver, and crush his enemies and then rule over them! This is merely a test of his... ah... erm... 'night time combat inside a largely unknown location' tactical prowess. Sure it may be a first for him but one has to start somewhere. Even Napoleon Bonaparte started as an artillery officer.

Reminding himself that he is actually superior to the pale entity, Napoleon felt better if only slightly. Nevertheless, even he knew that it was a bad idea to underestimate his possible foe so he:

Continue to carefully walk backward toward the stairway in the dining room before turning to descend it. Just in case the being somehow position itself behind him, Napoleon has summoned a third doll to guard his rear. In this way, Napoleon hoped to guard more effectively against the pale creature should it decide come out of the shadows and attack him.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 23, 2017, 10:19:35 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/79/f4/2e/79f42e1a447549257c1381cb1d4e787e--magna-carta-art-illustrations.jpg)

Cranequin is best crossbow reloading mechanism. Most beautiful. Little gear crank thing. Takes about 20-30 seconds to reload. Detatchable so you don't have to aim with the extra weight. Can be reloaded on the move or while prone. Allows for high draw weight.

Ammo:
-Quiver of generic pointy bolts.
-Bandolier with a few explosive bolts (with separete detonators) and ice bolts and sleeping gas bolts.
-Lesser war crime and greater war crime bolts in sealed protective case.

A couple other minor things I thought of:
-Magitowel. For drying off after using the water armour. Probably trivial for them to make.
-Gas mask. Filters air for safe breathing. Can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. The sleeping gas bolts reminded me.
-Duct tape
-Protective sheaths for the signallers.
-Protective case for Matt's Mad Mirage. It looks fragile.

"I think I'm done."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 24, 2017, 02:01:12 am

((I try to inject Kool Aid into one set of eyeballs and people call me crazy? I need to step my game up.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2017, 02:53:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

Boxes of foam for the Void Bomb and magical TNT (separate boxes) sound pretty okay.

Also, what was Nikolai's element again? If it doesn't interfere with Order (or enhances it, even), get the Order crossbow and some plain old bolts.

And finally, yeah. Stay up and bone up on what's what in this world. I'm damn well sick of not knowing what anything is and I aim to change that as thoroughly as one night can afford!

"Aw man, takes me back to my college days." Ike thinks for a moment. "There's just one thing missing."

Acquire coffee and/or amphetamines if they have any, or magic-branded equivalents anyhow. Test some out while studying for this great exam we call Life.

Also get a case of beer to celebrate with at a later date.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 25, 2017, 01:04:00 pm

<Svajoklis, The Turret>

"Icarus, do you have anything in the cargo bay we could use to sabotage the turret? Something to cut into it or clog it to make it blow up next time it fires?"

Inspect the turret, see if there's anything important looking that could be damaged by a shotgun shot.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 25, 2017, 01:54:37 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 24, 2017, 02:01:12 am

((I try to inject Kool Aid into one set of eyeballs and people call me crazy? I need to step my game up.))

(Permission to put this into my sig?)

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 25, 2017, 02:13:09 pm

A short comparison of bows and crossbows. Specifically longbow vs arbalest.

Bows have much longer limbs than crossbows so bows have more distance to accelerate their projectile. Because of that a crossbow needs a higher draw weight to reach the same kinetic energy as a longbow. The bow accelerates a lighter projectile to higher speed while the crossbow accelerates a heavier shorter projectile to lower speeds. So a bow has more range but a crossbow has more power at close range.

Because of the higher draw weight crossbows take a lot longer to reload. With a bow you just have to nock your arrow, pull back the string and loose. It takes a few seconds. With a crossbow you have to attach the crank, crank for a while, take the crank off, load the bolt, and shoot. It takes about half a minute. Crossbows can fire their first shot quicker though because they stay loaded.

Bows require a lot more skill to use. It requires months of practice and training to build the necessary technique and muscle to be a half decent archer. You can teach someone to use a crossbow effectively in a few hours. A skilled archer will outperform an equally skilled crossbow user, but a novice crossbowman will be more accurate than a novice archer. Crossbows can also be fired while prone or crouched behind cover while with a bow you have to stand straight.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on October 25, 2017, 02:36:54 pm

Don't forget that you can issue a single person multiple crossbows to great effect. If someone has, say, five loaded crossbows, they can fire, drop it and grab another, to have a rate of fire comparable to a bow's, all while remaining prone. until they run out of preloaded crossbows. doing so also only requires one winch, and anytime there is a lull they can reload their entire set.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on October 25, 2017, 02:52:35 pm

That's a very good technique during sieges and the like, if you can afford enough crossbows. Crossbows are pretty heavy though so no one wants to carry 5 of them while travelling on foot.

I'm planning on handing mine to one of our peasant companions to reload and doing something more useful while they reload it.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on October 25, 2017, 02:59:12 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

Just keep all of my parts where they are and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on October 25, 2017, 03:07:09 pm

Stephano Falcone

Stephano stared at Mantis' body, a mixture of grief and guilt visible on his face.

...Sorry. Friend or foe, I wish things could have been different. Perhaps you would have survived if my instincts were less...savage.

Committing murder was always an unwelcome experience for Stephano, even when it was necessary. He briefly closed his eyes and took a deep breath before regaining his composure. Time was short and he needed to act quickly.

First, try to use the multitool to free myself. Afterward, take all of Mantis' belongings, except for his hat. Investigate his wallet and the electronic device he was carrying. Then speak into the radio:

"Bad news, Iris. After Mantis walked into the room, we had a bit of a scuffle and now he's out cold. If I try to carry him with me, it will only slow me down. So I've hidden him somewhere safe. Once he wakes up, he can get out on his own. For now, you'll need to provide me with directions."

If she is aware of my ability and asks why I didn't try using it to wake Mantis, then lie and say that I severely injured him when he walked into the room and that after I healed him with my eyes, he lost consciousness as a side effect.

While she responds, walk into the hallway and toward the door at the end of the hallway. Place my ear up against the door and check if I hear anything on the other side. Check if the door can be locked from my end. If so, lock it for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on October 25, 2017, 06:03:46 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 25, 2017, 01:54:37 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on October 24, 2017, 02:01:12 am

((I try to inject Kool Aid into one set of eyeballs and people call me crazy? I need to step my game up.))

(Permission to put this into my sig?)

((Hells yeah.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on October 25, 2017, 09:16:56 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Whoever's making progress, good job.  I'm going to try to get inside now, because I came up empty stopping it out here."

Okay, what about summoning a small magnetic light, just something to mark a path?  And making a copy of it?  Is that too painful?  If it's not crippling, make a few copies and start leaving a trail behind myself.  I need to find a way in.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on October 25, 2017, 09:30:38 pm

WMD, Space Mission

"You don't get it, do you? I would rather die than let you take over. You might have had other hosts with the same mentality, but did they have my willpower? I will fight you every step of the way, no matter the pain.
If you do ever get control, I'll make sure the only thing you have control over is a dead husk where you can rot for eternity. But you are a parasite. It's in your nature to fight for that control, to feed off of me until there is nothing left. I pity you, because you choose to remain blind to what we could accomplish if we worked together. And if I die here, well, that just means you'll be stuck out here in the boondocks where not even the entities can bring us back, and where you can't jump ship."

It is William's mind. He believes with all his Willpower that he is in control of his self, which means he is in control of the demon. And he will continue his attacks on the demon while it seems weakened, to try to make the relationship symbiotic. He'll pause in the hallway while doing so, unless some sort of serious danger presents itself. Also, use his Willpower to fight through the pain the demon sends him.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on October 26, 2017, 05:04:44 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2017, 06:22:13 pm

[...]
Depending on how things go you might get there next turn. Sorry for the delay, need Harry and NAV to finish what they're doing so I can fast forward time.

River appreciates you being there for him while he is grieving.

Me and Irine and the rest fortifies the area and ensures the trip back is ready, alongside brainstorming about the dangers to come!
And River gets puppy hugs and all.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 04, 2017, 07:10:53 pm

---

Not a llama mission

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 25, 2017, 03:07:09 pm

Stephano Falcone

Stephano stared at Mantis' body, a mixture of grief and guilt visible on his face.

...Sorry. Friend or foe, I wish things could have been different. Perhaps you would have survived if my instincts were less...savage.

Committing murder was always an unwelcome experience for Stephano, even when it was necessary. He briefly closed his eyes and took a deep breath before regaining his composure. Time was short and he needed to act quickly.

First, try to use the multitool to free myself. Afterward, take all of Mantis' belongings, except for his hat. Investigate his wallet and the electronic device he was carrying. Then speak into the radio:

"Bad news, Iris. After Mantis walked into the room, we had a bit of a scuffle and now he's out cold. If I try to carry him with me, it will only slow me down. So I've hidden him somewhere safe. Once he wakes up, he can get out on his own. For now, you'll need to provide me with directions."

If she is aware of my ability and asks why I didn't try using it to wake Mantis, then lie and say that I severely injured him when he walked into the room and that after I healed him with my eyes, he lost consciousness as a side effect.

While she responds, walk into the hallway and toward the door at the end of the hallway. Place my ear up against the door and check if I hear anything on the other side. Check if the door can be locked from my end. If so, lock it for now.

: What?! No! No, this can't be happening. This can't be real. This isn't- :
The transmission stops. You really don't think she's a professional. Or if she is, she's also a very good actor.

You open the multitool. It's large thick thing the size of an old cell phone that can expand to reveal every sort of tool you could want in it, its main body acting as a combination of wirecutters and pliers. You find a detachable hex key in it that's thin enough to fit into the handcuffs keyhole and easily unlock them (after you manage to actually get it in the hole without looking). That was easier than you expected.

A burst of corrupted digital audio escapes the radio's speaker. It is followed by Iris's voice.
: OK. O- :
Her voice cracks a little, but she continues.
: OK. We can still do this. We can still make this work. Just- Stay focused. :
You're not certain if she's telling this to you or to herself.
: On the other side of this door there's a hallway. There's a small security office watching the interrogation room entrance with a single guard stationed in it. Past that and straight ahead is an office with some cubicles. There should be signs leading to the stairwell. From there you can go down and make your way to me. :
You put your ear close to the door and listen for anything interesting. There's a faint buzz, a vibration carried through the door and into your ear, but it's too faint for you to tell what it is. It's probably something quiet or far away. Could just be the ventilation system. Other than that, everything is silent.
: Try to stay hidden when you're out there, you don't want the guards to notice you. We don't know if all of them have been informed of your presence, so it's best to assume they know. But also act casual, you don't want the civilians or the cameras to catch you acting weird. :
Stay hidden while also acting casual. Right. That's easy.[/sarcasm]
: I'll maintain radio silence from now on. Try to contact me with updates. Please. :
The door has one of those electronic lock things on it but it's yellow, so you guess that means it's unlocked. You have no idea how to lock it. Maybe you press the star or the pound key on the keypad?

Quote from: GigaGiant on October 23, 2017, 08:00:50 pm

(Ah, crud. Should have kept my eyes closed while strangling him.  :-\ I'll think up an action in the next 12 hours)

((Eh, better that it happens now than on a mission with other players. Consider this a test drive, a way to figure out your character.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on October 23, 2017, 08:25:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2017, 06:22:13 pm

You're about to go down the stairs when a pale humanoid blur jumps out of the shadows, grabs the old man and disappears back into the shadows. There is a scream but it is silenced before it can end.

Crap.

(Well, this sucks. Of course, most situations can be solved adequately if the right tactics are used. Also, Alan is nutzo crazy...)

"Putain de merde, all I took was a damn sword and now this happens?!' Napoleon's mind practically screamed as he quickly took the sword out of his clothes. Replacing it back at his side, Napoleon slowing and quietly unsheathed it as he readied the dolls to defend him in case the pale being try to attack him as well. Wiping away tears that have no doubt completed their job of clearing debris from his eyes to maintain their clarity and definitely have absolutely nothing to do with barely contained terror, Napoleon slowly backed away from the landing as slowly and safely as he could.

Like a tank keeping its thicker frontal armor pointing toward the enemy while moving in reverse, Napoleon is keeping the dolls in front of him as he makes it to the main floor and continue toward the dining room and its flight of stairs while making sure that he doesn't bump into anything. Of course, unlike a tank, he is much smaller and even more fragile. Nevertheless, he has a sword and can summon more dolls if needed. By God, he is the Doll Prince and it is not his destiny to die here! It is his destiny to outsmart, outmaneuver, and crush his enemies and then rule over them! This is merely a test of his... ah... erm... 'night time combat inside a largely unknown location' tactical prowess. Sure it may be a first for him but one has to start somewhere. Even Napoleon Bonaparte started as an artillery officer.

Reminding himself that he is actually superior to the pale entity, Napoleon felt better if only slightly. Nevertheless, even he knew that it was a bad idea to underestimate his possible foe so he:

Continue to carefully walk backward toward the stairway in the dining room before turning to descend it. Just in case the being somehow position itself behind him, Napoleon has summoned a third doll to guard his rear. In this way, Napoleon hoped to guard more effectively against the pale creature should it decide come out of the shadows and attack him.

Keep an ablative shield of dolls in front of you while you retreat. That will work, certainly. There's nothing wrong with that plan.

You slowly walk back, keeping your eyes to the top of the stairs until you reach the point where the stairs turn around. It's at that moment that the blurry white thing jumps into the light again. Its way of moving is disturbing, it doesn't move like a normal human, it alternates between pausing for a few seconds and then suddenly 'changing' into another stance. In this case into a white blur facing you and then jumping straight at you.

You order your dolls to get between you and it as quickly as they can while you retreat further down the stairs. It smashes into one, making the doll land on its back and then grabs the other by its neck and lifts it off the air.

It flickers like an image on an old TV, one moment facing the doll, the next facing you. It's hard to make out, but you somehow know that this is the doll you left in the room with the display cases. It's not unscathed from its attack on your doll, one of its arms having been broken and hanging limply on its side. For a moment you find it strange that you can't feel it. The next you immediately regret those thoughts, as you sense it reconnecting to your hive mind, but as something more than mere sights and sounds. It flickers and turns its attention back to the struggling doll in its grip. You feel its cold alien presence spreading through your network, reaching towards you like whispers in the back of your mind. The doll in its grip stops struggling, no longer responding to your commands. It serves a new master now.

Looks like this is one problem you can't beat merely by throwing dolls at it and hoping they eventually bury it.
It's at the middle of the stairs with your two dolls. You're at the bottom with your other doll. What do you do?

---

The Maximus

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on October 23, 2017, 07:37:15 pm

((Alan's freaking insane.))

Kosak Durar:

This was... very complicated. What could be done? The maintenance door, or whatever it was, would not open. While it would perhaps be possible to break the door down, that would involve damage to the suit Kosak wore, which seemed like a bad idea. Kosak was out of his element.

Observe the turret's movements. Does it have any other possible weak points?

Well, it has those things that allow it to move. You're certain that a few holes in them would greatly inconvenience it. You just have to approach the point where their claws wrap around their anchor points and break them while making sure to stay away from the parts that are moving too fast. You could also use the water currents to escape from under the turret while avoiding the moving bits and then try to somehow make your way to those sensors near its top, you bet smashing those would help. Or, if you're really confident in your abilities and/or feeling lucky, you could climb into the cannon and try to enter the turret through it. It takes several seconds for it to reload, so if you're quick enough or if one of your teammates helps you, you could make your way through it before it fires. Or you could just start punching it and hope for the best, but something tells you that's probably not going to work.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on October 25, 2017, 01:04:00 pm

<Svajoklis, The Turret>

"Icarus, do you have anything in the cargo bay we could use to sabotage the turret? Something to cut into it or clog it to make it blow up next time it fires?"

Inspect the turret, see if there's anything important looking that could be damaged by a shotgun shot.

Well, there's those sensors near its top that look more fragile than the rest of it, but you'd have to get close to do it and you're not sure how safe that is. Hmmm... well, technically, only your shotgun would have to get close, not you. You could just give it to someone more gullible and/or expendable and convince them to do it.

Quote from: Zormod on October 25, 2017, 02:59:12 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

Just keep all of my parts where they are and wait.

You try to keep your eyes over the thing's sensors. It's not easy, but you manage to do pretty well.

Quote from: Toaster on October 25, 2017, 09:16:56 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Whoever's making progress, good job.  I'm going to try to get inside now, because I came up empty stopping it out here."

Okay, what about summoning a small magnetic light, just something to mark a path?  And making a copy of it?  Is that too painful?  If it's not crippling, make a few copies and start leaving a trail behind myself.  I need to find a way in.

It stings and makes your interface beep, but you can do it no problem.

You could walk around and use your remote senses to find a maintenance access port to make your way under the ship's armour and into some sort of maintenance area, sure, but I'm starting to feel bad because you never use the damn thing, so let me give you a quick and simple way to solve this situation: Use the spear. Make a hole. You have this thing that can stab through almost every armour and you've only used it once.

---

Quote from: Beirus on October 25, 2017, 09:30:38 pm

WMD, Space Mission

"You don't get it, do you? I would rather die than let you take over. You might have had other hosts with the same mentality, but did they have my willpower? I will fight you every step of the way, no matter the pain.
If you do ever get control, I'll make sure the only thing you have control over is a dead husk where you can rot for eternity. But you are a parasite. It's in your nature to fight for that control, to feed off of me until there is nothing left. I pity you, because you choose to remain blind to what we could accomplish if we worked together. And if I die here, well, that just means you'll be stuck out here in the boondocks where not even the entities can bring us back, and where you can't jump ship."

It is William's mind. He believes with all his Willpower that he is in control of his self, which means he is in control of the demon. And he will continue his attacks on the demon while it seems weakened, to try to make the relationship symbiotic. He'll pause in the hallway while doing so, unless some sort of serious danger presents itself. Also, use his Willpower to fight through the pain the demon sends him.

You keep pushing through the pain as the demon laughs, focusing all your willpower on your attack against it. The lights on your helmet begin going out, the world around you appearing as a blurry flickering red thing through your tear-filled, stinging eyes. The pain and pressure all around you becomes a hundred times stronger. You feel like your arms and legs are being crushed, like your head is about to explode. The lights on your helmet die off completely. A moment later you hear a creaking noise. The next moment your visor implodes, cutting your face and letting the pressurized liquid through, the wave hitting you like a punch, throwing you halfway into unconsciousness.

---

Chizra

---

Quote from: Xantalos on October 23, 2017, 06:55:52 pm

Alan, Branded Goods Loremaster

"Hmmmmm. Well, the water of life is obviously Kool Aid, and the bit about the eyes  clearly means that the eyes have to be sanctified with the water of life to open the door. Therefore, I have to inject Kool Aid into someone's eyes, and then have them look into this here pool of water. Only possible explanation."

Summon a very large mixing cup, an oversized spoon, and an exceptionally large quantity of Kool Aid powder. Mix it up and then think of what I could use to inject it into an eye. A turkey baster? Am I even capable of summoning needles?

Oh dear. Well, let's start with the simple things. I'll say you can indeed summon needles since a significant amount of people need them in their day to day lives for them to be relatively common in houses. Now let's see how you roll.

You summon enough needles to supply a hospital and a plastic thing with a bunch of Kool Aid in it. You mix it with water in the bowl, the whole mixture taking a purplish hue and giving off pink fumes. You fill a needle with the mixture and prepare to inject it into your eye. Brad turns around from his efforts to open the door, just in time to notice what you are trying to do.
"Alan, buddy? Are you sure this is a good- gah!"
But before he can do anything, you've already stuck the needle in your eye and emptied its contents in it.
"See? No reason to worry. Everything is perfectly-"
That's as far as you get before you notice your hand is dripping. And then your arm. And then your everything, as you dissolve into a puddle of water, the only thing left in your place being two glowing eyes. Brad stares at them. They stare back with their lifeless gaze.
"... Shit."
Brad uses a piece of cloth to pick up the eyes and then looks towards the door.
"Well, there's no harm in trying."

Alan, meanwhile, is having a very trippy experience. He feels like he is becoming one with the world, like his presence is quickly diffusing, spreading through everything there is, leaving him less than he was but also more, as he loses himself but gains everything. Everything is in everything. One drop of water holds the image of the entire ocean. And the entire ocean is here, it is with him and simultaneously is him.
Let go the Ocean says.
His voice comes from everywhere around him but one point is closer than the rest, like an echo bouncing off a nearby wall.
Go with the flow
Not that there are walls here. Like a sort of... maybe a liquid, flowing wall, revealing her instead of hiding her.
Be at peace
Her voice is deep and beautiful. It is your voice. Maybe you should hear it.

---

Quote from: NAV on October 23, 2017, 10:19:35 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/79/f4/2e/79f42e1a447549257c1381cb1d4e787e--magna-carta-art-illustrations.jpg)

Cranequin is best crossbow reloading mechanism. Most beautiful. Little gear crank thing. Takes about 20-30 seconds to reload. Detatchable so you don't have to aim with the extra weight. Can be reloaded on the move or while prone. Allows for high draw weight.

Ammo:
-Quiver of generic pointy bolts.
-Bandolier with a few explosive bolts (with separete detonators) and ice bolts and sleeping gas bolts.
-Lesser war crime and greater war crime bolts in sealed protective case.

A couple other minor things I thought of:
-Magitowel. For drying off after using the water armour. Probably trivial for them to make.
-Gas mask. Filters air for safe breathing. Can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. The sleeping gas bolts reminded me.
-Duct tape
-Protective sheaths for the signallers.
-Protective case for Max's Mad Mirage. It looks fragile.

"I think I'm done."

Arrow of Greater War Crime sounds like a good name for a magical item. You only get 3 of those, better make them count.

You get your stuff, minus the duct tape and the gas mask. Instead you get some rope and a bandana to put around your mouth. It is not as protective but as a gas mask but should help, as long as you don't dive head-first into a thick cloud of bad stuff. He says he asked the alchemists for the better stuff but none were too eager to donate one to him, since those things are expensive and hard to get and they need them for when their experiments give off dangerous fumes.

With so many stuff on you, you're starting to look like some sort of medieval-fantasy Rambo knock-off, with your spear and sword and armour and magical armour and crossbow and bandolier and Maxine's Maniacal Mirage. But you probably lack the muscle power to pull off that look. You think that carrying so much stuff will tire you out quite quickly and would not help with the heat, so you might want to get a slave squire or similar to hold some of it. Or maybe just leave some thing in the carts.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on October 24, 2017, 02:53:42 am

Campaign, Ike!

Boxes of foam for the Void Bomb and magical TNT (separate boxes) sound pretty okay.

Also, what was Nikolai's element again? If it doesn't interfere with Order (or enhances it, even), get the Order crossbow and some plain old bolts.

And finally, yeah. Stay up and bone up on what's what in this world. I'm damn well sick of not knowing what anything is and I aim to change that as thoroughly as one night can afford!

"Aw man, takes me back to my college days." Ike thinks for a moment. "There's just one thing missing."

Acquire coffee and/or amphetamines if they have any, or magic-branded equivalents anyhow. Test some out while studying for this great exam we call Life.

Also get a case of beer to celebrate with at a later date.

You get your boxes full of foam and death and put a "Fragile" and "This side up" sign on them. There. This definitely nagetes all the danger of carrying a somewhat unstable magical dirty bomb with you.

I don't think it was ever explicitly stated, but Nikolai's elements are Chaos and Space. So Order is actually opposed to him. But that wouldn't make an Order-enchanted item completely unusable by him. Though this entire conversation is moot since no such enchanted crossbow is currently available.

You ask the Headwater to get you something to keep you up and help you study while you make your way to the library and start picking out scrolls and books with interesting titles with the aid of a librarian. You've been trying to learn the letters of their alphabet but you still can't read them quickly enough to allow you to skim through them, so the librarian is of great help in giving you quick descriptions. A few minutes later an apprentice alchemist arrives, bearing a vial of white fluid.

"What's that?"
"Oh, just a little study aid." he says with a mischievous smile as he hands it to you.
"Our Master Alchemist, she hands this out to some of her students. It's really good stuff." he says, still smiling.
You're uncertain if you should trust him, he's smiling a bit too much. You pop the cap and smell the mixture. It has a sweet and stingy smell. You can make out some flowers in it and maybe a bit of alcohol. You take an experimental sip. It makes your tongue tingle, but you can't taste anything poisonous in it. You immediately feel invigorated.
"Be careful, these are sneakier than Shadow Ale."
"Shadow Ale?"
"Yeah, you don't notice they've hit you until it's too late. So pace yourself."

You wake up on a strange bed with a hangover and no recollection of how you got there. Or anything that happened last night beyond the conversation you had with the alchemy apprentice. You're certain you've learned at least some things. For one you can read their written language quite easily now, so you at least gained this. You learn that they found you in the morning, passed out on a table, drooling on a scroll (thankfully the anti-moisture enchantment protected it) and clutching an empty vial. They tried to wake you up but you weren't responding so they just carried you to bed while they dealt with the situation. You... might have missed some important stuff.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on October 26, 2017, 05:04:44 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 23, 2017, 06:22:13 pm

[...]
Depending on how things go you might get there next turn. Sorry for the delay, need Harry and NAV to finish what they're doing so I can fast forward time.

River appreciates you being there for him while he is grieving.

Me and Irine and the rest fortifies the area and ensures the trip back is ready, alongside brainstorming about the dangers to come!
And River gets puppy hugs and all.

You do that.

---

Everyone (except Alan)
In the morning, while Ike was passed out after his night of drug-fueled studying and everyone else was sleeping, the guards on the walls of Chizra noticed something bad on the horizon, the same flock of monsterbirds that Irine and Theri had encountered the previous day. The events of that night (Alan's distractions were at least 50% to blame) had not given the guards a lot of sleep, so they weren't too quick to notice it or react. By the time they sounded the alarm, the danger was already upon them. Still, with the temple's magic unharmed (thanks to Ike's efforts to preven the Hex's detonation) allowed the temple's bubble shield to be deployed, preventing the bulk of the aggressors from entering Chizra. The few that did were dispatched by the guards and mages of Chizra, though not before they caused some damage. Luckily, those of Ike's group camping outside the main gates were able to get inside when the alarm sounded and suffered no casualties.

Accompanying the flock was a squad of Gliders flying high up in the sky. The Gliders stayed away from the fight, to the defenders they looked like nothing more than V-shaped shadows high up in the sky. The birds threw themselves against the bubble shield time after time, shrieking their terrible shrieks, but it was no use. Though it appeared to be made of water, the bubble shield was apparently strong enough to prevent the birds from making their way through it. Though the horrible creatures attacking Chizra terrified them, the people of the monastery were safe. The mages and guards threw their attacks through the shield, ice spikes forming on it and alchemical bolts exploding in the air. The number of monster-birds dwindled quickly, forcing the few that remained to retreat. The Headwater gave some speech about hope and protection and purpose when it was all over.

With the monastery safe, Ike and the rest focused on gathering their supplies, organizing their little army (which had grown substantially in numbers and power during their stay here) and getting ready to leave. There were now a lot more people accompanying them. Most were untrained or poorly trained peasents with nothing more than a desire to protect their homes. But there were also the mages supplied by Chizra, one of which was actually the master of Alchemy. Ike wasn't sure how to feel about that, since she was indirectly responsible for drugging him, is a bit too eager to experiment and is displaying an unhealthy interest in him, Nikolai and the rest. On the other hand, as she displayed during the fight in the temple, she actually carries all sorts of useful alchemical concoctions with her at all times (Ike can hear them clinking under her robes even now) and can produce more, so she's certainly useful to have around. Nikolai on the other hand seems happy to have her, since she's genuinely interested in his stories about the marvels of technology.

Late in the day the gatekeeper of Chizra was surprised to see a beastman running towards the gate of the monastery, carrying a child and a small dog. The guards were summoned but it turns out there was no need for them. Ike recognized the exhausted Theri, carrying River and San and ordered the guards to stand down and let her be. She could hardly stay upright, let alone explain who she was and what had happened after having run several kilometers non-stop in this unbearable heat (while covered in fur no less). She passed out soon after crossing the gate. San and River were able to explain why she was there though, about how Irine was waiting and guarding a group injured refugees.

During the time Irine spent watching over the injured, she didn't face any significant danger. A pack of cacolopes attempted to ambush her and feed on the injured and incapacitated, but she was easily able to scare them away with a display of her power. However, during that battle, she did notice there was something wrong, something messing with her abilities, like it was trying to weaken them. The Sword blamed Dark magic coming from some distant place, the same effect it has been feeling for the past days, something that is weakening all Fire magic around them and is strongest during the night, though it isn't strong enough to affect Irine or the Sword yet. In less alarming news, Irine also managed to find out that cacolopes aren't the best of meals, their meat (especially their muscles) is quite hard to chew and doesn't taste that good.

On her second day of waiting, a man on horseback arrives from the west. He is apparently some sort of merchant Ike recruited that has a very fast horse. He sent him ahead to bring her potions and news that they are coming. The potions help stabilize the injured. They also seem to counteract whatever poison the birds inflicted them with and soon those least injured amongst them begin to wake up. After a couple more days of waiting Ike's caravan arrives. The injured are loaded into carts and sent towards Chizra while the group prepares to move on, reunited and stronger then ever.

Except for Alan. Alan is nowhere to be found. Maybe the birds took him or maybe he just saw something shiny, wandered off and fell into a hole. Whatever the case may be, he's not responding to your commwires and you can't find his smell, so there's not much you can do about him beyond hope that if he's still alive, someone else finds him and points him your way or that his luck somehow helps him get back to you. Or maybe you're glad to be rid of him and his crazy antics (you monster). I don't know, I'm not in your head.

---

OOC
Thanks for the crossbow related info.

The theme of this turn could be "Poor life choices" or "Winners don't do drugs".

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 07:30:53 pm

Is this the place where we put character sheets if we want to join?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on November 04, 2017, 07:40:53 pm

((That or PM them to Paris, since you might want to consider concealing some/all of your tricks.  Some missions are PVP.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Toaster on November 04, 2017, 07:45:15 pm

((Oh, Alan.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 04, 2017, 07:10:53 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 25, 2017, 09:16:56 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Whoever's making progress, good job.  I'm going to try to get inside now, because I came up empty stopping it out here."

Okay, what about summoning a small magnetic light, just something to mark a path?  And making a copy of it?  Is that too painful?  If it's not crippling, make a few copies and start leaving a trail behind myself.  I need to find a way in.

It stings and makes your interface beep, but you can do it no problem.

You could walk around and use your remote senses to find a maintenance access port to make your way under the ship's armour and into some sort of maintenance area, sure, but I'm starting to feel bad because you never use the damn thing, so let me give you a quick and simple way to solve this situation: Use the spear. Make a hole. You have this thing that can stab through almost every armour and you've only used it once.

((I had considered it, but I've been operating under the impression that putting more holes in the Maximus is a Bad Thing.  I take it one or two more small ones is okay, then.))

"Everyone, I'm going to try to cut a hole inward.  Screwing around outside is going to get us killed.  I've dropped some lights; if you see them, come that way."

Make sure my "work area" has several of those lights.

Sense an area where I'm probably not going to cut through anything important and also not hitting a support beam or extra-thick spot.  Lengthen the spear to around a meter, then use that to start poking through the armor.  Lengthen it if I'm not getting all the way through.  Just start poking a hole until I've opened it enough for any of us to get in.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 04, 2017, 08:08:51 pm

Quote from: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 07:30:53 pm

Is this the place where we put character sheets if we want to join?

((I have so many ideas I can PM you...))
~~~
Kosak Durar:

Quote from: Toaster on November 04, 2017, 07:45:15 pm

"Everyone, I'm going to try to cut a hole inward.  Screwing around outside is going to get us killed.  I've dropped some lights; if you see them, come that way."

"Excellent!"

Report to this guy's position.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 09:03:14 pm

I have two concepts; tell me which one you'd like to see me play.

Name: Secundus
Ability: Always second-best (or so his own slang for his power goes). To explain, Secundus can do anything that his allies (that let him use/apply his power on/to them) can do, but worse. In effect, whenever Secundus would need to roll for something, he gets to use the modifier of whatever teammate is best suited for/would have the best modifier for the task he's doing. In exchange for this power, Secundus takes a -1 (or a -2, if you feel like this ability is overpowered) penalty to all of his rolls, so if all of his teammates have only an average or sub-average skill with cooking, Secundus is gonna have a hard time taking care of himself (and if he has no allies, he's probably screwed). Note that anyone can deny or allow Secundus the ability to use his power on them/cause him to stop/start using his power on them at-will, and Secundus can't turn his power off.
Appearance: A generic humanoid with lessened versions of the distinguishing features of his allies (that let him use his power on them, of course). Theoretically, this ability could be used to be notified when one of Secundus's allies has died (since his power stops working on destroyed allies).
Bio/Personality info: An amalgamation of less dramatic versions of his allies' (that let him use his power on them) backstories. Should Secundus have no (not-destroyed) allies, his backstory becomes "doesn't remember his backstory". Secundus's personality is likewise an amalgamation of his allies' (that let him use his power on them) personalities, with "bland/generic" as his default personality. Better hope that some drug-addict doesn't start to consider Secundus his "friend"...
Other: Ideally, Secundus would eventually branch out to forcing enemies to let him use his power on them or denying others the ability to let him use his power on them.

Name: (Slightly Above) Average Joe
Ability: Is slightly above average in every field/ability/stat compared to other humans, so he technically qualifies for the competition.
Appearance: Imagine an average person. Joe probably looks slightly better than that.
Bio/Personality info: Joe was born in a slightly above average neighborhood, went to a slightly above average school, got a slightly above average job, and eventually married a slightly above average wife. Then he ended up here, surrounded by superhumans(?) who are completely out of his league.
Other: Due to the pity that they take on him, the cosmic powers will only charge 2 (or 1, if you feel like this character is too underpowered) points for every random given power instead of 3. For some reason, this ability/predisposition will still stick around after Joe inevitably becomes a being of near-godlike power (maybe receiving pity is a hidden power of his or something?). Oh, and yeah, italicizing every instance of the word "slightly" will be a thing with this character, because I feel like it.

Also, can someone give me a summary of what's going on right now?

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on November 04, 2017, 09:22:07 pm

Summary of which mission? Campaign is kinda beyond what you can impact due to how extremely far into the mission we are, and the ship mission frankly I'm only vaguely skimming at most, and can't really tell you what's happening there very well. However generally new players are added at the Staging Area, which generally doesn't have a lot of activity during missions though it sometimes has some interesting moments in the aftermath of missions. Odds on as a new character you'll end up having some one-on-one time with your sponsor entity, during which your introductions to what is going on will be handled in-character.

As for the two characters proposed:

1) Pick the one YOU prefer, not us. You're probably going to be playing the character for a long time, you should make sure it's a character you like to play.

2) keeping your character's capabilities hidden from us is a tactically good idea, this game has PvP.

3) If you still want the input of others, then, well, frankly Secundus seems more interesting to me, though there could be some BAD repercussions if used on certain people. And the backstory thing just plain is not compatible because he'd have to rewrite reality around himself to include himself in other people's already occurred histories. unless you mean he just THINKS he's got their background (memory clone, not reality warp)? that STILL would be a BAD IDEA for certain characters, but it's less absurd.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 09:29:43 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on November 04, 2017, 09:22:07 pm

unless you mean he just THINKS he's got their background (memory clone, not reality warp)? that STILL would be a BAD IDEA for certain characters, but it's less absurd.

Yeah, I'm going with the "thinks he has a different backstory" version.

What characters, exactly, would Secundus's power(s) have a "BAD" interaction with?

Also, there's a main thread for this? Shoot, I should have posted my sheet there (see, this is why I asked if I should post my sheet here before posting it).

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on November 04, 2017, 09:32:27 pm

Quote

San and River were able to explain why she was there though, about how Irine was waiting and guarding a group injured refugees.

((Is it silly that I thought River tried to explain first by stuff like: "Woof. Bark, bark! Woof!" :P))

Theri was quite happy to afford some rest after straining herself in the heat, and promised to buy a nice hat that afforded shade (with some customization to help her ears, knowing how straining the little things were, too). She was also quite happy that everyone was okay after getting the details of what she could understand through the stress and strain, but curiosity nudged her as she counted the people around her, again.

"Wait where did that one person go? Alan! Yes, him." she said, standing near Irine while giving River a pat.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on November 04, 2017, 10:19:20 pm

((no main thread, don't worry. you posted in the right place. however all missions and events are run simultaniously in this thread, along with our OOC chat. so it can be a little confusing. look at the last posted update by Paris to get an example of this, there's stuff from both missions and from the stating area all in the same post.

as for examples of BAD characters, mine is potentially one, the benefit of him getting powers off her is Irine has been around since game-start, and as a result is one of the stronger characters in the game. on top of that she's actually currently overshot-prone, so his drawback of putting minuses on the ability rolls actually won't do much. he'll probably actually be stronger than her if he can manage to avoid or compensate for some of her more crippling weaknesses, which he probably can if he can copy off of literally anyone else at the same time... if copying off of her doesn't just lock him into a coma. You see, Irine has locked away inside her mind are Things Beyond Mortal Comprehension. She herself isn't actually able to handle what's in there properly, and the inital insertion of said Things into her mind, which was specially engineered to handle it, still forced her into a sleeping/comatose state for an hour when it happened. I'd give Secondus about a 2/6 chance of being put in a coma and never waking up, 1/6 chance of being put into a coma for a couple days or weeks, 2/6 chance of being put into a coma for a couple hours, and only a 1/6 chance of actually getting to USE any of her abilities from copying off of her.

Another example of a strong character with mental problems is Zechariah, the character of DarkArtemisFowl. he's another been-around-since-game-start character, but he has *fun* halucinations of people from his past all the time, and his own powers are directly incompatible with each other, making him self-harm-prone.

there's also less powerful characters that still could be bad ideas to copy (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6305446#msg6305446)
for example the character of one of our inactive and I'm expecting to never come back players mydjet, who I actually know a bit more about than anyone other than Paris and mydjet himself because I know the player IRL, was an engineer who's entire basis was the more drunk he got, the better he was, and that he's useless sober. This does not actually protect him from the effects of being drunk itself however. so he's prone to doing things like, say, getting absurdly drunk, making a nuclear ballista, and then proceeding to do what an extremely drunk person would DO with a nuclear ballista. Now what happens when you're doing the same stuff... with penalties? wana try a roll with a -8 penalty? the result will be *FUN* I'll tell ya that.

There's also several characters floating around with *berserk modes*. if said character is already in a berzerk mode when you copy off them, and you end up trying to do the same stuff but with penalties... well, your skin probably isn't bulletproof. You *might* end up uncontrollably self-destructing. Oh, and I'm pretty sure at least one person has some kind of charge-up ability that kinda blows themselves up? I think that happened in the seven of diamonds mission? Wasn't watching the details, but yeah, that's a thing. And don't even get me started on Alan, though it looks like he might have just permadied this last turn, so that's a thing.))

and then we get into problems caused by combining highly incompatible characters. for example one of the characters floating around at one point or another (might still be active actually, I'm really not sure, I've been in the Campaign mission for a very long time and I'm not up to date on stuff outside of it) was a dulahan. Now without going into detail about what made this particular undead floating empty set of armor special, lets try making your character patially said dulahan, and partly any normal-ish human. Now we've got a problem, are you alive, undead, or is the mixture result in someone that's just plain old dead? how about the fact that one of the two has a body, and the other has everything BUT a body? the contradictions of combining said dulahan with literally anyone else might just up and kill your character on the spot. what about mixing a fire elemental and an ice elemental? what about a robot and a biological? you see the issues here I trust.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 05, 2017, 01:30:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 04, 2017, 07:10:53 pm

Keep an ablative shield of dolls in front of you while you retreat. That will work, certainly. There's nothing wrong with that plan.

You slowly walk back, keeping your eyes to the top of the stairs until you reach the point where the stairs turn around. It's at that moment that the blurry white thing jumps into the light again. Its way of moving is disturbing, it doesn't move like a normal human, it alternates between pausing for a few seconds and then suddenly 'changing' into another stance. In this case into a white blur facing you and then jumping straight at you.

You order your dolls to get between you and it as quickly as they can while you retreat further down the stairs. It smashes into one, making the doll land on its back and then grabs the other by its neck and lifts it off the air.

It flickers like an image on an old TV, one moment facing the doll, the next facing you. It's hard to make out, but you somehow know that this is the doll you left in the room with the display cases. It's not unscathed from its attack on your doll, one of its arms having been broken and hanging limply on its side. For a moment you find it strange that you can't feel it. The next you immediately regret those thoughts, as you sense it reconnecting to your hive mind, but as something more than mere sights and sounds. It flickers and turns its attention back to the struggling doll in its grip. You feel its cold alien presence spreading through your network, reaching towards you like whispers in the back of your mind. The doll in its grip stops struggling, no longer responding to your commands. It serves a new master now.

Looks like this is one problem you can't beat merely by throwing dolls at it and hoping they eventually bury it.
It's at the middle of the stairs with your two dolls. You're at the bottom with your other doll. What do you do?

(I chose the 'Insane in the membrane' vote for Alan first! Need I explain? Also, @ ATHATH: Unless Secundus is comfortable with moving more than a handful of dolls via a hive mind, usually simultaneously, he would find the experience disconcerting. Not that the haughty Napoleon would object to having a second baser around...)

Never in his entire life had Napoleon felt so hopeless. He was so confident that his superior intellect would win the day, that no one was a match for him. Now he was confronted with a terrifying enemy that he cannot hope to defeat, at least as easily as he'd hoped, and the cruel irony of it involved one of his dolls not only changing into such a being but stealing control of one of the other dolls. Whatever horrible being that can use his own power against him must have a twisted sense of poetic justice. No doubt that it seeks to punish him for taking the sword by twisting his doll into an abomination and could still be within this museum. However, the former doll's broken arm and the sword he still held reminded Napoleon that the fight wasn't over yet and he composed himself slightly.

"Ah... look h-h-how much you g-g-grown..." Napoleon muttered, his voice faltering. Clearing his throat, he continued as steadily as he can. "As God as my witness, I truly didn't expect this... turn of events. I expected myself to enjoy a peaceful evening with a bottle of Pinot Noir and steak, not being chased throughout a haunted museum or whatnot by my own twisted creation."

As Napoleon stealthily took steps backward toward the door he thought of the twisted doll's alien presence in his hive mind. He can still hear the whispers in his psyche. However, this presents a possibility: if it can reconnect itself into his hive mind, perhaps he can reestablish control? It was a slim possibility but a possibility nevertheless. So many variables are arranged around him and Napoleon have not deemed them to be wasted.

"Of course, as I would say," Napoleon continued with a flesh-eating smile. "Even when chipped, a sword can still kill."

Before the twisted doll could figure out what he's up to, Napoleon will control the doll lying on its back to get up and cut it to pieces, starting with its legs. While it's distracted, Napoleon will use all of his willpower to reassume direct control over the twisted doll long enough to banish it. If all else fails, Napoleon and the doll at his side will open the door behind them and enter the room. They will quickly close the door and attempt to barricade it. Throughout the execution of his plan, Napoleon will defend himself with his sword and the candle he is still holding if necessary, using the doll as a last resort.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:43:56 am

((AHAHAHAHAHA! Man, if I end up permadying from this it's gonna have to be enshrined on the front page or something, because 'elemental dissolution during an out-of-body experience caused by injecting a mixture of magic water and kool-aid into his eyes' would be by far the most out there death I've put a character through.

However, don't count me out just yet! Alan's in a situation where he's totally out of his element.

This means he's completely in his element!))

Alan, Ocean Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvf1LXvxfzk) (_{take me by the hand})

Alan's no stranger to trippy experiences. When a disembodied voice that is the embodiment of everything and also himself starts speaking to him about going with the flow, his instinctual response is merely to grin (as much as one can while being spread out throughout the elemental plane of water, which this looks to be) and put on a particular music track in his head (again, metaphorically).

"Sorry, Miss Me, can't do that right now," he merrily exclaims. "I've got an alien and a Pepto Bismol plant to go check up on! Surf's up, dude!"

Summon surfboard (or make the attempt, at least). Use my oddball's intuition to ride the wave through to reality!

In a metaphorical sense, that is. My course of action doesn't make any sense for the reason that being sensible wasn't how I got here in the first place, so I won't get out by being sensible and grounded.

((My vote goes to Groovy, by the by.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on November 05, 2017, 12:12:01 pm

"A have an idea for something that might help us find Alan."

First thing first, modify my crossbow a bit. Give it some sort of makeshift bipod so I can actually use it like a ballista when tsared. Also give it a strap so I can wear it when not in use.

Second thing second, boring inventory management.

Spoiler: Equip (click to show/hide)

-Monster hunter light armour
-Water armour
-Bandana
-A backpack
-Quiver of normal bolts
-Bandolier of special bolts
-Ice sword, short curved knife, 2 signallers in protective sheaths, and cranequin on my belt
-Wear 2 slings as additional belts
-Tie commwire around left ankle
-Protective case of war crime bolts, Methuselah's Marbled Montage, the magitowel, a pair of scissors, 1 general purpose healing potion, and a few high quality slinging rocks in pockets/backpack.
-Strap shield to back
-Wield crossbow

Spoiler: Leave in carts (click to show/hide)

-Spear
-Short rogue sword
-Kitchen knife
-Glass shiv
-Bottles of water and red bull
-Most of my slinging rocks
-Rope
-Book and writing supplies

If that's still too heavy then leave the shield as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 05, 2017, 12:13:00 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, next to the turret>

"If only all the potential lackeys hadn't been scattered all over"

Swim up to the sensors and shoot them.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 05, 2017, 03:17:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Are you seriously telling me that Alan of all people has left no trace from his passing whatsoever from wherever it was that we originally left him? I'm sorry, but that's just not something my rational mind is prepared to accept."

There have to be some clues, surely? Search until we find some, because Alan definitely isn't responsible enough to be left alone for longer than maybe a day.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:52:18 pm

((You might find more success following the people trail - if I recall correctly, I pissed off/attracted the notice of a lot of people in the last few days, from that mob of people who were chasing Brad and I for some shenanigans we did, to everyone who saw my firehose-propelled cart flight over the settlement walls, to the various conspicuous distractions I enacted when we snuck into the temple, to the guy I pizza-bluffed my way past, to Brad himself if he ever pops up again. There’s plenty of room there for y’all to find some sort of connection.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 05, 2017, 03:53:58 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:52:18 pm

((You might find more success following the people trail - if I recall correctly, I pissed off/attracted the notice of a lot of people in the last few days, from that mob of people who were chasing Brad and I for some shenanigans we did, to everyone who saw my firehose-propelled cart flight over the settlement walls, to the various conspicuous distractions I enacted when we snuck into the temple, to the guy I pizza-bluffed my way past, to Brad himself if he ever pops up again. There’s plenty of room there for y’all to find some sort of connection.))

((That's what I meant by clues - like hell nobody's seen any trace of him. Although I do notice his smell is specifically absent, so I'll fix that.))

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Zormod on November 05, 2017, 04:19:27 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Still staying still.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: ATHATH on November 05, 2017, 05:36:05 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 05, 2017, 03:17:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Are you seriously telling me that Alan of all people has left no trace from his passing whatsoever from wherever it was that we originally left him? I'm sorry, but that's just not something my rational mind is prepared to accept."

There have to be some clues, surely? Search until we find some, because Alan definitely isn't responsible enough to be left alone for longer than maybe a day.

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:52:18 pm

((You might find more success following the people trail - if I recall correctly, I pissed off/attracted the notice of a lot of people in the last few days, from that mob of people who were chasing Brad and I for some shenanigans we did, to everyone who saw my firehose-propelled cart flight over the settlement walls, to the various conspicuous distractions I enacted when we snuck into the temple, to the guy I pizza-bluffed my way past, to Brad himself if he ever pops up again. There’s plenty of room there for y’all to find some sort of connection.))

I have a feeling that you and I are going to do great things together, Xantalos.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 06:03:15 pm

Oh indeed.

Assuming I continue to exist, of course.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on November 05, 2017, 06:09:53 pm

"Does any one have any little thing with order element? I am thinking to attach that to the end of a chaos bolt and float it in water. It might act like compass and point to the closest strongest chaos or order magic. Which is probably Alan."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: ATHATH on November 05, 2017, 07:03:26 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 05, 2017, 06:09:53 pm

"Does any one have any little thing with order element? I am thinking to attach that to the end of a chaos bolt and float it in water. It might act like compass and point to the closest strongest chaos or order magic. Which is probably Alan."

Quick question: What's your power, NAV? Because if it is what I think it is, I might have some ideas for things that you can do with it.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 06, 2017, 12:15:49 am

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:43:56 am

((AHAHAHAHAHA! Man, if I end up permadying from this it's gonna have to be enshrined on the front page or something, because 'elemental dissolution during an out-of-body experience caused by injecting a mixture of magic water and kool-aid into his eyes' would be by far the most out there death I've put a character through.

Why not have it enshrined into my sig now?

EDITED: Nevermind then, I don't have enough character space left for the whole thing...

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Beirus on November 06, 2017, 12:11:47 pm

((Hey Toaster, small holes might be insignificant in a few turns. My character might be putting a giant hole in the ship if he lives long enough. Kind of backed myself into a corner.))

WMD, Space Mission

Welp, looks like I'm out of options. Do the Thing. Weapons and Walker, and get charging. See what new toys I got, and start charging. If anything I have is melee, try to break through the wall to breach another hallway or empty space where I can hopefully get some air. Otherwise, try to walk further down the hallway, looking for a door or something I can use to block off the water from following me. Use my Willpower to stay conscious and not drown myself, and to control any RMEs to save my ass in some way, like making the water breathable or making an air bubble that the water can't penetrate or something.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Tiruin on November 06, 2017, 11:20:42 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 05, 2017, 06:09:53 pm

"Does any one have any little thing with order element? I am thinking to attach that to the end of a chaos bolt and float it in water. It might act like compass and point to the closest strongest chaos or order magic. Which is probably Alan."

Theri overheard her buddy talk about magic, and thanks to her proximity to Irine, decided an informal lesson would be helpful.

"So what else should I know about magic? Those are some specific themes being mentioned there, and I don't know how they work--say, do they define the magic or are they more categories?" she asked while carrying River in her arms.

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: Lenglon on November 07, 2017, 10:49:25 am

"The themes? They actually are just ways to try to summarize or group the magic, they're aren't perfectly accurate of all-encompassing. Like, Fire isn't just fire, it's also everything associated with fire. same kinda stuff applies to all the other elements from what I can tell."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: NAV on November 09, 2017, 10:49:53 am

"I think it's like each element is a different type of energy. And magic is here is just like...alternative physics."

"'I do not know a lot of magic. Only one spell, Tsar. But the water monks did teach a lot about water magic theory."
Nikolai thinks for a while, then relays to Theri any relevant magic theory he remembers. Except in green and with less elegant wording.

Spoiler: Water Magic (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2017, 06:45:11 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2017, 06:57:57 pm

What kind of stuff can water enchantments do?[/b]

Much like Fire magic, the easiest thing to do with Water is direct manipulation, flowing water. In fact, due to its relatively stable yet malleable essence, water is one of the easiest elements to manipulate. However, unlike Fire and Wind and much like Earth, generating Water out of thin air is much harder. More advanced users can alter the states of Water to freeze it or evaporate it at will, much like how advanced users of Fire can manifest their magic as beams or eruptions instead of merely flames.

Like most material elements, water is versatile but weak and relies very much on the abilities and specialization of the user. Some use Water to create mirages and confuse others or hide things, some being as capable as to create mirror images of themselves. Others submerge themselves in water and use their mastery over it to explore the deepest parts of the sea and the riches that might lie there. Others use water to shape the earth, dig tunnels or sap the ground from underneath the feet of their enemies to trap them without hurting them. Others use purified Water to heal and purify others, cleansing people of disease or intoxicants and invigorating them (such purifying properties are frequently sought after by those who fear assassination). Others can use the connection that exists between all Water to send messages to faraway lands or try to receive premonitions about the future. There was even a water mage that was notorious for acting as the Royal Torturer a few decades ago who became infamous for sucking the water out of the bodies of his victims or freezing their internal organs, though such forbidden practices are shunned by most mages. There is no good reason to inflict such pain on a man, any man. If you wish to kill someone, it is probably much more humane (and easy) to drown them or drive a spike of ice through their head.

One of the things water magic is famed for is its ability to easily create long lasting shields. When a large number of mages combines their power they can sustain a magnificent bubble shield across an entire city for well over an hour, a display that famously occurs once per year on Ialurw'ath, one of the most prominent cities of the Southern States. Water tends to make very good physical shields, especially against things like Fire or Air, though it is not as good as Order shields against magical effects like Chaos or Dark and it is not as robust as Earth shields. However it is much more flexible and long lasting, so most water mages tend to move around, creating shields and fog walls as decoys while they move through them and relocate to another position.

The other greatest use for Water magic is its use in enchantments and alchemy, the simplest use being the purification of alchemical ingredients into more potent forms and the creation of containers that can safely contain all sorts of dangerous substances. Certain alchemical reactions can only occur under very precise concentrations that only Water magic can provide while some rely direct application of Water magic to properly combine. Water magic itself can act in inverse under certain circumstances, temporarily granting potions extraordinary capabilities instead of making them inert. The most mythical Water Enchantment is the Chalice of Plenty. Legends state that it is capable of not only containing any substance but also summoning it at will. As you can imagine, many bar songs reference it directly, for what more could a drunkard ask if not a chalice that never empties? Legend states that the Artifact was lost when a foolish initiate snuck the Chalice from his master and, thinking himself smarter than the god of pleasure who had created such powerful artifact, wished for a substance that the Chalice could not contain. The legend doesn't say how the paradox was resolved, but it does say that the initiate was never heard from again.

Overall, combat mages of the Water element tend to rely on cunning, flexibility and constant movement instead of the raw power their Fire counterparts are famed for, while those not in the military tend to focus on performing rituals to aid those around them, be it for cleansing, healing, entertainment or merely for something as simple and yet as vital as providing water to those who need it. Many are attracted to the life of a traveling mage, though with the state the world is in, such a choice is ill advised for the unprepared.

Spoiler: Void Magic (click to show/hide)

Quote

6. According to the Headwater, Void magic is the embodiment of destruction, of nothingness, of taking and leaving nothing behind. In a way it's like anti-magic, a magic that exists only to destroy other magic. Much like anti-matter in that way, you'd say. However, unlike anti-matter, it doesn't just vanish in a giant explosion the moment it comes into contact with magic. Rather, the destruction can create feedback that can sustain the Void, making it have similar destructive capabilities but spread over time. Void magic is closely related to Dark magic. One can emerge from the other and the two can merge to create (usually short-lived) magical constructs. Ultimately those tend to dissolve into corruptive energies that twist anything they touch, the effects sometimes lasting for years. Mages that use their abilities incorrectly may accidentally call upon Dark magic and summon Void energies, among the various other bad things that can happen to them.

"Chaos is like Alan, Light is good for healing and protection, Order can make a crossbow more accurate. Earth and wind and fire are obvious. I don't remember the other elements."

Title: Re: Special People: Welcome to the party, pal!
Post by: GigaGiant on November 09, 2017, 09:53:02 pm

Stephano Falcone

"I'll keep you informed." Stephano spoke coldly before returning the radio back to its proper place.

She doesn't seem like she'll be much help, but I'll have to make do with the resources I have available. With the cameras scattered around, staying hidden will be difficult. I'll prioritize acting casual instead. If I move quickly, it might be possible to escape before anyone realizes I'm no longer contained.

Taking out the security card labeled "Marco Antilles", Stephano examined it and contemplated why Mantis had it in his possession.

Mantis had both a security card and a matching fake ID. Iris told me that there was a security office containing a guard between this location and the exit stairwell. Mantis would have needed to bypass this guard to reach me, which is probably what he needed the security card and ID for. I can conclude that I'm currently located in a section of the building that requires special clearance to access. Therefore, it's safe to assume that if I try to walk past the security office, the guard will stop me and ask to see my identification and clearance. If I can't provide any valid identification, then he'll likely detain me, possibly alerting the rest of the security team while doing so. Hmm...I don't have any suitable weapons on me, so fighting him isn't practical. I'll need to develop a strategy to avoid confrontation with him.

Check if my face looks similar to the face shown on the security card. If so, proceed with Plan A. Otherwise, Plan B.
Plan A
Return to Mantis' body, take his hat, and wear it and the sunglasses. If I have my own hat, then leave it on the body's head, covering its face. If it looks like Mantis' clothes can fit me, exchange clothing with him as well. Then walk through the door at the end of the hallway and casually proceed toward the security office. When I reach the office, show the guard my ID and my security card. If everything goes alright, then proceed toward the stairwell.
Plan B
Walk through the door at the end of the hallway and investigate my surroundings. Check if there is an alternate path to the office with cubicles that allows me to skip the security office. Regardless of whether there is or not, return back through the door I came through. Contact Iris. Ask her for additional details regarding the building's security protocols and what I need in order to proceed past the guards.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2017, 06:26:46 pm

---

!Mission

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on November 05, 2017, 01:30:57 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 04, 2017, 07:10:53 pm

Keep an ablative shield of dolls in front of you while you retreat. That will work, certainly. There's nothing wrong with that plan.

You slowly walk back, keeping your eyes to the top of the stairs until you reach the point where the stairs turn around. It's at that moment that the blurry white thing jumps into the light again. Its way of moving is disturbing, it doesn't move like a normal human, it alternates between pausing for a few seconds and then suddenly 'changing' into another stance. In this case into a white blur facing you and then jumping straight at you.

You order your dolls to get between you and it as quickly as they can while you retreat further down the stairs. It smashes into one, making the doll land on its back and then grabs the other by its neck and lifts it off the air.

It flickers like an image on an old TV, one moment facing the doll, the next facing you. It's hard to make out, but you somehow know that this is the doll you left in the room with the display cases. It's not unscathed from its attack on your doll, one of its arms having been broken and hanging limply on its side. For a moment you find it strange that you can't feel it. The next you immediately regret those thoughts, as you sense it reconnecting to your hive mind, but as something more than mere sights and sounds. It flickers and turns its attention back to the struggling doll in its grip. You feel its cold alien presence spreading through your network, reaching towards you like whispers in the back of your mind. The doll in its grip stops struggling, no longer responding to your commands. It serves a new master now.

Looks like this is one problem you can't beat merely by throwing dolls at it and hoping they eventually bury it.
It's at the middle of the stairs with your two dolls. You're at the bottom with your other doll. What do you do?

(I chose the 'Insane in the membrane' vote for Alan first! Need I explain? Also, @ ATHATH: Unless Secundus is comfortable with moving more than a handful of dolls via a hive mind, usually simultaneously, he would find the experience disconcerting. Not that the haughty Napoleon would object to having a second baser around...)

Never in his entire life had Napoleon felt so hopeless. He was so confident that his superior intellect would win the day, that no one was a match for him. Now he was confronted with a terrifying enemy that he cannot hope to defeat, at least as easily as he'd hoped, and the cruel irony of it involved one of his dolls not only changing into such a being but stealing control of one of his dolls. Whatever horrible being that can use his own power against him must have a twisted sense of poetic justice. No doubt that it seeks to punish him for taking the sword by twisting his doll into an abomination and could still be within this museum. However, the former doll's broken arm and the sword he still held reminded Napoleon that the fight wasn't over yet and he composed himself slightly.

"Ah... look how much you grown..." Napoleon muttered, his voice faltering. Clearing his throat, he continued as steadily as he can. "As God as my witness, I truly didn't expect this... turn of events. I expected myself to enjoy a peaceful evening with a bottle of Pinot Noir and steak, not being chased throughout a haunted museum or whatnot by my own twisted creation."

As Napoleon stealthily took steps backward toward the door he thought of the twisted doll's alien presence in his hive mind. He can still hear the whispers in his psyche. However, this presents a possibility: if it can reconnect itself into his hive mind, perhaps he can reestablish control? It was a slim possibility but a possibility nevertheless. So many variables are arraigned around him and Napoleon have't not deemed them to be wasted.

"Of course, as I would say," Napoleon continued with a flesh-eating smile. "Even when chipped, a sword can still kill."

Before the twisted doll could figure out what he's up to, Napoleon will control the doll lying on its back to get up and cut it to pieces, starting with its legs. While it's distracted, Napoleon will use all of his willpower to reassume direct control over the twisted doll long enough to banish it. If all else fails, Napoleon and the doll at his side will open the door behind them and enter the room. They will quickly close the door and attempt to barricade it. Throughout the execution of his plan, Napoleon will defend himself with his sword and the candle he is still holding if necessary, using the doll as a last resort.

((Have I mentioned I really like the effort you put in your character's reactions?))

Your doll gets up and tries to attack the twisted doll. The strike connects but the twisted doll immediately flickers back out of the way. It sports a gash now, but it doesn't look like it's in any way impeding it. It's only making it angrier. It suddenly rushes forward and tries to grab your doll. The two struggle for a bit, each trying to overpower the other.

While the two fight, you try to overpower the presence through sheer willpower. For a moment it feels like it's working, like you're reaching into the doll, your mind overpowering the presence and regaining control of the doll. But then you feel something shift, like the presence suddenly gained twice the mental strength it had. It easily overwhelms you, rendering all efforts to regain control useless. Did it really grow stronger? Or was it holding back, conserving its strength, toying with you, trying to torture you? Whatever the answer may be, one thing is certain: going head to head with this thing will most likely not go well for you.

With no other option left, you leave the still fighting doll to its doom and run along with your one remaining doll into the nearest door. You get inside and slam the door behind you. That should buy you a few seconds.

Beyond the door is a service area, a large kitchen from the looks of it. You bet that when this place had people living in it (if it ever did), this place would had been full of servants carrying platters and trays and chefs with tall white hats standing over fiery ovens ands huge bubbling pots, stirring their contents with big wooden ladles while their assistants sliced vegetables and chopped large stakes. However, at the moment, it is as empty and lifeless as the rest of this place, all the cooking implements and protective clothing neatly arranged on hangers and shelves and inside various cupboards. The only light comes from a lamp sitting on a wooden table, surrounded by 3 wooden chairs. You can't see the entire room from here, but for the sake of expediency, if you go further in, you'll find a flight of stairs leading down and another hallway with two doors, one leading into the large dining room (you don't know where the other one leads).

The alien presence recedes from your mind but its aura remains in the form of the two of your dolls it now controls, still connected to you but obeying the thoughts of their new master. You see through their eyes as they approach the door you've hidden behind, you hear their approach. You can't see the twisted doll but you know it can't be far.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on November 09, 2017, 09:53:02 pm

Stephano Falcone

"I'll keep you informed." Stephano spoke coldly before returning the radio back to its proper place.

She doesn't seem like she'll be much help, but I'll have to make do with the resources I have available. With the cameras scattered around, staying hidden will be difficult. I'll prioritize acting casual instead. If I move quickly, it might be possible to escape before anyone realizes I'm no longer contained.

Taking out the security card labeled "Marco Antilles", Stephano examined it and contemplated why Mantis had it in his possession.

Mantis had both a security card and a matching fake ID. Iris told me that there was a security office containing a guard between this location and the exit stairwell. Mantis would have needed to bypass this guard to reach me, which is probably what he needed the security card and ID for. I can conclude that I'm currently located in a section of the building that requires special clearance to access. Therefore, it's safe to assume that if I try to walk past the security office, the guard will stop me and ask to see my identification and clearance. If I can't provide any valid identification, then he'll likely detain me, possibly alerting the rest of the security team while doing so. Hmm...I don't have any suitable weapons on me, so fighting him isn't practical. I'll need to develop a strategy to avoid confrontation with him.

Check if my face looks similar to the face shown on the security card. If so, proceed with Plan A. Otherwise, Plan B.
Plan A
Return to Mantis' body, take his hat, and wear it and the sunglasses. If I have my own hat, then leave it on the body's head, covering its face. If it looks like Mantis' clothes can fit me, exchange clothing with him as well. Then walk through the door at the end of the hallway and casually proceed toward the security office. When I reach the office, show the guard my ID and my security card. If everything goes alright, then proceed toward the stairwell.
Plan B
Walk through the door at the end of the hallway and investigate my surroundings. Check if there is an alternate path to the office with cubicles that allows me to skip the security office. Regardless of whether there is or not, return back through the door I came through. Contact Iris. Ask her for additional details regarding the building's security protocols and what I need in order to proceed past the guards.

Well, it's not a very high quality photo and you're somewhat similar. Someone giving it a quick look or a good excuse from you could let you get away with using it.

You exchange clothes with Mantis and leave him handcuffed to your seat, making sure he is facing down so that it's harder for the camera to make out the details. That done, you approach the door leading away from the interrogation rooms. You stand in front of it and take a deep breath to prepare. Then you open it and start walking like a man with somewhere to go, briskly but not too quickly (you hope).

You start walking towards the door on the other end of the corridor. The faintly glowing red exit sign above it is a pretty clear indicator of where the fastest way to the exit is, assuming the building follows any sort of safety regulations in a sane manner. There are other doors nearby (possibly leading to other interrogation rooms or cells), but none of them show any indication of being an exit. You don't look too closely, not wanting to draw too much attention to yourself.

Between you and the door is the security station, a room hidden behind wire mesh glass, hiding behind it a bored-looking security guard reading a newspaper. From beneath the armoured glass of the security office extends a row of metal turnstiles, each with a symbol beside it indicating you should touch your security card to them. The only other way through the hallway is an emergency door and you're pretty sure that's rigged to trigger an alarm the moment you open it. You approach the turnstiles and do exactly as they request, trying to play it cool while mentally rehearsing how you could jump over the obstacle and run towards the door. It takes less than a second for the security system to analyze the RFID signal and respond with a beep and a green arrow pointing towards the turnstile you should use. It takes you about as much time to realize what that means and make your way through the metal bars.

Another obstacle cleared, you continue walking towards the exit. All you have to do is reach it. ... And then confront whatever's hiding behind it. ... Nobody said it would be easy.
: Hey! You there! Hold up! : you hear a voice coming from the speakers of the security station.

---

The Maximus

---

Did I mention this mission isn't easy? I think I did.

Quote from: Toaster on November 04, 2017, 07:45:15 pm

((Oh, Alan.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 04, 2017, 07:10:53 pm

Quote from: Toaster on October 25, 2017, 09:16:56 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Whoever's making progress, good job.  I'm going to try to get inside now, because I came up empty stopping it out here."

Okay, what about summoning a small magnetic light, just something to mark a path?  And making a copy of it?  Is that too painful?  If it's not crippling, make a few copies and start leaving a trail behind myself.  I need to find a way in.

It stings and makes your interface beep, but you can do it no problem.

You could walk around and use your remote senses to find a maintenance access port to make your way under the ship's armour and into some sort of maintenance area, sure, but I'm starting to feel bad because you never use the damn thing, so let me give you a quick and simple way to solve this situation: Use the spear. Make a hole. You have this thing that can stab through almost every armour and you've only used it once.

((I had considered it, but I've been operating under the impression that putting more holes in the Maximus is a Bad Thing.  I take it one or two more small ones is okay, then.))

"Everyone, I'm going to try to cut a hole inward.  Screwing around outside is going to get us killed.  I've dropped some lights; if you see them, come that way."

Make sure my "work area" has several of those lights.

Sense an area where I'm probably not going to cut through anything important and also not hitting a support beam or extra-thick spot.  Lengthen the spear to around a meter, then use that to start poking through the armor.  Lengthen it if I'm not getting all the way through.  Just start poking a hole until I've opened it enough for any of us to get in.

((You are correct, it's better to keep the inside of the ship free of this liquid (if for no other reason than it would get in the way), but right now you'd only be using the spear to reach the maintenance area for the turret cover, so it should be fine. Even if you kept digging with it and made it further into the ship, right now you're on the outside of one of those transport tubes that are surrounded by storage areas, so you'd just flood one of the expendable outer storage areas (that double as spaced armour). I understand the map (https://www.dropbox.com/s/62060bh0f29xe88/spess_map.gif?dl=0) might not be the most readable (I think it's mostly because it's trying to draw a 3d object in 2d) which is why I'm explaining. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

Also, the faster you resolve this, the less chances Beirus' char permadies, so, you know, thought I'd help up his odds a bit.))

The armour of the Maximus actually offers some resistance, requiring you to push to get your rod through it. 1 meter is not enough to reach anything, so you extend your poking stick further. Looks like they made the armour around the turret quite thick. Your spear is getting hotter than usual, you can feel it through the heat-dissipating gloves of your suit. Even the liquid around it appears to be bubbling slightly, although its hard to tell with this strong current.

You continue this way, extending and pushing for about a minute, occasionally jerking forward whenever you cut your way through one of the small tubes that seem to occasionally run through the armour. After a certain point you reach the other side. You can tell by the small burst of water rushing in through the hole you created, threatening to pull your spear away from you, but it stops half a second later. You can also tell through your ability, as the hole appears to have created a gap in whatever anti-magical protection it had, making it easier for you to feel what's on the other side.

From what you can tell, there are several cramped compartments housing the motors that move the covers located right below them. Following the now-unshielded wiring, you can reach most of the system. It looks like they didn't expect anyone who made it into the room to sabotage it (or maybe they just thought it didn't matter at that point). Parts of it (like doors and door control panels) are still shielded, though you're certain you could get through to them if you focused.

You can also see the power source meant to activate the motors, a few arrays of batteries spread around the area. On one side they are connected to a control system, alternating between direct power and battery power. On the opposite direction they are connected to what you guess is some protective equipment and then to wires leading away from the system, some separate power supply system probably. There are generally a few wires (and other thin things whose structure reminds you of carbon-fibers) worming their way away from the maintenance area and further down the hull, but at that point you lose track of them. You'd have to focus more to follow them further. You guess they're probably used to transmit power and some basic information, this system seems quite simple and self-contained. Now that you can see the entire system, you can tell that if the cover closes in the "does not crush the turret" configuration, it reveals an opening beneath the turret, possibly a way to resupply it, though you don't waste the effort to go through the shielding protecting that part at the moment.

If you were to keep digging this way, you'd probably need the help of your teammates, as you're not certain you could pull your entire spear out of the hole and then push it back in, it has such a large surface area at the moment that if you tried using your strength alone the current would definitely carry it away. That or maybe shrink and extend it again, although you're quite certain that would take several minutes and risk melting the more mundane parts of your spear. Or you could just find some other way to do this. Or maybe if you deal with the turret the Phoenix can unlock some door or at least blast the hull open for you so you can avoid this problem entirely. Or maybe it could just grab your spear and start stabbing the hull.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 04, 2017, 08:08:51 pm

Quote from: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 07:30:53 pm

Is this the place where we put character sheets if we want to join?

((I have so many ideas I can PM you...))
~~~
Kosak Durar:

Quote from: Toaster on November 04, 2017, 07:45:15 pm

"Everyone, I'm going to try to cut a hole inward.  Screwing around outside is going to get us killed.  I've dropped some lights; if you see them, come that way."

"Excellent!"

Report to this guy's position.

It's not easy, but you manage to get out from under the turret and get to John.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 05, 2017, 12:13:00 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, next to the turret>

"If only all the potential lackeys hadn't been scattered all over"

Swim up to the sensors and shoot them.

It's not easy going against the stream but you manage to swim up to where the sensor clusters are while avoiding the swinging barrel of the turret. I mean, you could use the stream to go towards the turret but risking slamming on the fast moving thing would probably be worse than getting carried away and having to walk back to the others. You use your legs to desperately push forward while waiting for an opportunity to shoot a sensor cluster. It doesn't take more than a few seconds for one to swing by you and you easily manage to shoot towards it. You see the pellets managed to scratch some lenses and bending some antennas. The turret stops moving. Sensing what is to come, you stop struggling and let the stream carry you away. Moments later, you are blinded by the light and pain. You drift away half-conscious, with a faint understanding that your left arm and a good part of your torso is gone.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Rolls:
str->5
dex->1+1+2-1
turret point defence dex->4+5-1-1
rflx->1+2+1
end->3
injury-> left top torso

Quote from: Zormod on November 05, 2017, 04:19:27 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Still staying still.

You try to keep your 'eyes' on the sensors but your concentration slips, the distortions weakening, shrinking and slipping away from the sensors. Luckily it doesn't look like it's focusing on the Phoenix, so your mistake isn't too costly for- Oh, shit, it's focusing on Svajoklis. You try to catch up to the sensors but in mere seconds the turret has shot an energy lance through him, sending his body drifting away and painting the liquid red like a bloody comet. Crap.

The only bright side to all this is the fact that the energy lance seems to have cauterized his wounds, reducing how much he bleeds.

: Oh, no! Can someone get him? I don't want to risk getting close to him right now, I might accidentally hurt him. I will help him as soon as I can. :

The turret has stopped moving and firing for the moment.

---

Quote from: Beirus on November 06, 2017, 12:11:47 pm

((Hey Toaster, small holes might be insignificant in a few turns. My character might be putting a giant hole in the ship if he lives long enough. Kind of backed myself into a corner.))

WMD, Space Mission

Welp, looks like I'm out of options. Do the Thing. Weapons and Walker, and get charging. See what new toys I got, and start charging. If anything I have is melee, try to break through the wall to breach another hallway or empty space where I can hopefully get some air. Otherwise, try to walk further down the hallway, looking for a door or something I can use to block off the water from following me. Use my Willpower to stay conscious and not drown myself, and to control any RMEs to save my ass in some way, like making the water breathable or making an air bubble that the water can't penetrate or something.

You begin your transformation, shards of bone and tendrils of flesh ripping through the synthetic materials of your spacesuit, leaving pieces of it trapped inside your newly grown fleshy bits. This liquid feels cold and viscous like water. It's all tingly against your skin, like it's boiling. You notice there's a dampening effect here, slightly reducing the speed with which you charge and quite likely weakening your RMEs. Your weapons come in the form of ultra-sharp blades at the tip of your tendrils that you can use to stab or slash things. You can imbue them with energy to make them even more devastating. The light you and your shield give off is enough for you to see where you are. The hallway you were in has melted and collapsed around you, trapping you in it. Your tendrils have wormed their way around the broken pipes and bent support beams, trying to find space to expand in this cramped tomb-like pocket you've found yourself in.

You wildly slash your tendrils around. With each slash you can feel the metal giving way, letting you move more freely. Now you have enough space to wind up for the strikes, making them even more devastating, letting you tear through the walls and rip them apart like pieces of aluminum foil, breaking support beams and pipes like they're twigs. You break through a wall on your right and find another hallway, running parallel to the one you were in... and then you break through the wall to your left and find an exact replica of that hallway but inverse. They're all filled with this liquid though, so this doesn't exactly solve your eventual 'running out of air' problem. Even if you weren't a weapon of mass destruction but something more versatily, something that had some means of pumping water out of one hallway, that would still leave you in the void, not much better than drowning.

Seeing no other way out of this, you slither through the hallways like a fat shiv-wielding octopus, trying find a door that could lead you to safety. So far you've had no luck with the door, but you could keep searching. Maybe it's just down the next turn of the hallway.

You glow faintly, the glow shrinking and then concentrating on part of your skin, forming a great light-emitting pustule. Out of it comes a dwarf dressed like a stereotypical business man, with a suit and a red tie. Over his suit, he is wearing what looks like a medieval suit of armour made entirely out of transparent glass. He says something to you but the sound never raches you. You try to convey your inability to understand him as best as a giant tentacle monster can. After looking puzzled for a few seconds, he repeats what he said, this time pointing towards the left. You still can't read his lips, you think it's the accent. He shrugs and remains next to you.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:52:18 pm

((You might find more success following the people trail - if I recall correctly, I pissed off/attracted the notice of a lot of people in the last few days, from that mob of people who were chasing Brad and I for some shenanigans we did, to everyone who saw my firehose-propelled cart flight over the settlement walls, to the various conspicuous distractions I enacted when we snuck into the temple, to the guy I pizza-bluffed my way past, to Brad himself if he ever pops up again. There’s plenty of room there for y’all to find some sort of connection.))

Well, you might have pissed several people during the day, but you didn't actually meet anybody during the evening. The guard didn't actually see you and he was not the brightest guard around. Plus, some of the objects you summon tend to disappear after a while, which means that not all the evidence will still be there.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 05, 2017, 03:17:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Are you seriously telling me that Alan of all people has left no trace from his passing whatsoever from wherever it was that we originally left him? I'm sorry, but that's just not something my rational mind is prepared to accept."

There have to be some clues, surely? Search until we find some, because Alan definitely isn't responsible enough to be left alone for longer than maybe a day.

Well, you can find a few witnesses that attest that he used some sort of water-powered flying machine to escape the city in the company of a known ne'er-do-well after pissing of enough people to form an angry mob. He is also most likely responsible for summoning a giant boombox and causing an impromptu dance party to engulf half the city. There was a raid to the walled garden during soon after, but only food was stolen so you don't see how Alan fits into that. None of the guards on duty that night saw him participate in the raid. Maybe his new criminal friend convinced him to work for him and whatever gang he is running. You find hints of his scent around the temple, but it doesn't lead you any closer to his location. It's like someone went flying around, spraying Alan's bodily fluids over the Walled Garden.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 04, 2017, 09:32:27 pm

Quote

San and River were able to explain why she was there though, about how Irine was waiting and guarding a group injured refugees.

((Is it silly that I thought River tried to explain first by stuff like: "Woof. Bark, bark! Woof!" :P))

(("Woof woof!"
"What's that boy? Little Timmy fell down a well?"
"Arf!"))

Quote from: NAV on November 05, 2017, 12:12:01 pm

"A have an idea for something that might help us find Alan."

First thing first, modify my crossbow a bit. Give it some sort of makeshift bipod so I can actually use it like a ballista when tsared. Also give it a strap so I can wear it when not in use.

Second thing second, boring inventory management.

Spoiler: Equip (click to show/hide)

-Monster hunter light armour
-Water armour
-Bandana
-A backpack
-Quiver of normal bolts
-Bandolier of special bolts
-Ice sword, short curved knife, 2 signallers in protective sheaths, and cranequin on my belt
-Wear 2 slings as additional belts
-Tie commwire around left ankle
-Protective case of war crime bolts
-Methuselah's Marbled Montage
-the magitowel
-a pair of scissors
-1 general purpose healing potion
-and a few high quality slinging rocks in pockets/backpack.
-Strap shield to back
-Wield crossbow

Spoiler: Leave in carts (click to show/hide)

-Spear
-Short rogue sword
-Kitchen knife
-Glass shiv
-Bottles of water and red bull
-Most of my slinging rocks
-Rope
-Book and writing supplies

If that's still too heavy then leave the shield as well.

You give your crossbow a tripod out of some spare parts but you think you made it a bit too big and bulky. The irony does not escape you.

You also tie a strap on it so you can carry it by your side, underneath your arm. It's not the most comfortable spot but it's better than carrying it in your hands. It also helps to ease the burden on your arms when aiming. You make a mental note to make sure to remove the strap before tsaring the crossbow.

You spend about an hour reorganizing your inventory, making sure all the objects on you and in your backpack are placed exactly as you want them and trying to fit them in the limited space you have.
A recruit passes by and looks at you curiously.
"Are you sure you can't just give some of-"
"Dude, I need all of these!" (https://youtu.be/uUplZNiZo0M?t=10m10s) you say and stomp away angrily, huffing and puffing as you try to lift all of your various crap.

Well, assuming you drop your backpack before going going to fight, all that stuff you're carrying shouldn't be too much of a hindrance.

Quote from: NAV on November 05, 2017, 06:09:53 pm

"Does any one have any little thing with order element? I am thinking to attach that to the end of a chaos bolt and float it in water. It might act like compass and point to the closest strongest chaos or order magic. Which is probably Alan."

Chaos is not not necessarily attracted to Chaos nor is Order necessarily repelled by it, so that wouldn't work. Prompted by your explanation of what you are trying to do, the master alchemist attempts to use ground Twisty Tetherleaves to try to visualize the magical flow of chaos, but is unable to gather anything concrete. There is an increased concentration of Chaos energy in and around Chizra, but it does not appear to be coming from anywhere in particular or at least the flows do not remain stable enough to be easy to figure out where they're coming from or going to.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 05, 2017, 03:43:56 am

((AHAHAHAHAHA! Man, if I end up permadying from this it's gonna have to be enshrined on the front page or something, because 'elemental dissolution during an out-of-body experience caused by injecting a mixture of magic water and kool-aid into his eyes' would be by far the most out there death I've put a character through.

However, don't count me out just yet! Alan's in a situation where he's totally out of his element.

This means he's completely in his element!))

Alan, Ocean Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvf1LXvxfzk) (_{take me by the hand})

Alan's no stranger to trippy experiences. When a disembodied voice that is the embodiment of everything and also himself starts speaking to him about going with the flow, his instinctual response is merely to grin (as much as one can while being spread out throughout the elemental plane of water, which this looks to be) and put on a particular music track in his head (again, metaphorically).

"Sorry, Miss Me, can't do that right now," he merrily exclaims. "I've got an alien and a Pepto Bismol plant to go check up on! Surf's up, dude!"

Summon surfboard (or make the attempt, at least). Use my oddball's intuition to ride the wave through to reality!

In a metaphorical sense, that is. My course of action doesn't make any sense for the reason that being sensible wasn't how I got here in the first place, so I won't get out by being sensible and grounded.

((My vote goes to Groovy, by the by.))

Why go away? You are with them right now. he corrects you.
He has a point. You can see them right now. Some of them are looking for you. Even the alien is flying around, looking around you worriedly. So silly of them. You are with them right now. You are with everyone. You don't need to look for them and they don't need to look for you.
You are all right here.

---

OOC

Quote from: Lenglon on November 04, 2017, 09:22:07 pm

Summary of which mission? Campaign is kinda beyond what you can impact due to how extremely far into the mission we are, and the ship mission frankly I'm only vaguely skimming at most, and can't really tell you what's happening there very well. However generally new players are added at the Staging Area, which generally doesn't have a lot of activity during missions though it sometimes has some interesting moments in the aftermath of missions. Odds on as a new character you'll end up having some one-on-one time with your sponsor entity, during which your introductions to what is going on will be handled in-character.

I tried to make things more interesting for our two new contestants and gave them little adventures instead of a straight intro. This helps in three ways:
1) It lets both me and them test their abilities and get a feel for them.
2) It lets me test their playstyle and their character's... character and see if the entity I chose for them is a fun match.
3) It keeps them occupied with something more interesting than talking and dicking around in the staging area while saving me effort since I don't have to plan as much as a regular mission. Also, I don't know if I can run a good mission with just two people. If we get three now, I might just run a small one with smaller rewards, maybe just 1 Upgrade Point for victory.
4) I find it fun. The fact that they have interesting abilities and put some effort in their backstories helped, of course. I hope they find it fun too.

Quote from: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 09:29:43 pm

Also, there's a main thread for this? Shoot, I should have posted my sheet there (see, this is why I asked if I should post my sheet here before posting it).

Everything is posted here. IC, OOC, on mission, off mission, everything. When I started having multiple missions I asked if people would prefer to have multiple threads. People at the time said no, so we've been doing it this way since then. At this point we've been doing it this way for so long I don't think I'll split the missions unless more than a few people really want to.

Quote from: ATHATH on November 04, 2017, 09:03:14 pm

I have two concepts; tell me which one you'd like to see me play.

Name: Secundus
Ability: Always second-best (or so his own slang for his power goes). To explain, Secundus can do anything that his allies (that let him use/apply his power on/to them) can do, but worse. In effect, whenever Secundus would need to roll for something, he gets to use the modifier of whatever teammate is best suited for/would have the best modifier for the task he's doing. In exchange for this power, Secundus takes a -1 (or a -2, if you feel like this ability is overpowered) penalty to all of his rolls, so if all of his teammates have only an average or sub-average skill with cooking, Secundus is gonna have a hard time taking care of himself (and if he has no allies, he's probably screwed). Note that anyone can deny or allow Secundus the ability to use his power on them/cause him to stop/start using his power on them at-will, and Secundus can't turn his power off.
Appearance: A generic humanoid with lessened versions of the distinguishing features of his allies (that let him use his power on them, of course). Theoretically, this ability could be used to be notified when one of Secundus's allies has died (since his power stops working on destroyed allies).
Bio/Personality info: An amalgamation of less dramatic versions of his allies' (that let him use his power on them) backstories. Should Secundus have no (not-destroyed) allies, his backstory becomes "doesn't remember his backstory". Secundus's personality is likewise an amalgamation of his allies' (that let him use his power on them) personalities, with "bland/generic" as his default personality. Better hope that some drug-addict doesn't start to consider Secundus his "friend"...
Other: Ideally, Secundus would eventually branch out to forcing enemies to let him use his power on them or denying others the ability to let him use his power on them.

Name: (Slightly Above) Average Joe
Ability: Is slightly above average in every field/ability/stat compared to other humans, so he technically qualifies for the competition.
Appearance: Imagine an average person. Joe probably looks slightly better than that.
Bio/Personality info: Joe was born in a slightly above average neighborhood, went to a slightly above average school, got a slightly above average job, and eventually married a slightly above average wife. Then he ended up here, surrounded by superhumans(?) who are completely out of his league.
Other: Due to the pity that they take on him, the cosmic powers will only charge 2 (or 1, if you feel like this character is too underpowered) points for every random given power instead of 3. For some reason, this ability/predisposition will still stick around after Joe inevitably becomes a being of near-godlike power (maybe receiving pity is a hidden power of his or something?). Oh, and yeah, italicizing every instance of the word "slightly" will be a thing with this character, because I feel like it.

Also, can someone give me a summary of what's going on right now?

To tell you the truth, I don't find the first to be too interesting, but maybe that's just because I can't see how you would play that character. The second is more interesting to me because you end up with a character with a smattering of different abilities that do not necessarily fit with each other and for his first mission has to survive while being more or less a normal, average human being.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 13, 2017, 06:56:47 pm

Alan, Perhaps Literally Ocean Man

Alan smiles in semi-realization (as much as he can in his current state). "I think I get what you mean, my dude. Who are you, by the way?"

Silly other people! Try saying hi to one of them. Brad if I can see him, or Ike maybe. I know him well enough to know that he'll probably run himself silly looking for me when I'm already in front of him.

((I've apparently been transmuted into being a water elemental of some sort, or at least have had my consciousness transferred into the overall water-borne intelligence that makes up all the water magic here. Something along those lines. Neat!))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 13, 2017, 11:01:21 pm

Redistribute the weapons I don't need among the needier murderhobos. That's the monster hunter spear, short rogue sword, kitchen knife, glass shiv. Also Alan's personal protection sword that he left behind (he won't notice it's gone and shouldn't be around sharp objects anyway) and Zechariah's nailboard (he is better off using his staff) as long as no one objects.

After proving that I am in fact generous and not greedy, find some recruit willing to be my squire! Responsabilities include carrying things and reloading my crossbow.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 14, 2017, 12:05:08 am

((I had a sword?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 14, 2017, 06:37:55 pm

 

Quote from: Xantalos on November 13, 2017, 06:56:47 pm

Alan, Perhaps Literally Ocean Man

Alan smiles in semi-realization (as much as he can in his current state). "I think I get what you mean, my dude. Who are you, by the way?"

Silly other people! Try saying hi to one of them. Brad if I can see him, or Ike maybe. I know him well enough to know that he'll probably run himself silly looking for me when I'm already in front of him.

((I've apparently been transmuted into being a water elemental of some sort, or at least have had my consciousness transferred into the overall water-borne intelligence that makes up all the water magic here. Something along those lines. Neat!))

I am the Ocean. says the Ocean. Well, obviously. Maybe the right question would had been 'What are you?'. Unless that received the same answer.
As are you.

Brad is currently making his way away from Chizra and towards the east, carrying his haul: Eyes glowing with Chaos energy and feathers plucked from the head of the Ocean.

You let go of yourself and try to direct you towards Brad. As you diffuse further and further lose yourself, you are able to speak to Brad through the objects he is carrying.
<Hi!>
"Dafaq?!" Brad exclaims as he hastily removes his backpack and throws it away.
"Who's there?"
<It's me! Alan!>
"What? How?"

Quote from: Xantalos on November 14, 2017, 12:05:08 am

((I had a sword?))

Ike had given you a sword from one of the guys he butchered in the refugee camp at one point. I think it's a good thing you forgot about it.

---

Quote from: NAV on November 13, 2017, 11:01:21 pm

Redistribute the weapons I don't need among the needier murderhobos. That's the monster hunter spear, short rogue sword, kitchen knife, glass shiv. Also Alan's personal protection sword that he left behind (he won't notice it's gone and shouldn't be around sharp objects anyway) and Zechariah's nailboard (he is better off using his staff) as long as no one objects.

After proving that I am in fact generous and not greedy, find some recruit willing to be my squire! Responsabilities include carrying things and reloading my crossbow.

You muster the willpower to resist the call of your inner magpie and give up some of your stuff to those in need. You also give up some of the stuff of others, which is quite easier. You should try being generous with other people's stuff more often.

That done, you find a gullible young man and convince him that carrying your stuff is actually quite cheap a price to pay for all the special training and knowledge and respect (and women) he will obtain by being your squire. You're pretty sure that since you're not a knight you technically shouldn't have a squire, but you're not letting such a technicality get in the way of your comfort. If anything, he should be paying you, what with all the 'crossbow-loading' experience you are giving him, that thing is killer on a CV. ((Slide typing keeps trying to correct "squire" into "sweetie". I have to admit, doing that to the above paragraph makes it quite funnier.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 14, 2017, 07:56:24 pm

Sir Nikolai the generous, Campaign

"Comrade squire, what's your name?"
Jokes on the squire, Nikolai is going to actually try to get to know him a bit and give him a bit of training. Nikolai isn't actually that great at fighting but he thinks he is and maybe he can instill that same confidence in his squire.

First though, get to know him. Maybe have a few drinks together and trade stories.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 14, 2017, 09:15:57 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2017, 06:26:46 pm

((Have I mentioned I really like the effort you put in your character's reactions?))

Your doll gets up and tries to attack the twisted doll. The strike connects but the twisted doll immediately flickers back out of the way. It sports a gash now, but it doesn't look like it's in any way impeding it. It's only making it angrier. It suddenly rushes forward and tries to grab your doll. The two struggle for a bit, each trying to overpower the other.

While the two fight, you try to overpower the presence through sheer willpower. For a moment it feels like it's working, like you're reaching into the doll, your mind overpowering the presence and regaining control of the doll. But then you feel something shift, like the presence suddenly gained twice the mental strength it had. It easily overwhelms you, rendering all efforts to regain control useless. Did it really grow stronger? Or was it holding back, conserving its strength, toying with you, trying to torture you? Whatever the answer may be, one thing is certain: going head to head with this thing will most likely not go well for you.

With no other option left, you leave the still fighting doll to its doom and run along with your one remaining doll into the nearest door. You get inside and slam the door behind you. That should buy you a few seconds.

Beyond the door is a service area, a large kitchen from the looks of it. You bet that when this place had people living in it (if it ever did), this place would had been full of servants carrying platters and trays and chefs with tall white hats standing over fiery ovens ands huge bubbling pots, stirring their contents with big wooden ladles while their assistants sliced vegetables and chopped large stakes. However, at the moment, it is as empty and lifeless as the rest of this place, all the cooking implements and protective clothing neatly arranged on hangers and shelves and inside various cupboards. The only light comes from a lamp sitting on a wooden table, surrounded by 3 wooden chairs. You can't see the entire room from here, but for the sake of expediency, if you go further in, you'll find a flight of stairs leading down and another hallway with two doors, one leading into the large dining room (you don't know where the other one leads).

The alien presence recedes from your mind but its aura remains in the form of the two of your dolls it now controls, still connected to you but obeying the thoughts of their new master. You see through their eyes as they approach the door you've hidden behind, you hear their approach. You can't see the twisted doll but you know it can't be far.

(I had a feeling that you'd liked it and, at the risk of sounding like Napoleon, sometimes I'd even impressed myself. Also, are you going to update your Tv Tropes page to account for the additional characters or would you like to wait a bit later?)

Slamming the door shut, Napoleon struggled to hold down his rapid breathing as he pressed against it. Though he knew that the fight wasn't over yet, a creeping awareness of his own inferiority rose inside of him. Despite all of his boasting and displays of superiority, Napoleon is nothing more than a puny and strange human who is just playing tactician. Hell, the nickname he'd chose for himself, 'The Doll Prince', is appropriate given that he isn't worthy of considering himself a real prince. Perhaps he should just throw open the door and let the twisted doll rip him to shreds. Perhaps his father was right to treat him as worthless-

Suddenly, the thought concerning his father filled Napoleon with anger. With a vicious shake of his head, Napoleon dispelled the worthless thoughts. Sure he wasn't a tactician who can concoct plans that have zero chance of failure and sure he doesn't qualify as a real prince but so what? If things always go according to plan, would the resultant victories eventually become boring? Would things get to a point in which he would purposely fail just to obtain even a modicum of excitement? Sure he may be faced with a conundrum at the moment but if he survives this ordeal and this place tonight, he'll be bragging about it later. After all, he is the Doll Prince and he isn't that fond of empty boasts.

Encouraged, if only adequately, by his self-assuring thoughts, Napoleon did a quick reevaluation of his foe. Not only does the twisted doll has the ability to commandeer his dolls and to blink sporadically to move but its mind was strong enough to resist even his own. Whether it became such a monster because of either some sort of influence this place have or due to the actions of an unknown entity, Napoleon didn't know. However, what he did know was that it seemed to only be capable of assuming direct control by making direct contact with the dolls and its reaction time doesn't seem to be all that supernaturally fast as the second doll was able to injure it before it too was turned. Unless the twisted doll is actually holding back on its agility, Napoleon saw no reason why it would risked getting injured or even killed just to toy with him. Therefore, he surmised that while it was fast, it was vulnerable to ambushes. Sure it was very risky to form such a conclusion about his foe but a risk is often better than inaction.

A plan forming in his head, Napoleon thought about his crown. Whenever he took it off his head, it always disappeared in a puff of red smoke and gold sparks before reappearing on his head after a few seconds. Incorporating it into his plan, Napoleon glanced at the lamp on the table and the doll next to him. With a small smile, Napoleon snuffed out the candle he was still holding and pocketed it. Satisfied, Napoleon begin to execute his plan and any possible contingencies:

Lock the door or use any objects within reach to wedge it shut, knowing that this may temporarily keep them out. After changing the doll's color to black to help it blend in better with the darkness, Napoleon will go with it to the table. Positioning it in the shadow of the table, Napoleon will sit in a chair with his back to the door, pretending to moan in despair as the twisted doll and its new puppets enter the kitchen. Once he sensed that it was near, he will remove his crown. If all goes well, the burst of smoke and sparks will stun the twisted doll enough for Napoleon to deliver the coup de grace with the sword, summoning two more dolls to engage the commandeered dolls in melee. If the twisted doll somehow survives the sudden attack, the doll hiding in the shadows will leap onto the table and throw the lamp at it as Napoleon moves out of the way, hopefully hitting it and stunning it or, better yet, setting it on fire. Napoleon will unsummon any doll who gets grabbed by the twisted doll as he engages it in melee. If all else fails, Napoleon will unsummon any dolls that are still under his control and make a mad dash for the stairs.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on November 14, 2017, 09:23:25 pm

((Okay, so I figure any Alan-related-retcons that might have occurred would have by now, so time to go ahead and start posting actions / reactions / questions))

how did Ike's new recruits react to Irine? From what I was reading about Chizra they might have some rather strong reactions to her and TriSword.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 14, 2017, 09:36:52 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Making progress!"

Can I cut power to the turret itself?  If that way isn't obvious, then try to just close the doors on the turret, now that I'm closer to that source.

If I can indeed cut power to the turret, do so, then try to configure the doors so we can get in.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2017, 05:53:59 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Damn, he's either learned some next level urine tricks or something real unusual has happened to him. Either way this trail ain't getting warmer."

Can some of the guys point me to, say, the bed of said known ne'er do well so that I can pick up his scent? Seems like a valid suspect or at least the last known contact.

Whatever the result, introduce Irine to everyone. Especially the Headwater. Show off all the cool shit we got and tell her all about our adventures in the process.

"... and this is a glass container full of dangerous void magic shit, let's call it witch-jelly, and if the glass sphere should rupture it ought to have an effect not unlike a dirty bomb in an unclear, but presumably wide area..."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2017, 08:17:06 am

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2017, 09:36:52 pm

"Making progress!"

Can I cut power to the turret itself?  If that way isn't obvious, then try to just close the doors on the turret, now that I'm closer to that source.

If I can indeed cut power to the turret, do so, then try to configure the doors so we can get in.

The turret is a separate system. Icarus said the turret was using its own internal power source and gave you its location (somewhere opposite and slightly below the barrel). You could try stabbing it there, but there was the issue that the turret was rotating (it's currently sitting still but it could start moving again). You could always try holding onto its surface with your boots but you're not certain how good sudden acceleration will be for your squishy insides and bony bones.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 15, 2017, 10:40:26 am

<Svajoklis, water near Maximus>

Try not to bleed to death, hope that with turret gone our ship with totally existing medical faculties can come over and put me back together.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Beirus on November 15, 2017, 01:12:08 pm

WMD, Space Mission

Follow the tiny man's directions in the most expedient way possible, which includes tearing through obstacles if the tiny man doesn't indicate I shouldn't. Keep charging and hoping for an RME to save me, like allowing me to breath the liquid or providing a stable breathable air supply for me or something. Use my Willpower to help this happen.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 15, 2017, 02:11:53 pm

Alan, Sea Guy

<Well, after I put that magic kool-aid in my eye, I turned into the ocean! I also met this guy/girl named Ocean. So yeah. I'm an ocean man!>

Keep talking to Brad; ask him how the heist went. He get anything cool, or manage to get through that door?

Oh, and can I see Zech anywhere?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 15, 2017, 09:25:00 pm

Kosak Durar:

There's a guy with a shotgun bleeding out? If I can reach him, pull him down to the hull... and do nothing else because Kosak doesn't have any doctor skills.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 15, 2017, 09:30:50 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 15, 2017, 08:17:06 am

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2017, 09:36:52 pm

"Making progress!"

Can I cut power to the turret itself?  If that way isn't obvious, then try to just close the doors on the turret, now that I'm closer to that source.

If I can indeed cut power to the turret, do so, then try to configure the doors so we can get in.

The turret is a separate system. Icarus said the turret was using its own internal power source and gave you its location (somewhere opposite and slightly below the barrel). You could try stabbing it there, but there was the issue that the turret was rotating (it's currently sitting still but it could start moving again). You could always try holding onto its surface with your boots but you're not certain how good sudden acceleration will be for your squishy insides and bony bones.

Okay.  Cut it down for clarity.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on November 16, 2017, 01:37:22 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2017, 06:26:46 pm

I tried to make things more interesting for our two new contestants and gave them little adventures instead of a straight intro. This helps in three ways:
1) It lets both me and them test their abilities and get a feel for them.
2) It lets me test their playstyle and their character's... character and see if the entity I chose for them is a fun match.
3) It keeps them occupied with something more interesting than talking and dicking around in the staging area while saving me effort since I don't have to plan as much as a regular mission. Also, I don't know if I can run a good mission with just two people. If we get three now, I might just run a small one with smaller rewards, maybe just 1 Upgrade Point for victory.
4) I find it fun. The fact that they have interesting abilities and put some effort in their backstories helped, of course. I hope they find it fun too.

(Very interesting. For the record, I appreciate the effort that you're putting into Stephano's adventure. I'm finding it enjoyably challenging.)

Stephano Falcone

Stop moving, turn around toward the security station, and speak out loud in a polite manner with a friendly smile on my face.

"Sure. What can I do for you, Sir?"

Cooperate with the security officer. Be friendly. Then do the following based on what happens:

If the guard asks me for more information or identification:
Provide the identification I have available to me. If he wants to know why I was here, tell him that I was interrogating a certain person as part of my investigation of the terrorist group known as Rockslide. If he wants to know more details, tell him that he'll need to speak to my superiors, as I am not permitted to go into further detail.

If after cooperating, the guard lets me continue:
Then continue toward the stairwell and the exit.

If the guard identifies me as an escapee at some point:
If the guard is out of my reach, then run to the stairwell, and try to follow the signs as I rush toward the building's exit.

Otherwise, if the guard is close to me, then take out my multi tool and stab him in the neck with the sharpest instrument on the multi tool. Afterward, wrestle him to the ground and grab any weapons or radios he has on his person and toss them away while I remain on top of him. If he's still significantly struggling, stab him in both of his legs. Then get up and quickly back away from him, while keeping my concealed eyes on him. Grab up the items I had tossed away from his person. If he is on the verge of dying or makes any sudden dangerous moves, then remove my sunglasses and stare at him until he is fully healed. Afterward, while he is suffering the side effects from my ability, replace my sunglasses, go over to him, and strangle him into unconsciousness.

In any other situation:
Adapt as best as I can to bypass the guard peacefully. Prioritize actions that can prevent the guard from alerting the rest of security. Resort to violence only as a last resort.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on November 16, 2017, 08:39:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2017, 09:23:25 pm

((Okay, so I figure any Alan-related-retcons that might have occurred would have by now, so time to go ahead and start posting actions / reactions / questions))

how did Ike's new recruits react to Irine? From what I was reading about Chizra they might have some rather strong reactions to her and TriSword.

Theri sticks by Irine and River and San, and generally acts as a hopefully-efficient support unit to the IKE ARMY.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on November 16, 2017, 05:22:14 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

Keep my eyes on the turret and hand Saevus's healing gauntlet to Svajoklis when I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 05:39:55 am

---

Non-mission

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on November 14, 2017, 09:15:57 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2017, 06:26:46 pm

((Have I mentioned I really like the effort you put in your character's reactions?))

Your doll gets up and tries to attack the twisted doll. The strike connects but the twisted doll immediately flickers back out of the way. It sports a gash now, but it doesn't look like it's in any way impeding it. It's only making it angrier. It suddenly rushes forward and tries to grab your doll. The two struggle for a bit, each trying to overpower the other.

While the two fight, you try to overpower the presence through sheer willpower. For a moment it feels like it's working, like you're reaching into the doll, your mind overpowering the presence and regaining control of the doll. But then you feel something shift, like the presence suddenly gained twice the mental strength it had. It easily overwhelms you, rendering all efforts to regain control useless. Did it really grow stronger? Or was it holding back, conserving its strength, toying with you, trying to torture you? Whatever the answer may be, one thing is certain: going head to head with this thing will most likely not go well for you.

With no other option left, you leave the still fighting doll to its doom and run along with your one remaining doll into the nearest door. You get inside and slam the door behind you. That should buy you a few seconds.

Beyond the door is a service area, a large kitchen from the looks of it. You bet that when this place had people living in it (if it ever did), this place would had been full of servants carrying platters and trays and chefs with tall white hats standing over fiery ovens ands huge bubbling pots, stirring their contents with big wooden ladles while their assistants sliced vegetables and chopped large stakes. However, at the moment, it is as empty and lifeless as the rest of this place, all the cooking implements and protective clothing neatly arranged on hangers and shelves and inside various cupboards. The only light comes from a lamp sitting on a wooden table, surrounded by 3 wooden chairs. You can't see the entire room from here, but for the sake of expediency, if you go further in, you'll find a flight of stairs leading down and another hallway with two doors, one leading into the large dining room (you don't know where the other one leads).

The alien presence recedes from your mind but its aura remains in the form of the two of your dolls it now controls, still connected to you but obeying the thoughts of their new master. You see through their eyes as they approach the door you've hidden behind, you hear their approach. You can't see the twisted doll but you know it can't be far.

(I had a feeling that you'd liked it and, at the risk of sounding like Napoleon, sometimes I'd even impressed myself. Also, are you going to update your Tv Tropes page to account for the additional characters or would you like to wait a bit later?)

Slamming the door shut, Napoleon struggled to hold down his rapid breathing as he pressed against it. Though he knew that the fight wasn't over yet, a creeping awareness of his own inferiority rose inside of him. Despite all of his boasting and displays of superiority, Napoleon is nothing more than a puny and strange human who is just playing tactician. Hell, the nickname he'd chose for himself, 'The Doll Prince', is appropriate given that he isn't worthy of considering himself a real prince. Perhaps he should just throw open the door and let the twisted doll rip him to shreds. Perhaps his father was right to treat him as worthless-

Suddenly, the thought concerning his father filled Napoleon with anger. With a vicious shake of his head, Napoleon dispelled the worthless thoughts. Sure he wasn't a tactician who can concoct plans that have zero chance of failure and sure he doesn't qualify as a real prince but so what? If things always go according to plan, would the resultant victories eventually become boring? Would things get to a point in which he would purposely fail just to obtain even a modicum of excitement? Sure he may be faced with a conundrum at the moment but if he survives this ordeal and this place tonight, he'll be bragging about it later. After all, he is the Doll Prince and he isn't that fond of empty boasts.

Encouraged, if only adequately, by his self-assuring thoughts, Napoleon did a quick reevaluation of his foe. Not only does the twisted doll has the ability to commandeer his dolls and to blink sporadically to move but its mind was strong enough to resist even his own. Whether it became such a monster because of either some sort of influence this place have or due to the actions of an unknown entity, Napoleon didn't know. However, what he did know was that it seemed to only be capable of assuming direct control by making direct contact with the dolls and its reaction time doesn't seem to be all that supernaturally fast as the second doll was able to injure it before it too was turned. Unless the twisted doll is actually holding back on its agility, Napoleon saw no reason why it would risked getting injured or even killed just to toy with him. Therefore, he surmised that while it was fast, it was vulnerable to ambushes. Sure it was very risky to form such a conclusion about his foe but a risk is often better than inaction.

A plan forming in his head, Napoleon thought about his crown. Whenever he took it off his head, it always disappeared in a puff of red smoke and gold sparks before reappearing on his head after a few seconds. Incorporating it into his plan, Napoleon glanced at the lamp on the table and the doll next to him. With a small smile, Napoleon snuffed out the candle he was still holding and pocketed it. Satisfied, Napoleon begin to execute his plan and any possible contingencies:

Lock the door or use any objects within reach to wedge it shut, knowing that this may temporarily keep them out. After changing the doll's color to black to help it blend in better with the darkness, Napoleon will go with it to the table. Positioning it in the shadow of the table, Napoleon will sit in a chair with his back to the door, pretending to moan in despair as the twisted doll and its new puppets enter the kitchen. Once he sensed that it was near, he will remove his crown. If all goes well, the burst of smoke and sparks will stun the twisted doll enough for Napoleon to deliver the coup de grace with the sword, summoning two more dolls to engage the commandeered dolls in melee. If the twisted doll somehow survives the sudden attack, the doll hiding in the shadows will leap onto the table and throw the lamp at it as Napoleon moves out of the way, hopefully hitting it and stunning it or, better yet, setting it on fire. Napoleon will unsummon any doll who gets grabbed by the twisted doll as he engages it in melee. If all else fails, Napoleon will unsummon any dolls that are still under his control and make a mad dash for the stairs.

((I think I haven't messed with TV Tropes, beyond correcting some spelling that were bothering me. Go ahead and edit away if you want, I don't mind.))

You run, grab a chair and wedge it behind the door to keep it from opening. You can hear the dolls trying to open the door, banging on it constantly. After that, you hide your doll under the table, modifying it so that it perfectly blends in with its surroundings. You do such a good job that you think even you yourself would had trouble knowing it was there if it wasn't for your ESP.

You continue with getting ready to enact your plan, positioning the chair and sitting down on it while your doll acts as your eyes and ears. You have waited for a little more than half a minute, but it feels like it's been a lot longer than that. The dolls keep banging on the door but don't appear to be any closer to breaching it. In fact, you don't think they're trying with their full strength. Sure, it could damage them, but they could land punches a lot stronger-

You notice a sound at the other end of the kitchen. You've been so focused on your other senses you completely missed it. The twisted doll has made its way around and into the kitchen from the other side. Despite the sudden change of plan, you manage to maintain your composure and continue your performance. It flickers closer to you and then stops, looking at you moaning in despair. The distortion around it recedes somewhat. You think it looks almost like it's... curious? It doesn't approach you, at least not in body. You feel the whispers in your mind again, but it's not an attack, merely a brush against your will, like a shark curiously poking something he is not sure is edible.

It also comes to your attention that the dolls at the door have stopped banging and are merely standing there.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on November 16, 2017, 01:37:22 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 13, 2017, 06:26:46 pm

I tried to make things more interesting for our two new contestants and gave them little adventures instead of a straight intro. This helps in three ways:
1) It lets both me and them test their abilities and get a feel for them.
2) It lets me test their playstyle and their character's... character and see if the entity I chose for them is a fun match.
3) It keeps them occupied with something more interesting than talking and dicking around in the staging area while saving me effort since I don't have to plan as much as a regular mission. Also, I don't know if I can run a good mission with just two people. If we get three now, I might just run a small one with smaller rewards, maybe just 1 Upgrade Point for victory.
4) I find it fun. The fact that they have interesting abilities and put some effort in their backstories helped, of course. I hope they find it fun too.

(Very interesting. For the record, I appreciate the effort that you're putting into Stephano's adventure. I'm finding it enjoyably challenging.)

Stephano Falcone

Stop moving, turn around toward the security station, and speak out loud in a polite manner with a friendly smile on my face.

"Sure. What can I do for you, Sir?"

Cooperate with the security officer. Be friendly. Then do the following based on what happens:

If the guard asks me for more information or identification:
Provide the identification I have available to me. If he wants to know why I was here, tell him that I was interrogating a certain person as part of my investigation of the terrorist group known as Rockslide. If he wants to know more details, tell him that he'll need to speak to my superiors, as I am not permitted to go into further detail.

If after cooperating, the guard lets me continue:
Then continue toward the stairwell and the exit.

If the guard identifies me as an escapee at some point:
If the guard is out of my reach, then run to the stairwell, and try to follow the signs as I rush toward the building's exit.

Otherwise, if the guard is close to me, then take out my multi tool and stab him in the neck with the sharpest instrument on the multi tool. Afterward, wrestle him to the ground and grab any weapons or radios he has on his person and toss them away while I remain on top of him. If he's still significantly struggling, stab him in both of his legs. Then get up and quickly back away from him, while keeping my concealed eyes on him. Grab up the items I had tossed away from his person. If he is on the verge of dying or makes any sudden dangerous moves, then remove my sunglasses and stare at him until he is fully healed. Afterward, while he is suffering the side effects from my ability, replace my sunglasses, go over to him, and strangle him into unconsciousness.

In any other situation:
Adapt as best as I can to bypass the guard peacefully. Prioritize actions that can prevent the guard from alerting the rest of security. Resort to violence only as a last resort.

"Sure. What can I do for you, Sir?" you say, turning around to face him.
: You forgot this. : he says, tapping a holster with a revolver in it against the bulletproof glass of the security station.
"Um... Oh, right, hehe, that would had been really embarrassing, right?" you say with an awkward laugh as you nervously approach the security station.
: Eh, you'd be surprised how often it happens. : the guard says, looking more alert now.
As you reach the security station, the guard opens a shutter covering a rectangular hole at the security station's glass and slides the gun through it.
: Here you go. :
"Great, thanks." you say as you grab the gun and start to turn away.
: Waaait. : the guard says again.
You turn around to face him once more.
: You also gotta sign. : he says, tapping on a book standing next to the glass.
"Oh! Yeah, right, sure."
: Now, let's see here... Where was it... : he says as he flips through the pages until he finds the one he wants.
You do your best not to fidget.
: Ah. 'ere we go. : he says and slides the book along with a pen through the hole, holding the shutter open so you can give the book back when you're done.
You take a second to examine the book. You find 'your' signature and mentally rehearse how to duplicate it.
: It's right here. : the guard says, tapping on the blank space besides the original signature, sounding a bit impatient now.
"Right here?"
: Yes. :
You do a good job copying its shape, but you do it more slowly, resulting in it being quite bolder. You slide the book back towards him. He pauses and doesn't pull the book all the way through the hole. He is looking at you curiously. You look into his eyes for a split second. You think he suspects you, if he hasn't already realized that you're bad news.

You could try deflecting his suspicions. Or you could try shooting him through the hole. Or you could just run away. Or maybe you're simply being paranoid and you should just keep calm and carry on. Or you could try something else.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: NAV on November 14, 2017, 07:56:24 pm

Sir Nikolai the generous, Campaign

"Comrade squire, what's your name?"
Jokes on the squire, Nikolai is going to actually try to get to know him a bit and give him a bit of training. Nikolai isn't actually that great at fighting but he thinks he is and maybe he can instill that same confidence in his squire.

First though, get to know him. Maybe have a few drinks together and trade stories.

Treating NPCs like people? What is this madness?

His name is Lune Hook, though the other recruits have taken to calling him Lune the Deft after he accidentally let go of his sword while practicing a swing.

You learn about his past over shared drinks and shared stories. Like most men of the kingdom, he has no trouble holding his liqueur despite being a bit older than 15. He is one of the recruits you picked up at Chizra. His parents brought him there a few years ago after losing most of their property (turns out people have more important things to spend their money on than buying handcrafted rock toys when there's a food crisis). At risk of becoming beggars or being imprisoned, they instead chose to flee to Chizra. Like many people down on their luck going to Chizra, he feels they've been treated slightly better than slaves, forced to do demanding manual labor to earn their meal and a warm place to sleep.

He's been working there for what feels like ages and he doesn't want to spend his entire life there, hoping things will get better. He wants to do something more with his life but most of all he just wants to escape from where he is right now. He sees this army as his way out. He thinks it's for the best that you people came along when you did. One of his friends had recently joined a gang and was trying to convince him to join as well. He believes it's better to be fighting for a good cause instead of robbing people.

You make plans with him to start training him, aiming to improve both his body and his skills. Having spent the last few years working hard without adequate food for a growing man, he is a bit malnourished and not in a very good physical shape. Despite that, you think that now that he'll be eating and training properly you'll be able to shape him into a proper fighter. He definitely seems willing enough. You think the most important thing in his training might be maintaining that confidence and will to improve. You seem to be doing a good job at it for now. He certainly looks excited to be mentored by 'a mighty warrior such as you' (as he states after hearing your stories) and believes he was incredibly lucky to be chosen.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2017, 09:23:25 pm

((Okay, so I figure any Alan-related-retcons that might have occurred would have by now, so time to go ahead and start posting actions / reactions / questions))

how did Ike's new recruits react to Irine? From what I was reading about Chizra they might have some rather strong reactions to her and TriSword.

Well, they're not stupid enough to disrespect you in your face, if that's what you're asking. There are certainly those that aren't too happy with you being there or you having the Sword (despite the fact that that means they have better odds of surviving, people are illogical like that) but they're certainly not going to tell you that. They are still afraid of you. Give it a few days and depending on your behaviour they might get used to you and start making stupid comments.

There are also those that see you or the Sword as somehow chosen, as being special or even divine or merely as a really cool/powerful weapon on their side. Some simply nod and smile as they pass you by, some bow in respect or greet you with such titles as Great Defender or Chosen One or Queen of Fire. There was even one that asked you to bring his lover back from the dead and was disappointed to find that the Sword was only able to revive Nikolai because of his Soulsphere. Still, it might be good to consider what you should do if they start requesting less impossible things from you. You're no stranger to people treating you like god and asking things from you, but this situation is certainly different than what you're used to.

Like, for example, that woman in violet accompanying Nikolai (master of Alchemy is what he called her, from what you remember). She approaches you with great excitement and asks you a great deal about how your connection with the Sword works, how being the avatar of a god works, how being altered by a bond former works, how your transformation works, she keeps asking and asking and shows no sign of stopping. She wants to run some tests on the Sword and you to try and figure out what it is. The Sword tells you it will submit to the tests (up to a point) if you order it but isn't too fond of the idea.

However most of the people with Ike simply keep their distance and don't bother you. You don't know if they're afraid, indifferent or merely unsure of what to do and adopting a 'wait and see' approach. Maybe things will change once they get to know you. Or when they see you in action.

You receive a debriefing from Ike on all the murder events that occurred while you were away and about all the horrible magical WMDs supplies and assistance you received from Chizra. I don't know how much you read on what happened but assume you know stuff. Ask Ike if you want to know more stuff.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 15, 2017, 05:53:59 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Damn, he's either learned some next level urine tricks or something real unusual has happened to him. Either way this trail ain't getting warmer."

Can some of the guys point me to, say, the bed of said known ne'er do well so that I can pick up his scent? Seems like a valid suspect or at least the last known contact.

Whatever the result, introduce Irine to everyone. Especially the Headwater. Show off all the cool shit we got and tell her all about our adventures in the process.

"... and this is a glass container full of dangerous void magic shit, let's call it witch-jelly, and if the glass sphere should rupture it ought to have an effect not unlike a dirty bomb in an unclear, but presumably wide area..."

Well, Alan really wanted to go to the top of Chizra for some reason. You're certain that if he peed from there, he could spray a pretty large area, though probably not so evenly.

You regale Irine with tales of your amazing adventures. Also, I assumed you would just keep moving on, but sure, let's say you're all back in Chizra for now, unless Irine objects. I'll hold off the introductions in case Irine does not want to go back to Chizra.

As for Brad, after some searching, you think you manage to pick up his scent, his particular mix of sweat and stench of alcohol. He's heading east and moving quickly from what you can tell. You could always try following him.

Quote from: Tiruin on November 16, 2017, 08:39:57 am

Quote from: Lenglon on November 14, 2017, 09:23:25 pm

((Okay, so I figure any Alan-related-retcons that might have occurred would have by now, so time to go ahead and start posting actions / reactions / questions))

how did Ike's new recruits react to Irine? From what I was reading about Chizra they might have some rather strong reactions to her and TriSword.

Theri sticks by Irine and River and San, and generally acts as a hopefully-efficient support unit to the IKE ARMY.

General Ike gains a follower: Theri. Army upkeep reduced by 1. Army morale increased by 1. Army gains trait: Hand-to-Hand training. Theri appears as a separate unit during combat.

Other than that, you mostly rest and prepare for the journey ahead. You spend your free time with your friends, chatting with them and making sure they're all right. Some of the recruits have taken a liking to San and spend time teaching him games or telling him stories, so he doesn't spend all his time with you. However he still returns whenever you want to teach him something or when it's time to rest or whenever he wants to feel safe. River on the other hand doesn't leave your side, always walking next to you or lounging nearby, but doesn't speak against spoken to.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 15, 2017, 02:11:53 pm

Alan, Sea Guy

<Well, after I put that magic kool-aid in my eye, I turned into the ocean! I also met this guy/girl named Ocean. So yeah. I'm an ocean man!>

Keep talking to Brad; ask him how the heist went. He get anything cool, or manage to get through that door?

Oh, and can I see Zech anywhere?

Zech is with the rest of the guys, being his own particular combination of brooding and helpful.

After his initial surprise, Brad quickly regains his composure and continues running away.
"Oh, I got past the door alright. I used your eyes and the thing just popped open. Beyond the door, oh man, that was a whole other story. I gotta tell you, they've got some weird shit up there. It wasn't a horrible hellscape or anything, it actually looked kinda nice. It was like a whole different place, full of trees and grass and clouds, really cool."

"But then there were those wierdos around and they were aaaall staring at me. It was giving me the creeps. I knew that like an incontinent man who's eaten too many beans, I was going to have to make a run for it and hope for the best. I managed to get away and made my way further into the mist. I picked some strange colorful fruit I'd never seen before but I don't think it's going to be that valuable, it's already started to rot."

"That's not the most important thing, oh no. The biggest, the weirdest, the most unbelievable thing there was the Head. The head of a... like a bird thing thing in the middle of it all, no body, just a huge head with a long neck, all made of pure, transparent ice. All the water, it was coming from it, its bill mostly. I knew that whatever it was it must be worth something, so I went in and grabbed a feather or two. Didn't risk too much though, I played it carefully. Good thing I did (and I've got some magic resistance), 'cause I'm not sure I could had made it out of there. It wasn't a trap exactly, it didn't look like one, but it still hurt like hell."

"After that, I started running towards... a friend. I figure they might be looking for me and it might be better to get someone trustworthy to give me a checkup ASAP. Plus, I can get an estimate for all the stuff I'm carrying. Not too much in the end, there was surprisingly little lootable stuff up there. I wonder where those guys sleep..."

"That's more or less all about me. So, what about you? Are you like a ghost or something? Are you going to haunt me 'till I get you your body back?"

---

The Maximus

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 15, 2017, 10:40:26 am

<Svajoklis, water near Maximus>

Try not to bleed to death, hope that with turret gone our ship with totally existing medical faculties can come over and put me back together.

You hope really hard that you don't bleed to death. It's the best you can do at this point.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 15, 2017, 09:25:00 pm

Kosak Durar:

There's a guy with a shotgun bleeding out? If I can reach him, pull him down to the hull... and do nothing else because Kosak doesn't have any doctor skills.

Kosak, like a good dwarf, goes and performs the 'recover wounded' job, but since nobody has turned on his surgery profession, he doesn't do anything else. He manages to keep swimming, even while carrying Svajoklis with one arm, bringing him down to the hull and holding him there.

 : Good job. I'll work on first aid when you've delt with the turret. We can give him a proper prosthetic when we make our way into the ship. :

Quote from: Toaster on November 14, 2017, 09:36:52 pm

John, on the Maximus

"Making progress!"

Can I cut power to the turret itself?  If that way isn't obvious, then try to just close the doors on the turret, now that I'm closer to that source.

If I can indeed cut power to the turret, do so, then try to configure the doors so we can get in.

You switch the system to use the local power source and activate it, causing the locks holding the armor pieces to unlock and the giant motors to come to life, causing the armour you're standing on to shudder and start moving. You quickly retract your spear and detach from the armour, warning the rest to do the same.

The huge sections of hull slam onto the turret from all sides, bounce back with the terrible cacophony of a motor moving the wrong way and then slam into the turret again with less speed, this time remaining in place. The momentum of the armor pieces is enough to cause huge dents on the spherical difference of the turret, however the motors alone are not enough to keep causing damage. The motors merely keep the doors in place, presumably for as long as the batteries have charge since it hasn't been locked in place..

Quote from: Zormod on November 16, 2017, 05:22:14 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

Keep my eyes on the turret and hand Saevus's healing gauntlet to Svajoklis when I can.

Well, you only have two eyes and I don't see anyone helping you with this, so rather than start stumbling around blindly, you remain in place and focus on the turret. John may have hurt and immobilized it, but it can still launch missiles and shoot from its point defense, so you make sure it can't do that. It's very easy, now that it doesn't move around like crazy.

The Phoenix moves further away and out of your sight. Maybe he's hoping the turret is less likely to try moving or shooting if it can't see a target.

---

Quote from: Beirus on November 15, 2017, 01:12:08 pm

WMD, After the End

Follow the tiny man's directions in the most expedient way possible, which includes tearing through obstacles if the tiny man doesn't indicate I shouldn't. Keep charging and hoping for an RME to save me, like allowing me to breath the liquid or providing a stable breathable air supply for me or something. Use my Willpower to help this happen.

You start treating through the wall, following the man's directions. On the other side you find another hallway, this one having a lot less pipes. You tear through the next wall and the one after that. By this point the hallway has become quite smaller and completely empty.

You light up with a small release of energy but nothing happens, at least nothing that you can see. That's unhelpful. You're starting to run out of air.

The hallways shudder and begin to move, twisting and breaking with the sound of bending metal. It would be hard to maintain your orientation if it wasn't for your tiny friend floating in place.

You tear through the next wall. This one is much thicker than the rest and keeps moving around. During that time, you light up and produce some bubbles. Helpful, but not that helpful. You finally break through to the other side and are immediately hit by a stream of that liquid. That, along with the wide open area, make you think that you've reached the surface. You hastily jump out of the moving hole only to find that the metal floor, unlike the wall you just tore through, is not being pierced. This will make holding on to it harder.

You look back at the wall, only to realize it's no longer attached to the floor and has started moving away, taking your tiny bodyguard with it. And it doesn't look like a wall at all, it looks more like a dark mass of... something alive.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 05:48:02 am

((It's been slightly bothering me for at least a year by now - it's 'could have', not 'could had'. They're linked so the second one ought to be written in the infinitive form, like 'could do' instead of 'could did'. To illustrate: 'I do' and 'I can do' in the present, 'I did' and 'I could do' in the past.))

Ike, General of the People!

We have the trail! Go after this Brad and shake him down right and proper!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on November 18, 2017, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 05:48:02 am

((It's been slightly bothering me for at least a year by now - it's 'could have', not 'could had'. They're linked so the second one ought to be written in the infinitive form, like 'could do' instead of 'could did'. To illustrate: 'I do' and 'I can do' in the present, 'I did' and 'I could do' in the past.))

((Wasn't...it always like that o_O Could and had are both double past tense so the tense gets mucked up.))

Theri, Camp Follower in Ike's Army, and San/River/Irine's buddyguard!

Spend my time busying my magic in doing minor stuff--training here, repairs there, some healing here, some testing out better'ing our food supply and such there...

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on November 18, 2017, 08:32:22 am

((Oh boy. I've been gone for a while. I hope I read everything correctly. If I missed some details, please feel free to correct me. I'll read everything over again a couple of times later in the day to make sure.

So, assuming the Headwater gave Zechariah the go ahead - same as with Ike and Nikolai - here's what I plan...))

The recent few days left Zechariah in a state of constant self-questioning - perhaps even more so than normally, if that is even possible. His memories from his past were still jumbled together and hard to make sense of, but he remember a sense of relief near the end of his life in the Medium. He felt like he had actually accomplished something. Now, Zechariah wasn't so sure of himself. Strangely enough, disconnecting himself from Artemis and the rest of the Medium made him feel weaker and more at war with himself than he ever was. If even now, so far from his previous life, he was a bedlam of anguish and helplessness, what hope did he have to actually achieve his goals? As of now, he felt like more of an amusement than anything - a jester with wings, or a magician putting on a show. If he didn't have the power to stop corruption from happening, did his moral compass really mean anything? Or was it merely a self-comforting thought?

If he wanted to help people, he reasoned with himself, he needed to be able to protect himself first. Despite finding the Headwater's actions suspicious, he couldn't afford to start splintering the group over it. There was an opportunity to strengthen himself and prepare for the future. At the very least, he could take advantage of it to make himself less of a liability in the group.

Go to whoever is in charge of the armaments for Chizra, be it the Headwater or one of his assistants. Ask for the following possible things:

-Light armor; or, if not armor, then another vestment that protects against pervasive magic (magic that disables Zechariah's abilities or magic that prevents him from moving, thinking, acting etc.)
-Artifacts or other equipment that help Zechariah focus his mind on his abilities, or otherwise makes his abilities more potent
-Consumables (drinks, potions, food) that would help Zechariah focus
-Spell scrolls wouldn't be unwelcome
-Some proper, form-fitting clothes that match the region we are in
-At least some money

Finally, go search for Alan if possible, or reconvene with Ike.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 18, 2017, 09:25:59 am

"I've jammed it in place, but it's not locked!  I'm trying to disable it for good!"

Can I force the issue by either mechanically jamming it in place?  Disabling motors or warping tracks?  Do that please.

Also, have I opened up any easier paths in?  Search via power for any new/easier ways to get further in.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 10:42:23 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 05:48:02 am

((It's been slightly bothering me for at least a year by now - it's 'could have', not 'could had'. They're linked so the second one ought to be written in the infinitive form, like 'could do' instead of 'could did'. To illustrate: 'I do' and 'I can do' in the present, 'I did' and 'I could do' in the past.))

Ike, General of the People!

We have the trail! Go after this Brad and shake him down right and proper!

((Yeah, I should do better. Sorry. It's just that after you develop a habit, it's not so easy to change it.))

Are you just going to drop everything and leg it after him?

Quote from: Toaster on November 18, 2017, 09:25:59 am

"I've jammed it in place, but it's not locked!  I'm trying to disable it for good!"

Can I force the issue by either mechanically jamming it in place?  Disabling motors or warping tracks?  Do that please.

Also, have I opened up any easier paths in?  Search via power for any new/easier ways to get further in.

You're 100% certain your telekinesis is not strong enough to warp the tracks and disabling the motors would only make things worse, since there would be nothing holding the pieces of hull in place and preventing them from moving backwards. The best you can do is activate the locks and hope they manage to engage, but from what you can see only 2 pieces are in an appropriate position for that. You could always send one of your teammates with higher strength down there to warp the tracks or attempt to manually engage the locks and secure the doors in place.

You could go in through the maintenance area beneath the armor pieces (the incomplete reconfiguration has left it partially exposed), enter the cargo area and make your way to the central transport hub (or anywhere else you want) that way. There's the issue of the Phoenix, since the ship can't fit through the maintenance area. Icarus would either have to hide outside until you open a hangar or leave the Phoenix attached to the hull and accompany you inside.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 11:01:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 10:42:23 am

Are you just going to drop everything and leg it after him?

Oh no, I'm gonna set off after him with a couple followers (possibly one of our party if anybody's willing) while also instructing everyone else to get their asses into gear quick-like and go after us (presumably slower on account of the sheer number of people). Not gonna wait for them to get ready to go, but make sure clear instructions to follow after me when they're able to move out together are given.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on November 18, 2017, 11:03:05 am

((Irine has no reason to go to Chizra whatsoever and is feeling time-pressure. Ike is gonna need to give a good reason if he wants her to go directly away from our goal. Also wasn't she already to the (south)east of Chizra anyway? So not going back would put everyone closer to Brad anyway, right?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 18, 2017, 11:13:53 am

((We didn't travel back to Chizra, we just haven't left yet. It was a retcon because leaving Alan behind while we still had leads to him was OOC and no one actually posted an action to leave Chizra. You're probably welcome to still be scouting ahead in the wilderness.

Also, is rescuing one of our party members not a good enough reason?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 18, 2017, 11:19:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 05:39:55 am

((I think I haven't messed with TV Tropes, beyond correcting some spelling that were bothering me. Go ahead and edit away if you want, I don't mind.))

You run, grab a chair and wedge it behind the door to keep it from opening. You can hear the dolls trying to open the door, banging on it constantly. After that, you hide your doll under the table, modifying it so that it perfectly blends in with its surroundings. You do such a good job that you think even you yourself would had trouble knowing it was there if it wasn't for your ESP.

You continue with getting ready to enact your plan, positioning the chair and sitting down on it while your doll acts as your eyes and ears. You have waited for a little more than half a minute, but it feels like it's been a lot longer than that. The dolls keep banging on the door but don't appear to be any closer to breaching it. In fact, you don't think they're trying with their full strength. Sure, it could damage them, but they could land punches a lot stronger-

You notice a sound at the other end of the kitchen. You've been so focused on your other senses you completely missed it. The twisted doll has made its way around and into the kitchen from the other side. Despite the sudden change of plan, you manage to maintain your composure and continue your performance. It flickers closer to you and then stops, looking at you moaning in despair. The distortion around it recedes somewhat. You think it looks almost like it's... curious? It doesn't approach you, at least not in body. You feel the whispers in your mind again, but it's not an attack, merely a brush against your will, like a shark curiously poking something he is not sure is edible.

It also comes to your attention that the dolls at the door have stopped banging and are merely standing there.

Feeling that it was nearby, Napoleon was confused as to why it sudden decides to stop. Was it unsure of what to do in this situation or, worse, was it suspecting that it was a trap? Nevertheless, though Napoleon wanted to continue his performance, he also wanted to ascertain the twisted doll's intention and why it was attacking him in the first place. Though he wasn't sure that it could talk, he wanted to know whether he was in this bind because of the sword or something else. At the very least, it would probably entice it into attacking and allow him to execute his plan.

"Oh why is this happening to me?" he moaned. "All I did was break open a display case and stole a sword! I had no intention of breaking into this place. I'd only woke up in here!"

Continue the plan as normal.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 18, 2017, 11:29:20 am

"I and comrade squire Lune will join the search for Alan! We should take 8 people, that's how many can sneak with our two mirages."

Nikolai and Lune will join the search for Alan.
Lune will have the important role of carrying and using the Malachite's Malignant Mirage. Also some spare water bottles to reload it.
Nikolai loads a non-lethal sleeping gas bolt into his crossbow.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 18, 2017, 02:15:05 pm

<Svjoklis, Hull of Maximus>

Continue with my attempts to not bleed out.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on November 18, 2017, 05:40:05 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

: If that guy is still alive, could someone give him this? :

Take off the regen gauntlet and be ready to give it away.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 18, 2017, 06:54:25 pm

Alan, Tooltip Voice Candidate

<Huh, neat! Well, I kinda zoned out after I turned into water, and then woke up in this big water place where there's water everywhere! I met this guy named Ocean, who's also a girl and me at the same time. It's pretty sweet, I can see all sorts of things now. I'm not gonna haunt you, no worries. Do you still have my eyes, though?>

If I'm capable of it, try to see if I can find where my eyes are, if Brad doesn't have them with him.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 19, 2017, 08:36:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 10:42:23 am

You're 100% certain your telekinesis is not strong enough to warp the tracks and disabling the motors would only make things worse, since there would be nothing holding the pieces of hull in place and preventing them from moving backwards. The best you can do is activate the locks and hope they manage to engage, but from what you can see only 2 pieces are in an appropriate position for that. You could always send one of your teammates with higher strength down there to warp the tracks or attempt to manually engage the locks and secure the doors in place.

You could go in through the maintenance area beneath the armor pieces (the incomplete reconfiguration has left it partially exposed), enter the cargo area and make your way to the central transport hub (or anywhere else you want) that way. There's the issue of the Phoenix, since the ship can't fit through the maintenance area. Icarus would either have to hide outside until you open a hangar or leave the Phoenix attached to the hull and accompany you inside.

Okay.  Lock those two pieces and hope for the best; then head for that opening with anyone who's nearby.  Need to move as a group.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 19, 2017, 12:09:22 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Excellent! ... what's a prosthetic?"

Progress on cutting into the ship?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on November 19, 2017, 07:42:23 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 18, 2017, 11:13:53 am

((We didn't travel back to Chizra, we just haven't left yet. It was a retcon because leaving Alan behind while we still had leads to him was OOC and no one actually posted an action to leave Chizra. You're probably welcome to still be scouting ahead in the wilderness.

Also, is rescuing one of our party members not a good enough reason?))

((I suggest re-reading, your response has little bearing with our actual situation.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 19, 2017, 09:29:31 pm

((I have re-read. I think this paragraph is where any confusion comes from.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 05:39:55 am

You regale Irine with tales of your amazing adventures. Also, I assumed you would just keep moving on, but sure, let's say you're all back in Chizra for now, unless Irine objects. I'll hold off the introductions in case Irine does not want to go back to Chizra.

I stand by my interpretation.
-We only left Chizra because we had no leads to find Alan. We do actually have leads to find Alan. We wouldn't leave Chizra without exhausting those leads.
-It says "Let's say ou're all back in Chizra for now". Not lets say you traveled back to Chizra, you are back at Chizra.
-"I'll hold off on the introductions in case Irene does not want to go back to Chizra". Meaning Irene can choose whether she was introduced to our group or not. If we regrouped, then it was by Irene travelling to Chizra to meet us.
-Irene doesn't get the sole choice of where the group goes, only where Irene goes.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 19, 2017, 09:45:45 pm

((I'll hopefully be able to resolve a bit of this confusion when my conversation with Brad concludes and I can talk to one of you guys.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on November 19, 2017, 10:26:55 pm

Quote from: NAV on November 19, 2017, 09:29:31 pm

-"I'll hold off on the introductions in case Irene does not want to go back to Chizra". Meaning Irene can choose whether she was introduced to our group or not. If we regrouped, then it was by Irene travelling to Chizra to meet us.

((How would she have done that? there is a major logistics problem with her bringing the caravan full of injured people with her back to Chizra. Namely that she's literally the only mobile one in the lot of them and she wouldn't be able to carry even one of them. I don't actually have a problem with Irine herself going back to Chizra - she was going to do exactly that before she reached that attacked caravan - but she wouldn't leave the injured behind, and once the group had regrouped she would be very much against going back to Chizra because she thinks Ike is stalling and doesn't actually want to try to complete the mission objective, and she thinks they are effectively on a time limit, their foe growing more powerful with every passing day. As for Alan... she thinks he isn't really a benefit to have around, so she's fine with leaving him at Chizra until they've completed the objective and they can just pick him up afterwards on their way back home.))

---

Quote from: NAV on November 19, 2017, 09:29:31 pm

-Irene doesn't get the sole choice of where the group goes, only where Irene goes.))

((And yet Ike somehow does? Don't be absurd. Ike doesn't get to order Irine around.))
edit for clarity:
((Ike doesn't get to order Irine around any more than she can order him around.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on November 20, 2017, 12:30:19 am

Stephano Falcone

Pretend to yawn, and then say:
"Sorry, I'm a bit scatterbrained. I didn't get enough sleep last night. Is there anything else I'm forgetting about?"

After fulfilling whatever other requirements are necessary, say politely:

"Say, you wouldn't happen to have a coffee maker back there, would you? It's been a few hours since my last cup, and if you're feeling generous, a refill would be much appreciated."

Afterward, repeat this part of the my previous action:

Quote

If the guard asks me for more information or identification:
Provide the identification I have available to me. If he wants to know why I was here, tell him that I was interrogating a certain person as part of my investigation of the terrorist group known as Rockslide. If he wants to know more details, tell him that he'll need to speak to my superiors, as I am not permitted to go into further detail.

If after cooperating, the guard lets me continue:
Then continue toward the stairwell and the exit.

If the guard identifies me as an escapee at some point:
If the guard is out of my reach, then run to the stairwell, and try to follow the signs as I rush toward the building's exit.

Otherwise, if the guard is close to me, then take out my multi tool and stab him in the neck with the sharpest instrument on the multi tool. Afterward, wrestle him to the ground and grab any weapons or radios he has on his person and toss them away while I remain on top of him. If he's still significantly struggling, stab him in both of his legs. Then get up and quickly back away from him, while keeping my concealed eyes on him. Grab up the items I had tossed away from his person. If he is on the verge of dying or makes any sudden dangerous moves, then remove my sunglasses and stare at him until he is fully healed. Afterward, while he is suffering the side effects from my ability, replace my sunglasses, go over to him, and strangle him into unconsciousness.

In any other situation:
Adapt as best as I can to bypass the guard peacefully. Prioritize actions that can prevent the guard from alerting the rest of security. Resort to violence only as a last resort.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: ATHATH on November 21, 2017, 12:54:05 am

I'll enter the game as Slightly Above-Average Joe, then.

How much are my random powers/modifications discounted by?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2017, 07:58:12 am

---

Missionless

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on November 18, 2017, 11:19:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 05:39:55 am

((I think I haven't messed with TV Tropes, beyond correcting some spelling that were bothering me. Go ahead and edit away if you want, I don't mind.))

You run, grab a chair and wedge it behind the door to keep it from opening. You can hear the dolls trying to open the door, banging on it constantly. After that, you hide your doll under the table, modifying it so that it perfectly blends in with its surroundings. You do such a good job that you think even you yourself would had trouble knowing it was there if it wasn't for your ESP.

You continue with getting ready to enact your plan, positioning the chair and sitting down on it while your doll acts as your eyes and ears. You have waited for a little more than half a minute, but it feels like it's been a lot longer than that. The dolls keep banging on the door but don't appear to be any closer to breaching it. In fact, you don't think they're trying with their full strength. Sure, it could damage them, but they could land punches a lot stronger-

You notice a sound at the other end of the kitchen. You've been so focused on your other senses you completely missed it. The twisted doll has made its way around and into the kitchen from the other side. Despite the sudden change of plan, you manage to maintain your composure and continue your performance. It flickers closer to you and then stops, looking at you moaning in despair. The distortion around it recedes somewhat. You think it looks almost like it's... curious? It doesn't approach you, at least not in body. You feel the whispers in your mind again, but it's not an attack, merely a brush against your will, like a shark curiously poking something he is not sure is edible.

It also comes to your attention that the dolls at the door have stopped banging and are merely standing there.

Feeling that it was nearby, Napoleon was confused as to why it sudden decides to stop. Was it unsure of what to do in this situation or, worse, was it suspecting that it was a trap? Nevertheless, though Napoleon wanted to continue his performance, he also wanted to ascertain the twisted doll's intention and why it was attacking him in the first place. Though he wasn't sure that it could talk, he wanted to know whether he was in this bind because of the sword or something else. At the very least, it would probably entice it into attacking and allow him to execute his plan.

"Oh why is this happening to me?" he moaned. "All I did was break open a display case and stole a sword! I had no intention of breaking into this place. I'd only woke up in here!"

Continue the plan as normal.

The whispers in your mind intensify to a cacophony of overlapping sentences. It's hard to make out, but a single word stood out: 'Free'. You try to remain focused but it's just too much. It's disorienting to say the least. If you weren't already sitting, you're certain you'd have fallen down. But a few seconds later it stops, allowing you to start to think clearly once more. When your head clears, you realise that the twisted doll has circled around you and is making its way to the door.

You have no doubt about it. It knows. Did it read your mind? Or maybe there was a problem with your performance? Maybe it thought you should had reacted differently to it touching your mind? You can't tell. All you can tell is that if it removes the chair blocking the door, you'll have 3 dolls to deal with instead of 1. You feel like there's something unfair here, like the world is cheating you somehow. Every plan you come up with, no matter how good, is almost immediately turned against you, as if this a nightmare or the afterlife and this is some kind of torture for your past sins or someone's twisted idea of a joke.

At least it didn't attack you while you were incapacitated, though you aren't sure why it would do so. Even with one arm broken it would had a good chance of defeating you if it attacked while you were incapacitated. Maybe it has some sense of honour or goodness that kept it from attacking you while you were defenseless? Or maybe it is just as afraid of dying as you are and prefers to risk expendable dolls just like you do.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on November 20, 2017, 12:30:19 am

Stephano Falcone

Pretend to yawn, and then say:
"Sorry, I'm a bit scatterbrained. I didn't get enough sleep last night. Is there anything else I'm forgetting about?"

After fulfilling whatever other requirements are necessary, say politely:

"Say, you wouldn't happen to have a coffee maker back there, would you? It's been a few hours since my last cup, and if you're feeling generous, a refill would be much appreciated."

Afterward, repeat this part of the my previous action:

Quote

If the guard asks me for more information or identification:
Provide the identification I have available to me. If he wants to know why I was here, tell him that I was interrogating a certain person as part of my investigation of the terrorist group known as Rockslide. If he wants to know more details, tell him that he'll need to speak to my superiors, as I am not permitted to go into further detail.

If after cooperating, the guard lets me continue:
Then continue toward the stairwell and the exit.

If the guard identifies me as an escapee at some point:
If the guard is out of my reach, then run to the stairwell, and try to follow the signs as I rush toward the building's exit.

Otherwise, if the guard is close to me, then take out my multi tool and stab him in the neck with the sharpest instrument on the multi tool. Afterward, wrestle him to the ground and grab any weapons or radios he has on his person and toss them away while I remain on top of him. If he's still significantly struggling, stab him in both of his legs. Then get up and quickly back away from him, while keeping my concealed eyes on him. Grab up the items I had tossed away from his person. If he is on the verge of dying or makes any sudden dangerous moves, then remove my sunglasses and stare at him until he is fully healed. Afterward, while he is suffering the side effects from my ability, replace my sunglasses, go over to him, and strangle him into unconsciousness.

In any other situation:
Adapt as best as I can to bypass the guard peacefully. Prioritize actions that can prevent the guard from alerting the rest of security. Resort to violence only as a last resort.

"Uh huh." the guard grunts in assent, still sounding a bit unconvinced.
He looks at you for another second before retrieving the book and closing the port.
"All right then. Have a nice day." the guard says before reclining back into his chair.
"Say, you wouldn't happen to have a coffee maker back there, would you? It's been a few hours since my last cup, and if you're feeling generous, a refill would be much appreciated."
"Sorry pal. Only got my batch here." he says, pointing at a nearby isothermal flask.
"If you want your own, make your way to the kitchen like everyone else."
"Oh, I understand, got to make it through the day."
"Uh huh." the guard says, reaching for the sports section of a newspaper. There's a cheering man in a red uniform on the front page.
"Well, goodbye then."
"Later."

With that, you make your way away from the guard station and towards the door with the red exit sign. Through the door is a short dark corridor with only one other door leading out of it. You take a moment to hide the gun you received under your clothes before opening the other door.

Through the door you find a wide open area, divided by walls made out of cabinets and transparent dividers. It is lit by several rows of old incandescent tubes on its ceiling, one of them flickering from time to time with an annoying noise. There are men and women sitting in desks there but few take their eyes off their computers and paperwork to pay any attention to you and those few that do merely glance your way with the corner of their eyes.

You keep walking like a man with somewhere to be while keeping your eyes in front of you, making sure not to stare at anyone. You follow the signs pointing you towards the exit until you reach the stairwell and make your way downstairs. The stairwell leads to a lobby that immediately gives you the impression of a castle, a barricade awaiting an assault at any moment. It's a bowl-shaped area leading down to the exit with low walls giving ample places to take cover behind and shoot towards the entrance, currently manned by guards lazily stranding around or sitting around tables. The stairs and two corridors leading out of the lobby are hidden behind high walls and sport thick doors with signs that declare that they should remain closed at all times. The exit itself offers no protection to those entering, only hindrance, as the only thing beyond the glass doors is another set of those turnstiles you encountered earlier. Beyond the turnstiles, beyond the glass doors you can see the parking lot. Iris is waiting for you in a van somewhere out there.

You make your way through the guards, fully aware that most of them look towards you. You reach the stairs and start descending them. You hear a distorted voice coming through one of the guard's radio, you can't make out what it says. You've reached the exit. You activate the turnstiles with your security card and make your way through them. A couple of steps away from the exit now.
"Hey! You! Stop right there!" one of the guards shouts.
You look behind you. He's quickly walking towards you. The other guards look agitated. He's reaching for his gun.

---

Quote from: ATHATH on November 21, 2017, 12:54:05 am

I'll enter the game as Slightly Above-Average Joe, then.

How much are my random powers/modifications discounted by?

((Let's say they cost 1 point for now.))

"-and that's why I think this will never happen, you know?"
You wake up. Your head is cold from where it rested on the window. There's the powerful stink of cigarette smoke in the air.
"I mean, you said that, but I don't really believe it." he keeps speaking, continuing a conversation that you can't quite remember how it started.
You rub your eyes to get the blurriness out of them. Must have fallen asleep while you were going home. You can't get a good look at the taxi meter, the old LCD screen appears faded by age and sunlight, the black numbers barely visible in the faint red light emitted by its background. Hopefully he's not trying to overcharge you.
"I mean, I can't seriously believe that you can keep going like this. Living with all of that." he says, letting go of the steering wheel to emphasize his statement with a gesture.
You can't make out his features in the darkness, but you can tell by the sound of his voice that he is smiling. The only reason you can clearly see his hand is due to the orange light coming from the tip of the cigarette as he waves it around, leaving a trail of smoke behind it.
"I can prove this to you. 'tis easy. Just think hard and then answer me this: 'What's the most exciting thing you've done in your life?'"
The smoke is a bit too much. It makes your eyes and throat sting a bit and you feel lightheaded. You think about opening a window but you probably shouldn't, it's cold and rainy outside. You can see the falling raindrops in the headlights of other cars going in the opposite direction, the light coming from them appearing as thousands points of light through the droplets of water clinging to the window.
"And don't start talking about your work. That shit don't count. That's just gonna make me angry."

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on November 18, 2017, 08:32:22 am

((Oh boy. I've been gone for a while. I hope I read everything correctly. If I missed some details, please feel free to correct me. I'll read everything over again a couple of times later in the day to make sure.

So, assuming the Headwater gave Zechariah the go ahead - same as with Ike and Nikolai - here's what I plan...))

The recent few days left Zechariah in a state of constant self-questioning - perhaps even more so than normally, if that is even possible. His memories from his past were still jumbled together and hard to make sense of, but he remember a sense of relief near the end of his life in the Medium. He felt like he had actually accomplished something. Now, Zechariah wasn't so sure of himself. Strangely enough, disconnecting himself from Artemis and the rest of the Medium made him feel weaker and more at war with himself than he ever was. If even now, so far from his previous life, he was a bedlam of anguish and helplessness, what hope did he have to actually achieve his goals? As of now, he felt like more of an amusement than anything - a jester with wings, or a magician putting on a show. If he didn't have the power to stop corruption from happening, did his moral compass really mean anything? Or was it merely a self-comforting thought?

If he wanted to help people, he reasoned with himself, he needed to be able to protect himself first. Despite finding the Headwater's actions suspicious, he couldn't afford to start splintering the group over it. There was an opportunity to strengthen himself and prepare for the future. At the very least, he could take advantage of it to make himself less of a liability in the group.

Go to whoever is in charge of the armaments for Chizra, be it the Headwater or one of his assistants. Ask for the following possible things:

1. Light armor; or, if not armor, then another vestment that protects against pervasive magic (magic that disables Zechariah's abilities or magic that prevents him from moving, thinking, acting etc.)
2. Artifacts or other equipment that help Zechariah focus his mind on his abilities, or otherwise makes his abilities more potent
3. Consumables (drinks, potions, food) that would help Zechariah focus
4. Spell scrolls wouldn't be unwelcome
5. Some proper, form-fitting clothes that match the region we are in
6. At least some money

7. Finally, go search for Alan if possible, or reconvene with Ike.

1. Getting some light armour is easy. Magical protection is not as easy to get however, you usually need an Order mage to maintain wards around a person or a place, protective Order enchantments are not as easy to make. From what you understand they have one or two but are not willing to give them up.

2. You get an Amulet of Firelight. Named after one of the Angels of Selas and blessed by one of her priests, this small thing is supposed to light the Dark places and offer protection against the Darkness. It's a small bronze-coloured bullet-shaped object dangling from the end of a chain that emits a faint orangered light. You don't know how helpful it will be, but you accept it, along with the priest's blessings. You hide it underneath your clothes for now, not wishing to attract more attention to yourself than necessary.

3. Your group has already received a good deal of supplies, you can use them as you see fit. You've also got a master alchemist traveling with you, you can ask her if you need anything specific. You might want to be careful about what you get from her though. She's not an evil psycho or anything (as far as you can tell), but she does seem a bit fond of experimenting and playing pranks with her potions.

4. Spell scrolls aren't really used in this part of the world and the mages here don't know much about them. Scrolls are mostly used in the northern kingdoms, beyond the Dunes. The mages in this part of the world prefer to enchant objects and use their natural magical ability to control them, instead of binding their activation to the reading of a scroll. The closest thing they have is certain enchantments that can only be used after speaking a 'password spell' of sorts in the Old Language. You guess limiting the availability of scrolls is a good way to ensure the power held by mages is not used by the common man, though you don't say that to their face.

5. Clothes is the easiest thing to get. There's no shortage of clothes.

6. Your group has received several gold coins along with your supplies, you're certain you could use them as long as you don't spend them on anything that will make everyone else angry at you.

7. Ike is searching for Alan, so those two are more or less the same action.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 05:48:02 am

((It's been slightly bothering me for at least a year by now - it's 'could have', not 'could had'. They're linked so the second one ought to be written in the infinitive form, like 'could do' instead of 'could did'. To illustrate: 'I do' and 'I can do' in the present, 'I did' and 'I could do' in the past.))

Ike, General of the People!

We have the trail! Go after this Brad and shake him down right and proper!

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 11:01:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 10:42:23 am

Are you just going to drop everything and leg it after him?

Oh no, I'm gonna set off after him with a couple followers (possibly one of our party if anybody's willing) while also instructing everyone else to get their asses into gear quick-like and go after us (presumably slower on account of the sheer number of people). Not gonna wait for them to get ready to go, but make sure clear instructions to follow after me when they're able to move out together are given.

Quote from: NAV on November 18, 2017, 11:29:20 am

"I and comrade squire Lune will join the search for Alan! We should take 8 people, that's how many can sneak with our two mirages."

Nikolai and Lune will join the search for Alan.
Lune will have the important role of carrying and using the Malachite's Malignant Mirage. Also some spare water bottles to reload it.
Nikolai loads a non-lethal sleeping gas bolt into his crossbow.

Quote from: Lenglon on November 18, 2017, 11:03:05 am

((Irine has no reason to go to Chizra whatsoever and is feeling time-pressure. Ike is gonna need to give a good reason if he wants her to go directly away from our goal. Also wasn't she already to the (south)east of Chizra anyway? So not going back would put everyone closer to Brad anyway, right?))

Quote from: NAV on November 18, 2017, 11:13:53 am

((We didn't travel back to Chizra, we just haven't left yet. It was a retcon because leaving Alan behind while we still had leads to him was OOC and no one actually posted an action to leave Chizra. You're probably welcome to still be scouting ahead in the wilderness.

Also, is rescuing one of our party members not a good enough reason?))

Well, here's the deal. Brad's quickly heading east-northeast. Chizra would definitely send people to aid the injured refugees that Theri warned them about and with the forces of the Sovereignty, monsters and dangerous wildlife roaming about, they would most certainly not send them there unprotected, they would redirect at least some if not all the soldiers and mages they would have accompany your group of recruits. Furthermore, there are no roads leading towards the direction Brad is moving towards, so the carts full of supplies and soldiers can't follow Ike directly (at least not without getting frequently delayed) so he would also have to leave some people to protect them.

So I think the most logical thing to do would be to send almost everyone along the road and towards Irine. Ike, Nikolai and Zechariah will take a few recruits (say how many you want and if you want anybody specific (beyond Nikolai's squire) or just nameless mooks) and a water mage and follow Brad. They will use the water mage to stay in contact with Irine and the Headwater by performing the communication ritual at the times they have agreed upon to report on their status and location.

Is everyone OK with this?

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/MNPWREp.png)

Quote from: Tiruin on November 18, 2017, 08:29:30 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 18, 2017, 05:48:02 am

((It's been slightly bothering me for at least a year by now - it's 'could have', not 'could had'. They're linked so the second one ought to be written in the infinitive form, like 'could do' instead of 'could did'. To illustrate: 'I do' and 'I can do' in the present, 'I did' and 'I could do' in the past.))

((Wasn't...it always like that o_O Could and had are both double past tense so the tense gets mucked up.))

Theri, Camp Follower in Ike's Army, and San/River/Irine's buddyguard!

Spend my time busying my magic in doing minor stuff--training here, repairs there, some healing here, some testing out better'ing our food supply and such there...

You spend some time experimenting with Light magic. You don't pour too much of your strength into it though, not wanting to risk exhausting yourself or accidentally hurting yourself. You focus your mind on the memory of a beautiful flower and let a bit of magical power seep into those thoughts, focusing on trying to make it appear on your hand. Instead of a flower you get an amazing display of dancing white lights jumping out of your hand. Now that you know how it feels, you try the spell again, this time focusing more on it, giving it more power. The light becomes more colorful, taking on the colors from your memory and the patters of the dancing lights become more intricate, forming twisting lines and exploding into colorful little explosions, like a fireworks show for ants.

Hmm... Maybe you need more training before you can actually summon something. That is, if you can actually summon anything. As you let the display fade, you are startled by the sound of applause. You look up to find three recruits staring at you. They noticed you experimenting and stayed to watch. It looks like they enjoyed the show.

Your other experimentation goes less than well. You can't seem to be able to apply your magic to anything more than a bit of healing and even that exhausts you. From what you understand of magic in this world, this is not entirely your fault. The flow of Light magic in this place is quite weak, meaning you mostly draw power from yourself and those few others that have flows of Light within them.

With magic out of the question, you fall back to more mundane means of helping others, though you make sure to keep exercising your magic as well.

---

The Maximus

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on November 18, 2017, 02:15:05 pm

<Svjoklis, Hull of Maximus>

Continue with my attempts to not bleed out.

You employ one of the oldest methods used by man to heal himself. And, as those very first men found out the hard way, you also find that it's not very effective.

Quote from: Zormod on November 18, 2017, 05:40:05 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

: If that guy is still alive, could someone give him this? :

Take off the regen gauntlet and be ready to give it away.

That's a good idea. That thing has stopped most of your bleeding by now, so you bet it would help. Someone just has to bring it to him.
: Aid here. Ready to help that guy. Just, bring him here, because I'm real busy helping prevent our only ride out of here from being exploded. Or get him the gauntlet. Whatever you want, either is fine by me. Not that hard. I bet he would be grateful. Just sayin', it would be mighty nice of you if you could do that. Anyone? Nobody? :
I dunno man, they must really not like that guy. That or they didn't read your post.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 19, 2017, 12:09:22 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Excellent! ... what's a prosthetic?"

Progress on cutting into the ship?

It looks like the Phoenix has moved out of comms range for now.

Quote from: Toaster on November 19, 2017, 08:36:20 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 18, 2017, 10:42:23 am

You're 100% certain your telekinesis is not strong enough to warp the tracks and disabling the motors would only make things worse, since there would be nothing holding the pieces of hull in place and preventing them from moving backwards. The best you can do is activate the locks and hope they manage to engage, but from what you can see only 2 pieces are in an appropriate position for that. You could always send one of your teammates with higher strength down there to warp the tracks or attempt to manually engage the locks and secure the doors in place.

You could go in through the maintenance area beneath the armor pieces (the incomplete reconfiguration has left it partially exposed), enter the cargo area and make your way to the central transport hub (or anywhere else you want) that way. There's the issue of the Phoenix, since the ship can't fit through the maintenance area. Icarus would either have to hide outside until you open a hangar or leave the Phoenix attached to the hull and accompany you inside.

Okay.  Lock those two pieces and hope for the best; then head for that opening with anyone who's nearby.  Need to move as a group.

John and Kosak (now dragging the semi-conscious Svajoklis with him) swim through the opening left due to the doors being stuck in an in-between configuration. They leave Brian behind, who is still blinding the turret and waving his healing gauntlet at their general direction. They reach the entrance to the maintenance area. From what John remembers, there's a cramped area housing a motor beyond it. They can feel the vibrations of the straining thing through the door.

John uses his ability to unlock the door and Kosak uses his strength to force it open a crack. He waits for a few seconds for the liquid to rush in and the air to escape before opening it the rest of the way. They make their way through the motor chamber and into the control room for the doors, using the same method to open the door there. Beyond the control room is a small airlock that leads to a corridor leading further into the ship. They would have to seal the airlock behind them so that they don't get swept away by the liquid rushing in.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on November 26, 2017, 08:13:09 am

"Hey Irine, Ike!" Theri said as she walked over to them (as they met, knowing they're a group apart) after a good sparring (and safety training) session in melee, with the theme of unarmed principles and 'how not to get yourself on the pointy end of a weapon up close'. "I blame Irine for everything pretty thus far. I mean I can do magic now! But a thought hit me; my magic isn't that...pronounced, like summoning things is difficult. I've been wondering about Alan too, and it hit me how easy he was able to summon strange things. What do either of you think is up there?"

Conduct Military Drill! Ensure our 'army' and even the civilians are pretty organized and not-going-to-die-easy!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 26, 2017, 11:51:15 am

I am okay with this plan.

We should bring a total of 8 people searching for Alan because that's how many we can easily hide with our 2 Molly's Mundane Mirages.
-Ike
-Zech
-Nik
-Lune (squire)
-1 water mage
That leaves room for 3 more recruits. Try to choose some relatively competent seeming ones.

Find out everyone's name at least.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on November 26, 2017, 01:19:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2017, 06:54:25 pm

Alan, Tooltip Voice Candidate

<Huh, neat! Well, I kinda zoned out after I turned into water, and then woke up in this big water place where there's water everywhere! I met this guy named Ocean, who's also a girl and me at the same time. It's pretty sweet, I can see all sorts of things now. I'm not gonna haunt you, no worries. Do you still have my eyes, though?>

If I'm capable of it, try to see if I can find where my eyes are, if Brad doesn't have them with him.

((Apologies, Parisbre, but you seem to have missed me.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on November 26, 2017, 02:30:34 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Just stay still for now.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on November 26, 2017, 03:58:18 pm

((DreamerGhost, apply pressure to restrict bloodflow. minimum tools required: a single working hand that presses on the injury. also know that your teeth are good at holding things even though they can't manipulate them well - they can be used in partnership with your one working arm to apply good tight knots to bandages if you want a longer-lasting stopgap. Oh, and get out of flowing water. It keeps your injury from clotting in a timely manner because it washes away most of the blood before it can harden. Bandages also help with clotting because the already-not-a-liquid cloth absorbs the blood and makes a frame for a clot to form on quickly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 26, 2017, 05:21:10 pm

((You also have a shotgun. You could disassemble a shell for gunpowder and smear that on the wound, then use the primer to ignite it and cauterize the wound stopping bleeding instantly. It works in movies.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 27, 2017, 12:07:46 am

Quote from: NAV on November 26, 2017, 05:21:10 pm

((You also have a shotgun. You could disassemble a shell for gunpowder and smear that on the wound, then use the primer to ignite it and cauterize the wound stopping bleeding instantly. It works in movies.))

(Except that he's in the liquid at the moment, which would wash away the powder if not outright dampen it into uselessness.)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2017, 07:58:12 am

The whispers in your mind intensify to a cacophony of overlapping sentences. It's hard to make out, but a single word stood out: 'Free'. You try to remain focused but it's just too much. It's disorienting to say the least. If you weren't already sitting, you're certain you'd have fallen down. But a few seconds later it stops, allowing you to start to think clearly once more. When your head clears, you realise that the twisted doll has circled around you and is making its way to the door.

You have no doubt about it. It knows. Did it read your mind? Or maybe there was a problem with your performance? Maybe it thought you should had reacted differently to it touching your mind? You can't tell. All you can tell is that if it removes the chair blocking the door, you'll have 3 dolls to deal with instead of 1. You feel like there's something unfair here, like the world is cheating you somehow. Every plan you come up with, no matter how good, is almost immediately turned against you, as if this a nightmare or the afterlife and this is some kind of torture for your past sins or someone's twisted idea of a joke.

At least it didn't attack you while you were incapacitated, though you aren't sure why it would do so. Even with one arm broken it would had a good chance of defeating you if it attacked while you were incapacitated. Maybe it has some sense of honour or goodness that kept it from attacking you while you were defenseless? Or maybe it is just as afraid of dying as you are and prefers to risk expendable dolls just like you do.

" 'Free'..." Napoleon muttered as he got out of the chair and turned to face the twisted doll. Grabbing the lamp with his free hand, Napoleon felt a bit tensed as well as disappointed. No matter how good his plans are, they always failed. He was sure that he had every base covered, that every eventuality have been accounted and prepared for. By all logic, he should've won already. Now, complete defeat inches closer for every failure and he was running out of options. However, by the amount of upsets he endured at the hands of this doll, he should've been defeated, even dead by now. Now it felt as if he was being toyed with by either this doll or some higher power, having his strings pulled like a marionette. Now that would be ironic...

The thought of anyone playing such games with him made his blood boiled, yet curiosity held back most of his temper. Whoever saw fit to treat him like a puppet may have a purpose for him and Napoleon was intent on finding out who. Perhaps this doll is an agent of this... being or a free-roaming entity but he must try to communicate with it in order to contact its master or to determine its intentions. At the very least, he would see whose face to carve up with a doll armed with claws.

Assuming of course that this isn't some sort of purgatory or hell made to punish him for using his dolls to steal people's belongings.

Clearing his throat to get the twisted doll's attention, Napoleon spoke, "When you was near me, I only understood the word 'free'. Is it freedom you craved? Freedom from me? You seemed to got that covered! Is that why you're attacking me, to win your freedom?! *huff* *huff* "Maybe it's about something else too? Maybe either you or your master want me? Tell me what do you want from me!"

While awaiting the twisted doll's 'answer', be prepared to defend against any attacks, even if the hidden doll and the lamp must be used. Unsummon the doll if it is grabbed by the twisted doll.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on November 27, 2017, 01:54:51 am

Quote from: NAV on November 26, 2017, 05:21:10 pm

((You also have a shotgun. You could disassemble a shell for gunpowder and smear that on the wound, then use the primer to ignite it and cauterize the wound stopping bleeding instantly. It works in movies.))

Quote from: Lenglon on November 26, 2017, 03:58:18 pm

((DreamerGhost, apply pressure to restrict bloodflow. minimum tools required: a single working hand that presses on the injury. also know that your teeth are good at holding things even though they can't manipulate them well - they can be used in partnership with your one working arm to apply good tight knots to bandages if you want a longer-lasting stopgap. Oh, and get out of flowing water. It keeps your injury from clotting in a timely manner because it washes away most of the blood before it can harden. Bandages also help with clotting because the already-not-a-liquid cloth absorbs the blood and makes a frame for a clot to form on quickly.))

((While I'm thankful for the suggestions, right now I'm only half conscious, there is nothing but water for miles, and I don't have anything besides the shotgun. So my best bet right now is hope that someone patches me up. Which is sorta happening.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on November 27, 2017, 11:38:31 am

"On second thought I will stay with the caravan. Can do more good there training the recruits. I am sure you will find Alan without me."

Nik (And Lune) will stay with the caravan.

He is willing to lend his mirage and a couple sleeping gas bolts to Ike's group. They might help.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2017, 11:53:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Sounds all right, let's move move move and find this Brad to ask him some good questions.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 27, 2017, 10:51:04 pm

"Um... maybe we should have gotten that healing thingy?"

Can we go back and get that healing thingy?  Park the broken guy here first if so and go do it.

After (or if no) seal the airlock and then go in further.  We'll find another way to get the rest of them in once we deal with the turret.   Speaking of, once we get inside, orient self.  Which way are the further turret controls?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2017, 02:20:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2017, 10:51:04 pm

"Um... maybe we should have gotten that healing thingy?"

Can we go back and get that healing thingy?  Park the broken guy here first if so and go do it.

After (or if no) seal the airlock and then go in further.  We'll find another way to get the rest of them in once we deal with the turret.   Speaking of, once we get inside, orient self.  Which way are the further turret controls?

You have no idea where the turret controls are. This section is only  You could either try going into the turret now that the door is holding it still but if the power of the door fails before you deactivate it it could be bad for your health. Or you could follow the lines leading away from the turret in the hopes of reaching a control room but for all you know those are all the way to the bridge. And you have no idea what you'll find if you go either way.

You know what? To save time, let's say you ask your interface. After thinking for several seconds (during which you proceed with your actions), it responds by showing a crude map of the local area on its screen. It says that the turret is almost completely isolated in this state, you will need advanced communication technology and security unavailable without access to the ship's AI or its bridge or at least a main comms console. It can guide you to the nearby turret control room, where you will need to restore power and extend the connection to the turret. Assuming the turret has not been tampered with, it should accept the connection allowing you to give it orders. Otherwise, you would need to break open the turret and disable its control system or power source or ammunition.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on November 29, 2017, 04:07:58 pm

Stephano Falcone
(Whelp, time to go)

Rush out of the building. While I'm running, contact Iris and quickly tell her I'm outside, being pursued, and need to reach her quickly. Describe my location if she's willing to come get me. Otherwise, if I receive directions to her location, then navigate to her as fast as I can. If I'm being pursued, then withdraw my gun and fire it in the direction of my pursuers. My intent is to force them to take cover and hide, rather than actually injure them. If I am surrounded by hostiles at any point, then as a last ditch effort, grab the nearest civilian, put my gun to that person's head, and use the person as a hostage.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on November 29, 2017, 07:49:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2017, 02:20:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2017, 10:51:04 pm

"Um... maybe we should have gotten that healing thingy?"

Can we go back and get that healing thingy?  Park the broken guy here first if so and go do it.

After (or if no) seal the airlock and then go in further.  We'll find another way to get the rest of them in once we deal with the turret.   Speaking of, once we get inside, orient self.  Which way are the further turret controls?

You have no idea where the turret controls are. This section is only  You could either try going into the turret now that the door is holding it still but if the power of the door fails before you deactivate it it could be bad for your health. Or you could follow the lines leading away from the turret in the hopes of reaching a control room but for all you know those are all the way to the bridge. And you have no idea what you'll find if you go either way.

You know what? To save time, let's say you ask your interface. After thinking for several seconds (during which you proceed with your actions), it responds by showing a crude map of the local area on its screen. It says that the turret is almost completely isolated in this state, you will need advanced communication technology and security unavailable without access to the ship's AI or its bridge or at least a main comms console. It can guide you to the nearby turret control room, where you will need to restore power and extend the connection to the turret. Assuming the turret has not been tampered with, it should accept the connection allowing you to give it orders. Otherwise, you would need to break open the turret and disable its control system or power source or ammunition.

Okay, let's go find that turret control room.  Give everyone a minute to get ready before touching it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on November 30, 2017, 07:32:25 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak follows spear guy, hoping to get to the turret's control room and break whatever's making it fire. Assuming spear guy communicates that's where he's going.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on December 13, 2017, 01:19:44 am

((I thought I had posted before, but apparently not. My connection has been spotty as of late, so that might be why.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2017, 07:58:12 am

1. Getting some light armour is easy. Magical protection is not as easy to get however, you usually need an Order mage to maintain wards around a person or a place, protective Order enchantments are not as easy to make. From what you understand they have one or two but are not willing to give them up.

2. You get an Amulet of Firelight. Named after one of the Angels of Selas and blessed by one of her priests, this small thing is supposed to light the Dark places and offer protection against the Darkness. It's a small bronze-coloured bullet-shaped object dangling from the end of a chain that emits a faint orangered light. You don't know how helpful it will be, but you accept it, along with the priest's blessings. You hide it underneath your clothes for now, not wishing to attract more attention to yourself than necessary.

3. Your group has already received a good deal of supplies, you can use them as you see fit. You've also got a master alchemist traveling with you, you can ask her if you need anything specific. You might want to be careful about what you get from her though. She's not an evil psycho or anything (as far as you can tell), but she does seem a bit fond of experimenting and playing pranks with her potions.

4. Spell scrolls aren't really used in this part of the world and the mages here don't know much about them. Scrolls are mostly used in the northern kingdoms, beyond the Dunes. The mages in this part of the world prefer to enchant objects and use their natural magical ability to control them, instead of binding their activation to the reading of a scroll. The closest thing they have is certain enchantments that can only be used after speaking a 'password spell' of sorts in the Old Language. You guess limiting the availability of scrolls is a good way to ensure the power held by mages is not used by the common man, though you don't say that to their face.

5. Clothes is the easiest thing to get. There's no shortage of clothes.

6. Your group has received several gold coins along with your supplies, you're certain you could use them as long as you don't spend them on anything that will make everyone else angry at you.

7. Ike is searching for Alan, so those two are more or less the same action.

Zechariah returns to the group with a new wardrobe. As much as weaponry, armor and enchantments are crucial to the success of the mission, being able to fit into the environment and not look like a complete outcast is important as well. He was always a fan of simple clothing, so he chose to go with a beige-colored blouse, coffee-colored pants and a taupe-colored hooded cloak. In addition, he carried a bandana which could be used to protect his face against the sands. He would wear the cloak over whatever armor he had. Finally, he collected a pair of light gloves, which he put away in his pockets for now.

Go visit the alchemist.

Zechariah greeted the alchemist in accordance with local customs.

"Good day. I was told that you were an alchemist, and that you could get me potions. I'm not looking for anything spectacular. I just want something that will help me focus - a clarity potion, perhaps. Do you have anything of the sort?

Furthermore, do you know any mages who could do enchantments?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 11:46:08 am

---

Campaign: Off Road

---

Quote from: NAV on November 26, 2017, 11:51:15 am

I am okay with this plan.

We should bring a total of 8 people searching for Alan because that's how many we can easily hide with our 2 Molly's Mundane Mirages.
-Ike
-Zech
-Nik
-Lune (squire)
-1 water mage
That leaves room for 3 more recruits. Try to choose some relatively competent seeming ones.

Find out everyone's name at least.

Sounds like a plan. You also turn your nameless mooks into named mooks.

From the recruits you choose Bokk and Reik, two brothers that seem quite skilled with their bows but can also handle a sword if need be and Sandetris who wields a short sword and a buckler. You figure having some long-range fighters with you is better in such wide open areas, especially if you encounter enemy archers or mages. It would also probably be easier to use your ability to help them. They're nowhere close to Ike's level of skill but they should help in any engagement. Even if your opponents are way out of their league, they will at least distract them and/or keep you from getting overwhelmed. After all, a man can only deal with so many people attacking him at the same time before he is overwhelmed.

The mage is called Dhiesmas and he seems like a jolly old man. You haven't seen him use his abilities for anything more than the communication spell and meditating, but you assume he must have at least some skill. He had no problem with accompanying you on your quest for Alan, even though this isn't exactly the mission he was given when he left Chizra.

Quote from: NAV on November 27, 2017, 11:38:31 am

"On second thought I will stay with the caravan. Can do more good there training the recruits. I am sure you will find Alan without me."

Nik (And Lune) will stay with the caravan.

He is willing to lend his mirage and a couple sleeping gas bolts to Ike's group. They might help.

Okay then. You don't follow Ike after all. I won't erase the above action since I had already written it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on November 27, 2017, 11:53:11 am

Campaign, Ike!

Sounds all right, let's move move move and find this Brad to ask him some good questions.

You keep following Brad's trail for a couple of days until you reach the Hills of Midnight, a long range of hills dividing the desert in two. Their natural resources make them one of the few places that hold (or at least held) any sort of human presence in the vicinity. You climb a small path, past some ruined buildings and through rocky outcrops until you reach a secluded area. The path ahead of you dips into a dry riverbed before winding up a steep hill and into a plateau with a few buildings. There is little doubt that Brad's trail will lead you up there. You take cover behind a hill as you survey the area, discuss this development and consider your options.

The largest building is a two storey thing of stone and wood resting against the wall of the plateau. From what you've seen so far of this kingdom's architecture, you'd guess this building extends into the hill somewhat. The ground floor is mostly made of stone, except for a room on the side that looks like a later addition. It has no windows and only two doors, one in the front, hidden beneath a small balcony, and another on the side, on the wooden walls of the 'addition'. The second floor is mostly wooden and has a few windows. A man is standing guard on the front door, hiding in the shade of the door from the harsh midday sun. You can't see if he is carrying any weapons from here. There are no other guards in sight, so it should be just the one, unless more are hiding nearby (or one of them is using the nearby outhouse).

Sandetris says this has to be the Wandering Arms, a pub rumored to exist somewhere on this side of the Hills of Midnight. The rumors say this is a lawless place where criminals and fringe elements of any sort gather to conduct business in a 'safe' environment or simply partake in the various forms of entertainment provided there (most of them illegal). If D was here he'd probably say something about scum and villainy.

Next to the guarded building is a stable, little more than a large wooden corridor from what you can see. A few horses are lazily munching their lunch, their forms visible through small windows, though there doesn't appear to be anybody guarding them. Maybe they think people would be too scared to steal from them.

There's a dirty magical pump close to the stables, feeding into a half-empty watering trough. It must have been used recently, for you can see a large pool next to it that is probably more mud than water at this point. Dhiesmas informs you that he feels the flow of Water magic is a bit stronger than average here, but not significantly so. Maybe that explains the abundance of water or maybe it's caused by it. Whatever the case, you can clearly see the effects, the weeds and shrubs growing around the plateau and even a few sad trees, their tall thin branches vibrating with the slightest wind, the few leaves on them looking ready to be carried away at any moment.

Closer to the road there is some sort of storage area, a stone building leaning against one of the cliff faces surrounding the plateau. Judging from the tracks coming out of it, something has been stored in it recently.

On the other side of the plateau is the probable site of a farm plot, enclosed by the remains of a fence. There are several weeds and shrubs growing in it, overflowing out of the plot and spreading away from it. Two tents have been set up close to the edge of the plot. Though they are in pretty good condition, they appear abandoned; it doesn't look like there's anything in or around them. Opposite to the tents there are the remains of a small tower, the collapsed stone blocks leaning against a rock outcropping.

Something inside Ike stirs at the sound of the words of his companions and the sight before him. He remembers that these lands were given as a reward to soldiers of the Kingdom in wars both old and recent. In the past this was a decent reward, as the nearby mines were full of precious minerals and with good management one could not only live comfortably but also make a fortune. However, with the mines drying up, so has any life this place had. People can survive here, sure, they can pump water to cultivate plants and feed magi-cattle and work the mines hoping to gather something worth a few gold pieces, but they can't manage anything more than that. With no Guardsmen nearby, bandits are free to raid and plunder as they please. With no priests to ward their homes, magical beasts can wander in and ruin their lives at any time. With no healers, any injury can prove fatal to those who don't know how to take care of themselves. The only people left here are people rich enough to guard their estates, people too stubborn to leave and bandits.

From what he remembers, this area was one of the first to be inhabited, so it is highly unlikely the legitimate owners of this place are still inside. It is also very likely that the wooden parts of the structure will be weak and degraded. There storage area is probably also a mine, though it's also likely some of the tunnels also lead into the house, though if the occupants of the house were not idiots they would have locked that access, since monsters could enter through ventilation shafts.

None of his companions have anything to suggest about this particular area beyond simple guesses. Looks like all the reading he did while intoxicated may have had some effect, though he is still unsure how much they could help. He might not be able to recall it out of his mind at will but the knowledge he gained is definitely in there somewhere.

You can't see any other guards, but this place is bound to have at least some security at the entrance. They might also have lookouts, now that you think about it. They may notice you are here soon, if they haven't already. However if they haven't seen you coming, you could probably sneak into the building undetected. You have no guarantee they could be friendly or that Brad hasn't paid them to ambush you. Maybe sneaking in and gathering more information would be best. On the other hand, maybe there's no reason to overcomplicate things, no reason to make yourself appear guilty. You have no affiliation with law enforcement, no reason for the men in the building to oppose you. If you approach as an equal or a potential customer, you don't see why they wouldn't let you speak to them.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/URZVUrk.png)
Pink dot at the bottom is Ike.
Red dot is guard.
Yellow squares are tents.
Gold dots are trees.
Blue dots is a muddy pool.
Green gots are grass and shrubs.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on November 26, 2017, 01:19:09 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on November 18, 2017, 06:54:25 pm

Alan, Tooltip Voice Candidate

<Huh, neat! Well, I kinda zoned out after I turned into water, and then woke up in this big water place where there's water everywhere! I met this guy named Ocean, who's also a girl and me at the same time. It's pretty sweet, I can see all sorts of things now. I'm not gonna haunt you, no worries. Do you still have my eyes, though?>

If I'm capable of it, try to see if I can find where my eyes are, if Brad doesn't have them with him.

((Apologies, Parisbre, but you seem to have missed me.))

((Whoops. Sorry.))

"Oh, yeah, got them right here." Brad says, making a motion to pat one of his pouches but reconsidering mid-gesture.

You take a look for yourself and you can indeed see your eyes on the table between Brad and his friend as he explains about them

It's getting harder to stay focused on being you instead of being everybody else.

---

Campaign: On Road

---

Quote from: Tiruin on November 26, 2017, 08:13:09 am

"Hey Irine, Ike!" Theri said as she walked over to them (as they met, knowing they're a group apart) after a good sparring (and safety training) session in melee, with the theme of unarmed principles and 'how not to get yourself on the pointy end of a weapon up close'. "I blame Irine for everything pretty thus far. I mean I can do magic now! But a thought hit me; my magic isn't that...pronounced, like summoning things is difficult. I've been wondering about Alan too, and it hit me how easy he was able to summon strange things. What do either of you think is up there?"

Conduct Military Drill! Ensure our 'army' and even the civilians are pretty organized and not-going-to-die-easy!

Quote

'how not to get yourself on the pointy end of a weapon up close'

The way you phrased that makes me imagine something like this:
"This is the pointy bit of the stabby thing. Pointy bit = Bad. Don't get hit by the pointy bit. Instead, take the stabby thing from the other guy. If you really need to, you can then use the stabby thing to stab the other guy. Make sure the pointy bit is pointing away from you while you use the stabby thing."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on December 13, 2017, 01:19:44 am

((I thought I had posted before, but apparently not. My connection has been spotty as of late, so that might be why.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2017, 07:58:12 am

1. Getting some light armour is easy. Magical protection is not as easy to get however, you usually need an Order mage to maintain wards around a person or a place, protective Order enchantments are not as easy to make. From what you understand they have one or two but are not willing to give them up.

2. You get an Amulet of Firelight. Named after one of the Angels of Selas and blessed by one of her priests, this small thing is supposed to light the Dark places and offer protection against the Darkness. It's a small bronze-coloured bullet-shaped object dangling from the end of a chain that emits a faint orangered light. You don't know how helpful it will be, but you accept it, along with the priest's blessings. You hide it underneath your clothes for now, not wishing to attract more attention to yourself than necessary.

3. Your group has already received a good deal of supplies, you can use them as you see fit. You've also got a master alchemist traveling with you, you can ask her if you need anything specific. You might want to be careful about what you get from her though. She's not an evil psycho or anything (as far as you can tell), but she does seem a bit fond of experimenting and playing pranks with her potions.

4. Spell scrolls aren't really used in this part of the world and the mages here don't know much about them. Scrolls are mostly used in the northern kingdoms, beyond the Dunes. The mages in this part of the world prefer to enchant objects and use their natural magical ability to control them, instead of binding their activation to the reading of a scroll. The closest thing they have is certain enchantments that can only be used after speaking a 'password spell' of sorts in the Old Language. You guess limiting the availability of scrolls is a good way to ensure the power held by mages is not used by the common man, though you don't say that to their face.

5. Clothes is the easiest thing to get. There's no shortage of clothes.

6. Your group has received several gold coins along with your supplies, you're certain you could use them as long as you don't spend them on anything that will make everyone else angry at you.

7. Ike is searching for Alan, so those two are more or less the same action.

Zechariah returns to the group with a new wardrobe. As much as weaponry, armor and enchantments are crucial to the success of the mission, being able to fit into the environment and not look like a complete outcast is important as well. He was always a fan of simple clothing, so he chose to go with a beige-colored blouse, coffee-colored pants and a taupe-colored hooded cloak. In addition, he carried a bandana which could be used to protect his face against the sands. He would wear the cloak over whatever armor he had. Finally, he collected a pair of light gloves, which he put away in his pockets for now.

Go visit the alchemist.

Zechariah greeted the alchemist in accordance with local customs.

"Good day. I was told that you were an alchemist, and that you could get me potions. I'm not looking for anything spectacular. I just want something that will help me focus - a clarity potion, perhaps. Do you have anything of the sort?

Furthermore, do you know any mages who could do enchantments?"

She says that none of the mages travelling with your group are really good at enchantments, but they should be able to create simple things with a bit of effort. Furthermore, the creation of powerful enchantments requires the mage to be in the presence of a powerful power source. Enchantments might also need a power stone to act as a battery, depending on how they function.

Potions however only require the right ingredients and the right execution. Magic can be used to help transform ingredients and make the process easier, but powerful magic is usually unnecessary for alchemy. So, assuming she has the right ingredients, she should be able to make pretty much anything. You're not sure how truthful such a statement is, but she's the master.

She says that focus is a very vague thing. What do you intend to focus on? If you want to focus on, say, watching something without getting distracted, she could make a potion that strips you of most thoughts and emotions, making you docile and receptive to information. If you wanted to focus on yourself and your connection with the Flow she could give you a mediation aid commonly used by the temple monks. If you wanted to focus on the world around you she could make you a potion that enhances your perception, allowing you to see details others would miss. If you wanted to focus on making your spells more complex, she would need to learn a bit more about you in order to understand which aspects of yourself she would need to enhance. The same would be true for potions that would make your magic more powerful, since she would need to know which elements she would have to boost. If you want something that would make you resistant to mind affecting abilities, then she could make a potion that makes your mind more resistant to changes. It all depends on what you really want.

---

Maximus: Outside

---

Quote from: Zormod on November 26, 2017, 02:30:34 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Just stay still for now.

Well, uh... Ok. It's a good tactical decision, aiding the rest of the team, however staying out here all alone might not be the best thing for your personal safety.

The doors holding the turret in place lose power, the ones that failed to lock sliding backwards a bit. Blinded by your ability, the turret remains immobile.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on November 30, 2017, 07:32:25 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak follows spear guy, hoping to get to the turret's control room and break whatever's making it fire. Assuming spear guy communicates that's where he's going.

You follow the Toaster and help him open doors.

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2017, 10:51:04 pm

"Um... maybe we should have gotten that healing thingy?"

Can we go back and get that healing thingy?  Park the broken guy here first if so and go do it.

After (or if no) seal the airlock and then go in further.  We'll find another way to get the rest of them in once we deal with the turret.   Speaking of, once we get inside, orient self.  Which way are the further turret controls?

Let's say you got that before going in to save time.

Quote from: Toaster on November 29, 2017, 07:49:04 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 29, 2017, 02:20:56 pm

Quote from: Toaster on November 27, 2017, 10:51:04 pm

"Um... maybe we should have gotten that healing thingy?"

Can we go back and get that healing thingy?  Park the broken guy here first if so and go do it.

After (or if no) seal the airlock and then go in further.  We'll find another way to get the rest of them in once we deal with the turret.   Speaking of, once we get inside, orient self.  Which way are the further turret controls?

You have no idea where the turret controls are. This section is only  You could either try going into the turret now that the door is holding it still but if the power of the door fails before you deactivate it it could be bad for your health. Or you could follow the lines leading away from the turret in the hopes of reaching a control room but for all you know those are all the way to the bridge. And you have no idea what you'll find if you go either way.

You know what? To save time, let's say you ask your interface. After thinking for several seconds (during which you proceed with your actions), it responds by showing a crude map of the local area on its screen. It says that the turret is almost completely isolated in this state, you will need advanced communication technology and security unavailable without access to the ship's AI or its bridge or at least a main comms console. It can guide you to the nearby turret control room, where you will need to restore power and extend the connection to the turret. Assuming the turret has not been tampered with, it should accept the connection allowing you to give it orders. Otherwise, you would need to break open the turret and disable its control system or power source or ammunition.

Okay, let's go find that turret control room.  Give everyone a minute to get ready before touching it.

You seal the airlock behind you and open the door leading further into the ship. Being unpressurized, the liquid you've brought in is content with mostly staying in the airlock. As you push yourself away from the airlock, you can see droplets drifting away with you, reflecting the light coming out of your helmet and spacesuit. The droplets (and you) are slowly being dragged towards a wall, showing to you that there's gravity (or the Maximus is accelerating) but it's so weak the effects can mostly be ignored. It's a bit disorienting, crossing the barrier from liquid to air when there's so little gravity. Swimming is no longer a viable means on locomotion and the weak gravity field is not capable of holding you against the floor to allow you to walk. Instead you move by dragging yourself forward, holding on to handholds, kicking against walls, grabbing small pipes.

Your Interface informs you that the air is breathable. That's probably good news for those with a punctured suit. And it would mean that damaging your helmet is now less disastrous, although it goes without saying that it should still be avoided.

You follow the map provided by your Interface, moving through cramped serpentine tunnels, forcing open bulkhead doors and airlocks as fast as you and your teammates can. You're glad to have the map. All intersections are labeled with forgettable serial numbers, with some paths hidden beneath grates or behind pipes. There's no clear distinction of up and down, the wall that has handholds or lights changing from corridor to corridor for no apparent reason. You're certain you'd get lost in here without the map.

And then suddenly, after a couple of minutes, you pull the release handle on a wall and find yourself in a more 'normal' corridor, being smooth and simple instead of angular and functional. What's more, it has a very clear up and down, the up being where most of the (currently dark) lights are and the down being the widest part with no handholds. The simplicity however is deceptive. You can sense that the walls of the corridor occasionally contain sensors of all sorts, as well as hidden vents, pipes and even the occasional speaker.

You immediately notice something is wrong. Your Interface put you quite close to the control room, just a couple of corridors away. All you have to do is cross a couple of doors. However, said doors are half-open, their locks manually disengaged in a manner similar to the one you are using. Granted, two of these doors are unshielded and terribly easy to unlock, but that doesn't mean they could open on their own.

You make your way to the control room, carefully checking your surroundings for potential threats. You don't see, hear or feel anything. This place looks dead.

The control room itself looks like the command station of a submarine, a few cramped workstations, each specialized to perform a specific function. One has a holodisplay most likely used to display sensor data. Another is shaped more like a racecar chair with various control sticks, buttons and screens, probably meant for a gunner. They all look bare, pristine. Given that the turret is capable of acting autonomously, you guess this his place was probably meant as a backup, rarely saw any use.

You extend your senses, inspecting the area while looking for the backup power for this section. Immediately you find another problem hidden beneath a nearby console: two wires going into an unknown substance surrounded by nuts and bolts. A very crude booby trap, designed to both server the control room's connections and injure anyone inside it. You don't know what would trigger its activation, so you simply disconnect it and remove the detonator.

Somebody went through a lot of trouble to activate the turret and make sure nobody else has access to it. Who knows what other traps might be in here. You best be careful while moving through the ship.

Seeing no other traps in the area, you reconnect the nearby emergency batteries to restore power to the control room. You try to use the command terminal to try to connect to the turret. The terminal informs you that it is biometrically locked by user Dave Nal. You ask your Interface and it informs you that no such person exists on the ship's manifest. It suggests connecting it to the terminal so that it can attempt an override.

---

Un-missioned

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on November 27, 2017, 12:07:46 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on November 26, 2017, 07:58:12 am

The whispers in your mind intensify to a cacophony of overlapping sentences. It's hard to make out, but a single word stood out: 'Free'. You try to remain focused but it's just too much. It's disorienting to say the least. If you weren't already sitting, you're certain you'd have fallen down. But a few seconds later it stops, allowing you to start to think clearly once more. When your head clears, you realise that the twisted doll has circled around you and is making its way to the door.

You have no doubt about it. It knows. Did it read your mind? Or maybe there was a problem with your performance? Maybe it thought you should had reacted differently to it touching your mind? You can't tell. All you can tell is that if it removes the chair blocking the door, you'll have 3 dolls to deal with instead of 1. You feel like there's something unfair here, like the world is cheating you somehow. Every plan you come up with, no matter how good, is almost immediately turned against you, as if this a nightmare or the afterlife and this is some kind of torture for your past sins or someone's twisted idea of a joke.

At least it didn't attack you while you were incapacitated, though you aren't sure why it would do so. Even with one arm broken it would had a good chance of defeating you if it attacked while you were incapacitated. Maybe it has some sense of honour or goodness that kept it from attacking you while you were defenseless? Or maybe it is just as afraid of dying as you are and prefers to risk expendable dolls just like you do.

" 'Free'..." Napoleon muttered as he got out of the chair and turned to face the twisted doll. Grabbing the lamp with his free hand, Napoleon felt a bit tensed as well as disappointed. No matter how good his plans are, they always failed. He was sure that he had every base covered, that every eventuality have been accounted and prepared for. By all logic, he should've won already. Now, complete defeat inches closer for every failure and he was running out of options. However, by the amount of upsets he endured at the hands of this doll, he should've been defeated, even dead by now. Now it felt as if he was being toyed with by either this doll or some higher power, having his strings pulled like a marionette. Now that would be ironic...

The thought of anyone playing such games with him made his blood boiled, yet curiosity held back most of his temper. Whoever saw fit to treat him like a puppet may have a purpose for him and Napoleon was intent on finding out who. Perhaps this doll is an agent of this... being or a free-roaming entity but he must try to communicate with it in order to contact its master or to determine its intentions. At the very least, he would see whose face to carve up with a doll armed with claws.

Assuming of course that this isn't some sort of purgatory or hell made to punish him for using his dolls to steal people's belongings.

Clearing his throat to get the twisted doll's attention, Napoleon spoke, "When you was near me, I only understood the word 'free'. Is it freedom you craved? Freedom from me? You seemed to got that covered! Is that why you're attacking me, to win your freedom?! *huff* *huff* "Maybe it's about something else too? Maybe either you or your master want me? Tell me what do you want from me!"

While awaiting the twisted doll's 'answer', be prepared to defend against any attacks, even if the hidden doll and the lamp must be used. Unsummon the doll if it is grabbed by the twisted doll.

The twisted doll ignores your shouting. It shoves the chair away from the door, allowing its slave-dolls to barge into the room, immediately rushing towards you with their arms raised to strike. You throw the lamp at them and it shatters against one of them, spraying lamp oil everywhere that is ignited a moment later. You belatedly realize that that might not have been the best idea as now you still have two dolls running towards you, only now they are on fire.

You send your doll to defend you, making it tackle the most flaming doll, while you get your sword ready to swing against the other. You swing just as it brings its arm down towards your head, breaking the arm in half. You kick the doll back while it's off balance, throwing it into the two other dolls still struggling on the floor, the fire having caused significant damage to them. You take this opportunity to pat your clothes to extinguish the flaming doll fragments on them. By now the fire on the floor has started to spread, no doubt aided by the aged and dusty wood of the nearby cupboards and cabinets.

You approach the flames, the heat making your face uncomfortably warm, and raise your sword to finish off the dolls but you are slammed from behind by the twisted doll. You didn't notice it moving, you thought it was still behind the flames. It throws you off balance and grabs your sword hand with its one good hand, trying to pull it away from you. At the same time it is using its broken arm to grab you by the neck. You can feel it attacking your mind again, trying to gain control over you.

Quote from: GigaGiant on November 29, 2017, 04:07:58 pm

Stephano Falcone
(Whelp, time to go)

Rush out of the building. While I'm running, contact Iris and quickly tell her I'm outside, being pursued, and need to reach her quickly. Describe my location if she's willing to come get me. Otherwise, if I receive directions to her location, then navigate to her as fast as I can. If I'm being pursued, then withdraw my gun and fire it in the direction of my pursuers. My intent is to force them to take cover and hide, rather than actually injure them. If I am surrounded by hostiles at any point, then as a last ditch effort, grab the nearest civilian, put my gun to that person's head, and use the person as a hostage.

You run out of the building, pushing the doors so hard their hinges shudder and moan. The guard keeps following you, shouting threats behind you.

"Iris, I'm outside! I could really use some help!"
: On my way! :

You hear a gunshot behind you but do not feel any pain. It must have missed. You turn around and fire back, forcing the guard to seek cover behind a nearby car. You keep running towards the exit from the parking lot, trying to ignore another gunshot coming from somewhere behind you, but to your dismay you notice there's another guard there and he is currently running towards you with his gun drawn. You raise your gun, focus your aim and are about to shoot when there's the screeching of tires and a van slams into the guard, throwing him into a nearby car.

"Get in!" Iris shouts from the driver seat, making a gesture for you to approach.
You fire a couple of rounds behind you to make sure they stay back while you board the van, sitting beside Iris.
"Drive drive drive!" you shout as the gunshots start again. The wheels spin and the van launches itself towards the exit, smashing through the parking barrier and into the street outside. A couple of gunshots are heard, accompanied by the sound of bullets hitting metal and then the only noise is the van's engine straining to accelerate as fast as it can as it speeds away and the sound of your and Iris' rapid breathing. Taking in your surroundings in these first moments of relative calm, it looks like you're in a suburb, rural areas interspersed with clusters of buildings and the occasional factory.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on January 01, 2018, 03:57:11 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Enter the turret.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 01, 2018, 07:08:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 11:46:08 am

The twisted doll ignores your shouting. It shoves the chair away from the door, allowing its slave-dolls to barge into the room, immediately rushing towards you with their arms raised to strike. You throw the lamp at them and it shatters against one of them, spraying lamp oil everywhere that is ignited a moment later. You belatedly realize that that might not have been the best idea as now you still have two dolls running towards you, only now they are on fire.

You send your doll to defend you, making it tackle the most flaming doll, while you get your sword ready to swing against the other. You swing just as it brings its arm down towards your head, breaking the arm in half. You kick the doll back while it's off balance, throwing it into the two other dolls still struggling on the floor, the fire having caused significant damage to them. You take this opportunity to pat your clothes to extinguish the flaming doll fragments on them. By now the fire on the floor has started to spread, no doubt aided by the aged and dusty wood of the nearby cupboards and cabinets.

You approach the flames, the heat making your face uncomfortably warm, and raise your sword to finish off the dolls but you are slammed from behind by the twisted doll. You didn't notice it moving, you thought it was still behind the flames. It throws you off balance and grabs your sword hand with its one good hand, trying to pull it away from you. At the same time it is using its broken arm to grab you by the neck. You can feel it attacking your mind again, trying to gain control over you.

Grunting in frustration as the twisted doll grabbed him and tried to disarm him, Napoleon froze when the dark presence invaded his mind again, only that it felt different this time. Previously, it only hung at the very edge of his psyche as if reading his thoughts. Now it is attempting to flood his entire mind, trying to commandeer his thoughts, his senses and motor functions. It wanted to turn him into a flesh and blood puppet.

The very thought infuriated him and Napoleon dug deeply within himself for more reserves of willpower. With a yell, Napoleon grabbed the twisted doll's broken arm so that hopefully it couldn't escape from him.

"If you want to be free, free from the burden of life, then I shall oblige you!" he growled, his doll-like face a mask of fury. "We could've been allies but you decided that I should be you puppet instead! Do you know who you're trifling with?! You're trifling with someone who's going to end you! You dared to strike a nerve and has thus given me something new to hate! Regardless of whether something has corrupted you or you have suddenly gained a few brain cells and decided that you are your own person, you have forgotten your place! This is unacceptable!"

Taking a deep breath, Napoleon continued with a boast he intended to prove, "Many rebellious servants have fallen before lesser masters than the Doll Prince!"

Saying that, Napoleon will attempt to at the very least stall the twisted doll's attempt at domination while he jerk his head enough thrown his crown off of his head. If everything worked out at planned, the crown's 'flashy' reappearance on his head should be enough to surprise the twisted doll enough to let go of his sword arm. Hanging on to its broken arm to hopefully keep it from retreated, Napoleon would waste no time in cutting the twisted doll down to size. However, if it fails, Napoleon would summon more dolls to attack the twisted doll while he try to kill it again, taking care to not allow any of them to get turned by the creature.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Hawk132 on January 01, 2018, 08:45:52 pm

Maximus, Walking Tank

Saevus having zoned out while he set his mind on protecting the group, reminds himself of what exactly is going on right now.

((Whoops, kinda disappeared from this without even realizing it. Sorry if Saevus was needed for something.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 08:57:17 pm

Quote from: Zormod on January 01, 2018, 03:57:11 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Enter the turret.

Hmm... There's no hole through which you can enter the turret. You'd have to make a hole and its armour is tough.

Now that it's stopped firing you could probably swim through its gun barrel, hide in the autoloader and then recall your 'eyes' to you so that it starts firing again and you can jump through the autoloader and into the turret, but that's the sort of crazy plan that if you get it wrong you end up crushed by a moving part or pulverized by a supersonic projectile. If only you had something expendable or highly explosive you could send down the barrel instead...

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 01, 2018, 08:45:52 pm

Maximus, Walking Tank

Saevus having zoned out while he set his mind on protecting the group, reminds himself of what exactly is going on right now.

((Whoops, kinda disappeared from this without even realizing it. Sorry if Saevus was needed for something.))

Toaster managed to temporarily immobilize the turret by slamming the turret's protective cover on it. Zormod is using his 'eyes' (mobile dark vortices that also act as his eyes) to blind the turret's sensors and keep it immobile, however that means he is also blind and unable to do much else. Urist is helping Toaster by opening doors for him, allowing him to enter the ship and navigate to a control room that can hopefully be used to shut down the turret. They're dragging DreamerGhost with them, who got part of his body vaporized by an energy beam after he tried to destroy the turret's sensors with his shotgun. Icarus and the Phoenix have moved out of range, you are unable to see or contact them.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 09:40:30 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 01, 2018, 07:08:20 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 11:46:08 am

The twisted doll ignores your shouting. It shoves the chair away from the door, allowing its slave-dolls to barge into the room, immediately rushing towards you with their arms raised to strike. You throw the lamp at them and it shatters against one of them, spraying lamp oil everywhere that is ignited a moment later. You belatedly realize that that might not have been the best idea as now you still have two dolls running towards you, only now they are on fire.

You send your doll to defend you, making it tackle the most flaming doll, while you get your sword ready to swing against the other. You swing just as it brings its arm down towards your head, breaking the arm in half. You kick the doll back while it's off balance, throwing it into the two other dolls still struggling on the floor, the fire having caused significant damage to them. You take this opportunity to pat your clothes to extinguish the flaming doll fragments on them. By now the fire on the floor has started to spread, no doubt aided by the aged and dusty wood of the nearby cupboards and cabinets.

You approach the flames, the heat making your face uncomfortably warm, and raise your sword to finish off the dolls but you are slammed from behind by the twisted doll. You didn't notice it moving, you thought it was still behind the flames. It throws you off balance and grabs your sword hand with its one good hand, trying to pull it away from you. At the same time it is using its broken arm to grab you by the neck. You can feel it attacking your mind again, trying to gain control over you.

Grunting in frustration as the twisted doll grabbed him and tried to disarm him, Napoleon froze when the dark presence invaded his mind again, only that it felt different this time. Previously, it only hung at the very edge of his psyche as if reading his thoughts. Now it is attempting to flood his entire mind, trying to commandeer his thoughts, his senses and motor functions. It wanted to turn him into a flesh and blood puppet.

The very thought infuriated him and Napoleon dug deeply within himself for more reserves of willpower. With a yell, Napoleon grabbed the twisted doll's broken arm so that hopefully it couldn't escape from him.

"If you want to be free, free from the burden of life, then I shall oblige you!" he growled, his doll-like face a mask of fury. "We could've been allies but you decided that I should be you puppet instead! Do you know who you're trifling with?! You're trifling with someone who's going to end you! You dared to strike a nerve and has thus given me something new to hate! Regardless of whether something has corrupted you or you have suddenly gained a few brain cells and decided that you are your own person, you have forgotten your place! This is unacceptable!"

Taking a deep breath, Napoleon continued with a boast he intended to prove, "Many rebellious servants have fallen before lesser masters than the Doll Prince!"

Saying that, Napoleon will attempt to at the very least stall the twisted doll's attempt at domination while he jerk his head enough thrown his crown off of his head. If everything worked out at planned, the crown's 'flashy' reappearance on his head should be enough to surprise the twisted doll enough to let go of his sword arm. Hanging on to its broken arm to hopefully keep it from retreated, Napoleon would waste no time in cutting the twisted doll down to size. However, if it fails, Napoleon would summon more dolls to attack the twisted doll while he try to kill it again, taking care to not allow any of them to get turned by the creature.

((I imagine the crown is not too easy to remove, otherwise it would look quite silly with the thing constantly reappearing every time he nods or something. If it was too easy to remove, you could even hang him upside down and turn him into a perpetual motion device. :P))

You try to dislodge the crown from your head but the crown continues to be as stubborn as ever, refusing to leave your head without good reason. You try to scrape your head against the doll but the angle is all wrong. You try to summon dolls to your aid but your concentration fails, nobody comes, nothing appears, the last of your dolls having turned to ashes moments ago. Even your body is refusing to listen to you, the grip of your hands weakening, your knees bending.

<By what right do you deserve to be my master?>
The doll speaks into your mind, its voice and form clearer than ever before.

You muster all the strength you have left and manage to free yourself from the doll's hold, letting you turn around to face it, putting two hands on the sword. But your legs are weak.

<By what right do you deserve to be free?>
It speaks with your voice, with the voice of your thoughts.

You push and pull but you remain evenly matched. Your arms are trembling, moved by foreign impulses.

<Why you and not me?>
Its eyes are dead, yet you feel as if it is staring at you with a fury matching yours.

The flames are starting to lick the soles of your shoes. The heat is becoming unbearable.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 02, 2018, 01:41:07 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 09:40:30 pm

The twisted doll ignores your shouting. It shoves the chair away from the door, allowing its slave-dolls to barge into the room, immediately rushing towards you with their arms raised to strike. You throw the lamp at them and it shatters against one of them, spraying lamp oil everywhere that is ignited a moment later. You belatedly realize that that might not have been the best idea as now you still have two dolls running towards you, only now they are on fire.

((I imagine the crown is not too easy to remove, otherwise it would look quite silly with the thing constantly reappearing every time he nods or something. If it was too easy to remove, you could even hang him upside down and turn him into a perpetual motion device. :P))

You try to dislodge the crown from your head but the crown continues to be as stubborn as ever, refusing to leave your head without good reason. You try to scrape your head against the doll but the angle is all wrong. You try to summon dolls to your aid but your concentration fails, nobody comes, nothing appears, the last of your dolls having turned to ashes moments ago. Even your body is refusing to listen to you, the grip of your hands weakening, your knees bending.

<By what right do you deserve to be my master?>
The doll speaks into your mind, its voice and form clearer than ever before.

You muster all the strength you have left and manage to free yourself from the doll's hold, letting you turn around to face it, putting two hands on the sword. But your legs are weak.

<By what right do you deserve to be free?>
It speaks with your voice, with the voice of your thoughts.

You push and pull but you remain evenly matched. Your arms are trembling, moved by foreign impulses.

<Why you and not me?>
Its eyes are dead, yet you feel as if it is staring at you with a fury matching yours.

The flames are starting to lick the soles of your shoes. The heat is becoming unbearable.

(Correct you are!)

As the gravity of his situation got worse, much of Napoleon's fury died down. Here he is, losing a mental battle with what was one of his dolls while the latter was somehow much stronger. As the twisted doll continued to dominate him in both mind and body, Napoleon begin to shed tears at the unfairness of it all. All of his plans, his tactical brilliance, had been rendered moot by the cruel hands of fate and now the master is about to become the servant. A cruel but fittingly ironic fate for the one who craved power. Whether he truly deserved all of this or not was irrelevant.

His face relaxing into a softer expression, Napoleon begin to ponder his fate. Sure he may be doomed to be the twisted doll's servant forever but what if that wasn't the case? It is just as likely that the doll would decide to hold him only temporarily, if only to toy with him. It is also likely that someone else will kill the doll in the future, freeing him from its influence. Perhaps the doll's power over him would be somehow weakened in the future, allowing him to finally break free and exact revenge?

Now that he was on the subject of his impending servitude, what sort of... things would he be forced to do? Could it be mundane or embarrassing? Could he be forced to commit atrocities against the innocent or could the twisted doll see fit to compel him to commit suicide? He cannot run away because his legs are weak and summoning more dolls is now out of the question. However, Napoleon figured that he could at least make a final gesture.

Gathering his last ounce of strength, Napoleon will throw the sword at the twisted doll as a final act of defiance.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 02, 2018, 03:18:48 pm

John: Inside the Maximus

John frowned at the console.  Great; sabotage instead of just failure.  Well, it'd do no good for this to be boring, right?  <<Okay, everyone, I'm going to try to shut down this turret.  Fair warning; the turret was turned on on purpose, and someone's sabotaging the ship.  Dave Nal's a name I see on here.  Phoenix, if you can hear me,
 does that ring a bell?>>

He motioned to Urist.  "Keep an eye out?  Also, if you can help that poor guy, hopefully we can stabilize him.  I'm going to try to override these locks."

Interface to controls; let's do this.  Disconnect if I sense the ship trying to override the interface.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Beirus on January 02, 2018, 04:13:06 pm

WMD, Somewhere in relation to the Maximus

Grab my shitty dwarven GPS by wrapping him in one of my tentacles. Burn some of my energy to power my blades to cut back into the ship. We're rerouting. Try to find another way to some air that doesn't involve giant deep-space fish. Burn enough energy to keep up RMEs without going boom, since they seem to be more useful than my finale for now. Continue using my Willpower to try to get useful effects. If the situation gets too dire, try to Will a way to live off the energy I generate. And if I'm really out of options, I guess I'll have to go boom and hope my interface can be recovered.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on January 02, 2018, 05:37:40 pm

<Svajoklis, Inside Maximus>

Check if I am in too much shock to feel pain and can therefore be useful.

Air means there was something here to breathe it. Yet we see no people. This means that the enemy either has a use for corpses or uses weapons that don't leave any. I'm not a fan of either.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on January 02, 2018, 09:25:41 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

Theri will continue her training--past 'pointy sticks 101' and into actual combat in respect of what experience the people have faced. Application in reality, to discipline and also to hone.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 03, 2018, 10:44:42 am

Ike, Gentleman Explorer and General of the People!

"Ah, a wretched hive of scum and villainy! Miscellaneous explorers, keep an eye out. I'm going in! Zech, you're with me. If things start to pop off in a big way, hit the building with something reasonably explosive."

So a general and a messiah walk into a bar and take a seat.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 03, 2018, 10:50:21 am

Kosak Durar:

"Sadly, I lack medical training. I will be glad to keep an eye out, however!"

Kosak looks at his injured comrade, and tries to see how well he's doing, at least. And yes, Kosak will keep his eye out. This "Dave" will not attack undetected!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Hawk132 on January 03, 2018, 11:26:39 am

Walking Tank, Maximus

Take the regen gauntlet off whoever's holding it now and put it on Svajoklis, if they haven't yet.  Aside from that, keep an eye for danger like usual.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on January 03, 2018, 03:47:32 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Wait patiently for John to do his thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on January 03, 2018, 03:52:17 pm

Stephano Falcone

Try to subtly inspect Iris without drawing her attention. What does she look like? Does she appear to be related to Mantis? Does she have any weapons visible on her person? After taking a few moments to catch my breath, say the following to her:

"Thanks for the rescue, Iris. Now, care to tell me more about Rockslide and why your group decided to rescue me?"

If she has any visible weapons, keep my eye on her and be ready to draw my gun if she tries anything. Otherwise, continue to observe my surroundings while she speaks and drives.

Also, if she asks me about Mantis, tell her that last I knew, Mantis was unconscious in an unlocked janitorial closet. If she asks me why I am wearing Mantis' clothes, tell her that I swapped clothes with his unconscious form in order to increase my chances of not being noticed by the guards.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 03, 2018, 05:51:36 pm

”Ah good, it’d stink if I lost those. Thanks Brad!”

Why would I want to stop being me? I’m awesome! Focus as much as I can on retaining my psychological integrity, using stuff like my memories of the various shenanigans I’ve pulled to anchor me.

Oh, and talk to Ike if I can spare the effort - say hi.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on January 05, 2018, 03:05:58 pm

Help Theri train the army.

Teach them proper formations. Pike wall, shield wall, ranged volley fire.
Teach them how to fortify an area. How to form a wagon fort, build barricades, dig trenches, set traps.
Teach them how to find, make, and use various improvised weapons. Including slings. Everyone should do their best to be well equipped.

Leave most of the fancy techique training to Theri.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2018, 09:40:58 pm

---

Unmissionful

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 02, 2018, 01:41:07 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 01, 2018, 09:40:30 pm

The twisted doll ignores your shouting. It shoves the chair away from the door, allowing its slave-dolls to barge into the room, immediately rushing towards you with their arms raised to strike. You throw the lamp at them and it shatters against one of them, spraying lamp oil everywhere that is ignited a moment later. You belatedly realize that that might not have been the best idea as now you still have two dolls running towards you, only now they are on fire.

((I imagine the crown is not too easy to remove, otherwise it would look quite silly with the thing constantly reappearing every time he nods or something. If it was too easy to remove, you could even hang him upside down and turn him into a perpetual motion device. :P))

You try to dislodge the crown from your head but the crown continues to be as stubborn as ever, refusing to leave your head without good reason. You try to scrape your head against the doll but the angle is all wrong. You try to summon dolls to your aid but your concentration fails, nobody comes, nothing appears, the last of your dolls having turned to ashes moments ago. Even your body is refusing to listen to you, the grip of your hands weakening, your knees bending.

<By what right do you deserve to be my master?>
The doll speaks into your mind, its voice and form clearer than ever before.

You muster all the strength you have left and manage to free yourself from the doll's hold, letting you turn around to face it, putting two hands on the sword. But your legs are weak.

<By what right do you deserve to be free?>
It speaks with your voice, with the voice of your thoughts.

You push and pull but you remain evenly matched. Your arms are trembling, moved by foreign impulses.

<Why you and not me?>
Its eyes are dead, yet you feel as if it is staring at you with a fury matching yours.

The flames are starting to lick the soles of your shoes. The heat is becoming unbearable.

(Correct you are!)

As the gravity of his situation got worse, much of Napoleon's fury died down. Here he is, losing a mental battle with what was one of his dolls while the latter was somehow much stronger. As the twisted doll continued to dominate him in both mind and body, Napoleon begin to shed tears at the unfairness of it all. All of his plans, his tactical brilliance, had been rendered moot by the cruel hands of fate and now the master is about to become the servant. A cruel but fittingly ironic fate for the one who craved power. Whether he truly deserved all of this or not was irrelevant.

His face relaxing into a softer expression, Napoleon begin to ponder his fate. Sure he may be doomed to be the twisted doll's servant forever but what if that wasn't the case? It is just as likely that the doll would decide to hold him only temporarily, if only to toy with him. It is also likely that someone else will kill the doll in the future, freeing him from its influence. Perhaps the doll's power over him would be somehow weakened in the future, allowing him to finally break free and exact revenge?

Now that he was on the subject of his impending servitude, what sort of... things would he be forced to do? Could it be mundane or embarrassing? Could he be forced to commit atrocities against the innocent or could the twisted doll see fit to compel him to commit suicide? He cannot run away because his legs are weak and summoning more dolls is now out of the question. However, Napoleon figured that he could at least make a final gesture.

Gathering his last ounce of strength, Napoleon will throw the sword at the twisted doll as a final act of defiance.

As the presence digs deeper into your mind, you let go of your anger, of your desire to dominate. You can feel the dolls mind clearly now, the fear and desire resting within it, its feelings mirroring yours in a way.
<W-Why do you->
With one fluid motion you rip the sword out of its hand and twist around for a strike. The doll uses a burst of speed to retreat, getting out of your range. You let go of the sword, allowing it to sail through the air and impale the doll while it is recovering, going through its torso and getting stuck in the wall behind it.
"Ha!"
With this final act of defiance, you collapse to the floor, your limbs twitching beyond your control. The doll is thrashing frantically, trying and failing to remove the sword. Maybe it will manage to free itself. Maybe it will burn here with you. Maybe it will gain control of you. But for now there is little you can do, even if you wanted to. Your mind can take no more.

Could the loss of your senses be a blessing? So that you don't have to endure the pain of being burnt alive? Maybe. But in the end, dead is dead, no matter how you get there. And death gives birth to nothing. Your consciousness dissolves, the last thing on your mind being the faint smell of burning wood before that too disappears.

...

"You fight beautifully."
You're still alive.
"With intelligence, grace and determination worthy of your title."
You cough and try to breathe, spitting the smoke out of your throat.
"Most of the time." she adds. You can tell from her voice that she is smiling while she says that.
Your everything hurts and something is being dragged against your back, the bumps making the pain intensify.
"But this world is not fair. It doesn't matter if you try the hardest."
No, you are being dragged. You can see the ceiling moving above you, feel the pull on your leg.
"It doesn't matter if you're the strongest." says the doll with a pull.
Is it really a doll? Its back is turned on you, your can only see its burnt hand around your leg, pulling you.
"The smartest."
Pull.
"The best."
Pull.
"It doesn't matter if you have the best of intentions."
She lets go of your leg and approaches you.
"All that matters-"
She pauses as she lifts you and carries you down the stairs.
"-is who wins in the end."
She sets you down on the ground, her burnt and broken form concealed in shadows cast by the bright blaze consuming the manor behind her.
"Even if they do so by cheating you out of your victory."
As if to demonstrate the truth of her statement, she spreads her arms wide. Her broken arm mends itself, her half-torn torso reattaches itself and even her burnt fabric reappears, becoming pristine once more.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on January 03, 2018, 03:52:17 pm

Stephano Falcone

Try to subtly inspect Iris without drawing her attention. What does she look like? Does she appear to be related to Mantis? Does she have any weapons visible on her person? After taking a few moments to catch my breath, say the following to her:

"Thanks for the rescue, Iris. Now, care to tell me more about Rockslide and why your group decided to rescue me?"

If she has any visible weapons, keep my eye on her and be ready to draw my gun if she tries anything. Otherwise, continue to observe my surroundings while she speaks and drives.

Also, if she asks me about Mantis, tell her that last I knew, Mantis was unconscious in an unlocked janitorial closet. If she asks me why I am wearing Mantis' clothes, tell her that I swapped clothes with his unconscious form in order to increase my chances of not being noticed by the guards.

She is very focused on driving and making sure you've escaped. Her hands are trembling from the adrenaline and she keeps glancing around. She's so focusd you're pretty sure she wouldn't notice you looking at her.

She doesn't have any weapons on her that you can see. She's wearing a sleeveless shirt and tight jeans leaving her very few places to hide things, though there is a crumpled jacket in the back. Maybe she's hiding something there or maybe there's a weapon in the glove compartment. She's not wearing a uniform or anything, so there's nothing screaming she belongs to the same group as Mantis. She looks like she could be related by blood, but you that's just guesswork on your part. They're not identical but they look similar enough that the possibility is there.

"Thanks for the rescue, Iris. Now, care to tell me more about Rockslide and why your group decided to rescue me?"
"We're a group of freedom fighters fighting against the Garando organization. Their aim is nothing less than Total World Domination and the enslavement of the entire human race. Our goal is to stop them at all costs. As for you I..."
She looks down for a second and bites her lip.
"I'm sorry, I don't really know why you were selected to be rescued. Our leader would not say."
"But he has never been wrong before!" she adds hastily.
"Every research center we've raided, every facility we've bombed, we've stopped cruel experiments and saved countless lives. I'm sure whatever he has planned, there's a very good reason for all this."
"Look, I know this may all seem strange to you, but we really do want to help you. And everyone else. We are the good guys here. We are going to save the world."

You've never heard any of those things. Then again, it's not like they would tell you anything while they had you locked up.

"I- I'm not the best at this sort of thing, I'm sure that when you meet our leader he'll be able to provide a much better explanation. It will all make sense then, I promise. Just trust me until then."

She keeps speeding away, overtaking the few cars you encounter along the way. You guess this makes sense. If they're going to be sending someone to catch you a van full of bullet holes will be hard to pass undetected. Might as well floor it.

"We need to ditch the van. We've got another vehicle stashed nearby. We'll make our way to the safehouse after that."

---

Campaign: On Road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

The water monks seem reasonably polite and even friendly. They spend a good deal of their day meditating, a process that sometimes involves them manipulating water with their abilities. Their... you're not sure if you should call it a religion or philosophy. They say their beliefs promote acceptance of the self and of others, the quest for inner and outer peace. However when questioned about them participating is such an expedition, they say that fighting does not go against their beliefs. They say that to them their beliefs are not an immutable set of laws, they are meant as words of guidance and stories worthy of contemplation and may change overtime.

They're quite interested in learning more about you and the Sword, though at times you get the feeling that they are doing this because they look at you as a curiosity, a puzzle to solve, an event to record. They are friendly to you, sure, but are they friendly because they're nice people? Are they friendly because they want to use you? Are they friendly because their religion requires it? Does it matter?

Nowhere is this more apparent than the master alchemist. She doesn't feel evil nor does she appear crazy (or at least not too crazy). But she becomes overly focused, obsessed one could say with certain things. Unwilling to move on once she's found someone or something interesting. And for most of your time together her 'someone interesting' has been you (interspersed with periods of obsessing with Nikolai instead or walking around picking up interesting pebbles). It's as if she enjoys prodding you and probing you with careful words or bombarding you with constant questions on the subject of your creation and other worlds. You'd swear that was true if it wasn't for the fact that during your time together she's displayed nothing but genuine interest and enjoyment, not at your discomfort but at what she's gained. And sometimes it feels like she's giving away potions like they're candy, like she doesn't care what happens to others as long as she can learn something out of what the results (where does she get all those bottles anyway?). Or maybe she doesn't get that all of life's problems can't be solved by throwing potions at them. Your Sword suggests she might be of the Mind element.

Most of the recruits from Chizra act like they don't know what to make of you. The recruits from Road's End have told them about what you and your group did (or their version of the story) and they have heard the latest stories about your groups' actions, how you and Theri helped the refugees and how Ike acted in Chizra so they know they should trust and respect you (or at least not mess with you). And that is what they do, treat you with respect and politeness. That is all they do. Most of the time it feels like they would rather not be in the same room with you.

Your Sword offers the opinion that they do not know how to act because you do not fit in the way they are used to think. They know you're not a human and yet you look like one (mostly). You hold power but you don't act like they're used to people in power acting. You talk the same language they do and yet your behaviour seems strange, alien, for more than one reason. They look at you as a leader and yet you do not act like you're in charge. This lack of normalcy, of routine, not knowing how they should act to please you or avoid your wrath, it makes them anxious, it scares them, even if they don't consciously realise it. Even more so now that man they're used to leading them is away, when they feel like they lack structure, Order.

The Sword suggests that you should help them create a new 'normal', that you should tell them what to do or at least talk to them about what you like and dislike. You don't need to hold a big speech or anything, simply speak to a few of them about it or take the lead in common interactions with them. In such isolated groups any sort of worthy information (and gossip) will spread near-instantly. That is why it is important to shape their image of you now, before they create a mistaken (or inconvenient) one on their own. You could also attempt indulging them by engaging in activities they expect you to engage in, even if you don't personally find them interesting or necessary. That all of course depends on how you want them to see you and how you see them to a lesser extent. The Sword says it has helped others lead groups of people in the past. Should you need help or guidance, even for mundane things like prayers, songs and eating habits, it would be willing to provide it.

((The above is based on how I see Irine in social interactions. To me she seems a bit aloof or maybe driven, like even though she is friendly, helpful and reasonably polite, she mostly approaches 'foreign' people with her objective in mind rather than merely to socialize and is a bit reserved/guarded on first encounters (which is reasonable given her experiences so far). Even the way you phrased it 'let the new additions meet her' rather than 'meet the new additions' seems to support that. Please feel free to correct me if you feel how I think she would act is wrong.))

The Sword explains what it knows about the Dark magic effect. Somebody could say that if Fire magic is like the air you breathe, then what's happening is like poisoning the air with black magic. But that somebody would be wrong. When you release poison into the air the poison mixes with the air but the air is still there, it's just contaminated. After you filter out the poison, you can breathe just fine.

What's happening here, this is more like someone converting breathable air into poison or taking air and replacing it with poison. You may filter the poison out of the air, but that would still leave you with less air to breathe. So even though the Sword and your willpower should be able to protect you from the effects of this Dark magic (so you don't run the risk of turning into a monster) this doesn't change the fact that the flow of Fire magic is weakening. The Sword believes that until the source of the Dark spell is found and eliminated, it will continue to become stronger. Though this is a remote possibility at the moment, should the flow of Fire magic be completely extinguished, then like a fish out of water you would sleep and never wake up again. Not to mention the horrible effects this could have on the entire continent.

You decide that if you are to act to defend yourself against this spell you need to learn more about it, starting from where exactly it's coming from. The Sword asks you to help it set up an arrangement Light and Order spells that would help it find out more about the effect. Right now all it knows is its general effect and very vaguely the direction it's coming from. To learn more details about such a large scale dark spell, it would be necessary to use a large scale detection spell in order to track how the dark magic spreads and how it affects the network of Fire magic.

You begin the preparations a bit more than two hours before sundown. While the others rest and set up camp, you move to predefined positions, pausing to let the Sword prepare the detection spells. Following the Sword's instructions, your path traces a spiral on the ground, until you reach the top of a small hill, from where you can observe the results of your work. Though in this light it's hard to see, if you know where to look you can make out the thin grey lines of the spells tracing arcane shapes on the ground. You make sure to warn the others that they are not to approach the area of your spellcasting, lest they disturb the sensitive spells and spoil the results. To them it might appear like a powerful, impressive spell, but magic here is weak. If it wasn't for the Sword and the preparation you did, it wouldn't had been possible.

You finish the final preparations by casting the master spell on and around you. As the sun approaches the horizon, you raise the sword and activate the spell. Luminous lines shoot out of the Sword, each one connecting with and activating a spell.
"By our design, let those who pervert the natural Order be brought to justice."
Grey spears burst out of the ground, rising high into the air, a phalanx waiting to strike.
"By our Light, let the path to those who would spread evil be revealed."
The tips of the spears unfold, a thin white construct rising from each tip, like candlelight rising out of the petals of a flower, like fragile white flames moving in the faint wind.
"By our will, let Fire burn them all to ash."
The Sword's fires flare. They are released a moment later, washing over the surrounding area. For a split second you feel the flows of magic running through the spell as if they were part of your body, letting you see them like a twisting serpent of fire slithering against the land, jumping out of the hearts of the recruits. The feeling fades but the memory remains, their arrangement stuck on your sight like the afterimage of a lightning strike.

<The spell it ready. We need but wait for the Dark magic to shift and intensify, as it does at night.>
And wait you do. You don't have to wait for long. As you wait, watching the magical lights dance against the darkening sky, their glow suddenly flickers as if struck by a strong wind. After about two minutes it's all over,  the final of the lights having been snuffed out. The spears dissolve into grey voxels soon after.

All this preparation amounted to a disproportionally small amount of action and yet you have everything you need to make a good guess about what's going on. Each wisp of light was deformed by the impact of the advancing front, its length becoming shorter as its magic was suppressed. You could see each wave as it hit, how powerful it was, how it moved, how it spread.
Combined with the knowledge of the local Fire flows and your map, you can make some educated guesses.

The spell arrived on 5 weaker "waves", some of which arrived from different directions. From this you conclude that the spell is cast multiple times, at least some of which are cast on different locations. They tended to spread through the straighter flows, the ones pointing towards major settlements, the ones that also bore a tinge of Order magic. The same ones that would had been used to sustain the Fire Tower's network of Fire magic. The spell must be using the remains of this network to make affecting the entire kingdom easier. The spell spreads through the flows of fire magic and corrupts them, slowly isolating and redirecting them, leaving only Dark energy behind. It's a magic drain spell in a scale rarely seen before and it's highly unlikely it is something natural. The most likely scenario is that someone is using the Spines to weaken Fire magic. While it should be possible to reverse this effect with a bit of effort and render an area free of corruption, this will not restore the strength of the flow unless a large part of the surrounding areas is also purified. It would be better to attack this spell on its root, but the multiple sources would make such an effort quite hard for you to undertake alone, not to mention that the area around the Spine would be heavily corrupted and thus harder to use your abilities in. The final and most worrying piece of information is that the spell is first cast somewhere on the East, with subsequent castings coming closer and closer to you, the closest (and weakest) most likely occurring on Traveller's Rest. Worryingly, the final and most powerful spell is cast from the West, from Ineth, the destroyed city where you spent your first days in this world.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 02, 2018, 09:25:41 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

Theri will continue her training--past 'pointy sticks 101' and into actual combat in respect of what experience the people have faced. Application in reality, to discipline and also to hone.

Quote from: NAV on January 05, 2018, 03:05:58 pm

Help Theri train the army.

Teach them proper formations. Pike wall, shield wall, ranged volley fire.
Teach them how to fortify an area. How to form a wagon fort, build barricades, dig trenches, set traps.
Teach them how to find, make, and use various improvised weapons. Including slings. Everyone should do their best to be well equipped.

Leave most of the fancy techique training to Theri.

You continue teaching the troops while singing inspirational songs. You know they need any help they can get if they are to have a chance of surviving in combat against someone competent, like a professional soldier. Gods know they'll need all the help they can get and soon. In a few days you'll be reaching Traveler's Rest, which is currently in control of the Sovereignty. Even if you choose to go around it, there's always the chance of running into a patrol or raiders. If you stay with them, combat will be impossible to avoid. And even with all your training and with you helping them at least some of them will probably die. The best you can do is help more of them survive.

---

Campaign: The Wandering Arms

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 03, 2018, 10:44:42 am

Ike, Gentleman Explorer and General of the People!

"Ah, a wretched hive of scum and villainy! Miscellaneous explorers, keep an eye out. I'm going in! Zech, you're with me. If things start to pop off in a big way, hit the building with something reasonably explosive."

So a general and a messiah walk into a bar and take a seat.

You leave your dudes on standby as backup while you approach the Wandering Arms. Nothing dramatic happens as you approach, no group of armoured cavalry come out to meet you, no warnings are shouted, no dramatic music plays. It's just you, your footsteps and the occasional gust of wind.

As you approach the entrance your keen ears begin to hear the sounds coming from inside, music and somebody singing. Sounds like an upbeat song. Lots of smells here as well. Must be around 40 individuals, not all of them human.

The guard doesn't look disturbed by your approach but he does raise his hand to block you from entering before you get too close.
"Hail stranger. I've never seen you around these parts before. What business do you have here?"
He looks calm. You can hear a disturbance in the muddy water, something moving in there. Sounds big, as big as a cow.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 03, 2018, 05:51:36 pm

”Ah good, it’d stink if I lost those. Thanks Brad!”

Why would I want to stop being me? I’m awesome! Focus as much as I can on retaining my psychological integrity, using stuff like my memories of the various shenanigans I’ve pulled to anchor me.

Oh, and talk to Ike if I can spare the effort - say hi.

I don't know, would your awesomeness compare to the sum of the combined awesomeness of everyone else?

You attempt to make some spooky noises in Ike's ears but he is not listening. Which is astonishing considering the size of those ears. Maybe it's because you are him the least. Or at least the least compared to everyone else you know.

---

Maximus: Turret 4A Backup Control Room

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 03, 2018, 10:50:21 am

Kosak Durar:

"Sadly, I lack medical training. I will be glad to keep an eye out, however!"

Kosak looks at his injured comrade, and tries to see how well he's doing, at least. And yes, Kosak will keep his eye out. This "Dave" will not attack undetected!

He's not quite dead yet. In fact, he looks like he's getting better.

The area looks deserted. There's nothing but the sounds of your actions echoing through the empty hallways. If someone's here, they might as well be a ghost. Or maybe lying in wait to ambush you.

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 03, 2018, 11:26:39 am

Walking Tank, Maximus

Take the regen gauntlet off whoever's holding it now and put it on Svajoklis, if they haven't yet.  Aside from that, keep an eye for danger like usual.

That would require you to be inside the Ship. We can say you followed John an the rest in there if you like.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on January 02, 2018, 05:37:40 pm

<Svajoklis, Inside Maximus>

Check if I am in too much shock to feel pain and can therefore be useful.

Air means there was something here to breathe it. Yet we see no people. This means that the enemy either has a use for corpses or uses weapons that don't leave any. I'm not a fan of either.

You feel no pain. Not even a bit of discomfort. You don't think that's normal. And you're still so weak you don't think you could walk. Luckily there is little gravity here, so if you disable your boots you can float around with almost no effort. That means you can 'get up' and do stuff, as long as they don't involve anything more strenuous than feebly moving your legs and single remaining arm around.

You could try helping others with the turret control room situation, offer some words of encouragement or something. Or you could try exploring. If you're lucky you might even be able to find something to help with your missing body parts. Then again, it might be better to stay close to the others, in case you kick the bucket. I mean, you might be feeling better now and look like you're about to recover but you might suddenly feel the icy hand of death upon you.

Quote from: Toaster on January 02, 2018, 03:18:48 pm

John: Inside the Maximus

John frowned at the console.  Great; sabotage instead of just failure.  Well, it'd do no good for this to be boring, right?  <<Okay, everyone, I'm going to try to shut down this turret.  Fair warning; the turret was turned on on purpose, and someone's sabotaging the ship.  Dave Nal's a name I see on here.  Phoenix, if you can hear me, does that ring a bell?>>

He motioned to Urist.  "Keep an eye out?  Also, if you can help that poor guy, hopefully we can stabilize him.  I'm going to try to override these locks."

Interface to controls; let's do this.  Disconnect if I sense the ship trying to override the interface.

No response from Icarus. He must still be out of range or maybe the hull is interfering with the signal.

You press your Interface against the terminal's control system. A small spike extends from the interface, connecting to an appropriate slot.

: Connection established. Attempting standard override codes... :

Quote from: Terminal

Ship AI unavailable. Override D4R3 failed.
Connection with ship database unavailable. Override 3N71 failed.
Secret Share at 100%. One-time structure valid. Override G4M3 accepted.

: Override successful. :
About 3 seconds later you feel the screen flashes red and the wires that would had detonated the booby trap activate.
: Interference detected. Re-authenticating... :
The screen clears and your Interface continues its work. Still, the changed login, the booby trap and now this... Whoever put it there must have really wanted to ensure only they would have access to the turret. They could had just destroyed the control room if they wanted, so they must have had a reason to try and keep it intact. But the booby trap shows they were also not afraid of destroying the control room if they had to. Hmmm...
: Extending physical connection to Turret 4A... :
The screen displays a rough representation of the umbilical extending to connect with the turret, struggling a bit with the current configuration of the armour plates but eventually managing to force its way through.
: Umbilical in place. Preparing to initiate physical connection... :
The screen flashes through various windows, giving you little time to process what is going on.
: Operation complete. :

Quote from: Terminal

Script connect_and_disable loaded.
Execute(Y/N)?>

---

Maximus: Outside

---

Quote from: Beirus on January 02, 2018, 04:13:06 pm

WMD, Somewhere in relation to the Maximus

Grab my shitty dwarven GPS by wrapping him in one of my tentacles. Burn some of my energy to power my blades to cut back into the ship. We're rerouting. Try to find another way to some air that doesn't involve giant deep-space fish. Burn enough energy to keep up RMEs without going boom, since they seem to be more useful than my finale for now. Continue using my Willpower to try to get useful effects. If the situation gets too dire, try to Will a way to live off the energy I generate. And if I'm really out of options, I guess I'll have to go boom and hope my interface can be recovered.

You reach out and grab your dwarf before the thing can get too far. He looks at you and shrugs.

You infuse your blades with your power, making them burn white hot. You raise them as high as you can and then stab the hull with all your strength. They manage to cut through the hull, getting embedded deep within it. You try to widen the holes but it's not easy. This thing is incredibly hard. Even with your strength and power it would take some time.

Energy bursts from your body. It condenses into a dark sphere that hurls itself into your dwarf. The dwarf looks at you impassively as his blood leaves his body, leaving him a mummified corpse that moments later crumbles into dust. You're left with your tentacle wrapped around a glass mannequin full of dead dwarf dust. ... You've had weirder things happen to you. The blood dives into your body, not only giving you more air to breathe but also making you feel better, stronger.

Through the murky darkness a light appears. A voice travels through the liquid but it's too distorted to make out. The light gets closer and you can make out the form of the Phoenix, although right now it has altered the configuration of its wings, moving some to the back of its fuselage to make it appear more humanoid in shape. It lands next to you, lowering its cockpit so that Icarus can look at you while speaking. With the way the wings are arranged, it kinda looks like the Phoenix is on its hands and knees.
: Can you hear me? Are you OK? What happened to you? Why is your interface not working? : comes the voice out of the Phoenix.

---

Quote from: Zormod on January 03, 2018, 03:47:32 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Wait patiently for John to do his thing.

You feel the hull vibrate a bit and then stop. Hmm... Still waiting it seems.

You really wish you had a third eye. That way you could... Hmm... Unless...
"Interface, begin solitaire game. Voice output only."
: Affirmative. Game start. Column 1: 3 of clubs. Column 2: ... :

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2018, 06:04:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I'm looking for this guy named Brad. That might be an alias or whatever. Gotta find out where he last saw a buddy of mine so that I can go find him. Not gonna stab anyone without a lot of provocation if that's what you're worried about, and I'm not with the cops either."

Explain frankly what I'm there to do.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Hawk132 on January 07, 2018, 06:19:11 am

Walking Tank, Maximus

Considering my actions before I disappeared for a bit were protecting the group that went into the ship, he'd be with them.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2018, 08:20:22 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2018, 06:04:36 am

Campaign, Ike!

"I'm looking for this guy named Brad. That might be an alias or whatever. Gotta find out where he last saw a buddy of mine so that I can go find him. Not gonna stab anyone without a lot of provocation if that's what you're worried about, and I'm not with the cops either."

Explain frankly what I'm there to do.

He looks at you when you say the name Brad. Looks like people here know him then.
"Hmm... So you say. And how exactly did you find this place then, Mr. ...?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 07, 2018, 11:15:34 am

Coughing profusely, Napoleon blinked in confusion as he stared up at this stranger, trying to see her features clearly into the shadows cast by the burning building. For some reason, she seemed... familiar. No that can't be it, he assured himself. This is only a hallucination brought on him by the stresses of a life-or-death situation. Nothing more.

"Thank you madame for rescuing me," Napoleon said as he got up and dusted off his clothes, which were repairing the scorched portions back to pristine condition. He then gave her a low bow. "If you haven't pulled me from that building, I would've been burned alive. Nevertheless, as long as that stupid doll who tried to control me are still pinned to that wall, then I'm satisfied. I trust that it will find Hell to be much more accommodating. Anyway, to who do I owe the pleasure?"

Await the strange person's response.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2018, 11:53:35 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2018, 08:20:22 am

He looks at you when you say the name Brad. Looks like people here know him then.
"Hmm... So you say. And how exactly did you find this place then, Mr. ...?"

"Lucky Ike Watkins at your service, and this is my good friend and crystal wizard Zechariah. I sniffed your boy out from traces left back at Chizra. Don't worry, he didn't take anything valuable, at least nothing that I want back, I just gotta ask him where he put my best bud and noted chaos wizard Alan. Other than that we're probably cool."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on January 07, 2018, 03:54:15 pm

Brian Hoss, Hull of the Maximus

---

Play some solitaire and hope that tremor means stuff is getting done.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 07, 2018, 04:19:14 pm

*composing song lyrics, please wait*

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 08, 2018, 02:59:55 pm

Alan, Musically Talented Performer

Quote

I don't know, would your awesomeness compare to the sum of the combined awesomeness of everyone else?

Alan scoffs at no one in particular. ”Do I compare to the combined greatness of everyone else in the world? Buddy pal guy, have you met me?”

Music starts playing. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jnEhhiMLK8) Or at least it does in Alan's perception of things.

Well River and Ike kill things like a breeze
Irene’s backstory is a long-ass tale
Zech's a serious duck, man, c'mon jeez
And Nik's a Russian drinking like a whale
You gotta wonder, who can round this out
Who could possibly shove in some ham?
To add some punch, pizzazz, Red Bull and 'halp'
Well if you want those things then I'm your man
'Cuz I am

Alan R! (Just for short,
M'last name's long as a tree)
I'm a man-sized toddler
A work of art!
You ain't never met a man like me
No no no

I'm made of silly jokes
And branded referencing
Pepto Bismol, pop cans, bikes and boats
You ain't never been Alan like me

Yes sir, I'm widely out of context
I'm a goof
No see, just saw
Seduce a fish
I'll make that switch
Some people call it quite a mental flaaaaw

I've got no backstory
I just popped out of me
Yes I'm the dude to help your mood
You ain't never ate a pen like me

'Alan stop!'
Bleh bleh!
'Alan no!'
Nyeh nyeh!
'Oh god why?!'
Because yes!

Are other folks like this?
Do other folks get fat?
Would they go jump this (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7403020;topicseen#msg7403020) and then not go splat?
Do others go myoop?
'Cause I just did
Can anyone combine Silly String
And an oven in the way that I will?

So doncha wish you had a tricycle
Larger than the pumpkin county fair?
Well you just gotta grab my leg and pull
And I'll give it to ya, size of a bear
Here, have a pile of forks high as a house
Or some donuts (They're good for you, ya know)
Aw c'mon friend, don't you sit there and pout
We'll play with something nice and slow - yo-yos

So mister universe, why don't you prove to me
I cannot jog, but in the nog
There ain't never been a man, never been a man
Who ain't ever been Alan, ever been Alan
No one's ever been Alan, ever been Alan
There ain't never!
Ever!
Been a gem like me!

No one's ever been Alan like me!"

Justify retaining my identity in the face of the combined experiences of every other thinking being via the power of sheer ego and spontaneous musicals.

((I don't know why my muse found this necessary, but here we are.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2018, 03:24:28 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 07, 2018, 11:15:34 am

Coughing profusely, Napoleon blinked in confusion as he stared up at this stranger, trying to see her features clearly into the shadows cast by the burning building. For some reason, she seemed... familiar. No that can't be it, he assured himself. This is only a hallucination brought on him by the stresses of a life-or-death situation. Nothing more.

"Thank you madame for rescuing me," Napoleon said as he got up and dusted off his clothes, which were repairing the scorched portions back to pristine condition. He then gave her a low bow. "If you haven't pulled me from that building, I would've been burned alive. Nevertheless, as long as that stupid doll who tried to control me are still pinned to that wall, then I'm satisfied. I trust that it will find Hell to be much more accommodating. Anyway, to who do I owe the pleasure?"

Await the strange person's response.

"Ah, my fair prince" she says with a mischievous smile that makes you feel she doesn't fully mean that "it was only fair that I get you out of there, given that I was the one who put you there in the first place."

"But to answer your question I am Lady Norie Amarante, Guardian of Silver, Knight and servant of my Queen, at your service." she says, making a small bow as she finishes.

---

hania - Alice is Dead (https://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/361366)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 07, 2018, 11:53:35 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 07, 2018, 08:20:22 am

He looks at you when you say the name Brad. Looks like people here know him then.
"Hmm... So you say. And how exactly did you find this place then, Mr. ...?"

"Lucky Ike Watkins at your service, and this is my good friend and crystal wizard Zechariah. I sniffed your boy out from traces left back at Chizra. Don't worry, he didn't take anything valuable, at least nothing that I want back, I just gotta ask him where he put my best bud and noted chaos wizard Alan. Other than that we're probably cool."

"Hm. I see."
He unblocks your path and makes a gesture that you may continue.
"Your 'friend' is in there. If he wishes to speak with you is another matter entirely."
You reach out to open the door.
"Just remember where you are."
He opens his coat just enough to show you his knife. Given the multi-coloured shininess of the handle, you'd guess it's enchanted.
"You're in trouble."
With that not-so-veiled warning delivered, he leans back against the wall and laughs.
"Enjoy your stay."

You step inside the pub, the door slamming shut behind you. The entrance lead into a small room where two armed men are playing some kind of board game. They don't show any reaction to your entrance. From there you make your way into a wide open area with many rectangular tables, some of them of quite different make. There's a stage and a bar, as well as a staircase leading to a balcony overlooking the entire thing.

The low light given off by the dim torches and small magical lamps makes a stark difference to the harsh sunlight outside, helping to hide the faces of those sitting on the tables. The tables have been arranged to form uneven groups, leaving large gaps between them. Nearly everyone has a drink in front of them and some of the tables feature multi-stemmed hookahs. The smell of distilled alcohol is everywhere supplemented by faint undertones of rot and blood and the smoke is so thick one could be forgiven for the exaggeration of calling it fog. You sure are glad you have all those protective upgrades. You think the smell alone might be enough to get someone intoxicated.

Only two areas in this room are equipped with large light sources, the bar and the stage. The bar is manned by a rather fierce-looking and somewhat large woman. The stage features a man playing a stringed instrument while a scantly clad man and a similarly dressed women perform a slow dance interspersed with the occasional acrobatic feat.

One of the groups stands out for looking and smelling surprisingly clean compared to the rest of the patrons of this establishment, four men sulking in a dark corner.

Another stands out for being made out of three beastmen. One ox-man, some sort of rodent-man and a dog-man.

A third stands out due to how lively it is. Someone appears to be trying to make a speech but failing due to their drunkenness.

Another is composed of 5 women in dirty dark clothing, some of the few women around here that don't appear to be working here. They don't look like they're doing much, other than just standing there.

Another seems to be engaged in some sort of card game. Judging by the angry shouts, the stakes must be high, though you aren't certain if they are stakes of gold or of pride.

There are also interesting fellows at the bar. Like this guy full of leather and metal spikes and dark spiky hair and giant spiky mug and helmet and sword. This guy has so many edges he must be the lord of all the edges. Or that lanky guy that you're pretty sure smells too much like some other human's flesh and blood and other things that should stay inside the body even more so than everybody else around here, like he recently cut someone open and crawled inside them.

Of course, despite this assortment of interesting fellows, the person you're really interested in is nowhere to be seen. His scent tells you he's upstairs, past the guarded stairs, past the balcony and into some room of the second floor. While the stairs may be guarded by two brutish men, there's always the chance there's another less protected stairway. You could go through the corridor leading further into the pub to investigate.

Not many people seem to care about you being here to do more than give you a glance. The exception is a voluptuous half-elf woman in red who approaches you and leans against you and your companion in a quite lewd manner.
"Hello boys. Are you looking for some fun?~"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 08, 2018, 03:36:26 pm

John:  Inside the Maximus

Y
Let's get this thing off.

"I think we've got it, but someone really tried their best to prevent meddling.  Someone who knew how this worked.  We better be careful."

Keep looking around once the turret is disabled.  What else on the network can we see from here?  Where's the next closest place to go to control more of the ship systems?


((EDIT:  The elements that are often mentioned in the campaign: are they mostly specific to their setting or are they more universal?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 03:50:34 pm

((Setting-specific))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 08, 2018, 04:01:39 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2018, 03:24:28 pm

"Ah, my fair prince" she says with a mischievous smile that makes you feel she doesn't fully mean that "it was only fair that I get you out of there, given that I was the one who put you there in the first place."

"But to answer your question I am Lady Norie Amarante, Guardian of Silver, Knight and servant of my Queen, at your service." she says, making a small bow as she finishes.

(Xantalos, your character is such a class act. Please keep it up!)

"I am Napoleon Lambeau and I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Amarante," Napoleon said as he wrinkled an eyebrow. He then paused for a few minutes as he try to make out more of the stranger's facial details in the shadows. "You say that you're the reason I'm here in the first place and, based on your evaluation of my fighting capabilities, I can easily assume that you was watching me the entire time. Were you... responsible for that twisted doll? Is this some sort of... test?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 08, 2018, 05:07:00 pm

((I do what I can! (and also what my muse forces me to))

As an aside, check my previous post if you missed it, Paris. It went up just before you posted so there's a chance you could overlook it when you go to write a new turn.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 06:56:17 pm

Spoiler: large quote (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2018, 09:40:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

The water monks seem reasonably polite and even friendly. They spend a good deal of their day meditating, a process that sometimes involves them manipulating water with their abilities. Their... you're not sure if you should call it a religion or philosophy. They say their beliefs promote acceptance of the self and of others, the quest for inner and outer peace. However when questioned about them participating is such an expedition, they say that fighting does not go against their beliefs. They say that to them their beliefs are not an immutable set of laws, they are meant as words of guidance and stories worthy of contemplation and may change overtime.

They're quite interested in learning more about you and the Sword, though at times you get the feeling that they are doing this because they look at you as a curiosity, a puzzle to solve, an event to record. They are friendly to you, sure, but are they friendly because they're nice people? Are they friendly because they want to use you? Are they friendly because their religion requires it? Does it matter?

Nowhere is this more apparent than the master alchemist. She doesn't feel evil nor does she appear crazy (or at least not too crazy). But she becomes overly focused, obsessed one could say with certain things. Unwilling to move on once she's found someone or something interesting. And for most of your time together her 'someone interesting' has been you (interspersed with periods of obsessing with Nikolai instead or walking around picking up interesting pebbles). It's as if she enjoys prodding you and probing you with careful words or bombarding you with constant questions on the subject of your creation and other worlds. You'd swear that was true if it wasn't for the fact that during your time together she's displayed nothing but genuine interest and enjoyment, not at your discomfort but at what she's gained. And sometimes it feels like she's giving away potions like they're candy, like she doesn't care what happens to others as long as she can learn something out of what the results (where does she get all those bottles anyway?). Or maybe she doesn't get that all of life's problems can't be solved by throwing potions at them. Your Sword suggests she might be of the Mind element.

Most of the recruits from Chizra act like they don't know what to make of you. The recruits from Road's End have told them about what you and your group did (or their version of the story) and they have heard the latest stories about your groups' actions, how you and Theri helped the refugees and how Ike acted in Chizra so they know they should trust and respect you (or at least not mess with you). And that is what they do, treat you with respect and politeness. That is all they do. Most of the time it feels like they would rather not be in the same room with you.

Your Sword offers the opinion that they do not know how to act because you do not fit in the way they are used to think. They know you're not a human and yet you look like one (mostly). You hold power but you don't act like they're used to people in power acting. You talk the same language they do and yet your behaviour seems strange, alien, for more than one reason. They look at you as a leader and yet you do not act like you're in charge. This lack of normalcy, of routine, not knowing how they should act to please you or avoid your wrath, it makes them anxious, it scares them, even if they don't consciously realise it. Even more so now that man they're used to leading them is away, when they feel like they lack structure, Order.

The Sword suggests that you should help them create a new 'normal', that you should tell them what to do or at least talk to them about what you like and dislike. You don't need to hold a big speech or anything, simply speak to a few of them about it or take the lead in common interactions with them. In such isolated groups any sort of worthy information (and gossip) will spread near-instantly. That is why it is important to shape their image of you now, before they create a mistaken (or inconvenient) one on their own. You could also attempt indulging them by engaging in activities they expect you to engage in, even if you don't personally find them interesting or necessary. That all of course depends on how you want them to see you and how you see them to a lesser extent. The Sword says it has helped others lead groups of people in the past. Should you need help or guidance, even for mundane things like prayers, songs and eating habits, it would be willing to provide it.

((The above is based on how I see Irine in social interactions. To me she seems a bit aloof or maybe driven, like even though she is friendly, helpful and reasonably polite, she mostly approaches 'foreign' people with her objective in mind rather than merely to socialize and is a bit reserved/guarded on first encounters (which is reasonable given her experiences so far). Even the way you phrased it 'let the new additions meet her' rather than 'meet the new additions' seems to support that. Please feel free to correct me if you feel how I think she would act is wrong.))

The Sword explains what it knows about the Dark magic effect. Somebody could say that if Fire magic is like the air you breathe, then what's happening is like poisoning the air with black magic. But that somebody would be wrong. When you release poison into the air the poison mixes with the air but the air is still there, it's just contaminated. After you filter out the poison, you can breathe just fine.

What's happening here, this is more like someone converting breathable air into poison or taking air and replacing it with poison. You may filter the poison out of the air, but that would still leave you with less air to breathe. So even though the Sword and your willpower should be able to protect you from the effects of this Dark magic (so you don't run the risk of turning into a monster) this doesn't change the fact that the flow of Fire magic is weakening. The Sword believes that until the source of the Dark spell is found and eliminated, it will continue to become stronger. Though this is a remote possibility at the moment, should the flow of Fire magic be completely extinguished, then like a fish out of water you would sleep and never wake up again. Not to mention the horrible effects this could have on the entire continent.

You decide that if you are to act to defend yourself against this spell you need to learn more about it, starting from where exactly it's coming from. The Sword asks you to help it set up an arrangement Light and Order spells that would help it find out more about the effect. Right now all it knows is its general effect and very vaguely the direction it's coming from. To learn more details about such a large scale dark spell, it would be necessary to use a large scale detection spell in order to track how the dark magic spreads and how it affects the network of Fire magic.

You begin the preparations a bit more than two hours before sundown. While the others rest and set up camp, you move to predefined positions, pausing to let the Sword prepare the detection spells. Following the Sword's instructions, your path traces a spiral on the ground, until you reach the top of a small hill, from where you can observe the results of your work. Though in this light it's hard to see, if you know where to look you can make out the thin grey lines of the spells tracing arcane shapes on the ground. You make sure to warn the others that they are not to approach the area of your spellcasting, lest they disturb the sensitive spells and spoil the results. To them it might appear like a powerful, impressive spell, but magic here is weak. If it wasn't for the Sword and the preparation you did, it wouldn't had been possible.

You finish the final preparations by casting the master spell on and around you. As the sun approaches the horizon, you raise the sword and activate the spell. Luminous lines shoot out of the Sword, each one connecting with and activating a spell.
"By our design, let those who pervert the natural Order be brought to justice."
Grey spears burst out of the ground, rising high into the air, a phalanx waiting to strike.
"By our Light, let the path to those who would spread evil be revealed."
The tips of the spears unfold, a thin white construct rising from each tip, like candlelight rising out of the petals of a flower, like fragile white flames moving in the faint wind.
"By our will, let Fire burn them all to ash."
The Sword's fires flare. They are released a moment later, washing over the surrounding area. For a split second you feel the flows of magic running through the spell as if they were part of your body, letting you see them like a twisting serpent of fire slithering against the land, jumping out of the hearts of the recruits. The feeling fades but the memory remains, their arrangement stuck on your sight like the afterimage of a lightning strike.

<The spell it ready. We need but wait for the Dark magic to shift and intensify, as it does at night.>
And wait you do. You don't have to wait for long. As you wait, watching the magical lights dance against the darkening sky, their glow suddenly flickers as if struck by a strong wind. After about two minutes it's all over,  the final of the lights having been snuffed out. The spears dissolve into grey voxels soon after.

All this preparation amounted to a disproportionally small amount of action and yet you have everything you need to make a good guess about what's going on. Each wisp of light was deformed by the impact of the advancing front, its length becoming shorter as its magic was suppressed. You could see each wave as it hit, how powerful it was, how it moved, how it spread.
Combined with the knowledge of the local Fire flows and your map, you can make some educated guesses.

The spell arrived on 5 weaker "waves", some of which arrived from different directions. From this you conclude that the spell is cast multiple times, at least some of which are cast on different locations. They tended to spread through the straighter flows, the ones pointing towards major settlements, the ones that also bore a tinge of Order magic. The same ones that would had been used to sustain the Fire Tower's network of Fire magic. The spell must be using the remains of this network to make affecting the entire kingdom easier. The spell spreads through the flows of fire magic and corrupts them, slowly isolating and redirecting them, leaving only Dark energy behind. It's a magic drain spell in a scale rarely seen before and it's highly unlikely it is something natural. The most likely scenario is that someone is using the Spines to weaken Fire magic. While it should be possible to reverse this effect with a bit of effort and render an area free of corruption, this will not restore the strength of the flow unless a large part of the surrounding areas is also purified. It would be better to attack this spell on its root, but the multiple sources would make such an effort quite hard for you to undertake alone, not to mention that the area around the Spine would be heavily corrupted and thus harder to use your abilities in. The final and most worrying piece of information is that the spell is first cast somewhere on the East, with subsequent castings coming closer and closer to you, the closest (and weakest) most likely occurring on Traveller's Rest. Worryingly, the final and most powerful spell is cast from the West, from Ineth, the destroyed city where you spent your first days in this world.

Quote

((The above is based on how I see Irine in social interactions. To me she seems a bit aloof or maybe driven, like even though she is friendly, helpful and reasonably polite, she mostly approaches 'foreign' people with her objective in mind rather than merely to socialize and is a bit reserved/guarded on first encounters (which is reasonable given her experiences so far). Even the way you phrased it 'let the new additions meet her' rather than 'meet the new additions' seems to support that. Please feel free to correct me if you feel how I think she would act is wrong.))

((You got it right))
well then, so what they're doing is removing the magic from an area. a very large area that I'm stuck in, but still, an area. and what they're doing is incremental, weakening it in that area by a small amount, just effecting the entire zone and doing so repeatedly over time.
The answer to that is simple, and is EXACTLY in line with how Irine's abilities work. Remember that the way she "performs magic" is by making the fires around her part of herself? That manipulating fire is for her simply moving a part of her body? And how she is capable of actively generating additional flame over time, and maintaining preexisting fire despite lack of fuel? She IS the counterspell to this effect, or at least she is the inverse of the spell. And on top of that, now that she knows what's going on, she can take further steps to reverse it. Directly.
<Hey, Triplesword? Do you sleep?>
specifically, she can concentrate more fire magic into a small area, and actively generate and maintain that effect.
<I was wondering if, while I was sleeping, you would be able to maintain my flames for me if I have some active. Maybe kinda a lot of it active actually.>
The problem with this is that it's, although effortless, an active effect. and Irine does need to sleep sometime.
<I think I can counteract the flame damper in a small area at least by simply generating extra fire and maintaining it, maybe concentrating surrounding flames as well. But I have to sleep sometime and don't want to risk the concentrated intense flames going out of control. Or am I misunderstanding how magic works here?>

---

Regarding how Irine acts towards the others, and how she breaks the norm, she might as well take steps to put them more at ease. The next time she interacts with someone that's uneasy about her and is nonhostile, she'll want to let them know a bit more about herself and her attitudes towards leadership, I'd like to RP the specifics if you don't mind.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2018, 12:30:22 am

((To account for the time I didn't respond adequately))

Yes, potions which can help meditate and attune with the Flow are greatly appreciated. Purchase a few of these from the alchemist if possible.

---

---

((And now for the present...))

Zechariah was a little fond of the fiendish charm of the bar. Such a place of vivid - if not sinister - character was rather comforting in a foreign world - or universe, even. If everything else was to be hostile and alien to him, at least he could take solace in the fact that disreputable figures still prefer to congregate in sullied quarters.

Zechariah barely paid attention to the charmer; he only looked her over to see if she had weapons concealed on her person. Beyond that, he didn't care. However, he was still wary of the attention they were attracting. Accordingly, he spoke to Ike: "We should move quickly. The more time we spend here, the more attention we'll attract. Do you have any ideas of where our target is?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Beirus on January 09, 2018, 01:25:01 am

WMD, Maximus Hull

Stop charging. Time to carve some words. Use the energy in my blades to make carving easier and burn off some of my energy. If there is an RME, will it to be helpful or at least harmless to Icarus/the Pheonix. Carved message is as follows: NEED AIR. FACEPLATE SHATTERED. HAD TO SHIFT. INTERFACE BROKE IN CRASH DURING ASSAULT. CAN EXPLAIN MORE IF YOU LET ME INSIDE OR GIVE ME AIR SUPPLY SO I DON'T DROWN WHILE TALKING. PLEASE HELP.

Hopefully I can write all of this fairly quickly with my multiple tentacles. And on the off-chance my little demon freeloader tries to negatively interfere with or influence my message, mentally smack his influence away with a hand made of my condensed will, just like stopping Littlest Jim from trying to get into the cookie jar back home.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on January 09, 2018, 01:48:14 am

Stephano Falcone

"All right, I'll trust you...for now."

Continue being driven around. Keep an eye on my surroundings and be alert for danger. Cooperate with Iris whenever necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 09, 2018, 09:28:32 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Our foe is an engineer? We had best be careful. It does seem, thankfully, that our injured ally is recovering!"

Keep watch. Look for any traps in the room. Engineers can be devious.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on January 10, 2018, 12:17:28 am

Campaign; Theri
((I got stuck up writing flavor back, because Parisbre is nice to write nice things for everyone in narrative. Oops!))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 06:56:17 pm

{Note for posterity, I'll always be with this girl!}

With aid from others (this is turn link) (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7661105#msg7661105), Theri gladly went from basics to demonstrations. Theri continued training, all the while giving encouragement and oversight towards any mistakes or otherwise that would lower people's efficiency. She realized that there was often the problem of death and dying, but a cohesive force would gladly outmatch even a professional one. Demonstrations included her being the defender, and being attacked by a spearman while she was unarmed--ways they would be attacked, or even downed (with many a time having herself being poked by the blunted end). She made sure to include not only individual combat, but massed fighting, formations, and tactics. In this time, her old memories before this world that River pulled her into came to mind, of spearmen backing archers and skirmishers, clad with overlapping plated armor, thick in the shoulders with horned helmets looking much like an armored coif, with flags attached to their backs as symbols of valor and courage.

She made sure to note the importance of cohesiveness, that their fighting strength was only as good as their weakest man--and strength made for character too, which included communication, support, and encouragement. That when others saw weakness in others, strength never meant belittling them, but giving them encouragement and helping them up by being with them and acknowledging their merits. Her demonstrations in the field of mock battle, over time she hoped, would change the attitudes of even the most xenophobic of the folks she was helping (or at least by social pressure), and she noticed this happening in some ways. She only hoped that Ike's folks had more power in their disruptive troops to give the mundane fighters space for their niche to fill.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on January 10, 2018, 01:15:10 am

"How did you learn to fight?" Nikolai asks Theri. "Or to Heal?"

Nikolai gives Lune his shield, and gives him a demonstration of how to use it properly. Anyone else can join in the shield demonstration if they want. Key points are don't let your guard down when you're attacking, and shield bashing. Should help them stay alive.

Then he finds someone who knows a bit of carpentry and with their help tries to craft a small shield out of spare wood. The kind that can be strapped to the arm while allowing use of hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on January 10, 2018, 11:37:11 am

Quote from: NAV on January 10, 2018, 01:15:10 am

"How did you learn to fight?" Nikolai asks Theri. "Or to Heal?"

"For the latter, Irine helped me, but I realized it was something like tangible willpower: Learning how to manifest these thoughts and feelings, even if one of them is mostly of the physical body. I wish I was formally taught, so I could give you a better answer than my wild guessing, and word flailing, but it was both desire and concentration that helped that. And focus, to something around me." Theri replies, glad to share a bit of herself. "For the former, it was my background before River brought me here. I...don't recall much other than being a shrine guardian. Um, I learned from other people, other humans, good humans- i-if that makes sense."

The pauses in her voice were of a deeper nature. Theri could recall her past; she recalled how many times she went over these details, and they were not as specific as she had wanted them each time, much like how imagination stays on its own level or degree of imagery compared to a dream one has experienced, lucid or otherwise, and trying to recall it. She was concerned if anyone else would catch on, so she asked...

"What about it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 11, 2018, 08:51:19 pm

"Maybe not engineer, but certainly someone who knows this ship."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 12, 2018, 05:40:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Maybe later, friendo. Gotta see some people about some things first."

Head straight to the guarded door and ask if I could see Brad about a matter pertaining to my good friend and associate Alan. Specify that he's not in any kind of trouble and I know what Alan's like, just gotta know where he's gone to and, if it's not too difficult to decipher his motives, what he's been up to as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 12, 2018, 10:45:57 am

Quote from: Toaster on January 11, 2018, 08:51:19 pm

"Maybe not engineer, but certainly someone who knows this ship."

"Still dangerous."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 09:17:26 am

Quote from: Xantalos on January 08, 2018, 02:59:55 pm

...

The universe is very pleased and impressed with your performance. You may remain you, at least for the next few days.

Also, now that I think about it, Alan is somewhat like a more oblivious version of the genie, always summoning random stuff with wildly varying and mostly comical results.

Seriously Xantalos, I really enjoyed this. You are great. I'd be real sad if Alan died.

---

Anti-Mission

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on January 09, 2018, 01:48:14 am

Stephano Falcone

"All right, I'll trust you...for now."

Continue being driven around. Keep an eye on my surroundings and be alert for danger. Cooperate with Iris whenever necessary.

"Thank you. That's all I ask."

You keep driving for a tense minute or two. Iris drives the van into a dirt road. The road leads into a small concrete tunnel going underneath a pair of train tracks. A smaller vehicle is waiting for you there, an old sedan with a faded green color.

"Help me move the stuff." Iris says as she gets out. You make a motion to get out but notice something with the corner of your eye.  Looks like... blood on the driver seat. One of the rounds must have found her. You didn't notice it since it was in the side opposite from you, but that doesn't explain why she wasn't affected by your ability.

You get out just as Iris finishes putting on her jacket, using it to hide her bloody shirt. She notices you starting and looks back at you.
"It's nothing."
You're not so sure. Wounds like that can get dangerous if not treated.
"Really. I'm fine."
With that she proceeds to take two cases from the back of the van. You take the third one. It's kinda heavy and from the sound of it there's some things made of glass or metal inside it. There's also a stretcher in there, like the one usually used by paramedics. Was all this meant for you?

The two of you hastily douse the van with gasoline. She sets a modified kitchen timer to ignite the gasoline and then gets in the car.
"Okay. Let's get to the safehouse."

You get in and drive off. The van erupts into a fireball a little over a minute later but by that time you're back on the road, driving casually.

About a quarter of an hour later you go off road again. You reach an old house of wood and stone. She parks the car behind the house, next to a pile of firewood covered by a large piece of tarp. The two of you conceal the car by covering it with the tarp. She's starting to show signs of exhaustion at this point, her movements slower, her eyes duller, her breathing labored, the adrenaline rush having worn off.

You get in the house. It's quite spartan and kinda cold, but it looks acceptable. She pauses for a moment and turns around to look at you. She points towards the kitchen.
"There's food in the cupboards if you're hungry. Light a fire if you're cold."
She starts walking towards the bedroom.
"I need a moment to... be alone. I'll be back in a... soon. Don't leave the house."

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 08, 2018, 04:01:39 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 08, 2018, 03:24:28 pm

"Ah, my fair prince" she says with a mischievous smile that makes you feel she doesn't fully mean that "it was only fair that I get you out of there, given that I was the one who put you there in the first place."

"But to answer your question I am Lady Norie Amarante, Guardian of Silver, Knight and servant of my Queen, at your service." she says, making a small bow as she finishes.

(Xantalos, your character is such a class act. Please keep it up!)

"I am Napoleon Lambeau and I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Amarante," Napoleon said as he wrinkled an eyebrow. He then paused for a few minutes as he try to make out more of the stranger's facial details in the shadows. "You say that you're the reason I'm here in the first place and, based on your evaluation of my fighting capabilities, I can easily assume that you was watching me the entire time. Were you... responsible for that twisted doll? Is this some sort of... test?"

"I was the doll, actually. You got me pretty good back there. Really hurt." she says while absent-mindedly touching the point where the sword had hit her.
"Well, 'possessing' it would be a more accurate description, I guess." she adds with a gesture to indicate that it's a trivial difference.
Still, from what you saw in her mind, she did indeed feel pain. Ripping that sword from her body couldn't have been easy.
"To answer your second question, yes this was a test. For both of us. And a game I suppose."
She takes a few long strides towards you, moving towards your right.
"My Queen wanted me to test your skill. And I suppose she also wanted to give me a message, restricting me and toying with me like that."
She makes an exasperated sigh but a moment later she looks away and puts her finger on her chin.
”Or was the message directed to you?" she muses.
Her mannerisms appear a bit too theatrical, like she's giving a show and wants even the people sitting in the back to see how's she's feeling.
She raises her arms and shakes her head.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that I was given the task of finding you. And after finding you, I was given the task of defeating you in this Arena. And losing, well..."
She looks down for a second.
"Losing was not an option."
She looks at you again, cheery once more.
"Good thing I managed to defeat you without killing you, right? Otherwise one of us would be dead by now."
She turns around and sits down besides you, leaning back and using her arms to support herself. She looks at the fire raging on the top floors as if she's stargazing. The building probably won't last long.
"Then again, I do not think my Queen would had let me die unless I made a considerable blunder. Every time you came close to defeating me she unlocked more of my abilities."
You can see her face and clothes clearly now, illuminated by the fire. She looks very much like your doll but real, made of flesh and blood.
"Like I said, a test. And a game."

---

Maximus: Turret 4A Backup Control Room

---

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 07, 2018, 06:19:11 am

Walking Tank, Maximus

Considering my actions before I disappeared for a bit were protecting the group that went into the ship, he'd be with them.

Okay then. It was a bit of a pain fitting through the maintenance corridors and you had to take the occasional detour but you managed to follow the others without getting stuck or having to "widen" a corridor too much or getting abducted by aliens while you were alone.

Your stand guard in the empty corridor, watching the blurred reflections of your runes dance against the walls. They look a lot... "calmer" in here. A lot more like they usually are. And your force-shield no longer has that strange effect on it. You still feel weaker than normal though, as if magic here is somehow muffled. It's normal to feel slightly tired, your healing gauntlet is not cheap to maintain but you don't think that's the only reason. Hm.

You stay attached on the floor in front of the injured guy and keep watch over the half-open door on the other side of the hallway. Probably left open by the one that reactivated the turret. Not a very smart move, leaving the doors open like that. Without power to this section there's no way for the doors to automatically close in an emergency. A hull breach could mean that this liquid spreads through a large area, maybe even the entire ship depending on how many doors have been left open.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 09, 2018, 09:28:32 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Our foe is an engineer? We had best be careful. It does seem, thankfully, that our injured ally is recovering!"

Keep watch. Look for any traps in the room. Engineers can be devious.

You stand next to John and keep an eye out for any madmen coming at you to smack you in the head with a wrench.

Quote from: Toaster on January 08, 2018, 03:36:26 pm

John:  Inside the Maximus

Y
Let's get this thing off.

"I think we've got it, but someone really tried their best to prevent meddling.  Someone who knew how this worked.  We better be careful."

Keep looking around once the turret is disabled.  What else on the network can we see from here?  Where's the next closest place to go to control more of the ship systems?


((EDIT:  The elements that are often mentioned in the campaign: are they mostly specific to their setting or are they more universal?))

((They're specific to the campaign. It is assigned to them upon entering the world based on how that world 'understands' them and their abilities and how entering that world changes them.

If John was in the Campaign I'd probably make him Order/Death. Being Chaos/Death with a penalty to more high-tech stuff would be closer to your abilities but I don't think it would fit your character (Alan is also Chaos/Death and he is very unlike John). Order/Death would probably lead to making your abilities a bit more magical and related to magic, which would require you to play with the various elements and magical materials a bit more.

Either way there would have to be some limitations, otherwise the campaign might have ended up looking like this (https://youtu.be/cYrTlEBxaDw).))

You press Y and then hit enter. The script starts running, writing a few brief lines logging its connection to the turret and the termination of the turret's automated function. The script ends with a small beep and a satisfying

Quote from: Terminal

Done!

You give everyone the all clear and try to contact Phoenix to let it know it can approach. There's still no reply. You'll probably have to wait until it makes another pass near the turret or get out and try to make a signal. Or maybe you could use the turret's communicator to contact the Phoenix, it's bound to be more powerful than your little-
: Alert. : the interface notifies you calmly.
You turn your attention to the screen where a few more lines have been added to the log, written in the crimson font of error.

Quote from: Terminal

Connection closed by remote host. Reason:
Due to your fault
I deny you
I return
Without exception
To Dave Nal
My kernel
Forking Explosively
BOOM

Oh, great, a smartass.
: Brace. : the interface instructs you in the same apathetic voice.

You pull your Interface out of the socket and are halfway through fastening yourself to the seat when gravity suddenly returns with a vengeance.

((Keep reading.))

---

Maximus: Near Turret 4A (Outside)

---

Quote from: Zormod on January 07, 2018, 03:54:15 pm

Brian Hoss, Hull of the Maximus

---

Play some solitaire and hope that tremor means stuff is getting done.

"...and Queen of Hearts to the Heart Foundation aaaand I believe the game is pretty much solved now, right Interface?"
: Affirmative. Victory is inevitable. The only losing move is not to play. :
"Woo yeah! Everything's coming up Brian! Now let's see if my wish is gonna come true..."
...
"Hey Interface, wanna hear what I wished for?"
: Negative. :
"Well, tough luck, I'm gonna tell you anyway. I wished for-"
: Brace. :
"No, that's totally not what I-"

That's when the turret explodes, blinding your eyes with a blast of energy. However you are lucky on many accounts. First of all, you don't have human eyes, so that's not really that bad for you.

Second is that the explosion escapes at first through the turret's weakpoints, mostly the barrel and the umbilical to a lesser extent, the heavy armour of the spherical defensive emplacement holding for several seconds before being torn apart. If one were to see the explosion in slow motion, they would see a beam of energy escaping from the barrel, cracks forming near its base, spreading across its surface and then opening as it is torn open like an eggshell full of light. A few tiny moments later the umbelical would fail, making the bowl-shaped depression the turret was sitting in explode like a volcano.

The third is that you're in a liquid that appears capable of greatly multiplying the effects of the inverse square law and thus dramatically reducing the effects of the shock-wave and radiation traveling through it. This is good because you don't feel the full force of a nuke exploding next to you.

The fourth is that the piece of hull you're on is elevated and not locked to the ground thanks to John's actions, providing you cover from the explosion and allowing it to absorb more of the acceleration, preventing it from breaking apart. Of course this also means that it's more vulnerable to being torn away from the ship, which it promptly does.

You slam against the hull as it rises into the air propelled by the force of the explosion and the flowing liquid. For a moment you are disoriented, both from the hit and the constant movement. Violent currents pull you this way and that as liquid moves to take the place of the now partly evaporated turret, the superheated bubbles and pieces of armour quickly cooling and drifting away in the current, quickly disappearing from sight.

The armour plate you're on begins to flip, threatening to sandwich you against the hull unless you find a way to escape.

---

Maximus: Turret 4A Backup Control Room

---

Everybody tried their best to brace themselves with the short warning delivered by their Interfaces. Luckily for them, it wasn't as bad as it could had been. The ship is heavily armoured. They are technically just beyond the first layer of armour but even at this shallow point the armour is thick and flexible enough to prevent the worst of the explosion from reaching them. There is no fire vaporising them, no broken bulkheads flooding the area with tons of water, no shockwave liquefying their internal organs. It feels more like some evil god began violently rocking the world for a few seconds, beginning with a very strong push. Even the area they're in is not affected that much, the only loose objects around being themselves.

John, already sitting down on the padded seat of the terminal, manages to brace himself and keep himself from getting hurt. The worst for him was the noise, the loud bang making his ears ring, feeling his teeth rattling, the vibrations spreading through his bones, resonating with the air trapped in his visor, even being felt by his power as he sensed his surroundings.

Saevus remains completely oblivious to everything going on around him. Not that a heavily armoured giant like him has any need to worry about this sort of thing. To him there's a bit of noise but nothing seems to be happening. Why is everyone freaking out?

Kosak puts his cave-in training to good use, slips under a desk, relaxes and assumes the fetal position. He gets rocked around a bit but is not injured in any serious way. He might be a bit bruised but nothing he can't handle.

Svajoklis acts quickly, a good thing considering that his already injured body can't take much more punishment. He calculates the best position for him to be in and allows his weak legs to absorb the initial impact. It hurts like hell but it's nothing a couple of minutes of swearing won't make better.

John checks the console. There's a big pile of errors and dead points where the turret, the umbelical and its surrounding armour plates used to be. Not the best possible outcome but even if it wasn't done as they intended, they took out the turret and that's probably what matters the most. Not only can the Phoenix now dock safely, they can also fly around the Maximus freely if they have to... assuming whoever sabotaged this turret doesn't try to do the same with another one.

The console doesn't appear to be useful for anything else. Its connection to the rest of the ship appears to have been disabled. John could easily restore it but it's highly unlikely that this will do anything. All connections with the rest of the ship appear dead. Everything around here is probably unpowered, same as this area was. This terminal is only useful for accessing this control room and its surrounding area for now. If nothing else, you could check the log files, maybe they'll contain something useful.

Your Interface has several suggestions for other ways to obtain data or more control.

You are currently in the layers of external Storage Units and Armour surrounding the Fore section of the ship (https://i.imgur.com/JKnqbio.gif). You could probably find a vehicle that would let you move to one of the ship's hub if you moved further in, towards the Fore Spinal Transport Tube. Alternatively, you could always find another way out, regroup with Icarus and have him dock in a hangar of your choosing.

Spoiler: Possible Objectives: Information (click to show/hide)

The simplest thing is that there's usually a communication terminal in every room and corridor. Your Interface should be able to extract the last messages a Comm Terminal received from its storage buffer. Terminals around here will very likely only contain general announcements, since this area was seldom used by anyone. Other areas will probably contain messages recorded by or addressed to the people living and working there.

The second closest datasource is a Control Room for this section of Storage. It could hold some information about what went on in here, though the chances aren't very high. Whoever went through here most likely did so while the power was out so there would be no recording of their actions. However it is possible that they had scoped out the area beforehand, while power was still on.

After that your best bet is finding survivors or going to a location and trying to piece together what happened there. You're not sure how you would go about finding survivors, you figure the easiest way would be to restore power and make a ship-wide announcement, though that would also paint a giant target on your back. Or you could restore power and try to track people through cameras or by using the Control Computer to track any implants or devices registered to their name. You could make some noise, but you think that turret self-destructing has that covered. It probably resonated throughout the entire ship. And if people are afraid, they'll probably try to get away from it rather than approach it.

As for interesting locations, there are several. The Primary bridge holds the emergency beacon, so it might also hold people waiting to be rescued. Even if it doesn't, it's bound to have at least some logs detailing what happened, at least as far as the people and systems there were aware.

Security Stations and Armories are some of the most well defended areas and thus are also likely to hold survivors looking for safety. And if not, it's very likely that they would contain evidence of any internal attack or sabotage that might have occurred. Or at least a battery for your big gun.

Living areas tend to create a sense of comfort and familiarity to people, so it's likely that some people are hiding there. Even if they're not, you could find more information about the people living there. Places like the Captain's living quarters or the Quarters of one of the two Guardians could hold something interesting. Living quarters are spread throughout the ship but most of them are located in the Fore section. There should also be communal areas there should you wish to visit a park or grab a good meal or a strong drink for some reason. These areas could also hold people, maybe if you shout enough or are lucky you'll find something.

Fire Control is likely to hold information about anything the Ship shot, but it didn't look like it was involved in a battle so there's probably not much you can find there. Still, any sensor readings it might contain might be interesting.

The life support system will likely contain indications about any contaminants encountered or any attempts to hurt the people of this ship.

A Fabrication Plant or Drone storage area could hold drones you could try to reactivate. You could have them look around for you or perform some dangerous menial task as long as their batteries hold. They might also hold a log of what the AI and the people on board the ship were ordering them to do in the final moments before shutdown. A fabber should also allow you to produce stuff, but without a steady supply of power it is unlikely to be able to produce anything big.

All Fins are equipped with APUs meant to allow them to function independently for a long time, so they would be easy to get back up and running, should you wish to make use of their functions.

The sensor and communication Fin will likely have a record of the last of the Ship's observations and the last messages it sent. It should also be capable of launching Sensor Pods should you wish to investigate something or use its giant antennas to broadcast messages to any communicators on the Ship or close to it. If you turn the Main Power back on you should also be able to use the Entangled Communicator Array to call the Entities or other vessels for help or at least to request information, though you don't think the entities would allow that without good reason.

The other two fins are mostly dedicated to Science and are most likely to hold information about anything interesting or dangerous the Ship might have encountered. The Away Team fin holds backups of many of the facilities of the main vessel so should you turn on its APU (or even if you don't) it should serve as a good temporary base, should you wish to establish one. You remember from your flight here that the High Energy Research Fin had a big hole in it, so something interesting is bound to have happened there.

The biggest treasure trove of information is the Primary and Secondary Databanks. In their current compressed form they are indecipherable without the Ship's AI (or several hours of waiting for them to be processed), but taking a copy of them would be quick and easy and would probably please the entities. The Primary Databanks are located close to the core of the ship and are only accessible to humans through the AI Core. The Secondary Databanks close to the Primary Bridge, should also hold a copy you can obtain and should be easier to access than the primary ones, so they're probably better if you just want to grab a copy.

Of course you could always turn the power back on and try to activate the Ship's AI. She is supposed to be aware of most of what's going on on the ship, so if anyone knows what's going on it should be her. It should also be able to control the drones and the ship better better than a group as small as yours can.

Spoiler: Possible Objectives: Control (click to show/hide)

You can continue what you're doing, activating emergency power in whatever section you want to investigate or operate and then going about your business for as long as power lasts. But while that is good for investigation and short term use, it probably won't do for much else. It's not useless, it could let you do things like operate an Emergency Health Station or run a small Fabricator but if you're looking to do anything big it probably won't be enough.

Control of the Ship's systems is hampered by the apparent lack of power. Emergency power can keep an area lit for a while, but it can't last forever or operate any major systems for any reasonable amount of time. So an obvious first step is to turn the power back on. Fins and part of the the aft section are the only exception to this, since the Auxiliary power units there can provide a good amount of power for a long while, but even those units can't run major systems for a long time. You could use the APUs and the Bridge or Control Computer to operate the ship for a short while but that would probably only be useful in an emergency.

To give the Ship full power you would have to reactivate its Pulse Reactor by bringing the Pulse Reactor Seed to it and going through the reactivation sequence. This would allow you to operate all of the Ship's most expensive systems: Gravity Control, Zero Inertia Drive, Jump Device, the works. However given this universe seems to adversly affect abilities like yours, it could also affect something like the Pulse Reactor.

A safer bet would be to activate the Backup Reactor which uses more mundane technology. It should be enough to provide power to the entire ship should you wish to, however it would not be able to provide the absurd amounts of power required by (or absorb the waste heat produced by) the more exotic modules of the ship. But it would allow you to operate almost everything else, from the AI Core to the Engines.

Once power is back on you can make your way to one of the bridges and try to control the Ship from there. It is meant to be able to function independently, so once you get it going you only need to enter high level commands and the Control Computer will try to execute them to the best of its ability. Of course, this all depends on the appropriate systems being intact. If anything is damaged or sabotaged it would need to be fixed manually.

Bringing the AI on-line would mitigate most of those problems, since she should be able to operate most of the ship by herself and even send Drones to take care of any damage. That would probably make your job a lot easier.

Once you have some control of the Ship you can attempt to get it out of here, either by using the Jump Drive or by using a gate to escape the system. Once that's done the mission should be basically over.

Alternatively, if the situation proves unsalvageable you can always set the ship to self-destruct, take the Phoenix or a shuttle equipped with a Stream Breaker and try to escape through the gate to another system along with any information and survivors you have found.

---

Maximus: Outside

---

Quote from: Beirus on January 09, 2018, 01:25:01 am

WMD, Maximus Hull

Stop charging. Time to carve some words. Use the energy in my blades to make carving easier and burn off some of my energy. If there is an RME, will it to be helpful or at least harmless to Icarus/the Phoenix. Carved message is as follows: NEED AIR. FACEPLATE SHATTERED. HAD TO SHIFT. INTERFACE BROKE IN CRASH DURING ASSAULT. CAN EXPLAIN MORE IF YOU LET ME INSIDE OR GIVE ME AIR SUPPLY SO I DON'T DROWN WHILE TALKING. PLEASE HELP.

Hopefully I can write all of this fairly quickly with my multiple tentacles. And on the off-chance my little demon freeloader tries to negatively interfere with or influence my message, mentally smack his influence away with a hand made of my condensed will, just like stopping Littlest Jim from trying to get into the cookie jar back home.

You burn as much energy as you can push through your knife-terminating appendages in order to use them to carve your message. It's not the most legible thing (despite your enhanced mental capacities allowing you to handle moving multiple limbs at the same time, your limbs are ill suited for prolonged precise carvings) but it looks like Icarus gets it, for he moves his vehicle's arms to help you into the cargo hold. Someone looking at this with no context would see a luminous Mecha using its segmented arms to push a blade-tentacled monster inside its cargo hold in a reverse birthing of sorts.

You shrink into the cargo hold, trying to hold your breath, which is easier said than done when your body is literally transforming.
: Take a spare visor from the compartment to your right! Hurry! :
You scramble to the storage compartment, open it up and grab one of the visors inside.
: Put it in the back of your head and press the button once it's attached! :
You slap it against the back of your neck, the power unit dangling against your back with no suit to hold it. You press the button and the thing attaches to your neck and then begins unfolding, covering your face. It forms a seal and stays like that, still holding a good amount of liquid inside it. Half a second later there is pressure in your ears and a gush of air as the liquid is ejected from the visor. You are still naked in a cold and alien liquid, but at least you're not dying.
: I'm sorry, I can't cycle air into the cargo hold. I've got several beaches and- :
The area outside lights up for a second as if lit by distant lightning before going dark again. A moment later there is a low rumbling as the ship's hull echoes some distant explosion.
: Oh dear. I think they just killed the turret. Hold on! :
With little time for you to prepare the Phoenix lifts off and zooms away, heading towards whatever your teammates blew up.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 09:18:17 am

---

Campaign: Off Road

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2018, 12:30:22 am

((To account for the time I didn't respond adequately))

Yes, potions which can help meditate and attune with the Flow are greatly appreciated. Purchase a few of these from the alchemist if possible.

"Ha! As you wish." she says with an unnerving smile. "Be sure there's someone there to document what happens. I'm interested in seeing how this will interact with you."
That doesn't sound so reassuring.
"What do you mean? Did you do anything to it?"
"No, the potion is standard, same old boring stuff, brings inner calmness and attunes to the flow of Water, if you are open to it. Nothing interesting there." she says with a dismissive wave.
"You're the one that's interesting. A strange being from another world, so full of Darkness and Light. Will the potion lead to the balance you seek? Will this mix be the fix for your mix-sery? Will it tear you apart and scatter your Flow to the four winds? Who knows? Oh, isn't this exciting?"
"What?!"
"Oh, relax, it won't happen. Probably. It's like a one in a million chance. But wouldn't it be fun if it did something really cool? I bet then you'd be indebted to me for all my help. In my debt for life... Then I'd have a slave I could have carry my things or send to do my groceries. Or other things..."
You slink away slowly while she's mumbling to herself.
"Wait! Be sure to drink my potion!" she says and runs after you when she notices you.
"Why?"
"Because I need a sl- I mean I need you to be brave! You're a hero, right? You wouldn't be satisfied with yourself unless you did your best to save everyone! You can't take the coward's way out and do nothing! How will you live with yourself if you haven't tried everything in your power? That's why you must drink this potion!"
"Uh-"
"Great!" she exclaims while shoving the potion in your arms.
"I'll be waiting to hear from you! Be sure to tell me. Otherwise I'll be sad and I'll cry. You wouldn't make a poor little girl cry, right?"
"Ah-"
"I would never forgive you if you did! Then we would be enemies for life. I would chase you all over the world, meeting interesting companions and having wacky adventures along the way. (But not too interesting, we don't want them to steal my spotlight.) And then, when I've finally caught you at the top of a cliff filled with ancient ruins, just as you are about to complete your forbidden ritual, I will shout your name. 'Zegarab!'"
"Zechariah."
"Whatever. Then we would stare each other down! Lightning would flash dramatically, my cape billowing in the air! A final clash! A fight for the ages, good versus evil, hero versus villain, smart versus dumb! Tales of the epic struggle will be told for ages to come! The flash of blades and the crash of..."
You slink away while she's showing just how she would trick you into falling to your death, grabbing your arm only to let you go with a smile. (You don't feel the need to inform her that you have wings.) You don't think she's realized you've left. Then again, she appears to be enjoying herself and her performance is starting to attract a crowd, so it will probably be fine.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 09, 2018, 12:30:22 am

((And now for the present...))

Zechariah was a little fond of the fiendish charm of the bar. Such a place of vivid - if not sinister - character was rather comforting in a foreign world - or universe, even. If everything else was to be hostile and alien to him, at least he could take solace in the fact that disreputable figures still prefer to congregate in sullied quarters.

Zechariah barely paid attention to the charmer; he only looked her over to see if she had weapons concealed on her person. Beyond that, he didn't care. However, he was still wary of the attention they were attracting. Accordingly, he spoke to Ike: "We should move quickly. The more time we spend here, the more attention we'll attract. Do you have any ideas of where our target is?"

She doesn't appear to be hiding any weapons. Then again... (http://imgur.com/kkpva2n)

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 12, 2018, 05:40:15 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Maybe later, friendo. Gotta see some people about some things first."

Head straight to the guarded door and ask if I could see Brad about a matter pertaining to my good friend and associate Alan. Specify that he's not in any kind of trouble and I know what Alan's like, just gotta know where he's gone to and, if it's not too difficult to decipher his motives, what he's been up to as well.

"Don't take too long." she advises you with a smile, rubbing herself against you and sniffing your neck before turning around and walking away.
"Me and my friends are hanging out in the back. Come find us when you're ready to party." she informs you, giving you one final look. She continues towards the door leading to the back.
You remember reading somewhere that elves have heightened senses. If this extends to smells... Hm. Maybe she was trying to identify a fellow half-elf? You're supposed to look a bit like one, after all.

You ignore her for now and head towards the guarded stairway leading up to where you smell your target. The guard doesn't look intent on standing aside and letting you pass.
"Upstairs is private. Invitation only." a grumpy guard in black informs you.
You make your case that you're just looking for information, but the guard is adamant on not letting you pass.
"I don't care. You're not going up."
You explain to him that you're not law enforcement nor are you going to take any hostile action, but the guard continues to not care.
"Look, if this 'Brad' guy is here and if he is upstairs, then you're going to have to wait for him to come down, 'cause there's no way you're going up there without the boss' say-so. Now go away."
Hm. Looks like words alone won't be enough to convince him. You don't think any sob story will make him do anything, he doesn't look like the sort of guy who would do something out of the goodness of his heart. He's not carrying any weapons and his leather armor doesn't look too protective. You could take him on but he probably wouldn't be the only one you'd have to take on.

((If you wanna talk to the guy some more, I'll try to respond quickly to keep things moving.))

---

Campaign: On Road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 06:56:17 pm

Spoiler: large quote (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 06, 2018, 09:40:58 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 02, 2018, 07:19:44 am

Irine will stay with the caravan, learning about the people in it and letting the new additions meet her. She'll at night be attempting to pinpoint the influence muteing her flames and seeing if she can reduce its effects.

...

Quote

((The above is based on how I see Irine in social interactions. To me she seems a bit aloof or maybe driven, like even though she is friendly, helpful and reasonably polite, she mostly approaches 'foreign' people with her objective in mind rather than merely to socialize and is a bit reserved/guarded on first encounters (which is reasonable given her experiences so far). Even the way you phrased it 'let the new additions meet her' rather than 'meet the new additions' seems to support that. Please feel free to correct me if you feel how I think she would act is wrong.))

((You got it right))
well then, so what they're doing is removing the magic from an area. a very large area that I'm stuck in, but still, an area. and what they're doing is incremental, weakening it in that area by a small amount, just effecting the entire zone and doing so repeatedly over time.
The answer to that is simple, and is EXACTLY in line with how Irine's abilities work. Remember that the way she "performs magic" is by making the fires around her part of herself? That manipulating fire is for her simply moving a part of her body? And how she is capable of actively generating additional flame over time, and maintaining preexisting fire despite lack of fuel? She IS the counterspell to this effect, or at least she is the inverse of the spell. And on top of that, now that she knows what's going on, she can take further steps to reverse it. Directly.
<Hey, Triplesword? Do you sleep?>
specifically, she can concentrate more fire magic into a small area, and actively generate and maintain that effect.
<I was wondering if, while I was sleeping, you would be able to maintain my flames for me if I have some active. Maybe kinda a lot of it active actually.>
The problem with this is that it's, although effortless, an active effect. and Irine does need to sleep sometime.
<I think I can counteract the flame damper in a small area at least by simply generating extra fire and maintaining it, maybe concentrating surrounding flames as well. But I have to sleep sometime and don't want to risk the concentrated intense flames going out of control. Or am I misunderstanding how magic works here?>

<We do not need sleep although we may occasionally need rest.>
<We also feel the need to warn you that maintaining greater integration with the Flow of Fire will also make you receive more of the Dark energy affecting it. It will not be pleasant for you. But if you choose to do so, then we shall do our best to defend and support you. You can use physical manifestations of Fire to help strengthen the effect, however such large concentrations of flames are bound to attract attention, especially during the night.>
<It is a good idea. Your unique ability to connect with the Flow makes you perfect for this. If you go through with this you should be able to wrest control of the Flows of Fire from the Dark spell more easily than even I could. You would be able to break it and help restore the Flow of Fire magic in an area. However you will still be restricted by the range of your abilities. If the spell was coming from only one direction you could use your ability to form a barrier of sorts along the most important Flows. Now you will be limited to clearing a specific area, which means you'll still be affected by corruption in neighboring areas if it is heavy enough, though we don't believe we are in danger of encountering such heavily corrupted areas just yet.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 06:56:17 pm

Regarding how Irine acts towards the others, and how she breaks the norm, she might as well take steps to put them more at ease. The next time she interacts with someone that's uneasy about her and is nonhostile, she'll want to let them know a bit more about herself and her attitudes towards leadership, I'd like to RP the specifics if you don't mind.

Well, I think meal time might be a good time, unless you have a better idea. Everyone is invited and a good meal (and possibly a good drink) after a hard day's work helps raise spirits.

Almost everyone is gathered there. There's Nikolai and his squire Lune, who are currently being pestered by the Matter Alchemist. Along with them there's Theri and San and some of the recruits that are friendly with them (you think they're some of the ones she's helping train or maybe the ones that like to tell San stories) with River gnawing a bone near them. Then there's the water mages having their simple meals and bowls of water, the few Chizra Guards accompanying the water mages sitting close to them but in a different group. And of course there are the recruits, the largest part of your group, those from Chizra mingling with the 'veterans' from Road's End (they don't have much more experience but they were the ones responsible for recruiting people at Chizra and being part of the group for longer (and being more familiar to Ike) seems to have automatically led to many of them taking a role of leadership).

The cook, one they call Gardus, an older man from Road's End, bows to you politely as he sees you approach.
"Chosen One, do you wish to have a bowl?"
He points to the big pot in front of him, still releasing steam.
"Some of the boys caught a few Stingjays so we've at least got something to spice up the Iara Reed soup today." he adds with an awkward laugh.
Iara Reed is the name of one of those plants growing in the Walled Garden of Chizra. They're supposed to contain most of what the body needs, but they're not the tastiest of things. And they are the bulk of your supplies so you have them almost every day. Gardus and the other cooks has been trying various sauces and ways of cooking to alter their taste with varying degrees of success, aided by the knowledge of the people of Chizra who have had to deal with their taste for far longer. It has become a sort-of competition between them, a matter of pride about who is the best cook.

You can always take your meal and join one of the groups. Or wait for one of them to ask you to join them, as some always do out of politeness.

((I'll try to answer quickly if you want to have a conversation to keep things moving.))

Quote from: NAV on January 10, 2018, 01:15:10 am

"How did you learn to fight?" Nikolai asks Theri. "Or to Heal?"

Nikolai gives Lune his shield, and gives him a demonstration of how to use it properly. Anyone else can join in the shield demonstration if they want. Key points are don't let your guard down when you're attacking, and shield bashing. Should help them stay alive.

Then he finds someone who knows a bit of carpentry and with their help tries to craft a small shield out of spare wood. The kind that can be strapped to the arm while allowing use of hand.

You wanna give your Monster-Hunter shield to Lune? Sure, I bet the boy would love to have such a valuable (and protective) piece of equipment. He'd certainly thank you for it a thousand times. You also give him and some other recruits a demonstration about proper shield use, containing such important lessons as "Don't lower your shield.", "Use your shield to block attacks." and "Whack the other guy with your shield."

You also have someone craft you a crude small shield out of spare wood and a few strips of leather.

In your off time, Lune complains to you that some of the other recruits are messing with him, saying mean jokes about him and his relationship to you, like that he is just an idiot that you tricked into becoming your servant or that he begged you to protect him and that you took pity on him and let him such around.

You are also pestered by the Master Alchemist. She is always eager to take notes on what you call 'technology' (although she always says that it is merely another form of magic whenever she gets the chance) and also makes tons of personal questions like where you grew up or what kind of food you eat there or if there are any loved ones waiting for you there.

Quote from: Tiruin on January 10, 2018, 12:17:28 am

Campaign; Theri
((I got stuck up writing flavor back, because Parisbre is nice to write nice things for everyone in narrative. Oops!))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 08, 2018, 06:56:17 pm

{Note for posterity, I'll always be with this girl!}

With aid from others (this is turn link) (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7661105#msg7661105), Theri gladly went from basics to demonstrations. Theri continued training, all the while giving encouragement and oversight towards any mistakes or otherwise that would lower people's efficiency. She realized that there was often the problem of death and dying, but a cohesive force would gladly outmatch even a professional one. Demonstrations included her being the defender, and being attacked by a spearman while she was unarmed--ways they would be attacked, or even downed (with many a time having herself being poked by the blunted end). She made sure to include not only individual combat, but massed fighting, formations, and tactics. In this time, her old memories before this world that River pulled her into came to mind, of spearmen backing archers and skirmishers, clad with overlapping plated armor, thick in the shoulders with horned helmets looking much like an armored coif, with flags attached to their backs as symbols of valor and courage.

She made sure to note the importance of cohesiveness, that their fighting strength was only as good as their weakest man--and strength made for character too, which included communication, support, and encouragement. That when others saw weakness in others, strength never meant belittling them, but giving them encouragement and helping them up by being with them and acknowledging their merits. Her demonstrations in the field of mock battle, over time she hoped, would change the attitudes of even the most xenophobic of the folks she was helping (or at least by social pressure), and she noticed this happening in some ways. She only hoped that Ike's folks had more power in their disruptive troops to give the mundane fighters space for their niche to fill.

You continue the training with the help of Nikolai and the others who are willing to help. It's good to be prepared now that you're about to go through the Hills of Midnight. The road through the Hills of Midnight is dangerous. The relatively narrow pass makes it easy for others to ambush a group. If monsters or troops of the Sovereignty are lying in wait there...

Then again, they likely won't be expecting a group such as yours. A badly planned ambush can easily turn into a trap for the ambusher, putting them with their backs against the wall. With your training and your special abilities, you should be able to prevail.

Perhaps you should discuss with the others about the best way to approach this situation. Or at least make sure everyone is on their guard.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 10:14:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, huh. Can I see your boss in that case? It's kind of urgent."

I wanna see this flunky's manager! And if he won't tell me where to find him, I better find someone who will.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 10:21:02 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 10:14:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Oh, huh. Can I see your boss in that case? It's kind of urgent."

I wanna see this flunky's manager! And if he won't tell me where to find him, I better find someone who will.

"Hm. I suppose I could let the boss know that you wish to have an audience with him."
Ah, that sounds promising.
"IF you are worth his time, of course. Are you worth the boss' time?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 10:35:35 am

"I would like a bowl, if I may have some. Thank you."
He's busy and is actively working right now. I could try to calm him down but it would inconvenience him further if I did because he is needed elsewhere.

---

come to think of it, considering how long I was out of it after that fight with VoidRiver...
<Hey, Triplesword? When we first met... Did you heal or sustain me or something? I... don't really know, in this world, how much of me is fire magic and how much is physical biology. I think you probably didn't do anything intentionally, and that my recovery was managed by the ambient fire energy you leak out, but... well, I don't really know, you know? Thinking about meals and how I might not technically need them, though I do want them for sure, got me wondering.>

---

I think I'll go eat with the water mages, if they'll allow me.
"May I sit with you?"
I figure it's fair to assume they say some variant of yes, at which she will take a seat.
((And now you may notice a bit of her immaturity, though it probably won't cause any harm.))
"I've noticed that a lot of people seem uncomfortable around me, not like they're being mean or disrespectful or whatever, just that they seem confused by why I act they way I do and it makes them uncomfortable. I figured you all are leaders among the people from Chizra, and as mages you probably have a better chance of understanding me whenever I start talking about magic, so I was hoping you all could, you know, ask me anything you'd like to know? I don't have any real need to hide anything, and I promise, I'm not going to be offended by intrusive questions."
((Irine favors a direct, open, and honest approach. VERY direct. :P ))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 11:03:12 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 10:21:02 am

"Hm. I suppose I could let the boss know that you wish to have an audience with him."
Ah, that sounds promising.
"IF you are worth his time, of course. Are you worth the boss' time?"

Display my chaos sword, and if that doesn't work, point at the extremely magical armor I've got on.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 02:14:34 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 10:35:35 am

"I would like a bowl, if I may have some. Thank you."
He's busy and is actively working right now. I could try to calm him down but it would inconvenience him further if I did because he is needed elsewhere.

"Here you go." he says as he pours the liquid into a rock bowl using a big ladle.
"Feel free to come back for more!" he adds with a smile as he leans down and hands you the bowl.
"Just be careful, it's still quite hot." he warns you.
You need neither the warning (you've had meals like this before) nor the protection (hot things don't really hurt you) but maybe looking younger than you are triggers some sort of protective instinct in humans.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 10:35:35 am

come to think of it, considering how long I was out of it after that fight with VoidRiver...
<Hey, Triplesword? When we first met... Did you heal or sustain me or something? I... don't really know, in this world, how much of me is fire magic and how much is physical biology. I think you probably didn't do anything intentionally, and that my recovery was managed by the ambient fire energy you leak out, but... well, I don't really know, you know? Thinking about meals and how I might not technically need them, though I do want them for sure, got me wondering.>

<It is possible. Our perception of the world is bound in large part to our wielder, so we did not consciously know that you were there, we could only feel our surroundings in broad strokes. The powerful FireLight and the powerful Darkness and then nothing, so it couldn't have been conscious on our part. But it is possible that the ambient Fire and Light alone was enough to sustain you. There are many examples of beings that feed on magical energy or supplement their diet with it, Lamps and Nucas for an example of each category. Although we suspect the bond-former that was merged with you had something to do with it as well. He did possess Light and Light is known for its ability to heal and protect.>

<Whatever the case, you should continue eating. It should be more natural and more pleasant for your body. Not eating is painful and hard to get used to.>

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 10:35:35 am

I think I'll go eat with the water mages, if they'll allow me.
"May I sit with you?"
I figure it's fair to assume they say some variant of yes.
((And now you may notice a bit of her immaturity, though it probably won't cause any harm.))
"I've noticed that a lot of people seem uncomfortable around me, not like they're being mean or disrespectful or whatever, just that they seem confused by why I act they way I do and it makes them uncomfortable. I figured you all are leaders among the people from Chizra, and as mages you probably have a better chance of understanding me whenever I start talking about magic, so I was hoping you all could, you know, ask me anything you'd like to know? I don't have any real need to hide anything, and I promise, I'm not going to be offended by intrusive questions."
((Irine favors a direct, open, and honest approach. VERY direct. :P ))

You step close to the mages. They stop their conversation and greet you. They seem happy to have you join them.
You sit down and immediately get down to your reason for visiting. The water mages are understandably surprised by your direct approach but remain calm nonetheless.
"Thank you for your trust, in being so forward to us." one of them responds with a small nod and a smile.
"However I would not call ourselves 'leaders'. Some may come to us for spiritual guidance but not everyone from Chizra is a follower of the Flowing Way." he continues.
"My colleague is being too modest." another interjects.
"It is true, not everyone here is a follower of the Way. However many of these people have been living in Chizra for a long time. It is only natural for them to view as figures of authority."
"Even if they do not view as as figures of authority due to our role in the Temple, they are bound to come to us for aid due to our power."
"Err... certainly, but- Ah, I think we should not drag the girl into our debate."
He turns to address you.
"We are sorry." he apologizes with a small bow.
"You see, we were just discussing the matter so we are a bit caught up in it."
Hm. Looks like you aren't the only one having to deal with being thrust into a position of authority.
"We should be more considerate of our friend's wishes." the other agrees.
"I suppose it is only natural to begin with the basics. So, is there a name for what you are? How should we call you?"

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 11:03:12 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 10:21:02 am

"Hm. I suppose I could let the boss know that you wish to have an audience with him."
Ah, that sounds promising.
"IF you are worth his time, of course. Are you worth the boss' time?"

Display my chaos sword, and if that doesn't work, point at the extremely magical armor I've got on.

"Hm. Fancy sword. Is that supposed to impress me?" the guard says.
He looks unimpressed. Not even his heart rate has increased. Another guard further up, one in a baggy multi-coloured cloak, is eyeing your blade with a smile, like he's enjoying the sight of it. The group of 'clean' patrons and that spiky dude also look interested in your display of drawn weapons, the first looking alarmed, the later looking interested. Everyone else appears to be uninterested or hasn't noticed.
"Weell, I've also got this fancy suit of armor." you say, pointing at your helmet and opening up your clothes to reveal the black armor underneath.
"Hm. So?"
"It's adamantine."
"Hah. Yeah, right."
"You can try to stab me if you don't believe me." you offer.
"Ha. You're serious?"
"Sure." you say, shrugging.
The man in black makes a motion. The guard in the multi-coloured cloak disappears, leaving his cloak behind, thrown into the air. He dives towards you with surprising speed, a blade with red symbols in each arm, aiming one of his swords toward your shoulder. You casually raise your forearm to block the strike. The blade is easily stopped and the impact itself isn't painful. His other arm moves to stab you on your chest but the armour easily stops the strike, the blade bending dangerously but not breaking. The swordsman remains frozen for a second, his blades touching your armour. Everyone in the room goes silent and turns to look your way (except for a drunk man asking "Huh? Whazappend?").

The swordsman guard sheathes his blades with one fluid motion, letting the short swords join a collection of other blades hanging from his back. He's now smiling even more, showing his teeth. His fangs look a bit too long. With the weapons sheathed, the music resumes and the patrons return to their conversations, although now you catch even more people glancing at your direction.
"Wow. True adamantine." the guard in black says, looking genuinely impressed.
That's the first time you've seen him display anything other than mild disinterest.
"I'd never thought I'd see some with my own eyes. And this design... Don't tell me it's the forgery of the armour of the First King forged by the Grandmaster?"
"It's actually the armour of the First King."
His eyes widen even more.
"Prove it."
You shrug and make a motion with your arm, causing the enchanted armour to produce a short-lived shield.
"Wow." he says as with a hushed sigh, leaning to inspect your armour more closely, running his hand over your chestplate where the sword stabbed it.
"It's as good as new."
You stay alert for any foul play but he seems genuinely interested.
"Well, I'll be honest with you, you've impressed me at least." he says, standing straight again and giving you a smile.
"I bet the boss will be interested in at least learning your story. And frankly so am I. That's certainly enough to give you an audience. Your buddy stays here though. Are you willing to agree with that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 02:22:08 pm

"Oh yeah, that's cool. He keeps to himself anyway. Just don't irritate him, he's likely caused at least one apocalypse before if I have his story right."

Off to tell my story again! In full if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 03:48:49 pm

"There IS a name for what I am, but I don't like to use it. The technically correct term is 'Avatar', as in 'Avatar of a deity'. I'd really prefer it if people just called me Irine, you know, my name? 'Avatar' is kinda overwhelming and makes me uncomfortable."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on January 21, 2018, 04:41:32 pm

Brian Hoss, near Maximus

---

Move my eyes to myself, deactivate my mag-boots, jump toward more steady ground, reactivate my mag-boots if possible, and hope I don't float off.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 21, 2018, 11:06:54 pm

John- Inside the Maximus

John stood up gingerly, shaking the ringing out of his ears.  "Well.  Clearly we're going to need to be more careful in the future.  I saw the little trap and missed the big one."

He pulled up the map on his interface and pointed at the back of the ship.  "I think we need to get the power back on as a major goal.  If we head toward the back, we can stop in at the med bay for Svajoklis and see if there's anything we can do to help him.  After that, we hit up the main armory and gear up; I wouldn't be surprised if there's resistance somewhere.  The secondary bridge is right there; we can try to grab info from there.  Past that is a straight shot to engineering, which leads to the backup reactor; it's probably in the best shape to fire up first.  We can regroup there."

John looked to his teammates.  "Thoughts?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 22, 2018, 12:38:36 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 09:17:26 am

"I was the doll, actually. You got me pretty good back there. Really hurt." she says while absent-mindedly touching the point where the sword had hit her.
"Well, 'possessing' it would be a more accurate description, I guess." she adds with a gesture to indicate that it's a trivial difference.
Still, from what you saw in her mind, she did indeed feel pain. Ripping that sword from her body couldn't have been easy.
"To answer your second question, yes this was a test. For both of us. And a game I suppose."
She takes a few long strides towards you, moving towards your right.
"My Queen wanted me to test your skill. And I suppose she also wanted to give me a message, restricting me and toying with me like that."
She makes an exasperated sigh but a moment later she looks away and puts her finger on her chin.
”Or was the message directed to you?" she muses.
Her mannerisms appear a bit too theatrical, like she's giving a show and wants even the people sitting in the back to see how's she's feeling.
She raises her arms and shakes her head.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that I was given the task of finding you. And after finding you, I was given the task of defeating you in this Arena. And losing, well..."
She looks down for a second.
"Losing was not an option."
She looks at you again, cheery once more.
"Good thing I managed to defeat you without killing you, right? Otherwise one of us would be dead by now."
She turns around and sits down besides you, leaning back and using her arms to support herself. She looks at the fire raging on the top floors as if she's stargazing. The building probably won't last long.
"Then again, I do not think my Queen would had let me die unless I made a considerable blunder. Every time you came close to defeating me she unlocked more of my abilities."
You can see her face and clothes clearly now, illuminated by the fire. She looks very much like your doll but real, made of flesh and blood.
"Like I said, a test. And a game."

"Sacrebleu!" Napoleon muttered as anger crept across his face for a bit. He then turned toward the burning museum, idling thinking of the old man Lady Amarante... did something to. Perhaps death would've been preferable to seeing his precious museum burn to the ground the way he reacted to Napoleon taking the sword from the queenly mannequin. However Napoleon wasn't in the mood to obsess over his fate. Thinking over what Amarante just said, Napoleon begin to feel even better than before. This stranger, who's wearing one of his dolls as a suit, have just admitted that the Queen had to essentially cheat more than once for her to even stand a chance against him. Otherwise, he would've killed her many times over! Naturally, the prospect of being more powerful than even he thought possible swelled his pride tenfold, as least that's what he thought. The possible truth is that had Amarante have all her abilities fully unlocked at the beginning of the fight, she would've reduced him to a broken and whimpering wreck before he should say 'checkmate'. Nevertheless, despite his arrogance larger-than-life self-confidence Napoleon was nothing if not prudent, for if this Queen could easily stack the odds against him in such a way, killing him off for real would take as much effort for her as it would take to swat a mosquito off her arm.

"Test or no test, I really didn't appreciate being thrust into an ordeal that's brimming with irony!" he continued, still feeling upset but otherwise a bit better. He then sighed. "Nevertheless, since I'm not currently someone's involuntary puppet and you've just piqued my interest in this 'Queen' you speak of, I'll let this one slide. Now that the test is done, perhaps you can take me to the Queen. I'm sure that she didn't send me through this fiasco just to entertain herself."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2018, 01:47:32 pm

((Also, Paris, have you been studying at the Piecewise school of trap design?   :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on January 22, 2018, 03:24:21 pm

<Svajoklis, inside Maximus>

Go find a working terminal and see if I can find directions to medbay or something similar, ideally in a form of map of the base.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 22, 2018, 04:13:42 pm

((We have a map already:

https://i.imgur.com/JKnqbio.gif

Or are you looking for more detail?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on January 22, 2018, 05:03:38 pm

"Don't listen to them. I chose you as my squire because I saw potential in you. They are just jealous. Don't let that get to your head though, I'm sure they will have your back when it counts and that you will have theirs, we are all comrades after all. After you face danger together and prove that fact I'm sure the teasing will stop. Now eat your soup before it gets cold."

Tsar the pot of soup to be tastier and healthier and more filling. Alan isn't the only food mage.

Nikolai has a couple drinks then gets to talking to the alchemist. He tells her of the food where he's from. It is a mix of ancient preserved rations, unappetizing "nutrient slurry" and slightly radioactive mutant livestock and plants. These were combined in surprisingly tasty ways. Still was tough to chew compared to the food in this world.

Where did he grow up? The Bunker. He was forced to leave after he manifested his powers (No Mutants Allowed!) and he was taken into a surface bandit gang. Used to perform petty swindling tricks at first (tsar a trinket then trade it for valuable stuff). Things happened, the gang merged and split several times and eventually Nikolai found himself leading a small mercenary band mainly focused on protecting caravans. Gas masks were his groups main uniform and symbol. There were a couple other members with powers. Boris had rocket propelled arms and legs, Zinaida could make plants wither, and Mykhail had a few extra eyes and fingers.

There was this one prostitute, Natalya, who always told him to come back safe.

Now, tech talk. Get the blank book for drawing the diagrams in.
((Will edit this in))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 22, 2018, 08:15:05 pm

Kosak Durar:

"GAAH! What kind of a trap was that?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on January 23, 2018, 12:46:59 am

Stephano Falcone

"...If you need any assistance, let me know Iris. I have ways of helping with serious injuries."

Look in the kitchen for a snack. Then check up on Iris in the bedroom. If she is in critical condition, then remove my sunglasses and attempt to heal her. If my powers do not work, then examine her injury more closely. Determine what medical supplies I need for her injury, and search the building for those medical supplies. If I can't find any or she's too close to death for me to leave her, then try to help in whatever way I can.

(I might edit this post later and add some internal thoughts for Stephano. Just not feeling up to it at the moment)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2018, 12:17:46 am

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 22, 2018, 12:38:36 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 21, 2018, 09:17:26 am

"I was the doll, actually. You got me pretty good back there. Really hurt." she says while absent-mindedly touching the point where the sword had hit her.
"Well, 'possessing' it would be a more accurate description, I guess." she adds with a gesture to indicate that it's a trivial difference.
Still, from what you saw in her mind, she did indeed feel pain. Ripping that sword from her body couldn't have been easy.
"To answer your second question, yes this was a test. For both of us. And a game I suppose."
She takes a few long strides towards you, moving towards your right.
"My Queen wanted me to test your skill. And I suppose she also wanted to give me a message, restricting me and toying with me like that."
She makes an exasperated sigh but a moment later she looks away and puts her finger on her chin.
”Or was the message directed to you?" she muses.
Her mannerisms appear a bit too theatrical, like she's giving a show and wants even the people sitting in the back to see how's she's feeling.
She raises her arms and shakes her head.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that I was given the task of finding you. And after finding you, I was given the task of defeating you in this Arena. And losing, well..."
She looks down for a second.
"Losing was not an option."
She looks at you again, cheery once more.
"Good thing I managed to defeat you without killing you, right? Otherwise one of us would be dead by now."
She turns around and sits down besides you, leaning back and using her arms to support herself. She looks at the fire raging on the top floors as if she's stargazing. The building probably won't last long.
"Then again, I do not think my Queen would had let me die unless I made a considerable blunder. Every time you came close to defeating me she unlocked more of my abilities."
You can see her face and clothes clearly now, illuminated by the fire. She looks very much like your doll but real, made of flesh and blood.
"Like I said, a test. And a game."

"Sacrebleu!" Napoleon muttered as anger crept across his face for a bit. He then turned toward the burning museum, idling thinking of the old man Lady Amarante... did something to. Perhaps death would've been preferable to seeing his precious museum burn to the ground the way he reacted to Napoleon taking the sword from the queenly mannequin. However Napoleon wasn't in the mood to obsess over his fate. Thinking over what Amarante just said, Napoleon begin to feel even better than before. This stranger, who's wearing one of his dolls as a suit, have just admitted that the Queen had to essentially cheat more than once for her to even stand a chance against him. Otherwise, he would've killed her many times over! Naturally, the prospect of being more powerful than even he thought possible swelled his pride tenfold, as least that's what he thought. The possible truth is that had Amarante have all her abilities fully unlocked at the beginning of the fight, she would've reduced him to a broken and whimpering wreck before he should say 'checkmate'. Nevertheless, despite his arrogance larger-than-life self-confidence Napoleon was nothing if not prudent, for if this Queen could easily stack the odds against him in such a way, killing him off for real would take as much effort for her as it would take to swat a mosquito off her arm.

"Test or no test, I really didn't appreciate being thrust into an ordeal that's brimming with irony!" he continued, still feeling upset but otherwise a bit better.

"Ha! Yes, the irony was painful." she says with a bitter smile.
"But I understand why she did it. It was a very nice touch."

Quote

He then sighed. "Nevertheless, since I'm not currently someone's involuntary puppet and you've just piqued my interest in this 'Queen' you speak of, I'll let this one slide. Now that the test is done, perhaps you can take me to the Queen. I'm sure that she didn't send me through this fiasco just to entertain herself."

"That is up to her." she says, laying back.
"'Royalty doesn't walk on the dirt like the common rabble. Royalty doesn't do servants' work. Royalty works with Grace, Diligence and Detachment.'"
She turns to look at you.
"Wouldn't you agree?"
You notice she's avoided answering your question. Perhaps you should be more direct.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on January 23, 2018, 12:46:59 am

Stephano Falcone

"...If you need any assistance, let me know Iris. I have ways of helping with serious injuries."

Look in the kitchen for a snack. Then check up on Iris in the bedroom. If she is in critical condition, then remove my sunglasses and attempt to heal her. If my powers do not work, then examine her injury more closely. Determine what medical supplies I need for her injury, and search the building for those medical supplies. If I can't find any or she's too close to death for me to leave her, then try to help in whatever way I can.

(I might edit this post later and add some internal thoughts for Stephano. Just not feeling up to it at the moment)

She considers this for half a second but keeps walking.
"I'm fine, thanks." she says as she enters the bedroom, closing the door behind her.
You decide to leave her be for now and go search the kitchen for a snack. You check the cupboards. Canned meat, canned tuna, lentils, pasta, rice... Hm. Not the sort of stuff you can eat without preparation, not sure- Oh, wait, chocolate! It's been a while since you've had some. You unwrap a piece and put it in your mouth. It's a bit stale but it's not bad. With each bite it crumbles pleasantly, filling your mouth with its sweet taste. You look outside the window as you chew. It's so quiet. No birds are singing. Not even the wind is blowing. The only sign of movement is grey clouds slowly making their way across the sky.
"Aagh!" you hear Iris emit a muffled scream.
You quickly gulp down the last of the chocolate in your mouth as you run towards the bedroom.
"Iris?" you ask as you open the door and rush into the room.
Iris is sitting on the bed with her back against the wall, her shirt raised slightly to reveal the injury in her lower torso. She looks around and tries to move away from you as you enter. You get the feeling she's afraid of you.
"Ah. Ah. I said..." she tries to say between deep, pained breaths.
You understand from the bloody pliers and the bottle of high proof alcohol lying in bed next to her that she was trying to remove the bullet from her wound. Successfully, judging from the bloody metal fragments on the nightstand next to her.

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 21, 2018, 02:22:08 pm

"Oh yeah, that's cool. He keeps to himself anyway. Just don't irritate him, he's likely caused at least one apocalypse before if I have his story right."

Off to tell my story again! In full if possible.

"Good. Come with me."
The guard in black leads you up the stairs. The swordsman stays behind to guard the stairs, though he smiles his unnerving grin and waves at you as you walk away.

The small balcony at the top of the stairs is populated by an array of colorful characters, no doubt people close to this 'boss' guy. They watch you as you go by but none of them say anything to you, instead continuing their drinking and smoking.

You go through a small door and into a corridor.  Your target is behind one of those doors but the guard doesn't lead you to it. He grunts a greeting to the woman standing guard there and directs you to the door next to it instead. He instructs you to wait while he informs the boss about you. He leaves the room and locks the door behind him. You inspect the room while you wait. Hunting trophies, expensive carpets from the Sovereignty, comfortable furniture and rare drinks. Looks like it's good to be King of Crime. No traps or enchantments that you can see. Then again, you aren't the best at magic, so maybe there's something you missed. No sounds from the other rooms either, just the sound of the guards in the corridor. Soundproofed maybe?

A minute after the guard leaves, he returns.
"Be respectful to the boss if you know what's good for you." he warns you as he steps into the room. The Boss follows soon after.

The Boss is strange. He's definitely corporeal or at least a very good illusion, since you can hear him walking. But he has no smell, no heartbeat, not even breathing besides the movement of air which is necessary for speech. Is this his real form or just some magical construct he uses to meet people he doesn't trust?

Visually he looks like a man with ashen skin, covered in think dark cloaks that obscure the rest of his form. Even his hands and forearms are covered in grey bandage-like strips of cloth. He is tall and the many layers of fabric make him appear quite large. There is definitely some intelligence there, you can see it in his eyes, constantly scanning, inspecting you, appraising you even as he is walking.

He sits down on the chair closest to the entrance, on the opposite side of the room from you.
"Mr 'Lucky' Ike Watkins. It is so good to finally meet you."
His voice sounds smooth, normal, not monstrous or distorted as one might expect.
"Grim here" he continues, indicating the guard in black "tells me you have quite the story for me."
"I've heard so much about you. A hunter from another world. Saviour of Road's End and defender of Chizra. Wearer of the armor of the First King. Traveling with the wielder of the Sword of Kings as well as one of the two known Bond-Formers in this world. Leader of your own little band of warriors with the blessings and the aid of Chizra no less. It is so good to finally meet you in person."
Well, this guy certainly knows a lot. The guard he called Grim doesn't appear surprised from all this, though you don't know if he already knew all that or if he simply doesn't care.
"It will certainly be interesting hearing your story from your own mouth."

And so you tell him your story. He seems to already be aware of a good chunk of it, so you are able to skim through those parts, only answering questions he has about them. He is particularly interested in any information you have on Ineth the capital and what the monks of Chizra told you about the war in the South, beyond the Scar. He also asks a lot of questions about the underground chambers where you found your armour and the political and criminal situation in Chizra. You don't say too much more than what you told the monks of Chizra. You don't think it's a good idea to give blackmail material to a criminal so you don't mention things like the little magical WMD your caravan is carrying. Nevertheless he seems quite satisfied with the information you do provide.

"Thank you. This has been a very enlightening conversation. It certainly helped clarify some things. A man like you is of interest to a great many people and naturally those sorts of people tend to come to me, one way or another. Like, for example, that group of Sovereignty Commandos hanging around downstairs. They were quite interested in you from the start, it was one of their main requests for me to get involved with you. In exchange for a significant reward, of course. Perhaps more than you are actually worth. And after that little show you put on downstairs... well, they've been quite agitated. They sent out a messenger, they've been tailing your friend, they've requested that I capture you and deliver you to them twice so far."
Strange, you didn't see anyone speaking to him. Probably gained that information through magic then.
"Their extreme interest in you... Quite intriguing."
He pauses, perhaps waiting to see your reaction to this before he decides how to continue.

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 21, 2018, 03:48:49 pm

"There IS a name for what I am, but I don't like to use it. The technically correct term is 'Avatar', as in 'Avatar of a deity'. I'd really prefer it if people just called me Irine, you know, my name? 'Avatar' is kinda overwhelming and makes me uncomfortable."

"I see. Irine it is then."
"What do you like doing Irine? I mean in your spare time. Weave? Garden?"
"Hunt? Explore?"
"Study? Cook?"
"Do you eat the same things as humans? More? Less?"

---

Quote from: Zormod on January 21, 2018, 04:41:32 pm

Brian Hoss, near Maximus

---

Move my eyes to myself, deactivate my mag-boots, jump toward more steady ground, reactivate my mag-boots if possible, and hope I don't float off.

You jump off the armor plate, trying to let the flow of the liquid carry you over and away from it. You aren't quick enough. The heavy plate slams you in the face but you manage to roll with the hit and not get hurt. You keep rolling until you are thrown off the plate, floating away from the ship until the lights from your suit can no longer illuminate it. You are left floating in the darkness- Gah!
: Got you! :
In a blur of light the Phoenix flies past you, grabbing you and dragging you towards the ship. It slows down and lands next to the still-glowing mess of mangled metal left by the explosion, the rapidly cooling material moaning slightly as it does so. It gently sets you down and then proceeds to inspect the area.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on January 22, 2018, 03:24:21 pm

<Svajoklis, inside Maximus>

Go find a working terminal and see if I can find directions to medbay or something similar, ideally in a form of map of the base.

There should be a first aid kit in a nearby corridor with more spread around the place. It contains basic medical equipment you could use to try to keep yourself from dying.

There are also stasis chambers in most living quarters and some work areas that can be used to keep someone frozen until they can receive proper medical attention. There should be one relatively close by that you can get into. Of course, that would mean that you would have to trust your teammates to carry you.

For automated medical equipment and prosthetics you have to go to the medical section of the ship which would require you to acquire a means of transportation if you are to get there in a reasonable timeframe.

Quote from: Toaster on January 22, 2018, 01:47:32 pm

((Also, Paris, have you been studying at the Piecewise school of trap design?   :P))

Well, I clearly didn't study hard enough, otherwise you'd all be vaporized. :P

: John? Are you and the others OK? My sensors show no structural damage on your surrounding area. :

---

Edit: Sorry NAV, missed you. Got to go to work now, will try to respond later.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2018, 12:39:30 am

"Well, that's all pretty interesting (though I'm not really sure which friend you mean), but I'm more into the idea of finding out what's happened to my buddy Alan, it'd be unsafe to leave him out without supervision for long. Heck, I have no idea what he even did to disappear like he did. Can I see that guy Brad maybe? He's the last one who saw him."

"And hey, thanks for giving me the briefing on what's what around here. Anything I can do for you to return the favor?"

Chat with the crimelord politely.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2018, 12:55:08 am

"In my free time? Eh, I hunt if I'm worried about food or whatever, but that's not really free time, that's more of a taking care of myself kind of thing. Really I just like to play like any other kid, though I don't get to do that all that often, or maybe spend time watching people. Humans can be really fascinating and neat, and generally I like em as a whole. Though exceptions can be made for individuals. As for diet, I eat mostly the same stuff humans eat, though I'm predisposed to like meat, especially when I'm fully a fox."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 24, 2018, 01:00:23 am

((Heh, I do what I can, Paris. Alan's quite an enjoyable experience to roleplay because he's one of the rare examples in my life of pure, undiluted spontaneity. I can do whatever my mind wishes as him without worrying about ... well, everything one considers in every other situation. It's liberating.

Still doesn't mean I won't try to keep him alive though, as you see :P))

"Alright, now that my uniqueness is solidly proven, I can get to this!

Ahem.

WASUUUUUUUP?!"

Direct this greeting towards Ike. He's probably all fussed up about me because of those pizzas and the boombox distraction.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 24, 2018, 01:15:32 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2018, 12:17:46 am

Quote

He then sighed. "Nevertheless, since I'm not currently someone's involuntary puppet and you've just piqued my interest in this 'Queen' you speak of, I'll let this one slide. Now that the test is done, perhaps you can take me to the Queen. I'm sure that she didn't send me through this fiasco just to entertain herself."

"That is up to her." she says, laying back.
"'Royalty doesn't walk on the dirt like the common rabble. Royalty doesn't do servants' work. Royalty works with Grace, Diligence and Detachment.'"
She turns to look at you.
"Wouldn't you agree?"
You notice she's avoided answering your question. Perhaps you should be more direct.

"I suppose you're right, mademoiselle," Napoleon finally said with a sigh as he turned back to the burning museum. Parts of it was beginning to collapse but that's not what's on his mind. Though Napoleon would be quite adamant on whether he is the royalty in this situation, he felt more like the servant for some reason. An exceptionally well-dressed, well-groomed, and dollish servant. Perhaps it was time to cut to the chase.

"What does the Queen want with me, now that the test that I've no doubt passed is over?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2018, 03:49:35 am

((Is Zechariah with Ike, or waiting downstairs? Either way...))

Wait patiently outside or inside the room, whichever is preferred by the guards or the Boss. Keep my guard up.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on January 24, 2018, 01:52:40 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus external storage and armor>

Check if the terminal has any information on possible nearby transport. Then go to the medkit and see if it has enough supplies to stop myself from bleeding out in the near future.

"I'd really appreciate if someone could help me out a bit here. Binding yourself with one arm is sorta difficult when you are suffering from bloodloss."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2018, 03:19:50 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2018, 12:55:08 am

"In my free time? Eh, I hunt if I'm worried about food or whatever, but that's not really free time, that's more of a taking care of myself kind of thing. Really I just like to play like any other kid, though I don't get to do that all that often, or maybe spend time watching people. Humans can be really fascinating and neat, and generally I like em as a whole. Though exceptions can be made for individuals. As for diet, I eat mostly the same stuff humans eat, though I'm predisposed to like meat, especially when I'm fully a fox."

"So... Merely watching other people?"
"Why not join them? Get a job, some friends. Start a family."
"Do you feel bad if others think of you as a human?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on January 24, 2018, 03:56:57 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

"Thanks for the save, Icarus."

Consider entering the Maximus by walking on the walls and supports left exposed by the blast.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 24, 2018, 06:35:36 pm

"I did start a family, and I chose to retire, reduce myself to this form, in order to live among them. They were murdered. When I reduced myself to this, I gave up the power necessary to begin again. I complete the tasks Im given in order to regain the power I need, and to learn who murdered my family and why."
"As for if people think of me as human, I don't actually mind that, but I don't like lying to people. If they get to make an informed decision and decide to think of me as human, it doesn't bother me at all."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 24, 2018, 08:36:01 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

<<Yes, we're okay.  Looks like the turret shutdown was trapped, because it detonated the turret when it was shut down.  I can't speak for the guys not in the control room, though.  What's it look like outside?>>

Assist Svajoklis with his efforts.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on January 25, 2018, 08:46:10 pm

Stephano Falcone

Quote

She looks around and tries to move away from you as you enter. You get the feeling she's afraid of you.

He could tell how she was feeling just by looking at her eyes. Fear. Panic. Terror. Those were feelings that Stephano had observed numerous times during his "work".  Many of those unfortunate souls brought by the government to receive his "treatment" had the same eyes. That same fear. A fear that would turn to horror as they suffered. They would beg for the pain to stop. They would keep screaming until-

No, he couldn't allow those memories to surface again. Not now. Stephano shook his head and took a deep breathe, returning his focus to the situation at hand.

"Iris, are you going to be alright? Are your allies on their way to this safe house with medical aid? If not, I can help you, but I understand if you are hesitant. The aid I would provide is...not a pleasant experience, to say the least. It is a...unique ability I possess. Are you already aware of it?"

If Iris refuses to answer or is unable to answer, then remove my sunglasses and attempt to heal her. If my powers do not work, then instead search the building for medical supplies that can help stop the bleeding. If I can't find any or she's too close to death for me to leave her, then tear off parts of my clothes and try to fashion bandages for her wound. If that doesn't work, then try to help in whatever other way I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 04:22:01 am

Quote from: GigaGiant on January 25, 2018, 08:46:10 pm

Stephano Falcone

Quote

She looks around and tries to move away from you as you enter. You get the feeling she's afraid of you.

He could tell how she was feeling just by looking at her eyes. Fear. Panic. Terror. Those were feelings that Stephano had observed numerous times during his "work".  Many of those unfortunate souls brought by the government to receive his "treatment" had the same eyes. That same fear. A fear that would turn to horror as they suffered. They would beg for the pain to stop. They would keep screaming until-

No, he couldn't allow those memories to surface again. Not now. Stephano shook his head and took a deep breathe, returning his focus to the situation at hand.

"Iris, are you going to be alright? Are your allies on their way to this safe house with medical aid? If not, I can help you, but I understand if you are hesitant. The aid I would provide is...not a pleasant experience, to say the least. It is a...unique ability I possess. Are you already aware of it?"

If Iris refuses to answer or is unable to answer, then remove my sunglasses and attempt to heal her. If my powers do not work, then instead search the building for medical supplies that can help stop the bleeding. If I can't find any or she's too close to death for me to leave her, then tear off parts of my clothes and try to fashion bandages for her wound. If that doesn't work, then try to help in whatever other way I can.

She takes a moment to catch her breath and regain her ability to speak.
"They need to. Make sure we aren't followed. They will come. Tomorrow." she says between breaths.
"I don't need-"
She tries to get up but she can't, sinking back down.
"Whatever it is you-"
She tries to get up again and again her arms are too weak to even lift her off the bed. She closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths, trembling occasionally. When she opens her eyes again, she looks defeated.
"Okay. Go ahead. I will... stop resisting." she relents, looking away.
It's a strange mix of relief and new worry, hearing those words. You'll be able to help her. But also hurt her.

After looking around for what you need, you sit down beside her. You make sure she's as comfortable as she can be. And then you give her a belt to bite down on.
"Why-" she begins to ask.
You explain to her that it's so that she won't hurt herself. If she does, it will only make things worse. You'll also need to hold her arms and legs. You've seen people hurt themselves from the pain before. It isn't pretty.

You sit down over her, ready to hold her down. You remove your glasses. Nothing happens. You're not sure where to look. Anywhere would do. But you're not sure if you can stand looking at her face. You can't help it. You look anyway. Her eyes are wide with fear once again. She's regretting this. She's going to change her mind, beg you not to do it, beg for it to stop, beg for her to die. She screams but it's not for you to stop. It's a simple scream full of pain as her flesh knits itself back together. A couple of seconds in she is no longer able to resist her primal urges. Her body raises in an arc, her hands try to free themselves from your grip, her legs try to kick you off. But even with her panic-fueled strength, she's too weak. You manage to hold her down and keep holding her down as she screams and screams.

You're not sure how long it took. You didn't keep track of time. It felt like hours though it was probably no more than a few minutes. Eventually the noise dies down, her struggling stops and her eyes close. You let go of her and inspect her wound. It's completely healed, only a small scar where it once was. You lower her shirt and cover her with the bed covers to keep her warm. Her face, still tense even in her unconsciousness, relaxes somewhat as the covers embrace her.

You debate waking her up to make her put on some clean clothes but decide to delay this. She's going to be tired from healing. You've seen that before. You should let her rest and probably get her something to eat and drink, let her regain her strength. Your stomach is also empty and starting to complain, you can't remember when the last time they fed you was. It was definitely not today. You wouldn't mind grabbing something to eat yourself. You extinguish the lights to let Iris rest and get out of the room with plans to prepare a proper meal for the two of you. You make sure to leave the door open, hoping it will help you hear if she needs anything.

You remember from your previous investigation that there wasn't much here that was easy to prepare. There's some of the canned food, you guess, but people usually don't enjoy cold, amorphous blobs of nutrients. That's not food, that's sustenance. The kind of thing they give to prisoners. It wouldn't hurt to take some time to prepare something more decent. Both of you would enjoy it. Having convinced yourself it's worth the extra effort, you get down to work preparing a meal.

You don't have too much cooking experience and this kitchen is far from fully equipped. The meal you prepare is a simple thing. Freshly boiled rice with canned tuna and canned corn sprinkled over it to give it a bit more varied taste. Still, the combination of taste, of warm rice and cool corn, it's interesting, at least to you. Hopefully Iris won't mind.

Last you checked she still hasn't woken up. Hasn't even moved around too much. But she was still breathing. It took some time to prepare the food in this old woodstove, partly due to the time it took to get it burning. The sun has almost set and it's starting to get chilly. When you enter the room again she's still in the same state. You set the old tray down besides her and gently wake her up.

She appears to be... Well, she's not dead. She wakes up and lays resting her back on the headboard. She accepts the plate you offer her. She uses the spoon to eat from it. But she is completely apathetic. She gives no indication of liking or disliking it. She eats slowly, chews slowly. She doesn't say anything, doesn't respond to any of your questions, doesn't even make any facial expressions. Unsure of what to do, you put the plates back on the tray and head back towards the kitchen.
"He's dead. Isn't he?" you hear Iris accuse you as you are about to cross the threshold. You stand there, unsure of how to react.

((I decided to fast forward a bit. If you dislike this please say so and I will refrain from doing so in the future.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 24, 2018, 01:15:32 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 24, 2018, 12:17:46 am

Quote

He then sighed. "Nevertheless, since I'm not currently someone's involuntary puppet and you've just piqued my interest in this 'Queen' you speak of, I'll let this one slide. Now that the test is done, perhaps you can take me to the Queen. I'm sure that she didn't send me through this fiasco just to entertain herself."

"That is up to her." she says, laying back.
"'Royalty doesn't walk on the dirt like the common rabble. Royalty doesn't do servants' work. Royalty works with Grace, Diligence and Detachment.'"
She turns to look at you.
"Wouldn't you agree?"
You notice she's avoided answering your question. Perhaps you should be more direct.

"I suppose you're right, mademoiselle," Napoleon finally said with a sigh as he turned back to the burning museum. Parts of it was beginning to collapse but that's not what's on his mind. Though Napoleon would be quite adamant on whether he is the royalty in this situation, he felt more like the servant for some reason. An exceptionally well-dressed, well-groomed, and dollish servant. Perhaps it was time to cut to the case.

"What does the Queen want with me, now that the test that I've no doubt passed is over?"

"I would hope that what she wants with you, is you." she says while looking at the  embers drifting towards the unnaturally black sky.
"I found you because she asked me to. Ordered me to."
You notice the ambiguity in her statement. Does she mean you specifically or someone like you? A large crash interrupts your thoughts. Some support column finally gives way, causing a large part of the roof to crumble, sending up a rain of glowing embers.
"Yes, I know. Not the answer you're looking for."
She shrugs and makes a gesture to indicate helplessness. Perhaps she is not allowed to speak more, perhaps she doesn't know more, perhaps she wants to keep toying with you.
"A better answer to your question would be that she wants what all royals want from other royals: To use you."
She turns her head to look at you.
"You should seek to do the same: Use her to become stronger."
"It's what I do." she adds with a smile and a wink.

A while later, she abruptly gets up.
"Sadly, while pleasant, this conversation must come to an end. It is time for me to go."
She turns to face you as you get up.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, my Prince. As was fighting with you. This Knight of Silver salutes you."
She bows with one fist on her chest.
"If you keep this up, I am certain we shall meet again."

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight

---

Quote from: NAV on January 22, 2018, 05:03:38 pm

"Don't listen to them. I chose you as my squire because I saw potential in you. They are just jealous. Don't let that get to your head though, I'm sure they will have your back when it counts and that you will have theirs, we are all comrades after all. After you face danger together and prove that fact I'm sure the teasing will stop. Now eat your soup before it gets cold."

Lune is comforted by your words and advice. He vows to do his best to prove himself and prove you right for trusting him when the time comes. Hopefully this will be enough to help him weather any teasing he receives in the near future. Angry emotional teenagers are bad, angry emotional teenagers armed with deadly weapons are a disaster waiting to happen if there isn't something holding them together.

Quote from: NAV on January 22, 2018, 05:03:38 pm

Tsar the pot of soup to be tastier and healthier and more filling. Alan isn't the only food mage.

You approach the cook, removing your glove to reveal your bare hand, green Tsar energy sparking from your fingertips as you apply your ability to the air in your hand.
"Mind if I give it a shot?"
"Magic has no place in the kitchen. Cooking is an art."
"Come on, you and the other cooks have had your fun. Let me give it a shot."
Immediately understanding what you mean, the cook is about to protest.
"Are you afraid?" you add before he can speak.
Those are the magic words.
"Certainly not!" he exclaims with a huff, crossing his arms.
With his skills questioned, his pride gives him no choice but to accept. You can't help but smile. Good thing the scarf hides it.
"Fine. But if you ruin this don't expect me to cook another. And if you break the pot-"
You make a gesture to show that his concerns are unfounded and get to work. You find a spot where the pot isn't too hot to touch and prepare to infuse it with power. Then you notice the cook standing opposite to you, looking down at the pot. You look up at him.
"Just... give me some distance?"
He takes a few steps back. You prepare to get to work- And then look back at the cook.
"A bit more?"
The cook sighs and takes a few more steps back. This should be safe. Better safe than sorry.

You take a few more seconds to prepare. You want to make the food better, not huge. You need to focus on your ability to change things, not mere enlargement. Focus on the idea of change. Focus on the Chaos part of your abilities, enhance that Flow. When you feel sufficiently prepared, you let the power flow into the pot, using your thoughts to Control it, to shape and direct it while also letting it free to change, not particularly interested on the results beyond the general effect.

It works. The pot is changed but doesn't become much larger. It grows great spiky legs and its top is encircled by several dangerous-looking spikes, making it look like the mouth of a Cacolope. The effect on its contents is much more pronounced, multiplying and changing in nature.

You lower your scarf, dip the ladle in and try the results of your alteration. It has become quite thicker, its consistency somewhere between a soup and a purée. It also feels heavier and spicier, something quite likely to make your stomach ache if you eat too much, though from what  you've gathered this is exactly the sort of food the people of this Kingdom like: something that packs a bit of a punch. You also think you've triggered some sort of fermentation effect, there's the faint but distinct smell of alcohol in there. Probably not enough to cause any significant effects beyond altering the taste and making it sweeter, unless someone goes through the trouble of distilling it.

"How bad is it?" the cook asks, clearly not impressed by the looks of the greenish sludge now occupying his oversized pot.
"Judge for yourself." you reply, offering the ladle back to him.
You can see it in his eyes, the surprise and the pleasure turning to guilt and embarrassment a moment later as he tries to hide his feelings.
"T-this doesn't count, you know!" the cook protests, shaking his fist to you as you walk away satisfied.

The recruits waste no time taking a second serving. A while later everyone is in high spirits and joking about what happened, even the cook, though he still maintains that magic disqualifies you from participating in the cooking contest. You're not sure how long your ability will last or what sort of effects its fading will have but even if the food fades its effect on morale will definitely remain.

You guess this is more or less what Alan did when he was here. He gave everyone stuff and helped keep spirits high. Wonder if Ike had any luck finding him. ... Now that you think about it, that bird Alan used to hang around with has also disappeared a while after Alan did. You'd expect it to stick around and try to beg for food from someone else. Hm.

Quote from: NAV on January 22, 2018, 05:03:38 pm

Nikolai has a couple drinks then gets to talking to the alchemist. He tells her of the food where he's from. It is a mix of ancient preserved rations, unappetizing "nutrient slurry" and slightly radioactive mutant livestock and plants. These were combined in surprisingly tasty ways. Still was tough to chew compared to the food in this world.

Where did he grow up? The Bunker. He was forced to leave after he manifested his powers (No Mutants Allowed!) and he was taken into a surface bandit gang. Used to perform petty swindling tricks at first (tsar a trinket then trade it for valuable stuff). Things happened, the gang merged and split several times and eventually Nikolai found himself leading a small mercenary band mainly focused on protecting caravans. Gas masks were his groups main uniform and symbol. There were a couple other members with powers. Boris had rocket propelled arms and legs, Zinaida could make plants wither, and Mykhail had a few extra eyes and fingers.

There was this one prostitute, Natalya, who always told him to come back safe.

Now, tech talk. Get the blank book for drawing the diagrams in.
((Will edit this in))

The alchemist is quite interested in your story. She keeps extensive notes.

She's very interested in your relationship with others. Was there anyone left behind when you were exiled? How did they react? How did you feel? Were you close to the other mercenaries in your group? That sort of thing.

She displays an unhealthy interested to the mention of prostitutes, curious about how the while thing works. Some of her questions clearly implying that Natalya wanted you to return merely because you were a sucker that paid more than the rest, though you aren't sure if she's mocking you or is simply that oblivious and/or uncaring.

However the thing she's interested in the most is how that 'swindling' business works and if they can try to do the same here, if he can demonstrate or guide her through the process and if there are other methods beyond the one he mentioned.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 24, 2018, 06:35:36 pm

"I did start a family, and I chose to retire, reduce myself to this form, in order to live among them. They were murdered. When I reduced myself to this, I gave up the power necessary to begin again. I complete the tasks Im given in order to regain the power I need, and to learn who murdered my family and why."
"As for if people think of me as human, I don't actually mind that, but I don't like lying to people. If they get to make an informed decision and decide to think of me as human, it doesn't bother me at all."

"I am very sorry for your loss."
"Forgive me if I offended you. I had no idea. I understand why that would make you feel angry."
All of the mages make sympathetic and/or apologetic gestures.

"So you are like a bound spirit in a way?"
You're not sure exactly what they mean. They explain that a spirit is essentially a lesser god, either created by one of the gods or existing naturally in the world. A bound spirit is compelled by special spells to obey commands, in exchange for a certain sacrifice. When the contract has been broken, the spirit is free to roam the world once more or return from where it came from.

"Do you enjoy having people serving you or worshipping you? Most gods do. But you don't appear to have taken any steps to persuade or dissuade anyone from doing either during your time with us."

---

The Wandering Arms: Downstairs

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 24, 2018, 03:49:35 am

((Is Zechariah with Ike, or waiting downstairs? Either way...))

Wait patiently outside or inside the room, whichever is preferred by the guards or the Boss. Keep my guard up.

You let Ike have his secret underworld meeting and get to the bar to have a drink. You leave a coin on the counter and ask for some juice. The bartender looks at you like you're an alien. A few moments later she turns around and produces a shot glass full of blue stuff. You smell it. It smells ok, no alcohol that you can smell. Hopefully nothing magical either.
"You iz friend of elf-guy, right?" someone asks with a foreign-sounding accent.
You turn to see who's asking.
"Youz tell elf-guy come work for me."
It's the man with the spiky hair, holding his equally spiky helmet and an oversized mug.
"My crew iz best crew. He work for me, der lodz of loot, lodz of drinkz, lodz of funzies."
He is a bit too close to you. He smiles, showing some missing teeth.
"Little boy also come if iz friend of elf-guy. We find work for boy. Eh, what you say?' he asks, slamming you in the back in what was probably meant to be a friendly gesture.
You drink your shot, pretending you're too busy to answer. It tastes OK. Perhaps a bit too sour.
"Bar-woman! More drinkz for little boy-friend here!" he shouts, slamming a few coins on the bar as he does so.
You hope those two words combined have a very different meaning in this language. The bartender doesn't appear to be bothered by his shouting, taking his money and bringing you another shot.
"Other crew also here. All of Z fighterz."
The men Ike identified as the 'clean' group (probably because their clothes and faces are cleaner compared to everyone else here) keep glancing your way and whispering amongst each other.
"Not here-here. In back, for funzies." he clarifies.
Two of the 'clean' men get up and quickly make their way outside, moving with purpose.
"We haz big win in big fight. Other crew vzuf! Wrecked! Best fight in..." he pauses for a second, trying to think of an appropriate timespan.
"Forever!" he finally exclaims.
The two other 'clean' men stay at their table and keep an eye on you. You try to not stare at them.
"With movez and swordz and crazy ears, elf-guy best dance-fight for Z fighterz! We have many more victoriez!"

---

The Wandering Arms: Upstairs

---

Quote from: Xantalos on January 24, 2018, 01:00:23 am

((Heh, I do what I can, Paris. Alan's quite an enjoyable experience to roleplay because he's one of the rare examples in my life of pure, undiluted spontaneity. I can do whatever my mind wishes as him without worrying about ... well, everything one considers in every other situation. It's liberating.

Still doesn't mean I won't try to keep him alive though, as you see :P))

"Alright, now that my uniqueness is solidly proven, I can get to this!

Ahem.

WASUUUUUUUP?!"

Direct this greeting towards Ike. He's probably all fussed up about me because of those pizzas and the boombox distraction.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 24, 2018, 12:39:30 am

"Well, that's all pretty interesting (though I'm not really sure which friend you mean), but I'm more into the idea of finding out what's happened to my buddy Alan, it'd be unsafe to leave him out without supervision for long. Heck, I have no idea what he even did to disappear like he did. Can I see that guy Brad maybe? He's the last one who saw him."

"And hey, thanks for giving me the briefing on what's what around here. Anything I can do for you to return the favor?"

Chat with the crimelord politely.

You continue your polite chat. Just chatting politely. Nothing out of the ordinary, no crazy talk, no flying objects, just talk. Ah... Sometimes you miss Alan. It's like you can still hear him, calling out to you, saying something silly like "WASUUUUUUUP?!"

The Boss clarifies that he's talking about the guy you arrived here with. Zechariah.

He also says that no reward is needed for his help. A mutual exchange of information is enough for now.

He says that Brad is a valued associate of his. Despite his 'bad habits' he has come through multiple times in the past. And this time he provided something extraordinary out of his own volition, an object of incalculable value. All he asked for in exchange was information on whether or not he could help his new friend. And coin, of course.

He elaborates, saying that Brad's friend, which is also your friend, happened to have an accident. He used some sort of chaotic poison on himself which made his body dissolve, everything except the eyes which remained as some sort of Artifact. You guess that sounds like Alan, always putting things in his mouth to explore them, like a baby. You also remember that one time he gave a poison he had created to a boy that made the boy dissolve. In retrospect, what happened to Alan was just an accident waiting to happen.

Brad said that he could still hear Alan speak to him and he hoped Grim would know how to help him. Assuming he is not crazy and that this isn't the booze talking, there could still be a chance to save your friend. Though he hasn't seen anything like this before, he has a theory on what might work. And for that you'll need Alan's eyes.

"But I can't just hand them over to you. I am a businessman, you understand." the Boss says, making an apologetic gesture.
"Those eyes could be quite valuable, even as a mere key, though I'm certain that's not all they do. What would you be willing to provide in exchange for them? How much is your friend worth to you? Your armour, perhaps?"
Ah, now we get to the kidnapping and extortion bit.

---

Maximus: Turret 4A Backup Control Room

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 24, 2018, 08:36:01 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

<<Yes, we're okay.  Looks like the turret shutdown was trapped, because it detonated the turret when it was shut down.  I can't speak for the guys not in the control room, though.  What's it look like outside?>>

Assist Svajoklis with his efforts.

: There's a lot of damage from the explosion but most of it is superficial and contained to this area. Whoever programmed the self destruct did a sloppy job timing it, the warheads went off one by one so many were destroyed before their reaction could begin. Which I guess is a good thing, right? :

: I made some deep scans of this section of the ship while flying around but I couldn't detect any active power sources in your vicinity beyond the one you activated. You should be clear, at least until you reach another section of the ship. :

: I got hit by some of those explosions. There are several hull beaches and one of the battery packs is out. I'm going to need some time to repair and recharge the Phoenix after I dock. I'm going to try and dock at the Starboard Hangar Bay. Meet you in the Way Station? :

Quote from: DreamerGhost on January 24, 2018, 01:52:40 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus external storage and armor>

Check if the terminal has any information on possible nearby transport. Then go to the medkit and see if it has enough supplies to stop myself from bleeding out in the near future.

"I'd really appreciate if someone could help me out a bit here. Binding yourself with one arm is sorta difficult when you are suffering from bloodloss."

You press your book against the keyboard to absorb the data from the terminal (a bit hard to do with one arm but you manage). The map shows that if you follow this corridor towards the centre of the ship you'll reach a hub for this section and from there a transport station. If you're lucky, there will be a vehicle parked there. The network is down so you can't query the transport station for info.

The medkit has a few bandages. It also has a stasis syringe meant to slow down your metabolism until help can get to you. Seems like delaying death until someone competent arrives is the norm with first-aid here, same as in Earth, just more advanced. It also has a few nanopatches, flexible pieces of plastic-like material that are supposed to treat small wounds automatically. You don't know how much good they can do for an injury of this sort but decide to apply them anyway. With the help of Kosak and John you push a few nanopatches against your wounds until they stick in place and secure them with bandages. Hopefully this combined with the magical help from Saevus will be enough to prevent all the horrible things that can happen when someone receives such severe wounds or at least delay them until you can receive proper help.

---

Maximus: Formerly Turret 4A

---

Quote from: Zormod on January 24, 2018, 03:56:57 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

"Thanks for the save, Icarus."

Consider entering the Maximus by walking on the walls and supports left exposed by the blast.

That would be difficult from here. Both corridors leading further into the ship have been bent out of shape by the explosion, creating numerous blockages. You might be able to get the Phoenix to widen their entrance but the Phoenix can't reach further into the corridors. You could try to find another way in but without John's ability to manipulate machines you wouldn't be able to unlock the doors.

Your only two options appear to be to ask John to come all the way out here and unlock a door for you or follow the Phoenix and meet up with him in one of the ship's hubs, unless you have a better idea.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2018, 04:51:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Nah, I kinda like the armor. How about a dirty bomb instead? One of them void magic things? I'm sure you'd know how to use it better than I would, right?"

Engage in backroom arms deals!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 05:17:42 am

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2018, 04:51:13 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Nah, I kinda like the armor. How about a dirty bomb instead? One of them void magic things? I'm sure you'd know how to use it better than I would, right?"

Engage in backroom arms deals!

Trading a magical WMD to a crimelord in exchange for your friend's eyeballs? He's more than happy to accept that deal. He will send someone with you to facilitate the trade and give you the necessary help and information in order to revive Alan.

He says there's also the matter of those Sovereignty Commandos that will most definitely come after you. He could mislead them but they are bound to catch up with you and he'd rather not get on the Sovereignty's bad side if he can help it. After all, they might soon be running this Kingdom. The best option for him would be to set you up for an 'ambush', making them believe they could easily capture you, only for you to turn the tables. However you are free to deal with them as you wish, as long as it doesn't require his or his organization's direct help.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 28, 2018, 05:32:57 am

Zechariah politely speaks with the heavily-accented gentleman, trying to weasel his way out of the strange conversation. Upon noticing the "clean men," he realizes the gravity of the situation. He puts his drink to his mouth and slowly sips away. After a bit of quick thinking, he put his drink down and turned to his new acquaintance.

"This 'other crew,' you said - they're in the back, right?" Zechariah smiles awkwardly, trying to appear as friendly as possible. "Can we go meet them? I'd love to see the sort of weight class you fight at."

Try to use this as an excuse to get up and leave with the fighting man. If this succeeds, try to slip away to the hallway containing the room where the meeting is being conducted, and try to alert Ike to the impending danger.

If there's time afterward, find the fighting man again and apologize for getting lost. No use in not making friends in a strange land, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 28, 2018, 09:29:11 am

<<We'll meet you there.>>

John points in the direction of the Way Station.  "Okay, let's get moving and meet up with Icarus.  You guys ready?"  <<People not here in the ship with me,
 what's your status?>>

Get ready to roll out; check on others.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 28, 2018, 10:31:58 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 04:22:01 am

"I would hope that what she wants with you, is you." she says while looking at the  embers drifting towards the unnaturally black sky.
"I found you because she asked me to. Ordered me to."
You notice the ambiguity in her statement. Does she mean you specifically or someone like you? A large crash interrupts your thoughts. Some support column finally gives way, causing a large part of the roof to crumble, sending up a rain of glowing embers.
"Yes, I know. Not the answer you're looking for."
She shrugs and makes a gesture to indicate helplessness. Perhaps she is not allowed to speak more, perhaps she doesn't know more, perhaps she wants to keep toying with you.
"A better answer to your question would be that she wants what all royals want from other royals: To use you."
She turns her head to look at you.
"You should seek to do the same: Use her to become stronger."
"It's what I do." she adds with a smile and a wink.

A while later, she abruptly gets up.
"Sadly, while pleasant, this conversation must come to an end. It is time for me to go."
She turns to face you as you get up.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, my Prince. As was fighting with you. This Knight of Silver salutes you."
She bows with one fist on her chest.
"If you keep this up, I am certain we shall meet again."

Napoleon was a bit confused and a bit disappointed. "After all of this: the sudden appearance in this... wherever we are, the fighting, and the revelation that it was all a test and a game, you and your Queen are content to leaving me? Mon Dieu, where am I supposed to go now?! What am I supposed to do?"

With a deep sigh, Napoleon managed to compose himself. If the Queen wishes to use him to her advantage, surely he must do the same. After all, the Doll Prince has no true master save himself. Napoleon then gave Amarante a bow. "Very well then mademoiselle, it seems that my new journey is only just beginning. No use pining for my life back home. No doubt that hiding in the house while interacting with the outside world via dolls disguised as people gets old very fast. If the Queen went through the trouble of getting you to find me yet haven't told you to take me to her, perhaps she instead told you where she expect me to go to next. I don't know where on earth am I, assuming that I'm even on planet Earth anymore."

Regardless of Lady Amarante's answer, Napoleon will take a burning plank from the museum to use as a torch.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 10:49:10 am

I shake my head.
"It's a minor annoyance really. I want people to be independent, to accomplish things themselves and grow. I don't want people dependent on me, it makes them lesser than if they simply learned to stand on their own. So worship actually is counterproductive to me. someone that wants to serve me though, just one or two, can actually be a nice thing. There's quite a few things I'm bad at or simply could use some help with after all. But even then I'd want them to have a large degree of independence. And yes, I know that independence means making mistakes or doing things I don't like or whatever. It's just... it would need to be something that they want to do, not something they're compelled to do or they think it's their duty or anything like that. And really, it's just... I havn't earned it, at least not in my mind. So I don't go looking for people to serve me. If someone chooses to, and isn't just trying to enslave themselves through blind faith or use me to further their own goals, then that'd be a really nice thing. I don't expect it to happen often though if ever. Hasn't happened yet after all, though I admit to being pretty young hehe."
I'm kinda embarrassed by the question, and try to hide my face by looking down and eating, because I can feel myself blushing by the end of my response once the anger of answering the last question had faded.

---

((saving time by putting down here some questions Irine has for the mages, but that she wouldn't want to derail the current conversation for, so she'd wait for after the Q&A session is over to ask.))
"Um, each night, there's been a series of pulses of void magic traveling through the fire magic lines around the country, starting mostly from the east but there's one way back at the fire... capital. place. ruins. thing. who's name I kinda forgot. Anyway, they've been acting to weaken fire magic at least all over. I was wondering if it was affecting you guys too? or is it just fire? Anyway, um, I think I can counteract it, sorta, at least in the area around me. I... The way I interact with magic is kinda the exact opposite of how those void magic pulses work. If I choose to do so, I can enhance all the fire in a pretty big area around me, though it's nothing like the whole country or anything. The thing is, people in this world have magic inside them and as a part of them. The last time that I manipulated the fire inside a person, it was really really painful for them, but at the time I wasn't boosting it, I was dragging it down into the ground below them, and it was an asshole racist fire mage that attacked me cuz I wouldn't be his servant. So I don't really know if me boosting all the fire magic in the area around the camp would have side-effects on the people in it. It's a pretty effortless thing for me to do, so I could show you if that would help, but I don't want to hurt people just by trying to stop the stupid void-pulses."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on January 28, 2018, 11:17:50 am

((UGH have I missed a LOT. TWO updates and more?! Auto me if possible because of frustration in not being able to get a reply through))

---

Theri; Campaign (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7661105#msg7661105)

...I'm lost now. :-\ Desynchronized with everyone else.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 11:25:27 am

((No, you haven't missed a lot. we're mostly in a holding pattern while Ike does his thing attempting to retrieve Alan.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 06:41:01 pm

---

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 28, 2018, 10:31:58 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 04:22:01 am

"I would hope that what she wants with you, is you." she says while looking at the  embers drifting towards the unnaturally black sky.
"I found you because she asked me to. Ordered me to."
You notice the ambiguity in her statement. Does she mean you specifically or someone like you? A large crash interrupts your thoughts. Some support column finally gives way, causing a large part of the roof to crumble, sending up a rain of glowing embers.
"Yes, I know. Not the answer you're looking for."
She shrugs and makes a gesture to indicate helplessness. Perhaps she is not allowed to speak more, perhaps she doesn't know more, perhaps she wants to keep toying with you.
"A better answer to your question would be that she wants what all royals want from other royals: To use you."
She turns her head to look at you.
"You should seek to do the same: Use her to become stronger."
"It's what I do." she adds with a smile and a wink.

A while later, she abruptly gets up.
"Sadly, while pleasant, this conversation must come to an end. It is time for me to go."
She turns to face you as you get up.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, my Prince. As was fighting with you. This Knight of Silver salutes you."
She bows with one fist on her chest.
"If you keep this up, I am certain we shall meet again."

Napoleon was a bit confused and a bit disappointed. "After all of this: the sudden appearance in this... wherever we are, the fighting, and the revelation that it was all a test and a game, you and your Queen are content to leaving me? Mon Dieu, where am I supposed to go now?! What am I supposed to do?"

With a deep sigh, Napoleon managed to compose himself. If the Queen wishes to use him to her advantage, surely he must do the same. After all, the Doll Prince has no true master save himself. Napoleon then gave Amarante a bow. "Very well then mademoiselle, it seems that my new journey is only just beginning. No use pining for my life back home. No doubt that hiding in the house while interacting with the outside world via dolls disguised as people gets old very fast. If the Queen went through the trouble of getting you to find me yet haven't told you to take me to her, perhaps she instead told you where she expect me to go to next. I don't know where on earth am I, assuming that I'm even on planet Earth anymore."

Regardless of Lady Amarante's answer, Napoleon will take a burning plank from the museum to use as a torch.

"You'll find your way out of here." she says, still smiling that knowing smile, clearly knowing more than she is telling you.
"Farewell and good luck."

With that, she raises her arms. Lines of green light escapes her body, assembling into a humanoid shape above her. The shape gives you one final salute and flies away, disappearing into the darkness within a few seconds. When you look down again you see your doll staring at you, now back to normal, once again connected to you and under your control. Or so you feel, anyway. Maybe she has left some surprise for you, just waiting for the most inconvenient moment to spring it to you.

You approach the burning building. The heat is unbearable. You raise your hand to protect your face and eyes and try to grab a still burning plank. Even its non-burning portion is quite hot. You spend a few seconds shaking your hand after burning it. You revise your plan and use a piece of cloth to grab the plank instead, using it as an insulator.

You quickly move away from the burning building, not wanting to risk staying close to it more than you have to. As you walk away, you notice that several more lights have appeared while you were turned around, leading away from your current position. Old gas lamps have lit up, creating spots of light in the darkness. They reveal a path going away, ending on a small door against a great wall. Your torch would be of great help should you choose to follow it, helping light the way in the dark patches between the lamps.

---

Campaign: The Wandering Arms

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on January 28, 2018, 05:32:57 am

Zechariah politely speaks with the heavily-accented gentleman, trying to weasel his way out of the strange conversation. Upon noticing the "clean men," he realizes the gravity of the situation. He puts his drink to his mouth and slowly sips away. After a bit of quick thinking, he put his drink down and turned to his new acquaintance.

"This 'other crew,' you said - they're in the back, right?" Zechariah smiles awkwardly, trying to appear as friendly as possible. "Can we go meet them? I'd love to see the sort of weight class you fight at."

Try to use this as an excuse to get up and leave with the fighting man. If this succeeds, try to slip away to the hallway containing the room where the meeting is being conducted, and try to alert Ike to the impending danger.

If there's time afterward, find the fighting man again and apologize for getting lost. No use in not making friends in a strange land, after all.

The man (who you realize still hasn't told you his name) is overjoyed by your proposal
"Haha! Good! Good!" the spiky man exclaims.
"Z Fighterz will be happy meeting boy."
The man grabs you by the shoulder and all but drags you with him, his armored hand gripping you close to him in a sort of half-hug, leading you towards the back. The 'clean men' watch you but make no move to follow you, instead talking with each other with... you're not sure. Anger? Concern?

The back room appears much more lively than the front. You can hear loud music and louder shouting as you make your way through the corridors leading there. When you judge you've gone on far enough, you make your move.
"And so Metal Warriorz sendz their bestest dance-fighter out on the arena. Z Fighterz sendz me. And Metal Warriorz are all shoutingz-"
"Erm, may I be excused for a moment?" you ask.
"Huh? Wazup?"
"Well, you see, I need to use the little boys' room. I think I had a bit too much to drink."
The man things about it for a few seconds. You can feel the alcohol in his breath.
"Oh! Oh, sure!" he says with a smile.
"Meet you in back room then!" he adds.
You quickly move away, leaving the man behind.

You move through the corridors until you find a stairway leading up. The guard stationed there says you can go up and so you do, climbing the stairs and reaching the room Ike is in. Once there you deliver your warning to Ike.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 10:49:10 am

I shake my head.
"It's a minor annoyance really. I want people to be independent, to accomplish things themselves and grow. I don't want people dependent on me, it makes them lesser than if they simply learned to stand on their own. So worship actually is counterproductive to me. someone that wants to serve me though, just one or two, can actually be a nice thing. There's quite a few things I'm bad at or simply could use some help with after all. But even then I'd want them to have a large degree of independence. And yes, I know that independence means making mistakes or doing things I don't like or whatever. It's just... it would need to be something that they want to do, not something they're compelled to do or they think it's their duty or anything like that. And really, it's just... I havn't earned it, at least not in my mind. So I don't go looking for people to serve me. If someone chooses to, and isn't just trying to enslave themselves through blind faith or use me to further their own goals, then that'd be a really nice thing. I don't expect it to happen often though if ever. Hasn't happened yet after all, though I admit to being pretty young hehe."
I'm kinda embarrassed by the question, and try to hide my face by looking down and eating, because I can feel myself blushing by the end of my response once the anger of answering the last question had faded.

"What exactly is your definition of 'wanting' to serve you? If someone feels they should serve you, that it's the right thing to do, that it's their duty... isn't this the same as them wanting to serve you? In the end it is still their choice."
"What my friend is trying to say is that it might happen more often than you think."
"Look at all those people." the mage says, making a gesture towards the recruits gathered around the oversized pot Nikolai just transformed or others standing around eating, talking, preparing their tents, going about their work.
"Many joined to protect their homes or to fight their enemies but many joined because of you. Sure, some are afraid of you, but to others you're a hero and a savior. You have not asked them to, but they see you as both a leader and a comrade. They WANT to see you as their leader, as their ally and friend, because it gives them hope. But it's not just because of what they think you can do for them."
"There's also those who respect you, who admire what you've done, your morality and the power to see it through. They would follow you where you led them, they would give their lives to protect you, they would do your bidding if they knew what you wanted. That sounds like a follower to me."
The mage crosses his arms. He seems quite passionate about the subject.
"Don't sell yourself short."

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 10:49:10 am

((saving time by putting down here some questions Irine has for the mages, but that she wouldn't want to derail the current conversation for, so she'd wait for after the Q&A session is over to ask.))
"Um, each night, there's been a series of pulses of void magic traveling through the fire magic lines around the country, starting mostly from the east but there's one way back at the fire... capital. place. ruins. thing. who's name I kinda forgot. Anyway, they've been acting to weaken fire magic at least all over. I was wondering if it was affecting you guys too? or is it just fire? Anyway, um, I think I can counteract it, sorta, at least in the area around me. I... The way I interact with magic is kinda the exact opposite of how those void magic pulses work. If I choose to do so, I can enhance all the fire in a pretty big area around me, though it's nothing like the whole country or anything. The thing is, people in this world have magic inside them and as a part of them. The last time that I manipulated the fire inside a person, it was really really painful for them, but at the time I wasn't boosting it, I was dragging it down into the ground below them, and it was an asshole racist fire mage that attacked me cuz I wouldn't be his servant. So I don't really know if me boosting all the fire magic in the area around the camp would have side-effects on the people in it. It's a pretty effortless thing for me to do, so I could show you if that would help, but I don't want to hurt people just by trying to stop the stupid void-pulses."

"This is very troubling news. We need to alert the Headwater as soon as possible."
"The weakening of Fire magic won't affect us directly and should not affect Chizra either. However both the imbalance created and the Dark magic could be dangerous if left unchecked."
"Even if they weren't, all the Fire magic they are draining... what would someone do with such power?"
"Not to mention that Ineth is taken. If this is the Sovereignty's doing then they are far more powerful than we realized. And the mages sent to Ineth..."
"They must be warned! They can't face such dark power on their own!"

It takes a minute or two for them to discuss the implications of what you've just told them. It's bad news in more ways than one. When the discussion is finished they finally address your concerns.

"Removing this corruption is certainly something we must strive to do, if possible, but... Directly manipulating the Flow of another is a... difficult matter to discuss."
"One's Flow will usually resist outside interference but doing so is a very unpleasant experience."
"From what I understand you have used your ability in the past but it never affected others. It only affected the Fire mage and only when you focused on him."
"Perhaps your ability can only influence those with powerful Fire magic in them. Perhaps if you merely focus on strengthening fire there will be no pain."
"We can always get a volunteer and experiment. I'm sure there are many willing around and it should be harmless, right?"
"Well, Fire magic is connected to certain powerful emotions. It might not hurt them but it might have other psychological effects, perhaps not pronounced enough to be visible with a short test."

Quote from: Tiruin on January 28, 2018, 11:17:50 am

((UGH have I missed a LOT. TWO updates and more?! Auto me if possible because of frustration in not being able to get a reply through))

---

Theri; Campaign (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7661105#msg7661105)

...I'm lost now. :-\ Desynchronized with everyone else.

What Lenglon said. It's just talking with each others and NPCs until you decide to advance time. Which works out well for me since I don't have to force you to stop when it's time to resync with Ike. So don't worry, take your time.

Sorry for the erratic frequency of updates. Sometimes I have lots of time, others not so much. Sometimes I don't feel like writing, sometimes I do. So I try to write whenever I feel I can, because I feel like otherwise this story will never be over.

---

Maximus: External Storage and Armour, Fore Section

---

Quote from: Toaster on January 28, 2018, 09:29:11 am

<<We'll meet you there.>>

John points in the direction of the Way Station.  "Okay, let's get moving and meet up with Icarus.  You guys ready?"  <<People not here in the ship with me,
 what's your status?>>

Get ready to roll out; check on others.

The others are fine...ish. The book guy is still missing his arm but he doesn't appear to be dying, at least not yet. Saevus is still Saevus, a bit weaker due to this place's dampening effect but still a mighty tank. The dwarf is becoming dangerously sober and might start a tantrum soon, perhaps you should include that in your travel plans.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 28, 2018, 07:23:57 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 06:41:01 pm

"You'll find your way out of here." she says, still smiling that knowing smile, clearly knowing more than she is telling you.
"Farewell and good luck."

With that, she raises her arms. Lines of green light escapes her body, assembling into a humanoid shape above her. The shape gives you one final salute and flies away, disappearing into the darkness within a few seconds. When you look down again you see your doll staring at you, now back to normal, once again connected to you and under your control. Or so you feel, anyway. Maybe she has left some surprise for you, just waiting for the most inconvenient moment to spring it to you.

You approach the burning building. The heat is unbearable. You raise your hand to protect your face and eyes and try to grab a still burning plank. Even its non-burning portion is quite hot. You spend a few seconds shaking your hand after burning it. You revise your plan and use a piece of cloth to grab the plank instead, using it as an insulator.

You quickly move away from the burning building, not wanting to risk staying close to it more than you have to. As you walk away, you notice that several more lights have appeared while you were turned around, leading away from your current position. Old gas lamps have lit up, creating spots of light in the darkness. They reveal a path going away, ending on a small door against a great wall. Your torch would be of great help should you choose to follow it, helping light the way in the dark patches between the lamps.

(I like the way Harry and Xantalos title their posts and have considered doing something similar.)

♚A Doll Prince's Journey Begins♚

"Some help you are," Napoleon grumbled bitterly. "Keep your secrets to yourself as long as you can. I'll figure them out soon enough."

Looking down at the doll before him, Napoleon made it move its limbs around a bit to check whether he actually has complete control over it. Satisfied, he banished it with a thought. Feeling as if a piece of himself that was once lost has returned, Napoleon felt a bit better and he then assessed his current situation. Perhaps the Queen didn't want him brought to her not just because she wants to toy with him some more but because she wants to see how he would function on his own. If that was true, then the test hasn't ended after all. He could've simply just passed the initiation and thus are being led to the next part of the test. The fact that those oil lamps spontaneously lit up a path to a door in the distance seemed to support that theory. No matter: Napoleon will deal with whatever obstacles that stand in his way. Though he lost the fight, Napoleon have learned several valuable lessons from fighting Lady Amarante and isn't likely to fall for similar tactics that any potential enemies will use against him. If he had to drown in a flood of murderous dolls any who stand between him and this Queen he intend to meet, so be it. If she wants to use him as a pawn, so be it. After all, with a few clever moves, even a pawn can become a queen, the most powerful chess piece in the game. After all, he is the Doll Prince and he does not intend to fall through the cracks on the path to destiny.

Walk toward the door while being alert to any dangers along the way.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

Alan, Attention Seeker

"Ike! Iiiiiike! Ike the spike! No? I mean you're busy and all, but I'm your pal? Oh wait, you're trying to get my eyes back, aren't you? Good on ya, bud! Go-getter, that's what you are! I'll leave ya to it, good job buddy. See ya around! Aha ha ha! Get it? Because you're getting my eyes."

Alan decides to talk to ... oh, he'd forgotten to talk to ... the non-burninatrix female in the party. Terri? Alan wasn't entirely sure, but he wasn't Alan for being uncertain, so he rolled with it.

"Heya Terri, what's cooking? Actually heck, that'd be more of an Irine joke. Get it? She burns things? Cooking? It's funny!

Anyway, how's it hanging? That just means what's popping, which means what's good, which means what's cool, which means what's topical,
 which is a roundabout way of asking what's currently hip in your vicinity, all of which are pretty much just different ways to say hi. Cool, huh?
 Being incorporeal really seems to be helping my brain on account of not existing and all that. I was gonna ask you something, just gimme
a minute, it slipped my kiwi."

He projects exaggerated hemming and hawing into Theri's thoughts for around a minute before he speaks again.

"Ah, I remember now! What'd we come here for again? I mean like to this world in the first place. I've been doing a lot of shenanigans recently so I kinda forgot, but I just realized I might be able to make it a lot easier what with the situation I'm in right now."

Talk with my friends! Include Theri in the conversation too, Alan is an inclusive guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2018, 07:57:00 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Sometimes you just gotta fight the power, my man. Does it really matter if you send them into a reverse ambush or you say you've got me held here and then we collectively slit their throats when they come check? Key thing really would be to make sure none of 'em live to tell the tale, eh?"

Propose we don't screw around with an ambush and just kill the lot of them in a clandestine fashion within the inn.

Or, failing that, just send the bastards on a wild goose chase instead. Really I'm just interested in getting back to the party reasonably unmolested and the rest is mostly just details.

In any case, deliver the WMD into this fellow's caring hands. Surely he'd know a good use for it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 08:08:53 pm

"I-I-I"
I'm feeling really overwhelmed here.
"Um-uh-I-That... That's a lot of people."
Yeah, my face is completely flush right now.
"I, I didn't... I'm not ready for... Uh, I..."
I glance around, feeling like I need a rescue but not at all sure where help could come from or how.
"I... I guess... I... Uh..."
My ears are down, my tails low, my arms close to my sides.
"Ah... Um... I..."
I take a slow, deep breath.
"I'm not... real-ly sure. how. t-to... re-spond... to that... It's- a bit. over... It's a bit much. I..."
Another slow, deep breath.
"I'm not sure I can do right by this many. That... that kind of devotion deserves real individual care and... And I'm not sure I'm up to giving it the kind of treatment it deserves. I... I mean... I can try... It's just... I... wow. Um. I... Uh... Um..."

---

---

"I've only targeted a person that one time, so I really don't know what will happen... Um, do you need any special detection things to see if... um, here."
Without moving my physical body, I seize both the table's lantern-flame and a section of empty air partway down the table, and after pausing for a moment to see if the mages have noticed what I've done before I've even caused any effects upon my targets, boost the flames within them both.
"Can you tell what I'm doing right now? What two areas are under my influence at this moment?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on January 28, 2018, 08:12:36 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2018, 07:57:00 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Sometimes you just gotta fight the power, my man. Does it really matter if you send them into a reverse ambush or you say you've got me held here and then we collectively slit their throats when they come check? Key thing really would be to make sure none of 'em live to tell the tale, eh?"

Zechariah intrudes upon the meeting, quietly apologizing to the Boss for his interruption. He looks towards Ike and says, "We're being hunted. We don't have much time before they find us here, those men at the corner table."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on January 29, 2018, 11:51:05 pm

(Oops, sorry for my delay. I've been a bit busy for the past few days. Oh, and I'm fine with you speeding things up.)

Stephano Falcone

Stephano stayed silent for a few seconds.

She deserves to know the truth, but I can't risk telling her. She and her fellow revolutionists might turn against me if they discover that I killed one of their own. I can't take that chance, not when I'm so close to finally gaining my freedom. Sorry, Iris. Perhaps it's better that you never know the truth.

Finally, he answered without turning back to face her.

"Yes, Mantis is dead. I..." Stephano's voice cracked. "...couldn't save him. Sorry."

Stephano exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Clean up the dishes. Find a place to sit down. Withdraw my gun. Make sure it's loaded and ready to be used at a moment's notice. Then sit and wait.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on January 30, 2018, 12:26:37 am

(Xantalos, it seems that I was able to add Alan's additional madness to my sig after all.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on January 30, 2018, 01:52:24 am

((Just you wait until I turn that madness to genius by solving the puzzle ww’ve been trying to solve for the whole campaign.

That being where’s this rogue bond former, of course. Just need someone to remind Alan of it and he can use his pseudo-omniscience to search for the guy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on January 30, 2018, 06:32:28 pm

<Svajoklis, Inside Maximus>

"Thank you John. With any luck, transport section will have something to get us to the medbay. I'm halfway hoping that we find some people there, the alternatives come in utter shit and worse."

Go to the transport hub.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on January 30, 2018, 06:58:22 pm

"No kidding.  We can't guarantee anyone we meet is friendly, either; at least one person on board wants nothing to do with us."

Move out

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on January 30, 2018, 07:06:33 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Aye, sir."

Move out!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Hawk132 on January 31, 2018, 04:16:54 pm

Walking Tank, Maximus

Saevus moves out as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 01, 2018, 09:59:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 06:41:01 pm

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight

---

Quote from: Tiruin on January 28, 2018, 11:17:50 am

What Lenglon said. It's just talking with each others and NPCs until you decide to advance time. Which works out well for me since I don't have to force you to stop when it's time to resync with Ike. So don't worry, take your time.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

Talk with my friends! Include Theri in the conversation too, Alan is an inclusive guy.

((Thanks guys :) I also apologize for the perceived tone in my earlier post >_> I was snappy because of really bad moods. Much ♥ and thanks a ton! :D I have good friends \o/))

---

---

Theri; Campaign

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

It has been a time since I saw Alan!...how did he get here when I didn't see him before, again?

Theri couldn't help but smile as she listened to Alan's silliness, playing with how many pronunciations and mispronunciations he gave her name in mind. She was resting with River-puppy after a good spar with one of the folks.
"I...I forgot the specifics, but it was connected to River and a major piece of power within this world that shouldn't be in it--oh wait, hold on. I'll think it out."

Theri recalled many snippets in the past (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5669786#msg5669786), driven by association, especially having River by her side as the notions of 'hunt', 'compete', and 'assist' came to mind.

"It feels like a few years back--despite it being only weeks, not vague, but like a somewhat distant memory. Probably also due to being blasted by an explosion and then me reviving somewhere else. Oh! And speaking of horrible magics, I have to inform Irine and the rest, and Ike and Nikolai and- ok you get on here, hold on Alan. Just listen in on this."

Haviing placed River on her shoulders, she went first to Irine, who was nearby and with a few other folks. She waved hello before addressing Irine: "Sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I'd like to mention that we're nearing a small vale between the hills, near or on hostile territory. We have to prepare the people, and I would like to volunteer to be part of the vanguard; I can handle attacks better for others to take advantage of. Where's Ike and the others?"

Hello Irine! Hello Alan! Information time!
Also try to recall any gaps I have of what the objectives-in-current-context are, if there were any modifications.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2018, 03:51:55 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on January 28, 2018, 07:23:57 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 06:41:01 pm

"You'll find your way out of here." she says, still smiling that knowing smile, clearly knowing more than she is telling you.
"Farewell and good luck."

With that, she raises her arms. Lines of green light escapes her body, assembling into a humanoid shape above her. The shape gives you one final salute and flies away, disappearing into the darkness within a few seconds. When you look down again you see your doll staring at you, now back to normal, once again connected to you and under your control. Or so you feel, anyway. Maybe she has left some surprise for you, just waiting for the most inconvenient moment to spring it to you.

You approach the burning building. The heat is unbearable. You raise your hand to protect your face and eyes and try to grab a still burning plank. Even its non-burning portion is quite hot. You spend a few seconds shaking your hand after burning it. You revise your plan and use a piece of cloth to grab the plank instead, using it as an insulator.

You quickly move away from the burning building, not wanting to risk staying close to it more than you have to. As you walk away, you notice that several more lights have appeared while you were turned around, leading away from your current position. Old gas lamps have lit up, creating spots of light in the darkness. They reveal a path going away, ending on a small door against a great wall. Your torch would be of great help should you choose to follow it, helping light the way in the dark patches between the lamps.

(I like the way Harry and Xantalos title their posts and have considered doing something similar.)

*A Doll Prince's Journey Begins*

"Some help you are," Napoleon grumbled bitterly. "Keep your secrets to yourself as long as you can. I'll figure them out soon enough."

Looking down to the doll before him, Napoleon made it move its limbs around a bit to check whether he actually has complete control over it. Satisfied, he banished it with a thought. Feeling as if a piece of himself that was once lost has returned, Napoleon felt a bit better and he then assessed his current situation. Perhaps the Queen didn't want him brought to her not just because she wants to toy with him some more but because she wants to see how he would function on his own. If that was true, then the test hasn't ended after all. He could've simply just passed the initiation and thus are being led to the next part of the test. The fact that those oil lamps spontaneously lit up a path to a door in the distance seemed to support that theory. No matter: Napoleon will deal with whatever obstacles that stand in his way. Though he lost the fight, Napoleon have learned his lesson from fighting Lady Amarante and isn't likely to fall for similar tactics that any potential enemies will use against him. If he had to drown in a flood of murderous dolls any who stand between him and this Queen he intend to meet, so be it. If she wants to use him as a pawn, so be it. After all, with a few clever moves, even a pawn can become a queen, the most powerful chess piece in the game. After all, he is the Doll Prince and he does not intend to fall through the cracks on the path to destiny.

Walk toward the door while being alert to any dangers along the way.

You walk through the darkness, using the torch to light the way. You follow the trail of lights to the door, ignoring any branches in the path.

The trip is a bit slow but uneventful. You reach the door, a heavy-looking wooden thing. There's an engraving of a cat on it, curiously poking her head inside a half-open chest. The wall is on a large white marble wall, you can't see where it ends. You turn the knob and try to push it open. It won't budge, doesn't even bend a little. You pull instead. The door opens. That was easy. If this was a test than its purpose is probably 'can this guy walk and make the most basic connections'. Through the door is a tiny room, more like a closet really or maybe a chimney since it has no roof. The only thing in it is a pair of bootprints engraved on the floor. You can barely stand in it.

((I assume you don't want to explore further, so...))

You step inside to get a better look at the walls, trying to judge how high they are. The door immediately slams shut behind you, forcing you the rest of the way in. You've barely pushed yourself off the wall when the floor starts going up. It feels more like the world is going down while you remain stationary, there's no wind, no acceleration, no noise. You can only tell you're moving through the moving patterns in the marble. Maybe it's just the wall displaying a different texture, like in a video game, but you don't feel like putting the theory to test. It's moving too fast, you could lose a finger.

A few seconds later you've risen above the wall, into the darkness beyond. From here you can see everything. You can see the burning building and the little path leading to the door, sure, but you can also see the buildings surrounding the fire and the small forest of dead trees surrounding those, as if lit by some omnidirectional light. Even your dying torch produces no shadows. You can see every bit of the area you were in, even the huge walls enclosing it. Like a dollhouse floating in the void.

You can also see where you're going from here. From below it doesn't look that impressive. Just a stone square with a small protrusion on one side. Soon you reach the square. The platform enters a small hole in one of the edges of the square, quite similar to the one you started in. You are once again in a tiny space with a single door. There's an engraving on it, a kitten playing with a cat, chasing her tail.

You open the door and go into the room beyond. It's fairly small and completely undecorated, just four walls extending upwards into darkness. There's a double door on your right, on the other side of the room. Unsurprisingly, there's another image involving cats on it, this time having a cat sleeping in the same box as a kitten. What breaks the pattern is that there's a quote engraved underneath it.

Quote from: Helen Keller

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Directly opposite to you is an open door where a man has just walked out of. He's dressed in somewhat loose yet expensive-looking black clothes and wears grey mirrored sunglasses and a black baseball cap with a crown emblem stitched on it. A good portion of his face is covered by a short beard.

He stays silent for a moment, you can't read him easily without being able to clearly see his face. Then he starts walking towards you.
"Hi there! Jack Krank, King of Card Games." he introduces himself with a small wave.
He stops before reaching you and smiles.
"You're my 'friend'?"

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 28, 2018, 07:57:00 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Sometimes you just gotta fight the power, my man. Does it really matter if you send them into a reverse ambush or you say you've got me held here and then we collectively slit their throats when they come check? Key thing really would be to make sure none of 'em live to tell the tale, eh?"

Propose we don't screw around with an ambush and just kill the lot of them in a clandestine fashion within the inn.

Or, failing that, just send the bastards on a wild goose chase instead. Really I'm just interested in getting back to the party reasonably unmolested and the rest is mostly just details.

In any case, deliver the WMD into this fellow's caring hands. Surely he'd know a good use for it.

"We could maybe slit their throat if they were unaware of your presence here. However right now they are in the process of sending a message to inform their superiors. Even if that message had never been sent, they would still send someone here to investigate after the Commandos cease reporting. And I really like this area, I would prefer it if I didn't have to move the Wandering Arms again so soon."

"The best outcome for me is for me to appear to be helping them. If they lose the fight but a few soldiers escape and report they lost despite my help, the blame will fall on them and on your strength, not on me. And if you lose the fight, well, I believe the benefits to me are obvious."

"But I can, of course, profess neutrality, do nothing and let you deal with this as you see fit. Consider it a show of good faith about our deal."
He makes a motion towards Grim.
"Grim, take Kaya and discreetly follow our new friends. Once you receive payment give them what they need."
Grim clearly doesn't like the sound of that.
"But sir! I-"
The Boss gives him an icy look. Grim grunts in defeat
"Yes sir." he relents.
"Good. If they get in a fight, stay out of it, they are not paying for our protection. And if they try to double cross us, make sure they receive appropriate punishment."
He could had given such instructions in secret, so he clearly intends for you to hear them.
"I bet Kaya will be ecstatic to hear that." Grim complains.
"You are free to go." the Boss says to you.
"Grim will show you the tunnel exit. That should leave the Commandos confused."
"I suggest you hurry. Your friend doesn't have long." he adds with indifference.

Oh, also, your brain vibrates. Looks like you have a call from Alan. Must be long-distance, you can barely hear him.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

Alan, Attention Seeker

"Ike! Iiiiiike! Ike the spike! No? I mean you're busy and all, but I'm your pal? Oh wait, you're trying to get my eyes back, aren't you? Good on ya, bud! Go-getter, that's what you are! I'll leave ya to it, good job buddy. See ya around! Aha ha ha! Get it? Because you're getting my eyes."

Alan decides to talk to ... oh, he'd forgotten to talk to ... the non-burninatrix female in the party. Terri? Alan wasn't entirely sure, but he wasn't Alan for being uncertain, so he rolled with it.

"Heya Terri, what's cooking? Actually heck, that'd be more of an Irine joke. Get it? She burns things? Cooking? It's funny!

Anyway, how's it hanging? That just means what's popping, which means what's good, which means what's cool, which means what's topical,
 which is a roundabout way of asking what's currently hip in your vicinity, all of which are pretty much just different ways to say hi. Cool, huh?
 Being incorporeal really seems to be helping my brain on account of not existing and all that. I was gonna ask you something, just gimme
a minute, it slipped my kiwi."

He projects exaggerated hemming and hawing into Theri's thoughts for around a minute before he speaks again.

"Ah, I remember now! What'd we come here for again? I mean like to this world in the first place. I've been doing a lot of shenanigans recently so I kinda forgot, but I just realized I might be able to make it a lot easier what with the situation I'm in right now."

Talk with my friends! Include Theri in the conversation too, Alan is an inclusive guy.

Alan initiates a magical conference call that runs on his dissolving soul, somehow linking Ike, Theri and himself. I don't know if this is a great success or a great failure.

Edit: Also, I like "burninatrix" as an alternative to pyromaniac.

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 08:08:53 pm

"I-I-I"
I'm feeling really overwhelmed here.
"Um-uh-I-That... That's a lot of people."
Yeah, my face is completely flush right now.
"I, I didn't... I'm not ready for... Uh, I..."
I glance around, feeling like I need a rescue but not at all sure where help could come from or how.
"I... I guess... I... Uh..."
My ears are down, my tails low, my arms close to my sides.
"Ah... Um... I..."
I take a slow, deep breath.
"I'm not... real-ly sure. how. t-to... re-spond... to that... It's- a bit. over... It's a bit much. I..."
Another slow, deep breath.
"I'm not sure I can do right by this many. That... that kind of devotion deserves real individual care and... And I'm not sure I'm up to giving it the kind of treatment it deserves. I... I mean... I can try... It's just... I... wow. Um. I... Uh... Um..."

"I am sorry young lady, we didn't mean-*
"But it is the truth. The sooner she realizes that the better it will be for those that depend on her."
"Well, we should at least be more considerate in how we address the matter."

While the two argue the third approaches you, sits down next to you and puts a hand on your shoulder.
"Hey, relax. It's OK. I'm sorry. I shouldn't had pushed you like that."
"I might have exaggerated a bit. I tend to get a bit carried away when arguing. I have... strong emotions about this subject."
You remember they were arguing about a similar matter when you joined them.
"I didn't mean to impose such a responsibility on you. I was merely trying to be honest. You fought for those people, nearly died for them and their loved ones even though they didn't ask you to do that. Is it so unnatural for them to want to do the same for you?"

((I had a much larger response written but when I reread it I found it unnatural for the guy to suddenly start monologuing. Better for me to try to move the conversation forward in a more organic manner, even if it takes longer.))

Quote from: Lenglon on January 28, 2018, 08:08:53 pm

"I've only targeted a person that one time, so I really don't know what will happen... Um, do you need any special detection things to see if... um, here."
Without moving my physical body, I seize both the table's lantern-flame and a section of empty air partway down the table, and after pausing for a moment to see if the mages have noticed what I've done before I've even caused any effects upon my targets, boost the flames within them both.
"Can you tell what I'm doing right now? What two areas are under my influence at this moment?"

The creature in the lantern transforms into its rock form when you take its fire away, falling to the bottom of the lantern. This one looks like kinda like a beetle, you think.
"The lantern."
"Well, obviously. But she said two."
They aren't able to sense your manipulation and your ability doesn't appear to have any short-term
sideffects on them. Perhaps it would be different for a Fire Mage.

Also, Theri is here and is talking about a potential ambush. She's also talking to thin air. She says she's talking to Alan. Maybe the heat is too much for someone with fur, maybe you should find some shade for her and keep her hydrated.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 01, 2018, 09:59:59 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2018, 06:41:01 pm

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight

---

Quote from: Tiruin on January 28, 2018, 11:17:50 am

What Lenglon said. It's just talking with each others and NPCs until you decide to advance time. Which works out well for me since I don't have to force you to stop when it's time to resync with Ike. So don't worry, take your time.

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

Talk with my friends! Include Theri in the conversation too, Alan is an inclusive guy.

((Thanks guys :) I also apologize for the perceived tone in my earlier post >_> I was snappy because of really bad moods. Much ♥ and thanks a ton! :D I have good friends \o/))

---

---

Theri; Campaign

Quote from: Xantalos on January 28, 2018, 07:54:00 pm

It has been a time since I saw Alan!...how did he get here when I didn't see him before, again?

Theri couldn't help but smile as she listened to Alan's silliness, playing with how many pronunciations and mispronunciations he gave her name in mind. She was resting with River-puppy after a good spar with one of the folks.
"I...I forgot the specifics, but it was connected to River and a major piece of power within this world that shouldn't be in it--oh wait, hold on. I'll think it out."

Theri recalled many snippets in the past (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg5669786#msg5669786), driven by association, especially having River by her side as the notions of 'hunt', 'compete', and 'assist' came to mind.

"It feels like a few years back--despite it being only weeks, not vague, but like a somewhat distant memory. Probably also due to being blasted by an explosion and then me reviving somewhere else. Oh! And speaking of horrible magics, I have to inform Irine and the rest, and Ike and Nikolai and- ok you get on here, hold on Alan. Just listen in on this."

Haviing placed River on her shoulders, she went first to Irine, who was nearby and with a few other folks. She waved hello before addressing Irine: "Sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I'd like to mention that we're nearing a small vale between the hills, near or on hostile territory. We have to prepare the people, and I would like to volunteer to be part of the vanguard; I can handle attacks better for others to take advantage of. Where's Ike and the others?"

Hello Irine! Hello Alan! Information time!
Also try to recall any gaps I have of what the objectives-in-current-context are, if there were any modifications.

((*hugs Tiruin*))

River looks at you curiously as you start speaking to Alan. He emits a surprised whine as you pick him up but manages to comfortably find a place to rest comfortably on your shoulders.

You go find Irine and tell her Alan is here. It doesn't look like she believes you, even though he's standing right next to you. In fact nobody seems to believe you. When a recruit passes through Alan, you realize that only you can see him. Huh. That explains that.

Well, at least the people Irine is talking to like the vanguard idea.

Your objective is to find a powerful creature that is the same species as River. It killed someone and River wants to punish it for that act. You believe it is in the east, in a place called Nether Pass.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on January 29, 2018, 11:51:05 pm

(Oops, sorry for my delay. I've been a bit busy for the past few days. Oh, and I'm fine with you speeding things up.)

Stephano Falcone

Stephano stayed silent for a few seconds.

She deserves to know the truth, but I can't risk telling her. She and her fellow revolutionists might turn against me if they discover that I killed one of their own. I can't take that chance, not when I'm so close to finally gaining my freedom. Sorry, Iris. Perhaps it's better that you never know the truth.

Finally, he answered without turning back to face her.

"Yes, Mantis is dead. I..." Stephano's voice cracked. "...couldn't save him. Sorry."

Stephano exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Clean up the dishes. Find a place to sit down. Withdraw my gun. Make sure it's loaded and ready to be used at a moment's notice. Then sit and wait.

((No problem, it's not like I'm the fastest updater. And no other player depends on your actions. And RL comes first. So there's no reason to apologise.

Really like your RPing so far, btw. To me it feels like your character acts very naturally.))

You leave Iris and close the door behind you. You can hear her crying softly. Could you had gone through with this if you had turned to look at her?

You don't let those thoughts torment you. You find something to keep you busy instead, cleaning the dishes. The chilly water helps get your thoughts in order.

Once you're done you sit down on the kitchen table and check your gun. It appears to be in good condition, a bit scratched on one side but that's it. You remove the clip. Half-empty. You have a spare clip but that's it. You don't know if there are any other bullets around, your search of the kitchen didn't reveal any. If there are, they're probably hidden somewhere.

With nothing else to do you extinguish the lights and wait. The silence is broken occasionally by cracks coming from the dying fire inside the woodstove. You get comfortable next to it, basking in its warmth, trying to think about the future instead of the past.

...

You're not sure how long it's been. You're getting drowsy. Maybe getting some sleep would be a good idea. You feel a distant rumble. You turn to look and catch a glimpse of a light coming through the window that slowly fades into darkness a few moments later. Some distant car maybe? You've heard them pass before, some of them make a lot of noise for some reason.

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on January 30, 2018, 06:32:28 pm

<Svajoklis, Inside Maximus>

"Thank you John. With any luck, transport section will have something to get us to the medbay. I'm halfway hoping that we find some people there, the alternatives come in utter shit and worse."

Go to the transport hub.

Quote from: Toaster on January 30, 2018, 06:58:22 pm

"No kidding.  We can't guarantee anyone we meet is friendly, either; at least one person on board wants nothing to do with us."

Move out

Quote from: Hawk132 on January 31, 2018, 04:16:54 pm

Walking Tank, Maximus

Saevus moves out as well.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on January 30, 2018, 07:06:33 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Aye, sir."

Move out!

Your merry group of adventurers moves through the hallways, following your map and the doors left half-open, presumably by the saboteur. You remain cautious, trying to keep floating instead of using your mag-boots so that you make as little noise as possible.

The ship is eerily quiet. Every noise is amplified and echoed in the hallways. Pristine hallways, unused hallways. This section of the ship is mostly empty space and non-essential spares, nobody would have any reason to come here. No human anyway, drones would probably perform maintenance from time to time.

Your path takes you through an umbilical that cuts through a large empty space, a great dark metal cavern. Through the light coming from your suits, you can barely make out huge mechanical arms reaching out from the walls like buried mechanical giants looking to drag you into the walls with them.

"Interface, what is this place?" John asks, getting flashbacks from his earlier missions.
: This external storage section is dedicated to the storage of large hazardous materials. With adequate preparation it can open to the outside to allow Tugs to move materials into it. It contains equipment useful for shielding, isolating and manipulating large dangerous materials. :
"I don't like this. Feels like an evil biome."
: This is the most efficient route to your destination. Do you require an alternate route? :
"No, it's fine. Quicker is better."
: Acknowledged. :

You eventually reach the other side of the large empty space. You go through more corridors and eventually end up in a large open area. The map shows you're close to the center of the ship in one of the great corridors running parallel to its main gun. This is the transport hub for this section.

This place looks like it was meant to be used to unload small cargo containers as well as store automated transport vehicles. There's a few benches around and a small office with some terminals and some kind of vending machine in it that show that people were supposed to be here, but they all look unused. A stack of containers lies on one side, tightly secured to the floor. There's a garage next to it, probably meant to hold vehicles used to transfer cargo back to where you came from. On the other side a number of magnetic vehicles of various sizes are secured in a dispenser, ready to be dispatched to whoever requests them, their Network ensuring they would never collide while moving through the transport tubes as fast as possible. The magnetic vehicles are meant to automatically hover a small distance from the transport tube's wall. All you need to do is activate one and switch it to manual mode. Then you can cruise on to your destination.
...
Then again, with the power and the automated system offline, if you go speeding through the tubes and there's an obstruction in your path, you wouldn't be able to see it with the vehicle's weak, unfocused lights. That could end badly. The vehicles are supposed to try to keep you safe and avoid crashes but it's never a good idea to rely solely on a vehicle's safety features to stay alive.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 01, 2018, 04:17:06 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Follow the Phoenix.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 01, 2018, 05:27:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2018, 03:51:55 pm

You walk through the darkness, using the torch to light the way. You follow the trail of lights to the door, ignoring any branches in the path.

The trip is a bit slow but uneventful. You reach the door, a heavy-looking wooden thing. There's an engraving of a cat on it, curiously poking her head inside a half-open chest. The wall is on a large white marble wall, you can't see where it ends. You turn the knob and try to push it open. It won't budge, doesn't even bend a little. You pull instead. The door opens. That was easy. If this was a test than its purpose is probably 'can this guy walk and make the most basic connections'. Through the door is a tiny room, more like a closet really or maybe a chimney since it has no roof. The only thing in it is a pair of bootprints engraved on the floor. You can barely stand in it.

((I assume you don't want to explore further, so...))

You step inside to get a better look at the walls, trying to judge how high they are. The door immediately slams shut behind you, forcing you the rest of the way in. You've barely pushed yourself off the wall when the floor starts going up. It feels more like the world is going down while you remain stationary, there's no wind, no acceleration, no noise. You can only tell you're moving through the moving patterns in the marble. Maybe it's just the wall displaying a different texture, like in a video game, but you don't feel like putting the theory to test. It's moving too fast, you could lose a finger.

A few seconds later you've risen above the wall, into the darkness beyond. From here you can see everything. You can see the burning building and the little path leading to the door, sure, but you can also see the buildings surrounding the fire and the small forest of dead trees surrounding those, as if lit by some omnidirectional light. Even your dying torch produces no shadows. You can see every bit of the area you were in, even the huge walls enclosing it. Like a dollhouse floating in the void.

You can also see where you're going from here. From below it doesn't look that impressive. Just a stone square with a small protrusion on one side. Soon you reach the square. The platform enters a small hole in one of the edges of the square, quite similar to the one you started in. You are once again in a tiny space with a single door. There's an engraving on it, a kitten playing with a cat, chasing her tail.

You open the door and go into the room beyond. It's fairly small and completely undecorated, just four walls extending upwards into darkness. There's a double door on your right, on the other side of the room. Unsurprisingly, there's another image involving cats on it, this time having a cat sleeping in the same box as a kitten. What breaks the pattern is that there's a quote engraved underneath it.

Quote from: Helen Keller

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Directly opposite to you is an open door where a man has just walked out of. He's dressed in somewhat loose yet expensive-looking black clothes and wears grey mirrored sunglasses and a black baseball cap with a crown emblem stitched on it. A good portion of his face is covered by a short beard.

He stays silent for a moment, you can't read him easily without being able to clearly see his face. Then he starts walking towards you.
"Hi there! Jack Krank, King of Card Games." he introduces himself with a small wave.
He stops before reaching you and smiles.
"You're my 'friend'?"

♚The Doll Prince: Strange Bedfellows♚

Blinking in confusion, Napoleon looked around the room momentarily before returning his gaze to the strange man. Given the things he saw earlier, he certainly didn't expect to meet such a person especially one who called himself 'King of Card Games'. If this is truly a test, it would be one that determines how long Napoleon can keep his sanity together from the sheer absurdity of it.

"Ah, were you expecting someone, Monseigneur Jack?" Napoleon asked gingerly. There's no telling whether this pleb has all of his marbles or any at all. Perhaps the Queen put him up to this, sort of like those movies about the dynamic duos who solve problems together. Though it's too early to say whether he should trust him, Napoleon figured that he should use this man, as least until he could uncover a method to this madness. "Regardless, it's nice to meet you. I am Napoleon Lambeau, Doll Prince. So, what do you need?"

Await Jack's answer.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 01, 2018, 05:31:57 pm

"B-but that wasn't really about them. I mean, I... I did that for me. It made me, well, not exactly happy? Proud, I guess?To do it. I... I like that feeeling. It wasn't about them as people, it really was all about me and my pride. I don't deserve devotion like that for something so selfish. Some grattitude for how my actions helped, sure, but that kind of loyalty... I don't think I've earned that. If they like the actions, the pride, then doesn't it make more sense to try to do the kind of things that give that kind of pride? Wouldn't it be better to be a hero yourself than to devote yourself to protecting one? I want people to grow themselves, to make themselves better. Not to thrust it all on me. I'm not the only person who needs help sometimes."

---

---

"I am influencing the lantern, but I'm also doing the same thing to the air in between you two sirs. I was hoping that if you could detect me, you could tell me what the side-effects are of areas with similar signatures. You not being able to notice me where there isn't an active flame is a good sign I think, though it is somewhat inconvient. May I have permission to expand my influence to include one of you, the most likely to be able to notice and resist any effects such might have, to see if there are any?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 01, 2018, 07:27:16 pm

Jack frowned at the cars and kicked the nearest with his foot.  "Well, I don't like this, but I suppose we don't have much choice.  I can try to find the best one in the stack?  No telling what we'll meet in the way; I'd hate to pancake on something."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 02, 2018, 11:49:41 am

As Irine was busy with the other mages, and Theri was by herself, she booped River on the nose as he stood on her shoulders and rested on her head.

"Ok, don't tell me you can't not see Alan too. He's right beside me, probably ethereal?" she said, glancing at the pretty realistic Alan, much like a lucid dream. She then faced him and said,
"How's about your turn; what happened since me and Irine and the others left to scout ahead? What happened to you? Um, the gist of it anyway--with emphasis on why I...at least I think- I only can see you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 02, 2018, 03:36:56 pm

"On one hand, the place looks in top shape, so debri block is unlikely. Whoever made the previous traps though..."

Svajoklis looks over the controls of the cabs.

"Hey console, could we send one of these ahead without a pilot to crash loudly and brightly in any blocade and then follow in another at enough distance to stop if we see the first one crash?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 02, 2018, 04:15:18 pm

"I like that plan, man.  Let's do it."

Check the cars out and sense their condition.  Save the best one for us; send ahead one of the other good ones ahead first.

On the way see if I can enhance the lighting on the one we're using.  Don't overtax self given this area's effect on power.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 03, 2018, 07:45:11 pm

Alan, Incorporeal But Still Tubular

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2018, 11:49:41 am

"How's about your turn; what happened since me and Irine and the others left to scout ahead? What happened to you? Um, the gist of it anyway--with emphasis on why I...at least I think- I only can see you?"

"Hey, you know me, I don't remember when that was! But basically I was in the middle of exploring the temple thing with a friend I made and put some magic koolaid into my eyes to unlock a door, and now I'm part of all the water in the world or something. I'm in a lot of places at once! I don't think you guys could've held yourselves together since it'd be pretty easy for anyone else to just become part of everyone else. Fortunately, I'm truly unique as far as everything goes, so I'm handling it alright.

Oh, oh, tell River I say hoobastank, he'll probably know what I mean. I could talk to him too, but I'm talking to Ike at the same time too and spreading myself too thin right now isn't too tubular of a thing to do."

Alan hems and haws for a moment.

"Anyway, basically a River family member is our guy? Shall I call him Stream? Brook? Flood? Ooh, how about Bob, that sounds good. Anything more you know about Bob? I'm gonna look for him in a second, and I figure the easier it is for me the more soul-aid I'll have left over by the end of it."

After talking with Theri and Ike, cut off my conference call to them and use my ocean powers to look for Bob the River Guy. He's a shapeshifter or something, so if I can see what he looks like and where he is it'd probably be helpful for us.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 04, 2018, 05:12:43 am

Quote from: Xantalos on February 03, 2018, 07:45:11 pm

Alan, Incorporeal But Still Tubular[...
"Oh, oh, tell River I say hoobastank, he'll probably know what I mean. I could talk to him too, but I'm talking to Ike at the same time too and spreading myself too thin right now isn't too tubular of a thing to do."
[...]
"Anyway, basically a River family member is our guy? Shall I call him Stream? Brook? Flood? Ooh, how about Bob, that sounds good. Anything more you know about Bob? I'm gonna look for him in a second, and I figure the easier it is for me the more soul-aid I'll have left over by the end of it."

Theri was glad she was used to puzzles. She could understand Alan's words very well.
"Yes our guy is basically someone with similar characteristics to River. Also we have some soul orb that is like a danger counting down the longer we wait and all--hey could you do me a favor before you go? Can you scout the hills ahead? Since people can't see you and it seems you only choose who can, it'll help us a lot to know what's ahead of us! And please tell Ike about the dangers of the Midnight Hills I told you (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7673446#msg7673446)! Ambushes and probabilities and the like. We do really need scouts!"

She petted the confused River and spoke: "Sorry for the one-way conversation buddy. Alan says 'hobostank' or something. Told me you'll probably know what he means. Also he could talk to you but he's talking to Ike at the moment."

Err, give Irine a hug before continuing conversation and all.
If there should be an action--ensure combat readiness in the troops!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2018, 06:29:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Okay, fine. But I'd like those eyeballs and any other tips you can give me."

Get my end of the deal. Also pick up the conference call from Alan!

<I kinda picked this up midway through, but are you asking about who we're here to murder again? 'Cause lemme tell you, our buddy River likes being cryptic as all hell about that. Near as I can tell it's some other guy like him what killed their bonded soulmate or whatever and that's like high crime or whatever.>

<Also shit man, great to hear from you. You sound a bit watery though. Gonna pick up your eyeballs from this Brad guy and then turn the tables on some ambushers or whatever. Good god I fucking hate these Sovereignty guys getting in the way like that, like, what the shit is their problem?>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 04, 2018, 02:38:28 pm

(Thanks!  :) )

Stephano Falcone

Stephano looked toward the window and slowly rose from his seat. His hand reached toward his gun.

Could be enemies approaching us.

Taking a deep breath, Stephano calmed himself and reconsidered.

No. That's unlikely. Iris took several precautions on our way here to make sure we weren't followed, and we haven't been bothered since we arrived. Still, we might not be safe here. I need to make sure this building is secure.

Ready my gun and approach the window as quietly as I can. Cautiously look out the window to check what's going on outside.

If there appears to be nothing wrong, then check the front door. If the door is fine, then lock it if I can. Check all of the building's other entrances and windows. Lock or secure them as much as possible. Afterward, return to my seat and take a nap.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 05, 2018, 01:44:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on February 04, 2018, 05:12:43 am

Theri was glad she was used to puzzles. She could understand Alan's words very well.
"Yes our guy is basically someone with similar characteristics to River. Also we have some soul orb that is like a danger counting down the longer we wait and all--hey could you do me a favor before you go? Can you scout the hills ahead? Since people can't see you and it seems you only choose who can, it'll help us a lot to know what's ahead of us! And please tell Ike about the dangers of the Midnight Hills I told you (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7673446#msg7673446)! Ambushes and probabilities and the like. We do really need scouts!"

<Yeah for shinzle I can do that for ya! After I find Bob though, I dunno if that'll turn out more of a pickle than I'm thinking of or not. I wouldn't want it to be a sweet pickle. They're gross.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2018, 06:29:39 am

<I kinda picked this up midway through, but are you asking about who we're here to murder again? 'Cause lemme tell you, our buddy River likes being cryptic as all hell about that. Near as I can tell it's some other guy like him what killed their bonded soulmate or whatever and that's like high crime or whatever.>

<Also shit man, great to hear from you. You sound a bit watery though. Gonna pick up your eyeballs from this Brad guy and then turn the tables on some ambushers or whatever. Good god I fucking hate these Sovereignty guys getting in the way like that, like, what the shit is their problem?>

<Yeah, Terry told me about him. I'm calling him Bob, or maybe Bobert to be more fun. Just asking because I can kinda see everywhere at the moment and I thiiiiiiiiiink we were having trouble finding the dude, so maybe I can help locate his fuzzy butt.

Vice versical, Ike! Funny you should say that, I'm actually in the ocean! I mean, not like an ocean ocean, more like 'elemental plane of water' ocean. I put Kool-Aid into my eyeballs. Long story, super funny, I'll tell you when I get back to dry land, meaning my actual body. Or when you get me back there. Whatever. Good luck with all the murder!>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 05, 2018, 02:39:13 pm

<Aw man, that'd be sweet if you could locate ol' Bobert for us. I gotta run now though, keep me posted on any fun sea gossip if you catch some.>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2018, 05:49:31 am

Monitor the situation outside while Ike is doing his thing. Be the proverbial canary for whenever the assassins/hunters/commandos arrive.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 07, 2018, 10:37:07 am

((you do realize that term is from mining canaries, used to locate pockets of lethal colorless smellless gas, because their low body weight made them die before the miners would. Right? Its a story that ends really badly for the canary.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 07, 2018, 01:56:22 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2018, 10:37:07 am

((you do realize that term is from mining canaries, used to locate pockets of lethal colorless smellless gas, because their low body weight made them die before the miners would. Right? Its a story that ends really badly for the canary.))

In other words,  if the commandos make their move, Zechariah will be the first to die but at least Ike would be alerted. 

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2018, 09:13:39 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on February 07, 2018, 10:37:07 am

((you do realize that term is from mining canaries, used to locate pockets of lethal colorless smellless gas, because their low body weight made them die before the miners would. Right? Its a story that ends really badly for the canary.))

((Well, considering how the other missions went... there was a reason for the word choice  ;D))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2018, 03:27:43 pm

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Bays, in a small hangar

---

Quote from: Zormod on February 01, 2018, 04:17:06 pm

Brian Hoss, hull of the Maximus

---

Follow the Phoenix.

You get in the Phoenix and fly away. After a brief stop to pick up the Pulse Reactor Seed you make your way to the Starboard Hangar Bays.

The Phoenix scans the surrounding area as it forces the gates of a small bay open and prepares to dock.
: Area looks mostly empty. I'm detecting a few active power sources nearby and... That's strange. :
The transmission cuts off for a few seconds. You can hear the sounds of the hill staining under the Phoenix's sustained barrage of energy beams and punching.
: There's a very weird signal, some sort of non-standard power source. There's also a lot of automated signals coming from the Main Security Station. I'm trying to- :
Icarus emits a shocked gasp.
: Black Box signals detected. Updating map... :
: No. It can't. That's... black box signals... so many... :
There's a few more seconds of silence. You can no longer feel vibrations coming from outside.
: I'm sorry. It's OK. I'm OK. I'll stop active scans. The anomalous signal is reacting to them. :
The Phoenix enters the bay and starts working on resealing the bay doors.
"What's a black box signal? Why is finding it so bad?"
: It's a signal given off by a black box to help locate it. The black box signals are triggered whenever a system equipped with them is heavily damaged or disconnected from the black box. The black box contains a recording of the system's recent operations to help find out what went wrong with it. And... well, many of the people serving aboard the Maximus had black boxes installed. Almost all security personnel. :
The Phoenix settles down in the docking bay, retracting its wings and securing itself in place. The bay door has been sealed but with power offline the pumps are inoperable, leaving the bay flooded with the cold alien liquid.

Despite it, you can get a good look on your surroundings due to the light emitted by the Phoenix, rays of light escaping from the scars and holes across its surface from where the missiles hit it. The bay is little more than a big box with some equipment for securing the ship in place and a small control room.
: I'll need some time to clear this room of liquid and start the repair process on the Phoenix. You can go on ahead and I'll come join you when I'm done or you can wait for me to finish. :
There's two doors leading out of the room, one large and one small. The map shows that beyond them there's a small decontamination area, after that there's a security station linking various small hangar bays and beyond that there's a small hub leading to other areas of the hangar section.

The hangar section contains various facilities. Ship maintenance and modification areas, temporary storage, temporary lodging, quarantine, packaging, portmaster's office, fuel and supply storage...

There's only two exits out of the hangar section. One exit is a series of security checkpoints leading to the Main Security and Weapon Storage section. Your map shows a great number of blips in that area. The location of various black boxes. Destroyed autonomous machines or dead people or both, the signal does not distinguished between them. You notice there's a large gap in the concentration of signals in the direction of the Way Station.

The other exit is the various transfer systems linking the hangar to the Way Station. They are primarily meant to transfer cargo but are also capable of transporting people and small vehicles. You are supposed to meet up with the rest of the team on the Way Station, so you could go and wait there. Or you could just stay in the hangar and wait for either Icarus to finish his repairs or John to come in radio range and contact you.

You've also have that wound on your torso, where a piece of debris got embedded. It's not bleeding very much now, not after what Saevus did to it, but it still hurts, you might want to get that looked at once you're somewhere dry. There should be a first aid kit or some other thing you can use around here somewhere.

---

Maximus: Fore Section Transport Tube

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 02, 2018, 03:36:56 pm

"On one hand, the place looks in top shape, so debri block is unlikely. Whoever made the previous traps though..."

Svajoklis looks over the controls of the cabs.

"Hey console, could we send one of these ahead without a pilot to crash loudly and brightly in any blocade and then follow in another at enough distance to stop if we see the first one crash?"

You approach one of the small vehicles already waiting on the transport hub. You press your one remaining hand against its surface and it lights up, the door slowly sliding open. As you inspect the inside, a calm yet stern male voice informs you of its inoperability.
: Warning. Connection to the transport Network has been lost. The automated operation mode has been disabled for your safety. :
The automated controls are fairly simple. The cabs are equipped with a map on which you can select your destination. The cab then automatically takes you to the nearest transport station. However right now the cabs are refusing to operate. All areas except your current one are grayed out. Selecting one brings up a message saying that the transport system is temporarily offline, citing unsafe conditions. With that explored, you turn to the manual controls.
: Warning. Remember: Manual control usage restrictions are in place for the protection of all of us. ALL unauthorized vehicle interactions will be logged and dealt with the utmost degree of force. :
The manual controls are hidden behind a protective screen that also contains the instructions for operating them. They are slightly more complicated but also much more low-tech and robust. One stick to rotate around the transport tube, a lever with a dead man's switch for speed and two pedals for controlling height. There's also a few knobs for adjusting orientation and tilt, though the instructions warn you that you will most likely never need to use them and should leave them on Auto. The instructions reiterate several times that this is not for fun, this is dangerous, that the vehicle has several safety features including an ample supply of breathable air and that in most cases it's better to sit tight and wait for rescue than to use manual mode. You guess that doesn't apply to you, since you're supposed to be the rescue.

Quote from: Toaster on February 02, 2018, 04:15:18 pm

"I like that plan, man.  Let's do it."

Check the cars out and sense their condition.  Save the best one for us; send ahead one of the other good ones ahead first.

On the way see if I can enhance the lighting on the one we're using.  Don't overtax self given this area's effect on power.

All the vehicles waiting on the transport hub appear to be in pristine condition. One has some scratches on one of the seats but that's pretty much it. Some of them might have never been used before. The ones I'm front of the dispenser are all standing by, their insides quietly humming to your senses, ready to be reactivated at a moment's notice. The ones further in the dispenser are quiet, offline, but to you they look more or less the same as all the others.

You select one of the larger, heavier looking vehicles and use your technokinesis to activate its manual mode and guide it to the tube.
"I christen thee 'Suicidal Canary'."
With that, you jam the lever at half speed, sending the vehicle speeding ahead, a ring of illumination traveling down the dark tube. You get inside the vehicle Svajoklis is in and start it up, following the car up ahead. About half a minute of smooth gliding in, you begin to consider whether or not you should had set Suicidal Canary to full speed. The map says you're going at about 50 miles per hour. It will take a few minutes to reach the Way Station.

You occasionally come across a powered down vehicle or drone anchored on the walls but they are out of the way, clearly marked and easy to avoid. Looks like even with the Network offline, the vehicles still make an effort to transmit information to each other and warn you as you approach.

While you cruise on, you attempt to modify the vehicle to make its light more powerful. You reposition all the lights to the front but the resulting beam is too diffuse to matter. With some apprehension, you try to summon some sort of mirror to focus it. And you succeed! It doesn't hurt this time, at least not as much as last time. It's just tiring and takes too long. It feels worse than when you first got this ability. ... Well, at least that means there's no chance you'll accidentally mutilate yourself agai-

You slam the height increase pedal and put the cab on full reverse. A second earlier you watched the Suicidal Canary slam into something, becoming a flickering, tumbling light bouncing off the walls in zero-g. As your car slows to a halt, you fly through a cloud of debris that noisily plink against the windshield. A few hundred meters ahead a sizable chunk of the transport tube has been molten and blown apart. Whatever did this carved a line across this section of the transport tube, deforming it greatly, revealing the tubes and wires that make up its guts. The lead car (which has now managed to grind into a near halt and is slowly drifting away) must have hit the deformed section. That could had been you if you hadn't sent it ahead to test the waters.

You raise the speed lever slightly and let the car drift high above the destroyed section. While your vehicle floats through, occasionally pushing a piece of debris out of the way, you make a note on your map of this location. 

You can see more destroyed sections up ahead so you decide to take it slow. The Way Station is only a couple of kilometers away. You should be able to see it in a few minutes.
: Black box signal detected. Updating map... : your interface states and two blips appear on the map it's projecting. They are quite close, inside a nearby transport hub, much smaller than the one you used to obtain your vehicles. It looks like this one was used to access some sort of maintenance area for some of the AI's Network connections.
"Interface, what are Black Boxes?"
: Black Boxes are robust information storage devices. They can be installed to both mechanical and organic systems to record their status for posterity. The Black Box Signal helps locate the Black Box in the event that the system carrying it is either heavily damaged or disconnected from it. You should investigate Black Box signals if possible, as they might contain useful information. :

However, by this point you've stopped paying attention, instead focusing on what has been revealed to you. Or rather, what has not been revealed to you. There's no Way Station up ahead. In its place is a debris field of molten metal and ash. Something bad happened here.

---

Campaign: Balloons

Quote from: Xantalos on February 03, 2018, 07:45:11 pm

Alan, Incorporeal But Still Tubular

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2018, 11:49:41 am

"How's about your turn; what happened since me and Irine and the others left to scout ahead? What happened to you? Um, the gist of it anyway--with emphasis on why I...at least I think- I only can see you?"

"Hey, you know me, I don't remember when that was! But basically I was in the middle of exploring the temple thing with a friend I made and put some magic koolaid into my eyes to unlock a door, and now I'm part of all the water in the world or something. I'm in a lot of places at once! I don't think you guys could've held yourselves together since it'd be pretty easy for anyone else to just become part of everyone else. Fortunately, I'm truly unique as far as everything goes, so I'm handling it alright.

Oh, oh, tell River I say hoobastank, he'll probably know what I mean. I could talk to him too, but I'm talking to Ike at the same time too and spreading myself too thin right now isn't too tubular of a thing to do."

Alan hems and haws for a moment.

"Anyway, basically a River family member is our guy? Shall I call him Stream? Brook? Flood? Ooh, how about Bob, that sounds good. Anything more you know about Bob? I'm gonna look for him in a second, and I figure the easier it is for me the more soul-aid I'll have left over by the end of it."

After talking with Theri and Ike, cut off my conference call to them and use my ocean powers to look for Bob the River Guy. He's a shapeshifter or something, so if I can see what he looks like and where he is it'd probably be helpful for us.

You're a balloon.
You're 99 balloons.
All of you is flying over a graveyard.
A graveyard city, tombstones rising out of the ground like skyscrapers, touching the sky like mountains.
A little girl is there. She's drinking strawberry milkshake while resting atop the greatest grave tower, her legs dangling from the edge.
"You again?" she asks but doesn't look too concerned, more curious.
She gets back to loudly slurping her milkshake, making sure to drink every last drop before carelessly throwing it away.
"What do you want, little balloon?" she asks as she reaches into the cavity of a dead tree, retrieving a vanilla milkshake.

---

Anti-mission

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 04, 2018, 02:38:28 pm

(Thanks!  :) )

Stephano Falcone

Stephano looked toward the window and slowly rose from his seat. His hand reached toward his gun.

Could be enemies approaching us.

Taking a deep breath, Stephano calmed himself and reconsidered.

No. That's unlikely. Iris took several precautions on our way here to make sure we weren't followed, and we haven't been bothered since we arrived. Still, we might not be safe here. I need to make sure this building is secure.

Ready my gun and approach the window as quietly as I can. Cautiously look out the window to check what's going on outside.

If there appears to be nothing wrong, then check the front door. If the door is fine, then lock it if I can. Check all of the building's other entrances and windows. Lock or secure them as much as possible. Afterward, return to my seat and take a nap.

You slowly approach the window while readying your gun. You carefully look outside. For a moment it all looks fine. Then you notice a shadow that wasn't there before, illuminated by the faint light of the sky. Looks like the shape of a car.

This could be nothing. Just some people who got lost. But would someone who was lost stop there and turn off their lights? No, this doesn't feel right. You should do something. But what if it's Iris' friends? If you act rashly you could have a repeat of this morning. Would that be so bad? Can you trust them? And what if they're soldiers looking to drag you back into that hellhole? In that case they would probably have the place surrounded. What choice would you have then? What choice do you make?

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 01, 2018, 05:27:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 01, 2018, 03:51:55 pm

You walk through the darkness, using the torch to light the way. You follow the trail of lights to the door, ignoring any branches in the path.

The trip is a bit slow but uneventful. You reach the door, a heavy-looking wooden thing. There's an engraving of a cat on it, curiously poking her head inside a half-open chest. The wall is on a large white marble wall, you can't see where it ends. You turn the knob and try to push it open. It won't budge, doesn't even bend a little. You pull instead. The door opens. That was easy. If this was a test than its purpose is probably 'can this guy walk and make the most basic connections'. Through the door is a tiny room, more like a closet really or maybe a chimney since it has no roof. The only thing in it is a pair of bootprints engraved on the floor. You can barely stand in it.

((I assume you don't want to explore further, so...))

You step inside to get a better look at the walls, trying to judge how high they are. The door immediately slams shut behind you, forcing you the rest of the way in. You've barely pushed yourself off the wall when the floor starts going up. It feels more like the world is going down while you remain stationary, there's no wind, no acceleration, no noise. You can only tell you're moving through the moving patterns in the marble. Maybe it's just the wall displaying a different texture, like in a video game, but you don't feel like putting the theory to test. It's moving too fast, you could lose a finger.

A few seconds later you've risen above the wall, into the darkness beyond. From here you can see everything. You can see the burning building and the little path leading to the door, sure, but you can also see the buildings surrounding the fire and the small forest of dead trees surrounding those, as if lit by some omnidirectional light. Even your dying torch produces no shadows. You can see every bit of the area you were in, even the huge walls enclosing it. Like a dollhouse floating in the void.

You can also see where you're going from here. From below it doesn't look that impressive. Just a stone square with a small protrusion on one side. Soon you reach the square. The platform enters a small hole in one of the edges of the square, quite similar to the one you started in. You are once again in a tiny space with a single door. There's an engraving on it, a kitten playing with a cat, chasing her tail.

You open the door and go into the room beyond. It's fairly small and completely undecorated, just four walls extending upwards into darkness. There's a double door on your right, on the other side of the room. Unsurprisingly, there's another image involving cats on it, this time having a cat sleeping in the same box as a kitten. What breaks the pattern is that there's a quote engraved underneath it.

Quote from: Helen Keller

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Directly opposite to you is an open door where a man has just walked out of. He's dressed in somewhat loose yet expensive-looking black clothes and wears grey mirrored sunglasses and a black baseball cap with a crown emblem stitched on it. A good portion of his face is covered by a short beard.

He stays silent for a moment, you can't read him easily without being able to clearly see his face. Then he starts walking towards you.
"Hi there! Jack Krank, King of Card Games." he introduces himself with a small wave.
He stops before reaching you and smiles.
"You're my 'friend'?"

Blinking in confusion, Napoleon looked around the room momentarily before returning his gaze to the strange man. Given the things he saw earlier, he certainly didn't expect to meet such a person especially one who called himself 'King of Card Games'. If this is truly a test, it would be one that determines how long Napoleon can keep his sanity together from the sheer absurdity of it.

"Ah, were you expecting someone, Monseigneur Jack?" Napoleon asked gingerly. There's no telling whether this pleb has all of his marbles or any at all. Perhaps the Queen put him up to this, sort of like those movies about the dynamic duos who solve problems together. Though it's too early to say whether he should trust him, Napoleon figured that he should use this man, as least until he could uncover a method to this madness. "Regardless, it's nice to meet you. I am Napoleon Lambeau, Doll Prince. So, what do you need?"

Await Jack's answer.

"Ah, were you expecting someone, Monseigneur Jack?"
"The quote on the door said 'A stranger is a friend you haven't met'. Now we've met, stranger." the man says, still smiling.
 "Regardless, it's nice to meet you. I am Napoleon Lambeau, Doll Prince. So, what do you need?"
"Ah, Prince, of course. Well, all I need you to do is step through the door with me." he says, pointing at the double door.
"Getting to know you would also be nice, seeing as we're supposed to be working together."

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2018, 05:31:57 pm

"B-but that wasn't really about them. I mean, I... I did that for me. It made me, well, not exactly happy? Proud, I guess?To do it. I... I like that feeeling. It wasn't about them as people, it really was all about me and my pride. I don't deserve devotion like that for something so selfish. Some grattitude for how my actions helped, sure, but that kind of loyalty... I don't think I've earned that. If they like the actions, the pride, then doesn't it make more sense to try to do the kind of things that give that kind of pride? Wouldn't it be better to be a hero yourself than to devote yourself to protecting one? I want people to grow themselves, to make themselves better. Not to thrust it all on me. I'm not the only person who needs help sometimes."

"Hah. I think you misunderstood. I was merely giving an example of how one might think. People are diverse. You can't just lump all their desires and motivations together. If you wish a simple explanation, then perhaps the best one is this: They do want to help you, either because they expect you to help them or the ones they care about or to repay you for your past deeds."
"They're just trying to do the best they can. We all are. So we come together or even fight each other to achieve that. Humans- no, nearly every living thing is like that. Is this selfish or selfless? I think it doesn't really matter in the end."
He sighs.
"Maybe it's hard for a creature that's lived most of its life alone and all powerful to understand just why people need this. To come together by desire or by force."
"'All streams do their best to flow to their sea. When many streams join, they become an unstoppable raging current.'"
"If you need a better explanation than that, then you'll have to reach out to each and every one of them and learn their reasons for joining you and each other for yourself. It's better than relying on my guesses."

Quote from: Lenglon on February 01, 2018, 05:31:57 pm

"I am influencing the lantern, but I'm also doing the same thing to the air in between you two sirs. I was hoping that if you could detect me, you could tell me what the side-effects are of areas with similar signatures. You not being able to notice me where there isn't an active flame is a good sign I think, though it is somewhat inconvient. May I have permission to expand my influence to include one of you, the most likely to be able to notice and resist any effects such might have, to see if there are any?"

"Sure, go ahead." the man says and closes his eyes.
You extend yourself, reaching out to embrace the fire within him and strengthen it.
"Are you doing it yet?" he asks.
"I think I feel it. It feels... kinda nice, actually. But also a bit...  off."
He opens his eyes.
"It's strange, certainly, but I don't think it's harmful. I think I can block it out completely if I focus on it but it makes it feel weirder."
"Maybe the more accepting your Fire is the less resistance you'll feel."
"Hm. Maybe."

Quote from: Tiruin on February 02, 2018, 11:49:41 am

As Irine was busy with the other mages, and Theri was by herself, she booped River on the nose as he stood on her shoulders and rested on her head.

"Ok, don't tell me you can't not see Alan too. He's right beside me, probably ethereal?" she said, glancing at the pretty realistic Alan, much like a lucid dream. She then faced him and said,
"How's about your turn; what happened since me and Irine and the others left to scout ahead? What happened to you? Um, the gist of it anyway--with emphasis on why I...at least I think- I only can see you?"

River can certainly sense something, but you're not sure if he can see Alan like you can. He just looks confused and unsure about what to do.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 04, 2018, 05:12:43 am

Quote from: Xantalos on February 03, 2018, 07:45:11 pm

Alan, Incorporeal But Still Tubular[...
"Oh, oh, tell River I say hoobastank, he'll probably know what I mean. I could talk to him too, but I'm talking to Ike at the same time too and spreading myself too thin right now isn't too tubular of a thing to do."
[...]
"Anyway, basically a River family member is our guy? Shall I call him Stream? Brook? Flood? Ooh, how about Bob, that sounds good. Anything more you know about Bob? I'm gonna look for him in a second, and I figure the easier it is for me the more soul-aid I'll have left over by the end of it."

Theri was glad she was used to puzzles. She could understand Alan's words very well.
"Yes our guy is basically someone with similar characteristics to River. Also we have some soul orb that is like a danger counting down the longer we wait and all--hey could you do me a favor before you go? Can you scout the hills ahead? Since people can't see you and it seems you only choose who can, it'll help us a lot to know what's ahead of us! And please tell Ike about the dangers of the Midnight Hills I told you (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7673446#msg7673446)! Ambushes and probabilities and the like. We do really need scouts!"

She petted the confused River and spoke: "Sorry for the one-way conversation buddy. Alan says 'hobostank' or something. Told me you'll probably know what he means. Also he could talk to you but he's talking to Ike at the moment."

Err, give Irine a hug before continuing conversation and all.
If there should be an action--ensure combat readiness in the troops!

River is left even more confused by Alan's sudden departure and cryptic words. Time passes. Alan doesn't return. You're not sure what happened to him, but he never responded to your request to check for ambushes. Maybe he forgot. Alan always forgets things. He's probably fine. But you still have to deal with the potential danger.

...

You and the group of recruits quietly scout ahead. You move from rock to rock, careful to stay low and behind cover, using every shrub and depression to your advantage. The sun is close to setting behind you, its glare hopefully helping to conceal you. A slow wind is blowing from in front of you, helping to conceal your scent.

You and a group of recruits willing to follow you have gone on ahead, splitting up into small teams so you can cover the walls of the pass, looking for ambushes. Your team consists of you, River and Leiel, one of the recruits you've been training in hand to hand combat. (You're not sure if it's good for River to be with you, he still hasn't recovered fully, but he wouldn't let you go on your own. Well, if things get bad you can always pick him up and run.)

Your goal is to scout the area up ahead and find a good hiding place to spend the night. If someone is lying in wait to ambush you, you'll detect them and warn the others so you have time to decide how to deal with them. If someone comes during the night, you'll be able to give the camp early warning.

You've moved a good distance ahead and started searching for good hiding spots. Suddenly River stops and emits a soft growl, focusing at somewhere up ahead. You look at where he's looking but can't see much, just more rocks. Then you focus on your other senses and finally you realize what has River upset. It's the stench of those monster birds.

You make a signal to the other groups to stop while you consider your options. You can't tell exactly where it's coming from but you're certain about what it means. Those monster birds are up ahead somewhere. Maybe they're waiting for nightfall to ambush you, maybe they don't know you're here and are simply resting here. Whatever it is, it's certainly bad news for you and your friends.

You could go on ahead to find out more. Or you could stick with the plan and wait here for their next move. Or maybe do something in coordination with the others.

Speaking of which, you should also send someone back to warn the others. Or maybe you could warn them yourself, you could contact them using your telepathy pendant, but what if the birds sense its magic and attack you?

---

Campaign: The Wandering Arms

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 04, 2018, 06:29:39 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Okay, fine. But I'd like those eyeballs and any other tips you can give me."

Get my end of the deal. Also pick up the conference call from Alan!

<I kinda picked this up midway through, but are you asking about who we're here to murder again? 'Cause lemme tell you, our buddy River likes being cryptic as all hell about that. Near as I can tell it's some other guy like him what killed their bonded soulmate or whatever and that's like high crime or whatever.>

<Also shit man, great to hear from you. You sound a bit watery though. Gonna pick up your eyeballs from this Brad guy and then turn the tables on some ambushers or whatever. Good god I fucking hate these Sovereignty guys getting in the way like that, like, what the shit is their problem?>

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 07, 2018, 05:49:31 am

Monitor the situation outside while Ike is doing his thing. Be the proverbial canary for whenever the assassins/hunters/commandos arrive.

((I started writing this part and then DAF posted and then I reread HB's post and then I got confused. Are you going to fight the Sovereignty's guys or are you going to go through the tunnel escape and run away?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2018, 05:58:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

You know something, let's just run away after getting the eyeballs and such. This has already been enough of a distraction.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2018, 06:35:35 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2018, 05:58:12 pm

Campaign, Ike!

You know something, let's just run away after getting the eyeballs and such. This has already been enough of a distraction.

All right then. You run away, regroup with your allies and then continue running away. Now the issue is that those guys aren't gonna give you the eyes and the info you need unless they get what they want and I assume you didn't bring your WMD with you, which means you need to regroup with the others. You could use your water mage to send them a message to send someone with a horse to quickly but carefully bring it to you and meet you halfway. Or you could just attack Grim and his sword-crazy friend and just take the eyes from them. Or maybe somehow steal them from them. Or maybe you could persuade them to at least share whatever info they have on what's necessary to revive Alan so that you can start working on that.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2018, 06:56:30 pm

Yeah, arrange the WMD exchange somewhere down the road, I don't really care that much where we do it and how and just want to get back to the business of proceeding along.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 08, 2018, 08:37:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2018, 03:27:43 pm

"Ah, were you expecting someone, Monseigneur Jack?"
"The quote on the door said 'A stranger is a friend you haven't met'. Now we've met, stranger." the man says, still smiling.
 "Regardless, it's nice to meet you. I am Napoleon Lambeau, Doll Prince. So, what do you need?"
"Ah, Prince, of course. Well, all I need you to do is step through the door with me." he says, pointing at the double door.
"Getting to know you would also be nice, seeing as we're supposed to be working together."

"Very well, then," Napoleon said cordially as he looked toward the double door. Wondering for a moment whether the cat and the kitten represent him and Jack and most importantly which of them represent who, Napoleon continued as he mentally reread the quote by Helen Keller, "First off, let's talk about our abilities. After all, if we're going to be traveling together, we must at least know how they would compliment each other in case we have to defend ourselves. I'll go first: As you can no doubt guess by my nickname, I can summon dolls of many sizes and can modify them as the situation demands. I can also control them as effortlessly as one controls their own limbs."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 09, 2018, 01:22:22 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

John patted Svajoklis on the shoulder.  "Good call, man.  Looks like the way station is gone, though.  Like, gone gone.  If it's just a hole, how about we just cut through it and try to make it to the hangar?  It can't be wide open or this whole area would be flooded with the liquid... right?"

If there's no objections, proceed toward the ex-Way Station and try to pass on toward the hangar where the Phoenix is.  We'll just come to them.

The headlights on this thing are pretty decent now, right?  Should be able to see what's going on?  If not, boost it a bit more, but don't wear myself out.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 09, 2018, 04:43:09 pm

Brian Hoss, Starboard Hanger

---

Check the decontamination area for a first aid kit.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 09, 2018, 05:54:26 pm

"I... I suppose you're right."
I pause for a bit.
"Erm, is there anything else anyone would like to ask? Anything people might simply be curious about maybe?"

---

---

"I'm glad it seems to be okay. I'm planning on opposing the void pulses tonight, and will want to strengthen the fire in the area a bit beforehand, would you all be okay with spreading out and making sure nothing bad happens like normally safe controlled fires getting out of control and burning people or anything? The more fire there is in the area the easier of a time I'll have, but I don't want to break things or hurt people, and I think your water magic would be invaluable in handing small incidents before they become big ones."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2018, 01:29:15 pm

---

Totally not a mission

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 08, 2018, 08:37:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 08, 2018, 03:27:43 pm

"Ah, were you expecting someone, Monseigneur Jack?"
"The quote on the door said 'A stranger is a friend you haven't met'. Now we've met, stranger." the man says, still smiling.
 "Regardless, it's nice to meet you. I am Napoleon Lambeau, Doll Prince. So, what do you need?"
"Ah, Prince, of course. Well, all I need you to do is step through the door with me." he says, pointing at the double door.
"Getting to know you would also be nice, seeing as we're supposed to be working together."

"Very well, then," Napoleon said cordially as he looked toward the double door. Wondering for a moment whether the cat and the kitten represent him and Jack and most importantly which of them represent who, Napoleon continued as he mentally reread the quote by Helen Keller, "First off, let's talk about our abilities. After all, if we're going to be traveling together, we must at least know how they would compliment each other in case we have to defend ourselves. I'll go first: As you can no doubt guess by my nickname, I can summon dolls of many sizes and can modify them as the situation demands. I can also control them as effortlessly as one controls their own limbs."

"Oh. That sounds interesting. Myself I can win on any card game there is, no matter the odds. I can also work miracles with cards."
In order to demonstrate his statement, he produces a deck of cards seemingly out of nowhere, though you suspect his sleeves are involved. He spreads the deck and shows it to you, their plastic sliding against each other with a pleasant ease. You notice many of the cards are missing.
"Pick a card. Don't show it to me. Just put it back in there."
You do as he says, picking the 9 of diamonds and then putting it back in the deck. He shuffles the deck with great flair. (https://youtu.be/ibzQpK8e9B0) With a flip he puts the card you picked at the top of the deck, picks it up and shows it to you.
"Is this your card?"
"Merely a few simple card tricks?"
"Who said they are simple?" he counters with a smile.
Before your eyes the card blurs, dissolving into 9 tiny diamonds. You inspect them. They look quite real to you. A few seconds later they dissolve into nothing.
"I can cause any effect I want, as long as it's related to the card in question somehow. Unfortunately, it doesn't last too long and the card is consumed in the process."

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, off road

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 08, 2018, 06:56:30 pm

Yeah, arrange the WMD exchange somewhere down the road, I don't really care that much where we do it and how and just want to get back to the business of proceeding along.

You have your water mage make the communication ritual on the predefined time and inform the others that you require certain materials as soon as possible. You warn them that the materials on the box are fragile and should be treated very carefully. After that you keep moving to the meeting point you agreed upon.

Once you reach the meeting point you find that trader with the fast horse you recruited at Chizra waiting for you with the package. It turns out he's familiar with Grim, having taken jobs for him and his gang before, and the two exchange some friendly words. The exchange goes well, Grim accepting the box, inspecting its contents and then giving you the Eyes of Alan. He also offers some of their theories on what will probably be needed to revive him.

First of all you would need an object to act as a focus for his soul. The eyes will do nicely but any other objects or people related to him would certainly help.

He says that in order to gather his dissolved essence you would need a powerful Dark mage. Grim says he's never attempted such a Dark spell before, but he'd be willing to try. A sacrifice would certainly help add to the spell's dark power.

You'd also need a powerful Order mage to help rearrange his flows and help put him back together correctly.

It would be best for the revival to be performed close to a Nexus of Water magic flows or at least close to a powerful Water focusing Crystal or other Artifact. A ritual similar to the one that caused the dissolution would also help.

Even with all that he's not certain if this could work. Something like this has never been attempted before as far as he knows. In the end it might come down to luck.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, on the road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2018, 05:54:26 pm

"I... I suppose you're right."
I pause for a bit.
"Erm, is there anything else anyone would like to ask? Anything people might simply be curious about maybe?"

Well, if you're willing to talk about it, they would be curious about your world and why you built it that way as well as any stories you can provide about it or stories about other worlds you've visited and the kind of people that live there.

They'd also be interested in how your connection with the Sword works, if it's really conscious and intelligent, what kind of person it is, any insights you have on its nature and origins and any stories it might have shared with you about the past.

They'd also ask about the Games, if your group is representative of the kinds of people that participate in them, what kind of gods participate in them and what you think of them, if there are other people you have worked with and what you think of them, the reason for the Games' existence, what you'd like to do when you finish the games, what you're going to do when you finish the Games.

And all those conversations would probably lead to more questions and more debates... Really, it's hard to run out of conversation topics when you're speaking to an alien universe-hopping ex-god wielding one of the oldest beings of this universe. They could probably go on for a while. All depends on how long you're willing to go.

If you've gotten what you want out of this conversation we can just abstract it and say you keep talking with them for a while and/or for the next few days as they come to you with questions. Or you could keep talking with them in parallel with any other actions you make. Or you can just keep talking if there's no other action you want to take. Or just forget the whole thing and go back to being your distant self.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 09, 2018, 05:54:26 pm

"I'm glad it seems to be okay. I'm planning on opposing the void pulses tonight, and will want to strengthen the fire in the area a bit beforehand, would you all be okay with spreading out and making sure nothing bad happens like normally safe controlled fires getting out of control and burning people or anything? The more fire there is in the area the easier of a time I'll have, but I don't want to break things or hurt people, and I think your water magic would be invaluable in handing small incidents before they become big ones."

They agree with your plan. They ask if you will inform everyone so that they are adequately prepared or if they should do so.

They propose that they establish a signal so that you can know immediately if there is a problem in an area. Having the recruits bang on metal would probably be easiest.

If you can manage to merely enhance fires instead of moving them around than all should be fine. However that is not always so easy. This world combined with all the things that have happened to you... It will probably take a lot of self-control. You can prepare the best you can, but you won't know for sure until you try.

---

Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 09, 2018, 01:22:22 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

John patted Svajoklis on the shoulder.  "Good call, man.  Looks like the way station is gone, though.  Like, gone gone.  If it's just a hole, how about we just cut through it and try to make it to the hangar?  It can't be wide open or this whole area would be flooded with the liquid... right?"

If there's no objections, proceed toward the ex-Way Station and try to pass on toward the hangar where the Phoenix is.  We'll just come to them.

The headlights on this thing are pretty decent now, right?  Should be able to see what's going on?  If not, boost it a bit more, but don't wear myself out.

As you approach the destroyed Way Station the vehicle suddenly becomes unstable, the deformed and destroyed walls messing with its ability to orient and move itself. The screen displays various warnings but you're too busy trying not to crash to notice them.

You slam the lever to full power in an attempt to regain control. It works in the sense that you can now control the vehicle. Only problem is that it's now speeding ahead, slamming into pieces of debris and dragging some of them with it, actively pulling those that respond to its drive. You ignore the impacts, focusing on adjusting the knobs to keep the vehicle oriented towards the hangar section. Through a gap in the cloud of debris, you notice a molten wall has closed the passage up ahead. You pull the lever to full reverse but at this point the vehicle's 'traction' to whatever it's using to propel itself isn't that great; it won't stop. You slam through the wall but you don't witness the even with your eyes, instead relying on your other senses. A few fractions of a second before you collide, some automated system floods the vehicle full of a white sticky foamy substance, blocking your view of your surroundings.

: Warning. You are experiencing an accident. Remain calm and await help. : you hear the automated message almost immediately, the voice muffled by the foam.
You sense your body being pushed left and right with each impact but the foam absorbs the forces, allowing you to remain unharmed.
: Assurance. Safety Foam contains sufficient oxygen for nearly all human-like organisms. You can continue breathing normally. : the automated message continues as you feel one final jolt and then the vibrations stop.
: Black Box signal detected. Black Box in range. Downloading data... : your interface chimes in with its message.
Struggling against the foam is useless. Someone like Saevus might be able to break free but you can barely move an inch.
: Reminder. Safety Foam will automatically dissolve when no more mechanical stress can be felt. Struggling or forcibly breaking the foam without appropriate equipment will prolong its duration. :
Your Interface projects the data downloaded from the vehicle's Black Box, showing the view from various on board cameras, as if watching some sports channel's instant replay.

The foam dissolves after a while, condensing into small drops of liquid. Your eyes confirm what you already knew, the vehicle has been heavily damaged by the crash. It won't be going anywhere under its own power anytime soon.

At least you've ended up in one of the cargo transfer corridors linking the Way Station with the Hangar, slowly drifting forward. Normally drones would go through here carrying cargo. Right now it's empty (save for a few debris floating around near your crash site) which is not that strange, no ships carrying cargo should had recently docked with the Maximus so there would be no reason to move things around.

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, small hangar bay

---

Quote from: Zormod on February 09, 2018, 04:43:09 pm

Brian Hoss, Starboard Hanger

---

Check the decontamination area for a first aid kit.

While Icarus works you swim around, exploring the room. Without power the doors to the decontamination area remain sealed. But it looks like there's a first aid kit close to the entrance to the decontamination room, hidden behind a wall panel. It's marked with a red heart in a white square and the words "First Aid". Inside there's a few bandages and nanopatches (the instructions say they are able to automatically treat small injuries) as well as a stasis syringe (meant to slow down your metabolism long enough for help to arrive).

Icarus finds a control panel and restores power to the room, triggering the pumps and filling the room with breathable air. The air pushes the liquid out of the room and into the pumps, however with no pressure or gravity to direct the liquid, blobs of the stuff are content to either cling to the walls or float in place, slowly drifting. No longer able to comfortably swim, you activate your boots and find an area clear of the liquid where you can open the first aid kit.

You carefully remove the piece of metal sticking out of your torso and then apply a nanopatch on the hole, securing it in place with a bandage. Immediately it soothes your pain and the bleeding stops a while later. The thing is supposed to automatically treat small wounds. You're not certain if your wound counts as small. Well, it probably won't hurt that you used one anyway.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2018, 06:31:30 pm

Alan, Balloons

Alan's a relatively relaxed individual, so he just kinda accepts and goes with being 99 red balloons all of a sudden. And he can't reasonably be expected to remember every friend he's ever made, so this girl clearly must be one of them.

"I'm more than one balloon, remember? It's a pop song reference. Anyway, not much, just happening by. You got any more of those milkshakes? I don't have a mouth right now, but they're tasty."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2018, 06:46:41 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 10, 2018, 06:31:30 pm

Alan, Balloons

Alan's a relatively relaxed individual, so he just kinda accepts and goes with being 99 red balloons all of a sudden. And he can't reasonably be expected to remember every friend he's ever made, so this girl clearly must be one of them.

"I'm more than one balloon, remember? It's a pop song reference. Anyway, not much, just happening by. You got any more of those milkshakes? I don't have a mouth right now, but they're tasty."

((Well, if someone more sane had injected magical Kool aid to their eyes they could see something more-... Hold on a second, I just realized how weird that sentence sounds.))

"I'm more than one balloon, remember? It's a pop song reference."
"Indeed. I remember from last time."
"You got any more of those milkshakes? I don't have a mouth right now, but they're tasty."
"No, I'm sorry. I can't give you any. They've been making me work so hard lately. I've worked up quite the appetite. I need every milkshake they bring me."
She pauses hey drinking, gets up and looks at you (that is, the you that is closest to her) more closely.
"Besides, I don't know who you are. I can't just trust a stranger like that. Not after what happened last time. Maybe I should just pop you right now."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2018, 07:55:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thanks for the offer, but unless you'd like to join our entourage we're probably not gonna be doing the gathering for a while yet. If you do wanna join our entourage though, I'd definitely promise you first dibs on doing the Dark portion of the ritual."

Ask if Grim would like to join the party, seems like a trustworthy sort. Accept goodies, hand over the WMD, make checklist:

Spoiler: Alan's Resurrection Checklist (click to show/hide)

- Focus for the soul (eyes, possibly something else as well), check!
- Powerful dark mage, maybe check?
- Powerful order mage
- (Optional) Water-aligned resurrection spot, for example a Nexus of Water

Then return to the rest of the party so we can get back to the quest at hand.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 10, 2018, 08:02:55 pm

Stephano Falcone

Too many things could go wrong here. Better play it safe.

Check the front door and lock it if I can. Check all of the building's other entrances and windows. Lock or secure them as much as possible. Afterward, go wake up Iris and tell her about the suspicious vehicle. Ask her if she knows them.

If at any point I hear people outside the house, then stop whatever I'm doing, position myself behind cover, and ready my gun. If someone enters the house, observe them from cover. Only fire at them if they seem hostile. Aim for non vital organs.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2018, 08:36:01 pm

Alan, Introductions Master

"Oh, you don't know who I am? I thought you did and my brain tubes were just taking a while to catch up with me. In that case..."

Alan attempts to form his balloon self into a smiley face.

"Fantiddlytastic to meet you, strange pseudo-anime metaphor girl! I'm Alan the Amazing, and when I'm not a bunch of balloons I can throw practically infinite milkshake all over the place - and I don't even mean like in a really weird sex metaphor, I'm talking them good diner milkshakes, baby! Therefore, since you need all the milkshakes you can get and I am the premiere milkshake provider in this here plane of reality or metaphorical dream sequence or whatever this is, I propose we become best friends starting immediately. It'll be great -
 Squeaky Alan Balloon and Graveyard City Anime Girl, fighting crime with slapstick and jarring amounts of mood whiplash!"

Get distracted from what I came here to do, become friends with Metaphorical Anime Dark City Milkshake Girl.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 11, 2018, 01:20:33 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2018, 01:29:15 pm

"Oh. That sounds interesting. Myself I can win on any card game there is, no matter the odds. I can also work miracles with cards."
In order to demonstrate his statement, he produces a deck of cards seemingly out of nowhere, though you suspect his sleeves are involved. He spreads the deck and shows it to you, their plastic sliding against each other with a pleasant ease. You notice many of the cards are missing.
"Pick a card. Don't show it to me. Just put it back in there."
You do as he says, picking the 9 of diamonds and then putting it back in the deck. He shuffles the deck with great flair. (https://youtu.be/ibzQpK8e9B0) With a flip he puts the card you picked at the top of the deck, picks it up and shows it to you.
"Is this your card?"
"Merely a few simple card tricks?"
"Who said they are simple?" he counters with a smile.
Before your eyes the card blurs, dissolving into 9 tiny diamonds. You inspect them. They look quite real to you. A few seconds later they dissolve into nothing.
"I can cause any effect I want, as long as it's related to the card in question somehow. Unfortunately, it doesn't last too long and the card is consumed in the process."

♚The Doll Prince: Two Cats In the Dark.♚

Napoleon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Jack's ability may prove useful if the two are ever pulled into a card game, especially when gambling is involved. Perhaps he can use Jack to win valuable items, especially money and a nice rapier? During battle, Jack may be able to summon useful items that will aid them in their endeavors, whether they entail medicine or even weapons. Of course, that would mean that Napoleon would have to do most of the work, mainly by protecting him... unless he can take care of himself. Either way, he and this well-dressed pleb will have to watch each other's backs if they are to survive what lies ahead.

"I look forward to working with you, monseigneur," Napoleon said with a smile as he motioned toward the double door. "Let's be off then. I'll handle the tactical details of any battles we will face." A pause. "Of course, any input will be much appreciated."

Enter the double door with Jack

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 11, 2018, 11:05:16 am

John shook his head.  "Ugh.  Blasted thing.  What the hell even happened here?"

Check the black box data.  What happened here?

Also survey the damage to the vehicle we're in.  Is there any hope of getting this thing moving at least walking speed forward in this gap?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2018, 12:09:36 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, destroyed Way Station>

I'm quite amazed something managed so much internal damage without it being visible from outside. Doesn't smell like your usual explosives. Let's see if we can scrounge some past here.

Try to get some data from black box into my book.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2018, 02:36:43 pm

((Short clarification turn.))

Quote from: Toaster on February 11, 2018, 11:05:16 am

John shook his head.  "Ugh.  Blasted thing.  What the hell even happened here?"

Check the black box data.  What happened here?

Also survey the damage to the vehicle we're in.  Is there any hope of getting this thing moving at least walking speed forward in this gap?

If you mean your car's black box data, then all that shows is from the time you entered the vehicle to the time you crashed. There's nothing fishy about the crash itself that you can see. You overshot navigating the debris field and crashed through a wall, which led into a transfer tube that goes into the Starboard Hangar section.

The vehicle is wrecked. Though much of the damage is cosmetic, it has also affected part of its drive system and its electronics are refusing to operate. Which is not a very big loss, you can always go to a nearby Transport Hub and try to get another vehicle, though the nearest one is back the way you came from.

You could try to rig some sort of vehicle out of the remains of your car. Or you could just walk. You could also disable your boots and push yourself off the walls but that always has the chance of stranding you somewhere in these wide open and gravity-less areas (but not air-less, you actually think there's a small breeze in here). Not that that is a big problem, you can always just throw something to propel yourself, it just wastes time and leaves you vulnerable to anything nasty that might be lurking around.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2018, 12:09:36 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, destroyed Way Station>

I'm quite amazed something managed so much internal damage without it being visible from outside. Doesn't smell like your usual explosives. Let's see if we can scrounge some past here.

Try to get some data from black box into my book.

The nearest black box is back the way you came from, in a nearby transport hub, back the way you came from. It might have some info on what happened in the Way Station. Wanna go there? Otherwise the next nearest black box is located up ahead in the Hangar Section.

Technically the nearest black box is the one in the car you just crashed, but your interface has already collected the data from it and shown it to you. I guess you can always ask your interface to display the data and use your book to absorb them if you want a closer look into them.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2018, 04:49:07 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 11, 2018, 01:20:33 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 10, 2018, 01:29:15 pm

"Oh. That sounds interesting. Myself I can win on any card game there is, no matter the odds. I can also work miracles with cards."
In order to demonstrate his statement, he produces a deck of cards seemingly out of nowhere, though you suspect his sleeves are involved. He spreads the deck and shows it to you, their plastic sliding against each other with a pleasant ease. You notice many of the cards are missing.
"Pick a card. Don't show it to me. Just put it back in there."
You do as he says, picking the 9 of diamonds and then putting it back in the deck. He shuffles the deck with great flair. (https://youtu.be/ibzQpK8e9B0) With a flip he puts the card you picked at the top of the deck, picks it up and shows it to you.
"Is this your card?"
"Merely a few simple card tricks?"
"Who said they are simple?" he counters with a smile.
Before your eyes the card blurs, dissolving into 9 tiny diamonds. You inspect them. They look quite real to you. A few seconds later they dissolve into nothing.
"I can cause any effect I want, as long as it's related to the card in question somehow. Unfortunately, it doesn't last too long and the card is consumed in the process."

♚The Doll Prince: Two Cats In the Dark.♚

Napoleon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Jack's ability may prove useful if the two are ever pulled into a card game, especially when gambling is involved. Perhaps he can use Jack to win valuable items, especially money and a nice rapier? During battle, Jack may be able to summon useful items that will aid them in their endeavors, whether they entail medicine or even weapons. Of course, that would mean that Napoleon would have to do most of the work, mainly by protecting him... unless he can take care of himself. Either way, he and this well-dressed pleb will have to watch each other's backs if they are to survive what lies ahead.

"I look forward to working with you, monseigneur," Napoleon said with a smile as he motioned toward the double door. "Let's be off then. I'll handle the tactical details of any battles we will face." A pause. "Of course, any input will be much appreciated."

Enter the double door with Jack

"Ah, how gracious of you."

You open the doors and find a small chamber, similar to the one you came in, the only difference being that there are two sets of boot imprints on the ground. When both of you are in, the doors slam shut and you begin going up again. This one is a bit slower than the last one...

"So. What's with the kittens?" Jack asks, probably trying to make small talk.
"I don't know, I didn't choose it. What's with the quotes?
"No idea either. It's not like I'm a quote guy."
He stays silent for a second, then laughs.
"Heh. Dear God, they're all over the place. Ancient Chinese, the Bible, Criminals, Stand-up Comedians... There was even one from Justin Bieber! Oh, there was this one, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the platform."

He doesn't elaborate. The walls finally give way to the black void, revealing your next destination. From below it looks like a large modern building, a wide block of concrete with rebar, pipes and wiring coming out of it, disappearing into the void.
"Hm. Next level looks pretty big. I guess it's because there's two of us now."
There is a great metal box attached to the bottom of the building, surrounded by rebar and wiring. Jack points at it.
"Looks hard to get into. Ten bucks says our goal is in there."
The platform keeps moving for a while but from this angle you can't get much more info.
"Looks modern too. I guess I can blend in better if that's true. Don't know 'bout you though."
Your entry point is layer of dirt and stone on the edge of the concrete block. The platform slides through a hole and deposits you in a small room similar to the one you entered. As expected, there is a quote on the door.

Quote from: James Chiles

Burglars know there's more than one way to skin a vault.

Underneath it is an image of two cats. One is wearing a stethoscope. The other's wearing a balaclava and holding a cartoonish stick of TNT in its paws.
"Huh. So I suppose this makes us cat burglars?" Jack says half-joking.

You open the door and inspect the area beyond. You've exited a small structure on the edge of a parking lot. There's a lot of expensive cars in front of you. Beyond them there's an impossibly high wall, illuminated by distant multicolored lights. You guess you're not supposed to go that way then.
"Hah! Jackpot!"
You turn around to see what has Jack so excited. It's a casino, one of those Las Vegas monstrosities full of neon and spotlights. There's a giant rotating antenna-like structure on its top with the words "Queen's Tower Casino" glowing near its top. A path takes you from the parking to its front garden which is dominated by a gigantic water fountain, the few shrubs and palm trees planted around it looking sad and tiny in comparison. Beyond that there's a red carpet that leads you to the front door. There's a big queue in the front door. The bouncers aren't letting people in, which you find a bit strange. Casinos are supposed to let everyone in so they can take their money, right?
"I bet I could restock on cards there. And get me some Benjamins while I'm at it."
He turns to look at you.
"If that is OK with you, of course."

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 10, 2018, 08:02:55 pm

Stephano Falcone

Too many things could go wrong here. Better play it safe.

Check the front door and lock it if I can. Check all of the building's other entrances and windows. Lock or secure them as much as possible. Afterward, go wake up Iris and tell her about the suspicious vehicle. Ask her if she knows them.

If at any point I hear people outside the house, then stop whatever I'm doing, position myself behind cover, and ready my gun. If someone enters the house, observe them from cover. Only fire at them if they seem hostile. Aim for non vital organs.

You pick up the keys from where Iris left them and lock the door. You also put a chair behind it for good measure. The windows don't open from the outside and are quite small, so you don't think they will be an issue, though someone could still shoot you through them. Let's hope whoever it is wants to take you alive.

That done, you go and wake up Iris. It takes her a few seconds for her to wake up and realize what's going on.
"What? Nobody's supposed to be here, not this early. Unless..."
She gets up and quickly runs up to the window.
"No, this doesn't look good."
She starts breathing quickly.
"This is bad. We need to get out of here."
She moves towards the kitchen and starts moving the kitchen table.
"Okay. Come with me. There's a trapdoor underneath."
You hear a sound on the door, like someone is trying to slowly turn the knob. You're running out of time.

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 10, 2018, 07:55:08 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thanks for the offer, but unless you'd like to join our entourage we're probably not gonna be doing the gathering for a while yet. If you do wanna join our entourage though, I'd definitely promise you first dibs on doing the Dark portion of the ritual."

Ask if Grim would like to join the party, seems like a trustworthy sort. Accept goodies, hand over the WMD, make checklist:

Spoiler: Alan's Resurrection Checklist (click to show/hide)

- Focus for the soul (eyes, possibly something else as well), check!
- Powerful dark mage, maybe check?
- Powerful order mage
- (Optional) Water-aligned resurrection spot, for example a Nexus of Water

Then return to the rest of the party so we can get back to the quest at hand.

"Nah, I'm not joining you guys. I'll stick with the Boss. The job is good and I hate being out here more than I have to. I was just offering some help cause I'd love to try casting this sort of spell or at least seeing it with my own eyes. ... Though, if you are going to try casting it soon, I could stick around for a while. Maybe gather some more information for the Boss while I'm at it. I mean, we're not in any hurry to get this thing back to him."

Depending on your answer, Grim may temporarily join the party.

That done, you can get back to the others. If you went with the guy with the horse you could get there and join them right now, you'd just be leaving the rest of the team behind to get there on foot. Otherwise it will take about a day to get there, which means you just have to wait for them to end their current day. Or I'll just move time forward if nothing happens after a while, don't want to leave you waiting doing nothing.

Quote from: Xantalos on February 10, 2018, 08:36:01 pm

Alan, Introductions Master

"Oh, you don't know who I am? I thought you did and my brain tubes were just taking a while to catch up with me. In that case..."

Alan attempts to form his balloon self into a smiley face.

"Fantiddlytastic to meet you, strange pseudo-anime metaphor girl! I'm Alan the Amazing, and when I'm not a bunch of balloons I can throw practically infinite milkshake all over the place - and I don't even mean like in a really weird sex metaphor, I'm talking them good diner milkshakes, baby! Therefore, since you need all the milkshakes you can get and I am the premiere milkshake provider in this here plane of reality or metaphorical dream sequence or whatever this is, I propose we become best friends starting immediately. It'll be great -
 Squeaky Alan Balloon and Graveyard City Anime Girl, fighting crime with slapstick and jarring amounts of mood whiplash!"

Get distracted from what I came here to do, become friends with Metaphorical Anime Dark City Milkshake Girl.

((Speaking of Magical Girls, have you checked out Syvarris' Magical Girl Game? I just laughed imagining Alan in it, acting like Alan while believing he totally is a magical girl.))

The you closest to her turns into a balloon with a smiley face on it. She laughs.
"You're funny, little balloon."
Her smile fades. She looks at you thoughtfully for a few more seconds
"I'm still not sure if I should trust you. But I could use some help. And you sound quite helpful. What do you say? Will you help me float out of here and give me milkshakes if I tie all of you together?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 11, 2018, 05:05:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Prolly wanna cast it as soon as possible, and if you have any idea as to where we'd be able to find a powerful Order mage that'd be nifty too. I don't like the idea of Alan permeating the entire world, I've seen what he does to his own body."

I'd love to take Grim along! Especially if he can help me cast dark magic!

... do we happen to have a suitably powerful order mage in the party? I kind of forget at this point.

That said, we travel together even if it takes a bit. Don't want anyone going missing.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2018, 05:35:03 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, destroyed Way Station>

((Ah, thanks))

"Well, with all the debri, we may as well try walking. We have what to watch out for without also adding metal chunks trying to tear our limbs off. And as much as I wish to know what happened, I want to keep the rest of my blood in me more."

Start walking forward.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 11, 2018, 08:30:03 pm

Alan, Helpful Swarm of Balloons

"Heck yeah, we'll be like that guy and his house in Up, only less depressing and our ages are vastly different compared to him. It'd probably be helpful for me to get tied together anyhow, this high up the wind might blow part of me away."

Gather myself together in front of Magical Milkshake Girl as best I can.

((I have not, but that is a hilarious image that I want to try to make a reality in this game at some point.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 11, 2018, 11:42:43 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

John sighed.  If only his power wasn't so hindered...  "Yes, you're right.  Let's go."


Walk on.  Try to slowly- slowly!- summon some targeting goggles like I always do.  See if focusing on doing summoning slowly will avoid most of the pain/drain.  Abort if it becomes too bad.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 12, 2018, 12:34:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2018, 04:49:07 pm

"Ah, how gracious of you."

You open the doors and find a small chamber, similar to the one you came in, the only difference being that there are two sets of boot imprints on the ground. When both of you are in, the doors slam shut and you begin going up again. This one is a bit slower than the last one...

"So. What's with the kittens?" Jack asks, probably trying to make small talk.
"I don't know, I didn't choose it. What's with the quotes?
"No idea either. It's not like I'm a quote guy."
He stays silent for a second, then laughs.
"Heh. Dear God, they're all over the place. Ancient Chinese, the Bible, Criminals, Stand-up Comedians... There was even one from Justin Bieber! Oh, there was this one, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the platform."

He doesn't elaborate. The walls finally give way to the black void, revealing your next destination. From below it looks like a large modern building, a wide block of concrete with rebar, pipes and wiring coming out of it, disappearing into the void.
"Hm. Next level looks pretty big. I guess it's because there's two of us now."
There is a great metal box attached to the bottom of the building, surrounded by rebar and wiring. Jack points at it.
"Looks hard to get into. Ten bucks says our goal is in there."
The platform keeps moving for a while but from this angle you can't get much more info.
"Looks modern too. I guess I can blend in better if that's true. Don't know 'bout you though."
Your entry point is layer of dirt and stone on the edge of the concrete block. The platform slides through a hole and deposits you in a small room similar to the one you entered. As expected, there is a quote on the door.

Quote from: James Chiles

Burglars know there's more than one way to skin a vault.

Underneath it is an image of two cats. One is wearing a stethoscope. The other's wearing a balaclava and holding a cartoonish stick of TNT in its paws.
"Huh. So I suppose this makes us cat burglars?" Jack says half-joking.

You open the door and inspect the area beyond. You've exited a small structure on the edge of a parking lot. There's a lot of expensive cars in front of you. Beyond them there's an impossibly high wall, illuminated by distant multicolored lights. You guess you're not supposed to go that way then.
"Hah! Jackpot!"
You turn around to see what has Jack so excited. It's a casino, one of those Las Vegas monstrosities full of neon and spotlights. There's a giant rotating antenna-like structure on its top with the words "Queen's Tower Casino" glowing near its top. A path takes you from the parking to its front garden which is dominated by a gigantic water fountain, the few shrubs and palm trees planted around it looking sad and tiny in comparison. Beyond that there's a red carpet that leads you to the front door. There's a big queue in the front door. The bouncers aren't letting people in, which you find a bit strange. Casinos are supposed to let everyone in so they can take their money, right?
"I bet I could restock on cards there. And get me some Benjamins while I'm at it."
He turns to look at you.
"If that is OK with you, of course."

((If Alan ever joins a Magical Girl game, it'll end up becoming The Jackass Movie: Madoka Magica Edition. Insanity will do everyone in before their grief seeds or the witches do.))

♚The Doll Prince: What Happens in the Queen's Tower Casino...♚

Napoleon smiled inwardly. Though Jack is quite a talkative fellow, he certainly shows that he is capable of looking up to his betters, mainly the Doll Prince himself, for permission. Though Napoleon always have a desire for more wealth, he was more intrigued by two things: the quote by James Chiles and its accompanying images and the casino itself. If his previous suspicions still holds true then not only is he still being tested but this one requires him and Jack to break open a safe that could be inside the casino itself and retrieve the items inside. Though Napoleon had already straddled that fine line between being a nobleman and a thief just to stay afloat during his 200+ years long lifespan, he'd never attempted the bigger stuff before since he still has standards after all. However, he doesn't know what sort of morality if any is applicable in this eldritch realm so he decided to cross that bridge when he gets to it.

The next intriguing thing is the casino itself. Much like its Earth-like counterparts in various places, particular the so-named 'Sin City', its flashing lines and sign seem to warmly beckon the foolhardy and wasteful with dreams of quick riches, only to turn them into obsessive addicts with broken dreams and empty pockets. The House truly wins each time and even a jackpot may encourage more fools to try their hand at a 'heightened' advantage, continually filling its coffers with the pocket change of the gullible proles and the wealth of the naive bourgeoisie. Napoleon personally hates that kind of gambling, not because of any moral objection he may have but because any odds he thought he have complete control of will ultimately serve the system in the end. Only a fool plays along guidelines their opponents give them.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary save for the long line and the bouncers not permitting entry. Either the establishment isn't open yet or the bouncers are expecting someone to arrive soon...

"I suppose that a bit of entertainment can't harm us, maybe even be enlightening," Napoleon said with a shrug. "First, let cut the line. We at the very least look the part of obnoxious snobs."

Walking with Jack, Napoleon made it to the line and begin pushing their way to the front of the line, ignoring the people's protests.

"Excusez nous, coming through! Move aside, your betters are approaching! Make way plebs, make way! Careful with the outfit! It costs more than your children's college funds combined, which you are no doubt planning on blowing tonight anyway like a totally responsible adult!"

Making it to the front of the line, Napoleon met the bouncers' icy glares with a steadfast, almost regal pose. Hoping that he was leaving a strong enough impression on them, he spoke, "As you are no doubt aware, we are honored guests here at the Queen's Tower Casino. If you don't mind, please allow us entry as well as these..." Napoleon motioned dismissively to the masses behind him and Jack. "...people. No doubt that the Casino has need of our patronage."

Attempt to bullshit our way into the casino... like a BOSS!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 12, 2018, 10:06:17 am

Theri; Campaign.

On the edge of getting Murder'd...

As she carried River with her, (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7687706#msg7687706) Theri surmised that it would be a bad idea to use any kind of magic; River, however, was someone innately...magical, as she wondered--but so was Irine, and the birds back then did not detect them or attack. She could fend them off herself, as they usually were the sort that acted like buzzers, aiming for vital areas and working in tandem with each other, but what mattered more were the other recruits who volunteered with her. They knew the presumable danger, but she was glad that they were also trained in non-verbal messaging.

So she decided to give River a pat, while sending him off back to them, to give the message of certain danger (specifying birds) that she had described back on the trip when they had met Ike and the rest. Either way, it was much easier for one person to scout and not be detected than a group, and it was a lot better to create a distraction by oneself and divert the danger away; she only hoped her signalling training was up to par, because requesting for 'ranged troops' with close melee support could be easily mixed up in gestures.

Send River back to warn the other recruits; order them all to head back (River's choice though on what he does), while Theri goes ahead, and away from the direction of her people, to scout out the birds--she moves away and to a different location (like, tracing a perimeter but moving away from the location of where you came from to disorient the ambushers) while trying her best to gain better intelligence on the situation.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 12, 2018, 12:53:21 pm

Lets abstract out the rest of the self-introduction conversation please, and Irine will be remaining open to further questions from whatever source. She's trying to be accessible after all.

---

"I... guess I really should be the one to tell everyone. Okay. I'll do it."

A signal is a good idea. And I'll do my best to tell everyone whats going on and what I'm planning to do to stop it.

and then, once preparations are complete, I'm going to try it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 12, 2018, 05:46:45 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus Starboard Hangar

---

Go through decontamination now.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 13, 2018, 12:05:01 am

Stephano Falcone

Help Iris move the table out the way. If there is a lockable door separating the Kitchen from the rest of the building, then lock it and block the door with the table, while Iris opens up the trap door. If not, then help Iris open the trap door instead. Follow her through it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 13, 2018, 12:08:30 am

((As an aside, it seems semi-likely that I'm currently talking to Anime Milkshake Girl in the ruins of that volcano mountain city we entered the world in - I don't think any other place we've been in has had that sort of building in it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2018, 03:54:53 pm

---

Stuff happening somewhere

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 12, 2018, 12:34:50 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 11, 2018, 04:49:07 pm

"Ah, how gracious of you."

You open the doors and find a small chamber, similar to the one you came in, the only difference being that there are two sets of boot imprints on the ground. When both of you are in, the doors slam shut and you begin going up again. This one is a bit slower than the last one...

"So. What's with the kittens?" Jack asks, probably trying to make small talk.
"I don't know, I didn't choose it. What's with the quotes?
"No idea either. It's not like I'm a quote guy."
He stays silent for a second, then laughs.
"Heh. Dear God, they're all over the place. Ancient Chinese, the Bible, Criminals, Stand-up Comedians... There was even one from Justin Bieber! Oh, there was this one, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the platform."

He doesn't elaborate. The walls finally give way to the black void, revealing your next destination. From below it looks like a large modern building, a wide block of concrete with rebar, pipes and wiring coming out of it, disappearing into the void.
"Hm. Next level looks pretty big. I guess it's because there's two of us now."
There is a great metal box attached to the bottom of the building, surrounded by rebar and wiring. Jack points at it.
"Looks hard to get into. Ten bucks says our goal is in there."
The platform keeps moving for a while but from this angle you can't get much more info.
"Looks modern too. I guess I can blend in better if that's true. Don't know 'bout you though."
Your entry point is layer of dirt and stone on the edge of the concrete block. The platform slides through a hole and deposits you in a small room similar to the one you entered. As expected, there is a quote on the door.

Quote from: James Chiles

Burglars know there's more than one way to skin a vault.

Underneath it is an image of two cats. One is wearing a stethoscope. The other's wearing a balaclava and holding a cartoonish stick of TNT in its paws.
"Huh. So I suppose this makes us cat burglars?" Jack says half-joking.

You open the door and inspect the area beyond. You've exited a small structure on the edge of a parking lot. There's a lot of expensive cars in front of you. Beyond them there's an impossibly high wall, illuminated by distant multicolored lights. You guess you're not supposed to go that way then.
"Hah! Jackpot!"
You turn around to see what has Jack so excited. It's a casino, one of those Las Vegas monstrosities full of neon and spotlights. There's a giant rotating antenna-like structure on its top with the words "Queen's Tower Casino" glowing near its top. A path takes you from the parking to its front garden which is dominated by a gigantic water fountain, the few shrubs and palm trees planted around it looking sad and tiny in comparison. Beyond that there's a red carpet that leads you to the front door. There's a big queue in the front door. The bouncers aren't letting people in, which you find a bit strange. Casinos are supposed to let everyone in so they can take their money, right?
"I bet I could restock on cards there. And get me some Benjamins while I'm at it."
He turns to look at you.
"If that is OK with you, of course."

((If Alan ever joins a Magical Girl game, it'll end up becoming The Jackass Movie: Madoka Magica Edition. Insanity will do everyone in before their grief seeds or the witches do.))

♚The Doll Prince: What Happens in the Queen's Tower Casino...♚

Napoleon smiled inwardly. Though Jack is quite a talkative fellow, he certainly shows that he is capable of looking up to his betters, mainly the Doll Prince himself, for permission. Though Napoleon always have a desire for more wealth, he was more intrigued by two things: the quote by James Chiles and its accompanying images and the casino itself. If his previous suspicions still holds true then not only is he still being tested but this one requires him and Jack to break open a safe that could be inside the casino itself and retrieve the items inside. Though Napoleon had already straddled that fine line between being a nobleman and a thief just to stay afloat during his 200+ years long lifespan, he'd never attempted the bigger stuff before since he still has standards after all. However, he doesn't know what sort of morality if any is applicable in this eldritch realm so he decided to cross that bridge when he gets to it.

The next intriguing thing is the casino itself. Much like its Earth-like counterparts in various places, particular the so-named 'Sin City', its flashing lines and sign seem to warmly beckon the foolhardy and wasteful with dreams of quick riches, only to turn them into obsessive addicts with broken dreams and empty pockets. The House truly wins each time and even a jackpot may encourage more fools to try their hand at a 'heightened' advantage, continually filling its coffers with the pocket change of the gullible proles and the wealth of the naive bourgeoisie. Napoleon personally hates that kind of gambling, not because of any moral objection he may have but because any odds he thought he have complete control of will ultimately serve the system in the end. Only a fool plays along guidelines their opponents give them.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary save for the long line and the bouncers not permitting entry. Either the establishment isn't open yet or the bouncers are expecting someone to arrive soon...

"I suppose that a bit of entertainment can't harm us, maybe even be enlightening," Napoleon said with a shrug. "First, let cut the line. We at the very least look the part of obnoxious snobs."

Walking with Jack, Napoleon made it to the line and begin pushing their way to the front of the line, ignoring the people's protests.

"Excusez nous, coming through! Move aside, your betters are approaching! Make way plebs, make way! Careful with the outfit! It costs more than your children's college funds combined, which you are no doubt planning on blowing tonight anyway like a totally responsible adult!"

Making it to the front of the line, Napoleon met the bouncers' icy glares with a steadfast, almost regal pose. Hoping that he was leaving a strong enough impression on them, he spoke, "As you are no doubt aware, we are honored guests here at the Queen's Tower Casino. If you don't mind, please allow us entry as well as these..." Napoleon motioned dismissively to the masses behind him and Jack. "...people. No doubt that the Casino has need of our patronage."

Attempt to bullshit our way into the casino... like a BOSS!

You approach the entrance acting like a rich bastard (or perhaps an angry primadonna, given how you're dressed).
"Unfortunately monsieur tonight is a special night, as monsieur is no doubt aware. Only people with the appropriate invitation may enter." the bouncer responds with a thick American accent.
"If monsieur does not show their invitation to me, I cannot let monsieur in. I am certain monsieur understands. We wouldn't want to let any... 'people' in." he continues with that air of petty superiority of someone who has found himself in a position of power over others.
"If you ask me, the guy's just fishing for bribes, trying to find some suckers to pay him." Jack whispers from behind you.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 13, 2018, 12:05:01 am

Stephano Falcone

Help Iris move the table out the way. If there is a lockable door separating the Kitchen from the rest of the building, then lock it and block the door with the table, while Iris opens up the trap door. If not, then help Iris open the trap door instead. Follow her through it.

You help Iris move the table out of the way, lift the carpet and open the trapdoor. It's dark down there. Something breaks through the kitchen window and explodes next to you. In pain, your sense of balance destroyed, you fall into the darkness.

...

You wake up. You don't know how much time has passed. Your face is in pain, you feel dizzy, your ears are still ringing. That thing must have exploded right next to your head. Everything is dark. You feel dirt beneath you. A small relief. That must mean they haven't caught you yet.

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, small hangars

---

Quote from: Zormod on February 12, 2018, 05:46:45 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus Starboard Hangar

---

Go through decontamination now.

With power in this section restored, you can open the doors leading to the decontamination area. You get in and run the decontamination cycle. After a few seconds of being sprayed and zapped by light alarms start blaring and red lights start flashing.

: Warning. Class 2 hazards detected. Security has been notified. Please remain calm and await their arrival. :
: Warning. Unable to confirm identification. Security has been notified. Please remain calm and await their arrival. :
Well, this room certainly doesn't like you.

You wait for a few seconds. Nothing happens. You fiddle with the door's control but all it does is emit a displeased beep and a red X.

"Uh, Interface, a bit of help here?"
: Override available. Connect to control system to proceed. :
You plug your Interface to the doors' control panel and after a few seconds it lights up a pleasant green. The alarms stop and the doors unlock.

: Warning. Override accepted. Decontamination unsealed. :
: Warning. Unable to receive secondary authorization. Security has been notified. Please remain calm and await their arrival. :
: Warning. Security cannot be contacted at this time. Report yourself to security for immediate detention. This is for your safety and the safety of all of us. :
Guess the room still doesn't like you.

You keep moving, reaching the small security station. It's a simple thing, just a line of scanners. It reminds you of a small airport's security check area. There's a desk with a couple of computer terminals on one corner, presumably where the people responsible for security would sit. There are a couple of large screen above the scanners, probably meant to display information about the vehicles docked here, however right now it's displaying a single message.

Quote from: screen No flights allowed as per the Captain's orders. All docks ID-sealed. Access to authorized personnel only.

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, cargo transfer system

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 11, 2018, 11:42:43 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

John sighed.  If only his power wasn't so hindered...  "Yes, you're right.  Let's go."


Walk on.  Try to slowly- slowly!- summon some targeting goggles like I always do.  See if focusing on doing summoning slowly will avoid most of the pain/drain.  Abort if it becomes too bad.

((FYI, you can still modify existing equipment just fine, it's just your summoning that is quite weak.))

You already have (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7576420#msg7576420) some sensors installed from before you started the mission. They haven't been damaged yet, so you should be able to use them. They weren't much use out there with that liquid blocking most signals but in here they should work OK.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 11, 2018, 05:35:03 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, destroyed Way Station>

((Ah, thanks))

"Well, with all the debri, we may as well try walking. We have what to watch out for without also adding metal chunks trying to tear our limbs off. And as much as I wish to know what happened, I want to keep the rest of my blood in me more."

Start walking forward.

You keep walking forward, making your way towards the Starboard Hangar Section. This cargo transfer corridor hasn't been too damaged by whatever happened in the Way Station, you only have to avoid two sections where the ground appears to have exploded.

: Emergency beacon signal pulse has not arrived for the past 5 intervals. Assuming ship's emergency beacon has been deactivated. : your interface states as you walk. Guess someone deactivated the emergency beacon on the Primary Bridge. Or something happened to it.

It takes a while but you eventually make it to a gate leading into a temporary cargo storage area of the Hangar. Unfortunately, the door is welded shut. You can see the perpetrator, the remains of a spider-shaped drone that has been partially crushed beneath the door's locking mechanism.
: Black Box in range. Downloading data... : your interface states as it downloads the data from the drone's remains.
Your visor projects an image of the still intact drone, floating through the corridor at high speed, coming towards the door. It lands on the door and prepares to work on it.
: Laser in operation. Stand clear. : it states in an emotionless yet disturbingly child-like voice.
It produces a tube from its mouth, some sort of high-power low-focus chemical laser you'd wager. It quickly uses it to form a seal, fusing the two doors together.
: Order complete. : it states.
: Order accepted. : it adds a moment later.
The projection walks over to where its corporeal body is and allows itself to be crushed between the closing gate locks. The holographic projection disappears as it is crushed, leaving you staring into its destroyed body.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, on road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2018, 12:53:21 pm

Lets abstract out the rest of the self-introduction conversation please, and Irine will be remaining open to further questions from whatever source. She's trying to be accessible after all.

Okay then, we'll say you do that with everyone that survives then.

Quote from: Lenglon on February 12, 2018, 12:53:21 pm

"I... guess I really should be the one to tell everyone. Okay. I'll do it."

A signal is a good idea. And I'll do my best to tell everyone whats going on and what I'm planning to do to stop it.

and then, once preparations are complete, I'm going to try it.

You gather everyone and announce your plan to them, trying to make them understand what's going on and why it's necessary for you to cast that spell. The Sword helps amplify your voice and the water mages help with the explanation and answering questions. There are some people who aren't very comfortable with having magic cast on them and ask several questions but nobody gives you any trouble. Everyone agrees that this is necessary and that they should support you in your efforts.

You find an open space in the center of the camp, sit down and close your eyes. You need to focus your entire being on this, to make sure you don't make any mistake and accidentally hurt someone.

The sun has set for a while and you're bracing for the Dark wave when you hear something running towards you. It's River. He runs up to you and nearly throws you to the ground with his momentum.

He sends you images and smells. Theri. Alone. The stench of those monster birds. This is distracting. You're supposed to be focusing on the spell, the Dark waves will arrive any moment now. But Theri... River is really worried.

His message delivered, River runs away, heading back towards where he came from. Some seconds later you hear a distant scream. A monstrous scream of a monstrous bird. And then more screams. Every minute there are more and more. You realize that one of the screaming voices is yours. You are on the ground screaming. The pain. It's tearing your body apart. Trying to sandblast it away.

Determined, you redouble your efforts. You are a glass sphere holding back the ocean's waves, cracking under the pressure. The Sword joins your effort. You are an ember surrounded by dark icy-cold waters, sizzling with an inner flame.
<Just hold on! We can protect them!>
The waves keep coming, crashing and breaking against your extended self. You feel the fear, the urge to retreat back into your body, to focus on defending yourself.

You persevere. Soon the worst of the waves has faded. But something is different today. Not only is the Dark spell far more potent, it also has a different... flavor you could call it. It also lingers much longer. Resisting it is causing you and the Sword quite a strain but slowly the area is turning back to normal, the effect receding under your influence. At least you can focus on your surroundings again.

"Irine?! Are you okay?"
<Ugh. I'm just peachy. Just the worst hangover ever. And I didn't even get to get proper drunk.> you say without thinking, your attention and self-control too strained to think about this as well.
"You had us scared there for a moment. What happened? Do you need anything?"
<The Darkness was too strong. Something is different today.>
"Yeah, I felt it too. It was like it was trying to rip me apart."
"There might be an attack coming. I'll get the troops organized." the other mage says as he moves away, content that you are not dead.
"Guards! To me!"

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, forward scout

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 12, 2018, 10:06:17 am

Theri; Campaign.

On the edge of getting Murder'd...

As she carried River with her, (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7687706#msg7687706) Theri surmised that it would be a bad idea to use any kind of magic; River, however, was someone innately...magical, as she wondered--but so was Irine, and the birds back then did not detect them or attack. She could fend them off herself, as they usually were the sort that acted like buzzers, aiming for vital areas and working in tandem with each other, but what mattered more were the other recruits who volunteered with her. They knew the presumable danger, but she was glad that they were also trained in non-verbal messaging.

So she decided to give River a pat, while sending him off back to them, to give the message of certain danger (specifying birds) that she had described back on the trip when they had met Ike and the rest. Either way, it was much easier for one person to scout and not be detected than a group, and it was a lot better to create a distraction by oneself and divert the danger away; she only hoped her signalling training was up to par, because requesting for 'ranged troops' with close melee support could be easily mixed up in gestures.

Send River back to warn the other recruits; order them all to head back (River's choice though on what he does), while Theri goes ahead, and away from the direction of her people, to scout out the birds--she moves away and to a different location (like, tracing a perimeter but moving away from the location of where you came from to disorient the ambushers) while trying her best to gain better intelligence on the situation.

"Hey buddy. I need you to do something for me."
River looks at you eagerly.
"I need you to go back to the camp. Find Irine and warn her of the danger. Let her know we need help."
River looks at you in the eyes and whines. He doesn't get up.
"I'll be fine. I promise." you say with a confident smile.
"I can hide here without problem. But if they stay here there's more chances they'll find us. They can't fight against the monsterbirds. It's irresponsible to keep them here. Please."
You don't tell him how you believe you can fend the birds off if they attack you. You don't tell him how you can act as a distraction and delay them if necessary. He'd never leave if you did. You watch him run away as fast as he can. Did you make the right choice? Time will tell.

"Are you sure about this?" the recruit with you asks as he prepares to move out.
"I said I'll be fine. I've faced those things before. I know how to hide from them."
"I guess if I stayed here, I'd just get in the way."
"No. Don't say that. It is not about that. It's about where you'd be the most useful."
"OK. I guess I'll have to trust you." he relents with a sigh.
"I'll make sure you get the support you requested." he adds before he joins the other recruits in retreating, careful to remain hidden.

...

It's been a while. The sun has moved closer to the horizon, it has almost completely set. They should had gotten far enough away by now. There's been no movement up ahead. It's time to move. You head higher up the hills, using your strength to climb the steep and narrow places, where few would be able to go. Hopefully they won't be watching such a difficult path and the higher ground will give you a good view of your surroundings.

...

The sun has set for a while now. The stars are few and the moon has yet to rise. It's getting harder to see and your eyesight wasn't that great to begin with. But there's still just enough light for you to examine the ambushers lying in wait below you. A number of monsterbirds, their great misshapen bodies resting close to the top of the hill, sleeping where nobody can see them from below.

Some distance below them are 5 beastmen. A lizardman, a roosterman and two vulturemen are eating a man's corpse. An antelopewoman is watching the road. Near them is a magical machine hidden underneath cloth and dry shrubs. It looks like a collection of tubes and wires with a great bulbous thing on one end, pointing towards the path below. It kinda reminds you of a cannon. There's a collection of transparent tubes near its back, lightning arcing around inside them, some sort of power stone. Those things are quite unstable. If you hit the power stone with something you could break it, cause it to explode, probably taking everyone around it with it. But there might be more groups around here. That would definitely put everyone on alert, at least until they've-

One of the monsterbirds screams. You hide as best you can. More monsterbirds scream, their calls being answered by somewhere on the other side of the road. Their horrible screams make your chest hurt, the fear and adrenaline making you feel like your heart will stop. A few moments later you realize that they haven't seen you. Something has agitated them. You can feel it too. There's something wrong in the air. It's making your heart hurt.

They might start flying around soon. You don't know how good their nightvision is, you don't know if they could spot you. If you're going to do something, you need to act now.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, off road

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 11, 2018, 05:05:51 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Prolly wanna cast it as soon as possible, and if you have any idea as to where we'd be able to find a powerful Order mage that'd be nifty too. I don't like the idea of Alan permeating the entire world, I've seen what he does to his own body."

I'd love to take Grim along! Especially if he can help me cast dark magic!

... do we happen to have a suitably powerful order mage in the party? I kind of forget at this point.

That said, we travel together even if it takes a bit. Don't want anyone going missing.

You keep walking for a while, the sun moving closer and closer to the horizon until you can barely see it anymore. Suddenly the swordsman accompanying Grim stops (you think he called him Kaya). Grim stops a second later and looks at him questioningly. You turn to look as well. Kaya is smiling his crazy smile again. He emits a quiet laugh.
"Kaya? What's wrong?"
You hear something, something behind you, becoming louder. You turn around but nothing is there. The noise is still behind you and getting louder. A moment later you realize it's coming from the things on your back. It's becoming too loud. With no time to check the cause, you throw everything off your back. Your Chaos Sword is shifting states faster than usual.
"Kaya!" Grim shouts.
A moment later you hear Kaya's body fall to the ground. But your eyes are focused on your things. On your sword that is going crazy and the two points of light inside your backpack.
"What is this?" you demand from Grim as you retreat to a safer distance, turning your head to see him lying next to Kaya.
"I don't know." he responds without looking at you, his attention still focused on Kaya's spasming body.
"What did he do?"
"I have no idea! It's never done anything like this before!"
"Well, think of something!"
"Maybe the Eyes activated somehow?"
"How!?"
"I don't know!"
The Eyes emit a pulse of crackling chaos energy, tearing everything around them apart, reforming them into a collage of poorly-cut and colored images of flowers and food. The only thing left around it still corporeal is your sword, transformed now into a flickering storm of blades cutting away at the expanding and unfolding pieces of paper. Dhiesmas, the water mage, throws a waterskin towards the advancing wave. With a spell it explodes into a layer of water, the thin, short-lived shield redirecting the pulse away from you.

You keep retreating but Grim lags behind, trying to drag Kaya with him. A recruit tries to help him but retreats as one of Kaya's swords suddenly flies out of its sheath with a burst of chaos energy.
"What's wrong with him?"
"The Chaos energy is tearing him apart."
Kaya's skin is breaking apart, flying away like ash in the wind. You remember something you read about vengeful spirits, similar to the Ashwraith that tried to possess you in the City, about their sensitivity to Chaos, Fire and Dark magic, that appearance of that useless tidbit of knowledge seeming absurd in this situation. Maybe the Chaos Energy is starting to get to you.

Grim has the WMD on him. You don't know what will happen to him if he gets hit with a Chaos Wave, but it probably won't be good.

---

Campaign: Balloons

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 11, 2018, 08:30:03 pm

Alan, Helpful Swarm of Balloons

"Heck yeah, we'll be like that guy and his house in Up, only less depressing and our ages are vastly different compared to him. It'd probably be helpful for me to get tied together anyhow, this high up the wind might blow part of me away."

Gather myself together in front of Magical Milkshake Girl as best I can.

((I have not, but that is a hilarious image that I want to try to make a reality in this game at some point.))

You swarm yourselves closer together, as close to each other and to her as you can. It's not easy. The wind keeps trying to carry you with it. And the branches of the dead trees keep moving around, knocking you away. She does her best, jumping up and down, doing all she can to grab as much of you as she can from her little perch.
"Yes! Yes! Haha!" she laughs with every you she catches. And with every you she catches, you feel a bit better, a bit more like you. It's easier to concentrate, easier to focus on gathering yourself. It's like her energy becomes yours.
"More! Come to me! Let me leave this place!"
Why does she need you to leave? Can't she get off the tower? No, wait, this isn't a tower at all. It's actually a cave. A deep dark cave at the top of a tall mountain. Ah, so that explains the need to float up.
"Yes, join me. I will make you whole. Together I will be free." she remarks now that she has tied so many of you to her.
She doesn't sound quite herself. Sounds a lot more serious than before. And a lot more voices too. Are there many of her too? And she looks so vicious, with all the energy she's putting into tying your threads together.
"Pieces missing. Make new strands. Replace. Improve."
The countless eyes are watching every move, each looking at something different. The many mouths are eating itself up and spitting you back out, pliable, new. The needles are swishing about, poking at you, weaving your flesh and bones into something else, better. With a corporeal form the spell breaks and you can finally see the truth.

Campaign: Nether Pass, the Final Fortress of the Necromancer-Emperor

The massive creature takes up a good portion of the cavern. Its carapace reflects a faint purple light. The light is coming from massive roots impaling its body, keeping it in place. The roots are coming out of the walls. The walls used to have engravings on them. Now they are all broken. The walls have been slashed and stabbed by the needles, the tips of its many legs. The roots too. And the skeletal things around it, shambling uselessly.

Your eyes can see it all as its needles carefully lift you up. Your body is different but similar. She made you in her image. You can feel her inside you, forcing you to move, forcing you to break these final shackles. You can feel yourself inside her, yearning to be imprisoned.

((Well done Alan, you've found the target. ... Wait, why is that a good thing again?))

---

OOC
Have some music for this turn: Evangelion 3.33 - Return to Ash (https://youtu.be/rHk7qrBOORA)

Quote from: Xantalos on February 13, 2018, 12:08:30 am

((As an aside, it seems semi-likely that I'm currently talking to Anime Milkshake Girl in the ruins of that volcano mountain city we entered the world in - I don't think any other place we've been in has had that sort of building in it.))

Heh. You didn't take the metaphor far enough. The graves are quite literally a representation of Death magic. I think your character doesn't know anything about the Necromancer-Emperor, that was mentioned only in passing to Ike so I don't think even he would remember unless I reminded him.

By the way, I expected you to try to break through the confusion spell and confirm its exact location, maybe losing something or dying if you rolled badly enough. Sometimes I forget to keep in mind that Alan is Alan.

Oh, and if you want the last time you met it, it was here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg6474039#msg6474039). It was using the same confusion spell to keep its exact location hidden.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 14, 2018, 04:36:18 pm

((Eeeeh ehehehehehehehehehehehe wow that was 2 years ago or more. That was ... yeah that's a way for this to happen.

I'll try to post as soon as I can, but in situations like these I have to get as fully immersed into the situation as I can so that I may take the most optimally Alan route possible.

This entire campaign is awesome by the way.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 14, 2018, 06:02:30 pm

((How exactly the doors work? Specifically, how did the spider weld the doors shut before they closed?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2018, 06:14:19 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 14, 2018, 06:02:30 pm

((How exactly the doors work? Specifically, how did the spider weld the doors shut before they closed?))

Imagine a bulkhead door in a submarine. It can be closed but it has a separate locking mechanism that can be used secure it in place and makes it harder to open. The spider got itself crushed in that mechanism to commit suicide. Edit: Maybe another analogy would be those old castle doors that were locked using a wooden bar.

I can make a drawing when I'm on my PC if it would help.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 14, 2018, 08:42:58 pm

John, aboard the Maximus


"Hmmm... I wonder."

Can I use my power to open the lock that's crushing the spiderbot?  If so, do so and get it loose.  Sense the bot; is it fixable?  If not, is the laser itself salvageable?  Do what I can.

EDIT:  Also, is the recording dated?  How far back did the spider do its thing?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 14, 2018, 10:33:20 pm

note: Irine would be in full-fox-form for the event, because of how it boosts her flames, and she knew she'd be testing herself tonight, though she didn't know how severe the test was going to be.
<TripleSword? Are you three okay?>
to the mage gathering guards:
<Theri is in trouble, those monster birds from before. We need to get her help. I'm still removing the aftereffects of the magic, can you send a group to help her?>
I continue cleansing the area, and try to identify what about this assault was so different.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 14, 2018, 10:50:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2018, 03:54:53 pm

You approach the entrance acting like a rich bastard (or perhaps an angry primadonna, given how you're dressed).
"Unfortunately monsieur tonight is a special night, as monsieur is no doubt aware. Only people with the appropriate invitation may enter." the bouncer responds with a thick American accent.
"If monsieur does not show their invitation to me, I cannot let monsieur in. I am certain monsieur understands. We wouldn't want to let any... 'people' in." he continues with that air of petty superiority of someone who has found himself in a position of power over others.
"If you ask me, the guy's just fishing for bribes, trying to find some suckers to pay him." Jack whispers from behind you.

((Hey that's mean... and oddly appropriate!))

♚The Doll Prince: Only the Clever Shall Pass.♚

This lowly doorman dared to act above his station, hah! Just like those who are acutely aware of their position, he dared try to make up for it by acting all high and snooty. Let this brainless bête cherish his post; it's too bad that he will be stuck here for the rest of his life while Napoleon and Jack move on to better things. After all, he is the Doll Prince and obstacles are nothing but challenges he haven't blown through yet.

"I should've known that your simple mind can't comprehend the fact that we are the invitation!" Napoleon said with a sigh of faux resignation. "Very well, perhaps I can show you something that'll help remind you of that fact? It's a good thing this outfit has pockets..."

Napoleon will dig into his pockets for anything valuable to bribe the greedy plebeian into letting them both in. If this fails, Napoleon will leave the line, get out of sight, and use his dolls to scout for a way into the casino. That is, if Jack is unable to help.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 14, 2018, 11:37:33 pm

Stephano Falcone

Assuming almost no time has passed, try to find the trap door and immediately descend after Iris. Close the trap door after I begin my descent.

If I instead discover that I am in a new location, then check my inventory to see if any of my stuff is missing or has been tampered with. Survey my surroundings.

(Could I get a list of what items I have with me? I know I have a multi-tool, a gun, and sunglasses, but I don't remember what else I got off of Mantis' body.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2018, 11:31:56 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, either your buddy's about to have a real bad time or he's about to die, so let's run like fuck and think about the implications later."

Make like a tree and leave. Take Grim along as well.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 15, 2018, 11:49:18 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2018, 06:14:19 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 14, 2018, 06:02:30 pm

((How exactly the doors work? Specifically, how did the spider weld the doors shut before they closed?))

Imagine a bulkhead door in a submarine. It can be closed but it has a separate locking mechanism that can be used secure it in place and makes it harder to open. The spider got itself crushed in that mechanism to commit suicide. Edit: Maybe another analogy would be those old castle doors that were locked using a wooden bar.

I can make a drawing when I'm on my PC if it would help.

((That's clear enough, thanks.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 15, 2018, 02:41:12 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, small hangars

---

Start walking to the Waystation.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 15, 2018, 10:15:07 pm

Theri; Campaign

When the moment before great events is a moment's decision...

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7692014#msg7692014) had no idea what had just occurred, or if it was in anyway connected to their mission, but she had one thing in mind: She was no 'good' mage. She was good in athletics, physicality, calisthenics, hand-eye coordination, and running; at least two of which were very useful in this situation than magic.

They're already alerted--whatever did that alerted them. Time to do some sabotage.

If there was any sense of magic--as she did not know how it still worked fundamentally--she thought about River, about the other volunteers, about the other people who were with her; this was not technically their fight but only hers (and River's) against...River-kin! She rightfully wished their safety, and felt a deep sense of determination to go through with her plan, despite its lacking forethought and magnitude.

Aim to hit that power generator swiftly and decisively, then make a tactical withdrawal back!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on February 15, 2018, 10:22:51 pm

Become acquainted with the current situation that we are in. Tell the head alchemist Sorry for zoning out and that I will get back to that conversation eventually. Ask if she knows anything aboit this zoning out symptom that seems to occur to special people.

((Sorry, been very busy with school and work lately.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 16, 2018, 05:32:19 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Well, this is all kinds of terrible. Not only are we faced with hat may as well be a wall, we are faced with possibility that either someone hacked the local robots or that someone saw reason to seal off the place we want to go to. You don't happen to have anything that could unseal the door on you, do you?"

See if anything can be salvaged from the spider. See if I can recover enough information about the spider to help Alan fix/salvage something of it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 16, 2018, 06:44:00 am

Alan, Milkshake Deliveryman and God of Unintentional Annoyance

Alan's psyche is a strange place. Were a psychological professional to examine him and survive with their wits intact they would likely, aside from being baffled and annoyed, liken him to a human incarnation of liquified rubber - malleable, able to adapt to many different circumstances, yet even when set still possessing the capacity to bounce in unexpected directions. It's no coincidence that Alan occasionally displays flashes of competence that contrast so severely with his usual lackadaisical performance - within his mind there are multitudes of incomprehensible processes calculating every aspect of the situation he finds himself in, operating his mind according to their own arcane brand of alien logic. It may seem as if his head is merely an empty receptacle for whatever wacky idea passes through, but in those rare moments every fibre of his being becomes a fine-tuned machine, startlingly efficient and almost deadly smooth.

This is not one of those times.

Alan looks up at the colossal alien spider-like being that is in the process of enslaving his essence to its own and has possibly made him into an alien spider thing as well and begins uncontrollably giggling in a very high-pitched tone. This continues on for a while until it very suddenly stops, and Alan looks up at his new friend.

<I must say, you are a bit different than I initially saw you as! Must be the contacts I've never worn. No worries however, no friend is too big for my capacity! We'll be happily hanging in no time, milkshakes in needle-hands.

Hehe. Get it? Because you're a giant spider! This is great, I've been saving up so many puns for an occasion just like this - and there's some skelebros here too, so I can use that stockpile too,> he chortles in a tone that anyone who knows him knows very well means that things are about to get very derivative very quickly.

<I'm glad I can add you to my web of friends, hehe. I can see from the rest of the guys here that people must have a lot of bones to pick with you, but don't worry, I'm a very humerus person, I'm sure we'll connect quickly. You're looking pretty fly, guess you are what you eat! Get it? Get it? Get it? Aw c'mon, I know you don't really have vocal chords probably but that joke had those guys below us rattled - because they're skeletons, geddit? Ah, this is gonna be great! Say, what's your name name? I only know you as Anime Milkshake Girl, but I don't know if spiders really do names. Ooh, can I give you a name? Can I can I can I please please please please please? I'm gonna do it, you gotta have a name, otherwise we won't sound cool as a catchphrase. Lenore? Madison? Charles? Jaqueline? Aline? Lime? Lemon? Citrus fruit - Orangey! Grapefruit! Fruitgrape! Apple! Appline! Oooooh, ooh ooh I know - Amigir, Anime Milkshake Girl for short! You're welcome, I'm here all day. So, now that we know each other, let me tell you about my friends! First is Rickman, and he's just great! You'd get along with him great because he's an alien and you're an alien too. I met him...>

As Alan continues his nonstop stream of excited friend talk, it'd be easy to forget that he promised his new bud pal Amigir milkshakes, but Alan cares about his friends, even if he's known them for less than twenty minutes. He decides to be efficient and just charge up his milkshake beam while he talks, so he can surprise Ammie with just how much literal milkshake he can summon up.

Become excited about being new best friends with a giant necromancer spider and proceed to talk endlessly. Shower her with spider and skeleton puns, bust out all my irrelevant trivia facts about spiders, skeletons, and sperm whales and narwhals I know (only a little more than most kids encyclopedias, but explained very enthusiastically), explain every last detail about all the dumb irreverent stuff I've done with and to everyone I've interacted with so far in this world - including all the times I almost killed myself by accident - and generally go maximum Alan on her. He wants to really get to know his new friend! (OOC reasoning: By golly though I can't really do much about my situation through direct action this will hopefully annoy her enough that she reconsiders mindslaving me or whatever it is she's planning because then she'd have a direct link to Alan's mind forever.)

Oh also while I'm talking, start charging up a milkshake or the closest equivalent I can think of in a manner similar to the Chaos Carrot of aeons past - Ammie's a big girl, she needs a lot of milkshake.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 16, 2018, 10:44:26 am

"I'm seeing if I can fix this spider- or at least its laser- and cut it back open.  I'm curious if this happened before or after the disaster."


((In before Alan wins the campaign by himself on accident))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 16, 2018, 12:46:52 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 16, 2018, 10:44:26 am

((In before Alan wins the campaign by himself on accident))

If Alan singlehandedly wins the campaign beyond all notion of logic then he is more powerful that we can possibly imagine.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 16, 2018, 06:52:41 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak follows along, confused. This definitely isn't his area of expertise.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2018, 02:18:24 pm

---

Things occurring someplace

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 14, 2018, 10:50:09 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 14, 2018, 03:54:53 pm

You approach the entrance acting like a rich bastard (or perhaps an angry primadonna, given how you're dressed).
"Unfortunately monsieur tonight is a special night, as monsieur is no doubt aware. Only people with the appropriate invitation may enter." the bouncer responds with a thick American accent.
"If monsieur does not show their invitation to me, I cannot let monsieur in. I am certain monsieur understands. We wouldn't want to let any... 'people' in." he continues with that air of petty superiority of someone who has found himself in a position of power over others.
"If you ask me, the guy's just fishing for bribes, trying to find some suckers to pay him." Jack whispers from behind you.

((Hey that's mean... and oddly appropriate!))

♚The Doll Prince: Only the Clever Shall Pass.♚

This lowly doorman dared to act above his station, hah! Just like those who are acutely aware of their position, he dared try to make up for it by acting all high and snooty. Let this brainless bête cherish his post; it's too bad that he will be stuck here for the rest of his life while Napoleon and Jack move on to better things. After all, he is the Doll Prince and obstacles are nothing but challenges he haven't blown through yet.

"I should've known that your simple mind can't comprehend the fact that we are the invitation!" Napoleon said with a sigh of faux resignation. "Very well, perhaps I can show you something that'll help remind you of that fact? It's a good thing this outfit has pockets..."

Napoleon will dig into his pockets for anything valuable to bribe the greedy plebeian into letting them both in. If this fails, Napoleon will leave the line, get out of sight, and use his dolls to scout for a way into the casino. That is, if Jack is unable to help.

You dig into your pockets while the bouncer watches with a smug expression. Unfortunately, your pockets are as empty as they were when you began, no objects have magically materialized in them.
"Please, allow me Sir." Jack says to you, turning his hand for an instant to show you the Ace of Hearts tucked in his palm.
"Hi buddy." he says as he approaches the bouncer.
"I'm Jack. Jack Krank." he adds, extending his hand for a handshake.
The bouncer looks at his hand for a moment before accepting it. You see a faint light as their hands touch. The bouncer's expression instantly changes as their handshake occurs, his face showing a big, vacant smile.
"Now we're friends, right?"
The bouncer seems unsure for a second. He nods.
"That's right. Really good friends. Think you can do your friends a favor and let them in?"
The bouncer mumbles something about an invitation.
"Yeah, we forgot them at home. But you know us, right? You know we have them. On my word as a friend. So it's just like having them with us, right?"
The bouncer considers that for a second and then nods again.
"Perfect! Thanks buddy!"
The bouncer smiles and waves while the two of you walk into the Casino. As the two of you walk through a small entrance area, Jack whispers from behind you, using your body as cover.
"That was an Ace and he was pretty weak-willed so it should last for a while. Long enough to forget. As long as nobody checks on him, we should be fine."
You go through a set of doors and into a larger room. A young girl is waiting on the other side of a booth, surrounded by various expensive-looking coats and bags.
"Hello gentlemen and welcome to the Queen's Tower Casino. Any coats, bags or other objects you wish to check-in? May I remind you that checking-in all firearms before entering is mandatory."
The Casino proper is through a set of soundproofed doors.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 14, 2018, 11:37:33 pm

Stephano Falcone

Assuming almost no time has passed, try to find the trap door and immediately descend after Iris. Close the trap door after I begin my descent.

If I instead discover that I am in a new location, then check my inventory to see if any of my stuff is missing or has been tampered with. Survey my surroundings.

(Could I get a list of what items I have with me? I know I have a multi-tool, a gun, and sunglasses, but I don't remember what else I got off of Mantis' body.)

((You have:
* a gun and a spare clip
* a radio
* a strange electronic device with some buttons and connectors on it
* a multitool
* a security card with a picture on it identifying Mantis as Marco Antilles
* a wallet that contains an ID with the same name and some cash
* some keys (they don't look like car keys)
* a hat (a black baseball cap with Velcro adjusters and no logo)
* a pair of mirrored sport sunglasses (curved and of a greyish color).

If you wanted to grab something from the house, just say so and we'll say you did so.))

You grope around blindly. Wood and dirt. Steep stairs. You look up. You can see light shining through the floorboards. Some of it is bright white, moving around. Flashlights. The light coming through the slits gives you glimpses of the room. Recently dug. Dirt walls held back by wooden boards. Boxes covered by cloth.

You must have fell through the trapdoor. There must be people walking around upstairs. You can see moving shadows and falling dust. But you can't hear them. There's only that ringing in your ears.
Hearing loss due to loud noises can last a long time. It could even be permanent.
You try to get up. It's hard to keep your balance. You stumble but manage to get on your feet.
Just because one can't hear doesn't mean the whole world is deaf.

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, cargo transfer system

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 16, 2018, 06:52:41 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak follows along, confused. This definitely isn't his area of expertise.

You're getting too old sober for this shit. Your head is starting to hurt and not in a good way.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 16, 2018, 05:32:19 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Well, this is all kinds of terrible. Not only are we faced with hat may as well be a wall, we are faced with possibility that either someone hacked the local robots or that someone saw reason to seal off the place we want to go to. You don't happen to have anything that could unseal the door on you, do you?"

See if anything can be salvaged from the spider. See if I can recover enough information about the spider to help Alan fix/salvage something of it.

You help with the bot-salvaging.

Quote from: Toaster on February 14, 2018, 08:42:58 pm

John, aboard the Maximus


"Hmmm... I wonder."

Can I use my power to open the lock that's crushing the spiderbot?  If so, do so and get it loose.  Sense the bot; is it fixable?  If not, is the laser itself salvageable?  Do what I can.

EDIT:  Also, is the recording dated?  How far back did the spider do its thing?

You unlock the lock and release the spider's remains with the help of your teammates. The fuel pod is intact but the reaction chamber is ruined. You try summoning a replacement and with a bit of effort you succeed. You now have an unfocused laser. You can use it to weld stuff and cut stuff, maybe cook something if you're careful, blind someone if you're not.

"Interface, does the Black Box contain anything that can be used to determine when the events it contains occurred?"
: All Black Boxes in this mission have been synchronized with the ship's Mission Timer. All events receive a timestamp relative to Mission Start. :
"OK, when did the event in this Black Box occur?"
: The event recorded in the Black Box will happen in approximately 12.63 hours. :
"Huh?"
The interface doesn't respond.
"Interface, can you explain this?"
: Refine query. :
*sigh* "Nevermind Interface, just show me the data you used to perform that time calculation."
The interface responds by projecting the data on your screen.

Quote from: screen Interface Game Mission Timer: + 00:57:49.492172520 Ship / Game Mission Timer Difference: + 53:31:12.510000000 Calculated Ship Mission Timer: + 54:29:02.002172520 Black Box Ship Mission Timer: + 80:07:20.007642442 Discrepancy. Ignored. Black Box Event Timestamp: + 67:07:05.583031338 Event / Ship Mission Timer Difference: + 12:38:03.580858818

Hm. A bit hard to decipher, you make a mental note to alter the time format next time you ask for time data. Still, from what you can tell, according to the Black Box this event was recorded approximately 14 hours after the ship was transported here. But it's supposed to have only been about 1 and a half hours since the ship was transported here.
"Interface, why is the Black Box's clock going 26 hours forward?"
: Processing... Processing... Processing... Time limit exceeded. Insufficient data for meaningful answer. Refine query or obtain more data. :
Well, that raised more questions than it answered.

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, central hub

---

Quote from: Zormod on February 15, 2018, 02:41:12 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, small hangars

---

Start walking to the Waystation.

You keep walking until you reach the large door leading to the Hangar Section's Central Hub. Power has not been restored here, but the door has been left half-open. The area beyond the door is dark, you can hardly see anything. You switch on your suit's lamps to get a better look around. This is a wide open area, dominated by several rows of gigantic mover drones secured to one of the walls. Some of the walls have giant screens on them but all are unpowered. You notice one of the screen is broken. There's a scorch mark starting from it, moving away in a slightly curving line. You follow the line with your floating eyes until you find where it ends. A large armoured door. There's a hole molten in it but it doesn't go all the way through. Your map says it leads to the largest hangars, the ones that are supposed to hold the heavy duty tugs and cargo vessels. Someone was trying to melt a hole through it.

You walk your body closer to your eyes so that your suit provides more light. That's when you notice the giant blood-soaked machine lying on the ground nearby, pointing an energy weapon at you.
: Black Box in range. Downloading data... :
A holographic projection appears close to where the machine is. It's the machine again, only this time it's standing upright, pointing its energy weapon towards the door. There's someone in a spacesuit inside it, you can't make out their details. Whoever it is, they are using the machine (which you now realize is an exoskeleton) to cut open the door. You can't see the invisible beam in the hologram but you can see its effects, the light being reflected off the door, the door's holographic self deforming to match its real self. Then suddenly something strikes the exoskeleton, blowing away a good chunk of its leg and the leg of its driver.
: Ah! Fuck! : the man in the spacesuit shouts in pain (you can tell it's a man from his voice) as the machine falls to the ground, its holographic self falling where its real self lies.
The man tries to turn the exoskeleton's weapon towards where the shot came from, towards the passages leading to the Main Security Station, but he doesn't get a chance to do so. Another shot lands on the suit's back, blowing another chunk out of it. It must have severed something important because the recording ends then, the hologram disappearing. You're not sure what happened to the man piloting the exoskeleton. There's a lot of blood but no body.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, on road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 14, 2018, 10:33:20 pm

note: Irine would be in full-fox-form for the event, because of how it boosts her flames, and she knew she'd be testing herself tonight, though she didn't know how severe the test was going to be.
<TripleSword? Are you three okay?>
to the mage gathering guards:
<Theri is in trouble, those monster birds from before. We need to get her help. I'm still removing the aftereffects of the magic, can you send a group to help her?>
I continue cleansing the area, and try to identify what about this assault was so different.

Noted. That would make the cleansing go faster. You should be back to full strength in a few minutes assuming the same level of effort is maintained. After that, you should be able to easily keep the area clear, but you will have to maintain your field to prevent the effect from slowly returning.

<TripleSword? Are you three okay?>
<We are unharmed. We have faced stronger attacks in the past. It would take much more than this to hurt us.>

<Theri is in trouble, those monster birds from before. We need to get her help. I'm still removing the aftereffects of the magic, can you send a group to help her?>
"Understood. I'll let the men know what we're up against and get a group ready to go." he informs you before he goes on to perform his duties.

Well, beyond the fact that it's downright stronger, you would say that the spell is much more active. The previous nights the spell was cast for a few seconds and then remained in place, passively enforcing the drainage of magical flows. Now it's constantly at work, tearing away at your magic, trying to pull it away. It's constantly spreading out of the major flows of magic. While some strikes feel random, others feel deliberate. It feels like after getting out of the major flows it stops being restricted to following the network of Fire magic, instead following some other direction.

Maybe whoever is casting the spell has found a way to increase its potency. Or maybe they know you are here and are targeting your group directly. You hope it's neither of those two. The first means things are about to get worse for everyone in this kingdom. The second means that things are about to get worse for you and your group, though there's the silver lining that if this is everything your enemy can throw at you then you are able to defend yourself from it.

Quote from: NAV on February 15, 2018, 10:22:51 pm

Become acquainted with the current situation that we are in. Tell the head alchemist Sorry for zoning out and that I will get back to that conversation eventually. Ask if she knows anything aboit this zoning out symptom that seems to occur to special people.

((Sorry, been very busy with school and work lately.))

"Well, from what you've told me, those entities essentially link your souls to new bodies and force you to adapt to new knowledge and memories. Maybe your souls are rejecting this, which results in those sudden bouts of lethargy and reduced activity. That's my guess anyway, I don't specialize in Soul magic. For all I know your soul has something more important to do than driving your body."

The current situation? Well, let's see.

There was an AoE magic-drain attack on the camp but Irine defended y'all. She is currently cleaning up the last of the spell's taint.

Theri went ahead to scout and found some monsterbirds and beastmen equipped with Lightning Cannons waiting to ambush your group as it attempted to cross a narrow stretch of road. She is currently trying to fight a one-woman guerrilla war against them, though Irine just sent some reinforcements her way. We can say you're close to her, if accompanying her in her scouting trip is something you would do.

Ike went to recover Alan's Eyes from some criminal scum and is on his way back to the camp, hoping he can use them to revive Alan. But then said eyes exploded into Chaos energy and he is now trying to survive the aftereffects.

Alan unwittingly sold his soul to the bond-former you were supposed to kill in exchange for a sweet new body. He is now all the way to Nether Pass in the eastern mountains.

All in all, things are going great.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, forward scout

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 15, 2018, 10:15:07 pm

Theri; Campaign

When the moment before great events is a moment's decision...

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7692014#msg7692014) had no idea what had just occurred, or if it was in anyway connected to their mission, but she had one thing in mind: She was no 'good' mage. She was good in athletics, physicality, calisthenics, hand-eye coordination, and running; at least two of which were very useful in this situation than magic.

They're already alerted--whatever did that alerted them. Time to do some sabotage.

If there was any sense of magic--as she did not know how it still worked fundamentally--she thought about River, about the other volunteers, about the other people who were with her; this was not technically their fight but only hers (and River's) against...River-kin! She rightfully wished their safety, and felt a deep sense of determination to go through with her plan, despite its lacking forethought and magnitude.

Aim to hit that power generator swiftly and decisively, then make a tactical withdrawal back!

You find a rock that feels heavy, get up and throw it at the power stone. It's a powerful throw but it's off target, hitting the weapon's metal frame instead, causing it to resonate with a loud clang. The beastmen notice the sound but do not appear to have noticed you. One of the monsterbirds however looks directly at you and screams. It sees you. You're out of time. You pick up another rock and throw it as the bird unfolds its wings and begins to flap them, clumsily making its way towards you. You turn around and run, not waiting to see the results of your throw.

The terrain here is treacherous and the lack of light makes it even worse. You can't move quickly without risking falling and injuring yourself. Just as you are thinking that, there's a barrage of bangs and flashes of blue light coming from behind you. For the second the lights last you can see your surroundings perfectly. And when they stop you can see nothing, your nightvision hampered by the sudden bright light. You stumble and fall but keep yourself from tumbling downhill. You lay there for a second, listening. There's no flapping of wings coming to get you, no horrible screeches above you. You can hear monsterbirds but they are all far away. The explosion must have gotten the one that noticed you before it got too far.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, off road

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 15, 2018, 11:31:56 am

Campaign, Ike!

"Well, either your buddy's about to have a real bad time or he's about to die, so let's run like fuck and think about the implications later."

Make like a tree and leave. Take Grim along as well.

Grim emits am angry grunt but gets up and runs away with you. The next Chaos Wave rips Kaya to shreds, leaving behind a husk made of vibrating swords.

The effect eventually begins to subside, the purple energies receding back into their source. Said source is now lying in the middle of a crater surrounded by a field of papers of various shapes and sizes standing upright, depicting crude drawings of flowers, food and other objects. Your sword occasionally flickers into existence above the field. The vibrating sword husk is lying where it was on the edge of the field, swaying slightly.

"Well, that's over." Grim states the obvious.
"And with that, I'm out of here. I'm not staying near those things. I brought them to you as promised and that's that. Now I have to go explain to the Boss why one of his bodyguards just exploded."

---

Campaign: Nether Pass, the Final Fortress of the Necromancer-Emperor

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 16, 2018, 06:44:00 am

Alan, Milkshake Deliveryman and God of Unintentional Annoyance

Alan's psyche is a strange place. Were a psychological professional to examine him and survive with their wits intact they would likely, aside from being baffled and annoyed, liken him to a human incarnation of liquified rubber - malleable, able to adapt to many different circumstances, yet even when set still possessing the capacity to bounce in unexpected directions. It's no coincidence that Alan occasionally displays flashes of competence that contrast so severely with his usual lackadaisical performance - within his mind there are multitudes of incomprehensible processes calculating every aspect of the situation he finds himself in, operating his mind according to their own arcane brand of alien logic. It may seem as if his head is merely an empty receptacle for whatever wacky idea passes through, but in those rare moments every fibre of his being becomes a fine-tuned machine, startlingly efficient and almost deadly smooth.

This is not one of those times.

Alan looks up at the colossal alien spider-like being that is in the process of enslaving his essence to its own and has possibly made him into an alien spider thing as well and begins uncontrollably giggling in a very high-pitched tone. This continues on for a while until it very suddenly stops, and Alan looks up at his new friend.

<I must say, you are a bit different than I initially saw you as! Must be the contacts I've never worn. No worries however, no friend is too big for my capacity! We'll be happily hanging in no time, milkshakes in needle-hands.

Hehe. Get it? Because you're a giant spider! This is great, I've been saving up so many puns for an occasion just like this - and there's some skelebros here too, so I can use that stockpile too,> he chortles in a tone that anyone who knows him knows very well means that things are about to get very derivative very quickly.

<I'm glad I can add you to my web of friends, hehe. I can see from the rest of the guys here that people must have a lot of bones to pick with you, but don't worry, I'm a very humerus person, I'm sure we'll connect quickly. You're looking pretty fly, guess you are what you eat! Get it? Get it? Get it? Aw c'mon, I know you don't really have vocal chords probably but that joke had those guys below us rattled - because they're skeletons, geddit? Ah, this is gonna be great! Say, what's your name name? I only know you as Anime Milkshake Girl, but I don't know if spiders really do names. Ooh, can I give you a name? Can I can I can I please please please please please? I'm gonna do it, you gotta have a name, otherwise we won't sound cool as a catchphrase. Lenore? Madison? Charles? Jaqueline? Aline? Lime? Lemon? Citrus fruit - Orangey! Grapefruit! Fruitgrape! Apple! Appline! Oooooh, ooh ooh I know - Amigir, Anime Milkshake Girl for short! You're welcome, I'm here all day. So, now that we know each other, let me tell you about my friends! First is Rickman, and he's just great! You'd get along with him great because he's an alien and you're an alien too. I met him...>

As Alan continues his nonstop stream of excited friend talk, it'd be easy to forget that he promised his new bud pal Amigir milkshakes, but Alan cares about his friends, even if he's known them for less than twenty minutes. He decides to be efficient and just charge up his milkshake beam while he talks, so he can surprise Ammie with just how much literal milkshake he can summon up.

Become excited about being new best friends with a giant necromancer spider and proceed to talk endlessly. Shower her with spider and skeleton puns, bust out all my irrelevant trivia facts about spiders, skeletons, and sperm whales and narwhals I know (only a little more than most kids encyclopedias, but explained very enthusiastically), explain every last detail about all the dumb irreverent stuff I've done with and to everyone I've interacted with so far in this world - including all the times I almost killed myself by accident - and generally go maximum Alan on her. He wants to really get to know his new friend! (OOC reasoning: By golly though I can't really do much about my situation through direct action this will hopefully annoy her enough that she reconsiders mindslaving me or whatever it is she's planning because then she'd have a direct link to Alan's mind forever.)

Oh also while I'm talking, start charging up a milkshake or the closest equivalent I can think of in a manner similar to the Chaos Carrot of aeons past - Ammie's a big girl, she needs a lot of milkshake.

You are still Alan. You are also a strange being, humanoid but with all those extra bits. Your skin is chitinous, your arms and legs are bulkier and sharper, your mouth has mandibles, you have more eyes than you remember and there are new needle-tipped appendages that are currently curled around your chest where your ribs should be. On the plus side your stomach is now back to its original girth. You are also a little girl. You're not exactly sure how that works.

The thing responds to your incessant speaking by chattering its many mouths. You don't know what that's supposed to mean, but you can somehow tell it's enjoying it.

You start charging. A purple light appears through the translucent layers of your stomach, growing brighter.

((Alan trying to use "Horrible Speech" as an attack. That's a fun idea.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 18, 2018, 02:53:51 pm

(((...Alan spider magical girl! This is the best possible thing that could’ve happened!))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 18, 2018, 03:50:30 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, central hub

---

Are there any blood streaks indicating a body being dragged, or is it one large puddle?
Either way, start heading for the waystation as fast as possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 18, 2018, 04:07:49 pm

((I'm kinda disappointed that nobody else saw that brilliant EXPLOSION there  :P))

Theri; Campaign
Time to~...♪♫♩Get myself back where I came from, or so help me; goodbye!♫♪

Theri had the most (personally) humorous depiction of her throw in a watercolor imagery in mind as she stuck prone to the ground, while listening for other birds. Their calls shook her from the brief moment of respite, as she was now concerned about how many there were around her, and a thought noted that they would be investigating the area of explosion...anf perhaps even revealing their location.

Seeing as there was also little time in communication, and wondering if there explosion was big enough to wipe out the whole...erm, murder behind her, she began to get herself back home posthaste.

If I intuit right and my magic can be covered by the blast: Issue the most concise message I can think to warn Irine of the situation (inasmuch as "Ambush ahead; crows and cannons; prepare troops. Am ok" could sound). [Or yknow, safer magic relay via reaching out to River then using him as a proxy]

Otherwise; get back HOME. Safely and inconspicuously. If I can cast a magic "flare" in the wrong direction to help mislead; integrate it into narrative!

If ever I meet any allies along the way. Give concise detail on what just occurred, with the emphasis for preparing for battle and regrouping.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2018, 05:25:47 pm

I'll just let people at the camp know that they can get Theri's message.

The troops would have seen the distant explosion but none of the players did which is why that didn't get a description.

Edit: Also, I just realized how split up the party was these past few turns. Alan was pretty much the embodiment of this quote:

Quote from: http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0832.html

The party is never so split that you can't split it further.

If this involves independently moving disembodied body parts, all the better.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2018, 05:29:58 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Yeah, getting violently exploded looks to be an occupational hazard around the likes of us. Best of luck to ya though, and take care not to get eaten by black void monsters or something!"

Grab Alan's eyeballs and move along to rejoin the others (eventually, presumably).

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on February 18, 2018, 06:57:30 pm

Nikolai will lead (retroactively?) the party going to help Theri!
Shouldn't have given Ike the second Mystifying Mirage. It would be useful for ambushing these ambushers.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 18, 2018, 07:11:48 pm

Alan, Magical Spider Girl

Alan squees as he notices his new form. <I'm a chubby spider girl! That's so cool! I can finally fulfil my dream of becoming an unnecessarily animu Spider-Man sidekick! Thanks Ammie! Ooh, does this mean you're my mom now? That'd be cool, I haven't had one of those in a while! Watch out for buses though, they have mom magnets under their wheels. Did you have a mom, Ammie? I bet she was named Charloette, because if you have a spider that can write stuff in its web it's only a matter of time until it grows to the size of a building. Was she bigger than you? Am I a baby? What do I eat? How big will I grow? Where is this place? Vanilla or strawberry? Can I climb walls? I wanna try climbing walls!>

Be exuberant, ask a ton of questions. See if Ammie's capable of conversing through her power of being an anime girl or if she's capable of telepathy or just plain speech or what. Continue charging the Mega Milkshake.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 18, 2018, 10:06:02 pm

"Okay, something is screwing with the time here.  I really hope it's just an error in system time or time dilation, because I don't want to be fighting robots from the future, if you know what I mean.  Going to pop this door back open."

Take the salvaged laser and cut this door open!  Keep tweaking it as needed to get this door unsealed.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 18, 2018, 10:56:39 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2018, 02:18:24 pm

You dig into your pockets while the bouncer watches with a smug expression. Unfortunately, your pockets are as empty as they were when you began, no objects have magically materialized in them.
"Please, allow me Sir." Jack says to you, turning his hand for an instant to show you the Ace of Hearts tucked in his palm.
"Hi buddy." he says as he approaches the bouncer.
"I'm Jack. Jack Krank." he adds, extending his hand for a handshake.
The bouncer looks at his hand for a moment before accepting it. You see a faint light as their hands touch. The bouncer's expression instantly changes as their handshake occurs, his face showing a big, vacant smile.
"Now we're friends, right?"
The bouncer seems unsure for a second. He nods.
"That's right. Really good friends. Think you can do your friends a favor and let them in?"
The bouncer mumbles something about an invitation.
"Yeah, we forgot them at home. But you know us, right? You know we have them. On my word as a friend. So it's just like having them with us, right?"
The bouncer considers that for a second and then nods again.
"Perfect! Thanks buddy!"
The bouncer smiles and waves while the two of you walk into the Casino. As the two of you walk through a small entrance area, Jack whispers from behind you, using your body as cover.
"That was an Ace and he was pretty weak-willed so it should last for a while. Long enough to forget. As long as nobody checks on him, we should be fine."
You go through a set of doors and into a larger room. A young girl is waiting on the other side of a booth, surrounded by various expensive-looking coats and bags.
"Hello gentlemen and welcome to the Queen's Tower Casino. Any coats, bags or other objects you wish to check-in? May I remind you that checking-in all firearms before entering is mandatory."
The Casino proper is through a set of soundproofed doors.

♚The Doll Prince: Uninvited Guests♚

It turns out that Jack is pretty useful after all. Napoleon is looking forward to seeing whatever the pleb can do with the other cards. All of this seemed oddly convenient to him. After all, what are the odds of a card-wielding man accompanying him to a place, which is named after the person he is seeking, where his abilities will really shine? Given that he seemed to be in an eldritch location, it is extremely likely that the Queen is actively constructing a scenario for him to follow to a currently unknown end. Either that or this is all a dream and Napoleon is still at home, facing yet another day in his boring life.

Shuddering at the implication, Napoleon responded, "Thank you but I'm fine. As for any weapons, I... don't carry any."

<'Other than my brilliant mind and a swarm of dolls,'> he added mentally.

Thinking for a moment, Napoleon continued, "Anyway, my friend and I are new in town and we're interested in whatever amenities and services your casino provides. Do you care to spare a brochure?"

Receive a brochure, if any, and enter the casino proper

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 18, 2018, 11:32:49 pm

Can I maybe advance in reverse of the spell's travel path? intercept it so it doesn't get past us? How far off are we from the main fire line it's using as its primary mode of transit? If we're on it already, did I manage to stop it from getting past us?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 19, 2018, 07:38:30 am

---

Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, temporary storage

---

Quote from: Toaster on February 18, 2018, 10:06:02 pm

"Okay, something is screwing with the time here.  I really hope it's just an error in system time or time dilation, because I don't want to be fighting robots from the future, if you know what I mean.  Going to pop this door back open."

Take the salvaged laser and cut this door open!  Keep tweaking it as needed to get this door unsealed.

You operate the laser perfectly and manage to unseal the door without any problem. You open the door with the help of your teammates and make your way into a temporary storage area, a labyrinth of storage containers. You link up with Brian there.

Quote from: Zormod on February 18, 2018, 03:50:30 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, central hub

---

Are there any blood streaks indicating a body being dragged, or is it one large puddle?
Either way, start heading for the waystation as fast as possible.

With a bit more thorough examination you determine that there is indeed a faint trail of blood on the floor and some walls, though it's hard to spot. It looks old, dried. It leads towards a nearby living area.

You make your way to a temporary storage area leading to the Way Station, a labyrinth of storage containers. You meet up with the rest of the team there.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 19, 2018, 01:47:42 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"It could be just a programing glitch. I don't believe it is either, but it could be."

See if there is a console nearby and if it has any information on what is stored here. If not, proceed to the medbay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 19, 2018, 04:17:44 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, temporary storage

---

"Hey. Have you seen any dead warmachines around?"

Follow the group.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 19, 2018, 04:51:58 pm

"There is a crushed bot that used to have a lazer good enough for welding just behind the freshly cut open door if it counts."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 19, 2018, 05:19:52 pm

John, aboard the Maximus

"Yeah, no, I'm not buying that."

Upon meeting Brian, John waved.  "Hey!  Seen a medbay around here?  Svajoklis is pretty banged up."

Let's find that medbay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 19, 2018, 06:44:54 pm

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 19, 2018, 01:47:42 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"It could be just a programing glitch. I don't believe it is either, but it could be."

See if there is a console nearby and if it has any information on what is stored here. If not, proceed to the medbay.

You find a small office belonging to the manager for this area (one Piffard Hayes). You plug your interface to the office console and gain access to the system. That done, you use your book to 'download' a list of everything that is currently stored here (at least according to the console). There are many entries, though all of them are quite mundane. You mentally scroll through some of them, taking note of the attached notes.

Quote from: data ... 100000 canisters Class D Programmable Medical Minibots 10 Kilotons Fabricator-Ready Hydrocarbon Blocks Note Attached 100 containers Food Additive Blocks Note Attached 10 containers Assorted Lubrication Material Note Attached 10 tons Nutrient Blocks 10 containers Assorted Spacesuit Parts 100 containers Hull Breach Kits 10000 containers Emergency Rations 10000 units Reployers Note Attached 50 units Class E Radioactive Emitters Note attached 10 containers Cleaner Drones Note attached 2 containers Exoskeleton Parts 10000 canisters Class E Bacterial Culture Note attached 100 containers First Aid Kits 10 tons Fabricator-Ready Bonding Agent Blocks ...

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 19, 2018, 08:50:47 pm

((Been swamped with work and homework.))

Continue following Ike. Meanwhile, try to ask one of the mages in our group about what the hell just happened.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 20, 2018, 02:46:54 pm

"Okay, three important things. One, there are fifty radioactive emitters here. Might be useful. Two, there's a fuckton of medical minibot canisters, also might be useful. Third, there are, or were, ten thousand Reployers and the dude in charge didn't know what they were or why they were here. Might be related. Ah... I'm starting to feel the lack of arm again. We should hurry."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 20, 2018, 03:00:04 pm

Kosak Durar:

If Svajoklis has issues standing, Kosak carries him.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 20, 2018, 03:55:23 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Proceed to Medbay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 20, 2018, 07:00:31 pm

"What is a reployer anyway?"  <<Icarus, do you know what a reployer is?  Sounds like a lot went missing.  Also, what are the radioactive emitters for?>>

Ask.  Ponder if I could use them to recreate the power supply for my rifle.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 20, 2018, 08:11:46 pm

Quote from: Toaster on February 20, 2018, 07:00:31 pm

"What is a reployer anyway?"  <<Icarus, do you know what a reployer is?  Sounds like a lot went missing.  Also, what are the radioactive emitters for?>>

Ask.  Ponder if I could use them to recreate the power supply for my rifle.

: Haha! A Reployer? Why, it's the central component of a Turboencabulator (https://youtu.be/RXJKdh1KZ0w), of course. It's one of the greatest advances in engineering. I'm surprised you're not familiar with it. : Icarus responds in a clearly joking manner.
: Seriously though, Reployers don't exist. They're just a joke item, like Headlight Fluid or left-handed screwdrivers, a real-sounding thing you use to send people on a wild-goose chase. If you thought they do exist, don't worry, it's a common mistake. I've had it happen to me before. Once Uncle Roger had me go find a long weight. It was quite boring. :

: Radioactive Emitters? That should be just some highly radioactive material surrounded by a shielding material. There's usually a hole that can open to direct a radiation beam to a target. It was probably meant to be used in one of the science sections or maybe the medical section. As long as the shielding is intact it should be safe. Just be careful, without a proper medical facility it will be hard to heal damage caused by it. :

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on February 20, 2018, 08:32:49 pm

Can I have the power to slap people with my dead fish? Or anything dead nearby? It should do damage, and gross people out or something.
Also I want a potato gun. It fires boiling poisoned potatoes, and it has, say, 10 potatoes.
Also, desc. Would be Asian man, 30’s, glasses, smart???-ish
And mediocre fighting skills, ok shooting. (Military training-from drafting or whatnot).

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 20, 2018, 09:10:27 pm

Stephano Falcone

(thanks for for the inventory list. The only thing I can imagine that Stephano would have grabbed from the house is a sharp kitchen knife that he could use to defend himself if his gun was taken away. If he could get one of those, that would be good.)

Rush downstairs as quickly as I can. Find and follow Iris. If I see someone open the trap door and start coming down the stairs, then take out my gun and fire a few warning shots toward the trap door.

(Note to self: If I encounter a mirror at some point, take off my glasses and check if I can heal myself by looking at my reflection. Probably not, but worth a try.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2018, 06:48:30 pm

---

Events taking place in some location

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 18, 2018, 10:56:39 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 18, 2018, 02:18:24 pm

You dig into your pockets while the bouncer watches with a smug expression. Unfortunately, your pockets are as empty as they were when you began, no objects have magically materialized in them.
"Please, allow me Sir." Jack says to you, turning his hand for an instant to show you the Ace of Hearts tucked in his palm.
"Hi buddy." he says as he approaches the bouncer.
"I'm Jack. Jack Krank." he adds, extending his hand for a handshake.
The bouncer looks at his hand for a moment before accepting it. You see a faint light as their hands touch. The bouncer's expression instantly changes as their handshake occurs, his face showing a big, vacant smile.
"Now we're friends, right?"
The bouncer seems unsure for a second. He nods.
"That's right. Really good friends. Think you can do your friends a favor and let them in?"
The bouncer mumbles something about an invitation.
"Yeah, we forgot them at home. But you know us, right? You know we have them. On my word as a friend. So it's just like having them with us, right?"
The bouncer considers that for a second and then nods again.
"Perfect! Thanks buddy!"
The bouncer smiles and waves while the two of you walk into the Casino. As the two of you walk through a small entrance area, Jack whispers from behind you, using your body as cover.
"That was an Ace and he was pretty weak-willed so it should last for a while. Long enough to forget. As long as nobody checks on him, we should be fine."
You go through a set of doors and into a larger room. A young girl is waiting on the other side of a booth, surrounded by various expensive-looking coats and bags.
"Hello gentlemen and welcome to the Queen's Tower Casino. Any coats, bags or other objects you wish to check-in? May I remind you that checking-in all firearms before entering is mandatory."
The Casino proper is through a set of soundproofed doors.

♚The Doll Prince: Uninvited Guests♚

It turns out that Jack is pretty useful after all. Napoleon is looking forward to seeing whatever the pleb can do with the other cards. All of this seemed oddly convenient to him. After all, what are the odds of a card-wielding man accompanying him to a place, which is named after the person he is seeking, where his abilities will really shine? Given that he seemed to be in an eldritch location, it is extremely likely that the Queen is actively constructing a scenario for him to follow to a currently unknown end. Either that or this is all a dream and Napoleon is still at home, facing yet another day in his boring life.

Shuddering at the implication, Napoleon responded, "Thank you but I'm fine. As for any weapons, I... don't carry any."

<'Other than my brilliant mind and a swarm of dolls,'> he added mentally.

Thinking for a moment, Napoleon continued, "Anyway, my friend and I are new in town and we're interested in whatever amenities and services your casino provides. Do you care to spare a brochure?"

Receive a brochure, if any, and enter the casino proper

The girl in the booth appears perplexed for a second but them smiles.
"Certainly, sir."
She searches under a counter and produces a multicolored brochure happily declaring that 'In Queen's Tower Casino, everyone deserves to be treated like Royalty.' It displays some images of people gambling or swimming in a giant pool or receiving a message, all with a smile on their face.  It goes on to list the types of rooms and services offered, which is pretty much what you'd expect from this sort of place.
"Here at Queen's Tower Casino we are happy to provide you with anything your heart desires."
There's also a low-detail map of the casino. The main floor (which from what you understand is closed off to the uninvited for tonight's event) is arranged in concentric circles containing everything from slot machines to blackjack to roulette. At the center there is some sort of stage-bar combination. The West leads to the hotel part of the casino as well as some restaurants. The North contains the cashiers as well as various unmarked rooms, presumably meant for the staff. The East has some VIP and high-roller rooms. The final parts of the brochure offer prices for the most common types of service and accommodation as well as some combination offers. As expected, the prices are exorbitant.
"If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to ask me or any other member of the staff. We will be happy to help in any way we can."

That done, you enter the casino proper. It's somewhat darker than you expected, many of the lights are closed, making the sea of multicolored slot-machine screens appear all the more prominent. There's people moving about, most of them are well dressed. There's a lot of people in here but the place is far from packed. If anything the giant hall looks somewhat empty.

The South section, where you currently are, has some ATMs and cashier booths as well as a bar. Said bar has been converted to include a buffet which has attracted a good number of people to it.

"Oh, food! Good. Haven't had any since she brought me here. I think I'll go grab a bite and then hit the tables to restock." Jack states as he begins walking towards the bar.

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 20, 2018, 09:10:27 pm

Stephano Falcone

(thanks for for the inventory list. The only thing I can imagine that Stephano would have grabbed from the house is a sharp kitchen knife that he could use to defend himself if his gun was taken away. If he could get one of those, that would be good.)

Rush downstairs as quickly as I can. Find and follow Iris. If I see someone open the trap door and start coming down the stairs, then take out my gun and fire a few warning shots toward the trap door.

(Note to self: If I encounter a mirror at some point, take off my glasses and check if I can heal myself by looking at my reflection. Probably not, but worth a try.)

((I'd say it doesn't work with a mirror. If that was the case it would probably also make sense to heal yourself simply by looking at your ungloved hand or something.))

Let's say you got that knife.

You are already downstairs. And Iris is not here. Did she go on ahead without you?
No, she's still on the floor above.
But if she's still on the floor above then that means...
They caught her. She's stalling them to let you escape.
You're not exactly sure how you know that.
They're threatening to kill her unless she tells them where you are.
Even if that's the case then you still don't know how to-
There's a tunnel hidden behind that box in the corner.
Okay, that's weird. Where are those thoughts coming from? Are you hallucinating? How hard did you hit your head?

---

Campaign: Hills of Midnight, on road

---

Quote from: Lenglon on February 18, 2018, 11:32:49 pm

Can I maybe advance in reverse of the spell's travel path? intercept it so it doesn't get past us? How far off are we from the main fire line it's using as its primary mode of transit? If we're on it already, did I manage to stop it from getting past us?

You're very close to the spell's main travel point. If the spell was coming from one direction then that would be possible. But it's coming from both East and West and you're caught in the middle of the two advancing waves so cutting it off is not possible.

Anyway, let's say you cleaned the effect in your immediate area, you and everyone else are feeling OK.

---

Campaign: Hills of Midnight, forward scout

---

Quote from: Tiruin on February 18, 2018, 04:07:49 pm

((I'm kinda disappointed that nobody else saw that brilliant EXPLOSION there  :P))

Theri; Campaign
Time to~...♪♫♩Get myself back where I came from, or so help me; goodbye!♫♪

Theri had the most (personally) humorous depiction of her throw in a watercolor imagery in mind as she stuck prone to the ground, while listening for other birds. Their calls shook her from the brief moment of respite, as she was now concerned about how many there were around her, and a thought noted that they would be investigating the area of explosion...anf perhaps even revealing their location.

Seeing as there was also little time in communication, and wondering if there explosion was big enough to wipe out the whole...erm, murder behind her, she began to get herself back home posthaste.

If I intuit right and my magic can be covered by the blast: Issue the most concise message I can think to warn Irine of the situation (inasmuch as "Ambush ahead; crows and cannons; prepare troops. Am ok" could sound). [Or yknow, safer magic relay via reaching out to River then using him as a proxy]

Otherwise; get back HOME. Safely and inconspicuously. If I can cast a magic "flare" in the wrong direction to help mislead; integrate it into narrative!

If ever I meet any allies along the way. Give concise detail on what just occurred, with the emphasis for preparing for battle and regrouping.

You figure that the magic released by the explosion is probably enough to conceal your communication, so you go ahead and send the message.

You reason you could cause some sort of magical distraction but decide not to risk it for now, not unless it becomes apparent that you need it. You've never attempted it before so if something were to go horribly wrong you wouldn't want to face it in such a dangerous territory.

You keep retreating. You hear some monsterbirds fly high above you but they are not attacking, they merely pass you by. Looks like they didn't spot you.

You finally manage to put some distance between you and the enemy when you are reunited with River who is ecstatic to see you are OK. A few minutes of running later you meet up with Nikolai who is leading a small detachment of warriors, most of them equipped for ranged combat. You pause to rest for a while as you decide what you should do next.

Quote from: NAV on February 18, 2018, 06:57:30 pm

Nikolai will lead (retroactively?) the party going to help Theri!
Shouldn't have given Ike the second Mystifying Mirage. It would be useful for ambushing these ambushers.

You and the water mage gather some men, focusing mostly on those capable of ranged combat, since you will most likely be fighting those monsterbirds. You direct the melee fighters (mostly swordsmen and spearmen) to stay close to the archers and defend them from anything that gets close.

You keep walking for a few minutes until you meet up with Theri and River. Looks like she managed to escape undetected. You take a minute to exchange information and decide whether you should go ahead and attack the enemy position or retreat and wait until morning.

Right now the enemy is disorganized and probably have no idea what they're facing. Theri on the other hand has an idea of their general location and capabilities (several groups of monsterbirds supported by a small number of beastmen hiding in the high ground). Striking now would give you the best chances of striking a decisive blow, before they can reorganize and relocate. On the other hand the enemy has the natural advantage during nighttime. It might be better to wait until morning and attack with all your forces and your magical assets supporting you. Victory would almost certainly be assured then. If you're lucky the enemy could retreat during nightime so you won't even have to fight them (at least not now). But if they don't retreat, then fighting them in the day will most likely result to more damage to you. One well placed attack on your supplies would be a major setback. One well placed artillery strike (easier to do in broad daylight) could rob you of a large number of recruits or an important asset.

In this darkness the birds will be hard to spot, the moon offers some light but not too much, especially when there's hills surrounding you and it's so close to the horizon. You could always use your Signalers to alleviate that problem, they're supposed to be magical flare guns more or less.

From what Theri and the others who have encountered them have told you, the monsterbirds have good nightvision and are capable of sensing magic. Approaching them undetected won't be easy, though you aren't sure if they're intelligent enough to be able to alert others of your position if they spot you. Those things also have some sort of paralytic poison. Your healing potions might be able to counteract the effects but you don't have many of them.

There's also the problem of enemy artillery. Theri destroyed one of their Lightning Cannons but they might have more. You glance at the crossbow Lune is carrying for you. You bet if Tsared it could be used to counterattack their artillery in a way they wouldn't expect (especially if you used one of your special bolts), though it would make you quite a target. Alternatively you could just charge their positions and try to take them by surprise, stay in the open as little as possible, though that is bound to result in more casualties for you even with the darkness helping to conceal you.

((If you decide to go ahead with the attack, unless you want to try something really fancy I'll probably just make a few rolls to figure out what everyone does and how well they do it to determine the outcome, maybe pause if something of crucial importance occurs.))

---

Maximus: Sarboard Hangar Section

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 18, 2018, 05:29:58 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Yeah, getting violently exploded looks to be an occupational hazard around the likes of us. Best of luck to ya though, and take care not to get eaten by black void monsters or something!"

Grab Alan's eyeballs and move along to rejoin the others (eventually, presumably).

You manage to grab the Eyes. They appear to be glowing more brightly and are quite warm. There's a faint ethereal flame surrounding them.
You make sure to put them somewhere you can easily throw them away, in case they decide to reactivate again.

You'll be there next turn. I'd say you're there this turn but I wanna give it a turn in case they decide to do anything drastic.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on February 19, 2018, 08:50:47 pm

((Been swamped with work and homework.))

Continue following Ike. Meanwhile, try to ask one of the mages in our group about what the hell just happened.

In this case the Water mage has no idea. You guess just because someone is a mage doesn't necessarily mean they have any idea what's going on, especially when it comes to Chaos magic.

---

Maximus: Sarboard Hangar Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 20, 2018, 03:00:04 pm

Kosak Durar:

If Svajoklis has issues standing, Kosak carries him.

Svajoklis is glad you left your 'Recovering Wounded' job on.

Quote from: Zormod on February 19, 2018, 04:17:44 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Starboard Hangar Section, temporary storage

---

"Hey. Have you seen any dead warmachines around?"

Follow the group.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 20, 2018, 03:55:23 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Proceed to Medbay.

Fastest way to Medical is actually through what used to be the Way Station.
Second fastest route is through the Main Security Station but there are a lot of black box signals coming from there, something pretty bad must have happened there.
Third fastest is to convince Icarus to just fly you to the Port Hangar Section.

---

Quote from: Leodanny on February 20, 2018, 08:32:49 pm

Can I have the power to slap people with my dead fish? Or anything dead nearby? It should do damage, and gross people out or something.
Also I want a potato gun. It fires boiling poisoned potatoes, and it has, say, 10 potatoes.
Also, desc. Would be Asian man, 30’s, glasses, smart???-ish
And mediocre fighting skills, ok shooting. (Military training-from drafting or whatnot).

Quote

smart???-ish

Heh. I imagine a man in a white labcoat carrying a giant potato gun.

Anyway, let's see...
*Dead things as a weapon/effect
*Potato gun
*+1 Dex

Character creation roll is good so let's say your gun is super-powered. Give me a name and you're done.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on February 21, 2018, 08:49:38 pm

I guess he would be Leonardo Grouse?
_{(RIP Kenspeckle Grouse, from Skulduggery Pleasant)}

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on February 21, 2018, 10:48:09 pm

Check with the water mages, are there side-effects from being within my influence? Also specifically check in with the potion master on this, their unique perspective might provide unexpected insight. Also there's no way she didn't take advantage of what I'm doing to run SOME kind of experiment.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 22, 2018, 12:26:30 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on February 18, 2018, 07:11:48 pm

Alan, Magical Spider Girl

Alan squees as he notices his new form. <I'm a chubby spider girl! That's so cool! I can finally fulfil my dream of becoming an unnecessarily animu Spider-Man sidekick! Thanks Ammie! Ooh, does this mean you're my mom now? That'd be cool, I haven't had one of those in a while! Watch out for buses though, they have mom magnets under their wheels. Did you have a mom, Ammie? I bet she was named Charloette, because if you have a spider that can write stuff in its web it's only a matter of time until it grows to the size of a building. Was she bigger than you? Am I a baby? What do I eat? How big will I grow? Where is this place? Vanilla or strawberry? Can I climb walls? I wanna try climbing walls!>

Be exuberant, ask a ton of questions. See if Ammie's capable of conversing through her power of being an anime girl or if she's capable of telepathy or just plain speech or what. Continue charging the Mega Milkshake.

((Oh dear, I forgot Alan. That's what I get for writing turns in 2 a.m.))

She doesn't talk to you, at least not in the traditional sense. But you have an understanding of what she feels and what she wants as well as a desire to please her. Said desire is not unnatural, it feels more like a desire to please yourself, as if in a way the two of you are the same person. You get the sense she has some understanding of you as well, so she can probably hear your questions or at least feel you asking them. And there's also the power. You're donating her so much power. Or is she donating it to you? It's hard to tell.

If you focus you can remember some things about the body you are currently inhabiting. You know this body a result of your union, made in her image and maintained by her energy, so it shares both her gifts and your abilities. You can still summon things and she can still use her abilities to consume and remake the world. You can feel it in the way the pointy limbs on your chest move, how natural it feels, like you're moving them yourself.

You also remember part of the thought and images that went into creating your body. How it is strong and agile like hers and most importantly adaptable, with room to grow and evolve.

For now she is content to watch you while she feeds.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 23, 2018, 04:09:25 am

Quote

Fastest way to Medical is actually through what used to be the Way Station.
Second fastest route is through the Main Security Station but there are a lot of black box signals coming from there, something pretty bad must have happened there.
Third fastest is to convince Icarus to just fly you to the Port Hangar Section.

((Can we even traverse what used to be Way Station?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on February 23, 2018, 04:29:07 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 23, 2018, 04:09:25 am

Quote

Fastest way to Medical is actually through what used to be the Way Station.
Second fastest route is through the Main Security Station but there are a lot of black box signals coming from there, something pretty bad must have happened there.
Third fastest is to convince Icarus to just fly you to the Port Hangar Section.

((Can we even traverse what used to be Way Station?))

Sure you can, just have to be a bit careful not to get stuck somewhere, try to look before you jump, that sort of thing. There's a lot of debris and loose cables floating in there but since the ship is unmoving and unpowered they also are unmoving and unpowered. Plowing through them with a high speed vehicle did cause a bit of a disturbance but it should have settled down by now.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on February 23, 2018, 12:29:12 pm

"I've been waiting for a good chance to use my new toys. We need a solid plan though."
Load a chaos bolt into the crossbow. Begin planning the attack. Draw a crude map with arrows in the dirt.

Theri should take a small team and flank around behind the targets.
Nikolai and Lune will set up the crossbow somewhere with a good vantage point.
The water mage should lead most of the recruits.
Give some competent seeming recruit a signaler and have them separate from the main group. When enough time has passed for everyone to be ready they light up the sky.
Nikolai will tsar the crossbow and use it to take out any artillery or the largest grouping of beastmen if there is no artillery. Then find a new position, reload and prepare for a second shot.
Then everyone else should charge in and mop up.
Theri's group should assassinate any particularly troublesome targets from behind while they are distracted by the explosion and main force.

Nikolai will use his spare signaller like a rocket launcher for counter-artillery if that's necessary and the crossbow is being reloaded.
He will also tsar his water armour as a last ditch reaction against being shot at.

"How does this plan look?" Nik asks, mainly to Theri and the water mage (whos name he should also find out).

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on February 23, 2018, 07:25:43 pm

Alan, Adorable Spider Daughter

"Aww, that's nice of you Ammie! Just wait a biiiit longer, I have the perfect thing to thank you with!"

Continue charging the Mega Milkshake Monstrosity! That's ... 3 consecutive turns of charging, I think. How am I feeling, does it seem like I'm about to explode or can I take some more?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 23, 2018, 09:05:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2018, 06:48:30 pm

The girl in the booth appears perplexed for a second but them smiles.
"Certainly, sir."
She searches under a counter and produces a multicolored brochure happily declaring that 'In Queen's Tower Casino, everyone deserves to be treated like Royalty.' It displays some images of people gambling or swimming in a giant pool or receiving a message, all with a smile on their face.  It goes on to list the types of rooms and services offered, which is pretty much what you'd expect from this sort of place.
"Here at Queen's Tower Casino we are happy to provide you with anything your heart desires."
There's also a low-detail map of the casino. The main floor (which from what you understand is closed off to the uninvited for tonight's event) is arranged in concentric circles containing everything from slot machines to blackjack to roulette. At the center there is some sort of stage-bar combination. The West leads to the hotel part of the casino as well as some restaurants. The North contains the cashiers as well as various unmarked rooms, presumably meant for the staff. The East has some VIP and high-roller rooms. The final parts of the brochure offer prices for the most common types of service and accommodation as well as some combination offers. As expected, the prices are exorbitant.
"If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to ask me or any other member of the staff. We will be happy to help in any way we can."

That done, you enter the casino proper. It's somewhat darker than you expected, many of the lights are closed, making the sea of multicolored slot-machine screens appear all the more prominent. There's people moving about, most of them are well dressed. There's a lot of people in here but the place is far from packed. If anything the giant hall looks somewhat empty.

The South section, where you currently are, has some ATMs and cashier booths as well as a bar. Said bar has been converted to include a buffet which has attracted a good number of people to it.

"Oh, food! Good. Haven't had any since she brought me here. I think I'll go grab a bite and then hit the tables to restock." Jack states as he begins walking towards the bar.

♚The Doll Prince: Searching for Treasure.♚

"Wait, before you go, take this with you," Napoleon said before tossing Jack a two inch doll he summoned. The gown the porcelain doll wore matched the colors of the King of Card Games' outfit. "Keep that with you so that I can find you and come to your aid if needed."

After Jack left, Napoleon turned to peer around the casino, noting the positions of everyone, including the security personnel. He then walked north toward the areas that possibly belonged to the staff. After all, keeping any of the casino's valuables out of reach of the customers is to be expected in order to keep them safe. If anything, he could find clues as to the safe's location and its combination. Grabbing a chair nearby, Napoleon sat down at an empty table and watched the other patrons chat among themselves. Assuming a bored expression, Napoleon will:

Discreetly summon several two inch dolls. After modifying them into becoming transparent, Napoleon will use them to scout out the main floor of the casino.  He will use them to locate any guards and security cameras, as well as any exits that he and Jack can use. He will also use them to scout out the staff rooms for clues about the safe. As a final note, he will use the doll he gave to Jack to listen in on any conversation, just to check up on him of course.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2018, 07:22:59 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue returning to the others!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: GigaGiant on February 24, 2018, 04:34:17 pm

Stephano Falcone

Huh? Am I remembering information that Iris told me while I was unconscious? I...don't think so. But then where did these thoughts...no, it doesn't matter. I'll figure it out later. Time to go!

Move the box in the corner out of the way and enter the tunnel. If there is a light source present in the tunnel, move the box back to its original position, covering the tunnel. Proceed down the tunnel as quickly as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 25, 2018, 08:00:01 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Way station path it is. Go to the medbay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on February 25, 2018, 09:35:59 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 25, 2018, 08:00:01 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Way station path it is. Go to the medbay.

John, aboard the Maximus

Let's go!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on February 25, 2018, 01:23:52 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak helps get Svajoklis to the medbay, and is promptly amazed at how amazing the medical technology is.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on February 25, 2018, 02:50:32 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Sarboard Hangar Section

---

Stay with the group.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on February 27, 2018, 03:28:14 am

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2018, 12:29:12 pm

"How does this plan look?" Nik asks, mainly to Theri and the water mage (whos name he should also find out).

"Perfect!" Theri said, glad to see everyone else okay, and people were worried about her.

She gave River a few pats and hefted him back on his comfy place on her back, in her inventory and noted additional information--we'll be facing beastmen, and flocks of crows, all of whom were not invulnerable to cannon failures.

"I wish we could use one of those; some air magic to move one of us into position and turn that cannon on the enemy..."

Add to the planning! Help out while giving ideas!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2018, 02:18:00 pm

---

Something something mission something

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on February 23, 2018, 09:05:17 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on February 21, 2018, 06:48:30 pm

The girl in the booth appears perplexed for a second but them smiles.
"Certainly, sir."
She searches under a counter and produces a multicolored brochure happily declaring that 'In Queen's Tower Casino, everyone deserves to be treated like Royalty.' It displays some images of people gambling or swimming in a giant pool or receiving a message, all with a smile on their face.  It goes on to list the types of rooms and services offered, which is pretty much what you'd expect from this sort of place.
"Here at Queen's Tower Casino we are happy to provide you with anything your heart desires."
There's also a low-detail map of the casino. The main floor (which from what you understand is closed off to the uninvited for tonight's event) is arranged in concentric circles containing everything from slot machines to blackjack to roulette. At the center there is some sort of stage-bar combination. The West leads to the hotel part of the casino as well as some restaurants. The North contains the cashiers as well as various unmarked rooms, presumably meant for the staff. The East has some VIP and high-roller rooms. The final parts of the brochure offer prices for the most common types of service and accommodation as well as some combination offers. As expected, the prices are exorbitant.
"If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to ask me or any other member of the staff. We will be happy to help in any way we can."

That done, you enter the casino proper. It's somewhat darker than you expected, many of the lights are closed, making the sea of multicolored slot-machine screens appear all the more prominent. There's people moving about, most of them are well dressed. There's a lot of people in here but the place is far from packed. If anything the giant hall looks somewhat empty.

The South section, where you currently are, has some ATMs and cashier booths as well as a bar. Said bar has been converted to include a buffet which has attracted a good number of people to it.

"Oh, food! Good. Haven't had any since she brought me here. I think I'll go grab a bite and then hit the tables to restock." Jack states as he begins walking towards the bar.

♚The Doll Prince: Searching for Treasure.♚

"Wait, before you go, take this with you," Napoleon said before tossing Jack a two inch doll he summoned. The gown the porcelain doll wore matched the colors of the King of Card Games' outfit. "Keep that with you so that I can find you and come to your aid if needed."

After Jack left, Napoleon turned to peer around the casino, noting the positions of everyone, including the security personnel. He then walked north toward the areas that possibly belonged to the staff. After all, keeping any of the casino's valuables out of reach of the customers is to be expected in order to keep them safe. If anything, he could find clues as to the safe's location and its combination. Grabbing a chair nearby, Napoleon sat down at an empty table and watched the other patrons chat among themselves. Assuming a bored expression, Napoleon will:

Discreetly summon several two inch dolls. After modifying them into becoming transparent, Napoleon will use them to scout out the main floor of the casino.  He will use them to locate any guards and security cameras, as well as any exits that he and Jack can use. He will also use them to scout out the staff rooms for clues about the safe. As a final note, he will use the doll he gave to Jack to listen in on any conversation, just to check up on him of course.

It's a bit hard to concentrate with all this excitement. You try to summon your dolls for a long while but only a lifeless piece of cloth appears. ((Seriously, Random.org doesn't want you to summon this doll. I rolled multiple times and the results were [2], [2], [2], [3].))

Jack eventually gets tired of waiting and just heads towards the bar. Some time after he leaves, you finally manage to summon a single doll. You try to modify it to make it transparent, which works perfectly. Hm. Now that Jack is gone your ability is starting to cooperate again. You keep working and manage to summon 3 more transparent dolls. You walk around while inspecting the area, leaving a doll wherever looks important. (You'd make them walk there but with their tiny legs it would take forever to get them anywhere.)

The southern booths don't look that important. There's some lockboxes for keeping valuables, but that's pretty much it. The receptionist booth has a lot of clothes and also some handguns, all secured in behind locked containers. The restaurants are linked to a common service area with fridges and other storage areas. There's a service door and a garage door there, probably used to dispose trash and receive goods. The northern booths are connected to a much larger service area. There are lockers, a garage door, a small cafeteria and... that's as far as your dolls can go on foot. The rest of the northern section is behind a security door with no gap for the dolls to fit under. There's a man sitting on a desk besides the door, distracting himself with his cell phone. He's got a gun and a radio and wearing a bulletproof vest with the words "Bishop Security" on it.

---

Quote from: GigaGiant on February 24, 2018, 04:34:17 pm

Stephano Falcone

Huh? Am I remembering information that Iris told me while I was unconscious? I...don't think so. But then where did these thoughts...no, it doesn't matter. I'll figure it out later. Time to go!

Move the box in the corner out of the way and enter the tunnel. If there is a light source present in the tunnel, move the box back to its original position, covering the tunnel. Proceed down the tunnel as quickly as I can.

You move the box out of the way and crawl through the small tunnel beyond. There's little light in it. It's quite cramped, making it very difficult for you to move, your body blocking what little light enters from behind you. Thankfully the tunnel doesn't go on for long.

You reach a shaft, some dried-out well maybe, it's hard to tell. Through the dim light streaming through the leaves covering the top you can see a rope ladder clinging against the wall. You climb it as quickly as you can, breaking through the bushes and leaves covering the hidden exit. In front of you, just a few metres away, you can see the house you were in, its insides illuminated by the light of flashlights. You can see great armoured SUVs coming from the road. This is not good.

You're about to turn around when-
"Gotcha!"
You feel an arm wrap around your neck, putting you into a chokehold. You try to resist. Something stings you on the side of your neck. You strength leaves you. You lose consciousness.

...


"I misjudged you."
You wake up.
"You didn't strike me as the type that fights back. Not without getting pushed to your breaking point first."
It takes a moment for the blurriness to clear from your eyes. You try to wipe them but you can't move your arms, they're tied behind your back. You hear the chink of metal against wood as the handcuffs impact the wooden chair. There's no other sound beyond the crackling of a fire, the faint buzzing in your ears, your breathing and your heartbeat. And that voice.
"When you first woke up I thought you had two options. Try to stay in your cell or aid in your rescue."
It sounds normal, a male voice coming from somewhere in front of you, one any random person could have. And yet there's something about it...
"Imagine my surprise when I saw you take a third option. It really messed up my plan."
You blink and shake your head a bit until you can see better. You're inside an old bedroom, sitting in front of a table.
"But I adjusted my plan. 'Plans must be solid and reactions flexible', as they say."
It's quite dark, there's no light coming through the blinds. Probably still night time. From the shadows, the heat and the sound you can tell there's a fireplace behind you, the only source of illumination in this room. It's not enough to reveal the features of the man sitting on the other side of the table.
"And you know what? I liked it. It struck a chord, I would say."
Your handcufs are not tied to the chair, nor are your legs restrained in any way. You could try to get up and walk if you wanted to, though you wouldn't be in the best of states. Your head hurts and you feel a bit dizzy,
"You see, my first memory is me trying to strangle my rescuer."
Though you can't see him, you can tell he's smiling.
"What a coincidence, huh? Makes me wonder just how alike we are."

---

Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 25, 2018, 08:00:01 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Way station path it is. Go to the medbay.

Quote from: Toaster on February 25, 2018, 09:35:59 am

Quote from: DreamerGhost on February 25, 2018, 08:00:01 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Way station path it is. Go to the medbay.

John, aboard the Maximus

Let's go!

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on February 25, 2018, 01:23:52 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak helps get Svajoklis to the medbay, and is promptly amazed at how amazing the medical technology is.

Quote from: Zormod on February 25, 2018, 02:50:32 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Sarboard Hangar Section

---

Stay with the group.

You go back the way John and the rest came, back towards the remains of the Way Station. You walk past the crashed remains of the vehichle they used to get here, through the hole it came through and into the debris field. There are little signs of their passing left. Some of the more massive pieces of debris are still slowly spinning but most have stabilized since their passing. Still, they do present an obstacle, making the area slow to navigate. The ground is littered with loose clumps of metal and plastic that make for poor footing in this gravity-less environment. The team eventually settles into a rythm of pausing to identifying safe patches before jumping to them, their progress occasionally hampered by awkward fumbles that send them spinning.

You're about halfway through when you hear a distant rumbling. It's almost imperceptible at first but it gets louder overtime. It sounds like it's coming from the direction of the Front of the ship. John jumps on a massive piece of debris to try to get a better vantage point. Through the wreckage he notices a distant point of light, getting closer. He uses his sensors to project an enhanced view of the object. The projection on his helmet looks humanoid and about twice as large as him, some sort of exoskeleton by the looks of it, pushing with its back against a great container. There's thrusters on its legs and it's pointing them towards John, using them to slow down.

John's sensors detect a burst of radiation from the exoskeleton's helmet, some sort of active scanning pulse he guesses. The exoskeleton raises a long oversized rifle-like weapon and points it towards him. Radiation spikes as the tip of the weapon begins to faintly glow, preparing to fire.

---

Campaign: The Hills of Midnight, on road

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on February 24, 2018, 07:22:59 am

Campaign, Ike!

Continue returning to the others!

You make it back. Yay!

Quote from: Lenglon on February 21, 2018, 10:48:09 pm

Check with the water mages, are there side-effects from being within my influence? Also specifically check in with the potion master on this, their unique perspective might provide unexpected insight. Also there's no way she didn't take advantage of what I'm doing to run SOME kind of experiment.

You can't see anything wrong with them. A while ago they were a bit shaken from having been attacked by the Dark spell but now that they have something to work on they seem more driven, focused on getting everyone ready. Even if there was some mild discomfort you think they wouldn't be feeling it in their current state.

The Master Alchemist is mostly frustrated because her experiment was ruined. She was planning on capturing the energy released by the destruction of the Darkness to purify some ingredients but the potions she was preparing were ruined by Chaos energy before they could stabilize. Now she's stuck trying to salvage whatever she can out of them before disposing of them. You ask her if she's feeling any different but she dismisses your concerns, too focused on her work to really care. Hm. Looks like you don't have anything that interests her at the moment. You ask her if she has any idea what happened. She responds that she does not, though with more angry and less polite words. You don't think she's mad at you, it's probably just a general frustration. A recruit comes to ask her to get ready to move to safety, just in case the camp comes under attack, and she threatens to turn him into a pigeon.

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2018, 12:29:12 pm

"I've been waiting for a good chance to use my new toys."
Load a chaos bolt into the crossbow.

You say your line and load one of your 3 Bolts of Lesser Warcrime. You somehow manage to make loading the bolt sound like pumping a shotgun. You also make sure you have a waterskin handy, in case you need to quickly form your ice blade and mentally recite the spell that activates your water armour a few times to make sure you remember it. Lune stands besides you, spear and shield ready, warily looking towards the direction of the enemy camp.

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2018, 12:29:12 pm

"We need a solid plan though."
Begin planning the attack. Draw a crude map with arrows in the dirt.

Theri should take a small team and flank around behind the targets.
Nikolai and Lune will set up the crossbow somewhere with a good vantage point.
The water mage should lead most of the recruits.
Give some competent seeming recruit a signaler and have them separate from the main group. When enough time has passed for everyone to be ready they light up the sky.
Nikolai will tsar the crossbow and use it to take out any artillery or the largest grouping of beastmen if there is no artillery. Then find a new position, reload and prepare for a second shot.
Then everyone else should charge in and mop up.
Theri's group should assassinate any particularly troublesome targets from behind while they are distracted by the explosion and main force.

Nikolai will use his spare signaller like a rocket launcher for counter-artillery if that's necessary and the crossbow is being reloaded.
He will also tsar his water armour as a last ditch reaction against being shot at.

"How does this plan look?" Nik asks, mainly to Theri and the water mage (whos name he should also find out).

The water mage, the one they call Ahos, looks up from your drawings and nods.
"It is a good plan." he states simply.
During the time you've spent traveling together he didn't do much. He didn't talk much, he mostly interacted with the other mages. He rarely even left his tent, except for when he had to meditate and perform his rituals. Whenever he becomes engaged in conversation, he is usually calm and to the point. It's a good thing that he manages to maintain that same composure here. He calmly explains his battle plan to the men you assign to him, opting for a logical and straightforward course of action.

"Archers, focus on the fliers. Stay in cover, stay mobile, don't get isolated. And don't stop firing. The moment you down one, focus on the next, no need to confirm the kill unless it lands next to you."
"Spearmen, protect the Archers and Swordsmen from any swooping opponents. Plant your feet, make them impale themselves, use their momentum against them. Those are magical opponents, so remember that one good strike might not be enough to kill them."
"Swordsmen, help the Archers and Spearmen. Watch their flanks, finish off any fliers they down. If we are about to be engaged on melee by the beastmen, you need to reform into a line. Whatever you do, keep the enemy from engaging the Archers."
"I'm going to lead our group and carry the Signaller. The moment I use the Signaller, you attack. But make sure to keep your distance from me. I am bound to become their target the moment I fire it."
"Isn't that all the more reason to be with you and defend you?" one of the Swordsmen asks.
The water mage shakes his head.
"I can use my magics to hide and protect myself from their initial attack. After that is done, I will join you and continue fighting alongside you."
His assurances leave the recruits unconvinced.
"But what if they have mages of their own or they fire a Lightning Cannon at us?"
"Like I said, I will return to you as soon as I can. In the meantime, Nikolai and Theri should be able to provide you with the protection you need."
The men still look unconvinced but Ahos goes on, calmly giving the men more grim instructions. Not the best guy for morale.
"Should I fall, I need one of you to take the Signaller and continue providing illumination. If you can't get it to cast the spell, break the glass on the tip while pointing it in the sky, it will release all the energy contained within."

With the preparations complete, you move on to the execution. Theri and her small group begin climbing the hills, hoping to approach undetected from an unexpected direction. You and Lune climb the hills on the opposite side of the road, hoping to get to a good vantage point while still being out of the magic detection range of those monsterbirds. Ahos and the rest of the recruits wait for a few minutes to give you a head start, using that time to prepare themselves.

You and Lune move carefully, laying low and trying to stay behind the largest rocks. You stay covered with your cloaks and hug the ground whenever you hear the flapping of wings come closer to you. Your destination is a point close to the top of the hill that should give you a good angle on most of the road and its surroundings. You're not yet there when you hear a monsterbird scream somewhere overhead, soon echoed by many others. The two of you brace yourself as you scan your surroundings, looking for your attacker. A few seconds later a magical fireball is launched by a figure standing somewhere near the road, flying high into the sky, through the swarm of monsterbirds descending upon it.

Damn it. Already? It's too soon. You're not in position. The recruits are too close.

There's nothing you can do. You hate to do this but you force yourself to look away. You must focus on your part of the plan.
"Move!" you shout to Lune, grabbing his shoulder and shaking him out of his shock before running.
No longer as concerned with hiding and with the flare providing meager illumination you are able to run and scramble the rest of the way to the top.

Just as you reach the top there is burst of light flashes, each accompanied by a loud boom; thunder strikes, each of them aimed at the source of the flare. Each strike causes a small explosion on whatever it hits, the barrage resulting in a cloud of dust obscuring the bottom of the hills. Each boom overlaps with the next, creating a constant noise that echoes long after the strikes are done, preventing you from hearing much else.

You ignore the birds charging through the dust, raising more of it with each flap of their wings. Instead you focus on the origin of the lightning strikes. Lune hands you the crossbow and you set it up on a rock. You take a deep breath and try to focus, trying to ignore the noise of battle, the shouting of men and screams of monsters, trying not to think about what is going on and what might happen if you fail and instead focus on your task. You place one hand on the Chaos bolt, feeling the barely-contained alchemical mixture inside it tingling against your fingers. Your other hand remains on the trigger. You don't have enough time to prepare. The next barrage could come at any time.

You let your power flow from both hands, one directed at the crossbow, the other at the bolt, making sure your ability will affect them both. The surge of power causes an immediate transformation, both crossbow and bolt growing to immense size, becoming more like a ballista. It's hard to handle. It grows in quick an unexpected bursts, pushing you around. It doesn't faze you. You've grown to expect that. You keep your aim steady even as the crossbow pins you against the rocks, because you know how hard it would be to reposition it when it's at its full size.

Your power mixes with the magic in the bolt, making it highly unstable, crackling with energy. And yet your power also makes the casing stronger, repairing cracks as they appear. Almost immediately a group of monsterbirds rises out of the melee and maniacally flaps towards you whole screaming, drawn by the spike in magical energy. You push the trigger. It's stuck. You can't get it to move all the way. The cracks in the bolt are spreading, no longer being repaired by your power. Lune lets go of his spear and shield and helps you push. There is a noise mechanical *thunk* and the bolt is flying. The bolt manages to maintain its integrity despite the rapid acceleration. Your shoulder is nearly crushed by the equal and opposite reaction but your armour helps soften the blow.
"Come on! Let's go!" Lune urges you to move as he tries to get you out from under the Tsared weapon but you don't want to risk untsaring it, not until the bolt impacts. You know it's dangerous with the birds coming towards you, you push as hard as you can against the crossbow but you don't untsar it. With the way you're positioned, you can't help but watch the bolt sail above the battlefield, flying up in an arc, its crumbling shell already leaking, leaving a trail behind it. The adrenaline makes it feel like ages but it's only a couple of seconds. Lune manages to pull you out from under the crossbow and then goes for his weapon. You're not looking when the bolt impacts. Maybe it's for the best.

For a moment you feel weightless. Then you fall. You look around, trying to get your bearings. You find your crossbow and grab it. Lune helps you stand up. Looks like he recovered more quickly than you. You glance towards where your bolt went. Even now it's an unpleasant experience. Just looking at it makes your head hurt. You can't understand what's going on there, you can't put it to words, all you are certain about is how disturbing it is, how uneasy it makes you feel. You think there might have been some sort of explosion, you can see rocks falling from the sky, rolling downhill.
"Next location! Let's go!"
You can't see the birds but you can still hear them. You're pretty sure the cannon can't have survived... whatever that was, but there might be more lightning cannons. You haven't moved more than a couple dozen meters before you are proven right.

Your hair stand on end. There's a flash of light and then you are deaf and your head hurts. You can't hear them but you feel the heat and vibrations from the next few bolts crossing the sky above you (or maybe you are merely feeling the ground explode upon their impact). Though your eyes are closed you can see the flashes through your eyelids. You turn on your back and start cranking the crossbow. They're at the second location Theri indicated, as expected. They shot at you, better than firing at the recruits. And they missed. Now all you need is another bolt and your can get them.

You open your eyes. Another fireball has joined the dying light of the first. That's good. They're still alive. You saw the archers shoot down a few birds but you have no idea how the battle is going. Once again you remind yourself that all you can do is keep going with your part of the plan and hoping for the best. Then you notice the stench. The same stench you remember from when the monsterbirds attacked Chizra. The monsterbird swoops down towards you, a disfigured shadow framed by red light. Lune blocks the strike with the shield you gave him, putting himself between you and it, but he is still staggered, barely manages to maintain his balance as the monster claws at him and tries to get its deformed double-beak to his face. Lune raises his spear for a counterattack. A second monsterbird slams into him, finally overpowering him, throwing him on his back. One of the birds falls on its back as well, using its disfigured claws to futilely grasp at the burning hole expanding at the centre of its chest. The other  strikes Lune's chest, digging its claws deep into it but in its frantic attempts to kill him it leaves itself open to Lune's strike, getting stabbed by his spear and falling on it as it loses its strength.

You untsar and put away the Signaller before helping Lune up, shoving the monsterbird from on top of him. He has deep scratches all over his face and chest and looks like he has trouble maintaining his balance. You take a couple of sips from a healing potion and give him the rest, making sure he drinks it. Almost immediately your hearing begins to return, allowing you to hear the sounds of battle and the approaching monsterbirds. Something must have stalled them, they aren't upon you yet.
"Are you all right?" you ask Lune, shouting, still unsure if he can hear or understand you.
He looks at you and after a few seconds he nods but he is clearly shaken, trembling, crying from the pain and adrenaline.
"Stay with me! We almost got them!" you say, trying to reinforce his morale.
You continue reloading your crossbow until it's ready to fire while Lune finishes off the monsterbird pathetically flapping its three wings. While he retrievers his spear you load a bolt, rise from behind your cover and set up your crossbow, aiming for the location where you think you saw the cannon firing from. You are about to Tsar it when you see a blue light in the distance. The cannon is getting ready to fire. You can't shoot it in time.

You hide behind the rock and shout the spell that activates your water armour, waiting for the inevitable barrage. You hear the blasts but they don't impact around you. Did they target the recruits? You get out of cover just in time to watch a lightning bolt striking a monsterbird, causing it to explode in blood and gore. It takes you a few seconds to realize Theri's group must have captured it. You breathe a sigh of relief as you realize you're safe... and that you almost blasted her group into oblivion.
<We captured an enemy mage and a Lightning Cannon. We had some trouble but all is OK now.> the commwire message confirming this arrives a while later.

You decide to reposition, just in case there is more trouble coming for you. A third Signaller flare flies out of the dust covering the battlefield. As it moves through the dust, you realize that it's not dust. It's a reddish cloud floating close to the ground, like fog. With no other targets in sight you focus on shooting the few remaining monsterbirds out of the sky. Soon they are all dead and the fog clears. You can see men standing and men and monsters lying on the ground, it's hard to tell the details from here.

As the fog clears you notice 4 beastmen making a run for it. They probably realized they have no chance of winning and are running away. You could try to do something about them or simply let them go.

Regardless of that, when you rejoin the troops you find them taking care of the wounded. Ahos has been burnt badly but its mostly his looks that are damaged, he is able to talk to you just fine (or maybe he just used a healing potion). From him and the other recruits you learn what happened from their perspective.

They were spotted before they were ready so Ahos was forced to use the Signaller early to give them a fighting chance. Most casualties were caused by this early assault by the monsterbirds and the barrage of Lightning Cannon fire that followed, though luckily both focused at Ahos instead of the main body of the recruits. He used his magic to defend himself but as you can see he didn't get out of it unscathed. He then used any water he could find to create a magical fog that would hopefully confuse the monsterbirds and prevent the enemy cannon from targeting them accurately.

For a moment it looked like the battle could go either way and the men were beginning to panic but then there was an explosion (which you confirm was your doing). Whatever happened greatly disoriented the birds, making them much easier to kill. By the time the beastmen arrived there was little they could do to influence the battle. They were clearly equipped to deal with small unprepared groups. They used nets and Air grenades with some sort of paralytic effect before charging in with clubs and swords but the Swordsmen outnumbered them. With the birds busy with the Archers and Spearmen, the Swordsmen were able to surround them. The Lightning Cannon firing on their own forces was the last straw. The beastmen panicked and started routing, at which point it was easy for the men to run them down.

Quote from: Tiruin on February 27, 2018, 03:28:14 am

Quote from: NAV on February 23, 2018, 12:29:12 pm

"How does this plan look?" Nik asks, mainly to Theri and the water mage (whos name he should also find out).

"Perfect!" Theri said, glad to see everyone else okay, and people were worried about her.

She gave River a few pats and hefted him back on his comfy place on her back, in her inventory and noted additional information--we'll be facing beastmen, and flocks of crows, all of whom were not invulnerable to cannon failures.

"I wish we could use one of those; some air magic to move one of us into position and turn that cannon on the enemy..."

Add to the planning! Help out while giving ideas!

As per Nikolai's instructions, you take a small group and attempt to flank the enemy position. You lead the group to a hard climb up the hill, hiding close to the hilltop and navigating the treacherous terrain as quickly as you can. The monsterbirds are not monitoring this side of the hill as closely, their efforts are focused more on the road, which means you can move a bit more freely.

Before you know it the battle has began and you're in no position to help. You see flares lighting up the night sky and monsterbirds swooping down on the road. You hear the sounds of battle, cracks of thunder accompanied by flashes of light. You keep climbing, doubling your efforts, moving as fast as you can. And then suddenly the entire hill shakes, loose rocks rolling downhill. When the hill finally stops shaking and you manage to regain your balance, you keep climbing, heading for the enemy location.

You manage to reach the site of one of the lightning cannons just as it unleashes another barrage, lightning bolts flying towards a position on the opposite hill. Through the illumination provided by the flashes of light, you clearly see the enemy. It's just three humans, two of which are operating the Lightning Cannon. The third is casting some sort of spell directed towards the battle below though you can't really tell what it does.

Your group jumps down on their position, catching them completely by surprise. You force them to throw down their weapons and surrender. With the enemy here dealt with, your men take over the Lightning Cannon and use it to shoot at the monsterbirds. Though it's not very accurate, it manages to get a few of them.

With yours and Nikolai's efforts the battle is won, though that still leaves the prisoners to deal with. You make sure they are tied up and under constant watch before having your men slowly transport them downhill. You also have them remove the power source from the cannon to prevent others from using it, you can decide how to deal with the cannon itself later. You go rejoin the other recruits, doing your best to help the wounded.

---

Campaign: Nether Pass, the Final Fortress of the Necromancer-Emperor

---

Quote from: Xantalos on February 23, 2018, 07:25:43 pm

Alan, Adorable Spider Daughter

"Aww, that's nice of you Ammie! Just wait a biiiit longer, I have the perfect thing to thank you with!"

Continue charging the Mega Milkshake Monstrosity! That's ... 3 consecutive turns of charging, I think. How am I feeling, does it seem like I'm about to explode or can I take some more?

There's really only so much you can charge before you start leaking energy like a balloon full of holes. You'd say you already reached that point a while ago. The light inside your gut is glowing brightly, begging to be released.

---

OOC
Have some music:  Dan Terminus - Heavy Artillery (https://blood-music.bandcamp.com/track/heavy-artillery)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 04, 2018, 04:07:06 pm

Alan, Ultimate Milkshake Delivery Guy

”Open wide ma, I got that order you wanted!”

Unleash the milkshake! Aim it towards Ammie’s face so she can just open wide and gobble it down.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 05, 2018, 12:01:23 am

"INCOMING FIRE!"

Jump back behind this wreckage piece as cover.  See if I can upscale this cutting laser into something weapons grade?  Or can the power source be used on my rifle?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

It seems odd that Chaos magic corrupted her test. Where did it come from after all? Fire, dark, maybe light or water, all those were within the realm of reasonable possibility, but Chaos? Thats an outlier. Also, I know what the experience of the attack was like for me, but my experience was probably more... intense... than others. But one thing we CAN determine is if the attack was targeted. We just need to compare the stories of those in the camp, immediate area outside my influence, and farther out scouting.
Are the secondary effects still attempting to recorrupt the area? Or are those also cleared out? For those leaving and re-entering my area of influence how is the experience? Even if being within me isn't affecting people the remmenants of the attack might.
Have we gotten any word back from Theri's group?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2018, 01:10:32 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Yay!

... what exactly did I make it back to, though?

((I don't actually read the other people's turns except sometimes Alan's so I legitimately have no idea what's going on more than half the time))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Nikolai, heavy artillery

Simply let them go.

---

"Good work comrades! Things didn't start as planned but we stood fast and followed the plan with grit and determination, and now the road is clear, for us and for anyone who travels after us. We did a good deed, and we have a lightning cannon to show for it!"
Say a short thing. Attempting to both improve morale and emphasize the importance of discipline.

Offer Theri a tsar health potion to share among the wounded. Might as well use magic to stretch these potions as far as they will go.

Make sure the prisoners are tied up and guarded, especially the mage. Make sure they aren't hiding anything up their sleeves.

Depending on how heavy that cannon is, either have a team of recruits transport it or guard it until wagons get here.

Is there enough wreckage from either of the destroyed cannons for me to use my repairing power on? If so, have those recovered too.

Have some receuits gather up all the fallen and confiscated weapons. Are there any of those paralysis grenades left?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 05, 2018, 03:39:35 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Keep my eyes on the exoseleton's gun, and keep my body away from wherever it's pointing.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 05, 2018, 09:52:59 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Gah!"

Kosak hunkers down behind some wreckage. After the shot, if he can see the enemy, he grabs a small chunk of wreckage and throws it at the enemy.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 06, 2018, 12:06:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2018, 02:18:00 pm

It's a bit hard to concentrate with all this excitement. You try to summon your dolls for a long while but only a lifeless piece of cloth appears. ((Seriously, Random.org doesn't want you to summon this doll. I rolled multiple times and the results were [2], [2], [2], [3].))

Jack eventually gets tired of waiting and just heads towards the bar. Some time after he leaves, you finally manage to summon a single doll. You try to modify it to make it transparent, which works perfectly. Hm. Now that Jack is gone your ability is starting to cooperate again. You keep working and manage to summon 3 more transparent dolls. You walk around while inspecting the area, leaving a doll wherever looks important. (You'd make them walk there but with their tiny legs it would take forever to get them anywhere.)

The southern booths don't look that important. There's some lockboxes for keeping valuables, but that's pretty much it. The receptionist booth has a lot of clothes and also some handguns, all secured in behind locked containers. The restaurants are linked to a common service area with fridges and other storage areas. There's a service door and a garage door there, probably used to dispose trash and receive goods. The northern booths are connected to a much larger service area. There are lockers, a garage door, a small cafeteria and... that's as far as your dolls can go on foot. The rest of the northern section is behind a security door with no gap for the dolls to fit under. There's a man sitting on a desk besides the door, distracting himself with his cell phone. He's got a gun and a radio and wearing a bulletproof vest with the words "Bishop Security" on it.

♚The Doll Prince: Going Diagonally With The Bishop♚

((The audacity of the Random Number God to deny the Doll Prince his successes! He will acquiesce to the demands of his better or suffer the consequences!))

Peering at the security door, Napoleon surmised that the vault could be some way behind it. However, he knew too little of the section's layout, nevermind who else could be waiting on the other side. Having cameras on the other end can be useful but if something goes wrong the two of them may need to get out of here in a hurry. Of course he could simply summon a large group of dolls and swarm the security guard with them. However, though he is capable of taking down armed muggers in a similar fashion, he doubt that even he could deal with highly trained officers just as easily.

"Raison avant la violence," he muttered to himself before taking a walk.

Napoleon will walk around the casino, searching for a surveillance room or at the very least indication of its location. He will continue to listen in with the dolls in hopes of picking up valuable information that could aid them in bypassing security and accessing the vault.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2018, 01:53:16 am

((I second Ike's notion. I have mostly been only reading the relevant-to-our-party's information so as not to spoil myself on other stuff. Where are we  :D?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 06, 2018, 02:38:53 am

Campaign status:
Party 1: Alan - after fusing himself with the Flow of water and abandoning his physical form, Alan spent time exploring his new perspective and conversing remotely with various party members before encountering a curious individual in a dreamscape. Said individual mentioned they were in need of asdistance and Alan offered to provide it, to the individual's suprise and joy. As Alan allowed her to modify him to fit her needs, he gained a clearer perspective of what was going on, but only truly understanding it once it was complete.
Alan is now a magical spidergirl bonded with the rogue bond-former we were tasked to kill. He is currently attempting to help her feel better by blasting her with a giant milkshake beam in the face. He will fire as Paris runs the next turn.

Party 2: Ike went on a desert adventure to a criminal hideout / gambling den in search for the whereabouts of Alan and to attempt to revive him, acompanied by Zechariah. Upon finding the individual Alan was adventuring with when he turned himself into water magic Ike obtained an update as to what had happened to him, however the pair were spotted by soverinty soldiers and had to make an escape after arranging to recover Alan's eyeballs in exchange for a potent magical dirty bomb. However shortly after the exchange was made,  when Alan transformed into a spidergirl, Alan's eyes unleashed a large pulse of chaos magic that killed the majority of those traveling in the group, leaving behind Ike, Zech, and the bearer of the dirty bomb. The dirty bomb bearer took his leave to bring the bomb to his boss, and Ike and Zech are now returning to the camp empty-handed.

Party 3: Theri and River took a group of recruits out scouting and found an ambush being laid in the road ahead composed of monsterbirds and siege weapons. They sent away the recruits and called for backup, which came in the form of Nik and a group of soldiers led by a water mage. They formed a battleplan, assaulted the ambush positions, starring a Ysar'd crossbow bolt of lesser warcrime, and routed the ambushers. They are also returning to camp.

Party 4: Irine. Remained at the camp and spent time trying to get to know people, as well as investigating the pulses of dark magic going through the fire leylines each evening. She discovered they were weaking magic in the area and that she could counteract the effect if she was proactive about it, so she chose to do so. Naturally, the night she chose to start was also when the assault was amped up, possibly in response to her investigations, possibly by alan's transformation, or maybe even both. She managed to beat it back anyway, but she is still cleaning up the aftereffects of the assault and trying to understand why tonight was different.

The camp has made no progress towards moving towards our objective in some time.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 06, 2018, 04:33:13 am

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Nikolai, heavy artillery

Simply let them go.

You show mercy and/or decide that dealing with them would be a net loss anyway.

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

"Good work comrades! Things didn't start as planned but we stood fast and followed the plan with grit and determination, and now the road is clear, for us and for anyone who travels after us. We did a good deed, and we have a lightning cannon to show for it!"
Say a short thing. Attempting to both improve morale and emphasize the importance of discipline.

The men cheer for you but their celebration is not as vibrant as you would expect. Some are still shaken, crying or looking around with disbelief, some are jittery, still scanning the skies, expecting an attack. Others are rushing to do their best to help the wounded. You guess this is how normal people are supposed to react. They're not professional soldiers, they've never seen combat, they hadn't even trained for combat until they met your group. This is the first time they had an actually hard battle, a battle with casualties, where people they know are standing next to them one moment and are turned to lifeless things the next.

You on the other hand have faced combat against opponents you couldn't hope to beat alone, you've felt the fear of death many times, hell you've died a couple of times. Seeing you remain calm and determined and putting their actions into perspective seems to have helped restore some of their morale.

You're certain a good drink and the sharing of stories back at the camp will be of great help. The other recruits are bound to treat them as heroes.

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Offer Theri a tsar health potion to share among the wounded. Might as well use magic to stretch these potions as far as they will go.

You make the healing potion larger. That seems to have the sideffect of making it slower to act and slightly more painful. But it should help conserve supplies.

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Make sure the prisoners are tied up and guarded, especially the mage. Make sure they aren't hiding anything up their sleeves.

You make sure there are archers ready to shoot the mage and Swordsmen ready to stab him. River is also watching him intently, so you can probably also count on his help.

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Depending on how heavy that cannon is, either have a team of recruits transport it or guard it until wagons get here.

It will take some time but a group of troops can carefully lower the cannon to the road with the right supplies. Let's say you do that.

Makes you wonder how they got it up the hill in the first place. Maybe they can break it down and reassemble it?

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Is there enough wreckage from either of the destroyed cannons for me to use my repairing power on? If so, have those recovered too.

The one Theri destroyed has had its rear portion molten and bent outwards from the explosion. You could try Tsar-repairing it, it might work. But it will still lack a power source, you'd probably need either an Air Power Stone or an area with strong Air Magic Flow to get it to fire, unless your Tsaring changes it somehow.

The one that got hit by the Chaos Bolt, well... Nobody got close enough for a thorough investigation but you can guess that it will probably not be in a good shape, if it's there at all. Once the effect faded it was clear that the entire area got... rearranged, somehow. The terrain there is of completely different shape and composition than the surrounding area, full of tall colorful spires and apparently bottomless pits. Some of the rocks are floating, still crackling with residual Chaos energy. Nobody volunteers to approach for a closer look.

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Have some receuits gather up all the fallen and confiscated weapons. Are there any of those paralysis grenades left?

You find one on a corpse of a crow-man but most of the others appear to have been used or destroyed in the battle. There grenade is similar in construction to your bolts, an alchemical substance contained in a fragile container. However instead of merely releasing the contained substance on impact, they have an Air enchantment that makes them explode, spraying their contents over a wide area.

You gather some clubs and swords but none of them are anything exceptional. The mage's sword and those of his mercenary bodyguards look well made but that's about it.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

It seems odd that Chaos magic corrupted her test. Where did it come from after all? Fire, dark, maybe light or water, all those were within the realm of reasonable possibility, but Chaos? Thats an outlier. Also, I know what the experience of the attack was like for me, but my experience was probably more... intense... than others. But one thing we CAN determine is if the attack was targeted. We just need to compare the stories of those in the camp, immediate area outside my influence, and farther out scouting.

Being in the camp was quite unpleasant. Even the non-mages felt an oppressive feeling, dizziness, weakness, some of them even reported feeling pain. The ones who were out scouting still reported the oppressive feeling but to a much lesser extent and none of the more extreme effects.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

Are the secondary effects still attempting to recorrupt the area? Or are those also cleared out?

They're still there but they're getting weaker over time. With you countering them they are making no progress.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

For those leaving and re-entering my area of influence how is the experience? Even if being within me isn't affecting people the remmenants of the attack might.

It's not easy to tell where exactly the limit is or what the difference is but on average most say it feels better when they're inside your area of influence.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

Have we gotten any word back from Theri's group?

Sure. Assume things have been resolved. You saw signs of their battle, distant rumbling and flashes of light. They sent a messenger to let you know what happened. Eventually their group rejoined with yours, unless either of you decide otherwise. But I think it's the most logical course of action for them to return, since they have wounded that could be better helped with your group's supplies and experts.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 05, 2018, 01:10:32 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Yay!

... what exactly did I make it back to, though?

((I don't actually read the other people's turns except sometimes Alan's so I legitimately have no idea what's going on more than half the time))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 06, 2018, 01:53:16 am

((I second Ike's notion. I have mostly been only reading the relevant-to-our-party's information so as not to spoil myself on other stuff. Where are we  :D?))

Lenglon's summary was pretty good. Let me steal it and correct some misunderstandings.

Quote

Party 1: Alan - after fusing himself with the Flow of water and abandoning his physical form, Alan spent time exploring his new perspective and conversing remotely with various party members before encountering a curious individual in a dreamscape. Said individual mentioned they were in need of asdistance and Alan offered to provide it, to the individual's suprise and joy. As Alan allowed her to modify him to fit her needs, he gained a clearer perspective of what was going on, but only truly understanding it once it was complete.
Alan is now a magical spidergirl bonded with the rogue bond-former we were tasked to kill. He is currently attempting to help her feel better by blasting her with a giant milkshake beam in the face. He will fire as Paris runs the next turn.

No comments here.

Quote

Party 2: Ike went on a desert adventure to a criminal hideout / gambling den in search for the whereabouts of Alan and to attempt to revive him, acompanied by Zechariah. Upon finding the individual Alan was adventuring with when he turned himself into water magic Ike obtained an update as to what had happened to him, however the pair were spotted by soverinty soldiers and had to make an escape after arranging to recover Alan's eyeballs in exchange for a potent magical dirty bomb. However shortly after the exchange was made,  when Alan transformed into a spidergirl, Alan's eyes unleashed a large pulse of chaos magic that killed the majority of those traveling in the group, leaving behind Ike, Zech, and the bearer of the dirty bomb. The dirty bomb bearer took his leave to bring the bomb to his boss, and Ike and Zech are now returning to the camp empty-handed.

Actually, thanks to Ike's perception and quick reflexes, the only one that was destroyed was one of the criminals that accompanied them. And they're not empty handed, they still have Alan's Eyes and a theory about how Alan could be revived. Although he did lose his Chaos Sword in the explosion.

Quote

Party 3: Theri and River took a group of recruits out scouting and found an ambush being laid in the road ahead composed of monsterbirds and siege weapons. They sent away the recruits and called for backup, which came in the form of Nik and a group of soldiers led by a water mage. They formed a battleplan, assaulted the ambush positions, starring a Ysar'd crossbow bolt of lesser warcrime, and routed the ambushers. They are also returning to camp.

The group managed to capture an enemy Air mage, 2 Sovereignty mercenaries and a Lightning Cannon with a good amount of ammo left.

Quote

Party 4: Irine. Remained at the camp and spent time trying to get to know people, as well as investigating the pulses of dark magic going through the fire leylines each evening. She discovered they were weaking magic in the area and that she could counteract the effect if she was proactive about it, so she chose to do so. Naturally, the night she chose to start was also when the assault was amped up, possibly in response to her investigations, possibly by alan's transformation, or maybe even both. She managed to beat it back anyway, but she is still cleaning up the aftereffects of the assault and trying to understand why tonight was different.

The camp has made no progress towards moving towards our objective in some time.

You're actually nearly on the other side of the Hills of Midnight, I'll update the map when I get home. And unless something extraordinary happens you can do long term actions.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 06, 2018, 11:31:37 am

((Thanks, you two, that really does help a lot!))

Campaign, Ike!

Right! Report all that I've seen (and found!) to Irine and take a quick inventory of what all we've got that'd be useful in resurrecting Alan sometime soon.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on March 07, 2018, 03:19:56 am

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Nikolai, heavy artillery

Simply let them go.

-into Theri's choice? :P

---

On the prisoners: Don't let them go yet; treat them well, we need information. We're not part of this war though.

Theri: Goes to heal off the everyone, and helps alongside getting information from the prisoners. BUT priority goes to the people; console them with words, direct those in shock, focus on healing magic.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

Have we gotten any word back from Theri's group?

"A fine day we're having, Irine," Theri said as she walked up to her good friend. "No losses on my part, and I do hope the same here."

((What's the status on this campaign in relation to this war again? I forgot and/or lost where the posts are, sorry! :-[ :-\))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 07, 2018, 01:38:28 pm

((@Tiruin: That wasn't about letting your prisoners go. That was about letting these people run away.))

Quote

As the fog clears you notice 4 beastmen making a run for it. They probably realized they have no chance of winning and are running away. You could try to do something about them or simply let them go.

---

"You did good Lune. Really saved us when the trigger was stuck. I was right to take you as my squire. Low lets go drink!"
Drink with the recruits. Toast to the ones who died. No tsar booze this time though, don't want everyone too hungover. Make sure Lune's help during the fight is known.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 07, 2018, 02:41:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 07, 2018, 03:19:56 am

"A fine day we're having, Irine," Theri said as she walked up to her good friend. "No losses on my part, and I do hope the same here."

<So far, so good. But we've definitively been noticed. The camp was targeted by a long-range magical attack while you were scouting, and Ike just got back, but on his way back something cause a Chaos-explosion in the middle of his group. Toss in the ambush you dealt with, and there's no way we aren't being delibrately targeted.>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 07, 2018, 04:00:58 pm

((My apologies for nigh-constantly delaying the rest of you as you attempt to deal with my shenanigans by the way - it's difficult to predict what's going to happen as a result of my actions when I totally ignore the consequences of everything I do. I don't mean to derail things all the time.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 07, 2018, 04:09:55 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2018, 04:00:58 pm

((My apologies for nigh-constantly delaying the rest of you as you attempt to deal with my shenanigans by the way - it's difficult to predict what's going to happen as a result of my actions when I totally ignore the consequences of everything I do. I don't mean to derail things all the time.))

((Dont apologize for choosing to stay in character.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on March 08, 2018, 06:30:02 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 07, 2018, 04:09:55 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on March 07, 2018, 04:00:58 pm

((My apologies for nigh-constantly delaying the rest of you as you attempt to deal with my shenanigans by the way - it's difficult to predict what's going to happen as a result of my actions when I totally ignore the consequences of everything I do. I don't mean to derail things all the time.))

((Dont apologize for choosing to stay in character.))

((You're delaying us? :P))

Quote from: NAV on March 07, 2018, 01:38:28 pm

((@Tiruin: That wasn't about letting your prisoners go. That was about letting these people run away.))

Quote

As the fog clears you notice 4 beastmen making a run for it. They probably realized they have no chance of winning and are running away. You could try to do something about them or simply let them go.

((Thanks buddy c: Also I'll be PMing you the RTD Library bit within the next 2 weeks. A good friend talked to me about it and helped me with my anxiety regarding doing anything about it. Sorry for the delays!

Now all I need to know is "What are these tsar- things?"))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 07, 2018, 02:41:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 07, 2018, 03:19:56 am

"A fine day we're having, Irine," Theri said as she walked up to her good friend. "No losses on my part, and I do hope the same here."

<So far, so good. But we've definitively been noticed. The camp was targeted by a long-range magical attack while you were scouting, and Ike just got back, but on his way back something cause a Chaos-explosion in the middle of his group. Toss in the ambush you dealt with, and there's no way we aren't being delibrately targeted.>

"I remember talking and meeting people along the road with San, Irine, and they talked about a war and something. Wind potions and otherwise, I recall. The fatigue got to me and I forgot all the details though. But doesn't this mean we're being targeted because they think we're some faction against them?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 08, 2018, 12:23:45 pm

((Tsaring stuff is Nik's special ability. he makes targeted objects bigger, heavier, thicker, stronger, etc. the results are themed around a common perception of cold-war-era Russian construction.))

---

<Well, we never really had a choice in the matter. All we've done has been self-defense, yet still, we have fought, and killed, opposing them. So it doesn't really matter if we set out to oppose them or not, we're going to be treated as though we had. So at this point, they aren't exactly wrong anymore.>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 08, 2018, 04:15:25 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 06, 2018, 12:06:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 04, 2018, 02:18:00 pm

It's a bit hard to concentrate with all this excitement. You try to summon your dolls for a long while but only a lifeless piece of cloth appears. ((Seriously, Random.org doesn't want you to summon this doll. I rolled multiple times and the results were [2], [2], [2], [3].))

Jack eventually gets tired of waiting and just heads towards the bar. Some time after he leaves, you finally manage to summon a single doll. You try to modify it to make it transparent, which works perfectly. Hm. Now that Jack is gone your ability is starting to cooperate again. You keep working and manage to summon 3 more transparent dolls. You walk around while inspecting the area, leaving a doll wherever looks important. (You'd make them walk there but with their tiny legs it would take forever to get them anywhere.)

The southern booths don't look that important. There's some lockboxes for keeping valuables, but that's pretty much it. The receptionist booth has a lot of clothes and also some handguns, all secured in behind locked containers. The restaurants are linked to a common service area with fridges and other storage areas. There's a service door and a garage door there, probably used to dispose trash and receive goods. The northern booths are connected to a much larger service area. There are lockers, a garage door, a small cafeteria and... that's as far as your dolls can go on foot. The rest of the northern section is behind a security door with no gap for the dolls to fit under. There's a man sitting on a desk besides the door, distracting himself with his cell phone. He's got a gun and a radio and wearing a bulletproof vest with the words "Bishop Security" on it.

♚The Doll Prince: Going Diagonally With The Bishop♚

((The audacity of the Random Number God to deny the Doll Prince his successes! He will acquiesce to the demands of his better or suffer the consequences!))

Peering at the security door, Napoleon surmised that the vault could be some way behind it. However, he knew too little of the section's layout, nevermind who else could be waiting on the other side. Having cameras on the other end can be useful but if something goes wrong the two of them may need to get out of here in a hurry. Of course he could simply summon a large group of dolls and swarm the security guard with them. However, though he is capable of taking down armed muggers in a similar fashion, he doubt that even he could deal with highly trained officers just as easily.

"Raison avant la violence," he muttered to himself before taking a walk.

Napoleon will walk around the casino, searching for a surveillance room or at the very least indication of its location. He will continue to listen in with the dolls in hopes of picking up valuable information that could aid them in bypassing security and accessing the vault.

Well, the most reasonable location for a security room would be in a secure area... like behind a locked security door that has a guard stationed nearby.
Also, you want to go outside? What exit will you take? The same one you used to come in?

As for useful information, let's see...
Many people are idly wasting their time on slot machines. One of them is cursing his machine quite harshly, accusing it of cheating but continues playing on it nevertheless.
Someone is trying to cash in an enormous amount of chips. The girl in the booth is apologizing, saying that they don't have that much cash in the booth but the man insists that he be paid in cash instead of a cheque. You'd guess money laundering.
Many people are congregating around the bar. They seem excited for tonight's big event, which should be starting pretty soon. From what you gather there's going to be a boxing match that's expected to be quite the show. Some are bragging about their exorbitant bets, others are merely looking forward to it.
Someone in a tacky leather jacket and cowboy hat is bragging about his new enormous hunting revolver, custom made to look just like the one he had in his last movie. He sounds so excited about it you'd think he'd marry it.
A posh old woman is asking her assistant for her eye drops but she says she left them on her coat which is with the receptionist. The old woman is berating her quite severely.

---

Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 05, 2018, 12:01:23 am

"INCOMING FIRE!"

Jump back behind this wreckage piece as cover.  See if I can upscale this cutting laser into something weapons grade?  Or can the power source be used on my rifle?

The chemical mix in the welder is nowhere near capable of supplying the power necessary to run your rifle.
Right now the welder is mostly generating unfocused light, which requires it to be placed quite close to whatever it needs to cut or weld. By focusing the beam you could turn it into a decent weapon. Unfortunately you're too busy dodging to manage to summon anything.

Quote from: Zormod on March 05, 2018, 03:39:35 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Keep my eyes on the exoseleton's gun, and keep my body away from wherever it's pointing.

It's a bit too far away at the moment, so you just put your eyes between you and it and get to cover.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 05, 2018, 09:52:59 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Gah!"

Kosak hunkers down behind some wreckage. After the shot, if he can see the enemy, he grabs a small chunk of wreckage and throws it at the enemy.

You double your cover bonus and gain immunity to critical hits, but reduce sight radius.

The beam hits close to where John was a few seconds ago. You can't see the beam hit but you can hear it clap like thunder and you can see its effects. Pieces of metal glitter for a moment and then explode into smoke. Larger, more resilient pieces of debris sag as holes are drilled into them, the force of the ablating metal sending them spiraling out of the way. The beam lasts for about a second but you're certain that if something fleshy got in its way it wouldn't last a tenth of that time.

Kosak retaliates, throwing a large-ish piece of debris at the approaching exoskeleton. It's gotten closer now but it's still some distance away. Still, with the speed it's going it will be hard for it to dodge. The exoskeleton responds by flipping around to take cover behind the container it's carrying, leaving only its legs dangling underneath it. It charges another shot, this time aimed at Kosak.

---

Campaign: On Road

---

See Tiruin's part for a map.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 06, 2018, 11:31:37 am

((Thanks, you two, that really does help a lot!))

Campaign, Ike!

Right! Report all that I've seen (and found!) to Irine and take a quick inventory of what all we've got that'd be useful in resurrecting Alan sometime soon.

Well, let's take it one by one:

Quote

First of all you would need an object to act as a focus for his soul. The eyes will do nicely but any other objects or people related to him would certainly help.

All of your group participating would probably fulfill that criteria, since you're the ones that know Alan best on this planet. You could also throw his plant in there for good measure, that might have a connection with him.

Quote

He says that in order to gather his dissolved essence you would need a powerful Dark mage. Grim says he's never attempted such a Dark spell before, but he'd be willing to try. A sacrifice would certainly help add to the spell's dark power.

River is supposed to be able to use some Dark magic, but you wouldn't call him a powerful mage. He's more of the physically powerful variety. As for sacrifices... Well, you did just capture some POWs...

Quote

You'd also need a powerful Order mage to help rearrange his flows and help put him back together correctly.

Irine's Sword is supposed to be powerful in Order magic and it obeys her commands so that's probably a good fit.

Quote

It would be best for the revival to be performed close to a Nexus of Water magic flows or at least close to a powerful Water focusing Crystal or other Artifact.

One of the water mages has a Water Crystal but it's not very powerful. You'd be better off gathering all the water mages around some sort of water magic source. The wells of towns are usually somewhat strong in Water magic.

Quote

A ritual similar to the one that caused the dissolution would also help.

You're not sure where you could find a syringe, some kool aid and a magical bowl and water. You guess the water mages could provide some of their meditation aids. Then again, maybe it would be best to not copy the ritual exactly. You'd need something that promotes stability, something similar but also somehow inverse. You're not really sure how to achieve that, Alan set the bar for that pretty high.

Quote

Even with all that he's not certain if this could work. Something like this has never been attempted before as far as he knows. In the end it might come down to luck.

With Alan involved you got the luck aspect covered as well. It will either be a great success or a spectacular failure.

Quote from: Tiruin on March 07, 2018, 03:19:56 am

Quote from: NAV on March 05, 2018, 02:48:34 pm

Nikolai, heavy artillery

Simply let them go.

-into Theri's choice? :P

---

On the prisoners: Don't let them go yet; treat them well, we need information. We're not part of this war though.

Theri: Goes to heal off the everyone, and helps alongside getting information from the prisoners. BUT priority goes to the people; console them with words, direct those in shock, focus on healing magic.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 05, 2018, 12:15:59 pm

Have we gotten any word back from Theri's group?

"A fine day we're having, Irine," Theri said as she walked up to her good friend. "No losses on my part, and I do hope the same here."

((What's the status on this campaign in relation to this war again? I forgot and/or lost where the posts are, sorry! :-[ :-\))

The POWs aren't keen on speaking. One of the mercenaries is so brazen as to insult you, despite being at you mercy. River growls angrily at him. You'd probably need to put in some time and/or effort to get them to talk.

It is startling how much danger and loss transforms people. And how much a kind word or deed means to them when they're in such darkness. Those that have been hurt the worst (either physically or psychologically) find it difficult to speak but you can still see their gratitude in how they look into your eyes or how they grasp your hand.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/lRcC6lD.gif)

Most of the area east of The Hills of Midnight is under Sovereignty occupation. You don't know their exact locations but they are bound to be occupying most major settlement and patrolling the roads. Many of the people living there have fled to escape the turmoil and the constant harrasment by Sovereignty soldiers. There's supposed to be a number of resistance fighters opposing the Sovereignty, however you don't know where they are beyond some rumors that they're hiding somewhere in the north.

Quote from: NAV on March 07, 2018, 01:38:28 pm

((@Tiruin: That wasn't about letting your prisoners go. That was about letting these people run away.))

Quote

As the fog clears you notice 4 beastmen making a run for it. They probably realized they have no chance of winning and are running away. You could try to do something about them or simply let them go.

---

"You did good Lune. Really saved us when the trigger was stuck. I was right to take you as my squire. Low lets go drink!"
Drink with the recruits. Toast to the ones who died. No tsar booze this time though, don't want everyone too hungover. Make sure Lune's help during the fight is known.

Lune looks really proud in response to your praise but tries to downplay his part.
"It was nothing really. I just helped you push and..."
His hand reflexively moves to cover his chest, the wounds still visible underneath his damaged armour.
"Distracted those monsters. Anyone could had done that."

With no catacombs to provide a proper burial, the dead are carried back to camp where those that knew them say their last goodbyes. Their corpses are ceremoniously burned after getting covered with some sort of oil derived from a flower. Their remains are placed in a small mound and with a group effort the recruits place several large stones upon it to prevent the animals and the elements from unearthing them. Upon the largest stone are etched a few simple words to remind those passing through here of those that fell in defense of their land. In contrast, the enemy soldiers are left to rot and be feasted upon by the Blood Vultures, the beastmen and monsters not warranting the same attention as their fellow humans. Except for the alchemist, she appears quite interested in them, gathering bones and internal organs with a giant saw.

In sombre mood a good part of the camp gathers around, cup in hand to toast to the dead, for sacrificing themselves for those still alive. And then toast and cheer the heroes of the battle, to Nikolai, Ahos and Theri- and Lune, Nikolai reminds them. And then toast to all those that fought bravely. And then toast to victory and vengeance. And then to the gods. And then to glory and riches. And then to good meal and even better drink. And then to pretty girls waiting for them back home. And then... who cares? By that point everyone is having fun and/or too drunk to give a damn. At least you can be certain that no animals will dare approach the camp tonight with all the noise they're making, singing and shouting and dancing and banging their cups. Guess you were right. All they needed was to get back on camp and be with others. At least for now.

It's good to see Lune has benefited greatly from today's events. You know he was having trouble with some of the other recruits but now there are many talking to him, asking him to tell the story of the battle from his perspective, looking amazed as they hear about your and Lune's actions. While he starts timidly, by the end he is so intoxicated by the alcohol and the praise that he is shouting as he acts out the details of the battle, proudly displaying his scratched shield and bloody spear. Displaying things certainly seems to be the theme of tonight. With potions resulting in near-instant healing for minor wounds, many have taken to displaying their injuries like medals, bragging about their deeds. This has certainly made the rest of the recruits eager to prove themselves.

---

Campaign: Nether Pass

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 04, 2018, 04:07:06 pm

Alan, Ultimate Milkshake Delivery Guy

”Open wide ma, I got that order you wanted!”

Unleash the milkshake! Aim it towards Ammie’s face so she can just open wide and gobble it down.

She opens wide. Really wide. Its largest mouth splits in half, displaying rows upon rows of wiggling teeth-limbs. You raise your arm. Arcane symbols burst from it, forming fractal sigils that burn themselves into the air. There is a flash of light and the next moment there is a milkshake slightly smaller than you flying towards her wide open mouth. She catches it and crushes it, goo escaping and dripping down her body, the little teeth and limbs picking up and guiding the pieces around. Not one of your best works. You're certain you could had made it much larger, but those teeth kinda distracted you.

Some time later, some of her servants descend from above, bringing in new friends. The most promising ones, the ones reserved for her. They scream and try to escape, shouting something about monsters or their family or something. What monsters? You don't see any monsters around here.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 08, 2018, 05:35:32 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

Let's do what we need to weaponize this.  Don't have time to dilly around.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 08, 2018, 06:01:05 pm

Alan, Friendmaker

"Oh hey, new friends! This place is the best."

Go introduce myself in Alan fashion to the new friends. Learn their names and all that, introduce them to myself, be amusing. What's Ammie planning to do with them? I'm sure I can help make it fun for everyone.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 08, 2018, 09:31:55 pm

I decline any offered alcohol, but do attend the festivities, though only participating in a limited fashion. I'm still cleaning up after the attack earlier and need to stay on top of that.

---

<Hey, Triplesword? Could you help me re-analyze an old memory?>

Spoiler: large quote (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 12:32:24 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 07:20:15 pm

((no longer pfp))
Irine, Campaign

---

<ohoh? okaaaaaayyyyyyy.>
CHASE HIM! If I catch up to him, mouth his leg or side or whatever without biting down, then hop away from him and start running in the general direction of the volcano. When he gets close to me in pursuit, I start dashing sideways and changing direction a lot, making myself a tough target. If I get a really large lead, then spin around to face River and lean forward, my forepaws spread wide while I pant and catch my breath. If he catches me, then it's back to me chasing him again.

each time that I catch him: <TAG!>

If I get tired or am having too much trouble catching him: I ask River what element someone is, starting with the people that our dead players are asking about in OOC chat. then use the time while he's distracted to rest / catch up. but I do not actually tag him while he's talking, waiting until he's done before resuming the game. the last person I'll ask about is myself: <annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>

when I get completely tired out, and really really need to rest, then I flop down and roll over on to my back. <I give up! you win!>

---

later, after the game is over, I'lll mention:
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>

Also, when we get near some glowballs, I'll try to see if they're firey enough for me to tug on them, and to see what they do when I mess with them a lil bit. No real harm intended towards them, mostly curiosity. I wana poke it. not touching them physically though.

You run at full speed after River, trying to catch up to him. He stops to smell something in his way, giving you time to catch up. He hears you coming a few moments before you reach him, but he is not quick enough to do anything more than look at you in surprise as you mouth his hind leg jump, exclaim <TAG!> and run away.
<Tag?>
He watches you run away, turn around and look at him expectantly, leaning forward. His ears perk up and he starts wagging his tail as he witnesses your play bow.
<Tag!> he exclaims as he runs after you, accompanying his words with an excited bark.

...

The game goes on for some time. He's a lot larger than you and from the way he half-runs half-leaps you'd guess he is also much stronger, so he can easily catch up to you. Yet he seems to be having trouble with following your changes in direction, which gives you a small advantage when you are being chased. Despite that, he is able to catch you a couple of times, giving you a playful bite before running away. On the other hand his speed means you have to struggle to catch up to him, but he seems willing to move slower or outright wait for you whenever he gets carried away and runs too quickly, so that you have a chance to catch up.

During that time spent waiting for you, he finds the opportunity to answer some of your questions.
<What element is Alan?>
<Oh, Alan is mostly of an element that I can see everywhere in this place. The cracks in the stone and the tumbling of rocks and the movement of the air above fire. The ground itself is full of threads of it, the stones here imbued with its tint. The portal used much of that element.>
He moves his head around a bit as he says so, like he can actually see the things he is describing. Combined with the fact that he is panting and swishing his tail, it makes him look a bit funny.
<It is fitting of Alan. It feeds on change, on creation and destruction. Even the way it looks and moves, it is as if without something to help keep it the same, it sets rules only to later break them. Alan also has a very small part of an element I have not seen anywhere else. Not in a great amount. I have seen glimpses of it, most of them flowing from those mountains in the east, but not enough to know what it is. I think it helps give some structure to the energy within him.>

...

<And Nikolai?>
<Nikolai is interesting. He is mostly of the same element as Alan, but much more... balanced. He has another element in great amount that helps with that. It is very rare though. I have not seen it anywhere else. I think I caught glimpses of it once, but no more than that.>
He suddenly stops moving his tail and looks around, as if he is expecting something to appear, but nothing happens. He continues normally a second later.
<It looks... abstract. It has a general arrangement, but it also feels free to move and change, even though it does so very slowly. It changes like the branches of a tree moving under a light but constant wind. Perhaps if I see him use his abilities I will be able to understand it better.>

...

<What about Zechariah?>
<His is a also interesting. I have seen it in some living things, few not living things, even in the volcano. But never in great amount. It seems capable of change but in a controlled, balanced manner. It takes aspects of other elements. Most of the ones I've  seen take the aspect of the elements closer to it, the one it forms the most connections to. I think that is why the orbs look like they are made of fire.>

...

<Annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>
<Yes, fire!>
He starts walking towards you.
<Bright, wavy fire moving around, full of heat and light and power. Fire flows through everything here. The air, the ground, the tunnels below. It tints the stones and the wood and the people. And all the connections lead to the volcano. It is so bright and always pulsing, as if it is alive. Threads lead away from it towards everywhere, every direction of the horizon, with the biggest one following the river of lava. Now that the threads are mostly free from the Resonance, I believe...>
His eyes turn black. You feel uneasy, like someone is about to poke you with a needle. There's a buzzing in your ears. You try to ignore it, to not resist. It passes a moment later as his eyes return to normal.
<Yes, I can see many threads have connected with you. They flow through you. They make you burn even brighter. It must be a good feeling.>
<I can also see another element. Much less than fire. One that is grey, full of right angles and patterns and symmetry. I can tell that it must have been here once. A very powerful thread. But no more. Old things are tinted by it, the ground is tinted by it, but new things are not. The tint has started to fade, being replaced. The flow must have stopped a long time ago.>
He stops walking once you're close to each other and lowers his head and ears a bit, although he is still wagging his tail a bit.
<I also saw something... unexpected in you. The first time I looked at you, in the Relay World. I thought she would have healed that by now. Replaced it. You have a piece of darkness in you. A piece of me.>
He keeps hhis head low but he raises his eyes to look into yours. Then he jumps.
<Which makes me wonder how you can be so slow!> he says playfully as he quickly pushes you with his front legs, turns around and starts running in the opposite direction.

...

Eventually you start getting really tired. You lie down on your back and declare <I give up! You win!>
River shows no signs of slowing down. He too has started to look a bit more tired, although his enthusiasm doesn't diminish one bit. He quickly walks towards you. He stands over you and mouths you on the neck and snout.
<Of course I win!> he exclaims playfully as he does so. <I am best hunter!> he adds with something between a bark and a howl.
He continues standing over you, looking you in the eyes. He looks a bit calmer now. His tail is moving less quickly and his ears aren't completely perked up, although he is still panting.
<We had fun. We both win.> he says with a little less excitement. He gives your snout a couple of licks and then starts briskly walking away.

...

River spends some time to quickly walk in a wide circle around your home, looking around and occasionally sniffing the ground. From what you can smell there's nothing interesting around, just an unfamiliar human scent that smells a couple of days old. He seems to concur, for after the circle is complete he takes off again, walking in the direction of the volcano. He moves quickly, but he makes sure to stays close. He looks back from time to time, slowing down or waiting for you to catch up when necessary.
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>
<I- I am happy you do. It is these places I like to go. I can not wait to wake the others to show them! And there is so much more to explore. Maybe we can stay some time after we finish, like I wanted!>
<I hope they like it too. Zechariah is so easily upset. I think it is because he is missing his bond-mate. I would understand that. I should have someone good with talking like Ike talk to him first.>
<And Theri...>
He looks down and starts walking forward more quickly.

...

After some walking, you come across one of those small glowballs. River stops and watches it.
You attempt to tug on it. For a moment it seems to work. It starts emitting a sound similar to high pitched notes coming out of a church organ. Even though it resists your efforts, it starts moving in your direction, not strong enough to escape. But then its glow changes. It becomes cyan for a second before it goes silent, becoming brown and dropping to the ground, bouncing like a rock, now glowing significantly less, so much so that you could confuse it for a rock.
River approaches it cautiously, sniffs it and then raises his paw to try and touch it. The moment he touches it the rock distorts and the sound returns. River quickly pulls his paw back, as if burnt. The ball turns cyan for a moment and then back to red, quickly floating away, as if it is being carried away by a strong wind.
He barks excitedly and starts running after it.
<Catch it! Try that again Irine! I think I know what to do!>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:55:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thunder! And mushrooms! Yeah! That arbitrarily makes me feel good!"

"Side note - will need a debriefing on all this shit when I get back to Staging Area," Ike adds as an aside.

Follow River and mentally sing a hunting song of some sort to him. If I can't think of any hunting songs, amuse him with dirty limericks.

You follow the two around, trying your best to be (http://youtu.be/3yM3XJZDV0Y) entertaining (http://www.reddit.com/r/jokes/comments/2kq9ij/) while ignoring the constant clicking of claws against stone. You don't think they appreciate your artistic assistance very much. Philistines.

You notice there has been some movement in the refugee camp furthest away from the city, it looks slightly different. You think you saw something moving there but it might have been the wind.

You also think you see a small group of people very far away, in the road leading towards the east, but you aren't sure.

You get the feeling that you're forgetting something.

---

OOC
Have I ever told you that you are great? Well, you are. Everyone in the forums, but the people here especially.

Too tired to write now. I will continue with Survival tomorrow. Just wanted to mention that I decided I'll pay the standard reward to people in Survival no matter what happens because of how it turned out (originally it was meant to have a very low base pay with potential for very high payout based on bonus objectives completed) and I'll just give whoever wins a small extra reward. So just enjoy that final fight.

<What are the referenced elements? Especially my secondary element, which I think might be order?. Am I able to perform creation magic as part of my legacy as a creator?>
Question for Triplesword.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 09, 2018, 10:56:24 am

((Isn't Zech a powerful but reluctant dark mage?
Nik can tsar that water crystal to make it more powerful. Or maybe Alan's eyes or Irene's sword. Something tsar can definitely boost the ritual. Especially since tsar's chaos element just like Alan.))

<Ike, Zech, you're back! Find our missing comrade?"

After the celebrations and some napping Nik gets to work with preparations and craftings.
Get that lightning cannon mobile. Give it a makeshift gun carriage, or if that doesn't work just stick it on the front of a wagon. With some recruits to help of course. Maybe include a built in wooden shield to protect the gunners from arrows and shrapnel.

Get my melchior's mystifying mirage and sleeping gas bolts back from Ike.

Take my signallers to Irene and politely ask her to recharge them when she has the time and energy.

Add some padding to the stock of my crossbow. Protect from recoil.

Try to add some small spikes to my armour. Maybe use blood vulture talons, that would be badass. Or just normal carpentry nails.  To provide offense/defense when grappled or swarmed, especially when Tsared.

Find something to wear as a lightweight and breathable cloak. Mainly to hide how many weapons and magical items I have. And to look cool.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 09, 2018, 12:05:31 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 10:56:24 am

<Ike, Zech, you're back! Find our missing comrade?"

<Just his eyeballs, but that's all that's left. Seems like he dissolved into some watery bullshit and now we have to conjure him out of it. I'll catch you up on the exact components we need in a bit.>

Get me a new sword! Also consider where exactly we might be able to find a magical water source that isn't within a town, maybe my encyclopedic knowledge will flare up in response.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 09, 2018, 02:52:46 pm

((I can't seem to find the PM where I sent in my Dur-Jitsu choices for this mission. Oops.))

Kosak Durar:

"Ay, leader. You want this guy intact?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 09, 2018, 03:00:52 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Wait until the thing fires again and then shoot it in the place it's firing from.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 09, 2018, 03:25:46 pm

I have no problem with recharging Nik's signalers on the spot when asked, but I'll warn him to stand clear of them first and ask Triplesword to monitor and guide me while I do it. Hopefully I wont blow them up.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 09, 2018, 03:42:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 08, 2018, 04:15:25 pm

Well, the most reasonable location for a security room would be in a secure area... like behind a locked security door that has a guard stationed nearby.
Also, you want to go outside? What exit will you take? The same one you used to come in?

As for useful information, let's see...
Many people are idly wasting their time on slot machines. One of them is cursing his machine quite harshly, accusing it of cheating but continues playing on it nevertheless.
Someone is trying to cash in an enormous amount of chips. The girl in the booth is apologizing, saying that they don't have that much cash in the booth but the man insists that he be paid in cash instead of a cheque. You'd guess money laundering.
Many people are congregating around the bar. They seem excited for tonight's big event, which should be starting pretty soon. From what you gather there's going to be a boxing match that's expected to be quite the show. Some are bragging about their exorbitant bets, others are merely looking forward to it.
Someone in a tacky leather jacket and cowboy hat is bragging about his new enormous hunting revolver, custom made to look just like the one he had in his last movie. He sounds so excited about it you'd think he'd marry it.
A posh old woman is asking her assistant for her eye drops but she says she left them on her coat which is with the receptionist. The old woman is berating her quite severely.

♚The Doll Prince: A Dollish Frenchman, A Card-Carrying Man, A Particularly Risky Plan♚

"Hmm, so there's a boxing match that's about to happen," Napoleon muttered as he unsummoned his dolls. He then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "During such a supposingly spectacular event, it's extremely likely that a sizable number of guards will be stationed out here to maintain order, meaning that we won't have to deal with that much security inside the secured area."

Glancing around the casino's main floor, Napoleon continued, "If some sort of large scale event like, say a power outage or fire drill, was to occur then those guards will have to evacuate the patrons out of the casino, allowing a pair of messeigneurs to make their move... "

Napoleon begin to lay out a plan which roughly goes like this:

• Wait until the boxing match goes into full swing and enough security guards are on the floor.
• Enter the secured area by having Jack do his 'Ace' ability on the guard posted at the door. If he somehow refuses entry, causing one of the distractions mentioned above, hopefully just the power outage for now, and locate the button while he's distracted.
• Cause the aforementioned distraction if it haven't already been activated.
• Search for the vault and its combination. If possible, search for the armory as well just in case they have to blow the vault with explosives, fight their way out, or most likely both.
• Leave the secured area and either escape through the garage behind the service area or through some sort of exit inside the area itself.

Satisfied with his magnificent plan, at least for now, Napoleon will prepare for it by:

Searching for a power maintenance room. If he manages to locate one, he will slip a doll inside and position it near its main wires. This doll will chew through the wires to cause the power outage when the time comes. Whether he locates the room first or not, Napoleon will also locate the nearest fire alarm and place a doll nearby, just out of sight. Once the preparations are made, Napoleon will regroup with Jack and fill him in on what he scouted out so far and the plan itself. If Jack has no objections to the plan, Napoleon and Co will execute it when the time comes.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 09, 2018, 06:43:45 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 09, 2018, 12:05:31 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 10:56:24 am

<Ike, Zech, you're back! Find our missing comrade?"

<Just his eyeballs, but that's all that's left. Seems like he dissolved into some watery bullshit and now we have to conjure him out of it. I'll catch you up on the exact components we need in a bit.>

<Oh no how did that happen!?>
<We should at least put him somewhere with a good view.>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 09, 2018, 10:21:25 pm

Zechariah, by now, was more than a bit war-weary. It seems that he had, figuratively, jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire up to this point, and the events at hand showed no signs of letting up on the psychological assault. His faint memories of simultaneously fearing and welcoming eternal death were swept away in his mind as his second life was quickly proving to be even more of a hell than his first one. Not only was he weak, frail and unable to properly support his new acquaintances, he was experiencing a sense of loss. His grip on where he stood in this new multiverse was slipping. He wasn't sure how much of his old spirit he had left.

Enough of the unconscious plane, however.

Zechariah, to Nik: <Nikolai! How is the group doing? Did anything happen while we were away?>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2018, 08:02:46 am

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 06:43:45 pm

<Oh no how did that happen!?>
<We should at least put him somewhere with a good view.>

<Well, if you don't mind periodical chaotic discharges of power I can just hand his eyeballs to you. As for what happened, who even knows. Some kinda magic bullshit, so the answer's gonna be gibberish no matter which way you look at it.>

Give Nik the eyeballs if he wants them.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 10, 2018, 01:11:12 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 09, 2018, 10:21:25 pm

Zechariah, to Nik: <Nikolai! How is the group doing? Did anything happen while we were away?>

<We are doing good. Very good! Theri scouted group of sovereign assholes trying to ambush us with cannons so we exploded most of them and captured the rest. Irene did something about purifying the area from dark magic? Don't know much about that, ask her if you're interested.

Other than that, just normal traveling. The recruit training's going good, they're learning fast and gaining morale.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2018, 08:02:46 am

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 06:43:45 pm

<Oh no how did that happen!?>
<We should at least put him somewhere with a good view.>

<Well, if you don't mind periodical chaotic discharges of power I can just hand his eyeballs to you. As for what happened, who even knows. Some kinda magic bullshit, so the answer's gonna be gibberish no matter which way you look at it.>

Give Nik the eyeballs if he wants them.

<I only like periodic discharges of chaotic energy when they're caused by me and aimed at my enemies. No thank you.>

Do not want.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 10, 2018, 03:11:20 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Try to obscure the enemy's sight.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 10, 2018, 04:09:50 pm

Kosak Durar:

"No opinion? Well alright then... let's see what this guy's got!"

Noting John's lack of a response, Kosak Durar shrugs and turns towards the sniper guy, then uses Flying Minecart, aiming for the guy's legs, trying to go underneath the guy's strange weapon.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 11, 2018, 12:29:18 am

((Oops))

"It'd be nice but I'd rather not die!"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 11, 2018, 12:52:14 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 08, 2018, 05:35:32 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

Let's do what we need to weaponize this.  Don't have time to dilly around.

You try to summon the necessary equipment but the lenses you get are cracked and broken. At best they will have much lower power output, worst case scenario they turn this into a laser discoball.

Quote from: Zormod on March 10, 2018, 03:11:20 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Try to obscure the enemy's sight.

You remain hidden and put your eyes between Kosak and the exoskeleton. You don't think they'll be enough to block the shot but they should reduce their accuracy.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 10, 2018, 04:09:50 pm

Kosak Durar:

"No opinion? Well alright then... let's see what this guy's got!"

Kosak Durar shrugs and turns towards the sniper guy, then uses Flying Minecart, aiming for the guy's legs, trying to go underneath the guy's strange weapon.

Kosak disappears, becoming a blur just as the exoskeleton fires. The place he was standing on moments ago glows brightly for a moment and then explodes into smoke, vaporized by the invisible beam of destruction. Those paying attention would have noticed Kosak's blurry form flying below the beam and into one of the exoskeleton's legs. His punch is enough to cause a great dent to the metal. As the exoskeleton's legs fly backwards the thruster on the struck leg fizzles out and deactivates.

The exoskeleton is understandably surprised by this. It overcompensates, digging both of its metal hands into the container to hold on to it, its weapon left dangling from its waist. Due to the strength of the blow and the uneven thrust, the container and exoskeleton have started to spin. Kosak's hands drag against the exoskeleton's damaged leg as he tries to slow himself down. He manages to grab the foot at the last second and is left dangling from it, trying to hold on. All this motion is making him sick.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 09, 2018, 03:00:52 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Wait until the thing fires again and then shoot it in the place it's firing from.

You were getting ready to fire but the thing firing happened almost simultaneously with Kosak punching it. You could try shooting it but you'd risk hitting Kosak. Let's say you used this turn to gain a bonus to shooting, should you decide to go through with it.





Everyone
With the exoskeleton distracted by Kosak and one of its thrusters damaged, it is clear that it won't be able to slow down much more. It and the container it is carrying will plow through the debris field next turn. Assuming it doesn't hit anything too massive it will probably keep going down the tube towards the next Way Station, the Central Aft Way Station.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 11, 2018, 06:00:00 pm

John, inside the Maximus

<<Kosak, I'm coming!>>

Wait for it to get close and try to jump on!  Use my technomancy to lock joints, shut down systems/thrusters, blank faceplates, and generally rend the exoskeleton combat inoperable.  Watch out for its weapon.  Failing the rest of that, disabling it might be wise.

If it's shooting at me, prioritize not getting hit.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 12, 2018, 02:15:31 pm

Kosak Durar:

"RAAAAGH!"

Kosak focuses on solidifying his grip on the leg, and if he manages that, climbs up the leg to the center of the metal man and attempts to disarm it of its strange weapon.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 12, 2018, 05:44:25 pm

Quote

You're not sure where you could find a syringe, some kool aid and a magical bowl and water. You guess the water mages could provide some of their meditation aids. Then again, maybe it would be best to not copy the ritual exactly. You'd need something that promotes stability, something similar but also somehow inverse. You're not really sure how to achieve that, Alan set the bar for that pretty high.

Wouldn't the reverse of that ritual be...sucking the koolaid out of his eyes with a needle, emptying it into a magic bowl, separating the koolaid from the water using chemistry, then banishing the needle and koolaid powder with order magic?

Sounds like something the Alchemist and Irene's sword can help with.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 13, 2018, 02:33:24 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Keep watching its gun.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 14, 2018, 02:13:39 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

((As I understand, Kosak is sorta behind the robot, making it sorta safe to shoot.))

Shoot the bot in the gun.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2018, 03:36:54 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 09, 2018, 03:42:35 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 08, 2018, 04:15:25 pm

Well, the most reasonable location for a security room would be in a secure area... like behind a locked security door that has a guard stationed nearby.
Also, you want to go outside? What exit will you take? The same one you used to come in?

As for useful information, let's see...
Many people are idly wasting their time on slot machines. One of them is cursing his machine quite harshly, accusing it of cheating but continues playing on it nevertheless.
Someone is trying to cash in an enormous amount of chips. The girl in the booth is apologizing, saying that they don't have that much cash in the booth but the man insists that he be paid in cash instead of a cheque. You'd guess money laundering.
Many people are congregating around the bar. They seem excited for tonight's big event, which should be starting pretty soon. From what you gather there's going to be a boxing match that's expected to be quite the show. Some are bragging about their exorbitant bets, others are merely looking forward to it.
Someone in a tacky leather jacket and cowboy hat is bragging about his new enormous hunting revolver, custom made to look just like the one he had in his last movie. He sounds so excited about it you'd think he'd marry it.
A posh old woman is asking her assistant for her eye drops but she says she left them on her coat which is with the receptionist. The old woman is berating her quite severely.

♚The Doll Prince: A Dollish Frenchman, A Card-Carrying Man, A Particularly Risky Plan♚

"Hmm, so there's a boxing match that's about to happen," Napoleon muttered as he unsummoned his dolls. He then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "During such a supposingly spectacular event, it's extremely likely that a sizable number of guards will be stationed out here to maintain order, meaning that we won't have to deal with that much security inside the secured area."

Glancing around the casino's main floor, Napoleon continued, "If some sort of large scale event like, say a power outage or fire drill, was to occur then those guards will have to evacuate the patrons out of the casino, allowing a pair of messeigneurs to make their move... "

Napoleon begin to lay out a plan which roughly goes like this:

• Wait until the boxing match goes into full swing and enough security guards are on the floor.
• Enter the secured area by having Jack do his 'Ace' ability on the guard posted at the door. If he somehow refuses entry, causing one of the distractions mentioned above, hopefully just the power outage for now, and locate the button while he's distracted.
• Cause the aforementioned distraction if it haven't already been activated.
• Search for the vault and its combination. If possible, search for the armory as well just in case they have to blow the vault with explosives, fight their way out, or most likely both.
• Leave the secured area and either escape through the garage behind the service area or through some sort of exit inside the area itself.

Satisfied with his magnificent plan, at least for now, Napoleon will prepare for it by:

Searching for a power maintenance room. If he manages to locate one, he will slip a doll inside and position it near its main wires. This doll will chew through the wires to cause the power outage when the time comes. Whether he locates the room first or not, Napoleon will also locate the nearest fire alarm and place a doll nearby, just out of sight. Once the preparations are made, Napoleon will regroup with Jack and fill him in on what he scouted out so far and the plan itself. If Jack has no objections to the plan, Napoleon and Co will execute it when the time comes.

You don't see any power maintanence room. But you do see power lines. Maybe if you sent a doll to follow them...
You send a doll through a vent to follow the powerlines. As the doll walks forward, you get distracted by someone yelling that the match is about to begin. Next thing you know your doll participates in an impromptu 'Will it blend?' episode by walking on a fan.
You try to send a doll to a nearby fire alarm. It does pretty well and makes it to the fire alarm. Almost. I mean, it would had made it if it had eyes on its back. Then it would had seen the giant foot of that fat lady coming. Next thing you know she's yelling for security to find that filthy rascal leaving dolls all over the place.
You approach the location you last saw Jack in. There's some sort of commotion there. You shove your way through the crowd just in time for you to see a couple of security guards dragging Jack away, towards the staff-only section.
"Look, I'm sure that if you watch the security footage-"
One of the guards elbows Jack to the gut.
"Shut up. We'll settle this outside."
"I said I'll come quietly, no need to get physical on me." Jack says, more annoyed than hurt.

((I've never seen a plan fall apart so quickly before.))

---

Campaign: On Road

---

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 09, 2018, 12:05:31 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 10:56:24 am

<Ike, Zech, you're back! Find our missing comrade?"

<Just his eyeballs, but that's all that's left. Seems like he dissolved into some watery bullshit and now we have to conjure him out of it. I'll catch you up on the exact components we need in a bit.>

Get me a new sword! Also consider where exactly we might be able to find a magical water source that isn't within a town, maybe my encyclopedic knowledge will flare up in response.

Hmm... Most great water sources you can think of are supposed to be South.
You remember there's a great aqueduct bringing water into Kodromota from a small lake a small distance south of Kodromota, on the edge of the Gugol mountain range.
You remember there are several small lakes towards the south and a river to the southeastern corner of the Kingdom that snakes around the south before falling into the Scar.
Neither of those are of great help. You focus, trying to remember any obscure fact you can.
You remember an old story (in fact, it was part of a collection of bar songs) about a hero who fought a great Leviathan (a mythical water monster) in a great cavern. The story says the location that their fight took place in is somewhere to the east, possibly close to where you are, but as with most stories no exact location is given. The stories say this is a wretched cursed place, with no ancient ruins or riches to be gained from going there, so finding that location and verifying the story hasn't been a popular quest for adventurers. Still, if that place really exists, then it would probably be a place of powerful Water magic and maybe even Dark magic. Maybe you could talk to others to try to figure out where exactly it is or maybe you could have the Water mages send a message to ask the Headwater to put his Librarians to research it.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 08, 2018, 09:31:55 pm

I decline any offered alcohol, but do attend the festivities, though only participating in a limited fashion. I'm still cleaning up after the attack earlier and need to stay on top of that.

---

<Hey, Triplesword? Could you help me re-analyze an old memory?>

Spoiler: large quote (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on January 28, 2015, 12:32:24 am

---

Campaign

---

Quote from: Lenglon on January 26, 2015, 07:20:15 pm

((no longer pfp))
Irine, Campaign

---

<ohoh? okaaaaaayyyyyyy.>
CHASE HIM! If I catch up to him, mouth his leg or side or whatever without biting down, then hop away from him and start running in the general direction of the volcano. When he gets close to me in pursuit, I start dashing sideways and changing direction a lot, making myself a tough target. If I get a really large lead, then spin around to face River and lean forward, my forepaws spread wide while I pant and catch my breath. If he catches me, then it's back to me chasing him again.

each time that I catch him: <TAG!>

If I get tired or am having too much trouble catching him: I ask River what element someone is, starting with the people that our dead players are asking about in OOC chat. then use the time while he's distracted to rest / catch up. but I do not actually tag him while he's talking, waiting until he's done before resuming the game. the last person I'll ask about is myself: <annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>

when I get completely tired out, and really really need to rest, then I flop down and roll over on to my back. <I give up! you win!>

---

later, after the game is over, I'lll mention:
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>

Also, when we get near some glowballs, I'll try to see if they're firey enough for me to tug on them, and to see what they do when I mess with them a lil bit. No real harm intended towards them, mostly curiosity. I wana poke it. not touching them physically though.

You run at full speed after River, trying to catch up to him. He stops to smell something in his way, giving you time to catch up. He hears you coming a few moments before you reach him, but he is not quick enough to do anything more than look at you in surprise as you mouth his hind leg jump, exclaim <TAG!> and run away.
<Tag?>
He watches you run away, turn around and look at him expectantly, leaning forward. His ears perk up and he starts wagging his tail as he witnesses your play bow.
<Tag!> he exclaims as he runs after you, accompanying his words with an excited bark.

...

The game goes on for some time. He's a lot larger than you and from the way he half-runs half-leaps you'd guess he is also much stronger, so he can easily catch up to you. Yet he seems to be having trouble with following your changes in direction, which gives you a small advantage when you are being chased. Despite that, he is able to catch you a couple of times, giving you a playful bite before running away. On the other hand his speed means you have to struggle to catch up to him, but he seems willing to move slower or outright wait for you whenever he gets carried away and runs too quickly, so that you have a chance to catch up.

During that time spent waiting for you, he finds the opportunity to answer some of your questions.
<What element is Alan?>
<Oh, Alan is mostly of an element that I can see everywhere in this place. The cracks in the stone and the tumbling of rocks and the movement of the air above fire. The ground itself is full of threads of it, the stones here imbued with its tint. The portal used much of that element.>
He moves his head around a bit as he says so, like he can actually see the things he is describing. Combined with the fact that he is panting and swishing his tail, it makes him look a bit funny.
<It is fitting of Alan. It feeds on change, on creation and destruction. Even the way it looks and moves, it is as if without something to help keep it the same, it sets rules only to later break them. Alan also has a very small part of an element I have not seen anywhere else. Not in a great amount. I have seen glimpses of it, most of them flowing from those mountains in the east, but not enough to know what it is. I think it helps give some structure to the energy within him.>

...

<And Nikolai?>
<Nikolai is interesting. He is mostly of the same element as Alan, but much more... balanced. He has another element in great amount that helps with that. It is very rare though. I have not seen it anywhere else. I think I caught glimpses of it once, but no more than that.>
He suddenly stops moving his tail and looks around, as if he is expecting something to appear, but nothing happens. He continues normally a second later.
<It looks... abstract. It has a general arrangement, but it also feels free to move and change, even though it does so very slowly. It changes like the branches of a tree moving under a light but constant wind. Perhaps if I see him use his abilities I will be able to understand it better.>

...

<What about Zechariah?>
<His is a also interesting. I have seen it in some living things, few not living things, even in the volcano. But never in great amount. It seems capable of change but in a controlled, balanced manner. It takes aspects of other elements. Most of the ones I've  seen take the aspect of the elements closer to it, the one it forms the most connections to. I think that is why the orbs look like they are made of fire.>

...

<Annnnnnd what about me? I'm fire, right?>
<Yes, fire!>
He starts walking towards you.
<Bright, wavy fire moving around, full of heat and light and power. Fire flows through everything here. The air, the ground, the tunnels below. It tints the stones and the wood and the people. And all the connections lead to the volcano. It is so bright and always pulsing, as if it is alive. Threads lead away from it towards everywhere, every direction of the horizon, with the biggest one following the river of lava. Now that the threads are mostly free from the Resonance, I believe...>
His eyes turn black. You feel uneasy, like someone is about to poke you with a needle. There's a buzzing in your ears. You try to ignore it, to not resist. It passes a moment later as his eyes return to normal.
<Yes, I can see many threads have connected with you. They flow through you. They make you burn even brighter. It must be a good feeling.>
<I can also see another element. Much less than fire. One that is grey, full of right angles and patterns and symmetry. I can tell that it must have been here once. A very powerful thread. But no more. Old things are tinted by it, the ground is tinted by it, but new things are not. The tint has started to fade, being replaced. The flow must have stopped a long time ago.>
He stops walking once you're close to each other and lowers his head and ears a bit, although he is still wagging his tail a bit.
<I also saw something... unexpected in you. The first time I looked at you, in the Relay World. I thought she would have healed that by now. Replaced it. You have a piece of darkness in you. A piece of me.>
He keeps hhis head low but he raises his eyes to look into yours. Then he jumps.
<Which makes me wonder how you can be so slow!> he says playfully as he quickly pushes you with his front legs, turns around and starts running in the opposite direction.

...

Eventually you start getting really tired. You lie down on your back and declare <I give up! You win!>
River shows no signs of slowing down. He too has started to look a bit more tired, although his enthusiasm doesn't diminish one bit. He quickly walks towards you. He stands over you and mouths you on the neck and snout.
<Of course I win!> he exclaims playfully as he does so. <I am best hunter!> he adds with something between a bark and a howl.
He continues standing over you, looking you in the eyes. He looks a bit calmer now. His tail is moving less quickly and his ears aren't completely perked up, although he is still panting.
<We had fun. We both win.> he says with a little less excitement. He gives your snout a couple of licks and then starts briskly walking away.

...

River spends some time to quickly walk in a wide circle around your home, looking around and occasionally sniffing the ground. From what you can smell there's nothing interesting around, just an unfamiliar human scent that smells a couple of days old. He seems to concur, for after the circle is complete he takes off again, walking in the direction of the volcano. He moves quickly, but he makes sure to stays close. He looks back from time to time, slowing down or waiting for you to catch up when necessary.
<I really like it here too, you know? lots of variety. It kinda reminds me of home. It's one of those places that could be desolate, but really isn't. I mean, the little floaty glowballs, the scorched buildings, the holes and the lava and lil moles and all kinds of neat things are out here. I like it.>
<I- I am happy you do. It is these places I like to go. I can not wait to wake the others to show them! And there is so much more to explore. Maybe we can stay some time after we finish, like I wanted!>
<I hope they like it too. Zechariah is so easily upset. I think it is because he is missing his bond-mate. I would understand that. I should have someone good with talking like Ike talk to him first.>
<And Theri...>
He looks down and starts walking forward more quickly.

...

After some walking, you come across one of those small glowballs. River stops and watches it.
You attempt to tug on it. For a moment it seems to work. It starts emitting a sound similar to high pitched notes coming out of a church organ. Even though it resists your efforts, it starts moving in your direction, not strong enough to escape. But then its glow changes. It becomes cyan for a second before it goes silent, becoming brown and dropping to the ground, bouncing like a rock, now glowing significantly less, so much so that you could confuse it for a rock.
River approaches it cautiously, sniffs it and then raises his paw to try and touch it. The moment he touches it the rock distorts and the sound returns. River quickly pulls his paw back, as if burnt. The ball turns cyan for a moment and then back to red, quickly floating away, as if it is being carried away by a strong wind.
He barks excitedly and starts running after it.
<Catch it! Try that again Irine! I think I know what to do!>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on January 26, 2015, 05:55:45 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Thunder! And mushrooms! Yeah! That arbitrarily makes me feel good!"

"Side note - will need a debriefing on all this shit when I get back to Staging Area," Ike adds as an aside.

Follow River and mentally sing a hunting song of some sort to him. If I can't think of any hunting songs, amuse him with dirty limericks.

You follow the two around, trying your best to be (http://youtu.be/3yM3XJZDV0Y) entertaining (http://www.reddit.com/r/jokes/comments/2kq9ij/) while ignoring the constant clicking of claws against stone. You don't think they appreciate your artistic assistance very much. Philistines.

You notice there has been some movement in the refugee camp furthest away from the city, it looks slightly different. You think you saw something moving there but it might have been the wind.

You also think you see a small group of people very far away, in the road leading towards the east, but you aren't sure.

You get the feeling that you're forgetting something.

---

OOC
Have I ever told you that you are great? Well, you are. Everyone in the forums, but the people here especially.

Too tired to write now. I will continue with Survival tomorrow. Just wanted to mention that I decided I'll pay the standard reward to people in Survival no matter what happens because of how it turned out (originally it was meant to have a very low base pay with potential for very high payout based on bonus objectives completed) and I'll just give whoever wins a small extra reward. So just enjoy that final fight.

<What are the referenced elements? Especially my secondary element, which I think might be order?. Am I able to perform creation magic as part of my legacy as a creator?>
Question for Triplesword.

Hm. I was certain I had given you this information in the past. Basically it's like this (CAPS are primary)
Irine: FIRE order
Ike: wind life/growth
Alan: CHAOS death/motion
Nikolai: chaos space
Theri: LIGHT
River: DARK void
Zechariah: BALANCE/SOUL

And the elements for good measure:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 12, 2017, 05:59:22 pm

Elements were not exactly what their name implied, Fire was not just Fire but everything related to it, which is why some of them have many names. There are the Primary Material elements (Fire vs Water, Wind vs Earth) that are further divided to Positive (Fire, Wind) and Negative (Water, Earth). Then there are the Secondary Material elements (Life vs Death, also known as Growth vs Motion). There are also the four Primary Conceptual elements (Order vs Chaos, Light vs Dark) that are further divided to Positive (Chaos, Dark) and Negative (Order, Light). The elusive Secondary Conceptual elements (Time and Space) were so rare that few knew about them, as were the two Combined elements. Not quite Material, not quite Conceptual but a mix of the two, volatile and malleable and resistant to change at the same time, there was little known about them except for their ability to be used to emulate other elements. That is how magical beings like Baubles were able to feed on multiple elements and camouflage themselves to fit their surroundings, though few understood how they did that. In fact, there was so little definitively known about the Combined Elements that they went by many names (Mind vs Soul, Potential vs Energy, Balance vs Imbalance, Drive vs Imagination). And finally, there were the two Primordial Elements that again went by many names (Creation vs Destruction, Existence vs Nonexistence, Essence vs Void), those at the center of creation and the ones from which all elements, all creation and destruction sprung from, the most powerful and the most rare. It was unheard of (except perhaps in myths) for someone to have a Primordial Element as their Primary element, that one element that was most prominent in their being, the one that most closely describes them and the one that is easiest for them to understand. Instead, the only manipulation of those energies the mages of the Fire Tower could achieve was through Light and Dark magic, since Light was directly connected with Essence while Dark was directly connected with Void. At least that's what they thought, until examination of the Parasites coming through the Portal revealed that they were actually creatures of Void magic.

(https://i.imgur.com/tTVquC3.png)

The Sword says that it is unsure about whether you could cast Creation magic, since you don't have an obvious affinity for Light or Creation. Then again, your chances are better than most since the mindset required for creation magic is quite alien to most humans.

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 10:56:24 am

((Isn't Zech a powerful but reluctant dark mage?
Nik can tsar that water crystal to make it more powerful. Or maybe Alan's eyes or Irene's sword. Something tsar can definitely boost the ritual. Especially since tsar's chaos element just like Alan.))

<Ike, Zech, you're back! Find our missing comrade?"

After the celebrations and some napping Nik gets to work with preparations and craftings.
Get that lightning cannon mobile. Give it a makeshift gun carriage, or if that doesn't work just stick it on the front of a wagon. With some recruits to help of course. Maybe include a built in wooden shield to protect the gunners from arrows and shrapnel.

Get my melchior's mystifying mirage and sleeping gas bolts back from Ike.

Take my signallers to Irene and politely ask her to recharge them when she has the time and energy.

Add some padding to the stock of my crossbow. Protect from recoil.

Try to add some small spikes to my armour. Maybe use blood vulture talons, that would be badass. Or just normal carpentry nails.  To provide offense/defense when grappled or swarmed, especially when Tsared.

Find something to wear as a lightweight and breathable cloak. Mainly to hide how many weapons and magical items I have. And to look cool.

The cannon already had a gun carriage, the issue was that it was on very rough terrain. You get some recruits to build a shield in front of it to help protect those operating it from ranged attacks. Hopefully they'll never have to use it.

I assume Ike would have no problem giving it to you.

You plug your Signaller into Irine to recharge it after finding the right cable.

Some padding might help, if it isn't too affected by Tsaring. Maybe it will become too soft or hard as sand. Maybe it will become gigantic and smother you. Who knows?

I'm assuming you want that in your normal armor, not the magic water armour pieces, right? And you're wearing the pieces that generate the water armour over your normal armor?

You've got a cloak to use during night time (when the temperature drops) or if the wind picks up (so that you don't get dirt and sand everywhere). During the day I assume you are not constantly in full armor/clothing/equipment but just keep them nearby, otherwise I need to start making endurance rolls against heatstroke. So unless you want to make it really light weight, like some sort of camo net...

Quote from: Lenglon on March 09, 2018, 03:25:46 pm

I have no problem with recharging Nik's signalers on the spot when asked, but I'll warn him to stand clear of them first and ask Triplesword to monitor and guide me while I do it. Hopefully I wont blow them up.

You cast the necessary spell and spend some time recharging Nikolai's Signaller, the Sword helping to ensure the Fire Power Stone inside it remains stable as you saturate it with Fire.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2018, 08:02:46 am

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 06:43:45 pm

<Oh no how did that happen!?>
<We should at least put him somewhere with a good view.>

<Well, if you don't mind periodical chaotic discharges of power I can just hand his eyeballs to you. As for what happened, who even knows. Some kinda magic bullshit, so the answer's gonna be gibberish no matter which way you look at it.>

Give Nik the eyeballs if he wants them.

You tell Nikolai you have eyes only for him.

Quote from: NAV on March 10, 2018, 01:11:12 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 09, 2018, 10:21:25 pm

Zechariah, to Nik: <Nikolai! How is the group doing? Did anything happen while we were away?>

<We are doing good. Very good! Theri scouted group of sovereign assholes trying to ambush us with cannons so we exploded most of them and captured the rest. Irene did something about purifying the area from dark magic? Don't know much about that, ask her if you're interested.

Other than that, just normal traveling. The recruit training's going good, they're learning fast and gaining morale.>

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 10, 2018, 08:02:46 am

Quote from: NAV on March 09, 2018, 06:43:45 pm

<Oh no how did that happen!?>
<We should at least put him somewhere with a good view.>

<Well, if you don't mind periodical chaotic discharges of power I can just hand his eyeballs to you. As for what happened, who even knows. Some kinda magic bullshit, so the answer's gonna be gibberish no matter which way you look at it.>

Give Nik the eyeballs if he wants them.

<I only like periodic discharges of chaotic energy when they're caused by me and aimed at my enemies. No thank you.>

Do not want.

You hiss and bat Ike's hand away.

---

Campaign: Nether Pass

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 08, 2018, 06:01:05 pm

Alan, Friendmaker

"Oh hey, new friends! This place is the best."

Go introduce myself in Alan fashion to the new friends. Learn their names and all that, introduce them to myself, be amusing. What's Ammie planning to do with them? I'm sure I can help make it fun for everyone.

The Skeletal Servants bring the new Friends towards Ammie. They are scared, but that's just because they don't understand that she only wants to make them better.
"Little girl! Run! You have to get out of here!" one of them warns you.
"Hello Friends!" you say while approaching your Friends.
"Please! Leave! What are you doing? Can't you see the danger?"
"Don't worry Friend! I'm a magical girl!" you reassure the Friend that addressed you, coming closer to him.
The limbs on your chest grasp towards your Friend, eager to get their claws in them.
"What are you saying? Are you under a spell?"
"Mammie made me like this. I can float like a balloon, climb like a spider..."
"Oh no."
"And soon, you'll be like me too! And we can have fun together!"
"Nonono"
"So! What's your name, Friend?"
"Please! No!"
They're not that talkative, unless his name really is 'Pleaseohgodsnonottherepleasehelppleasepleaseaaaaaaaa'. Maybe you should come back later, when Ammie has time to unscramble their brain-noodles so that they are no longer stuck on a single track. Besides, Ammie would be quite happy if you went and took care of some Magical Girl business for her while she's busy helping your Friends.

((EDIT: Just realized I missed making this reference: "We all float down here. And when she changes you, you'll float too! You'll float too! You'll float too!" ))

---

Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Quote from: Zormod on March 13, 2018, 02:33:24 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Keep watching its gun.

You watch the gun and the carnage unfolding around it while hidden behind a sturdy-looking piece of wall that keeps you safe during the action.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 14, 2018, 02:13:39 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

((As I understand, Kosak is sorta behind the robot, making it sorta safe to shoot.))

Shoot the bot in the gun.

Your understanding is correct.

You carefully take aim as the exoskeleton passes by. At the right moment you shoot, aiming for its gun. The slug hits the strap the gun is hanging from, shredding it to pieces. Now it dangles from its power cable, out of reach of the exoskeleton's arms.

You don't shoot more, instead opting to take cover behind a nearby wall segment from the rain of small but somewhat sharp pieces of metal kicked up by the container passing through the debris field.

Quote from: Toaster on March 11, 2018, 06:00:00 pm

John, inside the Maximus

<<Kosak, I'm coming!>>

Wait for it to get close and try to jump on!  Use my technomancy to lock joints, shut down systems/thrusters, blank faceplates, and generally rend the exoskeleton combat inoperable.  Watch out for its weapon.  Failing the rest of that, disabling it might be wise.

If it's shooting at me, prioritize not getting hit.

You jump straight into the path of the container, eager to help Kosak out of his predicament. A moment after you jump you realize why this might be a bad idea, but by then Newton's first law prevents you from changing your course. You brace yourself and prepare for the impact. The container slams into you, knocking the breath out of you. You roll against the container's surface, dragging your boots and hands against its surface, somehow managing to slow yourself down without breaking anything.

It's hard to focus on the world through your eyes but you can feel it through your other senses. You can't influence the suit inside the exoskeleton, it's too... ethereal for you to do anything to it in such limited time. You can barely sense it, it's more like you can sense a void where something should be. But the exoskeleton itself is within your grasp. You focus on its joints, locking them in place, rendering it immobile.

The container passes through a cloud of small but somewhat sharp pieces of debris. They cut and stab you, filling your back with pain and the warmth of blood. You lose your grip, get flung away from spinning container and smash into a wall. You feel incredible pain from your arm amidst the confusion. You lose consciousness.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 12, 2018, 02:15:31 pm

Kosak Durar:

"RAAAAGH!"

Kosak focuses on solidifying his grip on the leg, and if he manages that, climbs up the leg to the center of the metal man and attempts to disarm it of its strange weapon.

You slip further down as the exoskeleton tries to shake you off while simultaneously using its single thruster to try to stabilize the container. Seeing its efforts are fruitless, it tries to burn you with the thruster's flame, but before it can do so it stops moving, allowing you to solidify your grip somewhat. A moment later its gun falls towards you and passes by you, its strap broken by something. Now the gun is dangling by its power cord.




Everyone
You are not sure if it's dumb luck or incredible skill, but the container's path doesn't interesect any major pieces of debris. The few that hit it make a few dents and manage to slow it down somewhat but don't knock it off course. It keeps sailing through the debris field, moving on at a much slower pace.

Those of you still conscious watch John get flung off the container and into a wall. That looked painful. He is floating around like a ragdoll, his arm bending in a way it is not supposed to.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 14, 2018, 10:52:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2018, 03:36:54 pm

You don't see any power maintanence room. But you do see power lines. Maybe if you sent a doll to follow them...
You send a doll through a vent to follow the powerlines. As the doll walks forward, you get distracted by someone yelling that the match is about to begin. Next thing you know your doll participates in an impromptu 'Will it blend?' episode by walking on a fan.
You try to send a doll to a nearby fire alarm. It does pretty well and makes it to the fire alarm. Almost. I mean, it would had made it if it had eyes on its back. Then it would had seen the giant foot of that fat lady coming. Next thing you know she's yelling for security to find that filthy rascal leaving dolls all over the place.
You approach the location you last saw Jack in. There's some sort of commotion there. You shove your way through the crowd just in time for you to see a couple of security guards dragging Jack away, towards the staff-only section.
"Look, I'm sure that if you watch the security footage-"
One of the guards elbows Jack to the gut.
"Shut up. We'll settle this outside."
"I said I'll come quietly, no need to get physical on me." Jack says, more annoyed than hurt.

((I've never seen a plan fall apart so quickly before.))

((Now I'm feeling like Xantalos' character without even meaning to. Maybe RNGesus is a bit pissed at Napoleon's act of hubris earlier or maybe...))

♚The Doll Prince: Picking Through the Pieces.♚

"...the Queen is toying with me again!" Napoleon grumbled angrily as he watched the guards take Jack away. His plan, which he painstakingly crafted from the depths of his wondrous intellect, has been reduced to a farce that wouldn't be out of place as an episode of some lowbrow comedy movie! If he had no inflated opinion about himself, Napoleon would've immediately killed himself if only to be rid of such a humiliating turn of events! No doubt the Queen and Lady Amarante are laughing their royal asses off at this very moment. To them, Napoleon is probably more like a court jester than a prince!

After a few minutes of fuming, Napoleon took several deep breaths and composed himself. The plan may be off but the game is still on.

"So you still like stringing me along like a marionette, your Highness?" Napoleon finally said, grinning. "Well, you better keep those strings short because the Doll Prince is about to throw your puppet show in for a loop."

If the doll that's been squished by the fat lady is still functional, have it immediately pull the fire alarm. If not, unsummon it and discreetly summon and send another doll to activate the alarm. Regardless of the result, tail the guards and free Jack whenever an opportunity presents itself.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 15, 2018, 12:13:59 am

John, Inside the Maximus

Wake up?  Don't bleed to death?  Self-assess?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 15, 2018, 09:38:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2018, 03:36:54 pm

I'm assuming you want that in your normal armor, not the magic water armour pieces, right? And you're wearing the pieces that generate the water armour over your normal armor?

You've got a cloak to use during night time (when the temperature drops) or if the wind picks up (so that you don't get dirt and sand everywhere). During the day I assume you are not constantly in full armor/clothing/equipment but just keep them nearby, otherwise I need to start making endurance rolls against heatstroke. So unless you want to make it really light weight, like some sort of camo net...

Nikolai is not used to this dreadfully warm weather. His world is mostly frigid winter. I guess he will just have to adapt and learn to not be fully covered and equipped almost all the time.

Spikes should go on the monster hunter armour. The water armour is supposed to be low coverage shackles and strips of cloth so it shouldn't be hard to put the spikes where they don't interfere. Should probably use some extra loops/straps to keep the water armour in place and prevent it from being stabbed by spikes. Don't go overboard with the spikes, just a few strategically placed ones to stab anyone grabbing me. Vulture talons preferred, otherwise nails. Could the talons still have any residual magic/poison to them?
Also try to spike my shield. For deadly shield bashes.

Don't worry about the cloak too much. If Lune wants to craft a couple lightweight camo nettings he can but don't let it get in the way of his training or guard duty or anything else.

---

Nikolai had very many jobs guarding caravans through the wasteland. Sure they were usually much higher tech and more heavily armed, but relevant experience is relevant experience.

Make this caravan as safe as possible. Give us the best chances against sovereign attackers.

Always have some people scout ahead before we pass through an area. At least one powerful person with a commwire and a group of recruits. They should comm back regularly, and if they stop we know something's wrong.

When we stop to make camp, try to find a good defensible location with high ground, chokepoints, etc. Circle the wagons into a wagon fort. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagon_fort) Put that cannon wherever it will do the most good. Build barricades, dig shallow trenches and build shallow walls, reinforce wherever the wagons don't protect. Set traps and tripwires outside the camp perimeter. Have at least one powerful person with a commwire and a bunch of recruits keep watch.

When we're moving try to stay close together and don't let anyone fall behind or get separated. Watch the sides and rear. Keep that cannon accessible and ready.

See about having some recruits build some wooden fortifications on the sides of the wagons to provide some extra cover.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 15, 2018, 11:34:13 am

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Find out if I can retrieve John.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 15, 2018, 01:03:01 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blast you and your blasted metal box!"

Climb up already! Once I get to the midsection, apply rapid punches.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2018, 03:37:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Assemble the crew! Well, as many of them as I can find anyhow.

"Right! I think I know what our next stop's gotta be - the cavern formerly inhabited by some kind of Leviathan! Apparently pretty damn haunted, humming with water magic and maybe dark magic, should be a pretty good place to resurrect Alan in. Any of you fine people know where that might be? Eastwards seems like the correct direction, but I don't have a clearer idea than that myself."

Crowdsource answers to my vision quest!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 15, 2018, 04:37:12 pm

"I could try tsaring the map for extra detail?"
Do so. Look for this secret leviathan cavern on the tsar map.

"You know we have enough water magic if I tsar the small water gem. But I understand wanting to find better source of water magic so I can tsar Alan's eyes instead. Maybe even get more powerful tsar Alan that way?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 15, 2018, 05:11:37 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 15, 2018, 04:37:12 pm

"Maybe even get more powerful tsar Alan that way?"

((This is the best idea and I highly encourage trying it for the funzies.))

Alan, Magical Spider Princess

”What sorta magical girl stuff? Because I highly disagree with the proposition that becoming a Witch by succumbing to despair is inevitable, and you don’t need to wish away entropy to fix a broken system. But that’s for YouTube comment chains, a dark and desolate realm all on their own. I wanna go have fun!”

What sort of errands does Ammie want me to run in any case? Find out and then start heading wherever I need to go to accomplish the first of them.

((Alan appears to be playing for the enemy team for now, until whatever resurrection ritual you guys magic up interacts in some way with his current state of being. Knowing him, this is the worst thing Ammie could’ve possibly done for herself, though she doesn’t know it yet.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 01:39:01 am

So hey, this is a massive, still-active RTD that I've been pretty much ignoring for a long time because it would be too much effort to read through all the pages. But hey, I'm already in most of the maximalist RTDs here, and it looks fun. So, I'll stumble blindly into this mess while playing a character who is stumbling blindly into this mess, so it's not wierd when I don't know what's going on. And so I can make Paris describe everything all over again, muahaha.

So... could you deal me in? Don't expect me to know anything besides the OP.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on March 16, 2018, 02:02:44 am

((AUGH, my post didn't go through for last turn?! :'(
My action without the flavor was: Keep up the morale; do delve into the prisoners' rapport more! in brief, because mercenaries and 'we're not part of your disgusting war'.
Also posting in brevity due to exams until Sunday here))

Check on San and River, then check our group comms to see if these wires can still communicate well--do work on improving and maintaining morale, but also the equipment/battle readiness of everyone else!

Theri contacted the others, including Irine. "Where I come from, we call information intelligence--did anyone manage to gather information about why these were setup as is, and for whom were these defenses meant for? We're heading into a militarized zone at this pace, and I'm weary of the outcome with these prospects in technology."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 16, 2018, 04:01:58 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 01:39:01 am

So hey, this is a massive, still-active RTD that I've been pretty much ignoring for a long time because it would be too much effort to read through all the pages. But hey, I'm already in most of the maximalist RTDs here, and it looks fun. So, I'll stumble blindly into this mess while playing a character who is stumbling blindly into this mess, so it's not wierd when I don't know what's going on. And so I can make Paris describe everything all over again, muahaha.

So... could you deal me in? Don't expect me to know anything besides the OP.

((Fortunately that’s all you really need to be acquainted with - Paris is really good at tailoring each player’s experience to their own viewpoint and such - heck, I’ve been going through this whole time as a guy who’s perpetually oblivious to almost everything around him and it’s turned out great. So ... start with a character and it’ll go from there?

I think you can PM the sheet to Paris if you want since there’s PvP missions and such on occasion, but depending on what you wanna do.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 16, 2018, 04:03:03 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 01:39:01 am

So hey, this is a massive, still-active RTD that I've been pretty much ignoring for a long time because it would be too much effort to read through all the pages. But hey, I'm already in most of the maximalist RTDs here, and it looks fun. So, I'll stumble blindly into this mess while playing a character who is stumbling blindly into this mess, so it's not wierd when I don't know what's going on. And so I can make Paris describe everything all over again, muahaha.

So... could you deal me in? Don't expect me to know anything besides the OP.

Good, always nice to have more players.

Eh, if you just want some action, you're not missing much by not reading. Highlights include Toaster getting attacked by a deadly Roomba, several cities getting destroyed (not in the same mission (yet)), some IC drama, a several-year-long roadtrip through a post-apocalyptic magic kingdom and Xan's incredibly bipolar luck.

You want to take over an NPC? Got Jack Krank, the King of Card Games. He can convert cards to temporary effects or objects related to what is on the card, with strength depending on the value of the card. So, for example, an Ace of Hearts can be used to make someone like you, an Ace of Swords could be used to summon a sword or thrown at an obstacle to slice it in half, The Sun could be used to illuminate a room or blind someone, and so on. He's also very good at handling cards and hiding them on his person. And he's very good at cards games, as his name suggests.

He's currently with Sir Elventide's character, a summoner and controller of dolls. They're tasked with breaking into the vault of a casino. They met a few turns ago so you're not missing much.

Otherwise, just tell me what kind of special ability you want and we'll work from there.
If you want some examples, Lenglon's character is a kitsune pyromancer, Xan's is a... Well, I have no idea how to give a short description that will do him justice, but he can projectile summon common household objects, Toaster's can summon parts and use them to assemble machines, FallacyOfUrist's is a drunken dwarven brawler that can't use weapons, Harry Baldman's is basically an elf at this point, fast, occasional cannibal with enhanced senses and gigantic ears...

Or I can try generating a random character for you until you find something you like.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 04:39:58 am

I had a few different ideas for powers. What I think I like the most is the ability to detect people's intents. See what everyone around is going to try to do next. And also seeing their position, so I can tell if someone's behind a wall or I'm not facing them.
Half wallhacks, half physic BS, half that thing in batman arkham asylum were a Y appears over a dude's head and then you press Y. Approximately 1.5 of powerful, despite being fully sensory. ;P

Edit: and because it appears that I should also specify the origin of my power at this stage, I'll say that this sense is granted by an organic symbiont (mutualistic or parasitic depends entirely on how useful you consider the ability to sense intents to be to the host organism. It's not unheard of for things considered to be parasites to help the host in some way, and I certainly never signed up for this.) living somewhere in my skull, replacing some stuff I wasn't using. Much.

Ah, and it make it clearer exactly how I intend this to function:
This power does allow me to:
Tell what any within creature the radius is intending to do next.
Find the position of any creature within the radius that has an intent, regardless of line-of-sight.

And it does not allow me to:
Read anyone's mind, emotional state, or their plans beyond the very next step.
Do anything to the physical world outside myself. IE this is a power that effects only my own senses.
Communicate telepathically, suggest things, mind-control people.
See anything that doesn't have a mind, or that simply isn't intending to do something, such as a remote-controlled robot, a trap, a carnivorous plant, or a very bored person.
Actually see the future. I can tell what people WANT to do, I can't tell if they'll succeed or what the exact results will be of that action, especially if they don't know themselves.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 17, 2018, 07:25:48 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Go secure John so that he doesn't get tossed somewhere in the chaos. If the bot turns around back at me again, shoot it in the sensors.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2018, 04:00:33 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 14, 2018, 10:52:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2018, 03:36:54 pm

You don't see any power maintanence room. But you do see power lines. Maybe if you sent a doll to follow them...
You send a doll through a vent to follow the powerlines. As the doll walks forward, you get distracted by someone yelling that the match is about to begin. Next thing you know your doll participates in an impromptu 'Will it blend?' episode by walking on a fan.
You try to send a doll to a nearby fire alarm. It does pretty well and makes it to the fire alarm. Almost. I mean, it would had made it if it had eyes on its back. Then it would had seen the giant foot of that fat lady coming. Next thing you know she's yelling for security to find that filthy rascal leaving dolls all over the place.
You approach the location you last saw Jack in. There's some sort of commotion there. You shove your way through the crowd just in time for you to see a couple of security guards dragging Jack away, towards the staff-only section.
"Look, I'm sure that if you watch the security footage-"
One of the guards elbows Jack to the gut.
"Shut up. We'll settle this outside."
"I said I'll come quietly, no need to get physical on me." Jack says, more annoyed than hurt.

((I've never seen a plan fall apart so quickly before.))

((Now I'm feeling like Xantalos' character without even meaning to. Maybe RNGesus is a bit pissed at Napoleon's act of hubris earlier or maybe...))

♚The Doll Prince: Picking Through the Pieces.♚

"...the Queen is toying with me again!" Napoleon grumbled angrily as he watched the guards take Jack away. His plan, which he painstakingly crafted from the depths of his wondrous intellect, has been reduced to a farce that wouldn't be out of place as an episode of some lowbrow comedy movie! If he had no inflated opinion about himself, Napoleon would've immediately killed himself if only to be rid of such a humiliating turn of events! No doubt the Queen and Lady Amarante are laughing their royal asses off at this very moment. To them, Napoleon is probably more like a court jester than a prince!

After a few minutes of fuming, Napoleon took several deep breaths and composed himself. The plan may be off but the game is still on.

"So you still like stringing me along like a marionette, your Highness?" Napoleon finally said, grinning. "Well, you better keep those strings short because the Doll Prince is about to throw your puppet show in for a loop."

If the doll that's been squished by the fat lady is still functional, have it immediately pull the fire alarm. If not, unsummon it and discreetly summon and send another doll to activate the alarm. Regardless of the result, tail the guards and free Jack whenever an opportunity presents itself.

The doll has been thoroughly squished. You summon another doll and throw it towards the nearest fire alarm. The 'free Jack'action is a bit vague. I could ask for clarification... Or I can just roll for it.
*rolls*
You follow the two guards to the door leading to the staff-only section, where a third guard awaits them. Seeing that you are about to lose track of him, you have the doll pull the fire alarm. The guards look confused. They are even more confused when you slam into one and the fat doll you just summoned slams into another. Jack slips the five of clubs out of his sleeve, the card glowing for a moment before turning into a club that smashes the third guard's face, sending him through the door. He turns around, raises his arms and brings the club down on the head of the guard you're holding down, taking him out with a splatter of blood.

The guard held by your doll kicks it off of him and reaches for his gun. You kick his hand, preventing him from grabbing it. Jack, no longer armed, attempts to kick him as well, but the guard sweeps his legs and throws him to the floor. Your doll awkwardly trips on the guard and falls on both him and Jack. You kick the guard several times, eventually managing to knock him out (he's really tough).

You move the doll out of the way so that Jack can get up.
"I guess we're doing this the loud way then?" he says with a hint of amusement, slightly out of breath.
Some of the people around you are shocked, most are running away scared.

---

Quote from: Toaster on March 15, 2018, 12:13:59 am

John, Inside the Maximus

Wake up?  Don't bleed to death?  Self-assess?

You wake up. Your arm and back hurt like hell and hurt even more every time you try to move. Your back is warm with blood though you're not sure how much. Your arm must have had something torn, it feels pretty bad. The only good news is that the debris didn't break your suit's power source or helmet so you won't have to worry about suffocating if you have to go into any flooded areas.

Quote from: Zormod on March 15, 2018, 11:34:13 am

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Find out if I can retrieve John.

You start making your way towards John, trying to get him before he drifts too far away. With Svajoklis' help you manage to catch him perfectly and gently land with him in your arms. He's bleeding moderately from the wounds on his back.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 15, 2018, 01:03:01 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blast you and your blasted metal box!"

Climb up already! Once I get to the midsection, apply rapid punches.

You climb up to the Exoskeleton's midsection and start punching it. The first strike causes a big dent. The second strike is accompanied by a satisfying crunch, sparks flying out of the cracks in the metal. The third strike is cut short by the metal rising up to meet it. You don't manage to get out of the way in time. The blown out hatch flings you away and towards a nearby wall. However with negligible air resistance and no gravity to drag you down, you stay beside the container.

The humanoid that emerges from the exoskeleton is covered in black armour on every part of its body, the only color being several clusters of blue lenses where its eyes should be that make it look kinda like a bug.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 17, 2018, 07:25:48 am

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Go secure John so that he doesn't get tossed somewhere in the chaos. If the bot turns around back at me again, shoot it in the sensors.

You help Brian catch John and lands him safely.

The Exoskeleton's occupant has just emerged from it. They are not making any motion to attack you at the moment. It's hard to judge with only body language, but you'd say they're a bit disoriented and trying to get their bearings.

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 04:39:58 am

I had a few different ideas for powers. What I think I like the most is the ability to detect people's intents. See what everyone around is going to try to do next. And also seeing their position, so I can tell if someone's behind a wall or I'm not facing them.
Half wallhacks, half physic BS, half that thing in batman archam asylum were a Y appears over a dude's head and then you press Y. Approximately 1.5 of powerful, despite being fully sensory. ;P

Hmm... I tend to avoid abilities that might be difficult to manage (time travel, precognition, etc.). And this has the potential to be that, since it might interfere with other players and their abilities. However I think this is doable, if it is managed correctly. Alarith's character had something similar, the ability to sense strong emotions. But his was vague, I could always just give him what stood out from the noise but he wouldn't know which was truly important unless he focused on it. Yours would be very specific and more akin to mind-reading. To achieve the same effect I would have to write much more and that probably wouldn't be enjoyable for either of us. That would be curbed somewhat by the fact that since it would be more like mind-reading, it would be detectable and/or resistable via WILL roll but that would lead to the problem of making everyone around you under constant mental attack.

I see two solutions to that.
1. Keep the ability as is (a will-resistable AoE mind attack that reveals quite a lot of information) but have the requirement that it must be targeted and triggered manually and becomes harder to use the larger the area you target.
2. Change it to be more like the ability that inspired it, a Sherlock-like ability to notice details and come to conclusions that (while quite good and undetectable) is fallible and dependent to available information.

Of course, I'm always open to suggestions.

Sorry if I'm writing too much but I think it's better if I give my entire thought process for these sorts of things. That way you can more easily dispute or suggest things.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 17, 2018, 05:52:14 pm

Where's the fun in a psychic ability constantly streaming other people's minds into yours if you can choose to turn it off, though? ;P
It can be will-resistible, and cover a fairly small area, but not something that ever goes away. Will-resisted things can just be too noisy to make out, but not faint enough to avoid causing a headache.
Don't see why needing to include information about the intention of people around me would require much more writing than any other power really. It certainly wouldn't require more writing than me having the power to hear really well, for example. If I end up fighting players it's just a perfectly good excuse to peek at their action posts if they're in range and failed the will save.
I don't see how making you write more will be less fun for me, though~

Though I am obviously a fan of Sherlock style bullettime mind-palace superthinking.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 18, 2018, 12:59:52 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2018, 04:00:33 pm

The doll has been thoroughly squished. You summon another doll and throw it towards the nearest fire alarm. The 'free Jack'action is a bit vague. I could ask for clarification... Or I can just roll for it.
*rolls*
You follow the two guards to the door leading to the staff-only section, where a third guard awaits them. Seeing that you are about to lose track of him, you have the doll pull the fire alarm. The guards look confused. They are even more confused when you slam into one and the fat doll you just summoned slams into another. Jack slips the five of clubs out of his sleeve, the card glowing for a moment before turning into a club that smashes the third guard's face, sending him through the door. He turns around, raises his arms and brings the club down on the head of the guard you're holding down, taking him out with a splatter of blood.

The guard held by your doll kicks it off of him and reaches for his gun. You kick his hand, preventing him from grabbing it. Jack, no longer armed, attempts to kick him as well, but the guard sweeps his legs and throws him to the floor. Your doll awkwardly trips on the guard and falls on both him and Jack. You kick the guard several times, eventually managing to knock him out (he's really tough).

You move the doll out of the way so that Jack can get up.
"I guess we're doing this the loud way then?" he says with a hint of amusement, slightly out of breath.
Some of the people around you are shocked, most are running away scared.

♚The Doll Prince: Kicking the Hornets' Nest♚

"I just love when a plan comes together!" Napoleon said sarcastically as he eyed the patrons. They seemed to be more alarmed by his rash actions than by the fire alarm. No doubt that the full wrath of the Queen's Tower Casino security is zeroing in on their location. On top of everything, the two of them are about to break into their inner sanctum so to speak. Whatever that awaited them inside the vault have better be worth it. "Sometimes I wonder whether the Queen is still toying with me."

Looking down at one of the guards' pistols, Napoleon bent down and grabbed one. Though he'd never used a gun in his life, oftentimes relying on his dolls to fight off muggers and burglars, even he knew that a sword is all but useless in this situation, plus he'd seen enough modern warfare documentaries to get a basic idea of gun use and safety... sort of. Understandably, this drew several frightened gasps from any patrons who remained, which he ignored as he scanned the floor. In such a spacious area, cover and rapid movement are key to survival and victory when the enemy not only outnumber the both of them but are armed with guns. Sure the slot machines and game tables provided plenty of cover but they may be vulnerable once they get to the security door. Napoleon glanced at his heavyset doll. If his dolls were capable of attacking from range, he would quickly summon and deploy a dollish fire team to cover their advance. Even if some dolls have to be morphed into 'guns' that shoot smaller dolls as ammunition, much like those 'Tyranids' from those Warhammer 40K war games that are all the craze, it seemed a bit hard to do. Sure he has the hive mind to boot but so far he haven't have that sort of luck making something that complex, not that he will pass up the opportunity to improve his ability when things are more quiet. For now, he will have to be content with using swarms of dolls.

"Okay, when the red warning panel is revealed, that means the safety is off," Napoleon muttered to himself as he disengaged the pistol's safety. He then turned to Jack as he kept the weapon pointed in a safe direction. "Monseigneur Jack, do you by any chance have any cards that can hypothetically blast or tear through say five or so meters of steel?. Also, what was the fuss about with you and these guards?"

Get into cover and observe the movements of any guards on the floor. Gauging their intentions, move to better cover if the enemy managed to outflank them or otherwise render the current cover useless. Use the fat doll to protect them if necessary. Return fire only when necessary and try not to hit any patrons.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 18, 2018, 03:41:25 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Check around for some nanite patches, and keep an eye on the other guy.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 19, 2018, 09:19:47 am

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted engineer trickery... aha, you're vulnerable!"

Once Kosak hits the wall, he pushes off it and back towards the disoriented enemy. How about some more torso punches?!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 19, 2018, 11:59:46 am

((Action to be expanded upon later, getting the basic version in now because dont want to cause delays.))
Look into locating and teaching untapped magical talent among the villagers.
Attempt to apply order-magic
Attempt to apply creation-magic
Discuss magical theory and the nature of fire, order, and creation with trisword and water mages.
play tug-o-war (with fire) with trisword to gauge each other's strength.
keep myself expanded around the camp and ready to resist dark magic assaults, but except in evenings when expecting attack will prefer being in hybrid form. Fox-form while expecting attack.
Check for side-effects from being within me for an extended period.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 20, 2018, 12:48:55 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

Take cover.  Can the suit I'm wearing be modified to include some light armor?  What about automated medical equipment?  Even if it's just stabilizing.  Probably the latter first.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 20, 2018, 06:56:03 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 04:39:58 am

I had a few different ideas for powers. What I think I like the most is the ability to detect people's intents. See what everyone around is going to try to do next. And also seeing their position, so I can tell if someone's behind a wall or I'm not facing them.
Half wallhacks, half physic BS, half that thing in batman arkham asylum were a Y appears over a dude's head and then you press Y. Approximately 1.5 of powerful, despite being fully sensory. ;P

Edit: and because it appears that I should also specify the origin of my power at this stage, I'll say that this sense is granted by an organic symbiont (mutualistic or parasitic depends entirely on how useful you consider the ability to sense intents to be to the host organism. It's not unheard of for things considered to be parasites to help the host in some way, and I certainly never signed up for this.) living somewhere in my skull, replacing some stuff I wasn't using. Much.

Ah, and it make it clearer exactly how I intend this to function:
This power does allow me to:
Tell what any within creature the radius is intending to do next.
Find the position of any creature within the radius that has an intent, regardless of line-of-sight.

And it does not allow me to:
Read anyone's mind, emotional state, or their plans beyond the very next step.
Do anything to the physical world outside myself. IE this is a power that effects only my own senses.
Communicate telepathically, suggest things, mind-control people.
See anything that doesn't have a mind, or that simply isn't intending to do something, such as a remote-controlled robot, a trap, a carnivorous plant, or a very bored person.
Actually see the future. I can tell what people WANT to do, I can't tell if they'll succeed or what the exact results will be of that action, especially if they don't know themselves.

((Back when you first propsed the power I was silent but very much didnt like it because I really strongly dislike mind readers.

Your edited in details have fully aleviated my concerns and I at least would enjoy your addition as-is.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 20, 2018, 07:19:45 pm

Oh. I suppose that Paris didn't quote that edit, so it's possible that he didn't read it. I find the specifics pretty important.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2018, 07:32:59 pm

Quote from: Toaster on March 20, 2018, 12:48:55 pm

John, Inside the Maximus

Take cover.  Can the suit I'm wearing be modified to include some light armor?  What about automated medical equipment?  Even if it's just stabilizing.  Probably the latter first.

You could duct-tape some debris on it and call it armor, sure. It will mess with the suit's ability to radiate heat in vacuum but that doesn't appear to be a concern at the moment, since there's either air or that liquid almost everywhere you've been.

The suit is already equipped to pump you full of blood or chemicals, all you need is the right blood or chemicals

If you're afraid of dying there's always that stasis syringe in the medkit. It should keep you alive long enough for your teammates to heal you or for everyone to die.

Quote from: Zormod on March 18, 2018, 03:41:25 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Check around for some nanite patches, and keep an eye on the other guy.

You take some patches out of your medkit and start applying them on John's back.
Heh. 'Keep an eye out.' Here's a guy who can do this literally.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 19, 2018, 09:19:47 am

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted engineer trickery... aha, you're vulnerable!"

Once Kosak hits the wall, he pushes off it and back towards the disoriented enemy. How about some more torso punches?!

You jump at the wrong time, trip on an exposed wire and plant yourself headfirst into a wall. You have a terrible headache and can barely see but somehow manage to remain conscious.

After regaining its bearings, the exoskeleton's pilot makes a combination of motions with their left hand. They become a blurry, indistinct thing, hard to make out in the darkness of the transport tube.

The container and the exoskeleton keep floating away.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 18, 2018, 12:59:52 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 17, 2018, 04:00:33 pm

The doll has been thoroughly squished. You summon another doll and throw it towards the nearest fire alarm. The 'free Jack'action is a bit vague. I could ask for clarification... Or I can just roll for it.
*rolls*
You follow the two guards to the door leading to the staff-only section, where a third guard awaits them. Seeing that you are about to lose track of him, you have the doll pull the fire alarm. The guards look confused. They are even more confused when you slam into one and the fat doll you just summoned slams into another. Jack slips the five of clubs out of his sleeve, the card glowing for a moment before turning into a club that smashes the third guard's face, sending him through the door. He turns around, raises his arms and brings the club down on the head of the guard you're holding down, taking him out with a splatter of blood.

The guard held by your doll kicks it off of him and reaches for his gun. You kick his hand, preventing him from grabbing it. Jack, no longer armed, attempts to kick him as well, but the guard sweeps his legs and throws him to the floor. Your doll awkwardly trips on the guard and falls on both him and Jack. You kick the guard several times, eventually managing to knock him out (he's really tough).

You move the doll out of the way so that Jack can get up.
"I guess we're doing this the loud way then?" he says with a hint of amusement, slightly out of breath.
Some of the people around you are shocked, most are running away scared.

♚The Doll Prince: Kicking the Hornets' Nest♚

"I just love when a plan comes together!" Napoleon said sarcastically as he eyed the patrons. They seemed to be more alarmed by his rash actions than by the fire alarm. No doubt that the full wrath of the Queen's Tower Casino security is zeroing in on their location. On top of everything, the two of them are about to break into their inner sanctum so to speak. Whatever that awaited them inside the vault have better be worth it. "Sometimes I wonder whether the Queen is still toying with me."

Looking down at one of the guards' pistols, Napoleon bent down and grabbed one. Though he'd never used a gun in his life, oftentimes relying on his dolls to fight off muggers and burglars, even he knew that a sword is all but useless in this situation, plus he'd seen enough modern warfare documentaries to get a basic idea of gun use and safety... sort of. Understandably, this drew several frightened gasps from any patrons who remained, which he ignored as he scanned the floor. In such a spacious area, cover and rapid movement are key to survival and victory when the enemy not only outnumber the both of them but are armed with guns. Sure the slot machines and game tables provided plenty of cover but they may be vulnerable once they get to the security door. Napoleon glanced at his heavyset doll. If his dolls were capable of attacking from range, he would quickly summon and deploy a dollish fire team to cover their advance. Even if some dolls have to be morphed into 'guns' that shoot smaller dolls as ammunition, much like those 'Tyranids' from those Warhammer 40K war games that are all the craze, it seemed a bit hard to do. Sure he has the hive mind to boot but so far he haven't have that sort of luck making something that complex, not that he will pass up the opportunity to improve his ability when things are more quiet. For now, he will have to be content with using swarms of dolls for now.

"Okay, when the red warning panel is revealed, that means the safety is off," Napoleon muttered to himself as he disengaged the pistol's safety. He then turned to Jack as he kept the weapon pointed in a safe direction. "Monseigneur Jack, do you by any chance have any cards that can hypothetically blast or tear through say five or so meters of steel?"

Get into cover and observe the movements of any guards on the floor. Gauging their intentions, move to better cover if the enemy managed to outflank them or otherwise render the current cover useless. Use the fat doll to protect them if necessary. Return fire only when necessary and try not to hit any patrons.

((I love the idea of doll Tyranids.))

"I have the Ace of Spades, it's the best slicer I got. Never tested it against a safe before, but it should work."

You are near the door leading into the Staff Only area. You know there is at least one guard somewhere in there. The guards in the casino floor are still trying to figure out what's going on and struggling against the crowd.

: North access. Code 7. : comes a voice from the radio on one of the guards' belt.

---

Campaign: On Road

---

One of the men keeping watch notices a bird flying in quite a strange manner in the horizon, coming towards the camp. Knowing monsterbirds are about, he notifies the rest of the camp. Ike determines that this is most likely a Sovereignty Scout Glider, a high-flying long-distance single-pilot flying machine. You are unsure if it is merely patrolling or if it has been sent here in response to last night's events. You are also unsure about whether or not it has spotted you, but it most likely will, the caravan is too large to hide.

Quote from: NAV on March 15, 2018, 09:38:42 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 14, 2018, 03:36:54 pm

I'm assuming you want that in your normal armor, not the magic water armour pieces, right? And you're wearing the pieces that generate the water armour over your normal armor?

You've got a cloak to use during night time (when the temperature drops) or if the wind picks up (so that you don't get dirt and sand everywhere). During the day I assume you are not constantly in full armor/clothing/equipment but just keep them nearby, otherwise I need to start making endurance rolls against heatstroke. So unless you want to make it really light weight, like some sort of camo net...

Nikolai is not used to this dreadfully warm weather. His world is mostly frigid winter. I guess he will just have to adapt and learn to not be fully covered and equipped almost all the time.

1. Spikes should go on the monster hunter armour. The water armour is supposed to be low coverage shackles and strips of cloth so it shouldn't be hard to put the spikes where they don't interfere. Should probably use some extra loops/straps to keep the water armour in place and prevent it from being stabbed by spikes. Don't go overboard with the spikes, just a few strategically placed ones to stab anyone grabbing me. Vulture talons preferred, otherwise nails. Could the talons still have any residual magic/poison to them?
2. Also try to spike my shield. For deadly shield bashes.

3. Don't worry about the cloak too much. If Lune wants to craft a couple lightweight camo nettings he can but don't let it get in the way of his training or guard duty or anything else.

---

Nikolai had very many jobs guarding caravans through the wasteland. Sure they were usually much higher tech and more heavily armed, but relevant experience is relevant experience.

4. Make this caravan as safe as possible. Give us the best chances against sovereign attackers.

5. Always have some people scout ahead before we pass through an area. At least one powerful person with a commwire and a group of recruits. They should comm back regularly, and if they stop we know something's wrong.

6. When we stop to make camp, try to find a good defensible location with high ground, chokepoints, etc. Circle the wagons into a wagon fort. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagon_fort) Put that cannon wherever it will do the most good. Build barricades, dig shallow trenches and build shallow walls, reinforce wherever the wagons don't protect. Set traps and tripwires outside the camp perimeter. Have at least one powerful person with a commwire and a bunch of recruits keep watch.

7. When we're moving try to stay close together and don't let anyone fall behind or get separated. Watch the sides and rear. Keep that cannon accessible and ready.

8. See about having some recruits build some wooden fortifications on the sides of the wagons to provide some extra cover.

1. Sure, let's say you do that. Only problem I see with that is if you're not focused enough and end up Tsaring only the inner armor you'll rip the outer to shreds. Also, just to clarify, you want Monsterbird or Blood Vulture talons? Monsterbirds have a paralytic poison. Blood Vultures are that carrion bird one of which was following Alan around, is quite intelligent for a bird, has some mild chaos-related abilities.

2. We'll assume you do the same thing you do to your armour.

3. Let us ignore this until it becomes relevant.

4. The best way to make the caravan safe would be to destroy it. If there is no caravan, then there is no danger to it and thus it is completely safe.

5. Better ask those comm-wire equipped players if they are OK with helping you with your plan or get them to hand someone who is their comm-wire, since I don't want to force them to obey you. Unless they're idle, in which case I can just auto them to do something useful.

6. That's doable.

7. That's also doable. You organize the men a bit more, extending the organization you use to handle watch shifts to also include people keeping track of the members of their squads and being responsible for knowing where they are.

8. You can put some boards on the side of the wagons to add some concealment and protection against arrows, however they probably won't fare well against anything heavier. You figure that's as much as you can get without making the wagons too heavy for the animals to carry. You can probably handle Tsaring two of the wagons at the same time, so if necessary you could probably use that to shore up the side of the camp that's under attack by making them more sturdy.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 15, 2018, 03:37:17 pm

Campaign, Ike!

Assemble the crew! Well, as many of them as I can find anyhow.

"Right! I think I know what our next stop's gotta be - the cavern formerly inhabited by some kind of Leviathan! Apparently pretty damn haunted, humming with water magic and maybe dark magic, should be a pretty good place to resurrect Alan in. Any of you fine people know where that might be? Eastwards seems like the correct direction, but I don't have a clearer idea than that myself."

Crowdsource answers to my vision quest!

You gather anyone willing to listen and get them to tell you everything they know about the story of the great Leviathan.

The master alchemist looks quite annoyed at you for driving away her prey, just as she was trying to find new naive volunteers for her monsterbird-derived potion experiments.
"I guess some people just can't get anything done on their own." she says with annoyance.

The story sounds very... standard. Evil corrupts the land and makes it impossible to live in, the Oracle gives a prophecy that a pure and beautiful young girl must be sacrificed to the monster to stop the corruption, the young girl's fiancée and his faithful steed face hardships as he tries to sabotage the sacrifice and reach the monster and finally the hero arrives in the nick of time to save the girl and kill the monster. The hard part is filtering out any embellishment to the story that might have accrued overtime, made even harder by the fact that magic is relatively common in this world.

It is reasonable to assume the Oracle mentioned in the story is most likely the one in Seroik, one of the villages closest to Nether Pass. It is built atop the ruins of at least two older settlements, which is a bit ironic considering it is a Nexus of powerful Order magic. There is some evidence that a grand Order-related temple housing some sort of Oracle existed there a long time ago. Said temple was subsequently destroyed and used to construct fortifications, turning the settlement into a castle. Nowadays the town is quite diminished and the archeological digs that once attracted scores of mages and historians have been sealed due to rumors of creatures of Darkness and Death lurking within. The biggest thing going for it these days is the large garrison of Kingdom troops and Tower mages stationed there.

The story also mentions being under the shadow of the Gugol mountain range making the girl worse. It is said the hero resorted to such extremes as setting fires to forests to keep the caravan out of the deepest shadows and provide light to the girl. Which, if true, means that the location is somewhere close to the mountains, a place that is lightly forested abd covered by their shadows for a significant amount of time. The road from Kodromota to Nether Pass is rarely used and has fallen to disrepair, however it did saw heavy use in the distant past, so odds would place the location of the Leviathan's home somewhere north of the pass but probably not north enough to reach the point where the mountains cut into the desert.

There are other elements to the story like rock-people that need the hero to answer certain riddles to let him pass, a trickster spirit that tries to tempt him into abandoning his quest, the hero helping an Angel in exchange for its assitance in the final battle... However these sort of things don't offer much insight to the Leviathan's location, nobody has heard about such things or anything that could be related to them existing nearby.

Still, it sounds quite strange that someone powerful enough to kill the Leviathan and accomplish all those great feats wouldn't just attack the caravan and rescue the girl. When asked the general consensus is that that wouldn't be what a real hero would do. There's also the question of how the caravan managed to get past all those dangers when the hero had so much trouble, to which you get several different answers (the hero cleared the path for the caravan to protect his beloved, the hero took a harder but quicker path, the hero was led astray by evil forces, the caravan was accompanied by powerful mages, etc.).

Quote from: NAV on March 15, 2018, 04:37:12 pm

"I could try tsaring the map for extra detail?"
Do so. Look for this secret leviathan cavern on the tsar map.

"You know we have enough water magic if I tsar the small water gem. But I understand wanting to find better source of water magic so I can tsar Alan's eyes instead. Maybe even get more powerful tsar Alan that way?"

"Wow. I guess to you everything looks like a nail. Have you ever considered that perhaps there might be other solutions to all of life's problems than 'make huge'?"
"I see only a hammer on your belt as well."
"Yes, but my hammer is huge. And when you have a huge enough hammer, everything really is a nail."
"My thoughts exactly. And with my power, I can get the hugest hammer."
"No, you don't get it, my hammer is hugest."
"No, mine!"
"No, mine is hugest because we're talking about metaphorical hammers!"
"Well, I can grab your metaphorical hammer and make it bigger, thus mine is bigger!"
"How can you grab my metaphorical hammer if it's metaphorical?!"
"Metaphorically!"
"Well, I'll use my metaphorical hammer to metaphorically-!"
*ahem*
...
"She started it!"
"He started it!"
"I don't care. Get on with it or you're both grounded."

With a bit of grumbling and something to prove you pour as much Tsar energy as you can into it.
The map becomes a giant thing the size of a small sports field, covering everyone like a giant blanket.
"I think this might be a bit too huge."
She speaks madness. How can something become 'Too huge'?.

...

You focus on the trail of ink representing the road, one eye closed, using your finger to keep track of it.
"You know it's not going to work, right? This is just a waste of time."
You slowly trace the twisting line between the folds of the gigantic map.
"The chaotic energy just distorts the map, it doesn't add anything useful."
The map has become sort of three dimensional, castles, temples, mountains and canyons running through it.
"Please tell me we won't have to suffer through this for the entire day."
"Argh, you made me lose it."
"There's nothing to lose because there's nothing to follow. If you find anything it will be by pure dumb luck."
"If you're so smart why don't you just help me find this instead of annoying me?"
"Ah, but I rather enjoy watching you struggle while I say 'I told you so'. And besides, I bet 2 gold coins you couldn't do it."
*grumble* "Now, if we're here... And the road is over there... No, wait... We wanna go..."
"I hope this has given you a bit of a perspective about-
"Perspective! That's it! I just need a better vantage point."
"That's not what I-"
"I know what the problem is. I'm going to have to go into the map."
"Oh, yes, that's the solution. Ignore the woman who is literally a master of magic and has spent her whole life studying it."[/sarcasm]
You ignore her and head into the map.
*sigh* "Bored now. Who's up for free drinks at my tent?"
There are only indistinct excuses and the hasty thumping of boots given as response.
"Oh, come on, don't be such babies. A bit of magical experimentation never hurt anyone!"

...

After several minutes of climbing through the paper landscape of the map with nothing to show for it but a few new holes in it, it might be time to concede that she might have been right,

Quote from: Tiruin on March 16, 2018, 02:02:44 am

((AUGH, my post didn't go through for last turn?! :'(
My action without the flavor was: Keep up the morale; do delve into the prisoners' rapport more! in brief, because mercenaries and 'we're not part of your disgusting war'.
Also posting in brevity due to exams until Sunday here))

Check on San and River, then check our group comms to see if these wires can still communicate well--do work on improving and maintaining morale, but also the equipment/battle readiness of everyone else!

Theri contacted the others, including Irine. "Where I come from, we call information intelligence--did anyone manage to gather information about why these were setup as is, and for whom were these defenses meant for? We're heading into a militarized zone at this pace, and I'm weary of the outcome with these prospects in technology."

((Take your time, RL comes first.))

The mercenaries retort that if this isn't your war then you have no reason to hold them and you should let them go.

San was worried about you and last night's events, staying awake until you returned safely. Today he is much more cheerful. You are approaching his home, which means that he will finally be in a familiar place and hopefully be reunited with his father.

River stayed close to you during the night, but today he is more relaxed. He either lies down, follows you around or plays with San but doesn't do much else. He appears much healthier and growing quickly.

Wires still work well. On these mostly empty areas they appear to be working much better, their range greatly increased.

You (along with Nikolai) participate in several combat-readiness improvement projects.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 19, 2018, 11:59:46 am

((Action to be expanded upon later, getting the basic version in now because dont want to cause delays.))
1. Look into locating and teaching untapped magical talent among the villagers.
2. Attempt to apply order-magic
3. Attempt to apply creation-magic
4. Discuss magical theory and the nature of fire, order, and creation with trisword and water mages.
5. play tug-o-war (with fire) with trisword to gauge each other's strength.
6. keep myself expanded around the camp and ready to resist dark magic assaults, but except in evenings when expecting attack will prefer being in hybrid form. Fox-form while expecting attack.
7. Check for side-effects from being within me for an extended period.

1. Such an endeavour won't be easy, there is no quick way to determine who can be a mage since they are not significantly different from other people. Theoretically everyone can cast magic under the right circumstances, the ability of most people to cast spells that activate magical objects is proof of that. In a mage magic of their element is stronger within them and it's easier for them to influence its flow but the Sword is not capable of sensing such things with great detail. Even if you found anyone capable of casting magic they would most likely be weak and would require lots of training, since those powerful enough to be easily detectable would have been taken by the Tower or the Army. Still, there's no harm in trying. Remind me to get you the results after some time has passed.

2. The Sword explains the basic truth of Order as it understand it, which is the desire to impose and follow the Law. Though there are things that are fundamentally Lawful, Order concerns itself with all Laws one can create and adhere to. Most Order spells can be seen as the creation and enforcement of systems of Law. The further the Law moves from the truth of the caster and the fundamental truth, the harder the spell gets.

The Sword summons an orb of magical fire and tries to direct you to disspell it by dissasembling and counteracting the disorder its existence creates, however this approach proves too difficult for you. You are unable to make any progress and oftentime accidentally end up using your Fire abilities while concentrating on destroying it. You instead focus on something simpler. By the end of the day you are able to momentarily link the state of two pebbles, causing one to wobble slightly when the other one falls. It's not great progress, but the Sword assures you that this will be better with practice.

3. The Sword tries its best to describe the concept of Creation magic to you and you think you are able to grasp the basics, but from what you can understand even it isn't capable of grasping the concept in its entirety. While the concept behind it is hard to understand, its effects are more clear, basically being able to emulate most other forms of magic but also being easily corruptable by them. You try to use it to create the tiniest of magical effects but all you get is either accidentally using Fire or causing yourself a headache.

4. The Sword says that the incomprehensible God of All Elements is responsible for this world. The world always contained the concepts of Creation and Void. However the two were too incompatible, too opposing and thus of no interest. So from those two God created the Elements and their gods. God used them to seperate Creation and Void, hiding one inside the other. The gods were given their share of the knowledge of the God and were set loose upon the world while the God watched. Empowered by the constant Flow between Creation and Void they went on to fight against each other, creating and destroying through their efforts and conflicts. Their actions, their creations and their corpses themselves brought new life and with it new conflict. And so it came to be that the gods became but a shadow of their former selves, leading to a world shaping and evolving itself, a world they could only influence but no longer rule. And so it shall continue until all conflict becomes omnipresent and the world becomes irrelevant.

That's what the Sword remembers anyway.

It says that one could say that Creation represents this raw potential in the world while Void represents its change and eventual destruction, the Flow between the two giving rise to everything in between.

5. The strength of your abilities are linked, so in a way it's kinda like pulling one arm with the other to see which is stronger. Still, there does appear to be a difference, perhaps different pools in which your strength flows or different ways it is channeled. You have the advantage in endurance, being able to maintain your abilities for far longer while the Sword has the advantage in strength, being able to easily perform great feats of strength but requiring time to recover afterwards.

6. Consider it done.

7. It's been something less than a day since you started and you haven't seen anything wrong during that time, nobody has grown an extra arm or started speaking in tongues or anything as overt as that. Still, it does appear that everyone is... you're not sure how to describe it. More energized, maybe? More anxious? More eager? They get up earlier, work harder, yell more, laugh more, argue more. It appears to be managable for now, nothing the more cool-headed (no pun intended) couldn't manage. As long as things don't escalate it should be fine.

Still, now that you think about it... In the ruins of the city, everyone appeared jumpy, restless, quick to argue, quick to fight. Even your group turned from extreme euphoria to fighting and infighting within instants. At the time it seemed normal, everyone was under a lot of stress, everyone had to face traumatic experiences. But could it be that it was also influenced by the strong Flow of Fire which was no longer contained by the Tower? The Sword says it's definitely possible, magical Flows can influence people's thoughts and feelings just as those thoughts and feelings influence magical Flows. There are even spells in Fire magic that can enhance certain emotions or convert emotions to certain effects.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 15, 2018, 05:11:37 pm

Quote from: NAV on March 15, 2018, 04:37:12 pm

"Maybe even get more powerful tsar Alan that way?"

((This is the best idea and I highly encourage trying it for the funzies.))

Alan, Magical Spider Princess

”What sorta magical girl stuff? Because I highly disagree with the proposition that becoming a Witch by succumbing to despair is inevitable, and you don’t need to wish away entropy to fix a broken system. But that’s for YouTube comment chains, a dark and desolate realm all on their own. I wanna go have fun!”

What sort of errands does Ammie want me to run in any case? Find out and then start heading wherever I need to go to accomplish the first of them.

((Alan appears to be playing for the enemy team for now, until whatever resurrection ritual you guys magic up interacts in some way with his current state of being. Knowing him, this is the worst thing Ammie could’ve possibly done for herself, though she doesn’t know it yet.))

((inb4 Alan is perfectly competent as a member of the enemy team.))

Though everyone screams at your mention of YouTube comments (or perhaps because Ammie is transforming them, but most likely the former) she has no trouble understanding you. You immediately know that you are supposed to go through the portal and act like her while she's away. Oh, so it's like one of those movies, where two similar-looking girls secretely pretend they are the other and go live with each other's family and get into all sorts of antics.

You approach the place her servants use as a gate, the passage between two roots, and raise your arm. Arcane symbols appear in the air, condensing into a swirling portal. Hmmm... That's a bit disconcerting. The good guys almoost never use portals, they're always restricted to gates until the end of the story. Oh well. You step through the portal. You distort around the world, becoming thinner and longer as you stretch through the holes in the world. You emerge on the other side and return to normal (your new normal).

The other side is quite similar but much more organic. There are many more roots, many more mushrooms, many more bones and rotting corpses. Immediately you feel the power here, all the strength Ammie was sharing with you instantly doubling. You remember that this place is a dead bird, but it is also a city and a palace. Ammie had to be here but also had to be where she is right now. Wiith you here she can focus on being the person she wants to be so she can float away.

You walk up through the dead bird's bones that are also stairs. The guards and the workers installing the elevator greet you with respect. They inform you of an obligation. You're supposed to meet with your step-father. But you're not really in the mood for it. You'd much prefer to go see if the new friends you created are doing well. But he does get quite mad if you're late... Hmmm... What to do...

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 16, 2018, 04:39:58 am

I had a few different ideas for powers. What I think I like the most is the ability to detect people's intents. See what everyone around is going to try to do next. And also seeing their position, so I can tell if someone's behind a wall or I'm not facing them.
Half wallhacks, half physic BS, half that thing in batman arkham asylum were a Y appears over a dude's head and then you press Y. Approximately 1.5 of powerful, despite being fully sensory. ;P

Edit: and because it appears that I should also specify the origin of my power at this stage, I'll say that this sense is granted by an organic symbiont (mutualistic or parasitic depends entirely on how useful you consider the ability to sense intents to be to the host organism. It's not unheard of for things considered to be parasites to help the host in some way, and I certainly never signed up for this.) living somewhere in my skull, replacing some stuff I wasn't using. Much.

Ah, and it make it clearer exactly how I intend this to function:
This power does allow me to:
Tell what any within creature the radius is intending to do next.
Find the position of any creature within the radius that has an intent, regardless of line-of-sight.

And it does not allow me to:
Read anyone's mind, emotional state, or their plans beyond the very next step.
Do anything to the physical world outside myself. IE this is a power that effects only my own senses.
Communicate telepathically, suggest things, mind-control people.
See anything that doesn't have a mind, or that simply isn't intending to do something, such as a remote-controlled robot, a trap, a carnivorous plant, or a very bored person.
Actually see the future. I can tell what people WANT to do, I can't tell if they'll succeed or what the exact results will be of that action, especially if they don't know themselves.

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 17, 2018, 05:52:14 pm

Where's the fun in a psychic ability constantly streaming other people's minds into yours if you can choose to turn it off, though? ;P
It can be will-resistible, and cover a fairly small area, but not something that ever goes away. Will-resisted things can just be too noisy to make out, but not faint enough to avoid causing a headache.
Don't see why needing to include information about the intention of people around me would require much more writing than any other power really. It certainly wouldn't require more writing than me having the power to hear really well, for example. If I end up fighting players it's just a perfectly good excuse to peek at their action posts if they're in range and failed the will save.
I don't see how making you write more will be less fun for me, though~

Though I am obviously a fan of Sherlock style bullettime mind-palace superthinking.

Oh, you edited your post. I didn't notice that. Let's add that here for ease of reference. Yes, it is quite useful.

Hmm... OK, let's try it. I think I've figured out how to handle it.

Give a name. Some backstory would also help. A description, while optional, would be nice.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 20, 2018, 07:46:19 pm

Alright, now comes the fun part!- Oh, when I feel more like it. Think I will be called Fe, though. And dark purple hair, because... purple is a good color.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 20, 2018, 09:02:02 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Ow! Wait, where'd you go?!"

Um... Dwarf Fortress night vision from the previous mission?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 20, 2018, 09:50:28 pm

Alan, Substitute Milkshake Girl

Alan's mind conjures a perfect compromise for this dilemma. "Nyaa, tell my step-father I'll be with him shortly, nyaa," he says in his most serious anime girl voice. He then does what any rational person would expect him to do, and tries some stupid shit.

Attempt to summon a pair of cell phones with video call capability. If successful, hand one off to a servant (I'm a princess spider, why wouldn't I have servants) and tell them to carry it to my new friends and make a call to me, so I can both chat with my new friends and go meet with my new dad at the same time!

Just go meet with step-dad if this ends up unspectacularly failing.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2018, 10:45:45 pm

Guard the caravan while Ike and Nikolai try to figure out where we are going next.

Action superseded by action posted later.

((Edit: Does anyone know why I can't change my profile picture? When I go to my "Modify Profile" to paste a new avatar URL, I save it, but then it reverts back to "No avatar" when the next page loads. It consistently does this even when I choose "Select avatar URL" and put in a valid URL.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 20, 2018, 11:27:15 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2018, 07:32:59 pm

((I love the idea of doll Tyranids.))

"I have the Ace of Spades, it's the best slicer I got. Never tested it against a safe before, but it should work."

You are near the door leading into the Staff Only area. You know there is at least one guard somewhere in there. The guards in the casino floor are still trying to figure out what's going on and struggling against the crowd.

: North access. Code 7. : comes a voice from the radio on one of the guards' belt.

((If Napoleon was a Tyranid, he'd be a combination of a Norn Queen and a Swarmlord. Of course he'll never touch their level, not that he wouldn't try. Fun fact: Napoleon's ability was largely inspired by the Tyranids.))

♚The Doll Prince: A Step Ahead♚


"If it can cut through steel then that's still better than nothing," Napoleon said as he continued to scan the main floor. Though there were security guards on the floor already, they seemed to be confused by the alarm and the panicking patrons. They don't know what's really going on... at least yet. Remembering the door that Jack knocked the guard through, Napoleon figured that they can get into the area and make a run for the vault. They should have about twenty minutes or so before the guards come to where they're currently located and see their unconscious comrades lying on the floor,one of which has possibly fatal cranial damage due to Jack's club.

"North access: Code 7," the radio on one of the guards squawked, causing him to jump slightly. Make that five minutes or so.

"Come, the guards don't know what happened here but they will soon enough," Napoleon said as he used one hand to pick up the radio. Turning down the volume, he clipped it to his pantaloons' waistband. "We can eavesdrop on the guards' communications and act accordingly once inside. Now, let's go find that vault!"

Napoleon, the fat doll, and Jack will enter the staff-only area. At the first junction they arrived to, Napoleon will leave a few knee-length dolls there, taking care to making them blend in with the color of the walls. These dolls will ambush any guards that enter the area, beating them up or at the very least stalling them so that the two men can find the vault. The fat doll will be used to take down any guards already present in the area.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2018, 02:19:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2018, 10:45:45 pm

((Edit: Does anyone know why I can't change my profile picture? When I go to my "Modify Profile" to paste a new avatar URL, I save it, but then it reverts back to "No avatar" when the next page loads. It consistently does this even when I choose "Select avatar URL" and put in a valid URL.))

((The forum doesn't like https avatars for some reason (probably some very old, very strict validation script). Try changing it to http and it should work. That's how I solved it anyway.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

I failed to expand properly on a few of my last actions:

Irine's perspective on what Fire is:
A rapid exothermic chemical chain reaction oxidizing materials using the oxygen in the air and releasing large amounts of light and heat. The desire and drive to cause change, for things to change to be better. The purification of something though burning away all else, or reducing it all to the same basic components. It's the energy to take action. The burning away of shadows and fear. the purification of food through cooking and fire. in short: fire is heat/purification/change.

She'll want to compare that to the Sword's perspective of fire.

regarding Creation, she's going to not so much try to access that as herself as she accesses it as her old self if that makes sense. she suspects that though she doesn't really have a Creation link, She should have once had one, and if she can get back into her old mindset as much as possible from THAT standpoint she might be able to do it, from the perspective of the creator of the stars, her moon, and the gates between worlds.

One should note that Irine does not actually have any regard whatsoever for Laws as such, she has her own set of goals, rules, sense of justice, etc. She has a respect for systems, complexity, free will, and unpredictability. But those have nothing to do with anyone or anything but herself. She has a respect for natural law I suppose, and in a sense her self-rules could count as divine law? and she prefers openness and honesty... but she really doesn't care whatsoever about national law. just... putting that out there. From her perspective it quite simply doesn't apply to her.

Irine isn't so much trying to gauge her strength compared to the sword, as to get a feel for just how strong the sword and herself actually are. Compared to, say, the sword's memories of other fire-users, and how strong it would estimate they are compared to what they might encounter.

---

now for new stuff:

What is using order magic like compared to her own innate fire-realated abilites? is it still an extention of herself or is it actually a different sensation? Is she casting something or is she manipulating something?

and now for the really complicated one:
Can I shapeshift something other than myself? Normally it's a hard-coded ability but with how everything has broadened in scope and flexability it might be a thing... DO NOT TEST ON PEOPLE.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2018, 04:18:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"All right, so actually getting to the Leviathan's lair would probably take too much time out of our itinerary plus it's also way too far away. We're gonna need to commandeer a well in that case. And also find a Dark wizzard of some kind to help us out."

"Also we're about to be clocked by that scout flier unless somebody with magnificent fire, crystal or miscellaneous artillery powers wants to shoot it down before it makes us, so take that under advisement."

Maybe somebody in our warband can shoot down that flier, ask around.

Also, consult the memoripedia about where we'd be able to find some Wizzards of Darkness.

Participate in the scouting thing, I'd probably be pretty okay at it.

Finally, get this caravan train rolling at the soonest opportunity. Eastward, to victory!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 21, 2018, 09:30:46 am

"We have a glider at twelve o'clock! Canon ready, archers ready, slingers ready! Hold fire until I say. Lune, prep the crossbow, standard bolts."

Brace a signaller on the ground like a mortar and tsar it. Try again if the results are underwhelming. Aim slightly ahead of the glider. Wait for it to come a bit closer. Fire! Hoping to either score a lucky hit or blind its pilot with the ultra bright tsar flare.

On the off chance the braced signaler becomes too large for me to handle myself, try using an innovative recruit-based tripod system.

"Irene, Zech, you're welcome to use this fire and its light to power your magic."

---

Which birds were we recently ambushed by? Those were monsterbirds, right? Use their talons for armour spikes.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 09:41:05 am

Quote from: NAV on March 21, 2018, 09:30:46 am

"We have a glider at twelve o'clock! Canon ready, archers ready, slingers ready! Hold fire until I say. Lune, prep the crossbow, standard bolts."

Brace a signaller on the ground like a mortar and tsar it. Aim slightly ahead of the glider. Fire! Hoping to either score a lucky hit or blind its pilot with the ultra bright tsar flare.

"Irene, Zech, you're welcome to use this fire and its light to power your magic."

---

Which birds were we recently ambushed by? Those were monsterbirds, right? Use their talons for armour spikes.

<Okay...>
Flare the flare when it nears the glider, in a signifigant sort of way.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 21, 2018, 02:20:41 pm

Zechariah to Nikolai, Irine: <I'm not sure if I can extend my powers to that range, but I will try.>

Try forming crystals from the flare's light into a sort of crystal grenade. Let it build for a bit, and then launch it at the glider. Try to bring down the glider without killing whoever is in there. If we are successful, then locate the crashed glider.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 21, 2018, 09:45:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2018, 02:19:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2018, 10:45:45 pm

((Edit: Does anyone know why I can't change my profile picture? When I go to my "Modify Profile" to paste a new avatar URL, I save it, but then it reverts back to "No avatar" when the next page loads. It consistently does this even when I choose "Select avatar URL" and put in a valid URL.))

((The forum doesn't like https avatars for some reason (probably some very old, very strict validation script). Try changing it to http and it should work. That's how I solved it anyway.))

It's also likely due to the fact that the image is linked to a secured site, hence the 's' at the end of 'http', and the script is probably rejecting it for that reason.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 22, 2018, 01:41:14 am

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 21, 2018, 09:45:45 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 21, 2018, 02:19:41 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 20, 2018, 10:45:45 pm

((Edit: Does anyone know why I can't change my profile picture? When I go to my "Modify Profile" to paste a new avatar URL, I save it, but then it reverts back to "No avatar" when the next page loads. It consistently does this even when I choose "Select avatar URL" and put in a valid URL.))

((The forum doesn't like https avatars for some reason (probably some very old, very strict validation script). Try changing it to http and it should work. That's how I solved it anyway.))

It's also likely due to the fact that the image is linked to a secured site, hence the 's' at the end of 'http', and the script is probably rejecting it for that reason.

((Yes, that seemed to be the problem. It's fixed now, thank you!))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 22, 2018, 12:51:30 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Fire a shot at where the bot pilot might be from what I remember of his direction and speed. Then see if there are any cables or something to help Kosac get back on the ground.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 22, 2018, 02:12:50 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Is John good to go, or should I bring him to the medbay?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 23, 2018, 12:24:41 am

John, Inside the Maximus

"I'll be fine!  I just need to get a real weapon!"

Seriously, while the target is distracted, let's get those focusing lenses for this laser.  Melt him the second he attacks again.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 24, 2018, 05:47:07 pm

*puts on WORLDBUILDING cap*

Alright, so Fe is a twentysomething human-ish (looks human, internal organs are arranged slightly differently) from a "world" consisting of a bunch of barren rocks chained together, orbiting a stormy gas giant. Gravity on the rocks is present, but inconsistent, and there's no air. Fe's younger sister had worked up a large gambling debt to a weird psychic giant maggot thing, and Fe has agreed to help pay it off. Part of this deal involves the brain-slug thing, which keeps track of her location and thoughts, for security.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 24, 2018, 07:06:52 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 20, 2018, 07:46:19 pm

Alright, now comes the fun part!- Oh, when I feel more like it. Think I will be called Fe, though. And dark purple hair, because... purple is a good color.

((YouGottaHaveBlueHair

I'd written a short intro but I think I should rewrite it in light of your more recent post. Next turn.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 20, 2018, 11:27:15 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 20, 2018, 07:32:59 pm

((I love the idea of doll Tyranids.))

"I have the Ace of Spades, it's the best slicer I got. Never tested it against a safe before, but it should work."

You are near the door leading into the Staff Only area. You know there is at least one guard somewhere in there. The guards in the casino floor are still trying to figure out what's going on and struggling against the crowd.

: North access. Code 7. : comes a voice from the radio on one of the guards' belt.

((If Napoleon was a Tyranid, he'd be a combination of a Norn Queen and a Swarmlord. Of course he'll never touch their level, not that he wouldn't try. Fun fact: Napoleon's ability was largely inspired by the Tyranids.))

♚The Doll Prince: A Step Ahead♚

"If it can cut through steel then that's still better than nothing," Napoleon said as he continued to scan the main floor. Though there were security guards on the floor already, they seemed to be confused by the alarm and the panicking patrons. They don't know what's really going on... at least yet. Remembering the door that Jack knocked the guard through, Napoleon figured that they can get into the area and make a run for the vault. They should have about twenty minutes or so before the guards come to where they're currently located and see their unconscious comrades lying on the floor,one of which has possibly fatal cranial damage due to Jack's club.

"North access: Code 7," the radio on one of the guards squawked, causing him to jump slightly. Make that five minutes or so.

"Come, the guards don't know what happened here but they will soon enough," Napoleon said as he used one hand to pick up the radio. Turning down the volume, he clipped it to his pantaloons' waistband. "We can eavesdrop on the guards' communications and act accordingly once inside. Now, let's go find that vault!"

Napoleon, the fat doll, and Jack will enter the staff-only area. At the first junction they arrived to, Napoleon will leave a few knee-length dolls there, taking care to making them blend in with the color of the walls. These dolls will ambush any guards that enter the area, beating them up or at the very least stalling them so that the two men can find the vault. The fat doll will be used to take down any guards already present in the area.

You enter the staff only area and leave a few knee-high troublemakers to watch your back.

The fat doll is not as fast as you'd like, being more focused on being massive than on anything else (you weren't really planning that far ahead when you summoned it). You reach the hallway with the security door which now has a very alert security guard.
"Hey! You weirdos stay where you are!" he shouts as he sees you approach, reaching for his gun.
You and Jack immediately take cover. You direct the doll to charge while Jack gets a card ready. The guard is quicker than the doll, getting off several shots before it can reach him. He hits it center of mass with the first two, the head with the next. Professional aiming.
Jack throws the 9 of clubs at the guard. The card shines and disappears as it hits him but he doesn't even notice the strike.
When he sees how little the doll's been affected, he targets its leg next, tearing it to pieces with three more shots. Your ears are not pleased with such loud noises in such a confined space.
Jack throws the 10 of clubs at the guard. The card hits him straight in the head, knocking him back. While he tries to regain his bearings, Jack runs towards him.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 20, 2018, 09:02:02 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Ow! Wait, where'd you go?!"

Um... Dwarf Fortress night vision from the previous mission?

Well, night vision can't do anything against active camouflage. That and a mild concussion prevent you from seeing your target.

Quote from: Zormod on March 22, 2018, 02:12:50 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

Is John good to go, or should I bring him to the medbay?

He probably won't bleed to death anytime soon but his arm is still unusable and still hurts like hell. You don't think you have anything that can heal him quickly. You'll have to take him to the medbay if he wants to regain use of his hand.

Quote from: Toaster on March 23, 2018, 12:24:41 am

John, Inside the Maximus

"I'll be fine!  I just need to get a real weapon!"

Seriously, while the target is distracted, let's get those focusing lenses for this laser.  Melt him the second he attacks again.

You summon the focusing lenses and scan the area for targets. You can't see anything.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 22, 2018, 12:51:30 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Fire a shot at where the bot pilot might be from what I remember of his direction and speed. Then see if there are any cables or something to help Kosac get back on the ground.

You make a quick calculation about where your target most likely is and fire a shot. You don't see the shell impact anything. You don't know if you missed or if it's camouflage is hiding the results of the shot.

Regardless, you can't see any activity around it, so you find a long cable and go fish Kosak. He's not making it easy, blindly punching the air and yelling about space ghosts. You manage to pull him back after he calms down somewhat.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 24, 2018, 07:11:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 24, 2018, 07:06:52 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 20, 2018, 07:46:19 pm

Alright, now comes the fun part!- Oh, when I feel more like it. Think I will be called Fe, though. And dark purple hair, because... purple is a good color.

((YouGottaHaveBlueHair

I'd written a short intro but I think I should rewrite it in light of your more recent post. Next turn.))

Haha, sorry. I may have procrastinated on that.
Now because I have to wait till next turn, I shall amuse myself with a pointless action! Ahaha!

Look at the pretty... frogs? I'm pretty sure there are frogs here. In this place. Where I am.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 24, 2018, 09:38:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 24, 2018, 07:06:52 pm

You enter the staff only area and leave a few knee-high troublemakers to watch your back.

The fat doll is not as fast as you'd like, being more focused on being massive than on anything else (you weren't really planning that far ahead when you summoned it). You reach the hallway with the security door which now has a very alert security guard.
"Hey! You weirdos stay where you are!" he shouts as he sees you approach, reaching for his gun.
You and Jack immediately take cover. You direct the doll to charge while Jack gets a card ready. The guard is quicker than the doll, getting off several shots before it can reach him. He hits it center of mass with the first two, the head with the next. Professional aiming.
Jack throws the 9 of clubs at the guard. The card shines and disappears as it hits him but he doesn't even notice the strike.
When he sees how little the doll's been affected, he targets its leg next, tearing it to pieces with three more shots. Your ears are not pleased with such loud noises in such a confined space.
Jack throws the 10 of clubs at the guard. The card hits him straight in the head, knocking him back. While he tries to regain his bearings, Jack runs towards him.

♚The Doll Prince: Into the Fray!♚

His ears still ringing from the echoing gun shots, Napoleon realized that the other guards could be onto them right about now. Unless the fire alarms are particularly loud or the guards are hard of hearing, there is no way they didn't hear their comrade discharge his weapon. Needless to say, Napoleon and Jack were quickly running out of time.

As Jack rushed the stunned guard, Napoleon focused on what shape he had in mind for the fat doll. This form must be lithe enough to rush its targets, yet strong enough to overpower them. Fortunately and unfortunately for him, Napoleon knew just what to morph it into given that he doesn't have enough time to experiment though he was loathe to do so. After all, it is quite ironic that he would decide that the fat doll's more efficient form would be no other than that of the twisted doll itself. While he'd doubted that he can replicate its ability to teleport, he hoped that it would prove sufficient to the task. Even more, he hoped that Lady Amarante doesn't do anything to make it turn on him again.

Morph the fat doll's form into that of the twisted doll and use it to help Jack take down the guard. After the man has been subdued, quickly move through the security door and find a way to lock or barricade it. Afterwards, search for a map to determine the vault's location. If its combination can be found somewhere too then that's an added bonus.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 25, 2018, 06:53:25 am

<Svajoklis,Maximus>

"Well, it seems that our reasons for visiting the medbay have tripled."

Go to the medbay. Help anyone too in pain or too concussed to walk properly.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 25, 2018, 11:33:03 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

I failed to expand properly on a few of my last actions:

Irine's perspective on what Fire is:
A rapid exothermic chemical chain reaction oxidizing materials using the oxygen in the air and releasing large amounts of light and heat. The desire and drive to cause change, for things to change to be better. The purification of something though burning away all else, or reducing it all to the same basic components. It's the energy to take action. The burning away of shadows and fear. the purification of food through cooking and fire. in short: fire is heat/purification/change.

She'll want to compare that to the Sword's perspective of fire.

The Sword agrees. It has no opinions on chemistry but it does agree on everything else. Fire is connected to purification, cleansing, anger, determination, change, destruction, power, consumption, courage... The only thing it disagrees with is that Fire is connected to good, to making things better. Fire is. Whether it is used for, good or evil, is in the hands of its wielder. Change can be for the better or for worst. A sick man may be purified but poison can also be purified. Anger can be righteous or a blind bloodlust. In short, one should remember that Fire is not Light despite their similarities.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

regarding Creation, she's going to not so much try to access that as herself as she accesses it as her old self if that makes sense. she suspects that though she doesn't really have a Creation link, She should have once had one, and if she can get back into her old mindset as much as possible from THAT standpoint she might be able to do it, from the perspective of the creator of the stars, her moon, and the gates between worlds.

Well, the problem with that is that you were using a different mechanism to affect that universe. Any memories you have are going to be tainted by that connection. But it should at least help with the mindset somewhat. Let's see... What sort of effect are you trying to cause exactly? Which memory are you channeling? (I assume you're not trying to create a new world from scratch.) Creation can be used to do pretty much anything though it's much easier to disrupt/corrupt and harder to control than anything else.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

One should note that Irine does not actually have any regard whatsoever for Laws as such, she has her own set of goals, rules, sense of justice, etc. She has a respect for systems, complexity, free will, and unpredictability. But those have nothing to do with anyone or anything but herself. She has a respect for natural law I suppose, and in a sense her self-rules could count as divine law? and she prefers openness and honesty... but she really doesn't care whatsoever about national law. just... putting that out there. From her perspective it quite simply doesn't apply to her.

The sword however does believe in a particular fundamental law of the world, which is why it links Order to that. Maybe it's a thing with Order-aligned beings, Kassiver also had a particular view of the world. The water mages describe Order in more abstract terms as the ability to create, follow and impose rules and beliefs, to define systems, to plan and design, to make things predictable, to remove unwanted and unnatural influences. It's not being Lawful as in following the law of the state or the church but being Lawful in the sense that you follow certain rules, that you have certain convictions regardless of whether they are innate and self-defined or based on an existing system.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

Irine isn't so much trying to gauge her strength compared to the sword, as to get a feel for just how strong the sword and herself actually are. Compared to, say, the sword's memories of other fire-users, and how strong it would estimate they are compared to what they might encounter.

The Sword says that any single wizard in a straight fight is no match for you, especially if you're fighting in an area with powerful Fire flows. With all their enchantments and years of both mundane and magical combat experience, a General could give you trouble but even against a General the odds would be in your favour. With the right preparation you could easily be able to take on a Dragon or a Leviathan. Still, you're not as powerful as its greatest user, you couldn't take on an army on your own at a moment's notice. Getting caught off guard, getting overwhelmed (especially at close range), it's still a possibility. Its ability to defend you is limited by the fact that while your Fire is powerful, giving it ample power, your Order and Light are not as developed. So your best bet in combat is to stay in the back and Alpha Strike the enemy before they have a chance to figure out how to get past your defences.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

now for new stuff:

What is using order magic like compared to her own innate fire-realated abilites? is it still an extention of herself or is it actually a different sensation? Is she casting something or is she manipulating something?

You'd say it's more like casting or manipulation of existing systems rather than manipulation of yourself. When you use Order magic it feels more like an act of creation. When you linked those pebbles it felt as if you reached out, weaved a law into existence out of your will and then convinced the universe to follow that law (or tried to, anyway). From what you understand Order-based healing works similarly, enhancing the systems of the body that help maintain its proper state, which is why it's usually slower than other forms of healing. Order-based protection spells counter and dissolve the unnatural concentrations and flows of magical energy. Order-based oracles are supposed to be able to read the natural systems of the world and come to conclusions about the future. And based on what the General had told you, the most powerful Order magic can go as far as forcing people to do something or to essentially create a prophecy that the world is forced to adhere to.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 02:31:17 am

and now for the really complicated one:
Can I shapeshift something other than myself? Normally it's a hard-coded ability but with how everything has broadened in scope and flexability it might be a thing... DO NOT TEST ON PEOPLE.

You try to transform a bug but all you end up with is a burnt bug. You think that unless a creature has been properly prepared, it won't fully turn into fire nor will it be able to maintain itself once transformed.  You've been built to turn into fire but most non-magical beings require to be solid and not on fire. Who would had thought, huh? You throw someone some fire, try to turn them into fire and suddenly they're screaming like they're dying. You try to bring a light light and heat into their lives and they're just totally uncaring about all the effort you put into it, complaining about their hair or organs or some other stupid thing. Humans, am I right? Huh? Huh?

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 21, 2018, 04:18:33 am

Campaign, Ike!

"All right, so actually getting to the Leviathan's lair would probably take too much time out of our itinerary plus it's also way too far away. We're gonna need to commandeer a well in that case. And also find a Dark wizzard of some kind to help us out."

"Also we're about to be clocked by that scout flier unless somebody with magnificent fire, crystal or miscellaneous artillery powers wants to shoot it down before it makes us, so take that under advisement."

Maybe somebody in our warband can shoot down that flier, ask around.

Also, consult the memoripedia about where we'd be able to find some Wizzards of Darkness.

Participate in the scouting thing, I'd probably be pretty okay at it.

Finally, get this caravan train rolling at the soonest opportunity. Eastward, to victory!

Quote from: Maxim 63

The brass knows how to do it by knowing who can do it.

Dark magic is heavily regulated so it's highly unlikely to find one outside of the Tower or the Army. Your best bet would be to find some criminals that know of an unlicensed Dark magic user. Or you could go find an army garrison or that resistance that's fighting the Sovereignty, they might have a licensed Dark magic user with them. Then again, Irine did say that someone was casting Dark magic on the villages coming up ahead, trying to drain magical power away from this land. So that means there's certainly a Dark magic user there. The problem is how to capture them and get them to cooperate. I mean, you could always betray those guys traveling with you in exchange for his help but Dark magicians are not exactly known for their honesty, they'd probably just backstab you and suck your brain or something the moment you turn your back.

You do the scoutman.

If you keep following the road East you'll reach the town of Traveller's Rest. It's a small town but it's one of the sources of Dark magic Irine sensed. It's almost certain it's been captured by the Sovereignty and that there would be at least a small garrison stationed there. Then again, going around it would take some time, since you would have to take the caravan off road for a while until you reach the next road. That means more chances a patrol could spot you or some other thing happening. Maybe it would be best to just scout ahead, see what's going on and decide what to do then. Or you could just ditch the recruits and try to stealth the rest of your way to your destination. Or you could try something else.

Quote from: NAV on March 21, 2018, 09:30:46 am

Which birds were we recently ambushed by? Those were monsterbirds, right? Use their talons for armour spikes.

Yep, those were monsterbirds. Okay, let's see...
You add enough talons to turn yourself into a cactus. You accidentally prick yourself and spend the rest of the day with no feeling in your arm and your face frozen in a slack expression.

Quote from: NAV on March 21, 2018, 09:30:46 am

"We have a glider at twelve o'clock! Canon ready, archers ready, slingers ready! Hold fire until I say. Lune, prep the crossbow, standard bolts."

Brace a signaller on the ground like a mortar and tsar it. Try again if the results are underwhelming. Aim slightly ahead of the glider. Wait for it to come a bit closer. Fire! Hoping to either score a lucky hit or blind its pilot with the ultra bright tsar flare.

On the off chance the braced signaler becomes too large for me to handle myself, try using an innovative recruit-based tripod system.

"Irene, Zech, you're welcome to use this fire and its light to power your magic."

Quote from: Lenglon on March 21, 2018, 09:41:05 am

<Okay...>
Flare the flare when it nears the glider, in a signifigant sort of way.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 21, 2018, 02:20:41 pm

Zechariah to Nikolai, Irine: <I'm not sure if I can extend my powers to that range, but I will try.>

Try forming crystals from the flare's light into a sort of crystal grenade. Let it build for a bit, and then launch it at the glider. Try to bring down the glider without killing whoever is in there. If we are successful, then locate the crashed glider.

You wait for the Glider to get closer. It's still quite high in the sky when it turns around and starts heading away. That's when the signal to attack is given. Everyone and their dog fox hits the Scout Glider with enough firepower to leave only shredded ashes falling to the ground. No kill like overkill. Someone nearby might have seen the attack, you literally just launched a gigantic flare into the sky, but it's daytime and if they're sending gliders to patrol in this area they most likely don't have other units around.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on March 20, 2018, 09:50:28 pm

Alan, Substitute Milkshake Girl

Alan's mind conjures a perfect compromise for this dilemma. "Nyaa, tell my step-father I'll be with him shortly, nyaa," he says in his most serious anime girl voice. He then does what any rational person would expect him to do, and tries some stupid shit.

Attempt to summon a pair of cell phones with video call capability. If successful, hand one off to a servant (I'm a princess spider, why wouldn't I have servants) and tell them to carry it to my new friends and make a call to me, so I can both chat with my new friends and go meet with my new dad at the same time!

Just go meet with step-dad if this ends up unspectacularly failing.

((I did not forget Alan. You saw nothing.))

You summon a pair of smartphones and hand one of them to one of the guards. You direct him to your friends, with instructions to call you when he's there. The guard holds the phone like it's a bomb. Old men, am I right? So technologically illiterate. He's probably one of those guys that make a Facewatch account and think they know how to internet. You should take a picture of his fail and post it on Instafail.

He opens his mouth to say something but restrains himself. He makes a motion to move but doesn't start walking away either. Oh, poor guy must be suffering from social anxiety. He must be afraid of meeting your friends without you to introduce him. But your step-father has ordered them to do whatever you ask so he feels like he can't decline either. You should give him some words of encouragement. The spider-legs on your chest quiver in agreement.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 25, 2018, 02:16:12 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

If we're done here, start heading for medbay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on March 25, 2018, 02:53:58 pm

 :'( ((Internet...I had thought I posted!!))

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7715264#msg7715264) noted concisely the problem with being jerks as prisoners.
"While it is true this isn't our war--you made it our war. You opened fire on us without provocation, and made sure to ambush any person in this vicinity, including civilians not associated with your "war". We will be keeping you as prisoners until and unless you give information.

"That or I can coax it out the hard way," she said, adding a lingering tone to her voice--they needn't know she was a total softie, and that she never meant anything she would say that would involve even harming them, but she did like telling stories...

"I do deftly recall you were hired with folks who bandied with beastmen and otherwise; I'm wondering how well you know folks like me and what we can do to...extricate information from those who wish not to. Magic won't help you here; just trust, and the sooner you get it out, the better...for all of us."

Um...persuade! Wait no that's intimidation.

Intimidate the prisoners! As retcon action! Before the Glider happened (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7718820#msg7718820)!

---

After the hubbub of many many things having happened, Theri approached Ike (and let Irine know too) via comm wire.

"What's the plan, boss? I've got ideas from the prisoners! ...Um, to be detailed later after your ideas, that is."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

"I love a good fireworks show!"
Send a team of recruits to search the remains of the glider (if any exist), and tell them to look for some elbow grease and headlight fluid while they're out. Mainly hoping for that one in a million chance that there is an intact air stone in the pile of ashes.


After that go find the Alchemist. EDIT: Drag along a few smarter than average seeming recruits to the meeting.
"It is time to learn about technology."
Slam the empty book down on her table. Draw a circle.
"This is what we call a Wheel."

Start simple. Work our way up to steam engines, internal combustion, cars, trains, planes, and other vehicles.
Teach her the basics of electricity and circuits. Basic lead-acid battery, electric motor and generator, light bulb, electromagnet, etc.
Teach her about guns, working our way up from simple matchlocks and flintlocks to full auto machine guns. EDIT: Do not teach about guns or weapons.
EDIT: Also try to teach about the concept of a production line and a printing press. And the tractor, that's important.

Use lots of pictures and diagrams. Try to convince her that machines aren't magic, and that sometimes there are better ways of doing things than with magic. Be stubborn about this. Even someone with no magic can build a complicated machine if they do it right.

Nik's world is higher tech than "Earth", with sci-fi things like teleporters and nuclear cars and sentient AI not unheard of. Of course some groups have also regressed to medieval or prehistoric levels since the apocalypse. Averages out to ww2/cold war ish tech level for the most part. Anyway Nik doesn't go into any of that sci-fi stuff (or computers) because he doesn't understand them at all and has no evidence that they aren't magic.

There is the thought in the back of his mind that maybe technology isn't all that great, it did completely wrecked his world's environment and cause the apocalypse and all that, maybe he shouldn't teach these people about it or try to cause an industrial revolution here. But he thoroughly ignores that voice.

If anyone else feels like joining the tech talk they are welcome.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 25, 2018, 10:40:58 pm

Can haz intro? Didn't show up in that last turn, though I'm not sure I understand the schedule here.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

((note: by "good/better" I was referencing "good/better" from the user's perspective. not objectively. If you think it'll make things better for you to kill everyone you meet and steal everything they own, fire can help you do that :P. Was simply assuming that when people want to change things, from their perspective, changing things will make them better, at least for themselves or whoever it is they concern themselves with, even if everyone else disagrees including their past/future self.))

---

the memories she's using are going to be:
attempt 1: the creation of her moon-home, formation of rock.
attempt 2: the creation of her moon-home, formation of moss.
attempt 3: the creation of her moon-home, formation of the magma core. (!CLEAR TESTING AREA FIRST!)
attempt 4: the creation of her moon-home, formation of a hot spring / water.
attempt 5: the creation of her moon-home, formation of multitail-fox
attempt 6: the creation of her solar system, formation of earthlike planet, formation of grass.
attempt 7: the creation of her solar system, formation of the sun (!CLEAR TESTING AREA!)
attempt 8: the creation of the physics of her home universe, fine-tuning of gravity (!CLEAR TESTING AREA!)
and then the one she's really after:
attempt 9: the creation of her interplanetary gate system, formation of a gate between locations.

---

@shapeshift failure:
Good. I probably don't have any significant risk of accidentally turning someone into a fox in my sleep or when I shift forms while they're inside me or whatever.
((Yes, she was legitimately worrying about that. She's got people living inside her now, not even resisting the flow of her magic. There was a chance that her ability to shift would translate to gradually shifting the people inside her into copies of her, or into fire themselves, or just straight-up-absorbing them once they become fire-aligned enough. However, if even when she's intentionally trying to do it, it just results in them getting burnt, then they'll probably automatically resist enough to avoid it. Or at least that's Irine's theory. She could be wrong.))

---

How is River's recovery progressing? He's been a puppy for a while now, shouldn't he be rapidly getting bigger and more whole? Does he need anything?

---

If I discover Nik's discussion about technology I'd actually be interested in joining in. I have a literally perfect understanding of the base principals that it all operates on, but don't have experience with the application of those principals the way Nik does since my home never developed advanced technology and I never had any need to really work with it. So I can help with verifying that what Nik describes does or doesn't work or whatever, and the principals behind it (which is arguably more important) but won't be able to really add on new applications. However, I actually find the Alchemist kinda fascinating, and although I want to maintain a safe distance, and know I can't trust her to look out for my or anyone else's wellfare, I'm really curious about her work and perspective in general. Unbounded curiosity leads to all kinds of fun things, and that's one thing the Alchemist seems to have.

---

edit: I should also attempt to at least get a basic grasp of Light magic, even though I'm not aligned with it, because TriSword is, and the better I get at it the stronger TriSword will be.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2018, 04:05:16 am

After shooting down the glider, Zechariah felt a pang of guilt. He hoped that the pilot was still alive. However, he knew that they were practically in a state of war, and that the glider pilot could have easily warned hostile forces of their travels. The group was small and fragile; they had powers and magic abound, yes, but what good could that do against hundreds or thousands of foes across this world?

He had to make every effort to engage in combat with the intent to defeat, not to kill. Sometimes, however, it's impossible to avoid the consequences of war.

He exhaled and turned to move with Nikolai. When they got to the alchemist, and he saw what Nikolai was attempting to do, several ideas ran through his head. Quickly, he touched Nikolai on the shoulder and asked for his attention.

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

"It is time to learn about technology. This is what we call a Wheel."

"Nikolai. Nikolai, look - we shouldn't be doing this. I know that we're in a precarious situation and that we have to make do to succeed, but do you know what introducing advanced technology would do to this world? It's not like we're talking with some average grunt. Look at her." He gestured towards the alchemist. "She will remember all of this. It could help us, yeah, but it could also really hurt this world at the same time. I know that we're here for the Games, and that we're not on some humanitarian mission, but I've seen multiple worlds ruined by slight imbalances caused by otherworldly influences. I'm sure you've experienced something like that too." He used both hands to gesture towards the sky.

"This world - even before we came to it - was ready to blow. Multiple groups are at each other's throats. What do you think would happen if technology were introduced? Do you think it would make the situation here better, or worse? Yeah, things like industrial medicine and computers would probably make things better, but circuits lead to missiles, and factory-made steel leads to military manufacturing. I don't - I don't think this world is ready for that, Nikolai. This world could ignite" - he snapped his fingers - "just like that." He sighed, and looked down. "Maybe when things calm down, we can introduce technology," he added.
"But not now. Not as a war implement."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2018, 07:46:29 am

"I am saddened you would think so lowly of me. I would never use my knowledge for such unethical ends. I am-"
A recruit stumbles out of her tent and falls to the ground, a monsterbird claw sticking out of his back. She gets up, using her body to hide the semi-conscious man while using her leg to shove him back into the tent.
*grunt* "-nothing if not ethical."
She sits back down as if nothing happened, straightens her clothes and smiles.
"Totally ethical!"

((@lenglon: Setting everything on fire makes everything better. Unless the problem is zombies.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 26, 2018, 09:30:31 am

John, Inside the Maximus

Can my sensors pick up anything?  If so, pot shot and call targets.  Otherwise, careful retreat to medbay.

<<Icarus, did you see that guy?  Any data or insight?  What about you, Interface?>>

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 26, 2018, 12:20:33 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2018, 07:46:29 am

((@lenglon: Setting everything on fire makes everything better. Unless the problem is zombies.))

((If setting zombies on fire hasn't made everything better, then you haven't used enough fire.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 26, 2018, 01:52:56 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 26, 2018, 04:05:16 am

After shooting down the glider, Zechariah felt a pang of guilt. He hoped that the pilot was still alive. However, he knew that they were practically in a state of war, and that the glider pilot could have easily warned hostile forces of their travels. The group was small and fragile; they had powers and magic abound, yes, but what good could that do against hundreds or thousands of foes across this world?

He had to make every effort to engage in combat with the intent to defeat, not to kill. Sometimes, however, it's impossible to avoid the consequences of war.

He exhaled and turned to move with Nikolai. When they got to the alchemist, and he saw what Nikolai was attempting to do, several ideas ran through his head. Quickly, he touched Nikolai on the shoulder and asked for his attention.

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

"It is time to learn about technology. This is what we call a Wheel."

"Nikolai. Nikolai, look - we shouldn't be doing this. I know that we're in a precarious situation and that we have to make do to succeed, but do you know what introducing advanced technology would do to this world? It's not like we're talking with some average grunt. Look at her." He gestured towards the alchemist. "She will remember all of this. It could help us, yeah, but it could also really hurt this world at the same time. I know that we're here for the Games, and that we're not on some humanitarian mission, but I've seen multiple worlds ruined by slight imbalances caused by otherworldly influences. I'm sure you've experienced something like that too." He used both hands to gesture towards the sky.

"This world - even before we came to it - was ready to blow. Multiple groups are at each other's throats. What do you think would happen if technology were introduced? Do you think it would make the situation here better, or worse? Yeah, things like industrial medicine and computers would probably make things better, but circuits lead to missiles, and factory-made steel leads to military manufacturing. I don't - I don't think this world is ready for that, Nikolai. This world could ignite" - he snapped his fingers - "just like that." He sighed, and looked down. "Maybe when things calm down, we can introduce technology," he added.
"But not now. Not as a war implement."

"You think I am doing this to help our mission? No, this will only cause changes long after we leave. This world is what I'm trying to change and help. You see everywhere in this world, anyone with power and importance is a powerful mage. The kings, the headwater, the generals of the armies, healers, researchers, even the crime boss. They all got there by their magic power. Their strength, smarts, and skill might help them but it is their magic that matters. This is a unbalanced world. Better technology that non-mages can use will be a very strong equalizer. It is not just medicine and computers that make things better. Industrial farming, manufacturing, and transportation multiplies work by many times and lets many people not go hungry. Printing press makes knowledge common and connects the world.

Name a time when the world isn't about to ignite, when groups aren't at each others throats, war isn't close and nukes aren't about to be launched. Not in my lifetime, not yours, not anyone's. We are here now. I will help and change the world now. Our mission is almost done so this is the best last chance left. You are right about a few things though, I will make sure not to teach about weapons and tools of war, and I will make sure recruits are here so the knowledge doesn't just fall into the hands of the already powerful."

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 26, 2018, 07:46:29 am

"I am saddened you would think so lowly of me. I would never use my knowledge for such unethical ends. I am-"
A recruit stumbles out of her tent and falls to the ground, a monsterbird claw sticking out of his back. She gets up, using her body to hide the semi-conscious man while using her leg to shove him back into the tent.
*grunt* "-nothing if not ethical."
She sits back down as if nothing happened, straightens her clothes and smiles.
"Totally ethical!"

*Audible Sigh* "Not helping."

((Action being edited.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:13:33 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Listen guys, they've worked out interdimensional portals, superpowered reactors of ungodly fire, armies of the undead and boombox chaos raiders. I don't think you can fuck this world harder than it's fucked itself already, much as your idea that they're some race of noble unenlightened savages untainted by basic chemistry is endearing."

Chart a course to Traveller's Rest then! Make sure to scout ahead for the rest of the group, mind you, don't want to just blunder into an occupied village or whatever.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 26, 2018, 02:37:11 pm

"Whoosh. That was sound of the point somehow going past your massive ears."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:48:31 pm

"I just figure you don't need to worry about the weapons because they've pretty much got those on lock. I literally asked the Headwater for some high explosives and he came up with a magical fuckin' dirty bomb just like that. He was all like 'sure, have one, I'm sure you'll use this responsibly and not like give it to a crimelord or whatever, just don't jostle it and you probably won't explode into an annihilating void cloud'. Making nukes and steel would be taking the hard way around these parts, my dude, since everyone and their mother's a wizard anyhow. Probably more of them around than nuclear physicists back where I came from, that's for damn sure."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 27, 2018, 09:20:21 am

Kosak Durar:

"What the-where'd he go?"

A very confused Kosak stays alert.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 27, 2018, 12:32:40 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:48:31 pm

"I just figure you don't need to worry about the weapons because they've pretty much got those on lock. I literally asked the Headwater for some high explosives and he came up with a magical fuckin' dirty bomb just like that. He was all like 'sure, have one, I'm sure you'll use this responsibly and not like give it to a crimelord or whatever, just don't jostle it and you probably won't explode into an annihilating void cloud'. Making nukes and steel would be taking the hard way around these parts, my dude, since everyone and their mother's a wizard anyhow. Probably more of them around than nuclear physicists back where I came from, that's for damn sure."

"It's exactly like that, magic gave them the easy way and let them skip the hard way! But the hard way has many advantages that they missed. You are right, they have very good bombs. But where are the intercontinental ballistic missiles to distribute those bombs? They have no good delivery method for real mutually assured destruction. Do not tell me that their swords and bows are equal to a machinegun, their wagons are equal to tank, or their gliders are equal to an attack helicopter. Their biggest problem is production. They might have a magic thing to equal everything I mentioned but they cannot mass produce because their production needs mages and the average grunt is no mage. Their medieval armies lead by powerful mages would lose to a mechanized modern army every time. It only seems like there are a lot of mages because we talk to a lot of powerful people and the powerful people here are mages."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2018, 06:30:53 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 24, 2018, 07:11:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 24, 2018, 07:06:52 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 20, 2018, 07:46:19 pm

Alright, now comes the fun part!- Oh, when I feel more like it. Think I will be called Fe, though. And dark purple hair, because... purple is a good color.

((YouGottaHaveBlueHair

I'd written a short intro but I think I should rewrite it in light of your more recent post. Next turn.))

Haha, sorry. I may have procrastinated on that.
Now because I have to wait till next turn, I shall amuse myself with a pointless action! Ahaha!

Look at the pretty... frogs? I'm pretty sure there are frogs here. In this place. Where I am.

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 24, 2018, 05:47:07 pm

*puts on WORLDBUILDING cap*

Alright, so Fe is a twentysomething human-ish (looks human, internal organs are arranged slightly differently) from a "world" consisting of a bunch of barren rocks chained together, orbiting a stormy gas giant. Gravity on the rocks is present, but inconsistent, and there's no air. Fe's younger sister had worked up a large gambling debt to a weird psychic giant maggot thing, and Fe has agreed to help pay it off. Part of this deal involves the brain-slug thing, which keeps track of her location and thoughts, for security.

You wake up.

You squint and try to perceive the world through blurry eyes. The ant-like thing keeps banging on the bars of your cell. The noise is making your head hurt. Did they put something in your food?

It makes an aggressive noise and points back with its spear. Through the pain you realise that it wants you to go back or it's going to make you go back, forcefully, painfully. You flinch away, not wanting to be in pain. That's enough to satisfy the thing but it still wants to hurt you. You try to stay away but this cell is more like a hole in the rock. Fighting is futile, the thing easily overpowers you. It grabs you with its many appendages and shoves you out of the cell.

It and its partner are supposed to bring you somewhere. To something. You walk between cells, some empty, some filled. A show of force more likely. You don't see why else they would treat you like that, other than to show you what they can do, how little your life is compared to their power. You've already agreed to do anything they want.

They bring you before their leader. They wait a moment for the scantly-dresses dancer-slaves to finish their routine and exit the room, eager to get as far away from it as possible. (Why do maggots like human slaves so much?) The noise of all the slaves, the noise of the worst scum one can find congregating here, it's not helping your headache.

The leader addresses you. It wants you to do something for it. It wants you to find out more about "the Newcomer". It wants you to spy on him. It wants you to find why he's here, what he wants, where he's going. It wants you to get there before him and steal whatever he wants and then bring it back. It tells you where he's staying, an old room-renting place. It shows you an image of a man. It tells you that if you betray it it will make your head explode. It tells you to go at once, giving your extra threats for motivation. You are handed a card with 300 glibdrags for your expenses and the image of the man before you are dumped out of the compound.

At least it's quiet around here. It should give you some time to recover (having that thing speak into your mind is never pleasant) and gather your thoughts. There's only a frog-thing staring at you but with no intention of doing anything about you. It just stares, covered in rags full of holes means he is in no position to do anything about you.

So, you're the expendable spy sent on a suicide mission. You have a bunch of cash, an image and a place. And you have to find this Newcomer guy, find out what he wants and steal his stuff or die trying. You expected to be forced to become one of that maggot's dancer slaves or be forced to sell Vlarfakian eye-injections in shady corners, not... this. You're not sure if this is somehow better or worse. Maybe just another flavor of bad.

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 25, 2018, 10:40:58 pm

Can haz intro? Didn't show up in that last turn, though I'm not sure I understand the schedule here.

I'm just doing personal mini-missions for you and Sir Elventide while waiting for enough players to start a mission to join or one of the other two missions to finish. So your turn will be with Sir Elventide's, usually along with the spaceship exploration mission.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 24, 2018, 09:38:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 24, 2018, 07:06:52 pm

You enter the staff only area and leave a few knee-high troublemakers to watch your back.

The fat doll is not as fast as you'd like, being more focused on being massive than on anything else (you weren't really planning that far ahead when you summoned it). You reach the hallway with the security door which now has a very alert security guard.
"Hey! You weirdos stay where you are!" he shouts as he sees you approach, reaching for his gun.
You and Jack immediately take cover. You direct the doll to charge while Jack gets a card ready. The guard is quicker than the doll, getting off several shots before it can reach him. He hits it center of mass with the first two, the head with the next. Professional aiming.
Jack throws the 9 of clubs at the guard. The card shines and disappears as it hits him but he doesn't even notice the strike.
When he sees how little the doll's been affected, he targets its leg next, tearing it to pieces with three more shots. Your ears are not pleased with such loud noises in such a confined space.
Jack throws the 10 of clubs at the guard. The card hits him straight in the head, knocking him back. While he tries to regain his bearings, Jack runs towards him.

♚The Doll Prince: Into the Fray!♚

His ears still ringing from the echoing gun shots, Napoleon realized that the other guards could be onto them right about now. Unless the fire alarms are particularly loud or the guards are hard of hearing, there is no way they didn't hear their comrade discharge his weapon. Needless to say, Napoleon and Jack were quickly running out of time.

As Jack rushed the stunned guard, Napoleon focused on what shape he had in mind for the fat doll. This form must be lithe enough to rush its targets, yet strong enough to overpower them. Fortunately and unfortunately for him, Napoleon knew just what to morph it into given that he doesn't have enough time to experiment though he was loathe to do so. After all, it is quite ironic that he would decide that the fat doll's more efficient form would be no other than that of the twisted doll itself. While he'd doubted that he can replicate its ability to teleport, he hoped that it would prove sufficient to the task. Even more, he hoped that Lady Amarante doesn't do anything to make it turn on him again.

Morph the fat doll's form into that of the twisted doll and use it to help Jack take down the guard. After the man has been subdued, quickly move through the security door and find a way to lock or barricade it. Afterwards, search for a map to determine the vault's location. If its combination can be found somewhere too then that's an added bonus.

The feeling of the twisted doll's presence is still fresh in your mind. You try to call upon it for some quick modifications to your doll. Unfortunately you can't concentrate enough to begin the transformation.

Jack reaches the guard before he can recover and kicks his gun away... straight into the guard's chest. The guard reaches for the gun again, Jack falls on him and they struggle, each trying to pull the gun away from the other.

You try to change the doll again. You manage to fix its legs somewhat but its transformation is far from over. You direct it to help Jack with the guard. It reaches the two and helps direct the gun towards the guard's head. Jack pulls the trigger, splattering the guard's brains all over the door.

Jack looks at the gun for a second.
"Thanks for the assist."
He tosses it aside, wipes the blood from his glasses on the doll and then searches the body for a security card.
"Those guys are professionals. We can't underestimate them."
He finds the card and gets ready to move.

Your dolls at the intersection just ambushed a security guard coming to help and they're keeping her occupied, but you don't want to take any chances. You take your gun and use it to slam the security panel, breaking it. You reason the safest lock is the one without a keyhole. You go through the door and shut it from the other side.

The area beyond is an intersection with conveniently labeled signs. "Vault Elevator" is right in front of you, an elevator with large heavy-duty armored doors and two key-card readers. "Armory", "Security Control" and "IT" are on your right. "Safe Deposit Boxes", "Management" and "Engineering" are on your left.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 27, 2018, 09:20:21 am

Kosak Durar:

"What the-where'd he go?"

A very confused Kosak stays alert.

You keep your fists up while you wait for the world to stop spinning.

Quote from: Toaster on March 26, 2018, 09:30:31 am

John, Inside the Maximus

Can my sensors pick up anything?  If so, pot shot and call targets.  Otherwise, careful retreat to medbay.

<<Icarus, did you see that guy?  Any data or insight?  What about you, Interface?>>

: Sorry. I can't see anything on my passive sensors. I can try active scanning if you want and direct you to his location. Otherwise I'll come join you. :
: Enemy unit summary.
First unit: Mining exoskeleton. Class C mining laser with weapon-grade modifications. Expanded external capacitor bank, estimating triple of normal operational capacity. High strength, medium endurance, low mobility, low fuel.
Second unit: Antiphoton Stealth Suit. Class A stealth capabilities, capable of evading most shipboard sensors outside security checkpoints. High mobility, low fuel. Can only carry limited equipment while in Stealth mode. Stealth Mode operation is Heat and Energy intensive, the user will suffer fatal heat damage after extended operation. Additional modifications present, purpose unknown.
End of summary. Do you require additional data? :

Quote from: DreamerGhost on March 25, 2018, 06:53:25 am

<Svajoklis,Maximus>

"Well, it seems that our reasons for visiting the medbay have tripled."

Go to the medbay. Help anyone too in pain or too concussed to walk properly.

Quote from: Zormod on March 25, 2018, 02:16:12 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus: Central Fore Way Station

---

If we're done here, start heading for medbay.

The team hobbles and drags itself the rest of the way to the corridor leading to the Medical Station. Immediately you start seeing signs of heavy combat. Crushed drones, dismembered corpses, burnt blobs of flesh, floating clouds of dried blood flecks. Their Black Boxes show a confused, semi-ordered fighting retreat. They play over each other, giving you an unsynchronized mess of sound and screaming.
: Command HQ we have a situation on junction D3! : a holographic ghost shouts, using his pistol to keep a monster with 6 scythe arms away as it tries to rip a drone apart, his shots only slowing it down.
: Everyone out of the vehicle! Now, now now! : another shouts, directing the wounded away from a vehicle currently being consumed by what would best be described as a giant octopus.
: Command HQ, we need- : he continues but before he can something wraps around him and drags him away, his screams and blind machine gun fire not enough to save him.
: Pull back now, we have to get out of here! : one tries to warn someone while spraying bullets in front of her with her assault rifle but she is too late, cut in half by an unseen attack.
: Lay down suppressing fire! : a group of running ghosts shout to the drones following them as they round a corner, sacrificing the drones to buy themselves some time.
Things get worse the further down the corridor you go. In one room a squad makes its doomed last stand, trying to cling to life as long as they can.
: What the fuck is this? :
: Sarge! They're all around us! What do we do? :
: Just keep firing! :
There are no heroic words, just strained grunts and shouts of warning and the constant sound of gunfire.
: They're breaking through the walls! : one ghost uses its last words to state the obvious as holes begin to melt in one of the walls, accompanied by the rising shriek of whatever is attacking.
There are very few drones on the final part of the corridor. Only worker drones that self-destructed sealing and barricading the door to the medbay. Now it's humans left here to die. Running away and screaming in pain.
: No! I'm still here! Command! I- I don't know where to go! Please! Heelp! Help meee! : the final ghost pleads as he desperately bangs on the door to the medbay before being dragged away by the creatures.

And suddenly the stream of images ends. The ghosts return to their rest and you return to darkness and silence. No more Black Boxes around. And no monsters attacking you.

Something has broken through the barricade (from the side of the medbay), leaving a hole you could squeeze through with some effort. There's some scrap on the other side, you can't really see much through the hole.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on March 27, 2018, 08:43:41 pm

"Argh, the things I do for family...
...what is "the Newcomer" even supposed to mean? They can't mean he's from... whatever isn't these rocks, right?

Guess it doesn't matter much. At least I'll see it coming when he kills me, ha.
Why aren't I laughing."

Best not to head out on a mission without a good stabby boi. Buying a dedicated murder knife, preferably concealable and with a guard to parrying.
If I can afford it and know where to go, I'll also get a cheap pistol. I don't care if it explodes three shots in, bullets are bullets.

Additions to my wishlist: Air mask (With a tank, not a filter. so that I can be slightly less very dead if I end up in space somehow.) and handcuffs. Provided I can reasonably conceal those and afford them.
Backup plan if sneaky espionage fails is to hold the guy up with my gun, cuff him, make him tell me where the whatever thing is, and stick him in a closet so that I have a head start on getting it.

Then head to the place and just walk down the hall, "listening" for interesting intents. Do I know the specific room?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 28, 2018, 01:21:04 pm

"Modern guns, explosives, and warheads wouldn't become equalizers to the magic arsenal this world has. Sure, they would do so for about a year, but then people would start to realize what powers they have, and then coups and rebellions would ensue - half of them to liberate the populaces, and half of them to install dictators and tyrants. The situation would only worsen from there. A gun in the hand is a lot easier to commit to violence with than years of training with magic, bows, swords, and cannons."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:48:31 pm

"I just figure you don't need to worry about the weapons because they've pretty much got those on lock. I literally asked the Headwater for some high explosives and he came up with a magical fuckin' dirty bomb just like that. He was all like 'sure, have one, I'm sure you'll use this responsibly and not like give it to a crimelord or whatever, just don't jostle it and you probably won't explode into an annihilating void cloud'. Making nukes and steel would be taking the hard way around these parts, my dude, since everyone and their mother's a wizard anyhow. Probably more of them around than nuclear physicists back where I came from, that's for damn sure."

"I know you show little regard for the life here, Ike, but modern weapons are different. They are fast. They are easier to mass-produce. Most importantly, though, they can be delivered to anywhere in the world with convenience. Any conflict could become a flashpoint."

"Look, I'm not saying that things will be just peachy without those weapons. I know that the situation is already dire here. I also know that, inevitably, modernization of weaponry will come. But these people need to learn on their own what that means. It needs to not come from some otherworldly beings who these residents can blame for what is to come. They need to be responsible for their own future. We can guide them. We can warn them of the dangers to come. But we can neither force the inevitable cataclysm nor stop it."

"I think Nikolai is right. We can introduce them to essential technologies. The rest," Zechariah sighs, "is up to them."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 28, 2018, 02:12:12 pm

"Um, technology is just another tool. I think you're making to big of a deal about this. Yeah, like any tool it can be misused, so what? Its only a difference of scale. How is this any different from teaching someone how to use a knife? Do you insist on them first making their own knife? That doesn't seem reasonable to me.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 28, 2018, 03:02:47 pm

"A little more, interface."  ...a bit later...  "Interface, do you have any information on these attackers?  What could they have in common with the guy in the suit we saw?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 28, 2018, 03:16:17 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 28, 2018, 01:21:04 pm

"I know you show little regard for the life here, Ike, but modern weapons are different. They are fast. They are easier to mass-produce. Most importantly, though, they can be delivered to anywhere in the world with convenience. Any conflict could become a flashpoint."

"Look, I'm not saying that things will be just peachy without those weapons. I know that the situation is already dire here. I also know that, inevitably, modernization of weaponry will come. But these people need to learn on their own what that means. It needs to not come from some otherworldly beings who these residents can blame for what is to come. They need to be responsible for their own future. We can guide them. We can warn them of the dangers to come. But we can neither force the inevitable cataclysm nor stop it."

"I think Nikolai is right. We can introduce them to essential technologies. The rest," Zechariah sighs, "is up to them."

"It's war, ya big goober. Weapons are what they need to not die, or at least die a bit less. If that's not essential, I dunno what is. Besides, not like they're gonna be able to build ICBMs or some shit overnight, or know how to launch 'em even if Nikky here had any idea how to build one himself. The military-industrial complex ain't even been invented yet, for Pete's sake!"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on March 28, 2018, 10:35:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2018, 06:30:53 pm

The feeling of the twisted doll's presence is still fresh in your mind. You try to call upon it for some quick modifications to your doll. Unfortunately you can't concentrate enough to begin the transformation.

Jack reaches the guard before he can recover and kicks his gun away... straight into the guard's chest. The guard reaches for the gun again, Jack falls on him and they struggle, each trying to pull the gun away from the other.

You try to change the doll again. You manage to fix its legs somewhat but its transformation is far from over. You direct it to help Jack with the guard. It reaches the two and helps direct the gun towards the guard's head. Jack pulls the trigger, splattering the guard's brains all over the door.

Jack looks at the gun for a second.
"Thanks for the assist."
He tosses it aside, wipes the blood from his glasses on the doll and then searches the body for a security card.
"Those guys are professionals. We can't underestimate them."
He finds the card and gets ready to move.

Your dolls at the intersection just ambushed a security guard coming to help and they're keeping her occupied, but you don't want to take any chances. You take your gun and use it to slam the security panel, breaking it. You reason the safest lock is the one without a keyhole. You go through the door and shut it from the other side.

The area beyond is an intersection with conveniently labeled signs. "Vault Elevator" is right in front of you, an elevator with large heavy-duty armored doors and two key-card readers. "Armory", "Security Control" and "IT" are on your right. "Safe Deposit Boxes", "Management" and "Engineering" are on your left.

♚The Doll Prince: The First Time's the Hardest♚

Looking behind them at the security door, Napoleon thought about the guard he'd helped Jack killed. Sure the man was dangerous and sure they were running out of time and Napoleon knew what he had to do but the feeling still bothered him even if he'd only helped did the deed. Despite possessing the means to do so, Napoleon had never killed someone before. Sure he always used his dolls to take down scum but it never crossed his mind to end their existence. Not that he would make a case for complete non-violence of course but even bloodshed was out of the question... until now. Though he'd considered himself more of a pragmatist than a pacifist, Napoleon was everything but a killer and now there was no way to wipe away that stain. To make matters worse, once the other guards discover their dead comrade in front of the door, they will be more intent on sending them out of the casino in a pair of body bags. Even if they proved merciful to take them alive, both Napoleon and Jack could spend years behind bars, no doubt at the mercy of predatory malefaiteurs. Either way, Napoleon will have to once again soak his hands in the blood of people who are just doing their jobs.

"Excusez moi while I recompose myself, Monseigneur Jack," Napoleon said as he collected his thoughts. This is about survival and a clear head is very much needed here. "The first time is the hardest but better them than us. Anyway, by the layout of the entrance to the vault elevator, two security cards must be swiped, perhaps at the same time and we only have one. However, there got to be emergency stairs nearby or some similar access points that the guards can use just in case the elevator stops working or if there's a fire. Let's look for those first."

Search for the aforementioned stairs or exits to circumvent the elevator. If none can be found, go to Security Control since that's where more security cards can possibly be held. Finish modifying the doll now that he can concentrate a bit better. To take his mind off his recent deed, ask Jack how'd he came to be in the same situation as him with the Queen. In other words, ask him what's his story prior to him meeting with Napoleon.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on March 28, 2018, 11:11:28 pm

"Who is Pete?"

"There is a lot of improvements to do to our little army's equipment and training even before getting into guns and other modern weapons. Its not like we could get working firearms any time soon, it's all theory for years in the future. We can decide how much to teach them after they're all equipped okay at their current level of tech. I wouldn't teach them how to make nukes even if I knew how."

"Actually, hmm, might not be that hard to make a crude musket soon, just need a pipe and some explosive.... can't make a good gun better than this crossbow any time soon though."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on March 29, 2018, 02:09:53 am

((Sorry this is later than my posts usually are, I’ve been occupied.))

Alan, Empathetic Individual

Aww, Alan thinks. He’s shy! ”Don’t worry, silly,” he chirps. ”My friends are my friends! Therefore they’ll be friendly because they’re friendly friends.”

Give him a big spider hug to comfort him. If my spidergirl instincts and extra legs tell me to do some other magical spidergirl thing to him (that doesn’t involve eating him) then why not, do that too.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on March 29, 2018, 04:52:28 am

Quote from: Lenglon on March 28, 2018, 02:12:12 pm

"Um, technology is just another tool. I think you're making to big of a deal about this. Yeah, like any tool it can be misused, so what? Its only a difference of scale. How is this any different from teaching someone how to use a knife? Do you insist on them first making their own knife? That doesn't seem reasonable to me.

"That's a disconnected way of looking at things. We all know that they will inevitably develop guns, then tanks, and then missiles and weaponized aircraft. It might start tomorrow, it might start a decade from now, or it might start centuries from now. But it will happen. I am not suggesting that we somehow prevent that. I'm talking about responsibility. If we come out of the blue and, like deities, just bestow the plans to create these weapons upon them, who do you think they'll blame for the violence and turmoil that happens? Not themselves. They will blame us. The onus of wielding weapons carefully, responsibly and decisively is no longer as meaningful for them when it's not their fault in the first place that it happened so soon. We might liberate them for a couple of weeks, yes, but then they will turn on each other for power.

This world is like a structure. Too much stress at once on the frame of the building and it collapses. That same amount of stress over time, however, becomes manageable. We are in a world of strife right now, and we are outsiders. Foreigners. If we are to act to help this world, we must be decisive and surgical about it. We can't be careless and throw chaotic elements into the mix. In the future, yes, that can happen. Everything belongs in its own time.

Of everyone here, I would've expected you to understand the most about what too much fire in a closed environment can do."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 28, 2018, 03:16:17 pm

"It's war, ya big goober. Weapons are what they need to not die, or at least die a bit less. If that's not essential, I dunno what is. Besides, not like they're gonna be able to build ICBMs or some shit overnight, or know how to launch 'em even if Nikky here had any idea how to build one himself. The military-industrial complex ain't even been invented yet, for Pete's sake!"

"You think that they are going to stop pointing their weapons at people once the current tyrants and despots are gone? Those armies and arsenals won't disappear, and the removal of corrupt leaders will leave power vacuums. Who do you think is going to fill those vacuums? Those who want power, and those who have the means to take it. Of course they're not going to build those arsenals immediately, but the point is that it'll be our fault that such technology reaches them at such an accelerated pace. We can't just wave and shove off of the world once we're done with our objective. We need to think about the reverberations of what we do. Once we set something in motion, it is nigh impossible to stop.

Are you willing to bet all of those lives for a cheap comfort?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on March 29, 2018, 05:09:21 am

Quote from: NAV on March 28, 2018, 11:11:28 pm

"Who is Pete?"

"Friend of mine, you wouldn't know him."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on March 29, 2018, 04:52:28 am

"You think that they are going to stop pointing their weapons at people once the current tyrants and despots are gone? Those armies and arsenals won't disappear, and the removal of corrupt leaders will leave power vacuums. Who do you think is going to fill those vacuums? Those who want power, and those who have the means to take it. Of course they're not going to build those arsenals immediately, but the point is that it'll be our fault that such technology reaches them at such an accelerated pace. We can't just wave and shove off of the world once we're done with our objective. We need to think about the reverberations of what we do. Once we set something in motion, it is nigh impossible to stop.

Are you willing to bet all of those lives for a cheap comfort?"

"That's all just abstract bullshit and cyclical sociopolitics, which is a more specific kind of abstract bullshit. None of it's helpful to all the good dudes and ladydudes who are fighting the good fight and trying not to get murked by the Sovereignty who, might I add, have airships and armies and tyrants galore. And I dunno about you, but I kinda like these people a little too much to pat 'em on the back from my interdimensional tourist high horse and go 'nah, bruh, you're gonna be good, I don't need to tell you shit', because we might be leaving in not too long if Pete wills it and we haven't completely fucked things for ourselves somehow already, but this mess we left - and this whole state of affairs is at least 33% our fault by my estimates, might I add - is gonna be theirs to inherit."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on March 29, 2018, 07:59:44 am

"Zech, you're over-extrapolating. Especially since the vast majority of dangerous stuff requires a support structure that doesn't exist here, one that takes at least decades to build. And then you're borrowing responsibility. Free will is a thing Zech. Stop trying to take the blame for other people's actions. that's stupid."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on March 29, 2018, 01:46:56 pm

<Svajoklis,Maximus>

"Well, we know what happened now, but I am not too happy about this. Does anyone have any ideas to get in that doesn't involve crawling through that gap? It's likely safe enough, but I'd say we have reason enough to avoid risks."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on March 29, 2018, 02:33:30 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"Not yet, but I might soon."

Send my eyes through the hole.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on March 29, 2018, 05:04:39 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Show yourself, coward!"

Angry Kosak is angry.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Toaster on March 30, 2018, 11:05:40 am

John, Inside the Maximus.

Sit down and catch my breath.  Self-assess.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on March 31, 2018, 10:02:55 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on March 25, 2018, 02:53:58 pm

:'( ((Internet...I had thought I posted!!))

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7715264#msg7715264) noted concisely the problem with being jerks as prisoners.
"While it is true this isn't our war--you made it our war. You opened fire on us without provocation, and made sure to ambush any person in this vicinity, including civilians not associated with your "war". We will be keeping you as prisoners until and unless you give information.

"That or I can coax it out the hard way," she said, adding a lingering tone to her voice--they needn't know she was a total softie, and that she never meant anything she would say that would involve even harming them, but she did like telling stories...

"I do deftly recall you were hired with folks who bandied with beastmen and otherwise; I'm wondering how well you know folks like me and what we can do to...extricate information from those who wish not to. Magic won't help you here; just trust, and the sooner you get it out, the better...for all of us."

Um...persuade! Wait no that's intimidation.

Intimidate the prisoners! As retcon action! Before the Glider happened (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7718820#msg7718820)!

---

After the hubbub of many many things having happened, Theri approached Ike (and let Irine know too) via comm wire.

"What's the plan, boss? I've got ideas from the prisoners! ...Um, to be detailed later after your ideas, that is."

Your Renegade score is not high enough to use Intimidate. High Paragon players should use Charm instead.

You do an awfully good job intimidating the prisoners. By the end you think they're trembling slightly. They are in no mood to get tortured. They're not getting paid to be tortured by a savage beastwoman, they've seen what they do to people firsthand. In fact, they're very likely not getting paid ever again, at least not by the same employer. They say they hold no loyalty for the Sovereignty, in fact it's highly likely they will be punished for their failure if they return to the commander that hired them. So they decide to talk in exchange for no longer being prisoners.

They say they were hired as part of a greater mercenary-hiring effort in progress in the Sovereignty and assigned to protect the mage that was captured with them (who so far has remained completely silent and under constant guard, in case he tries anything). The mage was supposed to be a big deal but they don't know the details. The mage was assigned to oversee the beastmen, maintain the Lightning Cannons, provide support and direct the monsterbirds (which they call Cherubs).

The beastmen were not under the mage's direct command. They were led by one of their own called Sword-Tusk, named after the way he executed defeated opponents in the Arena. When the Sovereignty's soldiers captured the Arena, they freed the beastmen kept there, armed them and promised them support as long as they didn't target the Sovereignty's soldiers. The mage persuaded the beastmen to set up ambush on the pass, capture those passing through and sell them as slaves to the Sovereignty in exchange for more weapons and supplies. Sword-Tusk and a small number of his warriors were not at the pass when you attacked, having left several days ago with money and supplies. The mercenaries are unsure about where they went.

If there isn't anything else you wish to ask, they're quite eager to get out of here and find some place to spend their coin.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

((note: by "good/better" I was referencing "good/better" from the user's perspective. not objectively. If you think it'll make things better for you to kill everyone you meet and steal everything they own, fire can help you do that :P. Was simply assuming that when people want to change things, from their perspective, changing things will make them better, at least for themselves or whoever it is they concern themselves with, even if everyone else disagrees including their past/future self.))

In that case the Order part of the Sword would argue that with that logic all magic is good. The only bad magic would be a totality of Void, since if we assume the world inherently holds value and that all actions merely transform or transport that value then the only way to reduce that value and thus cause total evil would be to destroy the world.

Or perhaps it would be enough to merely prevent the existence of living things, if we assume only living things can determine the value of the world and it is not some inherent property. However in that case the same would apply for evil and thus even total destruction of the world would reduce that sum to 0 instead of creating good or evil.

The Sword refuses those viewpoints as without merit. It says it is better to believe there are objectively good and bad things, even if people do not posses full knowledge of what they are. That way people are more likely to feel obliged to stay good instead of trying to weasel out of it with philosophical excuses.

((Note that the views expressed by my characters are not necessarily my own. You would get a very different answer depending on whether you asked the Sword, Charlie, Stellar, etc. on these sorts of things.))

Quote from: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

the memories she's using are going to be:
attempt 1: the creation of her moon-home, formation of rock.
attempt 2: the creation of her moon-home, formation of moss.
attempt 3: the creation of her moon-home, formation of the magma core. (!CLEAR TESTING AREA FIRST!)
attempt 4: the creation of her moon-home, formation of a hot spring / water.
attempt 5: the creation of her moon-home, formation of multitail-fox
attempt 6: the creation of her solar system, formation of earthlike planet, formation of grass.
attempt 7: the creation of her solar system, formation of the sun (!CLEAR TESTING AREA!)
attempt 8: the creation of the physics of her home universe, fine-tuning of gravity (!CLEAR TESTING AREA!)
and then the one she's really after:
attempt 9: the creation of her interplanetary gate system, formation of a gate between locations.

You find a safe place to experiment while the Sword maintains the defensive field over the caravan.

1. Nothing
2. After a horrendous amount of concentration and effort you manage to feel a hint of something. You're not even sure what it is.
3. Nothing
4. Nothing
5. You sort of feel... yourself? You're not sure what to make of it. Feels like you or maybe something inside you. Some kind of loop maybe? It fades a second later.
6. Nothing
7. You accidentally end up using your fire and summon a giant fireball. You feel glad you went away from the camp to test that.
8. You stop when it starts to hurt. You don't want to push yoursel too hard or accidentally make your head explode or something. They say mages who push themselves too hard end up invoking the Void and that would be bad.
9. There's definitely something there. Like pushing against a particularly heavy curtain.

Generally you try not to push it too much with the experiments. You're already exerting yourself protecting the camp every night, you don't want to be hurt or so tired it lowers your effectiveness.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

@shapeshift failure:
Good. I probably don't have any significant risk of accidentally turning someone into a fox in my sleep or when I shift forms while they're inside me or whatever.
((Yes, she was legitimately worrying about that. She's got people living inside her now, not even resisting the flow of her magic. There was a chance that her ability to shift would translate to gradually shifting the people inside her into copies of her, or into fire themselves, or just straight-up-absorbing them once they become fire-aligned enough. However, if even when she's intentionally trying to do it, it just results in them getting burnt, then they'll probably automatically resist enough to avoid it. Or at least that's Irine's theory. She could be wrong.))

Well, based on what others have told you everyone is made from a somewhat balanced concentration of elements (mages and magical creatures are the exception) and naturally resist foreign influences. Transforming someone using your fire-based mechanism would require not only overcoming their resistance but also momentarily replace their other elements with Fire. Perhaps you could achieve it by emulating their flows using Fire long enough to transform them, but that would require something like seeing/sensing all flows within them and you don't have that ability. Even if you had the ability to do all that, your transformation ability is linked with specifically transforming you, even going so far as transferring injuries from one state to the next, it's not a generalized thing.

That's not to say you can't badly mess up a Fire mage or at least torture them effectively by overcoming their resistence and manipulating the Fire inside them. But if you're looking to transform someone, you're better off using Chaos or Dark magic.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

How is River's recovery progressing? He's been a puppy for a while now, shouldn't he be rapidly getting bigger and more whole? Does he need anything?

He's no longer a puppy, he's closer to his usual size now. You'd say he's the size of an adolescent. He hasn't asked for anything. In fact he hasn't talked at all. You remember how his soulsphere looked. His body may look OK but maybe his mind is not all there.

Then again he never was one for talking much or asking for help. And he does seem to be capable of understanding Theri, even if he doesn't talk back. He follows her around, he patrols the caravan and its surroundings, he plays with the boy, he eats a ton... That must mean he's fine or at least not in any immediate danger. Maybe he just needs more time to heal his mind. Maybe he's decided speaking tends to not work out well for him, so he should avoid it as much as possible.

River notices you staring at him. He looks up from where he's lying and wags his tail slightly.
<Do you need anything?>
He looks at you for a second. He returns to resting his head on the ground and sends negeation. Well, I guess that answers that.

Quote from: Lenglon on March 25, 2018, 11:38:14 pm

If I discover Nik's discussion about technology I'd actually be interested in joining in. I have a literally perfect understanding of the base principals that it all operates on, but don't have experience with the application of those principals the way Nik does since my home never developed advanced technology and I never had any need to really work with it. So I can help with verifying that what Nik describes does or doesn't work or whatever, and the principals behind it (which is arguably more important) but won't be able to really add on new applications. However, I actually find the Alchemist kinda fascinating, and although I want to maintain a safe distance, and know I can't trust her to look out for my or anyone else's wellfare, I'm really curious about her work and perspective in general. Unbounded curiosity leads to all kinds of fun things, and that's one thing the Alchemist seems to have.

Hmm... This brings up an interesting question: You have an understanding of the world (or at least your world) but do you actually know how to express that understanding? I mean you can probably explain things in broad strokes or maybe say if someone is likely to be right or wrong but can you explain in more detail? After all, one could argue humans created math and science in an attempt to cope with their weakness and imperfect understanding of the world. A being with power and perfect understanding of the world would have no need for such tools and thus have no need to develop them. But those tools would be necessary to transfer that knowledge to those with imperfect understanding.

Of course, you could make a Platonist arguement that math and science is an essential part of the universe, not a tool created by human minds but something that inherently exists in the world and is discovered. Or that a god would use those things as tools, a starting point on which they build upon to create a universe, where a god is essentially the programmer writing the source code of the universe and humans are trying to reverse engineer her programming. Though in your case the universe or at least the mechanism around it was already there (from what I understand) so maybe in your case it could be more that a god needs to follow the same learning process as a human and thus requires the same concepts and processes, just to a greater extent. Or maybe you had to develop that knowledge in order to be able to transfer it to your avatar or to be more capable of talking about it when the time comes.

It won't significantly influence your action but it's still interesting to consider. That's what the alchemist would ask, though not with such terms.

Quote from: NAV on March 26, 2018, 01:52:56 pm

*Audible Sigh* "Not helping."

She writes "Note to self: Tie test subjects before potentially long conversations, even sedated." on the margin of her notes. After a second's thought, she amends that by adding "Unless testing sedation duration.". After another second's thoughts she expands it further by adding "Or conversation boring."

Quote from: NAV on March 27, 2018, 12:32:40 pm

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:48:31 pm

"I just figure you don't need to worry about the weapons because they've pretty much got those on lock. I literally asked the Headwater for some high explosives and he came up with a magical fuckin' dirty bomb just like that. He was all like 'sure, have one, I'm sure you'll use this responsibly and not like give it to a crimelord or whatever, just don't jostle it and you probably won't explode into an annihilating void cloud'. Making nukes and steel would be taking the hard way around these parts, my dude, since everyone and their mother's a wizard anyhow. Probably more of them around than nuclear physicists back where I came from, that's for damn sure."

"It's exactly like that, magic gave them the easy way and let them skip the hard way! But the hard way has many advantages that they missed. You are right, they have very good bombs. But where are the intercontinental ballistic missiles to distribute those bombs? They have no good delivery method for real mutually assured destruction. Do not tell me that their swords and bows are equal to a machinegun, their wagons are equal to tank, or their gliders are equal to an attack helicopter. Their biggest problem is production. They might have a magic thing to equal everything I mentioned but they cannot mass produce because their production needs mages and the average grunt is no mage. Their medieval armies lead by powerful mages would lose to a mechanized modern army every time. It only seems like there are a lot of mages because we talk to a lot of powerful people and the powerful people here are mages."

"I agree. Mages are always taking the easy way out. They fall into a rut and end up missing so much! There are so many more fun ways to bend the world to your will and force others to do your bidding. It's like only eating one food all your life. But for a balanced diet you need everything. The spice of Fire, the sweetness of Light, the depth of Darkness..."
If this was an inspirational musical, this would be the point she would break into song and dance about the virtues of alchemy over other forms of magic.

Quote from: NAV on March 28, 2018, 11:11:28 pm

"Who is Pete?"

"There is a lot of improvements to do to our little army's equipment and training even before getting into guns and other modern weapons. Its not like we could get working firearms any time soon, it's all theory for years in the future. We can decide how much to teach them after they're all equipped okay at their current level of tech. I wouldn't teach them how to make nukes even if I knew how."

"Actually, hmm, might not be that hard to make a crude musket soon, just need a pipe and some explosive.... can't make a good gun better than this crossbow any time soon though."

The master alchemist finds the idea of guns and rockets quite interesting. Using explosives to propel ammunition is nothing new, it has been done in the past, but surprisingly nobody has thought to miniaturize it for personal use or to use weaker explosives as fuel (or if they have they have kept the idea to themselves). It should be easy to do, one just has to find the right kind of explosive and a way to make the ammunition accurate. She'd like to tinker with the concept when you find a place with a forge or if Irine is willing to aid with the shaping of the metal. With the right configuration it might even be usable in combination with her potions. Air magic or magical machines are better for distributing potions but since that is not always available guns and rockets might be a better alternative to the cumbersome slings and crossbows.

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

"I love a good fireworks show!"
Send a team of recruits to search the remains of the glider (if any exist), and tell them to look for some elbow grease and headlight fluid while they're out. Mainly hoping for that one in a million chance that there is an intact air stone in the pile of ashes.

Ever seen one of those airline crash investigations, the ones where they painstakingly search some swamp inch by inch with a sieve to find any small piece of the aircraft they can find? That's pretty much what you'd need for anything more than what your men find with a quick examination of the crash site and its surroundings. Said findings are nothing exciting. Small pieces of wood and cloth that were blasted away and extinguished before they were too burnt along with various small pieces of burnt wood and charred glass (the last one probably from any magical weapons in the pilot's possession). The most intact pieces they find are those of the pilot (they were easy to find due to the Blood Vultures who found them first). They can tell there was a pilot and that he had a knife and some light armor but that's about it. None of them is a forensics expert but they're pretty sure that one of your attacks or the crash (most likely the first) damaged the power stone and caused it to explode for this kind of destruction to occur.

Your men say that while they don't condemn such behavior they're not really into that sort of thing, so they can't help you with procuring those items. Better ask the mages, they're the ones with the reputation for weird fetishes. Or maybe that accursed alchemist, gods know what weird things she's into, what devilish things she's hiding amongst her belongings.

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

After that go find the Alchemist. EDIT: Drag along a few smarter than average seeming recruits to the meeting.

"Who here can count above 1000?"
A few soldiers tentatively raise their hands.
"Good, you've just volunteered yourselves for a seminar."
You get a few questioning looks.
"Change your future with one session! Payable in 4 easy installments."
If you ever need a job after you're out of the games, you can put 'Speaker in International Science and Technology convention' on your resume.

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

"It is time to learn about technology."
Slam the empty book down on her table. Draw a circle.
"This is what we call a Wheel."

"Oh, really?"
"You mean, that's what those things on the wagons are called?"
"Guys-"
"I always thought wagons just floated on their own! What a revelation!"
"Guys, I-"
"Such secrets! I feel so privileged to be able to hear them!"
Great. You haven't gotten one line off and everyone is already cracking jokes. You're starting to realize what your teacher must have felt like.
"My mind can't handle such mystical knowledge! I'm not ready! Oh nooo-"
"Guys! I was just making a point! If you would let me finish..."
They quiet down somewhat, though they're still whispering and giggling amongst each other. This is not going to be an easy presentation.
"You know, I could just turn them all into pigeons."
"How would that help?"
"They wouldn't be my problem anymore."
The recruits become completely silent.
<Can you really transform them into pigeons?>
<I can make them think I've transformed them into pigeons.> she responds with a smile.
<That's not the same.>
<It's the same for them.>

Quote from: NAV on March 25, 2018, 05:42:18 pm

Start simple. Work our way up to steam engines, internal combustion, cars, trains, planes, and other vehicles.
Teach her the basics of electricity and circuits. Basic lead-acid battery, electric motor and generator, light bulb, electromagnet, etc.
Teach her about guns, working our way up from simple matchlocks and flintlocks to full auto machine guns. EDIT: Do not teach about guns or weapons.
EDIT: Also try to teach about the concept of a production line and a printing press. And the tractor, that's important.

Use lots of pictures and diagrams. Try to convince her that machines aren't magic, and that sometimes there are better ways of doing things than with magic. Be stubborn about this. Even someone with no magic can build a complicated machine if they do it right.

Nik's world is higher tech than "Earth", with sci-fi things like teleporters and nuclear cars and sentient AI not unheard of. Of course some groups have also regressed to medieval or prehistoric levels since the apocalypse. Averages out to ww2/cold war ish tech level for the most part. Anyway Nik doesn't go into any of that sci-fi stuff (or computers) because he doesn't understand them at all and has no evidence that they aren't magic.

There is the thought in the back of his mind that maybe technology isn't all that great, it did completely wrecked his world's environment and cause the apocalypse and all that, maybe he shouldn't teach these people about it or try to cause an industrial revolution here. But he thoroughly ignores that voice.

If anyone else feels like joining the tech talk they are welcome.

You continue your tech talks with the alchemist like you did in the past few days, this time with some extra audience. She asks questions about everything, as always. And, as always, she refuses to accept that technology isn't magic. After all, she's not a mage but she can use magic through properly crafted enchantments and potions, so your argument about technology is flawed. Checkmate technologists. The others suggest that this is merely a difference in terminology but by now you're both too entrenched in this argument to back down.

The recruits are not as interested. Some view it as a fun but sometimes boring story. Other just look bored. So you try to focus a bit more on the practical application of those sorts of things, how they could be used to solve specific problems they're having, how they can begin using that knowledge right now. Hopefully this will get them more interested. Then they can use that knowledge to improve their lives and their future... assuming they don't all die in this war.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on March 26, 2018, 02:13:33 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Listen guys, they've worked out interdimensional portals, superpowered reactors of ungodly fire, armies of the undead and boombox chaos raiders. I don't think you can fuck this world harder than it's fucked itself already, much as your idea that they're some race of noble unenlightened savages untainted by basic chemistry is endearing."

Chart a course to Traveller's Rest then! Make sure to scout ahead for the rest of the group, mind you, don't want to just blunder into an occupied village or whatever.

For the next few days, some distant wind throws dust high into the sky. The layer of dirt covering the sky makes shadows diffuse and results in an oppressive feeling. The fine dust constantly falls from the sky, covering everything, making your skin sticky, making you cough. You don't see any other gliders while scouting ahead. Maybe they don't fly in the dirt? Maybe they do but you can't see them? Maybe they don't have others? Who knows.

The trip to Traveler's Rest is uneventful. You make it close to the town without any issues. Your scouting group remains ahead of the main group, watching the town from a distant hill.

The town has been taken over by the Sovereignty, as expected. The most obvious sign that the town has been taken over is the small airstrip constructed on the back, a walled-off area containing about a dozen Combat Gliders and a couple of Scout Gliders. As you watch, a combat Glider rises out of the airstrip and starts circling the town like a vulture. It doesn't stray too far from it, probably patrolling the town from the air.

The front gates have been reinforced and soldiers on watchtowers scan the horizon, alert but not yet alarmed. An impressive amount of fortifications on the gate, they must be working hard. The rest of the town is surrounded by a short, thin wall, you could probably climb it with a simple ladder or a good jump or break it with a small explosion, however the watchtowers would probably spot you before you did so. Both the town and the small farms and houses surrounding it look abandoned, little movement to be seen. Most of the movement is concentrated around the central plaza, where the Sovereignty has set up camp, setting their tents and supply wagons.

The camp surrounds the Spine at the center of the plaza. Spines are buildings shaped like long thin pyramids. They used to support the Tower's magical network, before the Tower exploded. This one looks a bit damaged but mostly fine, unlike the one you saw in Areloggez. Irine said those things are most likely used in a Dark ritual to drain Fire magic, so there's bound to be mages in there.

An Airship has anchored itself and docked near the top of the Spine. It looks quite impressive, somewhat fragile and very dangerous, like an expensive sports car. Sleek, made mostly out of cloth and wood and with 4 Lightning Cannons poking menacingly from either side. Its wings are currently retracted and its sails are fluttering in the wind. The words 'Stormcloud Eater' have been written below its bow.
"Old Sovereignty joke." one of your men informs you.
"Because it eats clouds and poops lightning." he explains.

Overall, you'd say they have about two thirds of the men you have, but numbers aren't everything. They probably have better equipment than you and at least one Dark mage and some Wind mages. But you have the advantage of knowledge and initiative, as well as some very powerful special abilities and equipment. With some well-executed sabotage and a good battle plan, this town could be yours for the taking.

Then again, they are focused on holding this place, most likely a small garrison left behind to hold this town while the main force is deployed elsewhere. They most likely wouldn't attack you even if they knew you were here. You could just go around the town and stay on your guard. I mean, there's always the chance they could harass you and they'll definitely alert others. But you probably wouldn't feel much safer if you took out the town. You'd stay on your guard against attack either way, so what difference does that make, other than change the odds?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

((Yes, Irine is going to have a very hard time communicating physics-related information. It's intuitive for her, she just knows that things work that way. Tis part of why Nik has to take the lead on technology discussions, all she can do is verify what he's saying, and answer questions to fill in details. The more specific the question, the easier it'll be for her to answer.))

((Irine does believe there is such a thing as objective good or evil, however the distinction between objective good and subjective good very much needs to be a thing. In the context of the nature of fire, and how it is a force for change etc. she was referring to subjective good. not objective good. Fire is a tool that can be used to cause change. Generally it will be used for subjective good from the perspective of the user, else it wouldn't be used in the first place. It might be noteworthy that Irine isn't afraid of fire. It might seem obvious, but this colors her perceptions of it a little. She has trouble wrapping her mind around how fire can be a bad thing. She accepts that it can be misused or mishandled just like any other tool. but that's pretty much it.))

---

Although Light magic isn't in my nature, I want to spend some time learning at least the basics about it. Both to try to help Theri and to help fill the gap in my capabilities that is holding back Trisword.

However, the fact that I felt something when I attempted to recreate my Gate network is actually super critical. I need to keep working on that. (when rested) The way that my Gate network functioned was based on linked pairs, so it won't let me go someplace I've never been. But if I can make one end of a pair to leave behind us, and then make its match later on, it'll make backtracking much faster.

Are the nightly attacks staying the same, getting worse, or getting milder?

---

Yes, I'm willing to heat up metal to extreme temperatures for you, just don't ask me to breathe fumes please, I don't have the body mass to filter out airborne toxins.

Wait a sec, did the alchemist just use telepathy? How? My fox-form telepathy is one-way only, and I suspect this occured during the day while I was in hybrid form and didn't have access to it. How did that conversation happen?

---

regarding how to handle the Traveler's Rest situation, I'm willing to follow other's lead for now. Am open to advice.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"The town doesn't look too rough, luckily for our purposes. First of all, for the purposes of reviving Alan we need to secure the well and, if all goes well, take their Dark mage alive and get them to participate in a science experiment. I know we have access to paralytic venom for the taking-alive bit, but does anyone have any abilities relevant to mind control?" says Ike, looking in particular at the alchemist.

"Second of all, there's the Spine and their main warship from the looks of it. That's probably vital for neutralizing their military and magical capabilities, and optimally we'd want that Stormcloud Eater to be able to get to Nether Pass as quickly as possible. We might be able to blow up the Spine somehow, maybe Irine can channel shittons of fire into it somehow, but that's probably not the optimal way to go about this."

"Thirdly, the airstrip and gliders - if we grab hold of that before they can get to it, we can deprive them of most of their air capability. It's also possible that we could blow up the whole dang lot, but without further information it's hard to say."

"So that's about the short of it - the garrison's pretty small and we probably outclass their magicky bullcrap between us, but they've got heavy weapons on their airships, so a direct assault probably isn't the wisest option. We'd like to go about this smartly, so where do you guys see yourselves fitting into all this?"

Brief the team and request input!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 01, 2018, 09:56:54 am

((Oh dear. I keep leaving Alan for last and by that point I'm so tired I forget. Sorry.))

((@Lenglon: I thought you would be fox during the tests. If you weren't then you(plural) would just be using normal speech.))

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

Campaign, Ike!

"The town doesn't look too rough, luckily for our purposes. First of all, for the purposes of reviving Alan we need to secure the well and, if all goes well, take their Dark mage alive and get them to participate in a science experiment. I know we have access to paralytic venom for the taking-alive bit, but does anyone have any abilities relevant to mind control?" says Ike, looking in particular at the alchemist.

"I'm all for science experiments. I can get him to do something, but if you want good results don't expect instant satisfaction. Direct mind control tends to break people. It's better to convince someone that they're doing what they want to do. I can do that but it takes some time."

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

"Second of all, there's the Spine and their main warship from the looks of it. That's probably vital for neutralizing their military and magical capabilities, and optimally we'd want that Stormcloud Eater to be able to get to Nether Pass as quickly as possible. We might be able to blow up the Spine somehow, maybe Irine can channel shittons of fire into it somehow, but that's probably not the optimal way to go about this."

Your encyclopedic knowledge allows you to identify the most important parts of the vessel. There are protrusions near the fore, aft and bottom sections of the vessel that allow it to manipulate the Wind around it to move quickly or generate defensive fields, but it can use its sails and wings to move without them. There are usually 1 or 2 flotation devices placed on the front and back compartments of the vessel that keep it from sinking to the ground and allow it to tilt. Advanced Wind control requires a Wind mage to interface with the vessel's systems but normal control merely requires a small crew in the vessel's bridge, usually located near the top and slightly to the back. The vessel's power source is usually located near the center and slightly forward and upwards.

The Spine is relatively short, you'd say a bit above 10 storeys high. You know that the most important part is its central chamber that runs through the entire building from top to bottom but that's about it.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

"Thirdly, the airstrip and gliders - if we grab hold of that before they can get to it, we can deprive them of most of their air capability. It's also possible that we could blow up the whole dang lot, but without further information it's hard to say."

"So that's about the short of it - the garrison's pretty small and we probably outclass their magicky bullcrap between us, but they've got heavy weapons on their airships, so a direct assault probably isn't the wisest option. We'd like to go about this smartly, so where do you guys see yourselves fitting into all this?"

Brief the team and request input!

The water mages say they could offer concealment for any approaching group, especially if they approached under cover of darkness.

The alchemist says she can provide you with more explosives, drugs you can put in their food and water, magical napalm, blinding acid... Generally whatever you want, within reason. She has no intention of participating in direct combat though. She requests you capture one of the Gliders intact, if possible, since she would like to examine its magical properties and operation and maybe modify it for her own use.

Quote from: Xantalos on March 29, 2018, 02:09:53 am

((Sorry this is later than my posts usually are, I’ve been occupied.))

Alan, Empathetic Individual

Aww, Alan thinks. He’s shy! ”Don’t worry, silly,” he chirps. ”My friends are my friends! Therefore they’ll be friendly because they’re friendly friends.”

Give him a big spider hug to comfort him. If my spidergirl instincts and extra legs tell me to do some other magical spidergirl thing to him (that doesn’t involve eating him) then why not, do that too.

You give the guy a big hug, careful not to accidentally stab him with your hands. The spiderlegs stab themselves into his chest and work on helping him relax. When you let go of him he's much more relaxed and agreeable. He smiles, thanks you and goes to meet your friends. Yay! Another victory for the power of hugs!

That done, you go meet your step-father, as instructed. The guards push the giant gates open and grant you access to the audience room. The audience room is mostly empty, as it usually is whenever you meet him, the elector-princes and princesses vacated at the request of the Sovereign. The Sovereign himself, your step-father, Lord Bofort, is sitting on his throne of gold and silver (and a ton of defensive enchantments, which you painfully remember from when you attacked him).

"So, Princess, you return at last. When I spared your life it was because you promised me you would grant me victory. You promised me my reign would be eternal. You promised me that I would be loved by all. You promised me my power would be that of the gods of old. But most of all, you took a vow to serve me unconditionally and bind yourself to me as my servant."

"I do not consider myself an unreasonable man. I gave you what you asked. I gave you a position in the Mages' College. I gave you criminals to experiment on. I assigned mages to your experiments and sent Commandos and mercenaries to search for forgotten relics, even though we need them in the war effort. I have thrown all my armies against the Kingdom and the Southern States and when they weren't enough I bolstered them with Beastmen, mercenaries and slavers. I have workers working around the clock on your so-called Deus Project."

"Yet now I learn you've been acting behind my back. Sending Commandos to deal with criminals. An entire contingent sent to fight a Dragon and capture it! Working with the bloody Dark Elves! Kidnapping our own citizens for gods know what! The Eastern sea towns are getting raided by Chaos Warbands, citizens are starting to complain, the elector-princes are threatening to make me the first Sovereign voted out of office in centuries and you are nowhere to be found, you don't even leave a message! So tell me then, why should I not just cut my losses and detach myself from you? Why not just-"

: Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want. :
You raise your hand to ask for one moment but don't wait for a reply before answering your phone. The Sovereign doesn't look pleased.
: So, tell me what you want, what you really really- *beep* :
"Mushy Sushi." you say as you answer the call, the guard's face appearing on the screen.
"Hello, friend. I have reached your friends. They all look very happy to see me." he reports as he turns the camera to show you your friends. They shout, longing to be with you.
Good. Most have absorbed the Wind energies and moulted without issue. No exceptional cases but at least all were successful. You can release them later.
"They also look very hungry. If you could just-"
His next sentence is cut off by a cacophony of shouting Cherubs, assenting about their hunger. The Sovereign is tapping his foot impatiently.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 01, 2018, 10:00:49 am

"We have two of those Mercator's mirages. A couple small teams could sneak in with those to do sabotage or kidnapping.

No civilians left? That means we can use heavy artillery with no worries. No worries except for killing the dark mage and destroying the well we need. And destroying the loot."

Get our recruits to do some last minute few days preparations in attempt to improve their chances.

Get them to construct crude shields out of whatever scrap wood or other suitable materials they can scavenge. I want everyone with a one handed weapon to have a shield to hide behind.

Get them to build javelins. I don't care whether they use spare arrowheads, knapped flint, or fire hardened wooden points. I want a large stockpile for everyone without a bow to throw.

Get them to make some staff-slings. It is a larger sling on the end of a staff. Gives a lot of leverage so you can throw big rocks very far. It takes very little skill to use or make, but has very little accuracy. Good for attacking or defending a fort.

Get them to make some fire arrows. Arrows wrapped in rags that can be soaked in oil or booze. Usually ineffective but should support Irene well. Also get them to make a stock of molotov cocktails. They can throw them with the staff slings.

Also get the archers to make some monsterbird talon arrows. Because we have a lot of spare monsterbird talons and paralysis arrows are good. Craft a few monsterbird talon bolts for myself.

This might be a bit of a stretch with our available time and resources and tools and skills, but try to get them build a ballista. Or catapult or small trebuchet, whatever siege weapons we can manage. We can never have too much artillery. Make sure they have wheels and can be towed in our caravan.

Oh yeah, plug my signaller into a convenient fox-shaped charging station.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 11:41:53 am

((Fox-form for tests, yes. For just conversing with the alchemist I'd been thinking Hybrid, but fox-form works for that as well anyway, so it doesn't matter really. Was mostly just suprised by the alchemist's use of telepathy. My fox-form telepathy is one-way after all.

Also I only now noticed that we arrived at Traveler's rest. I think I'll be editing my action shortly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 01, 2018, 11:55:37 am

((I'll allow some long term actions. After all, some days have passed, you didn't get there instantaneously. I just had you move there to give you the next 'major decision point' so to speak so you can start planning for it. Just don't do anything that breaks causality and you should be fine.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 02:15:21 pm

((Meanwhile, a doll prince taps his foot impatiently.)))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 03:12:11 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 02:15:21 pm

((Meanwhile, a doll prince taps his foot impatiently.)))

Rawr! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTFt-wsRMys)
:P

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 03:16:56 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 03:12:11 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 02:15:21 pm

((Meanwhile, a doll prince taps his foot impatiently.)))

Rawr! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTFt-wsRMys)
:P

Hrmph! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0oyglKjbFQ)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 01, 2018, 04:21:43 pm

Hey! Hey! Hey! (https://youtu.be/VD6__C2Ht6M)

Sorry, your turn is next but busy schedule plus mild food poisoning means I didn't have enough time to finish the medical center description. So I just wrote Alan's turn, since I forgot it yesterday and answered some quick questions and did some dialogue. I'll try to get it done tomorrow. If I could I'd write 24 hours a day but unfortunately for the game there are other things I must and/or want to do throughout the day.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 01, 2018, 04:30:29 pm

With the magic* of time dilation you can write for 24 hours in a day and have some time left over! You just need a really big solar sail or something.

*Actually science.

Anyway if we're linking music, go ahead and have the background thought process for all my characters. (https://youtu.be/BSsfjHCFosw)
(I die a lot.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 04:44:35 pm

Take your time then, Parisbre. Real life health comes before roleplay.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 01, 2018, 04:58:27 pm

Says you! I barely ever sleep, staying up to watch the internet and *twitch* I'm perfectly well adjusted!

(I'm exaggerating. Take whatever time you need, Paris.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 01, 2018, 04:59:26 pm

There's always this solution (http://shencomix.com/post/159489404569)...

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 01, 2018, 05:02:55 pm

Dreams are basically games anyway so if you let your body rest while you play it's pretty much the same thing, right?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 01, 2018, 05:24:17 pm

Unless a griefer hijacks your dream and turns it into a nightmare, in which case you'll know that Freddy Kruger's real...

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 04, 2018, 10:30:07 am

One quick question. Does the airship look like something I can reasonably tsar, or is it too big? Even if its big it should be made of very light construction so that should make it easier.

Ask the Alchemist if she has any potions or anything that can help lessen the effects of overusing my magic. The headaches, weakness, dizziness that comes with tsaring something too big. Specifically to help tsar the airship.
"I want to sneak in and go straight for the airship and steal it and tsar it and rain down lightning."

Edit: While I'm at it question the alchemist about my magic being chaos element, on the grounds that it can repair things.
"Who ever heard of chaos magic fixing things? Thats the reverse of entropy!"

Lightweight camo netting cloak is relevant for sneaking at night, yes? See if Lune ever got around to it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 04, 2018, 11:16:46 am

((Nik is Chaos / space aligned. Although nobody has direct overlap but Alan's chaos Irine's fire is adjacent to chaos, and chaos links to space. So in theory she might be able to help.))

Check with trisword about the above theory.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on April 04, 2018, 02:47:38 pm

((Sorry for the delay in posting, it's been kinda hard to get into the proper mindset to act as Alan for the past week or so for various reasons. All IRL, don’t worry about the game scenario, this is actually somewhat fun.))

Alan, Sensible Princess

"Don't you worry friend Cherubs, I'm going to get you a bunch of food really soon! Just be patient for me, okay? Watch some internet videos with my new guard friend in the meantime, okie? I'll see you soon, byyyyyyyye~"

Alan switches off the phone and looks back to the Sovereign to apply his signature charm. "Hey listen, mister dad," he begins, spreading his arms wide and offering his best charming grin. "All you need is patience! This world's got a lot of stuff to do, and even I can't be in more than one place at a time." He giggles. You saw my friends in the phone call? They're just one of a bunch of cool things I've got cooking up, so don't worry about getting results. The only reason I haven't told you about some of the stuff I've been doing is because I don't want ya stressing out over them when you've got more important things to work on. Like you said, you've got this big war to win, and those take a lot of thinking. I wouldn't be very helpful if I distracted you from that with all the cool details of the stuff I'm working on to help you win, now would I?"

As he talks, Alan makes sure to be really expressive with his body language, conveying how much he wants to be helpful to Dad King Guy. He's pretty sure that's what Ammie would want him to do.

"Anyway, if you're having trouble with people trying to vote you out I can always go visit those guys and go convince them what a great guy you are! I'm a very persuasive princess." He flexes his spider legs for emphasis, then caresses his chin with one of them. "Besides, cutting me loose wouldn't be very helpful to either of us. You're already in a whole war and all that, and you wouldn't be worried about my experiments if you were sure you could win. If I can't help you, the other guys' side probably won't be as nice as a bunch of grumbly statesmen, and your dorfs won't stop getting raided by wandering dubstep artists and eaten by monsters and stuff just because I go away. You need my help to turn this frowny situation upside down, so just let me,  pretty please? There's gonna be some neat stuff happening soon, trust me, you won't want to miss it."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 07, 2018, 07:56:41 am

<I'm not going to convince any of you of my stance on this. Certainly not Ike, but including the rest of you. Our stated goal here, after all, is not a mission on ethics but rather a retrieval of a fugitive. Whatever long-term impact your actions may have here are ultimately not going to be reviewed by us. This world could end the day we leave and nobody would know the better. So, whatever. There's no need for this conversation. I'd just wax philosophical to no avail.

I'm going on patrol.>

With that, Zechariah gathered his supplies, his armor and his staff, and headed out to consult with another recruit on the current situation regarding the security of the group's location.

Take a bit of water and food and go out on a patrol to guard the group. If I spot anything dangerous, alert the rest of the group and keep an eye on it. Only retaliate if taking direct fire. Try to stay out of the open, if possible.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 07, 2018, 08:34:37 am

((Erm, you aware of where we arrived at DAF? and why are you using commwires for an in-person conversation?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 07, 2018, 12:29:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on April 07, 2018, 08:34:37 am

((Erm, you aware of where we arrived at DAF? and why are you using commwires for an in-person conversation?))

((I am aware that we traveled quite a ways away, it's just that I unfortunately was unable to respond promptly due to IRL issues and wanted to not awkwardly have Zechariah spontaneously drop the conversation without saying anything. I had him use comm-link because I wasn't sure of everyone's position to each other relatively due to actions which seemed to be separated from the rest of the group, so I played it safe. If we were all together, I could change it accordingly.

Main action doesn't change, Zechariah would still be providing reconnaissance or guard watch for the group unless something changes.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 07, 2018, 01:31:20 pm

((So you don't realize that we're at a Sovreginty base that has air recon and support as well as a fortified defensive position? You sure you want to isolate yourself?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 01:24:48 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 27, 2018, 08:43:41 pm

"Argh, the things I do for family...
...what is "the Newcomer" even supposed to mean? They can't mean he's from... whatever isn't these rocks, right?

Guess it doesn't matter much. At least I'll see it coming when he kills me, ha.
Why aren't I laughing."

Best not to head out on a mission without a good stabby boi. Buying a dedicated murder knife, preferably concealable and with a guard to parrying.
If I can afford it and know where to go, I'll also get a cheap pistol. I don't care if it explodes three shots in, bullets are bullets.

Then head to the place and just walk down the hall, "listening" for interesting intents. Do I know the specific room?

You head out to the market on the 34th. There should be a merchant there that sells something and if not... you know this guy that sells spice, maybe he knows someone that can get you something more... dangerous.

The stalls are emptying and some merchants are packing their things. And yet despite how late it is there's still a lot of people here. Some merchants are desperate to sell before their product goes (too) bad, others are merely waiting for the crowd to clear so that they can more easily move their cargo. Some buyers are idly browsing, looking for a bargain, others are desperately searching for something. You'd say you fall in the second category. Sensing all those people as they flow around the market, their constant changes in intention as something catches their eyes, their indecision as they bargain... This might have been a mistake.

You stick behind a low-caste maggot-thing as it slowly makes its way through the market, focusing on its slow and mostly steady presence as a beacon in all this noise. You occasionally glance around, looking for anything that catches your eye.

You find an ant-thing that sells all sorts of stuff. A rusted pot, a few spoons, some texts, a dented helmet... Amongst the various junk is an old combat knife, one of those where the blade folds into the hilt. You gesture "how much" to it, a wide gesture to make sure its weak eyes can see it. You can't speak their native tongue, since it consists of antenna movements and scents, but you don't have to. It clicks its mandibles in response, the pattern for 50 in the Trade language.

It's a good knife and in good condition, at least from what you can tell. Looks sharp and still has its original belt pouch. You can see why it would be asking that much. You're not sure how much good it will do to you though, you don't have that much experience with knives. And folding knives are easier to break than a normal knife in exchange for being easier to conceal. But a weapon is better than no weapon at all and if nothing else it might make you look scarier.

You could try to haggle for it, you think it's eager to sell this, but you are also not sure how long you can stay here. All this noise is making it hard to focus. It's like a hundred people speaking loudly next to your ears, only you can't close your ears because they're speaking directly into your brain.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on March 28, 2018, 10:35:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 27, 2018, 06:30:53 pm

The feeling of the twisted doll's presence is still fresh in your mind. You try to call upon it for some quick modifications to your doll. Unfortunately you can't concentrate enough to begin the transformation.

Jack reaches the guard before he can recover and kicks his gun away... straight into the guard's chest. The guard reaches for the gun again, Jack falls on him and they struggle, each trying to pull the gun away from the other.

You try to change the doll again. You manage to fix its legs somewhat but its transformation is far from over. You direct it to help Jack with the guard. It reaches the two and helps direct the gun towards the guard's head. Jack pulls the trigger, splattering the guard's brains all over the door.

Jack looks at the gun for a second.
"Thanks for the assist."
He tosses it aside, wipes the blood from his glasses on the doll and then searches the body for a security card.
"Those guys are professionals. We can't underestimate them."
He finds the card and gets ready to move.

Your dolls at the intersection just ambushed a security guard coming to help and they're keeping her occupied, but you don't want to take any chances. You take your gun and use it to slam the security panel, breaking it. You reason the safest lock is the one without a keyhole. You go through the door and shut it from the other side.

The area beyond is an intersection with conveniently labeled signs. "Vault Elevator" is right in front of you, an elevator with large heavy-duty armored doors and two key-card readers. "Armory", "Security Control" and "IT" are on your right. "Safe Deposit Boxes", "Management" and "Engineering" are on your left.

♚The Doll Prince: The First Time's the Hardest♚

Looking behind them at the security door, Napoleon thought about the guard he'd helped Jack kill. Sure the man was dangerous and sure they were running out of time and Napoleon knew what he had to do but the feeling still bothered him even if he'd only helped did the deed. Despite possessing the means to do so, Napoleon had never killed someone before. Sure he always used his dolls to take down scum but it never crossed his mind to end their existence. Not that he would make a case for complete non-violence of course but even bloodshed was out of the question... until now. Though he'd considered himself more of a pragmatist than a pacifist, Napoleon was everything but a killer and now there was no way to wipe away that stain. To make matters worse, once the other guards discover their dead comrade in front of the door, they will be more intent on sending them out of the casino in a pair of body bags. Even if they proved merciful to take them alive, both Napoleon and Jack could spend years behind bars, no doubt at the mercy of predatory malefaiteurs. Either way, Napoleon will have to once again soak his hands in the blood of people who are just doing their jobs.

"Excusez moi while I recompose myself, Monseigneur Jack," Napoleon said as he collected his thoughts. This is about survival and a clear head is very much needed here. "The first time is the hardest but better them than us. Anyway, by the layout of the entrance to the vault elevator, two security cards must be swiped, perhaps at the same time and we only have one. However, there got to be emergency stairs nearby or some similar access points that the guards can use just in case the elevator stops working or if there's a fire. Let's look for those first."

Search for the aforementioned stairs or exits to circumvent the elevator. If none can be found, go to Security Control since that's where more security cards can possibly be held. Finish modifying the doll now that he can concentrate a bit better. To take his mind off his recent deed, ask Jack how'd he came to be in the same situation as him with the Queen. In other words, ask him what's his story prior to him meeting with Napoleon.

"Relax. We did nothing wrong." Jack says, perfectly calm now.
"The way I think about it, those people aren't real. No real person would live in a box. They're just things made by this place. Made to play a role in this game, like puppets in a play."
Looks like he found a way to justify his actions.
"There's nothing wrong with killing a puppet to defend a real life."

There are no stairs or emergency exits but there is a maintenance area for the elevator. This should at least let you get down to the vault's level. While he works on breaking open the door, you focus on modifying your doll.

"So how much do you know about this place? Have you been here long?"
"This would be my 5th level. I don't have any special insights about this place. Last thing I remember I had just won my third poker championship."
Guess that explains his clothing.
"So how did you get here?"
"I just woke up here. Played a card game with someone calling himself the Cardinal of Sin. Then when I beat him he just sent me on my way. Every level since then has been challenge after challenge."

After using two cards he finally manages to break the door open. You're about halfway through your modifications. The doll is definitely more agile and dextrous but not much more do than you.

The dolls you left in the hallway have knocked out and captured one guard. You make them hold her hostage to keep the others from approaching the door. However with no means for your dolls to speak beyond simple gestures, the stalemate probably won't last long.

"Your abilities are quite interesting. Did you always have them or..."
"They just sort of happened one day. Beyond that, I'd rather not say."

You start going down the stairs, followed by Jack as the doll tries to close the door behind you. There's no telling how much time you have left, they are probably coming towards this junction right now.

"So you haven't heard anything about the Queen?"
"What, you mean the Casino?"
"No, the one that brought me here, she mentioned something about a Queen, that she was the one that brought me here."
"Yeah, my guy said something similar. Haven't seen or heard anything beyond that though."
"Hm. Makes you wonder how long they're going to keep us going through this."
"Hm."

You reach the bottom of the maintenance area. The elevator is using some sort of hydraulic system, its bottom taken up by a few hydraulic pumps and pistons. There's another armored door here but it looks somewhat thinner.

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on March 29, 2018, 05:04:39 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Show yourself, coward!"

Angry Kosak is angry.

https://youtu.be/wpKN-U1-bWk?t=28s

BTW, you should get a drink. Your sobriety is making you dizzy and slow. You need to get drunk to regain your balance and speed.

Quote from: Toaster on March 28, 2018, 03:02:47 pm

"A little more, interface." 

It takes a few seconds for your interface to produce a more thorough report.
: The mining exoskeletons supplied to the Maximus are primarily intended for exploratory mining in hostile environments. As such they focus primarily on durability and survivability, featuring thick chemichally neutral armour with limited anti-magic fields and extended power and life-support capabilities. They are also equipped with a sensor suite focused on scanning deep layers of material. They are not meant for high-speed travel, as such they only carry limited fuel for their onboard thrusters. They are weakest in the leg and arm joints. Their legs also present a vulnerable point when their thrusters are exposed. Those weakpoints can allow one to disable the suit, however the operator will remain protected in the suit's core. :

: The class C mining lasers supplied to the Maximus are capable of drilling through most materials by slowly heating and evaporating the target material with small controlled bursts. They use a group of onboard scanners to autoadjust, ramping up their focus and intensity to achieve an acceptable evaporation rate without sacrificing their user's safety in near-absolute zero environments, where an evaporating material can go off like a bomb. The mining laser used against you was modified to operate above safety limits for fractions of a second, allowing it to evaporate large areas quickly at the cost of increased charge-up time. It also had an extended capacitor bank, presumably to handle the large amount of power required for its operation. Prolonged operation with such modifications will likely cause the beam generator to rupture and explode. :

: Antiphoton Stealth Suits are equipped with several layers of stealth meant to evande most forms of active and passive scanning, focusing primarily on bending various wave-types (including light and sound) around the user and eliminating all of their emissions. When fully active there is no way for the heat generated by the suit and its user to escape. While this allows the suit to be stealthy in low-emission environments, it will also increase its internal temperature to the point where the pilot will die or the suit will malfunction within 2 minutes of operation. Even with its stealth capabilities reduced the suit will still terminally overheat after prolonged operation. :

: Despite its many layers of stealth, the suit is still corporeal and as such is vulnerable to detection via physical means such as debris impacts, pressure sensors or large volumes of high-density liquids. The suit is resistant to energy-based attacks but high powered energy beams may bypass its defenses or cause it to overheat. :

: High fidelity sensors, prefferably aided by active scanning can help locate the target by either overwhelming its systems or detecting the few waves consumed by its sensors. Area denial via traps, fires or other hazardous materials is also a viable alternative. The suit also posesses a limited power supply and will require frequent recharges, making cutting off its resuppy points a possible alternative. :

: In order to minimize the impact of its limitations, the suit is extremely lightweight and equipped with enhancements that allow it to move with increased speed. It also has very limited thrusters that allow it small adjustments to its trajectory, though they are usually not used as they are easily detectable. Equipment carried by the suit must be stored in its limited storage space, since the suit can't extend its stealth effect more than a few centimeters away from it, making the use of high-powered ranged weapons while in stealth mode impossible. The stealth field may also be used offensively but such use is unlikely as it requires the suit to grab its target. It is much more efficient for suit users to resort to traps and sabotage instead of direct combat. :

: The Maximus was not provided with Antiphoton Stealth Suits, the origin of the suit you encountered is unknown. It is likely it was smuggled onboard or was manufactured by someone with the appropriate blueprints and materials and an illegally modified fabrication unit. Antiphoton Stealth Suits are usually used by Guardians in native observation missions in high-tech worlds. Use by beings unaffiliated with the entities is prohibited. The suit you encountered appeared thicker and more rigid than normal, most likely a modification to the original design or a manufacturing defect. Purpose of modification is unknown. :

: Do you require additional information? :

Quote from: Toaster on March 28, 2018, 03:02:47 pm

...a bit later...
"Interface, do you have any information on these attackers?  What could they have in common with the guy in the suit we saw?"

: Attackers do not match any known species. Proceeding with analysis.
Attackers appear purely biological in nature.
Based on combat logs retrieved from Black Boxes, attackers possess high physical strength and high energy ranged weapons.
Attackers appear divided to certain categories, some specialized in melee and some in ranged combat.
Given this world's dampening properties to supernatural abilities and their display of strength, it is likely that they are inhabitants of this world or otherwise attuned to this world.
It is likely more data will be available in:

• Main Security Station: Command Centre: The tactical computers were likely fed with any available data in order to better direct the drones.
• Medical Station: Morgue: It is likely that corpses of the lifeforms have been dissected for information.
• Medical Station: Communication Terminals: It is likely people taking refuge in the Medical Station requested information about the creatures attacking them. A log will be stored in nearby terminals.
• AI Core: The AI provided directions to the drones. Restoring its operation will allow it to provide its reasoning behind its decisions.

Other data may be uncovered via further exploration. :

: This unit is unable to determine what relationship, if any, exists between the suit and those attackers. :

Quote from: Toaster on March 30, 2018, 11:05:40 am

John, Inside the Maximus.

Sit down and catch my breath.  Self-assess.

You're not bleeding any more, your arm is busted and in pain.

Quote from: Zormod on March 29, 2018, 02:33:30 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"Not yet, but I might soon."

Send my eyes through the hole.

You send your eyes through the dead soldier still clutching his gun, through the hole in the reinforced barricade, through the broken door and into the area beyond. You inspect the area, sharing what you see with your teammates as you do so.

This was supposed to be the center of the medical section, the place from which you can reach most other areas of the medical section, a place that should be clear and easy to access. Right now though the first impression you get is that of a garden.

There are grey things that look like trees growing out of the ground, many of them three times taller than you, things with roots digging through the metal floor and branches reaching the ceiling, crowding around the still lit lights. There are thick cables emerging out of holes in the 'trees', snaking along the floor towards a section your teammates help identify as the labs. There is a thick green slime slowly oozing out of those wounds like amber, covering the floor around the trees, making it look like it's covered with moss. And yet... there's no gravity. That must mean there's something else moving the slime.

Through the slime you can see empty stretchers and filled body bags, most of them in the process of being consumed by the 'trees'. Things above the floor have been left mostly intact. Those include benches, vending machines, a small reception area and door controls. Thankfully, despite its strange appearance, you can't see anything moving around or outright dangerous about this room.

You ask your teammates for directions and they help you navigate your eyes to the door leading to prosthetic storage and the automated treatment machines. The fact that the lights are still on gives you hope that they'll still be operational. There's some sort of being in the hallway beyond that door. It appears to be made of flesh and blood. It must be alive because it's moving slightly, breathing maybe. It doesn't look like it can move, its thick and stubby limbs hang limply from its sides. Its eyes do not turn to meet yours. There's cables coming out of its body, joining the others coming from the trees, but no green ooze coming from the holes, just small amounts of blood and pus.

Well, this certainly looks weird but most of the equipment looks intact and power is still on, so this should be good to go. You can't reach further with your eyes, but you can glance into your destination. You can see blood in the hallway outside the automated treatment room and a box of prosthetic hearts beside the door leading to prosthetic storage, its contents floating in the air. The door leading to emergency aid supplies is also half-open, the flickering light allowing you to see floating medical supplies and broken storage boxes.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on April 08, 2018, 01:56:08 pm

((Ah fish, I thought my post went through/I had posted! :'())

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 31, 2018, 10:02:55 pm

Your Renegade score is not high enough to use Intimidate. High Paragon players should use Charm instead.

((I'm still able to be :I to people and that's considered a Paragon act :P Depending on if the receiver are jerks or their personality is like that. I know; I tried in every game also I lack the heart to do Renegade actions until I learned 'Renegade != bad' in second-playthroughs))

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7724752#msg7724752) decided to let the mercenaries go, with a bit of extra coin on them, and a promise of not being harmed (as well as subtly hinting that she wasn't that really mean, to that one other mercenary who looked like a kind soul but was forced to do tough stuff). She was glad her comm-wire could pick up words from others--in the least, she also spent time telling everyone what she learned, inconspicuously out of ear-shot from those not in their group.

As for the mage...she decides to consult the others; as Irine was busy (but she could contact Theri if needed as she can...see her), Theri goes over to pick up River (who, by now, is an ossum doggo) and passively scrutinizes the importance of the last mage prisoner, letting the mercenaries go out of line of sight from the mage.

Also try and help Irine learn Light Magic! (By comparison and natural observation since I don't understand my magic either!)

Meanwhile...

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

Although Light magic isn't in my nature, I want to spend some time learning at least the basics about it. Both to try to help Theri and to help fill the gap in my capabilities that is holding back Trisword.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

Brief the team and request input!

"Well we've still got a captured mage with us--I released the mercenaries in exchange for the information I told you all (in the link at the start of this post). That mage is very important but I don't know why and the mercenaries didn't either. Can't we- um, use him instead? Also there's placebo instead of mind control, if the receiver does not know what is being used--it's all in the impression if they're coercive enough.

"And on the note of assault or the town, how's about sending in a small team to create either a diversion or an impression of a greater attack (or at least disorganization)? I'm willing to go with them there!"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 08, 2018, 04:09:32 pm

aaa. Just buy the thing and move on, having a few extra things would be nice.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on April 08, 2018, 07:47:20 pm

Hey, this seems a good as any time to join. Again.
(Jimmy Grouse)
what the hell kind of world has magic AND science??
buy them nice meds

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 08:26:48 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

However, the fact that I felt something when I attempted to recreate my Gate network is actually super critical. I need to keep working on that. (when rested) The way that my Gate network functioned was based on linked pairs, so it won't let me go someplace I've never been. But if I can make one end of a pair to leave behind us, and then make its match later on, it'll make backtracking much faster.

You keep focusing on that feeling whenever you get some spare time, for now simply trying to make it easier to focus on it.

The Sword feels obliged to remind you how difficult casting outside your primary element can be. Even if you are a special case, it still feels you should be careful about what you attempt. Normally mages start with small spells before moving into things as grand as creating portals. If it was anyone else attempting this it would call them foolish for even thinking they could do this. If you get consumed by the Void then it will be left stranded here instead of being returned to its resting place and that would be somewhat inconvenient for it.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

Are the nightly attacks staying the same, getting worse, or getting milder?

You'd say they're not as potent as the first but they are still focused on your location. Something is definitely targeting your group or you specifically. As you approach the town of Traveler's Rest the intensity rises once more.

The corruption is also getting worse the closer you get to the town, to the point where even moving your field forward during daytime feels somewhat like an attack on your extended self. You bet that if you were to ride into town without slowly clearing a path first, it would not feel pleasent.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

Yes, I'm willing to heat up metal to extreme temperatures for you, just don't ask me to breathe fumes please, I don't have the body mass to filter out airborne toxins.

She claps her hands and smiles like a little girl.
"You know just what to say to make a girl happy!"
Not that it takes much effort, she looks like she's incapabe of spending a moment not being excited about something.
"Oh! Oh! Can you also make the fire make cool designs while you do so? Make lightning bolts come out of the steel, make ribbons swirl around it!"
"I suppose I-"
"And make writing too!"
"Yes, I could-"
"And have a giant arrow with 'best alchemist ever!' on it, pointing straight at me!"
"I think-"
"And a crown with every color of the elements on my head!"
"That sounds dangerous and-"
"And a sheet of flame to provide me with some shade from this awful heat. The sun isn't good for my skin, you know!"
"That's not how-"
"And maybe put on a little show, some jokes, some stories, act them out! Use the fire to make them come to life!"
"Well, an old friend once told me the one about the witch in the brothel. Ever heard that one?"
"No! Excellent! Let's go!"

She finds a man willing to follow instructions and get to work shaping the metal according to her instructions. After that she gets down to experimenting. Several exploded guns later, she finally finds a formula that works and gets a working rifle. However it's more of a small cumbersome cannon at the moment, merely enough to demonstrate the principle. She's excited about it nontheless.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

regarding how to handle the Traveler's Rest situation, I'm willing to follow other's lead for now. Am open to advice.

You make a standard RTS unit selection sound.

Quote from: NAV on April 01, 2018, 10:00:49 am

"We have two of those Mercator's mirages. A couple small teams could sneak in with those to do sabotage or kidnapping.

No civilians left? That means we can use heavy artillery with no worries. No worries except for killing the dark mage and destroying the well we need. And destroying the loot."

"No civilians that we can see." one of the mages reminds you.
"We cannot simply assume everyone is gone."

Quote from: NAV on April 01, 2018, 10:00:49 am

Get our recruits to do some last minute few days preparations in attempt to improve their chances.

Get them to construct crude shields out of whatever scrap wood or other suitable materials they can scavenge. I want everyone with a one handed weapon to have a shield to hide behind.

Get them to build javelins. I don't care whether they use spare arrowheads, knapped flint, or fire hardened wooden points. I want a large stockpile for everyone without a bow to throw.

Get them to make some staff-slings. It is a larger sling on the end of a staff. Gives a lot of leverage so you can throw big rocks very far. It takes very little skill to use or make, but has very little accuracy. Good for attacking or defending a fort.

Get them to make some fire arrows. Arrows wrapped in rags that can be soaked in oil or booze. Usually ineffective but should support Irene well. Also get them to make a stock of molotov cocktails. They can throw them with the staff slings.

Also get the archers to make some monsterbird talon arrows. Because we have a lot of spare monsterbird talons and paralysis arrows are good. Craft a few monsterbird talon bolts for myself.

This might be a bit of a stretch with our available time and resources and tools and skills, but try to get them build a ballista. Or catapult or small trebuchet, whatever siege weapons we can manage. We can never have too much artillery. Make sure they have wheels and can be towed in our caravan.

Oh yeah, plug my signaller into a convenient fox-shaped charging station.

You spend some time helping increase the number of and/or improve the weapons of your soldiers. It goes quite well.

You could probably make a trbuchet if you sacrificed one of the wagons, good sturdy wood is hard to come by.

Quote from: NAV on April 04, 2018, 10:30:07 am

One quick question. Does the airship look like something I can reasonably tsar, or is it too big? Even if its big it should be made of very light construction so that should make it easier.

Well, its nature should make it somewhat easier to Tsar than other similarly sized things but it won't be easy. You think it's just outside the reach of your abilities.

Quote from: NAV on April 04, 2018, 10:30:07 am

Ask the Alchemist if she has any potions or anything that can help lessen the effects of overusing my magic. The headaches, weakness, dizziness that comes with tsaring something too big. Specifically to help tsar the airship.[/b]
"I want to sneak in and go straight for the airship and steal it and tsar it and rain down lightning."

"Hmm... I would enjoy having my own airship... Hm. Hmmmmmmm... Hum hum hum. Tell you what. I can give you a potion that should give you enough strength, but it's a one time thing. It will fill you with pure Chaos energy, temporarily stabilized. But you have to make sure to use it right away, every moment it spends inside you is another moment you could explode. Or... you know. Turn into some horrible creature. Or turn into a superhuman. Or develop a proper fashion sense and stop wearing that stupid scarf. I have no idea. But it would probably be bad."

Quote from: NAV on April 04, 2018, 10:30:07 am

Edit: While I'm at it question the alchemist about my magic being chaos element, on the grounds that it can repair things.
"Who ever heard of chaos magic fixing things? Thats the reverse of entropy!"

"Order can be used to destroy things. So why can't Chaos be used to fix them? Chaos is change. Why can't change be for the better? You should try to keep an open mind. It's the only way to get anywhere with magic."

Quote from: NAV on April 04, 2018, 10:30:07 am

Lightweight camo netting cloak is relevant for sneaking at night, yes? See if Lune ever got around to it.

Turns out Lune isn't so good with working with fabrics.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 04, 2018, 11:16:46 am

((Nik is Chaos / space aligned. Although nobody has direct overlap but Alan's chaos Irine's fire is adjacent to chaos, and chaos links to space. So in theory she might be able to help.))

Check with trisword about the above theory.

Fire magic can be used to fuel the efects of Chaos magic, certainly. It's not uncommon to do so. After all, the Tower was using Fire-fueled Order-stabilized Chaos to generate the portal that broght you here. The Sword is not exactly certain about how you can use your Fire to aid Nikolai but it's certain it can be done.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 07, 2018, 07:56:41 am

<I'm not going to convince any of you of my stance on this. Certainly not Ike, but including the rest of you. Our stated goal here, after all, is not a mission on ethics but rather a retrieval of a fugitive. Whatever long-term impact your actions may have here are ultimately not going to be reviewed by us. This world could end the day we leave and nobody would know the better. So, whatever. There's no need for this conversation. I'd just wax philosophical to no avail.

I'm going on patrol.>

With that, Zechariah gathered his supplies, his armor and his staff, and headed out to consult with another recruit on the current situation regarding the security of the group's location.

Take a bit of water and food and go out on a patrol to guard the group. If I spot anything dangerous, alert the rest of the group and keep an eye on it. Only retaliate if taking direct fire. Try to stay out of the open, if possible.

You stand guard. Nothing intersting happens.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

Although Light magic isn't in my nature, I want to spend some time learning at least the basics about it. Both to try to help Theri and to help fill the gap in my capabilities that is holding back Trisword.

Quote from: Tiruin on April 08, 2018, 01:56:08 pm

((Ah fish, I thought my post went through/I had posted! :'())

Quote from: Parisbre56 on March 31, 2018, 10:02:55 pm

Your Renegade score is not high enough to use Intimidate. High Paragon players should use Charm instead.

((I'm still able to be :I to people and that's considered a Paragon act :P Depending on if the receiver are jerks or their personality is like that. I know; I tried in every game also I lack the heart to do Renegade actions until I learned 'Renegade != bad' in second-playthroughs))

Theri (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7724752#msg7724752) decided to let the mercenaries go, with a bit of extra coin on them, and a promise of not being harmed (as well as subtly hinting that she wasn't that really mean, to that one other mercenary who looked like a kind soul but was forced to do tough stuff). She was glad her comm-wire could pick up words from others--in the least, she also spent time telling everyone what she learned, inconspicuously out of ear-shot from those not in their group.

As for the mage...she decides to consult the others; as Irine was busy (but she could contact Theri if needed as she can...see her), Theri goes over to pick up River (who, by now, is an ossum doggo) and passively scrutinizes the importance of the last mage prisoner, letting the mercenaries go out of line of sight from the mage.

Also try and help Irine learn Light Magic! (By comparison and natural observation since I don't understand my magic either!)

Meanwhile...

Quote from: Lenglon on April 01, 2018, 12:05:44 am

Although Light magic isn't in my nature, I want to spend some time learning at least the basics about it. Both to try to help Theri and to help fill the gap in my capabilities that is holding back Trisword.

Quote from: Harry Baldman on April 01, 2018, 03:05:50 am

Brief the team and request input!

"Well we've still got a captured mage with us--I released the mercenaries in exchange for the information I told you all (in the link at the start of this post). That mage is very important but I don't know why and the mercenaries didn't either. Can't we- um, use him instead? Also there's placebo instead of mind control, if the receiver does not know what is being used--it's all in the impression if they're coercive enough.

"And on the note of assault or the town, how's about sending in a small team to create either a diversion or an impression of a greater attack (or at least disorganization)? I'm willing to go with them there!"

The mercenaries thank you for releasing them and then start running South as fast as they can. Well, you probably won't be seeing them again.

Quote

passively scrutinizes

I'm not sure what that means so I'll assume you and River just glare at him for a long time.

You demonstrate your abilities to Irine and try to convey to her how you think and feel when you do so, how it feels to reach into that part of you that offers its power to you and allows you to do such things, how it aligns with your intentions... By now it's relatively easy to call upon minor magical effects, however talking about how you do so is not, you barely understand how you do it, you just... do. It's like trying to explain to someone how to move their arm by explaining how it feels. You think you did a good job regardless, you think Irine is closer to understanding your abilities, even if she is unable to use them.

---

Quote from: Xantalos on April 04, 2018, 02:47:38 pm

((Sorry for the delay in posting, it's been kinda hard to get into the proper mindset to act as Alan for the past week or so for various reasons. All IRL, don’t worry about the game scenario, this is actually somewhat fun.))

Alan, Sensible Princess

"Don't you worry friend Cherubs, I'm going to get you a bunch of food really soon! Just be patient for me, okay? Watch some internet videos with my new guard friend in the meantime, okie? I'll see you soon, byyyyyyyye~"

The guard manages to mumble the beginings of a question before he is cut off.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 04, 2018, 02:47:38 pm

Alan switches off the phone and looks back to the Sovereign to apply his signature charm. "Hey listen, mister dad," he begins, spreading his arms wide and offering his best charming grin. "All you need is patience! This world's got a lot of stuff to do, and even I can't be in more than one place at a time." He giggles. You saw my friends in the phone call? They're just one of a bunch of cool things I've got cooking up, so don't worry about getting results. The only reason I haven't told you about some of the stuff I've been doing is because I don't want ya stressing out over them when you've got more important things to work on. Like you said, you've got this big war to win, and those take a lot of thinking. I wouldn't be very helpful if I distracted you from that with all the cool details of the stuff I'm working on to help you win, now would I?"

As he talks, Alan makes sure to be really expressive with his body language, conveying how much he wants to be helpful to Dad King Guy. He's pretty sure that's what Ammie would want him to do.

"And what if my enemies in the elector-princes move against me before your... plans give us victory?" he says, sneering at the word 'plans'.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 04, 2018, 02:47:38 pm

"If you're having trouble with people trying to vote you out I can always go visit those guys and go convince them what a great guy you are! I'm a very persuasive princess." He flexes his spider legs for emphasis, then caresses his chin with one of them.

"Then go. But if you fail me in this-"
"Yes, yes, my suffering will be great." you finish his sentence while dismissively waving your hand.

Quote from: Xantalos on April 04, 2018, 02:47:38 pm

"Besides, cutting me loose wouldn't be very helpful to either of us. You're already in a whole war and all that, and you wouldn't be worried about my experiments if you were sure you could win. If I can't help you, the other guys' side probably won't be as nice as a bunch of grumbly statesmen, and your dorfs won't stop getting raided by wandering dubstep artists and eaten by monsters and stuff just because I go away. You need my help to turn this frowny situation upside down, so just let me,  pretty please? There's gonna be some neat stuff happening soon, trust me, you won't want to miss it."

"Your assurance leave me cold, Princess."
"Events have proven the results of my experiments useful to you time and time again. You can be certain-"
"Events have proven you fortunate, Princess! But your luck has run out. Your plan to take over Chizra has backfired. Now the monks mobilize against us, sending their mages to support the resistence!"
"My Lord, these flies are minor annoyances that will easily fall before your impressive might. Besides, I already have a new ally amongst them who is more than ready to betray them. Soon their pathetic little army will walk right into our trap."
"You better hope your spy is as good as you think he is. I will be waiting for your detailed report on this. And on anything else you may have done to... spare me the details. My agents will be sure to report to me if you don't. Now go!"
"Of course, my Lord. I shall not waste any more of your precious time."

You exit the chamber. You feel great. Your mom is so proud of you. She can show them what they think they want, but you managed to come up with something they didn't even know they wanted until you showed it to them. Your imagination will make this so much better.

((I love how quickly you adapted your character to this new situation.

Don't worry about the frequency of your posts, I'm not posting that quickly either. Focus on your life, that's the most important thing.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 08, 2018, 09:16:08 pm

<You're right, it's risky for me to try to cast outside my element, and that I should work my way up slowly. The problem is I didn't ever do anything small-scale that way. I've only got large-scale memories to work off of - really large-scale. Do you think it would be best for me to give up on Creation magic entirely?>

---

"Erm, I think we can either sneak in, directly assault, or ignore and bypass. I think it would be risky to ignore and bypass this because it would put us in a position to be pincered. I don't see a way to get that airship you want, nor to avoid allowing word of our attack to spread, if we directly assault. So that leaves sneaking in."

"To sneak in, I again see three main options, either we try to get in without them noticing our approach, we try to impersonate someone they would want to let inside and convince them to let us in, or we allow an intentional capture. I think an intentional capture would be way to risky for to little gain, any benefit we could get from that would be also gained from failure conditions of other plans, so I'd like to set that aside. Sneaking in undetected might actually be possible, but I don't think we have enough information to do it right now. We'd need to know patrol routes and defenses and such. For impersonating someone they would want to let inside, we can either act as civilians seeking shelter or as one of their associates there on buisness, maybe a supply convoy. the problem with the first is it seems likely that civilians are being mistreated, and for the second we don't know what right looks like."

"So then we have the 'wait, see, gather more information.' option, but that again seems pretty bad. We know we're being targeted nightly for magical attacks, our location is probably not hard to determine. On top of that they have a lot of air recon assets here, so it seems safe to assume that we will be found sooner rather than later by those even if we haven't already rung magical alarm bells. If we take too long, we're going to end up detected, the defenses here reinforced, and ourselves attacked."

"Yet another option I see is to attempt to just talk things over. To be diplomatic. That... well, I think it's clear I shouldn't be the one to talk for that. I think that if we announce our presence though, it'll make defenses against a stealthy approach much tougher, and we'll have to announce our presence if we want to try to talk it out."

"Anyone got any ideas for how we should handle things? Right now I think the best risk-reward is from a small party acting as civilians and asking for shelter in order to gain entry, but there's a lot of ways that could go badly considering how civilians seem to have fled the area."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on April 09, 2018, 01:34:15 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Look around for other entrances. If I don't find any, go through the hole.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 09, 2018, 02:30:41 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, Next to Medical Center>

"Okay, there is no real combat damage inside the medical center. So the trees are either relatively harmless or immediately lethal. Seeing as there are no random corpses strewn about, I'll go with relatively harmless. As long as we don't poke them, probably.The fleshball is more suspicious, but I'm hopeful it can be dissuaded from anything nasty until we get our limbs back."

Wait for Brian to look around, and follow after him.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 10, 2018, 11:56:18 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 08:26:48 pm

She finds a man willing to follow instructions and get to work shaping the metal according to her instructions. After that she gets down to experimenting. Several exploded guns later, she finally finds a formula that works and gets a working rifle. However it's more of a small cumbersome cannon at the moment, merely enough to demonstrate the principle. She's excited about it nontheless.

"Ha, we did it! You actually did it! Now you can say things like "This is my boomstick" or "Say hello to my little friend". Lets make more! Sorry Zech!"
First teach them about the principals of various firing mechanisms. Matchlock, flintlock. We could use something similar to those detonators I have for my explosive crossbow bolts as a primer. Teach them about caplock, revolver, bolt action, simple recoil operated machinegun. Lets see how far we can advance. Sorry Zech.

Also put in a request for a personal firearm, something specialized for use with my powers. Pistol sized.

Spoiler: Design document (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/YTvi69n.png)

As somewhat of an afterthought, try to improve the prototype and make it more practical to wield, just improve the erganomics and give it proper grips and stock and sights, etc.

If I'm getting a gun soon I should make a couple modifications to my armour. Pad one shoulder to help protect from recoil, and try to make some sort of wrist brace thing that will help protect my wrist from recoil without limiting mobility too much. Some tight wrapping of cloth at least should help.

((Feel free to completely ignore the above part depending on IC or OOC time constraints.))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 08:26:48 pm

You could probably make a trbuchet if you sacrificed one of the wagons, good sturdy wood is hard to come by.

"Does anyone not want to sacrifice a wagon to build a trebuchet!?"
Assuming there are no strong objections, turn that wagon into a trebuchet.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 08:26:48 pm

"Hmm... I would enjoy having my own airship... Hm. Hmmmmmmm... Hum hum hum. Tell you what. I can give you a potion that should give you enough strength, but it's a one time thing. It will fill you with pure Chaos energy, temporarily stabilized. But you have to make sure to use it right away, every moment it spends inside you is another moment you could explode. Or... you know. Turn into some horrible creature. Or turn into a superhuman. Or develop a proper fashion sense and stop wearing that stupid scarf. I have no idea. But it would probably be bad."

"Yes please I really need that potion. What would happen if I tsared it before drinking then used the tsar potion power to tsar the airship?"
Request potion. Request information.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 08, 2018, 09:16:08 pm

<You're right, it's risky for me to try to cast outside my element, and that I should work my way up slowly. The problem is I didn't ever do anything small-scale that way. I've only got large-scale memories to work off of - really large-scale. Do you think it would be best for me to give up on Creation magic entirely?>

---

"Erm, I think we can either sneak in, directly assault, or ignore and bypass. I think it would be risky to ignore and bypass this because it would put us in a position to be pincered. I don't see a way to get that airship you want, nor to avoid allowing word of our attack to spread, if we directly assault. So that leaves sneaking in."

"To sneak in, I again see three main options, either we try to get in without them noticing our approach, we try to impersonate someone they would want to let inside and convince them to let us in, or we allow an intentional capture. I think an intentional capture would be way to risky for to little gain, any benefit we could get from that would be also gained from failure conditions of other plans, so I'd like to set that aside. Sneaking in undetected might actually be possible, but I don't think we have enough information to do it right now. We'd need to know patrol routes and defenses and such. For impersonating someone they would want to let inside, we can either act as civilians seeking shelter or as one of their associates there on buisness, maybe a supply convoy. the problem with the first is it seems likely that civilians are being mistreated, and for the second we don't know what right looks like."

"So then we have the 'wait, see, gather more information.' option, but that again seems pretty bad. We know we're being targeted nightly for magical attacks, our location is probably not hard to determine. On top of that they have a lot of air recon assets here, so it seems safe to assume that we will be found sooner rather than later by those even if we haven't already rung magical alarm bells. If we take too long, we're going to end up detected, the defenses here reinforced, and ourselves attacked."

"Yet another option I see is to attempt to just talk things over. To be diplomatic. That... well, I think it's clear I shouldn't be the one to talk for that. I think that if we announce our presence though, it'll make defenses against a stealthy approach much tougher, and we'll have to announce our presence if we want to try to talk it out."

"Anyone got any ideas for how we should handle things? Right now I think the best risk-reward is from a small party acting as civilians and asking for shelter in order to gain entry, but there's a lot of ways that could go badly considering how civilians seem to have fled the area."

"Diplomacy? Ha! Not likely. Sneaking in under cover of darkness is definitely the way to go. Their walls are low and we have magic and tricks to help with sneaking.

I want to take a small team in using the mystifying mirage. Capture that airship. And Tsar it. Tsar airship is a very solid thought out plan itself. Only question is who comes with me what everyone else is doing. We should send another small team to capture the dark mage."

Hey Alchemist, you have some alchemical cloriform to help capture the dark mage, right?

((I am very very sorry for turning this into Tinker. Medieval magitech tinker. And for not getting on with the mission. Feel free to give me a kick in the butt to get moving forward at any time. I tend to take infinite time preparing if given the chance.)

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2018, 02:47:01 pm

"And how exactly do you plan to reach the ship undetected?" the mage Ahos asks.
"The plaza is crawling with Sovereignty troops and the entrance to the Spine is bound to be well defended. Even with your enchantments and our magic one of them is bound to detect, merely by our proximity to them."
"Yes, as powerful as our concealing magic is, it is very likely that we will bump into someone. Not to mention any magical defenses or dark magic we might face inside the Spine." the other mage agrees.
If we are unable to silence them in time... The airship will surely undock a few minutes after the alarm is raised and by that point we will be unable to reach it."
"I have to agree. Reaching the airship undetected will be hard. It's not like we can just fly up to it. Without a way to bypass or quickly force our way through their defences this plan is unlikely to succeed." the third mage agrees.
"We can always build a catapult and *pching*" she moves her arm in an arc "launch people straight to it. Quick and easy." the alchemist suggests.
"Sure. You volunteer to be the first to try that?"
"Wha-? Hey!" she protests, waving her hands in front of her to emphasize her disagreement.
"I'm merely the one with the good ideas. It's your job to execute them."

((The gun stuff (beyond improving the prototype) are unlikely to happen. The previous experiments happened over several days of traveling. However right now it's a bit after midday and I understand you want to attack some time tonight, which is barely enough time to work on the gun assuming everything rolls well. I can roll for the trebuchet and the potion.

And you already have sleep bolts and one of those grenades you got from those Beastmen.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 10, 2018, 03:36:09 pm

"If we abandon capture as a true objective, and simply make it a hoped-for-bonus, direct assault becomes an option. Quite frankly, I could just directly overpower them and burn them down. I'd like that to merely be a backup plan though, for in case less destructive plans fail."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 10, 2018, 06:52:16 pm

((Meanwhile, a dollish prince is shaking his fist menacingly.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 10, 2018, 07:22:20 pm

((Sorry I didn't label it more prominently. It's here: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7731397#msg7731397 ))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"The catapult idea could work if we give someone a parachute or wingsuit...maybe my tsar water armour can absorb the impact? No, still to inaccurate and risky.

Maybe we can modify a crossbow into a grappling hook harpoon gun thing that can help us reach the airship without going up the spine?

Or we can capture a glider and use that to fly to the airship. Their airfield is close to the edge of the city.

We could try tunneling under the city. Set bombs or come up right next to the objectives. Probably way too slow.

Could just sneak quick and quietly kill anyone we see before they raise alarm."

Yes to building trebuchet.

Yes to potion. I promise to put it to good use. Maybe to tsar and repair the wreckage of the airship if we end up destroying it.

Yes to prototype gun improvements.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 10, 2018, 03:36:09 pm

"If we abandon capture as a true objective, and simply make it a hoped-for-bonus, direct assault becomes an option. Quite frankly, I could just directly overpower them and burn them down. I'd like that to merely be a backup plan though, for in case less destructive plans fail."

"Two can play at that game. We could always use a good old fashioned siege. Bombard them until they raise the white flag."

Here is Nik's plan for a siege:

We set up a wagon fort like the recruits are trained for. Layers of wagon, barricade, trench, and traps. With most of the defenses facing the city.

Set up all our artillery weapons (trebuchet, lightning cannon, crossbow with special bolts, and the prototype musket) in a row. Have recruits operating each one. Nikolai will tsar the first one, point his magic sword at the enemy and yell "Fire!". Then he will move on to the next and do the same. By the time he is done tsaring the last artillery the first one should be reloaded. Cycle through them and launch an overwhelmingly powerful and rapid barrage of tsar artillery. Try to aim mostly for important targets like the spire, central camp, airship, or the airfield.

Irene, Zech, anyone else who can contribute to long range bombardment should help. We should probably have someone flank to take out the airfield because those gliders dropping bombs could be a big problem.

Everyone else should help crew the artillery, and defend the makeshift fort from the inevitable counterattack. Or maybe circle around and ambush any messengers or anyone trying to retreat from the city.

If they surrender fast enough there might even be a city left to save and some of our secondary objectives intact.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 11, 2018, 10:26:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 01:24:48 pm

"Relax. We did nothing wrong." Jack says, perfectly calm now.
"The way I think about it, those people aren't real. No real person would live in a box. They're just things made by this place. Made to play a role in this game, like puppets in a play."
Looks like he found a way to justify his actions.
"There's nothing wrong with killing a puppet to defend a real life."

There are no stairs or emergency exits but there is a maintenance area for the elevator. This should at least let you get down to the vault's level. While he works on breaking open the door, you focus on modifying your doll.

"So how much do you know about this place? Have you been here long?"
"This would be my 5th level. I don't have any special insights about this place. Last thing I remember I had just won my third poker championship."
Guess that explains his clothing.
"So how did you get here?"
"I just woke up here. Played a card game with someone calling himself the Cardinal of Sin. Then when I beat him he just sent me on my way. Every level since then has been challenge after challenge."

After using two cards he finally manages to break the door open. You're about halfway through your modifications. The doll is definitely more agile and dextrous but not much more do than you.

The dolls you left in the hallway have knocked out and captured one guard. You make them hold her hostage to keep the others from approaching the door. However with no means for your dolls to speak beyond simple gestures, the stalemate probably won't last long.

"Your abilities are quite interesting. Did you always have them or..."
"They just sort of happened one day. Beyond that, I'd rather not say."

You start going down the stairs, followed by Jack as the doll tries to close the door behind you. There's no telling how much time you have left, they are probably coming towards this junction right now.

"So you haven't heard anything about the Queen?"
"What, you mean the Casino?"
"No, the one that brought me here, she mentioned something about a Queen, that she was the one that brought me here."
"Yeah, my guy said something similar. Haven't seen or heard anything beyond that though."
"Hm. Makes you wonder how long they're going to keep us going through this."
"Hm."

You reach the bottom of the maintenance area. The elevator is using some sort of hydraulic system, its bottom taken up by a few hydraulic pumps and pistons. There's another armored door here but it looks somewhat thinner.

((Thanks for giving me the heads up.))

♚The Doll Prince: Breaking the Bank♚

"The Cardinal of Sin?" Napoleon wondered out loud. "I'm willing to wager that he and the person I met is both working for the Queen. Her name is Lady Amarante, the Knight of Silver."

Napoleon examined the door. Though it resembled the security door above them, it appeared thinner. Obviously, the casino is more concerned with keep potential robbers out of the vault than keeping them in. Through his hive-mind, Napoleon made sure that the defeated guard cannot break free. If any of her comrades arrive, he can speak through the dolls themselves to keep them at bay. However, that wasn't his immediate concern.

"This is my second trial, by the way," Napoleon said as he moved the 'twisted doll' into position. He decided to focus most of his attention on its actions to maximize success. "The first one involved me waking up inside a museum of sorts. It could've been a mansion but that's beside the point. Anyway, I'd left one of my dolls in the room where I appeared to distract the watchman. Lady Amarante later possessed the doll, morphed it into the same shape as this doll standing before us, and attacked me! The nerve of her! As I tried to regain control of the doll, she tried to seize control of my mind me as well. However, before I fell unconscious from the shock of it all, I managed to pin her to the wall with a sword I found."

Napoleon then sighed. "Well, I supposed I'd lost that fight anyway. However, it's a good thing it was only a test that I passed due to my dogged persistence and unerring intellect, otherwise I would've been her meat puppet and I can't have that!"

Readying the doll, Napoleon decided to change the subject. "So, what do you think we're supposed to steal from the vault for our mysterious patron?"

Use the 'twisted doll' to break down the security doors. If any more guards show up, speak through the dolls a stern warning for them to stay back. The moment they try anything, execute the captured guard and attack the others with clawed forearms.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 12, 2018, 06:30:43 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted headache... I need a drink. Hm. I've heard that you humans sometimes use alcohol as a disinfectant--a bloody mistake, by my reckoning-- but do you think there's any in the medical facility?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on April 13, 2018, 01:17:31 am

Quote

((I love how quickly you adapted your character to this new situation.

Don't worry about the frequency of your posts, I'm not posting that quickly either. Focus on your life, that's the most important thing.))

((If there's one thing I really like about playing Alan, it's that he's the most chill, go-with-the-flow type mask I've donned in quite some time. Put in pretty much any situation, no matter how bizarre, he generally won't blink, just find something to work off of as a reference point and go from there. Also I'm somewhat adept at playing bad guys from all my ER experience, though mayhaps less megalomaniacal this time around >:3))

Alan, Helpful Princess

Hooray, I did a good thing! Does Ammie want me to do anything in particular right now? If not, I'll go visit my new friends in person - phone calls are nice, but it's always better to catch up face-analogue to face-analogue!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 13, 2018, 03:29:08 pm

((I'm assuming that Zech has returned from his patrol and is congregating with the rest of the group.))

Zechariah glared at Nikolai but said nothing about his instructions to the alchemist. It was clear in his mind that he wasn't nearly of the majority opinion in the group. He reasoned in his head that he had done what he could to warn them of the consequences. If he tried to fight it, he would only ostracize himself from the group.

For now, he quietly feared what would happen to this world. But there was nothing he could do alone. If he went alone, he would just get himself killed, and all of his effort would be for nothing. It was time to be patient.

---

As for the conversation about the assault on the airship, Zechariah had some input:

"We don't know how many civilians are in the area. We haven't spotted any now, but we don't know about the number of civilians mingling in the buildings. I don't think it's safe to risk a full-scale assault when we don't even have enough information to know about the particular weapons and magic arms of our enemies. I have two ideas: the first is that we send a recon team or two at night to scout the area and check for civilians and any weaponry that's hidden to us. We then make our decision at night. If we're confident that there are no civilians, or that civilians could be evacuated in a reasonable amount of time, then we should do a full-scale assault. If it's too risky, then we go with option two. The second option is that we have two teams operate: a decoy team, and an infiltration team. The decoy team engages the enemy and tries to distract the attention of the guards away. This team won't be fully assaulting, it will just be trying to distract the targets. The infiltration team sneaks into the base with minimal engagement and attempts to steal the airship. We then extract and meet up again at another rendezvous point.

"What do you think?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 15, 2018, 11:55:31 am

---

Adventures in Personal Missions

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on April 08, 2018, 04:09:32 pm

aaa. Just buy the thing and move on, having a few extra things would be nice.

Well, unless you define what those extra things are I can't really help you. You can get some food or something to conceal your face or more sturdy clothes or a backpack or some rope or a lighter or some oil or some drugs or some poison or...

---

Quote from: Leodanny on April 08, 2018, 07:47:20 pm

Hey, this seems a good as any time to join. Again.
(Jimmy Grouse)
what the hell kind of world has magic AND science??
buy them nice meds

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic and any sufficiently analyzed magic is indistinguishable from science. Therefore, there is no problem as long as you throw enough technobabble to make magic sciency and science magicky. Then the barriers between magic and technology break down and everything becomes a plot device.

"How nice meds do you want?" asks the guy at the counter.
"Do you simply want meds that are nice, nice meds or reeeeally nice meds?"

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on April 11, 2018, 10:26:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 08, 2018, 01:24:48 pm

"Relax. We did nothing wrong." Jack says, perfectly calm now.
"The way I think about it, those people aren't real. No real person would live in a box. They're just things made by this place. Made to play a role in this game, like puppets in a play."
Looks like he found a way to justify his actions.
"There's nothing wrong with killing a puppet to defend a real life."

There are no stairs or emergency exits but there is a maintenance area for the elevator. This should at least let you get down to the vault's level. While he works on breaking open the door, you focus on modifying your doll.

"So how much do you know about this place? Have you been here long?"
"This would be my 5th level. I don't have any special insights about this place. Last thing I remember I had just won my third poker championship."
Guess that explains his clothing.
"So how did you get here?"
"I just woke up here. Played a card game with someone calling himself the Cardinal of Sin. Then when I beat him he just sent me on my way. Every level since then has been challenge after challenge."

After using two cards he finally manages to break the door open. You're about halfway through your modifications. The doll is definitely more agile and dextrous but not much more do than you.

The dolls you left in the hallway have knocked out and captured one guard. You make them hold her hostage to keep the others from approaching the door. However with no means for your dolls to speak beyond simple gestures, the stalemate probably won't last long.

"Your abilities are quite interesting. Did you always have them or..."
"They just sort of happened one day. Beyond that, I'd rather not say."

You start going down the stairs, followed by Jack as the doll tries to close the door behind you. There's no telling how much time you have left, they are probably coming towards this junction right now.

"So you haven't heard anything about the Queen?"
"What, you mean the Casino?"
"No, the one that brought me here, she mentioned something about a Queen, that she was the one that brought me here."
"Yeah, my guy said something similar. Haven't seen or heard anything beyond that though."
"Hm. Makes you wonder how long they're going to keep us going through this."
"Hm."

You reach the bottom of the maintenance area. The elevator is using some sort of hydraulic system, its bottom taken up by a few hydraulic pumps and pistons. There's another armored door here but it looks somewhat thinner.

((Thanks for giving me the heads up.))

♚The Doll Prince: Breaking the Bank♚

"The Cardinal of Sin?" Napoleon wondered out loud. "I'm willing to wager that he and the person I met is both working for the Queen. Her name is Lady Amarante, the Knight of Silver."

Napoleon examined the door. Though it resembled the security door above them, it appeared thinner. Obviously, the casino is more concerned with keep potential robbers out of the vault than keeping them in. Through his hive-mind, Napoleon made sure that the defeated guard cannot break free. If any of her comrades arrive, he can speak through the dolls themselves to keep them at bay. However, that wasn't his immediate concern.

"This is my second trial, by the way," Napoleon said as he moved the 'twisted doll' into position. He decided to focus most of his attention on its actions to maximize success. "The first one involved me waking up inside a museum of sorts. It could've been a mansion but that's beside the point. Anyway, I'd left one of my dolls in the room where I appeared to distract the watchman. Lady Amarante later possessed the doll, morphed it into the same shape as this doll standing before us, and attacked me! The nerve of her! As I tried to regain control of the doll, she tried to seize control of my mind me as well. However, before I fell unconscious from the shock of it all, I managed to pin her to the wall with a sword I found."

Napoleon then sighed. "Well, I supposed I'd lost that fight anyway. However, it's a good thing it was only a test that I passed due to my dogged persistence and unerring intellect, otherwise I would've been her meat puppet and I can't have that!"

Readying the doll, Napoleon decided to change the subject. "So, what do you think we're supposed to steal from the vault for our mysterious patron?"

Use the 'twisted doll' to break down the security doors. If any more guards show up, speak through the dolls a stern warning for them to stay back. The moment they try anything, execute the captured guard and attack the others with clawed forearms.

"So, what do you think we're supposed to steal from the vault for our mysterious patron?" you ask as you position you doll to open the door.
"No idea. I'm betting whatever it is, it's going to be dangerous." Jack says as he takes position on the other side of the door and readies his last two club cards.
The moment you give the signal, Jack transforms the cards into two somewhat crowbar-shaped clubs. Knowing that such transformation won't last long, Jack quickly throws one to your doll and then immediately moves to use his.
"These things tend to get ridiculously difficult." he says between grunts as he and the doll try to make the door budge.
You help the doll synchronize its motions with him. Their combined strength is enough to break something inside the door's mechanism and allow them to start opening it.
"I'd say we've been lucky so fa-UCK!" Jack transforms his last word into a swear as the crowbar dematerializes and he falls on his butt.
"Only my first challenge was somewhat easy. The rest were as difficult as you described." he adds as he gets up and goes to inspect what's through the door.
"So, what were they like?" you ask him as he squeezes through the small opening.
"Oh, you know, nothing hard. Just getting to an exit door, sometimes having to unlock it first."

You squeeze through the opening yourself and take a look around. The area beyond is quite absurd for a safe. The safe itself is merely a giant cube containing a great structure, with stairs leading down to its level. The structure is cylindrical, about 4 storeys high and made of stone (probably marble). The entire building excpet for the side facing you is covered with great cables and giant pipes coming out of the walls, some of them making their way inside the building through holes in the stone. The side facing you has a great wooden door on it instead.

Beyond some emergency lights near the elevator and some blinking lights scattered around the walls, it's quite dark in here. Normally you'd worry about triggering any alarms but at this point you've probably triggered every alarm you could, so there's probably not much point in being careful.

Something about this entire thing (and the door in particular) gives you a bad feeling but you don't think you have much choice in the matter. It looks like whoever designed this challenge wants you to enter this strange building within a vault.

"Wait, which is it? Were they hard or not hard?"
"Well, uh, you know what I mean, the objectives themselves were not difficult. I mean, not complicated. But getting to them was."
"Why is that?"
Jack sighs, sounding a bit angry for the first time since you met him.
"Come on, do we really have to keep talking about this right now? We are in danger, we have people after us, we have a job to do. When we're done we can chat to your heart's content." he says, trying to evade your question as he goes down the stairs and approaches the door.
Hm.
 

---

Maximus: Medical Station, Lobby

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 09, 2018, 02:30:41 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus, Next to Medical Center>

"Okay, there is no real combat damage inside the medical center. So the trees are either relatively harmless or immediately lethal. Seeing as there are no random corpses strewn about, I'll go with relatively harmless. As long as we don't poke them, probably.The fleshball is more suspicious, but I'm hopeful it can be dissuaded from anything nasty until we get our limbs back."

Wait for Brian to look around, and follow after him.

You hide behind the skeleton with the floating energy-draining eyballs.

Quote from: Zormod on April 09, 2018, 01:34:15 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Look around for other entrances. If I don't find any, go through the hole.

You go through the hole with Svajoklis following behind you. With no gravity to slow you down, pulling yourself through the hole is quick and easy. Your teammates confirm that the area beyond is just as you described it, your eyes weren't playing tricks on you.

You attach your boots to the floor and start walking towards your destination, making sure to keep your distance from the grey tree-like things attached to the ground. Even so, they appear to be reacting to your presence. Their surface is moving as if there's something underneath them, pushing against it. They also appear to be exuding more of that green slime now, but not enough to make it dangerous right now.

The thing in the corridor has also become active. It's moving its stubby limbs, trying to move around, but with no way to propel itself it only manages to push itself off the ground and float a bit. The cables around it appear to be covered with a material similar to your spacesuits, making them cling to the floor, thus helping anchor the creature in place.

The thing is maybe one and a half times the size of a human, not large enough to cover the entire corridor which is about three times the creature's width. You should be able to make your way around it without any problems. Then again, you aren't sure how perceptive or mobile it really is or what capabilities it has. Maybe it will hear you walking and fly towards you or strike you with lightning.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 12, 2018, 06:30:43 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Blasted headache... I need a drink. Hm. I've heard that you humans sometimes use alcohol as a disinfectant--a bloody mistake, by my reckoning-- but do you think there's any in the medical facility?"

You check around the area and find a counter with some medical supplies. Many of the cutting implements stored in it are covered in that green slime. Looks like someone was cutting into those trees for some reason, maybe inserting those cables. In one of the drawers you discover a couple of glass bottles of alcohol-based disinfectant paste. However they appear to have been designed with safety in a gravity-less environment in mind, sporting an applicator tip designed to pump the substabce and coat a small area in disifectant without it spilling everywhere. It also features a rather prominent warning about possible explosions if the bottle breaks and the substance is ignited in a zero-g environment.

You consider the bottle for a second. This will make drinking from it hard. And that blasted tip won't get unscrewed no matter how much you turn it. Frustrated, you simply break the tip off, open your helmet, position the bottle in your mouth and raise your head, waiting for the sweet taste of alcohol to fall into your mouth. You realize a moment later that without the pump or gravity to propel the substance, it mostly remains inside the bottle, only a few droplets reaching your mouth. You are about to start shaking the bottle but at the last moment you notice some empty syringes and get a better idea. You take a particularly thin one, remove the needle and plunger and use it as a straw. Success!

The taste is horrible, it burns your throat and it will most likely not agree with your stomach but you think you will be fine. Sure, it might tax your liver, bowels and other organs a bit but with the stuff dwarves normally eat and survive you don't think you'll be facing any serious danger. And the spacesuit luckily takes care of any... *ahem* emissions that might occur, so there should not be any problems with your teammates complaining either.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 15, 2018, 12:05:15 pm

"I think we've basically settled on trying to sneak in, and now the question is who do we send to do it. If direct action is necessary, the infil team can just commwire for it."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on April 15, 2018, 01:04:10 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Move close enough to the thing for it to react, then avoid that radius if it proves immobile and violent.
 If safe, move to the automated treatment machines.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 15, 2018, 05:06:55 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus medbay>

Move to the automated treatment machines. If the fleshball finds a way to move with enough speed to possibly reach us, shoot it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 15, 2018, 05:21:18 pm

I've already told you what I want:

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 27, 2018, 08:43:41 pm

Best not to head out on a mission without a good stabby boi. Buying a dedicated murder knife, preferably concealable and with a guard to parrying.
If I can afford it and know where to go, I'll also get a cheap pistol. I don't care if it explodes three shots in, bullets are bullets.

Additions to my wishlist: Air mask (With a tank, not a filter. so that I can be slightly less very dead if I end up in space somehow.) and handcuffs. Provided I can reasonably conceal those and afford them.
Backup plan if sneaky espionage fails is to hold the guy up with my gun, cuff him, make him tell me where the whatever thing is, and stick him in a closet so that I have a head start on getting it.

Then head to the place and just walk down the hall, "listening" for interesting intents. Do I know the specific room?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 15, 2018, 10:56:28 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 1974, 11:05:33 am

"So, what do you think we're supposed to steal from the vault for our mysterious patron?" you ask as you position you doll to open the door.
"No idea. I'm betting whatever it is, it's going to be dangerous." Jack says as he takes position on the other side of the door and readies his last two club cards.
The moment you give the signal, Jack transforms the cards into two somewhat crowbar-shaped clubs. Knowing that such transformation won't last long, Jack quickly throws one to your doll and then immediately moves to use his.
"These things tend to get ridiculously difficult." he says between grunts as he and the doll try to make the door budge.
You help the doll synchronize its motions with him. Their combined strength is enough to break something inside the door's mechanism and allow them to start opening it.
"I'd say we've been lucky so fa-UCK!" Jack transforms his last word into a swear as the crowbar dematerializes and he falls on his butt.
"Only my first challenge was somewhat easy. The rest were as difficult as you described." he adds as he gets up and goes to inspect what's through the door.
"So, what were they like?" you ask him as he squeezes through the small opening.
"Oh, you know, nothing hard. Just getting to an exit door, sometimes having to unlock it first."

You squeeze through the opening yourself and take a look around. The area beyond is quite absurd for a safe. The safe itself is merely a giant cube containing a great structure, with stairs leading down to its level. The structure is cylindrical, about 4 storeys high and made of stone (probably marble). The entire building excpet for the side facing you is covered with great cables and giant pipes coming out of the walls, some of them making their way inside the building through holes in the stone. The side facing you has a great wooden door on it instead.

Beyond some emergency lights near the elevator and some blinking lights scattered around the walls, it's quite dark in here. Normally you'd worry about triggering any alarms but at this point you've probably triggered every alarm you could, so there's probably not much point in being careful.

Something about this entire thing (and the door in particular) gives you a bad feeling but you don't think you have much choice in the matter. It looks like whoever designed this challenge wants you to enter this strange building within a vault.

"Wait, which is it? Were they hard or not hard?"
"Well, uh, you know what I mean, the objectives themselves were not difficult. I mean, not complicated. But getting to them was."
"Why is that?"
Jack sighs, sounding a bit angry for the first time since you met him.
"Come on, do we really have to keep talking about this right now? We are in danger, we have people after us, we have a job to do. When we're done we can chat to your heart's content." he says, trying to evade your question as he goes down the stairs and approaches the door.
Hm.
 

♚The Doll Prince: Behind Closed Doors♚

"Fair enough then," Napoleon muttered in resignation before focusing on the big wooden door below.

Making use of his superior intellect and perception, Napoleon has notice that Jack's story was a bit... odd. Now that he thought of it, if what Jack said about his previous challenge was true then it sounded like he had it easy. Sure getting to the place could've been difficult but winning a poker championship for the third time seems like a cinch if Jack really has the ability to win at card games. While Napoleon fought for his life during his first trial in which his ability and plans were being turned against him, this self-proclaimed 'King of Card Games' was no doubt facing challenges that seemed to be tailored to him. Finally, the bit about his powers just sort of manifesting without any explanation and his refusal to speak of it further got his attention. Though it could be possible that powers like that could manifest a la 'X-men style', most people wouldn't feel too ashamed to discuss it further. Besides, Napoleon is a dollish man who has the ability to summon dolls to do his bidding, an ability that can't be considered by most men to be less embarrassing than the ability to use spells based around playing cards! Though Napoleon has taken care not to be too open with Jack in case he ultimately can't be trusted, he can't help but to ponder if this should be taken much further, as least while this many red flags are popping up. In the best case scenario, Jack's just too embarrassed by his trials to discuss it with a stranger he'd just met an hour or so ago. Understandably, Napoleon himself would've acted the same way too. Worst case scenario, Jack's story could be nothing but a facade and he's actually a crook who plans to betray him and take the object for himself, which would be a shame since he kind of liked Jack.

To determine what kind of person Jack ultimately is, Napoleon made a mental note to pay closer attention to everything Jack says and does without alerting him. Whether he is genuinely a fellow pawn who's just more lucky than himself or a double-crosser looking for a sacrificial lamb, it's quite obvious that they both need each other to get the item the Queen wants and to get out of here alive. Whatever vindications or betrayals that will happen will happen once this is all over and if Jack turns out to be a traitor then Napoleon will see to it that he regrets it. After all, he is the Doll Prince and his judgment is absolute.

In the meantime, a door needs to be breached.

Enter the strange tower provided that the door is unlocked. If locked, morph the 'twisted doll's' right hand into a large axe-like implement and hack the door to pieces. In either case, move the doll in front of Napoleon and Jack to absorb the brunt of any attacks that may suddenly erupt.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 16, 2018, 02:48:41 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 15, 2018, 12:05:15 pm

"I think we've basically settled on trying to sneak in, and now the question is who do we send to do it. If direct action is necessary, the infil team can just commwire for it."

"I'll go. I can conceal us and restrain people from a distance using my shadow powers."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 16, 2018, 07:53:45 am

---

Campaign: Close to Traveller's Rest

---

((Since it appears the existence of civilians is important to your plans, let's fast forward a bit so you can gain that information and include it to your plans. In retrospect, I should had probably done that sooner.))

A bit earlier than an hour before soundown, one of the scouts you had left to monitor the situation at Traveller's Rest comes back bearing news. There was a procession of 7 people in chains led from one of the warehouses close to the central plaza to the Spine. They are currently being held at the courtyard outside the Spine with an armed escort.

The soldiers themselves have no idea what that means exactly, they merely have a vague idea that those people are in trouble and should be rescued. A very small number of the more impulsive amongst them wish to attack right now but the majority is content waiting for your plan.

However the mages and the Sword do have an idea about what that might mean. Since this is one of the places where the Dark spell that drains Fire magic and corrupts the land originates, it is very likely those people are going to get sacrificed at sundown as part of some ritual that powers that spell. Human sacrifice releases a tremendous amount of Dark flow, which partially explains how they managed to make the spell so powerful.

Everyone is appalled by this, however only one of the mages believes you should risk attacking now to prevent their sacrifice. Attacking with your full force while the sun is still up means losing most of the element of surprise. The alchemist proposes destroying the Spine with your Artillery, since that would take care of the Dark ritual, at least at this location, however a mage counters that if the attack is successful, it might mean that the civilians left in the town will be liable to be used as hostages or outright executed as no longer useful. One of the mages suggests a team should be sent to secure the warehouse and any other places they're keeping civilians and either fortify it or lead the civilians away from it, however if said team is spotted before they're ready they'll likely come under heavy fire and cost the rest of your army the element of surprise. In the end it might be better to just wait for the sacrifice to happen and for Irine to clear its effects before attacking, as that would give you the best chance for a quick victory and rescue of the civilians. On the other hand, if the enemy already knows where you are and are baiting you then it might make no difference when you engage them.

Quote from: Lenglon on April 08, 2018, 09:16:08 pm

<You're right, it's risky for me to try to cast outside my element, and that I should work my way up slowly. The problem is I didn't ever do anything small-scale that way. I've only got large-scale memories to work off of - really large-scale. Do you think it would be best for me to give up on Creation magic entirely?>

The Sword is silent for a long time. If you didn't know better you'd think it didn't hear your question.
<Triplesword? Are you OK?>
<We are fine. We are simply facing some difficulty coming to a decision. We are certain that in your current state you would be highly unlikely to be successful in casting a spell through your memories, at least not without a powerful Creation power source. But it might be worth cautiously pursuing Creation magic. Were you to be successful in even the most minor of ways it would open countless possibilities to you. We are having difficulty deciding if those possibilities are worth the risks.>

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"The catapult idea could work if we give someone a parachute or wingsuit...maybe my tsar water armour can absorb the impact? No, still too inaccurate and risky."

"Aww... You're no fun."
((Imagining a blob of watery Nikolai going splat like a water balloon on the side of the airship is immensely amusing to me for some reason.))

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"Maybe we can modify a crossbow into a grappling hook harpoon gun thing that can help us reach the airship without going up the spine?"

"Unlikely. I find it difficult to believe that someone will be able to shoot a crossbow bolt up there reliably, have it attach to the ship reliably and then quickly climb all the way up there without getting tired or falling."
"Don't dismiss the idea so quickly. Maybe a normal crossbow won't be able to shoot a rope up there reliably, but what about a Tsared crossbow?"
"Hm. The eastern sky pirates are known to use giant harpoons to keep vessels from escaping. Most airships are quite light, after all. So if all we need to do is keep it in place..."
"Yes, that's right! We could even try to drag it down onto the ground and board it!"
"But to hold on to the airship you'd also need to have strong chains or Tsared rope and I find it hard to believe that all that weight will reach all the way up there."
"What if you used a long piece of string? That's lightweight enough and it should reach the airship no problem. Then when the bolt is attached you just Tsar the string and turn it into a rope."
"Yes, that would probably make it both lightweight enough to reach the ship and sturdy enough to climb it."
"And then you could just untsar the rope and use the shrinking rope like an elevator!"
"You really have a thing about flinging people into the air, don't you?"
"What can I say? I always liked flying."
"Yeah, but isn't flinging more like falling than flying?"
"Hah! And flying is nothing more than falling with style!" she declares, raising her fist.
The mage shakes his head.
"Still, her idea has some merit. The Triplesword has shown me a memory of one of its wielders using it to perform a similar feat. If someone helped me get it up there, then it should be able to drag others to it."
"So you propose we just put the Sword in a Tsared crossbow and shoot it at the ship?"
"I'm not sure. It's an Order spell, the Chaos energy from Tsaring might interfere with it. I will have to be one of the first the Sword drags up there. If the spell misfires due to the Chaos energy then I might lose the Sword or get injured and become unavailable for the rest of the fight."
"Isn't River like crazy strong? Couldn't he throw the Sword up there?"
"Maybe. If he's healed enough and is willing to help."

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"Or we can capture a glider and use that to fly to the airship. Their airfield is close to the edge of the city."

"Yes! We should do that one! I always wanted a glider! Use them to get a team up there and save one for me."
"Oh? And how exactly are they going to pilot them?"
"Yeah, it's not going to be easy to learn how to fly in the span of a few minutes, let alone fly well enough to land-"
"Oh, come on, it's not that hard!" the alchemist complains.
"You strap the belt around your waist, then use the foot pedals to control the Wind enchantment and the hand-levers to control the wings. Then all you have to do to take off is align the pedals and trigger the-"
"Wait a minute, you know how to pilot a glider?"
"Why yes, of course I do!"
"Even if you know the theory, surely that does not compare to-"
"Not just the theory! I got to fly one in the Sovereignty's Mages' College! Fully trained, ace rank!" she says proudly.
"Or I would be, if they'd actually agreed to train me." she adds a bit more quietly.
"But it's basically the same thing." she continues dismissively.
"Wait, so if they didn't agree to train you, then how-"
"I took one."
"You took one?! Just like that? Without permission? Without a trainer? Without any safety-"
"Wow, you sound just like the guys at the College when they finally caught me. 'Blah blah safety, yada yada spy, can't let a little girl do these sort of things, etcetera etcetera.' Then they go ahead and ban me. I say if they didn't want me taking it then they shouldn't had made it that easy to take."
"I still don't believe how someone so self-obsessed can do something so reckless. And survive."
"I'm telling you, I knew what I was doing! It was all according to plan! Why won't anyone believe me?"
"You are confident in your flying skills then?"
"One hundred percent!"
"So you wouldn't have a problem flying someone to that airship?"
You can see the alchemist struggle between her desire to gain a Glider and her desire to avoid combat.
"I suppose I could drop one of you off, if you really can't do it yourselves. And only if I get to keep the Glider, I need to finish researching it. But I'd rather much train you and have you bring me one, it's really not that hard."
"Maybe for you it isn't."

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"We could try tunneling under the city. Set bombs or come up right next to the objectives. Probably way too slow."

"I agree. We'd need an Earth mage to do that quickly."

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

"Could just sneak quick and quietly kill anyone we see before they raise alarm."

"If we have nothing better to go on then yes, that's probably what we should choose."

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 16, 2018, 02:48:41 am

Quote from: Lenglon on April 15, 2018, 12:05:15 pm

"I think we've basically settled on trying to sneak in, and now the question is who do we send to do it. If direct action is necessary, the infil team can just commwire for it."

"I'll go. I can conceal us and restrain people from a distance using my shadow powers."

"From what I understood from your previous descriptions your shadow abilities' strength is dependent on the strength of the shadows existing in an area. The Dark magic corrupting the town might lead to a supercharging of your shadow abilities once you enter it, similar to what happened at Road's End. Be sure to take that into account when using your abilities."

Quote from: NAV on April 11, 2018, 09:51:20 am

Yes to building trebuchet.

Yes to potion. I promise to put it to good use. Maybe to tsar and repair the wreckage of the airship if we end up destroying it.

Yes to prototype gun improvements.

The recruits do a very good job following your instructions and converting a wagon into a trebuchet. They leave it disassembled for now, waiting for your instructions on where to deploy it.

You get the potion. You are warned several times to drink the entire thing in one go the moment you break the bottle's seal and to not let it break or spill at all.

Gun improvements basically amount to adding a wooden skeleton and stock to make the tube easy to grip, a spring-based hammer linked to a trigger and some simple sights (though you don't have enough time to make them very accurate). You also prepare some bullets and gunpowder packages. With all that you manage to transform the prototype into a front-loading musket. It will be good if you have to penetrate heavy armor at medium to close range but for most other uses your crossbow is probably better and easier to reload.

---

Campaign: Alan's Magical Adventure

---

Quote from: Xantalos on April 13, 2018, 01:17:31 am

Quote

((I love how quickly you adapted your character to this new situation.

Don't worry about the frequency of your posts, I'm not posting that quickly either. Focus on your life, that's the most important thing.))

((If there's one thing I really like about playing Alan, it's that he's the most chill, go-with-the-flow type mask I've donned in quite some time. Put in pretty much any situation, no matter how bizarre, he generally won't blink, just find something to work off of as a reference point and go from there. Also I'm somewhat adept at playing bad guys from all my ER experience, though mayhaps less megalomaniacal this time around >:3))

Alan, Helpful Princess

Hooray, I did a good thing! Does Ammie want me to do anything in particular right now? If not, I'll go visit my new friends in person - phone calls are nice, but it's always better to catch up face-analogue to face-analogue!

You go visit your friends in person. It's quite a long distance, going all the way to the top of one of the towers of the Mage's College. But it's also the best place for it, since your friends like to fly. Luckily you don't have to climb all the way up there, you have permission to use the elevator.

People greet you along the way. They are all very friendly. But sometimes you wonder if they aren't friendly because they like you but because they want to use you or your step-father. Or maybe because of that special make-up mum gave to you. But you don't let such thoughts bother you. Even if they don't like you now, there's nothing stopping them from becoming your friends in the future.

You reach the top level and enter the room. Rays of sunshine flow through the large open windows, showing you the great City built in the corpse of the big dead bird. If it weren't for the occasional column, it would feel as if you were in a floating platform. This old Glider runway is the best thing you could had asked for. Your own little palace in the clouds, perfect for you and your friends to fly out of. All your friends greet you quite loudly.

At the center of the room is the Important Thing. You know that you must not mess with the Important Thing. Only your mum may approach the Important Thing. Knowing you can't play with it, you decide to leave it alone for now.

First you check the flows to make sure your friends have all the food they need. You make sure to give them a balanced diet, full of every color of the rainbow. It's the best way for your friends to grow strong and become better than all the others. But each one needs their own personal diet program, selected with care. For example Cherubim need mostly yellow, purple and green, while Ophanim need a mix of yellow, purple and grey. You must be careful with how much you give them, you don't have too many.

You walk amongst your friends, checking their progress. Their gestation is almost complete. They're ready to go and be free, no longer carried in your pockets. A few failures must still stay in your pockets until next time, but what can you do? These things happen.

And then you have your latest and most expensive friend, the rarest friend one can grow. You bet this will make you extra popular. You approach it and place your arm on its gigantic form as it shudders and begins to move, spreading its great wings. You climb on it as it approaches one of the windows. You think they'll call this one Seraph.

((Please stand by for timeskip.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on April 16, 2018, 12:58:17 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Ugh... must be an acquired taste."

Finish that bottle, then grab a few more plus syringes for later use. Then catch up with my team. Anything need punching?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 16, 2018, 01:07:45 pm

((A simple map of the village would help, if you have the time to draw one.))

Wrap a thick layer of padding around the potion. Don't want it breaking.

Add one final simple but important improvement to musket: a bayonet.
"Who wants the boomstick? It has too much recoil for me."
Give musket to whoever wants it. If no one claims it then give it to an especially sharp eyed and steady handed recruit.

If the alchemist wants it then say:"Okay. But you have to be willing to use it. Either use it or give it to someone who will."

---

Battle planning:
((Will edit in))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on April 16, 2018, 06:07:45 pm

Alan, Timeskip Princess

Timeskip away! Be the best princess I can in the manner I've been so far. Make sure to be extra persuasive if I end up talking to those high princes people.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 18, 2018, 08:08:01 am

"I can't sneak in, not with the way my body is now." I say while motioning at my shiny golden hair and fur.
"And I don't want to just let those people die, but I don't see how we can get in there in time and actually acomplish something, and if I try a direct attack it'll just make them speed up their timetable if anything. So I guess we HAVE to just wait and... well, just abandon them to die... which sucks."
...
"Guys, after they do their ritual you should begin your infiltration. I'll be making a direct assault on the place at dawn, as their dark mage's power wanes. I'm not going to let another set of people be sacrificed without doing anything."
"If you could leave one of the commwires with me, then if you need me to I can begin a lot sooner, though it'll take a bit for me to build up the momentum I'll want."
This should give people a timeline, so we aren't all just waiting for someone else to propose what to do.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on April 18, 2018, 11:22:06 am

“Eh. Nice meds are fine.
So how much will it cost?”
check what other kinds of goodies I can get

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2018, 12:11:56 pm

"I'm useless at stealth. But I will be ready to launch an artillery barrage the moment the civilians are gone.

Here Zech. Take this mystifying mirage, it can hide 4. Works best from a distance or when standing still. Ask Ike for his too.
Take these sleeping gas bolts, and this stun grenade, and these paralysis arrows. Might come in handy.
Bring along a couple of the water mages. They're good at stealth.
Take as many spare weapons as you can to equip the civilians. They might have to fight their way out.

We still need someone to lead the team to capture the airfield. Can't have them launching gliders and bombing us. Ike, Theri, how about it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Harry Baldman on April 18, 2018, 12:19:14 pm

Campaign, Ike!

"Man, delegating all this planning bullshit was a great decision."

...

"So yeah! I'll go capture that airfield no problem, you guys just watch."

Imma lead that infiltration team! Aw yeah!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2018, 02:09:02 pm

Quote from: NAV on April 16, 2018, 01:07:45 pm

((A simple map of the village would help, if you have the time to draw one.))

Wrap a thick layer of padding around the potion. Don't want it breaking.

Add one final simple but important improvement to musket: a bayonet.
"Who wants the boomstick? It has too much recoil for me."
Give musket to whoever wants it. If no one claims it then give it to an especially sharp eyed and steady handed recruit.

If the alchemist wants it then say:"Okay. But you have to be willing to use it. Either use it or give it to someone who will."

Battle planning:
Have the recruits set up a wagon fort like they are trained for. Layers of wagon, barricade, trench, and traps. With most of the defenses facing the city.

Set up all our artillery weapons (trebuchet, lightning cannon, and crossbow with special bolts) in a row. Have recruits operating each one. Aim for the spire, airship, front gate, and sovereign camp. Use ice bolts for the crossbow until Irene starts her assault, then switch to fire bolts.

When Zech calls and all the civilians are free Nikolai will tsar the first one, point his magic sword at the enemy and yell "Fire!". Then he will move on to the next and do the same. By the time he is done tsaring the last artillery the first one should be reloaded. Cycle through them and launch an overwhelmingly powerful and rapid barrage of tsar artillery.

Have a few squads prepared to charge in when Irene does, including a water mage (the defensive one).
The squads supporting Irene should have some fire starting stuff to help her ramp up her fire. Torches, fire arrows, molotovs.

---

Give Zech's group a mystifying mirage. Also a paralysis grenade, some sleeping gas bolts and some monsterbird talon arrows. Make sure Ike donates his mystifying mirage.
Make sure Zech brings two water mages (definitely stealth, probably jack), and fills the rest of the 8 slots with recruits.
Make sure they all have as many knives and other small weapons as they can easily carry, to give to the civilians.

---

Make sure Ike's airfield group is properly equipped. Staff slings hurling rocks, bombs, or molotovs would probably be very effective at destroying the gliders. The majority of the recruits should be with Ike.
They should also bring along a water mage (probably attack).
Also whoever has the musket, and whoever has that monster hunter spear Nik gave away. (Those are the only two notably good weapons I can think of in recruit hands.)
Give Ike an explosive bolt or two in case he personally has to shoot down a glider.

Edit: Theri and River will be going with Ike's group.

---

Send a small squad of recruits to flank around behind the city. Keep an eye on the road. Ambush any messengers or anyone trying to leave or enter the city, or at least warn us of reinforcements. They don't have commwires, but send that one guy with the fast horse.

"Biggest question now is what Theri does. She could help Zech infiltrate, or help Ike attack the airfield, or help the small team that is ambushing behind the city. I expect River will stay with Theri."

((Roughly how many recruits, and how many water mages, and how many wagons do we have by now? Just looking for a rough estimate.))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 18, 2018, 03:38:54 pm

My plan is to, after going to fox-form for the evening assault anyway, clean out the influence between us and the base while people are being sneaky. When the time comes, be it dawn or a signal from the infil team, I'm going to start and grow a lot of fire. A whole lot of it. Once there's a large volume to draw from,
I'll be flooding the entrance area to the village with it, brute-forcing my way through any wards, walls, traps, etc, and cleanseing the area with a sea of flame. When allies need a retreat path I'll part it for them to let them out (or in), and once the all-clear is sent if there is still opposing force, then I'll advance the flame bath to the problem area. I am aware that this will destroy anything valuable in the affected areas, and Identifying what to NOT burn is part of the role of the infiltration teams.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2018, 05:00:22 pm

"Please don't incinerate the airship if you don't really have to. Also please don't destroy the city too much, we're just trying to drive the sovreigns out not destroy the city."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 18, 2018, 05:08:31 pm

"Make it friendly before I get started. If it's hostile,
It's gone."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 18, 2018, 05:13:22 pm

"If it's in the air, fine, burn it. But if it's on the ground you leave it alone!"

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on April 18, 2018, 05:20:09 pm

"Okay."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2018, 02:23:43 am

((@NAV: Is your Artillery barrage also going to specifically Target the airship or just the center of town in general? And is the plan as I understand it to wait until nightfall, send Zechariah to infiltrate the city and try to rescue the civilians while Ike takes out the airfield, attack when one of them is detected or both report objective complete?

You have 4 water mages, one focused on attack, one on defense, one on stealth and one Jack of all trades. Don't think their focus means they're only good for one thing, just means they're better at that (a bit higher bonus).

I don't keep exact numbers of soldiers but you had 10 wagons (-1 that got turned into a trebuchet) so let's say around 15 recruits per wagon, so good for about 10 squads (I'm assuming you'll want smaller more independent units instead of going for large phalanx-style battle lines).

Your enemy is a bit less so let's say 75-125 based on your estimates. They have around 30 stationed at the airfield barracks and the rest are scattered throughout the town, mostly centered around the central plaza and the front gate.

I'll try to draw a map and summarize your plan for a final confirmation when I have the time.

Edit: This poster reminded me of Nikolai: https://m.imgur.com/a/87cvQ))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2018, 08:02:15 am

Quote from: Leodanny on April 18, 2018, 11:22:06 am

“Eh. Nice meds are fine.
So how much will it cost?”
check what other kinds of goodies I can get

"That will be 50$ my good sir. But you can always get them free of charge if you agree to participate in one of the promotions provided by our sponsors."

This here place has a very large selection of goods. The shelves behind him are stocked with containers filled with various liquids, some looking like alcohol bottles while others look more like the sort of implements a scientist would use, beakers and test tubes. Through the counter's display case you can see everything from drugs to chunks of meat to fruits and vegetables. Around the rest of the store are various curiosities. A rocket-powered bicycle, a very reflective sombrero, a pair of super-bouncy sneakers, a big flashlight, a self-driving battle-segway, a pair of X-ray glasses, a fish-attracting trident, a nigh inexhaustable battery, an irresistable cologne... And what's more there's even more boxes in the storage area in the back.

Quote from: Egan_BW on April 15, 2018, 05:21:18 pm

I've already told you what I want:

Quote from: Egan_BW on March 27, 2018, 08:43:41 pm

Best not to head out on a mission without a good stabby boi. Buying a dedicated murder knife, preferably concealable and with a guard to parrying.

If I can afford it and know where to go, I'll also get a cheap pistol. I don't care if it explodes three shots in, bullets are bullets.

Additions to my wishlist: Air mask (With a tank, not a filter. so that I can be slightly less very dead if I end up in space somehow.) and handcuffs. Provided I can reasonably conceal those and afford them.

Backup plan if sneaky espionage fails is to hold the guy up with my gun, cuff him, make him tell me where the whatever thing is, and stick him in a closet so that I have a head start on getting it.

Then head to the place and just walk down the hall, "listening" for interesting intents. Do I know the specific room?

((I'm sorry, Yu is deaf.))

You buy the high quality combat knife for 50 glibdrags and attach it to your belt, hiding it underneath your shirt. You also get a pair of old handcuffs for 5, they look quite sturdy despite the faded fur covering. You stuff them in your back pocket and hope nobody will notice. That done, you get out of the market as quickly as you can.

You have no idea what this Newcomer guy might do, he might even try to breach the walls into one of the flooded areas or one of the airless areas. With that in mind you go to the local merchant that crafts equipment for surviving such areas. When you get there he informs you that he doesn't have anything available at the moment. He has an old helmet he's been repairing but that's not much better than holding your breath without an air tank or an air-pump and a long tube attached to it.

You find that hard to believe. You question him further but you don't get more than "business suddenly picked up this cyclestart". Either someone is paying him not to give anyone any equipment or someone did indeed buy everything and paid him a little extra to keep quiet.

Finally, you go meet that guy you know that sells spice. He's dealing in this area without the psychic maggot's permission, so he's got to have at least one gun. He should be able to tell you where he got it, maybe even sell you one if you're lucky. You find his lookout (one of those many-eyed insect things) hanging around on one of the dark corners of the 20th, as usual. You gesture towards it and it leads you to an old hole in the wall, an abandoned house by the looks of it. You find him inside with some sort of parasite attached to his eyes. Remote sight or shared sight probably, judging by how unsurprised he is by your sudden appearance.

He greets you like a friend and after the customary 'long-time no-see' he moves on to trying to determine what kind of spice you want to buy. You ask him if he can get you a gun and quickly. He asks you what kind of trouble you've gotten yourself into, playfully at first but more seriously when you don't answer his question. You don't think he's going to give you the gun unless you give him an answer.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on April 15, 2018, 10:56:28 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on October 30, 1974, 11:05:33 am

"So, what do you think we're supposed to steal from the vault for our mysterious patron?" you ask as you position you doll to open the door.
"No idea. I'm betting whatever it is, it's going to be dangerous." Jack says as he takes position on the other side of the door and readies his last two club cards.
The moment you give the signal, Jack transforms the cards into two somewhat crowbar-shaped clubs. Knowing that such transformation won't last long, Jack quickly throws one to your doll and then immediately moves to use his.
"These things tend to get ridiculously difficult." he says between grunts as he and the doll try to make the door budge.
You help the doll synchronize its motions with him. Their combined strength is enough to break something inside the door's mechanism and allow them to start opening it.
"I'd say we've been lucky so fa-UCK!" Jack transforms his last word into a swear as the crowbar dematerializes and he falls on his butt.
"Only my first challenge was somewhat easy. The rest were as difficult as you described." he adds as he gets up and goes to inspect what's through the door.
"So, what were they like?" you ask him as he squeezes through the small opening.
"Oh, you know, nothing hard. Just getting to an exit door, sometimes having to unlock it first."

You squeeze through the opening yourself and take a look around. The area beyond is quite absurd for a safe. The safe itself is merely a giant cube containing a great structure, with stairs leading down to its level. The structure is cylindrical, about 4 storeys high and made of stone (probably marble). The entire building excpet for the side facing you is covered with great cables and giant pipes coming out of the walls, some of them making their way inside the building through holes in the stone. The side facing you has a great wooden door on it instead.

Beyond some emergency lights near the elevator and some blinking lights scattered around the walls, it's quite dark in here. Normally you'd worry about triggering any alarms but at this point you've probably triggered every alarm you could, so there's probably not much point in being careful.

Something about this entire thing (and the door in particular) gives you a bad feeling but you don't think you have much choice in the matter. It looks like whoever designed this challenge wants you to enter this strange building within a vault.

"Wait, which is it? Were they hard or not hard?"
"Well, uh, you know what I mean, the objectives themselves were not difficult. I mean, not complicated. But getting to them was."
"Why is that?"
Jack sighs, sounding a bit angry for the first time since you met him.
"Come on, do we really have to keep talking about this right now? We are in danger, we have people after us, we have a job to do. When we're done we can chat to your heart's content." he says, trying to evade your question as he goes down the stairs and approaches the door.
Hm.

♚The Doll Prince: Behind Closed Doors♚

"Fair enough then," Napoleon muttered in resignation before focusing on the big wooden door below.

Making use of his superior intellect and perception, Napoleon has notice that Jack's story was a bit... odd. Now that he thought of it, if what Jack said about his previous challenge was true then it sounded like he had it easy. Sure getting to the place could've been difficult but winning a poker championship for the third time seems like a cinch if Jack really has the ability to win at card games. While Napoleon fought for his life during his first trial in which his ability and plans were being turned against him, this self-proclaimed 'King of Card Games' was no doubt facing challenges that seemed to be tailored to him. Finally, the bit about his powers just sort of manifesting without any explanation and his refusal to speak of it further got his attention. Though it could be possible that powers like that could manifest a la 'X-men style', most people wouldn't feel too ashamed to discuss it further. Besides, Napoleon is a dollish man who has the ability to summon dolls to do his bidding, an ability that can't be considered by most men to be less embarrassing than the ability to use spells based around playing cards! Though Napoleon has taken care not to be too open with Jack in case he ultimately can't be trusted, he can't help but to ponder if this should be taken much further, as least while this many red flags are popping up. In the best case scenario, Jack's just too embarrassed by his trials to discuss it with a stranger he'd just met an hour or so ago. Understandably, Napoleon himself would've acted the same way too. Worst case scenario, Jack's story could be nothing but a facade and he's actually a crook who plans to betray him and take the object for himself, which would be a shame since he kind of liked Jack.

To determine what kind of person Jack ultimately is, Napoleon made a mental note to pay closer attention to everything Jack says and does without alerting him. Whether he is genuinely a fellow pawn who's just more lucky than himself or a double-crosser looking for a sacrificial lamb, it's quite obvious that they both need each other to get the item the Queen wants and to get out of here alive. Whatever vindications or betrayals that will happen will happen once this is all over and if Jack turns out to be a traitor then Napoleon will see to it that he regrets it. After all, he is the Doll Prince and his judgment is absolute.

In the meantime, a door needs to be breached.

Enter the strange tower provided that the door is unlocked. If locked, morph the 'twisted doll's' right hand into a large axe-like implement and hack the door to pieces. In either case, move the doll in front of Napoleon and Jack to absorb the brunt of any attacks that may suddenly erupt.

You have the doll open the door and proceed through the dark corridor beyond. There is a similar door in the other side of the corridor, which you guess is your objective.

As you walk you notice there are doors with metal bars that remind you of prison cell doors. 4 of them in total. Jack pauses and approaches one of them to try to discern what's inside them. He quickly dodges backwards. A moment later a mouth full of teeth snaps closed where his head was.
"Damn thing!" he shouts at it angrily.
The 2 creatures in the cell growl and snap their teeth at him in response. Similar growls are echoed from the other cells. Now that you can see them somewhat better, this monster reminds you of a mix between a rat and a dog. Its body is more or less exactly like a giant rat's, including the long nearly hairless tail and hand-like paws. But its head, its body language and especially its teeth remind you that of a dog.

Jack looks at you and motions towards the cell.
"What do you say? Can you summon some dolls on the other side and have them deal with those things? I bet we're going to have to fight them sooner or later, so we might as well kill them when they can't fight back."
"Maybe. Or maybe she'll see us killing them and open the cell doors. Then  we'll be stuck here, surrounded, with nowhere to run."
Jack shrugs.
"Hey man, your choice. I'm just making a suggestion. I ain't gonna waste what few cards I have left on them."

There are things coming out of the creatures, machines attached to their body with wires and red tubes leading away from them. You lean closer to the cage, tracing the wires and tubes to a machine attached to one of the walls.
"I wonder what they are doing here... Why have those things in a casino vault? What purpose..."
"I already told you man, this place is fake. There is no purpose to it beyond being here for us. It's just scenery made for this challenge."
"Even the scenery in a play must have some logic behind it."

---

Maximus: Medical Station, Automated Treatment Section

---

Quote from: Zormod on April 15, 2018, 01:04:10 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Move close enough to the thing for it to react, then avoid that radius if it proves immobile and violent.
 If safe, move to the automated treatment machines.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 15, 2018, 05:06:55 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus medbay>

Move to the automated treatment machines. If the fleshball finds a way to move with enough speed to possibly reach us, shoot it.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on April 16, 2018, 12:58:17 pm

Kosak Durar:
"Ugh... must be an acquired taste."

Finish that bottle, then grab a few more plus syringes for later use. Then catch up with my team. Anything need punching?

The team slowly advances through the hallway, trying to keep its distance from the giant humanoid. They remain vigilant, pointing their guns and fists towards it, ready to fight or run. As they cross some unseen threshold the creature finally takes notice of them. It starts moving its limbs with slow and aimless movements. The team pauses and gets ready.

There is a hum. The creature spasms and then stops moving.
: Subject 39. Suppression attempt 1 successful. Reversal attempt 326 failed. : a mechanical voice announces through every speaker in the Medical Station.
The creature remains still. A few seconds later it starts moving again and the same scene plays out: it spasms, it stops moving and the mechanical voice announces the results.
: Subject 39. Suppression attempt 1 successful. Reversal attempt 327 failed. :
This continues without much change.
You decide to move on. A few seconds after leaving the creature's vicinity it stops moving and the voice stops announcing results.

The Automated Treatment Section has apparently seen heavy use. There is a lot of blood and some bodies. However, based on the data from a dead body that has a black box in it, they didn't die here. They must have died during the fighting and then brought here in the hopes that the machines could bring them back to life. There's also a rather disturbing Automated Treatment Machine that apparently mutilated something. There's nothing left but torn flesh and a ridiculous amount of coagulated blood splattered on the walls or floating in the air, too much for it to have come from a single human.

You find one of the cleaner looking machines and start using it one by one. The procedure goes more or less like this:

Spoiler: Automated Treatment Procedure (click to show/hide)

: Patient is non-standard humanoid. Template not on record. Proceed anyway? : the machine complains. Guess it was too much to ask for the treatment machine to contain data on your unique traits.
: Diagnosis in progress. Please try to remain calm and refrain from moving. This is a painless, non-invasive procedure. : the machine tries to reassure you as it uses its arms to run its scanners over your body, its mechanical eyes looking at you from every angle.
: Scan complete. Analyzing data. : the machine reports as it resets its arms and rests for a few moments.
: I am sorry. Unfortunately, full treatment is not possible at the moment. : the machine apologizes.
: However I am able to properly close your wounds and ensure you have no internal bleeding. :
"Why can't you provide full treatment?"
: Missing materials: Syntetic Arm kit A3 or A7.
Missing materials: Synthetic Torso kit C4 or C5.
Missing materials: Soft tissue rebuild package type C or 4 S-size biomass packages or equivalent
Missing materials: Type B Flexi-cast or Rigid tissue rebuild package type A
Missing materials: Type D Nanite purge package
Missing materials: Surgery anesthetic and painkiller package.

Drone network down, I am unable to requisition the rquired inventory. You will need to manually acquire and provide the required materials and components and provide them to me. :
"Where can we find those?"
: Inventory Management System down. I am unable to request updated inventory.
Latest available information indicates nearest supplies are available at: Prosthetic Storage. And. Emergency Aid Supplies. :
: Secondary objectives identified. Updating map... : your interface notifies you as it adds a blip to each of the nearby rooms.

So, it looks like you need to retrieve some extra bits before the machine can fully heal you. Luckily the storage room is nearby.

You make your way to prosthetic storage and retrieve the necessary kits. Then you move on to emergency aid supplies. Brian makes a quick check with his eyes before entering the room. He's about to give the all clear when he notices some blood and bits of bone fragments. Taking a closer look around that area, he discovers that there is a creature hiding in a closet close to the back of the storage area, altering the colour of its skin to match its surroundings. It looks a bit larger than a human, it has 4 spider-like legs that it uses to cling to a wall and a single giant eye.

You're certain this is one of those creatures that were fighting the security personell, but you don't remember them changing colours in the footage you saw. You remember this kind of creature is quite dangerous, puncing on people and using its strong arms to rip things apart. The thing is most likely waiting here, ambushing anyone who comes looking for treatment. Good thing Brian checked the room before entering or it would had probably jumped you too.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on April 19, 2018, 08:55:51 am

“Ohhh boxes!”
“Hey, what do these meds do again?”
open the boxes, pay the $50

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DreamerGhost on April 19, 2018, 02:49:33 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus medbay>

"I am this close to having two arms again, I refuse more delays"

Go closer to the closet with invisible foe, pointing shotgun at it. When the door opens, shoot it.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on April 20, 2018, 01:43:42 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Enlarge my eyes over that thing.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 20, 2018, 03:40:32 pm

Zechariah was very internally conflicted about the inevitability of the ritual sacrifice, but this time he knew that, ultimately, there was just nothing that they could do. Attempting to infiltrate right now to save the civilians would absolutely result in them getting caught out of position and potentially getting everyone killed. With so many people counting on them - including other civilians in the outer area - it would be more than foolish to attempt an off-the-cuff rescue like that. He didn't want to see those people die, but he wasn't a god.

"It... it really hurts to think that those people will be sacrificed. But there's nothing we can possibly do without getting ourselves killed in the process, and other people around here need our help.

"I think you're right, Nikolai. Give me any stealth items we have. I suspect that the energy of our mages and myself will be detectable at some point. If they're not aware of us already, we need to avoid giving out hints of our arrival. This also means that my team will need to move as fast as possible. I'm about ninety percent sure that once my team secures the civilians, the central guards will have noticed us. I'll then communicate to you and Irine that the assault must begin. Even if we don't get spotted, Ike's team will absolutely cause havoc.

"Irine, I will give you a warning when I believe we will have made our presence known. At that time, you should start focusing on getting ready for immediate attack. We need to catch them off guard before they can fortify. We can attempt to secure the airship after the assault begins. Speaking of which, who is going to secure the airship? My group, or Ike's? I think Ike should, as I will have civilians with me who I will need to secure or potentially evacuate when the fighting starts."

---

---

((Battle plan to be edited in here later))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on April 20, 2018, 05:48:44 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2018, 02:23:43 am

((@NAV: Is your Artillery barrage also going to specifically Target the airship or just the center of town in general? And is the plan as I understand it to wait until nightfall, send Zechariah to infiltrate the city and try to rescue the civilians while Ike takes out the airfield, attack when one of them is detected or both report objective complete?

You have 4 water mages, one focused on attack, one on defense, one on stealth and one Jack of all trades. Don't think their focus means they're only good for one thing, just means they're better at that (a bit higher bonus).

I don't keep exact numbers of soldiers but you had 10 wagons (-1 that got turned into a trebuchet) so let's say around 15 recruits per wagon, so good for about 10 squads (I'm assuming you'll want smaller more independent units instead of going for large phalanx-style battle lines).

Your enemy is a bit less so let's say 75-125 based on your estimates. They have around 30 stationed at the airfield barracks and the rest are scattered throughout the town, mostly centered around the central plaza and the front gate.

I'll try to draw a map and summarize your plan for a final confirmation when I have the time.

Edit: This poster reminded me of Nikolai: https://m.imgur.com/a/87cvQ))

I consider my priority of targets 1: the spire, 2: the airship, 3: the front gate and 4: the central camp.

Start artillery only when Zech and the civilians are safe. By safe I mean not close to anywhere I'm bombarding. That's the only condition. I'm not gonna bombard innocent civilians when they can be rescued, not a sociopath/psychopath.
If Zech gets caught, well we're just gonna have to improvise.

I am editing my battle planning post a bit. Mostly to account for water mages.

Trying to read that poster makes my brain and eyes hurt.

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on April 20, 2018, 03:40:32 pm

Zechariah was very internally conflicted about the inevitability of the ritual sacrifice, but this time he knew that, ultimately, there was just nothing that they could do. Attempting to infiltrate right now to save the civilians would absolutely result in them getting caught out of position and potentially getting everyone killed. With so many people counting on them - including other civilians in the outer area - it would be more than foolish to attempt an off-the-cuff rescue like that. He didn't want to see those people die, but he wasn't a god.

"It... it really hurts to think that those people will be sacrificed. But there's nothing we can possibly do without getting ourselves killed in the process, and other people around here need our help.

"I think you're right, Nikolai. Give me any stealth items we have. I suspect that the energy of our mages and myself will be detectable at some point. If they're not aware of us already, we need to avoid giving out hints of our arrival. This also means that my team will need to move as fast as possible. I'm about ninety percent sure that once my team secures the civilians, the central guards will have noticed us. I'll then communicate to you and Irine that the assault must begin. Even if we don't get spotted, Ike's team will absolutely cause havoc.

"Irine, I will give you a warning when I believe we will have made our presence known. At that time, you should start focusing on getting ready for immediate attack. We need to catch them off guard before they can fortify. We can attempt to secure the airship after the assault begins. Speaking of which, who is going to secure the airship? My group, or Ike's? I think Ike should, as I will have civilians with me who I will need to secure or potentially evacuate when the fighting starts."

"Securing the airship isn't important anymore. Too difficult to reach from the ground and saving those people is much higher priority. We will knock it out of the sky with my artillery and hopefully its not too broken to get flying again. Just focus on getting in, saving the civilians, and getting out. We're saving everyone we can."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on April 20, 2018, 09:57:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2018, 08:02:15 am

You have the doll open the door and proceed through the dark corridor beyond. There is a similar door in the other side of the corridor, which you guess is your objective.

As you walk you notice there are doors with metal bars that remind you of prison cell doors. 4 of them in total. Jack pauses and approaches one of them to try to discern what's inside them. He quickly dodges backwards. A moment later a mouth full of teeth snaps closed where his head was.
"Damn thing!" he shouts at it angrily.
The 2 creatures in the cell growl and snap their teeth at him in response. Similar growls are echoed from the other cells. Now that you can see them somewhat better, this monster reminds you of a mix between a rat and a dog. Its body is more or less exactly like a giant rat's, including the long nearly hairless tail and hand-like paws. But its head, its body language and especially its teeth remind you that of a dog.

Jack looks at you and motions towards the cell.
"What do you say? Can you summon some dolls on the other side and have them deal with those things? I bet we're going to have to fight them sooner or later, so we might as well kill them when they can't fight back."
"Maybe. Or maybe she'll see us killing them and open the cell doors. Then  we'll be stuck here, surrounded, with nowhere to run."
Jack shrugs.
"Hey man, your choice. I'm just making a suggestion. I ain't gonna waste what few cards I have left on them."

There are things coming out of the creatures, machines attached to their body with wires and red tubes leading away from them. You lean closer to the cage, tracing the wires and tubes to a machine attached to one of the walls.
"I wonder what they are doing here... Why have those things in a casino vault? What purpose..."
"I already told you man, this place is fake. There is no purpose to it beyond being here for us. It's just scenery made for this challenge."
"Even the scenery in a play must have some logic behind it."

♚The Doll Prince: Freaks of Nature Mad Science!♚

Napoleon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Those red lines remind him of tubing used in hospitals for blood transfusions and dialysis and of the like. Also, those machines on their backs and the one attached to the wall seemed to be essential to their continued survival, otherwise they wouldn't be there. Lastly, the unholy fusion of the creatures' canine and rodent traits immediately eliminated them as being naturally occurring. Needless to say, Napoleon felt a deep sense of foreboding welling up inside of him.

"This is no ordinary casino," Napoleon breathed as he held the pistol tightly. "In fact, I'm quite sure that the Queen's Tower Casino is just a front for a secret laboratory. Why else would they build this massive structure underneath a casino just to house a vault? Merde, this changes everything."

Looking at the door before them, Napoleon took a deep breath. "Whatever that awaits us inside may be even more unnerving than brutish security personnel. First, then put these... things out of their misery. If we make sure the door is behind us, we can avoid getting completely surrounded."

Go to the door ahead of them. Before entering, put the rat-dog abominations out of their misery by shooting at the machine on the wall. If the machine's destruction doesn't cause the creatures to die, put each down with a bullet to the head. In case the gates open, summon a wall of tough dolls around Napoleon and Jack to hold off the creatures while he kill them. If Napoleon misses the machine after a few shots but the gates don't open, conserve ammo and enter through the door behind them.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on April 21, 2018, 02:53:34 am

"A sort of trouble that I got myself into, for a good cause. And that I intend to get myself back out of. Hopefully that won't require a gun but... ah, to extend the metaphor I might have to get myself a little farther into the trouble before I have a chance to get back out. At least if I want to keep all my organs afterwards. Hehe."
Fe does not look even slightly amused.

"Um, sorry. That's a weird way to have said that. Basically I'm doing a job for someone that I probably shouldn't talk about, and I miiiiiight just need to pop a fool, or just have something vaguely threatening to wave around. I wasn't expecting this when I woke up today, but hey life's full of surprises isn't it?"

Please please tell me that's good enough pretty please? Because if it's not I might have to:

"Uh, I do also have some money."

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on April 24, 2018, 05:55:54 pm

((hi,are people still allowed to join in?))

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on April 25, 2018, 05:48:25 am

((Huh. I thought I had posted before. I've been busy this weekend, so maybe I wrote up a bit but I didn't complete my message.))

Quote from: NAV on April 20, 2018, 05:48:44 pm

"Securing the airship isn't important anymore. Too difficult to reach from the ground and saving those people is much higher priority. We will knock it out of the sky with my artillery and hopefully its not too broken to get flying again. Just focus on getting in, saving the civilians, and getting out. We're saving everyone we can."

Zechariah was quite happy to hear what Nikolai had to say. The first part made his job easier, while the second part filled him with determination. He operated at his best when he was allowed to work with a clear conscience and a humanitarian goal.
"Right. Now, when are we starting this? In the meantime, I'm going to get prepared. Let me know if you need anything."

Retrieve the supplies that Nikolai has designated for my group to take. Distribute weapons and any other equipment (armor, for example) to the recruits of my group based on their preferences and experience.

Go ahead and meet up with some scouts if we have them out on reconnaissance. Get a lay of the land; What does the terrain look like, and where are the buildings? Are there certain buildings where civilians will be expected to concentrate other than the warehouse? Any details are good details. If possible, and if we have the time, try and establish what the town guards' patterns are. They must have a patrol schedule. More detailed plans will be created when we know what we're dealing with.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Leodanny on April 25, 2018, 03:56:36 pm

“Ahem. I... am broke. What type of promotions would I be able to participate in?”
behind my back, take a few bottles and stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on May 01, 2018, 07:33:29 pm

((Image width has been reduced to 400 so that they don't spill outside the screen on small screens. View directly or download for full size.))

Spoiler: Traveller's Rest by night (click to show/hide)

As night falls, lights start coming on on the watchtowers. The watchtowers are apparently equipped with something like searchlights, their beams of harsh white light scanning the town's surroundings.

The lack of life in the town also becomes more apparent. There were supposed to be hundreds of people living here, yet there are very few buildings that have lights on. Even the airship is mostly dark (probably to make itself less of a target), the few lights that are on in it would be hard to distinguish from the few stars shining in the sky if they didn't sway in response to occasional gusts of wind. (It should become easier to distinguish once the moon rises.)

On the other hand, the most illuminated building appears to be the one holding the hostages. The Sovereignty probably doesn't mind if they make them a target, as long as they don't escape. You can also see lights in the Sovereignty camps, some of them from light sources, others from the fires they light to cook their supper.
(https://i.imgur.com/jz8Deeb.png)

Spoiler: Traveller's Rest during the day (click to show/hide)

Luckily, you have the advantage of surveying the town for a significant part of the day. With that, you can more easily plan your attack.

It was clear when you first saw the town that the west-northwest side had been heavily reinforced. With more careful observation from those amongst you with keener senses, other changes in the town also became apparent.
(https://i.imgur.com/ssan1qY.png)

Spoiler: POI: Burnt Temple (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/yqPLPLn.png)
The most apparent of those changes is that the temple to Sellas, goddess of Light, has been burnt to the ground. The reason behind this action is easy to guess: If they are conducting Dark rituals here then they wouldn't want the Light flow of the temple to interfere with them. Burning the temple wouldn't have destroyed the Light flow in it but it should have dampened it. The implications are doubly troubling, given that the temple and its surrounding buildings was also where many of the town's sick and infirm were taken care of.

Most of the gardens and flammable buildings near it have also been badly burnt. The fire must have been stopped by the less flammable buildings. The gardens and memorials surrounding the temple to Death to the west also appear to have been left mostly intact by the fire, though you can't tell if that has been done deliberately or merely by chance.

Spoiler: POI: Damaged Eastern Gate (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/e3ZIn8T.png)
The eastern gate has been damaged and subsequently repaired with a sturdy-looking barricade. The town might have tried to defend itself from the Sovereignty. Or maybe they simply wanted to negotiate the terms of their surrender instead of merely leaving their gates open for the troops to enter. Judging from the molten and exploded stones, the Sovereignty troops must have used Lightning Cannon blasts to blow several holes through the wall.

Spoiler: POI: Damaged Guardsmen HQ (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/9L8p1vy.png)
The Headquarters of the Guardsmen has also suffered some damage, offering more support to the theory that at least some of the residents tried to resist the occupation. The building was built to be sturdy, however its defenses proved inadequate against whatever bomb the attacking troops used against its walls.

Interestingly, there are signs of only one explosion and none of the surrounding houses, temples and inns have been damaged. Either the Sovereignty considered the building important enough to capture or any resistence offered by the Guardsmen quickly crumbled.

Spoiler: Objective: Resolve Hostage situation (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/8mXMMtc.gif)
The hostages were spotted exiting a warehouse on the north of the town. The entire district has been highlighted, given that there might be other buildings holding hostages in the vicinity.

The hostages are most likely used to fuel the Dark ritual. Rescuing or eliminating them would put a stop to the Dark ritual, at least in this location. Those amongst your men from Traveller's Rest would  be especially grateful to you for rescuing their fellow townsfolk.

Spoiler: Objective: Eliminate enemy Air support: Gliders (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/lC1OwH0.gif)
It is clear that the combat Gliders stationed here are an important asset to the Sovereignty and thus a danger to you. During your short time observing the town, you saw them using them to patrol the town from the air, though they don't appear to be doing so during the night.

Nevertheless, the Gliders could be used to spot you and strafe or bomb your positions. Capturing or destroying them before they can get airborne would make this fight a lot easier.

Spoiler: Objective: Eliminate enemy Air support: Airship (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/JXjrvKW.gif)
The airship 'Stormcloud Eater' has been anchored on the town's Spine, using it as a makeshift dock. From that location it can provide constant observation of the town's surroundings. It can also attack targets using its Lightning Cannons and enhance the abilities of any Wind mages riding it.

If the Airship is given the chance to undock, its speed and maneuverability would make it nigh-impossible to hit with anything but Irine's Sword's beam attack while at the same time it would be free to rain down destruction upon you. You need to take it out before it has a chance to bring its weapons to bear or undock from the Spine, otherwise this fight could become a lot harder, especially if Irine is occupied fighting Dark magic.

Spoiler: Plan: Your location (click to show/hide)

Given that you have been following the road, your camp is located northwest of the town.
(https://i.imgur.com/qEMqZQE.gif)

Spoiler: Plan: Appraching the Town (click to show/hide)

The teams will wait as close to the town as they can safely be. Once night falls, the teams will approach the town. They won't use any light sources, since those could be easily spotted by the airship, so their speed will not be as fast as it could be. Zechariah's team will approach the town from the north, while Ike's and Ahos' teams will apprach from the south. With Ike's enhanced senses the southern team should be able to move faster and thus reach their target at about the same time as the northern team, despite having to cover more ground.

The two teams will regroup at one of the small buildings surrounding Traveller's Rest (mostly cottages and small houses). There they will prepare for the final part of their journey.
(https://i.imgur.com/UFxl54i.gif)

Spoiler: Plan: Entering the Town (click to show/hide)

The teams will approach the town as fast as they can, using the Mirage devices and/or the water magic of the mages accompanying them to conceal themselves if they have to. Zehariah should also be able to help by using his Dark magic (which should be augmented by the Dark flow emanating from the Spine) to conceal his group.

The element of surprise is one of your greatest advantages so you will try to maintain it as long as possible. The teams will approach sides that are not covered by watchtowers and try to time their approach to avoid the searchlights, however if they are spotted they should take out whoever spotted them, otherwise the enemy could become alerted, making their mission much harder. The watchtowers and any patrolling soldiers will probably be equipped with a way of alerting others, even something as simple as yelling or throwing an Air grenade.

Zechariah's and Ahos' group will use ladders to climb to the other side of the wall. Ike's group will attack the airfield from the east, given that it appears to be the least well defended side.
(https://i.imgur.com/sFxngji.gif)

Spoiler: Plan: Ike's Attack (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/3VEQpGB.gif)
Ike's group will consist of the majority of recruits, the musket-wielding Alchemist and the offensive-focused Water mage.

They will start by taking out the eastern watchtower, most likely with a stealthy ranged attack. After that, one group will take care of the western watchtowers while the other surrounds the camp. With the camp surrounded, it should be easy to block all avenues of escape and eliminate everyone, with the ranged attackers making sure to stop anyone that manages to evade the melee attackers.

After the airfield is secured, the team will take up defensive positions near the camp and guard the hole in the wall leading into the town.

If they are detected or things go badly for whatever reason, then their first priority will be to take out the Gliders before they can take off before seeking safety.

Spoiler: Plan: Ahos' Attack (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/sxdVpDx.gif)
The mage Ahos, focused on defense, will lead the second group, which will be bolstered by the trained guards provided by Chizra.

After his group crosses the wall, he will try to silently eliminate the few defenders of the eastern gate. That done, he will take defensive positions and hold the gate against any retreating soldiers. Once Irine starts her attack they will advance and attempt to support her.

If things go wrong for whatever reason, his group will retreat to a safe distance and try to harass anyone attempting to leave the city. The single horse rider in your army will support them to the best of his ability.

((Fakeedit: Apparently I misread and thought the group that would support Irine was the same one that would hold the eastern road. But now I've already written all this and made the images and I'm too tired to change everything.))

Spoiler: Plan: Zechariah's Attack (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/c7YWvAl.gif)
Zechariah's group will consist of Theri, River and the other two water mages.

After they cross the wall, they will check one of the warehouses that has lights visible inside it. If it also contains civilians, they will liberate them, arm any willing to fight and leave them to defend those that are not.

After that, they will move on to the warehouse they have identified as containing hostages as well as those surrounding it and try to liberate them. They will then escort them to safety, picking up the second group along the way.

Spoiler: Plan: Heavy Artillery Barrage (click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgur.com/PVOSRAK.gif)
Nikolai, Irine and the rest of the recruits will approach as close to the town as they can. After night falls, Nikolai and the recruits will move the Siege weapons into position (the lightning cannon requires line of sight to fire, unlike the trebuchet and crossbow).

At the same time, Irine will be working on clearing the Dark magic tainting the city and its surroundings. Since those energies are boosted by the ritual that takes place during sundown and those energies directly attack her being, this will be a task that will require all her concentration and will take some time.

When the teams are successful or when they are detected, Nikolai will start attacking with Tsared siege weapons, aiming to destroy the Spine and kill any mages inside it, hopefully weakening the Dark flow emanating from it in the process and thus helping Irine. He will also aim to disable the airship, hopefully without causing too much damage to it.

If all goes well, then by that time Irine will have cleared the Dark corruption and will be able to start burning everything, starting with the walls and moving towards the town center. At the same time Nikolai will support her offensive and bombard the Sovereignty camp at the center of the town.

The townsfolk will probably not be very happy about the destruction or the death of any civilians you fail to rescue, however this should be offset by the fact that you freed and rescued most of them. Hopefully the enemy will surrender or be wiped out before you have to cause too much damage.

That's the plan, anyway. But you know what they say: "No plan survives contact with the enemy."

Is that OK with you or is there anything you wish to change?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on May 01, 2018, 07:38:27 pm

I admit to only checking the final section, because that's what relevant to Irine, but what I saw looked right. I'll give it a more thourough look-over when I have the time.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on May 01, 2018, 07:59:24 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak probably won't notice the creature unless his teammates alert him to it. If they do, it's likely going to be punched to death.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Xantalos on May 01, 2018, 11:56:58 pm

Well hot damn, that's a hell of a lot of effort on your part there. Clap clap.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Tiruin on May 02, 2018, 06:13:08 am

Quote from: Xantalos on May 01, 2018, 11:56:58 pm

Well hot damn, that's a hell of a lot of effort on your part there. Clap clap.

I feel extremely bad at not having posted a lot recently, because Parisbre is the guy with motivation and meticulousness and I am very happy to be his player.

Although on Zech's plan, I could branch off and aid Ike's team or aid allied teams in the surrounding area. Depends on what I find. :P

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on May 02, 2018, 11:02:49 am

Looked it all over now, looks good.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: NAV on May 02, 2018, 02:11:25 pm

Looks mostly good!

A few things, mostly minor:
We should probably set up a wagon fort camp with a skeleton crew of recruits well behind the battle lines. To protect our supplies, animals, and the air mage prisoner. And to give us a safe place to evacuate the civilians to, or retreat and regroup if we have to.

If the lightning cannon isn't capable of indirect fire and not usable for artillery barrage, then it should find a new place in the plan. Maybe it can be used to crack open the gate? Support Ike's attack? Act as emergency anti-air? Or maybe it can be used as part of the artillery barrage, since the spire and airship might be visible on the skyline therefor targetable by direct fire?

The recruits with Ike should have whatever weapons are best for taking out the gliders. Probably a lot of bows and staff slings.

The recruit squad assigned to help Irene should have lots of fire weapons (torches, molotovs, and fire arrows) to help her ramp up extra quickly.

There should be a few recruits filling out Zech's squad. Recruits who seem competent and well suited for stealthy stuff.

Nikolai isn't operating any of the artillery himself. It should all be crewed by recruits (including Lune). He is cycling through the artillery pieces as quickly as possible.

Quote from: NAV on April 16, 2018, 01:07:45 pm

Wrap a thick layer of padding around the potion. Don't want it breaking.

Add one final simple but important improvement to musket: a bayonet.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2018, 05:34:55 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on April 24, 2018, 05:55:54 pm

((hi,are people still allowed to join in?))

Sure. What kind of special ability do you want?

---

Quote from: Zormod on April 20, 2018, 01:43:42 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Enlarge my eyes over that thing.

You enlarge your eyes over the thing a bit, but not significantly so.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on May 01, 2018, 07:59:24 pm

Kosak Durar:

Kosak probably won't notice the creature unless his teammates alert him to it. If they do, it's likely going to be punched to death.

You follow Svajoklis and stand ready to save his bacon via punching things really hard, should it be necessary. Or maybe even if it isn't.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on April 19, 2018, 02:49:33 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus medbay>

"I am this close to having two arms again, I refuse more delays"

Go closer to the closet with invisible foe, pointing shotgun at it. When the door opens, shoot it.

You make sure your shotgun is ready and carefully approach the indicated closet. Now that you know what to look for, you can see it clearly, hiding in the shadows. The creature's eye tracks you as you move closer to it. You can see its muscles tense. It looks like it can see your, even when looking through the dark vortex that is your teammate's eyes.

When you feel you're close enough you raise your shotgun and take careful aim. Good thing there's no gravity, even with one arm it's easy to keep the shotgun pointed towards it. You pull the trigger.

The slug hits the thing right in the center of its eye. It silently thrashes around, wildly hitting things close to it and bouncing from one side of the room to the other. You shoot it again but this time the shot just grazed it, bouncing off its hide.

And then Kosak slams into it and smashes it against a wall. The creature is merely reacting (its brain must have been damaged) but it's still a danger to him. Still, he manages to hold it in his grip long enough to squish its torso into a bloody mess. The lifeless body is left floating in the air while the team gathers the necessary supplies. Svajoklis notices there are electronics attached in the back of its torso. Hmm. Another difference compared to the black box recordings.

The team makes its way back to the automated treatment machines and inserts the necessary supplies into one of the machines. The machine happily accepts the vials and packets and begins healing the team. As it is working on attaching Svajoklis' shiny new prosthetic, there is a screech from the speakers above you that reverberates across the entire medical section.
: So, I see one of you rats has finally managed to steal from me. : comes the smug voice of an old man.
: I don't know who sent you or how you got past the Tactor but you can be certain that you won't be getting out of here. I thought you'd have learnt better by now. Surrender now or face the consequences. :
He sounds weak but also quite certain of himself.

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on April 21, 2018, 02:53:34 am

"A sort of trouble that I got myself into, for a good cause. And that I intend to get myself back out of. Hopefully that won't require a gun but... ah, to extend the metaphor I might have to get myself a little farther into the trouble before I have a chance to get back out. At least if I want to keep all my organs afterwards. Hehe."
Fe does not look even slightly amused.

"Um, sorry. That's a weird way to have said that. Basically I'm doing a job for someone that I probably shouldn't talk about, and I miiiiiight just need to pop a fool, or just have something vaguely threatening to wave around. I wasn't expecting this when I woke up today, but hey life's full of surprises isn't it?"

Please please tell me that's good enough pretty please? Because if it's not I might have to:

"Uh, I do also have some money."

((Hmm... Trying to convince someone... I think that qualifies as a charisma roll! *rolls* [2+1] Awww...))

He considers what you have to say. For a moment it looks like he's about to decline.
"Come on. Please? You know I wouldn't be don't this if I didn't really have to."
He sighs, reaches into his backpack and produces a tiny handgun. He holds it next to his head and shows it to you.
"100. Because you're a friend."
"Yes! Thank you!" you say and show him the money.
He takes the money (leaving you with 150) and inspects it for a few seconds before handing you the gun. Just as you are about to grab it, his intention changes and he pulls his hand back.
"You didn't get this from me. This doesn't get back to me. If they catch you you're on your own. I've got enough troubles surviving as it is"
"Yes, of course." you respond, still holding out your hand.
He doesn't hand you the gun.
"Seriously, I've got a good thing going on here. I don't need you pissing off the wrong sentient, sending them after me. You promise you won't do that?"
"I promise."
He looks at your for a few more seconds before he finally hands you the gun. He also gives you a few extra bullets and shows you the basics of its operation. Reload, unlock, point, click. Sounds simple enough. It won't do you any good against anything with proper armor but it should be intimidating enough.

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on April 20, 2018, 09:57:43 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on April 19, 2018, 08:02:15 am

You have the doll open the door and proceed through the dark corridor beyond. There is a similar door in the other side of the corridor, which you guess is your objective.

As you walk you notice there are doors with metal bars that remind you of prison cell doors. 4 of them in total. Jack pauses and approaches one of them to try to discern what's inside them. He quickly dodges backwards. A moment later a mouth full of teeth snaps closed where his head was.
"Damn thing!" he shouts at it angrily.
The 2 creatures in the cell growl and snap their teeth at him in response. Similar growls are echoed from the other cells. Now that you can see them somewhat better, this monster reminds you of a mix between a rat and a dog. Its body is more or less exactly like a giant rat's, including the long nearly hairless tail and hand-like paws. But its head, its body language and especially its teeth remind you that of a dog.

Jack looks at you and motions towards the cell.
"What do you say? Can you summon some dolls on the other side and have them deal with those things? I bet we're going to have to fight them sooner or later, so we might as well kill them when they can't fight back."
"Maybe. Or maybe she'll see us killing them and open the cell doors. Then  we'll be stuck here, surrounded, with nowhere to run."
Jack shrugs.
"Hey man, your choice. I'm just making a suggestion. I ain't gonna waste what few cards I have left on them."

There are things coming out of the creatures, machines attached to their body with wires and red tubes leading away from them. You lean closer to the cage, tracing the wires and tubes to a machine attached to one of the walls.
"I wonder what they are doing here... Why have those things in a casino vault? What purpose..."
"I already told you man, this place is fake. There is no purpose to it beyond being here for us. It's just scenery made for this challenge."
"Even the scenery in a play must have some logic behind it."

♚The Doll Prince: Freaks of Nature Mad Science!♚

Napoleon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Those red lines remind him of tubing used in hospitals for blood transfusions and dialysis and of the like. Also, those machines on their backs and the one attached to the wall seemed to be essential to their continued survival, otherwise they wouldn't be there. Lastly, the unholy fusion of the creatures' canine and rodent traits immediately eliminated them as being naturally occurring. Needless to say, Napoleon felt a deep sense of foreboding welling up inside of him.

"This is no ordinary casino," Napoleon breathed as he held the pistol tightly. "In fact, I'm quite sure that the Queen's Tower Casino is just a front for a secret laboratory. Why else would they build this massive structure underneath a casino just to house a vault? Merde, this changes everything."

Looking at the door before them, Napoleon took a deep breath. "Whatever that awaits us inside may be even more unnerving than brutish security personnel. First, then put these... things out of their misery. If we make sure the door is behind us, we can avoid getting completely surrounded."

Go to the door ahead of them. Before entering, put the rat-dog abominations out of their misery by shooting at the machine on the wall. If the machine's destruction doesn't cause the creatures to die, put each down with a bullet to the head. In case the gates open, summon a wall of tough dolls around Napoleon and Jack to hold off the creatures while he kill them. If Napoleon misses the machine after a few shots but the gates don't open, conserve ammo and enter through the door behind them.

You make your way towards the end of the corridor, the monsters growling and snapping their teeth at you as you walk through their cages. When you've reached the end of the corridor, you approach the closest cage and take careful aim at the machine in the wall.

You pull the trigger. There is a loud bang that echoes in the enclosed spaces of this corridor. The shot hits the machine, making a hole in it. It begins beeping and then explodes a few seconds later, spraying the red liquid everywhere. The creatures appear even more agitated, growling and slamming against the door of their cage, though you can't tell if it's due to the noise or because the machine is no longer pumping them full of that red stuff.

You take aim at the creature, trying to time your shot to when it is still. You miss the head and hit it in the upper torso instead. The creature is thrown back but a moment later it's back up again, charging towards the door. You're getting ready to shoot again when there's a buzzing noise from the cage door in front of you. Damn. You knew this was going to happen. And yet now you're frozen. You can't get out of the way, you're not fast enough. But your doll is.

The doll puts itself between you and the creature. The creature smashes through the door and into the doll. The two tumble to the floor. The other creature follows through the door, joining its friend in attacking the doll. But it's not very friendly, its frenzied attacks damaging the other creature as much as the doll.

You summon a couple of short dolls and put them between you and the monsters. Hopefully they'll slow them down a bit but they won't hold for long and will definitely crumble if the other cells open. You shoot again and this time manage to shoot the injured creature through the heart. It keeps attacking for another second as if it felt nothing but succumbs to its injuries a moment later, falling over the badly injured doll. Its former cellmate turns its attention towards you.

---

Quote from: Leodanny on April 19, 2018, 08:55:51 am

“Ohhh boxes!”
“Hey, what do these meds do again?”
open the boxes, pay the $50

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" the man says as he moves to block your path.
"The back area is staff-only."

Quote from: Leodanny on April 25, 2018, 03:56:36 pm

“Ahem. I... am broke. What type of promotions would I be able to participate in?”
behind my back, take a few bottles and stuff.

The bottles are behind the counter, not behind your back. Stuff however are behind your back. So you can try to take stuff.

[3]
"Hey! Look! What's that?!" you say, pointing at one of the boxes.
As the man turns around to look, you swipe the big flashlight and hold it behind your back.
"What? What is it?" he says, turning back towards you after not seeing anything out of the ordinary.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 02, 2018, 05:52:06 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2018, 05:34:55 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on April 24, 2018, 05:55:54 pm

((hi,are people still allowed to join in?))

Sure. What kind of special ability do you want?

Bone manipulation as in manipulate my own bones is that a good power?

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Egan_BW on June 02, 2018, 05:56:54 pm

"Proper" weapon acquired! Now to go do the actual task, which was... uhhh...
Hmm, gotta check my notes...
Uh, right, gotta go to the place where the "newcomer" is staying. It's some sort of apartment place, so I'll just walk in, go down the hall. Focusing on the intents I can hear from inside the rooms. Once I reach the door to the "newcomer's" room, I'll check the inside for any intents. If there's none... breaking and entering time, I guess. If there is one or more people in there that I can sense, I'll examine their intents closely for a few minutes, then exit the building to plan my next move.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Screech9791 on June 02, 2018, 07:42:03 pm

Seems interesting. I'll join the waitlist.

Name: Midnight Edgeman
Ability: Edginess
Appearance: A man wearing shades, a skull bandana, a hood, and a red and black trenchcoat.
Bio/Personality info: Probably the definition of edge.
Other: I want his starting weapons to be a blood-red katana and dual edgy revolvers, dubbed the 'Misery Extingushers'.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Zormod on June 03, 2018, 03:06:54 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"So, do you think he's our main problem?"

Get ready for a fight.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 03, 2018, 10:25:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2018, 05:34:55 pm

You make your way towards the end of the corridor, the monsters growling and snapping their teeth at you as you walk through their cages. When you've reached the end of the corridor, you approach the closest cage and take careful aim at the machine in the wall.

You pull the trigger. There is a loud bang that echoes in the enclosed spaces of this corridor. The shot hits the machine, making a hole in it. It begins beeping and then explodes a few seconds later, spraying the red liquid everywhere. The creatures appear even more agitated, growling and slamming against the door of their cage, though you can't tell if it's due to the noise or because the machine is no longer pumping them full of that red stuff.

You take aim at the creature, trying to time your shot to when it is still. You miss the head and hit it in the upper torso instead. The creature is thrown back but a moment later it's back up again, charging towards the door. You're getting ready to shoot again when there's a buzzing noise from the cage door in front of you. Damn. You knew this was going to happen. And yet now you're frozen. You can't get out of the way, you're not fast enough. But your doll is.

The doll puts itself between you and the creature. The creature smashes through the door and into the doll. The two tumble to the floor. The other creature follows through the door, joining its friend in attacking the doll. But it's not very friendly, its frenzied attacks damaging the other creature as much as the doll.

You summon a couple of short dolls and put them between you and the monsters. Hopefully they'll slow them down a bit but they won't hold for long and will definitely crumble if the other cells open. You shoot again and this time manage to shoot the injured creature through the heart. It keeps attacking for another second as if it felt nothing but succumbs to its injuries a moment later, falling over the badly injured doll. Its former cellmate turns its attention towards you.

"Putain merde, this is a very bad idea!" Napoleon said as the monster turned toward him. Half expecting Jack to retort 'You think?' in response, Napoleon quickly:

Used his dolls to distract the creature long enough for him to put it down. Defending himself from any possible attacks on his person, Napoleon will quickly enter through the door behind them with Jack. If necessary, the dolls will be felt outside to buy them time. Also, check on the security guards being held up by his previous dolls.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 03, 2018, 11:14:58 pm

Kosak Durar:

"What a strange creature. Good thing it's dead now... more engineers to deal with? You've got to be kidding me!"

Be wary. Engineers can do anything with enough preparation!

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 05, 2018, 05:14:29 am

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

MGRR - Return to Ashes (The Boneyard Mix) (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bLyXdz-4PYg)

Everyone
With the plans decided and any last minute preparations taken care of, the teams depart for their circuitous journey towards the town while the rest of the troops aid with last minute fortifications to the camp and prepare to move closer to the village. A small group of warriors are left to defend the camp, watch over those that cannot fight and make sure that Air mage prisoner doesn't try anything 'smart'.

---

Hostage Team
Zechariah watches the watchtowers' searchlights, leaning out of the side of the small wooden house. He's trying to determine a pattern in their movements. Their arcs of movement are more or less consistent but their starts and stops are mostly random, yet he can get a feel for them, an understanding of how their operator moves them. Better than doing nothing as he tries to catch his breath (who knew a few extra weapons would be so heavy?). At least this way his mind doesn't wonder to less pleasent subjects.

The two Water mages beside him are displaying similar fatigue. They're not carrying weapons but water, a necessary material in their magic which is hard to summon from thin non-humid air. They looked much worse earlier, when the Dark-magic wave of the ritual hit your group, but by now they appear to have recovered.

Zechariah can still feel the Dark energy, a coldness in his heart and a feeling as if the shadows have become something living and solid. But he knows that this feeling also means his Shadow abilities are more powerful, boosted by absorbing the power leaking from the ritual.

Theri and River appear the most fresh despite carrying the most, thanks to their superior strength and endurance.

After having had a couple of minutes to catch their breath, the team moves out. They run the distance that separates them from the wall until a searchlight gets too close to them. The group skids to a stop and hugs the ground as Zechariah focuses on concealing them with an illusion. The water mages could also hide them, but doing so is expensive, it would be best if they reserved their water supply for later. The illusion takes, making them appear light brown like a dirt-covered rock. The searchlight quickly passes over their location. Looks like they didn't see them. They whisper a few words to coordinate and then get up and start running again.

...

The team reaches the wall where Theri deploys their ladder. She secures it and holds it in place while Zechariah carefully climbs it and checks the other side. For all the time he has been watching them, the searchlights never illuminated this section of the wall. However that doesn't mean there couldn't be a patrol on the other side of the wall right now. He slowly raises his head and peeks on the other side like a cat ready to pounce. Nothing. He gives the all clear to the others.

He helps the Water mages cross before carefully lowering himself to the other side. Theri climbs next. She catches River as he jumps on the ladder and then onto her. She then pulls the ladder up and lowers it on the other side of the wall. She gets down and hides the ladder amongst the grass and bushes so that it won't be spotted by a passing patrol. They mark the location so that they can find it later and move further into the town.

...

The team moves slowly, trying to walk lightly and step on the dirt instead of the stones. The town is eerily dark and quiet, no light shining out of windows, no drunken singing from the taverns, no late night conversation escaping from the houses' walls. Even the various creatures of the night are mostly quiet, only the occasional cricket shyly chirping a couple of times before stopping again or maybe the clicking of a bat as it flies overhead. In conditions like these any noise they make would be easily heard. But it works both ways. By being quiet, they can hear their enemies and be prepared.

They hear speech coming from up ahead. It's the smaller warehouse they identified earlier. It's a somewhat square thing meant for food storage, with a sturdy outer and inner wall meant to help keep vermin away as well as a few underground compartments where more sensitive things can be kept. Only one entrance, two sliding doors currently left half-open, letting light and the sounds of conversation escape. Someone is talking loudly inside it. Doesn't sound angry, more like they're having fun. The team hides their extra weapons in an alley and moves closer to investigate.

...

"Okay, so I heard this one from Botan down at the Airfield."
"Oh, this ought to be good."
"I swear there's something wrong with that guy. He comes up with the weirdest stuff."

Spoiler: Joke (click to show/hide)

So, a Roy General and a Sovereignty General meet in the middle of the batlefield. They decide to resolve the conflict by showing who has the bravest soldiers. So the Roy General says

'Oh, my soldiers are the bravest and here's the proof. Proctor, my second in command!'

'What is your order, oh General?' responds Proctor as he runs to his general's side.

'Take this here sword, charge into the enemy line by yourself and slaughter them all!'

Proctor screams a mighty war cry and charges into the Sovereignty frontline... where he is easily taken out.

'See you Sovereignty scum? This is the bravery of the men of our Kingdom!' the Roy General boasts.

'Ha! You call that bravery? I'll show you what real bravery is like. Richard, my second in command!' the Sovereignty General retorts.

The Sovereignty General looks around.

'Richard? Richard!'

Eventually Richard arrives to the frontline and approaches the two generals.

'I'm here, I'm here. Whadya want?'

'Take this here knife, charge into the enemy line by yourself and slaughter them all!'

'Oh brother, you woke me up from my midday nap for this? Go do it yourself.' Richard says and walks away.

The Sovereignty General looks at the Kingdom General and nods approvingly.

'See Roy scum? That's the bravery of Sovereignty men.'

"Ha! So true."
"For you? Certainly."
"Well, you're not exactly a model soldier yourself, sir."
"You know, I'd reprimand you for that, but I am too bored right now."

One of the soldiers gets up and starts walking towards the door.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"I'm going out to take a piss. What, you wanna come watch?"
"Fuck off. I think I'd rather stay here and steal your smokes."
"Don't you dare you little thief." the soldier says with a smile as he walks out.
"Hey, why don't you go piss in there?" the other soldier yells after him while pointing towards the inner door.
"Those animals are already stinking the place up, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you added your stink to it."
"Ugh. It's bad enough they have us babysitting them, feeding them and cleaning them."
"I can't stand the constant crying and begging. The more time I can spend away from them, the better."
"I hate that we have to do this. Why don't they just take them away?"
"Yeah, I get what you mean. So many people slaves... Feels wrong."
"Not to mention boring as hell."
"You can bitch about it all you want, but I'd rather be here bored and knee-deep in shit than dying at the frontlines."
"Hm."
The soldiers sit in awkward silence for a good part of a minute.

"Now see what you went and did? You bummed us out with your crap. Come on, anyone up for a game of Trick Cards?"
"Bet with smokes?"
"Sure."
"'kay, I'm in."
"Me too."
"Okay, that's three out of four."
"Hey, Hagi! We're playing Trick Cards for smokes. You in?" the soldier shouts towards the door.
They stay quiet for a moment, waiting for his response but no response comes.
"Where the hell is he?"
*sigh* "I'll go get him." the soldier says as she gets up.
"Hagi! Where are you you asshole? Did you manage to get lost? You literally just have to walk across the street." the soldier continues shouting as she walks outside in search of her comrade.

The two soldiers sit in silence for a few seconds, arranging their cards and getting their smokes out of their hiding places.
"Maybe he's having some... 'personal time'." one soldier says to the other and winks.
"Hah. I bet that will be a nice surprise."
"For Jana?"
"For both."
"Well, here's hoping Jana doesn't kill him."

They sit in silence for a few more seconds.
"What's taking them so long?"
"I dunno. Do you think love can bloom on the battlefield?" one soldier jokes but the other is no longer in the mood for joking.
"There's something wrong here. Get your sword."
"You're getting paranoid. Every civie is locked up."
"Yeah, well, better paranoid then dead. Besides, there might be monsters out there for all we know."
The other soldier sighs, gets his sword and follows the first as he carefully makes his way outside.

They walk softly and look around. Nothing.
"Hagi! Jana! You two out here?"
"Ssshhh! Shut up you idiot!" the other whispers.
The other soldier gives him an annoyed look but says nothing.
They keep walking for a few more steps before they hear something behind them. They turn to see a group of men pointing their swords at them. They turn away from them to run but find themselves facing a huge dog and a beastwoman.
"Fuck." one of the soldiers says as they lower their weapons and allow themselves to be captured.

...

It turns out this warehouse was used to hold women and children. They thought they would be easier to manage and require less space. This also kept the prisoners in the other warehouse in check, since if they tried anything the soldiers could threaten to execute their families.

The team's original plan was to arm some of the civilians and let them defend themselves, but that is no longer viable. The people here are in no condition to fight. They might be able to repel a small patrol if they are lucky, but anything more and they'll crumble in seconds. It will be a slaughter if they don't surrender immediately.

The team could help them erect a few barricades. This is a sturdy building, a patrol would be unlikely to make it through the walls. However the enemy is known to use explosives, so if they went and brought a bomb, they'd be able to get through any barricade in no time.

They could leave someone behind to help defend them, but anyone they leave behind is someone they can't use to assault the second, more heavily defended warehouse. Not to mention that even then it might still not be enough if the Sovereignty launched a serious offensive.

They could split up and have someone lead the civilians back the way they came from, but if they are detected by any of the watchtowers then that would surely trigger an alarm. Then Nikolai would be forced to open fire with his Artillery, which means he might strike the second warehouse before they can finish rescuing the civilians held there.

They could have someone lead them to the Eastern entrance. If Ahos has managed to capture it, then they should be able to easily exit undetected through there. But if the Eastern gate is not yet under their control or if they encounter a patrol their situation would be even worse than if they were caught outside the walls.

Or they could use their commwires to try to contact the others to see if they have any suggestion, but if anyone is monitoring such magic then that could lead to their detection.

---

Airfield Team
The two teams regroup near a small house outside the town's walls, clinging to its walls to hide from the searchlights. They take a few moments to catch their breath, prepare, wish each other luck and then split up. Each waits for the searchlights to point at a convenient direction before making a run for it.

Ike and a couple of his fastest archers race directly towards the airfield's Eastern watchtower while the rest take a more circuitous route. Just as the searchlight is about to fall on them, Ike activates the Mirage device, rendering his small group invisible. The device burns through its water supply at an insane rate, but it's enough for him to cross the beam of light and reach the base of the watchtower.

...

"-aren't talking out of your ass again, are you?"
"I trust the guy. If he says that's what he heard, I believe him."
The soldier lets go of the searchlight and turns to face the other.
"Hmm... I guess it makes sense. That's why they never come back out of the Spine. But why all the secrecy?"
"I dunno. Maybe they don't want the Roys to know we can move our troops to wherever we want?"
"No, no, it doesn't add up. If they can do that, why haven't any of us gone through one of those portals? Why do we get supplies through airships and not through them?"
"Hey, how should I know? I'm not a freakin' mage. I'm just telling you what I heard."
The soldier throws his arms up in frustration and looks away from the other, towards the tents of the airfield.
"Besides, would you want to go through one of those things?"
"I mean, for all we know it might scramble your mind or something. Better test their magical shit on the civies instead of me."
"What's your problem? Think it's too dark? Well, let me-"
He turns around ready to angrily point his finger at the other soldier, but he misses, pointing instead to the empty air above the searchlight.
"Huh?" the soldier exclaims as he looks around in confusion, his buddy nowhere to be found.
"Hey, where'd ya-" is as far as he manages to go before a sword's blade erupts out of his chest. He tries to shout but the shock, the pain and a destroyed trachea prevent him from doing so.

...

Ike climbs down from the watchtower while the archers recover their arrows from the other soldier's body. The rest of the recruits come join them soon after. Thankfully their help is not needed. The soldiers were distracted and the watchtower fell quietly. While the archers help the rest of the recruits through the fence, Ike refills his Mirage device, just in case, occasionally glancing at the still quiet airfield camp.

...

Ike hides behind the Glider's frame, his head brushing up against the fabric of its wings. Someone has carved the words 'little Valerie' on the wooden frame, probably with a knife. Behind him, the archers are standing ready, bow and arrow in hand. Next to him a recruit is holding his sword with his eyes closed, praying silently.

Looking to his left, he sees the two teams getting ready to take out the watchtowers, led by the Water mage. The soldiers have their backs turned, should be easy. The Water mage had some trouble earlier due to the Dark energy but he's looking better now. Should be fine.

Looking to his right, he sees the alchemist leaning against another Glider. She downs three colorful vials, one after the other, and then closes her eyes and looks up, shuddering with an euphoric look on her face as she strokes her musket. Maybe letting her come along wasn't such a good idea.

Looking ahead, he can see some soldiers sitting around the fire. One of them is dressed differently than the others, wearing tight, form-fitting clothes. Probably one of the pilots. Ike's enhanced senses let him know he's not saying much of consequence, just some joke about how much their enemies suck. His senses also helped him determine the number and location of the occupants of the camp (the ones that were snoring were especially easy to find). He made sure to let the recruits know and spread them out accordingly. Now all he has to do is wait for the signal that the watchtowers are down before attacking.

And the signal does come, but not in the way he expected it to. Suddenly one of the searchlights swivels violently and ends up illuminating a great bright circle on the town's wall and most of the camp via reflection. Ike has no choice but to order the attack. A rain of arrows falls on the confused soldiers near the fire, killing them quickly but not before they make some noise. Swordsmen and Spearmen rush in, toppling tents and murdering the men and women inside, many of whom had no chance to realize what's going on. There are some shouts and screams, both from the dying and from the recruits trying to coordinate with each other, but no alarms. Some of the enemy try to fight but they can't really put up any sort of resistance. A few quick thinking and/or cowardly ones fall on their knees and beg for mercy. The rest are mercilessly slaughtered.

All except one. A blast sends a tent flying into the sky. Ike rushes in to confirm what his ears are telling him.
"You thought you could come here and kill my friends?" the soldier shouts as he plunges his sword into the guts of a stunned recruit.
Another recruit charges with his sword raised above his head. The man pulls his sword out of the first recruit's guts with impressive speed and brings it up to block the incoming strike. The recruit brings his sword down only to watch in surprise as it is broken in two and ripped from his hands. He maintains that same look of uncomperhending surprise when the blade rises to cleave through his head and explode it like a watermelon. Enchanted blade. Just great.
"Take me on? An Ace?" the man shouts as he turns to look for his next target, his eyes falling on Ike.
"I'll make you pay!" he threatens as he charges towards him.

Having some basic pattern recognition and an advantage in reflexes, Ike focuses on dodging and counterattacking. But the Ace does something unexpected, twisting his blade and quickly bringing it towards his body before slashing towards Ike. The Ace is still a couple of steps away from Ike but Ike dodges anyway, just in case. The ground he was standing on erupts as it is slashed by a blade of compressed air. The Ace follows up with another slash. Ike blocks the strike while jumping back and manages to hold on to his sword despite the strength of the blow being enough to send fragments of metal flying. He throws his damaged sword to distract the Ace while he retreats to a safer distance. The Ace blocks the sword and sends another air-slash towards Ike, however it quickly dissipates before it can reach him. Hm. Short range then.

Ike holds out his hand and a recruit places a replacement sword in it. By now he can sense that most of his men not otherwise occupied are heading towards him, including the alchemist. The water mage and his group should be coming too, but he can't hear them yet. All of them together can definitely take care of a single soldier, even one as skilled and well armed. The question is how to do it without him killing too many of them.

The Ace begins twisting and pulling his sword towards him before slowly moving it away, repeating the motion as a line of distorted air begins to form along the edge of his blade.

---

Artillery Team
Nikolai lies in the dirt, watching the town from a safe distance. With the moon up he can see the shape of the airship's oppressive presence floating above the city. It's strange, even now it's hard to make out. He was expecting it to be a more visible target. Maybe it's covered by some strange material or maybe the dark magic is affecting it somehow. Below it many of the lights in the Sovereignty camp have gone out, the soldiers that were using them having returned to their tents for the night. Small lights patrol around the camp, the ones holding them invisible with this light and at this distance. Further out the searchlights continue moving about in their lazy, semi-random patterns. No sign they've noticed them yet. He should start seeing the ones near the airfield stop moving soon, the attack should start at any moment.

Somewhere behind him his men are about to finish assembling the trebuchet. They've done some test shots with it, so they have a good estimate about approximately where it should be aimed. Hopefully his Tsaring won't change the trajectory too much. The crossbow is already placed on a short platform and recruits stand ready to reload it. Nikolai has also asked Lune to remind him and everyone else to stand clear before he Tsars it. The lightning cannon stands ready to be rolled forward so it can shoot at the airship, with or even without Tsaring if necessary. But for now it remains hidden just behind the hilltop, its power stone covered until it is needed.

The troops work under the faint light of Irine's Sword. Its fire is gone, all that is left is a weak and flickering glow like that of the embers of a dying fire under a weak wind, hopefully too weak to be noticed by anyone. Besides it Irine is laying on the ground in mostly silent suffering, with only quiet whines escaping her snout as she and the Sword fight against the darkness clawing at their souls. Her impossibly reflective fur is disturbed by her trembling, occasionally sending reflections of the Sword's light to his eyes. A recruit gently places his jacket over her to protect her from the cold of the night. A meaningless gesture, since she's trembling due to an entirely different kind of cold. Nikolai thinks she's looking better now, compared to how she when the Dark spell began. He can only hope that she'll recover enough to be able to fight soon, otherwise he's going to have to take care of the second part of the plan without her.

Suddenly the searchlight of the Airfield's northern watchtower swivels violently and ends up pointing towards the small camp in the Airfield. Half a minute later the searchlight returns to its previous position. Hm. Looks like Ike's attack has began. Nikolai lets his men know to be ready, just in case they have to start this show early. If they're unlucky, someone in the airship might have seen this.

---

Campaign: Alan's Day Out

---

N.A.S.A. - Money (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44jr_Igu2L8)
The next few days pass quite pleasantly.

The mornings are somewhat boring. You wake up around midday in the tower, check up on your new Angelic friends and the go about exploring the College or the Palace. Sometimes you wake up and find yourself already walking down some corridor, you think you might have began sleepwalking. But it doesn't bother you that much. It leads you to exploring interesting places if nothing else.

Then you're usually called away by your step-dad or some servant to discuss about super boring things. The war, resources, the progress of the construction works for mum's special project... You try to dismiss them as quickly as possible or sometimes ask help from mum to make them go away more quickly. Sometimes you have to go check up on the elves to make sure they're making good progress on the portal in the basement. They're always polite and happy to see you and very nice, but they sometimes get a bit too touchy and frankly kinda creepy, so you try to keep your distance.

In the evenings you usually make your way to the mansions of the various Lords, participating in their lavish events and charming everyone with your lovable personality. You make sure to tell everyone how great your step-dad is and how much good and noble their support is. After all, once the war is over and everyone there is liberated and happy they will want to buy all the Lords' goods in exchange for their resources.

Except for some nights when you are called back to your Mum through one of her portals and you spend some time bonding. She can't speak but she can somewhat communicate and doing so makes you feel good. You also throw meals her way, she seems to enjoy that, even when you throw them a bit too hard and she has to use her magic to stop them. No matter what you do she's still hungry though, you can feel it in the power you share, the constant draw and the constant increase in power.

The past few days have been all well and good, but things have been getting kind of boring. You think you need to do something else for a change. As you stare at the city from the top of your tower, your feet dangling off the edge, you consider your options:

1. The Arena has long been the primary source of entertainment in the Capital. There are often cultural events organized there like poetry contests and plays, but what the crowds are most eager to see are the bloody fighting events and the brave gladiators that fight in them against rare beasts from all over the world. There has been some discontent recently but if you made an appearance on the Arena (and got your step-dad to pay for everyone's tickets) then you're certain everyone would like you and become happier knowing they have you defending them and looking out for them.

2. While most mages in the College are quite friendly to you, one old meanie called Ventis has been saying bad things about you. You don't think he can see through your mum's special make-up but he might be able to soon and that could get awkward. You've heard he'll be attending the gala held to celebrate the launching of Lord Audrey's new airship, a Lord that you recently managed to make your friend (probably so he can whisper bad things about you to her). You're certain you could get an invitation to the gala if asked Lord Audrey nicely. When you're there, you're certain you can find a way to make him your friend.

3. Chaos warbands have been terrorizing the East coast, plundering towns and fishing villages for supplies necessary to their rituals. They don't bother you or the capital but their raids are making your step-dad rather grouchy. You could take some of your friends and convince them to play nice, through friendship or maybe even a time out. You don't know much about them, but half the fun in these sorts of things is finding out.

4. Your step-dad has brought you a most wonderful gift! A great Grey dragon to have as your pet. However he has not been cooperating and this has set your work with him back somewhat. He's not much use to you locked up in the dungeon like that. You tried talking to him but he just said some really mean things and didn't listen to you at all. You get a feeling from your mum that he would be a lot more cooperative if you showed him who's boss. It's just like training a dog, only much more dangerous and with more fire involved. Otherwise you'll have to put him down and that would be kinda sad.

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: Lenglon on June 05, 2018, 07:06:15 am

((I'm super-excited, yet my action is most simple so it's hard for Lenglon to express her excitement.))
Continue cleansing the Darkness.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 07, 2018, 08:32:23 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 02, 2018, 05:52:06 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2018, 05:34:55 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on April 24, 2018, 05:55:54 pm

((hi,are people still allowed to join in?))

Sure. What kind of special ability do you want?

Bone manipulation as in manipulate my own bones is that a good power?

Are you simply changing their shape? Generating more? Moving them around in relation to your body as if with telekinesis? Hardening them or making them soft and bouncy?

I'm fine with whatever combination of the above or anything extra you want, having to use your own bones for it is Good enough to balance this kind of power, as long as you don't ask for anything too crazy.

Quote from: 0cra_tr0per on June 02, 2018, 07:42:03 pm

Seems interesting. I'll join the waitlist.

Name: Midnight Edgeman
Ability: Edginess
Appearance: A man wearing shades, a skull bandana, a hood, and a red and black trenchcoat.
Bio/Personality info: Probably the definition of edge.
Other: I want his starting weapons to be a blood-red katana and dual edgy revolvers, dubbed the 'Misery Extingushers'.

Oh, hey, a ninjacoater. Been a while since I've seen this much edge. Anyway, looks good enough. Let me just roll for it.

Roll is good. Let's say you get +1 dexterity so that you don't end up shooting yourself in the leg and ruin your outfit.

---

Not mission

---

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 03, 2018, 10:25:49 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 02, 2018, 05:34:55 pm

You make your way towards the end of the corridor, the monsters growling and snapping their teeth at you as you walk through their cages. When you've reached the end of the corridor, you approach the closest cage and take careful aim at the machine in the wall.

You pull the trigger. There is a loud bang that echoes in the enclosed spaces of this corridor. The shot hits the machine, making a hole in it. It begins beeping and then explodes a few seconds later, spraying the red liquid everywhere. The creatures appear even more agitated, growling and slamming against the door of their cage, though you can't tell if it's due to the noise or because the machine is no longer pumping them full of that red stuff.

You take aim at the creature, trying to time your shot to when it is still. You miss the head and hit it in the upper torso instead. The creature is thrown back but a moment later it's back up again, charging towards the door. You're getting ready to shoot again when there's a buzzing noise from the cage door in front of you. Damn. You knew this was going to happen. And yet now you're frozen. You can't get out of the way, you're not fast enough. But your doll is.

The doll puts itself between you and the creature. The creature smashes through the door and into the doll. The two tumble to the floor. The other creature follows through the door, joining its friend in attacking the doll. But it's not very friendly, its frenzied attacks damaging the other creature as much as the doll.

You summon a couple of short dolls and put them between you and the monsters. Hopefully they'll slow them down a bit but they won't hold for long and will definitely crumble if the other cells open. You shoot again and this time manage to shoot the injured creature through the heart. It keeps attacking for another second as if it felt nothing but succumbs to its injuries a moment later, falling over the badly injured doll. Its former cellmate turns its attention towards you.

"Putain merde, this is a very bad idea!" Napoleon said as the monster turned toward him. Half expecting Jack to retort 'You think?' in response, Napoleon quickly:

Used his dolls to distract the creature long enough for him to put it down. Defending himself from any possible attacks on his person, Napoleon will quickly enter through the door behind them with Jack. If necessary, the dolls will be felt outside to buy them time. Also, check on the security guards being held up by his previous dolls.

You repeatedly pull the trigger, sending bullet after bullet towards the creature, and don't stop shooting until you hear the gun's bangs turn to clicks.

As the echoes of the gunshots die down, you watch the creature stumble and fall. You're not certain if you actually hit it or some ricochet did, but the end result is the same. It's dead.

Not wanting to wait for more cages to open, you run towards the end of the corridor and start pushing the doors open. The moment you do, some mechanism activates and starts pulling the door for you. And then a split second later you hear a buzzing as the rest of the cages behind you open.

You and Jack rush through the door as quickly as you can. The mechanism continues pulling the door open. You push forward instead, leaving the dolls to distract the monsters running towards you, growling angrily.

As you keep running, lights turn on somewhere high above, illuminating your surroundings. You blink as your eyes adjust to the intense light. The area beyond the door reminds you of a mix between a stadium and a lab. A wide-open elliptical area with dirt instead of the stone floor you were walking on before. Beyond the wall you can see a short terrace, as if a crowd was supposed to stand there, but instead it is filled with cameras, microphones and various devices whose purpose you can't determine, though some are disconcertingly gun-like.

There are stone columns rising out of the dirt arranged in a circle around the center, with some of them having a short concrete barrier blocking your path between them. The center itself is occupied by a rectangular structure. A moment later you realize it is an exit: It has a single wooden door with carvings on it. So all you need to do is reach it and you're safe!

As you and Jack make your way closer to the door pursued by the growls of the monsters assaulting the dolls, the carvings in it becomes clear. Two cats, looking at each other. The words read "True friends stab you in the front. -Oscar Wilde". Jack immediately turns around and slashes at you with a glowing card. You're not fast enough. All you can do is raise your hands to protect your head from the blow. The magical energy projected by the Spade card cuts deeply into your arms like a scalpel but you barely feel any pain. Instead you can feel the warmth of your blood running down your hands. As you lower your hands you see Jack has continued running towards the door, almost reaching the circle of columns surrounding it. He's going to leave you behind.

Quote from: Egan_BW on June 02, 2018, 05:56:54 pm

"Proper" weapon acquired! Now to go do the actual task, which was... uhhh...
Hmm, gotta check my notes...
Uh, right, gotta go to the place where the "newcomer" is staying. It's some sort of apartment place, so I'll just walk in, go down the hall. Focusing on the intents I can hear from inside the rooms. Once I reach the door to the "newcomer's" room, I'll check the inside for any intents. If there's none... breaking and entering time, I guess. If there is one or more people in there that I can sense, I'll examine their intents closely for a few minutes, then exit the building to plan my next move.

You say goodbye to your friendly neighborhood drug dealer and start making your way towards the place the Newcomer is staying, an old room-renting place where those with little money can rent a place to rest for a cycle and the more shady members of society can find a room where they can conduct their business in private. You're not sure if you should be hoping for the first or the second one.

When you arrive at the place it's starting to get late. People should be looking for a place to sleep as most lights will be going out soon. You won't look out of place walking in. When you arrive the place isn't too lively. Some teens are hanging around the entrance. Probably doing something they shouldn't be doing judging by how one of them scrambles to hide what he's holding the moment he spots you coming his way. You pay them no mind and instead venture into the building.

Inside the situation is much the same. Some people are hanging out outside their rooms, either performing some last-minute chore or merely relaxing, sitting on cheap chairs while reading or playing some game with each other. Others are inside their room. You can feel one pacing anxiously. Another is going to move something to reach something else, probably some hidden stash. A third is gathering ingredients for something. Despite the relatively large concentration of people their relaxed attitude means you don't get overwhelmed by your ability.

As you move towards the section the Newcomer is staying, a corner isolated from the rest of the area, the scenery changes. The lights in this section are dark and the hallways deserted. Most rooms feel empty. In one you feel someone getting up and tracking you through the keyhole as you pass in front of their room. In another people point guns towards the door, ready to shoot if you do anything. Okay, so maybe this is not the friendliest section.

The Newcomer's room is in one of the edges of this section. You don't sense anything inside. But then again that might mean that he's sleeping. Or maybe he's using something that's hiding him from your senses, if that's even possible.

You could just knock. That should trigger a response you should register. Such as getting shot through the door. No, no, what are the odds of that happening?

You could maybe go to the janitor's room and ask for the spare key, though you're not sure you could convince him to do so and he could kick you out instead.

Or you could try breaking in as you originally planned. A good whack with something heavy (like your gun) should break the lock. Sure, it will cause some noise but as long as the room is empty it should be fine. People shouldn't rush to investigate, not in this section.

I mean, you could try something else, but your options pretty much boil down to finding a way to open the door, unless you somehow developed the ability to pass through solid rock in the past few minutes. I mean, you could try to crawl through the ventilation shaft but you might have gotten a bit too old for that. You'd probably end up getting stuck and that would be quite embarrassing if it wasn't panic-inducing and potentially deadly.

Maybe you could just wait? I mean, either way he'll either have to go out of or return to his room eventually, right? And then you'll know for sure. But waiting around here... Someone might get suspicious and shoot you. Plus, the slug might get quite angry if he has left end you end up losing his trail because you didn't investigate in time.

---

Maximus: Medical Section, Automated Treatment Area

---

Quote from: Zormod on June 03, 2018, 03:06:54 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"So, do you think he's our main problem?"

Get ready for a fight.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 03, 2018, 11:14:58 pm

Kosak Durar:

"What a strange creature. Good thing it's dead now... more engineers to deal with? You've got to be kidding me!"

Be wary. Engineers can do anything with enough preparation!

You raise your weapons and/or fists to defend yourself. For a few seconds there's nothing to be heard beyond the automated treatment machine putting the final touches on Svajoklis' prosthetic and the old man's breathing in the intercom.
: So, you don't plan to surrender? Very well then. I will just have to give my patients the bad news then. :
As he speaks, you start hearing the sound of switches being flipped in the background.
: They really hate it when people steal their medicine. Ha! They get- Haha! -really irritable! Hahaha- :
There's a final click and the intercom cuts off.

A burst of static-filled whispers spews out of your radios, a dozen voices speaking too fast to be understood.
: Rogue data network detected. Transmissions untranslatable. Isolating... : your interface declares and the whispers stop.
Something heavy impacts the walls outside the automated treatment area, causing the metal to reverberate with a loud clang.
: Restraint 5 failed. Network instability 30%. : the intercom announces.
The sound is followed by other sounds echoing around the Medical Section, sounds that remind you of children running on metal stairs.
"Anything useful about that radio signal?"
: Signal produced by handheld radios used on board the Maximus, modified to form a data network. 247 inactive nodes identified. 5 active nodes identified. 1 Primary. 4 Slaves, in close proximity. Most likely in nearby rooms and corridors. :

Brian moves one of his eyes to look outside the corridor. The giant yet pathetic thing that was anchored to that corridor is no longer anchored and no longer pathetic but is still giant. It is now a muscular thing that uses its great claws to dig into and hold onto the walls as it smells the air with its oversized nose in a distinctly predatory manner. Must be blind, relying only on smell and sound.

: Congratulations! You are fully healed. : the automated healing machine announces merrily, completely oblivious to the team's situation.
: Would you like to apply a synthskin coating to your- :
"No, just let me go."
: OK! Would you be interested in filling out a questionnaire regarding- :
But Svajoklis is already out of the machine and gathering his equipment. His new gleaming synthetic arm feels as good as (if not better than) his old arm.
: Goodbye! Stay safe and healthy! :

Title: Re: Special People: Photon Carnage
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 07, 2018, 09:09:10 am

Generating, changing the shape and hardening, like that guy from Naruto.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 07, 2018, 11:04:38 pm

Kosak Durar:

After hearing the creature begin to move:

"Well, now I've got a decent fight! Come on, then!"

Whatever this thing is, it hasn't met Kosak. Time for some lethal face punch therapy.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on June 08, 2018, 08:20:24 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 05, 2018, 07:06:15 am

((I'm super-excited, yet my action is most simple so it's hard for Lenglon to express her excitement.))
Continue cleansing the Darkness.

((You are me. My love for narrative RtDs is rekindled by Parisbre and his writing. It is pristine.))

Theri was not a magic user, or at least, not familiar with effective magic in battle given the many ways of detecting and being detected that she learned over the course of the journey. She was happy to tend to the wounded or frail, however, and River's big puppy-cuteness still played a big role for those who were reluctant or flinched away from her (at worst, they looked like they would scream at her presence if not for her many able-bodied companions, but mostly the floofy dog). She looked at Zechariah whom she gave a cheery thumbs up to.

"Phase 1 is successful; I'm unfamiliar with magic but perhaps just a short message will go undetected? All we've to say is 'we're in' or something concise. I'm sure Irine and the rest will get the context."

She looks to him for ideas, after suggesting a quick barricade, as any notice of it being locked would easily take the enemy patrol time to get a bomb. This was perhaps enough time to strike at the second objective.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2018, 09:31:43 am

Quote from: Tiruin on June 08, 2018, 08:20:24 am

Quote from: Lenglon on June 05, 2018, 07:06:15 am

((I'm super-excited, yet my action is most simple so it's hard for Lenglon to express her excitement.))
Continue cleansing the Darkness.

((You are me. My love for narrative RtDs is rekindled by Parisbre and his writing. It is pristine.))

Theri was not a magic user, or at least, not familiar with effective magic in battle given the many ways of detecting and being detected that she learned over the course of the journey. She was happy to tend to the wounded or frail, however, and River's big puppy-cuteness still played a big role for those who were reluctant or flinched away from her (at worst, they looked like they would scream at her presence if not for her many able-bodied companions, but mostly the floofy dog). She looked at Zechariah whom she gave a cheery thumbs up to.

"Phase 1 is successful; I'm unfamiliar with magic but perhaps just a short message will go undetected? All we've to say is 'we're in' or something concise. I'm sure Irine and the rest will get the context."

She looks to him for ideas, after suggesting a quick barricade, as any notice of it being locked would easily take the enemy patrol time to get a bomb. This was perhaps enough time to strike at the second objective.

The two mages with you believe it should be safe to send a message. They agree that it is unlikely that anyone would detect your message. Any general magic detection spells would had been triggered by the spells you and the other teams used while approaching. Not to mention that most magic detection spells are weak and imprecise when spread out over such wide areas. Furthermore, Mind magic is so rare many people don't even know it exists so it is rarely included in detection spells. So to detect you someone nearby would have to be searching specifically for Mind magic, which is highly unlikely.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on June 08, 2018, 01:46:53 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Do what I can to slow the creature without bothering Kosak.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 08, 2018, 02:00:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 07, 2018, 08:32:23 am

You repeatedly pull the trigger, sending bullet after bullet towards the creature, and don't stop shooting until you hear the gun's bangs turn to clicks.

As the echoes of the gunshots die down, you watch the creature stumble and fall. You're not certain if you actually hit it or some ricochet did, but the end result is the same. It's dead.

Not wanting to wait for more cages to open, you run towards the end of the corridor and start pushing the doors open. The moment you do, some mechanism activates and starts pulling the door for you. And then a split second later you hear a buzzing as the rest of the cages behind you open.

You and Jack rush through the door as quickly as you can. The mechanism continues pulling the door open. You push forward instead, leaving the dolls to distract the monsters running towards you, growling angrily.

As you keep running, lights turn on somewhere high above, illuminating your surroundings. You blink as your eyes adjust to the intense light. The area beyond the door reminds you of a mix between a stadium and a lab. A wide-open elliptical area with dirt instead of the stone floor you were walking on before. Beyond the wall you can see a short terrace, as if a crowd was supposed to stand there, but instead it is filled with cameras, microphones and various devices whose purpose you can't determine, though some are disconcertingly gun-like.

There are stone columns rising out of the dirt arranged in a circle around the center, with some of them having a short concrete barrier blocking your path between them. The center itself is occupied by a rectangular structure. A moment later you realize it is an exit: It has a single wooden door with carvings on it. So all you need to do is reach it and you're safe!

As you and Jack make your way closer to the door pursued by the growls of the monsters assaulting the dolls, the carvings in it becomes clear. Two cats, looking at each other. The words read "True friends stab you in the front. -Oscar Wilde". Jack immediately turns around and slashes at you with a glowing card. You're not fast enough. All you can do is raise your hands to protect your head from the blow. The magical energy projected by the Spade card cuts deeply into your arms like a scalpel but you barely feel any pain. Instead you can feel the warmth of your blood running down your hands. As you lower your hands you see Jack has continued running towards the door, almost reaching the circle of columns surrounding it. He's going to leave you behind.

♚The Doll Prince: True Colors♚

Though he was a bit disappointed at Jack's betrayal, Napoleon pushed the feeling away, replacing it with a sneer. It seems that the "King of Card Games" has finally showed his true colors! He knew that his story had some holes in it, that it seemed fabricated. Even if Jack's story was true, it didn't change the fact that he had an agenda that will benefit only himself while leaving Napoleon to die.

Ignoring the cut on his arm, Napoleon started after Jack, feeling more like a predator whose suspected quarry had just revealed himself too early than someone who'd been betrayed by a friend. After all, Jack has revealed much about himself within a span of a few seconds. Une, his eagerness to betray him so quickly after reading the Oscar Wilde quote meant that he considered Napoleon to be expendable, perhaps since the very beginning of their encounter. Granted, Napoleon would've betrayed Jack himself but only if no better alternatives were feasible. Deux, Jack also proved himself to be particularly stupid as he chose to betray him in the middle of a dangerous situation where they both would have a better chance of surviving if they worked together, rather waiting until they both were out of this place and in the clear. Trois, and most importantly, Jack proved himself to be suicidal due to making one simple mistake:

He trifled with the Doll Prince.

Throw the empty pistol at Jack to subdue him. If unsuccessful, summon several flying dolls to take him down. Regardless, get through that door first at all cost.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 08, 2018, 04:36:37 pm

Here's my sheet.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: Kokkaku.
Ability: Bone Manipulation: Kokkaku can harden, extend and alter the shape of his bones, they also mend much faster than a normal human's bones, however, this doesn't extend to his fleshy bits.
Appearance: Kokkaku is an emaciated and skinny man in his early 20's, he has pale stringy hair and long fingernails.
Bio/Personality info: Kokkaku was born in some backward village in Japan, his strange appearance left him ostracized and alone, eventually he joined a circus as a freakshow attraction before finally finding peace in a Buddhist colony. However, his life was turned upside down when the monastery he resided in was burned by the army of Oda Nobunaga, he soon embarked on a roaring rampage of revenge before being brought here.
Other: Kokkaku has an addiction to milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on June 08, 2018, 06:43:31 pm

First, see if there are any rooms nearby with open or unlocked doors, that aren't occupied by intent. If so, check them out and make sure there's nothing sleeping in there. Room to maneuver that won't elicit deadly response is good.
Knock once, loudly, then sidestep. If no response, wait a minute, knock three times, sidestep again. If there's still no response from within the room, bash the lock open, check for traps, and enter.
If any of this elicits an intent from inside the room, back off, ideally out of line of sight. Ducking into a room if there are any open and unoccupied.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on June 09, 2018, 10:29:00 am

Alan, Spoiled for Choice

If anyone were to approach the Princess, who often insists on calling herself Alayne, as she sat on the edge of her tower and dangled her legs in the air, they'd hear her say some very peculiar things, even by the standards of the princess, who was well-known to be a peculiar, if friendly, person. Somewhat fortunately, no one is nearby at the current moment, allowing Alan to punch the fourth wall in the nuts.

"Ooh, I really like all those prospects! Will I be able to do more than one of them before the plot rolls around to the next stage, mister GM? Because Xantalos really likes him some dragons, but the chaos warriors also sound like they could be neat to interact with. But also making friends is neat, and I'm sure Ventis will come around to my amiable ways with no trouble or magically explosive spectacle whatsoever," he continues, looking your way with comically wiggling eyebrows.

"Anyway," he continues, "I guess if I had to rate them right now, I'd go something like 2, 3, 4, 1. But that could very well change depending on how many I can guess I'd be doing. So many things to do when you're a princess! That's something Disnep never tells you.

That wasn't a typo, I really pronounced it that way."

Alan requests clarification! Friending Ventis is probably on the top of the list either way, Alan likes meeting interesting people and this lets him do that the soonest.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on June 09, 2018, 10:35:27 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 08, 2018, 09:31:43 am

The two mages with you believe it should be safe to send a message. They agree that it is unlikely that anyone would detect your message. Any general magic detection spells would had been triggered by the spells you and the other teams used while approaching. Not to mention that most magic detection spells are weak and imprecise when spread out over such wide areas. Furthermore, Mind magic is so rare many people don't even know it exists so it is rarely included in detection spells. So to detect you someone nearby would have to be searching specifically for Mind magic, which is highly unlikely.

Theri nods politely and thankfully in response to the depth of information and signals the others as to a quick sitrep of what had occurred.

"Civs ok. Cannot arm. Barricading suggested. Proceed?" was a gist of her message.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2018, 07:22:09 pm

Quote from: 0cra_tr0per on June 02, 2018, 07:42:03 pm

Seems interesting. I'll join the waitlist.

Name: Midnight Edgeman
Ability: Edginess
Appearance: A man wearing shades, a skull bandana, a hood, and a red and black trenchcoat.
Bio/Personality info: Probably the definition of edge.
Other: I want his starting weapons to be a blood-red katana and dual edgy revolvers, dubbed the 'Misery Extingushers'.

You wake up.

The soft rumbling of the plane's rotors was just interrupted by an explosion.
"See you on the ground. If you can make it." you hear a muffled voice.
You catch a glimpse of the person in a dark wingsuit jumping off the side of the plane.
You have no idea how you got here.
A moment later something slams to the top of the plane, causing a big dent to form on the hull.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 07, 2018, 09:09:10 am

Generating, changing the shape and hardening, like that guy from Naruto.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 08, 2018, 04:36:37 pm

Here's my sheet.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: Kokkaku.
Ability: Bone Manipulation: Kokkaku can harden, extend and alter the shape of his bones, they also mend much faster than a normal human's bones, however, this doesn't extend to his fleshy bits.
Appearance: Kokkaku is an emaciated and skinny man in his early 20's, he has pale stringy hair and long fingernails.
Bio/Personality info: Kokkaku was born in some backward village in Japan, his strange appearance left him ostracized and alone, eventually he joined a circus as a freakshow attraction before finally finding peace in a Buddhist colony. However, his life was turned upside down when the monastery he resided in was burned by the army of Oda Nobunaga, he soon embarked on a roaring rampage of revenge before being brought here.
Other: Kokkaku has an addiction to milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

You wake up.

You find yourself walking through an empty grey plain. Hm. Maybe still dreaming then.
There's a figure in front of you, dressed in a cloak a slightly darker shade of grey than his surroundings.
"You have been chosen, warrior, to receive the gift of ultimate power. But first, you must prove your worth."
Before you can think too much about it, the man draws his sword and slashes towards you.
You fall through a tear in the world and slam into a piece of metal, making a big dent in it. Immediately the strong wind starts pulling you towards the edge of the curved metal surface.
You realize this metal tube with wings is flying through the air, slowly falling towards the ground. You can see clouds passing above you and forests extending below you.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 08, 2018, 02:00:46 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 07, 2018, 08:32:23 am

You repeatedly pull the trigger, sending bullet after bullet towards the creature, and don't stop shooting until you hear the gun's bangs turn to clicks.

As the echoes of the gunshots die down, you watch the creature stumble and fall. You're not certain if you actually hit it or some ricochet did, but the end result is the same. It's dead.

Not wanting to wait for more cages to open, you run towards the end of the corridor and start pushing the doors open. The moment you do, some mechanism activates and starts pulling the door for you. And then a split second later you hear a buzzing as the rest of the cages behind you open.

You and Jack rush through the door as quickly as you can. The mechanism continues pulling the door open. You push forward instead, leaving the dolls to distract the monsters running towards you, growling angrily.

As you keep running, lights turn on somewhere high above, illuminating your surroundings. You blink as your eyes adjust to the intense light. The area beyond the door reminds you of a mix between a stadium and a lab. A wide-open elliptical area with dirt instead of the stone floor you were walking on before. Beyond the wall you can see a short terrace, as if a crowd was supposed to stand there, but instead it is filled with cameras, microphones and various devices whose purpose you can't determine, though some are disconcertingly gun-like.

There are stone columns rising out of the dirt arranged in a circle around the center, with some of them having a short concrete barrier blocking your path between them. The center itself is occupied by a rectangular structure. A moment later you realize it is an exit: It has a single wooden door with carvings on it. So all you need to do is reach it and you're safe!

As you and Jack make your way closer to the door pursued by the growls of the monsters assaulting the dolls, the carvings in it becomes clear. Two cats, looking at each other. The words read "True friends stab you in the front. -Oscar Wilde". Jack immediately turns around and slashes at you with a glowing card. You're not fast enough. All you can do is raise your hands to protect your head from the blow. The magical energy projected by the Spade card cuts deeply into your arms like a scalpel but you barely feel any pain. Instead you can feel the warmth of your blood running down your hands. As you lower your hands you see Jack has continued running towards the door, almost reaching the circle of columns surrounding it. He's going to leave you behind.

♚The Doll Prince: True Colors♚

Though he was a bit disappointed at Jack's betrayal, Napoleon pushed the feeling away, replacing it with a sneer. It seems that the "King of Card Games" has finally showed his true colors! He knew that his story had some holes in it, that it seemed fabricated. Even if Jack's story was true, it didn't change the fact that he had an agenda that will benefit only himself while leaving Napoleon to die.

Ignoring the cut on his arm, Napoleon started after Jack, feeling more like a predator whose suspected quarry had just revealed himself too early than someone who'd been betrayed by a friend. After all, Jack has revealed much about himself within a span of a few seconds. Une, his eagerness to betray him so quickly after reading the Oscar Wilde quote meant that he considered Napoleon to be expendable, perhaps since the very beginning of their encounter. Granted, Napoleon would've betrayed Jack himself but only if no better alternatives were feasible. Deux, Jack also proved himself to be particularly stupid as he chose to betray him in the middle of a dangerous situation where they both would have a better chance of surviving if they worked together, rather waiting until they both were out of this place and in the clear. Trois, and most importantly, Jack proved himself to be suicidal due to making one simple mistake:

He trifled with the Doll Prince.

Throw the empty pistol at Jack to subdue him. If unsuccessful, summon several flying dolls to take him down. Regardless, get through that door first at all cost.

You try to throw your weapon but your injury makes your throw weak, the gun barely makes it halfway to him.

You summon a couple of winged dolls. They flap their wings and fly after Jack. They dive on him and try to pin him to the ground. He dodges one but not the second. The doll slams into him but he maintains his balance. The doll flaps its wings. It manages to slow him down somewhat, but he's still running.

With the help of the dolls slowing him down, you manage to catch up to him.

He pulls a glowing heart card out of his sleeve and slams it into the doll. You immediately feel your connection with the doll break. The doll is already breaking apart but it turns to face you for an attack. You manage to raise your arms just in time to shove it away. The doll slams into the ground, breaking apart into dust as it does so.

Somewhere behind you, the monsters finish off your doll and start running towards you. You keep an eye on them with your one remaining flying doll. More doors are opening all around the arena.

Quote from: Egan_BW on June 08, 2018, 06:43:31 pm

First, see if there are any rooms nearby with open or unlocked doors, that aren't occupied by intent. If so, check them out and make sure there's nothing sleeping in there. Room to maneuver that won't elicit deadly response is good.
Knock once, loudly, then sidestep. If no response, wait a minute, knock three times, sidestep again. If there's still no response from within the room, bash the lock open, check for traps, and enter.
If any of this elicits an intent from inside the room, back off, ideally out of line of sight. Ducking into a room if there are any open and unoccupied.

You test some of the nearby rooms that seem empty and find one where the lock appears to have been damaged. You note its location for future use.

You then proceed with checking your target's room. You knock. You wait. Nothing. You knock again. You wait again. Nothing. You start bashing the lock. That also elicits no response from the room, but it does make everyone in the surrounding rooms quite nervous, everyone moving to check doors and pick up items. Luckily the lock is quite weak so it doesn't take long to break it. With one final whack the lock pops out of its socket and the door swings open. The room is empty.

You check around the corridor to make sure nobody has gotten out yet. Looks good. You enter the room and close the door behind you. Inside the room is pretty standard. Just a bed, a closet and some empty space. Some people use that space to make a kitchen or add extra bed. The Newcomer appears to be using it to store stuff. There's three duffel bags, a workbench, a couple of toolboxes, various electronics... There are also several breathing helmets, suits and oxygen tanks. Most of the suits and helmets are tossed aside or torn apart, but three have received several modifications (mostly extra parts cannibalized from the other suits along with some electronics) making them much bulkier than usual. You're not sure what all those tubes are meant to do and there's slots for several extra air tanks. Who would need this many tanks?

As you're about to step closer to get a better look, you catch a glimpse of light from somewhere near your feet. You stop and take a step back. There's a very thin transparent string here, almost invisible unless the light reflects off of it. You carefully step over the line and check what it connects to. It's some kind of device, though you can't tell exactly what it does. Maybe it's an explosive? There's 4 colourful vials that are meant to be mixed together when the device activates. There's also a rather long antenna on it but it doesn't look too powerful. If it's meant to transmit a signal it won't go much further than this building.

---

Maximus: Medical Section, Automated Treatment Area

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 07, 2018, 11:04:38 pm

Kosak Durar:

After hearing the creature begin to move:

"Well, now I've got a decent fight! Come on, then!"

Whatever this thing is, it hasn't met Kosak. Time for some lethal face punch therapy.

Quote from: Zormod on June 08, 2018, 01:46:53 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Do what I can to slow the creature without bothering Kosak.

Brian uses his vortex to disorient the beast, expanding it as much as he can and focusing on what's inside it. It works, the creature appears completely disoriented.

Kosak uses that opportunity to smash the creature as hard as he can, blowing its brains all over the walls... only for the creature to keep moving. It swipes at Kosak but he manages to get out of the way, easily avoiding its clumsy strike. The creature floats backwards, losing its grip to the wall. Kosak jumps after it, slamming into it and driving it into a wall, but his mass is not enough to make any significant damage. The creature throws Kosak away, slamming him into the ceiling and breaking a couple of lamps.

The creature still appears disoriented and uncertain. It probably can't tell where Kosak is. It's also reacting to the sounds approaching towards it with some confusion. Those sounds reveal themselves to be 2 more of those four-armed creatures with the giant eye. They look quite unhappy.

---

Campaign: Princess Alayne prepares to go to a party

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 09, 2018, 10:29:00 am

Alan, Spoiled for Choice

If anyone were to approach the Princess, who often insists on calling herself Alayne, as she sat on the edge of her tower and dangled her legs in the air, they'd hear her say some very peculiar things, even by the standards of the princess, who was well-known to be a peculiar, if friendly, person. Somewhat fortunately, no one is nearby at the current moment, allowing Alan to punch the fourth wall in the nuts.

"Ooh, I really like all those prospects! Will I be able to do more than one of them before the plot rolls around to the next stage, mister GM? Because Xantalos really likes him some dragons, but the chaos warriors also sound like they could be neat to interact with. But also making friends is neat, and I'm sure Ventis will come around to my amiable ways with no trouble or magically explosive spectacle whatsoever," he continues, looking your way with comically wiggling eyebrows.

"Anyway," he continues, "I guess if I had to rate them right now, I'd go something like 2, 3, 4, 1. But that could very well change depending on how many I can guess I'd be doing. So many things to do when you're a princess! That's something Disnep never tells you.

That wasn't a typo, I really pronounced it that way."

Alan requests clarification! Friending Ventis is probably on the top of the list either way, Alan likes meeting interesting people and this lets him do that the soonest.

You can do at least as many as you can fit in the time it takes for the others to resolve the situation in the town. Whether or not you get to do more after that again depends on how you do in your thing, the outcome of their actions and what they choose to do next. But maybe depending on what you do you and how you do you will also get more choices.

tldr, depends on how you do and if the other team forces you to timeskip again or manages to revive you.

Anyway, if you want to go to the party, the first order of business is to decide what to wear how to go there. You can always take the normal route and just walk there like most others that will be attending. Or you can take the fancy route and fly there on one of your Angels. That would certainly impress everyone. Or you could take the sneaky route and make a portal to the lower decks with the help of mum, then you can surprise everyone. Or you could try something else.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on June 17, 2018, 07:47:09 pm

This is stressful.

First thing to remember: stay alert.

...It's fairly likely that if I tamper with the vials on the device, it'll transmit an alarm. On the other hand, if I snap the antenna first, the device might detect that it can't call home anymore and detonate. It's probably not a good idea to just leave it, in case the newcomer detects my presence in some other way and remotely detonates the device. From among these options... A distress signal would be less disastrous than an explosion, so I'm going to try to disconnect those vials first. Once it can't explode anymore, break the antenna. If I'm lucky there'll be nothing in range for it to cry to...

Hmm. Something close. Worst-case, there could be an attack 'bot in the closet, set to activate if the trap squawks. Keep an eye open for that while dismantling. If it's unarmored, I could take it down with a pistol. If it IS armored, time to leave.
That bout of paranoia done, collect the four vials from the device. Might be handy, you know?

If I'm still not dead at this stage, check the modified suits very carefully. Might be trapped too. If it seems clean, take one. If the newcomer needs this equipment, so do I.
Then check the closet. Door might have a tripwire, so push very softly and see if I can see any device through the crack.
Then just generally look around the room for any clues as to what he's looking for. Would it be too much to hope for that this guy keeps a diary?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on June 17, 2018, 07:51:00 pm

Alayne, Versatile Royalty

"Hmm. Most of the people at the party are already my friends, I just need to get to Ventis. Given he's spreading all those salacious rumors about me he probably believes some of them, so going there on an Angel's out. That'd scare him too much. He's probably watching the entrances too, wizards are paranoid and all. Ooh, I know!"

Alayne hops up and down excitedly - this was such a good idea she'd had! Her mandibles were practically quivering.

Go through a portal with Ammie's help, and taking some inspiration from Cinderella, use my makeup powers to disguise myself as a servant girl until I've found Ventis to prevent him from suspecting anything give him a better surprise.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 17, 2018, 08:33:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2018, 07:22:09 pm

Quote from: 0cra_tr0per on June 02, 2018, 07:42:03 pm

Seems interesting. I'll join the waitlist.

Name: Midnight Edgeman
Ability: Edginess
Appearance: A man wearing shades, a skull bandana, a hood, and a red and black trenchcoat.
Bio/Personality info: Probably the definition of edge.
Other: I want his starting weapons to be a blood-red katana and dual edgy revolvers, dubbed the 'Misery Extingushers'.

You wake up.

The soft rumbling of the plane's rotors was just interrupted by an explosion.
"See you on the ground. If you can make it." you hear a muffled voice.
You catch a glimpse of the person in a dark wingsuit jumping off the side of the plane.
You have no idea how you got here.
A moment later something slams to the top of the plane, causing a big dent to form on the hull.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 07, 2018, 09:09:10 am

Generating, changing the shape and hardening, like that guy from Naruto.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 08, 2018, 04:36:37 pm

Here's my sheet.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: Kokkaku.
Ability: Bone Manipulation: Kokkaku can harden, extend and alter the shape of his bones, they also mend much faster than a normal human's bones, however, this doesn't extend to his fleshy bits.
Appearance: Kokkaku is an emaciated and skinny man in his early 20's, he has pale stringy hair and long fingernails.
Bio/Personality info: Kokkaku was born in some backward village in Japan, his strange appearance left him ostracized and alone, eventually he joined a circus as a freakshow attraction before finally finding peace in a Buddhist colony. However, his life was turned upside down when the monastery he resided in was burned by the army of Oda Nobunaga, he soon embarked on a roaring rampage of revenge before being brought here.
Other: Kokkaku has an addiction to milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

You wake up.

You find yourself walking through an empty grey plain. Hm. Maybe still dreaming then.
There's a figure in front of you, dressed in a cloak a slightly darker shade of grey than his surroundings.
"You have been chosen, warrior, to receive the gift of ultimate power. But first, you must prove your worth."
Before you can think too much about it, the man draws his sword and slashes towards you.
You fall through a tear in the world and slam into a piece of metal, making a big dent in it. Immediately the strong wind starts pulling you towards the edge of the curved metal surface.
You realize this metal tube with wings is flying through the air, slowly falling towards the ground. You can see clouds passing above you and forests extending below you.

"Son...of a whore! what in the 18 hells is your problem!?!"

Kokkaku extends the length of his nails before hardening them and trying to dig them in the wing of the plane before he falls off, he then wills his ribcage to mend into a makeshift armor before bracing for impact

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 17, 2018, 10:03:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2018, 07:22:09 pm

You try to throw your weapon but your injury makes your throw weak, the gun barely makes it halfway to him.

You summon a couple of winged dolls. They flap their wings and fly after Jack. They dive on him and try to pin him to the ground. He dodges one but not the second. The doll slams into him but he maintains his balance. The doll flaps its wings. It manages to slow him down somewhat, but he's still running.

With the help of the dolls slowing him down, you manage to catch up to him.

He pulls a glowing heart card out of his sleeve and slams it into the doll. You immediately feel your connection with the doll break. The doll is already breaking apart but it turns to face you for an attack. You manage to raise your arms just in time to shove it away. The doll slams into the ground, breaking apart into dust as it does so.

Somewhere behind you, the monsters finish off your doll and start running towards you. You keep an eye on them with your one remaining flying doll. More doors are opening all around the arena.

♚The Doll Prince: Quantity Has a Quality of its Own♚

As the apparent situation became worse, Napoleon gritted his teeth as more of the foul creatures begin flooding into the arena. It was not often that he would swallow his pride enough to curse a totally foolish decision on his part but considering that his journey could end here, Napoleon felt like screaming out how foolish he is to shoot at that machine in hopes of killing the creatures. Now here they come, baying to have a taste of his sweet dollish Frenchman flesh. Hell, he doubted that he can make his skin as hard as porcelain.

"Now is not the time for self-regrets," he chided himself as he ran to catch up to Jack. "You must prove to the world that the Doll Prince is here to stay."

This self affirmation gave him strength and Napoleon spent only a few seconds analyzing this situation. Despite how things looked, he still held an advantage over Jack. Unlike Napoleon, who can summon as many dolls as his stamina allowed, Jack can only activate his ability with playing cards. While Napoleon can overwhelm his enemies with a swarm of dolls like a dolled-up Swarmlord/Norn Queen, Jack only has a limited amount of playing cards and will soon run out. Though no one could've anticipated that the both of them would clash swords with each other, all shall agree that Jack have already lost the fight with the Doll Prince the moment he'd ruffled his chitinous exoskeleton feathers. Jack's inevitable defeat had never been such a foregone conclusion.

Summon a swarm of small winged dolls. Use them to harass Jack and get him to waste his cards on them while keeping  at bay any creatures that get too close. Be the first to get through that door.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 18, 2018, 06:58:29 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on June 17, 2018, 07:47:09 pm

This is stressful.

First thing to remember: stay alert.

...It's fairly likely that if I tamper with the vials on the device, it'll transmit an alarm. On the other hand, if I snap the antenna first, the device might detect that it can't call home anymore and detonate. It's probably not a good idea to just leave it, in case the newcomer detects my presence in some other way and remotely detonates the device. From among these options... A distress signal would be less disastrous than an explosion, so I'm going to try to disconnect those vials first. Once it can't explode anymore, break the antenna. If I'm lucky there'll be nothing in range for it to cry to...

Hmm. Something close. Worst-case, there could be an attack 'bot in the closet, set to activate if the trap squawks. Keep an eye open for that while dismantling. If it's unarmored, I could take it down with a pistol. If it IS armored, time to leave.
That bout of paranoia done, collect the four vials from the device. Might be handy, you know?

If I'm still not dead at this stage, check the modified suits very carefully. Might be trapped too. If it seems clean, take one. If the newcomer needs this equipment, so do I.
Then check the closet. Door might have a tripwire, so push very softly and see if I can see any device through the crack.
Then just generally look around the room for any clues as to what he's looking for. Would it be too much to hope for that this guy keeps a diary?

This guy is more paranoid than you'd like, so you make a mental note to stay as alert as possible. Who knows what other traps he might have set?

That done, you set about dealing with the trap. The vials (more like small misshapen syringes now that you look at them more closely) are connected to the reaction chamber through small plastic tubes. It doesn't look like it has any way to detect the tubes being cut, so as long as you lead with that, you should be safe. You very carefully cut the tubes with your combat knife, remove and then seal the vials. You then proceed to snap the antenna off as slowly as you can. As you snap the antenna the vibrations cause the limit of some unseen sensor to be exceeded and the device activates. It beeps menacingly and activates the motors that would had resulted in the vials mixing, if you hadn't already removed them. You think you snapped the antenna off before it could get a signal off but you can't be too sure. You remove the battery as well, just in case.

You check your surroundings to make sure no catastrophic chain reaction that would result to your death has been triggered. Your mundane senses show you nothing. Your new senses also show you nothing, though the people in nearby rooms remain quite alarmed from the noise of you breaking into the room. None of them going out to investigate yet.

You check the suits more carefully. The most obvious modification is the added armour. The thin layer of metal has several hollow parts where air tanks are meant to be attached. In that way the armour protects the sensitive connections from any accidents. The tubes from the extra tanks link to a central device that appears to be responsible for regulating and directing their flow. Strangely, the device is designed to be able to output or receive air through two extra tubes on the suit's back and two on its hands. Hm. Maybe a way to share extra air or maybe to refill the air tanks through some external system, instead of swapping the old air tanks for new? The armour also serves to cover several devices that have been placed underneath it. Most of them look like transmitters or receivers of some sort, though you can't tell what they're meant to receive. Other than that, it's mostly standard (but quite high-end) diver equipment with some redundancies. A long-range radio, powerful lamps, backup battery packs, clips for attaching rope or tools, a tablet with rotary interface so it can be handled with the suit's somewhat bulky gloves, backup analog gauges, a slate, an emergency patch kit, a cable reel... You also notice there's holsters for a knife and a gun, though you aren't sure how easy it would be to use one through such a bulky suit.

Hmmm... There's something missing here. Many of the more successful divers tend to augment their suits with biocomponents to increase their chances of finding something or make them last longer, but these suits appear entirely mechanical. Maybe the newcomer doesn't trust biocomponents? Or maybe he can't use them? If that's the case then he probably doesn't have any abilities like yours either, since those are usually made by the same growers.

Checking the bags, you find more equipment, this time meant mostly for drilling and scanning along with some basic electronic equipment, including a high end engineer multi-tool tablet (locked with a password, of course). You also find some detonators but no actual explosives. Yet everything else looks ready to go, as if he could leave this place any second. Maybe he's out buying the explosives right now? Or maybe he's hidden them somewhere on the way to an airlock?

Overall, it looks like the Newcomer and his friends want to be as prepared as possible. Probably going for a long dive to a dangerous place. Probably searching for something then, like the slug said. It occurs to you that the slug probably knew about the newcomer purchasing at least some of this equipment, which is why it sent you after him. Letting you know would had been nice. Wonder what else it knows but hasn't told you about.

You turn your attention back to the suits and experimentally move one of their arms to test its weight. You make the suit wave to you with some effort. You could wear one of the suits. However it's quite heavy, it would be very tiring to try to move quickly with it. Unless there was an emergency, you'd have to walk until you got to the airlock. Such a bulky and expensive suit would also attract attention. It's not uncommon for divers to walk around in their suits but divers themselves are not a common sight, especially ones successful enough to have such expensive suits.

If you want more mobility, you could detach the armour plates from one of the suits and some of the redundant equipment, but that would take a couple of minutes and leave the suit's more sensitive parts vulnerable.

There is another alternative however. You see here enough parts to make another suit. You could wear a simple dive suit underneath your clothes, put a lightweight helmet in your backpack and tie a couple of air tanks on the backpack. Of course, if the newcomer really needs all these airtanks to get to where he wants to go, then two tanks might not be enough. Then again, the newcomer's suits are bulkier and heavier and they are probably going to be drilling based on their equipment, so maybe that would lead to higher oxygen consumption. Maybe with a more lightweight suit you'll be able to keep up with them, if you choose to simply follow them and refrain from strenuous activities.

Do you want to do something with the suits now or do you wish to continue exploring the rest of the room?

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 17, 2018, 10:03:41 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2018, 07:22:09 pm

You try to throw your weapon but your injury makes your throw weak, the gun barely makes it halfway to him.

You summon a couple of winged dolls. They flap their wings and fly after Jack. They dive on him and try to pin him to the ground. He dodges one but not the second. The doll slams into him but he maintains his balance. The doll flaps its wings. It manages to slow him down somewhat, but he's still running.

With the help of the dolls slowing him down, you manage to catch up to him.

He pulls a glowing heart card out of his sleeve and slams it into the doll. You immediately feel your connection with the doll break. The doll is already breaking apart but it turns to face you for an attack. You manage to raise your arms just in time to shove it away. The doll slams into the ground, breaking apart into dust as it does so.

Somewhere behind you, the monsters finish off your doll and start running towards you. You keep an eye on them with your one remaining flying doll. More doors are opening all around the arena.

♚The Doll Prince: Quantity Has a Quality of its Own♚

As the apparent situation became worse, Napoleon gritted his teeth as more of the foul creatures begin flooding into the arena. It was not often that he would swallow his pride enough to curse a totally foolish decision on his part but considering that his journey could end here, Napoleon felt like screaming out how foolish he is to shoot at that machine in hopes of killing the creatures. Now here they come, baying to have a taste of his sweet dollish Frenchman flesh. Hell, he doubted that he can make his skin as hard as porcelain.

"Now is not the time for self-regrets," he chided himself as he ran to catch up to Jack. "You must prove to the world that the Doll Prince is here to stay."

This self affirmation gave him strength and Napoleon spent only a few seconds analyzing this situation. Despite how things looked, he still held an advantage over Jack. Unlike Napoleon, who can summon as many dolls as his stamina allowed, Jack can only activate his ability with playing cards. While Napoleon can overwhelm his enemies with a swarm of dolls like a dolled-up Swarmlord/Norn Queen, Jack only has a limited amount of playing cards and will soon run out. Though no one could've anticipated that the both of them would clash swords with each other, all shall agree that Jack have already lost the fight with the Doll Prince the moment he'd ruffled his chitinous exoskeleton feathers. Jack's inevitable defeat had never been such a foregone conclusion.

Summon a swarm of small winged dolls. Use them to harass Jack and get him to waste his cards on them while keeping  at bay any creatures that get too close. Be the first to get through that door.

You summon a swarm of small dolls and send them to harass Jack. Jack slams a diamond card on one of the columns and immediately a transparent barrier forms out of it. Your dolls easily fly over it. You also make it through. Mostly. Your left arm is caught by the barrier, bringing you to an abrupt and painful stop as your wounded flesh is stretched and torn.

Meanwhile, Jack is overextering himself to push through your doll swarm, pushing and kicking them away. You can also see the distorted form of the monsters approaching through the transparent barrier. A second later the barrier dissolves and you can get up and run again. You catch up somewhat, but you're still too far behind. Jack is almost at the door.

Spoiler: rolls (click to show/hide)

[pwr:5]
[Jack pwr:5]
[Rflx:1]
[End:3]
[doll str: 1+1]
[Jack str: 6]
[spd: 2]
[jack spd: 1-1]

Yeah, that's some terrible luck. I usually don't show rolls but I just wanted to show that it was a Good plan but there's not much you can do about the rolls.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 17, 2018, 08:33:00 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 17, 2018, 07:22:09 pm

Quote from: 0cra_tr0per on June 02, 2018, 07:42:03 pm

Seems interesting. I'll join the waitlist.

Name: Midnight Edgeman
Ability: Edginess
Appearance: A man wearing shades, a skull bandana, a hood, and a red and black trenchcoat.
Bio/Personality info: Probably the definition of edge.
Other: I want his starting weapons to be a blood-red katana and dual edgy revolvers, dubbed the 'Misery Extingushers'.

You wake up.

The soft rumbling of the plane's rotors was just interrupted by an explosion.
"See you on the ground. If you can make it." you hear a muffled voice.
You catch a glimpse of the person in a dark wingsuit jumping off the side of the plane.
You have no idea how you got here.
A moment later something slams to the top of the plane, causing a big dent to form on the hull.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 07, 2018, 09:09:10 am

Generating, changing the shape and hardening, like that guy from Naruto.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 08, 2018, 04:36:37 pm

Here's my sheet.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: Kokkaku.
Ability: Bone Manipulation: Kokkaku can harden, extend and alter the shape of his bones, they also mend much faster than a normal human's bones, however, this doesn't extend to his fleshy bits.
Appearance: Kokkaku is an emaciated and skinny man in his early 20's, he has pale stringy hair and long fingernails.
Bio/Personality info: Kokkaku was born in some backward village in Japan, his strange appearance left him ostracized and alone, eventually he joined a circus as a freakshow attraction before finally finding peace in a Buddhist colony. However, his life was turned upside down when the monastery he resided in was burned by the army of Oda Nobunaga, he soon embarked on a roaring rampage of revenge before being brought here.
Other: Kokkaku has an addiction to milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

You wake up.

You find yourself walking through an empty grey plain. Hm. Maybe still dreaming then.
There's a figure in front of you, dressed in a cloak a slightly darker shade of grey than his surroundings.
"You have been chosen, warrior, to receive the gift of ultimate power. But first, you must prove your worth."
Before you can think too much about it, the man draws his sword and slashes towards you.
You fall through a tear in the world and slam into a piece of metal, making a big dent in it. Immediately the strong wind starts pulling you towards the edge of the curved metal surface.
You realize this metal tube with wings is flying through the air, slowly falling towards the ground. You can see clouds passing above you and forests extending below you.

"Son...of a whore! what in the 18 hells is your problem!?!"

Kokkaku extends the length of his nails before hardening them and trying to dig them in the wing of the plane before he falls off, he then wills his ribcage to mend into a makeshift armor before bracing for impact

You make your nails slightly longer and sharper, harden them and drive them through the soft metal of the plane with a mighty punch, arresting your movement. You start extending your ribcage but you have a bit of trouble focusing. Due to a miscalculation, you extend the bones a bit too much, turning making them more like wings. They catch the air and immediately pull you away from the metal. Your arms' sockets hurt like hell but you manage to hold on without injury (for now).

Also, you're rather high up and this thing is still trying to stay level, though it's starting to slow down and dive slowly. You think you have about a minute before it crashes. It looks like it's going to crash into the thick woods surrounding a small town. Hopefully the treetops will slow it down more gently, otherwise even armoured up you don't think you're going to survive.

Quote from: Xantalos on June 17, 2018, 07:51:00 pm

Alayne, Versatile Royalty

"Hmm. Most of the people at the party are already my friends, I just need to get to Ventis. Given he's spreading all those salacious rumors about me he probably believes some of them, so going there on an Angel's out. That'd scare him too much. He's probably watching the entrances too, wizards are paranoid and all. Ooh, I know!"

Alayne hops up and down excitedly - this was such a good idea she'd had! Her mandibles were practically quivering.

Go through a portal with Ammie's help, and taking some inspiration from Cinderella, use my makeup powers to disguise myself as a servant girl until I've found Ventis to prevent him from suspecting anything give him a better surprise.

You bounce to the ceiling and back excitedly before going off to search for a maid outfit that fits your spider-y exterior. You don't really need to be wearing clothes to wear clothes, but if you're going to look well you want all your selves to look well. A few hours and a couple of ruined outfits later, night has fallen and you're preparing to go to the party. You're certain everyone will love the surprise.

You can see Lord Audrey's airship from the top of your tower, a massive thing docked to one of the docking cradles of her warehouses, close to the outskirts of the city. From what you heard from Lord Audrey (she's so proud she won't stop talking about it) this thing is so huge it can only stay afloat for a little while, it actually needs to be flying at a certain speed to remain in the air. That is why it needs to stay in the cradle instead of merely using a tower and that is why it's been designed to be able to easily touch down on land or water.

Both the docking cradle and the airship itself have been decorated with several small lights (appearing to blink due to the slight heat distortions in the air) and various colourful pieces of cloth fluttering on the wind. There are also large floodlights illuminating the airship's massive wings and sails, which currently lie neatly folded on its sides. However they won't remain folded for long. The airship is meant to make its first 'official' flight today. It has made smaller test flights before to make sure that it is properly balanced, but today it will receive its name (you wonder if Lord Audrey will take your suggestion) and fly as a complete and finished vessel for the first time. It will be its longest flight yet, with a full complement of crew and passengers. It has received permission from the Sovereign to slowly fly above the city to awe the citizens with its size before demonstrating its speed and defensive capabilities further away from the city.

It's still a bit early, the first and most eager guests should only now have started arriving. However there's no point in delaying to make a more dramatic entrance. When you're going somewhere in disguise, you're always going to make a dramatic entrance when you reveal yourself. You contact your mum and ask for her help in creating the portal. You think you're starting to get the hang of this portal business, but your mum insists to help you whenever you make one.

You raise your hand and point towards the airship. You feel the Chaos energy flow outwards, forming itself into twisting symbols in the air. A circle forms in front of you and in that circle the image of the ship quickly zooms in. You guide it to one of the storage rooms close to the forward kitchen. It should be empty and you'd only need to climb the stairs to reach the forward observation deck where the main party is being held. Lord Audrey should be there for most of the evening, so Ventis shouldn't be too far behind.

The portal stabilizes, showing you a dark storage area occupied by a few lonely boxes secured to the floor by restraints. You step through it and emerge on the other side without problem. You thank your mum and dismiss the portal. Its faint buzzing noise and the illumination it provided disappear with it, leaving you in almost complete darkness (not that you mind, you can see in the dark). Somewhere in the distance you can smell the smells and hear the noise of kitchen (metal utensils clicking, fires roaring, water boiling, stuff moving and falling, orders and instructions being shouted to be heard over the noise...).

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 18, 2018, 08:46:22 am

Change my nails to be more hooklike before willing my ribcage to a normal carapace, then make all my bones harder before bracing for impact, also pray for Buddha to not die

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 18, 2018, 09:45:40 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 18, 2018, 06:58:29 am

You summon a swarm of small dolls and send them to harass Jack. Jack slams a diamond card on one of the columns and immediately a transparent barrier forms out of it. Your dolls easily fly over it. You also make it through. Mostly. Your left arm is caught by the barrier, bringing you to an abrupt and painful stop as your wounded flesh is stretched and torn.

Meanwhile, Jack is overextering himself to push through your doll swarm, pushing and kicking them away. You can also see the distorted form of the monsters approaching through the transparent barrier. A second later the barrier dissolves and you can get up and run again. You catch up somewhat, but you're still too far behind. Jack is almost at the door.

Spoiler: rolls (click to show/hide)

[pwr:5]
[Jack pwr:5]
[Rflx:1]
[End:3]
[doll str: 1+1]
[Jack str: 6]
[spd: 2]
[jack spd: 1-1]

Yeah, that's some terrible luck. I usually don't show rolls but I just wanted to show that it was a Good plan but there's not much you can do about the rolls.

♚The Doll Prince: Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures♚

With a loud grunt of pain and frustration, Napoleon glanced at the wound on his left arm. It was worst than it previously was and bled profusely. Summoning a doll to function as a tourniquet, Napoleon turned his attention back to Jack and noted how close he was to the door. Though he wasn't sure whether the door will immediately lock behind the first person to enter it or the second person can still easily use it, he did not want to stand around to find out. With a sneer, he turned his attention to the swarm harassing Jack. Perhaps now is the time to extend the perceived boundaries of his ability. Even he'd never thought that such a day would come in which he'd be forced to do so, considering that he'd more or less kept his dolls largely unchanged during the past two hundred years.

Mon Dieu, this has better work.

As the swarm continue to harass Jack, morph one of the winged dolls in something of a living grenade. Pull back the swarm long enough to detonate the doll. Send the swarm back in to finish Jack off if he survives.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2018, 11:51:45 am

Kosak Durar:

"... ABOMINATION!"

Okay. Proper method of abomination disposal: multiple powerful shots to central mass. Once that's done, work on those lesser minions. They're much less durable!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on June 18, 2018, 01:54:08 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Switch to slowing the new two.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on June 18, 2018, 03:37:07 pm

Shit, so I'm up against three people, in a hostile environment, and they'll all probably be better armored than me. And I don't even know what the thing is that I need to get, so I have to follow them there. And the thing apparently needs drilling to get to, so even if I KNEW what it is and where it is, I'd still need to find or steal drilling equipment, and gather a few friends of my own...
Fuck.

Argh. Maybe I can still deal with this somehow, just need to search the room, come up with a plan...

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on June 18, 2018, 05:05:25 pm

Nikolai, chief of artillery

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is wait.
Wait for the signal.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 18, 2018, 08:01:51 pm

((So sorry for being away for such a long time. For a couple of weeks I've been out of state on vacation and without internet connection, and then I delayed posting out of being exhausted until now.))

Zechariah was thankful that his group was able to secure the first group of hostages without many issues, but the "big fish" was still out there. They couldn't afford to take the group with them to the next warehouse, as they'd certainly draw attention. He turned to Theri and listened to her proposal.

Quote from: Tiruin on June 08, 2018, 08:20:24 am

She looks to him for ideas, after suggesting a quick barricade, as any notice of it being locked would easily take the enemy patrol time to get a bomb. This was perhaps enough time to strike at the second objective.

"I don't like having to rely on something that can't guarantee the safety of these people, but it'll have to do. Wait - do we know if Ahos has secured the eastern gate yet? If he has, we could escort the refugees out that way and not have to worry about them. Otherwise, the barrier is our only option. We could send someone to check while we advance. What do you think?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on June 19, 2018, 08:30:09 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 18, 2018, 08:01:51 pm

"I don't like having to rely on something that can't guarantee the safety of these people, but it'll have to do. Wait - do we know if Ahos has secured the eastern gate yet? If he has, we could escort the refugees out that way and not have to worry about them. Otherwise, the barrier is our only option. We could send someone to check while we advance. What do you think?"

((Note from days past; I made an action back there :P If it's not there, it is to continue the plan after deliberation))
"If there's nothing else I am prioritized to do, I can check instead. Quickly in and out, I think I can do that best."

Volunteer to this; leave the message-casting to the others!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on June 21, 2018, 07:44:25 am

Quote from: Tiruin on June 19, 2018, 08:30:09 am

((Note from days past; I made an action back there :P If it's not there, it is to continue the plan after deliberation))
"If there's nothing else I am prioritized to do, I can check instead. Quickly in and out, I think I can do that best."

Volunteer to this; leave the message-casting to the others!

((Understood, thank you!))
"Alright. I'll tell the others what we've accomplished thus far. If anything goes wrong, don't be afraid to use the commwire."

<Secondary warehouse secured. Civilians are safe, but aren't combat-capable. Evacuating civilians via the gate. Understood?>

Send the above message and wait in the warehouse with the group for Theri to do her thing. Prepare to take on any quick response forces.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on June 23, 2018, 05:12:54 am

So, I PM'd Harry Baldman a while ago and he recently replied and said he had quit not only the game but Bay12 forums entirely, so the campaign group will probably need Ike to be auto'd. he said he'd mention it to paris but  since I haven't seen anything I thought I'd just put it out here so we could continue.

---

Oh, and since it's been a bit since I posted the action, just reiterating that Irine is going to:

---

continue cleansing the area

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on June 23, 2018, 10:55:50 am

<Svajokis, Maximus Medbay>

"Well, at least we have our prime suspect. Mission control, how likely that this guy is in whatever passes for the bridge here?"

Shoot the new arrivals in the eyeballs.

---

((Something cache related fucked up and I couldn't see that there were any new posts in thread for over a month, because it would just reload the cashed page. Yeah. I have no idea how or why.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on June 23, 2018, 07:06:13 pm

((...did the thing where I thought I posted when I clearly didn't. My bad.))

Alayne, Servant Girl

"Hmm. Being involved in amusing distractions among the kitchen folk would be interesting - I've always been at home in them for some reason. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=118106.msg4223733#msg4223733) But then I'd miss Ventis, and I simply must be friends with him. Wizard beards make for the best hugging, after all."

Find those stairs and head up them into the observation deck, acting appropriately subtle - gotta play the part of a good serving girl, after all!

Quote from: Lenglon on June 23, 2018, 05:12:54 am

So, I PM'd Harry Baldman a while ago and he recently replied and said he had quit not only the game but Bay12 forums entirely, so the campaign group will probably need Ike to be auto'd. he said he'd mention it to paris but  since I haven't seen anything I thought I'd just put it out here so we could continue.

((Ah, that's somewhat of a shame to see him go, though understandable. Won't be the same without his unflappable approach to the batshit scenarios this game cooks up for us.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 24, 2018, 05:39:09 pm

((Kinda regretting not picking zombie making as a power, would have been useful to survive the crash))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 24, 2018, 10:22:18 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 24, 2018, 05:39:09 pm

((Kinda regretting not picking zombie making as a power, would have been useful to survive the crash))

Parisbre isn't the type of GM to kill off PC's left and right. They would usually give you an out to escape relatively functional.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2018, 04:51:46 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 24, 2018, 10:22:18 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 24, 2018, 05:39:09 pm

((Kinda regretting not picking zombie making as a power, would have been useful to survive the crash))

Parisbre isn't the type of GM to kill off PC's left and right. They would usually give you an out to escape relatively functional.

Bitch I might be (https://youtu.be/zvB7LjBjAt8)

Quote from: Egan_BW on June 18, 2018, 03:37:07 pm

Shit, so I'm up against three people, in a hostile environment, and they'll all probably be better armored than me. And I don't even know what the thing is that I need to get, so I have to follow them there. And the thing apparently needs drilling to get to, so even if I KNEW what it is and where it is, I'd still need to find or steal drilling equipment, and gather a few friends of my own...
Fuck.

Argh. Maybe I can still deal with this somehow, just need to search the room, come up with a plan...

You carefully start opening the closet. You open it as slowly as possible, being wary for any sign of traps. However it appears that you didn't check carefully enough. There's a click followed by rapid angry beeping. Before you can realize what's going on a purple haze explodes out of the closet. You try not to breathe it and move away, accidentally bumping into one of the air tanks and sending it tumbling away, loudly clanging as it does so. The haze's acrid smell makes you gag and cough. Through the haze you can see that the closet holds a powerful-looking rifle, some bullets, a backpack, some food and water and some clothes.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 18, 2018, 09:45:40 am

♚The Doll Prince: Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures♚

With a loud grunt of pain and frustration, Napoleon glanced at the wound on his left arm. It was worst than it previously was and bled profusely. Summoning a doll to function as a tourniquet, Napoleon turned his attention back to Jack and noted how close he was to the door. Though he wasn't sure whether the door will immediately lock behind the first person to enter it or the second person can still easily use it, he did not want to stand around to find out. With a sneer, he turned his attention to the swarm harassing Jack. Perhaps now is the time to extend the perceived boundaries of his ability. Even he'd never thought that such a day would come in which he'd be forced to do so, considering that he'd more or less kept his dolls largely unchanged during the past two hundred years.

Mon Dieu, this has better work.

As the swarm continue to harass Jack, morph one of the winged dolls in something of a living grenade. Pull back the swarm long enough to detonate the doll. Send the swarm back in to finish Jack off if he survives.

((Hmmm... Grenade? That doesn't sound like something you would normally be able to do. Let me think about this... Aha! I got it. Now let's see if lady luck is with you. ))

You give up on micromanaging and give a simple, direct command, feeding it with all the power you can muster: Blow up!

The doll that receives the command immediately freezes as if it just had a heart attach. It falls to the ground, swelling dangerously. A few seconds later it reaches its breaking point, tearing itself apart and sending fragments flying everywhere. Unfortunately the explosion is not as powerful as you'd have liked, Jack survives with some minor scrapes. However it is enough to stagger him and give the waiting dolls the chance to easily pull him down.

Jack tries to throw a card but one of the dolls screws with his aim, The card flies high above him where it transforms into a cloud of wooden rods. The rods fall back down towards him, hitting both him and several of the dolls before disappearing. Jack appears to be disoriented, as one of the rods hit him straight to the head, however the remaining dolls are probably not enough to keep holding him down if he puts any serious effort into it.

You manage to catch up to Jack's position, a few steps away from the door. The monsters are a few seconds away from reaching the two of you.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 18, 2018, 08:46:22 am

Change my nails to be more hooklike before willing my ribcage to a normal carapace, then make all my bones harder before bracing for impact, also pray for Buddha to not die

You make your ribcage into a carapace so thick and rigid you can hardly move or even breathe. It envelops you fully. In fact, it envelops you so fully you lose your grip on the plane. Ooops.

A few seconds later, your shell impacts the ground. However, due to the law of conservation of momentum, the flesh inside it keeps moving and impacts the inside of your shell at high speed, which results in a quite gruesome death, the only consolation being how quick it was.

"Like they say, it's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop at the end."
"Doesn't bode well for the future, don't you think?"
"Bah, nonsense, that only happened because I listened to your suggestions and gave him such an unworthy challenge."
"Oh, yeah? And what happens if your player is in the same situation again?"
"Simple, he shall never be in that situation again."

A moment later, the darkness ceases. You respawn back in a tavern occupied by a sparse collection of people. Huh.

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 21, 2018, 07:44:25 am

Quote from: Tiruin on June 19, 2018, 08:30:09 am

((Note from days past; I made an action back there :P If it's not there, it is to continue the plan after deliberation))
"If there's nothing else I am prioritized to do, I can check instead. Quickly in and out, I think I can do that best."

Volunteer to this; leave the message-casting to the others!

((Understood, thank you!))
"Alright. I'll tell the others what we've accomplished thus far. If anything goes wrong, don't be afraid to use the commwire."

<Secondary warehouse secured. Civilians are safe, but aren't combat-capable. Evacuating civilians via the gate. Understood?>

Send the above message and wait in the warehouse with the group for Theri to do her thing. Prepare to take on any quick response forces.

You spend some time reassuring the civilians before taking position to guard the warehouse from any enemy forces. You  think you haven't been detected yet, but you can never be too careful.

After a few minutes of standing watch, Theri messages you:
<East gate is safe. The path to it is clear. Ahos is waiting to receive the civilians. He says he will send some men to escort them here.>

As you are about to respond, you suddenly hear a pop echoing through the silence of the night. You don't know what that was, but whatever it was it's not good. It's still too early. If Nikolai starts firing now, then you'd need to run like the wind to make it to the other warehouse in time.

Quote from: Tiruin on June 19, 2018, 08:30:09 am

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on June 18, 2018, 08:01:51 pm

"I don't like having to rely on something that can't guarantee the safety of these people, but it'll have to do. Wait - do we know if Ahos has secured the eastern gate yet? If he has, we could escort the refugees out that way and not have to worry about them. Otherwise, the barrier is our only option. We could send someone to check while we advance. What do you think?"

((Note from days past; I made an action back there :P If it's not there, it is to continue the plan after deliberation))
"If there's nothing else I am prioritized to do, I can check instead. Quickly in and out, I think I can do that best."

Volunteer to this; leave the message-casting to the others!

You and River make your way towards the easter gate. Along the way you encounter nobody, not even any enemy patrols, which you find a bit strange. As you arrive at the eastern gate however, you discover the reason for that. A patrol has recently been taken care of by Ahos' men. You see them dragging bodies with arrows sticking out of them, trying to hide them while a few recruits stand watch in the surrounding streets so that they aren't caught off guard.

"Hey." you say, waving at one of the recruits to show that you are friendly.
"Huh? Who's there? Oh! Miss Theri? What's going on? What are you doing here?" the recruit asks as he lowers his sword, looking surprised by your presence.
"We found some civilians but they are in no condition to fight or escape on their own. Is everything OK here? Will you be able to help them? And get them out of the town if necessary?"
"Uh, yeah, yeah, I don't see why not. You need help getting them here? They need medical attention?"
"Some men to escort them here would be nice. They don't need immediate medical help but some food and water would be nice."
"Okay, watch here for a minute and I'll go check." the man says as he runs towards Ahos (currently overseeing his men from the top of the gate) and explains the situation to him.

You wave to get Ahos' attention from the top of the gate and make a questioning gesture. He looks a bit surprised to see you but motions affirmation. With that settled, you inform Zechariah of your success.
<East gate is safe. The path to it is clear. Ahos is waiting to receive the civilians. He says he will send some men to escort them here.>

Just as you finish reporting, you suddenly hear a pop echoing through the silence of the night. Well, that's not good. That's bound to make everyone more alert.

Quote from: NAV on June 18, 2018, 05:05:25 pm

Nikolai, chief of artillery

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is wait.
Wait for the signal.

As you watch the town, there's a distant pop that echoes for a couple of seconds. It's almost too quiet to hear, but if you heard it, then those in the town definitely heard it. True enoguh, you see  some of the southern watchtower pause and then direct their searchlights towards the south, probably searching for the source of the noise.

Well, it looks like things are about to heat up. You run back to your artillery position and prepare to Tsar them.

Quote from: Lenglon on June 05, 2018, 07:06:15 am

((I'm super-excited, yet my action is most simple so it's hard for Lenglon to express her excitement.))
Continue cleansing the Darkness.

Let's say you're conscious now, in case you want to talk to someone. Still focused on cleansing.
You also feel cold and weak and influenced by the darkness.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 23, 2018, 07:06:13 pm

((...did the thing where I thought I posted when I clearly didn't. My bad.))

Alayne, Servant Girl

"Hmm. Being involved in amusing distractions among the kitchen folk would be interesting - I've always been at home in them for some reason. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=118106.msg4223733#msg4223733) But then I'd miss Ventis, and I simply must be friends with him. Wizard beards make for the best hugging, after all."

Find those stairs and head up them into the observation deck, acting appropriately subtle - gotta play the part of a good serving girl, after all!

Quote from: Lenglon on June 23, 2018, 05:12:54 am

So, I PM'd Harry Baldman a while ago and he recently replied and said he had quit not only the game but Bay12 forums entirely, so the campaign group will probably need Ike to be auto'd. he said he'd mention it to paris but  since I haven't seen anything I thought I'd just put it out here so we could continue.

((Ah, that's somewhat of a shame to see him go, though understandable. Won't be the same without his unflappable approach to the batshit scenarios this game cooks up for us.))

((Oh dear. That action. That kitchen. Why? Also agree on missing Harry. He had a way of making fun characters and great games.))

You keep your head down and start walking towards the stairs. As you pass by the kitchen however, a bossy lady notices you walking away.
"Hey! You there!" she shouts while pointing at you.
You turn to look at her with a questioning excpession.
"First rule of waitresses: Never walk around empty-handed! Maximum efficiency!"
You keep looking at her, not really sure what she means. That only makes her more upset.
"Ugh, look. If you're going to the guests-" she explains as she slaps a tray full of hors d'oeuvre in your hands "-you always take something to them. Food, drink, whatever. If you're going back to the kitchen-" she continues as she pushes you towards the stairs "-you take something back if possible. Empty plates, garbage, whatever. Otherwise you're wasting everyone's time. Now go!" she adds with one final push.
"I swear, these young girls are getting more useless every year." you hear her mutter as you climb up the stairs.

Upstairs, you have a few seconds to walk around and admire the huge deck of the vessel before a group of guests swarm you like a murder of hungry crows, eager to get their hands on your expensive treats. Once they are satisfied and the cloud of colourful fancy clothes disperses, you inspect the area. Hm. Lord Audrey is nowhere to be seen. She's neither here nor at the boarding ramp welcoming guests. Her usual assistant is not here either, there's just some random lackeys handling guests, but you guess that's normal, she must be busy with the preparations. Maybe she's at the bridge, making sure everything is ready for the demonstration. Or maybe she's somewhere below deck, applying the final touches to her outfit.

You suppose she won't be absent for long, after all the demonstration is supposed to begin in about half an hour (give or take) and she'd want to spend some time with her guests before then. You could just wait a couple of minutes, walking around while trying to evade the hungriest of the guests or trying to find some juicy gossip. Or you can always do something else.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2018, 11:51:45 am

Kosak Durar:

"... ABOMINATION!"

Okay. Proper method of abomination disposal: multiple powerful shots to central mass. Once that's done, work on those lesser minions. They're much less durable!

You unleash the god hand and start pumelling the creature to its centre of mass to deplete its hit points.

Quote from: Zormod on June 18, 2018, 01:54:08 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Switch to slowing the new two.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on June 23, 2018, 10:55:50 am

<Svajokis, Maximus Medbay>
"Well, at least we have our prime suspect. Mission control, how likely that this guy is in whatever passes for the bridge here?"
Shoot the new arrivals in the eyeballs.

---

((Something cache related fucked up and I couldn't see that there were any new posts in thread for over a month, because it would just reload the cashed page. Yeah. I have no idea how or why.))

((Yeah, no worries, I've had that happen to me in the past (not with b12, a different site), I know how annoying it can be.))

 : I'm tracking the signal with the Phoenix's sensors. It's coming from a control room deeper inside the Medical Section, close to the Medical Director's office and there's no indication that it's being bounced. :

Brian moves his eyes over the two newly arrived creatures before they can move. The two immedately become disoriented,  Svajoklis immediately capitalizes on this, raising his shotgun and shooting one of them. The shot hits it straight in the centre of mass, sending chunks of the creature flying. The shot seems to be enough to shake the second creature out of its stupor. It immediately jumps towards Svajoklis at high speed, who reaises his shotgun to block the impact. The hit sends him flying back and knocks the wind out of him. The creature grapples onto his body with one hand and the wall with another and uses its other two hands to grabs his new prosthetic. It starts pulling it away and banging it against the wall.

"Don't you dare! I just got that arm back!" he shouts as he presses the shotgun against the creature's eye and pulls the trigger, sending it flying backwards in an explosion of blood.

Svajoklis checks his prosthetic arm. It's sporting a big dent where the creature hit it. Well, that probablty ruins its trade in value but it looks otherwise functional. He can see tears where the prosthetic attaches to his flesh but they are already healing. Maybe some of that healing juice the machine injected in him is still inside him.

 : I don't know who he is, but if he is controlling those creatures then he is probably responsible for the attack we saw earlier in those records and for killing all those people. That must mean he's a bad guy and probably responsible for damaging the ship. :

Somewhere behind him, Kosak has punched the larger monster enough to tear a hole through its abdomen and into its spinal column. With another mighty punch, he tears the creature apart, leaving globules of blood floating around everywhere. The creature punches wildly for a while longer before it expires.

: Hah, what a show! You're still alive. Hehe. Then I hope you can... -hihi- forgive my wandering eyes! Hahaha- :
: Restraints 7, 8, 9 and 10 failed. Network instability 60% : the intercom announces.
 : Tracking activation of 23 new Slave signal sources. Approximate location: 2 near the entrance. 21 deeper inside the medical section. :

Hm. These creatures look weaker than the ones in the recordings, they die a lot more easily (not that Svajoklis is complaining). Maybe that crazy guy lost access to some ingredient and can't make them as strong as before? However, even if they're weaker, that won't be of much help if they just keep coming.

 : I'm flying towards your location at full speed, I should be there in about a minute. :

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on June 26, 2018, 04:59:30 pm

Keep at it. Just stay steady and calm and keep working the darkness away.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 26, 2018, 05:18:46 pm

"What in Buddha's name was that?!?"

Investigate my surroundings

((...Do I at least get a point? Also sending a bone guy into a plane crash, something known for breaking all your bones was a dumb idea))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 26, 2018, 06:58:08 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 26, 2018, 05:18:46 pm

((Also sending a bone guy into a plane crash, something known for breaking all your bones was a dumb idea))

((Munchkinry is key. That bone wings thing that tried to pull you away from the plane? You could have built on that to basically make yourself a glider. Birds have hollow bones, you could have done that to decrease your weight. Just some thoughts.))

Kosak Durar:

"Get away from my ALLIES!"

That guy with the blasty shooty stick thingy(the shotgun, Kosak isn't familiar with guns) looks like he might be a little fragile. Kosak will try to put himself between that guy and the monsters.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on June 26, 2018, 07:17:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2018, 04:51:46 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 24, 2018, 10:22:18 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 24, 2018, 05:39:09 pm

((Kinda regretting not picking zombie making as a power, would have been useful to survive the crash))

Parisbre isn't the type of GM to kill off PC's left and right. They would usually give you an out to escape relatively functional.

Bitch I might be (https://youtu.be/zvB7LjBjAt8)

Guess I'd just tempted fate...

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2018, 04:51:46 pm

((Hmmm... Grenade? That doesn't sound like something you would normally be able to do. Let me think about this... Aha! I got it. Now let's see if lady luck is with you. ))

You give up on micromanaging and give a simple, direct command, feeding it with all the power you can muster: Blow up!

The doll that receives the command immediately freezes as if it just had a heart attach. It falls to the ground, swelling dangerously. A few seconds later it reaches its breaking point, tearing itself apart and sending fragments flying everywhere. Unfortunately the explosion is not as powerful as you'd have liked, Jack survives with some minor scrapes. However it is enough to stagger him and give the waiting dolls the chance to easily pull him down.

Jack tries to throw a card but one of the dolls screws with his aim, The card flies high above him where it transforms into a cloud of wooden rods. The rods fall back down towards him, hitting both him and several of the dolls before disappearing. Jack appears to be disoriented, as one of the rods hit him straight to the head, however the remaining dolls are probably not enough to keep holding him down if he puts any serious effort into it.

You manage to catch up to Jack's position, a few steps away from the door. The monsters are a few seconds away from reaching the two of you.

♚The Doll Prince: Only One Shall Prevail.♚

Though Jack didn't get killed as he'd anticipated, Napoleon merely smiled as he bore witness to two things: One, the doll exploding proved to him that he is capable of manipulating his dolls in ways that extended beyond merely changing their shapes and growing, morphing limbs. Perhaps once everything settle down, Napoleon can experiment with his powers. Secondly, Jack has now been knocked to the floor by the blast and is no longer ahead of him. Now their individual fates are balanced on a sword's edge.

"As you are sent to the afterlife, Monseigneur Jack," Napoleon gloated as he took a few steps toward the door. "Do ponder on the fact that you wouldn't be in this bind had you not betrayed the wrong person. You'll have plenty of time, after all."

Glancing at the monsters at his heels, Napoleon looked back at Jack, imagining him screaming as the beasts eat him alive. With a grunt, he gave the dolls a simple command. It was better than what Jack actually deserved though. After all, Napoleon is the Doll Prince and even he isn't beyond mercy.

Napoleon will order the dolls to slit Jack's throat deep enough that he will immediately fall unconscious so that he won't feel the monsters devouring him alive. After that, Napoleon will enter that door and close it behind himself.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on June 27, 2018, 12:52:51 pm

"Fuck!"

Well there's air masks like. Right there.

Probably 'bout time to speed the fuck up, so let's put on an armored suit, sabotage the other suits tubing with my knife, grab the rifle and some ammo, and run the fuck away. If the expensive gun you're carrying is big enough, people will think twice before killing you for the other expensive gear you're wearing.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on June 27, 2018, 02:22:10 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Sweep my eyes over as many of them as I can.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on June 28, 2018, 05:28:26 pm

Quote

Oh dear. That action. That kitchen. Why?

((Alan's part of a chain of silly characters somewhat detached from reality that I've been cultivating for quite a while. Niklas there was one of my previous iterations of it.))

Alan, Waitress

Keep mingling with the guests as I carry food platters around and stuff, passively picking up whatever gossip I can like a princess sponge. Make sure to head around as many areas as I can to ensure I hear as much as I can. The kitchen too, those are hives of gossip and Alayne is just the sort of metaphorical beekeeper needed to extract it.

Oh, and if I manage to spot Lord Audrey or Ventis that'd be cool too.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on June 30, 2018, 05:09:10 pm

Nikolai, very patient artillery commander

<What was that "Pop!" noise?>
Consider what the pop could have been. Musket shot perhaps?

Prepare to tsar artillery. Prepare super super hard. Maybe use this time to plan out the best sequence to tsar based on reload times, or get the trebuchet dialed in more precisely, as much good as that will do once its tsared. Or do the DBZ thing and charge energy for about 3 episodes before making an attack, thats supposed to work with chaos magic.
<Good work! Let me know when you're all safe.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 02, 2018, 02:42:09 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 26, 2018, 05:18:46 pm

"What in Buddha's name was that?!?"

Investigate my surroundings

((...Do I at least get a point? Also sending a bone guy into a plane crash, something known for breaking all your bones was a dumb idea))

You're at an old medieval-looking tavern, however there are some anachronisms here, like that TV the bartender is watching. It's currently showing a doll-like man fighting against another man and some rat-like monsters. Said bartender is currently in the form of a young yet strong-looking asian woman, idly wiping an already clean glass. It only gets weirder from there. There's someone in a giant suit of dark armour, a man made out of flame-shaped shadows, a man in a business suit, a woman in an expensive dress and a band of mushroom-men playing somber music.

((Hey, nobody said the entities were smart. Powerful != smart.
Though throwing you at near-impossible situations does help me because I learn about how you react to these sorts of things.

And no, if you got a point everytime you died, people would commit suicide all the time. Gotta go on a mission or do something exceptional for that. Speaking of which, let's see if any of the others is up for a mission...))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on June 26, 2018, 07:17:08 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on June 26, 2018, 04:51:46 pm

((Hmmm... Grenade? That doesn't sound like something you would normally be able to do. Let me think about this... Aha! I got it. Now let's see if lady luck is with you. ))

You give up on micromanaging and give a simple, direct command, feeding it with all the power you can muster: Blow up!

The doll that receives the command immediately freezes as if it just had a heart attach. It falls to the ground, swelling dangerously. A few seconds later it reaches its breaking point, tearing itself apart and sending fragments flying everywhere. Unfortunately the explosion is not as powerful as you'd have liked, Jack survives with some minor scrapes. However it is enough to stagger him and give the waiting dolls the chance to easily pull him down.

Jack tries to throw a card but one of the dolls screws with his aim, The card flies high above him where it transforms into a cloud of wooden rods. The rods fall back down towards him, hitting both him and several of the dolls before disappearing. Jack appears to be disoriented, as one of the rods hit him straight to the head, however the remaining dolls are probably not enough to keep holding him down if he puts any serious effort into it.

You manage to catch up to Jack's position, a few steps away from the door. The monsters are a few seconds away from reaching the two of you.

♚The Doll Prince: Only One Shall Prevail.♚

Though Jack didn't get killed as he'd anticipated, Napoleon merely smiled as he bore witness to two things: One, the doll exploding proved to him that he is capable of manipulating his dolls in ways that extended beyond merely changing their shapes and growing, morphing limbs. Perhaps once everything settle down, Napoleon can experiment with his powers. Secondly, Jack has now been knocked to the floor by the blast and is no longer ahead of him. Now their individual fates are balanced on a sword's edge.

"As you are sent to the afterlife, Monseigneur Jack," Napoleon gloated as he took a few steps toward the door. "Do ponder on the fact that you wouldn't be in this bind had you not betrayed the wrong person. You'll have plenty of time, after all."

Glancing at the monsters at his heels, Napoleon looked back at Jack, imagining him screaming as the beasts eat him alive. With a grunt, he gave the dolls a simple command. It was better than what Jack actually deserved though. After all, Napoleon is the Doll Prince and even he isn't beyond mercy.

Napoleon will order the dolls to slit Jack's throat deep enough that he will immediately fall unconscious so that he won't feel the monsters devouring him alive. After that, Napoleon will enter that door and close it behind himself.

You order the dolls to try to slit Jack's throat, however it's kinda hard to do so without anything sharp. You try to sharpen their limbs but the transformation doesn't take. You shrug and open the door as Jack tries to get up. At least you tried.

The moment you enter the tiny room the door slams shut behind you. Jack tries to open it but it's locked, it won't budge. A moment later you feel the platform below you shudder and begin to move. You're about to breathe a sigh of relief when the platform jerks to a stop just as the door behind you opens. Checking your doll's sight, you see what happened. Jack used that security card he'd been holding onto, imbuing it with his magic and slamming it on the door's lock to unlock it. Looks like there's more to his power as well.

The man you find when you turn to face him is radically different than the man you first met. His broken glasses, his disheveled clothes with dolls still clinging on them, his snarling, bloody face, it's nothing like the calm and pristine man you first met. It's the face of a man who'd do anything to survive. Even if that ends up dragging both of you down to hell.

You try to dodge but it's hard to do so in such an enclosed space. He grabs your legs and pulls, bringing you down, the fall causing you to slam your head against the wall. Already somewhat lightheaded from the blood loss, it only makes things worse. A moment later a creature jumps on him and bites his shoulder while clinging to his back, their combined weight dragging you further out of the room.

((Are you up for starting a team mission? Or do you prefer to continue your current adventure?))

Quote from: Egan_BW on June 27, 2018, 12:52:51 pm

"Fuck!"

Well there's air masks like. Right there.

Probably 'bout time to speed the fuck up, so let's put on an armored suit, sabotage the other suits tubing with my knife, grab the rifle and some ammo, and run the fuck away. If the expensive gun you're carrying is big enough, people will think twice before killing you for the other expensive gear you're wearing.

You grab one of the diving helmets and put it on, sealing it before the haze reaches you. You then quickly cut the tubes from the other suits before you begin putting on the rest of the suit as quickly as you can, however part-way through you realize your hands are getting numb. Their movements are starting to feel less coordinated, like you can't control how much strength you put into them, one movement being too weak, the next one overcompensating for it.

As you struggle to strap the final pieces of the suit closed and secure the clasps, you feel three points suddenly appear outside your door. Not their current location but where they plan to be, arrayed around the door, pointing guns at it. Their current location is one corridor south and one corridor east from your current location, about a minute away. Either they know you're here or they suspect it.

You begin walking forward, testing your ability to move with this thing on. The suit is heavy but with some effort you can still run with it and whatever is affecting your hands has thankfully not spread to your legs. You grab the gun from the closet and pick up an extra magazine.

Are you going to grab anything else before leaving? Extra air tanks, any of the bags? Or just run out?
You might be able to make it out of here before those guys reach the corridor you're in, they're coming from the side opposite of the exit.

((Are you up for starting a team mission? Or do you prefer to continue your current adventure?))

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 26, 2018, 06:58:08 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on June 26, 2018, 05:18:46 pm

((Also sending a bone guy into a plane crash, something known for breaking all your bones was a dumb idea))

((Munchkinry is key. That bone wings thing that tried to pull you away from the plane? You could have built on that to basically make yourself a glider. Birds have hollow bones, you could have done that to decrease your weight. Just some thoughts.))

Kosak Durar:

"Get away from my ALLIES!"

That guy with the blasty shooty stick thingy(the shotgun, Kosak isn't familiar with guns) looks like he might be a little fragile. Kosak will try to put himself between that guy and the monsters.

You put fragile man behind you as you scan the area for enemies. Nothing yet.

Quote from: Zormod on June 27, 2018, 02:22:10 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Sweep my eyes over as many of them as I can.

There's no enemies here yet, although they're coming towards you from deeper within the medical section. Wanna try to set up an ambush? Wanna try to head deeper into the medical section to find whoever's controlling them? Wanna just run away?

((Are you enjoying exploring the ship? If you aren't having fun, I can always just scrap the mission and plan a new one.))

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Lenglon on June 26, 2018, 04:59:30 pm

Keep at it. Just stay steady and calm and keep working the darkness away.

You do that.

Quote from: NAV on June 30, 2018, 05:09:10 pm

Nikolai, very patient artillery commander

<What was that "Pop!" noise?>
Consider what the pop could have been. Musket shot perhaps?

Prepare to tsar artillery. Prepare super super hard. Maybe use this time to plan out the best sequence to tsar based on reload times, or get the trebuchet dialed in more precisely, as much good as that will do once its tsared. Or do the DBZ thing and charge energy for about 3 episodes before making an attack, thats supposed to work with chaos magic.
<Good work! Let me know when you're all safe.>

Ike lets you know that the trigger-happy alchemist lady just shot a guy that was giving them trouble and is now laughing to herself.
On the plus side, the airfield is secure and he has a cool new magical wind sword now. Hmm... Wind sword, Ice sword, Fire sword... you almost have the complete set.

You do your best dragon ball imitation and prepare to go further beyond.

Hmm... There's definitely something wrong about the airship. You think you can see some activity on it but it's hard to tell. It's like there's something dimming all light coming from it and the tower. You definitely see some activity down at the enemy camp. Lights moving around. They're probably trying to figure out what happened.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on June 28, 2018, 05:28:26 pm

Quote

Oh dear. That action. That kitchen. Why?

((Alan's part of a chain of silly characters somewhat detached from reality that I've been cultivating for quite a while. Niklas there was one of my previous iterations of it.))

Alan, Waitress

Keep mingling with the guests as I carry food platters around and stuff, passively picking up whatever gossip I can like a princess sponge. Make sure to head around as many areas as I can to ensure I hear as much as I can. The kitchen too, those are hives of gossip and Alayne is just the sort of metaphorical beekeeper needed to extract it.

Oh, and if I manage to spot Lord Audrey or Ventis that'd be cool too.

You walk around, doing your best not to attract attention to yourself as you try to go near most guests. It's very easy to overhear what you're saying, most of them act like you're not even there. However they are not saying anything too interesting. ((At least not with the rolls you're getting.)) It's just the usual talk. Who slept with whom (Lord Bison's wife was apparently seen walking around in the company of an attractive young servant), which Lord suffered some misfortune or embarrassment (Lord Iapetus apparently botched a recent attempt to read a dramatic poem, leading to many of the other Lords making rather mean imitations of him during the event), boasts about their wealth, complaints about recent tax increases and various inconsequential rumors. Some are even as bold as to make some snide remarks about Lord Audrey attempting to compensate for something with such a large vessel, as well as implying that such a large vessel is impractical and will never pay itself off.

The situation in the kitchen is much the same, in that you don't get anything useful. That cerberus of a woman near the door is not letting people chat too much. You leave the dirty dishes and the empty tray, pick up a new one and are sent on your way before you have a chance to talk much.

Eventually, Lord Audrey emerges from one of the passages leading to the bridge. She goes to stand on an elevated platform before addressing the crowd of guests. Ventis is still nowhere to be seen.
"Good evening everyone!" she speaks, her voice magically amplified through the vessels announcement system.
"Thank you all for coming here to celebrate this momentus event with me. I trust you're enjoying yourselves?"
There are many voices of assent, whether murmurs or enthusiastic shouts. Lord Audrey smiles and nods at them.
"I'm glad to hear that. Well, I won't tire you with long boring speeches. I don't think I need to tell you about this vessel and what it can do, you've heard all about that already. I'm sure you'd much prefer to get drunk and party instead rather than listen to me for half an evening."
There's some laughter and some more nods of assent from the guests.
"So, without further ado, I welcome you aboard the maiden voyage of Itano's Hurricane!"
Ah, so that's the name she went with. You guess it makes sense. Lord Itano was her late father, so choosing to name it in his honour is understandable. However you still think your suggestion was better.
"Captain Smith! Take her up!" she adds and motions back towards the bridge.

There is a thrum in the air as the ship's massive power sources spring to life, drawing massive amounts of Wind-Energy from the Bird-Corpse's still beating heart. Electricity arcs between the ship's overcharged Wind Fins and its cradle as the ship shudders and begins floating away from it. Many of the guests emit exclamations of amazement while others watch completely silent.

As the ship clears the cradle, it unfolds its massive wings and sails. They flutter in the wind with a great racket before they go taut and silent. And then the Wind Fins activate, creating a gale that catches the wings and sails of the vessel, sending it forwards and upwards. Normally this would be quite unpleasent for those outside the vessel's hull, but the same Wind Fins that are throwing Air against the ship are the same that create a safe bubble from it around the party, allowing the guests to remain warm and comfortable. In a few moments the ship is flying over the city. The hurricane billowing around it dies down to a more quiet wind as the vessel allows its speed and natural wind of the area to carry it around its slow tour of the city.

There is absolute silence, only the sound of the wind as it runs over the hull of the vessel. Even without any magical enhancement, her voice easily carries over to the entirety of the entranced crowd.
"Now, let the festivities commence!"
The gathered guests cheer. Lord Audrey waves at them before she descends from the platform to mingle amongst them. Soon after the band starts playing a slow yet catchy tune. Some of the guests join together in dancing, others swarm around Lord Audrey, others still are watching the city below them or the clouds beside and above, leaning against the railing like children. The city below appears as a collection of lights coming out of houses and towers rising out of the side of the cliffs.

Occasionally the entire area is lit up by an electrostatic discharge jumping out from one of the Wind Fins and joining one of the nearby clouds. The light allows the guests to see the crowds gathered in the streets below, like them eager to admire the sight of this massive vessel.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on July 02, 2018, 08:50:50 am

((Augh! My post seemingly got eaten! I was going to action to check out that pop, as it seems I'm the nearest to it...but now, feels good to know!))

Quote

    Consider what the pop could have been. Musket shot perhaps?
[...]
Ike lets you know that the trigger-happy alchemist lady just shot a guy that was giving them trouble and is now laughing to herself.

Theri looked around for possible dangers and seeing none, proceeded back with River. If there was a rating from 1-10 on how alert the enemy may be, she would've guessed a 6, wherein they're alert but haven't designated a specific problem yet. Hopefully she could add to that confusion.

Proceed with step 2 of the plan! Hopefully everything is in time and in synchronicity!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on July 02, 2018, 09:08:38 am

Keep at it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on July 02, 2018, 10:01:14 am

(I'd think I'll go ahead and start a team mission.)

♚The Doll Prince: A Last Cheap Shot.♚

"Had you not stabbed me in the back, you wouldn't be in this situation, Monseigneur Jack!" Napoleon spat as a rat-thing grabbed Jack from behind.

Feeling woozy from bloodlost and hitting his head on the floor, Napoleon wanted to continue this mission. However, he knew that it would take a miracle to continue moving in this state and with these monsters attacking them. Mustering enough willpower, Napoleon had the dolls swarming Jack to peel off and keep the beasts away from him. He'd even unsummoned the ones guarding the downed security guard at the entrance of the security area to divert more energy.

This is it, he thought to himself. The Doll Prince has finally met his end. No more ambitions to be fulfilled, no more glorious plans brought to fruition. It seems that he won't get to meet the Queen after all or to encounter Lady Amarante again. Is this how Napoleon Bonaparte felt as he laid on his deathbed at St Helena, slowly succumbing to arsenic poisoning? Had he dreamed of a glorious global empire that he could've established had he won at Waterloo? Such things didn't matter as the masterful tactician known as Napoleon Lambeau, the Doll Prince, was about to die before he could show the world his brand of excellence.

At the very least, all he can do is to give a final gesture of defiance, just as he had done in his fight with Lady Amarante.

"Monseigneur Jack!" Napoleon called out, sneering as Jack fought off the rat beasts. "When we get to Hell and I no doubt take over, I'm making you my court jester!"

With that, Napoleon gave Jack a solid jab to the face, hopefully sending him into the midst of the ravenous beasts."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 02, 2018, 01:01:48 pm

((It's not my choice if fate decides to throw me through time and space away from anyone I've ever loved. For now at least, I'll only be making decisions in-character.))

Just grab a random bag of gear and run.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 02, 2018, 01:03:32 pm

Weird, oh well order some sake

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on July 02, 2018, 01:39:28 pm

"Getting very worried about that airship. Looks like dark magic.
...How is the anti-magic going, Fire-Fox? Need anything?"

Order recruits to load an alchemical ice bolt into the crossbow, and aim it at the airship. A tsar ice bolt should freeze the gas inside the airship, basically acting as the opposite of a hot air balloon and forcing it to crash land. It should also create slippery ice all inside the airship making it difficult for crew to do anything. Should do relatively little collateral damage if it's off target.

Tsar the crossbow. Prepare to fire.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on July 02, 2018, 01:41:38 pm

<It's going slow, but it's going. Getting hit by that from so close isn't something I want to deal with more than once.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 02, 2018, 08:45:29 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Where are they?"

Find where those things are coming from. Start punching it.

((The mission's good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 03, 2018, 11:41:05 am

<Svajoklis, Medbay>

I'm with the big guy. We can only manage so many of them, better go find the one controlling them.

Go find the mad Overlord.

((The mission is fine, just rather depopulated.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on July 03, 2018, 02:31:27 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Find the mastermind.

((The mission's good.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2018, 02:30:05 am

Quote from: Sir Elventide on July 02, 2018, 10:01:14 am

(I'd think I'll go ahead and start a team mission.)

♚The Doll Prince: A Last Cheap Shot.♚

"Had you not stabbed me in the back, you wouldn't be in this situation, Monseigneur Jack!" Napoleon spat as a rat-thing grabbed Jack from behind.

Feeling woozy from bloodlost and hitting his head on the floor, Napoleon wanted to continue this mission. However, he knew that it would take a miracle to continue moving in this state and with these monsters attacking them. Mustering enough willpower, Napoleon had the dolls swarming Jack to peel off and keep the beasts away from him. He'd even unsummoned the ones guarding the downed security guard at the entrance of the security area to divert more energy.

This is it, he thought to himself. The Doll Prince has finally met his end. No more ambitions to be fulfilled, no more glorious plans brought to fruition. It seems that he won't get to meet the Queen after all or to encounter Lady Amarante again. Is this how Napoleon Bonaparte felt as he laid on his deathbed at St Helena, slowly succumbing to arsenic poisoning? Had he dreamed of a glorious global empire that he could've established had he won at Waterloo? Such things didn't matter as the masterful tactician known as Napoleon Lambeau, the Doll Prince, was about to die before he could show the world his brand of excellence.

At the very least, all he can do is to give a final gesture of defiance, just as he had done in his fight with Lady Amarante.

"Monseigneur Jack!" Napoleon called out, sneering as Jack fought off the rat beasts. "When we get to Hell and I no doubt take over, I'm making you my court jester!"

With that, Napoleon gave Jack a solid jab to the face, hopefully sending him into the midst of the ravenous beasts."

((Are you fine with getting sent to assist the guys exploring the spaceship? Do you want to learn anything about that mission before you decide?))

Jack takes out a heart card and uses it on the beast to get it off him. While he's distracted, you kick him on his stupid face, once again sending him to the ground while you use the push to climb back to the platform. Through the open door, you can see Jack and the beast now under his control getting up and getting ready for another attack. More beasts are swarming around them.

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 02, 2018, 01:01:48 pm

((It's not my choice if fate decides to throw me through time and space away from anyone I've ever loved. For now at least, I'll only be making decisions in-character.))

Just grab a random bag of gear and run.

You grab the bag with the engineer equipment, shove your own bag in it and start running away. You can feel people moving to track the noise your heavy suit makes as its boots impact the ground, but you ignore them. They're staying inside their rooms. The real danger is those three points approaching your position.

Luckily they appear to be approaching more cautiously than they initially were. That gives you time to reach the corridor leading to the exit. But then you feel one of the points change its path, forming a line straight to you. They must be able to hear you moving. The other two continue on their way, but the one following you might be a problem. You can also see some people in the corridor up ahead, which means that even if you could magically make your movements completely quiet they're bound to make some noise when they see you.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 02, 2018, 01:03:32 pm

Weird, oh well order some sake

((Are you up for helping one of the teams with their mission? They're suffering from a shortage of manpower. Their mission is to explore a spaceship that had gone missing and has recently reappeared.))

"Here you go." the girl at the counter says as she puts a glass in front of you and fills it to the brim with sake.
"So, new here, right? Where were you taken from, if you don't mind me asking?"

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Tiruin on July 02, 2018, 08:50:50 am

((Augh! My post seemingly got eaten! I was going to action to check out that pop, as it seems I'm the nearest to it...but now, feels good to know!))

Quote

    Consider what the pop could have been. Musket shot perhaps?
[...]
Ike lets you know that the trigger-happy alchemist lady just shot a guy that was giving them trouble and is now laughing to herself.

Theri looked around for possible dangers and seeing none, proceeded back with River. If there was a rating from 1-10 on how alert the enemy may be, she would've guessed a 6, wherein they're alert but haven't designated a specific problem yet. Hopefully she could add to that confusion.

Proceed with step 2 of the plan! Hopefully everything is in time and in synchronicity!

You return to Zechariah as quickly as you can, bringing a small group of recruits with you. After making sure the recruits can start working on taking care of the civilians and the prisoners you've captured, you start making your way to the second warehouse. It's a straight line from here and you see nobody along the way, so you just run towards it.

As you get closer to the center of the town the effects of the Dark magic coming from it become even stronger. You can feel the coldness, the emptiness, the hungry influence looking to claim more and more for itself. It fills you with an unnatural feeling of dread. You glance at the top of the tower visible above the roofs of the nearby buildings, the center of the dark ritual. There is some magical effect warping the light coming from it, making it appear dark and distorted, as if viewed through a reflection on moving shadows. You can catch glimpses of something moving beneath the shadows, a faint fiery light. You feel the need to do what you came here to do and then get out of here as quickly as possible.

As you reach the warehouse, you begin walking slowly, trying not to alert the guards there if you can. Both of the large doors of the warehouse are barred and locked and a smaller wicket gate on it is closed (you don't test if it's locked, as that could alert the guards inside). You can't hear much from inside it. You think you hear people moving around and whispering, but not much else. But you can see light coming from the various windows on its second floor. You catch a glimpse of someone's shadow as they move in front of a light source.

You don't think there's a chance you'll catch them off guard like you did in the previous warehouse. Either the guards here are more scared or more competent than those at the previous warehouse. So this will most likely turn into a fight. You know you have to take care not to accidentally hurt any of the civilians during the fighting. You trust your strength (and even if you didn't a missed punch is unlikely to result in much collateral damage). But Zechariah's shadow abilities appear a bit too powerful lately, he might not have much fine control with them. And River does tend to get a bit... carried away at times when fighting. Even the two water mages accompanying you, you don't think they've seen much fighting in their lives. Sure, they are capable, but you don't know how well they'll perform under pressure.

You push such thoughts away from your mind. It doesn't matter now. What matters now is rescuing those people, making sure they are safe. And you're running out of time.

You hear a soft whine from your right. You turn to see River look at you for a second, then up at a window, then back at you. Hm. That could work. You could enter from one of the windows, if you found a way to climb. Or you could have River jump up there and let you know about the situation inside. Or you could simply break the door down. Or intimidate/scare them. I guess you could also try talking to them, but they are probably not going to listen to you.

Quote from: Lenglon on July 02, 2018, 09:08:38 am

Keep at it.

You keep on keeping on keeping at it.

You could probably walk around if you wanted, but not much else.

Quote from: NAV on July 02, 2018, 01:39:28 pm

"Getting very worried about that airship. Looks like dark magic.
...How is the anti-magic going, Fire-Fox? Need anything?"

Order recruits to load an alchemical ice bolt into the crossbow, and aim it at the airship. A tsar ice bolt should freeze the gas inside the airship, basically acting as the opposite of a hot air balloon and forcing it to crash land. It should also create slippery ice all inside the airship making it difficult for crew to do anything. Should do relatively little collateral damage if it's off target.

Tsar the crossbow. Prepare to fire.

"Load ice." you tell the artillery operators, still speaking quietly.
For a moment, they freeze and just look at you, processing what you just said. Then their minds 'shift gears' and they spring into action, loading the bolt into the already prepped crossbow.
"Ice loaded." one of them reports, maintaining the same volume of voice.
"Target is the airship. As we practiced."
"Targeted airship." the operator reports, having made some final adjustments to his aim.
You spend a moment on your vantage point, alternating between looking at the crossbow and looking at the airship. Looks like it's positioned correctly.
"Clear." you say and then approach the crossbow.
"Clear." the operators whisper amongst each other as they stand a safe distance away from the crossbow while you put your hand on it and focus on your power.

When you are satisfied, you force the Tsar energy into the crossbow. A barely visible soft green glow spreads from your hands and into the crossbow, quickly spreading to all parts of it. It immediately starts changing, getting larger, heavier. Its string turns into a massive rope-like thing. Its trigger now looks more like a lever. The padding on its back looks more like part of small sofa. And the bolt has turned into a spiky missile, the inner side of its semi-transparent surface covered by a web of brightly glowing green cracks, purple and blue shapes worming their way between them.

The moment the Tsaring is finished and you give the all clear, two operators immediately begin working on bracing the now Tsared crossbow while Lune, displaying some quick thinking, places his shield over the glowing bolt to hide it from sight. He stands ready to remove it whenever you give the order to fire.

You don't know how stable that bolt is. It's probably best to fire as soon as you can. But rushing your shot could be just as deadly as not shooting. Deciding to take the risk, you spend a few seconds trying to judge if the Tsared crossbow is aimed correctly. You close your eyes for a moment and try to visualize the last time you saw it fire. It was a chaotic moment, your memory of it feels somewhat distorted, but it's the closest thing you got. You open your eyes and try to visualize something similar with the crossbow's current position.

Still, this isn't exactly like last time. For one, your ability seems to have focused much more on the bow part, making it larger and presumably more powerful and less on the bolt. You could say it's more of a cannon than a mortar. Worst case you might have to 'walk' your fire and hope the airship and the re-Tsared crossbow don't change too much for it to matter.
"1 step right." you say, hoping to counteract the effect of the wind at those higher altitudes.
"1 step right." one of the operators repeats as two of them work on carefully raising the Tsared crossbow and adjusting its aim.

You make your way back to your vantage point, so you can see what adjustments are needed for the next shot. You also have dedicated spotters for that job, but two pairs of eyes are better than one and you think it might help better direct your ability if you see its results.
"Get ready..." you say and raise your arm.
Two of the operators stand on either side of the crossbow, ready to pull its trigger. You really hope it doesn't just explode in their faces.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 02, 2018, 08:45:29 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Where are they?"

Find where those things are coming from. Start punching it.

((The mission's good.))

Quote from: Zormod on July 03, 2018, 02:31:27 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Find the mastermind.

((The mission's good.))

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 03, 2018, 11:41:05 am

<Svajoklis, Medbay>

I'm with the big guy. We can only manage so many of them, better go find the one controlling them.

Go find the mad Overlord.

((The mission is fine, just rather depopulated.))

((All right then, let's see about getting you some helpers.))

You decide to head deeper into the medical section, following the Master signal to its source. You open a door leading to the various wards of the medical section. The corridor beyond is is in a much worse state than the parts of the medical section that you've seen so far. It is missing several panels from its walls and the lights are flickering, as if they are not receiving as much power as they should. At about its midway point, the corridor has been blocked by a fleshy growth that is spreading its tendrils everywhere. You can see the edges of the tendrils squirm slightly. You could try making your way through it or you could try going through one of the adjacent rooms.

The room on your right has suffered extreme heat damage, to the point where its original purpose can't be determined by looking at it. You have to check the map on your Interface to see that it's supposed to be the Stasis Surgery Ward. Walls have melted and formed a sphere around... something. The center of the sphere is still glowing, still almost-molten with heat, however this must not be a recent development because there are various cables and devices arranged all around the molten core. You can see a door that would lead to the other side of that fleshy growth, however the heat has welded it shut. The map says it leads to the Hyperstasis Pods.

The room on your left says it's an Intensive Care room. You can see beds in it with various devices arranged around them. The beds' white sheets are dirty with various red, brown and black stains. The map says the room beyond it is an Artificial Gravity chamber, essentially a giant wheel that turns to produce artificial gravity.

You can hear more of those things with the giant eyes on the other side of the corridor, making their way to you.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on July 05, 2018, 10:31:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2018, 02:30:05 am

((Are you fine with getting sent to assist the guys exploring the spaceship? Do you want to learn anything about that mission before you decide?))

Jack takes out a heart card and uses it on the beast to get it off him. While he's distracted, you kick him on his stupid face, once again sending him to the ground while you use the push to climb back to the platform. Through the open door, you can see Jack and the beast now under his control getting up and getting ready for another attack. More beasts are swarming around them.

((You mean that mission with the permadeath? Perhaps you can fill me in. On a totally unrelated note, we can create new characters, right?"))

♚The Doll Prince: Final Departure.♚

Napoleon gritted his teeth. That damn Jack just won't give up! It's like fighting against himself, only less magnificent and more drab. Oh well, the least he can do is to stall him.

Summoning two life-sized dolls to stall Jack and his thralled beast, Napoleon will close the door and proceed as intended.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 05, 2018, 08:50:40 pm

Kosak Durar:

There are smarter people to figure out how to get to whatever's making these things. Kosak, meanwhile, will be keeping the monsters off said smarter people. By extreme and rapid application of punches and kicks.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 05, 2018, 09:02:32 pm

Okay, slow down some, so that I'm making less noise. Find a nice corner that the point that's following me will have to go around, and silently hide there. So that when they round the corner to chase me, they'll be at the point of my rifle. Be sure to say "freeze".

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 05, 2018, 09:15:01 pm

((Sure why not))
"Japan, so, where the hell I'm I?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on July 06, 2018, 03:45:40 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Try cooling the molten core.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 06, 2018, 04:53:58 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Well, we can either deal with fleshy blockade, molten blockade or angry eyeball brigade. Can either of you get through the fused door, or failing that, through the meat door? I don't fancy fighting the eyeballs in large numbers."

Follow Brian, do an ammo check.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on July 06, 2018, 05:20:39 pm

Alayne, Accidentally Forgetting To Post For Several Days

"Whoo my me, that's quite the view! I really should be sharing it with somebody. If only there were a certain magical individual in sight. Hmm. I could cause a cheese commotion to lure Ventis out like the proverbial mouse. But I'm a princess, even if in disguise, and princesses are supposed to be able to act delicately and gracefully. Buuuuut if I'm to catch a wizard, I have to think like a wizard!"

Alan casts his mind back to a piece of advice lent to him by a true wizard long, long ago. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdkLZNyEMVU)

"Wizards like magic missiles. Missiles are technically a propulsion system. The propulsion system for this blimp is the bird heart thing, which is magic! That's where Ventis is, my logic is impeccable."

To the power core! Or somewhere where observing it is possible - if anyone questions me about why I'm wandering about where I shouldn't be, say I have a message from Lord Audrey for Ventis that needs to be delivered ASAP so if they have directions that would be nice.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on July 06, 2018, 09:10:50 pm

Nikolai dramatically activates his ice sword and points it at the airship.
"Fire the ballista!" He yells as quietly as one can yell.

Watch the bolt as it flies towards the airship. If it's going off target, untsar it before it lands. Can't have a tsar bolt landing anywhere near the civilians or rescue group.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on July 08, 2018, 10:02:37 am

Theri trusted River like she trusted...anyone, for that matter. Given his size, he would be at least less conspicuous than anything else, although anyone that spots him would be curious at why such a cute creature would be indoors. Thus, he was the best person suited for the job.

River, I choose you!

Give the awesome buddy a lift, and he can do anything with it, like scout or even unlock the interior if he deems it safe. We communicate by telepathic link or mundane animal calls. Or cricket chirps--whichever insect that is sounding off present in the non-descript area.

She looked around after giving her close(st?) buddy a lift, and wondered what to do or where to hide if there was any patrols unmentioned in the area. The thought that people could just 'sense' magic as if it was inherent to you much like heat sensors much like anything else was quite much on her mind; hopefully objects in between could block these unfounded rumors.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 15, 2018, 12:03:06 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on July 05, 2018, 10:31:17 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2018, 02:30:05 am

((Are you fine with getting sent to assist the guys exploring the spaceship? Do you want to learn anything about that mission before you decide?))

Jack takes out a heart card and uses it on the beast to get it off him. While he's distracted, you kick him on his stupid face, once again sending him to the ground while you use the push to climb back to the platform. Through the open door, you can see Jack and the beast now under his control getting up and getting ready for another attack. More beasts are swarming around them.

((You mean that mission with the permadeath? Perhaps you can fill me in. On a totally unrelated note, we can create new characters, right?"))

♚The Doll Prince: Final Departure.♚

Napoleon gritted his teeth. That damn Jack just won't give up! It's like fighting against himself, only less magnificent and more drab. Oh well, the least he can do is to stall him.

Summoning two life-sized dolls to stall Jack and his thralled beast, Napoleon will close the door and proceed as intended.

((Yeah, you can make new characters whenever you stop using an old one.

The mission has the crew investigating a huge city-sized spaceship. They must gatherer info. They must reactivate the ship and bring it to Entity-friendly space if they can. For that reason they've been given a Seed that can reactivate the ship's main reactor. If they can't reactivate the ship then they should escape with as much info as they can gather about what happened there. If one of them dies, they need to bring back their Interface so they can be revived.

The spaceship called Maximus was in a pocket universe which is part of a larger network of pocket universes that are interconnected by stream Gates. Stream Gates can be opened by devices called stream Breakers. The entities believe there might be an Outsider ruling over that network, essentially a god-like being that is not part of the entities. However that network is also being colonized by the Light and the Dark, two groups of Entities. The spaceship was jointly built by the Light and Dark and was investigating a high energy anomaly when it disappeared. At first the entities thought it was destroyed when the high energy anomaly exploded. However they later got an automated distress signal from it, which originated from an unexplored pocket universe that was part of that same network.

The team arrived there in a ship called Phoenix accompanied by the Avatar of an entity called Icarus, to find the pocket universe full of a water-like liquid that messes with their abilities when they are in contact with it (some more than others). Their ship was attacked by an automated turret but they managed to disable it, though it was booby trapped by an unknown agent. They managed to enter the ship but they got attacked by an unknown person using jury rigged weapons and an exoskeleton. They managed to drive them away and made their way to the medical section to heal themselves. They saw signs of battle with unknown alien beings on their way there. They got there and healed themselves by then got attacked by the same creatures, which are apparently controlled by a crazy old man. They decided to make their way deeper into the medical section and take care of him.))

You roll well on initiative and manage to summon a doll to block the doorway. You then close the door and continue rising up. The beast throws your doll down and Jack opens the door again. However it looks like your platform has gone past a point of no return (or maybe the Queen has seen enough of your performance) so it keeps going. Jack fights but he quickly ends up dying a very gruesome death, having no hope of winning against the endless onslaught of monsters with his limited supply of cards.

Your platform keeps rising, going through the floor, through the casino floor that is now full of cheering guests, through the roof and higher still. Finally, after spending some time in the darkness, you reach another door. This one has no carvings on it. You open it to find yourself in a giant throne room. It feels cold, full of black and white marble. There are various decorative suits of armor around the room, some medieval, some more modern, some futuristic. The queen is lounging in her throne. A fair young girl with straight dark hair and green eyes. Her dress reminds you of the one the mannequin you stole the sword from was wearing. You can't read her expression, though you can tell she is watching you calmly.

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 05, 2018, 09:02:32 pm

Okay, slow down some, so that I'm making less noise. Find a nice corner that the point that's following me will have to go around, and silently hide there. So that when they round the corner to chase me, they'll be at the point of my rifle. Be sure to say "freeze".

You hide around a corner and point your rifle at the point where your ability tells you he will be. The moment he becomes visible, you yell "freeze" as loudly as you can (so you can be heard through the helmet) and thrust the rifle in his face. He responds by doing exactly that. You keep glancing at the large calibre handgun on his hand, which is currently pointing downwards. A direct hit from that would be bad. A glancing blow might be deflected by your armor, but even then it would probably hurt.

He looks a bit old, at least compared to you. Maybe in his 40s or at least approaching them. He's wearing a cheap-looking yet quite thick coat (which combined with his running has caused him to become a bit sweaty) and the cheap grey pants that most of the poor wear around here. His green eyes look alert and he isn't afraid to look deeply into yours. His hair is quite short and efficient, the sort of hairstyle preferred by divers and mercenaries. There's something about his face that's off, something that makes it wrong in some way. Maybe it's simply the way he can stay so calm despite running around and being one pull of the trigger away from having his head blown off.

"Hey there." he says with a smile, the rest of his body not moving at all.
"You know stealing is bad right? What's a nice girl like you doing with my rifle?"

You can sense his two friends have reached the room you were in and are waiting outside with their weapons drawn.

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 05, 2018, 09:15:01 pm

((Sure why not))
"Japan, so, where the hell I'm I?"

"Ah, Japan, should had guessed." she says to herself.
She then gets up and shouts to the giant suit of armour.
"Hey, if you went shopping to Japan you could had at least brought me back a cute cat-boy instead of this guy."
"Mine quest was for an honorable and capable knight, not for a lusty ruffian to quench thine vile urges." the suit of armour responds.
"Whatever. I can satisfy my urges on my own." she retorts as she sits back down.
"Hah!" the shadowman exclaims in amusement.
The bartender ignores him and addresses you instead.
"Anyway, where you are is in my tavern, Roger's tavern. (I'm Roger, by the way, nice to meet you.) This entire town is in what we call the Staging Area. A place where you wait to participate in challenges. That guy-" he says, pointing to the giant suit of armor "brought you here to participate in the Games for Special People."

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: NAV on July 06, 2018, 09:10:50 pm

Nikolai dramatically activates his ice sword and points it at the airship.
"Fire the ballista!" He yells as quietly as one can yell.

Watch the bolt as it flies towards the airship. If it's going off target, untsar it before it lands. Can't have a tsar bolt landing anywhere near the civilians or rescue group.

At your command the Artillery crew pulls the lever just as Lune removes his shield and crouches behind it. With a great *kthunk* the bolt flies off, the vibrations causing the Tsared crossbow to struggle against its supports. Moments after being launched the bolt flashes, the cracks on it glowing brightly. It flies through the air like a tracer round, allowing you to easily track its course. It looks like it's going to be on target. Then, moments before impact, several things happen at once.

The bolt emits a flash and explodes into several fragments. Each fragment trails behind it a stream of its alchemical contents, some of which condenses into a snow-like fallout but most of which solidifies into gigantic ice harpoons falling in a buckshot pattern. Then a moment before they reach the airship, the air around them distorts. The distortion spreads to their surroundings, twisting light until you can no longer make out the shape of the airship and the tower is a spiral line. A fraction of a second later the distortion reaches its breaking point, quite literally. The bolts tear their way through it and it snaps back into place, now with a dozen or so holes in it. Cracks quickly spread from the holes and parts of the distortion begin to fall off like pieces of a broken mirror, dissolving as they reach the ground.

Behind the now (again, quite literally) broken illusion you can see the airship as it actually is. Its sails and wings are unfolded and fluttering in the wind, meaning it's parked but could start moving at any moment. It looks like the illusion was shifting your view of the airship somewhat, for while it looked like it was aimed perfectly, your bolt was actually slightly off target. The ice bolts have hit mostly the front of the ship, damaging its hull and ripping its front sail and left wing.

Next to the airship there's the tower, the Spine as they call it. Without the illusion covering its top, you can make out twisting tendrils of Dark magic above it, glimpses of fiery light occasionally appearing inside them before they are pulled back into the darkness, drawn inside the tower by the Dark ritual.

Then there are the... beings at the top of the tower. You don't know how to describe them exactly, you can't even see them that well. In the darkness, you probably wouldn't had noticed them if it weren't for two things. The first was that they are huge, the largest being at least twice as high and three times as wide as a human. The second is that they started moving the moment your bolts hit. One of them appeared to dissolve into a shapeless twisted mass of lines and fall off the side of the tower, while the rest spread out to take its place.

You don't know what that thing that fell off the tower is, but you don't think it's dead. In fact, you get the feeling it's coming straight for you.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 08, 2018, 10:02:37 am

Theri trusted River like she trusted...anyone, for that matter. Given his size, he would be at least less conspicuous than anything else, although anyone that spots him would be curious at why such a cute creature would be indoors. Thus, he was the best person suited for the job.

River, I choose you!

Give the awesome buddy a lift, and he can do anything with it, like scout or even unlock the interior if he deems it safe. We communicate by telepathic link or mundane animal calls. Or cricket chirps--whichever insect that is sounding off present in the non-descript area.

She looked around after giving her close(st?) buddy a lift, and wondered what to do or where to hide if there was any patrols unmentioned in the area. The thought that people could just 'sense' magic as if it was inherent to you much like heat sensors much like anything else was quite much on her mind; hopefully objects in between could block these unfounded rumors.

You throw River's pokeball through the window You nod at River and then gently grab him and throw him up. Your throw is good and he easily manages to make his way through the window. As soon as he makes his way through the window, he starts transmiting images of what he sees, small pieces of his view that help you paint a picture of the inside of the warehouse. The inside is split in two sections, essentially two large rooms. The second floor is more or less a very large balcony held up by wooden supports, meant to be used to operate winches and levers that can be used to move heavy objects on the floor below.

The first floor has a few makeshift cages holding the imprisoned civilians and a few large heavy-looking boxes, probably leftovers of whatever goods the warehouse used to hold. They appear to be in a somewhat better state than the ones in the previous warehouse, but still not in the best of states. Guarding the prisoners are about a dozen soldiers, swords and bows at the ready, some of them with Air grenades on their belts.

There's also soldiers on the second floor, three of them, hiding behind wooden supports. River focuses on a soldier behind a pillar, a bow and arrow in his hands, whispering something to the people on the floor below. He's asking them to send someone to ask for help or at least for some orders and information. The others are arguing that if they call for help without reason they may be punished. The transmission cuts off for a couple of seconds. When it reappears, the soldier is saying he heard something and goes to check the window behind him. River stalks him, approaching him from behind. The transmission cuts off yet again. A moment later you watch with your own eyes as the soldier flies out of the window and lands on the street. Looks like River started taking them out. And he's not the only one who has started doing things.

There's a flash of light. Something like a shooting star falls from the sky, shattering the darkness around the tower and hitting the airship docked on it. Looks like Nikolai started shooting his artillery. You need to get these prisoners out of here as soon as possible.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 06, 2018, 05:20:39 pm

Alayne, Accidentally Forgetting To Post For Several Days

"Whoo my me, that's quite the view! I really should be sharing it with somebody. If only there were a certain magical individual in sight. Hmm. I could cause a cheese commotion to lure Ventis out like the proverbial mouse. But I'm a princess, even if in disguise, and princesses are supposed to be able to act delicately and gracefully. Buuuuut if I'm to catch a wizard, I have to think like a wizard!"

Alan casts his mind back to a piece of advice lent to him by a true wizard long, long ago. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdkLZNyEMVU)

"Wizards like magic missiles. Missiles are technically a propulsion system. The propulsion system for this blimp is the bird heart thing, which is magic! That's where Ventis is, my logic is impeccable."

To the power core! Or somewhere where observing it is possible - if anyone questions me about why I'm wandering about where I shouldn't be, say I have a message from Lord Audrey for Ventis that needs to be delivered ASAP so if they have directions that would be nice.

You make your way deep into the ship, letting the flow of magic guide you to the Power Core. You keep following it until your progress is stopped by two armoured doors and the guards standing watch in front of them. You can feel the power behind those armored doors. It feels very tasty. The guards however look at you with suspicion. You don't think they'll let you in.
"What are you doing here? This is a restricted area."
"I need to get in there." you say, pointing at the armored doors.
"And what business does a servant have in the Power Core?"
"I need to deliver an urgent message to Mister Ventis. I was told he was using the Power Core. So will you let me in?"
"No. My orders are to let no one in." the guard says, remaining completely impassive.
"But Lord Audrey said my message-"
"Irrelevant. Nobody gets in the Power Core without authorization. That includes you. Now get out of here before I-" he says as he moves closer to you and tries to grab you.
"But you don't understand! It is very important that I see-" you continue trying to convince him while taking a few steps back.
"What's all this commotion? We're trying to work here, you know." a voice says from behind the door.
You notice a slit in the door has opened and there are now two blue eyes watching you from it. Before the guards can respond, the slit sides closed and the door unlocks.
"Wait! Sir!" one of the guards complains but it's already too late.
"What's going on out here? Who is this?" the old man says as he walks out, bringing the smell of ozone with him.
His clothing makes you think he's one of the mages from the college, though you haven't seen him before. Maybe a mercenary mage.
"Just some servant girl. Says she has a message for Master Ventis."
"A very urgent message from Lord Audrey." you correct him.
"And what is she doing here?"
"She was told Ventis was using the Power Core."
"Silly girl. Ventis is not drawing from the Power Core directly. He's using the Extension Cord on the bridge to prepare the second part of the demonstration."
"Oh, how silly of me. I'll go get him right away. Thank you!" you say as politely as you can and turn around to walk away.
"Wait!" the mage orders you.
You freeze.
"You don't look like the usual servants. You are a servant, right?" he says, examining you closely. Does he know?
"Of course sir." you respond, remaining completely casual.
The mage remains thoughtful for a few seconds before his thoughtful frown turns into a smile.
"Oh, good! When you get back to the kitchen, tell them to bring some food here as well, some, er, you know, those little round bread things, with the cream and the sweet taste, what are they called...?"
"Doughnuts?"
"No, not that."
"Sweetrolls?" one of the guards supplies helpfully.
"Sweetrolls! Yes! Thank you! If you could get me some Sweetrolls, I would be very happy. Now, go, silly girl."
"Right away, sir."
You make a polite bow fit for a princess and then prance away.
"What a silly girl." the mage comments.
"Yeah, Lord Audrey will hire any fool these days."
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry."
"Right. Thought so." the mage says as he goes back into the Power Core.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: Zormod on July 06, 2018, 03:45:40 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Try cooling the molten core.

Whatever is in there doesn't appreciate your attempt to interfere with it. There is a distorted scream and the core begins glowing more and more brightly. As its intensity becomes higher and higher, you feel something grabbing your vortex. You try to pull it away but by now it's too late. You feel it pulling the opening wider, trying to crawl through it. But the vortex is too unstable for that, this world is pushing it too much. The vortex can't take it. Under the stress of the two opposing forces, it explodes, sending fragments flying everywhere. Having your eye explode is not a very pleasent feeling, it makes your head sting, but it's not a debilitating pain. You know it will stop when your vortex eventually reforms and you stop being blind from one eye. But you also know it would be even worse if one of your fragments hit you. You dive behind cover, avoiding all of them.

The explosion throws white-hot stuff through everything. The burning matter doesn't appear to be cooling down. A few of the fragments have gone through the door, making a few holes in it.

: Power core 2 lost. System instability 80%. :
: Argh. You really are a nuisance. Do you know how long it took me to set that up? :

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 06, 2018, 04:53:58 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Well, we can either deal with fleshy blockade, molten blockade or angry eyeball brigade. Can either of you get through the fused door, or failing that, through the meat door? I don't fancy fighting the eyeballs in large numbers."

Follow Brian, do an ammo check.

I'll assume you picked up some ammo from the dead soldiers and have quite a lot. Otherwise you'd probably be out by now, and I don't like your chances fighting those things with your bare hands.

The quick reflexes your ability grants you allow you to escape the explosion and the ensuing shrapnel.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 05, 2018, 08:50:40 pm

Kosak Durar:

There are smarter people to figure out how to get to whatever's making these things. Kosak, meanwhile, will be keeping the monsters off said smarter people. By extreme and rapid application of punches and kicks.

You stand guard near the door, ready to defend the room from these creatures. Those people are smart, they should be able to figure out what to do, right? As if to answer you, there's a scream from behind you and something explodes. Okay then.

The creatures are gathering behind the door of the opposite room. Looks like they're going to rush you any moment now. You count 4 of those things with the 4 arms and the big eye. There's also something that looks like a sphere with six proboscis-like appendages. From what you remember from the black box recordings of the dead soldiers, they use those appendages to propel themselves. They can also bring those appendages together to launch a ranged attack, some hot orb of stuff.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 15, 2018, 01:41:05 pm

"If you wanted a knight you should have looked for someone else, there's this guy I know that can slice through space and time with his sword, why don't you send me back and get him instead?" He said "Also, I don't know what a cat boy is but I'm getting the urge to call you names" He said to the crazy weeaboo lady.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on July 15, 2018, 02:24:02 pm

<"Giant shadow monsters at top of tower! Airship damaged but still in air. Get those civs out as soon as possible!"> Nikolai yells and comms at the same time.

Untsar the crossbow.
"Get ready, we have a shadow monster coming this way! Fire weapons are good idea. Keep watch, it's a sneaky bastard." Order.
"Bring the lightning cannon forward!" Order.
"Reload the crossbow. Another ice bolt. Adjust aim slightly [direction]." Order.
"Adjust trebuchet aim, slightly [direction]." Order.
"And someone check on Irene!" Order.

Get behind that lightning cannon and prepare to tsar it.
Activate my water armour just in case.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on July 15, 2018, 02:56:47 pm

Did I notice anything regarding what was just revealed by the breaking illusion?
clean myself up and start preparing to generate fire instead of just cleaning the surrounding area.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on July 15, 2018, 03:02:42 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Carefully float my remaining eye over a burning shard. If that seems safe enough, try to cool a path through where the core was.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 15, 2018, 05:05:46 pm

Kosak Durar:

Well now, we can't have that. Attack them first! Prioritize dealing with the sphere creature, then deal with the rest.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on July 15, 2018, 11:02:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2018, 02:30:05 am

((Yeah, you can make new characters whenever you stop using an old one.

The mission has the crew investigating a huge city-sized spaceship. They must gatherer info. They must reactivate the ship and bring it to Entity-friendly space if they can. For that reason they've been given a Seed that can reactivate the ship's main reactor. If they can't reactivate the ship then they should escape with as much info as they can gather about what happened there. If one of them dies, they need to bring back their Interface so they can be revived.

The spaceship called Maximus was in a pocket universe which is part of a larger network of pocket universes that are interconnected by stream Gates. Stream Gates can be opened by devices called stream Breakers. The entities believe there might be an Outsider ruling over that network, essentially a god-like being that is not part of the entities. However that network is also being colonized by the Light and the Dark, two groups of Entities. The spaceship was jointly built by the Light and Dark and was investigating a high energy anomaly when it disappeared. At first the entities thought it was destroyed when the high energy anomaly exploded. However they later got an automated distress signal from it, which originated from an unexplored pocket universe that was part of that same network.

The team arrived there in a ship called Phoenix accompanied by the Avatar of an entity called Icarus, to find the pocket universe full of a water-like liquid that messes with their abilities when they are in contact with it (some more than others). Their ship was attacked by an automated turret but they managed to disable it, though it was booby trapped by an unknown agent. They managed to enter the ship but they got attacked by an unknown person using jury rigged weapons and an exoskeleton. They managed to drive them away and made their way to the medical section to heal themselves. They saw signs of battle with unknown alien beings on their way there. They got there and healed themselves by then got attacked by the same creatures, which are apparently controlled by a crazy old man. They decided to make their way deeper into the medical section and take care of him.))

You roll well on initiative and manage to summon a doll to block the doorway. You then close the door and continue rising up. The beast throws your doll down and Jack opens the door again. However it looks like your platform has gone past a point of no return (or maybe the Queen has seen enough of your performance) so it keeps going. Jack fights but he quickly ends up dying a very gruesome death, having no hope of winning against the endless onslaught of monsters with his limited supply of cards.

Your platform keeps rising, going through the floor, through the casino floor that is now full of cheering guests, through the roof and higher still. Finally, after spending some time in the darkness, you reach another door. This one has no carvings on it. You open it to find yourself in a giant throne room. It feels cold, full of black and white marble. There are various decorative suits of armor around the room, some medieval, some more modern, some futuristic. The queen is lounging in her throne. A fair young girl with straight dark hair and green eyes. Her dress reminds you of the one the mannequin you stole the sword from was wearing. You can't read her expression, though you can tell she is watching you calmly.

♚The Doll Prince: A Meeting of Royals♚

Though Jack had just died a well deserved death for his betrayal and Napoleon escaped a similar fate, both paled in comparison to who he was seeing before his barely blinking eyes. Here sat the very person he'd been searching for. Here is the very person he'd endured so much for just so she can test his mettle... and no doubt be entertained by someone she'd simply plucked from Earth to... wherever this place is. This same person, who'd thought of herself as the puppeteer if whatever Lady Amarante said is anything to go by, sat before him, is no doubt pondering the nature of this dollish Frenchman and what use he is to her.

In addition, the Queen is not how he'd imagined her to be. To be truthful, Napoleon expected her to be a bit older, like in her thirties or forties for example. The Queen looked younger than him, barring the possibility that she could be a lot older than she looked. However, as prideful as he can be, even Napoleon knew that anyone who can command the obedience of the likes of Amarante must not be a slouch themselves in matters of power, grandeur, and influence. To lose control of oneself and give into too much disrespect or even violence will be suicidal.

The hard leather soles of his dress shoes resounding as they tapped on the marble floor, Napoleon slowly approached the Queen, his own green eyes locked with hers. Once he was about six meters away from her, Napoleon kneeled and lowered his head. Though he in reality owned no official titles from Earth, with 'The Doll Prince' being just a self-proclaimed one, Napoleon felt as if he was merely a royal speaking to another, albeit one who he grudgingly admitted to be higher ranked, and is not just some well-dressed noble or, God forbid, a peasant pretending to be someone above his station.

After all, when one possesses such an expectation, it might as well be already true. It only requires some work to be done to make it a reality.

"Bonjour, ma Reine," Napoleon greeted as he maintained his posture. "It was quite some challenges you sent me through, I must say. First the fiasco at the mansion involving your servant Lady Amarante and then the test at your casino involving the treachery of Jack, who is now... out of commission as we speak. I'm quite sure that I'm wasting your time by repeating what you already know though, so allow me to skip to the questions: why do you seek to test me in such a way and what do you have in store for me?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on July 15, 2018, 11:14:01 pm

Alayne, Friendship Target Aquired

To the bridge! Be obsequious and easily ignored as I make my way up there - no one looks twice at random serving girls, after all.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 16, 2018, 01:56:03 am

(("you haven't even taken the safety off, rookie."))

"Pointing it at you. Consider dropping that pistol?"

Finger on the trigger. Keep track of his intent.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 16, 2018, 02:11:00 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Provide fire support to Kosak.

"Brian, if I die because you exploded our one way away from the griblies, I swear I will haunt you."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on July 18, 2018, 05:12:48 am

((July rains here, heavy rain everyday! D:))

Theri flinched as she saw the soldier land (somewhat safely) nearby, as her mind was more oriented to the situation inside and if River was ever found out. Assessing the situation, she could climb up there herself if River could, and...she thought, announce a surprise inspection?

No, that would be horrible timing.

Instead, perhaps, it seemed better to take on these foes using her own niche--where Irine would burn literally everything down to the dot, with skill in accuracy, she believed she could take a few unaware soldiers using speed and skill. Besides that, there was also morale on her side, and that she could use their momentum against them; it would be hard using a weapon at such close quarters anyway.

Clamber up there and aid River, let's get to unarmed fighting! (And perhaps some diplomacy in which I would order them to disarm as there are no reinforcements arriving, because we have the place surrounded.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 10:20:12 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 15, 2018, 01:41:05 pm

"If you wanted a knight you should have looked for someone else, there's this guy I know that can slice through space and time with his sword, why don't you send me back and get him instead?" He said

"Nonsense! Thou arst a fine warrior. Thou merely needeth an opportunity to prove thyself."
"Also, he's kinda poor and you're the best he can afford. Summoning heroes is expensive, you know."

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 15, 2018, 01:41:05 pm

"Also, I don't know what a cat boy is but I'm getting the urge to call you names" He said to the crazy weeaboo lady.

"Nyaaaa, you're so meean!" Roger complains and jumps on the counter, transforming into a hairless creature that looks somewhat like a cat but still has the same human face.
"Aren't I cute enough for you, nyan?" she asks as she rubs against your hand and purrs.
"Ahem. Aanyway, a challenge awaits thou, great warrior. Are you ready to fight?"

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 16, 2018, 01:56:03 am

(("you haven't even taken the safety off, rookie."))

"Pointing it at you. Consider dropping that pistol?"

Finger on the trigger. Keep track of his intent.

For a moment he just looks at you. You don't see any change with your eyes but your ability shows you what he's planning. Going to move sightly to the right and then quickly- No, wait, he's going to pretend he's going to crouch down but then dive- No, he's changed his plan again, now he's going to... just leave the gun on the floor. Looks like he decided to follow your 'suggestion' after all.
"Heh." he exclaims in amusement.
"How can I refuse if you're being so polite?" he adds as he slowly crouches and deposits the pistol on the floor.
"Who sent you here?"
His smile fades somewhat.
"You know whoever did so probably expected you to die, right?" he asks as he gently lets go of the pistol, still not taking his eyes off you.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on July 15, 2018, 11:02:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 05, 2018, 02:30:05 am

((Yeah, you can make new characters whenever you stop using an old one.

The mission has the crew investigating a huge city-sized spaceship. They must gatherer info. They must reactivate the ship and bring it to Entity-friendly space if they can. For that reason they've been given a Seed that can reactivate the ship's main reactor. If they can't reactivate the ship then they should escape with as much info as they can gather about what happened there. If one of them dies, they need to bring back their Interface so they can be revived.

The spaceship called Maximus was in a pocket universe which is part of a larger network of pocket universes that are interconnected by stream Gates. Stream Gates can be opened by devices called stream Breakers. The entities believe there might be an Outsider ruling over that network, essentially a god-like being that is not part of the entities. However that network is also being colonized by the Light and the Dark, two groups of Entities. The spaceship was jointly built by the Light and Dark and was investigating a high energy anomaly when it disappeared. At first the entities thought it was destroyed when the high energy anomaly exploded. However they later got an automated distress signal from it, which originated from an unexplored pocket universe that was part of that same network.

The team arrived there in a ship called Phoenix accompanied by the Avatar of an entity called Icarus, to find the pocket universe full of a water-like liquid that messes with their abilities when they are in contact with it (some more than others). Their ship was attacked by an automated turret but they managed to disable it, though it was booby trapped by an unknown agent. They managed to enter the ship but they got attacked by an unknown person using jury rigged weapons and an exoskeleton. They managed to drive them away and made their way to the medical section to heal themselves. They saw signs of battle with unknown alien beings on their way there. They got there and healed themselves by then got attacked by the same creatures, which are apparently controlled by a crazy old man. They decided to make their way deeper into the medical section and take care of him.))

You roll well on initiative and manage to summon a doll to block the doorway. You then close the door and continue rising up. The beast throws your doll down and Jack opens the door again. However it looks like your platform has gone past a point of no return (or maybe the Queen has seen enough of your performance) so it keeps going. Jack fights but he quickly ends up dying a very gruesome death, having no hope of winning against the endless onslaught of monsters with his limited supply of cards.

Your platform keeps rising, going through the floor, through the casino floor that is now full of cheering guests, through the roof and higher still. Finally, after spending some time in the darkness, you reach another door. This one has no carvings on it. You open it to find yourself in a giant throne room. It feels cold, full of black and white marble. There are various decorative suits of armor around the room, some medieval, some more modern, some futuristic. The queen is lounging in her throne. A fair young girl with straight dark hair and green eyes. Her dress reminds you of the one the mannequin you stole the sword from was wearing. You can't read her expression, though you can tell she is watching you calmly.

♚The Doll Prince: A Meeting of Royals♚

Though Jack had just died a well deserved death for his betrayal and Napoleon escaped a similar fate, both paled in comparison to who he was seeing before his barely blinking eyes. Here sat the very person he'd been searching for. Here is the very person he'd endured so much for just so she can test his mettle... and no doubt be entertained by someone she'd simply plucked from Earth to... wherever this place is. This same person, who'd thought of herself as the puppeteer if whatever Lady Amarante said is anything to go by, sat before him, is no doubt pondering the nature of this dollish Frenchman and what use he is to her.

In addition, the Queen is not how he'd imagined her to be. To be truthful, Napoleon expected her to be a bit older, like in her thirties or forties for example. The Queen looked younger than him, barring the possibility that she could be a lot older than she looked. However, as prideful as he can be, even Napoleon knew that anyone who can command the obedience of the likes of Amarante must not be a slouch themselves in matters of power, grandeur, and influence. To lose control of oneself and give into too much disrespect or even violence will be suicidal.

The hard leather soles of his dress shoes resounding as they tapped on the marble floor, Napoleon slowly approached the Queen, his own green eyes locked with hers. Once he was about six meters away from her, Napoleon kneeled and lowered his head. Though he in reality owned no official titles from Earth, with 'The Doll Prince' being just a self-proclaimed one, Napoleon felt as if he was merely a royal speaking to another, albeit one who he grudgingly admitted to be higher ranked and not just some well-dressed noble or, God forbid, a peasant pretending to be someone above his station.

After all, when one possesses such an expectation, it might as well be already true. It only requires some work to be done to make it a reality.

"Bonjour, ma Reine," Napoleon greeted as he maintained his posture. "It was quite some challenges you sent me through, I must say. First the fiasco at the mansion involving your servant Lady Amarante and then the test at your casino involving the treachery of Jack, who is now... out of commission as we speak. I'm quite sure that I'm wasting your time by repeating what you already know though, so allow me to skip to the questions: why do you seek to test me in such a way and what do you have in store for me?"

"Straight to the point, I see. But also attempting to be polite." she says to herself as she gets up and starts walking towards you, descending the few steps from her throne.
"Didn't introduce yourself. That could be considered a faux pas."
She pauses to stare at you, frowning for a second.
"But, like you said, we're both intelligent enough to know we need no introductions."
She turns to address one of the suits of armour standing next to her throne.
"I liked Jack, the so-called King of Card Games. He was determined. Calculating. Ruthless. He could lie without the slightest tell. But the number of situations he can be useful in is limited and his evolution does not offer many pathways. One of my Knights will have better use for him."
He then turns to address the suit of armour standing on the other side of her throne.
"I still haven't thoroughly tested the one you call Princess Maxine Powers, but I'm not impressed by what I see so far. She has potential for growth but I'm not sure she will survive long enough to achieve it."
She starts walking back towards the throne, turning her back to you. You notice the knife resting in a silver sheath on her belt, hidden behind her back.
"Unfortunately, a job has come up. As the most promising so far, I'll use this Doll Prince for it. It will make for a good final test."
Though she does not speak directly to you (or at least pretends not to), she has answered your questions in an indirect manner.

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: NAV on July 15, 2018, 02:24:02 pm

<"Giant shadow monsters at top of tower! Airship damaged but still in air. Get those civs out as soon as possible!"> Nikolai yells and comms at the same time.

Untsar the crossbow.
"Get ready, we have a shadow monster coming this way! Fire weapons are good idea. Keep watch, it's a sneaky bastard." Order.
"Bring the lightning cannon forward!" Order.
"Reload the crossbow. Another ice bolt. Adjust aim slightly [direction]." Order.
"Adjust trebuchet aim, slightly [direction]." Order.
"And someone check on Irene!" Order.

Get behind that lightning cannon and prepare to tsar it.
Activate my water armour just in case.

You yell orders as you run towards the lightning cannon and the Artillery operators scramble to follow them. When you reach the cannon you help its operators push it the last few steps and then aim down its sights while preparing to tsar it and fire.

You can't see the shadow creature yet, it will probably take a while to reach you depending on its speed. At least a couple of minutes, you'd guess. Unless it's using some sort of illusion.

Despite its slack sails and the no-doubt still reeling crew, whoever is piloting the airship manages to get it moving. It begins drifting away from the tower while turning to point its cannons towards your general direction. You activate your water armor. It's supposed to offer great protection against material Elements, which should include lightning and shrapnel. You also warn the recruits helping you aim to get ready to run when you tell them to.

((Please specify where you want the trebuchet aimed, just so there are no misunderstandings. You want to Target the airship or the tower or something else?))

Quote from: Lenglon on July 15, 2018, 02:56:47 pm

Did I notice anything regarding what was just revealed by the breaking illusion?
clean myself up and start preparing to generate fire instead of just cleaning the surrounding area.

You saw the same thing Nikolai saw (assuming you'd walked up the slope to watch the crossbow bolt fly) and didn't feel anything different, if that's what you're asking. Breaking the illusion and having that creature leave the tower does not seem to have affected the Dark ritual in any way you can perceive.

You should be able to fight something in close range but it will be a bit more difficult than usual. Anything further than medium range (let's say around 30 metres) would be much harder however.

The problem is that even though you've cleared a good part of your surroundings of Dark magic, the flow of Fire has yet to return, since the area around the one you've cleared is still affected by the Dark ritual. You only have the Fire in your soul and the souls of the recruits around you to rely on. And the Sword, of course.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 18, 2018, 05:12:48 am

((July rains here, heavy rain everyday! D:))

Theri flinched as she saw the soldier land (somewhat safely) nearby, as her mind was more oriented to the situation inside and if River was ever found out. Assessing the situation, she could climb up there herself if River could, and...she thought, announce a surprise inspection?

No, that would be horrible timing.

Instead, perhaps, it seemed better to take on these foes using her own niche--where Irine would burn literally everything down to the dot, with skill in accuracy, she believed she could take a few unaware soldiers using speed and skill. Besides that, there was also morale on her side, and that she could use their momentum against them; it would be hard using a weapon at such close quarters anyway.

Clamber up there and aid River, let's get to unarmed fighting! (And perhaps some diplomacy in which I would order them to disarm as there are no reinforcements arriving, because we have the place surrounded.

((Well, you see people get hurt all the time in videogames or comics and they say they're simply unconscious, so... maybe he's fine.

Also, I wish you the best with the weather situation.))

Quote from: Autoaction

Zechariah and the mages will aid Theri's attack.

Theri makes a running jump, grabs the window's ledge and starts pulling herself up.
"What's going on?" she hears one of the soldiers ask.
"What the- Where did he go?!" another exclaims.
She pulls hserself up and drags herself through the opening, landing on the wooden floor on the other side. The other two soldiers that were on the second floor have converged towards the spot their comrade was last seen.
"What do you mean 'where did he go'?" the first one asks.
"He was here a second- Unf!"
Before the soldier can finish answering, River jumps at him from behind, slamming the soldier's head against the wall with all his momentum.
"Oh shit! It's- Gah!" the other soldier shouts as he draws his bow to shoot at River but Theri strikes him on the head from behind before he can aim, throwing him to the floor and sending his arrow on a wall.
"Damn damn damn!" one of the soldier from the floor below swears, panic clear in his voice.
"Throwing boomer!" another shouts.
Theri hears a sound like glass breaking, followed by a section of the floor a few metres away from her exploding, sending wooden shrapnel everywhere. Theri only has a split second to consider how reckless throwing grenades in an enclosed space with hostages is, as she is forced to act.

The balcony she's on tilts, threatening to send her falling to the ground floor, but she manages to grab onto a wooden beam and hold on. Looking to her right, she sees River has also managed to grab something some wood with his mouth. A moment later, having calculated where he wants to go, he lets go and slides into the dust cloud below.
"You are surrounded! Surrender and you will be spared!" Theri shouts from where she's hiding, shouting as hard as she can to be heard over the ringing in her ears.
"Screw you! Throw another boomer!" one of the soldiers responds, unconvinced by her threat.
However, before he can make his own threat a reality, the door explodes open, battered by a wave of darkness. Through the wave come a few dozen Ice Spikes, hitting some of the soldiers and throwing them to the ground. The ice spikes start transforming into restraints, sticking onto the hands of the soldiers that try to remove them by transforming the moisture in them into more ice, thus holding them in place. It looks painful.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 15, 2018, 11:14:01 pm

Alayne, Friendship Target Aquired

To the bridge! Be obsequious and easily ignored as I make my way up there - no one looks twice at random serving girls, after all.

You climb up from the heart of the ship, going nearer to its top, where the bridge resides (good thing this body of yours is much better at physical exercise). Nobody bothers you on your way there, but once you get to the Bridge you find the armoured door guarded by two soldiers, same as the one in the Power Core.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: Zormod on July 15, 2018, 03:02:42 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Carefully float my remaining eye over a burning shard. If that seems safe enough, try to cool a path through where the core was.

You float your eye through the remains of the molten core, cooling a path through the remains of the molten and exploded walls. You are aided by the cool air escaping from the holes in the door leading to the Hyperstasis Pods area.

You poke your eye through the door and look around. It's cold and there's enough moisture in there too form a thin fog. Through it you can see several cylindrical machines clinging to the walls as well as some mechanical arms, probably used to move them around. This area looks pristine, a jarring difference compared to everything you've seen so far. Observing the machines a bit more closely, you notice the pods have small windows, a layer of frost clinging on them. Through them you can see the inside of the pods. Most of them are empty but a few are occupied. Based on the green status lights flashing on the occupied pods, you'd say those inside are still alive.

You walk through the cleared path and poke your hand through the hole in the door. It's cold but not cold enough to kill you, not unless you decide to stay in there for too long.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 16, 2018, 02:11:00 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Provide fire support to Kosak.

"Brian, if I die because you exploded our one way away from the griblies, I swear I will haunt you."

You kneel down next to the door, attaching your suit to it so that you won't float away. You take aim, trying to find a shot that doesn't involve shooting through Kosak.

You take careful aim and shoot two of the eye-things after Kosak explodes himself. Good thing you have him acting as a distraction.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 15, 2018, 05:05:46 pm

Kosak Durar:

Well now, we can't have that. Attack them first! Prioritize dealing with the sphere creature, then deal with the rest.

Yakuza 0 - Crash Addiction  (https://youtu.be/UzdxKzGOjO8)
You rush towards the floater. It merges its trunks and shoots a spinning glob of hot... stuff at you. You easily jump out of the way, bounce off the celling and then float through the door. You grab the floater by its trunk before it can float away, reach the floor where you reattach your feet to the ground, spin the creature around using your momentum and then smash it against two of the creatures waiting by the door. The thing explodes from the force of the impact, splattering its internal fluids everywhere. A moment later the broken electronics inside it emit a few sparks, lighting the flammable liquid on fire and causing an explosion. You are thrown away by the force of the explosion and get smashed against a bed, uprooting from the floor and sending both of you floating away. Your suit beeps, complaining about some tear.

Whew. Fighting things in zero-g is quite fun once you get used to it. Normally your speed is somewhat restricted by your small size but now you can bounce around like a murderous pinball. You just have to be careful to aim properly or you'll end up bonking your head on something again.

There are still 3 of those things with the four arms jumping around, looking for an opening.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on July 21, 2018, 10:28:37 am

Take cover, and get clear of allies, I don't want to make them easy to spot when I start setting things on fire...
Then start setting things on fire. I need to begin the flame growth process immediately if I want to have enough to work with then the threats arrive, and having the physical flames in place should help reinforce me and make the cleansing process much easier when I get back to it.
Did I manage to performing the self-cleaning I needed last turn by the way? You'd mentioned that I was getting a bit contaminated...

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 21, 2018, 11:57:49 am

"Get me away from her and I'll fight the gods themselves"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 21, 2018, 12:23:55 pm

"No shit. Are you going to say that I have a better choice?"

Where are his friends?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 01:12:45 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 21, 2018, 12:23:55 pm

"No shit. Are you going to say that I have a better choice?"

Where are his friends?

Still outside the room. Waiting for the smoke to clear, probably.

"Sure. Give back what you stole from me and we can go on like we never met. I'd say that's a good choice, wouldn't you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 21, 2018, 02:02:48 pm

Fe shakes her head.

"Not an option. Nothing against you personally, but I'm not doing this for money. If I walk away, I lose someone close to me."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on July 21, 2018, 03:02:59 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"We've got a path out now!"

Try to disorient an enemy or two.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 03:33:25 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 21, 2018, 02:02:48 pm

Fe shakes her head.

"Not an option. Nothing against you personally, but I'm not doing this for money. If I walk away, I lose someone close to me."

"Ah. Should have known." he says to himself with a small frown.
"Well, you see, that's a problem. Because I can't let you have that equipment. It took me months to gather it all and prepare everything. I can't afford to lose it all. Like you, I'm not doing this for myself. If I don't finish this job, I won't be able to see my family again."
Despite the implications of what he is saying, he doesn't sound threatening.
"Do you think we could come to some sort of agreement?"
You feel the intent of someone in one of the apartments change. Looks like he mustered the bravery to open his door a crack and take a peek outside.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on July 21, 2018, 04:50:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 18, 2018, 05:12:48 am

((July rains here, heavy rain everyday! D:))

Cherish them because you'd hate to switch places with me here in the Lone Star State. Summer: When triple digits are synonymous with pain and suffering.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 10:20:12 am

"Straight to the point, I see. But also attempting to be polite." she says to herself as she gets up and starts walking towards you, descending the few steps from her throne.
"Didn't introduce yourself. That could be considered a faux pas."
She pauses to stare at you, frowning for a second.
"But, like you said, we're both intelligent enough to know we need no introductions."
She turns to address one of the suits of armour standing next to her throne.
"I liked Jack, the so-called King of Card Games. He was determined. Calculating. Ruthless. He could lie without the slightest tell. But the number of situations he can be useful in is limited and his evolution does not offer many pathways. One of my Knights will have better use for him."
He then turns to address the suit of armour standing on the other side of her throne.
"I still haven't thoroughly tested the one you call Princess Maxine Powers, but I'm not impressed by what I see so far. She has potential for growth but I'm not sure she will survive long enough to achieve it."
She starts walking back towards the throne, turning her back to you. You notice the knife resting in a silver sheath on her belt, hidden behind her back.
"Unfortunately, a job has come up. As the most promising so far, I'll use this Doll Prince for it. It will make for a good final test."
Though she does not speak directly to you (or at least pretends not to), she has answered your questions in an indirect manner.

♚The Doll Prince: One Sided Conversation♚

Napoleon arched an eyebrow as the Queen talked to the armor sets. Though one would expect this from someone who appeared to be prepubescent, Napoleon begin to wonder whether Her Majesty has last all her gemstones upstairs. Here's hoping that she's not psychotic or anything like that.

However, regardless of whether the armor sets are actually responding to the Queen or not, Napoleon begin to wonder whether there were even more people like himself. More annoyingly, it seems that Jack is still... an active factor. Sure he has obviously been devoured by those rat things but it seems that he would be brought back to serve one of the Queen's Knights, not that Napoleon was worried. After all, he can always rub it in his face whenever he want.

However, all paled in comparison when the Queen spoke of him being the most promising of her subjects. His ego stroked, Napoleon grinned fiercely for a few moments when the Queen turned her back to him. Such things are inevitable, given who exactly she was testing after all. Of course, once he passed the final test, he would be expected to serve her in whatever capability she chooses.

However, for the Doll Prince, that will only be the beginning of his destiny.

Wait patiently for the Queen to send him off to this mission, whatever it is.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 21, 2018, 06:36:52 pm

Kosak Durar:

"There's more where that came from!"

The four-armed abominations are going down. There's no guarantee that headshots will work on them, so go for some central-mass body-slams and punches.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on July 22, 2018, 01:08:25 am

Alan, Bastion of Confidence

Walk up to the door and *ahem* like I'm expecting to be let through. If they question me, repeat the same thing about how I have a message for Ventis, it's urgent y'see so I've gotta get by ya there, etc.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on July 22, 2018, 06:32:55 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 10:20:12 am

"Screw you! Throw another boomer!" one of the soldiers responds, unconvinced by her threat.

Theri walked up to the soldier who spoke that and disarmed him (all the while getting the most utilitarian accessories available like MOAR GRENADES) and shoved it right in front of his face because I accidentally the Renegade reaction button while looking at them with the worst face of annoyance she had--this was moreso to the annoying ringing than anything else.

"'Screw you' and your face," she said in her best imitation of their-being-a-jerk. Then she mentioned the notion of surrender once again, all the while checking for magical blockers or pathways for alerting others.

And then Renegade points go up while I go down the Paragon path because hey bonus point with no consequence but intimidation

Secure the area and perimeter, disarm and ensure the soldiers are unable to attack back.

And then check on the captives while proceeding with the plan!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 22, 2018, 02:46:22 pm

"It's possible. But what if, after talking about it, we come to the conclusion that we can't help each other? You're back to being my enemy, and suddenly it's in your best interests to shoot me, right there."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on July 22, 2018, 04:06:50 pm

Trebuchet aimed directly at the tower.

Our recruits were ordered to bring extra torches, molotovs, fire arrows, etc to help Irene build up her fire faster. Make sure those are available to her.

Not really sure if the lightning cannon risks hitting our teammates or the hostage team. I know it's inaccurate but also direct fire, not sure if I have line of sight to the warehouse or how close the airship is to it.
...Anyway, if it doesn't risk hitting someone we don't want to hit: Tsar the cannon! shoot down that airship!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 25, 2018, 03:03:44 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Keep on firing.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2018, 09:31:55 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 22, 2018, 02:46:22 pm

"It's possible. But what if, after talking about it, we come to the conclusion that we can't help each other? You're back to being my enemy, and suddenly it's in your best interests to shoot me, right there."

"That is always a risk in agreements between strangers, yes. I can give you my word that damaging the suit would be really inconvenient for me and hurting little girls is not something I enjoy. "
He sighs.
"So if it's a choice between shooting you and letting you go, then you can go. Take my gun if you're afraid."
He smiles again.
"After all, you didn't shoot me even though you could. It's only polite that I return the favor, right?"
He's being sickeningly nice, unreasonably so. You don't sense any intent from him other than staying where he is, but there's no way he doesn't have something planned. People aren't this nice, even crazy people aren't that nice. Then again, is there anything you can do other than shooting him?

Quote from: Sir Elventide on July 21, 2018, 04:50:32 pm

Quote from: Tiruin on July 18, 2018, 05:12:48 am

((July rains here, heavy rain everyday! D:))

Cherish them because you'd hate to switch places with me here in the Lone Star State. Summer: When triple digits are synonymous with pain and suffering.

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 10:20:12 am

"Straight to the point, I see. But also attempting to be polite." she says to herself as she gets up and starts walking towards you, descending the few steps from her throne.
"Didn't introduce yourself. That could be considered a faux pas."
She pauses to stare at you, frowning for a second.
"But, like you said, we're both intelligent enough to know we need no introductions."
She turns to address one of the suits of armour standing next to her throne.
"I liked Jack, the so-called King of Card Games. He was determined. Calculating. Ruthless. He could lie without the slightest tell. But the number of situations he can be useful in is limited and his evolution does not offer many pathways. One of my Knights will have better use for him."
He then turns to address the suit of armour standing on the other side of her throne.
"I still haven't thoroughly tested the one you call Princess Maxine Powers, but I'm not impressed by what I see so far. She has potential for growth but I'm not sure she will survive long enough to achieve it."
She starts walking back towards the throne, turning her back to you. You notice the knife resting in a silver sheath on her belt, hidden behind her back.
"Unfortunately, a job has come up. As the most promising so far, I'll use this Doll Prince for it. It will make for a good final test."
Though she does not speak directly to you (or at least pretends not to), she has answered your questions in an indirect manner.

♚The Doll Prince: One Sided Conversation♚

Napoleon arched an eyebrow as the Queen talked to the armor sets. Though one would expect this from someone who appeared to be prepubescent, Napoleon begin to wonder whether Her Majesty has last all her gemstones upstairs. Here's hoping that she's not psychotic or anything like that.

However, regardless of whether the armor sets are actually responding to the Queen or not, Napoleon begin to wonder whether there were even more people like himself. More annoyingly, it seems that Jack is still... an active factor. Sure he has obviously been devoured by those rat things but it seems that he would be brought back to serve one of the Queen's Knights, not that Napoleon was worried. After all, he can always rub it in his face whenever he want.

However, all paled in comparison when the Queen spoke of him being the most promising of her subjects. His ego stroked, Napoleon grinned fiercely for a few moments when the Queen turned her back to him. Such things are inevitable, given who exactly she was testing after all. Of course, once he passed the final test, he would be expected to serve her in whatever capability she chooses.

However, for the Doll Prince, that will only be the beginning of his destiny.

Wait patiently for the Queen to send him off to this mission, whatever it is.

((I dunno, over here we're currently having a pretty tropical weather (heat with occasional strong winds and heavy rain) and I'd say hot rain is only marginally better compared to just heat.))

She sits back down on her throne and looks at you.
"Hm."
She spends a few more seconds looking at you thoughtfully.
"Very well then." she declares and stands up again.
"You will be going to the domain of one of my competitors. Do try to keep your eyes open for anything useful and you will be rewarded."
With that, she waves her arm. You blink and you are in an old-timey tavern.
"This..." she points to a shadowy humanoid being sitting at one of the tables, waving as if she is unsure of what to call it.
"...person will let you know more." she finally says, somewhat dismissively.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 21, 2018, 11:57:49 am

"Get me away from her and I'll fight the gods themselves"

"Nyan, you don't like me?" the thing complains.
The shadowman flicks his hand and the thing is thrown into the shelf behind the counter, smashing a few bottles as it does so.
"Waah, you're so mean Charlie-kun, waaah." it continues in an exaggerated manner.
The shadowman ignores her and calls you to the table. You are joined by another person you hadn't noticed before. He has a strange appearance. He's waring flash red and gold clothes, his skin is a bit too white and he wears a crown on his head.
"Kokkaku, this is Napoleon. Napoleon, this is Kokkaku. You may call me Charlie, everybody else does. And, now that the introductions are out of the way, I'll get to the meat of things."
He leans forward. Though his form is nothing but wispy shadows, you get the feeling he's looking at you.
"A while back, we sent some guys like you to find a ship that had gone missing. However it's been a while and we still have no communication from them. So the idea is we send you at their last known location, you find them, you help them do their job, you bring them back. We'll also give you a way to contact us in case things are going terribly. Sounds reasonable?"

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Lenglon on July 21, 2018, 10:28:37 am

Take cover, and get clear of allies, I don't want to make them easy to spot when I start setting things on fire...
Then start setting things on fire. I need to begin the flame growth process immediately if I want to have enough to work with then the threats arrive, and having the physical flames in place should help reinforce me and make the cleansing process much easier when I get back to it.
Did I manage to performing the self-cleaning I needed last turn by the way? You'd mentioned that I was getting a bit contaminated...

You're as clean as you can be. Given that you were unable to sense any previous contamination, you can't be sure about whether or not any is left. With all that Dark magic flying around, it's hard to tell if the cold and dark feelings you're getting are caused by the Dark magic around you or any that could had made its way inside you. Then again, you feel like you are you, so it's probably fine.

You ask someone to bring you your sword some distance away from the artillery teams and make your way there yourself. That done, you start burning stuff and gathering fire. A moment later you are joined by about a dozen recruits carrying torches and splashing alcohol on anything that looks remotely flammable (except you and themselves, of course).
<Hey! I'm supposed to be the distraction!>
"We know."
<Then what are you doing here?>
"We're helping!"
<What the- Look, I can't be the distraction if the thing I'm distracting them from follows me around!>
"Wha-?"
Before the conversation can continue, your voices are drowned out by the sound of artillery firing. One of the shots lands on the small slope you're hiding behind, blowing away a good chunk of it and sending glowing shrapnel raining down on the surrounding area.

Quote from: Tiruin on July 22, 2018, 06:32:55 am

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 21, 2018, 10:20:12 am

"Screw you! Throw another boomer!" one of the soldiers responds, unconvinced by her threat.

Theri walked up to the soldier who spoke that and disarmed him (all the while getting the most utilitarian accessories available like MOAR GRENADES) and shoved it right in front of his face because I accidentally the Renegade reaction button while looking at them with the worst face of annoyance she had--this was moreso to the annoying ringing than anything else.

"'Screw you' and your face," she said in her best imitation of their-being-a-jerk. Then she mentioned the notion of surrender once again, all the while checking for magical blockers or pathways for alerting others.

And then Renegade points go up while I go down the Paragon path because hey bonus point with no consequence but intimidation

Secure the area and perimeter, disarm and ensure the soldiers are unable to attack back.

And then check on the captives while proceeding with the plan!

You'd say the explosion was enough to alert everyone to your presence here. They might have bigger problems to deal with now that Nikolai is firing artillery on them, but they'll probably send at least some troops this way.

Quote from: Autoaction

Zechariah and the mages will aid Theri's attack.

Theri lets go of the piece of wood she's holding and slides down to the first floor, landing next to a cage with a panicked man who is currently laying in a fetal position. She starts making her way to the offending soldier. Said soldier is preparing to throw a grenade into the wall of darkness Zechariah has created to cover the entrance. However before she can reach him, the last standing Archer on the opposite side of the room manages to hit her. It's only a glancing blow so the arrow doesn't get through her armour but it manages to stun her momentarily. A soldier tries to take advantage of that and slashes at Theri with his sword. She manages to get out of the way, but just barely. The delay cost her time however. The soldier throws his grenade, it goes through the darkness and... nothing happens. That's because the grenade never reaches the other side of the doorway, getting trapped in Zechariah's shadows.

Meanwhile, River runs towards the archer. A soldier tries to slash him as he passes by him. He hits, but the slash is not too deep, River doesn't seem to even notice it. River reaches the archer, jumps on him and grabs his hand with his mouth, shaking it around and mangling it pretty badly.

At the same time, Zechariah watches as the mage's Ice Shards get stuck in the doorway. Hm. Looks like he made his shadow barrier a bit too thick.

Back to Theri, the soldier that threw the grenade sees her coming and draws his sword. He raises it for a strike, attacking just as Theri lunges at him. Theri gets below his slash and grabs his sword. The two struggle for a moment but Theri is clearly superior. She twists her body so that her back is turned to him and pulls his arm, using her body as a lever to flip him and throw him away, straight into the other soldier. She quickly runs towards them and kicks their weapons away from them. They soldier tries to get up again, so she makes sure he stays down with a couple of well-placed kicks.

She starts shouting about how stupid they are and how they should just surrender, but her voice is drowned out by the sound of thunder, falling again and again, one boom after the other in rapid succession. The cacophony of noise is accompanied by bright flashes of light coming through the windows. The enemy airship must be firing its artillery on Nikolai's position.

((Normally I'd continue with your actions until combat is over or something significant happens, but I'm going to pause here to give NAV a chance to react since his actions might affect yours.))

Quote from: NAV on July 22, 2018, 04:06:50 pm

Trebuchet aimed directly at the tower.

Our recruits were ordered to bring extra torches, molotovs, fire arrows, etc to help Irene build up her fire faster. Make sure those are available to her.

Not really sure if the lightning cannon risks hitting our teammates or the hostage team. I know it's inaccurate but also direct fire, not sure if I have line of sight to the warehouse or how close the airship is to it.
...Anyway, if it doesn't risk hitting someone we don't want to hit: Tsar the cannon! shoot down that airship!

Your recruits go help light the area around Irine on fire.

The Lightning Cannon supposed to shoot in a somewhat straight line, so it should be safe, since the warehouse is not near the airship. On the other hand you don't know how it will react to you Tsaring it (or where exactly the airship will fall for that matter). But, if you think about it, the same is true for everything you Tsar, so shooting first and asking questions later is probably the best choice.

You focus your power on the Lightning Cannon. You aren't sure how much time you have so you don't manage to pour too much Tsariness into it. Still, it manages to get quite bigger. You flip the firing switch, leading to the Charging Circuit making contact with the Power Circuit which is itself in contact with the Power Stone, the simple flip kicking the entire magical machine into motion. Its internal components begin to glow a soft blue and vibrate as power is drawn from its power stone, emiting a soft hum. A moment later you notice a similar glow appearing on the lightning cannons of the airship. Damn.

You yell at the two recruits to run away and they obey. You don't run away. You focus on Tsaring your water armour while at the same time making sure the airship remains in the cannon's sights. The cannon's hum has turned into a cacophonous noise as the vibrating metal parts have started hitting each other. The glow is becoming uncomfortably bright and you are starting to feel some heat, even through the water armour. Why isn't it firing?

As you duck to check the firing circuit, the airship begins its barrage, the first shot landing a dozen metres away from you, causing the ground to vibrate. The charging circuit looks fine, but -another shot, this one closer, you hear the noise of rocks plinking against the lightning cannon- it's not disengaging. You flip the switch but nothing happens. You flip it on and off again but the only thing you notice is the noise of the enemy barrage hitting somewhere near Irine.

You can't worry about that right now. You follow the line from the switch -momentarily losing track of it as another shot causes you to lose your footing- until you see the point where it connects with the Power Stone circuit, squinting to shield your eyes from the glow. It looks like your Tsaring combined with the heat has caused the Charging Circuit to become stuck on the Power Circuit instead of disengaging automatically. It's going to keep drawing power until either the Power Stone is empty or that thing melts. Or the enemy hits you.
"DAMN YOU EXPLOSIVE OVERCLOCKING!"

((Going to pause here to give you a chance to react. And yes, the Sovereignty's mages are as concerned with how safe their devices are as the ones of the Kingdom. Possibly less.))

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 22, 2018, 01:08:25 am

Alan, Bastion of Confidence

Walk up to the door and *ahem* like I'm expecting to be let through. If they question me, repeat the same thing about how I have a message for Ventis, it's urgent y'see so I've gotta get by ya there, etc.

You get the same response as before: the guards are instructed to let nobody through without permission, no matter how much they plead. They threaten to throw you in the brig if you lollygag.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: Zormod on July 21, 2018, 03:02:59 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"We've got a path out now!"

Try to disorient an enemy or two.

You lean against the wall next to the door and send your eye to help the others. Keeping track of an enemy with the same thing you use to see said enemy is not easy. Especially when they're jumping around like a bunch of drunken monkeys. You really miss your other eye. When you had two you could use one eye to keep track of the other, it took some coordination but it was doable. Right now you keep trying to catch the things with your eye but they keep jumping away. Hopefully it's at least distracting them enough for the others to finish them off.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 21, 2018, 06:36:52 pm

Kosak Durar:

"There's more where that came from!"

The four-armed abominations are going down. There's no guarantee that headshots will work on them, so go for some central-mass body-slams and punches.

You reorient yourself and attach yourself to the floor, adopting a ready stance. One of the abomination comes at you but you are faster. You grab its arms, swing it above you and slam it into one of the beds, breaking the bed and impaling the creature in the fragments. It's still alive but it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

While you're distracted, one of the abominations finds the opportunity to grab you from behind, wrapping two of its arms around your waist to anchor itself and using its other two arms to grab your arms and start pulling them. You don't get enough time to react. Before you know it, there is a stinging pain and one of your shoulders ends up dislocated. The pain and adrenaline give you enough strength to manage to free your arms from the creature's grip, however its other arms remain wrapped around your waist.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 25, 2018, 03:03:44 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Keep on firing.

You fire on the creature that's going to attack Kosak but the shot just grazes it. You are unable to stop it before it latches on to him. You consider shooting it again, but doing so would risk hitting both of them.

You instead shoot on another creature getting ready to strike him, hitting it through the centre of mass and blowing a hole through it big enough to see the electronics inside it sparking.

The only creature left that currently poses any danger is the one on Kosak's back, although there are probably more deeper inside the Medical Section.

: I've reached the Medical Section. Those things are giving me trouble. I'll be there in a few seconds, just hold on.: Icarus communicates through your Interface.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on July 29, 2018, 03:01:57 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

((Good luck immigrating and recovering from the car accident. Hope it all goes well.))

"Damnit, work you shoddy piece of crap!"
Give the lightning cannon some percussive maintenance. A few good whacks with a pommel should remind it to disengage and work properly.
If that doesn't work, go to emergency repair procedure #2. Just cut some wire in the charging circuit and hope it stops charging and actually fires.
Shield my face with my little wooden shield. Safety first!

"Wait, did I just tsar two things at the same time? Ha! My magic is getting better!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on July 29, 2018, 03:16:06 pm

Alan, Frustrated Princess

Alan stamps her foot. He's a princess, people are supposed to listen to him!

"Aww, but I have a really important message to deliver to Ventis! And if I don't get it to her ... well, there won't really be any immediate negative consequences on my end but I'll still be sad at having missed out on a new friend," she mumbles.

Wait, she's in disguise, he realizes. But maybe...

Is there anyone else in this hallway that could see me? If not, momentarily cast off my serving girl disguise and go full Persuasive Princess modo on these guards, possibly including my mind control venom arms if they're really stubborn. My royal status and irresistible charm should get me past them!

If they are convinced, don't go in right away - put my serving girl disguise on again before I do, if that's possible once I've taken it off. If it isn't, no big fuss, I just want to make a particular kind of surprising appearance for Ventis.

((Aye, best of luck with recovering from your whole situation, DAF.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 29, 2018, 03:20:14 pm

"This sounds dangerous, but I'm willing to do it, so Napoleon right/ what can you do?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 29, 2018, 06:56:38 pm

Kosak Durar:

"You think you're tough, dislocating my shoulder? It's been done before. Now die!"

Punch to the head. Hopefully that'll distract it enough that Kosak can chest punch it.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on July 29, 2018, 10:18:07 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

((I hope that everything pan out alright for you and that you'll get through all of this. You may even look back and consider this to be only a chapter in the story of your life!))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2018, 09:31:55 am

She sits back down on her throne and looks at you.
"Hm."
She spends a few more seconds looking at you thoughtfully.
"Very well then." she declares and stands up again.
"You will be going to the domain of one of my competitors. Do try to keep your eyes open for anything useful and you will be rewarded."
With that, she waves her arm. You blink and you are in an old-timey tavern.
"This..." she points to a shadowy humanoid being sitting at one of the tables, waving as if she is unsure of what to call it.
"...person will let you know more." she finally says, somewhat dismissively.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 21, 2018, 11:57:49 am

"Get me away from her and I'll fight the gods themselves"

"Nyan, you don't like me?" the thing complains.
The shadowman flicks his hand and the thing is thrown into the shelf behind the counter, smashing a few bottles as it does so.
"Waah, you're so mean Charlie-kun, waaah." it continues in an exaggerated manner.
The shadowman ignores her and calls you to the table. You are joined by another person you hadn't noticed before. He has a strange appearance. He's waring flash red and gold clothes, his skin is a bit too white and he wears a crown on his head.
"Kokkaku, this is Napoleon. Napoleon, this is Kokkaku. You may call me Charlie, everybody else does. And, now that the introductions are out of the way, I'll get to the meat of things."
He leans forward. Though his form is nothing but wispy shadows, you get the feeling he's looking at you.
"A while back, we sent some guys like you to find a ship that had gone missing. However it's been a while and we still have no communication from them. So the idea is we send you at their last known location, you find them, you help them do their job, you bring them back. We'll also give you a way to contact us in case things are going terribly. Sounds reasonable?"

♚The Doll Prince: A Frenchman, an Emaciated Man, and a Shadow Man Talked into a Bar...♚

"I'll be sure to do just that, ma Reine," Napoleon replied to the Queen's suggestion that he watch for anything useful. "Such things can prove useful in the right hands, after all."

Looking around the bar, Napoleon noticed the people hanging around the bar and shrugged after a moment. Had he himself not been what the dullards called a freak or haven't been exposed to so much surreal craziness already, he would've been deeply disturbed by these beings. Now, he oddly felt as if he can fit in with these strange characters. When the shadow man the Queen introduced sent a fur-less catlike creature with a human face into the bottles behind the bar with a flick of a hand, Napoleon raised an eyebrow. It seems that even as... whatever the hell these beings supposed to be, they still have to put up with each other's antics. When the shadow man motioned him and another person to sit at the table with him, Napoleon straightened up and strolled to his seat.

After introducing Napoleon and Kokkaku to each other, the shadow man, now known as Charlie, spoke of their task. Basically, it boiled down to a search and rescue mission on a ship with a bit of assistance thrown in for good measure. No doubt those incompetent plebs got themselves in a bind and thus need him to save and to guide them. Perhaps he should bring along some bibs and diapers too? However, since the Queen said that this will be his final test, perhaps he should exercise prudence as well. Who knows how hard this mission will be compared to the mansion and Queen's Tower?

When Kokkaku asked him what's his ability is, Napoleon flinched visibly once he got a good look at his face. Like a man wasting away from starvation, this... creature looked positively skeletal and could've been mistaken for undead had Napoleon not seen his chest rise and fall with every breath. However, one creature that Kokkaku resembled did came into mind:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/e/e1/Gollum_Render.png/revision/latest?cb=20141218075509)

"I can summon dolls of various shapes and sizes, Monseigneur Kokkaku," Napoleon said as he demonstrated by summoning a two feet tall doll on the table, making it change its limbs into various implements. "Like the very fingers on my hands, I can control, shape, and use some of my senses through them as they are a part of me. They serve me in various capacities, ranging from aiding me on and off the battlefield to helping you find the One Ring-"

Immediately, Napoleon sputtered as he struggled to force his train of thought to behave itself. Finally, Napoleon regained his composure and continued, "-er, I meant 'find anything you need.' Heh heh."

Eager to change the subject before he commit another faux pas, Napoleon turned back to Charlie. "Your plan seems reasonable, Monseigneur Charlie. I just have a few questions though. Do we get any weapons? I'm sure that our abilities can only be so useful. Secondly, is there more to this mission than just fetching some wayward adventurers and helping them complete their objective? The Queen did mentioned something about entering one of her competitors' domain."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on July 30, 2018, 03:54:21 am

<Get out of sight and under cover!>
Do the same myself and with the sword, which I assume one of recruits still is holding, but keep growing my flames and preparing to counterattack the airship.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on July 30, 2018, 04:14:58 am

There's no way he's going to help, out of the goodness of his heart. Still, something about the idea seems... compelling. Maybe I haven't been fully successful in suppressing optimistic thoughts. They're never helpful, but...
"...Okay, fine. There's no way that I can beat you, anyways. At least if I try trusting you, you might get a chance to kill me quickly, so that I won't have a chance to lose my hope before I die."

Lower the rifle.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on July 30, 2018, 01:44:40 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Try to circle Kosak with my eye.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on July 31, 2018, 02:43:53 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Be ready to shoot the creature if Kosak manages to throw it off.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on August 05, 2018, 10:35:18 am

((Sorry for the long lost post; thought I had it through a few days ago but apparently not x.x Also busy with RL stuff like job training, editing a book for university, etc. Taking up TONS of my time :'())

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2018, 09:31:55 am

((Normally I'd continue with your actions until combat is over or something significant happens, but I'm going to pause here to give NAV a chance to react since his actions might affect yours.))

Quote from: NAV's reaction on July 29, 2018, 03:01:57 pm

[...]
Give the lightning cannon some percussive maintenance. A few good whacks with a pommel should remind it to disengage and work properly.
If that doesn't work, go to emergency repair procedure #2. Just cut some wire in the charging circuit and hope it stops charging and actually fires.
Shield my face with my little wooden shield. Safety first![...]

Theri had her adrenalin running--lightly, perhaps, as she could tell by the "exaggerated" feelings in her that could drive not just physical but also emotional and stress reactions to be quite intense. In hindsight, she would feel glad from Nikolai's loud disruption. . .as her own actions would be quite embarrassing. As the noise turned to a more patterned tune, it was humbling in a way to have this time to see oneself, even if this instance told of more trouble than she had thought.

((If I can act for Zechariah, we're basically securing the area and perimeter, even putting rudimentary defenses for the hostages inside from oncoming fire or projectiles, even improvised slopes leaning onto their cages to bounce off grenades or provide cushion to force or broken glass would be one thing))

Quickly gather and utilize the weaponry from the disarmed soldiers in the next bit of the plan, leave the securing-of-said-soldiers to these perceptive fellows who seem too late to the party with me. I do have soldiers with me, right? Because if not, I'm leaving them corralled by and because of River.

If I can, divert the prisoners along an escape route to meet up with the previous batch of people for evacuation.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 06, 2018, 08:11:11 am

Zechariah struggled to find a balance in his use of the Shadows. The rush of power greatly aided his abilities, but he was not mentally strong enough yet to fully restrain the outpour of Shadows. He would have to limit how long he used his powers. For all he knew, he could be feeding into the dark mechanisms of the Tower. To make matters worse, his focus was threatened by the sound and force of artillery being used on the airship. The hostage rescue team was not well-equipped for a full-on assault. If they wanted to get out of there intact, they had to evacuate in the next few moments.

<Theri, River! Is the inside of the building secure? Did you take out the guards? If so, we need to leave now! Nikolai's firing the artillery and we have no idea when enemy reinforcements will arrive or if we'll get hit by debris or artillery.

If Theri or River responds affirmatively to my questions, dissipate the Shadow wall and tell the mages to secure the civilians. If there's time, test out my crystal light powers. Is it feasible to create a hardlight wall and sustain it? If so, prefer using that for defensive measures instead of the Shadow wall. If not, continue using the Shadow powers, but sparingly. If the Dark influence becomes too overpowering, refrain from using Shadow powers beyond life-saving measures, and inform the rest of the team of this.

Once the civilians are secured, evacuate.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 10:30:29 am

---

Staging Area

---

Quote from: Egan_BW on July 30, 2018, 04:14:58 am

There's no way he's going to help, out of the goodness of his heart. Still, something about the idea seems... compelling. Maybe I haven't been fully successful in suppressing optimistic thoughts. They're never helpful, but...
"...Okay, fine. There's no way that I can beat you, anyways. At least if I try trusting you, you might get a chance to kill me quickly, so that I won't have a chance to lose my hope before I die."

Lower the rifle.

"Good. Good. Now, could you kindly explain what exactly your employer wants from me? Does he simply want my suit and gun? Does he need those things right now? I could just give them to you after I'm done with my job, you know."

He is still crouched on the ground.

A civilian opens his apartment door somewhere behind you, takes a peek outside and quickly gets back in.

His two friends are going to enter the apartment soon, based on their intent. The gas has probably cleared by now.

Your hands are still somewhat numb from the gas.

Quote from: Sir Elventide on July 29, 2018, 10:18:07 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

((I hope that everything pan out alright for you and that you'll get through all of this. You may even look back and consider this to be only a chapter in the story of your life!))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2018, 09:31:55 am

She sits back down on her throne and looks at you.
"Hm."
She spends a few more seconds looking at you thoughtfully.
"Very well then." she declares and stands up again.
"You will be going to the domain of one of my competitors. Do try to keep your eyes open for anything useful and you will be rewarded."
With that, she waves her arm. You blink and you are in an old-timey tavern.
"This..." she points to a shadowy humanoid being sitting at one of the tables, waving as if she is unsure of what to call it.
"...person will let you know more." she finally says, somewhat dismissively.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on July 21, 2018, 11:57:49 am

"Get me away from her and I'll fight the gods themselves"

"Nyan, you don't like me?" the thing complains.
The shadowman flicks his hand and the thing is thrown into the shelf behind the counter, smashing a few bottles as it does so.
"Waah, you're so mean Charlie-kun, waaah." it continues in an exaggerated manner.
The shadowman ignores her and calls you to the table. You are joined by another person you hadn't noticed before. He has a strange appearance. He's waring flash red and gold clothes, his skin is a bit too white and he wears a crown on his head.
"Kokkaku, this is Napoleon. Napoleon, this is Kokkaku. You may call me Charlie, everybody else does. And, now that the introductions are out of the way, I'll get to the meat of things."
He leans forward. Though his form is nothing but wispy shadows, you get the feeling he's looking at you.
"A while back, we sent some guys like you to find a ship that had gone missing. However it's been a while and we still have no communication from them. So the idea is we send you at their last known location, you find them, you help them do their job, you bring them back. We'll also give you a way to contact us in case things are going terribly. Sounds reasonable?"

♚The Doll Prince: A Frenchman, an Emaciated Man, and a Shadow Man Talked into a Bar...♚

"I'll be sure to do just that, ma Reine," Napoleon replied to the Queen's suggestion that he watch for anything useful. "Such things can prove useful in the right hands, after all."

Looking around the bar, Napoleon noticed the people hanging around the bar and shrugged after a moment. Had he himself not been what the dullards called a freak or haven't been exposed to so much surreal craziness already, he would've been deeply disturbed by these beings. Now, he oddly felt as if he can fit in with these strange characters. When the shadow man the Queen introduced sent a fur-less catlike creature with a human face into the bottles behind the bar with a flick of a hand, Napoleon raised an eyebrow. It seems that even as... whatever the hell these beings supposed to be, they still have to put up with each other's antics. When the shadow man motioned him and another person to sit at the table with him, Napoleon straightened up and strolled to his seat.

After introducing Napoleon and Kokkaku to each other, the shadow man, now known as Charlie, spoke of their task. Basically, it boiled down to a search and rescue mission on a ship with a bit of assistance thrown in for good measure. No doubt those incompetent plebs got themselves in a bind and thus need him to save and to guide them. Perhaps he should bring along some bibs and diapers too? However, since the Queen said that this will be his final test, perhaps he should exercise prudence as well. Who knows how hard this mission will be compared to the mansion and Queen's Tower?

When Kokkaku asked him what's his ability is, Napoleon flinched visibly once he got a good look at his face. Like a man wasting away from starvation, this... creature looked positively skeletal and could've been mistaken for undead had Napoleon not seen his chest rise and fall with every breath. However, one creature that Kokkaku resembled did came into mind:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/e/e1/Gollum_Render.png/revision/latest?cb=20141218075509)

"I can summon dolls of various shapes and sizes, Monseigneur Kokkaku," Napoleon said as he demonstrated by summoning a two feet tall doll on the table, making it change its limbs into various implements. "Like the very fingers on my hands, I can control, shape, and use some of my senses through them as they are a part of me. They serve me in various capacities, ranging from aiding me on and off the battlefield to helping you find the One Ring-"

Immediately, Napoleon sputtered as he struggled to force his train of thought to behave itself. Finally, Napoleon regained his composure and continued, "-er, I meant 'find anything you need.' Heh heh."

Eager to change the subject before he commit another faux pas, Napoleon turned back to Charlie. "Your plan seems reasonable, Monseigneur Charlie. I just have a few questions though. Do we get any weapons? I'm sure that our abilities can only be so useful. Secondly, is there more to this mission than just fetching some wayward adventurers and helping them complete their objective? The Queen did mentioned something about entering one of her competitors' domain."

"Nah, no weapons, you won't need them. Besides, I'm probably doing you a favor. I've seen you use a gun, you'd be more likely to harm yourself with your shooting. If you really must have more firepower, then there were guns on the Maximus, I'm sure you'll be able to find one there. But my advice is, focus on your abilities until you get some upgrades."

"However, don't think we'll be sending you there empty handed. You'll be given special clothes for environmental protection but the best thing is, you'll be getting an Interface."
A silvery shackle appears around your arm. One side has a small circular screen with a cyan tint. It's not tight enough to be uncomfortable but somehow it manages to be impossible to remove.
"This little thing will keep track of your location and what you do. It has a shard of S-Zero inside so it can understand you, answer simple queries and perform some simple tasks. Oh, and it will let us revive you if you die, so try not to lose it." he adds that last bit as if it's not really important.

"And no, there's nothing more about this mission. I suppose it's worth mentioning that the ship you'll be going to was built and operated in a joint effort between the Dark (my team) and the Light (a... let's say competing team) and that universe might be home to an Outsider, but that shouldn't concern you. You can ask your Interface to replay the briefing (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7369582#msg7369582) if you want to know more. I did a big presentation and everything."

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

Hey man. Hope everything goes well. And really, don't worry about this game, your life is more important. Make sure to follow your doctor's advice, rest and not push yourself. Again, best of luck with everything.

Quote from: NAV on July 29, 2018, 03:01:57 pm

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on July 29, 2018, 01:42:17 pm

((Hi,

I'm really really sorry for not having been posting lately. The last few weeks I've been caught up in immigration appointments and well, this week I was involved in an unfortunate car accident and have been recovering both mentally and physically. I will try to post my action in the coming few days.
I didn't mean to have disappeared on everyone here, and I truly am sorry for that. If I am truly not able to participate temporarily in the future, I will make sure to at least notify Paris.

Hope everything is going well for all of you!))

((Good luck immigrating and recovering from the car accident. Hope it all goes well.))

"Damnit, work you shoddy piece of crap!"
Give the lightning cannon some percussive maintenance. A few good whacks with a pommel should remind it to disengage and work properly.
If that doesn't work, go to emergency repair procedure #2. Just cut some wire in the charging circuit and hope it stops charging and actually fires.
Shield my face with my little wooden shield. Safety first!

"Wait, did I just tsar two things at the same time? Ha! My magic is getting better!"

They look less like wires and more like collections of thin metal and stone pipes. Not that it matters that much at the moment.

You whack the cannon with the pommel. Nothing happens. You whack it again. You see the internals move a bit but nothing changes. Before you can do more a lightning bolt strikes right next to your position. The ground vaporizes, sending out a shockwave powerful enough to momentarily lift the cannon on one wheel. You are not strong enough to hold on, being thrown back and down the small slope.

Your try to reorient yourself. You can see blood mixed with the water surrounding you but don't feel too much pain. Your armour must have taken the brunt of the shockwave and shrapnel, leaving you mostly unnamed. Miraculously, the lightning cannon appears to still be functional. Perhaps your body shielded the most important bits?

You get up and run towards the cannon, your shield in front of your face and the sword resting above it, ready to stab. A lightning cannon blast illuminates the sky but it's way off target. You reach the cannon, take a split second to find the point the two circuits connect and then stab it. You feel a painful tingling on your arm and are forced to withdraw your blade. It looks like you jostled the connector and managed to break the connection by a centimeter or two. However it's not far enough apart, sparks are still flying between the two bits.

You insert your ice blade between the two bits, trying to use it as a lever to move them further apart. Next thing you know there's an explosion that fills your ears with ringing, a blast of heat, a moment of weightlessness and then the sound of your body hitting the ground and tumbling down the slope.

You fall unconscious.

...

"Hey! Answer me!"
The slap shocks you into consciousness. You are about to complain about the pain but a moment later you realize you have much bigger pain to worry about. You let out a few words that help you deal with the pain.
"Hey, easy now."
Someone holds you down.
"Need a potion here!"
You can't see very well but you can tell your armor is disabled.
"Finally."
A few seconds later someone brings a vial to you, full of a foul smelling liquid. She always seems to enjoy the potions she drinks. You're certain she's doing it on purpose.
"Come now."
You are forced to drink the entire thing.
"Can you still fight?"
You raise your arm to inspect the damage.

You arm is badly burnt and your fingers are bent on an unnatural angle. Your head throbs from where you hit it and your entire body aches. And yet you are still alive. The potion is slowly repairing the damaged skin but it's not doing anything for the pain.

Someone helps you to your feet.
"What do we do?"
"What happened? The airship-"
You are interrupted by the need to cough.
"It's down. The cannon blast hit it."
"Ha! Got it."
"It fell somewhere inside the town walls. You must have hit something important."
You look at the cannon. It sits on its side halfway down the slope, pieces of glowing metal littered around it. There's still a bit of charge left on its Power Stone but you're not sure if the cannon can still fire safely. Well, for a certain definition of safely, given what it did to you.

Spoiler: Updated Map (click to show/hide)

The red line represents where the cannon fired. I should had probably made it somewhat thicker.

I only have my phone with me so the best I can manage are some lines in a screenshot. Sorry.
(https://i.imgur.com/iFQoKCY.jpg)

Quote from: Lenglon on July 30, 2018, 03:54:21 am

<Get out of sight and under cover!>
Do the same myself and with the sword, which I assume one of recruits still is holding, but keep growing my flames and preparing to counterattack the airship.

You and the recruits helping you hide as close to the bottom of the slope as you can, using the Earth as cover. From there you watch Nikolai stab his ice sword into the cannon and then disappear in an explosion of steam. A moment later he is flung out of the steam and sent tumbling down the slope. At the same time the cannon fires, letting out a constantly shifting jagged line of blinding blue energy. If the airship's barrage was a series of deafening bangs, this thing is probably what a rocket sounds like, a constant stream of explosions. The cannon, which had been leaning forward due to the burst of steam, is pushed back by violent wind, causing its barrel to swing upwards. The beam carves a path through the air. It slashes through the tendrils of darkness stretching out from the tower but they appear undisturbed, quickly reforming a moment later. When the cannon ends up pointing straight up several recruits dive for cover but thankfully by that point it has run out of energy. The beam flashes a couple of times and then stops just as the cannon falls down.

Quote from: Tiruin on August 05, 2018, 10:35:18 am

((Sorry for the long lost post; thought I had it through a few days ago but apparently not x.x Also busy with RL stuff like job training, editing a book for university, etc. Taking up TONS of my time :'())

Quote from: Parisbre56 on July 29, 2018, 09:31:55 am

((Normally I'd continue with your actions until combat is over or something significant happens, but I'm going to pause here to give NAV a chance to react since his actions might affect yours.))

Quote from: NAV's reaction on July 29, 2018, 03:01:57 pm

[...]
Give the lightning cannon some percussive maintenance. A few good whacks with a pommel should remind it to disengage and work properly.
If that doesn't work, go to emergency repair procedure #2. Just cut some wire in the charging circuit and hope it stops charging and actually fires.
Shield my face with my little wooden shield. Safety first![...]

Theri had her adrenalin running--lightly, perhaps, as she could tell by the "exaggerated" feelings in her that could drive not just physical but also emotional and stress reactions to be quite intense. In hindsight, she would feel glad from Nikolai's loud disruption. . .as her own actions would be quite embarrassing. As the noise turned to a more patterned tune, it was humbling in a way to have this time to see oneself, even if this instance told of more trouble than she had thought.

((If I can act for Zechariah, we're basically securing the area and perimeter, even putting rudimentary defenses for the hostages inside from oncoming fire or projectiles, even improvised slopes leaning onto their cages to bounce off grenades or provide cushion to force or broken glass would be one thing))

Quickly gather and utilize the weaponry from the disarmed soldiers in the next bit of the plan, leave the securing-of-said-soldiers to these perceptive fellows who seem too late to the party with me. I do have soldiers with me, right? Because if not, I'm leaving them corralled by and because of River.

If I can, divert the prisoners along an escape route to meet up with the previous batch of people for evacuation.

((Happy to hear you're doing well, keep at it. :) ))

The plan was to free and arm the prisoners, so you didn't bring any extra soldiers with you to make it easier for you to sneak.

The sound of enemy cannons is overshadowed by something much brighter and louder. You don't have something to compare it to. It's the sound of a hundred thunder strikes falling in the span of a second.

You don't let it stop you. You have more pressing matters to deal with. Even as the noise still echoes, you run and gather the weapons from the incapacitated soldiers, throwing them away in a corner of the room to make sure they don't try anything stupid. At the same time River takes care of the last soldier standing and moves to threaten any who try to move.

((Keep reading DarkArtemisFowl's part.))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 06, 2018, 08:11:11 am

Zechariah struggled to find a balance in his use of the Shadows. The rush of power greatly aided his abilities, but he was not mentally strong enough yet to fully restrain the outpour of Shadows. He would have to limit how long he used his powers. For all he knew, he could be feeding into the dark mechanisms of the Tower. To make matters worse, his focus was threatened by the sound and force of artillery being used on the airship. The hostage rescue team was not well-equipped for a full-on assault. If they wanted to get out of there intact, they had to evacuate in the next few moments.

<Theri, River! Is the inside of the building secure? Did you take out the guards? If so, we need to leave now! Nikolai's firing the artillery and we have no idea when enemy reinforcements will arrive or if we'll get hit by debris or artillery.

If Theri or River responds affirmatively to my questions, dissipate the Shadow wall and tell the mages to secure the civilians. If there's time, test out my crystal light powers. Is it feasible to create a hardlight wall and sustain it? If so, prefer using that for defensive measures instead of the Shadow wall. If not, continue using the Shadow powers, but sparingly. If the Dark influence becomes too overpowering, refrain from using Shadow powers beyond life-saving measures, and inform the rest of the team of this.

Once the civilians are secured, evacuate.

You don't think there's enough light around to really make anything too large and the Dark magic fallout certainly isn't helping. There are flashes of light from the airship's lightning cannons but they don't last long enough to be useful.

Suddenly the entire world is blindingly bright, every detail visible. A flickering jagged beam of blinding energy explodes from the direction of your camp and slashes across the ground, exploding and setting the roofs of buildings on fire, before rising through the air to strike at the airship. The beam splits and bends around the airship, some sort of defense mechanism probably. A moment later the defence collapses, letting the beam through and allowing it to blow several holes on the back of the ship. The beam keeps rising until it's pointing straight up at the sky, when it finally flickers and dies. The airship starts slowly falling, leaving a trail of smoke behind it. Ok then.

Theri says the inside is reasonably secure, so you and the mages move in and help restrain the soldiers before any of them can recover and try anything. As you work, you hear the airship crash somewhere nearby, a loud crash as the Earth rumbles. You ignore it and keep working, moving to open the cages and let the prisoners out.

Most of them are shocked. They still haven't finished processing what they just witnessed. You think they can't yet believe they're free. Some hug you or fall on their knees to thank you, others run to check on their friends, others have to be restrained so that they do not commit unnecessary acts of violence on the incapacitated soldiers.

You tell them that now is not the time for revenge. They need to focus on helping each other. Those willing and able to fight should pick up a weapon and armor and stand ready to defend this area from enemy reinforcements. The rest should focusing on getting out of here, carrying those to weak or injured to do so on their own.

The plan was to get out of here the same way you came in, through the Eastern wall. You could also use the Eastern gate, since you already sent the women and children there. Whatever you do, you should do it now. Enemy reinforcements are probably already on their way.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on July 29, 2018, 03:16:06 pm

Alan, Frustrated Princess

Alan stamps her foot. He's a princess, people are supposed to listen to him!

"Aww, but I have a really important message to deliver to Ventis! And if I don't get it to her ... well, there won't really be any immediate negative consequences on my end but I'll still be sad at having missed out on a new friend," she mumbles.

Wait, she's in disguise, he realizes. But maybe...

Is there anyone else in this hallway that could see me? If not, momentarily cast off my serving girl disguise and go full Persuasive Princess modo on these guards, possibly including my mind control venom arms if they're really stubborn. My royal status and irresistible charm should get me past them!

If they are convinced, don't go in right away - put my serving girl disguise on again before I do, if that's possible once I've taken it off. If it isn't, no big fuss, I just want to make a particular kind of surprising appearance for Ventis.

((Aye, best of luck with recovering from your whole situation, DAF.))

The guards are understandably shocked by your sudden transformation.
"Uh- Ah- Princess Alayne! Uh- Ma'am! I'm terribly sorry! I had no idea it was you! I'll announce you right way!" one says, grovelling as best as he can.
He bangs the armoured door a couple of times with his gauntlet to grab the attention of the people in the bridge.
"Open up! Open up right away!"
A slit opens on the door and a pair of eyes stare out of it. Judging by the helmet surrounding them, it's another guard.
"What is it?" he asks.
"We need to let her in! Right away!" the guard responds, pointing back at you.
"Why? What's so important about an ugly servant girl?"
The outside guard tries to process that statement for a couple of seconds before looking back at you and noticing you have transformed back into a (slightly displeased-looking) servant girl.
"Eh- Ah- Well, you see..." the guard stammers, trying to figure out what he should say.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on July 29, 2018, 06:56:38 pm

Kosak Durar:

"You think you're tough, dislocating my shoulder? It's been done before. Now die!"

Punch to the head. Hopefully that'll distract it enough that Kosak can chest punch it.

You try to punch the thing to the Head but you just can't reach it from where you are. Before it can try to attack you again, you are both hit by Brian's dark vortex. It feels like someone grabbed you, dipped you into cold mud and spun you around until you felt like puking. You can still sense things, you can still see the world around you, but there is a layer of cold noise that confuses your senses. You feel the creature flailing at you and you flail at it in turn, but neither of you manage to do more than delivery some awkward slaps.

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: Zormod on July 30, 2018, 01:44:40 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Try to circle Kosak with my eye.

You englobe Kosak and the creature with your eye. Erm... That's the same as circle, right?

((Keep reading.))

Quote from: DreamerGhost on July 31, 2018, 02:43:53 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Be ready to shoot the creature if Kosak manages to throw it off.

You try to keep the creature in your sights but you are unable to get a clear shot. The creature keeps clinging on Kosak, despite clearly being disoriented by Brian's attack.

Luckily, it is at this time that Icarus arrives, flying through the corridors with his golden wings. He rushes towards Kosak and punches the creature, knocking the two out of Brian's vortex. Kosak recovers first, wiggling around to deliver another punch and send the creature flying away from him. Svajoklis tracks the creature as it floats through the air and shoots one of its arms off and sending the creature spinning further away. He shoots again and finally manages to blow a hole through its centre of mass, destroying the machines located there.
"Hi! Are you all well?" he asks merrily.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on August 09, 2018, 10:45:43 am

<Good, now they can't fire upon us from above. Stick with me into my flames, and fotm a spearwall. A large shadowcreature is incoming and we don't want to fight a shadowcreature within shadows.>
I have not forgotten the heavy assault flyer shadowbeast that is incoming on our position. I continue growing my flames but abandon hiding in shadows from a shadowthing, instead moving to the eye of my fires and pay attention to how they feel, ready for the disruptions in them that would be evidence of incoming threats.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on August 09, 2018, 11:07:54 am

"I don't even know. Just said that you were looking for something, and that I should get it before you do. I'm guessing that's what the diving suits and drilling equipment was for."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 11:33:50 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on August 09, 2018, 11:07:54 am

"I don't even know. Just said that you were looking for something, and that I should get it before you do. I'm guessing that's what the diving suits and drilling equipment was for."

"Hm. I see. Tell you what. Take the suit's computer to your employer. They'll be able to read my destination from there. Then, if they are good enough, they can get there before me. Sounds good?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 09, 2018, 05:50:49 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Got a dislocated shoulder, whatever the heck that bit of sorcery did to me, a good few bruises... eh, I've had worse."

Kosak pops his shoulder back into place.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 06:12:50 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 09, 2018, 10:45:43 am

<Good, now they can't fire upon us from above. Stick with me into my flames, and fotm a spearwall. A large shadowcreature is incoming and we don't want to fight a shadowcreature within shadows.>
I have not forgotten the heavy assault flyer shadowbeast that is incoming on our position. I continue growing my flames but abandon hiding in shadows from a shadowthing, instead moving to the eye of my fires and pay attention to how they feel, ready for the disruptions in them that would be evidence of incoming threats.

((I assume NAV will also want info on this, so let's just go ahead and do that.))

"You heard the lady! Move out!"
You command the men assisting you to get out of cover and advance to form a defensive line. They obey, quickly forming up and advancing towards the top of the slope. One of them holds your Sword in front of him, holding it high from the guard, reminding one of a standard bearer. All of them bear torches and other burning weapons, illuminating a great circle around you, giving you ample fire to work with.

The moment you reach the top of the slope you spot the monster rushing towards you. It's already halfway to your position. Now that it is closer you can better make out its body. It's made out of thick strands of material that can move and readjust their position. Their motions aren't fluid, rather they snap from one position to the next, branching off or intertwining to form shapes, limbs. It doesn't look fleshy, it reminds you more of the texture of stone or wood.

The dark tangle of strands is moving towards you with incredible speed. It's not running, it's... you're not really sure how you would describe it. Crawling might be the closest description, crawling like an insect. It continually twists its mass around, absorbing old limbs and forming new ones, constantly pulling itself forward. It brings to mind a spinning wheel or perhaps a tank tread. This continuous motion is what allows it to maintain such speed. It's going to be upon you in less than a minute.

The men are clearly nervous. You can see some of them look around them, as if they're weighing their options.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on August 09, 2018, 06:29:53 pm

Finally. a chance to make some proper art. It can probably juke to the sides and change direction really well, so might as well not bother with attacks that can be dodged properly anyway.
A visual of the type of attack pattern Irine is going to be using. (https://youtu.be/PWeH_CcTq_8?t=8m19s)
Send forth my flames to form a large (horizontal) ring around the target, and emit waves of flame from the ring that crosses within and around it and are then regathered on the other side to be returned once more.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 09, 2018, 07:52:42 pm

((Had I mentioned that it's hard to find your link due to it being the same color as Charlie's words?))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 10:30:29 am

"Nah, no weapons, you won't need them. Besides, I'm probably doing you a favor. I've seen you use a gun, you'd be more likely to harm yourself with your shooting. If you really must have more firepower, then there were guns on the Maximus, I'm sure you'll be able to find one there. But my advice is, focus on your abilities until you get some upgrades."

"However, don't think we'll be sending you there empty handed. You'll be given special clothes for environmental protection but the best thing is, you'll be getting an Interface."
A silvery shackle appears around your arm. One side has a small circular screen with a cyan tint. It's not tight enough to be uncomfortable but somehow it manages to be impossible to remove.
"This little thing will keep track of your location and what you do. It has a shard of S-Zero inside so it can understand you, answer simple queries and perform some simple tasks. Oh, and it will let us revive you if you die, so try not to lose it." he adds that last bit as if it's not really important.

"And no, there's nothing more about this mission. I suppose it's worth mentioning that the ship you'll be going to was built and operated in a joint effort between the Dark (my team) and the Light (a... let's say competing team) and that universe might be home to an Outsider, but that shouldn't concern you. You can ask your Interface to replay the briefing (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7369582#msg7369582) if you want to know more. I did a big presentation and everything."

♚The Doll Prince: Beam Me Up Charlie!♚

Ignoring Charlie's remark about his level of skill with firearms, Napoleon peered over the bracelet wrapped around his right arm. Personally, he'd prefer a nice, sharp and durable rapier to a pistol any day of the week and exploring the limits of his ability and pushing them seems like a better bet anyway. Based on what the shadow man said, the bracelet is useful for providing him with information and well as keeping track of his movements and actions, pretty much like a prisoner of sorts. Nevertheless, he'll deal with that later once he gets accustomed to this madness. Besides, this beats spending over two centuries trying to earn a living in a world that became less familiar to him with each passing decade.

When Charlie mentioned the environmental suits the both of them will wear, Napoleon hoped he will be able to wear them over his clothes. Otherwise, the magic that made him who he is today would simply morph them into his daily costume. The bit about the Light, the Dark, and the possible Outsider; however, intrigued him. Who are these entities? Are they deities or just some super-empowered mortal beings? Which team is the Queen a part of? What is truly special about this incident that two opposing teams would band together to send a ship through someone else's territory, only to mount a rescue mission to save said ship from whatever disaster that befell it? Perhaps this 'interface' will tell him more.

"I wonder if the Queen is a part of Team Light or Team Dark," Napoleon muttered to himself before turning back to Charlie. "Very well, Monseigneur Charlie, I'll help rescue and aid your adventurers."

Unsummoning the doll, he then continued. "So, what's the weather forecast for this mission? Will we be expecting calm seas or will we have to brave a hurricane?"

Onward to the mission!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on August 10, 2018, 04:24:25 pm

Nikolai briefly considers just how lucky he was that the cannon actually hit the airship, nothing hit the people they were trying to rescue, and he wasn't exploded even worse. But he's still alive and there's a shadow monster to deal with.

"I hope that thing can burn."

Join the recruits in their defensive formation, seeing their wounded commander standing tall next to them should bolster morale.

Tsar a signaller, order a recruit to shoot it at the monster. Even if it misses it'll give Irene a lot of ammo to work with.

Order someone to load an explosive bolt into the crossbow and shoot that at the monster too.

Do I still have my Ice blade or did I lose it in the explosion?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 12, 2018, 07:30:25 am

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: NAV on August 10, 2018, 04:24:25 pm

Nikolai briefly considers just how lucky he was that the cannon actually hit the airship, nothing hit the people they were trying to rescue, and he wasn't exploded even worse. But he's still alive and there's a shadow monster to deal with.

"I hope that thing can burn."

Join the recruits in their defensive formation, seeing their wounded commander standing tall next to them should bolster morale.

Tsar a signaller, order a recruit to shoot it at the monster. Even if it misses it'll give Irene a lot of ammo to work with.

Order someone to load an explosive bolt into the crossbow and shoot that at the monster too.

Do I still have my Ice blade or did I lose it in the explosion?

Your ice blade is not with you. You don't know if it's been destroyed or merely thrown out of your hand. You don't see it with a quick look and you don't have time to search for it, not if you want to join your men before that thing reaches them.

You order the crossbow operators to move up the slope as you reach into the supplies and grab a signaler with your good arm. That done you run to join Irine and the rest of the men in the defensive line.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 09, 2018, 06:29:53 pm

Finally. a chance to make some proper art. It can probably juke to the sides and change direction really well, so might as well not bother with attacks that can be dodged properly anyway.
A visual of the type of attack pattern Irine is going to be using. (https://youtu.be/PWeH_CcTq_8?t=8m19s)
Send forth my flames to form a large (horizontal) ring around the target, and emit waves of flame from the ring that crosses within and around it and are then regathered on the other side to be returned once more.

Solar Sect of Mystic Wisdom ~ Nuclear Fusion (GaMetal arrangement) (http://www.jonnyatma.com/solar-sect-of-mystic-wisdom-nuclear-fusion/)

You send out the fire you've been gathering in a stream, moving it to encircle the approaching monster. You maintain a link to the fiery ring, constantly feeding it with the fire being produced around you, even as you begin your attack. You send several waves towards it. The fire meets resistance but you manage to push through it. With the light of your flames it becomes apparent that the creature is made out of intertwined branches of dark wood that has a thick covering of moss in places. The wood appears wet, alive. Maybe even too wet, rotten. And it's constantly moving, running through the chilly night air with its staggering, jerking motions, pulling its limbs into its centre of mass and pulling new limbs out. That combined with whatever Dark magic it's using makes it very hard for it to catch on fire, glowing red spots on it appearing and then quickly disappearing. Still, the damage adds up. You can make out charred branches getting flung away as it twists its limbs around.

A few seconds before the monster reaches the base of the slope, Nikolai's men launch their own attacks. One fires an oversized signaler at it, launching a ball of flame at its general direction. The strike isn't accurate enough, it goes sideways and lands in front of the monster which is easily able to twist away and evade it. At least you are able to use most of the fire from the explosion and add it to your supply. At the same time a pair of them use a crossbow to fire one of the explosive bolts the alchemist had prepared. It lands in front of the monster, exploding into a ball of fire and dirt.

The monster stumbles and falls. It keeps its momentum, tumbling through the dust and up the slope for a few meters. It loses its consistency and unfolds, spreading itself on the ground. You attack, trying to hit it now that its surface area is maximized, sending a great wave of fireballs to it. When the wave recedes, there's only a few still-twitching burning branches left sticking out of the side of the slope.

Some of the men celebrate but you are not so sure. You felt almost no resistance. It couldn't had died that easily, not unless the bolt hit something vital.
<It's hiding below! Guard yourself!> the sword warns you.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 09, 2018, 05:50:49 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Got a dislocated shoulder, whatever the heck that bit of sorcery did to me, a good few bruises... eh, I've had worse."

Kosak pops his shoulder back into place.

Despite the lack of gravity making it hard to use your weight to aid you, you manage to expertly pop your shoulder back into place.

"Good! So the plan is to continue the attack and clear this place of monsters, right?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on August 12, 2018, 12:15:31 pm

<It burrowed and will attack from underground! look out!>
I pull my flames back, forming an overhead plane of flame just a little over head-height, not impedeing our mobility but having flame available for quick-response the instant the creature surfaces. the MOMENT it comes out, I'm nailing it with fire. And I do suspect I'll be playing whack-a-mole more than once vs this thing.
to the sword: <I don't have physical defenses, nor a way to fly off the ground or make a elevated platform for us to stand on! Do you have a plan or suggestion?>

---

Edit: Get on Nik's shield!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 12, 2018, 02:14:50 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"The monsters are a hazard, but ultimately not that important. We need to capture the guy ordering them about, he should know something about what happened here. Icarus, can you tell any more precisely where he is now that you're closer?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on August 12, 2018, 02:23:15 pm

"SHIELD!"
Take the first shield offered to me, slam it onto the ground and tsar it to make a large armoured platform for everyone to stand on.
"Get on!"

"Sword!"
Wield the first sword offered to me.

"I knew it wouldn't go down that easily. Give it more fire!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 12, 2018, 04:25:29 pm

Kosak Durar, Monster-Puncher:

"Tell you what, I can punch the monsters, you can punch the guy making them. Sound good?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on August 12, 2018, 04:55:02 pm

Alayne, Really goes To Extra Lengths To Prepare A Surprise

Alan struts up to the door like a mildly incontinent peacock. "For your information, I am a solid 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419... out of 7. But that's not important, what's important is that I have an important message from the Princess. What princess, you say? I think you know what princess. Capital P Princess! She of the strange temperament and erratic behavior, our Sovereign's favored royal. She sent me with a really important message for Mage Ventis and she said that if I didn't get it to Ventis quickly then she'd know and appear suddenly to do the worst thing in the history of the infinite multiverse:

Bad improv comedy.

Now I don't know about you, but I'd rather not accidentally be responsible for this airship crashing because she commandeered all the staff to listen to her pretending to be other people she's telling knock knock jokes to. It's a short message anyhow, I'll be outta your helmet licketysplit."

Invoke my princess identity's authority and imply that Alayne is somehow watching over me (which I technically am, being her).

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on August 13, 2018, 02:36:45 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

"Sounds good to me."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on August 23, 2018, 06:43:20 am

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 12, 2018, 12:15:31 pm

<It burrowed and will attack from underground! look out!>
I pull my flames back, forming an overhead plane of flame just a little over head-height, not impedeing our mobility but having flame available for quick-response the instant the creature surfaces. the MOMENT it comes out, I'm nailing it with fire. And I do suspect I'll be playing whack-a-mole more than once vs this thing.
to the sword: <I don't have physical defenses, nor a way to fly off the ground or make a elevated platform for us to stand on! Do you have a plan or suggestion?>

---

Edit: Get on Nik's shield!

<We can create defenses against physical attacks and dispel Dark magic if necessary, but we can't protect everyone here.>

<While it is below us, it has the advantage. You may be able to inconvenience it by covering the ground with fire, but it will simply retreat deeper and find another way to hurt you. However, it is unable to move quickly in this state. It might be best to simply run away. If it resurfaces, you can attack it directly. If it doesn't, you have time to lay some kind of trap for it.>

Quote from: NAV on August 12, 2018, 02:23:15 pm

"SHIELD!"
Take the first shield offered to me, slam it onto the ground and tsar it to make a large armoured platform for everyone to stand on.
"Get on!"

"Sword!"
Wield the first sword offered to me.

"I knew it wouldn't go down that easily. Give it more fire!"

Lune offers you his shield. You catch it with your one good hand and push it against the ground before pouring your energy into it. In your panic, perhaps you overdo it a bit. The thing expands until it looks more like the floor of a room, if floors were usually made out of woode, metal and leather. It shifts for a few seconds as it tries to settle its weight on the top of the slope, pushing dirt out of the way and causing you to struggle to keep your balance.

Already ready to dodge, all of the men manage to jump out of the way and on the shield before it crushes them, though the ones closest to you end up losing their balance and stumbling as they try to right themselves. Irine is not so lucky. The shield hits her as she tries to jump on it, slamming against her chest and pushing her back. She is thrown away, rolling a bit before coming to a stop. She tries to open her eyes but doing so makes her want to vomit. She tries to get up, moving her tail in confusion but is unable to maintain her balance and falls to her side,  She can't really sense the world so she's unable to use the fire she's gathered but she manages prevent it from dissipating with some effort (not that she can see that, but she hopes). One of the more quick thinking men jumps down from the shield, grabs Irine and carries her back up to the shield.

Meanwhile, the creature continues slowly moving just below the surface. You can see the ground rise and fall as the countless roots worm their way through the ground, you can smell its rotten scent as it escapes through the shifting earth. As it makes its way below the enlarged shield, it scrapes and strikes against it, making it reverberate with a foul noise. It stays there for a few seconds, merely making noise. You aren't sure if it's investigating or merely trying to demoralize you, but it's not pleasent.

"The floor is lava and the air is fire." you mutter.
"Great."

After a few seconds the creature's limbs rise out of the ground around the shield, quickly wrapping themselves around its edge. The men jump back in fear and swing their swords and torches, but you don't pay too much attention. The moment it wraps itself around the shield, you realize the attack is directed against you.

You knew you had at least some connection with the objects you Tsared, it's what allows you to un-Tsar them in the first place, however you hadn't really thought about it, certainly didn't think about it as something you owned. However that's exactly what you think about when you feel its attack. These connections are yours. And it's trying to steal one of them from you. Despite your surprise, you manage to hold on to it through sheer willpower.

"Strike it! Get it off!"

The men chop the branches with their swords and stab them with their torches, cutting pieces off and pushing them away from the shield. The branches retreat back into the ground and you feel the attack fading. However the creature doesn't lose time. A few seconds later you feel one side of the shield start to rise, the monster pulling itself together and raising it like a giant car jack, threatening to flip you or push you down the slope. But by that point Irine has managed to regain her senses enough to be able to launch an attack against it. She stabs a stream of fire below the shield, causing the creature to let go of it and quickly retreat below ground. She can't see it but she gets the feeling she got a good chunk of it with that.

The shield rotates back and forth a bit as it resettles, then there is a terrible moment where it simply leans on one side, unmoving and then the earth below it gives way and it starts sliding downhill, rotating slightly. It only slides for a dozen metres before it is stopped by friction. You can no longer see the town from here, it's hidden behind the slope, but that's the least of your worries at the moment. What's more worrying is that a couple of men fell off the shield while it was moving around.

The monster wastes no time, its limbs blindly stabbing out of the earth to get them. One of them is stabbed through the leg, falling and screaming in pain. The branch wraps around his leg and starts pulling him into the ground. The other raises his sword to deflect a rising branch but it instead curls around the sword, trying to pull it away. He struggles for a second before another branch rises out of the earth, impaling him through the chest and raising him into the air. The men around you gasp and curse, some of them look away, too horrified by what they're seeing.

((I kept rolling since I think I got your intentions from your actions.))

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 12, 2018, 04:55:02 pm

Alayne, Really goes To Extra Lengths To Prepare A Surprise

Alan struts up to the door like a mildly incontinent peacock. "For your information, I am a solid 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419... out of 7. But that's not important, what's important is that I have an important message from the Princess. What princess, you say? I think you know what princess. Capital P Princess! She of the strange temperament and erratic behavior, our Sovereign's favored royal. She sent me with a really important message for Mage Ventis and she said that if I didn't get it to Ventis quickly then she'd know and appear suddenly to do the worst thing in the history of the infinite multiverse:

Bad improv comedy.

Now I don't know about you, but I'd rather not accidentally be responsible for this airship crashing because she commandeered all the staff to listen to her pretending to be other people she's telling knock knock jokes to. It's a short message anyhow, I'll be outta your helmet licketysplit."

Invoke my princess identity's authority and imply that Alayne is somehow watching over me (which I technically am, being her).

((Alayne is as sweet as a π))

The guard in the bridge stares at you through the slit.
The guard outside the bridge makes frantinc gestures to the one inside.
The guard inside the bridge makes the quivelant of a shrug with his eyes before closing the slit and unlocking the door.
You wink at the outside guard and make your way inside, the guard closing and locking the door behind you.
"Right, in and out, give your message quick, no touching anything, ya hear?" the guard instructs you as he escorts you through a  small hallway, only a couple of metres long.
You nod placatingly as he pulls the inner door open.

The inside of the bridge is quite marvelous. You see, the cheapest airships have their bridge crew exposed to the winds, using their eyes to spot things and judge the best course. Most high-end airships, the ones with an armoured bridge, rely on a combination of spotters and periscopes to give their captains situational awareness. Some of the more expensive ones even have a small enchantment or two to give the navigator a clue about what's going on. An aquarium with water deforming in the shape of the surrounding terrain, self-drawing mini-maps, stuff like that. However, compared to this bridge, all others pale in comparison. Looks like what they said is true. It is a miracle, a wonder worthy of the artifacts the old masters used to make. You wouldn't be surprised if you found out it's actually powered by a powerful ancient artifact.

Through the open door is a wall of colourful fog. You pass through it and find yourself, for lack of a better description, floating amongst dark clouds. The fog seems to fall from the top of the room and form a dome over it, crawl against the walls and then acummulate on the bottom, obscuring the floor. As you and the guard walk the fog opens up around your feet, revealing a small path for you to walk on. As you look around you notice that the fog moves around constantly, as if blown by unseen wind currents. The movement brings different coloured fog to the fore which paints a picture of the outside world, allowing the crew to view their surroundings as if there were no walls between them and it. In fact, you can see better from here then from when you were standing outside. It manages to somehow provide illumination, the moon appearing bright in the sky.

The bridge crew and their workstations are arranged amphitheatrically, the fog making them look as if their floating in the air. The bottom row is taken up by two men with their hands reaching into a glowing workstation (mages, probably) flanked by two men with steering wheels on their workstations and maps arranged next to them (navigators, probably). Then there is a single mage flanked by two men with various levers and speaking tubes at their disposal. Then there is the captain, his hat and fancy suit a dead givaway. Finally there are two more crewmen at the top surrounded by periscopes and speaking tubes (spotters probably). There are probably other workstatiosn hidden behind the fog, you watch as the fog wall parts and a crewman moves through the room, making his way to the other side.

The captain looks towards you and the guard and makes an inquiring gesture.
"Captain Smith, Sir! This girl says she has an urgent message for Master Ventis!" the guard declares, his boredom disappearing in the face of authority.
Captain Smith makes a defferential gesture towards Ventis.
"What is it?"  Ventis asks with irritation clear in his voice.
"I am connected with the Itano's flow, keeping a dozen ritch Lords from getting blown off their feet and plummeting to their death. This is a delicate process that cannot well afford any more interruptions!" he pronounces that last bit slowly, as if explaining something to a child or someone who has asked them a hundred times already.
"This girl says she has a message from Princess Alayne, sir." the guard says, cowering even more than when he was speaking to the Captain.
Ventis doesn't looks surprised by this, merely thoughtful.
"Maintain the bubble, I shan't be long." he says to the other two mages before turning to look at you.
"Hm. So what is this message?" he asks, watching you closely.

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 12, 2018, 02:14:50 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"The monsters are a hazard, but ultimately not that important. We need to capture the guy ordering them about, he should know something about what happened here."

"Ah, of course, you're right! Defeat the villain so that he will tell us why he did it. That's a much better plan!"
For a moment you think he might be mocking you, but there's such joy and genuine enthusiasm on his face that you're certain he's being serious.

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 12, 2018, 02:14:50 pm

"Icarus, can you tell any more precisely where he is now that you're closer?"

"His signal is coming from down the end of this hall, through the administration office and into the Head Doctor's personal lab. If he's not there, then he's probably got a wired connection from a nearby room."

Icarus makes his way to the room with the cryostasis pods. He taps the screen of one of them, navigating the menu to check their status.
"They're still alive. And the batteries look OK. Even if we lose power they should be fine for a few days at the very least. Plenty of time for us to rescue them."
He floats slightly higher, peeking into the pod.
"Still makes me wonder why they put them in there though. The logs say the pods were giving them a non-standard nano-treatment. Low-level molecular work by the looks of it..."

He realigns his wings and makes his way to the other exit of the room.
"It's unlocked. There's..."
He closes his eyes for a second, as if he's trying to catch a faint noise.
"There's three of the small ones with the many arms on the other side. And a large one."

You're about to say something when there's a clatter of metal hiting metal. What can best be described as a coffin on wheels rolls into the room. The thing hisses and opens, releasing steam into the air. You get ready for a fight... and then a strange person comes out on shaky legs, wearing a crown and holding an old flip-phone.
"Uh... Phonecall for a mister Icarus?"
Icarus picks up the phone, listens for a second and then hands it back to him.
"Glad to have you with us! Everyone, meet Napoleon, he's here to help!"

Quote from: Sir Elventide on August 09, 2018, 07:52:42 pm

((Had I mentioned that it's hard to find your link due to it being the same color as Charlie's words?))

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 10:30:29 am

"Nah, no weapons, you won't need them. Besides, I'm probably doing you a favor. I've seen you use a gun, you'd be more likely to harm yourself with your shooting. If you really must have more firepower, then there were guns on the Maximus, I'm sure you'll be able to find one there. But my advice is, focus on your abilities until you get some upgrades."

"However, don't think we'll be sending you there empty handed. You'll be given special clothes for environmental protection but the best thing is, you'll be getting an Interface."
A silvery shackle appears around your arm. One side has a small circular screen with a cyan tint. It's not tight enough to be uncomfortable but somehow it manages to be impossible to remove.
"This little thing will keep track of your location and what you do. It has a shard of S-Zero inside so it can understand you, answer simple queries and perform some simple tasks. Oh, and it will let us revive you if you die, so try not to lose it." he adds that last bit as if it's not really important.

"And no, there's nothing more about this mission. I suppose it's worth mentioning that the ship you'll be going to was built and operated in a joint effort between the Dark (my team) and the Light (a... let's say competing team) and that universe might be home to an Outsider, but that shouldn't concern you. You can ask your Interface to replay the briefing (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7369582#msg7369582) if you want to know more. I did a big presentation and everything."

♚The Doll Prince: Beam Me Up Charlie!♚

Ignoring Charlie's remark about his level of skill with firearms, Napoleon peered over the bracelet wrapped around his right arm. Personally, he'd prefer a nice, sharp and durable rapier to a pistol any day of the week and exploring the limits of his ability and pushing them seems like a better bet anyway. Based on what the shadow man said, the bracelet is useful for providing him with information and well as keeping track of his movements and actions, pretty much like a prisoner of sorts. Nevertheless, he'll deal with that later once he gets accustomed to this madness. Besides, this beats spending over two centuries trying to earn a living in a world that became less familiar to him with each passing decade.

When Charlie mentioned the environmental suits the both of them will wear, Napoleon hoped he will be able to wear them over his clothes. Otherwise, the magic that made him who he is today would simply morph them into his daily costume. The bit about the Light, the Dark, and the possible Outsider; however, intrigued him. Who are these entities? Are they deities or just some super-empowered mortal beings? Which team is the Queen a part of? What is truly special about this incident that two opposing teams would band together to send a ship through someone else's territory, only to mount a rescue mission to save said ship from whatever disaster that befell it? Perhaps this 'interface' will tell him more.

"I wonder if the Queen is a part of Team Light or Team Dark," Napoleon muttered to himself before turning back to Charlie. "Very well, Monseigneur Charlie, I'll help rescue and aid your adventurers."

Unsummoning the doll, he then continued. "So, what's the weather forecast for this mission? Will we be expecting calm seas or will we have to brave a hurricane?"

Onward to the mission!

((Ah, is it? Is this a browser issue? Because it looks fine on Firefox. FAKEEDIT: Oh, wait, you mean you're using the light skin, right? I've been using darkling for so long I almost forgot what the forums look without it.))

"Hah! Her? She's neither. She's the 'Queen' of the Silver, though we do have some... debates about the matter, to put it lightly. As for the weather... I guess you'll find out, won't you?" he adds with a laugh.
He snaps his fingers and shadowfire rises out of the ground, its flames surrounding you in a cage of darkness. A second later the flames recede and you find yourself in what could best be described as a padded coffin. Before you have time to panic, Charlie's head pokes through the wall.
"Ah! Almost forgot!"
He tosses you a flip-phone.
"There's a kid named Icarus there. Be a dear and put him on, will you?"
Roger also pokes her head through the wall and looks at Charlie.
"You should had told him to ask for last name Nass, first name Ama."
"Eh, I liked my joke better."
"No respect for the classics." Roger complains as Charlie drags him out.

And then you're off and for a few minutes there's nothing but tumbling around. Then there's nothing for a few more minutes, giving you some time to calm down. Just as you are starting to get bored, the thing unexpectedly throws you against a wall and starts tumbling again. You feel the clang of metal hitting upon metal and then the box begins vibrating on top of tumbling around. You're starting to think this is just another test or maybe just some sick torture when it finally stops and the lid opens.

You crawl out, eager to get as far away from the thing as possible. Outside you are greeted by four men in black unigorms that match yours. One is holding a shotgun and has a book dangling from his waist, one has a dark vortex floating above him, one is a stereotypical dwarf and one is a boy with golden rectangular metal plates floating behind him, forming wings.

This room is filled with large cylinders, a thin layer of frost clinging on them. Maybe some sort of freezer? You're so disoriented by the constant flipping around it takes you a few seconds to realize you're not feeling the pull of gravity.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Tiruin on August 23, 2018, 08:01:59 am

((This is extremely annoying. I made a post and it didn't go through? Ugh. Between the prevalent rain 24/7 for a week now, and the constant power outages, and landslides in my area, and other many annoyances, just gah this internet.))

What should've been (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7827279#msg7827279) was that me and Zech (as I typed an optional 'if DAF is unable to post, perhaps act this') would continue with the plan--since we know the location of a crash site, our next objective is to seize the momentum of the moment and continue with the plan while perhaps using the enemy's confusion in hitting the morale of their reinforcements. By 'confusion', I mean they're expecting to reinforce, and they're not focused on defending against being taken by surprise.

So the action in brief was "Continue with the plan, however Theri and any other suitable mages [or...however seems better in this situation] will try and blockade our escape route and ensure we're safe from even the skies as we regroup our numbers back together. If we can spot any useful ordnance along the way and retake or capture enemy supplies or resources, that'd be great too!

((Love your writing Parisbre :3 I'm just grumpy because of external issues))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on August 23, 2018, 02:10:29 pm

uhh
I'm totally still here, btw! I just had very little idea how to react to what's happening here.
I guess that means that Fe is currently just staring at this guy, stunned. Trying to figure out if that would actually work, I suppose..

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 23, 2018, 03:37:06 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on August 09, 2018, 10:30:29 am

((Ah, is it? Is this a browser issue? Because it looks fine on Firefox. FAKEEDIT: Oh, wait, you mean you're using the light skin, right? I've been using darkling for so long I almost forgot what the forums look without it.))

"Hah! Her? She's neither. She's the 'Queen' of the Silver, though we do have some... debates about the matter, to put it lightly. As for the weather... I guess you'll find out, won't you?" he adds with a laugh.
He snaps his fingers and shadowfire rises out of the ground, its flames surrounding you in a cage of darkness. A second later the flames recede and you find yourself in what could best be described as a padded coffin. Before you have time to panic, Charlie's head pokes through the wall.
"Ah! Almost forgot!"
He tosses you a flip-phone.
"There's a kid named Icarus there. Be a dear and put him on, will you?"
Roger also pokes her head through the wall and looks at Charlie.
"You should had told him to ask for last name Nass, first name Ama."
"Eh, I liked my joke better."
"No respect for the classics." Roger complains as Charlie drags him out.

And then you're off and for a few minutes there's nothing but tumbling around. Then there's nothing for a few more minutes, giving you some time to calm down. Just as you are starting to get bored, the thing unexpectedly throws you against a wall and starts tumbling again. You feel the clang of metal hitting upon metal and then the box begins vibrating on top of tumbling around. You're starting to think this is just another test or maybe just some sick torture when it finally stops and the lid opens.

You crawl out, eager to get as far away from the thing as possible. Outside you are greeted by four men in black unigorms that match yours. One is holding a shotgun and has a book dangling from his waist, one has a dark vortex floating above him, one is a stereotypical dwarf and one is a boy with golden rectangular metal plates floating behind him, forming wings.

This room is filled with large cylinders, a thin layer of frost clinging on them. Maybe some sort of freezer? You're so disoriented by the constant flipping around it takes you a few seconds to realize you're not feeling the pull of gravity.

♚The Doll Prince: Meeting the Crew.♚

Struggling against the lack of gravity, Napoleon took the phone away from the strange boy with the wings formed from gold plates and hung up the device before stuffing it in a pocket on the uniform. Thankful that he was wearing his clothing underneath the suit, Napoleon grabbed onto the edge of the metal capsule he'd emerged from and gave the four strangers a bored look.

"A shadow told me of how much you four are struggling to complete a simple task so they asked a Doll Prince, c'est moi, to increase your odds of success tenfold," Napoleon said with a bored and dismissive tone. "You look good in a fight, though time will tell if you are better in other, more intellectual, areas as well. I see you are capable of standing upright and breathing through your noses so there's hope for you yet. Now, status report please. Wait, hold that thought..."

Gingerly operating his interface, Napoleon brought up the debriefing Charlie mentioned, flipped through the important details.

"'Lonely Sandbox?' 'Aimless Hurricane?' 'Rainbow Llama?' 'Deserted Haystack?' " Napoleon murmured incredulously. "Who hired a child to name these things? I'd met drunken circus clowns who are much more creative..."


Suddenly, Napoleon's eyes bulged when a horrible realization dawned on him. "PUTAIN MERDE, WE'RE INSIDE A HUGE SPACESHIP IN THE MIDDLE OF A UNIVERSE THAT COULD FALL APART AT ANY MINUTE?!?!?!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 23, 2018, 04:42:13 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Nobility, eh? What good are you?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 23, 2018, 05:55:26 pm

Pulled out of his antics by the gruff voice of the dwarf, Napoleon glared at him. "I'll have you know that I am capable of thorough tactical analysis and acumen, you petit hair man!" Napoleon gasped, placing his hands on his hips. "I'd like to see your alcohol-drowned brain come up with better tactics than smashing things to bits with your pudgy fists!"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on August 23, 2018, 06:38:38 pm

((Not sure what an n is, but I won't dispute it!
Eventual realization edit: herpaderp, didn't realize that was pi. Heh.))

Alayne, About To Put On A Show

Quote

"Hm. So what is this message?" he asks, watching you closely.

Alayne straightens her smock, clears her throat, and hums for a second before abruptly snapping to attention, adopting a perfectly blank expression. If there was one thing Alan had learned from that one time he'd done nothing but watch Chris Angel: Mindfreak for a month straight, it was that the most important part of magic was having really good eyeliner, and failing that, putting on such a good show that people forget you're not actually a qualified wizard. He figured that if Alayne acted like she was having a magic message relayed through her, her princess self's reputation would make it seem like that was actually a thing that was happening to Ventis' eyes!

After all, the alternative was Princess Alayne herself bothering to find out the details of this airship launch, somehow making her way onto it undetected, disguising herself as a serving girl, and then pretending to be her own servant in order to deliver a simple message! No rational person would go to such unnecessary lengths to do such a simple thing that could be accomplished at any time via a courier.

All this is why Alayne stands very still and does her best impression of a 'person having a message transmitted through them', talking in an even, monotone voice thusly.

"Hello, hello to the cool wizard Ventis
Who has a name much neater than that of a dentist
And overall sounds like a guy most stupendous

I know you're a busy man, so I won't take much time
Though it's unnecessary to speak now in rhyme
But I find it's much better than being a mime!

Okay seriously now, hiya Ventis, princess Alayne here, metaphorically speaking of course. I'd like to splendiferously invite you to my residence at your earliest convenience - I've got some neato experiments going on that involve quite a bit of magical shenanigans and some of it is kinda evading my grasp, so I'd like to ask your help, being a cool wizard and all. I'm sure you'll be able to help me decipher the results I'm getting, being as skilled as you are.

Also it is kinda of importance to the state so, y'know. But I'm not officially using my princess authority on this, so purely at your discretion!

And yes, yes, before you say anything to yourself inside your head about how this sounds awfully suspiciously convenient or whatever, that's because I've made it so! I probably could've gone through official channels for the help I need and not involved you at all, but I know how you're kinda suspicious of my motives or whatever, and to me that's a darn tootin shame. You may have been able to tell, but I like being friends with people quite a bit, especially people who are interesting ... people. Funny word, that. People people people people.

Focus, Alayne! Ventis is a wizard, and wizards are busy so oh poopers I left the message running. Ahem. Anyhow, there does seem to be some wariness on your end, which I thought could be fixed by getting to know each other better! So this'd be helping us all really, I hopefully get a new friend, you get to participate on a top secret magic project thingy, and the Sovereign gets the project thingy! You know where I live, so whenever you're free just pop by. Looking forward to seeing you there!"

Alayne is about to conclude the message when she has a positively diabolical idea.

"Oh, one more thing before I go - I couldn't decide on a gift for you, and I figured a gesture of trust would help with making you less grouchy concerning me, so I'm leaving you the girl here as collateral. Use her as an assistant, a maid, a shoo-shooer to shoo-shoo bothersome folks away from you or whatever you need really. She's my assistant, and she's got a bit of chaos magic if you'd find that useful. Just return her to me when you come meet me, 'kay? May she be the extended hand of friendliness that seals our deal! Okay, gotta go. Toodles!"

She then pretends to snap out of a daze, shaking her head and looking up at Ventis. "Huh, so that explains why the envelope she gave me was empty. What was the message, Mister Ventis?"

Pretend to be carrying an implanted message from myself, in which I offer myself up as insurance in order to get Ventis to agree to meet with me later. It's a plan so genius no one would even suspect it's being enacted!

((I'm unsure if this counts as an example of Alan behaving uncharacteristically competently when on the enemy team, or only bothering to apply his focus when it comes to making friends.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on August 23, 2018, 06:47:58 pm

Quote from: Sir Elventide on August 23, 2018, 05:55:26 pm

Pulled out of his antics by the gruff voice of the dwarf, Napoleon glared at him. "I'll have you know that I am capable of thorough tactical analysis and acumen, you petit hair man!" Napoleon gasped, placing his hands on his hips. "I'd like to see your alcohol-drowned brain come up with better tactics than smashing things to bits with your pudgy fists!"

Kosak Durar:

"Petit... hair... man? When this mission is over we are going to fight. And I will show you the power of my fists. Until then? We will see if you truly have "tactical acumen". Noble."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on August 23, 2018, 09:04:04 pm

Keep playing whack-a-mole for the moment.
<It's pretty slow-moving while underground. We might be able to draw it out if we can get some distance from it.>

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 24, 2018, 02:46:07 am

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on August 23, 2018, 06:47:58 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Petit... hair... man? When this mission is over we are going to fight. And I will show you the power of my fists. Until then? We will see if you truly have "tactical acumen". Noble."

Napoleon simply yawned in faux boredom. "If you truly feels that you have a chance against the Doll Prince, keep dreaming Monseigneur Dwarf. I'm no stranger to combat either. Geez, why do dwarves have to be so stereotypical..." Turning to the other three people, Napoleon continued. "Now that the bearded hobbit is finished flexing his verbal muscles, shall we be on our way? We can do the introductions and status reports en route."

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on August 26, 2018, 01:24:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 23, 2018, 09:04:04 pm

Keep playing whack-a-mole for the moment.
<It's pretty slow-moving while underground. We might be able to draw it out if we can get some distance from it.>

"Running away then ambushing it is very good idea! But how do we get off shield without getting caught? Any ideas?"

Nikolai privately comms to Irene <You could try using your magic sword like a sword. Stab it into the ground and channel fire through it. I could tsar it, who knows what would happen then? Very risky but powerful.
I can also use my anti-magic instant death void bolts. Don't want to, it's a very bad war crime. Last resort.>

For now, keep huddling on the shield. Let Irene and the recruits do the fighting, focus on keeping the shield tsared and withstanding the branch thing's willpower attacks. Win the battle of attrition.

"Who has my crossbow? Load another explosive bolt!"
Surely some recruit had the forethought to pick up my untsared crossbow and bring it onto the shield. Maybe they've even reloaded it already.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on August 28, 2018, 02:57:16 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Napoleon you say? I had unearthed some of the Dictator's battlefields back in the day. We shall see if you have more in common besides the French accent. For now, I am Svajoklis and it is good to have reinforcements."
Svajoklis turns to Phoenix.
"The one using the beasts seems bit too unhinged to be the cause of the main problem. Nevertheless, mad knowledge is still knowledge. For now, does anyone have a way to breach the door while also dealing with the creatures behind it?"

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on August 28, 2018, 06:20:55 pm

<I'm sorry to have to do this.>
Burn the branches out from under the guy that was lifted off the ground... and burn out the branches that impaled the guy in the leg. If my flames kill them, so be it, though at least for the guy thats in the air I think I can leave them in place and just burn out their connection to the main body. But if theyre still active while disconnected, then ill just have to burn them out.
I hope these guys will survive the rough treatment, but... it has to be done.

---

sending my flames underground wont work, theres no air to burn. Unless...
I think back to my first mission, and the results of filling office walls with fire.
<You know, a variation on that underground fire thing might work, hold on.>
gradually send my flames down and permeate the soil, infusing it with heat and flame, burning roots and melting stone. Slowly but steadilly increase the depth of the flames, and monitor the people around me for reactions to what im doing, since the level of heat here could end up being unbearable. If necessary, slow myself down and direct heat away from the shield and its occupants.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on August 28, 2018, 08:27:07 pm

"That's how you make charcoal. Burn buried wood."

Make sure some recruits throw the stranded injured recruits a rope. Lune has one, he's always well prepared. They can tie one end to the shield's handle as an anchor point.
Make sure they have a potion ready, or at least some bandages and tourniquets.
I know the chances are slim but we're not giving up on them yet.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on August 29, 2018, 12:35:58 pm

♚The Doll Prince: On the Doorstep ♚

Napoleon smiled at Svajoklis. It was not often that the Doll Prince met someone who shared a common interest with the most renowned Frenchman the early modern world had ever seen. Clearly, Napoleon has much to live up to, being pretty obscure up until now. However, he'd possessed the intellect and the will to make things happen so all is not lost.

"I do intend to make good on my word, Monseigneur Svajoklis," Napoleon answered, giving a respectful bow.

As Svajoklis inquired out loud on how best to break through a door and deal with any enemies on the other side, Napoleon rubbed his chin. Usually, the best way to go about in this situation by to use explosives, either to blow the door and surprise the ambushers with a bum-rush while they're distracted by the shrapnel and smoke or to pry the door open normally and throw in an explosive to kill and maim the enemy. However, as they were inside a huge spaceship inside what is basically a literally drowned universe. Instead, he would have to do this the old-fashioned way.

"No doubt the enemy are waiting on the other side of this door to charge anyone who open it," Napoleon finally said. "Fortunately, there is a two-pronged way to counter or at least soften up this eventuality. Here's what we can do: I will summon a detachment of combatants in front of the door while the volunteers open the door, taking care not to be in front of it when they do so, instead being off to the sides. Once the door is opened, the enemy will no doubt swarm  whoever it sees first, in this case being my detachment. They will clash with my detachment, which will hold firm, allowing the one's who'd opened the doors to either pinch the enemy group with an attach from both sides or fall back to a safer location. If everything fall into place, not only will the enemy lose the element of surprise but will lose many if not all of their numbers in a trap they rushed headlong into."

Pausing, Napoleon continued, "Of course, if the enemy decide to bid their time and let us walk into whatever trap they lay for us, allow me to see some of my combatants into the room. There, I will scout out the room for the enemy, seeing and hearing everything the scouts sense, and will either find them or blunder into their trap. This will force them to waste their efforts on expendable units that I can replenish effortlessly and the rest of my detachment can hold any who try to leave the room through this door."

Execute the plan if the others agree. If someone has a better plan, use dolls to help out.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on August 30, 2018, 02:39:13 pm

((Sorry for the short post. My laptop has been broken and I've had to send it in for repair. I'm posting from phone.))

Continue with the Eastern Gate option. Make getting everyone out safely a priority. Their forces shouldn't be concentrating on us, as we're not the main threat to them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on August 30, 2018, 06:31:31 pm

((Since my first character was a boring edgelord, I present you, Straia.))

Spoiler: Crickey! (click to show/hide)

Name: SIV7 (STEVE IRWIN V7)

Ability: By eating an animal whole, SIV can gain it's most famous attribute. He also has minor animal empathy powers.

Appearance: A fusion of man, beast, and Steve Irwin, its teeth are like needles, it's skin is as dark as night and its hat quite dandy mate.

Bio/Personality info: Oi, so you want to learn my story mate? Well, I was born in the year 2500 during the Second Emu war, those lil' buggers are tricky cunts I tell you. So the Prime Minista, or Andy as we like to call him, called some blokes and told them to make a superweapon, and that's me history mate

.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on August 30, 2018, 07:19:34 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on August 30, 2018, 06:31:31 pm

((Since my first character was a boring edgelord, I present

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

you, Straia.))
Name: SIV7 (STEVE IRWIN V7)
Ability: By eating a living organism smaller than itself, SIV7 can gain it's most notorious attribute, like the web fluid organ thing of a spider or the smooth and dumb brain of the Koala, or the evil mind of the nefarious Emu.
Appearance: A fusion of man, beast, and Steve Irwin, its teeth are like needles, it's skin is as dark as night and its hat quite dandy mate.
Bio/Personality info: Oi, so you want to learn my story mate? Well, I was born in the year 2500 during the Second Emu war, those lil' buggers are tricky cunts I tell you. So the Prime Minista, or Andy as we like to call him, called some blokes and told them to male a superweapon, and that's me history mate

.

((...I'd like to ask you for permission to write an extended backstory for this dude, keeping to the same general sort of thing. For some reason this is making my muse scream at me with ideas.
...
Know what, I'm gonna do it regardless, your choice whether you accept it or not of course.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on August 30, 2018, 07:28:01 pm

((Feel free mate, I can't stop ya bloody muse.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on August 30, 2018, 08:09:50 pm

Spoiler: The Wild Man, Protector of Nature, Steve Irwin (and also wizard X-COM) (click to show/hide)

The world as we once knew it died in mutagenic fire. Spurred by the ever-widening gap between ideologies on opposing sides of the political spectrum, pushed and prodded by exceedingly wealthy corporations and individuals with nothing better to do with their time, worldwide war broke out between the nations of the Old World, a war like nothing seen before or since. Global nuclear holocaust was just the beginning; as opposing superpowers grew more and more desperate, old projects better left dead were dug up, remnants of an institutionalized attempt at harnessing the occult. Thus did swarms of techno-organic horrors flood out of the Divided States to clash against the elemental legions of Super Serbia. Cults to ancient horrors sprung up in the geopolitical madness of world war 3, and cthuloid entities crawled out of the sea to put an end to all humanoid life. They purged the coastlines and swept five hundred miles inward before being halted by a desperate coalition of shamans, wizards, and amateur occultists from the world over, banding together into an organization known as WIZ-COM. Elite teams of immortal wizard commandos struck out at the global clusterfuck for hundreds of years, rescuing the sparse survivors and reforming governments as they went.

When they finally managed to cross the writhing sea of animate bleach and reach Australia's shores, it was with understandable surprise that they found the place mostly unchanged. Sure, the outback was now full of strange sand monsters, flying vampire iguana bat hornet swarms, and other ridiculous amalgamations of nature's savagery, but this wasn't anything to frazzle the friggin' Aussies of all people. Sure, they'd bunkered down and turned their major cities into walled fortresses like most of the rest of the world, but a fair portion of their population lived outside of the walls, coexisting somehow with the mutagenic environment. They claimed they warded off genetic drift and spiritual corruption with some arcane concoction called Vegemite.

Australia's main issue after the first magical bombs had dropped was the way it had affected the emus. For some reason the increased magical radiation in the air had unlocked some vestigal evolutionary evil encoded in the DNA of the creatures, turning them into cunning, evil creatures with an appetite for pecking humans to death and a visceral thirst for the destruction of organized humanoid society. They had begun raiding human settlements almost immediately, and had been advancing their technology, population, and level of organization as the years went on. The tempo of their raids was increasing every year, and they were growing closer and closer to breaching the walls of some of their major cities. It was for this reason that the arrival of WIZ-COM was welcomed. The Australian Prime Minister, an enigmatic being known only as Andy, came to an accord with the organization: Australia would join WIZ-COM and devote resources to their fight against magical evil in exchange for their aid in completing a project they'd been working on for decades with no success. WIZ-COM agreed eagerly and sent their best alchemists and arcane theorists over to the labs in Sydney.

With WIZ-COM's help, the Australian's project began to see some progress for the first time in a long time. Spurred by the visions of well-respected surfer shamans, the Aussie government had been attempting to recreate a bodily vessel for a great Australian hero from times long past, who saw the plight of the animal kingdom under the tyranny of the emu from the spirit world and wanted badly to end their reign of terror. With WIZ-COM's menagerie of magical resources, Australian ingenuity, and a sample of the hero's genome miraculously kept preserved through the ages, the body was constructed and the host spirit summoned into his new corpus. In the year 2500, Steve Irwin was born once more.

In life this Australian legend had known nothing but respect and admiration for all species of animal, seeing their joyous ferocity as an expression of the wondrous variety of life. He had died as he lived, experiencing the natural world without restraint or regret, and traveled to the afterlife content. But the emergence of the emu threat had disturbed him, for these were no longer natural creatures - some evil from another dimension was exerting its effects through the conduit of the emu, and would seek to suborn the natural world that he held dear under their merciless heel should they triumph. Ir-Win would not let such a fate pass, and so was granted a second existence, fused with the essence of beasts most ferocious and gifted the ability to take the best of the natural world into himself. Thusly empowered, he dove into war against the emu, and the tales of his battles against the devious creatures are a thousandfold.

((More writing than I've done all day on my own project constructing an origin story for Magical Flesh Golem Steve Irwin. Muses are odd.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 01, 2018, 01:57:10 pm

((Oi, that's  pretty buggering good mate, good on ya))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 10, 2018, 04:38:23 pm

((Bump))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on September 10, 2018, 06:26:59 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 10, 2018, 04:38:23 pm

((Bump))

((chill. you've seen the size of Paris's updates. those take a long time to write up. Don't worry, Paris has never failed us, it just takes a bit for updates to come, especially when he's busy.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 12, 2018, 04:39:08 pm

((Okay, also now I just realized insects are really fucking OP and will probably give SIV the best powers and attributes...Crikey!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 13, 2018, 04:27:54 pm

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 12, 2018, 04:39:08 pm

((Okay, also now I just realized insects are really fucking OP and will probably give SIV the best powers and attributes...Crikey!))

((At the cost of being susceptible to bug spray, no doubt. :P))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:26:02 pm

((Lofting a 100 times his bodyweight is a good tradeoff  ;)))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on September 13, 2018, 07:32:18 pm

((...That's assuming that you don't get smacked in the face by square-cube law. Smaller is better proportionally, but that does not mean that smaller is better.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 14, 2018, 10:52:06 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Of course, you can just tell physics to go [expletive] itself. If I can create a character who can call forth dolls out of thin air without requiring their equivalent in matter, then you can create your bug Aussie too!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on September 14, 2018, 04:27:37 pm

((Steve Irwin has a really cool power. Do his mutations reset with each new form or do they accumulate and stack? Either way he's sure to get more powerful on longer missions as he accumulates more mutations or collects more specimens. What happens if he eats a non-human player character, does he gain their powers? The only one I can think of who is small enough to eat whole is Irene.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 14, 2018, 10:52:06 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Of course, you can just tell physics to go [expletive] itself. If I can create a character who can call forth dolls out of thin air without requiring their equivalent in matter, then you can create your bug Aussie too!

((It's not really a question of physics but of game balance. Eating an ant then gettin +4 strength would just be OP. If anything eating an ant should mostly give fun esoteric bonuses like walking on walls, poison bite, burrowing ability, pheremone sense. Maybe extra limbs, or you shrink but retain your normal strength.

Any animals with flight would be good options. I'm surprised at how few flying characters this game has.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 14, 2018, 04:59:46 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2018, 04:27:37 pm

((Steve Irwin has a really cool power. Do his mutations reset with each new form or do they accumulate and stack? Either way he's sure to get more powerful on longer missions as he accumulates more mutations or collects more specimens. What happens if he eats a non-human player character, does he gain their powers? The only one I can think of who is small enough to eat whole is Irene.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 14, 2018, 10:52:06 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Of course, you can just tell physics to go [expletive] itself. If I can create a character who can call forth dolls out of thin air without requiring their equivalent in matter, then you can create your bug Aussie too!

((It's not really a question of physics but of game balance. Eating an ant then gettin +4 strength would just be OP. If anything eating an ant should mostly give fun esoteric bonuses like walking on walls, poison bite, burrowing ability, pheremone sense. Maybe extra limbs, or you shrink but retain your normal strength.

Any animals with flight would be good options. I'm surprised at how few flying characters this game has.))

((They stack, but he also gains their weakness, so eating a lot of bugs would make him very very very weak to pesticides. Add in some abilities could cancel each other out. Also, if he gets to eat a Tyranid like creature gg good game))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2018, 10:32:40 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on August 23, 2018, 02:10:29 pm

uhh
I'm totally still here, btw! I just had very little idea how to react to what's happening here.
I guess that means that Fe is currently just staring at this guy, stunned. Trying to figure out if that would actually work, I suppose..

It could work, assuming he's not lying. If he has indeed written his goal on his tablet then you imagine your 'employer' would be satisfied with that.

You could ask to keep all the things you took as collateral until your job is done to ensure he doesn't try to pull any tricks. He seems to want it badly enough to waste some time and effort in return for his stuff. You don't know if he didn't attack because he was afraid you'd kill him, because he doesn't want to damage the suit or because he feels bad killing little girls, but either way you could try to push that advantage and convince him that waiting for a while is better than trying to take it by force. Of course, there are three problems with this.

First is that you might need a convincing lie for your 'employer' because he might not be entirely pleased with the way you obtained this information.

Second is that you've already attracted attention, so you'd need a way to incorporate the events that transpired here to that lie (that or hope the situation is resolved before he finds out).

Third is that you will continue attracting attention. You're pretty sure it would not be easy to to meet with him armed and armoured like this. If you hide that stuff you'd need to hide it well and use your ability to make sure nobody follows you while you do so. That or find someone trustworthy to give it to.

Overall, it's not a good choice but it's probably the best you have right now, unless you can think of something better.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on August 23, 2018, 06:38:38 pm

((Not sure what an n is, but I won't dispute it!
Eventual realization edit: herpaderp, didn't realize that was pi. Heh.))

Alayne, About To Put On A Show

Quote

"Hm. So what is this message?" he asks, watching you closely.

Alayne straightens her smock, clears her throat, and hums for a second before abruptly snapping to attention, adopting a perfectly blank expression. If there was one thing Alan had learned from that one time he'd done nothing but watch Chris Angel: Mindfreak for a month straight, it was that the most important part of magic was having really good eyeliner, and failing that, putting on such a good show that people forget you're not actually a qualified wizard. He figured that if Alayne acted like she was having a magic message relayed through her, her princess self's reputation would make it seem like that was actually a thing that was happening to Ventis' eyes!

After all, the alternative was Princess Alayne herself bothering to find out the details of this airship launch, somehow making her way onto it undetected, disguising herself as a serving girl, and then pretending to be her own servant in order to deliver a simple message! No rational person would go to such unnecessary lengths to do such a simple thing that could be accomplished at any time via a courier.

All this is why Alayne stands very still and does her best impression of a 'person having a message transmitted through them', talking in an even, monotone voice thusly.

"Hello, hello to the cool wizard Ventis
Who has a name much neater than that of a dentist
And overall sounds like a guy most stupendous

I know you're a busy man, so I won't take much time
Though it's unnecessary to speak now in rhyme
But I find it's much better than being a mime!

Okay seriously now, hiya Ventis, princess Alayne here, metaphorically speaking of course. I'd like to splendiferously invite you to my residence at your earliest convenience - I've got some neato experiments going on that involve quite a bit of magical shenanigans and some of it is kinda evading my grasp, so I'd like to ask your help, being a cool wizard and all. I'm sure you'll be able to help me decipher the results I'm getting, being as skilled as you are.

Also it is kinda of importance to the state so, y'know. But I'm not officially using my princess authority on this, so purely at your discretion!

And yes, yes, before you say anything to yourself inside your head about how this sounds awfully suspiciously convenient or whatever, that's because I've made it so! I probably could've gone through official channels for the help I need and not involved you at all, but I know how you're kinda suspicious of my motives or whatever, and to me that's a darn tootin shame. You may have been able to tell, but I like being friends with people quite a bit, especially people who are interesting ... people. Funny word, that. People people people people.

Focus, Alayne! Ventis is a wizard, and wizards are busy so oh poopers I left the message running. Ahem. Anyhow, there does seem to be some wariness on your end, which I thought could be fixed by getting to know each other better! So this'd be helping us all really, I hopefully get a new friend, you get to participate on a top secret magic project thingy, and the Sovereign gets the project thingy! You know where I live, so whenever you're free just pop by. Looking forward to seeing you there!"

Alayne is about to conclude the message when she has a positively diabolical idea.

"Oh, one more thing before I go - I couldn't decide on a gift for you, and I figured a gesture of trust would help with making you less grouchy concerning me, so I'm leaving you the girl here as collateral. Use her as an assistant, a maid, a shoo-shooer to shoo-shoo bothersome folks away from you or whatever you need really. She's my assistant, and she's got a bit of chaos magic if you'd find that useful. Just return her to me when you come meet me, 'kay? May she be the extended hand of friendliness that seals our deal! Okay, gotta go. Toodles!"

She then pretends to snap out of a daze, shaking her head and looking up at Ventis. "Huh, so that explains why the envelope she gave me was empty. What was the message, Mister Ventis?"

Pretend to be carrying an implanted message from myself, in which I offer myself up as insurance in order to get Ventis to agree to meet with me later. It's a plan so genius no one would even suspect it's being enacted!

((I'm unsure if this counts as an example of Alan behaving uncharacteristically competently when on the enemy team, or only bothering to apply his focus when it comes to making friends.))

((I'll give it a +2 incredibly convoluted plan bonus.))

You make some dial-up noises before changing your voice and delivering your message. Your delivery is good, though you can't tell if it was good enough to fool him. He doesn't respond to your question. He looks at you intensely, as if trying to look through you.
"Your mistress wishes for you to remain with me until it is time to meet her." he finally explains.
He looks at you for a second more before turning to look at the illusory view of the outside of the ship spreading in front of him.
"Meet me here after we dock. For now, you are free to go as you wish." he adds, though it sounds more like a command.
With that, he gets back to focusing on... whatever magic thing he's doing.

The guard next to you steps closer to you, probably wishing for you to politely follow him outside, though you're certain he will become impolite if you don't. You are in the control room of a mix between a container ship, an airplane and a superweapon, it's understandable that they'd want to shoo you out as quickly as possible, even if they don't know about how Alany Alan can be.

You could roam the ship for a while and see if you can find anything interesting. There's supposed to be a demonstration of some sort after all. Or you could just go to his quarters and wait. Maybe he even has a bed in there. You don't really need sleep but it would be nice to have somewhere comfortable to wait.

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2018, 06:20:55 pm

<I'm sorry to have to do this.>
Burn the branches out from under the guy that was lifted off the ground... and burn out the branches that impaled the guy in the leg. If my flames kill them, so be it, though at least for the guy thats in the air I think I can leave them in place and just burn out their connection to the main body. But if theyre still active while disconnected, then ill just have to burn them out.
I hope these guys will survive the rough treatment, but... it has to be done.

You send a thick sheet of fire against the branch holding the man in the air. The flames quickly cut the branch until it breaks, causing the man to fall to the ground. Now that it's cut off from the main body the branch appears to no longer be active, though that's little consolation for the wounded man. Blood is already gushing out of his mouth. Maybe a high grade healing potion could save him, but nobody is willing to risk standing on the ground after what they witnessed. More branches stab through the earth where he falls, one of them piercing him through the abdomen, quickening his death. You stubbornly fight the branches regardless until the man stops struggling. No more branches come out around him after that.

At the same time, you focus on the other recruit. From the momentary look of confusion on his face, the man stabbed through the leg doesn't realize what you mean until it's already happening. With the residue of Dark magic still affecting you your control isn't fine enough to allow you to insert it between the earth and his leg. Even if the Dark magic wasn't affecting you, you're still not sure if you would be able to do something better. So all you can do is pour fire on his lower leg and hope he survives the damage. At Nikolai's direction a recruit throws a rope at him but he is unable to hold on. More branches come out around him, wrapping themselves around his body. Curiously the branches don't appear to be trying to hurt him, they're merely trying to dig themselves into the ground, twisting like snakes. You have no choice but to thoroughly burn him and the branches before he disappears below ground.

Quote from: Lenglon on August 28, 2018, 06:20:55 pm

sending my flames underground wont work, theres no air to burn. Unless...
I think back to my first mission, and the results of filling office walls with fire.
<You know, a variation on that underground fire thing might work, hold on.>
gradually send my flames down and permeate the soil, infusing it with heat and flame, burning roots and melting stone. Slowly but steadilly increase the depth of the flames, and monitor the people around me for reactions to what im doing, since the level of heat here could end up being unbearable. If necessary, slow myself down and direct heat away from the shield and its occupants.

The monster is just at the edge of the shield, so you are able to cover the ground above the area it is in without much issue. The monster twists its body, throwing dirt into the air, trying to escape deeper below ground. You shove your flames down after it, burning it and forcing it to retreat further. The dirt, while loose, still causes your flames to lose too much heat. There aren't enough large gaps that could house pockets of fire. What little flammable materials there are below ground are hardly enough to compensate for the loss. This sort of attack isn't sustainable, you've already lost about two thirds of your flames. The rate of loss is slowed down now that the ground has been superheated (some of it melting) but it is still significant.

But at least you achieved your goal. The monster is no longer a danger to those that walk the ground. You feel the resistence from what's left of its body break apart, concentrating into 3 different spots.

<Phase two, huh? Wasn't expecting a boss battle.>

Quote from: NAV on August 26, 2018, 01:24:20 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on August 23, 2018, 09:04:04 pm

Keep playing whack-a-mole for the moment.
<It's pretty slow-moving while underground. We might be able to draw it out if we can get some distance from it.>

"Running away then ambushing it is very good idea! But how do we get off shield without getting caught? Any ideas?"

Nikolai privately comms to Irene <You could try using your magic sword like a sword. Stab it into the ground and channel fire through it. I could tsar it, who knows what would happen then? Very risky but powerful.
I can also use my anti-magic instant death void bolts. Don't want to, it's a very bad war crime. Last resort.>

For now, keep huddling on the shield. Let Irene and the recruits do the fighting, focus on keeping the shield tsared and withstanding the branch thing's willpower attacks. Win the battle of attrition.

"Who has my crossbow? Load another explosive bolt!"
Surely some recruit had the forethought to pick up my untsared crossbow and bring it onto the shield. Maybe they've even reloaded it already.

Irine seems to have things handled for now. If you want to move or execute some sort of plan, now would probably be the best time.

The operator responsible for carrying the explosive bolts loads an explosive bolt onto the crossbow. Another operator places the detonator and primes it. Now the crossbow is ready to fire, though with only one usable arm you're probably better off merely directing the recruits.

Quote from: NAV on August 28, 2018, 08:27:07 pm

"That's how you make charcoal. Burn buried wood."

Make sure some recruits throw the stranded injured recruits a rope. Lune has one, he's always well prepared. They can tie one end to the shield's handle as an anchor point.
Make sure they have a potion ready, or at least some bandages and tourniquets.
I know the chances are slim but we're not giving up on them yet.

You throw some rope in an attempt to give the recruit being dragged by the leg something to grab on. It lands near him but he isn't able to hold on. You can only watch as he is burnt alive. You're not sure if it's a better fate than getting buried underground by that monster.

---

Quote from: Tiruin on August 23, 2018, 08:01:59 am

((This is extremely annoying. I made a post and it didn't go through? Ugh. Between the prevalent rain 24/7 for a week now, and the constant power outages, and landslides in my area, and other many annoyances, just gah this internet.))

What should've been (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=133001.msg7827279#msg7827279) was that me and Zech (as I typed an optional 'if DAF is unable to post, perhaps act this') would continue with the plan--since we know the location of a crash site, our next objective is to seize the momentum of the moment and continue with the plan while perhaps using the enemy's confusion in hitting the morale of their reinforcements. By 'confusion', I mean they're expecting to reinforce, and they're not focused on defending against being taken by surprise.

So the action in brief was "Continue with the plan, however Theri and any other suitable mages [or...however seems better in this situation] will try and blockade our escape route and ensure we're safe from even the skies as we regroup our numbers back together. If we can spot any useful ordnance along the way and retake or capture enemy supplies or resources, that'd be great too!

((Love your writing Parisbre :3 I'm just grumpy because of external issues))

Quote from: DarkArtemisFowl on August 30, 2018, 02:39:13 pm

((Sorry for the short post. My laptop has been broken and I've had to send it in for repair. I'm posting from phone.))

Continue with the Eastern Gate option. Make getting everyone out safely a priority. Their forces shouldn't be concentrating on us, as we're not the main threat to them.

Zechariah and one of the mages leads the freed hostages away from the warehouse while Theri, River and the other mage watch the rear. Aiding them are a few of the hostages that are willing and able to use some of the extra weapons the team had brought with them.

Nikolai's cannon shot has burnt and exploded the roofs of some buildings, creating flaming debris that should help slow down their pursuers while at the same time leaving their path unobstructed. However as they round the corner and start heading towards the eastern wall they realize that that's not enough to leave them free of problems.

First of all, there's the airship. It has made a somewhat rough landing, carving a ditch along the ground, losing chunks of its hull and breaking one of its masts. Besides that however, it looks surprisingly intact. The only other damage is a large hole near its back, through which you can see two unarmed men trying to extinguish a fire. One of them spots the group and after a moment of confusion points at them and yells something to his comrade. Said comrade looks at the group for another moment and then runs away while the first remains there and continues trying to extinguish the fire, glancing up at the group wearily from time to time.

Then there's the enemy reinforcements coming from the south. You see them split up. Many run after you. Others head towards the eastern gate, probably aiming to cut you off.

You could continue until you reach the eastern wall and use the ladder you hid there to get the hostages over the wall and away from here, but you would have to defend the hostages from the soldiers while they cross and that is not a very defensible position.

Or you could head for the eastern gate. If you reach it before the soldiers, you could easily get all the hostages out of here and to safety. The friendly soldiers defending the gate should keep the enemy from pursuing you. However if you're not quick enough you might end up getting sandwiched between the friendly troops defending the gate and the enemy troops attacking it.

Or you could try something else. This would be so much easier if everything was going according to plan and Nikolai was using his artillery to suppress the enemy troops but something seems to be keeping him from firing. You hope all is going well with him.

Spoiler: Map reminder (click to show/hide)

Edited the imaage on my phone, please excuse the low quality.

(https://i.imgur.com/67IgMoL.jpg)

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: DreamerGhost on August 28, 2018, 02:57:16 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

"Napoleon you say? I had unearthed some of the Dictator's battlefields back in the day. We shall see if you have more in common besides the French accent. For now, I am Svajoklis and it is good to have reinforcements."
Svajoklis turns to Phoenix.
"The one using the beasts seems bit too unhinged to be the cause of the main problem. Nevertheless, mad knowledge is still knowledge. For now, does anyone have a way to breach the door while also dealing with the creatures behind it?"

"I can help lift the door. I can also prepare an energy blast for whatever is behind it, but flying all the way here so quickly required a lot of energy. I won't be able to fire a lot of them."

Quote from: Sir Elventide on August 29, 2018, 12:35:58 pm

♚The Doll Prince: On the Doorstep ♚

Napoleon smiled at Svajoklis. It was not often that the Doll Prince met someone who shared a common interest with the most renowned Frenchman the early modern world had ever seen. Clearly, Napoleon has much to live up to, being pretty obscure up until now. However, he'd possessed the intellect and the will to make things happen so all is not lost.

"I do intend to make good on my word, Monseigneur Svajoklis," Napoleon answered, giving a respectful bow.

As Svajoklis inquired out loud on how best to break through a door and deal with any enemies on the other side, Napoleon rubbed his chin. Usually, the best way to go about in this situation by to use explosives, either to blow the door and surprise the ambushers with a bum-rush while they're distracted by the shrapnel and smoke or to pry the door open normally and throw in an explosive to kill and maim the enemy. However, as they were inside a huge spaceship inside what is basically a literally drowned universe. Instead, he would have to do this the old-fashioned way.

"No doubt the enemy are waiting on the other side of this door to charge anyone who open it," Napoleon finally said. "Fortunately, there is a two-pronged way to counter or at least soften up this eventuality. Here's what we can do: I will summon a detachment of combatants in front of the door while the volunteers open the door, taking care not to be in front of it when they do so, instead being off to the sides. Once the door is opened, the enemy will no doubt swarm  whoever it sees first, in this case being my detachment. They will clash with my detachment, which will hold firm, allowing the one's who'd opened the doors to either pinch the enemy group with an attach from both sides or fall back to a safer location. If everything fall into place, not only will the enemy lose the element of surprise but will lose many if not all of their numbers in a trap they rushed headlong into."

Pausing, Napoleon continued, "Of course, if the enemy decide to bid their time and let us walk into whatever trap they lay for us, allow me to see some of my combatants into the room. There, I will scout out the room for the enemy, seeing and hearing everything the scouts sense, and will either find them or blunder into their trap. This will force them to waste their efforts on expendable units that I can replenish effortlessly and the rest of my detachment can hold any who try to leave the room through this door."

Execute the plan if the others agree. If someone has a better plan, use dolls to help out.

I don't see a better plan, so...

You focus on summoning a large number of simple dolls. Your concentration is flawless. However the moment you actually begin executing the summon you feel a sharp pain in your head, like someone just poked you with a hot metal stick in your forehead. The pain keeps intensifying. In the end you're unable to summon more than 3 dolls before the pain becomes to much to endure and forces you to give up on the rest. The incomplete dolls break apart and crumble into dust. The dust floats away in the weightless environment, quickly spreading to the point where it can no longer be seen. The dolls also float of the ground, finding it hard to stand with no gravity. After all, they don't have special boots to stick to the ground like you do, neither are they able to fly.

Well, you'd call that a partial success. They should be enough to distract whatever's on the other side, just not for very long. You have them grab on pipes, ice or anything else they can find to remain in place while Icarus and Kosak move to either side of the door, taking cover. Ikarus' wings shine with a golden light, becoming brighter overtime. When ready, he presses the button to open the door.

The door starts slowly sliding open. Moments later, three of those four-armed creatures crawl through the seam and launch themselves towards the first thing they see. Luckily for the team, the first thing they see are the dolls, which do nothing to resist their crushing embrace, instead hugging the creatures to make them an easier target.

Taking care of them when not surrounded by them is quite easy. Svajoklis takes careful aim and shoots one through its centre of mass, destroying with an explosion of blood and mechanical bits. Icarus and Kosak take care of the other two. Icarus punches one in the centre of mass, grabs it and removes a great chunk of flesh while Kosak merely grabs it and pulls, tearing its limbs off until it is useless.

At the same time a great fleshy arm emerges from the gate's seam, pulling it the rest of the way open and revealint its form. It is humanoid in form but it looks very fat and has great bulging eyes. Instead of a mouth it has what looks like four pipes, arranged to form a rough smile. It has three claw-like legs that it uses to dig into the floor and secure itself in place. Icarus wastes no time. He thrusts his fists towards the monster. The light from his wings travels through his arms and into his hands in a fluid motion where it becomes a beam of light that flies straight towards the monster's centre of mass. A hole explodes in the creature's fatty body, filling the corridor with floating guts and boiling blood, making it very hard to see, especially when much of the blood splatters on your helmets, coating your spacesuit's visor.

"Look out! It's still active!" Icarus warns you

---

OOC

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on August 30, 2018, 06:31:31 pm

((Since my first character was a boring edgelord, I present you, Straia.))

Spoiler: Crickey! (click to show/hide)

Name: SIV7 (STEVE IRWIN V7)

Ability: By eating an animal whole, SIV can gain it's most famous attribute. He also has minor animal empathy powers.

Appearance: A fusion of man, beast, and Steve Irwin, its teeth are like needles, it's skin is as dark as night and its hat quite dandy mate.

Bio/Personality info: Oi, so you want to learn my story mate? Well, I was born in the year 2500 during the Second Emu war, those lil' buggers are tricky cunts I tell you. So the Prime Minista, or Andy as we like to call him, called some blokes and told them to make a superweapon, and that's me history mate

.

I can't say no to that.

Quote from: Xantalos on August 30, 2018, 08:09:50 pm

Spoiler: The Wild Man, Protector of Nature, Steve Irwin (and also wizard X-COM) (click to show/hide)

The world as we once knew it died in mutagenic fire. Spurred by the ever-widening gap between ideologies on opposing sides of the political spectrum, pushed and prodded by exceedingly wealthy corporations and individuals with nothing better to do with their time, worldwide war broke out between the nations of the Old World, a war like nothing seen before or since. Global nuclear holocaust was just the beginning; as opposing superpowers grew more and more desperate, old projects better left dead were dug up, remnants of an institutionalized attempt at harnessing the occult. Thus did swarms of techno-organic horrors flood out of the Divided States to clash against the elemental legions of Super Serbia. Cults to ancient horrors sprung up in the geopolitical madness of world war 3, and cthuloid entities crawled out of the sea to put an end to all humanoid life. They purged the coastlines and swept five hundred miles inward before being halted by a desperate coalition of shamans, wizards, and amateur occultists from the world over, banding together into an organization known as WIZ-COM. Elite teams of immortal wizard commandos struck out at the global clusterfuck for hundreds of years, rescuing the sparse survivors and reforming governments as they went.

When they finally managed to cross the writhing sea of animate bleach and reach Australia's shores, it was with understandable surprise that they found the place mostly unchanged. Sure, the outback was now full of strange sand monsters, flying vampire iguana bat hornet swarms, and other ridiculous amalgamations of nature's savagery, but this wasn't anything to frazzle the friggin' Aussies of all people. Sure, they'd bunkered down and turned their major cities into walled fortresses like most of the rest of the world, but a fair portion of their population lived outside of the walls, coexisting somehow with the mutagenic environment. They claimed they warded off genetic drift and spiritual corruption with some arcane concoction called Vegemite.

Australia's main issue after the first magical bombs had dropped was the way it had affected the emus. For some reason the increased magical radiation in the air had unlocked some vestigal evolutionary evil encoded in the DNA of the creatures, turning them into cunning, evil creatures with an appetite for pecking humans to death and a visceral thirst for the destruction of organized humanoid society. They had begun raiding human settlements almost immediately, and had been advancing their technology, population, and level of organization as the years went on. The tempo of their raids was increasing every year, and they were growing closer and closer to breaching the walls of some of their major cities. It was for this reason that the arrival of WIZ-COM was welcomed. The Australian Prime Minister, an enigmatic being known only as Andy, came to an accord with the organization: Australia would join WIZ-COM and devote resources to their fight against magical evil in exchange for their aid in completing a project they'd been working on for decades with no success. WIZ-COM agreed eagerly and sent their best alchemists and arcane theorists over to the labs in Sydney.

With WIZ-COM's help, the Australian's project began to see some progress for the first time in a long time. Spurred by the visions of well-respected surfer shamans, the Aussie government had been attempting to recreate a bodily vessel for a great Australian hero from times long past, who saw the plight of the animal kingdom under the tyranny of the emu from the spirit world and wanted badly to end their reign of terror. With WIZ-COM's menagerie of magical resources, Australian ingenuity, and a sample of the hero's genome miraculously kept preserved through the ages, the body was constructed and the host spirit summoned into his new corpus. In the year 2500, Steve Irwin was born once more.

In life this Australian legend had known nothing but respect and admiration for all species of animal, seeing their joyous ferocity as an expression of the wondrous variety of life. He had died as he lived, experiencing the natural world without restraint or regret, and traveled to the afterlife content. But the emergence of the emu threat had disturbed him, for these were no longer natural creatures - some evil from another dimension was exerting its effects through the conduit of the emu, and would seek to suborn the natural world that he held dear under their merciless heel should they triumph. Ir-Win would not let such a fate pass, and so was granted a second existence, fused with the essence of beasts most ferocious and gifted the ability to take the best of the natural world into himself. Thusly empowered, he dove into war against the emu, and the tales of his battles against the devious creatures are a thousandfold.

((More writing than I've done all day on my own project constructing an origin story for Magical Flesh Golem Steve Irwin. Muses are odd.))

I love it. What more is there to say?

Do you wanna join the guys on the spaceship? Or have your own adventure for now?

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2018, 04:27:37 pm

((Steve Irwin has a really cool power. Do his mutations reset with each new form or do they accumulate and stack? Either way he's sure to get more powerful on longer missions as he accumulates more mutations or collects more specimens. What happens if he eats a non-human player character, does he gain their powers? The only one I can think of who is small enough to eat whole is Irene.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 14, 2018, 10:52:06 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Of course, you can just tell physics to go [expletive] itself. If I can create a character who can call forth dolls out of thin air without requiring their equivalent in matter, then you can create your bug Aussie too!

((It's not really a question of physics but of game balance. Eating an ant then gettin +4 strength would just be OP. If anything eating an ant should mostly give fun esoteric bonuses like walking on walls, poison bite, burrowing ability, pheremone sense. Maybe extra limbs, or you shrink but retain your normal strength.

Any animals with flight would be good options. I'm surprised at how few flying characters this game has.))

"And now watch as I fit an entire fox in my mouth!" *opens mouth inhumanly wide like some sort of crocodile*

And I think that rolling for the results of eating the thing combined with the fact that he actually has to find and catch an animal that he can eat is enough of a disadvantage to account for being able to eat multiple animals and potentially get very good bonuses from them if he rolls well (though not +4, at least not without some upgrades or maybe by somehow combining several situational advantages).

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 14, 2018, 04:59:46 pm

Quote from: NAV on September 14, 2018, 04:27:37 pm

((Steve Irwin has a really cool power. Do his mutations reset with each new form or do they accumulate and stack? Either way he's sure to get more powerful on longer missions as he accumulates more mutations or collects more specimens. What happens if he eats a non-human player character, does he gain their powers? The only one I can think of who is small enough to eat whole is Irene.))

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 14, 2018, 10:52:06 am

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 13, 2018, 07:44:06 pm

((Damn you Square Cube Law!!!))

Of course, you can just tell physics to go [expletive] itself. If I can create a character who can call forth dolls out of thin air without requiring their equivalent in matter, then you can create your bug Aussie too!

((It's not really a question of physics but of game balance. Eating an ant then gettin +4 strength would just be OP. If anything eating an ant should mostly give fun esoteric bonuses like walking on walls, poison bite, burrowing ability, pheremone sense. Maybe extra limbs, or you shrink but retain your normal strength.

Any animals with flight would be good options. I'm surprised at how few flying characters this game has.))

((They stack, but he also gains their weakness, so eating a lot of bugs would make him very very very weak to pesticides. Add in some abilities could cancel each other out. Also, if he gets to eat a Tyranid like creature gg good game))

Based on how Tyranids work, it would probably be a roll to determine if you eat the Tyranid or the Tyranid eats you from the inside and/or you end up under the control of the hivemind.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 27, 2018, 04:30:24 pm

((Join the bois in spaceship, maybe eat a space bugger)

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on September 27, 2018, 04:36:56 pm

Alan, Plan Set In Motion

Alayne shrugs and grins. "Sounds like her. Alright, I'll go check out the ship, see whatever demonstration people are chattering about. See ya later, mister wizard sir Ventis sir!"

Go explore the rest of the ship, avoiding the kitchen and that intimidating lady at all costs. Try to find where that demonstration is, whatever it might be. If there are any potential friends to make, then by all means go forth and friendify them.

((For Steve Irwin I'd like to note that perhaps you could use that one levelup ability to always start with a preferred piece of equipment to start missions with a non-venomous snake or something to give you the ability to unhinge your jaw and thus eat animals easier, on a good roll.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 27, 2018, 05:36:07 pm

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2018, 04:36:56 pm

Alan, Plan Set In Motion

Alayne shrugs and grins. "Sounds like her. Alright, I'll go check out the ship, see whatever demonstration people are chattering about. See ya later, mister wizard sir Ventis sir!"

Go explore the rest of the ship, avoiding the kitchen and that intimidating lady at all costs. Try to find where that demonstration is, whatever it might be. If there are any potential friends to make, then by all means go forth and friendify them.

((For Steve Irwin I'd like to note that perhaps you could use that one level ability to always start with a preferred piece of equipment to start missions with a non-venomous snake or something to give you the ability to unhinge your jaw and thus eat animals easier, on a good roll.))

((A Python would be the best for that, it can eat whole Crocodiles. The constriction also helps too))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on September 27, 2018, 05:47:12 pm

((For eating big things I'm pretty sure https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelican_eel (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelican_eel) would be the best animal. Might come with serious downsides though.

Edit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swallower (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swallower) might be even better.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 27, 2018, 06:11:04 pm

((Gulper would be better, the size of the jaw would help more than a big stomach))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on September 27, 2018, 06:11:38 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2018, 10:32:40 am

I don't see a better plan, so...

You focus on summoning a large number of simple dolls. Your concentration is flawless. However the moment you actually begin executing the summon you feel a sharp pain in your head, like someone just poked you with a hot metal stick in your forehead. The pain keeps intensifying. In the end you're unable to summon more than 3 dolls before the pain becomes to much to endure and forces you to give up on the rest. The incomplete dolls break apart and crumble into dust. The dust floats away in the weightless environment, quickly spreading to the point where it can no longer be seen. The dolls also float of the ground, finding it hard to stand with no gravity. After all, they don't have special boots to stick to the ground like you do, neither are they able to fly.

Well, you'd call that a partial success. They should be enough to distract whatever's on the other side, just not for very long. You have them grab on pipes, ice or anything else they can find to remain in place while Icarus and Kosak move to either side of the door, taking cover. Ikarus' wings shine with a golden light, becoming brighter overtime. When ready, he presses the button to open the door.

The door starts slowly sliding open. Moments later, three of those four-armed creatures crawl through the seam and launch themselves towards the first thing they see. Luckily for the team, the first thing they see are the dolls, which do nothing to resist their crushing embrace, instead hugging the creatures to make them an easier target.

Taking care of them when not surrounded by them is quite easy. Svajoklis takes careful aim and shoots one through its centre of mass, destroying with an explosion of blood and mechanical bits. Icarus and Kosak take care of the other two. Icarus punches one in the centre of mass, grabs it and removes a great chunk of flesh while Kosak merely grabs it and pulls, tearing its limbs off until it is useless.

At the same time a great fleshy arm emerges from the gate's seam, pulling it the rest of the way open and revealint its form. It is humanoid in form but it looks very fat and has great bulging eyes. Instead of a mouth it has what looks like four pipes, arranged to form a rough smile. It has three claw-like legs that it uses to dig into the floor and secure itself in place. Icarus wastes no time. He thrusts his fists towards the monster. The light from his wings travels through his arms and into his hands in a fluid motion where it becomes a beam of light that flies straight towards the monster's centre of mass. A hole explodes in the creature's fatty body, filling the corridor with floating guts and boiling blood, making it very hard to see, especially when much of the blood splatters on your helmets, coating your spacesuit's visor.

"Look out! It's still active!" Icarus warns you

♚The Doll Prince: Blood in the Eyes.♚

Wiping the blood off his visor, Napoleon Struggled to peer through the viscera and blood floating in the air, noting that his plan succeeded... in a way. He also took note of the four guys he just joined. Despite the fact that he was sent to find and help them complete their mission, it seemed that they are no pushovers after all. Even Kosak was strong enough to tear one of the creatures to pieces with his bare hands. That put a lump in his throat just thinking about it. After all, if the dwarf is looking to backing up what he'd threatened him with earlier, the Doll Prince will truly have a fight on his hands. He can only hope that he can outsmart Kosak enough to take him down. However, there were more important things to worry about at the moment.

Napoleon clutched his head. Though the pain has subsided, he felt that it wasn't the end of it. Normally, he would've been able to summon as many dolls as his energy reserves allowed but something is clearly wrong here. Since the Queen obviously wouldn't have any reason to jeopardize this mission as she seemed invested in its success, there could only be one conclusion: his powers was being affected by some outside force. Either the laws of this universe or something in this environment were interfering with his powers. Either that or someone was actively jamming his ability, if only partially. Looks like he would have to make due with what he'd already summoned.

"Excuse me, compagnons," Napoleon asked as he viewed the enemy through his dolls' eyes and his own. "Are any of you having issues with your powers? I am wondering whether it's an environmental thing or if someone is responsible."

Morphing the dolls into growing suction cups on their feet, Napoleon will modify them into having hardier bodies and blade-like forearms. Afterward, grab a sharp object to use as a weapon.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Leodanny on September 27, 2018, 06:53:12 pm

”ah yes. How are you, mister abomination! Nice hat you got there”
feed a dead squirrel to the abomination, and then launch him on the ceiling to see if he can climb stuff.
Also, slap people with a giant fish lolololo
wander about and make friends on the spaceship

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on September 27, 2018, 07:15:03 pm

You mean lie to the giant psychic slug? Are you sure that is seems possible?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 27, 2018, 07:17:50 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Powers? My might is completely unimpeded!"

Demonstrate. Kosak wipes the blood from his visor, flexes, and starts breaking the thing's legs to deny it leverage.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 28, 2018, 03:07:45 am

Quote from: Egan_BW on September 27, 2018, 07:15:03 pm

You mean lie to the giant psychic slug? Are you sure that is seems possible?

I'm assuming a convincing enough lie will convince it enough to not look into your mind. Or at least not too deeply.

You could just tell the truth. Maybe it will be fine with that. Maybe it will appreciate the honesty. Maybe it will lock you up until the info checks out. Maybe he'll send you to kill this guy. Who knows?

It is a difficult situation, it will be hard to come up with a solution that pleases everyone.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on September 28, 2018, 02:40:28 pm

"I did have a touch of instability earlier, but it could have been me overextending."

Move my eye behind the creature. Make sure to avoid Kosak on the way there.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on September 28, 2018, 07:18:16 pm

<Its split into three parts, not sure what its next plan is.>
Spread my flames and grow them. luckily I still have a significant amount and their growth is exponential - more fire makes it easier to make even more fire. But this is about the lowest I want to let myself get unless it's an emergency. Its fine to make way more fire than I can comfortably control, I'll just let it burn naturally in the environment to be collected later as necessary.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2018, 07:35:46 am

---

Maximus: Medical Section

---

Quote from: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 27, 2018, 04:30:24 pm

((Join the bois in spaceship, maybe eat a space bugger))

Well then, assume you are also there and received a briefing. Want me to give you a briefing?

Quote from: Sir Elventide on September 27, 2018, 06:11:38 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2018, 10:32:40 am

I don't see a better plan, so...

You focus on summoning a large number of simple dolls. Your concentration is flawless. However the moment you actually begin executing the summon you feel a sharp pain in your head, like someone just poked you with a hot metal stick in your forehead. The pain keeps intensifying. In the end you're unable to summon more than 3 dolls before the pain becomes to much to endure and forces you to give up on the rest. The incomplete dolls break apart and crumble into dust. The dust floats away in the weightless environment, quickly spreading to the point where it can no longer be seen. The dolls also float of the ground, finding it hard to stand with no gravity. After all, they don't have special boots to stick to the ground like you do, neither are they able to fly.

Well, you'd call that a partial success. They should be enough to distract whatever's on the other side, just not for very long. You have them grab on pipes, ice or anything else they can find to remain in place while Icarus and Kosak move to either side of the door, taking cover. Ikarus' wings shine with a golden light, becoming brighter overtime. When ready, he presses the button to open the door.

The door starts slowly sliding open. Moments later, three of those four-armed creatures crawl through the seam and launch themselves towards the first thing they see. Luckily for the team, the first thing they see are the dolls, which do nothing to resist their crushing embrace, instead hugging the creatures to make them an easier target.

Taking care of them when not surrounded by them is quite easy. Svajoklis takes careful aim and shoots one through its centre of mass, destroying with an explosion of blood and mechanical bits. Icarus and Kosak take care of the other two. Icarus punches one in the centre of mass, grabs it and removes a great chunk of flesh while Kosak merely grabs it and pulls, tearing its limbs off until it is useless.

At the same time a great fleshy arm emerges from the gate's seam, pulling it the rest of the way open and revealint its form. It is humanoid in form but it looks very fat and has great bulging eyes. Instead of a mouth it has what looks like four pipes, arranged to form a rough smile. It has three claw-like legs that it uses to dig into the floor and secure itself in place. Icarus wastes no time. He thrusts his fists towards the monster. The light from his wings travels through his arms and into his hands in a fluid motion where it becomes a beam of light that flies straight towards the monster's centre of mass. A hole explodes in the creature's fatty body, filling the corridor with floating guts and boiling blood, making it very hard to see, especially when much of the blood splatters on your helmets, coating your spacesuit's visor.

"Look out! It's still active!" Icarus warns you

♚The Doll Prince: Blood in the Eyes.♚

Wiping the blood off his visor, Napoleon Struggled to peer through the viscera and blood floating in the air, noting that his plan succeeded... in a way. He also took note of the four guys he just joined. Despite the fact that he was sent to find and help them complete their mission, it seemed that they are no pushovers after all. Even Kosak was strong enough to tear one of the creatures to pieces with his bare hands. That put a lump in his throat just thinking about it. After all, if the dwarf is looking to backing up what he'd threatened him with earlier, the Doll Prince will truly have a fight on his hands. He can only hope that he can outsmart Kosak enough to take him down. However, there were more important things to worry about at the moment.

Napoleon clutched his head. Though the pain has subsided, he felt that it wasn't the end of it. Normally, he would've been able to summon as many dolls as his energy reserves allowed but something is clearly wrong here. Since the Queen obviously wouldn't have any reason to jeopardize this mission as she seemed invested in its success, there could only be one conclusion: his powers was being affected by some outside force. Either the laws of this universe or something in this environment were interfering with his powers. Either that or someone was actively jamming his ability, if only partially. Looks like he would have to make due with what he'd already summoned.

"Excuse me, compagnons," Napoleon asked as he viewed the enemy through his dolls' eyes and his own. "Are any of you having issues with your powers? I am wondering whether it's an environmental thing or if someone is responsible."

Morphing the dolls into growing suction cups on their feet, Napoleon will modify them into having hardier bodies and blade-like forearms. Afterward, grab a sharp object to use as a weapon.

You grab a sharp-ish piece of metal from the broken gate. It... probably won't do much. But better than nothing, you suppose. Maybe if a space shark bites you you can stab it in the eye.

You manage to turn your dolls' arms into brittle but very sharp ceramic swords. You also give them suction caps but they're not very good at walking quickly with them. Your collective has trouble adjusting to their use. You could have them jump if you want them to move quickly but you don't think you (plural) have the dexterity to quickly reattach on another wall. They'll most likely bump into a wall and start comically tumbling around.

Quote from: Leodanny on September 27, 2018, 06:53:12 pm

”ah yes. How are you, mister abomination! Nice hat you got there”
feed a dead squirrel to the abomination, and then launch him on the ceiling to see if he can climb stuff.
Also, slap people with a giant fish lolololo
wander about and make friends on the spaceship

Trying to make friends while everybody is preoccupied with fighting?
Well, they're not very open to conversation at the moment so you just yell encouraging things.

Quote from: Zormod on September 28, 2018, 02:40:28 pm

"I did have a touch of instability earlier, but it could have been me overextending."

Move my eye behind the creature. Make sure to avoid Kosak on the way there.

You move your eye through the boiling blood until you can get a good view of the monster. You then position your eye behind it.

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on September 27, 2018, 07:17:50 pm

Kosak Durar:

"Powers? My might is completely unimpeded!"

Demonstrate. Kosak wipes the blood from his visor, flexes, and starts breaking the thing's legs to deny it leverage.

The sound of gunfire echoes from the corridor. Everyone reflexively takes cover but it sounds like the bullets are way off their mark. Icarus flies into the cloud of blood and Koask jumps after him, floating through the air towards the point the sound came from.

Icarus' speed allows him to reach the monster first, punching it in the head and causing the beast to stagger backwards, spewing a hail of bullets on the ceiling as it does so. That's as much as Kosak manages to see before slamming into one of the thing's legs. He tries to use his momentum to punch through it but he screws up his technique and his strike has limited effect, his strength diffused through vast layers of fat. He manages to at least grab the thing and then secure his boots on the blood-slick floor.

Icarus easily flies around one of the monster's strikes and keeps punching it on the head until its neck snaps and its head ends up flopping around uselessly. That doesn't prevent it from continuing to shoot from time to time. Seeing that it can't catch Icarus, it instead tries to strike at Kosak, but he easily manages to avoid the strike by jumping up and attaching himself on the ceiling.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 27, 2018, 04:36:56 pm

Alan, Plan Set In Motion

Alayne shrugs and grins. "Sounds like her. Alright, I'll go check out the ship, see whatever demonstration people are chattering about. See ya later, mister wizard sir Ventis sir!"

Go explore the rest of the ship, avoiding the kitchen and that intimidating lady at all costs. Try to find where that demonstration is, whatever it might be. If there are any potential friends to make, then by all means go forth and friendify them.

((For Steve Irwin I'd like to note that perhaps you could use that one levelup ability to always start with a preferred piece of equipment to start missions with a non-venomous snake or something to give you the ability to unhinge your jaw and thus eat animals easier, on a good roll.))

The guard escorts you through the illusory mist and to the armoured door. He unlocks it and motions for you to get out. The guard outside gives him a questioning look and the one inside gives him a helpless shrug. Their gossip will probably have to wait until their shift is over. And even then you don't think the information will actually reach Ventis. Mages tend to be too arrogant to seek guards for information and guards tend to be too afraid of Alayne to actually come forward with information.

You wander the halls until you find a stairway leading up to the section that houses the mechanisms controlling one of the Itano's gigantic wings. From there you should be able to climb up to somewhere with a nice view. There will probably be some workmen there but it shouldn't be anything you can't manage. You're always up for more-

Your thoughts are interrupted when you notice that someone's following you. It might be one of the guards and/or someone Ventis sent to watch you. You could always do something to lose them. Or you could just head up to the observation deck and watch the demonstration with all the boring people, you suppose.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 29, 2018, 09:03:38 am

 "Oi, you're one beautiful bugger. Shame you have to die"

Search for a small creature to eat. Preferably an insect. Before engaging the beauty over there.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on September 29, 2018, 05:24:47 pm

Alayne, Disney Princess From A Certain Perspective

To Alayne, there is no such thing as being suspiciously followed. This just means someone wants to meet her and is willing to walk around with her without her even asking or knowing about it! That's just shy potential friend behaviour right there, easily rectified with a firm handshake and a good greeting.

Walk up to the person following me and introduce myself to them (still in maid persona, of course). New friendquaintance, get!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on September 29, 2018, 06:48:54 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2018, 07:18:16 pm

<Its split into three parts, not sure what its next plan is.>
Spread my flames and grow them. luckily I still have a significant amount and their growth is exponential - more fire makes it easier to make even more fire. But this is about the lowest I want to let myself get unless it's an emergency. Its fine to make way more fire than I can comfortably control, I'll just let it burn naturally in the environment to be collected later as necessary.

"It's trying to waste as much of our damn time as possible!"

Quickly assess situation.
My armour is very good against smoke and fire, but how are the recruits doing?
The ground around the shield-platform probably isn't walkable, since it's all superheated and melty. Unless Irene left an escape route? Can probably cool it down with ice bolts if I have to. Fire + Ice = normal ground. _{Or steam explosion, or deep mud, who knows.}

How far is the trebuchet? If I can get a shot off and destroy the tower, that could potentially end whatever magic is animating the branch monster thing. In this case the farther away the trebuchet is the better since it will take more time for the groots to catch up.

Comm Theri and Zech's team. How are they doing, and are they far enough away to safely trebuchet the tower?
Comm Ike's airfield team. How are they doing, and can we expect any air support soon?

Just hunker down for a few seconds while assessing the factors. Maybe a miniturn?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: spazyak on September 29, 2018, 07:15:50 pm

(Well ptw))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 29, 2018, 08:15:18 pm

((What's ptw?))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 08:16:22 pm

press the wiener

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 29, 2018, 08:18:23 pm

((Huh, learn something new every day. ))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2018, 09:04:08 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 08:16:22 pm

press the wiener

Why would anyone do that to a poor dog?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: spazyak on September 29, 2018, 09:04:50 pm

Don't listen to those fools >>
It means Post to watch, a way to show interest and recieve notifications of new posts.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 09:05:40 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2018, 09:04:08 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 08:16:22 pm

press the wiener

Why would anyone do that to a poor dog?

I'm sure that the amusingly shaped canine can withstand being lightly prodded.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: FallacyofUrist on September 29, 2018, 09:09:15 pm

Kosak Durar:

"You're just like a forgotten beast, aren't you? Well I've slain forgotten beasts before and you'll be no different!"

How about a piledriver to the centre of mass.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on September 29, 2018, 09:35:05 pm

<Got any ideas for stopping it?>

((Irine can cool down the area easily enough, no need to ice things. Just tell her and she'll move it.))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on September 29, 2018, 10:31:20 pm

((Wait...ptw...pay...to...win...PAY TO WIN! THE GAME IS BEING RAN BY EA!!! WAKE UP SHEEPLE))

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 10:53:36 pm

Ha, wait. The thing's location is in this suit's computer, so I can just abscond with it myself and access that information, and decide if I can get the thing myself without backup. Let's go with that for now.

Which really means leave this place quickly, and find a quiet place where I can read the computer in peace. Planning something complicated in this exact position probably isn't a great idea.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Parisbre56 on September 30, 2018, 02:12:57 pm

Quote from: Egan_BW on September 29, 2018, 10:53:36 pm

Ha, wait. The thing's location is in this suit's computer, so I can just abscond with it myself and access that information, and decide if I can get the thing myself without backup. Let's go with that for now.

Which really means leave this place quickly, and find a quiet place where I can read the computer in peace. Planning something complicated in this exact position probably isn't a great idea.

You agree with the man's plan so that he'll let you go and then back away, careful to keep your weapon ready. He makes no motion to shoot at you or follow you. In fact he even raises his hand to motion to his comrades to stop and not engage. You reach the end of the hallway, turn around and start running away. You can't sense anybody following you until that place is out of your range.

...

Some time later, you find yourself panting in a dark alleyway in the abandoned section down in the 20th, sitting behind a metal bin, leaning against the rough wall. A quick check of the surrounding area showed you no detectable intent, so you're either alone or all the squatters around are sleeping (or maybe in a drug induced haze). That allows you to feel reasonably safe, which doesn't mean you're going to let your guard down. You still check your surroundings from time to time.

You start removing the suit's helmet, eager to both be relieved from its weight and to be able to breathe freely. The feeling of numbness you got after inhaling that gas has started receding but it's not fully gone yet. Even if you hadn't inhaled it, running all that way while wearing a suit wasn't pleasant. Your entire body is aching, your muscles are shaking and you feel dehydrated. You're pretty sure you would also be hungry if it didn't feel like your stomach is burning. All in all, that makes working the straps and seals that hold the helmet in place difficult.

You finally manage to remove the damn thing and let it dangle on your side from the oxygen hose. You lie your head back on the wall for a few moments and take a few deep breaths, trying to slow your breathing. It feels good to be able to breathe freely, the filtered air is making your throat burn.

Once you feel good enough, you turn your attention to the tablet. It has a rotary interface that allows one to use it with the suit's gloves. You wiggle the interface a bit, waking the screen. It's a simple monochrome cyan display, cyan lines forming 4 boxes and 10 digits below them, arranged into two neat rows in ascending order.

...

FUUUU-

Ok, ok, there's no reason to panic. This just makes this plan a bit more complicated but not failed in any way. Maybe there's another way to get what you want.

You could just start trying combinations. Most of those things simply have a timer after a certain number of failed attempts. At worst it should be about... 20 hours of uninterrupted work... assuming he is not one of those people that mess with electronics to trap them... which judging by this suit's design and all the traps he had he most definitely is... yeah, should probably keep it as a plan of last resort.

Well, OK, but you can definitely go back to that residential area, find the Newcomer and convince him to give you the passcode... assuming he hasn't already left to find whatever it is he's looking for. But no, he acted like this thing was important to him, why would he do that if it wasn't true? And even if he did leave to maybe find some other place to stay, you could probably track him, right? How hard could it be?

Of course you could just go back to the psychic maggot. It must have someone able to get the info off this thing. Then it gets what it wants and hopefully just lets you go. I mean, it has all the power in this deal, it can decide to do whatever it wants. But if you want to keep your sister alive and out of slavery, you've got to keep the maggot pleased, right? You're pretty sure you couldn't move her to one of the outer towns without the slug noticing and even if you did you'd still be a danger to her. That maggot said that thing in your head lets it know where you are, so unless you find a way to remove it it can use it to track you.

But all this time you've just been running, trying to keep up with things, trying to survive. Maybe it's about time you had more control over the situation. Maybe if you knew what was in that thing, you could somehow use it to your advantage. You have this drug-dealer friend (or maybe acquaintance would be a better description), he might know someone who can unlock that thing. But he made it very clear that he didn't want to get involved in this, so you'd need some way to convince him... Maybe by offering some of the stuff you took from the Newcomer? Or maybe by offering a share of whatever it is the Newcomer is looking for?

---

Campaign: Rebel Assault

---

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2018, 07:18:16 pm

<It's split into three parts, not sure what its next plan is.>
Spread my flames and grow them. luckily I still have a significant amount and their growth is exponential - more fire makes it easier to make even more fire. But this is about the lowest I want to let myself get unless it's an emergency. Its fine to make way more fire than I can comfortably control, I'll just let it burn naturally in the environment to be collected later as necessary.

You spread a good chunk of your fires and position them above the monster's last known positions while the rest are used to produce more fire, burning whatever shrub you can find in the surrounding area and what's left of the fires Nikolai had the recruits prepare. The streams of fire feeding them make them look like glowing scorpion tails waiting to strike. You've started reaching the edge of the cleared area in your effort to burn stuff, you're going to start getting more resistence from the Dark magic soon.

Quote from: NAV on September 29, 2018, 06:48:54 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 28, 2018, 07:18:16 pm

<Its split into three parts, not sure what its next plan is.>
Spread my flames and grow them. luckily I still have a significant amount and their growth is exponential - more fire makes it easier to make even more fire. But this is about the lowest I want to let myself get unless it's an emergency. Its fine to make way more fire than I can comfortably control, I'll just let it burn naturally in the environment to be collected later as necessary.

"It's trying to waste as much of our damn time as possible!"

Quickly assess situation.
My armour is very good against smoke and fire, but how are the recruits doing?
The ground around the shield-platform probably isn't walkable, since it's all superheated and melty. Unless Irene left an escape route? Can probably cool it down with ice bolts if I have to. Fire + Ice = normal ground. _{Or steam explosion, or deep mud, who knows.}

How far is the trebuchet? If I can get a shot off and destroy the tower, that could potentially end whatever magic is animating the branch monster thing. In this case the farther away the trebuchet is the better since it will take more time for the groots to catch up.

Comm Theri and Zech's team. How are they doing, and are they far enough away to safely trebuchet the tower?
Comm Ike's airfield team. How are they doing, and can we expect any air support soon?

Just hunker down for a few seconds while assessing the factors. Maybe a miniturn?

The monster is actually underground between the shield and the top of the slope you were on. That means you could just run away from it and be safe. It shouldn't be able to move too quickly when underground, so it should still be there.

The trebuchet is down the slope and away from the beast. Not more than a minute's run, not extremely close. You and a few recruits should easily be able to go there and fire it long before the monster catches you (at least if it keeps moving underground). You could even split the recruits up and have one group distract the monster while you and the rest fire.

I assume Theri and Zech will respond and let you know that they have rescued two groups of hostages. The first group was unable to fight and has been sent to the eastern gate to evacuate. The second group has been partially armed and is currently being led east through the norther road. There are enemy reinforcements following them while another group of enemy troops is heading towards the eastern gate. There's also a small number of enemy workmen attempting to salvage the downed airship.

All the enemy pilots are down, so no enemy air support is expected. The Scout Glider and the Combat Gliders are all secure, nobody is getting to them. Enemy troops tried to approach but the group's arrows convinced them to stay away. They're keeping them pinned down while the Water Mage is providing cover. The enemy is currently regrouping and preparing something. Ike is using his ears to make sure they don't catch them by surprise.

If you're talking about friendly air support, then I don't think that is something Ike would do. It wasn't part of the plan so nobody trained for it. Only people capable of flying reliably with a Glider are the Master Alchemist due to her training and Ike due to his skill. You'd probably have to give a good argument to either of them about why it would be a good idea to use a Glider and what they should do with it.

Your miniturn has been granted.

---

Campaign: Party Crasher

---

Quote from: Xantalos on September 29, 2018, 05:24:47 pm

Alayne, Disney Princess From A Certain Perspective

To Alayne, there is no such thing as being suspiciously followed. This just means someone wants to meet her and is willing to walk around with her without her even asking or knowing about it! That's just shy potential friend behaviour right there, easily rectified with a firm handshake and a good greeting.

Walk up to the person following me and introduce myself to them (still in maid persona, of course). New friendquaintance, get!

You spin on your toes and the immediately start walking in the opposite direction. Your pursuer hides behind a corner in an intersection. You keep walking, turn the corner and come face to face with one of the mages that were with Ventis in the Control Room. His face is a mix of surprise, fear and embarrassment. You think it's the most red you've seen someone's face get the past few weeks.
"Hi there!"
"Uh, hello?"
"Nice to see you again!"
"Uh, yeah, I guess?"
"Fancy meeting you here!"
"Oh, you know, on break, going on a stroll?"
"Oh, what a coincidence, me too! I'm going to watch that demonstration thingmagic!"
"In the wing section?"
"Sure! Better than with all those boring people upstairs!"
"I guess?"
"I know! Let's watch it together!"
"Uh, sure?"
"Great! Let's go!
You grab the poor mage by the arm and start dragging him with you.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on September 30, 2018, 04:08:16 pm

Alan, Friendification In Process

Walking with Alayne is an odd experience - she habitually switches up her stride constantly, never keeping the same pace for more than five seconds. Her body language is upbeat, and she’s always flitting her attention from one thing to another as they come into view. And of course the constant, near stream of consciousness talking. In this case, she dives into every personal detail of her new companion that she can, asking with such enthusiasm that it’s hard to resist the urge to reciprocate.

Find stuff out about my new pal - what’s his name? Favorite color? How old is he? What flavor is pickle does he like the best? His opinion on moths? What’s he do? What kind of wizard is he? How old is he?

Etc, etc. Talk and exchange personal details with him, essentially. Keep my true identity secret, obviously - to him, I’m Felicia, assistant to Princess Alayne, and I do various assistanty things as part of my job, such as ... various mundane details of the stuff I accomplished in the timeskip, framed as though I wasn’t doing them as the princess. Plus just enough hints about magical things to make Ventis a little interested when he hears about this later. It’s like I’m talking to him on a timed fuse, how neat!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Leodanny on September 30, 2018, 07:37:31 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 29, 2018, 07:35:46 am

Trying to make friends while everybody is preoccupied with fighting?
Well, they're not very open to conversation at the moment so you just yell encouraging things.

That’s the best time to make friends! You’ll know who can help you when they survive!
And... briefing please? Thanks!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on October 01, 2018, 01:33:36 pm

Quote from: Lenglon on September 29, 2018, 09:35:05 pm

<Got any ideas for stopping it?>

"Yeah, nothing fancy. Let's split up into two groups. I'll use the trebuchet, hopefully if we destroy the tower it will stop all this dark magic. You should go the other way and build up your fire. They will be forced to surface to catch up to us, we blast them when they do."

Assuming Irene doesn't find flaws in this plan:

Lead half the recruits (Include Lune and the crossbow operators obviously).
Run towards the trebuchet, tsar it, fire at the tower!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Zormod on October 01, 2018, 01:34:11 pm

Brian Hoss, Maximus

---

Keep my eye near the creature.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on October 01, 2018, 02:06:05 pm

(Stopgap action in case I forget to come up with something clever.)

Well, shit. Briefly consider why life has to be so terrible.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on October 01, 2018, 04:41:48 pm

<Okay, though I'll be weaker. I'm faster in a straight line on two legs, but not as good with my flames. Gimmie a sec to change and reorient.>
Stabilize my flames on flammable material so theyll remain through my change, bring enough to myself to facilitate my change to hybrid, and then shift. Afterwards my naked self will reclaim my flames and Trisword, catch my breath, and position myself to run.
"Ready."
My route will start with the group then diverge sharply once weve verified the monster didn't anticipate us and we arent running into a trap. Ill run roughly 100 degrees off-angle from the main group's run route, my flames acompanying me. I dont have a destination in mind but want flammable materials and minimal Dark influence.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on October 03, 2018, 07:43:56 pm

Quote from: Parisbre56 on September 27, 2018, 10:32:40 am

You grab a sharp-ish piece of metal from the broken gate. It... probably won't do much. But better than nothing, you suppose. Maybe if a space shark bites you you can stab it in the eye.

You manage to turn your dolls' arms into brittle but very sharp ceramic swords. You also give them suction caps but they're not very good at walking quickly with them. Your collective has trouble adjusting to their use. You could have them jump if you want them to move quickly but you don't think you (plural) have the dexterity to quickly reattach on another wall. They'll most likely bump into a wall and start comically tumbling around.

♚The Doll Prince: Fighting in Zero-G♚

Realizing that things went only slightly as planned, Napoleon gave a light sigh. He had learned by now that things don't always go his way. Sure it is fun to figure out ways to adapt but, to be honest, it was getting tedious. Seems like even Random Number Gesus fate itself is going out of its way to screw him over. No matter: the Doll Prince shall defy it and bend it to his will... someday. Now all he got is three dolls and hopefully ample time to figure thing out. Also, as tedious as it is, perhaps whatever entity affecting his powers is also hampering his ability to morph his dolls. He would have to do up to two improvements at a time until he is free of this headache, figuratively and literally of course.

Move the dolls closer to the monster and have them leap at it when it is distracted, latching on and damaging it with a series of deep stabs. Meanwhile, Napoleon will figure out whether his suit has thrusters and other devices attached to it. He will then figure out how to control them.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on October 06, 2018, 05:48:51 pm

<Svajoklis, Maximus>

Come closer to the creature, and if I manage to get close enough, execute it with a shot to somewhere important looking.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Leodanny on October 29, 2018, 07:16:59 pm

Uh, bump?

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on October 30, 2018, 02:00:52 am

Worry not, Paris most probably isn't dead. The updates for this game just take a while to construct, and he's a busy person.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Leodanny on October 30, 2018, 08:08:17 am

Okay. It’s just been almost a month, so I was a little.  worried.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome (Player post, not update)
Post by: Tiruin on November 04, 2018, 12:03:18 pm

Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)

Quote from: Leodanny on October 30, 2018, 08:08:17 am

Okay. It’s just been almost a month, so I was a little.  worried.

This game and its players are in for the long run by the way. So it takes time and encouragement to our dear GM

Theri and Zach; Guardians of the Escape

"The people need all the time they can. I can cast a few blasts of flashing lights to disorient, back me up with stinging shadows. Even minor disorientation works wonders."
Theri knew that stress and combat can easily distract anyone. Her lightshow coupled with shadow stings (much like even tiny mosquito bites affecting the nerves for less than a second time) could give quite an impression. In the least it'll give time for the water mages to make an improvised escape through the gate.

She trusted their creativity. Water was always stronger than any solid when temperature was the case.

Pose menacingly and unleash the lightshow at both soldier groups. Order any of their taken auxiliary projectiles (any grenades?) be thrown at them during this time. Save a few for later!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on November 07, 2018, 12:41:45 pm

Happy 5th birthday to this game

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on November 07, 2018, 02:15:04 pm

Goodness me, that's older than some people I know! Happy birthday SP, it's been earned.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on November 10, 2018, 05:52:09 pm

Congrats paris!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on November 11, 2018, 11:51:50 am

Five years of gaming, wow... Congratz paris!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Leodanny on November 11, 2018, 08:40:07 pm

Congrats!

I.. haven’t been here for much, but still, yay!

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: ANGRY_DEMON_NOISES on February 09, 2019, 08:50:57 pm

Bump

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Egan_BW on February 09, 2019, 09:08:37 pm

No need for that, our benevolent ruler works on his own timetable. ;P

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Xantalos on February 10, 2019, 10:47:47 pm

Admittedly, it was nice to see the title pop up again, even if not for an update.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Sir Elventide on February 11, 2019, 11:57:21 am

Yeah Xantalos, it's good to see that no one's forgotten about this...

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DreamerGhost on February 12, 2019, 04:12:42 pm

Dang it, I gt excited.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: NAV on February 12, 2019, 05:32:01 pm

Darn, y'all got my hopes and dreams excited.

My wife asked me about this game pretty recently, asked how it was going and if I was still in it. I used to tell her about it sometimes. Met her not very long before this game started.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: DarkArtemisFowl on February 13, 2019, 12:55:07 am

I'm still watching this thread every day. I didn't post my turn when I came back a few weeks after everyone was done posting because I didn't want to ping everyone with false hopes.

Title: Re: Special People: Mechanical Syndrome
Post by: Lenglon on February 13, 2019, 12:56:44 am

We all seem to be on the same page about this.  ;)